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Levitt Shell

The "Levitt Shell" for the performing arts in Overton Park is located in midtown Memphis, Tennessee. Set on a natural slope between the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the Memphis College of Art, the Shell has been an outdoor performing arts pavilion since the 1930s. Recognized as the site of Elvis Presley's first rock 'n roll show, the Shell has been renovated and updated with state of the art lighting and sound and opens September 2008. 50 free performances a year with talent from around the world and your own backyard.

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    Levitt Shell

    1928 Poplar Ave.
    1930 Poplar Ave.
    Memphis, TN 38112

    Phone: (901) 272-5157

    Email

    Official Website

• Current &
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  • Current Events

    There are no current events available for this organization at this time.

  • Upcoming Events

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• Past
  Events

  • Past Events

    07/24/10	Levitt Loves Kids Levitt Shell Levitt Loves Kids Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell July 24, 2010 Emmy Award winner David Chicken shows the whole family a high energy, jump-out-of-your-seat good time with a super-hero chihuahua!
    07/20/10	Levitt Loves Kids Levitt Shell Levitt Loves Kids Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell July 20, 2010 From rock to soul, kids will have fun with the sweet sounds of these spectacular groups! Performers Include: The Summers, The Young Guns, Lila's School of the Arts, and Stax Academy
    07/17/10	Levitt Loves Kids Levitt Shell Levitt Loves Kids Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell July 17, 2010 Kids can shake, rattle & roll with this exciting folk and blues music of Wild Willy & the Memphis Jam Band!
    07/13/10	Levitt Loves Kids Levitt Shell Levitt Loves Kids Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell July 13, 2010 Kids will have a blast with the pop stylings of Brittany Russell, pop duo Nichole Samoine and dynamite sister duo Lila Young!
    07/10/10	Levitt Loves Kids Levitt Shell Levitt Loves Kids Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell July 10, 2010 New Ballet Ensemble shakes it up with African roots and urban dance.
    07/06/10	Levitt Loves Kids Levitt Shell Levitt Loves Kids Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell July 6, 2010 Kids will have an exciting morning featuring the best and brightest of Memphis youth! Show will include: Hot Pink Paper Clips The Memphis Rascals Lil' Chris African Performing Drum Troupe
    06/20/10	Calvin Newborn Levitt Shell Calvin Newborn Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 20, 2010 Legendary guitar master Calvin Newborn, brother of jazz piano great Phineas Newborn Jr., returns to Memphis for this exciting "homecoming" show. Calvin brings home his impeccable blues and R&B groove that has blazed trails through the history of Memphis music. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/19/10	Joyce Cobb Levitt Shell Joyce Cobb Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 19, 2010 With a soulful voice that reaches deep into your heart, every time Joyce Cobb steps on stage she earns the title Memphis Queen of Jazz. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/19/10	Farmer Jason Levitt Shell Farmer Jason Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 19, 2010 Emmy Award winner Farmer Jason brings back his toe-tappin' tunes for a high energy hootenanny. For more information on the Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/18/10	Betty Harris & the Believers Levitt Shell Betty Harris & the Believers Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 18, 2010 Known as the original "Soul Queen of New Orleans" Harris mixes blues and soul and is backed by the funk sound of The Believers. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/17/10	The Iguanas Levitt Shell The Iguanas Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 17, 2010 Latin shuffles, gritty funk, Basin street horns and a second line/mambo flavor all join hands to create world music in the true sense of the term. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/13/10	Sid Selvidge with Amy Speace Levitt Shell Sid Selvidge with Amy Speace Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 13, 2010 Memphis music legend Sid Selvidge returns with richly intense musical and lyrical treasures. Performing with New York-based singer songwriter Amy Speace, together they forge new musical terrain in an exciting show that unites two deeply talented songwriters. