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I stopped by Flying Saucer yesterday and had a Hi-Wire Vietnamese coffee beer.

At 8% ABV, it’s a beer that packs a punch.

While at the Saucer, I got the schedule for Belgian Beer Week next week.

There’s a beer on the Saucer’s Just Landed board called Tripping Animals Hop & The Penguins. Sounds like the name of a British Invasion band from 1966. A band that would’ve fit in with the Beatles’ “Strawberry Fields”/“Penny Lane” era and Pink Floyd during the Syd years.

KIX 106 Country on Beale returns tonight with Elvie Shane and Kylie Morgan. Free all-ages show in Handy Park. 7:30.

Sunset Jazz returns to Court Square Sunday with Stephen M. Lee from 6 to 8 PM. There will be food trucks and door prizes. You can bring blankets and lawn chairs.

The Hi Neighbor Cafe, under the wooden pavilion in Tom Lee Park near the Huling Avenue entrance, has new hours: 12 noon to 8 PM.

Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers will host Arkansas State on December 8 at FedExForum.

The City of Memphis seeks a Creative & Cultural Economy Director.

Today is National Mojito Day.

If you happen to live in a city that has 7-Eleven locations, it’s also Free Slurpee Day. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up.

North Main brewery Soul & Spirits will have its 2nd annual book fair Saturday, August 10.

Action News 5 has a look at yesterday’s Alley Dayz event and how it’s part of the Downtown safety plan.

Craig Brewer’s first movie, The Poor & Hungry, is now available for free on YouTube.

That’s it for today. Reminder: There may not be a post tomorrow because I have lunch plans.

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Alley Dayz, “a new event bringing music, vendors, and community spirit to Downtown Memphis,” kicks off tonight (5:30-7:30) in Barboro Alley (halfway between Union and Gayoso) at the intersection of Main. This FREE event features

• A live DJ to keep the energy high
• The opportunity to shop local with Memphis vendors
• Dining deals at nearby restaurants Local on Main, Sage, and Aldo’s Pizza Pies
• Historians who will discuss the neighborhood’s past

Second-round draft pick Jaylen Wells hit the game-winning shot as the Grizzlies beat Philadelphia in Summer League action last night. He had 22 points and 6 rebounds. Lottery pick Zach Edey was given a night off. 

The Grizzlies play the OKC Thunder tonight at 6. Catch the game on NBAtv and the Grind City Media app. 

Grizzlies rookie center Zach Edey is now favored to win Rookie of the Year following his stellar NBA Summer League performance vs. Utah Monday night.

Great to hear: Ja Morant has been medically cleared to play. He won’t be in Summer League, of course, so it’ll be a little while before we see him on the court. With Ja, Bane, and JJJ all healthy and Edey joining them, the Grizzlies have the potential to go deep into the 2025 playoffs.

In Olympic basketball news, Team USA plays Canada in an exhibition game at 9:30 PM on FS1. 

Get ready to party in The Edge District, because Memphis Made Brewing Co. celebrates the grand opening of its taproom in The Ravine Saturday, July 20 from 1 to 10 PM with

• Wonderbeer, an American wheat, and other surprises on tap
• Live music by The Wailing Bansheees, Johnny & The Seagulls, Macrophonics, and Subteens
• Food trucks: Smoke and Toast, New Wing Order, and MemPops

WREG talked to the victim who was allegedly stabbed by Downtown resident Karl Loucks. Loucks has been charged in the killing of another homeless man near Court Square. I have seen the stabbing victim, Brandon Kinney, around the area for months, and he is about as quiet and gentle a man as you could ever encounter. He never causes anyone a problem.

Blind Bear will host a charity poker tournament benefiting the Shelby County Veterans Court Foundation Saturday, August 17 at 3 PM. Food and drink specials, parking garage discounts. Local businesses: Sponsorships are available for this event.

Because one of my readers likes hippos: Pablo Escobar’s abandoned hippos are wreaking havoc in the Colombian jungle. The hippos, which are not native to South America, have multiplied from 4 in the late 1990s to more than 100 today.

Wedding professionals: The James Lee House is hosting an event for you Wednesday, July 24 from 4 to 6 PM. There will be wine and light bites from the venue’s neighbors Rootstock and JEM. There will be tours of the house and its suites and you can learn about event rental packages.

