Memphis Magazine August 2024 by Contemporary Media

2024 city guide

“If you can’t ﬂy - then run. If you can’t run - then walk. If you can’t walk - then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

HOW DOES HISTORY MOVE YOU?

The National Civil Rights Museum is a keeper of stories; stories that don't merely speak to us—they speak through us. We are rooted in the belief that history isn’t just a record of the past. History is the compass by which we navigate the present and set course for the future. We preserve history so that generations to come will never forget the timeless and perpetual call for justice.

Eight delights that make the Bluff City one of the world’s most distinctive places.

Historic Clayborn Temple’s stained-glass windows bring light to our city’s past, with a look towards the future. ~ by

Our annual look at the city’s movers, shakers, and other news-makers. 68

There’s nothing like live theater. ~ by jon w. sparks 70 MUSIC

The Memphis classical music community is embracing innovation on all fronts.

by alex greene 77 VENUE MENU

A guide to the best business event and meeting locations in Memphis.

A comprehensive listing of schools (private and public) throughout Shelby County. 105 COLLEGE GUIDE

A how-to manual for higher learning in the Mid-South.

123 LOCAL TREASURES

Burton Weil’s new university endowment is designed to cultivate the community’s brightest minds. ~ by jon w. sparks

MEMPHIS HISTORY QUIZ

Vance Lauderdale turns the table and asks readers questions about his favorite town. 136 CITY DINING

The city’s most extensive dining listings. 144 MEDIA

A guide to those who cover Memphis best.

michael

frank murtaugh

SENIOR EDITORS jon w. sparks, abigail morici, bruce vanwyngarden

STAFF WRITERS alex greene, chris mccoy

CONTRIBUTORS jesse davis, michael donahue, vance lauderdale, abby wingfield

CREATIVE DIRECTOR brian groppe

ADVERTISING ART DIRECTOR christopher myers

GRAPHIC DESIGNER neil williams

PHOTOGRAPHERS sara bill, justin fox burks, greg campbell, lee cherry, brandon dill, michael finger, karen pulfer focht, alex greene, jamie harmon, larry kuzniewski, sam leathers, josh looney, chris mccoy, abigail morici, lonnie robinson, bryan rollins, jon w. sparks, anna traverse, louis tucker, tarina westlund, bruce vanwyngarden

ILLUSTRATOR carolyn pollan

SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE shaune mcghee

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES kelli dewitt, chip googe, patrick pacheco

4 published by contemporary media, inc. memphis, tennessee 901-521-9000

subscriptions: 901-575-9470

CONTROLLER lynn sparagowski

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER jeffrey a. goldberg

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER margie neal

DIGITAL SERVICES DIRECTOR kristin pawlowski

WAREHOUSE MANAGER chet hastings

NEWSSTAND CONSULTANT joe luca

SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR molly willmott

PUBLISHER EMERITUS kenneth neill

august 2024

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

TURN DOWN THE NOISE. LISTEN TO THE MUSIC.

BY ANNA TRAVERSE

While we were finishing this issue of the magazine — our annual City Guide — one of my colleagues shared a screenshot of some recent Facebook comments made on a post by another local media outlet, encouraging folks to subscribe to their publication. In response to such a simple pitch — which would be perfectly easy to just … ignore — commenters chose to denigrate the entire city of Memphis. “ ere’s blood and bodies all over the street,” one wrote. Yep, we have a signiﬁcant problem with violence here, but unless you’re talking about chicken wings, I’m not seeing bodies all over the sidewalks. “Stay away from Memphis. All the business should leave,” argued another. Huh? en what? “Memphis is a hell hole.” “Memphis is the worst place in the world to go.” Wow! Read any international news lately?

the loudest, pithiest, most absolute statements resound best. And Memphis? Well, in the parlance of Facebook’s most popular “relationship status” option circa 2004, “It’s complicated.”

Too much inequality, poverty, and crime. Too few solutions and resources, and too little shared vision. All of this is true.

But also: so much creativity, wisdom, determination, and opportunity. So much grit.

at’s where we at Memphis Magazine aim to come in: not to pretend nothing is wrong, but to help remind our readers and ourselves that some things are still very right.

Too much inequality, poverty, and crime.

Too few solutions and resources, and too little shared vision.

All of this is true.

But also: so much creativity, wisdom, determination, and opportunity. So much grit.

My first reaction to reading all this weirdly placed grumpiness was selfish: Ahh, so glad I deactivated my Facebook profi le a few months ago! I first signed onto Facebook way back in 2004, when the university I attended was one of the fi rst few dozen to join the brand-new site known then as “thefacebook” (styling theirs); back then, it was just a way to reconnect with high-school friends and to share debauched party pics (that we would upload from our digital cameras or even scan from drugstore print-outs?!). As time went by, and the site opened up to more and more users, the tone … evolved: What had once been a repository of semi-embarrassing memories shared among friends morphed into a place where your potential future boss was looking you up, and your great-aunt was sharing her, uh, astute political opinions, and also, just for kicks, foreign entities were working to low-key sway the results of presidential elections. (We live in such interesting times.)

For me, the decision to deactivate wasn’t high-minded, particularly: I realized I wasn’t engaging with the platform anymore; many of my friends weren’t either, so I barely knew half the people whose posts I still saw; and I couldn’t see the rationale to maintain a presence if I couldn’t be bothered to actually sign on. Plus, I still have an Instagram account, so I’m not even boycotting Meta, the parent company of both sites.

Social media is, to state the obvious, not designed for nuance. It’s an echo chamber, and one where

I don’t blame people for being in a bad mood about this city. Our whole country is in a foul mood at the moment, and circumstances here are objectively harder than in lots of other places. It’s understandable that we would spend some time grousing.

When you’ve had your ﬁ ll of grousing, though, I encourage you to log oﬀ Facebook, Nextdoor, and all the rest, and spend some time reacquainting yourself with Memphis the place, not just Memphis the collection of ideas.

Last month, a passel of in-laws came to visit — a prime opportunity to see this city through others’ eyes. Over the course of only a few days, they visited, for the ﬁrst time, the National Civil Rights Museum, Memphis Botanic Garden, the redesigned Tom Lee Park, Big River Crossing, Central Station, the Arcade, and Crosstown Concourse. ere wasn’t even time for Stax or Graceland or the art museums or all the other destinations on the very long list of possibilities. Even with a heat index of something like 111, the Central Gardens July 4th parade was completely charming, and a perfect illustration of how small-town this mid-sized city can be (including the moment when our new mayor, Paul Young, walked by with a wave and smile).

You don’t have to look far to find wonderful moments here, or to notice real struggles; the struggles don’t cancel out the charms, and vice versa. is is the spirit in which we oﬀer our 2024 City Guide: to remind you, and ourselves, that even when some things are very, very broken, so much else is very, very right.

OUT & ABOUT

”AND

“AND THE DARKNESS HAS NOT OVERCOME IT” Shaped by his family history, John Roberts paints to express the extraordinary within everyday environments. DAVID LUSK GALLERY, ON DISPLAY THROUGH AUGUST 22

“A NEW STAGE BEGINS” Local artist Jennifer Hyatt presents metal art inspired by found objects. LEVY GALLERY OF THE BUCKMAN ARTS CENTER AT ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, AUGUST 2–SEPTEMBER 9

VINE AND THREAD: CHAMPAGNE TASTING AND TOAST TO “CHRISTIAN SIRIANO: PEOPLE ARE PEOPLE” Delight your taste buds and your eyes with champagne and sparkles for the ﬁnal weekend of “Christian Siriano: People Are People,” the exhibit featuring works from the designer’s extensive archive. MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART, AUGUST 2

FEAST ON THE FARM Join the Agricenter for its biggest fundraiser of the year, supporting vital programs in our education department. This unforgettable night will feature live and silent auctions, delicious small plates from local restaurants and caterers, toe-tapping live music, and opportunities to connect with your community. AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL, AUGUST 3

LAINEY WILSON The multi-awardwinning singer-songwriter and actress is bringing the Country’s Cool Again Tour to BankPlus Amphitheater with special guests Ian Munsick and Zach Top. BANKPLUS AMPHITHEATER, AUGUST 9

WINDHAM HILL PIANIST LIZ STORY

LIVE AT THE LORRAINE WITH TONYA

DYSON Live at the Lorraine is a new music series that pays homage to the enduring legacy of the historic Lorraine Motel, once the epicenter for meeting Black excellence in culture, art, and music, which this event represents. The ﬁnale will feature Tonya Dyson. NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM, AUGUST 3

MEET THE AUTHOR: MJ WASSMER Novel welcomes Memphis-raised MJ Wassmer in conversation with Avery Cunningham, author of The Mayor of Maxwell Street, to celebrate the release of his new book, Zero Stars, Do Not Recommend. NOVEL, AUGUST 6

SUMMER WINE DINNER Join the zoo for an elegant summer night inside the beautiful Teton Trek Lodge.

MEMPHIS ZOO, AUGUST 8

ELVIS WEEK Feel your temperature rising? Higher and higher? It’s not just the August heat. It’s your spidey (Elvis?) senses tingling, burning through to your soul ’cause here in Memphis we know that August means more than hot weather: It means Elvis Week. Graceland, August 9-17

JOHN FOGERTY John Fogerty takes the stage for the Live at the Garden concert series. RADIANS AMPHITHEATER, MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, AUGUST 9

One of the most distinctive female composers and solo pianists of new instrumental music that emerged in the 1980s, Liz Story comes to Memphis for a celebration of her 40year career. BUCKMAN ARTS CENTER AT ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL, AUGUST 9

2ND ANNUAL SKOL-ASTIC BOOK FAIR

Books and beers come together for Soul & Spirits’ book fair. Last year, the brewery was able to get all the bookstores and book vendors in town to participate. More details to come on this year’s event. SOUL & SPIRITS, AUGUST 10

CHRIS D’ELIA – STRAIGHT OUTTA THE MULTIVERSE TOUR With the Congratulations with Chris D’Elia podcast and Netﬂix specials No Pain, Man On Fire, and Incorrigible, Chris D’Elia is one of the most indemand performers in the industry. CANNON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, AUGUST 10

BILL CHERRY … THE FINAL CURTAIN World-renowned Elvis Tribute Artist, Bill Cherry, returns to the Halloran Centre for the 3rd Annual Final Curtain Show with special guest Ginger Alden, the woman with whom Elvis spent the last nine months of his life. HALLORAN CENTRE, AUGUST 14

GREASE Grease is the word in this iconic musical. THEATRE MEMPHIS, AUGUST 16–SEPTEMBER 8

RIDE THE CYCLONE Six high-school choir members have died on a faulty rollercoaster. A mechanical fortuneteller offers one of them the chance to return to life. GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATRE, AUGUST 16–SEPTEMBER 1

WAITRESS Jenna, a skilled pie maker and waitress, is trapped in a loveless marriage and a small town with an unexpected pregnancy, but a baking contest gives her hope for something more. PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE, AUGUST 16–SEPTEMBER 15

MEMPHIS CHICKEN & BEER FESTIVAL If you appreciate your chicken fried, a cold beer on a Saturday night, a pair of jeans that ﬁt just right, and the radio up, you’ll appreciate the Memphis Chicken & Beer Fest where you can get all that — except the jeans; you’ll have to ﬁgure that out yourself. SIMMONS BANK LIBERTY STADIUM FIELD, AUGUST 17

SHOP BLACK FEST Connect with and shop from Black-owned small businesses at the Shop Black Fest. RIVERSIDE DR., AUGUST 17

PJ MORTON The ﬁve-time Grammywinning soul singer, songwriter, performer, producer, and Maroon 5’s full-time keyboardist for the past 12plus years comes to Memphis. ORPHEUM THEATRE, AUGUST 18

THE CONCERT: A TRIBUTE TO ABBA For over two decades, The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA continues to be the leading ABBA tribute tour in the world. GRACELAND SOUNDSTAGE, AUGUST 22

SAM HUNT Sam Hunt takes the stage for the Live at the Garden concert series. RADIANS AMPHITHEATER, MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, AUGUST 23

FEAST ON THE FARM ELVIS WEEK COMPILED

SIERRA FERRELL WITH NICK SHOULDERS (SHELL YEAH! BENEFIT SERIES) One of the brightest young luminaries in roots music today, Sierra Ferrell brings a dose of beautifully strange magic to everything she touches. OVERTON PARK SHELL, AUGUST 24

SPLASHIN’ FOR A CAUSE Guests will spend a special evening at the Monogram Foods Love Kids Foundation Splash Park and Event Center. There you can interact with and marvel at the amazing Dusky gopher frogs and so much more. MEMPHIS ZOO, AUGUST 24

Ice Cream Made Ice Cream Made with with Soul. Soul.

Find Kaye’s Ice Cream

Cordelia’s Market South Point Grocery High Point Grocery Curbside Casserole Muddy’s Bakeshop Sweet LaLa’s

WHET THURSDAY The Metal Museum hosts a free after-hours event with demonstrations, admission to the galleries, food, and drink. METAL MUSEUM, AUGUST 29, 5–8 P.M.

CANDLELIGHT: A TRIBUTE TO BEYONCÉ

Discover the music of Beyoncé in a live, multi-sensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight. MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART, AUGUST 30

MONONEON (ORION FREE CONCERT SERIES) MonoNeon is an American bassist and experimental musician from Memphis, Tennessee. OVERTON PARK SHELL, AUGUST 30

To suggest an event for future editions of Out and About, email abigail@ memphismagazine.com.

Hosting a special event? We have you covered from party packs for 12 to ice cream socials for up to 100+ guests.

2089 Winchester Rd. Memphis, TN 38116 901-609-5451 www.kayesicecream.com

M J WASSER

JOHN FOGERTY

MEMPHIS CHICKEN & BEER FESTIVAL SAM HUNT

LIZ STORY

My Memphis

Acity is to be shared. Roughly a million people live in what we might call “Greater Memphis,” a hub that stretches east to Germantown and Collierville, and even across state borders (and a mighty river) if we include West Memphis and Southaven. But here’s the charm of a city as distinctive as Memphis, Tennessee: It’s a diﬀerent home for every one of us.

ere are residents of Midtown who feel like they need to pack a suitcase if they travel east of Highland. Likewise, some East Memphians schedule trips Downtown like a special event. What makes Memphis home for you? If you had to identify one place or thing that makes the Bluﬀ City singular, what would it be?

We asked eight writers to deﬁne “My Memphis” in a single essay. While it’s impossible to answer such a challenge on a single page, it’s a start. And we hope it reminds you of a place (or thing) that makes this amazing city your home too.

Feel free to share your version of “My Memphis” with us. You can email letters@ memphismagazine.com.

Memphis Listening Lab

Long ago and not so far away, at the old main branch of the Memphis Public Library, I discovered a trove of LP records, free to check out and carry home. Today, most of the library’s holdings have been digitized, and most library patrons would lack the equipment to play LPs at home anyway; only a handful of vinyl records remain in the library’s catalog. But the spirit of those magical shelves lives on, loud and clear, in the Memphis Listening Lab (MLL), housed within Crosstown Concourse.

What the MLL lacks in portability (you can’t check out anything) it makes up for in eclecticism and expansiveness. Founded in 2021, the massive vault ﬁ lls several walls of its sleekly designed rooms on the second ﬂoor of the Concourse. And it’s not just vinyl records: At its founding the Lab boasted 12,000 LPs, 30,000 45s, 20,000 CDs, and about a thousand music books, not to mention assorted photos, tapes, and ephemera. What’s more, it was launched with the donated collection of one man, John King, who helped create Ardent Studios with friends John Fry and Fred Smith back in 1959. As it turned out, not only did the three lads (especially John Fry) love recording, they loved radio and they loved records.

Before John King’s death in 2022, Sherman Willmott knew how deeply King loved music. “He grew up with rock-and-roll, chasing the records,” he says. “Whether it was him taking the bus downtown to the Home of the Blues record shop on Beale, or later with Terry Manning and their buddies getting on the phone to order Beatles records from England, he was very aggressive and determined to get whatever it was he was searching for.”

A career in record promotion and radio fed King’s deter-

mination, until he amassed a personal library that dwarfed nearly any public archive. Just don’t call it a collection. “I call it his life’s work,” says Willmott. “But it wasn’t about him. It was about placing that collection into the best situation possible. He was searching for the proper place for it to end up, where it would get the most public use.”

Prescient enough to create a home for his life’s work, King, with the help of Willmott and others, was able to manifest a space where the records could not only be archived, but experienced. Turntables line one wall of windows overlooking the Concourse’s plaza, and locally made EgglestonWorks speakers — some of the world’s ﬁnest — ﬁll the MLL’s rooms with sound. Moreover, the lab hosts listening sessions where music fans can experience albums both old and new, and even hear from the artists who made them. And while the records stay put, a computer room facilitates the recording of any music that you simply must take with you.

I used to mourn the elimination of those obscure shelves in the public library as a sure sign of civilization’s decline, but no more. anks to John King and the MLL, I have to admit it’s getting better — a little better all time. — Alex Greene

The Summer Drive-In

In the mid-twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters dotted the American landscape. As car ownership increased and the suburbs expanded, the drive-in was a place where families could get together for a ﬂick and a picnic, without having to hire a babysitter or drive too far from home.

And as readers of a certain age know, along with family fun, young couples could get some time alone at the drivein, as memorialized in the Everly Brothers’ 1957 hit “Wake Up Little Suzie.” The drive-in represented egalitarian entertainment, a place where you could see the latest movie on your own terms. While highbrow fare like On the Waterfront was welcome in the era’s cavernous film palaces, drive-in audiences embraced B movies and cheap thrills: Think It Came from Outer Space .

As the decades passed, multiplexes with their smaller theaters and more choices supplanted movie palaces, and drive-ins fell out of favor. e ones that escaped closure were relegated to cheap, often violent, exploitation and grindhouse pictures — and occasionally, as surprising as this may seem for an outdoor venue, pornography. By the time David Bowie sang “Drive-In Saturday” in 1973, the song had an air of nostalgia. At their peak in the mid-’50s, there were more than 4,100 drive-in theaters in America. By the late 1980s, there were fewer than 200.

One amusement company which never fell out of love with the drive-in was Memphis’ own Malco eatres. e Summer Drive-In originally opened in 1948, a brainchild of future Holiday Inn magnate Kemmons Wilson. Malco later bought it, as the theater chain expanded, and in 1966, they closed the original location and moved it to 5310 Summer Avenue.

By 1988, it expanded to four screens, a rare drive-in multiplex that can accommodate up to 2,000 cars. It would prove to be the harbinger of a drive-in revival which began in the early 1990s and continues to this day. In the early 2000s, theater owners were forced to install digital projectors, and many of the drive-ins that remained open were closed by owners who didn’t want to deal with the expense. But not Malco. ey installed four giant digital projectors, and the drive-in lived on. During the 2020 Covid pandemic, it would prove to be a fortuitous decision. For almost two years, it was the only active theater in the Malco chain, playing host to both the Indie Memphis Film Festival and the Southeast regional edition of the Sundance Film Festival.

Today, the Summer Drive-In holds a special place in the hearts of Memphians. The filmgoing experience can be truly communal, with carloads of families and friends breaking out the camp chairs and blasting the film soundtrack from their car radios. This is especially true during the monthly Time Warp Drive-In programs, first sponsored by Memphis’ last video store, Black Lodge, and filmmaker/artist Mike McCarthy. The Time Warp programs themed tripleand sometimes quadruple-features, like this month’s Comic Book Sinister program featuring Sin City, Watchmen , and The Crow, all for just $25 per auto. The drive-in remains one of Memphis’ best and simplest treasures. — Chris McCoy

Crystal Shrine Grotto

Thousands of names fill page after page in the guestbook, visitors drawn here from every state in the Union, and many foreign countries as well. Herbert from Germany wrote, “Wonderful” and Luanna from Brazil scribbled “Amazing!” Eva from Kentucky said, “I have visited this place for 55 years — my entire life. ank you for taking such care of it.” And Brad from Australia commented, “I needed to see and feel this.”

ey’ve all come to the Crystal Shrine Grotto, a manmade cavern with every surface studded with quartz crystals and brightly colored stones, and a corridor lined with tableaux presenting ten scenes from the life of Jesus Christ. Outside is the hollowed-out Abraham’s Oak, footbridges, benches, fountains, and more — all seemingly formed from tree trunks or limbs, but actually cast from tinted concrete with details that include realistic-looking bark and worm holes.

is unique complex, which RoadsideAmerica.com claims “everyone enjoys for its quirky novelty,” was the creation of Mexican artist Dionicio Rodriquez. For eight years, he worked with a former insurance company executive, E. Clovis Hinds, in a rather unlikely setting — the heart of Memorial Park Cemetery in East Memphis. Historians aren’t sure how the two gentlemen came together. In the 1920s, Hinds bought 54 acres of land along Highway 72 (Poplar Avenue) on the outskirts of Memphis and hired landscape architects to design a new kind of cemetery, with bronze grave markers mounted ﬂush with the ground so they wouldn’t impede the lovely view of the rolling hills, dotted with mature oaks and pines. Rodriguez had crafted benches, arches, bridges, and other “natural” features for parks, restaurants, and private homes throughout Mexico and Texas. In the early 1930s, somehow he made his way to Memphis, where he added his distinctive faux bois (fake wood) creations to Memorial Park.

In 1935, he began his masterpiece. Working alone, he scooped out a 60-foot cave in the side of a hill and adorned it with tons of rocks and crystals hauled from a quarry outside Jasper, Arkansas. He never spoke to reporters, draped tarps around his work, and discarded leftover materials, so nobody could learn his secret for molding, forming, and dyeing the cement to resemble real wood. He installed the religious scenes during the eight years he worked here, with local artists David Day and Luther Hampton later adding statues and religious symbols carved from wood, stone, and plaster. e result is something almost beyond description. It’s a religious shrine with traditional Christian iconography — but surrounded by scenes that are … otherworldly. Outside the Grotto is the tranquil Pool of Hebron, the tomblike Cave of Machpelah with its Egyptian murals, and the Garden of the Gods, surrounded by fantastic 50foot spires of tinted cement that resemble something visitors might ﬁnd on another planet.

Memphis has always been known for attracting people who draw outside the lines. They take a concept — music (Elvis, of course) or logistics (FedEx) — and carry it to a higher plane.

Dionicio Rodriguez, working with a cemetery owner who shared his vision, left us with a highly personal creation that attracts admirers from around the globe. A visitor from Nevada summed up the experience with her guestbook comment: “Beautiful and majestic energy here!” — Michael Finger

Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge

Seventeen miles north of Marion, Arkansas, just across the Mississippi River from Memphis, lies another world — the Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge, a place where you can see the Mississippi Delta in a near-primeval state. While it’s not in Memphis proper, it’s been a part of “my Memphis” since I ﬁrst visited the place in 1996.

To put yourself in the proper frame of mind, I recommend taking the first exit after you cross the I-40 bridge — Mound City Road. Follow it into Marion and take a right on Highway 77 at the first light. Two lazy lanes wind along the west side of the Mississippi levee and the accompanying railroad tracks, passing through the not-so-thriving burg of Jericho, where Joshua probably never “fit” the battle, to where Highway 42 enters from the west. Take a right under the railroad tracks and you’ll see the WNWR sign.

Grab a brochure/map at the ranger’s cabin or just download one on your phone. Wapanocca’s 5,600 acres include hardwood forests, cypress swamps, grasslands, and a 500-acre oxbow lake that was part of the Mississippi River more than 5,000 years ago. On the south end of the lake, several hundred members of the Pacaha tribe lived in a village and grew corn, beans, and squash in nearby ﬁelds and no doubt ﬁshed the fertile waters of the lake.

In 1886, the lake and the surrounding land were bought by a group of Memphis waterfowl hunters, who formed the Wapanocca Outing Club, and used the place for hunting and ﬁshing. Nash Buckingham, a noted Memphis outdoor writer (1880-1971), joined the group after the turn of the century and spearheaded several conservation eﬀorts, including urging the passage of the 1918 Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the

founding of the Wapanocca National Wildlife Refuge in 1961.

Because of its strategic location in the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, the refuge is a prime wintering and resting area for migratory waterfowl. I recommend a drive to the observation deck during the fall migration. e lake’s surface and the air above it ﬁll with thousands of ducks, Canada geese, snow geese, swans, great blue herons, bald eagles, anhingas, and other waterfowl. e cacophonous sound is exhilarating, astonishing. e sky is alive with motion.

But every season brings its own beauty to Wapanocca, which has 12.5 miles of well-maintained gravel roads. (I say every car needs a good dusting now and then.) You’ll see algae-covered sloughs with cruising gar and carp and basking turtles, dark forests, open fields, and lots of swampland. There’s also a 1.5-mile kayak trail, which is dense and magical.

e observation platform on the east side of the lake is a “don’t miss” destination. It’s a boardwalk over a cypress swamp and a great place to get a sense of the lake’s enormity (and an excellent spot for bird-watching (or listening). It’s also a good place to speculate about what’s causing those large, noisy splashes in the surrounding swamp. My money is on alligators. e most recent sighting at Wapanocca was in October 2023. I told you it was primeval. — Bruce VanWyngarden

A. Schwab

My 10-year-old granddaughter and I strolled into A. Schwab and did a long, slow take, turning around slowly and looking near, far, high, and low. “It’s all so random,” she observed. We had ﬁrst gawked through the windows at 163 Beale Street, taking note of the astonishing array of stuﬀ — pardon me, dry goods — that promises on its neatly painted window sign to have music, keepsakes, and clothing.

Does it ever.

It’s not so much a place you go to get what you want as it is a place to ﬁnd what you never imagined you needed. It has practical items, sure, like the Public Toilet Survival Kit. And those are right next to the meerschaum pipes and Hillbilly Bubble Bath.

ey know what you want, even before you do, since the store has been there since 1876. at’s almost 150 years of customer research.

e store’s inventory is eclectic. Hats, plushies, novelty socks, Interstate Barbecue tiles, back scratchers, overalls, something called Bacon Balm, LOTS of T-shirts, ukuleles and harmonicas, salves and slippers.

If you need something for that hard-to-please someone, then quit overthinking it: Simply stand in the middle of the store, close your eyes, and point. Whatever you’ve ﬁngered, buy it. It might be a pop culture lunchbox, or some rubber duckies done up as celebrities (Jurassic Quack, Aviary Grande), or a set of chatter teeth.

Overwhelmed yet? You can always adjourn to the 50-foot marble counter and settle in with a waﬄe cone or frosted

shake. Yes, they have soda jerks. And after that, head upstairs to the Beale Street museum for a bit of time travel.

Keeping in mind that it’s a Beale Street ﬁxture, you’ll ﬁnd all manner of touristy souvenirs. Prominently featured is a Weekly Elvis Special display. And Sun Studio and Stax signs are strewn about. ank you verra much.

Elsewhere, visit the Moon Pie section including wearables and a 550-piece jigsaw puzzle, or check out a Masonic display cluster with white gloves, a member’s manual, novelty license plate, and caps.

Schwab is the place where the memes you see today were born. ere’s a collection of signage with such bon mots as: “Alexa, fold my laundry.” And “Too old for Snapchat … too young for Life Alert.” And “I laughed so hard, tears ran down my leg.” As you can see, when it comes to tastefulness, A. Schwab is somewhere between Babcock Gifts and Spencer’s at Wolfchase.

In other words, it’s weird, it’s fun, it’s air-conditioned, it’s historic. And it’s packed with a memorable Memphis mix of … stuﬀ. — Jon W. Sparks

Larry Finch Plaza

Symbols are important to a city, and this is especially the case with public statues. Memphis could not become the city it strives to be until statues of Jeﬀerson Davis and Nathan Bedford Forrest — icons of the Confederacy — came down. And they ﬁnally did in December 2017. Less than four years later, on October 28, 2021, a new statue was unveiled on the South Campus at the University of Memphis. Rising for a jump shot in his bronze prime as a Tiger basketball player is Larry Finch. e centerpiece of what we now call Larry Finch Plaza, the statue makes Memphis a better version of itself, and lifts me with every glance I take. A drive to the airport — south on Getwell, right by this plaza — has become a new kind of joy.

Plans for the commemoration were announced by University of Memphis president David Rudd in the fall of 2018, only to have a pandemic interrupt and delay construction. But there’s something perfectly cosmic about the last man to wear number 21 as a Tiger being saluted in the year 2021, shortly before his alma mater’s basketball season began.

Current Tiger coach Penny Hardaway — an All-America player during Finch’s days as head coach — needed several minutes to catch his breath for remarks before a gathering of friends and supporters at the unveiling. We lost Finch much too soon, in 2011, but Larry Finch Plaza brings a form of life and yes, chokes up those of us impacted by the man’s 60 years in Memphis.

e plaza includes four weatherproof panels with photos and descriptions of Finch at various stages: “ e Beginning,” “ e Player,” “ e Coach,” and “ e Leader.” It’s a reminder of how one life can lift so many others, whether it’s near

a basketball court or not. (For some perspective, consider that Hardaway was older when he coached his first college game than Larry Finch was when he coached his last.) But the statue itself — sculpted by William Behrends — is the jaw-dropper. In full flight, Finch has the basketball primed for release, his eyes on the target, as confident as all his fans that two points will follow.

I like to sit on the brick bench that surrounds the statue, little more than 100 yards from the Laurie-Walton Family Basketball Center where Hardaway now trains players with hopes of approximating Larry Finch’s glorious time in blue and gray. is is where symbols are also important. We must live in the moment, all of us. All the while steering our hopes and dreams toward a future mostly unknown. But when the right kind of man — even that man’s statue — reminds us how high we might jump ourselves? Well, that target seems closer than ever. — Frank Murtaugh

The Old Forest

Afew months back, I visited a magazine-writing class at Rhodes College where I was to share my dubious wisdom as the editor of this publication; to my simultaneous delight and mortiﬁcation, the students had read much of what I’ve published in Memphis Magazine and came prepared with questions. One woman raised her hand and asked, “I noticed that in your column, you often write about nature, especially Overton Park — is there a reason behind that?” It ought to have been the easiest question that day, but I found myself pausing for a beat too long, wondering: Do I mention the Old Forest too much? Am I a broken record? Do readers think I live in a tree? (Note to self: Research how to live in a tree.)

Eventually, I remember mumbling something like, “Well, I spend a lot of time there, and I guess I find the forest kind of … emotionally centering, so it just … ends up in my column a lot?”

What I should have said is more along the lines of this: The Old Forest is an oasis, a respite, a refuge, a gift, and it’s a huge part of what makes Memphis feel like home to me. It’s where I learned to run on trails, and to ride a bike, and even, briefly, to swing a golf club.

Classic story: In the mid-’90s, biking on the paved trails through the forest, my eagle-eyed father spotted a wad of cash on the ground, a man booking it into the woods, and a police car in hot pursuit. He rightly suspected a small-scale drug bust, swooped down to grab the green, and hollered at me to keep biking. He spent the few hundred dollars on two sets of golf clubs — to use on Overton’s nine-hole course. (I was atrocious .)

Disappearing into the trees, I fi nd myself waking up to the seasons in all their detail in a way that’s nearly impossible on the paved streets of Memphis. In the early spring, ephemeral flowers come into bloom in delicate, lacy waves — phlox, toothwort, mayapple — then vanish into summer’s lush green. Come autumn, the forest glows like stained glass, or ancient amber lit from within. On a snow day, the trails sparkle, diamond-strewn, and an impossible hush falls. Most cities have parks. But most cities don’t have lovingly preserved old-growth forests nestled amid densely urban areas. For the better part of the past 40 years(!), I’ve spent time among these trees, and it still feels like a magic trick to me: that I can drive two miles from home, walk into the Old Forest, and feel utterly removed from time, from work, from worry, and grow briefly, deliciously lost in the woods. Which is why I write about the place so much.

— Anna Traverse

The Dixon Gallery and Gardens

On my apartment wall hangs a painting of a woman in a suit with a top hat and a monocle. She’s quite sophisticated — I stare at her from time to time when I need to share one of those looks that only two women know how to share. She’s always in view. I painted this woman of mine. Well, I might’ve forged her.

I ﬁrst saw her on display at e Dixon Gallery and Gardens as part of their “Sweet 16” exhibit in 2022. Something about the original lithograph caught my eye, so I took a picture with my phone and painted my own little version, with a few of my own touches, so it’s not a complete counterfeit. (In researching this article, I’ve learned that the original, by Swedish artist Einar Nerman actually features a man, speciﬁcally e Man Who Does Whatever Comes to His Mind, but it’s my house so I’ll have e Woman Who Does Whatever Comes to Her Mind.)

But the art on my walls will never compare to the Dixon’s collection — some 2,000 objects, including French and American Impressionist paintings and signiﬁcant holdings of German and English porcelain. I’ve gotten up close (but not too close) to oil paintings by Monet and Degas. In addition to displaying these works on a rotating basis, the museum presents eight to 10 exhibitions every year, usually three at a time — one a survey of some kind in the Main Galleries, one a show of a local contemporary artist’s work in the Mallory and Wurtzburger Galleries, and one an interactive gallery, which isn’t just for the kids.

On display now until September 29th are “Southern/ Modern: 1913–1955,” which celebrates art in the American South from the first half of the twentieth century; “2023 Wilson Fellowship,” which features work produced by the

museum’s recent collaboration with Wilson, Arkansas; and “On Paper,” an interactive exhibition that highlights paper as a medium.

With such a variety, it’s easy to lose track of time as you move room to room in what once was the private estate of Margaret Oates Dixon and Hugo Norton Dixon, who lived there for some 35 years, during which they accrued quite the collection of French Impressionist paintings. By the time of their deaths in 1974, they bequeathed their home, art, and gardens to the city of Memphis. And in 1976, the Dixon opened as a museum, and Memphis has been grateful ever since.

Today, the museum stands on a 17-acre campus, which includes the highly regarded public garden, full of formal spaces, woodland tracts, and cutting gardens, equally as beautiful as the art in the galleries and worth as much of your time. Best of all, admission to the Dixon is free, staying true to Margaret and Hugo Dixon’s legacy of sharing art and culture with Memphians.

Each time I visit, I take those little cards with art they distribute to accompany the exhibits. I hang them around my room in a sort of poor woman’s gallery wall for those days when I just need to see a little bit of art and can’t get away. But they’re always a reminder to go back, and I will, and so should you. — Abigail Morici

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VISUAL ARTS

LETTING IN THE LIGHT : HISTORIC

CLAYBORN

TEMPLE’S NEW STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS TELL THE STORY OF OUR CITY’S PAST, WITH A LOOK TOWARD THE FUTURE.

BY ABIGAIL MORICI

In the Historic Clayborn Temple’s stained-glass windows, visitors see the faces of Larry Payne, T.O. Jones, Cornelia Crenshaw, Maxine Smith, and Rev. James Lawson — all key players in the 1968 Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike. ey’ll see the faces of those who marched in the famous strike, those whose names might not have made their way into history books (absent is the movement’s most famous face, that of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), but who made up the Civil Rights Movement, nonetheless, paving the way for future generations.

“It felt important to me that a regular, everyday person could walk by and see a regular, everyday person in those windows and say, ‘Oh, I can do that too,’” said Anasa Troutman, Clayborn’s executive director, at a talk about the windows at Evergreen Presbyterian Church on April 16th, the anniversary of the ﬁnal day of the Sanitation Workers Strike. “‘I can have a voice too. I can be an agent for change too.’ … e thing about

movements that are so powerful is they are made up of everyday people. And they are in our windows; every single one of those faces is an actual, real person. And some of those people, we don’t even remember their names.”

The stained-glass windows, installed on December 22, 2023, are a major part of the restoration of Historic Clayborn Temple, built in 1891. Since 1968, it has been most famous for having served as the headquarters of the

Memphis Sanitation Workers Strike. In 1999, when the church’s membership had declined, Clayborn closed and fell into disrepair, remaining vacant for almost two decades. e ultimate goal of the project is to continue the legacy of the strikers’ dedication to the community, by transforming the former church into a performance space, gallery, event venue, and a museum — where all are welcome.

Goals like that take time, though. Even completing the stained glass took two years from conception to installation. “We have these three incredible, humongous stainedglass windows,” Troutman said during her talk at Evergreen. “One of which was about 98 percent original, so we left it alone. It was restored. But the other two have been damaged because of the break in the truss of the building. So, the roof caves in, and the walls get pushed out and the windows crumble. And what that gave us was a wonderful opportunity, because when you’re doing historic preservation, anything that is there, you have to restore, and anything that is damaged or missing, you get to reimagine. And we got to reimagining. …

“How do we allow the building to speak for

herself?” Troutman continued. “And how can we integrate storytelling from the very foundation of what we’re doing into the actual ﬁber of the building? e stories that we choose to tell are very intentional at Clayborn Temple, and they’re very important. It’s almost like we will never reach our mission if we don’t start with the right story. And so when we looked at that building and the possibility of storytelling, it was so, so obvious that our most powerful possibility was in those windows.”

Clayborn solicited ideas from local artists, and a committee selected the work of Lonnie Robinson and Sharday Michelle — Robinson, established in his career in Memphis, and Michelle, a relative newcomer to the arts scene who has since moved to Florida. “ e reason why we went with two artists,” Troutman said, “was because we couldn’t choose between the two of them.”

Lonnie Robinson has painted portraits that hang in City Hall, Hattiloo eatre, and the Halloran Centre. He’s designed the stained glass for Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church. But this project is diﬀerent. “It has that history,” he says.

When he submitted his sketch — of the ﬁve activists, each in their own panel, and of the strikers marching in an almost heavenly procession — he was thinking of those in his family who came before him. “My parents were active in the movement,” he says. “My grandmother and mother both were active in the sense that I know they participated in at least one of the marches. ey were aware and supportive of the story in their own way. I know that was part of how I wrote the story, is through them and wanting to really be a part of it through that.”

And art has always been Robinson’s way of participating in the world, even since he was 4 or 5 years old. “I remember my mom said to me: ‘It’s a responsibility. You got to give.’” ese windows are, in a way, giving back, immortalizing the strikers and leaders in a way that was once reserved only for holy ﬁgures — this is stained glass in a sanctuary, after all. As the artist puts it, the portraits are “almost like a level of canonizing these people because of what was sacriﬁced on their part.”

T.O. Jones, Cornelia Crenshaw, Maxine Smith, and Rev. James Lawson all proved pivotal in the strike. Jones became head of the

Lonnie Robinson hand-created each of his panels, using reference photos and a new-to-him process of infusing stained glass.

local chapter of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, and helped organized the strikes. Crenshaw was a well-known community activist. Smith was the longtime director of the local branch of the NAACP. Lawson, pastor of Centenary Methodist Church in Memphis, established the Committee on the Move to Equality, and invited his good friend, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., to Memphis to help with the protests and lead the march on City Hall.

Larry Payne, one of the five commemorated, sacrificed his life at only 16. After one of the marches downtown, he was killed by a Memphis police officer. “ is was really a way of making their legacies more profound,” Robinson says. “And to be a part of that was a big thing for me.”

“Being told the story of Larry Payne and having a really poor reference photo — it was a copy of a copy of a copy and then still being able to do enough that his family was happy with the piece," he says. " at was really my goal — that their families would be happy with the commemorative.”

At the talk at Evergreen Presbyterian Church, Vasco A. “Smitty” Smith III, Maxine Smith’s son, spoke briefly about seeing his mother in Clayborn’s window. “I marched from Clayborn Temple many times as a kid, and I’ve never been there since that time,” he said, but when he returned to see his mother’s image, he became emotional.

“ ere are a lot of images of my mother, but when I saw this — by far the best. … I know it sounds corny. It comes out in the art. And I’m sitting here in awe about the process. But for him to make such a wonderful likeness with a diﬃcult medium over a long period of time. It’s the fact that he brought out her spirit, soul, feeling, personality. … All the work you’ve done, I mean, it’s amazing.”

Indeed, for this project, Robinson had to learn to work with stained glass, speciﬁcally

the arduous and time-consuming infused-glass process. Unlike faceted glass, which is cut and chipped and arranged side by side, Robinson says, infusing glass is almost like drawing. “ at means we’re doing glass on glass, and we’re putting that in a kiln, and ﬁring it, and infusing it all together. en we have to do that three or four times.

“I had to become a stained-glass artist. I knew that I wanted to learn this medium. is is something I wanted to be able to put in my portfolio.”

