Memphis Flyer 12/22/2022

SHARA CLARK Editor SAMUEL X. CICCI Managing Editor

“Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.” — Carl Jung

As we near the end of 2022, I’m re ecting on the year that was, one in which I learned more than any prior about the importance of taking things as they come with patience and equanimity. Personally, it was one of the toughest in recent memory, not counting 2020 — I think we can agree that was one big WTF for us all. But this year brought a great deal of loss for me (three of my grandparents and an uncle passed away). And a great deal of stress (one notable experience: I panicbought a house). ough it wasn’t without its celebratory moments (panic or no, I did become a homeowner). And successes (I was promoted to editor-in-chief of this ne publication).

JACKSON

BAKER, BRUCE VANWYNGARDEN Senior Editors TOBY SELLS Associate Editor

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MICHAEL DONAHUE, JON W. SPARKS Staff Writers

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SHARON BROWN, AIMEE STIEGEMEYER Grizzlies Reporters ANDREA FENISE Fashion Editor

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At my age, “I’m sorry for your loss” has become more a part of regular dialogue. And fumbles and foibles are standard fare. Getting older has its growing pains (literally and metaphorically), and consistently presents new learning opportunities. We’re all guring things out as we go, and there are no perfect days — but some are better than others. And the not-so-great ones help remind us to savor the near-perfect ones and to take things in stride. Because there will always be more “things” to get through.

is year, too, has been one of losses and triumphs for Memphis, as you’ll read in this — our double issue. For our sta to have the fortunate ability to take some time o around the holidays, we present this year-end edition, dated December 22nd through January 4th, which will be on newsstands for two full weeks. Within, we’ve used the cover story “Let’s Get Wild & Free” for predictions, and a look ahead, for 2023 — in business development, politics, music, lm, and sports. Our writers have utilized their regular column spaces for year-inreview features — a recap of news and more from 2022. It reveals some of the low, even horri c moments our city — and country — endured. But it also displays how much we’ve rebounded from the pandemic peak, with the sports, live music, and lm worlds ourishing once again.

Even with all that’s happened in the last 12 months — the ups and downs and stagnant in-betweens — it still somehow feels like we just shot o the bottle rockets on New Year’s Eve. A strange thing, time. Maybe in 2023, we can embrace this chance to start anew, recognize the lessons in hardships, pause for clarity when necessary, and face what may come — the good and the bad — with empathy and courage.

We’ll leave you with this issue until our next newspaper hits stands (January 5, 2023). In the meantime, some nal thoughts for you. is week, a friend shared a 2021 tweet from J.S. Park (@jsparkblog) that still resonates. It read: “My therapist, instead of saying ‘happy holidays,’ says, ‘May you have a gentle holiday.’ Her reason: e holidays are not happy for everyone. e hope is that they’re gentle for us, that we are gentle on ourselves. #selfcare.”

NEWS & OPINION

THE FLY-BY - 4

POLITICS - 8 SPORTS - 9 AT LARGE - 10

COVER STORY

“LET’S GET WILD & FREE” BY FLYER STAFF - 12

WE RECOMMEND - 16

MUSIC - 18 AFTER DARK - 19

In the hustle of the holidays, remember that not everyone has family or friends with whom to celebrate — or the means to give as generously as they’d like to. It can be a solitary time for some, and an overwhelming time with many road trips and gatherings for others. e stores are packed, retail and restaurant sta are spread thin. Package sorters, delivery drivers, and postal employees are working overtime to get your gi s to where they need to be. In this o en stressful season, remember to be gentle on yourself. But remember, too, to be gentle with the people you encounter. You don’t know what they’re going through, and your smile might be one that lights an otherwise dark day.

CALENDAR - 20

NY TIMES CROSSWORD - 21 SPIRITS - 24 FOOD - 25

NEWS OF THE WEIRD - 26 ASTROLOGY - 27 FILM - 28

CLASSIFIEDS - 30 LAST WORD - 31

Best wishes to you all as we ready to rock a brand-new year, wherein there will surely be both light and dark but also a hell of a lot of promising possibilities.

Shara Clark shara@memphis yer.com

PHOTO: SOUMYADIP SARKAR | UNSPLASH Always look for silver linings.

THE fly-by

MEM ernet

Best of 2022

THE RIVER

Questions, Answers + Attitude

Edited by Toby Sells

{YEAR THAT WAS

By Flyer staff

Violence, Environment, & Health

Eliza Fletcher and a shooting rampage, TVA and MLGW, abortion, and trans healthcare.

JANUARY

2021 was twice as deadly as 2020 for Covid-19 in Shelby County. In 2020, 903 died of Covid here. In 2021, 1,807 passed from the virus.

A consent decree forced Horn Lake leaders to approve the construction of a new mosque.

Posts poured in from up and down the Mississippi River, showing incredible images of the Big Muddy’s recordlow levels. e image above shows boats moored in the mud at Mud Island Marina.

ELIZA

Posts of love, sadness, and support poured in from all over the country in honor of Eliza Fletcher.

“SAUCY SITUATION”

Family members wanted $20 million from the city of Memphis; Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW); and the Memphis Police Department (MPD) for the 2020 beating death of a man by an MLGW employee.

New DNA testing was requested in the West Memphis ree case for recently rediscovered evidence once claimed to be lost or burned.

FEBRUARY

An ice storm knocked out power to nearly 140,000 MLGW customers.

e new concourse — in the works since 2014 — opened at Memphis International Airport.

Paving on Peabody Avenue began a er the project was approved in 2018.

Protect Our Aquifer teamed up with NASA for aquifer research.

A prosecutor moved to block DNA testing in the West Memphis ree case.

MARCH

A bill before the Tennessee General Assembly would have banned the sale of hemp-derived products, like Delta-8 gummies, in the state. It ultimately provided regulation for the industry.

MAY

Planned Parenthood of Tennessee and North Mississippi prepared for the likely overturn of the Roe v. Wade decision, ending legal abortions in the state.

e Greater Memphis Chamber pressed for a third bridge to be built here over the Mississippi River.

Cooper-Young landlords sued to evict the owners of Heaux House for “specializing in pornographic images.”

e Memphis City Council wanted another review of Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) plan to remove coal ash from the shuttered Allen Fossil Plant.

JUNE

New research showed Memphis-area women earned 83 percent of their male counterparts’ income in the workplace from 2000-2019.

Gov. Lee ordered schools to double down on existing security measures in the wake of the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.

MPD arrested four drivers in an operation it called Inniti War Car Take-Over.

A key piece of the Tom Lee Park renovation project won a $3.7 million federal grant, which was expected to trigger nearly $9 million in additional funds.

Tennessee Republican attorney general fought to keep gender identity discrimination in government food programs.

e MEMernet was brie y (but deeply) obsessed with a truck accident that spilled enough Bertolli Alfredo sauce to temporarily close I-55.

BACK FROM VACATION

e project to x the interchange at Crump Ave. and I-55 resurfaced. Bids on the project, which could cost up to $184.9 million, were returned. Work did not begin in 2022 but when it does, it could close the Memphis-Arkansas Bridge (the Old Bridge) for two weeks.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee temporarily cut sales taxes on groceries.

APRIL

e Mississippi River ranked as one of the most endangered rivers in America in a report from the American Rivers group.

Critics lambasted decisions by Memphis in May and Africa in April to honor Ghana and Malawi, both of which outlaw basic LGBTQ+ rights.

e federal government announced a plan to possibly ban menthol cigarettes.

Jim Dean stepped down as president and CEO of the Memphis Zoo and was replaced by Matt ompson, then the zoo’s executive director and vice president.

Locals reacted to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade

JULY

Memphian Brett Healey took the stage at Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July Eating Contest.

One Beale developers returned to Memphis City Hall for the fourth time asking for nancial support of its luxury hotel plans.

e Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) board placed Superintendent Joris Ray on paid leave as they investigated whether he violated district policies with relationships with co-workers and abused his power.  e project to forever eliminate parking on the Overton Park Greensward got $3 million in federal funding.

Wanda went to Jamaica and we all got this amazing meme.

Lawmakers approved Gov. Lee’s plan to update the state’s 30-year-old education funding plan.

POSTED TO TWITTER BY CHARLES PEEK

PHOTO: MEMPHIS RIVER PARKS PARTNERSHIP Tom Lee Park

PHOTO: ANNA TRAVERSE FOGLE Ice storm

{YEAR THAT WAS

By Flyer staff

continued from page 4

Tennessee’s attorney general celebrated a win a er a federal judge blocked a move that would have allowed trans kids to play sports on a team of their gender.

Tennessee’s top Pornhub search was “interracial” in 2021, according to the site.

AUGUST

A panel of Tennessee judges did not give a new trial to Barry Jamal Martin, a Black man convicted in a Pulaski jury room decked out in Confederate portraits, ags, and memorabilia.

Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert caught ak from the Tennessee Comptroller a er traveling to Jamaica while her o ces were closed to catch up on the controversial backlog of license plate requests from citizens.

MSCS superintendent Joris Ray resigned with a severance package worth about $480,000. Finance chief Toni Williams was named interim superintendent.

O cials said the Memphis tourism sector had made a “full recovery” from the pandemic.

A new bail system unveiled here was touted by advocates to be “one of the fairest in the nation.”

SEPTEMBER

Memphis kindergarten teacher Eliza Fletcher was abducted and murdered while on an early-morning run. Cleotha Abston, out of jail early on previous abduction charges, was arrested for the crimes.

MLGW’s board continues to mull the yearslong decision to, possibly, nd a new power provider.

Ezekiel Kelly, 19, was arrested on charges stemming from an alleged, hours-long shooting rampage across Memphis that ended with four dead and three injured.

A Drag March was planned for the “horrible mishandling” of a drag event at MoSH. Event organizers canceled the show there a er a group of Proud Boys arrived armed to protest the event.

OCTOBER

Workers at four Memphis restaurants, including Earnestine & Hazel’s, sued the owners to recover alleged unpaid minimum wage and overtime.

Shelby County was largely unfazed by an outbreak of monkeypox with only

about 70 infected here as of October.

Animal welfare advocates called a University of Memphis research lab “the worst in America” a er a site visit revealed it violated numerous federal protocols concerning the care of test animals.

While other states have outlawed the practice, Tennessee allows medical professionals and medical students to — without any kind of permission — stick their ngers and instruments inside a woman’s vagina and rectum while she is under anesthesia.

Joshua Smith, a co-defendant in the election nance case against former state Sen. Brian Kelsey, pleaded guilty in court.

e Environmental Protection Agency told South Memphis residents little could be done to protect them from toxic emissions from the nearby Sterilization Services facility.

West Tennessee farmers struggled to get crops to market because of the record-low level of the Mississippi River.

NOVEMBER

Groups asked state o cials for a special investigator to review the “very real failures that led to [Eliza] Fletcher’s tragic murder.”

A group wanted state o cials to change the name of Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park.

e Tennessee Supreme Court ruled that mandatory life sentences for juveniles were unconstitutional.

A plan to forever end parking on the Overton Park Greensward was nalized by city leaders, the Memphis Zoo, and the Overton Park Conservancy.

DECEMBER

e Commercial Appeal dodged layo s in the latest round of news sta reductions by Gannett.

Federal clean-energy investments will further ingrain Tennessee in the Battery Belt and help develop a Southeast Regional Clean Hydrogen Hub (H2Hubs).

e American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee criticized Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare (MLH) for canceling gender a rmation surgery for a 19-year-old patient.

State and local o cials investigated an alleged milk spill into Lick Creek.

MLGW rejected Tennessee Valley Authority’s (TVA) 20-year rolling contract but will continue to be a TVA customer “for the foreseeable future.”

Former state Senator Brian Kelsey’s law license was suspended a er he pled guilty to two felonies related to campaign nance laws last month.

Visit the News Blog at memphis yer.com for fuller versions of these stories and more local news.

SPONSORED BY

PHOTO: MEMPHIS POLICE DEPARTMENT

Eliza Fletcher

NEW YEAR’S EVE IN GRAND Style

POLITICS By Jackson Baker

Closing Out an Era

e county election of 2022 wrote an end to real partisan competition.

e year just passed saw some decisive developments in the politics of Memphis and Shelby County — the continuing e ects of which will be re ected in the course of this year’s city elections. As of this writing, despite many advance rumors to the contrary, there has, as yet, been no sign of a viable white presence in the Memphis mayor’s race — much less of a candidate identi ably Republican.

e outgoing incumbent mayor, the term-limited Jim Strickland, is certainly white but is technically a Democrat, having once chaired the Shelby County Democratic Party, though in his two successful mayoral races of 2015 and 2019, Strickland had virtually unanimous support from the local Republican constituency — as well, to be sure, a healthy share of the city’s African-American vote. e demographics of the local voting population are such that “Republican” normally equates as white and “Democratic” as Black, though there are certainly limits to this fact of fungibility. In the county election of 2022, for example, the most dramatic and widely followed race was that for district attorney general, won by University of Memphis law professor and former County Commissioner Steve Mulroy, a certi able white Democrat.

Mulroy’s support base had its bipartisan as well as biracial aspects, and the contest between him and the candidate he dethroned, Republican Amy Weirich, teemed with issues that in theory crossed the frontiers of race and party, but his winning vote totals were remarkably similar to those of County Mayor Lee Harris and the victorious candidate for Juvenile Court Judge, Tarik Sugarmon, two African Americans who defeated prominent whites.

Sugarmon’s victory in the judicial race over incumbent Dan Michael involved no formal party label, but Harris’ mayoral challenger, the wellheeled Worth Morgan, was the o cial Republican nominee. Mulroy, Sugarmon, and Harris ran more or less as a ticket, and a Venn diagram would show the support for all three to lie substantially within the intersecting bulges of Black votes and Democratic ones.

is year’s Memphis city election is nonpartisan, of course, but the aforementioned absence early on of a white candidate — especially the much-

anticipated “white Republican” — owes as much to a decline in the GOP voter base as to any purely demographic factor. Even more revealing than the 2022 outcomes mentioned above is the fact that the Shelby County Republican Party opted not even to o er a candidate for sheri , instead o cially endorsing the popular Democratic incumbent Floyd Bonner.

