Bringing Artists, Fans, and Communities Together in the Birthplace of American Music

Identifying the Need

Since his return to Memphis in 2023, TMRW noticed a need for platforms that are designed to support new artists. Beyond open mics and cover bands, though they are both vital in their own rights, he was seeking a way to truly support budding R&B artists longterm.  “For me, it’s about the history of Memphis soul…And for Memphis to be as influential and pivotal, meaning we birthed the American music industry, no Memphis, no American music industry, so to not have platforms that properly introduce those artists, I thought that was absolutely crazy.”

With this in mind, he sought out to build the necessary spaces and fill the need himself. Thus, he founded two different live music-experiences in an effort to bridge the gaps between local artists and music lovers. 

Unapologetically Unplugged: An R&B Experience

Unapologetically Unplugged is a quarterly concert series that aims to bring what TMRW feels people are eager to find: new artists to connect to and be loyal to. With a stacked lineup of R&B artists in the Memphis music scene, Unapologetically Unplugged is a curated 4-hour show meant to bring you your favorite new artist. “All about consumers and artists connecting. When fans come there, they know they’re coming to see new artists they’ve either been hearing about or they’re there to find it, or they’re here to see some of everybody.” TMRW noted they’ve had people drive hours to show up halfway through a show just because they advertised the series on the news that morning and were eager to experience fresh, authentic R&B. “It’s designed to introduce the new stars of tomorrow.” 

 

 

 

 

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They have hosted three shows so far at Growlers with a fourth show coming up. You can catch the next Unapologetically Unplugged experience at Growlers Tomorrow (Friday, February 6) for a special Valentine’s Day lineup. 

Bluff City Bonfire

Bluff City Bonfire is 22Live Entertainment’s community-driven event. Previously hosted at Carolina Watershed, this outdoor social event shifts the focus from artist to fan connection to person to person connection. “It’s more so about bringing the community out altogether. It might not be a music lover so to speak…it’s about bringing people out in a safe, fun environment and enjoying local artists and local music.” Rather than a show of 20 artists, Bluff City Bonfire sticks to 6-8 artists with a 2 hour DJ set.

 

 

 

 

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This event is a seasonal event. Last fall, they did 6 weeks of shows, and plan to start back up in the spring. In the future, the series will be hosted at Showtime Food Park. “Just want to involve the community and get everybody out having fun, and enjoying music and music culture in the birthplace of American music.”