Mon update: James Govan, Steve Cohen fundraiser @ High Cotton, Salty Dogs/Breakaway-Bardog 5K, Center for Southern Folklore/DNA, top beer cities

Sad news to start off today’s Monday post: Beale Street singer James Govan has died at age 64. He performed at Rum Boogie Cafe for many years.

If you need an excuse to check out the taproom at High Cotton Brewery, Congressman Steve Cohen is having a fundraiser there from 6 to 8 tonight. There will be music by John Kilzer, High Cotton beer on draft, and Steve. It’s a rare opportunity to enjoy the taproom on a Monday, when it’s normally closed. $50 to $150 suggested donation, and those who have already contributed $100 or more to the campaign are welcome to come too.

The Salty Dogs running club, which meets every Monday at Bardog to go for a run, will preview the August 17 Breakaway-Bardog 5K course tonight. The run tonight is free for all who want to join, and you can register for the Breakway-Bardog 5K here. The race precedes one of the best alley parties of the year, in Scratchy’s Alley from noon to 6 PM on the 17th. PRO TIP: Make Monday the 18th a vacation day. I’ll have more to say about the alley party as time draws closer.

The Center for Southern Folklore is hosting the monthly Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting tomorrow evening. Award-winning banjo performer Randall Morton will perform from 6 to 6:30. During the meeting there will be information about the Center and its upcoming Memphis Music & Heritage Festival, one of the best festivals of the year, which happens Labor Day weekend.

For those who are planning a vacation and like beer, here’s a list of America’s top ten beer towns. Memphis isn’t on the list, but maybe someday it will be. Anchorage is number two? Never would have guessed that.

Plans for tonight: I’ll be at Melissa Monday at Bardog for happy hour. Most likely my friends Bob and Mike will show up to seek my advice on how to run a BBQ team. Their team brought home one less trophy than mine did at BBQ Fest this year, and I want to help. I read about their grilled ribs with mustard sauce on a local food blog, and with the help of “Mr. Load-in” I think we can get their competition entry up to championship quality next year. I can also offer tips on booth design and drunk texting teammates. Unless work needs me, I should be there 5:30ish.