Fiona Boyes made history in 2003 as the first artist from outside North America—and the first woman—to win the prestigious International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. Twenty-one years on, she reigns as the undisputed queen of Australian blues. With eight nominations in the USA Blues Foundation’s Blues Music Awards and three nods in this year’s USA Blues Blast Music Awards (including Best Traditional Blues Album, Female Artist, and Slide Guitarist of the Year), Fiona’s influence spans continents. Her impressive career has seen her tour extensively, recording and performing with legends such as Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, and Australia’s own Chris Wilson.

Jimi Hocking, a Melbourne guitar powerhouse, followed Fiona’s groundbreaking win by claiming first place at the International Blues Challenge in 2005. A seasoned musician who found rock ‘n’ roll stardom with The Screaming Jets in 1993, Jimi’s versatility shines through his blues projects like Jimi the Human, Spectre 7, and Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine. He was named MBAS Blues Musician of the Year in 2004 and continues to be a beloved figure in the Australian music scene, transitioning seamlessly between rock, blues, and solo ventures.

Frank Sultana brought Australian blues full circle in 2023 when he triumphed at the International Blues Challenge, almost 20 years after Hocking's win. Since debuting in 2011, Frank has carved a niche for himself on the east coast scene, releasing 10 albums, 4 EPs, and touring both domestically and internationally. His raw, evocative songwriting and performances have earned him multiple Sydney Blues Society Awards, including Artist of the Year and Traditional Blues, with another Best Songwriter win in 2024.

Together, Fiona, Jimi, and Frank are set to deliver a powerhouse performance, sharing the stage as well as their road-tested stories, including their collective Memphis Blues Challenge victories.