Fall Fest Memphis St. Brigid Catholic Church Friday-Saturday, October 18-19 Fall Fest Memphis is a two-day music fest with a backyard barbecue cook-off, a car show, vendors, food trucks, and a carnival with rides. The Friday music lineup features Rock The Boat (5 to 7:30 p.m) and Thumpdaddy (8 to 10:30 p.m.); and Saturday’s has Generation X (10 to 11 a.m.), The Amber McCain Band (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.), Area 51 (1 to 2 p.m.), Kruzz Kuntrol (2:30 to 3:30 p.m.), Mariachi Fiesta Band (4 to 5 p.m.), Southbound (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.), THE SHOTGUNBILLYS (7 p.m to 8 p.m.), and Elevation Memphis: A Tina Turner Tribute Experience (8:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
Lizzie: The Lizzie Borden Musical TheatreWorks @ The Square Performances October 18-November 3 Lizzie Borden took an axe, and gave her mother forty whacks. When she saw what she had done, she gave her father forty-one. You know the story, and New Moon Theatre is putting a rock musical twist to it, with a sound owing less to Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber than to Bikini Kill, the Runaways, and Heart. Catch New Moon’s latest production Lizzie Thursdays at 7:30, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $30/adults and $25/seniors, students, teachers, and military. Purchase them here.
Come As Thou Art Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Friday, October 18, 8 p.m.-11:45 p.m. Walk, walk, fashion baby at the inaugural Come as Thou Art Costume Ball. Don your most imaginative attire, either inspired by the night’s theme — the enchanting world of Tim Burton — or the spirit of an artist or designer. The evening will be capped off with a fashion show by Sonin Lee. General admission tickets are $60 and can be purchased here.
Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Memphis Shelby Farms Park Saturday, October 19, 9:30 a.m. Making Strides has always been more than just a walk; it’s a movement. The American Cancer Society is making it easier for anyone, anywhere, to make an impact. They know the future can be free from breast cancer. This year’s day of fellowship and fundraising will have lots of family-friendly fun, so bring the whole family and make a morning of it. The event opens at 9:30 a.m. with lots of things to do, the onstage program starts at 10:20 a.m., and the walk begins at 11 a.m. Register here.
RiverArtsFest RiversideDr. Saturday-Sunday, October 19-20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Ain’t no river wide enough to keep me from getting to RiverArtsFest, the largest juried artist market and urban festival in the Mid-South. This year’s festival features 165 artists participating in the artist market, plus hands-on art activities, artist demonstrations, and two stages of entertainment (see here for the schedule).Proceeds from the festival support year-round community and arts education programming for students, arts educators, and the public. Tickets are $10/one-day general admission, $15/two-day general admission, $5/youth ages 6-17, and free/children 5 and under; purchase them here.
Family Fun Day Metal Museum Saturday, October 19, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. As part of the Metal Museum’s fundraiser Repair Days, the museum is hosting a Family Fun Day, offering hands-on activities, demonstrations, and kid-friendly games on museum grounds, plus free admission. Guests can make their own wire figures and paint their own metal or plaster molds for free. There are also a few paid activities, where you can take away your very own sculpture. Be sure to stick around for the big Iron Pour at 2 to 4 p.m. as glowing orange molten iron is poured into molds, creating solid pieces as it cools. The museum’s Master Metalsmith Preston Jackson will give an artist talk at 4 p.m. RSVP for the talk here. You can bring your metal items to the museum to have them restored through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., for Repair Days. Find more information at metalmuseum.org/repair-days.
Southwest Twin Harvest Celebration & Festival Southwest Twin Saturday, October 19, noon-4:30 p.m. Celebrate the season at the Southwest Twin. The Harvest Celebration & Festival will host vendors, food trucks, entertainment, and activities for all ages. This event is free.
Pansy Pre-release Book Signing and Q & A DeMoir Books & Things Saturday October 19, 1-5 p.m. Join Pansy author Jasper Joyner for a pre-release book signing and discussion with novelist, educator, and DeMoir Books & Things owner, Jeremee DeMoir. Several Pansy copies will be available for purchase at this free event prior to its official release Tuesday, October 22nd. Pansy is a nonlinear, episodic memoir that combines poetry, cultural criticism, and essays. It follows transmasc, Southern writer Jasper as they fumble through an awkward Memphis upbringing in the ’90s and early aughts, an insufferable Nashville PWI, and a fierce NYC queer awakening, all with a poignant throughline on Black exceptionalism, focused on Jasper’s wildly agonizing first publishing experience with novel, Juniper Leaves.
Cooper-Young Beerfest Midtown Autowerks Saturday, October 19, 1-5 p.m. Beer me, what a brewtiful event that is in store for you at Midtown Autowerks. It’s time for the annual Cooper-Young Beerfest. First and foremost a fundraising event for the Cooper-Young Community Association (CYCA), the fest brings more than 30 local and regional brewers within a day’s drive from Cooper-Young to the historic neighborhood. Tickets include a 2024 Beerfest mug, unlimited samples of beer, and a great time. Goner Records will supply tunes, and food will be available for purchase from local food trucks. Get tickets ($60.54) here.
Time Warp Drive-In: King of Horror – A Stephen King Shocktober Malco Summer Drive-In Saturday, October 19, 7 p.m. Let’s do the Time Warp againnnnnn. It’s just a jump to the left. It’s just a jump to the left, and then a step to the riiiight. Put your hands on your hips; you bring your knees in tight. But it’s the pelvic thrust that really drives you insaaaane. Let’s do the Time Warp againnnnn. Oh, wait. That Time Warp. The drive-in. Let’s do that one again. This month it’s screening a Stephen King triple-feature: Creepshow, PetSemetary, and Misery. It’s $25/carload.
The Pizza Witches’ Witchy Workout & Pizza Party Novel Monday, October 21, 6 p.m. Move, groove, and sweep with your broom to spooky tunes during a witchy workout. This 45-minute workout is for all levels and will get you moving and grooving to the spookiest Halloween tunes. Tickets are $10 and include a workout, pizza, and dessert. Participants should bring their own mats and towels for end of class stretching.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
The fest returns for its 18th year. (Photo: Courtesy RiverArtsFest)
The annual RiverArtsFest returns to the Memphis riverfront this weekend for its 18th year. As the largest and longest-running fine arts festival in the region, this year’s festival features 165 artists participating in the artist market, with artists from 31 states including 13 local artists.
“The quality of the artwork is superb,” says Denise Ford, the fest’s artist market director. “We are ranked number 19 in the country as the top fine arts festivals by Sunshine Artist Magazine, which is a magazine that’s devoted to art fairs and festivals in the country, … and those rankings are done by the artists themselves.
“There are many that come back year after year. Probably a third of the artists are new to the festival each year, so it always stays fresh. There’s something for everybody. There are fiber artists; there are people who make baskets. It’s not all just art to hang on the wall; it’s a little bit of everything.”
And the day has a little bit of everything, too. “There’s hands-on art,” Ford says. “People will be able to actually create a piece of artwork and take it with them. So that’s a nice way to have an experiential time there; while you’re at the festival viewing everything else, you can actually create something yourself.”
Six local artists will also demonstrate their craft: Brandy Boyd (metalsmithing), Rick Cannon (woodturning), Katey Henriksen Gardner (papermaking), Jarvis Howard (papermaking), Nicola Tupis (glassblowing), and Becky Ziemer (pottery). “The nice thing about that is that people can interact with them directly and ask them questions,” Ford says, adding that these artists will also be selling their work.
