Month: August 2016

I have a dinner suggestion for my readers tonight: Trolley Stop Market on Madison Avenue out in The Edge. One of their employees, an integral part of their operation for over three years, lost her college financial aid at the University of Memphis at the last minute. A portion of tonight’s dinner sales will be donated to keep their employee, an Earth Sciences major, in college. If you already have dinner plans or can’t make it, you can donate here. This is SO Downtown Memphis and it warms my heart to see this. It is so easy to find your second family down here.

There will be a book signing/reading/sale featuring Meg Farrell at the Center for Southern Folklore this afternoon at 2. Also planned to be there: K.D. Wood, Carrie Thomas, Debra Parmley, and Theresa Hessong.

The Tin Roof has started holding weekly cornhole tournaments Monday nights at 6 PM. There are prizes for the winners, music by DJ Epic, and food and drink specials.

Good morning, YOGA! The sixth edition of MyHQ Sunset Yoga was rained out this week, so they are rescheduling for Wednesday, August 24 at the park at Front and Jefferson at 6:30 PM. Free yoga class followed by free red and white wine. You’re welcome to bring a picnic basket to have dinner following the yoga class.

A new Subway will be opening soon at the northwest corner of Second and Union.

Random thing I learned last night: There’s an app called InstaKitty that lets you add cats to photographs.

The Redbirds are out of town today, but they have one homestand remaining with some big promo nights coming up. Here’s a look at what’s coming:

Thursday, August 25 (first pitch 7:05 vs. Nashville Sounds) will be Grit n’ Grind Night. The first 5000 fans get a Grizzlies/Redbirds growl towel and there will be a chance to get it autographed by players.

Thursday is also Choose901 Night, and you can purchase a special ticket that includes a Redbirds Choose901 T-shirt. $21 field box, $24 dugout.

Thursday is also the last all-you-can-eat night, where a special ticket gets you not only a seat, but a buffet in the left field picnic area. $12 bluff, $17 field box, $20 dugout. On the buffet Thursday: tacos.

Bet someone is shouting, “ALEX, LET’S GO TO THE REDBIRDS GAME THURSDAY!” right about now.

Wonder what you do if you want both the Choose901 shirt and the tacos?

Friday, August 26 there will be a special theme ticket that gets you a 2006 World Series Final Out double bobblehead featuring Adam Wainright and Yadier Molina. First pitch vs. Nashville Sounds at 7:05.

Saturday, August 27 will be the final fireworks night of the season. It will also be Teacher Appreciation Night, with a theme ticket getting you a Redbirds teacher T-shirt. (Note: I’ve seen on Twitter that this theme ticket may have sold out.) First 1500 fans in the gate get a Memphis Chicks jersey. First pitch 6:35 vs. Nashville Sounds.

The final home game will be Sunday, August 28 vs. Nashville Sounds with first pitch at 2:05. Big day for the kids: First 2500 kids 12 and under receive an ice cream treat from Prarie Farms. First 1500 kids 12 and under receive a youth replica Matt Carpenter Cardinals jersey.

Sunday is also Bark in the Park Day, where you can purchase a theme ticket for you and your dog to sit in a special area. Theme ticket includes a leash holder with picture frame.

Prediction for Sunday the 28th: The 1501st kid in the gate (and therefore the first to miss the Matt Carpenter jersey) will throw an enormous tantrum and blame his parents for being late and they will have to make an expensive trip to the Redbirds Store to make the little brat shut up.

Y’know what would be kinda cool? High Cotton makes that pooch hooch beer for when they have their dog parties… imagine them teaming up with the Redbirds for Bark in the Park days in 2017. Probably would piss off the big national beer companies that are AutoZone Park’s vendors, though, so don’t look for it to happen.

The weather may force me to change up my routine today. My weekly Farmers Market trip is looking pretty iffy, given that it is going to be a soggy day outside. Bardog at 11 will happen of course, and then a stop at Blind Bear. This evening I will go by Max’s, my “home away from home on the South Side.” At 9 I have a choice to make: Kitty Wompas’ Cat House burlesque show at Bardog, or South Side Supper Club at the Dirty Crow Inn. Both excellent options! This is the last normal weekend before fall festival season starts, so I better get out there and make the most of it.

 

So, I found out why the Memphis Made taproom is closed today: It has been rented out for a wedding reception. Now, I’m not the marrying type in the least, but if I could find a woman who wanted to have her reception in a brewery taproom, damn, that’s potential wife material.

