The 2014 International Blues Challenge will consume Memphis's famed Beale Street beginning Jan. 21. More than 150 acts will fill 16 venues through the following Saturday with the finals in the beautiful Orpheum Theater. The number of competing acts in the competition has more than doubled in the past five years, from 69 acts in 2003 to 125 bands and 80 solo/duo acts from 34 states and eight countries last year, including entries from Finland and India as well as Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Taiwan and the United States. If you haven't heard Finnish blues, you ain't heard nothin'. And the guys from Tacoma are no slouches either. That's right, The Randy Oxford Band (band) and pianist Arthur Migliazza (solo/duo) will rep the South Sound, after they won the harts of the crowd and judges over several competitions held earlier this year, thanks to the South Sound Blues Association. The SSBA hosts its second Back to Beale Street Blues 2014 Fundraiser Concert Nov. 3 to help pay costs and to provide the South Sound with one hell of a blue concert.The following will blast Jazzbones with awesome blues from 4-10 p.m., in order: Michelle Taylor and the Blues Junkies, Nolan Garrett, Blues Redemption, Maia Santell and her All Star Blend, Arthur Migliazza and the Randy oxford Band.

BACK TO BEALE STREET BLUES 2014 FUNDRAISER #2, 4-10 p.m., Jazzbones, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, $12, $10 SSBA members, $8 active duty military, free for 12 and younger, 253.396.9169

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Calendar: Arts and Entertainment

Calendar: Music and Nightlife