The Avey Grouws Band wins the Iowa Blues Challenge

The Avey Grouws Band, led by Decorah resident Jeni Grouws and Davenport resident Chris Avey, has won the Iowa Blues Challenge and will travel to Memphis in January, where they will represent Iowa in the 34th Annual International Blues Challenge.

For winning the contest, the group will receive studio recording time and a slot on the Central Iowa Blues Society's Winter Blues Fest, set for February 10th, as well as starter money to help support the band's trip.

While Jeni Grouws is heading to Memphis for the first time, Chris Avey and Brian West in 2009 became the only Iowa band to ever make it to the top 5 for the finals of the International Blues Challenge.