The MnBS participates in the International Blues Challenge by sending a band and a solo/duo act to the competition which usually held in January. We have had great success as several of our bands and solo/duos have reached the semifinals and two of our acts have reached the finals. Our most recent band competitor placed third in the worldwide competition.   As part of the competition every IBC band or solo/duo acts competes the first two nights of the competition in two different locales on Beale Street in Memphis.  The IBC judges select an act from each location to compete against other semi finalists to choose who goes on to the finals on Saturday! The Challenge also features a “Best Self Produced CD” contest and offers a “Youth Showcase” to encourage young up and coming blues artists. MnBS has also been recognized for our “large contingent” of fans at IBC week in Memphis!