Month: September 2024

The Miranda Lambert show scheduled for Saturday at AutoZone Park has been rescheduled due to inclement weather associated with Hurricane Helene. The new date is Saturday, May 24, 2025, with original tickets being honored then. Marty Stuart and Stephen Wilson Jr. will open the show.

Orchestra Noir presents the Y2K Meets ’90s Tour at the Orpheum tonight. The tour features R&B and hip-hop hits from those eras. Tickets are $49-$89.

Memphis Tigers AD Ed Scott outlined why a proposed move out of the AAC to the rebuilding Pac-12 was a bad deal. Tulane, South Florida, and UTSA were offered membership as well and they all declined. The fee Memphis would have to pay the AAC and the extensive travel that would be involved were cited as reasons.

Smoke could be seen rising from the south part of Downtown yesterday at lunchtime. The fire happened at a vehicle salvage yard near Webster Ave. and Hernando Rd.

Memphis Wrestling comes to the Ghost River taproom at Main and Crump the Saturday before Thanksgiving. There will be a VIP meet & greet prior to the show.

DJ Jay E plays Eight & Sand Lounge in Central Station Hotel tonight.

The second annual Podbox podcast festival happens at the Cossitt Library Saturday from 9 to 4.

That’s it for today. Back Monday or sooner (I hope) with more news.

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I’ll start this post with a trivia question for my fellow rasslin’ fans. Where was the last ECW show held? Meaning, when ECW was still an independent promotion, before the WWF acquired it. Answer at the end of this post. If you’re going with the obvious guess – Philadelphia – you’d be way wrong.

The Dallas Cowgirls take on the New York Giants tonight on Thursday Night Football, and Grind City Brewing Co. is the place to watch. Why, you ask? Because tonight and every Thursday, you get 50% off your tab if the over hits. The over/under was 44.5 as of this morning but could change by kickoff. Grind City’s taproom has 4 new TVs.

The Ja 2, Ja Morant’s second signature sneaker, officially releases today.

Did you know you can rent the second-floor performance space at the Cossitt Library? Rent the space for a half day or full day, and if you need food for your event, Chef Eli of Dos Hermanos Kitchen can cater.

Former Memphis Grizzly/Tiger Derrick Rose has announced his retirement.

It’s National Dumpling Day. Good Fortune Co. on South Main is the place to celebrate. Those crawfish dumplings with cream cheese sound delish!

Deals for law students at Bardog with a valid law school ID:

• 15% off lunch weekdays 11 AM-3 PM
• Thursdays in the Underdog 6 PM-midnight, $3 PBR and $5 wells

Any of my readers make fake IDs so I can get some of that $3 PBR?

Trivia answer: Pine Bluff, Arkansas

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Local on Main has a sign on the door saying it’s closed momentarily, and that in the meantime, you can go see your favorite crew members at Madison Tavern on Overton Square.

Memphis Medical District’s Taste of the District returns to Health Sciences Park from 4 to 6 PM October 1. Tickets are not free this year, but are very reasonably priced. Participating restaurants include

Airport City Executive Center Catering
Alcenia’s
Biscuits and Jams
Blessed By Nature
Chi Phi Food Truck
Feast and Graze
Flyway Brewery
French Truck
Guac Fresh Mex
Groovy Gratitude
Hard Times Deli
JEM Dining
K & B Smoothies
Matai’z Polynesian Grill
Muggin’ Coffeehouse
Nothing Bundt Cakes
Plant Based Heat
Playa Bowls
Poppz
Riko’s Kickin Chicken
Sabor Caribe
Slim and Husky’s
Sovereign Tea
Sunrise 901
Wonky’s Not So Famous Treats 

There will also be a DJ and live music from Grizzlies Prep.

The Grizzlies will retire Tony Allen’s number 9 jersey March 15. He’ll be the third member of the 2010s Core Four – after Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol – to receive that honor. The fourth member, Mike Conley, is still active.

Aldo’s Pizza Pies now has cauliflower crust as an option and it’s gluten free.

Pop-up concerts are being planned for Mud Island Amphitheater. The hope is to revive the performance space the way pop-events revived the Tennessee Brewery a decade ago.

’60s music group The Box Tops were recently honored with a Brass Note on Beale Street. Thomas Boggs, the late founder of Huey’s, was a member.

$5 million in upgrades are coming to AutoZone Park.

Expect heavy rain in Memphis on Friday as remnants of Hurricane Helene pass nearby.

It’s National Quesadilla Day.

Bill Maher: The WTF? Tour comes to the Orpheum this Saturday.

RIP Coca-Cola Spiced.

There will be a Grit Grind N’ Glow Run Series though Downtown Tuesdays in October. All levels, 2-mile run/walk, group photo at the end. The series is hosted by 901 Run Club and they’ll hand out glow bracelets.

