The Ron-A-Thon at the Poplar Lounge (2586 Poplar):
This is happening from August 31-September 2. Go out and support a good dude who runs an amazing local business…Cheapskates (1576 Getwell Rd.)! Check the Facebook event here for a full line-up! This one is $10 a night, or you can pay $25 for a three day pass. Music, comedy, fun…fun..fun and bid on some awesome stuff on the silent auction!
At 10:30 tonight the Hosoi Bros wanna play a free show for you at the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.), but if you want to throw some cash their way, I’m sure they’d accept. The Hi-tone is an 18 and up venue.
Also…
September 1. The Lamplighter Lounge (1702 Madison Ave.) Puffy Areolas, Limes, Dbl BBQ (Chicago, members of Jerusalem and the Starbaskets). $5, 10pm, 21 and up.
September 1, Shangri-La Records (1916 Madison Ave.), celebrate 901 Day with a free show from 3-5 featuring Jeff Hulett, Chad Nixon, and Caleb Sweazy. Hear some great tunes from three of Memphis best songwriters, and pick up some new records!
Sunday, September 2, St. Louis’ Hope and Therapy will be playing The Buccaneer Lounge (1368 Monroe Ave.). They’ll be joined by locals Woodenmouth and Victor and the Spoils! $5, 10pm, 21 and up! Be there!
Tonight (8/10), there are two noteworthy events happening:
First:
A couple of weeks ago Ron Snyder of Peppermint Sun contacted me about a different show they were playing at The Poplar Lounge (2586 Poplar Ave.). After listening to their record Oblivianation, I was quite blown away by them. As I said a couple of weeks ago, their sound reminded me of Paul Westerburg’s later work (which from me is a complement). Peppermint Sun will be playing again tonight, and they will be joined by another band I like Gasoline Grace! By the way, Gasoline Grace also has an album out called Hearts of Fire which I also highly recommend. Things should kick off tonight at 10:00pm with a $5 cover. The Poplar Lounge is a 21 and up venue.
El Karaoke Grande Pulls Double Duty This Weekend
Apparently El Karaoke Grande has lost his mind. He is gracing us with not one, but two karaoke parties this weekend. The first takes place tonight (8/10) at Murphy’s (1589 Madison Ave.). As a celebration of the end of the Olympics, tonight’s theme is the Olympiad of Bad Music. Come out….get tanked…and sing some of the worst songs to ever grace the pop charts. Then tomorrow (8/11) at Le Chardonnay (2094 Madison Ave.) this will be happening…
That’s right….Karaoke is For Lovers makes it dramatic return. Sing your favorite love songs, drink copious amounts of beer…and for God’s sakes…tip El Karaoke Grande. Both events are free, and both Murphy’s and Le Chardonnay are 21 and up venues.
So in addition to El Karaoke Grande on Saturday night, it seems that pretty much every local band is playing. We’ll begin with these guys….
After spending the summer on the road, not playing any Memphis shows, it is with great pleasure that I can say…Tiger High is back in action locally Saturday night! They will taking the stage at The Poplar Lounge (2586 Poplar Ave.) and they will be joined by Sheiks, and Nashville, Tennessee’s Ranch Ghost.
Cover is $5, things will kick off at 10:00pm, and The Poplar Lounge is a 21 and up venue.
Capgun, Special Victims Unit, Our Own Cadence, 3, 2, 1, Blast Off!, and Chump Change
Tomorrow night at The Daily Planet (3439 Park Avenue), pop punk will be taking over. Locals Capgun, Our Own Cadence, and 3, 2, 1, Blast Off! will be joined by Union City ,Tennessee’s Chump Change. With five bands, expect to things to actually kick off at the 9:00pm starts time. Cover is only $3 and The Daily Planet is an 18 and up venue.
Dead Soldiers, The Near Reaches
We all know shows at The Cove (2559 Broad Ave.) can be a blast! Saturday night head there to catch Dead Soldiers and The Near Reaches! Word on the streets is The Near Reaches will have their new 7″ available for sale, so don’t blow all of your money on booze so you can get a copy! Things will kick off at 9:30pm, and cover is $5. The Cove is a 21 and up venue.
