Month: December 2022

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Harlem’s Fashion Row Celebrates 15th Anniversary with Memphis Fashion Show

Memphis designer Prep Curry via Instagram

When Brandice Daniel moved to New York from Memphis, she made a vow: Whatever work she did in New York, she would bring it back to Memphis every five years.

The product that manifested from Daniel’s Memphis-made, grit and grind was Harlem’s Fashion Row (HFR), which was launched in 2007. Ever since then, Daniel has kept her commitment. For HFR’s 5th year in 2012, they held a fashion show on Main Street, and in 2017 their runway was housed in Clayborn Temple.

On December 10th the Nike Distribution Center on Lamar Avenue was transformed to celebrate HFR’s 15th anniversary, designers of color, and  Daniel’s commitment to diversity in the fashion industry.

In September of 2022, Daniel told the Flyer that HFR acts as a bridge between designers of colors and fashion brands. This mission was exemplified in 2018 when HFR first partnered with Nike through the “HFR X Lebron” collaboration, which was “for women by women.”

Brandice Daniel (Credit: Lebo Lukewarm)

Nike and HFR have since worked together for designer retreats, where they bring 75 to 100 designers of color to Nike headquarters to receive mentorship, partnership, sponsorship, and the opportunity to build community with each other, said Daniel.

“When we started this partnership in 2018, we could not not be a part of this,” said Robert Shorty, director of diversity, equity, and inclusion supporting Nike’s global supply chain and sustainability. “ Our vision for diversity, equity, and inclusion is to create the equitable playing field of the future, and there’s no way to have an equitable playing field without having it in fashion and design as well.”

According to Daniel, Saturday’s show was the culmination of four years of “incredible partnership.”

The show featured collections from Kimberly Goldson, Nichole Lynel, Cotte D’Armes by Clarence Ruth, and Memphis-designer Prep Curry. All four are designers of color.

While the show featured collections from designers based in New York and Los Angeles, Memphis culture seemed to prevail in a number of ways. The runway featured an opening performance of Memphis Jookin to Duke Deuce’s “Buck The System,” and models strutted to GloRilla’s latest hits. Curry’s collection served as the ultimate finale, with Curry himself coming out of “jookin retirement.”

Memphis’ talent was also showcased backstage with stylists being hand-picked to be a part of Takeisha Berry Brooks’, owner of A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge, beauty team. Brooks picked students from schools all around the city.

Pink Noire, a Black-owned beauty supply store in Memphis, also sponsored the products used by the beauty team.

At the closing of the show, Daniel was honored with a resolution from Shelby County Commissioner Mickell Lowery.

“She embodies the sentiment of lifting as you climb,” said Lowery. “That’s just pure Memphis at heart.”

Lowery also commended Daniel for HFR’s work with HBCU fashion departments through their annual HBCU fashion summit.

As Daniel gave her closing remarks, she heavily emphasized how special Memphis is.

“Sometimes when you’re here, and you’re living here, you don’t realize how special you are,” said Daniel. “It would be like a fish in water saying to another fish that water is special. They don’t know it. So when you take someone out of Memphis and put them in another environment, they always thrive because of what this city puts in them.”

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Uncategorized

Record-Setting Night in Memphis as Grizzlies Maul Hawks, 128–103

Tyus Jones drives to the basket against the Hawks. (Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE Getty Images)

The Grizzlies just played game four of a five-game homestand and put a serious beating on the Atlanta Hawks and extended their current winning streak to six games. Lots of highlights from the gang in this one.

Let’s get into it.  

You would be forgiven for thinking this would be a quiet matchup, with Ja Morant out for Memphis and Trae Young out for Atlanta, but you would certainly have been proven wrong.  

Every time that Tyus Jones steps into the starting lineup for Memphis, he shows exactly why the Grizzlies were right to extend him a new contract over the summer. Jones has averaged 20.6 points and 8.4 assists in his five starts this season. He made a little history as well with his season-high 11 assists, 22 points, and 3 steals in less than 25 minutes.

