Jazz Jam Session: Hosted by the Alex Upton Quartet
2025-06-17 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Chicago) | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Jazz Jam: Hosted by the Alex Upton Quartet
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 | The Green Room
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 pm
$7 tickets (plus fees) | Free for Participants
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Come jam with us at the Green Room, hosted by the Alex Upton Quartet!
Alex Upton is a Memphis-based saxophonist, composer, and educator with a deep passion for musics both old and new. Alex is a nationally awarded soloist that has performed and recorded with artists such as Rahsaan Barber, Rachel Therrien, Ted Ludwig, Baron Tymas, Stephen Anderson, and James Sexton. Awarded first prize in the 2022 North American Saxophone Alliance Jazz Artist Competition, Alex has performed at both JEN and NASA Conferences, and has performed at regionally renowned venues including the Brooks Museum of Art, Crosstown Arts Green Room, Durham’s Sharp Nine Gallery, and Bond Brothers Eastside. Their work as a performer and composer is featured on Summit Records with the 360 Jazz Initiative, and under their own name on their newest full-length album release “Portraits of a Silent Moment”.
Listed below are the jam tunes for the month of June. Participants are encouraged to learn several of the included tunes ahead of time in preparation for the jam. A limited number of blank slots for tune suggestions will be available at the sign-in desk.
JUNE JAM SESSION TUNES:

Blues for Alice (Charlie Parker)

Confirmation (Charlie Parker)

Gibraltar (Freddie Hubbard)

Equinox (John Coltrane)

How Insensitive (Antonio Carlos Jobim)

My One and Only Love (Guy Wood/Robert Mellin)

On the Sunny Side of the Street (Jimmy McHugh)

Yes or No (Wayne Shorter)

Mississippi Blues Night with Willie Farmer and Ryan Lee Crosby
2025-06-20 14:30 - 16:30 | TN
Crosstown Arts presents Mississippi Blues Night with Willie Farmer and Ryan Lee Crosby
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
FRIday, June 20, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door
purchase TICKETS HERE

Though the Mississippi Delta’s Willie Farmer and Rhode Island’s Ryan Lee Crosby come from different backgrounds, they are each dedicated to performing Mississippi blues music. Farmer — a Big Legal Mess and Music Maker Foundation artist from Duck Hill, MS — focuses on Delta- and Memphis-style blues while Crosby performs the stomping North Mississippi and the haunting Bentonia, MS blues. (Skip James is from Bentonia, MS.) The Memphis Flyer terms Farmer‘s last recording a “great album.” Though Crosby is a yankee, he has spent considerable time in Memphis and Mississippi and is mentored by GRAMMY Award nominee and juke joint proprietor Jimmy “Duck” Holmes.

Willie Farmer is living proof that Mississippi continues to produce deep blues. The 65-year-old guitarist is neither a soul modernist nor a revivalist, but a small-town auto mechanic who’s never shaken his love for old-school legends like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, and Lightnin’ Hopkins.
A lifelong resident of tiny Duck Hill, located in the hills east of the Delta, Farmer grew up on his family’s farm. He picked up the acoustic guitar in his early teens, and after saving money from picking cotton, he bought his first electric instrument. He began performing at school events and local gatherings, learning blues and R&B by tuning into a powerful Nashville radio station.
In his early twenties, he joined a loose-knit band that played juke joints around the area, including Duck Hill, Grenada, Kilmichael, and deep into the Delta in Greenwood and Charleston. But he eventually grew weary of the rowdy club scene, where “people liked to fight like crazy.”
In 2003, Farmer helped found the Grassroots Blues Festival, held in a meadow outside Duck Hill. The annual event connected him with downhome blues artists from across Mississippi, including Willie King and Leo Welch.
Farmer’s first serious studio effort came with “The Man From the Hill” (2019, Big Legal Mess), recorded over several sessions at Bruce Watson’s Memphis-based Delta-Sonic Sound. Working in a North Mississippi Hill Country vein, the album features Jimbo Mathus and drummer George Sluppick, with Farmer also exploring gospel harmonies alongside Memphis’ Barnes Brothers.
For the past thirty years, he’s operated his own auto repair shop, but he hopes the success of the album and touring opportunities will let him finally step away from the garage. The Memphis Flyer called the record a “great album,” highlighting his playing as full of “rough-hewn strength and deep sensitivity,” while Relix Magazine noted that it “showcases Farmer’s gritty blues approach as he honors longtime influences like Lightnin’ Hopkins and Howlin’ Wolf.”
In his upcoming album At the Blue Front, Ryan Lee Crosby channels the ethereal sounds of Bentonia, Mississippi, through a live field recording captured at the legendary Blue Front Café, the oldest active juke joint in the U.S. In the spirit of folklorists like Alan Lomax and David Evans, the album was recorded on reel-to-reel tape at the historic venue owned by Grammy-nominated bluesman Jimmy “Duck” Holmes.
Supported by Holmes, Grant Smith on calabash, and Jay Scheffler on harmonica, Crosby delivers eight tracks that honor Bentonia and North Mississippi blues traditions while reflecting his own distinctive voice. The album, rich with spontaneously composed performances, centers on Crosby’s electric 12-string guitar, played in both standard and “crossnote” tunings.
Crosby’s journey into Bentonia blues began in 2012 after discovering the early recordings of Skip James. He started formal studies with Holmes in 2019, but his influences also include Jack Owens, Cornelius Bright, and Robert Belfour, Jessie Mae Hemphill, and RL Boyce—the latter two of whom he has performed and recorded with.
Dubbed “a young torchbearer of the style” by Smithsonian Magazine, Crosby blends deep tradition with personal mysticism. His sound is raw, immediate, and reverent to place and people.
He has earned features in Guitar Player, Premier Guitar, Aquarium Drunkard, Vintage Guitar, American Blues Scene, and WBUR (Boston NPR), among others. His performance credits include Juke Joint Fest, Meadowlark Fest, and Levon Helm Studios, and he has also worked with producer Bruce Watson of Fat Possum Records.

