This is a great place to live because Memphis almost always has something going on during the weekends. But sometimes it’s a regular weeknight and you don’t feel like dealing with the bells and whistles, right? I’ve compiled a list of the things I like to do (or want to do) on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. This list is far from complete. I have many more corners of the city to explore in the coming months. These are just some the pit stops I find most interesting.
In the month of July I sort of dropped the ball on events and happenings around Memphis. Let’s face it, the month was jam-packed full of fun things to do. If you were waiting for me to tell you about them… well then this blog must be way more popular than I thought.
Anyway, I had a great time enjoying myself and writing up some of the highlights. I’m going to give you some of the events for August so you can mark your calendars and plan ahead, before The Christmas in September hits. Also at the end of this post I will announce something completely new and innovative…
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
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
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.
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*ahem*
Picture this.
Empty stage.
Matte black floor dotted with the remains of old tape.
A single light bulb dangles from an unseen chain above the stage.
Dusty curtains hang limply, neither open nor shut, simply there.
A woman emerges into the unflattering light carrying a wooden box.
She places the box on the black floor with a thump.
Reaching in her back pocket, she pulls out a container of hand soap.
Using a small caddy, she hooks it over the edge of the box.
Stepping up to stand on top of the box, spreading her arms for balance, the woman turns toward you and folds her hands demurely.
Holding a steady gaze, she smiles and begins to speak…
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.
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
I’m going to do something a little off-the-cuff here. Continue reading Undercurrent