By Sidney Sensing, Photo by Daily Memphian
Note: Due to the pandemic and businesses some of these locations and projects might be currently unavailable, canceled or changed. Please contact each business/ venue for more information.
Four years ago I moved to Memphis to attend Rhodes College, I had no clue what to major in or simply how I was going to be a college student. However, I did know I would be able to find an abundance of live music in Memphis. Despite a pandemic and the economic trials and tribulations of live music venues and events, Memphis continues to have an abundance of live music. In a senior year spirit, I decided to compile a bucket list of live music events and venues throughout Memphis. I want this list to be a resource to those wanting to hear more live Memphis music and inspiration to those in a live music rut (but believe me post pandemic musicians are ready to play). In order to highlight the vast music scene we have in Memphis, I have separated venues by area of town, festivals, and the future of live music in Memphis.
Note: If you do not see your favorite live music venue/ music festival below please reach out to me @ sensg-22@rhodes.edu, I want to hear about it!
Yearly Music Festivals
River City Jazz and Music Festival April 2, 2022 at The Cannon Center
To see the line up and purchase tickets click here!
Mempho Fest September 30-October 2 2022 Radians Amphitheater, Memphis Botanic Gardens
Read more about Mempho Fest 2022 here!
Gonerfest September 22-25, 2022, at Railgarten
The 19th annual happening September 22-25, 2022, at Railgarten
More info about Gonerfest and line up here!
Memphis in May including Beale Street Music Fest April 29- May 1, 2022 Fairgrounds at Liberty Park, ticket info and line up here!
Live at the Garden 2022 announcement coming soon, click here to learn more about past line ups and artists.
By location
Midtown
On Campus
From RAB’s Rites of Spring to our Curb Block parties in the spring, there is never a shortage of music on Rhodes College campus.
The ultimate backyard fun in Midtown. Music, drinks and dogs are welcome! (say less) Live music almost year round but click here for the schedule.
You truly never know what you can find at Growlers! Go support live music and stop in for a show.
Besides being one of the last remaining video rental stores in the country, the Black Lodge hosts music events and even lip sync tournaments, look here for upcoming events.
If you want a house show type vibe, Canvas is the place for you! Make sure to check their social pages for updated shows and dates.
Society *Staff Favorite* Molly (see her recent article here)
A skate park, pinball pub and board game lounge all in one! Society is a unique space not only offering coffee but music as well.
The Green Room at Crosstown offers a space for local artists to interact with the audience. Rhodes alumni Raneem Imam has performed with Better in Color at the Green Room.
Next to the Beauty Shop lies a small bar serving “global street food” and “sweet soul music” all in the heart of Cooper-Young. Bar DKDC features local Memphis artists and music in a quaint space.
Just about a block past Crosstown Concourse is the Hi Tone cafe. The Hi Tone features Memphis musicians, artist markets, DJ sets and so much more.
Besides the fantastic food, (I have enjoyed the soft pretzel many times) Lafayettes is always a good time. Whether it is a cover band or country music, I always love listening to the bands at Lafayettes.
If you are looking for a vintage store within a dive bar with great food, look no further than Lamplighter Lounge. With local musicians and good food, the Lamplighter is a midtown staple.
The Overton Park Shell (formerly known as The Levitt Shell) (free)
Located in the historical Overton Park and across the street from Rhodes lies the Overton Park Shell. A free concert series during the summer and local events are always happening at the shell.
East
Radians Amphitheater at Botanic Gardens https://www.radiansamp.com
Home to this years Mempho fest, the Radians Amphitheater at the Memphis Botanic Gardens.
South Memphis
The Soundstage at Graceland https://www.gracelandlive.com/thesoundstage
New to the Graceland property, The Soundstage is beginning to host artists such as Bastille and Mt. Joy, making it a place to check out.
Hernando’s Hide-A-Way https://www.facebook.com/hernandoshideawaymemphis/
From drag shows, local artists, and open mic nights, Hernando’s Hide-A-Way is a honky tonk that is true to itself!
Downtown
From Broadway hits and famous faces like Bob Dylan hitting The Orpheum stage, it is a must when it comes to Memphis live music.
Whether you go to Earnestine’s in search of a famous soul burger or live music, this dive is the place.
Home of the Grizzlies, the Forum has more than the NBA to offer.
South Main’s backyard and dog friendly barbeque joint is the perfect place to go on a warm summer afternoon, along with some live music.
Like Loflin, this interactive yard in the South Main neighborhood is sure to please.
Located in Harbortown, Tug’s Casual Grill hosts local Memphis musicians.
Beale Street
Simply walk down Beale, basically any night of the week, and you will find live music. Below are the main venues that have acts most of the week on Beale, however smaller venues have more music on the weekends.
Last year,Handy Park hosted a free live concert series titled Get Loud! See more about the Get Loud! Series 2021 here!
Up and Coming
Read about the future of Minglewood Hall here!
It was recently purchased by a Nashville investment firm that owns a similar venue, Exit/In, in Nashville, Tennessee. I am very excited to see this place booked and busy again!
While not an exhaustive list of Memphis music venues, there is never a shortage of music in this city.