Lucero Family Christmas (Dec. 6 at Minglewood Hall)

The Lucero Family Christmas returns to Minglewood Hall this year, as the hometown alt-country heroes pair up with special guests including Against Me!’s Laura Jane Grace (!!!) and hard rocking duo Heels. As many people have learned over the years, Lucero events at Minglewood Hall have a special alchemy that makes them all must-see events.

A BLVD Christmas featuring Anthony Hamilton (Dec. 8 at Mississippi Blvd. Church)

Grammy award winning R&B artist Anthony Hamilton will be joining the BLVD Sanctuary Choir & Orchestra for an evening of soulful holiday vibes at the historic Mississippi Blvd. Church on the edge of Crosstown. I have to admit, it was a bit startling to see Hamilton pop up on a flyer for a local church’s Christmas concert, but I’ll chalk it up to a bit of holiday magic.

Shangri-La Records Holiday Road Show (Dec. 9 at Shangri-La Records)

I can’t think of a better way to get my holiday shopping done than with a killer afternoon of live music soundtracking the experience. On Saturday, Shangri-La will be hosting a holiday sale alongside live performances from Susan Marshall, Steve Selvidge, Jeff Hulett, and J.D. Reager, all of whom will have their own yuletide-themed records for sale. Two birds with one stone!

Goner Presents: A Christmas Rock Show (Dec. 16 at B Side)

Speaking of great local record shops, Goner Records will be rocking the B Side stage with the festive musical stylings from Hartle Road , the Robby Grant Band, and The Sheiks with special guest Bennett. DJs Hot Tub Eric & Zac Ives–Goner’s two dynamic owners– are kicking things off at 7pm, with live music to follow.

Graham Winchester’s Honky Tonk Christmas  (Dec. 22 at Hernando’s Hide-A-Way)

Memphis music mainstay Graham Winchester will be hosting a night of honky tonk at the city’s best rockabilly roadhouse, Hernando’s Hide-A-Way, featuring holiday tunes from Tunstyles, Cheyenne Mars, and more. If you like your Christmas music with just a slight hint of sleaze, then this is the show for you.

Mempho Presents: A Southern Avenue Christmas (Dec. 22 at Minglewood Hall)

Memphis’ very own Southern Avenue will be returning home for an evening of holiday favorites in their signature throw-back soulful sound. The group, which seems to be on an almost endless touring schedule, seems to get better with each subsequent appearance.  I’d bet good money that the band will be at their best for this increasingly-rare hometown throwdown.

The post Your 2023 Live Music Holiday Guide appeared first on We Are Memphis.

All Hallows Grieve at Hi Tone
October 14

Sure, zombies, werewolves, and vampires are always good for a scare, but what’s more horrifying than facing one’s own feelings and emotions? Hi Tone’s recurring emo night is back with a special Halloween edition of the popular dance party, so dust off your skinny jeans, straighten those bangs, and head down for a night of fright and tears.

Ghoultown at Growlers
October 26

What would happen if you somehow had the ability to take a classic horror film and somehow transform it into a band? Texas band Ghoultown seems as close to an answer as we’re likely to get, expertly channeling films like From Dusk till Dawn and Curse of the Undead into an exhilarating live show. With a devilish mix of punk twang, horror rock, and spaghetti-western flair, Ghoultown is the perfect band for a hellacious good time.

Halloween Masquerade Ball at Black Lodge
October 28

Like a Spirit Halloween with liquor and live music, Black Lodge is truly your one-stop-shop for everything Halloween related. The video rental store/venue has always had a fondness for the macabre, but that seems to be ramped up even more this October with a slate of enticing events. Although we encourage you to check out their full list of events– especially the back-to-back Vampire and Witches Masquerade Ball on Friday, Oct. 20th followed the next evening by a Zombie Prom– the main event is the annual Masquerade Ball. Featuring a who’s who of Memphis rockers, this is likely to be the biggest party of the night.

Tone Presents “Black October”
October 28th

Tone, the city’s premiere Black Arts organization (or at the very least, its coolest) is back with another highly-anticipated Halloween event, this year at the Orange Mound Tower. This year’s theme is Vampires in Memphis, so dress accordingly and be ready to dance late into the evening. Oh, and based on last year, the costumes promise to be fierce, so bring your A-game!

Dia de los Muertos Celebration at Memphis Music Room
October 28

Dia de Muertos–the joyous Mexican holiday based on remembering and celebrating friends and family members who have died–has slowly integrated itself into American culture. In fact, there are a handful of Dia de Muertos events happening throughout Memphis this month, but the one we’re most excited for is the Don Ramon Band at the Memphis Music Room. Ramon is one of the city’s premiere Spanish-language acts and he is all but guaranteed to keep things rockin’ into the early morning.

Stevie Nicks at FedEx Forum

October 28

As Fleetwood Mac’s iconic singer Stevie Nicks has made clear many times over the years, she is not actually a witch or a practitioner of the dark arts, yet her mystical and fantastical personae continues to inspire would-be witches and warlocks worldwide. Aside from perhaps Ozzy Osbourne or Alice Cooper, it’s hard to think of a more appropriate classic rock icon to have in town during Halloween weekend. Nicks, of course, is a must-see event regardless of the season, but it’s hard to deny that a late October concert is particularly enticing.

**For even more Halloween-themed events and much more, check out our live music calendar here!**

The post A Terrifyingly Good Guide for Halloween-Themed Live Music Events in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

1. First things first, the Tambourine Bash is obviously a major annual fundraiser for Music Export Memphis. Tell us a little bit about the organization and your personal goals.

Music Export Memphis is a non-profit export office for Memphis music. We’ve been around since 2016, and we really grew exponentially during the pandemic because we ran an almost half-a-million dollar COVID relief fund for musicians and music professionals. This helped to massively increase our donor base and our revenue, but also the number of local artists who were aware of our work. Our primary focus is on subsidizing working artists through unique and innovative programs that all address elements of career promotion and building audiences outside of the city. So we’re funding tour grants, merchandise, and the like. We recently launched two new grants that help to fund publicity and marketing, both of which are incredibly key in building your career and helping to get your music out into the world. We believe that when we help artists extend their reach, it helps the whole city because it allows artists to remain in Memphis and build their careers here.

2. When did the Tambourine Bash begin and how has it changed over the years?

The Tambourine Bash started back in 2018 as a pretty straight-forward benefit event. One thing that eventually became  a thread linking the first event with the subsequent event was that the two bands we had performing were completely different. One was reggae and the other was Southern rock. That next year, we really embraced the idea of collaboration. That really came from recognizing that this was really the only event we were holding in Memphis every year, so we really wanted to push the creative ceiling and create something that was bigger than just a concert and silent auction. This idea of collaboration really grew in 2019, when we paired Talibah Safiya and Marcella Simmien together, along with Nick Black and Daz Rinko and Future-Everything and Unapologetic.

After having to cancel the 2020 event, we were concerned about getting people together in ’21 due to the ongoing pandemic, which is largely what led us to the Overton Park Shell as an ideal outdoor venue. As you know, the Shell is a massive venue, so it also allowed us to go even bigger than we had in the past. It was honestly a big leap for us, but with the help of our sponsors we were able to pull off a really successful show with a ton of artists. I knew that I wanted to end the night with a “super jam” finale, which was largely planned by Boo Mitchell, who is returning again this year for assistance.

While we now do more events during the year in Memphis, the Tambourine Bash is still our marquis night that continues to push the creative boundary of our artists. We also wanted to do something that you would never see again, and I can guarantee that the Tambourine Bash will give you some performances that will never be replicated.

3. Collaboration between seemingly disparate artists is at the core of what makes the event so unique. How do you go about pairing up different artists that may have not worked together before?

First of all, I’m already working on the 2024 event because I am constantly hearing from artists who want to participate or getting suggestions for artists. I also have particular concepts that I want to execute each year, so a perfect example of that is this year we have Dirty Streets collaborating with Alexis Grace and Deonna Sirod, who are both unbelievable vocalists. Dirty Streets rock so hard, and while I love their vocals, I knew I wanted some big powerhouse vocals with a gritty rock band. There are plenty of other examples like that as well, but I think finding artists who are in different genres but who share a similar spirit is at the core. There are also times when I’m a bit scared or apprehensive when I pair the artists together, but so far it’s always worked out! A perfect example of this was during last year’s event when Lucky 7 Brass Band, Aquarian Blood, and Rachel Maxann were paired up. It was completely ridiculous–there were like 17 musicians on stage at one time–but it was incredible. I mean, people still come up to me and want to talk about that set. I especially love when the artists tell me “there is no way we would have collaborated together otherwise, but now we’re working together on a new song or project.”

The other thing is, now that we’re going into the fourth year of the event, I think artists are much more understanding of the concept and therefore less hesitant to try out something that on its face may seem absurd. This year especially, I’ve found that artists are particularly enthusiastic because they’ve been wanting to participate.

4. Tell us a bit about this year’s line-up and what may be different from years past.

One thing that is different about this year’s Tambourine Bash is that we have a headliner, which we’ve never done before. In the past, we always had equal billing and set time for everyone, but in brainstorming ideas of how to get even more people in the audience, we decided to have a headliner. One thing that was really important to us was ensuring that the headliner was an artist that the city claims, which is certainly true of Cedric Burnside. There obviously needed to be that collaborative element as well, but Cedric’s partners have yet to be announced. I’m thinking we may keep it a surprise until that night, but that’s still to be determined.

Other than that, I would say the formula is pretty much the same, but because we never repeat artists, it will be a completely different show from years past and each of the sets will be totally unique.

5. I know that this is probably a tough question, but do you have any favorite performances from the past that you think exemplify what the Tambourine Bash is all about?

So I already spoke about one, especially when talking about what exemplifies the Tambourine Bash, and that would be last year’s set featuring Lucky 7 Brass Band, Aquarian Blood, and Rachel Maxann. To me, that is such a beautiful example of what we try to do. There are also some other favorite moments, like Jody Stephens, Steve Selvidge, and Amy LaVere doing a set together. While those three musicians had played together before, they had never done a trio performance like that. We also got to see Jody singing the Chris Bell classic “You and Your Sister,” and you could’ve heard a pin drop. It was such a beautiful and memorable moment, especially from a guy who always claims that he’s not a singer. There are always these great unexpected moments and I think each individual in attendance tends to leave with their own. Oh, and how could I forget the “super jam”! Having all of the artists come together is just magical and a reminder that you can’t get anything quite like this in any other city than Memphis. That level of talent coming together is just off the charts and always a great reminder of why we do this work.