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/12/10	Cowboy Junkies Levitt Shell Cowboy Junkies Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 12, 2010 Known as one of the best live acts in the "alternative rock" world with their mix of upbeat pop-style musings and melodic harmonies, Cowboy Junkies are a popular favorite with crowds from around the world. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/12/10	The Boogers Levitt Shell The Boogers Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 12, 2010 Crusty, Greenie and Sticky bring Rock N' Roll to the kids! This award winning group rethinks classic children's music with chord-driven rock reminiscent of The Ramones. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/11/10	Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears Levitt Shell Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 11, 2010 Every note and delicious groove laid down by Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears will leave you with no doubt that the hip bone is connected to the heart. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/10/10	The Alternate Routes Levitt Shell The Alternate Routes Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 10, 2010 The Alternate Routes deliver a hybrid vibe of Rock N' Roll and ghostly balladry in a sonic experience that leaves the crowd feeling they got more than they bargained for. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/06/10	Steve Poltz Levitt Shell Steve Poltz Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 6, 2010 One of the most engaging, twisted, prolific songwriters today. Steve Poltz pioneered the punk-folk movement as a front man for The Rugburns and co-wrote Jewel's "You Were Meant for Me," the longest running song on the Billboard Top 100. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, please visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/05/10	Homemade Jamz' Blues Band Levitt Shell Homemade Jamz' Blues Band Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 5, 2010 These three young siblings will mesmerize all ages and have you dancing the day away! At just 17, 15 and ll years old, they've performed with B.B. King and have been nominated for Blues Music Awards. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website at www.levittshell.org
    06/05/10	Todd Snider Levitt Shell Todd Snider Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 5, 2010 Back by overwhelming demand, alt-country favorite Todd Snider returns to Levitt Shell for an epic night of fun. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    06/04/10	Hayes Carll Levitt Shell Hayes Carll Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 4, 2010 Austin's favorite country-rock crooner, Hayes Carll delivers songs born of baptism-by-fire experience, world weary observations and sharp wit in the tradition of Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website at www.levittshell.org
    06/03/10	Trampled by Turtles Levitt Shell Trampled by Turtles Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell June 3, 2010 This acoustic "new grass" quintet mixes traditional American roots and string music with elements of indie rock and beautiful high-lonesome vocal harmonies. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    05/30/10	African Explosion Levitt Shell African Explosion Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 30, 2010 This dynamic performance of traditional West African drumming and explosive dances that look more like acrobatics create an energy level that is out of this world! For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    05/29/10	Gustafer Yellowgold Levitt Shell Gustafer Yellowgold Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 29, 2010 International phenomenon Gustafer Yellowgold is a huge crossover hit with audiences of all ages. Delightful songs set to animations in a show the New York Times calls, "a cross between 'Yellow Submarine' and Dr. Seuss. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    05/29/10	Meta & the Cornerstones Levitt Shell Meta & the Cornerstones Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 29, 2010 Meta & the Cornerstones create a new, original reggae sound fused with Afropop, Hip-hop, Rock and Soul with a mixture of French, English, Wolof and Fulani vocals. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    05/28/10	Will Hoge Levitt Shell Will Hoge Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 28, 2010 Will Hoge breaks new ground with a sound and musicality infused with rugged, pulsating rock and spirited melodies. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    05/27/10	Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience Levitt Shell Terrance Simien & the Zydeco Experience Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 27, 2010 Grammy winner Terrance Simien and his eclectic Zydeco band mix it up with a multicultural Zydeco roots world experience. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website at http://levittshell.org
