The Ventura County blues band Blue Stew didn't make the finals at the 24th annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., but according to band member Steve White, it was close.

"No shame in that," White said. The group was knocked out of competition during the semifinals on Friday night.

Finalists competed Saturday night at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis — the final leg of a competition that began Thursday. The winner of the band competition was Trampled Under Foot from Kansas City, Mo.

White said he was "a little bit disappointed" in the outcome, but he remained philosophical.

"It's all good," he said. "We're getting to hear and play a lot of music, and that's the main thing."

The grand prize winners won a number of goodies, including bookings all over the U.S. and 20 hours of recording time. Blue Stew competed against 100 bands and 60 solo/duo acts from six continents, 11 countries, 36 states and the District of Columbia.

The bands were divided into 10 downtown clubs where each played simultaneously on Thursday and Friday evenings. One finalist was chosen from each club.

Going into the finals on Saturday, there were 10 bands competing, along with six solo/duo finalists.

The IBC is the world's largest showcase for blues musicians looking to advance their careers.

The Ventura band advanced to the Memphis competition after winning the International Blues Challenge regional competition in Santa Barbara on Oct. 27. About 30 Blue Stew fans were so excited, they bought tickets to join them. Among them were Roxanne and Hank De La Cruz of Carpinteria.

"We're going on not a lot of sleep," said Hank. "We've been eating our hearts out. We have been checking out a few clubs."

The couple are among fans who faithfully show up for Blue Stew's regular Sunday afternoon gigs at the Hi-Cees BBQ Cafe in Ventura Harbor.

Blue Stew's prize money didn't cover the band's travel expenses to Memphis, so fans and Hi-Cees owners Greg and Joan Launert organized a Dec. 13 fundraiser to help them out.

"It always surprises me that fans are that loyal," said band member Kirk Maxson of Oxnard.

Maxson, 55, plays bass guitar for Blue Stew. The other members are drummer Randy Kizer, 57, of Ventura; primary songwriter Mike Miller, 55 of Ventura, who also sings and plays guitar; and White, 53, of Ventura.

The band has released four CDs so far: "Headed South," "Destination: The Blues," "Stumbling Blocks & Stepping Stones" and "Long Gone."