Category: Uncategorized

The Memphis Grizzlies have released their full 2024-25 schedule. The Beale Street Bears site has some must-watch dates. 

Reminder: Momma’s, “the diner and dive off 55,” has its birthday party tomorrow. The fun starts at noon at Crump and Kentucky.

Primus plays Grind City Brewing Tuesday night. Tickets are $70-$210.

The St. Jude Marathon needs volunteers to help things run smoothly. Volunteer days are November 16-December 4. The race is always the first Saturday of December. This is a fabulous way to participate for those who don’t run.

According to the Farmer’s Almanac, Memphis could have a cold and snowy winter coming up. 

It’s National Kool-Aid Day. Strawberry and cherry Kool-Aid are 2 of the 4 ingredients in a Call-a-Cab at Wet Willie’s. (The others are ice and 190 PGA.)

It’s also National Rum Day.

The Downtown Sheraton is hiring a senior event planning manager.

I had a reader ask, “You showed us a pic of the food at the Union Mission on the best of the best nights, when a church brings a very generous food donation. How about showing us what dinner looks like on an average night?”

Can do. There’s rarely a church donor on Fridays, so it’ll be whatever the Mission kitchen staff decides to cook. I’ll try to remember to take a photo before I start eating and include it in my next post.

In the meantime, I’ll make a prediction of what I’ll find on my tray tonight:

• chicken & dumplings
• black beans
• peaches &. pears medley
• bread
• a glazed donut

Not sure if I’ll have time to post tomorrow, but I’ll be back soon.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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

The Blind Bear was given a proper goodbye Sunday night. This week its former employees will be looking for jobs. 

I want to point out that ALL those people have huge followings. The bartenders. The servers. The kitchen manager. Even the barbacks. If you run a bar, and you’ve wondered, “What can I do to get more Downtown locals to frequent my establishment?”, here’s your chance. Hire a Bear alumnus. 

Can I tell you a quick story?

In February 2007, Sleep Out Louie’s, located on Union in what is now Mesquite Chop House, closed its doors. That had been the locals’ spot. There was no place Downtown even close to approximating it. We didn’t know where we were going to go. 

The people who ran the Holiday Inn at Union and Second heard about our dilemma, and they did something incredibly smart. They hired Frenchie, one of our favorite Sleep Out’s bartenders. 

It worked. On nights Frenchie worked, the lobby bar was so full of locals that the hotel guests could barely find a seat. 

With all the recent closings, conditions are right in 2024 for a similarly unlikely bar to make a good hire and land itself a load of neighborhood regulars.

Graceland Ninjaz headline tonight’s Peabody rooftop party. They combine rock, hip-hop, soul, and a touch of Elvis. If you’re in VIP tonight, you’ll have access to a buffet of peanut butter and banana sandwiches (Elvis’ favorite) and chicken wings. $25 general admission, $50 VIP. Enter for a chance to win a $100 gift card good at any Lansky shop in the hotel.

Renovations to the Civil Rights Museum, telling the movement’s story post-Dr. King, are expected to be completed in early 2026.

St. Jude seeks a program coordinator for volunteer services and special events.

Tito’s drinks are $5 at Birdie’s all weekend to celebrate the FedEx-St. Jude golf tournament. Vodka soda, vodka tonic, screwdriver, greyhound… yes, any of those are five bucks.

Community Legal Center seeks a director for their pro se parents’ clinic.

Beale Street Bears has a list of NBA Cup games featuring the Grizzlies. The NBA Cup, held in November and December, is the league’s in-season tournament.

The Baron Von Opperbean interactive exhibit being installed on Mud Island needs your junk.

The CA has info on the construction going on at Second and Vance. It’s going to be a Home2 Suites by Hilton.

Soul & Spirits will host a Halloween Market October 5 and 6.

The DM has a photo gallery of the 70th anniversary celebration of Elvis’ tune “That’s All Right” at Sun Studio.

Today is National Hazy IPA Day. Flying Saucer’s beertenders can recommend a good one.

The Memphis Flyer has a look at Fannie Lou’s Gourmet Chicken & Waffles on Tennessee Street.

