Winners of the 2026 International Blues Challenge + Canadian Content

Unfortunately, only a few Canadians acts took part in the 2026 International Blues Challenge (January 13 to 17, 2026 in Memphis).

Canadians in Self-Produced CD Semi-Finals

• The Chain: Bittersweet (Thunder Bay Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Album above courtesy of THE CHAIN-I - Topic
  
  
• Jon Hines: Memphis Sun (East Coast Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Album above courtesy of Bandcamp
  
  
• Brandon Isaak: Walking With the Blues (Victoria Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Links: Brandon Isaak, More Brandon Isaak Stories, Album above courtesy of Bandcamp

Canadian Participants (Performance Competition)

• Thirsty Monks (Thunder Bay Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Richard Gale
  
  
• Father 'N' Son (Montreal Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Father'n'Son blues
  
  
• Whitey Somers (Saskatoon Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Whitey Somers

Complete List of Winners

Band: 

• Winner: Derek Dove & the Peacekeepers (Wiregrass Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Derrick Dove & the Peacekeepers
  
  
• 2nd Place: MAMA (Triangle Blues Society)
• 3rd Place: Big Mike & the R&B Kings (New Orleans Blues Society)
• Best Guitar: Derek Dove (Wiregrass Blues Society)

Solo/Duo: 

• Winner: Weary Ramblers (Central Iowa Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of J Goerdt
  
  
• 2nd Place: Devin C Williams (St. Louis Blues Society)
• Best Guitar (Solo/Duo): Chad Elliott (Central Iowa Blues Society)

Misc

• Best Harmonica: Jonathan Pittman (Washington Blues Society)
• Self-Produced CD: Ryan Hartt: Be About It  (Connecticut Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Album above courtesy of Bandcamp

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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Throwback Thursday: 2009 International Blues Challenge Winners

Original Post: Part of the February 15, 2009 News Roundup post

Expanded: March 6, 2025

Local artists competing (didn't win) Steve Strongman (Hamilton/Kitchener), Bluesers (Oakville)

• Band: J.P. Soars and the Red Hots (South Florida Blues Society) / 2nd Place: Ty Curtis Band (Cascade Blues Association) / 3rd place: MonkeyJunk (from the Ottawa Blues Society)
  
  
  
  Links: J.P. Soars, Video above courtesy of Witek Bielski
  
  
  
  Links: MonkeyJunk, More MonkeyJunk Stories, Video above courtesy of Magublican TV
  
  
• Solo: Little Joe McLerran (Blues Society of Tulsa) / 2nd Place: Alphonso & Richard (Crossroads Blues Society of MS)
  
  
  
  Links: Little Joe McLerran, Video above courtesy of Jennifer Marriott
  
  
• Best Self-Produced CD: Nathan James & Ben Hernandez - Hollerin’
  
  
  
  Links: Nathan James & Ben Hernandez, Album above courtesy of Nathan James & Ben Hernandez - Topic

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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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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2024 International Blues Challenge Winners

Unfortunately, no Canadian artists won at the 2024 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. 

Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train  (who represented the Grand River Blues Society in the band category) were semi-finalists.

Here's a complete list of winners. 

• Best Self Produced CD: Tell the World, Sister Lucille (Missouri)
• Solo/Duo Harmonica: Drum & Dye (Missouri)
• Solo/Duo Guitar: Drum & Dye (Missouri)
• Solo/Duo 1st Place: Joe Waters (Ohio) / 2nd Place: Drum & Dye (Missouri)
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of Joe Waters
  
  
• Most Promising Guitar: The Stephen Hull Experience (Wisconsin)
• Band 1st Place: Piper and The Hard Times (Tennessee)/ 2nd Place: The Stephen Hull Experience (Wisconsin) / 3rd Place: Mandalyn & The Hunters (Indiana)
  
  
  
  Video above courtesy of CYakopcic

CONGRATS EVERYONE!

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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The Road to Memphis Fundraiser

 

A few months before hitting the Road to Memphis, three incredible acts will be rocking hamilton's Stonewalls on November 26 (2-5pm) to help fund a trip to represent the Grand River Blues Society at the International Blues Challenge in 2024!

