A-list acts bloom at Botanic Garden
Bennett, Plant, Band Perry slated
Crooner Tony Bennett, rock god Robert Plant and fast-rising country stars The Band Perry are among the big names set to perform at the Memphis Botanic Garden’s “Live at the Garden” series.
The 13th annual edition of the summer concert program was announced Wednesday night during an event at the garden. Construction plans also were unveiled for a multiphase, multimillion-dollar permanent concert stage and facilities.
This year’s “Live at the Gar- den” kicks off June 1 with the legendary Bennett. R&B big band Earth, Wind & Fire follows on June 15. Former Led Zeppelin lead singer Robert Plant brings his roots-music ensemble to play on July 13. Country-pop family outfit The Band Perry appears on Aug. 23. The series conclude with classic rockers Foreigner on Sept. 20.
“We’re really excited about Memphis Botanic Garden, 750 Cherry Road. Season lawn passes are $175, plus fees, and are on sale Friday at the Live at the Garden box office, Ticketmaster outlets, ticketmaster.com or 800-745-300. Individual show tickets are $45 and go on sale May 6. June 1: Tony Bennett June 15: Earth, Wind & Fire July 13: Robert Plant the diversity of this year’s lineup,” said “Live at the Garden” co-director Sherry Misner. “This is the most diverse lineup we’ve Aug. 23: The Band Perry Sept. 20: Foreigner had. We’ve always wanted that to be the goal. Some years, it
to get for the 2013 series.”
Full-season lawn passes for all five shows go on sale Friday for $175. Individual concert tickets go on sale May 6 for $45. Tickets can be purchased at all Ticketmaster outlets or at the Botanic Garden box office.
The Botanic Garden has also announced plans to construct a permanent stage and facilities. The four-phase project is expected to cost $5.8 million. “The motivation for us is that we have to create the whole ‘Live at the Garden’ world each year,” Misner said. “We’re in our 13th year and feel like we’ve established ourselves and it’s time to take the next step. This will also guarantee the sustainability of the botanic garden for many years to come.”
“Having a permanent facility is not just for ‘Live at the Garden,’ but it opens us up to many more opportunities,” Misner added. “We intend to work with other groups and arts organiza- tions to use it for a variety of functions.”
Garden organizers are confident they will have the money raised for Phase 1 — which will include the construction and installation of a stage, sound and lights — by the end of the summer, when they hope to break ground.
The remaining phases will focus on the development of the grounds, backstage and other facilities.