6. Before I let you go, is there anything else that you wanted to add?

Beginning on September 18th, we’ll be rolling out our big annual giving push as a lead-up to the Tambourine Bash, which will include artist testimonials, a new video podcast called “Export 101,” along with a lot of other content. One thing that’s more Tambourine Bash related is the silent auction, which will be held online this year. That will also go live on the 18th. Finally, I think it’s important to stress that no other city has this type of organization or is doing the work that we’re doing. It’s incredibly unique to say the lease and when I travel for conferences or festivals and meet folks from other cities, they are flabbergasted at the work we’re doing. In fact, other cities have begun to reach out to us about assisting them with getting their own artist support programs set up. I just want Memphians to know that this doesn’t exist elsewhere and that when you come out to support us, you’re ensuring that we can continue to innovate and grow and keep Memphis as a world class music city.

*All Photos by Craig Thompson 

The post The Tambourine Bash is Back with Even More Stellar Music Collaborations appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Curren$y & Starlito
Minglewood Hall
7PM on Saturday, August 5

Since 2010, when he climbed out of the wreckage of No Limit Records to launch a lauded solo career, Curren$y has been New Orlean’s most successful rapper not named Lil Wayne. With his smart lyrics and chilled-out stoner vibes, “the hot spitta” has become a fan favorite and a master of the mixtape. He’ll be joined on his Memphis date by Nashville’s Starlito, an underrated talent whose series of “Step Brother” mixtapes with Memphis rapper Don Trip have become underground classics.

Elvis Week 2023
Graceland (and other locations)
August 9-17

Ready or not, here they come! The “they,” of course, referring to the throngs of tourists and Elvis fanatics who annually descend on the city to celebrate the life of the late King of Rock n Roll. As always, the week is chocked full of events around the city. Elvis Week 2023 highlights include the “Aloha from Hawaii” 50th Anniversary Concert featuring Elvis on the big screen backed by a live band; the annual Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest and performances by many of EPE’s past Ultimate winners; and, as always, the annual Candlelight Vigil on August 15 where fans gather in quiet remembrance of the king.

The F.O.R.C.E. Live
FedEx Forum
8PM on Tuesday, August 22

I’ll be honest…I’m generally a bit luke-warm on large-scale nostalgia tours, but the line-up to L.L. Cool J’s the F.O.R.C.E. Live tour is simply too good to overlook. Backed by the legendary Roots crew, the tour features a list of all-time greats including Salt-N-Pepa, Queen Latifah, Rakim, Common, MC Lyte, Method Man & Redman, Big Boi, Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, Ice T, Juvenile, Doug E. Fresh, Slick Rick, De La Soul, Goodie Mob, Jadakiss, Rick Ross and more. While nothing’s ever guaranteed, it’s hard to imagine a show with this much star power not delivering.

The PRVLG
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
7:30PM on Friday, August 25

At this point, you’re almost certainly familiar with the retro-modern sound of Memphis’ The PRVLG, the funky duo composed of twin brothers Christian and Christopher Underwood. Having recently relocated to Los Angeles, this upcoming show at the Green Room will be a bit of a homecoming of sorts, which is always a good sign for a high-energy show. The duo have apparently been working on a new album, so expect some new tunes alongside older favorites.

Sweatfest
Shangri-La Records
1PM on Saturday, August 26

During the dog days of summer, outdoor live music events in Memphis tend to dry up like an neglected, unwatered plant. However, every August, the sadists at Shangri-La records laugh in the face of the sweltering sun at their annual Sweatfest, an all-day festival and sale that brings some of the city’s most exciting bands together for a fun-filled (and sweaty) day of music, vinyl, and beer. While the line-up for this year’s fest has yet to be released, I can guarantee that you won’t want to miss out…just be sure to wear your sunscreen!

The post 5 Must See Concerts in August appeared first on We Are Memphis.

1. First things first, for those who may be unfamiliar with you and your music, give us a quick rundown of your background.

I am a musician, teacher and producer currently based in Rhode Island, where I relocated from the Boston area last summer after 24 years of living in the city. As a young musician, I came up in the Boston nightclub scene playing post-punk influenced music from 2000-2004 in a band called Cancer to the Stars. From 2004-2012 I wrote and presented music as a solo artist in a number of styles, including as an acoustic singer/songwriter, a rock guitarist and a multi-instrumentalist. I also scored an independent film during that time. In 2013, after a lot of years of late nights and internal difficulty, I got sober and began studying country blues with Paul Rishell. Just a few months after cleaning up, I went on my first tour in Europe, which became something I did annually until 2019, which was the same year that I started regularly visiting Jimmy “Duck” Holmes in Bentonia, Mississippi.

2. Although you’re from Boston, your music is largely steeped in the Delta Blues tradition. Tell us a bit about how you first got interested in the music from this region and your connection to Memphis and the surrounding areas.

I first heard the blues through John Lee Hooker’s music when I was a child and it spoke to me deeply, right away. In high school, I was mainly interested in punk and rock music, but I bought and listened to albums by artists like John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Reed and Robert Johnson. When I was first beginning to play around in Boston in 2001, my friend and mentor Ted Drozdowski often sang the praises of RL Burnside, Junior Kimbrough and Jessie Mae Hemphill, who he was spending time with and writing about. However, it wasn’t until about 2012 that I really connected to Fat Possum Records and some of the great artists playing in Mississippi and Memphis. My favorite Fat Possum bluesman is Robert Belfour, who lived and played in Memphis and who I got to hear and meet once in Clarksdale in 2014. In 2019, I was able to connect with Bruce Watson (of Fat Possum/Big Legal Mess/Bible & Tire) through a friend and he graciously agreed to record me at his Memphis studio. I’ve been coming back to Memphis and Mississippi as often as I can since – usually 2-3 times a year – to study with Jimmy “Duck” Holmes at the Blue Front Cafe in Bentonia, to meet other musicians and to play around the region as much as I can. Everyone I’ve met in Memphis has been very, very welcoming – especially at Crosstown Arts, WYXR and Beale Street Caravan (but that’s just to name a few).

3. You’re part of a pretty large and impressive showcase for this show. Tell us about your co-performers for the evening and your previous connection to them.

Willie Farmer is an exceptionally skillful blues guitarist and singer, who can play in a wide range of styles. He has made a number of albums, including “The Man From the Hill” on Bruce Watson’s Big Legal Mess label. I first met Mr. Farmer in April 2019, when I played before him twice at that year’s Juke Joint Festival and when I came back a couple of months later to play the Bentonia Blues Festival, he kindly allowed me to visit him at his home, where we played guitar together on his property for a few hours one afternoon. Since then, we’ve stayed in touch by phone and been on other bills together, including last year’s Bentonia Blues Festival. I am so glad that he’s playing on the June 15h show – he’s a unique and inspiring musician. I met Shaun Marsh also in 2019, when we played together in Memphis at The Center for Southern Folklore. I was immediately struck by the beauty and sensitivity of Shaun’s playing (which in a blues context, tends to focus on the pre-war era) and we became fast friends that night. He and his partner Maysey Craddock (a very inspiring and gifted fine artist) have really helped me to feel at home in Memphis and I try to see them every time I am in town. Shaun usually plays blues solo, but this time he has Lynn Greer on drums. And I’m very fortunate that Grant Smith, my long time collaborator from Boston, will be joining me on this run. Grant is a world class percussionist, who plays a wide variety of instruments and has played for Itzhak Perlman, Yo Yo Ma, and the Violent Femmes, among many others.

4. You’ve said that you’re most inspired by the “Bentonia style” of Delta blues. Could you explain what differentiates the Bentonia style?

The Bentonia style is known for its uniquely haunting, ethereal sound, which is played often at a slow to mid tempo, with one or two chords in an open minor guitar tuning. The singing tends to be high, at times in falsetto, and the traditional lyrical themes focus on the otherworldly and on occasion, the devil. There is a brooding quality to it, a moodiness, that, even at its most joyful, still holds a mysterious feeling of unease, or to my ears, a kind of dread. However, for all of its heaviness, the music is also hypnotic and quite beautiful. There is nothing else in the world quite like it. There is only one original Bentonia musician left who plays the style – Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, who owns and runs the Blue Front Cafe, which is the longest continually run juke joint. Jimmy has been very kind and generous in teaching me about the style and about an approach to music in general, which I try to pass on to my own students who I see in New England and around the country online.

5. Other than attending the concert, what are the best ways for people to discover more of your music?

My latest album, “Winter Hill Blues,” (which was recorded in Memphis by Bruce Watson) is available on Spotify and on Bandcamp. I also have dozens of analog home recordings exclusively for patrons on my website at https://ryanleecrosby.com/audio and I teach guitar online via Zoom, with a group class for blues every Monday (more info here).

While I’m down for this trip, I will also be playing in Clarksdale at the Travelers Hotel on June 16 and the Bentonia Blues Festival on June 17 with Jimmy “Duck” Holmes, RL Boyce, Robert Connely Farr and many more (including Shaun Marsh earlier in the day).

Tickets for the show are available now here.

The post Concert Preview: Ryan Lee Crosby, Willie Farmer & More to Bring the Blues to the Green Room at Crosstown Arts appeared first on We Are Memphis.

J. Whitlow’s story began in 2017 when he quit his job to pursue a dream. He says that
“The Alchemist” by Paula Coelho influenced him to take such a big step that he is forever
grateful for. “ It really had me like “You’re not living mane!” After years of party promoting and
creating what he calls an experience for the city of Memphis, Whitlow took his skills to the next
level. What started as a party-promoting business that threw the best club parties is now a
music festival that promotes the best independent artists in Memphis and beyond.