Both days will have live entertainment on two stages: the ARTSmemphis Partners Stage for performing arts groups, like Hot Foot Honeys Tap Dance Company and Opera Memphis, and the RiverArtsFest South Stage strictly for music. (See schedule below.)
Proceeds from the festival support year-round community and arts education programming for students, arts educators, and the public. “We try to provide paid opportunities for as many local artists as we can in the community, and some of that entails them teaching master classes in area schools, or partnering with an art teacher in a local school on a project that they jointly work on with their students,” Ford says.
In that mission of supporting local artists, for the festival, organizers also commissioned artists to create the murals for their tent walls, instead of having plain white tents, and their collectible poster features art by Carl E. Moore. “We also have an emerging artist program and that is another local opportunity,” Ford adds. Selected participants receive mentorship from professional local artists and free booth space at the festival. This year they are Dana DeLarme, Leigh Sandlin, and Hank Smith.
For more information on this year’s fest and to purchase tickets, visit riverartsmemphis.org.
Uber and Lyft drop-off and pick-up, as well as handicap pick-up and drop-off, is at the foot of at Jefferson and Riverside.
Edge Motorfest returns for its fifth year this weekend. (Photo: Courtesy Edge Motor Museum)
Monster Market The Medicine Factory Friday, October 11, 6-9 p.m. | Saturday, October 12, noon-8 p.m. | Sunday, October 13, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. | Monday, October 14, noon-8 p.m. | Tuesday, October 15, noon-9 p.m. | Wednesday, October 16, noon-8 p.m. This weekend, Monster Market returns from the dead for its eighth annual pop-up. And as with years before, it’s expected to be a graveyard smash. The freaky annual pop-up shop, which appears each October, will bring you a new curated collection of weird art, hand-plucked oddities, strange apparel, and bizarre home decor. Visit memphismonstermarket.com/2024 for more info about this year’s pop-up, including the full maker roster. A few special (creepy?) events to keep on your radar while the market is open:
Opening night party on Friday at 6-9 p.m., where you can enjoy free drinks, snacks, and tunes while you shop
Wake and Bake with Whisks of Doom on Sunday at 11 a.m., where you can grab a freshly-baked handpie from the Mistress of Baking herself and a cold brew provided by Wiseacre Brewing Co.
Twisted Terrors | Movie Night + Pretzel Pop-Up on Tuesday at 7 to 9 p.m., featuring a screening of Hellraiser (1987) and a soft pretzel pop-up from Twisted Sissies, a new project by Whisks of Doom, plus free popcorn
Connor Wood feat. Maggie Winters Lafayette’s Music Room Friday, October 11, 7 p.m. If you’re on the TikkyTokky, you might’ve heard the viral audio clip: “Luckily, I have purse.” Kelsey Kreppel said that on Brooke and Connor Make A Podcast, and Connor — as in Connor Wood (see above) — called her out on it. Now, TikTok star Connor has comedy show in Memphis. Tickets ($35-$82) can be purchased here.
Art Salon: The Fifth Installment, a Multimedia Art Exhibition Minglewood Hall Friday, October 11, 7 p.m. Explore art from more than 20 local artists, enjoy live painting, and immerse yourself in interactive displays. Enjoy live music performances by Runi Salem, The Stupid Reasons, and Macrophonics. Complementary food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 day of show.
Halloween Costume Yardsale Playhouse on the Square Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. To be or not to be, that is the Halloween question. To be a witch or to be a cat? To not be a zombie or to not be a skeleton? The decisions we mortals must make. Oh, the drama, but the drama can be less (or more, if you prefer) dramatic with the help of Playhouse on the Square’s Annual Costume Yard Sale, where you can snag one-of-a-kind Halloween costumes straight from past productions and bring your costume dreams to life, all for just $1 to $5 (that’s a deal that’s sweeeeeter than Halloween candy!). The event is cash and card, and Crack of Dawn food truck will be on site starting at 9 a.m., which is at the crack of dawn for this writer. This year, Playhouse is offering a preview day on Friday, noon to 2 p.m. For $10 at the door, you’ll get first dibs and a discount on your purchase (ooh la la).
Edge Motorfest Edge Motor Museum Saturday, October 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Vrooom, vrooom, MFers (read: Memphis Flyer readers). You’ll be on the edge of your seat as more than 150 cars compete for 25 different awards. It’ll be a day of live music, food trucks, and a general good time.
Fall Flicker Fest Urban Earth Saturday, October 12, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fall has fallen upon us, and Urban Earth is celebrating with a festival with free activities for all ages, including face-painting and balloon-twisting (noon to 2 p.m.) and pumpkin painting (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Byway Coffee Co. and Lost Vegan Food Co. will be on site as will community partners Memphis Native Tree Works, The Compost Fairy, Experience Memphis Gardens, and Spay Memphis.
Paint Memphis Willet and Lamar Saturday, October 12, noon-7 p.m. Sometimes making plans can be a paint in the butt, but when Paint Memphis is happening, you’re painted in a corner ’cause you gotta go. And Paint Memphis is happening THIS WEEKEND. This year, for its 10th festival, it’ll return to a past location at Willet and Lamar, bringing in 100 artists, half local and half from all over the world, to create murals that bring beauty and connect the community through public art. There will be a free mural workshop at 1 to 3 p.m., a vendor market of local makers, food trucks, a kid’s area, and more.
Oktoberfest Galore! Oans, zwoa, drei, g’suffa! That means one, two, three, drink, for anyone who didn’t google “Oktoberfest phrases” like a smartypants like me because I’m preparing for all the Oktoberfests this weekend. There are — let’s count ’em — oans, zwoa, drei of them! And if you throw in the zoo’s monthlong Zootoberfest, where you can drink a bunch of beer while checking out all the animals, that makes whatever is four in German.
Oktoberfest in the Edge District: Memphis Made Brewing Co., Flyway Brewing Co., and High Cotton Brewing Co. are teaming up to throw an Oktoberfest celebration with special beers, games, food trucks, bands, and more. Board to Beers will be on site, and there will be a two-liter Mountain Dew holding contest, keg-rolling competition, opossum slingshot, and Madison Bridge Great Pumpkin Toss, plus a benefit beer for Hurricane Helene relief. | Flyway/High Cotton & Memphis Made, October 12, noon-10 p.m.
Overton Square Oktoberfest: Immerse yourself in a vibrant atmosphere filled with the sights, sounds, and flavors of Germany with craft beer, traditional food and music, folk dancers, a stein-holding contest, games, and a local makers market. | Chimes Square, Overton Square, Saturday, October 12, noon-5 p.m.
Crosstoberfest: Attendees can look forward to an array of local Memphis vendors, a petting zoo, face painting, a caricature artist, live music, various contests throughout the day, and beer. Free to attend. | Crosstown Brewing Company, Saturday, October 12, 1-10 p.m.
Ska-Tober Fest Meddlesome Brewing Company Saturday, October 12, 4 p.m. What even is ska? Seriously. I’m asking. I’ve googled it, and I still don’t get it. I was born after the ska age — was there ever a ska age? Again, I’m seriously asking. All I know is that Meddlesome is hosting a ska fest full of ska bands, including Devon Kay & the Solutions, Left Hand Hotdog, Stuck Lucky, The Big News, The Skalors, and Joystick. I know nothing about any of them, but I’m sure they’re skawsome. (Does the ska scene appreciate puns?) The Ska-Tober Fest is free to attend.
