Telluride Blues Challenge

Calling all musicians, play your way to the Main Stage! Blues & Brews has partnered with the Telluride Music Company, the Telluride Blues Society and the Colorado Blues Society to present the 2016 Telluride Blues Challenge. The Telluride Blues Challenge provides talented musicians from the blues genre with the opportunity to advance their career. The top six entries will be invited to play at the festival's Telluride Blues Challenge at Telluride's Elks Lodge (located at 472 West Pacific Avenue) on Saturday, September 17th from 9:00 am to Noon.

The competition is open to any solo performer, acoustic and electric, who is not currently signed to a major record label or publishing deal. Vocalists are also counted as musicians for the purpose of the competition. All entries must be received by August 19, 2016, accompanied by a $5.00 submission fee. To enter the Telluride Blues Challenge, click here.


The winner will receive:

  • A premium Martin guitar provided by Telluride Music Company

  • 20 Minute set to perform on the Main Stage at the 2016 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

  • A full 60 minute set on the Blues Stage at the 2017 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival

  • $300 cash prize

The Runner-Up will receive:

  • $200 cash prize

  • A performance set for the 2016 Sunday Blues for Breakfast event

All six competitors will receive a Telluride Blues & Brews Festival T-Shirt, a 3-Day Festival Pass, and a $25 gift certificate provided by Telluride Music Company

To enter the Blues Challenge, click here. For more information on prizes, scoring, and event logistics, please click here.

Steve Gumble2016