Prior to promoting parties and the LOL Music Festival, Whitlow was appointed by Mayor
AC Wharton to the board for a Beale Street Tourism Development Project. He was the youngest
on the board at the time, and his young fiery ambition led him to see much more for the Beale
Street area in which he was serving. Whitlow’s company, Privileged, began around 6 years ago
in the month of June right before his 30th birthday. Whitlow coined the company name “Privileged”
due to the vision and goal of making those in the city feel as though they were living a
“privileged lifestyle.” “We do stuff that no one else does, and we live a privileged lifestyle.

That’s what I wanted to get across,” said the creative. He says that the ultimate goal was to
push not only a lifestyle onto people, but also a culture. The brand made a name for itself
through Whitlow’s ability to get Memphis natives out of their homes and into the party scene to
have a good time. He began taking his vision to Beale Street where he started an annual event
titled “Evolution of Cocktails.” “I wanted to offer grown folks something different than a club,” he explains.

The efforts of creating an experience were soon stopped by the pandemic; however, that
did not keep the visionary from coming back stronger than ever. Now in 2023, J. Whitlow says
that the Listen Out Loud Music Festival will be an annual gift to his community, but he has much
bigger goals than just creating a good time for natives. With many of his goals being rooted in
views and changes that he sees fit for his community, Whitlow says that the festival is his way of
giving back, developing the mindsets of citizens in the city, breaking new artists, helping the city
R&B scene get back on the rise, and creating music internship opportunities for the youth.
Here’s how!

The Listen Out Loud music festival happens annually in the spring and harbors the goal
of putting independent R&B artists on the map. Whitlow holds Memphis music dear to his heart
and has hopes of bringing Memphis music to the forefront. “ The rap game has taken off
and it’s tight, but someone has to own R&B. I love rap; however, I don’t want that to be the only
type of sound that comes from our city. We are more defined than that, and there’s so much
more untouched talent out there.” He feels that his goal will not only be great for the next
generation of artists and young people, but for older generations as well. “I think it encourages
older people to get out and lend their talents to the stage because they wanna see Memphis be
the home of dynamic soul talent just as it once was.”

With that being said, the festival’s lineup has already been a huge representation of that. From singers like Carmen Hicks and McKenzie Thomas to Bar-Kays member Devin Crutcher, the festival has always been known to have amazing talents from not only Memphis but from other cities as well. This year a number of
amazing artists made an appearance at the festival, including 2012 The Voice contestant Avery
Wilson. A few other talents on the lineup include Anthony Q, Mille Manny, Doll McCoy, and even
a number of great female deejays. As J. Whitlow gears up for next year’s festival, he says that
for it to become bigger than what it is, the community should come together to bring the vision to
life.

If you are interested in supporting Whitlow and the LOL Music Fest, information can be
found in the following link. https://www.listenoutloudmusicfestival.com/

The post With Listen Out Loud Music Fest, J. Whitlow Hopes to Put Memphis R&B Back in the Limelight appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Friday, May 5th

Well, it’s finally here! Time to head downtown and get ready for some live music and fun.

Shopping

For all those last-minute planners, visit one of these shops to buy the perfect Beale Street Music Fest outfits:

• Stock & Belle
• Muse Inspired Fashion
• Odds Atelier
• Silk N Honey Boutique

Drinks

End the night by stopping for drinks at one of our famous breweries or even at the Peabody for some late-night eats:

• Ghost River Brewery Tap Room
• Old Dominick Distillery
• High Cotton Brewing Co.
• Peabody Corner Bar

Saturday, May 6th

It’s day two! Before heading down to Tom Lee Park, how about seeing what Memphis has to offer?

Explore South Main

Ride a trolley and visit the South Main Arts District before heading to see your favorite musicians:

• Makeda’s Homemade Cookies
• Urevbu Contemporary
• Bedrock Eats and Sweets
• South Main Book Juggler

Lunch

If you’re a three-day pass holder or VIP, you can venture beyond the BSMF for some lunch at one of these nearby places. Plus, it’s not a BSMF weekend if you’re not pre-gaming the World Championship BBQ Cooking Competition with some delicious, slow-smoked BBQ. Check out the Memphis BBQ Trail to find even more lunch (and dinner) options!

• By the Brewery
• The Green Beetle
• The Brass Door Irish Pub
• The Genre Memphis

Post-Show Fun on Beale Street

Whether you’re looking for a “midnight” snack or some drinks, you should check out these spots along Beale Street:

• B.B. King’s Blues Club
• Itta Bena
• Wet Willie’s
• SugaShack

Sunday, May 7th

It’s the last day of Beale Street Music Fest, so why not start the day off with some classic Memphis dining?

Brunch

These classic brunch spots will give you enough energy for those final performances:

• Arcade Restaurant
• Sage Restaurant
• Edge Alley
• Sugar Grits

Buy Memphis merch

Wanna wear your Memphis pride after the weekend’s done? Stop by one of these shops for exclusive gifts and merch from 901 natives:

• Shop Mucho
• Feelin’ Memphis
• Walking Pants Curiosities
• A. Schwab

You might also be interested in: Memphis Blues Bars: The Ultimate Guide to Blues in Memphis

The post An Itinerary of Things to Do During Beale Street Music Festival Weekend appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Ami Dang
7PM, Thursday, April 6th
The Green Room At Crosstown Arts
$20 advance, $25 day of the show
https://crosstownarts.org/calendar/ami-dang/

If you’re a fan of experimental music and unfamiliar with Ami Dang, you should change that immediately. A multitalented South Asian-American from Baltimore, Ms. Dang’s work draws on a wealth of traditions both timeless and contemporary – North Indian classical music, noise, ambient, and electronica are just a few of the genre shades she paints with, to hallucinatory and stunning effect. Sitar and ragas meet sampling and dance-floor beats with mesmerizing abandon, past and present intermingling to create music both strikingly fresh and profoundly alluring. Dang’s collaborated with likeminded luminaries such as Animal Collective and Thor Harris, but she glows just as brightly weaving her own irreplaceable magic. Simply put, you’ll want to be there to catch the sonic spells that Dang is sure to cast in person.

Squirrel Nut Zippers
7:30PM, Thursday, April 6th
Overton Park Shell
$35
https://overtonparkshell.org/eventpage/squirrelnutzippers23

Outside of their native Chapel Hill, the Squirrel Nut Zippers may be most fondly remembered for their crossover 1996 hit “Hell”, which saw them (somewhat unfairly) lumped in with a wave of swing revival outfits dotting the charts of the era. Make no mistake, the Zippers are indeed swing and jazz revivalists, but their work is much more compelling and multifaceted than their ‘one hit wonder’ status might indicate. Throughout their long history they’ve successfully incorporated elements of klezmer, Delta blues, rockabilly, and Dixieland into their heady brew of unapologetic retro pomp. And the Shell Yeah! benefit series funds the Shell’s beloved free programming, so it’s all in service to a more than worthy cause.

Laura Jane Grace
7PM, Saturday, April 8th
Minglewood Hall
$25
https://minglewoodhallmemphis.com/event/laura-jane-grace/

To a nostalgic listener of a certain age, the name ‘Laura Jane Grace’ means Against Me!, the legendary Florida folk-punk outfit she’s piloted to widespread acclaim since the late 90s, their crowned jewel being their 2014 masterwork, Transgender Dysphoria Blues. Though the band’s been on official hiatus since 2020, Grace has nonetheless kept busy, releasing a stellar COVID-19 lockdown album with Stay Alive back in 2020. Her solo work certainly offers the same insightful, charming songwriting of her full-time band’s best songs, presented in a stripped-down and mostly acoustic collection where anthemic refrains meet harrowing lyricism – just as fans have come to expect. Grace remains an irreplaceable figure in the contemporary American music landscape, and we’re more than lucky to still be invited to listen in.

Xiu Xiu
7PM, Wednesday, April 12th
The Green Room At Crosstown Arts
$20
https://crosstownarts.org/calendar/xiu-xiu/

Jamie Stewart’s long-running work under the name Xiu Xiu is nothing if not confrontational. Tender and haunting hooks rub up against screeching noise and clamor, and the lyrics are often as vicious and unvarnished as they are reliable and nakedly vulnerable. As Xiu Xiu’s music has always dwelled in the space where transgressive pop meets folk intimacy, it’s no surprise that their stage show is the stuff of legends, a clawing space of desperation and soul-bearing that few other performers dare to step a foot in, let alone inhabit. After twenty-plus years, the greatest compliment one can give to Xiu Xiu is to note that, still, no one else out there makes music quite like this, with this sort of inimitable energy and dedication. This is music that is life-changing without being melodramatic, emotional without the ‘emo’ tropes. With Xiu Xiu you’re either on board or not, but if you’re in, revelatory experiences await you.

Orville Peck
7PM, Wednesday, April 19th
Minglewood Hall
$35
https://minglewoodhallmemphis.com/event/orville-peck/

Orville Peck’s ‘schtick’, as it were, might overwhelm his music if said music weren’t so compelling. Donning a fringed mask and cowboy attire at all times, you’d expect a sense of irony to prevail in his body of work, but what you’ll find instead is an enchanting advancement of country and pop traditions. Peck (real name Daniel Pitout, also the drummer for the killer Canadian punk outfit Nu Sensae) isn’t interested in 90s-style wink and nudge so much as reinterpreting familiar tropes in an intriguing, relevant manner. Think Glen Campbell and outlaw country filtered through a queer lens and you’re close to what Peck’s getting at with the theatrics and stylish trappings, with a touch of Roy Orbison’s melancholy drama and David Lynch’s flair for the eerie and uncanny to lend these songs their resonance, Whether you’re an avowed country fan or a hater of all things Nashville, there’s a chance you’ll be able to get on Peck’s wavelength and enjoy the spoils. Gimmickry doesn’t wear thin when the art is revelatory and fun.

