Center for Southern Folklore

Meet Our Artists. What better time to feature Elvis official photographer Betty Harper and other artists who write and photograph the King would be during Elvis week. Shop Elvis memorabilia at our store at 119 S. Main behind Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art or online at a click away at southernfolklore.com/shop-1
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Meet our artists: Frank Lilly is a master at mixed media painting on canvas, is comfortable painting different subjects and has been with us for a number of years. Below are images of a trombonist, Chapel Hill Church and The Singing Southern Jubilee, a group that performed at one of our own Memphis Music & Heritage festivals.
See these and more here at the Center for Southern Folklore at 119 S. Main behind the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art
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Even shoppers from the early 1900s liked a good sale. We're no different in the 2000s. All our great festival posters are now on sale for $10. In store only. Or call 525-3655 for more details.
We're located at 119 S. Main behind the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art.
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Historic Encounter by Carroll Cloar. While it's doubtful these city leaders ever met, they surely did in the imagination of the author. E.H. Crump, W.C. Handy, Clarence Saunders and Mike Cody are only four characters included in Cloar's masterpiece. This print was made exclusively for the CSF and carries our name. Most do not. Prints available at the Center for Southern Folklore at www.southernfolklore.com/mmhf-posters or by calling 525-3655. Prices vary.

The Center for Southern Folklore remains your museum, retail store and rental destination that honors our city history the best, Pictured below are examples of each - from the files of photographer L.O. Taylor to artwork celebrating Memphis best singers, to our large rental spaces, the CSF fits all three bills. We're located behind Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art in Pembroke Square at 119 S. Main.
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It's getting hot outside and that means it's bird-watching season and what better way to treat our winged friends is with a music-inspired house. Or treat yourself to a rock n roll, Memphis or 901 t-shirt for those sultry Memphis temps. Visit our store at 119 S. Main or online at www.southernfolklore.com/store to purchase yours.

In addition to our full array of CDs and DVDs that include the talents of Kate Campbell, Daddy Mack and such compilations as Fried Glass Onions and In The Mood For Memphis, the CSF has produced our own products, All Day And All Night and Hush Hoggies Hush. With this lineup you can't miss - and all are available by clicking on www.southernfolklore.com/cds or www.southernfolklore.com/dvds
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One of our Facebook friends requested a post on our old friend and CSF piano man Mose Vinson. Vinson hung out at the CSF for years wowing regular customers and guests alike with his magical turn as our resident boogie woogie and blues master. Pictured below is Mose settling in at the ivories. His piano is located at the Center for Southern Folklore, located at 119 S. Main behind the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art .
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A few weeks ago it was announced that Macy's was going through some layoffs and a reader in one of newspapers commented that it hasn't been the same since Goldsmiths was bought out by them.
Well, this photo from our archives reminds us that "the South's Greatest Store," started here in downtown Memphis - in fact in the area where we're located.
These and other images are available at a click away at southernfolklore.com/historical-prints
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This photo of two of our great volunteers over the years, enjoying a sip of water in the hot July sun, reminds us that the snow on the ground and the cold temps in the air won't last forever.

Our rental spaces are still the place to go for those parties, meeting or conferences. Nestled behind Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art and our own retail store behind Pembroke Square, the CSF has our own kitchen or you can on you own. Just call 525-3655 or email us at [email protected].

We've got books for all ages at our online store. Books on Elvis, books on Stax and on the history of Beale Street but we also some fun books for the kids. Check out our book selections at www.southernfolklore.com/shop-1

Photos of Beale when cars were allowed. Some businesses survives, some remain to remind of yesteryear. These and other images are available at only a click away at: southernfolklore.com/store

One of our favorite performers, Kate Campbell, usually favors The Center for Southern Folklore with one of her live concerts. Until then we have the next best thing. We carry a full array of her CDs, from "Sing Me Out," to "Damn Sure Blue," to her other recordings for that distinct and beautiful sound. To view and purchase any of them, click on our online store at www.southernfolklore.com/cds

It's always a good time to look back at our cities; history. Old buildings and old forms of transportation lead some people to say, "those were the days." Are you one?
These images and others are available at www.southernfolklore.com/store.

Christmas in the dog days of summer? Well, sort of. Time to think of that Christmas or Holiday party. Our large space can't be beat for your party or meeting. Call us at 525-3655 or email us at [email protected] and we'll discuss our options.

Angels Still Worship Here, one of our favorite Frank Lilly paintings on display and for sale at our downtown store at 119 S. Main. This is just one of his incredible art paintings.

Some other great Memphis products available at a click away at www.southernfolklore.com/store

Shopping on line has become a convenient alternate to traditional shopping as of late. We have an online store open 24-7 that offers the best in Memphis from art, books, CDs and posters. Shopping is as easy as a click away at www.southernfolklore.com/store.

Today, we wish a belated birthday to our own queen bee Judy Peiser. Judy started the CSF in the mid-'70s and with your help we'll be around to celebrate Memphis music for may more years to come.

While we and the rest of the arts world are saddened by the death of Tina Turner, here's a photo of two members of our own music royalty: one past and one present. Rufus Thomas and Joyce Cobb. These photos and others are available at only a click away at https://www.southernfolklore.com/historical-prints

Word on the street is that our friends at the Blue Suede Brigades have gotten some new technology so pedestrians on Beale Street and everywhere else downtown will feel more secure. Rest assured the guys and gals are on the job. I saw this gentleman outside our store-museum and rental venue at 119 S. Main.
We thank them for their friendly service.

One of our missions here at the Center for Southern Folklore is to celebrate our musical heritage - whether it's blues, rock , pop or hip hop. Every form of music got its start from blues and we've got some of Memphis' best. These and other CDs are only a click away at www.southernfolklore.com/cds.

One of my favorite times of the year: when the sports world overlap. Tomorrow enjoy an afternoon Redbirds games and then settle in for Game 2 of the Grizzlies; playoff march.

In observance of Passover, the CSF will be closed this week.

Warmer weather is upon us and that means it's party time. We're here to offer our rental spaces for your event - rehearsal dinner, bar-mitzvah, company conferences, etc.. Just click on our website at https://www.southernfolklore.com and contact us through our "Rent the center," box or call us at 525-3655.

We just can't get enough of the ultimate showman Rufus Thomas. With friend Mose Vinson on the piano and Judy Peiser grinning from ear to ear, Memphis' oldest teenager delights a crowd at our old Beale Street locale. Now we're on Main St. 119 S. Main behind Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art is the place you ought to be. Come visit .

These are just three pieces from local artist Frank Lilly exhibited here. Come see the rest of his offerings at the CSF, 119 S. Main, behind the Belz Museum of Asian & Judaic Art.

From Dr. Bob and the staff of the CSF, Happy Valentine's Day