Solo/Duo Contest

Congratulations to Joe Price, winner of the 2005 Iowa Blues Solo/Due Challenge held September 4th at Vaudeville Mews in conjunction with the Court Avenue Blues Fest. Joe will receive $250 cash plus $300 travel expenses to Memphis as our local representative at the International Blues Challenge and a paid gig at the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest.

2005 Solo/Duo Contestants

Burnside and Reed, Frank Strong, Matt Woods, Joe Price, Buffalo Joe, Dewey Cantrell, Jeff McKnabb, Raccoon River Boys, and Moore and Howe

Band Contest

The Mercury Brothers placed first in the Iowa Blues Challenge finals Friday, May 20. They will not only get the opportunity to compete against the best unsigned blues bands in the world, but will receive a generous prize package to send them on their way. A place at the prestigious Nitefall on the River and the IH Mississippi Valley Blues Festival await the statewide winners. They’ll also get $1,700.00 in cash and travel expenses and 8 hours of studio time. The Soul Searchers placed second and The Bob Pace Band featuring Effie Burt placed third.

The 2005 Iowa Blues Challenge has been proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Linn County Blues Society, Budweiser and Citadel Broadcasting/94.9KGGO & 98.3WOW.