1. First things first, the Tambourine Bash is obviously a major annual fundraiser for Music Export Memphis. Tell us a little bit about the organization and your personal goals.

Music Export Memphis is a non-profit export office for Memphis music. We’ve been around since 2016, and we really grew exponentially during the pandemic because we ran an almost half-a-million dollar COVID relief fund for musicians and music professionals. This helped to massively increase our donor base and our revenue, but also the number of local artists who were aware of our work. Our primary focus is on subsidizing working artists through unique and innovative programs that all address elements of career promotion and building audiences outside of the city. So we’re funding tour grants, merchandise, and the like. We recently launched two new grants that help to fund publicity and marketing, both of which are incredibly key in building your career and helping to get your music out into the world. We believe that when we help artists extend their reach, it helps the whole city because it allows artists to remain in Memphis and build their careers here.

2. When did the Tambourine Bash begin and how has it changed over the years?

The Tambourine Bash started back in 2018 as a pretty straight-forward benefit event. One thing that eventually became  a thread linking the first event with the subsequent event was that the two bands we had performing were completely different. One was reggae and the other was Southern rock. That next year, we really embraced the idea of collaboration. That really came from recognizing that this was really the only event we were holding in Memphis every year, so we really wanted to push the creative ceiling and create something that was bigger than just a concert and silent auction. This idea of collaboration really grew in 2019, when we paired Talibah Safiya and Marcella Simmien together, along with Nick Black and Daz Rinko and Future-Everything and Unapologetic.

After having to cancel the 2020 event, we were concerned about getting people together in ’21 due to the ongoing pandemic, which is largely what led us to the Overton Park Shell as an ideal outdoor venue. As you know, the Shell is a massive venue, so it also allowed us to go even bigger than we had in the past. It was honestly a big leap for us, but with the help of our sponsors we were able to pull off a really successful show with a ton of artists. I knew that I wanted to end the night with a “super jam” finale, which was largely planned by Boo Mitchell, who is returning again this year for assistance.

While we now do more events during the year in Memphis, the Tambourine Bash is still our marquis night that continues to push the creative boundary of our artists. We also wanted to do something that you would never see again, and I can guarantee that the Tambourine Bash will give you some performances that will never be replicated.

3. Collaboration between seemingly disparate artists is at the core of what makes the event so unique. How do you go about pairing up different artists that may have not worked together before?

First of all, I’m already working on the 2024 event because I am constantly hearing from artists who want to participate or getting suggestions for artists. I also have particular concepts that I want to execute each year, so a perfect example of that is this year we have Dirty Streets collaborating with Alexis Grace and Deonna Sirod, who are both unbelievable vocalists. Dirty Streets rock so hard, and while I love their vocals, I knew I wanted some big powerhouse vocals with a gritty rock band. There are plenty of other examples like that as well, but I think finding artists who are in different genres but who share a similar spirit is at the core. There are also times when I’m a bit scared or apprehensive when I pair the artists together, but so far it’s always worked out! A perfect example of this was during last year’s event when Lucky 7 Brass Band, Aquarian Blood, and Rachel Maxann were paired up. It was completely ridiculous–there were like 17 musicians on stage at one time–but it was incredible. I mean, people still come up to me and want to talk about that set. I especially love when the artists tell me “there is no way we would have collaborated together otherwise, but now we’re working together on a new song or project.”

The other thing is, now that we’re going into the fourth year of the event, I think artists are much more understanding of the concept and therefore less hesitant to try out something that on its face may seem absurd. This year especially, I’ve found that artists are particularly enthusiastic because they’ve been wanting to participate.

4. Tell us a bit about this year’s line-up and what may be different from years past.

One thing that is different about this year’s Tambourine Bash is that we have a headliner, which we’ve never done before. In the past, we always had equal billing and set time for everyone, but in brainstorming ideas of how to get even more people in the audience, we decided to have a headliner. One thing that was really important to us was ensuring that the headliner was an artist that the city claims, which is certainly true of Cedric Burnside. There obviously needed to be that collaborative element as well, but Cedric’s partners have yet to be announced. I’m thinking we may keep it a surprise until that night, but that’s still to be determined.

Other than that, I would say the formula is pretty much the same, but because we never repeat artists, it will be a completely different show from years past and each of the sets will be totally unique.

5. I know that this is probably a tough question, but do you have any favorite performances from the past that you think exemplify what the Tambourine Bash is all about?