John Mellencamp
8PM, Monday, April 24th & Tuesday, April 25th
The Orpheum
$49.50
https://orpheum-memphis.com/event/john-mellencamp

What a career John Mellencamp has had, one reflective of the archetypal American experience that he so often draws from in his lyrics and music. A staggering run of radio hits in the 80s and early 90s cemented the Indiana native’s legacy, with songs ranging from wiry Americana and protest fables to hard-luck folk and deeply catchy power-pop. Though times have certainly changed, his best work endures by remaining truly timeless. His co-founding of the annual small farmer’s benefit concert Farm Aid alongside Willie Nelson and Neil Young underlines just how much he’s come to inhabit the same annals as those two living legends in the American musical mythos. Mellencamp remains a key voice in the chorus of this country’s sonic past and present, an artist who’s transcended pop culture idol status and continues to craft perceptive and boundary-pushing work today. A chance to spend two nights with a songwriter of this depth and magnitude at the Orpheum is a rare one, so be sure not to miss out.

Jill Scott
7:30PM, Wednesday, April 26th
The Orpheum
$203 – $528
https://orpheum-memphis.com/event/jill-scott

Its been twenty-three years since the release of Jill Scott’s towering debut, Who Is Jill Scott?: Words And Sounds, Vol. 1, and it remains as breathtaking an opening statement as it was back in 2001, deeply of a piece with the masterful Black music radiating from Philadelphia at that time. ‘Neo soul’ has been a genre term that’s meant many disparate things over the years since, but few could argue that whatever ‘neo soul’ really means, Scott is an unequivocal icon of the form. Rarely has a beguiling soprano like hers been paired with such frank and absorbing expressions of love, longing, and physical intimacy. Her Philly funk is smooth and pleasurable, her balladry heart-rending and evocative; passion just pours from every corner of these songs. And over two decades later, there remains a specific neighborhood of sound that Ms. Scott more or less owns; what a jubilant neighborhood that is, one that’s well worth celebrating.

Crocodiles w/ General Labor, Trash Goblin
8PM, Monday, May 8th
The Hi Tone (Big Room)
$12-15
https://hitonecafe.com/event/crocodiles-general-labor-trash-goblin-big-room-upstairs/hi-tone-cafe/memphis-tennessee/

Crocodiles emerged from San Diego at the tail end of the 2000s post-punk revival, but their cavernous throwback intrigue has pulled in elements of psych and noise-rock from the start, sorting them far from the well-dressed urban pinnacle of the Interpol/Strokes salad days. Few bands since have nailed that fabled blend of feedback-laced JAMC fuzz and Spectorian Wall of Sound pop, and as other notables of their era have fallen by the wayside, Crocodiles remain. What’s more, they make it look both easy and really, really cool, offering effortless variations on their core sound without slowing for a second. What’s more, two incredible Memphis outfits join them for this match made in heaven at the Hi Tone – beloved Bluff City post-punk/new wavers General Labor and the hallucinogenic ‘acid goth’ churnings of the singular Trash Goblin. This night offers an evolution of musical forms that renders stale ‘genres’ to dust.

Digable Planets
7PM, Wednesday, May 10th
Minglewood Hall
$30
https://minglewoodhallmemphis.com/event/digable-planets/

It’s hard to believe, but Brooklyn’s treasured hip-hop institution Digable Planets have been together since 1987. At least, that is, until you remember that they’d pretty much single-handedly built the framework of ‘alternative’ hip-hop from the ground up, and were amongst early innovators in incorporating jazz inflections with their raps. “Rebirth Of Slick” might be the early 90s crossover hit that remains a solid-gold banger, but its their politically-feisty and experimental follow-up Blowout Comb that’s the staggering magnum opus. The trio’s reunited a few different times since their mid-90s heyday, and with each round of shows they seem to come back stronger, more viscerally-dedicated than before. They don’t sound like old heads coasting on nostalgia, they sound as fierce and charged as they did thirty years ago, and who else can you say that about in hip-hop (or any genre, really) in 2023? Folks, special isn’t the word.

The Veldt, The Current Situation, J. Robot, Mudshow
8PM, Friday, May 12th
The Hi-Tone (Small Room)
$10
https://hitonecafe.com/event/the-veldt-the-current-situation-j-robot-mudshow-small-room-downstairs/hi-tone-cafe/memphis-tennessee/

The twin brothers Chavis, founding members of Raleigh band The Veldt, were so far ahead of the pack upon their mid-80s formation that the pack wasn’t even visible over the horizon yet. Born of the same fertile scene that produced North Carolina indie heroes like Archers Of Loaf, Polvo, and Superchunk, the Chavises were laying the groundwork for the woozy atmospherics and kaleidoscopic noise that would become shoegaze long before Kevin Shields began to bankrupt Creation Records. It would take 1994’s stone-cold classic Afrodisiac to solidify their soul-infused take on the genre; thankfully they’ve recently returned to working under their original name, and are more than worth checking out in any setting. Opening this evening are a trio of well-chosen Memphian acts – caffeinated Hernando indie-rockers The Current Situation, the eerie horrorcore beatwork of Mudshow, and cherished Memphis synth-wave institution Jack Alberson under his alias J. Robot. What else is there to say? Awesomeness all around.

The post Spring Live Music Preview 2023 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Each year The Blues Foundation, a Memphis based organization with a mission to preserve the heritage and history of the Blues, hosts a festival-style live blues competition in the city known as The International Blues Challenge (IBC). The event brings hundreds of tourists and blues musicians to the city, and is known worldwide in the blues community to be the mecca for recognition in the genre as an up and coming blues band.

Here is how it works– in order to compete, you must be entered through a Blues Foundation affiliated blues society. This year there are 150 bands competing, representing 25 countries. During the day, there are workshops and panels led by leaders in the industry, and then in the evening the competition begins in multiple clubs on and around Beale Street. The event lasts five days this year– January 24th through the 28th, and culminates with the IBC finals on Saturday January 28th at the Orpheum Theatre. Past competitors of the challenge include Gary Clark Jr (when he was only 17 years old), and Memphis’ blues powerhouse band Southern Avenue.

Interim President and CEO of The Blues Foundation, Kimberly Horton, says that the event is “plain good fun, good music— [Memphians] can come and appreciate these musicians coming in from other countries playing music that everyone here in Memphis is familiar with. It broadens your horizons and knowledge of what the blues can be and what it looks like today.”

Pro tip: buy a full event pass, as it’s the only way to go to the finals on the 28th at The Orpheum, and that show is worth the price of the ticket alone.

Buy your tickets on The Blues Foundation Website here, and we’ll see you there!

You also might be interested in: Famous Memphis Musicians | Memphis Singers

The post Your Guide to the International Blues Challenge appeared first on We Are Memphis.

The Millennium Tour
Saturday, November 5th
FedEx Forum

This is the performance that everyone has been waiting for and, yes, it is coming to the Bluff City! The decade of the 2000s was undeniably one of the best times in music thanks in part to R&B artists such as B2K, Mario, Bow Wow, and several others. With that in mind, it’s quite the feat that they will be taking on the FedEx Forum stage the month. The tour was created by R&B singer Omarion after finding himself reminiscing on his dance skills that were loved by the world. He wanted to showcase those talents and bring back a time in music that was beyond beautiful. Although millennials are said to be ages 27 to 41, anyone in love with R&B and 2000s rap music can join these artists for a night of fun! Launched in 2019, the tour has been one of the most popular nostalgia tours on earth. In fact, it was this tour that is credited for putting favorite past boy bands and old industry friends back together. Understandably, people are excited to see these world-class talents reunite in front of the world!

Drayton Farley

Thursday, November 10th

1884 Lounge @ Minglewood Hall

Drayton Farley, from Birmingham, Alabama, is a country/Americana artist that continues to wow crowds with his strong vocals and wise lyricism. With songs and lyrics pulled from real life experience, there’s a grounded feeling to his stories, a confessional quality that rings true to those who know. If you are looking to hear a good story and enjoy a chill vibe, Farley’s performance is just for you!

Manchester Orchestra

The Soundstage at Graceland

Friday, November 11th

Like many of the best bands around, it is nearly impossible to put Georgia’s Manchester Orchestra neatly into in one genre-specific box. Are they a post-hardcore band? Prog rock? Folk? The answer is yes, and more. Although their recorded music has won them legions of fans, it’s their spectacular live shows that have really been their calling-card, earning them invitations to massive festivals such as as Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, and Coachella. If you want to save a few hundred bucks and avoid the massive crowds that come along with those festivals, though, then head on down to Whitehaven and catch a show that you won’t soon forget.

Son Little
Railgarten
Friday, November 18th

Since its opening, Railgarten has been the epicenter of good music. Hosting a variety of artists and genres, the venue just continues to give the city a reason to crave more good music. This month, the venue will be hosting Son Little, a neo-soul, indie, and rhythm and blues artist that constantly soothes his audience with relatable lyrics and an unforgettable vocal tone. He has performed at numerous festivals, performed at NPR’s Tiny Desk, and has released a total of 6 albums and EP’s. He has toured the world with Kelis and a number of other artists, and he is a Grammy-winning producer. If you are looking to enjoy a beautiful evening in the breeze and be accompanied by calming music, Son Little will make you feel an abundance of emotion and carry you with good music throughout the entire performance!

Rodd Bland
Sunday, November 27th
Lafayette’s Music Room

A dedicated drummer straight out of the city of Memphis (and the son of blues icon Bobby Bland), Rodd Bland is determined to make you get on your feet and dance. After much experience in the music industry from working with artists such as William Bell, Frayser Boy, and Al Kapone, Bland continues to do his thang as a solo artist! His years of performing have taught him exactly what it means to keep a crowd intrigued as an instrumentalist and performer. He has performed at clubs around the world and is a reliably great time. While you will get the blues, of course, you may also get a little bit of R&B, rock, and soul mixed in as well. You never know what you may get with someone as musically inclined as Rodd Bland, but you will enjoy every minute of it. We can’t wait to see him rock the stage once again, and we hope you join him!

You might also be interested in: Live Music Memphis Tonight | Memphis Live Music Calendar

The post November Shows Not to Miss appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Blvck Hippie, Little Baby Tendencies, Lofidels, Rundown Kreeps

Saturday, October 15th at 7:30PM at the Lamplighter Lounge

$10

Sad-Boy Indie Rock band Blvck Hippie have been making waves in the Memphis underground with their compelling mix of drowned-out ‘VHS rock’ and lovingly emo-tinged delivery. Their 2021 record If You Feel Alone At Parties is a pleasant display of the band’s strenght, a heartfelt and saccharine take on bedroom-oriented indie rock that can’t help but make your heart yearn back to teenage yesteryears. They are joined by quirky indie punk act Little Baby Tendencies, synthpunk act Lofidels, and pop-punk trio Rundown Kreeps. If you want to check out the hottest in Memphis’ indie scene, make sure to check this show out.

