2022 Telluride Blues Challenge Finalists Announced
Over the past few years, the Telluride Blues Challenge has risen to become one of the most distinguished music competitions in the Southwest! Musicians from all over the country submit their best songs for the chance to make the top six and earn an invite to the Blues Challenge Finals held at the Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. Presented by Telluride Music and Telluride Blues Society, the Telluride Blues Challenge gives up-and-coming artists the chance to advance their careers, win a 20 minute set on the festival Main Stage, a spot on the 2023 Durango Blues Train, a premium Martin guitar and a cash prize.
Every year, the Challenge entries impress, with an abundance of high-quality, stunning submissions. This year, 46 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 17 from 9:00 am to Noon.
2022 Blues Challenge Finalists
Joe Waters
Johnny Johnston
Jhett Black
Charlie Rae
Anthony Arya
Eric Ramsey
How to Watch
The Telluride Blues Challenge Finals will be held Saturday morning 9am - Noon, September 17 at the Telluride Elks Lodge (472 W Pacific Ave). The contest happens as part of Blues for Breakfast, complete with a breakfast spread and full bar including breakfast cocktails during the event. Breakfast menu will feature classics like pancakes, scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon, sausages, biscuits and gravy. Coffee, orange juice and breakfast bar drinks will also be available.
Admission is free! Breakfast for adults will be $15 and Kids 10 & under are $5, Bloody Mary’s, Mimosas, and other breakfast bar drinks are extra.
This event is a great way to see up-and-comers in the blues genre while starting your Saturday morning off before the music starts in the festival grounds. Watch as competitors perform 20 minute sets that will be judged on the quality of their overall live performance, instrument use, vocals, and presentation.
Prizes
Winner
A premium Martin guitar provided by Telluride Music Company
20 Minute set to perform on the Main Stage at the 2022 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
A full 60 minute set to perform on the Blues Stage at the 2023 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
2 nights to perform on the 2023 Durango Blues Train
$300 cash prize
Runner Up
$200 cash prize
A performance set for the 2022 Sunday Blues for Breakfast event
Don’t miss what is sure to be an epic 2022 Telluride Blues Challenge!