Saturday update

The St. Louis Cardinals and Memphis Redbirds have announced that Yadier Molina will remain in Memphis through Sunday on a rehab assignment. Yadi was designated hitter in Thursday night’s game, batting second. Let’s look at what’s going on at today’s and tomorrow’s games.

Saturday (first pitch 6:35)

  • When you buy a $17 field box ticket, you get a $10 concessions credit
  • The first 1500 kids 12 and under receive a free Junior Fire Marshal helmet, courtesy of The Hartford which is celebrating 75 years of fire safety education
  • A specialty ticket gets you a replica of the 2006 World Series trophy (Yadi was on that team, and the catcher’s mask he wore for the Series is in the Baseball Hall of Fame)
  • Fireworks after the game

Sunday (first pitch 2:05)

  • The 2006 World Series trophy specialty ticket will return
  • $10 field box and dugout tickets
  • Kids 12 and under get a Prairie Farms ice cream treat
  • Kids run the bases after the game

Edible Memphis reports that Helena, Arkansas’ Delta Dirt Distillery’s sweet potato vodka will hit the streets of Memphis soon.

As for Downtown Memphis’ distillery, Old Dominick, it’ll have a Service & Sip on Thursday, August 11. Participants will divide into teams and give some of the streets of Downtown Memphis a badly-needed cleaning. After that, everyone will reunite at Old Dominick, where each participant will get a free drink ticket. Feast & Graze will provide snacks.

Today is the last day of early voting in Shelby County.

If watching TBD vs. TBD in freezing cold weather is your thing, you can buy a ticket to the Liberty Bowl beginning Monday. The game is December 28 at 4:30 PM. Most years the bowl features an SEC team vs. a Big 12 team.

We now know what that ancient relic stolen from the Belz Museum was: The CA reports it was a 250-year-old white jade teapot. A man took the teapot Sunday. The museum was closed at the time.

While you were paying upward of five bucks a gallon at the pump, Exxon recorded $17.9 billion profit for Q2 2022, up from $4.7 billion for Q2 2021. Doesn’t that make you want to buy an electric car? Or a bus pass?

It’s National Cheesecake Day. Cheesecake Corner on G.E. Patterson is the place to celebrate.

Tonight’s the Machine Gun Kelly Wing Ding at Blind Bear.

Singer-songwriter Bri Marie plays the front porch of South Point Grocery today from noon to 2.

Comma Comedians come to the Clover Club at B.B. King and Court tonight, headlined by Dedrick Flynn.

WWE SummerSlam broadcasts live from Nashville today. Interesting note: WWE has been holding open tryouts in Nashville all week. None other than former NBA center Dwight Howard stopped by for a tryout. At 36, he’s past his prime in the NBA, but in pro wrestling, prime years tend to be 35-42. He’d be a natural heel who has the size and who could draw some money.

That’s it for this post. Back tomorrow.

Friday update

RAIN! What a welcome sight in Shelby County. However, the downpour is postponing my morning trip to Walgreens, so I’m making this post without caffeine. I’m not awake enough to proofread, so please forgive any grammar or spelling errors.

The Memphis Tigers released their men’s nonconference basketball schedule for 2022-2023. Mid-December is going to be important for the Tigers. On the 10th, Memphis plays Auburn (NET ranking:13) in a neutral-court game. Three days later, the Tigers are at Alabama (32), and on the 17th they host Texas A&M (36). The Tigers can pad their resume with two or more wins that week.

It’s South Main Trolley Night. Many of the shops and galleries in the South Main Arts District will stay open until 9 or later tonight for your shopping pleasure. Some will have special discounts. Some will put out appetizers, beer, and wine for your enjoyment. Best of all, the weather will cooperate. MemphisWeather.net predicts a high of ONLY 90 today.

Mia Nicholls, Amber Rae Dunn, Patrick McGee with Joe Matthews, and Dutch Vanderpool play Trolley Night at South Main Sounds, 550 S. Main, tonight from 7 to 9.

NoBasis, a clothing store offering “self-expression through fashion,” opens Saturday at 65-A Monroe. That’s in the building across Monroe from the Shrine Building and just to the west of the Little Tea Shop and Bardog. The store is part of the DMC’s Open on Main program.

