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.