The Genetti Hotel ballroom will finally, once again, be filled with musicians and music fans for the annual Audition Concert “challenge” in band and solo categories. This anxiously awaited event will begin promptly at 1:00 p.m. and is expected to conclude at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday March 12th. Five bands and 3 solo/duo acts are scheduled to perform. All selected participants are the result of a standardized submission process from Pennsylvania based musicians.
At the conclusion there will be two winners: one in the band category and one in the solo/duo category. These winners are guaranteed a performance during the 32nd Annual Billtown Blues Festival set for June 10, 11 and 12. Also additional performance opportunities in conjunction with The Exchange in Bloomsburg PA. Each winner also becomes eligible to represent the Billtown Blues Association, BBA, in the prestigious International Blues Challenge, IBC, in Memphis TN in January 2023.
BBA members whose member status is up to date prior to January 1, are accepted as judges and will receive ballots upon arrival. It is required that all members interested in receiving a ballot sign in at the admission table not later than 12:30p. Judges are required to be present for the entirety of all performances for which they receive a ballot. Judges may elect to judge just solo/duo or just bands or both. All performances are judged on a) blues music content, b) vocal talent, c) instrumental talent, d) originality, and e) stage presence or ability to engage the audience. Musicians are performing “against the ballot”, not each other. Once all ballots are tallied, the two winners are expected to be announced at approximately 7pm.
Performing at the 2022 Audition Concert are: Chris LaRose and The Highway Hex Blues Band, Jeff Fetterman (solo/duo), Neil Tapp ( Solo/duo), Becky Blue Band, Chris Purcell (solo/duo), The BC Combo, Copper Bets, and Mike Guildin and “Rollin and Tumblin”.
Due to the extended length of this event, arrangements are underway for efficient food service throughout the event. Doors will open at noon. Judges must arrive at 12:30 and receive their ballot(s) prior to the first act set for 1pm.
The Billtown Blues Association has produced the Audition Concert since 1993 with the first winners, The Artie Renkel Trio, with Artie Renkel, Nate Myers, Tom Rosencrans and Greg Burgess.
Tickets for the 2022 Audition Concert are $10 for current members and $15 for the general public. It is advised for all BBA members to display their membership card for expedited entry. All Billtown Blues Audition and Festival information is available at http://www.billtownblues.org
Music Only and Camping packages for the 32nd Annual Billtown Blues Festival are available now at http://www.billtownblues.org/tickets. New for 2022, our Festival host hotel is the Best Western Plus, Lewisburg, PA with special festival rates available. http://www.billtownblues.org/billtown-blues-lodging.
