MEMPHIS (AP) — Rick Estrin and his band the Nightcats are among the leading nominees for the annual Blues Music Awards in Memphis.

Estrin and his group have been nominated for eight awards, including band of the year, song of the year and traditional blues artist, according a news release from The Blues Foundation.

Estrin is also nominated for the B.B. King Entertainer of the Year award, along with Billy Branch, Sugaray Rayford, Bobby Rush and Mavis Staples.

Rayford will try to defend his soul blues male artist award from last year. Rayford is also nominated in the soul blues album, vocal instrumentalist and band of the year categories. His song, “Time To Get Movin’,” written by Eric Corne, is competing for song of the year.

The other nominees for band of the year are The Cash Box Kings, The Nick Moss Band featuring Dennis Gruenling and Southern Avenue.

The awards representing work done in the past year will be handed out May 7 at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts in Memphis.