2026 Annual TBS Blues Challenge

The Triangle Blues Society's annual Triangle Blues Challenge is a regional competition to select acts that will represent TBS in The Blues Foundation's 42nd International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee January 19 – 23, 2027.  More than 250 acts from around the world converge on Beale Street to perform before the music industry searching for new talent, with the chance to win recognition and prizes that include major festival performances and more. This year's TBS Blues Challenge is taking place 1-6 PM Sunday November 1, 2026, at The Blue Note Grill, Durham, NC. Categories include solo, duo and bands playing any and all kinds of blues (and nothing BUT the blues, please!). At least half of any performing band (or one, if a band of three), and at least one from a solo or duo act, must be legal residents of North Carolina as of November 1, 2026. At least one member of the act must be a member of the Triangle Blues Society.If you are under 21 years of age at the time of the International Blues Challenge, you may also participate in our Youth Category. Throughout the duration of the IBC, excluding Finals which are held at The Orpheum Theatre, Youth Showcases are in various clubs on Beale Street. (TBS' Youth Challenge winners are responsible for their own funding efforts.) Applications must be postmarked by October 1, 2026, so take that first step now and submit your application to us via email or regular mail as noted in the instructions available at our  www.triangleblues.com https://triangleblues.com/ NOTE: We do not take reservations; all seating is first-come, first-served. We recommend arriving 1 hour before showtime with your party and we appreciate your patience.