After winning the KCBS’ challenge in September and doing many fundraising events and performances, Mark Montgomery (Solo category) and Coyote Bill and the Brood (Band category) made it to Beale Street, where they both really shone. A group of faithful supporters and just fun-loving blues fans also traveled to that mecca of music, Beale Street. There were over 150 bands and solo/duo musicians in the challenge from all over the world. We saw bands from Canada, which has the most blues societies registered with the Blues Foundation, Australia, South Korea, Finland, Norway, and the United Kingdom. There were probably more, but it’s difficult to see every performance.
Congratulations to Mark Montgomery for making it to the finals. That was the first time that a Kansas City performer made it that far since Brody Buster did it in 2017 (also in the Solo/Duo category). Wow! We are so proud of him for representing the Kansas City Blues Society and Kansas City musicians in such a spectacular fashion.
Coyote Bill and the Brood was no slouch. They gave some of their best performances at the Hard Rock Café and gained many new fans. Lots of positive comments were stated from the cheering crowd. Oh, and those blue pants were electric!
The KCBS sends out many thanks and sincere gratitude to everyone who came out over these months and supported our solo and band acts, donated money to help with their travel expenses, and who just support our vibrant local music scene.
Stay tuned for upcoming information on the “Road to Memphis” 2023/2024.