How the IBC Quarter Finals Work...

The schedule for the 27th International Blues Challenge has been set. While we won't release the schedule with the times and venues until Wednesday, February 2, we can provide the following information. Solo/Duo: The number of acts in any solo/duo venue is either ten or eleven. There are eight venues during the quarterfinals. Four acts will advance from each venue so the semifinals will see 32 acts in four venues. Two acts from each venue will advance to the finals which puts eight acts in the finals on Saturday evening at the Orpheum Theatre.  Band: The number of acts in any band venue is nine or ten. There are eleven venues during the quarterfinals. Four acts will advance from each venue so 44 will advance to the semifinals. They will compete in 8 clubs. One band from each of the eight venues will advance to the finals Saturday. The quarter finals begin between 4:00pm and 5:45pm, depending on the venue. The semifinals follow after the Smokin' Bluz Youth Showcase which begins at 4:00pm so semifinals will either begin at 5:20pm or 6:00pm.