undefined - Orion Financial Free Concert Series ft. Memphis PowerPop Festival
Orion Financial Free Concert Series ft. Memphis PowerPop Festival
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The Orion Financial Free Concert Series welcomes local, national, and international acts to the historic Overton Park Shell where legendary talent has left a timeless legacy. MPPF Set Times: 5:00-5:25- Joybomb 5:40- 6:10- Your Academy 6:25- 7:00- Sonny Wilsons 7:30-9:00- The Smithereens —————————————————————— About The Smithereens: Since their formation in Carteret, New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have earned a reputation as one of America’s most enduring rock bands. Founding members Pat DiNizio (vocals/guitar), Jim Babjak (guitar/vocals), Mike Mesaros (bass/vocals), and Dennis Diken (drums/vocals) built a distinctive sound rooted in the melodic punch of the British Invasion, fused with the raw energy of American garage rock. The result was a catalog of timeless songs that continue to resonate with audiences worldwide. The band’s breakthrough came with the 1986 release of Especially for You, featuring the modern rock classics “Blood and Roses” and “Behind the Wall of Sleep.” Critical acclaim and radio success soon followed with Green Thoughts (1988) and 11 (1989), albums that delivered charting singles including “Only a Memory,” “A Girl Like You,” and “Too Much Passion.” Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, The Smithereens became fixtures on MTV, college radio, and mainstream rock stations, while touring extensively with artists such as Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and The Pretenders. Celebrated for their muscular live performances, The Smithereens have always stayed true to their roots while expanding their reach. Their body of work includes not only original material but also acclaimed tributes to their musical heroes, including full-length homages to The Beatles and The Who, affirming their place in the lineage of classic rock. Following the passing of frontman Pat DiNizio in 2017, Babjak, Mesaros, and Diken made the decision to honor his memory by continuing to perform and record. Joined by guest vocalists such as Robin Wilson (Gin Blossoms), John Cowsill (from the Cowsills & Beach Boys) and Marshall Crenshaw, the band continues to bring their celebrated songs to both longtime fans and new generations. The band’s latest album is THE LOST ALBUM featuring previously unreleased sessions with Pat DiNizio. Today, The Smithereens stand as a vital, influential force in American rock—defined by ringing guitars, unforgettable hooks, and a spirit of resilience that ensures their music remains as powerful and relevant as ever.
joybomb,live performances,memphis powerpop festival,memphis, tennessee,music,orion financial free concert series ft. memphis powerpop festival,seasonal,the smithereens,your academy
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Music & Entertainment,Seasonal & Holiday,Festivals/Fairs
The Sonny Wilsons is the power pop project of Adam Yancey (Solo artist, Afterglow, The Chain Hopsons, The Becky’s) and Allen Couch (East Link).
Adam Yancey, who gigged his way through flight school is, and this is a direct quote, “The only idiot in the world that got into the music business for the money. And the only idiot, in the history of idiots, which is a long list, who had to fall back on a music career to become an airline pilot!”
Multi-instrumentalist Allen Couch's love of music began when he stumbled upon, and subsequently appropriated, his parent's 8-track copy of Abbey Road. Yep, he's that old…. Thus began a lifelong appreciation for a well structured pop harmony.
They are joined by singer-songwriter-guitarist Danny McGreger (Lately David), singer-guitarist Chris Swenson (The Devil Brothers, David Brookings Band, Victor & The Spoils, Megawhat, Black Oak Arkansas) and bassist Johnny Norris (Crash Into June, Your Academy). The Sonny Wilsons’ first album, recorded at Ardent and High/Low studios with Jon Auer (Posies, Big Star) producing, will be released late summer of 2025.
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About Your Academy:
When semi-legendary Memphis power pop band crash into june acrimoniously split in 2005, founding member and bass player Johnny Norris clinged to hop that the band would one day regroup to make one more great album to compliment its critically acclaimed releases from blind to blue (1999) and Another Vivid Scene (2002). While reunion shows in 2013 and 2016 sparked hope, a group commitment to record again never materialized. And, when Norris’ efforts to reform the band in August 2019 to celebrate his birthday were rebuffed by the latest incarnation of the group, it appeared that all hope of another CIJ- related recording was extinguished.
Enter guitarist Chris Gafford and drummer Dan Shumake, both who appeared on CIJ’s debut release, from blind to blue. Since leaving crash into june, Gafford and Shumake remained active in the Memphis music scene and had joined Stephen Burns’ most recent incarnation of The Scruffs. When approached, the two eagerly signed on to join Norris for an August 2019 performance of crash into june songs and other power pop classics. But, the question remained: who would sing?
Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Brandon McGovern cut his teeth on the soul and blues sound of the city. With a love for The Beatles and 60’s garage bands, he spent his early years playing in various bands, including Madison Treehouse, which played many shows with crash into june throughout the 90’s on Memphis’ famed Highland Strip.
Enter Adam Hill. Hill is affectionately known in power pop circles as “The Big Star Archivist” having assisted Ardent Studios founder, the late John Fry, with locating, transferring and mixing long lost Big Star and Chris Bell tracks for inclusion on box sets released in the early 2000’s. Adam also plays guitar in The Scruffs and is an accomplished recording engineer having worked with Jack White, Cat Power, Klaus Voorman, Low Cut Connie, and, of course, Big Star. Adam signed on to play lead guitar and record Your Academy.
Under Hill's tutelage, Your Academy recorded and released in 2021 their debut self-titled album, which they self-describe as the resurrection of Memphis power pop. In 2024, the band followed up their self-titled release with the cheekily titled #2 Record, a not-so-subtle homage to Memphis legends Big Star's classic #1 Record. At this year's Memphis PowerPop Festival, Your Academy is celebrating the release of their third full length album, which is available for purchase at the merchandise table along with other Your Academy goodies.
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About Joybomb:
Joybomb is a fiery alt-rock band from Memphis, TN, blending pop-punk, indie, and post-hardcore into a sound that’s explosive and anthemic. With electrifying live shows and razor-sharp hooks, they tackle everything from consumer culture and political theatre to tragic romance.
Since their 2022 debut album American Cult Candy, Joybomb has pulled no punches - the quartet has cranked up their punk-fueled energy with a new lineup and string of singles in ‘25.
Their music delivers an emotive thrill-ride marked by urgent anthems, catchy riffs, and socially charged angst.
Drawing from late '90s and early '00s Warped Tour vibes, think Jimmy Eat World, Alkaline Trio, and Motion City Soundtrack, with a modern edge and attitude like White Reaper, Spiritual Cramp, and Amyl & the Sniffers.
Recent Joybomb highlights include opening for Third Eye Blind, being featured on Apple Music editorial playlists All New Punk and Negative Space, playing Riverbeat Music Fest 2025 alongside acts like The Killers and Cage The Elephant, being nominated Best Local Band by the Memphis Flyer for a third year running, and closing out the year with a third single from their upcoming sophomore LP.
Food Trucks: BBQX | Eat Good Groceries | Halinkas | Hot & Heavy Dogs | Mempops
Picnic baskets, coolers, beverages, blankets, and lawn chairs are always welcome. We also offer food and beverage for sale in the Autozone Food and Beverage Concourse. Dogs on a leash are welcome in designated areas. Overton Park Shell is a nonsmoking facility.
