Pictured above are the members of The Low Down Blues Band, winners at the 2025 SMBS competition.
Blues may be a worldwide phenomenon, but its center is Memphis, the city that hosts the annual International Blues Challenge (IBC). Every January, the IBC offers blues bands, solo artists, duos and aspiring youth musicians the opportunity to compete for a place on international stages. It’s the big break that lets them prove their mettle and reach the wider audience they’re after. The 2027 IBC will take place Jan. 19-23.
Each affiliated chapter of The Blues Foundation holds regional competitions to choose the musicians who will represent its area at the IBC. The Smoky Mountain Blues Society (SMBS), a Blues Foundation affiliate, is no different, and year after year, it sends East Tennessee artists to Memphis to compete for top honors.
SMBS will hold its own Regional International Blues Challenge at Maryville’s Bluetick Tavern on Sunday, Sept. 27.
“This is always an exciting and inspiring event for our chapter,” SMBS President Alisa Cherry said. “There is such an abundance of talent in this area, and it’s a great honor for us to be able to offer the opportunity to compete in Memphis. Who knows? We may be fostering the next champions of the blues universe!”
Judging the event at Bluetick will be Benny Smith, marketing and promotion manager at WDVX; Stephen Krempasky, president of MASSKUS Productions; and blues guitarist Michael Jordan.
Two groups will compete in the Band category: Throwin’ Stones and The Lowdown Blues Band.
Throwin’ Stones is a blues-rock band from Knoxville made up of seasoned musicians with decades of experience. Years of stubborn persistence have carried the band to the top tier of the local scene.
The Lowdown Blues Band is a father-son duo known for their soulful, hard-driving delivery. Their music is rooted in true blues and delivered with undeniable skill and swagger.
The Solo category will feature Kirk Fleta and Matt A. Foster. Fleta is a frequent performer at any number of Blount County venues. He’s also shared stages with several nationally known acts, including Goose Creek Symphony, the Wooten Brothers, Shawn Mullins and Marc Broussard. His energetic acoustic performances draw on authentic Delta blues, delivered with rhythm, passion and an easy, personable enthusiasm.
Matt A. Foster’s music hearkens back to the early days of the one-man band. In this case, that means a stringed instrument, harmonica and the stomp of his boot heel. It’s both back to basics and effortlessly engaging.
Bluetick Tavern is located at 128 W. Broadway Ave., Maryville.
Doors open at 4 p.m., and music starts at 5 p.m.
Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers, and proceeds will go toward the winners’ travel expenses to Memphis.