Memphis Loves U: Hurricane Helene Benefit Concert Railgarten Sunday, October 13, 1 p.m. Several local musicians are raising funds to support those affected by Hurricane Helene in a benefit concert organized by Graham Winchester. Proceeds go to Rafi’s Farmers Relief, Arts AVL (Asheville Area Arts Council), and IamAvl (Independent Arts & Music Asheville). Performing and donating their time are Oakwalker (1-1:40 p.m.), Turnstyles (2-2:40 p.m.), Hope Clayburn (3-3:40 p.m.), Lina Beach and Uriah Mitchell of Royal Studios (4-4:40 p.m.), Louise Page (5-5:40 p.m.), Laundry Bats (6-6:35 p.m.), Rachel Maxann (6:50-7:25), Found Harmonium (7:30-8:05), and Jack Oblivian (8:15-8:45 p.m.). (Find other ways to support hurricane relief here.)
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
Elmwood’s residents will come alive to share their love. (Photo: Courtesy Elmwood Cemetery)
Love is a many splendored thing. Love is patient; love is kind. Love will set you free. Love conquers all. Blah, blah, blah, you’ve heard all the cliches about love, but for all the cliches out there, there are probably a million times more love stories.
And love stories don’t have to be romantic; they can be about friendship or community, and they don’t have to end in a happily ever after — ever heard of Romeo and Juliet? At least, that’s been the expansive definition for the folks at Elmwood Cemetery as they prepare for this year’s Soul of the City, where the theme of the year is Love Stories.
At the popular annual event, sponsored by Raymond James, guests will be taken on a tour of the cemetery as local actors share Elmwood’s love stories at the grave sites of the residents they’re playing. “You should be prepared to be really blown away by the types of stories that you’re going to hear,” says Kim Bearden, Elmwood’s executive director. “I don’t want to give away too much, but I can tell you that a couple of married couples are included in the tour this year, including the Reverend Dr. Benjamin Hooks and his wife Frances Hooks. They are being featured in the tour because they had a long marriage and love story, and they also gave deeply of themselves to their fellow man during throughout the Civil Rights Movement.”
On a less romantic note, Bearden adds, “There is also one love story that is included in which there is a murder because of a love triangle. … So we really have taken some of what we think are the most interesting love stories to be found here.
“In between the characters that you’ll meet, you’ll be greeted by tour guides who are going to share information about what you’re seeing as you walk through the cemetery. So not only are you going to get to meet the people who are buried here, but you’ll also get a little bit of background about Elmwood in general, too. It’s a great way to learn Memphis history, to be entertained, to get to know Elmwood a little bit better, and to experience the city in a way you probably haven’t before.”
Tours last approximately 75 minutes and are family-friendly and wheelchair accessible. Tickets are sold in time slots and are selling out fast, so be sure to get yours soon at elmwoodcemetery.org.
Memphis Dawgs food truck will be on site Friday night, and Chi Phi Food Truck on Saturday; the Tipsy Tumbler will have beverages for sale on both nights.
Mempho Music Festival returns for a three-day weekend. (Photo: Austin Friedline)
Torches, Tales, and Trails C.H. Nash Museum at Chucalissa Friday, October 4, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Last month, Chris McCoy wrote a Memphis Magazine cover story on the first Bluff City, the community that thrived here many centuries before European settlers arrived (if you haven’t read it, I’ve done you a favor and linked it here; I expect half a million emails in my inbox thanking me for this kind favor, and another half a million in Chris’ praising him for writing this story). This is relevant because a) we at Memphis Magazine — our sister publication — like to talk about ourselves and b) because I’d like to talk about the Torches, Tales, and Trails (try saying that fives times fast) happening at Chucalissa, the prehistoric site that Chris spends quite a bit talking about. At this Torches, Tales, and Trails, guests will stroll under the night sky guided by the light of a candle and a park ranger who likes to tell tales long forgotten. Yes, you’ll be given old-timey candle-lanterns to borrow as you make your way through Chucalissa on a 1.5 mile walk as a ranger shares Southern folktales. Bring our own water and bug spray because you don’t have to live old-timey if you don’t want to. And you can bring a flashlight. Register for the event here. It’s $20 to attend. If you have any questions, feel free to call Ranger Daulton at (901) 607-7008. Don’t tell him I sent you. He doesn’t know me, and quite frankly, you don’t either.
De Aquí y de Allá Halloran Centre Friday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, October 5, 7:30 p.m. Don Quixote is considered the first modern novel. I know this because for some reason it was on many of my history tests back in my grade school and even high school days. I don’t know why. It’s a handy fact though. Well, not really, since I don’t often think about Don Quixote nor do I know anything about Don Quixote other than he’s the hero of the first modern novel. But it is handy that Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group is putting on De Aquí y de Allá, which is all about the courageous Don Quixote of La Mancha, so now I have a reason to pull out my handy fun fact AND I can actually learn about the guy. During this play performed in Englsih and Spanish, Don Quixote and his trusty sidekick, Sancho Panza, go on an adventure full of fun, music, dance, culture and more through Latin America including Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina. Tickets ($25) can be purchased here.
Alice Hasen Dream of Rain EP Release Show with Savannah Brister The Green Room at Crosstown Arts Friday, October 4, 7:30 p.m. Alice Hasen celebrates the release of Dream of Rain, which Alex Greene wrote about a few weeks ago (read it here). The project explores themes of climate change and mental health and will be performed live by a string quartet and guest flutist. Opening on piano will be Savannah Brister. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Purchase them here.
Mempho Festival Radians Amphitheater At Memphis Botanic Garden Friday-Sunday, October 4-6 Are you a Memphomaniac? Am I allowed to say that? Eh. That’s the best pun I came up with all day, and I don’t really feel like pushing my brain anymore. Mempho has returned, this year with headliners Jack White, Trey Anastasio, and Cody Jinks. Also on the lineup are The Roots, Digable Planets, Goose, Sublime with Rome, Marcus King, Charles Wesley Godwin, Drew Holcomb and The Neighbors, Cory Wong, Warren Haynes Band, and The Kills. Other artists will fill in the roster as well, including some of this city’s finest artists. Three-day and single-day tickets to the Mempho Music Festival can be purchased here.
Hi Tone 25th Anniversary Hi Tone Friday-Sunday, October 4-6 Michael Donahue wrote the following. People seem to listen to him more than me, so here are his golden words from his golden mouth, or to be precise, the golden words from his golden email address. Any errors are not my own, but it’s probably perfect because Michael Donahue is perfect. “Hi Tone is turning 25. WHAT???!!!!! And owner Brian ‘Skinny’ McCabe is throwing a three-day festival October 4th through 6th at 282-284 North Cleveland to commemorate the occasion. Fifteen bands plus special secret guests will perform. Among the bands are Lucero, Dead Soldiers, and Heels, which will perform October 4th; and Pezz and Subteens on October 5th. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show begins at 9 p.m. October 4th and 5th. Doors open at 3 p.m. and the show begins at 4 p.m. October 6th. Admission is $20 in advance and $25 the day of the show. Tickets and more information at hitonecafe.com.”
