Paul Ryburn's Journal

Tomorrow will be a big day at the Cooper-Young festival, but first, there’s some stuff going on tonight.

The second in the series of Alley Jams concerts happens at Main and Gayoso. Grace Askew and Venus Mission will perform. Vendor sales start at 4:30; bands at 5. Concert will be followed by “Curious Pictures,” a digital art projection by the UrbanArt Commission.

Also tonight, MPACT Memphis is having a “Late Night” event at Mesquite Chop House. Chef Michael Patrick is extending happy hour to 11 PM, and 20% of the proceeds from the whole night go back to MPACT. Come eat some of Mike’s excellent food and support this fine organization.

Tonight is also Game 3 of the PCL championship at AutoZone Park at 7:05 PM.

And then tomorrow is the big day… Cooper-Young Fest. Say hello if you see me… I plan on riding a cab down there 10:30ish, and after that I plan on being somewhere within the boundaries of the festival until it ends at 7. Probably going to wear my purple BBQ team shirt. Hopefully being out in the sun all day will lighten my hair and help toward getting it back to the color it was before I dyed it for Stumbling Elvis.

Here’s a link to the Action News 5 story featuring Bardog’s Jean as Server of the Week and Demitrie as Chef of the Week.

Got an e-mail from an old friend, David the Worm, this morning. He’ll be opening for DJ Trashy at Rehab Disco tomorrow night.

Diversity Memphis will host a 5K walk starting and ending at the National Civil Rights Museum on Sunday. It will be a celebration of the different cultures in the community, and before and after there will be entertainment including Los Cantadores, Winston Stewart, and the Bar-Kays. Registration opens at 12:30 PM, walk at 2. More info here.

There will be a pirate festival Downtown this weekend – Saturday at Mud Island and Sunday at the Metal Museum. Details here.

Poker last night at Calhoun’s took an unexpected turn… about 20 minutes into the game, my screen on my Buzztime Playmaker box got dimmer and dimmer… by the 30-minute mark my box had completely died, leaving me on the virtual poker table, sitting out with about 8,000 in chips. Kitty was kind enough to let me borrow her box and I was able to log back on about 15 minutes later. By that time the blinds had reduced my stack, and they came through again at 800/1600 before I could find anything even resembling a hand. Finally I shoved what was left all in with QJ suited, but it wasn’t good enough. Michele said “about 6” of the boxes are like that, dying in the middle of games. Time to replace the boxes maybe?

All in all, a very good time at Calhoun’s though… we celebrated Chad’s birthday, and it was good to see my BBQ teammate Kao who flew in from Mexico for the weekend.

Since we’re rumored to be getting a Maria’s Cantina Downtown, I’m going to check out the Southaven one for lunch… first though, let me check Foursquare and make sure there’s no douche checked in there… no, it appears to be safe. Will post a report of my experience there at a later time.

The Silly Goose once again has beer. Their permit expired, and for a few weeks they were selling mixed drinks only… but now the beer is back, and tonight is their trivia night at 8 PM.

Cockadoos is expanding their lunch menu. This is what they posted to Facebook today: “COMING SOON!! Turkey burgers, chili, chili cheese dogs, hot dogs, rotel chicken pasta, chili mac, and our very own club sandwich The Cockaclub!!”

Word on Twitter this morning is that the Downtown Blue Monkey is building a patio. That will be a nice addition.

Today’s Groupon is a half-off deal at the Memphis Rock ‘n’ Soul Museum.

The finale of the Orpheum’s summer movie series, Casablanca, is scheduled for tomorrow… however, Orpheum president Pat Halloran has decided to extend the series to run throughout the year. Movie tickets are relatively cheap entertainment, he believes, and he hopes that the Orpheum’s movie patrons will become future patrons of the Broadway shows. The Orpheum makes the movies fun with trivia contests, costume contests, organ concerts, and other entertainment prior to start time.

Bruce Pearl and John Calipari have always had a rivalry, but this summer Pearl has really proven himself… he’s proven he’s every bit as big a douche as Coach Cal. Not only did he lie about high school juniors being at his house, but he lied about the reason he came clean – it wasn’t his conscience as he said, but the fact that he knew he’d been caught, and he was trying to do damage control. CBS national columnist Gregg Doyel says that it’s time for Tennessee to fire the Bruchebag. I agree. Taking away 25% of his salary is not enough. It’s time for Bruce to find employment at Taco Bell. Or, as my friend Air Traffic Mike said, a Conference USA school.