Folk All Y'all presents: Mia Borders
2025-06-21 14:30 - 16:30 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Crosstown Arts and Folk All Y’all presents Mia Borders
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20
purchase TICKETS HERE

Mia Borders (she/her) is a renowned singer-songwriter who has captivated audiences with her soulful voice, electrifying performances, and diverse musical style. Born and raised in the vibrant city of New Orleans, her passion for music was evident from an early age and she quickly developed into a multifaceted artist, defying genre boundaries.
Borders’ live performances are nothing short of electrifying, infusing her soulful vocals with a contagious energy that leaves audiences spellbound. Whether she’s performing in intimate clubs or on grand stages, her charisma and connection with the crowd are unparalleled. Her ability to seamlessly transition between high-energy anthems and intimate ballads showcases her versatility and depth as a performer.
Beyond her musical accomplishments, Borders is deeply rooted in her New Orleans community, using her platform to uplift and support various charitable causes. Off stage and outside of the studio, Borders runs Third Coast Entertainment, a booking agency and event production company aimed at elevating women, LGBTQ+, and BIPOC artists. She also founded The Borders Foundation to support artists from marginalized communities.
Mia Borders continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, consistently delivering powerful and emotive music that touches the hearts of listeners around the world. Her dedication to her craft, combined with her authentic storytelling and soulful delivery, has made her beloved by her fans, and her impact is sure to resonate for years to come.

Él (1953)
2025-06-26 14:00 - 15:30 | TN
June 26th– Él is a Mexican film by Luis Buñuel based upon the novel by Mercedes Pinto originally released in the US as “This Strange Passion.”
“What starts as a foot fetish aroused at a Holy Thursday service morphs into romantic obsession and pathological jealousy… Francisco Galván (Arturo de Córdova), a rich middle-aged bachelor, becomes fixated on a proper young socialite (Delia Garcés). Under his relentless attention, she marries Francisco, who soon reveals himself to be a manipulative monster…. [isolating] her from her friends and family, [and getting] her to doubt her own behavior, her motives, and even her sanity.” – Richard Brody, The New Yorker
Long unavailable due to obscure reasons of film rights, this is perhaps the most underseen of Luis Buñuel’s great films made during his sojourn in Mexico. Here, Buñuel is unsparing in his incisive and downright dark portrayal of a man, outwardly normal, who, behind closed doors, terrorizes his inamorata. But because of the place of women in society, she has no place to turn for help. Bleak, powerful, and relevant. Directed by Luis Buñuel. Rated N/R 82 minutes.

Those Pretty Wrongs
2025-06-27 14:30 - 17:00 | TN
Crosstown Arts present Those Pretty Wrongs in The Green Room
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Friday, JUNE 27, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 pm
Tickets: $25 In advance (plus fees) | $30 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Those Pretty Wrongs celebrated their tenth year as a band with a tour across the U.S., UK, and Australia, promoting their best-reviewed album, Holiday Camp. Mojo described it as “irresistible” due to its “celestial harmonies” and “wrangled emotions,” while Uncut praised its “dreamily autumnal mastery” of power pop.

The partnership between Jody Stephens and Luther Russell began in 1992 but only blossomed into music collaboration a decade ago during the making of the documentary Nothing Can Hurt Me, which focused on the legendary Memphis band Big Star. Their self-titled debut album, released in 2016, garnered acclaim, leading to worldwide tours and the creation of their second album, Zed For Zulu (2019), an earthy exploration of human interaction.

Luther resides in Los Angeles while Jody remains in Memphis, and their collaboration emphasizes a spontaneous approach to music-making. Luther reflects on their journey, stating, “The first record was sort of a little miracle…. But here we are with our third LP out.” Jody’s influence on pop includes his work with Big Star and Golden Smog, while Luther has a storied career as a solo artist and producer, recently recognized in the Oregon Music Hall of Fame. Their harmonious partnership continues to thrive, with plans for a UK tour this September, celebrating a decade of music. Jody emphasizes the rewarding nature of their shared creative experience, involving all who support them.

An Intimate Night with David Ryan Harris
2025-06-29 13:30 - 15:30 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Crosstown Arts presents An Intimate Night with David Ryan Harris
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Sunday, JUNE 29, 2025
Doors open at 6 pm | Show begins at 6:30 pm
Tickets: $20 In advance (plus fees) | $30 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Spend a cozy Sunday evening with multi-hyphenate musician David Ryan Harris! Harris first rose to fame as front man for the seminal Atlanta rock band Follow For Now in the late 1980s; after the band’s dissolution in 1994, Harris struck out on his own as a solo artist while also working with singer and former Arrested Development member Dionne Farris. He’s released five solo albums and an EP under his own name, as well as one album as a member of the rock trio Brand New Immortals, and he’s written and produced for a wide range of artists including Zayn, Wanda Jackson, India.Arie, and Hootie & the Blowfish.
Harris recently won an APRA AMCOS for Billions Milestone for his work on Nelly’s 2010 single “Just a Dream,” which recently surpassed one billion streams; he also co-wrote the Guy Sebastian and Lupe Fiasco collaboration “Battle Scars” in 2012, which is certified platinum by the RIAA and went nine times platinum in Australia.
With further in-studio and onstage collaborations with artists like Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, John Mayer, Dave Matthews, Santana, and more, Harris is constantly collaborating with music’s brightest lights to add his own special touch to their work.

