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International Park(ing) Day

(Credit: MidtownMemphis.org)

If you drive past Midtown’s Cash Saver on Friday, you might be tempted to rubber-neck at an unusual spectacle in the street parking spaces, since, in honor of International Park(ing) Day, those spots will be converted into tiny parks. 

Park(ing) Day is a global, public, participatory art project, explains Emily Bishop, board member of MidtownMemphis.org, the organization spearheading the event in Memphis. “That’s a mouthful,” she says, “but it’s where you temporarily repurpose street parking spaces into places for art, play, and activism. What we’re trying to do is get people to reimagine that area of Midtown.”

When the area around Cash Saver, Pho Binh, Crumpy’s Hot Wings, and the like was restriped to add bike lanes, the city added parking lanes, too. “Nobody uses them,” Bishop says. “They kinda get used as an inappropriate passing lane or turning lane. I mean, I see it all the time going to Home Depot.”

As such, safety is one of the points of awareness for this Park(ing) Day Project, the other point being to bring greenery to the space. The plan, Bishop says, is to plant black gum and maple trees along the sidewalk that runs east of Cash Saver on Angelus. “The sidewalk is 10-feet wide, and it has no power lines overhead, so it’s the perfect place for street trees,” she says, adding that under a tree’s shade it can be 10-15 degrees cooler, a much needed benefit during Memphis’ hot summer months. “We’re already working with Cash Saver and the City Engineer’s Office, and if all goes well, we hope to plant those trees in early November.”

Rendering of plans for tree-planting along Angelus (Credit: MidtownMemphis.org)

In the meantime, Friday will be MidtownMemphis.org’s second Park(ing) Day in front of Cash Saver. This year, the group has partnered with Memphis City Beautiful, Clean Memphis, Evergreen, Central Gardens, Neighborhood Preservation Inc. (NPI), The Works Inc., and The Home Depot. 

“We’ll have some green carpet out there to make it feel like grass,” Bishop says. “There’ll be some games. We’ll have plants and bushes that’ll give you a feel of what that would be like. We’ll just see what the creativity of each of our partners is and what they do with their spaces.”

Giveaways and free snow cones will also be available, and attendees will have a chance to meet with the various groups to learn about upcoming projects and ways to volunteer. 

Already, MidtownMemphis.org has planted native trees, bushes, and flowering plants on Avalon, behind Murphy’s and next to Crumpy’s. 

“We were really inspired by the Medical District, the improvements they made, and, of course, Overton Square is so beautiful now,” Bishop says. “We just want this area in between to continue the good work and spread it on down. Everybody travels up and down that section of Madison.”

International Park(ing) Day, Madison Avenue in front of Cash Saver, Friday, September 16th, 3-7 pm. 

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Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow Brings Their Act to Lafayette’s

This Sunday, August 14th, the Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow is bringing its thrilling brand of entertainment to Lafayette’s Music Room. Championing themselves as the “world’s largest and last remaining troupe of sideshow freaks and circus performers,” this group of performers defies death every time they take the stage, from swallowing swords to eating fire to practicing foot archery and more — all in a two-and-a-half hour show. 

As seen on AMC’s Freakshow, Ripley’s Believe It Not, Guinness World Records, the Discovery Channel, the Travel Channel, America’s Got Talent, and more, these performers hope to inspire audiences in conquering their fears and dwelling in anticipation. Lucky for us, the Memphis Flyer got a chance to catch up with performer Short E. Dangerously in a quick Q&A to ask him all about what it means to join the circus. 

Short E. Dangerously (Photo: Courtesy Great Scott Productions)

Memphis Flyer: What led you to being a part of Hellzapoppin?

Short E. Dangerously: After 15 years in the nightclub business as a DJ, I found myself looking for something different. I had no idea what direction I wanted to go. A mutual friend introduced me to [ringleader] Bryce “The Govna” Graves. He contacted me and offered to have me as a guest on an upcoming show Hellzapoppin had not far from where I lived. I had one skill — I could do an inverted handstand. Now, keep in mind, I don’t have any legs. So, I came out, gave a little speech, and went into a handstand, with the understanding of the audience that the louder they were, the higher up I would go.

What is your act all about?

My signature act is walking on broken shards of glass with my bare hands while it is on fire! It is a demonstration of pain tolerance and mental and physical toughness. I was born with a physical condition that does set me apart from other performers. In the sideshow world, I am considered a half-man. I am also considered a natural born performer, a natural born “freak” if you will. However, I trained and studied for over a year with the glass walking before even attempting it on stage. 

Most of the sideshow stunts are passed down from performer to performer as a generational thing. In order to do what we do, you have to have a knowledge of science, physics as well as anatomy. Whereas a musician plays their given instrument, our bodies are our instruments. For example, in order for Willow [Lauren] to learn how to swallow a sword, she had to know the anatomy and the science of what is going on with her body as well as controlling gag reflexes that are normally involuntary. She has to control those with her mind and suppress them.

