The River Series, benefitting Maria Montessori School, was created in 2014 by parent and Goner Records co-owner, Zac Ives. For almost 10 years, concerts highlighting original and authentic music have been enjoyed outdoors at the Maria Montessori School Amphitheater in the heart of Harbor Town in downtown Memphis. Performers, staff and attendees alike would say that the River Series concerts are casual, fun and inviting - much like the venue and the school.
The River Series generates funds and resources for Maria Montessori School, but also offers an opportunity for the community to experience the campus and feel the magic of the school and the community it harnesses. The concerts aim to be as inclusive as possible, which is why admission is set at an affordable requested donation amount of $10 per adult and $5 per child. All monies raised from admission and concession donations directly benefit Maria Montessori School.
The mission of the Maria Montessori River Series is to curate genuine, transformative musical experiences that inspire and ignite a passion for harmonious social connection in people of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to connect local authentic musical artists and audiences, fostering an environment where the diversity of community and culture is celebrated.
The vision of the Maria Montessori River Series is to provide an inclusive and positive space where people of all walks of life come together in support of Memphis' most unique learning environment. Our goal is to help ensure that Maria Montessori School has the funding and resources necessary to continue serving as an invaluable setting for education and personal development for generations to come.
The River Series generates funds and resources for Maria Montessori School, but also offers an opportunity for the community to experience the campus and feel the magic of the school and the community it harnesses. The concerts aim to be as inclusive as possible, which is why admission is set at an affordable requested donation amount of $10 per adult and $5 per child. All monies raised from admission and concession donations directly benefit Maria Montessori School.
The mission of the Maria Montessori River Series is to curate genuine, transformative musical experiences that inspire and ignite a passion for harmonious social connection in people of all ages and backgrounds. We strive to connect local authentic musical artists and audiences, fostering an environment where the diversity of community and culture is celebrated.
The vision of the Maria Montessori River Series is to provide an inclusive and positive space where people of all walks of life come together in support of Memphis' most unique learning environment. Our goal is to help ensure that Maria Montessori School has the funding and resources necessary to continue serving as an invaluable setting for education and personal development for generations to come.
Past River Series Lineups
2022/2023 — Nick Allison & The Player's Lounge / Hail Maria (11/12) | Compulsive Gamblers / Fake (4/22) | Mark Edgar Stuart / Aaron James (5/13) | Spider Bags / Lime Tribute (5/20) | Aquarian Blood / The Turnstyles (6/3)
2021/2022 — Impala / Turnstyles (11/6) | Greg Cartwright's Whelk Stall / Aquarian Blood (4/30) | Jeremy & The Drip Edges / Tm Prudhomme's Fake (5/14) | Mouserocket / Ibex Clone (6/4)
2019/2021 — Joe Restivo / Tennessee Screamers (9/8) | Impala / Alicja Pop (9/22) | Don Lifted / Optic Sink (10/6) | Amy LaVere / Will Sexton (5/22) | Reigning Sound (6/5)
2018/2019 — Harlan T. Bobo / Paul Taylor (9/9) | Teardrop City / Limes (10/14) | Cameron Bethany / Kid Maestro (10/21) | Craig Brown Band / Aquarian Blood (4/7) | Pat Sansone / Crystal Shrine (4/28) | Obruni Dance Band / Yazan (5/19)
Earlier performances listed here!
2021/2022 — Impala / Turnstyles (11/6) | Greg Cartwright's Whelk Stall / Aquarian Blood (4/30) | Jeremy & The Drip Edges / Tm Prudhomme's Fake (5/14) | Mouserocket / Ibex Clone (6/4)
2019/2021 — Joe Restivo / Tennessee Screamers (9/8) | Impala / Alicja Pop (9/22) | Don Lifted / Optic Sink (10/6) | Amy LaVere / Will Sexton (5/22) | Reigning Sound (6/5)
2018/2019 — Harlan T. Bobo / Paul Taylor (9/9) | Teardrop City / Limes (10/14) | Cameron Bethany / Kid Maestro (10/21) | Craig Brown Band / Aquarian Blood (4/7) | Pat Sansone / Crystal Shrine (4/28) | Obruni Dance Band / Yazan (5/19)
Earlier performances listed here!
Interested in performing? Email us.
About MMS
Maria Montessori School was founded in 1986 by current Head of School Maria Cole. The school started at St. Michael's School on Summer Avenue with only six students, but the student body quickly expanded as interest from the community grew. By 1992, there were 60 students and it was time to find a new site that would accommodate a growing student body and further foster the principles of the Montessori education and environment.
In the fall of 1992, Maria Montessori School opened in Harbor Town, providing additional space for the 3-6 year old environment and establishing the Elementary environment. In 1994, a development fund was created which funded construction of the second floor of the Harbor Town campus.
The completion of the Middle School environment in 1996 made Maria Montessori School one of the few middle school Montessori curriculums in the Mid-South. The River Garden and Amphitheater, which overlooks the Harbor Town marina, was completed in 2003. Finally, in 2004, the Toddler Community opened for children ages 18 months to 2 1⁄2 years.
The school continues to thrive under the loving direction of Founder and Head of School Maria Cole and a gifted team of guides, support staff and volunteers.
In the fall of 1992, Maria Montessori School opened in Harbor Town, providing additional space for the 3-6 year old environment and establishing the Elementary environment. In 1994, a development fund was created which funded construction of the second floor of the Harbor Town campus.
The completion of the Middle School environment in 1996 made Maria Montessori School one of the few middle school Montessori curriculums in the Mid-South. The River Garden and Amphitheater, which overlooks the Harbor Town marina, was completed in 2003. Finally, in 2004, the Toddler Community opened for children ages 18 months to 2 1⁄2 years.
The school continues to thrive under the loving direction of Founder and Head of School Maria Cole and a gifted team of guides, support staff and volunteers.