Kalispell’s own Kenny James Miller Band has been named Best New Blues Band by the Inland Empire Blues Society.

The band was given the award at the society’s 17th annual Empire Awards in Spokane on Nov. 10. 

“We started 2011 with our hearts set on elevating the band to another level. We headed west to Spokane and played at clubs known for hiring premier blues and rock acts, and the fallout from those performances [was] pivotal,” said John Hauss, the band’s promoter.

The Kenny James Miller Band co-headlined the 16th Annual Blues Kats for Kids. The band shared the stage with international blues recording artist Robin Trower at the Knitting Factory in Spokane, won the Spokane Regional Competition for the International Blues Challenge, and then were finalists in Snohomish for the Washington state title.

The band also released a new song, “Thank You Lucille,” a tribute to B.B. King’s guitar, which currently is No. 21 on Spokane’s KKZX 98.9 classic rock playlist. They also headlined Clear Channel’s Haunted House Halloween Party at the Lincoln Center in Spokane.

“It feels great getting noticed by the Inland Empire Blues Society, Vic Frederick and the Washington Blues Society,” said Ken Sederdahl, guitar player and lead vocalist. “Playing all original music ... nobody had heard any of our songs before, so winning this award makes it that much more appreciated.”

Bass player Mark Cornett added that “the people from Spokane love their blues, that’s for sure.”

“For us to win this award is like a large exclamation point that says we’re a regional band,” said drummer Mark Miller.

For more information about the Kenny James Miller Band, visit www.kennyjamesmillerband.com. The band’s next Flathead Valley performance is Dec. 10 at the Craggy Range in Whitefish.