Crosstown Arts Residency Music & Media Application Info Session
2025-06-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Archer Recording Studio, 1902 Nelson Ave, Memphis, TN, 38114, United States
Crosstown Arts presents the Music & Media Residency Application Info Session
at Archer Recording Studio
1902 Nelson Ave
Memphis, TN 38114
Monday, June 30th, 2025
6:00 – 8:00 PM
RSVP HERE
*Attendees of this session will receive an offer for discounted recording and/or mixing from Archer Recording Studio*
Do you want to apply to the Crosstown Arts Resident Artist Program in music or media, but you’re not quite sure where to start?
Are you looking for more ways to make your application stand out to reviewers?
Are you Curious about how a residency at Crosstown Arts could impact your creative career?
Attend the Residency Application Info Session and learn the ins and outs of creating and submitting your application! You can also get answers to any questions you might have about the residency program directly from residency staff!

Jazz Jam Session: Hosted by the Alex Upton Quartet
2025-07-15 19:30 - 22:00 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Jazz Jam: Hosted by the Alex Upton Quartet
Tuesday, July 15, 2025 | The Green Room
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 pm
$7 tickets (plus fees) | Free for Participants
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Come jam with us at the Green Room, hosted by the Alex Upton Quartet!
Alex Upton is a Memphis-based saxophonist, composer, and educator with a deep passion for musics both old and new. Alex is a nationally awarded soloist that has performed and recorded with artists such as Rahsaan Barber, Rachel Therrien, Ted Ludwig, Baron Tymas, Stephen Anderson, and James Sexton. Awarded first prize in the 2022 North American Saxophone Alliance Jazz Artist Competition, Alex has performed at both JEN and NASA Conferences, and has performed at regionally renowned venues including the Brooks Museum of Art, Crosstown Arts Green Room, Durham’s Sharp Nine Gallery, and Bond Brothers Eastside. Their work as a performer and composer is featured on Summit Records with the 360 Jazz Initiative, and under their own name on their newest full-length album release “Portraits of a Silent Moment”.
Listed below are the jam tunes for the month of July. Participants are encouraged to learn several of the included tunes ahead of time in preparation for the jam. A limited number of blank slots for tune suggestions will be available at the sign-in desk.
JULY JAM SESSION TUNES:

Sandu (Clifford Brown)

Dolphin Dance (Herbie Hancock)

Night and Day (Cole Porter)

Little Sunflower (Freddie Hubbard)

Wave (Antonio Carlos Jobim)

Body and Soul (Johnny Green)

Firm Roots (Cedar Walton)

All of Me (Gerald Marks and Seymour Simons)

Chris Stamey: "Anything is Possible" with opener Alice Hasen
2025-07-16 19:30 - 22:00 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Chris Stamey: “Anything is Possible” with opener Alice Hasen
The Green Room
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Doors open at 7:00 pm | Show begins at 7:30
$20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Chris Stamey returns to the Green Room to share an eclectic chamber pop program of music from his upcoming record release!

“Anything Is Possible” (out July 11) is the latest collection of original material from North Carolina songwriter / vocalist / guitarist / producer Chris Stamey, an indie rock icon with a long and illustrious history that’s encompassed co-founding seminal avant-pop band the dBs, playing with Alex Chilton in the 70s, and more recently withJody Stephens & Big Star Quintet and the all-star smart-pop outfit the Salt Collective.

He will be performing detailed acoustic arrangements of songs from the record and from his “5 decades betwixt pen and pick” with a “chamber-pop” ensemble of some of Memphis’s finest: Jonathan Kirkscey, cello; Janaina Fernandez, violin; Catie Balsamo, flute; Carl Casperson, acoustic bass; and Jim Spake, saxophone.

Opening the show is Memphis violinist Alice Hasen!

Summer 2025 Resident Artist Talks
2025-07-17 13:00 - 15:00 | Crosstown Arts, The Green Room, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Crosstown Arts presents the Resident Artist Talks in The Green Room
Crosstown Arts is proud to present the summer residency cohort’s Resident Artist Talks! Join artists Kaylyn Webster, Desmond Beach, Eduardo Aguilar, and fosterfalls for an evening of discussion and knowledge surrounding the work of these four incredible resident artists.
This free event at The Green Room will feature presentations from various fields of visual arts and music, providing different perspectives into each artist’s creative journeys, inspirations, and artistic processes.
This is an amazing opportunity to connect with artists and hear from them about their own work and how different art forms interact. Whether you’re a long-time art enthusiast or new to the creative community, we invite you to experience the passion and creativity that drives these talented individuals.
Don’t miss this inspiring evening! Come meet the artists and dive into the world of the Crosstown Arts Residency!
Presenters will include:
Kaylyn Webster
Desmond Beach
Eduardo Aguilar
fosterfalls
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Thursday, July 17, 2025
Time: 6-8 pm
Tickets: Free and open to the public

Folk All Y'all presents: Nathan Graham
2025-07-18 14:30 - 16:30 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Crosstown Arts and Folk All Y’all presents Nathan Graham
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Friday, July 18, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20
purchase TICKETS HERE

