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Sullivan Steps Down at Overton Park Conservancy

Tina Sullivan leads a mindfulness walk in the Old Forest. (Credit: Overton Park) Conservancy)

Tina Sullivan is stepping down as executive director of the Overton Park Conservancy (OPC), the organization announced Tuesday morning. 

Sullivan will serve in the role until a successor is brought on board. She has helmed OPC since its creation 12 years ago. In that time, the park has seen a number of improvements, which brought a surge of popularity. OPC said visitor counts over the last several years have reached 1.5 million. 

 “Having the task of connecting people to nature has been deeply rewarding,” said Sullivan. “Something magical happens when people come to Overton Park and experience its unique beauty and welcoming culture. People from different backgrounds form bonds around their love of this place. The park’s diverse community is vibrant and thriving, and that strength is what will protect this place for future generations.”

Since OPC’s creation, the 126-acre Old Forest was designated as a State Natural Area, and the title brought a number of new protections for the area. New entrances to the forest were created by local artists and erected at its entrances. 

Overton Bark, a dog park, was created. The organization conducted research, removed invasive plants, renovated and maintained trails, and launched a schedule of nature-based programming, many of these with the help of park volunteers and supporters.

Maybe the biggest issue Sullivan helped to tackle in her tenure was one that, ultimately, ended nearly 30 years of parking on the Overton Park Greensward. Negotiations and controversy followed the issue for years until OPC leaders, the Memphis Zoo, and the city of Memphis signed an agreement in 2022. 

“Tina’s patient leadership during that tenuous period kept everyone at the negotiating table until the best possible solution could be found,” said OPC board chair Yancy Villa. 

The agreement also brought additional acres of old-growth forest back to the park. It also opened a large area in the park’s southeast corner, as the city agreed to close part of its maintenance facility there. 

Sullivan said the time is right for her to step aside. 

“With the park thriving and the Conservancy in a steady-but-growing position, this is the opportune time to relinquish the captain’s seat,” she said in a statement. “We’re in a moment of calm before the next growth phase, which gives the board some freedom to spend time recruiting the best possible leader.”

Villa said, “Tina has been the right leader at the right time for [OPC]. From its inception to today, she has led the Conservancy with integrity, tenacity, and passion.” 

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Report: Nearly Half of Tennessee Households Don’t Earn Enough to Meet Basic Expenses

Photo by Kenny Eliason on Unsplash

Nearly half of all Tennessee working families cannot afford the basic cost of living in their counties, according to new analyses of Census and federal economic data by the United Way of Tennessee.

The report examined the challenges facing households that earned more than the federal poverty level but, nevertheless, struggle to make ends meet.

While the number of households living in poverty decreased by nearly 5,000 across the state between 2021 and 2022, more than 34,214 households were added to the category of Tennesseans unable to pay for basic needs despite earnings that put them above the poverty level. In total, the report found that 1.2 million Tennessee households fall into this category.

Census data shows Tennessee poverty rates fell but stagnated compared to the national average

The report concluded that the “survival budget” necessary for a family of four increased to $75,600 between 2021 and 2022. The budget includes the cost of housing, food, childcare, transportation and healthcare — all of which grew more expensive. In 33 Tennessee counties, more than half of all households failed to earn enough to meet their survival budgets.

While wages have increased in that time period, the 20 most common occupations in Tennessee still pay less than $20 per hour, the report found. These include jobs like sales, truck driving, administrative assistants and elementary school teachers.

Although poverty levels for Tennessee kids have shrunk, the report found that 38 percent of working Tennessee families with children at home did not earn enough to keep up with basic expenses.

2024-ALICE-Update-TN-FINAL

Tennessee Lookout is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Tennessee Lookout maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Holly McCall for questions: info@tennesseelookout.com. Follow Tennessee Lookout on Facebook and Twitter.

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Youth Connect To Address Mental Health Disparities In Shelby County

From Left to Right: Shaneika Smith, Cathy Emerson, and Kache Brooks. Photo Credit:Youth Connect

Youth in Shelby County now have access to free therapy services through a partnership with the Shelby County Youth and Family Resource Center(SCYFRC) and The Braid Foundation.

The two organizations have joined together to launch Youth Connect, a service offering up to 12 free individual and group counseling services during the summer, after school, and on the weekends as needed.

Youth Connect officially launched in late May after years of planning and input from youth in the community. This service is available for anyone ages 13 to 18.

