The Memphis Tigers beat Texas in Houston yesterday to advance to the Final Four. This city is going nuts over the Tigers. You can see blue everywhere here right now. The car flags and wind socks are in full force. Several thousand folks showed up at Wilson Air last night to welcome the team back. A few hundred more were at the Finch Center to welcome the team back. The Bank of Bartlett took two charter planes to Houston for the South Regional to see the Tigers absolutely blow out Michigan State and Texas.
Right now, the Tigers and North Carolina are playing the best basketball. In addition to those two teams, UCLA and Kansas are also in the final four. Anyone of the four could win the whole thing but the Tigers have as good a shot as anyone.
The Tigers will play UCLA this weekend for the right to play in the National Championship Game. UCLA and Memphis played two or three years ago for the right to go the final four and that game was as ugly as any I've seen in a long time. I expect UCLA to try to make this game an ugly, defensive low scoring game as well. Beating UCLA will be tough but the Tigers can do it.
Derrick Rose, the Tigers freshman point guard, played amazingly well for a freshman or a senior or any other class. He's a big time NBA talent. Chris Douglas-Roberts (a/k/a "CDR") is a big time NBA talent. Antonio Anderson is a great defensive stopper and can score when needed. Then you have Joey Dorsey and Robert Dozier as the starting big men.
Memphis has been to the final four now three times in school history. This town is already going crazy with pride over the Tigers. If they beat UCLA and make it to the championship game, this might just wind up being the greatest Tiger team ever.
Good luck to the Tigers and Go Tigers Go!
Monday, March 31, 2008
The trees are in bloom!
It's spring in Memphis and that means the flowering trees are in bloom. First came the tulip trees.
Now the cherry trees are in full blossom. People spend a lot of money to fly to Washington, D.C. to see the cherry Blossoms. We have an excellent collection of Japanese/Asian cherry trees right here in Memphis, on aptly named Cherry Road. These beautiful trees will only be in full blossom for another few days. If you want to see them just drive down that section of Cherry Road that runs between Park Avenue and Southern right next to the botanical gardens. Another spot for cherry tree viewing is Memorial Park on Poplar in East Memphis. They have several cherry trees right up next to Poplar - nothing like Cherry Road but still a nice collection. You don't have to drive or fly to Washington to admire the cherry trees. You've got them right here.
Next up will be the dogwood trees. They are just starting to bloom out and will be really pretty for the next month or so. Enjoy spring in Memphis!
Now the cherry trees are in full blossom. People spend a lot of money to fly to Washington, D.C. to see the cherry Blossoms. We have an excellent collection of Japanese/Asian cherry trees right here in Memphis, on aptly named Cherry Road. These beautiful trees will only be in full blossom for another few days. If you want to see them just drive down that section of Cherry Road that runs between Park Avenue and Southern right next to the botanical gardens. Another spot for cherry tree viewing is Memorial Park on Poplar in East Memphis. They have several cherry trees right up next to Poplar - nothing like Cherry Road but still a nice collection. You don't have to drive or fly to Washington to admire the cherry trees. You've got them right here.
Next up will be the dogwood trees. They are just starting to bloom out and will be really pretty for the next month or so. Enjoy spring in Memphis!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
2007 Saw More than $422 Million in Investment
The Memphis Regional Chamber of Commerce recently announced some of the results of its economic development efforts for 2007. In 2007, the Chamber saw more than $422 million in investment in the region with more than 3,000 net jobs created.
2007 saw Nucor Steel make significant investments. Nike expanded their local operations by more than one million square feet. Riviana Foods consolidated their southern operations here in Memphis at their facility off Mallory. Belgium company, Tigenix, located in Memphis. American Medical Depot company selected Millington for their new location. The Depot is expected to create 500 new jobs and have a $12 million investment. These are just a few of the great economic development successes that occurred in our region in 2007.
2007 saw Nucor Steel make significant investments. Nike expanded their local operations by more than one million square feet. Riviana Foods consolidated their southern operations here in Memphis at their facility off Mallory. Belgium company, Tigenix, located in Memphis. American Medical Depot company selected Millington for their new location. The Depot is expected to create 500 new jobs and have a $12 million investment. These are just a few of the great economic development successes that occurred in our region in 2007.