All of the glass work was done at Pearl River Glass Studio in Jackson, Mississippi, but it was important to Troutman that Robinson and Sharday Michelle learned the medium. A big sticking point has been the I AM A MAN Plaza, right outside the building — “It’s so beautiful. We love it so much,” Troutman says, but the artist who designed the sculptural piece is not from Memphis nor is he Black.

“And when I asked the folks who made the decision about why there was not a local artist and why the artist was not Black,” she says, “what I got as an answer was, ‘ ere are no Black artists in Memphis who can do public art, scaled work.’ And so when we started to look at the windows, I had to reverse-engineer. Like, how do I make sure that some white guy from Spokane is not making our windows?

“And so when we met Andrew Young, who is in charge of Pearl River Glass, my negotiation with him was: I will give you this job, but when you leave Memphis, there have to be Memphis Black artists who know how to do this work.”

And now there are.

Recognizing the current moment and looking to the future is as much a part of Clayborn’s mission as reflecting on the past. While Robinson’s stained-glass panels exalt the past, Michelle’s portray protest signs of the present and the future, with lilies, often a symbol of rebirth, ﬂanking them, as if to suggest that through these notions of dignity and Black abundance Memphis can be reborn into a new kind of Eden. When taken in totality, the stained glass captures a renewed sense of hope, a hope that once propelled a movement and will inspire the next. As Robinson reflects, “I’m proud that we were able to capture the essence of such a historical event in time. I told my son I really wanted to have work that he could show his kids. I feel like I’m getting there. I want to have more, but I’m proud that this work will certainly be there for him to do that.”

e next phase of the Historic Clayborn Temple Restoration Project is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024 or ﬁrst quarter of 2025 and will focus on the interior structural elements, including the church sanctuary and original pipe organ. At the end of June, Congressman Steve Cohen announced that $2,500,000 had been awarded to the project as a part of the federal Transportation and Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act.

The windows in the Historic Clayborn Temple house Sharday Michelle’s and Lonnie Robinson’s designs side by side.

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BOOKS

THE ART OF MYSTERY: SUSAN BACON’S THE ART COLLECTOR TELLS A TRAGIC TALE OF CONSEQUENCES, FAMILY, AND CONTEMPORARY ART.

BY JESSE DAVIS

ITINKER, TAILOR, COPYWRITER, NOVELIST

Bacon began her writing career far from fiction. (“Bacon” is a pen name for Susan Dynerman. We will use “Bacon” for the purpose of this review.) She worked as a journalist (including for this magazine), an award-winning copywriter, a writer of nonfiction works, and a ghostwriter. Her career has taken her from Delaware to Memphis to New York to Washington, D.C., and back to the Bluff City. A few years ago, she wrote her first novel e History Teacher (Porter Street Press, 2019). In 2020, Bacon received an Independent Book Publisher (IPPY) Award for e History Teacher.

“I came from the Northeast. e South, to me, was full of surprises,” Bacon says. ere was a romance to the region, though, and she couldn’t help but feel the call of storytelling. Her second novel contains a number of scenes in Memphis and in Plantersville, Mississippi. e descriptions evoke a sense of discovery and fascination that reads not unlike someone experiencing a setting for the ﬁrst time.

“ is is all like putting together a puzzle,” Bacon says of her process. “It’s fed by the research and also the things I’ve done and known about in the past. And then also, because this is a sequel to the first novel, that influences it as well. … en there are all these little pieces from stories that I wrote years ago when I first moved to Memphis.”

Bacon’s travels are put to good use in the novel, as Emma hops from city to city, or in chapters narrated by Seal, which take place in the past. e author imbues the work with a sense of place; the reader will feel equally grounded in a sprawling Southern farm, a Manhattan apartment, or e Peabody in downtown Memphis.

“The Memphis pieces were significant to me,” Bacon tells me over the phone, but the admission is hardly necessary. e Memphis chapters are alive with the sounds and smells of the region.

THE PRICE OF SUCCESS

N“The challenge is to write about real things magically.”

— RAYMOND CHANDLER

t all begins simply enough. There is a stranger, then a break-in. ere is a crime, a body, a mystery to be solved. So begins Memphis author Susan Bacon’s second novel, The Art Collector

When Professor Emma Quinn’s friend and neighbor, Seal Larson, a photographer with Memphis roots, is murdered, Emma ﬁnds herself enmeshed in a web of deceit, money, art, and Southern history. Bacon deftly maneuvers the reader through present-day chapters and those set in the past, juggling locations and characters, and crafting a compelling page-turner in the process.

o spoilers here,” I wrote of e History Teacher for the Memphis Flyer some few years ago, “but this is no tea-cozy mystery devoid of real consequences and implications. e novel examines the cost of privilege and wealth — and the interconnected worlds of politics, business, and high society. It’s well worth a read.”

e same is equally true, if not more so, for e Art Collector. Bacon’s work examines the dirty underbelly of seemingly cultured and respectable institutions, with a special focus on the depredation of the vulnerable by the wealthy and well-connected. In this sense, there is an air of social criticism to Bacon’s work, and rightly so. e hardboiled genre has always had its roots ﬁrmly planted in the examination of societal ills.

“I’m calling it a mystery,” the author says of her newest book. “I use the mystery as a framework or a hook to talk about the things I want to talk about.” Indeed, Bacon clearly feels compelled to ask certain questions: What is the cost of wealth? Who pays the price?

Even the choice of protagonist is a political one, if viewed from the proper perspective. Bacon’s private eye is, in fact, not private at all. Rather, Emma Quinn is a professor and researcher; she teaches history at Columbia University. She is competent and capable, and she neatly sidesteps many of the foibles of her fictional contemporaries. Emma is not nearly as hard-living as Philip Marlowe or Sam Spade, and that affords her a level of credibility and morality that those senior sleuths somehow seem to get by without.

“Emma was mesmerized by the twinkling lights along the alleyway. They were like fireflies off in the distance, or the sticks of punk that kids used to wave in circles on the Fourth of July, burning like the tips of lit cigarettes,” Bacon writes. The ethereal lights quickly lose their luster when Seal hisses at Emma that the lights are the burning ends of crack pipes. “Not so pretty when you know what they are,” Seal tells Emma, and that sentence says so much about the soul of The Art Collector.

The novel struggles with the proximity — and, sometimes, interdependence — of great beauty and devastating horrors. It’s a worthy struggle, and it takes courage to look clearly at the ugly underside of a beautiful world.

WRITING WITH PASSION ABOUT INTERESTS

Vladimir Nabokov was a noted lepidopterist, or butterfly collector, and butterfly imagery shows up in his work. James Joyce’s encyclopedic knowledge of Dublin so informed his works that the Irish expatriate author never stopped writing about the city, long after he left it. Patricia Highsmith kept snails, and it will surprise no one who has found themselves tongue-tied by the Elvish names in The Lord of the Rings to learn that J.R.R. Tolkien possessed a mania for the invention of languages.

Writers are, perhaps more than most people, subject to deeply felt, intense interests. Susan Dynerman’s (a.k.a. Bacon’s) Are Our Kids All Right? Answers to the Tough Questions About Childcare Today is an early example of the author’s interests influencing her written works. She was an advocate for enlightened family leave and child-care policies, and contributed stories to The Washington Post to that effect. So it should be no surprise that her interest in art was fed by research for The Art Collector

That passion for art had been percolating for some time before she began work on her newest novel. She was drawn deeper into the world of fine art when she interviewed Carroll Cloar

years ago for a magazine feature, and her art appreciation has only grown since then.

“I have artist friends and I’ve been collecting from people my whole life,” Bacon says. She stresses that the fame of the artist or financial value of the pieces in her collection is not the driving factor for her as a collector. Instead, she simply enjoys the art of expression.

Her background in history and journalism has prepared her well for the massive amount of research that can go into writing a novel. So, fueled by a love of art and armed with the grit to get the work done, Bacon interviewed

Memphis collectors, gallery owners, and artists who worked in the scene at the time. She read Michael Shnayerson’s Boom: Mad Money, Mega Dealers, and the Rise of Contemporary Art, about the history and inner dealings of the contemporary art market.

“This was a vehicle for me to explore [art] more and learn more about artists I hadn’t heard about before,” Bacon says with a laugh. “That’s the fun of it. If I’m not going to learn something, what’s the point?”

Susan Bacon will discuss the art collector at Novel bookstore on Sunday, September 15, at 2 p.m.

Way Home

WHO’S WHO

OUR ANNUAL GUIDE TO OUR CITY’S MOVERS, SHAKERS, AND OTHER NEWS-MAKERS.

To understand Memphis, you need to understand the cast of characters who make our community distinctive. is year’s “Who’s Who” list includes people who have shaped this city in the past and who will play important roles in its future. Not every noteworthy Memphian appears on this list — but by reading about those who do, you’ll glean a broad sense of our complex history, commerce, and culture.

ARTS

BIRDCAP Michael Roy, better known as Birdcap, has made his mark around the world with bright, poppy, cartoony public murals, but the artist calls Memphis his home. Here, it’s not hard to ﬁnd his work, readily visible at places like Eclectic Eye, the Art Center, Barboro Alley, the Exchange Building, and Broad Avenue. This spring, he had his ﬁrst solo gallery exhibition, “Iliumpta,” a retelling of Homer’s Iliad, on display at Crosstown Arts.

CRAIG BREWER The Poor & Hungry, Brewer’s homegrown 2000 debut, was a landmark in the digital filmmaking revolution. In 2005, his first Hollywood movie Hustle & Flow put Memphis rap on the map and gave the Grizzlies their fight song. Has partnered with Samuel L. Jackson (Black Snake Moan, 2007) and Eddie Murphy (Dolemite Is My Name, 2009; Coming 2 America, 2021); updated Footloose; and helped reboot Tarzan. In 2015, re-teamed with Hustle co-stars Terrance Howard and Taraji P. Henson on the hit TV series Empire. This year, he’s executive-producing the limited series Fight Night: The Million Dollar Heist

KEVIN BROOKS The Bluff City-born ﬁlmmaker was the youngest-ever board member on the Memphis Film and Television Commission. He’s a Sundance Ignite alumnus and winner of the Memphis Film Prize and several awards at the Indie Memphis Film Festival. Latest work, What Were We Meant For? was part of a blockbuster exhibit at Crosstown Arts. Currently at work documenting patient journeys with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

GLORILLA Born Gloria Hallelujah Woods in 1999, GloRilla released her first mixtape in 2019. In 2022, her single “F.N.F. (Let’s Go),” produced by Hitkidd, went platinum and led to her contract with Collective Music Group, the Interscope-affiliated label owned by fellow Memphis native Yo Gotti; released the single “Tomorrow” that same summer. A remix of that track featuring Cardi B soon followed, ultimately certified double-platinum. Won Best New Hip Hop Artist at the B.E.T. Hip Hop Music Awards in ’22 and has continued a successful touring career since.

PHOTOGRAPH

JON W. SPARKS

The writer and filmmaker first captured It Came From Memphis, which greatly enriched the story of Memphis music. He wrote the first , and directed the acclaimed documentary of the same name. He won an Emmy Best of Enemies, and recently won two Grammys for his contributions to Written in . Currently working on a feature documentary about the Newport Folk Festival.

attention with his 2001 book ﬁrst history of Stax Records, Respect Yourself in 2017 for his historical documentary won the Soul: The Stax Songwriter Demos That #10 in

As Bishop of the Full Gospel Tabernacle, which he founded in 1976, Green is a pillar of the community, yet notoriously publicity-shy. That stems from his years of mega-stardom in the ’70s, when his music, produced by Willie Mitchell of Hi Records and backed by the Hi Rhythm Section, was a global phenomenon. In 2018, released “Before the Next Teardrop Falls,” his ﬁrst single in over a decade, produced by Matt Ross-Spang at Sam Phillips Recording. In 2023, named Rolling Stone’s list of the 200 best singers of all time. Visionary producer and entrepreneur often speaks about producing music and beats as an obsession, going back to his teen years making beats on a basic computer in Orange Mound. His dream led him to Quad Studios in New York, but he returned home

Kevin Brooks

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY KB

Birdcap

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN ROLLINS

©Jeffrey Jacobs Photography

artists

to found the Unapologetic music, media, and fashion collective, which has grown by leaps and bounds over the past decade. Often speaking out on the need for artists to embrace their own individuality, as in his 2019 TedX talk, he’s also been a catalyst, with the nonproﬁt TONE, in revitalizing the Orange Mound Tower.

AL KAPONE A standout rapper in the 1990s Memphis hip-hop scene, Alphonzo Bailey, better known as Al Kapone or Al Kapeezy, guested on tracks by Three 6 Maﬁa and 8Ball & MJG, even as he began releasing solo work. Contributions to the 2005 ﬁlm Hustle & Flow included “Whoop That Trick,” now a staple chant at Memphis Grizzlies games. More recently, Kapone’s Hip Hop Blues and Blues Rap Music featured guitarist Eric Gales and Luther and Cody Dickinson of the North Mississippi Allstars, forging a new hybrid of Memphis blues and hip-hop. His set at this year’s RiverBeat Music Festival showed this combination has staying power.

LAWRENCE MATTHEWS This mercurial artist deﬁes expectations. As a visual artist, won a grant from ArtsMemphis in 2016 for his photography, some of which was acquired by the Kim & Elliot Perry Collection. Then he created Don Lifted, an alter-ego rapper proffering pensive introspection. Meanwhile, continued to stage gallery shows of his visual art, working as program director, gallery director, and curator for the

CLTV (now TONE) Black arts nonproﬁt. After the critically acclaimed Don Lifted album 325i on Fat Possum, retired his alter ego and began rapping under his own name in a harder, edgier style.

ROBERT MOODY This maestro’s reach extends far beyond the Bluff City. As the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s principal conductor and music director, has made a signiﬁcant impact here with his imaginative, unconventional programming. Under his guidance MSO has commissioned several new works for orchestra, made its ﬁrst commercial recording in 30 years, and received a $25 million endowment. Also serves as music director of the Arizona Musicfest and principal conductor of Lakeland Opera. Connection to the wider world of classical music — even guest-conducting in Canada, South Africa, and China — only elevates our city’s standing.

MOTH MOTH MOTH The Memphis College of Art graduate’s drag career began with a beneﬁt for victims of the Pulse nightclub shooting. With their “Musings with Mothie” podcast and position as programming director for the Focus Center Foundation, they have become one of the most prominent performers in Memphis. This year they returned to their artistic roots with a well-received solo show of drawings and prints.

KONG WEE PANG Originally from Malaysia, Pang recently stepped down as associate creative director from Archer to concentrate on her design studio Taropop, co-founded with Jay Crum. Her clients include Adobe software, the Hilton hotel chain, Target, Starbucks, Planned Parenthood, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and FedEx. Her abstract watercolors have been shown throughout the world, and most recently in Memphis at Sheet Cake Gallery and in Dixon Gallery and Gardens’ “Memphis 2024.” Her instantly recognizable public art can be seen around the city at such sites as the I-40 underpass downtown and the Love Doves Sequin Mural in Overton Square.

DAVID PORTER Being the ﬁrst staff songwriter at Stax Records while still a teen, writing many of their

hits with Isaac Hayes, put Porter in the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and he ﬁgures prominently in the HBO documentary, Stax: Soulsville USA. Has remained active since, founding Consortium MMT nonproﬁt to mentor ascending artists, which earned him the Governor’s Arts Award in 2013. Also co-founded Made In Memphis Entertainment, a complex including a recording studio, music distribution services, music publishing and licensing services, and MIME Records.

PROJECT PAT & JUICY J None were more important to Memphis hip-hop than the brothers Patrick Earl Houston (Project Pat) and Jordan Michael Houston (Juicy J), who co-founded Three 6 Maﬁa with DJ Paul in 1991. That culminated in their Oscar win in 2006, and the rap group has had considerable staying power. One heavily re-sampled early Juicy J track was named the “most inﬂuential rap song of 2018” by Rolling Stone magazine. More recently, Juicy J has worked in the television and music industries, Pat has cameoed on a Drake track, and the two have collaborated on the highly anticipated album Them Goats, due out this December.

TARA STRINGFELLOW Ever since her father read aloud Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” when she was 3 years old, Tara Stringfellow knew she was a poet. After turning away from her attorney career, she became Northwestern U’s ﬁrst MFA graduate in both poetry and prose. In 2022, Stringfellow published her debut novel, Memphis, a national bestseller and Read with Jenna pick, longlisted for the Women’s Prize in Fiction. This summer she released a collection of poetry, Magic Enuff, dedicated to Black women in the South, especially Memphis.

CARLA THOMAS Beale Street entertainer and DJ Rufus Thomas was a Memphis institution when his daughter Carla joined him on the ﬁrst hit released by Stax Records. Became an established singer/songwriter in her own right with “Gee Whiz (Look at His Eyes).” More hits and classic duets with Otis Redding followed, recalled in the 2024 HBO documentary, Stax: Soulsville USA. Remains active today, performing with other Stax artists, guesting on Valerie June’s 2021 single “Call Me a Fool” (garnering a Grammy nomination for Best American Roots Song), and singing on the anti-war single and video, “Simple Song of Freedom.”

Al Kapone

PHOTOGRAPH BY JENNY MAX

to embrace their own individuality, as in his

Love Doves Sequin Mural in Overton Square.

Tara Stringfellow

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOSH LOONEY

Lawrence Matthews

PHOTOGRAPH BY SAM LEATHERS

BUSINESS

JACK BELZ Best known for the 1981 purchase and restoration of The Peabody, which spurred the revival of downtown. As chairman of Belz Enterprises, heads one of the South’s largest real estate and development ﬁrms. He is the driving force behind Peabody Place, an eight-block mixed-use development. Also founded the Belz Museum of Asian and Judaic Art, the culmination of his passion for art collecting. Worked with the Memphis Housing Authority and Henry Turley Company to develop Uptown, and has partnered in major downtown projects such as Harbor Town and South Bluffs.

DOUGLAS V. BROWNE For two decades, Browne has directed operations at The Peabody, Memphis’ most storied hotel, and home to the beloved Peabody Ducks. With over 40 years in the hospitality industry, lends his expertise to the city as board chair of the Metropolitan Memphis Hotel & Lodging Association and was the 2022 board chairman of the Greater Memphis Chamber. He was named a 2023 Inside Memphis Business CEO of the Year.

KEVIN MCENIRY After taking over as CEO for nexAir, the oxygen and welding gas supply company his family owned since 1950, McEniry expanded the business to more than 70 locations nationwide, 19 in the Bluff City. After selling nexAir in 2022, he founded a new company, Forward Momentum, and partnered with music promoters Mempho Presents to create the RiverBeat music festival and SmokeSlam barbecue contest, both held in Tom Lee Park.

JACK SODEN Who is the host with the most? It has to be Soden, the CEO of Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. and steward of Graceland. He took over when Priscilla Presley asked him to develop a business plan for Graceland in 1982. Since it opened to the public, the King of Rock-and-Roll’s former estate has evolved into one of the nation’s premier tourist attractions, drawing visitors from around the world — more than 650,000 annually — and generating an estimated $200 million annual economic impact.

RAJ SUBRAMANIAM The president and CEO of FedEx

MARK SUTTON An employee of International Paper since 1984, Sutton moved to Memphis in 2005, after overseeing the company’s business in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. In 2014, he served as president and chief operating ofﬁcer, leading and running the company’s global businesses. He retired as CEO in April of this year, but remains Chairman of the Board.

CIVIC

CAROL COLETTA The opening of the reimagined Tom Lee Park last year was a milestone for Coletta, who spearheaded the effort as part of a larger mission to improve six miles of riverfront and five park districts along the Mississippi River. The $61 million redesign ruffled some feathers, but the public has taken a liking to its many new amenities created by award-winning design firms. As president and CEO of the nonprofit Memphis River Parks Partnership — and with her expertise in urban planning — she searches for ways to improve downtown parks, including a new vision for the Mud Island Amphitheater.

MICAH GREENSTEIN

The senior rabbi of Temple Israel has devoted more than three decades to Memphis’ 170-year-old synagogue, the largest Jewish congregation in a ﬁve-state Southern region. Recognized as Memphis Magazine’s inaugural Memphian of the Year in 2013 for reaching across racial and religious lines to cultivate a more relational community. As an adjunct faculty member at Rhodes College and Memphis Theological Seminary, Greenstein was named one of America’s Top 50 Rabbis by Newsweek/The Daily Beast, received the 2022 Memphis Interfaith Award, and has served on the national board of the NAACP and executive committee of the National Civil Rights Museum.

SARAH HOUSTON A self-described “water nerd,” Houston’s career in conservation began in 2013 with the Colorado River Alliance. She was associate director of the University of Memphis’ Center for Applied Earth Science and Engineering. In 2021, became the executive director of Protect Our Aquifer, a nonproﬁt devoted to preserving Memphis’ uniquely pure drinking water. The group was instrumental in preventing the Byhalia oil pipeline construction and defeating a 2024 legislative effort to weaken Tennessee’s wetland protections.

Corporation took the top role just over two years ago, bringing decades of experience with the global company. He took the top job at a challenging time, but his steady hand has reassured stockholders. The successor to Frederick W. Smith got some good news in June as the company exceeded expectations for fourth-quarter 2024 revenue and earnings. The delivery market remains somewhat vola-

tile, but Subramaniam’s leadership has impressed Wall Street

ALEX TURLEY As CEO of his uncle’s ﬁrm — Henry Turley Company — Alex Turley combines knowledge of real estate and deep ties to the community. Even as Henry Turley saw possibilities where others couldn’t, Alex is focused on improving and expanding neighborhoods. “Will this make our city better?” he asks when looking at a potential project. A major undertaking is Orleans Station in the Medical District, with residential and retail elements that connect the Edge neighborhood with Victorian Village.

neighborhood

KEVIN KANE President and CEO of Memphis Tourism for more than 30 years; the slogan, “Home of the Blues, Birthplace of Rock-and-Roll,” was created under his direction. Has expanded awareness of Memphis with satellite ofﬁces in England, Germany, France, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. Created the Memphis Tourism Education Foundation and the Memphis Sports Council. The lifelong Memphian is also president and CEO of the Memphis Management Group, which runs the newly refurbished Renasant Convention Center and the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts.

Raj Subramaniam

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY FEDEX

Jack Belz PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY BELZ ENTERPRISES

Kevin McEniry PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY NEXAIR

Carol Coletta PHOTOGRAPH BY KAREN PULFER FOCHT

SUNAH M. LAYBOURN In 2018, Laybourn reclaimed her Korean birth name legally: SunAh. Founded the first Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage (AAPI) Month Memphis in 2023; this year’s was even bigger than the first with food, educational, and cultural events. In January, as assistant professor of sociology at the University of Memphis, she released her book, Out of Place: The Lives of Korean Adoptee Immigrants Also the host of WYXR’s Let’s Grab Coffee

DOUG MCGOWEN As chief operating ofﬁcer for the City of Memphis, McGowen oversaw the Joint Covid Task Force from 2020 to 2022. Then the former U.S. Navy aviator took over as CEO of Memphis Light, Gas and Water in December 2022. Has faced challenges in his new role brought on by 2023’s relentless summer storms and reforming the utilitity’s tree trimming program. Instrumental in the negotiations which brought the xAI supercomputer to Memphis.

CHANDELL RYAN Named head of the Downtown Memphis Commission in 2023, succeeding now-Memphis mayor Paul Young. Previously the ﬁrst woman to serve as chief operating ofﬁcer for the City of Memphis; as such, was responsible for day-to-day service delivery, resource allocation, and policy development for all city divisions. Her oversight included more than 6,000 employees and 20 labor organizations.

GINA SWEAT Appointed director of the Memphis Fire Department in January 2016, Sweat became the first woman to lead the department. She was reconfirmed in 2024 by unanimous vote of the city council when reappointed by Mayor Paul Young. Her career began in 1992 as a firefighter/EMT and she worked through the ranks of the department. Under her leadership, the Memphis Fire Department earned a Class 1 Public Protection Classification rating in 2019 (the highest possible rating, held by fewer than 1 percent of fire departments nationally).

KEVIN THOMPSON Named executive director of the Memphis Museum of Science and History (MoSH) in January 2020, Thompson dreamed of sharing Memphis’ rich culture and history with both tourists and locals. The MoSH collection of museums includes Lichterman Nature Center, the Mallory-Neely

House, Coon Creek Science Center, and the Magevney House. In February 2022, Thompson continued his goal of increasing appreciation for Memphis history by collaborating with the South City Museum & Cultural Center to celebrate that community’s residents and accomplishments. Last year, MoSH announced plans to become an independent museum system.

TED TOWNSEND The Greater Memphis Chamber has been busy, thanks to Townsend who says, “No one will out-work my passion for my hometown.” The Chamber cut 100-plus ribbons last year, pushed initiatives that address the city’s needs and interests, and marketed Memphis to businesses. Townsend’s alacrity paid off this year when Elon Musk’s xAI enterprise chose to build the world’s largest supercomputer in Memphis. Not a bad follow-up to Townsend’s role in securing Ford’s $5.6 billion BlueOval City campus just outside of Memphis.

ANASA TROUTMAN The Big We is a cultural strategy ﬁrm founded by Troutman to “intentionally accelerate change.” Through their capital fund, they support cooperative economics and build community wealth for Black and other underserved communities. The founder and CEO of EarthSeed Music helped shepherd India.Arie’s career and advised the Obama Administration in cultural issues. Troutman is currently the executive director of Historic Clayborn Temple.

RUSS WIGGINTON Named president of the National Civil Rights Museum in 2021, after having taught and served as an administrator at his alma mater, Rhodes College, for 23 years. The author of numerous articles and essays on African-American labor and social history, he serves on many community and regional organization boards.

CULTURE

EKUNDAYO BANDELE Founded Hattiloo Theatre in 2006 to establish an African-American repertory that would present plays, outreach, and education. Led a $4.3 million capital campaign to build Hattiloo’s two-theater venue that opened debt-free in 2014, and raised another $900,000 in 2016 to build the Hattiloo Development Center. The director and playwright was commissioned to write and produce Tumbling Down about the removal of Memphis’ Confederate statues. In May he graduated as a nontraditional student from Morehouse College in Atlanta, majoring in Theatre and Performance.

BRETT BATTERSON Leads the Orpheum Theatre Group, which offers Broadway plays, musicals, concerts, dance, and other stage performances at the new Halloran Centre and the historic Orpheum Theatre. The Orpheum has also been a co-producer of four Tony Award-winning Broadway shows (most recently in 2018 for The Band’s Visit).

KIMBERLY BEARDEN While attending the University of Memphis took a job as a receptionist at Elmwood Cemetery “for a few months, because I thought it would be a good story”; she has been executive director there for almost 20 years, creating innovative programs to build awareness for the historic graveyard, including

SunAh M. Laybourn PHOTOGRAPH BY KIM THOMAS

Willy and Kimberly Bearden PHOTOGRAPH BY JAMIE HARMON

outdoor ﬁlm showings and guided tours, where actors portray Elmwood’s most famous residents. Co-author with husband, Willy, on Elmwood Cemetery and has contributed to academic publications on cemetery culture. Promises to “polish this gem” over next few years, making the cemetery more active as a historical resource and cultural attraction.

NED CANTY Since 2011, Canty has served as director of Opera Memphis and has initiated nationally acclaimed efforts to popularize the art form. In addition to traditional stagings of well known operas, has brought everything from pop-up performances to commissions of bold new works. The company’s “30 Days of Opera” remains a popular way to take opera to the public and modernize the art form by blending it with newer genres.

PAUL CHANDLER As executive director of Germantown Performing Arts Centre, Chandler is responsible for much of the arts education, fundraising, entertainment, visual arts, and performing arts programs. The Grove, a $7.5 million outdoor performance venue, hosts movies, concerts, happy hours, and more. Chandler also spearheaded a public art master plan thanks to a $50,000 grant from the NEA Foundation’s Our Town program.

MICHAEL DETROIT For more than three decades, Detroit has been the face of Memphis theater. As executive producer of Playhouse on the Square, he oversees the casting and production of the city’s largest professional theater operation, and created the largest professional audition conference (United Professional Theatre Auditions) in the United States. Detroit has appeared in hundreds of stage productions and TV commercials, as well as nine feature ﬁlms, as an actor or voice-over artist. Playhouse and Circuit Playhouse’s 13 outreach programs reach more than 30,000 people each year.

Creating Joy Through the Power of Art.

Monday: Closed Tuesday : Closed Wednesday: 10a – 4p Thursday: 10 a – 8p

Friday: 10a – 4p

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Sunday: 11a – 5p

LAKEISHA EDWARDS By trade, she’s a social worker and spent a decade as operations manager for Shelby County’s Child Support Services. But needing a change in pace, she switched careers in 2021, becoming executive director at Art Ventures, a nonproﬁt art gallery in Arkansas. Little did she know she would ﬁnd a passion supporting local artists and fostering collaboration in the arts scene. That passion would lead to her current role as executive director of the UrbanArt Commission, where she hopes to bring together all the pieces of her journey.

LURLYNN FRANKLIN When she was 16, Franklin painted her ﬁrst commissioned mural. She’s since become an art legend in the area, an award-winning art educator, poet, and playwright. Currently, as resident artist, curator, and program director of the Orange Mound Gallery under the Orange Mound Neighborhood and Veterans Association, she specializes in traveling exhibitions and performances that focus on social and racial issues. A founder of the annual Frayser Local Arts Festival. Recipient of the 2023 Emmett O’Ryan Award from ArtsMemphis and Renasant Bank, recognizing “art excellence.”

KIMEL FRYER A veteran of the corporate finance world with degrees in business and law, and a single mother of two boys, Fryer’s artistic ambitions emerged when she was cast in a musical in Detroit, and blossomed with her 2021 film Life Ain’t Like the Movies. Her business instincts and production experience came in handy in 2022 when she was appointed executive director of Indie Memphis. She led the film festival nonprofit out of the Covid pandemic era to refocus on reaching new audiences and elevating Memphis filmmakers.

CARMEON HAMILTON Now one of the most in-demand interior designers in Memphis and a budding television star, Hamilton began her career as a blogger, writing about making a stylish home on any budget. In 2021, won the grand prize on Design Star: Next Gen, which landed her own show. Reno My Rental brought Hamilton’s focus on affordable elegance to a national audience in 2021, as well as her appearances on HGTV’s Home Town Takeover. Continues to engage on her blog and on Instagram, and her work has reached a broad audience via Architectural Digest, Essence, and Southern Living

MARCELLUS HARPER & KEVIN THOMAS In 2009, Harper and Thomas moved their professional dance company, Collage Dance Collective, from New York City to Memphis, hoping to expand access to classical dance and improve racial diversity on the stage. Harper serves as executive director, with Thomas as artistic director. Together, they have made the company one of the largest Black-led performing arts organizations in the South and one of a few professional ballet companies in the world with a roster of BIPOC dancers. With its commitment to outreach and original performances, most recently Their Eyes Were Watching God, Collage promotes dance to Memphis and Memphis dance to the world.

MIA GIANOTTI HENLEY When she became executive director in 2017, Henley expanded Creative Aging to serve older adults in more than 100 Memphis-area senior communities. The nonproﬁt partners with arts and civic organizations so seniors can express their creativity and build community. Has worked as a strategic planning consultant and as a civil litigation attorney. A lifelong Memphian, she has served on the boards of numerous associations.

CARISSA HUSSONG Under Hussong’s leadership, the Metal Museum continues its dynamic growth as a singular center for metal arts. It hosts exhibitions of work by internationally acclaimed metalsmiths, offers an educational component, and hosts popular events like Repair Days and Whet Thursdays. The museum’s dreamy riverbluff location allowed no practical way to grow, so it is expanding to Rust Hall, former Overton Park home of the Memphis College of Art. New location will be the museum’s state-of-the-art facility and education center; the museum’s current location will host events and resident artists.

VICTORIA JONES Our 2021 co-Memphian of the Year (with IMAKEMADBEATS) is executive director of arts nonproﬁt Tone, host of Memphis’ largest Juneteenth celebration and more. At their current home, a gallery in Orange Mound, Black artists’ voices are elevated. Their future home is Orange Mound Tower, a former industrial site that is being transformed into a community hub, a haven for the arts, and a monument to entrepreneurship.

ZOE KAHR When she took over as executive director of the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in 2022, Kahr came prepared to lead the organization as it transitions to a new $180 million facility on the Mississippi River. She previously served as a deputy director for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Recently,

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under Kahr’s leadership, the Brooks announced it would quadruple their public programs, with a goal of making the museum not only a place to view artwork but also a community gathering place.

DEBBIE LITCH Being active in the arts has come naturally to Litch, who worked with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art before taking the reins at Theatre Memphis 20 years ago. She worked toward the theater’s 100th anniversary in 2021 by initiating a $6.2 million renovation and expansion. She’s the executive producer, but also a performer who can belt out a cabaret tune like nobody’s business. Litch and the theater have received plenty of awards and have a robust 2024-2025 season on the way.

DAN MCCLEARY As founder and producing artistic director of Tennessee Shakespeare Company, McCleary has guided the 16-yearold company that focuses on performances, education, outreach, and training. There’s lots of Shakespeare, of course, but also classical and Southern writers. Outreach includes a robust selection of performance camps for kids, a program that engages incarcerated youth, and another that connects with veterans. McCleary is a proliﬁc actor, director, and playwright as well as a published poet who teaches Shakespeare master classes around the country.

GRETCHEN WOLLERT MCLENNON A lifelong love of ballet and the arts propelled McLennon to the leadership of Ballet Memphis in 2020. As a child, studied in the Ballet Memphis school and danced in its junior company. With more than 15 years’

experience in philanthropy and nonproﬁts, she served on the board of directors for close to a decade and was chair from 2014 to 2017, shepherding the construction of the company’s award-winning facility in Overton Square. Aims to make ballet more accessible to and representative of Memphis, building a strong foundation for the next generation of arts patrons.

LAWRENCE “BOO” MITCHELL This producer and engineer still works at (and co-owns) Royal Studios, where he grew up under the tutelage of Willie Mitchell, the grandfather who raised him as a son. After Willie’s death in 2010, Boo began to step up as a producer, starting with the film Take Me to the River, which paired classic soul artists with younger rappers. To this day, leads a band that tours on the legacy of that film and its sequels, but has chiefly distinguished himself in the studio, engineering the Bruno Mars hit “Uptown Funk” and the Grammy-winning group Silk Sonic, and producing Cedric Burnside’s Grammy-winning I Be Trying

DEANIE PARKER Having worked mainly in the background during the heyday of Stax Records, Parker stepped up in more recent years as the keeper of the Stax ﬂame. As interest in a Stax museum coalesced in the ’90s, she took the lead. Pairing the Stax Museum of American Soul Music with the Stax Music Academy was largely the result of her original vision, and she oversaw their early years as president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation. Now retired, remains in the headlines, co-authoring Grammy-winning liner notes for the box set Written in Their Soul, and offering her historical insights to this year’s HBO documentary, Stax: Soulsville USA

ELIZABETH ROUSE As president and CEO of ARTSmemphis, the Mid-South’s primary arts funder for more than 60 years, Rouse has been crucial to ensuring the support of the creative class in Memphis. The organization funds individual artists and presenting organizations, and has implemented a more equitable grant-making structure, enabling more arts experiences for more Memphians. A 2022 study showed that arts and culture organizations reported $120.7 million in annual spending and an additional $72.2 million in event-related spending by their audiences, generating $38 million in tax revenue and supporting 3,775 jobs in Shelby County.

KEVIN SHARP The Linda W. and S. Herbert Rhea Director of The Dixon Gallery and Gardens since 2007, Sharp has contributed to more than 25 books on American and French art and organized more than 100 exhibitions. The Dixon showcases important works of art, hosts dozens of education programs, and maintains a 17-acre garden. Under Sharp’s leadership, the Dixon now offers free admission for all.

LINN SITLER People should thank Sitler for films, TV shows, and commercials made in Memphis. Recognized as the longest-tenured film commissioner in the world by the Association of Film Commissioners International, Sitler has served as Memphis & Shelby County Film Commissioner since 1987. During that time, has worked with filmmakers on The Firm, The People vs. Larry Flynt, and Hustle & Flow, as well as commercials for Uber Eats and Ja Morant’s Beats. Has also been in front of the camera with a role in the 1989 Jerry Lee Lewis feature, Great Balls of Fire.

Debbie Litch PHOTOGRAPH BY JON W. SPARKS

Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell

PHOTOGRAPH BY BRANDON DILL

Take one part Old Dominick. Add one part Community Foundation. Mix well to protect the Memphis Sand Aquifer. Scan QR code artwork with your phone or visit cfgm.org/GlassHalfFull to fully experience this refreshing community story.

KATIE SMYTHE In 2002, after a career as a professional dancer in Minneapolis, New York, and Los Angeles, Smythe returned to her hometown to found New Ballet Ensemble and School to teach excellence in dance while bridging racial and economic barriers. Graduates (notably Charles “Lil Buck” Riley) have enjoyed professional dance careers. Her eclectic work, such as the ever-popular NutRemix, has drawn international attention. In 2014, New Ballet received the National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award at the White House for its work in Orange Mound.

GEBRE WADDELL The son of Memphis sculptor James M. Waddell Jr. was something of a whiz kid from the start, parlaying his computer skills into his own music mastering business early in life. Penned one of the standard textbooks for mastering engineers, but in the past decade Waddell has focused on his novel system for embedding music credits within audio ﬁles. That platform, Sound Credit, was featured in a 60 Minutes episode and is fast becoming the world standard for tracking such credits. Meanwhile, has played an active role in the Recording Academy, now secretary/ treasurer of that organization’s Board of Trustees. Waddell is Chairman of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission Board.

PAT MITCHELL WORLEY Former executive director of the Stax Music Academy, Worley is now president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, the parent nonproﬁt that operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Stax Music Academy, and the Soulsville Charter School, all at the original site of Stax Records. For more than 20 years, Worley has co-hosted the globally syndicated blues radio show, Beale Street Caravan.

Gebre Waddell

PHOTOGRAPH BY LARRY KUZNIEWSKI

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EDUCATION

PETER BUCKLEY Chancellor of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center since 2021. The author of more than 300 articles in psychiatric research and 200 book chapters, he is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a member of the board of the Schizophrenia International Research Society. As CEO of the six doctoral programs in the UT system in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Nashville, and Memphis, an advocate for the university’s role state-wide.

JENNIFER COLLINS Named president of Rhodes College in 2022 after serving eight years as the Judge James Noel Dean of Law at Southern Methodist University. Previously, she was a member of the law faculty at Wake Forest University, where she created the university’s ﬁrst-ever LGBTQ+ Center and Women’s Center.

DR. CHRISTOPHER B. DAVIS In July 2024, Davis was named the 14th president of LeMoyne-Owen College, where he had been on the board of trustees since 2017 and interim president since 2023. Has announced plans to boost awareness, ﬁll important staff positions, and revitalize campus facilities of the nation’s ﬁfth oldest (and this city’s only) Historically Black College and University (HBUC). Previously served 17 years as associate professor and associate dean of doctoral studies at Memphis Theological Seminary.

MARIE FEAGINS Named superintendent of the MemphisShelby County Schools in April 2024, and quickly set about putting together a transition composed of community, arts, and education leaders. She received her doctorate in education from Samford University and prior to coming to Memphis, served the Detroit, Michigan, public schools system in various roles: chief of leadership and high schools, executive director of high school transformation, and special assistant to the superintendent.

BILL HARDGRAVE Began his tenure as president of the University of Memphis in April 2022. Soon thereafter, he established the “Ascend Strategic Plan” to chart a course for the university’s growth for the next ﬁve years. Goals include continuing to make tuition accessible, sustaining faculty and student growth, and further establishing the school as a research institution.

Put your event center stage at the Orpheum Theatre or Halloran Centre. For nearly 100 years, countless memories have been made at the corner of Main & Beale. Whether you’re hosting a small reception or a large conference, we can help make your next event one your guests will never forget.

HEALTHCARE

ASHLEY COFFIELD

The CEO of the regional Planned Parenthood affiliate since 2013, she first volunteered with the organization as a Rhodes College student. In 2018, oversaw the merger of the Memphis and Nashville affiliates to form Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi. Under her leadership, the affiliate provides reproductive healthcare via four health centers and PP Direct (a telehealth app), comprehensive sexual health education, and advocacy for reproductive rights.