V&E Greenline Artwalk V&E Greenline’s Kirby Station House Grounds Saturday, October 5, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. You can talk the talk, but can you walk the Artwalk? Yeah, you can! I mean, it’s less of a walk and more of a stroll. Honestly, it’s less of a stroll and more of a stop and stare, chat, drink, eat, take a few steps, repeat. More than 50 artists and craftspeople from across the local area will set up in artists booths, showing off and selling a variety of media including painting, sculpture, jewelry design, fine glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media, photography, fiber arts, and more. The day will be complete with all your favorite food trucks, a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails, a silent auction, V&E Greenline merchandise, a kids activity area, and a lineup of local-favorite music throughout the day. Admission is free, and all profits benefit the V&E Greenline General Fund which covers maintenance of the trail and its amenities as well as “behind the scenes” expenses such as insurance.
Fuller Festival T.O. Fuller State Park Saturday, October 5, noon-5 p.m. You know what makes a weekend full? Live music. You know what makes it even fuller? A whole day of live music. Make that free and title it the Fuller Festival, and I don’t think you can get any fuller than that. On the Fuller Festival’s lineup are Gerald Richardson, the Bogard’s of Memphis, Just Groovin band, Sarah Smilez, and more, with MC Towanna Murphy. Plus, Memphis Concrete will present a special album release picnic for the experimental music group Nonconnah at 2:30 p.m. with guest performances by Stupid Lepton and Fosterfalls.
901 World Hoop Day Memphis Made Brewery Saturday, October 5, 2-10 p.m. Hoop there it is! That was my alternate title for this week’s “We Recommend” column that I also write. Did you know that I do more than just write this here “On the Fly”? It’s crazy that they let me write a whole column. I literally almost typed out “right” instead of “write” and I’m supposed to be a righter — I mean, writer. Anyways, if you haven’t read it yet, this week’s “We Recommend” (actually titled “Hoop That Trick”) is about 901 World Hoop Day, a day dedicated to the world of hula hooping. It’s a whole culture. Who knew? The event will have hula hooping, pole dancing, aerial, and fire dancing. OMG. There are workshops, some for beginners and most for those in the scene. Again, who knew? Those are $15 to attend. Details here. If you just want to see some folks doing some cool tricks with hula hoops, poles, silks, and fire, it’s free to look (but not in a creepy way), so grab a beer and show your support. (Also, Memphis Made happens to be doing a donation drive for Hurricane Helene relief, so do with that what you will.)
Master Metalsmith: Preston Jackson | “A Hidden Culture” Metal Museum On display through January 26, 2025 This week, the Metal Museum opened its latest exhibition, “A Hidden Culture.” To quote the museum: “We proudly recognize Preston Jackson as our 38th Master Metalsmith. In Jackson’s words, the exhibition ‘reveals history that has been buried, forgotten, or deemed unimportant by society.’ The exhibition brings together sixteen freestanding sculptures in cast bronze and four paintings by the prolific and esteemed Preston Jackson that give voice to perspectives previously overlooked by history books. In addition, a monumental cast bronze triptych will be displayed at the Memphis Botanic Garden.” Jackson will give an artist’s talk at the Memphis Botanic Garden on Thursday, October 16, 5 p.m., and at the Metal Museum on Saturday, October 19, 4 p.m.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
“Hula hooping is a gateway prop,” says Ellen Phillips, co-founder of Grind City Flow Arts. “It’s usually the first prop that you pick up, but then you start learning all these other flow arts. It’s a whole culture.”
Flow arts combines movement and dance with the manipulation of some prop involved — like hula hooping, juggling, fan dance, or fire dance. “I got into it from the festival culture,” Phillips says. “It’s a little addicting learning new tricks. I didn’t know how to use my athleticism in a way that was fun. This I could do in my backyard with music that I love. And it was challenging because there are tricks that you can do, like hula hooping on your foot, on your leg, taking your leg out, doing multiple hula hoops at one time, so that’s what got me into it.
“What keeps me in it now, though, is definitely the community. It is the nicest community of people, always helpful, always willing to go out on a Sunday to the park if it’s a nice day and just hang out and hula hoop.”
This Saturday, as part of World Hoop Day, Grind City Flow Arts invites Memphis to be a part of that community — experienced and beginner hoopers alike — at the third-ever 901 World Hoop Day festival, this year at Memphis Made Brewery in the Ravine. “It’s a community, all-ages event,” Phillips says. “There will be food trucks, and you can grab a beer and sit out on the patio and watch a bunch of people play with hula hoops and pole dance and do aerial. So that part is all free to come to.”
From 3 to 6 p.m., there will also be workshops in hoop taught by local and regional instructors, in pole taught by the Bendy Beast Fitness, and in aerial taught by High Expectations Aerial Arts. A donation of $15 is recommended, and that $15 covers all nine workshops being offered. (RSVP at tinyurl.com/44ytpb8p.)
As for why there’s pole dancing and aerial mixed in with hooping during World Hoop Day, Phillips says there’s a lot of overlap in the communities. Grind City Flow Arts even recently started teaching hula hoop at the pole dance studio Bendy Beast. “I would say they’re all kind of a very similar art in terms of like movement and performance,” Phillips adds. “They all have different benefits, but we’re kind of all under the same umbrella of performance.”
In the evening, there will be a raffle giveaway and music by DJs. “And we’ll do what we call a fire flow jam [at around 7 p.m.],” Phillips says. “The first half hour, we’re going to bring in some professional fire dancers, but then after that, we’re going to open up the fire circle to anyone who wants to spin fire.”
There will be safety precautions in place, Phillips says, and you can check out Grind City Flow Arts’ Instagram and Facebook page for FAQs regarding this and other details. “But fire is very much a part of the hula hoop community,” Phillips adds, “so it kind of goes hand in hand. So people who get in their hoop for the first time when it’s on fire, you feel an auditory connection to your hula hoop. It’s wild. It’s an adrenaline rush.”
901 World Hoop Day, Memphis Made Brewery, 16 S. Lauderdale Street, Saturday, October 5, 2-10 p.m.
Robert Petkoff as Harold Zidler and the cast of the North American tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical (Photo: Matthew Murphy | MurphyMade)
As the temperatures are cooling down, the Memphis arts scene is heating up — with exhibitions, performances, and unique experiences. See for yourself in our Fall Arts Guide.
“Dear Grandmother” Heather Howle explores themes of nostalgia and familial connection. ANF Architects, through Oct. 17
“Troubling the Line: New Dimensions in Drawing” The works of Melissa Dunn, Terri Jones, Paula Kovarik, Mary Reid Kelley, and Patrick Kelley complicate the idea of drawing. Clough-Hanson Gallery, through Nov. 9
“All Rise: Memphis Bar Association at 150” Through arresting objects and powerful images, the exhibition showcases the Memphis Bar Association’s historical significance and continuing relevance. Museum of Science & History, through Nov. 10
“Bracelets, Bangles, & Cuffs” This collection of contemporary bracelets reveals the wide-ranging creativity of artists working in the jewelry form between 1948 and today. Metal Museum, through Nov. 17
“The 6 Points Artists” This exhibition features Sharon Havelka, Mary Jo Karimnia, Paula Kovarik, Carrol McTyre, Jennifer Sargent, and Mary K VanGieson. Bornblum Library, Southwest Tennessee Community College, through Nov. 27
“Andrea Morales: Roll Down Like Water” Andrea Morales’ first solo museum show features 65 photographs spanning her decade of photojournalism in Memphis and the Mid-South. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, through January
“A Hidden Culture” Master Metalsmith Preston Jackson who gives voice to those overlooked in the history books. Metal Museum, through Jan. 26
“ANA•LOG” Lester Merriweather examines the concept of agency over Black visualization within American popular culture. Crosstown Arts, fall
Alex Paulus, “Size Matters” (Photo: Crosstown Arts)
“Size Matters” Alex Paulus’ current series focuses on the juxtaposition of small figures within expansive landscapes. Crosstown Arts, fall
“Still” Michelle Fair’s latest works delve into the process of painting. Crosstown Arts, fall
“Chromatic” This exhibit merges explores the two worlds of sounds and color in a synergistic full-bodied experience. Arrow Creative, October 3, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
“Two Rivers” Huger Foote captures the moments when day slowly turns to night from Memphis and the Mississippi Delta to the Hudson River Valley. David Lusk Gallery, Oct. 8-Nov. 16
“I Saw the Light in Your Eyes” Ceramic sculptors Renata Cassiano Alvarez and Anthony Sonnenberg work through complex ideas of identity through abstraction. Sheet Cake Gallery, Oct. 12-Nov. 23
“Our Love Is a Shady Garden” Yanira Vissepó studies the ecosystems between her birthplace in Puerto Rico and adopted home in Tennessee. Sheet Cake Gallery, Oct. 12-Nov. 23
MadameFraankie Works by MadameFraankie. Beverly + Sam Ross Gallery, October 21-December 8
“2024 Accessions to the Permanent Collection” This exhibition celebrations the more than 170 pieces added to the Metal Museum’s permanent collection. Metal Museum, November 27-November 2, 2025
ON STAGE
Concerts in the Grove GPAC presents some of the best musicians in the area in a park-like setting. The Grove at Germantown Performing Arts Center, select Thursdays, 6:30 p.m.
