Tag: events

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901 Day, Here At Last

(Photo: Terrance Raper | Unsplash)

It’s the first of September, and you know what that means — it’s 901 Day! And because of that, we’ve rounded up some special events to celebrate your Memphis pride on this very special day.

Events to Check Out

901 Fest 

Some of Memphis’ most talented artists are taking the stage for this four-day music festival at Railgarten, featuring Star & Micey, Marcella & Her Lovers, Dead Soldiers, Lucky 7 Brass Band, Lord T & Eloise, Neighborhood Texture Jam, Devil Train, Cedric Burnside, and The Wilkin Sisters. Single-day tickets cost $15-$20. Arrow Creative will also be hosting its Marketplace in Motion at Railgarten, bringing the art shopping to you, September 1-3.

Railgarten, September 1-4

901 Day Celebration

Choose901 will host its first 901 Day Party since the pandemic began, and the party will be poppin’. Memphis Made has brewed up a batch of special beers for the occasion, and Old Dominick Distillery will have cocktail stations. Guests can enjoy tasty bites from TACOnganas, StickEM, Central BBQ, and Mempops. Plus, Stax Music Academy, the Lucky 7 Brass Band, and DJs, Travi$, Breezye, and Shelby will provide live entertainment, and WeTightKnit, Amurica Photobooth, Mane Wilding, RotoBrothersArt, and Neighborhood Print Company will set up shop as vendors.

The Ravine, September 1, 5-11 p.m.

901 Day Grizz Bash

Grizz Nation is invited to FedExForum for an afternoon and evening celebrating the 901, with something for all ages. Throughout the event, attendees can enjoy fare from Dynamic Duo, El Mero, AD’s, and StickEM, plus local brews and more. There’ll be music by 8Ball & MJG, Big Boogie, Duke Deuce, Royal Studios House Band, and DJ Mic Tee; a Jookin’ Battle Championship; a Wrestlin’ Throwdown featuring Mads Krugger, The GunShow, and Dustin Starr; a kids zone complete with inflatables and face painters; and the Sneak Fest, which will have free sneaker cleaning and will give fans the opportunity to buy, sell, or trade for an exclusive pair of sneakers. This event is free.

FedExForum, September 1, 5-8 p.m.

Rockwalk

The Edge District is has announced the launch of Rockwalk, a free event series that highlights local businesses and talents. Catch live performances by Amy LaVere, DJ RMZI, DJ Bizzle BlueBland, DJ Ayo Tunez, and DJ Alpha Whiskey, and check out the new businesses and restaurant specials in the area. 

The Edge District, September 1, 5-9 p.m.

901 Day Market

Overton Square will have live performances by 901 bands, including Raneem and Better in Color. Guests can also shop local 901 artisans, including 17Berkshire, Dave’s Bagels, The Tea Bar 901, and more. 

Chimes Square, Overton Square, September 1, 6-9 p.m.

Tigers on Tour

Enjoy inflatables, lawn games, food trucks, food and drink specials, and free beer for the first 50 guests. All flights, six-packs, and Arbo’s combos will be $9.01, and there will be yoga at 5:30 p.m. and two free brewery tours at 6 and 7 p.m. Plus, Tigers head football coach Ryan Silverfield will address the crowd at 6 p.m. and will be joined by head women’s basketball coach Katrina Merriweather and head baseball coach Kerrick Jackson. Members of the Memphis men’s basketball program are also scheduled to attend along with additional Memphis head coaches and staff members.

Grind City Brewing Company, September 1, 5-7 p.m.

Taste of Memphis

This free event will feature neighborhood booths, live music and performances, food, children’s activities and entertainment for all, and a friendly competition that will allow 901 neighborhoods to display their greatness. This year’s theme is “Neighborhoods Are Back.”

Tiger Lane, September 1, 5-10 p.m.

K-901 Day

Celebrate K-901 Day with your dog and a few rounds of trivia at Hampline Brewing. There will be free dog treats and bonus prizes for the top teams with dogs.

Hampline Brewing, September 1, 7-8:45 p.m.

Mighty Lights

You won’t want to miss the lights on the M-bridge this 901 as Mighty Lights plans to run Memphis content after sundown, including scrolling Memphis text, Grizz eyes, Tigers stripes, and more.

