MADE IN MEMPHIS
About the Program | Event Photos | Program Repertoire|Digital Program| About the Artists | Our Sponsors
The legend of Stax Records and the fervent period of creation that led to the signature Memphis Sound defining the soul genre in American music.
In the neighborhood nicknamed “Soulsville,” legendary artists and record producers dared to change everything. In 1950s Memphis, Stax Records smashed racial barriers, integrated their staff, and created space for a more equal and collaborative way of making art.
Join MUSE/IQUE for this quintessential American story of how soul music produced by studios like Stax and Sun Records became a powerful form of self-expression that amplified the resilience, aspirations, and hope of the Black community. From the music of Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Isaac Hayes, Sam & Dave, and more, we celebrate the vital soul hits that supercharged the civil rights movement and captured the spirit of a new generation.
Made In Memphis
Photos
Made In Memphis Program Repertoire
Hold On, I’m Coming - Isaac Hayes & David Porter, arr. Rob Schaer
LaVance Colley, Chris Pierce, Sy Smith, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
When the Levee Breaks - Kansas Joe McCoy & Memphis Minnie, arr. Chris Pierce
Chris Pierce and Michael Valerio
Peace in the Valley - Thomas A. Dorsey
LaVance Colley, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Night Time is the Right Time - Roosevelt Sykes & Nappy Brown, arr. Jamey Tate
LaVance Colley, Sy Smith, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Time is Tight / Green Onions - Booker T. & the M.G.s, arr. Carey Frank
MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Respect - Otis Redding, arr. Rob Schaer
LaVance Colley, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding & Steve Cropper, arr. Jamey Tate
Sy Smith, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Hyperbolicsyllabicsesquedalymistic - Isaac Hayes & Alvertis Bell, arr. Matt Rohde & Michael Valerio
Chris Pierce, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Down by the Riverside - Traditional Spiritual, arr. Dedrick Bonner
DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
If You Talk In Your Sleep - Red West & Johnny Christopher, arr. Jamey Tate
LaVance Colley, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
The Dark End of the Street - Dan Penn & Chips Moman, arr. Larry Cook
Chris Pierce, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
I Can't Stand the Rain - Ann Peebles, Don Bryant & Bernard Miller, arr. Rob Schaer
Sy Smith, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
I'll Take You There - Alvertis Isbell, arr. Michael Valerio
LaVance Colley, Chris Pierce, Sy Smith, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Knock On Wood - Eddie Floyd & Steve Cropper, arr. Michael Valerio
LaVance Colley, Chris Pierce, Sy Smith, DC6 Singers Collective, MUSE/IQUE Orchestra
Made In Memphis
Program
MUSE/IQUE Pop-Up Exhibit
Made In Memphis
Featured Artists
LAVANCE COLLEY, VOCALS
LaVance Colley has fused the presence, range, and fervor of a Gospel singer with the versatility of Jazz, and the heart of R&B to develop a style all his own. As an accomplished vocalist his credits include working with legends like: Beyonce Knowles, John Legend, Shawn Mendes, Pharrell Williams, Diana Ross, and Lizzo, to name a few. LaVance is also widely recognized as the lead vocalist, and Emcee on tour with international sensation group Postmodern Jukebox. His live performances and studio sessions are truly spectacular and highly sought after by many artists in the industry.
CHRIS PIERCE, VOCALS
Chris Pierce is a singer-songwriter who blends Americana, folk, blues, and soul. His hit song “We Can Always Come Back to This” reached #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Pierce has performed with: Neil Young, B.B. King, Seal, Al Green, Steve Earle, Allison Russell, Ramblin’ Jack Elliot, Rodrigo y Gabriela, Jill Scott, Blind Boys of Alabama, Aaron Neville & others. Other recent highlights include: a solo concert at The Kennedy Center, a duet with Sara Bareilles, a sold-out concert with Allison Russell, and performance/interviews on NPR’s WORLD CAFÉ, MOUNTAIN STAGE, AMERICAN FOLK SHOW, SoCAL SOUND, and more.
SY SMITH, VOCALS
Sy Smith has proven throughout her career that an R&B artist can be progressive while remaining firmly rooted in tradition. Foremost a singer with a vocal range spanning five octaves, Smith has worked with Whitney Houston, GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Chris Botti and GRAMMY-nominated group The Foreign Exchange, among others. Her latest LP “Until We Meet Again” has drawn comparisons to Minnie Riperton and Deniece Williams.
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DC6 SINGERS COLLECTIVE, VOCALS
DC6 Singers Collective (vocals) are a Los Angeles-based ensemble with roots in a cappella, gospel, doo wop, and R&B, but they fuse styles to transcend boundaries. They have collaborated with global music legends such as CeCe Winans, Lady Gaga, John Legend, Michael Bolton, and institutions like the San Francisco Symphony and LA Opera Orchestra. They frequently collaborate with longtime partners like MUSE/IQUE and local arts organizations that amplify the city’s rich cultural tapestry.
This special group works closely with MUSE/IQUE to develop and produce arrangements, advise on repertoire, and help bring the music to life.
Principal Arranger and Special Advisor to the Music Director Michael Valerio and resident arrangers Rob Schaer and Jamey Tate. Additional arrangements by Larry Cook, Carey Frank, Chris Pierce, Matt Rohde and Dedrick Bonner.
MUSE/IQUE orchestra
Led by Artistic & Music Director Rachael Worby
Violin
Alyssa Park
Violin II
Marisa Kuney
Viola
Shawn Mann
Cello
Ismael Guerrero
Saxophone
Brandon Fields, Pat Posey
Trumpet
Rob Schaer, Joe Harris
Trombone
Francisco Torres
Keyboard/ Hammond B3 organ
Carey Frank
Guitar
Michael Abraham
Bass
Michael Valerio
Drums
Jamey Tate
Brady Steel, Orchestra Manager. Caroline Boyce, Librarian.
This season is presented by LeeAnn and Ron Havner / JCS Family Foundation.
Additional Sponsors:
Anonymous (2), Avery and Andrew Barth, Michael Casey, Susan Chandler, Ellen and Harvey Knell, The Jerry and Terri Kohl Family Foundation, Mike Stoller & Corky Hale, Ambassador Robert Kohorst and Shelley Allen, Debbie and Rick Powell, and Alyce de Roulet Williamson.