Thur update #2: New Redbirds video screen, three crawfish festivals, and a Louisiana-themed party at next Wednesday’s Grizzlies game

The Redbirds' new 60x60 foot video screen debuts at their first homestand, starting tomorrow.

Did you know there are actually not one, but THREE crawfish festivals happening Downtown this weekend? The one most everyone knows about is Rajun Cajun, on Wagner/Riverside between Union and Beale, noon to 6 Sunday. Benefits Porter-Leath, 8 tons of crawfish, bands and more.

However, there are two others. On Saturday, the Harbor Town Crawfish Festival will happen from 2 to 9 at Movie & Pizza Company on Mud Island. $5 or a donation of 2 canned goods to get in.

Then on Sunday, Rehab Disco will have a crawfish festival in its parking lot. V.D.J Lex, shot specials. Starts at 11 AM.

I’ll be at Rajun Cajun all afternoon, and I’m invoking the festival rule again. When there’s a festival going on, I intend to be at the festival. Not sitting two blocks away at the Saucer while the festival is happening. Not sitting on a rooftop looking at the festival, rather than actually being at the festival. Hmmm… high predicted to be in the low 80s for Sunday… may have to have the Tube Top Cam out. After all, Tube Top Month starts in 43 days, time to start loading up on photos.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism will hold a Louisiana-themed block party outside the FedExForum starting at 5:45 PM next Wednesday, April 18, prior to the start of the Memphis Grizzlies-New Orleans Hornets game. Free performances by Carrier and his Bayou Swamp Band both before and after the game. The Louisiana Seafood Marketing and Promotion Board will offer free samples of Shrimp Fleur de Lis and Louisiana tourism representatives will distribute promotional items and travel information. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.

Time to go to the Saucer and people-watch the Red Hot Chili Peppers crowd. Perhaps this would be a good night to forego my usual spot at the bar in favor of a window seat.