Bardog specials for today 

• Fried chicken sandwich – Lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, bacon, cheddar, BBQ sauce, Brioche bun – 18
• Blackened red snapper over pesto cream penne – 19
• Soup: Lobster bisque 
• Dog: Pepperoncini, red peppers, onion, tomato, spicy mayo 
• Mussels: Garlic, tomato, white wine 
• Bourbon pecan pie 
• Banana cake 

DāM-FunK plays a DJ set at Eight & Sand Lounge in Central Station Hotel Friday night from 9 to 1.

Motley Crüe, RATT, and Bon Jovi will be among the bands whose music is covered by Aquanet on the Peabody rooftop Thursday night.

I’m staying out tonight! I’ll be at Alley Dayz and hope to catch up with friends there. Tentatively I’ll drop by Flying Saucer and Momma’s after that.

I’ll be back tomorrow with more news, but Friday may be a day off from blogging for a very good reason: I’m having lunch with one of my readers!

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Zach Edey had 14 points and 15 rebounds in the Grizzlies’ NBA Summer League opener vs. Utah last night. The Grizzlies lost 97-95 in overtime, but player evaluation and development is what’s important, not the score.

Scotty Pippen Jr. led the Grizzlies with 21 points.

A man accused of killing a homeless man near Court Square a few months ago has now been charged in a June 25 stabbing of another homeless man in the same area.

Congratulations to Muggin Coffeehouse on North Main in Uptown on its recent 100 on its health inspection.

It’s Cow Appreciation Day. McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and Burger King would be my recommendations to celebrate.

Blind Bear specials this week

• Everybody Loves Elotes soup
• Chicken Milanesa torta
• Spaghetti & meatballs
• Molten chocolate mini layer cake

The Redbirds host the Norfolk Tides tonight at 7:05.

The remnants of Hurricane Beryl are making it windy this morning in Downtown Memphis! Be careful out there. I’ll be back tomorrow with more news.

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NBA Summer League gets underway for the Grizzlies tonight as they play the Utah Jazz. Catch the game on the Grind City Media app.

All eyes will be on number 9 draft pick Zach Edey, the 7’4” college Player of the Year who turned down a chance to represent Canada in the Olympics in favor of NBA Summer League. Jaylen Wells and Cam Spencer, Memphis’ 2024 second-rounders, are on the roster as well. Other players of note: returning Grizz GG Jackson and Jake LaRavia, Memphian D.J. Jeffries, and Scotty Pippen Jr.

Memphis Hustle coach Jason Marsh will coach the Summer League Grizzlies.

Today is National Ice Cream Sundae Day. Margie’s 901 can help you with that.

Not a big water drinker? The New York Times has a list of foods that will keep you hydrated.

South Main Association will have its July social Tuesday at The Oliver at 7 Vance. Drinks by Old Dominick. Light hors d’oeuvres. Free for SMA members, $20 non-members.

Slider Inn Downtown is having another silent disco Saturday and the theme is Red, White & Blue.

The Memphis Flyer’s summer cocktail festival is this Saturday at The Kent at the corner of Front and Keel. This event is a fundraiser for Volunteer Memphis.

There will be a Memphis Jookin battle tournament Saturday at Premiere Palace in The Edge.

Historic Elmwood Cemetery is staying open late this Thursday until 8 PM. Free to stroll the grounds, no ticket required.

The Cossitt Library will host a Capoeira martini arts class Wednesday evening.

I got to see a Savannah Bananas game yesterday on ESPN. They’re an exhibition comedy baseball team,, kind of the baseball equivalent of the Harlem Globetrotters. They’re pretty fun. Check them out if you’re get a chance.

Now that I think about it, I watched the Savannah Bananas while being served by Hannah Banana.

Who else is savoring these last few Sundays of good sports TV before the boring-ass NFL makes its return?

That’s all for now. I’ll be back with more tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn
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Get ready for a wet week. Remnants of Hurricane Beryl, which slammed into Mexico over the weekend, are expected to track through Memphis Monday and Tuesday. Several inches of rain are expected.

Memphis Made Brewing Co. is closing its Cooper-Young taproom to prepare to move to The Edge… and Saturday they’re throwing a closing party at the C-Y location. The lineup:

• Jeff Hulett 2-3
• San Salida 3:30-4:30
• Kitty Dearing & The Dagnabbits 5:00-6:30
• Draughts and Laughs comedy show 7:30
• Food trucks: Good Groceries, MemPops

Shots were fired at two locations on Beale Street last night.

Today is Chocolate Day.