Memphis Top 10% in International Exports
Charles Blatteis, Chair of the Regional Chamber's International Council, recently announced that the US Department of Commerce released its export rankings and Memphis ranked 28 out of 326 cities. This represents more than $7 billion in exports - $2 billion more than Nashville. You might not think of it, but Memphis is a serious player in international business. We'll never be New York or Los Angeles but we're already more significant than 90% of the cities who even made the list. With the aerotropolis concept being developed here, those number are sure to rise in the near future.
Memphis Based International Paper Expands
Memphis based International Paper recently announced that it is buying the corrugated box and paper division from Weyerhousaer. The purchase price of the transaction is reportedly $6 billion dollars.
International Paper has recently been selling significant pieces of its business including forest lands and lumber mills. Those were sold to West Frazier, a Canadian company, who promptly established their United States headquarters in Memphis. After the sell off of significant divisions at IP, it's nice to see them purchasing new businesses.
International Paper has recently been selling significant pieces of its business including forest lands and lumber mills. Those were sold to West Frazier, a Canadian company, who promptly established their United States headquarters in Memphis. After the sell off of significant divisions at IP, it's nice to see them purchasing new businesses.
Memphis Chosen to Participate in the Emerge 200 Program
The U.S. Small Business Administration recently announced that it will launch the Emerge 200 program in eleven cities. Memphis is one of those eleven cities. The Emerge 200 Program is designed to act as a business incubator for small businesses to help them find capital and to partner them with the consulting resources need to grow the businesses and cities selected. Memphis' inclusion in the Emerge 200 program is good for Memphis and for our local small and medium-sized businesses.
Memphis International #1 Again
For the 16th straight year Memphis International Airport was named by Airports Council International as the world's busiest air cargo airport. Memphis again beat out Hong Kong. In 2007, 3,840,574 tons of cargo moved through Memphis International.
Now before you say, so what - consider the economic impact of all that air cargo. Between Fed Ex and all of the companies that either service Fed Ex or are here because of Fed Ex and our airport, the majority of people in our region have jobs tied to that airport. So being number one again is a huge sign for our regional economy.
The Memphis Area Regional Chamber of Commerce is busy moving forward with an aerotropolis plan that would treat the airport as the economic engine that it is rather than something to be pushed outside of town and ignored. The Brooks Road Redevelopment Plan is just the first part of that idea. The overall concept is to help foster all kinds of business development around the airport. Being number one and seeing the dollars roll into the region is certainly a great thing.
One of the many reasons Memphis International is doing so well is Richard White. Richard White is the head of properties and business development. He was recently honored by Air Cargo World magazine for excellence in airport management and operations and for helping Memphis International be recognized as a top airport. Richard White, Larry Cox and all of the management team at Memphis International should be congratulated.
Now before you say, so what - consider the economic impact of all that air cargo. Between Fed Ex and all of the companies that either service Fed Ex or are here because of Fed Ex and our airport, the majority of people in our region have jobs tied to that airport. So being number one again is a huge sign for our regional economy.
The Memphis Area Regional Chamber of Commerce is busy moving forward with an aerotropolis plan that would treat the airport as the economic engine that it is rather than something to be pushed outside of town and ignored. The Brooks Road Redevelopment Plan is just the first part of that idea. The overall concept is to help foster all kinds of business development around the airport. Being number one and seeing the dollars roll into the region is certainly a great thing.
One of the many reasons Memphis International is doing so well is Richard White. Richard White is the head of properties and business development. He was recently honored by Air Cargo World magazine for excellence in airport management and operations and for helping Memphis International be recognized as a top airport. Richard White, Larry Cox and all of the management team at Memphis International should be congratulated.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Herenton Announces Intent to Resign!
In a total and complete shocker, Mayor Willie Herenton announced today that he intends to resign July 31, 2008. This is hugely positive and important to the future of Memphis.
