Paul Ryburn's Journal

Tonight is Marvel Super Hero Night at AutoZone Park. There will be a special appearance by Black Panther, and the Memphis Redbirds will sport special Black Panther uniforms as they take on the Gwinnett Stripers. First pitch is 6:35. Be sure to stick around after the game for a fireworks show.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas: The Musical comes to the Orpheum November 22-27. Tickets go on sale August 12. There won’t be any Thursday show that week, since Thursday will be Thanksgiving. The show features the song, “You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch.”

The latest Just Grizzlies podcast features the man who made a name for himself in Las Vegas Summer League, Kenneth Lofton, Jr. Spotify Apple

DJ Tree and DJ Mylon will supply the live music at Silly Goose tonight.

From the DM: A St. Jude cancer survivor cashed in the World Series of Poker, winning more than a half million dollars.

Today is Hot Enough for Ya Day. The Memphis forecast: high 97 feels like 106/low 78. No chance of rain.

The National Bar Association convention will bring 1000 predominantly African-American judges, lawyers, legal educators, and law students to Memphis next week.

The Carlos Ecos Band plays the Hard Rock tonight at 8.

Vince McMahon retired as chairman and CEO of WWE yesterday at age 77. Vinnie Mac had been at the helm of the company for 40 years, having purchased it from his dad and then taking it public. Allegations of hush money to cover up sexual encounters were running rampant, with both WWE corporate employees and independent contractors (the performers) rumored to have been paid off. Most likely the board met with Vince Friday morning and told him, retire with dignity or be fired in shame. Vince’s daughter Stephanie McMahon and WWE President/Director of Revenue Nick Khan will serve as co-CEOs.

Vince was known for living the business, sleeping 3 hours a night and working 100-120 hours a week. Many top corporate executives left the company because they couldn’t deal with his 3 AM phone calls. He hadn’t taken a vacation in 40 years. I wonder what he’s going to do now that he doesn’t have any responsibilities?

Such a shame… Vince could have gone down in history as the Walt Disney of sports entertainment. Now he will go down in history as the Harvey Weinstein of sports entertainment. I wonder if his actions will prevent him from ever being inducted into his own Hall of Fame. Maybe Mick Foley and Mr. Socko will pay Vince a visit to his home to cheer him up.

Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon has been convicted of contempt of Congress on two counts: refusing to appear for a deposition, and refusing to supply documents. Bannon will serve a minimum of 30 days in jail for each count.

Problems with my legs have made it difficult to walk to the Silly Goose and Blind Bear this week – well, sorta, I can walk to those places just fine, but it’s the walk home from those places that nearly does me in. So yesterday I decided to walk to Bardog, which is much closer. I was reminded what a creature of habit I am – I’ve done plenty of weekday mornings and Saturday brunches at Bardog lately, but I haven’t done a happy hour there since the pandemic.

I got there a few minutes after 3, and within an hour I was surrounded by Downtown family. It was wonderful. I will be back. It’s funny how life works – what seemed like a limitation turned into an opportunity.

As for my friends at the Goose and the Bear, don’t worry, you did nothing to lose my business. As soon as my legs recover a bit, I’ll be back. Although, I’ll sprinkle a few Bardog visits in the afternoons here and there even past that point.

Meeting friends at Bardog this afternoon too. Back tomorrow with more news.

The Redbirds return to AutoZone Park this evening for a 3-game homestand vs. the Gwinett Stripers. The theme tonight is Christmas in July and the park will transform into a winter wonderland. The first 1000 fans in the gate tonight get a Redbirds ugly Christmas shirt. Special concessions include a Grinch-a-rita (must be of legal drinking age to purchase) and a Christmas cake funnel cake. The first pitch is at 7:05.

A specialty ticket tonight gets you access to an all-you-can-eat buffet of ziti with meatballs and marinara, baked penne alfredo with garlic chicken, garlic breadsticks, hot dogs, chips, soda, and water. $24 dugout/$21 field box

Candy Fox is tonight’s featured artist for Soulin’ on the River tonight at Fourth Bluff Park. Admission is free and lawn chairs, blankets, picnic baskets, and coolers are welcome. Food trucks and a full bar will be on site. The gates open at 6 with live music beginning at 7.