When you think of a singer-songwriter, who comes to mind?
Nathan Graham (he/him) says it probably isn’t somebody who looks like he does, and he wants to change that.
Born and raised in Chicago, Graham meshes South Side Blues with Nashville Americana, beginning his career backing blues singers at famous haunts like Buddy Guy’s Legends and Kingston Mines. He spent a decade as a guitar-for-hire before picking up a mic to tell his own stories on the stage.
Soulful and steady, Graham’s music offers a raw introspective of the human condition that’s both painful and comforting. His guitar conveys heartbreak, lyrics tell stories of regret, but his rich vocal delivery offers the remedy.
Having brought his songs on international tours with both major label and indie acts, Graham is challenging the notion of what it means to be a singer-songwriter. He’s driving inclusivity within the genre, and he hopes to evoke a sense of understanding in the process.
“I’m writing about universal experiences,” he says. “I’m writing music to connect my story to yours, show you all that we have in common, and maybe help both of us feel less alone.”

Memphis Jazz Workshop Alumni Band
2025-07-19 19:30 - 22:00 | Crosstown Arts, The Green Room, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Memphis Jazz Workshop Alumni Band
Saturday, July 19th, 2025 | The Green Room
Doors open at 7 pm | Show starts at 7:30
$30 in advance (plus fees) | $40 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Join us for an unforgettable evening that honors the spirit, soul, and future of jazz in Memphis. The MJW Alumni Band brings together some of the city’s most promising young musicians—alumni of the renowned Memphis Jazz Workshop—for a dynamic concert showcasing their growth, artistry, and originality.
This electrifying program blends timeless jazz standards with fresh, original compositions, highlighting the rich musical tradition of Memphis while looking boldly toward its future. These talented artists, shaped by the city’s deep-rooted jazz legacy, now return to the stage in a one-night-only reunion of Memphis’ finest up-and-coming talent

FEATURING:

Kenneth Reed (Saxophone)

Kurtis Gray (Drums)

Terry Washington (Trumpet)

Tajh Walsh (Trumpet)

Eli Ibrahim (Piano)

Reginald Owens Jr (Drums)

Ethan Assad (Bass)

Casey Flipping (Piano)

Quincy Evans (Trumpet)

Roland Barber Quintet ft. Joel Frahm
2025-07-25 19:30 - 21:00 | Crosstown Arts, The Green Room, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Roland Barber Quintet ft. Joel Frahm
Friday, July 25th, 2025 | The Green Room
Doors open at 7 pm | Show starts at 7:30
$20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Roland Barber returns to Memphis, TN with a show featuring music for jazz quintet! He will be performing alongside powerhouse saxophone titan Joel Frahm. Rounding out the band will be a wave of young geniuses invigorating the Nashville Scene. On piano, you’ll find Alex Murphy, whose influences span from Mulgrew Miller to Robert Glasper. On the drum kit, young phenom Christian Burgs, and on the bass, Jack Aylor. Expect to hear modern and original music that speaks to the heart, soul, mind and toes. You’ll also hear a nod to the history of the music standards, and a ballad or two for the long time jazz listener.

Memphis Flamenco Trio + opener Davy Ray Bennet
2025-07-26 19:30 - 21:30 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Memphis Flamenco Trio
Saturday, July 26, 2025 | The Green Room
Doors open at 7 pm | Show starts at 7:30 pm
$20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE

Roy Brewer presents a night of solo flamenco guitar works and arrangements for flamenco ensemble, joined by flautist Sam Jesuyemi and cellist Johnathan Kirkscey. Opening for the show is local Memphis musician Davy Ray Bennet.
Roy Brewer was awarded a Ph.D. in Ethnomusicology from the University of Memphis in 1996. He is currently a part-time instructor at the University and is a freelance musician. Besides recording with many major label artists, his performance credits also include the Conan O’Brien Show; Austin City Limits; Later, with Jools Hollond (BBC); and his fiddle can be heard on the sound track for the motion picture Black Snake Moan. His research on Southern music has been published in the academic journals Popular Music, American Music, Popular Music and Society, and The Smithsonian Inst. Scholarly Press.
Davy Ray Bennet has been a local Memphis musician since 1996. He’s released three albums of his original songs. He graduated from the University of Memphis with a Bachelors of Music degree, with an emphasis on classical guitar performance. In his original instrumental works, Davy Ray imitates passages from musical genres that have always influenced him.

Kafé Kirk: Texas Jazz Jam
2025-07-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Crosstown Theater, 1350 Concourse Ave., Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Crosstown Arts presents KAFé KIRK: TEXAS JAZZ JAM
at Crosstown theater
Sunday, July 27th 2025
Doors open at 5:30 pm | Show begins at 6:00 pm
Tickets: $59 in advance (plus fees) | $70 at the door |
purchase TICKETS HERE

Join Grammy-winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum for Kafé Kirk, an ongoing jazz series in Crosstown Theater featuring musical and spiritual collaborations with special guest artists. This concert will feature legendary musicians Tom Braxton and Bobby Lyle.

TOM BRAXTON

Jazz saxophonist Tom Braxton has garnered critical acclaim while thrilling audiences of all ages from coast to coast and abroad for over two decades. From Africa to Japan, from New York to L.A., Braxton’s distinct, melodic sound leaves audiences astounded, clapping, and on their feet screaming for more!

BOBBY LYLE

Legendary pianist/organist Bobby Lyle was deemed a musical wonder when he released his first album, The Genie, which exploded onto the Billboard charts and blew the minds of jazz enthusiasts everywhere. Since that debut, Lyle has kept a high standard for 30-plus years, and has successfully maintained a flourishing, always-evolving career. Lyle’s unrivaled high standard of excellence entitles him to a place on the throne alongside other musical royalty, making him a permanent fixture in the prodigious society of jazz.