Tyus Jones also helped facilitate the coming out party for Memphis native guard Kennedy Chandler, who announced his presence in the league with authority Monday night.

Chandler is part of the crop of exciting rookie players joining the team this season, and evidence that the youth movement is alive and well in Memphis.

It was a career night for Jaren Jackson Jr as well. The Block Panther had a career-high 8 blocks against the Hawks, tying the Grizzlies’ single-game franchise record for blocks. Jackson has missed 16 games this season and is still in the league’s top ten for blocked shots.

By The Numbers: 

Memphis shot a season-high 60.2% from the field while holding Atlanta to 35.6% overall, a season-low for a Grizzlies opponent. 

Jones led all scorers with 22 points, 11 assists, and 3 steals, on 8 of 14 shooting. Jackson Jr finished the night with 15 points and the aforementioned 8 blocks.

Dillon Brooks had a hot shooting night and finished with 18 points, shooting 5 of 7 from three-point range.

Santi Aldama led the bench unit with 16 points and 5 rebounds. Xavier Tillman Sr closed out with 10 points and 4 rebounds.

The kids are alright in Memphis. Rookies David Roddy contributed 11 points on 5 of 9 shooting and Kennedy Chandler had 8 points and 7 assists.

Just look at this gorgeous footwork.

Who Got Next? 

The Grizzlies will close out this five-game homestand Wednesday night against the Milwaukee Bucks. Tip-off is at 7 PM CST. 

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News News Blog News Feature

Pot-Smoking Millington January 6th Insurrectionist Gets Five Years in Prison

Credit: U.S. Department of Justice

A Millington man forced his way into the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 2021, assaulted police, stole a book, tried to steal an oil painting, smoked a joint in the Rotunda, sobbed during his trial, begged a judge for mercy, and got five years in prison last week. 

Ronald Sandlin, 35, of Millington was sentenced in Washington D.C. to 63 months in prison and three years of supervised release last week on a number of charges, all related to the insurrection at the Capitol on January 6th. Those charges include conspiracy to obstruct an official proceeding, and assaulting, resisting, or impeding officers.

Sandlin, a business owner, had two co-conspirators, Nathaniel DeGrave and Josiah Colt. Together, they planned to interfere with the peaceful transition of presidential power, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), beginning in December 2020. 

Sandlin sought GoFundMe donations to organize a caravan to Washington.

On December 31st, 2020, Sandlin posted to Facebook that he was organizing a caravan to travel to Washington and sought donations with a GoFundMe page. The same day, the three conspirators began a private chat on Facebook to plan for a January 6th assault on the Capitol. In the chat, they discussed “shipping guns” to Sandlin’s residence in Tennessee, where they planned to meet prior to their trip. 

On January 4th, 2021, before heading to Washington, Sandlin posted to Facebook a picture of Colt lying on a bed holding a firearm, with the caption, “My fellow patriot sleeping ready for the boogaloo Jan 6.” The DOJ Sandlin understood at the time that the term “boogaloo” referred to civil war. 

“My fellow patriot sleeping ready for the boogaloo Jan 6.”

Ronald Sandlin

On January 6th, after watching live television coverage of the “Stop the Steal” rally near the Ellipse, at a nearby restaurant, Sandlin live-streamed a video in which he called on “other patriots” to “take the Capitol.” In the video, Sandlin stated four times that “freedom is paid for with blood.” 

Sandlin, DeGrave, and Colt then traveled together to the Capitol wearing protective gear, including gas/face masks, helmets, and shin guards. Sandlin was armed with a knife, while DeGrave carried bear spray. 

On the Capitol grounds, the men scaled dismantled bike barricades and got past law enforcement officers, pushing through the crowd to get closer to the Capitol building. Sandlin repeatedly yelled things such as “we’re not here to spectate anymore,” “the time to talk is over,” and “if you’re not breaching the building, move out of the way.”

“If you’re not breaching the building, move out of the way.”