Glenn Marais & the Mojo Train plus Patrick Fockler will be competing in the Group and Solo/Duo categories respectively. The Trainwrecks, winners of the 2023 Kitchener Blues Festival Youth Legacy Showcase, will also be on hand to give the event some extra juice.

For only $15 in advance or $20 at the door (if it isn't sold out!) you can check out all of these incredible artists and help pay for them to show the world what our area has to offer to the world of Blues!

Links: Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train, More Glenn Marais Stories, Video above courtesy of Glenn Marais

Links: Patrick Fockler, More Patrick Fockler Stories, Video above courtesy of Patrick Fockler

Links: The Trainwrecks, More Trainwrecks Stories, Video above courtesy of isy

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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Patrick Fockler to Represent the GRBS at the 2024 International Blues Challenge

Newmarket's Patrick Fockler (left) won the honour of representing the Grand River Blues Society in Solo/Duo category of the Memphis Blues Challenge. GRBS president Bruce Hall on right.
Photo courtesy of Marion G

On Sunday, June 11, 2023the Grand River Blues Society held their International Blues Challenge solo/duo competition. The Front Porch Southern Kitchen and Blues Joint in Langton was the place to be to see amazing blues musician competing for the honour. 

In the end it was Newmarket Bluesman Patrick Fockler who won the chance to go to Memphis and represent the society in January 2024.

CONGRATS! 

Here's the announcement.

Video above courtesy of Marion G

Here's one the performances that put him over the edge.

Video above courtesy of Marion G

There was some stiff competition. Below are performances form the other incredible contestants.

• Madison Galloway (Fergus)
• Felicia McMinn (Port Dover)
• Tim Gibbons (Hamilton)
• Gayle Ackroyd (Guelph)
• Will Wright (Kitchener)
• Caleb Bourgeois (Kitchener)

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train to Represent the GRBS at the 2024 International Blues Challenge

Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train won the honour of representing the Grand River Blues Society in the Memphis Blues Challenge. Click picture for more photos from the contest.

Stonewalls Restaurant in Hamilton was shaking like crazy on Sunday, April 30! That's 'cause the Grand River Blues Society held their International Blues Challenge band competition. 7 explosive bands vied  for the right top represent the GRBS at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in January 2024.

After a fierce musical fight, New Market's Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train earned the top spot. They'll be showing Memphis and the whole world what talent this area has to offer.

The competition for the solo/duo slot will be annonuced shortly.

CONGRATS GUYS! 

Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Below is the winner announcement and their acceptance speech.

Links: Glenn Marais and the Mojo Train, Video above courtesy of Hamilton Blues Lovers

Here are more performances from the other amazing contestants:

• Bad Omen Band
• Josh Rithie Band
• The Groove Robbers
• Tha Madison Galloway Band
• The Jacks
• waterstreet blues band

Click here for pictures from this amazing event

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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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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GOOD LUCK! More Local Artists Heading to 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis

The incredible Hamilton band Garnetta and Dagroovmasters is heading to the 2023 in Memphis! The gang'll be competing against the best Blues acts from across the globe. They'll be showing the world what the Hammer can offer.

Garenetta and Dagroovemasters emerged victorious in the the hard-fought band category during the Toronto Blues Society IBC Finals at the Dakota Tavern. Little Magic Sam plus Glenn Marais & The Mojo Train were in the running as well. CONGRATULATIONS! 

Links: Garnetta and Dagroovmasters, More Garnetta and Da Groovmasters Stories, Video above courtesy of  Garnetta & Dagroovmasters - Topic

Toronto's Heather Luckhart won in the solo-duo category.

Links: Heather Luckhart, Video above courtesy of Heather Luckhart

We should also mention that unfortunately Bywater Call, who won the Grand River Blues Society band spot for 2023 can no longer make it to Memphis so Hamilton's Frank Cosentino Band will be going in their place. 

