Memphis, Tennessee USA
Tennessee, located in Southern USA, is the capital for friendly folks, tasty food, and fun events all year long. Memphis in May, an annual festival in Tennessee, is much more than just a festival, it is also an ever-growing array of different events, weekends and celebrations, which cover everything ranging from music to food. Every year the festival sets it’s theme around a different country. A week of events and publicity are dedicated to the country, showcasing the local foods and entertainment of that location.This year, Chile will be the featured country during the 2009 festivities!The festival itself is divided into four main events: The Beale Street Music Festival; the kick-off event which showcases a mix of local and national music acts and celebrates the city’s immense musical heritage, be it blues, rock, gospel, R&B, alternative or soul. There are four large stages on the banks of the Mississippi which welcome about 60 top artists! Then, there’s International Week, a group of events dedicated to the country that sponsored it that year. As mentioned above, this year will be dedicated to Chile.
The World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, one of the most popular barbecue contests in the country, is a favorite that more than 100,000 people attend to see, smell and experience the legend of Memphis barbecue. Towards the end of May, there is the Sunset Symphony, a night dedicated to classical music. The Sunset Symphony is a perfect way to end the Memphis in May festival. The grand finale includes selections of popular music, tributes to the country and orchestra favorites and encompasses a spectacular fireworks show at the end of the evening.
If you find yourself wanting to take a break from all the celebrating, do some shopping along infamous Beale Street or find some yummy dining spots in the area to have a bite to eat. No matter what, while visiting Memphis this May, be sure to have fun and enjoy yourself!