    05/23/10	Jose Conde Levitt Shell Jose Conde Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 23, 2010 Jose Conde takes his Cuban roots and mixes a range of Afro-Latin style, from Puerto Rican bomba to Haitian compas to New Orleans swamp-funk, for a nonstop blend of party-stoking grooves. For more information on our Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website. www.levittshell.org
    05/22/10	Baby Loves Salsa Levitt Shell Baby Loves Salsa Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 22, 2010 From the famous "Baby Loves" series, this show will have all the kids Salsa dancing! For more information on the Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website.
    05/22/10	Jimbo Mathus Levitt Shell Jimbo Mathus Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 22, 2010 Squirrel Nut Zipper Jimbo Mathus rocks the house with his blend of blues, country, gospel and soul. For more information on the Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website.
    05/21/10	Super Chikan Levitt Shell Super Chikan Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 21, 2010 This years Blues Music Award nominee for Entertainer of the Year, Super Chikan comes to roost at Levitt Shell with a groove that will have the whole place dancing. "Somebody better shoot that thang!" For more information on the Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website.
    05/20/10	Soul Rebels Brass Band Levitt Shell Soul Rebels Brass Band Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 20, 2010 Seven piece ensemble blends the sounds of Mardi Gras funk, soft rock and reggae for a party you won't forget. For more information on the Free Spring Concert Series, visit our website.
    05/15/10	Big Star Tribute Levitt Shell Big Star Tribute Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 15, 2010 SPONSORED BY The Oxford American Magazine! Levitt Shell is EXCITED to announce that we will present BIG STAR and the band’s tribute to the late Alex Chilton with a series of special guests! Special guests confirmed are Mike Mills, Amy Speace, Susan Marshall, Van Duren, Andy Hummel, Sondre Lerche and Brendan Benson (of Raconteurs). Opening Guests: Star & Micey All proceeds from Spring Season Kick-Off Party with Big Star will benefit Levitt Shell’s free concert series,...
    10/04/09	Nagata Shachu Levitt Shell Nagata Shachu Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell October 4, 2009 A mesmerizing and heart-pounding performance of Japanese folk drumming or "taiko." Sponsored by the Honorary Consulate of Canada.
    10/03/09	Mammoth Follies Levitt Shell Mammoth Follies Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell October 3, 2009 Earth-smashing dinosaur puppets and witty songs make learning about the great age of the dinosaur more fun. Sponsored by RiverArtsFest.
    10/03/09	Los Texas Wranglers Levitt Shell Los Texas Wranglers Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell October 3, 2009 Set the night on fire with this crowd-favorite Tejano group from Austin, Texas.
    10/02/09	Blues Revue Levitt Shell Blues Revue Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell October 2, 2009 Traditional blues presented by Music Maker Relief Foundation, featuring Beverly "Guitar" Watkins and Albert White, Lil Joe Burton, and more.
    10/01/09	The Duhks Levitt Shell The Duhks Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell October 1, 2009 A fusion of bluegrass, folk, rock and Afro-Cuban jazz have earned this Winnipeg, Manitoba, group a Grammy Award nomination.
    09/27/09	The Prodigals Levitt Shell The Prodigals Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 27, 2009 This quintet of high-energy Celtic rockers from New York delivers traditional Irish music with a twist.
    09/26/09	How I Became A Pirate Levitt Shell How I Became A Pirate Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 26, 2009 Memphis Symphony Orchestra's woodwind quartet brings to life author Melinda Long's beloved children's book.
    09/26/09	Fandanguero Levitt Shell Fandanguero Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 26, 2009 From a gypsy Spanish guitar to African drum beats, Fandanguero creates a colorful dance party of Son Jarocho music from Mexico.
    09/25/09	Lee Boys Levitt Shell Lee Boys Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 25, 2009 One of America's finest African-American sacred steel ensembles, this family group melds gospel with a blues-based beat.
    09/24/09	Carrie Rodriguez Levitt Shell Carrie Rodriguez Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 24, 2009 A blend of folk and country on violin and mandolin highlight these rootsy vocals in a style reminiscent of Lucinda Williams.
