Memphis Flyer 2/15/2024 by Contemporary Media

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The Source LeMoyne-Owen College, the city’s only HBCU, stands on history to look to the future.

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JERRY D. SWIFT Advertising Director Emeritus KELLI DEWITT, CHIP GOOGE, PATRICK PACHECO Senior Account Executives CHET HASTINGS Warehouse and Delivery Manager JANICE GRISSOM ELLISON, KAREN MILAM, DON MYNATT, TAMMY NASH, RANDY ROTZ, LEWIS TAYLOR, WILLIAM WIDEMAN Distribution THE MEMPHIS FLYER is published weekly by Contemporary Media, Inc., P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 Phone: (901) 521-9000 Fax: (901) 521-0129 memphisflyer.com CONTEMPORARY MEDIA, INC. ANNA TRAVERSE FOGLE Chief Executive Officer LYNN SPARAGOWSKI Controller/Circulation Manager JEFFREY GOLDBERG Chief Revenue Officer MARGIE NEAL Chief Operating Officer KRISTIN PAWLOWSKI Digital Services Director MARIAH MCCABE Circulation and Accounting Assistant

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As required by Tennessee Code Annotated Section 67-5-903, the Shelby County Assessor will be mailing Tangible Personal Property Schedules to all active businesses within Shelby County by Friday, January 12, 2024. The filing deadline is March 1, 2024. Please call the Shelby County Assessor’s office at 901-222-7002, if you need assistance.

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CONTENTS

SHARA CLARK Editor-in-Chief SAMUEL X. CICCI Managing Editor JACKSON BAKER, BRUCE VANWYNGARDEN Senior Editors TOBY SELLS Associate Editor KAILYNN JOHNSON News Reporter CHRIS MCCOY Film and TV Editor ALEX GREENE Music Editor MICHAEL DONAHUE, JON W. SPARKS Staff Writers ABIGAIL MORICI Arts and Culture Editor KEN BILLETT, GENE GARD, EMILY GUENTHER, COCO JUNE, FRANK MURTAUGH Contributing Columnists SHARON BROWN, AIMEE STIEGEMEYER Grizzlies Reporters SYMONE MAXWELL Editorial Intern KENNETH NEILL Founding Publisher

OUR 1825TH ISSUE 02.15.24 Editor’s Note: Other Flyer writers will occasionally share this space. During a 2014 advanced fiction workshop my senior year at Rhodes College, our professor stopped speaking mid-lecture and turned to look at me. For several uncomfortable moments, his gaze lingered on my frame, eyes raking up and down as I began to squirm in my seat. Had I done something wrong? Looked too disinterested? Started nodding off, perhaps? “You are a meerkat,” said the late, great Mark Behr, in his inimitable South African accent, as I sat there looking like a, well, meerkat in the headlights. “You really look like one.” Another classmate also failed to escape animal classification later in the semester, drawing comparisons to an antelope. I’m still not sure whether I took that as a compliment, an insult, or brushed it off as a simple in-the-moment observation. But that little tidbit has stuck with me for years. When Contemporary Media (the Flyer’s parent company) began using Slack in 2017, I had yet to procure a decent professional headshot. So, rather than dig up an old photo of higher-ed debauchery from my social media pages, I trawled Google until I settled on a fine-looking close-up of a majestic-looking meerkat, gazing determinedly off into the distance, to use as my avatar instead (more businesslike than the smiling meerkat pictured here). As the years ticked by, and Covid turned us from an in-office operation to a remote one, that little meerkat photo became the only visual component of my daily interactions with my colleagues. As writers left for different pastures and fresh journalists came through our “doors,” I started wondering if they even knew what I actually looked PHOTO: JOEELY | DREAMSTIME.COM like. Or if their one visual reference, that darn meerkat, was how they pictured me. It got me thinking of a show I used to watch as a kid, Animal Planet’s Meerkat Manor, which followed a specific family of mongooses (mongeese?) as they struggled for survival in the harsh Kalahari Desert of South Africa. Scrounging for resources, competing for territory … heck, it almost sounds like journalism in the 21st century. Maybe I am kind of like a meerkat, after all? Looking around at the industry, it’s a similarly bleak picture. Newsrooms are smaller, and it seems like you can’t go online without seeing news of another round of mass layoffs, or of writers replaced with shoddy AI application. Others can talk about these sweeping issues more eloquently than I, so I won’t harp on it. But a smaller staff means more bases to cover per individual, and it got me thinking of the many hats I’ve worn in my near-decade at Contemporary Media. There’s the writing and editing, of course. But I need to remind myself that there’s been event planning, billing, mailroom management, accounting, social media, web management, photography, and plenty of other professional responsibilities that I’ve either forgotten or repressed. It’s left me with quite a messy head of hat hair. And in a less amusing way to put it, having your focus split in so many different directions all the time can make it feel like the walls are closing in. But that’s the nature of the industry today, if you want to stay competitive. And it makes me truly appreciative of all the behind-the-scenes hard work that every member of our team puts in every day. But the thing about meerkats (yes, them again) is that they’re social creatures. And while companies calling their staff “families” makes me want to hurl, this job has let me make a lot of really cool friends and connections, ones who will let me off with a rollof-the-eyes when I make my fifth lame joke of the day on Slack, or never complained when I crunched on wasabi peas for hours at our old Downtown office. All this is to say that this meerkat will be leaving the manor, with February 16th NEWS & OPINION as my last day at Contemporary Media. THE FLY-BY - 4 I’ll be embarking on a new professional POLITICS - 8 adventure later this month, so if you’re AT LARGE - 10 one of the several people that enjoys my FINANCE - 11 weird brand of writing, stay tuned. It still COVER STORY hasn’t sunk in that I’m leaving what has “THE SOURCE” BY KAILYNN JOHNSON - 12 essentially been 100 percent of my profesWE RECOMMEND - 16 sional career, but here we are. It will be MUSIC - 17 strange not logging on to Slack to Shara AFTER DARK - 18 Clark’s “Good morning, all!”, or Michael CALENDAR - 19 Donahue constantly reminding everyone NY TIMES CROSSWORD - 20 that his birthday is coming up on FebruARTS - 23 FOOD - 24 ary 1st even though it just happened two METAPHYSICAL CONNECTION - 25 weeks ago. But what I really look forward NEWS OF THE WEIRD - 26 to is picking up the Flyer every WednesASTROLOGY - 27 day morning as a fan. And not having to FILM - 28 worry about fixing a dang thing. CLASSIFIEDS - 30 Samuel X. Cicci LAST WORD - 31 scicci@contemporary-media.com

THE

fly-by

MEMernet Memphis on the internet. DAMMIT GANNETT “No words …,” said Susan Adler Thorp in the All News Is Local Facebook group, referring to a huge headline typo in The Commercial Appeal. POSTED TO FACEBOOK BY SUSAN ADLER THORP “Hardaway: Small-ball lineup helped Tugers end skid,” it read, referring to the University of Memphis men’s basketball team. Yep. Tugers.

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NEVERENDING ELVIS Graceland has a fun section on its blog that collects “Elvis sightings” in media or IRL. The image above, for example, POSTED AT GRACELAND.COM was found in a first-grade English workbook.

MARSHA, MARSHA U.S. Supreme Court justices weighed whether or not former President POSTED TO X BY Donald SEN. MARSHA BLACKBURN Trump could appear on Colorado’s ballot last week. During the session, Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn stood outside in bright pink, maybe hoping to catch Trump’s eye as he flipped channels. “The Left’s [sic] nearly decadelong witch hunt to take down Trump must end,” she tweeted. Yes, we see you Marsha. Everyone sees you.

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Questions, Answers + Attitude Edited by Toby Sells

W E E K T H AT WA S By Flyer staff

State of the State, Guns, & Schools Lee looks to expand vouchers, Gardens to Guns, and MSCS picks a new superintendent. STATE OF THE STATE Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee pushed more school vouchers and massive tax cuts for businesses in his State of the State address last week. Lee’s $52.6 billion budget includes $141 million for vouchers. The money could send up to 20,000 students to private schools without any requirements to qualify financially. “It’s time that parents get to decide — and not the government — where their child goes to school and what they learn. … 2024 is the year to make school choice a reality for every Tennessee family,” Lee said. Lee also wants a franchise tax rebate of $1.2 billion and $400 million reductions for the next few years for businesses. Democrats criticized the governor’s proposals, saying Tennesseans are being told they should support a “scam” to defund public schools and give large corporations another tax break. No sales tax holiday is scheduled for the coming fiscal year that starts July 1st after the state gave a threemonth break from the grocery sales tax last fall. GARDENS TO GUNS Surrendered guns will begin to be transformed into garden tools on February 24th at Evergreen Presbyterian Church. During the church’s “Guns to Gardens” event, surrendered guns will be immediately cut up with a chop saw. Later, they’ll be turned into garden tools and art objects by artisans with the Metal Museum. During the drive-through event, gun owners must bring their guns unloaded and stored securely in the trunk or rear of their vehicles. While those owners remain in their cars, their guns will be dismantled with a chop saw. No background checks will be conducted and no personal information will be collected. Unlike a “buy back” event, gun ownership is not transferred. Gun owners will be offered Kroger gift cards ($50 for handguns, $100 for rifles and shotguns, and $150 for semiautomatic and automatic guns, while supplies last) as a way to thank people for disposing of unwanted guns. BILL WOULD APPOINT MSCS MEMBERS State Rep. Mark White (R-Memphis) planned to introduce legislation giving Lee’s administration the power to appoint up to six new members to the board of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, citing prolonged frustration with the board’s locally elected leadership. The nine current board members would remain in office under the proposal. The additional members would be

PHOTO (TOP): GUNS TO GARDENS LOUISVILLE; (RIGHT) MEMPHIS-SHELBY COUNTY SCHOOLS

Turn guns into art and tools at Evergreen Presbyterian Church; new MSCS superintendent Marie Feagins appointed later this year based on recommendations from local officials and stakeholders. MSCS PICKS NEW SUPERINTENDENT The Memphis-Shelby County Schools Board of Education announced it would offer a superintendent contract to Marie Feagins, now the chief of leadership and high schools for Detroit Public Schools. The months-long search for a new leader was narrowed down to Feagins, Yolanda Brown, and Cheryl Proctor. Toni Williams served as interim superintendent since August 2022 after Joris Ray resigned amid scandal. “Dr. Feagins emerged as the choice after a comprehensive search that included robust input from the community, parents, teachers, and staff,” the district said in a statement. “Through community meetings, listening sessions, and candidate visits, the board learned of Dr. Feagins’ deep understanding of urban education, commitment to equity, and academic vision for MSCS.” Chalkbeat Tennessee and Tennessee Lookout contributed to this report. Visit the News Blog at memphisflyer.com for fuller versions of these stories and more local news.

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“If you rape a child in the state of Tennessee, you will die. Period.” This is the hope of state House Majority Leader Rep. William Lamberth (R-Cottontown). If his legislation passes, adults over the age of 18 could face the death penalty if they rape a child under the age of 12, he told the House Criminal Justice Committee last week. He described his legislation before the Tennessee General Assembly as “the gravest type of bill we would possibly consider.” “If [the legislation] saves even one child from going through that because the fear of [the death penalty] gets into the head of some monster out there that’s even thinking about this, then it’s worth saving that child,” Lamberth said. “I will tell you life in prison for these evil people is simply too good. They should not be able to live out their days with the rest of us, including their victim — paying for their food, and housing, and care, and medical as they age and everything else. If you rape a child, you should die.” The bill moved quickly through the House committee system. It is now placed behind the budget for consideration by the full House. The Senate bill was only introduced in midJanuary and awaits a review by the Senate Judiciary Committee, its first hearing by lawmakers in that house. Its sponsor there is Sen. Jack Johnson (R-Franklin), Senate majority leader. So far, the only votes cast against the bill are from Democratic House members Rep. Ronnie Glynn (D-Clarksville), Rep. G.A. Hardaway (D-Memphis), Rep. Joe Towns Jr. (D-Memphis), and Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville). Johnson said the penalty of child rape in Tennessee is life in prison, a sentence that must be served fully. She argued this already holds the guilty accountable. She worried a death penalty sentence would have a “chilling effect” on victims reporting the crime. “If a child was raped by an uncle, say,” Johnson said, “the uncle’s going to say, ‘Don’t tell because I’ll be killed, I’ll get the death penalty.’ Then, the mother of the child, who is the sister of the [alleged perpetrator], maybe won’t want to testify against her brother, if it means the death penalty. “If the victims fear, it will create a chilling effect on reporting.” Johnson also argued the move could further “re-victimize the victim.”

“Not only is [the child in the scenario] a victim, she will be victimized every day by the state that’s going to require her to carry that [potential consequent] pregnancy [to term]. Then, they’re going to require her to show up for appeal after appeal.” “It’s a heinous crime and I hate to think about it, but life in prison also takes care of the situation.” Lamberth read an email from a young female victim, asking committee members to support the legislation. It spoke to the high hurdles for criminal charges and soft sentences for defendants accused of child rape. It described their sexual desires like “they were at an all-youcould-eat buffet with the appetite of a bear coming out of hibernation and only having access to a single plate.”

PHOTO: STATE OF TENNESSEE

Bill proposes death penalty for convicted child rapists.

“I will tell you life in prison for these evil people is simply too good.” “The ones that actually get convicted should face real consequences,” the letter read. “Perhaps if that happened, there would be less people in our community forever changed.” If the legislation passes, Lamberth vowed to fight for its implementation in court. A 2008 U.S. Supreme Court ruling said the death penalty is not proportional punishment for the crime of child rape. Lamberth countered this, however, noting that the court’s ruling came because “not enough states had this type of penalty on the books.” “We’ve seen other decisions by the Supreme Court overturned,” Lamberth said. “I believe this particular makeup of the court, it leans more towards state’s rights.”

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POLITICS By Jackson Baker

Super Notes On the question of mixing sports and politics; and mailbag matters.

