Author: Julia Baker

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Man Man and Rebecca Black in Upcoming 1884 Lounge Show

Experimental pop band Man Man hits Memphis this week with supporting act Rebecca Black — remember her 2011 hit “Friday”? Although the concert takes place on Wednesday, not Friday, lead man Honus Honus (Ryan Kattner) promises to deliver a fun show that may or may not involve “a jar of frogs, Billy Joel covers, and, if the air is right, maybe throwing a handful of spoons at a wall.”

All jokes aside, the band will perform an array of songs from past albums spanning from Man Man EP (2004) to Life Fantastic (2011) to On Oni Pond (2013) backed by woodwinds, horns, guitars, keyboards, drums, and “men singing like women and children.”

Man Man

After a brief tour together in March, Rebecca Black is back on tour with the band throughout July. “I wanted to bring someone who is inspiring to be around,” says Kattner. “I went and saw a friend perform in L.A., and she played afterward. I was familiar with the work she did when she was 13 years old, but I was really taken aback by how great she sounded at the show. She’s blossomed into a great songwriter, and she does a great performance and has great stage presence. I also thought it would be an interesting juxtaposition because I hate going to shows where the opening band sounds exactly like the main band. Our fans have been really respectful of her.”

Man Man, Rebecca Black perform at 1884 Lounge, Wednesday, July 10th, 8 p.m., $15-$17.

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We Recommend We Recommend

A Vibe on the Island Independence Day Celebration

CREDIT: Misfit Studios International

Pack your chairs, coolers, and picnic blankets and walk, scooter, or bike to Mud Island River Park for A Vibe on the Island. A monthly event, July’s AVOTI falls on Independence Day. To ring in the holiday and the fireworks is a three-parter musical event featuring Ping Rose and the Anti-Heroes, Black Cream, and Marcella & Her Lovers.

“I’ve never played a show with any of the openers,” says Ping Rose, a soul, rock, and funk artist based in Nashville, but who hails from Memphis. “But one of the members of Black Cream is one of my longtime friends,” he says. “I’m excited to play with them.”

Misfit Studios International

Ping Rose

Rose is due to release a studio album, Sketchbook, in July, and he plans to post a single from the album to Spotify before this event for a special preview. Also, be sure to check out Black Cream’s new single “All I Need Is You” and Marcella & Her Lover’s EP The Bronze Age.

The event is free, but those who want to watch the fireworks and hear some music from the sidelines can float on the Wolf River Harbor in a kayak rented from Kayak Memphis. The fireworks show can also be viewed from nearby Tom Lee Park or River Garden. Riverside Drive will be blocked off to cars after 5:30 p.m., but visitors can still walk, scooter (Bird or Lime), or ride bikes (Explore Bike Share) to any of the parks. Fireworks will begin at 9:15 p.m.

A Vibe on the Island, Mud Island River Park, Thursday, July 4th, 6 p.m., Free.

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Celebrate Independence Day with the Redbirds

CREDIT: Memphis Redbirds

Every year since the Redbirds were introduced to our city in 2000, the Memphis Redbirds Independence Day games have served as a staple for Memphians looking to celebrate the holiday. After all, how much more of an All-American experience can you get beyond combining baseball, hot dogs, and fireworks? The Redbirds have you covered.

This year, our beloved baseball team will play against the New Orleans Baby Cakes in front of a packed house of 10,000 attendees.

The first 1,000 fans to show up will receive free sunscreen samples from the American Cancer Society as part of Minor League Baseball’s aptly named “Cover Your Bases” initiative.

Memphis Redbirds

Take me out to the ball game.

“We also have a specialty ticket that includes a ticket to the game and an all-you-can-eat hamburger/hot dog buffet, which is always very popular,” says Michael Schroeder, director of media and public relations for the Redbirds and 901FC.

Other food items included in the unlimited buffet: potato chips, cookies, bottled water, and two Coca-Cola beverages per person.

“It’s a good way to let us do the grilling so you can just sit back with family and friends and watch some baseball while eating great food and enjoying post-game fireworks,” says Schroeder.

After the game, Schroeder promises the Minor League Baseball team will deliver AutoZone Park’s biggest fireworks extravaganza in history.

And because the Redbirds’ Independence Day celebrations occur on July 3rd, attendees can get a head start on Fourth of July festivities a day early and/or celebrate two days in a row. “No matter when it is, we create a memorable night at the ballpark,” Schroeder says.

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Mid-South International Festival Comes to Railgarten

CREDIT: Mark Brown

Sarah Bishop spearheads perhaps one of the most captivating international festivals in Memphis.