Willow Lauren, one of the few women in the world who swallow swords and regurgitate razor blades (Photo: Courtesy Great Scott Productions)

Circuses have a layered history, often exploitative. How have y’all confronted this history? 

Bryce and I get asked this question all the time regarding exploitation. However, there’s no exploitation going on. I am in the show because I have a talent and I’m a performer. It’s not just because of how I look. I have a skill set. My background as a DJ helped me in this field. I run all of the music cues and the production during the show except for when I’m on stage. Then Willow runs my music cues.

Have you ever surprised yourself in being able to perform a certain act?

I can recall one time when I did surprise myself. The big finish to the glass walking act is when I jump down onto the pile of glass from an elevated ladder or stool. This one particular time, the only ladder that was available for us to use was approximately four-and-a-half feet high. I normally jumped from around two or two-and-a-half feet. When I got to the top of the ladder, Bryce came out to me and pulled the microphone away and said, “You don’t really have to do this.” I looked at him. I smiled. I said, “I’m either going to make history or be history.” I looked down, took a deep breath, and sent it! I landed safely with no problems. As I walked off stage, I thought to myself that it was really crazy, but I would love to do it again!

(Photo: Through the Eyes of a Queen/Courtesy Great Scott Productions)

Do you ever doubt yourself or get nervous before doing something that most people wouldn’t dare to try?

I get asked this question a lot and the best way I can answer it is I ask people a question: Do you get nervous before you go to work? This is my job. This is my profession. Ironically, there’s a calmness that comes over me before the show starts. Then, when I hit the stage, everything explodes! All of that fear and anxiety is gone and I am focused on my job, the task at hand.

What does it feel like when you’ve succeeded in performing a death-defying stunt, especially in front of an audience?

It’s the best! It’s an incredible adrenaline rush! There’s nothing like it anywhere! It’s the best drug in the world! I have defied death countless times in my life — injury not so much. A lot of times, audience members and average people fail to realize that we literally torture ourselves for their entertainment. However, when you’re on stage, you don’t feel any pain. We all tend to feel our pain off stage, after the show, when the adrenaline wears off and reality kicks back in. One thing I have learned is that sometimes our audiences are a little bit bloodthirsty. It’s like most of our audiences are the ones that go to a car race just for the crashes!

However, the energy we get from the audience always gives us the energy to get it done. We literally feed off the energy the audience gives us some nights because it’s the only way that we can do it. You do this because you love it and you can’t imagine doing anything else in the world. Only a few people can do what we do, which is what makes us so unique.

Is there anything else that you feel is important to mention?

You can find us all on social media. Make sure to check out www.hellzapoppin.com for all of our tour dates and performer bios!

Hellzapoppin Circus Sideshow, Lafayette’s Music Room, Sunday, August 14, 7 p.m., $20 /general admission, $35/VIP, 21+.

Purchase tickets here.

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News News Blog

Our Weekly Roundup of Digital Events, April 29-May 5

Enjoy these online offerings from theaters, museums, and more in and around Memphis. For our full virtual calendar, check out our calendar of events.

Theater

Hattiloo Theatre

Iola’s Southern Fields, enjoy a past performance online. Drawn from the writings of Ida B. Wells. Free. Ongoing.

New Moon Theatre Company

GlenGarry Glen Ross, virtual play reading via Zoom. While enjoying this scalding comedy, if you have not been assigned a role, mute your microphone and camera once the reading starts. Visit Facebook page for Zoom meeting information. Free. Wed., May 6, 7-10 p.m.

Playhouse on the Square

Playhouse on the Square at Home, a series of digital content through POTS website and social media platforms. View past performances, engage in quizzes, enjoy digital playwriting, and more. Free. Ongoing.

Art Happenings

“Colors of the Heart”

Show what you love about Germantown and brighten the streets with colorful hearts. Visit ArtsLaunch Germantown for more information, template, and to vote. Free. Through May 9.

Arrow Creative Online Store

Shop locally made jewelry, candles, greeting cards, soaps, and more. All sales benefit local creatives. Ongoing.

Wednesday Opera Time

Join Opera Memphis every Wednesday on Facebook for an assortment of live events including “Opera for Animals,” Bingo Opera, and more. Free. Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

David Lusk Gallery Daily Special

A new piece of art from a gallery artist pops each day at 12:01 a.m. Check daily for new art offerings. Ongoing.

Tops Gallery: Madison Avenue Park

Jim Buchman, exhibition of untitled sculpture from 1971. This is one of twenty hanging rubber and steel sculptures Buchman made in 1971 and one of two that are extant. Through May 31.

Comedy


“What You Doin, Nothin?”

Comedy and parody series created by the artists of Unapologetic, a Memphis based record label and creative company. Visit YouTube for the first two episodes and details for more. Ongoing

Dance

DJ Series Virtual Dance Party

Featuring DJ Spanish Fly, DJ Alpha Whiskey, DJ Memphis Jones, and DJ Bizzle Blueband. Live-streamed with rebroadcast. Fri., May 1, 8:30 p.m., Sun., May 3, noon, and Wed., May 6, noon.

