Andy Irvine and Johnny O (The Jelly Roll Bakers) and Michaela Rae will be performing on Friday January 15th as part of an IBC fundraiser/sendoff at the Java Mic Night. Stop by and wish them luck and bring a few bucks to make this a little easier on them. Java Mic Night is 7-10pm at the Mountain Grind [970.726.0999] in Cooper Creek Square in Winter Park.
Grand County Blues Society sponsors 3 at International Blues Challenge
The 2010 International Blues Challenge will be the 26th year of Blues musicians from around the world competing for cash, prizes, and industry recognition. The Blues Foundation will present the 26th International Blues Challenge January 20-23, 2010 in Memphis, TN. The world's largest gathering of Blues acts represents an international search by The Blues Foundation and its Affiliated Organizations for the Blues Band and Solo/Duo Blues Act ready to take their act to the international stage. In 2009, 100 bands and 60 solo/duo acts entered, filling the clubs up and down Beale Street for the semi-finals on Thursday and Friday and the finals at the Orpheum Theater on Saturday. There will be at least that many in 2010. The 26th year of the International Blues Challenge will once again include a youth showcase for those under the age of 21. The 26th IBC will include an afternoon (Friday, January 22, 2010) of talented young people showcasing their talents for record labels, media, festivals, managers, talent buyers and the fans.
Representing the Grand County Blues Society will be...
Blues Band Category - Dan Treanor and the Afrosippi Blues Band 
Dan has been a conerstone of the GCBS Blues in the School program and an integral part of many of our Summer festivals. His appreciation of the deep blues roots; connecting America, Africa and Europe across hundreds of years, and of the blues continuing influnce on music and culture, in the U.S. and abroad, is at the core of his music, and his message as a teacher.
Solo/Duo Category - Jelly Roll Bakers 
The Jelly Roll Bakers are Johnny O' on acoustic guitar and vocals, and Andy Irvine on jumbo acoustic five-string bass guitar and upright string bass. John Ohnmacht was born in Aspen and has been entertaining Colorado fans for the past 20 years, formerly with Band Dujour, presently in his own band and with the Jelly Roll Bakers. Andy Irvine calls Grand County home, but travels the counrtry playing live and putting on clinics. Andy has also been very involved with the Grand County Blues Society. He has been an instructor for our Blues in the School band, sat in for Slick Ballinger's sick bass player and has had numerous Blues from the Top appearances with Diunna Greenleaf, the Jelly Roll Bakers and others.
Check out this video to see a little of what they do...
Youth Showcase - Michaela Rae 
Michaela Rae has been a friend of the GCBS for years. She has played at the Fraser Library, at Shining Stars Reunion shows, and has had multiple Blues from the Top appearances, including a jam with Bob Margolin. She has the skills, experience and style, even at 14, to turn some heads in Memphis