Memphis is known around the world for blues, soul, rock ‘n’ roll, and gospel, and jazz belongs right alongside them. This weekend, the inaugural Memphis Jazz Festival brings three free days of music to Downtown, October 9 to 11, with local talent and national artists sharing the same stages. The festival is presented by the Downtown Memphis Commission.
Who’s Playing
Trumpeter Theo Croker headlines Saturday night at the New Daisy Theater, with Dear Silas, the Parkerhurt Quartet, and the Memphis Jazz Orchestra also on the bill. The full lineup:
- Theo Croker
- Dear Silas
- Parkerhurt Quartet
- Memphis Jazz Orchestra
- Joe Restivo 4
- Henry Conerway III
- Stephen Lee & In the Moment
- The Power to the People Quartet
- Pat Register
- Hope Clayburn & The Memphis Manes
- Gary Topper & Symmetry
- Kenny Reed Quintet
- Alex Upton Trio
The Weekend Schedule
Friday, October 9: Westin Hotel Lobby
Kick things off from 6 to 9 p.m. with live jazz in the Westin lobby, hosted by Strictly Jazz entertainment.
Saturday, October 10: New Daisy Theater (Peabody Stage)
Music runs from 1 to 7 p.m., with Theo Croker closing the night.
- 1:30 to 2:15 p.m.: Alex Upton Trio
- 2:40 to 3:25 p.m.: Joe Restivo 4
- 3:50 to 4:35 p.m.: Henry Conerway III
- 5:00 to 5:45 p.m.: Dear Silas
- 7:10 to 8:00 p.m.: Theo Croker
- 9:00 p.m.: Jazz Jam at The Dame, Hotel Pontotoc
Sunday, October 11: Main Street Mall and Court Square Park
Sunday takes over the Main Street Mall between Union Avenue and Peabody Place, with music from 1 to 7 p.m.
Peabody Stage
- 1:15 to 2:00 p.m.: Memphis Jazz Orchestra
- 2:35 to 3:20 p.m.: The Power to the People Quartet
- 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.: Parkerhurt Quartet
Gayoso Stage
- 2:25 to 3:10 p.m.: Kenny Reed Quintet
- 3:35 to 4:25 p.m.: Hope Clayburn & The Memphis Manes
Sunset Jazz at Court Square Park
- 3:10 to 4:10 p.m.: Stephen Lee & In the Moment
- 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.: Pat Register
- 5:50 to 7:00 p.m.: Gary Topper & Symmetry
Parking and What to Bring
Use the code JAZZ for 8 hours of parking for $12 at participating garages: the Mobility Center (60 Beale St), Gayoso Garage (106 Gayoso Ave), 250 Peabody Place, Shoppers Garage (85 N. Front St), and First Place Parking (21 S. 2nd St).
Lawn chairs, blankets, strollers, and wagons are welcome. Tents, large umbrellas, and weapons are not allowed.
Eat and Drink Downtown
Downtown restaurants are getting in on the weekend with jazz brunches, live music, and festival-inspired menus. On Sunday, vendors will also line the Main Street Mall and Court Square Park.
RSVP for Free
The festival is free and open to everyone, but registering ahead keeps you in the loop on updates. RSVP on Eventbrite and find more details at the Downtown Memphis Commission. Schedules can shift, so check there for the latest.
Want more live music this month? Browse our Memphis live music calendar.
