The Daily News has a good article on changes and additions to Loflin Yard. The Coach House is now open with Loflin’s second interior bar and more restrooms (BADLY NEEDED! Thanks!) The house opens up to the backyard where private events and live music will happen. They are taking steps to keep people cool in the front yard too. The “Smoke House” menu will rotate seasonally, and they will have a “rainy day menu” with po-boys, sides and dollar-off drinks. They are also opening for lunch on Fridays. That venue has been a smashing success since day one and it just keeps getting better and better!
By the way, here’s the weekend music schedule for Loflin Yard. Paul “Snowflake” Taylor kicks it off Thursday 6-9 with one-man acoustic jams. The Joe Restivo 4 play instrumentals from the golden age of Memphis music Friday 6-9. Saturday is a doubleheader. Motel Mirrors featuring Amy LaVere, Will Sexton, and John Paul Keith are in the 3-6 slot, followed by blues legend Earl “The Pearl” Banks 6:30-9:30. John Paul Keith is back for a 4-6 PM set on Sunday.
There’s more than live music on Saturday. There will be an event called The Changing of the Yard with a wiffle ball home run derby, a cornhole tournament, and a Ring on a String tournament. Drink specials when the train passes and Sache will be printing Loflin merch.
Downtown Yoga has announced a free yoga class at the Memphis Farmers Market Saturday, June 25 at 10 AM. Sign up here. I love to take advantage of the amenities the Market has to offer, but don’t worry – I won’t subject market-goers to the sight of me doing yoga! (Or more accurately, trying to do yoga.) Most likely, that day I will go way early (8:00ish) or way late (noonish) and I do not plan on being there at the 10:00 hour.
Memphis native and recent New York transplant Carbunkle Trumpet has some advice for Northeastern pitmasters on how to barbecue. There is a lot of good stuff in here and his post is a good read for any BBQ aficionado.
South Main Sounds Songwriter Night #29 happens this Friday, June 17, at 550 S. Main from 7 to 9. This installment of the acclaimed series will feature veterans Rice Drewry, Joe Leathers, and Toni Norton along with newcomer Brenna Clark. They are going for something different this time, with fewer musicians having time to get in more music in a more relaxing set-up.
This morning I posted about Widespread Panic’s show at Mud Island Amphitheater Saturday night, and an after-party by SweetWater beer at Alfred’s. Well, more beer, more parties in this second Wednesday post. High Cotton taproom will host a pre-party with Hiway Hi-Fi from 3 to 5 that afternoon. No cover, Gourmade food truck, discounted pints, family and dog friendly.
Smart, smart move: The MBJ reports that Mempops, the handmade, all-natural frozen pop shop, has hired JC Youngblood, formerly of Central BBQ. Mempops is considering additional stores and Downtown is said to be one of the neighborhoods they are considering. I can tell you that a store down here would be very well-received by the locals.
It’s Father’s Day Glass Night at the Flying Saucer tonight. Buy the glass starting at 7, or earlier if you are a Master of the Universe with 5+ plates. Based on the video announcement they sent out, it looks like they may be going with a Star Wars theme.
The Grizzlies Foundation is seeking new mentors. Here is a list of new member orientations. The featured mentor program is the TEAM Mentor Program, in which three volunteer mentors and nine 7th and 8th graders come together to form one TEAM.
That’s it for now. You never know, there may be a third update this evening, so check back.