Dr. Shaneika Smith, co-executive director of the Braid Foundation and licensed professional counselor, and  Cathy Emerson, co-founder of The Brain Foundation and school psychologist, say they have a combined 14 years of mental health practice in the Memphis area, which led them to work towards removing stigma around mental health and breaking down barriers to accessing mental health care.

On the private practice side, Smith said her and Emerson noticed that the idea that people had access to mental health services just because they had insurance wasn’t true.

“There’s one issue where a lot of our youth and families are not insured, but then there’s another issue where if you are insured you can have an insurance claim that does not cover mental health services at all,” Smith said. 

Both Smith and Emerson worked in the school system and saw this as a recurring and consistent issue. This is also the extension of work started in 2020 where over 80 “youth-serving organizations” came to address youth mental health through the Coalition of Youth Mental Health.

“They’re the ones who really propelled this work,” Emerson said. “We were already seeing higher rates of suicide attempts, hospitalization due to self harm or self injurious behavior in Memphis and Shelby County — and now we add a pandemic to that.”

Emerson said this was how the work started, and after procuring the funding, they were able to lay the groundwork for what is now Youth Connect. She emphasized the support of Shelby County government by not only partnering with a nonprofit, but by creating Kache Brooks’ role, youth mental health coordinator at SCYFRC.

“Partnering with a nonprofit is one of the beauties [of this partnership.] Yes, serving the youth and getting people the help they need is the whole purpose of this work, but I think another highlight of this is that this is truly a blend of the community and government coming together to do something to address a need in a holistic, durable way,” Emerson said.

Emerson also said an important part of bringing this project into fruition was to have the voice of the people they’re helping. She said it was essential for both The Braid Foundation and SCYFRC to have a youth voice. Part of this was doing outreach work and conducting youth-centered surveys. They also wanted to know if there was there truly any stigma surrounding youth and mental health services.

Smith added that a lot of the times when programs are made for youth, the designers make assumptions about what is needed. By including youth input, they not only found out more about the needs of the community, but they found that their clients wanted to take an active approach to their mental health needs.

“As someone who works with youth, they even proved me wrong in the things that they wanted and the things they needed. That’s why youth voice is really important in this,” Smith said.  “Some of the gaps that we see is with them and sharing with adults in their lives which therapy can really help them do…They’re talking to each other, and there’s not this stigma amongst each other about that.”

After surveying close to 250 young people in Shelby County prior to the launch, Youth Connect found that 46 percent of participants said they were “likely to extremely likely” to utilize therapy, while 84 percent said they would “not think negatively about someone who was in therapy.”

“One thing that we noticed is that with young people, the conversation is definitely there. They’re a lot more open than people might expect. That’s not to say that there isn’t any stigma at all, but I think a lot more young people are a lot more self aware than we give them credit for and open to bettering themselves in their mental health journey,” Brooks said.

This emphasize on self awareness and agency is evident in the application process as well, as Youth Connect encourages those interested to fill out the forms on their own.

“It’s your body, it’s your emotions, it’s your experience –don’t you want to have control over what that process looks like for you?” Emerson said. “What we know is when you are empowered to have responsibility for your own mental health and do the work and show up, that is going to have the long-lasting effects that therapy is supposed to have.”

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BRIDGES Announces Tosca Nance-Jones as New Chief Administrative Officer

(Photo: Courtesy BRIDGES)

The nonprofit BRIDGES has promoted Tosca Nance-Jones to chief administrative officer, a new position within the organization’s leadership. Nance-Jones has worked with BRIDGES for the past eight years, first as director of community engagement and then as vice president starting in 2019. 

For Nance-Jones, her proudest accomplishment with BRIDGES, so far, has been launching the Youth Action Center, which she describes as “a multi-dimensional space that enhances and expands youth leadership opportunities especially for youth in marginalized communities by creating partnerships with organizations in the community.”

The Youth Action Center, Nance-Jones adds, is “led by an intergenerational facilitation team. We want to harness that energy of the young people. They’re passionate, and they’re the driving force behind our success. That’s really my success.”

Once a youth activist herself with activist parents, Nance-Jones says, “I grew up understanding and knowing the value of community and civic engagement, and I’m fueled by restorative equity work. So, the unique thing about BRIDGES and what BRIDGES offers, it was a natural kind of alignment of my values. They offer the opportunities for youth to find a place for themselves.

“For those who are passionate about social justice and want to create solutions, or those youth who want to develop their leadership skills in areas that lead to entrepreneurship or developing their artistry, or if they just have a desire to connect with people and grow their problem-solving and communication skills to find their own voice, we have a place for them. We just provide the tools so that they realize the possibilities are essentially limitless for them. And I love that about BRIDGES.”

