Yesterday, on July 16, I took my One-Man-Boogie-Band show and competed against 9 full bands in Roanoke, VA in the Blue Ridge Blues Society's annual blues challenge for a chance to represent them and Virginia in the 2012 International Blues Challenge in Memphis. The day started early with the drive up I77 and I81. I drew lucky #9 in the rotation of the 10 bands, meaning I was going to be the next to last performer to take the stage. When it was my turn the announcer actually said, man this guy has some big cajones for taking on all these bands with just one guy. To be honest I was thinking the same thing... the bands right before me had been excellent so I started to fear that I'd wasted the day and was about to be the brunt of more one-man-band jokes.
To beat all I had decided to start my show with an a cappela rendition of my new song, Blood Red Moon. As it turns out, that was a great choice. I stood there behind the mic with a shaker in my hand singing this old slave-song-sounding new song of mine. The crowd became still and quiet and after the first verse were clapping along with me. In the words of one the judges afterwards, from the first 15 seconds of my set I had them in the palm of my hand. I then sat down behind the drums, strapped on the guitar and harp and kicked it up a notch. The sound guys had a few issues with weird me, but I played through them. And... when the announcements came for the winners it was announced that this year, for the first time BRBS will be sending a solo/duo act to Memphis. They decided they will also send a band too. Everyone, except maybe my friend John Lowe in Memphis, thought I was crazy for competing against chosen, very good bands. I have to admit I probably did too. But my choice to do all original material and sing the vocal only song Blood Red Moon grabbed the crowd and the judges.
After the technical difficulties I thought my chances were over. In fact when they made the announcement that I'd won Lynn didn't even have the cameras out. We were chatting about who we thought was going to take home the prize and were floored when they called my name. Even then, when they announced the band I thought, that's cool they're going to let me go too. But, afterwards amongst the autograph signings the scorekeeper came up to me with a bear hug and grins. It was then that I learned that if they had only sent one group it would have been me... I had outscored every band there as a solo. I know my buddy John is grinning about this and we are too. I can't wait to get back to Memphis again in 2012. It feels great to know I'm heading back.
I want to thank all the new fans and friends I made yesterday. Before they announced the winner they did a "by show of applause" who do you think won with the crowd. Up until my name was called there were some light applause for most and great applause for the band winner Skinny Velvet. Then when my name was called the place erupted. That would have been enough for me even if I hadn't won. I appreciate all the love and support you kind folks in Virginia gave me. I also appreciate so many of you from NC making the trek to see me there. I was shocked and honored. One young fan came up to me afterwards with a Carolina Blues Festival shirt on and said, I know your name... it's on my shirt and you signed it. That made my day even better.
So here's to being the 2011 Blue Ridge Blue Society's IBC Solo/Duo champion and another winter of preparations for competing against the very best musicians in the world in February. I can't wait.
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Location:Roanoke, VA