Memphis Animal Shelter has a record number of animals in their care and needs help getting 30 dogs fostered. Dog and cat adoption fees will be waived this weekend.

St. Jude readers: You have a yummy lunch option coming your way next week. New Wing Order will have a space in the air-conditioned Kay Kafe all next week. From 11-2 each day next week, they’ll serve traditional and boneless wings with your choice of Memphis Buffalo or Grind City Gold sauce, and they’ll also have their Fried Chicken BBQ Nachos.

In other wing news, Pam from River Time Market & Deli posted that Cajun Wings are coming soon. You’ll be able to get 6 party wings with Cajun rice and Texas toast.

Facebook is killing its News Feed to compete with TikTok more closely. I don’t like it.

From ABC 24: International Memphis 901 FC players break down their journey from overseas

Folk/roots band KillBillies play the Hard Rock tonight at 6.

Goner Records presents a Power Disco DJ Nite Saturday at Wiseacre Downtown, but it’s not actually at night – it’s from 4 to 8 PM. Expect post-punk, electro, and funk from DJs Zac and Natalie. They’ll give away records, gift cards, and a pair of tickets to the August 1 Cobra Man show.

Solar Powered Love Meltdown performs at Ghost River on Beale tonight at 7. Prior to the entire band taking the stage, Taylor will give a special interpretive dance performance.

Yubu, Kennard Farmer, and Amber Rae Dunn play the Memphis Farmers Market 9-11 AM Saturday.

Memphis 901 FC has an away game at Indianapolis Saturday at 6 PM.

I haven’t done happy hour at Bardog for a while, so I think I will today. Melissa gets there at 3 so I think I will too. She’s up for Best Bartender in the Memphis Flyer BOM poll, by the way. Back tomorrow with more news.

Voting is underway in the Memphis Flyer’s Best of Memphis 2022 annual poll. You have until 5 PM Wednesday, August 17 to vote, and the results will appear in the September 29 issue.

There are multiple “best/most” polls in this city, but the Flyer poll is the one people take most seriously. You can only vote one time (rather than once per day) and the contest is run by an editorial department (not a marketing department).

Silly Goose news:

Sunday brunch returns to the Goose starting at noon with jambalaya from Sonja’s Southern Kitchen. It’s made with shrimp, chicken, sausage, and veggies in a mild sauce over rice. I searched for Sonja’s Southern Kitchen online but couldn’t find anything.

One person commented, “Jambalaya? But that’s not even a brunch dish.” I for one am HAPPY to see a restaurant go in a different direction for brunch. Controversial opinion time: Most Downtown restaurant brunch menus are stale and boring and SSDR (same shit, different restaurant). There’s almost always an omelet, a breakfast burrito, steak & eggs, and the most worn-out, overplayed brunch item of all: chicken ‘n waffles. Viva la differénce to the Goose for making brunch interesting again.

In other Goose news, they once again have Goldfish behind the bar. Not live ones swimming around, but the cheese-flavored crackers.

Pretty Woman: The Musical comes to the Orpheum October 11-16 and tickets go on sale this Friday at 10 AM.

Nerd Nite returns to the Memphis Chess Club this Friday at 7 PM. There will be beverages and fun, informative talks on just about any topic. The night’s first speaker will be James Weakley on “Batman in Reality.”

It’s Fish Fry season at the Flying Fish. Friday through Sunday, any catfish basket is buy one, get one free.

The ESPY awards for excellence in sports were last night. Here’s a list of the winners and key moments. Ja Morant was nominated for Best Breakthrough Athlete but lost to skier Eileen Gu. A poster dunk of Ja’s was nominated for Best Play but lost to a Megan Rapinoe corner kick.

A man has been sentenced to 35 years without parole in the 2018 Mud Island murder of Susan Grissom.

Jon Langston and Ryan Griffin play a free family-friendly show in Handy Park, B.B. King at Beale, in this week’s installment of KIX on Beale.

Neo-soul and R&B artist Jordan Occasionally will play Health Sciences Park Friday at noon. The Authentic Toast food truck will be on site.

It’s National Junk Food Day. My recommendation would be the Taco Bell at Third and Crump.