Ronald Sandlin

The three men entered the Capitol through the Upper West Terrace door, at about 2:35 p.m. Inside, Sandlin and DeGrave pushed against officers guarding an exterior door to the Capitol Rotunda, slowly forcing the door open and letting a mob stream inside. Sandlin shouted at the officers, “you’re going to die, get out of the way,” before grabbing an officer’s helmet.

The three men then went together up a set of stairs and to a hallway outside the Senate chamber. Sandlin incited others in the mob to prevent U.S. Capitol Police officers from locking the doors to the Senate Gallery, shouting “grab the door.” He began shoving officers in an attempt to keep the doors open. As he did this, his hand made contact with the side of an officer’s head. The trio and dozens of other rioters then gained access to the Senate Gallery, where Sandlin recorded a selfie-style video with his phone, exclaiming: “We took it. We did it.”

Sandlin smoked a cannabis joint in the Rotunda of the Capitol.

U.S. Department of Justice

After leaving the Senate Gallery, Sandlin smoked a cannabis joint in the Rotunda of the Capitol. He also stole a book from a desk in a Senate-side office, which he later described to Colt as a “souvenir.” He also picked up an oil painting from the Capitol and slung it over his shoulder before others in the mob took it off his shoulder. He exited the Capitol at about 3:16 p.m.

Shortly after the riot, Sandlin deleted photographs and messages regarding the events of January 6th from his group chats with Colt, DeGrave, and others.

Sandlin wrote he was “ashamed” and “embarrassed,” calling the January 6th insurrection “a national tragedy.”

8 News Now, Las Vegas

Sandlin and his co-conspirators were arrested in Las Vegas a few weeks after January 6th. According to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Sandlin sobbed during his hearing and begged, “Your honor, have mercy on me. Please.”

“I want to start off by apologizing to the officers I assaulted January 6,” Sandlin said in a statement provided to the judge, according to Las Vegas’ 8 News Now. “I have to live with my abhorrent actions for the rest of my life and I pray that my sentencing gives you and your families peace and resolution.”

Sandlin wrote he was “ashamed” and “embarrassed,” calling the January 6th insurrection “a national tragedy.”

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Politics Politics Beat Blog Politics Feature

Walter Bailey Portrait to be Unveiled at NCRM

On Tuesday, one of the icons of both Shelby County government and civil rights history will be with be honored with a portrait-unveiling ceremony at the National Civil Rights Museum. Hosts for the occasion, which will take place at 1:30 p.m., will be Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris and Shelby County Commission chair Mickell M. Lowery.

The portrait of Bailey  to be unveiled was painted by Memphis native Carl Hess, an artist whose other subjects include President Barack Obama, First Lady Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Bishop T.D. Jakes, and a series commissioned by Tyler Perry for his sound stages in Atlanta.

Mayor Harris had this to say about Bailey:  “Icon, innovator, and trailblazer are some of the words that describe Walter L. Bailey, Jr. Commissioner Bailey is the epitome of excellence and has set a path for how leaders in this county should fight for justice and equality for all. I am thrilled to honor someone who I consider to be a mentor, political leader, and, more importantly, a social justice pioneer of our time.”

Chairman Lowery said: “I am appreciative of the opportunity to honor a legend and advocate for social justice. Walter L. Bailey, Jr.’s work in Shelby County is paramount and is something that should be recognized. Mr. Bailey has set a foundation for many Shelby County Commissioners, such as myself, and I look forward to honoring him and his legacy.” 

The press release announcing the portrait ceremony summarized Bailey’s career this way: “Walter L. Bailey, Jr. was born on August 21st, 1940. After graduating from Booker T. Washington High School, Walter Bailey attended Southern University where he participated in a variety of civil rights activities organized by his brother, the late Judge D’Army Bailey. Always striving for excellence, he received his juris doctor from Southern University Law Center before starting the Walter Bailey Law Firm.

“In the courtroom, Walter Bailey earned national recognition after taking on several high-profile legal battles including efforts to desegregate Memphis schools. He also represented Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the sanitation workers’ strike of 1968. Walter Bailey’s most famous legal success, a case which reached the Supreme Court, established that law enforcement could not use deadly force when a suspect is fleeing unless his or her life is threatened. This landmark decision remains a standard for law enforcement officers today.

