Warm up your vocal pipes for this month’s Whet Thursday. (Photo: Courtesy Metal Museum)
If you’re looking for a fun and relaxing time after you get from work, Whet Thursday at the Metal Museum is the place to go. A summer tradition at the Metal Museum for eight years, Whet Thursdays are filled with art, music, community, and free admission to the museum.
This month’s Whet Thursday event is Karaoke on the Bluff. A full karaoke setup with top hits, pop, rock, and other genres will be open to all to sing along to. Entertainment will be provided by Karaoke of Love with Tevin, a local DJ that frequents Young Avenue Deli in Midtown. As special events manager Nina Allen-Johnson says, “Come out for a good time to sing and watch people sing while enjoying the view of the bluff.”
Prizes will be awarded for the best performances with gifts from the museum gift shop. Hands-on activities such as wire wrapped guitar pick jewelry and beaded hair pins will also be available to do. Everyone is welcome to come as they are or dressed up for the event.
There will be delicious food from Bay’s Wings and Things food truck and drinks from The Tipsy Tumbler. Plus, attendees will be able to enjoy metalsmithing demonstrations and explore the museum’s exhibitions and permanent collection. On display now are “Light As Air,” which illustrates ways in which artists defy gravity using metal, and “Leah Gerrard: Longline,” featuring works by the museum’s latest “Tributaries” artist.
If you can’t make this Whet Thursday, don’t fret; the Metal Museum has two more Whet Thursdays this summer. On August 28th, the museum will host Beats on the Bluff, promising a thrilling DJ battle experience. Then, on September 25th, the museum will host a themed event inspired by the spirit of Memphis, called 901 on the Bluff. For more information on Whet Thursdays, visit metalmuseum.org/whet-thursday.
Whet Thursday: Karaoke on the Bluff, Metal Museum, 374 Metal Museum Drive, Thursday, July 31st, 5-8 p.m.
Legend, Laura Sullivan, and Wisdom (Photos: Michael Donahue)
Asian Night Market was a success, says Nhu Quynh Tran, president of the Vietnamese American Community (VAC), which has organized the market since 2023.
Soren Johnson and Coleman Russell Mayor Paul Young and Zoe Young Jonathan De Jesus and Claudia Chisolm John Dinh, Thomas Truong, Meghan Bayani, Eliza Mahinay, and Iris Mahinay
“I think it was a great success,” she says. “And it was heartwarming to see Memphis show up to support us despite the extreme heat.”
Kelly Daniele, Alessandra Daniele, Justin Soffer, and Tony Daniele Trey Jones, Andres Raffety, and Lenny Guy Jimmy “Sushi Jimi” Singh Quynh Tran Eric Heo Meaghan and Marcelo de Oliveira Nancy, Jim, and Brittney Hagmaier
Temperature was in the 90s at the event, which was held July 19th outside at Agricenter International. “We had about 8,000 attendees.”
Kristy Glassman, Hal Glassman, Justin Taylor, Lauren Taylor, Mary Catherine Moore, and Zack Moore Miller Sykes and Sophie Chertow Cameron Petersen and Hailey Micic Annika Ekstrom, Vivian Ekstrom, Averell Mondie, and Mersadies Burch
More than 100 vendors took part in the event, which included martial arts demonstrations, live music, and cultural dances from multiple backgrounds. “This year featured more vendors and activities for kids than the previous two years.”
Silversun Pickups come to Graceland Thursday. (Photo: Claire Maire Vogel)
The Wiz Orpheum Theatre Through Sunday, July 27 The Wiz returns to the Orpheum’s stage in its first American tour in 40 years, bringing its groundbreaking twist on The Wizard of Oz. With an iconic score and stirring tale that definitely isn’t in Kansas anymore, The Wiz brings a “whole new groove to easing on down the road.” Tickets ($29-$130) can be purchased here. Remaining shows are Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The Genius of Being Stupid Hattiloo Theatre Friday-Saturday, July 25-26, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday-Sunday, July 26-27, 2 p.m. Playwright Keenan Scott II returns to Hattiloo with his newest work-in-progress: The Genius of Being Stupid. This autobiographical solo show offers a deeply personal and unfiltered exploration of his experiences as a special education student growing up between Queens and suburban Maryland. Memphis is invited to a special workshop presentation of The Genius of Being Stupid, currently in its early stages of development before heading to Broadway. As part of this intimate experience, audience feedback is encouraged and essential to the creative process. Tickets are $20.
