January 24, 2018. MEMPHIS, TN. On the heels of unveiling the 2018 Fine Arts Poster honoring the Czech Republic
at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art on Tuesday night, Memphis in May International Festival has released the
first of its annual lineup of cultural programs designed to immerse Memphians in the culture of this year’s honored
nation. From photography and art exhibits at public libraries and museums, to performances at The Orpheum
Theater or the Beale Street Music Festival, there are countless ways for Mid-Southerners to learn more about the
“jewel of Central Europe.”
The following international cultural exhibits, lectures and performances from the Czech Republic are scheduled to
appear at a variety of venues throughout the city of Memphis during the month of May with more to come
EXHIBITS
Czech Scientists and Their Inventions— an exhibition of caricatures of leading Czech scientists and their
most famous discoveries by illustrator and director Přemek Ponáhlý, presenting Czech male and female
scientists via a humorous and hyperbolic depiction. Goodwyn Gallery at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central
Library, May 1 – 31, 2018
Witness to the Revolution— This exhibit uses eyewitness accounts from Americans who were in Europe
in the fall and winter of 1989 as communism fell in Czechoslovakia, including a professor, a student, a
reporter and U.S. Embassy staff. Their notes, pictures and videos combine to tell a fascinating story of a
pivotal moment in history. National Civil Rights Museum, May 1 – 31, 2018
Cinema of Czech Republic— In collaboration with Indie Memphis, Czech films will be screened each week
in May on Tuesday and/or Wednesday evenings. Film titles, dates and venues will be announced soon.
Save the date – Tuesday, May 8, 2018 to hear from one of the Czech Republic’s most prolific filmmakers,
Jan Hrebejk who has directed more than 15 films for theaters and TV since Divided We Fall became an
international success in 2000.
PERFORMANCES
Dan Bárta and Illustratosphere— Seven-time Czech Grammy-winner Dan Bárta and the exceptional
Illustratosphere bring their rock, pop, funk and jazz to Beale Street Music Festival.
Tom Lee Park, Memphis, Tennessee, May 4-6; Tickets available through Ticketfly.com
One Night in Prague: A Sensory Celebration of the Czech Republic
Experience a gourmet sampling of Czech cuisine and enjoy performances by the world-renown Epoque
Quartet, who fuse their classical training with the sounds of jazz and rock for a concert unlike any other.
The Orpheum Theatre, May 10, 2018 • 7:30 pm; ticketmaster.com
Domazlice Bagpipe Band—Performances of the original folk music of the region of Chodsko in Bohemia
Memphis-area schools, May 9-11 and 14-15, 2018
CUISINE
Cuisine of the Czech Republic –Renowned Czech chef, best-selling author, TV personality and
entrepreneur Zdenek Pohlreich, will be the featured chef. The Peabody Hotel, Chez Philippe;
901-529-4000 for reservations, May 12 at 7:00 pm
Prague Pitmasters — Master chefs under tutelage of Zdenek Pohlreich bring Czech-inspired barbecue
dishes. World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, May 16-19, 2018; Tom Lee Park
SPECIAL EVENT
“Castles and Crystals” Memphis in May International Gala – The Peabody Hotel- Skyway Ballroom
May 11 at 6:30 pm; Tickets: $250 / Individual * $2,500/ Table * $5,000/ Sponsor Table
Call 901-525-4611 for tickets and information or email sgreen@memphisinmay.org
SPEAKERS
Architects of the World Lecture Series in partnership with AIA Memphis: Kamil Mrva
Explore the unique architectural, cultural, social and economic environment of this year’s celebrated
country – the Czech Republic. Award-winning Kamil Mrva, Ph.D., is one of the most prominent
representatives of the younger generation of Czech architects.
2018 Memphis in May International Festival Dates:
Beale Street Music Festival: May 4-6, 2018
International Week: May 7-13, 2018
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest: May 16-19, 2018
Great American River Run: May 26, 2018
901Fest: May 26, 2018
About Memphis in May
Memphis in May International Festival is a not for profit, community-based organization, whose programs
contribute more than $111 million annually in economic impact to the community, foster civic pride, promote
awareness of Memphis heritage, and build international relationships and understanding through education.
Memphis in May International Festival is the official festival of the City of Memphis, the recipient of 206
prestigious Pinnacle Awards from the International Festival and Events Association, and has been named to
Travel+Leisure’s international list of Festivals Worth Traveling For, with the Beale Street Music Festival included
as one of the World’s Top Festivals by Fest300, and listed by Forbes as one of “5 Underrated Music Festivals You
Should Attend.”
For additional information about the Memphis in May International Festival, please visit the official Memphis in
May web site at www.memphisinmay.org.
###
