Lower Case Blues competes at International Blues Challenge in Memphis
Rehoboth-based band Lower Case Blues competed at the International Blues Challenge Jan. 20-24 in Memphis, Tenn., demonstrating a musical prowess locals have long revered.
Formed in 2003, Lower Case Blues is composed of B.J. Muntz, bass, vocals; Jake Banaszak, guitar; Paul Weik, drums; and Jimmy Rugemer, harmonica. Their soulful, funky and passionate Americana blues style earned them a spot at the competition this year.
This year marks the 31st time the International Blues Challenge took place on the Memphis hub of Beale Street, boasting more than 250 acts from 39 states and 19 countries. The cash prize is currently a whopping $3,000, doubling from its original amount in the IBC’s inaugural year of 1984.
The IBC is thrown by The Blues Foundation, a world-renowned organization based in Memphis. Its website describes its mission as “preserving our blues music history, celebrating recording and performance excellence, supporting blues education and ensuring the future of this uniquely American art form.”
To get to Memphis, Lower Case started by competing at the Central Delaware Blues Society, based at Johnson’s Landing Clubhouse in Dover. There, the society hosts weekly blues jams as well as national acts for audiences. Last year, the society threw its first annual Roadhouse Blues Fest, an all-day event featuring food, music, and fun. Its proceeds were used to help fund Lower Case’s trip to Memphis.
Central Delaware Blues Society President Barry Pugh attended the IBC with Lower Case.
“They’re a fantastic band. They do a great job with contemporary-progressive blues. Definitely one of the top bands in Delaware right now,” Pugh said.
The band played 25-minute sets each night for the judges, sharing the stage with bands from around the world in various bars and clubs on Beale Street. Lower Case made it through the quarter-finals and competed in the semi-finals.
“For me, it’s humbling, because every band there is really good. They come from all over. It felt great to hold our own and turn some heads. We came out of it feeling confident, like we belonged,” Banaszak said of his experience at the IBC.
For more information about the band, including when and where to see them play, go to www.lowercaseblues.net.
