If you like delta/New Orleans storytelling blues you have no choice but to love Stevie DuPree. Stevie was the Houston Blues Societies duo/solo entry at the International Blues Challenge this past week. Better known to his Houston fans as Stevie DuPree and The Delta Flyers, did good on Beale Street but lost to a very “bigger than life” blues man from Canada. Andersen is well known on the east coast and much of Canada. In the end, as was said often during the IBC event, all the musicians there were winners.
Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar was packed on a warm sunny fall Sunday afternoon in the old Heights area of Houston – the reason, the Houston finals of the International Blues Challenge, sponsored by the Houston Blues Society (HBS). The competition, which started two Sunday’s ago, involved the four finalists in each of the solo/duo and band categories.
SOLO DUO COMPETITION
DuPREE
BYRON HUDSON
RORY JAGDEO
WILD BILL NELSON
BAND COMPETITION
BOURBON STREET
BLUES MAFIA
CLAY MELTON BAND
SONNY BOY TERRY
It has been several years since we last attended the annual finals competition, this time encouraged by one of our Houston Blues favorites and friend, Sonny Boy Terry being a finalist. Not able to make it to Dan Electro’s in time to see but one of the solo/duo finalists, we eagerly waited to hear the band appearance order — learning that Terry was last, we were encouraged. Talent is important, but when musicians are performing at this level, the psychological edge of being last can make the difference. Having the edge or not, Sonny Boy Terry and his band were selected to be one of over 160 acts at the 26th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, January 20th – 23rd. DuPree was the winner in the solo/duo category. Congratulations to the winners!
Those attending the competition had an opportunity to experience some excellent musicians who perform regularly at venues throughout Houston and the gulf coast region. Everyone is encouraged to support live music, and the Blues, by attending local venues, such as Dan Electro’s Guitar Bar, and by joining the Houston Blues Society.
Stevie was the Houston Blues Societies duo/solo entry at the International Blues Challenge this past week. Better known to his Houston fans as Stevie DuPree and The Delta Flyers, did good on Beale Street but lost to a very “bigger than life” blues man from Canada. Andersen is well known on the east coast and much of Canada. In the end, as was said often during the IBC event, all the musicians there were winners.