So I already spoke about one, especially when talking about what exemplifies the Tambourine Bash, and that would be last year’s set featuring Lucky 7 Brass Band, Aquarian Blood, and Rachel Maxann. To me, that is such a beautiful example of what we try to do. There are also some other favorite moments, like Jody Stephens, Steve Selvidge, and Amy LaVere doing a set together. While those three musicians had played together before, they had never done a trio performance like that. We also got to see Jody singing the Chris Bell classic “You and Your Sister,” and you could’ve heard a pin drop. It was such a beautiful and memorable moment, especially from a guy who always claims that he’s not a singer. There are always these great unexpected moments and I think each individual in attendance tends to leave with their own. Oh, and how could I forget the “super jam”! Having all of the artists come together is just magical and a reminder that you can’t get anything quite like this in any other city than Memphis. That level of talent coming together is just off the charts and always a great reminder of why we do this work.

6. Before I let you go, is there anything else that you wanted to add?

Beginning on September 18th, we’ll be rolling out our big annual giving push as a lead-up to the Tambourine Bash, which will include artist testimonials, a new video podcast called “Export 101,” along with a lot of other content. One thing that’s more Tambourine Bash related is the silent auction, which will be held online this year. That will also go live on the 18th. Finally, I think it’s important to stress that no other city has this type of organization or is doing the work that we’re doing. It’s incredibly unique to say the lease and when I travel for conferences or festivals and meet folks from other cities, they are flabbergasted at the work we’re doing. In fact, other cities have begun to reach out to us about assisting them with getting their own artist support programs set up. I just want Memphians to know that this doesn’t exist elsewhere and that when you come out to support us, you’re ensuring that we can continue to innovate and grow and keep Memphis as a world class music city.

*All Photos by Craig Thompson 

The post The Tambourine Bash is Back with Even More Stellar Music Collaborations appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Los Rakas

Friday, September 1st

From Bad Bunny to Rosalía, Spanish-language artists are absolutely dominating the charts in 2023, and cousins Raka Rich and Raka Dun are well-positioned to be the next big stars to hail from the Spanish-speaking world. Panamanians by way of the Bay Area, the duo are known for their fresh mix of hip-hop, plena, reggae, and dancehall music that provides the perfect vibes for the end of summer. If the team at the Shell wanted to kick off this season with a bang, then mission accomplished.

Thee Sinseers

Friday, September 8th

Whether you’re a fan of classic soul artists such as Etta James and Sam Cooke or prefer the updated retro soul of artists such as Sharon Jones and Amy Winehouse, L.A.’s Thee Sinseers should be right up your alley. Led by multi-instrumentalist,and singer-songwriter Joseph Quiñones, Thee Sinseers are a large band with an even bigger sound. Their label, Colemine Records, has earned a reputation for producing some of the world’s best retro soul and Thee Sinseers are continuing that legacy in impressive fashion.

Dirty Streets

Friday, September 15

You know we had to give some local musicians some love at some point, so allow us to (re)introduce you to Dirty Streets, the Memphis-based soul rock trio whose sound owes as much to Stax Records as it does classic rock legends such as CCR and the Rolling Stones. Since 2007, the band has been honing their craft and elevating their live performances, making them one of the Bluff City’s most dynamic performers. Don’t take them for granted just because they’re local…this is one show you don’t want to miss!

The Memphis Country Blues Festival

Saturday, September 23rd

Beginning in the mid-1960s, the Memphis Country Blues Festival was a radical and era-defining musical event that helped bridge the gap between races, classes, and generations. If you don’t know this history, it’s absolutely worth delving into, but we’ll let you pursue that info on your own. Either way, the festival has reemerged in recent years and continues to be a celebration of our region’s unique musical culture, bringing together some of the best country blues artists on earth for a day-long shindig. This year’s MCBF features the North Mississippi Allstars and Alvin Youngblood Hart, two giants of the genre who promise a rollicking good time.

Spree Wilson

Friday, September 29th

Although he was born in Nashville (don’t hold it against him), Spree Wilson’s soulful sound is much more at home here in Soulsville, USA. Equal parts old-school soul and new-school hip-hop, Spree Wilson’s sound is both timely and timeless, bridging the gaps between both eras and genres. One of the best things about the Shell’s free concert series is the ability to catch rising stars before they have hit the mainstream, and Spree Wilson is a prime example. 

For the Overton Park Shell’s full line-up, visit their website here. 

The post Overton Park Shell’s Free Concert Preview appeared first on We Are Memphis.

