With Craig Brewer’s well-received MTV short series $5 Cover turning a national spotlight on the pastiche of music the city’s local heroes and up-and-coming artists are creating, more people will hopefully begin to recognize Memphis music for its contemporary scene, not only its storied history.  The partly fictionalized series, though, offers just a glimpse of Memphis’ vibrant music culture—a culture plenty of folks in the greater Memphis area should know more about.  So, this week, let’s take a look at some of the bars, clubs, and cafes where you’re sure to find great live music.

Hi-Tone Café – 1913 Poplar Ave.
www.hitonememphis.com

Open since 1998, Hi-Tone has been voted as the best place to see live music seven straight years by the Memphis Flyer.  The venue hosts over 300 shows a year, presenting local and regional favorites like Harlan T. Bobo and the North Mississippi Allstars as well as national artists—Elvis Costello recorded a concert DVD at the Hi-Tone in 2004.  Not only is the music great, the food is too.  Their specialty pizzas are terrific.  For a list of upcoming shows, check out the event calendar on their website.

Newby’s – 539 S. Highland St.
www.newbysmemphis.com

Newby’s is located on the Highland strip just a block from U of Memphis.  With a game room, bar/restaurant, patio, and two music rooms, Newby’s has plenty to offer.  The 500-person capacity concert hall, used primarily by nationally touring acts, has hosted the likes of Zac Brown, String Cheese Incident, Jason Mraz, Josh Kelly, Pat McGee, and Hoobastank.  The smaller music room fits 150 people and usually features smaller acoustic acts.  You’ll find music almost any night of the week.  Their website calendar has show listings from now through the end of June.

Otherlands – 641 S. Cooper St.
www.otherlandscoffebar.com

One of the Mid-South’s best venues for intimate live music, Otherlands is a haven for songwriters of many stripes—folk, Americana, country, rock, blues, singer-songwriter, and more.  They host music every Friday and Saturday night, ranging from renowned local and regional talents such as Jimmy Davis, Dan Montgomery, and Jed Zimmerman, to up-and-coming musicians. Otherlands offers indoor and outdoor seating and sells an assortment of delectable coffee drinks, teas, beer, bagels, muffins, soups, and sandwiches.  The cover for music is $5.

Young Avenue Deli – 2119 Young Ave.
www.youngavenuedeli.com

Located in the heart of the Cooper-Young District, Young Avenue Deli offers an unbeatable combination of award-winning food, a wide variety of beer, and an eclectic mix of the best local and nationally touring bands, including Dinosaur Jr., Lucero, Giant Bear, Hope Clayburn, The Glass, and others.  Unlike some of the other music venues in town, Young Avenue Deli doesn’t have regularly scheduled music nights, so be sure to check their online calendar.  


The Buccaneer – 1368 Monroe Ave.
http://www.myspace.com/buccaneer_memphis

As your driving down Monroe, just look for the sign with the pirate.  This small bar is full of life the later it gets, with plenty of beer at the “Poop Deck” (the name for the bar area) and music just about every night of the week from a slew of local acts as well as some out-of-town bands.  For folks who like a little more space, the back patio is a great spot on warm nights to enjoy drinks and still listen to the live music.

P and H Café – 1532 Madison Ave.
www.pandhcafe.com

Monday through Saturday, there’s plenty going on at this wonderful dive bar well into the wee morning hours.  P and H hosts music Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, showcasing local and out-of-town bands from a wide variety of genres.  Their event calendar usually posts shows for two months at a time and provides links to the bands’ websites.  Shoot some pool, order a pitcher of beer, chow down on a delectable cheeseburger or two, and enjoy the music.

Those are just a few places to catch local musicians.  Here are some others you’ll want to check out:

Neil’s Music Room – 1835 Madison Ave. (Phone:  278-6345)
The Edge Coffeehouse – 1400 Overton Park
Java Cabana – 2170 Young Ave.
The Cove – 2559 Broad St.
Full Moon Club – 1718 Madison Ave. (Phone: 728-6237)
Murphy’s – 1589 Madison Ave.
Blue Monkey – 2012 Madison Ave. (Phone:  272-2583)