Also a good column in the CA today… if Tennessee had been sincere about wanting to punish Pearl and his staff, they would have banned them from recruiting immediately, rather than beginning the ban on September 24. Pearl was in town yesterday recruiting a top Memphis high school player, desperately trying to salvage next year’s recruiting class.

A very happy birthday to my friend Chad! He plans on celebrating all weekend long, kicking it off tonight at Calhoun’s. I will be there to wish him well, and hopefully to pick up another first-place prize at poker.

I’m going to let last night’s drunk post, with the rumor about Maria’s Cantina coming Downtown, stand as is.  The person I heard it from is not exactly the epitome of “credibility” (or “intelligence” or “common sense” or “maturity” or “fashion sense” or a lot of other things), but I’ve heard the Maria’s thing from others as well, so I’m going to let it remain on the blog.

Glad I’m not a real journalist and therefore don’t have to make phone calls to corroborate this stuff.  That would be a lot of f-ing work.

Drunk drunk driggety driggety
Drunk drunk driggety driggety
Driggety drunk driggety drunk driggety drunk driggety drunk
Driggety drunk drunk driggety driggety
Drunk drunk driggety driggety

Okay. Yeah I went to the Saucer and drank some beer tonight.  And followed it up at Kooky Canuck.  But I gleaned some useful info for my readers.

That ground floor space facing the Main Street Mall in Barboro Flats, the new apartment building at Main and Gayoso?   That’s apparently going to be a Maria’s Cantina, based on conversations I had tonight.  I have seen this on Twitter before and someone who would know confirmed it tonight.  As the name suggests, it’s a Mexican place, and there’s one on Airways near Goodman in Southaven.  I’ve been told the new place will have a very decent happy hour until 7 PM, and will be open until 3 AM on weekends.  I’ve furthermore been told that the chile relleno is the best thing on the menu, for those planning orders in advance.

Quetzal, the Internet cafe/coffee shop/bar at Union and Marshall, has closed. The comments on this CA article offer some hints why. If you ignore the idiots arguing about whether “Obamma” (geez) or Bush is to blame for the economy, there are quite a few critiques of the service people received at Quetzal.

New details on the investigation regarding Tennessee coach Bruce Pearl. This article says the Big Orange Douche was shown photos of a recruit, and asked if he recognized the location at which the photos were taken. The Bruchebag said no, despite the fact that the photos were believed to have been taken at HIS OWN HOUSE. Hey Bruce, just in case things don’t go well in the investigation, I saw a sign at Taco Bell last week saying that they’re hiring.

Pearl isn’t the only college basketball douche in hot water, though. This NY Times article says that Eric Bledsoe, who played for Kentucky last season, received an “A” in high school Algebra III, without ever having taken Algebra II. Wow, that kid must be pretty smart. Well, that or someone fudged the grade. The allegation, if proved, could lead to Kentucky being forced to vacate their Elite Eight season last year. Wow, would vacated seasons at three different schools qualify John Calipari for the Guinness Book of World Records?

In other sports news, yesterday’s “Sports Files with Geoff Calkins” show, featuring R.C. Johnson, can now be viewed here.

Tomorrow night is the return of the Third Thursday block party on the block of Main between Gayoso and Peabody Place. Retail and restaurant discounts and live music. This month the music will be provided by Blind Mississippi Morris, Devil Train, and Mike Darby & House of Cards.

Calling all artists: The Downtown Neighborhood Association is holding a contest to design a T-shirt for its 30th anniversary. Besides the publicity and recognition that will come with winning, the person who creates the chosen design will receive a “River Experience” gift package with two-night hotel stays in New Orleans and Memphis and a Memphis gift bag. The People’s Choice winner will receive dinner for two at a Memphis restaurant. Visit the DNA website for more details.

Coming soon: Details on a Grizzlies promotion of interest to Downtowners.

This morning I got a text from someone who works Downtown that the Chocolate Factory inside Peabody Place has closed.

Lifehacker linked to a fantastic blog post this morning – No, you are not ‘running late,’ you are rude and selfish. Totally agree. Years ago, I used to put up with this from people who were late not once in a while, but consistently late – 25 minutes late to brunch while I sat there by myself waiting, 2 hours late to plans on Beale. So glad that I now have friends who respect my time.

