By Ancelious Meeks, Special to The Tri-State Defender
The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art was transformed into a unique social hub Thursday evening, January 16, as the venue hosted a welcoming Happy Hour event from 6–8 p.m. This event blended culture, art and music into one memorable experience.
The event was centered around an exciting DJ set from YO BREEZE that brought together the best of both worlds, a mashup of hip-hop and alternative sounds that had a few attendees dancing and vibing into the night.
Museum guests streamed into the spacious lobby, greeted by the modern ambiance of the museum and the smooth pulse of the DJ’s beats. Inside, the usual quiet reverence of art was replaced with a lively energy. Art lovers and music enthusiasts mingled over cocktails, all while surrounded by the stunning exhibits the Brooks is known for.
An exhibit that caught my eye is the display room that showcases the future of the Brooks Museum as they prepare to move to their new riverfront location. Construction is underway for the downtown move and from the looks of the exhibit, it’s sure to bring light to a rather dark area of the Memphis riverfront.
YO BREEZE, a local DJ talent known for seamlessly blending genres, kicked off the night with an eclectic mix of hip-hop anthems fused with indie and house beats, creating an unexpected yet perfect harmony between the worlds of mainstream hip-hop and other genres.
“This is a cool vibe, with plenty of different people from all walks of life in the same room, definitely different,” said Danny Alexeas, a Memphis local who attended the event. With the museum’s iconic art pieces as the backdrop, the event fostered a community-centered vibe that celebrated Memphis’ diverse music scene. Attendees were able to connect over the shared experience of cutting-edge music and visual art, all while sipping on signature cocktails.
The Brooks Museum’s dedication to blending visual art with the sounds of the city came through in every detail, from the curated playlist to the relaxed, inclusive environment. The Happy Hour event was an excellent reminder that art doesn’t only live on the walls, it lives in the beats, rhythms and culture that make Memphis one of the most musically rich cities in the country.
As the evening wound down, many guests including me lingered a little longer, chatting about the unique combination of sounds they had just experienced, while others snapped photos of the art exhibits that had been highlighted under the glow of the DJ’s mix. It was a celebration of Memphis’ artistic spirit, both old and new.
The Brooks Museum’s Happy Hour event is shaping up to be one of many future gatherings that fuse the creative arts with the city’s vibrant music scene, leaving many eagerly anticipating the next one.
