Story by Lyda Kay Ferree, The Southern Lifestyles Lady. Photography by Woody Woodard.

Only the music of Jackson and West Tennessee could connect Memphis’ Beale Street and Nashville’s Music Row. Join the organizers of the AMP series as we celebrate the rich musical legacy of our region with the 2016 season of Jackson’s award-winning music venue—Jackson’s Amphitheater (AMP) at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market.

“During the 2014 inaugural season, the AMP received the Tennessee statewide Four Star Award for Excellence in new facility design by the Tennessee Recreation & Parks Association,” said Lori Nunnery, Executive Director, Jackson, Tennessee Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Its selection was based on its design, land usage, positive impact on the community, and community partnerships involved.”

In 2016 the AMP was recognized as a runner-up “Best Venue” to see a live performance by The Jackson Sun’s Readers’ Choice Awards.

Located in the heart of Jackson behind the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market and within walking distance of Jackson Walk, The AMP kicks off the 2016 season on May 6. Eleven FREE performances are planned for the third year.

Sponsorship is key to maintaining the FREE season. Special thanks to the following sponsors who have committed to the 2016 series: The Allison Insurance Group, Budweiser, Healthy Community, LIFT Wellness Center, Southern Electric, BancorpSouth, Butts Foods, Jackson Energy Authority, Murray Guard, VOYA, The Bank of Jackson, City of Jackson, Jackson Chamber, Personnel Placements, WBBJ-TV, and West Tennessee Healthcare Foundation.

Additional recognition is also extended to media sponsors: The Jackson Sun, Thomas Media and WBBJ-TV.

Begin your evening at 6:45 p.m. as Bud Light Presents “Local Homegrown Musicians Under the Tent” at the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market. The open air venue encourages guests to bring their picnic basket or visit one of the food concessions ranging from hamburgers to Cuban food to pizzas to candy popcorn. Music on the Main Stage will begin at 7:30 pm. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome at this family-friendly event. Free parking is available throughout downtown.

In the event of rain, some of the out-of-town performances may be moved to the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market shed or pavilion next door to the AMP. Stay tuned to local media or call the Farmers’ Market at (731) 425-8308 for concert updates during inclement weather.

Jackson’s Amphitheater at the Market is a collaborative project between the City of Jackson, West Tennessee Farmers’ Market, Jackson Downtown Development Corporation (JDDC), Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau and numerous community volunteers.

2016 CONCERT SEASON
All performances are free and begin at
7:30 p.m.

MAY 6
The Kimberlie Helton Band

MAY 20
Little Boys Blue

JUNE 10
Stacey Mitchhart

JUNE 24
Reverend Jesse and The Holy Smokes
(Josh Smith)

JULY 1
Jimmy Church Review

JULY 30
Skyelor Anderson & Colton Parker

AUGUST 12
Travis Cottrell

AUGUST 26
King Beez

SEPTEMBER 9
Water The Buffalo & Hot Wired

SEPTEMBER 23
Talent To Be Announced

OCTOBER 1
JDDC’s Night:
Talent To Be Announced

“Two of the chief objectives of the AMP are to improve the quality of life in Jackson, Tennessee and to promote live music in this area,” said Jimmy Exum, chairman of the AMP project.

Last year he guess-estimated at a capacity crowd of 4000, which Travis Cottrell of Englewood Church drew. An average crowd is around 2000 people.

“This year we’ll open up the newest area, the backside or the west side of the AMP, which will allow for about 800 more people,” said Exum.

The concerts start at 7:30 pm and most end between 9:00 and 9:15 pm at the latest. There is no intermission. The restrooms are on the lower level behind the bandstand and there is a restroom at the Farmers’ Market behind the little café.

This year an Easter sunrise service at 6:45 am was held for the first time. “Approximately 1200 people attended, which was a nice crowd for an early chilly morning,” said Exum, who added that $1,600 was raised by passing a basket. The funds went to the Regional Interfaith Association (RIFA).

Origin of the AMP
Exum told me when he was finally convinced that the AMP could be a reality in downtown Jackson, he was invited by Henry Turley to visit the old Levitt Shell at Overton Park in Memphis. “Several of us from Jackson met with the Shell’s board and talked to them about how they operated. They present about 30 concerts a year, but the Memphis population is so much greater. Their board suggested that we start off with somewhere between 10 and 14 concerts, so I picked 11 or 12 concerts as my target, and that is where we are.”

All of the above-mentioned Jackson AMP concerts are supported by sponsors. “The city furnishes the police and the city cleans up the grounds before and after the event. The sponsors pay for all of the bands, the musicians, the entertainment, the lights and the sound,” said Exum.

Exum knew most of the quality acts in Memphis, Nashville and West Tennessee. “I try to mix it up where we have maybe 60 percent local artists and 40 percent out-of-town artists,” he said.

Jackson’s AMP at the Market is a collaborative project between the City of Jackson, West Tennessee Farmers’ Market, Jackson Downtown Development Corporation (JDDC), Jackson Arts Council, Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) and numerous community volunteers.

What to Know
To connect with what’s happening at the AMP, search Jackson’s AMP at the Market on Facebook or call the West Tennessee Farmers’ Market at (731) 425-8308. Their office is open year round from Tuesday through Saturday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm.