BATTLE FOR MIDTOWN
One group says a
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The Battle for Midtown
One group says a city plan could gut neighborhoods. Leaders disagree. It could all lead to a “showdown” at Memphis City Hall.
A World Upside Down
LOOP
Seeing Hamilton is a powerful corrective to the post-truth era. p24
PHOTO: JOAN MARCUS
Monkey Gone to Heaven
Osgood Perkins lets his freak ag y in Stephen King-penned horror comedy e Monkey p28
PHOTO: TOBY SELLS
THE fly-by
{WEEK THAT WAS
By Flyer staff
Memphis on the internet.
ASK PAUL ANYTHING
Memphis Mayor Paul Young opened an Ask Me Anything (AMA) thread on the Memphis subreddit over the weekend. His answers were to be posted a er press time. Questions centered around the Memphis Area Transit Authority, the potholes and trash on Airways to and from the airport, drive-out tags, and more. A major focus of questions, though, was on Elon Musk and his Memphis super computer’s environmental impact.
HORSE THIEF
A stolen horse was returned to Shelby Farms Stables last week a er a brazen daylight the le stable workers tracking the animal and its thief down the Shelby Farms Greenline. Pancho was returned a er the stable’s Facebook post about the the blew up, as did a TV news spot on the ordeal.
DAMMIT GANNETT
e Commercial Appeal was on a hot streak of typos and errors last week, all captured on the All News Is Local Facebook group. One headline told of the “schoold voucher bill.” Another wondered if “Memphis VA wokers” had been laid o . Susan Adler orp roasted the Memphis paper’s post about where to get the best king cake in Knoxville.
Questions, Answers + Attitude
Edited by Toby Sells
Trump, Cxffeeblack, & Immigration
A Memphis protest, Black-owned cotton supply chain, and GOP bills outlaw help.
PROTESTING TRUMP/ELON
Protesters gathered in front of Memphis City Hall last week to condemn President Donald Trump and his administration, Elon Musk, and the country’s political climate. e protest was organized by an activist group called “901 Memphis Area Indivisible.”
“We are protesting the loss of our democracy and are part of a national movement to stop the destruction by Trump and his gang of vandals,” Tony Cernosek, a member of the group, said in a statement. “ is e ort must and will succeed or millions of citizens will su er terrible hardship — mostly the poor and marginalized.”
Activists carried signs while chanting things such as, “Donald Trump’s a Nazi,” “ is is what democracy looks like,” and “Deport Musk.” A er circling around Memphis City Hall, protestors continued to march Downtown.
Patty Crawford said as someone who has lived in the South for most of her life, she’s become used to “this mess,” but said, “It’s never been this bad.”
CXFFEEBLACK COTTON
Memphis’ Cx eeblack has announced a partnership with COMOCO Cotton, a sustainable textile company, to release a limited-edition T-shirt with the phrase “God Don’t Make No Junk. Cx ee Don’t Need No Cream” printed across the front. is partnership, in turn, has created what they say is COMOCO’s and the world’s rst Black-owned cotton supply chain.
“ is collaboration is about more than a product. It’s about shi ing the narrative — reclaiming what was once stolen and turning it into a tool for our collective liberation,” Bartholomew Jones, hip-hop artist, educator, and cofounder of Cx eeblack, said in a press release.
IMMIGRATION BILLS
A pair of bills by Tennessee Republican lawmakers that would penalize charitable organizations that serve immigrants — and potentially lead to their employees’ arrests — are drawing pushback from Tennessee faith leaders as an infringement on their religious freedom. One bill (HB322/SB392) would create a new “human
smuggling” crime for those who transport, encourage, or induce 10 or more adults to illegally enter or remain in the state by “concealing, harboring, or shielding” them.
Organizations, including churches and other nonpro ts, that commit or are “about to commit” the o ense could be dissolved by the Tennessee attorney general. And individuals who participate in inducing or encouraging activities — such as church sta , nonpro t employees, or private company workers — could be subject to a Class E felony, punishable by up to six years in prison and a ne of up to $3,000.
A second bill (HB811/SB227) would open up charitable organizations to lawsuits if they have provided housing services to an individual without permanent legal immigration status and then that individual goes on to commit a crime.
Both measures could directly impact the routine charitable programs Tennessee churches and other nonpro ts provide to individuals regardless of their immigration status, faith leaders said.
HOMELESSNESS DAY ON THE HILL
Representatives from Memphis homelessness advocacy groups joined other advocates last week for the third annual Housing and Homelessness Day on the Hill.
O cials said the statewide Housing for All Tennessee group, comprised of 125 renters, unhoused residents, and concerned constituents, met with 50 state legislators. Tennessee Lookout contributed to this report.
Visit the News Blog at memphis yer.com for fuller versions of these stories and more local news.
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PHOTO: KAILYNN JOHNSON Nine-year-old James Wo ord and his mother Callie Bugg hold signs at last week’s protest.
Immigration Order { CITY
REPORTER
By Kailynn Johnson
A Trump administration decision would have le 26,000 children up for deportation.
Anotice from the federal government last week threatened advocacy groups’ ability to provide legal services for unaccompanied immigrant children in Tennessee; the order was later rescinded.
Last week Advocates for Immigrant Rights (AIR), a subgrantee of the Acacia Center for Justice, was noti ed by the organization that a “stop work order” had been issued. e center, which helps support unaccompanied youth migrants through legal aid, provides funding to AIR for children in Tennessee.
In a letter addressed to the Acacia Center, the United States Department of the Interior said the group must “stop all work” associated with a contract between them and the department.
“ is sudden decision cuts o legal services that help ensure due process for these kids, leaving 26,000 children across the U.S. vulnerable to deportation and potential harm,” AIR said in a statement.
Casey Bryant, executive director of
AIR, said through their contract with the Acacia Center, they’ve accepted 200 cases. Bryant said the stop work order advised them to stop all work on their cases.
“ is creates a serious quandary for us as attorneys who have a legal and ethical obligation to represent clients who we’ve agreed to represent,” Bryant said. “We’re representing them through universal representation.”
“It’s impossible for us to not to do work on these cases.”
Bryant explained that through this process they agree to be their client’s attorney for “anything that they need that has to do with their immigration proceedings.” ey added this agreement lasts until the client receives legal status.
e population of unaccompanied immigrant children represent “some of the most vulnerable people in the country,” Bryant said. As a result, they don’t have access to immigration proceedings
or representation in court.
Bryant said they are not changing the way they represent their clients at this point; however, they’re hoping they can reach a resolution through litigation. Even if there is no plan for the contract between the Acacia Center and AIR to be extended, Bryant hopes they can receive funding to represent their current cases.
“We’ve agreed to representation; we’ve already entered our appearance with the courts,” Bryant said. “ e courts are relying on us to provide representation. It’s impossible for us to not to do work on these cases.”
is recent order was the newest of those issued by the Trump administration that target immigrants, including acts of mass deportations, family separation, and expansions of detention centers.
“We’re moving towards a dictatorship where a select group of people gets to make decisions about the way that we live and move through the country,” Bryant said. “I don’t think the Trump administration and these decisions
speak for the people of the United States. He’s being in uenced by big money, and they are making decisions to make this country — and the state — inhospitable to people who they don’t want to be here. at’s not how we as a country act or believe.”
Bryant believes that governors like Bill Lee who have voiced their support for Trump’s mission and policies are “riding on the coattails of whatever authoritarianism the president and government are enforcing.”
“It’s not bene ting the people of Tennessee,” Bryant said. “It doesn’t bene t the people of Tennessee to act like this and to [mis]treat people who are residents, who pay taxes, and who add to the diversity and fabric of our communities.”
POLITICS By Jackson Baker
An Improbable Man
e life and career of the notorious addeus Matthews come to an end.
Perhaps the most surprising news to come from the revelation Monday of the death of the pastor/broadcaster/ activist/ rebrand addeus Matthews was that Matthews had long had his own Wikipedia page, a mark of temporal renown that has eluded many another ambitious and outwardly more seemly Memphians. In advance of his passing at the age of 66, the much-consulted online biography service had included Matthews as “‘ e Cussing Pastor,’ … an American pastor and broadcaster, who gained popularity for using profanity in his preaching.” And it went on to cite several examples of Matthews’ notoriety in that regard, including an Instagram video entitled “I Don’t Give a Shit Saturday,” which ended up being sampled in a song by the rapper/DJ Madlib.
election year, featuring endorsements of political candidates who had paid this or that publisher for the privilege. addeus Matthews, on his broadcast show, was that sort of thing, writ large. You paid up, or else.
And a select few of his declared enemies could count on being the subjects of a barrage of scatological and obscene accusations that knew no bounds.
For all that, and despite brushes with the law for such things as harassment of girlfriends and putting pornography on the air, Matthews developed something of a reputation in political circles as a scoop artist. He knew where a lot of bodies were buried.
He could even turn the tables on himself. Even a er the onset of his nal illness, he allegedly self-posted a video showing himself deep-throating a dildo. addeus Matthews was an American original, and Wikipedia didn’t know the half of it.
Anyone who followed the ups and downs of Matthews’ local activity would surely regard that as pretty tame stu . In his various guises, including a self-produced streaming video service that was the guilty secret of many a local polwatcher, Matthews forsook any and all niceties in his characterizations of whomever he happened to be feuding with — and that would include many an unlucky political celebrity, including W.W. Herenton, the city’s former mayor for almost two decades.
For a lengthy spell, Matthews devoted himself to daily fulminations against the mayor and basically appointed himself uno cial chairman of a variety of madcap e orts to have Herenton impeached, recalled, tarred and feathered, or, one way or another, turned out of o ce.
None of that had much relation to anything realistic, of course, but it surely had nuisance value and went on for quite a while until Mayor Herenton hit upon the remedy for all this vituperation: He took out paid advertising on Matthews’ show, and that was enough to change his pro le overnight into that of a heroic champion of the people.
Much has been made in recent years of the prevalence of “bogus ballots,” broadsheets that would turn up in an
• It is a well-worn fact that state Senator Brent Taylor took on two primary named adversaries in his self-serving vendetta against the local law enforcement establishment (aka “Make Memphis Matter”) — General Sessions Court Judge Bill Anderson and Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy.
It therefore becomes something of an irony that Anderson, who has been forced into early retirement at least partially due to Taylor’s nonstop attacks, will be succeeded on the bench by a Mulroy protege, his former University of Memphis law student Taylor Bachelor, who has been serving as an assistant DA and on Monday was named to Anderson’s former position by a vote of the Shelby County Commission.
Mulroy’s take: “We considered her quite the catch. She’s been on board for about six or eight months or so, working in the gangs-and-drug unit. I’m sorry to lose her, but I’m happy for her. It’s always nice when a former student makes good.”
• A er years of attempting delays, former state Senator Brian Kelsey has surrendered and is serving a federal prison term for his conviction on campaign nance violations.
PHOTO: WIKIMEDIA COMMONS VIA YOUTUBE | SHAWN PREZ addeus Matthews
A Wealthier Retirement
Six ways to help Gen Xers get there.