Wagging in Memphis Beale Street Saturday, July 26, 4-7 p.m. Who let the dogs out? Seriously, who let them out? Because they’re running amok on Beale Street. Amok! Well, more like in an organized fashion, what some are calling a fashion parade. That’s right: Dogs are parading in costume down Beale Street, and your dog can be a part of the madness, too, as long as you register beforehand. After the short parade from Robert R. Church Park to Handy Park, a party will ensue with vendors, live music, activities for the pups, and more. Find out more here.
Edge District Art Crawl Edge Triangle Saturday, July 26, 4 p.m. Stroll through galleries, discover your fave local artists, and enjoy exhibits. Soak up exclusive deals from neighborhood bars and restaurants. Participating galleries include Marshall Arts, Sheet Cake, and Ugly Art Co. Ugly Art will be featuring Blake Conner and Isaiah Kennedy’s popup titled “dirt://PIGMENT,” while Sheet Cake will be closing its “Summer Break” show, group exhibition featuring work from Justin Tyler Bryant, Sai Clayton, Coulter Fussell, Carl E. Moore, and Melissa Wilkinson.
Golden Girls 901 Hi Tone Sunday, July 27, 3-6 p.m. The Golden Girls debuted 40 years ago, and the world has never been the same! Join the Blue Suede Sisters at the HiTone as they celebrate this iconic show with contests, performances, screenings, and so much more. Tickets are $15.
Johnny Dowd Art Show and Music Matinee Mollie Fontaine Lounge Sunday, July 27, 4 p.m. The tortured troubadour, fresh off his tour with the Mekons, performs with Amy LaVere, Will Sexton, and special guests.
Meet the Author: Lindsey Stewart Novel Tuesday, July 29, 6 p.m. Join Novel as they welcome Lindsey Stewart in conversation with Tara M. Stringfellow to celebrate the release of Stewart’s new book The Conjuring of America: Mojos, Mermaids, Medicine, and 400 Years of Black Women’s Magic. The new book is a crucial telling of American history centering the Black women whose magic gave rise to the rich tapestry of American culture we see today.
Silversun Pickups Graceland Soundstage Thursday, July 31, 8 p.m. See L.A.-based Silversun Pickups in concert as they tour their latest album Physical Thrills, which was birthed out of the pandemic. Tickets are $35.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
“Overcoming Hateful Things” is on view at the Pink Palace Museum & Mansion through October 19th. (Photos: Courtesy Museums of Science & History)
More than 150 pieces of racist memorabilia make up “Overcoming Hateful Things: Stories from the Jim Crow Museum,” now on display at the Pink Palace Museum & Mansion. Raka Nandi, director of exhibits and collections for the museum, assures that the exhibit “is not a shrine to racism but is instead an exhibition that encourages visitors to witness and to reflect on the lessons that we should learn from the past.”
Fraught with racist imagery, these items, from the late 19th century to present, “caricature and stereotype African Americans,” Nandi says. They represent the Jim Crow era, the African-American experience during it, and the way its legacy endures in the modern day. The exhibit has traveled from Ferris State University’s Jim Crow Museum of Racist Imagery in Grand Rapids, Michigan, making this the first time it has traveled outside of Michigan.
The exhibit is the brainchild of David Pilgrim, the founder and director of the Jim Crow Museum, who has collected almost 3,000 objects of Black memorabilia. Eventually, he donated these objects to the university as the foundation of what would become a more than 20,000-piece collection of race-based artifacts in the Jim Crow Museum. To him, these items, while hateful, are helpful for learning, with the right context and intention.
“One of the really profound things that [Pilgrim] said [to the Pink Palace team] was: we love history that is patriotic and that’s happy, but history is also messy, and it makes us uncomfortable, and it’s embracing that that really helps us to learn,” Nandi says.
The objects can be triggering and offensive, but Nandi says, “The flip side of it is, this is also a story of how African Americans during the Jim Crow era became activists, they weren’t passive, and they didn’t see themselves the way in which they were caricatured and stereotyped. It is a story about how when we caricature and stereotype people, it is a way to demote them, to demean them, and the power that lies in that.”
In each thematic section of the exhibit, there are representations of pushback against racist stereotypes. “For instance, in one unit, on one side of a wall, you see all the laws that were put into place during the Jim Crow era,” Nandi says. “… On the other side, you see landmark cases that were passed that allowed our society to move forward.”
