This Week in Memphis - 9/29/25

Welcome back to This Week in Memphis! We’re glad you’re here. This past week was another great week for the city, as Tigers remain undefeated after facing off against the MUS Owls (Who knew they were in the American Conference?), we celebrated Grizzlies Media Day today, and Gonerfest this past weekend! As we head into the week of September 29–October 5, 2025, we’ve got some fun stories from Memphis history and exciting events lined up. Let’s dive in.

On This Week in Memphis History

Jerry Lee Lewis’s Birthday: ‘The Killer’ of Rock & Roll

September 29, 2025

This week, Memphis celebrates the birthday of Jerry Lee Lewis, one of the original Sun Records firebrands. Born near Ferriday, Louisiana, he forged his legend in Memphis with pounding piano and the wild spirit that electrified early rock music.

Known as ‘The Killer,’ Lewis broke boundaries at Sun Records, the same studio that launched Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Classics like “Great Balls of Fire” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” made him a global star and central figure in the Memphis music scene.

Lewis’s raw talent and larger-than-life performances shaped rock’s DNA. His Sun Records legacy still inspires musicians in Memphis and beyond, reminding the city of its place at the heart of music history. Go comment your favorite Jerry Lee tune on our post!

We got some big Memphis Birthdays this week too:

• 🎂 Paul Tudor Jones - Birthday, September 28. Billionaire investor with early Memphis trading ties.

• 🎂 Stella Stevens - Birthday, October 1. Actress, director, and Memphis native.

• 🎂 Derrick Rose - Birthday, October 4. Memphis Tigers great; NBA MVP and Grizzlies guard.

• 🎂 Jody Stephens - Birthday, October 4. Drummer for Big Star and Memphis ambassador.

What’s Happening This Week

Memphis is bursting with energy this week! Here’s your guide to the best happenings in the 901:

Mempho Music Festival

🎨 Date & Time: October 3–5

📍 Location: Radians Amphitheater

We are SO excited for another year of MEMPHO!!! Widespread Panic playing 2 nights, and classic bands like the Flaming Lips make their return to Memphis! Experience three days of live music at Radians Amphitheater as Mempho Music Festival brings big-name acts, food vendors, and VIP experiences for a festive Memphis weekend. If you missed out on our giveaway with Mempho, you can still purchase tickets through the link below!

Learn more

Zumba at the Shell

🎨 Date & Time: September 30, 9:30 pm

📍 Location: Overton Park Shell

Join the free weekly Zumba session at the Shell for a fun, high-energy workout right in the heart of Memphis. No registration needed.

Learn more

Horton 5K Trail Race and 2K Fun Run

🎨 Date & Time: October 3, 5:30 pm

📍 Location: Shelby Farms Park

Hit the trails for a nighttime 5K or 2K at Shelby Farms. All proceeds benefit Memphis Youth Athletics. Enjoy food trucks, a DJ, and post-race awards.

Learn more

The New Respects (Orion Free Concert Series)

🎨 Date & Time: October 3, 6:00 pm

📍 Location: Orion Free Concert Series

Experience a high-energy throwback rock and soul show with The New Respects live and free as part of the Orion series.

Learn more

Tigers defend the home turf against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes

🎨 Date & Time: October 4, 7:00 pm

📍 Location: Liberty Bowl

Tigers look to remain undefeated as they face off against the Tulsa Golden Hurricanes who are 2-3. Pack out the stadium!!!!!!!!

Learn more

Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen (Orion Free Concert Series)

🎨 Date & Time: October 4, 6:00 pm

📍 Location: Orion Free Concert Series

Enjoy Grammy-winning New Orleans funk and R&B at this lively, free outdoor show featuring Jon Cleary and his acclaimed band.

Learn more

Thank you for reading and being part of the Memphis story. This newsletter exists because of you.

If there’s an event we missed, or a Memphis history story or birthday you’d like us to highlight, email us at [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you.

See you next week, Memphis!

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