Center for Southern Folklore is worth the visit if you want to sit and hear some blues or have a beer and learn about Southern culture. This private, non-profit organization is dedicated to informing people about Southern history with an emphasis on music and art. The interior, decorated by local artists, is eclectic and includes a gift shop and coffee bar. The gift shop is a great place to get books or albums featuring Memphis and Memphis artists. They also have live music Friday and Saturday evenings.
Website: southernfolklore.com
Phone: (901) 525-3655
Cross Streets: Near the intersection of S Main St and Gayoso Ave
Closed now
- Sat 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
119 S Main St, Suite 106 Memphis, TN 38103-3647 ·621.01 mi
Is this your business? Verify your listing
Amenities
- Accessible
- Family friendly
Reviews
tripadvisor
Judy has lived here over 50 years. She has produced documentaries about the musicians including BB King. All the memorabilia has stories and artists. Plan a brief visit or hang out, watch the documentaries and get a feel for the area.
MoreWent to this centre and expected something more with the name Centre for Southern Folklore. She forgot we were coming and door was locked, put on a video (which was the wrong one) and it went on and on and on! We went to sleep. She was then very offended when we asked for it to be switched off. Had expected something else, but really a shop and a sortof cafe! Lady there was busy telling us about her being a filmaker. Would not recommend this except for just a browse.
MoreWe game for a show on Saturday night and they did not disappoint. The only issue was that we came hungry expecting food (based off of the other reviews) however they do not have food at night. Only desserts. But we enjoyed the people and the music!
MoreSeveral months before our wedding anniversary, and our renewal of vows ceremony, we spoke to Judy about holding a family type blues/jazz evening, at the center, the evening after the ceremony. She asked how many people we expected to attend 20-40), would we be drinking alcohol (yes), and the kind of blues-jazz we liked. She said to give her a little time to see who was available and came back to us within 10-14 days. She then proposed a group from East Texas who was in town that week. We looked at them on U-Tube and loved them. The evening of the event there were 3 tables reserved up front for us and we had a wonderful time.
MoreMy wife and I visited this little gem when we were stuck for a light lunch, particularly as my wife is a vegetarian. Although its primary function is not a restaurant but an arts centre, there is a small but interesting menu. Listed intriguingly on the blackboard was 'mixed greens', which we ordered. When it was served what looked like just a portion of cabbage neatly arranged in a circle turned out to be a delicious and lightly spiced mixture of various cooked greens in a light sauce. It was very cheap, tasty and nourishing and went down a treat with a couple of beers. My only regret is that I didn't ask for bread to wipe my plate of the delicious 'gravy'. If you're a veggie, don't miss this treat!
More