Links: Frank Cosentino, More Frank Cosentino Stories, Video above courtesy of Frank Cosentino

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Click here for the winners

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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CONGRATS! Bywater Call to Represent the Grand River Blues Society at the 2023 International Blues Challenge

On Sunday, March 27, 2022, Stonewalls in Hamilton was rocking with the sound of Blues! The Grand River Blues Society held an incredible competition to choose their band representative for the 2023  International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

After hearing from 7 amazing bands, the judges picked Toronto band, Bywater Call as winner.

UPDATE: Bywater Call can no longer make it tot Memphis so the Frank Cosentino Band will be going instead.

Below is one of their performances from the show.

And here's the announcement/acceptance speech

Links: Bywater Call, Videos above courtesy of Hamilton B. Lous

Click here for the winners.

More video performances: Paul Coombs Band, Riley Michaels Band, Frank Cosentino Band, Garnetta & DaGroovMaters, Long Black Cadillacs, Jim Dan Dee

Click here for pictures of the event.

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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CONGRATS! Canadians Win at the International Blues Challenge!

A few local artists went to this year's International Blues Challenge in Memphis but though the the FOG Blues and Brass Band from Kitchener reached the semi-finals, none of them took home awards. Canada didn't come home empty handed though. Two Ottawa-based bands made their country proud. JW-Jones earned the Gibson Guitarist Award and Horojo Trio won 1st Place in the band contest.



Links: JW Jones, More JW Jones Stories, Video above courtesy of JW Jones



Links: Horojo Trio, Video above courtesy of  HOROJO Trio

Click here for the Ottawa Citizen story.

CONGRATS GUYS!

Here's a complete list of winners. Canadian winners are bolded.

• Gibson Awards for Band: JW-Jones (Ottawa)
• Band, 1st Place: Horojo Trio (Ottawa)
• Band, 2nd Place: The Jose Ramirez Band (DC)
• Band, 3rd Place: The Pitbull of Blues Band
• Solo/Duo, 1st Place +  Memphis Cigar Box Award: Hector Anchodo (Omaha)
• Solo/Duo, 2nd Place + Harmonica Award: Felix Slim (Long Island)
• Best Self-Produced CD: Sweet Thing - Moonshine Society (River City. VA)

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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GOOD LUCK! Ginger St. James w Snowheel Slim and FOG Blues & Brass Band to Represent Area in International Blues Challenge

On Sunday, October 29, 2019 the Grand River Blues Society held a competition at Bobby O'Brien's in Kitchener to see who would represent the area at the 2020  International Blues Challenge in Memphis on Jan. 28 – Feb. 1. Seven acts vied for the honour and the winners were Hamilton's  Ginger St. James with Snowheel Slim (solo/duo category) and the FOG Blues and Brass Band from Kitchener (group category)



Links: Ginger St. James, More Ginger St. James Stories, SnowHeel Slim, More Snow-Heel Slim Stories, Video above courtesy of Robert Manley



Links: FOG Blues and Brass Band, More FOG Blues & Brass, Video above courtesy of FOG BLUES

CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: International Blues Challenge, More IBC Stories

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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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GOOD LUCK! Local 2019 International Blues Challenge Reps Chosen

Three talented area musicians will be competing in the 2019 International Blues Challenge in Memphis on January 22-26, 2019.

Representing the Grand River Blues Society are Hamilton's Steve Strongman (solo category) and Elliott and the Audio Kings from Waterloo.



Links: Steve Strongman, More Steve Strongman Stories, Video above courtesy of Southern Souls



Links: Elliott and the Audio Kings, More Audio Kings Stories, Video above courtesy of Elliott and the Audio Kings

The Toronto Blues Society has also chosen Hamilton's own Jack de Keyzer to represent them in the contest.



Links: Jack de Keyzer, More Jack de Keyzer Stories, More Bob Dylan Covers/Stories, Video above courtesy of Jack de Keyzer

CONGRATS AND GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Blast from the Past: Last Year's Winners

Links: International Blues Challenge , More IBC Stories

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