One of the first things you do when you get to Memphis should be to find out if the Center for Southern Folklore (119 S. Main St., 901/525-3655, www.southernfolklore.com, Mon.–Sat. 11 a.m.–5 p.m.) has any concerts or special activities planned during your visit. The center has been documenting and preserving traditional Memphis and Delta blues music for more than 35 years.

They put on concerts and lectures, produce documentaries, offer group tours and educational programs, and organize the annual Memphis Music and Heritage Festival over Labor Day weekend. They often have live blues on Friday afternoon, and offer a variety of special shows. This is one of the best places to hear authentic blues.

The center has a 250-seat dining room and performance space in Peabody Place, as well as a folklore store that sells folk art, books, CDs, and hot peach cobbler, among other things. A Be Nice or Leave sign sets the tone as soon as you step into this colorful and eclectic shop, one of the best gift shops in the city. The center is a nonprofit organization, and well worth supporting.