Due to the abundance of submissions/competitors this year, the Cincy Blues Society is expanding its annual “Cincy Blues Challenge” (now in its 12th year) to two days. The winners of the Challenge get to represent Cincinnati at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, while organizers will pick other artists from the competitions to perform at this summer’s Cincy Blues Fest.
The first day of the contest is Sunday at Germania Park in Colerain Township (site of previous Challenges), with music beginning at noon. The day is dedicated to artists competing in the “Band” category, and the lineup is still massive, with 25 groups performing: Kelly Red and the Hammerheads (pictured), Tempted Souls, Voodoo Puppet, The Doug Hart Band, Miss Lissa & Company, The Bluebirds, Mudpies, The Blues Merchants, Conrail Saints and many more.
(Solo performers and duos, normally a part of the big Germania Park event, will compete separately May 27 at Mansion Hill Tavern in Newport.)
Admission is $15 (or you can join the Blues Society at the entrance gate and get in free); kids younger than 16 are free with a paying adult.
(Buy tickets, check out performance times and get venue details here.)