Especially if she wanted to travel to Milwaukee to have the reception in this taproom.

By the way, Memphis Made will have its taproom back open to the public tomorrow, Saturday, August 20, with a free brewery tour at 4, the Gourmade food truck, and Paul “Snowflake” Taylor 6 to 9 PM. Painting with Pints will happen there Sunday, with the Sushi Jimmi food truck outside.

Tickets for Kenny Rogers at the Orpheum (October 7) are now on sale.

After 50 years, Boeing has decided to end production of the 747. As my friend Bob who works at the airport would say, damn.

My friends The South Side Supper Club play The Dirty Crow Inn tomorrow night, Saturday, August 20 9 to midnight.

Jerry Lawler’s on Beale Street will have its grand opening September 2 and 3. Starship featuring former Memphian Mickey Thomas and A Thousand Horses will perform live. In addition to Lawler, “The Boogie Woogie Man” Handsome Jimmy Valiant and “Superstar” Bill Dundee will be on hand, and there will be live wrestling featuring WWE Hall of Famer “The Birdman” Koko B. Ware, Grandmaster Sexay, and “Dangerous” Doug Gilbert.

Miss Cordelia’s, the grocery store on Mud Island, is hiring cashiers, cafe counter positions, and stockers. Must be available weekends and have reliable transportation. Email jobs@misscordelias.com for an online application, or stop by the store to fill one out in person.

Reason to visit Wales: They have sheep dancing shows there.

Someone has been putting up naked Donald Trump statues around New York City. NYC’s Parks Department issued this statement: “NYC Parks stands firmly against any unpermitted erection in city parks, no matter how small.”

From Business Insider: Every map of Louisiana is a lie. A lot more of it is underwater than what is shown on maps. Anyone who has driven from Memphis to New Orleans knows this well.

U.S. Olympian swimmer Ryan Lochte isn’t getting any help from his mommy explaining away his Rio robbery story. Lochte and another U.S. swimmer have been indicted in Brazil for false reporting. Of course, he’ll probably never go back to the country to stand trial, but I have a special distaste for people who file false police reports, so I hope karma gives Lochte what he deserves one way or another.

If I have any readers who are dinosaur fans, you might want to know that a 2500 pound T.Rex skull has been found in Montana. Beautiful country up there, in Montana. Plus, Jon Tester does a really good job representing that state in the Senate. Sen. Tester turns 60 on Sunday, so happy birthday to him!

That’ll do it for now. Currently undecided on my happy hour spot for today, but I will be out at one of the usuals.

Come on now, WAAAAAAAKKKKK!

Hallelujiah!

Morris Day and The Time have been announced for The Cannon Center. They will bring hits like “Jungle Love” and “The Bird” to the stage on Friday, October 28. Growing up in Little Rock, the first year we had cable I used to watch Video Soul with Donnie Simpson on BET all the time. “The Bird” was one of my all-time fave videos.

Job listing: South Main-area firm inferno is looking to hire a PR Account Manager.

Loflin Yard has announced its music lineup for the weekend. They’ve got Earl The Pearl Banks today, John Paul Keith for Saturday, and Tennessee Ripple for Sunday.

The Memphis Flyer reports on the recent makeover the Orpheum got.

From TIME Magazine: How trolls are ruining the Internet. Don’tcha just hate those crazy trolls? This week is the first time I have ever seen the phrase “alt-right,” and I have seen it in about six or seven media sources in a few days.

It’s Boy Scout Night at the Redbirds, with Scouts and their families camping out on the field after the game. Block party before the game with live music. First pitch vs. the Reno Aces at 7:05.

Wishing a very happy 70th birthday to President Bill Clinton.

Thanks to @WooPigBrewey for tweeting this: Why pumpkin beer arrives on the shelves when it’s 100 degrees out

It’s the last call for alcohol

If you ain’t got what you want

You got to get the hell out of here
…. …. …. ….
WAAAAAAAKKKKK!

Good news for movie lovers: Malco expects to have the new movie theater in South Main open in time for the next Star Wars sequel. The theater will go into the building that in the past has been The Powerhouse at Central Station, with a projected opening date of summer 2017.

