Author: paulryburn

First of all, THANK YOU to two awesome friends who let me crash on their couch last night. I got a full eight hours sleep, and I got it without having to pay six dollars or being forced to sit through an unwanted chapel service.

Let’s rock.

The Grizzlies are hiring a UI/UX developer.

Do you like pie? Then you need to check out Bob’s Bakery in the back corner of Tonica at Front and MLK. It’ll feature a grab & go when it opens later this month. They’ll have quiches too.

Another mention for Memphis’ most haunted dive bar: The Rolling Stones in America by location

Soul food fusion restaurant Sage is hiring a bartender and a server.

PJ Morton will be at River City Records Saturday, June 13 for a meet & greet and merchandise pop-up. Use the link to RSVP and guarantee your spot.

Memphis Pride Fest & the Beale Street parade are this Saturday. Worth a Lyft/Uber to Crosstown Friday night is the big gay dance party.

It’s National Olive Day. Get one (or three) in a martini or Bloody Mary.

Enjoy sunsets at Beale Street Landing every Thursday this month. Flyway beer, Old Dominick cocktails, Hi Neighbor Cafe food. Keri Lee will perform this Thursday.

A double feature of Last Star Fighter and Space Balls will be shown on the big screen at Loflin Yard Thursday night. 6-10 PM with happy hour specials until 7.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
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Wall of Voodoo was an underground New Wave band of the late 1970s and 1980s. They had a following, for sure, but their music didn’t have wide reach.

With one exception.

“Mexican Radio” (1982) was a song about the border blaster radio stations of Northern Mexico whose strong signals could be picked up in L.A. The song charted in the U.S. and overseas, and its video was in MTV’s regular rotation.

The band was a one-hit wonder. I asked AI agent Google Gemini, how much will the band make in royalties off its one hit in 2026?

The findings:

• The band had five members
• Two of those members wrote the song
• The nonwriting performers are likely to earn $150 to $400 this year
• The songwriters are on track to earn $3500 to $6500

Writing songs is more richly rewarded than playing an instrument. It is why Pete Townshend became a millionaire several years before the rest of The Who.

INSIDER TIP: When asking AI to make a complicated guess such as this one, ask it to explain its reasoning in detail each step of the way.

In Memphis magazine, Bruce V has a look at Heath’s Bar in Iris. The restaurant may be in Midtown, but Bobby Heath is a member of the Downtown family. Go see him for a well-mixed cocktail.

Sports fans, you’re starting your week with incomplete information if you don’t watch the “What’s happening at Max’s Sports Bar” reel on Facebook every Monday. It’s social media done right. The reels are captioned, so if you need to watch them with the sound off you won’t miss anything.

Disney’s Beauty and the Beast comes to the Orpheum Tuesday-Sunday.

Memphis Chess Club is getting set for its summer chess camp. Learn the basics of the game, chess strategy, and play against other newbies in the community.

July 6-10th (daily options available)

Camp T-Shirt included

10% off MCC Membership upon completion

⚾ Memphis Redbirds Rooftop Evening Viewings

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

NBA teams voted 29-1 this week to adopt a draft lottery reform proposal… and the Memphis Grizzlies were the “1.” CBS Sports explains the new rules and lists winners and losers. The Grizzlies are listed as “losers” because the new rules devalue the Jaren Jackson Jr. trade with Utah.

The U.S. Department of the Treasury is taking first steps toward printing a 250-dollar bill… with the Trumpster’s face on it.

Very cool: Take a 3D tour of the 16th-century Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan

Downtown Memphis Brew Hop returns June 15-21. Tastings, trivia nights, brewery tours, giveaways & more at 8 participating breweries and bars. Use Explore Bike Share to “hop” among locations.

A water main break closed Adams between Riverside and Front and several blocks of Front this morning.

Mister Rogers stamps are making a comeback.

The Pet Hospitals-Downtown at 660 Jefferson is hiring a veterinary assistant.

It’s National Biscuit Day.

Out in The Edge, Peach Cobbler Factory will have its ribbon cutting next Friday, June 5 at 4 PM. The first 20 attendees will receive a “Sweet Success” kit.

Folks, I’m uncomfortably short on money going into this weekend. If anyone can leave something in one of the online tip jars below, it’d help me a lot. Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

A new restaurant called Happy Memphis has opened at 385 S. Second. According to Facebook, soft opening hours are 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM and its offerings include wings, Phillys, burgers, pasta, tacos, Alfredo, kids’ meals, and more. Welcome to the neighborhood!