    05/28/09- 06/28/09	Levitt Shell Spring FREE Concert Season Levitt Shell Levitt Shell Spring FREE Concert Season Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell May 28-June 28, 2009 FREE CONCERTS at the Levitt Shell every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 28 - June 28, 2009!
    10/05/08	Brave Combo Levitt Shell Brave Combo Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell October 5, 2008 Polka with attitude! This Grammy winning band's reign as one of America's dance bands par excellence.
    10/04/08	Incendio Levitt Shell Incendio Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell October 4, 2008 A polyrhythmic swirl of Latin American sounds, their Nuevo Flamenco sound is winning fans across the country.
    10/02/08	John Jorgenson Levitt Shell John Jorgenson Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell October 2, 2008 Pioneer of the American gypsy jazz movement, Master guitarist Jorgenson brought Django Reinhardt to life in the film “Head In The Clouds”.
    09/28/08	Samarabalouf Levitt Shell Samarabalouf Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 28, 2008 Gypsy swing for a mad ball; this dynamic French trio will make feet tap and hands clap.
    09/27/08	Sones De Mexico Levitt Shell Sones De Mexico Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 27, 2008 Chicago’s premier folk music ensemble, keep the tradition of Mexican ‘son’ alive with a surprising modern twist.
    09/25/08	Stonehoney with Susan Marshall Levitt Shell Stonehoney with Susan Marshall Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 25, 2008 California country rockers evoke a classic 70’s sound with solid songs and sweet harmonies. Memphian Susan Marshall will add her voice as their special guest.
    09/21/08	By All Means Band Levitt Shell By All Means Band Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 21, 2008 Afro-Funk-Fusion is hard hitting groove music inspired by the sounds of the world.
    09/20/08	Sara Hickman Levitt Shell Sara Hickman Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 20, 2008 Spontaneous and joyful, singer-songwriter Hickman’s infectious songs invite everyone to join the party and sing along.
    09/20/08	Grupo Fantasma Levitt Shell Grupo Fantasma Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 20, 2008 “Real musicians playing real music” is how Prince describes his favorite funky Latin Orchestra.
    09/19/08	Trampled Under Foot Levitt Shell Trampled Under Foot Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 19, 2008 Winners of the 2008 International Blues Challenge and the 2008 Albert King Award, this talented band of siblings say “It’s all about the blues”.
    09/18/08	Sid Selvidge Levitt Shell Sid Selvidge Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 18, 2008 Master blues guitarist and producer of Beale Street Caravan, Selvidge keeps the Memphis blues tradition alive.
    09/14/08	Kula Levitt Shell Kula Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 14, 2008 This band of brothers’ high energy Irish/Celtic music has been called the most exciting on the scene.
    09/12/08	Orange Mound Jazz Messengers Levitt Shell Orange Mound Jazz Messengers Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 12, 2008 Bringing their jazz sound with an R & B attitude this trio from Memphis knows how to deliver.
    09/11/08	Bill Evans' Soulgrass Bill Evans' Soulgrass Presented by Levitt Shell September 11, 2008 Grammy winning saxophonist and Miles Davis alum, Evans creates an exhilarating hybrid of bluegrass, jazz and funk.
    09/06/08	El Conejito Verde ( The Green Rabbit) Levitt Shell El Conejito Verde ( The Green Rabbit) Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 6, 2008 Teatro de la Rosa presents an old Mexican folktale designed for K thru 4 kids and is fully bilingual. Using original music and colorful masks, the actors engage the children with magic that moves the story along.
    09/04/08- 10/05/08	Levitt Shell in Overton Park Levitt Shell in Overton Park Presented by Levitt Shell September 4-October 5, 2008 Avg. Event Rating (2.3 Stars): Beginning September 2008 and continuing May 2009, the Levitt Shell will present 50 FREE concerts to the greater Memphis community; five shows a week, on the blankets and under the stars. Thursday - Americana Friday - R&B, Soul, Gospel Saturday - (5pm) Kids, (7:30pm) Musica Latina Sunday - World Rhythms
    09/04/08	Free Music Series- Amy LaVere Levitt Shell Free Music Series- Amy LaVere Presented by Levitt Shell at Levitt Shell September 4, 2008 Amy LaVere combines the classic country swing of her mighty acoustic bass with the jazzy sway of her seductive vocals.

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• Member
  Reviews

  • Member Reviews

    • Event Name: Levitt Shell in Overton Park
      "Can't wait until the season begins!"
      Comment posted by: Helen P. - midtown from Memphis, Tn., Apr 13, 2009
      

      The concerts last year were awesome! We went to just about every one of them. Great place to hang out and be entertained. The cost was definitely in our budget (FREE!) And best of all we always ran... Expand

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      The concerts last year were awesome! We went to just about every one of them. Great place to hang out and be entertained. The cost was definitely in our budget (FREE!) And best of all we always ran into people we knew. Excellant venue. It needs to be utilized more! Peace. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Levitt Shell in Overton Park
      "Grupo Fantasma"
      Review posted by: Sally N. from Lakeland, TN, Sep 21, 2008
      

      What a great night!!!! The band was Fantastic!!! Music REALLY does unite people, couple that with night skies and a beautiful venue and you have a near perfect evening. Great to see so many happy... Expand

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      What a great night!!!! The band was Fantastic!!! Music REALLY does unite people, couple that with night skies and a beautiful venue and you have a near perfect evening. Great to see so many happy faces dancing and enjoying themselves!!! YEA SHELL!!!!!!!! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Levitt Shell in Overton Park
      "9/8/08 latina music night"
      Review posted by: rambo from memphis , tn., Sep 09, 2008
      

      I am very happy with the whole thing....thanks very much , this is just what we needed in Memphis to get us all together in one accord...( :

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      I am very happy with the whole thing....thanks very much , this is just what we needed in Memphis to get us all together in one accord...( :

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    • Event Name: Grupo Fantasma
      "A re-birth"
      Comment posted by: Katie Smythe from Memphis, Sep 08, 2008
      

      To be at the Levitt Shell this past weekend was to be transported back to the twilight evenings of the seventies when music rang out from the park and community members caught up between sets. Kudos... Expand

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      To be at the Levitt Shell this past weekend was to be transported back to the twilight evenings of the seventies when music rang out from the park and community members caught up between sets. Kudos to Barry Lichterman, Jeff and Bunny Goldstein, Lee Askew, the entire board as well as the Assisi Foundation and especially, the Mortimer Levitt Foundation for bringing the Shell back to us, back together in this place where Furry, Phineas and Elvis serenaded Memphis under the stars. Sit back a bit in the center of the grassy slope for the best acoustics. Bravo! Collapse

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    • Event Name: Levitt Shell in Overton Park
      "A little too loud"
      Comment posted by: Concerned Mom from Memphis, TN USA, Sep 08, 2008
      

      We really enjoyed the children's program Saturday evening. The performers were wonderful. If possible, in the future, could you please lower the volume a little? Many of the people around us commented... Expand

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      We really enjoyed the children's program Saturday evening. The performers were wonderful. If possible, in the future, could you please lower the volume a little? Many of the people around us commented that the volume was too loud, and were concerned about their little ones' ears. The sound quality was also a bit distorted. Other than this minor point, everything else was great. Thank-you for organizing this wonderful event, we will definitely attend the next performance. Collapse

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    • Event Name: Levitt Shell in Overton Park
      "Kirk Whalum and The New Olivet Choir"
      Comment posted by: TPresley from Memphis, Sep 06, 2008
      

      The show on 9/5 with Kirk Whalum and The New Olivet Choir was awesome!!!!

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      The show on 9/5 with Kirk Whalum and The New Olivet Choir was awesome!!!!

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    • Event Name: Levitt Shell in Overton Park
      "Great talent on a misty night"
      Review posted by: Kelly from memphis, tn, Sep 05, 2008
      

      Im not sure if alot of people know but the shell reopened last night in overton park. One of my girlfriends and I went and weathered the misty performances. It was well worth the long haul to... Expand

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      Im not sure if alot of people know but the shell reopened last night in overton park. One of my girlfriends and I went and weathered the misty performances. It was well worth the long haul to memphis. I saw a few people i knew from my college days, clubbing nights, and recent outings. The lady on stage was glowing as bright as the new lights at the shell. It's hard to say if her sound was as beautiful as she was. I found my self in awe of amy's beauty and talent. Over all Im in love with the new venue... or is it an old venue. Either way I'm thinking about going to the Latin music fest this Sat At the shell. Last night made me fell like I was part of something again. I look forward to all the acts coming to the shell and I hope the rest of memphis comes out and shows support. I would have given this event a higher score but the food portions were small. Collapse

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