The Peabody will raffle off a Fireball golf bag and a Michelob Ultra bike at its rooftop party season finale tonight:

Tomorrow’s Rooftop Raffle Prizes: Michelob Ultra Bike and Fireball Golf Bag. #pbodyroof pic.twitter.com/Cs2EE5CetL

— The Peabody Memphis (@PeabodyMemphis) August 17, 2016

Great quote by Maya Angelou (but then, is there such a thing as a not-great quote by the late Dr. Angelou?) that I found yesterday on Twitter: “When somebody shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” This is very true. Hillary Clinton tweeted it about Donald Trump’s campaign shakeup but never mind politics; I have found this principle quite useful in guiding me through my dealings with people.

Baked to Perfection is the theme at the Memphis Farmers Market this Saturday. Most people expect to see fruits and vegetables at a farmers market, but this one also has quiches, breads, cookies, pastries, tarts, and more. The UT College of Pharmacy will be there from 7:30 to noon to answer any questions you have about medicine – bring a list of medications you take and doses. They will also offer free blood pressure checks. Music by MFM Music Director Mark Parsell’s “Fielder’s Choice” from 8:30 to 10 and Tony Maynard 11-12:30. From 9:00 to 11:30 kids can make their own corn fan to stay cool. Also at the market this week, you can get a temporary tattoo and participate in the #LoveMyMarket photo challenge (click the link for more details). The Market runs every Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson.

The Market, in its weekly email, apologized for the current parking situation. There is a lot of construction going on that has taken away many of the market’s spaces, but when it is over, there will be a beautiful new area. The market organizers advise using the street parking along Front, G.E. Patterson, Georgia, and Carolina. You can also walk, bike, take the trolley, or take the bus there.

There’s an all-you-can-eat buffet ticket for the Redbirds game this evening. Tonight’s special: Wings.

Tonight’s dinner. 👇

🎟 https://t.co/NVYx2vdv2O pic.twitter.com/C9UgnmNnwn

— Memphis Redbirds (@memphisredbirds) August 18, 2016

Tickets that include the buffet are $12 bluff, $17 field box, and $20 dugout. You get a free 20 oz. Coca-Cola product included in the price. If you’re a college student, you can sit on the left field bluff for $5 with valid ID (does not include buffet), and there will be $2 domestic drafts at the left field bar. The opponent tonight is the Reno Aces with the first pitch at 7:05.

Very cool: BBQ teams Sweet Swine O’ Mine and Natural Born Grillers are in Louisiana as part of Operation BBQ, putting out 18,000 meals to people affected by the recent flooding.

BreakFest 901, a celebration of breakfast at the Broad Avenue water tower on Saturday, September 24, has announced the participants in its Bloody Mary contest: Babalu, Cafe Ole, Cafe Pontotoc, The Arcade, Silly Goose, Brass Door, and Tart. Hmmm… I may have to hop in a Lyft and get out to BreakFest that day, not only to support the Downtown competitors in Bloody Mary, but because the event benefits Urban Bicycle Food Ministry.

An ordinance has been introduced to decriminalize small amounts of marijuana in Memphis. It would become a civil offense with a fine of $50 to possess or exchange less than half an ounce. Community service as a punishment would also be possible.

University of Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart has announced he will retire next year. Here’s a look back at the legacy he will leave. Ran Cuonzo Martin off, hired a football coach who went 10-14 in the SEC in three seasons, presided over the athletic department at the time during which a Title IX lawsuit claimed a “hostile sexual environment” was tolerated by the department… great job Dave, this kind of leadership hasn’t been seen in our state since R.C. Johnson was AD at Memphis.

Note for fans of the Memphis Made taproom: They will be closed tomorrow, Friday, August 19, for a private event.

That’s all for now. Possibly a second post after work, then will be Goosin’ it for happy hour.

There will be a big event called Exposure on 901 Day at AutoZone Park from 6 to 9 PM Thursday, September 1. Come out and be exposed to all that is good about Memphis. Learn about over 150 organizations, find some hidden gems, watch a local celebrity kickball game, eat and drink, learn about ways you can give back to our city. Appropriately enough for such an independent-minded city, Independence Bank is the sponsor. Sounds like fun. I WILL go to this (sorry Jess, you’ll have to do without me at the Goose that night) and will soak up as much information to blog about as I can in the three hours allotted. If your organization wants me to stop by your booth on 9/01, shoot me an email at paul@paulryburn.com and I will come by.

