Author: Rachel Stinson

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Got To Be Free

Fourteen years ago, Glynn Reed started Memphis’ Juneteenth celebration — an event that commemorates June 19th, 1865, the day slaves in Texas learned that the Civil War was over and they were free. This year’s Crossroads Ford Juneteenth Freedom and Heritage Festival salutes African Americans in the military.

The festival will take place June 15th to the 17th in Douglass Park. Activities include horseback riding, picnicking, kiddie rides, moon walks, face-painting, storytelling, Little League softball, Afro-centric jewelry sales, health-testing opportunities, and more.

R&B artist J. Blackfoot (pictured) will be the music headliner, performing at 7 p.m. on Saturday, and the gospel group Kevin Davidson & the Voices will perform at 6:15 p.m. on Sunday. In addition, Juneteenth will feature lots of local musicians, including African drummer Ekpe, “because we’ve got so much talent right here,” Reed explains. And, as always, an abundance of food will be available, though families are welcome to bring their own.

Reed says that in just 14 years, Memphis’ Juneteenth has experienced extraordinary growth. “At first, there were less than 300 people, and now, there’s no way to tell how many people there are,” she says.

As for the reason behind the festival’s increased popularity: “We’ve been cooped up inside all winter,” Reed says, laughing. But, more importantly, “It’s a cultural event, and there are not a lot of opportunities for children and adults together to get history about their culture,” she says. “It’s a celebration of freedom.”

Juneteenth, Douglass Park, June 15th-17th, free. For more information, go to www.juneteenthmemphis.com.

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Get a Clue

CREDIT: Adam Gryko | dreamstime.com

The King’s Quest, produced by Ravenchase Adventures in Nashville, is an over-the-top scavenger hunt that will have participants combing downtown Memphis on Saturday looking for treasure.

Usually 50 to 70 people come to the event, according to Ravenchase artistic director Joshua Wolak. “They encounter weird tests and have to solve riddles. There’s some mystery involved, too.”

Participants will follow a “magical-looking” treasure map with poetic hints. Additionally, several actors — playing villains, spies, or even street musicians — will pass along information before contestants reach their final destination.

Despite the realistic feel of the hunt, Wolak says, “It’s not about competing; it’s about having fun. It’s a great excuse to run around for a weekend, and you get to meet new people. You can compete against your family, or you can work together to solve the clues.”

The starting location for the King’s Quest will be revealed in the first clue, so pre-registration is required at www.ravenchase.com. Contestants should find the treasure within two-and-a-half hours.

But this “treasure” — though perfect to mark an enjoyable afternoon — might not satisfy Captain Jack Sparrow. As Wolak explains with a laugh, “The prizes are usually very large tacky objects spray-painted gold.”

The King’s Quest, downtown memphis, Saturday, June 16th, 1 p.m. $20 per person, free for children 8 and younger. www.ravenchase.com.

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Runway Treatment

Flamingo-like legs swagger across the rooftop of the Gibson Guitar Factory, and vivid fabrics swirl at the edge of the runway. Female models are steady in four-inch wedges and stiletto-heel boots, while the male models walk barefoot along the glittery catwalk.

My third-row seat couldn’t be better to watch the first annual Couture for the Cure fashion show, benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

As energetic music beats, the models strut by in clothes that organizers call “downtown chic” from Costa Rica’s Yendry Alvord and Memphis’ Patrick Henry. Among those commanding the catwalk are Justin Sampson, the new face of Ralph Lauren, and Furonda Brasfield, a former contestant on the TV show America’s Next Top Model.

For founder/director Keyanna Sawyer, the show is the combination of a passion for fashion and a heart for children.

“I modeled for six-and-a-half years; I wanted to get back into fashion and give back to the community through something I love,” she says.

The transition from model to show director has been rewarding for Sawyer, who, at the age of 24, is already intent on impacting Memphis. “Founding Couture for the Cure has enabled me to become more active in the community,” she explains. She hopes the show convinces others to do likewise.

According to Sawyer, Alvord’s designs are “funky, hip, and free” and have “a lot of detail for the conservative sexy woman.” Even if “conservative sexy” seems contradictory, the description fits the clothing well. Among my favorite pieces is a light-blue top with two accents in the back that mimic tiny hand-held fans.

In contrast are Henry’s clothes, which “have a Miami feel,” Sawyer says. “They’re colorful and bright and tailored.” When the male models emerge from behind the black curtains, the wind ruffles their loose-fitting shirts. One model decides to unbutton his top — revealing finely cut abdominals — and before long, the other men follow suit.

But it’s not all about style. Mid-show, emcees DJ Tree and Brad Carson turn the audience’s attention to a patient-narrated film about St. Jude, whose daily operating costs exceed $1 million.

As the show concludes, the outdoor catwalk is awash with light, a sharp contrast to the surrounding night. At this fashion show, the sky is the limit.

