The Blues Foundation has announced that it will again be recognizing excellence achieved by artists in the recording studio by bestowing the 2010 “Best Self-Produced CD” Award at the finals competition in Memphis on Saturday, January 23, 2009.

As many of you know, the Jersey Shore Jazz and Blues Foundation’s submission in 2006 of “Back in Bluesville” by Roxy Perry, won the competition.

 The CD submitted must have been released between the November 1, 2008 to October 31, 2009 time frame. Acts can be bands, solo acts, duo acts, trios, full choirs or any other combination. Compilation CD’s are not eligible. The Blues Foundation will conduct two rounds of judging by radio/print personalities leading to the final judging. The four finalists will be announced prior to IBC weekend. Music professionals will judge the four finalists. The winner need not be present at the finals competition.

 Submissions will be evaluated by the JSJBF IBC Committee on the basis of the same criteria used by the Blues Foundation: 1) Musical Performance; 2) Audio Quality of Presentation; 3) Cover Art and Design and 4) Credits and Liner Information.

 If you are interested in submitting an entry in this portion of the IBC competition, please send your letter of interest (and your 2009-2010 band dues for the Sept 1, 2009-Aug 31, 2010 time period if they are not already paid), together with a copy of your CD for consideration to Gene Iadanza, 952 Sycamore Ave., Tinton Falls, NJ, 07724, JSJBF IBC Chairman and a separate copy to Pat Arochas JSJBF IBC Co-chairman, 14 Sand Piper Drive, South Amboy, NJ 08879 on/or before Monday, September 14, 2009 ( We have to use an earlier deadline then the October 31 Blues Foundation cutoff to give the committee time to listen and evaluate the submissions and choose it’s representative).

Any questions concerning your dues status or band membership may be made to our Office Manager, Doris Lazur, by contacting her at 732-933-1984.

 Four finalists (depending on the number of submissions) will be chosen and announced at the second IBC band semi-final competition on  Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Paul’s Tavern, 1705 Main Street, Lake Como (formerly South Belmar, N.J. The winner will be announced at final competition on Saturday, October 24, 2009.

 For additional information, go to the Blues Foundation homepage at www.blues.org and click on the IBC icon and then the “Best Self-Produced CD” section

Good Luck and Good Blues To You!

Gene Iadanza, JSJBF 2010 Chairman

Pat Arochas, Co-Chair