10 Bands to See in Memphis This October

10 Bands to See in Memphis This October

Ed. note: The nice thing about living in a music city is that we get a ton of great live shows every single month. The tough thing, however, is deciding which bands to see. With that in mind, here are 10 recommendations for shows you won't want to miss in the coming month:

1. Generationals with Harlan and Devin, Hi-Tone Cafe, Oct. 3, 8 p.m., 18+, $8

Generationals, Hi-Tone Cafe, Memphis, Tenn.

The Generationals are returning to the Hi-Tone on Wednesday, Oct. 3 to play with Devin and Harlan (who I can only assume is Harlan T. Bobo). If you like bouncy indie power pop (and terribly honest and sad break up songs that don't sound at all like ennui), you shoudl make a point to be there. The show starts early (8 p.m.), so don't show up late.

2. Freeworld, Levitt Shell, Oct. 6., 7:30 p.m., all ages, free

Happy birthday, Freeworld! The venerable Memphis jam band is turning 25 in October, and they're celebrating with a free show as part of the Levitt Shell Concert Series. Bring a blanket, a picnic and your hula hoop to the Saturday, Oct. 6 show.

3. Adam WarRock with Opera Memphis, Brass Door, Oct. 7, 7 p.m., 21+, $5 donation suggested

Adam Warrock La Boheme EP

Memphis Rapper Adam WarRock (who, incidentally, has only played one show in Memphis to date) has been working on a four-track hip-hop EP inspired by the arias from "La Boheme" in perparation of Opera Memphis' performance of the Puccini classic. He'll debut the EP on Sunday, Oct. 7 at the Brass Door with Opera Memphis.

4. The Avett Brothers, Mud Island Amphitheatre, Oct. 12, all ages, $37

Just in case you haven't heard of the Avett Brothers, here's what's up: they are actually brothers and they play the sort of folky indie rock that's kind of blown up lately. They'll be at Mud Island Amphitheatre on Oct. 12 for an all-ages outdoor show.

5. STAX: The Memphis Sound, Cannon Center, Oct. 13 and 14, 7: 30 p.m. (Saturday) and 4 p.m. (Sunday), various prices

Stax legend Booker T. Jones is joining the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for a special weekend of performances of Stax classics. They'll be joined in in the performance by students from the Stax Academy and Soulsville Charter School.

6. Star and Micey with Carolina Story, Hi-Tone Cafe, Oct. 18, 18+, free

Star and Micey EP Release

Star and Micey are releasing their long-awaited brand new EP, "I Can't Wait" on Oct. 16, and then having a giant release party for it at the Hi-Tone with Carolina Story two days later. As far as I've been able to tell the show is free, so come out and get your celebration on (and pick up a copy of the new record).

7. Dead Soldiers with Banditos, Hi-Tone Cafe, Oct. 21, 8 p.m., 18+, free

Dead Soldiers won me over during Rock for Love when they announced that the next song in their already dark country-punk set was called "When You Die", just, you know, to keep the mood light. The band, which includes a lot of people from the Memphis metal / hardcore scene, is pure Southern Gothic goodness. Go to this show.

8. Willie Nelson's Railroad Revival Tour, Central Station, Oct. 22, 5 p.m., $90

This is possibly the most rare show happening in Memphis this month. Willie Nelson is doing an old-school, eight-day tour through the U.S. on a 25-car train with Band of Horses, and they're stopping at Memphis' Central Station on Oct. 22. Tickets are pricey, but how often do you get to see Willie Nelson play in a train station (especially one as small as ours)?

9. Yo-Yo Ma, Cannon Center, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m., all ages, $50 - $150

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma is joining the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for a one-night engagement at the Cannon Cenetr on Monday, Oct. 22. He'll play selections from Brahms' "Hungarian Dances", Strauss' "Till Eulenspiegel's Merry Pranks" and Dvorak's "Cello Concerto in B Minor".

10. R. Kelly, Orpheum Theatre, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m., all ages, $77 - $125

Whether you appreciate R. Kelly for his soulful voice and R&B slow jams or you're more of a fan of his more ridiculous lyrics and projects (i.e. "Feelin' On Your Booty" and "Trapped in the Closet"), you'll want to go ahead and get your tickets to see Kells in person when he brings his "Single Ladies" tour to the Orpheum on Oct. 23.

For more concert listings, check the blog's calendar. I add more every day.

Which concerts are you looking forward to in October?

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MEMPHISH
Also, Some Great shows at Minglewood Hall - Yonder Mt. String Band w/ Brown Bird 10/6 (BLUEGRASS) - Mac Powell (from Third Day) 10/12 (CHRISTIAN) - MUTEMATH w/ Civil Twilight (INDIE) - Passion Pit 10/27 (INDIEPOP)
September 28, 2012 6:47pm
FloydTrane
Willie Nelson with Band of Horses - Oct. 22 at the Memphis Train Station
September 29, 2012 2:20pm
Hannah
Also Band of Horses and Willie Nelson are touring together. On the railroad. For real. Late October. 
September 30, 2012 1:34pm
Brad
Don't forget my future wife! Grace Potter and the Nocturnals at the New Daisy on Oct. 24th.
October 1, 2012 2:16pm
Bill
Unfortunately, the Railroad Revival Tour (Willie Nelson and Band of Horses) has been canceled.
October 7, 2012 9:37am