Julia Magness, accompanied by pianist Curtis “Big Papa” Jones, plays the Peabody Corner Bar tonight and every Friday from 7 to 10 PM. There’s no cover charge and if you come early, they have happy hour from 4 to 7.

Black Cream performs tonight at Soulin’ on the River in Fourth Bluff Park. The gates open at 6 and music begins at 7. Blankets, lawn chairs, coolers, and picnic baskets are welcome. There will be food trucks and a full bar on site.

Beck and Call in the Hyatt Centric has a rooftop brunch this Sunday from 11 AM to 2:30 PM. $40 per person, all-you-can-eat with bottomless mimosas. Seating is first-come, first-served. There’s a dress code but it’s pretty relaxed. They say this is a “first” brunch so apparently this will be a weekly thing. Knowing the crowd that shows up Downtown on Sundays, I give ’em three weeks before they raise the price, discontinue the bottomless mimosas, or discontinue the brunch altogether.

Incumbent DA Amy Weirich, a Republican running for re-election against Democrat Steve Mulroy, appeared on Thaddeus Matthews’ radio show this week. However, her office is currently pursuing charges against Matthews, and legal experts are calling this a conflict of interest.

Chef Meredith Clinton of Black Sheep Catering in 409 South Main chatted with the DM’s Chris Herrington on this week’s Sound Bites podcast.

Today is National Chicken Wing Day.

Tennessee’s sales tax holiday has begun and lasts through the end of the day Sunday. Avoid paying sales tax on clothing and essential school items up to $100 and computers up to $1500. Here’s the list.

The Green Beetle food truck will be at Health Sciences Park for Food Truck Friday today 11:30 AM to 1 PM.

Church Brothers provide live music at Memphis Farmers Market, under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson, tomorrow.

Rolling Stone released its list of the top 200 dance songs of all time. “‘Last Night a DJ Saved My Life’ by Indeep better be in there,” I thought. It was number five. I recently got that song added to one of the Silly Goose’s playlists.

And away go your troubles
Down the drain
I said, away go your troubles
Down the drain

Thursday update

The DM reports that Emerge Memphis at the corner of Tennessee Street and G.E. Patterson will stop booking and hosting events in its event space. Residents in the area had complained of the events having a negative effect on the neighborhood, including traffic problems, litter, and noise. The venue will go ahead and host the remaining booked weddings per a deal with neighborhood associations but will adhere to a strict 10:30 PM shutdown time.

The Food Network released a guide on where to eat in Memphis. Nearly half the venues listed are either Downtown or have a location Downtown, making this the neighborhood to stay in when serious foodies visit our city. Restaurants named in the guide include Cozy Corner, Arcade, Central BBQ, Gus’s, Dyer’s, Rendezvous, Huey’s, Paulette’s, The Lookout @ The Pyramid, Kooky Canuck, Felicia Suzanne’s, and Terrace at River Inn.

If I have any readers in Texas, look for Wiseacre beer, brewed right here in Downtown Memphis, on your store shelves soon.

From ABC 24: Small business in Memphis packs popular local products in a food box. Need to find a unique gift for someone in another city? Send them a taste of Memphis.

Congrats to the Downtown Memphis Commission’s chief executive Paul Young, who was one of 30 people selected by the International Downtown Association for its Emerging Leader Fellowship program.  The fellows convened in New York City June 5-10.

There’s lots to celebrate today. First of all, it’s National Chili Dog Day. Dyer’s on Beale Street and Max’s Sports Bar are a couple of places where you can observe that holiday.

It’s National Hamburger Day. My top five picks to celebrate Downtown, in no particular order, would be Huey’s, Kooky Canuck, Majestic Grille, Dyer’s, and Earnestine & Hazel’s.

It’s National Milk Chocolate Day. Dinstuhl’s shop next door to the Majestic is the place to go. Milk chocolate > dark chocolate. Fight me.

It’s also National Refreshment Day. May I recommend the PBR?

A suspect in an April 28 murder on Beale Street has been arrested in Miami.

Action News 5 reports that construction on Tom Lee Park has reached the halfway point.

Metal is Magic returns for Whet Thursday: After-Hours at the Metal Museum tonight from 6 to 8. There will be metalsmithing demonstrations and the museum and gift shop will be open.

Worth a field trip outside Downtown: Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells will be on the big screen tonight at Studio on the Square at 7 PM.