Sounds of Memphis Each week, a new Memphis powerhouse presents a unique concert — from the Handorf Company Arts of Opera Memphis to YOBREEZYE. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Thursdays, 6 p.m.
De Aquí y de Allá Accompany the courageous Don Quixote of La Mancha and his trusty sidekick, Sancho Panza, on an adventure full of fun, music, dance, culture and more. Orpheum Theatre, October 4-5
Paradise Blue This dynamic and musically infused drama shines light on the challenges of building a better future on the foundation of what our predecessors have left us. Hattiloo Theatre, through October 6
Girl from the North Country The Tony Award-winning musical reimagines Bob Dylan’s songs into a story about a group of wayward travelers. Orpheum Theatre, Oct.8-13
The Mousetrap Theatre Memphis presents this murder mystery. Theatre Memphis, Oct. 11-27
Lizzie: The Lizzie Borden Musical New Moon Theatre’s Lizzie is American mythology set to a blistering rock score. TheatreWorks@The Square, October 18-November 3
The Smell of the Kill This tantalizing dark comedy has malicious housewives and miserable husbands. Germantown Community Theatre, Oct. 18-Nov. 3
Amadeus: The Music and the Myth Opera Memphis explores Mozart through the lens of music from the award-winning movie Amadeus. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Oct. 19, 7:30 p.m.
Rumpelstiltskin A young girl is locked away until she spins straw into gold. Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, Oct. 26, 2 p.m.
Moulin Rouge! The Musical Baz Luhrmann’s revolutionary film comes to life. Orpheum Theatre, Oct. 29-Nov.3
The Three Bs: Bach, Brahms, and Beethoven Memphis Symphony Orchestra presents. Crosstown Theater, Nov. 1, 6:30 p.m. | Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, Nov. 3, 2:30 p.m.
Iris Collective Orchestra: Transformations Memphis-native Randall Goosby and conductor and Iris founder Michael Stern will be joined by the Germantown Youth Symphony. Germantown Performing Arts Center, Nov. 2, 7:30 p.m.
Taikoproject Taikoproject traces the history and lore of the ancient Japanese drums. Buckman Performing Arts Center, Nov. 7, 7 p.m.
The Orchestra Unplugged: Leonard Bernstein Music director Robert Moody of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra guides audiences through the life and legacy of the American Maestro. Halloran Centre, Nov. 8, 7:30 p.m.
Junie B. Jones: Toothless Wonder This family-friendly show takes audiences on a humorous journey of growing up with Junie B. Jones. The Circuit Playhouse, Nov. 8-Dec. 22
Parallel Lives Two actresses play men and women struggling through the common rituals of modernity. Theatre Memphis, Nov. 8-23
The Wizard of Oz Dorothy isn’t in Kansas anymore. Playhouse on the Square, Nov. 15-Dec. 22
The Rake’s Progress Opera Memphis presents Igor Stravinsky’s neoclassical opera. Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center, Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m. | Nov. 24, 3 p.m.
NutRemix New Ballet Ensemble sets The Nutcracker on Memphis’ iconic Beale Street. Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Nov. 23-24
Peter Pan This high-flying musical comes to Memphis. Orpheum Theatre, Nov. 26-Dec. 1
Who’s Holiday Cindy Lou Who returns in this riotously funny and heartwarming adults-only comedy. Circuit Playhouse, Nov. 22-Dec. 22
A Motown Christmas Celebrate the holiday season with this musical of all your favorite Motown tunes. Hattiloo Theatre, Nov. 22-Dec. 22
Twelfth Night Shakespeare’s most charming comedy finds itself on the Tabor Stage. Tennessee Shakespeare Company, Dec. 6-22
A Christmas Carol ’24 Theatre Memphis presents this holiday classic. Theatre Memphis, December 6-23
Bright Star Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s bluegrass musical tells a story of love and redemption in 1920s and ’40s North Carolina. Bartlett Performing Arts & Conference Center, Dec. 6-8
Tía Pancha Tía Pancha is Cazateatro’s bilingual adaptation of the classic A Christmas Carol but with a Latin and female twist. TheatreWorks@The Evergreen, Dec. 6-14
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Live on Stage The whole family can enjoy this adaptation of Charles M. Schulz’s timeless story. Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 7, 2 p.m., 5 p.m., 7:30 p.m.
The Nutcracker Ballet Memphis’ production of this holiday classic returns. Orpheum Theatre, Dec. 13-15
AROUND TOWN
Art Club The Brooks’ Art Club with Mallory Sharp gives participants an in-depth look at a different work of art each month. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, monthly
Appetite for the Arts Enjoy a picnic and/or food truck fare while feasting your eyes on music and dance films. The Grove at Germantown Performing Arts Center, Wednesdays in October, 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Super Saturdays Enjoy free drop-in art making workshops for families and free admission to the Brooks. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Saturdays, 10:30 a.m.-noon
Free Family Day On the second Saturday of the month, the Stax has live music, outdoors, food trucks, games and activities, arts and crafts for children, and free admission to the entire museum. Stax Museum of American Soul Music, second Saturdays of the month, 1-5 p.m.
Artoberfest Off the Walls Arts showcases Memphis artists and musicians for a day of music, vendors, a costume contest, activities, and fun. Off the Walls Arts, Oct. 5, 2-10 p.m.
V&E Greenline Artwalk 2024 Meet and shop from local artists, and enjoy music, entertainment, children’s activities, and artist demonstrations. V&E Greenline, Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Paint Memphis A hundred or so artists will be painting murals all day long and it’s a spectacle to behold. Willet and Lamar, October 12, noon-7 p.m.
Come as Thou Art Guests will don their most imaginative attire, either inspired by the night’s theme — the world of Tim Burton — or the spirit of a designer. The evening will be capped off with a fashion show by Sonin Lee. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Oct. 18, 8 p.m.
Art on Fire Enjoy tastings from local restaurants, live music, thrilling fire dancers, and a vibrant art sale — all set around a roaring bonfire. Dixon Gallery & Gardens, Oct. 19, 7-11 p.m.
