ARBA Memphis Blues Challenge is back!
Published: May 17, 2022
After a two-year Covid-induced hiatus the ARBA Memphis Blues Challenge returns in 2022!
The ARBA Memphis Blues Challenge is an initiative taken up by the Adelaide Roots and Blues Association to give bands and solo artists the opportunity to represent ARBA and South Australia at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee!
Since the inaugural SA leg of the challenge in 2015, this annual event has captured the imagination and attention of Blues and Roots music lovers in Adelaide and beyond. Capacity crowds are the norm at both the challenge heats and the final play-off. Style and ‘chops’ are on show in an atmosphere of friendly rivalry and of striving for excellence.
The aims of the Memphis Blues Challenge are to help raise the profile of the local blues scene and provide the unequalled, money-can’t-buy opportunity for local acts to perform at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. The Challenge encourages professionalism in performance, helps develop songwriting skills (the acts have to present mostly original material) and gives a live ‘under-pressure’ pro stage adventure designed to help raise performance standards for all competing artists.
Of course, for the winners there is the almost magical ‘adventure’ of performing in iconic music venues in Memphis Tennessee alongside cracking hot competing Roots and Blues artists from around the world; and the competition is tough and eye and ear-opening! IBC finalists in the Memphis heats can look forward to the incredible opportunity to perform at The Orpheum Theatre and walk the legendary Beale Street — both sides, up and down!
Public support is vital for the ARBA Memphis Blues Challenge as it helps generate enough income to pay for the travel and accommodation expenses of the band and solo/duo act that represent ARBA and South Australia at the IBC each year. 2022 Memphis Blues Challenge Ticket Sales Now Open so get in and help out – you will be surprised at the quality of artists that step up to entertain lovers of live music.
Since 2015 the Adelaide Roots and Blues Association has sent more than two dozen local musicians to the world-renowned International Blues Challenge.
Former ARBA Memphis Blues Challenge Winners are:
2015: Lazy Eye / Mick Kidd with Dave Blight
2016: The Associates / Nikko & Snooks
2017: Steve Brown Band / J.J Fields
2018: One More Mile / Ben Ford-Davies
2019: Holler & The Bones / Tin Can Alley
Roster for The ARBA Memphis Blues Challenge 2022
HEAT ONE Saturday 25th June at Norwood Live (Bands only)
1. Chris Finnen Band
2. Stormhorse
3. The Honey Badgers
4. Mojo Dingo
HEAT TWO Saturday 9th July at Norwood Live (Bands only)
1. Nicolina And The Rituals
2. The Nuts
3. Taking Back June
4. The TinMen
THE FINAL Saturday 27th of August at Norwood Live
Solo/duo acts:
Ben Ford-Davies
Frankie and Savva Suedan
PLUS the winning bands from heats one and two
FUNDRAISER: Friday 21st October at Semaphore Workers Club. Featuring the winning band and solo/duo acts plus special guests.