Since its opening in May, Nandi has been surprised by the turnout for “Overcoming Hateful Things” as students, church groups, book clubs, even a mah-jongg club have come to view the exhibit. “It’s been interesting to see intergenerational visitors, grandparents coming with their grandkids, people coming who lived through the Jim Crow era or who had parents who lived through the Jim Crow era, and younger people coming in, who have no knowledge of this and are just shocked.” In interactive elements, these visitors have written raw and provocative reflections and responses to the exhibit.
“I’m really proud of the museum for exhibiting ‘Overcoming Hateful Things’ at this moment because I think it’s needed to have these kinds of conversations,” Nandi says. “We’re living in a particular political time where people are afraid to have discussions about race and racism, but we really felt like this was an important exhibition to host.”
Also on view at the museum, just outside of “Overcoming Hateful Things,” is “Ernest Withers: I Am A Man,” a display of Withers’ famous photographs from the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike. The collection, which features an original “I AM A MAN” sign, was last shown in 2010.
Dylan Lewis and Austin Sims (Photos: Michael Donahue)
If you wanted to quench your thirst with a “Frutos del Bosque” or, in English, “Forest Fruits,” Tekila Mexican Cuisine could take care of you.
The restaurant was one of the restaurants that took part in this year’s Memphis Summer Cocktail Festival, which was held July 11th at The Kent.
Ethan Evers, Annabeth Walters, Jennifer Evers, and Jason Evers Kenneth Keierleber, Deanna Keierleber, and Jacob Johnson Megan Key, India Neely Gwendolyn Lackland and Faye Gilland Tierra Bradshaw, and Aaron Morgan
“It’s kind of like a jam, but it’s pretty much strawberries, blackberries, blueberries, raspberries, all blended,” says Ricardo Rivera, financial controller of the restaurant, which has four locations. “And then it was passion fruit puree, lime juice, and lemon lime soda.”
Jeff and India Neely Robert Valentino Myers and Neil Brown Chuck Weinstein Courtney Allen and Aramis Gentry Kendrick Jones and Latasha Hurd Cal Charlet
Production manager Molly Willmott described the event as “a cocktail festival celebrating Greater Memphis and Mid-South tastes.”
More than 25 spirits brands were represented, she says.
About 800 people attended the festival, which was co-hosted by the Memphis Flyer and Leadership Memphis/Volunteer Memphis.
Erica Kelsey Chambers, Lernard Chambers, and Jennifer Kelsey Walker Melvin Flores, Simone Brasher, and Cynthia Yearwood Valentina Fonseca, Ricardo Rivera, Jaime Hernandez, and Erik Prieto Renee Jones, Shameless Johnson, Emily Smith
Liz Wright with Saint (Photo: Courtesy Liz Wright)
Beale Street has been host to many a parade — from Pride to St. Patrick’s Day — but this Saturday, it’ll be host to a parade like no other. Picture it: dogs in costume strutting their stuff down the iconic street in a fashion show.
Liz Wright, owner of The Friends of Dog online store and the event organizer, is calling it Wagging in Memphis (like “walking in Memphis” — get it?). “It’s a fun day for pet owners and dog lovers to come out experience dogs dressed up in clothing,” she says. “The reason behind the clothing is because it’s an opportunity to bond with your pet.”
And, hey, what’s cuter than a dog in a dress or a themed bandana? Heck, Wright even says pawrents can coordinate with their pets. “We definitely love when we see pet owners dress up like their dogs.”
The parade will be only a five-minute walk from Robert R. Church Park to Handy Park. “We’re considering the fact that it is hot outside,” Wright says. “Once they get to Handy Park, there’s tons of areas with grass for [dogs] to play in. We have a dog cooling zone.”
Any highly socialized, leashed dog is welcome to participate, dressed or naked. Wright’s pups Thor and Saint, for their part, will be dressed to impress in matching T-shirts with Wright. She calls them the mascots of her e-commerce store that she started during the Covid lockdown while living in L.A. “I love fashion, but not really having anywhere to go, I thought it’d be fun to be able to stay close to fashion but dress up my dog instead.”
She’s now based in Nashville, but she’s a born and raised Memphian, happy to return home to host this event, where her store will be just one of the vendors at the parade’s after-party. “There’ll be a lot of dog-related vendors at the after-party, which is a good time — a DJ, live music, a lot of free giveaways,” she says. “There’ll actually be a fashion a dog fashion contest with a lot of silly giveaways, and then we’ll have some areas for the dogs to play with and chase bacon-flavored bubbles. Just have an all out good day.”