University of Memphis Theatre & Dance: Free Livestreamed Classes

Visit the Facebook page for live streaming with student instructors. Free. Ongoing.

Ballet Memphis Online Pilates and Ballet Classes

Classes offered include Espresso Flow, Stretch & Burn, Fascial Fun, Intermediate/Advanced Ballet, Intermediate Mat Flow, and Get Moving. Visit website for more information. $10. Ongoing, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Special Events

Virtual Cooper-Young Garden Walk Tour

Visit a different Cooper-Young garden daily, online. Featuring edibles, chickens, herbs, water features, art, native plants, whimsy, she-sheds, composting, and imaginative plantings. May 1-31.

May the Fourth Be With You: Star Wars Trivia

Celebrate this special date by playing trivia with Kevin Cerrito on Facebook Live. Win prizes from Malco, dress as your favorite character to enter costume contest, and more. Visit website for more information. Monday, May 4, 7 p.m.

DIG Memphis Mysteries

While at home, do some investigative work to solve a mystery from a collection of images in the Memphis Library’s digital archives (DIG). New photo posted weekly. Ongoing.

Live at the Garden Online Auction

While the Live at the Garden 20th anniversary season is cancelled, special items will be auctioned throughout the season including a Ron Olson original painting. Visit website to participate. Ongoing.

H.E.A.P. Program

Kemmons Wilson School is helping hospitality employees impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing free care packages of groceries and household supplies that could last a family for a week. Fill out the survey in link to register. Free. Ongoing.

Letters of Love for Senior Citizens

Send positive messages to seniors in quarantine. Mail letters to 4674 Merchants Park Circle, # 432, Collierville, TN, 38017, or drop them into the property’s onsite mailbox located near Barnes & Noble, 4610 Merchants Park Circle, # 521, Collierville, TN 38017. Ongoing.

Memphis Flyer Adopt-A-Small Business

Help your favorite small local business advertise in Memphis Flyer at deeply discounted rates so they can let customers know they’re still open, even if in a different way, and still keeping people employed. Visit website for details. Through June 30.

Memphis Flyer Home Delivery

Have Memphis Flyer delivered to your home bi-weekly. Call or email to subscribe. $5 per month. Ongoing.

Sports/Fitness

Your Inner Yogi: Friday Night Live on IG

Livestream an Instagram yogi class. Fridays, 6:30 p.m. Through Sept. 4.

The Global Collective Trauma, The Body, and You

Zoom sessions for your holistic health. May 5-27.

Kroc Center Online Fitness Classes

Classes offered free and online. From mediation and yoga to Bootcamp and kickboxing, find the right class for you. Free. Ongoing.

YMCA Virtual Training & Group Fitness

Workouts for anyone to try at home including yoga, barre, bootcamp, exercises for active older adults, and Les Mills training. Visit website to join. Free. Ongoing.

Food & Drink Events

In the Kitchen with Memphis magazine: Felicia Suzanne

Come into the kitchens of local chefs who walk us through some recipes we can prepare at home. This week it’s Felicia Suzanne, chef at Felicia Suzanne’s via Zoom. Register online. Thurs., April 30, 2 p.m.

Phillip Ashley Chocolates Virtual Chocolate and Wine Live Tastings

Join chocolatier Phillip Ashley for live Zoom chocolate and wine tasting. Featured flavors are Taste of Derby, New Orleans, California, New York, and more. $50-$80. Fridays, 7 p.m. Through May 29.

City Tasting Tours: Virtual Food Tour Experience

Enjoy dinner for two from three South Main restaurants, watch stories of local restaurateurs, and learn about Memphis with a guide from the comfort of your own home. Visit website to preorder food delivery to your home. Friday and Saturday, April 24-May 30.

Film

Oxford Virtual Film Festival

Presentation includes 24-hour rental period and filmmaker Q&A. New releases until the end of the year. $10, $40-$175 virtual passes. Ongoing.


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News News Blog

Our Weekly Roundup of Digital Events, April 22-28

Enjoy these online offerings from theaters, museums, and more in and around Memphis. For our full virtual calendar, check out our calendar of events.

Theater

Hattiloo Theatre

Playwright’s Corner, Register now for Zoom workshop of unproduced stage plays under development and group discussions starting May 2nd. Visit website for registration and more information. Saturdays. Through June 6.

If Scrooge Was a Brother, it’s Christmas Eve and Eb Scroo is seeking to snuff out the season’s cheer by demanding that all debts owed him to be satisfied before nightfall. View the full production online. Through April 30.

Tennessee Shakespeare Company

Decameron Project, a live streaming effort from the Tabor Stage in which artists will bring you live readings, inspirational poetry, famous speeches by Shakespeare, fun stories, and more. Inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio who escaped the plague in the 14th century and wrote 100 stories while in seclusion. Free. Ongoing, Mon.-Fri., 10:15 a.m.

Theatre Memphis

Online on Stage, a Theatre Memphis Facebook group that serves as a clearinghouse for performers wanting to share their talents. Featuring storytime, readings, or performance art. Ongoing.