The Redbirds will play a doubleheader tonight, with the first game starting at 6:05. If you had a ticket for last night’s game, you can exchange it for a ticket for tonight. Tickets for tonight include both games.

This could be really useful for those who travel: Open Hotel Alert lets you know via text or email when a previously booked-up hotel has a room become available.

Check out this Local Memphis Live interview with Kitty Wompas and Bardog owner Aldo. They discuss the Breakway-Bardog 5K, the Monroe Fest, and Kitty’s head shaving on Sunday, August 28 which they hope will raise a big ol’ pile of money for the children being treated at St. Jude.

SNOZberry returns to Beale Street Friday, August 26. They will play Club 152 from 7 to 11 that evening.

RIP John McLaughlin, longtime host of McLaughlin Group on PBS. The show featured lively debate – and at times flat-out argument – among the liberal and conservative members of his panel. I watched the show every Friday night in the late ’80s and early ’90s to stay on top of the issues of the day. Panelist Eleanor Swift wrote up her memories of McLaughlin.

The Double Your Dollars gift card sale is happening today at both Kooky Canuck locations.

The Downtown Huey’s is once again open, renovations having been completed.

Also with renovations having been completed, the Summer Movie Series returns to the Orpheum this Friday, August 19, with 1978’s Grease starring John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John shown on the big screen at 7. Come early at 6, because Memphis Grizzlies mascot Grizz will be there, as will the Grizz Girls. There will be a Grizzlies swag toss from the stage prior to the showing of the movie.

From statistics site FiveThirtyEight: How much space does a fart take up in your body? I would think this is the stupidest topic they will report on today, but then I remember they will probably be covering a Donald Trump speech sometime this afternoon.

Jess may have to do without me at the Silly Goose on 9/01, but not tonight. I will be there for happy hour, possibly after publishing another post.

Memphis Police have released photos of two subjects wanted for carjacking in The Edge Sunday. Two men approached the victims at 667 Monroe as they sat in their car. They demanded the victims get out, and then sped off in the victims’ 2006 white Ford Mustang. A short time later they used the victim’s credit card at a nearby store.

Chef 4 A Day will present a luau party Saturday, August 27 from 3 to 7 in the afternoon at No. 2 Vance. Chef Shanon Arnold will serve up a taste of Hawaii. There will be Hawaiian cuisine along with hula dancers and island music. $25 tickets include two generous portions of appetizers, fruit/dessert, and an alcoholic beverage or non-alcoholic if preferred.

Quench is having another educational wine tasting Friday from 5 to 8. It will be a free sampling of an Italian Pinot Noir and a California Cab.

There will be a Drink, Dance, Donate party in the vault of Metro 67 Friday night. Money goes to St. Jude and a $10 minimum donation is requested. Dance the night away and enjoy Wiseacre beer. The St. Jude Marathon team “Allie’s Allies” is hosting the party.

The MBJ has an article about The Pub at the Brass Door which has its grand opening tomorrow. The Pub (in the former Mad Earl) space will appeal more to sports fans, with 14 TVs, while the Brass Door itself will focus more on upscale drinking and dining and will start opening for breakfast. Don’t forget that tomorrow is St. Practice Day.

A break in the rain allowed for a much-appreciated dry drive home, and a dry walk to the Blind Bear for happy hour. 40% of the work week is in the rear view mirror. See you tomorrow.

Possibly the most famous and unique job in all of Memphis is now open. The Peabody is looking to hire a Duck Master. In addition to walking the five famous ducks down the red carpet twice a day, the Duck Master is responsible for maintaining their living quarters. The Duck Master also takes the ducks on “field trips” to visit school and other groups. The position is full-time and is in the hotel’s Marketing/Public Relations department.

Thoughts and prayers to those in south Louisiana dealing with historic flooding. One of my Facebook friends lives in Baton Rouge and her Facebook posts the past couple of days have told the story. She posted a video of a full-sized pickup truck floating away, only about the top 6 inches of the cab above water. She posted, “My friend is at (street address), can anyone rescue him?” Later she posted, “We have a boat and four people including an Army medic, and we’re going out rescuing. Let us know if anyone needs help.” It’s just a tragic scene down there.

Are you an artist? Do you like “five star dive bar” The Dirty Crow Inn on Crump Boulevard? They are looking for someone to design a crow mascot that can be reproduced on marketing and promotional material. Submit your entry at the Crow through August 31, with name, date submitted, and contact information on the back. Entries on bar napkins will be accepted too. The artist whose work has been chosen will be announced the first week of September, and will receive $100 cash and a $100 bar tab.

