Battle of the Blues Bands set for Sunday at Izaak Walton

Scotty & the Wingtips, Diva and the Deacons and Hard Left Turn are coming to town — and hoping to make it to Memphis this fall for the International Blues Challenge.

But first, will each perform a live music show (half-hour each) this Sunday in Newton in front of three judges and the public.

The three bands are scheduled to perform live music sets in front of three judges and the attending public at 2 p.m.Sunday at Newton's Izaak Walton League.

It's part of the Iowa Blues Challenge Band Prelim, hosted by South Skunk Blues Society. The Iowa Blues Challenge is long-standing competition with Iowa winners competing in Memphis each fall for the International Blues Challenge.

The judges will rate bands according to criteria like originality, vocal talent, instrumental talent, stage presence and blues content (variety of blues styles and sub-genres). The winner will compete in the Iowa Blues Challenge finals held on June 18 in Des Moines. The Iowa winner will then be sent to compete in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis this fall.

The Iowa Blues Challenge (a collaborative project of Central Iowa Blues Society in Des Moines and other Iowa blues societies, including Jasper County’s South Skunk Blues Society) is coordinated by enthusiastic volunteers who present four preliminary rounds across Iowa (Newton, Davenport, Fairfield and Des Moines).

Last year’s band division Iowa winner, The Mother Ship Blues Band, featured Newton native Jeff Banks who competed in Memphis this past September. This competitive talent show is open to all ages and the public. Admission is $5 (or $3 for South Skunk Blues Society members; children 18 & under free).