Bonner, now a candidate for Memphis mayor, may once again have a decent shot at Memphis Republicans’ votes, there being no Caucasian conservative à la Strickland for like-minded white GOP residents of the city to fall back on.

e year 2022 saw the end of a 30year cycle, which began with an o -year vote in 1992 for two county positions. at was the year a er the landmark victory of Willie Herenton, an African American, in the Memphis mayor’s race, and the Shelby County Republican Party, no doubt seeing an opportunity to consolidate what was still a white majority in the county at large, petitioned to conduct the rst party primary in the county’s history. eir candidates won, and when the county’s Democrats eventually followed suit, the era of partisan local elections was begun.

Last year’s election transformed the landscape, and, despite remaining challenges and obstacles, the way seemed clear for whatever reforms the victors — especially the triad of Harris, Mulroy, and Sugarmon — might have in mind. Partisanship of a sort will persist, but not in the same way as before. at era is closed.

PHOTO: SHELBY COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY, STEVE MULROY CAMPAIGN | FACEBOOK Steve Mulroy

Big Game Players

The Memphis Grizzlies and Ja Morant reached new heights in 2022, the team tying a franchise record with 56 wins as the player started his rst All-Star Game and earned second-team All-NBA accolades. Better yet, the Griz became the youngest team in NBA history to win as many as 55 games, good enough to earn the franchise its rst Southwest Division championship. It turns out that leading the NBA in rebounding, steals, and blocks is a good thing, as Memphis nished the 2021-22 campaign with the second-best mark in the entire league, this despite Morant missing 25 games with various ailments. e Grizzlies turned aside Minnesota in the rst round of the playo s before zzling out against the title-bound Golden State Warriors. It was the kind of season that leaves a fan base wanting even more. Lots more.

And Alec Burleson — another rising out elder — hit .331 to win the International League batting title, the rst such crown in Redbirds history.

e Tigers — both basketball and football — had “yes but” seasons in 2022. Penny Hardaway’s hoop squad reached the NCAA tournament for the rst time in eight years, but wasn’t able to reach the big dance’s second weekend (extending a drought that dates back to 2009). Highlights of the season on the hardwood included a pair of wins over top-10 foes (Alabama and Houston). On the gridiron, the Tigers reached bowl eligibility for the ninth straight season, but nished merely 6-6 (a second straight year). Coach Ryan Silver eld will be back for a fourth season, but expectations — both within the program and outside — are high and heavy for 2023.

e Memphis Redbirds fell short of the playo s in their rst season in the International League, but a pair of players achieved some history for the franchise. Out elder Moisés Gómez slammed 16 home runs for Memphis a er being promoted from Double-A Spring eld (where he had hit 23) to establish a new minor-league record for the St. Louis Cardinals with 39 bombs for the season.

Memphis 901 FC catapulted the organization to new heights, thanks to stellar player recruitment from the front o ce, coach Ben Pirmann’s tactical tweaking and man-management, and team-ofthe-season performances from multiple players. ere were plenty of things to be happy about. Memphis nished the year with a 22-8-6 record, racking up the franchise’s highest season totals for wins, points, and goals scored. 2022 saw a rst ever playo win for the organization, a 3-1 victory over Detroit City FC, before the team just missed out on the conference nals with a tight loss to the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Along the way, striker Phillip Goodrum tallied 21 goals, mid elder Aaron Molloy chipped in with 8 goals and 10 assists, and defender Graham Smith marshaled the team to 11 clean sheets. Once the dust fell, 901 FC quickly announced contract extensions for all three players, each of whom were named in either the rst or second USL All-League teams. And plenty of other key players had their contracts extended, including captain Leston Paul. e only sour note is that Pirmann announced his exit from the club, accepting the head coaching role with Charleston Battery FC. But looking back, this squad made Memphis and its AutoZone Park matchday fans proud. A er a couple years, 901 FC showed that it belongs in the USL.

Meanwhile, sports infrastructure got a big boost when Mayor Jim Strickland announced an ambitious $684 million proposal to renovate the FedExForum, Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium, and AutoZone Park. Plus, the plan called for a new soccer- rst Memphis 901 FC stadium (with options to host other programming and events). e city is asking the state of Tennessee to cover $350 million a er seeing Nashville’s plans for a new $2 billion stadium for the Tennessee Titans, with state assistance. But nothing’s set in stone.

Youth sports have a shiny new home in the Memphis Sports & Event Center (MSEC) at Liberty Park. At 227,000 square feet, the $60 million complex’s enormous footprint can accommodate young athletes for anything indoor sports related, from basketball to futsal to volleyball and so many others. While nal construction won’t be complete until early next year, Liberty Park began showing o the new facilities in December, and it’s enough to get any sports fan excited.

PHOTO: USL/INDY ELEVEN Ben Pirmann

2022 had plenty to cheer for Memphis sports fans.

SPORTS By Samuel X. Cicci, Frank Murtaugh

A Year At Large

t’s long been the custom for Flyer writers to devote their year-end column to the 12 months just past, so I’ve spent the past couple of days rummaging through my 2022 columns.

January — e brutal assassination of Memphis rapper Young Dolph dominated the news for a couple of weeks and put Memphis into an unwanted national spotlight. I also wrote about the increasingly troubling phenomenon of soupedup cars with drive-out tags ignoring all tra c laws with impunity. By the end of the month, I was reduced to writing about the joys of learning a language on Duolingo, just to catch a breather.

February — e new Republican-created Tennessee voting district maps were a joke at all three levels, a mugging of democracy in plain sight. Newly con gured districts in and around Memphis, Nashville, and Knoxville were designed to break up neighborhoods and Democratic voting strongholds in urban areas, especially Black communities.

Later that month, I took in a pup I found abandoned at the Overton Park dog run. I named her Wink and soon discovered she was deaf. e story had a happy ending, eventually, as two women adopted her. She’s now Sasha, and I still get pictures of her.

Also, Marjorie Taylor Greene ranted about Nancy Pelosi’s “gazpacho police” enforcing mask requirements.

March — I urged the Mighty Lights folks to light the M Bridge in Ukrainian blue and gold a er Putin’s invasion. It took a minute for them to catch on. at was followed by a column on the right’s obsession with “wokeness.” Steve Bannon predicted that Ukraine’s “woke” army would succumb to Putin’s manly Russian forces in a couple of weeks. As usual, Bannon got it completely wrong.

March also saw the beginning of the circus surrounding the Supreme Court nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson. Despite having no real blemishes on her record and more judicial and trial experience than any nominee in decades, she su ered the slings and rubber-tipped arrows of GOP opportunists such as Tom Cotton, Ted Cruz, Lindsey Graham, Josh Hawley, and our homegrown lightweight, Marsha Blackburn, who cleverly asked the judge to “de ne a woman.”

April — I took a deep dive into the Wordle phenomenon, and how I personally got name-checked as a Wordle grinch.

Right-wingers began whining ceaselessly about saving American schools from “Critical Race eory,” and Governor Bill Lee rst tipped his hand about funneling tax dollars to Hillsdale College to fund 50 right-wing charter schools.

Blackburn once again found a way to embarrass (most of) us by slyly giving a white power symbol while questioning Judge Jackson on the Senate oor.

May — e leak of Justice Samuel Alito’s opinion supporting the overturning of Roe v. Wade was beginning to stir dissent, as American women realized that this SCOTUS was apparently quite willing to overturn the right of women to control their own bodies. I suggested the leak came from Clarence omas’ wife, Ginni, but it now appears the leaker was Alito himself.

A shooter in Bu alo murdered 10 Black people in a supermarket, citing as his reason the “white replacement theory” that had been spouted by Fox host Tucker Carlson and other white supremacists for weeks. Many thoughts and prayers were o ered.

June — Oh, hey, time for another mass shooting, this time at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. oughts and prayers were immediately issued and everything was ne.

A few days later, a er giving a speech at the NRA convention, Donald Trump read the names of the 19 victims of the shooting (mispronouncing many of them). en, as one does, he danced o -stage to Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m Coming.”

July — Roe v. Wade was overturned and American women in many parts of the country were required to adhere to a religious tenet held by 13 percent of the country’s adults, and six of the nine Supreme Court judges. Conservative activists had spent years working to

PHOTO: BRUCE VANWYNGARDEN

pack the Supreme Court for the express purpose of undoing Roe v. Wade, and they succeeded. Pundits wondered if women would be able to sustain their outrage until Election Day.

In Memphis, it was 100 degrees or so all month, including one day in which our “feels like” temperature reached a balmy 114.

August — A er an investigation, the DOJ became convinced that Trump was lying about not having more classied information stored at Mar-a-Lago and conducted a raid, which uncovered lots more classi ed and top-secret information. Trump had lied. Shocker.

I wrote about the horri c problems of Shelby County Clerk Wanda Halbert’s o ce, then I went on vacation for a couple weeks and had a great time. Kinda like Wanda did.

September — Like I said, I went on vacation. When I got back I wrote about license plates, “In God We Trust,” and propping up religion by the state government.

October — I managed to get out a column about being a bird-nerd and getting busted for pot in college. You wouldn’t think there would be a connection, but that’s why they pay me the big bucks to write this stu . I also

commended President Joe “Cheech” Biden for letting all those dope- ends out of prison.

e next week I went out in a boat on the Mississippi River, what was le of it, and took a lot of pictures of sand dunes that used to be river bottom.

November — Finally, there was good news. e “red wave” that was supposed to crush the Democrats’ power in Washington, D.C., and around the country turned out to be blue. People didn’t forget the Roe v. Wade debacle. People didn’t want to overturn the 2020 election or put Trump’s hand-selected clowns in high o ce. Huzzah.

December — We learned that the city would be getting a minor league football team called the Memphis Showboats (again). e city went crazy with all-night celebrations for a week. It was awesome.

We were also treated to another episode of the ongoing series, “I’m an anti-Semite,” starring “Ye,” Trump, and another horrible person. en Trump demanded that we “terminate” the Constitution and make him president again because Elon Musk released an earth-shattering Twitter expose about Hunter Biden’s penis. So far, the Constitution hasn’t been terminated, but there’s always next year. See you in January.

PHOTO: © MIKEPHOTOS | DREAMSTIME.COM

JULIA SUDNITSKAYA | DREAMSTIME.COM

And just like that, it’s another year gone. With the snap of a nger, 12 months have ashed by and, gulp, is it the end of December already? Every year since 2020, we’ve wondered if maybe, just maybe, this upcoming year will be the one where we all shake o the doldrums of a post-Covid reality, rush out to the street en masse, and burst into glorious song and dance. Maybe not quite so much exuberance, but things are certainly ramping up. A completed Tom Lee Park is on the horizon, our local music scene is going strong, Memphis sports are gearing up for championship runs, and mayoral hopefuls are quietly slipping the gloves o . If that’s enough to get you giddy with anticipation, well, you’ve earned it. Prepare to take o the handbrake, and read on for our predictions for 2023.

BREAKING NEWS

Tom Lee Park

Maybe the most anticipated opening of 2023 is the renovated, completely reimagined Tom Lee Park.

e massive, $61 million project is expected to completely transform Memphis’ riverfront, drawing visitors — locals and tourists alike — to see it. Gone will be the at, wide-open plain of grass between the Mississippi River and Riv-

erside Drive. It will be replaced with low hills, native plants, lookouts, bathrooms, sports and recreation areas, play equipment, concessions, and more. When the project was announced back in 2019, the new design was described as “a blend of landscaping and architecture meant to mimic and restore some of the 30-acre river park’s natural ecology and better connect the city to the river.”

e anticipation of the park’s opening comes with both excited expectation and some anxiety. e new park design is expected to better connect the park with the rest of Downtown Memphis, to the delight of city leaders. All of those tourists will come at the delight of Downtown business owners.

However, the new design will bring growing pains for Memphis in May.

e organization has already predicted a much smaller festival in the park and, maybe, higher prices for festival-goers to pay for the higher fees for using the park.

Memphis River Parks Partnership ofcials said in September that the project was halfway complete. e park has to at least be ready enough to host Memphis in May in a few short months. O cials said a grand opening of the park will be held a er May’s events.

e park’s opening was one major reason travel magazine Condé Nast Traveler named Memphis one of the top places to visit in 2023, one of only two places in the U.S. — Toby Sells

Memphis Sports & Events Center

Expect to (probably) see the inside of the brand-new and newly opened Memphis Sports & Events Center (MSEC) in 2023. e $60 million facility was built in 18 months and will be the centerpiece of the new sports tourism hook for Liberty Park (or the Mid-South Fairgrounds if you’re old-timey).

At 227,000 square feet, the MSEC has a footprint the size of four football elds. Each of two wings features eight basketball courts that can convert into as many as 32 volleyball courts. e north wing includes stadium seating to accommodate 3,500 spectators, along with four VIP suites and boxes for media and recruiters.

e center is a gamble by city leaders that it will attract new visitors to Memphis via youth sports travel teams for indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, and more. Funding for the center, though, is expected to come from tax revenues generated from a zone around the facility, presumably enough to pay for itself. — TS

Outlawing Drag

e state of Tennessee saw numerous controversies regarding drag shows in 2022. In September, what was advertised as a “family-friendly” drag show at the Museum of Science and History (MoSH) was canceled a er a group of Proud Boys showed up to the event

armed. e Jackson Pride drag show was limited to participants aged 18 and older a er weeks of battling between event organizers and lawmakers in Jackson, Tennessee.

Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson (R-Franklin) recently led legislation for the 113th Tennessee General Assembly that could potentially make drag performances in Tennessee a crime. is legislation would de ne drag shows as “adult cabaret” and would prohibit these performances in public places.

e bill also goes on to make performing in “adult cabaret performance” on public property or “in a location where the adult cabaret performance could be viewed by a person who is not an adult” a Class A misdemeanor. Repeat o enders face a Class E felony.

Local LGBTQ+ activists in Memphis such as Moth Moth Moth (Mothie for short) have voiced their concerns over social media and are actively working to raise awareness and ght back.

“ is is a slippery slope that aims to force drag artists into our homes and LGBTQIA+ people out of public sight,” said Mothie in a Facebook post. “How can you ght this? Call your reps. And scream at them.”

It might be a while before this sticks, as the legislature does not reconvene until January. If passed, the law would take effect in July 2023.

— Kailynn Johnson

ON THE POLITICAL HORIZON

Much of the New Year will be devoted to the selection of a new mayor and city council by Memphis voters. e quadrennial process, which actually got under way in the late months of 2022, will formally conclude on ursday, October 5, 2023. Long before the resolution of that contest, however, the actual rst election of the year, a special election for the state House District 86 seat, will have already occurred. e primary date for the special election, which was called to decide a successor to the late Barbara Cooper, who died in October, is January 24th, with the general election scheduled for March 14th.

A referendum on the November 8th ballot allowing for a third term for the Memphis mayor and members of the city council was rejected by the city’s voters, thereby foreclosing on a possible re-election bid by Mayor Jim Strickland and ensuring that a new face would be at the helm of city government, come October 5th. e reality of an open seat also made it likely that the mayoral eld would swell to include numerous challengers, several of whom had announced in late fall and early winter, with more expected a er the turn of the year.

e rst gauge of true candidate viability will come on or around January 15th, when end-of-the-year nancial disclosures will be required of the mayoral hopefuls, with information on their campaign war chests to be made publicly available. Several of the so-far announced candidates — notably

Sheri Floyd Bonner, former County Commissioner and NAACP head Van Turner, and president/CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission Paul Young — are thought to have good fundraising prospects, with the potential to scare o rivals. Race is unlikely to be a factor, since all the actual or rumored candidates to date have been African Americans — a development consistent with the city’s demographic pro le. Gender could be important, however, especially if either school board chair Michelle McKissack or state House Democratic leader Karen Camper stay

in the race and get up a good head of steam. A few long-odds candidates, already in or thinking about it, include former TV judge Joe Brown and former County Commissioner Justin Ford.

In Nashville, the Republican legislative supermajority, somewhat further entrenched a er redistricting, remains in charge, and two bills that are aimed at the state’s LGBTQ+ community have already been led, and, with administration acquiescence if not outright support, will doubtless go to the head of the class. One would prohibit gendera rmation surgery on behalf of trans-

gender youth; another would place serious restrictions on public drag shows. Legislation to update the revenue sources undergirding the IMPROVE transportation act sponsored by former Governor Bill Haslam in 2017 is considered urgently necessary, especially in anticipation of the forthcoming needs of Ford’s BlueOval project at the West Tennessee megasite. Governor Bill Lee has made it clear, however, that further increases in the state’s gasoline tax are o the table.

Meanwhile, the version of the Shelby County Commission elected in August is Democratic-controlled (nine Democrats vs. four Republicans) and conspicuously more liberal (in every sense of the word) than the GOP establishment in the state Capitol. In a meeting just before Christmas, the commissioners put together a wish list of nancial favors it wants from the state that may have hard going with the parsimonious Lee and his legislative leadership.

e commissioners’ list includes millions for Regional One Health (long known as e Med and, now as then, regarded as nancially ailing) and more millions for new schools, a new jail, sewer expansion, mental health, and broadband improvements. All in all, the requests add up to $1.2 billion.

For some decades now, tension has developed between spokespersons for Shelby County and the state political establishment (regardless of politicalparty issues). Especially in view of the state’s apparently ever-mounting e orts to limit local options, the coming session should underscore these further.

— Jackson Baker

PHOTO: MEMPHIS RIVER PARKS PARTNERSHIP (Top) Tom Lee Park

PHOTO: MOTH MOTH MOTH (Le ) Moth Moth Moth

PHOTO: FRANK MURTAUGH (Above) Memphis Sports & Events Center

PHOTO: CITY OF MEMPHIS (Right) Jim Strickland

ROCK ON: LIVE MUSIC IN 2023

With in-person performances roaring back to life over the past year, there are plenty of concerts to look forward to in 2023, though the various viral hazards still at large may still yet cause cancellations. For starters, of course, New Year’s Eve shows are just around the corner, including Blind Mississippi Morris and band at Blues City Cafe, Louder an Bombs at B-Side, the Memphis FunkN-Horns at Neil’s Music Room, and a double header of Formerly Known As and Twin Soul at Lafayette’s Music Room. With Jerry Lee Lewis’ recent death, many will likely ock to Hernando’s Hide-aWay as they ring in 2023 with Jason D. Williams, who carries the Jerry Lee torch in his own inimitable way.

As January rolls on, local venues are bringing the entertainment without a pause. Lafayette’s general manager Julien Salley Jr. says, “It’s pretty exciting to see our ticketed shows return to full speed a er what Covid did to us. Beyond a heavy schedule of the best local artists in Memphis, we also have incoming: Geo Tate of Queensrÿche, Samantha Fish, Tab Benoit, Marc Broussard, Adelitas Way, Smile Empty Soul, and a ton of other exciting acts.”

Meanwhile, even more exquisite concerts will grace Memphis concert halls. e Germantown Performing Arts Center (GPAC) already has the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, Stacey Kent, and e Milk Carton Kids in January; Neko Case, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Pilobolus, and Samara Joy in February; and Step Afrika!, Marie-Stéphane Bernard, and Anthony Wilson in March.

Crosstown Arts will host more classical concerts than ever in the new year, including the Mahogany Chamber Music Series, three shows curated by Artina McCain that spotlight Black and other underrepresented composers and performers. ere’s also the intriguingly titled “Mozart and Electric Guitar Concerto” by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra and Iris Collective’s “Spacetime.” But it’s the jazz curation that should win Crosstown medals, as they begin with guitarist Jimmy Bruno, then go deep in March when Crosstown’s “jazz month” will include another guitar giant, Peter Bernstein, as well as Marc Ribot, e Bad Plus, Deepstaria Enigmatica, singer Morgan James, and James Sexton’s e Otis Mission.

Of course, the rock world choogles on, so keep checking the o erings at Hernando’s, Growlers, Hi Tone, Bar DKDC, Young Avenue Deli, Railgarten, the Cove, Lamplighter Lounge, and BSide. If you’re thinking big, Graceland Live will keep bringing the national touring acts — like Cinderella’s Tom

Keifer and Mr. “Pretty Little Poison,” Warren Zeiders, in February. e Orpheum and Halloran theaters have even more on deck, from the Black Love Live soul concert to Don Bryant and the BoKeys, not to mention Mark Edgar Stuart’s ongoing songwriter series, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros., the McCrary Sisters in February, and a smashing lineup of Buddy Guy, Patti Labelle, Van Duren, and John Mellencamp in the months to follow. — Alex Greene

FUTURE FILM

ere was much kvetching about the future of the theater business in 2022, as box o ce returns ranged from extraordinary (Top Gun: Maverick made $1.5 billion) to job-killing (Disney’s $100 million loss on Strange World cost CEO Bob Chapek his career). But 2023’s release calendar looks a little more stacked, money-wise, than 2022’s pandemic-ravaged o erings. January starts strong with M3GAN, a creepy doll robot horror movie, and a reboot of the ’90s hip-hop classic House Party February has Soderbergh sprinkling stripper fairy dust with Magic Mike’s Last Dance, the year’s rst Marvel movie Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, and a true story whose name says it all, Cocaine Bear

In March, star Michael B. Jordan takes to the ring as director of Creed III. Memphian Henry Gayden returns as writer for the sequel Shazam! Fury of the Gods, Keanu Reeves kicks all kinds of ass in John Wick: Chapter 4, and Chris Pine leads an attempt to translate Dungeons & Dragons to the big screen with Honor Among ieves April dawns with e Super Mario

Brothers Movie, featuring the other, lesser Chris — Pratt — as the Italian plumber, for some reason. Chris McKay helms Ren eld, starring Nicolas Cage as freakin’ Dracula and Nicholas Hoult as the vampire’s thrall. Later, a new crew takes on the Deadites in Evil Dead Rise, and the beloved Judy Blume novel Are You ere God? It’s Me, Margaret nally gets an adaptation.

e big guns come out in May, when James Gunn takes his nal bow as a Marvel director with Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and Fast X brings all the family back together to drive fast some more. In June, Spider-Man: Across e Spider-Verse will test if Marvel can keep its Spider-streak alive. e next week, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts will no doubt supply me with fodder for an entertaining pan. June 16th, everyone who’s anyone (Swinton! Cranston! Hanks! Goldblum!) will be in Wes Anderson’s Asteroid City, while walking PR crisis Ezra Miller tanks e Flash. e month ends with Harrison Ford’s swan song as the world’s favorite archeologist in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

In July, Tom Cruise hopes to repeat 2022’s box o ce triumph with Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One

July 21st brings the strangest pairing of any weekend, with Christopher Nolan’s biopic of the man who invented the atomic bomb, Oppenheimer, and Greta Gerwig’s Barbie. For the record, I’m up for both. August slows down with a new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles ick, Disney’s long-delayed Haunted Mansion, and Blue Beetle. In a September with e Equalizer 2, e Nun 2, and e Expendables 4, the only potential bright spot is the latest installment of Branagh’s Agatha Christie kick, A Haunting in Venice Kraven e Hunter leads October, and Saw X rounds out Halloween weekend. Return to Arrakis on November 3rd with Dune: Part Two (if you thought the rst one was a snoozer, this is where all the good stu happens). Was anyone asking for e Hunger Games: e Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes? At least DreamWorks’ windfall from Trolls 3 will help pad Justin Timberlake’s retirement account. Currently scheduled for December is Timothée Chalamet in Wonka, a remake of e Color Purple, and a currently untitled Ghostbusters sequel, before the year squishes to a close with Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

PHOTO: COURTESY ARTINA MCCAIN

(Top) Dr. Artina McCain

(Above) Timothée Chalamet returns in Dune: Part Two.

PHOTO: LARRY KUZNIEWSKI Penny Hardaway

It’s the Sweet 16 or bust for Coach Penny Hardaway and his Memphis Tigers basketball team. is is especially the case for the nine(!) seniors that make up virtually the entire rotation for the hyear coach. New arrival Kendric Davis — a transfer from SMU — could pull o the rare feat of winning his league’s Player of the Year honors two years in a row for di erent teams. If Davis stays healthy and continues to excel, and supporting veterans like DeAndre Williams and Alex Lomax make the right kind of impact, reaching the NCAA tournament’s second weekend for the rst time since (gulp) 2009 is within reach.

ree questions will follow the Memphis Grizzlies into 2023. Can Ja Morant win the MVP award (would be a franchise rst)? Yes. Can the Griz win the freakin’ NBA championship? Yes. e third question is the most problematic: Can the Memphis Grizzlies ever play at full strength? e team has climbed to the top of the Western Conference standings without playing a solitary game featuring Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane all in uniform. Should the team be able to unleash their big-three on the rest of the NBA for a sustained stretch — preferably into May and June — there may be a large parade this summer on Beale Street.

e Memphis Redbirds will take the eld for their 25th season in a refurbished AutoZone Park, a brand-new playing surface complemented by a brand-new video board. And the St. Louis Cardinals’ Triple-A a liate may

feature two of the top prospects in all of minor-league baseball. Slugger Jordan Walker — a third-baseman and out elder — could make the club’s big-league roster out of spring training despite his tender age (20). Shortstop Masyn Winn is another elite young talent, with an arm that makes many pitchers blush.

e Redbirds are looking to make their rst playo appearance since joining the International League in 2022.

— Frank Murtaugh

Memphis 901 FC are coming o their best-ever season a er making it to the USL Eastern Conference semi nals. With titans in defense, mid eld, and attack, coach Ben Pirmann unlocked the full potential of this squad, who were a penalty kick away from the conference nals. Pirmann will unfortunately no longer lead the team next season, having accepted an o er from USL rival Charleston Battery FC. Next year it’s Scotsman Stephen Glass, who has previous coaching experience in America with MLS side Atlanta United and its USL a liate Atlanta United 2. And crucially, the organization has gone to great lengths to retain key players. Rather than building from scratch, star striker Phillip Goodrum (21 goals last season), mid elders Aaron Molloy and Laurent Kissiedou, defender Graham Smith, and captain Leston Paul, among others, will all return. Memphis came close to reaching the conference nals. For the following year, taking that next step is a distinct possibility.

— Samuel X. Cicci

PHOTO: USL/INDY ELEVEN Memphis 901 FC

steppin’ out

We Recommend: Culture, News + Reviews

Let There Be Light

By Abigail Morici

Light of my life, re of my roasted chestnuts. My spirit, my cheer, ’tis the season of approaching the light, not the light — this isn’t a Charles Dickens’ story — but the twinkling lights. And boy, oh boy, does Memphis have the twinkling lights for you, but time is ticking.

For starters, the Memphis Botanic Garden has brought back its Holiday Wonders, this year with an updated layout covering eight acres and featuring larger-than-life characters from the “Alice’s Adventures” exhibition. Only this time, the large sculptures will be covered with lights, instead of greenery and owers. Guests will also enjoy interactive activities, and on December 22nd, dogs are welcome to take in the spectacle, too. Holiday Wonders lasts through December 23rd.

