CONGRATS! Hamilton's Steve Strongman Is Triumphant at the Memphis Blues Challenge

Hamilton is beaming with pride thank to local Bluesman Steve Strongman. He brought home the Best Guitar (Solo or Duo) award at the International Blues Challenge on January 26, 2019.

He posted the following on his Facebook page:

Congratulations to Jon Chain for winning solo/duo at #IBC2019 !
I’m so proud and honoured to win the best guitarist award for solo/duo.
What an amazing week and incredible ride ! Thank you all for the love and support !

Here's what the his sponsor, Grand River Blues Society had to say:

Representing The Grand River Blues Society, Mr. Steve Strongman our first finalist in over 10 years is awarded the winner of the "Guitar Player Award" in the Solo/Duo category at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis last night. Steve is the now the proud owner of the 2019 IBC Memphis Cigar Box Guitar number "445" that was designed by craftsman and frontman of the GHOST TOWN BLUES BAND,  Mr. Matt Isbell. CONGRATULATIONS to our proudly Canadian uber talented guitar wizard himself and one helluva of a great friend STEVE STRONGMAN !!!

CONGRATS STEVE!





Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories, Videos above courtesy of Don C

He was joined by Canadian East Coast duo, Theresa Malenfant and Scott Medford who won second place in the solo/group category.



Links: Theresa Malenfant, Video above courtesy of So Co/Southern Comfort Band

Here's a complete list of winners:

Memphis Cigar Box Guitar: Steve Strongman (Grand River Blues Society)

BAND

• 1st Place: Ms. Hy-C and Fresh Start (St. Louis Blues Society)
• 2nd Place: Sammy Eubanks and the Work’in Class (Washington Blues Society)
• 3rd Place: Celso Salim Band (Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society)

SOLO/DUO

• 1st Place: Jon Shain (Triangle Blues Society)
• 2nd Place: Theresa Malenfant and Scott Medford (East Coast Blues Society)

OTHER

• Gibson Guitar Award: Gabe Stillman (Billtown Blues Association)
• Lee Oskar Harmonica Award: Darryl Carriere of  Celso Salim Band (Santa Clarita Valley Blues Society)
• Best Self-Produced CD: Lock Up the Liquor – The Little Red Rooster Blues Band (Central Delaware Blues Society)

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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