Angel Du$t, One Step Closer, Cherry Smoke

Wednesday, October 5th at 7:00PM at Growlers

$14

This one is for the hardcore kids. If you have been around punk circles in the past few years you would know about east coast acts Angel Du$t and One Step Closer. Angel Du$t have mastered toeing the line between melodic hardcore and powerful indie rock. They have made a name for themselves for their compelling mix of the two genres. One Step Closer is a tried-and-true ode to the iconic straight-edge bands of the nineties, their debut This Place You Know being an excellent example. They are joined with Memphis new emo outfit Cherry Smoke, who’s post-hardcore debut is rife with iconic riffs and belting choruses.

Cha Wa

Friday, October 7th at 8:00PM at Railgarten

$15

Careening on a smooth wave of jazz grooves comes Cha Wa, a Mardi Gras Indian funk outfit out of New Orleans. Mixing the old and the new, Cha Wa is a refreshing take on funk with influences from other genres like disco, afrobeats, and even reggae. Their rootsy, bluesy approach to funk exhales life and warmth that makes you want to get up and dance. You can not listen to the infectious bassline and brass sections of “Wildman” and not want to get up out of your chair. Make sure to take a couple of friends to see this group, it will surely be something special.

Corey Lou & Da Village

Friday, October 14th at 7:00PM at Hernando’s Hideaway

$15

Growing up with the deep gospel sounds of Memphis choirs, Corey Lou & Da Village’s music is full of heart and soul. Their music is reflective, looking over the choices made in our society, lamentations, and looking for love. There is a very authentic saccharine vibe to Corey Lou’s vocals. He presents his vocals in a way that is so pure and vulnerable, heightening the feelings of passion and love in every song. Even renditions of songs like the “Mississippi Cha Cha Slide” it is done with a distinct sense of passion and love for the art. If you’re looking for some peace and good vibes, do not hesitate to check out Corey Lou & Da Village!

Lucy Dacus

Friday, October 14th at 8:00PM at Minglewood Hall

$24

For all the frequent criers out there Lucy Dacus is not a new name. Rather it be for her work in the indie-folk supergroup Boygenius or her new record Home Video, Dacus is one of those artists not to miss. Her songwriting pokes at specific emotions, identity in your adolescence, heartfelt vulnerability, or boldness in the eyes of defeat. She has a way with words that can be particularly eye-opening, traversing these themes of nostalgia and sadness with an incredibly intense appreciation for imagery and style. If you are free this October night, make sure to check her out, my one piece of advice though: prepare for an emotional onslaught.

You might also be interested in: Memphis Activities | Cultured Arts & Events Calendar

The post 5 Must-See Shows in October appeared first on We Are Memphis.

What do Shannon and The Clams, The Black Keys, Black Cream, Grace Askew, and Qemist all have in common? They are all playing a music festival in Memphis this fall. What better way is there for community bonding than feeling the Memphis love at any of these exciting festivals? So get ready for some amazing tunes in equally awesome weather because festival season has officially arrived. Between more intimate music-centered neighborhood festivals and weekend-long concerts featuring some of the country’s most sought after headliners, there is something for everyone this fall in Memphis.

Gonerfest

September 22nd- 25th

Railgarten

This weekend, Memphis’ Goner Records returns with their annual four day music festival at Railgarten. The indie garage rock label has been throwing this festival for nineteen years, and has attracted garage and punk music fans from all over the world to attend the party. In recent years, Gonerfest has moved from a multi-venue format to hosting the event entirely at Railgarten, Midtown’s indoor-outdoor two stage music venue and bar. Headliners include the retro rock inspired Shannon and the Clams, Gonerfest favorites The King Khan & BBQ Show, and Memphis’ The Compulsive Gamblers. P.S. Don’t miss a rare performance by Memphis’ AWFM on the stage Friday the 23rd.

For a full schedule of bands, festival merch, tickets and more go to the Goner Records website, and get all the details at once. Check out Shannon and the Clams below to get a vibe preview.

Mempho Music Festival

September 30th – October 2nd

Radians Amphitheater at The Botanic Gardens

The Memphis-centric Mempho Music Festival is back! Since its first iteration in 2017, the three day festival has packed some real heavy hitters on their stages, blending some local love with A-list bands like Wu-Tang Clan & Widespread Panic. This year the Black Keys, Grammy-award-winning blues artist Bobby Rush, Celisse, and Portugal, The Man, are my top picks, but go check out the full schedule yourself to plan who you will see and when. Between bands, be sure to check out the art installation and indoor venue Incendia Dome, featuring some of Memphis’ most killer DJ’s like DJ Bizzle Blue Bland, and Qemist.

If you are interested in VIP experiences, i.e. private bars, better bathrooms, parking, wifi, water, and food credits, then check out the festival’s VIP ticket options- they are a serious comfort upgrade!

Mempho Presents: Tambourine Bash Benefiting Music Export Memphis

October 13th

Overton Park Shell

This mini-fest benefiting Music Export Memphis is an annual night of collaboration between Memphis’ favorite touring and recording artists. The Overton Park Shell will host the event for the second year in a row, making this event a fall music tradition. This years’ lineup is ‘giving local’ like no other fest this fall. Do not miss this opportunity to support Music Export Memphis, an organization dedicated to supporting the music creators in the city, all while watching some of the very artists who have recently benefited from the organization’s work. Plus— the collabs really are insane! See below for details. Ticket options range from the $15 general admission ticket to the completely worth it VIP tickets for $100 that come with cocktails, exclusive seating, light bites to eat, and REALLY good Memphis karma. See you there!

Set 1: Grace Askew + Mark Edgar Stuart+ Graham Winchester

Set 2: Black Cream +Tia Henderson + Yella P.

Set 3: Aquarian Blood + Rachel Maxann + Lucky 7 Brass Band

Set 4 : Cyrena Wages + Nick Black + Nico The Goddess

Soulsville USA Fest

October 14th – 16th

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The neighborhood festival at the iconic corner of College Street and Mclemore Ave, also known as SOUSLSVILLE USA, is back for a full weekend of family fun and live music. The festival is known for its incredible food vendors, crafts, local merchants, and free fun from The Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In the past the live music line-up has featured local neo-soul and R&B artists like Tony Mac, and Courtney Little, Doll McCoy, and more.

Expect a full lineup coming September 16th. See you there!

You also might be interested in: Live Music Memphis Tonight | Memphis Live Music Calendar

The post Fall Music Fest Preview appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Attendees will enjoy a mix of performances by national, regional, and local blues and bluegrass artists. Don’t miss these acts:

Greensky Bluegrass is a quintet known for their unique bluegrass sounds. Catch them playing across North America on successful back-to-back tours. In fact, Greensky recently sold out three nights at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre – a feat unheard of in their genre.

The Infamous Stringdusters are a Grammy Award-winning group from our Tennessee neighbor, Nashville. Together since 2006, their sounds bring a progressive bluegrass/americana vibe.

If you ask Here Come the Mummies how long they’ve been playing, the group will tell you that they’ve been delivering their brand of terrifying funk from beyond the grave since 2000 AD. The vibes and costumes are *chef’s kiss* unmatched.

He is hard to find, but when you spot him, he is out of this world. Saxsquatch and his Bigfoot suit truly offers something like you have never seen before.

With years of experience under their boots, The Travelin’ McCourys, Kyle Nix & The 38s, and The Wild Feathers all bring their own unique bluegrass sounds and vibes.

Support your hometown girl. Cyrena Wages is no stranger to the Memphis brand and music scene. Her soulful voice and passion for the 901 make her one of our local favorites.

Last, but never least, Dirty Streets offers a clean blend of Motown and Stax-inspired rock that will keep you moving through the heart of Memphis groove.

Grab your tickets here. You certainly don’t want to miss this one!

You might also be interested in Memphis Music: Famous Memphis Musicians 

The post Preview: Grind City Fest appeared first on We Are Memphis.

First things first, for those who may be unfamiliar with you and your music, just tell us a bit about who Lukah is as an artist

I’m just an emcee from the depths of South Memphis who has a way with words and has something important to say. I attack generational trauma and the system using piercing wordplay, science and street knowledge. I am the culture.

Judging by the event flier, the upcoming show at Black Lodge seems to be jam packed. Let’s start with the “Why Look Up, God’s in the Mirror”  short film premiere. It’s obviously named after your last album, but what else should we know about it?

It’s about me seeking revenge on a person who was close to me. How I seek revenge is the exciting part. What’s special about this revenge story is it contains everything I like when it comes to films. Action, crime, and horror. And know that Studio Onefourthree and others who are a part of this film worked extremely hard and did a hell of a job!

In addition to the film, you’ll also be hosting a listening party for your new album “Raw Extractions.” Without giving away too much, tell us a bit about what we should expect and how does it differ from your previous work?

This go around is about achieving flight. It’s about having elevated control. And to achieve flight I’ve chosen to extract what hinders and also what  helps us as a people by using the elements of hip hop in its rawest and purest form.

Will you be performing at the event, or will we just have to wait patiently for the next Lukah show?

You all will have to wait!

you may also like: Yo Gotti Label: Hardest working label in Hip-Hop

The post Show Preview: Lukah Presents Listening Party for New LP “Raw Extractions” appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Summer is upon us, and we Memphians are ready to rock— outside, with some great tunes, for as many warm months as the weather Gods will allow. Whether you prefer to hear gypsy jazz in a historic cemetery or celebrate Juneteenth at the historic Orange Mound Tower– we have the outdoor concert recommendation for you! Here are 5 unique outdoor concerts not to miss this month in Memphis.

The New Respects

Saturday, June 11th

7:30 p.m.