The day will also be raising money for rescue group Streetdog Foundation.
Cal Mitchell as The Lion, Dana Cimone as Dorothy, D. Jerome as The Tinman, and Elijah Ahmad Lewis as The Scarecrow in the North American Tour of The Wiz (Photo: Jeremy Daniel)
The Broadway musical The Wiz is returning to Memphis at The Orpheum Theatre next week. As part of the first U.S. tour in 40 years since 1992, the groundbreaking musical will end the theater’s 2024-2025 season.
The Wiz is a twist on The Wizard of Oz with a soul, gospel, rock, and ’70s funk sound while showing Dorothy’s journey to find her place in the contemporary world — with a fusion of ballet, jazz, and modern pop that brings a fun vibe to the all-Black musical extravaganza. Public relations director Kristin Bennett says, “The Wiz is truly a show for the entire family to enjoy! Whether it’s someone who’s a fan of Broadway, someone who has nostalgia for the iconic film, or someone who just loves incredible music, dancing, and singing, they are going to discover that The Wiz is a night of pure joy!”
The show is being adapted from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Its creative team includes director Schele Williams, choreographer JaQuel Knight, and musical supervision, orchestrations, and music arrangements by Joseph Joubert. The main cast includes Dana Cimone as Dorothy, Alan Mingo Jr. as The Wiz, Sheherazade as Glinda, Kyla Jade as Aunt Em/Evillene, D. Jerome as Tinman, Elijah Ahmad Lewis as Scarecrow, and Cal Mitchell as Lion.
The musical will run from July 22nd to July 27th with a run time of two hours and 30 minutes and a 20-minute intermission. Ticket pricing ranges from $29 to $130 and can be purchased here. Groups of 10 or more are eligible for discounts, priority seating, flexible options, reserve now and pay later, and VIP treatment. Children ages 4 and up are permitted with their own ticket.
Country singer-songwriter Parker McCollum takes the stage for Memphis Botanic Garden’s Live at the Garden series. (Photo: Courtesy Memphis Botanic Garden)
“Home Is A Dream I Keep Having” Closing Reception Urban Art Commission Friday, July 18, 5-8 p.m. Noah Miller and Sara Moseley’s exhibit, a reflection on the meaning of home, closes this weekend. The reception will have free refreshments, live music from Dream Journal, an avant-garde music project from Robby & Rachael Grant, and a DJ set. Read more about the show here.
Live at the Garden: Parker McCollum Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden Friday, July 18, 8 p.m. See country music star Parker McCollum take over the Radians Amphitheater stage this Friday for Memphis Botanic Garden’s Live at the Garden series. Individual lawn tickets start at $89.25. All lawn seating is general admission and is located behind the table seating sections. Attendees are allowed to bring their own food and beverages including coolers or can purchase from on-site vendors.
Shopping!
Chickasaw Oaks Vintage Street Market: Shop unique vintage finds including clothing, home goods, accessories, and furniture. Plus, get your vintage treasures tailored on the spot with an on-site alterations vendor. | Chickasaw Oaks Village, Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
End of All Art Books Pop-Up: Shop new and used books, curiosities, and limited special edition Slowdown Dry Goods collaborative merch. Patrick Sansone of Wilco will be signing his new book of photography, “Noticings” at noon. | Slowdown Dry Goods, Saturday, July 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Memphis Oddity & Curiosity Market: Find the oddest of oddities and the most curious of curiosities! | Hi Tone, Saturday, July 19, 4-10 p.m.
Sing 2 Sing-Along Orpheum Theatre Saturday, July 19, 2 p.m. Sing along to the show-stopping numbers of Sing 2’s unforgettable soundtrack. Arrive dressed as your favorite character, warm up your singing voice, and get ready to rock the Orpheum. Tickets are $12. Up next in the Sing-Along series is Greaseon August 2nd.
Lampyfest Lamplighter Lounge Saturday, July 19, 3 p.m. Celebrate the historic Lamplighter’s new improvements with music by Aquarian Blood, Jack-O & the Sheiks, Dr. Brown, Turnt, Jeffery Evans & Ross Johnson, Tyler Keith, and Superfun YeahYeah Rocketship. Karaoke to follow. Cover is $10. Oh, and, hey, before you go, read this totally awesome music story by Alex Greene before you go.
