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Photo: Sallie Sabbatini

DreamFest Brings Local Artists and Music Lovers Together During MLK Weekend

DreamFest is a local music lovers dream, showcasing over 70 Memphis-based artists, throughout three premier events. 

Each MLK holiday weekend, hundreds of music lovers flock to DreamFest to hear a bevy of local talent. The music-filled festival is becoming one of the city’s largest musical experiences to promote local, up-and-coming artists. Since its debut in 2012, DreamFest has grown from 30 performing artists to over 75 who are slated to take the stage this year. The weekend’s signature concert kicks off January 18, followed by two other events, all taking place at Minglewood Hall.

“People are going to be introduced to a bunch of dope new artists. That’s the whole point of DreamFest. It’s not for mainstream artists. This is for local, talented artists who need a platform.”

-Cat Evans, Dreamfest Creator

This year’s line-up combines artists from a variety of genres, including hip-hop, r&b, reggae, and spoken word. Evans said the goal of DreamFest has always been for artists to come together in pursuit of a common goal: the promotion of unity, collaboration, and community.

“DreamFest has a cool vibe, good talent, and the concert is overall a “feel-good”; show,” Evans added. “We’ve been consistent with bringing out large crowds and amazing talent each year.”

Following the concert, a new event, Covers and Conversation, will take place January 19. The event will feature cultural conversations with local and  national essayists and critics including writers from Very Smart Brothers and local creative, Munirah Safiyah Jones. Also, in typical Dreamfest fashion, live musical performances will take place throughout the event.

The weekend will conclude with the Artistik Lounge ft. Memphis Cipher Series.

Visit the DreamFest Weekend’s website to see a list of performers and to purchase tickets to Covers and Conversation.

Photo: Live From Memphis

DreamFest: The Concert

  • When: Friday, January 18 at 7PM
  • Where: 1884 Lounge (1554 Madison Avenue)
  • Cost: $10

Covers and Conversation 

  • When: Saturday, January 19 at 7 PM
  • Where:Madison Dance Studio (1555 Madison Avenue)
  • Cost: $10

Artistik Lounge ft. Memphis Cipher Series

  • When: Sunday, January 20 at 7 PM
  • Where: Madison Dance Studio (1555 Madison Avenue)
  • Cost: $10

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