Interesting betting opportunity I noticed this morning: 2 Georgia is favored by 2 points by sportsbooks in Saturday’s road game at 4 Alabama… but ESPN’s FPI has Bama at 66% to win. Are the bookies underrating the Crimson Tide?

That’s it for now. Rain may slow down my posting frequency for the rest of this week.

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The University of Memphis has announced it will remain in the AAC amid the rebirth of the Pac-12. Sigh… I get it, but it sucks to still be in a conference with bottom-feeders like Rice. Maybe the university declined the Pac-12 because they still think there’s a chance with the ACC or Big 12?

Looks like Utah State is going to the Pac-12, and maybe UNLV. That would give them the NCAA-minimum 8 schools.

Bardog has a new happy hour menu 5-7 PM weekdays:

• Shoestring fries 4/6
• Shrimp skewers 9
• Meatballs and chimichurri 7
• Pork and veggie egg rolls 9
• Pretzel and beer cheese dip 7
• Fried calamari half order 8
• Original Memphis slider 4
• Pablito slider (chorizo blend) 5
• Chicken tender slider 4
• Chicken parm slider 5
• “Girl Dinner” – shoestring fries, Caesar salad, dirty martini 20

I love it that they’re doing half orders of calamari. The full order is a lot of food – too much food for some people.

My friend Jenn had the Girl Dinner last night and raved about it.

Bardog also has a new late night menu 11 PM-1 AM every night:

• Original Memphis sliders 14
• Pablito sliders 16
• Chicken tender sliders 14
• Breakfast sliders 11
• Chicken tenders 16
• Quesadilla 9 with options to add protein
• Steak frites 30
• Shoestring fries 4/6

This is a menu that will be easy for the kitchen to execute when it gets busy in the late hours.

The CA has an inside look at new restaurant The Archives Bar & Bistro inside Hotel Napoleon at Madison and B.B. King Blvd.

Avatar: The Last Airbender in Concert comes to the Orpheum Wednesday.

Inland River Ports & Terminals has its annual conference at the Renasant Convention Center today through Thursday.

The Grizzlies have released veteran backup point guard Derrick Rose from his contract. The release reportedly came at Rose’s request and could open a regular roster spot for two-way PG Scottie Pippen Jr.

The DM reports that the City of Memphis wants to buy the Sheraton Hotel for $22 million. So said Mayor Young in an interview yesterday. It is not unusual for large cities to own convention center hotels.

Edible Memphis profiled Jessica and Nate Henssler recently. The couple moved here from Chicago in 2022. Nate is executive chef at Amelia Gene’s and Jessica is the restaurant’s general manager.

The CA looks at the career of country music star Miranda Lambert. She plays AutoZone Park Saturday, returning live music to the ballpark after more than a decade.

The CA lists the best places in Memphis to grab a non-alcoholic drink. Downtown restaurants include BarWare, Memphis Chess Club, Carolina Watershed, and Cocozza.

That’s the news for today. The formatting on this post may be weird because I started it on my phone. Back tomorrow with more.

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Over the past week, several of my readers have noticed that the interior of the former Blind Bear space has been painted white. They have wondered if it’s a sign a new concept is getting ready to go into that space.

I tend to doubt it. I think the paint was merely a sprucing-up.

It’s much easier for commercial real estate agents to get potential lessees to envision their future business if the walls are a neutral color. If left all black, what could be imagined there besides a speakeasy? Maybe a goth nightclub or haunted house?

If I hear anything I’ll let you know. I’ll be honest with you, though, this is a rough time to open a bar that appeals to neighborhood local residents in the Downtown core. Rising costs have made it very hard to turn a profit, and attracting a crowd after 9 or so PM that doesn’t create more trouble than it’s worth is a real challenge.

One business that has reopened is New Orleans-style restaurant Ben-Yay’s. They are not on Main anymore; they are sharing a location with sibling restaurant Sugar Grits on Second near Gayoso. Yay’s is open noon to 9 PM Thursday through Sunday. Sugar Grits is open 8 AM-3 PM Monday-Friday and 8-4 Saturday and Sunday. At this point there’s not yet street-visible signage for Yay’s; you just have to know it’s in there.

Today is Great American Pot Pie Day. Wear your “CHICKENPOTPIE: Three Things I Love” T-shirt you bought at the Tennessee Brewery a decade ago to celebrate.

With Memphis and Northern Illinois both losing Saturday, Boise State moves into the driver’s seat for the Group of Five playoff spot. The Broncos entered this week’s AP poll at 25.