Adios Gringos, Powers That Be
Honestly, I’m not sure what we’re calling them these days. Are they just Gringos? Are they still Adios Gringos? Does it really matter? The only reason keeping it straight is so difficult is because these guys have been absolutely owning Memphis music since the mid 90s. They’ll be playing the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.) Saturday night with Powers That Be and Ritual Decay. This show has a $5 cover and will kick off at 9:00pm. The Hi-tone is an 18 and up venue.
Cities Aviv, Ex-Cult
Cities Aviv has been out on the road a lot recently spreading his hip/hop gospel to the masses. Saturday night, he will be playing locally at The Beauty Shop (966 S. Cooper St.). He’ll be joined by the trashy garage punk stylings of Ex-Cult. Things should kick off in the 10:00 hour with a $5 cover. The Beauty Shop is a 21 and up venue.
So at this point, I am absolutely pooped from listing all of this weekend’s shows. Perhaps I should also mention that Relient K is playing at The New Daisy Theater (330 Beale St.)? I dunno, I have a feeling that if you were a Relient K fan, you wouldn’t need me to tell you about this show anyways. If you really need the full deets on that show, then look it up on the New Daisy’s website!
Coming soon, I will have some pics up of Tanks and Daikaiju from Tuesday night’s show at Murphy’s. I promise not to be such a slack ass, like I was for most of this summer, and I’ll also have the record reviews promised in previous posts.
Also…It’s almost time for Rock for Love 6 and the online auction is already up and running with tons of awesome goodies you can bid on. I highly suggest checking it out!
Apologies for the spare posts in recent weeks. Hopefully, things in my non-blogger life will slow down soon. Anyways it would be silly of me not to put up a post today considering that this is happening…..
That’s right…The Flaming Lips take over Handy Park (200 Beale St.) in their attempt to break the record of most concerts played in one day. If your tickets are on Will Call, you will be able to pick them up at 2:00pm. Doors open at 3:30pm, and the show will start at 4:30pm promptly. Remember…they have other stops to make today, so don’t be all Memphis about it and arrive fashionably late. If you haven’t got your tickets yet, it looks like they are still available…click here! New Fumes will be opening this show!
Speaking of The Flaming Lips’ other stops, if you feel like making the road trip to Clarksdale, Mississippi, they will be playing at Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club with Gary Clark Jr. and Memphis’ own Tiger High! Doors for this show open at 6:30. Gary Clark Jr. is opening the show, and Tiger High will actually go on after The Flaming Lips perform. I’m not honestly sure if the Clarksdale show has sold out or not. Tickets were available by phone or in person directly from The Ground Zero Blues Club, so it is difficult to say. Still, if you feel like a change of scenery, this might not be a bad Flaming Lips show to catch!
The Young Dubliners, Deal Me In
Not sure how young they are anymore (these guys have been playing since 1988), but Celtic rockers The Young Dubliners will be taking the stage at the Hi-tone tonight! They will be joined by locals Sin City Scoundrels and Deal Me In (ex-Drawls, Angelsluts). Doors open at 9:00pm with a $10 cover. This show is 18 and up.
Guantanamo Baywatch, Manatees, Nots
Tomorrow night (June 28) at The Buccaneer (1368 Monroe) Portland, Oregon surf rockers Guantanamo Baywatch will be returning to Memphis for the first time since 2010.
They’ll be joined by locals Manateees (now with an extra e because there was another band out there called Manatees) and Nots (ex-Bake Sale). Cover is $5 and The Buccaneer is a 21 and up venue. Things should start happening in the 10:00 hour.
Witnesse, Handsome Mark
If a punk/surf rock show sounds a bit too wild for your tastes, then head to Mollie Fontaine Lounge (679 Adams) for DJ Witnesse and Handsome Mark’s Thursday night residency. As usual, this event is free and kicks off at 11:00pm. Mollie Fontaine Lounge is a 21 and up venue.
All right…I’ll go ahead and say it now! There is a lot of potential awesome for you to get into this weekend!
