Wed update: Start Co. Demo Day is tomorrow, CSN @ Orpheum, DNA meeting, Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival, Stevie Wonder, Jerry Lee Lewis, Union Mission needs softball equipment

Tomorrow is a big, big day for some entrepreneurs. Sixteen businesses have been in accelerator programs led by Start Co. The accelerator programs are 99 days of mentoring, business model development, user interface/user experience, and other key elements of taking an idea and building it to the point that it’s ready to pitch to investors. Tomorrow is that day, when the sixteen businesses’ founders make that pitch at Start Co. Demo Day at the Orpheum from 1 to 5 PM. If you want to see what some of Memphis’ brightest minds have been working on, come check it out. It’s free to attend but you must register on EventBrite.

These accelerators really do work. Screwpulp is a book selling business that developed through a previous accelerator program. It has since acquired funding and has grown to the point that its business model is seen as a threat to Amazon. Who of the 2014 class will go on to enjoy as much success as Screwpulp, or more?

Crosby, Stills & Nash play the Orpheum tonight at 7:30.

Want to learn about the new pocket park being created in the space of the former Burger King on Madison between Second and Third? Come to the Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting next Tuesday, August 26, in the lobby of the First Tennessee building down the street. The Brass Door will cater the event, and there will be information about how the Brass Door and First Tennessee are partnering to transform the space into a pocket park. In addition, County Mayor Mark Luttrell will speak. The event starts at 6 PM with cocktails and a tour of curated art, and Luttrell will speak at 6:30. Attendees are invited to attend a special happy hour at the Brass Door across the street afterward.

The Big Scoop Ice Cream Festival returns to AutoZone Park Saturday, September 27 from 11 AM to 4 PM. This family-friendly event features all you can eat ice cream and other tasty treats, live music, games, a character photo booth, face painting and more. Proceeds benefit Ronald McDonald House. Tickets are $12 at the door but you can get them in advance for $10 here. This is considered such a good event that one of my suburban readers made a rare trip north of State Line Road with a minivan full of kids to attend last year.

Two big shows are coming to the Cannon Center for Performing Arts this fall. Stevie Wonder will perform October 11 and Jerry Lee Lewis will perform November 7.

The men in the Union Mission programs play a little friendly softball from time to time. However, much of their equipment is worn out or missing altogether. They need bats, gloves (left-handed as well as some right handed) and softballs. Do you have extra softball/baseball equipment you could donate? If so bring it to 383 Poplar and say that the items are for Calvary Colony. They would like to collect enough equipment for two teams.

That’s all the news that’s fit to print. It’s Wednesday so I’ll lead off at Jessica’s bar at Silly Goose at 5:30 after work.