Memphis blues man Richard Wilson has a new album. You Can Have It All was laid down at the historic Sam Phillips Recording studio by producer Scott Bomar, featuring heavy hitters Al Gamble on keys and Justin Walker on drums.
“Whisper in Your Ear” is a sweet come-on of a song, which Wilson and Walker perform in the stark black and white video. Take a look.
If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.
Celebrating its remarkable journey since its inception in 1974, Outdoors In. commemorates its 50th year as a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The origins of Outdoors Inc trace back to when co-founders Joe Royer and Lawrence Migliara merged their passion and entrepreneurial spirit by uniting their paddling companies, West Tennessee White Water Supply and South Central Canoe Base, into what was initially known as a store called The Great Outdoors. This venture was born out of necessity; as avid paddlers and racers, Joe and Lawrence could not find performance outdoor equipment in Memphis. Their first retail outpost was established in spring 1974, marking the beginning of a new era in outdoor retail.
In the early days, the focus was squarely on performance paddling equipment, catering to a niche yet passionate demographic. The founders’ trip to Rainier Mountaineering School was a pivotal moment, broadening their horizon and subsequently the store’s inventory to include climbing and camping gear. It wasn’t long before the brand underwent a significant transformation, adopting the name Outdoors Inc and expanding its product line further to encompass snow ski equipment and apparel. This expansion was timely, coinciding with a period of unusual regional snowfall, allowing Outdoors Inc to sponsor the first-ever Cross Country Ski races in Memphis’ Audubon Park.
The 1980s saw further diversification with the addition of cycling gear to their repertoire, underscoring Outdoors Inc’s commitment to catering to a broad spectrum of outdoor activities. The subsequent years witnessed physical and geographical growth, solidifying Outdoors Inc’s presence as the go-to retailer for skiing and snowboarding in West Tennessee.
Today, Outdoors Inc prides itself on being more than just a retail outlet; it is a cornerstone of the Memphis community, offering not just high-quality gear for a variety of outdoor activities, but also fostering long-term relationships with customers through exceptional service. The commitment to durability and sustainability is evident in the selection of products that promise longevity over disposability, reflecting an environmentally responsible ethos. Outdoors has continued to carry gear and apparel from industry-leading outdoor brands such as Patagonia, Arc’teryx, prAna, Cannondale, Hoka, Teva, Chaco, and more.
The company’s commitment to the community and the environment remains unwavering, as evidenced by its longstanding tradition of hosting events like the Outdoors Inc Canoe and Kayak Race on the Mississippi River that took place for 38 years until the pandemic struck, and the Outdoors Inc Gravel Race that happens every November at Big River Crossing. Outdoors has also partnered with and supported local nonprofit organizations such as Wolf River Conservancy, Overton Park Conservancy, and Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.
As Outdoors Inc marks its 50th year, it reflects on a legacy of innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. It stands as a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedication of its team, promising to continue serving and inspiring outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.
The 50th anniversary of Outdoors Inc is more than just a celebration of its past achievements; it’s a pivotal moment that highlights the company’s role in the outdoor industry and its vision for the future. As Outdoors Inc continues to adapt, innovate, and inspire, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the great outdoors and the human spirit’s desire to explore it. Here’s to the next 50 years of adventure, stewardship, and community.
This article is sponsored by Outdoors Inc.
A clutch basket from Jaren Jackson Jr. put Memphis back in the lead with 1.2 seconds remaining in regulation and secured the Grizzlies’ 99-97 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Memphis fans are used to the “Call 12” mantra, referring to calling on their superstar point guard Ja Morant. But Friday night in San Antonio, the shorthanded Grizzlies needed someone else to come through in clutch time, and Jaren Jackson Jr. was that guy. Right when they needed him, Memphis called 13 and he delivered.
One of the silver linings to this dark cloud of a season has been the emergence of Jackson as a leader in the absence of Morant, Brandon Clarke, Marcus Smart, et al.
Starting the game with a shooting slump that saw them trailing by as much as 17 points at one stage, the Grizzlies had to battle through the remaining three quarters to mount a comeback.
San Antonio is currently the worst team in the Western Conference with an abysmal 15-55 record and is one of the few teams struggling harder this season than Memphis. Once the Grizzlies’ greatest league rival, the Spurs have been going through a rebuilding era, and they are well on their way thanks to 2023 number-one draft pick and presumed rookie of the year, Victor Wembanyama.
