CALL FOR BANDS

The WMBS is sponsoring a Regional Competition to send a Michigan blues band to the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee for the year 2009. A question and answer format is presented here for the bands that are interested in competing at this year's Regional Competition. The WMBS is proud to be affiliated with the Ionia Free Fair, which will co-host the Regional Competition to be held at the Ionia Free Fair on Sunday, July 20, 2008. Please consult this page over the next several weeks. As new questions and concerns arise we will publish additional Q & A items here.

Q1       What is the International Blues Competition (IBC) and why is there a Regional Competition?

A1       The International Blues Challenge is an international competition to determine the best "unsigned blues band in the world". The competition began over 22 years ago. Bands from all over the world compete for the honor of being called the best "unsigned blues band in the world". The winner of the IBC generally goes on to national prominence in the blues entertainment field. While the challenge cannot be considered a purely "amateur contest", the goal of the challenge is to seek out the best undiscovered blues band in the United States and abroad. The Regional Competition is a local competition sponsored by a blues society affiliated with the Blues Foundation. Only Blues Foundation affiliates can send a band to the IBC. Local affiliates may determine the scope and boundary from which to draw bands. The band that places first in a Regional Competition represents the local affiliate, or in this case, the WMBS.

Q2       Who can compete in the Regional Competition?

A2       Our Regional Competition this year will be confined to "bands". A band is defined as any act with 3 or more musicians. Vocalists are counted as musicians for the purpose of this competition. Both electric and acoustic instruments are allowed. An affiliate's entrant is considered a representative of that affiliate in every capacity. Thus, the affiliate (WMBS) remains liable for any problems created by its representative (the band chosen to represent the society). All paperwork, as well as all findings of eligibility and registration requirements for the IBC, is the responsibility of the affiliate (WMBS), not of the entrant (the band). The Blues Foundation will stand as the final arbiter of any eligibility disputes. Please note that other restrictions apply per notification from the Blues Foundation. However, "management contracts, booking agent contracts, recording contracts, performance contracts, and nationally distributed recordings have no bearing on eligibility".

Q3       What are the regional criteria for a band's participation?

A3       The first criterion is that a participant must qualify as a "band" as defined by the IBC official rules. As a condition of eligibility, the affiliate (WMBS) is required to submit an application by a specific deadline. For the WMBS 2008 Regional Competition, each participating band must submit a completed eligibility packet postmarked no later than June 30, 2008, addressed to "West Michigan Blues Society Challenge", P.O. Box 6985, Grand Rapids, MI 49516. The packet must contain the following: A) an accurately completed application (the form following the Q&A); B) a high quality photograph of the band in both glossy form and JPEG format; C) a band bio; D) a high quality CD with a suitable cover or professionally boxed disc of acceptable quality, that is radio-format ready and suitable for public sale. [To be determined by WMBS selection committee]. Promos, demos, extended play discs or EP abbreviated disc formats, or to be blunt, basement tapes, will not be accepted by the selection committee. All information given to the selection committee must be verifiable, accurate, and complete.
***New IBC rules for 2007 permit points to be deducted from bands that are negligent or late in compliance of deadline(s). ***

Q4       What if our band does not have a high quality CD?

A4       The winner of the West Michigan Regional Competition will be representing the WMBS. Not only does the WMBS expect to send its best representative to Memphis, it also expects the band to utilize professionalism and class in all areas, including recorded performances. During the finals, The Blues Foundation will ask all participating bands to submit a number of CDs for public sale at its "IBC Store", located at the site of the competition finals. The WMBS feels that any band representing this region should have a professional product to market, comparable in quality to those which will be available for public sale by other national and international participants. A basement-disc quality CD recorded on marginal recording equipment and stuffed in a plain white sleeve is not representative of the quality presented at the national competition. Nor will the WMBS choose to submit an embarrassingly low level of "goods" to be marketed at an internationally showcased event.

Q5       Why are bands outside the region invited?

A5       Presently, we are looking at eight (8) bands to participate in the regional round. We feel the West Michigan area has several good blues bands; however, some of these bands will not meet the eligibility criteria. Most of the eight blues societies in the State of Michigan have opened up their competition to include bands from the entire state. Historically, several West Michigan bands have entered competitions in regions such as Kalamazoo and Traverse City. It is only fair that our Society reciprocate in allowing bands from other regions to participate in our competition.

Q6       Where will the regional competition take place?

A6       The WMBS Regional Competition will take place at the Ionia Free Fair on Sunday, July 20, 2008. Please check the web site to receive updates as plans are finalized.

Q7       What are the stakes?

A7       The winner of the WMBS Regional Competition at the Ionia Free Fair on July 20, 2008, will receive paid travel expenses of up to $1,000.00 to help defray the costs of sending the band to Memphis, Tennessee.

Q8       What are the stage rules?

A8       The WMBS will provide a professional quality drum kit onstage. The kit is being provided to cut down on change-over time between sets. Drummers are allowed to bring cymbals, bass pedals, and high hats of their choice. Drummers must use the onstage drum kit and will not be permitted to set up any other additional drum kits. Please note that endorsements are meaningless to this competition; therefore, you will use the equipment presented to you. The selection committee has yet to determine whether a bass back amp will be available. Substitutions must be cleared by the WMBS on a timely basis. Any band that brings an "on-stage guest" during a performance round will be assessed penalty points. Bands must adhere to the time limit given to them for their performance. Bands that go over their allotted time will be assessed penalty points. All bands participating in the regional competition are required to read the IBC eligibility rules on the web site of the Blues Foundation. Appearance order of bands will be determined by a draw of names.

Q9       Are there any other rules?

A9       The winner of the Regional Competition will be expected to participate at one WMBS fundraiser before the end of December, 2008. More details on that later.

Q10     How do you apply to be a participating band for the challenge?

A10     To be considered as a participant in the Ionia Regional, a band must A) fill out accurately the eligibility questionnaire; B) submit an eligibility package, along with the questionnaire on a timely basis, postmarked no later than June 30, 2008; and C) with the eligibility questionnaire, submit a check made payable to "WMBS" in the amount of $25.00.

Q11     Why the $25.00 fee?

A11     The $25.00 fee is being assessed to help defray the costs for employing a sound person or people for the regional event.

Q12     What can the winner of the Regional Competition expect while participating in the international finals in Memphis?

A12     Our local regional winner can expect to compete in a three-day event in Memphis, Tennessee. The event will feature over 158 bands from around the world. Several participants are selected as "spotlight" artists, and their CDs are featured on national blues programs on radio stations throughout the world. The world blues press will be present; thus any band can be the subject of media attention. Participating bands are given the opportunity to perform in such famous venues as: The Rum Boogie Café, BB King's Nightclub, and other prestigious locations on Beale Street. The exposure gained by participating in the International Finals can have considerable impact. Many non-finalist bands are offered opportunities to participate in blues festivals throughout the world. Several non-finalist bands have been signed to national recording contracts based on their showcased talents at the competition. You need not be one of the ten finalists to reap the benefits from participating at the finals in Memphis. An excellent blues band, whether a finalist or not, will receive its "props" at this international event.