Now before you accuse me of being a "hater", I actually voted for Herenton on several occasions and think that he was a great mayor for the first 10 - 12 years he was in office. In recent years, however, he's been a major problem that has hindered further development and progression. His most recent election speech is the best example of the real obstacle that he poses to our progress as a city. I sat watching that speech and for the first time in my life had a brief urge to immediately move from the city that I love. Mayor Herenton is sort of like the crazy uncle that you see at Christmas, weddings and funerals. He's an enormously talented individual. When he wants to he can accomplish so many positive things for the City. Unfortunately, he's also prone to say unbelievable divisive things and to pursue things that are distracting and wildly unpopular (i.e. the sale of MLG&W and a new football stadium). His New Year's Day speeches have always kicked off firestorms that just didn't need to exist.
When he ran for re-election four years ago, he hinted that the next four year term (2003-08) would be his last. Then he announced another run for a fifth term and there was a lot of unrest. There was even a draft AC campaign, designed to get AC Wharton to run for city mayor against Herenton. AC Wharton ultimately decided not to run and many speculated that a deal had been cut between Herenton and AC. The deal allegedly had Herenton agreeing to step down as city mayor at some point in his next four years so that AC could run for city mayor.
I don't know if Herenton's announcement is proof that just such a deal really did exist or not. To some degree it doesn't matter.
What really matters is who runs for city mayor now. AC Wharton would win going away if he runs. He would be a great mayor and undoubtedly many will begin the full court press to get him into the race. He still has at least two more years as county mayor. The question has arisen as to whether he would have to resign his position as county mayor if he were elected city mayor. Could he serve in both positions at the same time? I've heard rumors that a formal legal opinion has been sought or obtained on that very issue. I don't know if that's true or not. If true, I don't know the answer.
If AC runs for and is elected city mayor, then who is our next county mayor? Undoubtedly, Carol Chumney is out there right now planting yard signs somewhere. As fine a person as she is, I actually fear her being either city mayor or county mayor. She plays the part of contrarian and watch dog very well. She's a great honest check against corruption and stupidity. I don't believe though that she's a consensus builder and a leader. I could be wrong.
Folks like Rickey Wilkins would make a great mayor. There are others. Herman Morris? There are several people out there right now who could do a great job. We just have to make sure they step up and serve. Herenton stepping aside, whether AC runs or not, opens up a huge opportunity for growth and advancement in our city. the time is now. We just have to step up and make the most of the opportunity.
Rumors are that Herenton may seek the Superintendent's position or may run for congress. He's already been superintendent 17 plus years ago. he was a pretty good superintendent from what I can remember. That might not be a bad position for him. No matter what you think about him, he cares about Memphis. I'm not sure how I feel about him being in congress. I think he could pretty easily beat Steve Cohen. Who knows. The prospect of being in Congress just might intrigue him.
We are now at a time of change. Change isn't a bad thing. We just have to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us.
Now before you accuse me of being a "hater", I actually voted for Herenton on several occasions and think that he was a great mayor for the first 10 - 12 years he was in office. In recent years, however, he's been a major problem that has hindered further development and progression. His most recent election speech is the best example of the real obstacle that he poses to our progress as a city. I sat watching that speech and for the first time in my life had a brief urge to immediately move from the city that I love. Mayor Herenton is sort of like the crazy uncle that you see at Christmas, weddings and funerals. He's an enormously talented individual. When he wants to he can accomplish so many positive things for the City. Unfortunately, he's also prone to say unbelievable divisive things and to pursue things that are distracting and wildly unpopular (i.e. the sale of MLG&W and a new football stadium). His New Year's Day speeches have always kicked off firestorms that just didn't need to exist.
When he ran for re-election four years ago, he hinted that the next four year term (2003-08) would be his last. Then he announced another run for a fifth term and there was a lot of unrest. There was even a draft AC campaign, designed to get AC Wharton to run for city mayor against Herenton. AC Wharton ultimately decided not to run and many speculated that a deal had been cut between Herenton and AC. The deal allegedly had Herenton agreeing to step down as city mayor at some point in his next four years so that AC could run for city mayor.
