Attached here is 2025 Competition Entry Form, where BASEQ will support the winner to compete in the 2026 International Blues Challenge (the "Memphis Challenge") run by the Blues Foundation, of which BASEQ has been a long time affiliate. This is formally known by the Blues Foundation as the "Local Affiliate Challenge" Information on how to submit the entry form, and who to make further enquiries to, are within the entry form. BASEQ BC EF 2025 <- LINK TO DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM The Competition Process A quick [...]

Story by Melanie Christiansen People often say blues music is a feeling, but a feeling is just the beginning when you aim for a spot on the stage at the annual International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee. That’s according to John Durr, the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society (MBAS) President who can claim to know more than most people about this coveted award in the annals of the world’s finest music, The Blues.  John Durr has seen the IBC evolve over the last 20 years from a [...]

Story by Dennis Atkins Photo from Nick Charles Instagram account ("nickcharles28") Nick Charles should have felt pretty calm and assured when he walked into the Orpheum Theatre on the corner of Beale Street and South Main, in Memphis, Tennessee. This storied venue is THE place in Memphis — it's no wonder a memento at the Elvis Museum and Mansion is a 1956 photograph of the King of Rock'n'Roll standing outside the theatre, the same year he recorded his breakthrough song, Heartbreak Hotel. Elvis, though, is one of [...]

It is the intention of the Blues Association of South East Queensland to send ONE (either a band or solo/duo act), blues ambassador to the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, to be held in January 2026, exact dates yet to be announced by the Blues Foundation.  This is a prestigious event with the winner gaining a wealth of experience and recognition. To enable BASEQ to organise this event, we need to know how many Blues acts are interested, available and able to compete. BASEQ has [...]