WE’RE GETTING FOLKS HYPE FOR BACK-TO-BACK GAME NIGHTS 😎

This Friday, April 5th, and Saturday, April 6th, pull up to the FedEx Forum Plaza where Corey Lou and Da Village Band will be setting the tone for the team to bring that heat when they hit the court 🏀🔥

⏰ PRE-PARTY HOURS: 5PM- 7PM ⏰

🐻 GAME DETAILS:
🏀 (4/5): Memphis Grizzlies vs. Detroit Pistons
🏀 (4/6): Memphis Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia 76ers

P.S. On Saturday, in honor of Marc Gasol’s Jersey Retirement Night, the first 5000 fans will receive a Marc Gasol commemorative vinyl record 📀

WE’RE GETTING FOLKS HYPE FOR BACK-TO-BACK GAME NIGHTS 😎

This Friday, April 5th, and Saturday, April 6th, pull up to the FedEx Forum Plaza where Corey Lou and Da Village Band will be setting the tone for the team to bring that heat when they hit the court 🏀🔥

⏰ PRE-PARTY HOURS: 5PM- 7PM ⏰

🐻 GAME DETAILS:
🏀 (4/5): Memphis Grizzlies vs. Detroit Pistons
🏀 (4/6): Memphis Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia 76ers

P.S. On Saturday, in honor of Marc Gasol’s Jersey Retirement Night, the first 5000 fans will receive a Marc Gasol commemorative vinyl record 📀

Shell on Wheels Presents: 5 Fridays of Jazz Series

In partnership with Memphis Library Foundation  &  The Overton Park Shell 

WHEN: April 21st | 6:30pm

WHERE: Benjamin Hooks Library

HOW MUCH: Free | Full Bar Available for Purchase

WHO: Memphis Jazz Workshop

Stephen Lee has been sharing his gift with students for the past 10 years as a long-time instructor at Stax Academy, Shelby County Schools (Overton and Booker T. Washington) and Visible Music College. Currently, he is a fellow and piano instructor at Memphis Music Initiative as well as at Crosstown High School. With each class and in each school, he strives to raise the quality of teaching (jazz, music) while continuing to develop a culture of learning and pushing his students to reach higher. It is his mission to instill the love of jazz in future generations, preparing them to lead the charge and keep the art alive and well.

*In partnership with Deaf Connect, a Certified Deaf Interpreter will be present during this concert

Shell on Wheels Presents: 5 Fridays of Jazz Series

In partnership with Memphis Library Foundation  &  The Overton Park Shell 

WHEN: April 15th | 6:30pm

WHERE: Benjamin Hooks Library

HOW MUCH: Free | Full Bar Available for Purchase

WHO: EKPE and the African Jazz Ensemble

Ekpe (pronounced “eck-pay), a “musical philanthropist” and artistic director of GENIUS UNLIMITED, specializes in children’s music and cultural entertainment. Since his career began in 1974, people of all ages and cultures have enjoyed and been enriched by Ekpe’s performances, recordings, workshops, and lectures. His motivational learning workshops on self-esteem, creative thinking, conflict resolution, drug prevention, and gang awareness have been well received by students, teachers, and administrators.  As a musician, producer, recording artist, songwriter and arts educator, he plays African instruments (djimbe drum, kalimba (thumb piano), shakere, and others), flute and saxophone. He gives entertaining and educational performances at schools, churches, festivals, colleges and universities, and is currently promoting his two CD’s entitled, “I AM A GENIUS” and “THE SPIRIT OF AFRICAN MUSIC.” His interactive music video “DON’T TOUCH A GUN” has been recognized and used as an effective means of keeping guns out of the hands of children.

At Shelby State College in Memphis, Ekpe was a music major and theater/drama minor and later began studying African music with Master Drummer Souleymane Diop of Senegal, West Africa.  After leaving college, he traveled nationally and internationally as a member of recording group Galaxy (Arista Records), touring Canada, Germany and Japan.  As former lead drummer and musician with Nubian Theatre Company, he performed in the Bermuda Islands, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. and the National Black Theatre Festival.

