Memphis’s music scene offers diverse lineup

The month of June is Black Music Month, and four years ago my small entertainment publicist firm – Tony Jones, INK! – created a promotion called “From Memphis To The World” to highlight it. Designated by former president Jimmy Carter in 1979, the month was rededicated by President Barack Obama as African American Music Appreciation Month.& I prefer the original better, but either is correct. Thanks to the generous support of W.C. Handy House Museum Executive Director Elaine Turner, who also owns Heritage Tours and the Slavehaven Underground Railroad Museum in Memphis, the lineup for this soulful month dedicated to Black artists and musicians, was announced June 4. The site commemorates Handy’s place in history for writing the “Memphis Blues,” birthing the project that led to establishment of pop music and culture as we know it today.& Here is the lineup of events: • June 8 – Rounds joins the cast of the gospel play, “Ingathering of Grace,” at the New Daisy Theater. Created by writer, composer, vocalist and director Jenita Gently, and produced by her non-profit company S.O.A.R. (Skool of Artistic Revelation), the show has two performance times at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.& • June...