Breaking news: President Biden has tested positive for COVID-19. Say it ain’t so, Joe! It’s a mild case but at age 79, even that is a cause for concern. Biden will isolate at the White House and carry on the duties that he can.

Programming note: I may need to jump on a video conference at 8:30 tomorrow, so tomorrow’s blog post may be up a bit late.

I’m going to have to take a few days, maybe even as much as a week, off from going to the Silly Goose and the Blind Bear. My legs have gotten bad to the point that the fatigue of walking home from those places nearly does me in. I need to give my legs time to heal. Bardog is close enough to home that my visits there won’t be affected and may actually increase.

Back tomorrow with more news.

Action News 5 has a video tour of the new and improved Hospitality Hub opening next month at 590 Washington. There will be expanded day services, including helping clients get important documents including birth certificates and photo IDs. The Hub Hotel will provide a place to stay for women and children experiencing homelessness.

Kerry and Galway will face off in the GAA All-Ireland Final this Sunday and The Brass Door will open at 9 AM for the broadcast.

Today is National Hot Dog Day. My top recommendations would be the Daily Dog at Bardog (toppings change daily) and the Double Dog, add chili and cheese, at Dyer’s.

53 years ago today, the first humans walked on the moon.

Ghost Town Blues Band plays Blues on Beale in Handy Park tonight, 7 PM. This is a free all-ages show.

Fans of pinewood derby, you can race tonight with a beer in your hand (or without one) at Soul & Spirits Brewery, 845 N. Main. It’s adult pinewood racing club Derby and Ales‘ first time at the brewery. Registration is from 6:00-to 6:45 with races starting at 7. There will be prizes for the fastest 3 cars and Best in Show.

The Will Tucker Band plays the Blind Bear Saturday from 8 PM to midnight.

Tomorrow should be a big night at the Peabody as very popular band WALRUS headlines their rooftop party.

There’s a free tarot share tonight at The Broom Closet from 7 to 9.

There’s an Excessive Heat Warning for Shelby County today. Highs of around 100 are expected with the heat index rising above 110. Be careful if you go out. Back tomorrow with more news.

River City Records reports that they just landed a treasure trove of hip-hop and ’90s alternative CDs. Better get by there today if you’re interested before they get picked over.

Something weird was going on at the intersection of Main and G.E. Patterson yesterday. The traffic light facing southbound Main traffic was steady green – but it was also flashing red, at the same time, in the same direction. Never seen that one before!

Did you know that STIX has sushi-making classes? They’re $40 per person. You learn to make one of three rolls, and you get a free bottle of ginger dressing or yum yum sauce to take home. Email stix901@stixonline.com to inquire about classes.

DGX was reported to run out of plastic bags yesterday. A friend of mine had to use his pockets to carry his purchased items away. What the f….. ?

Let’s all hope tonight’s Major League Baseball game is tied after 9 innings. According to newly-adopted rules, the game won’t go into extra innings. Rather, a mini-home run derby will determine the winner. Three players from the NL and AL will get three swings apiece. The league with the most home runs wins.

The Memphis Redbirds have had a former player in every MLB All-Star Game since 2003. The Memphis Flyer composed a Redbirds alumni All-Star team.

Speaking of the Flyer, their annual Burger Week kicks off tomorrow and runs through the 26th. Enjoy some of the best burgers in the city for only $6.99. The event benefits Memphis Tilth, supporting an economically sustainable and socially equitable food system. Downtown participants include

• Huey’s
• Loflin Yard
• Flying Saucer

Southland is the closest casino to Downtown Memphis. Action News 5 has a look at the casino’s new hotel rooms.

Cameron Smith, who won The Open Championship Sunday, is nearing a move to join LIV Golf. I know some people don’t like LIV because there are Saudi investors, but I’ll tell you the way I see it. When there’s competition for talent, the talent benefits and gets paid handsomely. When there’s no competition (as was the case before LIV popped up), talent has to toe the line, do what The Man (the PGA Tour) says, and accept what The Man is willing to give them.

