North Central Florida Blues Society

Advance prices are $13 for General admission. NCFBS members should reach out to the Society for a discount code.

The North Central Florida Blues Society is an affiliate of the Blues Foundation, which holds the International Blues Challenge every year in Memphis. As an affiliate, the North Central Florida Blues Society holds a regional competition, which allows for a winning band, solo/duo, and self-produced CD to compete as a representative of the North Central Florida region in the IBC in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee in the Beale Street Historic District.

The NCFBS has been represented in Memphis since 2008. Four different NCFBS acts have advanced to the Semifinals. 21 Blue and Sauce Boss made the Finals for Best Self-Produced CD. Which acts will be next? Who will take the prize and represent North Central Florida?

Support your favorite Blues artist or discover your new favorite!

The categories the acts  for solo/duo and band will be judged on (set by the Blues Foundation in Memphis) are:

Blues Content, Originality, Vocals, Instrumental Talent, and Stage Presence.

Blues Content is the highest weighted category, followed by Originality.

Did you know that there are TWO fantastic Blues Festivals in Florida in October?

The Forgotten Music Festival is October 10-11, 2026 in Port St. Joe, Florida. Its lineup this year has a MASSIVE Saturday that includes Corey Hall & The Misplaced Ramblers, Selwyn Birchwood, and the Bridget Kelly Band. Brandon Santini closes their Sunday lineup. Visit https://www.forgottenmusicfestival.com/ for tickets.

UPDATE: Sadly, Forgotten Music Festival producers announced on October 6 that this year’s festival is cancelled due to weather concerns. 

Camping with the Blues is held October 16-18, 2026 at Florida Sand Music Ranch (85 Myers Road, Brooksville, FL 34602). This year’s talented lineup includes Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones, Dottie Kelly & Rock the House, Sandy Atkinson, Johnny Rawls, and other great artists. Tickets at https://www.campingwiththeblues.com/

Registration deadline for the Blues Challenge (to be held on October 11 at Heartwood Soundstage) has been extended to Friday, September 25, so do not miss out on this opportunity!  Please contact rob@ncfblues.org for rules and questions, and clarify if you need rules for solo/duo (1-2 performers), band (3 or more performers), or Self-Produced CD.

The 2026 annual meeting/members appreciation party for the North Central Florida Blues Society will be on Sunday, September 20 and will be held at Creeks 19th at the Turkey Creek Golf Course (11400 Turkey Creek Blvd, Alachua, FL 32615).

This is to thank everyone for your support of the North Central Florida Blues Society -We’d love to have you get together with us – members can enjoy some delicious food and CD giveaways, and elect our Board of Directors. We will also be showing videos of some of the fantastic concerts we’ve been having.

It’s a perfect time to renew your membership or join for the first time! Event is from 3-5.