Blues Challenge Marshall Studios MK 2025

Review and Images By Ken Jackson

The first two contenders in this year’s Blues Challenge were Laura Evans and her band, followed by Zoe Schwarz and her group. Both are exceptional performers who consistently surround themselves with first-rate musicians, ensuring a rich and dynamic sound every time they take the stage.

Each act was given just a 25-minute slot, a short window to showcase their material and make an impression on a panel of judges composed of seasoned musicians and journalists who have dedicated their lives to the blues. Despite the time constraints, both bands delivered outstanding performances that set an impressively high standard for the acts that would follow. It’s worth noting that this evening was not a competition in the traditional sense.

There were no winners or losers; instead, it was a platform for selected artists, chosen by a panel of their peers, to earn the chance to represent the UK on international stages in America and Poland. While there are no tangible prizes attached to the event, the UK Blues Federation provides sponsorship for those who choose to take up the opportunity, with additional financial support often coming from sponsors and crowdfunding. All in all, it was a superb opening to the Blues Challenge, highlighting the depth of talent and passion that thrives in the UK blues scene.

Next up were Trevor Babajack Steger and Jesse Patric Benns, winners of the Best Acoustic Act 2023, bringing their distinctive energy and raw musicianship to the stage. They were followed by Kirris J Riviere and his band, who delivered a powerful and soulful set that perfectly balanced passion and polish.

Both acts were given 25 minutes to showcase their talents as part of the UK Blues Federation’s 2025 Blues Challenge, and they certainly made every moment count. Each performance highlighted not only technical skill but also a deep love for the blues, connecting beautifully with the audience.

It’s safe to say that whichever act goes on to represent the UK on the international stage, we can be confident that our blues scene will be in very capable hands.

Closing out the evening was the wonderful singer Emma Wilson and her talented band. Their 25-minute set seemed to vanish in a heartbeat, always a sure sign of an engaging performance. As the judges’ final marks were tallied and scorecards collected by the federation’s representatives, all the artists gathered on stage, eagerly awaiting the outcome of their night’s endeavours.

When the results were finally announced by our hosts, Paul Long and Richard Dunning, to the hushed studio audience, congratulations poured in for Emma Wilson, who had achieved the highest overall score. I was told it was an exceptionally close contest, which made her victory all the more impressive. Last year’s winner, Alice Armstrong, took to the stage to officially announce and congratulate the new champion. Emma was visibly emotional as she accepted the honour, a heartfelt moment that perfectly capped off a superb evening.

Ultimately, the real winners were the audience, fortunate enough to spend a night surrounded by such outstanding musical talent. Best of luck to all who took part, and especially to Emma Wilson as she goes on to represent the UK on the international stage over the coming year.