Author: paulryburn

Thursday update: Outdoor festivals this weekend (including a new one)

The Grizzlies are back in town and host San Antonio for playoff Game 3 tonight at FedExForum. Game time is 8:30 PM. Growl towels are on the seats!

Got outdoor plans for Saturday? Might want to make a backup plan. MemphisWeather.net has a new blog on what to expect for the rest of this week. Saturday is said to be a wet day, with “a complete washout” for at least part of the day. The morning and early afternoon hours are expected to be the “most under the gun.”

Saturday would normally be the day for the bi-weekly crawfish boil at Max’s Sports Bar. However, due to the rain chance, it is being moved back a week to Saturday, April 29. In the past, rain has moved the crawfish boils only one day back to Sunday. However, if that was the case this week, Max’s boil would possibly draw people away from Rajun Cajun Crawfish Fest and draw money out of the hands of Porter-Leath that would be used to help kids. Cheers to Max for being a good Downtown neighbor!

Since we’re on the subject of festivals, for the benefit of new Memphians let’s have a look at the festivals coming up this weekend. Africa in April happens in Robert Church Park, on Beale just east of Fourth, Friday through Sunday. The featured country this year is the Republic of Togo. Friday is Children’s and Senior’s Day with an international diversity parade. Saturday is Family Health Wellness and Community Day, with an international health fair. Sunday is International Music Day.

The Southern Hot Wing Festival will happen Saturday on Riverside between Jefferson and Union, from 11 AM to 7 PM. This is a cooking competition with about 70 teams cooking to see who has the best wings. Teams will let you sample their wings in exchange for a small $1-2 donation to Ronald McDonald House, which houses families of kids being treated at St. Jude. There will be cornhole and hot wing eating contests. General admission is $20 ($15 online or at Ronald McDonald House). I’ll be honest, this is not one of my top festivals to go to because the cost to get in is so high (twice that of a one-day entry to BBQ Fest), but different strokes for different folks… just a couple of days ago my BBQ teammate Jeremy told me that Wing Fest is his favorite.

My BBQ team The Moody Ques is not competing in Wing Fest, by the way, in case anyone was wondering. We did consider it but decided in favor of Southaven Springfest the following weekend.

Memphis Brewfest happens the same day, Saturday, from 4 to 7:30 PM at AutoZone Park. Sample over 100 beers, many not available in Memphis otherwise. Proceeds benefit Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy. Tickets are $45 in advance, $48 at the door. The beers are poured in the breezeway under the bleachers, so you’ll be covered in the event of rain. You will be able to purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages if you desire.

Porter-Leath Rajun Cajun Crawfish Fest happens Sunday from 11 AM to 7 PM. It will be on Riverside and Wagner between Union and Beale. Buckets of crawfish will be for sale, and there will be food trucks there too. Live zydeco music, a gumbo cooking contest, crawfish races for the kids, crawfish bobbing for adults (you know, like bobbing for apples, but not apples, crawfish – and the crawfish are alive and they do fight back). This is a huge festival. The crawfish are usually good here but in the past they haven’t come with taters and corn as is the case with most festivals. Get there early to avoid long lines for crawfish. Also note that the lines for porta-potties get very long mid-afternoon, so keep that in mind when deciding your beverage intake. The rain is expected to be gone by Sunday, but it is going to be a cool day for this time of year, with highs in the mid 60s and wind. Plan your wardrobe accordingly.

Also, there is a new festival happening this Sunday out in The Edge. Pinkwigpalooza will be an outdoor music festival happening outside 405 Monroe Sunday from noon to 6 PM. James and the Ultrasounds, Cassette Tape, Mighty Souls Brass Band, and John Paul Keith will perform. There will be local craft beer by High Cotton and local food trucks. General admission is $15, with students $10 and kids under 10 $5. The event will support the Pink Wig Project, a non-profit whose goal is to help people live their life and not let cancer rule. The only thing that would make this event better would be the smell of Wonder Bread baking, but you can’t have everything I guess. It’s going to be a profitable day to be a Lyft driver on Sunday with these two festivals happening about a mile apart.