DJ EPIC headlines tonight’s Peabody rooftop party from 6 to 10 PM.

Get a sneak peek at the Lucky Cowboy speakeasy in the basement of 409 S. Main tomorrow for Trolley Night. Check their Instagram account before you go for the password.

That’s it for now. It looks like some most welcome rain is about to move through Shelby County this morning. If my legs feel up to it, I will attempt to return to my usual happy hour spots this afternoon. Back tomorrow with more news.

Wednesday update

Cordelia’s Market posted some exciting news yesterday. Las Delicias will serve its fresh recipes from the grocery’s hot bar every Wednesday from 5 to 7 PM. Today’s menu includes

  • Steak fajitas
  • Chicken fajitas
  • Rice
  • Beans

Sarah Spain will play the front porch of South Point Grocery this Friday for Trolley Night 6-8 PM. South Point invites you to grab a sandwich or a single-serve beer from inside and come hang out. Sarah studies creative writing at the University of Memphis and is a vocal instructor at the School of Rock.

The 901 Student Passport, providing free admission to museums and galleries local school-age children and a parent or guardian, is returning. Through November 30, the passport provides free admission to

  • Fire Museum of Memphis
  • Museum of Science & History (formerly Pink Palace)
  • National Civil Rights Museum
  • Memphis Rock & Soul Museum
  • Lichterman Nature Center
  • Dixon Gallery and Gardens
  • Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
  • National Ornamental Metal Museum

The passport program also includes monthly art-in-a-box gifts for families who sign up.

Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers are headed to the ESPN Events Invitational on Thanksgiving weekend. The eight-team early-season tournament will be held at Walt Disney World’s ESPN Wide World of Sports. Participating teams will include

  • Florida State
  • Memphis
  • Nebraska
  • Oklahoma
  • Ole Miss
  • Seton Hall
  • Siena
  • Stanford

Sounds like a good group of teams – all of the Power Five conferences have a representative along with three other strong basketball programs. The DM reports that Memphis will open against Seton Hall and face either Oklahoma or Nebraska in the second game.

I wonder if the old poots who sit at the corner table at Max’s Sports Bar will make a field trip to Orlando in November? They’ve traveled to the last couple of early-season tournaments. I bet they’re already Googling “where to buy miller lite in orlando” and “asian restaurants in orlando”.

RIP Choco Taco

Downtown ad/marketing agency Archer Malmo is being sold – to its 140 employees. They will receive stock in the company as a retirement benefit. Very cool.

Drew Hill of the DM had an interesting observation this morning in a Daily Memphian subscribers-only Grizzlies mailbag: Ja Morant is entering the stage of his career where he’s likely to sign a shoe deal.

Catherine & Mary’s is hiring a server and a bartender.

A tracker hidden in stolen money helped MPD arrest a man who robbed the Family Dollar on E.H. Crump Blvd. Sunday afternoon.

A valuable Chinese artifact was stolen Sunday morning from the Belz Museum inside the Gayoso House/Pembroke Square complex.

… Speaking of which, Action News 5 has a 5 Star Story about the museum (not the theft).

Action News 5 predicts Memphis will get 2 inches of much-needed rain between Thursday and Sunday.

Krogers in Arkansas, Tennessee, Mississippi, Kentucky, and Alabama will start carrying Arbo’s cheese dip this fall. In addition to the original dip, Queso Blanco and Spicy Original will be available. Arbo’s won’t be in every Memphis location, just Kirby Parkway, Truse Parkway, Poplar Plaza, and Midtown. Don’t forget, Downtowners can get their Arbo’s at Grind City Grocer, 60 S. Main.

The Memphis Redbirds play a home game vs. the Norfolk Tides tonight at 7:05.

Today is National Scotch Day. To celebrate, I recommend you visit Belle Tavern and let the bartender recommend a Scotch.

9:13 AM: A report of a man armed with a gun at Independent Bank (Main and Monroe) just came in.

This Saturday is Wildlife Conservation Family Day at Bass Pro at the Pyramid. From 11 to 3 in the Ducks Unlimited Waterfowling Center on the 2nd floor, enjoy activities to learn more about our planet, waterfowl, and conservation. This is a family-friendly event.

Been reading about Mac, iPhone, and iPad app development on The Valley of Code this week. It’s maintained by a guy named Flavio Copes who is an excellent teacher.

