It’s that time again for Blues musicians from around the state to enter the MCBS – Battle of the Blues Bands. The event is expected to showcase the talent of 12 acts creating an all-day Blues extravaganza in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Winners of this year’s event will represent Birmingham and the Magic City Blues Society at the 32nd International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN on January 26-30, 2016. They will be competing with more than 250 bands from around the world for major sponsorship opportunities and booking dates at some of the most prestigious Blues festivals around the country.

There will be two first place winners chosen by the judges- one band and one solo/duo act. MCBS will provide a stipend to both winners assisting with the costs of attending the finals in Memphis, TN. Additionally, the winners will be booked for paying gigs at MCBS events. Second and third place winners will also receive paying gigs.

Competition Requirements:

• Members of the band must be residents of the state of Alabama.

• Bands will play a 20-minute set and incur penalties for playing over the allotted time.

• The winning band is expected to compete at the IBC with the original members that competed at Battle of the Blues Bands.

Entry fee for Battle of the Blues Bands is:

Solo/Duo – $25 MCBS Member, $50 Non-Member

Bands – $50 MCBS Member, $75 Non-Member.

Application forms and detailed competition rules can be found on the MCBS website: www.magiccityblues.org  or on the Blues Foundation website: www.blues.org