Live Music In Memphis This Month: 10 Shows to See in January

THURSDAY, JANUARY 8

to you, deary at Havenhaus

Doors at 7 p.m., Show at 8 p.m. / $10 

Havenhaus continues its run of intimate, thoughtfully curated shows with “to you, deary,” an emo band from Chicago that perfectly in the venue’s grungy basement energy. This is a great small show to ease back into live music after the holidays. They sort of sound like the emo version of Thirty Seconds To Mars (complimentary). 
 

SATURDAY, JANUARY 10

The Magic of Motown at Cannon Center for the Performing Arts

Show at 7:30 p.m. / $62.25+

If January has you craving something familiar and joyful, The Magic of Motown delivers exactly that. This touring revue celebrates the hits that built an era, with the likes of Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, The Temptations, all of which are brought to life on one of Memphis’s biggest stages. 

TUESDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 13-17

International Blues Challenge on Beale Street  

Multiple shows daily at various locations on Beale Street / IBC Price Passes Vary, available at Roll Call

The International Blues Challenge is one of the most important weeks on Memphis’s music calendar and for my money, the most underrated event all year. Bands from around the world descend on Beale Street to compete, collaborate, and remind everyone why this city remains the global home of the blues. Whether you pop into one showcase or spend multiple nights bouncing between clubs, I can guarantee you’re going to have an amazing time. What I genuinely love is seeing how blues is interpreted all over the world. You’ll see fantastic blues acts from faraway places like Japan and New Zealand, and some right down the road in Mississippi and Alabama – all done in their own interesting way.  

THURSDAY, JANUARY 15

Zack Fox at Minglewood Hall

Doors 7 p.m. / Show 8 p.m. / $35+

Zack Fox is one of those artists who exists fully outside traditional boxes, as he’s part comedian, part rapper, and part internet chaos agent. His live shows blend stand-up comic energy with music and crowd interaction, making this a fun wildcard pick for January. He’s been to Memphis a ton in the past year showing the city love with shows and DJ sets, so go show him some love back and have an amazing time.  

FRIDAY, JANUARY 16

Codd Dubz at Growlers

Doors 8 p.m. / Show 9 p.m. / $19+

I discovered Codd Dubz this while writing the blog for this month and love this sound so much. For bass music heads, you cannot do much better than this. The music is high-energy and he does a ton of sick chopped mashups that will melt your face clean off. A lot of the hip-hop interpolations sound like ‘90s Memphis hip-hop brought back to life. Highly recommended. 
 

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23

Marbin – Small Room (Downstairs) at Hi-Tone Cafe

Doors 7 p.m. / Show 8 p.m. / $23.50

Marbin is a jazz-fusion powerhouse, and if you’ve never seen a truly technical band in Hi-Tone’s downstairs Small Room, this is a great entry point. The musicianship here is next level as it reaches fast and improvisational heights, but stays pretty accessible for to the regular ear as well. The drumming is so sick and the sax is just gorgeous. Go see them. 
 

John Németh and the Blue Dreamers at Crosstown Arts (Green Room)

Show 7:30 p.m. / $31+

f you didn’t get enough at the International Blues Challenge, you’ll love even more soulful, roots-driven blues in one of Memphis’s best-sounding rooms. Crosstown’s Green Room keeps things close and intimate, making this a great choice if you want a high-fidelity music experience from a Grammy-nominated showman. 
 

The Filthy Heathens at Hernando’s Hide-A-Way

Doors 7 p.m. / Show 8 p.m. / $19+

Hernando’s Hide-A-Way remains undefeated when it comes to grit, character, and old-school Memphis charm. The Filthy Heathens fit right in. Don’t be scared off by their name, even if they are a bit filthy and loud, rootsy, and unpolished in the best way. This will be a fun and rowdy night in one of Memphis’ best music venues. 
 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

The Floozies + Too Many Zooz at Minglewood Hall

Doors 7 p.m. / Show 8 p.m. / $40+

As a longtime music festival go-er, these are two mainstays that seem to always get booked, and for good reason. The Floozies bring electronic funk that’s built for dancing, while Too Many Zooz add their signature brass-heavy, street-energy chaos. If January’s been feeling slow, this is a good night to get things back into motion. My parting question: how many zoos are too many? 
 

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25

Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country at Minglewood Hall

Doors 7 p.m. / Show 8 p.m. / $30+

Closing out the month strong, Daniel Donato’s Cosmic Country blends classic country foundations with psychedelic improvisation and jam-band freedom. They absolutely rocked when they played last year in Memphis during Shell Daze. I was in attendance and was absolutely stunned by how incredible they were. 

For more, check out: I Love Memphis Music Calendar