All right… time to make a quick Target run before lunch is over. Not sure where I’ll be after work. Will probably start at the usual place, then go from there.

One of my favorite fall festivals, the Cooper-Young Festival, is this Saturday. Here are a few notes to help you maximize your enjoyment:

Wear comfortable shoes. If you loop around the entire length of the festival, you will be walking an entire mile. This is not the place to sacrifice comfort for the sake of stylish footwear.

If you want to buy tickets to the October 9 Cooper-Young Regional Beerfest, you’ll be able to do so at Saturday’s Cooper-Young Fest. (I’ll be buying my ticket that day!)

There’s usually one vendor who sells 24 oz. tallboy cans of PBR. This is the best beer value sold inside the festival. They usually have a booth somewhere in the vicinity of Soul Fish on Cooper.

When I drive to the fest (which I WON’T be doing this year), I like to park my car either north of Central or west of Barksdale, with the car pointed away from the festival. That makes my escape route super-simple when I leave, avoiding traffic jams.

Keep in mind that the Tigers have a home football game vs. Middle Tennessee State at 6 PM, so if you’re heading east from the festival late in the afternoon, best to avoid Central and Southern.

Better yet, avoid driving altogether. Call 323-3333 or 577-7777 to get a taxi. This is what I plan on doing.

Here’s a link to the festival schedule so you can figure out which bands you want to see, and when.

There’s also an additional, unofficial music stage: Celtic Crossing has bands on their back patio area, so be sure to stop by there for more music options. Their bands usually play well past the festival end time of 7 PM.

If the hot sun (or the beer) dehydrates you, the fresh-squeezed lemonade is a really good way to revive yourself.

The Memphis Flyer usually has a booth where they hand out maps of the festival. They also usually publish a festival map in the Wednesday issue preceding the fest.

Since it’s an election year, there will be plenty of politicians and political campaigns out talking to the voters. If there’s anyone you strongly support, grab a sticker from their campaign workers. If not, just try to avoid them.

Be sure to get a full charge on your mobile device if you plan on checking football scores throughout the day as you wander the festival.

They don’t allow pets at the festival. They post this all over their website and all advertising, yet there’s always that one person who tries to bring their damn dog anyway.

You can follow me at @paulryburn on Twitter, and I’ll try to tweet more C-Y tips throughout the day as I’m there. Of course, you’ll probably have to put up with tweets from me trash-talking Tennessee and Ole Miss, and commenting on any tube top action at the festival.

Speaking of which… I’ll have the camera with me. Ladies, if you want your pic on the blog, wear a tube top and come find me. This is one of the last festivals of the year when it’s still tube top weather outside.

Hope to see you there.  There are 8760 hours in a year, and sadly only 10 of them are devoted to Cooper-Young Fest.  I plan to take full advantage of them.

For those wondering when the Channel 5 story will air, honoring Bardog Tavern employees Jean and Demitrie, I now have a day. One of my blog’s readers was sitting next to Andy Wise last night as he ate a big plate of Aldo’s spaghetti and meatballs, and Wise said the story will air Thursday night.

The Orpheum will wrap up its summer movie series with Casablanca Friday night. Movie starts at 7:15, but show up at 6:15 for pre-movie events including a trivia contest with a grand prize package valued at $1000. Visit their website for more details and ticket info.

Grill 83 has announced their October Tuscan Wine Dinner. It will be October 12 at 6:30 PM, and here are the courses:

First Course: Pappardelle al Cinghiale Brasato, a homemade Pappardelle pasta, green olive braised boar, butternut squash and toasted walnuts, served with La Braccesca Syrah

Main Course: Vitello Agrodolce sulla Polenta e Funghi, a roasted veal tenderloin glazed with sweet and sour sauce, served over polenta and mushroom Ragu, paired with La Braccesca Sabazio.

Final Course: Semifreddo al Torrone, a nougat Semifreddo with cantuccini biscotti, accompanied by Le Rive Muscato

$59 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Call 901-333-1224 or visit Grill 83 to make reservations.

It looks like the deli Joe Cooper is planning at Main and Adams is on hold. This CA article reports that Cooper’s investors backed out, and he is currently looking for new ones before he can move forward. Kinda surprised by that – who wouldn’t want a convicted felon as a business partner?

