Shaunavon resident Whitey Somers opens the International Blues Challenge on Beale Street
Saskatchewan heads south!
Memphis, Oh Memphis! 2026 has started out to be a pretty good year so far. After winning my spot at Buds on Broadway in Saskatoon at the Road To Memphis Challenge last September, arrangements were made, and funds were raised. It was off to the home of the Blues to meet with the best in the world. I'm still trying to take it all in. Well, while I did not make it to the finals of the 41st International Blues Challenge, I would like to take a moment to say this: I have already become a winner just by being there! What a great opportunity to be there and share my songs. I am humbled and honoured to have been part of this event. I have had a fantastic response to my music and have made some new fans.
The thing about going to the International Blues Challenge is that it is so much more than the competition itself. The vibe, the music, the delicious food all move to the beat of the Blues. Music is everywhere! Neon is everywhere! It’s the camaraderie, the new friends and faces from all over the world, seeing old friends, the wonderful people of the City of Memphis and their friendly southern hospitality. From the speed dating with industry representatives and making good connections to the amount of knowledge to be gained are the true gold. Lots of fancy jackets and sharp dressed folk, ‘round here you dress for success. Jams all over the place, I jammed with some stellar and well known players (I didn’t get a picture of that, ‘cause I was on stage). The musicianship was incredible, from the welcoming host bands to the veterans and competitors. All were on their game. The spectacular museums with so much music history to be learned, more time is needed. I saw the King, found Gus’s fried chicken and The Kooky Canuck, took a masterclass with Kevin Burt, learned some new things about copyright and patents with Kamel King. This was one of the many highlights of my journey.
It was a privilege for Whitey Somers Music, representing the Saskatoon Blues Society, Saskatchewan and Canada to open the International Blues Challenge on Beale Street in the City of Memphis. And an honour to meet with the "Honorary Consulate for Canada in Nashville" Lori Odom pictured here with The Blues Foundation President Kimberly Horton, Production Manager Joe Whitmer and myself. There is much more networking and connecting still to be done. WOW! Thank you to The Blues Foundation for hosting such an amazing event. And thanks to Creative Saskatchewan and Saskatoon Blues Society for all the support and opportunity to attend.
In other exciting news, Whitey Somers Music song "GONE" from my Call Of The Blues album, featuring guest slide guitar work by legendary blues man David Essig, will be included in the upcoming springtime Big screen release "The Killer Balloon: 'Til Death Do Us Part" by Dead Prairies Productions, written and directed by Devon Oman. With all the proceeds going to the Swift Current SPCA. That's pretty cool!
I am currently booking festivals and other shows for the upcoming season, if anyone is interested in contacting me re availability, please contact me here:
whiteysomers@gmail.com, 250 813-0868 or through my website at https://whiteysomersmusic.com/
Photo Credits:
Whitey Somers Live at the Rum Boogie Cafe; © Johnny Crawley
All the rest © Whitey Somers