“Walter Bailey’s decades of elected public service began in 1971 when he joined the Shelby County Board of Commissioners. His service spanned four decades and 11 terms until his retirement in 2018, making him the longest-serving member of the board of commissioners. 

“In 2008, he received the Pillars of Excellence award from the University of Memphis Law School Alumni Chapter. In 2018, the Shelby County Criminal Justice Center, known as ‘201 Poplar,’ was renamed the ‘Walter L. Bailey, Jr. Criminal Justice Center.’ The portrait will be featured publicly at this location.”

Bailey’s brother, the late D’Army Bailey, was previously honored when the Shelby County Courthouse was renamed in his honor.

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Film Features Film/TV

Southeastern Film Critic’s Association Names Best Films of 2022

Michelle Yeoh

Everything Everywhere All At Once emerged as the best picture of 2022 in the annual poll of the 84 members of the Southeastern Film Critic’s Association (SEFCA), which includes this columnist. Michelle Yeoh was tapped as Best Actress for her role in the film as a failing laundrymat owner who is unexpectedly thrust into a multiverse adventure, Key Huy Quan won Best Supporting Actor for playing several versions of Yeoh’s longsuffering husband, and Daniel Kwan & Daniel Sheinert beat out runner-up Steven Spielberg for Best Director.

“Personally, I am thrilled SEFCA recognized Everything Everywhere All at Once in so many categories,” says SEFCA President Matt Goldberg. “As film critics, one of the best things we can do is celebrate films that push the boundaries of narrative and genre. We hope that our voice can pull in viewers who may not normally check out a film where two women with hot dog fingers figure out their relationship. As strange as the film can be, its core message of embracing the richness of our relationships in the face of nihilistic apathy will endure far beyond this year’s award season.”

Here are the full results from the SEFCA poll:

Top 10 Films

1.     Everything Everywhere All at Once

2.     The Banshees of Inisherin

3.     The Fabelmans

4.     Tár

5.     Top Gun: Maverick

6.     RRR

7.     Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

8.     Women Talking

9.     Nope

10.  The Batman

Best Actor

Winner: Colin Farrell, The Banshees of Inisherin

Runner-Up: Brendan Fraser, The Whale

Best Actress

Winner: Michelle Yeoh, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Runner-Up: Cate Blanchett, Tár

Best Supporting Actor: 

Winner: Key Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Runner-Up: Brendan Gleeson, The Banshees of Inisherin

Best Supporting Actress:

Winner: Kerry Condon, The Banshees of Inisherin

Runner-Up: Stephanie Hsu, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Best Ensemble:

Winner: Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Runner-Up: Women Talking

Best Director

Winner: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Runner-Up: Steven Spielberg, The Fabelmans

Best Original Screenplay

Winner: Daniel Kwan & Daniel Scheinert, Everything Everywhere All at Once

Runner-Up: Martin McDonagh, The Banshees of Inisherin

Best Adapted Screenplay

Winner: Sarah Polley, Women Talking

Runner-Up: Rian Johnson, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery

Best Documentary

Winner: Fire of Love

Runner-Up: Good Night Oppy

Best Foreign-Language Film

Winner: RRR

Runner-Up: Decision to Leave

Best Animated Film

Winner: Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio

Runner-Up: Marcel the Shell with Shoes On

Best Cinematography

Winner: Claudio Miranda, Top Gun: Maverick

Runner-Up: Janusz Kaminski, The Fabelmans

Best Score

Winner: Michael Giacchino, The Batman

Runner-Up: John Williams, The Fabelmans

The Gene Wyatt Award (Film That Best Evokes the Spirit of the South)

Winner: Elvis

Runner-Up: Till

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Film Features Film/TV

Music Video Monday: “Hammer Mannequin” by J.D. Reager

Memphis rock vet and Back To The Light podcast host J.D. Reager has a new album, Where Wasn’t I?

The song “Hammer Mannequin,” Reager says, “… is both a tribute to the great sports reporter Vince Cellini and a bit of a pep talk to myself. I might not ever be the star of the show, but I can be the engine that makes it go — and that’s got to be enough.”

