Tag: Graceland

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Art Art Feature

“Inside the Walt Disney Archives” Opens at Graceland

“Inside the Walt Disney Archives” at Graceland (Credit: Abigail Morici)

Today, Graceland celebrates the opening of “Inside the Walt Disney Archives.” The opening marks the second appearance of the traveling exhibit in the United States, after prior appearances in Santa Ana, California, and Japan. The 450 objects on display span the history of the archives, beginning with the man Walt Disney himself, all the way through more recent films, like Frozen and the live-action Beauty and the Beast.

“When you think of American pop culture and its pillars, there are very few names that rise to the top. Elvis and Disney are among the biggest names,” says Angie Marchese, Elvis Presley Enterprises vice president of archives and exhibits. “When we first built this exhibition center, our goal was to bring world-class exhibitions that represent the best of American pop culture. [This exhibit is] the merging of two icons.”

“Inside the Walt Disney Archives” at Graceland (Credit: Abigail Morici)

The exhibit contains original artwork, costumes, props, old ride animatronics, and even some of Walt Disney’s personal belongings. “We wanted to give people the opportunity to see what we do in the Walt Disney archives,” says Becky Cline, director of the Walt Disney Archives. “We’ve shared a way to actually look at the archives. We are open to studio tours in California, where you can come in and see the reading room and Walt’s office, but no one gets to go back into the warehouse where all the treasures are.”

This exhibit is a re-creation of that experience. Visitors begin their tour in the Reading Room, which is a re-creation of the actual room where the Disney team does their research, and then they make their way to the back where they can have a peek into some of the never-before-seen treasures that the warehouse typically holds. 

“We wanted to explain what the archives actually does, explain that it’s not just beautiful props and costumes because the eye-candy, I tell ya, is really great,” Cline says. As such, labels throughout the rooms include stories from the staff members talking about what they do for their jobs — the research, proofreading, fact-checking that goes behind the scenes for every item on display. “We have wonderful treasures,” Cline continues, “and we want to share them with the people who love them the most, which are the fans.”

But as Marchese says, “It’s not all Mickey and Minnie.” After all, the exhibit is at Graceland. “Elvis is actually a part of the Disney archives,” she continues, “A few years ago, Disney acquired the 20th Century Fox archives. Elvis’ first movie, Love Me Tender, was filmed at 20th Century Fox; he actually had several movies filmed at 20th Century Fox.” 

“Inside the Walt Disney Archives” at Graceland (Credit: Abigail Morici)

So the exhibit also contains a few Elvis Easter eggs, including movie posters and original artwork of Stitch, of Lilo & Stitch fame, dressed up as Elvis, Lilo’s favorite singer. “I like to say that Stitch wanted to come back to Graceland to say hi to Elvis,” Marchese says. “In 2002, Lilo and Stitch introduced Elvis’ music to a whole new generation of Elvis fans.”

The archives also include the Swan computer from Lost, Julia Roberts’ red dress from Pretty Woman, Wilson the Volleyball from Cast Away, and so much more. “There’s something in here for the whole family,” Marchese says.

The exhibit will remain open until January 2, 2022, and for the next six months, Graceland will host a wide array of Disney-themed events, including Tour & Tea parties, trivia nights, a Princess and Pirate Day, and movie screenings of Disney classics at the Soundstage, the first of which will be Alice in Wonderland on Sunday, July 25th at 2 p.m. Marchese says, “It’s gonna be so much fun for everybody.”

To keep up with upcoming events or to purchase tickets, visit graceland.com/exhibition-center. Tickets for self-guided tours are $15 (adults), $8 (children 5-10), and under 4 free. VIP tickets are $50 and include a professionally guided tour, special access to a VIP lounge, a commemorative lanyard and pin, and a $15 food voucher. The exhibit is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“Inside the Walt Disney Archives” at Graceland (Credit: Abigail Morici)
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Music Music Blog

The Flow: Live-Streamed Music Events This Week, April 8-14

The MD's (Photo courtesy of the MD's)

Even as more live venues reopen, this week proves the staying power of live-streamed shows. Many bands remain committed to bringing their music into your home, if you should choose to play it safe. And with talk of a new pandemic surge on the way, safe is the best way to play it! As always, tip these online performers generously.