Meanwhile, the zoo is hosting its annual Zoo Lights, on select nights through January 1st, with gorgeous displays, new and old, from the classic Twinkle Tunnel to the brand-new Chinese lanterns. Guests can take a ride on the Ferris wheel and a spin on the ice rink. Plus, Magic Mr. Nick will make an appearance or two, and so will some of the animals for meet and greets.

And, of course, no Memphis holiday would be complete without a drive through Shelby Farms Park’s Starry Nights, where millions of lights will dazzle you in creative displays. e event also happens to be Shelby Farms’ largest fundraising event, with proceeds going to support daily operations at the park and the Shelby Farms Greenline. On Tuesday, December 27th, the attraction will be closed to cars for a Walk + Bike the Lights Night, where guests can take a walk or ride their bikes through the glowing nights. Starry Nights runs through December 30th, concluding with the annual Bu aGLO run. e Bu aGLO run is a family-friendly 2.25-mile fun run, with strollers and leashed dogs welcome. For more information, visit shelbyfarmspark.org.

HOLIDAY WONDERS AT THE GARDEN, MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN, THROUGH DECEMBER 23RD, 5-8:30 P.M., $10-14.

ZOO LIGHTS, MEMPHIS ZOO, THROUGH JANUARY 1, 5:30-9:30 P.M., $14-$19.

STARRY NIGHTS, SHELBY FARMS PARK, THROUGH DECEMBER 30, 6-10 P.M., $29.95-$35/CAR.

When it comes to drinking, the holidays are an endurance race. Spirits, p. 24

A Christmas Carol

eatre Memphis, performances through December 23, $15-$35

At this Memphis family holiday tradition, Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns him of an upcoming spiritual journey. An eye-opening exploration leads to happiness and enlightenment, not to mention song, dance, and holiday cheer.

Final performances of this year’s production will run ursday, December 22nd, and Friday, December 23rd, at 7 p.m. Tickets cost $35 for adults, $30 for seniors and military, and $15 for students.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Orpheum eatre, ursday, December 22, 7:30 p.m., $45-$95 Presented by Chip Davis, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas has been America’s favorite holiday tradition for over 35 years! e program celebrates the group’s recent anniversary of 35 years since their rst Christmas album and includes dazzling multimedia e ects performed in an intimate setting. Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with Mannheim Steamroller Christmas classics in the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller.

one of many eateries to open in 2022. Food, p. 25

at

Holiday Fab Fridays

Museum of Science & History, Friday, December 23, 7 p.m.

Test your holiday mishap skills in a string light untangling competition. See how fast you can get your lights ready to decorate, and check out MoSH’s workshop to learn why your old lights never worked when one of the bulbs went out.

A erward, at 8 p.m., the museum will screen National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, where the Griswolds are preparing for a seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for the family, especially when the obnoxious family guests are in the picture.

Supreme Queen ursdays

Dru’s Place, ursday, December 29, 10 p.m., free entry

ee Native Supreme, India Taco, presents Orion Story, whom you might recognize from RuPaul’s Drag Race’s 14th season. Also performing are Wednesday Moss, Angel of Azarath, Cherry Lie Maid, and Angel Fartz.

New Year’s at Noon

Children’s Museum of Memphis, Saturday, December 31, 10 a.m..2 p.m., $3-$20

Celebrate New Year’s in superhero style and enjoy a balloon drop at noon, face-painting, candy toss, free carousel rides, and more.

Folks feasted

South Point Grocery,

PHOTO: COURTESY MEMPHIS ZOO

Zoo Lights

PHOTO: TIM DOUGLAS | PEXELS

PHOTO: ADDIE JAMES

On the Mend

By Abigail Morici

After her father passed away, Katrina Perdue began patching a pair of his old jeans, the last pair he’d worn. Though she had knit and sewn a bit before, this was her first time mending a piece of clothing, but the act of repairing loved and worn clothes was therapeutic in itself. “It’s kinda slowing down and having something that’s calm and meditative to do in a busy world,” she says. “I found that it was a very healing process and it really helped me through that grief.”

So, after that first pair of jeans, Perdue turned to mending as often as she could, wanting to bring new life to the materials around her — from her childhood blankie to her daughter’s stuffed bunny to a chair from her partner’s studio. Before long, Perdue broadened her scope beyond the personal. In her exhibit at Crosstown Arts, Perdue has gathered some of these items that she’s mended — some personal, like her blankie, and some not so personal, like a mended plastic bucket found among curb-side trash.

“Part of it is really studying the way something’s made and thinking about how, even though there are these huge factories and these machines, it still requires a human hand to piece those things together, and we are so removed from it,” Perdue says. “In the last 20 years, fast fashion has become a thing and we are now seeing the result of that in how much waste there is — these literal mountains of waste landfills.”

With this in mind, the act of mending, for Perdue, is more than just extending the life of an object; it’s honoring it, too, by not treating it simply as disposable among our material and consumerist abundance. Perdue even uses bright, colorful stitching to highlight this idea. “It brings attention to the wear instead of trying to hide it,” she says. “That’s a metaphor for life, thinking about sharing our struggles, sharing things that are difficult — you know, our scars that are a part of our story.”

New Year’s Evil Rave

Black Lodge, Saturday, December 31, 8 p.m.-3 a.m., $20, 18+

Ring in 2023 with an all-night dance party at Black Lodge’s deliciously decadent New Year’s EVIL Rave. DJing the event will be FreeWill, Andy Chance, Selector Jack, Brian Hamilton, and Alexander the Average. Other entertainment will include hoop performers and fire dancers.

Partiers will also enjoy a photo booth, midnight countdown and toast, specialty drinks, and a special NYE food menu.

Because I Could Not Stop For Death: A Poetry Tour

Elmwood Cemetery, Sunday, January 1, 10:30 a.m., $40

For as long as there have been graveyards, poems have been written for and about them. All around Elmwood, there is poetry and reminders of poetry. This tour, exploring Elmwood through the lens of verse, will include both classic and contemporary works and will look back as well as forward. A traditional New Year’s lunch of pork, greens, and black-eyed peas will be served after the tour in the chapel.

This tour will explore themes of death and dying and may not be suitable for everyone.

New Year’s Sound Bath

The Broom Closet, Monday, January 2, 6:30 p.m., $20 Matt Petty, a certified sound therapist, will lead a meditative sound experience using crystal singing bowls, gongs, chimes, and multiple instruments. During the experience, participants will be encouraged to set their intentions for the new year and meditate on them while the healing sound vibrations soothe.

There will be zero-gravity chairs for everyone to sit in during the sound bath. Blankets are welcome. Reserve a spot ahead of time at eventbrite.com. This session is open to anyone aged 16 and older.

“MENDING IN A STATE OF ABUNDANCE,” CROSSTOWN ARTS GALLERIES, ON DISPLAY THROUGH MARCH 5.

Daniel Radcliffe breaks out the accordion in the Weird Al “biopic,” Weird: The Al Yankovic Story Film, p. 28.

PHOTO: COURTESY KATRINA PERDUE/CROSSTOWN ARTS

Katrina Perdue repairs objects with hand-stitching.

The Dynamite Dozen

Harlan T. Bobo - Porch Songs (Goner)

Recorded before Bobo’s battle with lupus, these songs offer his intriguing songcraft in stripped-down form. “Around 2016, I went to see this guy in Perpignan who’s got an old 8-track set up,” he says. “It sounds very Sun Studio-y.” These minimalist tracks bring Bobo’s heartpiercing lyrics to the fore.

mash-up by Yo Gotti and Moneybagg Yo, Gangsta Art) and “F.N.F. (Let’s Go)” (with Hitkidd) is a communal one, a flygirl community where she reigns as the bird-flipping queen.

Elizabeth King - I Got a Love (Bible & Tire)

King’s voice has always combined a tender intimacy with soaring passion, and this second album since she reenergized her gospel career takes it all to a new level, with funkier and more imaginative arrangements. Yet it’s the classic, dark gospel blues of the title song that shakes you to your core.

nine jazz players backing him up in these jump-blues originals get it. Matt Ross-Spang’s mix cinches it.

MonoNeon - Put On Earth for You

This has been MonoNeon’s year, as Fender released a bass in his honor. This album reveals why: finely crafted George Clinton-esque, kitchen-sink funk that veers into the scatological, but always keeps a soulful, philosophical message at its heart. And this virtuoso knows how to play to the song.

Cory Branan - When I Go I Ghost (Blue Élan)

Pairing slice-of-life writing with all manner of musical worlds, Branan pulls out all the stops in this literary stroll through the dark corners of American life, running the stylistic gamut. With contributions from guests like Jason Isbell, Garrison Starr, and Brian Fallon.

Frog Squad - Frog Squad Plays Satie

One of classical music’s most minimalist composers re-imagined by an eight-piece free jazz ensemble? It might just be crazy enough to work. Indeed it is, for David Collins assembled a heavy band for this Green Room show, guided by his unexpected arrangements and the players’ own flights of improvisation.

Eric Gales - Crown (Provogue)

This triumphant assertion of the Memphis guitar master’s indomitability is graced with a cameo from Joe Bonamassa, but Gales hardly needs that feature to claim the throne. This funky, inventive mission statement by a true virtuoso of blues guitar brings a newfound urgency to Gales’ playing, with electrifying results.

GloRilla - Anyways, Life’s Great...

It’s GloRilla’s world, and we’re just living in it. Yet the vision she offers in massive hits like “Tomorrow” (one version with Cardi B, one on the massive Memphis

Charles Lloyd - Trios: Ocean (Blue Note)

When Lloyd played GPAC this year, he reminisced generously about his Memphis youth, then showed how his postbop experience here evolved in brilliant directions. Here, he explores the trio form with onetime Crosstown resident artist Anthony Wilson, a sterling guitarist with family roots here, and the otherworldly piano of Gerald Clayton.

The Love Light Orchestra - Leave the Light On (Nola Blue)

You’d think you had just scored an old LP on Duke Records from the 1950s. Like Bobby Bland, singer John Németh’s dynamic range goes from a silky purr to a growl in a heartbeat. And the

North Mississippi Allstars - Set Sail (New West)

The Dickinson brothers have always experimented with rootsy blues grooves, and their latest has them looking both backward (with Stax legend William Bell) and forward, as singer Lamar Williams Jr. weaves his magic into their soul stew. Sonic surprises mix with tasty licks from the Mississippi mud.

PreauXX - God You’re Beautiful (Unapologetic)

If steez is the perfect blend of style and ease, PreauXX himself has all of that. But the rapper is working on many levels here. “This is my most vulnerable project,” he says. “This is my Handsome Samson persona. I’m very luxurious, my skin glowing. I’m being who I am.”

Mark Edgar Stuart - Until We Meet Again (Madjack)

Produced by Dawn Hopkins and Reba Russell, under the name “The Blue Eyed Bitches,” the focus here is on Stuart’s voice. The results are easy, breezy, and natural, thanks to the producers’ focus on feel above all else. That suits Stuart just fine. As he says, “It’s just about the emotion.”

Best Archival Release: Various Artists

- The D-Vine Spirituals Records Story, Vol. 1 & 2 (Bible & Tire)

This slice of ’70s gospel, from Pastor Juan Shipp’s old label, is a must-have for all soul fans.

MUSIC By Alex Greene

2022’s greatest albums, straight out of Memphis, plus the best archival release.

AFTER DARK: Live Music Schedule December 22 - January

New Year’s Eve at the Peabody

Adam McClelland

Wednesday, Dec. 28, 10 p.m.

TIN ROOF

Andrew Cabigao Friday, Dec. 30, 6 p.m.

HARD ROCK CAFE

Blind Mississippi Morris Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.

BLUES CITY CAFE

Chris Gales

Monday, Dec. 26, 3:30 p.m. ; Tuesday, Dec. 27, 11:30 a.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 28, 11:30 a.m.; Saturday, Dec. 31, 4 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 1, 3:30 p.m.

RUM BOOGIE CAFE

Chris Gales Live at the Westin Memphis Beale Street

Chris Gales will be doing an acoustic performance in the amazing lobby of this elegant hotel. Friday, Dec. 23, 6-9 p.m.

THE WESTIN MEMPHIS BEALE

STREET

Denver Massey ursday, Dec. 22, 6:30 p.m.

TIN ROOF

DJ Epic Friday, Dec. 23, 10:30 p.m.

TIN ROOF

Eric Hughes ursday, Dec. 22, 7-11 p.m.; ursday, Dec. 29, 7-11 p.m.

RUM BOOGIE CAFE

Frog Squad

An evening of free psychedelic/avant-garde/jazz. Friday, Dec. 23, 9 p.m.

HIGH COTTON BREWING CO.

Liberty Bowl Pre Party

Entertainment by Chad Perry, County Line Dri ers, Zechariah Lloyd, and JD Epic. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 6 p.m.

TIN ROOF

Lumin x oddinmusic

Miami’s Lumin is a DJ, producer, and MC who has been lighting up stages across the country with his new, cool soul sound that features hip-hop, lo- , space jazz and psychedelic in uences. Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

CENTRAL STATION HOTEL

Entertainment by SouthBound, Seeing Red, DJ Epic, and Rene Koopman Trio. Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

THE PEABODY HOTEL

New Year’s Eve Party Life

Live performances from Gerald Richardson, Jonté Mayon, and Shunta Mosby. Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

HILTON MEMPHIS

NYE Bash on Beale

Live music plus epic DJ battle. Saturday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

TIN ROOF

Richard Wilson Saturday, Dec. 24, 4-7 p.m.

RUM BOOGIE CAFE

Rodell McCord Sunday, Dec. 25, 8 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 1, 8 p.m.

TIN ROOF

Rodell McCord Full Band Dance the New Year in with Rodell McCord and his full band playing all your favorite cover songs ranging from oldies, classic rock, blues, and country, modern and traditional. Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

HARD ROCK CAFE

Roxi Love Wednesday, Dec. 28, 8 p.m.