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As various MAGA spokespersons made clear, the partisans of former president Donald Trump have nursed dark suspicions that the highly public romance between songstress Taylor Swift and Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is but a cover for coming propaganda in favor of Democratic president Joe Biden, whom Swift is reliably known to favor. Those conspiracy-mongers should have been at a local Super Bowl party hosted by Criminal Court clerk aide Barry Ford, a Democrat, and attended by several other prominent Democrats, including DA Steve Mulroy, Shelby County diversity official Shep Wilbun (a veritable encyclopedia of NFL history), and state Representative Joe Towns. Ford, a diehard fan of the San Francisco 49ers, had decked out his house with 49er paraphernalia and, joined by several others present, arguably a majority, made his 49er partisanship obvious. Alternatingly, he kept up a running lament that Biden, whom he enthusiastically supports, hasn’t been making enough public appearances to maximize his reelection chances. For Ford, anyhow, what Biden does clearly loomed larger than whether Swift and Kelce say “I do” or don’t. And, like most Americans, he has no trouble keeping his politics and his sports fandom separate. Perhaps, too, those concerned Trump partisans should just have some patience. Taylor Swift’s song litany largely consists of spirited “gotcha last” rebukes of her erstwhile and subsequently discarded boyfriends.

• Meanwhile, two matters dealt with in this space last week drew clarifying responses. First was a pair of statements from City Hall regarding our disclosure of prospects that Memphis native Maura Black Sullivan might be in line to become the city’s chief operating officer. (These responses arrived in time to be posted in the online version of our report but not in time for the print edition.) “I can confirm that we had early talks with Maura Sullivan about a different position with the Young administration, not the COO/CAO position. We have a strong leader currently acting in the COO role who has my full faith

and confidence.” — Mayor Paul Young “The role we initially discussed was a high level position on the Mayor’s cabinet. And while talks about that position haven’t continued, we do have an ongoing dialogue with her and many others who we consider allies in the work of creating a stronger Memphis.” — Chief Communications Officer Penelope Huston. One is left to wonder: What other “high level” position has been the subject of discussions with Sullivan, who is currently employed as COO of Metro Nashville Public Schools and who had previously served as COO for Chattanooga Mayor Andy Berke and, before that, as deputy COO for former Memphis Mayor AC Wharton? But so be it. It is certainly to be hoped that Mayor Young, who has had his problems so far squaring things with the city council, ultimately succeeds in getting the staff he wants. • Also in our mailbag this week is the following clarifying statement from DA Steve Mulroy concerning the County Commission’s passage, reported here last week, of a measure desired by the DA that equalizes the pay scale for county and state employees on his staff. “I’m a state employee, so I’ve always been at the top. So parity was never a concern for me. “Using county dollars, the county gave a salary supplement to supervisors of all stripes, even state employees who were supervisors. I took those supplements away from the state supervisors, on the rationale that county money shouldn’t be going to state employees who were already getting paid way more than comparably experienced county counterparts. “Out of fairness, I included myself in that, and took away my county-funded supplement, forswearing all county funds, and relying only on my state salary. “A TV reporter the other day asked me if I was going to restore that supplement to myself, now that the County Commission has acted. I said, no, my pay cut stands.” PHOTO: GRESEI | DREAMSTIME.COM

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The Daily Days Keeping a journal: The good, the bad, the howl.

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Sunday, February 4th, 2024: Weight 162.4. Went to Home Depot to get birdseed, pansies, and some wood putty for Tatine’s project. Finished the Ebet Roberts profile for Memphis Magazine. I’m pretty pleased with it. It’s 3,500 words with lots of moving parts, but it all came together, and the photographs are amazing. Took the hounds on a 35-minute walk in Overton Park. Did Duolingo (150 points). Made wide-noodle pasta with leftover filet, shallots, garlic, fresh herbs, and butter/olive oil sauce for dinner. Very tasty. We watched another episode of True Detective: Night Country. Still not sure I like it. Stayed up late and finished The Alienist. Entertaining read, but not enough to lure me into the second book in the series. A little over a year ago — in January 2023 — I began keeping a daily journal. At first I called it “Cancer Diary” because I wanted to track the details of my health while I was undergoing treatment. I started every day’s post with my weight, then I chronicled what I ate, what medicines I took, my doctor visits — the good, the mundane, and the scary. As my health got better over the ensuing six months, I found myself maintaining the journal out of habit rather than for health reasons. Now I just call it “The Daily Days.” I still note my weight and any health stuff that comes up, but mostly I just keep track of what happens: errands, editorial meetings, what I’m writing about in the Flyer and Memphis Magazine, conversations, walks, dinner, etc. The entry at the beginning of this column is pretty typical, and I’ve piled up 40,000 words of this stuff in a little over a year. Unfortunately, there’s no plot, and as Larry David might say, I’m pretty, pretty, pretty boring. I can, however, tell you which birds came to the feeder on, say, July 6th (Go, downy woodpecker!). Or what day the first mosquito showed up last spring. Facts! But no one’s ever going to read this stuff. Speaking of which … I’m also 25,000 words into a “novel,” a word that I’m still putting quotes around because I’m not sure if it will ever be ready for prime time. It’s a hobby at this point, with a plot that jumps from our hero’s college days in

the 1970s to the present, and back again. Here’s a sample: “I turn onto a gravel road that leads to a small bridge over the stream and then winds upward into the woods. As darkness comes on, I pull over and we get out, the dogs and I, stretching, sniffing the cool, piney air. The night feels crisp and new. I’ve had enough desert to last me for a while. “I feed the dogs and we wander around through the trees. I discover a small clearing and pull the car onto the dry needles, away from the road. I don’t expect to have company up here but I can’t assume anything at this point. I unroll my sleeping pad in the back and we soon nod off.

PHOTO: JOHN MARTIN | ADOBESTOCK

“I’m startled awake by Doll’s deep, crooning howl — a primeval sound from deep inside her, reverberating in the closed car. It gives me the shivers. What time is it? What the hell? I grab her collar and shush her. She’s trembling, wide-eyed. Susie is growling, low. Out the car window, I see the moon hanging full in a black sky. The woods are dark and impenetrable. I pull the glock from the side-pocket and slowly open the door and then I hear it: coyotes, dozens of them, baying and yipping, distant and thrilling, a cacophony of hound-songs echoing down from the slopes above us. “I let the dogs out of the car and within seconds they are both howling along with their mountain brothers and sisters, heads back, sending up cries from their ancestral hearts, full of joy and life and noise. I listen for a while, smiling big, transfixed by this crazy celebration, and I want in. I put the gun back in the car, strip, and stand naked beneath the brilliant sky, alive in the sound, the moon, the mountains. I tilt my head back and howl and howl.” If I ever finish this thing, you’ll be the first to know. A-whoooo!

FINANCE By Gene Gard

Build Your Wealth But avoid these misconceptions.

Myth #2 – It’s easy to spot a millionaire. If your mind produces an image of millionaires living in big houses, driving fancy cars, and vacationing in exotic locations, you may be surprised to learn that most millionaires live relatively modest lifestyles. Consider the following data points: • The most popular car brands among millionaires are Toyota, Honda, and Ford, with nearly 61 percent of millionaires driving one of the three. • The average American millionaire spends $117 per month on clothes, while the average American (across all income levels) spends $161 per month on clothes. • The average American millionaire spends less than $200 per month at restaurants, while the average American spends $303.25 per month eating out. • 93 percent of millionaires use coupons some of the time when shopping. The fact is that most millionaires don’t look wealthy. Millionaires tend to live comfortably within their means and avoid taking on unnecessary debt. They tend to purchase homes they can afford then work to pay them off early. Truth – Most millionaires accumulate their wealth through a combination of hard work and smart financial decisions, and their relatively frugal lifestyles can make them difficult to spot. Myth #3 – You need a high salary to become a millionaire. When asked, many Americans guess that most millionaires are doctors, senior corporate executives, or business owners because these careers typically offer the highest salaries. In reality, the top five

Myth #4 – Millionaires have degrees from prestigious universities. While it’s true 88 percent of millionaires hold a bachelor’s degree, 62 percent of them obtained their degrees from public state universities — and one out of 10 millionaires never obtained a college degree. Only 8 percent of surveyed millionaires attended Ivy League schools. Truth – Education is important, but the degree matters more than where it’s from. Myth #5 – Millionaires are savvy investors who know how to manage their finances. Most millionaires understand they don’t know what they don’t know. They tend to spend a lot of time reading and learning about how they can reach their financial goals. Very few attempt to save and invest on their own. In fact, 68 percent of millionaires work with a financial advisor, and most began doing so before they achieved millionaire status. Truth – You don’t need to manage your finances on your own. A qualified fiduciary wealth advisor can help you make smart financial decisions and build your wealth over time. Gene Gard, CFA, CFP, CFT-I, is a Partner and Private Wealth Manager with Creative Planning. Creative Planning is one of the nation’s largest Registered Investment Advisory firms providing comprehensive wealth management services to ensure all elements of a client’s financial life are working together, including investments, taxes, estate planning, and risk management. For more information or to request a free, no-obligation consultation, visit CreativePlanning.com.

m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m

Myth #1 – Millionaires inherit their wealth. Many people view all millionaires as trust fund babies born into a life of luxury. However, a recent survey found that 79 percent of millionaires didn’t receive any type of inheritance. In fact, the only characteristics shared by most millionaires are determination and work ethic. Truth – Most millionaires come from families with average or below-average income and built their wealth independently.

careers held by millionaires include: • Engineer • Teacher • Accountant (CPA) • Manager • Attorney Are you surprised to see teachers on the list, given that they’re notoriously underpaid? Their inclusion shows a high salary doesn’t necessarily equate to financial success. In fact, 69 percent of millionaires averaged less than $100,000 in household income per year, and 33 percent of millionaires never reached a six-figure income throughout their entire careers. Truth – Millionaires don’t always have high salaries. Even those in lower-paying careers can build wealth over time. Ultimately, one of the greatest indicators of whether you can become a millionaire isn’t how much you earn but rather how much you consistently save.

NEWS & OPINION

ith inflation on the rise, interest rates at recent historical highs, and income stagnation in many industries, it may seem impossible to create an investment portfolio and become a millionaire in today’s economy. Here we highlight five myths about millionaires to help you separate fact from fiction.

Christopher Davis

The Source LeMoyne-Owen College, the city’s only HBCU, stands on history to look to the future.

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eMoyne-Owen College (LOC) is “The Source” of all things. The source of Black culture, pride, excellence, and, of course — magic. This is the newest tagline for the school now in the midst of a brand change that claims its own narrative and marks its own way forward. The new effort is led by interim president Christopher Davis, inspired by new heights he believes the school can reach. The school has already been a source, having given so much to Black thought, civil rights, and political action. Davis thinks LOC — as The Source — has a lot more to give from a wealth of untapped potential. Davis’ involvement with LOC goes beyond his tenure as interim president, 12 dating back to 1999 when he served as senior pastor of St. Paul Baptist

COVER STORY By Kailynn Johnson

PHOTOGRAPHS By KQ Communications

Church, which has been a “longtime financial supporter” of LOC. He has served in a number of representative capacities for the school and was appointed interim president in 2023, following the resignation of thenpresident Vernell Bennett-Fairs. At its core, the school has been a source of educational enrichment, fulfillment, and opportunity — staying true to its original vision. But, Davis says, the school gets lost in larger conversations about historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) as a whole. “Our new tagline is this idea of being ‘The Source,’” Davis says. “As I looked at that, I really began to think about what that means given the fact that we’re the fifth oldest HBCU in the nation.” The college is the only HBCU in

Memphis, with its history dating back to 1862 when Lucinda Humphrey opened an elementary school, which became known as Lincoln Chapel, at Tennessee’s Camp Shiloh for “freedmen and runaway slaves” during the Civil War. The school was destroyed in 1866 due to fire in race riots three years after being relocated to Memphis. “The school was rebuilt and reopened in 1867 with 150 students and six teachers,” say school officials. “In 1914, the school was moved to its present site on Walker Avenue, and the first building, Steele Hall, was erected on the new LeMoyne campus. LeMoyne became a junior college in 1924 and a four-year college in 1930.” Owen College, founded in 1947 after the Tennessee Baptist Missionary Educational Convention, built a junior

college on Vance Avenue. It opened its doors officially in 1954, and was then known as S.A. Owen Junior College. Students at Owen College became known for their tenacity and involvement in the Civil Rights Movement, including sit-ins in 1960 to desegregate city facilities. But the school began to face a number of financial challenges and losses, and entered a merger with LeMoyne college in 1968. With such historical richness of the school, Davis began to wonder, “How is it that we don’t have the same public profile as some of the other HBCUs that you hear about all the time?” He explains that when more prominent HBCUs such as Morehouse, Spelman, and Hampton “were still a hope in somebody’s

STICK AND STAY The school that so many revere has withstood a number of challenges, a testament to the persistence and doggedness ingrained in its foundation. Countless students have entered LOC’s doors and left as proud Magicians. Everyone plays a role in shaping

“We’re going to introduce them to the LeMoyne-Owen that we know, love, and support.” LeMoyne’s reputation, Davis explains. Both past and current students. “If you’re concerned about the longterm trajectory of Memphis, how do you invest in any place other than LeMoyne-Owen since we’ve demonstrated that our students stick and stay?” Alumni play a pivotal role in the lasting impact of the school. LOC “can’t make it without their alumni,” Davis says. “We need more than just their check. We need their presence on campus. I need them walking around saying to students, ‘I was where you were, and this is what LeMoyne-Owen was able to do for me.’” June Chinn-Jointer is a 1979 graduate of LeMoyne-Owen who’s known lovingly around campus and in the LOC community as a devoted alumna.