In 1992, Ekpe was requested to play at the burial ceremony for ROOTS author, Alex Haley in Henning, TN.  He traveled to Kenya in 1989 and performed with the Bomas of Kenya.  Other performances include: The Art Institute of Chicago, the Sejoung Cultural Center in Seoul, South Korea, and the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. In Paris, France he performed and composed music for “Black Boy: A Tribute to Richard Wright” with Blues City Cultural Center and in 1999 he performed in Holland at the 20th Blues Estafette (Festival). He  has also performed “THE SPIRIT OF AFRICAN MUSIC” on the nationally televised Bobby Jones Gospel Show. When President Nelson Mandela received the 2000 International Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum, Ekpe & Company presented him with the call of the drums. Ekpe believes President Mandela’s quote that says, “A country that does not care for its youth can never achieve success”. Most recently he recorded with saxophonist Kirk Whalum on the soundtrack for a documentary about HIV/AIDS in Africa and on his latest CD.

Shell on Wheels Presents: 5 Fridays of Jazz Series

In partnership with Memphis Library Foundation  &  The Overton Park Shell 

WHEN: April 14th | 6:30pm

WHERE: Benjamin Hooks Library

HOW MUCH: Free | Full Bar Available for Purchase

WHO: Gritty City Bang Bang featuring Hope Clayburn & Gerald Stephens

“Is there no Hope- there is, and she will funk you up!”
-Relix Magazine

Soul-Jazz-Funk saxophonist/flautist and vocalist Hope Clayburn is on a mission to move the people. Her unique funky, soulful style has allowed her to perform with an eclectic mix of artists around the world, including James Brown, The Allman Brothers Band, and The Temptations. She has appeared on the iconic PBS music show Austin City Limits with Grammy nominated folk artist Valerie June. Hope is also featured on Valerie’s new EP of cover songs Under Cover.

Hope can be found in Memphis, TN recording and performing with a variety of bands and with her own funk/rock ensemble Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage. Look out for their new record Y’ALL SO LOUD coming spring 2023.

Shell on Wheels Presents: 5 Fridays of Jazz Series

In partnership with Memphis Library Foundation  &  The Overton Park Shell 

WHEN: April 7th | 6:30pm

WHERE: Benjamin Hooks Library

HOW MUCH: Free | Full Bar Available for Purchase

WHO: Michael Townsend

As a child growing up in Memphis, Michael didn't have to look far to find inspiration to pursue a career in music. While in high school, Michael began studying the pioneering styles of great artist like Louis Armstrong, W.C. Handy, Mamie Smith, "Jelly Roll" Morton, Joe "King" Oliver, Sidney Bechet and Sarah Vaughn. In his senior year, he earned "First Chair All-State Concert Bassoonist" and played the saxophone in the "All West" Jazz Band.

Michael received a full scholarship to the University of Memphis. There he became known as an excellent woodwind doubler, while playing the saxophone and bassoon in the concert band and orchestra. After exploring the vocal styles of artists such as Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, Billie Holiday, and Al Jarreau, Michael soon received numerous awards for his vocal and instrumental talents. Michael became more and more interested in "Instrumental Pop" music of the ‘70s (now labeled "Contemporary Jazz), and was inspired by Grover Washington, Jr.’s, and David Sanborn’s lighter, funkier, radio friendly style. His focus later turned to artist such as George Benson, Chick Corea, Patti Austin, Angela Bofill, Spyra Gyra, Chuck Mangione' and Earl Klugh.

During Michael’s college years, he freelanced on Beale Street with different bands and other musicians. He recalls the first time he was given a chance to show his talents stating with fervor, “Guitarist Preston Shannon would allow me to sit in with him on Wednesday nights at the Blues City Café on Beale Street. I would anxiously await each night, hoping he wouldn't forget to call me up. Preston always gave me a chance to perform." Michael soon got his own recognition and was asked to perform with Willie Mitchell's house band on Beale Street and backing up national artist when in Memphis.

Michael Townsend, as with some of his legendary predecessors, has truly benefited from his Memphis upbringing. Constantly rehearsing and honing his skills, and educating himself on the history of his music shows the passion and dedication that he has for his craft.

Michael Townsend has earned an outstanding reputation for being a phenomenal opening act for professional artists including Johnny Gill, The Manhattans, and Glenn Jones, who played at the Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC). Audiences were impressed by Michael’s vocal abilities. He consistently gives his listeners variety and diversity when integrating his musical talents. He wows, captures and holds an audience with depth and precision.

He is now living a life-long dream, captivating his listeners when he presents his best Jazz and R&B experience developed throughout his lifetime. His live performances have been deemed sensual and sensational. Music critics have said, "You'll become mesmerized by Michael's mixture of smooth jazz, R&B and pop selections, that’s his brand and signature sound.” Memphis' native son, Saxophonist and Vocalist Michael Townsend. Smooth Jazz with an R&B Flavor!

