Harvest Media Center
Harvest Sends Fredericton Bluesman to Memphis Competition
January 15, 2009
Young Fredericton guitarist Keith Hallett will get the chance to test himself against the world's best up and coming blues artists next month when he competes in the 2009 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, thanks to support from the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
The Festival is sponsoring Hallett and his trio band mates in the February event which draws music industry heavyweights and festival bookers from around the world. To compete in the event, artists need to be presented by a local blues society. The Fredericton Festival will also pay for the band's travel expenses.
Hallett, who was recently nominated for an East Coast Music Award for his debut album, will hold a fundraiser Wednesday, January 21st from 8:00 to 11:30pm at Dolan's Pub to support his Tennessee trip. There is a five dollar donation at the door.
"Harvest is proud to support another local artist in their pursuit of larger markets and new audiences" said Harvest Music Director, Brent Staeben. "The International Blues Challenge will be a wonderful opportunity for Keith to see the best up and coming acts in the blues world, meet agents and record company folks from around the world and have a chance to impress," says Brent Staeben, music director of the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
Hallett says it's a great opportunity that will advance his career.
"We're excited. For blues musicians, Memphis is a place you want to be. And the Blues Challenge is big. We're going out to make a mark, hopefully pick up some future bookings, but also watch and learn the business," says Hallett.
Staeben agrees that the event can help develop Hallett as an artist.
"This is the event in the blues world for a new artist to show his chops. But it's also a chance to learn and develop. Keith is an incredible developing talent and we think this will be an important step in his career," says Staeben who will attend the event to scout for new talent for the 2009 edition of the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival.
"We've discovered some amazing artists in Memphis at the Blues Challenge. That's where we first saw Homemade Jamz and became the first major festival in North America to book them. Every year we find new performers who impress. After 18 years of great festivals, Harvest audiences are some of the most knowledgeable in the industry so, we're looking for the very best," add Staeben.
The 2009 International Blues Challenge is the 25th year blues musicians from around the world will compete for cash, prizes, and industry recognition. The Blues Foundation will present the 25th International Blues Challenge February 4-7, 2009 in Memphis, TN. The world's largest gathering of Blues acts represents an international search for the best by The Blues Foundation and its affiliated organizations. In 2008, 100 bands and 60 solo/duo acts entered, filling the clubs up and down Beale Street. Organizers expect at least that many competitors in 2009.
This is the second year that Harvest has supported an Atlantic act. Last year, Harvest sponsored Juno-award winner and Atlantic Canadian guitar wizard Garrett Mason, who had an exceptional showcase at the event.
