Blues bands compete in Marietta

The Blues, Jazz and Folk Music Society Inc. is holding its 10th annual River City Ohio Blues Competition Saturday, Feb. 16. There will be performances from 18 competing bands from Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Michigan.

The winning band will receive $500 and will be sponsored by the Society to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn. early next year. Second and 3rd place winners will win $200 and $100 respectively.

 The Memphis competition attracts 150 bands from around the world and is attended by record companies and industry professionals in search of new talent. The Blues Foundation, a national organization of which the Society is a member group, hosts.

“BJFM is dedicated to promoting alternative types of music,” John Bolen, president of the organization, said.“Blues is the backbone of popular American music.  There is a wealth of music and talent that we want to expose people to.”

Founded in 1987, the Society is a non-profit, all volunteer organization with member from around southeastern Ohio and West Virginia. The Society sponsors five or six events yearly, including the 3-day Blues Festival in March.

Members expect more than 1,000 people to attend the daylong event, which happens at the Hotel Lafayette, 101 Front Street, Marietta, Ohio. The music begins at noon and the last band takes the stage at 10 p.m.  Tickets are $15 and can be bought at the door.  For tickets or information in the daytime call (740) 373-6640, in the evening call (740) 376-0222.

— Allison Cayse