I was in the Crow for only the second time Sunday night… I like the place a lot but it’s so far away that I don’t get there often. I saw the new outdoor deck for the first time and it is fantastic! Well done Paul and Bones! That deck is going to get a lot of use once fall temperatures arrive.

Want to donate to the Kitty Wompas head shaving fund but can’t be at the Bardog alley party/Monroe Fest on Sunday, August 28? You can donate online. Click either “Donate now” or “Make a donation” and under “Are you donating to a team?” pick KITTY WOMPAS HEAD SHAVING. In case you missed my previous posts, Kitty, a server at Bardog and burlesque dancer, is shaving her head to raise $20,000 for the kids of St. Jude.

Burning Las Vegas along with special guest RedOne will play the final Thursday night Peabody rooftop party this Thursday, August 18. Admission is $15 at the door with the first 200 ladies free. Admission includes a buffet of island jerk chicken and grilled pineapple slices. Drink specials will be mystery margaritas and Firefly Ginger Snap. If you’re in VIP you get an additional buffet of whole roasted Mojo pig, black beans and rice, pineapple salsa, and mini rum cakes. Pineapple Passion will be the VIP drink special.

Mark the calendar for a couple of Downtown Neighborhood Association events next week. Tuesday, August 23 is the monthly DNA meeting, and the speaker will be a good one: Tom Bowen, the University of Memphis athletic director. With football right around the corner, it will be a chance to hear him discuss the football program and the prospects for the university to get invited to join the Big 12. The meeting will be at the Memphis Chamber, 22 N. Front, with social time at 6:00 and program at 6:30. No cost for members, $10 for guests.

Thursday, August 25 will be the monthly DNA happy hour. This month they are meeting at the Double J, the smokehouse and saloon on G.E. Patterson. There is no cost for this event, whether you are a member or not. There is no program, just a time to get to know your neighbors.

From Thrillist: The 12 best spaces for big groups. The Downtown Central BBQ and Loflin Yard are mentioned. I haven’t been to a large group event at either of those, but the third venue, the Majestic Grille, I have been in every meeting space they have available. I have been to art shows in the Innovators’ Room in the back, I have been to an event supporting Rep. Steve Cohen upstairs, and I have been to a wedding reception for which the entire restaurant was rented. I cannot say enough good things about the Majestic as a space for groups; definitely check it out if you’re looking.

You probably don’t need an additional reason to hate North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, but I will give you one. The Kim regime is promoting dog meat as the next big superfood. For maximum tenderness, they recommend beating the dog to death before skinning it and cooking it.

Another free MyHQ Sunset Yoga class will be offered at the park at Front and Jefferson tomorrow evening, Wednesday, August 17 from 6:30-8:00. There will be free red and white wine served after yoga, and you’re welcome to bring a picnic basket.

Memphis Farmers Market has created a Facebook event page for Farm Fest, its fall party on Sunday, September 25 at Loflin Yard. Being the huge fan of fresh produce that I am, of course my mouse pointer went straight for the “Going” button as soon as I found the page. I hope to see you there!

Wet Tuesday out there. Everyone be safe on the roads this afternoon!

My day yesterday started with a walk to City Market. I was already planning my day out in my mind. With a Moody Ques event at 6 and my position as Director of PR, I knew I would have to adult yesterday, taking photos to promote the team. Cafe Keough had words of encouragement:

Later in the morning I Farmers Marketed, again striking out trying to find mint so Bardog could make mojitos. At least the rain stayed away. Keeping to my usual schedule, about 10:40 I began my walk up Main Street back to the Downtown core. As I passed Bluff City Coffee, I heard “Paul!”

I turned around. It was my friend Zack who lives over in The Edge, across from High Cotton. Zack recently returned from a trip to Colorado to see the opening of a bridge his brother designed. He handed me what at first appeared to be a paper bag. “I saw this in Colorado and knew I had to get it for you.”

It wasn’t a paper bag. It was a koozie, with the Pabst Blue Ribbon logo, designed to look like a paper bag:

Memories of Sunday Night Swill at the Saucer! THANK YOU Zack! This is a gift I will actually use every day. I used it at Blind Bear where they sell PBR in 16 ounce cans. The cans fit perfectly, and everyone there loved the koozie. Zack, one of these days I will have to join you at the High Cotton taproom for a beer. I will leave the koozie at home that day though; I doubt I would be the most popular person in the room if I put a can of their Scottish Ale in a PBR bag.

