News Summary
This weekend, Memphis will host a series of vibrant artistic events, featuring local talent including Elle Perry. Activities include performances, family-friendly theater, and a visual arts competition showcasing local students, all designed to engage and celebrate the community’s creativity.
MemphisโThis weekend, the Memphis arts scene will come alive with a series of events, including a live performance by local artist Elle Perry and various community gatherings designed to engage residents and celebrate creativity. The events are scheduled from July 27 to August 2, 2025, showcasing the depth and diversity of artistic expression in the city.
Elle Perry, a native Memphian and an accomplished artist with degrees from the University of Memphis and the Maryland Institute College of Art, utilizes performance, mixed media, collage, and video to create work that resonates particularly with young, alienated women and femmes. Her contributions to the local arts community extend beyond her artwork; she has also written for several publications, including the Memphis Business Journal and Memphis Flyer, and previously served as coordinator of The Teen Appeal.
This engaging weekend includes multiple artistic activities, ensuring thereโs something for everyone. Notably, the Julia and Her Mane Men performance will take place at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art on July 31 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM, featuring a blend of musical genres such as blues and jazz. For a more interactive experience, residents can join the Whet Thursdays: Karaoke on the Bluff event at the Metal Museum on the same evening from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which will feature DJ Tevin and include hands-on activities like wire jewelry making.
For families, the New Day Childrenโs Theatre will present Catch Me If You Can, a sensory-friendly performance inspired by the life of Frank Abagnale, Jr., from August 1 to August 3 at Harrell Theatre. Additionally, the Crosstown Arts Green Room will host Johnny Yancey & The Power to the People Orchestra on August 1 from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, featuring vocalist Gabby Cain.
Another highlight this weekend is the Grease: Singalong Screening, a one-time event at the Orpheum Theatre on August 2 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, which allows fans of the classic 1978 musical to join in on the fun with onscreen lyrics for audience participation.
Beyond just entertainment, the Memphis International Airport is hosting its 18th annual High School Visual Arts & Photography Competition, showcasing the talents of local students. The display, featuring works from young artists, will be available for public viewing and aims to provide exposure for the next generation of creatives. This yearโs awards include 1st Place ties for Rosie Deng from Collierville High School and Liliana Khodor from Ridgeway High School, 2nd Place to Anthony Smith from Kirby High School, and 3rd Place awarded to Kamsi Azogini from Collierville High School. The artworks will be exhibited for one year, giving budding artists a platform to share their work.
It is encouraged for the Memphis community to support these young creatives by purchasing art, which would help fund future competitions and opportunities for students to showcase their work. July is also recognized as Disability Pride Month, which emphasizes the progress made in honoring individuals with disabilities. The celebration of diversity and inclusion extends to numerous artistic expressions within the community.
On a related note, a highly anticipated highlight event, The Wiz, returns to Memphis for the first time in over three decades, capturing the attention and excitement of local theater-goers. Additionally, the Dreams Foundation is organizing a family-friendly event scheduled to take place on Tiger Lane on July 26 from 11 AM to 2 PM, bringing together families and reinforcing community bonds.
Lastly, tributes to Gangsta Boo, a beloved figure from Memphis, are planned for August 7, 2025, further emphasizing the city’s vibrant cultural landscape and its deep-rooted connection to its artists and the arts community.
Residents are encouraged to stay informed about local arts news and events by signing up for email subscriptions, ensuring they donโt miss out on the dynamic activities that make Memphis a hub of creativity and cultural expression.
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Additional Resources
- Daily Memphian: August 2025 Memphis Art Shows
- Wikipedia: Arts in Memphis
- Memphis Magazine: Your Weekly Guide to the Arts
- Google Search: Memphis art scene
- We Are Memphis: Jazz Jam Session
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Jazz
- Observer: Interview with Derek Fordjour
- Google News: Memphis artists
Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
