A couple of big events happen Downtown tonight. For one, the Grizzlies will host the Phoenix Suns at the FedExForum at 7. Insider tip: If you want to catch some authentic Memphis live music after the game, check out the Memphis Bluesmasters. They will play at the Blues Hall from 8 to midnight. The Blues Hall is on Beale Street just west of Third, next door to Rum Boogie Cafe.
The other big thing going on is the opening night of The Jersey Boys at the Orpheum. The show is a documentary of the 1960s musical group the Four Seasons. It had a run here a few years ago, and was so popular that the theatre decided to bring it back. The show will run through December 16.
The Memphis Farmers Market will hold a Holiday Market this Saturday, December 8, at the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson next to the train station. Plenty of locally-sourced gifts and goodies will be available for purchase from 10 AM to 2 PM.
America’s Got Talent will hold auditions next Tuesday, December 11 at the Cook Convention Center. More info and details on how to pre-register here.
The Humane Society will offer $5 pet vaccines near Downtown Saturday, December 15. They’ll be at the corner of Linden and Lauderdale from 9 AM to 1 PM. The idea is not to compete with local veterinarians, but rather to serve people who might not otherwise be able to afford to vaccinate their pets. However, there are no income or residency restrictions. Cats must be in carriers, and dogs must be on leashes.
The Blind Bear has announced its one-year anniversary party for the night of Thursday, December 20. There will be live music from multiple bands, line up TBA. Bean (with Rodney Phillips), Craig Davis, Back Road Syndicate (Dale Nolan’s band), and more. Specials and gift card giveaways to be announced.
Stella Artois is the featured glass for “buy the beer, collect the glass” night tomorrow at the Flying Saucer. The Stella glass is one of the best brewery glasses around. I’ve collected a set of four from previous glass nights.
In other Saucer news, they’ve listened to popular demand and started carrying cinnamon whisky. They’ve had it at the Cordova location for a while already, and now it’s Downtown too. Bar owners/managers, if you want to start carrying cinnamon whisky, shoot me an email at paul.ryburn@gmail.com. I have a friend in the liquor business who can get you set up.
Excellent AP column this morning about the college football postseason: Are you ready for some bowls? We aren’t. I do disagree with one point made in the column, when the writer called USC the most underachieving team in college football. Nope, that would be Arkansas.
That’s the news for now. Possibly a second post tonight.