The MD’s
(Photo courtesy the MD’s)

REMINDER: The Memphis Flyer supports social distancing in these uncertain times. Please live-stream responsibly. We remind all players that even a small gathering could recklessly spread the coronavirus and endanger others. If you must gather as a band, please keep all players six feet apart, preferably outside, and remind viewers to do the same.

ALL TIMES CDT

Thursday, April 8
8 p.m.
Devil Train – at B-Side
Facebook YouTube Twitch TV

Friday, April 9
7 p.m.
Lisa Webb – Memphis Public Libraries’ Five Fridays of Jazz
Facebook

8 p.m.
Wind in Hair – on Goner TV
Website

9 p.m.
The MD’s – at B-Side
YouTube Twitch TV

Saturday, April 10
10 a.m.
Richard Wilson
Facebook

8 p.m.
Jamey Johnson & Randy Houser – live from Graceland
Website

9 p.m.
J.D. Westmoreland Band – at B-Side
YouTube Twitch TV

Sunday, April 11
3 p.m.
Dale Watson – Chicken $#!+ Bingo at Hernando’s Hide-a-way
Website

4 p.m.
Bill Shipper – For Kids (every Sunday)
Facebook

9 p.m.
Richard & Ann – at B-Side
YouTube Twitch TV

Monday, April 12
(No live-streamed events scheduled)

Tuesday, April 13
7 p.m.
Graham Winchester
Facebook

7 p.m.
Bill Shipper (every Tuesday)
Facebook

Wednesday, April 14
6 p.m.
Richard Wilson (every Wednesday)
Facebook

9 p.m.
John Paul Keith – at B-Side
YouTube Twitch TV

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We Recommend We Recommend

Join Graceland for Elvis’ 86th Birthday Celebration

CREDIT: Facebook/Elvis Presley’s Graceland

A little less conversation and a whole lotta shakin’ is in order for the 86th birthday of Elvis Presley. It’s now or never, because tickets are going fast.

Some events are sold out, but fans can still score tickets to Elvis Unplugged starring Dean Z. The popular Elvis Week musician will present an evening of Elvis music live at the Graceland Soundstage. This acoustic experience will feature songs ranging from Elvis’ biggest hits to some of his fan-favorite songs.

With 200,000 square feet of Elvis exhibits and attractions, guests can spread out. All-new interactive experiences opened in August, including a virtual dress-up (like Elvis), an interactive golf cart ride, and Dean Z’s personal favorite — interactive LED dance floor trivia.

Facebook/Elvis Presley’s Graceland

“This might be my new favorite thing right here at Elvis Presley’s Graceland,” says Dean Z as he demonstrates his moves on the interactive trivia dance floor.

Take the Birthday Bash or Hidden Graceland Tour with vice president of archives and exhibitions, Angie Marchese, and Tom Brown, YouTube series host for Gates of Graceland.

Betty Harper, a licensed Elvis Presley artist who has drawn more than 20,000 images of the King of Rock-and-Roll, will be in The Guest House at Graceland gift shop daily from 1 to 4 p.m. Stop in and view the art from her collection.

As always, free walk-up visits to the Meditation Garden from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on the mornings of January 8th through 10th will be available.

Elvis Birthday Celebration, Graceland, 3717 Elvis Presley, Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 7-9, free-$79.

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We Recommend We Recommend

Elvis Week 2020 Kicks Off August 8th

CREDIT: Facebook/Graceland

Elvis Week 2020 is the 43rd year fans will be rockin’ and rollin’ with the King — and this year’s festivities offer the first virtual option.

The gates to Graceland reopened in May, and it seemed Elvis Week would be like every other year. As the Graceland family re-evaluated the health crisis, plans were made to significantly modify Elvis Week by eliminating any potential high-risk activity, including live performances, live appearances, group parties or meals, autograph signings, and meet and greets.

“We are helping Memphis and Tennessee to get back to some sense of normality,” stated Joel Weinshanker, managing partner of Graceland Holdings. “We’re doing this in a safe manner and in the best interest for our community, our employees, and our guests. Together, we will succeed.”

Facebook/Graceland

The modified schedule and virtual option will allow fans to participate in Elvis Week and celebrate the life and legacy of Elvis Presley in the way that feels right for them. Fans planning to attend will enjoy a series of daily screening events between August 8th and 16th that fully comply with recommended government protocols. The Candlelight Vigil on August 15th will be more limited than in past years and will require free advanced reservations, but the longstanding tradition will carry on with a socially distanced fan procession to the Meditation Garden.