Asian Night Market Agricenter International Saturday, July 19, 4-10 p.m. The ever-popular Asian Night Market returns for a third year, promising a feast for your senses with dishes and flavors from over 70 food vendors across the U.S. Live cultural performances, a lion and dragon dance, DJ, eating contest, and more will take up the stage, and kids can enjoy a kids zone. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the gate for adults, $5 for children 6 to 12 years old, and free for children 6 and below. Get your tickets here.
Colombia Night Overton Square Saturday, July 19, 6-9 p.m. Celebrate Colombia’s independence with music, dance, traditional food, and more in Overton square. Expect live performances, tastings, and storytelling — for free admission. Dress in yellow, blue, and red.
Mystic Krewe of Pegasus: Christmas in July Dru’s Place Sunday, July 20, 3 p.m. Join the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus Memphis for a festive summer twist on the holiday season — all to benefit the Memphis Child Advocacy Center. Enjoy holiday performances by Fantasia Bordeaux, Bela D’Ball, Papa Chubb, Boy Dustin, and many more of Santa’s favorite entertainers. The krewe will be bringing all the Christmas cheer with a 50/50 auction, fun games, prizes, and surprises throughout the afternoon, so put on your best holiday attire (or your most outrageous Christmas-in-July look) and get ready to celebrate.
There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.
Celebrate Asian culture through food, song, and dance. (Photo: Courtesy Vietnamese American Community)
This Saturday, the Asian Night Market will highlight authentic Asian foods from a variety of vendors and showcase Asian culture through music, dance, and more.
“People come to enjoy different cultural performances and try to connect with Asians in the community that you don’t normally see,” says Nhu Quynh Tran, president of the Vietnamese American Community (VAC), which has organized the market since 2023. “This event has a good impact on the young generation and creates new opportunities for pop-up businesses.”
This year, the festival will take place at the Agricenter International outdoor area, with more than 100 vendors, including Boba Society Tea & Snack Bar, Hotbox Hibachi, Viet Kitchen, Urban Fusion Asian Bistro, and Panda Smokehouse. Festival-goers can expect martial arts demonstrations; live music; cultural dances from multiple backgrounds such as Chinese, Japanese, Indian, and Polynesian; and, of course, the ever-popular lion dance.
Choose901, VAC Memphis, and content creator Foodie Jimmy will also present a food-eating contest with prizes. First place will win a $300 cash prize, second place will win a $200 gift certificate, and third place will win a $100 gift certificate. Plus, kids will have a place of their own to play and watch movies in the kids zone.
Tickets start at $17.85 for ages 13 and over, tickets for children ages 6 to 12 are $7.18, and children ages 5 and younger get free admission. Volunteers are needed. Head to nightmarketmemphis.com for more information and to purchase tickets.
Asian Night Market, Agricenter International, 7777 Walnut Grove Rd., Saturday, July 19, 4-10 p.m., $5+.
Lewis, McKenzie, and Will Podesta (Photos: Michael Donahue)
This year’s Central Gardens July 4th Parade was like a scene out of a nostalgic movie.
Members of Troop 34, Grace St. Luke’s Victoria, Hamilton, and Beatrice Jackson Merritt, Zuri, Adrienne, and Sheeba Bailey Kashton, Kayden, Lakiesha, and Reginald Bennett
Belvedere Boulevard was packed with children on bicycles, dogs on leashes, and older people in lawn chairs. Many people were carrying flags, hot dogs, watermelon slices, Mempops, or cups of Byway coffee. More flags were stuck at various points on the median between Peabody Avenue and Union Avenue, where the parade took place.
Jesse, Tony, Annie, Diego de Velasco, and Julian Kohnstamm Stephanie Hom and Leo Hom-Wilson Bruce and Barbara Newman Milner Stanton Armon, Mallorie, Wynter, and Amanda Barnes
The parade, a Memphis tradition since the 1970s, was traditionally held on Carr Avenue. Then the Central Gardens Association (CGA), which puts on the event, got neighbors involved to put on the parade. It’s now relocated to different streets.
Dorothy Schreiner, Addison Fields, Ellie Cooper, Emery Getschman, Emerson Field, and Farrah Daniel Tyler, Sarah, and Adelaide Canales Wyly and Emily Bigger Ellis Keplinger Sophie MacDonald, Ruaridh Owens, and Will Cullen
