NJBS Local Blues Competition Recap
- May 4
- 2 min read
The North Jersey Blues Society lit up Crossroads in Garwood on Saturday, May 2, with an unforgettable Local Blues Competition featuring eight incredible acts—four bands and four solo/duo performers. With a packed room and an energized crowd, the day showcased the depth, diversity, and passion of our regional blues scene.
🎤 NJBS Local Blues Competition: Solo/Duo Category
JP Williams Blues Duo - raw, heartfelt blues storytelling paired with soulful harmonica and deep grooves made this duo a standout.
Hyllus & Charlie - a powerful blend of blues guitar, harmonica, and top-tier musicianship—this duo delivered a polished, compelling performance.
James Dalton - a true troubadour- Dalton captivated the audience with dynamic vocals and expressive harmonica work.
Big Frank / Mike Smith - veterans of the NYC blues scene, they brought seasoned interpretations of classic blues with authenticity and soul.
🎸 NJBS Local Blues Competition: Band Category
Marcela de Campos - a modern blues artist grounded in tradition- Marcela delivered expressive guitar work and a confident stage presence.
The Powertones - with years of experience, this Central Jersey band brought tight grooves and crowd-pleasing energy.
Dean Shot & His Solid Senders - a powerhouse performance led by a respected East Coast guitar legend, delivering high-level musicianship and stage command.
Tony & The Trees - blending blues, funk, and Americana, this band energized the crowd while promoting community and connection.
🏆 Congratulations to the Winners
Solo/Duo Winner: Hyllus & Charlie
Band Winner: Dean Shot & His Solid Senders
These outstanding acts will go on to represent NJBS at The Blues Foundation's International Blues Challenge held next January in Memphis — well deserved!
🙌 Thank You to Our Community
The NJBS Local Blues Competition wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support behind the scenes:
Sponsors: Fuchs Audio Technology and Mike Post for providing the backline
Judges: Richard Skelly, Mike Griot, and Bonnie Auriemma for their thoughtful and unbiased scoring
Venue Team: The staff and sound crew at Crossroads for exceptional service and a great live music environment
Photography: Thank you, Pat Auriemma, for the exceptional captureseBlues Community: Thank you for showing up, supporting live music, and keeping the blues alive
NJBS Staff: Thank you for making this event happen!
🎸 Support the Winners
Want to show your support? Grab an autographed guitar raffle ticket or make a donation. Both are tax-deductible!
All proceeds from the raffle will be donated directly to the winners, helping cover their travel expenses to Memphis.
The blues is strongest when the community comes together—and on May 2, that spirit was undeniable. Stay tuned for more NJBS events and keep the blues alive. 🎶
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