Tsawwassen musician Andy Vimar has been selected to represent the Orange County Blues Society at the 35th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee at the end of January with his band The Motion.
"We are super excited about being part of this amazing event that has blues acts from all over the world," said the 23-year-old South Delta Secondary graduate.
Vimar moved to Los Angeles in 2015 to attend the Guitar Program at the Musicians Institute College of Contemporary Music in Hollywood, a world renowned music school. The program is designed to develop professional level technique and musicianship through performance-intensive and immersive experiences.
"I have loved being in this program as it has allowed me to meet world-class musicians and perform at gigs in a variety of incredible venues in LA," said Vimar.
During his studies, Vimar experienced various musical genres, met other students with similar interests and a passion for music.
"I met and collaborated with singer and front man Mike Moody to perform as a small duo, and it eventually grew to four members to become the blues and soul band The Motion."
The band won the competition in LA to participate at the event in Memphis.
The Blues Challenge will feature over 120 bands from around the world.
"We have 24 minutes to perform a set in front of judges," explained Vimar. "We are still tweaking the set we want to play and we may have to write a couple more songs; we need to make sure we have it right."
Bands qualified for the International Blues Challenge by winning regional competitions and will compete in various rounds before a winner is crowned at a special finale event.
"This will be our first visit to Memphis so we can't wait to get there, meet other bands and play at a venue on legendary Beale Street,β said Vimar. βThere are groups coming from Korea, Australia, various places in Europe, Canada and all over the United States and I am looking forward to listening to their material."
The International Blues Challenge will take place Jan. 22 to 26. More information about the event can be found at .