Til Death, a show about the turbulence of marriage, comes to the Halloran Centre this Saturday. Tickets are $35-$55.

The Grizzlies are said to be actively trying to trade former lottery pick Ziaire Williams this offseason.

IT’S TIFFY TIME! If you know, you know.

There was a string of car break-ins across from AutoZone Park the night last week the Redbirds had fireworks. People paid $30 to have their car windows smashed. Where was security?

Fireworks set a bush in a planter in front of Flight on fire on the Fourth.

That’ll do it. Back tomorrow.

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For safety reasons, I keep my possessions in my pockets when I sleep at the Union Mission. Unfortunately that sometimes leads to unexpected consequences.

Wednesday night I rolled over in my sleep and accidentally snapped my troll’s neck.

You were a great troll, Perjorie. I never expected you to live seven and a half years. You remained a fixture on this blog long after completing your original mission.

Today is Bikini Day

There’s a national gospel music workshop coming to the Renasant Convention Center the week of July 14-19.

Get ready for an alley party in Barboro Alley (bordering Sage, Local, and Aldo’s) next Wednesday, July 10 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. There will be a DJ and local vendors. Nearby restaurants will have specials. Plus, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about the history of the alley.

Your group can apply to be in the 901 Day parade on September 1. 901 Day is a huge celebration of all things Memphis and a day to raise awareness of ways to get plugged into the community.

Free Sol plays Beck & Call in the Hyatt Centric Hotel tonight 7 to 11.

USA TODAY recently named two Downtown Memphis hotels among the top 10 pet-friendly hotels in the U.S.: The Peabody and Central Station.

Ben Yay’s is looking for a couple of line cooks.

Golden State power forward/center/loudmouth Draymond Green seriously considered becoming a Grizzly during 2023 free agency. He went as far as saying his goodbyes to GSW teammate Steph Curry.

DJ Hush plays Eight & Sand Lounge in Central Station tonight. Future Everything label heads Strooly and TEKKAL will play the lounge Saturday night.

The weather looks to be decent tomorrow, so I may take tomorrow off from posting and go to the Farmers Market. Back Sunday or Monday with more news.

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The Redbirds are giving away patriotic bucket hats to the first 1500 attending their 6 PM game vs. the Nashville Sounds tonight. Don’t forget to stay after the game for fireworks.

The Grizzlies tip off the NBA Summer League in Salt Lake City vs. the Utah Jazz at 8 PM Monday. It’ll be the first of 7 July games they play in Utah and Las Vegas. Watch all the games on the Grind City Media app.

Sitting in the Cossitt Library typing this… and yikes, an attempted rape was reported here Monday. It’s alleged that a man followed a woman into the restroom, kissed her, and touched her chest. A security guard saw the man coming out of the women’s room and detained him.

Watch fireworks from one of Downtown’s most fashionable rooftops at this Thursday’s Peabody party featuring Formerly Known As. If you upgrade to the VIP admission package, you’ll get access to a buffet of Nathan’s mini hot dogs, beef sliders, and house-made potato chips with ranch. Enter a drawing to win a Bud Light acoustic guitar and tailgating chairs or a Jack Daniel’s cornhole game kit.

The new Hanover Welcome Center in Tom Lee Park is ready to serve you. It’s at the Huling Avenue entrance near Sunset Canopy. Hours are 8 AM to 8 PM. Equipment loans and free dog treats.

French restaurant Bishop is closing. It sounds like Central Station wants a restaurant in that space that’s a better fit for its overall theme.

Caleb Mills won’t be returning to Memphis Tigers basketball. The NCAA denied his eligibility waiver.

New Hampshire has flipped to toss-up status in RealClearPolitics’ latest presidential electoral projection. Totals are now 198 for Biden, 219 for the Trumpster, and 121 toss-up votes. 270 is the magic number to win.

Take CNN’s interactive Where Should I Live? quiz

Biscuits & Jams Downtown will be open 8 AM to 2 PM on the Fourth.

Not sure of my schedule tomorrow, so I don’t know if there will be a post. I’ll be at Bardog 7:30-10:00 AM as usual, but I don’t know what I will do after that since the library won’t be open. Back Friday if not tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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Board game bar Board to Beers will bring your favorite games (but not your favorite beers) to the Cossitt Library July 18 and 25 from 4:30 to 7:30 PM. Games will include both classic and modern favorites.

Specials this week at the Blind Bear:

• Broccoli cheese soup
• Meatloaf
• Cheese ravioli marinara
• Strawberry cream cake

Automatic Slim’s is hiring a cook.

