Category: Uncategorized

Administrative note before we get started: A couple of people who have attempted to send me a tip via the Venmo link in the footer of these posts have been asked for the last 4 digits of my phone number. Use 8113 if you get that prompt.

I’m learning that the homeless community Downtown often refers to Court Square as “Squirrel Park.” Really, isn’t that a better name? There are apartments, hotels, restaurants, and hair salons on the square, but no courts. Most of those are a few blocks to the north on Adams, Washington, and Poplar.

Speaking of Downtown streets, Monroe Avenue is back open from Front to B.B. King. The block between Riverside and Front remains closed and will be for years for museum construction.

NBA Hall of Famer Jerry West has passed away at 86. West was GM of the Grizzlies 2002-2007 and was named NBA Executive of the Year for the 2003-2004 season.

Did you know the Renasant Convention Center has an email list you can subscribe to? Make sure you don’t miss out on any events… and as a bonus, they’ll keep you informed of Cannon Center events as well.

Speaking of the Cannon Center, Memphis Quartet Show will be there Thursday-Sunday. This gospel event will present 17 quartets over that period.

Billy Strings will bring new age-bluegrass to FedExForum December 6-7.

Bardog Tavern loves healthcare workers! They get 10 percent off breakfast and a morning happy hour with work ID. Don’t forget, Bardog opens at 7:30 on weekdays now.

Stats site FiveThirtyEight released its presidential election forecast yesterday. Unlike RealClearPolitics’ forecast, this one is based not only on polls, but also on statistical models of voter behavior. Some insights from the forecast as of this morning’s update:

• President Biden is a 52/48 favorite to defeat the Trumpster and win a second term
• There’s an 0.4% chance neither wins a majority of electoral votes, throwing the election to the House
• Electoral vote forecast is Biden 273, Trump 265 (270 needed to win)
• Pennsylvania is the current tipping-point state. Biden is predicted to win there 47% to 46%.
• Arizona has the closest projected outcome of any state (Trump by 0.6%)

Flying Saucer has Dad Hats just in time for Father’s Day:

The 8-team College World Series is weird this year – only 2 conferences are represented with 4 teams each.

Blind Bear will have a watch party for the Florida State-Tennessee CWS game Friday at 6.

If you listen to the local police scanner, you know the intersection of Boyd and Tate is among the most dangerous in Memphis. It’s a mile southeast of Downtown, with Crump-Georgia-Walnut the closest major intersection. MPD targeted that area Friday, producing many arrests as well as gun and drug seizures.

The Grizzlies seek an executive suite and club box concierge and also an intern in communications and publications.

The Metal Museum seeks a part-time guest services assistant.

Joey Chestnut has been banned from the July 4 Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating competition because he was signed to a sponsorship deal for Impossible Foods. They make a plant-based hot dog that competes with Nathan’s.

That’s it. Staying out again tonight probably. Back tomorrow.

It’s free to read this blog, but I gratefully accept tips! 
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Seeing Red and DJ A.D. will provide the music at this Thursday’s Peabody rooftop party. 6-10 PM, $15 to get in, $40 to be a VIP. Register to win a Bud Light Sasquatch party cooler or tickets to Come from Away at the Orpheum. VIPs get an Asian-inspired buffet of marinated skirt steak, roasted marble potatoes, and Hawaiian rolls.

ShowerUp Memphis, an organization providing mobile showers and personal care for the homeless, seeks an operations manager.

Some analysts believe Desmond Bane should be traded this offseason. NOOOOOOOOOO!

Today is Corn on the Cob Day.

Blind Bear specials this week:

• Grandma’s vegetable soup
• Cheese ravioli tossed in house-made vodka sauce topped with grilled chicken
• Steak fajitas with Mexican rice and refried beans
• Chocolate chip cookies with ice cream

Madaline Collins plays Live at the Tracks at Central Station this Thursday from 6:30 to 9:30.

Miz Stefani plays The Central BBQ Sessions at Central BBQ Downtown this Saturday at 6:00.

There will be a Juneteenth Shop Black Festival at Fourth Bluff this Saturday from 11 AM to 6 PM.

I wonder what’s going to become of this abandoned Shell station at Crump and Florida:

 

As recently as 7-8 years ago, that intersection was right in the middle of the slums. But now it’s surrounded by new swanky apartments on the north side of Crump, and on the south side there’s now a bar that serves breakfast, late night, and everything in between. In other words, this lot now has 3 advantages going for it:

1. location
2. location
3. location

I wonder what’ll become of it. Remember, another abandoned Downtown gas station was repurposed into a TACOnganas this year.