KIRK WHALUM

Soulful, passionate, stirring…these are the words most often used to describe Kirk’s music. Forged from his Memphis, Tennessee, gospel roots and his 1980s initiation into the thriving Houston, TX nightclub scene, Kirk’s big, rich tenor sound is unmistakably his. The ’80s were highlighted by Kirk’s stepping out of his blossoming sideman role and forming his own band. It was there that Kirk ultimately developed both his “voice” and songwriting in the crucible of the local club scene—especially at a rooftop club called Cody’s. It was also in Houston where jazz pianist Bob James “discovered” him and brought him on tour, which led to five successful albums with Columbia Records, including Cache, Kirk’s first #1 album.

Johnny Yancey and The Power to the People Orchestra (feat. Gabby Cain)
2025-08-01 19:30 - 22:00 | TN
Crosstown Arts Presents: Johnny Yancey and the Power to the People Orchestra
The Green Room @ Crosstown Arts
Friday, August 1st, 2025
Doors open at 7:00 pm | Show begins at 7:30pm
Tickets: $20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Come tap your feet with homegrown trumpeter Johnny Yancey as he proudly presents his Power to the People Orchestra featuring up-and-coming vocalist phenom Gabby Cain!
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Johnny Yancey has been honing his musical skills for over 30 years with locally and nationally recognized musicians playing music of all genres. He has performed with musical greats such as Alvin Baptiste, Billy Pierce, Donald Brown, John Birdsong, Terri Lynn Carrington, Javon Jackson, James Williams, Herman Green, Will Graves, Floyd Newman, Zaid Nassar, Emerson Able Big Band, Joyce Cobb, Earlice Taylor and many others.
The Power to the People Orchestra, previously known as the Sanctuary Jazz Orchestra, is the culminating effort of Yancey’s decades-long affection for big band repertoire. Having performed at numerous festivals including Memphis Heritage Festival, the Bartlett Festival, and the Whitehaven Jazz Festival, the Power to the People Orchestra is a pinnacle of Yancey’s continued dedication to the Memphis jazz community.

Marcella & Her Lovers
2025-08-02 19:30 - 22:00 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Marcella & Her Lovers
The Green Room @ Crosstown Arts
Saturday, August 2nd, 2025
Doors open at 7pm | Show starts at 7:30pm
General Admission Tickets $25 in advance (plus fees) | $30 at the door
VIP Tickets $50 in advance (plus fees) | $55 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Marcella Simien has been captivating audiences for the last 15 years. Her beloved Memphis-based band Marcella & Her Lovers is a group of electrifying, world-class musicians who leave audiences in awe. Simien’s raw energy, vocal prowess and ability to engage audiences on a deep level is breathtaking. Her Psychedelic Swamp Soul music fuses recognizable tones and textures inspired by culture bearers of the South- you’ll hear echoes of Soul, Blues & Jazz greats – while bringing you something completely new and refreshing to your ears. This is the long-awaited return of Marcella Simien’s band that hasn’t played Memphis in 8 months! It will be an unforgettable night of music and storytelling that you don’t want to miss.

Kortland Whalum with The Adam Larson Quartet
2025-08-08 19:30 - 22:00 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Crosstown Arts Presents: Kortland Whalum with The Adam Larson Quartet
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts⁠
Friday, August 8, 2025⁠
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 pm⁠
Tickets: $30 in advance (plus fees) | $40 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
The sounds of Jazz and Soul music come together for a night of vibrant, emotive fusion of raw vocal passion and intricate instrumental storytelling. Kortland brings deep, heartfelt lyrics and a powerful, gospel-inflected delivery, channeling raw emotion and groove. Think rich, velvety tones or gritty belts, evoking artists like Lou Rawls or Nat King Cole. Adam Larson, saxophonist, meanwhile, adds sophisticated, improvisational flair—think John Coltrane’s expressive phrasing or Kamasi Washington’s modern, soulful edge. Their interplay is dynamic: the singer’s rhythmic, soulful melodies grounding the performance, while the saxophonist weaves in spontaneous, melodic runs, adding texture and unpredictability.
FEATURING:
Kortland Whalum (Vocalist)
Adam Larson (Saxophones)
Steve Lee (Piano)
Clark Sommers (Bass)
Henry Conerway III (Drums)

LATE SHOW Kortland Whalum with The Adam Larson Quartet
2025-08-08 21:30 - 23:00 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Crosstown Arts Presents: LATE SHOW Kortland Whalum with The Adam Larson Quartet
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts⁠
Friday, August 8, 2025⁠
Doors open at 9 pm | Show begins at 9:30 pm⁠
Tickets: $30 in advance (plus fees) | $40 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
The sounds of Jazz and Soul music come together for a night of vibrant, emotive fusion of raw vocal passion and intricate instrumental storytelling. Kortland brings deep, heartfelt lyrics and a powerful, gospel-inflected delivery, channeling raw emotion and groove. Think rich, velvety tones or gritty belts, evoking artists like Lou Rawls or Nat King Cole. Adam Larson, saxophonist, meanwhile, adds sophisticated, improvisational flair—think John Coltrane’s expressive phrasing or Kamasi Washington’s modern, soulful edge. Their interplay is dynamic: the singer’s rhythmic, soulful melodies grounding the performance, while the saxophonist weaves in spontaneous, melodic runs, adding texture and unpredictability.
FEATURING:
Kortland Whalum (Vocalist)
Adam Larson (Saxophones)
Steve Lee (Piano)
Clark Sommers (Bass)
Henry Conerway III (Drums)