“[I was] a regular college student, had all the fun that any other college student would have,” Chinn-Jointer says. “You talk about having fun? I had a ball — I really did.” Chinn-Jointer majored in social work and originally worked in the field after graduating, but a return to higher education kept beckoning. In October of 1980, she was hired as an alumni senior counselor in the career service center at LeMoyne-Owen, where she helped graduating seniors prepare to enter the job force. After displaying a vested interest in the lives of students, Chinn-Jointer was urged by mentors and school officials to move toward recruitment. “That’s how I got into higher ed, and I’ve basically been here ever since,” she says. “I’ve had some good times

here. I’ve worked at other higher-ed institutions, but I would always come back home. They would call and ask me to come back and I always came back — happily — to help my students at LeMoyne-Owen College.” Chinn-Jointer has “worn many hats” at LOC. She has previously served as the dean of enrollment, dean of retention, and more. She currently serves as the director of alumni affairs, and as she talks about her time at the school, both as a student and in her career, it’s clear that she’s moved not only by her love for her alma mater but for the students as well. She recalls how her own experience as a student was made better by previous alumni and mentors. As she lists the names of some who helped her along the way, she notes that their dedication wasn’t solely based on encouraging academic achievement. “Not only were they dads and moms, they kept us in line. They knew we were going to be traditional college students — playing cards, partying, and all that kind of good stuff — but they also made sure we stayed focused while we were here.” A genuine interest in student retention and success is something that keeps many Magicians returning to the school long after they graduate, Chinncontinued on page 14

COVER STORY m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m

heart,” LeMoyne-Owen’s doors were already open — and the school had been reactive as opposed to proactive in terms of “shaking the narrative.” “We’re going to take control of the narrative,” Davis says. “No longer are we going to react to what people say about LeMoyne-Owen, but we’re going to introduce them to [the] LeMoyneOwen that we know, love, and support.” Memphis Mayor Paul Young serves on the LOC board of trustees. He says the college impacts not only the city, but HBCU culture in general. “The importance of our only HBCU in the country’s largest minority-majority city cannot be overlooked,” Young says. “The institution offers a supportive community that fosters meaningful realworld connections and success. So many successful Memphians graduated from LOC, including my dad. It is a pillar in our city, and I believe it will be a catalyst for growth in the South Memphis community for years to come.”

continued from page 13 Jointer explains. But she also speaks of a magic essence — one that is made stronger by the students who bring the campus to life, both on and off the school’s grounds. Take, for example, the involvement of LOC students in the Civil Rights Movement. Their passionate engagement resounded through later generations of students as the need for more marches and activism opportunities grew. Chinn-Jointer explains it is a demonstration of the university’s lasting commitment to “dignity and respect.” “Your experience as a student here is a lasting, fulfilling relationship that you have. You don’t ever lose it,” Chinn-Jointer says. “We always talk about the magic and the LeMoyneOwen mystique — it’s wearing those LeMoyne-Owen colors, the purple and the gold, very proudly. Holding your head up, shoulders back when you walk into a room with anybody — you can stand toe-to-toe with them. That’s being a LeMoyne-Owen graduate.”

There, she says, very few had heard of the college, so she embraced the opportunity to speak “more and more” about LeMoyne-Owen. “It was nice for me to actually get the school’s name out there,” Jathan says. “We have this saying in Jamaica [that fits], ‘Wi likkle but wi tallawah,’ meaning people think we’re this small, private school and we don’t have much

involvement is marked by encouraging others, she is also able to pinpoint the ways that LOC has poured into her. “[LOC] has equipped me with all of the leadership skills I need,” she says. “It actually brought out the leadership qualities that I already had that I didn’t know I had.” This is a crucial element, especially for students who venture from their

MAGIC AT WORK

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE LEMOYNE

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As president, Davis emphasizes the impact of alumni in helping the school reach new heights, but he also calls on current students to help tell LOC’s story. A crucial part of this, he says, is stressing that their decision to enroll there is one of intention. “You didn’t come to LeMoyne because you couldn’t go somewhere else. You came to LeMoyne because you were convinced there was no place better. We want to give them the tools and resources to, number one, live into their authentic selves, but most importantly, be positioned to be successful in life.” For Danielle Jathan, attending LOC has been the coming-true of a seemingly unattainable dream. Jathan made LOC a home away from home as an international student hailing from an inner-city community in Jamaica called Waterhouse. “[In Waterhouse] there’s a lot of crime and violence, teenage pregnancy, gun violence — I actually never thought I would come out of that,” says Jathan. “The system makes it so hard to rise above it from a lower class.” The idea of rising above wasn’t germane to her situation at home though. Jathan is the 2023-2024 Student Government Association (SGA) president, a peer tutor mentor, and a member of Collegiate 100 and the Rotary club, to name a few. Jathan was also chosen to represent 14 LOC at the White House as a 2023 White House Initiative HBCU scholar.

through relationship-building with her peers she now knows she made the right decision. “We are surrounded and based off family,” says Campbell. “This becomes your family.” Community impacts every aspect of the student experience, Bland says. It’s as if the school is tailored to match the needs of each student individually, as he’s found he’s never quite alone through anything he’s faced. “There’s someone always around who’s attended the school, that knows about the school,” Bland says. “When you meet that person for the first time, there’s already a connection there.”

“Not only do we want our students to stay here, we are training and upscaling them to be employed here.” talent, but really we’re so rich with talent and prosperity.” While Jathan plays a prominent role on campus, leadership is relatively new to her. Back at home she was known to lead from behind, she says, staying to herself and letting others take the reins. But this all changed when she came to LOC, where opportunities to lead appeared at every turn. “People kept calling me to things, saying, ‘Danielle can do this. Danielle can do that,’” says Jathan. “I realized students looked to me, and I realized I was actually good with [building] relationships with them.” Jathan’s work is demonstrative not only of the Magician spirit, but of her devotion to motivate her fellow students to succeed. While Jathan’s

hometowns to study at LOC. Honesty Campbell and Kevin Bland are two out-of-state students, studying business management and special education, respectively, who both agree that the essence and life of the campus made their decision to enroll easy. “From the moment I stepped on the campus, I felt a vibe,” Bland says. “It was a little different. Everyone seemed to operate on family time. I didn’t want to go to U of M — thought it was too big. I decided to sit down somewhere where the environment is small and where I get to learn everybody that I can.” The more intimate setting of 463 students invokes a tight-knit bond that students adore. Campbell didn’t visit the college prior to enrolling, but

A bulk of the magic of LeMoyne comes from alumni and current students keeping the legacy alive, but Davis says in order to continue this momentum, they have to give back to the community that helped them to become who they are today. “One of the things I like to boast and brag about is that, regardless of where our students come from, 98 percent of our graduates stick and stay in Memphis when they graduate,” Davis says. “We have a direct impact on the economy, culture, and direction of this city.” The school’s curriculum is constantly evolving to adapt to not only the needs of the workforce, but the city’s workforce specifically, Davis says, adding that the major markets in Memphis are education, healthcare, supply-chain logistics, and IT — and the school is responsible for supplying the needs of these markets. For example, the school has a new partnership with MSCS as a pipeline for teachers. “We’re looking to be ‘The Source’ of teachers for MemphisShelby County Schools,” says Davis. “Not just any teachers, but teachers who have been trained and developed and nurtured to serve in urban school districts — specifically Memphis-Shelby County Schools.” It’s important for students to not only stay in Memphis, but for them to be employed in the city as well. Davis hopes employers consider LOC graduates when vetting candidates for various jobs in the city, as the school has had the needs of Memphis in mind when preparing students. “Not only do we want our students to stay here — we are training and upscaling our students so they can be employed here,” he says. As the school continues to explore the source of what makes the school unique, it can’t be narrowed down to just one thing. The magic lives in its campus, its students, its alumni, and the legacy that has permeated the city of Memphis and beyond.

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We Recommend: Culture, News + Reviews

“A Riverfront for Everyone” By Abigail Morici

PHOTO: COURTESY MRPP

Tom Lee Park

While renovations for Tom Lee Park were underway, Carol Coletta, Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) CEO and president, knew that the project was worth remembering. It’s a story almost a century in the making, beginning with Tom Lee’s heroic act of saving 32 people from drowning in the Mississippi River in 1925. “Very few public assets or public parks are built with one person’s courage and display of generosity and humanity at its core,” she says.“We had this in mind every step of the way … the opportunity to bring that story to the forefront and put that at the center.” A film, it seemed, would best document MRPP’s efforts in continuing that story, so Coletta commissioned filmmaker Molly Wexler and her team at Last Bite Films to follow the four-year journey. “We didn’t specify the story,” Coletta says. “We just said to Molly and her great crew to just document what’s going on here and talk to everyone, see what you see. And I think they really landed the story really neatly because in a lot of ways, they’re really telling a story about equity and at its heart that’s what the story of the making of this park is all about. We had this mantra of a riverfront for everyone. And not just for a few days a year, not just to be enjoyed by a few, but really a riverfront for everyone.” Part of the beauty of a documentary, as opposed to, say, a book, is that individual voices come together, with each voice taking direct ownership of part of the story. It’s a story of many, not just one, Coletta says. “It just comes alive and I think it sticks in a way when you hear straight from people who’ve been involved, people who feel affected by it, seeing some of the images. It opens with a beautiful image of Tom Lee’s family and just to see them, just to hear from them, and how meaningful this was to them is a lovely part of the story. But it’s a piece of the equity story.” The film, she continues, “has a real emotional center to it that is quite lovely, and so I think it will be a film that can be enjoyed by people who know nothing about Memphis and know nothing about this park. … I think of major projects that have been built in Memphis, and the histories teach us a lot about what it takes to build something ambitious. I’ve seen a lot of projects get built and I hope someone who’s going to build the next project can look at this film and say, ‘Let’s learn from this experience.’” The 25-minute documentary, titled “A Riverfront for Everyone,” will premiere at the inaugural This Is Memphis event on Friday, February 16th, ahead of Tom Lee’s birthday on Sunday. For the premiere, MRPP will host a silent auction of fun, unique, Memphis-related experiences, and will serve generous bites and drinks throughout the evening. Cocktail attire is suggested. Purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/5tz4ywnr. MRPP also plans to air and to screen “A Riverfront for Everyone” on WKNO and at film festivals at later dates. THIS IS MEMPHIS, HALLORAN CENTRE, 225 S. MAIN, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 6:30 P.M., $50.

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VARIOUS DAYS & TIMES February 15th - 21st

Memphis Songwriters Series featuring Susan Marshall, Reba Russell, and Andy Ratliff Halloran Centre, 225 S. Main, Thursday, February 15, 7 p.m., $10 Discover your next favorite artist at the Memphis Songwriters Series, hosted by Memphis songwriter Mark Edgar Stuart. Stuart and his musical guests take audiences on a journey behind the music, sharing personal stories and introducing exciting new works. Tickets can be purchased at the door. The Urania Trilogy Malco Studio on the Square, 2105 Court, Thursday, February 15, 7 p.m., $12 Channeling silent movie stylistics and old-world atmospherics, The Urania Trilogy follows a disenchanted American girl, Gina Lee, who impulsively travels to Vienna,

the imperial city on the Danube. Quickly slipping into discreet yet decadent dalliances at Cafe Central and at the notorious Hotel Orient, she becomes embroiled in an intrigue to uncover buried Nazi plunder. Created by Tav Falco, this triptych of episodes has its Memphis premiere on Thursday. Falco will be in attendance. Mardi Growl Overton Bark at Overton Park, Saturday, February 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., free This event will feature a dog costume contest with prizes, Hollywood Feed giveaways, dog caricatures, food trucks, a dog parade, and live music from the Mighty Souls Brass Band. Judges will award dog costume contest winners at noon. Plus, adoptable dogs will be on site from the Hu-

mane Society of Memphis & Shelby County, Alive Rescue Memphis, and New Beginnings Rescue. Workshop: Intro to Son Jarocho History, Song and Dance Cazateatro Office, 5104 Stage Rd., Wednesday, February 21, 6:30 p.m., $15 Participants will receive an overview of the history and evolution of Son Jarocho, a breakdown of the musical components and instrumentation of Son Jarocho, and an introduction to zapateado dancing, as well as traditional versada singing. Jarochicanos was born out of the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago in 2008 as a youth workshop with the desire to learn the Afro-Indigenous musical tradition from Veracruz, Mexico, called Son Jarocho. Throughout the years Jarochicanos evolved into a collective that carries out numerous community-based projects.

MUSIC By Alex Greene

The ELVIS Act Gebre Waddell leads efforts for the first law aimed to curtail AI fakes of recording artists.

“It began here in Memphis and ended up having a very Memphis kind of name.” That would be Gebre Waddell, whose company Sound Credit is focused on ensuring recognition of music industry workers’ contributions to the recording arts via a custom platform that catalogs credits, like the liner notes of your dreams. That being the sea in which Waddell swims, confronting AI’s ability to mimic artists’ work came naturally to him, but he didn’t do so as a representative

of Sound Credit, or as the secretary/ treasurer of the Recording Academy, or as a member of the Tennessee Entertainment Commission (other hats that Waddell wears). Rather, it all began with some casual party banter. Last year, Waddell was attending one of many celebrations honoring hip-hop’s 50th anniversary when a common concern kept coming up in conversation. “So we were chatting on the lawn and conversations just started turning towards AI,” he recalls. “This was not long after the fake Drake/fake The Weeknd thing happened.” That was the phenomenon where, as Billboard reported last April, “a track called ‘Heart on My Sleeve,’ allegedly created with artificial intelligence to sound like it was by Drake and The Weeknd became the hottest thing in music.” It was quickly pulled from streaming services after raising concerns over potentially widespread deep fakes of human hitmakers, but the issue lingered in the minds of music industry influencers. “As we were chatting,” Waddell recalls, “I was like, ‘You know, we just need to add AI language into an existing state’s right of publicity law, and then that could create some momentum for a federal law.’ That was just an idea that I threw out there and people were saying, ‘That that would be great, you could probably pull some people together.’ So I came home and set up some Zooms.” A “right of publicity law” is one that protects against unauthorized uses of a person’s name or likeness for commercial (and certain other) purposes, but there is no federal standard, only a hodgepodge of different states’ statutes. Tennessee has

one of the country’s toughest right of publicity laws, but it does not feature language about AI. Waddell decided to fix that. “I drafted a version of what the legislation could look like,” says Waddell. “Then I invited a number of people to a Zoom meeting to discuss it, and I showed them what I drafted. And it really created some momentum.” Clearly, this was permeating the zeitgeist, and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) soon drafted their own version. The momentum only increased. “Boom, the very next thing to happen was the press conference,” says Waddell. The Recording Academy, which last year helped launch the Human Artistry Campaign to protect human-created music in the face of AI, was there in force, as were other organizations, all eager to witness the first proposed state legislation to explicitly target AI fakes. As the Recording Academy’s news page noted, “The ELVIS Act is expected to be quickly considered by the state’s legislature, and with support from the Governor could soon become the first law of its kind. And the Recording Academy hopes it will also become model legislation for other states to follow. That same day, leaders on Capitol Hill took a similar step to protecting creators’ identity with the bipartisan introduction of the No AI FRAUD Act (H.R. 6943).” Waddell, for his part, is feeling encouraged. “I fully support it. I think that, as it’s currently written, it’s exactly what we need. And the thing I’m really proud of is that it carries a West Tennessee namesake: It ended up being called the ELVIS Act. It began here in Memphis and ended up having a very Memphis kind of name.”

