Month: August 2023

College football returns this Saturday, although not a lot of it – CFB “Week 1” extends from Saturday, August 26 to Monday, September 4. So, nine days. There are no really exciting games this Saturday – no ranked vs. ranked and no big regional rivalries. But for Memphians looking to wet their CFB whistle, here are a few games that may interest you:

• Navy at 13 Notre Dame, 1:30 PM, NBC
• Hawaii at Vanderbilt, 6:30 PM, SEC Network
• San Jose State at 6 USC, 7:00 PM, PAC-12 Network

From AP: 2023 is the end of an era in college football

As part of South Main Trolley Night this Friday, Memphis Spine & Sport at 372 S. Main will celebrate its second birthday. There will be food, drinks, and giveaways.

Team USA tuned up against world basketball opponent Greece this past weekend, winning handily 108-86.  Jaren Jackson Jr. started and had 11 points.

Lovie the Therapy Dog returns to the Cossitt Library today from 3:30 to 4:15.

There will be yoga at the mansion this Friday at 3 at the Woodruff-Fontaine House. After the all-levels class, there will be a self-guided tour of the house. $30. Bring a yoga mat and water.

Local artist Lacey Craig will have an exhibit opening at First Presbyterian, 166 Poplar, on Friday from 5:00 to 8:30 PM. There will be light refreshments and live music by Davy Ray Bennett (one of my fellow tour guides!)

Sunday from 2 to 3, there will be a presentation on the destruction of the steamboat Sultana at Elmwood Cemetery. This was the worst maritime disaster in American history. Author/military historian Gene Eric Salecker will be the presenter.

Ben-Yay’s has mimosa towers on the weekends now.

From StyleBlueprint: Meet muralist Sam Reeves-Hill, whose work can be seen around Downtown Memphis.

Looks like Downtown’s new weekend safety plan didn’t eliminate pop-up street parties; it just moved them east. About 60 to 80 cars gathered at Union and Pauline in the Medical District Saturday night. The smell of burnt rubber was in the air from cars doing donuts.

If you were a Facebook user between May 2007 and December 2022, fill out this form to get a piece of the class-action suit settlement involving Cambridge Analytica. The deadline to fill out the form is Friday.

I didn’t go out yesterday. My current money situation dictates that I have to spend some days of my week at home, and Sunday is my least favorite day to go out.

Sunday used to be my MOST favorite day to go out. That was the case from 2003 to about 2019.

Maybe I should do a post about that. How can Downtown spots turn Sunday back into Sunday Fun Day?

Back tomorrow with more news, and maybe that post.

Yesterday I changed it up a bit and joined a few people from my old-school brunch crew – the same people I brunched with in 2010 – at Local on Main, and we were served by Jessica, the same bartender who served us in 2010 (at a different bar). It was a fine day.

I have a food recommendation for you from a very reliable source: My friend John D LOVES the biscuits at Local. He got a biscuit sandwich to eat there and four more biscuits to go. Keep in mind, this is a person who had a breakfast plate named after him at the Majestic for more than a decade. So if he says the biscuits are good, they’re good.

If you know one of the characters who hangs out at Local – and other Downtown spots – you’ll understand the irony of this menu item’s name:

While we were there, co-owner Tim brought in a new foosball table. It sits in the front corner where the Golden Tee machine used to be.

It remains to be seen how successful the new table is. A bar around the corner had a foosball table for about a year and it hardly ever got used. Then again, when I posted the photo of the foosball table to Facebook, Butt Slut #1 commented “HECK YES.” So maybe it will work.

As I understand it, foosball play will be free, but the balls will be kept behind the bar and you have to put up a deposit to check one out.

Co-owner Tarrah assured me that she does not intend to raise PBR prices as some other bars have done recently. PBR prices in the Downtown core vary wildly, ranging from $2 (Ben-Yay’s happy hour M-F 2-6) to $5 (Flying Saucer, Blind Bear).

