Celebrating Memphis Music & Culture Since 1972
The Center for Southern Folklore stands as one of Memphis's most important cultural institutions dedicated to documenting and presenting the music culture arts and rhythms of the Memphis Delta region. Operating as a nonprofit organization since 1972 the Center combines museum performance venue cafe and community gathering space in downtown Memphis's historic Peabody Place.
History & Mission
Founded in 1974 (with archival work beginning in 1972) the Center has spent over five decades collecting audio recordings film and video footage photographs printed materials and artifacts that preserve the region's cultural heritage. The organization's mission - celebrating the arts music and heritage of the South from the cultural crossroads of Memphis - comes alive through live performances exhibitions and educational programming.
The Venue Space
Located in the former Goldsmith's Department Store building at Peabody Place the Center occupies a space rich with Memphis history. The building housed the beloved Enchanted Forest holiday display from 1963 to 1990 before Goldsmith's donated it to Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. Since 1999 the Center has maintained its presence here creating an intimate venue that honors Memphis's musical traditions.
Musical Programming
Live music forms the heart of the Center's mission. Most Friday and Saturday nights feature performances starting around 8 PM showcasing blues jazz and other regional musical traditions. The 1st Sunday Jazz Jam Pop Up Series founded by Cequita Monique in 2025 brings funky engaging jazz to the venue from 2-5 PM on the first Sunday of each month. The series features seasoned musicians like Stephen Lee (founder of Memphis Jazz Workshop) alongside emerging talent.
The Center plans to expand its blues programming to complement the popular jazz series ensuring both major strands of Memphis's musical heritage receive proper celebration.
Food & Cafe
The Center for Southern Folklore Cafe specializes in traditional Southern comfort food prepared with authentic Memphis soul. Signature dishes include famous mac and cheese - considered among the city's best - flavorful greens - chili and tamales - cornbread - and legendary peach cobbler even better when topped with locally-made Maggie Moos ice cream.
The cafe operates Tuesday and Thursday 10 AM - 5 PM and Friday 10 AM - 5 PM (plus evening service during performances). The combination of quality food and live music creates a complete cultural experience.
Archives & Exhibitions
The Center's Heritage Hall features rotating photographic exhibits and media presentations showcasing the region's cultural history. The archives contain invaluable documentation of Memphis and Delta culture available for research and educational use. The Folklore Store offers CDs books and cultural products including the Center's own productions like Joyce Cobb's 'Beale Street Saturday Night.'
Memphis Music & Heritage Festival
Since 1988 the Center has produced the Memphis Music & Heritage Festival held each summer and on Labor Day Weekend. The festival has honored Memphis legends including Joyce Cobb Mose Vinson Jim Dickinson and Otha Turner becoming one of the city's signature cultural events. The festival celebrates the full spectrum of Memphis music with urban Memphis as its backdrop.
Community Engagement
Beyond performances the Center offers customized tours showcasing music and cultural history of the Memphis Delta region. The venue is available for private events parties weddings and business gatherings providing a unique setting that connects guests to Memphis's authentic cultural heritage.
Visiting Information
The intimate setting and downtown location make the Center accessible for both locals and tourists seeking authentic Memphis culture beyond Beale Street's commercial attractions. The combination of museum exhibits live music traditional food and cultural programming creates an immersive experience that feels genuinely rooted in Memphis's past while remaining vibrantly alive in the present.