Lucero, Al Kapone among headliners set for free Celebrate Memphis event

Roots rockers Lucero, rapper Al Kapone and R&B big band Love Light Orchestra are among the headliners confirmed for the free Celebrate Memphis extravaganza May 25 at Tom Lee Park. 

The family-friendly event is being staged by Memphis in May, as a wrap-up to their monthlong activities, which include the Beale Street Music Festival and World Championship Barbecue Cooking contest. Marking Memphis’ bicentennial, Celebrate Memphis — which is being presented in conjunction with the city of Memphis, Shelby County and Memphis Brand Initiative — will bring together musical acts and performance artists for a daylong festival, picnic, air and drone show, and fireworks display.  

Memphis in May confirmed its lineup of local performers Tuesday. Acts set to appear include Garry Goin & Friends, the Memphis Wind Symphony, Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, Bailey Bigger, The Bo-Keys featuring Percy Wiggins, Lucky Seven Brass Band, Stax Music Academy, Collage Dance Collective and Marco Pave, among others. 

In addition to the performances, Celebrate Memphis will feature a commemorative airshow and Memphis’ first lighted drone show, which organizers say will feature a fleet of drones that will “illuminate the night sky with a variety of local images and landmarks, while coordinating with The Mighty Lights Show that brings the Harahan and Hernando de Soto bridges to life.” The event will be capped by what is being billed as the “largest fireworks show Memphis has ever seen.” 

Other highlights from the event include: 

• The Global Community Market and Expo, honoring the diverse ethnic groups that call Memphis and Shelby County home. The area will include food tastings and cultural performances from the different countries represented within the local population. 
• The Family Zone: an interactive experience with activities and exhibits for all ages, including Touch-A-Truck where kids can meet Memphis’ first responders and explore a fire truck, police car, ambulance and more.
• The Sports Zone: Memphians can engage with their favorite local teams, including the Grizzlies, Redbirds, Tigers and 901 FC.
• The Eat901 food court, a bounty of local favorite food trucks and restaurants, and the Shop901 marketplace will be open throughout the entirety of the event, selling and displaying the talents of local craftsmen and artisans.

Celebrate Memphis is free and open to the public. Gates open at 3 p.m. Blankets, lawn chairs and outside food, beverages and coolers will be permitted.

For more information, go to memphisinmay.org.