DR. REGINALD COOPWOOD Since 2010, has served as president and CEO of Regional One Health, the primary source of medical care for much of our city’s population, in addition to providing trauma and burn care for the region. His work is complemented by a commitment to improve community well-being. Previously, he was CEO of the Metropolitan Nashville Hospital Authority and chief medical ofﬁcer at Nashville General Hospital. Inducted into the Tennessee Health Care Hall of Fame in 2022.

JAMES DOWNING

The president and CEO of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital since 2014, Downing is leading a $12.9 billion commitment to accelerate progress in the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic diseases by expanding St. Jude clinical care and scientiﬁc programs in Memphis and around the globe. He was instrumental in launching the Pediatric Cancer Genome Project, an ambitious sequencing effort to discover why childhood cancer arises, spreads, and resists treatment. Downing has championed St. Jude Global, a program dedicated to raising pediatric cancer survival rates internationally. Downing has twice been honored as CEO of the Year by Inside Memphis Business, and he was named one of the 100 Most Inﬂuential People in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare.

GENERAL QUACKCELLENCE

THE PEABODY DUCKS Shortly after The Peabody opened in 1925, so the story goes, the manager returned from a hunting trip and dumped his live decoys (legal at the time) into the marble fountain in the hotel’s luxurious lobby, where they quacked and splashed all day. The stunt drew so much attention that it became a tradition, and now the ﬁve ducks may be the most famous critters in Memphis in a city known for its Grizzlies and Tigers. At 10 every morning, the Peabody Duckmaster leads them from their rooftop “palace” down the elevator, where they march to the fountain as tourists jam the lobby to photograph the parade. At 5, they return to their rooftop lair. The ducks can breathe easy: Their feathered brethren are not on the menu at any restaurant inside the hotel.

The Peabody Ducks PHOTOGRAPH BY DR. SERG / DREAMSTIME

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PHILANTHROPY / NONPROFIT

WARD ARCHER Accomplishments include the creation of Archer-Malmo (now Archer), Tennessee’s largest and most successful advertising shop. He created Music + Arts studio for recording artists and ﬁlm sound mixing, and brings contemporary music to the world through his creation of Archer Records. He also founded Protect Our Aquifer to ensure that the Memphis Sand Aquifer stays clean and accessible to future generations.

ROBERT FOCKLER As president of the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, Fockler leads the largest charitable grant-maker in the Mid-South, awarding $120 million last year. Under his direction, the foundation manages 1,200 charitable funds for individuals, families, and organizations. Oversees the foundation’s efforts to make community-voiced, community-centered investments through the FOREVER Funds, presents community information at LIVEGIVEmidsouth. org, and offers GiVE 365, a dollar-a-day giving program.

BARBARA & J.R. HYDE Few Memphis families have had such an impact on Memphis. Barbara is chair and CEO of the Hyde Family Foundation, where she is passionate about education reform. Has led efforts to bring innovative education initiatives to Memphis, most notably the KIPP Academy, Teach for America, and New Leaders. As a founding member and past chair of the Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, she led master planning and fundraising efforts to transform the park into a world-class amenity. Also a founding chair of the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis. J.R. “Pitt” Hyde founded AutoZone in 1979, one of three Fortune 500 companies with Memphis headquarters. Regarded as one of the city’s leading philanthropists, instrumental in founding the Memphis Bioworks Foundation, Memphis Tomorrow, and the National Civil Rights Museum, and part of the civic partnership that brought the Grizzlies to Memphis. In June 2023, the Hydes contributed $20 million towards the construction of the new riverfront Brooks Museum, scheduled to open (as Memphis Art Museum) in 2026.

SALLY JONES HEINZ Since 2011, native Memphian Heinz has acted as president and CEO of the Metropolitan Inter-Faith Association (MIFA), where she inspires a team of 100 staff to be innovative in their service to the community. MIFA was founded in 1968 in an unprecedented cooperative effort uniting church and community leaders to confront the growing issues of poverty, hunger, and social division in Memphis. Today, MIFA supports the independence of vulnerable seniors and families in crisis through high-impact programs which touch some 40,000 people in this area annually.

DR. KENNETH ROBINSON In February 2015, Robinson was named president and CEO of United Way of the Mid-South. Robinson has been instrumental in launching “Driving the Dream,” United Way’s network of more than 170 agencies that offer services allowing families in need to ﬁnd available support with a single call. The “one door” approach continues to lift thousands of Mid-South families out of the cycle of generational poverty. In June, Dr. Robinson announced he’s retiring, but will remain with United Way until a successor is hired.

GAYLE ROSE The music major from Iowa has played vital roles in Memphis. She is currently a director of the Institute for Public Service Journalism at the University of Memphis. Founder and CEO of EVS Corporation, chair of the Rose Family Foundations, and chair of the Memphis Symphony. Has been named CEO of the Year by Inside Memphis Business and Humanitarian of the Year by Diversity Memphis. She co-founded the Women’s Foundation for a Greater Memphis and is well-known for her role landing the Grizzlies. In 2010 Rose founded Team Max, “a movement of service,” honoring the memory of her late son.

FRED SMITH FedEx famously began as a proposal in a research paper by Smith while a Yale undergraduate. A half-century later, not only is it a globe-spanning logistics company that moves more than 17 million packages every day and operates more aircraft than most countries’ air forces; FedEx also happens to be the city’s largest employer (more than 30,000 jobs). The shipping giant made headlines in November 2023 when Smith delivered a $50 million challenge gift to the University of Memphis for renovations to Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, the largest single donation in U of M history.

ELLEN ZAHARIADIS Executive director since 2018 of the Memphis and Shelby County Humane Society. Previously executive director for Susan K. Komen North Central Alabama, breast-cancer awareness and fundraising organization. Holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in classical studies. At MSCHS has expanded services with a low-cost community veterinary clinic, free community food pantry, and PAWsitive dog training program with the Shelby County Department of Corrections, teaming soon-to-be released offenders with pets and expanding adoption of shelter animals.

Gayle Rose PHOTOGRAPH BY LARRY KUZNIEWSKI

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POLITICS

STEVE COHEN Now serving his ninth term as congressman from Memphis’ 9th District, the Vanderbilt/UM law school graduate has long been a mover and shaker in national politics. Introduced a censure resolution in 2024 against Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito for the jurist’s overstepping his judicial role on behalf of right-wing politics, As chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Cohen conducted hearings in 2019 on reparations for African-American citizens, a logical follow-up to his earlier sponsorship of an ofﬁcial apology for slavery by the U.S. House of Representatives. First elected to a congressional seat vacated by Harold Ford Jr. in 2006.

CERELYN “CJ” DAVIS Made history in April 2021 when Davis was named the first female chief of the Memphis Police Department. In 2024 city council members declined to approve her reappointment by Mayor Paul Young. Reasons for that included a negative reaction to her sponsorship of the MPD “Scorpion” unit which included five officers charged with the murder of Tyre Nichols. Pending a possible readjustment of her status, however, she has continued to serve as interim police chief. Davis started as a patrol officer in Atlanta, and quickly ascended the ranks to commander, where she oversaw the integration of the city’s video surveillance system.

LEE HARRIS Won reelection in 2022 as Shelby County Mayor and announced an ambitious agenda: funding for two new high schools, the renovation and expansion of the Regional One medical campus, and a residential mental health facility to house county inmates. Harris’ commitment to a 6 percent salary increase for county employees survived 2024 budget negotiations with the County Commission. Before his election as mayor in 2018, Harris, a graduate of Morehouse College and Yale Law School, had won elections, consecutively, to the Memphis City Council and the Tennessee State Senate, where he served as Democratic Leader, becoming the ﬁrst Black lawmaker of either party to hold a leadership position in that body.

DAVID KUSTOFF When elected to Congress from Tennessee’s 8th District in 2016. Republican Kustoff became the second Jewish congressman (along with 9th District Democrat Steve Cohen) to serve Shelby County. Held a long record of activism on behalf of GOP candidates and causes. Served as George W. Bush’s campaign chair in Tennessee during the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections, and was campaign chair for Lamar Alexander’s 2002 senate campaign. In 2015 Kustoff became an early advocate of Donald Trump for president.

STEVE MULROY

juvenile offenders to Criminal

District Attorney General in 2022 on a reform platform, Democrat Mulroy has pursued a revision of criminal justice procedures, stressing a need for bail reform, post-conviction DNA testing, conviction review, and less frequent remanding of juvenile offenders to Criminal Court. Won national distinction for prompt murder indictments of MPD ofﬁcers in the Tyre Nichols case, but battling Republican supermajority who disagree with his reform efforts. Formerly county commissioner,

Lee Harris

he was the Bredesen Professor of Law at University of Memphis, specializing in constitutional law.

BRENT TAYLOR Possessor of a lengthy pedigree in local government as city councilman, county commissioner, and head of the Election Commission, Republican Taylor was elected state senator in 2022 and almost instantly became a player in Nashville, sponsoring abundant legislation for stepped-up crime controls. He opposes criminal-justice reforms he sees as weakening law-enforcement authority in Memphis and has vowed to seek the ouster, in the 2025 General Assembly, of Shelby County DA Steve Mulroy. The wealthy former owner of a funeral-home chain, Taylor plays a major political role locally and statewide through his extensive ﬁnancial sponsorship of GOP political candidates and events.

PAUL YOUNG Elected mayor of Memphis in 2023 in a large ﬁeld of contestants, Young prevailed largely through effective campaigning and voter respect for his lengthy career in local governmental and civic positions, including prior role as president and CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission. Before joining the DMC, he served as director of the City of Memphis Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD), where he was responsible for furthering citywide community development initiatives, including administering an annual budget of over $16 million from federal and local funding sources.

SPORTS

STEVE EHRHART For 30 years now, Ehrhart has been executive director of the AutoZone Liberty Bowl Football Classic, one of the oldest annual postseason games in college football. The game is broadcast nationally and internationally on ABC or ESPN. The annual economic impact of the game is estimated at more than $20 million. This year’s game — between teams from the SEC and Big 12 — will be played on December 27th. A captain and quarterback of his football team at Colorado College, Ehrhart earned a scholarship for law school and went on to represent athletes and coaches in legal practice. Ehrhart was inducted into the Memphis Sports Hall of Fame in 2022.

PENNY HARDAWAY The greatest basketball product in the history of a city that loves its hoops, Hardaway will be coaching his seventh season at the University of Memphis when the 2024-25 season tips off in November. He’s won at least 20 games in each of his ﬁrst six seasons, compiling an overall record of 133-62. He led the Tigers to the 2021 NIT championship and 2023 American Athletic Conference tournament title, though Memphis has won only one NCAA tournament game on his watch. Hardaway was the national player of the year as a senior at Treadwell High School (1990), an All-America at then Memphis State (1993), and twice ﬁrst-team All-NBA with the Orlando Magic.

Paul Young PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY CITY OF MEMPHIS

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SETH HENIGAN The record-setting University of Memphis football star is in a category of his own this season: the only FBS quarterback returning to the same program for a fourth year as a starter. As a junior in 2023, Henigan led the Tigers to a 10-3 record that included a win over Iowa State in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl, the most prestigious bowl victory in the program’s history (Henigan was honored as the game’s MVP). He’s already passed for the most yardage (10,764) in Memphis history and aims to top records for touchdown passes (he needs 12 to break Brady White’s mark of 90) and wins by a quarterback (he needs six to top White’s 28). Henigan has earned a bachelor’s degree in business and will play the 2024 season as a grad student.

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JAREN JACKSON JR. In a season of injuries (and one signiﬁcant suspension), Jackson was a steady presence for the 2023-24 Memphis Grizzlies. Playing his sixth NBA season, the power forward led Memphis in points, rebounds, blocks, and steals and was the only Grizzly to start as many as 50 games (66). Jackson has twice led the NBA in blocks, was a 2023 All-Star, and earned 2022-23 Defensive Player of the Year honors. Comes from a hoops family: His father was a member of the 1999 NBA champion San Antonio Spurs and is now a basketball coach; his mother leads the Women’s National Basketball Players Association.

TAYLOR JENKINS When the Memphis Grizzlies’ head coach opens his sixth season with the franchise, he’ll do so as the ﬁfth-longest-tenured coach in the entire NBA. (The four men ahead of him have each won at least one championship, most recently the Denver Nuggets’ Michael Malone.) The Grizzlies have reached the playoffs in three seasons under Jenkins and won their only two Southwest Division titles (in 2022 and ’23). His 206 regular-season wins are the most in franchise history. Tasked with helping franchise recover from 2023-24 season (27-55) in which no fewer than 33 players suited up for the team.

FRED JONES The Southern Heritage Classic presented by FedEx is an annual cultural celebration that culminates with a football game between historically black universities. Arkansas-Pine Bluff made its debut in the 2023 event against Tennessee State (the latter

Seth Henigan PHOTOGRAPH BY WES HALE

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having played in every game since 1990). This year’s game will be played on September 14th at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium. Jones is the longtime president of Summitt Management Corporation, an entertainment consulting ﬁrm. Each year, the SHC has averaged more than 50,000 in attendance with thousands outside the stadium at its popular tailgate experience. In 2019, he was honored by the City of Memphis with his own street — Fred Jones Way — next to the stadium where he’s been making history for more than three decades.

JERRY LAWLER Certiﬁable professional wrestling legend.

A member of the WWE Hall of Fame, “The King” won multiple heavyweight championships in multiple afﬁliations in a career that began in the 1970s and continues today in his role as a commentator.

A graduate of Treadwell High School, his defeat of Jackie Fargo in 1974 earned Lawler the NWA Southern Heavyweight Championship, his ﬁrst major title. Lawler had an infamous and quite public feud with actor Andy Kaufman in 1982, including a match in Memphis that left the comedian in a neck brace and an appearance on Late Night With David Letterman in which Lawler slapped Kaufman out of his seat.

JA MORANT Among the brightest young stars in the NBA, Morant endured a 2023-24 season that both he and Grizzlies fans would like to make a distant memory. Morant served a 25-game suspension after a pair of social-media incidents involving gun play, then injured his right shoulder after only nine games in uniform. Already a two-time All-Star (and the 2020 Rookie of the Year), the 25-year-old Morant hopes to return to full strength for his sixth NBA season this fall. In the equivalent of merely four full seasons, Morant has climbed the Grizzlies’ charts to ninth in career scoring and fourth in assists.

RYAN SILVERFIELD The head football coach at the University of Memphis is the first in program history to win three bowl games, including the 2023 AutoZone Liberty Bowl (over Iowa State) in the Tigers’ home stadium. That victory capped just the fifth 10-win season in Tiger history. With an overall record of 31-18, the fifth-year coach is sixth in career wins at the U of M. Made headlines in June when Memphis landed Antwann Hill, the third-ranked quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, and the highest-ranked signee in Memphis history. Also landed a prize transfer from the University of Tennessee, linebacker Elijah Herring.

Ja Morant

PHOTOGRAPH BY JOE MURPHY / NBA GETTY IMAGES

PERFORMING ARTS

THERE’S NOTHING LIKE LIVE THEATER.

BY JON W. SPARKS

It’s time to play. Or see a play — or a musical, or some fine dance, or dive into a poetry reading, or seek out a way to celebrate the performing arts. eaters all over town are serving up a rich variety of entertainment. So, let’s explore: Here’s a rundown of many performing arts organizations and what they’ll be oﬀering in the 2024–2025 season.

THE ORPHEUM

If you like Broadway shows, you’ll love what the Orpheum brings to town on a regular basis.

The classic venue downtown will have a lively 2024–2025 Broadway season, including MJ The Musical; Moulin Rouge; Peter Pan; Hamilton; Some Like It Hot; Kimberly Akimbo; and The Wiz. orpheum-memphis.com

PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE AND CIRCUIT PLAYHOUSE

Ofﬁcially known as Circuit Playhouse, Inc., the organization is a conglomerate that includes the larger Playhouse on the Square, its smaller sibling Circuit Playhouse, and TheatreWorks

@ The Square, plus a vibrant theater education component. The upcoming season will have Waitress; What the Constitution Means to Me; The Wizard of Oz; Six Men Dressed Like Joseph Stalin; Who’s Holiday!; Seussical; Freedom Train; Punk Rock Girl!; and more. playhouseonthesquare.org

THEATRE MEMPHIS AND THE NEXT STAGE

The long-running community theater (since 1921) has a knack for the popular shows, large and small. Opening this month is Grease on the big Lohrey Stage, followed by The Mousetrap and the annual presentation of A Christmas Carol. The more intimate Next Stage will

start the season with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and then offer several classics, including Inherit the Wind and Ain’t Misbehavin’ theatrememphis.org

TENNESSEE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Tennessee’s only permanent professional Shakespeare company will soon announce its 17th season. Its 16th season had seven stage productions, the Children’s Literacy Gala, education programs in more than 30 area schools, and various outreach programs. tnshakespeare.org

HATTILOO

THEATRE

Ten years ago Hattiloo opened its free-standing building by Overton Square and it’s been providing presentations of Black theater, ﬁlm festivals, art shows, and more ever since. Upcoming shows in the new season include A Motown Christmas; Carmen Jones; and Coconut Cake. hattiloo.org

From The Importance of Being Earnest, produced by Tennessee Shakespeare Company last season. The state’s only permanent professional Shakespeare company also offers various school and outreach programs championing the Bard.

PHOTOGRAPH

HARRELL PERFORMING ARTS THEATRE

Collierville has been enjoying productions at the Harrell since 1987 — some 150 shows being staged. This coming season will see presentations of Little Shop of Horrors; Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer; and Mystic Pizza. harrelltheatre.org

GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATRE

Germantown’s vibrant theater scene is presenting Season 53 at GCT with a varied and ambitious program. Among the shows coming up: Ride the Cyclone; The Smell of the Kill; Annie Jr.; 12 Angry Jurors; and Cabaret gctcomeplay.org

BARTLETT PERFORMING ARTS AND CONFERENCE CENTER

The suburban venue offers a lot of musical acts and also stage productions, touring and local. This season, look for family fare that includes Rumplestiltskin by the Panto Company, as well as Cat Kid Comic Club The Musical and Children of Eden. bpacc.org

NEW MOON THEATRE COMPANY

Not for nothing does New Moon call itself the Mid-South’s weirdest theater. Sometimes it gets really off the wall, especially around Halloween, but it also has staged a number of classic shows. Stay weird and check out what’s upcoming: Lizzie the Musical; The Minutes; and A Particle of Dread. newmoontheatre.org

QUARK THEATRE

This bold production company is minimalist in approach and deep in execution. As it likes to say, it produces “small plays about big ideas,” and it doesn’t disappoint. Plays typically are dramatic works that haven’t been produced in Memphis before, but this coming season, it’s doing a musical — the North American premiere of the one-woman operetta Through the Looking-Screen. quarktheatre.com

CAZATEATRO BILINGUAL THEATRE GROUP

The company celebrates Latin American culture with a variety of presentations and involvement in community events. Coming soon is No, en mi Casa, NO; Tía Pancha “A Christmas Story”; and The River Bride. cazateatro.org

A number of other smaller theater companies offer intriguing programming that’s always worthy of consideration. Many are headquartered at TheatreWorks, which has two sites, The Square on Monroe near Overton Square and The Evergreen at Poplar and Evergreen. New Moon and Cazateatro are two of the production companies, but several more include Absent Friends, Actors Renaissance Theatre, Bluff City Liars, Emerald Theatre Company, Friends of George’s, LoneTree Live, Our Own Voice Theatre Troupe, and True Believers. theatreworksmemphis.org

There’s a strong culture of dance in Memphis, from classic works to innovative contemporary pieces.

Ballet has always had a strong presence in Memphis and several companies present some of the most creative movement in the region.

BALLET MEMPHIS

Season 37 of the venerable organization has, as always, an intriguing mix of the traditional and the contemporary. A Midsummer Night’s Dream featuring Trey McIntyre’s In Dreams is coming in October. The perennial Nutcracker will bring in the holidays. And Winter Mix will be onstage in February and American Roots in April. balletmemphis.org

COLLAGE DANCE COLLECTIVE

The company was founded to bring more diversity to dance and it has done spectacularly well in performance and education. The upcoming season will feature Kevin Thomas’ reimagining of Firebird; Rise, set to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ﬁnal speech; Prodigal Son; and Their Eyes Were Watching God. collagedance.org

NEW BALLET ENSEMBLE & SCHOOL

The focus is on education and nationally recognized New Ballet also gives some of the most engaging performances in town. Popular recurring shows include Springloaded and NutRemix newballet.org

The Fly Studio at Ballet Memphis is a compact but versatile space.

MUSIC OF THE AGES (AND AGES TO COME )

THE BLUFF CITY’S THRIVING CLASSICAL MUSIC COMMUNITY IS EMBRACING INNOVATION ON ALL FRONTS.

BY ALEX GREENE

As I heard the familiar opening strains of Puccini’s La Bohème, staged by Opera Memphis at the Scheidt Family Performing Arts Center this May, the performance seemed on par with the countless versions that companies have staged over generations: e Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s brass galloped, the strings swelled. But then I noticed the ﬁrst scene-setting title card projected on the back of the stage: “Beale Street, 1915.” is was not my grandparents’ La Bohème .

e decision to shift the opera’s setting from 1830s Paris to the Memphis of just over a century ago, while aesthetically bold, was also executed with great subtlety. e starving artists of the original were just as plausible in the later era, and placing the story on Beale made the production feel more distinctively Memphis, complete with a mostly non-white cast. ese characters were historically accurate bohemians, to be sure, and mixing them with the Western operatic canon challenged the audience to remember that. Of course, the virtuoso per-

formances by Chauncy Packer (Rodolfo), Marquita Richardson (Mimi), Reginald Smith Jr. (Marcello), and the other cast members didn’t hurt.

Indeed, that was the point. As conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson pointed out just before the premiere, Opera Memphis was determined to maintain the integrity of Puccini’s original vision. “Audience members who are fluent in Italian may realize that a couple of things have changed,” Johnson said, “but for the most part, we’ve done this without actually changing the text, which the singers have grown

up learning for years and years in the Italian language. Of course, Puccini’s music is so tied to the language, so in order to avoid changing too many actual words, and making sure they stand with the music, there are just a couple of word changes, and some of those are simply within the subtitles.”

Compared to the New Ballet Ensemble’s 20-year history of Nut Remix , which not only sets Tchaikovsky’s e Nutcracker on Beale Street but also adds much new music, from Booker T. and the MGs to Duke Ellington, this La Bohème would have seemed nearly unchanged if your eyes were closed. And yet there was a deep power in this reimagining of it, lending historical resonance to an opera already known for its gritty realism.

“Because Paris in 1830s was a place where artists and musicians and philosophers and writers came together, it was a cultural center for its time,” stage director Dennis Whitehead Darling told me. “And the same

La Bohéme’s story of bohemian life was well suited to Opera Memphis’ new staging.

above:

thing was happening here in Memphis. I think that’s what sparked the idea for setting La Bohème on Beale Street.”

REMIXING HISTORY THROUGH INNOVATION

Opera Memphis is not alone in simultaneously embracing tradition, history, and bold creativity in a single performance. e premiere of the Harriet Tubman Oratorio in February — produced in collaboration between Memphis Symphony Orchestra and the National Civil Rights Museum, and performed at the Cannon Center — also captured what is fomenting in the Memphis classical world today. While honoring the his-

torical ﬁgure of Tubman, devoted abolitionist and leader in the Underground Railroad, the oratorio itself was absolutely contemporary, the latest from Memphis’ self-taught composer, Earnestine Rodgers Robinson.

ough her first major work, e Crucifixion Oratorio, premiered at Carnegie Hall as early as 1997, this was the first time any of Robinson’s orchestral works would be presented in her hometown. As such, the performance was a tacit recognition of both Tubman and the composer herself, two Black women whose voices were set to be lifted to glorious new heights by no less than the MSO, four star singers from Opera Memphis, the Memphis Symphony Chorus, and the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church Choir.

As it turned out, Robinson’s new oratorio lived up to the moment in all its gravitas, juxtaposing Tubman’s own words, brought to life by storyteller and griot Janice Curtis Greene, with Robinson’s memorable melodies woven into the intricate orchestrations of her arrangers, Heather Sorenson and Francisco Núñez, the chorus of voices sometimes exploding with earthshaking power. It was a testament to Robinson’s vision, matched with the vision of a major symphony orchestra embracing works from outside the conservatory. e fact that it was happening in Memphis made clear how far Robinson had come since her first forays into writing devotional music half a century ago.

Encouraged by her late husband, Charles, an accountant who played classical piano

The Harriet Tubman Oratorio involved members of the MSO, Opera Memphis, the Memphis Symphony Chorus, and the Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church Choir. below: Janice Curtis Greene as Tubman, soprano Marquita Richardson, conductor Kyle Dickson.

(and worked at Mercury Records for a time), Robinson began composing songs in the 1970s and has continued over the years in much the same way. “I have to have the words ﬁrst,” she says of her process. “ en the words dictate the mood. ey tell the story and that tells you how the music goes. It dictates to your spirit and you go with the ﬂow.”

Working out the melodies in this way, Robinson then records herself singing her compositions and mails the recording to herself, the dated postmark serving as proof of her authorship. “Once I’ve done that, I’m ready to give it to a person to score for me,” she says. “ ey tell me these melodies I write are intricate. I don’t know they’re intricate, though. I just know I’m singing what I heard.”

Now 86, Robinson still seems a little stunned that she’s found such acceptance in the classical milieu. When her work was performed in Prague, she says, “I was intimidated. I said, ‘Oh, my goodness! I’m in the wrong place, with all these supposed composers.’ I didn’t know how they were going to accept me. I’m Black, and I’m a woman, so I’ve got two strikes against me.”

ILLUMINATING THE ROLE OF RACE

The classical establishment’s embrace of Robinson’s work reveals an increasingly expansive tendency in the classical world, and in other organizations’ recognition of the ﬁ ne arts. It was no accident that the National Civil Rights Museum signed on as a sponsor of the concert. As Kyle Dickson, the MSO assistant conductor who led the orchestra through the Harriet Tubman Oratorio, says, “In the last four years many classical organizations have embraced this idea of performing more composers of color,

or just simply presenting more concerts that are more inclusive, that reﬂect more of the communities that they exist in. ese are composers whose contributions have been swept under the rug for so long.”

Indeed, there are other signs that composers of color, both historic and contemporary, are being taken more seriously. Pianist Artina McCain, associate professor of piano at the University of Memphis Rudi E. Scheidt School of Music, often curates Celebration, a Black composers festival in Austin, Texas, that’s now in its 18th year. at in turn has led her to program local concerts with a similar goal in mind, most notably spotlighting Black and other underrepresented composers in her Mahogany Chamber Music Series at Crosstown Arts, which she began in 2019.

A major element in the revival of Black composers has been reaching back into history to re-

vive writers who were neglected at the time, such as William Grant Still or Florence Price, who “is making a resurgence these days,” McCain told the Memphis Flyer in 2019. “She seems to be the composer of preference as far as being a female of color that symphonies are programming. People are becoming more aware of her musical style. And the rhythms and harmonies that she uses are very familiar in American folk music. Black composers wanted to fuse the genres that were more readily associated with Black Americans — jazz, blues, gospel — with their training. So they came up with this genre that’s a thing in itself.” at “genre” is regularly being celebrated by the MSO, as in their recent concert celebrating the 100th Anniversary of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which opened with four compositions by Still, who was blending jazz with classical years before Gershwin’s famous work. Also including the eerie harmonies of Kurt

Artina and Martin McCain

Evan Williams at the premiere of Crosstown Counterpoint

Earnestine Rodgers Robinson

Weill’s take on American jazz, and pianist Zhu Wang on the Gershwin piece, the concert was a study in diversity, from the repertoire to the audience to the musicians themselves.

Robinson’s daughter, Michelle McKissack, who sits on the MSO board, feels this diversity makes the MSO unique. “Memphis really is leading the way,” she says. “You just don’t see the level of diversity in other orchestras, compared to what you see here in Memphis.” at goes for the city’s operatic talent as well, on display when Opera Memphis presented a recital of art songs crafted around the writings of Langston Hughes, including works by Still and Price. It felt as though the Harlem Renaissance, in which both Hughes and the composers were key players, had sprung to life once more, a century after the fact, through the voices of Marcus King, Kayla Oderah, and Marquita Richardson — opera

singers who all happen to be Black. e production of La Bohème was very much in keeping with this consciousness-raising. As Jeri Lynne Johnson noted at the time, that production revealed a culture that’s often rendered invisible. “I’ve done world premieres for the Santa Fe Opera and for the Chicago Opera eater that had predominantly African-American casts, having canonical works reimagined with African Americans in the roles. But what makes this particular production so interesting is, it isn’t just the casting. It is really transplanting that bohemian lifestyle into a uniquely Memphian historical period on Beale Street. e setting and the cast together really give you a sense of African-American life at that time. It adds an element of questioning what art is, and who makes art, where moral judgments are embedded into the aesthetic ones.”

DISCOVERING TOMORROW’S MUSIC

Local ensembles are also embracing diversity in terms of sounds and musical styles. Championing what is sometimes called “New Music” has become a fundamental mission of some groups here, to the point where they’re helping bring new music into being by commissioning the works directly. e U of M’s McCain, for example, while introducing the works she and her husband, Martin (a trombone instructor at the university), performed at Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in late January, noted that “ninety percent of what you’ll hear in this program is music that’s been commissioned by us.” Music for piano-trombone duets being rare, this is partly out of necessity, but also springs from the McCains’ commitment to fuel the continued evolution of classical music.

They’re not alone in commissioning new works. What was once called the Iris Orchestra, now the Iris Collective, has fostered new music for over two decades. Conductor Michael Stern, onetime artistic director of Iris and still an advisor to the collective, noted in 2022 that “commissioning new works is part of our mission statement. When we started Iris 22 years ago, the express intention was, in part, to nurture and promote the music of our time, especially American composers.”

One notable Iris commission, in 2020, celebrated the city of Memphis itself, in a symphonic tour de force by Conrad Tao inspired by Charlie Patton’s “A Spoonful Blues,” simply titled Spoonfuls. e piece’s inventiveness was bracing, as samples of Patton’s original recordings were followed by a brash, playful symphonic commentary that echoed the bluesman’s original singing, but with stopstart sonic blasts that made full use of an orchestra’s power.

Another work that Iris co-commissioned at the time was slated to enjoy its world premiere in Memphis, but was delayed when pianist Awadagin Pratt contracted Covid in 2022. is March, at the Germantown Performing Arts Center, Pratt returned to the city and to the piece with his performance of Jessie Montgomery’s Rounds for Piano and Orchestra.

As Stern noted at the time, “Jessie Montgomery is one of the most compelling voices to rise to the top of the scene over the last two or three years, for good reason.” And commissioning Rounds revealed just how prescient Iris’ commitment to contemporary works can be. is year the piece won the Grammy for Best Contemporary Classical Composition, and Pratt is being recognized as one of the most accomplished pianists of his generation. It shows how great an impact commissioning new works can have, not to mention how the inventiveness of new music overlaps with challenging deep cultural preconceptions.

The Iris Collective, formerly known as the Iris Orchestra.

Two members of The City of Tomorrow, Elise Blatchford and Leander Star, teach at the University of Memphis.

e City of Tomorrow, a wind quintet with two members at the University of Memphis, is another ensemble committed to commissioning new works, creating some of the most inventive music in the city because of it. After their January performance in the Green Room at Crosstown Arts, one fellow audience member confessed to me, “I never knew that symphonic instruments like that could make so many sounds!”

The pieces favored by the ensemble did indeed lean into the unorthodox, sometimes relying on the sounds of valves clicking, spoken-word interludes by the players, or strangely expressive growls and toots from the ﬂute, oboe, French horn, bassoon, and clarinet players comprising the group.

The final piece of that night, The Faculty of Sensing, had been co-commissioned by the group and featured another composer being widely celebrated now, George Lewis, who has won MacArthur and Guggenheim Fellowships. Elise Blatchford, the City of Tomorrow’s ﬂutist, notes that Crosstown Arts has played a pivotal role in presenting such cutting-edge work locally.

“I think Crosstown Arts is a big part of the story here,” she says. “Where I used to feel like if I wanted to see some really hard-edged new music, or anything that I’ve been reading about in the New Yorker, I’d have to take a trip to New York. But now I just pay attention to

what they’re scheduling over at Crosstown and I go there. at’s really been a shot in the arm artistically, for me personally, having cool shows to go to.” at was made abundantly clear last spring, when Evan Williams, a composer who’d taught for years at Rhodes College before taking a position at Berklee College of Music in Boston, returned to Memphis to premiere a new piece, Crosstown Counterpoint, commissioned by Crosstown Arts and written in honor of the very building where it was to be performed. With members of Blueshift Ensemble (since 2016, a key group in promoting new music locally) stationed in disparate parts of the concourse’s atrium, the work made full use of the echoing space which inspired it.

Subtitled “for two antiphonal string quartets and audio playback,” Crosstown Counterpoint made use of the concourse’s multiple levels, with one quartet on the ground floor and another on the mezzanine above. e stereo strings responded to each other’s hypnotic patterns as recordings of community voices were heard on the P.A. In one moving passage, a Memphian observes, “The building has a personality,” then adds, “and layers of history,” a phrase which repeated as the strings played on, the words echoing through the very walls being remembered.

In such ways, the new music of today creates unexpected, inventive frames for our own his-

tory, just as Spoonfuls incorporated the voice of Charlie Patton, or Robinson’s oratorio evoked Harriet Tubman through her own words. In pushing the sonic limits of traditional instruments or resuscitating the works of undeservedly obscure composers of color, new music is not discarding the past, but reimagining it.

Appropriately enough, local classical ensembles are keeping their eyes on the future. e coming season will feature plenty of innovation, including a collaboration this October between Opera Memphis and the Iris Collective in staging Gregg Kallor’s 2016 opera, e Tell-Tale Heart, based on the famous Edgar Allen Poe story.

Next spring, Iris will also host an appearance by violinist Elena Urioste, which will include Recomposed by Max Richter, an imaginative interpretation of Vivaldi’s iconic Four Seasons. e MSO, for its part, will feature the Memphis premiere of a new Michael Gandolﬁ piano concerto with legendary soloist Marc-André Hamelin. And, as the ultimate feather in the cap of Memphis classical music, Opera Memphis will host the annualOpera America conference next May.

As Marc Scorca, president of Opera America, said in a statement, “Opera Memphis is a model for companies across the country, so it will be a special pleasure to convene there to learn about and celebrate opera’s position in the rich culture of the city.”

Players in the Crosstown Concourse’s mezzanine and in the atrium below perform Evan Williams’ Crosstown Counterpoint

VENUE MENU

SPACES AND PLACES: YOUR GUIDE TO SOME OF THE BEST BUSINESS EVENT AND MEETING LOCATIONS IN MEMPHIS.

If holing up in the office conference room doesn’t quite cut it, business leaders have plenty of options in the Bluﬀ City to host their next gathering, whether it’s a small meeting at a boutique hotel, or an enormous conference at the Renasant Convention Center. e 2024 Venue Menu contains both new and familiar settings, but all those featured in the following pages are some of the best places to host your next corporate event.

CASINOS

1ST JACKPOT CASINO TUNICA

Corporate meetings. Conference rooms for up to 30 guests. 866-422-5597. 1450 Bally Blvd., Tunica Resorts, MS 1stjackpot.com

FITZ TUNICA CASINO AND HOTEL

Corporate events and meetings. Up to 7,500 available sq. ft. 662-363-8259; pfranklin@ﬁtzgeraldstunica.com. 711 Lucky Lane., Robinsonville, MS fitzgeraldstunica.com

GOLD STRIKE CASINO RESORT

Meetings and special events. 30,000 sq. ft., 15-1,170 guests. 662-357-1373; mmyers@mgmresorts.com. 1010 Casino Center Dr., Tunica Resorts, MS goldstrike.com

HOLLYWOOD CASINO & HOTEL TUNICA

Corporate events and meetings. Up to 14,000 available sq. ft. for 25-1,200 guests. 662-357-7883. 1150 Casino Strip Resort Blvd., Robinsonville, MS hollywoodcasinotunica.com

HORSESHOE CASINO AND HOTEL

Meetings and special events. Banquet rooms and live entertainment spaces. 300-10,000 sq. ft., 10-1,400 guests. 855-633-8238; meet@caesars.com. 1021 Casino Center Dr, Robinsonville, MS caesars.com

ISLE OF CAPRI CASINO & HOTEL

Corporate events, meetings, and conferences. 9,000 available sq. ft. for 10-1,000 guests. 662-363-4461. 777 Isle of Capri Pkwy., Lula, MS isleofcaprilula.com

SAM’S TOWN HOTEL & GAMBLING HALL

Corporate events. 1,050-5,040 sq. ft., 12-400 guests. 662363-0711. 1477 Casino Strip Resort Blvd., Robinsonville, MS samstowntunica.com

SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL

Meetings and large corporate events. 16,000 sq. ft., 30-600 guests. 870-400-4855. 1550 Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR southlandcasino.com

COLLEGES

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY

Meetings and events. Classroom, banquet rooms, and auditorium space for 25-500 guests. 901-321-3525; events@ cbu.edu. 650 East Parkway S. cbu.edu

RHODES COLLEGE

Meetings, lectures, and special events. Scheduling and College Events Ofﬁce: 901-843-3888. 2000 North Parkway. rhodes.edu

UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS

Conferences and events. Up to 210,000 available sq. ft., up to 1,000 guests. Conference and event services: 901-678-5000; conferences@memphis.edu. 365 Innovation Dr. memphis.edu/conferences

EVENT VENUES

409 SOUTH MAIN EVENTS

Corporate events and meetings. Up to 330 guests, 220 seated. 901-300-7942; events@409southmain.com. 409 S. Main St. 409southmain.com

ANNESDALE MANSION

Corporate events. Up to 17,000 available sq. ft., 250-300 guests. Val Bledsoe: 901-490-9460; val@annesdalemansion. com. 1325 Lamar Ave. annesdalemansion.com

THE ATRIUM AT OVERTON SQUARE

Corporate events and meetings. Space for 175 seated guests, up to 250 standing. In-house catering and bar services available. 901-213-4514; events@memphiseventgroup.com. 2105 Madison Ave. theatriummemphis.com

THE AVENUE DOWNTOWN

Corporate events. Room for up to 150 guests. 901-488-8730; info@avenuedowntown.com. 10 N. Second St. avenuedowntown.com

BING ON BROAD

Corporate events and meetings. Room for up to 100 guests. 901-407-2214; info@bingonbroad.com. 2531 Broad Ave. bingonbroad.com

CADRE BUILDING

Corporate, formal, and nonproﬁt events. 36,000 sq. ft., Space for 350 seated guests, 1,000 standing. 901-779-1501; betsy.mckay@cadrebuilding.com. 149 Monroe Ave. cadrebuilding.com

THE COLUMNS

Corporate events. Up to 20,000 sq. ft., 200-800 guests. 901552-4732; catie@resourceentertainment.com. 40 S. Main St. resourceentertainment.com

ESPLANADE

Corporate events and conferences. 14,000 available sq. ft., 10-700 guests. 901-753-3333; info@esplanadememphis. com. 901 Cordova Station Ave. esplanadememphis.com

FEDEX EVENT CENTER

Corporate events. From 272-7,700 sq. ft., 20-800 guests. 901-222-7280; events@shelbyfarmspark.org. 6903 Great View Dr. N. shelbyfarmspark.org

FOGELMAN EXECUTIVE CONFERENCE CENTER & HOTEL

Corporate events and conferences. 35,000 available sq. ft., 15-1,500 guests. 901-678-5410; conferences@ memphis.edu. 330 Innovation Dr. (Conference Center); 3700 Central Ave (Hotel). memphis.edu/conferences

THE GREAT HALL & CONFERENCE CENTER

Corporate events and conferences. Up to 8,675 sq. ft. available. 60-800 guests. 901-757-7373; ianslinger@ germantown-tn.gov. 1900 S. Germantown Rd. thegreathallevents.com

THE KENT

Meetings, events, and conferences. Up to 27,000 sq. ft. available. 934 standing guests, 600 seated, plus outdoor patio area. 901-569-6611; toni@thekentmemphis. com. 61 Keel Ave. thekentmemphis.com

LA PLACE BALLROOM

Corporate and special events. Up to 5,500 sq. ft. available. 10-650 guests. Catering available. Tarmeckla Douglas: 901-340-0144; tarmeckladouglas@yahoo.com. 4798 Summer Ave. laplaceballroom.com

THE MEETING CENTER OF COLLIERVILLE

Meetings and conferences. Variety of room options. Seating for up to 15 guests. 901-861-6304; info@tmccollierville.com. 340 Poplar View Ln. E. #1 tmccollierville.com

MINGLEWOOD HALL

Corporate events and fundraisers. Up to 13,000 sq. ft. available. Up to 1,600 guests. 901-312-6058, ext. 1107; info@minglewoodhall.com. 1555 Madison Ave. minglewoodhall.com

NEW DAISY

Corporate and special events, fundraisers, and trade shows. Full theater setup for 500-1,100 guests. 901-525-8981; info@newdaisy.com. 330 Beale St. newdaisy.com

NO. 2 VANCE

Corporate events and meetings. Indoor and outdoor space for up to 75 seated guests, 100 total. 901-237-2786; no2vance@gmail.com. 325 Wagner St. no2vance.com

PREMIERE PALACE BALLROOM

Corporate events. 2,500 sq. ft. ballroom for up to 400 guests. 901-527-5660; info@premierepalace.com. 629 Monroe Ave. premierepalace.com

PROPCELLAR

Corporate events. Versatile warehouse space for up to 100 guests. 901-654-6737; hello@propcellar.com. 2585 Summer Ave. propcellar.com

REIGN EVENT VENUE

Meetings and large corporate events. Indoor and outdoor spaces for up to 250 guests. 901-748-5148; info@ reigneventsmemphis.com. 3243 Players Club Circle. RUMBA ROOM

Small corporate events. Tables and private rooms available on a limited basis. 901-523-0020; edgarmendez71@gmail. com. 303 S. Main St. memphisrumba.com

STOP 345

Corporate events and meetings. 6,000 total sq. ft. for up to 750 guests. 901-725-5625; info@stop345.com. 345 Madison Ave. stop345.com

TOWER CENTER

Conferences, meetings, and events. Up to 10,000 available sq. ft., 6-600 guests. 901-767-8776. 5100 Poplar Ave. #3300. towercentermemphis.com

WOODLAND HILLS EVENT CENTER

Corporate events. Multiple room options, with 50-1,000 guests. 901-754-2000. 10000 Woodland Hills Dr., Cordova. woodlandhillseventcenter.com

WOODRUFF-FONTAINE HOUSE

Weddings and special and corporate events. Variety of room options for 30-200 guests. 901-526-1469; j.cooper@ woodruff-fontaine.org. 680 Adams Ave. woodruff-fontaine.org

HOTELS

ARRIVE HOTEL

Corporate meetings. Up to 1,000 sq. ft. 901-235-2718; memphis@arrivehotels.com. 477 S. Main St. arrivehotels.com/memphis

BIG CYPRESS LODGE

Corporate events, conferences, and meetings. Variety of room and outdoor options for 10-800 guests. 901-6204652; concierge@big-cypress.com. 1 Bass Pro Dr. big-cypress.com

CANOPY HOTEL

Meetings. 450 sq. ft. boardroom for up to 10 guests. 901479-1001. 164 Union Ave. hilton.com

CAPTION BY HYATT

Meetings. 350 sq. ft. of indoor boardroom space. 901-6135656. 245 S. Front St. hyatt.com

COMFORT INN–DOWNTOWN

Meetings. 1,250 sq. ft. for up to 132 guests. 901-526-0583. 100 N. Front St. choicehotels.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT–DOWNTOWN

COURT SQUARE

Meetings and corporate events. 3,756 available sq. ft. for 12-125 guests. 901-522-2200. marriott.com

COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT–GERMANTOWN

Small meetings. 200 sq. ft. for up to eight guests. 901-7510230. 7750 Wolf River Blvd. marriott.com

CROWNE PLAZA DOWNTOWN

Corporate events and meetings. 8,686 available sq. ft., up to 257 guests. 901-525-1800; info@cphotelmemphis.com. 300 N. Second St. ihg.com/crowneplaza

CROWNE PLAZA EAST MEMPHIS

Corporate events and meetings. 15,000 available sq. ft., up to 800 guests. 901-362-6200. 2625 Thousand Oaks Blvd. ihg.com/crowneplaza

CURIO BY HILTON AT CENTRAL STATION

Corporate events and meetings. Up to 6,572 sq. ft. for 10500 guests. 901-524-5247; inquire@centralstationmemphis. com. 545 S. Main St.