Virtual passes are $39 and will include content in a closed Facebook group through the end of August. Fans planning to attend in person can purchase a $50 day pass that will include an Elvis Experience Tour with a mansion tour after 2 p.m., plus all-day access to Elvis Presley’s Memphis and a tour of Elvis’ airplanes. Access to two Elvis Week screenings scheduled for that day and priority access to Candlelight Vigil reservations will also be available.

Graceland, 3717 Elvis Presley, graceland.com, Visit the website for a schedule of events offered for both live and virtual options, August 8-16.

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News News Blog

Graceland Announces Plans for Modified Elvis Week

In response to the ongoing coronavirus health crisis, Elvis Presley’s Graceland announced in a press release Thursday July 17th, that they would “significantly modify” Elvis Week 2020.

Held annually in August, Elvis Week commemorates the legacy of the King of Rock-and-Roll, drawing tourists to Memphis from across the globe. The week-long celebration culminates with the Candlelight Vigil, on the anniversary of the eve of Presley’s death on August 16, 1977. “The Candlelight Vigil on August 15 will be more limited than in past years, and will require free advanced reservations, but the longstanding tradition will carry on with a socially distanced fan procession to the Meditation Garden,” the statement reads.

Other modifications to the Elvis Week itinerary include “eliminating any potential high-risk activity” such as live performances or group parties, and the introduction of the first-ever Virtual Elvis Week, with attendees able to access a closed Facebook group for livestreams of Elvis Week 2020 content as well as curated archival content from previous Elvis Weeks.

More information can be found at graceland.com.

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Music Music Blog

Memphis Music Museums Reopen With Caution – And New Visitors’ Rules

Wednesday through Sunday, as of last week, visitors can once again stroll through history at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame (MMHOF). It’s not a trivial matter: Aside from the tourist dollars, the musical inspiration and awareness brought by such museums is inherently valuable to every visitor reached. As Memphians, the heritage embodied here is part of the air we breathe, and deserves to be celebrated.

Perhaps that why MMHOF is throwing in a little extra incentive for locals to visit. Through June, all Shelby County residents can enjoy half-price admission.

And MMHOF is not going it alone. Its companion facility, the Memphis Rock  ‘n’ Soul Museum, has been open since May 21st, and The Legendary Sun Studio and Graceland are also taking visitors. The Stax Museum of American Soul Music is slated to reopen on June 18th (with free admission for Shelby County residents every Tuesday afternoon, beginning next month).

Images from the Memphis Music Hall of Fame

Naturally, new guidelines are in place at all of the above. Maximum capacity is severely limited (MMHOF, for example, will only allow six people in the lobby, and a total of 20 in the exhibits, at any given time), temperatures are checked at the door, and masks are either encouraged or required (with Sun Studio offering disposable masks for a dollar each).

Having said that, the musical and historical epiphanies awaiting can still be enjoyed in a relatively controlled environment, in stark contrast to music clubs or sporting events. If the heat is tough to beat, and a little air conditioned culture suits you, don your favorite mask and head over, with caution, to some of the best-curated (not to mention funkiest) exhibits available anywhere.  

Categories
News The Fly-By

Week That Was: Lawsuit, COVID-19 Numbers, and MATA

CREDIT: Vanderbilt University

Vanderbilt University

This map shows new coronavirus cases by ZIP code reported over the last 10 days.

Vanderbilt Downgrades Numbers

Vanderbilt University researchers have downgraded COVID-19 numbers across the state in a new report that shows an improving situation here but does not account for the reopening of the state’s economy.

Three weeks ago, researchers with the school said the state’s virus situation remained “fragile and uncertain.” That report looked ahead at when (or if) the state would need to, once again, close its economy if spikes in the virus returned and hospitals got swamped.

The new report does not contain the words fragile or uncertain. Instead, it shows just how much the data and its model have changed since the first report in early April.

For one, the April report predicted the transmission rate (the number of people infected by one person) would reduce to 1.0 by mid-May. That number was reached — statewide, anyway — by mid-April. Current transmission rates in Memphis and Nashville hover around 1.0, according to the paper. All of this changed their predictions altogether.