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Garden Party

It’s hardly your typical picnic. With blankets and chairs scattered across the lawn, people of all ages gather to hear musicians rock the picturesque Memphis Botanic Garden. Such an alluring environment has made Live at the Garden, now in its seventh season, a classic Memphis concert series, and this year’s opening act, Chicago, has music lovers especially enthused.

“Chicago is an act we’ve talked about every year but have never been able to get,” says Sherry Misner, co-director for Live at the Garden. “It’s such a natural fit. Getting Chicago epitomizes what we’ve tried to do creating the outdoor setting.”

Live at the Garden is a chance not only to hear great music but also to visit with friends and family. “Lots of people come an hour early just to mix and mingle,” Misner says. And because of the affordable ticket price and the garden’s central location, Misner adds, anyone can go.

While Misner is excited about Live at the Garden’s entire lineup — which includes Natalie Cole, Al Green, Chris Isaak, and Michael McDonald — she’s really thrilled about the Chicago concert. The horns-driven band has been pleasing audiences with their energetic blast of songs and sweeter-than-sweet ballads for 40 years.

“When we announced that Chicago was coming, I was getting phone calls all the time,” Misner says. “I was even stopped in the grocery store with people saying, ‘I can’t believe you got Chicago!'”

Live at the Garden presents Chicago at the Memphis Botanic Garden, Saturday, June 9th. Gates open at 7 p.m.; show begins at 8:30 p.m. $35 for general lawn admission. For more information, go to www.liveatthegarden.com.

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News The Fly-By

Second Opinion

In Rhodes College’s underground Frazier Jelke science building, couches surround a life-sized triceratops replica. Biology samples preserved in jars line the shelves, and physics equations are painted on the wall. The lounge is a nice study area, but with a new partnership, pre-med students may have time to spend in other places.

Rhodes and George Washington University in Washington, D.C., recently formed a partnership that will allow Rhodes students an incredible opportunity: to be accepted into GW’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences as sophomores. Through the early selection program, students will be able to forgo the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) and apply to medical school before completing the four pre-med course requirements, thereby finishing the sequence in four years rather than condensing it into a grueling three.

According to Alan Jaslow, Rhodes’ Director of Health Professions Advising, the new partnership presents a multitude of positives for Rhodes students.

“It’s a great situation for students who want a liberal-arts experience to avoid some of the hurdles pre-med students have throughout the year,” such as the MCAT, he states. “It allows more options and more freedom for the students.”

Megan Tisdale, director of admissions at the GW School of Medicine, says that the institution has similar programs with 11 schools. GW invited Rhodes to join after Rhodes president William Troutt met with GW president Joel Tractenberg. The GW president “was especially interested in the commitment to service at Rhodes College,” Tisdale says, and felt the two schools were an excellent match.

He wasn’t the only one. As Jaslow says, “About 80 percent of our students participate in some form of community service, and GW has a long history in the Washington area of community service.”

Interested students must meet minimum academic requirements and a committee at Rhodes evaluates student applications.

“If we agree that a student is a good candidate and matches well with GW, we’ll pass the student on,” Jaslow explains. “GW’s admissions committee will then evaluate the students. Students should know by the end of their sophomore year if they’ve been accepted.”

Tisdale adds, “Early selection is for applicants with academic distinction and a proven commitment to medicine. These selected students do not have to study for and take the MCAT exam and can use that time and energy to concentrate on their leadership and service activities, as well as academics.” As a result, the students are better prepared for all aspects of studying and practicing medicine.

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Come on Down!

Say it ain’t so, Bob. After 35 years, Bob Barker is retiring as host of The Price Is Right, arguably the most famous game show in television history.

But don’t feel bad for too long. At the Grand Casino Resort Tunica, you can check out one of Barker’s possible replacements, Todd Newton (pictured), who is hosting The Price Is Right Live!, an interactive stage show running through June 30th.

According to Patrick Collins of the Grand Casino, The Price Is Right Live! is just like the TV show. “FremantleMedia is the company that produces The Price Is Right, and Fremantle is producing our show, too,” Collins says.

Like the original, The Price Is Right Live! beckons randomly chosen contestants to the stage to play games, such as Plinko and Cliff Hangers. The stage show also replicates the same overall atmosphere and excitement. There’s a vibrant set and a big screen that captures the newly named contestants as they sprint to the stage. “It’s a fun show that everyone knows,” Collins adds.

The two top contestants ultimately bid against one another for hefty prize packages. In this version, those spinning the “big wheel” can win a $1,000 cash prize.

Now come on down!

“the Price Is Right Live!,” Grand Casino Resort Tunica, Tuesday-Sunday through June 30th. 4 and 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Sunday shows at 7:30 p.m. cost: $34.95. Friday and Saturday shows at 7:30 p.m. are $44.95. Saturday matinee at 4 p.m. is $39.95 (1-800-win-4win).