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Memphis - Art & Entertainment
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It is often said that Memphis is the city mentioned most often in popular songs. Whether true or not, the city has an indisputably rich music history. As "Home of the Blues and Elvis Presley," Memphis has also given birth to such great artists and groups as W. C. Handy, Jerry Lee Lewis, B. B. King, Booker T and the MGs, Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes. From Beale Street to Graceland to Sun Studio, this history has created many of the city's most popular attractions. Because of this tradition, at anytime of the year travelers can hear wonderful music from established artists and novices trying to make a name for themselves.

Music

Anyone traveling to Memphis should spend at least one weekend evening club-hopping on Beale Street. This street, where B.B. King got his start, has been revived through a joint initiative of the city council and local merchants. Beale Street bars and clubs feature an outstanding variety of live music every night. Rum Boogie Café attracts 20-somethings who come to dance to the hot rhythms of R&B and rock groups, while Kings Palace Café draws listeners with its line-up of blues artists. Purists insist on Willie Mitchell's, where the music is as funky as it ever was in Beale Street's heyday in the 1920s and 1930s. In the spirit of "something for everyone," The New Daisy theater books alternative groups for the young and hip crowd. On weekends, Beale is closed to traffic and comes alive with bands playing both inside and out, tourists and locals mingling in the streets, and artists entertaining viewers with gymnastic antics. On special weekends, a particular type of music, such as Zydeco, may be featured. A wristband assures unlimited entry into all clubs.

With numerous venues from The Pyramid arena to the Mud Island Amphitheater, there always seems to be a concert of some kind. If nothing in Memphis appeals to you, take a short drive to Tunica, just south of Memphis, and catch one of the many concerts at the strip of casinos that have sprung up along the Mississippi.

Every year in May, thousands of people travel from all over to take part in the rapidly growing Beale Street Music Festival. This three-day event includes six different stages, each dedicated to a different kind of music. Whether you enjoy rock, blues, country or jazz, this festival has it all. In recent years, artists such as Bob Dylan, Percy Sledge, Joan Jett and Bryan Adams, plus groups such as Creed, Dave Matthews Band, the Allman Brothers, Los Lobos and the Foo Fighters have played here.

Parks

In a city lacking mountains and lakes, many nature lovers may feel a bit stifled. However, they can retreat to any of Memphis' many parks for a little peace and greenery. For example, the recently-completed Riverwalk in Tom Lee Park provides an escape along the river just seconds from downtown.

Overton Park, in Midtown, encompasses the Memphis Zoo, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and a golf course. On any sunny morning, the park is filled with Midtowners walking their dogs or jogging the trails. Travelers can make a day of it by visiting the zoo and museum and then relaxing in the park.

Near the University of Memphis, Audubon Park provides the perfect setting for a shady picnic on a hot day. This is where many locals have their Fourth of July picnics, eating barbecue from their favorite restaurant, of course. A creative anachronism group meets here on Sundays, staging medieval battles with realistic looking armor and weapons. Spectators are welcome to watch but need not fear that the "knights" will fall victim to any real injury.

Just outside of Memphis are Meeman-Shelby and Shelby Farms. Meeman-Shelby, to the north of Memphis, offers fishing, horseback riding and camping. Bring a picnic and check out the horses at Shelby Farms, located just northeast of Memphis. If you're lucky, you will see some of the buffalo that graze here.

Theater

Memphis locals enjoy their theater almost as much as their music, even if the theater scene is not as well-known. The strong theater tradition in Memphis has produced such stars as Cybill Shepherd, Kathy Bates and Michael Jeeter. Just a block from the Peabody Hotel is the restored Orpheum Theater featuring touring productions of Broadway hits such as "Cats" and "Phantom of the Opera" as well as performances such as "Stomp" and "River Dance". For local theater, check out the Circuit Playhouse and Playhouse on the Square in Midtown or Theatre Memphis in the University of Memphis area. All three theaters stage traditional favorites like Noel Coward's "Private Lives," as well as more experimental pieces by modern playwrights. Playbills from these theaters reflect the eagerness with which up-and-coming thespians come to Memphis.

Film

In the past, to see a movie locals had to travel out to one of the many multiplexes in East Memphis and Germantown. Soon, that trip will no longer be necessary. Recently, Malco opened Studio on the Square, a 4-screen cinema in Midtown specializing in foreign and art films and offering a cappuccino/wine bar and a lounge. In the near future a 20-screen cineplex with an IMAX theater will open in Peabody Place, so you won't even have to leave downtown to see the latest Hollywood releases.

