Picture credit to The Blues Foundation, courtesy of Facebook page
Chad Elliot and his duo Weary Ramblers take first place in two categories during the 2026 International Blues Challenge (IBC) last week. Now in its 41st year, IBC brought over 140 acts from around the world to perform live at various of clubs on Beale Street over the course of four days. Each act is judged with the finalist completing at the Orpheum Theater in front of many individuals from the music industry, including festival organizers, record labels and more. Elliot placed first in the best solo/duo guitar division, with Weary Ramblers placing first as best solo/duo. Both received a cash prize, bookings for the Blues Cruise, Big Blues Bender, and various of other festivals around the world. The contest is also used as an opportunity for musicians to network, allowing for meet and greets, workshops, classes and more. The Iowa-based Americana duo, featuring Elliot from Jefferson and fiddler Kathryn Fox of Creston, have won multiple awards, including the Josie Award for 2025 Americana Song of the Year, the 21st International Acoustic Music Awards for Best Group/Duo, with Elliot being inducted into the Iowa Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 2025.