Month: September 2025

Memphis Chess Club will close Friday at noon and will reopen Saturday at 2 PM.

Renasant Convention Center will hold a free, all-ages Fall Bash this Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Shopping with vendors, concessions, cash bar, 7 bounce houses, face painting, yard games.

There’s a new food truck called Pickeats in Court Square today. They’re known for chicken wings & tenders and banana pudding.

The crazy train will come off the rails when Flying Saucer releases its Oktoberfest stein next Wednesday at 7.

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

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Bardog Tavern will be opening early for its 17th anniversary alley party this Sunday. They’ll bust open the doors – well, actually there’s just one door, but you know what I  mean – at NINE A.M. with Emily and Hannah behind the bar. Come hang out in the air conditioning for a couple of hours before you head outside to the alley.

The forecast for Sunday has been revised upward by a few degrees. We’ll start off the day with a low of 72, climbing to a high of 91 under mostly cloudy skies. 20% chance of rain.

A couple of things you’ll want to bring to the alley party

1. Your ID. Bardog usually has third-party security handling access to the alley, so it won’t be a situation where the person at the entrance recognizes you and waves you in, even if you’re a regular. Plus you’ll want to get a wristband if you plan to purchase drinks at the outdoor bars.
2. A credit or debit card. At alley parties, Bardog requires one from everyone who wants to run a tab. Remember, it must be a swipable card – they don’t take tap-to-pay or Apple Pay. Yes, even OG regulars like me have to present a card.

It’s a small world… you know the saxophone player who plays on Downtown streets? He’s a former student of mine – computer literacy class at the U of M, 1996. Real nice guy. He calls me “Teach” and checks to make sure I’m OK whenever he sees me.

Don’t forget that Alley Dayz happens today 5:30-7:30 in Stereo Alley. DJ, Opera Memphis performance, vendors. I’ll be out tonight and I plan to stop by.

A crab legs festival planned for Downtown last weekend didn’t happen. A BBQ vendor who planned to sell at the event says he was not notified of the cancellation and is out more than $1000 as a result.

The Trumpster said yesterday that the National Guard deployment to Memphis will happen in about 4 or 5 weeks, maybe sooner. I bet National Guard will be a popular choice for Halloween costumes in this city this year.

School of Rock is hiring instructors to teach keyboards, drums, bass, guitar, and vocals.

Songwriter Night returns to South Main Sounds this Friday with performances by Mary Hatley and Davis Coen. 7-9 PM.

ESPN FPI has the Memphis Tigers as a 40-60 underdog against Arkansas at the Liberty Bowl Saturday.

Back tomorrow with more news.

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Let’s have a look at college football games this weekend of interest to this blog’s readers:

Saturday

• 17 Texas Tech at 16 Utah, 11:00 AM, FOX
• Arkansas at Memphis, 11:00 AM, ABC
• UAB at 15 Tennessee, 11:45 AM, SEC Network
• 22 Auburn at 11 Oklahoma, 2:30 PM, ABC
• Tulane at 13 Ole Miss, 2:30 PM, ESPN
• Northern Illinois at Mississippi State, 3:15 PM, SEC Network
• Arkansas State at Kennesaw State, 5:00 PM, ESPN+
• Florida at 4 Miami, 6:30 PM, ABC
• 9 Illinois at 19 Indiana, 6:30 PM, NBC

On Monday, the Trumpster announced the creation of the Memphis Safe Task Force. Not only is the National Guard coming here, but also the FBI, DEA, ICE, and the Marshal’s Service. Errrrbody comin to Memphis!

Congratulations to Fat Charlie’s Speakeasy on Harbor Town Square on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

The city wants your feedback on the Riverfront Master Plan. There will be a public input session this Thursday 5:30-7:00 PM at Beale Street Landing.

Friday is Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day at the Redbirds. The first 1500 fans get a green Redbirds jersey. A specialty ticket gets you a buffet of chicken wings and all the trimmings at the Homeplate Club. Kids’ Zone, autograph signing. First pitch vs. the St. Paul Saints is at 7:05.

Then on Saturday, the ‘birds host Grizzlies Day. They’ll wear Grizzlies-themed jerseys. Appearances by basketball personalities. Giveaways. First 5000 fans get a Grizzlies/Redbirds jersey. NOTE THAT THIS IS A DAY GAME – first pitch vs. St. Paul is set for 3:05.

A memorial mural for actor John Amos has been installed at 88 S. Front. Amos, known for his role as James Evans Sr. on the sitcom Good Times, frequently visited Memphis.

The iOS update that gets you Liquid Glass is now available. Compatible with iPhone 11 and later.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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Some additional tidbits that I’ve learned about Bardog Tavern’s 17th anniversary alley party this coming Sunday, September 21 from 11 AM to 7 PM:

• CONFIRMED – The meatball eating contest will be back. Win a prize if you can eat the most of Aldo’s grandma’s balls
• No dunk tank this year though
• 3-7 PM is the expected set time for DJ BLKMR
• Forecast: partly cloudy, 10% chance of rain, high 87, low 67

Escorts in Memphis are growing frustrated with their male clients, who have been showing up for “appointments” not having practiced appropriate hygiene beforehand. The ladies are now stating this requirement IN ALL CAPS when writing their ads.

