Live Music In Memphis This Month: 10 Shows to See in December
Here are the top picks for live music events, concerts, and shows in Memphis this month.
Got a show to promote? Add it here.
Here are the top picks for live music events, concerts, and shows in Memphis this month.
Got a show to promote? Add it here.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4
The Surfrajettes at Lafayette’s Music Room
Doors at 6:00 p.m. / Show at 7 p.m. / $19.20
I am a real sucker for modern surf rock like this. And with a band name like the Surfrajettes, you know that I couldn’t say no to publishing this in the blog this month. The all-girl surf rock group, as if you couldn’t tell by the name of the band, plays a mix of instrumental covers of popular songs like Britney Spear’s “Toxic” and Blondie’s, “Heart of Glass” but makes it feel like you’re on the beach. They have a lot of great original material as well. I am really into this group – highly recommend!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6 & SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
Billy Strings at FedEx Forum
Show at 7:30 p.m. on both nights/ $55+ each night / $102+ for 2 show packages
To get Billy Strings, the greatest modern bluegrass musician on planet earth, for not only one night, but for TWO NIGHTS, is one of the greatest gifts one could ever receive. What I love about Billy Strings, in addition the incredible music he makes, is his unique ability to bring the genre of bluegrass and connect it across generations. His take on bluegrass involves branches into psychedelic rock, modern americana, and country music, which really makes his music appealing to all kinds of music listeners. He’s truly one of the best guitar players in any genre right now and the two shows I’ve been to of his have been absolutely fantastic. Run, don’t walk, to both of these shows at the FedEx Forum.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7
WYXR Raised by Sound Fest at Crosstown Concourset
J Spaceman & John Coxon (Spiritualized), The Black Keys (DJ Set), and Hurray For The Riff Raff
Event from 1:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. / Prices ranging from FREE (concerts in the main atrium) to $81+ to see members from Spiritualized at the Crosstown Theater) to $57.87 to see The Black Keys DJ Set
This is a spectacular event happening at the Crosstown Concourse. To raise money for WYXR, they’re teaming up with a plethora of amazing artists, headlined by J. Spaceman & John Coxon of the English rock group Spiritualized. That specific paid event is sold out, but you can find some extra tickets on the secondary market. I need to highlight that most of the day’s events are COMPLETELY FREE, with free music being played in the central atrium all day. One artist to spotlight there will be Hurray for the Riff Raff, who is a fantastic indie rock musician playing at 5:30 p.m. And for the afterparty, you can still get tickets to see the members from the Black Keys play a DJ set where they will be spinning vinyl tracks. What an awesome day this will be.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14
Jhené Aiko: The Magic Hour Tour at FedEx Forum
Show at 7:00 p.m. / $44.70+
R&B hitmaker, Jhené Aiko, brings her talents to the FedEx Forum for “The Magic Hour” tour, the namesake stemming from the compilation album she released earlier this year with the same name that highlights the biggest songs of her career thus far. The tour has been making waves as 27 dates prior to this Memphis stop have sold completely out. So, get your tickets before it’s too late!
American Aquarium at Growlers
Doors at 4:00 p.m. / Show at 5:00 p.m. / $25 Before Day of Show / $30 Day of Show
American Aquarium is one of the premiere alternative country bands of the last 20 years and for good reason: they’re exceptionally talented and write great songs. One annoying quirk about me is that I cannot hear this band’s name without singing the Wilco song where they got the inspiration for it -- “I am just an American aquarium drinker,” from Wilco’s, “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart.”
Lucero: Family Christmas at Minglewood Hall
Doors at 7:00 p.m. / Show at 8:00 p.m. / $40.45+
It's the hometown Memphis boys, Lucero, rocking at Minglewood Hall for the holidays, need I say more? It’s gonna rock. It’s gonna put you into the holiday spirit. And best of all, none of the songs will be the Christmas songs you’ve heard a million times already.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
Gregory Porter at Orpheum Theatre
Show at 7:30 p.m. / $51.45
Gregory Porter is bringing his rich baritone voice to the Orpheum later this month. His music is great, but what I love most about this guy is his commitment to always wearing a newsboy style hat. I could never rock one of those, but there are two guys on planet Earth who can wear it with serious style: Brad Pitt and Gregory Porter.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Ben Folds at Minglewood Hall
Doors at 7:00 p.m. / Show at 8:00 p.m. / $51.65+
It's Ben Folds, but without the Five. That doesn’t mean he’s five times worse or he’s minus five worse. It just means he’s playing solo, but he’ll be playing mostly his hits made by Ben Folds Five. You understand all of that? Good. This should be a great time.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18
Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas at Orpheum Theatre
Show at 7:30 p.m. / $51.95+
This is a little bit of a special occasion for Drew Holcomb, who has made his name known in americana circles as one of the premiere musicians in the genre. This performance will feature his wife Ellie Holcomb, who had also played in his band until 2012, and has since become a highly successful musician in her own right in the Christian singer/songwriter world. It’s cool that the couple, who hail from Memphis and Nashville, respectively, are playing shows in just their native cities in this special way.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19
Mike Cooley (of Drive-By-Truckers) at Hernando’s Hide-A-Way
Doors at 7:00 p.m. / Show at 8:00 p.m. / $34.28
Drive-By Truckers co-frontman and absolute legend, Mike Cooley, will be paying us a visit at Hernando’s Hide-A-Way, which is yet another awesome booking by the venue. They’ve been doing an exceptional job lately of music programming with this booking and the Kurt Vile one a couple months ago. This is a fun venue and will be an excellent soundscape to hear some loud, southern rock music. You won’t regret kicking off the holidays with your ears ringing.
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