PHOTO (AB0VE): MATTHEW MCCORMICK

Gebre Waddell PHOTO (BELOW): BING AI

m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m

here was a sizable Memphis contingent attending a press conference in Nashville last month, and not just because it concerned new bipartisan legislation known as the ELVIS Act. That’s not about naming another street after The King, but rather a recognition of how the distinctive, instantly recognizable voices of recording artists need new protections in the brave new world of artificial intelligence (AI). Officially speaking, it’s the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act, which Gov. Bill Lee’s office describes as “a bill updating Tennessee’s Protection of Personal Rights law to include protections for songwriters, performers, and music industry professionals’ voice[s] from the misuse of artificial intelligence.” And among the catalysts for the legislation, it turned out, was the concern one Memphian felt over the risks of such misuse.

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AFTER DARK: Live Music Schedule February 15 - 21 Harmonizing Herstory: Small Business Series Amelia White and Carter Sampson

$10. Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. SOUTH MAIN SOUNDS

Ashton Riker & the Memphis Royals

Thursday, Feb. 15, 6:30 p.m.

PHOTO: BRENTON GIESEY

Colbie Caillat

ARCHD

Featuring musical performances by Mark Edgar Stuart, Susan Marshall, River City Flutes, and MYSP students. Free. Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m. CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE

Jeremy Shrader Quartet

The Heavy Pour, The Bomb Pulse, The Writer the Signal, Mothcat

$12. Saturday, Feb. 17, 6:45 p.m. RUMBA ROOM

Kenneth Jackson

Baunie & Soul

HUEY’S DOWNTOWN

HI TONE

RUM BOOGIE CAFE

Memphis Jones

The Pretty Boys

Blind Mississippi Morris

B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB

HUEY’S MIDTOWN

Memphis Songwriters Series featuring Susan Marshall, Reba Russell, and Andy Ratliff

The Resonant Rogues

Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. BLUES CITY CAFE

Brad Birkedahl Band

Friday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. BLUES CITY CAFE

Buddy Albert Nemenz

Thursday, Feb. 15, 1-5 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 16, 1-5 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 1-5 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18, 1-5 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 19, 7-11 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1-5 p.m.

$10. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 18, 3-6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16, 4:30 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m. LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Thumpdaddy

Friday, Feb. 16, 10 p.m.

This innovative, immersive experience lifts the veil on the songwriting tradition. $10. Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Wielded Steel, Surfaced, Anaphylactic Shock, Feral God, F.U.B.A.R.

ORPHEUM THEATRE

Mr. White

21+. $12. Sunday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m.

HI TONE

CENTRAL STATION HOTEL

Mule Man

RUM BOOGIE CAFE

Sunday, Feb. 18, 2:30 p.m.

Don Ramon, Stephen Alexis, Area 51, The Mariana Del Arte

Red Thomas

SCHEIDT FAMILY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m. B-SIDE

LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE

RUM BOOGIE CAFE

Dylan Betz

Louder Than Bombs

Cody Clark

Rodell McCord

John Williams & the A440 Band

B-SIDE

BLACK LODGE

Earth & Elsewhere, Chloie P. and the Scouts, Banales, Shumwvy

Louise Page’s 5th Annual Valentine’s Soiree

SILKY O’SULLIVAN’S

Chris Gales

Friday, Feb. 16, 12:30-3:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 12:30-3:30 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18, 3:30-6:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m. TIN ROOF

Computermane

Friday, Feb. 16, 10 p.m. TIN ROOF

David Ingle One Man Piano Show Sunday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m. SILKY O’SULLIVAN’S

Debussy La Mer and Zuill Bailey

Saturday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m. CANNON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Denver Massey

Friday, Feb. 16, 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 10:30 p.m. TIN ROOF

Divercity

Sunday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16, 4-7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18, noon-3 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 17, 4-7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m. TIN ROOF

Rowdy

Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. TIN ROOF

The BB King’s Blues Club All-Star Band

Friday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m. B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB

The Blues Trio

Saturday, Feb. 17, noon B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB

The Rockin 88’s

Monday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. BLUES CITY CAFE

The Smokin’ Jays

B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB

Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.

DJ Alpha Whiskey

MOMMA’S

Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

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Iris Collective musicians will delight the crowd with works of women composers, $20. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m.

B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB

Sunday, Feb. 18, 7 p.m.

CENTRAL STATION HOTEL

DJ Capital A

Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m.

Vince Johnson

Monday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.

Debussy La Mer and Zuill Bailey

Thursday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM

Laser Beyonce

Laser Beyonce captures the essence of her concerts in beautiful laser light. $18. Friday, Feb. 16, 7-8 p.m. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Laser Bruno Mars

Laser Bruno Mars brings his retro showmanship and style in vibrant laser light. $18. Friday, Feb. 16, 8:30-9:30 p.m. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Memphis Funk-N-Horns $10. Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m. NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM

Play Some Skynyrd Friday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m. NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM

The Breeze Cayolle Band Sunday, Feb. 18, 3-6 p.m. HUEY’S POPLAR

The Deb Jam Band Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m. NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 10 p.m.

$10. Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE

Emo Nite with special guest Secondhand Serendade

$1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Living The Dream Foundation. 18+. $20$25. Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m. GROWLERS

Eye to Eye Band

Friday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m.

Eric Hughes

Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. RUM BOOGIE CAFE

Flic’s Pic’s Band

B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB

FreeWorld

Friday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m. RUM BOOGIE CAFE

Grape.

Friday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m. EARNESTINE & HAZEL’S

5 for the Kill

$5. Friday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m. HADLEY’S PUB

Big Band Jazz Concert

Featuring Southern Comfort Jazz Orchestra and 901 Jazz. Free. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7:30 p.m. RUDI E. SCHEIDT SCHOOL OF MUSIC

BLACK LODGE

Colbro Lambskins, Cash Martin, Sledge 18+. $15. Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

Bruce Kee

GROWLERS

SIDECAR CAFE MEMPHIS

Saturday, Feb. 17, 7-9 p.m.

Daryl Mosley

LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE

Saturday, Feb. 17, 6 p.m.

Devil Train

NEW HOPE CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

Thursday, Feb. 15, 9:30 p.m. B-SIDE

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m.

Dave Evans

Lucky 7 Brass Band Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m. RAILGARTEN

MAD Romance

The Memphis Association of Dance sets from @dancealone__ and @djshai901, plus the return of @potion2poison. Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m.

Formerly Known As

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m. LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

HipHop vs. RNB Part IV: Pretty Pressure

18+. $20. Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Alt/retro dance party with DJs Midnight and Plastic Citizen. 18+. $10. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 p.m.-3 a.m.

BLACK LODGE

THE GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN ARTS

$20. Saturday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16, 6 p.m.

All the Colors of the Dark

With performances by Marcella Simien and Alicja n Friends. $15. Friday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.

Marc Broussard: Carencro 20th Anniversary Tour

Earl “The Pearl” Banks BLUES CITY CAFE

Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.

Folk All Y’all: Leon Timbo

Indigo Avenue

Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.

$10. Friday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m.

STICKEM

GROWLERS

RUM BOOGIE CAFE

Little Baby Tendencies, The Cult of Chun, Lung, Godmilk

TJ MULLIGAN’S, MIDTOWN

CENTRAL STATION HOTEL

Saturday, Feb. 17, 4 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18, 3-6:30 p.m.

Symphony ReDeﬁned: MYSP Beneﬁt Concert

Jack Oblivian, Decoration Policy Friday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m. BAR DKDC

Jazz in the Galleries

Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.

Meth, Blackwater Sniper, Breaking | Entering, AKBD

$8, $10. Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m. HI TONE

Colbie Caillat

$59.50+. Sunday, Feb. 18, 8 p.m. GOLD STRIKE CASINO

Dan Bern

$20. Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY

Jason Scott & the High Heat with Grace Askew

$10-$12. Friday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m. HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY

PJ and the Bear, Sarah Spain Thursday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m. HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY

R&B Super Jam

Plus appearances by Dru Hill, Next, and Silk. $59. Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m. LANDERS CENTER

Singer Storytellers Brunch

Five incredible musicians, sharing their songs and the stories that go with them: Ben Abney from The Hurts, Haley Ivey, Jeremy Scott, Michael Cusack, and Natalie Prauser. Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m. HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY

The Delta Project

Friday, Feb. 16, 4-8 p.m. HORSESHOE CASINO TUNICA

Move Through, Wes Hoffman and Friends, The Storyline, Accept It

U-Turn

HI TONE

Zachary Lucky

$10. Friday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.

Mudﬂap King

Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 16, 9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m. HORSESHOE CASINO TUNICA

$10. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m. HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART

R.E.C., Wyatt Earp, Screamer

JD Westmoreland Band

HI TONE

901ROX

B-SIDE

Rice Drewry Collective

THE HAYSTACK CAFE

Joe Restivo 4

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Duane Cleveland Trio

Subteens, River City Tanlines

HUEY’S GERMANTOWN

Saturday, Feb. 17, noon-2 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 19, 10 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m. LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Kevin & Bethany Paige Saturday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m. LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

$10. Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 17, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m. BAR DKDC

Saturday, Feb. 17, 8 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 18, 6-9 p.m.

Heartbreak Hill Trio

Sunday, Feb. 18, 8-10:30 p.m. HUEY’S CORDOVA

CALENDAR of EVENTS:

Send the date, time, place, cost, info, phone number, a brief description, and photos — two weeks in advance — to calendar@memphisﬂyer.com.

February 15 - 21

DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS WILL APPEAR IN THE FLYER’S ONLINE CALENDAR ONLY. FOR COMPREHENSIVE EVENT LISTINGS, SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT EVENTS.MEMPHISFLYER.COM/CAL.

Dixon Book Club

ART AN D S P EC IA L E X H I B ITS

Book club members read fiction and non-fiction to learn about nature, the arts, and history. This month’s book is Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. Thursday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m.

“A Memphis of Hope Art Show”

Memphis artists of diverse ages, cultures, and backgrounds have come together in an exhibition with a display of artwork that inspires hope, love, unity, and peace. Through Feb. 29.

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

Meet the Author: Gerry Wilson

Novel welcomes Gerry Wilson to celebrate the release of her debut novel That Pinson Girl. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m.

GALLERY 1091

“A Passionate Vision”

Enjoy colorful photographs of Collierville captured by Adarryll Jackson Sr. Through March 2.

NOVEL

MORTON MUSEUM OF COLLIERVILLE HISTORY

C LAS S / WO R KS H O P

Bartlett Gardening University: Backyard Chickens

“Branching Out”

Discover intricate connections between students, teachers, and casting communities, which branch out much like a family tree. Sunday, Feb. 18-Sept. 8.

Urban chickens have become quite the trendy thing to do. This presentation will discuss space requirements, food, water, care, and benefits and predators. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2:30-3:30 p.m.

METAL MUSEUM

“Breaking the Rules: Paul Wonner and Theophilus Brown”

BARTLETT LIBRARY

“Breaking the Rules” includes 75 paintings, watercolors, and drawings spanning the entirety of the artists’ careers. Through March 31.

Cooking with Chef Eli

Learn how to prepare spaghetti alla puttanesca. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m.

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

COSSITT LIBRARY

“China Blues: The World of Blue and White Ceramics”

Flower Academy: Planning Your Garden

“Cosmic Dust”

Exhibition of work by Greely Myatt. Through March 16. DAVID LUSK GALLERY

“Everyday People: Snapshots of The Black Experience” Eric Echols’ photo collection of 20th-century African Americans. Through July 14. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

“Ghetto Girls Deserve Good Things”

Zaire Love’s ode to the originators of carefree expressive style and culture that influences contemporary culture. Through March 1. BEVERLY + SAM ROSS GALLERY

“It’s a Memphis Thang”

Featuring new works by Anna Kelly and Calvin Farrar. Through March 7.

Valverde kicks off the 2024 art schedule at Church Health with his vibrant and bold paintings. Through Feb. 28. CHURCH HEALTH

“Radical Jewelry Makeover: The Artist Project”

“Radical Jewelry Makeover: The Artist Project” brings together jewelers working together to examine mining issues while making innovative jewelry from recycled sources. Through April 14. METAL MUSEUM

“Remy Miller and Joe Morzuch: Marking Time” The joint exhibition places two distinct bodies of work into counterpoint. Through April 14. THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

“School of Ool: Whose Views Ooze Muse” An exhibition of new work by multimedia artist Coe Lapossy. Through March 22.

BUCKMAN ARTS CENTER AT ST.

CLOUGH-HANSON GALLERY

MARY’S SCHOOL

“Shelby Canopy: Our Shared Connection”

“Lest We Forget … Images of the Black Civil Rights Movement “ A traveling collection that captures key figures and moments from the Black Civil Rights Movement. Through May 6. NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

“Mirrors”

Dylan Spaysky’s simple holographic manipulations of reflection, transparency, and light. Through March 9. TOPS GALLERY: MADISON AVENUE PARK

Discover Shelby County’s green spaces and importance of trees through an immersive public art experience. Through April 19.

“SUE: The T. rex Experience”

“three left, one right”

Mixed media artist Anna Kelly celebrates Memphis icons in “It’s a Memphis Thang.”

TOPS GALLERY

Lamplighter Market

“To Have and To Hold: Valentines from the Victorian Era”

LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE

Step into the world of Sue the T. rex . Through May 12. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Exhibition of work by James Inscho. Through March 9.

“To Have and To Hold” showcases and celebrates the artistry of paper love tokens, highlighting technologies such as chromolithography, embossing and paper lace. Through March 31. THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

“Twists of Nature”

Exhibition by Sheila Bentley. Through March 31. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN

“Velvet Sternum”

A new presentation of work from Joel Parsons and Clare Torina will feature drawings, enamels, paintings, and installation. Through March 2. SHEET CAKE

“Yearning for Spring”

Exhibition of recent paintings by Dr. Gopal Murti.Through Feb. 29. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN

8040 WOLF RIVER BLVD.

ART HAPPE N I NGS

“Southern Railway”

Figure Drawing Class

Discover the national history behind the Southern Railway Company and its lasting influence on the local community. Through April 20. MORTON MUSEUM OF COLLIERVILLE HISTORY

PHOTO: COURTESY ANNA KELLY

Artists of all levels can practice and increase their skills drawing the human form. $10-$15. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-noon. MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART

At this uniquely curated market there’s something for everyone! Saturday, Feb. 17, 2-5 p.m.

