Coronavirus: Memphis musicians to play 'virtual' Get Live' music festival

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Memphis musicians — whose shows, careers and livelihoods have been impacted by the coronavirus — have been taking their performances online in growing numbers over the past week, streaming shows from their bedrooms and rehearsal spaces.

Now Memphis Tourism is getting involved.

The organization’s Memphis Music Hub is sponsoring a three-night "virtual festival" called Get Live! Memphis, from March 26-28. Confirmed performers include Ben Nichols, front man of roots-rock veterans Lucero, Stax-signed R&B band Southern Avenue and cutting-edge funk artist MonoNeon.

The shows will be streamed live on Facebook. The concerts are designed to raise money for a COVID-19 emergency relief run for Memphis musicians set up by Music Export Memphis.

In announcing the event, the organization noted that “it's time to throw our arms (figuratively) around the Memphis musicians that add so much to this river town's culture.”

Memphis Tourism president and CEO Kevin Kane said the decision to stage the virtual festival was an easy one.

“Our local musicians play an integral part of the Memphis destination’s identity as a live music city,” Kane said. "Their talents not only keep Memphis’ music scene vibrant but, now more than ever, they are able to share those talents to lift up, not only our local community but also a world of music fans."

The festival will kick off on March 26 with a performance by MonoNeon and special guests. The March 27 show will include multiple acts and will be headlined by recent Grammy-nominated group Southern Avenue. The March 28 finale will include a closing performance by Lucero’s Nichols.

“As people around the world connect with us during this virtual musical festival, these outstanding artists will have an opportunity to not only share their talents with new audiences, but also share messages of hope," Kane said.

For more information go to memphistravel.com/music-hub.

Get Live! Memphis

Streamed on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/events/169826943990708/.

March 26

7 p.m. MonoNeon

March 27

8 p.m. D’Monet

8:30 p.m. IMAKEMADBEATS

9 p.m. Louise Page

9:30 p.m. Southern Avenue

March 28

8 p.m. Brandon Kinder of The Wealthy West

8:30 p.m. Doll McCoy & Derek Brassel

9 p.m. Cameron Bethany

9:30: Ben Nichols of Lucero