There’s a plan in the works to ease traffic congestion at the I-55/Crump/Riverside intersection. I-55 traffic will be rerouted straight through, and a roundabout will provide local access to streets like Crump and Riverside. Two things: 1) Please don’t start on this until the I-40 bridge construction is over; and 2) Downtowners will LOVE YOU if you can find some way to include easy access to the Metal Museum from Downtown north of Crump as part of this.

I wish the best of luck to my friends on the Squeal Street BBQ team, who will be competing in the Smokin’ Aces regional BBQ championship cooking contest in Tunica this weekend. It’s hosted by Harrah’s Casino. Admission is free both Friday and Saturday, and there will be bands, people’s choice judgings, and a chance to meet Memphis BBQ legends the Neelys.

Quick reminder that there’s an SMA meeting at the Peabody Corner Bar at 6, and the Redbirds play the first game of the Pacific Coast League championship at 7:05. And, of course, it’s trivia night at the Saucer, which is where I’ll be.

As I type this, Action News 5 is filming at Bardog Tavern.  Jean will be named “Server of the Week” and Demitrie will be named “Chef of the Week” on an upcoming newscast.  I don’t watch the news enough to know the day of the week… I know it’s a 10:00 newscast.  If I find out, I’ll post details.  Congratulations to both.  Couldn’t have been given to two nicer people.

Hey Channel 5, shouldn’t you think about doing a “Foursquare mayor of the week” feature while you’re at Bardog?

Probably my favorite part of being a blogger is when readers of my blog come up to me in a tube top and ask to be photographed.  Here’s a pic of me with Sarah from yesterday at Sunday Fun Day.  I’m holding my famous Paulie Lager (Dos Equis Lager with a bunch of limes) and Sarah has a tube top on.

I think I have my eyes closed, but really, who’s looking at me in this pic anyway?  I’ve transitioned my hair from Elvis black to chocolate brown.  Still a ways to go before it returns to its old color.

The Memphis Redbirds got some good news… they will be the home team for the entire 5-game run of the Pacific Coast League championship series. Their opponents, The Tacoma Rainiers, started construction on their stadium as soon as the regular season ended, rendering it unavailable for playoff games. Games will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, Friday, and (if needed) Saturday and Sunday. Visit the Redbirds’ website for more information.

Good news for Arkansas Razorbacks fans as well. TV times and networks have been released for the next two games. The Saturday, September 18 game vs. Georgia will be on ESPN at 11 AM. When I saw the announcement, I was happy to see the game on a major network… and then I realized Saturday is Cooper-Young Fest. Therefore, my iPhone will have to serve as my connection to college sports. If the game is close maybe I’ll pop in the Deli to watch the fourth quarter.

The following Saturday, the 25th, is the big game: Hogs vs. Alabama. That one will be on CBS at 2:30 PM. Very, very pleased to see that this game will be on a major network, as it widens the choices where to watch the game. May have to put on the Hog Hat for this one.

I’ve written in my blog before about Jeffrey and the Pacemakers, the group that plays 1960s British Invasion tunes. Downtowners are in for a treat this coming Sunday, September 19, when the group will play Downtown Huey’s at 8:30 PM. I caught their show at Escape Alley Sundry back in July, and they were excellent. Beatles, Kinks, Animals, Yardbirds, and similar music from that era. They cover a few American bands too.

Really hoping this week flies by, because I’m ready for the Cooper-Young Festival on Saturday. It is one of Memphis’ largest street festivals, stretching nearly half a mile down Cooper Street in Midtown. There will be about 400 vendor booths, bands on three stages, and of course food and beverages. If you haven’t been to this festival, you need to check it out. This year I’ve decided I’m going to hop in a cab about 10:30 and head down there… will stay until it ends at 7. After that I’ll try to find a cab or ride home… worst case scenario, I’ll walk, which I’ve done before from Cooper-Young.

Today’s the first week of Monday Night Football. Kooky Canuck is running specials during the games – get a 34 oz. Bud Light for $2.50, and get 24 wings for $11.99. Anyone else Downtown running specials for games? One other MNF-related note – trivia at Local is taking a break until the season ends.

My building is having a MNF watch party for residents with free sliders and chips… I may have to stop by. Free food? Wonder if the Nuh-Uh Girl will show up. Before the watch party, though, I’ll get in a few beers at Pint Nite. I hit 150 beers yesterday, so I should be able to collect another free hat that I’ll never wear.