Dracula Party Celebrate Ballet Memphis’ reprise of Dracula and help raise critical funds to support its mission with a Halloween party where you can party like a vampire. Mollie Fontaine Lounge, October 19, 7:30-10:30 p.m.
Repair Days Bring your metal items to have them restored their former glory at the Metal Museum’s largest fundraiser, which also includes the Dinner + Auction and Family Fun Day, where visitors can participate in hands-on activities, explore the galleries, and watch metalsmith demonstrations. Metal Museum, Oct. 17-20
RiverArtsFest The region’s largest and longest running fine arts festival showcasing works from 200+ participating local and national artists returns with an artist market, artists-at-work demonstration station, hands-on artist station, performances, and plenty of food and beverages. Riverside Drive, Oct. 20, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
28th Annual Quilt & Fiber Arts Show and Sale View around 100 antique, vintage, and modern quilts, plus meet with vendors and demonstrators and see a new special exhibit. Davies Manor Historic Site, November 1-3, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Orpheum Soiree Enjoy an evening including glittering entertainment, live auction, specialty cocktails, exciting eats, and fun surprises. Orpheum Theatre, November 15, 7 p.m.
…
ARTSassist
In August, ARTSmemphis announced the inaugural distribution of ARTSassist grants to 22 individual artists, providing these artists in dance and visual arts an unrestricted $5,000. This makes it the only unrestricted grant program supporting individual artists in Shelby County.
The program comes as an expansion of a pre-pandemic grant program for visual artists, known as ArtsAccelerator. As ARTSmemphis CEO and president Elizabeth Rouse says, “About 10 years ago, thanks to some local artists in the community who asked questions of us, we began a grant program to support visual artists. … We started with visual artists because at the time, they had fewer other networks of support and fewer other opportunities to be hired.
(top) Dorian Rhea; (below) Therrious Davis (Photos: Courtesy ARTSmemphis)
“But that really, thankfully, put us in a position to launch an artist emergency fund for individual artists in 2020 as artists of all different types immediately lost work during the pandemic. And we supported about 800 artists during the pandemic with emergency funding totaling almost a million, right around $900,000. From 2020 through 2023, we focused on emergency and recovery funding, so coming out of 2023 we wanted to reintroduce an unrestricted grant for artists and expand it rather extensively.”
That meant bringing on an artist advisory committee made up of Memphis artists to make sure artists’ needs were met, and out-of-town jurors to select the grantees without local bias. That also meant, in addition to supporting the 22 selected grantees, partnering with Indie Memphis to support a filmmaker through Indie Memphis’ Black Creators Forum and partnering with Music Export Memphis (MEM) to support three musicians through its Ambassador Access program. “It was a way for us to be efficient and not create something new, but to support and complement,” Rouse says. “We hope, long-term, to be supporting even more types of artists. But it makes sense, just based on the makeup of artists in our community, that we start out with visual, dance, music, and film.”
This first cohort will use their grants for a variety of reasons, Rouse says. Therrious Davis, an illustrator, comic book artist, and occasional muralist, has used his grant money to buy a new computer and tablet. “I had this laptop for close to 10 years now,” Davis says. “It was starting to show signs of its age.”
Davis has been developing a comic project called Exodus of Love, premised on the question, ‘What if Cupid didn’t know what love was?’ But not having reliable or capable equipment has been holding him back from making headway. “The goal will be to make more videos following the development of the comic book project and to give people a chance to follow it from the ground up.” (You can follow Davis’ progress on Instagram @therrothekid.)
Meanwhile, choreographer Dorian Rhea plans to use his grant to fund future movement-based programming at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. “It’s going to be jazz. It’s going to be social dance, known as hip-hop styles, accompanied by excerpts and texts to contextualize the history,” Rhea says. The classes will be for young kids and their parents, an experience that Rhea, as a new dad himself, hopes will “sow the seeds for much more later down the road.”
Rhea will also use his grant to attain a technique certification in Giordano dance, a style of jazz that originated in Chicago. “I’m hoping that with bringing that style to Memphis, we elevate the cultural exchange that I think is already taking place [between Chicago and Memphis],” he says. “Knowledge is power. Art is all about telling a story and communicating the narrative, sharing an experience, and so as someone who believes in art activism — using arts as a vehicle for creating change and sparking the catalyst for evolution, growth, progress — the more grounded my work is in the history of those who’ve come before, the richer I can articulate lessons.”
No matter their personal goal, Rouse says, “We know how important it is to have a strong community of artists and to be a city that is a city of choice for artists. They’re just so critical to our culture and our economy, so … we intend for this to be an annual grant.”
On Monday, in alignment with this goal, ARTSmemphis, in partnership with Music Export Memphis, also announced a new, first-ever Artist Emergency Fund for local artists, which will support artists in times of unexpected and catastrophic emergency. For more information on both of these grants, visit artsmemphis.org.
…
Andrea Morales: “Roll Down Like Water”
Andrea Morales has been making photographs since she was a child, and yes, “making photographs” is the right phrase here. Not taking photographs, capturing, or shooting. For Morales, these words are too aggressive to describe a process that is about building trust and intimacy between the photographer and the photographed individuals, or, as Morales calls them, her collaborators.
She’s been working in Memphis as a photojournalist for a decade now, making photographs of the community. You probably recognize her name from her work as the visuals director at MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, but she’s also been featured in The Atlantic, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, and TIME Magazine, among many others. Now, to add to her impressive resume, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art has opened an exhibit of 65 of her photographs of Memphis and the surrounding region, titled “Roll Down Like Water.”
Andrea Morales, Southern Heritage, 2017 (Photo: Courtesy Andrea Morales)
Taking its name from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s final speech in Memphis, in which he said, “Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream,” the exhibit, says its curator Rosamund Garrett, is “a portrait of America through Memphis.”
“There are some tremendously famous photographers from this area,” Garrett says, “but I really feel that Andrea looks at things through a very fresh lens, and she looks at this region very directly, very earnestly, in a way that still allows the magic of this place to come through.”
But in this exhibit, not appearing in a publication with someone else’s byline, a headline she didn’t choose, or quotes she didn’t pull, the photos can stand alone. “It does feel like something’s being restored, I guess,” Morales says. “I’m struggling with identifying exactly what, but it feels like something’s restored. It’s like back to that feeling of the moment [of making the photo] because you have that moment and then you kind of have to tuck it away because this photo has to exist in this one context [of an article]. But this is all existing in the context of me and Memphis right now.”
Binghampton is putting on a play. The actors are young and old, some seasoned and many freshly-minted to the spotlight. Kids at Carpenter Art Garden are building scenic elements, and community members are tuning their instruments for a show their stories helped create.
It all started over a year ago when the Orpheum Theatre Group launched its Neighborhood Play Program. After working with the Refugee Empowerment Program in Binghampton, making original plays out of participants’ stories, Orpheum staff “realized one of their favorite moments in it was when they got to step out of their story and play the characters that were in other people’s stories,” says Taylor St. John, Orpheum’s director of education and engagement. “There’s something powerful about telling your own story, but there’s also something powerful about participating as a community in a fictional story.”
Ann Perry Wallace (Photo: Courtesy Orpheum Theatre)
So came the Neighborhood Play Program, through which the Orpheum partnered with various organizations and formed “story circles” to create a neighborhood play. “For six months or so, we got people in a circle and asked them questions about their community, things that they found beautiful, things that they found challenging,” St. John says.
