Memphis, TN – The International Blues Challenge (IBC) officially opens at the Clayborn Temple, a key site in the civil rights struggle of the 1960s where Dr. Martin Luther King spoke. In the spirit of Dr. King’s message, the blues is all-embracing and knows no boundaries of color, nationality, or gender.

And so The Blues Foundation felt it a fitting place to begin the IBC as we welcome artists from around the world to perform on the night before The Challenge officially begins. The International Showcase will expand in a number of clubs on Beale Street beginning at 9 pm. Open to the Community – No Charge

Also today, Tas Cru’s Generation Blues Fundraiser takes place at the Rum Boogie Cafe, kicking off at 8 pm. There’s no cover with an IBC Pass and donations are encouraged.

To see what artists are performing at the Clayborn Temple and other venues, view and download this schedule.

Generation Blues

The Blues Foundation

IBC Info

IBC Schedule