Meet the Artists Reception Meet the artists while you explore the exhibitions “Remy Miller and Joe Morzuch: Marking Time” and “Who Is That Artist? How Does Art Make You Feel?” Thursday, Feb. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

MSCA Sat-Art-Day at 901 Comics East

Join members of the MidSouth Cartoonists Association for sketching and working on art projects while talkin’ toons and sharing art techniques. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. 901 COMICS EAST

Munch and Learn

Presentations by local artists, scholars, and Dixon staff sharing their knowledge on a variety of topics Wednesday, Feb. 21, noon-1 p.m. THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

Read to Relate - Marys Seacole by Jackie Sibblies Drury

Snowden Spirit Series Writing Contest & Photography Reception

The 2023 Snowden Spirit Series Writing Contest winners’ entries will be read aloud, and their prizes will be awarded. The volunteer photographerin-residence, George Larrimore, will deliver remarks. Thursday, Feb. 15, 6-7 p.m. ELMWOOD CEMETERY

“The Concert Photography of Jack Robinson”: Gallery Talk In partnership with the Jack Robinson Archive, the Stax Museum presents 15 of Robinson’s finest images from the concert, including iconic photos of Sam & Dave and their concert band. Free. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6 p.m.

STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC

Wine Down with Words: A Literary Artist Forum

This diverse group of accomplished African-American writers will share insights into their writing and publishing processes, discuss their literary careers, and engage with aspiring writers. $10. Saturday, Feb. 17, 4 p.m. MEMPHIS BLACK ARTS ALLIANCE

B O O K EVE NTS

A Novel Book Club: The Heaven And Earth Grocery Store

An examination of what it means to be a woman paid to care. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m.

A Novel Book Club invites you to a meeting to discuss The Heaven And Earth Grocery Store by James McBride. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m.

THEATRE MEMPHIS

NOVEL

You will learn site selection, plant selection, timing, spacing, and all of the factors to consider when deciding whether to include a particular plant in your garden plan. $35. Sunday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m. MIDTOWN BRAMBLE AND BLOOM

Free Saturday Seminar: Pruning Essentials Urban Earth owner Brett Norman will be leading this seminar on the basics of pruning. Free. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.

URBAN EARTH GARDENS, NURSERY & MARKET

Free Wire Wrapping Class with Chance

Join The Broom Closet’s in house jewelry artist, Chance, for this free class and learn how to wire wrap. Saturday, Feb. 17, 2 p.m. THE BROOM CLOSET

Galentine’s Flower Arranging Workshop

Join farmer florist Marisa Mender-Franklin to learn the basics of flower arranging during this 90 minute workshop. $50. Thursday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m. MIDTOWN BRAMBLE AND BLOOM

Headshot Photography Class

A focused session on perfecting the art of headshot photography, designed for avid photographers looking to capture the essence of professionalism and individuality within a frame. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m

MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART

“New Works by Jose Valverde”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The collection includes a range of objects from the Ming and Qing dynasties. Through May 31.

CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE

19 continued on page 20

C A L E N DA R: F E B R UA RY 1 5 - 2 1 continued from page 19

Workshop: Intro to Son Jarocho History, Song, and Dance

In this two-hour workshop, participants will get an overview of different clay coil-building techniques while making their own small coil pot. $25. Thursday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m.

CAZATEATRO OFFICE

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

Volunteer Invasive Species Removal

CHUCKLES COMEDY HOUSE

OVERTON PARK

You Look Like

Women on the Move Reimagined

Tyler was recently selected as one of the most talked about comedians by Comedy Hype. $22-$44. Thursday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., 10 p.m.

Get an overview of the history and evolution of Son Jarocho, a breakdown of the musical components and instrumentation of Son Jarocho, and an introduction to zapateado dancing. $15. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m.

Hobby Kick-Start: Coil Ceramics

Tyler Chronicles & Friends

$10. Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m.

Lunchtime Meditations

Join an invasive plant specialist in a volunteer project at Overton Park. Dress appropriately and wear closed-toed shoes. Bring work gloves and hydration. Meeting Location: Near East Parkway Pavilion. Sunday, Feb. 18, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

A transformative networking luncheon experience to connect with inspiring women and engage in meaningful conversations. $30. Friday, Feb. 16, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

HI TONE

Looking for something relaxing to do to clear your mind and improve your overall health? Friday, Feb. 16, noon-12:45 p.m.

C O M E DY With special guest J.B. Ball. Friday, Feb. 16, 8 p.m.

COM M U N ITY

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

MINGLEWOOD HALL

Chuck Hutton Toyota’s Spring Break School Supply Drive for Westwood High School

DAN C E

CHUCK HUTTON TOYOTA

Dance instructors will be teaching some fun, easy, and exciting moves in a festive studio atmosphere to make your Valentine’s celebration unforgettable. $40. Through Feb. 17.

Brad Williams: Tour ’24

Repotting Houseplants Workshop

Liars’ Matinee

Learn everything you need to know about the best soils and amendments for various types of houseplants from philodendrons to succulents. $31.30. Saturday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m.

Bluff City Liars returns to Black Lodge for another weekend wind-down comedy show for your viewing pleasure. Recommended 18+ for content. $10. Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m.

URBAN EARTH GARDENS, NURSERY & MARKET

Help fill the shelves at Westwood High School with essential classroom supplies. Through March 15.

BLACK LODGE

Seed 2 Market: Winter Planning 4 Spring Planting

Nerdy Nite

Matt Rife: ProbleMATTIC World Tour!

Get ready for nerdy knowledge about science and jazz and who knows what else. Plus, great food and great drinks! Friday, Feb. 16, 7-9 p.m.

Matt Rife is one of the hottest up-and-coming stand-ups in comedy. His comedy is refreshingly genuine and quick witted. $52.50-$88. Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m., 10 p.m.

Join Camille “Farmer C” James in an in-depth conversation around the importance of planning before you plant. Thursday, Feb. 15, 6 p.m. THE FRAYSER COMMUNITY URBAN GARDEN

MEMPHIS CHESS CLUB

The Black Power Movement Day Party Entertainment and Food

ORPHEUM THEATRE

Workshop: Introduction to Coffee with Ryan Jones (ages 16+)

WKNO

The Rated R Comedy Show

A celebration of Black heritage and achievement, An adult stand-up comedy show infused recognizing and honoring Memphis’ own civil Dive into the world of brewing methods in this with live music. $23.18-$108.55. Sunday, rights leadership. Free to the public, food, live workshop. $35. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-noon. 18, Times 7 p.m. Syndication Sales Corporation entertainment, and DJ. Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m. The NewFeb. York BALLROOM 620 PREMIERE Eighth PALACE Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 HARRIET PERFORMING ARTS CENTER For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, March 12, 2019

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

Valentine’s Dance Classes

BLUE SUEDE BALLROOM DANCE STUDIO

FAM I LY

Black History Month

Each Tuesday in February, the South Branch will highlight important figures in Black history to learn about their contributions to their areas of expertise with a hands-on activity. 3rd-5th grade. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 4-5 p.m. SOUTH LIBRARY

Children’s Ranger Program – Winter Walk

Take a guided nature scavenger hunt with Ranger Heather to seek out signs of life in the winter forest. 7+. Sunday, Feb. 18, 1:30 p.m. OVERTON PARK

Crossword ACROSS

29 Snake warning

1 Leg muscle, in sports slang

32 On the open ocean

6 Beach lotion letters

33 Stitch line

9 Grease, informally 13 Tough H.S. science course 14 “If I Could Turn Back Time” singer, 1989 15 Per item 16 “I’m game — just give me the signal” 19 Iowa senator Ernst

Fe b r u a r y 1 5 - 2 1 , 2 0 2 4

20 Kind of cord for a daredevil

35 Something a pedant picks 36 Cambridge sch. 37 Come before

26 Celtics playerturned-executive

64 Laundry basketful 65 Horrible person

42 Fly majestically

67 The first “O” in YOLO

43 Suppress

68 Scot’s “not”

69 Lift up

50 Cinnamony tea

56 1960s British P.M. ___ Douglas-Home

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE P A I R S I L O S W A S P U L N A K N A V E A U T O T I N F O I L H A T T R O D A T B A T R E I N S S O P O U T I N F O R C E W R I T E M E E A S Y A N N A I R I S A G O Y O U R E I N F O R I T N O W S T P A C E S H I D E S T A R S P I E S O N B R A I N F O O D S E T S P L A I N A V I L A R I N D I N S I D E I N F O I N K S T R I E D M I L D M I S O T A S T Y S P U D

2 Human’s closest relative 3 Many a C.F.O.’s degree 4 When the abolition of slavery is commemorated

PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE

Story Time

Enjoy stories, songs, art activities, and creative play that connect with Collierville history. Friday, Feb. 16, 10:30 a.m.

53 56

STAX MUSIC ACADEMY

New Works and PlaySlam! coordinator Savannah Miller will host a playwriting workshop for teens. Saturday, Feb. 17, 1-4 p.m.

Discover the rhythmic magic of percussion with the acclaimed Memphis musician, James Sexton, in an exclusive workshop tailored for aspiring sixth-twelfth graders Free. Friday, Feb. 16, 5:30-7 p.m.

Playwriting

30 35

Kids ages 9-12 will learn to create original works of art, led by art education majors from the University of Memphis. Free. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 4:30-5:30 p.m.

Percussion Workshop

Community Art Academy

MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART

DOWN

9 15

66 Oreo filler

1 Sarcastic laugh syllable

41 Prefix with brow

47 Something to take after a garlicky meal

No. 0205

45 Pots’ partners

40 Dallas sch.

52 1914-18 conflict, for short 21 Emmy-nominated Lucy 53 Broke a fast 23 ___-ray Disc 54 Get hold of 25 Costa ___

58 “Let’s do it!” … or comment on the last words of 16-, 26- and 47-Across, when said together out loud

Edited by Will Shortz

MORTON MUSEUM OF COLLIERVILLE HISTORY 58

PUZZLE BY ERIK AGARD

18 “Yes, Pierre”

51 Assistance 31 Publicitygrabbing move, 54 Flight hub for 21 Sonia Sotomayor, maybe Norwegian 5 Toy on a string e.g. 34 Go together well 55 Godsend 6 “Thar ___ blows!” 22 Like a gut feeling 38 Smokey of R&B 57 Per item 7 Calligraphy tool 39 Body part 24 Remove, as a 59 Airport code 8 Naan-like Native that might be light bulb hidden in “sympathetic” American food FUEL GAUGE 26 Block, as a 44 Pricey Apple 9 Cape Canaveral 60 Ticked-off stream computer event feeling 46 Beer-and27 Pups’ protests 10 In quite a spot 61 Island garland lemonade drink 11 Yawner 28 “___ whiz!” 62 Mornings, for 48 Slumbering no short 12 Sword’s name more 30 Biles of the 2016 with two accents Olympics 49 Piece of a mosaic 63 Court divider 14 “Four-alarm” food Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past 17 Org. for the puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Indiana Fever Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay. and the Atlanta Dream

Story Time at Novel

Recommended for children up to 5 years, Story Time at Novel includes songs and stories, featuring brand-new books in addition to well-loved favorites. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m.; Wednesday, Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m. NOVEL

The Black History Reading Corner With Lurlynn Franklin

Memphis-born artist, published writer, and University of Memphis professor Lurlynn Franklin will read children. An art activity will follow the reading. Friday, Feb. 16, 3:30 p.m. FRAYSER LIBRARY

Youth Workshop: Clay Bulb Planters (ages 10-13)

Participants will each make one terra-cotta planter of their design and will receive bulbs to plant inside. $15. Saturday, Feb. 17, 1:30-3:30 p.m. THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

F I LM

Anselm

Wim Wenders creates a portrait of Anselm Kiefer, one of the most innovative and important painters and sculptors of our time. $5. Thursday, Feb. 15, 7-9 p.m. CROSSTOWN THEATRE

C A L E N DA R: F E B R UA RY 1 5 - 2 1

BLACK LODGE

Dune 40th Anniversary A Duke’s son leads desert warriors against the galactic emperor and his father’s evil nemesis to free their desert world from the emperor’s rule. Sunday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m.; Monday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m. VARIOUS MALCO LOCATIONS

Indie Memphis Screening: Bobi Wine: The People’s President

In Uganda’s 2021 presidential election, Bobi Wine rallies his people in a dangerous fight for freedom. $12. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. MALCO STUDIO ON THE SQUARE

My Father’s Secret: Morris and Mollye Fogelman International Jewish Film Festival

Stand-up comedian Brad Williams comes to Minglewood Hall on Friday. The Lure (2015)

Two mermaid sisters become caught in a love triangle when they fall for the same man. Free. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 5 p.m. BLACK LODGE

The Training Room Experience

The final screening before the streaming. $20. Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. MALCO CORDOVA CINEMA

The Urania Trilogy (with Tav Falco in attendance)

Tav Falco presents the completed Urania Trilogy, channeling silent movie stylistics and old-world atmospherics. $12. Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.

This Is Memphis: A Riverfront for Everyone

My Father’s Secret is a visually-stunning and poignant story of a family living in the shadow of the Holocaust. $7. Sunday, Feb. 18, 4 p.m. MEMPHIS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

THE HALLORAN CENTRE

Oscar Nominee Screening: Killers of the Flower Moon

FOOD AN D DR I N K

BLACK LODGE

Overlooked Films Screening: Josie & The Pussycats Cosplay encouraged. Free. Saturday, Feb. 17, 5:30 p.m. BLACK LODGE

Queen of the Deuce: Morris and Mollye Fogelman International Jewish Film Festival

Queen of the Deuce is an alternate take on cultural history as seen through Chelly Wilson’s empowering story of survival. $7. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m. MEMPHIS JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER

310 BEALE

Valentine’s Day Dessert & Beer Pairing

A beer and dessert pairing like no other. A ticket gets you four beers paired perfectly with four desserts. $30. Saturday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m., 4 p.m. MEDDLESOME BREWING COMPANY

April 12 - 14

Valentine’s Day Dinner & Music Cruise

Enjoy a little romance with your favorite Valentine aboard the Memphis Riverboats. $65. Friday, Feb. 16, 6:30-9 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 6:30-9 p.m. MEMPHIS RIVERBOATS

Youth Villages Soup Sunday

An elevated experience like no other. $85. Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. THE KENT

MALCO STUDIO ON THE SQUARE

Memphis River Parks Partnership presents an exciting new documentary on the making of Tom Lee Park. The evening will feature a silent auction of fun and unique experiences. $55.20. Friday, Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m.