Many shots were fired in The Pinch Saturday morning in broad daylight. MPD has released a video of the suspects.

WREG talks about what to expect when the Trumpster deploys the National Guard to Memphis. Most notable is that Guard troops could indeed have the power to arrest.

From CNN: What we know about Trump’s push to send in the Guard

Jerry “The King” Lawler suffered a minor stroke, his third, at his condo in Florida recently.

It’s someday.

Lake Street Dive will play the Orpheum Tuesday.

The Magic of Motown comes to the Cannon Center Saturday.

Gladys Knight, Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, and Stephanie Mills play 4 Queens 1 Stage at FedExForum Sunday.

Back tomorrow with more news.

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With a few minutes left in last night‘s game, the Tennessee Vols seemed like sure winners, but not surprisingly, they found a way to screw it up. Georgia 44, Tennessee 41 in overtime. I predict losses to Arkansas and Vandy will keep the T out of the CFP.

Former Memphis Tiger Dain Dainja has signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Miami Heat, giving him a chance to prove himself in training camp.

Dan Wagner‘s Johnny Cash and Friends tribute show comes to the Orpheum Friday, November 7.

The Redbirds wrap up the regular season this week with a Tuesday-Sunday homestand vs. St. Paul.

The past two Saturdays, I’ve enjoyed hearing Saturday Sunset upstairs at Earnestine & Hazel’s. They’re a husband-and-wife duo with an incredible repertoire of classic rock and reggae songs. Their energy and audience interaction reminds me of my friends Pam & Terry a bit. Catch them upstairs for Trolley Night on September 26.

But that’s not all…there’s a four-piece version of Saturday Sunset and they’ll perform downstairs Saturday, September 27.

From StyleBlueprint: She’s behind the Majestic and Cocozza: Meet Deni Reilly

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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Well,, folks, it’s going to happen. The Trumpster has said he’s sending the National Guard to Memphis.

As a homeless person, this scares me. I couldn’t be detained, could I?

I mean, I don’t set up camp on public property as many homeless do. On nights I elect not to stay at the Union Mission in order to save $6, I sit quietly on a bench on the Main Street Mall and wait for the sun to come up.

I’m a natural-born citizen.

I have no criminal history.

I don’t use any illegal drugs.

I don’t have a mental illness.

So one would think I’m not a candidate to be detained.

But Trump.

Let’s get on to the news…

It’s National Chocolate Milkshake Day. You can celebrate either at Margie’s 901 or A. Schwab.

Willie Moore’s cafeteria on N. Main has a catfish feast for $9.99 Thursdays and Fridays. It includes fries or 2 vegetables and a muffin or roll.

Last year I switched to the DuckDuckGo search engine after trying it and liking it better than Google. I switched to the Duck’s web browser after deciding I liked it better than Chrome or Firefox.

Yesterday I tried Duck.ai. I asked it my two standard questions:

• “List some reasons why the Beatles broke up”
• “Conway Twitty or Merle Haggard?”

I liked its answers better than ChatGPT’s. More about Duck.ai

Tribute band Bohemian Queen comes to the Cannon Center Nov. 14.

Historic Dyess Colony (Johnny Cash’s boyhood home) is hiring a museum exhibit program specialist.

Probably back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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Tickets are now available for the Memphis Flyer’s annual Best of Memphis party, where the winners of the 2025 BOM voting will be revealed. It’ll be at Loflin Yard the evening of Wednesday, September 24. The party is always catered by restaurants that are among the award winners, so you’re guaranteed to get some of the best food in town.

The Flyer has a preview of events that will happen this weekend at the Halloran Centre of Performing Arts, which will be celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Also from the Flyer: A Century of B.B. King. Musicians from all over the world will be in Memphis this weekend in celebration of what would have been King’s 100th birthday.

The Trumpster is considering deploying the National Guard to Memphis as a crime-fighting measure.

The Daily Memphian had praise for the Flying Saucer’s steak frites in a recent subscriber-only newsletter. The steak comes made-to-order and is topped with blue cheese butter. Just the thought of it makes my mouth water!

Slider Inn Downtown is hiring managers, bartenders, and servers.

Johnny Yancey and the Power to the People Jazz Orchestra featuring Gabrielle Cain will play this month’s Sunset Jazz concert in Court Square 5-7 PM Sunday, September 14. Bring nuts to feed the squirrels.

Memphis Made Brewing and West Tennessee K-9 will host a Doggie Social at The Ravine Friday 5-7.