MLK50 Sues the City

Wendi Thomas

The editor of local news organization MLK50: Justice Through Journalism is suing the city of Memphis for refusing to include her on its media advisory lists.

The complaint was filed in federal court Wednesday by attorneys for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the press on behalf of Wendi Thomas, editor, publisher, and founder of MLK50.

The lawsuit alleges that the city, along with Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland and chief communications officer Ursula Madden, violated the U.S. and Tennessee constitutions by repeatedly denying Thomas’ requests to add her email address to the media advisory list.


MATA CEO Talks Money

The city’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal 

year allocates $10 million less to the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) than this year’s.

In Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland’s proposed budget, which he presented to the Memphis City Council earlier this month, MATA would get a little under $19.2 million in fiscal year 2021, down from this year’s amount of $29.2 million.

Justin Fox Burks

However, Gary Rosenfeld, CEO of MATA, said he does not anticipate this affecting the agency’s ability to provide services over the next year, largely due to a substantial stimulus package from the federal government.

Under the federal CARES Act, MATA is slated to receive approximately $35.7 million in aid. Rosenfeld said the guidelines for spending CARES Act funds for transit is fairly liberal.

“This money is available and we will charge whatever we can legitimately charge to these accounts,” he said. “We should not see any type of degradation of service because of the city’s financial situation. We should be okay as long as we move cautiously and make sure every expenditure we want to use the stimulus package for is legitimate based on the rules and regulations.”

Graceland to Reopen

Graceland is reopening on Thursday, May 21st, and you won’t have to fight the crowds.

Like other attractions that are easing back into operation, there are changes that focus on social distancing, capacity, and health and safety guidelines. Mansion tours are being reduced to 25 percent capacity and restaurants will be at 50 percent capacity with outdoor patio seating available. The Elvis Presley’s Memphis exhibition complex will also limit the number of visitors.

Other changes include having Graceland employees wearing masks and guests being encouraged to wear masks. There will be temperature checks for guests and employees, enhanced cleaning and sanitization procedures, social distancing markers, hand sanitization stations, and touchless payment options.

The Horseshoe Casino, Tunica

Horseshoe Tunica to Resume Gaming

Horseshoe Tunica will resume gaming operations at 8 a.m. Thursday, May 21st. The casino will operate at 50 percent capacity in accordance with the Phase One Casino Reopening Guidelines issued by the Mississippi Gaming Commission.

Slot machine banks will be arranged to allow for social distancing, and table games will be offered with limited seating. Poker, the Sportsbook, Village Square Buffet, the Laurel Lounge, and the WSOP bar will remain closed until further notice. They are expected to reopen in phases according to public health authorities and consumer demand. A full list of the amenities that will be available is at Horseshoe Tunica’s website here.

Clock Tower Comes Down

The massive clock tower that straddled the trolley tracks on Civic Center Plaza is gone. It was demolished this week by crews making way for new developments Downtown.

This is the briefest of descriptions for the demolition given by officials in the city of Memphis website:

“Beginning Friday, May 8th, at 7 a.m., and lasting until Thursday, May 21st, Main Street between Poplar Avenue and Adams Avenue will be closed to traffic. The section of Main Street around the area of the [Memphis Area Transit Authority — MATA] clock tower will be fenced off to allow public works in association with MATA to demolish the structure.”

The tower had to go, specifically, to make way for the development of the Loews Hotel (below), which is to be built on Civic Center Plaza.

Vehicle traffic will run on Main Street right where the clock tower stood earlier this week, according to Robert Knecht, director of the city’s public works department, which is overseeing the Main Street project. You can sort of get the gist of the thing in this image:

Pepper Rodgers Passes Away
Pepper Rodgers, who was head coach of the Memphis Showboats of the USFL in the mid-1980s, has died at age 88. A former football player, Rodgers also was head coach of the Canadian Football League’s expansion Memphis Mad Dogs in the mid-1990s.

He and his wife, Livingston, lived in Reston, Virginia.

Born in Atlanta, Rodgers was a quarterback and kicker for Georgia Tech. He was later the head coach at Kansas, UCLA, and Georgia Tech.

He’s the author of the 1985 novel, Fourth and Long Gone, and his autobiography, Pepper, which he wrote with Al Thorny.

