IBC 2011

We just returned from a fantastic trip to the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. We went. We saw. We listened. We ate. We ate and listened. Listened and ate, and listened some more. The music was better than ever. Congratulations to The Lionel Young Band for winning first place in the band competition, to The Mary Bridget Davies Group of Kansas City for second place--yeah! Kansas City, and to Rob Blaine for being the outstanding guitarist. Other highlights of the trip include a romantic dinner at Itta Bena, and an afternoon combing through the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.

Pat at the judges table, looking bluesishly
officious.

Raphael Tanquilino of the Randy Oxford Band showing off
his Mexico City-style blues guitar rips.

Kate Moss of Blue Bella Records and
sometimes guitarist of Nick Moss and the
Flip Flops firing up her Strat at a jam session.

Nick Schnebelen of Trampled Under Foot at
the "after semifinals jam" at the New Daisy.

Pat in front of the soon to be new office of
the International Blues Foundation in South
Main in Memphis. Ask her about the Michael
P. Maness painting. Pretty Awesome!

The Rum Boogie Cafe, recipient of Pat's life-
time achievement award for best blues club.

There. Is that enough linked information for you?