2009 Blues Challenge

23nd Annual PBPS Blues Challenge
The Charlley Ward Band, from Greensboro, NC, won the 24th Annual PBPS Blues Challenge (band competition), held at Zion Bar & Grille in Greensboro on Sunday, October 18.

Jake Haldenwang & Hwy 61, from Tega Cay, SC, fronted by 14 year-old lead guitarist/vocalist Jake Haldenwang, finished in second place.

The third place spot was captured by the Greensboro-based quartet Lawyers, Guns & Money.

The Charlley Ward Band, as first place finishers in the annual Blues Challenge, will represent the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN on Jan. 20-23, 2010. The four-piece blues band will also perform at the 24th Annual Carolina Blues Festival, scheduled for Saturday, May 8, 2010 in downtown Greensboro.

This year's win marks the second time a Charlley Ward-fronted band won first place in the Blues Challenge. In 1992, Ward's group, The Bull City Blues Band, earned the top prize. After the decision was announced, an ebullient Ward spoke of how it felt for him and his band.

"I'm ecstatic," the Penn-Griffin School of the Arts drama teacher said. "It feels great. We're going to Memphis!"

Congratulations to Sleepy-Eyed Jay and Chicago Slim from Richmond, VA for winning the Solo/Duo portion of the PBPS 2009 Blues Challenge on September 20. They will represent the PBPS in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN on January 20-23, 2010 and will receive a paid booking at the 24th Annual Carolina Blues Festival, scheduled for May 8th, 2010 in downtown Greensboro. As winners, they also performed at the Asheboro Fall Festival on October 4th, 2009.

Taking second place in the Solo/Duo contest was Rick Tobey's Chickenhead Blues from Wilmington, NC, with Danny Wicker from Stony Point, NC coming in third.