Rock n’ Soul Museum, Memphis; (c) Soul Of America
Memphis Cultural Sites
National Civil Rights Museum
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STAX Museum of American Soul Music
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LeMoyne-Owen College
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Rock n Soul Museum
DESCRIPTION: The mission of this fine museum is to to tell the “Complete Memphis Music Story.” One vist and you might agree.’ Located at the corner of Beale Street and BB King Avenue (Blues Highway 61), this Smithsonian museum next to Gibson Guitar Factory offers a comprehensive experience originating from the sharecropper era, then birthing the Blues, Gospel, Rockabilly, R&B, and Soul Music genres. Memphis native Elvis Presley also have a special exhibit that pays homage to his Black connections to Gospel, Blues and R&B in Memphis. The museum does not shy away from how racism affected the art & craft of music-making and recording in the area. In many ways, the museum is a launching pad for to further explore Stax, Graceland, and Sun Studio museums.
TICKETS: $$
DAYS & HOURS: Daily 10a-5p
ADDRESS: 191 Beale Street, Memphis, TN MAP
PHONE: 901-205-2533
WEBSITE: https://www.memphisrocknsoul.org
W.C. Handy Monument & Museum
DESCRIPTION: Accurately considered the “Commerical” Father of the Blues, William Christopher Handy (1873-1958) was born in Florence, Alabama. He spent many productive years in St. Louis and settled in Memphis. Handy is memorialized by this statue in a small park and another statue in Florence, Alabama.how fitting that this popular corner hosts impromptu Blues and Jazz sessions and music festivals; the museum of his small wooden house and artifacts is in the same block.
DAYS & HOURS: daily
ADDRESS: 352 Beale Street, Memphis, TN MAP
PARKING: Peabody Place garage
PHONE: 901-522-1556
WEBSITE: none
Ramesses The Great Statue
DESCRIPTION: Located in front of the Pyramid Arena, stands an intriguing stone replica of the King Ramesses II statue. The statue was a gift from its sister city in Egypt and stands as a noble sentry on Front Street.
ADDRESS: Front Street at Overton Avenue, Memphis, TX MAP
Hattiloo Theatre, Memphis; (c) Justin Fox Burks
Hattieloo Black Repertory Theatre
DESCRIPTION: Memphis Black Repertory Theatre group founded by Ekundayo Bandele, performs engaging plays that range from A Raisin In The Sun to Macbeth to Todog/Underdog during their October-May season. Performances are held in the 70-seat, 3,200-square-foot Hattiloo Theater. The lobby of is called Zora’s Lounge in honor of author Zora Neale Hurston. The theatre also features a drama training academy in the Summer.
BOX OFFICE: Thu-Sun before showtimes; tickets range from $10-$18
ADDRESS: 656 Marshall Avenue, Memphis, TN MAP
PHONE: 901-276-9555
WEBSITE: http://www.hattilootheatre.org
Bantaba Dance Company
DESCRIPTION: Founded in 2004, this dance group presents positive education through West African dance, drumming, story and song. They offer breath-taking performances, great classes, enriching lectures, and demonstrations for all ages and races. The Afrobics Class has all of the essential workout elements of Aerobics and African dance mixed into one fun workout for beginners or dancers looking for an alternative workout.
BOX OFFICE: varies by each venue in Memphis
ADDRESS: 2157 York Avenue, Memphis, TN MAP
PHONE: 901-246-7454
WEBSITE: http://www.memphisbantaba.org