The most diverse gathering of local music and culture every year, the Center for Southern Folklore’s annual Memphis Music & Heritage Festival will take over the area surrounding Main Street and Peabody Place this weekend, with live music running from late morning thru late night on five stages over two days.
On Saturday, August 31st, chitlin’-circuit soul legend Bobby Rush will headline the Tennessee Arts main stage at 10 p.m. while Memphis roots-punk/art-damage legend Tav Falco will direct his Panther Burns on the Greyhound Stage at 8:45 p.m.
Among many other potential highlights on Saturday are: Hip-hop/soul duo Artistik Approach (2:45 p.m.) and Beale blues stalwart Preston Shannon (4:45 p.m.) on the Tennessee Arts Stage. Indie rockers Mouserocket (3 p.m.) and the latin Aztec Dancers (6 p.m.) on the Greyhound Stage. An interview with local jazz great Joyce Cobb (2:15 p.m.) and a jazz/funk party from Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage (9:15 p.m.) on the Comcast Stage. A kids’ music performance from University of Memphis musicologist David Evans (1 p.m.) and the jug band Bluff City Backsliders (9 p.m.) on the Center for Southern Folklore Stage.
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On Sunday, September 1st, Joyce Cobb will close the festivities as the honored performer at 9:45 p.m. on the Tennessee Arts main stage, while The New Agrarians (songwriters Kate Campbell, Pierce Pettis, and Tom Kimmel) will play the Comcast Stage at 9 p.m.
Among many other potential highlights on Sunday are: Memphis blues/folk inheritors Sons of Mudboy (7:45 p.m.), first-generation rockabilly artist Sonny Burgess (6:45 p.m.) and latin singer Marcela Pinella (4:45 p.m.) on the Tennessee Arts Stage. Vocal gem Susan Marshall (4 p.m.) and Daddy Mack’s Blues Band (8:45 p.m.) on the Greyhound Stage. Opera great Kallen Esperian (3:15 p.m.) singing the blues on the Comcast Stage. Reggae group Chinese Connection Dub Embassy (6:30 p.m.) on the ArtsMemphis Stage.
The event, which includes many cultural and culinary activities beyond the music schedule, is free. You can find a full schedule and other information at southernfolklore.com.