DOUBLETREE HILTON (DOWNTOWN)

Corporate events and meetings. 6,252 available sq. ft., 5-400 guests. 901-528-1800. 185 Union Ave. hilton.com

DOUBLETREE HILTON (SANDERLIN)

Corporate events and meetings. 6,000 available sq. ft., 8-300 guests. 901-696-6703; 5069 Sanderlin Ave. hilton.com

EMBASSY SUITES MEMPHIS

Corporate events and meetings. Up to 3,000 sq. ft., 15-200 guests. 901-684-1777. 1022 S. Shady Grove Rd. embassysuites3.hilton.com

GUEST HOUSE AT GRACELAND

Corporate events and conferences. 22,000 available sq. ft., up to 1,200 guests. 1-800-238-2000; ghagsales@ guesthousegraceland.com. 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd. guesthousegraceland.com

HAMPTON INN & SUITES MEMPHIS–BEALE STREET

Corporate events and meetings. 1,200 available sq. ft. for up to 50 guests. 901-260-4000. 175 Peabody Pl. hilton.com

HILTON GARDEN INN (DOWNTOWN)

Corporate events and conferences. Up to 1,278 sq. ft. for 10-70 guests. 901-528-1540. 201 Union Ave. hiltongardeninn3.hilton.com

HILTON (RIDGE LAKE BLVD.)

Corporate events and meetings. Up to 30,000 available sq. ft. for up to 1,600 guests. 901-684-6664. 939 Ridge Lake Blvd. www3.hilton.com

HOLIDAY INN (DOWNTOWN)

Corporate events and meetings. 425-3,456 sq. ft., 12-300 guests. 901-526-2001; cateringmemdn@isquarecap. com. 160 Union Ave. hisdowntownmemphis.com

HOLIDAY INN (UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS)

Social and corporate events and conferences. 14,244 available sq. ft., 15-1,500 guests. 901-678-5423; dspeight@ holidayinnuofm.com. 3700 Central Ave. ihg.com

HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS (MEDICAL CENTER MIDTOWN)

Small meetings. Meeting rooms available for small groups as available. 901-276-1175; 1180 Union Ave. ihg.com

HOTEL INDIGO

Corporate meetings and events. 560-720 sq. ft., up to 50 guests. 901-527-2215; info@downtownmemphishotel.com. 22 North B.B. King Boulevard. ihg.com

HU. HOTEL

Corporate events and meetings. 476-2,052 sq. ft. for 15-315 guests. 866-446-3674; info@huhotelmemphis.com. 79 Madison Ave. huhotelmemphis.com

HYATT CENTRIC ON BEALE STREET

Meetings and conferences. Up to 9,000 available sq. ft. for 10-560 guests. 901-444-3232; MEMCT-RFP@hyatt. com. 33 Beale St. hyatt.com

HYATT PLACE MEMPHIS (PRIMACY PARKWAY)

Meetings. Up to 1,170 sq. ft., 20-50 guests. 901-680-9700; alyse.purdy@hyatt.com. 1220 Primacy Pkwy. memphisprimacyparkway.place.hyatt.com

LA QUINTA INN & SUITES BY WYNDHAM–DOWNTOWN

Corporate events and meetings. 800 sq. ft., 5-55 guests. 901-522-2383. 310 Union Ave. wyndhamhotels.com

MARRIOTT MEMPHIS EAST

Corporate events and meetings. 22,553 available sq. ft., 8-300 guests. 901-682-0080. 5795 Poplar Ave. marriott.com

PEABODY HOTEL

Corporate events, meetings, and conferences. 80,000 available sq. ft., 10-2,000 guests. 901-5294000. 149 Union Ave. peabodymemphis.com

RIVER INN – RIVER HALL

Corporate events and meetings. Banquet hall, meeting room, and terrace options for up to 120 guests. 901260-3333, ext. 2105; events@riverinnmemphis.com. 50 Harbor Town Sq. riverinnmemphis.com

SHERATON MEMPHIS (DOWNTOWN)

Corporate events and meetings. 276-4,692 sq. ft., 10-414 guests. 901-527-7300. 250 N. Main St. marriott.com

STAYBRIDGE SUITES

Small meetings. 800 sq. ft. available for small business meetings. 901-322-6560. 1070 Ridge Lake Blvd. ihg.com

SPRINGHILL SUITES COURT SQUARE

Corporate events and meetings. 625-2,300 sq. ft., 20-150 guests. 901-522-2100. 85 W. Court Ave. marriott.com

WESTIN MEMPHIS BEALE STREET

Corporate events and meetings. 320-3,040 sq. ft., 8-300 guests. 901-334-5900. 170 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. marriott.com

LARGE VENUES

AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL

Corporate events and trade shows. Variety of small and large venues, ranging from 4,800-86,000 sq. ft. 901-757-7777; info@agricenter.org. 7777 Walnut Grove Rd. agricenter.org

BEALE STREET LANDING

Large corporate events. Large outdoor space, with capacity up to 5,000+ guests. 901-504-4229. 251 Riverside Dr. partymemphis.com

CANNON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Large corporate events and conferences. Large theatercapacity events with 2,100 seats. 901-576-1224. 255 N. Main St. thecannoncenter.com

FEDEXFORUM

Large corporate events and meetings. Large stadium with a variety of venue options for 30-17,500 guests. 901-205-1522; booking@grizzlies.com. 191 Beale St. fedexforum.com

LANDERS CENTER

Large corporate events, conferences, and meetings. Multiple venue options, from 468-17,010 sq. ft., 30-1,888 guests. 662-280-9120; ahunt@landerscenter.com. 4560 Venture Dr., Southaven, MS. landerscenter.com

MEMPHIS SPORTS AND EVENTS CENTER 227,000-sq.-ft. youth sports facility at Liberty Park with capabilities for large corporate events and meetings. 995 Early Maxwell Rd. themsec.com

RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER

Large corporate events, meetings, conferences, and trade shows. Over 300,000 available sq. ft. of meeting, exhibit, and pre-function space. 901-576-1200. 255 N. Main St. memphistravel.com

SIMMONS BANK LIBERTY STADIUM

Large corporate events. Large stadium and fairgrounds with variety of venue options for 125-58,325 guests. 901-729-407. 335 S. Hollywood St. thelibertybowlstadium.com

PUBLIC

AUTOZONE PARK

Corporate events and meetings. Indoor and outdoor venues available. Capacity depends on venue. 901-7220257. 200 Union Ave. memphisredbirds.com

BALLET MEMPHIS

Four separate event spaces, from 775 sq. ft. Board Room for corporate events to 3900 sq. ft . Fly Studio for weddings and social events up to 300 people. 901-737-7322; csage@ balletmemphis.org. 2144 Madison Ave. balletmemphis.org

BARTLETT PERFORMING ARTS & CONFERENCE CENTER

Corporate events and small meetings. Smaller room options or auditorium for 75-350 guests. 901-385-6440. 3663 Appling Rd., Bartlett, TN. bpacc.org

BLUES HALL OF FAME

Corporate events. Entry level and ground level spaces for 100 guests. 901-527-2583, ext. 13; andrew@blues.org. 421 S. Main St. blues.org

BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART

Corporate events and meetings. Meeting and reception options for 20-400 guests. 901-544-6222. 1934 Poplar Ave. brooksmuseum.org

COTTON MUSEUM

Corporate events. 3,200 sq. ft. for up to 150 guests. 901-531-7826; rentals@memphiscottonmuseum. org. 65 Union Ave. memphiscottonmuseum.org

CRESCENT CLUB

Corporate events and meetings. 540-1,500 sq. ft., 8-200 guests. 901-684-1010, ext. 408. 6075 Poplar Ave., Suite 909. mycrescentclub.com

DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS

Corporate events and meetings. Pavilion and auditorium options for 20-250 guests. 901-761-5250, ext. 101. scatmur@dixon.org. 4339 Park Ave. Dixon.org

ELVIS PRESLEY’S GRACELAND

Corporate events and meetings. Multiple indoor and outdoor facilities for small and large gatherings. 901-4736005. 3734 Elvis Presley Blvd. graceland.com

HALLORAN CENTRE

Corporate events, meetings, private parties, special events. 1,011-3,500 sq. ft., 45-361 guests. 901-529-4276; adams@orpheum-memphis.org. 225 S. Main St. orpheum-memphis.com

KROC CENTER

Corporate events and meetings. Conference and hall space for between 12-100 guests. 901-729-8031; events@ krocmemphis.org. 800 East Parkway S. krocmemphis.org

MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN

Corporate events. Variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for 2-600 guests. 901-636-4106; rentals@ memphisbotanicgarden.com. 750 Cherry Rd. mbgrentals.com

MEMPHIS ZOO

Corporate and special events and weddings. Indoor and outdoor spaces for up to 3,000 guests. 901-333-6571. 2000 Prentiss Pl. memphiszoo.org

METAL MUSEUM

Corporate events. First ﬂoor of the Library Building for small meetings; terrace and tented outdoor areas for 300-800 guests. 901-774-6380; rentals@metalmuseum. org. 374 Metal Museum Dr. metalmuseum.org

MIRIMICHI

Corporate events. Indoor and outdoor venues for 10800 guests. 901-259-3800. 6195 Woodstock Cuba Rd., Millington, TN. mirimichievents.com

MOSH (MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY)

Corporate and special events in acclaimed Pink Palace. 3050 Central Avenue. 901-636-2362. moshmemphis.com

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

Corporate events and meetings. Conference rooms and auditorium, plus outdoor space available. 901-5219699, ext. 2439; bwilliams@civilrightsmuseum.org.

450 Mulberry St. civilrightsmuseum.org

OPERA MEMPHIS

Corporate events. 1,450-5,400 sq. ft. lobby and hall spaces. 901-202-4536; info@operamemphis.org. 6745 Wolf River Pkwy. operamemphis.org

ORPHEUM THEATRE

Corporate events. Small rooms and main auditorium available for 70-2,300 guests. 901-529-4234; brown@ orpheum-memphis.com. 203 S. Main St. orpheum-memphis.com

PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE

Corporate events and meetings. Auditorium and meeting facilities for 12-347 guests. 901-937-6473; tyler@ playhouseonthesquare.org. 66 S. Cooper St. playhouseonthesquare.org

RIDGEWAY COUNTRY CLUB

Corporate events. Indoor and outdoor spaces for between 200-350 guests. 901-853-2247, ext. 106; bernadetteslavin@ridgewaycountryclub.com. 9800 Poplar Ave. ridgewaycountryclub.com

ROCK ’N’ SOUL MUSEUM

Corporate events and conferences. Museum exhibit included. 850-8,500 sq. ft., 60-300 guests. 901-2052536; annette@memphisrocknsoul.org. 191 Beale St. Also offers Memphis Music Hall of Fame Museum for receptions and corporate events. 2,500 sq. ft. 30-100 guests. memphisrocknsoul.org

STAX MUSEUM

Corporate events. Museum space available for 10-450 guests. 901-942-7685; jeff.kollath@ soulsvillefoundation.org. 926 E. McLemore Ave. staxmuseum.com

WEST MEMPHIS EUGENE WOODS

CIVIC CENTER

Corporate events and meetings. Meeting rooms available for up to 1,000 guests. 870-732-7597; khamilton@ citywm.com. 212 West Polk Ave., West Memphis, AR. explorewestmemphis.com

TPC SOUTHWIND

Corporate events and meetings. Membership is not required. 580-1,952 sq. ft., 30-120 guests. 901-259-1835; AprilDoby@pgatourtpc.com. 3325 Club at Southwind. tpc.com

UNIVERSITY CLUB OF MEMPHIS

Corporate events and meetings. Variety of indoor and outdoor spaces for 12-450 guests. 901-772-3760; banquets@ucmem.com. 1346 Central Ave. ucmem.com

VICTORY RANCH

Corporate events. Outdoor team building experiences for businesses. 901-338-7093; harrison@victoryranch.org. 4330 Mecklinburg, Bolivar, TN. victoryranch.org

Friday, September 20th, 6-9pm

Corporate events. Club available for rent, with room for 25-400 guests. 901-202-9114. 143 Beale St.

Corporate events. Private dining rooms for 12-50 guests.

Corporate events. Outdoor spaces for 140-300 guests. 901-207-6172; watershedmemphis@gmail.com. 141

Corporate events and meetings. Woodland and Bluff Rooms can seat up to 14 and 48 guests, respectively. 901-8484009; private.dining.memphis@charrestaurant.com. 431 S. Highland St. memphis.charrestaurant.com

CORKY'S BBQ

Private party room for minimum of 25 people, 3-hour maximum. 901-685-9744. 5259 Poplar. corkysbbq.com

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE & WINE BAR

Corporate events. Private rooms available for 25-65 guests. 901-761-6200. 6245 Poplar Ave. flemingssteakhouse.com

FOLK’S FOLLY PRIME STEAK HOUSE

Corporate events. Private dining and event rooms for up to 80 guests. 901-328-2233; groupsales@folksfolly.com. 551 S. Mendenhall. folksfolly.com

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Corporate events. Various rental options for 12-325 guests. 901-202-9114; sales@lafayettesmusicroom.com. 2119 Madison Ave. lafayettes.com

LOFLIN YARD

Corporate events, weddings, and special events. Indoor bar and outdoor private and semi-private areas available. 901290-1140; info@loﬂinyard.com. 7 W. Carolina Ave. loflinyard.com

RAILGARTEN

Corporate events. Indoor bar, diner, and outdoor patio and yard sections for 16-2,500 guests. 901-504-4342; info@ railgarten.com. 2166 Central Ave. railgarten.com

RESTAURANT IRIS

Corporate events; private dining rooms for 4-30 guests. 901590-2828; catering@restaurantiris.com. 4550 Poplar Ave. restaurantiris.com

ELVIS PRESLEY’S GRACELAND

Graceland offers more than 100,000 square feet of event space throughout its campus — including more than 20 unique spaces to entertain and delight your guests. From the Graceland Soundstage to the Guest House Grand Ballroom, our venues are flexible and accommodating to events of all sizes, whether a small, private ceremony or a large-scale reception.

Elvis Presley’s Memphis Entertainment Complex allows guests to take in the rock ‘n’ roll experience while enjoying music, food, and fun! At Presley Motors, guests can enjoy dinner and drinks surrounded by more than 10 of Elvis’ automobiles, including Elvis’ iconic pink Cadillac! We also offer the option to add after-hours tours of Graceland Mansion, which offers guests an unforgettable experience.

The Graceland Soundstage, one of Graceland’s most popular and versatile spaces, has hosted everything from corporate meetings, conferences, trade shows exhibitions, sporting events, concerts and more. The space offers three large projection screens, a large expandable stage, full sound and lights, dressing rooms, and a concession area.

The Guest House at Graceland resort hotel hosts 430 spacious rooms with a king or

two queen beds and 20 themed specialty suites. The Grand Ballroom, at almost 11,000 square feet, is the hotel’s largest meeting space, divisible into five separate meeting rooms. The hotel is also home to a 464-seat theater with stadium seating and state-of-the-art amenities. Adjacent to the hotel is the stunning Graceland’s Wedding Chapel in the Woods.

The Graceland Exhibition Center, opened in 2019, is the most recent expansion to the Graceland campus. With its four bays of almost 10,000 square feet each and 18,000+ square foot adjacent concourse, the possibilities for this space are endless.

From an event with the flair of the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll — to a blank canvas on which you can create your own atmosphere, we offer a turnkey solution for planning — from the venue to on-site catering. Come let Graceland rock your next event.

Elvis Presley’s Graceland offers multiple event spaces to have your next special event:

1. Presley Motors Automobile Museum: Surround your guests with more than 10 of Elvis’ Automobiles while enjoying dinner and drinks.

2. Graceland Soundstage: Our most versatile space, offering projection screens, expandable stage, sound, lights and more!

3. The Guest House at Graceland Grand Ballroom: The hotel’s largest

SPECIFICATIONS

CAPACITY: Elvis Presley’s Memphis can accommodate up to 3,000 guests. The Graceland Exhibition Center has 60,000 square foot of space for groups up to 3,000+. The Guest House at Graceland offers more than 22,000 square feet of space accommodating groups of up to 1,100.

CATERING: Graceland Events & Catering has pre-designed menus to choose from or can customize any menu.

BARTENDERS: Full bar services available.

PRESENTATIONS: Full-service audio and video setup and services available.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LOCATION: Elvis Presley Blvd., Memphis

CONTACT: Graceland Events — 866.757.7007, 901.473.6005, events@graceland.com

WEBSITE: PartywithElvis.com and GuestHouseGraceland.com

meeting space, with the option to divide into five separate meeting rooms.

4. Elvis Presley’s Memphis: Space for a progressive cocktail reception or dinner; or incorporate in our “street” area as well.

5. Graceland Exhibition Center

Concourse: Over 18,000 square feet, featuring four separate food bays and abundant space for additional bars. ©

and

PREMIER MEETING & EVENT FACILITIES

1. The Memphis Botanic Garden is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization centrally located in the heart of Memphis. Your event rental helps support yearround educational & community programming and horticultural efforts.

2. Hardin Hall: At 5,400 square feet, Hardin Hall is the largest indoor event space at the Garden and includes an outdoor terrace. Located inside the Garden’s Visitors Center this venue easily connects with other spaces for larger or staged events.

Goldsmith Room: This flexible indoor space just over 3,330 square feet offers direct Garden access via the

Garden and is located inside the Garden’s Visitors Center. Removable

walls and nearby add-on smaller spaces offer the opportunity for breakouts sessions, simultaneous programming, & pre- or postevent spaces.

4. Sara’s Place: A short walk from the Garden’s Visitors Center, Sara’s Place offers a large,

Photo Credit: Mike Kerr

Photo Credit: Alex Ginsburg Photographics

Sculpture

MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN

Celebrate every day with 96 acres of versatile spaces in the heart of Memphis. From corporate retreats to outdoor picnics and holiday parties, you will find the perfect space to elevate your next event. The Garden offers multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces for groups of all sizes. Rentals include personalized event layouts plus complimentary parking, parking lot security, and an on-site concierge.

About the Memphis Botanic Garden:

The Memphis Botanic Garden is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to being an exemplary center for horticulture and environmental enrichment. Serving more than 40,000 school-aged children annually, and hosting more than 260,000 visitors each year,

Memphis Botanic Garden strives to enhance lives by connecting people with nature, increasing awareness and appreciation of our environment. The 96acre property includes 30 specialty gardens and a Level 4 Arboretum, which provide the ability to interact with various families of plants, flowers, and trees.

5. Water Garden & Water Garden Room: The Water Garden Room is approximately 600 square feet and features floor-to-ceiling views of the recently modernized Water Garden. The adjacent 1,600 square foot Water Garden features a landscaped patio with water feature and colorful

SPECIFICATIONS:

CAPACITY: The Memphis Botanic Garden offers 96 acres of versatile venues for corporate events & private rentals. The multiple flexible indoor and outdoor spaces available can accommodate from 10 to 1,000 all within the beautiful grounds of the Garden.

CATERING: The Garden offers a diverse list of the Mid-South’s best caterers for you to choose from.

BARTENDERS: Full bar service is available through three bar service vendors.

PRESENTATIONS: Select spaces include projector(s) and retractable screen(s), audio, and more.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

LOCATION: 750 Cherry Road; Memphis, TN 38117

CONTACT: 901 636 4121, rentals@membg.org

WEBSITE: membg.org/rentals

sculpture. These spaces work well for small gatherings or as an add-on to one of the nearby venues. Water Garden Photo Credit: Steve Roberts.

6. On the Grounds: The Garden offers 30 specialty gardens over 96 acres. From dramatic backdrops in the Japanese Garden to the

sweeping vista of the Great Lawn and more intimate settings such as the Sensory Garden or Blecken Pavilion, you will be sure to find your perfect place at the Garden. Japanese Garden Photo Credit: Mike Kerr

flexible indoor floor plan with an adjacent outdoor patio overlooking The Woodland. Large glass windows offer views of the Garden. At 2,750 square feet it works well for panel discussions, private parties, award ceremonies, and corporate retreats.

Photo Credit: Steve Roberts

MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART

Ambiance, Architecture, and Art combine to create an event venue perfect for every occasion.

The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art provides an unforgettable backdrop for any event. From small and intimate to lavish and grand, think of your art museum for your next holiday party, boarding meeting, team outing, reception, wedding, and more.

The Hohenberg Auditorium comfortably seats 250 guests and with fully integrated plug and play technology, it provides a professional setting for retreats and presentations.

The Terrace Room, with its sleek design and panoramic window, invites you onto the outdoor terrace for a breathtaking view of Overton Park.

The spacious Dunavant Rotunda is perfect for surrounding your event with Memphis’ world-class art collection.

The Boardroom is equipped to make hybrid meetings a breeze.

Memphis’ art museum is ideal for private gatherings or corporate events that aim to set themselves apart from the rest.

Make your event unforgettable.

Book now! Call 901.205.9191 or email at Events@ BrooksMuseum.org

SPECIFICATIONS

SPACES: Dunavant Rotunda | Seated: 200; Standing or Cocktail: 350 Terrace Room | Seated: 100; Standing or Cocktail: 125 Terrace (Tented) | Seated: 150; Standing or Cocktail: 225 Hohenberg Auditorium | 250 Theater-style seats and stage Holly Court | Seated: 200; Standing or Cocktail: 300 Boardroom | Seated: 30

FOOD AND BEVERAGE: Full catering kitchen. Food, coffee, and bar service available.

AV & TECHNOLOGY: Hohenberg Auditorium: 3 wireless microphones, stage setup, podium with microphone, and 18X12’ screen and high lumen projector. Terrace Room and Boardroom: access to two 85” 4k TVs, podium with microphone, hybrid meeting capabilities for up to 30 in-person guests

BOOKINGS: Events@brooksmuseum.org; 901.205.9191

1. Barrel to Barrrel Grand Auction

2. Hohenburg Auditorium

3. Wedding in Holly Court

4. Holiday Party on the Terrace 5. Memphis Brooks Museum of Art Campus

RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER

Since its modernization, Memphis’ Renasant Convention Center has racked up industry awards and 5-star reviews — while hosting groups from the FBI to futsal champions and a roster of local businesses. Learn what’s driving the venue’s success.

Since the debut of its $200-million modernization in 2021, the RCC and its staff began earning accolades. In fact, the RCC and its staff have been honored nine times since the venue’s reopening. The distinctions echo what meeting and event planners are saying:

“The entire RCC staff was amazing … a true extension of our team, checking our meeting spaces and checking in with our staff frequently and consistently.” —Adrienne Richardson, Orgill

“Ours is a show that’s known not for just walking past a booth but for engagement. The RCC allows us to have educational, economic and exhibit components, in a facility where we can encourage dialogue.” —Tim Price, Mid-South Farm and Gin Show

The building’s physical transformation — bringing in natural light and views of the river and downtown, courtesy of glass-walled interior spaces and outdoor terraces — has

actualized a convention center appropriate for a city popular with leisure visitors.

Leisure appeal helps sell Memphis as a meetings and events destination, but planners are also lured by the boutique character of the city and RCC: Downtown Memphis is walkable and affordable relative to similar destinations, and the RCC is sized such that smaller groups can enjoy a “takeover” rather than losing themselves amid larger venues. The same factors attract local businesses — along with the venue’s commitment to continuous improvement. Recently, that’s included continuing to advance the RCC staff’s public safety certifications and partnerships with in-house providers. In addition to A/V provider

Prestige, the RCC named The RK Group as its exclusive foodand-beverage provider in order to offer local and sustainably sourced catering options.

SPECIFICATIONS

POST-MODERNIZATION ACCOLADES

• Smart Stars Award for Best Convention Center —Smart Meetings

• Annual Centers of Excellence and Best Customer Service & On-Site Support Awards — Exhibitor Magazine

• Readers’ Choice Award — ConventionSouth Magazine

• Metamorphosis Award — Retrofit Magazine

• Best Renovation – Large Category — Memphis Business Journal

CAPACITY:

• 300,000 SF of flexible meeting, exhibit & pre-function space

• 118,000-SF column-free Exhibit Hall (the largest in the region)

• 28,000-SF ballroom

• 2,100 Seats at the adjoining Cannon Center for Performing Arts

• 46 Flexible meeting rooms, totaling over 90,000 SF

• 600 Hotel rooms at the connected Sheraton Memphis Downtown

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

LOCATION: 255 N. Main Street, Memphis, TN 38103

CONTACT: Malvin Gipson, Vice President of Sales, Sports and Convention Services for Memphis Tourism at malvingipson@memphistravel.com or call 901.543.5366

WEBSITE: renasantconventioncenter.com

EDUCATION

HELPING PARENTS FIND THE RIGHT EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT FOR THEIR CHILD.

COMPILED BY ABBY WINGFIELD

Astrong body and strong mind are the most important things any parent can provide for their child. In Memphis, families are lucky because our city oﬀers such a wealth of educational options. On these pages we list public, private, and independent schools, along with colleges and universities in the region. Let’s hope for an A+, wherever they go.

PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

IN THE

MID-SOUTH.

Bodine School 2432 Yester Oaks Drive, 38139 • 754-1800

• bodineschool.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: 1-5

• Serves students with dyslexia and dyslexia-related reading differences.

Bornblum Jewish Community School 6641 Humphreys Blvd., 38120 • 747-2665 • bornblum.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: K-8 • Tuition: Kindergarten - $11,300; 1-8 - $13,100

• Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 113; 4:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Jewish • After-school care: yes

Briarcrest Christian School 76 S. Houston Levee, Eads, 38028 • 765-4600 • briarcrest.com • Student body: co-ed • Grades: Age 2 yrs.-12 • Tuition: $7,700–$19,000 • Enrollment at end of 2023-2024 school year: 1,725; Student/teacher ratio: 10:1 • Religious afﬁliation: nondenominational Christian • Before- and after-school care: yes

Christ Methodist Day School 411 S. Grove Park, 38117 • 6836873 • choosecmds.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: 2K-6 • Tuition: $2,705-$14,400 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 540; 9:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Christian • Before- and after-school care: yes

Christ the King Lutheran School 5296 Park, 38119 • 6828405 • ctkschool.com • Student body: co-ed • Grades: Age 18 mos.-8 • Tuition: $8,500-$9,950 • Enrollment/studentfaculty ratio: 220; 11:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Christian • Special Ed classes: PLUS, Discoveries, Horizons, Honors • Before- and after-school care: yes

Christian Brothers High School 5900 Walnut Grove, 38120 • 261-4900 • admissions@cbhs.org • cbhs.org/ discover • Student body: male • Grades: 9-12 • Tuition: $16,450 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 720; 12:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Lasallian Catholic • Before- and afterschool care: yes

Collegiate School of Memphis 3353 Faxon Ave., 38122 • 591-8200 • collegiatememphis.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: 6-12 • Tuition: $14,500 (Scholarships Available) • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 365; 12:1 • Religious afﬁliation: nondenominational Christian • Before- and after-school care: after only

Concord Academy 4942 Walnut Grove, 38117• 901 682-3115 • concord-academy.org • Grades: 6-12. Serves students with learning differences.

Evangelical Christian School Main Campus 7600 Macon Rd., 38018 • 754-7217 • ecseagles.com • Student body: co-ed • Grades: 4 -12 • Tuition: $6,450 - $17,480 • Enrollment/ student-faculty ratio: 952; 7:1 • Religious afﬁliation: nondenominational Christian. Additional Location: 1920 Forest Hill-Irene • 754-4420 • Grades: Little Eagles (age 2)-3rd • Before- and after-school care: yes

Fayette Academy 15090 Hwy. 64, Somerville, 38068 • 465-3241 • fayetteacademy.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK3-12 • Tuition: $3,975-$8,925 • Enrollment/ student-faculty ratio: 600; 15:1 • Religious afﬁliation: nondenominational Christian • Before- and afterschool care: yes

First Assembly Christian School 8650 Walnut Grove, Cordova, 38018 • 458-5543 • facsmemphis.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK-12th • Tuition: $6,698$13,135 (student services additional fee) • Enrollment/ student-faculty ratio: 509; 11:1 • Religious afﬁliation: multi-denominational, evangelical Christian • Before- and after-school care: yes (elementary)

Grace-St. Luke’s Episcopal School 246 S. Belvedere, 38104 • 278-0200 • gslschool.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: Age 2-8 • Tuition: $6,740-$20,970 • Enrollment/studentfaculty ratio: 450; 8:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Episcopal • Before- and after-school care: yes

Harding Academy 1100 Cherry Rd., 38117 • 767-4494 • hardinglions.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: K-12th • Tuition: $6,240 - $18,595 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 695; 6:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Christian • Before- and afterschool care: yes. Additional Locations: Little Harding, 1106 Colonial, 38117 • 767-2093 • Grades: Age 6 weeks -Jr. K Hutchison School 1740 Ridgeway, 38119 • 761-2220 • hutchisonschool.org • Student body: female • Grades: PK2-12 • Tuition: $5,980-$25,950 • Enrollment: 815; Student-faculty ratio: 9:1 • Religious afﬁliation: nonsectarian • Before- and after-school care: yes

Immanuel Lutheran School 6319 Raleigh LaGrange, 38134 • 388-0205 • ilsmemphis.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK3-8 • Tuition: $7,650-$8,100 • Enrollment: 170 • Religious affiliation: Lutheran • Before- and after-school care: yes Lamplighter Montessori School 8563 Fay Rd., 38018 • 901-751-2000 • lamplighterschool.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: Age 18 mos.-8 • Tuition $8,925 - $17,300 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 190; 5:1/12:1 • Religious affiliation: nonsecular • Before- and after-school care: yes Lausanne Collegiate School 1381 W. Massey, 38120 • 474-1000 • lausanneschool.com • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK2-12 • Tuition: $13,198-$26,588 • Enrollment/studentfaculty ratio: 925; 7:1 • Religious affiliation: nonsectarian • Before- and after-school care: yes

Madonna Learning Center 7007 Poplar, Germantown, 38138 • madonna-learning. org • 901-752-5767 • Ages: 4-40+. Provides individualized education and vocational training for children and adults with special needs

Margolin Hebrew Academy-Feinstone Yeshiva of the South 390 S. White Station, 38117 • 682-2400 • mhafyos.org • Grades: PreK-12/co-ed (PreK3-8), female (9-12), male (9-12) • Tuition: $8,500-$20,343 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 215; 4:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Jewish • Before- and afterschool care: after only

Maria Montessori School 740 Harbor Bend Rd., 38103 • 527-3444 • mariamontessorischool.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: Age 18 mos.-8 • Tuition: $8,600-$10,000 • Enrollment: 121 • Religious afﬁliation: none • Before- and after-school care: no

Memphis Junior Academy 50 N. Mendenhall, 38117 • 683-1061 • maaTN. org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK-10 • Tuition: $448-$891/month for 10 months or $373-743/month for 12 months • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 83, 8:1 •

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Religious affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist • Before- and after-school care: yes

Memphis University School 6191 Park, 38119 • 260-1300

• musowls.org • Student body: male • Grades: 7-12 • Tuition: $24,500 • Student-faculty ratio: 7:1 • Religious affiliation: nondenominational • Before- and after-school care: after only

New Hope Christian Academy 3000 University St., 38127 • 358-3183 • newhopememphis.org • Student body: co-ed

• Grades: Age 3 years-6 • Tuition: 12,500 (Financial aid is available, need-based on a sliding scale) • Enrollment/ student-faculty ratio: 400+; 16:1 • Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian • Before- and after-school care: after only, K-6th

Northpoint Christian School 7400 Getwell Rd., Southaven, MS, 38672 • 662-349-3096 • ncstrojans.com • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK3-12 • Tuition: $7,475-$11,925

• Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 1,100; 15:1 • Religious affiliation: Christian • Before- and after-school care: yes

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School 8151 Poplar, Germantown, 38138 • 753-1181 • olphowls. org/ • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK 1-8 • Tuition: $3,300-$8,600 Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 235, 11:1 • Religious affiliation: Catholic • Before- and after- school care: yes

Presbyterian Day School 4025 Poplar, 38111 • 842-4600

• pdsmemphis.org • Student body: male • Grades: Age YK – 6th • Tuition: $6,590 - $24,600 • Enrollment/studentfaculty ratio: 500; 9:1 • Religious affiliation: Presbyterian • Before- and after-school care: yes

Rossville Christian Academy 280 High St., Rossville, 38066

• 853-0200 • rossvillechristian.com

• Student body: co-ed

• Grades: PreK-12 • Tuition: $7,803 - $11,013 (financial aid available) • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 400; 14:1

• Religious affiliation: Interdenominational Christian • Before- and after-school care: Yes

St. Agnes Academy/St. Dominic School 4830 Walnut Grove, 38117 • 767-1377 • saa-sds.org • Student body: St. Agnes, female; St. Dominic, male • Grades: 2K12 (girls), 2K-8 (boys) • Tuition: $6,180-$22,050

• Enrollment/ student-faculty ratio: 785; 9:1 • Religious affiliation: Catholic • Before- and after-school care: yes

St. Benedict at Auburndale High School 8250 Varnavas Drive at Germantown Pkwy., Cordova, 38016 • 260-2840 • sbaeagles.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: 9-12 • Tuition: $15,725 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 450/ 10:1 • Religious affiliation: Catholic • Before- and after-school care: no

St. George’s Independent School - Collierville Campus 1880 Wolf River Blvd., Collierville 38017 • 457-2000 • sgis. org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK-5 Germantown & Memphis locations • Grades: 6-12 at Collierville • Tuition: $10,185-24,395 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 1,040 (all locations); 9:1 • Religious affiliation: Episcopal • Beforeand after-school care: yes (PK-8th). Additional Locations: Germantown Campus, 8250 Poplar, 38138 • 261-2300 • Grades: PreK-5; Memphis Campus, 3749 Kimball Avenue, 38111 • 261-3920 • Grades: PreK-5

St. Mary’s Episcopal School 60 Perkins Extd., 38117 • 5371472 • stmarysschool.org • Student body: female • Grades: Age 2 yrs.-12 • Tuition: $4,800 - $26,500 • Enrollment/ student-faculty ratio: 825; 8:1 • Religious affiliation: Episcopal • Before- and after-school care: after only Tipton-Rosemark Academy 8696 Rosemark Road, Millington, TN 38053 • 829-6500 • tiptonrosemarkacademy. net • Student body: co-ed • Grades: K2-12 • Tuition: $5,655 -$10,860 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 668; 10:1 • Religious affiliation: nondenominational Christian • Beforeand after-school care: yes

Trinity Christian Academy 10 Windy City Rd., Jackson, TN, 38305 • 731-668-8500 • tcalions.com • Student body: co-ed • Grades: Pre-K–12 • Tuition: $6,470 - $11,183 • Little Lions: Infants and Toddlers • Tuition: $804-$911 Monthly. Little Lion students can enroll in a 10- or 12-month pay

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plan. Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 650; 9:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Christian, Interdenominational • Before- and after-school care: yes (including holidays)

University School of Jackson 232 McClellan Rd., Jackson, TN, 38305 • 731-664-0812 • usjbruins.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: Age 6 wks.-12 • Tuition: $7,000 - 12,950

• Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 1,104; 10:1 • Religious afﬁliation: nondenominational • Before- and after-school care: after-school care and summer daycare

Westminster Academy 2520 Ridgeway Rd., 38119 • 380-9192 • wamemphis.com • Student body: co-ed • Grades: JK-12 • Tuition: $7,435-$15,053 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 445; 6:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Classical Christian • Beforeand after-school care: yes

West Memphis Christian School 1101 N. Missouri St., West Memphis, AR, 72301 • 870-400-4000 • wmcs.com • Student body: co-ed • Grades: K-12 • Tuition: $5,700-$7,500 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 218, 9:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Christian • Before- and after-school care: yes

Woodland Presbyterian School 5217 Park, 38119 • 685-0976 • woodlandschool.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: Age 2 years-8 • Tuition: $5,560 - $17,580 (Tuition Assistance available) • Enrollment/student- faculty ratio: 340; 7:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Presbyterian • Before- and afterschool care: yes

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS

Christian Brothers High School 5900 Walnut Grove, 38120 • 261-4900 • cbhs.org • Student body: male • Grades: 9-12

• Tuition: $15,250 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 830; 12:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Roman Catholic • Before- and after-school care: no

St. Benedict at Auburndale High School 8250 Varnavas at Germantown Pkwy., Cordova, 38016 • 260-2840 • sbaeagles.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: 9-12 • Tuition: $Tuition: $13,325-$21,000 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 500; 16:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Catholic • Before- and after-school care: no

St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School 2100 N. Germantown Pkwy., Cordova, TN 38016 • 901-388-7321 • sfawolves.org/ • Student body: co-ed • Grades: 2K-8 • Enrollment/studentfaculty ratio: 400; 14:1 • Before and after school care: yes

St. Louis School 5192 Shady Grove Rd., 38117 • 255-1900 • stlouismemphis.org/ • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK38 • Tuition: $5,280-8,490 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 532; 15:1 • Before- and after-school care: yes

St. Paul Catholic School 1425 E. Shelby Dr., 38116 • 3460862 • stpaulschoolmemphis.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PK3-8 • Tuition: $5,900 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 250; 22:1

MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS OPTIONAL PROGRAMS

160 S. Hollywood, Room C106, 38112 • 416-5338 • scsk12.org/optional

Optional schools offer a world of choices to students. SCS has two optional programs: schools that use the schoolwithin-a-school approach (optional program and traditional classes) and those that are optional only (meaning all students participate in the program). In the following proﬁles, optional programs are described, and optional only schools are designated with an asterisk (*).

