Garnetta Cromwell & DaGroovmasters to Represent GRBS at the 2026 International Blues Challenge

After an incredible competition in Kitchener, Garnetta Cromwell & the DaGroovmasters will represent the Grand River Blues Society (band category) at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Below is a video of Garnetta happily announcing the win.

Video above courtesy of Garnetta Cromwell

CONGRATS!

Edelweiss Tavern hosted this explosive contest on March 1, 2025, which included a number of talented area Blues bands giving it their all.

Below are link to Facebook videos of performances from the show.

• Garnetta accepting the award
• Big Dan Jeffares Band
• Ian Andrews Big Bad Blues Show
• Glenn Marais

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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International Blues Challenge Winners, Including PEI's Joce Reyome + Videos of Local Artists

The 2025 International Blues Challenge (January 7-11) once again filled the street of Memphis with music from all over the world. A number of local acts competed but unfortunately, they didn't place. 

Grand River Blues Society solo/duo rep Glenn Marais managed to get into the semi-final of the solo/duo competition.

Glenn had this to say on social media:

Gratitude! I want to thank everyone for all of the incredible support and love throughout last week. It was truly felt and appreciated, it was like having you all there with me and it means a lot to feel that kind of love. I truly feel blessed and honoured to have received so much support on this dream journey.

Links: Glenn Marais More Glenn Marais Stories, Video above courtesy of Mick Wilson

Here's a video  of GRBS's band rep Big Dan Jeffares in Memphis

Links: Big Dan Jeffares, More Big Dan Stories, Video above courtesy of Janet Cole

GRBS Youth rep Fraidy Scats also competed.

Links: Fraidy Scats, More Fraidy Scats Stories, Video above courtesy of Irene Mitrana-Podolsky

Canada was represented in the winner's circle with PEI's Joce Reyome who won first place in the Solo/Duo category. Congrats! 

Links: Joce Reyome, Video above courtesy of Tiger-Rider

Here's a complete list of winners

• Band: Winner: Josh Hoyer & Soul Colossal (Nebraska) / 2nd Place Band: Ra’Shad The Blues Band (Mississippi) /3rd Place Band: Dylan Salfer Band (Memphis)
• Solo/Duo: Winner: Joce Reyome (PEI) / 2nd Place: 2 Blues for You
• Best Guitar: Dylan Salfer (Memphis)
• Best Guitar (Solo/Duo): Nic Charles (Australia)
• Best Harmonica: Jock Webb Sr. (Alabama)
• Self-Produced CD: Piper & The Hard Times (Nashville) – Revelation 

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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Road to Memphis Fundraiser in Brantford on November 2

Help our local musicians compete in the 2025 International Blues Challenge in Memphis and have an incredible musical experience at the same time.

Links: Fraidy Scats, More Fraidy Scats Stories, Video above courtesy of Jacob Shay

Links: Glenn Marais More Glenn Marais Stories, Video above courtesy of Glenn Marais

Links: Big Dan Jeffares, More Big Dan Stories, Video above courtesy of Benni Bulldog

Links: Dwayne LaForme, More Dwayne LaForme Stories, Video above courtesy of Dwayne LaForme’s Boogie Blues

Links: Jerome Godboo, More Jerome Godboo Stories, Video above courtesy of Gary Asselstine Toronto & Negril Music Scene

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Big Dan Jeffares to Represent the Grand River Blues Society at the 2025 International Blues Challenge

Cambridge's own Big Dan Jeffares and his incredible band will be heading to Memphis in 2025 to represent the Grand River Blues Society in the band category. WAY TO GO!

The competition was held at the Edelweiss Tavern in Kitchener on Saturday, March 9, 2024. Big Dan faced 6 other talented groups to earn this trip. 

Here's one of the performances that helped him win:

Links: Big Dan Jeffares, More Big Dan Stories, Video above courtesy of Marion G

Here are more performances from the other amazing contestants:

• Ian Andrews
• Frank Cosentino
• The Groove Robbers
• The Jacks
• A Little Leverage
• Lowdown Dirty Mojos

The solo contest for the Grand River Blues Society will be held soon.

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK! Brooke Blackburn to Represent the Grand River Blues Society at the 2023 International Blues Challenge

Toronto musician Brooke Blackburn was chosen to represent the Grand River Blues Society for the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. On May 29, 2022, after a hard-fought musical battle at Bobby O'Brien's in Kitchener, judges picked him to make us proud next year when he gets up on the international stage. He also gets a spot on the prestigious Kitchener Blues Festival.

Here's the announcement and acceptance speech.

Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

Here's a performance of one the songs that helped him get the win.

Links: Brooke Blackburn, Video above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous 

CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK NEXY YEAR BROOKE!

Click here for the winners.

Below are links to videos of performances from the other amazing contestants:

• Lester Smith
• Jim Dan Dee Duo
• Gayle Ackroyd & John Jackson
• Big Jan Jeffares & Toshi Otani 
• Frank Cosentino
• The Vaudevillian

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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