TIFTON, Ga. - TelAve -- Southern-fried blues rock band Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers, representing the Wiregrass Blues Society, claimed the Band Championship at the 41st International Blues Challenge (IBC) in Memphis, Tennessee, January 13-17, 2026. Frontman/guitarist Derrick Dove was also awarded Best Guitarist for his soulful, electrifying performances.

The world's premier blues competition drew over 125 acts to Beale Street venues. After advancing through preliminaries, semifinals, and finals—judged on musicianship, vocals, originality, and stage presence—the band delivered a commanding set at the Orpheum Theatre to secure the title.

This triumph follows their 2025 win at the Wiregrass Blues Society's inaugural IBC Affiliate Battle of the Blues Bands, which earned them the honor of representing the Wiregrass region.

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"The Wiregrass Blues Society gave us the platform and the push we needed," said Derrick Dove. "Winning their battle got us to Beale Street, and their support made this possible. Bringing home the IBC Band Championship and Best Guitarist honors is for the Wiregrass, South Georgia, and every blues fan who keeps this music alive." Dove continued to say, "We are absolutely honored & humbled to be the 2026 IBC's 1st place band! Thank you to everyone who has supported our journey thus far. Now it's time to double down and get to work! See yall soon!"

Based in Tifton, Georgia, Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers are known for high-energy shows and originals like "Daddy Was A Blues Man." Their IBC win spotlights the vibrant scene nurtured by regional societies like Wiregrass, which hosts the annual Wiregrass Blues Festival (where the band returns in March 2026).

The band thanks the Wiregrass Blues Society, fans, family, The Blues Foundation, and the global blues network. New music and expanded touring are on the horizon.

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For interviews, photos, or booking:

Email Dakota West WestTalentGroup@WestTalentGroup.com

Phone 706-833-6664

Website: https://derrickdove.com/ (https://derrickdove.com/?referrer=grok.com)

www.facebook.com/derrickdoveandthepeacekeepers

About Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers Award-winning Southern blues rock band from Tifton, GA, led by guitarist/vocalist Derrick Dove, keyboardist Johnathan "JT" Thomas, bassist Walt Dunn, and drummer Jamie Richardson —gritty, passionate, rooted in tradition with modern fire.

About the Wiregrass Blues Society Based in Dothan, AL, the society preserves and promotes blues through festivals, education, and IBC competitions, supporting emerging talent across the region.

About The Blues Foundation / IBC: The Blues Foundation preserves and promotes blues worldwide. The International Blues Challenge is the leading global event for discovering blues talent.