Memphis has become a popular site among movie-makers in the years since John Grisham's book "The Firm" was filmed here. Low costs and a mild climate have lured producers such as Sidney Pollack and stars such as Woody Harrelson and Courtney Love. Visitors may find themselves on the edge of a scene being filmed on Beale Street, on the skyway to Mud Island or sitting in the Peabody Hotel lobby with celebrities relaxing after a day's work.

Museums

Where would Memphis be without a museum dedicated to Elvis? How about one dedicated entirely to his cars? The Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, near Graceland, displays the collection of unusual and classic cars that Elvis prized.

And, of course, there is a museum dedicated to music. At the Memphis Music Hall of Fame you can see the vintage equipment actually used at the legendary Sun and Stax Studios to record artist such as Elvis and B.B.King. Exhibits trace the history of rock n' roll, soul and R&B in this area of the country over the past 50 years. Visitors will enjoy the photographs of their favorite artists as well as videos and displays of the actual instruments used to create some of the most memorable music of this era.

The Lorraine Hotel, where Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, has been turned into the National Civil Rights Museum. Visit the room where he was shot and learn about his civil rights efforts. A life-size bus exhibit allows visitors to feel what it was like when Rosa Parks was told to sit at the back of the bus. Other interactive displays bring to life the history of African-Americans in the South and the struggles of those who fought for civil rights. It is an inspiring place for anyone who has ever pondered the flaws in human nature that allow prejudice and racism to exist.

While wandering down Beale Street, be sure to stop at the Beale Street Police Station, home of the Memphis Police Museum. Learn about the history of the police department in Memphis and sit inside an original jail cell. See the photographs and records of small time crooks and nationally-hunted criminals such as James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King, Jr.

On a lighter side, children will enjoy learning and playing at the Children's Museum of Memphis. This museum in midtown includes hands-on exhibits as well as replicas of planes, trains and automobiles where children can learn as they explore.

Art buffs will want to spend some time at the Brooks Museum of Art to see its top-notch collection of medieval paintings or the Dixon Gallery and Gardens for its impressionist works. The Dixon also holds concerts in the gardens every spring and summer.

Those interested more in cultural history can pretend to shop in a life-size replica of the first Piggly-Wiggly Grocery Store at the Pink Palace Museum. Previous exhibits have focused on the prehistoric wildlife of the Mississippi River Valley and the fossils found in the La Brea tar pits. This museum also houses a planetarium and IMAX theater. When the nights are clear and warm, telescopes are provided on the lawn for star-gazers of all ages.

Sports

Until recently, Memphis had few professional sports teams. Now, the city seems to have gone mad for the triple-A Redbirds baseball team. The new Autozone Park provides an ideal venue for this team and has locals clamoring for tickets. Riverkings ice hockey team has been around a bit longer. Locals, who rarely see ice and snow on the ground, have embraced this winter sport. Although many of the players are transplanted Canadians, they are local celebrities with fans as rabid as any in more northern climates.

Although the University of Memphis has a football team, it is far better known for a tradition of nationally-competitive basketball teams. The Tigers play in The Pyramid arena where fans cheer enthusiastically and loudly! NBA Star Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway played here and returns each year to run a basketball camp for children.

Tennis fans will enjoy benefiting St. Jude Children's Hospital by watching the Kroger St. Jude Tennis Tournament which takes place every February with featured stars such as John McEnroe and Michael Becker.

St. Jude also benefits from the FedEx St. Jude Classic Golf Tournament held June at the South Winds course in Germantown. This has become a premier event on the pro-golfers' circuit. If you missed the tournament, there are many public and private golf courses in Memphis where you can practice your swing including the Overton and Audubon Park courses.

Casinos

Just a few short years ago, the state of Mississippi decided to legalize casino gambling at a few spots along the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. The first casino on the Mississippi opened in Tunica, about an hour and a half south of Memphis. Tunica had long occupied the unenviable position of "poorest county in the country." The hope was that casinos would bring in tourist money and jobs. Within five years, this initiative proved remarkably successful. A line of casinos and hotels now stretch down the river along Highway 61, beginning just about 12 miles south of the state border. While the primary activity of casinos—gambling—doesn't vary much from one neon-lit building to the next, there are differences in atmosphere and other facilities that make it worthwhile to plan a few stops on your trip to "the Las Vegas of the Mid-South."

The Hollywood Casino has perhaps the most interesting decor. Actual props from movies, movie posters and photos of major celebrities line the halls. The casino sometimes exhibits memorabilia such as souvenirs of Elvis from the private collection of his long-time physician. Even the key chain to hold the ubiquitous player's card is in the form of the famous "Lights, camera, action!" signboard.

