Month: June 2017

Monday update

One of the pioneers of the rebirth of Beale Street has passed away. “Papa” Don McMinn had one of the first residencies on Beale, at Rum Boogie Cafe, when it re-opened in 1985. He was instrumental in re-establishing the music scene on the street. I didn’t know McMinn personally, but I know he helped many get started on their careers. Although McMinn his passed away, his legacy lives on in the clubs and music halls of Beale.

There’s live music by Jamie Baker at Miss Cordelia’s tonight from 5 to 8. The MEMpops and DeJAVU food trucks will be on site.

The Redbirds had to postpone yesterday’s game due to inclement weather. It will be made up at a doubleheader on Tuesday, August 8. Information on exchanging tickets can be found here.

There will be a Downtown safety meeting this Thursday, June 8 from 6-7 PM at 409 S. Main Street in the upstairs meeting room. Some of the new Blue Suede Brigade team will be introduced. The North Main Precinct commanders, City Councilman Edmund Ford Jr., neighborhood watch coordinators, and the Riverfront Development Corporation will provide updates.

The monthly South Main Association meeting will happen next Tuesday, June 13, at the Artesian Residences at 717 Riverside. Janet Boscarino, executive director of Clean Memphis, will speak on recycling and ways residents can create a clean and green South Main. The meeting will be free for SMA members and Artesian residents, $10 for non-members. There will be a drawing for three bottles of wine donated by the Corkscrew. The meeting will be hosted by Artesian residents and SMA board members Milton Lamb and Pat Halloran, and Milton will be your guide to the Artesian rooftop before and after the meeting. 6 PM social, 6:30 program.

BRIDGES has a job opening for a Bridge Builders CHANGE Program Specialist.

One of the best independent sources about the Trump-Russia investigation, Claude Taylor, had this to say this morning:

Runaway truck ramp may be more like it.

That’ll do it for now. Back tomorrow with more.

Some days you’re the dog. Other days you’re the fire hydrant.

I have an idea for an infographic if anyone is looking for a project. Several years ago, I had this website called Mid-South Alcoholic Supply which was a storefront for booze-related products sold on Amazon. To generate interest in the site, I had listings of happy hours across the United States. Things like “$3 wells, $3 Fireball, $4 house wines 4 to 7 PM.” I would scour arts & entertainment magazines – equivalents of the Memphis Flyer – to find the listings.

However, as I added cities like Milwaukee and Washington D.C. to the database, I noticed something interesting. “$3 rails, $3 Fireball, $4 house wines.” Wells are called rails in certain parts of the U.S. I get it – the most inexpensive liquors sit in a well, rather than on a shelf – or they sit against a rail. In either case the liquors are easily accessible to the bartender since they are often ordered.

So here’s the idea for an infographic: Which cities say “wells” and which cities say “rails.” Yes there’s also “house” but I think that’s a universal synonym for either of the two in almost all cities.

This is not a Downtown event, but it’s pretty interesting so I wanted to include it. For years I have read about chan-no-yu, the ancient Japanese tea ceremony that has evolved over the past millennium. Perhaps its most well-known practitioner was Sen no Rikyu, tea master for the samurai Hideyoshi, in the 16th century. It is an expression of Japanese culture and beauty. On Saturday, June 24 from 1-3 PM, the Memphis Botanic Garden will offer a class on The Way of Tea exploring the ceremony. There is a $10 fee.

Ballet on Wheels performs Annie: The Dance-sical this afternoon at 2 at the Halloran Centre.

The Redbirds host the Omaha Storm Chasers this afternoon at 2:05 at AutoZone Park. Kids under 12 receive an ice cream treat and get to run the bases after the game.

Hotel Napoleon, the boutique hotel at Third and Madison a block away from the ballpark, has a special for Redbirds games: Get Kickin’ Chicken sliders and valet parking for $20.

Want to pay a lot of money to look at garbage and maybe get carjacked? The annual Trashion Show is today. People travel to 670 S. Fourth, one of the crummiest parts of Downtown, and pay $45 to watch people model outfits made out of recycled garbage. Or if you really want to waste some money, pay $65 to go VIP and get some champagne and a better seat.

Learn from my mistake: Yesterday I ordered the bacon cheeseburger pizza from Papa John’s. I had high hopes but that pizza was seriously not good. The base of burger sauce, as opposed to tomato sauce, just did not work. After several PBRs and a Fireball shot or two, I managed to get down two slices of the pizza, with the help of the tub of garlic sauce and the pepper provided by Papa John’s. This morning I microwaved a leftover slice and managed two bites before I was like, “No. I can’t do this.”

Off to D-RANKS with B-RAD for Sunday brunch at Blind Bear. Back tomorrow with more news.

Superheroes to visit AutoZone Park and more Saturday news

Last night I dreamed I was in a high school auditorium playing a game that was a combination of bingo and poker. I had four hearts in my hand and they called the Ace of hearts, giving me a flush. I ran up to the stage to show them my hand and claim my prize, which I thought was a $25 gift card. They told me no, the grand prize was a new car donated by a Nissan dealership. Let me tell you, I was rather unhappy to wake up and realize I didn’t actually win a car.