“It’s been an honor to be entrusted with this, as I say, responsibility,” Nance-Jones adds about her new position. “I firmly believe that collaboration is the key to success. I’m also eager to leverage the collective expertise of our teams, our staff, our young people, and promote a cross-functional collaboration and communication that has us constantly focused on improvement.”

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Film Features Film/TV

Music Video Monday: “Ride” by Dead Soldiers

Dead Soldiers are back from the dead! Or at least from a hiatus. No strangers to Music Video Monday, the sprawling big band of Ben Aviotti, Nathan Raab, Krista Wroten, Michael Jasud, Clay Qualls, Paul Gilliam, Victor Sawyer, and Jawaun Crawford plays “city music,” not country music.

Director Joshua Cannon is a fan, so he was excited to get the nod to direct their first music video in six years. “Dead Soldiers fall in line among the best bands to come out of Memphis. We’re so lucky we get to claim them as our own. Seeing them live is really something special — just supremely talented and good-natured people.

“We kicked around a few concepts for this video, but with a song like ‘Ride,’ and with the eight of them doing what they do so well, I decided to keep the focus there and keep the camera moving. Working with my buddy Ryan Parker on this was a ton of fun. He cooked barbecue and we watched The Last Waltz a lot to prepare. Michael Jasud also turned us onto a performance of The Animals playing ‘House of the Rising Sun,’ which was real sick and inspired the composed moments. Overall, it was one of the best experiences I’ve had making anything, thanks to an amazing crew of talented people who are so good at what they do and to the Soldiers, who are a great hang.”

Guitarist Ben Avioti says the feeling was mutual. “He [Cannon] was such a joy to work with. The whole crew was awesome and they totally put up with our antics for 14 straight hours.”

You can see a lot more of the Soldiers’ antics and hear “Ride” live on June 21st at The Green Room in Crosstown Concourse. But first, check out the video.

If you would like to see your music video featured on Music Video Monday, email cmccoy@memphisflyer.com.

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Marathon Golf: OP99 Raises Money for Memphis Kids’ Golf

A group of OP99 players tee off at Overton Park 9 Tuesday. (Photo: Toby Sells)

They played 99 at OP9.

That is, a group of friends played 99 holes Tuesday at Overton Park 9 for the good of Memphis golf. 

The 15 friends started at 6 a.m. — three groups of five. The goal was to play 11 consecutive rounds of the nine-hole course. They’d walk the whole thing. One of the group said total milage would be around 25 miles. 

For this, they raised money, all the money going to the Overton Park Junior Open, the Overton Park Conservancy (OPC), and the Loren Roberts Scholarship Fund through The First Tee.

Will Frazier’s face was sun-reddened by around 4 p.m. on the eighth round of the 11-round OP99, as they called it. His feet hurt but his spirits were still up. His irons were still crisp. His sense of humor was still intact. 

“I just wish somebody else would’ve put this on,” Frazier joked. “From the beginning I said this is a good idea. This should happen. Sounds great. Who’s going to be the guy who’s going to put it together?” 

The guy turned out to be him and his “partner in crime” John Irvine. Frazier had survived a similar golf event in East Tennessee, that one a total of 100 holes called the Hundred Hole Hike. That event helped to subsidize golf rounds up to $5 for kids there. Memphis kids play every city-owned course for free. So no need to help pay for rounds.     

Instead, the OP99 funds will help fund the Overton Park Junior Open. The tournament has been a staple of the Memphis golf scene since it began in 1947. While free and open to all Memphis youth ages 7 to 16, organizing and creating the event is not. 

Funds for the OPC will support the OP9 golf course, of course. 

The Loren Roberts Scholarship fund through The First Tee is awarded to a graduating Memphis student who participates in the First Tee program. That program introduces youth to the game of golf with coaches and practices. The scholarship came from PGA Tour member Loren Roberts, who wanted to make an annual contribution to the Mid-South Junior Golf Association (MSJGA).

As of Thursday, OP99 had raised $54,400. 

“I have two little boys — an 8-year-old and a 5-year-old — who love the game of golf,” said OP99 golfer Daniel Connerley. “When [Frazier] said we’re doing this, and we’re going to get it going for the growth of the game and to get more kids involved in it … I’m like, absolutely. 

“I grew up playing golf with my dad and I want to do the same with my boys. If there’s more places to do that and more opportunities for them to do it, that’s what I’m here for.” 

