West Hartford the spot for Blues Society's Band Blues Challenge

The Connecticut Blues Society's 17th Annual Connecticut Band Blues Challenge will take place from 2 to 7 p.m. Sept. 15 at the Hannon-Hatch VFW, 83 South St., West Hartford.

Six finalist blues bands from all over the state will perform for blues music-knowledgeable judges, who will decide which act will be sent to participate in the 29th Annual International Blues Challenge, on Beale Street, Memphis, TN, January 29 through February 2, 2013.

During May and June 22 blues bands throughout the state participated in four preliminary events held in Hartford. The six bands performing in the Finals round includes winners of each preliminary, plus two "wild card" winners, two runners-up with the highest scores.

Appearing September 15 in order will be Easy Baby, The Walter Lewis Blues Trio, The Balkun Brothers Blues Band, The Mighty Soul Drivers, The Rich Badowski Blues Band, and The Mike Crandall Band. The Connecticut Blues Challenge Finals draws hundreds of blues fans and the public is welcomed. Donations for admission will be $10 for one or two for $15.

The judges panel, including blues musicians, radio DJs, writers, and "super fans", will award bands points for Blues Content, Originality, Vocal & Instrumental Skills, and Stage Presence. The act winning the Blues Challenge Finals will receive a $2,000 prize from the Connecticut Blues Society to offset travel expenses to Memphis, TN.

The International Blues Challenge (IBC), sponsored by the Blues Foundation, is the largest gathering of blues bands in the world. Artists participating in the IBC must be designated representatives of Blues Foundation member blues societies.