Memphis Police have been called to the blighted 100 N. Main skyscraper 58 times this year. That’s once every two days. Now a judge has ordered the owner to take steps to keep intruders out.

BBQ season is approaching and the Memphis Flyer has a good article on finding the perfect beer to pair with your ribs.

Job news: New Memphis is hiring an executive administrative assistant.

Wiseacre Brewing Co. will have a classic Earth Day-style field day outdoors on Saturday, with all the classic outdoor games. There will be bocce, badminton, four square, and of course, cornhole.

President Trump invited former Alaska governor Sarah Palin to dinner at the White House last night and told her to bring some friends. She brought Ted Nugent and Kid Rock. Man, that’s a whole lot of batshit crazy at one dinner table.

Happy 4/20. I don’t partake, but for those that do, light up and enjoy. That’s it for now. Back tomorrow.

Pocket park party this Friday

There’s going to be a celebration Friday, April 21 for the opening of Madison Avenue Park, the “pocket park” on Madison between Second and Third that for many years was the location of a blighted, closed Burger King. A full day of events are planned. Here’s the lineup:

  • 9:00 AM: Good morning, YOGA! Downtown Yoga will have a free-to-the-public class.
  • 10:00 AM: Performance by Visible Music College
  • 11:00 AM: The Tennessee Shakespeare Company will perform. Also, the Sache T-shirt truck will be on site.
  • 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM: Food trucks and MEMpops
  • 12 noon: CharveyMac
  • 1:00 PM: Memphis Symphony Orchestra Star Wars preview
  • 2:00 PM: Opera Memphis performance
  • 3:00 PM: Hattiloo Theater performance
  • 4:00 PM: Ribbon cutting ceremony
  • 4:30 PM: Performance by STAX Music Academy Alumni Band
  • 5:00-7:00 PM: The food trucks and MEMpops will be back for happy hour
  • 5:30 PM: Kaleidoscope
  • 8:00 PM: Indie Memphis local music video block

Here’s a High Ground News article about the pocket park.

One other note: If you can’t make it to the pocket park during the day Friday to hear Charvey, don’t forget that you can catch him at Cheers with Charvey tonight and every Wednesday night at the Silly Goose at 10 PM.

MATA has announced that effective May 8 (the day after Music Fest), trolley buses will no longer operate on the Main Street Mall. They need to repair the cobblestones and trolley tracks in anticipation of the return of the trolleys. Buses will operate southbound on Second and northbound on Front between Peabody Place and Exchange. They will stop at fixed rout bus stops.

Looks like I had the date wrong for that party in Barboro Alley I wrote about in the last post. “The Artery” alley party will happen Wednesday, April 26 from 6 to 9 PM. Free concert by Southern Avenue in the alley decorated with new murals and lights. There will be craft beer, ping pong, cornhole, and the Amurica photo booth (free). Artists’ work on display will include Christopher Reyes with Birdcap, Joseph Boyd, Lawrence Matthews and Chester Treasure, Emily Miller, and Eszter Szisk & Stephanie Cosby. This will be a free event.

Holly has news about a new business coming to Beale:

The recent NCAA South Regional men’s basketball tournament was an economic success for Downtown Memphis. Good news: We’re getting another South Regional in 2021.

Random thing I learned today that I wanted to pass on to my readers: Anytime you buy a book, Google the title to find out if the book has its own website. If it does, look around to see if you get any bonuses with proof of purchase (for example, emailing a copy of your Amazon receipt). This morning I found that I got a study guide, flash cards, a lost chapter, and access to a private book club with my purchase.

UberEATS has entered the Memphis market. Download the UberEATS app and you can order delivery from about 100 Memphis restaurants.

For those of you craving some Sweet Spicy Love, I saw on Twitter today that Uncle Lou’s is on UberEATS.

Memphis in May tweeted that rapper Coolio will perform at BBQ Fest on Friday, May 19. Daily tickets are $10, but if you really want to live in a gangster’s paradise I have another idea for you… join a BBQ team! The Moody Ques still have a few spots left to fill. Email me at paul@paulryburn.com if interested.

Memphis highways need these barriers!

