Category: Music

CBD/Central Business District, CREATIVES, Cultural Attractions, Downtown, education, Music, NEIGHBORHOODS, Quality of Life, Redevelopment, TourismLeave a comment

MDN: Memphis Music Initiative To Occupy Old Downtown Firehouse

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MDN: Memphis Music Initiative To Occupy Old Downtown Firehouse … The old firehouse at the corner of B.B. King Boulevard and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue has gone through many incarnations since the 1800s, including stints as a recording studio, nightclub and pop-up beer garden. Now it can add one more to the list – office. The Memphis Music Initiative (MMI), a local nonprofit organization, recently signed a 10,000-square-foot lease to move its headquarters into the iconic Downtown structure, marking a new chapter in the building’s long history.   … Most recently the building was used to host a … Continue reading MDN: Memphis Music Initiative To Occupy Old Downtown Firehouse

CREATIVES, Cultural Attractions, Funding, Music, NEIGHBORHOODS, Non-profits, Quality of Life, Redevelopment, Soulsville, South Memphis, TourismLeave a comment

CA: Elvis, Isaac, B.B. and Otis were card-carrying members of this venerable Memphis institution

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CA: Elvis, Isaac, B.B. and Otis were card-carrying members of this venerable Memphis institution Elvis Presley, Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding and B.B. King were card-carrying members. So were vaudeville performers, accompanists to silent movies, rockabilly artists and makers of radio jingles. They’re part of a musical lineage that traces to 1873, when Mississippi River showboat performers and others formed the forerunner of the Memphis Federation of Musicians. It hit the bigtime in the 1960s, riding the popularity of Memphis-style soul music typified by Booker T. and the MGs, the Bar-Kays, Eddie Floyd and Wilson Pickett. A new union hall opened … Continue reading CA: Elvis, Isaac, B.B. and Otis were card-carrying members of this venerable Memphis institution

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Rolling Stone: Valerie June on Her Journey From Smashing Pumpkins Fan to Folk-Soul Star

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Rolling Stone: Valerie June on Her Journey From Smashing Pumpkins Fan to Folk-Soul Star Even in trendy Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Valerie June stands out: star-studded sunglasses, a sparkly silver blouse and a plume of thick dreadlocks that sprout in all directions. At her favorite neighborhood bistro, she attracts the attention of a bald customer who approaches her table to hand her his business card. “Love your hair,” he says flirtatiously. “Maybe you could give me some.” “I might!” June replies with a laugh. … June, 35, smiles again when asked about another compliment she received recently. In an interview posted on … Continue reading Rolling Stone: Valerie June on Her Journey From Smashing Pumpkins Fan to Folk-Soul Star

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MDN: Soulful Sounds Made in Memphis Again

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MDN: Soulful Sounds Made in Memphis Again An original Stax Records sign hangs in the stairwell of the new Made in Memphis Entertainment facility as inspiration for artists and guests entering as they head up to the new company’s main offices. For founding partners David Porter, Rev. Tony Alexander and Hamilton Hardin, the transfer of knowledge gained from years of working inside the “Memphis Sound” in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s is central to the company’s philosophy. “When we walk down those steps and see that sign that says ‘Stax’ on the wall, the reason it’s important to me is … Continue reading MDN: Soulful Sounds Made in Memphis Again

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WMC: 3 Memphis spots named top U.S. trending destinations

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WMC: 3 Memphis spots named top U.S. trending destinations Memphis tourism is getting high praise from a top travel and booking site. TripAdvisor announced its 25 trending destinations in the U.S. and three Bluff City landmarks made the list: Beale Street, National Civil Rights Museum, and Graceland. TripAdvisor said each destination has seen a tremendous spike in traveler interest with Beale Street having the largest spike — a 41 percent increase from last year. WMC: 3 Memphis spots named top U.S. trending destinations Continue reading WMC: 3 Memphis spots named top U.S. trending destinations

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Rolling Stone: Stax Records Plots Massive 60th Anniversary Campaign

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Rolling Stone: Stax Records Plots Massive 60th Anniversary Campaign Stax Records will celebrate its 60th anniversary with a string of releases designed to highlight the label’s history and legendary soul sound and reunite its long-divided catalog. The year-long campaign is a collaboration between Rhino Entertainment and Concord Music Group and launches May 19th with the Stax Classics series. The Stax Classics series boasts 10 new hits compilations from the label’s biggest artists: Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, the Staples Singers, Sam and Dave, William Bell, Johnnie Taylor, Carla Thomas, Booker T. & M.G.’s, the Dramatics and Albert King. Each 12-song collection … Continue reading Rolling Stone: Stax Records Plots Massive 60th Anniversary Campaign

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Everfest Fest300: Beale Street Music Festival Each year 10% of the annual list is voted in by the international festival community. Get those bucket lists handy – these events serve up the truly remarkable experiences of a lifetime.

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Perhaps this is the “Who’s Who Among American High School Students” of music festival rankings, but, nevertheless, BSMF received another accolade. “The Fest300 List highlights the 300 best festivals in the world, curated by festival guru Chip Conley and crowdsourced by you, the festival community. Each year 10% of the annual list is voted in by the international festival community. Get those bucket lists handy – these events serve up the truly remarkable experiences of a lifetime.” Everfest Fest300: Beale Street Music Festival The three-day Beale Street Music Festival is actually the kick-off event for Memphis in May, a month-long, … Continue reading Everfest Fest300: Beale Street Music Festival Each year 10% of the annual list is voted in by the international festival community. Get those bucket lists handy – these events serve up the truly remarkable experiences of a lifetime.

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CA: Memphis producer Matt Ross-Spang molded Margo Price’s breakout sound

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CA: Memphis producer Matt Ross-Spang molded Margo Price’s breakout sound Earlier this month, Illinois-bred, Nashville-based roots songstress Margo Price was presented with the second annual American Music Prize for her debut album, “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter.” The surprise ceremony found Price at the Music City offices of her label, Third Man Records, facing a cheering crowd and accepting the honor along with a $25,000 check for winning. Among those gathered to celebrate was the man partly responsible for the record’s success, Memphis producer Matt Ross-Spang. Ross-Spang — the former Sun Studios engineer, now based at the Phillips Recording Service — has had … Continue reading CA: Memphis producer Matt Ross-Spang molded Margo Price’s breakout sound

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NPR: Valerie June On World Cafe

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NPR: Valerie June On World Cafe Valerie June releases her new album, The Order Of Time, Friday. It’s the follow-up to her 2013 breakout album, Pushin’ Against A Stone, which was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. June was influenced by the church, family members and the music of Memphis, where she grew up and first began performing. She may have relocated since then, but her roots are strong. In this session, hear an interview that begins with June walking into the room and remarking, “I really don’t want to be in control anymore, of anything.” Check out … Continue reading NPR: Valerie June On World Cafe

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HGN: Boutique guitars built and sold on Broad Avenue

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HGN: Boutique guitars built and sold on Broad Avenue When Memphian Elliott Ives and his bandmates with The Tennessee Kids joined Justin Timberlake on stage at the 2015 CMA Awards, the show’s up-and-coming star was a Memphis-made guitar. For Memphis Guitar Spa, the performance was an important moment in the launch of what has become its latest focus, production of the Ferner & Hilbolt line of guitars and bass guitars. At the CMA Awards, Ives used a custom guitar built at Memphis Guitar Spa at 2561 Broad Avenue. It was the first of what is now six models of guitars … Continue reading HGN: Boutique guitars built and sold on Broad Avenue