Today is the finals of the International Blues Challenge. It starts at the Orpheum at noon, with doors opening at 11 AM. Tickets are $42.50 (while supplies last) and an IBC pass will also get you in. There will be a silent auction at 11 AM. The best self-produced CD winner will also be announced at this show. The best blues in the world are right down the street today.
There are a few more IBC events to wrap things up. Tonight at 8:30 there will be an all-star Jam with Dennis Jones at the New Daisy on Beale Street. At 10 there will be a VizzTone Blues Party at Rum Boogie Cafe. That party will be hosted by by Bob Margolin featuring Candye Kane, Laura Chavez, Little G Weevil, Dennis Gruenling, Long Tall Deb & Colin John, Bob Corritore, Gina Sicilia, Gracie Curran, Tad Walters, Chuck Cotton, Richard “Rosy” Rosenblatt. $5 cover.
Tomorrow there will be a Blues Brunch at 10:30 at the Majestic Grille. Out-of-towners, if you’re undecided about this, GO. The Majestic has one of the best brunches in the city.
Got an update from someone who dropped by Earnestine & Hazel’s last night and talked to people who work there: They plan to be open every day now, although they may not be open for lunch. This is mere speculation on my part, but if you want to experience E&H as it has existed for the past 22 years, you might want to do it sooner rather than later. Actually, it could be argued that E&H as it existed for the past 22 years no longer exists, now that a few key employees have been let go. I don’t want to name names but they were as much a part of the place as the jukebox and the records on the walls. If any of those let go are reading this: My heart hurts for you and if I can do anything to help you, please let me know.
I mentioned that all three of Aldo’s restaurants are selling party packs for Super Bowl parties at home. Add one more restaurant to the list: Central BBQ. They’ve got meat trays, sandwich packs, wings, and more. They suggest calling your preferred location as soon as possible to reserve your order. The phone number for the Downtown location is (901) 672-7760.
Two games at the FedExForum this weekend. Tonight at 7 the Grizzlies take on the Houston Rockets, a back-to-back after getting a road win over the Rockets last night in Houston. Tomorrow the Memphis Tigers host the USF Bulls at 1 PM.
Almost time for my usual Saturday Bardog stop. Not sure if Panda will be back or if we’ll have one more week of Brooke, but either way I won’t be disappointed. Got a double birthday party to attend for two friends at the Blind Bear at 9, so I’ve got to be careful to wake up early if I take a midday “halftime” nap. Outta here for now. Congratulations to the blues artists who made it to the finals.