Longtime friend Steve Ehrhart, AutoZone Liberty Bowl executive director, says, “He was one of the most creative and clever and ingenious people — not just a football coach. He was a very bright and intelligent guy. He always shook up the coaching world wherever he was.”

People Are Walking, Biking More

The number of people biking and walking here is higher than usual, according to new data from the city.

The city’s Bikeway and Pedestrian Program looked at data from nine automatic bicycle and pedestrian counters installed at different spots around the city that revealed a surge in activity, largely corresponding to the city’s Safer-At-Home order issued in late March.

The counters located in parks, along trails, and on city streets detect passing bikes and pedestrians to provide a total count of both modes or a combined count.

Survey Reveals Business Needs, Concerns

Businesses here are concerned about revenue, cash flow, and employee well-being, according to an ongoing survey conducted by the Greater Memphis Chamber.

The Chamber surveyed 600 businesses across the city to assess the impact that the COVID-19 outbreak is having on business and their arising needs.

The results include responses from surveys given between March 19th and 23rd, and then again between April 22nd and 27th.

There are 20 industries represented in the surveys, including manufacturing, real estate, restaurants, and entertainment. Of the 600 respondents, 55 percent indicated they were women-or-minority-owned businesses. Nearly three quarters of respondents estimated that their business is down year over year for February through April compared to the same time period last year, while 25 percent indicated business was about the same during those months. For the majority of affected businesses, or 20 percent, business is down between 11 and 20 percent.

Categories
Music Music Blog

Elvis Turns 85: Rare Show by TCB Band & Other Events Mark King’s Birthday

CREDIT: Photo Courtesy Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises

Photo Courtesy Graceland/Elvis Presley Enterprises

Last year, the 50th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s triumphant first residency in Las Vegas was memorialized with an extravagant 11-CD box set, Elvis: Live 1969, and it was a revelation. While “Las Vegas Elvis” suggests a rather kitschy affair to some, these recordings (remixed by Memphis’ own Matt Ross-Spang) revealed a crack band, a quintet fired up by new arrangements, embellished with a small orchestra and background singers, with a new lease on rock history, post-’68 Comeback. It was the first iteration of the soon-to-be-legendary TCB Band.

It’s such an intense listening experience, one can’t help imagining hearing it live. Astoundingly, in that embarrassment of riches that Memphians know well, the classic version of the TCB Band will be in our midst this week, when guitarist James Burton, pianist Glen Hardin and drummer Ronnie Tutt appear together at the Soundstage at Graceland on January 11.

Described as “a special concert experience featuring amazing on-screen performances from the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” the footage will have the distinction of being backed live on stage by the TCB Band, plus Terry Blackwood & the Imperials, who also sang with the King in that first residency in Las Vegas. Then, none other than Priscilla Presley and long-term Memphis Mafia member Jerry Schilling will make appearances.

It’s all part of Graceland’s grand celebration of what would have been Presley’s 85th birthday. With such a focus on the passage of time, one can’t help reflecting on the fact that Elvis was 34 when the iconic Las Vegas concerts began: seemingly washed up to the youth-fixated rockers, but in truth more full of energy and wit than he had been for many years previous.

Now, with a generous segment of the TCB Band still alive and picking, such concerns with time seem meaningless. See them now before time rears its ugly head again.

Other grand events for this special anniversary “birth week” include, on the morning of January 8th (the King’s birthday), the Elvis Birthday Proclamation Ceremony on Graceland’s North Lawn. Of course there will be a birthday cake.

Later, The Auction at Graceland will feature artifacts authenticated by Graceland Authenticated. (All the items in the auction will be offered from third-party collectors and none of the items included in the auction will come from the Graceland Archives).

Then, on January 10th, the full dynamic range of Elvis’ repertoire can be heard in force, when The Memphis Symphony Orchestra brings their annual Elvis Pops Concert home to the Graceland Soundstage. Musician and singer Terry Mike Jeffrey and his band will join the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for a birthday salute that will “take you from Memphis to Las Vegas to Hawaii all in one evening.”  It’s a fitting tribute to the King, as we imagine how he might be celebrating this milestone if things had worked out differently.

