Frank: the world’s best at singing The Blues

Opportunities are emerging left, right and centre for Kiama’s Frank Sultana after he took out first place for a solo/duo artist in the 2023 International Blues Challenge held in Memphis.

Still trying to get his head around his win, Frank says it is certainly opening doors very quickly.

As part of the winning prize, Frank will play at several festivals in America later this year – a blues bender in Las Vegas, a blues cruise out of Florida and a blues train in Colorado. He has also earned a spot at the Byron Bay Bluesfest, a festival he has been working to get for ten years, this April.

He got to Memphis by winning the Sydney Blues Society’s competition, and then embarking on a series of shows to raise the funds for the trip.

After winning a series of performances at smaller venues for the International Blues Challenge, Frank wowed the audience and judges at the Final at the legendary Orpheum Theatre.

“You go into these things hoping you will do okay but just giving it your best, and when I found out I got into the final, I was just so pleased I had made it there,” says Frank.

“Being able to play at the Orpheum Theatre in front of a couple thousand people, it was probably special enough but then to win was just amazing.”

Friend and fellow musician Doug Faulkner says, “This is a well deserved win by one of the hardest working Blues men around.”

“Up against the best in the world, Frank showed his unique Blues style and originality.

“This is only the third time an Australian has won the International Blues Challenge! We are all very thrilled for him.”

Unfortunately the long term favourite at the Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival will not be on its program this year,