Memphis music always has had soul. That’s what we are known for, besides the barbeque, that is. In addition to the Soul, R&B, Rock and Hip Hop styles that spice up Memphis music, there is also a Hip Hop violinist that is getting national attention right here in our hometown.  

I got the opportunity to hang out with Leigh Frith, a local violinist who not only has the passion to share her music with the world, but also the passion to share her skills with others.

Frith, who records under the name “Lila”, started playing the piano at age of five. She saw other students playing the violin and decided that she wanted to try the instrument. Eventually she earned her a spot in the Suzuki program at what was then Memphis State University. From there, her music has taken her across the country and beyond.

Lila is considered a “teaching artist”. That is someone who is a solid performer who also uses their craft to teach and educate students in their field. And that she does. If you thought I worked a lot, this young lady puts in her fair share of work as well.

In addition to her performances, promoting her new CD, “The Blue Violin,” and serving as Orchestra instructor at Hutchison School here in Memphis, she also finds time to teach her craft to eager young children as a part of the “MYPAC” program. “MYPAC” stands for the “Memphis Youth Performing Arts Center,” which is located at the Southgate Shopping Center. “MYPAC” serves underserved and affluent communities as well.  

She has even begun to get national attention as she performed for the Congressional Black Caucus while in D.C. and is also currently preparing to travel to Los Angeles to work with actor Malcolm Jamal Warner on his upcoming jazz project.

Trust me, if you never thought you could ride around in your car and vibe to something like this, you’ll be pleasantly surprised, and if you haven’t heard of Leigh (Lila) Frith, go somewhere and get some culture in your life. However, if you are keeping your finger on the pulse of Memphis music, then more than likely, you will be hearing a lot about her.

Her CD, “The Blue Violin” is available now. You can also go to her Web site at www.musicbylila.com to hear several tracks from the CD. Then go out and buy it.
On Another Note: Worth repeating!

Don’t forget the Stax Music Academy’s Snap Summer Music Camp is gearing up for its Grand Finale Performance at 7 p.m. this Saturday (June 27) at Buckman Performing Arts Center. This year’s theme is “At the Corner of Soulsville and Hitsville: Stax Celebrates Motown.” Terron Brooks from the Emmy Award winning NBC mini-series, “The Temptations” will be the special guest. Check it out!

ASK MYRON:

Q: “Do you think the Chris Brown and Rihanna story ended fairly?”
R. Fifer, Memphis

A: Chris Brown this week pled guilty to one count of felony assault. Like many entertainers, he was able to get off with supervised probation and avoid jail. He also must attend domestic violence classes, perform “hard” community labor and follow the instructions of the stay-away order issued by the judge. (Brown and Rihanna must stay 50 yards away from each other except at industry events when the distance is reduced to 10 yards.)

Q: “What do you think was the real reason for the split between Usher and his wife?”
W. Smith, Memphis

A: I’m not really sure what the real reason was, however, Usher, who has lived apart from his wife, Tameka, is probably tired of hearing people say, “I told you so.” He is probably really sick of hearing it from his mother, who was very vocal about her son’s decision to get married in the first place. Most important of all, however, he is now focusing on doing what’s right for his two children.

(Got an entertainment question? Send me an email at myron@myronmays.com or give me a call at (901) 288-6394. If your question is printed, I’ll send you a couple of free tickets to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.)