I don't know if Herenton's announcement is proof that just such a deal really did exist or not. To some degree it doesn't matter.
What really matters is who runs for city mayor now. AC Wharton would win going away if he runs. He would be a great mayor and undoubtedly many will begin the full court press to get him into the race. He still has at least two more years as county mayor. The question has arisen as to whether he would have to resign his position as county mayor if he were elected city mayor. Could he serve in both positions at the same time? I've heard rumors that a formal legal opinion has been sought or obtained on that very issue. I don't know if that's true or not. If true, I don't know the answer.
If AC runs for and is elected city mayor, then who is our next county mayor? Undoubtedly, Carol Chumney is out there right now planting yard signs somewhere. As fine a person as she is, I actually fear her being either city mayor or county mayor. She plays the part of contrarian and watch dog very well. She's a great honest check against corruption and stupidity. I don't believe though that she's a consensus builder and a leader. I could be wrong.
Folks like Rickey Wilkins would make a great mayor. There are others. Herman Morris? There are several people out there right now who could do a great job. We just have to make sure they step up and serve. Herenton stepping aside, whether AC runs or not, opens up a huge opportunity for growth and advancement in our city. the time is now. We just have to step up and make the most of the opportunity.
Rumors are that Herenton may seek the Superintendent's position or may run for congress. He's already been superintendent 17 plus years ago. he was a pretty good superintendent from what I can remember. That might not be a bad position for him. No matter what you think about him, he cares about Memphis. I'm not sure how I feel about him being in congress. I think he could pretty easily beat Steve Cohen. Who knows. The prospect of being in Congress just might intrigue him.
We are now at a time of change. Change isn't a bad thing. We just have to take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Dirty Rotten = a Great Date Night
Instead of dinner and a movie, you really ought to consider dinner and a show. The Orpheum has a great series of shows throughout the year. It's a local and national treasure. Have a great time and take advantage of what we have here.
My wife and I did that Tuesday night. We did dinner and a show - having dinner at Itta Bena and seeing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Orpheum. More about Itta Bena in a minute.
You absolutely have to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. This is a really funny, bawdy, entertaining, laugh out loud, sexy, fun musical. Guys, you'll have a good time. You won't lose "man points" by seeing this show. In fact, I promise that you'll like this one. Ladies, get your man off the couch. Tivo American Idol or Lost and get out to see this. If your man won't go see it with you and you're about to become a basketball widow (the NCAA tournament is this weekend) then get a group of your girlfriends together and make it a girls night out.
The only downside to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is that it's only here in town through March 24. So don't wait!
This musical is an adaptation of the movie by the same name that starred Michael Cane and Steve Martin. That ought to be credentials enough to show how funny this show is. It's the story of two con artists who get conned themselves.
The older more suave con artist is played by Jamie Jackson. He's fairly tall and bald. Maybe because of that, his performance kind of reminded me of Jim Carey in the Mask when Jim Carey turns into the green night club singer. I hope Mr. Jackson would take that as a compliment because it's meant in that light. He did a great job of being smooth and suave and funny and intelligent.
The younger con artist is played by Doug Thompson. His performance reminded me of Jack Black. Again, I hope that comes across as a compliment because it's certainly meant that way. He did a great job of being a physical comedian while still projecting that con artist front. He had some of the funniest lines in the show.
Jenny Gulley played the role of Christine Colgate. I won't ruin the ending for you by explaining her role but let's just say that she did a masterful job of pulling off her really important role in the show.
Jeff Essex played the police chief. His role was as the straight man and he pulled it off beautifully. He too had a bunch of funny lines because he was the straight man.
Suzanne Sole and Jen Jenkins played love interests and were really funny throughout the show.
The ensemble was excellent. The singing was clear and on pitch. The cast as whole did a really great job. This is one very entertaining show. Make a point of trying to catch this before they sail out of town next week.