Game play on the eighth round was still brisk and competitive. Word on the fairway was that Chase Harris, a former University of Memphis golfer and current PGA golf pro at Chickasaw Country Club, had set the OP9 course record on one round. He was on pace to break his own record in following rounds. Harris finished the day with an astounding 55 birdies, more than half of 99 holes he played. 

Frazier is ready to do it again. 

“So the game plan is to try to build enough momentum from this that it just sort of rolls on itself because it’s a great idea,” Frazier said. “We’ve got 15 guys out here. But I bet there are 50, 75, 150 guys in Memphis that would love to do this and these legs aren’t going to hold up forever. 

“I can do it a couple of times. But not forever.”

The OP99 players were Frazier, Irvine, Connerley, Harris, Stephen Ellis, Tucker Fox, Justin Smith, Alex Ransone, Davidson Alexander, Brian Abraham, McCown Smith, Luke Jensen, Alex Butterworth, Foster Smith, and Jimmy Beard. 

To find out more about the OP99, visit overtonpark99.com.

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Renting Surpasses Buying In Homeownership Affordability

Photo by Tierra Mallorca on Unsplash

Traditionally, the cheapest option for those seeking homeownership is to buy instead of rent. However, this is no longer the case for those in Memphis.

Ryan Miller, senior investment portfolio strategist at First Horizon Bank, said historically Memphians favored homeownership over renting since interest rates were reasonable, and payments were able to be divided over long periods of time.

However, in 2021 prices of houses began to drastically increase in a short period of time, with interest rates increasing as well. These factors create higher mortgage rates. While rent has gone up, Miller said it hasn’t gone up as much as these prices and rates.

“It is very unaffordable to try and buy a home for most homebuyers in Memphis — especially first-time homebuyers,” Miller said. “Seventy-two million millennials are entering the housing market while supply from 2018 to 2020 decreased 52 percent.”

A number of factors have contributed to this revelation, such as the rise in median home pricing, median wage not keeping pace, and the national rank of housing affordability being lower.

Miller recently spoke at the Affordable Housing Symposium in Memphis back in May. During his research, Miller found that as of 2023 Memphis has a housing gap of 16,341 units and an affordability gap of $14,018.

“There are 569,954 units, but the need is 586,295,” Miller said, explaining where this “shortcoming” comes from. 

For those who can’t buy homes because of this shortage, their next option is to rent; however, in the city the median rental comes in at $1,224 a month. According to Miller, an individual would need to make $44,064 per year to qualify, while the median income in Memphis is $30,046.

“Basically, the median income in Memphis would have to rise by 52 percent in order for a renter to go rent a house with a ratio of just 33 percent of their overall income,” Miller said. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development classifies those who “pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing” as “housing burdened.”

Miller said one solution is rehabilitation. He said an answer to affordability is having builders who are focused on affordable and starter homes as opposed to “McMansions.” He said between 2018 and 2022, the housing supply shortage increased from 2.5 million units to 3.8 million units.

In comparison, 40 percent of homes built in the 1980s were starter homes, compared to 2019 where they only made up 7 percent. 

“You need investors to go in and buy up housing in areas where the homes are aged and rehabilitate them so that they can be put back into the affordable housing inventory,” Miller said.

In 2021, finance company Freddie Mac concluded that while the overall share of aging housing stock is less than 60 percent, an “overwhelming majority of the census tracts in the city center have shares of aging housing greater than 80 percent.” 

Areas that have houses whose best options are rehabilitation include Frayser, East Memphis, Whitehaven, parts of Midtown, and more. Miller said rehabilitating homes in these areas would help the affordability issue.

To help cope with this issue, Miller said people should have a pooling of assets — having friends and family rent together. He also said education is a vital part of this as well.

“There’s a direct correlation between education, whether it’s at an educational university for traditional studies or a vocational school,” Miller said. “Education in one way shape or form allows somebody to get the job to have a higher income to bridge the gap for affordability.”

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Memphis Flyway To Open on the Riverfront In 2026

Photo Credit: Memphis River Parks Partnerships

A new attraction that will offer unprecedented views of the Mississippi River broke ground at the southern end of Tom Lee Park Thursday morning.

Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) announced that The Memphis Flyway will open in 2026, and will be the only “ free and ADA-accessible observation deck on the Mississippi River.” The organization expects more than 1 million visitors per year.