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News News Feature

Party Like It’s 2020: Our NYE Guide

It’s been 20 years since 1999 — and 37 years since Prince released his end-of-the-world party album 1999 in 1982 — but we’re still going to party like it’s the end of the decade. That’s right, the “new” millennium is out of its difficult teen years and almost old enough to buy itself a drink or rent a car. Hopefully we’ve all gained some wisdom, but now’s not the time for quiet reflection. It’s time to par-tay! Here’s our guide to some of Memphis’ most happening events this New Year’s Eve.

AutoZone Liberty Bowl

The 61st annual bowl game is perfect for those who want to celebrate without staying out too late. Navy vs. Kansas State. Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, Tuesday, December 31st, 2:45 p.m.

Beale Street’s New Year’s Eve Celebration

Say goodbye to 2019 amid Beale’s 188 years of history with a party with live music, dancing, fireworks, food, drinks, and a giant mirror ball. No purchase necessary to attend, but remember, Beale Street is 21+ after dark. Beale Street, Tuesday, December 31st, 5 p.m.

Lord T. & Eloise

Lord T. & Eloise’s New Year’s Eve Ball

A night of decadence, desire, and debauchery promises to descend upon revelers at the newly reopened Black Lodge, with performances by Model Zero, Glorious Abhor, Louise Page, and Memphis’ most aristocratic rappers, Lord T. & Eloise. There will also be aerial and dance performances from Poleuminati and a light show from Queen Bea Arthur. Dance, dance, dance among the DVDs! Black Lodge, Tuesday, December 31st, 9 p.m. $20.

The PRVLG

New Year’s Eve at Hattiloo Theatre

Kortland Whalum, Talibah Safiya, and The PRVLG will perform, and comedian P.A. Bomani will deliver the end-of-year chuckles. Admission includes a flute of champagne and party favors, and the FunkSoul Cafe will be open, as well. Hattiloo Theatre, Tuesday, December 31st, 9 p.m.

New Year’s Eve at Graceland

Party like a king — or at least where the king of rock-and-roll used to party. Experience the “wonder of New” Year’s with this dinner and dance party at Elvis’ old stomping grounds. Roby Haynes and Party Plant perform, and admission includes a buffet dinner and midnight champagne toast. The Guest House at Graceland, Tuesday, December 31st, 7 p.m. $125.

Peabody New Year’s Eve Party

Ring in the new year in style at the South’s grand hotel. With music by Almost Famous, Seeing Red, and DJ Epic and a VIP section that includes party favors, hors d’oeuvres, and unlimited champagne, this party will help revelers set a sophisticated tone for the new year. The Peabody, Tuesday, December 31st, 8 p.m. $40-$175.

Quintron & Miss Pussycat’s New Year’s Eve

A New Year’s tradition. Hash Redactor and Aquarian Blood perform.Admission includes a free champagne toast and the balloon drop at midnight.

Hi Tone, Tuesday, December 31st, 8 p.m. $20.

Dale Watson & his Lone Stars with Honky Tonk Horn Section

This honky tonkin’ hootenanny is the Hernando’s Hide-A-Way way of ringing in the new year and a new decade. With a champagne toast, black-eyed peas, and cornbread to get the year started off on the right cowboy boot. Hernando’s Hide-A-Way, Tuesday, December 31st, 9 p.m.

New Year’s Eve with Spaceface

The Young Avenue Deli has a brand-new sound system, and there’s no better way to test it out than with a rockin’, raucous band. Ring in 2020 with Memphis’ most theatrical psychedelic party band. Champagne toast at midnight.

Young Avenue Deli, Tuesday, December 31st, 9 p.m. $15.

New Year’s Eve with Star & Micey

Railgarten is Midtown’s backyard, so it’s only right that they should invite local legends Star & Micey to help sing in the new year. For those who “Can’t Wait” for 2020, don’t try to Get ‘Em Next Time — get to this party this year. Daykisser opens. Railgarten, Tuesday, December 31st, 9:30 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Lantern Hike

Celebrate the new year in nature. Ranger Gooch leads this lantern-lit, two-mile hike through the woods. S’mores and hot chocolate or hot apple cider await attendees at the end of the hike. Remember to dress for the weather, and please leave flame-lit lanterns at home. Meeman-Shelby Forest State Park, Tuesday, December 31st, 11:30 p.m. $5.

Roaring ’20s New Year’s Eve Party

Giggle water at midnight, eh old chum? Admission includes an open wine and beer bar, a midnight champagne toast, and hors d’oeuvres. All proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis. 616 Marshall, Tuesday, December 31st, 8 p.m. $75-$150.

