The Blues Foundation will present the 31st Blues Music Awards on May 6, 2010, at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, TN. Performers, industry representatives and fans from around the globe will have the chance to celebrate the best in Blues recording and performance from 2009.

Among those heading the list of honorees for the 31st Blues Music Awards is Joe Louis Walker, who garnered five nominations, including Album of the Year, Contemporary Blues Album of the Year, and Song of the Year for "I'm Tide" from his recent release Between a Rock and the Blues. Tommy Castro, Rick Estrin, Louisiana Red, Duke Robillard and Super Chikan each received four nominations. (Full nominee list is below)

"Many nominators noted that narrowing each category to five was an especially difficult task this year, but I think the nominees are very reflective of the past year's releases. In this holiday season, I like to think of this as a present blues fans can open immediately," Jay Sieleman, The Blues Foundation's Executive Director said. "I would hope Blues fans will add the nominated releases and tickets to their shopping lists!"

Almost every nominee will be in attendance and perform so it's safe to say it will be one of the best shows of the year; where else do you get the chance to see a lineup including the best of the best in blues all in one evening? The 30th Blues Music Awards were widely hailed as the best ever so order now to get the best seats for the show. Members get seating preference and are the only fans who vote to decide which nominees will actually take home the Blues Music Award. Online voting begins December 10 for members. Voting, ticket and host hotel information can be found by clicking on the links to the left.

The Blues Music Awards are universally recognized as the highest honor given to Blues artists. The presenting sponsor will once again be The Gibson Foundation. 2010 BMA sponsors include ArtsMemphis, BMI, Casey Family Programs, Eagle Rock Entertainment, FedEx, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, and the Tennessee Arts Commission. The Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Charter Members' Dinner will be held on May 5, the night before the Blues Music Awards. Hall of Fame honorees will be announced in mid-February.