J. Whitlow’s story began in 2017 when he quit his job to pursue a dream. He says that
“The Alchemist” by Paula Coelho influenced him to take such a big step that he is forever
grateful for. “ It really had me like “You’re not living mane!” After years of party promoting and
creating what he calls an experience for the city of Memphis, Whitlow took his skills to the next
level. What started as a party-promoting business that threw the best club parties is now a
music festival that promotes the best independent artists in Memphis and beyond.

Prior to promoting parties and the LOL Music Festival, Whitlow was appointed by Mayor
AC Wharton to the board for a Beale Street Tourism Development Project. He was the youngest
on the board at the time, and his young fiery ambition led him to see much more for the Beale
Street area in which he was serving. Whitlow’s company, Privileged, began around 6 years ago
in the month of June right before his 30th birthday. Whitlow coined the company name “Privileged”
due to the vision and goal of making those in the city feel as though they were living a
“privileged lifestyle.” “We do stuff that no one else does, and we live a privileged lifestyle.

That’s what I wanted to get across,” said the creative. He says that the ultimate goal was to
push not only a lifestyle onto people, but also a culture. The brand made a name for itself
through Whitlow’s ability to get Memphis natives out of their homes and into the party scene to
have a good time. He began taking his vision to Beale Street where he started an annual event
titled “Evolution of Cocktails.” “I wanted to offer grown folks something different than a club,” he explains.

The efforts of creating an experience were soon stopped by the pandemic; however, that
did not keep the visionary from coming back stronger than ever. Now in 2023, J. Whitlow says
that the Listen Out Loud Music Festival will be an annual gift to his community, but he has much
bigger goals than just creating a good time for natives. With many of his goals being rooted in
views and changes that he sees fit for his community, Whitlow says that the festival is his way of
giving back, developing the mindsets of citizens in the city, breaking new artists, helping the city
R&B scene get back on the rise, and creating music internship opportunities for the youth.
Here’s how!

The Listen Out Loud music festival happens annually in the spring and harbors the goal
of putting independent R&B artists on the map. Whitlow holds Memphis music dear to his heart
and has hopes of bringing Memphis music to the forefront. “ The rap game has taken off
and it’s tight, but someone has to own R&B. I love rap; however, I don’t want that to be the only
type of sound that comes from our city. We are more defined than that, and there’s so much
more untouched talent out there.” He feels that his goal will not only be great for the next
generation of artists and young people, but for older generations as well. “I think it encourages
older people to get out and lend their talents to the stage because they wanna see Memphis be
the home of dynamic soul talent just as it once was.”

With that being said, the festival’s lineup has already been a huge representation of that. From singers like Carmen Hicks and McKenzie Thomas to Bar-Kays member Devin Crutcher, the festival has always been known to have amazing talents from not only Memphis but from other cities as well. This year a number of
amazing artists made an appearance at the festival, including 2012 The Voice contestant Avery
Wilson. A few other talents on the lineup include Anthony Q, Mille Manny, Doll McCoy, and even
a number of great female deejays. As J. Whitlow gears up for next year’s festival, he says that
for it to become bigger than what it is, the community should come together to bring the vision to
life.

If you are interested in supporting Whitlow and the LOL Music Fest, information can be
found in the following link. https://www.listenoutloudmusicfestival.com/

The post With Listen Out Loud Music Fest, J. Whitlow Hopes to Put Memphis R&B Back in the Limelight appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Friday, May 5th

Well, it’s finally here! Time to head downtown and get ready for some live music and fun.

Shopping

For all those last-minute planners, visit one of these shops to buy the perfect Beale Street Music Fest outfits:

• Stock & Belle
• Muse Inspired Fashion
• Odds Atelier
• Silk N Honey Boutique

Drinks

End the night by stopping for drinks at one of our famous breweries or even at the Peabody for some late-night eats:

• Ghost River Brewery Tap Room
• Old Dominick Distillery
• High Cotton Brewing Co.
• Peabody Corner Bar

Saturday, May 6th

It’s day two! Before heading down to Tom Lee Park, how about seeing what Memphis has to offer?

Explore South Main

Ride a trolley and visit the South Main Arts District before heading to see your favorite musicians:

• Makeda’s Homemade Cookies
• Urevbu Contemporary
• Bedrock Eats and Sweets
• South Main Book Juggler

Lunch

If you’re a three-day pass holder or VIP, you can venture beyond the BSMF for some lunch at one of these nearby places. Plus, it’s not a BSMF weekend if you’re not pre-gaming the World Championship BBQ Cooking Competition with some delicious, slow-smoked BBQ. Check out the Memphis BBQ Trail to find even more lunch (and dinner) options!