While most of the casinos have a variety of dining options including lavish buffets, steakhouses and cafes, one of the most popular places to eat is the buffet at the Horseshoe Casino and Hotel. It features areas devoted to particular cuisines: grilled vegetables and pasta in the Tuscany section, dumplings and stir-fries in the Chinese area, and spicy Creole dishes from New Orleans. Horseshoe also has a Blues and Legends Hall of Fame Museum to tour when you need a break from the slots. There is also a Bluesville Showcase Nightclub featuring some of the best blues musicians in concert every weekend.

Other

How many cities can boast a festival that lasts for a full month? The Memphis in May celebration comprises 31 days of music, dance and theater as well as the lesser arts of barbecue and wine carrying! Every year, one country is chosen as the focus for events around the city. Past years have honored France, the Ivory Coast, Portugal and Australia. As part of the celebration, recurr ing events include the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Contest, the Great Southern Food Festival and the Sunset Symphony concert performed by the Memphis Symphony on the banks of the river. Other sanctioned events include a canoe and kayak race and the wine carrying race where local waiters compete in the Olympics of table service.

It seems as though there's a festival somewhere in Memphis every weekend of the year. And that is not too far from true. The Italian Festival in June highlights the heritage of an important element of Memphis' population with spaghetti gravy contests and a boules court. The Pink Palace Crafts Fair brings craftsmen and artist from all over the country to ply their wares under big tents on the grounds of Audubon Park. Arts in the Park celebrates every aspect of art and culture with ballet troops from Russia, prizes for painting, sculpture and photography and craft tables for interactive activities for children.

The Choctaw Indian Heritage Festival, the Cooper-Young Festival in the gentrified midtown neighborhood, the Greek Festival, the National Art Festival and the Saddle Creek European Street Painting Festival all contribute to the festivities in Memphis.

Last, but definitely not least, is the Mid-South Fair, held in late September through early October every year. This event is so important that all the students in the city and county schools get a day off to attend. The traditional county fair competitions in jelly making, quilt sewing, cattle breeding and hog calling are supplemented with amusement park games and rides, art and photography competitions, craft sales and the ever popular "fair food." It's a cultural and recreational event not to be missed.

Copyright 1999-2005 Wcities, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Contact Wcities

Audubon Park

Recreation and picnic area

Park Avenue
(At Goodlett)
Memphis, TN 38117
United States
http://www.whatshappeninginmem...

Near the University of Memphis and the street to the Oak Court Mall , this park offers several recreational facilities, including a golf course, playground, tennis courts, soccer field and picnic areas. The jogging trails are popular with local residents, and several family groups and other organizations hold large picnics here every year.On many weekends, an additional attraction is the chance to watch a local "creative anachronism" group act out medieval battles, complete with costumes and realistic props.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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AutoZone Park

New ballpark for the Redbirds Union Avenue and Third Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 721 6000
http://www.memphisredbirds.com This 12,000-seat stadium is the home of the AAA baseball team, the Redbirds. Sponsored by AutoZone, a locally founded and headquartered car parts business, the stadium features 1,500 club seats and 44 luxury suites with waiters, a lounge, and a bar for the high-flyers. The attached children's playground is an inspired touch, which will be much appreciated by families with restless youngsters. The architecture of the stadium has won awards, although there has been some criticism on the lack of parking provided for those attending games here.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Children's Museum of Memphis

Hands-on fun for kids 2525 Central Avenue
(at Hollywood)
Memphis, TN 38104
United States
+1 901 458 2678
http://www.cmom.com/ Not so much a museum as an educational indoor playground, this place is full of interactive activities for kids. Youngsters can climb a skyscraper, explore a fire engine or "ride" a police motorcycle. Children especially love the miniature grocery store, where they can push their own carts and "shop" for staples, and the play bank, where they can write checks. Special exhibits and activities are also offered every month, including puppet shows and live music.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Circuit Playhouse

Off-Broadway productions 1705 Poplar Ave
Memphis, TN 38104
United States
+1 901 726 4656
http://www.playhouseonthesquar... Although founded 10 years before Playhouse on the Square, its partner theater, Circuit Playhouse remains the smaller of the two. Located in a tiny building, this theater manages to put on excellent productions of lesser known, more innovative plays than Playhouse on the Square or Theatre Memphis. The quality here reveals the depth of the acting talent in the city that produced Kathy Bates and Michael Jeeter, among others. Go to Playhouse on the Square box office, 51 S. Cooper, during weekdays for tickets.

