Every year the Levitt Shell hosts more than 50 free concerts and events and this year’s line-up includes Rosanne Cash, Davina & The Vagabonds, Chubby Carrier, and the Old 97’s. Here is a video by Mississippi blues piano player Eden Brent, live at the Levitt Shell.
As a visitor, you may not know the Levitt Shell isn’t just any other bandstand. It was built in 1933 as an outdoor performing arts pavilion in Overton Park in the heart of Midtown. Over the years the venue, originally called the Overton Park Shell, has hosted many great performances of light opera, ballet, and musicals.
The most significant concert in the shell’s history was on July 30, 1954 when a young Elvis Presley opened for headliner Slim Whitman and caused a sensation. Music historians regard it as the first rock n’ roll show!
Designed by architect Max Furbringer, the City of Memphis and the Works Progress Administration built the shell for $11,935, and modeled it after similar structures in St. Louis, Chicago, and New York. Over the years it fell into disrepair but was saved from demolition three times–in the mid-sixties, in 1973, and in 1984–by a group of dedicated people passionate to keep it. Extensively renovated and re-opened in 2008, the venue is one of the few remaining band shells of the original 27 built during the WPA era. All that history helps to appreciate this art deco gem while you spread out your blanket, unpack your cooler, and sit back to listen to some great music in the twilight.
Graceland is celebrating the 50th anniversary of one of Elvis Presley’s most popular films. “Viva Las Vegas” was released on May 20, 1964, at the height of Beatlemania, competing with “A Hard Day’s Night” for teen dollars. The sizzling on-screen chemistry between Elvis and Ann Margret must have worked because the movie went on to reach number 14 at the box office and was named one of the “Top 20 Movie Box Office Hits of 1964.”
On display at Graceland is the iconic red shirt Elvis wore during the talent show scenes in which he sings the title song. photo by elvis.com
Elvis and Ann-Margret recorded a duet called “You’re the Boss” but it was dropped from the film. No footage exists of their musical tête-à-tête but the song has since been released.
Birthplace of the blues. Touristy and bustling with people but there’s still good music there. Walk around the small strip of bars and restaurants for the neon and party atmosphere alone. When you hear a band you like, pop in for a drink or two. The clubs feature blues, of course, but you may also hear soul, R & B, rock, country, and rockabilly played on Beale. http://www.memphistravel.com/music-nightlife
The Memphis Flyer
Many music clubs are located all around town not just on Beale Street so the best way to find out what’s going on is to pick up the free local entertainment weekly, The Memphis Flyer. http://www.memphisflyer.com/
Blues Music Awards
photo by JoTeri, Flickr
Sponsored by The Blues Foundation, the annual Blues Music Awards celebrate the best in blues music. It’s like the Academy Awards for great blues musicians! Leading up to the big night, many of the top artists are in town, playing in clubs and attending the ceremony.
The Blues Foundation
421 South Main, Memphis TN 38103
Phone: (901) 527-2583 http://blues.org/
International Blues Challenge
photo by BlairEvanBall, Flickr
Hundreds of blues musicians come from all over the country and the world to take part in this annual five-day event, usually held in late January. Performers for the challenge are chosen by local blues societies to come to compete in three categories: Band, Solo/Duet, and Best Self-Produced CD–all for cash, prizes, and industry recognition.
The Blues Foundation
421 South Main, Memphis TN 38103
Phone: (901) 527-2583 http://blues.org/
Beale Street Music Festival
photo by ConcertTour, Flickr
Part of the Memphis in May International Festival, this annual three-day event is held at Riverfront Park at the foot of Beale Street. There’s an emphasis on local musicians but the three outdoor stages showcase many national touring artists, too.
Memphis in May International Festival
56 South Front St, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone (901) 525-4611 http://www.memphisinmay.org/music-about
Memphis Music and Heritage Festival
photo by memphissamiam1, Flickr
Usually held over the Labor Day weekend, this colorful festival takes place on Main Street in downtown Memphis. For two days, a wide variety of cultures take to the streets with people enjoying local music of every kind–blues, gospel, rock, folk, country–along with cooking demonstrations and dance shows throughout the day. http://www.memphismusicandheritagefestival.com/
Center for Southern Folklore
photo by joespake, Flickr
In addition to showcasing artists’ work, this gallery also hosts music events in the evenings. There’s only about two dozen tables so it’s an intimate way to see up-and-coming and established artists in a casual setting. If it’s a freebie, be sure to throw a tip in the musician’s bucket or buy their CD.
The Center for Southern Folklore
123 South Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 525-3655 http://www.southernfolklore.com/
The Full Gospel Tabernacle
photo by ConcertTour
Born in Arkansas in 1946, singer Al Green was ordained a pastor of the Full Gospel Tabernacle in Memphis in the seventies. This is where he still preaches and sings gospel when he’s in town. Here’s a video of Rev. Green performing the classic “A Change is Gonna Come.”
Elvis tribute artists converge at Graceland for the annual Elvis Week celebration in August. Festivities also include special tours, hip-shakin’ karaoke, movie screenings, and dance parties. Long live The King!
While you’re in town, check out local radio. On the air since 1947, WDIA became the first radio station in America programming music entirely for African-Americans. B.B. King worked here as a disc jockey, and so did Rufus Thomas–two of the many black radio personalities the station hired over the years.
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