The Central Iowa Blues Society was founded in October 1992 and has been affiliated with The Blues Foundation since 1993. During the course of its existence, the society has weathered many storms, including crises of finances, membership, and leadership, and had watched countless partnerships, programs, venues, blues acts, and members come and go, but, standing the test of time, the CIBS has remained committed to the same purposes and goals for which it was formed. Its programs include the Winter Blues Fest, which began in 1994 and brings national and local musicians together at various indoor venues during the winter months, and the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame, which since 1999 has inducted 59 deserving blues artists and industry supporters with Iowa ties. The Iowa Blues Challenge began in 1994, and has been produced in cooperation with other Iowa blues societies since 1997. It was such a successful model that in 1999 The Blues Foundation adopted much of Iowa’s challenge format for the International Blues Challenge. The CIBS is very proud of the many partnerships it has formed throughout the years with area charitable and community groups to help support worthy causes while spreading the news about the blues.