• By the Brewery
• The Green Beetle
• The Brass Door Irish Pub
• The Genre Memphis

Post-Show Fun on Beale Street

Whether you’re looking for a “midnight” snack or some drinks, you should check out these spots along Beale Street:

• B.B. King’s Blues Club
• Itta Bena
• Wet Willie’s
• SugaShack

Sunday, May 7th

It’s the last day of Beale Street Music Fest, so why not start the day off with some classic Memphis dining?

Brunch

These classic brunch spots will give you enough energy for those final performances:

• Arcade Restaurant
• Sage Restaurant
• Edge Alley
• Sugar Grits

Buy Memphis merch

Wanna wear your Memphis pride after the weekend’s done? Stop by one of these shops for exclusive gifts and merch from 901 natives:

• Shop Mucho
• Feelin’ Memphis
• Walking Pants Curiosities
• A. Schwab

You might also be interested in: Memphis Blues Bars: The Ultimate Guide to Blues in Memphis

The post An Itinerary of Things to Do During Beale Street Music Festival Weekend appeared first on We Are Memphis.

The festival took a small hiatus following the Covid-19 pandemic back in 2020. Now, the festival is making a comeback for its second year since the break, and it’s obvious that they are making up for the lost time. Last year’s lineup included artists such as Moneybagg Yo, Megan Thee Stallion, Soul Asylum, Jucee Froot, Weezer, Al Kapone, Three 6 Mafia, NLE Choppa, and several other well-known artists.  The Stallion didn’t let the Memphis Hotties down and Three 6 Mafia left the whole crowd feeling fly after their phenomenal performances! You can expect the same energy at this year’s festival, which will be making a return to a newly redesigned Tom Lee Park. Memphis is a city of many genres and styles, and the festival is a true representation of that. You can expect to hear R&B, Country, Rock, Jazz, and even alternative. Our festival is popular for having the best bands gracing the BSMF stages. As usual, some of the hottest bands on the scene will make an appearance. These bands consist of Earth, Wind, and Fire, the Roots, the Lumineers, and Dru Hill! 

It is undeniable that Memphis has amazing artists everywhere you turn, from those who are born in the city to those who moved to the city from around the way to take their careers to the next level. From attending the festival as a child to performing on the stage, many local acts see performing at BSMF as a career highlight. While Music Fest is known for having well-known artists at its shows, they are also known for giving up-and-coming artists their first opportunity to play in front of massive crowds. With that being said, a number of Memphis talents are also hitting the stage for the very first time. Artists like Mille Manny, who already has a number of accomplishments under his belt, are among those who will be taking the stage for the first time. “I used to go to this festival all the time growing up and now I’m on the big stage“ Mille Manny said after the lineup’s release on February 27th. His story displays and represents the story of many Memphis artists. It also represents the importance of such a huge festival, not only for Memphis artists, but for those who continuously attend the festival yearly.

One notable change to this year’s festival is that the Blues Tent will now be housed in Beale Street’s W.C. Handy Park and free to the public. Los Lobos, North Mississippi Allstars, Keb’ Mo’, and Cedric Burnside are just some of the A-list acts set to take the stage. Will you be attending this year’s Beale Street Music Festival? If so, be prepared to experience a world of fun, good food, great artists, and great energy! Whether your favorite artist is one the line-up or you’re just looking to discover new music, we hope to see you there!

You might also be interested in: Famous Memphis Musicians | Memphis Singers

The post Beale Street Music Fest ’23 Preview appeared first on We Are Memphis.

What do Shannon and The Clams, The Black Keys, Black Cream, Grace Askew, and Qemist all have in common? They are all playing a music festival in Memphis this fall. What better way is there for community bonding than feeling the Memphis love at any of these exciting festivals? So get ready for some amazing tunes in equally awesome weather because festival season has officially arrived. Between more intimate music-centered neighborhood festivals and weekend-long concerts featuring some of the country’s most sought after headliners, there is something for everyone this fall in Memphis.

Gonerfest

September 22nd- 25th

Railgarten

This weekend, Memphis’ Goner Records returns with their annual four day music festival at Railgarten. The indie garage rock label has been throwing this festival for nineteen years, and has attracted garage and punk music fans from all over the world to attend the party. In recent years, Gonerfest has moved from a multi-venue format to hosting the event entirely at Railgarten, Midtown’s indoor-outdoor two stage music venue and bar. Headliners include the retro rock inspired Shannon and the Clams, Gonerfest favorites The King Khan & BBQ Show, and Memphis’ The Compulsive Gamblers. P.S. Don’t miss a rare performance by Memphis’ AWFM on the stage Friday the 23rd.