Alley Dayz, combining live music, local vendors, and dining deals, returns August 28. This month the alley party will be 5:30-7:30 PM on Maggie H. Isabel Street between Madison and Monroe.

Look what Mosaic Memphis brought to the Union Mission last night for dinner!

 

Two hard-shelled beef tacos, salsa, shredded cheese, chips and nacho cheese, Mexican rice, refried beans, a cinnamon sugar cookie, and a cup of vanilla ice cream. FIVE STARS 

After dinner we had a really interesting sermon on who John The Baptist was. I’m told Mosaic will be back the 3rd Thursday of even-numbered months, so look for another yummy dinner pic in October. 

I’ll be back tomorrow with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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

The CA reports the latest on Aldi’s plan to open a grocery store at 785 Union, the former Office Depot site.

Today is National Prosecco Day.

It’s also National Filet Mignon Day. The Majestic Grille would be a great place to celebrate.

The Orpheum is hiring a bartender.

Memphis Tourism (the convention & visitors bureau) is hiring a part-time receptionist.

Not a very newsy day. I’ll try again tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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

From Action News 5: City leaders make an effort to reinvigorate Downtown Memphis following numerous restaurant and bar closures  this spring and summer. WMC sent a reporter to the Blind Bear’s goodbye party last night, which was at an offsite location, and my friend DeVonte shared his thoughts.

To my readers who hang out in bars… enjoy your favorite watering hole like it’s the last time you’ll ever be in there… because it just might be.

And for heaven’s sake SPEND YOUR GIFT CARDS IMMEDIATELY… don’t wind up with 37 now-worthless bar bucks in your wallet. I speak from experience.

The FedEx St. Jude Championship (golf) is at Southwind Thursday-Sunday with the pro-am this Wednesday. Don’t feel like leaving Downtown? Don’t feel like broiling in the Memphis summer heat, which will be back tomorrow? Watch the action over a cold one at Birdie’s.

Songwriter Night returns to South Main Sounds Friday night from 7 to 9. Kata Hay, Angelina David, plus a couple more TBA.

Mark Farina DJs Saturday night at Central Station.

The Greenlaw Community Center is open and it offers a lot of services to Memphis residents. The center will be a model for future resource centers in other districts.

Food writer Jennifer Chandler recommends the matzo ball stuffed chicken at new restaurant JEM Dining in The Edge District. (DM premium article)

The preseason AP Top 25 football poll is out and the Memphis Tigers, despite being picked to win the American Athletic Conference, didn’t make the list. Memphis got 16 votes, 124 less than 25th-place Iowa.

The CA has vintage 1965 photos of Elvis at his Memphis estate Graceland.

Elvis tribute artist Bill Cherry performs at the Halloran Centre Wednesday night. There will be a meet & greet with Ginger Alden, Elvis’ girlfriend in 1976-1977, at 3:45 that afternoon.

Next door, the Orpheum will play 1925 silent movie The Phantom of the Opera, accompanied by the theater’s Wurlitzer organ, Friday night. $10 suggested donation at the door.

The Lott Carey annual session will be at the Renasant Convention Center today through Thursday.

It’s Vinyl Record Day. River City Records on the Main Street Mall is an obvious place to celebrate – but don’t miss a hidden gem, the collection of Memphis records on the second floor of dry goods store A. Schwab on Beale.

The family of a man who appeared on some of those records, Isaac Hayes, is suing the Trumpster for copyright infringement for using “Hold On I’m Coming” at rallies over a period of 2 years.

The weather is nice, so I’m taking a night off from staying at the Union Mission. Back tomorrow with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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 went to Memphis Made’s new taproom in The Edge last night. It had been 7 months since I last walked through The Edge, and it was barely recognizable. That part of town is exploding with apartments, parking, and retail.

As for the taproom, you MUST see it. You enter through 16 S. Lauderdale and kinda go over under sideways down to get there. There’s a huge patio that backs up to The Ravine. The space is gorgeous and family-friendly. The Soi Number 9 truck was selling food. I had the Wonderbeer, a witbier which is a tribute to the old Wonder Bread factory.

Baptist Health Sciences University seeks an educational technologist.