Back to dinner . . . we ate at Itta Bena. Itta Bena is above BB Kings. The entrance is on Second. There's a blue awning and stairs that go up. That's the entrance. You can valet. The interior is funky cool. The windows are covered in blue shades and the rest of the interior is kind of rustic with a refined touch. The menu gives you plenty of great choices. We had the wedge salad. I'm a big snob when it comes to the wedge. Itta Bena did it right with lots of chunk blue cheese, crisp lettuce and bacon. My wife had the fillet and I had the jumbo scallops. Fantastic meal. Itta Bena is named after the town in Mississippi where BB King was born. If you haven't eaten there yet, you need to do so.
Image a Tuesday night in Memphis where you can have a great meal and catch an extremely entertaining show. Now that's just one of the many reasons it's great to live here. I highly encourage you to check out Itta Bena and to make sure you see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels!
My wife and I did that Tuesday night. We did dinner and a show - having dinner at Itta Bena and seeing Dirty Rotten Scoundrels at the Orpheum. More about Itta Bena in a minute.
You absolutely have to see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. This is a really funny, bawdy, entertaining, laugh out loud, sexy, fun musical. Guys, you'll have a good time. You won't lose "man points" by seeing this show. In fact, I promise that you'll like this one. Ladies, get your man off the couch. Tivo American Idol or Lost and get out to see this. If your man won't go see it with you and you're about to become a basketball widow (the NCAA tournament is this weekend) then get a group of your girlfriends together and make it a girls night out.
The only downside to Dirty Rotten Scoundrels is that it's only here in town through March 24. So don't wait!
This musical is an adaptation of the movie by the same name that starred Michael Cane and Steve Martin. That ought to be credentials enough to show how funny this show is. It's the story of two con artists who get conned themselves.
The older more suave con artist is played by Jamie Jackson. He's fairly tall and bald. Maybe because of that, his performance kind of reminded me of Jim Carey in the Mask when Jim Carey turns into the green night club singer. I hope Mr. Jackson would take that as a compliment because it's meant in that light. He did a great job of being smooth and suave and funny and intelligent.
The younger con artist is played by Doug Thompson. His performance reminded me of Jack Black. Again, I hope that comes across as a compliment because it's certainly meant that way. He did a great job of being a physical comedian while still projecting that con artist front. He had some of the funniest lines in the show.
Jenny Gulley played the role of Christine Colgate. I won't ruin the ending for you by explaining her role but let's just say that she did a masterful job of pulling off her really important role in the show.
Jeff Essex played the police chief. His role was as the straight man and he pulled it off beautifully. He too had a bunch of funny lines because he was the straight man.
Suzanne Sole and Jen Jenkins played love interests and were really funny throughout the show.
The ensemble was excellent. The singing was clear and on pitch. The cast as whole did a really great job. This is one very entertaining show. Make a point of trying to catch this before they sail out of town next week.
Back to dinner . . . we ate at Itta Bena. Itta Bena is above BB Kings. The entrance is on Second. There's a blue awning and stairs that go up. That's the entrance. You can valet. The interior is funky cool. The windows are covered in blue shades and the rest of the interior is kind of rustic with a refined touch. The menu gives you plenty of great choices. We had the wedge salad. I'm a big snob when it comes to the wedge. Itta Bena did it right with lots of chunk blue cheese, crisp lettuce and bacon. My wife had the fillet and I had the jumbo scallops. Fantastic meal. Itta Bena is named after the town in Mississippi where BB King was born. If you haven't eaten there yet, you need to do so.
Image a Tuesday night in Memphis where you can have a great meal and catch an extremely entertaining show. Now that's just one of the many reasons it's great to live here. I highly encourage you to check out Itta Bena and to make sure you see Dirty Rotten Scoundrels!
Memphis, Tennessee is the College Basketball Mecca
The NCAA men's field was announced Sunday night. 5 teams from Tennessee made the field. No other state, other than California, has more teams in the field than Tennessee. The University of Memphis is a number one seed in the South Region. Tennessee is a two seed in the East Region. Vanderbilt is a 4 seed in the Midwest. Belmont (Nashville) and Austin Peay (Clarksville) also made the field.