“The Memphis Flyway will become the premier place to experience the Mississippi River along the Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to its delta at the Gulf of Mexico,” MRPP said in a statement.

The Flyway was designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, who also oversaw the renovation of Tom Lee Park. According to MRPP, the project is a ground-supported canopy boardwalk supported by three steel mast column bundles.

Credit: Memphis Riverfront Parks Parntership
Credit: Memphis riverfront Parks Parntership

“It extends along the southeast-northwest direction for a total length of approximately 218 feet,” MRPP said. “ The Memphis Flyway presents a slightly curving main span 105 feet long followed by an overlook span.”

While The Flyway presents a way to preserve history and attract tourists, it will also practice conservation.

“The Memphis Flyway will conserve the unspoiled habitat below the structure for a wide variety of species, including the at-risk Monarch butterfly and offer visitors a view of the more than 100 species of birds that fly past the Memphis riverfront each year,” the organization said.

This project is being funded by the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and an anonymous donor.

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Environmental Groups Urge Caution on xAI Project

Elon Musk. Photo by Trevor Cokley / Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Environmental groups cautioned leaders on the effects — especially on electricity and water use — of the xAI facility announced Wednesday. 

The tech company owned by Elon Musk plans to build the world largest supercomputer in Memphis. The announcement drew acclaim from area leaders for its promise of economic development. 

Protect Our Aquifer, Memphis Community Against Pollution, and Young Gifted & Green said in a joint statement late Wednesday that, while they are thankful of tech industries’ interest in Memphis, facilities like xAI have environmental consequences. 

Cloud-computing facilities like these use a lot of electricity for massive air conditioning units and generators, creating a high carbon footprint, the groups said. The Musk facility is expected to use enough electricity to power 100,000 homes. 

“Before we welcome xAI with open arms, we must consider how an industry using such a tremendous amount of electricity will further impact communities already overwhelmed with pollution and a high energy burden, such as those around the xAI facility in Southwest Memphis,” reads the statement. “The energy burden measures how much of a family’s income goes to paying their utility bill. The national average is three percent, but in Memphis, the average is 27 percent. Will xAI bear the cost of TVA’s (Tennessee Valley Authority) fuel adjustment fee in times of high energy demand? 

“More so, with our recent history of severe weather events and rolling blackouts, TVA and Memphis Light, Gas & Water (MLGW) must work closely with this facility to keep energy use off peak demand hours.”

The facility is also expected to need a million gallons of water each day for its cooling towers, they said. That water would come from the MLGW Davis Wellfield in Southwest Memphis, the groups said. The wellfield is where the Byhalia Connection Pipeline was to split and where levels of arsenic have been detected in shallow groundwater, they said. 

“We encourage xAI to support investment in a city of Memphis wastewater reuse system to reduce strain on our water supply and drinking water infrastructure,” the statement said. 

The air quality impacts of such a facility are unknown, they said. But they called on the Shelby County Health Department to to measure it and other environmental impacts of the xAI facility.  

“Lastly, xAI should immediately consider the inclusion of binding community benefits agreements that enshrine its obligations to the local community, including targeted hiring, apprenticeship programs, and funding for neighborhood revitalization efforts,” the groups said. “We encourage Elon Musk and xAI to build solar for the site and invest in a greywater reuse facility to reduce the strain on the water supply and electric grid along with hiring from low-income and disadvantaged communities to boost the local economy.”

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On the Fly We Recommend We Recommend

On the Fly: Week of 6/6/24

Project Green Fork presents sustainably-made food for guests to experience at Loving Local. (Photo: Courtesy PGF)

Strong + Safe Self-Defense Class
Crosstown Plaza at the Concourse
Friday, June 7, 4-6 p.m.
What happens in fight club stays in fight club — I think. I’ve never seen the movie, nor have I been in a fight club. I’m a lover, not a fighter. Fight, flight, or freeze? Sign me up for flight or freeze. But, hey, even lovers, flighters, and freezers need to learn how to defend themselves every now and then, so join Hospitality Hub for a free self-defense class led by Josh Metcalf, owner and head instructor at Midtown Krav Maga & Jiu Jitsu. You’ll learn basic self-defense tactics that are practical for your everyday life. Registration is required. The class is free, but there is a suggested donation of $25. Class will be followed by the Hub Day celebration, 5-6 p.m., with live music, dancing, refreshments, and fun. 

Puppies! Puppies!! Puppies!!!
It’s the dog days of summer, and Memphis knows it. The city’s got three pup-centric events this weekend. Three! At least three, that is. 