The video was directed by Memphis’ Jack Alberson under the name J. Robot. “I love what Jack came up with for this video,” says Reager. “He combined footage he shot around Memphis with some phone videos I shot in my old neighborhood in Chicago, plus some other scraps we both dug up, and made something really fun and befitting of the song.”

If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.

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News News Blog News Feature

St. Jude Programs Expand STEM Outreach In MSCS

STEM interns Jana Elabiad (left) and Morgan Johnson learn a laboratory technique with Andrey Reshetnyak, Ph.D. (Credit: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.)

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has teamed up with Memphis-Shelby County Schools to provide science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education and outreach to students from kindergarten to twelfth grade.

According to St. Jude, it is “likely the first major medical and research institution to dedicate significant resources in its own community to educate and train the next generation of doctors, nurses, researchers, and scientific academic leaders.

Kate Ayers is director of STEM education and outreach at St. Jude, and said that while the program has been around for about 15 years, the partnership with MSCS started about five years ago.

Ayers started working with the program in 2013, and at that time there was a curriculum written at the 4th grade level about cells, cancer, and healthy living. However, there was a big shift when the Next Generation Science Standards were first introduced.

“With that comes a major shift in how science is taught in the classroom,” said Ayers. “I think Tennessee adopted those standards two years later, and it began to be integrated into curriculum, or the expectation was that it was integrated into curriculum, beginning in 2016.”

Ayers said that this marks the point where St. Jude began to shift its program model, and when it began to engage MSCS in a “more intentional way.”

St. Jude said this need is also the result of the “national education debt,” and “the legacy of school segregation.”

“On one side there is the history of racism and classism that has historically plagued our education system for a very long time, and creates pathways where resources are allocated to some schools and not to other schools,” said Ayers.

The term “education debt” was coined by Gloria Ladson-Billings, a critical race theorist, and says Ayers, the term discusses the education gap.

“That implies that there is some deficiency in the child — that they aren’t meeting these standards, and by shifting the language to an education debt, she [Ladson-Billings] is calling out the systems that have prevented access to high quality education for people of color and people from low economic statuses.”

There is also a growing emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of science, said Ayers. 

Ayers said that education debt has prevented many children of color, young girls, and children from low socioeconomic backgrounds from pursuing careers in science. “Institutions like St. Jude and scientific institutions across the nation are getting pressure put on them by federal granting mechanisms to address this issue of diversity in the field of science,” said Ayers. “Those two things meet where we need more scientists of color and more women coming into the field of science in order to ensure that we have this diversity of thought, diversity of perspectives, that new research has shown enhances the quality of problem solving and critical thinking.”

According to St. Jude, the most recent Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) scores show that “13 percent of the 110,000-plus students (about 90 percent of whom identify as Black, Hispanic, or Native American and about 60 percent of whom are economically disadvantaged) in the Memphis-Shelby County Schools system are proficient in math.”

In order to address this education debt in meaningful ways, Ayers said that St. Jude works to make sure that children are getting access to “high-quality science education.”

The St. Jude K-12 Cancer Education and Outreach Program offers four different programs for the 2022-2023 school year.  

  • The Kindergarten Collaborative works with 27 teachers in six schools to introduce STEM to kindergarteners. 
  • The St. Jude Afterschool STEM Clubs were in 10 schools for the fall semester, and will be in 12 schools for the spring semester. According to St. Jude, students in this program work together to “design and build a prosthetic hand for an osteosarcoma patient who had an amputation.”
  • Middle school students work to “identify potential areas of cancer health disparities in their local communities,” through the Middle School Community Health Clubs.
  • The St. Jude High School and College Research Immersion Program was launched in the summer of 2022 and placed high school and college students in eight-week internships on the St. Jude campus.
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From My Seat Sports

MSEC: Game Changer

(Credit: Frank Murtaugh)

“If I could put exercise in a pill and sell it, I’d be the richest doctor in the world.”

