Music Festivals – We Are Memphis

Music fans, the 2018 Mempho Music Festival is around the corner!

We Are Memphis — Thu, 13 Sep 2018 13:00:42 +0000

There is always something magical in the air of Memphis. Between their positive attitude to life and their enthusiasm for Memphis music festivals and concerts in Memphis, the residents of our city never fail to impress. Every year, Memphis becomes a hosting ground for many nationally and internationally acclaimed festivals that draw thousands of patrons from across the world, and this year is no different. With the lineup of the 2018 Mempho Music Festival already announced and tickets now on sale, fans are getting excited to be part of the Memphis Concerts 2018 venture. Read on for everything you need to know about the 2018 Mempho Music Festival.

The Big River Presents-sponsored Mempho Music Festival is all set to treat fans who attend its inaugural ceremony on Oct. 6, and the fun will continue through Oct. 7. The event will be held at the famous Shelby Farms Park and is set to feature good food, live performances by award-winning artists and more.

In addition to seeing Grammy Award-winning artists Beck and Phoenix, attendees will witness hip-hop legend Post Malone in action, as well as live performances by the Grammy-nominated Funkstress and indie rock supernova prince Mac DeMarco. This year, the festival will pay tribute to Memphis heritage by honoring the award-winning and globally renowned Royal Studios. For many years, Royal Studios in Memphis hosted music sessions with notable and award-winning artists.

The Mempho Music Festival’s philanthropic partner, the nonprofit organization Mempho Matters, works locally to promote humanitarian movements, raise awareness of social issues and positively impact the local community through educational programs, music, and charity-based art education. Plus, the organization is planning to provide complimentary Mempho Music festival admission to Memphis-area music teachers and their students.

In addition, the 2018 Mempho Music Festival will partner with the Oceanic Global Foundation to promote ocean safety, as well as with the Memphis Area Women’s Council on the Memphis Says No More safety initiative. This means the festive ground will be straw-free this year to support the noble ocean safety campaign.

As well as enjoying the live musical performances, Mempho Fest attendees can also take advantage of the on-site camping opportunities and the outdoor activity options available within the Shelby Farms Park. Adventure seekers can delve into various park activities such as biking, zip lining, and canoeing.

To experience this unique event for yourself, secure your GA, VIP or Super VIP admission while tickets last. Come and join us for this biggest music celebration!

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The 30th annual Blues on the Bluff is here!

We Are Memphis — Fri, 20 Jul 2018 19:17:53 +0000

Festival season is upon us, and there’s a lot to look forward in the Memphis music world this summer. One of the biggest events of the year—WEVL Blues on the Bluff—is coming back in a big way for 2018, and we are really looking forward to it. Here’s what you need to know about the biggest blues party of the year in Memphis!

Blues, brews and BBQ

Memphis residents are eagerly anticipating the 30th annual Blues on the Bluff on Saturday, July 21. Bring your lawn chairs, lay out your picnic blanket and enjoy an incredible night of music on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. You can expect an eclectic mix that runs the gamut from blues and soul to rock and alternative.

The festival takes place on the grounds of the Memphis Metal Museum, an open expanse of grassy lawns and tall trees that sits atop the bluffs just south of downtown and has a spectacular view of the river. Free guarded parking will be available nearby.

As for the food and drink on offer, the Central BBQ food truck will be on location to serve its award-winning BBQ and much more. Non-alcoholic drinks, wine and beer will all be available, including a limited-edition craft brew from Memphis Made Brewing, a local brewing company that is the official beer sponsor of the event.

2018 Blues on the Bluff

Blues on the Bluff is put on by WEVL 89.9 FM, Memphis’ only independent, listener-supported radio station for blues, rock, country, bluegrass and Americana. The event is essentially a fun-filled fundraiser for the 42-year-old radio station, and all proceeds from Blues on the Bluff will go toward the station’s continued operation. There will be a silent auction on the day of the event where you can bid on art, musical performances, merchandise and gift certificates from restaurants, shops and venues all over town.

Check out this year’s lineup!

Lightnin’ Malcolm 6:30 PM
The Kenny Brown Band 8:00 PM
Marcella & Her Lovers 9:35 PM

Advance ticket sales will be available tonight until midnight!

Get your tickets here

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A packed house at @levittshell means there’s a whole lotta Memphis soul in the air. #TBT to this year’s Independence Day festivities. Join us next time for great company and a great show. ——— 📷: @levittshell ——– Want to be featured on our page? DM us! #BringYourSoul #WeAreMemphis

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NFL legend to coach Memphis football franchise

We Are Memphis — Fri, 11 May 2018 22:50:30 +0000

Ever wonder what NFL dominance looks like? All you’d have to do is take a look at NFL great Mike Singletary to see a glimpse of gridiron greatness!

The man has a long list of football accomplishments. From being Hall of Famer, Super Bowl champion, multiple Pro Bowl selections and now, a head coach of a Memphis based football team.

Yes, you heard that correctly!

Coach Mike Singletary has been hired as head coach of the Memphis franchise in the Alliance of American football!

