For blues, Fender is a good choice, but amps are definitely something you want to try hard to try before you buy. You're on the cusp with your price range... should be able to get a nice low-watt amp easily, but you could think about upping your budget and look at some really sweet, more "boutique" amps. I bought a Lanely Lionheart 5 watt amp (much louder than you would think for 5w) and being a hypocrite, I ordered it on-line without trying it first. Big commitment for a $1000 amp. But I did a ton of research first, and felt it was just what I was looking for, plus I called all over and no one had them in stock at the music stores. Really happy with it, but if you're going against a drummer you wouldn't be able to keep the amp loud & clean.

If you could find a used Fender Princeton from the 60's or 70's, you'd probably love it.