The Austin Blues Society (ABS) is seeking applicants for the 2008 Heart O’ Texas Blues Challenge. Winners of the Heart O’ Texas Blues Challenge will represent the ABS at the International Blues Challenge (IBC), in Memphis, Tennessee, and we are accepting applications NOW! Read on to find out how to enter yourself, your duo, or your band!

In February of 2009, The Blues Foundation, headquartered in Memphis, will host its 25th Annual IBC. For the first time ever, the ABS will send one band and one solo artist or duo group to this prestigious event. To determine which Central Texas Blues acts will represent Austin to the rest of the world, the ABS will conduct the first Heart O’ Texas Blues Challenge. The process will begin July 1st and culminate onstage at Antone’s, Austin’s Home of The Blues, in early November.

The IBC is the world's largest annual gathering and competition of Blues musicians from all over the globe. Participants compete for awards and prize packages that have helped launch the music careers of past winners. In fact, First Prize includes bookings at major Blues Festivals around the US and Europe and on The Legendary Rhythm + Blues Cruise. And, that’s just the beginning. For more info on the IBC, see their web site at: http://www.blues.org/ibc/index.php4

The ABS is seeking the highest level of musicianship, professionalism, and originality in Blues performances from Heart O’ Texas Blues Challenge contestants, and we expect the Austin area’s wealth of talent to shine in our local competitions. Because there are so many competent Blues groups in the area, entrants will have to pass a thorough screening process before moving on to the performance rounds of the competitions. The Central Texas finals will pit twelve bands and six solo/duo acts in head-to-head live performance play-offs. Participants will be judged by the same criteria as are used in Memphis for the IBC.

For more information and to download an application, visit the ABS website here: http://austinbluessociety.org/events.php