Last night I did happy hour at the Blind Bear. Poker started at 8, and I didn’t really feel like playing. I decided to do something different. “Since I’ve started going back to the Brass Door, I’ve gone mainly for happy hour,” I thought. “Let’s see what it is like later in the evening.”
I walked over there and walked in on a special moment. Two weeks ago, Seamus gave Diamond Dave a guitar for Dave’s birthday. Last night when I got there, Dave had just returned the favor.
My iPhone camera had trouble with the light and really didn’t do this beautiful cherry red guitar justice. “I’m humbled by Dave’s gift,” Seamus told me. “It’s a Gibson Gretsch, built to Bono’s specifications.”
“I let Dave down, you know,” Seamus continued. “I said I would play on Dave’s birthday and I didn’t. So we’re going to play together on Friday, April 29. Dave and me and a hastily assembled house band.” Seeing them play sounds like a much better use of my Friday evening than the opening day of Music Fest. I will be there!
It’s the last Friday of the month this Friday, March 25, and that means it will be time for South Main Trolley Night. Most of the shops and galleries in the area stay open until 9 PM or even later that evening, and some will have appetizers, wine, beer, and specials. “Hop To It” is the theme, Sunday being Easter and all. Music will include Three Kings outside Guidingpoint Financial, Melissa Milligan at Cafe Pontotoc, and Songwriter Night at 550 S. Main, South Main Sounds.
Meanwhile, that evening over at Downtown Yoga, there will be a special WineDown class with free wine and free yoga from 6:30 to 7:30. Sign up here. To save one of my BBQ teammates (who I shall not name) the trouble of asking me next time he sees me, no I do not think they will let you come watch and bring your camera.
In other yoga news, Downtown Yoga is offering a 6 week beginner series starting Wednesday, April 13. Instructor Amy Hutcheson will introduce the class to yoga movements and principles, and help students get started on their practice. Class time is 6:45 each week. $60 for the series.
I wonder how many people are thinking to themselves, “I’m interested in taking this series but class number 5 is the day of BBQ Fest Friends & Family Night?” #downtownproblems
WREG Live at 9 had a cooking demo by a chef of a popular Downtown restaurant this week. Chef Jamarcus Frazier from Bleu demonstrated how to make salmon stir fry, a dish that is an alternative to Easter ham. Joining the chef for the demo was Bleu GM Carrie Ashley.
Memphis in May has announced this year’s International Gala, “A Toast to Canada,” Friday May 6 at the Peabody Grand Ballroom at 6:30 PM. Live entertainment from Petula Clark, The Temptations Review, Russell Thompkins Jr. and The New Stylistics, Deniece Williams, Billy Paul, Candi Staton, Kim Weston, Ace Cannon, G.C. Cameron, Melba Moore, Gregory Abbott, and Anita Ward. Tickets are $250 individual or $2500 table. $5000 for a sponsor table.
Memphis City Football (soccer) Club tweeted their game schedule in case you have not yet seen it.
The new owners of 100 N. Main are headed to court for 32 counts of neglect. The DMC is turning up pressure on the building’s owners by asking a $200 fine per day per blocked sidewalk to be enforced. The building construction is currently blocking three sidewalks.
Off to work. Possibly back later today with a second post.