Cyrena Wages-”Unwrap Me”

Singer-songwriter Cyrena Wages has really mastered her particular blend of soulful country this year, which serves her well on this new holiday tune. As is true with many enduring holiday classics, “Unwrap Me” has a truly timeless sound that is sure to make it a local yuletide favorite for years to come.

Strong Nog: A Small Batch Holiday Compilation

23 songs for the price of one? Now that’s a holiday deal. Just last week, Small Batch Records released their 5th annual holiday compilation called Strong Nog, which features some killer tracks from Memphis rockers J.D. Reager, Alicja Trout, Graham Winchester, and Jeff Hulett. 

GloRilla and Kehlani-Xmas Time

It felt kinda inevitable, didn’t it? Coming off the biggest year of her career–and possibly the biggest year for any single Memphis rapper in history–Big Glo takes a victory lap with the track “Xmas Time” featuring Kehlani. Yet another banger from an artist at the top of her game. 

Cheyenne Marrs- “Santa’s Lament”

Released around this time last year, Cheyenne Marr’s “Santa’s Lament” is a nice mid-tempo indie rock track from the perspective of Old St. Nick himself. With a mix of melancholy and humor, Marrs embodies a Santa who is simply worn down from all the hustle and bustle and ready to kick his feet up until next year.

DJ Paul-‘A Xmas Flock’

Only Three 6 Mafia’s DJ Paul could flip the holiday classics “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and “Jingle Bells” into a crunk anthem about robbery and murder. To quote the song’s refrain, “Yeah Ho Ho Ho.”

William Bell-”Every Day Will Be Like a Holiday” 

We’re not necessarily ready to crown this William Bell classic as the greatest Memphis Christmas song of all time, but we can say that it should be included near the top on any respectable list. Truly one of the best songs ever released by the criminally underrated Stax soul singer. 

“Merry Like This”-KIRBY

For a more contemporary pop R&B sound, check out KIRBY’s “Merry Like This,” an upbeat and danceable jam from local singer KIRBY that is a great reminder that not every holiday song needs to be a slow-burner.

“If Christmas Can’t Bring You Home”-Reigning Sound

Quietly nestled in the middle of Reigning Sound’s excellent 2005 album Home for Orphans is an unexpected holiday tune that has become a local favorite over the ensuing years. With Greg Cartwright’s songwriting and the band’s signature “garage rock meets soul” sound, “If Christmas Can’t Bring You Home” is a winner.

“Let It Snow”-Valerie June

It’s a tall task to put a unique and memorable twist on a holiday classic, especially one as ubiquitous as “Let It Snow,” but Valerie June makes it look easy on this rendition. Of course it helps when you have a voice as distinctive as Ms. June’s, which is both playful and warm.

“Rock and Roll Christmas”-Cordell Jackson

Cordell Jackson–the rockabilly pioneer and the first woman on earth to own and operate her own rock ‘n’ roll label–can also claim to have arguably the rarest and most sought-after Christmas single on earth. Her 1956 romp “Rock And Roll Christmas” can be found on various reissue compilations, but if you’re lucky enough to come across an original 45, you’ll be having a very merry Christmas indeed. 

The post WAMM in Rotation: Holiday Spectacular! appeared first on We Are Memphis.

A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage

December 7th at the Orpheum Theater

Looking for some classic family-friendly fun? Everyone’s favorite holiday classic will come to life in a spectacular new touring production at the Orpheum. Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the whole Peanuts gang as they sing, dance, and learn the true meaning of Christmas!

Rachel Maxann’s Holiday Spirits: A Christmas Special with Friends

December 13 at The Green Room at Crosstown Arts

Americana singer-songwriter Rachel Maxann has has a big year, so it only seems fitting that she ends it with a bang. With her signature blend of folk, soul, and blues, Rachel will fill the night with festive spirit and powerful storytelling. Expect a few musician friends to join her along the way!

Ice Ice Baby: A Holiday Variety Show

December 13th at the Hi Tone

If you’re looking for a bit of slightly-scandalous variety to spice up the holidays, look no further than the Hi Tone’s upcoming holiday variety show, which promises a smorgasbord of entertainment, including music, dancing, and burlesque.

Wiseacre Christmas Party

December 14th at Wiseacre on Broad

As you throw down some of the best beer in Memphis, enjoy the equally tasty tunes of the MDs, the city’s best Booker T & the MGs tribute act as they perform that group’s classic Christmas album “In The Christmas Spirit,” along with some other favorites.

Lucero Family Christmas

December 14th at Minglewood Hall

Country punks Lucero are returning to Minglewood Hall for the latest iteration of their annual Family Christmas. This year’s event is an especially heavy-hitter, including special guests Slobberbone, Rattlesnake Milk, and Dirty Streets.

Lindsey Stirling’s Snow Waltz Tour

December 16th at the Cannon Center

Violinist Lindsey Stirling mixes dance and acrobatics into her unique interpretations of holiday staples such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Joy to the World,” and “Deck the Halls,” plus a few originals. Her concert performances take their cues from the 14-track album “Snow Waltz,” which isn’t your everyday Christmas album.

Mark Edgar Stuart & The BlueShift Ensemble 3rd Annual X-mas Show

December 18th at The Green Room at Crosstown Arts

One of Memphis’ most beloved singer-songwriters teams up with the city’s premiere chamber music ensemble for yet another evening of holiday music. This year, Stuart is bringing along some special guests, including local favorites Savannah Brister, Calvin Barnes, & Alexis Grace.

Santa Rave

December 20th at Growlers

If you’re looking to get loose and dance those extra holiday calories off, Growlers looks like a great place to do just that at their annual Santa Rave. In addition to a regular slate of live music, Growlers has increased their DJ sets over the past year, regularly packing out the house with a variety of EDM and pop-oriented shows. So what, exactly, is a Santa rave? To be honest, we have no clue, but we’re excited to find out.

The 4th Annual Christmas Gala

December 21st at the Coronet

For something a little more “grown and sexy,” check out this soulful evening of music at the Coronet, featuring live performances from R&B singers Courtney Little & Anthony Q Tha Singer. Hot 107’s Dj Shon Teezy will be on the 1s & 2s all evening as well.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis

December 22nd at the Orpheum Theater

Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show that features Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects – capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting.

The post Your 2024 Guide to Live Holiday Music in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.