South Sound Blues Association’s Back to Beale Street Blues 2008 Challenge final round will be held on the Blues Stage at Freedom Fair July 4 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. The stakes are high because the winning band will be sent all expenses paid to the International Blues Challenge held on Beale Street in Memphis, Tenn., in February 2008.

On June 3 at Jazzbones nine blues bands were scored on talent, originality, blues content and stage presence by judges. The four highest-scoring bands will compete in the finals this week. Here’s an inside look at what the judges said about each of the four finalists after their performances at Jazzbones:

• Red Hot Blues Sisters is a tight band with good stage energy. One judge said he thought the band looked and acted like a family and that they would go far. Another judge said the band had excellent pacing, transitions and dynamics. The judges enjoyed the slide guitar, rhythm section and vocals. One judge said Red Hot Blues Sisters had the best vocals of the night.


• In the House was a tight band with an authentic blues sound. They felt the harmonica parts captured a Big Walter, Little Walter sound and that the band had good energy on stage.


• The Chester Dennis Jones Band was thought to be the best-dressed band in the competition. One judge commented that he enjoyed the wah-wah guitar sound and the tone of the bass guitar. All the judges felt the guitar playing was outstanding. They also enjoyed the vocals, especially during the song, “Can I change Your Mind.” Overall they thought the band had a great sound and loads of talent.


• Michal Miller Band was powerful, dynamic, well-rehearsed and overall very tight. One judge said the dynamics of breaks, endings and intros was well done and the musicianship, especially on keyboards, was great.

See these four bands and root for your favorite at Freedom Fair. Judges for the finals is a well kept secret that won’t be revealed until the event begins on Wednesday.

[Freedom Fair Blues Stage, Wednesday, July 4, 1:30-3:30 p.m., no cover, Marine Park, 4303 North Ruston Way, Tacoma, www.freedomfair.com]