Please note that although the deadline for entries is Monday, August 9, it would greatly assist the Blues Society planning if you would submit your entries as soon as possible. Thank you. *Road to Memphis* * **Ottawa** Blues Society Local Blues Challenge -- 2010* The Ottawa Blues Society will again participate in the Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge in Memphis TN. The winner(s) of the OBS Blues Challenge will compete as OBS representative(s) in the IBC to be held in Memphis, February 1-5, 2011. Dates for the 2010 OBS Road to Memphis* *local blues competition semi-final rounds are Wednesdays, September 8, 15 and 22 (with Wednesday, September 29 a possibility, should the number of entries warrant four semi-final rounds). Finals are scheduled for Friday, September 24 (Friday, October 1, if a 4^th round is necessary). *Deadline for entries is midnight Monday, August 9, 2010. * The OBS is exploring the feasibility of adding a Solo/Duo competition to this year's Road to Memphis. We invite anyone interested in competing as a Solo/Duo act to complete an application form. Based on the number of acts entered in this category (at August 9 deadline), we will determine whether the Solo/Duo competition will go ahead. Musicians must enter either the Band or the Solo/Duo category; you cannot enter both categories. 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; solo/duo is any act with one or two musicians; vocalists are counted as musicians for the purpose of this competition. Both electric and acoustic instruments are allowed. At this local competition, entrants will be judged by the same criteria used for the International competition. Each band or solo/duo entry will have 25 minutes to perform 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 website http://www.blues.org/ibc/scoring.php Eligibility Requirements: ¯ Band members must be 2010 residents of the Ottawa/Gatineau area (approximately 100 km radius of Ottawa). ¯ Entrants must be available for all semi-final rounds and the final round and must be able to travel to Memphis in February 2011. ¯ Entrants will play one 25-minute set. ¯ All songs presented MUST be Blues (electric or acoustic), Rock/ Blues, Jazz/Blues, Country Blues or Rhythm & Blues. ¯ Each participating band will provide the OBS with one original recorded song for inclusion in a proposed 'OBS Road to Memphis' compilation. This compilation may be produced in limited quantity and sold to raise funds for OBS expenses incurred in the annual local competition. Entries should be made using the Contact form on the OBS website and directed to all Board members. http://www.ottawabluessociety.com/contact.php Application information should include names and contact info for all band or solo/duo members, a brief biography, a summary of the entrant's experience and performance history and an audio sample of music (link to myspace, band website, MP3 or CD). You will be contacted for further information following the submission deadline. Please address any questions to me at the email address above or at liz(a)ottawabluessociety.com <mailto:liz@ottawabluessociety.com>