Got a question for anyone who can shed some light. Over on Medium, I have a regular reader in Spain who wants to leave me a tip. However, none of the payment methods in my footer (Venmo, Cash App, Apple Pay) will let him initiate the transfer. Any recs for a global cash transfer service? I bank with Ally Bank if that makes a difference.

That’s it. I stayed out last night, so you get an early post today. Back tomorrow.

Got some good news for you early birds: Bardog is now open at 7:30 AM Monday-Friday. Health care workers, factory third-shifters, cops, whoever else… come get your breakfast super early. Most days you’ll find your favorite blogger sitting at the bar, composing the day’s post.

I love how Bardog started a trend of bars opening before 11 AM in Downtown Memphis. Birdie’s, Silly Goose, and Momma’s open early as well. There are also breakfast restaurants like Sunrise Memphis, Sugar Grits, and Arcade that have full bars.

Dinstuhl’s at Main and Peabody Place now has chocolate-covered strawberries and raspberries. 

Memphis 901 FC drew Colorado Springs Saturday night 1-1.

Yuck! The forecasts have Memphis hitting the mid 90s Friday-Sunday.

Memphis Animal Services has put out an SOS. They’re desperately in need of adopters and fosters right now. Otherwise they’ll have to start euthanizing dogs due to lack of space. 

Posters like this one are popping up around Downtown Memphis:

For those of you who don’t know who this is: He lived a great story and made Downtown a more interesting place.

The DM has a look at Project Green Fork’s Loving Local festival, held yesterday at PGF-certified Grind City Brewing Co.

What used to be the Mud Island Mississippi River Museum will become an “immersive, interactive entertainment experience” designed by local artist Chris Reyes. This sounds SUPER COOL and I can’t wait to be in the finished product.

Today is National Egg Roll Day and National Iced Tea Day.

There is now a $10,000 reward for info about the shooting death of a woman in Downtown Memphis last August 27. The car she got into about 3 AM near South Main and Pontotoc got shot up and several others were hit.

The Saucer has jalapeno cheddar corn dogs on special today. Chicken franks.

ABC 24 has a look back at this past weekend’s Anime Blues Con.

Backbeat Tours has added a Memphis Street Art Tour that includes a tour & tasting at Old Dominick Distillery. The tour departs daily from Alfred’s patio at Beale and B.B. King at 1:00 PM. I recommend getting there around 12:40 to sign up.

Speaking of street art, here’s a piece I photographed Saturday as I walked back Downtown from Momma’s. It’s in the Florida Street underpass just north of Crump.

Memphis Made is closing its Cooper-Young brewery as its owners plan the move to The Edge.

It’s a beautiful day and I have several things to get done, so most likely I’m going to stay out tonight. Back tomorrow with more news.

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

Memphis 901 FC takes the pitch at AutoZone Park for a 7:30 match tonight vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.

The Belmont Stakes is today with a post time of 5:41 PM CDT. TV: FOX

The Metal Museum plans to increase its focus on jewelry.

The Cossitt Library has a new exhibit on its main floor: From Numbers to Narratives: Exploring Prosecution & Safety in Shelby County. Come grab you a snack from Dos Hermanos Kitchen and check out the graphs & charts.

Today is World Gin Day.

Virginia has moved from “Leans Biden” to “Toss Up” on RealClearPolitics’ electoral map. That’s a bit of a shock because Virginia has been pretty solid blue the last 3 presidential elections. The Trumpster now leads President Biden 219 to 202, with 117 electoral votes classified as toss-ups. 270 is the number needed to win.

Beer lovers, don’t forget – Flying Saucer’s anniversary party is today. Lots of rare tappings, live music, caricatures.

Also don’t forget, today is the book festival & sale at Cossitt Library.

Today is Men’s Eco-Wellness Day at Black Seeds Urban Garden, 580 N. Fourth. Free health screenings, yoga, healthy food, and voter registration.

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow if there’s news to report.

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

The National Civil Rights Museum will celebrate Freedom Day on Juneteenth, Wednesday, June 19 with FREE admission for all from 9 AM to 6 PM. There will be food trucks, music, children’s activities, and health resources.

This subscriber-only DM article says that Elon Musk’s new supercomputer facility, to be built in Memphis, will initially employ fewer than 200. Elon’s team chose Memphis for its ample power, water, and air, the article said, and Musk could consider locating other businesses here.

We have a date for the 2024 Liberty Bowl: Friday, December 27 at 6 PM, broadcast on ESPN. That means the Liberty Bowl parade on Beale Street will likely be the day after Christmas.

