Arts-Music

2018 is a big year, as it marks the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in Memphis. Since April 1, the Pink Palace Museum has been showing an exhibit honoring the late civil rights leader.

Take your art with a splash of soul when the Urban Art Commission hosts the Bring Your Soul Block Party outside of its new Crosstown offices on April 26.

For years — and now, more than ever — the bold, abstract prints, which originated in African tribes, have been worn by people of all races and cultures. Memphis’ Brooks Museum of Art is highlighting these designers and African culture with African-Print Fashion Now! A Story of Taste, Globalization and Style.

You can hear the sweet laughter and pitter-patter of little feet echo throughout the Hickory Ridge Mall as tiny ballerinas make their way to class to see Toni Mason, the dance teacher they cheerfully call “Miss Toni.”

A gem located across from the Stax Museum was once home to legendary blues artist Memphis Slim and a local hangout for Soulsville musicians. Now, it’s a hub for emerging artists to collaborate and create new sounds.

“Soul of a Nation: Art in the Age of Black Power” makes its U.S. debut at Crystal Bridges. Featuring the work of 60 artists, the exhibit shines a light on the vital contribution of black artists to an important period in American history and art through paintings, sculptures, street photography and murals.

A Mid-South man has sparked the latest social media viral trend. It all started when Bart Orr, a 26-year-old musician and producer from Southaven, posted his rendition of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” on his Instagram account.

Curious about up-and-coming Memphis artists? Well, you’re in luck!

Memphis is known for its one-of-a-kind musical influencers. So, who’s the next big act to emerge from the Bluff City?

On Jan. 26, elementary, middle and high school dance students from throughout the Shelby County Schools district converged on Overton High School for Dance Day 2018. Dance Day included numerous styles of performance — everything from tap to abstract — from SCS girls and guys.

Hamilton High School’s assistant principal Elvin Bell is the winner of the 2017 JV Educational Leadership Award, a national honor for outstanding work within the area of student support services.

Every third Sunday of the month, Memphis music and art lovers make their way to Artistik Lounge at Minglewood Hall. Starting at 7 p.m., local artists of all varieties showcase their talents, including musical performances, live painting and crafts.

“You can indeed change the world,” said Michael Brown, co-founder of City Year. Brown has been working on that change since his Harvard Law School days in 1988, when he started a nonprofit that partners with public schools in 28 high-need communities across the U.S. and now Memphis.

Remember the Tape Art outdoor exhibit at Brooks Museum this past Spring? Well, Tape Art is headed back to Memphis to Tape the Square!

Students from Colonial Middle School got a chance to show off their artistic abilities at a gallery show at the Facing History building in downtown Memphis.

The soon-to-be-launched book by bestselling author John David Mann (“The Go-Giver”), “The Recipe,” is set to be another masterpiece of charming storytelling and profound wisdom.

A Mid-South dad and his son will appear on national television, thanks to social media.

Watch TV or movies, or stop by the supermarket, and you’ll probably hear a melody created by Lamont Dozier.

Overton Square isn’t just a great destination: it’s a playground for public art and art installations.

The wait is almost over for one of Memphis’s latest development projects as Ballet Memphis moves into its new Overton Square space this month.

The National Civil Rights Museum will host its MLK 50 Outdoor Concert Series throughout the month of September. There will be a free family-friendly concert each Friday, which will also include MLK speeches, spoken-word artists and live entertainment by DJ Swagg.

Recent Overton High graduate and violinist Journey Hogan joined musical titans such as Alicia Keys and Jennifer Hudson when she was named an NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics (ACT-SO) gold medalist.

Saxophonist and singer Kenneth Whalum III has recently released highly anticipated new music. The Bluff City native and Grammy winner completely wrote, sang and produced his entire album, “Broken Land.” He credits Memphis as an inspiration for the album.

Nine-year-old rap sensation Queen Diamond of Arlington, Tennessee, is gaining national attention for her lyrical stylings

Do you think you have what it takes to spot a prize-winning film?

Indie Memphis is best known for the Indie Memphis Film Festival, but the nonprofit also hosts year-round programs to inspire, encourage and promote independent films and filmmaking in the Bluff City.

In July, more than 200 local teens and parents attended a citywide, first-of-its-kind youth choir workshop facilitated by respected, award-winning gospel recording artist Jonathan Nelson.

Shelby County Schools honored five alumni who have soared in their careers and worked diligently to make an impact in their communities.

A fan favorite is back! As a part of Levitt Shell’s Orion Free Music Concert Series, Stax Music Academy will be bringing the best live music the M-Town has to offer on Saturday, June 24.

Do you eat, sleep and breathe the trap music genre? For one night only, YOU could be a trap star. TRAP Karaoke is making a stop in the Bluff City on Friday, June 2 at the New Daisy Theatre.