Memphis: Nightlife and entertainment
Though live music is at its best in Memphis during the city's many festivals , such as the month-long Memphis in May (which also features the Barbecue Cookout Competition) and October's Blues Memphis Week , the blues and soul clubs of Beale Street have plenty to offer fans all year round. The best sources of listings are the free weekly Memphis Flyer , Friday's Memphis Commercial Appeal Playbook , and the community radio station (90FM).B.B. King's Blues Club 143 Beale St tel 901/524-5464. Despite accusations from purists of having "sold out," this is justifiably Beale's most popular club. Spacious and atmospheric, with barbecue ribs, catfish and beer, and nightly blues enjoyed by a wildly enthusiastic crowd who make good use of the dance floor. B.B. himself makes an appearance or two per year.
Blues City Café 138 Beale St tel 901/526-3637. This club stays active well after the others and while the band is beating away there's a choice of well-priced ribs, catfish, tamales and gumbo to chew on.
Elvis Presley's - Memphis 126 Beale St tel 1-800/238-2000. Lansky's, the tailors where Elvis bought his sharpest suits, has been transformed into a restaurant and bar with a heavily Elvis-themed menu and the financial clout to put on some of Memphis's best bands.
Flying Saucer Draught Emporium 130 Peabody Place tel 901/523-8676. Appealingly laid-back beerhall, just north of Beale St, aimed at the grungy college crowd.
Huey's Midtown 1927 Madison Ave tel 901/726-4372. Popular Overton Square restaurant, famed for its great burgers, with live jazz on Sun afternoon, followed by an out-of-town blues band in the evening. There's also a downtown branch of this popular local chain at 77 S 2nd St tel 901/527-2700.
Kudzu's 603 Monroe Ave tel 901/525-4924. Great downtown bar with pool table and live weekend blues.
Rum Boogie Café 182 Beale St tel 901/528-0150. Usually one of Beale's most crowded venues, with resident blues bands every night 9pm-1.30am, plus Cajun cooking and ribs; $4 cover.
W.C. Handy Performing Arts Park Third Ave and Rufus Thomas Blvd tel 901/526-0110. An outdoor amphitheater featuring live music - most nights for free.
Wild Bill's 1580 Vollintine Ave tel 901/726-5473. North Memphis jook-joint with live music Fri-Sun.
Willie Mitchell's Rhythm and Blues Club 326 Beale St tel 901/523-7444. One of Beale's smaller and less fancy clubs, owned by the daughters of legendary soul producer/songwriter Mitchell, and putting on consistently classy blues and R&B acts. Talent search Wed nights.
More about Nightlife and entertainment:
The sound of Memphis
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