Fast Planet, Future Unlimited, Strooly
In their short time together, Fast Planet has been making a pretty big name for themselves locally. Featuring ex-members of Dora and This Is Goodbye, their sound has a bit more of an electronic feel than the member’s previous projects (think Aphex Twin). They’ll be hitting the stage at the Hi-tone, Friday June 29 with Future Unlimited (who played here back in the spring when they were on their way to SXSW) and Strooly. Doors are at 9:00pm, cover is $7, and the venue is 18 and up.
The Hoax CD Release Party
If you are a fan of the punk rock cover stylings of Memphis Killharmonic, then you might want to head to Murphy’s (1589 Madison) Friday night to check out Scott and Daisun’s newish original project The Hoax. They’ll be celebrating the release of their debut album Call to Unity. Local metal band Cult of the Flag will be joining them for this show. This show is Friday June 29. The cover is $5, show should kick off in the 10:00 hour, and Murphy’s is a 21 and up venue.
Saturday night is when things get really crazy!!!
Sock It To Me Burlesque with Broncho
I feel bad. Chloë du Bois sent me an e-mail a month ago about this event, yet I am just now getting around to mentioning it. Not sure if this event will cool you down, but head to the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.) Saturday June 30th to see some of Memphis’ finest burlesque from the likes of Lady Doo Moi, Madonna Putanna, Kissame Suga, Chloë du Bois, Aenya Little Fyre, and special guests Frankie La Femme and Mogli Nova. Tulsa, Oklahoma garage rockers Broncho will also be performing. Things kick off at 9:00pm. This event is 18 and up, and has a $10 cover.
Bobby Joe Ebola & The Children MacNuggits, The Near Reaches, Christian Walker
At some point back in the 90’s, I remember walking into the now defunct Map Room and catching a set from Bobby Joe Ebola and the Children MacNuggits, and thinking they were awesome enough to at least buy a demo tape from (this was the 90’s so the cassette tapes weren’t being sold for ironic purposes.) Truthfully, I was kind of shocked to hear these guys were still around when this show got announced. One sign of getting old, I guess, is that you start keeping your ear to the ground less and less. This show will be happening Saturday June 30th at Murphy’s (1589 Madison Ave). They will be joined by The Near Reaches and Christian Walker. Cover is $5. This show is 21 and up and will kick off in the 10:00 hour.
Karaoke Is For Lovers
Never missing an opportunity to plug an event conducted by my good buddy El Karaoke Grande, he’s taking his show to a classy joint this Saturday night, June 30th. Head to Le Chardonnay (2094 Madison Ave.) for some of Memphis’ best karaoke. Slow jams are highly encouraged! Things kick off at 9:00pm. Bring a few extra bucks to tip your KJ.
Other things to remember:
1.) In case I don’t get to post again before Sunday (which has been sort of the case lately) Flesh Lights, Mouserocket, and Modern Convenience will be playing the Poplar Lounge (2586 Poplar Ave.) Sunday July 1. Cover is probably $5. Things will kick off at 10:00pm, and the Poplar Lounge is 21 and up.
2.) Friday June 29th, is the South Main Trolley Tour!
3.) Roller Derby at the Pipkin Building on the Fairgrounds, Saturday June 30th! Doors at 5:00pm. First bout at 6:00pm. $12 for adults, kids 5-10 $6, kids under 4 are free!
4.) This Is What Love in Action Looks Like is on Netflix Instant Streaming! Watch It! Its actually been on there for several weeks. That’s how lazy I have been on this blog.
5.) Trashy Creatures Records has some exciting new releases on the way! I’ll be writing about them soon!
Also…know about how The Flaming Lips are doing their 8 shows in twenty-four hours thing? Well, if you feel like a road trip Memphis’ own Tiger High will be playing with them at the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi! It’s something to consider.
