Billtown Blues Challenge ... March 29 at the Genetti

Allow me to testify about one of my favorite blues events of the year ... the Billtown Blues Challenge.

This year, the event is being held on Sunday March 29, in Williamsport at the Genetti Hotel Grand Ballroom. The solo-duo portion of the show kicks off at 4 p.m., the band portion at 6 p.m.

Why is it one of my favorite events?

That's easy. It attracts some of the best local and regional blues talent around. For only 10 bucks, you get to see anywhere from six to eight performers in the solo-duo or band categories.

Not only that, the beer is cheap!

The winner in each category is eligible to represent the Billtown Blues Association at the International Blues Challenge next February in Memphis.

The winner of the band category will be the opening act at the Billtown Blues Festival ä slated this year for June 14 at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds, Hugheville.

The solo-duo winner is a featured artist during the festival in the ever-popular Bill Brown Memorial Acoustic Tent.

As a former participant -- I competed several years ago as the harmonica player in the Dirty Bird Blues Band (we didn't win) -- I can tell you first-hand that the blues challenge is highly competitive.

It's so competitive, in fact, last year's winner, Ann Kerstetter (of the Ann Kerstetter Band), wept when the results were announced.

This year should be no different. BBA members Tom and Lori Butler received a number of quality performer applications.

Here's the lineup:

Solo-duo:

* Kim and Ed Rhoades

* Jack and Lilly

* Hannah Bingman and Doug McMinn

Band:

* Blues Moon

* Dirty Bird Blues Band

* The Blind Chitlin Kahunas

* In the Kitchen

* Irving Street Blues

* Flicker Blues Band

Some of these performers are well-known to this area. The Blind Chitlin Kahunas, Dirty Bird Blues Band, In the Kitchen and Bingman and McMinn are staples of the local music scene. They are all blues veterans.

Blues Moon and Irving Street Blues are past blues challenge competitors. I heard through the grapevine that Irving Street -- a group of barely-out-of-high school kids from the Philly area -- came within a hair of winning last year, so it will be interesting to see how they fare this year. They are very, very good.

Harmonica ace Chris Trassati, of Flicker Blues Band, made an appearance as a member of Blues Moon and Jack (of Jack and Lilly) won the solo-duo category a couple years ago as Brennon John.

I'm particularly excited to see In the Kitchen, primarily because of Andy Barnhart, who is one of the top harmonica players in the region. Every time I see him, I learn something new about the instrument.

Only Billtown Blues Association members in good standing may vote in the competition and you must have a ballot in hand before each of the two categories begins to be eligible to vote for that category.

The association implemented a new rule last year prohibiting people to sign up as brand new members and vote the day of the show. The rule was designed to prevent bands from stacking the deck with their friends and families. They can join, they just can't vote that day.

Your membership must be current prior to January 1, 2009. An exception to the rule is for those whose membership expired on July 1, 2008. They may renew their membership and vote.

Competitors may not vote.

Have I confused you with the rules? Good! My membership is current, so I'm cool.

Anyway, this is a terrific showcase of local and regional talent, as well as a great blues fix to get you through until the blues festival.

I hope to see you there.