  • Pup Party- First Friday on Broad: Put your pups first on Broad Avenue’s First Friday this month, where there’ll be treats, games, and lots of fun “pup-tivities” like paw painting, a dog and owner look-alike contest, puppy snacks, pupcakes, pup cups, discounts on dog merchandise, and pups available for adoption. Broad Avenue, Friday, June 7, 5-8 p.m.
  • Walk Me, Mane: Walk (or run) with shelter dogs at Memphis Animal Services. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or just enjoy a leisurely walk, your time will help our furry friends stay happy and healthy. Sign up to volunteer at the kickoff event for the Bluff City Canine Crew here. There will be refreshments and coffee for volunteers along with treats for the dogs to get the day started. Memphis Animal Services, Saturday, June 8, 8-10 a.m.
  • Summer Sundays: Puppies on the Plaza!: Head to the Brooks for a dog-friendly event, where you can craft pawprint ornaments, groove to DJ Sledro’s sounds, and meet adorable adoptable dogs from Tails of Hope Rescue, Alive Rescue, and Team Memphis Rescue. There’ll be refreshments and more. Register for the free event here. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Sunday, June 9, 2-4 p.m.

Liars’ Ball
TheatreWorks
Friday, June 7, 8 p.m. | Saturday, June 8, 8 p.m.
Improv can be fun. I’m not bluffing. Just ask the Bluff City Liars, who’s hosting a two-night Liars’ Ball where all the improv will be to music by Louise Page (Friday) and Rosey (Saturday). Tickets are $12 in advance (purchase here) and $15 at the door. 

Cemetery Cinema presents Ghost
Elmwood Cemetery
Friday, June 7, 8:30 p.m.
Woah, my love, my darling … I’ve hungered for your touch … A long … lonely time … so is now the time to admit that I’ve never seen Ghost? I know, I know, a sin against Patrick Swayze. But this weekend is my chance — and everyone’s chance — to see Ghost on the big screen. Elmwood’s Cemetery Cinema will project the 1990 classic on the roof of the historic cottage as the last light of the day washes away. The movie is outside, so don’t bundle up. Bring lawn chairs and picnic baskets, and don’t forget about the food truck The Best of the Wurst. Tickets are $17.85. Get ’em here. You in danger, girl!

Chris Bell’s “I Am the Cosmos” 50th Anniversary Tribute Concert
Maria Montessori School Amphitheater
Saturday, June 8, 5 p.m.
Chris Bell’s “I Am the Cosmos” turns 50, and to celebrate, Maria Montessori School Amphitheater’s River Series is putting on a tribute concert, which you can read more about in this week’s music column by Rich Tupica. Tickets for the show are $20/adults and $8/kids and can be purchased here. Wiseacre and ChiPhi food truck will be on site. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Project Green Fork Presents: Loving Local 2024
Grind City Brewing Co.
Sunday, June 9, 2-5 p.m.
Eating your greens doesn’t sound nearly as fun as eating green. Project Green Fork (PGF) has been bringing sustainability into the food space for a while now, and you can see the results at its Loving Local this weekend. Experience dishes from PGF-certified chefs and partners: Lulu’s Cafe, Good Fortune Co., Biscuits & Jams, Shroomlicious Meals, and Mempops. You can also enjoy beer for purchase from Grind City Brewing as well as samples and shopping experiences for eco-friendly products from Boshi Botanicals, Tiny Human Skin Care, and SAMILIA. The event is free, but registration is encouraged. 

Wyly Bigger & the Coyotes
Lafayette’s Music Room
Sunday, June 9, 7 p.m.
Our very own Michael Donahue recently wrote about Wyly Bigger, and Donahue always has his finger on the pulse. So check out Bigger’s show this weekend at Lafayette’s because, let’s face it, if Donahue is a fan, we should all be. 

LoCash and Runaway June
Handy Park
Thursday, June 13, 7:30 p.m.
Kix on Beale celebrates 20 years of bringing music to historic Beale Street. This season will bring six free country acts to Beale Street’s Handy Park. All ages are welcome and all shows start at 7:30 p.m. The series kicks off with duo LoCash and openers Runaway June. Upcoming acts include George Birge and Ryan Larkins on June 20th, Frank Ray and Annie Bosko on June 27th, Elvie Shane and Kylie Morgan on July 11th, and Chris Lane and Hailey Whitters on July 25th. 

There’s always something happening in Memphis. See a full calendar of events here.

Submit events here or by emailing calendar@memphisflyer.com.