Three Australian blues acts have been selected to compete in the world-renowned International Blues Challenge (IBC), to be held in Memphis next month. Proving our local music talent is world class, the three acts, which hail from Melbourne and Adelaide, will compete against musicians from across the globe in the city considered the home of blues music.
Now in its 36th year, the annual IBC event is hosted by the Memphis-based Blues Foundation and provides an international platform for the world’s best blues bands and solo/duo performers to compete. The five-day event welcomes participants who have won regional competitions held by affiliated Blues Societies of The Blues Foundation. Competitors will not only have chance to show the world what they have to offer, but also perform at some of Memphis’ most iconic locations, including the Orpheum Theatre and the iconic Beale Street.
The Australian finalists are:
Aaron Pollock – Melbourne
At just 22 years old, Aaron Pollock won the 2019 MBAS Melbourne Blues Challenge and has three studio albums to his name. His latest album The Blues Tapes peaked at #4 on Australia’s Blues and Roots Charts while two of his singles, Sweet Home Chicago and Love In Vain, have charted at #2 and #3 respectively.
Tin Can Alley – Adelaide
Representing the Adelaide Roots and Blues Association (ARBA) and South Australia at the IBC in 2020, Tin Can Alley is husband and wife duo, Cliff and Jacqy Stoddart. Formed in 1989, Tin Can Alley has transformed from a pair of successful buskers into an internationally toured music act having visited Europe, India, America and their home country of Australia.
Holler and The Bones – Adelaide
Also winning at this year’s ARBA blues competition, Holler and The Bones’ unique Australian interpretation of this genre has been dominating the blues scene in South Australia. With the talents of Paul Macleod, Andy Czora, Eddie Pollard, Alan Curtis and Nick Vladcoff collaborating in this band, Holler and The Bones develop original music that moves across a range of blues genres telling stories of the band’s adventures, the land and the heart. Through their careers, these artists have supported Ross Wilson, Ian Moss, Mark Seymour and Eskimo Joe at Kadina’s Big Gig. The band has also performed at the Rum Boogie Café in Memphis Tennessee, Port Noarlunga Blues Festival, Land’s Lurra Festival and Barossa Blues Festival.
The full list of participants in next year’s Memphis International Blues Challenge event is available here.
The International Blues Challenge takes place from 28 January – 1 February 2020.
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