Tickets range from $10-30.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Amie Vanderford

Cooper-Young Festival

Arts and crafts festival Cooper Street and Young Street
Memphis, TN 38104
United States
+1 901 276 7222
http://www.cooperyoung.com/ The Cooper-Young neighborhood is inhabited by a mix of artists and young professionals, and it includes more than its share of coffee bars, galleries and trendy restaurants. Each fall, an arts and crafts festival fills the neighborhood's streets and draws visitors from across the Mid-South area. Craftsmen exhibit and sell their wares, including pottery, metal works, sculpture and tie-dyed clothing. Local bands entertain on two stages, and area restaurants sell fare, such as corn dogs and funnel cakes, plus lots of beer.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Dixon Gallery and Gardens

Impressionist art and gardens 4339 Park Ave
(at Cherry)
Memphis, TN 38117
United States
+1 901 761 5250 / +1 901 761 2409
http://www.dixon.org/ The Dixons were a childless couple who collected art, both fine and decorative, and left it all to the city when they died. The permanent collection ranges from mediocre to good. The traveling exhibits, however, are often spectacular, and have included Faberge eggs, glassworks by Seattle artist Dale Chihuly and an explosion of color from Raoul Dufy. The 17-acre garden is usually open for strolling, except during outdoor concerts, picnics or theater productions. The museum shop often has items from Memphis' Great Wonders exhibits. Admission is $5 for adults, $4 seniors 60 and older, and free for students and children 11 or younger.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Downtown

Memphis
United States
Downtown Memphis grew from the warehouses that stored cotton and other goods shipped up and down the Mississippi River. For much of Memphis' history, this meant that the riverfront was just a place for commerce. Now, when you take a ride on the paddlewheel boats that run regular tours from the Memphis harbor, you can spot joggers on the Riverfront Walk, visitors on Mud Island and elegant homes along the bluffs (including Cybill Shepard's--look for the round window). Visitors can take a beautifully restored trolley car up Main Street and stop at the Pyramid arena, grab a bite and a brew in one of the Pinch Historic District pubs, loop back to the south to see the Orpheum Theatre and continue on down to the Civil Rights Museum, located in the old Lorraine Motel, site of Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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East Memphis

Memphis
United States
In an area ranging roughly from just east of the University of Memphis to just outside the I-240 perimeter, East Memphis encompasses the Laurelwood Shopping Center, Oak Court Mall, and the Regalia Center at Poplar and Ridgeway, the best locations in Memphis for designer boutique shopping. East Memphians have the Dixon Gallery and Gardens, which features a collection of Impressionist paintings and first-rate traveling exhibits. You will also find food to suit every palate and price.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Graceland

The house that Elvis built 3754 Elvis Presley Boulevard
(South of Winchester)
Memphis, TN 38116
United States
+1 901 322 3322/ +1 800 238 2000
http://www.elvis-presley.com This is it—the second most visited house in the United States—preserved exactly as when Elvis Presley lived here, complete with the Jungle Room and shag carpeting. Elvis' grave is also here and can be viewed free from 6a-7:30a. Additionally, you can tour the auto museum, see the Lisa Marie and Jetstar airplanes, and view the Sincerely Elvis exhibit. On August 16, the anniversary of Elvis' death, a candlelight vigil draws fans worldwide. Mansion tour: USD22 adults, USD19.80 seniors over 62, USD7 children 7-12; free for children under 6. Varying prices for the other attractions.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Horseshoe Tunica Casino

Blues museum and casino 1021 Casino Center Drive
Tunica Resorts
Memphis, MS 38667
United States
+1 662 781 0763 / +1 800 303 7463
http://www.harrahs.com/livesit... The Bluesville Showcase Nightclub includes the Blues and Legends Hall of Fame featuring artifacts, photographs, artwork and memorabilia of Blues music. The gambling hall has 1,400 slot machines and 56 gaming tables. The Jack Binion World Poker Open runs from late March to mid-April, with table stakes escalating from $500-$1500 as the tournament progresses. Restaurants include a steakhouse, a California-style grill and a buffet with Italian and Chinese options. The adjacent hotel features 311 suite-style rooms. Note: Shuttle buses from several locations in Memphis to the casinos are operated by Blues City Tours. You can also enjoy various country, rock and pop performances.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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King's Palace Cafe