Yesterday I posted that work has assigned me my first tour to guide, a 1:30-2:30 PM walking tour of Beale Street on September 4 (Labor Day). Several friends expressed an interest in taking that tour, and one of them asked a question:

Can we buy alcohol on the street and bring it on the walking tour?

My best answer: Maybe, tending toward yes.

You are definitely allowed to take alcohol on our buses, but this isn’t a bus tour.

As you know, you are allowed to get to-go drinks and carry them around the Beale entertainment district, which runs from Second to Fourth/Ida B. Wells Street.

The tour as I have it envisioned runs from the Elvis statue, a half-block west of Second, to Beale Street Baptist Church, a half-block east of Ida B. Wells (and it is Wells herself I would be talking about when at the church). So it does cover ground where open containers of booze are illegal.

If the guest list is all Downtowners (which I suspect will be very possible that day), I can stop the tour at Second and at Ida B. Wells St. and point at the landmarks outside the entertainment district. But if I have tourists, they’re going to want to take pictures of everything, especially the Elvis statue.

Let me ask the tour company’s owner and vice-president for advice on this… they are both SUPER cool people.

A new restaurant opened around the corner from me 3 months ago and somehow it escaped my notice until now – WingMan at 143 Madison. They have a wing sauce named “Fuck Around & Find Out.” They also have a 90-minute bottomless brunch, a drink menu, and hookahs. (Edited to add: The place has a perfect 5 stars on Google Reviews)

From Memphis Beer Blog: Soul & Spirits’ “Auld Bog” Irish stout is a Bog & Barley exclusive

Also on the beer blog: Soul & Spirits and Wiseacre are headed to Denver for the Great American Beer Festival

Today is National Bacon Lovers’ Day.

We could see highs near 100 later this week.

There’s a Connect 4 tournament, hosted by Board to Beers, at Grind City Brewing at 2.

L.L. Cool J will perform at FedExForum Tuesday night.

Been up since 4:30 AM… gonna go back to bed and attempt to get a little more sleep. Back tomorrow with more news.

This past week I’ve been working the ticket window on Beale Street for Backbeat Tours. Many of my friends have asked me, “When are you going to get tours of your own to lead? I want to take a tour from you.”

Well, good news… the work schedule for the next 2 weeks came out. I’m still scheduled at the ticket window Monday-Friday, but I also have been given my first tour to lead.

But, bad news… it’s on a day when many of my friends already have other plans. I’m scheduled to lead a Walking Tour of Beale Street on Labor Day, Monday, September 4, from 1:30-2:30 in the afternoon.

I know that Labor Day is the last big pool day of the season for a lot of people. I wouldn’t expect anyone to give that up. So, those of you who promised to take my first tour… you’re released from your promise. There will be plenty of other tours, on other days.

For those of you who don’t have plans for Labor Day, though, here’s a sampling of what I’ll be talking about:

• Beale’s early days and how the street was a melting pot of the community
• The post-Civil War era, when Beale was the “Black Main Street of America”
• How yellow fever decimated Memphis in the late 1870s, and the surprising industry that brought Memphis back financially
• The Saloon Row era of the 1890s-1920s
• Robert R. Church Sr., the South’s first Black millionaire – how he made Memphis a land of opportunity for African-Americans
• W.C. Handy, “Father of the Blues,” and how a song he wrote influenced Memphis politics for decades
• Talent competitions hosted by Rufus Thomas and radio deejay Nat D. Williams, and the rise of the musical career of B.B. King
• Where Elvis got his snazzy clothes – the man who befriended him while other shop owners shunned the teenager
• The professional wrestler who got arrested on Beale Street and became a local civil rights icon
• 1960s-1970s: How the automobile and the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. led to the decline of Beale and of Downtown in general
• 1980s and beyond: The rebirth of Beale

The Beale tour is the shortest tour we offer – only one hour, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of your day. It’s also our best value at only $15 (free for kids 4 and under). Book your tour now – and remember, Monday, September 4 is the day I work.