Greg Roberson is not the sort of man who wants to waste your time. If Roberson is taking the time to sit at his drum kit, then you know that the musicians that are accompanying him are worthwhile. In addition to being one of the founding members of The Reigning Sound, he has also performed in the Compulsive Gamblers, Lover!, Snake Eyes (with Jim Dickinson), and in Arthur Lee’s Love! While his band mates in Tiger High might be a bit younger than the folks Roberson is typically known to work with, the chemistry with this line-up is just as strong, if not stronger than the early days of the Reigning Sound. Jake Vest, Toby Vest, and Greg Faison had all been playing in multiple bands together before joining Roberson for Tiger High, and with Roberson’s rock and roll expertise guiding these three young musicians, Tiger High is one of the most ambitious bands playing in Memphis at the moment. When these guys played their first show early last year at the Buccaneer, they already had cassette copies of Myth Is This available. If this band even had growing pains (which based off of the sound of Myth Is This seems unlikely), there is something admirable about the fact that they kept it hidden in the depths of High/Low Recording. This band pulls influences from all over the place. The opening track, “Why Oh Why” sounds like what would happen if a 60’s psychedelic band wrote a 50’s drive in theater make out anthem. “Boys At The Bottom” is easily a drinking anthem for the 2010s. The first single from this record, “Carry My Love,” is the sort of song that you could see laser light shows being arranged to in the future. If you purchased a cassette copy of this record in the past, it’s well worth obtaining a CD version for the two unreleased bonus track “Don’t Want To See You Till You Go” (which is my new favorite Tiger High song) and “Fire.” With the “Riding the Wave”/”Hot Black Honda” digital download single from last summer also included, this record is currently one of my leading contenders for favorite record of 2012. If you like garage rock, psychedelic, indie pop, or just straight rock and roll, there is something on this record for you. Noisy but melodic. Heavy but soft. When thinking of this record, the one word that often comes to mind for me is sound (and definitely in a good way). The tracks were recorded by Toby Vest at High/Low Recording and was mixed by Kevin Cubbins. As seems to be the standard with the bands who record at High/Low the artwork was done by Josh Breeden, and the artwork could not complement the sound of the record any better.
So it is Record Store Day and everything!!! In addition to picking up some of your limited edition goodies, why not grab a copy of Myth Is This? I know I saw a copy in Shangri-la earlier!
Also…be sure to visit Trashy Creatures Records!!! Trashy Creatures is the label run by Greg Roberson and they have a few more exciting releases on the way this year!!! Trashy Creatures has teamed up with California based Burger Records (who co-released the cassette copy of Myth Is This). Check them out as well!!!
CD copies of Myth Is This and Tiger High t-shirts will be available tonight, directly from the band for $10 each! Cassette copies of Myth Is This are $5! Trust me….you want this record!!!
Are you in Nashville? Then go to this!!!
Tiger High will be playing around 5ish! at The Groove (1103 Calvin Ave.)!
Memphis! Get to the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.) to see Tiger High tonight! This will be their last local show for a couple of months while the spending the summer hitting out of town spots!!! They’ll be playing with The Dirty Streets and the cover is only $5!!! Doors open at 9:00pm, 18 and up!
Check yesterday’s post for info on other shows happening tonight! Tomorrow night (4/22) at The Poplar Lounge (2586 Poplar Ave.) Timmy’s Organism (members of Human Eye) will be performing with True Sons of Thunder and Nots (ex-Bake Sale)!I’d blog more…but I have records to buy! See you tonight at Tiger High!!!
If you are into electronic music, then April 20th just might be your day (for more than one reason)…..
Freaquewave Records
New electronic label Freaquewave Records is holding a show at Overton Park right now!!!! (Things kicked off at noon)! Loki, Mary Jane, Jeff Williams, Jack B Goode, Free Will, Brian Hamilton, Benergy, and Forrest Tanner will all be djing into the early evening!!! This event will be going on into the early evening (wrapping up around 8ish). It’s a beautiful day, so head out to Overton Park and enjoy some of Memphis’ best electronic music! Since this is at Overton Park, the event is free and all ages, but keep in mind that it is 4/20 at Overton Park when deciding whether or not you want to bring the little ones!
The Hood Internet
After things wrap up in Overton Park, then head across the street to the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.) for The Hood Internet. The Hood Internet is a Chicago based duo that specializes in mashups of hip-hop and indie rock! They will be joined by fellow Chicago group BBU! Doors for this event open at 9:00pm and the cover is $15. The Hi-tone is an 18 and up venue.
Wondering if there is anything to do tonight if you are not into electronic music?
