The Scranton-based Lee Delray Band has launched an Indiegogo crowd-funding campaign to help cover the band’s expenses associated with travel, room and board in competing in the International Blues Competition (IBC) in Memphis in January. The band’s Indiegogo campaign can be viewed at http://igg.me/at/leedelrayband/x/5501087
In addition to the online fundraising campaign, the band is holding a series fundraiser concerts. The next is scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 22 at O’Leary’s Pub (514 Ash St., Scranton.) That show will also feature regional blues players Teddy Young and Phyllis Hopkins and their respective bands, as well as a number of special guests.
The band hopes to raise $2,500 through the Indiegogo campaign and is offering perks for donations. They range from $5 for a five song digital download from Delray’s album “570 Blues” to $1,000 for breakfast cooked by Delray complete with a full living room or backyard show by the band.
Born in Florida and raised in New York City, Lee now resides in Scranton. He has played on bills with Johnny Winter and master harp player James Cotton, among other blues greats.
The IBC is considered the most prestigious music event of its kind and is held by The Blues Foundation, a Memphis-based organization dedicated to preserving blues music and ensuring its future. Bands, duos and single acts are chosen, through performance competitions, to participate in the IBC by local blues associations that are affiliated with The Blues Foundation. The upcoming IBC will have more than 225 bands from around the world scheduled to compete in the event. ? The band was selected by the Lehigh Valley Blues Network (LVBN) to represent that organization in the competition.
Information on the band and all fundraising efforts can be found at leedelray.com.
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