Riverside Drive, September 1, after sundown

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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 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.


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News News Blog

Coronavirus: Mayor Closes Facilities, Cancels Event Permits

On Sunday, Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland ordered libraries and community centers to be closed by this Wednesday, will not issue any new event permits, and will revoke events permits for those scheduled over the next two weeks.

Here’s Strickland’s statement in full:

Effective Wednesday, March 18, libraries and community centers will be closed until further notice. Parks and golf courses will remain open.

Effective immediately, the city of Memphis will not be accepting any new event or public assembly permits and revoking permits for events scheduled over the next two weeks. We will be constantly monitoring this situation and will reassess when the ban can be lifted. Any money paid to the permit office will be refunded.

Mayor Strickland

During our daily briefing, the Shelby County Health Department gave us an update on quarantine numbers. Those numbers are as follows – 133 people are currently under quarantine. There are 20 tests pending. So far, we have had 2 positive tests and 9 cleared.

For the Shelby County Health Department COVID-19 call center, please dial: 833-943-1658.

Price gouging: to report price gouging contact the State of Tennessee Division of Consumer Affairs at www.tn.gov/consumer or call 615.741.4737

We want to remind everyone that the threat to most individuals is low, but the importance of social distancing to slow the spread of the virus cannot be overstated.

The chart below is a great example of what happened in our past and is still relevant for guidance today. What you will see is what happens when you wait versus acting immediately to enact social distancing practices.

City of Memphis

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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

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The Magic 2008-Ball

Arts Listings

Education Listings

Entertainment Listings

Government Listings

Health Listings

Media Listings

Recreation Listings

Shopping Listings

Categories
News The Fly-By

The Last Word

In January, city councilman Edmund Ford declared 2007 the year of truth.

Now, we’re not saying it wasn’t a truthful year, but maybe — especially since Congressman Steve Cohen found himself on The Colbert Report — it was the year of what Colbert calls truthiness.

Rickey Peete, under an indictment of bribery, resigned again from the City Council. Ford, facing a similar indictment, decided to stay on the council until his term ended. When the election rolled around, Ford’s son ran and won his father’s former seat.

Below is a month-by-month guide to 2007. Or, in all truthiness, as close as we could get.

January

At his annual New Year’s Day Prayer breakfast, Mayor Willie Herenton proposes building a brand-new football stadium to replace the aging Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium. Meanwhile, the City Council commits $15 million to upgrade bathrooms and disabled access at the Liberty Bowl.

Memphis Zoo female panda Ya Ya gives Le Le the cold shoulder when he tries to impress her by doing handstands, apparently a panda mating ritual.

Memphis-based Stax Records turns 50 and celebrates the big day with a party not in Memphis but in New York City.

February

A national survey ranks Memphis number one in the amount of time we spend watching television.

City Council member Edmund Ford racks up a $16,000 utility bill, but his power stays on. Turns out he and other politicians, like E.C. Jones, Myron Lowery, and Jack Sammons, are on a special VIP list.

Memphis director Craig Brewer’s Black Snake Moan, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci, premieres. Brewer held off on its release to give people plenty of time to forget that other Samuel L. Jackson film with a serpent title: Snakes on a Plane.

March

Congressman Steve Cohen appears on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. Host Steven Colbert asks Cohen if he’s the first Jew from Tennessee.

Church of God in Christ (COGIC) presiding bishop G.E. Patterson dies of heart failure on March 20th. Bishop Charles Blake of the West Angeles COGIC in Los Angeles is named presiding bishop at the annual convocation in November.

Twenty-five-year-old Anna Clifford makes national news after she appears in a mugshot with a 12-inch Mohawk. The attention started after her mugshot, the result of a DUI charge after leaving a Midtown bar, was posted on TheSmokingGun.com.

April

Dale Mardis is sentenced to 15 years in prison for the slaying of code-enforcement inspector Mickey Wright. Mardis admitted to killing Wright, then dismembering and burning the body. Wright’s family becomes outraged that Mardis only received a charge of second-degree murder.

Thieves steal more than $11,000 worth of brass valves from the Sears Crosstown building’s plumbing and fire-control system. It is just one of countless “scrap metal” thefts — air conditioning parts and vehicle catalytic converters are also routinely stolen — across the city during the year.

