Southern Avenue Live at Martin's Downtown

Memphis-based, GRAMMY®-nominated Southern Avenue inked their first record deal with legendary
Stax Records in 2016. The first Memphis band signed to Stax in over 40 years, their self-titled debut was
an immediate phenomenon, reaching #1 on iTunes’ “Top Blues Albums” chart before being honored with
the 2018 Blues Music Award for “Best Emerging Artist Album.” 2019’s KEEP ON proved an even greater
success, debuting among the top 5 on Billboard’s “Top Blues Albums” chart amidst worldwide critical
acclaim, ultimately earning Southern Avenue their first GRAMMY® Award nomination, for “Best
Contemporary Blues Album”.
In addition to the early success that the band has had with their recordings, the band’s high energy live
show has captivated audiences around the globe. Southern Avenue has performed in 15 countries on
three continents playing top festivals and venues from coast-to-coast and across the pond.
“We’re definitely a melting pot of different experiences, different backgrounds and different cultures,”
says lead guitarist, Ori Naftaly. “It's hard to put us in a box, Southern Avenue doesn’t sound like anybody
else and that's something that I'm very proud of.”
Recently, Southern Avenue’s released their third full-length LP, Be The Love You Want (Renew
Records/BMG). Produced by Multi-GRAMMY® winner Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Susan Tedeschi, Deer
Tick), American Songwriter called it “A potent soul force!” and No Depression proclaimed it’s “one of the
most listenable, and danceable, records of the year.”
Since this release, the band has continued its whirlwind touring schedule with recent highlights including
Bonnaroo, the Austin City Limits Festival, supporting Sheryl Crow in multiple cities and three separate
tours in Europe.
In November 2022, Southern Avenue released their latest single, a funky reinterpretation of the 1983
Genesis hit, “That’s All.” Their version gives a soulful spin to the classic track taking an already groovy
pop-rock song, and translating it into an electrifying banger driven by luscious vocal harmonies and
vintage organ and guitar tones. The song has made a positive impact across the globe, with heavy airplay
on SiriusXM Radio, across Europe and being named one of SoulTracks.com’s “Best Soul Songs of 2022.” It
is available worldwide via Color Red Music.
More recently, the highly esteemed Blues Music Foundation nominated Southern Avenue for “Band of
the Year” at the upcoming 2023 Blues Music Awards, held annually in Memphis. According to drummer
and vocalist, Tikyra Jackson, “We’re honored just to be nominated, to be included with all of these other
legendary artists. Playing music for amazing people around the world, that’s our award right there.”

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