memphisLimelight

I received the following in an email.  Ladies, I recommend getting your man just drunk enough so he doesn't mind dancing.  Or just dance with your girlfriends.

Posted by admin at 08:21 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Starting this weekend, every Saturday and Sunday, you have a chance to get 25% off your tab during the "game of the day."

They will post the game of the day every Monday, and if the team picked by Calhoun's covers the opening line, you will receive 25% off your tab from the start of that chosen game to the end of it.  You must be present prior to kick off and stay through the end of the game to get the discount.

Posted by admin at 08:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Commercial Appeal recently linked a Florida Times-Union columnist who called Memphis "Nashville's dirty, drunken cousin."  Well, my first reaction is: Is that supposed to be an insult? 

You've been to Nashville, right?  I have, and while Tennesseans obviously don't have to drink to have a good time, we're a lot more fun when we do.  In fact, alcohol makes big hair, countrified caucasians, and let's not forget, our politicians, a lot more acceptable and funny.  You might say that Memphis drinks because of Nashville.

She thinks she's so pretty in her denim and rhinestones, but as the favorite with all the money, she's just tacky and boring.  Stealing our struggles to wail about in some generic pop-country bullshit.  I'd rather be the dirty, drunken cousin.

The Jacksonville columnist, Laura Capitano, cited revelry on Beale Street as evidence of Memphis' drunkenness, which is a little like being surprised by witnessing partying on Bourbon Street.  She said, "you see young men performing acrobatic feats for drinkin' money," which is just plain insulting.  Obviously, she isn't aware of the Beale Street Flippers, who are impressive enough to have performed at Grizzlies games.  At least they have a skill and a show.  Why did she assume they were flipping for booze?

Capitano called the city "wild with graffiti."  If she thinks that's dirty, she really doesn't get out much.  We can show you dirty, lady.  How about a drive through the 'hood? 

Yes, we are crime-ridden.  And we are dirty.  In comparison, Nashville is squeaky clean and so ... white.  She's much easier to be proud of.

What Ms. Capitano didn't pick up on is Memphis' intriguing character, seedy though it may be.  Memphis has a heartbreaking stamina for constant struggle that reveals the strength of character of those who stay out of love and a committment to raising standards.

Every day in Memphis, the past meets the present, black meets white, and ordinary people make a difference because they care.  So if you don't get it, don't come back, or better yet, email me, and I'll show you the real Memphis, dirty, drunken Southern hospitality and all.

Posted by admin at 02:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Here's a picture of "St. Jude Bum" courtesy of Handling-Panhandling.  This is the extremely aggressive bum I posted about yesterday.  It's better to keep your distance from this guy, but if you see him panhandling, please call the Security Patrol immediately at 901-281-9146. 

Posted by admin at 03:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Saturday, at the festival, I witnessed a particular bum angrily berating a certain someone who started the local anti-bum crusade.  This bum who has been dubbed "St. Jude Bum" (because he was once caught panhandling in the name of the organization) caused a scene, yelling at the Security Patrol officer that he was being wrongly accused by our friends who spotted him "working."  Since they were unable to get video or catch him in the act, the patrol had to let him go.  But while causing this scene, St. Jude Bum angrily and threateningly eyed and pointed at my friend who reported him.

Last night, after enjoying the festival, I spotted the same asshole panhandling a family getting out of their car.  When I saw the father of three young kids getting his wallet out, I shouted to him that it didn't cost anything to park there.  His wife repeated it to make sure he heard, confirming that the bum was hustling them.

Once again, SJB reacted in a very aggressive manner.  He threateningly rushed my boyfriend and me, yelling three inches from our faces.  "Get on your phones.  Call the cops!" he yelled.  "They're just giving me money to watch their car, so I'm gonna get in your face about it."  When I flagged down a cop who was driving by and told him, SJB ran up to the cop, shouting over me.  Wanting to keep my distance from this explosive menace, I stepped away, and the cop drove off.  Very disappointing.

Obviously, SJB has found a method that has worked for him so far.  He feels so entitled to his panhandling practices, that he becomes completely enraged when his bumming is jeopardized.  He probably scared the kids, and that family probably won't come back Downtown for quite a while. 

This asshole is potentially very dangerous, and we can't let him continue to get away with threatening those who report him.  His behavior worked in this instance because, feeling somewhat threatened, I didn't get my camera out.  I did, however, call the cops and report the whole thing, including the fact that the officer drove away.  They did call me back, looking for him, but as far as I know, were unable to find him.