Since I mentioned High Cotton, that brings me to my first news item: They’re having another live music Sunday Fun Day with live music from 4 to 6. Denver, Colorado band Metafonics brings everything from groovy electro funk to psychedelic jazz fusion, and when they travel they enjoy collaborating with local artists.

My next stop was Bardog, whose window seating offers scenic views of The Giant Hole.

Seriously, City of Memphis? You ever going to get this thing done? With all the 3:45 AM jackhammering last week, I was hoping for more progress than this.

My “DAWG” John D was of course on his phone playing Pokemon Go. “I’m evolving,” he told me, explaining that one of the goals of the game is to evolve the Pokemon you catch into some kind of higher Pokemon beings.

I wish we could evolve people who play Pokemon into people who don’t play Pokemon.

A poster for Kitty Wompas’ Cat House, the burlesque show happening at Bardog next Saturday, August 20 at 9, was on the window. (Click to view image in larger size)

Four women (plus some dude) will perform in a burlesque show. They are going to build a stage upstairs and are probably going to have to cover the windows. The performers will walk on the bar to the stage. The show is free, but Panda will be walking around with a tip bucket. All tips will go toward the $20,000 Kitty is raising for St. Jude, culminating in her head being shaved on the 28th at Bardog’s alley party/Monroe Fest.

Next stop was the Blind Bear. As I was sipping my bag of PBR three people came in and asked if they could put $5 on their card to play pool. “It’s cash only,” they were told. None of them had a dollar to get quarters. How can you walk around with NO cash on you? I understand we live in the age of the debit card, but what happens if the bank cancels your card (for example, if they suspect identity theft) and you don’t know yet? I can’t imagine going out without at least $30 in my wallet.

A little before 6, it was time to order a Lyft to the Poplar-Highland area for my BBQ/burger team’s burger tasting. It was a chance for our cooks Frank and Erik to practice before Best Memphis Burger Fest on the 28th (unfortunately the same day as the Bardog party; I hope this is the only year that ever happens).

Teamwork by the cook team: Frank was in charge of the grill…

and Erik was in charge of dressing the burgers. (Nice photobomb, Travis)

Lucy, the cutest dog in the world. Okay, that may be going a bit far, but at least she’s the cutest dog I’ve ever met named Lucy.

Team treasurer Misty feeding Lucy carrots

Nice buns

If you like spicy, you will love our entry in the Specialty Burger category. Man, that was hot!

Our Traditional Cheeseburger entry, hopefully the burger that will propel us into the World Food Championship in November.

Dinner is served! Specialty and Traditional burgers were put out for team feedback.

Erik prepping the final burger to be presented to the team, a black bean veggie burger.

Our Veggie Burger entry was our highest burger score last year, and we plan on kicking it up even further this year. Vegetarians love the Moody Ques!

I caught a ride back Downtown. As I left Frank said, “Hang on, Paul, get one more picture. This is the money shot, right here.” Steam coming off the grill.

Thanks to Frank and Laura (and Lucy) for having us out. We got to eat some good burgers and enjoy some camaraderie with the team. We hope to see everyone at Tiger Lane on the 28th!

That’s the Moody Ques news, but I also have news about our friends on one of the other BBQ teams, Porkosaurus. Their famous rub is now available for purchase at two new locations. If you’re Downtown, you can get it at South Main Sounds at 550 S. Main. North Mississippi residents, you can get the rub at The Butcher’s Block in Southaven.

As The Pub at the Brass Door (in the space that was formerly The Mad Earl) opens, they are going to need new faces to round out their staff. If you are interested in a barback/dishwasher position, give them a call at 901-572-1813.

The Redbirds host Tacoma at 6:05 tonight (gates at 5:00). First 2500 kids under 12 get an ice cream treat from Prarie Farms, and on exiting the game everyone gets a coupon for a free medium one-topping when they purchase any large pizza at regular price from Papa John’s. The all-inclusive Club Level tickets will be discounted to $40 for this game, and the in-seat-service Owner’s Seats discounted to $60.

