This email contains important 2010 International Blues Challenge information, please read carefully.

The event dates are January 20-Jauary 23, 2010 in Memphis, Tennessee. The night of January 20th will be a meet and greet followed by an opening night show. Semi-finals are January 21st and 22nd finals will be Saturday January 23rd. Please watch our website http://www.blues.org/#ref=ibc_index, for last minute news concerning IBC 2010. Be sure that you have read and understand the rules. The rules are at http://www.blues.org/#ref=ibc_rules.

Please read this email carefully. Print the rules and distribute to the rest of the band and support crew.

Please note the information you upload on the registration page will be used in the 90+ page program. The program will include the photo you submit as well as the biographic information that is included in the online registration. Each bio that is edited by The Blues Foundation will receive a one point deduction before the first note is played. If your photo does not meet the minimum requirements a one point deduction will be assessed as well. The Blues Foundation will make your bio and photo available on our website once you have completed the registration form. The longer the information is posted, the more exposure your act will receive. It is in the affiliates and the acts best interest to complete the registration form as soon as possible.

Photographs uploaded to on-line registration page should be the preferred
size - 2" x 3", and must be 300 dpi at 600 x 900 pixels (horizontal or
vertical) in these formats: jpeg, tif, pdf. Photographs not meeting the
criteria will not be used in the event program or on the website.

The Blues Foundation will provide drums, guitar amplifiers, a bass amplifier, an electric keyboard, keyboard stand, snare drum stand, cymbal stands, and keyboard amplifier. Drummers should bring their own cymbals and kick pedals. Harmonica players should bring their own harp amplifier, if they use one. Keyboard players may bring their own keyboards. The Blues Foundation WILL NOT provide kick pedals, cymbals or separate harmonica amplifiers (a guitar amp will be available for harp players). The Blues Foundation WILL NOT have any loaners! Effects racks and other auxiliary equipment are permitted. Musicians must include on the IBC registration page any additional equipment used or special equipment needed (such as a B-3). All Competing Acts are required to use the equipment provided, except when allowed IN WRITING and at least 30 DAYS IN ADVANCE. Exceptions and additional needs must be submitted by e-mail to Joe Whitmer at joe@blues.org no later than the application deadline of November 24, 2009. See the Official IBC Rules and Event Summary for details.

To avoid more point deductions, plan your travel to Memphis carefully. Each act will need to be checked in no later than 2:30 pm January 21, 2010. When you check in you will receive your credentials as well as your venue assignment. Attendance to act orientation at 3:00 pm in the Grand ballroom of the Double Tree Hotel is required. Acts not checked in before the meeting is subject to disqualification.

As an IBC contestant, you have the right to list your CDs on both bandVillage and CD Mojo websites. Please visit their websites for contact information. bandVillage will be the official CD store for IBC. They will be set up during the day and at night at IBC headquarters as well at both finals at the Orpheum Theater. Please reach out to both of these great blues friends for more information.

Click on http://www.blues.org/#ref=ibc_bandapp and enter code S2010564899

Prepare yourself to enjoy your stay in Memphis. We look forward to seeing you on Historic Beale Street.

If you have any questions please drop me an e-mail at joe@blues.org or call 901.527.2583, Ext. 11.