Last Chance to Enter the 2025 Telluride Blues Challenge!

Are you a blues musician with something to prove? This is your shot to earn a spot on the Main Stage at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival!

In partnership with Telluride Music Co. and the Telluride Blues Society, we’re calling all unsigned solo blues artists—guitarists, vocalists, harmonica players, and beyond—to show us what you’ve got.

How to Enter:

Submit two original blues tracks by Friday, August 1 for a chance to compete live during the festival weekend. Entries will be judged on:

  • Blues content

  • Vocal ability

  • Musical talent

  • Originality

  • Overall impression

Six finalists will be invited to compete live at the Telluride Elks Lodge during the "Blues for Breakfast" event on Saturday morning of the festival.

The Champion Wins:

  • A premium Martin guitar from Telluride Music Co.

  • A 20-minute Main Stage set at the 2025 festival

  • A 60-minute set on the 2026 Blues Stage

  • Two performances on the 2026 Durango Blues Train

  • $300 cash

The Runner-Up Gets:

  • $200 cash

  • A performance at the 2025 Sunday Blues for Breakfast

All Six Finalists Receive:

How to Watch the Finals:

Come to the Telluride Elks Lodge (472 W Pacific Ave) on Saturday, September 13 from 9 AM – Noon for the live showdown.

Part of our Blues for Breakfast tradition, it’s free to attend with breakfast and cocktails available for purchase. Perfect way to kick off your Saturday before the Grand Tasting and festival music begins!

Last Year’s Winner:

We’re thrilled to welcome 2024 Blues Challenge Champion Shelby Kemp back to the festival! Shelby will take the Blues Stage for a full set this year and also hit the rails with two performances on the Durango Blues Train—a one-of-a-kind musical journey through the stunning San Juan Mountains aboard a vintage steam-powered train.

Blues fame could be just one set away. Are you in?

Steve GumbleTelluride Blues Challenge, Telluride, Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, Colorado, Music, Blues Music