Paul Ryburn's Journal

It’s National Bourbon Day. It’s also National Rosé Day (the wine, not the flower). And it’s World Gin Day. And Flag Day. And the Trumpster’s 79th birthday.

I recommend fine local Old Dominick products to celebrate the bourbon and gin holidays.

Max’s Sports Bar announced this week that it will expand to double its size by late summer. Max’s would be my recommendation for where to watch 6 LSU vs. 3 Arkansas in the Men’s College World Series tonight at 6:00 (ESPN).

Hotel Indigo seeks a front desk manager.

Home2 Suites by Hilton has opened at 135 Vance.

Salon has a guide to building a farmers market dinner.

The Brew Hop Bus will run continuously today noon to 6, making the following stops:

• Ghost River on Main
• Memphis Filling Station
• Wiseacre Downtown
• Old Dominick
• Ghost River on Beale
• Flyway & Memphis Made
• Grind City
• Soul & Spirits
• South Point Grocery

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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Yesterday morning, a friend bought me a 20 ounce bottle of Mountain Dew at the Exxon at Poplar and Danny Thomas. I happily drank it as I walked downtown.

I finished it as I cut across a parking lot between Adams and Jefferson. I thought to myself, I could just throw the empty bottle down on the asphalt as most other homeless people would do. I see that kind of behavior most every day, especially on Sundays when a church hands out free wrapped breakfast sandwiches and cups of coffee.

Then I thought that Mama may be looking down at me, and how disappointed she’d be if she saw me throw that bottle on the ground.

I carried the empty bottle another block and a half until I found a trash can in front of the Aloft Hotel.

No matter how difficult my circumstances become, I refuse to become bitter and disconnected from the world.

From Lifehacker: 8 apps you can use to get a ton of free stuff. Some give you free food from places like McDonald’s and Dunkin; some send you free samples; some reward you for things you’re probably doing online already. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will sign up.

There will be a South Main Mixer sponsored by Old Dominick Tuesday, June 17 at 6 PM at Max’s Sports Bar. $10 cocktails, giveaways, scavenger hunt.

There will be a special History of Memphis Beer tour at Memphis Made Saturday. Reserve your spot.

Israel launched air strikes on Iran Friday morning.

Free country music series KIX on Beale returns Thursday. The Neon Mooners will perform in Handy Park at 7 PM.

Jasper Float Spa presents Global Wellness Day in River Garden Park Saturday. Health vendors, free, massages, activities for kids.

Big Cypress Lodge inside Bass Pro at the Pyramid is hiring for multiple positions.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Country party band the Bluff City Bandits and DJ Sledro are the featured entertainment at tonight’s rooftop party at the Peabody Hotel. $15 to get in, $40 VIP. Those in VIP get a buffet of marinated skirt steak, roasted marble potatoes, Hawaiian rolls, and brownies. Special acoustic performance by Haven Madison.

From StyleBlueprint: 15 murals that capture the spirit of the city

RIP Brian Wilson, creative genius of The Beach Boys.

BBC looks at South Memphis’ own Four Way Grill in 5 restaurants that fed the civil rights movement.

Join Fleet Feet Memphis for a 5K run – walk departing from Ghost River at Main and Crump every Wednesday at 6 PM.

From Choose901: It’s not just Main Street, it’s the mall

Downtown Slider Inn is doing DJ sets on the patio every Sunday from 5 to 8. This Sunday: FERB

The Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission will have authority over hemp-derived products in the state starting in 2026.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

The Memphis Flyer has more information about the rescheduled Mid-South Pride parade on June 21. It was rained out on the 7th.

A local news reporter was carjacked at a gas station at Third and Crump about 10:45 AM yesterday.

The Halloran Centre for the Performing Arts turns 10 this summer.

Memphis Grizzlies center Zach Edey is recovering following successful ankle surgery.

Today is National Corn on the Cob day. Celebrate with elotes, Mexican street corn, at Maciel’s.

From Lifehacker: Not all USB-C cables/chargers are created equal

Ted Horrell and MNC play Live at the Tracks at Central Station 6:30-9:30 Thursday.

Kids 7-14 can enter a pitch, hit and run skills competition at AutoZone Park this Saturday.

There will be a Fleetwood Mac tribute at Ghost River at Main and Crump Friday night.

Sankofa African Diaspora Festival happens at Cossitt Library Saturday. Art, dancr, performances, readings.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

The alarm at Hotel Indigo has been going off for at least an hour and I bet it’s woken up half of downtown. if I were a guest there, I’d be asking for a free night.

Jesse of New Wing Order is selling a food truck. It’s said to be a turnkey setup for food service.

Today is National Egg Roll Day and National Iced Tea Day. Little Petals Chinese on Madison is the place to celebrate egg rolls.

Congratulations to Bar Limina on scoring 100 on its recent health inspection.

Our congressman, Steve Cohen, has been appointed to the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

The Mid-South Pride parade, which was rained out this past Saturday, has been rescheduled for June 21 according to FOX 13 morning news.

Cordelia‘s Market seeks a produce team member and a meat cutter.

Soul violinist Omari Dillard comes to the Halloran Centre Saturday.

