DOVER — The Central Delaware Blues Society wants to send a local blues band to Memphis for the International Blues Challenge.

Aug. 13 is the day of the competition. Bands must be registered no later than Aug. 7. The winning band wins at least $1,500 to be used toward their trip to Memphis in January. The winning band must go to the IBC in Memphis to receive the award for winning. Details are at Centraldelawareblues.com/ibc.

CDBS has sent several bands to the international competition including Barrelhouse, Anthony Swamp Dog Clark, Tom Craig, Slim and the Perkolators and twice lower case blues.

The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians will take place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans.

In addition to featuring these final rounds of the prestigious blues music competition, the IBC event week will offer seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans and professionals.

The competition began in 1984, then named the Blues Amateur Talent Contest. The idea was to give amateur or up and coming musicians a chance to be discovered and get a foothold. In 1986, the event was renamed the National Amateur Talent Contest and 17 bands competed.

To participate in the International Blues Challenge, you must participate in and win a local challenge sponsored by a current Blues Foundation-affiliated blues society such as the CDBS. Bands and solo/duo musician(s) will be selected to compete.

You can also submit a CD for consideration.

The entry deadline for the self-produced CD is Oct. 10. Central Delaware Blues Society submits one self-produced CD to the Blues Foundation for judging annually.

To inquire about submitting a CD use “Contact Us” page or email president Tony Pierce at CenDelBlues@outlook.com. In 2019, the CDBS submitted Little Red Rooster’s “Lock up the Liquor,” which won first place in the Self-Produced category.