If you’re part of Generation X, you’ve not yet reached retirement age.
However, you are likely in, or quickly approaching, your peak earning years. Now is the time to get serious about planning for retirement. Whether you’ve been stashing money away for the last 20 years or are just now beginning to save, the following tips can help you plan today for a wealthier retirement down the road.
1. Lower your taxes.
If you’re one of those people who only thinks about taxes as you approach the annual tax filing deadline, it’s time to make some changes. Proactive tax planning can have a big impact on your retirement savings. When done correctly and consistently, tax planning has the potential to save you a significant amount each year, which is money that can be used to help you fund a wealthier retirement. You’ll want to consider strategies such as tax loss harvesting, contributing to a health savings account, education planning for children, charitable giving, asset location, and timing of business income and deductions.
Now is the time to get serious about planning for retirement.
2. Shore up your retirement savings. One of the biggest threats to many Gen Xers’ retirement security is “leaky” retirement planning. Just because your employer-sponsored retirement plan permits loans and withdrawals doesn’t mean it’s wise to take them. By taking money out of your retirement savings, even temporarily, you miss out on the benefit of compounding interest on that amount. Plus, early withdrawals are subject to taxes and penalties, which is money you’ll never get back. The best strategy is to invest regularly into your employer-sponsored retirement plan at a level that maximizes your employer match while being sustainable over time. Save enough in an emergency account to cover three to six months of living expenses so that you don’t have to tap into your retirement savings in an unexpected situation.
3. Don’t miss out on growth opportunities. While it’s wise to gradually shift to more conservative investment options
as you near retirement, becoming too conservative may result in missed growth opportunities. Be sure to allocate a healthy portion of your portfolio to growth investments in order to continue enhancing the savings that will one day fund your retirement. Your wealth manager can help you determine an allocation that is in line with your risk tolerance, retirement goals, and time horizon while also meeting your income, protection, and growth objectives.
4. Eliminate debt.
Perhaps the best way to increase your retirement savings potential is by paying off outstanding debt and saving that would-be monthly debt payment toward retirement. Once your debt is paid off, you may be able to free up enough funds to establish a passive form of income, such as an investment property or high-dividend investment that provides recurrent income to help support you in retirement.
5. Optimize your employer benefits. Not only are employer-sponsored retirement plans a great way to save for retirement, they also provide an added benefit of lowering your taxable income when you contribute on a pre-tax basis. At a minimum, be sure to contribute enough to your 401(k) or 403(b) to qualify for your employer’s full matching contribution. Beyond that, if you’re on the younger end of Generation X, consider contributing at least 10 percent to your retirement. If you’re on the older end of the generation, it might make sense to max out your savings by contributing 20 percent or more (up to the annual contribution limit).
6. Don’t forget about IRAs. While employer-sponsored plans are a simple and effective way to save for retirement, it’s wise to diversify your savings by also contributing to IRAs. If you contribute pre-tax dollars to your 401(k), it might make sense to establish a Roth IRA, which will help diversify the tax status of your retirement income.
Gene Gard, CFA, CFP, CFT-I, is a Private Wealth Manager and Partner with Creative Planning. Creative Planning is one of the nation’s largest registered investment advisory firms providing comprehensive wealth management services to ensure all elements of a client’s financial life are working together, including investments, taxes, estate planning, and risk management. For more information or to request a free, no-obligation consultation, visit CreativePlanning.com.
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AT LARGE
By
Bruce VanWyngarden
Big Boss Man
He can’t hear you when you call.
I’ve been the editor of several publications in my career. I managed teams of writers and editors — and did my best to empower them, motivate them, and get them to work together to produce newspapers and magazines we could all be proud of. I was, to use the term loosely, a “boss.” I made my share of mistakes, but I always tried to treat my employees with respect and compassion.
I’ve also been an employee for most of my career, working for publishers in Missouri; Washington, D.C.; Pittsburgh; and Memphis. Almost all of my bosses were great people, but I’ve had a couple of stinkers, and they had something in common: ey had no idea what their employees did to create the product and didn’t really care to learn. ey’d never written, edited, interviewed, researched, reported, or had to meet a printer’s immoveable deadline. ey were bottom-line guys who treated their employees as though they were working in a widget factory.
One of them (in a city that shall remain nameless) called a sta meeting in the conference room on his rst day. ( is, I should mention, was a er we’d watched for a week as the publisher’s o ce underwent a massive redo: plush Oriental carpet, gleaming teak desk, sleek lamps, cushy couch and chairs.) Anyway, our new boss looked around at the 15 or so writers, art directors, and editors gathered in front of him and said: “You’re probably asking yourselves, ‘What does this dude know about magazines? He’s a real estate guy.’ Well, let me tell you, folks, I read lots of magazines and I know a good one when I see one. And we’re going to put out a great magazine and we’re going to add 25 percent to the bottom line. And if you’re not ready for some big changes, you should leave this room right now.”
Any of us who has had to deal with that kind of capricious overlord should be able to relate to what tens of thousands of federal employees have been going through recently, as Elon Musk, a man with little understanding of (or respect for) what any of them do, runs a chain saw through their agencies, eliminating people who inspect and direct our airplanes, protect our food from contamination, provide disaster relief, run our national parks, and administer Medicare, Social Security, and Medicaid funds.
Most horrifying of all, Musk has red 6,700 people at IRS and is seeking access to the nancial information of every taxpayer, business, and nonpro t in the country. Giving that kind of power to anyone, let alone an erratic South African billionaire with no o cial government title, is incredibly foolish.
Nobody le the room, but everybody knew one thing: We were now working for an asshole. His rst directive was to have everyone write down what they did each week and how many hours it took. (If you think anyone’s response didn’t add up to 40 or more hours, you’re pretty naive.)
A month later, he called me into his o ce and told me he was ring our popular food writer, the senior copy editor, and an associate art director. We didn’t need them, he said. e remaining sta could pick up the slack. He didn’t bother to ask how I thought we might be able to save some money on editorial costs; he just made an arbitrary decision.
Speaking of which: On Saturday, Musk sent the following email to thousands of federal employees at the F.B.I., State Department, Environmental Protection Agency, O ce of Personnel Management, Food and Drug Administration, Veterans A airs Department, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: “Please reply to this email with approx. 5 bullets of what you accomplished this week and cc your manager.”
Sound familiar? is kind of directive is so utterly stupid. Who thinks any employee would be unable to come up with ve things that they did at their job? And who’s going to review the thousands of responses? It’s pointless busy work, meant only to intimidate and induce fear. It’s the tactic of a weak man, someone with no idea of how to be a real leader. Unfortunately, the Democratic party hasn’t found the courage to call out this reckless and unsupervised destruction of our public agencies in any meaningful way. e window is closing, and it’s time to stand tall. Like a boss.
PHOTO: FRÉDÉRIC LEGRAND | DREAMSTIME.COM Elon Musk
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THE BATTLE FOR MIDTOWN
One group says a city plan could gut neighborhoods. Leaders disagree. It could all lead to a “showdown” at Memphis City Hall.
Editor’s note: Citywide planning, land use discussions, zoning, and the potential economics of it all are far too broad and dense to ever be covered in a single news story. (So are other considerations about income, race, and population loss.) Please consider this piece the beginning of our coverage on Memphis 3.0.
For this one, we’ll take you inside one of MidtownMemphis.org’s information meetings and share a Q&A rebuttal about it all from John Zeanah, director of the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development (DPD).
Memphis 3.0 will “sell out” Midtown neighborhoods to investors and businesses looking to cash in on (but maybe never really care about) the attractive communities residents in those places have built over decades. at’s a very basic expression of the argument voiced for months now from MidtownMemphis.org. e volunteer group is ghting the plan with a series of information meetings, an online information hub, and yard signs — sure signs that a Midtown ght has gotten real. Passed in 2019 and devised by former Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland’s administration, Memphis 3.0 is a document guiding the growth of Memphis. It’s up for its rst-ever ve-year renewal. A major strategy for sustainability in the plan has been to support some of the city’s anchors like Crosstown Concourse, Overton Square, and commercial areas around Cooper Street.
However, MidtownMemphis.org argues the locations for these anchors and the planned density that could surround them aren’t fair. For example, group members say a lot of density is planned for Midtown but very little for East Memphis. Also, adding density to certain places around Midtown means multifamily homes, the group says, instead of singlefamily, owner-occupied homes. ey fear pro t-minded landlords will use 3.0 to work around zoning laws to create
“WE DON’T AGREE THAT AN ANCHOR NECESSARILY WARRANTS THIS KIND OF DENSITY. NOR DO WE AGREE WITH WHAT ARE CALLED ‘ANCHORS.’”
duplexes or quadplexes, won’t upkeep these properties, create transient tenants, and make neighborhoods less attractive for potential buyers. ey say this could slowly destabilize neighborhoods into ghosts of their current selves.
“What we’re against — and we have history on our side — is destabilizing the neighborhood to support Crosstown,” said MidtownMemphis.org volunteer Robert Gordon, who has spearheaded the battle against 3.0. “[ e plan] is going to wreck Crosstown, wreck the neighborhood, and, consequently, wreck the city. And if you don’t believe me, go back to Midtown in 1969. Go back to Midtown in 1974. Go back to Midtown when it was zoned like the [Memphis 3.0] future land use planning map envisions zoning.”
All of it, they say, could lead to a showdown at Memphis City Hall next year as council members review the changes for a vote.
However, John Zeanah, director of the
A series of information meetings and yard signs are speaking out against Memphis 3.0.
Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development, said the 3.0 plan won’t do what MidtownMemphis.org fears it will do.
“ e goal is to make sure that our community has healthy, stable anchors that are supported by healthy, stable neighborhoods,” Zeanah said. “ e suggestions that we would take extreme actions to destabilize neighborhoods is really puzzling. It doesn’t come from anything that we’re saying as a part of our meetings. It doesn’t come from anything the plan is saying.”
Inside a MidtownMemphis.org 3.0 meeting
A dreary, cold, wet February night was not enough to stop a crowd from sloshing through puddles to hear about how the Memphis 3.0 plan could “sell out our neighborhood,” as the signs say. Nearly 60 people gathered for a MidtownMemphis.org 3.0 meeting earlier this month at Friends For All.
MidtownMemphis.org has been holding meetings like these since September. Other info sessions — six in total — have been organized at Otherlands Co ee Bar, the Cooper-Young Community Association building, and the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.
Gordon said it was in September that planing o cials stopped working with MidtownMemphis.org on the 3.0 issue.
At the latest February meeting, Gordon took the stage before a slideshow projected on a screen behind him. He described MidtownMemphis.org as a “sort of neighborhood association for neighborhood associations,” meaning his group meets monthly with Midtown neighborhood groups from Central Gardens, Cooper-Young, and more. MidtownMemphis.org also plants trees around Midtown and oversees community gardens in Washington Bottoms and the one next to Huey’s Midtown.
Gordon told the crowd he entered public planning discussions as a NIMBY (not in my backyard), concerned that the Poplar Art Lo s plan in 2019 would push noise and exhaust onto those enjoying Overton Park. is led him to the MidtownMemphis.org organization and he’s been a volunteer with the group ever since.
