by Betty J. Berry, President, KCBS
The 2024 IBC is now in the history books and what a show! We rolled into Memphis and encountered snow-packed roads, ice-encrusted sidewalks, broken and busted water pipes in hotels, a ‘boil water advisory’ for the city, not enough bottled water, food shortages at some restaurants, and zero-degree temperatures. But we went for the music and that was RED HOT and SMOKING!
Sixty-five (65) solo/duo artists and seventy-two (72) bands entered the Challenge. They came from Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, France, Australia, Croatia, Switzerland, Norway and, of course, the good old USA. As always, it was truly an international affair.
Our Kansas City representatives Band winner, Big Luke & The Soul Disciples, and Solo/Duo winner, Drum & Dye (John Paul Drum and Bill Dye), showed up and showed out. Big Luke & the Soul Disciples performed at Club 152 on Beale Street, and Drum & Dye performed at The Pig on Beale Street. It was thrilling when they both advanced to the semifinals in the Challenge. What’s the chance that both your representatives make it that far? Also, the fact that this was Big Luke & The Soul Disciples first time at the IBC made it even sweeter. They both gave stellar performances, and I received so many compliments on both, once people found out I was from Kansas City. So many people told me they attended their performances specifically because of the word-of-mouth buzz.
The bad weather became so much more bearable when finalists were announced, and Drum & Dye reached that exalted place. Oh, happy day!
The finals are always a long show but, because of the anticipation, time passed by fast. And then, that sweet moment when John Paul Drum’s name was announced for Best Harmonica performance in the Solo/Duo category and Bill Dye’s name was announced for Best Guitar performance in the Solo/Duo category. I knew then they had won either first or second place because you must win in the overall category to win one of those awards. They were the second place winners in the Solo/Duo category. I think they were in shock, and I was just happy.
In winning the Harmonica award, John Paul received the highest score ever for an artist in this category. This was the 39th year for the IBCs, so let the mastery and depth of his talent sink in! He was also honored with a full set of 38 Lee Oskar harmonicas.
Bill Dye won the Cigar Box Award and received a cigar box guitar custom-built by Matt Isbell.
John Paul Drum and Bill Dye have been entertaining Kansas City for many years with their blues music, so it’s incredibly rewarding to see their hard work, talent, dedication, and skill result in these honors.