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Mempho Music Festival will continue the tributes deep into the late-night hours with a very special “Mempho All-Stars” jam on Saturday, October 7. Musical Director Eric Krasno, guitarist for Lettuce and Soulive, will lead a rotating cast of musicians including bassist Oteil Burbridge (Dead & Company, Allman Brothers Band), guitarist Steve Kimock (RatDog, Phil Lesh & Friends), harmonica player/vocalist John Popper (Blues Traveler, Frogwings), steel guitarist Robert Randolph (Robert Randolph & The Family Band), drummer/percussionist Jeff Sipe (Aquarium Rescue Unit), drummer/percussionist Wally Ingram (Timbuk 3, Stockholm Syndrome, David Lindley, Cheryl Crow), guitarist Papa Mali (7 Walkers), DJ Logic, guitarist Eric McFadden (P-Funk Allstars, Stockholm Syndrome), vocalist Leslie Mendelson, keyboardist Peter Levin (Gregg Allman Band), vocalist Lamar Williams Jr. (Les Brers), bassist Tad Kinchla (Blues Traveler), and MonoNeon.
These stellar musicians will come together to honor three fallen Southern-rock greats who passed away earlier this year: Allman Brothers Band founding members Gregg Allman and Butch Trucks, and Col. Bruce Hampton. The relationship between these three musicians and their influence on Southern-rock music go back to the late 1960s, and they have made an inimitable impact on the musicians that will take the stage on Saturday. With members of the Allman Brothers Band, Gregg Allman Band, Les Brers, Frogwings, and Aquarium Rescue Unit on the main stage together, the “Mempho All-Stars” will perform music in memory of Gregg, Butch, and Bruce.
In true “jam” fashion, the set will thrive in the improvisational atmosphere of over 13 world-class musicians who have been known to collaborate within the realms of rock, funk, soul, jazz, and more. With Memphis music in the air, fans can expect a healthy dose of tributes and covers, as well as the unexpected jams we all know and love.
The after-show will benefit philanthropic program called “Learn to Rock,” which aims to build bridges throughout the Memphis community by educating students about the city’s rich musical history. As part of the program’s outreach, Learn to Rock–sponsored by Orion Federal Credit Union– – is providing hundreds of free tickets to Shelby County Schools high school students, staff, and family members, as well as the Soulsville Foundation/Stax Academy and the Memphis Music Initiative.
Admission to Saturday’s “Mempho All-Stars” jam is included with general tickets to the festival, which takes place Oct. 6-7 at the 4,500-acre Shelby Farms Park. One of the largest urban parks in America, Shelby Farms is located just minutes from downtown Memphis. Tickets–including singleday and two-day general admission and VIP passes–are on sale now at memphofest.com.