— Dr. Jeff Warren, Memphis City Council

To paraphrase Neil Armstrong, the Mid-South recreation community took a giant leap Saturday when the Memphis Sports & Events Center (MSEC) opened its doors in the heart of Liberty Park. Where Memphians once rode the Zippin Pippin during a visit to Libertyland, they’ll now dribble basketballs, spike volleyballs, and compete in futsal tournaments. Drive by the facility and you can virtually hear the squeak of sneakers.

“Sports tourism and Memphis youth, that’s what this is about,” said Mayor Jim Strickland at a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by dozens of supporters and officials, but also, significantly, dozens of young volleyball and basketball players. “My kids played youth sports, and rarely could we play in Memphis. We didn’t have a facility. Hundreds of thousands of people will come to Memphis every year because of this facility, spending money, creating jobs. It will be a national destination. All Memphis kids will be welcome here. Nothing builds quality young people like team sports.”

At 227,000 square feet, the MSEC has a footprint the size of four football fields. Each of two wings features eight basketball courts that can convert into as many as 32 volleyball courts. The north wing includes stadium seating to accommodate 3,500 spectators, along with four VIP suites, and boxes for media and recruiters. It’s the kind of space — enormous but buzzing with activity — that makes you wish you were 13 years old … or the parent of a 13-year-old.

Remarkably, the MSEC was completed in 18 months, the heavy lifting under the guidance of Turner Construction. It cost $60 million and was paid for under a Tourism Development Zone (TDZ) classification, with $10 million contributed directly by the state of Tennessee. Designed by local architecture firm brg3s, the complex is shaped also for cheer and competitive dance tournaments, with a scarcity of vertical beams to allow the necessary air space for such events. (If you’ve seen cheer tournaments, you know such space is a premium.)

The MSEC immediately becomes the centerpiece of Liberty Park. (You’ll show your age if you call this area “the Fairgrounds.”) Along with Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium (now home to both the Memphis Tigers and USFL’s Memphis Showboats), the Kroc Center, and the Children’s Museum of Memphis, the facility breathes new life into an area that has seen activity decline since the closures of Libertyland and the Mid-South Coliseum. And there’s more to come, Strickland highlighting an 18-acre private development that will include a hotel.

“We were missing opportunities in the emerging and growing youth-sports market,” said Kevin Kane, president of Memphis Tourism. “For indoor sports, we used various facilities throughout the community. But we’re [transitioning] to huge youth sports, thanks to this facility. It’s a game changer. Everybody will benefit. Memphis is the big winner today, the tax base, and from an economic development standpoint.”

The MSEC is not only for kids. Adult leagues for basketball and futsal will begin play in January. (Futsal is a form of indoor soccer played on a “field” the size of a basketball court.) There are multipurpose rooms that can host birthday parties, anniversary celebrations, and other such fun. And two dining areas. You could spend all day at the MSEC and leave wanting a little more.

Fittingly, local sports-media legend Jarvis Greer greeted the crowd for Saturday’s grand opening. To no one’s surprise, he seemed like the most excited man in the place. And Jarvis gets it. Youth sports matter, as much for what comes after youth as during our playing days. If exercise is good for the body, mind, and soul, Memphis just got considerably healthier. And without a pill.

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Beyond the Arc Sports

Grizzlies Extend Win Streak Against Pistons, 113-103

Jaren Jackson, Jr. (Credit: Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Memphis Grizzlies extended their winning streak to five games with a 114-103 victory over the Detroit Pistons at FedExForum on a foggy Friday night in the Bluff City. The Grizzlies are now 11-2 at home and have a 17-9 overall record.

Jaren Jackson, Jr. had 20 points to lead the Grizzlies and also added five boards, four blocks, and two steals on 8-12 shooting from the field and 3 of 5 from deep. 

The defensive specialist has recorded four or more blocks in half of his 10 appearances this year. Jackson is averaging 3.2 blocks per game on the season. The 23-year-old also reached 400 career blocks.

Even though Jackson is playing great on both ends of the floor early in the season, he said, hopefully, it’s not his best, so the team can continue improving. 

