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Big Dreams – Raw Talent – Real Blues

The first round of the Journey to Memphis competition, where local blues artists give it their all for a chance to represent the Cascade Blues Association at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee is being held Sunday, June 1, 2025 at Mekong Bistro, 8200 NE Siskiyou, Portland, OR 97220. Doors open at 12:30pm, performances will take place between 1:00pm – 5:00pm.
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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,…
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Journey to Memphis Finals Set Sail on the Waterfront Blues Festival Cruisin’ To Memphis aboard the Portland Spirit!

Cruisin’ to Memphis is a floating celebration of the region’s up-and-coming as well as established blues and soul artists. International Blues Challenge artists will take the stage alongside award-winning Texas guitar slinger Jonn…
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Calling All Blues Artists – The Journey to Memphis 2025 Edition Has Begun!

 Calling All Blues Artists – The Journey to Memphis 2025 Has Begun! The Cascade Blues Association is now accepting applications for our 2025 Journey to Memphis (J2M) competition! This is your shot to represent the Pacific Northwest at…
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2025 Journey To Memphis Challenge Open To Entries!

Sunday June 1, 2025 J2M Competition at Mekong Bistro (Time TBD)  Saturday, July 5, 2025 Finals at Waterfront Blues Festival IBC Afternoon Cruise January 13-17, 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis The CBA has a long history of sending a Band and a Solo/Duo Act to the International Blues Challenge (IBC) held in Memphis January 2026. The Journey to Memphis Challenge is how we choose the competitors. A Youth Act will also be selected through a separate competition to be held later this year. They will attend but will not compete at the IBC.
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We’re gearing up for Journey to Memphis

The CBA has a long history of sending a Band and a Solo/Duo Act to the International Blues Challenge (IBC) held in Memphis each January and it takes a community to make it happen. We've got a lot to do between now and July 1st when the final…

Journey to Memphis and the International Blues Challenge

2024 Journey to Memphis Finalists! Congratulations to Dave Fleschner and the Beacon Street Titans on progressing to the International Blues Challenge. There will be many opportunities to support and fundraise for the final acts going to Memphis…

Journey to Memphis Finalists Going to Memphis

Thank you to the four acts that shared their talent and passion at the Waterfront Blues Festival on July 4th for the Journey to Memphis.   They were Beacon Street Titans, Dave Fleschner, Jason Thomas, and the Nikki Jones Band. We…