jElvis & Carl Perkins Remembered

I enjoyed my trip to Graceland yesterday. I always do. The crowd was fabulous. Thousands of Elvis fans come together each year to enjoy the music, excitement and to encourage the future expansion of the many projects currently underway at Graceland and Elvis Presley Blvd.

It is always a pleasure to meet the many Elvis fans that travel to Memphis from many states and countries around the world.  This year I was happy to purchase the Elvis stamp, just released on August 12th.  If you happened to have collected the first release (I did, and it seems like only yesterday), you will also enjoy this latest addition!

Priscilla, Lisa Marie and family were on hand for many of  the events this week, including  the candle light vigil last night.  Several fans displayed their particular Fan Club ventures with Elvis items that they felt best exhibited their club.

If you missed the event this year, remember you can visit Graceland throughout the year. It has been designated the Number One Music Location in the World by  "USA Today", and rightfully so, with good reason. Just click on our Graceland icon on the website for more information.  And remember, next year will be here before you know it.

In other news this weekend, The Exchange Club Carl Perkins Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse annual telethon is currently taking place in Jackson. The Carl Perkins Civic  Center on South Highland, is once again the location for the event that was started by the legendary artist Carl Perkins, who said his heart was touched to do what he could with what God gave him to help the children and their families.

I helped with the telethon for some fifteen years, and it is one of the  events that we look forward to eventually not having, because our goal is to prevent child abuse. If you are where you can watch WBBJ TV-7, it is currently being televised, or you can stop by the Civic Center or contact the Child Abuse Prevention Center to make a donation throughout the year.

Carl Perkins was a legendary entertainer, but perhaps one of the most important contributions he felt he made was helping these children.

Speaking of contributions, we will miss the local music legend, Chuck McGill. Chuck and his wife Paula Bridges are both music legends in their own. right. Both have entertained for decades and both have volunteered to perform at the telethon for almost thirty years. Sadly, Chuck passed away suddenly this week.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to Paula and their two daughters.

Remember to have a safe week. Enjoy music on the Tennessee Music Highway. And  if there is anything you would like us to cover for you, as always just let us know by leaving  a note on the comment section of this blog.

16th Annual International Rockabilly Music Festival

Rockabilly music is filling the air in downtown Jackson this weekend. The festival got underway last night and will continue tonight and into tomorrow.

The event is free this year, and is featuring an array of musicians and bands from other countries. Ulf Nilsson & The Cadillac Band from Sweden, will once again make the journey to provide their great music along with many other fabulous groups and musicians! The Rockabilly Hall of Fame & Museum @ 105 North Church Street in downtown Jackson will provide the main stage for the event, however tomorrow you can catch the gospel portion @ 7pm at First United Methodist Church in downtown Jackson just up the street from the museum.

Get ready for Elvis week in  nearby Memphis! As always this week promises great music, excitement and a whole lot more! Have a music-filled week and drive safely on The Tennessee Music Highway!!

The Tennessee Music Highway This Weekend

The weather is hot and so is the music this weekend on the Tennessee Music Highway.
If you are searching for something to do tonight, head on over to the AMP in downtown Jackson.
The music got underway with Iron Horse in concert at 7 pm. Located directly behind the West Tennessee Farmer's Market, it will be easy to locate, just listen for the music. Admission is free! Don't forget to bring your lawn chair or perhaps a blanket. If you haven't had dinner, not to worry, the concessions are available.  We hope you enjoy the music, and remember to drink plenty of water. It is July in the South!!

 

Also, in Jackson is, "Jackson Sings the Gospel." The event which began Wednesday night at the Carl Perkins Civic Center continues tonight and tomorrow. The event which was held today at 1pm and 7 pm , will begin tomorrow at 1pm and 6pm. The annual gospel weekend features several great gospel groups from around the West Tennessee area! Admission is $20-$25 per night and $10 for matinee performances. You can visit billbaileyconcerts.com for more information or call (941) 756-6942. 

The Independence Day Weekend on The Tennessee Music Highway

You could smell the BBQ and listen to great music at the first ever Riders and Rockabilly Rally and Blues Hog BBQ and Music Festival. The event ran July 3 -5 at the Jackson Fairgrounds.
The rain did not stop the event which included several local bands and entertainers from
around the region.

What is Independence Day Weekend without the fireworks! An easy drive from the Jackson Fairgounds  down the Rockabilly Highway into Chester County would provide you with your choice of fireworks for the Fourth! Always remember, safety first!

We hope everyone enjoyed their weekend on The Tennessee Music Highway. 

Gospel Music on The Tennessee Music Highway Tonight

The "Concert on the Porch" summer concert series, began tonight at The Delta Heritage Center.  The New Gospel Stars from Brownsville and His Voice, from nearby Ripley,  were scheduled to return to perform  tonight with the wonderful gospel music that the area is known for!

