Hey, Memphians! The time has come again to rock out to some local yokels in addition to national notables in support of a great cause. The seventh iteration of Rock for Love is happening this weekend with a slew of talented musicians and fun things to do.
The extended weekend is as much a collection of great shows and fun things as it is a fundraiser for the Church Health Center and its endeavors to help the less fortunate. A portion of the proceeds for the Levitt Shell gig also go to funding the venue, so please go to ensure that the Shell will be there for Memphis for many years to come.
Also of note is a CD compilation of 20 exclusive/previously unreleased tracks of Memphis music available through the weekend’s event. The release includes John Paul Keith, Memphis Dawls, Dead Soldiers, Mark Stuart, and Snowglobe, and will come out via Unclaimed Recordings with help from Select-O-Hits and Audiographic Masterworks. Pick yours up and show support for local music and publishing!
Friday’s show takes place at Young Avenue Deli. High energy is guaranteed from the electronic dance pop group Kaleidophonix with plenty of other fun dance vibes from DJ Devin Steel. Not to limit the night to electronic music, Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage, Reemus Bodeemus, and the very best band that features a washboard, Side Street Steppers, will also play sets. 18+. Door is $10.
Saturday morning starts at the crack of noon with Elvis lovers Big E and the Mississippi Boys, who will be turning Overton park into a Heartbreak Hotel. In the same session, Chad Nixon and The Star Killers will show attendees what younger Memphis has been up to. Elizabeth Wise will also be playing her pleasant singer/songwriter tunes in the warm weather of the park. The show is all ages and FREE, but donations are definitely appreciated!
Saturday’s evening show contains a hefty amount of great energy and starts at 6 p.m. at the Levitt Shell. Memphis acoustachampions Mark Edgar Stuart and (the stupidly pretty) Kait Lawson have a set of their most sincere songs. The positive and uplifting compositions of John Kilzer Band will be one of the more optimistic showcases. After that, THE VOICE of Patrick Dodd Trio (as well as his heightened guitar skills) will make an extended appearance. Finally, the Grammy award-winning talents of Kirk Whalum will close out the evening at one of Memphis’s most beautiful venues.
The weekend’s final concert will take place at Young Avenue Deli as an after party for the Overton park gig. DJ Devin Steel will make another appearance. Also featured are the horns-a-plenty of The Mighty Souls Brass Band. Dead Soldiers and the elegant folk of the Memphis Dawls will put a bookend on the evening. The show begins at 10 p.m., is 18+ and $10.
Since 1987, the Church Health Center has provided quality, affordable healthcare to uninsured working people and their families. Since 2007, Rock for Love has raised funds and awareness for the Center while celebrating Memphis’ legendary music scene.
For more information about Rock for Love 7, visit RockforLove.org. For more information about the Church Health Center, visit ChurchHealthCenter.org. To learn about said VIP tables, contact Kelly Kraisinger.