Saturday

Compass Community Schools 61 N. McLean Blvd., 38104

*Balmoral-Ridgeway Elementary School 5905 Grosvenor Ave., 38119 • 416-2128 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/ balmoralridgeway-es • International Baccalaureate (IB) World School Primary Years Programme. Balmoral Ridgeway promotes education of the whole child with a one-of-akind global education.

Bellevue Middle School 575 S. Bellevue Blvd., 38104 • 4164488 • Grades: 6-8 • schools.scsk12/org/bellevue-ms • The Enriched Academics/College Preparatory program prepares students for secondary and post-secondary education with enriched language arts, mathematics, and science classes. Art, music, and robotics/STEM classes available.

• 618-7422 • compassmemphis.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: K-12 • Compass is a charter school of choice and is 100% FREE to attend. Compass believes in providing a world-class education within a supportive, joyful, and hopeful school culture. Our schools are intentionally small to foster a family environment where teachers can focus on the individual child. Six locations: Compass-Berclair (K-8)3880 Forest Ave., 38122; Compass-Binghamton (K-8) - 2540 Hale Rd., 38112; Compass-Frayser (K-8) - 3690 Thomas St., 38127; Compass-Hickory Hill (K-8) - 3572 Emerald St., 38115; Compass- Midtown (9-12) - 61 N. McLean, 38104; CompassOrange Mound (K-8) - 2718 Lamar Ave., 38114 Holy Rosary School 4841 Park, 38117 • 685-1231 • holyrosarymemphis.org/ • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK2-8 • Tuition: $6,680-$8,675 • Enrollment/studentfaculty ratio: 400, 10:1 • Before- and after-school care: yes Immaculate Conception Cathedral School 1669 Central Avenue, 38104 • 725-2710 • myiccs.org/ • Grades: PK-8, Lower/Middle School • Tuition: $8,995 - $9,575 • Student body: co-ed • Before and aftercare care: yes. New Classical curriculum supports reading and comprehension skills as well as Latin instruction.

Incarnation Catholic Preschool 360 Bray Station Rd. Collierville, 38017 • 861-5414 • goics.org • Ages 1-4 • Enrollment 150 • Before and aftercare care: yes Our Lady of Perpetual Help School 8151 Poplar, Germantown, 38138 • 753-1181 • olphowls.org/ • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PreK-8 • Tuition: $3,300-$8,600

Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 235, 11:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Catholic • Before- and after-school care: yes St. Agnes Academy/St. Dominic School 4830 Walnut Grove, 38117 • 767-1356 • saa-sds.org • Student body: St. Agnes, female; St. Dominic, male • Grades: 2K-12 (girls), 2K-8 (boys) • Tuition: $5,500 - $20,000 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 775 (combined; 2018-2019); 10:1 • Religious afﬁliation: Catholic • Before- and after-school care: yes

St. Ann School – Bartlett 6529 Stage Rd., 38134 • 386-3328 • sascolts.org • Student body: co-ed • Grades: PK-8 • Enrollment/student-faculty ratio: 200+, 14:1 • Before- and after-school care: yes

Bolton High School 7323 Brunswick Rd., 38002 • 4161435 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/bolton-hs • The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme provides an internationally accepted education which opens the way for graduating students looking for higher education. Automotive technology and Agri-STEM classes are available. Brownsville Road Elementary School 5292 Banbury, 38134 • 416-4300 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/brownsvilleroades • The Enriched Academics/International Studies program provides students with advanced multicultural educational opportunities and teaches students problem-solving skills to guide them to be self-sufﬁcient.

Central High School 306 S. Bellevue Blvd., 38104 • 416-4500 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/central-hs • The College Preparatory program promotes college-readiness with honors and AP courses. Central also offers outstanding arts and athletic programs.

Colonial Middle School 1370 Colonial Rd., 38117 • 416-8980 • Grades: 6-8 • schools.scsk12.org/colonial-ms • With a central focus on arts, academics, and athletics, Colonial offers creative and performing arts classes, enriched academics, and exploratory classes.

Cordova Elementary School 750 Sanga Rd., Cordova, 38018 • 416-1700 • Grades: 1-5 • scsk12.org/cordova-es • Enriched Academics encourages students to develop and expand artistic, athletic, musical, and media skills with rigorous classes, academic competitions, STEM clubs, athletics, computer education, and art & music classes.

Cordova Middle School 900 Sanga Rd., Cordova, 38018 • 416-2189 • Grades: 6-8 • schools.scsk12.org/cordova-ms •

Cordova Middle provides a stimulating learning experience for students interested in computer and environmental sciences. Extracurricular and after-school activities include robotics and STEM programs. The school also has indoor and outdoor environment-based learning labs.

Craigmont High School 3333 Covington Pike, 38128 • 416-4312

• Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/craigmont-hs • Craigmont High boasts a college preparatory program, International Studies Optional Program, Robotics Club, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) Junior Chapter, and more; it caters to a wide range of abilities and needs from special education to honors/advanced placement and dual enrollment.

Craigmont Middle School 3455 Covington Pike, 38128 • 416-7780 • Grades: 6-8 • schools.scsk12.org/domain/3406 • The only Optional and International Studies middle school in Shelby County, Craigmont Middle prepares students for higher education by encouraging problem-solving skills and critical thinking while increasing global awareness.

*Cummings School 1037 Cummings, 38106 • 416-7810

• Grades: K-8 • schools.scsk12.org/cummings-k8 • The Developing Masterful Mathematical Minds (DM3) program emphasizes learning of mathematics and integrates these lessons into other areas of the curriculum. Cummings K-8 Optional offers an Enriched Academics program that focuses highly on STEM principles. Cummings also serves as a laboratory school for LeMoyne-Owen College and is provided innovative teaching and learning strategies by the Center for Urban Education (CUE).

*Delano Elementary 1716 Delano Ave., 38127 • 416-3932

• Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/delano-es • Delano Optional School is a 2018-19 Reward School that has a STEM, Broadcasting, and Communications Focus. The school also offers a variety of extracurricular activities including cheerleading, school newspaper, Arts and Crafts Club, and more.

*Double Tree Elementary School 4560 Double Tree Rd., 38109

• 416-8144 • Grades: PreK-5 • schools.scsk12.org/doubletreees • As a modified Montessori/Technology school, Double Tree provides a Montessori approach for K-2nd grade and an emphasis on technology for grades 3-5.

Douglass High School 3200 Mt. Olive Rd., 38108 • 416-0990 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/frederickdouglass-hs • The Public Service and Communication Arts program helps students develop 21st-century skills. Students are taught traditional and core academics while having the opportunity to take honors and AP classes as well as career and technical education courses.

*Douglass Elementary School 1650 Ash St., 38108 • 416-5946 • Grades: *K-5, 6-8 • schools.scsk12.org/ douglass-k8 • The Chess and Public Service programs aim to provide opportunities that enrich students with an advanced curriculum.

Downtown Elementary School 10 North Fourth St., 38103 • 416-8400 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/downtown-es

• The Enriched Academics/Social Studies program takes advantage of its unique urban location by using Downtown Memphis as a “living laboratory.” Students take frequent field trips to historical, educational, and cultural sites; and guest speakers from nearby businesses and organizations stop in to speak with the students. A variety of in-school enrichment classes and after-school tuition-based activities are offered.

East High School 3206 Poplar, 38111 • 416-6160 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/east-hs • East High and its T-STEM Academy encourage students’ growth by emphasizing problem-based learning, professional learning, college and career readiness, and by increasing partnerships with industry, university, and community partnerships to support STEM education.

Germantown Elementary School 2730 Cross Country Dr., 38138 • 416-0945 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/germantownes • The Enriched Academics/International Studies program teaches students global and community awareness.

Students also receive a number of opportunities through a learning garden, French classes, side-by-side concert with Memphis Symphony Orchestra, art expression experiences, partnerships with Germantown Middle and High School, and CLUE classes for gifted students.

Germantown Middle School 7925 C.D. Smith Rd., 38138 • 416-0950 • Grades: 6-8 • schools.scsk12.org/germantownms • The Enriched Academics/College Preparatory, STEM, and World Languages (Latin, French, and Spanish) programs provide every student numerous challenging, educational opportunities; and an array of specialized clubs and extracurricular activities keep students engaged.

Germantown High School 7653 Poplar Pike, 38138 • 4160955 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/germantown-hs • Germantown’s International Baccalaureate College Preparatory program sets students up for success in the future and is recognized globally. The Creative and Performing Arts program continuously garners national recognition for achievements.

Grahamwood Elementary School 3950 Summer Ave., 38122 • 416-5952 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/grahamwood-es • The Enriched Academics program encourages students to be productive and well-rounded by providing a safe, diverse, and academically challenging environment.

Havenview Middle School 1481 Hester Ln., 38116 • 416-3092 • Grades: 6-8 • schools.scsk12.org/havenview-ms • The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) program offers rigorous academic concepts while exposing students to real-life experiences to further develop social and intellectual skills.

*Idlewild Elementary School 1950 Linden Ave., 38104 • 4164566 • Grades: K-5 • schools.scsk12.org/idlewild-es • Idlewild provides a diverse and academically invigorating curriculum that combines enriched science, technology, art, and music.

*John P. Freeman Optional School 5250 Tulane Rd., 38109 • 416-3156 • Grades: 1-8 • schools.scsk12.org/johnpfreeman-k8 • The Enriched Academics/College Preparatory program prepares students to succeed globally by instilling rigorous academic practices and by encouraging using a growth mindset and building meaningful relationships.

Keystone Elementary Optional School 4301 Old Allen Rd., 38128 • 416-3924 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/keystonees • ECO: Educating Children Through the Outdoors is Keystone’s central focus, where students receive an enriched education in outdoor classrooms (gardens, pond, “grow rooms,” and amphitheatre) and science and computer labs.

Kingsbury High School 1270 N. Graham St., 38122 • 416-6060 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/kingsbury-hs • With its Global Health Studies: Applied Health Science and Health Science Policy program, Kingsbury prepares students for college with a focus in the healthcare industry.

*Maxine Smith STEAM Academy 3 N. Holmes St., 38111 • 416-4536 • Grades: 6-8 • schools.scsk12.org/maxinesmith-ms • The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) program is designed to engage students and provide a rigorous curriculum.

*Oak Forest Elementary School 7440 Nonconnah View Cv., 38119 • 416-2257 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/oakforestes • With its International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, Oak Forest provides an enriched and globally recognized education.

Overton High School 1770 Lanier Ln., 38117 • 416-2136 • Grades 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/overton-hs • The Creative and Performing Arts program fosters students’ development of talents in the performing arts with programs in vocal and instrumental music, jazz, orchestra, dance, drama, visual arts, broadcasting, and creative writing.

Peabody Elementary School 2086 Young Ave., 38104 • 416-4606 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/peabody-es • A multicultural melting pot, Peabody incorporates international studies in its enriched academics program.

Ridgeway High School 2009 Ridgeway Rd., 38119 • 416-8820 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/ridgeway-hs • International Baccalaureate World School (IB). Ridgeway provides a

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course of study that is acknowledged worldwide for its rigorous curriculum.

Ridgeway Middle School 6333 Quince Rd., 38119 • 4161588 • Grades: 6-8 • schools.scsk12.org/ridgeway-ms • The International Baccalaureate World School Middle Years Programme strives to encourage students to become independent thinkers and risk-takers who are internationally minded.

Riverwood Elementary School 1330 Stern Ln., Cordova, 38016 • 416-2310 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/ riverwood-es • The Environmental Science and Community Service program encourages students to be community and environmentally conscious.

*Rozelle Elementary School 993 Roland St., 38114 • 416-4612 • Grades: K-5 • schools.scsk12.org/rozelle-es • In Rozelle’s Creative and Performing Arts Program, instructors use the arts to teach academic subjects and develop individual skills.

Sherwood Elementary School 1156 Robin Hood Ln., 38111 • 416- 4864 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/sherwood-es • The Academic Enrichment Through the Arts program provides a challenging curriculum with an emphasis through the arts. Students are required to read classic literature, books, solve problems, and develop writing skills. The program is further enriched by involvement from ArtsMemphis, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, and Dixon Gallery and Gardens.

Snowden School 1870 N. Parkway, 38112 • 416-4621 • Grades: 1-8 • schools.scsk12.org/snowden-k8 • Snowden’s Enriched Academics/College Preparatory program offers STEM courses while also stressing academics, arts integration, athletics, and social development.

*Springdale-Memphis Magnet Elementary School 880 N. Hollywood St., 38108 • 416-4883 • Grades: 1-5 • schools. scsk12.org/springdalememphis-es • Exploratory learning provides a science-driven curriculum and an innovative learning environment with interactive trips, labs, and fairs. Treadwell Elementary School 3538 Given Ave., 38122 • 416-6130 • Grades: K-5 • schools.scsk12.org/treadwell-es • The Dual Language Immersion program boasts a bilingual education and a culturally diverse environment. Englishspeaking students are paired with students who speak other native languages to be immersed in a one-of-a-kind foreign language educational experience.

*Vollentine Elementary School 1682 Vollintine Ave., 38107 • 416-4632 • Grades: K-5 • schools.scsk12.org/vollentine-es • The Scholars Tackling Academic Rigor Scientifically (STARS) program offers a technological learning environment that is geared towards science discovery.

Whitehaven Elementary School 4783 Elvis Presley Blvd., 38116 • 416-7431 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12. org/whitehaven-es • The Enriched Academics program provides students with an academic instruction in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).

Whitehaven High School 4851 Elvis Presley Blvd., 38116 • 416-3000 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/whitehavenhs • The College Preparatory/Business and Finance programs prepare students for college with a broad range of classes that include business/finance and advanced placement courses.

White Station High School 514 S. Perkins Rd., 38117 • 4168880 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/whitestation-hs • Ranked on Newsweek’s list of top high schools in America, White Station High School provides a College Preparatory program that prepares students for college readiness with classes in science, mathematics, medicine, law, education, business, computer science, and public/social service.

White Station Middle School 5465 Mason Rd., 38120 • 4162184 • Grades: 6-8 • schools.scsk12.org/whitestation-ms • The College Preparatory program offers an academically stimulating curriculum in a state-of-the-art facility with English, math, science, social studies, fine arts, and world languages courses.

William Herbert Brewster Elementary 2605 Sam Cooper Blvd., 38112 • 416-7150 • Grades 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/ whbrewster-es • The Enriched Academics/STEAM program is designed to prepare students to excel by emphasizing enriched learning in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Smart boards, computer workstations, interactive science lab, visual arts room, and interactive science lab.

Willow Oaks Elementary School 4417 Willow Rd., 38117 • 416-2196 • Grades: 1-5 • schools.scsk12.org/willowoaks-es • The Enriched Academics Through the Arts and Technology program prepares students for middle and high school with a curriculum that exceeds state performance standards in reading, math, science, social studies, computer technology, and the arts.

Wooddale High School 5151 Scottsdale Ave., 38118 • 416-2440 • Grades: 9-12 • schools.scsk12.org/wooddale-hs • The College Preparatory and Aviation/Tourism programs are designed to train students in specialized fields that include aviation, robotics, and information technology. Students have the opportunity to work on or finish their Federal Aviation Administration’s private pilot certificates.

CHARTER SCHOOLS IN MEMPHIS AND SHELBY COUNTY

Charter schools are public schools that operate independently from their school districts. Each school follows its own mission while adhering to state-required education standards. Charters serve as an alternative to families seeking a public school education but in a smaller, academically enriched environment.

Arrow Academy of Excellence 645 Semmes St., 38111 • 2071891 • arrowacademyofexcellence.org • Grades: K-5

Aspire Public Schools Memphis 3210 RaleighMillington Rd., 38128 • 567-7068 • aspirepublicschools. org • Grades: PK-8

Aurora Collegiate Academy 4841 Summer Ave., 38122 • 2494615 • auroracollegiate.org • Grades: K-5

Bluff City High School 4950 Fairley Rd., 38109 • tn.greendot.org/bchs • 730-8157 • Grades: 9-12

City University School - Girls Preparatory 1475 East Shelby Dr., 38116 • 755-2219 • cityuniversityschool.org/girls-prep • Grades: 6-8 for girls

City University School of Independence 1475 East Shelby Dr., 38116 • 775-2219 • cityuniversityschool.org/school-ofindependence • Grades: 9-12

Cornerstone Prep-Lester Campus 320 Carpenter St., 38112 • 416-3640 • cornerstoneprepmemphis.org • Grades: PK-5

Cornerstone Prep-Denver Elementary 1940 Frayser Blvd., 38127 • 416-3640 • cegmemphis.org/cpd • Grades: PK-5 Crosstown High School 1365 Tower Ave., 38104 • 401-5500 • crosstownhigh.org • Grades: 9-12 Fairley High 4950 Fairley Rd., 38109 • 730-8160 • tn.greendot.org/fairley • Achievement School District • Grades: 9-12

Freedom Preparatory Academy Elementary & Middle Westwood 778 Parkrose Rd., 38109 • 538-9500 ext. 1 • freedomprep.org • Achievement School District • Grades: PK-5 & 6-8

Freedom Preparatory Academy High 617 Brownlee Rd., 38116 • 538-9500 ext. 5 • freedomprep.org • Grades: 9-12

Gestalt Community Schools 2650 Thousand Oaks Blvd. #2200, 38118 • 213-5161 • gestaltcs.org • Various campuses • Grades: K-12

Granville T. Woods Academy of Innovation 3824 Austin Peay Hwy., 38128 • 800-1209 • gtwacademy.com • Grades: K-8

KIPP: Memphis Collegiate Schools 2670 Union Ave. Extended #1100, 38112 • 452-2682 • kippmemphis.org • Various campuses • Grades: K-12

Leadership Preparatory Charter School 4190 Elliston Rd., 38111 • 512-4495 • leadmemphis.org • Grades: K-8

Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering 1266 Poplar Ave., 38104 • 333-1580 • discovermase.org • Grades: 6-12

Memphis Business Academy Elementary School 1082 Berclair Rd., 38122 • 591-7267 • mbacharterschools.org/mbaelementary • Grades: K-5

Memphis Business Academy Middle & High School 3306 Overton Crossing, 38127 • 357-8680 • mbacharterschools. org • Grades: 6-12

Memphis College Prep Elementary School 1500 Dunn Ave., 38106 • 620-6475 • memphiscollegeprep.org • Grades: K-5

Memphis Delta Prep 1237 College St, 38106 • 251-1010 • memphisdeltaprep.org • Grades: K-5

Memphis Grizzlies Preparatory 168 Jefferson Ave., 38103 • 474-0955 • grizzliesprep.org • Grades: 6-8

Memphis RISE Academy 5221 Raleigh Lagrange Rd., 38134 • 333-2750 • memphisrise.org • Grades: 6-12

Memphis School of Excellence 5885 Ridgeway Center Pkwy. #100, 38120 • 590-2111 • sememphis.org • Various campuses • Grades: PK-12

Memphis STEM Academy 2180 Frayser Blvd., 38127 • 708-3001 • mbacharterschools.org/memphis-stemacademy • Grades: PK-5

Promise Academy 1346 Bryan St., 38108 • 324-4456 • promiseacademy.com/hollywood-campus/ • Grades: PK-5 Soulsville Charter School 1115 College St., 38106 • 261-6366 • soulsvillecharterschool.org • Grades: 6-12

Southern Avenue Charter Elementary School 2221 Democrat Rd., 38132 • 743-7335 • southernavecharterschools. org • Grades: K-5

STAR Academy 3260 James Rd., 38128 • 387-5050 • staracademycharter.org • Grades: PK-8

Veritas College Preparatory Charter School 1500 Dunn Ave., 38106 • 526-1900 • veritascollegeprep. org • Grades: 5-8

Vision Prep 260 Joubert Ave., 38109 • 775-1018 • visionprep. org • Grades: K-5

SCHOOLS FOR SPECIAL NEEDS

Bodine School 2432 Yester Oaks Dr., Germantown, 38119 • 754-1800 • bodineschool.org • Grades: 1-6. Serves students with dyslexia and dyslexia-related reading differences. Concord Academy 4942 Walnut Grove, 38117 • 682-3115 • concord-academy.com • Grades: 6-12. Serves students with learning and social disabilities.

Harwood Center 4075 Park Ave (Main Office), Memphis, 38152 • 584-8281 • harwoodcenter.org • Ages: 18 months-6 years. Provides support and education for young children with autism, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities. Other locations: 680 Hanley St., 38114

Madonna Learning Center 7007 Poplar, Germantown, 38138 • 752-5767 • madonna-learning.org • Ages: 4-30. Provides individualized support for special-needs children and adults.

Memphis Oral School for the Deaf 7901 Poplar, Germantown, 38138 • 758-2228 • mosdkids.org • Ages: birth–6 • Teaches children who are deaf or hard of hearing how to listen and talk.

Phoenix School for Creative Learning 2404 Arthur Rd., Germantown, 38138 • 757-4360 • thephoenixschool.net • Grades: 1-12. Offers individualized arts-based learning for students with average or above-average IQ with ADD/ADHD, high-functioning autism, or other learning disabilities. Shelby Oaks School 2000 N. Germantown Parkway, Cordova, 38016 • 737-3355 • shadyoaksmemphis.com • Ages: 7-14. Offers special, individualized instruction for students with ADD/ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning disorders. St. Francis of Assissi PLUS Program 2100 Germantown Parkway, Cordova, 38106 • 388-7321 • sfawolves.org • Grades: 2-8. Offers programs for students with a diagnosed learning differences such as ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, Asperger’s, or other processing disorders.

ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CATHOLIC SCHOOL

EDUCATING FUTURE LEADERS

COLLEGE GUIDE

PREPARING FOR COLLEGE

College prep is about more than taking the right classes. It involves developing skills and interests, becoming involved in extracurricular activities, and practicing good study habits. Read below for a detailed step-by-step preparedness list from the oﬃce of Federal Student Aid (FSA) that both prospective college students and parents can consult to ensure optimal college readiness.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENTS

◗ Think about college as an important part of your future. Discuss your thoughts and ideas with your family and with people at school.

◗ Start saving for college if you haven’t already.

◗ Take challenging and interesting classes to prepare for high school.

◗ Ask your parent or guardian to help you research which high schools or special programs will most beneﬁt your interests.

◗ Develop strong study habits.

◗ Do your best in school and on standardized tests. If you are having difﬁculty, don’t give up — get help from a teacher, tutor, or mentor.

◗ Become involved in school- or community-based activities that let you explore your interests and learn new things.

◗ Speak with adults, such as your teacher, school counselor or librarian, relatives, or family friends, who you think have interesting jobs. Ask them what they like about their job and what education they needed for it.

PARENTS

◗ Continue saving for your child’s college education. If you have not opened a savings account, learn about the tax advantages of saving.

◗ Talk to your child about their interests and help match those interests with a college major and career.

◗ Help your child develop good study habits, such as ﬁnishing all work before going on social media or playing computer games.

◗ Stay in contact with your child’s teachers and counselor so that they can let you know about any changes in your child’s behavior or schoolwork.

◗ Keep an eye on your child’s grades, and help him or her ﬁnd tutoring assistance, if necessary.

9TH GRADE STUDENTS:

◗ Take challenging classes in core academic subjects. Most colleges require four years of English, at least three years of social studies (history, civics, geography, economics, etc.), three years of mathematics, and three years of science, and many require two years of a foreign language. Round out your course load with classes in computer science and the arts.

◗ Get involved in school- or community-based activities that interest you or let you explore career interests. Consider working, volunteering, and/or participating in academic enrichment programs, summer workshops, and camps with specialty focuses such as music, arts, or science. Remember: It’s quality (not quantity) that counts.

◗ Ask your guidance counselor or teachers what Advanced Placement courses are available, whether you are eligible, and how to enroll in them.

◗ Research your career options.

◗ Start a list of your awards, honors, paid and volunteer work, and extracurricular activities. Update it throughout high school.

◗ Learn about budgeting your money.

◗ Explore reasons to consider college or career school, and don’t be afraid to ask for help from your parents, school counselor, and older students as you prepare.

PARENTS:

◗ Talk to your child about college plans as if they will deﬁnitely go to college.

◗ Keep an eye on your child’s study habits and grades — stay involved.

◗ Encourage your child to take Advanced Placement or other challenging classes.

◗ Add to your child’s college savings account regularly, and make sure you are fully aware of the provisions of the account.

◗ Address your concerns about whether your child can or should go to college or career school.

Visit campus during fall preview days, Sept. 21 or Nov. 2. register at utm.edu/preview or schedule a campus tour at utm.edu/tour.

10TH GRADE

STUDENTS:

◗ Meet with your school counselor or mentor to discuss colleges and their requirements.

◗ Consider taking a practice Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) or check out the ACT Aspire exam “sandbox.”

◗ Plan to use your summer wisely: Work, volunteer, or take a summer course (away or at a local college).

◗ Go to career information events to get a more detailed look at career options.

◗ Research majors that might be a good ﬁt with your interests and goals.

◗ Learn the differences between grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships.

PARENTS:

◗ Find out whether your child’s school has college nights or ﬁnancial aid nights. Plan to attend those events with your child.

◗ Help your child develop independence by encouraging them to take responsibility for balancing homework with any other activities or a part-time job.

◗ Learn about the standardized tests your child will be taking during 10th through 12th grades.

11TH GRADE

STUDENTS:

all year

◗ Explore careers and their earning potential in the Occupational Outlook Handbook (bls.gov/ooh).

◗ Learn about choosing a college and ﬁnd a link to the free college search tool (studentaid.gov/resources/prepare-for-college/students/choosing-schools).

◗ Attend college fairs and college-preparation presentations by college representatives.

fall

◗ Take the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). You must take the test in the 11th grade to qualify for scholarships and programs associated with the National Merit Scholarship Program.

spring

◗ Register for and take exams for college admission. The standardized tests that many colleges require are the SAT and the ACT. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.

SUMMER BEFORE 12TH GRADE

STUDENTS:

◗ Create a StudentAid.gov account. You’ll need a StudentAid.gov account to access your federal student aid information and electronically sign your federal student aid documents. Note: You must create your own FSA ID; if your parent creates it for you, that’ll cause confusion later and will slow down the ﬁnancial aid application process.

◗ Narrow down the list of colleges you are considering attending. If you can, visit the schools that interest you.

◗ Contact colleges to request information and applications for admission. Ask about ﬁnancial aid, admission requirements, and deadlines.

◗ Decide whether you are going to apply under a particular college’s early-decision, early-action, or regular-decision program. Be sure to learn about the program deadlines and requirements.

◗ Begin working on essays for admissions, update your resume, and think about the best candidates for letters of recommendation.

◗ To supplement any federal student aid you may receive, be sure to apply for scholarships. Your goal is to minimize the amount of loan funds you borrow so you have less to pay back later.

PARENTS:

◗ Take a look at your ﬁnancial situation, and be sure you’re on the right track to pay for college.

◗ Get in-depth information on the federal student aid programs.

◗ Create a StudentAid.gov account if you don’t have one yet. Note: You must create your own StudentAid.gov account. If your child creates it for you, or if you create your child’s, that will cause confusion later and will slow down the ﬁnancial aid application process.

◗ Talk to your child about the schools they are considering. Ask why those schools appeal to your child and help them clarify goals and priorities.

◗ Use the U.S. Department of Labor’s scholarship search (careerinfonet.org/scholarshipsearch) to ﬁnd scholarships for which you might want to apply. Some deadlines fall as early as the summer between 11th and 12th grades, so prepare now to submit applications soon.

◗ Find out what government ﬁnancial aid you can apply for.

◗ Learn how to avoid scholarship scams and identity theft as you look for ﬁnancial aid and then attend college.

◗ Attend college fairs with your child, but don’t take over the conversation with the college representatives. Just listen and let your child do the talking.

◗ Take your child to visit college campuses, preferably when classes are in session.

◗ Make sure your child is looking into or already has applied for scholarships.

◗ Ask your employer whether scholarships are available for employees’ children.

◗ Learn about student and parent loans.

12TH GRADE

STUDENTS:

all year

◗ Work hard all the way to graduation — second-semester grades can affect scholarship eligibility.

◗ Stay involved in after-school activities and seek leadership roles if possible.

◗ Fall

◗ As soon as possible after its October 1st release, complete and submit your FAFSA form at fafsa.gov, along with any other ﬁnancial aid applications your chosen school(s) may require. You should submit your FAFSA form by the earliest ﬁnancial aid deadline of the schools to which you are applying, usually by early February.

◗ After your FAFSA form is submitted and processed, you should receive an email with instructions on how to access an online copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary for the 2024–25 award year (July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025) or Student Aid Report (SAR) for the 2023–24 award year (July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024). These documents list your answers to the questions on your FAFSA form and give you some basic information about your aid eligibility. Review the documents, make any necessary corrections, and submit the corrections.

◗ If you haven’t done so already, register for and take the standardized tests required for college admission. Check with the colleges you are interested in to see what tests they require.

◗ Apply to the colleges you have chosen. Prepare your applications carefully. Follow the instructions, and pay close attention to deadlines.

◗ Well before your application deadlines, ask your counselor and teachers to submit required documents (e.g., transcript, letters of recommendation) to the colleges to which you’re applying.

◗ Complete any last scholarship applications.

spring

◗ Visit colleges that have invited you to enroll.

◗ Review your college acceptances and compare the colleges’ ﬁnancial aid offers.

◗ Contact a school’s financial aid office if you have questions about the aid that school has offered you. In fact, getting to know your financial aid staff early is a good idea no matter what — they can tell you about deadlines, other aid for which you might wish to apply, and important paperwork you might need to submit.

◗ When you decide which school you want to attend, notify that school of your commitment and submit any required ﬁnancial deposit. Many schools require this notiﬁcation and deposit by May 1st.

PARENTS:

◗ Work with your child on ﬁlling out the FAFSA form.

◗ Make sure your child’s personal information is safe when they apply for ﬁnancial aid.

◗ Read IRS Publication 970, Tax Beneﬁts for Education to see how you might beneﬁt from federal income tax credits for education expenses.

◗ Understand the beneﬁts of federal student loans.

◗ Help your child learn about the responsibilities involved in accepting a student loan.

◗ With your child, look at communications from schools to which your child sent FAFSA information.

Further checklist items and additional college preparedness information can be found at studentaid.gov .

Memphis is for ME! Choose to maximize your college experience with hands-on faculty instruction, life-changing research opportunities, experiential learning at local Fortune 500 companies, legendary athletics and more support than you can ever imagine. With the City of Memphis as an extension of our campus, envision yourself gaining the life skills and confidence that will bring you closer to your dreams. Whether you’re interested in Business, Engineering, Art, Education or Health Sciences — find your thing and see the “ME” in Memphis.

HOPE FOR TENNESSEE STUDENTS

You may have everything for college prepared — where you’re going, your roommate, your major, but you may be struggling with the financial part of your preparations. If your college savings can’t quite cover the costs of tuition, there are solutions to assist in your journey. One for many Tennessee residents attending eligible in-state institutions is the Tennessee Education Lottery Scholarship Program.

e traditional HOPE Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors who meet the minimum requirements. e need-based HOPE Aspire supplemental award is available to those whose family’s adjusted gross income is $36,000 or less. The General Assembly Merit Scholarship (GAMS), also known as the HOPE Merit, is a merit-based supplemental award.

The traditional HOPE Scholarship is awarded to entering college freshmen who meet the following requirements:

◗ Apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available at fafsa.gov. Applications must be received by September 1st for the fall semester or February 1st for the spring and summer semesters. Early application is recommended.

◗ Have been a Tennessee resident for at least one year prior to the application date.

◗ Graduate from a Tennessee eligible high school. Exceptions may be granted to Tennessee residents who meet certain criteria, including those who graduate from high schools located in bordering out-ofstate counties, high schools in which dependents of active-duty military or civilian workers of the U.S. Department of Defense, members of the Armed Forces or the Tennessee National Guard who are classiﬁed as an in-state student under the Tennessee Board of Regents, high schools in which dependents of full-time religious work foreign nations, and out-of-state boarding schools that are regionally accredited by the National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS).

◗ Enroll in one of the eligible Tennessee public colleges, universities, or private colleges (see list below).

◗ Entering freshmen must achieve a minimum of a 21 on the ACT (or minimum of 1060 on the SAT), exclusive of the essay and optional subject area battery tests or have an overall weighted minimum 3.0 grade point average (GPA). Check with act.org for testing dates in the fall.

◗ The minimum average revised GED score is 170.

◗ The minimum average HiSet score is 15.

HOPE / ASPIRE / GAMS ELIGIBLE INSTITUTIONS

◗ Austin Peay State University (003478)

◗ Baptist Health Sciences University (034403)

◗ Belmont University (003479)

◗ Bethel University (003480)

◗ Bryan College (003536)

◗ Carson-Newman University (003481)

◗ Chattanooga State Community College (003998)

◗ Christian Brothers University (003482)

◗ Cleveland State Community College (003999)

◗ Columbia State Community College (003483)

◗ Cumberland

University (003485)

◗ Dyersburg State Community College (006835)

◗ East Tennessee State University (003487)

◗ ETSU School of Pharmacy (E01254)

◗ Fisk University (003490)

◗ Freed-Hardeman University (003492)

◗ Jackson State Community College (004937)

◗ John A. Gupton College (008859)

◗ Johnson University (003495)

◗ King University (003496)

◗ Lane College (003499)

◗ Lee University (003500)

◗ LeMoyne-Owen

◗ If required, ACT/SAT exams must be taken on a national or state test date prior to the ﬁrst day of college enrollment after high school graduation. The ACT residual test and the ACT Superscore are not accepted.

◗ Must enroll within 16 months following high school graduation at any post-secondary institution. Enrollment at an ineligible post-secondary institution during the 16 months will make the student permanently ineligible. The HOPE Scholarship can be renewed annually if requirements continue to be met. Qualifying recipients who attend two- or four-year institutions with on-campus housing can receive up to $2,250 per full-time enrollment semester as a freshman and sophomore and up to $2,850 per full-time enrollment semester as a junior and senior

Students who qualify for the HOPE Scholarship but decide to attend an out-of-state regionally accredited institution will not receive the award; however, if the student transfers back to a HOPE-eligible institution in Tennessee, the student may receive the award if they have met all academic and non-academic requirements while attending the out-of-state institution. Visit tn.gov/collegepays for more information.

Prospective students are encouraged to do their research and apply for all available scholarships and grants for which they qualify. Begin with ﬁlling out the FAFSA, which is used by colleges across the country to determine the amount of ﬁnancial aid to award to students.

In addition to standard need- and merit-based awards, many schools offer scholarships based on academic achievement, area of study, and other more speciﬁc criteria. When choosing a school, be sure to ask about all available ﬁnancial aid, what’s needed to qualify, and respective deadlines. While many students are eligible for an unsubsidized Stafford Loan regardless of income or circumstances, loans should be taken out only if necessary.

College (003501)

◗ Lincoln Memorial University (003502)

◗ Lipscomb University (003486)

◗ Maryville College (003505)

◗ Middle Tennessee State University (003510)

◗ Milligan College (003511)

◗ Motlow State Community College (006836)

◗ Nashville State Community College (007534)

◗ Northeast State Community College (005378)

◗ Pellissippi State Community College (012693)

◗ Rhodes College (003519)

◗ Roane State Community

College (009914)

◗ South College (004938)

◗ Southern Adventist University (003518)

◗ Southwest Tennessee Community College (010439)

◗ Tennessee State University (003522)

◗ Tennessee Technological University (003523)

◗ Tennessee Wesleyan University (003525)

◗ Trevecca Nazarene University (003526)

◗ Tusculum College (003527)

◗ Union University (003528)

◗ University of Memphis (003509)

◗ University of Tennessee, Chattanooga (003529)

◗ University of Tennessee, Health Science (006725)

◗ University of Tennessee, Knoxville (003530)

◗ University of Tennessee, Martin (003531)

◗ University of Tennessee, Southern (003504)

◗ University of the South (003534)

◗ Vanderbilt University (003535)

◗ Volunteer State Community College (009912)

◗ Walters State Community College (008863)

◗ Welch College (030018)

Where Faith and Knowledge Unite.

NATIONALLY RANKED LOCALLY INVESTED

Rhodes College is consistently recognized as an exceptional place to learn, work, and live, making these rankings no surprise.

