Month: April 2016

FedEx Stage

 

Those Pretty Wrongs

2:15 p.m.

Those Pretty Wrongs feature Jody Stephens of Big Star and Luther Russell. The band’s debut album is out later in May via Burger Records, the hip California label that started as a cassette label and has morphed into a West Coast institution. Fans of Big Star, take note.

Blackberry Smoke

3:45 p.m.

Blackberry Smoke have blown up over the last few years, touring with the Zac Brown Band and having their music featured on the EA Sports video game Madden NFL 16. Their fourth studio album Holding all the Roses debuted at No. 1 on the Top Country Albums Chart, and their fan base just keeps growing. Expect this set to get rowdy.

The Arcs

5:25 p.m.

A side project of Black Keys vocalist Dan Auerbach, the Arcs bind soul and psychedelic rock to create something similar to EL VY or the Districts. Unlike, but not far from, the Black Keys, Auerbach’s new band relies more on rhythm than the blues. Their latest single, “Lake Superior,” was inspired by the Netflix documentary series Making a Murderer.

Cold War Kids

7:05 p.m.

 Cold War Kids have actively toured and cranked out piano-driven pop songs since 2004. Most likely, you’ll be singing along to a slew of songs you didn’t know you knew.

Beck

Beck

8:50 p.m.

Beck is back, only this time he’ll be at Tom Lee Park instead of the Mud Island Amphitheatre. The Los Angeles singer/songwriter always puts on a great show, and his collaboration with Jay Reatard was proof that while Beck is definitely big time, he still keeps his ear to the underground. Anyone who was at his Mud Island show knows that Beck is not to be missed.

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Rockstar Energy Drink Stage

The Lone Bellow

2:45 p.m.

Brooklyn’s Lone Bellow bring their alt-country to a festival audience that knows a thing or two about the genre, but that shouldn’t stop the band from kicking off a great lineup on the Rockstar Energy Stage. The band’s latest album, 2015’s Then Came the Morning, was released on Descendant Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment.

Indigo Girls

Indigo Girls

4:15 p.m.

Lesbian folk rockers Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have been besties since elementary school, and they began performing together when they were in high school. Since then, they’ve released 14 albums (the latest release came last year) and have remained politically involved in all sorts of causes ranging from LGBT equality and environmental protection to Native American rights and protesting the death penalty.

Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats

6 p.m.

There might not be a festival more fit for Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats than Beale Street Music Fest. Something reminiscent of the Stax sound is ingrained in their music, and the Night Sweats provide the palette for a pensive Rateliff to wail over. Do not miss this band.

Paul Simon

7:35 p.m.

Paul Simon has been a hit factory since the ’60s, cranking out songs like “Mrs. Robinson,” “The Sounds of Silence,” and “Bridge Over Troubled Water.” He was awarded the first Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2007 and has written music for Broadway and television. He’s been on Saturday Night Live 14 times and has 12 Grammy awards, making him one of the most successful artists on the entire Music Fest lineup.

Paul Simon

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Bud Light Stage

The Band Camino

2:15 p.m.

These Memphians might be unknown now, but if they keep landing spots on music festival main stages, they may not be underground for long. Look for a debut album from the Band CAMINO sometime this summer.

Alex Da Ponte

3:40 p.m.

Alex da Ponte just released her latest album, and the local artist is one of many worth catching over Music Fest weekend. On All My Heart, da Ponte wears her emotions on her sleeve, making for an earnest and honest album that will get stuck in your head after only a couple listens. Her song “Nevermind” is already a local hit, but don’t expect da Ponte to stay local for long.

The Joy Formidable

5:15 p.m.

 Welsh alt-rockers the Joy Formidable recently released their third album, Hitch, and the band has a knack for recreating some of the things that made ’90s alt rock so memorable.

Courtney Barnett

6:55 p.m.

Courtney Barnett had a spectacular 2015 due to her amazing album Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit. We had her album and her Third Man Records single as some of our favorites of the year, so we’ll take credit for this one. You’re welcome.

Bastille

8:35 p.m.

British indie rock powerhouse Bastille have sold over 5 million records, and their follow-up album to 2013’s Bad Blood is highly anticipated. With millions of fans across the globe, Bastille are definitely one of the biggest bands performing this weekend.

Zedd

Zedd

10:15 p.m.

Russian-­born/German-­raised electro-house DJ Anton Zaslavski (better known as Zedd) has made a name for himself in the EDM scene by combining the beat-driven nature of house music with catchy pop melodies and lyrics by popular artists, such as Selena Gomez, Foxes, and Paramore lead singer Hayley Williams. The Grammy winner’s late-night performance will likely turn Tom Lee Park into a giant rave, so bring the glowsticks.

