Black Cream Live at the Green Room

Black Cream returns to The Green Room at Crosstown Arts for a special hometown performance on August 29, 2026. Known for their electrifying blend of psychedelic soul, blues rock, funk, and improvisational energy, the Memphis based group delivers a live experience rooted in groove, musicianship, and raw chemistry. The evening will also feature a special tribute segment honoring the birthday of Michael Jackson, celebrating the enduring influence of one of music’s greatest innovators through the lens of Black Cream’s signature sound. This one night only performance promises deep Memphis musicianship, powerful originals, unexpected interpretations, and an immersive live show from one of the city’s most dynamic bands.
**ABOUT BLACK CREAM:**
Hailing from Memphis, Black Cream is a powerhouse trio that defies genre labels while paying homage to the city’s deep musical roots. Comprised of drummer and lead vocalist Chris Barnes, bassist and vocalist Derek Brassel, and guitarist and vocalist Thomas Crivens, Jr. (T.O.), the band weaves together a rich tapestry of R&B, soul, gospel, and rock.
All three members cut their teeth in the church, where Memphis’ tradition of musical excellence shaped their artistry. Now, they blend that foundation with a unique sound that’s equal parts groove, soul, and rocking edge. Black Cream’s electrifying live performances showcase powerful originals, inventive covers, and vocal stylings that evoke everything from vintage Cream to the Isley Brothers, all delivered with a modern twist.
Chris Barnes brings a legacy of gospel music, stemming from his family’s storied past in the genre, and adds an unmistakable authenticity to Black Cream’s vocals and rhythm. Derek Brassel, a seasoned session musician and touring bassist, lends his deep experience and dynamic bass lines, drawing from his time with the B.B. King All Stars and national acts like Everlast. T.O. Crivens Jr., an accomplished session guitarist whose latest work was adding guitar to a track on Anthony Hamilton’s Love is the New Black, adds a fiery, soulful touch to the trio’s sound with his explosive riffs and intricate melodies.
Whether they’re crafting originals or reimagining classics, Black Cream’s approach is organic, raw, and deeply soulful. Their high-energy performances and undeniable chemistry have made them a standout act, proving that this Memphis trio is as rich and dynamic as the city that inspired them.