Art Happenings

Call for Artists: Memphis Flyer Coloring Book Fundraiser

Submit work that looks and feels like Memphis to be included in coloring book with a part of the proceeds to benefit artists. Visit website for more more information and submission details. Through April 30.

3rd Space Online

Visit Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn for exciting activities and relief efforts from the local creative community. Ongoing.

Call to Artists for “Nasty Women Memphis: War Paint”

Seeking artists for the third exhibit in Memphis. The show will be in Fall 2020 at Crosstown Arts at the Concourse benefiting Planned Parenthood. Visit website for more information and submission. Through July 31.

Creatively Quarantined: Chunky Chains Necklace Online Workshop

Learn to work with metal and create real, soldered silver jewelry. Learn basic metal handling, hand tools, and soldering techniques (using a small, safe butane torch). Students will complete a necklace chain. No experience necessary. Register online. $85 class fee, $50 materials. Sat., April 25, 10 a.m.

David Lusk Gallery Daily Special

A new piece of art from a gallery artist pops each day at 12:01 a.m. Check daily for new art offerings. Ongoing.

Metal Museum Online

Peruse the art and craft of fine metalwork digitally. Featuring past gallery talks from previous exhibitions, interviews with artists, and demonstrations including “Beauty in the Boundary,” the Museum’s exhibition of gates and railings. Free. Ongoing.

Tops Gallery: Madison Avenue Park

Jim Buchman, exhibition of untitled sculpture from 1971. This is one of twenty hanging rubber and steel sculptures Buchman made in 1971 and one of two that are extant. Through May 31.

Dance

University of Memphis Theatre & Dance: Free Livestreamed Classes

Visit the Facebook page for live streaming with student instructors. Free. Ongoing.

Ballet Memphis Online Pilates and Ballet Classes

Classes offered include Espresso Flow, Stretch & Burn, Fascial Fun, Intermediate/Advanced Ballet, Intermediate Mat Flow, and Get Moving. Visit website for more information. $10. Ongoing, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Social Dis-Dancing

Local dance instructor Louisa Koeppel aims to keep people up and moving with her Facebook group where members are encouraged to share videos of made-up dance phrases, routines they’ve known (like the macarena), or imitations of dance moves seen in viral videos. Free. Ongoing.

Special Events

Memphis Flyer Adopt_A-Small Business

Help your favorite small local business advertise in Memphis Flyer at deeply discounted rates so they can let customers know they’re still open, even if in a different way, and still keeping people employed. Visit website for details. Through June 30.

“What You Doin, Nothin?”
Comedy and parody series created by the artists of Unapologetic, a Memphis based record label and creative company. Visit youtube for the first two episodes and details for more. Ongoing

Spillit Live Stream Slam: Breaking (Out/In/Up)
Join for your stories or fill out a google form to enter and tell your story via Skype. Thurs., April 23, 7-9 p.m.

Butterflies of Tennessee: Live with Rita Venable

Join the author live via Zoom to introduce the 124 butterfly species found in Tennessee. Wed., April 29, 6:30 p.m.

“Entrepreneurial Insights”

Weekly podcast featuring accomplished business owners and entrepreneurs from Memphis sharing insights and stories of their journey to success. Every other Wednesday.

Breakout Games’ Dispatch

Enjoy treasure hunts, secret agent assignments, murder mysteries, and more. Breakout Games has four different box sets that can be ordered online to bring the escape room to your living room. $45-$130. Ongoing.

The No Go Feast, formerly Elizabethan Feast

TSC cordially invites you not to show up in person on April 25. Instead, with your donation or sponsorship, you will be invited to a future, smaller event. Through April 25.

Memphis Bridal Show Online Launch Party

Stop-gap for brides and grooms still planning a wedding while practicing safe distancing. Free. Through May 31.

Memphis Flyer Home Delivery

Have Memphis Flyer delivered to your home bi-weekly. Call or email to subscribe. $5 per month. Ongoing.

OutMemphis Online

Visit website for peer-led groups on Zoom, wellness checks, walk-up food and hygiene kits, and more. Through April 30.

Pink Palace Online

Visit website for fun, at home Museum offerings including The Sun, Our Living Star planetarium show, America’s Musical Journey movie, Curator’s Choice highlighting Museum pieces, activities, and more. Free. Ongoing.

Virtual Trivia Night

Join Kevin Cerrito for a special Facebook Live edition of Cerrito Trivia. Win prizes from Memphis Made Brewing Co. Thurs., April 30, 7 p.m.

Pumping Station Live

John, Joey, and Gage will host music, trivia, and answers to any question you want to ask. To-go cocktails and food 6 p.m.-midnight. Thurs., April 23, 8 p.m.

Sports/Fitness

Bigfoot: The Social Distancing Champion’s Running Challenge

Register to run/walk the virtual 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon or marathon benefiting U.S. Food Banks including the Mid-South Food Bank. Get Bigfoot swag delivered to your door. $40-$60. Through May 10.

The Global Collective Trauma, The Body, and You

Zoom sessions for your holistic health. May 5-27.

