Rock & Roll Roots Dinner Series: Memphis Blues, Johnny Cash, and Elvis Presley

Rock & Roll Roots Dinner Series: The Rumpus Room teams up with Kyle Cherek, host of Wisconsin Foodie on PBS, and Paul Cebar, Milwaukee-based songwriter, singer, guitarist and bandleader for this themed dinner exploring great moments in music and food. The second in our series explores the history of the Memphis blues, Johnny Cash, and Elvis on Wednesday,  November 8. 

Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley famously joined together in the early 1950's to record an impromptu jazz session (along with Jerry Lee Lewis and Carl Perkins). Memphis' thick history of blues and gospel influenced both artists and this culture would become a distinct earmark to both of their lifestyles. This dinner will explore the ways that the food and drink of the south, and particularly Memphis were intersected into the lives of both legendary musicians. Enjoy five delicious courses that reflect the history of both musician's taste and flair for music and food.

Fried Catfish
Mississippi Delta-style fried catfish fillets with black-eyed peas and Cajun remoulade

Southern Meat + Three
Mesquite smoked chicken thigh with slaw, fried pickled okra, cheesy grits

Memphis-Style Ribs
Dry-rubbed ribs with pimento mac n’ cheese and collard greens

The Elvis
Classic from “Arcade Restaurant” in Memphis
Fried peanut-butter, banana and bacon sandwich.