Saturday update

Memphis 901 FC returns to AutoZone Park for another home match tonight at 7:30. Their opponent will be OKC Energy FC. If you can’t make it out to see the match live, catch it on TV on CW30.

Fast-forwarding for a minute to the home game after that, next Saturday, June 26, vs. Sporting Kansas City II: Not only will it be Pride Night at the park, but a special all-inclusive ticket will allow you to have the Memphis 901 FC experience and the Raiford’s experience at the same time. You’ll get a seat on Paula Raiford’s Party Deck, an open bar (draft beers, house wine, well liquor), an all-you-can-eat buffet, and a photo-op with Paula. Paula will smash the guitar prior to the start of the match. To grab your seat:

  1. Click this link
  2. Click on ‘TICKETS’ and select ‘BUY TICKETS’ for the June 26 game
  3. Enter coupon code PAULAPARTY
  4. Choose your seats and check out

Pam & Terry return to the Blind Bear this coming Thursday, June 24 at 7 PM.

Congratulations to the Grizzlies’ Desmond Bane, who made the NBA All-Rookie Second Team. Also, congratulations to the Grizzlies’ front office, because this award indicates that they know what they’re doing. Bane has been recognized as one of the 10 best rookies in the NBA, yet the front office got him at number 30 in last year’s draft (via trade from Boston).

The Memphis Flyer has issued a call for artists for the second Memphis Flyer coloring book. Purchasing the coloring book is a way to support great local artists and great local journalism. Proceeds are split 50/50 between the artists and the Flyer. Submission deadline is Monday at 5.

Whet Thursday, an after-hours program at the Metal Museum, returns this Thursday, June 24 from 6 to 8 PM. Among the activities:

  • Art tile mold casting in the Foundry ($20 to purchase a mold). This is a kid-friendly activity that they can finish at home with adult supervision that introduces kids to the world of casting.
  • Exhibit Measured Making: The 150mm Challenge and Tributaries: Andrew Meers in the museum’s galleries
  • The Museum Store will stay open late
  • Live music
  • Food trucks on site: El Mero Taco, Tipsy Tumbler Traveling Tavern
  • Lawn chairs are encouraged

Little Italy’s Downtown location will be closed June 20-24 so their staff can enjoy some well-needed rest.

Yesterday I met people from Miami, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles who traveled to Memphis to celebrate Juneteenth. WREG has coverage of the Juneteenth celebration in Health Sciences Park. The organizers stress that the celebration is open to all. “Memphis is not about one race. Memphis is about the human race.”

Today is also National Martini Day.

Bachata will be the featured dance tonight at the Latin Dance Series at Fourth Bluff Park, 7:00 to 8:00. Come down to the park and learn this popular dance, taught by instructors from Cat’s Ballroom.

Craft Axe Throwing in The Edge District will have a Juneteenth celebration beginning at 5 today with discounted axe throwing, the newest beers from Beale St. Brewery, and a craft beer share where you can bring your favorite for others to try.

Also celebrating Juneteenth today is Butterific Bakery & Cafe, beginning at 2 PM. Mouthful food truck and Artreanna’s Italian Ice will be onsite, along with local vendors. There will be music, giveaways, and games.

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