The DM has updated details about the man who allegedly threatened to shoot everyone coming out of the Yo Gotti concert at FedExForum Friday night. Investigators believed he planned to carry out the threat from his apartment in the Chisca. He’d broken out an east-facing window and had multiple firearms inside. Initially charged with Commission of the Act of Terrorism, he now 30 charges of criminal attempt of first-degree murder and 30 charges of possession of a firearm to be used in a dangerous felony. Why 30? Because he had 30 rounds in his rifle by his window. More from Fox 13 News

It’s National Daiquiri Day. My recommendation would be a Call-a-Cab at Wet Willie’s.

Cordelia’s Market is throwing a party Wednesday from 5-7 PM to welcome Muddy’s Bake Shop and Las Delicias to the grocery store. There will be samples everywhere. Muddy’s food truck will be on site and Las Delicias will serve food by the pound inside the store.

P.J. Morton’s Watch the Sun Tour comes to the Cannon Center Wednesday evening. DJ Arie Spins will perform as well.

My legs are in really bad shape and I think I’m going to take another day off from going out and enjoy the air conditioning and streaming services. Back tomorrow with more news.

The 2022 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby will be on ESPN tonight at 7. Here’s the bracket. He’s a longshot at age 42, but as a Cardinals fan, I will be rooting for Albert Pujols.

FedEx is moving its data to the cloud and getting rid of its remaining centralized data centers. As someone who has a background in IT, I can tell you this is a wise, wise, wise decision and worth the extra effort it takes to move the data.

From Hot New Hip Hop: Yo Gotti addresses the threatened shooting of people leaving his Birthday Bash last Friday. The threat came about 3 hours after the show ended, so attendees were never in any real danger.

Interesting article from FiveThirtyEight: Is coaching an NBA Summer League team a springboard to becoming an NBA head coach? It was for the Grizzlies’ Taylor Jenkins and 10 other head coaches in the league.

Today is National Sour Candy Day. My writing assistant Perjorie T. Roll recommends Trolli Sour Bite Twisted Crawlers.

You can take part in a celestial sound bath tonight at 6:30 at the Broom Closet.

I didn’t go out yesterday, and as a result I enjoyed a restful, peaceful, air-conditioned night’s sleep and my bad legs feel somewhat improved. Only thing was, I had my least favorite nightmare again – I was back in 12th grade (despite having my college degrees) and had to write a 10-page paper on classic British literature. I couldn’t do Shakespeare because he’s been done to death. I was required to do footnotes or end notes instead of parenthetical citations, which are so much easier, and I had to turn in my 3×5 note cards along with the paper. School really made me hate British lit. I must have had this dream 30 times over the years.

Back tomorrow with more news.

A man was arrested in the 200 block of South Main Saturday morning at about 2:45. He had just had a bad breakup with his girlfriend and told people he wanted to kill himself and everyone coming out of FedExForum, where the Yo Gotti Birthday Bash was going on. The man was cut on his hand, apparently from punching an apartment window, and weapons were found in his apartment. Police took him for medical treatment and evaluation. He’s charged with the commission of the act of terrorism.

Sad story. I hope he gets the help he needs. Threatening innocent people is never the solution to a problem.

Kenneth Lofton Jr. scored 27 points and 12 rebounds as the Grizzlies closed out Summer League with a 90-87 loss to San Antonio. By the way, I’ve called him “Kenny” on here before – I’ve since found out that he doesn’t mind that, but prefers being called “Junior.” Will Junior be able to play center at the NBA level at only 6’6″? Draymond Green is the same height and plays center when the Golden State Warriors put their “death lineup” on the floor.

Memphis 901 FC took a home loss to Louisville City FC 2-1 last night. That drops Memphis to third in the Eastern Conference (38 points) behind Tampa Bay (39) and Lousiville (42). 901 FC needs to stay in the top four to clinch a spot in the playoffs in October. Fourth-place Pittsburgh and fifth-place Detroit City each have 34 points. Teams get 3 points for a win, 1 for a draw, and 0 for a loss. If two teams are tied in points, the cumulative goal differential throughout the season is the tiebreaker.

The DM has coverage and photos of the Ida B. Wells memorial groundbreaking that happened yesterday. It was announced that going forward, July 16, Wells’ birthday, will be a state holiday.

The CA has a look at Curtis Givens’ All-White Affair that happened yesterday on Mud Island.