Let’s have a look at this coming Saturday’s games of interest:

• Kentucky at 6 Ole Miss, 11:00 AM, ABC
• 20 Oklahoma State at 23 Kansas State, 11:00 AM, ESPN
• Northern Illinois at NC State, 11:00 AM, The CW Network
• 15 Louisville at 16 Notre Dame, 2:30 PM, Peacock
• Arkansas at 24 Texas A&M, 2:30 PM, ESPN
• 21 Oklahoma at Auburn, 2:40 PM, ABC
• Mississippi State at 1 Texas, 3:15 PM, SEC Network
• 2 Georgia at 4 Alabama, 6:30 PM, ABC
• 19 Illinois at 9 Penn State, 6:30 PM, NBC
• Middle Tennessee at Memphis, 6:30 PM, ESPNU
• Washington State at Boise State, 9:00 PM, FS1

That’s all for now. Back tomorrow or Wednesday probably.

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Just got several inches of hair chopped off by the fabulous Amanda at Gould’s at Main and Union. I feel great! Go see Amanda if you’re looking for someone to cut your hair. 

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will hold its September meeting on the 4th Wednesday evening of the month, the 25th, at Carolina Watershed. DNA members will enjoy free chicken from the new pop-up restaurant at the Watershed, Gangsta Fried Chicken, as well as one free beer or wine. City Council chairman J.B. Smiley will speak. There will be neighborhood news from President Jerred Price and Executive Director Luanne Yeley.

Dr. Johnny Fever: “I don’t know, Les… what do women want?”

Les Nessman: (thinks for a moment) “… TUPPERWARE!”

Well, they may not be able to get what they want much longer. Tupperware has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Last night Shohei Ohtani of the L.A. Dodgers

• had 10 RBI in one night
• had 5 extra-base hits in one night
• became the first member of MLB’s 50-50 club, with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in one season

Today is National Fried Rice Day. Get the duck fried rice at SOB to celebrate.

Today is also National Pepperoni Pizza Day. Aldo’s Pizza Pies is the place to go.

The first 1500 at the Redbirds game tonight get a Lars Nootbar bobblehead. 7:05 first pitch.

You can now renew your passport online.

YogaSix Downtown hosts Puppy Yoga Sunday, September 29. YOGA!

Cordelia’s Market will hold its Oktoberfest Saturday at 4.

Aldo’s Pizza Pies weekend football specials

• Happy Hour prices 11 AM-4 PM
• $12 one-topping bar pies 11 AM-4 PM
• $20 pitchers all day
• $5 limoncello all day

The restaurant will pick up your tab (up to $20) when you dine at Aldo’s, Slider Inn, Momma’s, or Bardog between 6 and 10 PM on your birthday. I’m assuming booze is not included and you have to show proof of birthday.

Frankie Hollie with Taylor McManus, Clay and Donnie from Gasoline Lollipops, and Joe Johnson play South Main Sounds Saturday at 7.

New shops on Monroe just east of Front that are part of the Open on Main initiative:

• Champion’s Herbs – grand opening Sunday 1-4
• Ionia’s Closet – grand opening both days this weekend – small bites, giveaways, 20% discounts

We had a real treat at the Union Mission Wednesday evening. West Point Mennonite Church of east Mississippi came out to feed us and preach. They brought a delicious cheesy chicken and rice casserole with green beans, dinner rolls, and chocolate chip cupcakes.

They brought butter and grape jelly for the dinner rolls. We have bread with every meal at the Mission, but butter to put on it is rare – and much appreciated. No, the Mennonites did not make the the butter themselves. It was prepackaged.

Their youth group sang six beautiful hymns, and their pastor invited us to experience the comfort and peace they have in Jesus. Every word they spoke, every movement they made had so much gentleness and kindness behind it. That was my first encounter with Mennonites and they were not at all what I expected. It was a pleasure to spend an hour with them.

Probably gonna take the weekend off posting. Back Monday.

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Read it online

Bardog won Best Bar. Allie Cat wants me to remind you that they have waffles for breakfast now.

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Yesterday I mentioned that Northern Illinois and Boise State were Memphis’ biggest competition for the College Football Playoff. Memphis has no Top 25 or Power Four opponents remaining. What about those schools?

• NIU: Has a win over 5 Notre Dame and plays NC State on September 28
• Boise State:  Plays both Washington State and Oregon State, the remnants of the Pac-12

Tigers fans need to root for those two teams’ opponents.

And now, BREAKING NEWS: The Pac-12 is meeting to consider Memphis and Tulane for membership. That conference already has (for a future season)

• Oregon State
• Washington State
• San Diego State
• Boise State
• Fresno State
• Colorado State
• … and needs 2 more to meet the minimum NCAA requirement of 8.

The new Pac-12 is not ideal, but it beats being in a conference with Rice.

