It is getting warm in Memphis! Do you know what that means? The Shell season is coming!
If you live in Memphis you know The Shell is the amphitheater in the middle of Overton Park, located near The Memphis Zoo, that hosts weekly entertainment and musical acts.
Many do not know much history about The Shell. While visiting The Memphis and Shelby County Room located in the Memphis Public Library I browsed through stacks of The Memphis Press Scimitar and The Commerical Appeal to find the most interesting facts on The Levitt Shell.
When the Overton Park Shell was proposed the estimate to build was only $10,000. The actual cost to build was $11, 935. It is built in a natural amphitheater providing a fantastic view from every seat in the house.
September 13, 1936 was the opening night. At the time The Shell accommodated 6000 people, 4000 of which were able to be seated leaving standing room only for 2000 guests. The orchestra pit seated 50 musicians. On stage an orchestra of 75 musicians could be seated.
Opening night was the only concert given in 1936. And it was free; consisting of classical music & ballet. The esteemed Mayor Overton conducted the keynote address dedicating the Shell.
In 1948 The Shell was given a major overhaul, costing $80,000.
On July 30, 1954 Elvis Presley's 1st concert performance as an opening act was performed on the stage of the Overton Park Shell.
In 1966 The Shell was proposed to be destroyed. It was to become the Performing Arts Bldg for The Memphis Academy of Arts & Brooks Art Gallery.
On November 24, 1969 The Shell was set fire by a 19 year old homeless man, Scott Stone Whitting. Whitting was staying wherever he could after his girlfriend, the secretary of the AAA club, quit seeing him. The estimated cost to rebuild was $55,000.
On July 2, 1971 the Memphis Police were used as guards at Overton Shell instead of security guards due to complaints of drinking, drug use, and love making by nearby neighbors.
According to a Memphis newspaper on July 8, 1971 it cost only a $2000 deposit by any promoter who schedules an event. This money includes rental fee, police protection, and insurance against personal injuries or damage to The Shell.
1971 continued with numerous complaints from neighbors about noise levels.
In 1973 the fences surrounding The Shell were trampled. This prompted the Memphis parks commission to remove the fence and provide only free shows.
In September of 1982 The Shell was named Raoul Wallenberg Shell after the Swedish diplomat who saved thousands of Jews from Nazi death camps.
On September 16, 1983 Arts in the Park revived a 1960's tradition of music and dance performances, displays of local artists, food from local restaurants, and exhibits from Memphis Academy of Art & Memphis Brooks Museum of Art at The Shell.
Mayor Dick Hackett on April 17, 1984 proposed to tear down the Shell for a Memphis Brooks Museum parking lot. Renovation was chosen over the Shell's destruction.
During the 1990's The Shell was used for Pagan, peace, Earth Day, and animal rescue rallies.
For three years prior to October 20, 2004 The Shell was closed. While anticipating reopening, The Shell had become dilapidated and no funds were set aside for rejuvenating it.
On June 29, 2008 The Shell was renamed Levitt Shell. It was named after The Mortimer Levitt Foundation that nationally funds the revitalization of band shells around the U.S. This leads to The Shell reopening on September 8, 2008 to rock concerts with audiences estimated at 1000.
Just a few of the many artists that have played The Shell include:
Benny Goodman, leader of the big band, Seals & Croft, Allman Brothers, Isaac Hayes, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley, Marguerite Piazza, Marshall Tucker Band, Hubert Sumlin, the Rebirth Brass Band, The Memphis Dawls, North Mississippi Allstars, Star & Micey, Dead Soldiers, Ori Naftaly Band, and the Memphis School of Rock.
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| Memphis School of Rock performing on June 19, 2014 |
When the new season is announced, bring your picnic and your friends. I cannot wait to see you there!
What do you antipate the line-up will be like this year? Who has been your favorite act to see at The Levitt Shell?
Feel free to post your favorite Shell photographs in the comments section below.
Feel free to post your favorite Shell photographs in the comments section below.
More current information can be found at http://www.levittshell.org/
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