Memphis music has long been defined by soul, storytelling, and connection. Grammy winning saxophonist Kirk Whalum has built his career around those very elements, and later this month he is inviting Memphis audiences to experience them in a meaningful and intimate way.
On Sunday, March 22, Whalum brings his signature series Kafé Kirk to the stage at Crosstown Theater for a special installment titled Memphis Soul Stew. The evening promises to be more than a traditional concert. Kafé Kirk has become known as a gathering place where music, reflection, and community come together in a setting that feels both relaxed and deeply personal.
Kafé Kirk creates a welcoming environment where people can simply come as they are, settle in, and enjoy the moment. As it has often been described, Kafé Kirk is “part concert, part conversation.” Rather than focusing solely on performance, the evening invites audiences into a shared experience where music becomes a vehicle for storytelling, connection, and reflection.
One of the distinctive elements of Kafé Kirk is its celebration of the spiritual roots of music itself. The series highlights the idea that music has always carried a deeper spirit and meaning, something that resonates across cultures, backgrounds, and traditions. In that way, Kafé Kirk welcomes everyone, offering an experience that speaks to the heart of music beyond labels or categories.
For this special performance at Crosstown Theater, Whalum will welcome his nephew, Memphis born singer, songwriter, saxophonist, and producer Kenneth Whalum III. Kenneth Whalum III has built a remarkable career in his own right, collaborating with legendary artists such as Al Green and Isaac Hayes while also touring and working with artists including Jay-Z, Maxwell, and D’Angelo.
Sharing the stage together adds an especially meaningful dimension to the evening. As uncle and nephew, their collaboration highlights the musical heritage that continues to shape Memphis. Their connection reflects the way music travels through families and communities, inspiring new voices while honoring the traditions that helped shape the city’s sound.
The evening will also feature acclaimed Memphis musicians Jim Spake and Kirk Smothers. Together, these artists bring decades of musical experience and creative collaboration to the stage, helping shape an evening that celebrates the depth and artistry of Memphis music.
Moments like this reflect what makes Memphis special. The city has long been a place where musicians gather, collaborate, and push creative boundaries while remaining closely connected through a shared musical community. At the heart of that community is the blues, the sound that has carried Memphis influence across the world. The blues continues to echo through the many styles of music people love today, shaping artists from Elvis Presley to Earth, Wind & Fire and even Bruno Mars. Kafé Kirk continues that tradition by creating a space where those musical connections can be heard, felt, and shared.
For Memphis audiences, this performance offers an opportunity to witness a group of remarkable artists sharing the stage in a setting that encourages both musical exploration and genuine connection. Whether you come for the music, the atmosphere, or simply the chance to experience something meaningful, Kafé Kirk promises a night that captures the spirit of Memphis.
Event Details
Kafé Kirk Memphis Soul Stew
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Crosstown Theater
Doors open at 5:00 PM
Show begins at 6:00 PM
Tickets available at dice.com
This blog was written by Courtney McNeal
Courtney McNeal is a Memphis based community connector and event curator who works across wellness, culture, and community experiences.
