Those Memphis in May festivals!

Michael Donahue

I got to pose with the bartenders at the ever popular Cadillac Grillz booth at Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

Michael Donahue

Memphis in May Beale Street Music Festival

Only once did I almost drop my phone while frenetically taking photos during Memphis in May. I was shooting and the phone slipped out of my hand, but, miraculously, I caught it. The person I was taking the photo of said, “Good save!”

I feel like I took 100s of photos at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and the Beale Street Music Festival.

I asked Memphis in May vice-president of marketing Robert Griffin to say a few words about the festivals:

“After great attendance at Beale Street Music Festival, including another sold-out Sunday, and huge crowds at World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest, we’re looking to close out the month with a spectacular salute to Memphis with the Celebrate Memphis bicentennial event. There’s so much excitement surrounding this birthday celebration. The Mid-South is anticipating it as much as we are.”

That event will be at 3 p.m. May 25th in Tom Lee Park. Another festival! Music, fireworks, an air show, and the Mighty Lights Show.

Meanwhile, here’s a sampling of faces I encountered at the music and barbecue festivals:

Michael Donahue