Photo Credit: commercial appeal

With so much football knowledge, the Memphis Alliance will be a force to reckon with.

See more on this story here!

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The top music venues in Memphis that you have to check out!

We Are Memphis — Mon, 07 May 2018 21:29:02 +0000

There’s no doubt that Memphis is steeped in music history. After all, it’s the birthplace of rock ‘n’ roll and the home of the blues. There’s been live music played on Beale Street since the 1860s, and if you stroll down the famous street today, you’ll see the stars of artists who were born, lived or recorded in Memphis. There are very few cities in the United States that can claim to be as big a part of American music history.

That heritage can be seen throughout Memphis to this day. Though Beale Street may get most of the attention, there are great places to hear live music all over. If you find yourself in Memphis, here are a few venues you need to check out.

B.B. King’s Restaurant & Blues Club

Beale Street’s most famous live music venue brings in some of the most sophisticated and diverse modern blues lineups in Memphis. Swing by on any given night for the chance to see the B.B. King All-Star Band tearing through a set.

FedExForum

When it’s not hosting the Memphis Grizzlies as the “Grindhouse,” the FedExForum welcomes some of the biggest names in music. Located near the west end of Beale Street, the state-of-the-art arena can accommodate 18,000 cheering and screaming music fans. Past acts who’ve stopped by have included the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi and Bruno Mars.

Orpheum Theatre

While it may be best known for its Broadway performances, the Orpheum on South Main Street offers its fair share of live music, with symphonies, singers and major bands all populating its calendar. The gilded ceiling, plush interior and upscale feel contribute to a live music experience like no other.

Halloran Centre

The Halloran Centre is located right next to the Orpheum and consists of both a modern theater and an education center. The Halloran Centre welcomes classical music groups and artists from all over.

The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

You’ll find no better acoustics in all of Memphis than at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. It’s the home of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and has hosted a number of nationally known artists from a wide array of genres, including Bonnie Raitt, Marc Cohn, Bell Biv DeVoe and Shirley Caesar.

BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove

There’s something special about watching major national touring acts while sprawling on an outdoor lawn, so it’s no wonder crowds are attracted to the BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove. Matchbox 20, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The White Stripes and Miranda Lambert are just a few of the musical acts that have taken the stage. As an alternative to the lawn, you can snag some of the 4,000 premium seats if that’s more your jam.

The Handy Park Pavilion

Located on the legendary Beale St., the Handy Park Pavilion was named for W.C. Handy—a musical titan otherwise known as the “Father of the Blues.” Needless to say, blues is a regular sound in Handy Park to this day, and the live performances at this venue are top-notch.

Blues City

If you consider yourself to be a lover of jazz-funk fusion, look no further than Blues City for energetic live performances and the best of local acts poised to go national.

The Levitt Shell

They say the best things in life are free, and concerts at the Levitt Shell are no exception! This 1930s-era band shell has been a hub of music in Memphis for decades and hosts more than 50 free shows every year.

The Hi-Tone

This bar is a hangout for fans of rock, hip-hop, indie and more. There’s no telling what kind of music you’ll hear when you drop by the Hi-Tone, but one thing’s for sure—you’ll have a great time.

No matter your tastes, one thing is for sure in Memphis: There’s a great venue nearby to help you make some of your own musical history.

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Memphis Black Restaurant Week is back with more good eats!

We Are Memphis — Thu, 22 Feb 2018 07:53:39 +0000

While Memphis may be known for our barbeque, there’s a lot more to our community’s cuisine than meets the eye. Getting the spotlight on some of the best black-owned restaurants in the Bluff City is at the heart of what Black Restaurant Week is all about. The brainchild of Cynthia Daniels, Memphis Black Restaurant Week will return in 2018.

Memphis Black Restaurant Week Sets Dates

This year’s week is March 5 through March 11. For those curious about exploring the restaurant culture of Memphis, it represents a roadmap through some of the most revered establishments in town.

Daniels created Memphis Black Restaurant Week after discussion with local black-owned restaurants seemed to point towards one thing. While many enjoyed a good word-of-mouth reputation around town, they lacked the marketing resources and acumen to really effectively market their business.

To that end, Daniels perceived a need. By themselves, they couldn’t invest much in marketing to really call attention to themselves. Together, however, their shared resources allowed them to more aggressively market themselves collectively under the Black Restaurant Week banner.

2018 Lineup

Making a Difference for the Memphis Community

In its maiden voyage, Daniels didn’t expect a big financial gain from her efforts, instead simply focusing on teaching the business owners how to manage their marketing budgets most effectively. To her surprise, it was a huge success, increasing profits for the restaurants a total of $85k for the week. The restaurants involved this year will again enjoy a great level of exposure, and for those new restaurants, it will represent a chance to make a good first impression. All told, Daniels’ Black Restaurant Week has featured 22 restaurants and accounted for an increase in sales of $260k for those participating, and most importantly, the creation of 90 new jobs.

For more information on Memphis Black Restaurant Week, check this out!

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