On South Main Trolley Night, Friday, August 26, Stock & Belle is having a celebration of its first birthday. You can get 20% off all apparel that night. There will be coffee by Dr. Bean’s Coffee and Tea Emporium, beer by High Cotton, food by the El Mero Taco truck parked outside, and from 7 to 9 there will be music by Brennan Villines. The party will happen at 387 S. Main.

My friends in the airline business will enjoy this: The 70 worst people at the airport, ranked

Zeke Johnson & Friends (blues/folk) perform at the Center for Southern Folklore this afternoon at 5.

Corinne Bailey Rae performs at the New Daisy tonight. Doors open at 6, show at 7. Special guest Brennan Villines. Tickets $25-28.

Whew! Long post, and I’m not done yet; next up is getting the photos posted to the Moody Ques website. After that it’ll be time for D-RANKS with B-RAD at Blind Bear’s Sunday brunch. I have lots to tell B-RAD and of course I want to show him my new koozie too. Sunday Fun Days get more fun every week and this will be no exception.

Want to do something positive to help the Downtown Memphis area’s many homeless? Sign up to volunteer for Community Alliance for the Homeless’s Project Homeless Connect at the Cook Convention Center on Thursday, October 20. It’s a day to connect with the homeless and help them get the services they need. Some of the services include health, medical, dental, mental health, housing counseling, veterans’ benefits, legal services, Medicaid, food stamps, hair care, and help getting ID. Volunteers (the day of, more on that in a moment) must be 18 and are required to attend a training.

Under 18 or can’t be there on October 20 but want to help nonetheless? Packets of supplies will be handed out that day and they can use donations of socks (adult sizes), blankets, travel-sized grooming products, winter caps, scarves, gloves, or bottled water. They also need volunteers to arrange the items in packets prior to the day of the event.

The Queen of Beale Street has passed away. Ruby Wilson died at age 68 yesterday. Perhaps she is somewhere in the great beyond, singing a duet with Elvis with B.B. King on guitar. RIP Ms. Ruby.

The Hungry Memphis blog has information on the plans for Kooky Canuck’s move next door to 87 S. Second. The doors at the future location can be opened for more of a patio feel for the Saturday and Sunday brunch they plan to add to the menu. They will expand their draft beer offerings, including more local products. The new space will retain many of the original lodge elements, but with an updated look.

Wiseacre may not be planning to open a second brewery location in the Mid-South Coliseum. It’s one option of several to expand their capacity. They got their 10-year plan done in only 3 years, and now are looking to serve some of the big markets in the Midwest and Northeast.

The Redbirds are offering a special ticket promo package, coupling tickets to two games with your choice of one of several of the most popular promotional items this season. You get tickets to the August 28 game, which is the season home finale, along with the AAA National Championship Game to be held at AutoZone Park September 20. Options for your promotional item include the replica Yadier Molina jersey, the replica Redbirds jersey, the cooler backpack, the beach towel, or the Redbirds performance T-shirt. The item of your choice will be guaranteed and will be available for pickup at the National Championship game. Packages are $22 field box, $25 dugout seating, and $29 for club level. You can order the package here.

Interesting: Linguists analyze Donald Trump’s words. Learn some of the linguistic tricks he uses to soften inflammatory statements, to justify outright lies, and to get people to believe his viewpoint is more widely accepted than it actually is.

Loflin Yard has a new charcuterie plate. It’s a plate of house-made sausages and curated cheeses made by Miss Cordelia’s and Cordelia’s table. The sausages and cheese are exclusive to Loflin Yard.

As an American I am embarrassed by goalkeeper Hope Solo’s comments following the USWNT’s 4-3 shootout loss to Sweden in the Olympics. Solo called the Swedes “cowards” for the conservative strategy they employed. Well, Hope, that’s sports. You study your opponent and pick the moves that are most likely to defeat them. Are the Grizzlies “cowards” for grinding out wins instead of running it up and down the floor like Golden State? I think not. Congratulations to Sweden on a well-planned victory. As for you, Hope, time to hang up the gloves. Now that Tonya Harding is no longer on TruTV’s The World’s Dumbest… as a commentator, maybe you can take her place.