Barbecue on Beale Street 162 Beale St
(between Second and Third)
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 521 1851 King's Palace Cafe is a great place on Beale in which to have a pre-blues club dinner or a late night bowl of chili. The gumbo has won many local awards, but some people may find it overly spicy. Other Cajun dishes are well done, especially the shrimp and crayfish etouffee, while the barbecue ribs are tender and meaty. Inside the restaurant, bare wood floors contrast with the velvet wall coverings. The brick walls and pressed-tin ceiling make for a fairly high noise level. A back room, separated from the main dining room only by some pillars, features live bands on weekends. Both the crowd and the service are casual.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park

Outdoor recreation Bluff Road and North Watkins
(off North Watkins)
Memphis, TN 38117
United States
+1 901 876 5215
http://www.state.tn.us/environ... If you get tired of the city lights, head 15 miles north to this 14,500-acre park. There's something here for everyone: jogging trails, a disc-golf course and an archery range for the athletic; nature trails and a nature center for those who want to learn about the local wildlife; and boat rentals on the lake for anyone who wants to get out on the water. Take brunch to the picnic grounds if you are spending the day, or rent a cabin for a longer stay. Admission is free, but there are various charges for boat and equipment rentals.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

Art and architecture 1934 Poplar Ave
(at Cooper)
Memphis, TN 38104
United States
+1 901 544 6200
http://www.brooksmuseum.org/ Memphis' main museum is housed in a marble building completed in 1916. The architecturally beautiful rooms house an outstanding collection of medieval art and a small but worthwhile collection of Impressionist works. One room is dedicated to a "touch" exhibit for vision-impaired visitors. Temporary exhibits include a patriotic show held during the Memphis in May Festival. The restaurant, the Brushmark, is a fine place to lunch, especially when the outside patio is open, which looks out on Overton Park. Admission is $6 for adults, $2 students, $5 for seniors ages 65 and older, and children 6 and under are free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Memphis Italian Festival

A Touch Of Italy Mt. Moriah and Park Avenue
(Marquette Park)
Memphis, TN 38117
United States
+1 901 767 6949 x7334
http://www.memphisitalianfesti... Memphis has a large Italian community that celebrates its heritage every year with a three day festival of food, crafts, and games. Walk around and enjoy the atmosphere of Italy, shown in the different tents competing for prizes. Join in the action of a Bocci game or dancing. Events include Grape Stomping, Pizza Tossing, Italian Cooking Contests and others. There is also an Italian dinner available indoors or try something from one of the many vendors in the park. Games and crafts are available for the kids as well as souvenirs and gifts for everyone.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Memphis Police Museum

Photos, jail cell and working police station 159 Beale Street
(Between Second and Third Streets)
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 525 9800 Beale Street is known for being safe. One of the reasons is this active police station/museum. The archives are fascinating. Newspaper clippings and photos relating to such famous criminals as Machine Gun Kelly and events such as the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr are on display. Even the arrest records of "ordinary" criminals in the late 1800s and early 1900s tell a great deal about pre-integration Memphis. There is an extensive exhibit of weapons and other items confiscated from criminals. You can also see a real jail cell and have your picture taken inside it. There is no admission charge.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Carol Cotter
Photo: Carol Cotter

Memphis Symphony Orchestra

Outdoor and indoor concerts 3100 Walnut Grove Rd
(Suite 501)
Memphis, TN 38111
United States
+1 901 454 6774
http://www.memphissymphony.org/ The Memphis Symphony Orchestra does not have a permanent home yet, although a downtown performing arts center is in the works. For now, the orchestra plays in a variety of venues, from the lovely Dixon Gardens to the historic Eudora Baptist Church and the Germantown Performing Arts Center, located east of the city. Notable is the Masterworks series, which features guest soloists. The most popular concerts are the Sunset Symphony, performed on the banks of the Mississippi during the last weekend in May, and the tribute to Elvis, held around the time of his birthday in January.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Memphis Zoo and Aquarium

The local zoo 2000 Galloway
Overton Park
Memphis, TN 38104
United States
+1 901 276 9453
http://www.memphiszoo.org The 2,800 animals of over 400 species here are cared for in environments as close to their native habitats as possible. From African veldt to Asian temple ruins, Peruvian rain forests or Jamaican caverns, the animals roam free. Young children will enjoy the "Once Upon a Farm" exhibit and the amusement rides. The apes and monkeys in Primate Canyon will amuse the whole family. Do not miss the lions and tigers in Cat Country. Trams make getting around the park easy; wheelchairs and strollers can be rented. Admission: USD13 adults; USD12 seniors 60 and older; USD8 children (2-11).

