Memphis: IBC Adventure 2024
Vince Converse and Big Brother: A Memphis Adventure
Memphis - International Blues Challenge
Memphis, TN – Yes, it’s a little late, but about six weeks ago, we set off to compete in The International Blues Challenge. From snowy, negative temps on the way there, to a “state of emergency” when we arrived, Mother Nature put on her own show worthy of a first place finish! Starting in the suburbs of Denver, we loaded up two SUVs - one for the clothes, and a diesel Suburban packed with congas, drums, a keyboard, bass guitar, about 6 guitars, and a variety of AMPS. Setting off, the temps were below zero and were were lucky we did not suffer frostbite filling up for gas. It was brutal, but everyone was in good spirits. As we trekked on through Kansa and Oklahoma, the weather warmed up to a balmy 13 degrees.
Arriving in Memphis, we crossed over the Mississippi and our excitement started to build despite nobody on the streets and no plows or sand to make the drive any less sketchy. Finally, we arrived, and we were SO ready for a warm shower- but haha- when we arrived at the AirBnB? Frozen pipes! It was an ice cold hose-down or nothing at all. Some of chose the former, while most just decided to ride it out.
The first night we headed into town and definitely overdid it on the Delta Gumbo and southern food platters. We met up with several friends from Colorado and headed back for an early night.The fellas practiced and worked out some details and then we hit the pillows. The next morning it was off to Kroger. Walking into the store, it felt like the days of Covid chaos - empty shelves - zero meat, milk, eggs. We made due with frozen meatballs, pasta, frozen pancakes and sausage. We had enough to get by, and then it was time to check in, get schedules and start this competition!
How it works:
There were roughly 14 bars hosting the nightly competitions. Each bar hosted a lineup (either solos/duos or band), and after two nights, the top four from each bar would advance to the Semis. After the semis, the highest scoring band from each venue would have the chance to hit the Orpheum. During the day, there were workshops and other IBC-hosted events. We were told not to “leave points on the table” as there would be a ten point score for each of the following categories: musicality, vocals, appearance/stage presence, blues content, and originality. We’ll receive feedback in the near future, but that’s another topic!
Due to the weather, we stayed in the house for most of our time leading up to performances. Plus, the fellas wanted to rehearse A LOT. They set up a full rehearsal space in the extra game room. Our house was perfect for the purpose, and well, eventually the pipes thawed and we found food at the Tienda just outside of Memphis - they had it all and we made fajitas and chili, eggs and bacon, sausage- the real stuff.
We played Alfred’s on Beale for the quarter finals (two nights) and again for the semis. The first night the fellas put on a great show, but they knew nerves had caused a few kinks and rusty spots, so they went after it on the second night of Quarter finals. Vince Converse and Big Brother definitely made a draw, and they wowed the crowd, the locals, and some IBC elite. Not to mention, our HUGE crew of Colorado blues fans - they were absolutely rockstars, weathering the cold and chaotic in support of the Blues. By the end of their set(s), standing ovations and rowdy hollars were both exciting and promising. We made it through to the Semi Finals, where we did not (unfortunately) make it through to the finals. Given the variety of musical styles, it was really a roll of the dice as to what the judges were looking for. At the end of the day, we brought original, guitar heavy, blues-driven performances to the stage. That’s what they came to do, and although it may seem biased, you can ask around- VinceC&BB was clearly a crowd favorite, so it was awesome- despite not making it to the Orpheum.
The IBC Sets
The 25-minute set (30 minutes at Semis) was designed to highlight a shuffle, mid-tempo blues, slow blues, and funky blues, complete with a country-style solo and lots of slide guitar. SEE THE FULL SET FROM 1/18.24
The After Jams
This was where Vince had some extra time to let loose. Jamming at Club 152 and Alfred’s - Vince caught up with his Houston friends, John Del Toro Richardson and Mathias Lattin - last year’s IBC winner. He also got to jam out with some of the younger talent, specifically Patch of Blues out of Chicago.
The Orpheum: Frozen Finals
Porto-potties (brrr) and great music (hot). We sat and watched solo/duo then band, solo/duo then band until we got through seven of each. The Stephen Hull Experience was exceptional, and the winning band - Piper and the Hardtimes took home the first place spot. Solo winner: Joe Waters. Awesome talent and great performances by all.
Rum Boogie - After Party
The Houston Texas crew - Annika, Mathias, John, and Vince took it to the stage. That was surely a highlight. The room was packed, the energy was up!
Colorado BlueS Fans
THE BEST! Honestly, Colorado RALLIED! No water in the hotel? Go stinky, who cares.. Lead in the city’s drinking water? No problem. Frozen toes? Oh well. The bar ran out of beer? So what. The streets literally iced over? Sheesh. Flights delayed? Ok, we’ll show up late. It was really fun to be a part of the Colorado squad. Special thanks to The Colorado Blues Society for all their support!
The Band Bond
Gus’ Fried Chicken, Sun Studios & Stax Records on the way out of town. One more ice storm, and we had ourselves a final trek home.