In my review of Richard James & The Special Riders’ new 7″ two weeks ago, I mentioned Richard’s work ethic (how he often played more than one show a week!) While I will certainly mention Richard in a moment, it seems he is not the only one out there hustling!!!
Tomorrow (4/21) The Memphis Dawls will be performing again at Spin Street Music (3484 Poplar Ave.) in celebration of Record Store Day!!! Eric Hughes will be taking Spin Street’s stage at noon, and The Memphis Dawls will go on at 2:00pm! Swing by…pick up some rare vinyl…and most importantly enjoy the music!
Later in the evening at The Buccaneer (1368 Monroe Ave.), Jeffrey James will be performing with Glorie! They will be joined by local electronic outfit Oxford Icebergs. That show will kick off at 10:00pm with a $5 cover. The Buccaneer is a 21 and up venue!
Speaking of hard working……
After playing in Court Square yesterday for Downtown Alive, Tiger High will be taking the stage with The Dirty Streets tomorrow night at the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.). Maybe, I should clarify a bit….they will be performing at the Hi-tone after they wrap up a Record Store Day appearance….IN NASHVILLE!!!!
If you feel like making a day trip to Nashville tomorrow to celebrate Record Store Day, then head to The Groove (1103 Calvin Ave.), where our hometown boys will be going on around 5:00pm!!! Tiger High has been having a great couple of weeks!! Myth Is This debuted at #121 on the CMJ Top 200 and they are receiving radio play on 80 radio stations across the country! For you Memphians, if you have been meaning to catch a Tiger High show…tomorrow night will be the night to do it. They are taking a break from hometown shows to focus more on touring and promoting Myth Is This.
It’s probably no surprise that Richard James & The Special Riders will also be doing double duty tomorrow!! They’ll be playing the Jack Pirtle’s Stage on Riverside Drive at the Southern Hot Wing Festival tomorrow at noon, and then later in the evening they will be performing with Fresh Flesh at The Beauty Shop (966 S. Cooper St.). If you are interested in the Hot Wing Festival, cover is $10.00 at the gate…In addition to hot wings and Richard James, there will also be performances from Earl the Pearl, Devil Train, Nancy Apple, Grace Askew and more. Check the Southern Hot Wing Festival’s website for full line up and information. The show at The Beauty Shop will kick off at 10:00pm and has a $5 cover. The Beauty Shop is a 21 and up venue, and Alex Pilkington will be doing more filming for the “Brown Liquor” video!
Tomorrow also features an early show at the Hi-tone, with Domincan Republic hardcore band La Armada (who recently released a self titled record on Memphis’ own Fat Sandwich Records) along with Hosoi Bros and Deal Me In! This show is all ages and kicks off at 6:00pm! Why not spend all day at the Hi-tone, and stick around for Tiger High! (Cover is $5/$10).
Jack Oblivian will be playing a free show at The Bayou (2094 Madison Ave.). This show kicks off at 10:00pm! The Bayou Bar and Grill is 18 and up!
Finally…(sort of)…at The Lamplighter Lounge (1702 Madison Ave.), Chicago bands Lechuguillas and Terminator 2 will be performing with Memphis’ own Anderson Special and Final Seed! This will kick off at 9:00pm and donation will be taken for the out of town bands. The Lamplighter is a 21 and up venue!
Don’t let this overload of information make you forget that Record Store Day is tomorrow…and that in celebration of the release of Never To Be Forgotten: The Flip Side of Stax 1968-1974 there will be the Memphis Record Store Day Crawl sponsored by Seattle’s Light In The Attic Records! Shangri-La Records (1916 Madison Ave.) will feature DJ Buck Wilders from 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Goner Records will feature DJs Zac and Eric from 3:00pm to 4:00pm, and the Stax Museum Satellite Record Shop will feature DJs Leroy and Jones from 4:00pm to 6:00pm with free admission to the museum during this time period! These three stores will be the only place you can get the Never To Be Forgotten box set on Saturday, so do try to make it out if this interests you!!
I am officially pooped….So I’ll let this poster do the talking for Sunday’s events!!!
As always…If you’d like me to list your show on this site…contact me at memphisrockcity@gmail.com!!!
If you have the day (4/19) free or a lunch break coming up soon and you work downtown (and are reading this blog rather working) head to Court Square at 11:30am for this!