Max’s Sports Bar will have live music by Conan Callahan 6-9 Friday in the courtyard for South Main Trolley Night. $6 drafts during that time.

Sunset Skate returns to Tom Lee Park tonight 6 to 9. Free glow sticks while supplies last.

Check out this road rage beatdown at Knight-Arnold and Mendenhall.

Last night’s Downtown Memphis Association meeting on the Hu. Hotel rooftop was postponed due to storms. The new meeting date will be Monday, June 1. DNA will send its members a new registration email.

Back tomorrow with a Frupdate.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Memphis Medical District Collaborative wants to get public feedback about parking along Madison Avenue at a meeting at 656 Madison next Wednesday, June 3, from 4 to 6 PM.

AutoZone Park seeks a premium suite attendant.

Cordelia’s Market hot lunch specials 11-2 this week:

• Tue: Enchiladas, rice & beans
• Wed: Chicken tostada salad
• Thu: Corned beef Reuben or hot pastrami sandwich & chips
• Fri: Chicken & shrimp pesto linguine

Catch a free screening of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off tonight at Slider Inn Downtown. 7 PM.

Comedians Jeremy Hellwig and Milly McDermott headline a show at Flyway Brewing Saturday night. I wonder if Jeremy is related to the late Ultimate Warrior?

Marcella Simien plays Hotel Pontotoc 7-10 Saturday.

Memphis Record Pressing seeks a graphic designer who can be a brand manager and think in terms of creative strategy.

Jasper Float Spa seeks a licensed massage therapist (LMT).

Humble Drip coffee shop at 7 N. Main will be closed today, Friday, and Monday, June 1. They’ll resume their normal schedule on Tuesday.

Team USA’s World Cup Group D schedule:

• Friday, June 12, 8:00 PM CDT: USA vs. Paraguay in Los Angeles
• Friday, June 19, 2:00 PM CDT: USA vs. Australia in Seattle
• Thursday, June 25, 9:00 PM CDT: Turkiye vs. USA in Los Angeles

The former Commercial Appeal building at 495 Union is set to be torn down, making room for the new Regional One hospital.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

I have a few warnings to share today, and the first is directed at business owners and managers: You need to monitor what Meta AI is saying about you on Facebook.

Yesterday morning, I needed to get some information about a local business. So I did a search for it on Facebook. The results contained a link to the business’s Facebook page and a description of the business automatically generated by Meta AI.

That description said the business would be closed until noon in observance of Memorial Day.

I was sitting in the business. It was 8:00 AM and the business was wide open. Had been for 30 minutes. Meta AI was speaking with confidence and it was dead wrong. This is known as hallucination in the AI world.

Business owners/managers, I suggest you check what Meta AI is saying about you frequently.

Okay. The next two warnings are for Downtowners in general.

Watch out for a tall, skinny guy on a bike with a green frame who rides around the Main Street Mall, particularly around Court Square, between sunset and 12:30 AM. He is there to steal your stuff and he is VERY bold.  If you turn your back on your bag for 1 minute, it’ll be gone.

Also watch out for people who try to sell you shoes on the street on Sunday mornings. They get these shoes from a church clothes closet that operates 6:15-7:45 AM. They are not supposed to be turning around and selling the shoes for profit.  If you buy them, you’re potentially taking shoes off the feet of a homeless person who needs them.

Rock the Boat brings the ’70s and ’80s yacht rock to the weekly Peabody rooftop party this Thursday from 6:00 to 10:00 PM. $15 to get in, $40 VIP. VIPs get a buffet of chicken and beef sliders, grilled vegetables, and tater tots.

From WREG: What to expect at the South Main Songwriter Festival June 13-14

Ritual Coffee at 505 S. Main will have its grand opening Wednesday 4:00-6:00 PM. Complimentary light bites. Free drinK ticket for the first 50. Ribbon cutting at 4:15.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Flyway Brewing is taking signups for vendors for its Summer Market. It’ll be 2-6 PM on Saturday, June 20. That’s the day before Father’s Day!

Cherry-flavored Delirium Red is back on tap at the Flying Saucer.

Elmwood Cemetery will host a Stars, Stripes & Stories tour Tuesday, June 16.

Auditions are coming up for the 2026-27 Grizz Girls, Grizzlies Grannies and Grandpas, and other performance and spirit teams.

