DOTHAN, Ala. (WDNews) — The Wiregrass Blues Society is searching for a local blues band ready to take its music from the Wiregrass to the international stage.
Registration is underway for the 2nd Annual IBC Affiliate Battle of the Blues Bands, set for Saturday, Sept. 26, from 2 to 9 p.m. in the VIP area at The Plant in downtown Dothan.
The competition will determine which band represents the Wiregrass Blues Society at the 2027 International Blues Challenge on historic Beale Street in Memphis, Tennessee.
The Wiregrass is coming off a major showing at the 2026 International Blues Challenge. Last year’s local winner, Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers, advanced to Memphis and captured first place in the band category.
Derrick Dove was also named Best Guitarist, while the group was a finalist for Best Self-Produced CD.
Now, the Wiregrass Blues Society is looking for the next band to follow that path.
Bands competing Sept. 26 will have the opportunity to showcase their music and stage performance for a chance to represent the region in Memphis.
The entry fee is $150 per band, and competition spots are limited.
The winning band will advance as the Wiregrass Blues Society’s representative at the 2027 International Blues Challenge, giving local musicians an opportunity to perform before an international blues audience on Beale Street.
Bands interested in competing can register and review the official competition rules at www.WiregrassBluesSociety.org/ibc-challenge.