That’s the news for today. Back tomorrow with more.

Tuesday update: Yadi’s coming to town this week!

Nine-time Gold Glove-winning catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals Yadier Molina is coming to Memphis on a rehab assignment. He’s working through recovery from a knee injury and will rejoin parent team the Cards upon successful completion of his time in Memphis. He’s projected to start the Thursday and Friday night games this week as the Redbirds take on the Norfolk Tides, Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Let’s have a look at what’s happening at Thursday and Friday’s games:

  • $4 field box tickets both nights in honor of Yadi
  • Thursday: $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon and $1 hot dogs. The Redbirds will take the field in their throwback Memphis Chicks uniforms
  • Friday: There’s an all-you-can-eat specialty ticket that gets you a buffet of soft tacos and fixings (lettuce, salsa, tomatoes, shredded cheese), hot dogs, chips, soda, and water

First pitch for both games is 7:05. If you can’t wait for Yadi to get to town to take yourself out to the ball game, there’s a game at 7:05 tonight, also against Norfolk, where every ticket includes a free order of ballpark nachos.

Yadi turned 40 the week before last, so this could very well be your last opportunity to see him in Memphis before he rides off into retirement and probably the Hall of Fame.

Memphis City Beautiful is teaming up with the Memphis Grizzlies to organize a Slam Dunk Litter League for September and October. Teams will be organized by City Council district and registration ends August 19. Prizes for top teams:

  • First place: $1500 from I Love Memphis and tickets to see a Grizzlies game in Mayor Strickland’s suite
  • Second place: $1000 from the Downtown Memphis Commission and tickets to see a Grizzlies game in Mayor Strickland’s suite
  • Third place: $500 from cityCURRENT and tickets to see a Grizzlies game in Mayor Strickland’s suite
  • Plus winning district team members will receive a Grizzlies swag bag

A 105-unit apartment building will be constructed in The Edge District, the DM reports. It’ll be at 442 Monroe, in the former Holliday Flowers warehouse space, across The Ravine from High Cotton. These apartments, designed to appeal to nearby university students, will come fully furnished with utilities and Wi-Fi included in the rent. The developer has built a similar property in Jonesboro near A-State.

The selfie studio in the basement of 409 South Main has turned into a speakeasy called The Lucky Cowboy. You have to check their Instagram page to learn of events and passwords to get in.

Broke Tall Folk will supply the live music at Dreamers’ Trolley Night at Walking Pants Curiosities on G.E. Patterson Friday evening. Come sit around the table and mingle with Memphis makers and creatives like Sincerely Antionette, KB the Visionary, Enchante 901, AnnaMade Designs, and Retold Jewelry.

My Fair Lady kicks off a week-long run at the Orpheum tonight.

From ZDnet: Apple politely explains why iPhone cases are a waste of money. Good to see Apple agreeing with me on this. The last time I used a case on my iPhone was when I owned a 4s back around 2012.

YUCK!!! Today is World Tofu Day. My recommendation to celebrate would be to take a trip to Memphis Barbecue Co. in Horn Lake for their World Champion Platter: A full slab of their spare and baby back ribs, sausage, pulled pork, turkey, brisket, and two half chickens, with BBQ beans, slaw, and fries. If you’re still hungry after all that, there’s a Golden Corral buffet about a quarter-mile west on Goodman Road.

Former WWE chairman Vince McMahon said he made the decision to retire, announced late last week, about two weeks ago. The Figure Four Newsletter reports he may have had some “help” with that decision. Hush money the company paid to women Vince allegedly had sex with was not reported on SEC filings and regulators had questions.

That’s it for now. I’m going to get out for Bardog happy hour this afternoon. If my legs hold up well for that one, I’ll start returning to venues farther from home later in the week. Back tomorrow with more news.

Monday update

Belle Tavern, in the intersection of November 6th Street (alley between Main and Second) and Barboro Alley (alley between Union and Gayoso), is hosting a happy hour with Blue Note Bourbon Friday, August 5 from 5 to 8 PM. There will be specialty cocktails featuring the bourbon, and the Blue Note team will be on hand to discuss tasting notes. Tastings and flights will be available, and there will be giveaways and complimentary hors d’oeuvres.

