They don’t call it the International Blues Challenge for nothing. The far-ranging impact of the blues is never more apparent than when bands descend on the Bluff City for the Blues Foundation‘s annual competition, and that was underscored this year when The Wacky Jugs from France walked away with the honor of best blues band on Monday.
Prior to their final performance, The Wacky Jugs were clearly stoked, as they posted on their Facebook page, per that platform’s translation algorithm, “Hey friends, guess what??? WE’RE IN THE FINAL!!!! …This is crazy!!! We are happy!!! Thanks again to The Blues Foundation for all the support from wherever it comes, you are so marvelous, it also gives us goosebumps! After three nights in the mythical clubs on Beale Street, we have the chance to reach the Orpheum.”
Go to the Orpheum they did, where their sound, inspired by the Memphis Jug Band, won over the judges. Others from far afield were honored as well. Someone should definitely look into Phoenix’s water supply (perhaps it’s fed by the Mississippi?), as two artists from that city claimed three of the top honors. And don’t assume that Memphis Lightning is local: they’re from the Tampa Bay area.
The Mid-South did make a showing, thanks to Soul Nite featuring D.K. Harrell, from Indianola, Mississippi, garnering third place in the band category. Otherwise, the global ubiquity of the blues was on full display. As the late Jim Dickinson often quipped, “World Boogie is coming!” Indeed, it would appear that it’s already here.
And the winners are …
1st Place Band
The Wacky Jugs (France Blues)
2nd Place Band
Cros (Phoenix Blues Society)
3rd Place Band
Soul Nite feat. D.K. Harrell (Mississippi Delta Blues Society of Indianola)
1st Place Solo/Duo
Eric Ramsey (Phoenix Blues Society)
2nd Place Solo/Duo
Jhett Black (San Angelo Blues Society)
Memphis Cigar Box Award
Eric Ramsey (Phoenix Blues Society)
Lee Oskar Harmonica Award
Jhett Black (San Angelo Blues Society)
Gibson Guitarist Award
T.C. Carter
Best Self-Produced CD Award
Borrowed Time, by Memphis Lightning (Suncoast Blues Society)