Southern Heritage Classic 2022: From fashion to football, here's a look at what's planned

Billed as a “cultural celebration,” the Southern Heritage Classic has grown from a spirited gridiron battle to a multifaceted community event since launching in 1990.

The brainchild of promoter Fred Jones, the event has been built around the annual Jackson State/Tennessee State football game, which serves as the centerpiece of the Southern Heritage Classic. (This year marks Jackson State's final year participating in the game.)

The Classic will feature three days of events that include a mental health awareness seminar, a college and career fair, a fashion show, a parade, multiple musical concerts and various gameday festivities leading up to the main event.

The most recent study by the University of Memphis' Bureau of Sport and Leisure Commerce estimated the direct local economic impact of the Classic in the $10 million range, with its total impact twice that at more than $20 million.

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This year’s Southern Heritage Classic programming starts on Thursday and runs through Saturday, culminating with the JSU/TSU game at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.

Here is a schedule of events.

Thursday

Just Heal Bro Tour

7 p.m., Michael D. Rose Theatre at the University of Memphis

This free event is geared toward helping Black men better address their mental health. For information, visit Justheal.co.

Classic Concert: The O’Jays  

8 p.m., Orpheum Theatre

R&B legends The O'Jays will play Memphis one more time as part of the Southern Heritage Classic, headlining a concert at the Orpheum. Led by original members Eddie Levert Sr. and Walter Williams Sr., as well as Eric Grant (who joined the group in 1995), the Canton, Ohio, group has been together, in one form or another, for more than 60 years. Earlier this year, The O'Jays announced they would be ending their run with the "Last Stop on The Love Train: The Final Tour." The O’Jays — whose catalog of hits includes classics like "Backstabbers," “Love Train,” “Put Your Hands Together” and “For The Love of Money” — were enshrined in the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 2005.  The Orpheum show will also feature comedian/host Jay Lamont. Tickets for The O'Jays are sold out, but some verified resale seats are available at Ticketmaster.com.

Friday

Classic College & Career Fair 

9 a.m., Pipkin Building at Tiger Lane/Liberty Park

Regional college and university representatives will be on hand to provide information about attending college. The event is presented by the City of Memphis Office of Youth Services. For more information and a list of participating schools, contact Seria Ross at (901) 636-6264 or email seria.ross@memphistn.gov. Go to Cityofmemphisyouth.org for more information. Admission is free.

Classic Funk Fest

8 p.m., Landers Center in Southaven 

The Classic Funk Fest, set for Sept. 9 at the Landers Center in Southaven, will feature a star-studded lineup of local and national funk music legends. The concert event will be led by Stax veterans The Bar-Kays and also includes hitmakers ConFunkShun, Original Lakeside and the SOS Band. The event will be hosted by comedian Jay Lamont. Tickets for the Classic Funk Fest are $68, $88 and $98. For tickets, visit Ticketmaster.com.

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Saturday

Classic Tailgate 

8 a.m., Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium parking lots and Tiger Lane

It's all about friends, food and football at this tailgate. For more information, call (901) 729-4344.

Penny Hardaway Memphis District Golf Classic 

8 a.m., Tunica National Golf and Tennis

Bluff City hoops legends and University of Memphis Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway hosts a $500-per-team, 4-man scramble golf event at Tunica National Golf and Tennis. For information, call (901) 265-4886 or register online at Memphisdistrictgolfclassic.org.

Classic Parade

9 a.m., Park Avenue and Haynes

The Orange Mound Community Parade Committee presents its salute to the Southern Heritage Classic. The parade route is along Park Avenue from Haynes to Airways. The parade will feature area high school marching bands. For information, contact Claudette Boyd at (901) 413-7109 or online at Omcpc.com.

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Classic Battle of the Bands 

11 a.m., Whitehaven High School Stadium

The competition will feature the best high school show bands in the region with show-stopping dance routines. Tickets: $12 advance; $15 day of. For tickets and information, contact Kellen Christian at (901) 214-6094 or christiankj@scsk12.org.

Classic Fashions & Brunch 

11 a.m., The Guest House at Graceland 

The theme for the annual Classic Fashions and Brunch is “A Touch of Elegance.” The event is presented by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc. — Memphis Chapter. Tickets: $75. To purchase tickets or for information, call (901) 482-6036 or go to Memphisncbw.org.

Southern Heritage Classic Football Game 

6 p.m., Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium

This iconic football rivalry resumes as Jackson State takes on Tennessee State. The proceedings will also include the AutoZone Halftime Show featuring JSU’s Sonic Boom of the South and TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands. After the game, stay for the Classic 5th Quarter, the grand finale for the Southern Heritage Classic featuring a battle of the bands. All seats are reserved. Tickets: $53, $38 and $23 plus service charges. Go to Ticketmaster.com.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Southern Heritage Classic 2022: Here are the events planned in Memphis