(MEMPHIS, TN) -- BLUES People are dead-set on a mission: Captivate every audience the 2025 International Blues Challenge (IBC), happening January 7-11, 2025 on Beale Street in Memphis.

"The blues has always been about storytelling… and our stories are based upon where we’re from and what we’ve actually experienced," says bassist Mike Griot, who's also a successful jazz/blues show promoter and community activist. "Over the last four years BLUES People has connected with enthusiastic audiences through our live performances. We believe ours is the true story of four guys from the New York/New Jersey area sharing their urban reality through Blues music."

In 2024 BLUES People reached the IBC Semifinals. This year, they are dead-set on being on stage for the Finals at the Orpheum Theatre that Saturday night. They're on a mission, not to be denied.

BLUES People are Kelton Cooper (vocals/guitar), Mike Griot (bass), Ron Thompson, (keyboards) and Gene Lake (drums).   Each BLUES People member is a seasoned veteran who's paid their dues. As individual side men, they have supported a who’s-who of touring “A-Listers”, including Sue Foley, Josh Smith, Kool & the Gang, Ruf Records Blues Caravan, Joanne Shaw Taylor, Bo Diddley, Jr. and Michael Hill’s Blues Mob.

BLUES People released two well-received promotional singles in 2022 ("The Skin I'm In" and "Troubled Times"), and this year, released the full-length album The Skin I'm In -- nominated by the Blues Blast 2024 Music Awards for "Best New Artist Debut Album" and widely praised by music critics. "They are the real deal...loved their set and love this album" writes Blues Blast. "(BLUES People) is what I think New York City blues sounds like today," states Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine, while New Jersey Stage had "The Skin I'm In" as the Makin Waves Song of the Week at the end of December.

“It is entirely possible that four forty-year veterans of the local music scene are making the best music of their lives right now. Their debut album 'The Skin I'm In' features exceptional playing all around, rough- and-tumble soul singing, stinging leads by (guitarist) Kelton Cooper; and socially-relevant lyrics. You can tell this group of veteran musicians has experienced hardship in these songs, but lived to tell the story in a funky way.  Their live show is fantastic. Sleep on these guys at your own risk" -- Dave Popkin/WBGO

"Over the past three years, the North Jersey Blues Society has been fortunate to witness the incredible journey of BLUES People...from winning the local International Blues Challenge twice to releasing their inspiring debut album, "The Skin I'm In," their evolution is a testament to dedication and passion. I am eager to continue supporting these remarkable artists as they soar to new heights in the Blues community." -- Christy Benvenutti/NJBS

"BLUES People are a New Jersey/New York City band with a ton of musical experience...Kelton Cooper is a powerful and soul-tinged singer who plays some wickedly great guitar....I can’t wait to see them live again; these guys are a really amazing band!" -- Steve Jones/Blues Blast