Rolling barrels reduce damage and guide crashing cars back on to the road without spinning them wildly out of control. They also help prevent you from dropping your iPhone so you can finish the text you were in the process of typing as you drive.

That’s it for now. Silly Goose happy hour as usual for a Wednesday is my plan for after work.

Tuesday update

Barboro Alley, the alley that runs alongside Local and Aldo’s Pizza Pies, has been getting a makeover the past few months, with murals being painted on the walls and improved lighting installed. On Wednesday, April 26 from 6 to 9 PM there will be a party in the alley to showcase the art and to activate Main Street. There will be music, ping-pong tables, and games. (Edit: I had the date wrong. More details to come on this party.)

There will be another event worth checking out on the 27th, down south at Loflin Yard. It will be a celebration of new opportunities for Hospitality HUB, as they find new ways to reach out to Memphis’ most vulnerable citizens. The party happens from 5 to 7:30 PM and 10% of all sales in the coach house will go to Hospitality HUB and Work Local and their efforts to offer jobs and reduce blight. There will be a speech by Mayor Strickland at 6 PM.

Oh my. This is going to snarl traffic on Front Street:

The Sound of Music runs today through Sunday at the Orpheum.

This is downright scary: A study found that drivers use mobile devices on 88 percent of car trips. I wonder if use of phones caused the huge wreck that I passed at I-55 and Mallory this morning. There was basically part of a tree sticking out of one of the cars, that’s how bad it was.

Former Memphis Tiger and current L.A. Laker Tarik Black will be in town today to announce the creation of Transformation50 Basketball & Life Skills Camp. The camp, which will be free for 50 children, will target underprivileged city youth. This is part of Black’s plan to give back to Memphis.

Oh and he’s also in town for one more reason…

LYFE Kitchen will have a patio party every Thursday from 6 to 8 PM, with a farmers market and a live music series. This week the live music will feature Josh Cosby and Jeremy Stanfill. Buy any wine, beer, or cocktail, and the restaurant will buy your first taco. Find more details about the patio parties on LYFE Chisca’s website.

Check out my friends South Side Supper Club at Belle Tavern tonight if you’re looking for a reason to get out of the house on a Tuesday. They play 7-10 PM.

I got a really nice note from the Memphis Medical District Collaborative about my coverage of the Maker Mixer at Edge Alley last week. It was my pleasure and I look forward to covering more of MMDC’s events in the future. Hey, someone’s gotta do it!

Here’s some good news:

Posts may be a bit sparse this week. The display on my 7-year-old MacBook died and I’m still figuring out the laptop I inherited from my mom.

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow with more.

Saturday update: New way to get around Downtown

There’s a new way to get around Downtown. Fly Ryde Memphis will pick you up in one of their golf carts and transport you where you need to go. 901-474-5756 is the number to call. I have not used them yet but they are getting good reviews.

It’s time to Dig In at the Memphis Farmers Market today. It’s strawberry season and there are plenty of root vegetables and greens. The Easter Bunny will be on hand for selfies. Tag @mfmfarmersmkt on social media for your selfies with the bunny, and use the hashtag #bunnyselfie. Live music by Angela Cheslock 8:30-10:00 and Ryan Lee 11:00-12:30. The Market is under the pavilion at Front and G.E. Patterson every Saturday from 7 AM to 1 PM. It’s been windy for the first two Markets. Watch out for tumbleweave!

There will be a Day of Mindfulness Saturday, June 17 at Rhodes College presented by Magnolia Grove Monastery. With so many external stimuli in this modern world, it can be hard to find happiness. Mindfulness, returning to the present moment, can restore that happiness and inner peace. There will be mindfulness practices to improve the mind/body connection, including mindful breathing, eating, and walking. The practices are easy to learn and will have far-reaching effects on your health and well-being. I have a friend who went to this (or a similar event) last year and said she really got a lot out of it.

It’s the first fireworks night at the Redbirds. First pitch is at 6:35, with fireworks after the game. It’s Jackie Robinson Night with all Redbirds wearing number 42, and also a celebration of the 13 schoolchildren who integrated Memphis schools in 1961. The 1-900 Band will perform on the plaza prior to the game.

