Winner of the International Blues Challenge

_In order to keep the Blues alive, new talent must be cultivated. The Blues Foundation started the International Blues Challenge (IBC) with this theory in mind. Blues organizations affiliated with the Foundation stage regional competitions around the world and send the top unsigned artists from their region to compete in the IBC finals in Memphis. The winner receives a cash prize, studio time, appearances at several major Blues events around the country and the title of "Best Unsigned Blues Band". The judges also present a guitarist with the Albert King Award for the most promising guitarist.

That's me singing out to the folks at W.C. Handy Hall on Beale Street, competing for the Big Kahuna. I believe I was singing G.O.D. dot.com at this time. Big hit in that bible belt.

Howard Stovall, Executive Director of The Blues Foundation presenting me with the award. Ummm, does his last name ring any bells? Remember the Stovall Plantation, where Muddy Waters came from?

W.C. Handy's on Beale St, where the Acoustic Division Finals were held. I never did get to meet the owner of this joint. From what I hear, he used to lead an orchestra and composed some song called the Memphis Blues.

"I had the pleasure to see Little Toby twice during the weekend and all I can say is twice is not enough. Excellent performer, talented picker, top-notch songwriter."

"He impressed not only me but other staff of the IBC with his professionalism during the competition and his performance at the KBA luncheon. One comment I heard that summed it up, "Somebody raised that boy right."
..Ricky Stevens - The Blues Foundation