U.S. News & World Report

2024 Best Colleges

The Wall Street Journal

America’s Best Colleges 2024

Forbes

America’s Top Colleges for 2023

The Princeton Review

2023 Best Value College

2024 The Best 389 Colleges

Money’s Best Colleges in America 2024

Quality, affordability, and future

earning potential

DegreeChoices

#20 best liberal arts colleges

Best Degree Programs

#10 nationally among Most Beautiful Best Small Colleges

Architectural Digest

Most Beautiful College Campuses in America

Southern Living

Among the Most Beautiful College Campuses in the South

Billboard Magazine

2023 Top Music Business School

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES

The College at Mid-America

2095 Appling Road, Cordova (38106) | 901-751-3060 collegeatmidamerica.com

enrollment: 159

faculty: 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $10,850

housing: Private apartments (no utilities): 1 bedroom: $753/month, 2 bedroom: $878/month, 3 bedroom: $1,000/month. Dorms: 1 bedroom, shared bath: $467/month; master bedroom, private bath: $489/month

Christian Brothers University

650 East Parkway South (38104) | 321-3000 cbu.edu

enrollment: 1,813 total (undergrad, grad, adult)

faculty: 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $19,210 per semester

housing: $4,705 per semester (room and board)

Gould’s Academy

Park Place Campus: 1203 Ridgeway Road, Suite 203 (38119) | 901-767-6647

Bartlett Campus: 8000 U.S. Highway 64, Suite 108 (38133) | 901-842-1772

gouldsacademy.com

enrollment: 157

faculty: 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: Cosmetology: $23,650 for books, kits, and fees; Barber School: $18,650 for books, kits, and fees; Nail Tech: $9,950 for books, kits, and fees; Esthetician/Skin Care: $13,775 for books, kits, and fees; Instructor: $5,650 for books, kits, and fees

housing: N/A

LeMoyne-Owen College

807 Walker Avenue (38126) | 901-435-1000 loc.edu

enrollment: 463

faculty: 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $10,776

housing: Double occupancy: $3,600; Single occupancy: $4,400; Single occupancy/double bed: $7,200. Meal plan (required for all residents): $2,500

Moore Tech

1200 Poplar Avenue (38104) | 901-726-1997 mooretech.edu

enrollment: average of 395 students per trimester tuition: $235 per credit hour; associate degree: $3,525 per trimester (most programs are 6 trimesters with some 3-trimester options); diploma program: $1,410/trimester; certiﬁcate program: $705

faculty: 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio

housing: N/A

offers certiﬁcates in night courses offers dual enrollment

Northwest Mississippi Community College

Senatobia Campus – Main Campus: 4975 Highway 51 N., Senatobia, MS (38668) | 662-562-3200

Desoto Center Campus: 5197 W.E. Ross Parkway W., Southaven, MS (38671) | 662-342-1570

Lafayette-Yalobusha Technical Center Campus: 1310 Belk Drive, Oxford, MS (38655) | 662-236-2023 northwestms.edu

enrollment: 6,509 (combined, Spring 2024) faculty: 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $4,280/year (full-time, in-state student); $7,080/year (full-time, out-of-state student)

housing: $4,450-$6,510 (includes meals)

Rhodes College

2000 North Parkway (38112) | 901-843-3700 (Admission) rhodes.edu

enrollment: 1,872 undergraduates for 2023-2024

faculty: 197 for 2024-2025

tuition: $56,300 per year for 2024-2025

housing: $13,620 for 2024-2025 (includes meals)

Southwest Tennessee Community College

Main Campuses: 737 Union (38103) / 5983 Macon Cove (38134) | 901-333-5000 southwest.tn.edu

enrollment: 7,280

faculty: 172 regular faculty, 220 adjunct faculty

tuition: Full-time: $2,275 (in-state); $8,875 (outof-state). Tuition-Free: Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect

housing: N/A

Union University

Germantown/Memphis Campus: 2745 Hacks Cross Road (38138) | 901-759-0029

Midtown/Memphis Campus: 2181 Union Ave. (38104) | 901-324-2014 uu.edu

enrollment: 2,731

faculty: 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $38,500/year (traditional undergraduate)

housing: $8,800/year (traditional undergraduate/Heritage); Food/Meals (140 Meal Plan): $3,480

University of Memphis

3729 Alumni Avenue (38152) | 901-678-2000

Collierville Center: 215 W. Poplar, Collierville (38017) | 901-678-5515

Millington Center: 6500 Navy Road, Millington (38053) | 901-678-4171

memphis.edu

enrollment: 21,736 undergraduates and graduates faculty: 974 full-time faculty, 534 part-time faculty

tuition: $5,364 per semester (12-18 credit hours) housing: $3,224 per semester for double-occupancy room at Centennial Place (highest-cost double room). Meal Plan: $2,250 per semester: 14 meals a week with 10 guest passes and includes $300 at retail locations (ﬁrst-year student favorite)

University of Memphis

Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law

1 N. Front Street (38103) | 678-2421

memphis.edu/law

enrollment: 283

faculty: 20 full-time faculty; 19 part-time faculty tuition: $9,980 for in-state students

University of Mississippi - DeSoto 5197 W.E. Ross Parkway, Southaven, MS (38671) | 662-342-4765 olemiss.edu/desoto

enrollment: 200 (Fall 2022)

faculty: 21 full-time, 42 part-time/adjunct (Fall 2021) tuition: $400.50/credit-hour (undergraduate, resident); $1,185.50/credit-hour (undergraduate/ nonresident); $534/credit-hour (graduate, resident); $1,580/credit-hour (graduate, nonresident); $4,806/ full-time (undergraduate, resident); $14,220/full-time (undergraduate, nonresident); $4,806 (graduate, resident); $14,220 (graduate, nonresident)

housing: N/A

Visible Music College

200 Madison Avenue (38103) | 901-381-3939

visible.edu

EnrollmEnt: 100

Faculty: 33

undErgraduatE TUITION: $22,000/year

Housing: $7,000/year

Accredited One-Year Certificate Programs in Modern Music, Music Business, Music Production, Media, and Ministry

tuition: in-person $12,500, online $8,500

Accredited Bachelor’s Degrees in Modern Music, Music Business, Music Production, Media, and Ministry

tuition: $22,000/year (can complete in three years)

Graduate Programs in Modern Music, Music Business, Music Production, Media, and Ministry

tuition: $22,000 for the entire degree

MEDICINE

Baptist Health Sciences University

1003 Monroe Avenue (38104) | 901-575-2247

BaptistU.edu

EnrollmEnt: 757

Faculty: 98

tuition: $509/undergraduate credit-hour; $673/graduate credit-hour

Housing: Undergraduate: $1,750 double occupancy, $2,850 single occupancy/trimester. Graduate: $2,050 double occupancy, $3,300 single occupancy/trimester

Concorde Career College

5100 Poplar Avenue, Suite 132, Memphis, TN (38137) | 901-881-2694

7900 Airways Boulevard, Suite 103, Southaven, MS (38671) | 662-597-1131

concorde.edu

EnrollmEnt: 1,186 (Memphis); 184 (Southaven)

Faculty: 34:1 student-to-faculty ratio (Memphis); 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio (Southaven)

tuition: Varies by program; visit concorde.edu

Housing: N/A

Methodist Healthcare Education Program | Methodist University

Hospital Schools of Radiologic and Imaging Sciences

1265 Union Avenue (38104) | 901-516-8099

methodisthealth.org/education

SCHOOL OF RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY

tuition: $6,000 plus books/year ($12,000 for 2-year program)

ADVANCED MEDICAL IMAGING INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

tuition: $1,000/3 months

DIAGNOSTIC MEDICAL SONOGRAPHY PROGRAM

tuition: $11,500 plus books/15 months

Southern College of Optometry

1245 Madison Avenue (38104) | 901-722-3200 sco.edu

EnrollmEnt: 525

Faculty: 58

tuition: varies for regional students (for more information, visit https://www.sco.edu/tuition-and-fees). Non-regional: $43,406/year

Housing: N/A

University of Tennessee Health Science Center

910 Madison Avenue (38163) | 901-448-5500 uthsc.edu

EnrollmEnt: 3,100+ (statewide)

Faculty: 1,500+ permanent and temporary (statewide)

tuition: $9,132-$36,101 (in-state); $10,335-$72,221 (out-of-state) (for more information go to uthsc.edu/ finance/bursar/fees.php)

Housing: N/A

RELIGIOUS COLLEGES AND SEMINARIES

Bethel University

325 Cherry Avenue, McKenzie, TN (38201) | 731-352-4000 bethelu.edu

EnrollmEnt: 3,119

Faculty: 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $16,870 full-time/academic year (undergraduate); $525/credit-hour (MS in Criminal Justice); $631/ credit-hour (MBA); $518/credit-hour (MA in Education); $13,750/semester (physician assistant)

Housing: $10,324 (includes meals)

Harding School of Theology

1000 Cherry Road (38117) | 901-432 -7750 hst.edu

EnrollmEnt: 138 (Fall 2022)

Faculty: 5 full-time

tuition: $750/credit-hour (Master of Arts); $460/credit hour (Doctor of Ministry); $450/credit hour (Certificate in Spiritual Leadership)

Housing: $4,664

Memphis Theological Seminary

168 E. Parkway South (38104) | 901-334-5891 memphisseminary.edu

EnrollmEnt: 177

Faculty: 8 full-time

tuition: $640+ per credit-hour

Housing: N/A

Mid-South Christian College

3097 Knight Road (38181) | 901-375-4400

midsouthchristian.edu

EnrollmEnt: 17

Faculty: 14 full-time and part-time

tuition: $300/credit hour + $1,000 in fees

Housing: $900/semester (+ 800 for food service)

OUT OF TOWN

Arkansas State University MidSouth (ASU Mid-South)

2000 W. Broadway Ave., West Memphis, AR (72301) | 870-733-6722

asumidsouth.edu

EnrollmEnt: 979

Faculty: 86 (39 full-time, 47 part time)

tuition: $134/credit-hour (Crittenden County residents), $156/credit-hour (in-state), $156/credit hour (Metro Area: DeSoto (MS), Fayette (TN), Marshall (MS), Shelby (TN), Tate (MS), Tipton (TN), and Tunica (MS) counties); $201/credit hour (out-of-state)

Housing N/A

Belhaven University

1500 Peachtree St., Jackson, MS (39202) | 601-968-5940 belhaven.edu

EnrollmEnt: 1,000 (traditional; does not include online)

Faculty: 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $14,900/semester, $29,800/year

Housing: $4,900/semester, $9,800/year

Belmont University

1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN (37212) | 615-460-6785 belmont.edu

EnrollmEnt: 7,384 undergraduate students, 1,526 graduate students

Faculty: 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $42,540/year

Housing: $15,010/year

Birmingham-Southern College

900 Arkadelphia Rd., Birmingham, AL (35254) | 800-523-5793

bsc.edu

EnrollmEnt: 1,283

Faculty: 103 full-time, 48 part-time

tuition: $23,500/year

Housing: $14,750/year (room and board)

Delta State University

1003 W. Sunflower Road, Cleveland, MS (38733) | 1-800-GOTODSU deltastate.edu

EnrollmEnt: 2,716

Faculty: 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $4,217.50/semester (full-time undergraduate), $351/credit hour (part-time undergraduate); $4,217.50 (full-time graduate), $469/credit-hour (part-time graduate)

Housing: $2,000-$4,200/semester

Harding University

915 East Market Avenue, Searcy, AR (72149) | 501-279-4000 harding.edu

EnrollmEnt: 4,804

Faculty: 308

tuition: $25,290/year

Housing: $4560/year

John Brown University

2000 W. University Street, Siloam Springs, AR (72761) | 479-524-9500

jbu.edu

EnrollmEnt: 1,297 (traditional undergraduate)

Faculty: 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $29,720/year (with fees)

Housing: $10,362/year

Lyon College

2300 Highland Rd, Batesville, AR (72501) | 870-307-7000

lyon.edu

EnrollmEnt: 579

Faculty: 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $29,900 (+ fees)

Housing: $5,770 (+ $4,980 meal plan)

Millsaps College

1701 North State Street, Jackson, MS (39210) | 601-974-1000

millsaps.edu

EnrollmEnt: 637

Faculty: 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $41,750

Housing: $14,210

Mississippi College

200 S. Capitol Street, Clinton, MS (39056) | 601-925-3000

mc.edu

EnrollmEnt: 4,800

Faculty: 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $10,500/semester

Housing: $3,000-$4,200/semester (housing); $1,570$2,560/semester (meals)

Mississippi State University

Mississippi State, MS 39762︱| 662-325-2323 msstate.edu

EnrollmEnt: 22,657 (Fall 2023)

Faculty: 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $10,052/year (in-state), $27,487/ year (out-of-state)

Housing: $8,016/year for 2023-2024 + $4,886 for meals

Samford University

800 Lakeshore Drive, Birmingham, AL (35229) | 205-726-2011 samford.edu

EnrollmEnt: 5,791

Faculty: 14:1 ratio

tuition: $39,000

Housing: $7,994 + $6,749 for meals

Philander Smith College

900 W. Daisy L. Gatson Bates Drive, Little Rock, AR (72202) | 501-375-9845

philander.edu

EnrollmEnt: 891

Faculty: 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $12,564

Housing: $8,250

Tennessee Tech University

1 William L. Jones Drive, Cookeville, TN (38505) | 931-372-3888

tntech.edu

EnrollmEnt: 10,117

Faculty: 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $5,415/semester (in-state); $7,515/semester (out-of-state)

Housing: $6,052

Tennessee Wesleyan University

204 East College Street, Athens, TN (37303) | 1-844-PickTWU

tnwesleyan.edu

EnrollmEnt: 1,050

Faculty: 71 full-time, 85 part-time, 19 instructional staff tuition: $30,814/year (undergraduate); $31,620/year (traditional nursing); $42,030/all three semesters (dental hygiene)

Housing: $6,825-$12,038 (including meal plan)

University of Alabama

801 University Blvd., Tuscaloosa, AL (35487) | 205348-5666 / 800-933-2262

ua.edu

EnrollmEnt: 39,623

Faculty: 1,647 full-time, 470 part-time

tuition: $11,380 (in-state), $33,372 (out-of-state)

Housing: $15,016

University of Arkansas

Fayetteville, AR (72701) | 479-575-2000 uark.edu

EnrollmEnt: 32,140

Faculty: 1,574

tuition: $7,666 (in-state, undergraduate); $26,690 (out-of-state, undergraduate)

Housing: $13,290 (includes board)

University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)

University, MS (38677) | 662-915-7226 olemiss.edu

EnrollmEnt: 21,596

Faculty: 1,137

tuition: $9,252 + required fees $160 (resident), $26,820 + required fees $160 (non-resident)

Housing: $6,840, food: $5,200

The University of Southern Mississippi

118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS (39406) | 601-266-1000 usm.edu

EnrollmEnt: 13,110

Faculty: 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $9,618 in-state; $11,618 out-of-state

Housing: $11,664

The University of Tennessee, Chattanooga

615 McCallie Avenue, Chattanooga, TN (37403) | 423-425-4111 utc.edu

EnrollmEnt: 11,380

Faculty: 522 (full-time); 257 (part-time)

tuition: $5,072/semester (in-state, undergraduate); $7,088/semester (regional, undergraduate); $9,104/ semester (out-of-state, undergraduate)

Housing: $10,052/year (based on double-occupancy average)

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Knoxville, TN (37996) | 865-974-1000 utk.edu

EnrollmEnt: 36,304

Faculty: 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $13,484/$31,974 (undergraduate, in-state/outof-state per year); $13,620/$32,108 (graduate, instate/out-of-state per year); $20,408 /$39,152 (law, in-state/out-of-state per year); $30,126/$60,852 (veterinary medicine, in-state/out-of-state per year)

Housing: $12,500 (average; includes meals)

The University of Tennessee at Martin

554 University Street, Martin, TN (38238) | 731-881-7020 utm.edu

EnrollmEnt: 6,900

Faculty: 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $10,208/year (in-state, undergraduate); $16,248/year (out-of-state, undergraduate)

Housing: $9,010 (Ellington Hall + All-Access, SevenDays-a-Week Meal Plan)

Vanderbilt University

2301 Vanderbilt Place, Nashville (37235) | 615-322-7311

vanderbilt.edu

EnrollmEnt: 13,710

Faculty: 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $57,974 (undergraduate)

Housing: $18,376/year, including meal plan

Webster University

470 E. Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves, MO (63119) | 800-981-9801

webster.edu

EnrollmEnt: 13,448

Faculty: 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio

tuition: $31,450/year

Housing: $12,068 (includes food)

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS UNIVERSITY

Academic Excellence

Named one of the Best Regional Colleges in 2024 by The Princeton Review

Distinctly Christian

100% of classes are taught from a Christian worldview.

Global Community

Students from 50 states and territories and 60 nations engage in our campus community.

Highly Relational

With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, faculty mentors care about students as individuals.

Cognitive decline can steal the past, but it doesn’t have to steal the future. Pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline, Circle of Friends® is a unique, evidence-based program for building brain fitness. It was developed by Belmont Village in collaboration with the nation’s top universities and healthcare institutions — and it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

LOCAL TREASURES

A NEW UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT IS DESIGNED TO CULTIVATE THE COMMUNITY’S BRIGHTEST YOUNG MINDS.

BY JON W. SPARKS

BURTON WEIL'S VISION FOR MEMPHIS STUDENTS

When University of Memphis president Bill Hardgrave says that Burton Weil is a trailblazer, he’s not exaggerating.

Weil, an 82-year-old Memphis native, has made plenty of money in his life. As he contemplated retirement, he wondered what he could do with his wealth beyond his own security and that of his family. It’s easy enough to give away riches, but he wanted his choices to have meaning.

Earlier this year, he announced his decision, and it was unusual and spectacular — especially if you’re an accomplished student.

The Burton Weil Family Foundation will provide full scholarships to high-achieving students at the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Weil hopes the institutions and city will also reap the good from putting these students through school.

WEIL WORKED HARD AND MADE PLENTY OF MONEY OVER HIS CAREER, BUT AS HAPPENS WITH SOME FOLKS AS THEY APPROACH RETIREMENT, HIS INTERESTS TURNED TO PHILANTHROPY.

e particulars: In the ﬁrst year (the 2024-2025 academic year, beginning this month), 24 incoming ﬁrst-year undergraduates, another 20 graduate students, four law students, and four medical students will receive the full scholarships. e funding covers tuition and fees through the courses of study. e plan is for a new cohort of students each year, building up a formidable group who will go out and change Memphis, if not the world.

Not bad for a businessman who had a bit of trouble getting his own career started. Ask Weil about his past, and he acknowledges that he was only a “little better than average” at Christian Brothers High School. He went to Vanderbilt, then transferred to the University of Tennessee and earned a business degree, but didn’t quite know what to do next. Someone suggested he try accounting, so he enrolled in then-Memphis State University’s MBA program.

Weil ﬁgured he’d take the CPA exam but didn’t expect to pass. To his surprise, pass he did, but he then decided to go to law school at Vanderbilt. After graduation, armed with an MBA, JD, and CPA, he took a couple of jobs that, as he says, didn’t work out. But the family business called, a janitorial-supplies ﬁ rm, so he came in to save it and … Weil Chemical ended up in Chapter 11.

Weil kept some irons in the ﬁ re, picking up clients here and there and earning a living, but hardly amassing a fortune. He worked with a partner to buy some troubled companies, but that initiative didn’t quite work out, either. And yet the idea remained intriguing, so he tried again, solo this time, to acquire companies in need of reinvention.

“I had some money,” he says, “so I started Venture Associates Partners.” It wasn’t entirely smooth — “I had to jump through hoops,” he says, but his background in law, business, and ﬁ nance helped him get a foothold in the turnaround business.

Finally, he struck gold. Weil found another partner and they acquired a company from British Petroleum that was, as he says, under-managed. The multibillion-dollar conglomerate had little use for a ﬁ rm that was losing a million dollars or so and BP sold it to Weil. And that was the key.

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“We turned that around and it made $1.8 million proﬁt the ﬁ rst year,” he says. “And then I went on to buy several companies — I bought 10 distressed companies.”

And that’s what brought him success at last. Weil worked hard and made plenty of money over his career, but as happens with some folks as they approach retirement, his interests turned to philanthropy. His adult children, Shirley and Steven, were already set. “ e kids have so much money,” he says, “and I can’t give them any more. It’s obscene. I went from nothing, zero. Twice in my life I’ve been broke, and I realized how much money I was going to have even after giving my kids all this money.”

But what would he do with it?

That’s where Laura Linder comes in. She is president and CEO of Jewish Community Partners (JCP), a nonprofit that manages philanthropic endeavors. Working together, she and Weil formed the Burton Weil Family Foundation in 2022. She realized that he wanted a legacy that would last decades, if not centuries.

“Laura and her group have been helping me,” he says, “and we finally hit on the [foundation]. What turned me on was the scholarship program at the University of Virginia — the Jeﬀerson Scholars.”

The prestigious program funds the full cost of attending UVA for four years and has a host of other beneﬁts. Weil was determined to make a diﬀerence and was convinced by the positive direction of a scholarship endeavor.

He was impressed that a high number of undergraduate and graduate students stay in Memphis after they get their degrees. He wanted to foster an even greater sense

Laura Linder

“BURTON WEIL CAME TO THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS WITH A LOFTY IDEA AND TRUSTED OUR TEAM TO HELP CARRY OUT HIS VISION FOR A NEW SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM THAT WOULD BE UNIQUELY MEMPHIS.”

—DR. BILL HARDGRAVE

among the best and brightest U of M or UTHSC grads that this city would be the best place to practice their skills — and to advance Memphis in the process.

“I tried to pick the kinds of programs that lead to success and growth, economically — engineering, science, technology, medicine,” he says. at’s reﬂected in the standards for top-performing masters and doctoral students who will be selected from applicants in the areas of biomedical engineering, business administration, computer science, data science, engineering, or public health.

e prospect of a full-tuition scholarship would interest any and all eligible students, but there may have been no one more thrilled at the news than U of M president Bill Hardgrave.

“Burton Weil came to the University of Memphis with a lofty idea and trusted our team to help carry out his vision for a new scholarship program that would be uniquely Memphis,” he says. “I am deeply grateful for his gift, one that will change the lives of hundreds of students as they set out to change the world. Burton’s commitment to

Dr. Bill Hardgrave

the University of Memphis, his alma mater, will be his lasting legacy, and it is my hope that he realizes what a trailblazer he has become by establishing this program.”

The U of M will administer the scholarships. Hannah Waldman, senior director of principal gifts at the university, has been closely involved with the program and, having worked with Weil, has gotten a good sense of what he wants.

“He’s a very practical lawyer plus accountant,” she says. “So, he knew what he wanted and he knew what he didn’t want.”

“WEIL THOUGHT THAT WE NEED TO BE A DESTINATION. A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE COME AND STUDY THE THINGS THAT THIS REGION NEEDS.”

—HANNAH WALDMAN

Waldman notes the numbers showing that U of M graduates stay in town and make their careers here at a high rate — estimated at about 90 percent. “Weil thought that we need to be a destination,” she says, “a place where people come and study the things that this region needs — biomedical engineering, things like that. Then there’s all of these career opportunities right here.”

And more than simply paying bills, the program is intended to build a strong community of scholars who will have a lifelong connection with the university and each other. “We know what helps these students is being part of a cohort-based experience,” Waldman says. “How do we get more of those kids to come here, choose this, stay here, and then when they’re out in the world in 40 or 50 years, they’re hiring Weil Scholars and Fellows.”

Weil has been closely involved with the creation and direction of the program. Waldman says, “The president has met with him a bunch of times, the provost, six different deans, the VP of enrollment. It felt like he was an investor investing in us, and we’re building him a program. He’s not micromanaging it, but he really wants to see that we are going to take the little startup and turn it into a fully functioning program.”

And how long will this scholarship initiative continue? “It is my intention for it to last,” Weil says. “Who knows? There’s no reason why it shouldn’t go on for 50 or 100 or 200 years.”

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SO —YOU THINK YOU’RE A REAL MEMPHIAN?

WELL, PROVE IT BY PASSING THE OFFICIAL VANCE LAUDERDALE TRIVIA TEST.

BY VANCE LAUDERDALE

You claim you’re a Memphian whenever you travel, whether it’s to the Gulf Coast or the coast of France. Maybe you show them your driver’s license, MLGW bill, or some other form of ID with your Memphis address, and you think that settles it.

Sorry, but that’s not enough. Quite frankly, just living here doesn’t do it. To be a real Memphian — one we might acknowledge as a friend or neighbor — you have to know more about the city than its ZIP Code, or the name of that fellow who lived at Graceland. You need to know what they sold in the “Big Shoe” on Lamar, or where to ﬁnd Rainbow Lake, or where in the sky the “Sputnik Star” resides. In other words, you have to pass the oﬃcial Vance Lauderdale Trivia Test.

It shouldn’t be that hard, since all the answers to these tricky questions can be found in recent “Ask Vance” columns published in this magazine. And look, there’s no prize. Isn’t knowing all the answers enough of a reward? Those answers — and your score — are at the end. Let’s get started.

1 Lehman C. Sammons was famous for opening this popular Memphis seafood restaurant:

a. Sammons Salmon

b. Lehman’s Lunchbox

c. Red Lobster

d. Pappy’s Lobster Shack

2 What made Pete Gray such a memorable baseball player for the Memphis Chicks?

a. He batted and ﬁelded with only one arm.

b. He used his own hand-carved bat, which he named “Wonderboy.”

c. He coined the phrase, “There’s no crying in baseball.”

d. With a garden hose, he helped extinguish the 1961 Russwood Park ﬁre.

3 In the 1950s, Oakley Ford promoted its new models by:

a. Offering shoppers a free Coca-Cola with every purchase of a new Thunderbird

b. Running the ﬁrst-ever automobile ads on the internet

c. Skywriting

d. Displaying them in clear-plastic “gift boxes” inside the showroom on Union

4 Hemphill Diesel School trained students to be:

a. Locomotive engineers

b. Diesel engine technicians

c. Stenographers

d. Writers and editors for Memphis Magazine

5 What was the unique appeal of the Victoria Station restaurant?

a. Great Britain’s Queen Victoria attended the grand opening in Memphis.

b. Diners enjoyed their meals in genuine railroad cars.

c. Diners had to wear Victorian clothing to gain admittance.

d. Anyone named Victoria or Victor got a free dessert.

6 Bry’s Department Store sold unusual items not found at other stores downtown, such as:

a. Airplanes

b. Fireworks

c. Oakley Fords

d. Pet clothing, such as booties, sweaters, and knit caps

7 What was the “Wonder Horse”?

a. The name carved into Memphis Chicks slugger Pete Gray’s bat

b. A specialty of the house at Victoria Station

c. The name of the only Kentucky Derby winner from Memphis

d. A children’s toy shaped like a miniature horse, mounted on springs

8 Britling Cafeteria took its name from:

a. Herbert C. Britling, inventor of the plastic trays used in school cafeterias

b. A character in a short story by H.G. Wells

c. The town of Britling, Arkansas, where the chain began

d. The downtown street where it was ﬁrst located (known today as Lauderdale)

9 “The Man in Black,” Johnny Cash, was one of the most famous students of:

a. Southwestern at Memphis (now Rhodes College)

b. Keegan School of Broadcasting

c. Safety Town USA

d. Bry’s Department Store’s Executive Training Program (he failed it)

10 Part of the entertainment at Shakey’s Pizza Parlor included:

a. The Lichtenstein Quarter-Ring Circus

b. A trained horse who could tell fortunes and count to 10 by clomping a hoof

c. W.C. Fields movies

d. Johnny Cash (Saturdays only)

Lehman C. Sammons

11 Erected in 1923, the ﬁrst major hotel outside of downtown was:

a. Clark Tower

b. Goldsmith’s

c. Holiday Inn

d. The Parkview

12 Why was Emma Harbin known as the “Dixie Eagle”?

a. She was the curator for birds of prey for the Memphis Zoo.

b. She was a famous trapeze artist with Ringling Brothers Circus.

c. She was a famous stunt pilot.

d. She lived alone in a rooftop penthouse at the Parkview Hotel.

13 Why did Memphian J.C. Levy call his company “Dial ‘n’ Smile”?

a. If you called the number, you’d hear an amusing story.

b. If you were the ﬁfth caller, you’d win $100.

c. If you called and answered a question correctly, you’d win $10,000.

d. He was lonely and hoped people — anybody, really — would call him, and he’d smile.

14 Why did developers remove the Civic Center Fountain on the MidAmerica (now Main Street) Mall?

a. The water stopped when City Hall workers ﬂushed the toilets.

b. It stood in the way of the new trolley system.

c. Pranksters kept ﬁlling up the pool with Jell-O.

d. The powerful jet of water hit low-ﬂying planes.

15 The Memphis Steam Laundry building was modeled after:

a. The New York Steam Laundry Building

b. The Parthenon in Nashville (the replica, we mean)

c. The Doge’s Palace in Venice, Italy

d. The Lauderdale Mansion, but without all the neon

16 Why did the WeOna grocery stores have such an unusual name?

a. Weona was the wife of the owner of the ﬁrst store here.

b. They were individually owned stores, and the name says it: “We Own A” (grocery).

c. Kroger was already taken.

d. It showed up during a Scrabble game, and the owner liked it (but lost the game).

Calvary is an eclectic bunch of Christian people who don’t all think the same thoughts, or dress the same way, or vote for the same candidates, or even believe all the same things about the mystery of God and what it means to be human. But we believe we need each other because of our differences, not in spite of them. So, whoever you are, wherever you come from, whatever joys or burdens you carry, you are welcome at Calvary Episcopal Church.

Worship at Calvary

Sundays Holy Eucharist 8 and 10:30 am

Wednesdays Holy Eucharist with Prayers for Healing 12 pm

First Sunday Sept - May Evensong 5pm

OAKLAWN

FRIDAY AUG 30

17 If the stories are true, what Memphis Zoo resident once greeted movie and TV audiences?

a. Tony the Tiger

b. The MGM lion

c. Smokey Bear

d. Wile E. Coyote

18 What did Flagg Bros. sell while they were in business in the 1950s and ’60s along Main Street?

a. Musical instruments

b. Shoes

c. Flags, pennants, and banners for all (or most) nations

d. Harley-Davidson motorcycles (Elvis was a customer)

b. She donated the funds to build Brooks Memorial Art Gallery (currently Memphis Brooks Museum of Art).

c. She donated the land for the Cossitt Library.

d. She was the mother-in-law of Vance Lauderdale.

22 Speaking of Vance Lauderdale, what famous author’s mother lived in Memphis for years, and died here while visiting her daughter?

a. William Faulkner

b. Pearl Buck

c. Samuel L. Clemens

d. Ernest Hemingway

GABBY BARRETT

FRIDAY SEPT 13

GIN BLOSSOMS

SATURDAY OCT 19

19 What is the name of the bronze sculpture that watches over the Spanish War Memorial on East Parkway?

a. The Doughboy

b. The Hiker

23 In the 1930s, why was the home at 705 University promoted as “The House of Happiness”?

a. Calling it “The House of Gloom” didn’t attract buyers.

JOHN MICHAEL MONTGOMERY

c. The Walker

d. The Riﬂeman

20 In the mid-1900s, what kind of vehicles did the Economy Coach Company produce?

a. Stagecoaches

b. Ambulances

c. Steam locomotives

d. Wonder Horses

b. Every modern feature was designed to make its owners happy.

c. It was used as a movie set for a Cary Grant movie of the same name.

d. The architect was Gilbert L. Happiness, AIA.

24 What unusual feature could be found on the roof of the 100 North Main Building?

a. A heliport

b. A merry-go-round

Gambling

21 What was Bessie Vance Brooks’ major contribution to our city?

a. She was the architect for many of the grand homes that once lined Vance Avenue.

c. A Japanese garden

d. A giant telescope that let visitors see West Memphis

25 Estelle Eggleston became better known in later life as:

a. The designer of the Spanish War Memorial

b. Actress Stella Stevens

c. The inventor of the Wonder Horse

d. The woman who dove off the 100 North Main Building and landed (safely) in the Civic Center Fountain

Are you a real Memphian?

ANSWERS: 1-d, 2-a, 3-d, 4-b, 5-b, 6-a, 7-d, 8-b, 9-b, 10-c, 11-d, 12-c, 13-a, 14-b, 15-c, 16-b, 17b, 18-b, 19-b, 20-b, 21-b, 22-d, 23-b, 24-c, 25-b

20-25 correct: Absolutely. Welcome to the club! 10-20 correct: Well, no. But thanks for playing. Less than 10 correct: Sad. You were just guessing, weren’t you? NONE correct: Uh, what magazine have you been reading? Not this one, apparently.

Follow us for the latest food news, monthly guides to can’t-miss events and—of course— our 5 Things to Do This Weekend updates.

SCAN ME

Craig Thompson

CITY DINING LIST

A CURATED GUIDE TO EATING OUT

MemphisMagazine offers this curated restaurant listing as a service to our readers. Broken down alphabetically by neighborhoods, this directory does not list every restaurant in town. It does, however, include the magazine’s “Top 50” choices of must-try restaurants in Memphis, a group that is updated every August. Establishments open less than a year are not eligible for “Top 50” but are noted as “New.” is guide also includes a representative sampling of other Bluﬀ City eating establishments. No fast-food facilities or cafeterias are listed. Restaurants are included regardless of whether they advertise in MemphisMagazine; those that operate in multiple locations are listed under the neighborhood of their original location. is guide is updated regularly, but we recommend that you call ahead to check on hours, prices, or other details. Suggestions from readers are welcome: dining@memphismagazine.com.

DOWNTOWN

117 PRIME—Restaurateurs Craig Blondis and Roger Sapp team up with Chef Ryan Trimm to recreate the traditional American steakhouse. Serving oysters on the half shell and a variety of surf and turf options. 117 Union. 433-9851. L, D, WB, X, $-$$$

ALDO’S PIZZA PIES—Serving gourmet pizzas — including Mr. T Rex — salads, and more. Also 30 beers, bottled or on tap. 100 S. Main. 577-7743; 752 S. Cooper. 725-7437. L, D, X, $-$$

AMELIA GENE’S—Globally inspired ﬁne-dining cuisine at the One Beale project, including Rohan duck, Wagyu ﬁlet, and an extensive cheese cart. 255 S. Front. 686-5051. D, X, $$-$$$ THE ARCADE—Possibly Memphis’ oldest cafe. Specialties include sweet potato pancakes, a fried peanut butter and banana sandwich, and breakfast served all day. 540 S. Main. 526-5757. B, L, D (Thurs.-Sat.), X, MRA, $

ARNOLD’S SMOKEHOUSE—A classic smokehouse with vegan and nonvegan options seasoned to perfection. Closed Mon. 2019 E. Person Ave. 922-5950. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$

AUTOMATIC SLIM’S—Longtime Downtown favorite specializes in contemporary American cuisine emphasizing local ingredients; also extensive martini list. 83 S. Second. 525-7948. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$

BARDOG TAVERN—Classic American grill with Italian inﬂuence, Bardog offers pasta specialties such as Grandma’s NJ Meatballs, as well as salads, sliders, sandwiches, and daily specials. 73 Monroe. 275-8752. B (Mon.-Fri.), L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$ BEDROCK EATS & SWEETS—Memphis’ only Paleo-centric restaurant, offering such dishes as pot roast, wafﬂes, enchiladas, chicken salad, omelets, and more. Closed for dinner Sun. 327 S. Main. 409-6433. B, L, D, X, $-$$

CAROLINA WATERSHED—This indoor/outdoor eatery, set around silos, features reimagined down-home classics, including fried green tomatoes with smoked catﬁsh, a buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, burgers, and more. Closed Mon.-Thurs. 141 E. Carolina. 321-5553. L, D, WB, $-$$

CATHERINE & MARY’S—A variety of pastas, grilled quail, pâté, razor clams, and monkﬁsh are among the dishes served at this Italian restaurant in the Chisca. 272 S. Main. 254-8600. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

CHEF TAM’S UNDERGROUND CAFE—Serves Southern staples with a Cajun twist. Menu items include totchoes, jerk wings, fried chicken, and “muddy” mac and cheese. Closed Sun. and Mon. 668 Union Ave. 207-6182. L, D, X, $-$$

DINING SYMBOLS

B — breakfast

L — lunch

D — dinner

SB — Sunday brunch

WB — weekend brunch

CHEZ PHILIPPE—Classical/contemporary French cuisine with Asian and Nordic inﬂuences, presented in a luxurious atmosphere with seasonal tasting menus from chef Keith Clinton. Afternoon tea served Thu-Sun., noon-3:30 p.m. (reservations required). Closed Sun.-Tues. The Peabody, 149 Union. 529-4188. D, X, MRA, $$$$

CIMAS—It’s breakfast tacos, shrimp and grits, chilaquiles verdes, and plenty of other Southern and Latin-American twists at the Hyatt Centric. 33 Beale St. 444-3232. B, L, D, X, $-$$$

X— wheelchair accessible

MRA — member, Memphis Restaurant Association

$ — under $15 per person without drinks or desserts

$$ — under $25

$$$ — $26-$50

$$$$ — over $50

BELLE TAVERN—Serving elevated bar food, including a butcher board with a variety of meats and cheeses, as well as daily specials. 117 Barboro Alley. 249-6580. L (Sun.), D, MRA, $

BEN YAY’S GUMBO SHOP—Spiritual successor to DejaVu, offering fresh and authentic Creole staples. 51 S. Main St., 779-4125. L, D, X, $-$$

BISHOP—Ticer and Hudman’s newest venture at the Central Station Hotel features upscale dishes in a French brasserie style. 545 S. Main St., 524-5247. L, D, X, $$-$$$

BRASS DOOR IRISH PUB—Irish and New-American cuisine includes such entrees as ﬁsh and chips, burgers, shepherd’s pie, all-day Irish breakfast, and more. 152 Madison. 572-1813. L, D, SB, $-$$ BY THE BREWERY—Breakfast and lunch café, with a focus on Southern-style biscuits, salads, and soups. 496 Tennessee St. 310-4341. B, L, $

CAFE KEOUGH—European-style cafe serving quiche, paninis, salads, and more. 12 S. Main. 509-2469. B, L, D, X, $ CAPRICCIO GRILL ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE—Offers prime steaks, fresh seafood (lobster tails, grouper, mahi mahi), pasta, and several Northern Italian specialties. 149 Union, The Peabody. 529-4199. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$$

COCOZZA AMERICAN ITALIAN—”The red sauce joint of your dreams” serves up classic Italian-American fare from the owners of Majestic Grille. Closed Sun. 110 Harbor Town Sq. 609-1111. D, X, $-$$

COZY CORNER—Serving up ribs, pork sandwiches, chicken, spaghetti, and more; also homemade banana pudding. Closed Mon. 735 N. Parkway. 527-9158. L, D, $

CURFEW—An elevated sports bar/American tavern concept by Top Chef contestant Fabio Viviani at the Canopy Memphis Downtown hotel. 164 Union Ave. B, L, D, X, $-$$ DOS HERMANOS KITCHEN—Breakfast and lunch concept by Eli Townsend in the Cossitt Library. 33 S. Front. 286-2399. B, L, $ ESCO RESTAURANT AND TAPAS—Shareable dishes, turkey ribs, and seafood mac’n’cheese at this 2 Chainz franchise. 156 Lt. George W. Lee Ave. 808-3726. L, D, $$-$$$

FEAST & GRAZE—Whipped goat toast, open-faced grilled cheese, and other local pantry snacks and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun./Mon. 55 S. Main. 654-5926. L, X, $

FERRARO’S CHEESY CORNER & PIZZERIA—Plenty of pizzas, along with a whole new cheese-inspired menu (fancy grilled cheeses and build-your-own mac and cheese bowls). 111 Jackson. 522-2033. L, D, X, $

FISHBOWL AT THE PYRAMID—Burgers, ﬁsh dishes, sandwiches, and more served in a unique “underwater” setting. Bass Pro, 1 Bass Pro Drive, 291-8000. B, L, D, X, $-$$

FLIGHT RESTAURANT & WINE BAR—Serves steaks and seafood, along with such specialties as bison ribeye and Muscovy duck, all matched with appropriate wines. 39 S. Main. 521-8005. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

FLYING FISH—Serves up fried and grilled versions of shrimp, crab, oysters, ﬁsh tacos, and catﬁsh; also chicken and burgers. 105 S. Second. 522-8228. L, D, X, $-$$

GARDEN BRUNCH CAFÉ—Fish and grits, steak and eggs, and other upscale takes on Southern brunch classics. 492 S. Main St. 249-7450. B, L, $$

GOOD FORTUNE CO.—Authentic handcrafted noodles, ramen, and dumplings. 361 S. Main. 561-306-4711. L, D, X, $-$$

THE GENRE—Burgers, tenders, catﬁsh, and plenty of vegan options made to order at this music-themed restaurant/lounge. 200 Poplar, Suite 105. 410-8169. B, L, D, X, $-$$

GUS’S WORLD FAMOUS FRIED CHICKEN—Serves chicken with signature spicy batter, along with homemade beans, slaw, and pies. 310 S. Front. 527-4877; 3100 Forest Hill Irene (Germantown). 853-6005; 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 373-9111; 730 S. Mendenhall. 767-2323; 505 Highway 70 W., Mason, TN. 901-294-2028. L, D, X, MRA, $

HAPPY MEXICAN—Serves quesadillas, burritos, chimichangas, vegetable and seafood dishes, and more. 385 S. Second. 529-9991; 6080 Primacy Pkwy. 683-0000; 7935 Winchester. 751-5353. L, D, X, $ HIVE BAGEL & DELI Bagels, bagels, and more bagels at this new Downtown deli offering baked goods, sandwiches, and salads. Closed Mon./Tue. 276 S. Front St. 509-2946. B, L, $

HU. ROOF—Rooftop cocktail bar with superb city views serves toasts with a variety of toppings including beef tartare with cured egg, cognac, and capers or riced cauliﬂower with yellow curry, currants, and almonds. Also salads, ﬁsh tacos, and boiled peanut hummus. 79 Madison. 3331229. D, X, $

HUSTLE & DOUGH BAKERY & CAFE—Flaky, baked breakfast goodness every day with fresh pastries, sandwiches, and more at Arrive Hotel. 477 S. Main St., 701-7577. B, L, X, $

IBIS—Upscale cocktail bar serving sharable small plates, including lobster rolls, crab cakes, and lamb meatballs, alongside select larger entrees. Closed Mon.-Wed. 314 S. Main. 748-5187. D, X, $-$$

INKWELL—Unique craft concoctions, charcuterie plates, ﬂatbreads, and sandwiches at this dope cocktail bar. Closed Mon.-Tue. 631 Madison Ave. 334-9411. D, X, $-$$

ITTA BENA—Southern and Cajun-American cuisine served here, conveniently located above B.B. King’s Blues Club on Beale St.; specialties are duck and wafﬂes and shrimp and grits, along with steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta. 145 Beale St. 578-3031. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