Birdie’s sim-golf bar will be closed today for Memorial Day.

Memphis Italian Festival is this weekend in Marquette Park.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

BARDOG LOST AND FOUND – a plastic bag was left there, containing

• Two (2) photos of the same cat
• Dill pickle cheese curds
• Sour cream & onion cheese curds
• A small wrapped gift box

You can pick up your crap, er, I mean your belongings, from the bartender on duty. P.S. nice cat.

Follow thatdocumentarygirl on TikTok and IG for recs of good documentaries to watch.

Sorry for the lack of news this weekend. It’s the holiday I guess.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

This morning I woke up in Dorm 3 of the Union Mission. A few of the other men were milling about, but the supervisors had not yet come by to get us all up. In Dorm 3 that normally happens around 6:00.

I pulled back the blanket and pulled my phone just far enough out of my pocket to see the time. It was 5:36.

Suddenly I got an overwhelming feeling to GO DOWNTOWN NOW, even though my first planned stop, Bardog, wouldn’t open until 7:30. I put my shoes on, rushed downstairs, checked my backpack out of overnight storage, and hit the streets. It was obviously about to rain.

At Second and Jefferson, an SUV pulled up and a lady offered a to-go box. As I took it, it started to rain hard – but I quickly made it to Court Square, where there are awnings and scaffolding to stand under.

I opened the to-go box. It contained a huge piece of cornmeal-breaded catfish and a slice of bread. I stayed totally dry while I ate, only getting wet when I ventured out to the trash can to throw my box away. (I don’t litter.)

The rain slowed by 7:05 and I moved to a different awning around the corner on Main. By 7:25 it had cleared up and I walked the remaining block to the ‘dog.

If I hadn’t heeded that nudge – which I firmly believe was from my spirit guides, or angels if you prefer that term – I would have gotten soaked for the entire three-quarter mile walk. Also, I’d have missed out on a delicious and filling breakfast.

If you want to develop a relationship with YOUR spirit guides, join Medium.com for 5 bucks a month and read the posts of Anne Bellamy.

On to the news…

Take a tour of Old Dominick to celebrate National Craft Distillery Day.

Memphis Hope Fest is today in Tom Lee Park from 2 to 8 PM. Celebrate Memphis’ 207th birthday and get connected with local organizations.

There will be a lemon drop festival in Tom Lee Park this Sunday. $45 gets you 10 flavored lemon drops and a souvenir glass.

Trivia: Memorial Day used to be called Decoration Day.

The May Downtown Neighborhood Association meeting will be at the Hu. Hotel Wednesday at 5:30. City Councilman JB Smiley will speak. Free beer, wine, and food for members.

The Oscar Meyer Wienie 500 is today at 1 PM. TV: FOX

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Last night I took a walk around South Main. The managers of Earnestine & Hazel’s were outside as I passed by. “You should come in,” they told me. “C.J. and Kyla of Saturday Sunset are playing 7 to 10.”

Come in I did. If Soul Burgers are comfort food, C.J. and Kyla play comfort music. The new Wednesday night gig will be a weekly thing, apparently, so mark that on your calendar.

Between songs the musicians broke the news that a gospel brunch is in the works.

Action News 5 posted the following last night:

Want to open a brewery? Now’s your chance. An online auction is underway to sell off equipment from Memphis Made Brewing Company.

In other beer news, the Saucer has a new key lime pie hard seltzer on draft that is delicious.

RIP Memphis wrestling legend and Jackson radio DJ Phil Hickerson. Phil was 79.

Downtown Memphis Commission is hiring an outreach coordinator for its ambassador program.

ARTSmemphis seeks a director of external affairs & communications.

Master Gardeners will be at the Memphis Farmers Market Saturday to answer whatever questions you may have.

The Grizzlies’ Cedric Coward has been named to the NBA’s all-rookie first team.

Downtown restaurant Curry N Jerk is opening a new location in the FedEx World Hub.

Starbucks is looking to add a shift supervisor.

MAJOR comes to the Orpheum Friday night.

Memphis Flyer cover story: The Downtown Project: Tourism

A huge THANK YOU to the reader who stuck a little money in my Venmo yesterday. That’ll allow me to stay at the Union Mission on a night I actually want to be there – Crossroads Baptist Church is coming out with Commissary BBQ sandwiches, slaw, baked beans, and cookies.

Back tomorrow with more news.

I gratefully accept tips: 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Zelle: paul@paulryburn.com
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com