Help this Blues artist get to Memphis

Earlier this month, I entered the Vermont Blues Society competition and won in the solo category! The win qualifies me to compete in the International Blues Competition in Memphis, this January, but I don't have the funds to go and stay in a hotel either. So I'm soliciting some help. If I can get exposure at the competition or even win, it will jump-start a long-time dream to be a successful blues performer, perhaps find some collaborators and cut a CD.

My name is Jesse Lepkoff. I have aspired to play old-style blues songs since I was young. Several years ago, I started writing songs influenced by Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey and others. I've written many songs, some in an old blues style and others in a ragtime style. At the Vermont competition, I got so much encouragement, and people told me I have a unique style, sometimes funny, sometimes moving, and so entertaining. They also told me my stage presence was fabulous!

I have put so much psychic energy into the lyrics, the harmonies and the guitar arrangements of these songs. Few folks are still writing in this style, which has a lot going for it. My songs are not 12-bar blues but jazz blues with exciting chords and bridges. Many of my songs tell humorous stories and are punctuated with a lively fingerpicking style. Memphis will be the next stage for me to connect and bring this style forward. I want to take advantage of this opportunity! Thanks for helping out.