Bobby Rush, DJ AD, Gonerfest, and more gear up to give Memphis a great show
MEMPHIS, TN—The Orion Financial Free Concert Series just wrapped up for the summer—but the season change will bring even more music. Starting Saturday, August 23rd, Midtown Memphis’ most historic venue is back in action.
Fridays and Saturdays throughout the fall will feature a rotating lineup of local, and national acts across 8 consecutive weekends, with the occasional Thursday and Sunday kicking off—or capping off—the routine festivities. Part two of the 2025 Orion Financial Free Concert Series will culminate on October 23rd.
Revered highlights such as the Memphis Country Blues Festival, Memphis PowerPop Festival, and Shakespeare at the Shell—in partnership with the TN Shakespeare Company—will return to the stage alongside new additions such as the Gonerfest Grand Finale and Rhodes Night.
See the lineup.
“We’re taking the music out of the bar and into the park; that’s exciting! The Overton Park Shell is such a landmark of music in Memphis, and it’s an honor to be a part of the fall lineup.” – Zac Ives and Eric Friedl, co-owners of Goner Records.
Since 2012, Orion Financial has invested in the Overton Park Shell mission, to use music as the catalyst that will cultivate community. While accessibility to the arts is currently under scrutiny, collaboration between arts organizations—and economic institutions—is critical for the cultural infrastructure in Memphis.
“The Overton Park Shell has always been a gathering place for Memphis—a space where music brings us together,” stated Ashley McDurmon, Orion Financial CEO. “Orion Financial is proud to support the Free Concert Series, continuing the rich tradition of making live music accessible to all.”
The fresh acts aren’t the only things concert-goers can look forward to. The Overton Park Shell will welcome 9 new sculptures—cast and created by renowned Memphis artist Jim Buchman—to a lawn that continues to lead the charge in creating accessible, outdoor, arts spaces.
Thanks to the generosity of Brig and Ellen Klyce, installation for the Jim Buchman Sculpture Walk begins Monday, July 17th.
Additional aesthetic enhancements, and facility improvements, are on the horizon as the Overton Park Shell prepares to celebrate 90 years of serving the city with sound in 2026. Forthcoming, fall preservation projects include bathroom renovations, and the long-awaited Artist Lounge construction. As the Overton Park Shell hits major milestones, there are many more announcements to come. Stay tuned!
ABOUT THE OVERTON PARK SHELL
Constructed by the Works Progress Administration in 1936, the Overton Park Shell remains one of the only active Depression-era bandshells across the country. Empowered by a passion to find common ground for diverse audiences, the historic Midtown, Memphis music venue utilizes the universal language of music to build community through year-round arts and cultural programming. For more information, please visit overtonparkshell.org.
