Mempho Music Festival prepares to return in its third iteration on October 19 with shows from Wu-Tang Clan, The Revivalists and others.
Some University of Memphis students and faculty are not as enthusiastic about this year’s lineup compared to last year’s lineup which included Post Malone and Beck among others.
Memphofest production manager Mike Smith said he expects a more diverse line-up of artists for the two day festival and wants people to save money by using the discount code offered with this year’s festival.
“I’m hoping with the back to school discounts that are offered with the promo code 10MEM that students come out and check it out for the first time if they haven’t been,” Smith said.
Memphofest, which opened in 2017, celebrates Memphis music, food and culture. The festival gives audiences a natural environment and atmosphere to unwind.
While the festival attracted 15,000 people last year, Smith said the festival is more focused on the experience than the turnout.
“We don’t expect to be huge,” Smith said. “We expect there to be plenty of room, plenty of parking for everybody to have a really good time.”
Smith said he is interested in Three 6 Mafia, Matt Mason and DJ Paul, but is especially excited for the Wu-Tang Clan’s 25th Anniversary Tour.
Jeremy White Orosz, an assistant music professor of music theory at the UofM, said compared to last year the festival does not have any shows he would like to see.
“I went last year, primarily to see Janelle Monae,” Orosz said. “I enjoyed the festival plenty, but at this time, I’m not planning to go this year. Few of the artists interest me enough to go, but my decision on that is not final.”
Due to scheduling conflicts between the festival and campus obligations, some UofM faculty members were unable to go to last year’s concert.
UofM music industry major Mohamed Addo said the difference between the location of the events could determine the outcome of someone’s experience.
“The atmosphere was great in comparison to the Beale Street Music Festival,” Addo said. “Where it is super tight, and there’s a whole bunch of people there. When I went to Mempho, there’s tons of sitting space, tons of walking space and more things to do than just the music.”
Addo said his favorite memory was when rapper Rich the Kid performed and brought out surprise guest and Chicago rapper Famous Dex.
“I kind of went crazy when somebody not on the line-up showed up,” Addo said. “That is super exciting.”
Despite the high-ticket costs, Addo said he wants interested students to monitor the website for a chance to enter the festival for free.
Theater major Taylor Roberts said that he enjoyed watching Post Malone with his friends last year.
“The best part was a 100% Post Malone,” Roberts said. “I already listened to his music daily, but he was funny and genuine. I remember when one person passed out in the crowd, and he was like can we get them some water so there not in shock.”
Roberts said he is not going this year but would attend the festival again if they had another exciting line-up.
Sport and leisure management major Sergio Pangoaea said that going to the festival was not a priority for him but encouraged others to participate if they can.
“If they have the money then go for it,” Pagoaea said. “I’m not a big concert guy myself, but I have had friends that have gone and had a good time.”
For any UofM faculty members and students looking to attend the third annual Memphofest should visit www.memphofest.com for more information.
Last years Mempho Music Festival attracted music fans from across the country with names like Post Malone. Wu-Tang Clan will be one of the premier shows at this years festival.
Last years Mempho Music Festival attracted music fans from across the country with names like Post Malone. Wu-Tang Clan will be one of the premier shows at this years festival.
Last years Mempho Music Festival attracted music fans from across the country with names like Post Malone. Wu-Tang Clan will be one of the premier shows at this years festival.
