There is always music in the air in Memphis. It’s one of the most iconic places in the world to hear the best live music in any genre. Steeped in musical history, live music is woven into the fabric of the city. So where do you go to hear the best music in Memphis?
Here’s a list of some of the best places in town to see your favorite artists or bands play.
If you put Memphis nightlife into any search engine, one of the first places you will see is B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street. The iconic venue features live music every night of the week. The club features the B.B. King’s Blues Club All-Star Band. The band plays its own Memphis-style rhythm & blues music. The venue is also featuring Will Tucker, King Beez, and Memphis Jones. The iconic Lafayette’s Music Room also features live music every night with a soul food menu. On tap at Lafayette’s is Jason D. Williams, Ingram Hill, and Steve Forbert. Neil’s Music Room also has a full kitchen and features live blues and rock music. The Hi Tone and Rum Boogie Café’s Blues Hall Juke Joint also have nightly live music.
If you are feeling more trap jazz instead of country rock, check out the event calendar at the historic Minglewood Hall. The 13,000-square-foot venue is known for hosting major hip hop acts and is also available for private events. Upcoming featured acts include BJ the Chicago Kid, Blac Youngsta, and Wale. Minglewood Hall also books rock n roll, blues, and other music genres like Tobe Nwigwe, Lucero, and Summer Walker.
For live country music, Tin Roof Memphis is the place to go. It features live music, food and drinks. On Tuesdays, there’s Tacos & Tunes featuring live music and food and drink specials. On the calendar is Roddell McCord, the Alex Butler Band, and a free concert by up and coming artist Nick Wayne. You want Rock n Roll! Rockhouse Live Memphis is the place to be. The website says it is your place to “Eat, Drink, and Rock!” You can also get your rock on at The Bluff and at Murphy’s in Midtown.
If open-air venues are your thing, head over to The Levitt Shell. With two seasons of free live music every year – plus a handful of ticketed A-list shows through the Shell Yeah! Series – the Levitt Shell is a great place to experience national touring artists and Memphis bands on the rise, with the unbeatable backdrop of Overton Park. The venue has food trucks and allows outside food and drink during free events – translation: bring your picnic basket! During ticketed events, visit the bar for snacks and drinks.
The Cannon Center for Performing Arts is the home of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and it features live music from local artists and national tours. Upcoming events include the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker, the Three B’s! Bach, Beethoven and Brahms, and the New Ballet’s Nut Remix. Whether you want to listen to music at a bar, an arena, or outside… if you want to listen to blues, hip hop, or country… Memphis has the venue and the genre for you.
You may also be interested in: Live Music Memphis Tonight | Memphis Live Music Calendar