TIN ROOF

Trevor Berryhill Saturday, Dec. 24, noon; Saturday, Dec. 31, noon.

TIN ROOF

Deb Jam Band

Tuesday, Dec. 27, 6-10 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 3, 6-10 p.m.

NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM

Elmo & the Shades Wednesday, Dec. 28, 7-11 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 4, 7-11 p.m.

NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM

It’s Christmas Time A Memphis holiday music experience with Chris ompson’s Deep Roots Band, Ariel Reign, and Lana J. $20. ursday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

MEMPHIS MUSIC ROOM

Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute Celebrate the holidaze with Play Some Skynyrd: A Memphis Tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd. Friday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m.

NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM

Memphis Funk-N-Horns Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.

NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM

2023 Townes Van Zandt & Hank Williams Tribute $10. Sunday, Jan. 1, 7 p.m.

B-SIDE

Almost Famous Friday, Dec. 23, 10 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Amber McCain Band Friday, Dec. 30, 6 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Aquarian Blood, Data Drums Friday, Dec. 23, 9 p.m.

LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE Area 51 ursday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Beat Battle on the Bluff Vol. 10 e hottest producer battle in the Mid-South. $10, $15. ursday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m.

BLACK LODGE

Breeze Cayolle & New Orleans Wednesday, Dec. 28, 6 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Buddy Albert Nemenz Tuesday, Jan. 3, 6 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Cruisin’ Heavy Acoustic Friday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Devil Train ursday, Dec. 22, 9:30 p.m.; ursday, Dec. 29, 9:30 p.m.

B-SIDE

Emo Night $10. Sunday, Dec. 25, 8 p.m.

HI TONE

Emotions False New Year’s Eve Bash Symptoms, Moonmane, Benadriil, Anemoia, TY Yellow, Lipstick Stains, Stay Fashionable, Walking on Landmines, and Lucille Ann Elaine. $20. Saturday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

HI TONE

Geoff Tate’s Big Rock Show with Mark Daly Wednesday, Jan. 4, 7 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Gutta Nation Toy Drive Bring a toy for free entry. $10. Friday, Dec. 23, 9 p.m.

HI TONE

Handel’s Messiah Handel’s Messiah is nothing short of a miracle, and Maestro Moody’s devotion to this beloved oratorio has made it a “can’t miss” event of the Holiday season. $35/General Admission. ursday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.

LINDENWOOD CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Hormonal Imbalance, Gravelurker $5. Friday, Dec. 30, 9 p.m.

HITONE

Izzy & Dale Naron $10. ursday, Dec. 29, 9 p.m.

HITONE

Jack Oblivian Friday, Dec. 30, 10 p.m.

BAR DKDC

Jack O & the Tearjerkers, Turnstyles Friday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m. B-SIDE

JD Westmorland Monday, Dec. 26, 9 p.m. B-SIDE

Jerry Has No Skates, The Opening Night, The Acorns, Wicker $5. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 7 p.m. GROWLERS

Joe Restivo 4 Saturday, Dec. 24, 11 a.m.; Sunday, Dec. 25, 11 a.m.; Saturday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.; Sunday, Jan. 1, 11 a.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Kevin and Bethany Paige Tuesday, Dec. 27, 6 p.m. LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Korroded, Moisturizer, Mammoth Caravan $10. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 8 p.m. HI TONE

Lafayette’s All-Stars Friday, Dec. 30, 10 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Louder Than Bombs Saturday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m. B-SIDE

Memphis Mojo Sunday, Dec. 25, 6 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Near Year’s Eve Celebration ft. Formerly Known As and Twin Soul Saturday, Dec. 31, 6 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

NYE Bass Experience Featuring DrewBeats, Z-Dougie, Raxx, Nodus Defect, and Dale, plus illumination lights and lasers. $15-$20. Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.

GROWLERS

Rock the Boat ursday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Six Feet Thunder Sunday, Jan. 1, 8 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Sleepy and Friends Friday, Dec. 23, 9 p.m.

GROWLERS

Steve Hopper Monday, Jan. 2, 6 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

Sub-Radio: The 1990 Something Tour $15-$20. ursday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

GROWLERS

Sunday Jazz with David Collins & Friends Sunday, Dec. 25, 6-9 p.m.

THE COVE

Swingtime Explosion Big Band Monday, Dec. 26, 6 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

The Dead Bolts with Lemon’s $10. ursday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m.

GROWLERS

The Memphis Songwriter Night Dizzy Mari, John Keegan, and Domino Falls. Free. ursday, Dec. 22, 7 p.m.

HITONE

The Pinch Sunday, Dec. 25, 10 p.m.

LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM

The Soultrain Lounge Presents New Year’s Eve Players Ball With Stacey Marino. Featuring Bill Dodson and Zach Stewart e Fade Band. Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

PARADISE ENTERTAINMENT CENTER

Ugly Sweater Party e Smokin’ Jays, Ben Ricketts, Madaline Collins, and Cheyenne Marrs. $10. Friday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m.

HITONE

WiMM Holiday Special Wednesday, Dec. 28, 8 p.m.

B-SIDE

Winter Show with Jombi, Lavender Friday, Dec. 30, 9:30 p.m. B-SIDE

Handel’s Messiah Handel’s Messiah is nothing short of a miracle, and Maestro Moody’s devotion to this beloved oratorio has made it a “can’t miss” event of the Holiday season. $35. Friday, Dec. 23, 7:30 p.m.

MAPLES MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Jason D Williams

Plus special guests. $50. Saturday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY

Papa Top ursday, Dec. 29, 7 p.m.

HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY

Richard Wilson ursday, Dec. 29, 6-10 p.m.

MESQUITE CHOP HOUSE

Rockabilly Night with DJ Amy Dee and Friends

Featuring performances by DJ Bloody Elle, DJ One-a-Day, Brad Birkedahl Trio, and DJ Amy Dee. Friday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m.

HERNANDO’S HIDEAWAY

901/ROX

Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

SIDECAR CAFE MEMPHIS

A Very Tipsy Xmas

With live performances by Zsa Davis, Zalissa Stewart, and special surprise guests. Vibes by DJ Bay. Friday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m.

360 SPORTS AND CIGAR BAR

Basketcase

Cover includes champagne, party favors, NYE shot, and a free T-shirt for the rst 100. $25. Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

HADLEY’S PUB

memphisflyer.com

PHOTO: RICHARD WILSON Richard Wilson

PHOTO: CENTRAL STATION Central Station Hotel

CALENDAR of EVENTS: December 22 - January 4

ART AND SPECIAL EXHIBITS

“Evicted”

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

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

“Rapid Response Exhibition: POVERTY TODAY!”

“A Better Life

for Their Children”

An exhibition of photographs and stories that brings readers into the impactful yet largely unknown story of Rosenwald schools. Through Jan. 2.

CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

NATIONAL

Alba Ortiz

Exhibit of work by Alba Ortiz, a native of Colombia, who paints while she travels the world. Through Jan. 4.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Bartlett Association December Showcase

Presented by the Bartlett Art Association, this exhibition includes a wide array of works in media ranging from oils and acrylics to photograph and digital art. Through Dec. 30.

GALLERY 1091

“Beyond, Part IV”

Featuring Pam Cobb, Pamela Hassler, Sam Red, and Julie Schumer. Through Dec. 31.

JAY ETKIN GALLERY

“Beyond the Emerald City”

An exhibition of Oz-themed comics and artwork by Dale Martin. Through Dec. 28.

PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE

“Cry Now”

Exhibition of work by Jesse Butcher. Through Jan. 21.

TOPS GALLERY

“Drawing the Curtain: Maurice Sendak’s Designs for Opera and Ballet”

Exhibition dedicated to children’s book author and illustrator Maurice Sendak’s set designs and clever costumes. Through Jan. 8.

MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART

The traveling museum exhibit from the National Building Museum is an immersive experience bringing visitors into the world of renter evictions its impact on the family and community. Through Jan. 21.

BENJAMIN L. HOOKS CENTRAL LIBRARY

“Fun and Games”

Exhibition of work by John McIntire. Through Jan. 21.

TOPS GALLERY

“Les Paul Thru the Lens”

A collection of rare photographs that revel the behindthe-scenes life of the father of modern music, Les Paul.

Through Dec. 30.

STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN SOUL MUSIC

“Looking Back”

Exhibition of Lynda Watson’s work that incorporates materials such as metal, felt, and charcoal, in addition to found objects, creating a detailed 3D scrapbook of her memories.

Through Jan. 29.

METAL MUSEUM

“Mending in a State of Abundance”

Exhibition of work by Katrina Perdue exploring the emotional and physical labor of repair, offering an alternative response to the modern realities of material excess.

Through March 5. CROSSTOWN ARTS

“once a river, once a sea”

Recognized widely for her gouache paintings on stitched paper of ephemeral landscapes, Maysey Craddock examines growth and decay along the Gulf Coast in relation to space and time.

Through Dec. 23.

DAVID LUSK GALLERY

Exhibition that highlights the current Poor People’s Campaign Movement and dire issues impacted by the pandemic. Through Dec. 31.

NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM

Rotunda Projects: Monika Grzymala

Come explore this site-specific work made for Memphis at the Brooks! Through Jan. 9.

MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART

“Simple Pleasures: The Art of Doris Lee” Rediscover one of the most popular figurative artists in American art history. Through Jan. 15.

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

“Sons and Daughters” Exhibition of Anne Siems’ work featuring tattooed figures centered around the growing children of friends and family who have all been deeply affected by mental health conditions. Tuesday, Jan. 3-Feb. 11

DAVID LUSK GALLERY

“Summer in Shanghai”

A three-part video series of reflections and meditations during the hottest time of the year in China’s biggest city. Through March 5.

CROSSTOWN ARTS

“Those Who Hold Dominion Here”

Exhibition of work by Sarah Elizabeth Cornejo takes inspiration from serpents in Incan mythology and Southern snakes.Through March 5.

CROSSTOWN ARTS

ART HAPPENINGS

Alba Ortiz’s Closing Reception

Artists’ Link Winter Show

The show includes artistic works in a variety of styles and mediums by local artists. Through Jan. 13.

ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH ART GALLERY

Cheers to Art!

A holiday celebration of the art and artists you love. Thursday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 23, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

L ROSS GALLERY

Memphis Arts Collective Holiday Artists Market 2022

The Memphis Arts Collective Holiday Artist Market is back for their annual holiday show. Through Dec. 24.

CORNER OF POPLAR & HIGHLAND

Munch and Learn

The lecture series features presentations by local artists, scholars, and Dixon staff sharing their knowledge on a variety of topics. Wednesday, Dec. 28, noon-1 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 4, noon-1 p.m.

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

“Tripping

Through Your Orbit”

Exhibition of large abstract paintings by Amy Hutcheson. Through Jan. 9.

GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

WE Holiday Market

Holiday decor and consignment gift shopping for everyone on your holiday list. Features handmade art, cards, ornaments, wreaths, home decor, fiber wearables, edibles, and more. Through Dec. 22.

WOMAN’S EXCHANGE OF MEMPHIS WinterArts

The South’s premiere holiday artists’ market. Through Dec. 24.

PARK PLACE CENTRE

“Emily

Ozier: Marisol’s Dress”

Emily Ozier’s series of paintings based on her mother’s experience as a refugee fleeing Cuba in the 1950s. Through Jan. 8.

DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

THE

“Plein Air Exhibition”

Exhibition of diverse visual works of a wide range of MBG glimpses from over 30 different artists. Through Dec. 30.

MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN

Exhibit of work by Alba Ortiz, a native of Colombia, who paints while she travels the world. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 5-6:30 p.m.

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

X-Mas Meets Kwanzaa Arts & Crafts Pop-up Shop

One-of-a-kind gifts, hand made, personalized items, accessories, body works, candles, ornaments, fine arts

(Above) Thomas Spake’s glass creations are just one offering at the WinterArts market.

(Below) Anne Siems’ body of work on display at David Lusk Gallery explores mental health.

and crafts and illustrated books sold by local African-American artisans and entrepreneurs. Through Dec. 24.

ORANGE MOUND GALLERY

Youth Workshop: Home Project Open Studio (ages 10-13)

Working on something cool that you just want to share? Stuck on a project and need help? Bring your project to the Dixon and get help from an instructor or a friend and share ideas! $10-$15. Wednesday, Dec. 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

COMEDY

Ambrose Jones

With Brandon Play 2 Much. $20-$60. Thursday, Dec. 22, 7:30 p.m.

COMEDY HOUSE

CHUCKLES

Corey Holcomb

Corey’s comedy genius transcends class and racial divides. People all over the world can relate to the drama of trying to make a relationship work. $20-$60. Friday, Dec. 30-Dec. 31.

CHUCKLES COMEDY HOUSE

Dyon “Mojo” Brooks aka Mr. James Mojo Brookzz One of the top Instagram upcoming comedians is taking over comedy clubs. $22-$50. Sunday, Jan. 1, 7:30 p.m.

COMEDY HOUSE

CHUCKLES

Grind City Comedy Monday, Dec. 26, 7 p.m.

B-SIDE

Open Mic Comedy Tuesday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m.

HITONE

Saturday Night Laughs

Headlined by Big Mickey. $20. Saturday, Dec. 24, 8 p.m.

THE COMEDY JUNT

Secret Show Comedy presented by Comma Comedians

Get your laughs on with the Comma Comedians! A fantastic lineup of local and touring comedians. $7. Thursday, Dec. 22, 8-9:30 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 29, 8-9:30 p.m.

LOCAL (DOWNTOWN)

COMMUNITY

CYCA First Responder Gift Bag

Create gift bags for local police and firefighters that will be delivered that evening. Bring goodies for the bags, either homemade or store-bought. Saturday, Dec. 24, 7 p.m.