The Overton Park Shell

The Overton Park Shell is a mini utopia for outdoor music enthusiasts. See our recent venue profile describing the venue’s magic here. Siblings Zandy, Darius, Lexi, and their cousin Jasmine kind of fell into being in a band together— but they will dance and rock your face off  on stage all night. A bonus is Zandy’s searing rock ‘n’ roll guitar solos!  The New Respects will play as part of The Shell’s free outdoor music series on June 11th, so bring a picnic and some cold beverages- or just yourself, and rock out with this high energy family band. 

Blues On Beale: Rodd Bland & The Members Only Band

Wednesday, June 15th

7:00 p.m.

Handy Park

It is embarrassing to admit, but sometimes it’s a challenge to find blues music on Beale Street. So many DJ’s, country bands, cover bands, and soul bands play Beale nightly that it can get a bit saturated— but if you miss that real Memphis blues groove, this is the series for you…AND it’s outside! Handy Park located on Beale Street has an amazing stage and graded lawn for you to grab a beer and some wings and watch your favorite blues band play. Rodd Bland (the son of iconic musician Bobby “Blue” Bland) is blues royalty and he’s just off his recent Blues Music Award win for Best Emerging Artist Album. Come check him out and be put in a whole Memphis mood. 

Tone’s Juneteenth Festival

Sunday, June 19th

Orange Mound Tower

Tone’s Juneteenth Gala and Festival weekend never disappoints. The entire weekend and schedule of events will feature live music performances- but the biggest opportunity for live outdoor music is at the Orange Mound Tower on Sunday, June 19th. Although the music and DJ lineup has yet to be announced— rest assured it will be epic… everything Tone does is! 

Songs In The Cemetery: Amy Lavere

Friday, June 24th

5:30 p.m.

Elmwood Cemetery

Believe it or not, the historic Elmwood Cemetery hosts many activities for the living! This month, their ongoing series Songs In The Cemetery hosts one of Memphis’ favorite singers and bass players— Amy Lavere. The Memphian by way of Louisiana is most likely a fan of celebrating life in the Southern tradition of an old -fashioned, respectful cemetery picnic. Bring a lawn chair and watch the sun set on one of the longest days of year!

Live At The Tracks: Max Kaplan

Thursday, June 30th

6:30 p.m.

The Central Station Memphis

Rufus Thomas said it best when he said,  “Ooooh– wee, that Memphis train!” The Central Station Memphis, A Curio Collection Hotel, is unique in and of itself. Inside, there are many opportunities to revel in the history and traditions of Memphis music, but Thursday, June 30th you can sit track side outside and relax to the acoustic offerings of blues and Americana artist Max Kaplan. Grab a drink at the bar and take in downtown just off of South Main Street. 

You might also be interested in: The 30th annual Blues on the Bluff is here! 

The post 5 Outdoor Concerts Not to Miss in June appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Nestled amongst the stately townhomes and leafy walking trails of Harbor Town–a well-loved New Urbanism community just north of downtown Memphis on Mud Island–is one of the most charming secrets of the Bluff City. A short distance from the Maria Montessori School complex is the school’s stone amphitheater, a grassy and intimate outdoor performance space with heart-stopping panoramic views of the Pyramid and downtown. The brainchild of Goner’s Zac Ives and long-time Memphis scene linchpin Robby Grant, this amphitheater has hosted the River Series of concerts since 2014, a biannual (Spring and Fall) run of three Saturday shows each to raise funds for the school. Admission is free, but a donation of just $5 is suggested and much appreciated. The Spring 2022 offerings are as eclectic and intriguing as ever, so let’s take a quick look at what each one has to offer.

——

Saturday, April 30th, 4:00 P.M.

Greg Cartwright’s Whelk Stall, Aquarian Blood

Greg Cartwright’s Memphis music resume is a staggering one, having co-founded local legends like The Oblivians and The Compulsive Gamblers. Although he makes his home in Asheville these days, he’s recently reconstituted the ‘Memphis lineup’ of perhaps his most hallowed outfit, Reigning Sound. Cartwright has chosen his appearance at the River Series on April 30th to debut a new project, Greg Cartwright’s Whelk Stall, and it’d be a stunner if this new endeavor didn’t feature the same highly-caffeinated take on 60s garage and pop that has been Cartwright’s expertise for decades. Another long-time Memphis institution, the hallucinatory psych-washed folk-swirlers Aquarian Blood, open.

——

Saturday, May 14th, 4:00 P.M.

Jeremy & The Drip Edges, Tm. Prudhomme’s Fake

Speaking of Reigning Sound, lending his bass skills to the aforementioned Memphis garage-rock luminaries is just one highlight of scene lifer and WEVL DJ Jeremy Scott’s resume, including an acclaimed and eminently-catchy solo album, Bear Grease, released late last February. Luckily for all of us, his new collective The Drip Edges will be on hand on May 14th to perform full-band takes on that album’s singular jangle and wail. Opening the evening is another new project debut, this one from Tim Prudhomme, late of ’90s Oakland indie notables F*ck, debuting Tm. Prudhomme’s Fake, which will surely continue his latter-day solo work’s beguiling and addictive throwback indie jams.

——

Saturday, June 4th, 4:00 P.M.

Mouserocket, Ibex Clone

Supergroups get a bad rap these days, but one shining Memphis example, Mouserocket, offers just as many melodic thrills and ramshackle spills as its associated members’ other treasured outfits. Mouserocket features the aforementioned Robby Grant (Big Ass Truck, Vending Machine) alongside several other Bluff City musical titans, including Alicja Trout (Lost Sounds, River City Tanlines) and Jonathan Kirkscey (cellist for the Memphis Symphony orchestra, Al Green, Cat Power). With so many heavy-hitters involved, the songs are inevitably chaotically-gleeful and enchantingly-strange. Life-affirming Memphis trio Ibex Clone opens, drawing on psych-folk and chilly Cold War post-punk in service of songs that call 80s Athens to mind while still reading as fully original and highly inventive.

——

FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE RIVER SERIES CAN BE FOUND HERE – http://www.mariamontessorischool.org/river-series/

You may also be interested in: B Side Memphis – Venue Profile

The post Preview of the River Series at the Harbor Town Amphitheater appeared first on We Are Memphis.

After a predictably slow January, things are slowly but surely starting to pick up again in the long dormant Bluff City music scene. This month offers a series of great opportunities to get back out on the town and start fulfilling your new year’s resolution to see more live music in 2022 (That was on your list, right?). From up-and-coming local acts to established visiting stars, February has a bit for everyone. Oh, and if you’re still looking for a date night plan for Valentine’s Day, maybe you can find a little inspiration below.

Son.Person’s The Texaco Release Party

Friday, February 4th at 9PM, Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe

Free

While it’s understandable if you aren’t yet familiar with the eclectic music of Son.Person, the precocious young artist has hit the ground running this year with a series of live performances and singles that are starting to cause a strong buzz around town. On Friday, February 4th, he’ll be celebrating the release of his newest single “Texaco”, an infectiously fun love song about high school sweethearts and new experiences. Son.Person, who is only 17, has a sound that pulls from pop, hip-hop, and rock and possesses a sense of confidence that belies his age. He’ll be joined by a group of fellow talented youngins including Blu’ Jay, Jayvoe DaVinci, and Duke Smith. 

Legendz of the Streetz Tour

Sunday, February 6th at 7PM, FedEx Forum

$85-$275

Although I admit that it hurts my heart a bit to see rappers that I still consider relevant going on a nostalgia tour like they’re the damn Beach Boys, I’ll just accept my age, dust off my fitted cap and throwback jersey, and get excited for the “Legendz of the Streetz Tour” with grace. A rescheduled show that was originally to take place in October, the concert is set to feature some of the greatest rappers of their time, including Rick Ross, Jeezy, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz, and Boosie Badazz. Together, these artists were on the vanguard of our current era of trap and all deserve their flowers. So whether you’re a young whippersnapper who needs to get off of my lawn or an elder Millennial like myself, this promises to be one of the most star-studded shows to come through Memphis this year.

Louise Page Valentine’s Celebration

Saturday, February 12th at 7PM, Black Lodge

$15

Whether you think it’s a beloved romantic holiday about celebrating love or yet another cynical cash grab invented by corporations, the fact of the matter remains: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.. And while this year’s holiday falls on the least romantic day of them all–Monday–the good folks at Black Lodge are providing a great opportunity to snuggle up to the one you love surrounded by some great tunes on the weekend prior. The piano-playing pop princess Louis Page will be headlining the event, with opening performances from Mama Honey and Raneem & Better in Color. So forget those cliche fancy dinner plans and opt for a night of music, romance, and dancing instead. 

Coheed and Cambria

Wednesday, February 23rd at 8PM,The Soundstage at Graceland

$32.50

For the uninitiated, the music of Coheed and Cambria can be a bit hard to describe, but just know that for the better part of three decades their heavy prog-rock sound has largely been building into a larger concept based on a science fiction storyline called “The Amory Wars” written by their lead vocalist Claudio Sanchez. Does this sound unbelievably nerdy? Well, I suppose that’s hard to argue with, but their nerdiness is very much in line with legendary bands like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin who preceded them and their musicianship is undeniable. Rife with tight hooks, clever lyrics, and imaginative sounds, the music of Coheed and Cambria must be experienced first-hand to be fully understood.

The Band Camino

Friday, February 25th at 8PM, the OrpheumTheatre

$35-45

Few Memphis artists have seen as meteoric of a rise in recent memory as The Band Camino, the pop-rock three-piece that have gone from playing small stages to headlining tours seemingly overnight. With only five years in the game, the band is already regularly selling out shows and have garnered 2.6 million monthly Spotify listeners and more than 330 million global streams to date. While their self-titled debut was released a mere five months ago, the Band Camino have a stage presence that is much more indicative of a veteran band. Their long-awaited homecoming show should be an especially memorable event.

You might also be interested in: Live Music Memphis Tonight | Memphis Live Music Calendar

The post 5 Shows Not to Miss in February appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Omicron and Delta be damned, live music did return in 2021 and, at least in Memphis, in triumphant fashion. Maybe it’s just the post-quarantimes reentry talking but we had some of the most transcendent live music experiences of our lives this year. So what did we do with all those feels? Wrapped them up into a best-of listicle, of course. Keep reading for our favorite live music moments of 2021.

