Dreamfest:Friday-Sunday, May 16th-18th

Although the line-up for this year’s Dreamfest Weekend hasn’t been released yet, the event has more than earned our trust at this point. This marks the 14th (!!) iteration of the 3-day weekend fest, which is all about promoting Memphis music and artist collaboration. Arguably the best annual showcase of the Bluff City’s R&B and hip-hop artists, Dreamfest weekend always brings the vibes and just gets better every year. Stay tuned for more information at https://www.dreamfestweekend.com/.

New Breed Brass Band ft. Trombone Shorty: Saturday, May 31st

As a former resident of the Big Easy, it’s hard for me to overstate my deep love of New Orleans brass bands and second line culture, which very well may be the most fun music ever created. New Breed Brass Band, a group of young and fiercely talented New Orleanians steeped in the tradition, will be joined by the great Trombone Shorty. Incorporating elements of Caribbean music, Cash Money-era NOLA rap, and Anderson Paak-esque R&B, New Breed Brass Band is the new wave in Crescent City brass.

Corey Lou & Da Village + Savannah Brister: Saturday, June 7th

You know we had to give some love to the home team, right? This summer’s season features several great homegrown acts that we plan on catching, including performances from Mak Ro and the Stax Music Academy, but we’ve got this unexpected co-headlining pairing of soul-funk band Corey Lou & Da Village and former The Voice contestant Savannah Brister. If you’re looking for an excuse to break out your dancing shoes, look no further.

Eddie 9V:Thursday, June 12th

Eddie 9V’s brand of soulful blues is undeniably retro, yet his sharp observations of modern America place him solidly within the current moment. Although the Georgia-born bandleader has yet to reach the age of thirty, he’s already a seasoned veteran who has earned favorable comparisons to blues greats such as Freddie King.

Alejandro Escovedo-Friday, June 20th

NPR Music recently referred to Alejandro Escovedo’s career as “one of the most fascinating paths in music,” and once you’ve read over his biography, it’s certainly hard to disagree. Beginning as a notable figure in NYC’s ‘70s punk scene, Escovedo went on to play an important role in the development of roots rock (the True Believers) and alt-country (Rank & File) and is now a living legend in his hometown of Austin, TX. Whether or not you’ve heard his name, Escovedo is one of the greatest musical chameleons of his generation.

Eggy-Thursday, June 26th

If you can get past their exceedingly goofy band name, then Connecticut jam band Eggy really does have a lot to offer. Known for their electric live shows, the quartet has mastered the art of creating fun, funky feel-good music perfect for the summer. Think Phish with a few more contemporary influences as you’ll be close to capturing Eggy’s unique sound.

For more information about this summer’s Orion Financial Free Concert Series, visit https://overtonparkshell.org/calendar.

The post 6 Must-See Shows for This Season’s Orion Free Concert Series at the Overton Park Shell 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. 

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