Gordon described the 3.0 plan as a “city guide” and a “North Star” for Memphisarea planning e orts. e plan’s motto, he said, reverses the sprawl strategies of years past and embraces the idea to “build up, not out.” While the motto is the essence of the plan, Gordon called it “quite misleading.”
One critical foundation of the Memphis 3.0 plan is where that growth inside the city’s footprint should happen. e plan says that growth should happen around anchors. ese anchors, picked with the help of residents, are usually commercial areas like Overton Square, Crosstown Concourse, Cooper-Young, and others.
To Gordon, city planners dropped a compass point on these anchors and drew a circle around them. Inside those circles is where the 3.0 plan wants to grow, he said. is is a critical foundation of MidtownMemphis.org’s argument against the 3.0 plan, with Gordon saying, “I’m not alone in
continued on page 14
PHOTO: TOBY SELLS
Q&A WITH JOHN ZEANAH
PHOTO: COURTESY JOHN ZEANAH
John Zeanah is the director of the Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development. He said overarching city plans like Memphis 3.0 are nothing new; they’re even mandated for cities in certain states.
Memphis 3.0’s future land use planning map envisions denser neighborhoods.
ago. So, when is it going to do those things [that MidtownMemphis.org argues] if it hasn’t already?
ey’re saying the plan is up for a ve-year review. We’re undergoing our rst ve-year plan update now. One of the things that we’re doing as a part of the ve-year plan update … is conducting a comprehensive look at the zoning map and understanding how well our zoning works with [Memphis 3.0].
Among those plans, Memphis 3.0 stands out, Zeanah said. It has won awards from the American Planning Association and the Congress for the New Urbanism. Memphis 3.0 is the city’s rst comprehensive plan since 1981.
We asked him to respond to the movement against the 3.0 plan, which was authored by his o ce.
— Toby Sells
Memphis Flyer: What do you make of the arguments about 3.0 from MidtownMemphis.org?
John Zeanah: Memphis 3.0 was adopted six years
I think part of the misunderstanding is the claim that we would necessarily rezone areas, according to the plan, to the most intense use or the most intense zoning district that could be conceived. And that’s not the case.
First of all, [Memphis 3.0] is general in nature. It — and the future land use map that they are so worried about — is meant to be general, with a generalized land use map.
I think there’s some misunderstanding about whether the future land use map is calling for all these new things to happen. It’s an expression of what’s existing today. In some cases, it’s a mix of both.
Su ce to say, as we are going through the ve-year plan update and we’re thinking about how zoning is a tool to implement the plan, our orientation is not to just apply the most-intense zoning district. ere are changes to zoning that may not always be in residential areas. In fact, I’d say
most of the zoning changes that will end up being recommended are in some of our commercial areas and commercial corridors.
e goal is to make sure that our community has healthy, stable anchors that are supported by healthy, stable neighborhoods. e suggestions that we would take extreme actions to destabilize neighborhoods are really puzzling. It doesn’t come from anything that we’re saying as a part of our meetings. It doesn’t come from anything the plan is saying.
ey’ve said developers could use the future land use planning map as another arrow in their quiver. ey could argue that while multi-family homes may not be allowed in a zone now, they could point to the suggestion in Memphis 3.0 and make a case for their project at city hall.
One cannot simply point to a generalized land use map and say, “Well, because this area around an anchor is a mixed-use type, I should be entitled to do the most intense thing that is part of this mix.” at’s no. 1. And no. 2: e plan does not have the authority to entitle that. at’s the role of zoning.
So, if you live in a neighborhood that is predominantly single-family and your zoning is single-family detached, and it is a stable neighborhood, there is no reason for the city to propose changing the zoning for the neighborhood. You are the healthy, stable neighborhood that is helping to support the anchor nearby. at is a good thing. at’s what we want to help preserve.
PHOTO: COURTESY MEMPHIS AND SHELBY COUNTY DPD
thinking that’s a bad way to make plans.”
“So, you may have bought your home in a single-family neighborhood, but the future land use planning map sees in the future … a change to a more dense kind of neighborhood,” Gordon told the crowd. “One of our big issues with [3.0] is right here at the core of it: the anchors. We don’t agree that an anchor necessarily warrants this kind of density. Nor do we agree with what are called ‘anchors.’ For example, let’s just point out, Overton Park is not an anchor.”
e anchor model and the density projections that come with it are brush strokes too broad to paint the intricacies of planning something as complex as Midtown neighborhoods, Gordon said. is is seen at a macro level in the plan as the city is divvied up into 14 planing zones. In this, Midtown, the Medical Center, and Downtown are merged into one zone called “Core City.”
“I think that is a mistake because Midtown is residential housing, and Downtown and the Medical Center are not,” Gordon says. “So, let’s start by saying those should be separated.”
But Gordon easily shi s into the micro: the dense, complex, nitty-gritty of 3.0 that could allow single-family neighborhoods to legally be chopped into quadplexes, new units built where they can’t be now and, he says, destabilize Midtown neighborhoods.
e density models from anchor planning in 3.0 are the easiest way for a developer to create multifamily in a single-family zone, he said. ey’ll pay “professional convincers,” basically development lobbyists at Memphis City Hall, to speak to planning boards like the Land Use Control Board or the Board of Adjustment and ask for a special zoning change on property from single family to multifamily.
“ is professional convincer is going to go in there armed with information from Memphis 3.0 and say, ‘ is is what the city wants,’” he said. “So, in short order, your single-family neighborhood is going to begin to show multifamily buildings. And people who are looking for houses to buy are going to go, ‘Wait a minute. I remember this as a single-family neighborhood. What’s that four-plex doing there?’”
While the process may move slowly, he said, it could be a deciding factor for potential Midtown homeowners who might not want to gamble their biggest investment “on a neighborhood that’s in ux.”
A neighborhood could get multifamily zoning even if it’s not in one of those anchor density zones, Gordon said. e Memphis 3.0 plan designates some entire streets for higher density, regardless of where they lie, he said. So, even if your neighborhood passes all the other tests, a developer could use the street designation as an argument for, say, a four-plex on a
Nearly 60 people gathered for a MidtownMemphis.org Memphis 3.0 meeting earlier this month.
street. Later, another developer could come in wanting the same thing nearby because there’s already one across the street.
A third way Gordon told crowd members a neighborhood could get density through 3.0 is from degree of change. He joked it was the “dreaded degree of change” because it was harder to explain. e term, he said, basically means how money gets into a neighborhood. e 3.0 plan outlines three categories, he said. In it, the city works alone or with developers to fuel projects in certain neighborhoods, based on the need, and that could mean high-density housing.
“IF THE FUTURE LAND USE PLANNING MAP HASN’T CHANGED,” GORDON SAID, “WE WILL CONTINUE TO MARSHAL FORCES.”
“If you’re in a ‘nurture’ neighborhood, the city’s going to throw a lot of money at you,” Gordon said. “If you’re in an ‘accelerate’ neighborhood, the city’s going to throw some money at you but they’re going to try and get private investment to come in.
“If you’re in a ‘sustain’ neighborhood, then the city’s is going to say that private investors are going to take care of that.”
A contentious question of motivation
e Q&A portion of the meeting found a raw spot in discussions around Memphis 3.0 and the density topic in general. e basic question: Are single-family housing proponents seeking to bar low-income people from their neighborhoods?
Abby Sheridan raised the point gently at the MidtownMemphis.org
meeting. e reason she and her family moved close to Crosstown, she said, was to be within walking distance of the Concourse, for the density. She went to the meeting to see what the opposition to 3.0 was about, she said.
“Don’t be afraid of density,” she told the crowd. “Just because we allow for di erent types of housing doesn’t mean it’s an automatic guarantee.
“I’ve lived in multi-unit neighborhoods for most of my adult life. ey are thriving, vibrant communities.
“If we, as Evergreen [residents], believe that diversity is our strength, y’all are really showing your colors tonight.”
e comment sucked the air from the room that was quickly lled with side chatter, sighs, and low gasps. Emily Bishop, a MidtownMemphis.org volunteer, responded, saying owner-occupied homes stabilized Cooper-Young in the late ’80s when she bought her home (once a duplex, she said) there.
“ e businesses were nonexistent in Cooper-Young,” Bishop said. “ ere was one Indochina restaurant. [ e neighborhood] was light industrial at best.
“ ere was no zoning change that brought density back. What makes a neighborhood thrive are owner-occupied homes with people who get involved, who do the code enforcement work, who get rid of slumlords, and who support the local businesses.”
In all, Bishop said Memphis doesn’t have a housing shortage; it has an a ordable housing shortage.
“And there again,” Sheridan said, “what I’m hearing you say is … ‘not in our neighborhood.’”
Gordon jumped in to cool o the topic by saying that MidtownMemphis.org really is simply in favor of doing smaller
plans for distinct neighborhoods. Joe Ozment spoke plainly.
“I’ve been doing criminal defense in this city for 33 years and I’ve seen what’s happened in areas like Hickory Hill and Cordova when you add density,” he said. “We don’t want that in Midtown.”
Jerred Price, president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, and his board attended the meeting to “support the neighbors.” He and the board agreed that Downtown should be a separate planning bloc from Midtown. He said the anchor-and-compass method “shouldn’t be a strategy for development.”
Dropping “one of those special, little circle-drawing thingamajiggers” at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital would mean high density for the single-family neighborhoods like Uptown, he said. But higher density could be welcomed on the other side of the interstate there because it’s in the Downtown core.
“So, even for us, those circles don’t make any sense of our communities,” Price said. “We stand with you on that.”
Asked about the timeline of the Memphis 3.0 proposal, Gordon said public meetings will continue through this year. Revised plans with that public input would then be published. en, the Memphis City Council would vote on them, likely in 2026.
“If the future land use planning map hasn’t changed,” he said, “we will continue to marshal forces and the idea will be a showdown at city council.
“We would bring many citizens up there to protest a map that is not properly planned and does not look at what is stable in Midtown, is determined to destabilize Midtown for the bene t of commercial anchors, and is giving a free pass to other parts of town.”
PHOTO: TOBY SELLS
steppin’ out
We Recommend: Culture, News + Reviews
If Neil Simon and Franz Kafka …
By Abigail Morici
Last week, Quark eatre opened its production of Lee Blessing’s A Body of Water in First Congo’s theater space. e play has not been performed before in Memphis, as far as director and Quark co-founder Tony Isbell is aware.
“ is is a play where I really don’t want to give away too much of what happens,” Isbell says. “ e less you know about it going in, the better.”
e playwright himself has even said, “While it’s hard to talk about the play before seeing it, it’s hard not to talk about the play a er seeing it.”
Without giving too much away, Blessing’s play opens with a man and woman waking up one morning in an isolated house with no memories — not knowing who they are, how they got there, or how they know each other. en another woman arrives. “She seems to have some answers for them,” Isbell says, “but the question is, are they the right answers, and do they want to believe what she’s telling them?”