Folk All Y'all presents: Jesse Ruben
2025-08-09 14:30 - 17:00 | Crosstown Arts, The Green Room, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Crosstown Arts and Folk All Y’all present Jesse Ruben
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20
purchase TICKETS HERE

Jesse Ruben (he/him) is a singer/songwriter living in Brooklyn, NY. Best known for his lyrical storytelling and engaging live shows, his songs have been heard on more than a dozen TV shows in the US and abroad. His most recent single “This Is Why I Need You” reached the top 10 in 12 different countries, and has been streamed more than 60 million times across all platforms. He has recorded live sessions for NPR and MTV Asia, and has been featured on CNN and in Esquire Magazine.
Beyond his music career, Ruben is highly active in philanthropic endeavors. He is a co-founder of Generation Lyme, a community built to empower people facing Lyme disease through sharing patient stories and hosting online Meet-ups. In addition, he is the founder of The We Can Project, an initiative for young students designed to help them discover their passions and give back to their communities. To date, more than 800,000 young people have participated. To promote the program, he was personally invited by Hoda Kotb to perform live on The Today Show.

Jazz Jam Session: Hosted by the Alex Upton Quartet
2025-08-12 19:30 - 22:00 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Jazz Jam: Hosted by the Alex Upton Quartet
Tuesday, August 12, 2025 | The Green Room
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 pm
$7 tickets (plus fees) | Free for Participants
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Come jam with us at the Green Room, hosted by the Alex Upton Quartet!
Alex Upton is a Memphis-based saxophonist, composer, and educator with a deep passion for musics both old and new. Alex is a nationally awarded soloist that has performed and recorded with artists such as Rahsaan Barber, Rachel Therrien, Ted Ludwig, Baron Tymas, Stephen Anderson, and James Sexton. Awarded first prize in the 2022 North American Saxophone Alliance Jazz Artist Competition, Alex has performed at both JEN and NASA Conferences, and has performed at regionally renowned venues including the Brooks Museum of Art, Crosstown Arts Green Room, Durham’s Sharp Nine Gallery, and Bond Brothers Eastside. Their work as a performer and composer is featured on Summit Records with the 360 Jazz Initiative, and under their own name on their newest full-length album release “Portraits of a Silent Moment”.
Listed below are the jam tunes for the month of August. Participants are encouraged to learn several of the included tunes ahead of time in preparation for the jam. A limited number of blank slots for tune suggestions will be available at the sign-in desk.
AUGUST JAM SESSION TUNES:

Bye Bye Blackbird (Henderson/Dixon)

Groovin’ High (Gillespie)

Black Orpheus (Bonfa)

Peace (Horace Silver)

Windows (Corea)

Strasbourg/St. Denis (Hargrove)

One Finger Snap (Hancock)

All Blues (Davis)

ACCESS CHARTS HERE

Gettin' Grown Podcast Live in Memphis
2025-08-14 14:30 - 16:30 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Crosstown Arts Presents Gettin’ Grown Podcast Live in Memphis
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Thursday, August 14, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $35 In Advance (plus Fees) | $45 at the Door
purchase TICKETS HERE

Live at the Kitchen Table with Jade and Keia – An intimate live show experience with the hosts of the Gettin Grown Podcast. The Gettin Grown Podcast Community gathers virtually each week to collectively process the various and sometimes vicious vicissitudes of navigating adulthood.
Join us as we commune together in real life!

Strictly Jazz: The Music of Mulgrew Miller ft. Keith Brown
2025-08-16 14:30 - 16:00 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Crosstown Arts Presents Strictly Jazz: The Music of Mulgrew miller ft. Keith Brown
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Saturday, August 16, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20 In Advance (plus Fees) | $25 at the Door
purchase TICKETS HERE

The Strictly Jazz Series, a joint presentation by Crosstown Arts and Strictly Jazz Entertainment, celebrates classic jazz music through contemporary interpretations by acclaimed musicians. This show will feature Keith Brown performing the jazz standards and compositions of Mulgrew Miller, Harold Mabern, James Williams, and Donald Brown.

KEITH BROWN

Keith L. Brown is a distinguished pianist, composer, and educator, widely regarded as one of the most sought-after musicians in contemporary jazz. Rooted in R&B, Funk, Classical, Jazz, and Hip-Hop, his compositions and piano style seamlessly blend these influences, showcasing both deep tradition and modern innovation. With an exceptional command of jazz’s rich language, Brown transitions effortlessly between hard swing, funk, and free improvisation—all while maintaining a distinctive artistic voice.

Born in Memphis, TN, and raised in Knoxville, TN, Brown began playing piano seriously at 18 and quickly established himself as a formidable force in jazz. He currently tours as the pianist for Grammy-nominated saxophonist and 2023 NEA Jazz Masters Fellowship recipient Kenny Garrett. His extensive collaborations include performances with Stefon Harris, Jazzmeia Horn, George Coleman, Greg Tardy, Camille Thurman, Terreon Gully, Willie Jones III, Endea Owens, Charles Tolliver, Buster Williams, Lenny White, Steve Turre, John Clayton, and many more—captivating audiences worldwide.