By the way, the Redbirds have their first weekday day game Monday, with first pitch at 11:05 AM.

The Rocky Patel Cigar Festival happens today outside Havana Mix, 250 Peabody Place, from 2 to 9 PM. The event will raise funds for charity The First Tee.

Special Ghost River beer for Easter weekend:

I imagine this will be a little better than the beer that resulted when B-RAD floated a marshmallow Peep in my beer two Easters ago, creating the first PeepBR.

Service industry friends: Two positions are open at one of the best places to work Downtown, Bardog Tavern. They are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, and professional server to work Thursday lunch, Friday lunch, and Sunday dinner. There will also be a possibility to pick up other shifts. You need to be at least 21 and have a current ABC card. Apply 2-4 PM Monday-Thursday, and you’re encouraged to bring a copy of a current resume.

Bardog is also looking for an experienced delivery driver. There would be no long hauls, because Bardog only delivers to the 38103 zip code. You need to have a valid drivers license and be current on your car insurance. As with the server job, apply 2-4 PM Monday-Thursday. Hours are flexible.

Good website to bookmark: Is Trump at Mar-a-Lago?

Time to get this morning started! First two stops are going to be the Memphis Farmers Market and then over to Clarence’s bar at Earnestine & Hazel’s. That’s how it’s going to be every Saturday through October 28, even during BBQ Fest. Bardog, I haven’t forgotten about you, just will be showing up a little later in the day for a while. We’re getting our May weather in April, clearing the way for the 59 degrees and torrential rain that will surely come around for Music Fest and BBQ Fest. That’ll do it for now. Let’s go play outside!

 

Edge Alley: Micro-retail, coffee and a cafe coming to The Edge

Last night, I went out to 600 Monroe in The Edge District and toured what is going to be a really neat project coming this summer. Edge Alley will have a cafe, a coffee roaster and coffee bar, and will house four micro-retail spaces to be occupied by makers and entrepreneurs.

They are currently holding a competition for businesses to occupy the four retail spots. Chosen businesses will receive up to $5000 assistance with rent and build-out, technical and strategic assistance from professionals who know how to grow a business, and marketing and promotions support from the Memphis Medical District Collaborative. Rents will range from $550-$750 for the retail spaces of up to 225 square feet. Rent includes utilities, common area maintenance fees, wireless Internet, limited janitorial, property taxes, security system, and alarm fees.

Apply here (and you can also see the layout of Edge Alley on this page) for one of the retail spaces. I love the simplicity of the application process – all you have to do is provide basic contact info and describe your business in 250 words or less. Prospective retailers, you have until April 21 to fill out the form.

Okay, let’s have a look at the place. Remember this is very much a WORK IN PROGRESS that is still being built out.

The center part of Edge Alley, where there will be community tables for cafe diners. Off to the left are retail spaces #3 and 4.

Another view of the center space. That rail in the back will eventually be a coffee bar. By the way, this space is directly connected to High Cotton Brewing Co. next door and they were serving High Cotton cans at the reception. Wish I had thought to ask if Edge Alley patrons will be able to get a beer next door and bring it over.

View of the center of Edge Alley from the coffee bar looking toward the front door. The diagram of the interior seems to indicate there will be window seating for cafe diners and coffee drinkers.

Retail space #1, to the right of the front door as you walk in. (click photo to view in a larger size and see rental details)

Retail space #2, to the left of the front door. This was my favorite because of the angular front of the space.

Retail space #3, to the left of the center space.

Retail space #4, to the left of the center aisle and father to the back. I forgot to take a photo of its rent details but it looked identical in size to space #3.

This is a clever idea. Not only will this help four retailers get a start, but it will become a hub for the community, a place where people can share coffee and conversation and get to know their neighbors better. I bet ideas will be formulated here that will lead to the next steps in the development of The Edge as a thriving neighborhood.

Bonus photos

I have driven through The Edge now and then, but this is the first time since June 2014 that I have walked to The Edge and seen the streetscape. What an improvement! Here are some photos I took.

