MEMPHIS IN MAY 2010
Memphis is Tennessee’s largest city. It combines gleaming new office buildings with the old cotton mills, steam paddle wheelers, Beale Street, Sun Studios, the Peabody Hotel ducks, Mud Island and of course Elvis Presley’s home Graceland.
It is becoming most famous for the Memphis in May International Festival. The annual celebration of music, food and fun. This year the fun starts on April 30th with the Beale Street Music Festival. This is a three day celebration of music on the banks of the Mississippi. It covers 33 acres and there are more than sixty top artists. There will be everything from local performers to international acts performing on four stages.
This festival is one of the major music events in Memphis. The music is varied and there is something to suit all tastes. You will be able to listen to a variety of musical genres including gospel, blues, R&B, alternative and soul. This attraction sells out annually so be sure to get your tickets at the earliest opportunity or you might miss out on this fabulous World famous event.
This year Memphis in May 2010 is featuring the country of Tunisia. Performers will be brought from the honoured country and there will be special programs designed to share the culture of the country through music, song and dance. Memphis in May runs educational classroom programs and competitions which are complemented by these events. This year I am sure everyone will enjoy the featured Orpheum performance Tunisia: Rhythm of the Sands which will be on May 6 & 7.
The Memphis in May International Festival believes that education is an integral part of the festival and they are committed to the education of the Mid-South community, both children and adults. Each year they are immersed in the culture of the chosen country. There are competitions, international exchanges and so much more! By the time a student graduates from high school they should have experienced the customs and cultures of 13 different countries.
For all of those who have a love of Barbecue, you must make your way to Tom Lee Park in downtown Memphis for the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest which runs from May 13-15. There are hundreds of teams competing for over $90,000 in prizes. This area is a riot of colour with the decorated team areas doing their best to win the best booth competition and of course their many trophies are on display to prove their right to be there. They may be busy grilling but many are dressed up for the Ms. Piggie competition or the t-shirt competition.
Speaking of competitions don’t miss the Memphis in May Triathlon. Head down to Edmund Orgill Park in Millington where you will find athletes from around the world ready to compete in the 1.5K swim, the 40K bike and the 10K run event. After this event there will be a barbecue, DJ and band.
Memphis in May 2010 closes this fabulous month with its oldest event, the AutoZone Sunset Symphony. This is an entire day of family entertainment on the banks of the Mississippi River. The day starts with music by local performers and is followed at 6pm by a spectacular Air Show from the Commemorative Air Force. There will be a variety of air craft performing amazing aerial stunts. Later as the sun sets the Memphis Symphony Orchestra performs as the sky lights up with a spectacular fireworks display.
Memphis in May International Festival is such a popular attraction Travel Advice Pages suggest you book tickets for the events you are interested in as early as possible since tickets for the most popular shows sell out rapidly.
There will be a further article concerning the artists performing at the Festival as soon as the information is available.