At 7 feet 4 inches tall, Wembanyama, the 19-year-old center hailing from France, has electrified the league with his remarkable athleticism and made the struggling Spurs must-watch basketball.
Wembanyama had a game-high 31 points and 16 rebounds on 11 of 24 overall shooting.
Guards Devin Vassell and Tre Jones (younger brother of former Grizzly Tyus Jones) were the only other Spurs players to score double digits, finishing the night with 27 points and 16 points, respectively.
Vassell and Jones made consecutive three-pointers in the final 30 seconds of the fourth to tie the game at 97-97 and set the stage for Jaren Jackson Jr.’s game-winning pullup in the paint.
Too many turnovers and poor shooting from three-point range continued to be pain points for the Grizzlies. They allowed the Spurs to score 18 points off 18 Grizzlies’ turnovers and outscore them 52-40 in the paint.
By The Numbers:
Jaren Jackson Jr. finished the night with a team-high 28 points, plus 7 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and two blocks, shooting 11 of 22, including the game-winner.
Santi Aldama put up 15 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, and one block while shooting three of six from beyond the arc.
GG Jackson added 14 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.
Scotty Pippen Jr. led the second unit with 18 points, three rebounds, two assists, and four steals.
Jake LaRavia closed out with 15 points and five rebounds, with 10 points added in the fourth quarter.
Who Got Next?
The Grizzlies continue their road trip, heading to Denver to face off against the Nuggets on Monday, March 25th. Tip-off is at 8:00 p.m. CDT.
You might have been wondering what the sign that read “Tops is Expecting a New Family Member 03/21” meant at Tops Bar-B-Q locations.
Customers came in and asked, “Which one of y’all are having a baby?” says Tops Operations LLC vice president Hunter Brown.
Of course, the obvious comeback was, “We don’t know what it’s going to be. It’s going to be a surprise,” Brown says.
But signs were different March 21st, Brown says, “Today the board changes and it says, ‘The Jr. Burger Has Arrived.”
Tops already sells a succulent hamburger. So, what is the Jr. Burger? “The Jr. Burger was something that was created as a result of a couple of needs for our guests,” says Tops CEO Randy Hough. “We felt that, number one, we wanted to provide an option for guests that were looking for a little less food, but still wanted to be able to satisfy their appetite.
“And, in addition, this really provided an avenue for those who were looking for great value without sacrificing what they love and expect from a great Tops cheeseburger. The Jr. Burger is still locally sourced, grilled fresh, same great flavor and taste, and ordered with all your favorite toppings. And we paired that with the Jr. Combo, which is a side of fries and a 16-ounce drink.”
The Jr. Burger is $3.99 with cheese. The combo is $6.49 with cheese. The Jr. Burger is a two and a half ounce patty vs. the original four ounce patty. But the Jr. Burger patty is “a little bit larger than your typical junior-size burger,” Hough says.
“But it’s the exact same blend the guests have loved for 70 years plus,” Brown adds.
This is a first for the Tops hamburger as far as he knows, Hough says. “First time we’ve made a little smaller version of what everyone has come to know and love but still has a great flavor and still the same profile, which we’re really happy about. And you don’t have to change your favorite toppings.”
“Our barbecue line has two options: the pork shoulder regular or jumbo. Brisket the same way.”
Ditto for their Fire-Braised Chicken Sandwich. “It was never an option for a burger.”
Like their larger cheeseburgers, the Jr. Burger is dressed with mayonnaise, pickles, diced onion, lettuce, and tomato. “But if you just put a little ketchup and mustard on it, it’s perfect for the kids,” Hough says. “You can introduce the newest generation — the younger folks — of Mid-Southerners to the best burger in Memphis.”
This Saturday, Company d dancers with Down syndrome invite Memphians to their performance of LOCAL: Art Moves Memphis, inspired by public art installations found throughout the city.
For the show, Company d engaged a cohort of guest choreographers: Noelia Garcia Carmona, Patty Carreras, Wayne Smith, Steven Prince Tate, and Yosek Prieto. Each of them, plus Company d’s own artistic director Darlene Winters, selected a piece of public art as a source of inspiration for the dances that’ll be performed this weekend. Choices range from Joe’s Wines & Liquor’s spinning sputnik sign to the mural inside the Renasant Convention Center by Kong Wee Pang and Jay Crum.
