Michael Lee Ammons takes first at Grafton Blues Challenge

Sheboygan blues guitarist Michael Lee Ammons took first place in The Grafton Blues Challenge (solo/duo category) on Saturday, Oct. 16. Ammons qualifies for a return trip to Memphis, Tenn., for participation in the International Blues Challenge, Feb. 2-6.

Last year his band, The Water Street Hot Shots, took first place in the Grafton Blues Association's band category challenge, which also sent them to Memphis.

Ammons will compete against other solo and duo blues acts from around the world, in a judged competition that fills the blues clubs along Bealle Street in Memphis. More info on the International Blues Challenge is at www.blues.org

The Water Street Hot Shots are 10-year veterans of the Water Street Pub, Sheboygan.  They can be see there every Sunday night.

Michael Lee Ammons and The Water Street Hot Shots. Members include, from left, Alan "Doc" Mock, Rich Higdon, Michael Ammons, Tim Dekker, and JR Fenner.