Memphis Means Music 2011 Expands From One Week to Entire Month

MEMPHIS, TN – Memphis Means Music Week will be extended to the entire month of October following successful week long celebrations in 2009 and 2010, announced Memphis Music Foundation President Dean Deyo.

“We’re proud to say that the city’s celebration of local music will be extended over the course of the entire month,” stated Deyo.  “It’s great to see excitement being generated from all areas of the community involved in the dynamic development of music as a business in Memphis.”

Memphis Means Music Month will play host to a variety of events and artist performances. The Memphis Music Foundation has teamed with artists, businesses, churches, schools, retails shops, and restaurants to celebrate one of the city’s common cultural bonds – Memphis Music.

M3 Month 2011 launches with a kick-off celebration at the Memphis Music Foundation and will conclude with the River Arts Festival.  Traditions developed in its first two years will continue along with many special new events and surprise announcements throughout the month. For more information and a full calendar of M3 Month affiliated events, go to www.memphismeansmusic.com/m3week.

Kick-off Celebration

The public is invited to start M3 Month off right on September 30th from 5:00-7:00 pm with the Memphis Music Foundation Open House during the South Main Trolley Tour. Businesses along South Main will celebrate Memphis Music in their own way on September 30th until 9:00p.m.The Foundation invites the community for food, wine, beer, and, of course, great music. Special guest businesses will be Select -O-Hits and the Memphis Blues Society.

 

Memphis Means Music Month Events

Plug In Music Expo and Grammy GPS – October 1

The Memphis Music Foundation pairs its Plug In Music Expo with The Recording Academy’s professional development event GRAMMY GPS. Both events will take place on the Stax Campus, featuring a business expo, seminars, and expert mentoring sessions.

 

 

Court Square Concert Series – October 2, 9, and 16

Court Square Concert Series will have you dancing in the streets during the month of October. Come downtown and listen to great music to reenergize you for your work week ahead. Guest performers are 2 Mule Plow, Tennessee Mass Choir, Memphis Jones, and Star & Micey. Each concert runs from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and are free and open to the public.  Blankets, picnic baskets, and coolers are encouraged. For more information, visit www.downtownmemphis.com.

 

Ardent 16 over 48 – October 7-9

Ardent will record 16 bands in 48 hours in its newly designed Studio C. Bands will be able to submit their music for consideration for a deeply discounted studio time. For more information, visit www.thenewstudioc.com.

 

“Memphis: The Musical” – October 14-23

Broadway play, “Memphis: The Musical,” is set to begin its national tour in its namesake city when it plays at The Orpheum Theatre. The Tony Award winner for Best Musical is a fictionalized story of the birth of rock ’n’ roll radio in 1950s Memphis. It is loosely based on the life of WHBQ deejay Dewey Phillips. For more information, visit www.orpheum-memphis.com

River Arts Festival- October 23-24

Featuring four stages over two days, The River Arts Festival is programmed by local music organizations from The Blues Foundation and the Memphis Acoustic Music Association to Neosoulville and Makeshift Music. A variety of artists are set to perform including Memphis Music Launch finalists Delta Collective & Butta MD, traditional Mexican group Banda Ahullido, reggae artists Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, and indie rockers Mouserocket.

The entire community is encouraged to participate in Memphis Means Music Month, and event attendance is only one way to do it. The Music Foundation offers suggestions for businesses, stores and dining establishments to get involved, as well as view a full calendar of M3 Month affiliated events at www.memphismeansmusic.com/m3week.

About the Memphis Music Foundation

 The Memphis Music Foundation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to working with the community to cultivate a viable economic engine for Memphis by providing musicians and the music industry with resources and opportunities for growth and independence. The Foundation exists to educate the music community about music business systems and trends, help artists develop plans for future business growth, and create dynamic marketing and promotional opportunities for Memphis music. The Foundation’s anchor program, the Music Resource Center is an interactive, living education and information center that offers a devoted staff, tools, and educational programs to help area musicians and music professionals. The Foundation is funded, in part, by public and private funds provided through the Economic Development (MemphisED) Plan, designed to ensure economic growth and prosperity in Memphis and Shelby County.