Dive Bar Love Fest at B-Side

Given that the P&H Cafe is still without a home (Long live the P&H!), my memory of this summer’s benefit concert for the treasured dive bar is a bit bitter-sweet. That said, it remains one of my most cherished musical moments of the past year, both for the exceptional live music and the pervading sense of camaraderie. During that all-too brief moment, there was a genuine sense that the pandemic was behind us and the day-long concert provided one of the first opportunities for fans and musicians to come together again. And as those who were lucky enough to be in attendance can tell you, the performances were uniformly excellent and particularly inspired, from Blvck Hippie to Preauxx to Louis Page. Here’s to hoping that 2022 brings us all a lot more moments like that. – Ezra Wheeler

Mononeon at Railgarten

To kick off Railgarten’s inaugural 901 Fest this September, organizers booked Memphis’ own MonoNeon, the technicolored bass wizard who is responsible for some of this year’s most infectious and funky tunes. Although I had seen him perform before, this particular concert felt like a revelation, as MonoNeon and his band took the audience through a mind-bending journey through jazz, hip-hop, gospel, and soul. Even farcical tracks like “Fartin’ All Ova the World” hit with a certain gravitas, a feat that only a true genius could pull off. – Ezra Wheeler

The Tambourine Bash at the Levitt Shell

While it’s true that Music Export Memphis’ annual fundraiser regularly features one of the best assemblages of local talent year in and year out, the true genius of the concert is the unique collaborations between musicians. This year, the Tambourine Bash upped the ante with a larger venue, more talent, and even more audacious musical pairings. The concert’s blowout ending, which featured all 30+ performers on stage together singing some of Memphis music’s most enduring classics, might just be this year’s most transcendent concert moment. – Ezra Wheeler

Tank and the Bangas at the Levitt Shell

Confession: this pick, for me, is 50% because Tank and the Bangas put on an epically great show and 50% because it was my first in-person concert since the start of the COVID times. It felt so ridiculously good to be sitting on the lawn of the Shell and enjoying live music with friends – simultaneously this brand new thing I’d never experienced before because it had been so long and as if absolutely nothing had changed and life was completely normal. If I had to pick a non-Memphis band to be my first show back post (mid) panini, you can’t do much better than Tank and team. They take their live performances very seriously and every element was on point that night from the musicianship to the fits to the attitudes. Bonus: I always love seeing Tia Henderson, Memphian and Stax Music Academy alumna, on the stage and she’s tearing up the roads (and the skies) with Tank as a backing vocalist. – Elizabeth Cawein

Mempho Fest at the Botanic Gardens

I definitely didn’t see every band that took the stage at Mempho, so it feels like a little bit of a cheat to put the entire fest in my best-of list, but since this particular pick is motivated by how excellent the entire festival experience was, I hope you’ll give me a pass. The Botanic Gardens was a killer set up for this event, and its small-ish size – just two stages, no competing sets – and attention to detail on food and beverage and other auxiliary experiences was a breath of fresh air compared to other multi-day music festivals. I’m definitely not 22 anymore, but even when I was — the crowded, cramped, loud, confusingly-laid-out experience often typical for music festivals was not my cup of tea. Pair this incredible setting with Memphis in October weather and a booking team dedicated to elevating Memphis up-and-comers alongside national touring acts, and you’ve got an event that will be a destination for me for years to come.

Greet Death + Catholic School, The Hi-Tone

Memphian post-punk upstarts Catholic School showed up equipped to impress in mid-October, their debut set an intimidating local support slot for Michigan slow-core titans Greet Death. Not only did CS absolutely pack the Hi-Tone’s small room on a chilly Monday evening, but they blazed through their too-brief set with the kind of tossed-off, confident grace that many long-tenured bands of renown would kill for. Calling to mind Philly nu-gazers Nothing as well as underrated Tampa dream-pop crew Merchandise, Catholic School instantly established themselves as the new Memphis band to watch. – Zachary Corsa

God Rest Ye Merry Theremin, Memphis Listening Lab

The theremin is a fascinating instrument with a very colorful history, one bedecked with rich tales of accidental-genius invention and suggestions of Cold War espionage, and Kate Tayler’s nimble touch with the notoriously-finicky instrument was by turns enchanting and beguiling at the lovingly-appointed Memphis Listening Lab (capably backed by Reigning Sound vet Alex Greene on synth). Concerts that seek to educate as well as entertain often sacrifice a fair bit of the latter for the sake of the former, but here both goals were equally satisfied, and the theremin easily won over the crowd. – Zachary Corsa

The post WAMM’s picks: the best live shows of 2021 appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Christmas may be the most wonderful time of the year for many red-blooded Americans, but, for the rest of us, it’s Halloween that has us shivering in otherworldly joy. As the weather cools and the leaves tumble down, as skies go gray and the rich smell of burning fields begins to curl through our streets, we know that everything spectral and witchy will soon be upon us. So while you’re throwing together your creepiest costume and stocking up on candy corn, consider hitting up one of several fine musical events gracing Memphis venues around the spookiest day of the year.

ZARR Halloween w/ Jack Oblivion, Static Static, Off Peak Arson
10 p.m., Saturday October 30, B-SIDE Memphis
$10 at the door

It’s time for the annual ZARR Halloween celebration, and this year’s festivities offer up a bumper crop of frenetic sonic fury. Headliner Jack Oblivian is a local garage-punk legend who shows no signs of hitting the brakes on his careening musical momentum anytime soon, and his slyly anthemic hooks and ramshackle splendor are truly wondrous to behold in person. Joining this stacked bill are fellow Memphians Off Peak Arson and touring NOLA post-punkers Static Static. With their shout-along vocals and kinetic unpredictability, the thrilling Off Peak Arson calls to mind a scuzzier, sleazier White Lung (this is definitely a compliment). And somewhat of an outlier (but no less welcome for it), Static Static bring snarling, noise-damaged synth pop to the table. Come on over to B-SIDE, and don’t forget your costume for the contest, as well!

School Of Rock Halloween
2 p.m., Saturday October 30, Lafayette’s Music Room
Free

If you fancy an afternoon outing of the musical persuasion Saturday, you might want to look into Lafayette’s, where The Memphis School Of Rock is hosting what’s sure to be a stellar Samhain shindig. With the School’s hard-working house house band performing, you’ll surely be be captivated by the heights of youthful skill on display. Their exceedingly-talented instructors will also perform, and yes, there’s a costume policy in effect with said costumes ‘strongly encouraged’. Why not dress up a little and be outrageous for your Halloween midday? After all, the event page claims there’ll be prizes and SoR swag for the winners. Watching brilliant young players grow into their craft in real-time is blessing enough, but the early start and finish time leave more than

space for ensuing one’s grown-up evening plans. These performances will stay with you for days.

Tommy Wright III, Gangsta Boo, Lukah, Lavendear, Terminal Nation
9 p.m., Saturday October 30, Black Lodge
$25 TICKETS

Call it Mischief Night, Devil’s Night, or (as I heard growing up in New England) Cabbage Night, the fact remains that October 30th is all about decadent trickery and dark, secretive pleasures. Presented by Bad Timing, Black Lodge celebrates Devil’s Night 2021 with an all-star trio that features two Memphis hip-hop/horrorcore pioneers, and preceded earlier in the evening by the ragged-glory, post-hardcore speed run of Lavendear and the soul-erasing death metal/hardcore juggernaut of Little Rock’s Terminal Nation. When else would underground Memphis rap monoliths like our headliners materialize than on All Hallows Eve? Tommy Wright III is a towering influence and a walking history of underground Memphis hip-hop, while Gangsta Boo stomped down barriers as the first female member of Three 6 Mafia. Skilled South African upstart Lurah is on-hand to represent where hip-hop might go next, while also symbolically nodding to where its been. All these atmospheric, eerie beats and this vivid, intricate wordplay are ideal chasers to a night that sets sail with the unholy terror and rage of Terminal Nation, with Lavendear providing game an essential mid-bill come down before the rampaging main event.. Don’t miss this one.

Mudhole, Burn The Witch, Cult Of The Flag, Defy
7 p.m., Saturday October 30, Growler’s
$10 TICKETS

Every Halloween show season needs a metal show, right? That’s just good horse sense. And thankfully, there’s one metal show to rule them all this Saturday at Growler’s, kicking the holiday off nicely with the southern-fried Memphis groove metal of Mudhole. Fellow Memphians Cult Of The Flag offer their own requisite, brutal boneshaking, and possibly some larynx shredding, while the third Memphis band on the bill, Defy, fold in haunting, spectral sound pieces and field recordings to collage a genuine unease coursing beneath their doomy thunderheads, all tension and dread-soaked tumult. Last but definitely not least, Burn The Witch (from, you guessed it, Memphis) aim mightily for sludge-metal gold, all feral catharsis and riff-oozing guitars. Four awesome local bands for just ten bucks? Yes, please. And once again, there’s a costume party being held for this gathering as well, so do prepare accordingly!

You might also be interested in Memphis Music: Famous Memphis Musicians & Memphis Singers

The post Spooky Season Sounds: Live picks for Halloween appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Beginning in the early 1990s, Memphis has been at the epicenter of a subgenre now commonly known as “horrorcore,” a downright terrifying brand of hip-hop that is marked by its lo-fi sound, wickedly profane lyrics, triple time flows, and samples pulled directly from horror movie scores. From that crop of early horrorcore pioneers, few were as masterful and influential as Tommy Wright III and Gangsta Boo, both of whom will be performing on Saturday night at Black Lodge’s “Devil Night” alongside rising rap star Lukah, death metal band Terminal Nation, and raucous rockers Lavendear.

“The Trap Godfather” Tommy Wright III took some time out to speak with us about Saturday’s show, the enduring legacy of Memphis horrorcore, and what he’s got planned next.

“First off, let me introduce myself to folks who may not know me. I’ve been called a major contributor to crunk music, an innovator of trap music, and a pioneer of the Memphis sound. I’m somebody that did a whole lot with nothing, and eventually took it from the streets of Memphis to all over the world. Along with a lot of other people, I helped to create a sound that is really influencing some of the most popular music going today. People may not know this, but a lot of the big artists today are reaching out to us O.G.s and asking us to contribute verses, production, or samples. It’s crazy.

