Reading Kyle's five-star review months ago was the first time I knew about the Center For Southern…read moreFolklore and I was intrigued, but for some reason it was put on the back burner, until I realized the Mayan Apocalypse is approaching. From their website, I found out a girls Jookin' contest would be held at the center one Friday evening and decided to see it for myself, having heard about the style from a dance show (no, it's not Dancing With The Stars). I didn't realize Jookin' was Memphis-born and most dancers are males. Despite starting almost an hour later than scheduled and being slightly disorganized (understandably, as an amateur contest), it was a fun event with a great community feel. As far as my inexperienced eyes could tell, some girls have the potential to "make it" in the Jookin' world. As a first-timer, I found the layout of this place a little confusing. The Jookin' contest was held in the hall, which is at the end of the hallway if you enter from the Belz Museum (another gem!) entrance off Main Street and you will also find a refreshment concession there, but that's not where they sell the peach cobbler raved by a previous reviewer, at least not that evening. The peach cobbler (which unfortunately did not impress me), along with gifts, works of art, a limited selection of food and drinks (including beers), is sold at the store off Main Street two doors down from the Belz entrance. The store is also where they normally host live-music events. As soon as I stepped inside the colorful, funky store, I was sold, so I dragged the hubby there the very next evening for the Deering & Down performance, despite knowing very little about them (yes, we had been living under a rock). As a music venue the store holds about 40 seats -- including a few tables and a few rows of seats -- plus some standing room. It's casual and intimate, setting the stage for an enjoyable evening. But it turned out to be more than enjoyable. It was exhilarating thanks to the knockout performance by the duo (plus special guests) who rocked their hearts out for almost three hours non-stop. Live music doesn't get much better than this! The ticket prices are very very affordable ( a mere $5 for Deering & Down!). The crowd is a mix of locals and out-of-towners. In fact, a business woman from NYC at the table next to ours also went to see the Jookin' contest like I did the night before and was thoroughly impressed. In short, you owe yourself a visit! If the world still stands after tomorrow.

Today was not my first time at the Center for Southern Folklore. I love their music festival…read more It's free and features a ton of local talent. Actually, I saw John Paul Keith & the 145's for the first time there & feel in love with their music, instantly. In addition to the festival, the Center has some unique gifts. They sell everything from t-shirts, postors, local art, local food (Rendezvous spicy popcorn, ugly mug coffee & sometimes - when you're lucky - local honey), and random, quirky souvenirs. I ventured to here for their brown bag lunch & music today. It's a great opportunity to check out someone new (to me). The inside of the store has a funky design; plenty of bright colors. There's a stage with colorful screen doors as a backdrop. It gives the audience a feeling of watching someone strumming the guitar on their front porch. It's just missing the rocking chairs. They sell beer, so you can have a cold one while listening to some down home music. Also, they have cobbler & a couple of southern inspired sundaes, like pecan pie. Yum!

We explored Crosstown Concourse this weekend when we visiting my brother in law in Memphis, and…read moreCrosstown Arts was a highlight for sure! Crosstown Arts is a free gallery within the Concourse that features temporary exhibits. When we visited, we were blown away by an exhibit: "Give a Damn! Music + Activism at Stax Records." The exhibit featured artifacts (including Isaac Hayes's office desk and outfits worn on stage by Stax artists like Johnnie Taylor and Isaac Hayes), music, rare photos, and original artwork created by Shelby County middle school students. It was interesting and of great local interest! A very well laid out exhibit. If we lived in Memphis, I'd certainly make it a point to read up about their exhibits as they open and to visit any of those that interested me! Wonderful visit!

I've visited a few exhibitions (Walking Eyes, Inform, etc,) here and I really enjoy the space. It's…read morelarge enough that you can enjoy the art during a busy opening reception but small enough to have an intimate feel. I can't wait to see the Young Collectors Memphis Contemporary Art Show there this weekend! https://www.facebook.com/events/1691049884502867/

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,

My spouse and I came here while we were in Memphis. For anyone who is interested in American…read morehistory, especially in the south. This is one spot you will want to check out as this was a house that was used during the underground railroad that runway slaves would come as a safe spot to hide before running off to the northern states. If you are in the area I would highly recommend visited it. [Review #722] (20th Review of 2024)

0 stars as this place is NOT open, IS abandoned and IS scary…read more The surrounding neighborhood is a little uncomfortable for two white women walking through. Seems to be a low income area. Yelp said this museum was open but clearly has not been for quite some time:

B.B. King's Blues Club spoke to my soul and my heart. I had totally forgotten that Lucille was a…read morename B.B. King spoke of very often. It also is a name that I cherish, and that means a lot to me because that was the name of my grandmother who I have a tattoo of on my hand. And when I realized that they sold merch with that name on there, I was even more excited and happy that I came here. I ultimately initially wanted to come for the experience and the ribs, but I got so much more. The live music was so entertaining. I really enjoyed my ribs, mac & cheese, and beans and my two cocktails were refreshing as well. Them ribs just completely fell off the bone and were so tender that you could eat them with a fork. The mac & cheese was seasoned and so creamy and I now understand why the waiter recommended that I order it as a replacement for the coleslaw because I hate coleslaw. The staff was really great. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Great air conditioned spot to her some excellent bands. Pretty clean, although my table was a…read morelittle sticky but no biggie. The decor is awesome, with pics of old timers on the walls and cool colored lighting inside. There are two levels inside, and a patio outside. There is a 10 dollar cover charge, but worth it for the music. Drinks are strong, beer is cold, wings are meaty. Great location in the heart of tourism on Beale street.

Wonderful museum! Whether you're knowledgeable in cotton history or not, still a very cool place to…read morevisit!

" A Must See In Memphis "…read more The Cotton Museum is a must see wen you are in Memphis, TN. Most people only want to see and think of music when they come to Memphis. But the Cotton industry is a huge historical story on how the city of Memphis grew over the years. Seeing this Museum will answer most of your questions about the cotton Industry. The have videos, and many displays for you to see, walk around , touch, and wonder about.

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.

Beautiful and free! We went to take a walk around the tulip garden and also to see the "Black…read moreArtists in America" exhibit before it leaves. The tulips were soooo pretty and the art was great. Several pieces moved me deeply. Love the creativity. We got there just after opening. Easy to find parking and after we did our check-in, we were free to roam at our own pace. Visited the cafe and got a yummy iced matcha latte. Very peaceful, beautiful grounds. Well kept. We will definitely be back. Can't wait to see what other art exhibits come and go. All the staff were very friendly and helpful as well. Definitely worth the visit.

Simply love coming out to the Dixon Gardens and Museum!! The tulips are blooming a d they are…read morestunning. The hostess is always nice and kind. Entrance is free but memberships are available. I took a walk to see more than 40,000 tulips. Bring your family or friends. Have a picnic on the lawn. Great place to relax and chill. I will return for sure! I had a wonderful experience! Two or rather ten thumbs up!