Memphis is known for its music, and it looks like its music scene is alive and well in 2012. There are some great tours making their way through Memphis between January and March. Here are some details on the upcoming concerts you won’t want to miss:
Country/Folk
David Allan Coe: The New Daisy, Saturday, January 14
David Allan Coe is one of country’s outlaws. This half-mainstream/half-underground legend is responsible for writing classics like “Take This Job and Shove It.” He’ll be playing at The New Daisy on Saturday, January 14. Doors open at 7 p.m. Expects lots of drug and alcohol references. The New Daisy is located at 330 Beale St. Tickets are $21 at Ticketweb.com. They can be mailed or held at will-call. They can also be purchased at the door on the day of the show.
Willie Nelson: Gold Strike Casino, Friday, March 23
Willie’s on the road again, and he’ll be just minutes away from Memphis. He’s playing at Gold Strike Casino’s Millennium Theatre in Tunica on Friday, March 23. The show starts at 9 p.m. Green as usual, Willie’s touring on his corn-fueled tour bus. Tickets are $79.95 and $89.95. Tickets can be purchased by phone by calling 888-747-7711 or online through Gold Strike’s website.
Alternative/Experimental
The Red Hot Chili Peppers: FedExForum, Friday, February 3
RHCP fans in Memphis won’t have to go far to see them this year. They’ll be at FedExForum on Friday, February 3. The show starts at 8 p.m. The band’s been a staple of alternative gone mainstream since grunge was just a baby. Tickets went on sale December 3. They’re available at all Ticketmaster locations (including online) and the FedExForum Box office, or by phone at 800-745- 3000. Ticket prices vary. Standard admission (plus fees) is $70.61.
Puscifer: The Memphis Orpheum, Sunday, February 26
Fans of the bands Tool and A Perfect Circle won’t want to miss this side project of James Maynard Keenan. Puscifer is playing at the Orpheum Theatre on Sunday, February 26, at 7:30 p.m. It started out as a fictional band on “Mr. Show.” Expect the unexpected, as Maynard describes this project as “a playground for the voices iN [his] head.” I can’t wait to hear what they have to say. Tickets are already on sale through ticketsnow.com. The only ones currently available are listed at $274.
Rock
The Moody Blues: Horseshoe Casino, Friday, March 23
This English experimental/acid rock band’s been around since the early ’60s, and they’re still touring. They’re known for hits like “Knights in White Satin.” The current lineup features Graeme Edge, John Lodge, and Justin Hayward, who have all been with the band since the ’60s. The show is at Horseshoe Casino in Tunica. It starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are already on sale and start at $90 on ticketsreview.com.
Comedy
Jeff Dunham: Southhaven Civic Center, Friday, January 27
Dunham isn’t a musician, but he’s been featured on Comedy Central, and his tour is coming to Southhaven’s DeSoto County Civic Center on Friday, January 27. Just a short drive, this is close enough to Memphis to be worth checking out if you’re a fan of Dunham’s often puppet-based and somewhat goofy low-brow comedy. Tickets start at $68 at concertticketcenter.com.