Wow! Memphis Tourism – home of blues, soul & rock’n’roll – together with Visit Mississippi – the birthplace of America’s music – packed out Sydney’s Lansdowne Hotel in Chippendale last night with industry folks who, along with avid fans, eagerly anticipated a live gig by two-time Grammy Award nominee, Memphis blues drummer, guitarist, singer and songwriter, Cedric Burnside.
A VIP cocktail event for industry served as a prelude to an evening that was a vivid and palpable reminder of the rich musical history that is the heart of Memphis, Tennessee and Mississippi, and legendary the world over.
Chris Ingram, Director Australian & New Zealand for Memphis Tourism, and Webster Franklin from Visit Mississippi hardly needed to convince anyone of the lure of these amazing destinations for Aussie travellers, and music lovers, once Cedric Burnside began with an acoustic blues set, then switched it up to full tilt electric. Moving from electric guitar to behind the drum kit, the supremely talented musician smoothly showcased his musical chops, bringing his style of Memphis blues – beautifully – to Sydney.
Burnside, the grandson of legendary American blues singer and guitarist, R.L Burnside, is in Australia to perform at Blues on Broadbeach – Australia’s largest free music event taking blues to the streets of the Gold Coast this week (16-19 May 2019).
Tennessee and, in particular, Memphis, along with Mississippi, rightly claim to the birth of the blues, in which rock’n’roll, soul, and contemporary rock is rooted, and visitors to these two states can embark on an extraordinary musical history experience that includes everything from Elvis’ Graceland and the legendary Sun Studio, to the BB King and the Stax Museums, and fantastic live gigs any time, anywhere. In fact, Memphis is mentioned in over 400 songs according to Billboard Magazine – more than any other city in the world.
2019 marks the bicentenary of the city of Memphis, with festivities, celebrations and events throughout May, including the Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the Great American River Run.
United Airlines flies non-stop from Sydney to Houston, Texas, making it easy for Aussies to explore Memphis, Tennessee and Mississippi.
