Blues Society of Tulsa Established 2002

For more than 25 years, The Blues Foundation has celebrated and recognized established blues artists through the Blues Music Awards (formerly the W.C. Handy Blues Awards). For over 20 years, The Blues Foundation has encouraged the future blues performers through the International Blues Challenge.

In 2005, for the first time ever, The Blues Foundation added another component to celebrate up and coming artists by bestowing an award for the "Best Self-Produced CD" of the year. It will do so again in 2008. Where the IBC, through its panel of distinguished judges, has been the measure of excellence for a band's live performance, the Best Self Produced CD award honors artists that have achieved excellence in the studio. Acts can be bands, solo acts, duo acts, trios, full choirs or any other combination. The purpose of this award is to assist Blues musicians in the pursuit of their professional goals.

This award complements the International Blues Challenge-the live music component of IBC Weekend. The Foundation believes this award further emphasizes the critical role of affiliated societies in the Blues world and provides another featured award for IBC weekend.

* Entries for the Best Self-Produced CD are permitted by affiliated blues societies only.
* Each affiliate is permitted one entry only.
* The CD entered does not have to be performed by the band entered in the 2008 International Blues Challenge.
* The eligibility period is the same as for the Blues Music Awards-the CD must have been released during November 1, 2006 - October 31, 2007 time frame.
* If an affiliate does not conduct a competition to determine who it will sponsor but instead appoints a CD, that CD may not include a board member or officer.
* Judging will be in three stages. There will be two rounds of judging by radio/print people leading to the final judging.

The finalists will be announced prior to IBC weekend. Music professionals will judge the finalists and the winner will be announced at the IBC finals.

Judges will evaluate:
(1) Musical Performance
(2) Audio Quality of the Presentation
(3) Cover Art and Design
(4) Credits and Liner Information.

A performer who has previously been nominated for a Blues Music Award ( formally the W.C. Handy Blues Award) shall not be eligible for this competition. A CD on a record label that has been previously nominated for a Blues Music Award ( Formally the W.C. Handy Blues Award) shall not be eligible for this competition.

Compilations are not eligible.

Singer, band, society or local producer may produce the actual CD as long as the performer is a singer, band or other individual entity.

Recordings with established or "known" producers within the industry are eligible as long as the recording is on the artist's independent label and not on an established national blues label.

If a recording was produced independently but an established blues label has purchased the master for distribution, the recording is still eligible until such time as the established blues label releases the recording.

The affiliates are responsible for ensuring that their submission complies with these rules. If you have any doubts or questions, contact the Foundation office.