by B.J. Huchtemann

This is the first year that the Blues Society of Omaha has sponsored a band to participate in the national Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge (IBC). The 28th annual event is Jan 31-Feb. 4 in Memphis, alongside the Blues Foundation’s Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Awards. The BSO held a competition in the spring of 2011 to determine the band going to Memphis. The Lil’ Slim Blues Band will represent the BSO in the IBC competition, which offers great national exposure for competing bands.
The BSO hosts a send-off party for the band at McKenna’s, 7425 Pacific, Wednesday, Jan. 25, 5-9 p.m. The Lil’ Slim Blues Band plays at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5. See omahablues.com for details. See blues.org for more info on the IBC and the KBA awards.

The Lil’ Slim Blues Band also performs at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar on Friday, Jan. 27, 9 p.m. They also play the Central Iowa Blues Society’s Winter Blues Fest in Des Moines Saturday, Jan. 28, along with other regional IBC finalists and Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials. The CIBS event features 10 bands on 6 stages. See cibs.org.

Blues Music Awards
The Blues Foundation’s 33rd Annual Blues Music Awards will be given out in Memphis in May. The nominees include many artists who are favorites among local blues fans and who have played local venues. The awards are voted by Blues Foundation members. All you need to do to vote is join the Blues Foundation at blues.org and complete your ballot before March 1.

Movin’ & Groovin’
The Omaha Jitterbugs Winter Weekend is Jan 20 -22. Activities include classes in Lindy Hop and St. Louis Shag by St. Louis dancers Christian Frommelt and Jenny Shirar. No experience or partner is required. The weekend pass is $59. See jitterbugs.org.

Hot Notes
Austin’s Jon Dee Graham returns to the Sunday Roadhouse Sunday, Feb. 12, 5 p.m. at the Side Door Lounge. See sundayroadhouse.com.
See 8 Days for more on Popa Chubby who plugs in at The Holland Performing Arts Center’s 1200 Club Saturday, Jan. 21, 8 p.m.
New Orleans harmonica player Rockin’ Jake heats up Gator O’Malley’s on Thursday, Jan. 19, 9 p.m.
Texas guitarist Hamilton Loomis is at The 21st Saloon Thursday, Jan. 19, 5:30 p.m. Blues Music Award winner Mike Zito takes the stage at Lincoln’s Zoo Bar Wednesday, Jan. 25, 6-9 p.m. Zito plays The 21st Saloon Thursday, Jan. 27, 5:30 p.m.

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