Spectrum XL Goes to Minglewood

Ain’t no dance party like a Spectrum dance party. The storied club brings its end-of-the-year dance party to Minglewood. Bring your own sequins and glitter. Proceeds benefit Friends for Life. Minglewood Hall, Tuesday, December 31st, 9 p.m. $30-$125.

New Year’s Eve Bash at B.B. King’s

Maybe the best way to ensure you don’t get the blues in 2020 is to ring in the new year by dancing to the blues at B.B. King’s. Tickets include open wine and beer bar, midnight champagne toast, and hors d’oeuvres. B.B. King’s Blues Club, Tuesday, December 31st, 6 p.m. $25 (general admission), $100 (dinner package).

Back to the ’20s

Another early-night option, Crosstown Brewing’s New Year’s shindig includes music by Graham Winchester, dinner catered by Next Door American Eatery, and the debut of I Am Brut — a Brut IPA for those non-champagne drinkers out there. Crosstown Brewing Company, Tuesday, December 31st, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Beauty Shop New Year’s Eve

A four-course dinner with the swinging, sultry sounds of Gary Johns & His Mini Orchestra. Call 272-7111 for reservations. Beauty Shop, Tuesday, December 31st, 5 p.m.

Toast to the ’20s

Tin Roof gets the new year going with music from Chris Ferrara, Bluff City Bandits, The Common Good, DJ Stringbean, and DJ ZewMob. Champagne toast at midnight. Tin Roof, Tuesday, December 31st, 6 p.m., $30.

New Year’s Party at Gold Club

Okay, so the family-friendly holidays are over. The little turkeys and reindeer have all been put to bed before midnight, and the adults will play. It’s time to get down and dirty and let the new year come in hot and heavy. Party with a balloon drop, dance and drink specials, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Gold Club Memphis, Tuesday, December 31st, all night long.

New Year’s Eve on the Terrace

Ring in the new year against the stunning backdrop of the Mississippi River and the colorful Mighty Lights bridge light show. What’s more Memphis than that? Call 260-3366 for reservations. Terrace at the River Inn, Tuesday, December 31st, 4 p.m.

Y2K New Year’s Dance Party

Remember the Y2K panic of 1999? The computers couldn’t understand a new millennium. A nine becoming a zero was going to cause worldwide nuclear meltdown. Anyway, let’s relive that end-of-year mass hysteria — with drinks and dancing! Celebrating the 20th anniversary of Y2K with end-of-the-world drink specials, DJs spinning tunes, and dancing throughout the night. Rec Room, Tuesday, December 31st, 8 p.m.

Categories
News News Blog

‘Pork Report’ Takes Aim at FedEx, Wiseacre, Wharton, Bluff City Law

CREDIT: Beacon Center of Tennessee

Beacon Center of Tennessee

The Bacon Center, a Nashville-based, free-market think tank lambasted several Memphis and Shelby County projects in the group’s annual Pork Report.

The 2019 report is the 14th from Beacon seeks to expose ”government waste, fraud, and abuse.”

”While the Pork Report is a fun and creative outlet for our team to expose the top 25 most ridiculous instances of government spending in the past year, it is also a call to action to the state and local governments to cut the waste from their budgets,” reads the report. “After all, it is state and local taxpayers who are funding all of the ’pork’ found in this year’s report.”

Below are the top examples of Memphis-area “pork” Beacon cited this year:

FedExcellent at Taking Tax Dollars

LRK/FedEx Logistics

“The Memphis-Shelby County Economic Development Growth Engine (EDGE) board, the entity formed to bring business into the city, instead continues to redistribute the tax dollars of hard-working Memphians to enormous corporations.

In one of its worst moves ever (which is really saying something if you have seen its other handouts), EDGE is giving FedEx $2 million to move its company’s headquarters from one part of Memphis to another. This is in addition to the $10 million from the state and $1 million from the Center City Development Board.

So in total, FedEx got $14 million of taxpayer money to move a few miles. The point of economic development is supposedly to bring new companies to the area, not give hard-earned tax dollars to huge corporations to move down the street.”

Bluff City Naw
Jake Giles Netter/NBC

Going straight — Caitlin McGee (left) and Jimmy Smits play father-daughter attorney duo at the Strait Law Firm.