In Selmer, Tennessee, Mary Winkler is convicted of manslaughter in the shooting death of her preacher husband Matthew Winkler. While on the stand, she showed a pair of white, high-heeled shoes she said her husband forced her to wear.

May

Former Senator John Ford is convicted of bribery. Ophelia Ford — who won John’s vacated state Senate seat — falls off of a barstool in Nashville after informing attendees of a Senate hearing that they “need to get knowledged.”

Zookeepers at the Memphis Zoo artificially inseminate Ya Ya, starting a panda pregnancy watch that ultimately ends with a miscarriage.

After playing “Ice Ice Baby” one time too many, Raiford’s Hollywood Disco closes, only to reopen under new ownership in the fall.

June

Robert F.X. Sillerman, owner of Elvis Presley’s image, announces plans to invest $250 million in upgrades to both sides of Elvis Presley Boulevard around Graceland.

John McCain threatens to name FedEx founder Fred Smith to his cabinet if elected president.

July

The Memphis Light Gas and Water board decides to sell Memphis Networx to Colorado-based Communications Infrastructure Investments at a more than $28 million loss.

August

A Raleigh man grabs national headlines when he became the victim of a gunshot wound — inflicted by his dog.

An overzealous Elvis fan steals one of the King’s firearms from a museum across the street from Graceland but “dumps” the pistol in a nearby port-a-potty.

September

Local Air America station trades liberal politics for sports scores.

An FBI report says Memphis is the most dangerous city in the country. U of M football player Taylor Bradford is shot on campus in a botched robbery attempt and later dies at the Med.

October

Noted photographer Ernest Withers dies.

A Memphis high school student shoots his friend during an English class. The friend recovers; the Memphis city school district asks its schools to beef up security.

November

Bruce Thompson is indicted on corruption charges. The former county commissioner allegedly received $260,000 in consulting fees as part of an MCS construction job.

Though Mayor Willie Herenton once vowed he would conduct a national search for a new president of MLGW, after being reelected for his gazillionth term, Herenton appoints the city’s public works director, Jerry Collins, to the job.

New evidence in the West Memphis Three case points to animal attacks to explain evidence once considered signs that the young victims were part of a Satanic ritual.

December

While waiting for outdoor retailer Bass Pro to move forward with plans for The Pyramid, county commissioners hear an alternative reuse plan: a $250 million indoor theme park with a 300- to 400-room hotel and a shopping mall.

Local Scientologists put their Midtown mansion on the market.

Justin Timberlake’s family buys the Big Creek golf course in Millington and promises a new clubhouse, new golf carts, and maintenance to the course itself. He’s bringing BigCreek back!

Categories
Best of Memphis Special Sections

Arts & Entertainment

CREDIT: Justin Fox Burks

Watch more than one episode of a reality show such as “Super Nanny” or “Project Runway” or “Dog Whisperer” or any of the home-design shows (or “Flava of Love,” for that matter), and you’ll notice a theme: Consistency matters. The winners of this section are a reminder of that point. Of the 13 categories, 11 of the first-place winners were in the same spot last year. One exception was in the “Best Local Athlete” category, for which there was no clear winner. But it’s the other category — “Best Sports Team” — which is particularly telling and proves the consistency maxim. Last year, the Grizzlies ruled. This year, after a very disappointing season, they’re in third place behind the (undeniably hot) University of Memphis men’s basketball team at number one and the Memphis Redbirds (who had an awful season themselves) at number two.

Best Golf Course

1. The Links at Galloway

2. TPC at Southwind

3. The Links at Overton Park — tie —

Spring Creek Golf Course

Tucked into one of our city’s nicest neighborhoods, Galloway has been one of our city’s finest courses for almost half a century. A recent multimillion-dollar renovation made something good even better, with much nicer fairways, greens as flat as a pool table, a lovely clubhouse that replaced the stone-covered building — all in a parklike setting.

Best Museum

1. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art

2. Memphis Pink Palace Museum

3. Children’s Museum of Memphis — tie —

Dixon Gallery & Gardens — tie —

Stax Museum of American Soul Music

The oldest art museum in Tennessee continues to draw crowds to its galleries. Originally a tiny jewel box in Overton Park, a massive expansion project helped turn the Brooks into one this country’s top museums.

