One of the things I like to do on this blog is give my readers a sense of what it’s like to be on a Memphis in May BBQ Fest team. We’re less than two weeks away from load-in and build, so it was time to go shopping in preparation for BBQ Fest. What I bought:
Cargo shorts: Yes, I know these are a fashion no-no, but for BBQ Fest they are necessary. Four pockets are not enough. I need six. I have to carry my keys, pens, my iPhone, my external charger, a camera, spare batteries for the camera, paper wristbands for booth guests, and samples and other random stuff I get handed in Tom Lee Park. Really, thinking about it I wish we had ordered team shirts with pockets so I’d have a 7th one.
BBQ Fest sandals: No, I don’t mean Memphis in May official sandals or anything like that. The idea is that a week in the muddy, swampy park is going to ruin whatever footwear I have on, so I don’t want them ruining my good sandals. I always go to Payless and buy an el cheapo pair to wear to Tom Lee Park.
Rain ponchos: Two-mile walks from the south end of the park to the Downtown core in the pouring rain are not fun. Trust me, I know this from experience. I have three ponchos in reserve. By the way, those of you attending Music Fest or 901 Fest should keep ponchos in mind too. Gift shops on Beale sell these. I think Downtown Walgreens does too.
I’ll add a Music Fest tip for those who have moved to the Downtown core or South Main the past year and therefore don’t already know: Leave work early on Friday. Traffic and parking turns into a nightmare from about 5 on. I pay for a parking garage, but if I’m not home by 5 I find myself parking on level 6 rather than level 2 or 3.
Tacos & Tunes returns to the patio of Felicia Suzanne Restaurant this Thursday, May 4, at 7 PM with live music by Deering & Down. This is a weekly event with different entertainment every week and taco and margarita specials.
Got a couple of pieces of news about the Ghost River taproom. They’re opening up at 2 PM Friday, May 5 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. Beer-itas, their Grindhouse ale with margarita mix, will be back and will be made all day. Fuel food truck will be on site at 4 to serve up some tacos.
In Sunday brunch news, Flying Sobies has been such a huge hit that Ghost River is extending its brunch hours, formerly from noon to 4 PM, to noon to 9 PM. Flying Sobies will be there all day slinging fried Cornish game hens, in any of five sauces (or plain), paired with waffles and fries. They’ll be serving Bloody Beers and will have other beer specials on some Sundays. Crockett Hall will host Sunday Evening Slowdown: Songwriter Sessions with a guest each week 5:00-7:30 PM.
If you’re going to Music Fest Friday night and aren’t staying Downtown, I would advise you to not take Union as your route back to Midtown or out east. There will be a sobriety checkpoint at Union and East in the Medical Center District from 8 PM to 2 AM.
Janet Jackson is coming back to FedExForum for a December 6 concert. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10. The show is part of her State of the World tour.
That’s it for now. Probably a second post at lunchtime.