2016 Telluride Blues Challenge Finalists

Presented by Telluride Music, Telluride Blues Society and the Colorado Blues Society, the Telluride Blues Challenge showcases six musicians in a competition for the chance to advance their careers.

Every year, the Challenge grows in size and this year was no exception. More than 20 entries poured in from around the nation and selecting the finalists was not an easy task. The specialists at Telluride Music narrowed the list down to the top six. The following six finalists will compete at the Telluride Elks Lodge during the Blues for Breakfast event on Saturday, September 17th, 2017 from 9:00 am to Noon.

2016 Finalists

  • Chris Yakopcic from Dayton, OH

  • Steve Itterly from Boulder, CO

  • JC McKim from Lafayette, CO

  • Tony Rosacci from Littleton, CO

  • Nate Guyre from ABQ, NM

  • Lisa Lingo from Grand Junction, CO

The winner of the Telluride Blues Challenge wins a premium Martin guitar provided by Telluride Music Company, 20 Minute performance set on the Town Park Main Stage on Saturday, September 17th from 5:30 - 5:50 p.m., a full 60 minute set on the Blues Stage at the 2017 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival, and a $300 cash prize.

Admission

Admission is free!

Food and Drink

The Elks Lodge will prepare a traditional breakfast spread featuring the "world-famous" black bean sauté from Oak...The New Fat Alley and classics like scrambled eggs, pancakes, hash browns, toast, bacon and sausages. Coffee, juice and breakfast bar drinks will also be available. Breakfast is $12, Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and other breakfast bar drinks are extra.

Good luck to all the finalists and thank you to all the talented artists who entered the contest!

Steve Gumble2016