COOPER-YOUNG COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Free Laundry Time

Thanks to the generosity of River City Church, Suds Laundry will be hosting a free laundry time for anyone who needs help with laundry this week! Thursday, Dec. 29, 6:30-8 p.m.

SUDS LAUNDRY

Memphis Postcards

Write postcards against discriminatory bills. Postcards provided. Thursday, Dec. 22, 6 p.m.

THE PUMPING STATION

New Year’s Eve Party & Assistance Drive for the Homeless

Take the opportunity to give the less fortunate some much needed assistance, with music, free barbecue, dancing, and socializing. Donate time, food, and/or assistance. Saturday, Dec. 31, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

BRINSON’S

FAMILY

Sprouts (12-24 months)

This interactive program for toddlers and their caregivers explores all the senses. $8. Thursday, Dec. 22, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Thursday, Dec. 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

Winter Break Camps

Campers ages 5-15 are invited to participate in recreational, athletic, and educational ac-

tivities (and potentially field trips) at Memphis Parks. Register online. Through Dec. 30.

MEMPHIS

Winter Break Camp at the Lichterman Nature Center

Enjoy winter wildlife watching and nature walks, make your own fireworks in a jar, join in on the Survivor Fire Making Challenge, and enjoy other winter-themed STEAM activities. Tuesday, Dec. 27-Dec. 30.

LICHTERMAN NATURE CENTER

FILM

Dinner and a Movie Holiday Special: A Muppet Christmas Carol

Experience this charming holiday legend, as you enjoy a special three-course meal, specifically designed for the event. Free if you just want to watch the movie. $35. Thursday, Dec. 22, 5 p.m.

BLACK LODGE

Dinner and a Movie: The Big Lebowski

A screening of the cult classic, themed drinks, bowling, and a Lebowski Dance Party to follow. Friday, Dec. 30, 6:30 p.m.

BLACK LODGE

Holiday Movie Screening: Home Alone

Kick your Yule vibes into overdrive with this hilarious and heart-warming Christmas com-

edy. Free. Friday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m.

LODGE

BLACK

Holiday Movie Screening: Santa Claus vs. The Devil

The holidays take a bizarre turn with a mindbogglingly strange, creepy kids Christmas movie from 1959. Free. Friday, Dec. 23, 4:30 p.m.

LODGE

BLACK

Holiday Movie Screening: The Nightmare Before Christmas

The legendary stop-motion animated holiday musical. Free. Friday, Dec. 23, 7:45 p.m.

LODGE

BLACK

Hunting Grounds: A Predator Triple Feature

Screening 2022’s Prey , 1987’s Predator , and 1990’s Predator 2 . 18+. Free. Wednesday, Jan. 4, 6:45 p.m.

BLACK LODGE

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation: Movies & Mixers

It’s Christmastime and the Griswolds are preparing for a family seasonal celebration, but things never run smoothly for Clark, his wife Ellen, and their two kids. Clark’s continual bad luck is worsened by his obnoxious family guests, but he manages to keep going knowing that his Christmas bonus is due soon. Friday, Dec. 23, 8 p.m.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Lizzo Laser Light Show

Experience hip-hop’s latest superstar in a remarkable way. Laser Lizzo will leave you feeling “good as hell.” $13. Friday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

FOOD AND DRINK

Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market

A variety of fresh seasonal produce and special artisan fares, featuring work by local artists. Saturday, Dec. 24, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

Fire Pit Fridays

Enjoy free s’mores, fire pits, and holiday lights. Listen to your favorite holiday tunes and celebrate the season. Friday, Dec. 23, 4:30-6:30 p.m.

RIVER GARDEN

Food Truck Thursday

Walk, run, or drive over to Court Square Park for an assortment of delicious food with Food Truck Thursday. Thursday, Dec. 22, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

COURT SQUARE

Crossword

Edited by Will Shortz No. 1205

memphisflyer.com

HEALTH AND FITNESS

BuffaGLO Run

This family-friendly fun run winds through the lights of Starry Nights, and it’s a great way to kick start the new year! Friday, Dec. 30, 7 p.m.

SHELBY FARMS PARK

First Day Hike

Every year, Tennessee State Parks joins America’s State Parks in their annual First Day Hike event. This hike is the first in the Signature Hike series for Tennessee State Parks. Sunday, Jan. 1, 9-10 a.m.

FULLER STATE PARK

T.O.

Lunchtime Meditations with Memphis Center for Mindful Living

Make time for yourself each week and explore a variety of meditation practices designed to help you find balance and reduce stress. Free. Friday, Dec. 23, noon-12:30 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 30, noon-12:30 p.m.

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

Starry Nights Ruck

Ruck through Starry Nights at Shelby Farms! $6.95-$10. Tuesday, Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m.

SHELBY FARMS PARK

’Twas the Hike Before Christmas

This close-to-six miles hike in nature will help relieve some of the holiday stress many of

us encounter! Free. Saturday, Dec. 24, 7-10 a.m.

WOLF RIVER GREENWAY EAST

Yoga with Laura Gray McCann

Strengthen your yoga practice and enjoy the health benefits of light exercise with a certified yoga instructor. If weather permits, yoga will take place in the gardens. Thursday, Dec. 22, 6-6:45 p.m.; Thursday, Dec. 29, 6-6:45 p.m.

THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS

HOLIDAY EVENTS

Holiday Wonders

This season offers approximately eight acres of lights and cheer and and features the larger-than-life “Alice’s Adventures at the Garden” sculptures aglow. $10-$14. Through Dec. 23.

MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN

New Year’s at Noon: Superhero Edition Celebrate New Year’s in superhero style and enjoy a balloon drop at noon, facepainting, candy toss, costume

photo op, themed art project, DJ, free carousel rides, and fun in Winter Wonderland. $3-$20. Saturday, Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

THE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MEMPHIS

New Year’s Bash

Eat, dance, and celebrate the new year with small plate selections, live music, and a champagne toast. Saturday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

MEMPHIS MUSIC ROOM

New Year’s Eve Bash A Great Gatsby-themed celebration. Costumes highly

encouraged. DJs spinning records all night. Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

MEDDLESOME BREWING COMPANY

New Year’s Evil Rave Ring in the new year with an all night dance party, featuring DJs, hoop performers, fire dancers, drinks, and food. Saturday, Dec. 31, 8 p.m.

BLACK LODGE

New Year’s South Bath Start your new year off right with a cleansing and relaxing sound bath. Set your intentions and meditate on them while the healing sound vibrations soothe you. $20. Monday, Jan. 2, 6:30 p.m.

THE BROOM CLOSET

NYE Bash

The ultimate New Year’s celebration with 8 Ball, MJG, and comedian Oscar P. Ring in the new year right! Saturday, Dec. 31, 9 p.m.

RAILGARTEN

NYE @ James Lee House

Dinner, live entertainment, drinks, dancing, and DJ John D. Best to ring us into the New Year. $175. Saturday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m.

JAMES LEE HOUSE

Starry Nights

Experience the magic of the holidays at Shelby Farms Park’s largest event, complete with dazzling displays featuring millions of lights. Through Dec. 30.

SHELBY FARMS PARK

The Enchanted Forest Festival

Visitors are invited to explore a forest of festive and aweinspiring trees decorated by professional designers, individuals, and local organizations. Through Dec. 24.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY

Winter Wonderland at CMOM

Trees, twinkling lights, dancing snowflakes, and all the seasonal trappings like snow flurries, sock skating, and snowball tosses. Through Dec. 31.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MEMPHIS

Memphis Botanic Garden’s Holiday Wonders continues through December 23rd.

PHOTO: MATT CHRISTINE

PHOTOGRAPHY Mannheim Steamroller Christmas includes dazzling multimedia effects at the Orpheum.

PERFORMING ARTS

A Very Random Holiday Special

Join Rebekah Random as she gives you a holiday special that you will never forget. Special performances, surprise guests, and more. Free. Thursday, Dec. 22, 10 p.m.

DRU’S PLACE

Christmas Eve Holiday Show with JR Stone

JR Stone heads up a cast of entertainers sure to bring you visits from the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and maybe even Future! Saturday, Dec. 24, 10:30 p.m.

DRU’S PLACE

Circus Berzerkus Holiday Special Celebrate with your hostess Barbie Wyre plus other talents, and get your seasonal depression cured, honey! Thursday, Dec. 22, 9 p.m.

BLACK LODGE

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas

Experience the magic as the spirit of the season comes alive with the signature sound of Mannheim Steamroller. Thursday, Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.

ORPHEUM THEATRE

Supreme Queen Thursdays: RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 14:

Orion Story

Thee Native Supreme, India Taco, brings Orion Story from RuPaul’s Drag Race to Dru’s.

Featuring Wednesday Moss, Angel of Azarath, Cherry Lie Maid, and Angel Fartz. Thursday, Dec. 29, 10 p.m.

DRU’S PLACE

The Dynasty Before the man in the red suit drops down your chimney take in Dru’s stage full of men to get your holiday weekend off to a sizzling hot start!! Friday, Dec. 23, 10 p.m.

DRU’S PLACE

SPECIAL EVENTS

One Man’s Christmas Carol/All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914 Act one is a one man’s retelling of the classic Charles Dickens’ story, A Christmas Carol. Act two brings a special retelling of the true life story of the opposing World War I soldiers who put down their weapons to celebrate the holiday together. Through Dec. 23.

GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATRE

The Wizard of Oz Based on the classic motion picture, young Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away in a tornado to the magical land of Oz. Through Dec. 22.

PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE Who’s Holiday!

Dystopia

Productions: Goth Night

A night of dancing and music, from classic Goth club hits to current artists in Goth, Darkwave, Industrial, and Dark Electro! $12. Friday, Dec. 23, 10 p.m.-3 a.m.

BLACK LODGE

SPORTS

NBA Memphis Grizzlies vs. New Orleans Pelicans Saturday, Dec. 31, 7 p.m.

FEDEXFORUM

NBA Memphis Grizzlies vs. Phoenix Suns Tuesday, Dec. 27, 7 p.m.

FEDEXFORUM

NBA Memphis Grizzlies vs. Sacramento Kings Sunday, Jan. 1, 7 p.m.

FEDEXFORUM

THEATER

A Christmas Carol Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is approached by the ghostly vision of his former business partner, Jacob Marley, who

warns him of an upcoming spiritual journey. $15-$35. Through Dec. 23.

THEATRE MEMPHIS

Junie B’s Essential Survival Guide to School

The Circuit Playhouse’s favorite first-grader is at it again in this hilarious, whole-hearted show about owning up to your mistakes and how no one is ever done learning. Through Dec. 22.

CIRCUIT PLAYHOUSE

In this adults-only rollick through the land of Dr. Seuss’s classic tale, return to Mount Crumpit to find Cindy Lou Who … living in a trailer? A lot has happened to the little girl from Whoville. Through Dec. 22.

PLAYHOUSE ON THE SQUARE

TOURS

Because I Could Not Stop For Death: A Poetry Tour

Explore Elmwood through the lens of poetry. A traditional New Year’s lunch of pork, greens, and black-eyed peas will be served after the tour. $40. Sunday, Jan. 1, 10:30 a.m.

ELMWOOD CEMETERY

PHOTO: STEVE ROBERTS Theatre Memphis’ A Christmas Carol runs through December 23rd, with performances Thursday and Friday at 7 p.m.

Holiday Booze Guide

e holidays aren’t a sprint but an endurance race.

riting a spirits column for the holidays can be tricky because while there are cultural constants, every family is di erent, and Christmas isn’t as hidebound in the menu as anksgiving. “Merry Christmas to all” sounds good, but in practice what you get is a lot of holiday-tradition ditches people are fully prepared to die in because a) their tradition is the right one and b) yours is not. Complicating matters is that, even within a family, what you make of this foolishness depends largely on your place in the holiday life cycle. Still believe that implausible story about a fat elf with all the swag? Well, stop reading about booze and go back to the Disney+.

Are you a Gen Zer heading home to spend the holidays with the family? You probably don’t know anything about wine, so it’s time you learn. It’s also time to learn to drink with your parents. Understand that you, young reader, are largely made of rubber and magic, so time and physiology haven’t played the awful trick on you that it played on your parents (read: made them old).

ey slow it down a bit and drink better stu . is has its advantages, but it does inevitably lead to talking about whatever the hell you’re drinking ad nauseam. Be prepared.

If you are spending the holidays with a signi cant other’s family, the same rules apply, but remember that said other might be your host’s special someone, but you aren’t. If you bring a bottle you’ll look like a grownup. You’ll likely be eating heavy savory meat and casseroles — a bottle of red works well; a Shiraz-Grenache blend will stand up to big avors without getting too heady. ey are generally a good value and will make you look like you know what you are talking about. And unlike politics, you can disagree about booze without inging casserole at each other.

e part you play in all of this pageantry, of course, changes. If you are Mom or Dad, whether you like it or not, your holidays will have evolved into something completely di erent. You likely have a houseful of knee-biters

acting like deranged contestants on e Price is Right, and those strange things parents say about how Santa is running a surveillance state will suddenly make a lot more sense. It will also explain why they don’t share their hot chocolate. A little self-care is needed here: A little Baileys Irish Crème never hurt anyone. Not many people, at any rate.

We all update traditions for a modern society, but we don’t update them that much. It may not be fair, but we all know that it’s Mom who takes the body blow on Christmas, so Dad needs to be prepared. Break out a bottle of Champagne. If you are making mimosas, don’t worry about the brand. I mean, have some self-respect, but this isn’t the time to splash out. If you hold the orange juice, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot

is wonderful if you want to make it an event. Make it an event.

