The Overton Park Shell is unique among all the other existing WPA-sponsored bandshells built in the 1930s, in that it arose from a Memphis arts community so determined to have a public performance space that they were performing in that part of Overton Park when it was only grass and trees. The ensuing tale of the Shell’s ups and downs is a fascinating one, explored in depth in this Memphis Magazine story. But the heartening endpoint of the tale today is that the Overton Park Shell turns 90 this year, and the team that manages it have put together a whopper of a celebration this September.
“From funk to jazz to blues to rock, get ready for an unforgettable weekend of fun at
everyone’s favorite backyard venue,” said Overton Park Shell executive director Natalie…