Hey, Memphis! Done with Christmas shopping? Finished up with finals? No to both? No worries; this weekend has you set up to celebrate all the stuff you finished or ignore it and procrastinate without remorse.
This edition of Weekend Shots has you getting into the Christmas spirit, listening to some rich Memphis flavor, and getting a healthy serving of some Southern folklore. No quitters allowed—it’s time for some weekend shots!
Friday (12/14) begins things with a touch of the holiday spirit with the Shangri-La Christmas Party at The Hi-Tone Cafe. Shangri-La Records is a staple of the Memphis vinyl scene and are always worth supporting. (Which reminds me, vinyl makes an amazing, though awkwardly shaped, stocking stuffer.) Breakout Memphis throwback pop-rock act Tiger High will be headlining with support from Wuv Birds and Ultra Cats.
Over at Minglewood, some other great Memphis happenings araace… Well… happening. Memphis alternative pop-rock Swoon spent the summer recording their debut album at Ardent Studios here in town and have a treasure trove of poppy songs that you can sing along to with still enough overdriven guitars and pummeling drum work to make you feel like a badass. The catchy pop of Brennan Whalen & The River Rats as well as alternative rock outfit The Doorknobs support.
Saturday (12/15) has plenty of good things in store for you, starting with a blues-heavy Deering and Down show at the Center for Southern Folklore. The duo consists of guitarist Rev Down with vocal accompaniment by Lahna Deering. Their most recent record, Out There Somewhere, was recorded here in town at Royal Studios under the supervision of legendary producer Willie Mitchell and has enough subtle homages to the records of yore to keep you full of nostalgia from start to finish. The traveling twosome have seen many sides of the states and now currently reside in Memphis. This is a cue for blues-lovers to take as many opportunities as they can to come out and see the couple play while they still have the chance.
Last but certainly not least, is a Christmas show from one of Memphis’ warmest hearts. Pop crooner Chris Milam is having a Christmas show at Otherlands. The singer has just released his newest effort, The Young Ave EP, and even has a snazzy new video to boot. He’ll be running through his own material and a few holiday choruses, so come out if you’ve been looking for an excuse to wear your overtly ironic bah-humbug sweater. Darien Clay and Kris Acklen support.