Mark my words: SJB is going down.  I will obtain a picture as soon as possible.  In the meantime, look out for a black male, approximately 50 - 60, fairly well-dressed and groomed.  And he'll be the one that's yelling.

Posted by admin at 03:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This weekend's Music and Heritage festival was even better than past years.  In addition to a great lineup and art, I was impressed by the volunteers and Center workers who were on top of everything.  They were even stationed at just the right points according to the performances, assisting in the traffic flow of the crowd. 

When it came to the music, among several good acts, I have to say that Alicja Trout & The River City Tanlines stole the show.  If you didn't catch this band, you should the very next chance you get.

Here are some festival pics:

Billy Gibson on the Main stage.

Chef Michael Patrick cooking up some spicy gumbo.

Posted by admin at 02:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tonight is this month's Trolley Tour, 6-9 in South Main.  I'm told there will be some "very affordable art" at 509 S. Main, and as they've done the last few months, there will be hot dogs available in the lot next to Bluff City Coffee.

If you haven't tried out the reopened 5 Spot yet, tonight might be a good time to have dinner there.

Here's their menu:

Posted by admin at 01:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This weekend will be one of the best festivals in Memphis.  I posted before that the Center for Southern Folklore's Memphis Music and Heritage Festival will take place Sat., the 30th and Sun., the 31st, but I also have some specific recommendations to offer.

The festival happens on several stages on Main St. between Peabody Place and Gayoso, and it showcases music, food, and traditions of all heritages that make up our local culture.  You can find a map here of the festival and of the closest parking. 

There are marching bands, blues bands, gypsy jazz, and workshops as well as performances.  There are art vendors and beer booths in addition to all the restaurants, and the talent ranges from off-the-charts quirky to off-the-charts good.  All is entertaining, and to make it better, you probably don't have to work Monday!

Here are my recommendations:

Sat, 30th

1:30pm - Mr. White (DJ and vocal set) - Gayoso Stage - This is a friend of mine who's a very talented and internationally-known DJ. 

4:30pm - Devil Train (Gypsy Jazz) - Gayoso - I don't remember if I've seen this band before, but as the festival is full of esoteric demonstrations, it's good to expose yourself to things like "gypsy jazz."

5:00pm - Billy Gibson Blues Band - Peabody Place & Main St. Stage

5:45pm - Billy Lee Riley (Rockabilly)- Folklore Hall

5:50pm - Salsa Memphis (Dance Routine) - Trolley Stop Stage - If rockabilly's not your thing, it's always fun to watch people who really know how to dance.

8:30pm - Al Kapone (Hip Hop) - Gayoso Stage

10:00pm - Bobby Rush - Peabody/Main Stage - MUST SEE! - This guy puts on a hilarious show!

Sun, 31st

3:45pm - Judd Grisanti of Spindini (Italian Cuisine Cooking Demo) - Trolley Stop - You know I wouldn't miss this.

5:00pm - Reba Russell - Peabody/Main Stage - That's what I'm talking about!

6:15pm - Eden Brent - Folklore Store - Great blues singer/piano player.

6:25pm - Chef Michael Patrick (Creole Gumbo) - Trolley Stop - If you'd rather watch someone cook, gotta love M.P.

8:00pm - Freeworld (Jam Band)- Peabody/Main Stage - MUST SEE!

10:00pm - Jason D. Williams (Boogie Woogie) - Peabody/Main Stage - MUST SEE! - This Jerry Lee Lewis-like piano rocker puts on a great show.

10:15pm - Blind Mississippi Morris - Folklore Store - I also highly recommend this guy if blues is more your thing.

You can find a full schedule here.

In related news, the Rumba Room at 303 South Main is supposed to open soon.  I don't know the details yet, but it will be a special events venue with a Cuban Cafe and Salsa Nights hosted by Salsa Memphis on Fridays.  This might be fun for girls' nights or for girls to drag their husbands or boyfriends to.

Another of several festivals in September will be Gonerfest 5.  This is Goner Records' showcase of bands to take place primarily at the Hi Tone September 25 - 28.  However, there is something else exciting in the works Downtown for that weekend, but I can't announce it just yet.

Posted by admin at 04:51 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Some of the gang hanging out on Sunday.

Rufus

Mikey with Clay and Jessica's new puppy, Stella.

Posted by admin at 04:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night, I had a ball at a party at Raiford's.  In fact, I think it's safe to say everybody had a ball, and a good number of people got quite a workout on the pole.

If you haven't heard, Bartlett's mayor, A. Keith McDonald, recently initiated a stop work order on Eccentric Studios before it even opened because there were poles installed for a Strip To Fit exercise class.

