The Whiskey Shambles Qualifies for 2015 International Blues Challenge

The Whiskey Shambles
The Whiskey Shambles

Photo by Scott Preston

The Whiskey Shambles have been around for about 18 months, but they have the heart, soul, sound, and accolades that one would attribute to band with a longer history. In 2013 they were nominated for a Cincinnati Entertainment Award for Best Blues Band, and now they have another honor to add to the list: Winners of the 2014 Northeast Ohio Blues Association (NEOBA) Blues Challenge.  The Whiskey Shambles scored highest among many other well-known blues acts on Saturday, April 26 in Canton, OH, and are now set to compete in the International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, TN in January 2015.

“We’re very excited to have The Whiskey Shambles represent us at the IBC,” said Andy Pressler, NEOBA President.  “Their soulful and energetic performance was a favorite among the judges, and inspired an enthusiastic response from the crowd.”

In 2014, the IBC featured a record-breaking 255 acts from 40 states and 16 countries, and 2015 will likely be even larger.  The bands perform at a variety of venues on and around Memphis’ famous Beale Street over four days of competition.

“When we started The Whiskey Shambles, we had a clear vision for the kind of hard, driving Delta-style blues that we wanted to make,” says Nathan Singer, The Shambles’ frontman.  “It was both humbling and gratifying to know that the NEOBA judges and blues fans appreciated our work, and we’re proud to be representing them in Memphis.”

The Whiskey Shambles have a number of performances already lined up between now and their trip to Memphis in January, including a performance this week at The Drinkery on Wednesday, April 30 (with A City on Fire). Check their website (whiskeyshambles.com) for the most current event information.