These stories, in turn, would be the inspiration for the fictional story that playwright Ann Perry Wallace, author of the one-woman play Live Rich Die Poor, would weave. They then presented this fictional story in another round of story circles for feedback.
“I felt like I had a lot of responsibility to deliver something that was representative of what I had heard,” Wallace says. “You are responsible for these stories that have been told, you are responsible for putting out this image of the people, and so that is a weight that I carry with honor and take seriously. There’s nuance. And so I’m having to hold all of that in a way that gives dignity where dignity is due and have to show the complex struggles where they are present. It is a dynamic place, and I hope for people to see the intricacies, or just a snapshot of those intricacies come out.”
As for the plot of the play, titled We All We Got, St. John says, “The story itself centers on two young Black girls living in the neighborhood, one from a generational home and one living in the apartments who’s a refugee, and how they navigate the world and encounter all of the various characters of Binghampton.”
The hope, both St. John and Wallace point out, is to highlight the different experiences within Binghampton. “It’s one of the most diverse neighborhoods in Memphis,” St. John says. “There’s over 20 languages spoken there, and so we really tried to honor the stories that do not otherwise get highlighted.”
With all those differences, St. John adds, “It’s been exciting, in the last couple weeks, to see all those people from all those different groups that do different things and have very different beliefs and sometimes cultures now all be in the same room, and we’re all working on this thing together, and it just feels like a great exercise in community.
“We think it’s so important that the people in Binghampton can hopefully see themselves in this play, or see reflections of their ideas and other stories in this play. But it’s also really important that as a city, we’re able to come together [by seeing the play].”
The play is set to premiere in November, with community members acting both in the scenes and behind the scenes. Already, just watching rehearsals has Wallace “thrilled.” “You are seeing people who have pride in the neighborhood come out to be a part of it and really stretch themselves in creative and artistic ways,” she says. “Not all of them are normally doing this in their day-to-day life, and then we do have some actors who are in it, but particularly the community members, them showing up and performing best, to me, that’s pride, and that’s dedication, and that’s belief in their community.”
All three performances, which will take place at First Baptist Broad Church in Binghampton, will be free to attend, and Backbeat Tours will provide free transportation at designated locations.
The Podbox Memphis Podcast Festival returns for its second year — this year for a two-day event. (Photo: Ariel Cobbert)
Gonerfest 21 Railgarten Through Sunday, September 29 Oh yeah, you’re gonna wanna go to this fest with a unique and wide-ranging bill from Memphis and around the world. The fun started on Thursday, with over 30 bands across four days, but it’s not too late to join in. Derv Gordon headlined on Thursday and The Rip Offs headline on Saturday. Like I said, acts are coming across the seas, like African desert blues collective Etran de L’Air, Japanese garage punks Angel Face, Australian Split System, and Kiwi psych/shoegazers Bailter Space. Garage rock legends Jon Spencer and the Cheater Slicks will also perform, as well as American bright lights Oneida, Rosali, and Schizophonics. There’ll also be some new bands to check out, so check them out. Full lineup here. Get your tickets here; Friday and Saturday tickets are $60 each, and Sunday tickets are $20.
Pink Palace Crafts Fair Audubon Park Friday–Saturday, September 27–28, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. | Sunday, September 29, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. The Pink Palace might not be called the Pink Palace anymore, but the Pink Palace Crafts Fair retains its name. It’s a tradition more than 50 years old at this point — one that’s only grown from the 30 craftsmen who set up on the front lawn in front of the mansion for that very first fair in 1973. Now it’s the largest juried arts and crafts fair in the Mid-South, with jewelry, 2D art, glass, wood, leather, sculpture, fiber, and so much more. Festival-goers will enjoy demonstrations by master craftsmen including broom makers, printmakers, sculptors, potters, woodturners, jewelry, metal artists, and food artisans, and there will be live music, vendors, and activities for the kids like the choo-choo train, pony rides, and a climbing wall. General admission is $10.75 for adults and $4.75 for kids, and tickets can be purchased here. Parking is free, with shuttles to the fair entrance.
PodBox Memphis Podcast Festival Beale Street Landing | Friday, September 27, 6–9 p.m. Cossitt Library | Saturday, September 28, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Get your podcast on at the PodBox Memphis Podcast Festival, a unique platform for creators, industry experts, and audiences to connect, collaborate, and celebrate the growing world of podcasting. The first day of the festival is a media mixer at Beale Street Landing with podcasters, social media influencers, content creators, radio and TV personalities, and print media folks — oh, and Mayor Paul Young. Saturday’s day-long program at Cossitt Library features interactive breakout sessions, panel discussions, and expert talks with a range of media personalities. A podcast pitch competition is open for aspiring podcasters to pitch program ideas and receive professional feedback from a panel of judges.
TEDxMemphis Memphis University School (MUS) – Hyde Chapel Saturday, September 28, 9 a.m.–4 a.m. Talk your way into seeing this year’s TEDxMemphis Talks, which will leave you energized with new ideas from people all over the 901 community. With topics ranging from The Tiny Home Revolution to Could You Change The World By Drinking Your Coffee Black?, you’ll learn about things you didn’t even know you could learn about. (A full list of topics and speakers can be found here.) Tickets can be purchased here for either the full day ($140) or for one of two sessions (9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. or 1:30 – 4 p.m. for $75).
Black Child Book Fair Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. With “Books for Black children are hard to find” being a common statement in our society, this fair seeks to make it not so. Several authors will have their works available for purchase.
Brewology Tour Hampline Brewing Company Saturday, September 28, 3-6 p.m. I’m not sure if there will be 99 beers on the wall at Hampline during their Brewology Tour. I’m not sure if there will be 98 beers on the wall. But I know you can take one down, pass it around, and celebrate National Drink Beer Day as beertenders and brewers take you behind the scenes at Hampline, where you’ll learn about the brewing process and sample some of fan-favorite beers. Tickets are FREE, just sign up for the 3 p.m. time slot here or the 4 p.m. time slot here and show up.
Taste of the District Event Health Sciences Park Tuesday, October 1, 4-6 p.m. October is so close you can almost taste it. And on October 1st you should do a lot of tasting at the Taste of the District. It’s an annual — you’ll never guess it — tasting event that celebrates Medical District restaurants as part of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative’s Buy Local Program which encourages support of local, independent, minority, and women-owned businesses. You’ll be able to taste from an array of eateries from Alcenia’s to Groovy Gratitude to JEM Dining to Wonky’s Not So Famous Treats (full list here). Guests will also enjoy music from DJ Rhinestone and Grizzlies Prep’s Choir. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here.
Joe Gatto: Let’s Get Into It Featuring Mark Jigarjian Orpheum Theatre Thursday, October 3, 7 p.m. Best known from the hit TV shows Impractical Jokers and The Misery Index (two shows I’ve never seen, oops), Joe Gatto brings his stand-up to Memphis. His show is recommended for ages 16 and up. Tickets are $39.75 to $59.75 and can be purchased here.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
“Coffee’s a $465 billion industry, and it’s the most traded good for third-world countries after oil and is the most drunk liquid on the planet after water,” says Bartholomew Jones, co-owner of the coffee company Cxffeeblack. “Amidst all of those things, the people who discovered coffee, which are people in Africa, receive less than 1 percent of that revenue.”