Shell on Wheels Presents: 5 Fridays of Jazz Series

In partnership with Memphis Library Foundation  &  The Overton Park Shell 

WHEN: March 31st | 6:30pm

WHERE: Benjamin Hooks Library

HOW MUCH: Free | Full Bar Available for Purchase

WHO: Memphis Black Arts Alliance -featuring Joyce Cobb

Joyce was born in Okmulgee, Oklahoma and reared in Nashville, she first sang in her grandmother’s church.  At an early age the influence of music was present in her home environment.  Both parents were avid music lovers, with an emphasis on Jazz.

Joyce’s career spans from live orchestrations for Nashville’s WSM radio and television stations, to live performances in Europe.  She landed a record deal with a subsidiary of Stax Records just before the label folded, but continued her recording career with the West Coast based Cream Records.  Under the direction of Wayne Crook of Shoe Productions, she wrote, sang, and performed the single Dig the Gold that earned her a NO.42 spot in Billboard Magazine.

Maestro Alan Balter, conductor of the Memphis Symphony, heard her sing at the Peabody Hotel in 1990 and Cobb has since been invited to perform with the symphony on numerous occasions.

Ms. Cobb can be heard every Tuesday from 2:00PM until 4:00PM on WEVL FM90 (Memphis), with her show “Voices”, which features a variety of vocalism’s and personal interviews.  Every Wednesday night from 8:00PM until 10:00PM she hosts “Songs for My Father”, a program that shares a collection of jazz music. Joyce also travels from the East Coast to the West Coast with the Beale Street Jazz Band performing at traditional jazz festivals.  Joyce has been featured on numerous CD’s with other artists and is currently writing and producing her own CD.

THIs COncert has been rescheduled to April 15th, see you there!

Shell on Wheels Presents: 5 Fridays of Jazz Series

In partnership with Memphis Library Foundation  &  The Overton Park Shell 

WHEN: March 24th | 6:30pm

WHERE: Benjamin Hooks Library

HOW MUCH: Free | Full Bar Available for Purchase

WHO: EKPE and the African Jazz Ensemble

Ekpe (pronounced “eck-pay), a “musical philanthropist” and artistic director of GENIUS UNLIMITED, specializes in children’s music and cultural entertainment. Since his career began in 1974, people of all ages and cultures have enjoyed and been enriched by Ekpe’s performances, recordings, workshops, and lectures. His motivational learning workshops on self-esteem, creative thinking, conflict resolution, drug prevention, and gang awareness have been well received by students, teachers, and administrators.  As a musician, producer, recording artist, songwriter and arts educator, he plays African instruments (djimbe drum, kalimba (thumb piano), shakere, and others), flute and saxophone. He gives entertaining and educational performances at schools, churches, festivals, colleges and universities, and is currently promoting his two CD’s entitled, “I AM A GENIUS” and “THE SPIRIT OF AFRICAN MUSIC.” His interactive music video “DON’T TOUCH A GUN” has been recognized and used as an effective means of keeping guns out of the hands of children.

At Shelby State College in Memphis, Ekpe was a music major and theater/drama minor and later began studying African music with Master Drummer Souleymane Diop of Senegal, West Africa.  After leaving college, he traveled nationally and internationally as a member of recording group Galaxy (Arista Records), touring Canada, Germany and Japan.  As former lead drummer and musician with Nubian Theatre Company, he performed in the Bermuda Islands, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. and the National Black Theatre Festival.

In 1992, Ekpe was requested to play at the burial ceremony for ROOTS author, Alex Haley in Henning, TN.  He traveled to Kenya in 1989 and performed with the Bomas of Kenya.  Other performances include: The Art Institute of Chicago, the Sejoung Cultural Center in Seoul, South Korea, and the National Black Arts Festival in Atlanta, Georgia. In Paris, France he performed and composed music for “Black Boy: A Tribute to Richard Wright” with Blues City Cultural Center and in 1999 he performed in Holland at the 20th Blues Estafette (Festival). He  has also performed “THE SPIRIT OF AFRICAN MUSIC” on the nationally televised Bobby Jones Gospel Show. When President Nelson Mandela received the 2000 International Freedom Award from the National Civil Rights Museum, Ekpe & Company presented him with the call of the drums. Ekpe believes President Mandela’s quote that says, “A country that does not care for its youth can never achieve success”. Most recently he recorded with saxophonist Kirk Whalum on the soundtrack for a documentary about HIV/AIDS in Africa and on his latest CD.