Best Art Gallery

1. David Lusk Gallery

2. Jay Etkin Gallery

3. D’Edge Art & Unique Treasures

We’ve spent many fine evenings attending openings at David Lusk, which features an outstanding roster of artists. They also host an absolutely-have-to-be-there event for Memphis art lovers — “The Price Is Right,” an annual sale of works for under $1,000.

Justin Fox Burks

Best Live Theater

1. Playhouse on the Square

2. The Orpheum

3. Theatre Memphis

Jackie Nichols’ Playhouse on the Square has consistently presented top-notch performances for more than a quarter century. Operating out of the old Memphian movie theater on Cooper, Playhouse is in the midst of erecting a state-of-the-art facility across the street, which will provide them even greater opportunities.

Best Movie
Theater

1. Malco Studio on the Square

2. Malco Paradiso

3. Muvico Peabody Place

We can remember when the only thing that stood behind Paulette’s was a parking lot. Then Malco had the idea to construct a “boutique” theater, one with intimate auditoriums and featuring films that somehow missed the larger circuits. Well, that gamble paid off, big time, and Studio on the Square is without question one of the best places in town to watch a movie.

Best Casino

1. Horseshoe Casino

2. Grand Casino

3. Sam’s Town

Our readers must feel lucky at the Horseshoe, a perennial Best of Memphis winner. Horseshoe also features some of the coolest musical and comedy acts on tour.

Best Picnic Spot

1. Shelby Farms

2. Overton Park

3. Chickasaw Gardens Lake/Pink Palace Museum

On weekends, it’s getting harder and harder to find a nice quiet spot to set down a blanket and have a picnic, but we agree that Shelby Farms probably offers the most choices, and it is an amazing thing to “get away from it all” even though you are still smack-dab in the middle of everything.

Best Place To Meet Singles

1. Church

2. Online

3. Beale Street

This category certainly told us a lot about our readers. We’d hoped that those of you who went to church did so for spiritual enlightenment and not to check out the hot chick or guy in the choir.

Justin Fox Burks

1st Place: Best Live Theatre

Best Free Date

1. Mississippi River

2. Shelby Farms

3. Memphis Zoo on Tuesdays

We hope that everyone who listed “Mississippi River” meant watching the river from the safety of Tom Lee Park or some other vantage point, or maybe even boating in it (though not too many people we know seem to do that, for some reason). At any rate, we hope you didn’t mean swimming in it.

Justin Fox Burks

1st Place: Best Free Date

Best Family
Entertainment

1. Memphis Zoo

2. Redbirds Game

3. Children’s Museum of Memphis

The Memphis Zoo seems to be a hit with our readers for any number of reasons. Perhaps because it really is one of the best zoos in the country.

Best Sports Team

1. University of Memphis Tiger
Basketball

2. Memphis Redbirds

3. Memphis Grizzlies

We’re anxiously waiting to see if the Tigers get a #2 — even #1 — preseason ranking, but no matter how they play, Coach Cal’s Tigers have captured the hearts of Memphians.

Justin Fox Burks

1st Place: Best Family Entertainment

Best Grizzlies
Player

1. Pau Gasol

2. Mike Miller

3. Rudy Gay

When the Grizzlies first came to town, all anyone talked about was a fellow named Shane Battier. But a lanky Spaniard also began to pile up points in the paint, and when Battier jumped ship, Gasol quickly became the fan favorite. We keep hearing all this talk of trades, but new coach Marc Iavaroni insists Gasol is here to stay. We hope so.

Justin Fox Burks

1st Place: Best Grizzlies Player

Best Local Athlete

READERS’ CHOICE

Pau Gasol

DeAngelo Williams

Mike Miller

Loren Roberts

John Daly

Chris Douglas-Roberts

One of our colleagues, who knows quite a bit about sports in Memphis, recently declared that if Memphis ever put up a statue to its greatest athlete, it would have to decide between Larry Finch or Pau Gasol. Coach Finch didn’t garner many votes this time, and nobody drew enough votes for us to declare first-, second-, or third-place finishes, but our readers love their sports, naming players from basketball, football, and golf.