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Memphis in May

Celebration of selected country 88 Union Avenue, Suite 301
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 525 4611
http://www.memphisinmay.org/ Each year, Memphis honors a different country with this month-long celebration. Various events around the city celebrate the arts and culture of the chosen country, from art exhibits to dance exhibitions to special dishes served in area restaurants. Several events are held in May that are related to Memphis in May, but not to the specific country being honored; these include the World Championship Barbecue Contest and the Beale Street Music Festival. It all ends with the Sunset Symphony on the banks of the Mississippi River.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Mud Island

Island with tourist attractions 125 N. Front St
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 576 7241 / +1 800 507 6507
http://www.mudisland.com/ Trace the twists and turns of the Mississippi River following the River Walk. Learn about the shipping of cotton on the river and the musical history made in cities along the river, from New Orleans Jazz to Memphis Blues and Elvis. See the Memphis Belle, a historic WWII airplane. The amphitheater on the island hosts concerts in the summer. To get there, ride the monorail, featured in the Tom Cruise movie "The Firm." Admission to the island and museum: USD8 adults, USD6 seniors, USD5 kids (5-17).

Review © 2007, Wcities

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National Civil Rights Museum

In the Historic Lorraine Motel 450 Mulberry St
(South of Beale St)
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 521 9699
http://www.civilrightsmuseum.org/ While speaking on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in 1968, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. You can relive history here by visiting the balcony and Dr. King's room, restored as it was when he was here to support the Sanitation Worker's strike. Through interactive multimedia exhibits you participate in the civil rights movement and learn its history from the 1600s through Rosa Parks and the freedom riders until today. Admission: USD12 adults, USD10 seniors and college students, USD8.50 children (4-17).

Review © 2007, Wcities

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New Daisy

Historic theater features alternative to blues bands 330 Beale St
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 525 8979 (Event Line) / +1 901 525 8981 (Business Office)
http://www.newdaisy.com/ There is no telling who you will find playing at this historic theater on Beale Street—home of the blues. Most often, it is an act influenced by the blues, such as Bob Dylan, an up-and-coming band, such as Saliva, or an alternative rock band. This small venue lets concertgoers get close and all seats offer great views of the stage. After a concert, wander down Beale Street for a drink or a different variety of live music to top off your evening's entertainment. Call for scheduled concerts and times.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Our Big Fat Greek Festival

Greek Food & Dancing 573 N Highland Street
(at Sam Cooper Boulevard)
Memphis, TN 38122
United States
+1 901 327 8177 This is the place for anyone who loves Greek food or who wants to give it a try. Try the dinner for a range of tastes or if you don't want to stand in line, you can order individual items at the food stands. The food includes gyros (a sandwich with lamb), spanakopita (a pastry with spinach), and souvlaki (a chicken kebab). Indulge your sweet tooth with a variety of dessert pastries including baklava (a pastry with honey and nuts). After eating, burn off the calories dancing to live Greek music.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Overton Park

Museum, zoo and golf course Poplar Avenue
(West of East Parkway)
Memphis, TN 38104
United States
This is the home of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, the Memphis College of Art, and the Overton Park Municipal Golf Course, but the park is a lovely place to visit for its own sake. There are trails for hiking and biking, tennis courts, a playground, picnic area, and huge, shady trees to relax under. The rainbow-painted amphitheater, once the location of concerts by Elvis Presley and ZZ Top, is now seldom used, but still a good place to sit and ponder the glories of music gone by.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Peabody Hotel

The heart of Memphis 149 Union Ave
(at Second Street)
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 529 4000 / +1 800 732 2639 (Toll Free)
http://www.peabodymemphis.com/ This place is a true southern original - perhaps the only hotel in the world where ducks live on the roof and ride the elevator to the main floor and promptly march to the lobby fountain every day at 10a. Restored to its late 19th-century elegance, the Peabody is the heart that pumps Memphis social life. On any given weekend, you can sit in the lobby bar and watch people come and go from charity events, weddings and high school proms. With its central location two blocks from Beale Street and its two superb restaurants, Dux and Chez Phillippe, the Peabody is well worth the cost. Famous guests that have stayed here include Robert E. Lee and William Faulkner.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Peabody Lobby Bar

Elegant hotel setting 149 Union Avenue
(Peabody Hotel)
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 529 4000
http://www.peabodymemphis.com/... This elegant lobby bar in the grand Peabody Hotel has been restored to its original late 19th century glory, although with modern comforts added. Couches and overstuffed chairs make for a relaxing place in which to enjoy the player piano or the live music that takes place on weekend nights. The lobby is crowded, when the famous Peabody ducks march to and from their place in the lobby fountain. The best time to stop by is late at night after an evening on Beale Street or at the theater.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Marty J

