Category Archives: Places

Where I’ve been and where I’m going.

Punk Fest 2015

Buccaneer, Daily Life, Future Plans, Hi Tone, Murphy's, P & H Cafe, Places, Reasons for Things, Stories, The Lamplighter

At age 14, I was a punk.  I don’t remember all the details, but the major signs were there.  I frequented the Coffee Cellar, read zines and put RAPE stickers on stop signs all over East Memphis.  I got my ear cartilage pierced at a mall kiosk on a 9th grade field trip and I threw a punk-tacular fit when my parents held me down to rip it out.  According to the millenial punk rating system, the music I like from that era qualifies me as a fifth level punk.  So you can trust me when I say the 3rd annual Memphis Punk Festival is worth your attention.  Continue reading Punk Fest 2015 →

Lafayette’s Curb Appeal

First Impressions, Lafayette's

When James & the Ultrasounds kicked off their spring tour at Lafayette’s Music Room last month it was my chance to see the venue for the first time.  As they say – if I haven’t seen it, it’s new to me.  I’ve only heard  stories of the location’s historic status, mostly from their website.  It was there I discovered the two historic locations coming to Palm Beach & Orlando. So maybe they mean esoterically historic – like an if-you-build-it-they-will-come thing?  The rapid expansion all along Madison Avenue provides an endless supply of places to try only once.  Staking their claim for well over a year, Lafayette’s has created a unique space with cool ambiance.  And the Square deserves that excellent outdoor balcony. Continue reading Lafayette’s Curb Appeal →

An Unspecified Number of Things To Do In March

Amurica, Broad Ave, Buccaneer, Crosstown, Dru's Place, First Impressions, Future Plans, Hi Tone, Java Cabana, Memphis Comedy Fest, Murphy's, P & H Cafe

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.  Continue reading An Unspecified Number of Things To Do In March →

DGIS! (Dear God, It’s Saturday)

Daily Life, DKDC, Java Cabana, Otherlands, P & H Cafe, Places, Quick Thoughts, Random, Reasons for Things, Young Ave Deli

I went out last night because it was Saturday night.

That…  is a terrible reason to go out.

Continue reading DGIS! (Dear God, It’s Saturday) →

Oh Christ.

Hi Tone, P & H Cafe, Places, Pumping Station, Random

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful Christmas day.  Mother Earth did her part so feel free to relax and enjoy the splendor.  When the day turns to night and you wake up from that day-drinking nap, there are a few options for things to do.  Here’s my list of fun, friendly places to grab a seat and let go of another season’s worth of guilt and familial obligations.  Continue reading Oh Christ. →

The Running of the Birds

5 in 1, Buccaneer, DKDC, Future Plans, Hi Tone, Lafayette's, Murphy's, Overton Square, P & H Cafe, Pumping Station

Hooray.  It’s a holiday week!  That means everyone’s got all kinds of time off work and special plans for the week.  How fun. For those of us not in that category, here’s a quick glance at some things to do while the masses sleep off turkey dinner. Continue reading The Running of the Birds →

MannaFest 2014

Crosstown, Hi Tone, Large Events, Reasons for Things, Republic Coffee

It’s cold. No matter how many years I live in Memphis, I will loathe that moment when fall disappears.  It’s a devastatingly beautiful day but when you walk outside the temperature has dropped 20 degrees in 24 hours.  From then on it’s a battle to find heat wherever you can.  This year, I’m going to do more than just dig an old coat out of the closet.  I want to help fight the cold by sharing some warmth in my community.  Fortunately, Tyler Miller of Memphis Punk Promotions has created the perfect opportunity to help those in need.  Continue reading MannaFest 2014 →

R.I.P. Black Lodge Video 1.0

Black Lodge, Ernestine & Hazel's, Future Plans, Quick Thoughts, Reasons for Things

I attended a glorious celebration last night.  It was disguised as a Halloween party, but I know in my heart it was a wake for Black Lodge Video.  After the Incredible Hook party tonight, the Black Lodge that Memphis has known for over 13 years will metamorphose into something new.  Development plans are finalized and Lodge co-founder Matt Martin has announced the impending release of Black Lodge 2.0.  But before that can happen, we must say goodbye to an icon of Memphis past. Continue reading R.I.P. Black Lodge Video 1.0 →

The Bronze Age Is Upon Us

Art, Buccaneer, DKDC, First Impressions, Rozelle Warehouse

In case you haven’t heard, Marcella & Her Lovers are in the midst of an IndieGoGo campaign.  Thanks to overwhelming support from fans in the Memphis community they have raised 75% of the $5000 needed to release their debut EP The Bronze Age.  Response from fans has been overwhelming and with 15 days left in the crowd-funding push I feel confident they will reach the goal. Marcella emailed me a sneak peek of the music last week and I can assure you this release is well worth your support. Continue reading The Bronze Age Is Upon Us →