A screening of the dark historical epic from acclaimed, multi-award winning director Martin Scorsese. 18+. Free. Sunday, Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m.

nado or just a curious foodie, this event is a must-attend. Sample a wide variety of pickle food and drink menu. $31.30. Saturday, Feb. 17, noon-4 p.m.

CookOUT with Pride

Join Mid-South Pride and the Pump team for a CookOUT! There will be burgers, hot dogs, and a vegetarian option. There will be sides of course to round the plates off. $7. Sunday, Feb. 18, 5 p.m. THE PUMPING STATION

Kit-Tea Pawty - An Afternoon Tea Party

Benefiting Whisker Wishes Rescue and The Savior Foundation, ticket package includes food, two adult beverage tickets, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, and three rounds of family trivia with prizes. $25. Saturday, Feb. 17, 1 p.m. CATHEDRAL OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Pickle Palooza

Dive into a world of briny goodness and tangy delights. Whether you’re a pickle aficio-

H E A LT H A N D F IT N E S S

2024 Memphis Civitan Frosty 5K

A run celebrating and supporting children and adults with special needs. Saturday, Feb. 17, 9-10:30 a.m. OVERTON PARK

Taijiquan with Milan Vigil

This Chinese martial art promotes relaxation, improves balance, and provides no-impact aerobic benefits. Free. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m. THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

Third Thursday Treks

Join Conservancy staff on a walk to discuss a specific ecological concept for the month. Thursday, Feb. 15, 4-5 p.m. OVERTON PARK

Wednesday Winter Walks Join OPC for a casual stroll around the Old Forest. No agenda, just a chance to meet new people and get a walk in. Wednesday, Feb. 21, 4 p.m. OVERTON PARK

Yoga

Strengthen your yoga practice and enjoy the health benefits of light exercise with yoga

continued on page 22

m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m

Join Lodge for a caped crusader brunch marathon-legendary episodes of the acclaimed ’90s Batman: The Animated Series back to back while you enjoy a full breakfast menu. Sunday, Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

PHOTO: COURTESY BRAD WILLIAMS

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Batman: The Animated Series Best Episodes Brunch

C A L E N DA R: F E B R UA RY 1 5 - 2 1 continued from page 21 instructors Laura Gray McCann. Free. Thursday, Feb. 15, 6-6:45 p.m. THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

LECT U R E

Black History Month & The Afro-Latinx Connection

Cazateatro dives into AfroLatinx week, exploring and sharing the richness of Latin America’s African diaspora in a panel discussion on the Black History Month and the Latinx connection. Free. Tuesday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m. NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

P E R FO R M I N G A R TS

Al Chymia Shrine Circus This legendary performance has entertained Memphis and the Mid-South for over eight decades, and it’s now back and better than ever. $10-$20. Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m., 3 p.m, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 18, 2 p.m., 6 p.m. AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL

Dru’s Bar Starlight Cabaret: The Broken Hearts Ball

The Starlight Cabaret hosts an unforgettable night filled with amazing performances and stunning entertainers. Saturday, Feb. 17, 9 p.m.

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DRU’S PLACE

Poetry & Chill: What’s Love Got to Do With It Slam

Single & Ready to Single Game Night

MANHATTAN SPORTS BAR & LOUNGE

RUMBA ROOM

Rising Stars Revue: “I Love the ’80s” featuring Tootsie Pop

Sound Healing Workshop

Join other singles for a night of board games, interactive games, and more. $13.73. Monday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

Amazing poetry and comedy infused with a dose of R&B. $15-$20. Sunday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m.

Jatziry Greenfield uses crystal and metal singing bowls, designed to awaken and align the energetic points of the body. $25. Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m.

Grab your leg warmers and hairspray, and party like it’s 1989. Sunday, Feb. 18, 6 p.m. DRU’S PLACE

DOWNTOWN YOGA

Soulful Murder Mystery Dinner

The touring Soulful Murder Mystery Dinner Theater Experience aims to provide a unique and immersive experience for customers who enjoy music, theater, food, puzzles, and mysteries. 15+. $75. Sunday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m., 7:30 p.m. THE HALLORAN CENTRE

S P EC I A L EVE N TS

Bluff City Fire & Ice: Polar Bear Plunge and Chili Cook-off

The only event in Memphis that heats you up and cools you down. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10:30 a.m. LIBERTY BOWL STADIUM

Great Backyard Bird Count

This citizen science project encourages everyone to get out and count birds. Data collected helps scientist study changing bird populations;

S PO R TS plus, it’s a great way to start learning to ID birds. Saturday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. LICHTERMAN NATURE CENTER

Great Backyard Bird Count

MBG celebrates the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Attendees can assist the Garden record and count birds, and enjoy a self-guided bird scavenger hunt, children’s activities, presentations, and more. Saturday, Feb. 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN

Let’s Play a Love Game

Cameo is excited to partner with the lovely Brenda Newport to host this fun game night combo of Match Game, The Newlywed Game, and speed dating. Sunday, Feb. 18, 5-7 p.m. CAMEO

PHOTO: COURTESY NOVEL

Gerry Wilson celebrates the release of her debut novel That Pinson Girl at Novel on Tuesday.

Memphis vs. Charlotte Wednesday, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. FEDEXFORUM

NBA: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Milwaukee Bucks Thursday, Feb. 15, 7:30 p.m. FEDEXFORUM

Mardi Growl with Hollywood Feed

This event will feature a dog costume contest with prizes, Hollywood Feed giveaways, dog caricatures, food trucks; a dog parade, and live music from the Mighty Souls Brass Band. Saturday, Feb. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. OVERTON PARK

Sacred Cacao Ceremony and Sound Bath

A meditative sound experience blending a sound bath with a sacred cacao ceremony. $31.30. Monday, Feb. 19, 6:30 p.m. THE BROOM CLOSET

Professional Bull Riders

For one night only, some of the best bull riders in the world will battle the sport’s rankest bovine athletes. Saturday, Feb. 17, 7 p.m. FEDEXFORUM

T H EAT E R

A Streetcar Named Desire

Tennessee Williams’ poetic and savage drama that remains achingly modern. Through Feb. 18. TENNESSEE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Witness the wonder of Willy Wonka’s factory in this fantastical musical. Through Feb. 18. PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE

Confederates

Two Black American women — an enslaved rebel and a professor at a contemporary university — are having parallel experiences of institutional racism, though they live over a century apart. Through Feb. 25. HATTILOO THEATRE

The Glass Menagerie

A Southern classic favorite. Through Feb. 25. THEATRE MEMPHIS

The Squirrels

Scurius, the patriarch of a family of gray squirrels, has collected enough nuts to last 10 winters. When a group of starving fox squirrels begs him to share his food, animosity erupts into a war. Friday, Feb. 16-March 3. THEATREWORKS @ THE SQUARE

TO U R S

Twilight Tour

Guides will spill ghostly secrets and divulge first-hand accounts of paranormal activity frequently experienced throughout the former home of two of the most prestigious families in Memphis history. $45. Friday, Feb. 16, 7 p.m. WOODRUFF-FONTAINE HOUSE MUSEUM

ARTS By Michael Donahue

“three left, one right” Artist James Inscho gets retrospective with his new exhibit at Tops Gallery.

As the press release states, “We might see flat brown brushstrokes criss-cross a flame-red field. Matte black marks become shadows, and now the brown strokes are transformed into sticks, a pile of logs, a mound. It takes so little for the mind to write a story. Look again and it’s only brushstrokes.” Painting abstract works was not what Inscho originally wanted to do growing up in Dothan, Alabama. “I really wanted to be a Disney cartoonist.” He remembered watching Disney artists in the animation studio on trips with his parents to Orlando, Florida. “I

James Inscho

just remember people working on The Lion King when I was a kid.” Inscho, who played basketball and golf as a kid, also held an interest in music. “I learned guitar playing on my dad’s classical guitar when I was 8 or 9. Just kind of self-taught. “I bounced around schools and I pursued a lot of different interests. I was interested in architecture at one point.” Inscho first moved to Memphis in 2004 because he “just wanted a change of pace.” While at University of Memphis studying graphic design, Inscho took a painting class with Chuck Johnson “and really took to the medium and the language and the history.” Inscho, who got his BFA in 2011, had never lived in a big city like Memphis, which he felt “was a bit more cosmopolitan. I had a lot more to learn about life, and art provided a vessel about figuring some stuff out.” Inscho then went straight to grad school at Tyler School of Art and Architecture in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he lived for 11 years. “I had some shows and some interest and kind of rode that little bit. “I had several years after grad school where I ran off the fumes of what I accomplished at grad school. And that summer following graduation I

kept making work, but things kind of petered out after a few years and I hit a cross-point with my work. It felt like the way I was working wasn’t right for me anymore. I was just feeling a different way about life. Things needed to change to line up more with how I was experiencing things. So, I started from the ground up again. “I withdrew from the art community in Philadelphia and hunkered down in my studio and tried to figure stuff out. I felt I was banging my head against the wall for three or four years.” He turned from making larger, more geometric paintings to smaller ones, which were “more improvisational. More gestural. More evidence of the hand.” In 2022, Inscho returned to Memphis, where his wife, Whitney Hubbard, is from. “Moving back provided an opportunity to reprioritize and revisit what I wanted my life to be like post-Covid. I wanted to be an artist that’s more engaged with my community.” He found Memphis to be “such a wonderful” city, where “people have time for you” and “energy as a creator there is really good.” Inscho reached out to Tops Gallery owner Matt Ducklo, who he met when he first lived in Memphis. “I think Matt just has a really great eye. And it’s a

very contemporary space. It’s quirky. It’s a basement space.” The gallery also “gets national attention. I know he brings in artists from New York and other areas to show in Memphis.” Inscho has found Memphis to be a “very prolific” time for him since he moved back. “I started making these small paintings six years ago. They’re starting to enter a more mature vision than when I started. I think I’m starting to hit a stride with these pieces. “When I first started, I didn’t know what a good brushstroke looked like.” But things changed back in Memphis. “I was learning to trust my hand as a painter for the first time.” Inscho and Memphis are a good fit. “I am a rabid Grizzlies fan. I really enjoy cooking. And I have started to play golf again since I was a kid because there’s so many affordable courses in the city.” Most importantly, “Memphis is an artistic community. While I was living in Philadelphia, Crosstown happened. TONE started. Tops Gallery started. And now Sheet Cake [Gallery] just opened. It feels like a good time to be an artist in the city. I’m happy to be back.” “three left, one right” is on view through March 9th at Tops Gallery at 23 400 South Front. m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m

“When I ﬁrst started, I didn’t know what a good brushstroke looked like.”

PHOTO: MICHAEL DONAHUE

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

he title of James Inscho’s show — “three left, one right” — doesn’t refer to dancing. “The works are abstract, but deal with the ideas of revisiting, reliving, renaming, and reconstructing fragments of observed moments and felt experiences,” says Inscho, 40. “So, the title means a few different things to me. “Three left turns is one right, and that’s the long path we take to arrive at a simple decision. The other interpretation is three lefts plus one right is a 180-degree turn, and that’s a return to where you came from. “Rather than thinking of it as directions left to right, you can think of it as three options remaining and one is correct.” “Left” can mean a direction, but it also can refer to what’s left when something is taken away. “And ‘right’ can be a right turn or it can mean ‘right’ as in what’s correct.” Inscho includes 30 acrylic wash paintings in the show. “The works are kind of denied by a shifting of space and context. Brushstrokes become shadows. They become forms. They become space. The paintings are kind of denied, are in a state of flux.” The show, “in a sense, speaks to the beauty and uncertainty and the simultaneity of our access to all these different perspectives at a moment’s notice of every event, everything that happens. Seeing the experience through a lot of eyes at one time.”

FOOD By Michael Donahue

DXII Exudes Elegance Chic, classy, and sexy are the keywords of a new social club.

ou don’t have to travel to Downtown Memphis to enjoy an elegant evening with cocktails and dinner. You can just go to District 12. Literally. District 12 Social Club — titled as DXII — is at 6642 Winchester Road, which is in district 12 of Shelby County, says owner Brent Hooks, 34. The name also was inspired by District 12 from The Hunger Games. The people who came “from humble beginnings” in District 12 “ended up being the most prominent district out of all of them,” he says. “Prominent district” sounds like what Hooks is going for with his social club, which joins other clubs in the area. “They’re not the same as us, but we complement them.” Hooks, who grew up in the area, says, “We felt like it would be a good opportunity for us to create another restaurant district out of Downtown.”

