The Blind Boys of Alabama
The newly renovated Levitt Shell in Overton Park kicks off the fall portion of its annual free concert season Labor Day weekend.
The season kicks off September 3rd with historic radio station WLOK’s annual Stone Soul Picnic. Now in its 42 year, the day-long family festival features more than 20 area soul and gospel acts. Then on September 4th, Rock For Love, an annual fundraiser for Memphis’ Church Health Center, returns to the Shell for a free, family event featuring local acts Amy LaVere, Jack Oblivian & the Sheiks, and Star & Micey.
In all there will be 18 shows in the free concert series, including a special 80th anniversary Shell celebration with Cedric Burnside and Sons of Mudboy a performance as part of Opera Memphis’ “30 Days of Opera” the University of Memphis’ “This Is Memphis” festival featuring rising talent, and an appearance by Grammy winner the Bling Boys of Alabama.
One concert at the Shell this fall will not be free, however. On October 15th, the Shell holds their annual paid fundraiser with performance by Alabama soul newcomers St. Paul & the Broken Bones and Stax legend Mavis Staples. Tickets are $45 general admission, $150 VIP and are available online at levittshell.org.
Also throughout the fall season on Thursday nights the Shell will present the free “Memphis Music Film Series” in partnership with the IndieMemphis film festival
CONCERTS
Sept 3: Stone Soul Picnic
Sept 4: Rock for Love (Jack O. & The Sheiks, Amy LaVere, Star & Micey)
Sept 9: North Mississippi Allstars
Sept 10: Civil Twilight
Sept 11: Delta Rae
Sept 13: Levitt Shell 80th Anniversary with Cedric Burnside & Sons of Mudboy
Sept 16: New Brass Breed Band
Sept 17: George Coleman (Rhodes College Jazz Band opening)
Sept 18: Henry Gross
Sept 23: Parker Millsap & Sarah Jarosz
Sept 24: Snowglobe
Sept 25: New Ballet Ensemble
Sept 30: Opera Memphis’ 30 Days of Opera
Oct. 1: Motel Mirrors
Oct. 2: University of Memphis, ‘This is Memphis’ Festival (Kyndle McMahan, Drew Erwin, Band Camino, PRVLG)
Oct. 15th: Stars at the Shell Fundraiser: Mavis Staples and St. Paul & The Broken Bones (ticketed event)
Oct. 21: The Blind Boys of Alabama
Oct. 22: Elleanor Tallie
Oct. 23: Balkan Beat Box
FILMS
Sept 8: Country Blues Festival: 50th Anniversary
Sept 15: Respect Yourself: The Stax Records Story
Sept 22: Once
Sept 29: The Wiz
Oct. 13: Mavis!
Oct 20: The Blues Brothers