Last year’s inaugural event, then called DeSoto County International Festival, took place at DeSoto Civic Center, with an attendance of 50-70. “I looked at the data from the involvement of ticketing on Eventbrite and a lot of general comments from people who attended last year, and the big consensus was that a lot of people were actually coming in from Memphis,” says Bishop. “I thought, why don’t I just bring the festival to Memphis, since that’s where most of them are coming from? To me, it’s a no-brainer.”

Mark Brown

The Mid-South International Festival brings diverse cultures to Railgarten.

Bishop, who works as the events and catering director for Railgarten and its sister companies like Carolina Watershed and Rec Room, thought Railgarten would make the perfect setting for this year’s event with its expansive indoor and outdoor areas, nice ambiance, and never-ending activities.

So, naturally, the festival was moved to Railgarten, and the name of the festival was changed to Mid-South International Festival. As the name suggests, the two-day festival celebrates diversity and culture with a spread of international vendors, performances, and activities. Several countries will be represented, including Argentina, Ireland, West Africa, and more.

Throughout those two days, Railgarten’s two stages will house 28 performances, including musical performances, ethnic dances, yoga demonstrations, drum circles led by Memphis Drum Shop, fire performances, and more.

Food, offered by Railgarten, will include international options like Korean barbecue and skewers, as well as tofu items. Corona beer, one of the festival’s sponsors, will be available.

The other sponsor, Mempho Music Festival, will be present offering discounted presale tickets for the festival.

Fourteen vendors, each representing different countries around the world, will be selling clothing, crafts, jewelry, and more.

If all of that weren’t enough, Railgarten will also be introducing its new life-sized cornhole game played with bean bag chairs.

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New Year’s Guide

Beale Street

The biggest New Year’s Eve party in Memphis, New Year’s Eve on Beale will ring in the new year with drinks, food, music, dancing, and fireworks. This year’s musical acts include the Fabulous Exclusive Soul Revue Band and Karma, with headliners B.B. King’s Blues Band and pop icon Tito Jackson. Together, the two headliners will continue the legacies of B.B. King and the Jackson 5. The event is 21-plus, free to attend, and will also be live-streamed for those who would like to watch from the comfort of their own homes.

Music begins at 8:45 p.m. Free. Beale (526-0117)

Hard Rock Cafe

It’s the 10th annual guitar drop at Hard Rock Cafe, where a 10-ft.-tall D’Angelico guitar drops 100 feet at the start of the new year. Enjoy musical guests Common Rarity, Carlos Ecos Band, Mandy Vixen Trio, ShotGunBillys, DJ Debonair, and American Idol winner Caleb Johnson, among others, and Good Day Memphis weather and traffic anchor Chelsea Chandler will emcee the event.

5 p.m. Tickets: General admission: $35; Platinum VIP: $150 single/$250 couples; Gold VIP: $400 per table. 126 Beale (529-0007)

Peabody Hotel

This bash will feature local music acts Seeing Red, Garry Goin Group, and DJ Epic. VIP packages include free hors d’oeuvres and unlimited Champagne and Budweiser.

8 p.m. General admission: $40; VIP: $150. 149 Union (529-4000)

New Daisy Theatre

New Daisy Theatre throws its third annual New Year’s Eve Blackout with special musical guests BT, Tree, Defcon Engaged, Scotty B, FreeWill, Brian Hamilton, and N8. This is the perfect outing for night owls — the show goes on until 5 a.m.

9 p.m. General admission: $20-$30; Silver Couples package: $50; Gold package: $75; Platinum package: $100. 330 Beale (525-8981)

Rum Boogie Cafe

FreeWorld begins the New Year playing at Rum Boogie Cafe on Beale.

8 p.m.-12 a.m. 182 Beale (528.0150)

Jerry Lee Lewis’ Cafe & Honky Tonk

Exclusive concert with Jerry Lee Lewis, along with opener Jason James.

7 p.m. Gallery seats: $125; Front row seats: $225; after the 25th, tickets increase by $25. 310 Beale

Ghost River Brewing Co.

Ghost River celebrates its 10 year anniversary of its first brewing of South Main Pale Ale — and to celebrate, they are giving away free 4-ounce pours. Flying Sobies Hen House Food Truck will be camped out for Sunday brunch.

12-8 p.m. 827 S Main St. (661-4976)

B.B. King’s Blues Club

Join B.B. King’s for a night of live music, dinner, and dancing.

