Until June 30, 2023, Belgian blues bands can apply to participate in the Belgian Blues Challenge.

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New is that the winners will not only be sent to the European Blues Challenge, but also to the

International Blues Challenge in Memphis. That's because, starting with this edition, the Belgian

Blues Challenge is organized by the brand-new non-profit association 'Belgian Blues Federation'.

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This association, affiliated with The Blues Foundation and The European Blues Union, aims to promote the blues in Belgium, foster cooperation among organizations and musicians, facilitate access to information about and contacts in the blues and act as an open forum for the exchange of ideas and expertise among its members.

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A blues in the schools project, Belgian Blues Awards and a Belgian Blues Relief Fund are just a few of

the additional future initiatives that the Belgian Blues Federation (BBF) will develop. At first, all attention goes to the start-up of communication around the new association and the preselection for the Belgian Blues Challenge (BBC). The previous editions were an initiative of some Belgian members of the European Blues Union. They are now also part of the board of the BBF.

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The Belgian selection for the 12th edition of the European Blues Challenge in 2024 and the International Blues Challenge 2025 has started.

From all applications, the board of the Belgian Blues Federation will choose eight finalists. They will compete in the live finals of the Belgian Blues Challenge on October 14, 2023 at VTC de Mixx in Herselt. This event is a production of the (Ge)Varenwinkel Festival.

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Previous winners of the Belgian Blues Challenge were :

Howlin' Bill, Lightnin' Guy, Hideaway, Fred & The Healers, Doghouse Sam & His Magnatones, Tiny Legs Tim,

The BluesBones, Ed & The Gators, Black Cat Biscuit, Steven Troch Band and Özgür Hazar's Blues Syndicate.

Belgian bands who feel called to follow in their footsteps and take a step toward international stages must register by June 30.

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What to do:

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• Blues must be the DNA of your music.

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• Register using the form.

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You provide us the following:

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The audio files of three songs, a live video clip, a photo, a biography, the composition of your blues

band and your contact information.

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• Deadline for entries is June 30, 2023.

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• By entering, you agree to abide by the BBC's game rules.

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• By entering, you declare that your blues band is available to play, if selected, at the BBC finals in

Herselt on October 14, 2023.

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The eight finalists will be announced in late July.

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