Memphis in May International Festival announces lineup

Sick of the Ides of March already? Ready to trade your parka in for a sundress? The Memphis in May International Festival may be the perfect antidote to your winter weariness. Aretha Franklin, Sheryl Crow and My Chemical Romance are just a few of the celebs who'll be there to help chase away the cold.

Organizers will release the schedule sometime today on the Memphis In May Website.

Memphis in May FestivalTo whet your appetite, let me tell you about the Beale Street Music Festival, which takes place during the festival. For 3 remarkable days (May 2-4) you can wander between 4 stages on the banks of the mighty Mississippi river and watch more than 60 front-line musicians. What's your passion? Blues, rock, R&B, Gospel, new age? You'll find an energetic variety spread throughout the festival.

Tickets go on sale shortly after the lineup is announced and historically sell out quickly. The festival is held rain or shine in downtown Memphis at Tom Lee Park.

It's an international festival and each year a different country is celebrated for its contribution to worldwide musical talent. This year, Turkey rules the throne and Duman, a rock band straight from Turkey, will be featured. In July 2007, they made the cover of Rolling Stone Magazine and have been named group of the year by various Turkish publications.

For more information on Duman, check out the Duman Website.

I've always believed there are 2 types of people in the world - those who like to cook and those who like to eat. If you're on the "Those Who Like Cook" side, sign up for the barbecue judging seminar. After attending a day-long workshop in late March, you'll be qualified to judge the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, which also takes place during the festival.

Good music. Good food. Warm weather. If you need any more reason to visit Memphis in May, we have nothing else for you here.

Planning to go to Memphis in May? Ever been before? Tell us what you thought of it!