There’s a risk of storms with gusty winds and heavy rain today. Bring on the storms, I say, if it will cool things down for a while.

Alexis Jade and Sarah Spain play Loflin Yard’s Coach House today at noon.

I’m going to stay home today. Between my bad legs and 32 days without effectively-working air at home (which ended Thursday), I am exhausted and behind on my to-do list. Sundays Downtown aren’t nearly as much fun as they were 5 years ago, so this is the perfect day of the week to rest. I’ll be back out tomorrow, and I’ll be back with another post if there’s any news to report.

The DM’s Jasmine McCraven has a review of Yo Gotti’s Birthday Bash at FedExForum. Special guests included Boozie BadAzz, Lil Durk, Lil Uzi Vert,  JT, GloRilla, Blac Youngsta, Mozzy, JB, EST Gee, Moneybagg Yo, and Lil Mago.

Huge soccer match tonight Downtown. USL Eastern Conference #2 Memphis 901 FC (38 points) hosts #1 Louisville City FC (39 points). A home win would put Memphis atop the conference standings. Kickoff time is 7:30.

If you’re looking for a place to pre-game for soccer, the Ghost River taproom on Beale has a lot going on this afternoon. New Wing Order will debut their latest menu offering, Philly cheesesteak egg rolls, specials on Ghost River beer, giveaways of tickets to the game and 901 FC merchandise, and a special appearance by Al Kapone. There will also be a meet & greet with 901 FC goalkeeper John Berner.

Insomnia Cookies on Beale is getting a head start on celebrating National Ice Cream Day this Sunday. Get 1 free scoop with any purchase in-store or for delivery (but not available for pickup orders).

The Memphis Grizzlies are holding auditions for several of their support teams Saturday, July 23 at the Collage Dance Center, 505 Tillman. Auditions include

• Grizzlies Grannies & Grandpas, over-50 dance team, 8:00 AM registration, 8:30 AM auditions
• Blue Bunch, 7-17 dance team, 10:30 AM registration, 11:00 AM auditions
• Claw Crew, marketing team, 1:00 PM registration, 1:30 PM auditions

Catherine & Mary’s is seeking a general manager. Here’s the description they posted to social media:

As the general manager for an Enjoy AM restaurant, you are the head of a hospitality driven team. You will provide inspiring leadership to a team of workers that can motivate them to deliver outstanding experiences for guests. Through training, systems, and inspiration, you will ensure amazingly crafted and executed experiences for every guest. You will work with your team to develop strategies that reduce costs and increase sales within the company.

You can email resumes and inquiries to nick@enjoyam.com.

Mayor Jimbo from Mempho says he is uncomfortable with the city guaranteeing all of the bond debt for public spaces that are part of the One Beale project. The City Council passed a resolution doing exactly that, but Strickland has to sign the resolution. The mayor is comfortable guaranteeing about $5 million, but not all of it ($10 to $14 million).

There’s now a three-digit number you can call for mental health emergencies: 988

Not Downtown but worth a mention: ALDI is rumored to be coming to Midtown. Exact location is not yet known.

From WREG: Harbor Town residents are shaken up after car break-ins and shots fired early Friday morning. I would love to know what percentage of Mud Island residents have had their car broken into at least once in the past two years.

Also from WREG: An arrest has been made in the April 10 shooting outside The Green Room on Beale. The shooting happened around 2 AM. 17-year-old Cedquedrick Williams had a warrant issued for his arrest and was found to be incarcerated in Mississippi. He will be tried as an adult, a $500,000 bond has been issued, and extradition is being arranged. Question: If Beale Street security hadn’t called it a night about 1, would a 17-year-old have been allowed on the street at the hour the shooting took place?

Good Wikipedia reads if you’re into The Open Championship (golf) broadcast on TV this weekend: Young Tom Morris and Old Tom Morris

Interesting note for my fellow pro wrestling fans: WWE Monday Night RAW will be rated TV-14 from now on. Since 2008 it was rated TV-PG. The new rating will allow for edgier content.

Heading to Bardog to catch up with friends I haven’t seen in a while. Back tomorrow with more news.

Been wanting to check out the Green Beetle’s new food truck? Today could be your day! It’ll be in Health Sciences Park from 11:30 to 1:00. It’ll be selling cheesy fries, dirty bird fries, chicken bites, and a selection of chicken sandwiches and burgers. Menu

The Grizzlies’ Summer League loss to Boston yesterday put them out of the race to compete in the league’s championship game. Their final game in the league will be against the San Antonio Spurs, 5 PM Saturday, on ESPN.

Tonight is Yo Gotti’s Birthday Bash at FedExForum. Based on past lineups, the event would seem to be the place to catch the stars of 2023.

You probably will never be able to buy a Whataburger in Downtown Memphis, but you can purchase one of its condiments to use at home. Cordelia’s Market is selling Whataburger’s Spicy Jalapeno Ranch used on the Monterey Melt at its restaurants. You can use it as a dip or use it to top chicken, beef, or vegetables.

A drag brunch is coming to the Hard Rock Cafe every other Sunday from noon to 2 PM beginning August 7. The event is organized by past DNA president Jerred Price and will be emceed by Holly Walnutz. The chef will create a brand-new brunch menu for these events.

Curtis Givens’ All White Affair happens at Mud Island River Park Saturday.

Ivana Trump, Donald’s first wife and mother of Don Jr., Ivanka, and Eric, has died at 73.

My A/C is back on!!! I caught a lady in the office yesterday morning, and she sent someone up that afternoon. It’s 68 degrees in my apartment with practically no humidity,

Back tomorrow with more news.

Early voting for the Shelby County general election begins tomorrow. If you early vote, you can vote at any location. Here is a list of early voting locations. If you’re Downtown, the Shelby County Election Commission at Second and Poplar is the closest place. The Memphis Flyer has an election guide.

WREG has full video of the Shelby County District Attorney debate – Amy Weirich (R, incumbent) vs. Steve Mulroy (D).

Mayor Jimbo from Mempho will seek a third term if voters approve a referendum allowing the city mayor and council members a third term. Currently those offices are term-limited to two terms. I will vote NO on the referendum. That’s not a reflection on Mayor Strickland. It’s just my belief that Memphis needs public servants, not career politicians.

BarWare celebrates its third birthday this evening with DJ Tree supplying the tunes.

Sean Fresh DJs tonight at Sage. Doors open at 5 for dinner and music starts at 7.

Max’s Sports Bar has added a Malort wall of fame. Take a shot of Malort there, and they’ll take a Polaroid of your face afterward and put it on the wall.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association has announced that their July membership meeting will happen Tuesday night, July 26, and you’ll want to come hungry. It’ll be at the Rendezvous with free food and drinks for members. Speaker to be announced.

The Grizzlies play a Summer League game vs. the Boston Celtics today. It’ll be on NBAtv at 2:30.

By popular demand, River City Records has added cassettes to its inventory. Come shop for tapes like it’s the 1980s.

New Wing Order has brought back its MANEgo Jalapeño Wings for its July-August special. These are made with fresh mango, jalapeño, garlic, and a blend of ingredients and spices. It’s a marriage of tropical influences and Memphis heat. Get them at the restaurant at 341 Beale (inside Ghost River) or on the food truck.

Eric Gales comes to the Cannon Center December 1. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow at 10 AM.

Auditions for the Grizzline drum squad will be held at 9 AM July 30 at FedExForum. What they are looking for:

• 18 and up
• Skilled percussionist
• Able to read sheet music
• Reliable transportation
• Personality when performing
• Works well on a team

Thompson Square and Ray Fulcher play a free KIX on Beale show tonight at 7 at Handy Park.

Stacks and Jack play Live at the Tracks tonight from 6:30 to 9:30 at Central Station.

DJ EPIC plays the Peabody rooftop party tonight from 6 to 10.

The Points Guy has a very thorough review of the new Caption by Hyatt.

Day 32 without effectively-working air conditioning. It’s really aggravating the circulatory problem in my legs. Last night I had to call a Lyft to get home from the Blind Bear, even though it’s only 3 blocks away, and I needed help getting out of the back seat. I need to stay home a few days and let my legs rest, but who wants to be cooped up in an 83-degree apartment?

Back tomorrow if the heat doesn’t kill me.