 

 

The event had been scheduled to take place on the porch of the Sleepy John Estes home beginning at 7 pm, but the heat and humidity resulted in the event being held inside under the air conditioning of the Center, located next door to the Estes home (and the Tina Turner Flagg School Museum)!

There was a large crowd, with standing room only and plenty of delicious lemonade!  The music was fabulous and the praise was high, as the entertainers performed the gospel lyrics!

If you missed the event tonight, visit www.westtnheritage.com for more information on upcoming concerts or stop by the Center at the Brownsville Exit on Interstate 40 (as you are driving the Tennessee Music Highway). Our thanks to the wonderful gospel entertainers and the organizers of the event.

Henderson Arts in the Alley on The Tennessee Music Highway

The WYN 106.9 Songs & Stories Concert Series & WYN 106.9 sponsored the free Henderson Arts in the Alley event tonight in downtown Henderson. Josh Smith, Casey Beathard, Phillip White and Jimmy Melton were scheduled to perform before a crowd estimate of around 100 people!

There was plenty of food on hand and a lot of hand clapping. The Henderson Arts Commission, presents the event along with a monthly sponsor at the Downtown Park on Main Street in Henderson.

If you missed the event tonight, we will have more information for you on the July program!

Rockabilly Hwy. Revival Music Review-Tennessee Music Highway This Weekend

Rockabilly music was in the air this weekend. The 7th Annual Rockabilly Hwy Revival Music Review  in Selmer, Tennessee,  featured Rockabilly legendary drummer W.S. Holland (drummer for Carl Perkins and Johnny Cash) and Stan Perkins older son  of Carl Perkins and a legendary performer in his own right.

The event took place last night, beginning at 7 p.m., at the McNairy County Visitors  Center Theater in downtown Selmer.  The facility was near capacity as at  least two hundred people were on hand for all of the great music. Selmer is on the Rockabilly Highway, named for the music that was made famous by Elvis, Carl Perkins, Jerry Lewis, Johnny Cash and others who often performed at locations on this highway (officially Hwy. 45 South).

It was history in the making and everyone seemed to really enjoy hearing Blue Suede Shoes, Match Box and other great tunes!

The organizers also had planned a color run/walk and car show!  This was the second event for me and I really enjoyed it. Irvin Rainey, Jr., and many others did too!  Mark your calendars next year!

I hope everyone has a safe trip home from the CMA Music Festival and Bonnaroo Music Festival, that wraps up today. Enjoy your week and great music. Thank you for your letters and comments!

CMA Music Festival and Bonnaroo This Week in Tennessee

There is so much happening this week along the Tennessee Music Highway in Nashville, as the CMA Music Festival 2015 brings country music fans in from all over the world!  The event runs through June 14th, with four days of music from literally hundreds  of artists featuring meet and greets, live concerts, autograph signings and a whole lot more in downtown Nashville.  Many of the shows around downtown are actually free during the day and  LP Field will also feature nightly concerts. Of course the CMA Music Festival started out as Fan Fair in 1972.  I really enjoyed covering the event over the years and being a part of all the fun and excitement!

The next big music event is of course Bonnaroo! Manchester is gearing up for the four-day festival, beginning tomorrow through the 14th! Hundreds of great entertainers will be on hand with entertainment, camping, great food and a whole lot of fun.

Be sure and turn to your social media to be a part of these events and help share  the excitement and the music!  Remember to be safe and have fun as you travel to your events. As always, thank you for your comments and encouragement!.

Coyote Music Fest on The Tennessee Music Highway This Weekend

The Jackson Fairgrounds Park is rocking and rolling .  Tonight and tomorrow you can enjoy some  great music and food at the Coyote Music Fest!

Tracy Lawrence, along with Brandon Lay and Bryan Moffitt will entertain anybody with their great music! The doors opened at 6:30 tonight, so head on out to the Park. Located on South Highland (45 South for the locals) . Tomorrow the gates open at 3pm tomorrow with  Kimberlie Helton , Rev. Jessie and The Holy Smokes, The Waiting, Little Boys Blue, Jonathan Singleton, Randy Montana and of course Joe Diffee!

BB King- Saying Goodbye In Memphis

You will have the opportunity to say your farewell to Blues Legend BB King today in Memphis.

Today's events are scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m. @ Handy Park with a video tribute, followed with a musical tribute with musicians from around the world. At 12:45 the procession on Beale Street with a hearse, brass band, and King's guitar, Lucille will take place. Take note, that some downtown streets will be partially closed for the events.

The public is also invited to the B.B. King Museum for the viewing starting at 10a.m. on Friday, in Indianola, Mississippi. The funeral is Saturday. Check with the B.B. King Museum. 400 Second St., Indianola, Mississippi 38751 for a complete schedule that is open to the public, or to send flowers and donations.

We thank WREG, Channel 3, and all of the Memphis media outlets,  for their coverage of the event, and you may go to WREG..com for coverage of today's events.  It is also suggested that fans wear blue in honor of Mr. B.B. King today.