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Pearl River Resort Blues Tent

Barbara Blue 2:15 p.m.

Barbara Blue, the reigning queen of Beale Street, is a Beale Street Music Fest institution. She’s also the woman behind the piano at Silky O’Sullivan’s almost every night of the week. Simply put, a downtown show isn’t complete without a Barbara Blue appearance.

Brandon Santini 3:45 p.m.

Brandon Santini purchased his first harmonica at the age of 15 at a music store in Piedmont, North Carolina. Engulfed in the blues, Santini studied harp legends like James Cotton and Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds. After founding his band Delta Highway in 2003, Santini relocated to Memphis, where he became a regular performer on Beale Street. With three albums under his belt, Santini and his band continue to inject a fresh spirit into the Delta blues.

John Primer 5:20 p.m.

When it comes to no-frills blues music, John Primer gets it done and does it well. No surprise why — Primer learned slide guitar from Muddy Waters’ sideman Sammy Lawhorn. A steward of the Chicago blues, Primer has played with the likes of Waters, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim.

John Németh 6:55 p.m.

Boise, Idaho, bluesman John Németh relocated to Memphis in 2013 and linked up with Scott Bomar at Electraphonic Recording, where he immediately began cutting an album. His latest record, 2015’s Memphis Grease, was named the “Best Soul Blues” album by the Blues Music Awards.

Bernard Allison 8:30 p.m.

Influenced by the likes of Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, as well as older players like Lightnin’ Hopkins and B.B. King, Bernard Allison grew up with the blues thanks to his dad, Chicago bluesman Luther Allison. Allison has been at it since 1990, releasing over 15 albums of his signature style of electric blues.

FedEx Stage

Escondido

2:30 p.m.

Nashville indie rockers Escondido kick things off on Saturday at the FedEx stage. Formed in 2011, the band’s latest album, Walking with a Stranger, is out now.

Lunchmoney Lewis 

4 p.m.

LunchMoney Lewis represents a small but talented pool of hip-hop acts at Beale Street Music Fest. The Miami-born MC has had over 15 millon streams on Spotify, and his list of collaborations includes a song with Memphis’ own Juicy J.

Better than Ezra 

5:35 p.m.

New Orleans­-based ’90s alt­rockers Better Than Ezra are perhaps best known for their 1995 single “Good,” but the band has continued to make music over the years, and they’ve developed a loyal following of fans (who call themselves Ezralites — seriously, look it up).

Cypress Hill

Cypress Hill 

7:15 p.m.

Who can forget the group that sang “Tell Bill Clinton to go and inhale?” Other than Snoop Dogg, no other artist or group personifies what it means to be a stoner better than Cypress Hill, the group that brought you songs like “Hits from the Bong,” “Superstar,” and “Dr. Greenthumb.” Cypress Hill were the first Latino-American rap artists to go platinum, and their music is immediately recognizable, as is B-Real’s high-pitched vocal approach. Get ready to go insane in the membrane.

Barenaked Ladies 

8:55 p.m.

The Barenaked Ladies bring the ’90s nostalgia to the FedEx stage on Saturday night. These tongue-twisting Canadian lyricists are anything but one-hit wonders, having released their 12th album last spring.

Meghan Trainor

Meghan Trainor 

10:40 p.m.

It’s all about the bass when Saturday’s headliner takes the FedEx stage. Meghan Trainor has a Grammy nomination and two Billboard awards under her belt, and her second album Thank You will be released less than two weeks after her Beale Street Music Fest appearance.

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Rockstar Energy
Drink Stage

Amasa Hines

2:20 p.m.

Little Rock, Arkansas, rock band Amasa Hines call their brand of music “psychedelic afro-futurism,” but get to the Rockstar Energy stage early to check out this relatively unknown band in person and decide for yourself.

The Front Bottoms 

3:50 p.m.

Since 2007, New Jersey-bred indie band the Front Bottoms have traveled from humble, DIY beginnings to the festival circuit — hitting Coachella and, now, Beale Street Music Festival.

Houndmouth 

5:25 p.m.

Rough Trade recording artists Houndmouth have been at it since 2011, but the band really started picking up momentum with the release of 2013’s From the Hills Below the City. Much like their label mates, Parquet Courts, Houndmouth has appeared on plenty of late night shows, including the Late Show with David Letterman and Conan.

Moon Taxi

7 p.m.

