Congratulations to Memphis Grizzlies power forward/center Jaren Jackson Jr. on being named to the NBA’s All-Defensive First Team for 2022. He edged out Miami’s Bam Adebayo in the voting for the final spot on the first team.
Uh-oh: Shelby County’s status for risk of COVID changed from Low to Medium this week. As of Saturday morning, Shelby is one of only two Tennesse counties not rated Low for risk.
The final event of Memphis in May, the Great American River Run, happens next Saturday, May 28. Unlike Music Fest and BBQ Fest, this event will remain Downtown, and there will be a half-marathon, 10K, and 5K, with $8500 in cash prizes for winners. Everyone who finishes gets a medal, a shirt, and admission to an after-party with food and beer.
Action News 5 reports that the DMC will keep Beale Street security in place all summer long. The security has been effective to the point that it is being studied by another large city, Milwaukee.
If you go out to eat or drink today, be extra kind to your server (and tip extra fat). It’s National Waiters and Waitresses Day.
Today is also World Whiskey Day. I haven’t been in there since it reopened this week, but pre-pandemic, Belle Tavern was THE place to go to sample whiskeys and whiskys of the world. It’s open today from 4 to 10.
Keep an eye on the weather if you have plans for the late afternoon or evening. Storms are expected and they will last into the early hours tomorrow.
Lots of families will be Downtown this weekend as the Cannon Center and the Renasant Convention Center host high school graduations.
It’s Family Fun Day at the Metal Museum 11 AM-2 PM today. Hands-on activities, metalsmithing demos, and food trucks.
There will be a Garden Walk through Elmwood Cemetery Sunday at 11. It’s sponsored by Midtown Nursery and is free to the public. You’ll get to meet the volunteer cradle gardeners of Elmwood. Eat at Eric’s food truck will be on hand as well as beverage cart Tipsy Tumbler.
Steve Lockwood & Old Dogs perform on the front porch of South Point Grocery today at noon. If you’re hungry or thirsty, you can grab a sandwich from the deli or a beer from the singles case.
There will be a Nature Walk departing from the pollinator pod at Riverside and Beale today at 4 PM. Ranger Allison will guide you through the flora and fauna along the riverside. This event helps you earn a River Quest stamp toward the Pollinator Party, Say Yes to Trees, or Birds on the Fly(way).
The Mid-South Baha’is are having a global conference entitled Building Vibrant Communities at the Renasant Convention Center today.
Ken Houston Duo plays The Vault tonight at 8.
That’s all for today. Despite the high being 92 I’m taking my PBR hoodie with me today so I’ll have something to cover my head if we have storms. Back tomorrow with more news.