“Whenever we’re developing the show, it’s with the intent of also developing and enhancing the dancers’ cultural literacy skills,” Winters says. “So most of our programs have been based on things here in the Memphis area. It’s important for me for them to see to connect the dots and in turn make them feel more part of the community, and to be contributing citizens in the community.”
Winters founded Company d in 2001 after choreographing a dance for six dancers with Down syndrome for a one-night benefit celebrating 15 years of Special Kids and Families’ early intervention service. “We rehearsed for three months, and when it was over, we were just like, ‘Let’s keep doing this.’” Today, the nationally recognized Company d operates in Collage Dance’s studios, and student dancers represent three counties in the Mid-South, six high schools, post-secondary education at the University of Memphis, and various places of employment.
A speech-language pathologist by trade and a lifelong “student” of dance, Winters says, “[Company d’s ongoing success] has totally been driven by [the dancers’] abilities and their desire to learn.”
The resulting program, Winters adds, has been a “beautiful infusion of my two worlds” — dance and speech-language pathology. “Some of the dancers have strengths and weaknesses in their abilities of their verbal skills, so this is an opportunity to express themselves through the performing arts through dance,” she says. “It also is giving them those same life skills that can be applied to their daily life and to future employment as far as commitment, supporting each other, accepting feedback, and [working through challenges] to improve on some things.”
But, Winters reminds, these young adults have an “inherent aptitude for the performing arts.” The classes are conducted “in a performing arts training model equal to [the dancers’] age-matched peers,” as the Company d’s website states, but the classes are catered to the students’ specific learning needs — “modifying as needed and giving them access to more time,” Winters says. “Guest teachers will say, ‘How should I prepare?’ And I’ll say, ‘As if you were preparing for any other master class or commissioned piece of art.’”
Further, guest teachers, like the choreographers for LOCAL, allow “dancers the opportunity to work with professional artists and to receive quality technique and training in expressing themselves. They’re all involved in this creative process of art-making.”
“Not only people with Down syndrome but any other people with disabilities are often defined by their deficit,” Winters continues. “So this is an opportunity to shift the community’s perceptions and promote them and include them in the performing arts, so others can see that, yes, there is a disability, but there are also many abilities that need to be showcased.”
Catch Company d’s LOCAL: Art Moves Memphis on Saturday, March 23, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Hutchison School’s Wiener Theater. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
It’s officially spring, but the weather is looking cool and breezy this weekend, so here’s what’s on tap in movie theaters around Memphis.
Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire
Following up on Ghostbusters: Afterlife, this one reunites the cast of Finn Wolfhard, Mckenna Grace, and Carrie Coon as the Spengler family who leaves Oklahoma to return to the old firehouse HQ in NYC. They arrive just in time to battle a new supernatural threat that will literally freeze the world with fear.
Kung Fu Panda 4
Jack Black is back as Po, the Dragon Warrior who is ready to ascend to a higher plane of existence, according to his master Shifu (Dustin Hoffman). He takes on a new sidekick Zhen the fox (Awkwafina) to help defeat Chameleon (Viola Davis), the shape-shifting sorceress, and her army of lizards. You can tell she’s bad because she says, “We are not so different, you and I,” to the hero.
Immaculate
Sydney Sweeney stars as Cecilia, a nun sent to a new convent where something is clearly amiss. When she becomes pregnant, although still a virgin, Father Sal Tedeschi (Alvaro Morte) reveals that the real purpose of this convent is to breed a new Jesus from cloned tissue recovered from one of the nails that pierced the savior’s flesh. What could possibly go wrong?
A lot. A lot of stuff could go wrong.
Dune: Part Two
But half a billion dollars worth of Frank Herbert fans can’t be wrong! Paul (Timothée Chalamet) fights against his fate alongside his lover Chani (Zendaya) as they battle the Harkonnens’ occupation of Dune, led by the psychotic Feyd (Austin Butler). Denis Villeneuve’s sand wormy sequel is the best sci fi film since Mad Max: Fury Road.
Paul Reubens passed away last summer, but Pee-wee Herman is immortal. Sunday morning at 11 a.m. you can have brunch with Pee-wee at Black Lodge. Breakfast, mimosas, and Pee-wee’s Big Adventure will get your day off to a rollicking start. To get you hyped, here’s one of the greatest scenes Tim Burton ever directed.
The Golden State Warriors defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 137-116, on Wednesday night. The Warriors won the season series against the Grizzlies 2-1. Golden State improved to 18-18 at home, snapping a three-game home losing streak.