“I am sure that is one that will make a tremendous contribution to the continuum of jazz and particularly jazz piano.” – Mulgrew Miller

“Keith Brown is a phenomenal player! He has a great grasp on the language of the jazz piano masters and an ability to come from many directions; from hard swing to funk to free”. –Greg Tardy

A Taste of Latin America
2025-08-22 14:30 - 16:00 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Crosstown Arts Presents A Taste of Latin America
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Friday, August 22, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20 In Advance (plus Fees) | $25 at the Door | $10 Student Rush
purchase TICKETS HERE

Our program will delight you with the sounds and compositions of Latin America. Pianists Natalia Vanegas Escobar and David Cordoba Hernandez, and percussionist Bill Shaltis will perform works that evoke countries such as Colombia and Cuba, and are written by some of the foremost composers of the region. We hope that you won’t want to miss this noche especial de música latinoamericana!

DAVID CÓRDOBA HERNANDEZ

Recognized for his colorful and sensitive performances, Colombian pianist David Córdoba has played at venues throughout South America, Central America, and the United States. Highlight performances include recitals with Vincent Lucas (Principal Flutist – Orchestre de Paris), John-Crawford (Naxos Recording Artist), Amaro Dubois, and the opening of the 2021 season of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Robert Moody. David has garnered awards in several competitions: Beethoven Club Competition – Memphis (1st place); WCM International Piano Competition – Northern Ireland (4th place); Colombian National Vocal Competition – Collaborative Piano Category (1st place); and the Memphis International Piano Competition (Honorable Mention) Guided by Colombian pianist Teresita Gomez, David earned a Bachelor of Music at the University of Antioquia and a Master’s and Doctorate in Piano Performance with Dr. Cathal Breslin and Dr. Jonathan Tsay at the University of Memphis.

NATALIA VANEGAS ESCOBAR

The Colombian pianist Natalia Vanegas is currently building a promising career as a performer. For five years, she served as a class-piano instructor at the University of Memphis. Additionally, she currently works as an accompanist pianist at Arkansas State University and the University of Mississippi. She has excelled in competitions such as the Beethoven Club (Memphis 2019, 3rd place), Teatro Colón Competition (2019, finalist), Costa Rica PianoFest (2020, 1st place), and the Uofm Symphony soloist competition (2021). Some of her solo performances include the CIMA festival in Manizales, the Puerto Rico Center for Collaborative Piano, the Costa Rica Pianist Encounter, the EAFIT Symphony Orchestra, among others. She has also served as a judge in various competitions and is the coordinator of the Memphis International Piano Festival and Competition. Her interests include Colombian and Latin American living composers, and she plans to promote these works in her upcoming performances and in an upcoming recording. Natalia earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Antioquia, where she studied with Dr. Carlos Eduardo Betancur, Dr. Ana María Orduz, and the renowned Colombian pianist Teresita Gómez. She completed her masters and doctorate degrees at the University of Memphis, where she studied with Dr. Cathal Breslin and Dr. Jonathan Tsay.

BILL SHALTIS
Bill Shaltis is the Associate Professor of Percussion at the Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, University of Memphis and Principal Timpanist of the New Hampshire Music Festival Orchestra. Formerly, Shaltis was the Principal Timpanist for the Boise Philharmonic Orchestra, Principal Percussion of the Evansville Philharmonic and Owensboro Symphony, and on faculty at Missouri Southern State University and the University of Evansville. He is a sought-after clinician and performer throughout North America, Europe, and China and has performed and presented at several PASICs, the NAfME and Midwest Conferences, and at state conferences, Day of Percussion events, and universities throughout the country. Shaltis’ debut album, “Essence/Descent,” features premiere recordings of 21st century solo and chamber timpani repertoire and can be found on all major streaming platforms. He is also co-founder of the Two Rivers Timpani Summit. Shaltis is a proud performing artist/clinician for Grover Pro Percussion, JG Percussion, Remo, Yamaha, and Zildjian.

The Harnsberger/Jones Duo ft. the University of Memphis Percussion Ensemble
2025-08-27 14:30 - 16:00 | Crosstown Arts The Green Room
Crosstown Arts Presents The Harnsberger/Jones Duo ft. the University of Memphis Percussion Ensemble
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Wednesday, August 27, 2025
Doors open at 7 pm | Show begins at 7:30 PM
Tickets: $20 In Advance (plus Fees) | $25 at the Door
purchase TICKETS HERE

The Harnsberger/Jones Duo will leave audiences intrigued and stunned by the expressive, yet powerful depth that the marimba evokes live in concert. Led by marimba soloists, Andy Harnsberger and Caitlin Jones, this concert will feature music tailored for the duo and solo works that highlight the ability and musicianship of the marimba and the artists themselves.

The Harnsberger/Jones Duo always begin their concerts with “In the Midst of Darkness” by Andy Harnsberger. Written for Andy and Caitlin (and eventually led to the creation of the duo), this work features intensity, drama, and rhythmic interplay between the two instruments. After the listeners have a chance to breathe, the duo will bring in a brand new piece, “Promises Broken” by Adam Silverman. A complete 180 from the opener, this piece will bring in the subtleties of the instrument, and has been proven to be an audience favorite in recent months.

This concert will also feature the University of Memphis Percussion Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Bill Shaltis. Audiences are guaranteed to be exposed to new works and sounds that will leave them pondering for days and weeks to come on the beauty of the marimba.

