Introducing the 2017 HOTBC Winners!

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!