Riley, B.B. King, age 89, died in Las Vegas, NV, on May 14.

The Tennessee Music Highway & Chester County

The Tennessee Music Highway will be celebrating this Memorial Day Weekend! Chester County (Henderson) will kickoff the weekend with Molly Ramone, Celtic rock band at the Arts in the Alley tomorrow night, Thursday, May 21, in the downtown park (Henderson). The event is held the third Thursday of each month, March-September and is sponsored by the Henderson Arts Commission. Of course there will be great food on hand (so plan to have your supper along with your music) as well as  visiting the local vendors!

Also, this Saturday in Henderson, the Henderson Civitan Club will host the annual Bluegrass Festival at the downtown park in Henderson (corner of Main & Washington) 5-8pm. Pickin' your favorite bluegrass tunes at this third annual event, will be the Corinth Courthouse Pickers, Providence Road and the Manuel Ledbetter and Friends Band! Light refreshments will be available, and don't forget to bring your lawn chairs. The event is free to the public, courtesy of the Henderson Civitan Club, however donations will be accepted.

We will be bringing you more events from The Tennessee Music Highway! And remember to drive safely this holiday weekend!! 

Downtown Jackson

The Amphitheater at the Market (AMP) in downtown Jackson is scheduled to open the  season tonight with great music from the Kimberlie Helton Band. The event is free, so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy some fabulous music.  Kimberlie is a talented entertainer and the band is wonderful!  The event starts at 7:30 tonight, so there is plenty of time. You can bring your own food or partake of the delicious food of the many vendors on hand! Per Nona Brummett, the show will go on despite the rain that moved through earlier today! So, take an umbrella  (just in case) and enjoy the evening!

Blues News on The Tennessee Music Highway Today

Singin' the blues is nothing new in Memphis. But what is new, is the brand new Blues Hall of Fame Museum that will officially open its doors tomorrow. The Blues Foundation, a non profit founded in 1980, in Memphis has inducted over 140 performers  and many non-performers into the Hall. But, they did not have an official home, until now! What could be a better location,  than the South Main District, just a short drive from Graceland, Stax  Records, Sun Studio and so many more music locations! Congratulations to everyone who has worked so diligently and patiently on this project over the many years. Many folks have supported this project with not only their monetary contributions, but their time.
The inductees into the Blues Hall of Fame this year are Little Richard, Eric Clapton and Tommy Brown!  Our most greatful thank you goes to all  of the blues performers over the years. I walked down Front Street this past Sunday and could just hear the music floating through the air early in the afternoon and could see the happiness it brought to the many people sitting outside the restaurants or walking or riding by on their bikes. It was a wonderful place to be on The Tennessee Music Highway!

Beale Street Music Festival, 2015 - Downtown Memphis Today

Music fans were lining up early for the third and final day of the Beale Street Music Festival, 2015 at Tom Lee Park. The music festival, which got underway on Friday,  kicked off the International Memphis in May Festival  this year. It was a great time today!  The rolling Mississippi River provided the perfect backdrop and the music was spectacular. We enjoyed meeting and talking with everyone while listening to the talented musicians and vocals!  On the bill for today was Ed Sheeran, Hozier, Wilco and Blind Mississippi Morris just to get started! Memphis is known around the world for the musical history and great bar-b-cue. Memphis in May continues throughout the month. Our hat is off to all of the organizers and volunteers who put this music festival together!! Great festival - for more information on the remaining events call - 901-525-4611 or go to www.memphisinmay.org. 

  

Beale Street Music Fest 2015 - This Weekend

The West Tennessee weather is going to be great this weekend, as the Beale Street Music Fest gets underway!  The gates are scheduled to open at 5pm tomorrow night at Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis. The music line up for all three days is fabulous! Taking the stage tomorrow night is Lenny Kravitz, The Flaming Lips and Ryan Adams just to name a few of the great acts! For more information go to www.memphisinmay.org or call - 901-525-4611! 

The Tennessee Music Highway Events This Weekend-Jackson

The second season that was scheduled to kick off at the AMP last night in downtown Jackson was rescheduled. Due to the rain, the Rev. Jesse and The Holy Smokes (Josh Smith) will perform at a later date. Look  for the Kimberlie Helton Band on May 8th. All of  the shows are free, thanks to  great sponsorships.

If you are in downtown Jackson tonight, head on over to the Ned on East Main Street! You may still be able to get tickets to the first, "Songs & Stories" presented by radio station WYN 106.9. Mo Pitney, Jimmy Melton and Jamie O'Neal are taking the stage tonight! As always, there will be other great shows to follow in the months to come!

Speaking of great music, don't forget to check out ticketmaster for your Memphis in May, Beale Street Music Fest at Tom Lee Park, coming up in just a couple of weeks! We will have more to come.

As always we continue to "connect the notes" along the Tennessee Music Highway to help keep you informed!