Both Memphis and Tennessee have excellent shots at advancing deep into the tournament and even possibly winning it all. Both have tough draws though. Memphis has Texas as its number two seed and the regional finals would be played in Houston. Tennessee is in the same region as number one overall North Carolina and if they make it that far would have to beat North Carolina in Charlotte.
We're also proud of local area teams Mississippi State and Arkansas for making the tournament. There certainly is a lot of great college basketball in and around Memphis.
Go Tigers! and Go Vols!
Both Memphis and Tennessee have excellent shots at advancing deep into the tournament and even possibly winning it all. Both have tough draws though. Memphis has Texas as its number two seed and the regional finals would be played in Houston. Tennessee is in the same region as number one overall North Carolina and if they make it that far would have to beat North Carolina in Charlotte.
We're also proud of local area teams Mississippi State and Arkansas for making the tournament. There certainly is a lot of great college basketball in and around Memphis.
Go Tigers! and Go Vols!
Monday, March 10, 2008
The Beale Street Music Fest Line Up Is Out!
The Beale Street Music Fest line up has been announced and it's got a lot of great names on it. For the full line up go to the link below.
Some of the bigger names include: Sheryl Crow, The Roots, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (okay they're not a big name but they are to my kids!), Santana, Blind Mississippi Morris, Buddy Guy (BUDDY GUY!), Arrested Development, Al Kapone, preston Shannon, The Black Crowes, Aretha Franklin (who grew up in the Soulsville neighborhood before her parents moved to Detriot), Michael MacDonald, Finger Eleven, Gavin DeGraw and Jerry Lee Lewis.
One act that you might not heard of that you should check out is Lord T & Eloise. Lord T and Eloise is a two man act of two seriously upper class white dudes who went to MUS. Don't sound that interesting yet does it? The two guys dress up in French Victorian (think powder wigs and white makeup) costumnes and rap. As shocking as this all sounds, they're really good. I think they might be the next group that makes it out of Memphis to a regional or national appeal.
Beale Street Music Fest has been around since 1977. Like it's name suggests it started out on Beale Street. I can remember in the early 1980s that the festival was held on Beale Street and up and down Main Street. I remember seeing Survivor play in front of One Commerce Square and sitting on the steps there. I don't know when it moved to Tom Lee Park, but it had to because it just got too big.
There are several big music festivals now. Jazz Fest in New Orleans is huge and a lot of fun. Bonaroo over in Middle Tennessee is certainly a huge festival now and is also a lot of fun. I'm not taking anything away from either of those festivals. The fact is though that no other festival will have the variety of music that you can here at the Beale Street Festival. Just look at the acts. They cover the spectrum of musical styles. The crowds are a lot of fun as well because you'll get the Al Kapone fans mixing with fans of other generes. Now some will tell you that's why they don't like the festival. If you don't like variety, we may not be for you. if you like the chance to see different kinds of music, being able to hit Beale Street before or after you go to the festival and just appreciate good music, then Beale Street Music Fest is for you.
The dates this year are May 2 - 4. You can buy one days tickets or three day passes. The festival has sold out several times over the last few years. If nothing else, buy a Sunday ticket and go check out the gospel tent. The sounds coming from there will lift your soul and you'll absolutely see the connection between rock and gospel!
Beale Street Music Fest and the great music that we have here in Memphis are just a few of the reasons its great to live here.
Some of the bigger names include: Sheryl Crow, The Roots, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts (okay they're not a big name but they are to my kids!), Santana, Blind Mississippi Morris, Buddy Guy (BUDDY GUY!), Arrested Development, Al Kapone, preston Shannon, The Black Crowes, Aretha Franklin (who grew up in the Soulsville neighborhood before her parents moved to Detriot), Michael MacDonald, Finger Eleven, Gavin DeGraw and Jerry Lee Lewis.
One act that you might not heard of that you should check out is Lord T & Eloise. Lord T and Eloise is a two man act of two seriously upper class white dudes who went to MUS. Don't sound that interesting yet does it? The two guys dress up in French Victorian (think powder wigs and white makeup) costumnes and rap. As shocking as this all sounds, they're really good. I think they might be the next group that makes it out of Memphis to a regional or national appeal.