I will keep you informed of future tours and dates I will be working. And now, on to the news…

A hurricane in the Pacific, Hurricane Hilary, is forecast to be the first tropical system to have a direct impact on California in more than 80 years. It is currently a Category 4 hurricane with sustained winds of 130 MPH near the southern tip of Baja California. It should weaken to a tropical storm by the time it reaches U.S. soil. The current path indicates a possible direct hit on San Diego.

If you know any young people (18-30) looking for a career, here’s an opportunity to tell them about. The Tech Collective has a 4-month training program in IT Hardware. Not only do active program participants not incur any student loan debt – they earn $400 a month. Participants receive assistance finding employment and coaching for the first 90 days on the job.

Day One at Tom Lee Park happens Saturday, September 2. Some of the activities include

• Guided walking and nature tours
• Basketball skills games
• Guided workout classes
• Regular yoga and hip-hop yoga classes
• Riverfront Storytime – learn all about the river
• Learn to juggle and hula hoop
• A signature Day One drink
• Latin dance lessons
• Music by Garry Goin and Friends
• An all-day 4-on-4 volleyball tournament (register here)
• The MP3 Experiment at 5 PM: “a massive participatory social experiment”
• A 6 PM a cappella performance by Theaster Gates at his new sculpture, A Monument to Listening

Learn how to make dirty ear wax Q-tip Halloween treats.

Momma’s will have soft opening hours of 5 PM-midnight this weekend and 11 AM-midnight starting tonight. Deep Roots will play there tonight at 8. Momma’s is “the diner and dive off 55” trucker bar at Crump and Kentucky.

5 O’Clock Shadow plays Slider Inn Downtown tonight at 7.

The DM has a list of 901 Day celebrations happening around town on Friday, September 1.

Today is National Hot and Spicy Food Day.

USA Today published a list of the 10 best historic hotels in the U.S. Coming in at number two was Memphis’ very own Peabody Hotel.

From Action News 5: Yoga on the River instructor promotes unity

Phelps Security seeks unarmed officers for the Downtown area. Pay is up to $15 an hour.

England and Spain will play in the Women’s World Cup finals Sunday at 5 AM. Watch on FOX or the FOX Sports app.

I’m going to switch things up a bit this morning and brunch at my friend Jessica’s bar at Local. About 5 I plan to head over to the Robert Raiford Day celebration. Back tomorrow with more news.

There’s an all-you-can-eat specialty ticket at the Redbirds’ home game vs. the Norfolk Tides tonight. $30 dugout seat/$27 field box gets you access to a buffet of buffalo wings, lemon pepper wings, boneless wings, salad with ranch dressing, hot dogs, chips, soda, and water.

Be one of the first 1000 fans in the gate tonight to get the final set of the Redbirds’ 25th-anniversary baseball cards. Featured players include Vince Coleman, Yadier Molina, Adam Wainwright, Randy Arozarena, Stubby Clapp, and Rick Ankiel. 100 lucky fans will receive an exclusive bonus card in their set.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. will host 901 Day in The Ravine on Friday, September 1 from 4 to 10 PM. They’ll have live music by The Turnstyles, Solar Powered Love, and River City Tanlines. Board to Beers will have their gaming truck parked there. Memphis Roller Derby will have demos. Food by Soi Number 9 and Hot ‘n Heavy Dogs. Entrances to The Ravine are at 16 S. Lauderdale, 607 Monroe, and 571 Marshall.

The 5th annual Robert Raiford Day will be celebrated Saturday evening with a dance floor outside Paula & Raiford’s Disco (14 S. Second) in Floyd Alley. Come celebrate the life of the legendary “Hollywood” Raiford. There will be 40s of Bud Light and T-shirts for sale and food trucks will be there. Mr. Raiford ran his discos in Downtown Memphis for 40 years before passing away in 2017 at the age of 75.

