Tue update: Canoe and kayak race, Dining out for Life, “Go Retro” patio parties at Bleu, Trolley Tour, and more

The canoe and kayak race is returning to Wolf River Harbor on June 16. In past years, it had to be canceled due to bad weather; organizers are hoping that moving it to June will help conditions improve for the race. The Memphis Flyer has details here.

This Thursday, April 26, is Dining Out for Life day, with many Memphis-area restaurants donating 25% of their proceeds for the day to Friends for Life. FFL is a local nonprofit dedicated to helping those with HIV/AIDS and their caregivers. Kerry has a complete list of restaurants. Among the Downtown restaurants: Felicia Suzanne’s, Grawemeyer’s, Green Beetle, McEwen’s, and Rizzo’s Diner.

There’s a new set of Thursday parties in addition to those thrown by the Peabody and Madison hotels: Bleu has a launched “Go Retro” Thursday night patio parties. Every week is a different retro theme. They kicked it off last Thursday with a Rat Pack-themed party. This Thursday it’s ’70s disco, and in the weeks ahead themes will include ’50s doo wop, ’60s Beatles, ’20s speakeasy, and ’40s swinging blues juke joint. Food and drinks are selected to match each week’s theme. Bleu is in the Westin Hotel across from the FedExForum on Third.

Friday night, April 27, is South Main Trolley Tour, with many South Main restaurants and galleries open 6 to 9 PM. With nice April weather out, a number of street performers have been booked. The list includes Michelle Bush, Emma Webb, Bean, Fire Tribe Memphis, Danza Azteca, Tiger Styles, Shufflegrit, Shelley Brown, The Dancing Fire, Mike Sweep, and AJAE.

My plans for tonight: Poker with Jamie at the Blind Bear at 8. Last week was a rough week, with Poker Jon from Goose/Bardog showing up to play and sitting to my left. A good player to act immediately after me, especially someone who has a good idea what hands I play, is not an ideal situation. Hopefully I’ll do better this week.

Other stuff going on: First birthday for trivia with Kevin Cerrito at Ferraro’s, 8 PM, with $1 PBR and Rolling Rock; trivia at the Flying Saucer, 7:30 and 10 PM; trivia at Silly Goose, 8 PM; $2.75 pint night at Bardog, 7 PM to 3 AM.