JOURNEY TO MEMPHIS
A year-long adventure powered by our musicians, volunteers, and the Pacific Northwest blues community.
Every January, blues musicians from around the world travel to Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee, to compete in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) and represent their home scenes. It’s more than a competition. It’s a pilgrimage to the birthplace of the blues.
Since the early 2000s, the Cascade Blues Association (CBA) has sent some of the Pacific Northwest’s finest talent to the IBC, from up-and-coming artists to seasoned veterans. Our winners carry the spirit of Portland and beyond to Memphis and share the Northwest’s sound with blues lovers worldwide. It’s central to our mission to preserve and promote the blues.
The Journey to Memphis is more than one night of music. It begins each spring with our local competition, where solo and duo acts and bands vie to represent the Northwest. The finalists perform in July at the Waterfront Blues Festival, one of Portland’s biggest music celebrations.
Once we crown the winners, the real journey begins. From August through January, we host fundraisers and live shows to help cover their travel costs. These events also build community, celebrate our artists, and send them off with the Northwest’s full support. Just before the IBC kicks off, we throw a send-off party to cheer them on.
By March, we’re already planning the next journey, because the cycle never ends. It’s a year-long adventure, powered by our musicians, donors, volunteers & community.
Related links:
Youth Journey To Memphis Showcase Challenge
Youth Journey to Memphis Showcase: The Kai Wickham Trio Is Heading to Memphis On Sunday, 10/11, the Cascade Blues Association hosted our Youth Journey to Memphis Showcase at HŌKŪ Events on Madison. Four young acts, with performers ranging in age from 14 to 19, took the stage, and the talent left no doubt that the […]
Journey to Memphis Winners Announced
Kevin Selfe and The Kivett Bednar Band to Represent the Cascade Blues Association at the 2027 International Blues Challenge After an exciting afternoon of outstanding performances aboard the Cruisin’ to Memphis Blues Cruise during the Waterfront Blues Festival, the Cascade Blues Association is proud to announce the winners of the 2026 Journey to Memphis competition. […]
Finals to be held aboard the Cruisin’ To Memphis Blues Cruise
Four Finalists. Two Memphis Spots. One Incredible Blues Cruise. It began with ten outstanding blues acts competing for the opportunity to represent the Cascade Blues Association and the Pacific Northwest at the legendary International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. After an exciting first round competition at Mekong Bistro on a Sunday after in June, only […]
June 7th! Round 1
The competition starts now. Ten outstanding blues acts. One stage. One shot at representing the Cascade Blues Association and the Pacific Northwest at the legendary International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Journey to Memphis Round One brings together some of the region’s most exciting blues musicians for a day of powerful performances, unforgettable moments, and […]
Your Guide to the Journey to Memphis
From Portland to Beale Street — the Pacific Northwest’s blues pipeline to the world Every year, the Cascade Blues Association (CBA) opens the door to something bigger than a competition. The Journey to Memphis (J2M) is a launchpad — a chance for artists to step onto an international stage, for fans to fuel that journey, […]
All Aboard: The Journey to Memphis Kicks Off In May!
Every year, something electric happens in our community. Musicians step forward. Audiences lean in. And the blues—raw, honest, and alive—takes center stage. The Cascade Blues Association’s Journey to Memphis is officially kicking off in May and whether you’re a performer or a fan, this is your invitation to be part of it. Entry Period: May […]
Cruisin’ To Memphis July 5th! Blues on the river, breeze in your hair, bands bound for Beale Street!
Introducing the First-Ever Cruisin’ to Memphis! This summer, the Waterfront Blues Festival has invited the Cascade Blues Association to set sail with something brand new: the first-ever Cruisin’ to Memphis—a floating blues showcase and competition aboard the Portland Spirit the afternoon of July 5th. It’s not just a show. It’s a full experience: live blues […]
Calling All Youth Musicians! Journey To Memphis Youth Showcase Challenge 2026