The day I’ve been waiting for is finally here! I’m done with training for work and have shifts of my own now. I’m not giving tours of Memphis yet – although I expect to be soon. For now, I will be selling them at a kiosk on the patio of Alfred’s from 11 AM to 2 PM Monday-Friday.
In addition to sales, I’ll be acting as a general ambassador for our city, answering questions and offering recommendations on what to see, where to eat. I should have a lot of fun with that, especially considering I’m starting the new job during Elvis Week.
I can wear whatever I want to work, but these first few days I’ve decided to dress it up a bit. Today I’m going for a rockabilly look, with a black Cuban guayabera shirt with red and gold trim. I’ll match it with a red fedora with a white feather a friend of mine wore in the Queen of the Vine competition.
Tomorrow I plan to let the Clothier to the King clothe me as well. I’m going to wear one of my rock star Robert Graham sport shirts I got at Lansky at the Peabody.
Then, on Wednesday, I’ll be an Elvis tourist. I have a pink sequined ELVIS cap, some obnoxious sunglasses, a Blue Hawaii T-shirt, and a blue-and-white lei that matches the shirt.
On to the news…
Very sad to hear that 8 people were injured in a mass shooting at Peabody Place and S. B.B. King Blvd. around 2:30 Sunday morning. It’s said that dozens of shots were fired into a crowd. BitChute video shows people running away and fresh tire tracks from someone doing donuts in the intersection.
Earlier on Sunday morning, an MPD officer was assaulted near Beale Street. FOX 13 caught the assault on video.
I’ve learned a little more about this 507 Lux Lounge that is set to open next month. Longtime Downtowners will remember a breakfast/lunch spot called Bon Ton Cafe on the block of Monroe between Second and Third (now B.B. King). Those who were really in the know were aware that Bon Ton had a very cool nightclub venue, rarely used, in its spacious basement.
As I understand it, Caribbean restaurant Curry N Jerk will move from the next block down the street into the old Bon Ton space, and 507 Lux Lounge will occupy the downstairs. My friend Robert who used to manage Blind Bear will be managing and he is hiring an all-star waitstaff. I understand they plan to aim for the 30-and-up segment of the market.
Team USA, including Jaren Jackson Jr., got a win over Spain, including Santi Aldama, in world men’s basketball yesterday. Next up for the USA squad: vs. Greece on Friday.
Swampass was on full display yesterday as Lucas Glover won the FedEx-St. Jude Classic.
A South African radio crew is visiting Memphis, staying in the Central Station Hotel. Read Day 1 of their Memphis diaries.
That’s it for now. Back tomorrow with more news.