Games of interest this weekend (Saturday unless otherwise noted):

• 24 Illinois at 22 Nebraska, 7:00 PM Friday, FOX
• Florida at Mississippi State, 11:00 AM, ESPN
• Arkansas State at 20 Iowa State, 1:00 PM, ESPN+
• 11 USC at 18 Michigan, 2:30 PM, CBS
• UCLA at 16 LSU, 2:30 PM, ABC
• Arkansas at Auburn, 2:30 PM, ESPN
• Memphis at Navy, 2:30 PM, CBS Sports Network
• Buffalo at 23 Northern Illinois, 2:30 PM, ESPN+
• 12 Utah at 14 Oklahoma State, 3:00 PM, FOX
• 6 Tennessee at 15 Oklahoma, 6:30 PM, ABC
• Georgia Southern at 5 Ole Miss, 6:45 PM, SEC Network
• UL-Monroe at 1 Texas, 7:00 PM, SEC Network
• Portland State at Boise State, 8:45 PM, FS1

Soul & Spirits has its annual Oktoberfest party this Saturday.

The DMC’s Alley Dayz event comes to The Pinch District next Wednesday, September 25.

DMC Chief Operating Officer Brett Roler won the 2024 IDA Inspired Leader Award at this year’s International Downtown Association Annual Conference. Congratulations, Brett!

A former Peabody Hotel employee is accused of stealing more than $80,000 from the hotel.

I posted two news updates yesterday, so if you haven’t seen both of them, keep scrolling.

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Well, not THIS day, as in today.

November 1, rather.

You see, the drawing for a real funeral hearse is returning to Bardog Tavern at approximately 11:59:59 PM on Halloween.

This was a tradition for the bar’s first 11 years. A stretch Cadillac DeVille or Fleetwood would be parked outside the ‘Dog for the month of October. As the month ended, someone would win it in a raffle.

Then COVID ruined everything.

More details to come.

A month after New Wing Order shut down its food truck, its wings have made their return. The Ghost River taproom at Main and Crump now has nWo specialty wings on its updated menu.

Ghost River, by the way, is having a book fair on Saturday.

Oktoberfest glasses have not yet arrived at the Flying Saucer, but a little birdie told me this year’s glass will be “a silly glass” – a rubber stein.

There will be a halfway to St. Patrick’s Day party this Friday at Silky’s. Wear your Irish gear to get in free.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. in The Edge will have a vegan comfort food/BBQ pop-up this Sunday. From the Facebook post:

Menu highlights include Fried Chickun, Smoked Meats, Mac N Cheeze, Beer-Cheeze Battered Beyond Burgers, Jambalaya, Po Boyz, Cajun Corn, Totchos, and more!

Our menu is Nut-Free with several Gluten-Free options.

Also in The Edge, The Jack Oblivian Band will be at High Cotton on Saturday.

Edible Memphis reported today that Kinfolk on Harbor Town Square is back open.

I’m back on Facebook! I sorted out that 2-factor authentication mess today. Add Facebook Messenger back to the ways you can contact me.

That’s all for now. Back soon!

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Action News 5 has a look at Memphis Filling Station (MFS), the new Downtown brewery on G.E. Patterson. Patrons can see the beer being brewed.

RIP Tito Jackson, member of the Jackson 5 and older brother of the late Michael Jackson. Tito was 70.

Today is National Guacamole Day. Maciel’s is the place to celebrate… or the Saucer, which puts a generous scoop of guac atop its carne asada fries.

It’s also World Play-Doh Day.

The National Association for State and Community Services has its annual training seminar at the Renasant Convention Center this week.

Good news: ESPN and the other TV channels owned by Disney are back on DirecTV after the two sides struck a deal this weekend.

Max Kaplan plays Live at the Tracks at Central Station Thursday evening.

Waffles have been added to Bardog’s breakfast menu.

Congrats to the football Memphis Tigers on what some are calling a signature win over Florida State on Saturday. It’s a step toward the College Football Playoff, but Memphis still needs to win the AAC championship and end up ranked higher than the champs of the Mountain West, MAC, Sun Belt, etc. In particular, Memphis fans need to keep their eyes on Northern Illinois (AP #23 this week; Memphis is not ranked) and Boise State. The Tigers have no ranked or Power Four teams left on their schedule.

Saints 44, Cowboys 19… LOL @ “America’s Team.” As in past seasons, they beat up on the bad teams but lose to the good ones.

I’m starting to unravel the two-factor authentication mess that occurred when I lost my MacBook and iPhone within a day of each other. I have a new (to me) iPhone and this weekend I got it working with my Apple ID and got my data restored from iCloud. Progress!

I’m not back on Facebook yet but am working on that today. Best ways to reach me in the meantime are Apple Messages if you’re on there (ID is paul@paulryburn.com) or Gmail (paul.ryburn@gmail.com).

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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