Most of you have been to a shindig in your lifetimes. Some of you have been to a soiree. I’d venture to guess a few of you have even been to a gala. But how many of you have been to a wing ding? You’ll have your chance Saturday, July 30.

No, a “wing ding” is not named for the Windows font. Rather, it’s a 1920s slang term for a lavish, lively party or celebration. On the 30th, the Blind Bear will have a wing ding in honor of Memphis-born gangster Machine Gun Kelly (born George Kelly Barnes on July 18, 1895; died July 18, 1954; yep, the poor guy died on his birthday). Plans include

  • Mario Monterosso 5-piece band 8 PM-midnight
  • DJ Tree midnight-2 AM
  • Jamie Harmon taking photos 9 PM-midnight – candids and mug shots
  • Amurica photo booth 10 PM-12:30 AM

Dress up in your best 1920s gangster or moll (female gangster companion) outfits.

The Daily Memphian has Q&As with incumbent district attorney general Amy Weirich and challenger Steve Mulroy. Early voting in this race (and many others) is ongoing through July 30. Find an early voting location

Please be on the lookout for this lost dog in the South Bluffs/South Main area.

The MBJ reports that Memphis-based Arbo’s Cheese Dip, already carried in 300 locations, is expanding into Texas. Don’t feel like driving all the way there? Pick up a tub of Arbo’s at Grind City Grocer at 60 S. Main inside The Washburn.

YOGA! Petting Zoo Yoga by the River will happen this Wednesday at Mud Island Dog Park from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. This is a free, beginner-friendly class with baby ducks and Broadway the talking, singing parrot. The yoga will be a Vinyasa flow style. The animals are said to be very friendly and will let you pet them. There will be free water and fruit, and kombucha will be available for purchase. Bring your own mat and wear breathable clothing. There will be an option to donate to help keep the animals fed.

Charlie Cope plays the King’s Palace Tap Room tonight from 8 to midnight.

Beef Brochette and Bang Bang Redfish are your entree choices for tonight’s 3-course Monday dinner at Paulette’s.

Congratulations to Memphis Grizzly Desmond Bane, who recently became a father.

Today is National Hot Fudge Sundae Day. Margie’s 901 at 125 S. Main can help you with that.

Today is also National Wine and Cheese Day. My recommendation here would be to visit Downtown Wines & Spirits (on Madison just east of Main) for a nice bottle of wine, then walk about a block and a half south on Main to pick up a cheese board from Feast & Graze.

I’m probably going to stay home today and give my bad legs one more day to heal. Besides, I’m kind of curious to see the first Vince McMahon-less WWE Monday Night RAW ever this evening. Back tomorrow with more news.

Sunday update

Big Cypress Lodge announced this weekend that its patio is officially open for the summer season. To celebrate, they’re throwing a party Friday, July 29 from 7 to 11. DJ Epic will provide the music and there will be cocktails and giveaways. Admission will be $10 at the door.

The Daily Memphian has a story about former Memphis Tigers point-guard Joe Jackson, who is attempting to make a comeback after a rough past several years. Cheers, Joe. Memphis loves you and wants to see you succeed.

Great news in the MemphisWeather.net extended forecast: While much of this week will be as hot as we’ve experienced this past month, toward the end we will get some relief. Highs are expected to be near 90 on Friday and in the upper 80s on Saturday. There is a good chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms both days (50% Friday, 40% Saturday).

Be sure to check on the elderly during this heat. If any of my readers walk down G.E. Patterson this afternoon, could you pop your head in Max’s Sports Bar and ask the people at the corner table by the group photos, “Y’all OK?”

Today is National Tequila Day.

Trap Jazz 901 comes to Carolina Watershed tonight at 7:30.

Flying Saucer hosts Marvel Trivia this Tuesday at 7.

Mississippi musician Denver Massey plays the Tin Roof tonight at 6.

That’s the news for today. I have had a great time at Bardog the past two days, but today I am going to stay home and let my legs rest up. Back tomorrow with more news.

