Blues Kravin’, a six-piece band from Marion, NC, won the top prize in the 15th Annual Piedmont Blues Preservation Society’s Amateur Blues Talent Competition at the Showplace in High Point on Sunday, August 5th.

Second place was awarded to soloist Mark Holder of Chattanooga, TN. Seventeen-year-old Daniel Ballinger of Holly Springs, NC finished in third place. Both solo artists were making their debut appearance at the competition.

Blues Kravin’ will represent the PBPS at the International Blues Talent Competition in Memphis in February 2002. They will also appear at the City Stage Block Party this October in downtown Greensboro.

Additionally, Blues Kravin’ will receive paid bookings at the 16th Annual Carolina “Lite” Blues Festival, scheduled for May 18, 2002 at Tanglewood Park, Clemmons, and the 15th Annual Bull Durham Blues Festival in Durham, NC, in September of 2002.

Blues Kravin’ is comprised of Jeff Ayers, saxophone and lead vocal, Jess McConnell, lead vocal, Daniel Kelly and Rob Fender on guitars, Steve Sheppard on bass and Jason Gardener on drums.

After the competition concluded, it was learned that drummer Jason Gardner had to be rushed to High Point Regional Hospital early Sunday morning, after Blues Kravin’ had completed their qualifying round on Saturday evening. Gardner, 27, has a heart condition. Medics at High Point Regional had to shock his heart to re-establish a regular heart rhythm. He was cleared to participate in the final round on Sunday evening.

Sunday’s six finalists included an unprecedented four solo artists: Mark Holder, Daniel Ballinger, David Petty of Rural Hall, NC, and Tim Morgan of Newport News, VA. Big Rick and the Bombers from Raleigh, NC, was the other band.

Holder, the second-place finisher, accompanied himself on bottleneck acoustic guitar and harmonica. It was his first appearance at the Talent Competition.

At 17, Daniel Ballinger became the youngest person to place in the competition since guitarist Tad Walters finished second in 1993.

Both Holder and Ballinger received cash and merchandise for their respective second and third place finishing.

The 15th Annual Amateur Blues Talent Competition was held in conjunction with the NC Furnishings Festival at the Showplace in High Point.

The Amateur Blues Talent Competition is an exclusive production of the Piedmont Blues Preservation Society, in association with the Blues Foundation of Memphis, TN. The PBPS is a non-profit all-volunteer organization dedicated to keeping the blues alive. For membership information, call (336) 275-4944, or visit www.piedmontblues.org.