Pink Palace Crafts Fair

Fine crafts for sale 750 Cherry Rd
(Audubon Park)
Memphis, TN 38118
United States
+1 901 320 6408
http://www.artsandcraftsfestiv... This crafts fair is one of the largest in the country. Artisans come from all over to compete for a spot to display and peddle their wares in Audubon Park. Items include fine jewelry, pottery and ceramics, photography, handmade furniture and lawn ornaments, handmade clothing and specialty food items. Food stalls provide sandwiches, barbecue and ice cream, and live musical performances also take place throughout the event. A shuttle bus provides transportation from the parking lot of Oak Court Mall. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $3 for children.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Pink Palace Museum

The house that Piggly Wiggly built 3050 Central Ave
(between Goodwyn and Greer)
Memphis, TN 38111
United States
+1 901 320 6320
http://www.memphismuseums.org/... This museum is housed in the Georgian marble home built in the 1920s by Clarence Sanders, founder of the Piggly Wiggly grocery store chain. Sanders never got to live here, and the city transformed the site into a complex of attractions, including the Sharpe Planetarium and an IMAX theater. The Pink Palace's exhibits cover topics ranging from dinosaurs to the Civil War, and from the early Spanish explorers to the evolution of medical research in Memphis. Admission: USD8.25 adults, USD7.75 seniors, USD5.75 children (3-12).

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Playhouse on the Square

Major plays and musicals 51 S Cooper
(Off Poplar)
Memphis, TN 38104
United States
+1 901 726 4656 / +1 901 725 0776
http://www.playhouseonthesquar... Opened by a group of local high school and college students in 1975 (10 years after the formation of Circuit Playhouse) this venue has developed into a fine professional theater. It features a repertory group of actors appearing primarily in major Broadway plays and musicals. Each Christmas season sees a sprightly production of Peter Pan. The location, near the Overton Square Entertainment District, makes dinner and the theater an easy evening out. Tickets for individual performances are often available on short notice.

Tickets range from $10-30.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Sal E. Mander

Pyramid

Ancient symbol in a modern city One Auction Avenue
(at Front Street)
Memphis, TN 38105
United States
+1 901 521 9675 / +1 901 521 7909 (Event Line)
http://www.pyramidarena.com/ Memphis got its name from ancient Egypt. As a modern symbol of that heritage, this 32-storey stainless-steel pyramid rises from the banks of the Mississippi River. Completed in 1991 at a total cost of USD65 million, the Pyramid serves as a sports and concert arena, with 22,500 seats. It also serves the University of Memphis, housing the Tigers' basketball games and university graduations. The history of the Pyramid's construction is loaded with scandal, controversy and danger, take a tour and learn the whole story. Tour admission varies.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Beatrice Murch
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Regions Morgan Keegan Tennis Tournament

International Tennis Stars 5111 Sanderlin Road
(Racquet Club)
Memphis, TN 38117
United States
+1 901 765 4401
http://www.krogerstjude.com This tournament is a major February event on the ATP tour, and is held in the elegant Racquet Club facility in East Memphis. Past tournaments have featured such stars as Michael Chang, Steffi Graf, Andre Agassi, Pete Sampras and Todd Martin. The tournament benefits the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. It has funded a research chair named for Tim Gullikson, former coach of Pete Sampras and victim of brain cancer. Tickets range from USD5 for qualifying events to USD260 for a tournament-week pass.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Rum Boogie Cafe

Collection of autographed guitars 182 Beale St
(at Third)
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 528 0150
http://www.rumboogie.com/home.htm This bar has wraparound windows that let you see the dancers bopping and jiving from the outside, or watch the street scene on Beale from the inside. Autographed guitars hang from the ceiling, offering proof that musicians such as Carl Perkins, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Joe Walsh and others have hung out here. The house act, James Govan and the Boogie Blues Band, performs when there isn't a visiting artist. Shows usually go on from 9p-1a on Friday and Saturday, and from 8:30p-12:30a Sundays and weeknights. The kitchen serves several dinner and snack items, but the Rum Boogie is famous for its red beans and rice.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Southeastern Indian Heritage Festival

Celebration of Choctaw Culture 1500 Mitchell Road
(T.O. Fuller State Park)
Memphis, TN 38109
United States
+1 901 543 7581
http://chucalissa.memphis.edu Sponsored by the Chucalissa Archaeological Museum, this festival offers a chance for event-goers to learn about the culture and arts of the Southeastern Native American tribes such as the Choctaw people, who have inhabited this area for centuries. Demonstrations of music, singing and dancing celebrate the heritage, while artisans exhibit and sell their wares, which include baskets, pottery and ceremonial items. See museum website for yearly particulars.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Sun Studio

