The Commercial Appeal - Go Memphis
9 Memphis concerts you won’t want to miss in April
With spring in full bloom and artists hitting the road en masse, Memphis will see plenty of notable concerts over the coming weeks.
From American music legends to underground African icons, Bluff City residents will have plenty to choose from in terms of live entertainment this month. Here are 10 big gigs in April worth checking out. (Note: This list excludes any Beale Street Music Festival performances.)
Although policies for individual shows are noted below, as always, be sure to check with the venues closer to the event date with regard to health and safety protocols or any vaccination requirements.
April 9, Orpheum
Downtown’s Orpheum presents “An Evening With Bob Dylan” as the Nobel Prize winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer brings his “Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour” to Memphis. The show is sold out, but verified resale tickets are available for $80 to $345. Tickets: Ticketmaster.com
Jimmie Vaughan April 13, Lafayette’s Music Room
Texas blues guitar great Jimmie Vaughan brings his “The Story Tour” to the Mid-south this month. The former Fabulous Thunderbird will play a special show at Overton Square’s Lafayette’s Music Room. General admission, first-come, first-serve tickets are $35. VIP tickets, with premier front stage seating, are $50. Tickets: Ticketweb.com
Ata Kak
April 14, Crosstown Arts’ The Green Room
Ghanaian musical visionary Ata Kak — part of the Awesome Tapes From Africa movement — is making his way to Memphis for a rare concert event. Crosstown Arts’ The Green Room will host an April 14 performance by Kak, noted for his amalgam of highlife, Twilanguage rap, funk, hip-hop and electronica. Crosstown Arts is requesting proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test for this event. Please be prepared to present your vaccination card
or a negative COVID test taken within 72 hours at check-in. Masks are required. Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 day of show. Details: Crosstownarts.org
April 14-16, Chuckles Comedy House Comedian and actor Lavell Crawford returns to Cordova’s Chuckles Comedy House for a three-night stand. The funnyman — who is set to star in the final season of the acclaimed series “Better Call Saul” debuting this month — will be performing an 8 p.m. show on April 14, and then two shows nightly (at 8 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.) on April 15 and 16. Tickets: $37.50 for general admission, $62.50 for VIP seating. Details: Chucklescomedyhouse.com
Waxahatchee April 16, Crosstown Theater
The project of singer-songwriter Kate Crutchfield has been building her repu
tation across five Waxahatchee albums including 2020’s acclaimed “Saint Cloud,” which earned record of the year honors in Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, NPR and more. Waxahatchee will headline an April 16 concert at the Crosstown
Theater. Anti- Records artist Madi Diaz will open the show. Tickets: $25 for general admission, $45 for balcony seats. Details: Crosstownarts.org (The show originally was scheduled for Midtown venue Growlers. All tickets previously purchased for the Growlers date will be honored.)
My Morning Jacket April 19, Orpheum
Nearly 25 years into their career, Louisville, Kentucky’s My Morning Jacket continues to thrill with their widescreen vision of American pop and rock. The Jim James-led outfit is touring in support of 2021’s self-titled LP and will be making its way to Memphis for a show at the Orpheum this month. Tickets: $29 to $79.50, Ticketmaster.com. My Morning Jacket will require either proof of a full course of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test. Patrons must have a completed COVID-19 vaccination card, with their final dose at least 14 days prior to the event, or a negative COVID-19 test result from 72 hours or less prior to the event. My Morning Jacket also asks attendees to wear a mask indoors.
Tower of Power April 23, Graceland
Still going strong after 50-plus years, Oakland, California horn-fueled R&B greats Tower of Power come to Mem
phis in April, headlining a concert at Graceland. Led by founding saxophonists Emilio Castillo and Doc Kupka, and now featuring vocalist Mike Jerel (a standout “The Voice” contestant), the group will be playing favorites from across their career including hits like “You’re Still a Young Man”, “So Very Hard to Go”, “What Is Hip?” and “Don’t Change Horses (in the Middle of a Stream).” Tickets: $30 to $80. Details: Gracelandlive.com
The Cult April 26, Graceland
Veteran hard rock hitmakers The Cult come to the play the King’s court in April. The group — led by singer Ian Astbury and guitarist Billy Duffy — will headline the Graceland Soundstage on April 26. Tickets: $35 to $95. Details: Gracelandlive.com
Amos Lee
April 27, Cannon Center for Performing Arts
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Amos Lee headlines a show at Downtown’s Cannon Center for the Performing Arts. Lee, the veteran tunesmith, is touring in support of his eight studio LP, “Dreamland,” released earlier this year. Tickets: $39 to $60, Ticketmaster.com