The Connecticut Blues Society

CTBS Challenge

Rules

CTBS Challenge Dates-2026

April 12th, 19th, and April 26th

Finals on May 3rd

1PM

Solo/Duo Spring 2026 TBD

Best Produced CD TBD October 2026

RULES FOR CTBS Challenge

There is no entry fee. Eligibility requirements are – One Band Member must reside in CT and that member (or another band member) must belong to the CT Blues Society (membership needs to be completed or renewed when registering HERE). Also, in accordance with The Blues Foundation rules, Blues Music Award nominees are ineligible to compete. Acts will be judged by writers, DJ’s, musicians and fans active in the Blues community. Scores will be based on Blues Content, Instrumental Talent, Vocal Talent, Originality, and Stage Presence.

The CTBS follows the IBC rules, which can be viewed HERE

Here is a sample of the weighted scoring system the CTBS uses. It is the same as the IBCs to keep consistency.

Blues Content is X 4

Originality is X 3

Vocals are X 2

Instrument Talent is X 2

Stage Presence is X2

The total highest score is 130. Each judge rates the act based on this criteria, then all the scores are digitally added and divided by the number of judges to get the average. The act with the highest added score advances to the finals. A "Wildcard" is also chosen from the next highest score of all the acts to compete in the finals.

Best Self-Produced CD

Below are the IBC rules for the winner submissions

Best Self-Produced Official Rules:

Entries for the Best Self-Produced CD are permitted by Blues Foundation Affiliated Organizations only.
Each Affiliate is permitted one entry.
The CD entered may be recorded and performed by an act other than is entered in the current year’s International Blues Challenge.
Compilations are not eligible.
Only CDs released between November 1, 2023 and October 31, 2024 are eligible for consideration as the 2025 Best Self-Produced CD.
While we encourage a competition at the Affiliate level to determine the CD it will sponsor for Best Self-Produced CD, we do not require one. If an Affiliate does not conduct a competition to determine who it will sponsor but instead appoints a CD, that CD may not include a board member or officer of the sponsoring Affiliated organization.
A performer who has previously been nominated for a Blues Music Award (formerly the W.C. Handy Blues Award) shall not be eligible for this competition. A CD issued in the name of an otherwise eligible performer which also includes the contributions of a Blues Music Award nominee may be ineligible, depending on the extent of the contribution. Please contact The Blues Foundation directly to confirm eligibility.
A CD on a record label that has been previously nominated for a Blues Music Award (formerly the W.C. Handy Blues Award) shall not be eligible for this competition.
Judging will take place in three rounds. Judges will remain anonymous in order to protect them from outside influences and represent a cross-section of professionals from the blues radio and print industry. The final results will be announced at the finals of the International Blues Challenge, held at the historic Orpheum Theatre in Memphis, TN.

How to Submit:

TBD-Info provided as soon as dates announced

Evaluation Criteria:

Judges will evaluate each submitted CD on the following characteristics. The criteria considered are listed in order of importance.

(1) Blues Content
(2) Musical Performance
(3) Audio Quality and Production Value of the Recording
(4) Professionalism and Visual Appearance of Cover Art and Design
(5) Credits and Liner Note Information.

The Connecticut Blues Society is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Hartford CT

Live blues music and blues shows in Connecticut and surrounding areas including (but not limited to): Ansonia, Berlin, Bridgeport, Bristol, Canton, Cheshire, Coventry, Danbury, Derby, Fairfield, Granby, Groton, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Old Lyme, Putnum, Shelton, Simsbury, South Norwalk, Southington, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, West Haven, and Winsted.