After a long and unrelenting winter, it’s finally that time again! Every spring, Memphians and visitors alike come together to celebrate the return of warm weather and loads of live music opportunities. If you can find a combination of the two, even better. While we are still patiently awaiting spring concert announcements from some of our favorite venues like The Overton Shell, Radians Amphitheatre, GPAC, the River Series at Harbortown, and more–we already have a few things to highlight in our spring music in Memphis to-do list. Here is what we know so far:
Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Weekend, Graceland Soundstage, March 4
Elvis needs no introduction, and these tribute artists are well….the ultimate. Enjoy the King(s), in their element as they don their best wigs and replica costumes, and flaunt their best hip shakes- all to a live band calling back James Burton vibes and background singers that know all the “chick-a-boom’s” to “Polk Salad Annie”. IYKYK.
Memphis International Guitar Festival, University of Memphis, Harris Concert Hall, March 18-20
Watching someone be better at a particular skill than 90% of the population is a really inspiring thing. The Memphis International Guitar Festival delivers that experience in spades and is a uniquely intimate experience for world-renown guitar players and their fans. Be dazzled by virtuosos Meng Su, Katarzyna Smolarek, Rene Izquierdo, and Lily Afshar at the three-day festival that includes competitions, classes, and concerts. Check out the full schedule of events at the link in the heading!
River City Jazz and Music Festival, The Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, April 2
The 3rd annual River City Jazz and Music Festival, which was originally scheduled for last fall, features music industry vets Damien Escobar, Kenny Lattimore, Karyn White, Con Funk Shun and Julian Vaughn, as well as Neo Soul artist Eric Benet. The event includes a VIP reception and happy hour at the Cannon Center, free to all ticket holders. For fans of jazz, this just might be thing spring’s must-see event.
Memphis In May Beale Street Music Festival, Memphis Fairgrounds, April 29 – May 1
After two long years away, it’s finally here! You know the drill, and if you don’t- here it is: Make the trek to the Memphis Fairgrounds to see some of the nations top touring bands and artists. This year’s lineup is full of 90’s nostalgia with headliners like Foo Fighters, Weezer, and Smashing Pumpkins, but the bill also boasts surprises like Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie, as well as Memphis faves Moneybagg Yo, Jucee Froot, and Three 6 Mafia. Be sure to bring a raincoat and boots just in case, although we know that music is the one thing Memphians will stand in the rain to see.
The International Blues Challenge, Beale Street, May 6-9
Each year, the world’s largest gathering of blues musicians converge on Beale Street for a chance at music glory. The IBC represents the worldwide search for blues bands and solo/duo blues performers ready for the international stage and has established itself as an important stepping stone for up-and-coming artist to break into the mainstream. In addition to the competition itself, the IBC also features seminars, classes, film screening, and much more. While the competition still flies under the radar for many locals, it’s one of the city’s most exciting annual events.
Dreamfest Weekend 11, Levitt Shell, May 20-22
While the line-up has not been announced at the time of this writing, we are still pumped about the 11th annual Dreamfest coming this May. For the unfamiliar, DreamFest Weekend is three days of events dedicated to promoting Memphis music and artist collaboration in pursuit of a common goal: the promotion of unity, collaboration and community. Stay tuned for further details, which should be coming soon!
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