Beale Street Music Fest has been around since 1977. Like it's name suggests it started out on Beale Street. I can remember in the early 1980s that the festival was held on Beale Street and up and down Main Street. I remember seeing Survivor play in front of One Commerce Square and sitting on the steps there. I don't know when it moved to Tom Lee Park, but it had to because it just got too big.
There are several big music festivals now. Jazz Fest in New Orleans is huge and a lot of fun. Bonaroo over in Middle Tennessee is certainly a huge festival now and is also a lot of fun. I'm not taking anything away from either of those festivals. The fact is though that no other festival will have the variety of music that you can here at the Beale Street Festival. Just look at the acts. They cover the spectrum of musical styles. The crowds are a lot of fun as well because you'll get the Al Kapone fans mixing with fans of other generes. Now some will tell you that's why they don't like the festival. If you don't like variety, we may not be for you. if you like the chance to see different kinds of music, being able to hit Beale Street before or after you go to the festival and just appreciate good music, then Beale Street Music Fest is for you.
The dates this year are May 2 - 4. You can buy one days tickets or three day passes. The festival has sold out several times over the last few years. If nothing else, buy a Sunday ticket and go check out the gospel tent. The sounds coming from there will lift your soul and you'll absolutely see the connection between rock and gospel!
Beale Street Music Fest and the great music that we have here in Memphis are just a few of the reasons its great to live here.
Yes Virginia, It Really Does Snow Here (Occasionally)
Two weekends ago, it was 70 degrees and sunny with not a cloud in the sky. It was a great weekend to be out and about on the town. This last weekend we had 5 inches of snow on the ground on Saturday. As rare as snow is here, it was still a great time to be in Memphis. The snow was a wet heavy snow. It was great for sledding and building snowmen and snow forts. It was the perfect snow to make snowballs and start a fight.
Many think of Memphis as being flat. We're relaly not flat. There are some great sledding hills. The Sunday, March 9, Commercial Appeal, had a great picture of a sled hill in Bartlett. The bluffs downtown are great sled hills. The 8th hole at Audubon actually has some great sled hills. To put it mildly, Saturday was a kid's (and some big kids') dream day.
The best part about the snow was that it melted off the street pretty quickly. You could get anywhere you wanted to go and yet it was fun to play in. Even better yet, by Sunday it was in the low 50s and sunny and most of the snow was already gone. We do get snow here (on a rare occasion) but when we get it it, it's here and gone. We don't have to put up with the black and brown snow slush that the northeast has for most of March. We get a little blast of snow (just enough to have fun with) and then we're right back to spring and warm weather!
Many think of Memphis as being flat. We're relaly not flat. There are some great sledding hills. The Sunday, March 9, Commercial Appeal, had a great picture of a sled hill in Bartlett. The bluffs downtown are great sled hills. The 8th hole at Audubon actually has some great sled hills. To put it mildly, Saturday was a kid's (and some big kids') dream day.
The best part about the snow was that it melted off the street pretty quickly. You could get anywhere you wanted to go and yet it was fun to play in. Even better yet, by Sunday it was in the low 50s and sunny and most of the snow was already gone. We do get snow here (on a rare occasion) but when we get it it, it's here and gone. We don't have to put up with the black and brown snow slush that the northeast has for most of March. We get a little blast of snow (just enough to have fun with) and then we're right back to spring and warm weather!
Alley Parties Are Coming Back!
According to the Feb. 20 edition of The Memphis Business Journal, downtown alley parties are on their way back. When I first moved back to memphis in 1997, there was an alley party at least once a month from April through October. The alley parties were a blast. The alley in question is the one that runs between Monroe and Union and sits between Front and Main. If you remember Sleep Out Louie's, it's the alley that came out right next to it. I think the actual name of the alley is Center Alley.
