The 2017 Heart of Texas Blues Challenge has concluded with an evening of superlative performances highlighting the vitality of Central Texas blues!
Our Solo/Duo finalists were:
• Kathy & The Kilowatts Duo
• Granvil Poynter
Each artist presented riveting, powerful sets – the audience was clearly enthralled. In a close vote by the judges, Kathy & The Kilowatts Duo was selected as the Solo/Duo winner!
Shelby Cheyenne followed with a spirited performance in the Youth category. We're extremely pleased to announce that we'll be sending Shelby to Memphis to represent Austin!
Our Band finalists were:
• Chris Oliver & Company
• Rochelle & The Sidewinders
As was widely expected, both bands delivered rousing, crowd-pleasing performances – it was going to be close! After the judges' points were totaled, the winner was Rochelle & The Sidewinders!
All of our winners now advance to the International Blues Challenge, which will be held in Memphis, TN from January 16th - 20th.
The Austin Blues Society would like to thank all of our participants in this year's challenge. This year represents a high water mark in terms of the number of participants and the quality of the performances – all of you truly made this an exceptional event!
Our thanks go out to our distinguished panel of judges:
• Andrew Cohen
• Pitt Garrett
• Mark "Kaz" Kazanoff
• Johnny LaTouf
• Matthew Robinson
We couldn't host an event like this without our wonderful volunteers:
• Michelle Eneboe
• Mike Eneboe
• Marv Howse
• Rod Southern
Thanks to our hard-working ABS board members and advisors, who were responsible for putting this event together:
• Skye Downing
• Catfish Russ
• Fawn Storm
• Deborah Vanko
• Lisa Woodcock
Lastly, our sincere thanks to Antone's Nightclub and their staff – their helpfulness and professionalism was crucial to carrying out this event!
Stay tuned for information regarding upcoming fundraisers to help defray travel expenses for our HOTBC winners!