Get Moving for Meritan (Virtual Movement)

Walk, run, and/or cycle a 1K, 5K, 10K, or half marathon anytime or anywhere. Participate in an online dance class or in-home exercise workout to stay safe and healthy. For every $5 donation, receive a unique printable bib to wear or hold while taking a picture or making a video to post on social media and spread this positive movement. Through May 17, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Kroc Center Online Fitness Classes

Classes offered free and online. From mediation and yoga to Bootcamp and kickboxing, find the right class for you. Free. Ongoing.

YMCA Virtual Training & Group Fitness

Workouts for anyone to try at home including yoga, barre, bootcamp, exercises for active older adults, and Les Mills training. Visit website to join. Free. Ongoing.

Food & Drink Events

Old Dominick #RaiseSpirits

$5 from every #OldDominick bottle sold will be donated to the Welcome to Memphis COVID-19 Fund to support hourly workers in our hospitality industry who have lost employment due to the pandemic. Visit Facebook page for a list of vendors. Through May 31.

Steak n’ Burger

Bringing the Boys and Girls Club kids and those who give their time, effort, and financial resources together for a virtual event featuring videos, images, and stories along with Ryan Silverfield, Head Football Coach for U of M. $200. Thurs., April 30, 6-8:30 p.m.

Memphis Farmers Market Virtual Vendors

Visit the market online for links to order directly from the vendors. Ongoing.

City Tasting Tours: Virtual Food Tour Experience

Enjoy dinner for two from three South Main restaurants, watch stories of local restaurateurs, and learn about Memphis with a guide from the comfort of your own home. Visit website to preorder food delivery to your home. Friday and Saturday, April 24-May 30.

Categories
News News Blog

Our Roundup of Digital Events

Memphis Botanic Garden Spring Plant Sale

Enjoy these online offerings from theaters, museums, and more in and around Memphis. For our full virtual calendar, check out our calendar of events.

Theater

Hattiloo Theatre

God’s Trombone, enjoy the original production of inspirational sermons by African American preachers reimagined as poetry, reverberating with the musicality and splendid eloquence of spirituals. Follow the ticket link to watch free on Vimeo. If Scrooge Was a Brother, it’s Christmas Eve and Eb Scroo is seeking to snuff out the season’s cheer by demanding that all debts owed him to be satisfied before nightfall. View the full production online. Through April 30.

Tennessee Shakespeare Company

Decameron Project, a live streaming effort from the Tabor Stage in which artists will bring you live readings, inspirational poetry, famous speeches by Shakespeare, fun stories, and more. Inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio who escaped the plague in the 14th century and wrote 100 stories while in seclusion. Free. Ongoing, Mon.-Fri., 10:15 a.m.

Theatre Memphis

Online on Stage, a Theatre Memphis Facebook group that serves as a clearinghouse for performers wanting to share their talents. Featuring storytime, readings, or performance art. Ongoing.

Desoto Family Theatre

Musical Theater Virtual Dance Class, join Maddie Parrish featuring “Fearless” from Mean Girls the Musical. With new choreography, this class is open to dancers of all levels. Wearing pink attire is highly encouraged. $15. Sat., April 18, noon.

Art Happenings

Creatively Quarantined: Chunky Chains Necklace Online Workshop

Learn to work with metal and create real, soldered silver jewelry. Learn basic metal handling, hand tools, and soldering techniques (using a small, safe butane torch). Students will complete a necklace chain. No experience necessary. Register online. $85 class fee, $50 materials. Sat., April 25, 10 a.m.

David Lusk Gallery Daily Special

A new piece of art from a gallery artist pops each day at 12:01 a.m. Check daily for new art offerings. Ongoing.

“Doodling Around”

Download art by gallery artists to print out and color. Post on social media and tag the artists and gallery. Brighten your day and stay connected through art. Visit the website for more art to color. Free. Ongoing.

Memfamous Comics

Memphis tattoo and comic book artist Tony Max offers up his collection of titles, including his newest work The Crimson Hand for free online perusal. Free. Ongoing.

Metal Museum Online

Peruse the art and craft of fine metalwork digitally. Featuring past gallery talks from previous exhibitions, interviews with artists, and demonstrations including “Beauty in the Boundary,” the Museum’s exhibition of gates and railings. Free. Ongoing.

Open on Main: My Memphis View Art & Gallery

Visit artist Mary-Ellen Kelly online for “My Memphis View” products including books, prints, T-shirts, drink coasters, and posters. Virtual art openings will be held for artists. Ongoing.

Dance

Neko Mew’s Belly Dance Classes

Need to stay active while social distancing? Local artist and belly dancer Jen Russell offers video tutorials payable through Venmo. Available via Facebook group Neko Mew’s Belly Dance Classes, 24/7, $5 for the first video lesson, $10 each after that.

Online Dance Class with Steven Prince Tate

Dance, laugh, and shine a light on the current situation. Donations accepted, $SPTate and Venmo: SPTate. Fridays, 1 p.m.