KINFOLK—Breakfast with a side of nostalgia in Harbor Town. Specialties include biscuit sandwiches, steak and omelet plate, and brown butter mushrooms with jammy egg over grits. 111 Harbor Town Square. 457.5463. B, L, SB, WB, $-$$

KING & UNION BAR GROCERY—Classic Southern favorites including catfish plate, pimento cheese, po-boys, chicken & waffles. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner with cocktails served with flair and favorite Memphis beers. Locally made confections available in the grocery. 185 Union Ave. 523-8500. B, L, D, $-$$

KOOKY CANUCK—Offers prime rib, catﬁsh, and burgers, including the 4-lb. “Kookamonga”; also late-night menu. 87 S. Second. 578-9800; 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy. 1-800-2453 L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$

LITTLE BETTIE—New Haven-style pizzas and snacks from the AndrewMichael team at Wiseacre’s Downtown location. 398 S. B.B. King Blvd. 334-9411. L, D, $-$$

THE LOBBYIST AT THE CHISCA—Chef Jimmy Gentry brings his farm-to-table ideas Downtown, with seasonal, and sometimes weekly, new menus, and an emphasis on creative vegetable dishes. Closed Sun. 272 S. Main St., Suite 101. 249-2170. D, $$-$$$$

LOCAL—Entrees with a focus on locally sourced products include lobster mac-and-cheese and rib-eye patty melt; menu differs by location. 95 S. Main. 473-9573. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

LOFLIN YARD—Beer garden and restaurant serves vegetarian fare and smoked-meat dishes, including beef brisket and pork tenderloin, cooked on a custom-made grill. Closed Mon.-Tues. 7 W. Carolina. 249-3046. L (Sat. and Sun.), D, MRA, X, $-$$

LONGSHOT—A wide variety of international fusion dishes and craft cocktails with a side of shufﬂeboard. 477 S. Main. D, $-$$

THE LOOKOUT AT THE PYRAMID—Serves seafood and Southern fare, including cornmeal-fried oysters, sweet tea brined chicken, and elk chops. 1 Bass Pro Dr. 620-4600/291-8200. L, D, X, $-$$$

LUNA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE—Serving a limited menu of breakfast and lunch items. Dinner entrees include citrus glaze salmon and Cajun stuffed chicken. 179 Madison (Hotel Napoleon). 526-0002. B, D (Mon.-Sat.), X, $-$$$

MACIEL’S—Entrees include tortas, fried taco plates, quesadillas, chorizo and pastor soft tacos, salads, and more. Closed Sun. 45 S. Main. 526-0037, X, MRA, $

THE MAJESTIC GRILLE—Features aged steaks, fresh seafood, and such specialties as roasted chicken and grilled pork tenderloin; offers a pre-theater menu and classic cocktails. Well-stocked bar. 145 S. Main. 522-8555. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$

McEWEN’S—Southern/American cuisine with international flavors; specialties include steak and seafood, sweet potato-crusted catfish with macaroni and cheese, and more. Closed Sun., Monroe location. 120 Monroe. 527-7085; 1110 Van Buren (Oxford). 662-234-7003. L, D, SB (Oxford only), X, MRA, $$-$$$

MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE—The focus here is on steaks, including prime fillet, rib-eyes, and prime-aged New York strip; also, some seafood options. 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-890-2467; 88 Union. 5275337. 249-5661. D, SB, X, $$-$$$

MOLLIE FONTAINE LOUNGE—Specializes in tapas (small plates) featuring global cuisine. Closed Sun.-Tues. 679 Adams Ave. 524-1886. D, X, MRA, $

MOMMA’S ROADHOUSE—This diner and dive at Highway 55 serves up smoked wings, burgers, and beer, among other solid bar-food options 855 Kentucky. 207-5111. L, D, MRA, $

NEW WING ORDER The award-winning food truck cooks up its signature hot wings at its first physical location, at Ghost River on Beale. Closed Mon./Tue. 341 Beale. L, D, $-$$ THE NINE THAI & SUSHI—Serving authentic Thai dishes, including curries, as well as a variety of sushi rolls. Closed for lunch Sat. and Sun. 121 Union. 208-8347. L, D, X, $-$$

PAPER PLATE PAVILION—Popular food truck serves up brisket mac and cheese and more favorites at Tom Lee Park. Riverside Dr. L, X, $-$$

PAULETTE’S—Presents fine dining with a Continental flair, including such entrees as filet Paulette with butter cream sauce and crabmeat and spinach crepes; also changing daily specials and great views. River Inn. 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3300. B, L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$

PENNY’S NITTY GRITTY—Coach Penny Hardaway brings plenty of Southern flavors and lots of customizable grits. 220 S. B.B. King Blvd. 334-5950. B, L, D, $$-$$$

PRETTY TACO Fast casual tacos with a Memphis twist, like the Soul Burger tacos. Closed Sun./Mon. 265 S. Front St. 509-8120. L, D, $-$$

PROMISE South Main soul food restaurant (think turkey necks, meatloaf, fried catfish) using old family recipes. Closed Sun./Mon. 412 S. Main. L, D, $-$$

RAW GIRLS—Raw and hot plant-based food alongside cold-pressed juices made from seasonal, locally grown sources. Closed Sun. 150 Peabody Pl., Suite 118. 207-5463. B, L, D, $-$$

RENDEZVOUS, CHARLES VERGOS’—Menu items include barbecued ribs, cheese plates, skillet shrimp, red beans and rice, and Greek salads. Closed Sun.-Mon. 52 S. Second. 523-2746. L (Fri.Sat.), D, X, $-$$

SABOR CARIBE—Serving up “Caribbean flavors” with dishes from Colombia, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, and Cuba. Closed Sunday. 662 Madison. 949-8100. L, D, X, $

SAGE—Restaurant and lounge features daily lunch specials and tapas with such dishes as braised short ribs, teriyaki pulled pork, and the Sage burger made with Angus beef, avocado mash, fried egg, and flash-fried sage. 94 S. Main. 672-7902. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

SILLY GOOSE LOUNGE—Gourmet, wood-fired pizzas and handcrafted cocktails at this Downtown restaurant and lounge. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 111. 435-6915. L, D, X, $

SMURFEY’S SMOKEHOUSE—The beloved food truck has found a permanent home for their famous loaded nachos and fries with plans of adding breakfast soon. Closed Sun. and Mon. 149 Madison Ave. 337-7966. L, D, X, $-$$

SOUTH MAIN SUSHI & GRILL—Serving sushi, nigiri, and more. 520 S. Main. 249-2194. L, D, X, $

SOB—Elevated gastropub that serves favorites like general Tso’s cauliflower or duck fried rice. 345 S. Main. 526-0388; 5040 Sanderlin (East Memphis). 818-0821; 1329 W. Poplar Ave. 286-1360. L, D, WB, X , $-$$

SOUTH POINT GROCERY—Fresh and delicious sandwiches made to order at Downtown’s new grocery market. 136 Webster Ave. B, L, D, X, $

SUGAR GRITS—Who said breakfast has to be in the morning? The Westmorelands offer grits and other breakfast goodness all day long, in addition to other Southern-style lunch and dinner options. 150 Peabody Pl., Suite 111. 249-5206. B, L, D, X, $-$$

SUNRISE MEMPHIS—Serves breakfast all day, including house-made biscuits, frittatas, kielbasa or boudin plates, and breakfast platters. 670 Jefferson. 552-3144; 5469 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis). 844-6117. B, L, X, MRA, $

SUPPER CLUB ON 2ND—Fine dining and urban bistro styles collide at this snazzy, chic restaurant, featuring gold-encrusted tomahawk steaks, a deep sea lobster dawg, fancy cocktails, and plenty of other elevated goodies. 85 S. 2nd St. 453-6334. D, WB, X, $$-$$$

TALK SHOP—Southern-style cuisine, a breakfast bar, and plenty of other cool dishes and drinks at the Caption by Hyatt. 245 S. Front St. B, L, D, X, $-$$

TERRACE—Creative American and Continental cuisine includes such dishes as ﬁlet mignon, beef or lamb sliders, chicken satay, and mushroom pizzetta. Rooftop, River Inn of Harbor Town, 50 Harbor Town Square. 260-3366. D, X, MRA, $$

TEXAS DE BRAZIL—Serves beef, pork, lamb, and chicken dishes, and Brazilian sausage; also a salad bar with extensive toppings. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 103. 526-7600. L (Wed.-Fri.), D, WB, X, $$-$$$ THE GARDEN BRUNCH CAFÉ—Leaving their Nashville roots, a unique and healthy brunch spot in the heart of Downtown. Closed Mon.—Thurs. 492 S. Main St. 249-7450. B, SB, WB, X, $-$$$

TUG’S—Famous for New Orleans gumbo, fabulous burgers, fried thin catﬁsh, and specialty pancakes. Now serving Grisanti Crafted Pizza. 51 Harbor Town Square. 260-3344. B, L, D, WB, X, $$-$$$

WAHLBURGERS WILD—Wahlburgers brings its classic menu, but with a few gamey twists at the Bass Pro Pyramid. 1 Bass Pro Drive. B, L, D, X, $-$$

WESTY’S—Extensive menu includes a variety of wild rice dishes, sandwiches, plate lunches, and hot fudge pie. 346 N. Main. 543-3278. L, D, X, $

WINGMAN—Downtown lounge and hookah bar offering wings galore with ten signature sauces, and plenty of other goodies. 143 Madison Ave. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

MIDTOWN (INCLUDES THE MEDICAL CENTER)

ABNER’S FAMOUS CHICKEN—Fried chicken tenders and dipping sauces galore at this Mid-South staple. 1350 Concourse Ave, Suite 137. 425-2597; (East Memphis) 1591 Poplar Ave. 509-3351; (Cordova) 1100 N. Germantown Pkwy. 754-5355. L, D, $-$$

ABYSSINIA RESTAURANT—Ethiopian/Mediterranean menu includes beef, chicken, lamb, ﬁsh entrees, and vegetarian dishes; also a lunch buffet. 2600 Poplar. 321-0082. L, D, X, $-$$

ALCHEMY/ SALT|SOY—Handcrafted cocktails and local craft beers with the Asian fusion dining concept from Salt|Soy. 940 S. Cooper. 726-4444. D, SB, X, $-$$

ART BAR—Inventive cocktails feature locally foraged ingredients; snacks include house-cured salt & vinegar potato chips and herb-roasted olives. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue #280. 507-8030. D, X, $ ASHTAR GARDEN—Southern twists on classic brunch dishes, and plenty of cocktails. Closed Mon.-Wed. 898 Cooper St. 4431514. L, D, $-$$

BABALU TACOS & TAPAS—This eatery dishes up Spanish-style tapas with Southern ﬂair; also taco and enchilada of the day; specials change daily. 2115 Madison. 274-0100; 6450 Poplar, 410-8909. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$

BACK DO / MI YARD—A revamped patio space behind The Beauty Shop features rotisserie meats and ﬁshes via Brazilian-style outdoor grill. Dinner Wed.-Sat., weather permitting. 966 S. Cooper, 272-7111. D, X, $$ BAIN BARBECUE & BAKERY—Brian Bain’s popular Texas-style barbecue is back, alongside an assortment of baked goods. 993 S. Cooper. 310-4141. B, L, X, $-$$

BAR DKDC—Features an ever-changing menu of international “street food,” from Thai to Mexican, Israeli to Indian, along with specialty cocktails. 964 S. Cooper. 272-0830. D, X , MRA, $

BAR KEOUGH—It’s old-school eats and cocktails at the new CooperYoung neighborhood corner bar by Kevin Keough. 247 Cooper St. D, X , $ BAR-B-Q SHOP—Dishes up barbecued ribs, spaghetti, bologna, other classics. Closed Sun. 1782 Madison. 272-1277. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

BARI RISTORANTE ENOTECA—Authentic Southeastern Italian cuisine (Puglia) emphasizes lighter entrees. Serves fresh ﬁsh and beef dishes and a homemade soup of the day. 524 S. Cooper. 722-2244. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

BARKSDALE RESTAURANT—Old-school diner serving breakfast and Southern plate lunches. 237 S. Cooper. 722-2193. B, L, D, X, $

BAYOU BAR & GRILL—New Orleans fare at this Overton Square eatery includes jambalaya, gumbo, catﬁsh Acadian, shrimp dishes, red

beans and rice, and muffalettas. 2094 Madison. 278-8626. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$

BEAUTY SHOP—Modern American cuisine with international ﬂair served in a former beauty shop. Serves steaks, salads, pasta, and seafood, including pecan-crusted golden sea bass. Perennial “Best Brunch” winner. Closed for dinner Sunday. 966 S. Cooper. 272-7111. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

BOSCOS—Tennessee’s ﬁrst craft brewery serves a variety of freshly brewed beers as well as wood-ﬁred oven pizzas, pasta, seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. 2120 Madison. 432-2222. L, D, SB (with live jazz), X, MRA, $-$$

BOUNTY ON BROAD—Offering family-style dining, Bounty serves small plates and family-sized platters, with such specialties as chicken-fried quail and braised pork shank. 2519 Broad. 410-8131. L (Sat. and Sun.), D (Mon.-Sat.), SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

BROADWAY PIZZA—Serving a variety of pizzas, including the Broadway Special, as well as sandwiches, salads, wings, and soul-food specials. 2581 Broad. 454-7930; 627 S. Mendenhall. 207-1546. L, D, X, $-$$

CAFE 1912—French/American bistro owned by culinary pioneer Glenn Hays serving such seafood entrees as seared sea scallops with charred cauliﬂower purée and chorizo cumin sauce; also crepes, salads, and onion soup gratinée. 243 S. Cooper. 722-2700. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

CAFE ECLECTIC—Omelets and chicken and wafﬂes are among menu items, along with quesadillas, sandwiches, wraps, and burgers. Menu varies by location. 603 N. McLean. 725-1718; 111 Harbor Town Square. 590-4645. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $

CAFE OLÉ—This eatery specializes in authentic Mexican cuisine; one specialty is the build-your-own quesadilla. 959 S. Cooper. 343-0103. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$

CAFE PALLADIO—Serves gourmet salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts in a tea room inside the antiques shop. Closed Sun. 2169 Central. 278-0129. L, X, $

CAMEO—Three longtime Memphis bartenders join forces for creative cocktails, cheese boards, snacks, and Sunday brunch. 1835 Union Ave., Suite 3. 305-6511. D, SB, $-$$

CELTIC CROSSING—Specializes in Irish and American pub fare. Entrees include shepherd’s pie, shrimp and sausage coddle, and ﬁsh and chips. 903 S. Cooper. 274-5151. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$

CENTRAL BBQ—Serves ribs, smoked hot wings, pulled pork sandwiches, chicken, turkey, nachos, and portobello sandwiches. Offers both pork and beef barbecue. 2249 Central Ave. 272-9377; 4375 Summer Ave. 767-4672; 147 E. Butler. 672-7760 ; 6201 Poplar. 4177962. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

COMPLICATED PILGRIM—Quick-serve coffee shop, bar, and restaurant all in one at The Memphian hotel. 21 S. Cooper St. 538-7309. B, L, D, $-$$

THE COVE—Nautical-themed restaurant and bar serving oysters, pizzas, and more. The Stoner Pie, with tamales and fritos, is a popular dish. 2559 Broad. 730-0719. L, D, $

THE CRAZY NOODLE—Korean noodle dishes range from bibam beef noodle with cabbage, carrots, and other vegetables, to curry chicken noodle; also rice cakes served in a ﬂavorful sauce. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 2015 Madison. 272-0928. L, D, X, $

EAT AT BLACK LODGE—High-end breakfasts, like wafﬂe grilled cheese sandwiches, nacho and tater-tot “tot-chos,” and other entrees like sweet spicy thai pork at the longtime video store. Now with Masquerade cocktail bar. Closed Mon./Tue. 405 N. Cleveland. 672-7905. L, D, X, $-$$

ECCO—Mediterranean-inspired specialties range from rib-eye steak to seared scallops to housemade pastas and a grilled vegetable plate; also a Saturday brunch. Closed Sun.-Mon. 1585 Overton Park. 410-8200. B, L, D, X, $-$$

EVELYN & OLIVE—Jamaican/Southern fusion cuisine includes such dishes as Kingston stew ﬁsh, Rasta Pasta, and jerk rib-eye. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun.-Mon. 150 N. Avalon St. 748-5422. L, D, X , $

FABIOLA’S KITCHEN—Longtime caterer Fabiola Francis serves up burgers, tacos, ﬁsh, and much more. 1353 Jackson Ave. B, L, $ FARM BURGER—Serves grass-fed, freshly ground, locally sourced burgers; also available with chicken, pork, or veggie quinoa patties, with such toppings as aged white cheddar, kale coleslaw, and roasted beets. 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 175. 800-1851. L, D, X, $ THE FARMER AT RAILGARTEN—Farmer classics include panseared catﬁsh, gulf shrimp and grits, or a Gibson donut bread pudding. Closed Mon./Tue. 2166 Central. 313-0087. D, X, $-$$

FINO’S FROM THE HILL—Italian deli offers old favorites such as the Acquisto as well as a new breakfast menu Germantown location paired

with Happy Glaze Donuts. 1853 Madison. 272-FINO; 7781 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown). B, L, D, X, $

FLAME RAMEN—Traditional Japanese ramen restaurant serving up bowls of noodles in Midtown. 1838 Union Ave. 779-8666; 61 S. Second St., Suite 160 (Downtown). D, $-$$

FLIP SIDE—Pinball meets pub in the Crosstown neighborhood, with plenty of games alongside a Caribbean- and Latin-inspired menu. Closed Mon. 1349 Autumn Ave. 207-6193. L, D, X, $-$$

FRIDA’S—Mexican cuisine and Tex-Mex standards, including chimichangas, enchiladas, and fajitas; seafood includes shrimp and tilapia. 1718 Madison. 244-6196. L, D, X, $-$$

GLOBAL CAFÉ—This international food hall hosts three immigrant/ refugee food entrepreneurs serving Venezuelan, Sudanese, and Syrian cuisines. Samosas, shawarma, and kabobs are among the menu items. Closed Mon. 1350 Concourse Avenue, Suite 157. L, D, X, MRA, $ GOLDEN INDIA—Northern Indian specialties include tandoori chicken as well as lamb, beef, shrimp, and vegetarian dishes. 2097 Madison. 728-5111. L, D, X, $-$$

GROWLERS—Sports bar and eatery serves standard bar fare in addition to pasta, tacos, chicken and wafﬂes, and light options. 1911 Poplar. 244-7904. L, D, X, $-$$

GUAC FRESH MEX—Authentic Mexican cuisine and four types of guacamole. Closed Sun. 782 Washington Ave. 587-4100. L, D, X, $

HATTIE B’S—Fried chicken spot features “hot chicken” with a variety of heat levels; from no heat to “shut the cluck up” sauce. Sides include greens, pimento mac-and-cheese, and black-eyed pea salad. 596 S. Cooper. 424-5900. L, D, X, $

HUEY’S—This family-friendly restaurant offers 13 different burgers, a variety of sandwiches, and delicious soups and salads. 1927 Madison. 726-4372; 1771 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 7543885; 77 S. Second (Downtown). 527-2700; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-4455; 7090 Malco Blvd. (Southaven). 662-349-7097; 7825 Winchester. 624-8911; 4872 Poplar. 682-7729; 7677 Farmington Blvd. (Germantown). 318-3030; 8570 Highway 51 N. (Millington). 873-5025. L, D, X, MRA, $ IMAGINE VEGAN CAFE—Dishes at this fully vegan restaurant range from salads and sandwiches to full dinners, including eggplant parmesan and “beef” tips and rice; breakfast all day Sat. and Sun. 2158 Young. 654-3455. L, D, WB, X, $

INDIA PALACE—Tandoori chicken, lamb shish kabobs, and chicken tikka masala are among the entrees; also, vegetarian options and a daily all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. 1720 Poplar. 278-1199. L, D, X, $-$$

INSPIRE COMMUNITY CAFE—Serving breakfast all day, in addition to quesadillas, rice bowls, and more for lunch and dinner. 510 Tillman, Suite 110. 509-8640. B, L, D, X, $

JACK’S BROWN BEER AND BURGER JOINT—Another spot to satisfy your burger craving this time with 100% American Wagyu beef. 2197 Central Ave. 512-6957. L, D, X, $-$$$ KNIFEBIRD—Neighborhood wine bar boasts plenty of ﬂights, cocktails, and mocktails alongside bruschetta and charcuterie boards. Closed Sun. 2155 Central Ave. 748-5425. D, $-$$$

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM—Serves such Southern cuisine as po’boys, shrimp and grits, and wood-ﬁred pizzas. 2119 Madison. 2075097. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$

LOS COMALES—Authentic Mexican cuisine, daily specials, and strong margaritas. 1322 Madison. 440-8393; 345 Madison Ave (Downtown). 590-4524; 2860 S. Perkins (East Memphis). 369-0528. L, D, X, $-$$

THE LIQUOR STORE—Renovated liquor store turned diner serves all-day breakfast, sandwiches, and entrees such as Salisbury steak and smothered pork chops. 2655 Broad. 405-5477; 669 S. Mendenhall Rd. (East Memphis). B, L, D, X, $-$$

LOUIS CONNELLY’S BAR FOR FUN TIMES & FRIENDSHIP—An upgraded dive bar with a neighborhood feel and a rockin’ SMASH burger. Closed Sun. and Mon. 322 S. Cleveland St. 433-9582. L, D, X, $-$$

MAXIMO’S ON BROAD—Serving a tapas menu that features creative fusion cuisine; entrees include veggie paella and ﬁsh of the day. Closed Mon. 2617 Broad Ave. 452-1111. D, SB, X, $-$$

MEMPHIS PIZZA CAFE—Homemade pizzas are specialties; also serves sandwiches, calzones, and salads. 2087 Madison. 726-5343; 5061 Park Ave. 684-1306; 7604 W. Farmington (Germantown). 7532218; 797 W. Poplar (Collierville). 861-7800; 5627 Getwell (Southaven). 662-536-1364. L, D, X, $-$$

MEMPHIS WHISTLE—Cocktails, cocktails, and even more delicious cocktails alongside burgers, sandwiches, and other tasty snacks. 2299 Young Ave. Closed Mon.-Tue. 236-7136. D, X, $-$$

MOLLY’S LA CASITA—Homemade tamales, ﬁsh tacos, a vegetarian combo, and bacon-wrapped shrimp are a few of the specialties. 2006 Madison. 726-1873. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

PAYNE’S BAR-B-QUE—Opened in 1972, this family-owned barbecue joint serves ribs, smoked sausage, and chopped pork sandwiches with a standout mustard slaw and homemade sauce. About as down-to-earth as it gets. 1762 Lamar. 272-1523. L, D, $-$$

THE PUBLIC BISTRO—Knifebird owners’ full-service American bistro with a menu by chef Gannon Hamilton. 937 S. Cooper St. Closed Sun. 509-2113. D, $-$$

ROBATA RAMEN & YAKITORI BAR—Serves ramen noodle bowls and Yakitori skewers as well as rice and noodle dishes. 2116 Madison. 410-8290. L, D, X, $

SALTWATER CRAB—Offers an array of seafood dishes including boils with blue crab, crab legs, lobster tails, and more, and specialty sushi like the Dynamite or Royal King rolls, in addition to signature sangrias and cocktails. 2059 Madison Ave. 922-5202. L, D, X, $$

THE SECOND LINE—Kelly English brings “relaxed Creole cuisine” to his newest eatery; serves a variety of po’boys and such specialties as barbecue shrimp, andouille shrimp, and pimento cheese fries. 2144 Monroe. 590-2829. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

SEKISUI—Japanese fusion cuisine, fresh sushi bar, grilled meats and seafood, California rolls, and vegetarian entrees. Poplar/ Perkins location’s emphasis is on Paciﬁc Rim cuisine. Menu and hours vary at each location. 25 Belvedere. 725-0005; 1884 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 309-8800; 4724 Poplar. 767-7770; 2130 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-0622; 2990 Kirby-Whitten (Bartlett). 377-2727; 6696 Poplar. 747-0001. L, D, X, $-$$$

SHROOMLICIOUS MEALS—Vegan eatery with a heavy blend of (as the name implies) mushrooms. Closed Mon. and Tues. 394 N. Watkins St. 205-8413. L, D, X, $ SLICE MIDTOWN—Serving New York-style pizza as well as subs and pasta dishes (formerly known as Little Italy). 1495 Union. 725-0280; L, D, X, $-$$

SOUL FISH CAFE—Serving Southern-style soul food, tacos, and po’boys, including catﬁsh, crawﬁsh, oyster, shrimp, chicken, and smoked pork tenderloin. 862 S. Cooper. 725-0722; 3160 Village Shops Dr. (Germantown). 755-6988; 4720 Poplar. 590-0323. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

STICKEM—Brick-and-mortar location for the popular food truck, which offers grilled meat on a stick. 1788 Madison. Closed Sunday. 474-7214. L, D, X, $

TAMBOLI’S PASTA & PIZZA—Pasta-maker Miles Tamboli whips up Italian soul food with seasonal menus featuring dishes like crispy fried chicken or creamy bucatini with pecorino cheese. Serves dinner Tues.-Sat. 1761 Madison. 410-8866. D, X, $-$$

TAKASHI BISTRO—Fusion restaurant with an open kitchen that lets customers watch chefs prepare a variety of Japanese and Thai cuisine. 1680 Union Ave., Suite 109. 800-2936. L, D, $-$$.

TJ MULLIGAN’S—Cold drinks, comfort food, and plenty of live entertainment. 2021 Madison. 725-0770; 1817 Kirby Pkwy (East Memphis). 755-2481; 8070 Trinity Rd. #1 (Cordova). 756-4480; 2821 N. Houston Levee Rd (Lakeland). 377-9997. L, D, X, $-$$

TONICA—Paella and other Spanish-inspired dishes with an Italian touch, alongside an extensive list of gin and tonics. 1545 Overton Park. Closed Mon.-Wed. D, X, $-$$

TSUNAMI—Features Paciﬁc Rim cuisine (Asia, Australia, South Paciﬁc, etc.); also a changing “small plate” menu. Chef Ben Smith is a Cooper-Young pioneer. Specialties include Asian nachos and roasted sea bass. Closed Sunday. 928 S. Cooper. 274-2556. D, X,, MRA, $$-$$$ TUYEN’S ASIAN BISTRO—A variety of Asian dishes from the minds and chefs behind Saigon Le. Closed Sun. 288 N. Cleveland. L, D, X, $-$$

VIBE FOODS—By way of Colorado, superfood bar serves up clean and delicious meals and juices. Closed Sun. 1350 Concourse Ave. 572-1127; 3139 Poplar Ave. (East Memphis). 207-2535. B, L, X, $-$$

ZINNIE’S—Dive bar classic reopens with a makeover and signature Zinnaloni sandwich. 1688 Madison. 726-5004. L, D, X, $

SOUTH MEMPHIS (INCLUDES PARKWAY VILLAGE, FOX MEADOWS, SOUTH MEMPHIS, WINCHESTER, AND WHITEHAVEN)

BALA’S BISTRO—Authentic West African cuisine available to order or by the pound, alongside traditional American dishes and an extensive vegan menu. 4571 Elvis Presley Blvd. 509-3024. L, D, $-$$ CACHE 42 KITCHEN & COCKTAILS—Elevated ﬁne dining (think golden rack of lamb or lobster queso) and cocktail lounge at MoneyBagg

Yo’s restaurant; menu by chef Daris Leatherwood. Brunch and lunch options coming soon. 4202 Hacks Cross Rd., Suite 121. 494-5458. D, $-$$

COLETTA’S—Longtime eatery serves such specialties as homemade ravioli, lasagna, and pizza with barbecue or traditional toppings. 1063 S. Parkway E. 948-7652; 2850 Appling Rd. (Bartlett). 383-1122. L, D, X, $-$$

CURRY BOWL—Specializes in Southern Indian cuisine, serving Tandoori chicken, biryani, tikka masala, and more. Weekend buffet. 4141 Hacks Cross Rd. 207-6051. L, D, $

DELTA’S KITCHEN—The premier restaurant at The Guest House at Graceland serves Elvis-inspired dishes — like Nutella and Peanut Butter Crepes for breakfast — and upscale Southern cuisine — including lamb chops and shrimp and grits — for dinner. 3600 Elvis Presley Blvd. 443-3000. B, D, X, $-$$$

DWJ KOREAN BARBECUE—This authentic Korean eatery serves kimbap, barbecued beef short ribs, rice and noodles dishes, and hot pots and stews. 3750 Hacks Cross Rd., Suite 101. 746-8057; 2156 Young. 207-6204. L, D, $-$$

FABULOUS FLAVORS & FRIENDS ”The Candy Lady” Precious Thompson Jones comes up with a little bit of everything: omelettes, quesadillas, t-bones and wafﬂes, and plenty of soul food. 2063 E. Brooks Rd. 314-0735. L, D, $

THE FOUR WAY—Legendary soul-food establishment dishing up such entrees as fried and baked catﬁsh, chicken, and turkey and dressing, along with a host of vegetables and desserts. Around the corner from the legendary Stax Studio. Closed Mon. 998 Mississippi Blvd. 507-1519. L, D, $

HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY No one cares how late it gets; not at Hernando’s Hideaway. Live music, killer happy hour, and plenty of bar fare at this South Memphis hang. 3210 Old Hernando Rd. 917-982-1829. L, D, $

INTERSTATE BAR-B-Q—Specialties include chopped pork-shoulder sandwiches, ribs, hot wings, spaghetti, chicken, and turkey. 2265 S. Third. 775-2304; 150 W. Stateline Rd. (Southaven). 662-393-5699. L, D, X, $-$$

JIM & SAMELLA’S—It’s a revolving menu of soul food delight from Chef Talbert Fleming, with anything from Southern ribs to fried tamales. 841 Bullington Ave. 265-8761. L, D, X, $

LEONARD’S—Serves wet and dry ribs, barbecue sandwiches, spaghetti, catﬁsh, homemade onion rings, and lemon icebox pie; also a lunch buffet. 5465 Fox Plaza. 360-1963. L, X, $-$$

MARLOWE’S—In addition to its signature barbecue and ribs, Marlowe’s serves Southern-style steaks, chops, lasagna, and more. 4381 Elvis Presley Blvd. 332-4159. D, X, MRA, $-$$

UNCLE LOU’S FRIED CHICKEN—Featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives for good reason: fried chicken (mild, hot, or home-style); jumbo burgers four patties high; strawberry shortcake, and assorted fruit pies. 3633 Millbranch. 332-2367. L, D, X, MRA, $ SUMMER/BERCLAIR/ RALEIGH/BARTLETT

901 HOT POT & KOREAN BBQ—All-you-can-eat hot pot and Korean BBQ, from short ribs to garlic shrimp. 2965 N. Germantown Pkwy. 512-4963. L, D, X, $$-$$$

BISCUITS & JAMS—Biscuits, wafﬂes, French toast, and plenty of sharables at this Bartlett breakfast spot. Closed Mon./Tue. 5806 Stage Rd. 672-7905. B, L, X, $

BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Slingin’ famous biscuits, plate lunches, chicken fried steak, and other breakfast classics since 1968. 3965 Summer Ave. 324-7494. B, L, $

CEVICHERIA AND GRILL CHILEMON—Ceviche, of course, but also plenty of other postres, aperitivos, and mixed grilled meat and seafood feasts. Closed Sun. 4509 Summer Ave. 672-7905. L, D, $

CHEF FLAVAS AND BARTLETT BREAKFAST FACTORY ”Flavaful” sandwiches, soups, pastas, and more from the makers of the popular local spinach artichoke dip. Traditional breakfast options served by Bartlett Breakfast Factory. Closed Sun./Mon. 6301 Stage Rd. 779-2200. B, L, D, X, $-$$

DIM SUM KING—All the best from a selection of authentic Chinese dishes: roasted duck, sizzling hot plate, Cantonese BBQ, and plenty more. 5266 Summer Ave. #65. 766-0831. L, D, X, $-$$

ELWOOD’S SHACK—Casual comfort food includes tacos, pizza, and sandwiches. Specialties include meats smoked in-house (chicken, turkey, brisket, pork), barbecue pizza, and steelhead trout tacos. 4523 Summer. 761-9898; 4040 Park Ave. 754-2520. B, L, D, X, $ EXLINES’ BEST PIZZA—Serves pizza, Italian dinners, sandwiches, and salads. 6250 Stage Rd. 382-3433; 2935 Austin Peay. 388-4711; 2801 Kirby Parkway. 754-0202; 7730 Wolf River Blvd.

(Germantown). 753-4545; 531 W. Stateline Rd. 662-342-4544. L, D, X , MRA, $

FANATIC SPORTS BAR AND WING FANATIC—Sports bar and hot wing joint folded into one, with plenty of screens to watch the big game. 2857 Appling Way. 695-3243. L, D, $-$$

LA TAQUERIA GUADALUPANA—Fajitas and quesadillas are just a few of the authentic Mexican entrees offered here. A bonaﬁde Memphis institution. 4818 Summer. 685-6857; 5848 Winchester. 365-4992. L, D, X, $

LOTUS—Authentic Vietnamese-Asian fare, including lemon-grass chicken and shrimp, egg rolls, Pho soup, and spicy Vietnamese vermicelli. 4970 Summer. 682-1151. D, X, $

MORTIMER’S—Contemporary American entrees include trout almondine, chicken dishes, and hand-cut steaks; also sandwiches, salads, and daily/nightly specials. A Memphis landmark since the Knickerbocker closed. Closed for lunch Sat.-Sun. 590 N. Perkins. 7619321. L, D, X, $-$$

NAGASAKI INN—Chicken, steak, and lobster are among the main courses; meal is cooked at your table. 3951 Summer. 454-0320. D, X, $$

NAM KING—General Tso’s chicken, hot and sour soup, and homemade chicken wings are back at the longtime Raleigh Chinese eatery. 3624 Austin Peay Highway, #3. 373-4411. L, D, $-$$

ÓRALE TACOS & BAKERY—Tacos, enchiladas, and other traditional Southern Mexican dishes alongside baked pan dulces. 2204 Whitten Rd. 571-1786. B, L, D, $-$$

PANDA GARDEN—Sesame chicken and broccoli beef are among the Mandarin and Cantonese entrees; also seafood specials and fried rice. Closed for lunch Saturday. 3735 Summer. 323-4819. L, D, X, $-$$

QUEEN OF SHEBA—Featuring Middle Eastern favorites and Yemeni dishes such as lamb haneeth and saltah. 4792 Summer. 207-4174. L, D, $

SIDE PORCH STEAK HOUSE—In addition to steak, the menu includes chicken, pork chops, and ﬁsh entrees; homemade rolls are a specialty. Closed Sun./Mon. 5689 Stage Rd. 377-2484. D, X, $-$$

TORTILLERIA LA UNICA—Individual helping of Mexican street food, including hefty tamales, burritos, tortas, and sopes. 5015 Summer Ave. 685-0097. B, L, D, X, $

UNIVERSITY

NEIGHBORHOOD DISTRICT (INCLUDES CHICKASAW GARDENS AND HIGHLAND STRIP)

A-TAN—Serves Chinese and Japanese hibachi cuisine, complete with sushi bar. A specialty is Four Treasures with garlic sauce. 3445 Poplar, Suite 17, University Center. 452-4477. L, D, X, $-$$$

THE BLUFF—New Orleans-inspired menu includes alligator bites, nachos topped with crawﬁsh and andouille, gumbo, po’boys, and fried seafood platters. 535 S. Highland. 454-7771. L, D, X, $-$$

BROTHER JUNIPER’S—This little cottage is a breakfast mecca, offering specialty omelets, including the open-faced San Diegan omelet; also daily specials, and homemade breads and pastries. Closed Mon. 3519 Walker. 324-0144. B, X, $

CELEBRITY’S SOUL FOOD—Classic soul food dishes coupled with a Hollywood-esque VIP experience. 431 S. Highland St., Suite 105. L, D, X, $$

CHAR RESTAURANT—Specializing in modern Southern cuisine, this eatery offers homestyle sides, charbroiled steaks, and fresh seafood. 431 S. Highland, Suite 120. 249-3533. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$

EL PORTON—Fajitas, quesadillas, and steak ranchero are just a few of the menu items. 2095 Merchants Row (Germantown). 754-4268; 8361 Highway 64. 380-7877; 3448 Poplar (Poplar Plaza). 452-7330; 1805 N. Germantown Parkway (Cordova). 624-9358; 1016 W. Poplar (Collierville). 854-5770. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

MEDALLION—Offers steaks, seafood, chicken, and pasta entrees. Closed for dinner Sunday. 3700 Central, Holiday Inn (Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality). 678-1030. B, L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

PLANT BASED HEAT All of your favorite Southern-style recipes, but deliciously transformed into a vegan format. Specialties include the spicy fye junt burger, or the chopped ‘n’ smoked bbq jackfruit sandwich. Closed Sun. 669 S. Highland St.; 363 S. Front St. (Downtown). L, D, $

SAM’S DELI—Everything from sandwiches to bibimbap bowls at this local favorite. Closed Mon./Tue. 643 S. Highland St. 454-5582. L, D, $

EAST MEMPHIS (INCLUDES POPLAR/I-240)

ACRE—Features seasonal modern American cuisine in an avantegarde setting using locally sourced products; also small plates and enclosed garden patio. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 690 S. Perkins. 818-2273. L, D, X, $$-$$$

AGAVOS COCINA & TEQUILA—Camaron de Tequila, tamales, kabobs, and burgers made with a blend of beef and chorizo are among the offerings at this tequila-centric restaurant and bar. 2924 Walnut Grove. 433-9345. L, D, X, $-$$

AMERIGO—Traditional and contemporary Italian cuisine includes pasta, wood-fired pizza, steaks, and cedarwood-roasted fish. 1239 Ridgeway, Park Place Mall. 761-4000. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

ANDALUSIA— Authentic Moroccan cuisine, including tagines, brochettes, and briouates. 5101 Sanderlin Ave., Suite 103. 236-7784. L, D, $-$$

ANDREW MICHAEL ITALIAN KITCHEN—Traditional Italian cuisine with a menu from two of the city’s top chefs that changes seasonally with such entrees as Maw Maw’s ravioli. Closed Sun.-Mon. 712 W. Brookhaven Circle. 347-3569. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$ ANOTHER BROKEN EGG CAFE—Offering several varieties of eggs Benedict, waffles, omelets, pancakes, beignets, and other breakfast fare; also burgers, sandwiches, and salads. 6063 Park Ave. 729-7020; 65 S. Highland. 623-7122. B, L, WB, X, $

ANTIGUA MEXICAN BAR & GRILL—Tortas, tacos, and other authentic Mexican cuisine alongside freshly-made salsa, guacamole, and white queso dip. 717 N. White Station Rd. 761-1374. L, D, $-$$

BANGKOK ALLEY—Thai fusion cuisine includes noodle and curry dishes, chef-specialty sushi rolls, coconut soup, and duck and seafood entrees. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. at Brookhaven location; call for hours. 715 W. Brookhaven Circle. 590-2585; 2150 W. Poplar at Houston Levee (Collierville). 854-8748. L, D, X, $-$$

BELLE MEADE SOCIAL—Upscale Americana cuisine including lamb lollipops, spicy tuna stack, and steak & noodle salad. 518 Perkins Extd. 480-7054. L, D, $-$$$

BELMONT GRILL—Burgers, steak sandwiches, and other classic American fare at one of Memphis’ longstanding bars. 4970 Poplar. 767-0305. L, D, X, $-$$

BENIHANA—This Japanese steakhouse serves beef, chicken, and seafood grilled at the table; some menu items change monthly; sushi bar also featured. 912 Ridge Lake Blvd. 767-8980. L, D, X, $$-$$$

BIG BAD BREAKFAST—Fresh biscuits, house-made cured meats, jams, jellies, and more for the most important meal of the day. 6450 Poplar. 881-3346. B, L, X, $-$$

BOG & BARLEY—An all-Irish fine dining experience by the owners of Celtic Crossing, and a full bar with plenty of beer and 25-year-old Macallan. 6150 Poplar, Suite 124. 805-2262. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

