German Blues Challenge 2026 + Guest Jörg Danielsen & Fabulous Vienna Blues Assn.

Description

Blues duel on a big stage Four bands step into the ring, and it's about nothing less than the crown of German blues. The winner will receive coveted invitations to the International Blues Challenge 2027 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and the European Blues Challenge 2027 in Vila Do Conde, Portugal. Together with our friends from Baltic Blues e. V. from Eutin, we have once again succeeded in bringing this traditional competition to the Wodan Hall. There, an internationally composed expert jury listens very carefully: according to the rules of the American Blues Foundation, instrumental and vocal talent, originality, stage presence, and of course the blues content are evaluated – everything that makes the musician's heart beat faster and the feet restless. The bands have already traveled a considerable distance: first through pre-voting with industry journalists, organizers, producers, and other scene experts, then through the online audience voting. A lot of talent and temperament, competence and skill, passion and performance are involved. In short: blues with plenty of steam on the boiler. In alphabetical order, they are:
. Dodge Boogie
. ElVille BluesBand
. IndiJana and the Bandits
. Kat Baloun & Jan Hirte And to prevent boredom during the changeover breaks, the German Blues Awards are awarded in various categories. Musicians, journalists, organizers, and those who have made a special contribution to blues in Germany are honored. Viennese charm and full-blooded blues For the opening and for the time just before the festive crowning of the challenge winner – exactly when the tension in the hall is already noticeably crackling – we searched for a band that had to meet a quite sporty profile: classic blues? Certainly. Connection to blues competitions? Absolutely. International experience? Preferably with suitcases. And the blues should of course not only be played but lived with skin and hair. We found our match among our Austrian neighbors: Jörg Danielsen and his Fabulous Vienna Blues Association bring all this with them – and a lot of commitment additionally. Participation in the European Blues Challenge 2023, many shows across Europe and South America, and fine releases in traditional Chicago style are on their resume. Incidentally, the band also organizes its own festival and now hosts the Austrian Blues Challenge – and sends Austrian young bands to international competitions. And the sound? It doesn't just start; it rolls in a Cadillac: you feel transported back to Chicago of the 50s, so deeply rooted is the blues of Jörg's association. Their groove stays in your head, the style is sarcastic, cheerful, sad, spiteful, friendly, funny, and often all at once – exactly what blues can be and what makes it. The extended jams of the combo are almost legendary. The varied program offers well-known interpretations of Albert Collins, Freddie King, Magic Sam, and many more – plus surprising original material that leaves not only nodding heads but also satisfied grins.

Highlights

• Four bands competing for the crown of German blues
• Invitations to the International Blues Challenge 2027 in Memphis
• German Blues Awards during the changeover breaks

General Information

The German Blues Challenge 2026 takes place at the Wodan Hall in Freiburg im Breisgau. Four talented bands compete against each other to crown the best musicians in blues and qualify for international competitions.

Location

Leo-Wohleb-Straße 4, 79098 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany

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