Where Elvis got his start 706 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 521 0664 / +1 901 441 6249
http://www.sunstudio.com/ Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, B.B. King: they all recorded here at Sun Studio. Founded by Sam Phillips in 1950, this studio became the heart of the Memphis sound. It is still a functioning studio, and modern musicians still record here to try to acquire a little of the magic. Take a tour and see exhibits relating to the artists who recorded here, including Carl Perkins, Howlin' Wolf, Johnny Cash, Roy Orbison and, of course, Elvis. Many visitors to Memphis cite this tour as the highlight of their stay.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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Theatre Memphis

Award-winning productions 630 Perkins Extended
(At Southern)
Memphis, TN 38117
United States
+1 901 682 8323
http://www.theatrememphis.org/ This is the most polished of Memphis' stages, from its lovely building set in an expanse of lawn across from Audubon Park to its productions of hit dramas, musicals, mysteries and comedies. This is still community theater, not roadshows of Broadway hits, but of a caliber equal to any local theater in the country. The 400-seat theater supports talent, including set decorators, of the highest quality. A local favorite is the annual production of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, put on every December. Tickets range between $8-$19.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Theatre Memphis photo by wcities
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Tom Lee Park

Along the banks of the Mississippi Riverside Drive
(at Beale Street)
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
Tom Lee was an African-American living in Memphis who became a hero when he saved 32 people from a sinking steamboat in 1925. Even though he could not swim, he rowed a small boat into the strong currents of the Mississippi River to rescure the victims. The park, which stretches for a mile and half along the banks of the river, is dedicated to this hero and contains a monument to him. This is the site of several events throughout the year, including the Barbecue Contest, the Sunset Symphony concert at the end of May, and a Jazz Festival.

Review © 2007, Wcities

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University of Memphis

Memphis
United States
The University of Memphis is largely a commuter campus, thus it has not developed the usual collection of businesses catering to students. Instead, the stretches of Highland and Park along the borders of the campus have an odd collection of bars and a Middle Eastern restaurant called Mo-Jo's, which looks like a fast food place, but isn't.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Photo: Dave Barger
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University of Memphis Tigers Basketball Team

Past NCAA Championship finalists 1 Auction Ave
(The Pyramid)
Memphis, TN 38104
United States
+1 901 678 2337
http://www.gotigersgo.com/ Memphis goes crazy for basketball, filling The Pyramid for every Tigers game. Many people remember the team by the university's former name, Memphis State University, who produced Penny Hardaway, star of the Phoenix Suns. Penny returns every year to put on a clinic for local kids. Tickets for Tigers games can be hard to come by; try the Web site to order tickets in advance, or call the team office at the university (+1 901 678 2331). The season runs November through March.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Willie Mitchell's Rhythm & Blues Club

Live rhythm and Bblues 326 Beale Street
(at Third Street)
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 523 7444 Willie Mitchell is a longtime fixture on the Memphis scene. Once a trumpet player as well as the musical producer responsible for Al Green's early hits, Mitchell owned and ran this club under the name "Legends." Still looking a little rundown on the outside, this is the place to hear R&B in an authentic atmosphere. If you want to experience R&B as it was played on Beale in what some people consider its heyday, Willie Mitchell's is the closest you will come. Live blues takes place on some Friday and Saturday nights. No cover charge.

Review © 2007, Wcities

World Championship Barbecue Contest

Team barbecue competition Riverside Drive
Between Beale Street and Georgia Avenue, Tom Lee Park
Memphis, TN 38103
United States
+1 901 525 4611 (Organizers)
http://www.memphisinmay.org/wb... Held in Tom Lee Park in conjunction with Memphis in May, this event has gained nationwide prestige and is often featured on TV shows, such as the 'Today Show', 'Good Morning America' and 'Prime Time Live'. More than 90,000 people attend the festival each year. Called the "Superbowl of Swine", this festival offers cash prizes to a winner that is more than USD61,050. Teams compete in the categories of whole hog, shoulder and ribs, and these teams must have qualified in other contests around the country in order to compete here. Other events include the Miss Piggy Contest, hog calling and a barbecue sauce competition. Admission: Adults USD8 (at the gate), Children (6 & under) Free.

Review © 2007, Wcities

Other Schmapplets in this city related to "Memphis - Art & Entertainment"
Memphis
Memphis - Historical Background
Memphis - Neighborhood Guide
Memphis - Where to Stay
Memphis - Dining & Drinking
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