Christmas has a lot of old-world connotations, but you don’t really know what wassail is and certainly don’t know how to make it. Don’t worry about it. ere is a made-in-Memphis alternative: Old Dominick’s Memphis Toddy is sort of a modern twist on a spicy holiday qua . It tastes like you wished traditional drinks actually tasted but don’t.

While bourbons and American whiskeys have a cult-like following these days, tread lightly. e holidays aren’t a sprint, but an endurance race. You’ve got a long day ahead of you, and this is not the place to get into the straight-up whiskey. Not until you have the house to yourself(ish).

en it’s Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night. Cheers!

PHOTO: TIM DOUGLAS | PEXELS Holiday cheer and holiday cheers

SPIRITS By Richard Murff

Restaurant Recs

Restaurant Iris’ new location is probably the most anticipated restaurant opening of the last year.

e restaurant at 4550 Poplar Avenue, where the old e Grove Grill was located, is stunning. e main dining room includes serpentine booths and Italian glass-balloon-looking xtures that add to the energy. Executive chef Russell Casey describes the fare as “classic New Orleans” with some Iris staples. Additional murals, private dining spaces, and even more serpentine booths make the new Iris an exciting place to dine.

Tonica, another elegant/tasty addition, is at 1545 Overton Park. It’s two doors down from Ecco, which, along with Libro, is one of the bar/ restaurants from Sabine Bachmann and her sons, chefs Armando and Mario Gagliano and general manager JohnPaul Gagliano. e food, Armando says, has “a Spanish in uence with a little bit of Italian-Mediterranean twist.” e decor is “as close to a Mediterranean Spanish style” as they can get, John-Paul says.

South Point Kitchen at Downtown’s South Point Grocery at 136 Webster Avenue serves sandwiches, most of them created by chef/musician/ comedian Josh McLane. ey include HEELS, named a er his band that consists of himself and Brennan Whalen. It’s made of spicy peanut butter, jalapeño strawberry jam, bacon, and provolone cheese.

Jimmy “Sushi Jimmi” Sinh introduced his Poke Paradise food truck, which will o cially hit the road

in 2023. He now is booking the food truck for events. Recently, he has been busy doing pop-ups, special orders, private dinners, and other catering events. Poke is diced fresh sh, usually served with soy sauce and onion.

Tops Bar-B-Q is known for its great hamburgers. But during the year, Tops introduced new food items. Smoked BBQ Bologna, which launched in April, was the rst new Tops item in 10 years. “We score it and season it with our rib rub and then we smoke it,” says Tops Operations LLC vice president Hunter Brown. “A er smoking it, we grill each one to order.” ey then put it on a bun and add their “famous slaw and our signature Tops barbecue sauce.” en in November, Tops introduced its Fire-Braised Chicken Sandwich with Memphis white sauce. It’s chicken seared over re and then topped with the sauce, says Tops CEO Randy Hough. — Michael Donahue

New Wing Order, one of Memphis’ most popular food trucks over the past couple years, found a roost on Beale Street earlier this year. e truck continues to operate, but owners Cole Forrest and Jesse McDonald set up their rst brick-and-mortar shop inside Ghost River Brewing Co. Now, brewery-goers can sip on their favorites ales while munching on Memphis Buffalo, Ja’s Sweet Heat, or any of the other delectable sauces. “Having this space really allowed us to increase our capacity,” says Forrest. Adds McDonald, “We get to experiment with a lot of new menu items now, too.”

e former Pontotoc Lounge space is open once again, but with a whole new concept that draws upon OG Memphis’

roots as an Egyptian city. Called IBIS, the new bar and lounge by Jeremy and Matthew acker-Rhodes promises plenty of cra cocktails and ne dining in a chic space on Main Street. ink lobster rolls, lamb meatballs, and plenty of other colorful mixed drinks that will wet your whistle (I recommend the tequila- and grapefruit-based “Por Que”). Look forward to gospel and mimosa Sundays, drag shows, live music, and plenty of other live programming in the upstairs lounge.

Carlisle Restaurant Group launched the rst unique dining concept planned for the One Beale project. Fancy’s Fish House opened back in April in e Landing Residences, o ering a wide variety of fresh and raw seafood to Downtown diners. But the menu recently underwent a complete makeover thanks to new chef Nate Henssler, who has quickly put his stamp on things. A raw bar serves everything from East and West Coast oysters to ahi tuna tartare, and there’s a gargantuan seafood tower that combines all the raw bar options for a full seafood bounty. Meanwhile, Henssler focuses on simple avors and techniques to elevate his à la carte sh dishes (the miso-marinated cod is a must-try). ere are some other surprises, like a delicious steak frites entree or the rosemary roasted half chicken. Some interesting cocktails, like a chai old fashioned or frozen pineapple margarita, round out a compelling riverside experience.

— Samuel X. Cicci

PHOTO: SAMUEL X. CICCI

New Wing Order’s Jesse McDonald

FOOD By Samuel X. Cicci, Michael Donahue

Memphis chefs continued setting the table with creative dishes during a tasty 2022.

PHOTO: SAMUEL X. CICCI Paella at Tonica

NEWS OF THE WEIRD

By the editors at Andrews McMeel Syndication

Ironies

The Buckingham and Villages Community Board in England admitted that the irony was running thick when, on Nov. 15, it had to cancel a program about protecting your home from flood damage due to heavy rains in the area. The board hoped to provide residents with demonstrations of flood resilience equipment and what to do in case of a deluge, according to the BBC. “However, it was due to take place outside in pouring rain and high winds, so there was concern … that people would not turn out for this important event,” the BVCB said. “A new date will be arranged as soon as possible.” [BBC, 11/15/2022]

In Norway, energy firm Equinor produced its first energy from floating wind turbines on Nov. 13, CNBC reported. The installation, called Hywind Tampen, lies about 87 miles off the coast of Norway, with 11 total turbines, four of which will come online in 2023. Ironically, the turbines will be used to produce energy for Equinor’s oil and gas fields in the North Sea. “This is a unique project, the first wind farm in the world powering producing oil and gas installations,” said Geir Tungesvik, the company’s executive vice president for projects, drilling, and procurement. [CNBC, 11/14/2022]

The Continuing Crisis Marine biologists in the Cayman Islands are desperately searching for a nurse shark that is sporting a mesh bag around its middle, the Daily Star reported. The “skirt” is blocking the shark’s gills, effectively choking it. The Department of Environment said they are “doing our best to locate and assist him but so far, we’ve been unsuccessful.” A scuba diver initially spotted the animal, but he didn’t have the tools he needed to cut the bag away. [Daily Star, 11/14/2022]

Least Competent Criminal Police in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, were able to easily identify a carjacker who followed a woman off a bus at a park-and-ride on Nov. 1, WTAE reported. When they located her stolen car a couple of hours later, the people inside hopped out and ran away — but one of the thieves left their identity behind via the Bluetooth iPhone connection in the car. “Darrells iPhone”

turned up on the car’s list of devices, and a security guard at Westinghouse High School identified Darrell Cammon Jr., 19, from a surveillance video on the bus. Cammon and another suspect are still at large. [WTAE, 11/16/2022]

Shade

Byron and Christie Jefferies started dating in 2007 while attending Clemson University, WYFF reported. Through the ensuing 15 years, they stayed together as they lost parents, attended grad school, and moved for jobs. So when they married on Oct. 15 in South Carolina, Christie couldn’t help but throw a little shade: As she opened a piece of paper with her vows on it, she blew off a layer of dust. Christie calls her marriage to Byron a “home run.” [WYFF, 11/11/2022]

Night of the Living Poodle

On Oct. 29, as Kathrin Burleson and a friend walked Burleson’s 13-year-old corgi, Emma, at Trinidad State Beach in California, a pack of 10 standard poodles burst from a nearby car and raced toward them, the Mad River Union reported. Burleson leaned down to pick up Emma, but she wriggled out of Burleson’s arms just as the pack attacked. “I thought Emma and I were going to be killed,” Burleson said. To make things even weirder, during the incident, Burleson felt her finger being bitten, but when she looked up, it was the poodles’ owner, Frank Mallatt, who had her finger in his mouth. Mallatt later told her he thought he was biting one of his dogs. Emma was severely injured and underwent emergency surgery, from which she is still healing. Mallatt reportedly owns a service dog company that, according to the website, places dogs “with children at little to no cost through the help of donations and volunteers.” [Mad River Union, 11/10/2022]

Send your weird news items with subject line WEIRD NEWS to WeirdNewsTips@ amuniversal.com. News of the Weird is now a podcast on all major platforms! Visit newsoftheweirdpodcast.com to find out more.

NEWS OF THE WEIRD © 2022 Andrews McMeel Syndication. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries author Eric G. Wilson has written a book that I might typically recommend to 40 percent of the Aries tribe. But in 2023, I will raise that to 80 percent of you. The title is How to Be Weird: An Off-Kilter Guide to Living a One-of-a-Kind Life. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, it will make sense for you to stop making sense on a semi-regular basis. Cheerfully rebelling against the status quo should be one of your most rewarding hobbies. The best way to educate and entertain yourself will be to ask yourself, “What is the most original and imaginative thing I can do right now?”

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): One of your potential superpowers is cultivating links between the spiritual and physical worlds. If you develop this talent, you illuminate the ways that eternity permeates the everyday routine. You weave together the sacred and the mundane so they synergize each other. You understand how practical matters may be infused with archetypal energies and epic themes. I hope you will be doing a lot of this playful work in 2023, Taurus. Many of us non-Bulls would love you to teach us more about these mysteries.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Here are fun and useful projects for you to cultivate in 2023: 1. Initiate interesting trends. Don’t follow mediocre trends. 2. Exert buoyant leadership in the groups you are part of. 3. Practice the art of enhancing your concentration by relaxing. 4. Every Sunday at noon, renew your vow to not deceive or lie to yourself during the coming week.

5. Make it your goal to be a fabulous communicator, not just an average one.

6. Cultivate your ability to discern what people are hiding or pretending about.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In 2023, I hope you will refine and deepen your relationship with your gut instinct. I will be ecstatic if you learn more about the differences between your lucid intuition and the worry mongering that your pesky demons rustle up. If you attend to these matters — and life will conspire to help you if you do — your rhythm will become dramatically more secure and stable. Your guidance system will serve you better than it ever has. A caveat: Seeking perfection in honing these skills is not necessary. Just do the best you can.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Psychiatrist and author Irvin Yalom wrote, “The question of meaning in life is, as the Buddha thought, not edifying. One must immerse oneself into the river of life and let the question drift away.” But Holocaust survivor and philosopher Viktor Frankl had a radically different view. He said that a sense of meaning is the single most important thing. That’s what sustains and

nourishes us through the years: the feeling that our life has a meaning and that any particular experience has a meaning. I share Frankl’s perspective, and I advise you to adopt his approach throughout 2023. You will have unprecedented opportunities to see and know the overarching plan of your destiny, which has been only partially visible to you in the past. You will be regularly blessed with insights about your purpose here on earth.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): As a young woman, Virgo-born Ingeborg Rapoport (1912–2017) studied medicine at the University of Hamburg in Germany. But in 1938, the Nazis refused to let her defend her PhD thesis and get her medical degree because of her Jewish ancestry. Seventyseven years later, she was finally given a chance to finish what she had started. Success! The dean of the school said, “She was absolutely brilliant. Her specific knowledge about the latest developments in medicine was unbelievable.” I expect comparable developments for you in 2023, Virgo. You will receive defining opportunities or invitations that have not been possible before. Postponed breakthroughs and resolutions will become achievable.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Of the 2,200+ humans quoted in a 21st-century edition of Bartlett’s Familiar Quotations, 164 are women — a mere 7 percent! At least that’s more than the four females represented in 1855’s first edition. Let’s take this atrocious injustice as our provocation for your horoscope. In accordance with astrological omens, one of your assignments in 2023 will be to make personal efforts to equalize power among the genders. Your well-being will thrive as you work to create a misogyny-free future. Here are possible actions: If you’re a woman or nonbinary person, be extra bold and brave as you say what you genuinely think and feel and mean. If you’re a man, foster your skills at listening to women and nonbinary people. Give them abundant space and welcome to speak their truths. It will be in your ultimate interest to do so!

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): To prepare you for 2023, I’m offering you wisdom from mythologist Michael Meade. Of all the signs in the zodiac, you Scorpios will be most likely to extract riches from it. Meade writes: “Becoming a genuine individual requires learning the oppositions within oneself. Those who fail or refuse to face the oppositions within have no choice but to find enemies to project upon. ‘Enemy’ simply means ‘not-friend’; unless a person deals with the not-friend within, they require enemies around them.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “I will always be as difficult as necessary to achieve the best,” declared Sagittarian opera singer Maria Callas (1923–1977). Many

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22Jan. 19): To inspire your self-inquiry in 2023, I have chosen a passage from Hermann Hesse’s fairy tale, “A Dream Sequence.” It will provide guidance as you dive further than ever before into the precious mysteries in your inner depths. Hesse addressed his “good ardent darkness, the warm cradle of the soul, and lost homeland.” He asked them to open up for him. He wanted them to be fully available to his conscious mind. Hesse said this to his soul: “Just feel your way, soul, just wander about, burrow into the full bath of innocent twilight drives!”

critics say she was indeed one of the 20th century’s best. The consensus is that she was also a temperamental prima donna. Impresario Rudolf Bing said she was a trial to work with “because she was so much more intelligent. Other artists, you could get around. But Callas you could not get around. She knew exactly what she wanted and why she wanted it.” In accordance with astrological omens, Sagittarius, I authorize you, in your quest for success in 2023, to be as “difficult” as Callas was, in the sense of knowing exactly what you want. But please — so as to not undermine your success — don’t lapse into diva-like behavior.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Cardiovascular surgeon Michael DeBakey lived till age 99. He almost died at 97, but was able to capitalize on an invention that he himself had created years before: a polymer resin that could repair or replace aging blood vessels. Surgeons used his technology to return him to health. I am predicting that in 2023, you, too, will derive a number of benefits from your actions in the past. Things you made, projects you nurtured, and ideas you initiated will prove valuable to you as you encounter the challenges and opportunities of the future.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I decided to divine the state of your financial karma. To begin, I swirled a $10 bill through the flame rising from a green candle. Then I sought cosmic auguries in the burn patterns on the bill. The oracle provided bad news and good news. The bad news is that you live on a planet where onefifth of the population owns much more than four-fifths of the wealth. The good news is that in 2023, you will be in decent shape to move closer to the elite onefifth. Amazingly, the oracle also suggests that your ability to get richer quicker will increase in direct proportion to your integrity and generosity.

