After last weekend’s wildness, it’s understandable if you want to take it easy for the next few days. However, July 4th is around the corner and there will be plenty of private parties for kicking back. June has been a hot month for happenings and I don’t plan to quit now. Not everything has to be turned up to 11, so if you’re tired take a look and choose one of the less intense activities for this weekend.
Tonight, the Overton Square series offers so feel-good music with 80’s cover band Rockasaurus Rex doing a Michael Jackson tribute. This will be a perfect one for the whole family to enjoy. Admission is $10 and it starts at 6PM.
If that’s not hard enough for your rock, the Hi Tone has a collection of metal bands going on around 7:30PM. Admission for this show is $15 and you should probably leave the kids at home for this one. Show up early to hang out in the Hi Tone Lounge and take advantage of happy hour.
For something more sanitary, you can visit the Brooks Museum tonight for a free screening of the 2011 movie Pina. A beautiful film about the choreographer Pina Bausch, this event is offered courtesy of Ballet Memphis and Crosstown Arts.
If you like your movies to be more on the terrible side, Black Lodge is also screening a movie tonight at Malco’s Studio on the Square. The Room is a relatively recent cult phenomenon from 2003, so if you loved the interactive quality of RHPS check this one out. It’s not free, but it comes highly recommended.
Friday night, you have a myriad of choices for your entertainment. From parties to projects, just decide what kind of mood you’re in and there’s something to do.
Over at the Amurica studio on Cleveland, Crosstown Arts is producing the second edition of Spillit 2014, an innovative creative project. The theme for this round of stories is Identity Crisis – something I can completely relate to. It’s only $10 and starts at 8PM, but get there early because seats are limited.
While in the area, you can also check out the exhibit by Nick Canterucci at 430 Cleveland. An exploration into the art of post cards, the gallery will be open from 6-9PM.
Later that night, Marcella Simien and her Lovers will be crooning at Bar DKDC around 11PM. It’s only $5, so come drink some rum and relax to the sound of a local Grammy winner. I meet someone great every time I hang out in Cooper Young.
Down the street a little, Black Lodge is at it again with yet another house party. The lineup this time is Pezz, Chaos Order, Tanks and Grave Pioneer. That much mayhem will be held in check by a $5 cover, but rest assured that all money goes directly to the musicians. Drink some beer, eat some food, and rock your face off.
And last but not least on Friday evening, Murphy’s is hosting the previously lauded Strengths along with two other Memphis bands, Vanishing Islands and The Family Ghost. I can’t promise it will be good, but it’s definitely going to be fun.
(The following is not a paid promotion.) Saturday, I have an event that is sponsored by my favorite yoga studio, Evergreen Yoga Center. Climb Out of the Darkness is a national campaign designed to raise awareness about postpartum mental illnesses. Currently, only about 15% of new mothers seek treatment for debilitating conditions like postpartum depression.
The Memphis team is headed by Beth Hayes, a specialist in postpartum care, and has raised over $3,000 so far. You can donate to the cause and register (it’s free) for the walk here. Come walk through the Overton Park old growth forest and support healthy motherhood. We’re gathering around 8:30 at the pavilion next to Overton Bark and the walk will commence at 9AM.
If that kind of event is too early in the day, you can still get some exercise at the Bollywood edition of the Dance on Broad series Saturday evening. The event is free, fun, and open to all ages. Enjoy the dusk light and see a little piece of India in the heart of Memphis, TN.
After the Dance, you can scoot across the street to The Cove to enjoy the monthly performance of the Beale Street Caravan. Hot off a Thursday show downtown, this will be a good time for all. Arrr!
For something completely different, the Memphis Roller Derby girls are taking on Knoxville at the fairgrounds Saturday at 6PM. Come cheer on our local gang of chicks-on-wheels and enjoy the show. I heard a rumor that they are always looking for new members, so maybe this is something you never knew was missing from your life?
Go forth, have fun. I can’t be everywhere I want to go this weekend, so report back with what you find. Cheers!