Social Dis-Dancing

Local dance instructor Louisa Koeppel aims to keep people up and moving with her Facebook group where members are encouraged to share videos of made-up dance phrases, routines they’ve known (like the macarena), or imitations of dance moves seen in viral videos. Free. Ongoing.

Special Events

Online Spring Plant Sale

Order your plants from the Memphis Botanic Gardens nursery online and pick up curbside. Visit website for available plants and more information. Ongoing.

Creatively Quarantined: Trello Best Practices — Organizing Your Productivity

Trello is an amazing visual project management tool. Hosted by Andy Torres of Mobius Theory on Zoom. Receive a link with the meeting information upon registration. $25. Thurs., April 16, 1-3 p.m.

Indie Memphis Movie Club

Weekly virtual screening opportunities (for brand new films and classics), plus online Q&As on Tuesday evenings between programmers and special guests. Visit website for more information and schedule. Ongoing.

Blue and Green Day 901 Virtual

Mid-South Transplant Foundation is honoring this annual event online this year. Featuring photo contest, organ donor sign up, and more. Visit the website to participate. Fri., April 17.

Breakout Games’ Dispatch

Enjoy treasure hunts, secret agent assignments, murder mysteries, and more. Breakout Games has four different box sets that can be ordered online to bring the escape room to your living room. $45-$130. Ongoing.

The No Go Feast, formerly Elizabethan Feast

TSC cordially invites you not to show up in person on April 25. Instead, with your donation or sponsorship, you will be invited to a future, smaller event. Through April 25.

The Fool’s Journey

Learn how to read and connect with tarot cards, symbols, and meanings. A deck isn’t necessary to follow along in the Zoom class but recommended for practicing. Visit website to order a deck. Thurs., April 16, 7-8:30 p.m., and Tues., April 21, 7-8:30 p.m.

Grind City Designs and Dixie Picker T-Shirt Benefit

Local businesses have put together vintage finds and fresh designs for T-shirts. Each shirt sale provides 24 meals provided through Mid-South Food Bank. $25-$29. Ongoing.

Memphis Flyer Home Delivery

Have Memphis Flyer delivered to your home bi-weekly. Call or email to subscribe. $5 per month. Ongoing.

OutMemphis Online

Visit website for peer-led groups on Zoom, wellness checks, walk-up food and hygiene kits, and more. Through April 30.

Pink Palace Online

Visit website for fun, at home Museum offerings including The Sun, Our Living Star planetarium show, America’s Musical Journey movie, Curator’s Choice highlighting Museum pieces, activities, and more. Free. Ongoing.

River Garden Bingo

Download a bingo card or make your own for a fun game while enjoying Mississippi River Park. Free. Ongoing.

Tennessee R.E.A.D.S.

Use your library card to check out ebooks and audiobooks. Includes Big Library Read connecting readers around the world with the same book at the same time. Ongoing.

The Virtual Quiz Live

Choose your live trivia event featuring drag, fantasy, and T.V. categories. $10. Through May 31.

Sports/Fitness

Ballet Memphis Online Pilates and Ballet Classes

Classes offered include Espresso Flow, Stretch & Burn, Fascial Fun, Intermediate/Advanced Ballet, Intermediate Mat Flow, and Get Moving. Visit website for more information. $10. Ongoing, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Get Moving for Meritan (Virtual Movement)

Walk, run, and/or cycle a 1K, 5K, 10K, or half marathon anytime or anywhere. Participate in an online dance class or in-home exercise workout to stay safe and healthy. For every $5 donation, receive a unique printable bib to wear or hold while taking a picture or making a video to post on social media and spread this positive movement. Through May 17, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Kroc Center Online Fitness Classes

Classes offered free and online. From mediation and yoga to Bootcamp and kickboxing, find the right class for you. Free. Ongoing.

YMCA Virtual Training & Group Fitness

Workouts for anyone to try at home including yoga, barre, bootcamp, exercises for active older adults, and Les Mills training. Visit website to join. Free. Ongoing.

Food & Drink Events

Alcenia’s Family Cooking with Southern Girl

Join B. J. Chester-Tomayo the owner of Alcenia’s Restaurant for a cooking show like no other on Facebook and Youtube. Sundays, 1 p.m.

Virtual Vintage901 Spring Weekend 2020

Featuring a daily welcome from founder Stephanie Ferreira, a toast to open each event, live and pre-recorded video of local partners, entertainment, access to recipes and chef demonstrations, a sommelier-led wine and food pairing, local vendor links, and more. April 17-19.

Crosstown Food and Grocery Delivery

Meals from Global Café or Saucy Chicken and groceries from Curb Market delivered to your front door. Delivery is free and is available within a 4-mile radius of Concourse. To order, visit website to contact the restaurant or market directly. Saturdays, 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m., and Mondays-Fridays, 11:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Memphis Farmers Market Virtual Vendors

Visit the market online for links to order directly from the vendors. Ongoing.

City Tasting Tours: Virtual Food Tour Experience

Enjoy dinner for two from three South Main restaurants, watch stories of local restaurateurs, and learn about Memphis with a guide from the comfort of your own home. Visit website to preorder food delivery to your home. Friday, April 17, and Friday and Saturday, April 24-May 30.