Songwriter Night returns to South Main Sounds tonight at 7. Featured artists will include John Boyle, Miz Stefani, and Emily Zheng.

Saturday is the last day for Paper & Clay at 525 S. Main.

Memphis Tequila & Reggae Fest happens Saturday afternoon at Butterific Bakery & Cafe. Tickets are $15.

The CA has a photo gallery from the reopening of Momma’s, the trucker bar at Crump and Kentucky. Nice to see John Haley back in the kitchen as executive chef. They have handmade ice cream sandwiches!

From FOX 13 News: The decision to close Beale Street bars early may not be up to the City of Memphis

In related news, MPD has released a traffic plan to improve safety around Beale and elsewhere Downtown. The plan includes a pedestrian corridor on weekend nights. MPD says it will enforce a zero-tolerance policy on reckless driving, pop-up parties in the middle of streets, and drag racing. Click the link to the FOX 13 news story for a full list of street closures.

I’ve been told DGX has Halloween candy out. It’s not even Labor Day.

Soul & Spirits posted about a new beer they have brewed, a collaboration with an Arkansas brewery:

Muddy Buddys! Our second collaboration with @socialprojectbrewingco in Arkansas! This was their riff on our Mud Island Ale, Midnight Hour, using dark malts create loads of chocolate flavors, whilst the addition of Motueka & Sabro hops layer in coconut and lime goodness. A truly unique style of beer formed  from a combination of a brown IPA and Hazy IPA. This version is super limited and only available on draft at the taproom! Grab your buddys and come get one! 7.3% ABV

A man has been arrested for firing a gun at Fourth and Peabody Place about 1:30 Thursday morning.

Elmwood Cemetery will host Dinner with the Departed on Saturday, October 21. Among the event’s Victorian mourning customs is a “backward supper,” a three-course gourmet meal. $80 general admission/$150 VIP.

I want to give a shout-out to Downtown Memphis Commission’s Blue Suede Brigade. Their officers have kept an eye on my company’s space and belongings this week, particularly when I have had to step outside to board guests onto buses. Yesterday they even alerted me to late-comers who wanted to pay on the spot and board a tour that was about to leave. I appreciate all that you do!

The Grizzlies have announced their 2023-24 regular season schedule. Memphis tips off the season at home vs. the New Orleans Pelicans on October 25. The Grizzlies will play 19 nationally-televised games on ESPN’s networks, TNT, and NBAtv.

Today is Pinot Noir Day.

Turnstyles plays Momma’s tonight at 6.

That’ll do it for today’s post. Off to work for day 5. Back tomorrow with more news.

One of my longtime regular blog readers texted me yesterday and asked an excellent question:

Where is there Downtown that would be a good place for a corporate team-building exercise?

I had a couple of answers on my own, but decided to crowdsource the question to Facebook. Here’s the list we came up with:

• Memphis Escape Rooms
• Civil Axe Throwing
• BRIDGES
• Bowling at Uncle Buck’s Fishbowl and Grill at Bass Pro at the Pyramid
• Virtual golf at Birdie’s
• A shuffleboard tournament at Longshot
• STIX offers sushi-making classes for groups
• National Civil Rights Museum
• Kookamonga Challenge at Kooky Canuck – I never thought of eating a giant burger as a team-building exercise, but co-owner Lana says large corporations and sports organizations book this for team-building all the time
• A Backbeat tour of Memphis – in particular, I recommend the Memphis Mojo Tour, which has a musician performing right there on the bus.
• Memphis Scavenger Hunt (Backbeat can organize this as a group activity)
• Amazing Memphis Race (Backbeat can organize this as a group activity)
• A HIIT workout at Shred415 (There is a 100% chance I would call in sick that day if a company I worked for scheduled a workout as a team-building activity)
• A ride on one of those horrible 16-person party pedal bikes (I think the commenter who suggested this may have been joking)

Muggin Coffeehouse at 606 N. Main in Uptown will have a soft opening on Saturday, August 26 from 8 AM to 1 PM. Visit the Muggin Whitehaven website to get a feel for what the new coffeehouse will be like.

