For our third Memphis Day, we celebrated Memphis music heritage and explored the impact that our hip-hop, blues, rock, and soul sounds have had on the world.
A morning panel, moderated by Instructor in Music Matt Tutor ’91, featured heavy hitters on the Memphis music scene, including Memphis-born rapper Al Kapone (Alphonzo Bailey), Memphis-born producer, performer, and innovator IMAKEMADBEATS (James Dukes), and two-time Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, arranger, and artist Kurt “KC” Clayton. The panelists then participated in a Memphis recording industry panel facilitated by Music Director Chris Piecuch.
Elizabeth Cawein, the founder of Music Export Memphis, says the “magic is in the middle” for the local music industry. She spoke in Hyde Chapel about focusing on the “music middle class” – 60% of local musicians who would like to remain in the area and support themselves through music. Music Export Memphis creates opportunities for and subsidizes working musicians, allowing them to tour, build audiences outside the city, and sustain their careers while remaining rooted in the Mid-South.
CSO will host our annual Wish Bowl fundraising event Saturday, January 18, 1-3 p.m., at Billy Hardwick's All Star Lanes. MUS students, faculty, families, and friends can create teams of 5 players for two hours of fun, philanthropy, and a free lunch.