Meet Brendan Forrest, the 2026 Telluride Blues Challenge Winner

2026 winner of the Telluride Blues Challenge, Brendan Forrest, plays on the Main Stage at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival.

Six finalists. One winner. A new chapter for Southwest Colorado musician Brendan Forrest.

After taking top honors at the 2026 Telluride Blues Challenge, Forrest joined us for an interview at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival. The full conversation is now available on our YouTube channel—an opportunity to get to know the artist behind this year’s winning performance.

Get to Know Brendan Forrest

Born into an Irish-American family on Chicago’s North Side, Forrest brings a wide range of influences to his music. His sound draws from folk, bluegrass, Celtic tradition, and Americana, while his songwriting explores movement, memory, place, and tradition. From city streets and mountain towns to time spent abroad, those experiences help shape a musical identity that doesn’t fit neatly into any one genre.

Now based in Southwest Colorado, Forrest adds a Telluride Blues Challenge win to his story.

Presented by Telluride Music Company and Telluride Blues Society, the Challenge gives emerging musicians a chance to share their music, connect with new audiences, and earn opportunities to perform on bigger stages. This year’s six finalists competed live during Blues for Breakfast at the Telluride Elks Lodge.

Forrest’s win earned him a prize package that includes a premium Martin guitar, a cash prize, and performance opportunities at Telluride Blues & Brews Festival and the Durango Blues Train. Festival fans can look forward to seeing him on the Blues Stage in 2027.