Flight is hiring a waiter or waitress.

The Grizzlies are hiring concierge.

The Malmo Oat Milkers baseball team will perform at a 7:05 game between the Redbirds and the Nashville Sounds at AutoZone Park.

The CA reported that South Main shuffleboard bar Longshot has closed.

The Grizzlies’ division is about to get tougher. Klay Thompson, formerly of Golden State, has signed with Dallas where he’ll be part of a new Big Three with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

Back tomorrow with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn
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I tried something I’ve never done before Sunday morning – I “checked in for the day” at 9:30 in the morning at the Union Mission. Normally I go Downtown in the morning and come back in time to beat the get-in-free deadline of 2 PM. What was different with my four-hours-earlier-than-usual checkin?

• I got a much nicer than normal dorm assignment for Sunday night, because it’s first-come, first-served. I slept like a baby!
• I had to go to 10:30 morning chapel service. The speaker was Larry Baskin who preaches at 201 a lot. 
• I got a hot dog, a bag of potato chips, and a cup of applesauce for lunch. 
• I got in the shower line right when it opened at 1 and didn’t have to wait most of the afternoon for my name to be called. 

So there are advantages to checking in early. Am I gonna start doing that regularly? HELL NO for 2 reasons:

1. Once you’re checked in, you can’t leave – you’re stuck at the Mission for the rest of the day! Which would be tolerable except…
2. The Mission doesn’t have Wi-Fi, so I’m cut off from the Internet when I’m there. If you tried to contact me yesterday, sorry for the very slow reply!

That’s why there wasn’t a blog post yesterday. Let’s get on to the news. 

Red sauce Italian restaurant Cocozza, which has enjoyed success on Mud Island, is opening a second location on Yates Rd. in East Memphis. 

There’s also a new Maciel’s, in Bartlett at 3108 N. Germantown Parkway. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, but my rec would be the chorizo huarache.

Behind the Headlines takes a look at the immersive “River of Time” exhibit being installed by artist Chris Reyes on Mud Island.

D.J. Jeffries, a former Memphis Tiger, will be on the Grizzlies’ NBA Summer League team.

Grind City Brewing will present the Downtown Memphis fireworks on July 4. Doors open at 3 PM with food trucks Chi Phi, MemPops, El Mero Taco, and Champs BBQ. Drink specials. Live music 6-9 by Mike Hewlett & The Racket and others. $20 secured parking or park for free on the street at your own risk.

Today is International Chicken Wing Day. I recommend the smoked wings at Central BBQ or Momma’s.

The Redbirds host Nashville in a rare Monday game tonight at 7:05.   

Wimbledon begins today. Watching I as I type this. Carlos Alcaraz versus an Estonian with weird hair. The Estonian is not gonna advance but he’s surprisingly competitive.

The weather is beautiful today… it could easily be a stay-out-all-night day, but I don’t have an agenda of stuff to write. I don’t want to stay out without a to-do list, so back to the Mission I go around 1.  I should be back tomorrow with more news.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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Bronny James is going to play alongside his dad LeBron on the Lakers, the first-ever father-son duo to play on the same NBA team. Happy for the James family. They deserve it.

In Memphis NBA draft news, the Grizzlies selected Washington State forward Jaylen Wells with the 39 pick. They then traded up to 53 and snagged UConn guard Cam Spencer. Both picks will add shooting on the wing.

Here’s a transcript of the June 27 Biden-Trump debate.

This week they were installing signage at Aloft, the new boutique hotel at North B.B. King at Jefferson. It must be getting close to opening.

NFL Sunday ticket subscribers have money coming from a class-action settlement.

David Jones signed a two-way deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Downtown Memphis Commission has a new plan to deter crime.

Today is National Food Truck Day.

Dave Lambert and Friends play The Central BBQ Sessions Saturday from 6 to 9 at Downtown Central BBQ.

Artist Mary Ellen Kelly will have an exhibit at 387 S. Main tonight for Trolley Night.

Brittany Haynes, Jack Linsey, and Ava Rose play Songwriter Night at South Main Sounds tonight at 7.

Rev. Omma will lead an exploration of ancient Egyptian religion Saturday at 2 at The Broom Closet.

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow or Sunday or Monday.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
Venmo: @Paul-Ryburn
Cash App: $PaulRyburn1
Apple Pay: paul.ryburn@gmail.