How to navigate Memphis in May

FRIDAY: 

Mutemath

I haven’t personally been able to see the band perform, but I’ve heard a lot of hype about their live show. The buzz on the street is that their live performances are very intense and high energy, which would be a great way to start the weekend and wear yourself completely out so you have no energy to study for those looming finals.

Jeff Beck

Having just released a brand-new album, it’s a great time to catch Beck performing a set which will probably consist of some classics and a few new songs. Not to mention, he’s a guitar legend who even Eric Clapton cites as one of the greatest living guitarists.

Limp Bizkit

Dying to waste your time and money? Check out Limp Bizkit mutilate the classic Who song “Behind Blue Eyes.” Although you may want to go just for the nookie.

Widespread Panic 

Yes, they are the epitome of the hippie jam band culture, but between guitarist Jimmy Herring and bassist Dave Schools, this band has more talent than most modern rock bands could ever hope for. Although, their set will be considerably shorter than a regular Panic show, it will still be a fun way to end the first night. Also, the possibility of a Jeff Beck sit-in during their set is a very imminent possibility, which would be well worth sticking around to see.

SATURDAY: 

Alvin Youngblood Hart

Hart would be a great way to get into the bluesy mood. After all, you’re in the blues capital of the world, so you owe it to Memphis history to see at least one blues act over the weekend.

North Mississippi All-Stars

Offering a taste of dirty, hill-country blues, the All-Stars are sure to bring fire to the Memphis afternoon. It’s always a treat to see guitar master Luther Dickinson show a guitar who its daddy is. Having seen the boys multiple times, I can assure attendees they will not leave disappointed.

Michael McDonald

Come on, it’s Michael Mc- Donald. The man is a former member of both Steely Dan and the Doobie Brothers. McDonald is a living legend with a voice so magnificent it could make a grown man quiver with joy.

Gov’t Mule

Led by guitar wizard Warren Haynes, Gov’t Mule is another sure-fire great show. My first Mule how was at Memphis in May in 2007, and there is nothing greater than hearing Haynes lead the gang through a soulful version of “Banks of the Deep End” along the mighty Mississippi River.

Hall and Oates

If you’re feeling a little sensitive in between bands, it might not be a bad idea to walk over to Hall and Oates to check out what these crooners are up to these days. We could all use a “Sara Smile” once in a while.

The Flaming Lips

Yes, their music is a little on the strange side, but I have yet to meet anyone who has walked away from a Flaming Lips show disappointed. I have to admit this will be my first Flaming Lips show, and I’m dying to see lead singer Wayne Coyne terrorize the crowd from his hamster ball.

Alice In Chains

Who said grunge was dead? With a new singer to replace the late Layne Stanley, the droning Seattle act is back with a new album, and according to the buzz on the streets, they are back with a vengeance. If the Flaming Lips are a little too strange for the evening, it might be a good idea to check out Alice In Chains and see for yourself how the “new” band is hanging in there.

SUNDAY:

Truth and Salvage Co.

I caught these guys opening for the Black Crowes last fall, and I must admit that they really have a good thing going or them. Taking rock, roots music and Americana, the band is worth catching if you can make it out to the festival early enough.

Band of Horses

After much hype from one of my roommates, I decided to give this band a listen, and if you dig alternative/indie music this should be a definite stop. They are probably not going to be a raging party like a cougar-infested Bret Michaels show, but it will be a great experience nonetheless.

Earth, Wind and Fire

Have some respect for your funk forefathers. While they may not be the young superstars they were in the '70s, they are still one of the most influential R&B/funk bands of our time and worth dropping by.

Alison Krauss & Union Station

Not only is Ms. Krauss extremely lovely, she is also a very talented musician with a very talented band. While the group’s country and bluegrass sound may not be for every concert attendee, it never hurt anyone to get a little culture. Not to mention, famed resonator guitar player Jerry Douglas will be performing with the band as well.

Leon Russell

I realize the Beale Street Music Festival is inconveniently set for the weekend before the dreaded exam week (how dare they?), but this artist is worth taking a study break to drive to Memphis and see one of rock n’ roll’s greatest heroes. Although the name Leon Russell may not ring any bells right off the bat, when you check into his resume, which includes performances with Eric Clapton, Frank Sinatra, the Rolling

Stones and George Harrison, you can see why it would be worth not knowing everything for that 8 a.m. exam on Monday.