Canada's Adam Karch Wins at the 2023 International Blues Challenge + Footage from Frank Cosentino & Garnetta

Photo courtesy of Montreal Blues Society

Unfortunately, no local artists won at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Canada was represented though with Montreal's Adam Karch bringing home the Memphis Cigar Box Guitar Award (Best Solo/Duo Guitarist) 

Here's a complete list of winners. 

• Solo/Duo, Guitar: Adam Karch (Montreal)
  
  
  
  Links: Adam Karch, Video above courtesy of Laura Wedemen (more semi-finals footage on that page)
  
  
• Band + Best Guitar: Mathias Lattin (Texas)
• Band, 2nd Place: The Cinelli Brothers (London, UK)
• Band, 3rd Place: Dick Earl’s Electric Witness (Las Vegas)
• Solo/Duo: Frank Sultana (Australia)
• Solo/Duo, 2nd Place: The Sugar Thieves (Arizona)
• Harmonica Award: Deuce ‘n a Quarter (Ohio)
• Best Self-Produced CD: Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal – Green Light (Nebraska)

CONGRATS EVERYONE.

Frank Cosentino, who represented the Grand River Blues Society, took some wonderful video of his travels as he competed in the contest.

Video above courtesy of Frank Cosentino

Video above courtesy of Frank Cosentino

Video above courtesy of Frank Cosentino

More of Frank's Videos: Day 2- Walk Down Beale Street, Day 2 - Rum Boogie Cafe (featuring Bob Margolin), Goodbye Memphis (Facebook)

Links: Frank Cosentino, More Frank Cosentino Stories

Hamilton's Garnetta of Garnetta and the Groovmasters, who represented the Toronto Blues Society at the competition had this to say online:

My road to Memphis

Was quite intense

Performed on Beale Street

And made new friends

Visit the Lorraine

Which caused too much pain

I too have a dream

Like Martin Luther King

Went to Aretha's place

And felt her soul

To me this journey

Was worth more than gold.

Heading home you all, see you in Canada!

See you sooner rather than later, Memphis TN.

She also had some videos and photos to share: Photos, Videos

If we find more videos/photos from the event, we will post it here.

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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