The Blues Like You’ve Never Heard Them Before: Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience Opens a New Era at the Scheidt
Some performances entertain. Others transport you.
On Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center will invite audiences on an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Mississippi Delta as Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience officially launches the Center’s exciting new Live at the Scheidt series.
This isn’t just another concert. It’s the beginning of a bold new chapter for the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center and for live entertainment in Memphis.
A New Stage for World-Class Entertainment
The debut of Live at the Scheidt represents more than the launch of a performance series. It’s a commitment to bringing nationally recognized artists, innovative productions and unforgettable live experiences to the Mid-South.
As one of the region’s newest performing arts destinations, the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center has quickly earned a reputation for exceptional acoustics, modern architecture and an intimate concert experience that allows audiences to connect with artists in a way few venues can offer.
Now, with the introduction of Live at the Scheidt, that vision expands even further.
The series will showcase premier touring productions spanning music, comedy, theater and more, transforming the Scheidt Center into a destination where audiences can experience performances usually found only in larger metropolitan markets.
Launching the series with Symphonic Blues Experience sends a clear message: Memphis deserves world-class entertainment, and the Scheidt is ready to deliver.
Celebrating the Music That Changed the World
Few places are more connected to the story of the blues than the Mid-South.
Born from the rich cultural traditions of the Mississippi Delta, blues music laid the foundation for jazz, rock and roll, country, soul and countless other genres that followed. Its influence can be heard in nearly every corner of modern music.
Symphonic Blues Experience honors that remarkable legacy in a completely new way.
Blending authentic Delta blues with the sweeping power of a live symphony orchestra, the production creates an immersive musical experience that explores the history, emotion and cultural significance of one of America’s greatest art forms.
Guided by the unmistakable voice and creative vision of Academy Award-winning actor Morgan Freeman, the performance celebrates the musicians, communities and stories that shaped generations of American Music
Rather than simply telling the story of the blues, the production invites audiences to feel it.
Memphis Meets the Symphony
Making the evening even more meaningful is the participation of the University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra, which will perform live throughout the production.
Known for its artistic excellence and dynamic performances, the orchestra adds a powerful new dimension to the show, bringing orchestral richness to timeless blues traditions while highlighting the extraordinary talent found right here at the University of Memphis.
The collaboration represents everything the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center was built to accomplish, bringing together world-class productions and outstanding university talent to create experiences unique to Memphis.
"This is a landmark moment for the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center. Launching the Live at the Scheidt series with a production of this caliber reflects our commitment to presenting world-class performances while creating meaningful cultural experiences for our campus, our city and our region. Showcasing the extraordinary talent of the University of Memphis Symphony Orchestra as part of this experience makes the evening even more special."
More Than a Performance
At its heart, Symphonic Blues Experience is about preserving and celebrating a musical tradition that continues to inspire artists around the world.
Audiences can expect an evening filled with powerful storytelling, breathtaking orchestral arrangements and a deep appreciation for the cultural legacy of the blues.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of blues music, an orchestral enthusiast or simply someone looking for a one-of-a-kind live experience, this performance offers something unforgettable.
It’s a chance to experience familiar music in an entirely new way while reflecting on the profound impact the blues has had on American culture.
Please note: This production, inspired by Morgan Freeman, has been designed to deliver its complete artistic vision with or without his live appearance. While Freeman is expected to attend, his presence is subject to change and cannot be guaranteed. All ticket sales are final.
This blog was written by Corinthian Scott
Corinthian Scott is a communications and marketing leader whose work centers on strategy, storytelling, and institutional growth. His career spans higher education, healthcare, nonprofit leadership, and creative media, where he is known for building brands, driving engagement, and advancing mission-driven organizations through clarity, vision, and consistent execution.
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Corinthian’s professional journey has taken him through Mississippi and into Tennessee, where he has led large-scale communications, enrollment, fundraising, and public engagement efforts. He holds a Master of Healthcare Administration and a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Belhaven University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Marketing from the University of Southern Mississippi.
In his professional tenure, Corinthian has demonstrated leadership well beyond traditional timelines. His results-driven approach has led to early placement in high-level director roles, reflecting strong strategic judgment, adaptability, and the ability to deliver impact quickly within complex organizations.
Corinthian previously began doctoral studies in Health Administration, which are currently on hold as he pursues a third master’s degree at the University of Memphis, further strengthening his expertise in advanced marketing, communications, and organizational strategy.
He has served in leadership roles including Director of Communications and Marketing and Public Information Officer at Tougaloo College, Marketing Director at Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources, and Communications Director for Changes Resource Center. In these roles, Corinthian has led enterprise-level branding initiatives, institutional messaging, enrollment marketing, donor communications, and change management strategies. At Tougaloo College, he was instrumental in securing and implementing nationally recognized technology initiatives, including the Google Cybersecurity Clinic and Amazon Web Services partnerships, expanding access to workforce development and cybersecurity training in rural and underserved communities.
Across his career, Corinthian has collectively played a role in securing millions of dollars in grants, endowments, and scholarship funding, supporting long-term institutional sustainability, student success, and program expansion. His creative work has been recognized through award-winning graphic design, and he has contributed to multiple major motion picture projects in the Hattiesburg, Mississippi region, supporting creative development, marketing, and media production.
In parallel with his institutional work, Corinthian founded IDLE Creative Consulting, where he advises organizations and creative teams on brand strategy, digital engagement, advertising development, and media production. He has earned numerous professional certifications in digital marketing, social media strategy, leadership development, advertising and campaign design, and emerging communications technologies.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Corinthian enjoys creative and hands-on activities that balance strategy with craft. He plays guitar recreationally, values time outdoors through hunting and fishing, and practices woodworking.
