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The Arts Beat is a weekly deep-dive into Memphis arts, music, dance, theater, fashion, film and events. Keep scrolling for a roundup of the best arts and culture stories from the week. Have a story idea? Send it to eperry@dailymemphian.com.
Sofar Sounds is back in Memphis
When buying a ticket to a Sofar Sounds show, the attendee has no idea who will perform. Three surprise musical acts are revealed when the attendee arrives at the venue.
The attendee also doesn’t know what that venue will be until (36) hours before the show starts.
Sofar Sounds started in London with this concept in 2009 and spread across the globe.
Sofar Sounds hosted shows in Memphis from 2017 to 2019 and ceased after the coronavirus pandemic. Artists who performed include Keia Johnson, Bailey and Wyly Bigger, Tyke T, Preauxx, Aaron James, Drew Erwin and Cameron Bethany.
Concerts have taken place in the Stock & Belle boutique Downtown, as well as in living rooms and backyards.
Now, with a new local leader at the helm, Sofar Sounds will host shows in Memphis once again.
First up is a show with the theme “Sounds of Memphis.” For $15 (plus a $3 booking fee), attendees can see three music acts tied to the theme on Saturday, July 18, 2026, beginning at 7 p.m.
The show’s website says the event venue is outdoors and has “a cozy mix of soft seating with benches, blankets, and cushions.”
It also says that people who are late can’t enter the show until the next break in the music.
According to Jayson Shepard, new Sofar Memphis director, monthly shows are scheduled through December 2026. The musicians are usually local and each show has a theme.
Ticket links to shows for the rest of the year will go live later.
Shepard — a Memphian who describes his music as jazz, R&B, and funk — said that he looks at performance videos of artists when they apply to perform at a Sofar Sounds show.
“We are looking for artists who can really thrive in an intimate space,” Shepard said. “That’s what Sofar is all about. It’s about intimate spaces and really connecting with the audience. Because (Sofar) started in a room, like a living room.”
Potential artists can contact Shepard via the Sofar website.
Shepard said he was attracted to Sofar because he was looking for performance opportunities, came across Sofar and realized it had been previously active in the city. So after some research, he filled out an application with the company, was interviewed, and then trained.
“A lot of people actually wanted Sofar to come back (to Memphis),” he said, describing the local excitement he’s seen about the relaunch and a “resurgence” of excitement about live music in Memphis in general.
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Memphis Botanic Garden’s ‘Fun Studio’
 At a past My Big Backyard event at the Memphis Botanic Garden, families gathered on the Leaping Lawn to watch a family-friendly musical performance. (Courtesy Memphis Botanic Garden)
The Memphis Botanic Garden has opened a new music-themed interactive playhouse and play area inspired by the famed Sun Studio. Fun Studio, inside the Botanic Garden’s My Big Backyard, includes child-friendly musical instruments designed by Being: Art. Being: Art, the artist-teacher duo composed of Anne Froning and Sean Murphy, has other outdoor musical installations in gardens and public spaces around the U.S.
“Whether they’re putting on a concert for their family, experimenting with instruments, or making up songs with new friends, this space encourages imagination, confidence and joyful play,” Natalie Brashear, My Big Backyard curator, said in a statement.
My Big Backyard offers themed play areas for families, from toddlers to adults.
Fun Studio celebrates its official grand opening with the My Big Backyard Jam Session, which takes place from 6-8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 8. Tickets are $15 for Botanic Garden members and $20 for non-members.
The Fun Studio Band — including Graham Winchester, Jeff Hulett, Ben Church, Lori McStay and Frank McLallen — will perform, along with special guests. The show is set to feature music lessons during the performance. The evening will also include interactive activities, outdoor games and food for purchase.
Winchester, who has worked at the real Sun Studio for a decade, said he could not be more excited about performing at Fun Studio.
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