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

IMPORTANT

• This is just a sampling of shows in Memphis this month. For more, check out: I Love Memphis Music Calendar and the Memphis Flyer Music Listings.
• Submit your show to the blog's calendar HERE.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1

Kortland Whalum at Crosstown Arts

Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 / $25 in advance, $30 day of show

Musician and actor Kortland Whalum returns to the Green Room at Crosstown Arts after selling the room out a few times over the last couple years. Let his silky smooth soul and R&B warm you up on a cold December evening.

DJ Evil Dee at Eight & Sand

9 p.m.

 

 

 

 

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A pioneer of the NYC underground rap scene, DJ Evil Dee is best known as one half of the legendary production duo Da Beatminerz, who were prolific throughout the 90s and still work together to this day. DJ Evil Dee has produced tracks for Royce Da 5’9”, Talib Kweli, Pete Rock, and KRS-One to name a few.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

Greg Cartwright & Amy Dee DJ set at Eight & Sand

9 p.m.

Fun fact—before I knew Greg Cartwright as a revered figure among garage rock and punk enthusiasts worldwide, I knew him as my best friend Andrew’s dad who would make us chicken fingers and french fries to eat while we played Nintendo GameCube. Ever since then, I’ve been a big fan of both Mr. Cartwright and the GameCube.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

Nordista Freeze at Hi Tone

Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 / $10 advance, $15 day of show

Nashville-based musician Nordista Freeze is known for his experimental psych-pop and cosmic persona. If his music is as woo-woo as his artist bio, you’re in for a treat. He’s joined by Memphis-based rock bands Shorty and the Grooves and The Hypocrites.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14

Mark Edgar Stuart + Blueshift Ensemble at Crosstown Arts

Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 / $20

Beloved Memphis-based singer-songwriter Mark Edgar Stuart joins forces with Blueshift Ensemble, a contemporary chamber music group, to deliver a unique twist on Stuart’s rock-n-roll stylings.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at FedExForum

7 p.m. / $66+

Have you ever wished Christmas carols were more edgy? I sure have. Thank little Baby Jesus in the manger for the Trans-Siberian Orchestra!

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16

Lucero Family Christmas at Minglewood Hall

Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 / $40.65

Not only will you have a good time at the Lucero Family Christmas show, you’ll be helping a noble cause! Lucero is donating $1 for every ticket sold to Calvary Episcopal Church’s Outreach Ministries.

Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage Y’ALL SO LOUD Album Release Party at Crosstown Arts

Doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 / $15 in advance, $20 day of show

Memphis-based saxophonist Hope Clayburn has spent years lending her talents to The Temptations, The Allman Brothers Band, Valerie June, and many, many more. At Crosstown Arts, you can hear her do her own thing with her funk/soul ensemble Soul Scrimmage, whose new album Y’all So Loud is releasing this month.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20

Drew & Ellie Holcomb's Neighborly Christmas at Orpheum Theatre

7:30 p.m. / $39.50 - $99.50

Did you catch this year's Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade? You would have seen Memphis' own Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors performing. Drew returns to Memphis with wife and singer Ellie for their annual Christmas show. Expect all the warm and lovely vibes for the holidays. - Jalyn Souchek

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22

Mempho Presents a Southern Avenue Christmas at MInglewood Hall

Doors at 7 p.m., show at 8 / $27.60+

Minglewood’s feeling particularly jolly this month! After Lucero’s Christmas show comes Memphis-based blues and rock band Southern Avenue with a Christmas show of their own. As a shameless fan of the most wonderful time of the year, I ain’t complaining.

For more, check out: I Love Memphis Music Calendar