There’s a 2 mile run starting and ending at Memphis Made Wednesday night at 6. The run is part of Memphis Brew Hop week.

RIP Sly (of the Family Stone).

Beale Street is hosting a party for hospitality employees on June 23.

Did you know that some airplanes used to have dance floors?

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Memphis Brew Hop starts today and runs through Sunday. Come experience our city’s vibrant craft beer scene.

OMAHOGS! The Arkansas Razorbacks baseball team returns to the Men’s College World Series in Omaha. The Hogs defeated Tennessee in two straight games in the Fayetteville Super Regional. Goodbye to this guy!

The Goodyear blimp turns 100 this year.

Which music stars were forgotten the fastest?

I saw this decal on a Tesla truck, parked outside a hotel this morning:

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

The Grizzlies’ starting center Zach Edey has sprained his ankle, will require surgery, and is expected to be out through the early part of next season. The injury bug bites Memphis yet again.

There were a of disappointed people downtown yesterday as officials canceled Pride activities, including the parade, due to bad weather…even though the storm system had moved completely away from the Memphis metro by 1 PM. They couldn’t have postponed the festivities for a couple of hours?

Arkansas defeated Tennessee 4 to 3 in game 1 of the Fayetteville super regional of the NCAA baseball tournament yesterday. I bet this guy was crying in his Busch Light:

Two arrests have been made in conjunction with the shooting on Mud Island that happened last week.

Dance party at the Flyway taproom Friday night:

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Prince would have been 67 today. Former vice-president Mike Pence is 66. I wonder if “Mother” is going to throw a birthday party for ol’ Mikey. Don’t you know that would be one swingin’ shindig!

If you’re going to the Pride parade on Beale Street today, better wear a raincoat. Rain and storms are expected between 10 AM and 3 PM.

Thanks to a court ruling, colleges will be able to pay athletes directly as opposed to indirectly through NIL deals.

There’s a beginner salsa class tonight at 7 at Fourth Bluff.

Steve Lockwood & Old Dogs will play South Point Grocery’s front porch today from noon to 2.

It’s ’90s Night at the Redbirds and the first 1500 fans will receive a reversible bucket hat. Autograph signing before the game and fireworks afterward.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

The Memphis Juneteenth Festival is today and tomorrow in Medical District Park. Live music, dance, speeches from local elders. Food trucks serving all kinds of food. Political roundtable. Run/walk promoting health and unity. Family-friendly and free.

Tonight is Margaritaville Night at the Redbirds. Come munch on a Cheeseburger in Paradise and sip on a margarita as your ‘birds take on the Indianapolis Indians. The first 1500 fans get a hooded Dri-Fit T-shirt presented by Southern College of Optometry.

Today is National Donut Day. It’s also National Churro Day. Does the Subway at Main and Jefferson still have footlong churros?

Gould’s Salon seeks a massage therapist.

ALDI is reducing prices on more than 400 products for the summer. Shop the new downtown ALDI at Union and Manassas.

Teach901 seeks a registrar and enrollment coordinator for Grizzlies Prep School.

Gainesville, FL high school punk rock band The Limewires perform from 7 to 8 tonight at Off the Walls Arts at 360 Walnut. The show is free and all ages.

Later in the evening at Off the Walls, there will be a dance party featuring DJ Witnesse. $10 cover with Venmo, Cash App, and cash accepted. 18 and up.

Sarah hosts a Father’s Day crafts session Saturday from 11 AM to 1 PM at Cordelia’s Market. All kids are welcome and advance registration is not needed.

There will be a Sundresses & Sangrias party Saturday from 4 to 10 at the Aloft Hotel. Live entertainment by Jerome Chism.

The Trumpster and Elon Musk are publicly feuding. LOVE IT.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

From Chowhound: Elvis loved the ribs from the Rendezvous, but he was not allowed to rent the entire restaurant out as he often did when dining out. Management felt it would make regular customers unhappy, and did not want to lose their business.

Watch wild cockatoos drink from a public water fountain in Australia

Hooters has closed its Downtown Memphis location.

MATA plans to roll out rubber-wheeled trolleys to get the Main Street line rolling again soon.

Choose901 has a look at The Playground, a new lounge in the Claridge House on N. Main.

Lucky 7 headlines tonight’s Peabody rooftop party. $15 to get in, $40 VIP. Those in VIP get a buffet of catfish po’boys, chicken and sausage, jambalaya, and beignets.

Don’t Tell Comedy comes to Bardog Saturday night. 7 PM and 9 PM shows. Limited seating. Tickets

StyleBlueprint has a first look inside renovated 1906 hotel in the South Main district, Hotel Ponotoc. The hotel has an upscale wine and cocktail bar on the ground floor called The Dame.

Anime Blues Con comes to the Renasant Convention Center this weekend.

Today is National Veggie Burger Day. Celebrate with the black bean burger at Huey‘s.

If you plan on coming to Bardog Saturday for brunch and/or to pre-game for the Beale Street parade, here’s a recommendation for a shooter:

The rarely-seen duo of Michael and Dani will be bartending. Pro tip: Get them to make you not only a Beaver Eater, but also another shooter known as the Peruvian Pussy Popper.

That’s all I’ve got.

I gratefully accept tips:
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com