Congratulations are in order to Chef Chris and His Nairobi Trio, named the best unsigned blues band in the world at the 18th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn.Thousands of blues fans watched in various clubs along the Beale Street Historic District last week as 53 acts competed for more than $20,000 in cash and prizes, including studio recording time, CD reproduction and engagements at some of the nation's major blues venues and festivals. Chef Chris and his Nairobi Trio will open the 23rd Annual W.C. Handy Blues Awards on May 23 in Memphis as part of the winnings. You can catch the group's spontaneous and adventurous take on the blues every Sunday at the Pleasant Lake Inn in Manchester or in May at the Music Menu in Greektown.

More blues news: Speaking of the W.C. Handy Blues Awards, our very own Alberta Adams, often referred to as Detroit's Queen of the Blues, is up for female artist of the year in the traditional blues category. The awards are generally recognized as the blues' most prestigious. Other nominees in that category include Big Time Sarah, Ann Rabson, Koko Taylor and Odetta. A complete list of nominees is available at: http://www.handyawards.com/2002nominees/printable.html The nominee list is supplied by a panel of international blues industry experts, and more than 30,000 blues fans vote to choose the winners, which will be announced May 23. Good luck, Alberta!

Local awards Honoring the accomplishments of our local music heroes are the Detroit Music Awards, set for April 19 at the State Theatre in Detroit. Nomination ballots have been circulating for a few weeks and voters, composed of approximately 2,500 members of the Detroit music community including musicians, managers, booking agents, media representatives, club management and others, can expect the final ballot to be mailed out no later than six weeks before the event. For more go to: www.detroitmusicawards.com.

RACHEL MAY, lead singer and guitarist for local band Broadzilla, compiles the Free Press' music listings. Send her show dates or local music news to rmay@freepress.com or by fax at 313-223-4726. Contact her at at 313-222-5990.