Seeing this gap, Jones and his co-owner and wife Renata Henderson wanted to go back to the “root.” “We believe that if we honor the root of the coffee, that’s how we solve the problem surrounding preserving the fruit of coffee,” says Jones. “We learned about the history of coffee that was very different than our experience with coffee growing up and what we had been told about it. And so there was this opportunity for coffee to be this thing that builds communities together, not just for productivity, but rather as a tool to become more connected and curious as people. … Coffee was supposed to be a seed of peace, and it was meant to establish peace, and so that was something that we’re really inspired by and felt like it was a different perspective on coffee that I think a lot of people need to know.”
In 2023, Cxffeeblack embarked on the Cxffeeblack Barista Exchange Program, which brought four African-American aspiring “coffee nerds” on a two-week origin trip to Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Kenya to learn about pre-colonial Black coffee culture. Now it’s in phase two of the program, which means bringing four African baristas to the States to share about their respective coffee cultures. The baristas are Beamlak Melesse Bekele (Ethiopian), Elise Dushimimana (Rwandan), Smayah Uwajeneza (Rwandan), Charles Lukonge (Ugandan), and Mario Alberto (Afro-Colombian).
Mario Alberto shares his coffee knowledge. (Photo: Bartholomew Jones)
“We get to welcome our brothers and sisters from across the seas, to come and commune with us and learn our history,” says Henderson. “We were separated at origin, so we call it a family reunion. We get to be reunited with our brothers and sisters that we were taken from, and so it’s a really impactful process, just because we’re able to learn history and skills and the rest, but it’s healing in a different way.”
This phase of the exchange program includes brew ups and collaborative coffee conversations in Memphis, Nashville, Atlanta, and Raleigh-Durham. This week, Memphis can look forward to a screening of Part 1 of the Cxffeeblack docuseries “Cxffee Makes You Black,” a coffee brewing demonstration, and Q&A about the indigenous history and science of coffee at the Museum of Science & History on Thursday. (The docuseries will continue with this phase of the exchange program.) Then, on Saturday, Jones will deliver a TED Talk called “Could You Change the World by Drinking Your Coffee Black?”
The Flyer’s Bacon & Bourbon Festival will delight attendees with bacon and bourbon this Friday. (Photo: Courtesy Wilmott Events)
WLOK Black Film Fest Various Locations Thursday-Sunday, September 19-22 Celebrate Black artists in the film industry with WLOK. With an array of films that focus on historical history relevant to the Black community, this festival promises to be entertaining and culturally enriching. The schedule is as follows:
Bob Marley Evening: Featuring the movie industry work of the late Bob Marley, the evening will be complemented with a variety of food samples including Jamaican cuisine native to Marley’s home country. | Museum of Science & History,Thursday, September 19, 6 p.m., $10
Respect: Starring Jennifer Hudson, the film features the life of Aretha Franklin. Free popcorn and sodas between 6 and 6:45 p.m., plus entertainment. | Crosstown Theater, Friday, September 20, 6 p.m., $5
The Bucket List: Starring Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, the star-studded movie follows the story of two men sharing the same hospital room. They want to come to terms with who they are and what they have done in their lives and a desire to complete a list of things they want to see and do before they die. | Malco Studio on the Square, Saturday, September 21, 7 p.m., $5
The Great Debaters: Starring Denzel Washington, this film features the real-life story of professor Melvin Tolson who coached the HBCU Wiley College debate team to a nearly undefeated season that pioneered interracial college debates between students from white and Black colleges during the Jim Crow era in the segregated South. | Malco Studio on the Square, Sunday, September 22, 7 p.m., $5
Cxffeeblack’s Barista Exchange Fellows’ Bar Takeover TalkShop at Caption by Hyatt Friday, September 20, 3-5 p.m. Fall means Gilmore Girls season, and Gilmore Girls season means thoughts of coffee, coffee, coffee. Bring those thoughts of coffee out of the noggin and into the real-world as you sample coffee brews from across the African diaspora at Cxffeeblacks’ Barista Exchange Fellows’ Bar Takeover. During this event, engage with the baristas from all over Africa at Talk Shop as they share insights into the unique rituals and techniques that define their nation’s coffee scene, from Ethiopia and Rwanda to Kenya and Congo. RSVP here.
Memphis Greek Festival Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church Friday-Saturday, September 20-21, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The Memphis Greek Festival celebrates its 65th anniversary. Cue the exclamations of “It’s all Greek to me!” and “Opa!” As always, you can expect delicious Greek food and pastries from spanakopitakia to baklava, and there’s a drive-through option. Georgio and the Fabulous Grecian Keys will be playing every day, and the Athenian Dance Troupe will perform on Saturday. On Friday, festival-goers can take a free Greek dancing lesson at 5:30 p.m. Both days, attendees can tour the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church and view the University of Mississippi Greek Exhibit. Children can enjoy inflatables and games. Admission is $3 or three cans of food to donate to the Mid-South Food Bank. Gates close at 7 p.m.
Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms Park Friday, September 20, 6-9 p.m. Bacon, good. Bourbon, good. Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival, good. At our annual Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival, we’ll have creative bacon-inspired dishes of all kinds from some great Memphis restaurants, also a vast array of distilled spirits to tempt your tastebuds, also also music and all sorts of merriment and party activities. Also also also, a portion of all proceeds will go to the Memphis Farmers Market. General admission is $50.
Inaugural Memphis Pizza Festival Agricenter International Saturday, September 21, noon-6 p.m. Take another little piece of my heart now, baby, but don’t you dare take another little piece of my pizza, especially at the Inaugural Memphis Pizza Festival. The first-ever Memphis Pizza Festival invites attendees to indulge in unlimited samples of pizza from more than 20 of Memphis’ pizzerias, like Broadway Pizza, Grisanti’s on Main, Hi Tone, Memphis Chess Club, Rock’N Dough, and Slim & Husky’s, just to name a few. The day will be complete with contests, judged by experts and the people, and panel discussions, including “Mid-South Italians & How Pizza Came to Memphis” and “Knead to Know: The Do’s & Don’ts to Artisan Bread Making.” Festival-goers will enjoy live music, fun games, and activities throughout the day. Proceeds will support the Mid-South Food Bank and Everbloom Farmacy. Tickets are $55 for general admission; tickets for kids (12-17) are $25. More info here.
Latin Fest Overton Square Saturday, September 21, noon-6 p.m. Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group’s Latin Fest, where friends and families can listen to and dance to live Latin music, taste Latin food and drinks, enjoy activities for kids, and shop from vendors.
One Pint at a Time Museum of Science & History Saturday, September 21, 3-5 p.m. One Pint at a Time is a documentary about the craft beer industry. Black-owned breweries make up less than one percent of the nearly 9,000 breweries in operation. Eager to shift the historical perception of who makes and drinks beer, Black brewers, brand owners, and influencers across the country are reshaping the craft beer industry and the future of America’s favorite adult beverage. Following the documentary, panelists will take the stage for a conversation featuring local African-American entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. Panelists include Toney Booker, Vior Water brand ambassador; Kelvin Kolheim, Beale Street Brewing curator; and Ralf Golden, Disbelef Tequila co-CEO. Tickets are $12.75.
Book Signing and Discussion: Estrus Records (Pre-Gonerfest party) Memphis Listening Lab Wednesday, September 25, 6-8 p.m. Estrus Records’ Chris Alpert Coyle and Scott Seguichi are bringing their book Shovelin’ The Sh*t Since ’87 (hehe) to Memphis Listening Lab for a pre-Goner Fest kick-off party. There will be a special guest panel discussion featuring Jack Oblivian, John Stivers, and Fink. Scott Bomar will be spinning records before the event. Free to attend.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
