Wow.  Memphis was rocking and everyone came knocking this weekend.  Saturday, I hit five parties and only 3 of them were intentional.  You couldn’t swing a black cat without hitting a good time last night.  The effects were felt as far away as Spain.  Unfortunately, I left my camera at home.  It wasn’t entirely intentional but I’ll admit I took it as an omen to go off script. 

I’m glad I didn’t go back because that inspired the brand spanking new How To Leave Home Instagram.  Yet another cog in the machine assembled to find things going on in Memphis, I’ll periodically share some real-time “research” as the various winds guide me through the city.  Hopefully I won’t just post pictures of food.

I had a revealing conversation last night.  On the back patio of anyplace, I encountered a gentleman in the mood for conversation.  Seeing as I love the sound of my own voice, I happily obliged.  We talked about music and our different perspectives on what’s important.  His elaborate soliloquies about very specific songs and performances put my side of the conversation to shame.  My lack of musical talent clearly hinders my understanding.  He revealed a whole new layer of appreciation that transcends my amateur ears.

Basically, I like music if it sounds good.  I haven’t identified any specific quality or characteristic that guides my opinion.  I just listen and hear what I like or don’t.  I’m a walking permutation of predilections.  I mostly benefit from unexpected discoveries and adaptability while all I sacrifice is knowing everything.  Turns out, knowing everything is not all it’s cracked up to be.  😉

For example,  I visited The Dizzy Bird last Thursday on a recommendation from a friend.  Located in the space formerly used by Hattiloo Theater, this cozy little spot on Marshall is just down from Sun Studio.  Not a stone’s throw away from the High Cotton Tap Room, if that’s a better reference point.  Just a few blocks south of Mollie Fontaine in the Victorian Village, this part of town is one I rarely pass through by accident.  So it’s a perfect little break from more typical scenes.

The show was scheduled at 1930, which had me leaving earlier than usual.   So I wandered out into the raw pink light of sunset to try something new.  I entered with a small amount of trepidation.  Once through the door, I was instantly transported into a dim, cool environment.  The inviting entryway is accented perfectly with minimal modern decor.  Joya behind the desk greeted me with sincere warmth and answered all my questions about this strange new place.  The first thing I learned is the most important – this is a BYOB joint.  They have water and a couple sodas for the non-drinkers and will offer a menu of small plates soon.

Already impressed, I went through to the space previously known as The Black Box.  The sumptuous seating and horseshoe layout creates an cozy room focused on the listening experience.  This is not the type of place you’ll find a bachelorette party shooting lemon drops.  The Dizzy Bird is designed to welcome guests into the performance on an intimate level and it emphasizes the connection between artist and audience.  So when you pay your $15 at the door, you are buying a one-of-a-kind experience.

I was there the night Michael Joyner was playing.  He had Khari Wynn and Melvin Turner there to back him up and it was more like sitting in on a practice session than a formal show.  They exchanged inside jokes and Joyner went over some details about his music in-between songs.  The tight space provided good sound and the small audience was perfect for getting to know new people.  Overall, I felt like I’d gotten a special invite to a fun get-together.   I highly suggest you look at their upcoming performances and choose a show that appeals to you.  No matter who it is, I am certain you will enjoy your time in this unique music lounge.

After the show, I thanked everyone for a great time and headed over to the Mollie Fontaine Lounge. I wanted to catch another great performance from Marcella Simien at the piano.   She had been away for a couple of Thursdays and it was a great night to catch her back in Memphis.  Marcella is a local celebrity with the number of artistic endeavors she has her hands in, but nothing is more fun than listening to her sign at Mollie’s.  Tucked away in her corner behind the grand piano on the first floor, she honors as many requests as she can while keeping a lighthearted atmosphere among the patrons.

While not as intimate as The Dizzy Bird, the Fontaine Lounge certainly has many visitors there for good drinks and great music.  I was granted a ringside seat while Marcella dutifully searched for a variety of suggested songs.   The eccentrically lavish decor complements the sultry sound of Marcella’s voice and I love to hear a piano no matter where I am.  The last hour that I caught of this Thursday night tradition was enough to lure me back for more in September.

After absorbing all the creativity and talent surrounding me in that area, I scooted over to The Buccaneer to finish the evening.  Detective Bureau had a show that I did not want to miss.  Getting settled for a funky end to my jazzed up evening, I completed my night with a PBR and some much needed creative writing.  I was so inspired I literally wrote until my pen ran dry.  By then it was well past my supposed bedtime, so I slouched back toward Bethlehem.

I am consistently impressed with what young, creative people can do when they combine old spaces with new ideas.  It’s such a great time to live in the Bluff City.  I am leaving town this week to visit the Pacific Northwest, so it might be quiet on the home front for a little while.  Be sure to check the instagram though, for I will be carrying a phone and using it more than a teenage girl at some age appropriate pop culture reference.  Cheers!