BROOKLYN BRIDGE ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Specializing in such homemade entrees as spinach lasagna and lobster ravioli; a seafood specialty is horseradish-crusted salmon. Closed Sun. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 755-7413. D, X, $-$$$

BRYANT’S BREAKFAST—Three-egg omelets, pancakes, and The Sampler Platter are among the popular entrees here. Possibly the best biscuits in town. Closed Mon. and Tues. 3965 Summer. 324-7494. B, L, X, $

BUCKLEY’S FINE FILET GRILL—Specializes in steaks, seafood, and pasta. (Lunchbox serves entree salads, burgers, and more.) 5355 Poplar. 683-4538; 919 S. Yates (Buckley’s Lunchbox), 682-0570. L (Yates only, M-F), D, X, $-$$

CAPITAL GRILLE—Known for its dry-aged, hand-carved steaks; among the specialties are bone-in sirloin, and porcini-rubbed Delmonico; also seafood entrees and seasonal lunch plates. Closed for lunch Sat.Sun. Crescent Center, 6065 Poplar. 683-9291. L, D, X, $$$-$$$$

CASABLANCA—Lamb shawarma is one of the fresh, homemade specialties served at this Mediterranean/Moroccan restaurant; fish entrees and vegetarian options also available. 5030 Poplar. 725-8557; 1707 Madison. 421-6949. L, D, X, $-$$

CHUKIS TACOS 2—Traditional homestyle Mexican recipes. 3445 Poplar Ave., Suite 1. 888-4139. B, L, D, $-$$

CIAO BELLA—Among the Italian and Greek specialties are lasagna, seafood pasta, gourmet pizzas, and vegetarian options. 5101 Sanderlin Ave. 205-2500. D, X, MRA, $-$$$ CITY SILO TABLE + PANTRY—With a focus on clean eating, this establishment offers fresh juices, as well as comfort foods re-imagined with wholesome ingredients. 5101 Sanderlin. 729-7687. Germantown: 7605 W. Farmington Blvd., Suite 2. 236-7223. B, L, D, X, $

COASTAL FISH COMPANY—Upscale offerings of international fish varieties utilizing styles ranging from Carribbean, East Coast, West Coast, Chinese, to Filipino, and more. 415 Great View Dr. E., Suite 101. 266-9000. D, X, $$-$$$

CORKY’S—Popular barbecue emporium offers both wet and dry ribs, plus a full menu of other barbecue entrees. Wed. lunch buffets, Cordova and Collierville. 5259 Poplar. 685-9744; 1740 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 737-1911; 743 W. Poplar (Collierville). 405-4999; 6434 Goodman Rd., Olive Branch. 662-893-3663. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

DAN MCGUINNESS PUB—Serves fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, burgers, and other Irish and American fare; also lunch and dinner specials. 4694 Spottswood. 761-3711; 3964 Goodman Rd. 662-8907611. L, D, X, $

DORY—Chef David Krog whips up Southern specialties with classic French techniques and locally sourced ingredients. Current specialties include pork tenderloin, beef bourguignon, or cocoa-dusted chocolate truffles, with new weekly additions. 716 W. Brookhaven Circle. 310-4290. L, D, X, $$-$$$

ERLING JENSEN—For decades, has presented “globally inspired” cuisine to die for. Specialties are rack of lamb, big-game entrees, and fresh fish dishes. 1044 S. Yates. 763-3700. D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

ERLING JENSEN SMALL BITES—Enjoy Erling Jensen’s specialty dishes in a sharable, small-plate format alongside TopGolf Swing suites. 5069 Sanderlin Ave. 587-9464. L, D, X, $-$$$

FLEMING’S PRIME STEAKHOUSE—Serves wet-aged and dry-aged steaks, prime beef, chops, and seafood, including salmon, Australian lobster tails, and a catch of the day. 6245 Poplar. 761-6200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$

FOLK’S FOLLY ORIGINAL PRIME STEAK HOUSE Specializes in prime steaks, as well as lobster, grilled Scottish salmon, Alaskan king crab legs, rack of lamb, and weekly specials. 551 S. Mendenhall. 762-8200. D, X, MRA, $$$-$$$$

FORMOSA—Offers Mandarin cuisine, including broccoli beef, hot-andsour soup, and spring rolls. Closed Mon. 6685 Quince. 753-9898. L, D, X, $-$$

FOX RIDGE PIZZA & GRILL—Pizzas, calzones, sub sandwiches, burgers, and meat-and-two plate lunches are among the dishes served at this eatery, which opened in 1979. 711 W. Brookhaven Circle. 758-6500. L, D, X, $

FRATELLI’S—Serves hot and cold sandwiches, salads, soups, and desserts, all with an Italian/Mediterranean flair. Closed Sun. 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis Botanic Garden. 766-9900. L, X, $

FRANK GRISANTI ITALIAN RESTAURANT—Northern Italian favorites include pasta with jumbo shrimp and mushrooms; also seafood, filet mignon, and daily lunch specials. Closed for lunch Sun. Embassy Suites Hotel, 1022 S. Shady Grove. 761-9462. L, D, X, $-$$$

HALF SHELL—Specializes in seafood, such as king crab legs; also serves steaks, chicken, pastas, salads, sandwiches, a ”voodoo menu”; oyster bar at Winchester location. 688 S. Mendenhall. 682-3966; 7825 Winchester. 737-6755. L, D, WB, X, MRA, $-$$$

HEN HOUSE—Hybrid wine/cocktail bar and tasting room with plenty of cosmopolitan eats. Closed Sun. 679 S. Mendenhall. 499-5436. D, $-$$$ HIGH POINT PIZZA—Serves a variety of pizzas, subs, salads, and sides. Closed Mon. A neighborhood fixture. 477 High Point Terrace. 452-3339. L, D, X, $-$$

HOG & HOMINY—The casual sister to Andrew Michael Italian Kitchen serves brick-oven-baked pizzas, including the Red-Eye with pork belly, and small plates with everything from meatballs to beef and cheddar hot dogs; and local veggies. And with a few surprises this time around. Closed for lunch Mon. 707 W. Brookhaven Cir. 207-7396. L, D, SB, X, MRA. $-$$$

HOUSTON’S—Serves steaks, seafood, pork chops, chicken dishes, sandwiches, salads, and Chicago-style spinach dip. Famous for first-class service. 5000 Poplar. 683-0915. L, D, X $-$$$

LA BAGUETTE—An almond croissant and chicken salad are among specialties at this French-style bistro. Closed for dinner Sun. 3088 Poplar. 458-0900. B, L, D (closes at 7), X, MRA, $

LAS DELICIAS—Popular for its guacamole, house-made tortilla chips, and margaritas, this restaurant draws diners with its chicken enchiladas, meat-stuffed flautas, and Cuban torta with spicy pork. Closed Sun. 4002 Park Ave. 458-9264; 5689 Quince. 800-2873. L, D, X, $ LIBRO AT LAURELWOOD—Bookstore eatery features a variety of sandwiches, salads, and homemade pasta dishes, with Italian-inspired options such as carbonara and potato gnocchi. Closed for dinner Sun. 387 Perkins Ext. (Novel). 800-2656. B, L, D, SB, X, $-$$

LITTLE ITALY EAST—New York-style pizzas galore and homemade pasta. Closed Sun. 6300 Poplar Ave., Ste. 113. 729-7432. L, $-$$

LOST PIZZA—Offering pizzas (with dough made from scratch), pasta, salads, sandwiches, tamales, and more. 2855 Poplar. 572-1803; 5960 Getwell (Southaven). 662-892-8684. L, D, X, $-$$

MAGNOLIA & MAY—Southern-inspired, family-owned, casual dining restaurant serving up a variety of sandwiches, chef-inspired dishes, and craft cocktails. Popular items include shrimp and grits and the double cheeseburger. Closed Mon. 718 Mt. Moriah Rd. 676-8100. L, D, WB, X, MRA. $$-$$$.

MAHOGANY MEMPHIS—Upscale Southern restaurant offers such dishes as coffee-rubbed lamb chops and baked Cajun Cornish hen. Closed for dinner Sun. and all day Mon.-Tues. 3092 Poplar, Suite 11. 623-7977. L, D, SB, X, $-$$$

MARCIANO MEDITERRANEAN AND ITALIAN CUISINE—Veal Saltimbocca with angel-hair pasta and white wine sauce is among the entrees; also steaks, seafood, and gourmet pizza. 780 E. Brookhaven Cir. 682-1660. D, X, $-$$

MAYURI INDIAN CUISINE—Serves tandoori chicken, masala dosa, tikka masala, as well as lamb and shrimp entrees; also a daily lunch buffet, and dinner buffet on Fri.-Sat. 6524 Quince Rd. 753-8755. L, D, X, $-$$

MELLOW MUSHROOM—Large menu includes assortment of pizzas, salads, calzones, hoagies, vegetarian options, and 50 beers on tap. 5138 Park Ave. 562-1211; 9155 Poplar, Shops of Forest Hill (Germantown). 907-0243. L, D, X, $-$$

MOSA ASIAN BISTRO—Specialties include sesame chicken, Thai calamari, rainbow panang curry with grouper fish, and other Pan Asian/ fusion entrees. Closed Mon. 850 S. White Station Rd. 683-8889. L, D, X, MRA, $

NAM KING—Offers luncheon and dinner buffets, dim sum, and such specialties as fried dumplings, pepper steak, and orange chicken. 4594 Yale. 373-4411. L, D, X, $

NAPA CAFE—Among the specialties are miso-marinated salmon over black rice with garlic spinach and shiitake mushrooms. Closed Sun. 5101 Sanderlin, Suite 122. 683-0441. L, D, X, MRA, $$-$$$

ONE & ONLY BBQ—On the menu are pork barbecue sandwiches, platters, wet and dry ribs, smoked chicken and turkey platters, a smoked meat salad, barbecue quesadillas, Brunswick Stew, and Millie’s homemade desserts. 1779 Kirby Pkwy. 751-3615; 567 Perkins Extd. 249-4227. L, D, X, $

ONO POKÉ—This eatery specializes in poké — a Hawaiian dish of fresh fish salad served over rice. Menu includes a variety of poké bowls, like the Kimchi Tuna bowl, or customers can build their own by choosing a base, protein, veggies, and toppings. 3145 Poplar. 618-2955. L, D, X , $

OWEN BRENNAN’S—New Orleans-style menu of beef, chicken, pasta, and seafood; jambalaya, shrimp and grits, and crawfish etouffee are specialties. Closed for dinner Sun. The Regalia, 6150 Poplar. 761-0990. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

PARK + CHERRY—The Dixon offers casual dining within the museum. Seasonal menu features sandwiches, like rustic chicken salad on croissant, as well as salads, snacks, and sweets. Closed for breakfast Sun. and all day Mon. 4339 Park (Dixon Gallery and Gardens). 761-5250. L, X, $ PATRICK’S—Serves barbecue nachos, burgers, and entrees such as fish and chips; also plate lunches and daily specials. 4972 Park. 682-2852. L, D, X, MRA, $

PETE & SAM’S—Serving Memphis for 60-plus years; offers steaks, seafood, and traditional Italian dishes, including homemade ravioli, lasagna, and chicken marsala. 3886 Park. 458-0694. D, X, $-$$$ PF CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO—Specialties are orange peel shrimp, Mongolian beef, and chicken in lettuce wraps; also vegetarian dishes, including spicy eggplant. 1181 Ridgeway Rd., Park Place Centre. 8183889. L, D, X, $-$$

PHO SAIGON—Vietnamese fare includes beef teriyaki, roasted quail, curry ginger chicken, vegetarian options, and a variety of soups. 2946 Poplar. 458-1644. L, D, $

PYRO’S FIRE-FRESH PIZZA—Serving gourmet pizzas cooked in an open-fire oven, wide choice of toppings, and large local and craft beer selection. 1199 Ridgeway. 379-8294; 2035 Union Ave. 208-8857; 2286 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 207-1198; 3592 S. Houston Levee (Collierville). 221-8109. L, D, X, MRA, $

THE READY ROOM—Duck wontons, bananas “Oscar,” and plenty of other bar snacks and entrees at Hook Point Brewing Co.’s taproom. Closed Mon./Tues. 715 W. Brookhaven Cir. 487-6931. L, D, WB, X, $-$$

Broadway Pizza

2581 Broad Ave • 901.454.7930 & 629 South Mendenhall • 901.207.1546

Old-fashioned pizza house with a lovely comfortable atmosphere where the staff has you feeling like you are in their pizza home. Delicious hot pizzas overflowing with toppings of your choice. Appetizers, salads, spaghetti, catfish, cheeseburgers, Philly cheese steaks, Broadway whole wings, daily plate lunch specials, and more. Located in Memphis’ Broad St. Arts District and look out, Memphis ... NOW a second location at 629 South Mendenhall at Poplar. Legendary Pizza since 1977. Call-in orders are welcomed!

Huey’s hueyburger.com

Huey’s has been serving up “Blues, Brews, & Burgers” in the Bluff City since 1970. More than 50 years later, this family-owned business has since expanded to 10 locations across the greater Memphis area and northwest Mississippi. Proudly recognized as having the Best Burger in Memphis for more than 35 years, Huey’s features 13 distinct burger choices, a variety of delicious sandwiches, and more. Check out the full menu, locations, hours, merchandise, and more at hueyburger.com.

Mahogany Restaurant Collection 280 Island Drive • 901.623.7977 • mahoganymemphistn.com

The Mahogany Restaurant Collection has opened Mahogany River Terrace at 280 Island Drive, Memphis, TN 38103 (thru the gates of Mud Island) offering the best view of the Mississippi River and Memphis Bridge. Located on Mud Island, this spot features a fusion of Creole and Southern cuisine, from whole fried fish to vegan dishes like oyster mushrooms with waffles. The original Mahogany Memphis is at 3092 Poplar Ave #11. Don’t miss the oxtails and grits, available Thursday-Sunday. Reservations recommended, walk-ins welcome.

Kitchen venice-kitchen.com

Venice Kitchen has now been serving East Memphis for over 16 years creating a welcoming experience blending traditional with modern, providing friendly service where we get to know our guest and serve the community. Our goal is helping our guest escape the day-to-day while eating delicious food served with a smile. In addition to our award-winning pizzas, eclectic pastas, Cajun, and classic American favorites, we are known for our full-service bar serving impressive hand-crafted cocktails, and an extensive variety of wines in a timeless casual comfortable environment.

Mulan Asian Bistro mulanbistro.net

Mulan Asian Bistro has been rated No. 1 in Memphis for over 10 years and has been serving the greater Memphis area authentic Szechuan cuisine since 2004 with three locations: Midtown, East Memphis, and Germantown/ Colliervile area. Let us cater your family gathering, wedding or anniversary party. Pictured here, Charcoal Roasted Peking Duck. We deliver up to 10 miles! Located at 2149 Young Ave. in Memphis, 901.347.3965; 4698 Spottswood Ave. in Memphis, 901.609.8680 and 2059 Houston Levee in Collierville, 901.850.5288. Order online at www.mulanbistro.net!

RED HOOK CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Cajun-style array of seafood including shrimp, mussels, clams, crawfish, and oysters. 3295 Poplar. 207-1960. L, D, X, $-$$

RED KOI—Classic Japanese cuisine offered at this family-run restaurant; hibachi steaks, sushi, seafood, chicken, and vegetables. 5847 Poplar. 767-3456. L, D, X $-$$

RED PIER CAJUN SEAFOOD & BAR—Owners of Red Hook bring more cajun-style seafood dishes. 5901 Poplar Ave. 512-5923. L, D, X, $-$$$

RESTAURANT IRIS—French Creole-inspired classics, such as Gulf shrimp and rice grits congee served with lap chong sausage and boiled peanuts, are served at this newly remodeled restaurant owned by Chef Kelly English, a Food and Wine “Top Ten.” 4550 Poplar. 5902828. L, D, X, $$-$$$

RIVER OAKS—Chef Jose Gutierrez’s French-style bistro serves seafood and steaks, with an emphasis on fresh local ingredients. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 5871 Poplar Ave. 683-9305. L, D, X, $$$

RONNIE GRISANTI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT— This Memphis institution serves some family classics such as Elfo’s Special and handmade ravioli, along with house-made pizza and fresh oysters. Closed Sun. 6150 Poplar, Suite 122. 850-0191. D, X, $-$$$

ROTOLO’S CRAFT & CRUST—Louisiana-based pizza company’s first Memphis location, whipping up pizza pies with homemade sauces and fresh ingredients, pasta, wings, and other shareables. 681 S. White Station. 454-3352. L, D, X, $-$$

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE—Offers prime steaks cut and aged in-house, as well as lamb, chicken, and fresh seafood, including lobster. 6120 Poplar. 761-0055. D, X, $$$-$$$$

SALSA—Mexican-Southern California specialties include carnitas, enchiladas verde, and fajitas; also Southwestern seafood dishes such as snapper verde. Closed Sun. Regalia Shopping Center, 6150 Poplar, Suite 129. 683-6325. L, D, X, $-$$

SEASONS 52—This elegant fresh grill and wine bar offers a seasonally changing menu using fresh ingredients, wood-fire grilling, and brick-oven cooking; also a large international wine list and nightly piano bar. Crescent Center, 6085 Poplar. 682-9952. L, D, X, $$-$$$

STAKS—Offering pancakes, including birthday cake and lemon ricotta. Menu includes other breakfast items such as beignets and French toast, as well as soups and sandwiches for lunch. 4615 Poplar. 509-2367; 3660 S. Houston Levee Road, Suite 104 (Collierville). 286-4335; 7704 Poplar (Germantown). 800-1951; 2902 May Blvd. (Southaven). B, L, WB, X, $ SWANKY’S TACO SHOP—Taco-centric eatery offers tortas, flatbreads, quesadillas, chimichangas, burgers, and more. 4770 Poplar. 730-0763; 6641 Poplar (Germantown). 737-2088; 272 S. Main. 7793499. L, D, X, $

THREE LITTLE PIGS—Pork-shoulder-style barbecue with tangy mild or hot sauce, freshly made coleslaw, and baked beans. 5145 Quince Rd. 685-7094. B, L, D, X, $

TOPS BAR-B-Q—Specializes in pork barbecue sandwiches and sandwich plates with beans and slaw; also serves ribs, beef brisket, and burgers. 1286 Union. 725-7527; 4183 Summer. 324-4325; 5391 Winchester. 794-7936; 3970 Rhodes. 323-9865; 6130 Macon. 3710580. For more locations, go online. L, D, X, $ TORCHY’S TACOS—Plenty of Tex-Mex variety, with creative monthly special tacos. 719 S. Mendenhall. 343-8880. B, L, D, X, $ VENICE KITCHEN—Specializes in “eclectic Italian” and Southern Creole, from pastas, including the “Godfather,” to hand-tossed pizzas, including the “John Wayne”; choose from 50 toppings. 368 Perkins Ext. 767-6872. L, D, SB, X, $-$$

WANG’S MANDARIN HOUSE—Offers Mandarin, Cantonese, Szechuan, and spicy Hunan entrees, including the golden-sesame chicken; next door is East Tapas, serving small plates with an Asian twist. 6065 Park Ave., Park Place Mall. 763-0676. L, D, X, $-$$

WASABI—Serving traditional Japanese offerings, hibachi, sashimi, and sushi. The Sweet Heart roll, wrapped — in the shape of a heart — with tuna and filled with spicy salmon, yellowtail, and avocado, is a specialty. 5101 Sanderlin Rd., Suite 105. 421-6399. L, D, X, $-$$

THE WING GURU—A staple of the Memphis wing scene, featuring everything from classic buffalo to exquisite lemon pepper. 5699 Mt. Moriah Rd. 509-2405; 875 W. Poplar Ave., Ste. 6 (Collierville). 2217488; 8253 Highway 51, North Suite #103 (Millington). 872-0849; 4130 Elvis Presley Blvd (Whitehaven) 791-4726; 5224 Airline Rd., Ste. 107 (Arlington). 209-0349. L, D, X, $-$$

WOMAN’S EXCHANGE TEA ROOM—Chicken-salad plate, beef tenderloin, soups-and-sandwiches, vegetable plates, and homemade desserts are specialties. Closed Sat.-Sun. 88 Racine. 327-5681. L, X, $

CORDOVA

THE BLUE ROOM RESTAURANT—An elevated take on traditional Southern recipes, located in the U of M Kemmons Wilson Culinary Institute. Closed Mon. 1245 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 101. 249-7512. D, SB, $$-$$$

BOMBAY HOUSE—Indian fare includes lamb korma and chicken tikka; also, a daily luncheon buffet. 1727 N. Germantown Pkwy. 755-4114. L, D, X, $-$$

THE BUTCHER SHOP—Serves steaks ranging from 8-oz. filets to a 20-oz. porterhouse; also chicken, pork chops, fresh seafood. 107 S. Germantown Rd. 757-4244. L (Fri. and Sun.), D, X, $$-$$$

GREEN BAMBOO—Pineapple tilapia, pork vermicelli, and the soft egg noodle combo are Vietnamese specialties here. 990 N. Germantown Parkway, Suite 104. 753-5488. L, D, $-$$

JIM ’N NICK’S BAR-B-Q—Serves barbecued pork, ribs, chicken, brisket, and fish, along with other homemade Southern specialties. 2359 N. Germantown Pkwy. 388-0998. L, D, X, $-$$

EL MERO TACO—This food truck turned restaurant serves up Mexican and Southern-style fusion dishes, including fried chicken tacos, chorizo con papas tacos, and brisket quesadillas. 8100 Macon Station, Suite 102. 308-1661. Closed Sun.-Mon. L, D, WB, X, $

OPTIONS Burgers, wings, philly cheesesteaks, and more comfort food options. Closed Mon.-Thu. 7940 Fischer Steel Rd. 245-6048. D, SB, $-$$

POKÉ WORLD—Serves up Hawaiian poké bowls filled with rice and diced, raw fish. Also offers Taiwanese bubble tea and rolled ice cream for dessert. 1605 N. Germantown Pkwy., Suite 111. 623-7986. East Memphis: 575 Erin Dr. 779-4971. L, D, $

SHOGUN JAPANESE RESTAURANT—Entrees include tempura, teriyaki, and sushi, as well as grilled fish and chicken entrees. 2324 N. Germantown Pkwy. 384-4122. L, D, X, $-$$

TANNOOR GRILL—Brazilian-style steakhouse with skewers served tableside, along with Middle Eastern specialties; vegetarian options also available. 830 N. Germantown Pkwy. 443-5222. L, D, X, $-$$$

GERMANTOWN

BLUE HONEY BISTRO—Entrees at this upscale eatery include brown butter scallops served with Mississippi blue rice and herbcrusted beef tenderloin with vegetables and truffle butter. Closed Sun. 9155 Poplar, Suite 17. 552-3041. D, X, $-$$$

THE CRAZY COOP—Plenty of hot wings and sauces, plus sandwiches and other dinner plates. 1315 Ridgeway Rd. 748-5325; 7199 Stage Rd. (Bartlett). 433-9212. L, D, $-$$

DIMSUM MEM—Traditional Chinese food truck takes over the New Asia space. 2075 Exeter Rd., Suite 90. L, D, X, $-$$

GERMANTOWN COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches; Mon.-night all-you-can-eat ribs. 2290 S. Germantown Rd. S. 754-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

LAS TORTUGAS DELI MEXICANA—Authentic Mexican food prepared from local food sources; specializes in tortugas — grilled bread scooped out to hold such powerfully popular fillings as brisket, pork, and shrimp; also tingas, tostados. Closed Sun. 1215 S. Germantown Rd. 751-1200; 6300 Poplar. 623-3882. L, D, X, $-$$

LIMELIGHT—Wolf River Hospitality Group brings Wagyu beef, duck gnocchi, and other fine dining dishes on a rotating seasonal menu. Closed Mon./Tue. 7724 Poplar Pike. 791-2328. D, X, $-$$$

LOCAL LIME—Tacos and margaritas in a casual environment, plus other goodies like the Mexican caramel apple crisp skillet. Closed Mon. 7605 W. Farmington Blvd., Suite 1. 224-2204. L, D, X, $-$$$

MOONDANCE GRILL—From the owners of Itta Bena and Lafayette’s. Serves steak cooked sous vide and seafood dishes including Abita-barbecued shrimp and pan-seared sand dab, in addition to an extensive wine and cocktail list. 1730 S. Germantown Road, Suite 117. 755-1471. L, D, X, $$-$$$

NOODLES ASIAN BISTRO—Serves a variety of traditional Asian cuisine, with emphasis on noodle dishes, such as Singapore Street Noodles and Hong Kong Chow Fun. 7850 Poplar, Suite 12. 755-1117. L, D, X, $

PETALS OF A PEONY—Authentic Sichuan cuisine, from crispy duck to peony fried chicken. Be prepared for spice! 1250 N. Germantown Pkwy. 787-8886. L, D, X, $-$$

PETRA CAFÉ—Serves Greek, Italian, and Middle Eastern sandwiches, gyros, and entrees. Hours vary; call. 6641 Poplar. 754-4440; 547 S. Highland. 323-3050. L, D, X, $-$$ ROCK’N DOUGH PIZZA CO.—Specialty and custom pizzas made from fresh ingredients; wide variety of toppings. 7850 Poplar, Suite 6. 779-2008. L, D, SB, X, MRA, $$

ROYAL PANDA—Hunan fish, Peking duck, Royal Panda chicken and shrimp, and a seafood combo are among the specialties. 3120 Village Shops Dr. 756-9697. L, D, X, $-$$

SAKURA—Sushi, tempura, and teriyaki are Japanese specialties here. 2060 West St. 758-8181; 4840 Poplar. 572-1002; 255 New Byhalia Rd. 316-5638. L, D, X, $-$$

SOUTHERN SOCIAL—Shrimp and grits, stuffed quail, and Aunt Thelma’s Fried Chicken are among the dishes served at this upscale Southern establishment. 2285 S. Germantown Rd. 754-5555. D, SB, X, MRA, $-$$$

STONEY RIVER STEAKHOUSE AND GRILL—Specializes in hand-cut steaks, a fresh seafood selection, and plenty of house specials. 7515 Poplar Ave., Suite 101. 207-1100. L, D, X, $$-$$$$

SUFI’S MEDITERRANEAN GRILL & BAR—Offers authentic Mediterranean and Persian cuisine, from hummus shawarma to traditional moussaka. Closed Mon. 7609 Poplar Pike. 779-2200. L, D, X, $-$$$

TAZIKI’S—Mediterranean-inspired dishes all made from scratch. 7850 Poplar Ave., Suite 26. 612-2713. East Memphis: 540 S. Mendenhall Rd. 290-1091. Bartlett: 7974 US-64. 203-0083. L, D, $

THE TOASTED YOLK CAFE—Churro donuts, signature Eggs Benedict, and plenty other boozy brunch options at this franchise’s first Tennessee location. 9087 Poplar Ave., Ste. 11. B, L, X, $-$$

UNCLE GOYO’S—More than 30 dishes with a focus on authentic Mexican cuisine, from the brains behind TacoNganas. 1730 S. Germantown Rd. L, D, X, $-$$

WEST STREET DINER—This home-style eatery offers breakfast, burgers, po’boys, and more. 2076 West St. 757-2191. B, L, D (Mon.-Fri.), X, $

ZEN JAPANESE FINE CUISINE—A full sushi bar and plenty of authentic Japanese dishes, like Hibachi or Wagyu beef. 1730 S. Germantown Rd. 7792796. L, D, X, X, $-$$$

COLLIERVILLE

CAFE PIAZZA BY PAT LUCCHESI—Specializes in gourmet pizzas (including create-your-own), panini sandwiches, and pasta. Closed Sun. 139 S. Rowlett St. 861-1999. L, D, X, $-$$

CIAO BABY—Specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza made in a wood-fired oven. Also serves house-made mozzarella, pasta, appetizers, and salads. 890 W. Poplar, Suite 1. 457-7457. L, D, X, $

COLLIERVILLE COMMISSARY—Serves barbecue sandwiches, sliders, ribs, shrimp, and nachos, as well as smoked barbecued bologna sandwiches. 3573 S. Houston Levee Rd. 979-5540. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$

DAVID GRISANTI’S ON MAIN—Serving Northern Italian cuisine and traditional Grisanti family recipes. Closed Sun./Mon. 148 N Main. 861-1777. L, D, X, $-$$$

DYER’S CAFE—Juicy hamburgers, split dogs, and milkshakes at the historic Collierville restaurant. 101 N. Center St. 850-7750. L, D, X, $-$$

EL MEZCAL—Serves burritos, chimichangas, fajitas, and other Mexican cuisine, as well as shrimp dinners and steak. 9947 Wolf River, 853-7922; 402 Perkins Extd. 761-7710; 694 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 755-1447; 1492 Union. 274-4264; 11615 Airline Rd. (Arlington). 867-1883; 9045 Highway 64 (Lakeland). 383-4219; 7164 Hacks Cross Rd. (Olive Branch). 662-890-3337; 8834 Hwy. 51 N. (Millington). 872-3220; 7424 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 417-6026. L, D, X, $

EMERALD THAI RESTAURANT—Spicy shrimp, pad khing, lemongrass chicken, and several noodle, rice, and vegetarian dishes are offered at this family restaurant. Closed Sunday. 8950 Highway 64 (Lakeland, TN). 3840540. L, D, X, $-$$

FIREBIRDS—Specialties are hand-cut steaks, slow-roasted prime rib, and wood-grilled salmon and other seafood, as well as seasonal entrees. 4600 Merchants Circle, Carriage Crossing. 850-1637; 8470 Highway 64 (Bartlett). 379-1300. L, D, X, $-$$$

JIM’S PLACE GRILLE—Features American, Greek, and Continental cuisine. Closed for lunch Sat. and all day Sun. 3660 Houston Levee. 861-5000. L, D, X, MRA, $-$$$

MULAN ASIAN BISTRO—Hunan Chicken, tofu dishes, and orange beef served here; sushi and Thai food, too. 2059 Houston Levee. 850-5288; 2149 Young. 347-3965; 4698 Spottswood. 609-8680. L, D, X, $-$$

OSAKA JAPANESE CUISINE—Featuring an extensive sushi menu as well as traditional Japanese and hibachi dining. Hours vary for lunch; call. 3670 Houston Levee. 861-4309; 3402 Poplar. 249-4690; 7164 Hacks Cross (Olive Branch). 662-890-9312; 2200 N. Germantown Pkwy. (Cordova). 425-4901. L, D, X, $-$$$

RAVEN & LILY—Eatery offers innovative Southern-inspired cuisine with such dishes as crispy shrimp and cauliflower salad, spiced lamb sausage and parmesan risotto, and bananas foster pain perdu. Closed Mon. 120 E. Mulberry. 286-4575. L, D, SB, X, $-$$

STIX—Hibachi steakhouse with Asian cuisine features steak, chicken, and a fillet and lobster combination, also sushi. A specialty is Dynamite Chicken

with fried rice. 4680 Merchants Park Circle, Avenue Carriage Crossing. 854-3399. 150 Peabody Place, Suite 115 (Downtown). 207-7638 L, D, X, $-$$

WOLF RIVER BRISKET CO.—From the owners of Pyro’s Fire Fresh Pizza, highlights include house-smoked meats: prime beef brisket, chicken, and salmon. Closed Sun. 9947 Wolf River Boulevard, Suite 101. 316-5590; 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 165. 791-4389 L, D, X, $-$$

ZOPITA’S ON THE SQUARE—Cafe offers sandwiches, including smoked salmon and pork tenderloin, as well as salads and desserts. Closed Sun. 114 N. Main. 457-7526. L, D, X, $

CASINO TABLES

CHICAGO STEAKHOUSE AT THE GOLDSTRIKE—1010 Casino Center Dr., Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-24KSTAY /662-357-1225

FAIRBANKS AT THE HOLLYWOOD—1150 Casino Strip Blvd., Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-871-0711

IGNITE STEAKHOUSE AT SOUTHLAND CASINO RACING—1550 N. Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182

JACK BINION’S STEAK HOUSE AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE

LUCKY 8 ASIAN BISTRO AT HORSESHOE—1021 Casino Center Drive, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-303-SHOE

SOUTHLAND CASINO HOTEL'S THE KITCHENS—1550 N. Ingram Blvd., West Memphis, AR, 1-800-467-6182

THE STEAKHOUSE AT THE FITZ—711 Lucky Ln., Robinsonville, MS, 1-888-766-LUCK, ext 8213

OUT-OF-TOWN

BOZO’S HOT PIT BAR-B-Q—Barbecue, burgers, sandwiches, and subs. 342 Highway 70 (Mason, TN). 901-294-3400. L, D, X, $-$$

CITY GROCERY—Southern eclectic cuisine; shrimp and grits is a specialty. Closed for dinner Sun. 152 Courthouse Square (Oxford, MS). 662-232-8080. L, D, SB, X, $$-$$$

COMO STEAKHOUSE—Steaks cooked on a hickory charcoal grill are a specialty here. Upstairs is an oyster bar. Closed Sun. 203 Main St. (Como, MS). 662-526-9529. D, X, $-$$$

ELFO GRISANTI’S NORTHERN ITALIAN CUISINE—Grisanti family classics like lasagna, homemade ravioli, garlic bread, and Northern Italian pizza. Closed Sun. 5627 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-4704497. L, D, X, $-$$

MANILA FILIPINO RESTAURANT—Entrees include pork belly cutlet with lechon sauce, and shrimp and vegetables in tamarind broth; also daily combos, rice dishes, and chef specials. Closed Sun.-Mon. 7849 Rockford (Millington, TN). 209-8525. L, D, X, $

MARSHALL STEAKHOUSE—Rustic steakhouse serves premium Angus beef steaks, seafood dishes, rack of lamb, and more. 2379 Highway 178 (Holly Springs, MS). 628-3556. B, L, D, X, $-$$$

MEMPHIS BARBECUE COMPANY—Offers spare ribs, baby backs, and pulled pork and brisket. 709 Desoto Cove (Horn Lake, MS). 662-536-3762. L, D, X, $-$$

PIG-N-WHISTLE—Offers pork shoulder sandwiches, wet and dry ribs, catfish, nachos, and stuffed barbecue potatoes. 6084 Kerr-Rosemark Rd. (Millington, TN). 872-2455. L, D, X, $

SAINT LEO’S—Offering sophisticated pizzas, pastas, sandwiches, and salads. A James Beard nominee for Best New Restaurant in 2017. 1101 Jackson (Oxford, MS). 662-234-4555. D, L, WB, X, $-$$

SIMON’S—A unique dining experience situated in a charming small town. Closed Sun./Mon. 201 N. Main St. (Bolivar, TN). 731403-3474. L, D, $$-$$$$

SNACKBAR—An intriguing mix of “French Bistro with North Mississippi Cafe.” Serving a confit duck Croque Monsieur, watermelon-cucumber chaat, pan-fried quail, plus a daily plate special and a raw bar. 721 N. Lamar (Oxford, MS). 662-236-6363. D, X, $-$$$

TWAIN’S STEAKHOUSE AT SAM’S TOWN TUNICA—1477 Casino Strip Resorts Boulevard, Robinsonville, MS, 1-800-456-0711 4 to 9 AM Weekdays 4 to 7 PM Weekdays 9 AM to 4 PM Weekdays

TEKILA MODERN MEXICAN—Modern interpretations of classic dishes from all over Mexico. 6343 Getwell Rd. (Southaven, MS). 662-510-5734. B, L, D, X, $-$$

WILSON CAFE—An impressive culinary destination in the heart of the Arkansas Delta. Serving jambalaya, Waygu flatiron, butternut ravioli, swordfish & shrimp kabobs, burgers. 2 N. Jefferson (Wilson, AR). 870-655-0222. L, D, WB, $-$$$

MEMPHIS MEDIA

A GUIDE TO THE NEWS ORGANIZATIONS, PODCASTS, WEBSITES, AND SOCIAL MEDIA SOURCES THAT SHED LIGHT ON OUR COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONS.

COMPILED BY JON W. SPARKS

While we are usually very modest here at MEMPHIS Magazine, we still insist that we give you the smartest, most entertaining, wonderfully informative, and charmingly delightful look at what’s going on around town (CEO/editor: Anna Traverse). Okay, maybe not so modest. But a subscription is wonderfully aﬀordable, and will keep you from chasing down a newsstand copy or swiping one from your doctor’s waiting room.

But it’s only fair that we mention a few other sources, such as our siblings here at Contemporary Media, Inc. e free alternative weekly Memphis Flyer oﬀers timely coverage of culture, news, and politics and can be found in racks and boxes all around town (editor: Shara Clark). And Memphis Parent is a must-have resource for anyone with kids in their lives (editor: Erika Cain). memphismagazine.com; memphisflyer.com; memphisparent.com

Here are other outlets to scope out. Some are free, others require a subscription, all cover issues in the region:

The Commercial Appeal is a daily print newspaper covering the area since the nineteenth century. (executive editor: Mark Russell). commercialappeal.com

The Daily Memphian is a six-year-old locally owned online-only site with news of general interest (CEO: Eric Barnes). dailymemphian.com

The Tri-State Defender is one of the longest continuously published Black newspapers in the Southern United States (interim editor: Lee Eric Smith). tri-statedefender.com

MLK50: Justice Through Journalism is an award-winning nonproﬁt covering issues “on the intersection of poverty, power, and policy” since 2017 (founding editor/publisher: Wendi C. Thomas).

mlk50.com

Memphis Business Journal offers breaking business news (publisher: Joanna Crangle). bizjournals.com/memphis

Education-related information is available on Chalkbeat Tennessee, a nonproﬁt group devoted to improving schools. chalkbeat.org/tennessee/

High Ground News provides in-depth coverage of issues of importance to Memphis neighborhoods (publisher: Emily Trenholm). highgroundnews.com

Keep an eye on state politics and shenanigans with Tennessee Lookout tennesseelookout.com

Television, of course, keeps many folks up on local happenings; you can tune into: WREGTV News Channel 3 (general manager: Fran McRae), WMC-TV Action News 5 (VP and general manager: Jonathan Mitchell), WHBQ FOX13 (general manager: Kyle Krebs), and Local Memphis, which is ABC’s WATN-TV Channel 24 and CW’s WLMT-TV Channel 30 (president and general manager: Christopher Franklin). Also noteworthy is WKNO-TV Channel 10 (president & CEO: Charles McLarty), and its radio companion (FM 91.1) that offers arts coverage.

Other local radio stations include WDIA (AM1070, “Heart & Soul of Memphis”), 102.7 Kiss FM (hit music), 99.7 The Wolf (new country), News Talk 98.9, WLOK (Black-owned radio station, FM105), The Max (classic rock, FM98.1), K97 (hiphop/R&B), 93.5 U.S. 51 (country, The River (adult contemporary, FM104), Kix106 (country music, FM106), WEVL (independent and volunteer-run, FM89.9), Sports56 (sports/talk AM560), WREC News/Talk (AM600 and FM92.1), the public library channel WYPL (FM89.3), WMC790 (sports AM790), and more.

Blogs and websites galore are chock full of Memphis-centric info:

StoryBoard Memphis, published by Mark Fleischer, offers a wide-ranging look at the city’s history within the context of today’s neighborhoods. storyboardmemphis.org

Choose901, a Memphis booster run by City Leadership, offers a thorough listing of things to do on any given day. choose901.com

The I Love Memphis Blog, maintained by Memphis Tourism, is packed with people, places, lists, and ongoing events.

ilovememphisblog.com

ArtsMemphis, led by Elizabeth Rouse, has a website with a solid arts/entertainment calendar of events. artsmemphis.org

Political and economic issues get thoughtful consideration at Tom Jones’ Smart City Memphis, a part of Smart City Consulting, a public policy and planning group.

smartcitymemphis.com

Substack is a fertile ground for Memphis themes and Memphis-based writers. Here are a few: The award-winning Bigger Than Your Head by Fredric Koeppel is a wine lover’s necessity. It pulls corks but no punches in its look at wines and the winemaking industry.

Telling My Age by former journalist Leanne Kleinmann focuses on women with wisdom.

Memphis Music Conﬁdential is by Andria Lisle, a longtime ﬁxture in the local music scene.

SubTsakalidis (SubTsak) is a Memphis Grizzlies newsletter by Parker Fleming.

Memphis Wrestling Plus follows one of the city’s perennial and quirkier obsessions.

There are many more sources, but this will give you a start to ﬁnding out about what makes Memphis tick, whether you’re new here or just want to be more in the loop.

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