April 30 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm CDT
Join The Soulsville Foundation for this year’s Power of Music Honors – an evening celebrating artists, leaders, and changemakers who continue to use music as a force for innovation, advocacy, and lasting community impact. The program will feature live musical performances alongside the awards presentation, reflecting the creativity, passion, and energy at the heart of the Honors.
Established in 2025, the Power of Music Honors recognizes visionaries who harness music to inspire change, uplift communities, and shape culture. From creating opportunities and fostering wellness through artistic expression to driving movements that influence future generations, the Honors spotlight those making a meaningful difference through their work.
Inspired by the legacy of Stax Records – a catalyst for economic empowerment, youth engagement, artist development, and Black entrepreneurship – the event carries forward a tradition of music as a powerful agent for change. Rooted in Memphis, a city globally recognized for its musical influence, the Honors reflect the Soulsville Foundation’s ongoing leadership in music education and cultural preservation. The inaugural event in 2025 recognized Chuck D, whose legacy as a social justice champion and cultural innovator set a powerful precedent for honoring artists and organizations driving real-world change through music.
Wu-Tang Clan will receive this year’s Global Impact Award, which honors artists whose influence extends beyond music to shape communities across generations and borders. The group is recognized for its long-standing commitment to social impact, including initiatives supporting youth education, nutrition, community development, and violence prevention. Through the Wu-Tang Foundation and the individual efforts of its members, they continue to advance mentorship, entrepreneurship, health advocacy, and community investment—reflecting hip-hop’s global power for meaningful change.
Dr. Žak Ozmo, founder of the Ozmo Institute for Neuroaesthetics, will be recognized as the inaugural Health & Wellness honoree for his groundbreaking work at the intersection of music, neuroaesthetics, and human well-being – advancing how music can support healing, resilience, and connection.
The night will feature a dynamic lineup of live music reflecting the breadth of Memphis’ musical legacy and influence. Special performances will include the legendary Hi Rhythm Section, the house band behind classic recordings by Al Green, Ann Peebles, and others. The program will also feature violinist Marcin Arendt from Iris Collective, alongside appearances by Stax Music Academy’s alumni band, 926, and the Academy’s Street Corner Harmonies. Jared “Jay B.” Boyd will serve as DJ and keep the energy moving throughout the evening.
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Power of Music Honors
Thursday, April 30
Crosstown Theater
VIP Reception: 6-7 p.m.
Event Program: 7:30-9:30 p.m.
*Doors open at 7 p.m. for general admission guests
Click Here to Buy Tickets
Tickets: $50-100
Paid and free parking options in the Crosstown Parking Garage