J. HENDERSON: INTERNATIONAL BLUES CHALLENGE >>>

The Red Hot Blues Sisters, representing the South Sound Blues Association from Tacoma, recently turned up the heat with blistering performances at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.  Suze Simms (vocals), Teri Ann Wilson (guitar), Patrick McDanel (bass), and John Oliver (drums) turned heads Jan. 31 and Feb. 1 inside the New Daisy Theatre during the competition’s semifinal rounds from fans and music industry professionals with their soul-infused, energetic interpretation of the blues. 

Although the band was not chosen to move on to the finals, they were one of only eight bands invited to showcase their music at the “King of the Blues” event held after the IBC. 

They were also featured at the big after hours jam at the “Rum Boogie Café,” where they played with Bob Margolin and Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, two of the last surviving members of blues legend Muddy Waters’ band. 

Gary Grape, president of the South Sound Blues Association, expressed his pride in the professionalism the Red Hot Blues Sisters displayed, as they introduced the best of Pacific Northwest blues to the blues community at the national level. 

LINK: South Sound Blues Association

LINK: Red Hot Blues Sisters