The Memphis-based Blues Foundation has announced the nominees for the 40th annual Blues Music Awards. Among them are several Louisiana musicians.

New Orleans-based singer-guitarist Samantha Fish has two nominations  —  Contemporary Blues Album and Contemporary Blues Female Artist (which she won last year). Baton Rouge’s Kenny Neal is nominated for Contemporary Blues Male Artist. Pointe Coupee Parish native Buddy Guy is nominated for Song of the Year (“Gognac,” written by Guy, Tom Hambridge and Richard Fleming); and Traditional Blues Album (The Blues is Alive and Well).

Claiborne Parish native Bobby Rush is nominated for B.B. King Entertainer.

Shemekia Copeland s up for consideration for the Contemporary Blues Album, Vocalist of the Year, and Contemporary Blues Female Artist honors. Worth noting too is that her hit single, “Ain’t Got Time For Hate,” is a Song of the Year candidate for its songwriters John Hahn and Will Kimbrough.

According to organizers, the BMA’s are “universally recognized as the top accolade for blues musicians.” Achievements in performances, recordings and songwriting are celebrated, as is the work of those serving to sustain the blues’ rich cultural traditions.

The Blues Foundation will host its historic 40th Annual Blues Music Awards on Thursday, May 9 at 7 p.m. at Memphis’ Cook Convention Center. Individual tickets are $150 per person. There are also regular and premium table seating packages available. All tickets can be purchased at www.blues.org.