By Tony Davenport
The Kelli Baker Band is heading to Memphis to represent Long Island in the International Blues Challenge, rising to the top of a spirited local competition held recently at Katie’s of Smithtown.
The Huntington-based quartet energized the room and collected top scores from a panel of four judges. The band, led by the charismatic Kelli Baker, performed a mix of original music and interpretations of classic blues tunes.
“We are thrilled to have been a part of the competition,” said Baker. “We were absolutely blown away by the overwhelming talent Long Island has.
“It’s a true honor to represent the Long Island Blues Society in Memphis.”
The Memphis event features four days of blues at more than 20 clubs up and down Beale Street, where legends such as W.C. Handy, B.B. King, Memphis Minnie, Rufus Thomas and others pioneered what is known as Memphis Blues. It runs from Jan. 24-28.
According to the Blues Foundation, the IBC represents the worldwide search for bands and solo/duo performers ready to make the leap onto the international stage. Winners are offered spots at Blues festivals and are seen by record company representatives on hand during the week.
“The challenge at Katie’s was heated and all of the bands showed that the blues is alive and well on Long Island,” said “Harmonica” Bill Lifford, president of the LI Blues Society. “All of the bands were impressive, and we are proud to be sending Kelli and her band to Memphis to represent Long Island.”
The other bands competing this year, all with members from across the island, were the Hitman Blues Band, which recently finished a tour of Great Britain; the Bubba Jam Blues Band; Emanuel Casablanca Band; newcomers Next Step; and Big Bad Wolf.
Tal Naccarato from Queens was the winner of the Solo/Duo competition and will also be headed to Memphis. He edged West Islip-duo Halfway There in the Solo/Duo Category.
The Long Island Blues Society is a registered not-for-profit organization that, aside from running the yearly challenge, presents blues shows and joins with members to promote open mics across the area.
The entire land mass that is Long Island – Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk – is represented by the Long Island Blues Society. The LIBS is affiliated with the Blues Foundation based in Memphis.
“We are committed to the furthering of blues music and culture as a living art form,” Lifford said. “We support bands playing live blues and work toward preserving blues as a unique American musical tradition.”
For more information on the Blues Society, visit www.LIBSNY.org or email [email protected].
Tony Davenport is the Secretary of the Long Island Blues Society. He can be emailed at [email protected]
