WAMM Recommends: Week of May 9

Each week, the team at WAMM chooses some of the best upcoming music events happening throughout Memphis.

Lucky 7 Brass Band

6:00 P.M., Thursday, May 12th

Railgarten

Free

The Lucky 7 Brass Band are nothing if not reliable, a venerable ensemble compromised of some of our city’s top talents that incorporates all the best elements that have made Memphis music a world-wide sonic trademark, from peppy Dixieland second line bangers to the sort of eerie, spectral trap that erupted in hip-hop here in the early nineties, from ragged Delta blues to strutting Stax soul. Think of this Memphis institution as a real smorgasbord of partying get-down energy, a moveable feast that proves a fine cultural ambassador as well as a hell of a rollicking good time. The lovely spring weather we’ve been enjoying should have the crowd out in force at Railgarten, so be sure to get in on these festivities early, one last revelry before the heat moves in to render of us languid this summer. Did I mention the show’s free? There, I’ve made the decision for you. Sorry, I don’t make the rules.

The Who Hits Back Tour!

7:30 P.M., Friday, May 13th

FedEx Forum

$38

C’mon, it’s The Who! The Who aren’t going anywhere, effects of aging and shifting cultural trends be damned. The long-running British institution injected hip Anglo swagger into American ears in the sixties and have hardly paused since, through tragedy and loss and the passage of a half-century’s worth of smashed guitars and triumphantly-swelling feedback. They’ll likely be high-kicking their victorious way into the inevitable heat death of the universe, and unlike the increasingly-fossilized Rolling Stones, there’s still a potent energy to their appearances, especially when backed by a massive cast of players like this (check out Lil’ Ringo on the drums, even!). Yeah, it’s a stadium show, but The Who are a chief reason why the term and concept were invented. Pump your fists in the air during the first synth burbles of “Baba O’Riley” and remember that summer, that girl, that Trans Am. The Who are here to deliver the stuff of life-affirming magic hours. When have we needed it more?

 

Harbortown River Series Presents: Jeremy & The Drip Edges

4:00 p.m, Saturday, May 14th

The Amphitheater in Harbor Town

$10

Jeremy Scott is steeped in the folk  and garage rock music traditions of Memphis’ past and present. His 2022 release “Bear Grease” reflects these genres triumphantly, as does his previous work with bands such as Toy Trucks and Reigning Sound. The Harbortown River Series is an annual series benefit for Maria Montessori School in Harbortown, located just up the hill from the amphitheater. The venue serves as one of the most idyllic venues in the city to see a band outdoors while frolicing on green grass. Bonus points: This is a 4:00pm Saturday show, and there are Mississippi River views. Show is $10 for adults, and $5 for children.

 

Bastille – Live in Memphis!

8:00 p.m, Saturday, May 14th

Elvis Presley’s Graceland

English rock and pop band Bastille has been wooing their American fans for nearly a decade, and they are finally making their way to the Bluff City. Since their 2013 smash hit “Pompeii”, they’ve released collaborations with EDM duo Seeb, Marshmello, and others. Bastille produces the type of high energy live show and excitement that many of us have been waiting to experience since 2019. Go to this for good energy and transcontinental rock vibes!

 

You Might Also Be Interested In…

 

Armed with Infectious Optimism and an Eclectic Range, Life’s Luckii is Ready for the Limelight

By Katie Kelly Life’s Luckii and I are sitting at a table in Crosstown one afternoon. In the middle of […]

 

WAMM in Rotation: 5 New Songs for February ’24

Memphis music is truly unstoppable. Each month welcomes more and more incredible new projects. Here are just 5 we’re highlighting […]

 

10 Memphis Love Songs for Your Valentine’s Playlist

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we thought we’d provide you with a playlist of some of the city’s […]