It’s Superhero Night at the Redbirds this evening. Your favorite superheroes including Batman, Captain America, Spider-man, and Wonder Woman will be at the game. There’s a special $18 field box or $21 dugout ticket you can purchase that comes with a Redbirds superhero cape. The Redbirds will wear special jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit the Redbirds Community Fund. Fireworks following the game. The opponent is the Omaha Storm Chasers and the first pitch is at 6:35.

For my readers who are big fans of fresh produce like I am, the Hungry Memphis blog broke big news yesterday. The Memphis Farmers Market will have a second location called MFM Squared. It will run Wednesdays from 4 to 7 PM in Court Square June 28 through September 27. Hmmm one block from home? Just might make it to the Market Squared on Wednesdays.

Tonight is Disco Skate Night at RiverPlay, the first of several themed skate nights on Saturday. Music from the ’70s will be playing and costumes are encouraged. Roller skating is free and you can rent skates for $5 (socks are requested). The TapBox will be pouring beer and there will be food by Yippie Trippie & The PorkStars and Southern Delight Catering & Events. Basketball courts will be set up and there will be ping-pong, chess, hula hoops, and more. 7-9 PM.

Ice cream news from the Peabody:

MemphisWeather.net has a good blog post on what it’s like to be the official weather partner for Memphis in May and what goes on behind the scenes when bad weather threatens.

Belz Museum will have free showings of the movie Monuments Men today at 12:30 and 2:30. Sunday’s movie will be Bride and Prejudice. Admission to both movies is free and both are rated PG-13.

The Redbirds are having a special version of their All-You-Can-Eat Thursday on June 15. The price will be $20 all-inclusive for any field box, dugout, or club level seat. The ticket gets you not only the seat, but you can walk up to any concessions vendor and order hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and cheese, popcorn, and small drinks at no additional cost.

Memphis magazine is hiring an account executive.

Normally I recommend Downtown businesses on this blog, but if you need a dry cleaner, drive out to Mercury Valet on Madison in Midtown. Although they were without power all week and therefore closed, the owner paid his employees anyway. Truly one of the good guys.

I can’t come up with a comment any better than this one to describe my reaction to Trump pulling the United States out of the Paris Accord:

That’s it for this post. Back tomorrow with more news.

Do The Hustle: Friday update

The Grizzlies are getting their own NBA D-League basketball team here in the Memphis metro, to play their home games at Landers Center in Southaven. They will be called the Memphis Hustle and their colors will be red and white. Here’s an article that explains the story behind the brand. I love it and don’t think it could have been branded any better. The Grizzlies’ marketing team hit a slam dunk on this one. There will be an open house for the Hustle tomorrow, Saturday, June 3 from 11 to 3 at Landers Center.

“Like” the Hustle on Facebook to keep up with news about the team.

It’s ’60s Night at the Redbirds tonight. Fans can purchase a $17 field box or $20 dugout ticket that comes with a sleeve of the Redbirds in a Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band pose. Randomly selected fans will get their sleeve signed by the Redbirds. The team will wear Sgt. Pepper-style jerseys that will be auctioned off to benefit the Redbirds Community Fund. British Invasion-style Band Jeffrey and the Pacemakers (these guys are great, by the way) will perform in the plaza prior to the game with select beers for $2.

The Mighty Souls Brass Band headlines Fourth Bluff Friday tonight at Memphis Park tonight from 4 to 10. TapBox will have ten beers on tap. RiverPlay will be fully activated with ping-pong, half-court basketball, roller skating, and giant chess. There will be views of the Mississippi and this event is kid and dog friendly.

Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory kicks off the Orpheum’s summer movie series. 7 PM show time, but come early for the drink special or for the photo booth filled with movie props. Those who attend are always welcome to wear movie-themed costumes.

The Peabody is hosting Sunset Happy Hour on the rooftop tonight starting at 4:30. You can sip a cocktail and watch the sun set over the Mississippi in a chilled-out environment. There is no cover charge.

You can sign up to play catch on the field at Sunday’s Redbirds game. Limited to 50 pairs.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. is hosting a benefit for Alyssa Moore tomorrow. Moore was the primary target three weeks ago at Murphy’s when Jared McLemore set himself on fire and ran into the bar toward Moore, the sound engineer. Bands performing include Linda Heck, Mystic Light Casino, The Rough Hearts, The Margins, Static Bombs, Los Psychosis, Crockett Hall, and The Incredible Hook. Between bands there will be comedy by Will Loden, Angela Garrone, Tommy Oler, Katrina Coleman, Jason Pulley, Benny Elbows, and Hunter Sandlin.

Weekend is almost here! Undecided between Silly Goose and “my home away from home on the south side” Max’s Sports Bar after work. Back tomorrow with more news.