Jackson has been taking advantage of mismatches, scoring inside, and getting to the foul line more this season. “I’m definitely using my size better and working on getting extra dribbles, not just lunging out there — and getting to the free throw line more,” said Jackson. “I’m emphasizing all that stuff.”

He attributes his increased rate of blocks to his availability on the court. “I’m staying on the floor,” he explained. “I’m able to be out there longer. When you’re out there longer, you can do more things. I’m just staying on the floor better.”

Taylor Jenkins had plenty to say about the improvements he wanted for Jackson after last season. “Obviously, he didn’t have the benefit of being able to work much this offseason, but just continue to challenge him, to build off of what you’ve done the summer before,” Jenkins said. “Defensive activity, versatility, obviously he’s so gifted with what he can do to protect the rim. Continue to challenge him to rebound — four defensive rebounds tonight.”

Jenkins continued: “Offensively, continue to be a playmaker and challenge him to continue to move the ball. A lot of the offense runs through our guards, so trying to find those spots and just really do a good job, being a presence in the post, getting good finishes — a playmaker out there if they double team him, and teams are going to start switching more. We’ve got to be able to punish them with him on the inside.”

“Jaren [Jackson Jr.] helps with everybody; he makes everyone’s job easier when he’s back there protecting the rim,” said Tyus Jones after the win. “It definitely allows us to kind of pressure the ball a little bit more and have that confidence knowing that they really don’t even want to try to get all the way to the rim with him back there. He definitely makes our job easier.”

“Jaren is a huge part of our defense and our offense,” said big man Brandon Clarke. “Really, he is a great anchor for us [defensively]. He can do everything on the other end too, offensively. He can shoot it, he can finish in the post, and I feel like we all have really good chemistry with him too. So, it just makes playing these games much easier.”

Clarke finished with 17 points, seven rebounds, and two assists while going 7-of-8 from the floor. 

Ja Morant secured his eighth double-double of the season with 15 points, 12 assists, six rebounds, and a game-high three steals. 

Morant has recorded 10 or more assists in seven games this season. 

Dillon Brooks added 16 points and four assists. 

Up Next

The Grizzlies will look to extend the winning streak to six games on Monday night at FedExForum against the Atlanta Hawks. Tip-off: 7pm CT.

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Music Music Blog

After a 15-Year Hiatus, the Return of The Glass

The Glass, ca. early 2000s. L-R: Justin Lloyd, John Argroves, Tommy Pappas, Brad Bailey (Photo: Heath Davis)

Tonight marks that rare thing in the revival market: the return of the early 2000s. Even the ’90s are getting their due these days, but for those wishing to press ahead into the future of retro, this Friday night is your night. The Glass return to the town they started in 20 years ago.

“It’s been 15-plus years since we did this!” exclaims drummer John Argroves at the prospect of tonight’s show at B-Side. Yet the players have been recording together more recently. As Argroves explains, “Justin Lloyd [guitarist in the Glass] wrote some tunes of his own and we decided to meet him in Monticello, Mississippi, last fall to do a weekend session with the old guard. That band is Red Ocher, and the album’s called The Owl.”

As Red Ocher is also on tonight’s bill, fans of The Glass will get a double helping of sorts. Though the material and the singer for each project are unique, they sit well together. Also on the bill is Jeff Hulett, who’s been making his mark on Memphis music for more than 20 years as well, both with Snowglobe and as a solo artist. Tonight the solo artist has a full band.

For the uninitiated, the music of The Glass holds up well. The shimmering dissonances and angular harmonies in the guitar interplay provide a captivating setting for Brad Bailey’s musings, with an underlying angst that seems appropriate to this era. And the boutique label Small Batch Records agrees, having re-released the band’s 2002 debut, Concorde, only two years ago (reviewed by the Memphis Flyer at the time). Seattle-based owner Aaron Rehling has also featured Hulett on the label, 2018’s Around These Parts.

The Glass, Red Ocher, and the Jeff Hulett band play Friday, December 9th, at B-Side Memphis, 8 p.m.