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“Primarily the concept is to build a community and a landscape for creatives.” DXII, which opened New Year’s Eve, has been a “tremendous success,” he says. “We got rave reviews on the decor, on our service, and our waitresses, our food and our drinks.” They’re “still in the soft opening phase,” so they’re only open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. But they plan to add Thursday nights when they “go to full operations” in spring. “Primarily the concept is to build a community and a landscape for creatives,” Hooks says, adding, “Mainly

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millennials and the generation right after us. A place owned and operated [by] — and actually for — our demographic and our peers. “We really want people to come in and enjoy their time, network, and be able to let their hair down.” Their customers include professional collaborators and local and national influencers, Hooks says. “Just a space where we felt like you can unwind. Where you can connect and feel safe, along with a place where you can find some good food, some craft cocktails, and entertainment all in one location.” They wanted to “bring the Downtown feel” — physically and atmospherically — to the club. “The exposed brick. The hard texture wall. Those types of features.” Black, gray, purple, and emerald are the colors used in the club. “We actually have a more futuristic feel. And one of our main things was to be sure that the building had a certain flow to it. So, the bar is actually in the center, and it’s circular.” The dress code is upscale casual, Hooks says. “More of a chic, classy feel,” Hooks says, adding, “We really are going for this sexy look, sexy feel. “Personally, what I wear are some designer sneakers like Maison Margiela sneakers. Jeans are cool, but not sweatpants or anything like that. With shirts, I personally would wear a collared button-down shirt, but it’s not required.” They don’t want people showing up in a “white T-shirt or something like you’re going to a basketball game.” As for food, their menu is “everevolving. Since we’re in the soft-opening season, it’s not fully rolled out.” They serve “new American-style bar food,” which includes chicken wings. “Jamaican jerk is one of our popular flavors.” DXII also serves a variety of flat-

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PHOTO: MICHAEL DONAHUE

Brent Hooks

breads, including Turks and Caicos, which is “a play on the Jamaican jerk chicken in flatbread form. It comes with a jerk and pineapple glaze.” Hooks describes the fare as “really good bar food with more of a District 12 twist.” That goes for their cocktails too, including the Lychee Martini, which is “vodka based and has some lemon juice and lychee juice and fruit.” Long as Winchester, which includes several types of alcohol, is a play on Long Island iced tea. “More of a boozy drink.” They plan to have live music in the future, but, for now, DJs are featured. The look and sound of DXII changes after happy hour ends at 8 p.m. “We just transition to a different feel. During happy hour, the light show is not as dynamic, although we do have a pretty cool light show at that time.” The more relaxed house music during happy hour is at a “conversational level,” Hooks says. Then everything “transitions to more of an upbeat feel. Music is a little bit louder. Not just blasting.” And the light show after 8 p.m. is “much more dynamic.” Owning a social club is right up his alley, Hooks says. “I, personally, have been in this industry for a while. My uncle owned a nightclub, Plush Club, when I was in high school and college. And I

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worked there during that time period.” Later, Hooks was co-owner of the New Daisy. “I’ve always had this interest, passion, and love for food, beverage, and hospitality. And that mix of entertainment.” Born in Memphis, Hooks is the great nephew of the late Dr. Benjamin Hooks. After getting his undergraduate degree in accounting and finance from University of Memphis, he got an MBA in global business in grad school at Vanderbilt University. “I really have a business mind as I approach some of these ventures,” he says. He and his cousin, Michael Hooks Jr., are owners of Allworld Project Management, an engineering firm. Hooks and his club’s business partners are looking at other locations that would be conducive to opening food, beverage, and hospitality businesses. “Our goal was to develop a hospitality group and that’s what we’re doing,” Brent says, adding, “In the next five years, we hope to open one or two more establishments in another city or another part of Memphis.” They’re already looking at Nashville and Birmingham, but, Brent says, “Downtown might be in our future. We do like Downtown. I live, work, and play Downtown. I’m not against Downtown.”

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M E TA P H Y S I C A L C O N N E C T I O N B y E m i l y G u e n t h e r

ach month has been assigned a gemstone or mineral that is associated with it and the people born in that month. The birthstone for February is amethyst, one of the most well-known gemstones out there. Ancient cultures used the stone for a variety of purposes. Amethyst means “not intoxicated” and comes from the ancient Greek word amethystos. The ancient Greeks believed that wearing an amethyst would keep them from getting drunk, although I have never seen any evidence of this. Amethyst is a purple variety of quartz and is a fairly common stone, but that does not mean it is not a powerful or useful stone. In fact, I often joke that amethyst does it all and is very handy to have around.

PHOTO: ILZE LUCERO | UNSPLASH

One of amethyst’s most sought-after properties is it’s perceived ability to help soothe emotions and provide a peaceful environment. Amethyst is thought to help ease anxiety and stress, making it a great stone to have at work or at home. It is believed to aid in decision-making and mental focus, bringing a clarity of mind. This may tie back into purported beliefs that amethyst can prevent intoxication. Having an amethyst with you to aid in clear mental functions may mean that you are less likely to want a drink or to overdo it when you do drink. Many gemstones have spiritual properties based on their color. Each color has a meaning and an energy, and color plays a large part in our lives. We use color often in the spiritual world, but color psychology is a very real thing in the mundane world. Many companies use color in their logos and ads to send messages to us at a subconscious and emotional level. Purple is a color that is associated with authority, the Divine, spiritual endeavors, creativity, wisdom, peace, and the crown chakra. Taking the color purple into consider-

ation, amethyst would be a good stone for all of these intentions. Amethyst is a great stone to use for increasing your intuition and connecting with the Divine. Amethyst is one of the stones associated with the crown chakra, which is the chakra that connects you to Spirit, aids in personal transformation, and helps you realize your own divinity and the divinity of humanity. Amethyst also works indirectly to help increase your spirituality. It is believed by some to calm your fears while raising your hopes and lifting your spirit. Releasing your fears and maintaining a positive attitude is a good way to raise your vibrations, which leads to being more connected to Spirit. And the more in tune with Spirit you are, the better your intuition will be. Nothing in life ever fits easily into just one box, and amethyst is no exception. Yes, it is purple and it is great for all the calming and spiritual intentions of purple, but amethyst does even more. Breaking the color rule, amethyst is a good stone to use for protection. Some people believe that amethyst can protect against a psychic attack. So it may not be the best stone to save your car from getting broken into, but it would be useful to protect your energy. It is thought that amethyst transmutes the negative energy directed at you into loving and protecting energy. You can also use amethyst to attract love. It can help promote love in all of its forms, as well as provide stability and protection to an existing relationship. Amethyst can help you understand what you need from a relationship and encourage you to find balance with your partner and work in service to the relationship. Amethyst is a stone that pairs well with other gemstones and combining it with rose quartz for love work is a heady combination. If you need a gemstone that can do it all for you, look no further than this month’s birthstone. Amethyst is usually available in jewelry, carvings, and specimen pieces, so you can find the right fit for your needs and space. Let’s embrace the power of amethyst and manifest a peaceful, healing year. Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.

SHELBY COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR FY 2025-2029 AND FISCAL YEAR 2025 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN PUBLIC HEARING Shelby County Department of Housing will hold a public hearing to discuss Shelby County housing and community development needs in preparation for the Consolidated Plan for FY 2025 through 2029 as well as the Fiscal Year 2025 Annual Action Plan (HUD Program Year 2024) with both in person and virtual attendance options on Thursday, February 29, 2024 from 12:00-12:30pm and 5:30-6:00pm. In Person Attendance Option: Shelby County Code Enforcement, Training Room, 6465 Mullins Station Road Memphis, TN 38134. Attendees should enter the Code Enforcement Building through the Training Room entrance; upon walking up to the building, attendees will need to follow the signage that leads to the Training Room. Virtual Attendance Option: A virtual option to join is also provided, and participants can join the meeting with a computer, tablet, or smartphone at https://www.gotomeet.me/DanaSjostrom or dialing in from a phone +1 (224) 501-3412, Access Code 169-900-933 at the above noted meeting time. If you plan to attend the public hearing and have special needs, please contact the Department of Housing at (901) 222-7600 by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024 and we will work to accommodate you. Citizen input and public participation is strongly encouraged. The consolidated planning process for FY 2025-2029 serves as the framework for a community-wide dialogue to identify housing and community development priorities that align and focus funding from the CPD formula block grant programs Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. The FY 2025 Annual Action Plan establishes the basis for the use of entitlement funds for the period of July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025. The primary purpose of this hearing is to receive comments on community development needs in order to consider them in the consolidated planning process for the FY 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan as well as for the FY 2025 Annual Action Plan. Shelby County anticipates receiving level funding for the upcoming program year; $1,169,819.00 in CDBG and $472,756.00 in HOME funds in Program Year 2024/Fiscal Year 2025. Shelby County expects to submit the Consolidated Plan for FY 2025-2029 and the Annual Plan for FY 2025 to HUD on or before May 15, 2024 following a 30 day review and comment period. The hearing will also provide an update on current activities under the CDBG and HOME Programs, information on Section 3 contracting opportunities; and will provide information on other programs operated by the Department of Housing. Persons wishing to comment on the Consolidated Plan for FY 2025-2029 and/ or the FY 2025 Annual Action Plan may do so by writing to Dana Sjostrom via email dana.sjostrom@shelbycountytn.gov or mail Shelby County Department of Housing, 6465 Mullins Station Road, Memphis, TN 38134. Shelby County will schedule an additional public hearing in April 2024 to present the draft Consolidated Plan for FY 2025-2029 and the Annual Action Plan for FY 2025 for public comment before it is submitted to HUD. For additional information contact the Department of Housing at 901-222-7600 or TTY at 901-222-2300. The Shelby County Department of Housing does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. Equal opportunity/equal access provider. Para mas información en Español, por favor llame al 901-222-7601. Lee Harris Mayor Scott Walkup, Administrator Shelby County Department of Housing

m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m

Amethyst is a multi-purpose gemstone.

N O T I C E ]

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

More Than a Birthstone

[ P U B L I C

NEWS OF THE WEIRD By the editors at Andrews McMeel Syndication

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Creme de la Weird Stick with me here. In 1899 in Peshawar, Pakistan, James Squid, a drunken British officer, arrested a … tree because he thought it was a fugitive trying to get away from him. He ordered the tree chained to the ground, Oddity Central reported, and the chains have remained for 125 years, along with a plaque explaining them. While tourists are tickled by the strange restraints, locals see the chains as a symbol of British oppression. “Through this act, the British basically implied to the tribesmen that if they dared act against the Raj, they too would be punished in a similar fashion,” one local man said. Others call it a living history. [Oddity Central, 1/4/2024]

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We help Mid-South nonprofits succeed.

Recurring Theme • Authorities are still fishing for a man who entered a Bass Pro Shops store in Fort Myers, Florida, on Dec. 20 and dipped a net into the indoor fishpond, capturing a 50-pound tarpon. USA Today reported that the suspect left the store with the dripping catch, and despite a cash reward and social media posts, the Lee County Sheriff ’s Office has not been able to identify or find him. [USA Today, 12/27/2023] • Authorities were called to the Leeds, Alabama, Bass Pro Shops on Jan. 4 after 42-year-old George Owens of Sterrett drove a car into a pole in the parking lot, then exited the car, stripped off all his clothes and ran inside, where he did a cannonball into the aquarium. AL.com reported that Owens yelled at two police officers, then climbed over the edge of the aquarium, where he fell to the concrete floor and knocked himself out. He was charged with public lewdness among other offenses. [AL.com, 1/5/2024] Super Freak On Dec. 13, as a family in Arlington, Virginia, sat down to dinner, a Ring doorbell notification alerted them to someone at the door, WUSA-TV reported. The woman told her husband,

his hired ride, carrying a backpack with $8,600 worth of stolen Milwaukee-brand tools inside. “Ordering an Uber as your getaway driver makes it that much easier for us to find you,” the Wheat Ridge Police Department posted online. [14News, 1/3/2024]

ILLUSTRATION: JEANNE SEAGLE

“There’s this guy; he didn’t ring the doorbell. He’s just standing there and he’s in a gingerbread man costume.” The husband called the police nonemergency line to report the creepy visit, and about an hour later, another neighbor, Lindsey Churchill, spotted the gingerbread man. “All of a sudden my dogs were going crazy … and there was a giant blow-up gingerbread man costume out on the sidewalk,” she said. “We kind of locked eyes and the gingerbread man went on his way. It was not holly jolly.” Police never actually caught up with the subject, who was not identified. [WUSA, 12/21/2023] Getting Away From It All • Three armed suspects were busy robbing a check-cashing business in Commerce City, Colorado, on Dec. 16 when another thief mucked up their getaway plans, 9News-TV reported. The robbers’ vehicle, which was probably stolen, was outside when a woman jumped in and took off with it, leaving the teenage suspects to try to escape on foot. Police were able to capture two of them, along with loaded firearms, and arrest them. The car thief is still at large. [9News, 12/19/2023] • In Wheat Ridge, Colorado, police caught up with a burglar on Dec. 28 who had hired an Uber for use as a getaway car, 14News-TV reported. Jose Guadalupe Perez-Gallardo was taken into custody as he approached

Questionable Judgment Dr. Kevin Molldrem of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is the subject of a malpractice lawsuit filed in late December by his patient Kathleen Wilson, USA Today reported. Wilson alleges in the suit that Molldrem, during a single visit in July 2020, performed more than 30 procedures on Wilson’s mouth — eight crowns, four root canals, and 20 fillings — and that the work was done “improperly,” resulting in her disfiguration. The lawsuit also alleges that Molldrem used twice the amount of anesthesia allowed and then falsified records to cover that dosage. Wilson is seeking more than $50,000 in damages. [USA Today, 12/28/2023] Not on My Watch Vancouver, British Columbia, police revealed that on Dec. 19, a 72-year-old woman successfully chased an intruder from her home with a shovel, Vancouver City News reported. A naked man broke into the victim’s home with a pointed metal rod, which he swung toward her throughout the encounter. She fought back with a shovel, and “chased him out of the house and cornered him until officers arrived,” police said. “Kudos to her, it was pretty badass of her, I would say,” said Constable Tania Visintin. No one was injured during the incident. [Vancouver City News, 12/20/2023] Send your weird news items with subject line WEIRD NEWS to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com. NEWS OF THE WEIRD © 2023 Andrews McMeel Syndication. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): As I meditate on your destiny in the near future, I sense you will summon extra courage, perhaps even fearless and heroic energy. I wonder if you will save a drowning person, or rescue a child from a burning building, or administer successful CPR to a stranger who has collapsed on the street. Although I suspect your adventures will be less dramatic than those, they may still be epic. Maybe you will audaciously expose corruption and deceit, or persuade a friend to not commit self-harm, or speak bold thoughts you haven’t had the daring to utter before. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Lately, you have been learning more than you thought possible. You have surpassed and transcended previous limits in your understanding of how the world works. Congratulations! I believe the numerous awakenings stem from your willingness to wander freely into the edgy frontier — and then stay there to gather in all the surprising discoveries and revelations flowing your way. I will love it if you continue your pilgrimage out there beyond the borders for a while longer. CANCER (June 21-July 22): As I study the astrological omens for the coming weeks, I suspect you will feel more at home in a situation that has previously felt unnerving or alien. Or you will expedite the arrival of the future by connecting more deeply with your roots. Or you will cultivate more peace and serenity by exploring exotic places. To be honest, though, the planetary configurations are half-mystifying me; I’m offering my best guesses. You may assemble a strong foundation for an experimental fantasy. Or perhaps you will engage in imaginary travel, enabling you to wander widely without leaving your sanctuary. Or all of the above. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Of your hundreds of wishes and yearnings, Leo, which is the highest on your priority list? And which are the next two? What are the sweet, rich, inspiring experiences you want more