Crosstown Concourse seeks a visitor services coordinator.

Short post today because my MacBook’s battery is out of juice.

Let’s start off today’s post with the weather forecast! High 88, low 66, breezy with the wind coming from the north/northeast, no chance of rain. PERFECT!

I’m staying out tonight! This plan is not set in stone, but I’m strongly considering a visit to the new Memphis Made taproom tonight 6:30ish, 7:00ish, thereabouts. If any of my readers would like to join me, come on with it! Lily Unless and the If Onlys play at 7.

Someone asked me for a list of Downtown restaurants and bars that closed this summer. Here’s what I’ve got: Longshot, The Nine Thai Sushi, Ben Yay’s (merged with Sugar Grits), 310 Beale (formerly Jerry Lee’s), and now Blind Bear. So at least 5 total. 

Since so many prime storefronts are available Downtown, allow me to get back on one of my old soapboxes: WE NEED AN INDIAN RESTAURANT DOWN HERE!

There will be a goodbye party for the Bear Sunday night at 507 Lux Lounge. Doors open at 6, DJ Tree at 9. 

ANOTHER ONE BITES THE DUST… the New Wing Order food truck is shutting down. See their Facebook page for details. They operated a restaurant inside the Ghost River taproom but shut it down a year or two ago. They cite rising costs and unexpected expenses as reasons for the food truck’s demise.

Sunset Jazz in Court Square returns this Sunday from 6 to 8 PM, this month featuring Soul Ingredient.

From Action News 5: The City Council probes why the public is barred from renovated restrooms at Mud Island River Park.

An MPD officer shot at a charging dog at a horse carriage stable in Uptown. No people or dogs were injured.

It’s National Veep Day. 50 years ago, Vice-President Gerald Ford ascended to the presidency as Richard Nixon resigned.

Colorful Golf Hall of Famer Chi Chi Rodriguez is dead at 88.

Kids can enjoy free inflatables and face painting on the left field bluff tonight at the Redbirds vs. Gwinnett Stripers. 7:05 PM first pitch. 

ABC says Vice-President Harris and the Trumpster have agreed to debate on September 10.

UT Health Sciences Communications and Marketing seeks a graphic designer.

The Patio Porkers competition returns to Beale Street on Saturday, August 24.

Blue Christmas, a festive summer cool-down with the King of Rock and Roll, is going on at the ARRIVE Hotel on South Main through August 17.

Disco Detective, a Soulful Murder Mystery comes to the Halloran Centre Sunday, September 15.

USA vs. France for the Olympic men’s basketball gold medal will happen Saturday at 2:30 PM.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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

FedExForum has been named the 35th best American sports venue out of all NBA, NFL, and MLB venues. In terms of NBA only, the Grindhouse came in 6th. 

The Redbirds will play as the Memphis Red Sox Saturday night to honor the city’s 20th-century Negro Leagues teams. There will be a ceremony prior to the first pitch, and the jerseys will be auctioned off.

Memphis River Parks Partnership plans to better connect its parks. 

From ABC 24: Blind Bear becomes latest Downtown business to close. This story was posted to Facebook and a commenter noted a couple of possible contributing factors:

• Downtown was a ghost town during May without the REAL Memphis in May Music Fest and BBQ Fest down here. That destroyed area restaurants’ most profitable month. 
• The cost of insuring a Downtown bar has skyrocketed in recent years, as much as quintupling.

Chris D’Elia’s Straight Out the Multiverse Tour comes to the Cannon Center Saturday. 

Wisconsin has flipped blue in RealClearPolitics’ No Toss-up States Electoral College projection. The Trumpster still leads with 287, but Kamala is closing in with 251. 270 are needed to win. If Kamala can flip Pennsylvania, she’s there. 

DJs A.D. and Jordan Rogers go head-to-head at tonight’s Peabody rooftop party. 6-10 PM. If you’re in VIP you get a buffet of pulled pork sliders, pulled chicken sliders, and waffle fries. Win a Mich Ultra standup golf bag. 

