The Heart of Texas Blues Challenge has finished, and we have our winners!
In the solo/duo category, our finalists were Spencer & Thomas and Trimmed and Burning. Both artists put on soulful blues performances, but in the end, Trimmed and Burning will be going to Memphis in January!
In the band category, our finalists were The Jacqui Walker Band and Matthew Robinson and the Jelly Kings. Both bands put on rousing, high energy sets, with the audience responding in kind! The judging resulted in one of the closest competitions in the annals of the Heart of Texas Blues Challenge – and the winner is Matthew Robinson and the Jelly Kings!
Congratulations to our HOTBC 2015 winners – they will represent Austin well at IBC! Many thanks to all the competitors who made this such a memorable event, and a special shout-out to our distinguished panel of judges:
• "Soulman" Sam Evans
• Henry "Blues Boy" Hubbard
• Johnny LaTouf
• Mike Reardon
• Ivan "Daddy I" Wallace
• John Washington