You sing
Perform solo, with someone you know, or with an approved backing track when registration opens.
Make music
A regional Youth Blues Challenge from the Charlotte Blues Society.
Shake Hands with The Blues – Youth Challenge
Shake handswith the Blues.
Pick a song. One song. Try it on. All you need is you.
Meet the five songsSee how easy it isSee the Challenge on One PageEducators: Open the Classroom Toolkit
- 25 & youngerGenerally within 250 miles of Charlotte
- Solo, duo or bandSingers and instrumentalists
- Private audioOne first-round entry
There is a way in for you
Sing it. Play it. Make it yours.
You don’t need a studio, a full band, or years of experience. Start with what you already do and let one classic song give you room to say something of your own.
You play
Singing is not required. Take an instrumental role, with an approved stock vocal mix when available.
You have a band
Bring your own arrangement and show us what the song sounds like through you.
Four easy moves
Start where you are.
We’ll give you five song choices, learning support, recording help, and a clear path to one private entry.
- 01
Explore
Listen and learn the stories. When participant access opens, try more than one before you choose.
- 02
Make it yours
Sing it, play it, rearrange it, or build it with your band. Backing tracks are optional.
- 03
Record
Make one clear audio recording. A phone is enough; studio polish is not the point.
- 04
Send it in
Submit one private audio entry. Finalists will be invited to perform live in Charlotte.
Recording Buddy: one device plays, another records. “Help me with mine. I’ll help you with yours.”
When registration opens
Five simple steps to enter.
Registration is not open yet. This is the clear path we are preparing for every participant and family.
- 01
Start an entry
A soloist—or one person for a duo or band—starts the secure form and identifies every performer.
- 02
Confirm permission
Each adult participant reviews the terms. For anyone under 18, a parent or legal guardian independently confirms consent through a one-time link.
- 03
Choose your path
Pick one of the five songs. Use your own arrangement or the CBS-provided licensed backing track when access opens.
- 04
Record it
Make one clear audio recording, listen back, and keep the original file. A phone is enough.
- 05
Upload and confirm
Submit one private entry and receive confirmation. Only authorized Challenge administrators and judges can access it.
Five classics. Infinite fingerprints.
Which one sounds like you?
Try more than one before you decide. Each song below includes a direct YouTube listening link, a little history, a lyrics link, and a backing-track sample.
Educators: open the five-song listening lab →The Blues Brothers version
Sweet Home Chicago
A rolling, open-ended classic built for groove, personality, and call-and-response.
Muddy Waters
Hoochie Coochie Man
Big stops, bold storytelling, and plenty of room to make every line land.
B.B. King
The Thrill Is Gone
A minor-key slow burn where touch, space, dynamics, and feeling do the talking.
Muddy Waters
Got My Mojo Working
A driving call-and-response classic with room for groove, personality, and joyful energy.
Etta James
I’d Rather Go Blind
A soulful showcase for phrasing, restraint, emotional truth, and musical conversation.
Your one song can take you here
Bring it to the stage.
Selected finalists perform live during Charlotte Blues Society’s Blues Sunday at Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts. It’s the moment the private first step becomes a shared celebration.
- Sunday, February 7, 2027Skyline Room · Final schedule to be announced
- Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts1030 Woodward Avenue, Charlotte
- Live performance requiredFinalists verify their entry · No livestream or broadcast
For educators & music leaders
Standards-aligned. Ready to use. Built to motivate.
This is more than a good idea. The Classroom Toolkit is ready to support instruction aligned with selected 2024 North Carolina Music Standards and help educators document student learning—without building a new unit from scratch.
Four artistic practicesBuilt into the learning path
ConnectCreatePresentRespond
Three ready-made lesson paths
Start with a 15-minute activity, use a complete class period, or follow the full path toward an optional Challenge entry.
We’ve done the legwork
Song listening prompts, student directions, standards connections, evidence tools, and practical recording guidance are gathered together.
A real reason to finish
Five songs, one private audio entry, a $1,000 prize pool, and the chance to reach the live final give students an authentic goal.
We’ve done the legwork. You choose what fits.Open the Educator Toolkit
Use one activity, one class period, or the full path to a Challenge entry. The Toolkit identifies selected grade- or proficiency-level objectives each activity can support and the student work that can serve as evidence.
A real contest. A welcoming first step.
We want to hear what you bring to the song.
The first round is one private audio performance. The Challenge is built around fair judging and a participation-first spirit—not access to expensive gear or a studio.
Private by design
Your first-round performance is heard only for Challenge administration and judging.
Fair and clear
The official rubric and complete rules will be published before entries open.
Prove it live
Finalists perform live in Charlotte, confirming that the submitted performance is authentically theirs.
Our Privacy & AI Promise
Your privacy. Your performance. Human judges.
We will not use participant information or a participant’s performance to create AI-generated content or train AI systems. That includes names, photos, videos, voices, audio performances, and likenesses.
Every entry is reviewed and judged by people—not AI. Registration details are used only to run the Challenge and verify required guardian consent.
Any public use of a participant’s name, image, audio, or likeness requires separate, optional permission.
Straight answers
You may be wondering…
These answers explain the Challenge today. The complete official rules will be posted before entries open.
Who can enter?+
Singers and musicians who are age 25 or younger on February 7, 2027, may enter as soloists, duos, or bands. The Challenge serves Charlotte and the surrounding region—generally within 250 miles of Charlotte, North Carolina. This is a regional guideline, not a North Carolina-only requirement.
Do I have to sing?+
No. Instrumentalists are welcome. You may play over an approved vocal mix, perform with others, or create an instrumental interpretation within the official rules.
Do I need a band—or a backing track?+
No to both. Enter solo, as a duo, or with a band. Perform unaccompanied, with live musicians, or with an approved backing track. The track is a tool, not a requirement.
Can I try more than one song?+
Yes. When controlled song access opens, you may explore more than one of the five before choosing the performance you want to submit.
Can I change the key or tempo?+
This year, each approved backing track will be provided in one standard key and tempo. You may also enter using your own arrangement, with or without singing, within the official rules.
Does my recording need to sound professional?+
No expensive setup is expected. The Challenge is being designed for clear, phone-friendly recording, with complete instructions available before entries open.
Is my first-round entry public?+
No. The first round is one private audio entry used for administration and judging. It is not a required social-media post.
What if I’m under 18?+
Registration will stay pending until a parent or legal guardian reviews and completes the required consent. The guardian receives a copy for their records.
Will the Challenge use AI with my information or performance?+
No. We will not use a participant’s name, photo, video, voice, or likeness to generate AI content, and entries will be reviewed by human judges—not AI. Registration details are used only to operate the Challenge and verify required guardian consent. Any public use requires separate, optional permission.
What happens if I’m selected?+
Finalists confirm eligibility and perform live on Sunday, February 7, 2027, at Heist Brewery & Barrel Arts in Charlotte.
Registration opens soon
Start listening. Your song is waiting.
The Educator Toolkit is open now. Download the one-page flyer to share the Challenge with students, families, music programs, and community partners.