The Minglewood Series - Lucero Family Block Party

Steve Likens
Nov 12
2 min read

Memphis-based Lucero hold an annual "family" block party in the parking lot of Minglewood Hall, in the heart of midtown, to celebrate their hometown roots with friends and family and raise money for local charitable organizations.

The 2022 edition, held on September 10, featured Lucero, American Aquarium, Jason Boland & The Stragglers, and Tim Berry. (I missed Tim Berry's set.) A portion of every ticket sold benefited the Children's Emergency Care Alliance.

Lucero's press material describes their sound as a "synthesis of soul, rock, and country that is distinctly Memphisian" and, more recently, "punchy driving rhythms, punk-rooted guitar licks, and lyrics that evoke the whiskey drenched sentimentality of Americana singer-songwriters." They always deliver a high-energy live performance, and this event was no exception.

American Aquarium was new to me. They, too, brought a compelling live performance. I found myself downloading and listening to several of their albums in the days following. This is lead singer and guitrist BJ Barham's band. In any given year, the surrounding cast will change depending on the sound and vibe Barham is looking for.

Jason Boland & the Stagglers bring that red dirt Oklahoma / alt-Texas thang, and proved to be the perfect set up for the bands that followed. My favorite tune was the title track from his then-most recent album, The Light Saw Me, which recounts the tale of a Texas cowboy abducted by aliens in 1890 and returned to Texas in 1990.

Now, to the photos:

Thanks for stopping by.

~ Steve

The Minglewood Series - Lucero Family Block Party

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