Page 60 - IONIndieMagazine Vollume 41 Nov/Dec2017

My first time to Liverpool saw me going to the famous Cavern Club in Mathew Street. This place opened its doors on
January 16th, 1957. Topping the bill that night was Merseysippi Jazz Band, but it was on Wednesday, March 13, 1957
that the first blues band performed at this iconic venue, and that was American blues legend Big Bill Broonzy. Richard
Starkey (Ringo Starr) is reported to have made his debut at The Cavern Club on Wednesday, July 31, 1957, and it was
Thursday, February 9, 1961 that The Beatles made their first performance at The Cavern Club. This UK Blues
Federation-sponsored competitive event is a return of the blues to this historic place and marks its 60 anniversaries.

On walking into the venue my first impression was WOW! One could feel the essence of history in the air, with signed
guitars, photographs, posters and autographs adorning the walls. Adding to the charm, as I made my way through to our
site, I heard the sounds of a band playing Beatles songs wafting through the air from one of the cellar vaults. While
waiting to enter, it was nice to see so many faces that I recognised -- this blues genre is like one big family that travels
around the country to support the blues and live music. Thus, the scene was set and ready for the challenge, with the
lucky winning band heading to Memphis, Tennessee for the International Blues Challenge, and then, on to Hell, Norway
for the European Blues Challenge in 2018. Last year’s winner was on hand to act as one of the judges and to present the
trophy at the end of the proceedings. This was none other than cover alum of ION Indie Magazine (Feb 2017), Kaz
Hawkins – who this past year went on to place in the semi-finals at the IBC and take top honours at the EBC. Along with
Kaz, the judging panel was comprised of Connie Lush, Rosy Greer, Victor Brox, Chris Powers and Nick Westgarth.

Pictured: Joel Fisk (LaVendore Rogue), Connie Lush, Kaz Hawkins,
Kyla Brox, JoJo Burgess (LaVendore Rogue), and Victor Brox