Dinner served 7-10 p.m. General admission: $20 in advance or $25 at the door; VIP: $80 – Includes a reserved table in the mezzanine, three-course dinner, party favors, and Champagne toast. 143 Beale St. (524-5464)

Loflin Yard

A fun evening full of music, with two sets by Southern Avenue, with Stax Academy Alumni Band opening, and Pressure World DJ Crew spinning funk/soul/R&B tunes in between sets.

10 p.m. General admission: $20; VIP: $75 – Includes reserved seating, dinner with Southern Avenue, and signed merchandise. 7 W. Carolina Ave. (290-1140)

Bleu Restaurant

Partake in a $55 surf n’ turf dinner and/or the New Year’s Eve party ($35), which includes a Champagne toast, party favors, and complimentary valet.

6 p.m.-midnight. 221 South B.B. King Boulevard. (334-5950)

Memphis Sounds Lounge

Memphis Sounds Lounge is closing, and they’re going out with a bang! This event will feature musical guest William Davenport. Tickets include free Champagne toast, food, and party favors.

7 p.m.-2 a.m. $20/person or $35/couple. 22 N. Third St. (590-4049)

Blind Bear

Dinner is served from 5 to 9 p.m., and beginning at 8 p.m., Rusty Pieces and Blackwater Trio perform.

Dinner: $35/person or $60/couple; music cover charge $18. 119 S Main (417-8435)

The Lookout at Bass Pro Shops

Dine on a five-course meal in the sky while listening to a live band. Afterward, attend the after party for more music and fun.

Dinner: $125/person; After Party: $50/person – Includes party favors and Champagne toast. 1 Bass Pro Dr. (291-8040)

Lew’s Blue Note Bar and Grill

8 p.m.-1 a.m. 341 Beale St. (577-8387)

Midtown

LaFayette’s Music Room

Join LaFayette’s for an evening of music, with a lineup that includes Almost Famous and Pearl.

6 p.m. General Admission: $25; VIP: $80/person or $150/couple – Includes reserved seating, party favors, Champagne toast, and hors d’oeuvres. 2119 Madison (207-5097)

Young Avenue Deli

Local band Spaceface plays, with a colorful and interactive 3D set, 3D glasses, silver space aliens, confetti bursts, lasers, psychedelic photo booths, and more. DJ Witnesse from Lord T and Eloise will be playing funk and soul tunes as well. There will be $2 beer specials, Champagne toast, and the first 100 people to show up will get a free pair of 3D glasses.

8 p.m.-2 a.m. Tickets: $10. 2119 Young (278-0034)

Children’s Museum of Memphis

This masquerade is the first ever New Year’s Eve bash in the new Grand Carousel wing. Party band City Mix and a silent disco will provide entertainment, while attendees enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beer, wine and midnight Champagne toast.

9 p.m.-1 a.m. General Admission: $75 Pre-sale or $90 at the door; VIP: $150 – Includes three-course dinner at 7 p.m. whipped up by a surprise local chef and a fast pass to the bar. 2525 Central Ave. (458-2678)

Hi-Tone

Hi-Tone presents Quintron and Miss Pussycat with Jack Oblivian, Room Thirteen, and DJ Damp Velour.

10 p.m. Tickets: $15-$20. 412-414 N. Cleveland (278-8663)

Blue Monkey Midtown

Louder Than Bombs covers the Smiths/Morrissey. Champagne toast at midnight.

10 p.m.-1 a.m. Tickets: $15/person or $25/couple. 2012 Madison Ave. (272-2583)

The P&H Cafe

Dead Soldiers and HEELS will provide music, while Katrina Coleman will provide laughs. PBR is half-price.

10 p.m. 1532 Madison Ave. (726-0906)

Overton Square

At the Tower Courtyard in Overton Square, the Dantones and DJ Bobby Smith will provide tunes, and former American Idol contestant Alexis Grace will emcee. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, or check out any of the various bars in Overton Square.

9 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. 2101 Madison

Bar DKDC

Marcella & Her Lovers plays at Bar DKDC.

11 p.m. 964 S. Cooper (272-0830)

Growlers

The Schwag plays three sets of Grateful Dead music.

9 p.m.-3 a.m. Pre-Sale: $12; Door: $15. 1911 Poplar Ave. (244-7904)

South Memphis

Graceland – The Guest House

Live like the King at the New Year’s Eve Gala at the Guest House at Graceland. Memphis Jazz Orchestra Band will play tunes from Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Frank Sinatra, and Count Basie. Enjoy a Grand Buffet dinner in the ballroom, and then party with party favors and Champagne toast. To get the full experience, book a King or Queen room, and you will receive a complimentary bottle of Champagne upon arrival.

8 p.m. Dinner and gala: $95; Room, dinner, and gala: $299. 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd. (443-3000)

Marlowe’s Ribs

Music provided by Probeats DJs. Event is 25-plus.

