2012 Road To Memphis Challenge

Crankshaft @ RTM Fundraiser
Alex "Crankshaft" Larson

Road To Memphis Fund Raiser
Great Success

Thanks to Musicians, Sponsors, Volunteers
and Blues Fans

Many thanks to Hurricane Harold Tremblay, Whiskey Junction, Infinity Drumworks, all of the volunteers, musicians, people who donated items for the silent auction and the blues fans who showed up to support Crankshaft & the Gear Grinders and Kildahl & Vonderharr at the Road To Memphis Fund Raiser this past Sunday, January 20. Between the door donations and the silent auction, the event raised more than $3,000 to help the two acts cover their travel expenses going to Memphis, TN next week to represent Minnesota at the 2013 International Blues Challenge. — Jake Jacobson

(01/21/13)

Road To Memphis Fund Raiser @ Whiskey Junction Jan. 20 2013, 3-7 pm

Road To Memphis Fund Raiser @ Covered Bridge, Zumbrota, MN

Sunday, September 16, 2:30 pm

Covered Bridge RTM Fund Raiser
Click for Larger Image

Road to Memphis Fund Raiser - Covered Bridge Restaurant & Lounge - Zumbrota, MN, Sunday Sept 16th, 2:30 - 7:00. Mark your calendars and then markem' again. If you were there last year, you know what fun it was if you weren't you missed a great time. We have so much music, we decided to start at 2:30.

Proceeds from this benefit will help offset the travel expenses for the acts representing Minnesota at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in February 2013, Crankshaft & The Gear Grinders (Band) and Kildahl & Vonderharr (Duo). Other performers at the benefit will include Jimmi and the Band of Souls, Mark Cameron Band, Annie Mack and perhaps a special guest. — Jim Pinckney

(08/20/12)

The Slide Show

All Photos by Jake Jacobson unless otherwise noted.

Crankshaft & the Gear Grinders/
Kildahl & Vonderharr

Alex 'Crankshaft' Larson
Crankshaft

Headed For 2013 International Blues Challenge

This year's Road To Memphis Challenge held at Minnesota Music Café on Sunday, April 22 proved to be highly entertaining and interesting, as always. Alex "Crankshaft" Larson was saavy enough to enter in both the band and the solo/duo categories, doubling his odds of winning. And, guess what? He ended up winning both. By his choice, Crankshaft will travel to Memphis as the band, "Crankshaft & The Gear Grinders," with "Kildahl and Vonderharr," Kit Kildahl and Steve Vonderharr, representing Minnesota as the duo act. Jimmi and the Band of Souls were the first runners up in the band competition followed by the Mark Cameron Band. The other acts in the band category, by order of performance were: Ken Valdez, Wisconsin Bryan Johnson and Trent Romens. Greg Felber elected to perform as a solo act when his vocalist, Samantha, was unable to make it to the competition and was the third entrant in the solo/duo category.

Kildahl & Vonderharr

Special thanks to Karen Palm and the staff at Minnesota Music Café for hosting the Road To Memphis event; to Tim O'Brien and American Guitar & Band for providing and delivering the backline equipment; judges, Harold Tremblay, Jeff Ray, Jon Stee (Covered Bridge Restaurant), Curtis Blake, Nigel Egg and Ted Wilebski (Wilebski's Blues Saloon); emcee, Ken Zieska; timekeeper, Mary Kay Harcus; scorekeeper, Doug Spike; Melody Jacobson and Marilee Blake for working the door; stage manager, Richard Schaefer; Deb Hills for graphics; Roz Goldberg for handling the raffle; Nipper the sound guy and "Big Boss Man", Jim Pinckney, for heading the committee that made this a successful event. Finally, heartfelt thanks to all of the participating musicians and the people who showed up to support live blues music on this sunny Sunday afternoon. — Jake Jacobson

See 2012 Road To Memphis Slideshow.

(04/23/12)

Sunday, April 22
@ Minnesota Music Café, 1 pm

2012 Road To Memphis Poster

Bands:

Solo/Duo:

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