Alley parties were fun because a band would set up, there would be kegs or bars set up and the young professionals of downtown would come out and party on a Thursday or Friday afternoon and then go out in downtown after that. The party being located in the alley kind of seemed to fit. As a city, we've always had a sort of gritty appeal. Our favorite food, BBQ is messy but it sure tastes good and it has a smoky soul to it. Alley parties were like that.
At present it looks like there are two alley parties planned: April 24 and October 2 each time from 5 to 6:30 p.m. If you're in town those dates, be sure to catch the alley parties downtown.
Alley parties were fun because a band would set up, there would be kegs or bars set up and the young professionals of downtown would come out and party on a Thursday or Friday afternoon and then go out in downtown after that. The party being located in the alley kind of seemed to fit. As a city, we've always had a sort of gritty appeal. Our favorite food, BBQ is messy but it sure tastes good and it has a smoky soul to it. Alley parties were like that.
At present it looks like there are two alley parties planned: April 24 and October 2 each time from 5 to 6:30 p.m. If you're in town those dates, be sure to catch the alley parties downtown.
Sunday, March 2, 2008
Shelby Farms is a Treasure!
It may have started out as a prison farm, but it's now an amazing public space. My family and I took our dog out to the park yesterday. It was the first of March, the skies were sunny and blue and it was in the low 70s. Now how many places in America would kill for that weather on March 1? There were several guys flying their model airplanes. My kids liked that and I have to admit it was fun to watch the model planes go through their rolls and dives. There were literally thousands of people out running or walking many with their kids and a bunch of them with their dogs. Despite all of those people, the park didn't feel crowded because it's got a lot of space to spread out in and the biking and jogging trails are plentiful. We discovered an 18 hole frisbie golf course that we didn't know about. They were having some sort of tournament yesterday and folks were here from all over the place. People were riding horses. Mountain bikes were out in full force. Kids were having a blast on the paddle boats. Lots of families were having picnics. A few were fishing in Patriot Lake. The playgrounds were packed with kids. It was a great afternoon to be out and about in Memphis and especially out at Shelby Farms.
I've posted about the dog park at Shelby Farms before and I have to brag on it again. There were hundreds of dogs out running off leash, as is allowed in that part of the park. New four legged friends were made. The ponds were full of dogs swimming around and all kinds of objects were flying. If you like watching really good frisbie dogs, the dog park is for you. Our dog loves to run and the wide open prairie grassland rolling hills is like heaven on earth for him.
If you haven't been out to Shelby Farms lately, get out there the next nice day (which should be most days between now and mid June!) -- and take your dog with you!
I've posted about the dog park at Shelby Farms before and I have to brag on it again. There were hundreds of dogs out running off leash, as is allowed in that part of the park. New four legged friends were made. The ponds were full of dogs swimming around and all kinds of objects were flying. If you like watching really good frisbie dogs, the dog park is for you. Our dog loves to run and the wide open prairie grassland rolling hills is like heaven on earth for him.
If you haven't been out to Shelby Farms lately, get out there the next nice day (which should be most days between now and mid June!) -- and take your dog with you!
The Tennis Tournament is Big Leauge
Outside of the tennis majors, Memphis is one of the very few cities in the world that hosts a dual stop on the women's and men's pro tennis tours. The tournament is held at the Raquet Club of Memphis and has for many years been a favorite of the best men's players in the world (We only recently obtained a women's tournamnt as well). Over the years the biggest names in pro tennis have all played here. Because of this tournament, we've been able to see Lendle, McEnroe, Connors, Sampras, Aggasi, Borg, Roddick, Haas, Phillopousis, Chang (not sure if I spelled all of those correctly but you get the idea!) and many many others play some thrilling tennis. Like many things in our town, Memphians may not truly appreciate how great we have it here. Cities all over the world are vying for stops on the pro tennis tours and we have them here. Lyndsey Davenport won the women's tournament yesterday. Congrats to her, to the folks at the Raquet Club who put on a great tournament and to all the kids at St. Jude who also benefit from the tournament. The men's finals are today and I'm sure will be compelling. If you missed this year's tournament, make sure to check it out next year. Just pay attention to the action on the court because you're right on top of it and those serves will come at you in a hurry!
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