What do you think about forking over $4.25 million of your hard-earned money to Hollywood?

We’re not bluffing. After spending more than $50 million on the canceled “Nashville” TV show, the government continues to pump money into the TV business. This year’s feature is “Bluff City Law,” a new NBC series based in Memphis.

Study after study shows that film and TV incentives have a horrendous return on investment, bringing in as little as seven cents for every dollar spent. This is a fairytale for Hollywood elites, as the overwhelming majority of tax dollars spent on these incentives wind up in their pockets, not local workers’.

At least temporarily, because most of these shows don’t last very long. “Bluff City Law” only filmed 10 episodes before pumping the brakes this fall.

Memphis Tax Dollars are Leaving the Building

In another example of a company holding a city hostage and leaving taxpayers all shook up, the Memphis City Council authorized $75 million in incentives for Graceland, Elvis’ historic mansion.

This came on the heels of veiled threats by the management company to actually move Graceland brick by brick from Memphis. The council’s only stipulation was that Graceland couldn’t build an auditorium or theater to compete with the city’s other taxpayer-funded arena, FedExForum. Apparently, they have to draw the line on giving away taxpayer money somewhere!

This isn’t even the first time that Graceland has pocketed taxpayer money. It received $21 million back in 2015. When will Memphis taxpayers realize their leaders ain’t no friend of theirs and call for fiscal restraint?


The Next Round is on Memphis Taxpayers

Wiseacre Brewing Co.

Wiseacre’s soon-to-be Downtown location rises from the ground along B.B. King.

Lots of guys love to brew their own beer. It’s like a science experiment at home that you can drink!

While it’s not a very labor-intensive hobby, it sure can get expensive. Between equipment and ingredients, it can add up quick. Too bad most didn’t think to get a $1.7 million property tax subsidy like Wiseacre Brewing Co. did from Memphis.

Sure, most of us don’t brew professionally, but here’s the problem: many others in Memphis do. Do a quick search and you’ll find a handful of microbreweries that now have to pay higher property taxes to subsidize their competition.

Everybody loves the guy who brings free beer to the party. Too bad Memphis taxpayers will have to pay even more money to try the beer they already paid for.

Enemies in High Places

Garth Brooks sang about his appreciation for friends in low places, yet Memphis resident Kareema McCloud probably never thought about having enemies in high places.

But that is exactly what happened when her neighbor, former mayor of both Memphis and Shelby County, A.C. Wharton, found out she was legally renting out rooms in her home through Airbnb.

Interactions caught on McCloud’s security camera showed Wharton and a barrage of government officials from at least six agencies showing up at her home day after day to hassle her. This included a three-day police stakeout at McCloud’s home on the unfounded claim that she was not running an Airbnb, but a brothel.

While a Memphis spokesman stated that anyone can call and complain about a neighbor, it is hard to dismiss that Wharton’s political connections brought about more scrutiny — and more wasted tax dollars — than the average citizen’s complaint. Let’s hope this political, taxpayer-funded bullying has been put to bed.

State Pork DepART- ment

Tennessee Arts Commission

Another year, another multi-million- dollar check written for the Tennessee Arts Commission. This year brought over $6.5 million in tax dollars for the Arts Commission to increase participation in all areas of the arts, including music.

However, with Memphis and Nashville as two of the main cities where everyone from aspiring musicians to incredibly successful artists move to, it begs the question as to why state government continues to fund music awareness through the Arts Commission.

If you speak to anyone from Tennessee, chances are they personally know a musician. Speak to someone from the Tennessee Arts Commission, you’ll probably hear about their large budget. Even in a state with amazing artistic talent, wasted tax dollars will always be a sour note.

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Podcast?
 Shelby County Commission

At the Beacon Center, we are pretty familiar with what it takes to get a podcast started.

Do you know what it doesn’t take? Over $100,000. Apparently Shelby County didn’t get that memo. County officials approved a $109,800 contract to produce a podcast where they talk about county commission meetings. But commission meetings themselves are already streamed live online, so why the need for more?

It’s hard to imagine people wanting to hear play-by-play coverage enough to justify that expense. Hey Shelby County, if you’re looking for a great podcast to fund, check out Beacon’s “Decaf” podcast. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em, right?