Category Archives: First Impressions

Either my first time at a venue or my first time seeing a show. First impressions can be important.

Nots/Fire Retarded/Sheiks @ Black Lodge 7/29/14

Black Lodge, First Impressions

Last night at Black Lodge – chaos reigned.  Okay, not really.  But the party was epic for a Tuesday night.  Most of my favorite Memphians converged on the video shop for a collection of bands that was stellar from start to finish.  It was my first proper experience with a show at Black Lodge and I was piqued for excitement.  The rumor of the Lodge transforming to a full-on venue is ever-so-promising.  The potential for a truly unique party environment lies within those red curtains and I believe the people who attend the shows now will help shape what happens at 831 Cooper in the future.

Continue reading Nots/Fire Retarded/Sheiks @ Black Lodge 7/29/14 →

Body Paint & Brothels

Art, Ernestine & Hazel's, First Impressions, KOART

Summer heat was in full force last weekend but that didn’t stop the parties.  There were so many things to do that I decided to skip everything I had heard about and go find new places for fun.  I didn’t have to look far.  From an innovative art show to authentic Memphis blues, there’s always something new to see in downtown Memphis.  Oddly, the weekend appeared to have an R-rated theme and yet stay PG the entire time.

On Friday I grabbed a ride downtown for the (non) Trolley Night on Main Street.  During my time near Madison and Main I discovered an anomaly.  Continue reading Body Paint & Brothels →

Dead Soldiers @ DKDC 7/21/2014

DKDC, First Impressions, Hi Tone

After Blues on the Bluff last weekend I walked away more “Memphis” than ever before.  The love I’ve developed for this city has surprised me more than anyone.  However, I was still carrying my own musical badge of shame – I’d never been to a Dead Soldiers show.  Honestly, their brand of Rockabilly (emphasis on the Rock) is not something I ever thought would appeal to me.  I’m the first to admit I was close-minded to the potential.  So when they scheduled a Monday night show, I was out of excuses.  Fate is great like that sometimes.

Continue reading Dead Soldiers @ DKDC 7/21/2014 →

Blues on the Bluff 2014

First Impressions, Metal Museum, WEVL

I’m not sure where the Memphis heat went this past week.  Honestly, I don’t really care that much because Blues on the Bluff at the Ornamental Metal Museum was frickin’ gorgeous last night.  Despite the fourth plague of mosquitoes, everyone enjoyed the annual benefit for WEVL 89.9 FM and the slightly muggy mid-seventies temp was a delightful reprieve to our typical July heat.  At dusk, the clouds on the horizon dissipated just enough to reveal a breathtaking sunset over the river.  It was an iconic Memphis evening for sure. Continue reading Blues on the Bluff 2014 →

Rum Rebellion @ Hi Tone 7/6/2014

Crosstown, First Impressions, Hi Tone

Part three of my amazing holiday weekend involved a show at the Hi-Tone on Sunday.  This event was held in the small room behind the lounge, so it felt like I was part of a secret club when I paid my cover.  Memphis Punk Promotions put together a trio of incredible music ranging from here to Portland, OR.  The party was thrown to celebrate the birthday of an upright Memphis citizen.  And celebrate we did.

Continue reading Rum Rebellion @ Hi Tone 7/6/2014 →

Cinco de Julio

Amurica, Ernestine & Hazel's, First Impressions, Hi Tone
The teaser photo booth outside the party.
The teaser photo booth outside the party.

I love the way summer heat and handheld explosives eke out the wild side of most Amuricans in the beginning of July.  I think it’s an innate response to all the social repression and politeness that has engulfed civilization.  Granted, the thrill of fireworks has been watered down a bit since I was a kid but there’s still something to be said for simply enjoying explosions.  I think most people my age can fondly recall the year someone’s dad set fire to the yard while under the influence of child-like enthusiasm and beer.

This year, I spent most of the Fourth hanging out at home.  My events calendar convinced me that the real action was on Saturday this year.  I was invited to see a large group of upstanding citizens shake their groove thangs during the Big Bad Mamajamma No Excuses Dance Party over in Crosstown.  I’m not much of a dancer but there is one specific genre of music I find irresistible – 90s disco.  So pretty much from the moment I walked in, I was infected with the beats.  Continue reading Cinco de Julio →

Undercurrent

First Impressions, il poeta, Random, Tap Room
undercurrent
This event needs a signature cocktail to go with it.

I’m going to do something a little off-the-cuff here. Continue reading Undercurrent →

Crosstown Traffic

Crosstown, First Impressions, Hi Tone, Quick Thoughts

I went out last night with very little idea of where to go.  The only thing I needed to do was drop a package at the post office.  While there, I noticed a crowd of young ne’er-do-wells loitering in front of Crosstown Arts.  My inner old lady immediately wanted to shake a cane and tell them to all get haircuts.  After I reeled that instinct back in, I meandered across the street to investigate.

Continue reading Crosstown Traffic →

Fitz-

Buccaneer, First Impressions

That’s about as far into my post on the Fitz’s Ultimate Cookin’ Hookers (FUCH) I got when the power went out last night.

Zap.

So I went to the P&H to wait it out.  It’s a great thing I did – there was no shortage of good people and fun awaiting me there.  But first, let me tell you about Sunday at The Buccaneer Lounge. Continue reading Fitz- →