Hoops fans visiting Memphis have plenty of non-sports entertainment to enjoy when they're not cheering on their team at FedExForum.
The Downtown Arena will host NCAA Tournament games on March 22nd and 24th, so there's plenty of time to enjoy some of Memphis' top entertainment options.
Here are six shows worth checking out, including concerts, comedy, and more. All located in or near downtown.
DJ Alpha Whiskey: March 21st, Central Station
DJ Alpha Whiskey is a DJ and aviator who had a passion for mixing and getting people hooked on music from a young age. She has performed for the Memphis Grizzlies, Jack Daniel's Whiskey Tennessee, and more. On March 21, DJ Alpha Her Whiskey will be on the decks of Eight and Sand (545 S. Main St.) at Central Station starting at 7 p.m. There is no cover charge. More information: centralstation.com.
Joe Fernandez: March 22nd, Hightone Cafe
Joe Fernandez is one of Chicago's funniest comedians and a favorite at the old Memphis Comedy Festival. He plans to return to the Bluff City on March 22 for a one-night-only show at High Tone (282 N. Cleveland). Hosted by Charlie Virgos, the bill will also feature a variety of local artists. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Details: hitonecafe.com.
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Vinyl Happy Hour with Shangri-La DJ: March 22, Memphis Listening Lab
Memphis Listening Lab, one of Bluff City's truly unique venues, will host a special event on March 22: Vinyl Happy Hour featuring music from Shangri-La DJs. The team from Memphis' famous record store will perform the following songs: 3 to 5 p.m. in the Listening Lab (1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 269). This event is free. More information: memphislisteninglab.org.
Kurt Vile & The Violators: March 22nd, Minglewood Hall
Philadelphia-based indie rock favorite Kurt Vile comes to Midtown's Minglewood Hall (1555 Madison Avenue) on March 22nd to headline a concert featuring his band, the Violators. Masu. Vile recently released his follow-up EP, Back to Moonbeach. Until the full-length “Watch My Moves” in 2022. Tickets: $43; visit Ticketmaster.com.
Emily Barker: March 23, Green Room, Crosstown Arts
Australian singer-songwriter Emily Barker is no stranger to Memphis. Back in 2016, Baker recorded the album Sweet Kind of Blue at Phillips Studio with Grammy Award-winning Memphis producer Matt Ross-Spann. After she lived in the UK for 21 years, Barker gained attention for her theme music for the hit BBC crime drama 'Wallander', starring Kenneth Branagh, before she returned to Australia, but she returned to the United States for her role in the series. I'm planning to come. Introducing the annual SXSW music conference held in Austin. Barker will perform an intimate concert on March 23rd at Crosstown Arts' Green Room (1350 Concourse Ave., #280). Tickets: $20; visit Crosstownarts.org.
Country Wayne: March 24th, Orpheum
Comedian Country Wayne (aka Wayne Colley) brings his “The King of Hearts” tour to downtown on March 24 at the Orpheum (203 S. Main St.). This funny guy has grown from his online roots over the past decade and is currently touring. He performed his stand-up to sold-out crowds all over the country. In addition to his stage work, Wayne co-hosts BET+'s comedy clip show “I Love Us” with Kim Whitley, and recently starred in the feature film “Strange Love” and the Peacock original film “Praise This.” is also appearing. Tickets: $38.50-$78.50; visit Ticketmaster.com.