Alright Memphians, you know the drill—another week in, another weekend out. Well, this Friday and Saturday are gonna be huge! This weekend hosts not one, but two amazing festivals rich with Memphis culture.
Not only is this the weekend of Stax to the Max: A Soulsville Street Festival, but also the second annual BristerFest! With Friday holding its own with some great material to go out and go see, this weekend is gonna be massive!
Friday (4/27) is going to give you a hefty shot of bluegrass followed by a serving of someone defining the term “multi-instrumentalist.” Leftover Salmon and their quarter century of experience will be playing “Polyethnic Cajun Slamgrass” (their words, not mine) at Minglewood Hall. Also billed is one-man band Keller Williams. Williams, who is known for his ability to jam through songs… with himself, will show his advanced super powers in the ways of looping, phrasing, and feeling the vibe enough to unleash some rad solos (err, literally).
With Saturday comes some great festivals for Memphis! Celebrate 11 years of educating young minds with the musical history of one of Memphis’ most historic musical landmarks. Sponsored by ArtsMemphis along with The Commercial Appeal and Clear Channel, the Stax Recording Academy are bringing you Stax To The Max: A Soulsville Street Festival. The string of shows will showcase a list of fantastic performances from Mingo Fishtrap, Memphis Jones, Bo-Keys with William Bell, and many more.
Located outside the Stax Museum at 926 E. McLemore, the event will kick off at 12PM with children’s activities and plenty of food. Come out early to enjoy a full day of some great live performances from some of Memphis’s best.
Next, on to BristerFest! On Saturday and Sunday, the second occurance of BristerFest is going to be launching music of varying styles and cultural backgrounds into the open air of Memphis at the Levitt Shell Pavilion. Both days feature long lists of amazing acts to go out and see, so here’s a short list of our favorite picks for both days.
Saturday (4/28) Has a cavalcade of well-known Memphis talent playing in the Shell’s shelter. Buccaneer Lounge regulars and jazzy bluegrass vets Devil Train have a late afternoon slot. Immediately following, Michaela Caitlin will be playing a set of her dark and melancholic crooner tunes. Up next will be a combo act with the Chinese Connection Dub Embassy backing Colombian jazz singer (and super fine lady) Marcella Pinilla. The night will close with a performance from one of Memphis’ youngest jam bands; Agori Tribe’s ’60s vibrations will be playing extended solos to close out the evening.
Sunday (4/29) picks up with just as much jammy wammy goodness. Legendary Beale Street band Free World are billed, later followed by Copper Possum. The lengthy arrangements won’t stop there, as alternative rock act The Lions Science has a set after the lights have dimmed. Lightajo will blend math rock and jam band vibes to close out the evening on a high note (or a string of forty-seven of them).
Come on—come out. What else are you doing? Resident Evil 4 doesn’t need to be beaten a 13th time. Come out. I’ll see you there.
