The Blues Foundation kicks off its 40th year by honoring the 2025 Keeping the Blues Alive (KBA) Award recipients during International Blues Challenge (IBC) week, January 7–11, 2025.
The esteemed KBA Awards recognize individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to advancing the art and commerce of blues music. This year's honorees include:
- The Rhythm Room
- Blues Blast Magazine
- Charlie Hussey
- Big Ed's Blues Jam
- Little Steven's Blues School
- Cincy Blues Society
- Jefferson Street Sound Museum
- Ryszard Gloger
The honorees will be celebrated at the KBA Awards Brunch on Friday, January 10, 2025, at 10:30 AM at the Hyatt Centric Hotel on Beale Street. Tickets are $80 and can be purchased at blues.org.
The KBA ceremony is part of IBC Week, which begins with International Showcase performances on historic Beale Street on Tuesday, January 7, and concludes with the Finals at the Orpheum Theatre on Saturday, January 11. The IBC brings together over 1,000 musicians from around the globe to compete, connect, and celebrate blues music, with additional showcases, jams, panels, workshops, and master classes taking place throughout the week.
For event details, tickets, and information about discounted hotel rates, visit blues.org.
About The Blues Foundation
The Blues Foundation, based in Memphis, TN, is dedicated to preserving blues heritage, celebrating blues performance, and expanding worldwide awareness of the genre. Signature programs include the Blues Music Awards, Blues Hall of Fame Inductions, International Blues Challenge, and Keeping the Blues Alive Awards. The Foundation also supports musicians through the HART Fund and fosters the next generation of blues talent with Blues in the Schools and Generation Blues Scholarships.
For more information, contact:
The Blues Foundation
Website: blues.org
Email: info@blues.org
Phone: (901) 527-2583
