* * *OBS Road to Memphis * *Band Challenge 2014* The Ottawa Blues Society Road to Memphis Band challenge qualifying rounds are planned for Wednesdays, September 10 & 17 at Greenfield's Pub, 900 Greenbank Road, Barrhaven. The finals are scheduled to take place on Friday, September 19. *Two nights of qualifying rounds* *are planned and* *entries may be limited*. *Deadline for entries is Monday, August 18 at 6 pm (Ottawa time).* For the purposes of the IBC, a 'band' is any act with three or more musicians; vocalists are counted as musicians for the purpose of this competition. Both electric and acoustic instruments are allowed. At the local competition, entrants will be judged using the same criteria as in the International competition.Each band will have 20-25 minutes to perform (to be confirmed following close of entries) and will be given points based on Blues Content, Vocals, Talent, Originality and Stage Presence.For full details on scoring criteria and official rules, see the Blues Foundation websitehttp://www.blues.org/international-blues-challenge/international-b... *Eligibility Requirements* Entrants must be 2014 residents of the Ottawa/Gatineau area (approximately 100 km radius of Ottawa). Entrants must be able to travel to the IBC in Memphis, January 20-24, 2015. Entrants will play one set; set length will be 20-25 minutes (to be confirmed following close of entries). All songs presented MUST be Blues (electric or acoustic), Rock/ Blues, Jazz/Blues, Country Blues or Rhythm & Blues. The OBS will contribute financial support to cover a portion of travel and accommodation expenses to Memphis, however the winner is responsible for *all* travel and accommodation charges incurred in excess of the financial assistance provided. To enter, please download the entry form from our website http://ottawabluessociety.com/road-to-memphis, complete all sections and attach completed form to an email addressed to the Ottawa Blues Society at ottawabluessociety(a)gmail.com <mailto:ottawabluessociety@gmail.com>; please cc your entry to lizblues(a)rogers.com <mailto:lizblues@rogers.com>. Every effort will be made to accommodate all applications that are received on time and meet the established criteria. However, should it be required for any reason deemed appropriate, the Ottawa Blues Society reserves the right to limit the number of entrants in the competition. Should it be necessary to exercise this right, a pre-screening of the applications received will be conducted based on the sample music provided. The results of the pre-screening are final. Should there be an insufficient number of entries to run a reasonable competition or for any other reason deemed appropriate, the Ottawa Blues Society also reserves the right to cancel the event. You will be contacted for further information following the submission deadline. Please address any questions tolizblues(a)rogers.com <mailto:lizblues@rogers.com>.