Saturday update

Tonight is Marvel Super Hero Night at AutoZone Park. There will be a special appearance by Black Panther, and the Memphis Redbirds will sport special Black Panther uniforms as they take on the Gwinnett Stripers. First pitch is 6:35. Be sure to stick around after the game for a fireworks show.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical comes to the Orpheum November 22-27. Tickets go on sale August 12. There won’t be any Thursday show that week, since Thursday will be Thanksgiving. The show features the song, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

The latest Just Grizzlies podcast features the man who made a name for himself in Las Vegas Summer League, Kenneth Lofton, Jr. Spotify Apple

DJ Tree and DJ Mylon will supply the live music at Silly Goose tonight.

From the DM: A St. Jude cancer survivor cashed in the World Series of Poker, winning more than a half million dollars.

Today is Hot Enough for Ya Day. The Memphis forecast: high 97 feels like 106/low 78. No chance of rain.

The National Bar Association convention will bring 1000 predominantly African-American judges, lawyers, legal educators, and law students to Memphis next week.

The Carlos Ecos Band plays the Hard Rock tonight at 8.

Vince McMahon retired as chairman and CEO of WWE yesterday at age 77. Vinnie Mac had been at the helm of the company for 40 years, having purchased it from his dad and then taking it public. Allegations of hush money to cover up sexual encounters were running rampant, with both WWE corporate employees and independent contractors (the performers) rumored to have been paid off. Most likely the board met with Vince Friday morning and told him, retire with dignity or be fired in shame. Vince’s daughter Stephanie McMahon and WWE President/Director of Revenue Nick Khan will serve as co-CEOs.

Vince was known for living the business, sleeping 3 hours a night and working 100-120 hours a week. Many top corporate executives left the company because they couldn’t deal with his 3 AM phone calls. He hadn’t taken a vacation in 40 years. I wonder what he’s going to do now that he doesn’t have any responsibilities?

Such a shame… Vince could have gone down in history as the Walt Disney of sports entertainment. Now he will go down in history as the Harvey Weinstein of sports entertainment. I wonder if his actions will prevent him from ever being inducted into his own Hall of Fame. Maybe Mick Foley and Mr. Socko will pay Vince a visit to his home to cheer him up.

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has been convicted of contempt of Congress on two counts: refusing to appear for a deposition, and refusing to supply documents. Bannon will serve a minimum of 30 days in jail for each count.

Problems with my legs have made it difficult to walk to the Silly Goose and Blind Bear this week – well, sorta, I can walk to those places just fine, but it’s the walk home from those places that nearly does me in. So yesterday I decided to walk to Bardog, which is much closer. I was reminded what a creature of habit I am – I’ve done plenty of weekday mornings and Saturday brunches at Bardog lately, but I haven’t done a happy hour there since the pandemic.

I got there a few minutes after 3, and within an hour I was surrounded by Downtown family. It was wonderful. I will be back. It’s funny how life works – what seemed like a limitation turned into an opportunity.

As for my friends at the Goose and the Bear, don’t worry, you did nothing to lose my business. As soon as my legs recover a bit, I’ll be back. Although, I’ll sprinkle a few Bardog visits in the afternoons here and there even past that point.

Meeting friends at Bardog this afternoon too. Back tomorrow with more news.

Friday update

The Redbirds return to AutoZone Park this evening for a 3-game homestand vs. the Gwinett Stripers. The theme tonight is Christmas in July and the park will transform into a winter wonderland. The first 1000 fans in the gate tonight get a Redbirds ugly Christmas shirt. Special concessions include a Grinch-a-rita (must be of legal drinking age to purchase) and a Christmas cake funnel cake. The first pitch is at 7:05.

A specialty ticket tonight gets you access to an all-you-can-eat buffet of ziti with meatballs and marinara, baked penne alfredo with garlic chicken, garlic breadsticks, hot dogs, chips, soda, and water. $24 dugout/$21 field box

Candy Fox is tonight’s featured artist for Soulin’ on the River tonight at Fourth Bluff Park. Admission is free and lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, and coolers are welcome. Food trucks and a full bar will be on site. The gates open at 6 with live music beginning at 7.

Memphis Animal Shelter has a record number of animals in their care and needs help getting 30 dogs fostered. Dog and cat adoption fees will be waived this weekend.

St. Jude readers: You have a yummy lunch option coming your way next week. New Wing Order will have a space in the air-conditioned Kay Kafe all next week. From 11-2 each day next week, they’ll serve traditional and boneless wings with your choice of Memphis Buffalo or Grind City Gold sauce, and they’ll also have their Fried Chicken BBQ Nachos.