Categories
Special Sections

Calendar 2008

JANUARY 2008

Elvis Presley Birthday Week

Only a king deserves a weeklong birthday celebration. Celebrate at the annual dance party, the scavenger hunt at Graceland, or play Elvis Bingo at the Heartbreak Hotel. January 5-8. (332-3322)

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. National Holiday

Celebrate the birthday of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. with various local events sponsored by the National Civil Rights Museum. (521-9699). In 2008, the civic holiday will be observed January 21.

FEBRUARY 2008

Black History Month

Celebrate the history and achievements of African Americans at various sites around the city. National Civil Rights Museum (521-9699), University of Memphis (678-2135), Memphis Brooks Museum of Art (544-6200), and the Memphis/Shelby County Public Library. (415-2700)

International Blues Talent Competition

The blues may have originated in the Mississippi Delta, but the genre has spread all over the world. Hear everything from Midwest blues to Middle Eastern blues at this annual international showdown on Beale. Bands play in various clubs along Beale Street, including the New Daisy Theatre. Early February. (527-2583)

Beale Street Zydeco Music Festival

More than 20 zydeco bands perform at this two-day tribute to Cajun music, during the last weekend in February. (529-0999)

MARCH 2008

Southern Women’s Show

Leave the men at home, ladies. It’s time for a girl’s day out with the annual traveling expo of all things female. See the latest fashions, shop from hundreds of vendors, and learn beauty tips and relaxation techniques. Agricenter International. March 7-9. (800-849-0248)

St. Patrick’s Day

Drink green beer and pretend you’re a leprechaun this
St. Paddy’s Day with various parties at local clubs and restaurants. Don’t miss the annual Raising of the Goat at
Silky O’Sullivan’s on Beale March 17. (522-9596)

APRIL 2008

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial March

Dr. King’s dream lives on as members of the AFSCME AFL-CIO union march through downtown. Early April. (525-2458)

Africa In April Cultural Awareness Festival

In its 22nd year, Africa In April offers Memphians a chance to sample native foods, hear African music, shop for imported goods, and learn all about this year’s honored country through workshops and forums. The main event takes place in downtown’s Robert R. Church Park. Mid-April. (947-2133)

MAY 2008

Memphis in May International Festival

Rockers, foodies, and culture lovers unite for this annual month-long celebration of music, barbecue, and an honored country, which for 2008 is Turkey. Catch plenty of live music at the Beale Street Music Festival. Nosh on pulled pork at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. And chill out to the soothing sounds of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra at the Sunset Symphony. Events take place at Tom Lee Park all month long. (525-4611)

Handy Awards

The 29th annual Blues Foundation awards show is like the Grammy of the blues world. Early May. (527-2583)

Memphis Greek Festival

Celebrate the culture of the Mediterranean with home-made Greek food, dancing, music, and more at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. May 9-10. (327-8177)

JUNE 2008

Stanford St. Jude Championship

Veteran golfers compete in this PGA event benefiting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at the Tournament Players Club at Southwind. June 2-8. (748-0534)

Memphis Italian Festival

Stroll through the wine and cheese garden while you send the kids to play in Luigiland. This annual festival at Marquette Park celebrates Italian culture with plenty of food, a grape-stomping session, a pizza-tossing contest, and more. Early June. (767-6949)

Juneteenth

The oldest-known celebration of the end of slavery is held at Douglass Park. Enjoy live music by local hip-hop and blues acts and see educators honored for their work educating African-American youth. Mid-June. (385-4943)

Carnival Memphis

Memphis was once the cotton king of the South, and this annual festival honors that heritage with a parade, “krewe” coronations, and the grand finale, a Crown and Sceptre Ball. Early June. (278-0243)

Germantown Charity Horse Show

Equestrians and their horses have been gathering in Germantown for this multibreed show since 1948. Held at the show grounds next to Germantown High School. Early June. (754-0009)

The Orpheum Classic Movie Series

The Orpheum isn’t just for Broadway shows and concerts. At this annual summer series, the performance hall becomes a vintage movie theatre, screening favorites like “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid,” Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” and even “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” June through August. (525-7800)

Live at the Garden Concert Series

Commune with nature while catching shows by classic touring rock and pop acts. Last year’s performers included Al Green, Chicago, and Chris Isaac. Pack a picnic and lounge on a blanket throughout the show. June through September. (685-1566)

JULY 2008

Red, White, & Blues Star Spangled Celebration

Celebrate America’s independence with a massive fireworks show, live bands, and activities for the whole family. Tom Lee Park. July 4. (529-0999)

August 2008

Southeastern Indian Heritage Festival

Get in touch with your Native American heritage. At this annual festival, American Indian communities gather to celebrate social dance, music, food, spiritual activities, and something called stick-ball. See for yourself at the Chucalissa Museum. Mid-August. (785-3160)

