Wed update: Go Grizzlies, aquarium proposal, Maciel’s open and more

Second post in a row with BIG NEWS: An aquarium has been proposed for Mud Island. Local firm Archimania put together the proposal and it is said to be “world-class,” offering the chance to study groundwater, fish and fowl along the Mississippi. If we get the aquarium on Mud Island and the Brooks Museum relocates to Front and Union, we will have come a long way toward the re-thinking of the Memphis Riverfront that has been discussed the past year.

Maciel’s Tortas and Tacos is back in business, finally! They will be open 11 AM to 8 PM today.

Authentic reproductions of Christopher Columbus’ ships, the Nina and the Pinta, will be docked at Beale Street Landing today through Monday. Come take a tour of the ships and grab some food at The Front Porch.

The CA has a beautiful article celebrating the life of Eric Janssen, a former employee and a man who lived and breathed Memphis. Eric died from an accidental fall in Chicago Monday. Eric was a newspaper employee who was an early adopter of digital media. Long-time readers may remember that in 2006, I did a blog for the CA called Deal of the Week picking the best deals from the Sunday advertising inserts in the newspaper. Eric offered me that gig.

If you’re going to the Grizzlies home opener tonight, get there early, because Playa Fly and Gangsta Blac will be performing pre-game. 7 PM tip. In other Grizzlies news, this thank-you letter to Memphis from former Grizzly/current New Orleans Pelican Tony Allen is well worth a read.

Save the date: Ghost River celebrates its taproom’s first birthday Saturday, November 4. They will have a giant Small Shop Saturday with many vendors (click the link for a full list) 1-6 PM. Live music by Cameron Bethany and MAKEMADBEATS from Unapologetic starting at 8. Sushicide Squad food truck noon to 5, El Mero Taco 6 to close. Hourly giveaways (click the link for a full list; must be present to win).

Five-time Grammy winner Marty Stuart plays the Halloran Centre tonight at 7:30. Get there early, though, because at 6:30 Empire Distributors will host a tasting for a cocktail called the ’55 Makers Punch, made with Maker’s Mark, in honor of Stuart’s song “The Whiskey Ain’t Workin’.” Live music by Nancy Apple in the lobby prior to the show.

Two Girls and a Whip have added a Pina Colada cupcake to their selection. It’s in the case today.

Living Colour will perform at the New Daisy next Wednesday, October 25.

That’s it for now. Tonight I will be at the Silly Goose for happy hour, but it may take an extra minute to get a beer as the place will be swarmed with Grizzlies fans pre-gaming. That is a first-class kind of problem that I am happy to have! Back tomorrow with more news.