You may have heard in the news that Olymbec Plaza (formerly Brinkley Plaza) has been closed for a couple of weeks due to a water main burst. A couple of times this week I’ve sat across the street at Bardog and watched the action. There have been industrial cleanup trucks in the alley between Olymbec Plaza and the Shrine Building. Thursday I saw workers in what appeared to be HAZMAT suits. They were completely covered head to toe and their noses and mouths were covered in face masks.
The Downtown core has the oldest water and sewer infrastructure in Memphis, dating back to the 1800s. I wonder just how bad a state of disrepair it’s in. I wonder if this will be more of a months-long fix rather than weeks-long.
In other Downtown core news: I was sitting in Local Thursday and a courier came by and handed a letter to the bartender. It was to notify them that Young Rock will be filming outside next week.
The Young Rock producers are seeking a PILOT to pay for jobs needed to film the third season of the show here. A similar jobs PILOT was used to help pay for the filming of Bluff City Law a couple of years ago.
Looks like you’ll have great weather if you attend River Arts Fest today or tomorrow. MemphisWeather.net puts the high in the low 80s both days, a strong breeze from the south, and 0% chance of rain.
The Grizzlies rolled to 2-0 with a 129-122 win over Houston last night. Ja Morant scored 49 and is clearly looking like he plans to get back to that All-Star game… and even more importantly, get named to an All-NBA team this year. If that happens, his new contract that kicks in next season gets upgraded from a max deal to a supermax.
Feelin’ Memphis is throwing a party called Lovin N’ Livin South Main on Monday evening, November 7, from 5:30 to 8:30. The party will celebrate the gift shop’s second anniversary and will feature shopping discounts, dancing music, laughter, and food and drinks. Tickets are $30 and must be purchased in advance. Call 901-800-1488 or stop by the store at 509 S. Main to purchase.
Memphis 901 FC hosts Detroit City FC in first-round playoff action tonight at 7 at AutoZone Park.
Cincinnati-based John Doe/1200 Hobos is the guest DJ tonight at the Eight & Sand lounge in Central Station.
Slider Inn Downtown will throw a free Trolley Night concert Friday night. Marque will take the stage first for a Trap Jazz set, then soulful singer Raneem Imam will perform.
Today is Eat a Pretzel Day. Flying Saucer would be my recommendation to do that. There you can get two big soft pretzels along with your choice of two of these dips: cream cheese & chive, hot mustard, or queso.
A Memphis-area man has been sentenced to 4 years in prison for his role in the January 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riot.
Record-low river levels have led to people finding hidden treasure along the river banks. Hmmm I think I’ll pass on the treasure hunt. Worried I might find an alligator instead.
A Bass Pro valet parking employee has been arrested after allegedly stealing a gun from a customer’s car as well as two high-end cars, a Jag and a Fin Fin.
MPD is giving away free steering wheel locks to Memphis residents Wednesday afternoon. You’ll have to drive out to Raleigh to get one, though.
Aaron Lewis: Frayed at Both Ends, the Acoustic Tour comes to the Cannon Center tomorrow.
Spy Ninjas, scheduled for the Orpheum on November 5, has been canceled. Refunds for ticket purchases are available through November 7.
Tonight is the 8th annual Memphis Monster Mash at 648 Poplar, the home of former Downtown Neighborhood Association president Jerred Price. This is considered to be Downtown’s biggest Halloween party of the year. $500 costume contest, drag show, OPEN BAR, finger foods, video DJ with dance floor. Tickets
There’s a “Sivad Buries Rock & Roll” record release party tonight at Mollie Fontaine Lounge. Recording artists Tyler Keith and the Apostles will perform, along with opening acts Andy V and Senpapi Red Moon. DJ Amy “Graverobbin'” Dobbins will perform and Draculisa will be your horror hostess. $5 at the door and the party runs from 6:00 to 9:30 PM. The flyer for this party reads, “You could win a real dead body!”
Deep Roots plays Loflin Yard Sunday brunch tomorrow at noon.
Memphis Youth Arts Initiative presents an ultimate drumline battle today at 2 PM at 294 S. Lauderdale.
The Metal Museum has a family fun day today. There will be some hands-on activities and you can watch the metalsmiths perform their craft. There will be an iron pour and for $20 you can design your own tile that will be cast from the pour.
Grape. and the Fast Mothers play Earnestine & Hazel’s tonight. Fast Mothers take the stage at 9, Grape. at 11.
There’s a Tales at Twilight tour of Elmwood Cemetery today from 4:30 to 6:30. Victorian cemetery symbolism, the cemetery’s famous residents, and the cemetery’s majestic trees.
From Axios: See how much the price of your favorite Halloween candy went up this year
The Hospitality Hub, which provides many needed services to the Memphis homeless, has several open positions: guest services receptionist, case coordinator, residential care specialist, Work Local shift supervisor, street outreach specialist, and driver. The positions pay $15-$19 an hour.
Alcenia’s, the soul food restaurant on North Main in The Pinch District, turns 25 this year. The CA has a look back at Alcenia’s over the years.
All right, time to figure out where I’m going to lead off for brunch today: Bardog or Blind Bear. I am completely undecided at this point.
- I usually meet my friends Randy, Theresa, and Allison at Bardog at 11 but Randy and Theresa are out of town
- Saturday brunch crowds are better at Bardog but Blind Bear has the edge on PBR price
- I have a better chance at getting the game I want on TV at Blind Bear, but there really aren’t any 11:00 games I’m much interested in
- Bartender situation is a draw – they’re top-notch at both places
I think what I’ll do is walk out of my apartment at 10:55 and head south. If I see a bunch of people waiting to be let in Bardog (and they’re not other regulars) I’ll continue south to the Bear. Otherwise I’ll turn right down Monroe and wait for the lock to click open on Bardog’s door.
Back tomorrow with more news.