For the show, Quark’s programs won’t even list the names of these characters, played by Anne Marie Caskey, Barclay Roberts, and Lena Wallace Black, all of whom are Ostrander-winning actors.
e play, originally published in 2005, is “a great piece for actors,” Isbell adds. “In a review I read, the reviewer said the play is as if Neil Simon and Franz Ka a had collaborated. And that’s accurate. Some of it is silly, funny, and some of it is strange and mystifying. It’s full of twists and turns. I’ve been describing it as a darkly comic, existential thriller, existential mystery because you will keep guessing about what’s going on until the very — I mean, the very — last seconds of the play.”
Interestingly, A Body of Water’s ending has changed a few times since its debut. “[Blessing’s] now settled on the ending that we’re using, which, as far as I know, is going to be his nal ending. And it’s really the best,” Isbell says. “It’s very intriguing and there’s a mystery to be solved, and whether or not it’s ever solved will be up to each person who is seeing it.”
At about 90 minutes and with no intermission, A Body of Water will run on select dates through March 9th. “If you’re a fan of the work of David Lynch or the plays of Harold Pinter or e Twilight Zone, you would probably like this show.”
Purchase tickets at quarktheatre.com.
A BODY OF WATER, THEATRESOUTH AT FIRST CONGO, 1000 SOUTH COOPER, FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28-MARCH 1, 8 P.M. | SUNDAY, MARCH 2, 7 P.M. | FRIDAY-SATURDAY, MARCH 7-8, 8 P.M. | SUNDAY, MARCH 9, 2 P.M., $20.
VARIOUS DAYS & TIMES February 27th - March 5th
“Accessories” and “Tales from the Journeys”
Sheet Cake Gallery, 405 Monroe Avenue, through March 29 Sheet Cake Gallery presents two new exhibitions. “Accessories” features Althea Murphy-Price in the rst gallery space, while “Tales from the Journeys” featuring Nelson Gutierrez takes place in the second gallery space. Both artists expand the traditional boundaries of their respective media to further interrogate the complexities of the human experience in their work.
Althea Murphy-Price’s work is concerned with the deception and social and cultural implications of beauty practices and decoration, particularly those related to beauty standards imposed on women and Black hair. For her rst solo exhibition with the gallery, Murphy-Price presents arrangements of armatures and accessories inspired by beauty
tools and everyday objects such as barrettes and bobby pins.
Nelson Gutierrez’s work examines the psychological and social consequences of con ict. Based on extensive research, personal history, and the long, continuous history of con ict in his native Colombia, Gutierrez seeks to create empathy for and consideration of the lived experience of those surrounded by constant turmoil. Working between two and three dimensional objects and installations, Gutierrez expresses feelings of collective longing, fear, grief, resilience, and hope.
Beauty and the Beast
eatre Memphis, 630 Perkins Extd., Friday, February 28-March 30, $38.25
Based on Disney’s popular animated lm, this classic story tells of Belle, an independent young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, who is really a young prince who (along
with his palace attendants) is trapped under the spell of an enchantress. If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will end. But time is running out and if the lessons are not learned soon, the Beast and his magical household will be doomed.
For the full performance schedule and to purchase tickets, visit theatrememphis.org.
Mardi Growl
Overton Bark, 2080 Poplar Avenue, Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., free Join Hollywood Feed and Overton Park Conservancy for Mardi Growl. is event will feature a dog costume contest with prizes, Hollywood Feed giveaways, dog caricatures, food trucks, a dog parade, and live music from the Mighty Souls Brass Band. Judges will award dog costume contest winners at noon. Plus, adoptable dogs will be on-site.
PHOTO: TONY ISBELL
Lena Wallace Black and Anne Marie Caskey
Folk Fiesta
e Folk Alliance International Conference sees Memphians on stage.
A
nyone who believes folk music is a male-dominated profession has never attended the Folk Alliance International Conference, where women dominated the ve-day festival that ended Sunday, as they have for years.
When a singer like Marcella Simien of Memphis pulled out her antique squeeze box and started to sing, there was no question that she was in charge.
e 37th annual conference, which convened in Memphis for several years, was held at Le Centre Sheraton Montreal Hotel in a city still digging out from a blizzard that dumped over two feet of snow ve days earlier. e more than 2,400 music fans from around the world didn’t mind so much. It just meant that they stayed inside and heard intimate concerts held almost 13 hours a day by more than 1,000 performers in more than 100 spaces, as large as a theater or as small as a hotel room. How intimate? Some 2 a.m. shows were performed for only two or three people.
Rachel Maxann also played the conference’s Soul Stage. ey were but a few of the hundreds of performers hoping to impress the many club promoters, festival organizers, disc jockeys, agents, and music critics that this event is designed for. e pace is exhausting. ere are practical classes in the morning, teaching artists how to nd their own voice, hire lawyers, and track their taxes, as well as interviews with performers and newsmakers.
Attendees count on word of mouth to choose which shows to attend. Walking down a crowded hallway, they hear snippets of songs coming from the hotel rooms turned mini-studios, which draw them inside. Artists and promoters o en o er snacks and drinks to lure people in for a song or two.
On a larger stage, Simien performed a show that de ed convention and labeling, though she called it “psychedelic swamp soul.” A well-known music and arts gure in Memphis and daughter of two-time Grammy Award-winning zydeco artist Terrance Simien, she sometimes performs with her dad in the Zydeco Experience.
And she believes the spirit of her great-grandmother in uences her life and decisions.
“She came to me in a dream,” she said. “I never met her but was told all the stories of how she married at age 15 and had 15 children. ey lived o the land in rural Louisiana. We are a part of a generation of survivors.”
She said Memphis has been very good to her.
Hands down one of the superheroes of the week was Crys Matthews, a powerful singer-songwriter from Nashville, whose three songs at a late-night showcase stunned a standing room only crowd into silence — followed by massive applause.
She was on a late-night bill with Dar Williams and e Nields, who also killed. Matthews held her own with those two powerhouse acts, which is no simple feat.
Seek out her quiet protest song, “My Kind of Christianity.” at’s how it’s done.
Her new CD, with the long title of To Bend to the Will of a Dream at’s Being Ful lled, was just released.
Performing with Simien at Folk Alliance was the enigmatic singer-danceractress-violinist Anne Harris, originally from Yellow Springs, Ohio, a product of a Creole background. She spent nine years touring with Otis Taylor. Her exotic performances, which include dance, are captivating. Her new CD release, I Feel It Once Again, comes out on May 9th.
Memphians Savannah Brister and
When a singer like Marcella Simien of Memphis … started to sing, there was no question that she was in charge.
And lest people think there were no quality male performers, there were many. Festival veteran Steve Poltz of Nashville performed before a packed house in one of the larger theaters and was a huge hit. He read lyrics scrawled on paper that he wrote the night before about a conversation with Jesus. Many other artists like Dan Navarro, John Muirhead, and David Myles brought up the testosterone level.
e next Folk Alliance International Conference will be in a much warmer city, New Orleans, January 21st to 25th, 2026. Many people in Montreal fondly remembered when it was held in Memphis. For information on how to attend, go to folk.org.
PHOTO: KAREN PULFER FOCHT (above) Marcella Simien, singer from Memphis, Tennessee, and Anne Harris (right), songwriter/ ddle player/vocalist based in Chicago, Illinois, perform at the Folk Alliance’s 37th annual conference. (below) Memphian Savannah Brister performs on the Soul Stage.
AFTER DARK: Live Music Schedule February 27 - March 5
Ashton Riker & The Memphis Royals
ursday, Feb. 27, 6 p.m.
B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
Blind Mississippi Morris
Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. |
Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m.
BLUES CITY CAFE
Brad Birkedahl
Wednesday, March 5, 7 p.m.
BLUES CITY CAFE
Earl “The Pearl” Banks
Tuesday, March 4, 7 p.m.
BLUES CITY CAFE
Eskimo Brothers
ursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
BLUES CITY CAFE
Flic’s Pics Band
Led by the legendary Leroy “Flic” Hodges of Hi Rhythm.
Saturday, March 1, 4 p.m. |
Sunday, March 2, 2 p.m.
B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
FreeWorld
Sunday, March 2, 8 p.m. |
Sunday, March 2, 8 p.m.
BLUES CITY CAFE
Rockin’ 88’s
Monday, March 3, 7 p.m.
BLUES CITY CAFE
The B.B. King’s Blues Club Allstar Band
Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. |
Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m.
B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
Vince Johnson
Monday, March 3, 6:30 p.m. |
Tuesday, March 4, 6:30 p.m.
RUM BOOGIE CAFE
Charlotte Taylor Band
Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.
HUEY’S DOWNTOWN
Evensong
A traditional Anglican choral liturgy in Calvary’s beautiful nave at twilight. Free. Sunday, March 2, 5 p.m.
CALVARY EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Scott Southworth and Mark Lavey
Honky tonkin’ Downtown at South Main Sounds. Saturday, March 1, 7-9 p.m.
SOUTH MAIN SOUNDS
Alex Nollan Trio
Saturday, March 1, 6 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
Aquanet
Saturday, March 1, 10 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
Big Wheel
Friday, Feb. 28, 10 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
Brimstone Jones
Tuesday, March 4, 9 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & The Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band
Zydeco brings audiences to their feet. Carrying on his late, great father’s legacy with
Buckwheat Zydeco Jr. & e Legendary Ils Sont Partis Band, Sir Reginald Dural continues the tradition. $35.
Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
BUCKMAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Elmo & the Shades
Wednesday, March 5, 7 p.m.
NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
Heartbreak Hill Trio
Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.
HUEY’S POPLAR
John Williams & the A440 Band
ursday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
JT McCaffery Band
ursday, Feb. 27, 9 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
Memphis Youth Symphony Program: Annual Spring Concert
Two concerts with one ticket: e matinee includes the Prelude Strings, Intermezzo Orchestra, Concert Band, and Wind Ensemble. Evening includes the 2025 MYSP Concerto Competition winners Catherine Cheng ( ute) and Eireno Ko (violin), and a special performance of Mozart’s Ave Verum Corpus with the Memphis Choral Arts Youth Chorale. Visit myspmusic.org. Sunday, March 2, 2:30 p.m. | Sunday, March 2, 7 p.m.
SCHEIDT FAMILY PERFORMING ARTS
CENTER
School of Rock
Sunday, March 2, 5 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
The Deb Jam Band
Tuesday, March 4, 6 p.m.
NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
Van Duren
e singer-songwriter, a pioneer of indie pop in Memphis, performs solo.
ursday, Feb. 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
MORTIMER’S
A Memphis Reverie presented by Opera Memphis
Inspired by Carl Moore’s painting, Memphis on the Mississippi (Ode to Tom Lee), this opera experience celebrates the spirit of the Mississippi River and the enduring legacy of Memphis. ursday, Feb. 27, 6-7 p.m.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
Breeze Cayolle & New Orleans
Saturday, March 1, 5 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Butcher Babies
With DED, Roses Unread, Ripken. Monday, March 3, 7 p.m.