The Peabody will host a Jack Daniel’s tasting and dinner on September 21. Master Distiller Chris Fletcher will lead a tasting of

• “Peabody Select” Single Barrel
• Bonded
• Triple Mash
• Bonded Rye

The whiskeys will be paired with a 4-course dinner by Peabody chefs. The cost is $200 per person, plus tax and service charges.

St. Jude is hiring a Program Coordinator, Research Education & Training Grants Office.

Terrible news: Jennifer Biggs, food writer for The Daily Memphian, has died of cancer complications.

Today is National I LOVE My Feet Day.

WMC reports that Downtown tourism is being impacted by ongoing and rising crime.

A company that deploys K-9s to sniff and detect weapons may become part of the plan to fight crime Downtown.

The Orpheum seeks a box office patron services associate and also a production manager.

MLK50: Justice Through Journalism seeks an administrative assistant.

LEO Events seeks a marketing manager.

MLGW has an Accountant II position open.

There is a specialty ticket for tonight’s Memphis Redbirds vs. Norfolk Tides game: Use promo code PBR when buying tickets online to receive a Pabst Blue Ribbon T-shirt and 2 free beers. It’s Throwback Thursday with $1 hot dogs and $2 PBRs for all. The first pitch is at 6:45.

Rice and Donna play Live at the Tracks tonight from 5-8 PM at Central Station.

Guitarist/vocalist Jad Tang plays the Summer Acoustic Series at Caption by Hyatt tonight.

Alexis Jade plays Slider Inn Downtown tonight at 7.

That’s it. Back tomorrow.

Momma’s, the trucker bar/dive bar at Crump and Kentucky, will reopen to the public tomorrow, Thursday, August 17, at 5 PM.  Momma’s is part of the restaurant group that also includes Bardog Tavern, the two Slider Inns, and the two Aldo’s Pizza Pies locations.

“Like” Momma’s on Facebook to stay aware of the latest restaurant developments.

Group play dates for the Memphis Grizzlies have been announced for the new NBA in-season tournament that will happen this fall. The Grizzlies will play Portland, Utah, the L.A. Lakers, and Phoenix in the group stage.

Watch a replay of the WKNO-Daily Memphian mayoral debate that took place last night. (Fast-forward to about 5:00 for the debate to begin)

The Beale Street trolley station on Main has reopened following the completion of the Downtown Mobility Center near the station.

Today is National Rum Day.

MPD has released suspect vehicle info in the shooting that injured 8 people at Peabody Place and B.B. King Blvd. early Sunday morning. Video shows one man firing shots from a black Infiniti SUV.

Memphis in May CEO Jim Holt sent a letter to volunteers Monday saying the month-long festival will likely move in 2024 and will be much smaller.

MOXY Memphis hotel is hiring a combination front desk attendant and bartender.

St. Jude is hiring a science research writer.

That’s all I have time to type right now. Back tomorrow.

Pictured above is a strawberry milkshake from the old-fashioned soda fountain in A. Schwab at 163 Beale, one of the hidden gems of Downtown Memphis. The soda fountain has been there for about a decade. I hate to admit that this was my first visit. One thing I learned from my after-work exploration of Beale yesterday is that there is a lot of unique stuff on the street that Downtowners miss out on because of the perception that “locals don’t go to Beale Street.”

The shake was $5.98 and any shake can be made into a malt for 30 cents more. From The Kitchn: What’s the difference between a malt and a milkshake?

I’m going to start a new feature on this blog highlighting some of the unique items you can find on Beale. Here’s one I found yesterday: Public Toilet Survival Kit. It’s a novelty item that is actually quite useful in a place like Memphis. The kit includes

• 1 toilet seat cover
• 2 antiseptic wipes
• 1 pair of latex-free disposable gloves

Also – I know some of my readers are big Wing Guru fans – you can get their sauces at A. Schwab. In fact, if you’re a fan of sauces in general, they have an extensive collection.

