By Jen on May 1, 2010
Congratulations to 2009 Iowa Blues Challenge Band winners, The Avey Brothers, for making the finals of the 2010 International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, Tennessee January 21–23.
The Avey Brothers from the Quad Cities were chosen as one of the top ten of the 110 bands representing blues societies from around the world (that’s 39 states, 12 countries and 5 continents!) Each band performed in two preliminary rounds on the historic Beale Street in Memphis, Thursday and Friday, with the best act from each venue advancing to the finals held Saturday night.
Also participating in the Solo/Duo portion of the International Blues Challenge were the Midnight Dogs from Des Moines. Consisting of Iowa Blues Hall of Fame member Steve E. George along with Bob Pace, they performed in Club 152, where the overall Solo/Duo winner, Matt Andersen of Canada also played.
Posted in CIBS News
By Jen on May 23, 2010
Another fabulous night of live Blues this year at the Iowa Blues Challenge Finals! Congratulations to The Steady Rollin’ Blues Band, winners of the 2010 Iowa Blues Challenge held May 22nd at the Downtown Marriott in Des Moines. The band received a cash prize plus travel expenses to Memphis as our local representative at the International Blues Challenge in January 2011. The Steady Rollin’ Blues Band also receives studio time from Junior’s Motel, several paid gigs including the Mississippi Valley Blues Fest, and more.
Posted in CIBS News
By Jen on May 10, 2010
Well they (the shoes) did receive mention as the Tommy Castro Band exited the stage after picking up their Blues Music Award for Band of the Year. Our good friend, Des Moines’ bassist Scot Sutherland, has been touring with the California-based band since 2007. Congrats, Scot!
Tommy Castro was the big winner of the night with four trophies, including awards for Contemporary Blues Male Artist of the Year, Contemporary Blues Album of the Year, Band of the Year, and the coveted B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award. Another highlight of the night was Chicago blues legend Buddy Guy, the recipient of 29 Blues Music Awards over the years, receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to him by Bonnie Raitt.
All I really was hoping for was to win Band of the Year, because my band works so hard and brings their best to the stage night after night. We backed up several artists throughout the year as the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Revue, many times without rehearsals. They do their homework and always make me proud.”
~ Tommy Castro
Find a complete list of winners and more info about the Blues Music Awards at blues.org.
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on July 1, 2010
For the sixth year, the Central Iowa Blues Society, in cooperation with the Mississippi Valley Blues Society and Lizard Creek Blues Society, presents the 2010 Iowa Blues Challenge, an all-Iowa Blues Solo/Duo contest.
The 2010 Solo/Duo Iowa Blues Challenge features competition between 8 acts this year on the same day. Each act will perform a 20-minute set at Blues on Grand, 1501 Grand, Des Moines, IA, on September 12, 2010. The acts competing for the top spot earn the opportunity to travel to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge, February 2-5, 2011. (Go to www.blues.org for all of the details on the International Blues Challenge.)
Doors will open at 1 PM with acts starting at 2 PM. Cover will be $6 for Blues Society members w/card and $7 for non members.
The acts, in this order, performing are: Gary “Cookie” Anderson, The Lew & Brad Band, Bodley & Cantrell, Two Pony Blues Band, Joel Baker, The Most Handsome Duo in the World, Soulful Security Duo, and Bebad and the Bear.
The 2010 Iowa Blues Challenge is proudly sponsored by Central Iowa Blues Society, Mississippi Valley Blues Society, Lizard Creek Blues Society, Budweiser and Citadel Broadcasting/95KGGO & 98.3WOW.
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on August 23, 2010
Happy Anniversary to Newsletter editor Lori Long and her hubby of 4 years, Mark Long. Many many more to ya!!
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on August 23, 2010
Congratulations to Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts who recently opened up for Pat Benatar and REO Speedwagon on the grandstand stage at the IA State Fair. They had a great night, good crowd response and a very cool interview on KCCI with Carrie Nelson. Very, very cool guys—you did the Blues proud.
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on August 23, 2010
CIBS expresses our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and fans of IA Blues Hall of Famer Richie Hayward, who passed away on August 12 this year. Richie was inducted last year in the Hall of Fame during our benefit event. He was the co-founder and drummer for the great band Little Feat. Memorials are being set up and you can check them out at LittleFeat.com. Thanks for the memories Richie!
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on August 23, 2010
Since 2005, The Blues Foundation has celebrated up and coming artists by bestowing an award for the “Best Self-Produced CD” of the year. Acts can be bands, solo acts, duo acts, trios, full choirs or any other combination. The purpose of this award is to assist Blues musicians in the pursuit of their professional goals. This award complements the International Blues Challenge-the live music component of IBC Weekend. * Entries for the Best Self-Produced CD are permitted by affiliated blues societies only.
* Each affiliate is permitted one entry only.
* The CD entered does not have to be performed by the band entered in the 2011 International Blues Challenge.
* The eligibility period is the same as for the Blues Music Awards-the CD must have been released during November 1, 2009 – October 31, 2010 time frame.
* Interested bands should submit 4 copies of a CD that fits all the criteria to CIBS by October 15, 2010.
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on August 23, 2010
CIBS would like to give big thanks to Dana, Meta, Sierra and Aurora Gowin for renewing their membership again this year as contributing friends. We appreciate your support and faith in CIBS in Keepin’ The Blues Alive. CIBS would also like to send big thanks to CIBS member Sheila Neff for renewing this month for 2 years. We truly appreciate your support and faith in CIBS. Thanks for Helpin’ us Keep the Blues Alive!
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on August 23, 2010
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on July 23, 2010
Be sure to save January 29, 2011 on your calendar for our annual Winter Blues Fest at the same location as last year-The Downtown Marriott in Des Moines. Bring your friends and stay all night…Room rates for this event are just $99 and you make reservations after August 1. To make reservations call 1-800-514-4681 or book them online by following this link. Tell them you are coming for the Blues Fest—See ya there! Watch here for advance tickets about September 15 and more details on the lineup. 9 acts on 5 different stages!! This multi-band event will culminate with an After Hours Jam in the Des Moines Ballroom in the Downtown Marriott.
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on July 23, 2010
Congratulations to CIBS member Ray Hall as he begins his new life as Retired…May your time be filled with many great Blues times!!!
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on July 23, 2010
Ernie Peniston, 2003 Iowa Blues Hall of Fame Inductee, has made the decision to retire from his singing career. He has been in the music business for 40 years or better and has made lots of friends and fans along his journey. He has played for many CIBS events as well as many times at Blues on Grand. The date of his retirement party will be September 11, 2010. It will be held at the Moose Lodge, 207 Lake Park Blvd, in Muscatine, Iowa. The fun starts at 3 PM and will go till midnight. There will have plenty of food and music. It will be a great way to bid a fine farewell to a great Blues man. If any of Ernie’s fellow Blues musicians would like to come down to Muscatine and jam with the rest of the musicians that are coming, please contact Reynea O’Brien at reyneao@hotmail.com and let her know you are heading over to be included in the jam so they can be sure everyone gets to play. If you can’t make it to the party, send an email to reyneao@hotmail.com to send well wishes to Ernie or cards can be sent to Ernie Peniston, 1396 Hinkeyville East, Atalissa, Iowa 52720 . The Blues world will miss you Ernie-tons of Blues wishes as you embark on a life of leisure.
Posted in CIBS News
By Lynette on July 20, 2010
CIBS would like to extend our very deepest sympathies to CIBS member, Ray Hall on the recent death of his brother Russ. Please keep your thoughts and prayers with Ray and his family during this difficult time.
Posted in CIBS News
Recent Comments