Hail to all the ice storm survivors. As a city, we get the Oscar for most-improved performance in the event of frozen water. Compared to ’94, I’m proud of Memphis and our little-salt-truck-that-could. And after that freeze, everything from here on out is practically spring. In that spirit, it’s time to knock the dust off and get out into the brisk air. A good time to scout for new hangouts, there’s no reason to break the budget before spring official kicks off. Here are my favorite places to find free-ish things happening in Memphis.
The Hi-Tone is jam-packed with events all month. Most of the shows are $7-$10 but the lounge is always open at 5pm and free to early birds. I’ve often enjoyed the music there through walls. It’s a free preview before you commit to the show. It’s muffled and I don’t get to see much, so after a good listen I usually pay the cover or move on. That’s just me.
March 5-8 is the annual Memphis Comedy Festival. This is a new one for me, so I’m opting out of the weekend pass. Fortunately, there are a number of events for 5$ and under on the schedule. If you just want to know the basic info, I made an á la carte cheat sheet. On the main schedule, there’s a sizable list of bonus activities for aspiring comedians, from a 2-part improv workshop to a Branding Seminar on Sunday. The MCF might be the best thing to hit March since St. Patrick himself!
When it comes to cheap and easy, the P&H is a reliable choice. Open Mic Mondays and Trivia Tuesdays are just a tip of the funberg. (That’s an iceberg made of fun.) I particularly enjoy not playing darts very well and the free shows on the weekend. Next month, the Seratones from Shreveport serenades the Café on Saturday March 14th. Sounds stupendous. The P&H is also my featured pub crawl location. More on that later.
Don’t forget The oft-overlooked Buccaneer. Usually a tight squeeze in the winter weather, but that’s sort of the point. The weeknight shows there aren’t as free as I’d like, but 5$ to let loose and meet new people is a good investment this time of year. Shows at the Bucc are reliably entertaining, onstage and off. By the end of March, the patio might even be comfortable.
Probably the newest thing to do this season is visit Murphy’s. Don’t laugh. Thanks to the efforts of Memphis Punk Promotions and Rocket Science Audio, the least Irish-looking Irish Pub in Memphis is a now a local mecca for media experimentation and intense live performances. I am the first to admit that I never appreciated Murphy’s before. Now I think this dive bar is the elusive 3rd pirate bar in Memphis. The one run by real pirates. They have a relatively new website. It’s a good time for second chances.
If you insist the weather is still too cold, Java Cabana always has warm Good Vibes and free shows. A local institution and Cooper Young anchor, this neighborhood cafe consistently offers a haven for aspiring artists and creative folk. Surviving the ups and downs of Midtown’s patchy history, I’ve loved Java since my rebellious teenage days. And now I’ve discovered Lavender Mochas. Enough said. *drops mic*