By Lennard James
MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis will shine a little brighter this Southern Heritage Classic weekend as actors, entertainers, media personalities, community leaders, and fans come together for “A Night Under the Stars,” a celebrity-driven evening presented by the Southern Heritage Classic x Telecast Media Group.
Scheduled for Friday, September 11, 2026, at the King Palace Event Center, 4430 Elvis Presley Blvd. in Memphis, the event will bring a Hollywood-style atmosphere to the city with celebrity appearances, live entertainment, networking, and a red-carpet experience. Doors open at 8:00 p.m.
“A Night Under the Stars” is positioned as one of the entertainment highlights surrounding Southern Heritage Classic weekend, creating another reason for visitors and Memphians alike to celebrate the culture, energy, and entertainment that have become synonymous with Classic weekend.
The celebrity lineup features several recognizable faces from television and film, including Terrell Carter, Javon Johnson, Ricco Ross, Chrystale Wilson, and Clifton Powell.
Terrell Carter has built a career spanning acting and music and has reached new audiences through appearances in productions including Beauty in Black and Assigned to You. His presence adds another dimension to a lineup that reflects the growing influence of Black actors and creators across contemporary television and streaming entertainment.
Joining Carter will be Javon Johnson, known to many television viewers for his role in Tyler Perry’s The Oval. Johnson has established himself as a familiar face among audiences following the popular drama and will be among the featured personalities appearing during the Memphis celebration.
Ricco Ross, another veteran performer, brings decades of acting experience to the evening. Ross has appeared in numerous film and television projects throughout his career and is currently recognized by audiences for Beauty in Black. His appearance gives fans an opportunity to see an established working actor whose career has crossed generations of entertainment.
The women will also be represented by Chrystale Wilson, whose work has earned her a lasting place in Black popular culture. Wilson is widely remembered for her role in the cult-classic film The Players Club and has continued building her television résumé with projects including All the Queen’s Men. Her appearance is expected to generate plenty of excitement among fans familiar with both her classic and more recent work.
Rounding out the announced celebrity lineup is veteran actor Clifton Powell, one of the most recognizable character actors of his generation. Powell has accumulated an extensive list of film and television credits during his career and remains especially well known to audiences for memorable performances in productions such as Next Friday. His longevity and versatility have made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Beyond the celebrity appearances, the evening will have a distinctly Memphis flavor.
The event will be hosted by legendary Memphis radio personality Bev Johnson, whose voice and presence have been part of the city’s media landscape for decades. Johnson’s involvement connects the Hollywood-style red carpet experience with the cultural identity and entertainment history of Memphis.
Guests can also expect live musical entertainment from Mark Baker and Stacey Merino, adding another element to an evening designed to combine television, film, music, sports, and Memphis culture under one roof.
For the media, “A Night Under the Stars” provides an opportunity to capture celebrity arrivals, conduct interviews, photograph special guests, and produce entertainment and lifestyle coverage during one of the busiest weekends on Memphis’ annual cultural calendar.
The event’s connection to the Southern Heritage Classic makes the evening especially significant. The Classic has grown beyond the football field into a broader cultural experience that attracts alumni, families, professionals, entertainers, entrepreneurs, and visitors to Memphis. Events surrounding the game have become an important part of the weekend, providing opportunities for networking, reunions, entertainment, and celebrating the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
“A Night Under the Stars” expands that experience by creating an upscale entertainment destination where guests can enjoy the excitement of Classic weekend while interacting with personalities they recognize from television and film.
The collaboration with Telecast Media Group also emphasizes the media and entertainment component of the event. With a red carpet setting and a lineup of established performers, organizers are creating an environment built not only for celebration but also for visibility, interviews, photography, digital content, and memorable interactions between talent and the Memphis community.
Memphis has long occupied a special place in American entertainment history. From blues and soul to gospel, hip-hop, film, television, and sports, the city continues to produce and attract creative talent. Bringing actors and entertainers together during Southern Heritage Classic weekend continues that tradition while providing another platform to showcase Memphis nationally.
Tickets for “A Night Under the Stars” are $40 at the door, with VIP tables available for $800.
With celebrity guests, live performances, a red carpet atmosphere, and the energy of Southern Heritage Classic weekend, September 11 promises to be a night when Memphis entertainment takes center stage, and everyone gets an opportunity to celebrate under the stars.
