Memphis has shaped the sound of American music through the artists, studios, radio stations, gathering places, and neighborhoods where blues, soul, rock and roll, gospel, hip-hop, and other musical traditions continue to evolve. This cultural tour will move through several of these iconic spaces, exploring how Memphis musicians and cultural institutions have built a creative legacy with influence far beyond the city. Stops will include historic recording studios, all of which are still actively recording today, and contemporary spaces carrying Memphis’s musical culture forward.
Please note: Specific locations and participating partners will be shared in advance of the preconference.
Organized by: Elizabeth Cawein (Music Export Memphis)
Expectations: This cultural tour includes transportation by bus and multiple stops at sites throughout Memphis. Participants should expect periods of walking, standing, boarding and exiting the bus, and moving between indoor and outdoor spaces. Routes may include stairs, uneven surfaces, or varying distances between stops. GIA and our local partners will work to keep the group connected and ensure that all participants can engage meaningfully in the tour. Please share any mobility, seating, transportation, or other access needs with our team at GIAAccess2026@gmail.com.
Cost: $100