POMEROY — Mojo Theory, with its crisp rhythm section and a dynamic front man, took the top spot in the blues band competition Friday night at the Pomeroy Blues Bash.

The winning group of seasoned musicians from Columbus was a semi-finalist in the 2009 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tenn., sponsored by The Blues Foundation.

Their win Friday night before a packed parking lot of blues enthusiasts, qualifies them to compete again in the January 2010 Challenge under the auspices of the Pomeroy and Blues Jazz Society.

“This is the largest blues event in the world,” commented Jackie Welker, president of the Pomeroy Blues and Jazz Society, “and if they do good down there, it will be very good for Pomeroy. That really excites us.”

In addition to qualifying to compete in the international contest, Mojo Theory was awarded $1,000.

Second place with a $200 prize went to Magic Mamma Latte of Gallipolis and the third place with a $100 prize to Meigs County’s Mudfork Blues Band. Both were also awarded studio time at Peach Fork Studios, owned and operated by Bernie Naw, a professional musician and sound engineer.

Other competing bands were Patrick Lowandowski of Toledo, the Stone Johnson Band of Chillicothe, and Rep Keys & and the Blues Bastards of Chillicothe.

To top off the night, Bill Lupkin of Chicago, Ill., gave a special performance.