than anything else in life? I invite you to compile a tally of your top three longings. Write them on a piece of paper. Draw or paste an evocative symbol next to each one. Then place this holy document in a prominent spot that you will see regularly. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you are in a phase when focusing and intensifying your intentions will bring big rewards. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Actor and travel writer Andrew McCarthy hiked across Spain along the famous pilgrimage route, Camino de Santiago. On the way, he felt so brave and strong that at one point he paradoxically had a sobbing breakdown. He realized how fear had always dominated his life. With this chronic agitation absent for the first time ever, he felt free to be his genuine self. “I started to feel more comfortable in the world and consequently in my own skin,” he testified, concluding, “I think travel obliterates fear.” I recommend applying his prescription to yourself in the coming months, Virgo — in whatever ways your intuition tells you are right. Cosmic forces will be aligned with you. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In the natural world, there are four partnership styles. In the parasitic variety, one living thing damages another while exploiting it. In the commensal mode, there is exploitation by one partner, but no harm occurs. In the epizoic model, one creature serves as a vehicle for the other but gets nothing in return. The fourth kind of partnership is symbiotic. It’s beneficial to both parties. I bring these thoughts to your attention, Libra, because the coming weeks will be an excellent time to take an inventory of your alliances and affiliations — and begin to de-emphasize, even phase out, all but the symbiotic ones. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio author Dan Savage says, “I wish I could let myself eat and eat and eat.” He imagines what it would be like if he didn’t “have to monitor the foods I put in my mouth or go to the gym anymore.” He feels envious of those who have no inhibitions about being gluttonous. In alignment with astrological aspects, I authorize Savage and all Scorpios to temporarily set aside such inhibitions. Take a brief break. Experiment with what it feels like to free yourself to ingest big helpings of food and drink — as well as metaphorical kinds of nourishment like love and sex and sensations and entertainment. Just for now, allow yourself to play around with voraciousness. You may be surprised at the deeper liberations it triggers. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Dear Wise Gambler: You rank high in your spacious intelligence, intuitive logic, and robust fantasy life. There’s only one factor

that may diminish your ability to discern the difference between wise and unwise gambles. That’s your tendency to get so excited by big, expansive ideas that you neglect to account for messy, inconvenient details. And it’s especially important not to dismiss or underplay those details in the coming weeks. If you include them in your assessments, you will indeed be the shrewdest of wise gamblers. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn golfer Tiger Woods is one of the alltime greats. He holds numerous records and has won scores of tournaments. On 20 occasions, he has accomplished the most difficult feat: hitting a hole-in-one. But the weird fact is that there were two decades (1998–2018) between his 19th and 20th holes-in-one. I suspect your own fallow time came in 2023, Capricorn. By now, you should be back in the hole-inone groove, metaphorically speaking. And the coming months may bring a series of such crowning strokes. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Piscean perfumer Sophia Grojsman says, “Our lives are quiet. We like to be disturbed by delight.” To that end, she has created over 30 best-selling fragrances, including Eternity Purple Orchid, Désir Coulant (Flowing Desire), Spellbound, Volupté (Pleasure), and Jelisaveta (“God is abundance”). I bring this up, Pisces, because I believe it’s now essential for you to be disturbed by delight — as well as to disturb others with delight. Please do what’s necessary to become a potent magnet for marvelous interruptions, sublime interventions, and blissful intrusions. And make yourself into a provider of those healing subversions, too.

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Some stories don’t have a distinct and orderly beginning, middle, and end. At any one point, it may be hard to know where you are. Other tales have a clear beginning, middle, and end, but the parts occur out of order; maybe the middle happens first, then the end, followed by the beginning. Every other variation is possible, too. And then there’s the fact that the beginning of a new story is implied at the end of many stories, even stories with fuzzy plots and ambiguous endings. Keep these ruminations in mind during the coming weeks, Aries. You will be in a phase when it’s essential to know what story you are living in and where you are located in the plot’s unfoldment.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Poet Anna Akhmatova (1889–1966) lived till age 76, but her destiny was a rough ride. Her native country, the authoritarian Soviet Union, censored her work and imprisoned her friends and family. In one of her poems, she wrote, “If I can’t have love, if I can’t find peace, give me a bitter glory.” She got the latter wish. She came close to winning a Nobel Prize and is now renowned as a great poet and heroic symbol of principled resistance to tyranny. Dear Aquarius, I predict that your life in the coming months will be very different from Akhmatova’s. I expect you will enjoy more peace and love than you’ve had in a long time. Glory will stream your way, too, but it will be graceful, never bitter. The effects will be heightened if you express principled resistance to tyranny.

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Femme Fatale Clare Grant on starring with Matt Rife in the new neo-noir The Private Eye.

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ilm noir, as the crime pictures of the 1940s and 1950s came to be called, left a deep imprint on popular culture. Even if you haven’t seen The Maltese Falcon, Double Indemnity, or Out of the Past, you are probably a fan of something those films inspired, like True Detective. Classic film noir often revolved around a femme fatale, a sexy, duplicitous woman with an agenda of her own, often seen secretly pulling the strings of a twisted criminal conspiracy. Actresses like Jane Greer, Barbara Stanwyck, and Faye Dunaway did their best work as femme fatales. That’s why Clare Grant was excited to play Michelle, the female lead in the new neo-noir film, The Private Eye. Any good femme fatale has secrets, but Michelle’s duality goes deeper than most. “I love film noir. It’s a huge reason why I was drawn to this role,” says Grant. “I love mysteries, and I really loved the dual reality that this character gets to live in this movie. It was a fun challenge for me as an actor to figure out which scene is which reality and how I would interact with my co-stars depending on which reality I’m in.” Grant, a native Memphian, was an early protege of director Craig Brewer, who cast her as the lead of his 2009 series set in the Memphis music scene, $5 Cover. Her Team Unicorn troupe spoofed pop culture online, and she has appeared in numerous films, including the Memphis-made vampire epic Daylight Fades, Iron Man 2, Godzilla: King of the Monsters, and what she calls a “blink and you’ll miss it” bit part in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3. She also voiced bounty hunter Latts Razzi in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which fulfilled a lifelong goal for the

self-professed geek girl. “I love those movies, and it’s so fun to be on sets of that size and just be able to be a part of that world. But my Star Wars credit is one of my favorite jobs I’ve ever had. I can’t believe I got to do that!” The Private Eye is an indie project directed by Jack Cook and starring comedian Matt Rife. “I’ve been friends with Matt Rife for about 10 years,” Grant says, “and once he got on board with the project, he basically just went out of his way to cast people that he was friends with and knew would be right for the part. “He pitched the movie to me, and at first I laughed at him because I was like, ‘Man, I can’t be your love interest in the movie! I’m too old for you.’ And then he pointed out that that’s kind of the point is that my character is … well, without giving too much away, it’s supposed to be a part for someone who can play both young and old.”

Rife plays a down-on-his-luck private eye living a marginal existence in contemporary Los Angeles. His fedora-wearing tough-guy persona comes complete with a grizzled, cynical internal monologue, courtesy of veteran character actor Eric Roberts. Michelle comes into his life as a mysterious client who clearly knows more than she’s letting on. Grant says Cook was the driving force behind the film. “This was his baby. This is his official directorial debut, and he was a lovely human. He had a really enthusiastic and passionate persona throughout the entire thing, and he was so open to collaboration — which I absolutely appreciate — while maintaining his point of view. I love it when directors have strong points of view because I feel like directors with strong points of view make good movies. But he wasn’t so strong in his parameters that he alienated other

PHOTO: COURTESY ILLUSION ISLANDS

Eric Roberts and Clare Grant opinions, and he was looking for collaboration. And as an artist, that’s such a wonderful thing to experience.” As you might expect from a film with Rife in the lead, The Private Eye does have some self-aware comedy elements. At the Los Angeles premiere, Grant says, “The crowd was rowdy and excited and laughed in all the right places — and laughed in places I didn’t expect anyone to laugh in! … It’s nice to have movies that don’t rely too much on CG and big set pieces and big explosions to get people to just sit in a seat and watch a good story. And this is just a good story with a lot of twists and some fun mystery.” The Private Eye is playing at select theaters and available to stream soon.

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Bob Marley: One Love This long-awaited musical biopic stars Kingsley Ben-Adair as Bob Marley in the 1970s. As he is riding the crest of fame, he becomes embroiled in Jamaican politics and is shot by a would-be assassin. While

Oscar Nominated Short Films The documentary and narrative short film categories include some of the most interesting and out-there work the Oscars recognize. This year’s batch includes Wes Anderson’s Roald Dahl adaptation “The Wonderful Story of Henry Sugar.” The Zone of Interest Jonathan Glazer adapts Martin Amis in this Best Picture nominee about Rudolf and Hedwig Höss, an unremarkable German family in the 1940s who just happen to include the commandant of a Nazi death camp.

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Madame Web Dakota Johnson stars as the minor spider-character Cassie Webb, a Manhattan paramedic who is unexpectedly gifted with psychic powers. She must save not one but two Spider-Women (Sydney Sweeney and Celeste O’Connor) from superpowered spider hunter Ezekiel Sims (Tahar Rahim).

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Boiled water, baby steps, and Beale Street: Surviving the 2024 International Blues Challenge.

Vicki steadied herself on the window sill, raised up, and reconnected a blind cord that had popped off a few moments earlier. She then stepped onto a wobbly bar stool and lowered herself to the hardwood floor. Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley looked on, seemingly in amusement, their black-and-white smiles forever captured on a framed print hung from the exposed brick wall. The print included a quote, “Don’t criticize what you don’t understand, son. You never walked in that man’s shoes.” I sneered at Elvis, hanging there with a big grin on his face. I’ll worry about walking in another man’s shoes when I can feel my feet again. Mid-morning on Thursday, January 18th, and temperatures hovered near 30 degrees with windchills that made it much, much colder. Sleet, or freezing rain, lightly pelted the cars, the sidewalk, and the parking lot outside our first-floor rental. My feet, already wrapped in two layers of wool socks, felt numb. I wiggled my toes to make certain they still worked. As I often jokingly say to Vicki, my better half, “Whose bright idea was this?” Unfortunately, this one was all mine. On Wednesday afternoon we pulled into the rear parking lot of our Airbnb, located inside the former Ambassador Hotel on Vance Avenue. The dry snow that accumulated earlier in the week hadn’t refrozen yet, so navigating from our far away East Memphis home to South Main wasn’t difficult. While unloading Vicki’s Subaru, a small CAT bulldozer scraped snow from the lot and dumped it onto a gray slush-pile right behind us. The dozer’s noise and noxious gas fumes, combined with a biting cold wind, reminded me that this week might be unforgettable, but for all the wrong reasons. Yeah, maybe not a bright idea to be Downtown during a Snowpocalypse. The 39th edition of the International Blues Challenge (IBC) kicked off that Wednesday night, so, as avid blues fans, we braved the ice and snow to support up-and-coming blues musicians who traveled to Memphis to perform in the bars and clubs along Beale Street. Typically held in January, IBC is a weeklong blues convention and, this year, featured almost 140 musical acts from the U.S., Canada, and 11 other countries. After surviving Wednesday night’s frigid temperatures and Thursday morning’s frozen precipitation, Vicki and I ventured back to Beale, navigating icy sidewalks, slushy crosswalks, and ever-expanding piles of dirty snow. Baby steps, Vicki repeated like a mantra as we crunched and cursed our way along South Main. Once the skies cleared, Thursday’s weather turned out to be tolerable. Beale’s clubs were busy with various IBC activities: master classes conducted by veteran musicians, a “Women in Blues” showcase at Alfred’s and, inside A. Schwab’s, a Hohner harmonica demonstration. Following a dinner of slathered ribs at Blues City Café, we hopped next door to the Band Box, where we caught several performances and stayed for a late-night jam session. Well past our bedtime, Vicki and I called it a night and baby-stepped back to the Ambassador for some much-needed sleep. And warmth. We’d survived the first two days of IBC but had two more to go, and, unfortunately, the Mid-South’s Snowmaggedon would soon get worse. Early Friday morning, January 19th, and the outside temperature was barely 27. The extended forecast said temps would drop into the low 20s and stay there all day through Saturday. To add to the fun, burst water mains forced MLGW to issue a boil water advisory for portions of Shelby County. Johnny smiled. I frowned. That “Don’t criticize …” quote swirled inside my head. “Don’t start,” I warned the Man in Black. “You and ‘E’ get to stay here, where it’s warm.” From the bedroom, Vicki asked me who I was talking to. Our Friday adventures on Beale were a frozen blur. The entire county was under a boil water advisory, and Saturday’s arctic-cold temperatures would be in the teens, not the 20s. Yeah, not a real bright idea … Shivering from the cold, Vicki and I stood inside the historic Orpheum Theatre for Saturday’s IBC Finals. The grand lobby felt like an ice box. We soon learned that due to waterpressure problems, the facilities were now outside. So, when “nature called,” we opened an exit door and hurried through the bitter cold to a porta-potty. Unforgettable. We’d left the comfort of our warm urban oasis for portapotties and sub-freezing winds while sharing a lukewarm bottle of water. Nonetheless, we stayed all afternoon and enjoyed the talented finalists performing on the stage. After the finals, we baby-stepped our way to the Downtown Slider Inn. Finally, warm and cozy, Vicki ordered the falafel sliders and declared them her new favorite. Sometimes, I have a good idea, I was tempted to say. Instead, I just smiled. Ken Billett is a freelance writer and short-story fiction author. He and his wife, Vicki, have called Memphis home for nearly 35 years. When not listening to blues music, Ken reads spy novels and tends to his flowers.

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(left) Johnny and Elvis hanging on the wall (below, left to right) View of Beale Street from Club 152; icy Beale Street on Wednesday, January 17th; snow “sludge” on South Main Street

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