Madison at Marshall

Monroe and Marshall, with art installation by artist Cat Pena. The design is a nod to the days when The Edge served as Memphis’ auto dealership district.

That’s a bike repair station and bike rack at Monroe and Marshall.

Planters make the space more inviting, and seating encourages those in the area to get to know their neighbors as well as tourists in The Edge visiting Sun Studio.

I can’t wait for the opening of Edge Alley, so I can go up there and do some shopping. I’m not a coffee drinker but I’ll have a snack from the cafe. Edge Alley and the streetscape improvements are vital steps in the rise of this neighborhood.

Have an event in The Edge or the Medical Center District that you would like me to cover in this blog? Shoot me an email at paul@paulryburn.com and I will do my best to get out there.

Redneck comedy and more Friday news

Readers, I have a recommendation for you. If you’ve ever thought about robbing houses in Millington, tonight around 8, 8:30ish would be a perfect time to do it. The reason why is that Larry the Cable Guy and Jeff Foxworthy will be at FedExForum tonight with a show starting at 7:30. Let’s face it, the entire damn town of Millington will head south into the big city for this event. Sponsored by RFD-TV, each comedian will perform a solo set, then they will come together for a joint set. If you’re not familiar with these comedians, Larry the Cable Guy is the guy in the Prilosec commercials. Jeff Foxworthy is the guy in the Golden Corral commercials.

(DISCLAIMER: I am joking and not actually encouraging my readers to rob houses in Millington or anywhere else. That is against the law.)

Git-r-Done!

Former Memphis Tiger K.J. Lawson posted a Snapchat video yesterday saying “F**k Tubby.” Way to shoot yourself in the foot, K.J. That video will be remembered for years. If I’m one of his future coaches at Kansas, I’m thinking, “Is his bad attitude going to be worth the contribution he will bring?” If I’m a pro ball scout, I’m thinking, “Is he going to be poison to the locker room?” If I’m a future employer, I’m wondering if one day K.J. will bash me or my company on social media the way he did Tubby Smith. Classless move that hurts Lawson in the long run far more than it will ever hurt Coach Smith.

The Grizzlies will have an official Watch Party for playoff Game 1 vs. San Antonio at the Tin Roof on Beale. Game time is 7 PM tomorrow, Saturday, April 15.

Crosswalks on Vance Avenue are looking good!

Corrected maps show that the American Commercial Barge Line does NOT need special permission to build tall silos near Chickasaw Heritage Park, blocking river views from the French Fort neighborhood and the grounds of the Metal Museum. The silos, if built, will be used to store dry cement.

There were protests of a proposal for a new dog park on Mud Island at a City Council committee meeting Tuesday. The proposed park would be at the corner of A.W. Willis Avenue and Island Drive. The issue the protesters have is with the city spending $475,000 on a dog park while spending nothing on Memphis’ homeless population.

Hmmm… as long as we’re talking about dogs doing their business outside in a public park… I think it’s a good time to post the POO TRAP video again… don’t you?

Here are 20 photos of the new Pabst brewery in Milwaukee. Their taproom will be selling more beers than just their flagship PBR (which won a gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival last year) and they will have a gastropub-style menu.

Christian Brothers High School Band, the oldest high school band in America, presents Symphonic Dances, its spring concert, on Sunday, May 7 at 4 PM at the Halloran Centre for Performing Arts.

Catch an exclusive performance by members of the regional cast of Million Dollar Quartet at the Hard Rock tonight from 6:30 to 7 PM.

Festivities at AutoZone Park kick off tonight with a concert by Deep Soul in the plaza. First 1500 fans in the gate get a Redbirds new-logo performance T-shirt. The ‘birds host Colorado Springs with 7:05 first pitch time.

Ghost River will host Good (Fish) Friday today in its taproom noon to 4. The Fish From Heaven food truck will be on site.

At least one more post today, so check back.

Thur update #2: Grizzlies playoff schedule and more

The Grizzlies’ first-round playoff schedule has been announced. Series is against the San Antonio Spurs.