In other wing news, Pam from River Time Market & Deli posted that Cajun Wings are coming soon. You’ll be able to get 6 party wings with Cajun rice and Texas toast.

Facebook is killing its News Feed to compete with TikTok more closely. I don’t like it.

From ABC 24: International Memphis 901 FC players break down their journey from overseas

Folk/roots band KillBillies play the Hard Rock tonight at 6.

Goner Records presents a Power Disco DJ Nite Saturday at Wiseacre Downtown, but it’s not actually at night – it’s from 4 to 8 PM. Expect post-punk, electro, and funk from DJs Zac and Natalie. They’ll give away records, gift cards, and a pair of tickets to the August 1 Cobra Man show.

Solar Powered Love Meltdown performs at Ghost River on Beale tonight at 7. Prior to the entire band taking the stage, Taylor will give a special interpretive dance performance.

Yubu, Kennard Farmer, and Amber Rae Dunn play the Memphis Farmers Market 9-11 AM Saturday.

Memphis 901 FC has an away game at Indianapolis Saturday at 6 PM.

I haven’t done happy hour at Bardog for a while, so I think I will today. Melissa gets there at 3 so I think I will too. She’s up for Best Bartender in the Memphis Flyer BOM poll, by the way. Back tomorrow with more news.

Thursday update

Voting is underway in the Memphis Flyer’s Best of Memphis 2022 annual poll. You have until 5 PM Wednesday, August 17 to vote, and the results will appear in the September 29 issue.

There are multiple “best/most” polls in this city, but the Flyer poll is the one people take most seriously. You can only vote one time (rather than once per day) and the contest is run by an editorial department (not a marketing department).

Silly Goose news:

Sunday brunch returns to the Goose starting at noon with jambalaya from Sonja’s Southern Kitchen. It’s made with shrimp, chicken, sausage, and veggies in a mild sauce over rice. I searched for Sonja’s Southern Kitchen online but couldn’t find anything.

One person commented, “Jambalaya? But that’s not even a brunch dish.” I for one am HAPPY to see a restaurant go in a different direction for brunch. Controversial opinion time: Most Downtown restaurant brunch menus are stale and boring and SSDR (same shit, different restaurant). There’s almost always an omelet, a breakfast burrito, steak & eggs, and the most worn-out, overplayed brunch item of all: chicken ‘n waffles. Viva la differénce to the Goose for making brunch interesting again.

In other Goose news, they once again have Goldfish behind the bar. Not live ones swimming around, but the cheese-flavored crackers.

Pretty Woman: The Musical comes to the Orpheum October 11-16 and tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 AM.

Nerd Nite returns to the Memphis Chess Club this Friday at 7 PM. There will be beverages and fun, informative talks on just about any topic. The night’s first speaker will be James Weakley on “Batman in Reality.”

It’s Fish Fry season at the Flying Fish. Friday through Sunday, any catfish basket is buy one, get one free.

The ESPY awards for excellence in sports were last night. Here’s a list of the winners and key moments. Ja Morant was nominated for Best Breakthrough Athlete but lost to skier Eileen Gu. A poster dunk of Ja’s was nominated for Best Play but lost to a Megan Rapinoe corner kick.

A man has been sentenced to 35 years without parole in the 2018 Mud Island murder of Susan Grissom.

Jon Langston and Ryan Griffin play a free family-friendly show in Handy Park, B.B. King at Beale, in this week’s installment of KIX on Beale.

Neo-soul and R&B artist Jordan Occasionally will play Health Sciences Park Friday at noon. The Authentic Toast food truck will be on site.

It’s National Junk Food Day. My recommendation would be the Taco Bell at Third and Crump.

Breaking news: President Biden has tested positive for COVID-19. Say it ain’t so, Joe! It’s a mild case but at age 79, even that is a cause for concern. Biden will isolate at the White House and carry on the duties that he can.

Programming note: I may need to jump on a video conference at 8:30 tomorrow, so tomorrow’s blog post may be up a bit late.

I’m going to have to take a few days, maybe even as much as a week, off from going to the Silly Goose and the Blind Bear. My legs have gotten bad to the point that the fatigue of walking home from those places nearly does me in. I need to give my legs time to heal. Bardog is close enough to home that my visits there won’t be affected and may actually increase.

Back tomorrow with more news.