The Central Standards are probably my favorite local band right now. They don't really fit into any…read moreone of the current Memphis music scenes (rap/hip-hop, post-hardcore angry music, blues-influenced rock, just to name a few), and they don't play out that often--I think they all have 9-5's. But what they do, they do really well--craft melodic, catchy, jangly pop-rock songs. Fans of early REM (full disclosure: I'm one of them) might, on a casual listen, accuse them of wearing that particular influence a little too high on their sleeves, but the similarities are chiefly on the surface: most of the Central Standards' songs are as direct as the early REM songs are opaque. The Standards just released their second CD, "Can't Remember the Last Time." While not a major departure from their first CD ("Refrain"--both it and the new one are great, by the way), it contains "Teenage Heart," which is one of the simplest, prettiest, and most affecting "little" songs I've heard in a long, long time.

Another fab Memphis musician. Kim is one of the better songwriters I've heard in awhile. She's also…read moreone of the funniest people I've met in ages...not "I'm gonna tell a bunch of jokes and try to get cheap laughs" funny, but funny in a stream-of-consciousness (yet always coherent), wry-take-on-the-world sort of way. Kim has a way of making her crowds feel as if they are not an "audience" at a show but friends hanging out on her porch, melting that barrier that one usually finds between artist and fans. She refuses to take herself too seriously on stage, which makes her great singing and songwriting that much more engaging. And she does have a fantastic voice. She (currently) plays the second Wednesday night of every month at the P & H Cafe (see my review of the P & H above). Her Web site gives her full playing schedule.

Stopped in on the way to Nashville & was greeted by very friendly & accommodating staff…read more This shop is amazing & offers a wide selection of drums, guitars, parts, accessories, & apparel for the musician. They have very good prices & sales of great value. This shop is clean & well stocked. There is a drum room, a cymbal room, & also a lesson room. The pictures I took during my visit do not do this place justice. You have to see it in person!

Checked this place out because my boyfriend is a drummer and was pleasantly surprised to find lots…read moreof cool historical drum memorabilia by some pretty big name musicians. It was fun to look around. Even though we weren't looking to purchase anything that day, it seemed like they had a good selection of things such as an entire room of snares and cymbals.

I'm so excited I was finally able to scratch a visit to Sun Studios off of my Memphis to-do list…read more For music history lovers it's one of the most iconic places to make a pilgrimage to stand where some of the greats stood as they recorded hit songs that have remained relevant more than 80 years later. You can't reserve tours online and are available on a first come first serve basis and take place at the half hour mark. I arrived at about 12:15 and despite the 12:30 tour being removed as available for the tour board the employee at the front kindly let me slide into the 12:30 tour group. It's a small building but A LOT of history and memorabilia are packed into the building . The guided tour begins on the second floor where there is a small single room with musuem exhibits and items from the early days of Sun Records. After spending time here you'll be taken back downstairs to spend time in the actual recording studio. In total the tour lasted about 45 minutes and you were able to linger at the end without feeling rushed to take photos with THE microphone and soak in the energy of the space. If you're any kind of music lover you can't miss this building where so much pop culture and music history was made.

This place is sorta small but it packs a punch. It has some unique memorabilia and good photo ops…read moreand a whole lotta history. Our guide was very funny and knowledgeable (and he's a musician to boot!). We did the tour and the upstairs part has a recreation of the Dewey O DJ booth which is very cool. There is even a "smash" hit record on the floor in the booth! Inside museum cases are some original equipment and posters, etc. of some of the greats signed by Sun Studio. The downstairs recording studio (still in use daily) is timeless with an original microphone and the piano that the greats once played while recording. . We got to pose with the microphone and see lots of real equipment actually used by the likes of Elvis, Sam Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash, etc. And of course, some of the original recording equipment used by founder Sam Phillips. The gift shop and small bar up front are a great touch both before and after the tours. Don't miss this legendary place.

My wife and I absolutely love the orpheum. We try to catch any show that might interest us. It was…read moreour anniversary. My wife got us tickets to see Gary Owen because she knows how much I love seeing him. The show was absolutely great and she picked some very good seats. I did feel like he cut the show just a little short. There's always that one drunk person that wants to yell out from the crowd. I think it was starting to irritating. What can you say about the orpheum? That hasn't already been said. It's a very nice historical place. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars. Is because like everyone else, they take advantage of people on concessions. I realized back in the day. This is the way places made their money. It's a little different these days. They make plenty of money on the shows. My other small complaint is the seating. Although its way better than Minglewood Hall, the seats are just too close together. I'm a big fella, and it's just very uncomfortable. Overall, they put on great shows and the place is very nice. I definitely wouldn't let the small things stop you from going.

Memphis does have a theater district & stars on the sidewalk in front acknowledging performers…read more The Orpheum Theatre, a 2,308-seat venue that opened in 1928 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Touring Broadway productions, Ballet Memphis, various concerts, comedians, a summer movie series, a family series of educational programs, and local cultural & community events such as Memphis in May, International Blues Challenge, and special Elvis Week events take place here. In 1890, the Grand Opera House opened on the corner of Main & Beale streets, and was billed as the most classy theater outside New York City. Vaudeville was the main source of entertainment at the time, featuring singers, musicians & magicians. The "STARZ" are actually names in the Orpheum Theatre's Sidewalk of Stars, a tradition honoring artists who have performed here. The names, found on brass stars embedded in the sidewalk at Main & Beale Streets, commemorate performers from the Orpheum's history, much like the Hollywood Walk of Fame,

We only purchased nachos…read more PROS: excellent nachos, no complaints! The staff was good, especially the busboy. The entertainment was wonderful too! I really appreciate the restaurant having entertainment all day instead of only having it in the evening. CONS: none... oh yes, one, I had to leave to soon.

B.B. King's Café and Blue's club is an iconic Memphis location. They have a $10 cover charge and…read moreyou can come in and enjoy the live music and entertainment. You also may be seated and order food to enjoy while you're watching the live bands. We came in with another couple and we ordered our food. Our server was really really customer service oriented. Our food came out within about 15 minutes and it was just OK. The highlight of being here is listening to the live music and bands that performed. It was a great time and we had a great moments, enjoying the live music. We didn't get any alcohol and that made the experience a bit more enjoyable since we came for the music. The food is okay, and is largely portioned.

DeepBlu did the music at my daughter's wedding on 9/2 and did a fantastic job. They had speakers…read moreset up for the outside cocktail hour and the microphone went from person to person seamlessly for the toasts. We were fortunate enough that Jimmy Harris was our DJ and he was the best. I have had so many people tell me what a fun wedding reception we had, and I give full credit to Jimmy for playing the exactly right music. I highly recommend DeepBlu Entertainment for your wedding or event.

We used them for our wedding and I was very satisfied with the results. Jimmy Harris was very…read moreprofessional and helped us with the planning process. DJ John wood was more of the same and help make our wedding one to remember. Highly recommend!