GROWLERS
Candlelight: Tribute to Lauryn Hill
Hear the music of Lauryn Hill reinterpreted under the gentle glow of candlelight, played by the Beale Street Quartet. $29.63. Friday, Feb. 28, 8:45-10 p.m.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
Candlelight: Tribute to Taylor Swift
Discover the music of Taylor Swi in a room so ly lit with ickering candles, played by the Beale Street Quartet. $31.28. Friday, Feb. 28, 6:307:45 p.m.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
Desmadre
With Gut Bust, Calamity, Bits [Small Room-Downstairs].
Monday, March 3, 7 p.m.
HI TONE
Devil Train
Bluegrass, roots, country, Delta, and ski e. ursday, Feb. 27, 9 p.m.
B-SIDE
DJ Strooly & DJ Qemist
Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m.
BAR DKDC
Five O’Clock Shadow
ursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Grave Lurker
With Scrotal Erosion, My Skin Is Wax [Small RoomDownstairs]. ursday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
HI TONE
Grindcore Night At The HiTone
Fans of underground extreme music rejoice. Wise Grinds
Records is bringing some of the hottest grindcore bands in the western United States to Memphis. Sunday, March 2, 6-10:30 p.m.
HI TONE
Ibex Clone Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
BAR DKDC
Iris Collective Strings
Gabriela Fogo is a dynamic and versatile violinist and educator; Roberta dos Santos is an avid chamber musician and advocate for contemporary music. Both hail from Brazil and are the Iris Collective’s
current Iris Artist Fellows. ey’ll be joined by pianist Dawson Hull for an evening of inspiring and eclectic piano trios. Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m.
THE GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN ARTS
Jazz Saturdays Hear the Memphis Jazz Workshop moving the legacy of jazz forward, creating the next generation of highly trained musicians. $15/general admission. Saturday, March 1, noon-2 p.m.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART Joe Restivo 4 Guitarist Restivo leads one of the city’s nest jazz quartets. Sunday, March 2, noon.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Lahna Deering
With a band featuring Jackson Smith (son of Patti Smith) and celebrated bassist/keyboardist Tony Shanahan. ursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
BAR DKDC
Louder Than Bombs (Tribute to The Smiths/ Morrissey)
Saturday, March 1, 9 p.m.
HI TONE
Memphis Symphony Chorus 60th
Anniversary Concert
A special evening of choral excellence. Experience the powerful voices of the Memphis Symphony Chorus and Memphis Symphony Chamber Chorus as they bring decades of musical artistry to life. With Lawrence Edwards, conductor, and Liz Parsons, accompanist. $15. Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 p.m.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH MEMPHIS
Pain of Truth Revolver calls them “the new princes of New York hardcore.” With Malevolence, Foreign Hands, Blood
Arc of Quasar With Rose Garden, Honey Grove. ursday, Feb. 27, 8 p.m.
HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
High Point
Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S SOUTHAVEN
Hollerhead
With Still Moves. Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m.
HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
Scott Southworth and Mark Lavey With Amber Rae Dunn
It’s pure country at the old honky-tonk on Friday night. Friday, Feb. 28, 7-10 p.m.
HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
The Pistol & The Queen Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S SOUTHWIND
Around the Americas with 123 Andrés
Channel. Sunday, March 2, 7 p.m.
GROWLERS
Rice Drewry Collective
Friday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Smoking Popes With Camp Trash, Rodeo Boys. $20-$25. Saturday, March 1, 8 p.m.
GROWLERS
Sound Fuzion
Sound Fuzion is the Rudie E. Schedit School of Music’s agship popular/commercial music ensemble. University of Memphis students and faculty are admitted free with ID. $10.
Saturday, March 1, 7:30 p.m.
THE GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN ARTS
Swingtime Explosion Big Band
Sunday, March 2, 5 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
The Pretty Boys
Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.
HUEY’S MIDTOWN
The Super 5
Saturday, March 1, 9 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
The Widdler With Torcha, King Shotta, Nolan Void, Dado. $25-$35. Friday, Feb. 28, 9 p.m.
GROWLERS
Twin Soul
Friday, Feb. 28, 9 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Walt Phelan Band With Magik Hours. Friday, Feb. 28, 9 p.m.
B-SIDE
Willis Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
MINGLEWOOD HALL
Catchy songs and lively performances will get all ages dancing, singing, and learning. School matinee show. Tuesday, March 4, 10 a.m.
GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS
CENTER
DJ Zetta
Music will ll the air at the Memphis Parent Camp Expo 2025, thanks to this celebrated DJ. Free. Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m.
THE GREAT HALL & CONFERENCE
CENTER
Duane Cleveland Band
Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S MILLINGTON
John Pizzarelli & Catherine Russell
World-renowned guitarist, vocalist, and Grammy winner Pizzarelli joins celebrated vocalist Russell for an unforgettable experience.
“Sassy, smart and historically minded, [Russell] has the jazz world abuzz” – Los Angeles Times. “John Pizzarelli is a living encyclopedia of the best popular music that the west has ever produced” – James Taylor. $30/general admission. Saturday, March 1, 8-9:30. p.m.
GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Tequila Mockingbird Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S OLIVE BRANCH
The Bugaloos Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S COLLIERVILLE
The Chaulkies
Sunday, March 2, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S GERMANTOWN
The Java Trio Sunday, March 2, 8 p.m.
HUEY’S CORDOVA
PHOTO: COURTESY DJ ZETTA DJ Zetta
CALENDAR of EVENTS: Feb. 27 - March 5
ART AND SPECIAL EXHIBITS
2024 Accessions to the Permanent Collection is series honors the new additions to the museum’s permanent collection throughout each calendar year. TuesdaySunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. rough Nov. 2.
METAL MUSEUM
42nd Juried Student
Exhibition is year, Rose Smith, photography curator at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, was selected to choose the artworks featured in the 2025 show by students from the U of M art and design department. rough March 7.
UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
“A Journey into the Shadows”: Nelson Gutierrez
Colombian-born artist Gutierrez confronts the realities of migration and displacement through a striking visual language of shadow and movement, using threedimensional cutout drawings. rough May 11.
CROSSTOWN ARTS AT THE CONCOURSE
“All Rise: Memphis Bar Association at 150” rough arresting objects and powerful images, the exhibition will showcase the Memphis Bar Association’s historical signi cance and continuing relevance. rough March 29.
MEMPHIS MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
“A Memphis of Hope” Featuring messages of what is right about where we live, through the eyes of our artists. is exhibition is a powerful testament to this city’s unity. rough Feb. 28.
WKNO
Bob McCabe:
“Discovering Painting: It’s Never Too Late!” Join the artist’s journey exploring watercolor, then acrylic, and most recently oil painting. rough March 8.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Carlyle Wolfe Lee: “Wonder” e artist’s practice is devoted to a deeper connection with her natural environment, especially the exchange of color and light that occurs in her surroundings. rough March 22.
DAVID LUSK GALLERY
Chris Antemann: “An Occasional Craving”
Antemann re-envisions the concept of porcelain gural groupings with colorful, imaginative, and cheeky ceramic sculptures that parody the dynamics between men and women. rough April 6.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
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, SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT EVENTS.MEMPHISFLYER.COM/CAL.
“Earth Matters: Rethink the Future”
See the inner workings of a tree, learn about endangered species, and experience largescale visualizations of changes in our natural world. Learn more about biodiversity and climate change. $18. rough May 18.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY AT THE PINK PALACE
“Faster Than Light: The Dream of Interstellar Flight”
Visit the planetarium to take virtual rides aboard spacecra of the future, based on whole new technologies, designed to achieve ultra-high speeds, using exotic next generation rocket fuels. rough May 23.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY AT THE PINK PALACE
Floyd Newsum: “House of Grace”
Large paintings on paper and maquettes for public sculptures that represent the artist’s interest in social practice. rough April 6.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
“From the Ashes”: Maritza Dávila-Irizarry
Featuring both new and salvaged works, “From the Ashes” integrates printmaking, mixed media, photography, video, and remnants from the re that destroyed the artist’s studio. rough May 11
CROSSTOWN ARTS AT THE CONCOURSE
Jennifer Watson: “Small Spaces”
Works incorporating threedimensional enameled copper sculpture into highly designed, jewel-like paintings that mix overlapping, and colliding geometries with animal and plant imagery. rough April 13.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
Johnathan Payne: “Regenesis” Works at the abstract intersection of drawing, collage, embroidery, beadwork, and painting. rough March 22.
CLOUGH-HANSON GALLERY
“Let’s Eat!” An Exhibition by Carolyn Moss and Georgia Smith Hospitality is over owing and interwoven through paintings created collaboratively by the artists. Each brings a unique style and ambience to the table. rough March 8.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Memphis Camera Club: “Best of 2024” Exhibition
e Memphis Camera Club (MCC), one of the oldest and most active photography organizations in the region, is proud to present the nest photographic works created by MCC members over the past year. Weekdays. Friday, Feb. 28-March 28. ANF ARCHITECTS
“Memphis Skies: What’s That in Our Night Sky?” Hop through constellations, learn cool star names, and groove to planetarium space music in this full dome audiovisual experience. rough May 23.
MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY AT THE PINK PALACE
“Pompeii: The Exhibition” In a media-rich, object-based immersive experience, discover the bustling commercial port and strategic military and trading center that was Pompeii before Mount Vesuvius erupted. rough April 13.
GRACELAND EXHIBITION CENTER
Sheryl Hibbs: “Two Sides of the Same Coin”
An artist whose love of oils manifests itself in both representational and abstract artworks. Weekdays, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. rough Feb. 28.
CHURCH HEALTH
Sisters of the Brush and a Brother: “Paint Their Dreams” Exhibition
Featuring works by Phyllis Boger, Patrick McGee, Barrie Foster, Ann Brown omason, and Jana Jones. rough March 31.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Southern Heritage Classic Exhibit
Celebrating 35 years of an HBCU Memphis tradition, the exhibition tells the story of Fred Jones Jr., the founder of the Southern Heritage Classic. rough Feb. 28
NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
“Spirit of ’74, Fire and Water”
An exhibit uniting two St. Mary’s Class of ’74 alums, Mary Hills Baker Powell and Katie Dann. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. rough April 3.
BUCKMAN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
“Supernatural
Telescope”: Danielle Sierra
A deeply personal and poetic re ection on memory, love, and spirituality, inspired by the passing of the artist’s
continued on page 20
PHOTO: COURTESY MEMPHIS CAMERA CLUB , by Yong Chen, is celebrated in the Memphis Camera Club’s 2024 retrospective.
PHOTO: COURTESY METAL MUSEUM Create fantastic creatures using the lost wax casting technique.
continued from page 19
father. rough May 11.
CROSSTOWN ARTS AT THE CONCOURSE
“The Colors of the Caribbean”: Juan Roberto Murat Salas
Murat Salas, a Cuban-born painter trained at the San Alejandro Academy of Arts in Havana, brings the rich visual traditions of his homeland to life through bold colors and dynamic compositions. rough May 11.