The next Alley Dayz party is set for Stereo Alley next to Hotel Indigo on Wednesday, September 17. There you can catch

• a live performance by Opera Memphis
• local vendors: makers, artisans, interactive pop-ups
• the opportunity to explore neighborhood restaurants including Biscuits & Jams, Memphis Chess Club, and the Brass Door

The folks behind the I Love Memphis Blog would love to meet their readers this afternoon 4:30-6:30 at Birdie’s, the sim-golf bar at 493 S. Main. One attendee will win a Sprock ‘n Roll party pedal bike ride for themselves and their friends.

Afterward, you can walk down Main to Earnestine & Hazel’s and meet the writer behind another Memphis blog, Paul Ryburn’s Journal. He’ll be there from 5-til. The dream team of Allison and Dani will be slinging Soul Burgers, the ghosts will be playing the jukebox, and starting at 8 they’ll have karaoke.

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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The Flying Saucer is giving away a massive beer stein.

Want to win it? Enter their stein-hoisting competition Saturday, September 27.

River City Records celebrates its 4th birthday Saturday and Sunday with some awesome deals for customers. The sidewalk $2, $5, and $10 records will be buy two, get one free. Wish the store happy anniversary on social media and get 20% off used vinyl.

Green Beetle has enchilada fries. I don’t know what that is exactly, but color me intrigued.

Memphis Tigers running back Sutton Smith has been named the Paul Hornung National Player of the Week for his efforts last Saturday against Georgia State.

Today is National Hot Dog Day.

The Girl Scouts are adding a new cookie, inspired by Rocky Road.

Memphis Filling Station, the brewery on G.E. Patterson, celebrates its 1-year anniversary today through Sunday. Karaoke, trivia, music, new merchandise, special menus, and their first bottle release.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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The South Main Association has its monthly South Main Social 6-8 tonight at Stock&Belle, 387 S. Main. Association vice-president Mark Louderback will speak and will have an opportunity for you to get involved in SMA. Food, drinks, meet your neighbors. Free for SMA members, $20 for non-members.

I have more information on what will happen at Bardog’s 17th anniversary alley party Sunday, September 21:

• Raffles for fabulous prizes
• Beer trucks
• Swag and giveaways
• Live music by Andy Jones and Austin Varner
• Rowdy and the Strays
• DJ BLKMR

BLKMR is a man who wears many hats. Not only is he a professional DJ, but most Sunday mornings for brunch, he can be found behind Bardog’s bar with Hannah Banana. He can also write a hell of a Python script – or ask AI to write a script on which he puts the finishing touches.

Let’s have a look at this weekend’s college football games of interest to Memphians:

Saturday

• Wisconsin at 19 Alabama, 11:00 AM, ABC
• Memphis at Troy, 11:00 AM, ESPNU
• South Alabama at Auburn, 11:45 AM, SEC Network
• 6 Georgia at 15 Tennessee, 2:30 PM, ABC
• 14 Iowa State at Arkansas State, 3:00 PM, ESPN2
• 18 South Florida at 5 Miami, 3:30 PM, CW Network
• Alcorn State at Mississippi State, 5:00 PM, SEC Network
• Arkansas at 17 Ole Miss, 6:00 PM, ESPN
• Florida at 3 LSU, 6:30 PM, ABC
• 16 Texas A&M at 8 Notre Dame, 6:30 PM, NBC/Peacock

Speed cameras are coming to Memphis but none of them will be Downtown. It’s a good idea to talk to a lawyer if you receive a traffic ticket from an automated source.

There’s a Smart Rivers convention at the Renasant this week.

Andy Squyres will tell stories by way of song at Visible Music College Friday night.

The Magic of Memphis: Magician Michael Clayton performs at the Peabody Saturday night. Special guest magician Kim Edmonds.

There will be a Tchaikovsky violin concerto at the Cannon Center Saturday.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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It’s hard to believe the Halloran Centre, the Orpheum’s smaller, more intimate venue next door, is 10 years old. They will have a community day Sunday to celebrate. It will be family-friendly with live performances, tours, workshops, food, and crafts.

I’m happy to report that PBR is back in Memphis. Earnestine and Hazel’s had it in cans Saturday night and Bardog had it on draft Sunday.

FOX 13 has a look at the new Riverside Drive and how the improvements make Tom Lee Park more accessible.

There’s a huge festival in Midtown this Saturday from 9 to 7 – Cooper-Young Fest. It stretches more than half a mile with 400 vendor booths, drawing in excess of 100,000 over the course of the day. If you’ve never been, you must experience it at least once, even if it means paying a Lyft or Uber upcharge. Live music, festival food.

Note that CYFest and the Southern Heritage Classic football game are NOT the same day this year – the SHC is the 27th. It always creates a huge traffic mess when the events run simultaneously.

There will be a wellness festival Thursday at lunchtime in Health Sciences Park. Donate blood, visit a food truck, or take a Zumba or self-defense class.

Back tomorrow.

I gratefully accept tips: 
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