10 p.m. Pre-sale: $20; At the door: $30. 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd. (332-4159)

East Memphis

Neil’s Music Room

Party like it’s 2018. The Natchez Brothers will play from 9 p.m. until 1 a.m., and Neil’s will start serving breakfast at 12:30 a.m. Instead of Champagne flutes, Neil’s will be giving away bottles of Champagne that attendees can either drink on-site or take home.

9 p.m. $25/person or $40/couple. 5727 Quince (682-2300)

Tunica, MS

Hollywood Casino

The Nate Jackson Band plays at the Main Stage.

9 p.m.-1 a.m. 1150 Casino Strip Resort Boulevard, Robinsonville, MS (800-871-0711)

Roadhouse

Moonshine Ball presents Ying Yang Twins, and at the Riverstage Bar, Gerald Richardson & Friends plays. Roadhouse has a number of New Year’s Eve promotions, including New Year’s Eve Cash Drawings ($2,018) and Glow Bright Lights Giveaway for Total Rewards members.

1107 Casino Center, Robinsonville, MS (662-363-4900)

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Food & Wine Food & Drink

Testing out Logan Guleff’s Chef’d line.

Fifteen-year-old Logan Guleff, winner of MasterChef Junior, cookbook author, one of Time magazine’s Most Influential Teens, and a Southern Living Best New Southern Cook, has teamed up with Chef’d to create easy-to-make gourmet meals for the aspiring chef to try at home.

I am that aspiring chef.

Chef’d is a planned meal delivery service, much like Blue Apron, that focuses on recipes designed by over 650 distinguished chefs and food brands throughout the world.

The meals I opted for: Pimiento Mac and Cheese, Jerk Salmon and Charred Pineapple Slaw Burger, and Early Bird (breakfast) Nachos. Others include Sweet and Spicy Chicken and Waffles, Shrimp and Grits, and the Mushroom Monster Burger, featured at the James Beard House and on the Today show.

Chef’d doesn’t require a monthly subscription, and members who have particular diets or restrictions — vegetarian, pescatarian, or gluten-free — can personalize their meals through the website. Members can also search for meals by category; among them: Quick and Easy, New Arrivals, Chef of the Month, and Refreshing Meal Inspirations.

Now that we know a little more about Chef’d, let’s get cookin’. Chef’d sent me all of the ingredients I needed in order to cook the meals (minus olive and vegetable oils and various equipment). The first thing I cooked was the Salmon Burger. The salmon called for a jerk rub, and the coleslaw mix was combined with charred pineapple, Greek yogurt, hot sauce, rice wine vinegar, honey, and celery. A side of sweet potato fries was added to the plate, and voila: a lighter version of a beef burger that mixed sweet and spicy flavors wonderfully. The sweet flavors of the slaw mix really complemented the spicy jerk seasoning on the salmon, and the sweet potato fries with a little bit of salt sprinkled on top only added to the harmonious flavors of the meal. Out of all of the meals I cooked, this one was the one my father and boyfriend preferred — although the sweet potato fries were a little burnt. Oops.

The next meal I prepared was the Early Bird Nachos. This recipe called for a bed of nacho chips topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon, cilantro, eggs, and refried black beans with sour cream and ranchera sauce to go on the side. There were a few hiccups along the way; I had misplaced the tortilla chips and bacon. Luckily, it was an easy fix. I grabbed chips from the store around the corner and found an extra package of bacon in the freezer. Ironically, we had this plate for dinner. But breakfast is good at any time of day, right?

Third time’s the charm. There were absolutely no problems with the third meal (Pimiento Mac and Cheese). This recipe necessitated five different cheeses (jack/cheddar cheese blend, mozzarella, gruyere, and monterey jack cheeses), garlic powder, paprika, milk, egg, and pimiento peppers mixed in with boiled macaroni noodles and a cornbread topping. This meal was so cheesy, cornbready, and sweet, and it was my personal favorite of all three.

According to Guleff, Chef’d wanted him to focus on Southern cooking. “They really wanted to showcase where I’m from … I wanted to do shrimp and grits and pimiento mac and cheese — Southern classics that I could put a spin on,” Guleff says.

One of the best things about Chef’d may be how much time it saves. With my busy schedule between work and school, it can be hard to find the time for grocery shopping. Using Chef’d cut out so much time by shipping the ingredients and recipes to my door. Guleff says, “What could be cooler than to have [a] line of food that you can deliver on demand?”

To order Guleff’s and other renowned chefs’ meals, go to Chefd.com.