If you’re outside after sunset this weekend, look up. The Perseid meteor shower is at its peak and this year it’s illuminated by a full moon.
Inkwell, the cocktail lounge on Madison Avenue out in The Edge, is looking to hire bartenders – and bartenders, they have an opportunity for you. This Monday, August 14 from 1 to 4 PM, you can participate in an open cocktail session. There is no need to DM Inkwell to register. Just show up and they’ll give you the next steps.
Sunset Jazz returns to Court Square Sunday from 6 to 8, this time featuring the sounds of Paul McKinney. Limited seating will be available, and you’re welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs. Food trucks will be on site. The concert is free and family-friendly.
Been reading biographies of Memphis Music Hall of Fame inductees to prepare for the new job selling and leading tours of Memphis. That is a really well-done website, both visually and in terms of storytelling.
Speaking of which, if you love Elvis, my company is doing a special Hound Dog Tour this Sunday. It’s 3 hours long, departing on an air-conditioned bus from Alfred’s at the corner of Beale and B.B. King Blvd (Third Street). Here’s what you will see on the tour:
- Sun Studio, where Elvis made his early recordings and was “discovered” by producer Sam Phillips
- The apartment in Lauderdale Courts (now Uptown Square) where Elvis lived with his parents as a teenager
- Humes High School, which Elvis attended (and where he got a C in music class!!!!!)
- The Overton Park Shell, where Elvis opened a concert in 1954 and came back to headline in 1955
- Elvis’ first home in East Memphis
- The original Lansky Bros. clothing store, where Bernard Lansky said, “Come on in, young man!” to the future King
- Admission to the former Memphian Theater, which Elvis would rent out to watch movies with his friends; you can sit in Elvis’ favorite seat, and the tour includes a Memphian Theater T-shirt
- Chisca Hotel (now apartments), where radio DJ Dewey Phillips played “That’s All Right, Mama” over and over in 1954, creating a teen sensation
- The site of baseball field Russwood Park, where Elvis played on Independence Day 1956
- Elvis’s girlfriends’ homes
I logged into our booking site this morning (Saturday, August 12) and there are still spots available on the tour. It will be led by a local folk/Americana musician.
Midsouth Coffee and Tea is coming to the Tennessee Brewery area. The shop will sell coffee drinks, refrigerated drinks, and baked goods.
New business alert: 507 Lux Lounge at 150 Monroe. I’m trying to figure out what this place is going to be. So far the only clues appear to be its Facebook page – “Come enjoy events with Caribbean Vibes at 507 Lounge, or reserve for your private event!” – and an Eventbrite listing for the lounge’s September 1 grand opening.
Memphis Tigers basketball legend Joey Dorsey stopped by the Jason & John Show on ESPN 92.9 FM and gave his thoughts on his former teammate Derrick Rose joining the Grizzlies and backing up Ja Morant.
Memphis Made Brewing Co. is hiring a Beer Sales Rep. They want someone who is passionate about beer, wants to further promote beer culture in Memphis, and who is customer service-oriented. Send your resume to andy@memphismadebrewing.com
Blind Bear has moved Thursday night poker to the back room and to two back booths by the picture wall. Doing so has allowed them to create more of a lounge-like feel to the main room. Here are a couple of pics I took:
Well, there’s ONE picture, anyway. Getting a “server cannot process the image” error when I try to upload the second. Never had that one before.
But anyway, I guess the saying, “Liquor in the front, poker in the rear” literally applies to Thursdays at the Bear now.
From the CA: Why Jaren Jackson Jr.’s Team USA teammates believe he has been the most impressive player
Team USA (including Jaren) plays Slovenia at 2:30 PM today with the game televised on FS1. Game preview
Starting today, Feast & Graze on the Main Street Mall will host pop-up markets featuring local vendors. August is Black Business Month.
Today is National Vinyl Record Day. River City Records at 101 S. Main can help you celebrate. So can A. Schwab on Beale.
Former state senator Brian Kelsey has been sentenced to 21 months in federal prison for campaign finance law violations. Don’t drop the soap, Brian.
Memphis in May is said to be exploring venues other than Tom Lee Park.
From Wirecutter: Stop using so much laundry detergent
The City of Memphis has posted a large number of job openings.
There’s a beer class today at Wiseacre Downtown entitled Champagne of the North: Weisse Is the Fruit Beer Not Sweet?
That’s it for now. Heading over to Bardog to meet my friends Randy, Theresa, and Butt Slut #1 for brunch today. Back tomorrow with more news.