IBC Roars On old Beale Street! by Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms

(Memphis, Tennessee) Beale Street is choked with IBC patrons contestants and fans. Here's a series of photographs taken last night at the Thursday competition of the International Blues challenge.

my friend Joe Whitmer runs the event from the Handy Park Bar
Thanks for all the help, Joe!

The Bullfrrog Willard McGhee at Wet Wiilie's

2 BLU & the Lucky Stiffs at the Hard Rock Cafe

Peggy Ratusz and Daddy Long Leggs at Alfred's

(that's my friendly bartender Grace in the foreground)

Jimmy D. Rogers plays piano and sings at Silky's

International Blues promoter and longtime friend Harry Turner and author

Victor Wainwright hits the scene before taking off for Florida gigs
Wayne and Reba Russell in the background

Victor Wainwright and Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms

Josh Roberts, Reba Russell, and Victor Wainwright

Christopher A. Bryant at the Tap Room

JD Hobson at The Pig

from Pittsburg, PA, Bubs McKeg & Dr. Blue at King's Palace Cafe

Beale Street teems with blues fans

Wayne Russell, my dear friends from Eutin, Germany, Nick and Barbara, and the author

Guy Jr. and Scrappy Hughes at Mr. Handy's Blues Hall

famous Filmmaker and band mate, Willie Bearden, and the author
we both play in the Ernestine & Hazel's Band in Memphis

Eric "Scrappy" Hughes

Guy Jr. and Scrappy Hughes at Mr. Handy'sBlues Hall

two of the world's finest bassists, LeoGoff and Burr, the Evil One from Tinsley Ellis band
these guys are great friends and superb musicians

author and Brandon Santini of Delta Highway

Tater Red and author

B-Side Electric Blues Band

B-Side Electric Blues Band

Horse drawn carriages light up the night as we leave the apex of BLUES music competitions

Come back later for more coverage of the IBC!

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http://www.ameriblues.com/

© Robert "Nighthawk" Tooms, 2010

check out my website at http://RobertNighthawkTooms.com