ABOUT THE HARNSBERGER/JONES DUO

Andy Harnsberger and Caitlin Jones are currently in demand as marimba soloists and guest clinicians across the United States. Together, as The Harnsberger/Jones Duo, they are proponents for the advancement of marimba repertoire and frequently perform new works for a variety of audiences. Collectively, their YouTube channels have amassed over 1.8 million views. They have performed and recorded together in a variety of settings, and in 2023, began officially performing together as a duo. In the 2024-2025 season, they performed in Atlanta, Richmond, Florida, Tennessee, Virginia, and Mississippi, as well as recorded and released a brand new marimba duo work written specifically for The Harnsberger/Jones Duo, “Promises Broken” by Adam Silverman. Dr. Harnsberger and Dr. Jones are performing artists and clinicians for Malletech Instruments. They teach at Lee University where Harnsberger serves as Director of Percussion Studies and Jones works in the Percussion Department.

Simon Joyner and The Nervous Stars + Leah Senior + Aquarian Blood
2025-08-29 19:30 - 22:00 | Crosstown Arts, The Green Room, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Simon Joyner and The Nervous Stars x Leah Senior
The Green Room @ Crosstown Arts
Friday, August 29, 2025
Doors open at 7pm | Show starts at 7:30 pm
Tickets $18 in advance (plus fees) | $22 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Join us as singer-songwriter Simon Joyner reunites with Melbourne-based artists Leah Senior and Jesse Williams for a one-of-a-kind performance in the Crosstown Arts Green Room!
Simon Joyner is a world-renowned American singer-songwriter from Omaha, Nebraska who has released 19 albums on independent labels since the early 1990s. His earliest records were influential signposts of the Lo-Fi and home-taping movement which also produced contemporaries like Smog, Lou Barlow, Will Oldham and the Mountain Goats. He is now widely regarded as one of the great songwriters of our generation.

Memphis to the Mountain
2025-09-04 14:00 | Crosstown Theater, 1350 Concourse Ave., Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Our friends at Memphis Rox are bringing something special to Crosstown Theater Thursday September 4!
Join us for the world premiere of Memphis to the Mountain, a new Hulu Original documentary following young climbers from Memphis Rox as they train and attempt to summit Mount Kenya.
Thursday, September 4
Crosstown Theater – 1350 Concourse Ave, Memphis, TN 38104
Doors open 6:30 PM | Screening begins 7:00 PM
We’ll be showing two episodes (50 min each) the night before the Hulu release!
Free & open to the public – reserve your spot now. https://bit.ly/45Up6HH

Deborah Swiney
2025-09-05 19:30 - 22:00 | Crosstown Arts, The Green Room, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
The Green Room @ Crosstown Arts
Friday, September 5, 2025
Doors open at 7pm | Show begins at 7:30pm
$20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Prepare yourself for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate the melodies of The Great American Songbook and the smooth, captivating rhythms of classic and enchanting Bossa Nova featuring the elegant and expressive vocals of Deborah Swiney, joined by her band of highly accomplished musicians, whose collective talent creates a rich tapestry of sound with special guest pianist and artist, Dr. T.W. Sample. This isn’t just a concert, but an immersive experience that will transport you into the heart of jazz’s golden age, whether you are a jazz aficionado or a newcomer. Don’t miss this classy and memorable evening!
FEATURING:
Deborah Swiney (Vocals)
Dr. T.W. Sample (Piano)
Sylvester Sample (Bass)
Gerard Harris (Guitar)
Terry Saffold (Drums)
Lannie McMillan (Sax/Flute)

Welcome to Neosoulville: LIVE with Tonya Dyson ft. Emi Secrest
2025-09-06 19:30 - 22:00 | Crosstown Arts, The Green Room, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Crosstown Arts presents Welcome to Neosoulville: LIVE with Tonya Dyson ft. Emi Secrest
The Green Room @ Crosstown Arts
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Doors open at 7:00pm | Show starts at 7:30pm
Tickets $25 in advance (plus fees) | $35 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Step inside the soul of the city with the debut of Welcome to Neosoulville: LIVE– a one-of-a-kind music and conversation experience curated by singer/songwriter and soulpreneur Tonya Dyson. Inspired by her acclaimed radio show on WYXR, this new live series blends performance and storytelling into an unforgettable evening.
The night kicks off with a short set from Tonya alongside a dynamic house band, setting the tone for what’s to come. She then sits down for an intimate, unscripted interview with a special guest- an artist whose work shapes and reflects the culture. After the conversation, the guest takes the stage to perform a full set backed by the house band. From behind-the-scenes stories to soul-stirring live music, Welcome to Neosoulville: LIVE invites you to experience artistry in its realest form.

Fetén Fetén: "The Magical Planet of Unusual Instruments"
2025-09-07 18:00 - 20:00 | Crosstown Arts, The Green Room, 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280, Memphis, TN, 38104, United States
Spanish Cultural Series and Crosstown Arts Present: Fetén Fetén: “The Magical Planet of Unusual Instruments”
The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Doors open at 5:30 pm | Show begins at 6:00 pm
$20 in advance (plus fees) | $25 at the door
PURCHASE TICKETS HERE
Fetén Fetén, one of the most acclaimed duos in Spain, present a fun concert for adults and children alike to discover instruments from Spanish traditional music, such as the violin or the hurdy-gurdy, along with popular rhythms, such as waltzes, trots, chotis, jotas, seguidillas, or habaneras.
“The Magical Planet of Unusual Instruments” is a wonderful journey that will embark us from Spain to other lands, assimilating Balkan echoes, manouche sounds, Japanese evocations, the cries of seagulls or even the sound of the waves. A musical experience not to be missed with two of the best musicians from Spain nowadays!
Fetén Fetén have performed on stages worldwide and collaborated with such artists as Natalia Lafourcade, Julieta Venegas, Enrique Bunbury, Kevin Johansen, and Jorge Drexler, among many others.
With support from the Spanish Ministry of Culture.
