Since the hot and dusty autumn of 1915, when W.C. Handy's "Memphis Blues (Talkin' 'bout dem Boss Crump Blues)" hit the top of Circus Tent and Minstrel Show magazine's most requested list of shoutouts for the whole year, Memphis popular music has been defining and setting the course for American music history. The D.W. Griffith scopitone of Handy's hit song (most played in 1915, according to Penny Arcade) coupled with the Handy Orchestra's L&N sponsored barn-storming tour of union lodges and wedding halls catapulted the song from dance hall favorite to political campaign success, forever cementing Memphis' place at the top of the pop music world. Almost one hundred years later, Memphis continues to create and disseminate the finest pop music in the entertainment industry.

On July 28, 2007, Memphis will celebrate the continued fluoridation of indigenous pop music with the 1st Annual Memphis Pops Fest. Bands performing will be the cream of the crop of Memphis' past, present, and future pop stars. Beginning at 6:00 p.m. Saturday at the Hi Tone Cafe 1913 Poplar Ave. in Memphis with the public debut of the Ardent Records 40 Years Story documentary by musicologist Larry Nager, the bands will include Vending Machine, Antenna Shoes, the Carbonas, the Everyday Parade (featuring members of '80s stalwart pop phenoms The Crime), Viva L'American Death Ray plus the always popular special guests!

Order of Events
6:00 p.m. Ardent Records 40th Year Documentary
7:00 Very Special Guests tba
8:15 Vending Machine
9:30 Antenna Shoes
10:45 The Carbonas
12:00 The Everyday Parade
1:15 Viva L'American Death Ray

Advance tickets $10.00 available at www.memphispops.com
Shangri-la Records 1916 Madison Ave.
Goner Records 2152 Young Ave.

Burgers and Hot Dogs will be served. Come early. Stay Late. Don’t miss this summer’s biggest Pop Manifesto!

Brought to you by Ardent Studios, Goner Records, Shangri-la Projects, Shangri-la Records, & Memphis Convention & Visitor’s Bureau