(Lansing, MI) – The Dedfoot Duo of Wil Pruitt & Justin Deason have qualified for, and will compete against Blues artists from around the world at The Blues Foundation’s 38th International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN. The Duo have been performing together throughout Michigan since 2018, and will be debuting original songs created for the competition. This will be the duo’s first time taking the stage in Memphis, TN, and they are honored to be representing Mid-Michigan at the Competition. The International Blues Challenge will run from January 24th-28th, in multiple music venues on Memphis’s world famous Beale Street. For more information on the International Blues Challenge visit: www.bealestreet.com/international-blues-challenge The Dedfoot Duo qualified for the International Blues Challenge after winning the Best Duo Act for the solo / duo category of the 2022 Capital Area Blues Society Blues Brawl. In preparation for their trip to Memphis, the duo recently performed at the International Blues Competition Finalists Showcase at the Green Door on Lansing’s East Side. The Showcase was a fundraiser with proceeds going to help support the winners of the Blues Brawl on their journey to the Challenge. Anyone who is interested in supporting the artists on this endeavor should contact the Dedfoot Duo directly. The International Blues Challenge’s Opening Ceremonies will take place in Memphis, TN at 6:00pm on January 24th at Beale Street’s Club 152, Wil & Justin will compete in the Quarterfinals on Wednesday, January 25th & Thursday, January 26th with a goal of advancing to the Semifinals the following day. “I’m a little nervous, but proud to rep Michigan,” said Pruitt. “It’s something that means a lot to me.” The IBC Finals will take place at noon on January 28th at Memphis’ Orpheum Theatre. About Wil Pruitt & Justin Deason: Wil Pruitt is a Vocal Performer, Front Man, & Guitarist working and performing throughout Michigan & the Midwest. Originally from Holt, Wil’s artistic endeavors are based out of Lansing & Detroit. He has developed his skills playing with multiple bands and experimenting with solo work. Wil has played multiple music venues throughout the Midwest including being invited to perform on stage at the world famous Tootsies in Nashville, TN. He has also performed at multiple Michigan music venues including UrbanBeat, The Green Door, The Loft, and GameTime. Wil credits Chris Cornell, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bill Withers, and Johnny Cash as the major influences in crafting his Bluesy, Soulful, Dirty Rock musical style. For more information on Wil & his work visit: www.linktr.ee/wil_pruitt Justin Deason is a freelance professional guitarist from Lansing, MI who has spent over 15 years performing throughout the state. Emotive and enchanting, Justin’s smooth, soulful guitar sound is incendiary. He creates a unique and inspiring blend of Blues, Rock and Americana in his songwriting and energetic live performances. Justin also enjoys traveling and comedy. For more information on Justin & his work visit: www.facebook.com/JD517 About the International Blues Challenge: “The International Blues Challenge represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage, yet just needing that extra big break. The world’s largest gathering of blues musicians will take place on Beale Street, with over 20 clubs hosting the challengers and fans. In addition to featuring these final rounds of the prestigious blues music competition, the IBC event week will offer seminars, showcases, master classes, film screenings, networking events, book signings, and receptions for blues societies, fans, and professionals.” For a full schedule of the International Blues Challenge visit: www.blues.org/ibc-schedule-2023
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