The season has been hectic for touring performances. And although the Christmas season will cause Memphis’ concert schedule to slow down, October still has a decent variety of performers scheduled to perform at local venues, including folk-punkers, soul queens, power-pop hitmakers, and R&B veterans.
Here are some of our best choices for live performances this month. Always make sure to inquire about any health and safety procedures or required vaccinations with each location as the event date approaches.
Jon Spencer & the HITmakers
Oct. 13, Hi-Tone Café
NYC rocker Jon Spencer performs with his brand-new band, the HITmakers, at the Hi-Tone in support of their self-titled first album. Spencer performs vocals and plays guitar on the record, along with M. Sord on drums, Sam Coomes of Quasi performing synths and singing, and Bob Bert on garbage can percussion. On October 13, the ensemble will perform in the Hi-large Tone’s room with veteran Sleater-Kinney drummer Janet Weiss stepping in on drums.
The Subteens
Oct. 14 at Hi-Tone Café and Oct. 15 at Wiseacre Brewing Company (Downtown)
On October 14, the band will do a concert in the main room of the Hi-Tone Café to commemorate the publication of “Vol. 4: Dashed Hopes and Good Intentions,” which is being released by a local label called Back to the Light. J.D. Reager and Seize and Desist will also be on the lineup for the performance. On October 15, The Subteens will perform at a Back to the Light “Fall Turnout” showcase with Rosey, J.D. Reager, Loose Opinions, and s p a c e r at the Wiseacre Brewing Company’s Downtown location.
Mary J. Blige
Oct. 16, FedExForum
Mary J. Blige, one of the biggest divas in R&B, will return to Memphis with her performance. On October 16, Blige will be the star of the “Good Morning Gorgeous Tour,” which will stop at FedExForum. The lineup will also feature Ella Mai and Queen Naija in addition to Blige.
Chicago
Oct. 20, Radians Amphitheater
Chicago’s performance marks the conclusion of the yearly Live in the Garden musical series. The trio, who boasts a half-century of successes, including “25 or 6 to 4”, “Saturday in the Park,” “Hard Habit to Break,” and many others, will wrap things off on October 20 at the Radians Amphitheater at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Sivad Buries Rock and Roll Record Release Party
Oct. 22, Bar DKDC
Dedicated to Watson Davis, often known as Sivad, the renowned “Monster of Ceremonies” from “Fantastic Features,” which aired on WHBQ-TV from 1962 to 1972. Sivad’s legendary 1963 single “Sivad Buries Rock N’ Roll” is being reissued by local company Black & Wyatt Records on brand-new blood-red vinyl. Live performances from recording artists Tyler Keith and the Apostles, Andy V, Senpai Red Moon, and Black & Wyatt will be featured at the release party. The Sivad single and other popular Halloween and rockabilly tunes will be played by DJ Amy Dobbins. Free glow-in-the-dark vampire fangs will be given to customers who purchase the album. At the event, Sivad t-shirts, books, posters, and other merchandise will be for sale.
John Fullbright
Oct. 28, B-Side
This month, singer-songwriter John Fullbright gives a performance in Memphis. To promote his most recent album, “The Liar,” Fullbright is on the road. The album was released almost eight years after his 2014 album “Songs.” Fullbright has received nominated for Grammy and Americana Music Association awards for his work prior to taking a lengthy vacation from his career. On October 28, a concert headlined by Fullbright will be held at B-Side and hosted by Folk All Y’all.
Rick Springfield
Oct. 29, Graceland Soundstage
Rick Springfield, a seasoned pop hitmaker, will be in town to perform songs from his discography, including classics like “Don’t Talk to Strangers” and “Jessie’s Girl.” On October 29, Springfield will perform as the opening act at the Graceland Soundstage.