That’s right….Witnesse and Tiger High will be playing Court Square today for Downtown Alive!!! They’ve been doing a lot of awesome stuff in Court Square this week. Yesterday Live From Memphis and the folks from the Amurica photo booth were there taking free photos, and earlier in the week they were doing karaoke. The weather is beautiful today as well, so if you have the day free or are just brazenly irresponsible then head to Court Square for this event! If you are unable to get to Court Square today but are curious about what Witnesse and Tiger High are all about, you have other opportunities to see both of them this week!!!
Witnesse will be djing at the Mollie Fontaine Lounge (679 Adams Ave.) tonight at 11:00pm. He will be joined by Handsome Mark! There is no cover to this event, but the Mollie Fontaine Lounge is a 21 and up venue.
Saturday, April 21st, Tiger High will be playing the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.). They will be joined by The Dirty Streets, and that show will kick off at 9:00pm. There will be a $5 cover and the Hi-tone is an 18 and up venue, or you can put $10 aside and get to the Hi-tone at 6:00pm for the early show featuring La Armada, Hosoi Bros and Deal Me In, and have a full day of music! (The early show is all ages!)
And now I present to you, just a few of your musical entertainment options in Memphis this week!
Tonight, April 17
Cursive, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Conduits
Tonight (4/17) at the Hi-tone, Omaha, Nebraska’s Cursive will be rolling through town. Cursive was formed in the late ’90s out of the ashes of Slowdown Virginia (the band that pretty much launched Omaha, Nebraska’s current indie rock scene and the entire Saddle Creek Records family). While they never quite received the mainstream attention that some of their label mates like Bright Eyes, The Faint, and Rilo Kiley did, Cursive has been going strong since their inception and maintaining a loyal following. I have to admit that I still have not picked up a copy of their most recent record, I Am Gemini, but their albums Domestica and The Ugly Organ are two of my absolute favorite indie rock records from the ‘oos. Lately it has seemed that Tim Kasher has been making it a point to bring his projects through Memphis (he performed a solo show at the Hi-tone back in September, and both Cursive and The Good Life have made frequent stops here in recent years). Apparently, Memphis has been showing these guys something they like, so let’s keep that streak going!
Cursive will be joined by Staten Island, New York’s Cymbals Eat Guitar and fellow Omaha, Nebraskans Conduits. Doors open at 8:00pm and the cover is $15. The Hi-tone is an 18 and up venue.
Wednesday, April 18
Paul Caporino, Slate Dump, & Los Psychosis
Tomorrow night (4/18) at Murphy’s (1589 Madison Ave.) Paul Caporino of M.O.T.O. will be playing! The last time Paul Caporino performed at Murphy’s, he was backed by members of the River City Tanlines, so it just came across like a full on M.O.T.O. set anyways! Not sure what his live line-up will be like for this one, but this is a show that will be well worth seeing even if Caporino is on stage by himself. There is no cover for the ladies, and dude’s pay a $5 cover. Check out Caporino’s ReverbNation page here to get an idea of what you are in store for tomorrow night if you are not already familiar with M.O.T.O.’s music. Caporino will be joined by locals Slate Dump and Los Psychosis. Things should kick off at 10:00pm and Murphy’s is a 21 and up venue.
Friday, April 20
Freaquewave Records 4/20 in the Park
While I can’t really say that electronic music has ever been my thing, or that 4/20 is a holiday I’ve ever gotten too terribly excited about, it would seem rude not to mention local electronic label Freaquewave Records’ 4/20 in the park this Friday (4/20 if you haven’t picked up on that yet!). Featuring local djs Loki, Mary Jane, Jeff Williams, Jack B Goode, Foster Tanner, Brian Hamilton, Benergy, and Free Will. This event is at Overton Park in Midtown. While I guess this would technically be an all ages event since it is at a public park, keep in mind the festivities being celebrated (essentially don’t bring your kids and then get pissed off about what the other attendees at this event are doing!) This event kicks off at noon and will continue on until the early evening!
