6 Memphis shows to check out when you aren't watching NCAA Tournament action at FedExForum
For hoops fans visiting Memphis, there will be plenty of non-sports entertainment to enjoy when you aren't cheering on your team at FedExForum.
With NCAA Tournament games set for March 22 and 24 at the Downtown arena, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy some of Memphis' top entertainment options.
Here are six shows — concerts, comedy and more — worth checking out. All are Downtown or nearby.
DJ Alpha Whiskey: March 21, Central Station
DJ Alpha Whiskey is a DJ and aviator whose passion for mixing and making people fall in love with music started at a young age. She has performed for the Memphis Grizzlies, Jack Daniels Whiskey Tennessee and more. On March 21, DJ Alpha Whiskey will be on the decks at Central Station’s Eight & Sand (545 S. Main St.) starting at 7 p.m. No cover charge. Details: Centralstation.com.
Joe Fernandez: March 22, Hi-Tone Café
Joe Fernandez is one of Chicago's funniest comedians and a favorite of the old Memphis Comedy Festival. He will be back in the Bluff City for a one-night-only show at the Hi-Tone (282 N. Cleveland) on March 22. The bill, hosted by Charlie Vergos, will also feature various local acts. Doors open at 8 p.m. Tickets: $10 in advance, $15 at the door. Details: Hitonecafe.com.
Vinyl Happy Hour with the Shangri-La DJs: March 22, Memphis Listening Lab
One of the Bluff City’s truly unique amenities, the Memphis Listening Lab, will be hosting a special event, a Vinyl Happy Hour featuring music from the Shangri-La DJs on March 22. The team from Memphis' famed record shop will be spinning tunes from 3-5 p.m. inside the Listening Lab (1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 269). This event is free. Details: Memphislisteninglab.org.
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Kurt Vile & the Violators: March 22, Minglewood Hall
Philly-rooted indie rock favorite Kurt Vile is coming to Midtown’s Minglewood Hall (1555 Madison Ave.), headlining a concert backed by his band the Violators on March 22. Vile recently released the EP “Back to Moon Beach,” a follow-up to his 2022 full-length, “Watch My Moves.” Tickets: $43; go to Ticketmaster.com.
Emily Barker: March 23, The Green Room at Crosstown Arts
Australian singer-songwriter Emily Barker is no stranger to Memphis. Back in 2016, Baker recorded her "Sweet Kind of Blue" album with Grammy-winning Memphis producer Matt Ross-Spang at Phillips Studio. After 21 years living in the UK — where she gained notice for her theme music to "Wallander," the BBC’s hugely successful crime drama starring Kenneth Branagh — Barker has moved back to Australia, but she will be coming to the U.S. for a series of shows around the annual SXSW music conference in Austin. Barker will play an intimate concert March 23 at the Green Room at Crosstown Arts (1350 Concourse Ave., #280). Tickets: $20; go to Crosstownarts.org.
Kountry Wayne: March 24, Orpheum
Comedian Kountry Wayne (aka Wayne Colley) brings his “The King of Hearts” tour to Downtown’s Orpheum (203 S. Main St.) on March 24. The funnyman, who has grown from his online roots over the last decade, is now touring his standup to sold-out crowds across the country. In addition to his stage work, Wayne co-hosts "I Love Us," a comedy clip show on BET+ alongside Kym Whitley, and also recently starred in the feature film "Strange Love" and the Peacock original film "Praise This." Tickets: $38.50-$78.50; go to Ticketmaster.com.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Things to do in Memphis during March Madness: Music, comedy and more