I also stopped at the candy store next to Club 152 and discovered they have Dr. Pepper-flavored cotton candy.

Self-evaluation of my first day at work:

• Overall I think I did well, considering how much information there is to process. I got the booking system pulled up and got everyone checked in and boarded for our bus tours that departed during my work hours.
• I need to work on individual sales pitches for all our tours, but especially the Memphis Mojo Tour and the Beale Street Walking Tour, both of which depart while I am working. Our tours are awesome and I need to reflect that with enthusiasm.
• I met 3 more of my co-workers: a tour guide, a bus driver, and a musician. Our tour staff is as awesome as the tours themselves. And I have 100% confidence that I will rise to their level of awesomeness once I get familiar with the job.

Alfred’s had karaoke going at 1:30 on a Monday. Never seen daytime karaoke in Memphis before. Not sure if that’s an all-the-time thing or just an Elvis Week thing.

Alfred’s has an Elvis tribute artist performing tonight snd tomorrow night.

The CA’s Jennifer Chandler has a “here’s what we know” about Memphis in May’s potential plan to move BBQ Fest out of Tom Lee Park.

The Cossitt Library is now on Instagram at @cossittlibrary. Don’t forget that the library’s Dos Hermanos Kitchen has its grand opening today.

I want to remind everyone that Downtown’s Local on Main is not affiliated with Midtown’s Local on the Square in any way – different ownership, different staff, different menus. I mention this because a video taken at the Midtown location went viral, and not in a good way, over the weekend.

Don’t forget that the Daily Memphian and WKNO host a Memphis mayoral debate tonight at 7.

The Memphis Redbirds host the Norfolk Tides tonight at 6:45 at AutoZone Park.

Mayor Jimbo from Mempho wants to implement a 4-point plan to make Downtown safer. He’s calling for Beale Street bars to close at midnight. That’ll never happen.

A police report has revealed new information about the shooting that occurred one block north of Beale, injuring 8, Sunday morning.

The Elvis candlelight vigil is tonight at Graceland.

The Trumpster and his allies face RICO charges related to alleged attempts to manipulate the Georgia results in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Prosecutors have previously used RICO to bring down top Mafia bosses including John Gotti.

That’s all for today. Looking forward to a fantastic second day at work. Back tomorrow with more news.

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.

Today is National Filet Mignon Day. My number-one recommendation to get a great filet, though, is not open on Sundays anymore. Of course, I am speaking of the Majestic Grille! Texas de Brazil also makes a fine filet and they’re open today.

Pattie O’Furniture has announced that beginning this week, she will start hosting a weekly drag bingo night at Pretty Taco on Wednesdays.

Paul Young won the endorsement of the Memphis People’s Convention yesterday. He has my endorsement as well.

You might want to take Tuesday and Wednesday off and spend some time on a patio. Both days will start in the 60s and will only rise into the low 80s by the afternoon. Rain is not expected either day. Normal highs for those days would be 92/73.

The American Contract Compliance Association will convene this week at the Renasant Center. Sounds like a fun group.

Former Memphis Grizzly Pau Gasol got inducted into the Hall of Fame last night. Here’s his speech:

Flora Payne, owner of Payne’s Bar-B-Que, will be inducted into the BBQ Hall of Fame this year.

Protect Our Aquifer has a Water Wednesday happy hour at Old Dominick this week.

Nerd Nite returns to Memphis Chess Club this Friday at 7 PM.

Memphis 901 FC got a 1-0 win over San Diego yesterday.

The FIBA World Cup USA Men’s Team plays Spain at 2:30 this afternoon on FOX.

That’s all. Probably going to head to Bardog at 11 since Blind Bear no longer opens for weekend brunch.

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.