Ed. Note: Here's your monthly guide to live music in Memphis. Contributor Baylee Less is back with another handy list for January 2018.

1. ZA Fest IV, The Hi-Tone, Saturday January 6th, $10, show at 6:00 p.m., 18 and over
With the slogan “Damn fine music and a slice of pizza,” ZA Fest is sure to be a good time. ZA Fest showcases the rising artists of the Memphis and Mid-South underground independent music scene including performances by Ten High, Faux Killas, Magnolia, Godbody Jones, Lauren Laux, Louise Page, Pillow Talk, Kahmay, and Nya. For an easy $10, you’ll hear hip-hop, chillwave electronic, DJ sets, emo indie rock, and more.

2. Memphis Funk-N-Horns, Lafayette’s, Saturday January 6th, free, show at 6:30 p.m., all ages
Kick off your first weekend of 2018 with a funky start at Lafayette’s Music Room. The Memphis Funk-N-Horns are the smoothest, swiftiest, and funkiest collective in Memphis and beyond when it comes to oldies, 70’s, and 80’s electrifying music.

3. Sunday Evening with Jana Misener, Ghost River Brewing Co., Sunday January 14th, free, show at 5 p.m., 21 and overEvery Sunday, Ghost River Brewing Co. and Tiffany Harmon host Sunday Evening Slowdown, an event to showcase local singers and songwriters. Local cellist Jana Misener is no newbie to our Memphis music scene having played with other musicians including Brennan Villines and the Memphis Dawls. This night she’ll perform solo work as Jana Jana, and you’ll drink your draft beer slow to the tune of her lullabies.

Photo by Andrea Zucker

4. International Blues Challenge, various locations on Beale Street, Tuesday January 16th - Saturday January 20th, $10 - $100, various times, all ages
Join internationally acclaimed blues acts on the street where it all started for the 2018 International Blues Challenge. You can purchase tickets ahead of time for guaranteed entry to all shows and events, or walk up and pay a small cover charge the night of to your favorite Beale Street junk joint.

5. Sofar Sounds, secret location, Wednesday January 17th, $10, 7 p.m., all ages
Sofar Sounds is a global community of people who host intimate, stripped back music shows in unique spaces. The Memphis Sofar Sounds chapter started up a few months ago, but in January they’re are planning their biggest show yet. Apply to attend on their website and check our their YouTube page full of videos that depict the Sofar atmosphere.

6. Oak House and Louise Page, The Hi-Tone, Wednesday January 17th, $7, show at 9 p.m., 18 and over
Heading here from Athens, GA, Oak House brings their grungey-experimental indie rock. You’ll be sure to hear some loud, angry defiant classic rock ditties and other slow psychedelic musical trips. Local singer-songwriter Louise Page will open, and you can check out her endearing jazzy debut EP on her Bandcamp page.

7. Greensky Bluegrass, The New Daisy Theater, Friday January 19th, $20 - $85, show at 8 p.m., all ages
If you love banjos and dancing, do not miss the spirited Michigan finger-pickers Greensky Bluegrass. Their upbeat take on this homegrown American genre is refreshing and familiar at the same time.

8. Mandy Gonzalez, The Halloran Centre, Friday January 19th, $35, show at 7:30 p.m., all ages
With her powerhouse voice, Mandy Gonzalez has stunned audiences as one of the stars of hit Broadway show Hamilton. Grab tickets for this special evening at the Halloran Centre filled with elegant, soul and gospel inspired ballads.

9. Dream Fest Weekend 7, various locations, Friday January 19th and Sunday January 21st, $10, various times, all ages

*rescheduled from Jan. 12-14 due to weather*

The seventh annual Dream Fest will be held Martin Luther King Jr. weekend this year, and what a better way to celebrate MLK50 than supporting diversity among the local music scene. Performances will include C-Stilla, Izzy Moore, Tha Kidd From Marz, SvmDvde, Gerald Morgan, Jr, Queen Tyki X, Beata, Akronym Est 1990, Ron Greer, Marque Boyd, RobenX and Tia Songbird Henderson.

10. John Scofield, Germantown Performing Arts Center, Saturday January 20th, $42 - $45, show at 8 p.m., all ages
Known as one of the principal innovators of the jazz guitar, John Scofield creates music that takes you on a journey with twists, turns, and various improvisational moments. He draws from blues and rock influences as well so for our fans of Memphis music heritage, this is the show not to miss.

About The Author
A born and raised Memphian, Baylee Less recently returned to her roots after her four-year hiatus at the University of Maryland. A contributor to ILoveMemphis and Memphis Travel, she is excited to share the reasons she’s always loved Memphis. She enjoys live music, Asian food, and being outdoors. Follow @bayleeless on Twitter for updates about being vegan in the land of barbecue.

If you want to be featured in February 2018's Listen Up, please email [email protected] with the subject line Listen Up February.