2024 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 Company 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 2025 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, 36 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 14 from 9:00 am to Noon.
2024 Telluride Blues Challenge Finalists
Columbia Jones - Columbia Jones delivered a submission with darker, droning electric sounds, demonstrating a new style and artistic direction for this year's Blues Challenge.
Fatih Kesimal - Fatih Kesimal brings polished guitar chops and dry, JJ Cale-esque vocals all the way from Istanbul, Turkey, where he and his band are known for hot and sweaty late-night blues jams.
Jackson Magyar - Jackson Magyar blends blues, folk, roots, and classic Americana into his own original style with literary Dylan-esque lyrics, strong harmonica, and smooth fingerpicking.
Rude Boy Jaramillo - With politically-charged original lyrics backed up by clean guitar playing, Rude Boy Jaramillo provides a fresh, modern take on the blues.
Shelby Kemp - Shelby Kemp's bluesy resonator slide and vocal talent combined for a strong submission that pays homage to the blues tradition while adding his own original twist.
Tom Andes - Singing about "shorts and socks" and a Mean Old Man who wants your dog out of his yard, Tom Andes finds a highly-original interpretation of the blues well-suited for the 2024 smartphone era.
How to Watch
The Telluride Blues Challenge Finals will be held on Saturday, September 14 from 9 am - Noon, at the Telluride Elks Lodge (472 W Pacific Ave). The contest happens as part of Blues for Breakfast, a special event 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 performance on the Main Stage at the 2024 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
60 minute performance on the Blues Stage at the 2025 Telluride Blues & Brews Festival
3 nights to perform on the 2025 Durango Blues Train
$300 cash prize
Runner Up
$200 cash prize
A performance at Blues for Breakfast at 9 am on Sunday, September 15, 2024 at the Telluride Elks Lodge