Memphis taught the world how to rock, and you can catch today’s crop of professors at Alfred’s on Beale (901-525-3711) seven nights a week. The Memphis Jazz Orchestra performs Sunday nights.

The New Daisy Theatre (901-525-8979), an intimate venue, hosts acts from Bob Dylan to newcomers.

T. J. Mulligan’s in the Pinch District (901-753-8056) has live rock music on Fridays and Saturdays.

Like your music with a view? Head up to The Peabody Hotel (901-529-4000) for their Sunset Serenade rooftop parties, Tuesdays and Thursdays, April through September.

While the cats downriver in New Orleans might have invented jazz, the folks at Bourbon Street Cafe (901-728-4000) have a pretty good handle on how to play it. Jazz trios perform Friday and Saturday evenings, and there’s a pianist for Sunday brunch.

Owen Brennan’s (901-761-0990) presents the Lannie McMillan Trio on Friday and Saturday nights and during Sunday brunch — next-best thing to a hangover remedy.

If you’re in need of some rootin’-tootin’, rough-and-ready honky-tonk music, Memphis has the solution. The Stetson hat and cowboy boot scene is always going strong at the huge Denim and Diamonds dance club (901-365-3633), where country music reigns supreme.

To gain some historical perspective, visit Club Americana (901-368-0994). Legend has it that Elvis played his first paying gig here, when the club had a different name. Members of the house band have sat in with a wide range of country stars, including Jerry Lee Lewis and Hank Williams, Jr.

Shooters (901-388-4153) is the place to go for people with two left feet who want to take advantage of their free dance lessons. Graduates can then pull on their cowboy boots and join the line-dancing fun.

The party never stops in Memphis, and the city’s dance club scene is eclectic enough to cater to the tastes of anyone and everyone. A good place to start is Mardi Gras (901-388-1192), where the bead- and mask-covered walls, three full bars, huge poolroom, ample dance space and occasional live music will make you think you’re at the real Mardi Gras.

Apocalypse (901-526-6552) keeps bodies moving with its state-of-the-art light and sound systems. Live music usually comes in the form of hard rock and heavy metal.

Tequila Rock (901-685-7999) caters to the local Hispanic crowd with salsa, merengue and Latino house music.
Memphis also hosts a vibrant alternative-lifestyle club scene. Among the venues are Amnesia (901-454-1366), Madison Flame (901-278-9839) and Backstreet (901-276-5522).

Pubs and bars abound in Memphis. Among the places to quench your thirst are Flying Saucer Draught Emporium (901-523-7468), featuring live music on weekends and a huge beer selection, and Alex’s Tavern (901-278-9086), said by some to be the oldest pub in town.

Try Neil’s (901-278-6345), a popular spot for late-night food and drink, live music and karaoke.

Boscos Brewing Company (901-756-7310) is home to a wide range of delicious “hand-crafted” beers.

Other whistle-wetting options: Tap House (901-761-5542), whose fun atmosphere and large patio provide all the excuse you need to sit back and enjoy a cold brew or two, and the appropriately named Sports Pub (901-767-8632), where 17 TV monitors broadcast nonstop athletic action.

If your tastes in entertainment refuse to be categorized, how about a visit to Memphis’ epicenter of bohemia? Poetry readings, live music from folk to jazz, maybe even an intense chess match — find it all at Java Cabana (901-272-7210), an offbeat coffeehouse.

Are opera, operetta and show tunes more your cup of tea? Try Bravo! Ristorante (901-684-6664) for a show of singing waiters and waitresses.

Cruise and dine to a Dixieland beat on a paddle wheeler of the Memphis Queen Line, from March to December. Call (901) 527-5694 for reservations.