After procrastinating repeatedly, I finally made it out (thanks to Mark & Katie) to the beautifully-renovated Levitt Shell on Sunday night for a terrific performance from Samarabalouf (pronounced sah-MAH-rah-bah-LOOF), a Gypsy swing trio from France who energized the crowd in attendance. Seeing this show made me enthusiastic about the future of the arts in Memphis. This isn’t the old Overton Park Shell — it is transformed, ultimately, into something much more grand and beautiful than I could have imagined. More info and a video after the jump.

Samarabalouf Live at Levitt Shell, Memphis from E.J. Friedman on Vimeo.

I got a little teary eyed watching the sunset, surrounded by other Memphians clapping along or dancing, parents coming with their children (who did plenty of their own dancing) and enjoying this incredible free show. For a minute, I felt like I was almost in another city. This is something so special, you owe it to yourself to take advantage of the last few shows of the 2008 Levitt Shell season. After this weekend, shows will be on hiatus until May of 2009 — so, make a picnic, bring a blanket, and come on down. You’ll be very glad you did.

Thursday, October 2 – 7pm
John Jorgenson

Friday, October 3 – 7pm
The Bo-Keys w/ William Bell*

*Makin’ Music Muscles
This artist is offering a special children’s workshop at 5 pm.
Bring your children to this free, fun, and educational musical workshop.

Saturday, October 4 – 5pm
Kenneth Jackson

Saturday, October 4 – 7:30pm
Incendio

Sunday, October 5 – 7pm
Brave Combo

I just haven’t had the time this week to properly mention and promote this wonderful show. You need, and I do mean need to be at the Levitt Shell @ Overton Park tonight for COMO NOW. This press release is culled directly from a press release, but the music speaks quite for itself. Enjoy & I hope to see you tonight.

COMO NOW: The Voices of Panola Co., MS, the latest release from Daptone Records (and first that moves away from the Brooklyn funk and soul) continues to get rave reviews from critics all over. Says Grant Alden from No Depression:

“It is a relief once again to fall in love with an album — an entire album — to become enraptured by the music of artists who are unknown to me. To discover something of such great and glorious sounds that it is worth moving from the truck to the house stereo and back, to find music so rewarding to listen to that I have not opened the mail for a week, because this is enough. This is plenty…this is — by far — the best album I’ve heard this year.”

You can check the mini-documentary Daptone made about the album here, or, if you’re lucky enough to be in the Memphis area, the entire group of singers will be performing a very special show at the Levitt Shell next Friday, September 26 at 7pm.

You can also watch a special performance by the Como Mamas, one of the groups included on the compilation, on YouTube’s music homepage, or below.

World’s Fair News » COMO NOW in No Depression Now, and in Memphis Next Week.

Como Mamas featuring Mary Moore – Trouble In My Way

Pay What You Can Night allows people who would not normally be able to afford the regular ticket prices to “pay what they can afford.” The goal is to make the productions available to everyone regardless of their financial situation. There is one Pay What You Can performance for each production. “Pay What You Can” Tickets go on sale one week before the performance. Tickets must be purchased in person, cash or check only. Limit of 4 tickets per person.

More details after the jump!

(from Steve Mulroy)

Folks,

Permit a shameless self-plug and “support the local arts” pitch about my latest entry into the theater world. I’ve got a chance to perform in the Circuit Playhouse production of my favorite musical, the Tony-Award-winning “1776.” The play is funny, moving, and has great songs and a professional cast from the Playhouse on the Square company. It examines some themes about government, politics, and the legislative process which I think you all in particular would really appreciate, and which are particulary timely in this election year.

Plus, you have the sheer comic value of watching me try to sing and dance. My role is big enough so you’ll have plenty of ammunition to tease me, but small enough so I can’t ruin the production.

I would love for you to come see me, and also think it would be great if you could support local theater.

The relevant information is below. The play opens this Friday and runs for four consecutive weekends, through mid-October.

(Note: Circuit Playhouse is a small theatre seating only around 125-140, so be sure to reserve tickets in advance.)

1776
Book by Peter Stone. Book and Lyrics by Sherman Edwards
September 19 – October 19, 2008
The Circuit Playhouse

History blazes like the summer sun in this invigorating Tony Award-winning musical gem. The nation is ready to declare independence… if only the founding fathers can agree to do it. With the help of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and Richard Henry Lee, John Adams conspires to turn the Congress from its usual “piddling” and “twiddling” towards the approval of the courageous document that will define the American Revolution. Leaping from the pages of history, witness the men behind the national icons – proud, frightened, uncertain, irritable, charming, often petty, and ultimately noble figures determined to do the right thing for a fledgling nation.

The Circuit Playhouse 1705 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104
(located in Midtown at Poplar & Belvedere….near the Joe’s Wines & Liquor “Sputnik” sign)

Box Office: (901) 726-4656 (Box office serves both Circuit and Playhouse)

http://www.playhouseonthesquare.org/boxoffice/

Single Tickets Musical Group (20+)
Preview Night (Thurs 09.18) $15
Adult Thurs/Sun/Matinee $25 $20
Adult Friday/Saturday $30 $25
Senior Citizen $20
Student/Military (with ID) $20
Children (under 18) $15

SHOW TIMES:
Opening Night is Friday Night 19 September 8:00pm
THURSDAYS 8:00pm
FRIDAYS 8:00pm
SATURDAYS 8:00pm
SUNDAYS 2:00pm

Pay What You Can Performance is 1st Thursday at 8pm following the opening weekend.
Closing Performance is Sunday Afternoon 19 October

You’ve got to come join us for Tuesdays at Dish for new music, great sushi from Sekisui, and an exciting new menu of asian-influenced tapas that will make your mouth water. Music starts promptly at 9pm, so come hang out with friends.

Head over to Loudersoft to read a little blurb on TIG and hear their EP, Shapes And Numbers which you can purchase at the show.

NOTE: This show has been postponed due to a booking conflict.