10 Small, Locally Owned Venues Keeping Memphis Live Music Alive
It is no secret that Memphis is known for its music history, but where can you still listen to the amazing and more recent local talent? Look no further. Here is my list for locally owned and supported live music venues.
BAR DKDC | 964 South Cooper St, Memphis, TN 38104 — Cooper-Young
Opened in 2013 by chef Karen Carrier, Bar DKDC is one of Cooper-Young's most fun nights out. With an adventurous food menu, unique specialty cocktails, and craft beers, it only makes sense that Bar DKDC is an iconic spot for live music and viral DJ sets. Expect an eclectic mix of live bands and DJ nights that can lean danceable, indie, or crowd-pleasing depending on the weekend. For show schedules, check their social media pages.
Hi-Tone Cafe | 282–284 N Cleveland St, Memphis, TN 38104 — Midtown
A Memphis institution since 1999, Hi-Tone Cafe has been the backbone of the city's independent music scene for over two decades. In fact, Hi-tone is the place I saw my first Memphis concert. You can expect to see underground and scene-specific shows, especially indie, punk, hardcore. After twenty-plus years and three different locations, it remains a spot for emerging artists and niche musical scenes. Hi-tone has two rooms with live music nearly every night, and weekly comedy. You never know who you might meet or see! Their schedule is generally posted on their site and social accounts.
Crosstown Arts | 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, Memphis, TN 38104 — Crosstown
Founded in 2010 as a co-developer of the historic Sears Crosstown building, Crosstown Arts has grown into one of Memphis's most exciting arts organizations. The Green Room at Crosstown Arts is one of Memphis's most intimate live music spaces, with a setting that works especially well for singer-songwriters, jazz, indie, and other carefully curated performances. The space also includes a unique cocktail bar called the Art Bar and seasonal artist residencies. Whether you're catching a show, grabbing a drink, or exploring the gallery, there's always something going on here worth your time.
Hernando's Hideaway | 3210 Old Hernando Rd, Memphis, TN 38116 — Whitehaven
The building's history as a bar dates back to at least the 1950s, and the walls are lined with photos of legends like B.B. King, Fats Domino, Carl Perkins, Rufus Thomas, and Elvis Presley and all of them have played there. Now owned by country artist Dale Watson and his wife Celine, it's a honky tonk soaked in Memphis culture with just enough of a Texas twist to keep things interesting. The music is rootsy country, honky-tonk, and classic Memphis-style in a bar setting. Plus on Sundays, they have their famous Chicken S#!t Bingo- don't miss it. Check out the upcoming shows and events.
Lamplighter Lounge | 1702 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 — Midtown
One of the oldest bars in the city and a Midtown staple that has somehow only gotten better with age, the Lamplighter is lit entirely by lamps with furniture that can generously be described as mismatched. Expect drag shows, songwriter showcases, comedy sets, karaoke, and live bands. It is all a good time and LGBTQ friendly. They also have membership options that get you access to swag, exclusive shows and more. You can learn more here Patreon.
Haven Haus | 2487 Broad Ave, Memphis, TN 38112 — Broad Avenue
A DIY live music venue in Midtown Memphis, Haven Haus has quickly built a reputation as one of the city's most community-driven spots for catching live music. They have a wide variety of shows, and the vibe shifts depending on the night — from punk and metal to burlesque, house, bass, and DJ sets. The point is that you never really know what you'll get here. Their social posts are the best guide to what's coming next.
South Main Sounds | 550 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103 — South Main
South Main Sounds is a record store that doubles as a songwriter venue in downtown Memphis. South Main Sounds is one of the best listening rooms in the city. Artists are encouraged to perform original music instead of cover songs. Over the years they've hosted musicians from over 25 states, Canada, the UK, Australia, and beyond. Stop by for a record and stay for the music. Expect listening-room performances centered on original music, especially singer-songwriters and acoustic sets. Their show posts are generally shared through Instagram.
B-SIDE Memphis | 1553 Madison Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 — Minglewood Plaza / Midtown
In 2019, owners J. De DeHart and Brad Boswell opened B-SIDE Memphis inside the Minglewood Plaza building at 1553 Madison Avenue, with a specific focus on promoting live Memphis music. You can listen to blues, rock, soul, and other hometown tunes. Each set is live-streamed and features the band or musician's Venmo or Cash App handle, so viewers can tip. The space includes ample table seating, cozy booths, a beautiful shiny bar with local beer on tap, a pool table, plus pizza and other bar snacks. It's become Midtown's go-to for live local music almost every night of the week.
Wild Bill's Juke Joint | 1580 Vollintine Ave, Memphis, TN 38107 — North Memphis
Opened in 1993 by Bill Storey, Wild Bill's is one of the last remaining authentic juke joints in the Delta South. Based in North Memphis, it's a tiny red room with red lights, cramped quarters, and communal folding tables packed with visitors. Bill's is open Tuesday-Sunday from 7 p.m. - 5 a.m. and you can expect live music Thursday - Sunday with Lil Wild Bill DJs after the music until 5 a.m. The bar serves only beer, but for a $5 fee you can bring your own liquor. Expect blues, juke-joint music, and late-night energy; check social media for occasional special events.
Growlers | 1911 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38104 — Midtown
Established in 2017, Growlers has become one of Midtown Memphis's premier live music venues with a full kitchen and bar. With live music and special events each week, you can have your pick at Growlers. Beyond the music, there's pool tables, vintage NES and Super NES systems. Open until 3 a.m. most nights, it draws a heavy crowd from the service and music industries. You can buy tickets and see who is playing this month on their website.
Memphis gave the world its sound, the least we can do is keep it going. Support these spots, support the artists playing them, and if you've got a local favorite we need to know about, tell us in the comments.
Comments Make Us Happy