El Karaoke Grande’s Karaoke Madness
Once the folks from Freaquewave Records have gotten you on that special plane, then head to Murphy’s (1598 Madison Ave.) for El Karaoke Grande’s Karaoke Madness!!! El Karaoke Grande does not provide your typical karaoke night (meaning if you are feeling down on yourself and want people to praise your singing abilities by delivering an impeccable version of “Wind Beneath My Wings” then stay at home! This is where you come to sing Gary Puckett and the Union Gap’s “Young Girls” while doing no less than three humping motions on stage!) Want to see a retired luchador kj a karaoke night? Then this is where you need to be. This kicks off at 10:00pm and there is no cover (but please tip your KJ). Murphy’s is a 21 and up venue, and in the spirit of the holiday, songs about drugs are encouraged!
Saturday, April 21
Two Amazing Shows at the Hi-tone
Saturday night at the Hi-tone, come early and stay late!
Domincan Republic hardcore punk band La Armada will be headlining an early show at the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.) this Saturday (4/21)! Memphis’s own Fat Sandwich records released the band’s newest self titled record back in March! They will be joined by Fat Sandwich label mates Deal Me In (ex-members of The Drawls) and the Hosoi Bros! The Hosoi Bros are another one of those Memphis bands, who due to lack of time on my part, I have been unable to cover as thoroughly as I would like to on this blog. They released an awesome 7″ earlier this year called Wine Witch. Maybe you’ve seen the video?
The early show is all ages and kicks off at 6:00pm! The cover is listed as $5/$10. Not sure if the $10 is to pay for both shows on Saturday, or is the cover that the underage folks have to pay.
At 9:00 the later show kicks off featuring The Dirty Streets and Tiger High! The recent CD release of Tiger High’s Myth Is This has been taking the blogosphere by storm! (Look for a review on this site soon!) The late show is 18 and up and has a $5 cover!
Also on Saturday!
Bayou Bar & Grill (2094 Madison Ave.) Jack Oblivian 9:30pm, 18 and up, No Cover
I’ll have more updates with more shows listed here later this week! Also don’t forget that Saturday is Record Store Day!!! Want me to list your show on this page? Contact me at memphisrockcity@gmail.com!
A lot has been happening lately, so I’ve been having problems finding my way to shows, but I did stumble into the Hi-tone Friday night for Tiger High and Booyah!Dad.
Want me to list your show on this site? Contact me at Memphisrockcity@gmail.com. Coming soon: A review of Richard James & the Special Riders’ new 7″, info about Plants and Animals and Msr. Jeffrey Evans Day!!!
This weekend is a prime example of how Mother Memphis always tends to provide a good time!
Tonight (March 30th) at the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.), Tiger High will be playing. If you haven’t heard Tiger High yet, I highly suggest you coming out tonight. They have a quite unique sound that will appeal to fans of power-pop, garage rock, indie pop, and psychedelic. Put a little cash back and pick up a CD or cassette copy of their debut album Myth Is This while you’re at the show. They will be joined by Little Rock, Arkansas’ Booyah!Dad, who has been steadily building a strong Memphis following after their last two appearances in town at The Buccaneer and the Hi-tone. Click here and here to see photos of Booyah!Dad’s last two Memphis shows and get a better idea of why you want to be present in the crowd at the Hi-tone tonight! This will be a late show starting at 10:30pm. Cover is $5, 18 and up.
Also tonight at The Brass Door (152 Madison Ave.), Memphis’ newest burlesque troupe Sock It To Me Burlesque will be making their debut! The start time has been pushed back from 10:00pm to 11:00pm, but that’s okay! Who needs an early Friday night. There will be singing, fire eating and scantily clad ladies! What more could you ask for from a $10 cover? Featuring new and veteran burlesque performers like Lady Doo Moi, Madonna Putana, Blackjack Kat, Kissame Suga, Chloe Du Bois, and Anya Little Fyre, this will be an excellent option for your Friday night. This is a 21 and up event.
The Memphis Dawls made quite the impression on Jack White when they opened for him at his sold out show at The New Daisy earlier this month. Head to The Daily Planet tonight (3439 Park Ave.) to see what the fuss is all about! Singer/songwriter Blair Combest will also be performing. As rare as his live shows have seemed to be lately, this is another show that I highly suggest! Things kick off at 9:00pm!
