This morning I was out of Mountain Dew, so I had to make a run to City Market. City workers were blowing the NOB outside.
I got an unexpected treat last night. As usual, I made the Flying Saucer my first stop, planning to have a few beers there then move on to the other bars. As I sipped beer number one, I checked Facebook on my phone and found a post from the Saucer, saying that Eric Hughes was playing there at 9. It took me about .01 second to decide that was the plan! The Saucer brought back live music on Fridays a few months ago, and with one of Memphis’ most talented musicians on stage, I was sure to be there. While waiting for Eric to start, I killed the time by drinking several high-alcohol beers toward my 8th plate on the wall. That turned out to be a mistake, as I was too sleepy to stick around after his first set. I also just missed my friends (who had Eric play their wedding reception) by just a few minutes. Hopefully he’ll be back on a future Friday night.
A big homestand full of giveaways continues this afternoon at AutoZone Park. The first 2000 fans in the gate will receive a Rendezvous BBQ apron. Gates open at 5 with first pitch vs. the Nashville Sounds at 6:05. Besides the aprons, there’s another reason to get there early: Select Redbirds players will be available for autographs from 5 to 5:30. These guys are only one step away from the majors, so you never know – you may get the signature of a future legend. There will be fireworks after the game, and there will also be a program honoring the new Teach for America teachers in the Mid-South.
There’s a rally in support of Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins this afternoon at Tom Lee Park at 3:30. Coach Hollins’ contract expires June 30, and while it’s not out of the question he’ll be brought back, management is also looking at assistant Dave Joerger and former Denver Nuggets coach George Karl. I’m neutral in this whole matter, by the way. I have tremendous respect for Hollins for what he’s done with the team, and I think he’s one of the top coaches in the NBA. However, one thing I’ve learned is that the boat moves a lot farther, a lot faster, when all the crew is rowing in the same direction. I’m not sure Coach is rowing in the same direction as management.
Booze news from Memphis magazine: When to stir a cocktail and when to shake it
The gold stars are back! The Center for Tube Top Excellence has authorized me to hand out gold stars this weekend for outstanding achievement. Look for me out and about today and tomorrow. I’ll kick it off at 11 at Panda’s bar at Bardog.