CROSSTOWN ARTS AT THE CONCOURSE
Thomas Dambo’s “Trolls: Save the Humans”
International Paper presents this larger-than-life fairy tale, in which art and nature intertwine. rough May 21.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Thomas Jackson: “Chaotic Equilibrium” Jackson harnesses the wind to create ethereal works that blur the boundaries between landscape photography, sculpture, and kinetic art. rough April 28.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
Tributaries: Rachel David’s “Engorging Eden”
A solo exhibition by David that transforms everyday furniture into fragmented expressions of life’s chaos, joy, and loss. rough May 11.
METAL MUSEUM
“Who is that Artist?”
Jorden Miernik-Walker
Explore photography-based work through interactive components, created speci cally for the exhibit, that speaks to function, loss, identity, comfort, and femininity. rough April 6.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
“Wintertide” Art Exhibit
New work by local artists: Zoe Nadel, Nancy Jehl
Boatwright, Anca Marr, JoRene Bargiacchi, and Pat Patterson. rough Feb. 28.
ST. GEORGE’S ART GALLERY AT ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Works by Sandra Horto: “Double Vision: Abstract vs. Realism” Gallery Ten Ninety-One presents Horton’s vibrant and colorful abstract paintings and McRae’s photographs, many taken while traveling abroad. rough March 28.
WKNO / CHANNEL 1091
ART HAPPENINGS
Community Build Day
Calling all space cadets, ETs, and star-seeds! Help construct Planet Luminarus: e Cavern Wall! All are welcome to participate — no wood or carpentry experience required. Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. OFF THE WALLS ARTS
Exhibition Lecture: Chris Antemann: “An Occasional Craving”
An exhibition lecture with artist Chris Antemann about her latest exhibition. Sunday,
CALENDAR: FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5
Pruning Essentials
Robin Howell, curator of the Japanese and Asian gardens at the Memphis Botanic Garden, presents an in-depth workshop on mastering pruning tools and techniques. $25. Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m.-noon.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Rosa SunfingerInspired Upcycled Planter Party
A 21+ planting party inspired by Rosa Sun nger! Transform recycled household items into charming, one-of-a-kind planters that are as sustainable as they are stylish. Supplies provided. $45. Friday, Feb. 28, 6:308:30 p.m.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Spirit Scarves
Transform plain silk scarves into one-of-a-kind masterpieces using found objects! $75. ursday, Feb. 27, 12:30-3 p.m. | Friday, Feb. 28, 12:30-3 p.m.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Sponsorships, Endorsements & Partnerships in Podcasting
Turn your passion into pro t with this comprehensive workshop. ursday, Feb. 27, 6-7:30 p.m.
March 2, 2-3 p.m.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
Opening Reception: Memphis Camera Club “Best of 2024” Exhibition
e Memphis Camera Club (MCC), one of the oldest and most active photography organizations in the region, is proud to present its 2024 Annual Competition Exhibition. Friday, Feb. 28, 5-7 p.m. ANF ARCHITECTS
Temple of Souls Art & Vintage Shoppe
Jana Wilson, artist and creative mastermind behind Vintagia Memphis, presents Temple of Souls Art & Vintage Shoppe. Friday, Feb. 28, noon-5 p.m. | Saturday, March 1, noon-5 p.m. VINTAGIA MEMPHIS
BOOK EVENTS
Club de lectura
(Spanish Book Club): El Cementerio de los Cuentos sin Contar, by Julia Alvarez
Compartir sus experiencias de lectura en español a traves del titulo seleccionado del mes.
Tuesday, March 4, 6-7 p.m.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
Hayley Arceneaux: Astronaut Hayley’s Brave Adventure
An imaginative, inspiring, and beautifully illustrated picture book from the youngest American to ever orbit the Earth: cancer survivor Hayley Arceneaux. Saturday, March 1, 2 p.m.
NOVEL
Jared Sullivan: Valley So Low
e author will speak with Rep. Justin J. Pearson about his
chronicle of one of the largest environmental disasters in U.S. history. Friday, Feb. 28, 6 p.m. NOVEL
Lunch & Learn: Jeep Show: A Trouper at the Battle of the Bulge Kirkus reviews wrote: “It seems odd to call a World War II novel ‘delightful,’ but that’s exactly what you get with O’Connor’s mix of history and ction.” ursday, Feb. 27, noon-1:30 p.m.
MORTON MUSEUM OF COLLIERVILLE HISTORY
Novel Manga Club | Kaguya-Sama: Love is War
Chat about the rst three volumes of the manga series, plus other anime and related media. All fans of KaguyaSama should feel welcome. ursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m.
NOVEL
Thomas M. Fuerst: Prophetic Peril: The Rhetoric Of 19th Century African American PhopheticCall Narratives (Race, Rhetoric, and Media) e author speaks with Andre E. Johnson about his exploration of the prophetic-call narratives of Maria Stewart, Nat Turner, Julia Foote, and Richard Allen. Tuesday, March 4, 6 p.m. NOVEL
CLASS / WORKSHOP
Afro-Latino Dance
Class
A high-energy dance class that explores the African roots of popular Latin rhythms like salsa, merengue, and bachata. ursday,
Get inspired by other ber artists working with fabric and yarn at an open studio.
Feb. 27, 6:30-9 p.m.
CAZATEATRO
Beginners Casting: Fantastic Creatures is class uses the lost wax technique with modern day resin bonded sand molds. A wax sculpture is invested in the resin sand and then the wax is melted out via an oven. Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Sunday, March 2, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
METAL MUSEUM
Fiber Arts Open Studio
Bring your fabric, yarn, and tools to the Dixon to work on your pieces and gain inspiration from other ber artists and cra ers. Media and methods are your choice. 16+. Free. ursday, Feb. 27, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
Homeschool Days
Hands-on learning that supplements your homeschool curriculum for ages 6+. Join Sofus Lotus in the Garden of Tranquility and discover the mindfulness of nature. Monday, March 3, 10 a.m.-noon.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Lunchtime Meditations
Visit the Dixon for free meditation sessions every Friday. Friday, Feb. 28, noon12:30 p.m.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
Project Pop-Up!
Each month, participants explore a new part of the Dixon with an inspiring project for all ages. Supplies are provided. Free. Saturday, March 1, 1-3 p.m.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
COSSITT LIBRARY
Super SaturdayColorful Abstractions
A fun and creative way to celebrate Women’s History Month! Inspired by Ida Kohlmeyer’s colorful abstract art, including her piece Horizontal Rectangles #3. All ages are welcome. Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.-noon. MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
The Producer’s Playbook: Creating Compelling Content for Podcasting
A great podcast isn’t just about talking, it’s about creating something worth listening to. Saturday, March 1, noon-2 p.m.
COSSITT LIBRARY
COMEDY
Comedy Night with Ben Pierce
An open mic experience. ursday, Feb. 27, 7 p.m. BAR DKDC
Open Mic Comedy Night
A hilarious Midtown tradition keeps rolling. Tuesday, March 4, 8 p.m.
HI TONE
We Them Ones Comedy Tour
Mike Epps, the legend and host, known for epic stand-up comedy specials and “Next Friday,” will use his comedy to seal the night. $64. Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m. LANDERS CENTER
PHOTO: COURTESY DAVID LUSK GALLERY
Carlyle Wolfe Lee’s captures her deep connection with the natural environment.
PHOTO: COURTESY DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
COMMUNITY
20th Annual Tree Planting
Volunteers of all ages are needed to plant over 1,000 native trees. Get your hands a little dirty while having lots of fun — helping make a lasting local impact. Saturday, March 1, 10 a.m.-noon.
WOLF RIVER CONSERVANCY
Weed Wrangle: Invasive Species Removal
Join an invasive plant Specialist in a volunteer project at Overton Park! Dress appropriately and wear closed-toed shoes. Bring work gloves and hydration. Saturday, March 1, 9-11 a.m.
OVERTON PARK
EXPO/SALES
Kids Town Consignment Sale
All items half price on Saturday. Thursday, Feb. 27-March 1.
AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL
Mid-South Farm & Gin Show
The South’s leading event for cotton, corn, rice and soybean farmers. Friday, Feb. 28-March 1. RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER
FAMILY
8th Annual Memphis Parent Camp Expo
A day of learning about camps and summer activities for all ages. Parents can meet camp directors and staff, and gain more information to make good choices for your family this summer! Free. Saturday, March 1, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. THE GREAT HALL & CONFERENCE CENTER
Blippi: Join the Band Tour! Blippi will be joined by Meekah, their singing and dancing buddies, and other live musicians to explore what makes music. Sunday, March 2, 2 p.m.
LANDERS CENTER
Caterpillar Club Parents (or other guardians) can accompany their toddler or preschooler (ages 2-5) as they share stories, play games, create crafts, and explore the natural world. Tuesday, March 4, 10 a.m. | Wednesday, March 5, 10 a.m.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Pre-School Story Time
Enjoy stories, songs, art activities, and creative play that connect with Collierville history. Friday, Feb. 28, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
MORTON MUSEUM OF COLLIERVILLE HISTORY
Story Time at Novel
Recommended for children up to 5 years, Story Time at Novel includes songs and stories, featuring brand-new books in addition to wellloved favorites. Saturday, March 1, 10:30 a.m. | Wednesday, March 5, 10:30 a.m. NOVEL
Teddy Bear Sleepover
Bunk beds and blankets will be provided, and Bear and Bull Bakery will provide bagels on Saturday morning, 9-11 a.m. $10. Friday, Feb. 28, 3:30 p.m. NOVEL
FILM
Cities of the Future 3D
Imagine stepping 50 years into the future and finding smart cities designed to be totally sustainable. Renewable energy is our primary power source, and space-based solar power provides energy. Through May 23.
CTI 3D GIANT THEATER
Oceans: Our Blue Planet 3D
A global odyssey to discover the largest and least explored habitat on Earth. New ocean science and technology has allowed us to go further into the unknown than we ever thought possible. Through May 23
CTI 3D GIANT THEATER
Oxford Film Festival
Filmmakers and film enthusiasts unite for 22nd annual film festival. $100/weekend pass. Visit ox-film.com. Thursday, Feb. 27-March 2.
OXFORD FILM FESTIVAL
LECTURE
Munch and Learn: 2025 Plant Sale Preview
Spend you lunch hour with Dale Skaggs, director of horticulture, Dixon Gallery & Gardens, as he previews the 2025 plant sale. Wednesday, March 5, noon.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
Science Cafe: Rare Plant Species
Dr. James Guldin, Southern Research Station, US Forest Service (retired), will speak about ecology and forest management. Tuesday, March 4, 5:30 p.m.
ABE GOODMAN GOLF CLUBHOUSE
PERFORMING ARTS
Lady Augusta Gregory: Revivalist of a Country
A literary salon about one of Ireland’s great literary figures. $22. Sunday, March 2, 3 p.m.
TENNESSEE SHAKESPEARE COMPANY
Poetry and Latin Jazz
Immerse yourself in the vibrant sounds of Latin jazz performed by the talented Memphis Jazz ensemble, and enjoy a poetic performance by Andrea Jacobo, a proud member of Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group. Friday, Feb. 28, 6-8 p.m.
GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY THEATRE CALENDAR: FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 5
HARRIET PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
SPORTS
Barrel Jam for St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital
Friday, Feb. 28-March 2.
AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL
First Saturday Paddle on the Wolf River
A “cold weather” paddle of a 6.4 mile section of the Wolf River between Rossville and Piperton, Tennessee, on an unchannelized portion of the river. Saturday, March 1, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
WILLIAM B. CLARK STATE NATURAL AREA
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Atlanta Hawks Monday, March 3, 7 p.m. | Monday, March 3, 7 p.m.
FEDEXFORUM
Memphis Grizzlies vs. New York Knicks Friday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m.
FEDEXFORUM
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Wednesday, March 5, 7 p.m.
FEDEXFORUM
Memphis Grizzlies vs. San Antonio
Spurs
Saturday, March 1, 7 p.m.
FEDEXFORUM
1 An for an “I”?
6 Mideast’s Gulf of 11 Swelling reducer
14 Popped up
15 Some bonds, for short 16 Yule drink
17 Was barely victorious, as in boxing
19 Brooklyn Brown or Newcastle Brown
20 Storage unit 21 Diplomacy 22 Hershey coconut bar 24 Mavens
26 Cole Porter song from “Kiss Me, Kate”
28 Not for kids, say
Crossword
30 Acquires the film rights to 31 Target numbers 34 Saturn S.U.V.
35 Baseball rarities nowadays … or a phonetic hint to the starts of 17-, 26-, 48- and 57-Across 39 ___-lactovegetarian 40 More blue 41 Ones who never listen to oldies?
44 Big name in oil
48 As something different to do
51 Mediterranean tourist attraction
52 Bo’s’n’s quarters
53 Oil or kerosene
55 Bit of work
56 Swear words?
57 Opposite of “consumed daintily”
60 Stephen of “V for Vendetta”
61 Tender spots
62 How many times the little hand goes around in a full day
63 Strongman player on “The A-Team”
64 Not quite a strike
65 Possessed DOWN
1 Where to order oysters
2 Beethoven’s Third 3 Lift : elevator :: ___ : car hood 4 Mil. morale booster
5 On its way 6 Gas brand with a torch in its logo
7 World capital at 9,350 feet 8 “Commonwealth” novelist Patchett 9 Computer image file format 10 Put into categories
Memphis Hustle vs. South Bay Lakers
The G-League Affiliate of the NBA’s Memphis Grizzlies. Tuesday, March 4, 7 p.m.
LANDERS CENTER
THEATER
Hamilton
An epic saga that follows the rise of founding father Alexander Hamilton as he fights for honor, love, and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation. $49/starting price. Thursday, Feb. 27, 7:30 p.m. | Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, March 1, 2 p.m. | Saturday, March 1, 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, March 2, 1 p.m. | Sunday, March 2, 6:30 p.m.
ORPHEUM THEATRE
The Dinner 2 The Stage Play
A soulful dark comedy with a horror twist. Friday, Feb. 28-March 2.
THE EVERGREEN THEATRE
Twelve Angry Jurors
Tempers get short, arguments grow heated, and each juror reveals his or her own character as various testimonies are re-examined, a murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born. Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, March 1, 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, March 2, 2:30 p.m.
Edited by Will Shortz No.
60 minutes from now
Brewskis
Garment left in a cloakroom
Magazine with an Agency
BY ALAN ARBESFELD
We Saw You.
with MICHAEL DONAHUE
Arainy
day is a good day to soak up some chili and jump into a tank of water. Special Olympics Greater Memphis obliged with its annual Blu City Fire & Ice Chili CookO & Polar Bear Plunge.
e event, held on February 16th at the Pipkin Building, featured 56 chili contestants, says Lisa M. Taylor, executive director of Special Olympics Greater Memphis.
More than 500 people attended, Taylor says. “It was not our biggest one, crowd-wise, due to the weather,” she says.
But, she says, “With the weather being like it was, I think we did excellent.” en there were those people who wanted to get wet. ey participated in the Polar Bear Plunge. “We were very lucky to have a break in the weather. ey plunged into a pool we set up. We had around 85 people, including the U of M football players and three U of M volleyball players.”
But again, she says, “Weather cut the numbers.”
Knuckleheads Chili came in rst place in the chili contest, which celebrated its 18th anniversary. is was the 29th Polar Bear Plunge.
above: Perla Kirkpatrick, Kathy and John Lyons, Ben Bolden, Michelle Bolden, and Jonas Bolden circle: Kevin Brazzell
below: (le to right) Tim Gri n, Michael omas, Lonnie Hurt, Spencer Owens, Don Taylor, and Courtney Bradley; Kimberly Tolbert and Hollis Moore; Chad and Graham Cornwell bottom row: (le to right) Alexis Michael, Chris Carrier, Cody Garbuzinski, Riley Kilgore, and Evan Michael; Jacob Frasure, Andrew Martin, Noah Burch, and Hunter Stroud; Amarion Tate and Amari Funches
PHOTOS: MICHAEL DONAHUE
above: Jacob Dyer, Jerry Suzore, Josh Mayo, Michael Dyer, and Mark West circle: Spencer Stalnaker below: (le to right) Shannon Smith and Tim Crosas; Andy Demster, John Lunsford, and Chance Nester; Henry Boggs, Alex Boggs, Reagan Boggs, Jenay Boggs, Lisa Farrah, and omas Boggs right row: (top and below) Bryan Crow, Gray Clawson, and Emi Payne; Eleanor Massey, Troy Ramsey, and Gloria Ramsey bottom row: (le to right) Rob, Ashley, and Llewyn Coleman; Josh, Alice, Valerie, and Aggie Sparks
Saigon Le’s Legacy Continues Asian Fusion
Located in the Heart of Midtown
Mon-Thu 10a-8p ♦ Fri-Sat 10a-9p
THEATER By Alex Greene
A World Upside Down
Seeing Hamilton is a powerful corrective to the post-truth era.
Acrash course in historical irony was on hand last week as my son and I trundled into the Orpheum to see Hamilton: An American Musical. While the cast of the celebrated musical sang and rapped their way through the circumstances and ideals upon which this country was founded, a shadowy Trump administration and its unelected advisor Elon Musk had just frozen funds for the National Endowment for Democracy in direct violation of the 1974 Impoundment Control Act. Meanwhile, the U.S. apparently abandoned commitments to erstwhile ally Ukraine. Authoritarian states like China and Russia were delighted. And, with characteristic hubris, Trump tweeted “LONG LIVE THE KING” that a ernoon. Another day in Upside-Down World, where a supine Republican Congress continues to give the executive branch free rein.
( e World Turned Upside Down),” a er the Marquis de Lafayette (Jared Howelton) mentions “immigrants,” and Hamilton (Michael Natt) joins him in saying, “We get the job done,” there were enthusiastic cheers and whoops in the audience.
Natt, as a person of color, perfectly embodied the idealism and drive of his character, delivering rhymes and raps with understated aplomb, as did his more aggressive foil, Jimmie “JJ” Jeter as Aaron Burr. Lauren Mariasoosay, of South Asian ancestry, masterfully inhabited Eliza Hamilton’s mix of Colonial-era decorum and emotionalism. Perhaps none captured the play’s inclusive spirit more than the regal A.D. Weaver as George Washington, who expressed all the gravitas that the role demands.
Washington’s repudiation of exhortations that he become the young nation’s new king, insisting instead on elections for the o ce, was a compelling reminder of American ideals when the current occupant dares call himself king and “jokes”
Meanwhile, the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has diverted funding originally targeting underserved communities. ose monies shall now go to projects honoring the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. at, perhaps, is the most chilling irony: the NEA celebrating a revered historical document as a kind of fetish while caving in to principles that defy its very intent.
How could one not imagine President Trump’s royal ambitions whenever Hamilton’s farcical King George III (Justin Matthew Sargent) appeared, full of imperious condescension, the perfect foil for the musical’s American patriots? It was a bracing reminder of this country’s origins.
e Orpheum has always championed Miranda’s 2015 musical, having been the rst theater to bring it to Tennessee in 2019, then again in 2021. Yet the new touring production, at the Orpheum until March 2nd, hits di erently now. It’s more necessary than ever.
From the beginning, Hamilton was a shot across the bow for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Its central conceit was to recast the country’s white, propertied “Founding Fathers” as multi-ethnic players red with the grit of hip-hop culture and the soaring emotions of an R&B ballad. And, as show creator Lin-Manuel Miranda told e New York Times a er its opening, “Our cast looks like America looks now. … It’s a way of pulling you into the story and allowing you to leave whatever cultural baggage you have about the founding fathers at the door.”
Indeed, the musical’s staunchly proimmigrant ethos is a heartening reminder that Trump is not our king. is was abundantly clear when, during “Yorktown
about never needing elections again. In matter-of-factly expressing, with new urgency, what once seemed to be this nation’s imperfectly executed yet fundamental principles — a respect for diversity, the peaceful transfer of power, and the rule of law — Hamilton preserves the ideals we’ve taken for granted and o ers the possibility that they haven’t been forgotten.
Back in 2016, newly elected Vice President Mike Pence attended a performance of Hamilton that caused quite a stir when Brandon Dixon, the actor playing Burr, stepped out to share some thoughts with the audience and Pence a er the curtain call. If those words rang true then, they are even more critical today: We, sir, are the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our parents — or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir. But we truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and work on behalf of all of us. All of us.
PHOTO: JOAN MARCUS
A.D. Weaver as George Washington in Hamilton
FOOD By Michael Donahue
The Price of ‘Grateness’
Oh Grate! takes great care of customers.
Oh Grate! is getting greater. Or “grater.” ey still use graters for the cheese on some of their frozen ready-to-heat meals, and sales of their Fiesta Sauce (formerly known as Tropical Dressing) as well as new innovations in their product lineup have been great, says Amy Bingham, coowner with Courtney Jones of the store at 2028 West Poplar Avenue, Suite 104, in Collierville, Tennessee.
First the Fiesta Sauce: “It’s still going really well,” Bingham says. “We’re shipping it out all over the country.”
e sauce is based on the green dressing, a mustard-vinegar based salad dressing, that was served at the old Pancho’s Mexican Restaurants. “We missed the Pancho’s green sauce that everybody put on tacos and taco salads,” Bingham says.
Jones began making it when Pancho’s still had restaurants in Memphis. “I had made it for years at home,” she says. “O entimes it would be hard to nd at Kroger. Once Pancho’s was sold, you could not nd it any longer.”
It wasn’t di cult to unearth the original Pancho’s recipe. “Everybody likes to throw out the recipes. You can nd them online. A copycat Pancho’s dressing.”
She made some changes to the original recipe, which she later had to adapt for shelf life and to make it in bulk while “trying to keep that quality as best as we could, true to the original sauce.”
“Next thing we knew our doors were blown o and everybody was here trying to get the green sauce.”
Sales of their Fiesta Sauce “went viral last year,” Bingham says.
ey changed the name from “Tropical Dressing” to “Fiesta Sauce” last year because “people were confused about the avors,” Bingham says. Was it salsa or tropical? Pancho’s referred to its sauce as “Tropicale Salad Dressing.”
