Memphis’ Southern Avenue Band Plays Club Cafe; Parkside Dining at Istanbul Cafe (Mon., 2/20/17)

1) One of the hottest, newer bands in Memphis, Tennessee—Southern Avenue—are stopping by Club Cafe on their current tour. The band is composed of a racially and musically diverse mixture of young but very talented musicians. Sisters Tierinii and Tikyra Jackson come from a Memphis church music culture and respectively provide the singing and strong drumming for the band. With her powerful vocals and energized dance moves, Tierinii is evocative of another female singer from Tennessee—Tina Turner. Ori Naftaly, an Israeli-born blues guitarist who came to the states as an accomplished solo artist; Daniel McKee, a skilled jazz-influenced bassist; and Jeremy Powell, keyboardist, the group’s newest member, and a graduate of Stax’s legendary music academy, round out the band. They make a powerful, beautiful sound. Southern Avenue, the band’s namesake street, cuts across Memphis all the way to Soulsville, where the legendary Stax Records once was. Fittingly, they are signed to the resurgent Stax Records. Opening is Nightgown. 8 p.m. 56-58 S. 12th St., South Side. 

2) Get ready for spring, stop by Istanbul Sofra, a welcome addition to that colorful culinary corner on South Braddock and Forbes across from Frick Park. Seinfeld’s Kenny Bania would proclaim their lentil soup the best, Jerry, the best. The falafels, hummus, and kebabs are also hard to beat.  Additionally cool: BYOB; outdoor seating and cay. That last item is pronounced “chai,” but don’t confuse it with those sugary lattés from Starbucks. A dark red tea, cay comes in tulip-shaped glasses and is a symbol of Turkish hospitality. Top off your meal with some Turkish coffee and baklava. 7600 Forbes Ave., Regent Square. (CM)

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