Live Music In Memphis This Month: 11 Shows to See in August

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6 

Deep Purple with Special Guest Kansas at Radians Amphitheater 

Gates 5:30 p.m., Show 7:30 p.m. / $71+

This is a stacked double bill of classic rockers to kick off the month. Deep Purple, who gave us the infamous "Smoke on the Water, " one of the most recognizable guitar riffs in history (and at every Guitar Center in America), and have been a hard rock institution for nearly 60 years. Kansas brings the prog-rock heat with "Carry On Wayward Son" and "Dust in the Wind, ” – the first of which I got 100% on expert mode on Guitar Hero back in the day. Two legends sharing one outdoor stage at the Radians Amphitheater is a great way to spend a summer night. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7 

Ronnie McDowell (for Elvis Week) at Hernando's Hide-A-Way 

Doors 1 p.m., Show 4 p.m. / $28+ 

Elvis Week brings all kinds of legends to Memphis, and Ronnie McDowell is one of the most connected to the King's legacy. He wrote and recorded "The King Is Gone" in 1977 the same day Elvis died, and it sold over five million copies. He also provided the singing voice for Elvis in multiple TV movies and biopics, including the Kurt Russell one. This is a perfect afternoon show for Elvis Week at one of Memphis's most iconic rooms. 

DIY Memphis (Unreal City, Rotten Luck, Aversive Control & Slip to Dust) at Hi-Tone Cafe (Small Room - Downstairs) 

Doors 6:30 p.m., Show 7 p.m. / $18.50+

A four-band local punk and hardcore showcase in Hi-Tone's downstairs Small Room is exactly the kind of thing this blog exists to highlight. DIY Memphis putting together a bill like this is a reminder that the underground scene in this city is alive and kicking. Four local acts, one sweaty room, earplugs recommended. Go support. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 14 

DJ Zirk, Frayser Boy, White Sosa & More at Growlers 

Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m. / $20+

DJ Zirk is a true OG of the Memphis underground scene with his signature "Lock Em in Da Trunk" energy still very much intact. That reminds me that I forgot to pick up one of those “trunk” shirts at Riverbeat Music Festival that I saw people wearing. Frayser Boy, as most know, is an Oscar winner, having co-written "It's Hard Out Here for a Pimp" from Hustle & Flow, the song that won Best Original Song at the 78th Academy Awards. He has been known to bring the actual Oscar onstage, so be prepared for that. 

John Legend at Radians Amphitheater 

Gates 5:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m. / $92+

The man has twelve Grammys, an EGOT, and one of the most effortlessly beautiful voices in popular music. Seeing him in an intimate outdoor setting where the format is songs and stories means you are getting something more personal than a standard arena show. Bring someone you love and be prepared to feel things. All of meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. 

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16 

Deerfields / Mr. Scientist / Wagoneer at Hi-Tone Cafe (Small Room - Downstairs) 

Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m. / $11.50+

A Sunday night punk show in Hi-Tone's downstairs room for just over eleven bucks. Deerfields are a Memphis punk group that I honestly just learned about researching for this blog and I can confirm they rule. Give them a listen and go. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 22 

Analog Fest 2026 (Foreign Sinatra, David Alxander, dav!d & ADUBB) at Ghost River on Main 

3 p.m. - 10 p.m. / $5 early bird, $15 at door

A seven-hour local music festival at Ghost River on Main for five dollars (for early birds)? That is an absurdly good deal. Analog Fest brings together a diverse lineup of Memphis artists including Foreign Sinatra and dav!d across an afternoon and evening of live music. Ghost River's Main Street location is a great spot for this kind of all-day hang. Grab your early bird ticket, show up in the afternoon, drink some awesome beer, and stay for the whole thing. 

FRIDAY, AUGUST 28 

42 Dugg + Babyface Ray at Minglewood Hall 

Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m. / $63+

Two of Detroit rap's most compelling voices on the same bill at Minglewood. This was delayed from a previous date, I believe, so we’re overdue for these two. 

Dirt Monkey at Minglewood Hall (1884 Lounge) 

Doors 7 p.m., Show 8 p.m. / $33+

Same night, different room at Minglewood. I actually love when they do that because I love the switch up of the vibes in crowds and how the sound bleeds a tiny bit and just feels like music is happening everywhere. Dirt Monkey is a Boulder-born bass music DJ and producer who has played Electric Forest, Lost Lands, and Bonnaroo, and consistently brings the kind of heavy, genre-crossing sets that keep the floor moving from start to finish. His sound spans dubstep, drum and bass, and trap. If that sounds good to you, you’ll love this. 

Jacquees & K Camp at Graceland Live 

Show 7:30 p.m. / $58+

Two Atlanta R&B and rap names sharing the stage at Graceland Live to close out the month. Jacquees built his reputation on smooth, sensual R&B with a Cash Money edge, and "B.E.D. " remains one of the sleeper hits of the last decade. K Camp's "Lottery (Renegade)" was one of the biggest TikTok-era earworms ever, and he has kept delivering. 

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29 & SUNDAY, AUGUST 30 

Vince Gill at Orpheum Theatre 

Saturday show 7:30 p.m. / Sunday show 7 p.m. / Doors 1 hour before show / $72+

 Vince Gill closing out August with two nights at the Orpheum is a real event, and one that my mom, if she lived here, would tailgate for hours outside the Orpheum to see. He is one of the most gifted vocalists and guitarists in the history of country music, with 21 Grammy Awards to his name and a catalog that stretches from "When I Call Your Name" to "Go Rest High on That Mountain" and everything in between. Two nights in the Orpheum means two c