Nashville’s Moon Taxi also earned a spot on Coachella, and their Daybreaker tour sees the band getting a slot on Beale Street Music Fest. Active since 2006, the band played the Late Show with David Letterman and has had television placements from companies like BMW, HBO, the MLB, and the NFL.

Violent Femmes 

8:40 p.m.

Violent Femmes are no strangers to Memphis, having played the iconic Antenna club and, more recently, the Mud Island Amphitheatre. The band has been active since 1980 and are best known for their quirky hit “Blister in the Sun,” although they’ve also had hits with “Kiss Off” and “Gone Daddy Gone.”

Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse 

10:30 p.m.

Like this year’s other headliners, Modest Mouse is a band that needs no introduction. Formed in 1992, Modest Mouse continually reshapes rock music while simultaneously influencing wave after wave of indie bands. From well-known tracks like “Float On” to deep cuts from their earlier releases, point to any Modest Mouse album, and a devoted fan will give you something to appreciate. Study up, and be there when they take the stage.

Bud Light Stage

Will Tucker

2:25 p.m.

Memphian Will Tucker has been performing on Beale Street since he was 14 years old. He’s shared the stage with the likes of the Beach Boys and Charlie Musselwhite, and his band opened for B.B. King five separate times. Tucker has long been considered one of the best young blues guitarists in the region. His latest album Worth the Gamble came out last year.

Jonny Lang

Jonny Lang

4 p.m.

Jonny Lang had a platinum-selling record at the age of 15, and by 17, he’d been nominated for a Grammy. Since then, he’s been packing out venues and touring with the likes of the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, and Sting.

Lucinda Williams 

5:40 p.m.

Americana-folk artist Lucinda Williams’ set will likely be a collection of the slow-burning country grievances and blues-infused, slice-of-life songs she does so well. In 2002, TIME named her “America’s best songwriter.” Any self-respecting country fan should catch her set while the sun sets over the Mississippi River.

Yo Gotti

Los Lobos 

7:25 p.m.

Grammy Award-winners Los Lobos need little introduction, having been at it since the ’70s. Their Tex-Mex rock-and-roll has been celebrated by fans for decades, and in 2015 the band was nominated for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Yo Gotti 

9:10 p.m.

The king of Memphis has been on a tear lately, releasing hit after hit of club-ready, social-media-referencing rap songs. If Yo Gotti keeps up his summer show at Mud Island, this could mean that two epic outdoor Gotti concerts are heading your way soon. Yo Gotti put the city on his back, and his love for Memphis is well-known. Don’t miss Yo Gotti, and remember, it goes down in the DM.

Jason Derulo

10:50 p.m.

Jason Derulo spent years writing songs for artists like Diddy and Lil Wayne, but he always wanted to step into the spotlight. One of the few R&B artists coming to Beale Street Music Festival, Derulo’s radio-ready pop songs sound like he took notes from Chris Brown and Sean Kingston.

Jason Derulo

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Pearl River Resort

Blues Tent

Duwayne Burnside

2:15 p.m.

As one of 14 children born to R.L. Burnside, Duwayne Burnside picked up the guitar at a young age. Since then, he’s played with the North Mississippi Allstars and Junior Kimbrough, in addition to playing big-name festivals like Bonnaroo.

Charles Wilson

3:50 p.m.

Charles Wilson, better known as Uncle Charlie to his fans, was the singer of the Gap Band before going solo and racking up 11 Grammy Award nominations. Artists like India Arie and Jamie Foxx have paid tribute to Wilson, but even without the admiration from big name musicians, Wilson’s extensive catalog speaks for itself. 

Jack Semple

5:30 p.m.

Another representative of Canada (the 2016 Memphis in May tribute country), Jack Semple was the lead singer of the band the Lincolns before forming the Jack Semple Band and releasing eight albums, including two live records.

Shun Ng & Magic Dick 

7:10 p.m.

Legendary harmonica player Magic Dick recently teamed up with Shun Ng to create one of the most unique duos in recent memory. The two play stripped-down versions of blues standards as well as originals, and Shun Ng’s staggering guitar work will leave you begging for more.

Luther Dickinson 

8:55 p.m.

Luther Dickinson might be best known as the lead guitarist and vocalist in the North Mississippi Allstars, but he’s made a name for himself as a solo artist as well. Keep your fingers crossed that Dickinson brings frequent collaborator (and Music Fest performer) Mavis Staples on stage for a song or two.

Ana Popovic

10:45 p.m.

Memphis guitar slinger Ana Popovic has shared the stage with the likes of Buddy Guy and Zakk Wylde. Her latest album TRILOGY was produced by Grammy Award-winner Warren Riker.

