Suncoast Blues 2024 IBC Regional Challenge Review

Sunday September 15th brought a full house out to Bayboro Brewery in St Petersburg for the Suncoast Blues Society International Blues Challenge Regional Competition.

Artists competed in both the solo/duo and band categories. The four hours of music, fun, and friendship left your society with two worthy champions to represent us in Memphis!

In the solo/duo category, Mike Davis kicked off the show and put in a stellar performance. Mike built an early lead in the judges’ scoring and this proved to be insurmountable, even though Harold Davis, Swamp Blues, and Phil Coale performed entertaining and crowd-pleasing sets. Congratulations to Mike, and we look forward to Mike’s forthcoming January appearance at the IBC Challenge in Memphis.

The band competition resulted in one of the closet scoring outcomes in memory. So close that a ballot recount was necessary. On their way to Memphis representing our region is Stoney Brooks Band. This quartet left the stage to a standing ovation. Musicians Stoney Brooks (vocals and harmonica), Skyler Saufley (an amazing young guitarist that bears watching), Pete Maier (drums), and Josh Minucci (groovin’ on upright bass) are well prepared to present their brand of blues to the audience in Memphis.

Also competing in the band category were Nightbumpers, and Black Snake Bayou.

Congratulations to all artists who performed on this Sunday in St Petersburg. New friendships formed, a gig opportunity or two developed, and the best part is that each artist had fun.

And so did the audience.

Thanks to all who came out and supported the artists, Bayboro Brewery, and Suncoast Blues Society.