Ground was broken on the Memphis Flyway observation deck Thursday in the south end of Tom Lee Park. The boardwalk expanding over the river will be the only free and ADA-compliant structure of its kind on the Mississippi.  The “Flyway” name is used because the Mississippi River at Memphis is part of the migration path used by ducks and other waterfowl in North America.

Global Wellness Day will be celebrated in River Garden Park Saturday from 5 to 7 PM. Jasper Float Spa and Wellness will be on hand and there will be free massages, food, and guided meditation.

Slim & Husky’s will host a SO ICY Cider Release Party Saturday night. DJ Yo Breezye will play.

Le Bon Apetit, a fundraiser for LeBonheur Children’s Hospital featuring Chef Kelly English, happens Saturday night at The Kent.

Supper Club on 2nd has closed. According to a statement the business released, they faced a number of challenges here in Memphis that prevented them from delivering the dining experience they wanted. The Nashville version of Supper Club continues to operate and thrive.

Friends of mine dined there (the Memphis location) and had positive reviews, but I always had a feeling that maybe Supper Club’s owners didn’t “get” Memphis. Want to know why?

“2nd.” No local spells it that way. It’s “Second.”

Terrace at the River Inn will be closed today for a private event.

Memphis is under a Code Orange air quality advisory today.

Not a Downtown job yet, but it will be: The Brooks Museum seeks a development manager, operations & analytics.

Speaking of the Brooks’ move Downtown, I stayed out all night Wednesday and walked past the construction site about 3:30 in the morning. It was so busy with people, machinery, and scaffolding that I thought for a minute I was looking at BBQ Fest. Good to see work on Memphis’ future happening ‘round the clock!

Spots are still open for the Orpheum’s Musical Theatre Intensive for grades 9-12 and recent graduates. It’ll be held June 17-21 and 24-28 and the performance the kids will train on will be Kiss Me, Kate. They’ll get training from Broadway performers and professional acting teachers.

The Memphis Grizzlies are reported to be interested in trading up to Houston’s number-3 NBA draft pick to get 7’2” UConn center Donovan Clingan – but a Beale Street Bears writer says that may not be good enough. There’s a chance the Atlanta Hawks could take Clingan first overall.

Pat Sajak will retire from Wheel of Fortune after tonight’s broadcast.

The DM researches where Elon Musk ate challah French toast when he was scouting Memphis to locate xAI. If he was Downtown, he could have been at Biscuits & Jams or Capriccio, or he could have had room service at the Peabody.

I’m staying out again tonight. A Friday in June is perfect for staying out because

• The Cossitt Library is open until 6 tonight (and I’m gonna use their Wi-Fi to write a Medium article as soon as I get this post done)
• My late-night hangout stays open until 3 AM
• Sunrise is 5:45 AM, and it starts getting light outside by 5:15, so I only have to spend 2 hours and 15 minutes wandering around in the dark. And the low will get to 65 – we’re not in the part of the year yet where Memphis is a steam bath 24/7
• The Farmers Market opens at 8 AM. Maybe I’ll get another of the Brazilian chocolate parfaits by Brigadiero, or maybe I’ll try the lemon this time.
• The people who hand out the breakfast burritos on Saturdays are usually in Court Square by 9 AM
• The Cossitt Library opens at 10 AM
• And then I’ll meet my friends Randy, Theresa, and Butt Slut #1 at Bardog at 11
• And, finally, back to the Union Mission by 7 PM Saturday to catch up on sleep. It’ll cost me $6 to come in after 2 PM, but the additional time out is worth it.

I probably won’t do a blog post tomorrow morning, but you never know.

Bogie’s Deli in Brinkley Plaza at Main and Monroe has added a new jalapeno popper grilled cheese. Sounds delicious!

Speaking of jalapenos, Front Street Deli’s hot dog special this week is the El Paso Dog with a cheddar jalapeno sausage and salsa morita. Come get a taste of the last U.S. city our friend Mardoqueo sees before he climbs over Trump’s wall to get back to his native Mexico.

It’s National Churro Day. Go to the Subway at Main and Jefferson and get you one of those footlong churros.

It’s also National Moonshine Day. Blind Bear is the place to take care of that celebration. Butt Slut #1 would want you to order a “bleach,” a half blackberry, half peach moonshine shot. She’d want you to order Tony’s cabbage soup special too.

This Elon Musk supercomputer thingamadoodle is Memphis is apparently a big deal on the level of FedEx and St. Jude. That supercomputer is gonna consume 1 million gallons of water a day.