  • Game 1: Saturday, April 15 at San Antonio 7 PM (all times Central) TV: ESPN
  • Game 2: Monday, April 17 at San Antonio 8:30 PM TV: TNT
  • Game 3: Thursday, April 20 vs. San Antonio at FedExForum 8:30 PM TV:TNT
  • Game 4: Saturday, April 22 vs. San Antonio at FedExForum 7 PM TV: ESPN
  • Game 5 (if needed): Tuesday, April 25 at San Antonio TV and time TBD
  • Game 6 (if needed): Thursday, April 27 vs. San Antonio at FedExForum TV and time TBD
  • Game 7 (if needed): Saturday, April 29 at San Antonio TV and time TBD

If you want the all-you-can-eat crawfish special ticket at the Memphis Redbirds game this evening, I recommend you get to AutoZone Park before the gates open at 6:00 and get a place in line. Their advance ticket sales for crawfish sold out, and they will have a very limited number for sale at the box office pre-game. In other news, it’s Thirsty Thursday, with select beers for $2 throughout the ballpark. College students can purchase a $5 left field bluff ticket with valid ID. First pitch is at 7:05.

Last night’s Redbirds home opener was halted after a fan sitting behind home plate had a medical emergency. Both teams were asked to leave the field and the man was rushed to the hospital.

Mental Floss made a list of the best grilled cheese in every state. For Tennessee, it named the Majestic Grille’s the best. I can’t argue with that call! The Majestic’s version of grilled cheese comes with aged white cheddar on sourdough, topped with BACON, tomato, and Creole mustard. As the article says, you definitely want the Parmesan fries on the side.

Yikes… a neighborhood southeast of Downtown has been named number 1 on a list of most violent neighborhoods. A report from Neighborhood Scout says that if you live in the area around Fourth and Crump, you have a 1 in 9 chance of becoming a victim of violent crime.

Recycling returns to Downtown Memphis this Monday, April 17, with a recycling station at 78 W. Carolina next to Midsouth Casters and Equipment.

Memphis Tigers men’s basketball coach Tubby Smith said yesterday that Memphis basketball is in great shape in a radio interview. Which makes me ask the same question a writer from The Big Lead asked: What is Tubby Smith doing in Memphis in the first place?

Local BBQ team PorkOsaurus got a shout-out on the TODAY show this morning for their suggestion on how to cook ham. It’s about at 1:35 in the video.

A proposal to build a 600-room hotel on a site near the convention center is being challenged by Friends For Our Riverfront. They demand the land remain accessible to the public, as was the intention of our city’s founders 200 years ago. The site is currently used by a parking garage for Mud Island River Park. Dammit city leaders, don’t you dare touch our beautiful parking garage!

(That last sentence was pure sarcasm, in case you weren’t sure)

That’s it for now. Beautiful day outside. Can’t wait for the workday to be over so I can get out there!

Thursday update: Peabody rooftop party and more

Ingram Hill headlines the first Peabody rooftop party of the 2017 season tonight. The party is hosted by Q107.5 with DJ Mark Anderson spinning the tunes between sets. Admission is $15 at the door, with hotel guests and ladies free before 7 (doors open at 6). You can also buy a VIP season pass at the door for $150 that gets you in all the season’s parties, plus you get your own VIP area on the roof and some other perks. Guests get a buffet of chicken drummies with honey BBQ sauce, and celery and carrot sticks with fiesta ranch dip. If you’re in VIP, there will be a whole bacon-wrapped slow-roasted alligator stuffed with a cornbread, andouille, and crawfish dressing. Drink specials for tonight are guava margaritas and apple “sauce” moonshine.

South Main Sounds Songwriter Night #52 will happen tomorrow night at 550 S. Main from 7 to 9 PM. Veterans Angela Sue Cheslock, BJ Banks and Soriana Wood will be there, as will newcomers Ryan Rooster Lee from Nashville and local Michael Anthony Williams. It will be a fun night of varying sounds.