Owner Rachael Vint was reportedly shocked, especially since the class would have been for fully-clothed, adult women. 

Let me tell you, after attempting my feats of strength on the Raiford's pole last night, every movement feels like my muscles are on fire.  My arms are noodles that are limited to a slow and narrow range of motion.  And now I know that one reason for the black lights in strip clubs is to hide all the bruises.

Last time I pole danced at Raiford's (and it's probably been a year), it didn't hurt.  I was fine.  Maybe I had a bruise or two, but I wasn't sore.  And I guess that's how quickly you start to get old.  I know I'm not alone here.  There have to be at least ten people feeling beat up today, including some with testicles, which I mention because that might be the part that hurts.

So it got me thinking about this Strip To Fit class and how I obviously need to get in one.  I hope the Bartlett mayor comes to his senses because anything that makes exercise more fun is a good thing.  If not, I hope Rachael Vint or someone will teach the class downtown.  I know several people who would go, especially if there was beer.

Posted by admin at 10:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I know.  What am I bitching about, right?  But as a Downtowner, I don't have to drive much, so it's noteworthy when I do.  And it's especially noteworthy if I have to go somewhere like Walls, Mississippi.  Geeeez.  But I didn't have a choice.

I had to go interview someone for an article.  So at least I'll get paid more than it cost to drive there and back.  Even though I circled the destination twice, due to unclear directions.  And even though I missed I-55 on my way back.  Wait!  Where did my tall buildings go?  Dammit.  (And it's not the first time that's happened.)  But maybe that's because I was taking pictures while I was driving.

I just thought this was kind of interesting.  I wouldn't expect to see advertising for an online adult store on this kind of vehicle.  And the domain name.  Catchy!  But they take PayPal.

He had an 8 ball on his gas tank cover.  Sweet! 

But speaking of weird things on cars, I saw this in my own parking lot:

Sticky notes all over one of my neighbor's car windows.  (Apparently, there's a prankster in our midst.)  It rained all day, and they were there when I left and still there when I got back.  I called my neighbor since he obviously didn't know they were there.  But I was impressed at how long the sticky notes stayed in place. 

Posted by admin at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Posted by admin at 12:53 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Click image for more information

Posted by admin at 12:49 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a cool shot of a wine spritzer at the Blue Monkey.  (This was taken by Ryan Hamlin, though he does NOT drink wine spritzers.)  Makes you thirsty, doesn't it?

Sunday Funday, as we call it Downtown, is always a good day to relax and hang out.  And when the weather is nice like it was yesterday, it's a good time to find a patio.  Here are some Downtowners enjoying Circa's patio and the company of Chef John Bragg.

Here's an artsy picture of the city lights reflected in the metal-top table.

Posted by admin at 01:12 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I apologize for the cheesy title, but I just had to.  I often wonder what Memphis is like from a tourist's point of view, particularly the Elvis fanatics.  This week was Elvis week (as you know), and I imagine that first-time tourists probably expect to see Elvis everywhere.  I wonder if they're surprised that his face isn't on every newspaper, magazine, and billboard.  Then again, there are impersonators running amuck and Elvis chotchkes all over even the Downtown Walgreens, so maybe in their Elvis-obsessed haze, they do see him everywhere.

• Tonight is the Candlelight Vigil at Graceland, starting at 8 pm.  After living here for 13 years, I think I'll check it out.
• If Elvis weirdos with candles aren't your thing, maybe you'd like a classic movie at The Orpheum.  Tonight, they're showing the "Wizard Of Oz" at 7:15.  $5 - adults.  $4 - kids.  Sometimes the best part of these screenings is the old footage they show before the movie.  And for this classic, I recommend listening to "Dark Side of the Moon" on your iPod while you watch.  Remember, start it when the MGM lion roars.
• Sat. - "$5 Cover" Wrap Party at the New Daisy.  406-2460.  (This is the current Craig Brewer project.)
• Sat. 9 pm - Blind Mississippi Morris at the Center for Southern Folklore - $5.
• Sun. - Kid Rock at the Mud Island Amphitheatre.  576-7241.

Here's a cocktail to kick off your weekend:

Lighting Bolt

• About 2 handfuls of ice
• 2 shots of vodka
• Shot of Rockstar Energy Drink (or Sprite)

Blend all ingredients in blender.  It should be a slushy consistency and light yellow (or white) in color.  Pour in martini glass.  Garnish with rhinestones and banana slice.  That's how you take care of business.  Thank ya.  Thank ya very much.

Posted by admin at 11:17 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)