The Jack Moves will bring hip-hop, funk, and soul to Eight & Sand Lounge in Central Station Saturday night.

There will be a monologue creation workshop next Tuesday from 5 to 7 PM at the Cossitt Library.

Don’t forget that Slider Inn Downtown’s silent disco with a beach theme is Saturday night.

The DM has the info about the new 12-team college football playoff. The first game kicks off December 20.

There was an “unprovoked” shooting in Uptown Wednesday.

That’s it for now.

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

I saw a really good movie at the Union Mission, of all places.

Tuesday is movie day in the chapel there. Attendance is optional. I normally skip the movies, because they always have a Christian theme and I’m not terribly religious (although I am deeply spiritual). Yesterday I found myself sitting right outside the chapel door, though, because that’s where the available outlet was to charge my phone.

I heard “University of Arkansas” and perked up. I didn’t go there, but I grew up in Little Rock. The Hogs are the team I root for other than Memphis.

The movie was Greater, the story of an offensive lineman named Brandon Burlsworth. He was told he’d never play in the SEC because he weighed 245 and SEC linemen were expected to be 300 or more. Nevertheless, Burlsworth turned down a full ride at Arkansas Tech to walk on with the Hogs.

I won’t ruin the full story for you, but Burlsworth did everything right, always did extra, and stayed humble when he started to see his good habits pay off. Yet the main character of the movie is arguably his brother Marty, 17 years older. The movie is a must-watch if you are a Razorbacks fan.

The movie wasn’t the only treat we got yesterday at the Union Mission. Miracle of Redemption Church, located out at 3575 Orchi in Nutbush, came to guest-preach to us. They fed us spicy chicken and fish with rice and buttery mashed potatoes. A 4-lady gospel choir with piano player, guitarist, and drummer played (and prayed) for us.

On to today’s news… and we have BREAKING news, xAI, an Elon Musk company, will build a supercomputer here in Memphis. The factory will be on the site of the former Electrolux factory.  It’ll be known as a gigafactory where AI bot Grok, a competitor to ChatGPT, will be trained.

Hearing that a much-loved Downtown event, on pause since the pandemic, may make a comeback the Sunday after Labor Day. That’s about 3 weeks later on the calendar than this event has often occurred.

Memphis Daily News reports (PDF link) that Phase 5 of redeveloping Foote Homes in the South City district is complete. The former public housing project is being replaced with vouchers and mixed-income units.

First Horizon has been named one of the best employers for recent college graduates.

Iconic Midtown restaurant Bob’s Barksdale has been temporarily closed due to a kitchen fire.

This Thursday will be DJ Night at the Peabody rooftop party. Jordan Rogers, who played the guitar drop on NYE on Beale Street in previous years, will spin. Special Guest Wyn Starks. 6-10 PM, $20 general admission, $40 to go VIP. VIPs get a buffet of chicken satay with peanut sauce, shrimp spring rolls, and veggie pot stickers. There will be opportunities to win a Mich Ultra cooler and tickets to the Memphis Tigers football season opener on August 31.

A friend of the homeless person shot last week outside the Court Square hotels spoke to Action News 5.

It’s National Veggie Burger Day. I recommend getting your favorite Huey’s burger made with a black bean patty.

There’s a report that the Grizzlies are talking to Houston about trading for the Rockets’ number-3 pick in this month’s NBA draft. Since they traded Steven Adams, Memphis has a gaping hole at center. 7’2”, 280-pound Donovan Clingan, a member of the national champion UConn team, would seem to fill that hole well.

Downtown neighborhood The Edge District is the subject of the Memphis Flyer’s cover story this week. They talked to Memphis Made brewer Drew Barton, and he said he hopes to have the taproom overlooking The Ravine up and running by early July.

Memphian on the Move: Choose901 profiled Chef Eli of Dos Hermanos Kitchen at the Cossitt Library.

The fourth-floor unit above Winfield’s clothing store at Madison and Main is for sale.

Uptown community garden Black Seeds Urban Farm has received a $15,000 grant.

The Memphis Medical District Collaborative has a Career Launch Academy for high school juniors and seniors interested in working in healthcare. Tuition in the program is free and students can earn $15 an hour.

The South Main Association will hold its June South Main Social next Tuesday from 6-8 PM at Momma’s. Complimentary cocktail, light fare. Free for SMA members, $20 for non-members.

Thinking about staying out tonight. Back tomorrow with more news.

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

Just saw on Facebook that Tater Red, namesake of the Beale Street gift shop, has passed away. RIP Tater.