FedEx Stage

Julien Baker

Julien Baker

6 p.m.

Memphis’ biggest breakout star of 2015 keeps killing it, landing a spot on Beale Street Music Fest after a solid year of touring and seeing her name in every music-media outlet that’s relevant. Her first album, Sprained Ankle, made plenty of year-end lists, but we were already onto Baker before she became a media darling. See our cover story on her from last summer for proof.

Trampled by Turtles 

7:30 p.m.

Minnesota’s Trampled by Turtles have seen their fair amount of success since forming in 2003, and the alt-country band will be setting out on a long tour with the Devil Makes Three shortly after their performance on Friday night. No stranger to festivals, the band has also played San Francisco’s Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Firefly Festival, Rock the Garden, and the All Good Music Festival.

Grace Potter 

9 p.m.

Multi-instrumentalist Grace Potter has collaborated with musicians like Kenny Chesney and the Rolling Stones. No stranger to the festival circuit, Potter’s band the Nocturnals played more than 200 shows on the road as they gained traction and signed with Hollywood Records.

Neil Young & Promise of the Real

Neil Young & Promise of the Real 

10:40 p.m.

Neil Young. On the river. The first night of Beale Street Music Fest. Do we really need to tell you to be there? Do you like music? Good answer. We thought we were about to have a problem. In all seriousness, if this doesn’t get you excited, you may need to check your pulse.

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Rockstar Energy Drink Stage

The Struts

The Struts

6:10 p.m.

British rock band the Struts kick things off on the Rockstar Energy Drink stage, and you can expect these glam rockers to bring the heat to Tom Lee Park.

Young the Giant

7:40 p.m.

Young the Giant sound big enough to fill an arena and structure their songs in a way that feels fitting for a club. Their electric sound pulls influence from bands like Muse, while their indie sensibilities are akin to Grouplove.

Panic! At the Disco 

9:10 p.m.

Hot on the heels of the Fall Out Boy-led, mid-2000s emo wave, Panic! At the Disco released their debut 2005 album, A Fever You Can’t Sweat Out, when the band’s members were fresh out of high school. Since then, only one of the original members — Brendon Urie — remains in the band, but he and his new bandmates are still pushing out baroque pop that sounds like it was recorded in 2005 (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing).

Weezer 

10:50 p.m. These platinum-selling pop-punkers have been at it for over 20 years, releasing hit after hit in between throwing parties on cruise ships and collaborating with current stars like Best Coast. Weezer will be on tour with Panic! At the Disco, who are also playing Friday night.

Weezer

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Bud Light Stage

Coleman Hell

6:10 p.m.

Coleman Hell wins the “coolest-named hometown” award this year, as he hails from a place called Thunder Bay, Ontario. Keeping with the Canadian theme of this year’s Memphis in May, Coleman Hell is sure to bring the thunder when he plays his brand of indie pop/EDM on Friday night.

Gin Blossoms

7:35 p.m.

If the 1990s had a soundtrack, it’d be filled with Gin Blossoms songs — “Hey Jealousy,” “Found out About You,” “Follow You Down,” “Til I Hear It From You” … the list could go on. Fun fact: Although the alt-rock band is from Tempe, Arizona, all of the above hit songs were recorded at Ardent Studios in Memphis.

Mavis Staples

9:15 p.m.

Memphian Mavis Staples will surely take the Bud Light stage by storm when she performs on Friday night. Staples was a late addition to the Beale Street Music Fest lineup, and she adds to an already stacked opening night lineup.

Train

Train 

10:55 p.m.

Roots-rock icons Train need little introduction since crafting the mega hits “Meet Virginia” and “Drops of Jupiter.” There’s a reason these San Francisco boys are headlining the Bud Light Stage on Friday night. Expect a moving performance from these platinum-selling artists.

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Pearl River Resort Blues Tent

Ghost Town Blues Band

6:15 p.m.

Ghost Town Blues Band once again perform at Beale Street Music Fest, and their latest album, Hard Road to Hoe, is still a local favorite.

Larry McCray

7:45 p.m.

Blues guitarst Larry McCray has been cranking out albums since 1990 and now releases his music through his own record label, Magnolia Records.

Doyle Bramhall II

9:25 p.m.

Doyle Bramhall II has played with Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, and JJ Cale (among others), and his skillful guitar work is not to be missed.

Walter Trout 

11:05 p.m. Closing out night one at the Blues tent is guitarist Walter Trout, who joined the band Canned Heat in 1981. Since then, Trout has cranked out tons of albums under his own name and as Walter Trout and the Radicals.