A Big Congratulations to The International Blues Challenge Champs, Derrick Dove and The Peacekeepers!!!
A Big Congratulations to the International Blues Challenge Best Blues Guitarist, Derrick Dove!!
Wiregrass Blues Society Celebrates a Historic Win at the 2026 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee!
The Wiregrass Blues Society (WBS) is overflowing with pride after an unforgettable showing at the 2026 International Blues Challenge, held in Memphis, Tenn., and hosted by The Blues Foundation.
Representing the Wiregrass region on one of the world’s most respected blues stages was Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers—and they delivered in spectacular fashion.
It was almost a Sweep on the International Blues Stage at the Historic Orpheum Theater
The band achieved an extraordinary list of honors:
- 1st Place Band Winner – International Blues Challenge
- Finalists for Best Self-Produced CD and
- The Best Blues Guitarist Award went to Mr. Derrick Dove
These achievements place Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers among the very best in the Blues genre, and firmly spotlights the Wiregrass region as a powerhouse for authentic blues talent.
A Night to Remember at BB King’s Blues Club
As if winning the competition wasn’t enough, celebrating the band's win continued at the legendary B.B. King's Blues Club. In a moment that will live in Wiregrass Blues Society history, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram walked in and joined B.B. King’s All Star Band, featuring Jonté Mayon, for a powerful rendition of “The Thrill Is Gone.” It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment—an electric reminder of why the blues community is unlike any other.
From a Local Introduction to International Champions
The Wiregrass Blues Society’s journey with Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers began through a cherished, late local friend, Michael Miller. Derrick sent Michael his CD while Michael was at The Recovery Room, and Michael immediately invited the band to play in Dothan. WBS member Lan Berry heard the band, recognized something special, and introduced them to the Wiregrass Blues Society. From that moment on, the connection was undeniable—and we have been grateful ever since.
A Lasting Partnership with the Wiregrass Blues Society
Since their introduction to WBS, Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers have become an integral part of our mission. The band has been proudly featured in:
- Blues in Schools educational programs
- Monthly WBS Gatherings
- Wiregrass Blues Festival performances
Their commitment to education, community, and the blues perfectly aligns with the values of the Wiregrass Blues Society.
Coming Home as Champions
We are thrilled to announce that Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers will return home as champions to co-headline the:
🎶 13th Annual Wiregrass Blues Festival
📅 March 21, 2026
📍 The Plant – Downtown Dothan
This performance will be a celebration not only of their international victory, but of the community, mentorship, and shared love of the blues that made it all possible. We could not be prouder. The experience was absolutely incredible—and the best is yet to come.
Derrick Dove and The Peacekeepers made history, permanently etching their names into the foundation of the Memphis blues scene, and walked away with the Gold!
1st Annual IBC Affiliate Battle of the Blues Bands Winner
Derrick Dove & the Peacekeepers
Derrick Dove & the Peacekeepers will be representing The Wiregrass Blues Society
on Beale Street in Memphis, TN on January 13-17, 2026 in the International Blues Challenge!
“Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers are an award-winning Southern-fried blues rock band rooted in the South Georgia pines (Tifton area). Fronted by dynamic guitarist, vocalist, and bandleader Derrick Dove, with Johnathan Thomas on keys, Jamie Richardson on drums, and Walt Dunn on bass. Fusing gritty blues, soulful grooves, classic rock energy, and authentic Southern spirit for high-octane, crowd-pleasing performances.
In January 2026, they claimed victory as International Blues Challenge Band Champions in Memphis, with Derrick also earning Best Guitarist honors. The band has topped iTunes blues charts with multiple #1 albums and singles, including their acclaimed releases Rough Time (2023) with hits “When Did I Get Old” (over 15 million combined video views), and the title track and Burn It Down (2025), featuring standout tracks like "Comeback Kinda Love," "Just Walk Away," and "Can't Move On."
They've shared stages with icons such as ZZ Top, Blackberry Smoke, The Marshall Tucker Band, The Wallflowers, Jimmie Vaughan, and more, building a reputation for electrifying live shows that blend raw passion and powerhouse musicianship.
With a new album on the horizon and unstoppable momentum, Derrick Dove & The Peacekeepers continue to keep the blues alive while rocking audiences worldwide.”
With over 16 million streams, their discography features the album "Rough Time" (2023) with the hit single "When Did I Get Old" and "Burn It Down" (2025), which includes the award-winning track "Just Walk Away" recognized as Song of the Year (Jazz/Blues) at the 2025 Josie Music Awards and the band won Entertainer of the Year at the 2025 ISSA Awards.
The Wiregrass Blues Society is proud to send Derrick Dove and the Peacekeepers to represent our region at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, January 13–17.
This is an incredible opportunity to showcase Wiregrass talent on an international stage.
We invite our community, supporters, and blues lovers to help make this journey possible.
Your sponsorship or donation directly supports travel and lodging expenses, ensuring our artists can focus on delivering their very best performance.
Every contribution—large or small—helps carry the sound of the Wiregrass to the world.
