MEMPHIS PERFORMING ARTS VENUES
Memphis, TN
Cannon Center for the Performing Arts
DESCRIPTION: after a $92 million expansion and renovation, this arts venue reopened to rave acoustical and sightline reviews in 2003; the 2,100-seat venue is home for the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, ballet, opera, pop, comedy and jazz concerts, touring theatrical productions, and children’s theater; the Cannn Center is adjacent to the equally renovated 300,000 sqaure foot Memphis Cook Convention Center
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri Noon-5p and on show days
ADDRESS: 255 North Main Street MAP
PARKING: garages and lots nearby
PHONE: tickets 901-576-1269 or 901-576-1200
WEBSITE: http://www.thecannoncenter.com
Pyramid Arena
DESCRIPTION: If only visually, Feel the power of the pyramid in this unique 32 story arena and former home court for University of Memphis basketball team; built in 1991, tour the Pyramid’s 20,142-seat interior; since the Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis Tigers (college) moved to FedExForum, the arena is used primarily for concerts and religious events and there's still speculation about its future use; a dramtic stone replica of the King Ramesses II statue stands in front
DAYS & HOURS: tours Mon-Sat 10a-5p
ADDRESS: Pyramid Arena MAP
PARKING: garages and lots on premises
PHONE: 901-521-9675
WEBSITE: none
Center for Southern Folklore
DESCRIPTION: Managed by an organization with a loaded mission to preserve defend and protect the music, culture, arts, and rhythms of the South", they provide a stage for art, music and culture in Folklore Hall and 4 other stages that host small neo-soul, country, funk, jazz, blues, pop, poetry and surprise guest visitors; the Cooking Stage showcases regional chefs who making everything from ribs to peach cobbler to Chinese salads; they also sponsor the outstanding Memphis Music & Heritage Festival each September; the Folklore Store features an great gift selection too
BOX OFFICE: Folklore store Mon-Fri 8a-5p; Sat 11a-6p
ADDRESS: 119 South Main Street MAP
PARKING: garages and lots on Gayoso and Peabody Place
PHONE: 901-525-3655
WEBSITE: http://www.southernfolklore.com
Orpheum Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Built in 1928 on the site of another theatre it rings with opulence; tasseled brocade draperies, crystal chandeliers, gilded moldings and a Wurlitzer pipe organ are just a few of its new amenities common to the great Vaudeville Era; as Vaudeville's popularity waned, live performances at the Orpheum waned and was purchased by a movie theater chain in 1940, running movies until 1976; with the growth of suburban malls and cineplexes, it was nearly demolished, then in 1977 the Memphis Development Foundation purchased The Orpheum and began bringing Broadway Productions and concerts back; from 1982-84 it was renovated to its grand 1928 opulence; since then Broadway productions, Johnny Mathis, Gladys Knight, Kenny G, Chuck Mangione, Patti LaBelle and too many others to name have performed here; Ballet Memphis and Opera Memphis, also call the Orpheum home
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 9a-5p
ADDRESS: 203 South Main Street MAP
PARKING: garages and paid lots nearby
PHONE: 901-525-7800
WEBSITE: http://www.orpheum-memphis.com
New Daisy Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Constructed in the 1940s, when Beale Street needed more room and fancier a venue for Blues concerts; has hosted headliners from BB King, Rufus Thomas, Bobby Blues Bland and so many others; call for calendar of events
BOX OFFICE: Mon-Fri 10a-6p, Sat Noon-6p and later for showtimes
ADDRESS: 330 Beale Street MAP
PARKING: Peabody Place garage nearby
PHONE: 901-525-8981 or 8979
WEBSITE:http://www.newdaisy.com
Mud Island Amphitheatre
DESCRIPTION: Seats 5,000 seats along the bank of the island from a stage set near the Mississippi River; entertainers perform on the stage with stars overhead, nighttime breezes off the river, and the downtown Memphis skyline in the background; no outside coolers or beverages should be brought into the event
BOX OFFICE: Tue-Sun 10a-4p and later for showtimes
ADDRESS: 125 North Front Street MAP
PARKING: paid lots and garage nearby
PHONE: 901-576-7241
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