Blind Bear specials this week:

• Cabbage soup
• Salisbury steak with mashed potatoes and asparagus
• Crawfish mac & cheese
• Chocolate chip cookies and ice cream with caramel topping

Fox 13 digs into the background of Downtown murder suspect Karl Loucks.

901 Live! presents Gerald Richardson, Stefanie Bolton, and Teven Lavell at the Halloran Centre this Saturday. Tickets are $45.

The R&B Money Tour comes to the Orpheum Sunday. It features Tank, Keri Hilson, and Carl Thomas. Tickets are $49.50-$149.50.

There’s a 6G pipe welder job available Downtown.

Open up the Hennessy for National Cognac Day.

That’s it for now. Back tomorrow.

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

There’s Taylor Swift trivia tonight at Momma’s at 7 PM. Come see who knows the second most about Taylor Swift after Lana. In addition to winning $100+ in swag and gift cards, if you order a burger during trivia, there’s a 1 in 7 chance it’ll be free.

Memphis is number 1 for deadly car accidents in the country, says a study by ConsumerAffairs.

Dr. Pepper has pulled into a tie with Pepsi as the country’s second-most popular soft drink, based on sales. Of course, Coke is still tops.

The Trumpster has joined TikTok.

Wiseacre will celebrate the beginning of the Dog Days of Summer with a takeover at Loflin Yard Saturday from 1 to 4. The brewery will debut its new premium lager, SkyDog. Bring your puppers or doggo or whatever you call your domesticated wolf. Live pet paintings. They’ll be accepting donations to Streetdog Foundation.

Black Panther is the film the Downtown Memphis Commission will show at its next free movie night this Thursday at Grind City Brewing Co. Doors at 7, movie at 8.

Gia Welch & JD Westmoreland play The Central BBQ Sessions this Saturday from 6 to 8:30.

DJ Hush plays Central Station’s Eight & Sand Lounge Friday night 9 to 1.

It’s World Cider Day. I have no recommendation to celebrate, but Butt Slut #1 would want you to drink an Angry Orchard.

Project Green Fork’s Loving Local celebration is 2-5 this Sunday at Grind City Brewing. Food from PGF-certified restaurants including

• Lulu’s Cafe
• Good Fortune Co.
• Biscuits & Jams
• Shroomlicious Meals
• Mempops

Eco-friendly vendors will be there as well. Loving Local is free this year, but registration is encouraged. Music by DJ Crystal Mercedes and by Marcella. Kid-friendly.

That’s all. Back tomorrow with more news.

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

This is the entrance to Court Square, across Main from the Moxy & Springhill Suites parking lot. Notice anything missing?

The black flat-top tables with yellow umbrellas that had 2-4 built-in seats apiece are gone.

DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS COMMISSION? What gives?

Those tables were perfect for Saturday mornings when the burrito ministry would bike by. I had plenty of table space for my burritos and drink, and an extra seat in which to lay my backpack.

I know there was one person and one group who tended to camp out at those tables, and that the park tended to smell like weed when they were around. But are we really going to let a few people ruin it for everyone?

A block and a half further down Main, better news.

The construction on Monroe between Main and Second has been paved over, suggesting that the avenue may reopen this week.

Soul & Spirits Brewing at 845 N. Main will host a record fair all day Saturday, June 15. 

• Local vendors all day 
• A new beer release 
• Glassware specials
• Live music by The Subteens

The DM has photos from yesterday’s Pride parade and festival.

Anime Blues Con comes to the Renasant Convention Center Friday through Sunday.

“The diner and dive off 55,” Momma’s, seeks front of house staff.

Samara Joy comes to the Cannon Center Monday.

RedRover’s top dog, Lori Turner-Wilson, will have a signing for her book The B2B Marketing Revolution: A Battle Plan for Guaranteed Outcomes at novel. bookstore in East Memphis on Tuesday, June 18 at 6 PM.

In other book news, Malcolm Gladwell has written a sequel to Tipping Point.

The team of former Memphis Tiger forward DeAndre Williams won the Taiwan League title last week. Great to see him doing well. 

The man allegedly responsible for the shooting of a man near the Court Square hotels is said to have a history of confrontation with homeless people.

A man wrecked a car and then hid in a ditch near MLK Ave. and B.B. King Blvd. last week.

Today is National Rocky Road Ice Cream Day.

Yesterday was a reminder I am blessed with many wonderful people in my life. Back tomorrow. I have a lot of writing to do on Medium, so I may be out late tomorrow.

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