The Switchblade Kid was rattling Cooper-Young neighborhood windows last December when my 9-year-old niece frantically tried to get me to stop the car. “Wait! Stop! Stop the car!” she exclaimed while grabbing my phone to video the punk scene at the Cooper-Young Gazebo. Little did she know, that scene was our destination. We walked away with some auction items from 901 Comics, benefiting the P&H Cafe, along with some groovy memories.
901 Comics is at it again in its partnership with The Switchblade Kid Harry Koniditsiotis and his 5 and Dime recording studio. This time it’s 901 Comics’ quinquennial celebration benefiting A Room in the Inn. 901 Comics owner and former Memphis police officer Shannon Merritt says he picked the nonprofit because he’s personally seen the need. “There is a severe need for facilities like this,” says Merritt, who encountered such situations as a police officer. “Displaced families and individuals are desperate for any help. MIFA can only do so much.”
Live music performances will be featured every hour on the hour from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cooper-Young Gazebo. The lineup includes alternative rock from Sunweight and J. D. Reager, Americana from The Whiskey Wells, and more alternative rock from SooperFlat.
SooperFlat will also release Dr. Confusion on flexi disc with story, the brainchild of band member Patrick Seller. Along with in-store specials all week preceding the event, Marvel and DC artist Pat Broderick will sign autographs and do sketches at the shop. There will be raffles and auctions.
Be sure to pencil this novel graphic event on your calendar.
901 Comics 5th Anniversary Celebration, 901 Comics, 2162 Young, Thursday, June 3-Saturday, June 5, 10 a.m.-7 p.m., free.