With the score tied at 58 in the second quarter, the Warriors went on a 22-0 run for an 80-58 lead. Memphis lost its fourth-consecutive game, fell to 23-47 on the season, and has been officially eliminated from playoff contention.
Golden State is still fighting for postseason position, at 10th in the Western Conference, to be eligible for the Play-In Tournament.
The Jacksons and Aldama led the way for Memphis. GG Jackson II scored a career high 35 points, and added five rebounds and three assists. Jackson also converted on a career-high seven 3-pointers and became the youngest player in the NBA history (19 years, 94 days) to do so.
With six consecutive games in which he has scored 19 points or more, Jackson II is now enjoying his best scoring performances of the season. The South Carolina rookie has solidified his position as a starter for the remaining weeks of the regular season.
Warrior’s Chris Paul had good things to say about the 19-year-old after the game.
Ja Morant also chimed in regarding Jackson II.
Jaren Jackson Jr. finished with 28 points, four rebounds, and three assists.
This marks the fifth game in nine games since the All-Star break that the 24-year-old center has scored 25 points or more. Jackson Jr. has now appeared in 60 games for the season, averaging 22.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 steals.
Santi Aldama added 27 points, nine rebounds, four assists and two steals.
Tidbits
Freaky Deeky, Dejon Jarreau who signed his second 10-day contract with Memphis before the game had a remarkable put-back.
By the numbers
The Warriors bench outscored the Memphis reserves, 63-20.
Golden State had 20 fast-break points while the Grizzlies only had 3.
The Warriors outscored Memphis 62-46 with points in the paint.
Golden State had a season-high 43 assists while the Grizzlies had 29.
The Warriors shot 58 percent from the field and 48 percent from 3-point range and held Memphis to 43 percent from the field and 36 percent from beyond the arc.
Up Next
The Grizzlies travel to San Antonio to take on the 15-54 Spurs on March 22 at 7 p.m. CT.
A House Republican wants to ban lab-grown meat in Tennessee because its effects on humans, she said, were unknown and state citizens shouldn’t be used as “guinea pigs,” and, heck, Florida did it.
Rep. Susan Lynn (R-Mt. Juliet) explained her bill to the House Agriculture & Natural Resources Subcommittee on Tuesday. It would have outlawed cultivated meat for human consumption at the business level, meaning no manufacturing, selling, and more.
Cultivated meat — sometimes called cultured meat or lab-grown meat — is real animal meat but is produced by cultivating animal cells directly, cutting out the need to raise animals, according to the Good Food Institute. The meat is in different products by Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, which are made with plant ingredients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved cultivated meat for sale in the U.S. in June.
The news was welcome for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The group said it funded some of the first research for cultivated meat and, beginning in 2008, offered a $1 million prize for the first lab to use produce commercially viable cultivated meat.
The news was also welcome to Berkeley-California-based Upside Foods, the world’s first cultivated meat company. When it was founded in 2015, the company was called Memphis Meats, a tip of the hat to the city’s barbecue culture. When the feds green-lit its meat products, the company was ready to go and already valued at over $1 billion.
“This approval will fundamentally change how meat makes it to our table,” said Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of Upside Foods. “It’s a giant step forward towards a more sustainable future — one that preserves choice and life.“
“It’s a giant step forward towards a more sustainable future — one that preserves choice and life.“
Dr. Uma Valeti, CEO and founder of Upside Foods
However, two Tennessee state lawmakers urged caution on the products, suggesting an outright ban on making and selling it in the state. They said they didn’t know how the products would affect bodies and did not want Tennesseans to be “used as Guinea pigs.”
“It’s simply just too soon and too dangerous to allow this process to move forward before we know what sort of effects cultivated meat may have on people,” Lynn said. “The first question is one of ethics. Is this semi-cloning? We have no idea really where this is going. What happens when you create lab grown meat?”
If that wasn’t enough to entice fellow Republicans, Lynn said the Florida legislature had already passed such a measure. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has not yet signed the bill but showed his support for the ban last month.
”You need meat, OK?” DeSantis said, saying some blame agriculture for global warming. “We’re going to have meat in Florida. We’re not going to do that fake meat. That doesn’t work.”
”You need meat, OK?
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis
Lynn said the federal government has a track record of approving “medications and treatments” but retracts them later, “due to horrible adverse circumstances.” She pointed to drugs like Prevacid, Nexium, and Prilosec, which all once faced recalls but are back on store shelves. She also said the government once said cigarettes were safe.
Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Kingsport) agreed, pointing vaguely to the Nuremberg Code, which outlawed experimenting on humans without their consent, and to the “experimental shock” of Covid. But his approval of the bill seemed more plain.
“Some folks probably like to eat bugs with Bill Gates, but not me,” Hulsey said.
Lynn said she was not aware of any cultivated meat being sold anywhere in the state. Also, she had not discussed her bill with the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
“Some folks probably like to eat bugs with Bill Gates, but not me.”
Tennessee state Rep. Bud Hulsey
Another bill up this year would have clarified that cultivated meat could not be labeled as meat, poultry, or such food products. It was heard by House members already, who decided to send the issue to “summer study.” That is, ultimately, where the bill to ban such products ended up. Lawmakers said they hoped to get expert opinion on the safety of cultivated meat.
Summer study is usually a kinder, softer death knell for legislation in the Capitol. But the House agriclture committee promised to give the issue of cultivated meat a serious review before the legislature meets again next year.
Memphis Area Master Gardeners Spring Fling
Red Barn Agricenter
Friday-Saturday, March 22-23, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Spring has sprung, baby, so my sinuses are being total jerks with all this pollen in the air. But I’m not mad about it. It’s just a phase, a little fling with seasonal allergies. I, however, much prefer the Memphis Area Master Gardeners Spring Fling, but that’s neither here nor there. The Spring Fling includes educational seminars with regional/local experts, hands-on demonstrations, a 2,000+ plant sale, a mini flea-market with gently used garden items, a Kid’s Corner on Saturday, and so much more. Find a full schedule of events here. The event is free to attend.
MidSouthCon
The Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center
Friday-Sunday, March 22-24
If you identify as a geek, nerd, gamer, cosplayer, or anything of that ilk, you’d best head out to the MidSouthCon, where you’ll be in paradise. Over the course of three days, guests will enjoy gaming, panels, meet-and-greets, workshops, vendors, an art show, and more. More information and a full schedule of events can be found here. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Literacy Mid-South. Tickets are $60/weekend, $30/kids 12 and under, and can be purchased at the door.
“Healing Thru Color”: Alexander Baker Fine Art
The Medicine Factory
Friday, March 22, 6-9 p.m.
Enjoy fine art, music, wine and beer, and light catering at Alexandra Baker’s art show, where her mission is to “Heal Thru Color.”
Cherry Blossom Picnic
Memphis Botanic Garden
Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Not only has this week brought us spring; the cherry on top of it all is, this weekend is Memphis Botanic Garden’s Cherry Blossom Picnic. Those who go will get to enjoy fare from Asian-inspired food trucks, listen to 901 Taiko, take a guided tour through the Japanese Garden, and participate in traditional crafts and games. The event is free with garden admission, so $12/adults, $10/seniors (62+), $7/children (2-12), or free if you’re under 2 or a member.
Memphis Ghostbusters Appearance
Malco Cordova Cinema Grill
Saturday, March 23, 2-4 p.m.
If there’s something strange in the neighborhood, who you gonna call? Ghostbusters! Seriously, you can call them. Did you know that Memphis has its very own Ghostbusters?! You can meet them at the Malco Cordova before you catch Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, the latest flick in the franchise. Unlike Bill Murray and gang, these Ghostbusters are the real deal and will be available to take photos, show off equipment, and answer all your paranormal questions.
Seasonal Blooms of Memphis: Floral Arranging Workshop with Midtown Bramble & Bloom
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art
Sunday, March 24, 2-4 p.m.
Florals? In spring? Groundbreaking. Alright, Miranda Priestly, get off your high-fashion high horse. Yes, florals. Yes, in spring. It might not be groundbreaking but this floral arranging workshop will put the devil in Prada, if you know what I mean. (If you don’t know what I mean, I can’t blame you, I was just trying to be punny, and I’m not sure I pulled it off.) Local florist and flower farmer Marisa Mender-Franklin of Midtown Bramble & Bloom will guide you through creating your own stunning arrangement out of flowers grown in Memphis. Reserve your spot here for $55. (Oh, and on the note of Miranda Priestly, the Brooks is opening its Christian Siriano exhibit, “People Are People” this weekend, which will display his bold designs from his extensive archives. Find out more here.)
Pints, Poses & Pups
Grind City Brewing
Sunday, March 24, 2 p.m.
Downward-facing dog? Upward-facing dog? Sideways-facing dog? Who knows what kind of yoga you’ll be doing when there are puppies involved? Join Grind City Brewing in a puppy yoga class in collaboration with Happy Tails Canine Rescue to raise money for their rescue and hopefully to get some pups adopted. Whether you are looking to support, adopt, or just have a good yoga sesh in the Grind City lawn, it’s going to be a great time. Sign up here. Puppy yoga is $25.
Memphis Monologues
Voices of the South
Tuesday, March 26, 7-10 p.m.
The 14th Annual Memphis Monologues benefiting Planned Parenthood Tennessee and North Mississippi is back in person. Memphis women will tell real, personal stories. Some will be funny, some uplifting, some sad, some eye-opening. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased here.
Dinner & A Movie: Dune (1984)
Black Lodge
Wednesday, March 27, 6:30 p.m.
Before there were the sandy butthole worms of this generation’s Dune, there was the surreal operatic critically-debated 1984 version from cult director David Lynch. Black Lodge presents a special screening to be enjoyed with a special five-course meal made just for the event. Lodge chef and co-owner James Blair will prepare “Bene Gesserit Tart” (blueberry and goat cheese tart with brown butter crumb), “House Atriedes Salad” (Turkish-style carrot salad with yogurt), “Kwizac Hasherac” (root vegetable hash), “Muad’ib Main” (roasted spicy chicken on a bed of couscous), and “Spice Controls Space Ice Cream” (sesame ice cream). It’s $40 for dinner and movie, or free just to watch the movie. Reserve your spot here. Specialty drinks will be made just for the occasion. 18+.
Golden Girls – The Laughs Continue
Orpheum Theatre
Thursday, March 28, 7:30 p.m.
Picture it: Miami. 2024. The Golden Girls are still up and at ’em. Sophia’s out on bail, naturally. The DEA busted her for running a drug ring for retirees. Meanwhile, Blanche and Rose have founded a dating app for seniors that’s doing quite well (of course); it’s even landed Dorothy her current beau, who just so happens to be Sophia’s prosecuting attorney. Sounds about right, doesn’t it? The cast of Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue seem to think so. The parody show done completely in drag will take over the Orpheum’s stage on Thursday. Tickets ($44-$69) can be purchased here.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.
Those who reserved tickets to Kyle Rittenhouse’s “Rittenhouse Recap” tonight at the University of Memphis are reportedly having to re-reserve their free tickets.
Several people took to social media to show that they received emails from Turning Point USA that their tickets had been invalidated. In an email shared to X by Tami Sawyer, event organizers said, “Due to the University’s stringent ticketing requirements, your ticket to tonight’s event featuring Kyle Rittenhouse is unfortunately no longer valid.”
While those who reserved tickets were notified that a new link would be made available at 9 a.m., many expressed they believed this was a tactic to disparage the “empty auditorium” protest, as many reserved tickets with no intention of actually going.
The new ticketing process is through the university’s official ticketing site which requires users to create an account or log in. The site shows that the event is being held by the student group Turning Point USA at the University of Memphis and that Rittenhouse will be “sharing his side of the story.”
“Rittenhouse is an advocate for our Second Amendment in the constitution,” the page reads. “He was proven innocent in trial. He was attacked, he defended himself and he was acquitted. Now he plans to share his story for all to hear his point of view aside from how the media framed him.”
Sawyer took to other social media outlets to share her frustration with the university as she said it seems as if “they’ve dug in their heels.”
“Is the University protecting Rittenhouse from the planned empty theatre?” Sawyer asked on Instagram. “Remember how folks urged everyone to ‘stop complaining, just buy a ticket and don’t go.’ The students did that. Now this.”
The university has repeatedly stated that they are not sponsoring the event, as it’s being held by a registered student group (Memphis TPUSA). They also said that under the First Amendment and Tennessee’s Campus Free Speech Act, they cannot “legally prohibit such events from being hosted by a registered student organization.”`
In an email obtained by the Flyer addressed to students, university officials said they heard the concerns from the campus community regarding the event and they understand them; however, they must uphold the principles of free speech as a public institution.
They also said that the “expression of differing ideas and opinions plays an important role in maintaining a diverse campus environment that is open and inclusive.”
“It is essential that these discussions take place while maintaining a safe environment on our campus,” the university said in the letter. “Speech that includes threats, harassment or attempts to incite violence is not protected under the First Amendment and is strongly prohibited by the University.”
The event is still scheduled for tonight, Wednesday, March 20th at 7 p.m. at the UC Theatre.