Fredericton native and all-around rockin’ dude Ross Neilsen is currently in the running to represent the Harvest Jazz & Blues Festival at next year’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with Ross on a couple of occasions in the past and let me tell you, he is the real deal, friends.
Next year’s International Blues Challenge will be the 28th year of Blues musicians from around the world competing for cash, prizes, and industry recognition. The Blues Foundation will present the IBC January 31-February 4, 2012 in Memphis, TN. The world’s largest gathering of Blues acts represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its Affiliated Organizations for the Blues Band and Solo/Duo Blues Act ready to take their act to the international stage. The Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival has sent New Brunswick blues acts for the past four years, and in 2010 joined the ranks of one of the select few “blues societies” that has won the contest, with New Brunswick bluesman Matt Andersen taking top honours in the solo/duo category.
Voting for Ross (or any of the other contestants, for that matter) couldn’t be easier. Simply visit the site and cast your vote accordingly. No email collection or lengthy sign-up is required. Voting closes this coming Friday at Noon AST.