March for Science Memphis, the official satellite march of March for Science on D.C. will happen Saturday, April 22, organizing at noon at Gaston Park, 1050 S. Third, and marching to LeMoyne-Owen College. Once at LeMoyne-Owen, there will be a rally featuring speeches from local scientists, interactive demos, and booths showing children the importance of science in our communities. The purpose of both the local and the national march is to unite against policy changes and a cultural climate that threatens the scientific community, public health, education, and the environment. Free childcare will be available at the rally, and there will be an ASL interpreter for speeches and a virtual march with audio description for the visually impaired.

Need a job? Want to work for a great nonprofit? Porter-Leath will hold a job fair today from 1 to 4 PM at 628 Alice Avenue. They seek certified pre-K teachers, teachers, a cook, a part-time therapist, a floater assistant, family service workers, and more.

May be back at lunchtime with more news.

Wed update #2: Four upcoming events in The Edge, Art Therapy at Makeda’s Cookies and more

Leading off this lunchtime post with not one, not two, not three, but FOUR upcoming events in The Edge.

Friday, April 21 from 2 to 4 PM, the Medical Center District Collaborative, with the help of partners Clean Memphis and Memphis City Beautiful, will hold a clean-up of a prominent location, and a soon-to-be prominent location, in The Edge. Volunteers will clean up The Edge Triangle, which has become a gathering spot for people and their four-legged friends. They will also clean up Floyd Alley, the site of the new Arnold’s BBQ location as well as the site of The Edge Gets Lit alley party on Saturday, April 29. Volunteers will meet at the MMDC office, 656 Madison, for assignments and refreshments. Register to volunteer and help show your pride in The Edge!

On Saturday, April 29, there will be an UrbanArt Mural Workshop at the MMDC office at 656 Madison from 10 AM to noon. Cat Normoyle, Assistant Professor of Graphic Design at Memphis College of Art, will lead the free workshop which is open to all artists, even those without previous mural experience. Cat will give an interactive demo and will discuss topics such as scaling, budgeting, and materials. What’s up with artists named Cat in The Edge? (The artist who designed the overhead installation at Monroe and Marshall is also named Cat)

High Cotton will be celebrating Easter Sunday with an Easter egg hunt for adults on Sunday, April 16 at 1 PM. The taproom manager (who is welcome to come say hello the next time she sees me at Clarence’s bar) will be hiding 71 plastic eggs around the brewery. Find an egg, win a prize. Prizes include free beer, candy, swag from T-shirts to pint glasses to growlers, a growler membership card, and a custom set of High Cotton coasters. Limit 1 prize per customer.

I’ve mentioned this next one before, but it’s an important event so I want to post a reminder. Tomorrow is Maker Mixer at Edge Alley, 600 Monroe next door to High Cotton, from 5:30 to 7:30. Edge Alley is a micro-retail project that will be selecting several makers and retailers to sell their goods in this space. If you have dreamed of having a store but your business just isn’t big enough to justify the cost, Edge Alley could be the stepping stone you are looking for. Get a behind-the-scenes look and hear about the business competition for space in the building and the incentives that will be offered. Learn more here. Apply for a retail space here and you can see a photo of the Edge Alley layout there too. Deadline to apply is April 21.

If you’re an online poker player, you remember Black Friday, April 15, 2011, when the U.S. government cracked down on play-for-money poker sites. I was fortunate enough to have accounts on PokerStars and Full Tilt. PokerStars was solvent and could pay out people’s bankrolls on the site, and after buying Full Tilt, PokerStars paid back their users as well. Five years later, if you played on Absolute Poker or Ultimate Bet, there may be money for you, finally.

Art Therapy returns to Makeda’s Cookies, 488 S. Second, on Wednesday, April 19 from 6 to 9 in the evening. $8 admission, with complimentary wine provided. Art supplies will be provided too, although you’re welcome to bring your own. There will be spoken word by Cashmere and vocals by Ayanna Ausset. The group conversation topic will focus on how we keep ourselves and our communities strong, given all the problems our country faces socially and politically. There will be coloring and painting and munching on sweet treats. It will be a break from the daily grind, a chance to connect with each other through conversation and the arts.

The Terrace at River Inn is doing champagne Thursdays, with five different types of bubbly and four small plates on special for $6.

Bad news for iPhone 5 and iPhone 5C owners – your phone is about to become obsolete.

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow.