Virtual music festivals are fast becoming the norm in this time of covid-19 and social distancing, so it’s only right that one of the most famous live music destinations in the world jumps on board. The city of Memphis has today announced a digitised festival to bring entertainment and stress relief to those around the world who can’t travel at the moment.
The festival will aim to raise funds for musicians who are among the many facing severe financial distress due to the covid-19 crisis and the ongoing cancellation of events, gatherings and travel. This will be via a donation button alongside the Facebook livestreams, which are free to access and watch across the three days of the festival, 26th – 28th March.
Headliners already signed on the growing line-up include blues-soul band and recent Grammy nominees Southern Avenue, Ben Nichols of Southern rock band Lucero, and Memphis-bred experimental funk bassist MonoNeo.
“The musicians of Memphis play an integral part in the city’s identity – as they have throughout history,” said Memphis Tourism’s Australian Director Chris Ingram. “The destination’s live music scene is one of the world’s most vibrant and this festival provides a great opportunity to help lift people up during what is an incredibly challenging time, whilst still celebrating the music that our great city is famous for.”
Memphis will also host other live streaming events pertaining to the arts and lifestyle, including live animal encounters at the city’s zoo, story time, and more music events in the coming months. A full list can be found here.
The festival line up (in AEST) is as follows:
Thursday, March 26th (Friday, March 27 th 11am AEST)
7PM: Mononeon
Friday, March 27th, 8PM- 10PM (Saturday, March 28 th 12pm – 2pm AEST)
8:00: D’Monet
8:30: IMAKEMADBEATS
9:00: Louise Page
9:30: Southern Avenue
Saturday, March 28th, 8PM- 10PM (Sunday, March 29 th 12pm – 2pm AEST)
8:00: Brandon Kinder of The Wealthy West
8:30: Doll McCoy & Derek Brassel
9:00: Cameron Bethany
9:30: Ben Nichols of Lucero
All streaming will take place HERE.
Image: Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau.