Saturday March 31
Tomorrow (3/31) at The Hi-tone, a benefit concert is being held for Grow Memphis! Founded in 2007, Grow Memphis runs several community gardens throughout the Memphis area, many of them in high needs areas where residents might not have access to fresh food. Tomorrow’s benefit show at the Hi-tone kicks off at 8:00pm and features Wuvbirds, Chris Milam, The Near Reaches, and Jeffrey James and the Haul! While a cover isn’t listed, I assume they will be asking for $5 at the door, and if you have more to give, please do because this is a good cause!
Tomorrow afternoon Underground Art (2287 Young Ave.) will be holding their April Fool’s $20 Tattoo Benefit for the Hearts of Gold Pit Bull Rescue! (Remember though that this event is taking place on March 31 rather than April 1). Not that I’m up for a new tattoo, but I hate that I will be working tomorrow, because my dog is part pit bull. It seems that they are still piecing together some details in regards to this event (mostly in the entertainment), but some of the artists have already drafted up some pieces that they will tattoo on you for $20, with the profits going to Hearts of Gold (though if you don’t want a tattoo, they will still take your donations).
The following is from the event page that Underground Art set up. Please read it so that you know what to expect if you show up for a $20 tattoo:
We will be open from 3pm-10pm. We have 4 artists working, all of whom have designs already drawn up to choose from. We will start taking numbers at 3pm (no earlier, folks). We will only start with the first 20 (TWENTY) clients. YOU MUST BE ON THE PREMISES WHEN YOUR NAME IS CALLED…otherwise we will go on to the next number. Once those 20 have gotten their tattoos, we will take numbers one artist at a time…until around 9:30.
Please understand that this is a benefit…EVERYONE involved is donating their time, their talent and their income. We ask that people donate as much as they are able to donate…and carry themselves with decency and patience. This is all about Hearts of Gold Pit Bull Rescue…It’s about fun and doing something good!!!
Also available for donations: *awesome, affordable pieces of art *sweet kisses from cute cute dogs *kisses from a delectable range of hot hot humans *cloth monogramming…your pet’s name…a pitbull? *cool crafts *services from wonderful (and generous) hair stylists *high end hair products *spankings from a real live Dom.
Also leave the kids at home! As you might have picked up from “spankings from a real live Dom” this event is promising more adult entertainment!
Both Grow Memphis and Hearts of Gold are excellent organizations, so tomorrow is a great day to give some of your money back to the community! If you are unable to make it to either of these events tomorrow, both organizations sites have ways for you to donate, so click on the handy hyperlinks I have provided if you would like to give!
Also: Be on the lookout! Richard James & The Special Riders have a new 7″ coming out on Wrecked ’em Wreckords! I’ll be posting a review of it soon with details on his upcoming 7″ release show at The Cove with Fresh Flesh and Gasoline Grace!
Also Jeffrey Evans Day is coming April 10th with a rare screening of The Man Who Loved Couch Dancing at The Blue Monkey (2012 Madison Ave.)! Stay tuned! A lot of awesome things are happening in Memphis.
This is happening from August 31-September 2. Go out and support a good dude who runs an amazing local business…Cheapskates (1576 Getwell Rd.)! Check the Facebook event here for a full line-up! This one is $10 a night, or you can pay $25 for a three day pass. Music, comedy, fun…fun..fun and bid on some awesome stuff on the silent auction!
At 10:30 tonight the Hosoi Bros wanna play a free show for you at the Hi-tone (1913 Poplar Ave.), but if you want to throw some cash their way, I’m sure they’d accept. The Hi-tone is an 18 and up venue.
Sunday, September 2, St. Louis’ Hope and Therapy will be playing The Buccaneer Lounge (1368 Monroe Ave.). They’ll be joined by locals Woodenmouth and Victor and the Spoils! $5, 10pm, 21 and up! Be there!
Also, don’t forget that the good folks at Trashy Creatures Records has a sale going on until September 4. CDs and t-shirts are $6 and cassettes are $3! Show your local pride by buying music from Tiger High, Hot Freak Nation, and The Late Show!
Memphis Rock City! 