For a full schedule of bands, festival merch, tickets and more go to the Goner Records website, and get all the details at once. Check out Shannon and the Clams below to get a vibe preview.

Mempho Music Festival

September 30th – October 2nd

Radians Amphitheater at The Botanic Gardens

The Memphis-centric Mempho Music Festival is back! Since its first iteration in 2017, the three day festival has packed some real heavy hitters on their stages, blending some local love with A-list bands like Wu-Tang Clan & Widespread Panic. This year the Black Keys, Grammy-award-winning blues artist Bobby Rush, Celisse, and Portugal, The Man, are my top picks, but go check out the full schedule yourself to plan who you will see and when. Between bands, be sure to check out the art installation and indoor venue Incendia Dome, featuring some of Memphis’ most killer DJ’s like DJ Bizzle Blue Bland, and Qemist.

If you are interested in VIP experiences, i.e. private bars, better bathrooms, parking, wifi, water, and food credits, then check out the festival’s VIP ticket options- they are a serious comfort upgrade!

Mempho Presents: Tambourine Bash Benefiting Music Export Memphis

October 13th

Overton Park Shell

This mini-fest benefiting Music Export Memphis is an annual night of collaboration between Memphis’ favorite touring and recording artists. The Overton Park Shell will host the event for the second year in a row, making this event a fall music tradition. This years’ lineup is ‘giving local’ like no other fest this fall. Do not miss this opportunity to support Music Export Memphis, an organization dedicated to supporting the music creators in the city, all while watching some of the very artists who have recently benefited from the organization’s work. Plus— the collabs really are insane! See below for details. Ticket options range from the $15 general admission ticket to the completely worth it VIP tickets for $100 that come with cocktails, exclusive seating, light bites to eat, and REALLY good Memphis karma. See you there!

Set 1: Grace Askew + Mark Edgar Stuart+ Graham Winchester

Set 2: Black Cream +Tia Henderson + Yella P.

Set 3: Aquarian Blood + Rachel Maxann + Lucky 7 Brass Band

Set 4 : Cyrena Wages + Nick Black + Nico The Goddess

Soulsville USA Fest

October 14th – 16th

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The neighborhood festival at the iconic corner of College Street and Mclemore Ave, also known as SOUSLSVILLE USA, is back for a full weekend of family fun and live music. The festival is known for its incredible food vendors, crafts, local merchants, and free fun from The Stax Museum of American Soul Music. In the past the live music line-up has featured local neo-soul and R&B artists like Tony Mac, and Courtney Little, Doll McCoy, and more.

Expect a full lineup coming September 16th. See you there!

You also might be interested in: Live Music Memphis Tonight | Memphis Live Music Calendar

The post Fall Music Fest Preview appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Attendees will enjoy a mix of performances by national, regional, and local blues and bluegrass artists. Don’t miss these acts:

Greensky Bluegrass is a quintet known for their unique bluegrass sounds. Catch them playing across North America on successful back-to-back tours. In fact, Greensky recently sold out three nights at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre – a feat unheard of in their genre.

The Infamous Stringdusters are a Grammy Award-winning group from our Tennessee neighbor, Nashville. Together since 2006, their sounds bring a progressive bluegrass/americana vibe.

If you ask Here Come the Mummies how long they’ve been playing, the group will tell you that they’ve been delivering their brand of terrifying funk from beyond the grave since 2000 AD. The vibes and costumes are *chef’s kiss* unmatched.

He is hard to find, but when you spot him, he is out of this world. Saxsquatch and his Bigfoot suit truly offers something like you have never seen before.

With years of experience under their boots, The Travelin’ McCourys, Kyle Nix & The 38s, and The Wild Feathers all bring their own unique bluegrass sounds and vibes.

Support your hometown girl. Cyrena Wages is no stranger to the Memphis brand and music scene. Her soulful voice and passion for the 901 make her one of our local favorites.

Last, but never least, Dirty Streets offers a clean blend of Motown and Stax-inspired rock that will keep you moving through the heart of Memphis groove.

Grab your tickets here. You certainly don’t want to miss this one!

You might also be interested in Memphis Music: Famous Memphis Musicians 

The post Preview: Grind City Fest appeared first on We Are Memphis.

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!

You may also be interested in: Memphian Spotlight: DJ Pryor

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