Sponsored by The Blues Foundation, the 27th annual International Blues Challenge was held this past weekend in Memphis, Tennessee and, as usual, it proved to be an excellent showcase for blues talent from across the globe. This year's IBC featured over 220 acts competing in three demanding categories: band, solo/duet, and "Best Self-Produced CD." Performers are chosen for the challenge by local blues societies, and 2011's crop of talented artists represented 40 states and 13 countries from around the globe.
