The MnBS participates in the International Blues Challenge by sending a band and a solo/duo act to the competition in Memphis,Tennesse. The challenge is held in January of each year.
We have had great success as several of our bands and solo/duos have reached the semifinals and two of our acts have reached the finals. Our most recent band competitor placed third in the worldwide competition.
As part of the competition every IBC band or solo/duo acts competes the first two nights of the competition in two different locales on Beale Street in Memphis. The IBC judges select an act from each location to compete against other semi finalists to choose who goes on to the finals on Saturday!
The Challenge also features a “Best Self Produced CD” contest and offers a “Youth Showcase” to encourage young up and coming blues artists. MnBS has also been recognized for our “large contingent” of fans at IBC week in Memphis!
The International Blues Challenge represents the world wide search for blues bands and solo/duo performers ready for the international stage. The IBC week offers seminars, showcases, network events and receptions for blues societies, fans and professional
Virgil Caine Band
The Virgil Caine Band has been keeping the blues alive in northern Minnesota for over 30 years. Fronted by the soulful vocals and scorching harp of Mark Howley with a long history of work with some of the greats of the Chicago and Twin Cities Blues scene, including the likes of Big Walter Smith, Aces & Eights just to name a few. The Virgil Caine Band also features Phil Ness on guitars and vocals, “The Foot” Mark Thompson on drums and vocals and lastly holding down the vocals and bass guitar duties is “Big Daddy” Dave Prudhomme. The Virgil Caine band has been touring the Upper Midwest blues scene including numerous festivals, casino’s, including gigs at the Flamingo in Las Vegas. The band is currently supporting their two full length albums of original rockin’ blues music. Head
Peter Meyer/Bill Finke
Bill Finke and Pete Meyer met at an open jam in the early 2000s and have been performing regionally together ever since in various roots and blues projects. Their sound is an amalgam of their influences: Sonny Terry, Charley Patton, Big George Jackson, & Mississippi John Hurt. Wherever Bill has traveled, he has become part of the music scene from St. Paul to Denver. Pete studied guitar with Paul Rishell and John Cephas. He is a board-certified music therapist who frequently incorporates blues into his clinical work.