Thursday update #2: Lots of Redbirds news and more

The Redbirds are back in town to play the Omaha Storm Chasers tonight at 7:05. There is a special all-you-can eat buffet ticket and this week the buffet features pasta (two kinds and two sauces). You also get unlimited hot dogs and sides with the ticket, as well as one Coca-Cola product or bottled water. Already have a ticket to the game? Upgrade to all-you-can-eat pasta by purchasing a wristband for $10 more, while supplies last. Tonight is also Thirsty Thursday, so all fans can enjoy select $2 beers.

The Great Mississippi Whale Watch happens tonight at the Metal Museum from 5 to 8 PM. Sit on the bluff and watch “whales” make their way down the river while enjoying a shrimp boil provided by A Moveable Feast/Hog Wild Catering Co. There will be specialty drinks, live music by the Bluff City Backsliders, and yard games. Tickets to the shrimp boil ($25 Museum members, $30 non-members) can be purchased here. Admission to the Museum and the grounds is free. There is free street parking along Metal Museum Drive. This is an all-ages event.

There’s live music at the Brass Door tonight with Diamond Dave and Tom Pears. Music starts at 8 PM and there are $3 pints.

Bobby Whitlock, who performed with Derek and the Dominoes in the early 1970s, and his wife Coco Carmel will kick off their 2017 tour at The Warehouse Friday night. Doors open at 7, music at 8, and tickets are $20. The Warehouse is the green building at the northeast corner of Front and G.E. Patterson.

June is National Fruit & Vegetable Month and the Memphis Farmers Market is here to help you celebrate with late spring and early summer produce. The South Main Association gets fresh at the Market this Saturday. They will have a booth where you can sign up to win a drawing for a new or renewed membership, and where you can receive an eco-friendly tote bag. There will be a kids’ crafts station from 9 to 11 where kids can learn about life on the farm. The RAWK’n Grub food truck returns to the Market this Saturday. Live music by Massimo Bellivacqua 8:30-10, Steve Smith 10-11, and Sandie Lollis 11-12:30. The Market runs every Saturday under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson from 7 AM to 1 PM.

If you’re a fan of Redbirds manager Stubby Clapp, there are a couple of dates you will want to put on your calendar to make sure you get to the park extra early. On Friday, June 16 there will be a half-and-half Clapp number 10 button-up jersey for the first 1500 fans. Half the jersey will be styled in the current Memphis logo, and the other half will be styled with the logo from 1999-2002 when Stubby was a player here.

On Friday, July 14 it will be Stubby Clapp bobblehead night, with a bobblehead of Clapp doing his famous backflip onto the field for the first 1000 fans. The bobblehead is presented by Campbell Clinic. Wondering how that will work, since his head will be attached to the base. Will it be a bobblefeet?

You can purchase packages in advance guaranteeing you these giveaways here.

There are job openings at Memphis International Airport: marketing & communications program manager, manager of accounting, GIS program administrator, seasonal utility operator, and seasonal painter.

That’ll do it for now. Out at Silly Goose happy hour after work. Back tomorrow.

Thursday update

Greetings and salutations everyone! Apologies for no post yesterday. We had a team lunch at work, so I had no time to get a lunchtime post up.

Project Green Fork works with local restaurants on practices that lead to greater environmental sustainability. On Thursday, June 8 from 6 to 9 PM, PGF will have its biggest fundraiser of the year, Loving Local, at Old Dominick Distillery. There will be food from PGF certified restaurants, a specialty cocktail, live entertainment, a silent auction, and a bottle pull. Tickets are $50.

Voodoo Gumbo with special guest Noah Cyrus will play tonight’s Peabody rooftop party. Tickets are $15 or go VIP for the season for $150. Doors open at 6 with ladies and hotel guests free until 7. Your admission includes a buffet of mini meatloafs and tater tots. If you’re in VIP, you have a second buffet of chicken and waffles, onion rings, and mini cheesecakes. Drink specials will be cherry margaritas and Firefly Peach Magic Moonshine.

Game dates and times and television broadcasts have been announced for seven Memphis Tigers football games this fall:

Bardog is sending a few of its lucky customers to the FedEx St.Jude Classic golf tournament. Come to happy hour any day this week (starts 5 PM). Buy a beer, get a raffle ticket.

Sache is hosting Sache Sunday: The First Wave Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM to benefit the Mid-South Food Bank’s Operation Feed. $10 or two cans of non-perishable food to get in. There will be a 20-foot water slide (weather permitting), music from DJ Andy Boone, beer pong, and more.

Celebrity sighting: Richard “Cheech” Marin stopped by the Downtown Central BBQ earlier this week. Ain’t nothin’ like their BBQ nachos for when you get the munchies.

Holly has a look at the newly renovated LYFE Kitchen Chisca on the I Love Memphis blog.

Twilight Tuesday, the free outdoor movie series at Beale Street Landing, is back beginning Tuesday, June 6. Here’s the lineup.

That’s it for now, off to work. No team lunch today, so possibly back around 1:00 with a second post.