Memphis always has something going on worth checking out, and May is one of the busiest months for that city by the river.
I’ve been to Beale St festival twice and thoroughly enjoyed myself both times. From Juicy J to Joan Jett this fest as usual boasts a lineup you’d have to pay a lot more for at other places. If for nothing else you’ve got to see ole Jerry Lee Lewis pound those keys, he can still light up a piano! The Killer!!! Beale Street Music Festival runs from Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPZnVMwPFaY
Bristerfest is in its fourth year and prides itself as a grassroots festival that showcases a diverse lineup of local talent. MTSU is even represented at Bristerfest by alumnus Tyke T. One of the bands at Bristerfest, Dead Solders, I saw close the New Year’s Eve show at the Hi-Tone. You need to get down to Memphis so you can get down to this band! *Whiskey not required but suggested. Bristerfest runs Friday May 9th-Sunday May 11th.
Here is a video of Dead Soldiers performing on The Rocket Science Audio Variety Show, a showcase broadcast live on the internet every last Thursday of the month at 9:00pm CST.
Memphis rockers Ex-Cult will release their sophomore LP, Midnight Passenger (Goner Records) at the Hi-Tone Friday May 2nd. The show also features Sector Zero and Gimp Teeth.
It’s an 18+ event that starts at 9 PM and it costs $8.
At the Brooks Museum there is the ongoing exhibit: Dalí: Illustrating the Surreal, until May 10th. This exhibition brings together 49 rare, masterful book illustrations by this celebrated, often controversial, artist.
Friday May 9th finds Dick Dale playing at the Hi-Tone, followed the next day on Saturday May 10th by The 2nd Midtown Memphis Record Swap at Crosstown Arts put on by Goner Records, a mobile Third Man Records store, and other record dealers with a performance by the Oblivians at the Hi-Tone later that night.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5OHrQYwRac
And watch out for those Memphis Grizzlies, at press time they’re neck and neck with the Oklahoma City Thunder and trying to drag them down in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Grit and Grind! Guts and Glory!
