Calling All Youth Blues Artists! Journey To Memphis Youth Showcase Challenge

The Cascade Blues Association is now accepting applications for our 2025 Journey to Memphis (J2M) Youth Showcase challenge! This is your shot to represent the Pacific Northwest at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee, hosted every January by the Blues Foundation.

The Blues Foundation
If you’re not familiar with the IBC, picture this: hundreds of the best blues musicians from around the globe gathering on legendary Beale Street to compete, connect, and get noticed. It’s a judged showcase of solo/duo acts and full bands,— all working their way toward greater recognition in the blues world. And yes, it’s as epic as it sounds.

Oregon Bluesberries Performing at the IBC Youth Showcase – January 2025

Want to learn how to bring your A-game?
Join us for a special J2M/IBC Clinic on Tuesday, May 21 at Mekong Bistro. We’ll break down what it takes to compete —  from scoring criteria to stagecraft tips — with insights from former IBC competitors and judges. Don’t miss this free learning and networking opportunity.
Additional info sessions:
Monday, June 2, 6:30-8:30pm Youth Jam at Artichoke Music
Wednesday, June 18, 7-9pm, Youth Jam at Mekong Bistro

If you’re a young blues artist looking to learn from those who’ve gone before you, this is your moment.

Here’s the fine print:

• This is our local qualifying event to decide who represents us in Memphis, it will be held in September – date will be released soon.
• The International Blues Challenge’s Youth category is open to any act where all members are under the age of 21 at the time of the challenge. Specifically, The Blues Foundation defines “Youth” as an act where all performing members are under 21, according to. This means that if even one member of a group is 21 or older, it cannot be considered a Youth act. 
• Winners of J2M Youth Challenge are responsible for their own expenses including all travel, lodging, and food. The CBA will help promote youth led fundraisers.
• At least one member of each act must be a member of the CBA. A 12 month Youth membership is $15.
• Entry Fee for each act to participate in the J2M Youth Challenge is $30 for a band or $15 for a solo/duo act.

CLICK HERE TO LET US KNOW YOU’D LIKE TO LEARN MORE

Let’s see what the Pacific Northwest blues community can bring to Beale Street this year.  Let’s make some noise!