Listen Up: 10 Shows To See in Memphis in August (2014)
Listen Up: 10 Shows To See in Memphis in August (2014)
Happy Tuesday to you! I'm bringing back "Listen Up", a guide to live music coming through Memphis this month. Click on the gray links to hear samples; it won't open a new window or tab, it'll just play while you read. There's also a streaming playlist at the bottom of the post. Happy Listening!
Keep in mind that this is not meant to be a comprehensive guide to every live music act coming to Memphis, just a variety of shows of different genres at different venues. Did I leave out your favorite show? Not to worry, just leave a comment so me and others can find out about more great live music in Memphis.
1. Ray Wylie Hubbard w/ Brandy Zdan (The Trishas), 1884 Lounge at Minglewood Plaza, August 7, doors at 7:30 p.m., $16 adv./$18 day of show, 18 and up
Start off your month the Americana way with "Snake Farm" singer Ray Wylie Hubbard's country grooves and entertaining/heartbreaking lyrics.I really like this song about using a Coricidin bottle as a guitar slide.
2. Tonya Dyson, The Dizzy Bird, August 8 and 15, sets at 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., $15 adv./$18 at the door, all ages
The Dizzy Bird Lounge is the newest addition to the Edge District (it's at 652 Marshall Avenue, in the former location of the Hattiloo Theatre) and the music scene in Memphis. It's an intimate venue (only holds about 40 people) with live music Wednesday through Sunday. Mayor of Neosoulsville Tonya Dyson is back in town after touring the world, and she's bringing her soulful R&B tunes to break-in the new venue for four shows this month.
Hip hop/spoken word duo Artistik Approach, folk singer Myla Smith, and acoustic artist Maurice Mosby all will perform at the kickoff to nearly two months of free weekend concerts from 3 Artists 1 Yard. If you're not familiar, Three Artists One Yard is exactly what it sounds like. BYOB, bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on, and don't forget the bug spray.
4. Weezer, Snowden Grove Amphitheater, August 13, doors at 7 p.m., $35 - $65, all ages
Is it just me or are nineties alt-rock bands making some type of resurgence this year? Go for nostalgic reasons or go because you're a real fan eagerly anticipating Weezer's new album (due out Sept. 30).Remember that song about the sweater?
5. Ben Nichols, 1884 Lounge at Minglewood Plaza, August 13, doors at 8 p.m., $15 adv./$17 day of show,18 and up
Go hear Lucero's front man offer up his solo acoustic works like "The Last Pale Light in the West" (above). If Memphis' "grit and grind" needs a voice besides Tony Allen's, I nominate Nichols'.
6. Motel Mirrors with Marcella Simien, Overton Square Tower Courtyard, August 14, doors at 7 p.m., $10, 21 and up
There are only a few more shows left in the inaugural season of Thursdays Squared concerts, and this is one of them. Motel Mirrors is a collaboration between Memphis favorites Amy LaVere and John Paul Keith, and the charmingly funky Marcella Simien will open for them. Listen to Motel Mirrors The $10 admission to the courtyard includes one drink ticket.
7. Ingram Hill, Peabody Rooftop, August 14, doors open at 6 p.m., $15, 21 and up
Popular Memphis-originating Southern rockers Ingram Hill will provide the music for the finale to the Peabody Rooftop Party Series this year. Get a preview here.
8. Short in the Sleeve, Otherlands, August 16, doors at 7 p.m., $7, all ages
Short in the Sleeve is a local acoustic folk/pop group that's been rockin' around town all year, and they're releasing their EP "A Broken Heart and Some Chords" this month at one of Memphis' best intimate venues. Listen to their song "Easy Way" (hint: it's not about local produce)
9. Dead Soldiers with Birdcloud, Hi-Tone, August 23, doors at 9:30 p.m., $10, 18 and up
Memphis bluesgrassy rock-ish country group Dead Soldiers is releasing their new album "High Anxiety" later this month. Listen to a Dead Soldiers song. As for the opening act, Birdcloud, let's just say they sing like Southern sirens and swear like sailors. As the Facebook event says, "this one's gonna get rowdy."
10. Goner Presents: The Clean with Boogarins & NOTS, Hi-Tone, August 28, doors at 8 p.m., $10 adv./$12 day of show, 18 and up
This is gonna be an international mix of rock amazingness. Legendary indie rock band The Clean will be here from New Zealand, plus Boogarins - psych rockers from Brazil, and Memphis' punk rock foursome NOTS, who will release a debut LP later this year. You know you're curious about what Portugese psychedelic rock sounds like. Satisfy your curiosity.
Do you want to submit a band/show/venue for inclusion in September's Listen Up post? I accept both Memphis-based bands and touring shows. Submissions must be received by August 25. Email me at [email protected] with info and please use the subject line "Listen Up September". Or just click here.
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