My plan for today is to eat some burgers! Right around 6 I’m catching a Lyft out to the University of Memphis area for a Moody Ques team burger tasting. Pitmasters Frank and Erik have several ideas for Best Memphis Burger Fest, and the team will provide feedback on which direction to go. Fun fact: We’re probably the only burger/BBQ team whose top two pitmasters both sit on the board of the Memphis Farmers Market. With that in mind, and being the huge fan of fresh produce that I am, I will lead off this morning at the Market. I can’t stay long though; I have a planning meeting with my Moody Ques teammate John D at 11. In the past 6 months we have convinced our team president to start drinking PBR, and we are going to discuss other ways we can make the Moody Ques even better. I called the Sheraton and requested a meeting room, but they were booked up all weekend so I guess we’re going to have to meet at the bar at Bardog instead. Time to get things going on what I am hoping will not a be a soaking wet day.

 

The ‘birds are back in town again! Memphis kicks off an 8-game homestand tonight with a 7:05 PM game against the Tacoma Rainiers at AutoZone Park. Come early (gates open at 6) for a couple of different reasons. First of all, there will be a block party with live music prior to the game. If you’re a fan of St. Louis Cardinals catcher Yadier Molina, you will especially want to get there early. First 2000 fans in the gate get a special Yadi-AIR freshener. Be sure to use promo code “NCRM” when buying tickets, so that $4 of your ticket price will be donated to the National Civil Rights Museum.

Want a great job Downtown? LEO Events is seeking a Meeting and Events Coordinator. The company helps put together events worldwide, and their office is at 265 S. Front. I know some of the people there (including one of the co-founders) and this is an excellent place to work.

Tonight is the first pop-up beer garden for Fourth Bluff Fridays from 4:30 to 8:00 with the Mighty Souls Blues Band playing.

Don’t forget that there is a community fundraiser with beers from all the Memphis craft breweries plus some other sources tomorrow night, Saturday, August 13, from 7-10 at the High Cotton taproom, 598 Monroe. It’s to raise money for medical bills for two men who were shot in The Pinch shortly before Officer Verdell Smith was killed by the same assailant in a vehicular homicide on Beale Street. In addition to all the beer, there will be live music by Sarah Simmons. The HiQ BBQ, Memphis Mojo Cafe, and Hot Mess Burritos food trucks will be parked outside.

Dammit… I would like to go to this, not only to support the two victims, but because it’s very cool to see all the breweries working together, and to be able to sample their product in a more intimate environment than a beer festival. However, I have to adult tomorrow night. My BBQ/burger team is having a tasting and as Director of Public Relations, I have to be there to get pictures as well as any news tidbits that need to be shared with the team.

(Okay, let’s be honest… I doubt I will do a whole lot of adulting tomorrow night… )

The FAA is seeking applicants for Air Traffic Controller positions through August 15. You have to have a certain type of personality for this job (particularly, you need to handle stress well) but once you pay your dues, this is a career that leads to high pay. I have several friends who are ATCs and retired ATCs and they seem to love their jobs.

Brad Birkedahl plays the Hard Rock tonight in celebration of Elvis Week. Two shows beginning at 7 PM. I have known Brad for over a dozen years and his music is on point. Elvis fans will enjoy hearing Brad.

Comma, Comma, Comma, Comma, Comma Comedians… they come and go… they come and go. Next Thursday, August 18, they will be coming… to the Memphis Made taproom for Draughts & Laughs IV. $2 admission, show time at 7:30.

Start Co. is hosting an adult field day called Summer Never Stops at Loflin Yard on Wednesday, August 17. All your favorite games will be there, including bocce, cornhole, and life size beer pong. There will be a 60-second pitch competition about any topic you want, an Instagram competition, and a scavenger hunt. It’s a night of adult fun with great food, beer, and music.

While I was at the Silly Goose last night, they changed the hours on their door. They’re now 11 AM-3 AM Monday-Friday and 10 AM-3 AM Saturday-Sunday. In case anyone is wondering, no I will not be taking advantage of the 10 AM weekend opening time. 10 is Farmers Market time for me on Saturday, and I just can’t be out that early on Sunday.

Bluff City Bark reports that Memphis Veterinary Services has a lab/pharmacy tech position open.

Motel Mirrors perform tomorrow, Saturday, August 13, at the Coach House at Loflin Yard. If you can’t get enough live music there, there will be more nearby, as Justin Moore will be on stage at The Dirty Crow Inn 9-12 tomorrow.

Sad to hear that the Queen of Beale Street Ruby Wilson is in the hospital in serious condition. She had a stroke in 2009 but recovered.

That’s all for this post… happy hour plans TBD, as Friday is my “wild card” day.