10 must-see concerts coming to Memphis in December: Southern Avenue, Patterson Hood & more

Even as 2023 comes to an end, concerts in Memphis will continue to offer something for everyone. In addition to all the holiday- and Christmas-themed shows, there will be plenty of regular shows in the Bluff City during December.

December will offer plenty of entertainment, from all-star benefit concerts to rare solo shows from Americana greats to tribute events paying homage to rock royalty, from big national names to local favorites.

Here are 10 great shows to help close out the year.

Ali Siddiq: Dec. 1, Minglewood Hall

Houston, Texas, comedian Ali Siddiq brings his “I Got a Story to Tell Tour” to Midtown Memphis to kick off the month. Siddiq will headline a Dec. 1 show at Minglewood Hall. The funnyman’s show is a 16-and-older event. Tickets: $40.50; go to Ticketmaster.com.

The Concert to Protect Our Aquifer: Featuring Shemekia Copeland, Loudon Wainwright III, Tracy Nelson, Tim O’Brien and more: Dec. 3, First Congregational Church

One of the year’s most anticipated events, the annual “Concert to Protect Our Aquifer” boasts an all-star lineup led by multiple Grammy-nominated and Blues Music Award winner Shemekia Copeland, legendary singer-songwriter Loudon Wainwright III, revered folk, Americana and blues singer Tracy Nelson, and Grammy-winning multi-instrumentalist Tim O'Brien. The lineup will also feature special Memphis favorites, including John Nemeth, Susan Marshall, Reba Russell and Joe Restivo. They will all take the stage of the First Congregational Church in Midtown on Dec. 3 for a concert supporting the protection, conservation and management of the Memphis Sand Aquifer. Tickets: $55.20-$108, with sponsor packages running $535-$1,068; go to Protectouraquifer.com.

Patterson Hood: Dec. 5, Hernando’s Hideaway

Patterson Hood, singer-songwriter for beloved and long-running Americana act Drive-By Truckers, makes a rare solo appearance in Memphis. On Dec. 5, Hernando’s Hideaway will present “An Evening With…” concert from Hood, who will be playing favorites from his band and solo catalogs. Tickets: $27.50; go to Worldfamoushernandoshideaway.com.

Everly Brothers Experience: Dec. 7, Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center

Since 2016, brothers Zach and Dylan Zmed have brought the music of another sibling duo, the legendary Everly Brothers, to new audiences. The Zmeds will perform their Everly Brothers Experience show at the Bartlett Performing Arts and Conference Center on Dec. 7, playing classic songs like “Let It Be Me,” “Wake Up Little Susie” and “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” as well as material from “Christmas with the Everly Brothers and the Boystown Choir." Tickets: $40; go to Bpacc.org.

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Drivin N Cryin: Dec. 7, Lafayette’s Music Room

Led by singer-songwriter Kevin Kinney, long-running Southern alt-rock band Drivin N Crying returns to Memphis in December. The group will play Overton Square’s Lafayette’s Music Room on Dec. 7. Tickets: $30.25; go to Lafayettes.com.

American Aquarium: Dec. 10, 1884 Lounge

North Carolina alt-country band American Aquarium comes to Midtown in December. The group will headline a show from local promoters Mempho Presents on Dec. 10 at Minglewood Hall’s 1884 Lounge. The show will also feature an opening set by Oklahoma singer-songwriter Lance Roark. Tickets: $35.90, VIP packages $126.95; go to Ticketmaster.com.

Mark Edgar Stuart & Blueshift Ensemble: Dec. 14, The Green Room at Crosstown Arts

Arkansas-born, Memphis-based singer-songwriter Mark Edgar Stuart has been a mainstay on the local roots and rock scenes for more than two decades. As part of a special year-end concert, Stuart will once again team up with Blueshift Ensemble, a Memphis-based contemporary chamber music collective, for a special concert collaboration at Crosstown Arts’ The Green Room on Dec. 14. Last year’s Edgar/Blueshift show sold out early, so be sure to get tickets in advance. Tickets: $20; go to Crosstownarts.org.

Hope Clayburn’s Soul Scrimmage: Dec. 16, The Green Room at Crosstown Arts

Soul/jazz/funk saxophonist and singer Hope Clayburn will lead her combo, Soul Scrimmage, for what promises to be a celebratory concert at The Green Room on Dec. 16. Clayburn and Soul Scrimmage will perform as part of a show marking the band’s latest release, “Y'all So Loud.” Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door; go to Crosstownarts.org.

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The Black Jacket Symphony: Dec. 16, Graceland Soundstage

The Black Jacket Symphony is known for its careful recreations and live performances of classic rock albums. To close out 2023, the group will be in Memphis performing Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon.” The show — which will also include a set of other Floyd favorites — is set for the Graceland Soundstage on Dec. 16. Tickets: $35-$59.50; go to Gracelandlive.com.

Southern Avenue: Dec. 22, Minglewood Hall

Local R&B/soul/blues band Southern Avenue will cap the year with its "Holiday Hangout" concert at Minglewood Hall. The first Memphis band signed to the revived Stax label in more than 40 years, Southern Avenue’s self-titled debut hit No. 1 on iTunes’ “Top Blues Albums” chart before being honored with the 2018 Blues Music Award for Best Emerging Artist Album. The group’s followup, 2019’s “Keep On” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album. A new Southern Avenue album is expected in 2024. In the meantime, the group’s Minglewood show is open to all ages. Tickets: $27.60; go to Ticketmaster.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: 10 Memphis concerts you don't want to miss in December