Check out the Memphis Flyer Burger Week burgers. Burger Week runs through the 13th. During that time, get the burgers for only $6.99. Downtown burgers include

• Sunrise Patty Melt at Sunrise Memphis
• The Classic Burger at Rock’n Dough Pizza
• World Famous Huey Burger at Huey’s
• BBQ Pulled Pork Burger at Tug’s
• Baja Burger at Loflin Yard
• The Tavern Smash at Belle Tavern

I’ve added Zelle to the list of ways you can support this blog (see footer below). I discovered it’s seamlessly integrated with my Ally Bank account; I just had to set it up. Cheers to my friend Otto for recommending Ally. Initially I was skeptical of a bank with no local branches, but Ally has been superb.

Back sometime between tomorrow and Monday with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but 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

But it’s a big item.

There is a sign on the Blind Bear’s door that they are closed permanently. They thank their patrons for the support over the years.

I am as shocked as you probably are. At this time I have no further details I can report.

Personal note: I’ve lost the ability to post to this blog from my phone. I get an error on the WordPress app. I can still post from my MacBook, but that means I have to have it with me and be in a location where the Wi-Fi works and there is a working power outlet within 5 feet. As a result, posts may be fewer and farther between for a while.

Back tomorrow. I hope.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

THE PICK IS IN: Minnesota governor Tim Walz is Kamala Harris’ running mate. In other election news, Kamala Harris has secured enough delegates in e-balloting to secure the Democratic nomination for president. 

The USA TODAY Coaches’ Poll is out. While the football Memphis Tigers did not crack the top 25, they got the most points of any Group of Five team. 

WREG asks, following recent closings, is Beale Street OK? Memphis Tourism’s Kevin Kane says yes, that the downturn is part of a nationwide cycle. 

Today is a good day to visit A. Schwab’s old-fashioned soda fountain on Beale. It’s National Root Beer Float Day. 

A chocolate muffin has gone viral at the Paris Olympics. 

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

Elmwood Cemetery hosts What Lies Beneath: Tales & Secrets of the Cottage Thursday 6-8 PM. $25 includes lemonade, sangria, and small bites.

Olympic men’s basketball: USA vs. Brazil, 2:30 today, NBC.

Elvis Week starts Friday.

The Chicago White Sox have lost 21 in a row.

Soul & Spirits’ 2nd annual book fair is Saturday.

Soulin’ on the River returns to Fourth Bluff Friday 7-10 PM featuring KJ Willis.

The Drafts and Laughs comedy show comes to Memphis Made’s new taproom in The Edge Saturday evening. 

The Downtown service industry has been discussing the death of Ced, one of the neighborhood’s street people, this week. As I understand it,, Ced was not homeless; his parents dropped him off in the mornings to wander the neighborhood he loved. 

Ced would come in area restaurants and bars and ask for a water or Coke to go. He was always so polite. It’s believed he watched service industry folks he cared about as they walked to their homes and cars, ready to help if they encountered any street people not as nice as he. 

RIP Ced. We will miss you. It’s believed heat exhaustion may have caused his death. 

Today is supposed to be the last day with temps in the mid-90s and 100+ heat index for a while. I sure hope so. Back tomorrow with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com

Bored on a Sunday morning, I decided to take a walk around Victorian Village. Question: Why does the Village have a fascination with large, hooved mammals? An apartment complex on Adams Avenue has a statue of a horse in its courtyard. And then down the street, there’s a luxury vacation rental complex called The Moose.

In other animal news, I wrote an article on Medium this weekend suggesting that the woolly mammoth is extinct because Noah forgot to load two of them onto the ark. The timeline just about matches up.

Asian carp have invaded our river. Will we see carp on the menu at Flying Fish soon? (Make it snappy!)

Memphis 901 FC drew El Paso last night, nil-nil.

Jerry Lee Lewis’ widow explained the issue she had with the operation of his club on Beale in recent years.

Today is National White Wine Day.

Beale Street Bears speculates that Jaren Jackson Jr. could earn a $300 million extension this year. Hello, luxury tax. Worth it, though.

AutoZone seeks a digital creative marketing manager.

Gonna read the WWE SummerSlam results then pay Bardog a visit. Back tomorrow with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn (8113 if it asks for digits)
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.com