South Main Trolley Night returns tonight. Many of the shops and galleries in the South Main Arts District will stay open until 9 or later so you can shop with your neighbors. There will be live music throughout the area and many of the shops will put out complimentary wine and appetizers.
Hmmm… people are supposed to have masks on when in indoor public spaces… but they can’t consume complimentary wine and appetizers with them on… wonder how that’s going to work? Considering the record high COVID hospitalization numbers right now, you might want to sit this Trolley Night out if you’re not fully vaccinated or spend a lot of time around children under 12 or immunocompromised people.
Slider Inn Downtown will host House in the MidSouth with the GOODLife DJs tonight at 6.
Andrew Cabigao and Friends play South Main Sounds tonight 6 to 9.
Grape plays The Vault tonight at 8.
Broke Tall Folk will play Earnestine & Hazel’s tonight at 8.
More than 70 teams will compete in the World Championship Hot Wing Festival tomorrow at Tiger Lane. The event benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. You can come down and sample the competition wings; all they ask is you drop a dollar or two in the box for Ronald McDonald House each time you sample. There’s also a Kids’ Corner, live music all day, and a hot wing eating contest. Admission is $15; free for kids under 12 (who probably shouldn’t come due to the COVID surge) and veterans.
When you hear “Born Under a Bad Sign,” you probably think of Eric Clapton and Cream, but the song was written by William Bell and Booker T. Jones. William Bell will perform at the Halloran Centre tonight. He’s touring in support of his album, “This Is Where I Live,” his first album on a major label in 30 years. Tickets are $47.50.
Visible Music College at 200 Madison will hold its 2021 Visible Music Fest tonight from 6 to 10. Live music by Visible students, a makers’ market, and a food truck. Masking and social distancing will be required except when eating or drinking.
BBQ news: The Memphis Flyer reports that multi-time world champion Melissa Cookston is starting a BBQ league for kids. 9th through 12th graders are eligible to compete, and the first competition will be held on Sunday, November 6 at AutoZone Park. $20,000 in prize money!
The Memphis Medical District Collaborative has announced that the 901 Day party they had planned in The Edge District, in conjunction with Choose 901, has been canceled. They felt it was the right thing to do at this point in time, due to the rising COVID numbers. A party at a future date is in the works.
Memphis Modern Market is back at Loflin Yard Sunday from 11 AM-5 PM. Come shop the works of local makers and enjoy some good food and drinks.
There was a fatal motorcycle accident Wednesday night at about 10 on Crump at the I-55/Riverside Drive interchange.
A new cookie cutter makes it possible to make cookies that look like your cat’s butt.
Memphis 901 FC has announced that to celebrate 901 Day, for its next home match on Wednesday, September 1, tickets will be on sale for $9.01. Every ticket will include a complimentary 12-ounce can of Ghost River beer for ticket holders 21 and up with valid ID. Before every match, celebrities including Ja Morant, Paula Raiford, and… possibly… YOU smash a guitar. Enter for your chance to do the guitar smash and win 2 free tickets.
The Redbirds have posted their 2022 schedule.
Catherine & Mary’s will be closed tonight for a private event.
Save the date: The Downtown Neighborhood Association is planning a big year-end event at the Renasant Convention Center on Thursday, November 18 (which is also my birthday). Live music, dignitaries, the annual State of Downtown address, food and drink, and more.
That’s the news for today. I think I may take this month off from Trolley Night and wait for cooler weather in September. Back tomorrow with more news.