Since its inception in 2006, the Curb Institute has hosted some of the South’s most innovative musical artists, producers, and scholars, including Rosanne Cash, George Coleman, Charles Lloyd, Bobby Rush, Dan Penn, Bobby Emmons, Ellis Marsallis, Bill Frisell, Jesse Winchester, Valerie June, the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Peter Guralnick, Robert Gordon, Cavlin Newborn, and Kirk Whalum. These artists have performed, worked with students, and interacted with the Memphis community.
The institute also works to promote new music and rising artists from the Memphis region, including Star and Micey, Marcella Simien, Preauxx, Jack Oblivion, Joyce Cobb, Tyrannosaurus Chicken, the Mason Jar Fireflies, among others.
The Curb Institute also works with venues and community partners in Memphis to sponsor concerts and events that feature guest artists and students performing. Examples include the annual Rhodes Night at the Levitt Shell, along with performances at the Hi Tone Café (with Bobby Rush), The Historical Daisy Theater on Beale Street (with Calvin Newborn), Crosstown Arts, and the Germantown Performing Arts Center.