Search

MBAS Blues Challenge
Blues Performer of The Year (Solo/Duo & Band) Archive

The MBAS Blues Challenge has been held annually since 1994. The resulting 'Blues Performer of the Year' winners in both the SOLO/DUO and BAND Category Finals, then qualify to represent the MBAS and perform at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis USA the following January.

The MBAS has an enviable, proud record of their represented acts achieving success amongst hundreds of top acts every year, from Blues Societies all over the world, at the IBC.

2023 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Anna Scionti (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2024 IBC)
BAND Category: Bill Barber & The Holding Cell (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2024 IBC)

2019 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Arron Pollock (Qualified to Finals at the 2020 IBC)
BAND Category: Checkerboard Lounge (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2020 IBC)

2018 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: McNaMarr Project (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2019 IBC)
BAND Category: Rhythm X Revival

2017 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Bill Barber
BAND Category: Kelly Auty Band (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2018 IBC)

2016 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Dan Dinnen (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2017 IBC)
BAND Category: Jesse Valach presents Blues Mountain

2015 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Miss Whiskey
BAND Category: Dreamboogie (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2016 IBC)

2014 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: John McNamara
BAND Category: Three Kings (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2015 IBC)

2013 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
BAND Category: Rod Paine & The Fulltime Lovers

2012 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
BAND Category: Andrea Marr Band (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2013 IBC)

2011 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
BAND Category: Dreamboogie

2010 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
BAND Category: Sweet Felicia & the Honeytones (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2011 IBC)

2009 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Dan Dinnen

2008 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
BAND Category: Collard Greens & Gravy

2007 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Suzannah Espie & Big Boy Lemonade
BAND Category: Jaimi Faulkner Band

2006 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Nick Charles

2005 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
BAND Category: Andrea Marr Band

2004 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Jimi Hocking (+ WINNER: Solo/Duo Category at the 2005 IBC)
BAND Category: Collard Greens & Gravy (+ WINNER: Best Album Category at the 2005 IBC)

2003 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Ash Grunwald (Qualified to Semi-Finals at the 2004 IBC)

2002 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Fiona Boyes (+ WINNER: Solo/Duo Category at the IBC)

2001 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Andy Cowan (+ Runner-up: Solo/Duo Category at the 2002 IBC)

2000 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
BAND Category: Collard Greens & Gravy (+ Runner-up: Band Category at the 2001 IBC)

1997 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Bill Kavanagh

1996 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
BAND Category: Anne-Marie Sharry

1995 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Geoff Achison (+ WINNER: Albert King Gibson Guitar Award at the 1996 IBC)

1994 MBAS Blues Challenge Winners:
SOLO/DUO Category: Ian Collard