I’ll be honest…I still kinda feel like I’m on this pandemic vacation, but I’m looking at this Halloween show coming up at Black Lodge like a bootcamp to help me get back in the swing of things. The last show I played was in February of 2020 in Baltimore. It really looked like that was going to be an action packed year for me- I had plans to tour with Post Malone, there was a show booked in Barcelona, and then boom. You know the rest.

That said, I’m looking forward to getting things going again starting with Saturday night. I see this show as a continuation of a Halloween tradition that me and the guys at Black Lodge started a couple of years ago when I played one of their first shows at the new location on Halloween night. The difference between then and this year is that we’ve added some more fire power by bringing in another Memphis legend in Gangsta Boo. We’ll also be rocking with one of the hottest new lyricists on the scene, Big Lukah, along with a couple of hot new bands in Terminal Nation and Lavendear. I really think this could kick off something special that we can run back every year.

This will actually be Tommy and Gangsta Boo part two. We got paired up for a Pabst Blue Ribbon party in Atlanta several years ago, which was huge. It gave us a chance to really connect, because before that we had really only kicked it once or twice. Our histories obviously overlap a lot and I think we both were pioneers in the Memphis rap game, so I can’t wait to rock with her again. I think we make a good combination and we’ve discussed touring and working together more after this show, so fingers crossed.

In terms of what’s next, I just made a booking for L.A. for a project with Adidas. Adidas is basically about to start a new campaign focused on the Memphis influence we’ve been talking about. They’ve got gangster walkers, DJ Spanish Fly, and several others on board. I think that shows how heavy that influence still is. Our sound just stands the test of time.”

“Bad Timing Presents: Devil’s Night at Black Lodge” kicks off at 8 PM on Saturday October 30th.

You may also be interested in: David Parks: Five Questions With David Parks

The post Tommy Wright III on “Devil’s Night” at Black Lodge appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Prior to his unexpected return to the limelight in 2017 with his album “Don’t Give Up on Love,” Don Bryant was already an iconic figure within the pantheon of Memphis soul music, even if few people knew his name. While still in high school, Bryant was discovered by bandleader Willie Mitchell, who took the young artist under his wing and incorporated his vocal group the Four Kings into his live performances during the late 1950s. Over the years, Bryant began to separate himself from the pack, eventually becoming Willie Mitchell’s leading vocalist. By the time Mitchell eventually took over the reins of Royal Studio, Bryant was well-positioned to be a breakout star and began releasing singles as a solo artist. Unfortunately, despite his undeniable talent as a vocalist, Bryant never scored the hit single that always seemed to be right at his fingertips.

Undeterred, Bryant would soon discover his true value within the Hi Record family as a songwriter for fellow artists. “At the time, there were so many great artists coming along — Ann [Peebles], Al [Green] — that had something unique in their voices. I wanted to be a part of it. If it wasn’t gonna be the singing, I was content with trying to do the writing,” he told Rolling Stone.

During the 1970s, Bryant would go on to write timeless tracks for artists such as Etta James, Albert King, and O.V. Wright, although his most notable collaborator would be Ann Peebles, whose classic single “I Can’t Stand the Rain” was co-written by Bryant. In fact, the two made such a dynamic team that they decided to tie the knot, making them one of Memphis music’s most talented power couples.

In the ensuing decades, Bryant continued to perform alongside his wife and would often return to the gospel music on which he was raised, but was largely outside of the public eye. That all changed when Bryant was approached by drummer Howard Grimes, who he had worked with regularly during their 1970s heyday. Grimes asked Bryant to join the Bo-Keys as their featured vocalist, and the rest, as they say, is history. Since joining the group, Bryant has released two critically acclaimed albums, embarked on nation-wide tours, and became a member of the Memphis Music Hall of Fame, all of which would have seemed a near-impossibility just a few years prior.

As for the Bo-Keys, the group has made major waves of their own in recent years, contributing to the soundtracks of films such as “Hustle and Flow,” “Soul Men,” and “Dolemite is My Name,” among others. In addition to backing Don Bryant on Friday, the group will also be performing songs from “Dolemite is My Name” alongside the Chamber Orchestra.

For fans of Memphis soul music, especially those who may have been too young to experience the “golden era” of the 1960s and ‘70s, then Friday night provides a unique opportunity to experience both the past and present of one of the city’s greatest and most enduring cultural exports.

Tickets for Don Bryant are available here.

You might also be interested in: Live Music Memphis Tonight | Memphis Live Music Calendar

The post Preview: Don Bryant at Crosstown Theatre appeared first on We Are Memphis.

With free admission, decent food, and great vibes, it feels like a home for us who’ve felt overlooked, overworked and without many establishments that give us a steady place to congregate. So we come sit at the L Table (an invention of mine) and discuss love, life, and death and everything in between, sometimes over a game of spades or a Scrabble board, and other times (most times) over a drink or two. This is not to say that Jazz Brunch isn’t welcoming to the non-initiated – every week there’s a new table of folks who don’t seem like they’d be there if it wasn’t for the jazz, yet make a habit of telling me how much fun they had and how this reminds them of some small club they visited in some bigger city.

As of now, I’ve been curating a line of DJs who appreciate Jazz music enough to spin for 5 hours for little pay. We all know that they deserve more but, man, the chance to spin JAZZ for a young, hip crowd without everyone throwing their bacon and eggs at the stage is too rare to pass up. Some DJs are braver than others and play a mostly golden era of jazz set (Miles, John, Dizzy) while others like to show how jazz has evolved over time and space (Ethio-Jazz, modern R&B, and sample-heavy Hip Hop) but everyone’s been good sports and delivered sets unique enough to keep the crowd excited for what the next Sunday will bring.

Eventually (maybe by October) I’d love to add a local band or two who can hit all the right notes while leaving space for the conversations to take place. Until then, we’ll keep dancing, eating, and drinking while the DJ spins Sun Ra into Sade and thanking tHi Tone bartenders for the stiff drinks.

Night Time Jazz Brunch is every Sunday at The Hi Tone Cafe. Brunch starts at 5pm. Music from 7 to ’round about midnight.

You might also be interested in:  Memphis Live Music Calendar

The post The Poet Havi Recommends: Night Time Jazz Brunch at the Hi Tone Cafe appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Jordan Occasionally + Blvck Hippie
7:30-9:30 p.m., September 3, The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
$20

Reasons we’re psyched about this show? Let us count the ways: 1.) it features two of the most interesting young black artists in the city right now, both of whom are putting in work to expand the boundaries of the Memphis sound. 2.) It’s a total mash-up of genres, so get ready to experience danceable, infectious disco-pop (Jordan Occasionally) and go on an emo journey with some “sad boy” rock (Blvck Hippie). 3.) It’s an early show, y’all! They really do exist. Catch two of our city’s rising stars and be home by 10 p.m. (if you want to be).

https://vimeo.com/491745279

Louise Page + Bailey Bigger at Memphis Current Release Party
5 p.m., September 5, Urban Earth
$20

Is it one of the pricier shows on our list for September? Yes. But is it totally outdoors AND requiring proof of vaccination or negative COVID test to party? Also yes, and with the added pleasure of seeing the fabulous Louise Page and Bailey Bigger together on one bill, it’s a must-attend. Plus, it’s the release soiree for the next issue of Memphis Current! This means that in addition to the live music there’s special booze and TONS of artist vendors – plus, we bet you can get your hands on the new issue, too.

Chinese Connection Dub Embassy
7 p.m., September 24, The Levitt Shell

Their new album, the evolution of their sound, and to see them on a stage like this? Do not miss it. COVID may still prohibit the dance floor, but barring a global pandemic this would also be the show to catch the hoopers, the dancers, the vibers – everyone get on the floor and move something. And of course, as with all of the Shell’s fall shows, it’s 100% free! Head to the lawn and bring your food and bev of choice.

The Suffers
8 p.m., September 25, Growlers
$15 advance / $18 door

Did you need some dance therapy? The Suffers have got you. The only non-Memphis band (they’re from Houston) on our September list is here for a reason: they have rocked audiences from Newport Folk to Afropunk and they’re bringing every ounce of that energy to Growlers (and directly into your boogie shoes, so please don’t forget them). They’ve got new music coming this fall, but in the meantime check out their Tiny Desk Concert and save the date:

You might also be interested in Famous Memphis Musicians & Memphis Singers

The post Plan ahead: live music not to miss in September appeared first on We Are Memphis.

This Month

If you want to get out this weekend, here’s what’s going on in Memphis. Check out Memphis’ own Booker T. Jones at Crosstown Theater on January 18. Also on the 18^th, Lafayette’s will feature the Rice Drewry Collective. 

Dale Watson has two dates this month at Hernando’s Hideaway on the 19th and the 22nd. Pick up your tickets here. The Reba Russell Band is playing on January 24 at the Green Room. 

On January 24, “Garry Goin Presents Road to Memphis” will be showcased at the Orpheum Theater. Also on January 24, Memphis modern blues band the Ghost Town Blues Band will play the Railgarten.

Next Month and Beyond

Memphis-born jazz musician Kirk Whalum will play the Germantown Performing Arts Center on 2020’s leap year, February 29.

Jump into spring with an Otis Redding III concert at the Orpheum on April 11. Another thing to put on your calendar is the lineup announcement for Live At the Garden on April 23. This year is the 20th anniversary of the fest. Check here for updates.

Summer in Memphis brings out the music festivals and this year will be lit. The Beale Street Music Festival will kick off on May 1 and go through May 3 at Tom Lee Park. The festival will feature Academy Award-winning Memphis group Three 6 Mafia. Later in May, the Bluff City Jazz Festival kicks off at the Levitt Shell Amphitheater. The festival will be from May 21 through May 23. Additionally, the Memphis Soul Music Festival kicks off June 13 at Shelby Farms.

So, no matter what the soundtrack of your year is, there will be someone in Memphis playing your song. For more Memphian music stories, go to our Music page.

The post A Short List of Concerts in Memphis for 2020 appeared first on We Are Memphis.