09/27/2026
THE DEADLINE IS THURSDAY, OCT 1ST: Submissions for Best Self-Produced CD
The Columbus Blues Alliance is accepting submissions for the Blues Foundation's 2027 Best Self-Produced CD competition through October 1st! This is your chance to showcase your work and possibly represent Columbus at the International Blues Challenge.
>>Who Can Apply: Ohio-based artists with eligible releases (see Eligibility and rules)
>> Deadline: All entries must be received at the Columbus Blues Alliance office by October 1, 2026
>> Where to mail your CD:
Columbus Blues Alliance
1391 W 5th Ave, Suite 301
Columbus, OH 43212
>> Eligibility: CDs released between Nov 1, 2025 – Oct 31, 2026 (see all rules posted below or also found at columbusblues.com)
Judging Criteria (in order of importance):
Blues Content
Musical Performance
Audio Quality
Cover Art & Design
Liner Notes & Credits
If selected, your CD will move forward to the national competition at the 2027 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
👉 Submit your CD to the Columbus Blues Alliance before October 1st, 2026, and let your blues be heard!
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RULES, ALSO AT COLUMBUSBLUES.COM
The Columbus Blues Alliance participates in the Best Self-Produced CD category, depending on eligible releases from regional artists.
Our submission rules are as follows:
Artists within Ohio may submit an entry
Entries must be received at the Columbus Blues Alliance office by October 1st, 2026
A panel of judges will be created to evaluate all entries collectively
Entries will be judged based on the following criteria (in order of importance):
Blues Content
Musical Performance
Audio Quality of the Presentation
Cover Art and Design
Credits and Liner Information
The Blues Foundation's rules determine eligibility:
Compilations are not eligible
The CD’s release date MUST be between November 1, 2025 & October 31, 2026, to be eligible.
A performer previously nominated for a Blues Music Award (formerly the W.C. Handy Blues Award) shall not be eligible for this competition. A CD issued in the name of an otherwise eligible performer, which also includes the contributions of a Blues Music Award nominee, may be ineligible, depending on the extent of the contribution.
Please contact The Blues Foundation directly to confirm eligibility.
A CD on a record label that has been previously nominated for a Blues Music Award (formerly the W.C. Handy Blues Award) shall not be eligible for this competition
Judging will take place in three rounds. Judges will remain anonymous to protect them from outside influences and represent a cross-section of professionals from the blues radio and print industry. The final results will be announced at the finals of the International Blues Challenge
If your CD is selected to represent Columbus, you must provide the Columbus Blues Alliance with 4 copies to mail to the Blues Foundation.
>>>If your CD is selected as a finalist, you will need to provide the Columbus Blues Alliance with additional copies to send to the Blues Foundation.
(NOTE: Finalist judges are a different set of individuals from previous rounds)
Best Self-Produced CD Finalists are NOT required to attend the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, in January 2027.
