Bleeding Together, [Fe]atured Ar[Ti]sts, and Zen on the Installment Plan
2025-05-30 13:00 - 2025-09-14 15:00 (America/Chicago) | TN
About the Exhibitions:

Bleeding Together – A Correspondence
Andres Arauz and Abby Meyers bring their wheat-pasted street art into the gallery, transforming collages and poems into wheat-pasted wood panels. Their work invites viewers into a collaborative and vulnerable space, exploring healing and shared community.
[Fe]atured Ar[Ti]sts – The Metal Museum
This exhibit showcases the artistic practices of staff from the Metal Museum. Blending forging, casting, and fine smithing with media like photography, music, and woodworking, the exhibit reflects the creativity and collaborative spirit at the heart of the institution.
Zen on the Installment Plan – Tad Lauritzen Wright
This exhibition explores the tension between chaos and contemplation through mixed media installations that invite personal reflection. Utilizing salvaged wood, photo abstractions, continuous lines, and symbolic figures, Lauritzen Wright emphasizes our collective humanity and the instability of modern perception.
About the Artists:
Tad Lauritzen Wright – Texas-born artist known for merging mythology, abstraction, and playfulness into deeply personal installations.
A Correspondence – The Memphis-based duo of Arauz and Meyers whose art blends poetry, design, trauma, and resilience.
The Metal Museum Staff – A team of creative professionals advancing metalworking through art and education on a global scale.

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.
