TWO Central Victorian musicians will test their mettle against musicians from across the world in the home of blues next year.
The Castlemaine based Amos Sheehan and part-time Bendigonian Carl Pannuzzo will travel to the Memphis woith band Checkerboard Lounge for the International Blues Challenge in early 2020.
Mr Pannuzzo said the challenge was not just a competition, but an arts market that could bring the band further touring opportunities.
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It follows the band's success at the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society Blues Challenge.
Mr Pannuzzo said the challenge tested originality, stage presentation, musicianship, crowd response, and of course: blues content.
He said Checkerboard Lounge was highly improvisational, travelling in and out of every blues influenced root music style from jazz to psychedelic rock.
"They're looking to see how naturally the blues idiom, which is historically quite old, and not a White Australian idiom, how it can be developed, how it can continue to adapt," Mr Pannuzzo said.
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Elspeth Kernebone
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
Accident brought me to journalism, but every day convinces me again that strong media is more important than ever. After a starting off as the sole reporter in a tiny NSW town, I’m loving the teeming metropolis that is Bendigo. Focussed on health, business and education. Got a tip? Email elspeth.kernebone@bendigoadvertiser.com.au.