These are your horoscopes for the week of December 22nd. To see what’s in the stars for you for the week of December 29th, visit freewillastrology.com.

The Best (and One Worst) Films of 2022

It may not have been the best of times at the box o ce, but 2022 produced a bumper crop of great lms. But before we get to my annual, nonranked list of the best the year had to o er, we need to talk about the worst.

Worst Picture: Jackass Forever

If I wanted to watch 96 minutes of recreational genital torture, I’d go to the internet like Al Gore intended.

Best Memphis Film: Elvis

Okay, so it wasn’t lmed in Memphis, and we’re still a little sore about that. But Baz Luhrmann’s epic musical biopic was a certi ed crowdpleaser. And despite the … questionable choices made by Tom Hanks as Col. Tom Parker, Austin Butler’s barn-burning turn as the King shed new light on the complicated psychology of the boy from Tupelo who became the most famous person the world has ever seen.

Best Performance by a Nonhuman: Marcel, Marcel the Shell with Shoes On Who would have thought that a lm starring a YouTube sensation from 2010 would be one of the most emotionally complex experiences of the year? Jenny Slate’s profound voice performance and Mars Attacks! animator Eric Adkins bring Marcel to life so convincingly, you’ll be hanging on this little shell’s every word.

Best Cinematography: Top Gun: Maverick

Aerial photography has been an obsession of the movies since Wings won the rst Best Picture Oscar in 1927. In Top Gun: Maverick, Claudio Miranda did it better than anyone ever has — and his work was

rewarded with the top-grossing lm of the year.

Best Performance: Daniel Radcli e, Weird: e Al Yankovic Story

In a year rife with good performances, no one committed to the bit like Daniel Radcli e. Playing a well-known public gure like Weird Al Yankovic is hard enough, but Radcli e went above and beyond in capturing the fabled accordionist’s un appable manner and egalitarian worldview. He single-handedly carries this deeply strange biopic.

MVP: Mia Goth

In X, the neo-slasher about a group of lmmakers and their exploitative producer who rent a farmhouse in the Texas countryside to lm a dirty movie, Mia Goth plays both the young, would-be porn star Maxine and the elderly serial killer Pearl. While they were on set, Goth came up with such a compelling backstory for Pearl that director Ti West started lming the prequel even before the rst lm hit theaters. Goth’s ferocious performance in Pearl includes a chilling soliloquy for the ages.

Best Horror/Sci- /Western: Nope Granted, it’s a pretty speci c category, but even if Nope didn’t have it all to itself, it would still be one of the best lms of the year. From killer chimps to a monster reveal that is downright beautiful, Jordan Peele’s latest is original, funny, and above all, creepy as hell. You’ll never look at a wind dancer the same way again.

Best Documentary: Moonage Daydream

Over the course of his 50-year career, David Bowie had many collaborators

FILM By Chris McCoy

From private parts to philosophy — a roundup of the greatest (and one downright awful) lms to grace screens this year.

Elvis

Top Gun: Maverick

who claimed he had a knack for bringing out the best in them. That’s what happened when director Brett Morgen got access to the Bowie estate archive and spent four years creating a phantasmagorical tribute to the artist. This powerful ode to the creative spirit is 2022’s most groundbreaking film.

Best Director(s): Saul Williams and Anisia Uzeyman, Neptune Frost

If it were only for the opening sequence, in which laborers sing a subversive work song in an actual Rwandan pit mine, Neptune Frost would still be one of the most stunning works of the decade. But it just gets better — and weirder — from there. This unique blend of Afrofuturism, cyberpunk, and Sondheim musical combines catchy tunes with revolutionary

fervor. Most remarkably, it was made on a Kickstarter budget.

Best Picture: Everything Everywhere All At Once

Every once in a while, a picture comes along that captures the zeitgeist so effortlessly it seems to have invented it from whole cloth. The elements of Everything Everywhere All At Once — multiverse stories, a renewed earnestness, a breezy visual style, and kung fu — were all floating in the ether, but it took Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert to wrangle them into one fantastic package. Anchored by Michelle Yeoh at the peak of her powers, a comeback turn by Ke Huy Quan, and a gamefor-anything Jamie Lee Curtis, this is the rare film that features both eye-popping visuals and a deeply humane philosophy.

LEGAL NOTICES

2006 KIA SPECTRA

VIN: KNAFE121465293224. If interested, Call (901) 584-7251

TECHNOLOGY

ENTERPRISE

SR. CONSULTANT (Memphis, TN): The ET SR Consultant will drive the delivery and support of applications independently in support of our Treasury Management team.

FRESH

START ACT OF 2022 H.R. 6667

I am asking that the House passed Congressman Steve Cohen bill H.R.6667 Fresh Start Act of 2022 because If a measure is not considered during one Congress it dies. The measure will need to be reintroduced in the subsequent Congress (January 3) and which time it will be referred to the appropriate Committees and the process starts anew.

EMPLOYMENT

CYBERARK DEVELOPER needed at International Paper in Memphis, TN. Must have bach degree in Comp Sci, Info Sys, or related & 5 yrs’ Cyberark exp, including: Powershell, Documentation, development & implementation of Cyberark; Automation of daily tasks; Managing priveleged accounts in a Windows and Linux enviornment; Database credential mgmt; Splunk, Rapid7, Digital Command Centre, CA SDM, BluePrism, UIPath, Azure, Radius, Secure ID, Sailpoint, Radiant Logic, Stealthbits, Active Directory, Microsoft Suite, SQL Developer, & FireEye. Must be on 24/7 call during one week every quarter. Employer will accept a master’s & 3 yrs’ exp in lieu of a bachelor’s and 5. Email

CVs to IT.HR@ipaper.com. Equal Opportunity/affirmative action employer including vets and disabled.

This will include but not limited to, coordinate with developers on the project; coordinate with other enterprise technology teams on the dependencies; coordinate with line of business, project management office; and coordinate the full software development life cycle process.

Requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, MIS or a related field. Must have 7 years of experience in the job offered or related position.

Apply via website: https://www. firsthorizon.com/Careers. Reference Job #: FB1262

SAILPOINT SECURITY DEVELOPER

needed at International Paper in Memphis, TN. Must have bach degree in Comp Sci, Info Sys, or related & 2 yrs’ exp, including: SailPoint, Git-bash, Jira, SAP, SQL Developer, IDE: Eclipse, IIQDA,Postman, RDM, ADUC, Rapid7, Oracle Enterprise Manager console, Microsoft Suite, managing git repository, Jenkins, unix servers, windows servers, Apache Tomcat; Programming: JAVA EE, beanshell, C/C++, bash scripting, groovy, XML, HTTP, CSS, Velocity, SQL, GIT, unix scripting, powershell, SCIM methodologies, JSON; Scrum methodology. Must be on 24/7 call during one week every quarter.

Email CVs to IT.HR@ipaper.com.

Equal Opportunity/affirmative action employer including vets and disabled.

SALES POSITION AT SIGNWORKS

Signage and large format digital printing company in Midtown has a career opportunity for an Account Development/Sales Representative, who is dependable and enthusiastic to join our team. General computer

knowledge and skills including Microsoft Office excel, etc., as well as fluent skills in Adobe Illustrator and design layout are required. Our office is fast paced, fun and is suited for someone that is quick thinking, and can multitask in a changing environment. We offer competitive compensation, good benefits package plus working with people that appreciate and support your efforts. Please call Dale at 2723889 and/or Email your resume to dale@signworksmemphis.com and lsouthern@commtrans.com

SIGNWORKS

PRODUCTION TEAM

Signworks in Midtown is looking for a new member to join their production team! We are looking for the following skill sets:

- Valid driver’s license

- Comfortable on ladders

- Committed to finishing work started

- Exhibit problem solving skills

- Fabrication experience preferred, but not required

- Sign experience preferred, but not required

- Able to communicate with customers on site during sign installation

- Ability to lift 50 lbs Please call Signworks at 272-3889 and ask for James.

SHARED HOUSING

FURNISHED ROOMS

Bellevue/McLemore, Jackson/ Watkins, Airways/Lamar. Call 901-485-0897.

BUY, SELL, TRADE

WANTED: OLD WINDUP

Victrolas & old 45 & 78 records. Call Paul 901-734-6111.

I Saw You Personals

Hottie Buying Beer,

You were at the Madison Cash Saver last weekend picking up a six-pack of Meddlesome. Great choice! I was the dark-haired chick in the Spacer shirt eyeballing you from across the aisle. You had on a Memphis Tigers tee and were wearing socks with sandals. Weird flex, but okay! Would love to grab a pint with you.

Have you spotted a hottie around town? A missed connection been bugging you? Are you the one described in this ad?

For more info on how to submit your missed connections or replies, email isawyou@memphisflyer.com.

We’re hiring at the FedEx Express World Hub in Memphis. Starting pay up to $22/hour.

Be a part of something big.

DACA and the Politics of Cruelty

ere is every good reason to extend protection, indeed, permanent

It wasn’t long ago that we awoke to images and stories of families separated at the border, of migrant children locked into dirty, crowded, chain-link pens. For many Americans, this was an alarming introduction to the politics of cruelty that have played out in di erent periods of American immigration history, but with particular force in the past few years.

Today that type of politics is moving back into the media spotlight. As I write this, it’s not yet clear whether DACA, the program created to protect from deportation the young people brought here as children, will last much longer. In response to a lawsuit brought by the attorney general of Texas and several other states, a federal judge ruled last year that the program was illegal, and his ruling was upheld this past October by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fi h Circuit. Unless legislation is passed during this year’s waning congressional session to extend the protections a orded to DACA recipients, the case may go to the Supreme Court, where its prospects would be dim.

If DACA is ended, it’s unlikely that the 590,000 young people currently protected by the program will be deported, but they would no longer have the federal protections that have allowed them to work and secure other bene ts. ey would be pushed back into the shadows and precarity of undocumented status.

at is where the politics of cruelty come in. For this particular kind of politics is not only about policies like family separation, which were intentionally designed to in ict su ering and ostensibly “deter” migrants from coming to the U.S. e politics of cruelty also incorporate a language, a discourse, that casts migrants in dehumanizing terms (“illegal aliens”), presents them as threats to Americans’ physical and economic security, and excludes any reference to America’s need for immigration to maintain a robust economy and revitalize communities.

ere is every good reason to extend protection, indeed, permanent status, to DACA recipients, and no good reason to deny it. With the umbrella of the program protecting them since 2012, DACA recipients have been able to go to college, enter professional careers, start families, buy homes, serve as essential workers during the continuing pandemic, and pay their fair share of federal and state taxes.

In short, America is their home, and they have every right to a permanent status that legislation can bring. at is why major political organizations like the U.S. Conference of Mayors have supported such protections, and why business organizations like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have called for legislative action on the recipients’ behalf. Polling data from recent years has consistently shown that a majority of American voters support the continuation of DACA or permanent status for DACA recipients.

Certainly, protecting DACA, or giving a pathway to permanent status for DACA recipients in this congressional session, represents a contraction of the original, ambitious Biden administration goal of extending a path to citizenship to the 11.5 million undocumented individuals in America. is contraction only goes to show the power of the opposition to substantive reform. Still, in light of this opposition, the achievement of legislated protection for 590,000 people would represent a signi cant accomplishment indeed.

As of now, a proposed “bipartisan framework,” co-created by senators Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona) and om Tillis (R-North Carolina), is oating in the Senate. It would provide a path to legalization for DACA recipients, but it would also be accompanied by border security measures that include an additional $25-$40 billion for increased sta ng and pay raises for border agents. It also would provide for the creation of regional “processing centers” that would house asylum seekers and ostensibly expedite the processing of their asylum requests. Until such centers would be operational, a Trump-era policy known as Title 42 would remain in e ect, turning migrants back to Mexico and preventing them from ling asylum claims. is policy had been set to expire this December 21st.

Protecting DACA recipients is a stand-alone human rights issue that should have no place in negotiations over border security, particularly when those negotiations involve the suppression of other migrants’ rights. at said, there remains formidable opposition even to the Sinema/Tillis framework, an opposition forti ed by the libuster rule that requires a 60-vote supermajority in the Senate. If the current Congress, with its substantial Democratic House majority, fails to extend protection to DACA and its recipients, the failure will represent a victory for the politics of cruelty, a politics powered by demagoguery and the fears it generates.

It will mean, too, that the struggle for human rights will continue, sparked by the kind of organizing and truth-telling that helped push DACA into existence a decade ago. And it will mean, more clearly than ever, that it’s time for the libuster, that onerous impediment to democracy, to be relegated to the dustbin of history, where it has long belonged.

Andrew Moss, syndicated by PeaceVoice, is an emeritus professor (English, nonviolence studies) at the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

THE LAST WORD By Andrew Moss

status, to DACA recipients.

PHOTO: AARON BURDEN | UNSPLASH ere is no good reason to deny permanent status to Dreamers.

is a fun loving, goofy young pup. He’s got that pittie zoom down to an art, and loves to play all day. Miller also loves a good cuddle and is always ready for lunch time. He’s an active guy who needs an active family.