Lansing Musical Duo to Compete at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis
The Dedfoot Duo of Wil Pruitt and Justin Deason have qualified for the Blues Foundation’s 38th International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, and will compete against blues artists from around the world.
The duo has been performing together throughout Michigan since 2018, and they will be debuting original songs created for the competition. This will be the duo’s first time taking the stage in Memphis, and they are honored to be representing mid-Michigan at the competition.
The International Blues Challenge will run Jan. 24-28 in multiple music venues on Memphis’ world-famous Beale Street. For more information on the International Blues Challenge visit bealestreet.com/international-blues-challenge.
The Dedfoot Duo qualified for the International Blues Challenge after winning the best duo act for the solo/duo category of the 2022 Capital Area Blues Society Blues Brawl. In preparation for their trip to Memphis, the duo recently performed at the International Blues Competition Finalists Showcase at the Green Door on Lansing’s east side. The showcase was a fundraiser with proceeds going to help support the winners of the Blues Brawl on their journey to the challenge. Anyone who is interested in supporting the artists on this endeavor should contact the Dedfoot Duo directly.
The International Blues Challenge’s opening ceremonies will take place in Memphis at 6 p.m. Jan. 24 at Beale Street’s Club 152, Pruitt and Deason will compete in the quarterfinals Jan. 25-26 with a goal of advancing to the semifinals the following day.
“I’m a little nervous but proud to rep Michigan,” said Pruitt. “It’s something that means a lot to me.”
The finals will take place at noon Jan. 28 at Memphis’ Orpheum Theatre.
Pruitt is a vocal performer, front man and guitarist working and performing throughout Michigan and the Midwest. Deason is a freelance professional guitarist from Lansing who has spent over 15 years performing throughout the state.
View Dedfoot Duo’s page on Facebook to like and follow their journey.
