The Mississippi Delta Regional Blues Challenge marked its 21st year with back-to-back weekends of powerful performances, proving once again that the Delta remains the beating heart of the blues.
The Band Division kicked off on Oct. 19 at historic Club Ebony, where three groups filled the legendary stage with electric energy.
Willie Hubbard and the Finger Print Band of Macon opened the afternoon with a crowd-pleasing set that included their signature tune, “The Finger Print.” The band set the bar high with tight rhythm and deep Delta blues.
Next came Michael Dennis and the Big Time Rhythm and Blues Band of Greenville. A veteran of the challenge, Dennis and his group delivered a smooth, seasoned set that reflected years of experience performing across Mississippi. The Charlie Robbins Trio of Greenwood closed the competition with a retooled lineup and an improved sound. Robbins’ sharper guitar tone and relaxed, engaging delivery showed clear growth since last year’s event, where he took third place.
When the judges were finished scoring the bands, Willie Hubbard and the Finger Print Band claimed first place and will represent the Mississippi Delta Blues Society of Indianola at the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis. The Charlie Robbins Trio finished second, and Michael Dennis and Big Time took third.
A week later, on Oct. 26, attention shifted a few blocks away to The Blue Biscuit, where the Solo/Duo Division brought a more intimate, but equally electric, afternoon of music.
R.L. Superbad of Clarksdale opened the show with a unique performance, playing his guitar “lap-top” style while delivering spoken-word lyrics that blended humor and storytelling. Jay Kirgis of Leland followed with a traditional set of guitar and harmonica that drew on deep Delta roots.
The brother-sister duo Shara White and Eric Edwards of Cleveland brought a smooth, soulful edge to the stage, blending harmonies and phrasing that leaned toward soul blues. Keneisha Fairley of Lumberton closed the competition with a powerful, gospel-infused R&B performance that had the crowd cheering.
When the day was done, White and Edwards took first place, earning their spot at the IBC, and Fairley placed second.
One of the judges, Ricky Stevens of Coldwater, reflected on how far the competition has come since its early days. “Forty years ago, the International Blues Challenge was pretty much an amateur contest,” he said. “Now you’ve got label owners and festival bookers in the crowd looking for new artists. It’s serious business.”
The solo/duo event was dedicated to the memory of Pat Thomas, the late Delta bluesman who won the first local solo challenge and long supported the Mississippi Delta Blues Society.
Janet Webb, who serves on the society’s board, reminded attendees that the group’s mission extends well beyond the annual competition.
“Everything we do comes from the heart,” she said. “We help musicians when life hits hard, medical needs, house fires, whatever it is. And we give grants to small festivals that don’t have big sponsors.”
Webb also highlighted the First Thursday music series at the B.B. King Museum, a popular monthly event featuring live blues, free hors d’oeuvres, and a cash bar from 7 to 9 p.m. There was a show scheduled for Thursday featuring Michael Dennis and the Big Time Rhythm and Blues Band, and Blackwater Tread’s holiday performance is planned for December.
Webb finished by thanking Trish Berry and the Blue Biscuit staff for their hospitality and continued support of live Delta music.
Together, the two weekends showcased the wide range of blues in the region, from tight, road-tested bands to soulful soloists and duos, and reminded everyone that the Mississippi Delta is the home of America’s blues music.