Elvis Week ’08

Elvis fans from the world over descend on Memphis for this annual tribute to the King of Rock-and-Roll. The celebration includes tours of his childhood apartment at Lauderdale Courts, as well as plenty of parties, lectures, and concerts. Mid-August. Candlelight vigil at Graceland, August 15. (332-3322)

SEPTEMBER 2008

WLOK Stone Soul Picnic

Pack your picnic basket and head to Tom Lee Park for this annual event where the best of Memphis gospel music meets the Mississippi River. Labor Day weekend. (527-9565)

Memphis Music and Heritage Festival

Who says nothing good is free? At this annual musical extravaganza on the downtown Main Street mall, bands perform blues, rock, rap, and more on indoor and outdoor stages, and it’s all completely free. Also, don’t miss the arts and crafts and food samplings from local restaurants. Labor Day weekend. (525-3655)

International Goat Days Family Festival

Shelby County isn’t exactly farm country, but we still love our goats. At the annual Goat Days fest in Millington, celebrate our four-legged friend with goat-barrel races, goat-inspired food items, goat-chariot races, and milking contests. Early September. (872-4559)

Germantown Festival

Germantown is more than just an upscale suburb and a nice place to shop. It’s a place for family fun. For over 30 years, families flock east to celebrate two days of entertainment at this annual festival. Don’t miss the Race of the Weenies, where weenie dogs compete to see whose little legs can go the fastest. Early September. (757-9212)

Cooper-Young Festival

Head to the hippest intersection in Midtown for this annual festival. More than 300 artisans peddle their wares, local bands jam on an outdoor stage, and vendors sell fair food and beer. Mid-September. (276-7222)

Zoo Rendezvous

Sample cuisine from over 60 local restaurants and check out live bands at the zoo’s biggest fund-raising party of the year. Mid-September. (333-6757)

Clanjamfry Scottish Festival

Don a kilt and dust off those bagpipes for the annual Clanjamfry Scottish Festival. Held on the grounds of Evergreen Presbyterian Church, this event boasts traditional Scottish music, a Highland dance competition, and native foods. There’s even a border collie who spends the day herding sheep around the grounds. Late September. (274-3740)

The Blues Ball

Annual fund-raiser featuring live blues performances. Late September/early October. (527-5683)

OCTOBER 2008

Pink Palace Crafts Fair

Shop for goods from over 300 artisans at the annual Pink Palace Crafts Fair. The fair draws about 30,000 people every year, so arrive early. Also don’t forget to bring the kids; plenty of games and educational crafts demonstrations are available for the whole family. Early October. (320-6408)

Indie Memphis Film Festival

Since 1987, this annual festival has celebrated the soul of Southern film. Screen local and regional independent films, participate in workshops, and learn about the filmmaking process. Late October. (246-7086)

Annual Freedom Awards

For 17 years, the National Civil Rights Museum has been recognizing individuals from around the globe whose accomplishments embody the ideals of the civil rights movement. Late October. (521-9699)

Halloween

Dressing up isn’t just for kids anymore. Dig out that old pirate costume and set sail for one of many Midtown and downtown’s spooky soirées: P&H Café (726-0906); Memphis Zoo’s annual Zoo Boo costume party (726-WILD); Zinnie’s East (274-7101). End of October.

NOVEMBER 2008

C.O.G.I.C. Convention

Church of God in Christ’s annual convention. Early November. (866-522-1331)

W.C. Handy Birthday Celebration

Honor W.C. Handy, often regarded as the “father of the blues,” with a parade down Beale Street and the annual W.C. Handy Heritage Awards. Mid-November. (527-3427)

Enchanted Forest

Delve into a winter wonderland at Le Bonheur Children’s Medical Center’s annual Enchanted Forest holiday show. See specially decorated trees, a large-scale gingerbread house, and holiday characters. Mid-November through late December. (287-6308)

Subsidium’s Annual Carrousel of Shoppes

A weekend of shopping provides a lifetime of hearing, as proceeds from your purchases benefit the Memphis Oral School for the Deaf. Held at the Mid-South Coliseum. Late November. (448-8490)

DECEMBER 2008

Bank of America Downtown Holiday Parade

Get into the holiday spirit with a sneak peek at Santa at this annual parade through downtown. Mid-December. (575-0540)

New Year’s Eve Celebration

There are hundreds of ways to spend the last night of 2008, but opt to spend it in style at one of many local New Year’s Eve bashes, like the New Year’s countdown on Beale, the glitzy gala at the Peabody, or a night with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

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The Magic 2008-Ball

Arts Listings

Education Listings

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Health Listings

Media Listings

Recreation Listings

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Categories
News

Roller Derby Girls Calendar for Sale

The ladies of Memphis Roller Derby can clean your clock, and now they’ll stuff your stocking, too!

The local roller derby is selling its very own 2008 pin-up calendars, featuring your favorite roller girls in very skimpy outfits. Er, we mean, their uniforms.

To order one for your favorite derby enthusiast or one for yourself, to go memphisrollerderby.com and click on “Merchandise.”

And don’t forget — the season opener is this Saturday, December 1st, at the FunQuest on Highway 72 in Collierville!