But the “main thing that has really changed” at Oh Grate! is the inclusion of locally-made products in their store. “We kind of tapped into an audience of people who love food from Memphis.”
In addition to homing in on “the nostalgia from Pancho’s,” they wondered what else they could o er so people “could relive some of these Memphis memories.”
Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous was at the top of their list. “We formed a partnership with Rendezvous, and we sell their products here at our store. We sell ribs, smoked sausage, all their sauces and seasonings. And that has been wildly successful.”
Not everybody can just hop in their
car and drive an hour or so from Collierville to the Rendezvous at the last minute. “You’re just craving Rendezvous, but you’re not going to drive Downtown unless it’s a special occasion,” says Bingham.
ey also began carrying products, including juices and meals, from RawGirls. “It’s all fresh, all tailored to meet a targeted need. So, the Charcoal Lemonade is for detox; Sinus Shot is best this time of year. Everybody’s got the sni es. It’s packed with ginger and vitamin C, so that really enhances the e ectiveness.”
Arbo’s Cheese Dip is another item. is was founder Andrew Arbogast’s answer to Pancho’s cheese dip a er Pancho’s moved out of Memphis.
ey sell the chips and white cheese dip from Las Delicias as well as the “topnotch to ee’” from 901 Bakehouse in Germantown.
And they carry the homemade sourdough bread and pizza dough from Southern Flourery No. 6 in Collierville, not to mention short bread cookies and pound cakes from Made From Scratch Cookie Company.
eir counters now include Memphis Grindhouse Co ee, Dancing Peppers salsa, and products from Brim’s Snack Foods, which makes several products in addition to its popular pork rinds.
A line of mustards, including hot and spicy avors, from Harvest Gourmet in Cookeville, Tennessee, is their newest addition. ey discovered it at Harvest Gourmet’s booth at the recent Mid-South Sports & Boat Show at Agricenter International. “We tasted their mustard and just fell in love with their products.”
ey “made a pretty large purchase” and put the products in their store, Bingham says. “It happened so quickly and unexpectedly. Less than 24 hours and we had met with them and had their products on our shelves.”
Another new product — Southern Chocolate Chess Pie — originated closer to home. Jones’ daughter Maddox Huey “started making pies at home,” she says. “And, of course, we have the facility here to help her with that. One day she made a chocolate chess pie at home. I tell you, the whole family was blown away.”
More pie avors are on the way. “She’s about to begin making a key lime pie for us.”
Bingham and Jones enjoy helping people get their businesses o the ground. “It’s hard to know where to start a business,” Bingham says. “We want to help others along. We have this retail space that people have kind of come to know in this small area. But it can give exposure to smaller businesses as well.”
Oh Grate! also has had “great collaborations” with established businesses like the Rendezvous. “We’ve learned from them.”
ey’ve been able to “share, grow, and help each other.”
As for the Oh Grate! heat-and-serve meals, all of which are made on-site, Bingham says, “We cover the gamut.”
ey make soups, sliders, and readyto-eat dinners with di erent entrees, including chicken spaghetti, shrimp Alfredo, meatballs, and marinara. ey also carry lunch and party items, including chicken salad and pimento cheese. “We
are your one-stop shop for not having to cook.”
Last year, Oh Grate! introduced a new item: Energy Bites, which Jones describes as “little power balls,” including oatmeal, ax seed, peanut butter, honey, and chia seeds. “We’re now making hundreds and hundreds of energy balls.”
Some Oh Grate! products are available locally at High Point Grocery, South Point Grocery, and Cordelia’s Market. “We rmly believe in local,” Bingham says. “Local grocery stores are vital to our success as well.”
ey recently began selling their products in North Mississippi stores “all the way down to Batesville,” including Piggly Wiggly.
Much of their success is “due to our amazing team,” Jones says. “We now have 17 people that work with us parttime. Everyone is part-time but me and Amy. None of this would be possible without them.”
What’s next for Oh Grate!? “I would say our most requested item is the Pancho’s hot dip recipe,” Bingham says. “ at is what we get asked for quite o en. I feel it would do quite nicely in our lineup.”
People just referred to it as “the hot dip,” Jones says.
Will that be on Oh Grate! shelves one day? “It’s something we are looking into,” Bingham says. “It takes a while to launch a product.”
But, Jones adds, “ ere’ve been some test batches.”
PHOTO: KRISTI EVANS
Courtney Jones and Amy Bingham
CHILDREN OF EDEN
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
By the editors at Andrews McMeel Syndication
Bright Idea
Wrong Place, Wrong Time
With music from the great American composer Stephen Schwartz, who created Broadway’s biggest musical - WICKED, comes a masterpiece that sets the Book of Genesis soaring. The musical embraces the stories of creation & the great fl ood, but also explores the love between parents & children. BPACC’s older Youth Theatre, is directed by Ostrander Award winner – Emily Chateau. Don’t miss this tale of love, family, & the power of forgiveness.
For Families – Theatre Lovers – Churches
Toilet paper shoppers in Kagoshima Prefecture in southern Japan have a new option, GoodNewsNetwork.org reported on Jan. 14: rolls made from used diapers and other hygiene products. The cities of Shibushi and Osaki worked together to recycle disposable diapers starting in April 2024. The used items are sanitized, bleached, and shredded into a pulp to be mixed with recycled paper, to the tune of 30,000 rolls in the first two months of production. They’re sold at $2.70 for a dozen rolls. “Please support this eco-friendly product, which aims to promote a sustainable society by reusing local resources,” said Takumi Obo, spokesperson for the Osaki Municipal Government’s SDGs Promotion Council.
A coyote “made a mistake” on Jan. 13 and ended up in the refrigerated case of the produce section at an Aldi store in Chicago, WLS-TV reported. It was sequestered behind a selection of fine cheeses after roaming around the parking lot just minutes earlier. “It picked an odd location,” said Stan Gehrt with the Cook County Coyote Project. “They do this sometimes. They’re trying to hide from us.” Gehrt said many of the animals who end up in a sketchy situation are those who haven’t found a mate yet. The coyote will be evaluated by the Flint Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation group, which will determine whether it can be released back into the wild.
Irony
On Dec. 18 at the Family Dollar store in Mulberry, Florida, two shoplifters worked together to pull off a cleaning products heist, the Miami Herald reported on Jan. 10. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office, referring to the couple as Mr. Clean and Ms. Dookie until an arrest is made, hatched a plan to distract employees. “The man walked around the store gathering nearly $500 worth of merchandise [like lots of Gain, Tide and Clorox products],” officers said, “whilst the woman … [used] the restroom, without going to the restroom.” While employees cleaned up the mess, Mr. Clean walked past the registers and out to a Ford van, where Ms. Dookie joined him, and they drove away. The odd couple are still at large.
Unclear
on the Concept
Hampton, Virginia, police officer J’ron Harry lost his job after a less-thansatisfying encounter with a prostitute on Dec. 30, WAVY-TV reported. Harry met 20-year-old Alexus “Dream” Copeland on an app and arranged to meet her that day at an apartment in Virginia Beach, police say. They agreed to shower together, but Copeland never came into the bathroom, instead lifting Harry’s phone, keys, wallet, and car (with police credentials). Police were able to track down the car in Norfolk; Copeland told them Harry had given her permission to borrow his car, but she was charged with grand larceny, credit card fraud, and prostitution. Harry was not charged but was terminated on Jan. 7.
Least Competent Criminal
Victoria state police in Australia released a video on Jan. 9 in an effort to identify two would-be arsonists who bungled their crime, Yahoo! News reported. In the video, two people in dark hoodies attempted to set fire to a Melbourne fast-food outlet on Christmas morning, but one of them became engulfed in flames. The footage shows the person removing their fiery trousers and running away bare-cheeked; the other person was seemingly unharmed.
Mistaken Identity
As a group of schoolchildren walked home on Jan. 13 in Syracuse, New York, Onondaga County Sheriff’s deputies approached the kids and said one girl, wearing a pink jacket and camo pants, was the suspect in a car theft nearby. WSTM-TV reported that another child started recording video as the 11-year-old girl and her friends denied the accusation and deputies put her in handcuffs. They showed the kids a picture of the suspect and said, “Girl, you gonna tell me this ain’t you?” Eventually, one deputy noticed that the suspect had longer hair and “apologized,” saying, “I’m sorry about it, but you matched the description pretty clearly.” The sheriff’s department reviewed the situation and claimed the detainment was “lawful and reasonable,” but Sheriff Toby Shelley met with the girl’s mother afterward and called their conversation “productive.”
NEWS OF THE WEIRD © 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries author Anne Lamott articulated a thought that’s perfect for you to hear right now: “Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” I might amend her wisdom a bit to say “for a few hours” or “a couple of days.” Now is a rare time when a purposeful disconnection can lead you to deeper synchronization. A project or relationship will improve after a gentle reset. Your power mantra: “Renew yourself with quiet inaction.”
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Beavers are the engineers of the natural world. The dams they fabricate not only create shelters for them but also benefit their entire ecosystem. The ponds and marshes they help shape provide rich habitats for many other species. Boosting biodiversity is their specialty. Their constructions also serve as natural filters, enhancing water quality downstream. Let’s make beavers your inspirational symbol for the coming weeks, Taurus. In their spirit, build what’s good for you with the intention of making it good for everyone whose life you touch. Ensure that your efforts will generate ripples that nourish your tribe and community.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I predict that you will soon have reason to celebrate a resounding success. You will claim a welldeserved reward. You may even shiver with amazement and gratification as you marvel at how many challenges you overcame to emerge triumphant. In my view, you will have every right to exude extra pride and radiance. I won’t complain if you flirt with a burst of egotism. In accordance with my spirituality, I will tell you, “Remember that this wonder you have spawned will live for a very long time.”
CANCER (June 21-July 22): When you see the stars in the night sky, you’re looking at the ancient past. Light from those heavenly bodies may have taken as long as 4,000 years to reach us. So we are beholding them as they used to be, not as they are now. With that as your inspiration, I invite you to spend quality time gazing into your own personal past. Meditate on how your history is alive in you today, making its imprint on all you do and say. Say prayers and write messages to yourself in which you express your awe and appreciation for the epic myth that is your destiny.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I mourn the growing climate calamity that is heating up our beloved planet. Among many other distortions, it has triggered yellow forsythias and blue gentians to blossom during winters in the Austrian Alps — an unprecedented event. At the same time, I am also able to marvel at the strange beauty of gorgeous flowers growing
By Rob Brezsny
on the winter hills of ski resorts. So my feelings are mixed — paradoxical and confusing — and that’s fine with me. I regard it as a sign of soulfulness. May you be so blessed, Leo: full of appreciation for your capacity to hold conflicting ideas, perspectives, and feelings.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The quietest place on Earth is a room at Microsoft’s headquarters near Seattle. It’s made of six layers of steel and concrete, and its foundation includes vibration-dampening springs. Within it, you can hear your heartbeat, the swishing of your clothes, and the hum of air molecules colliding. The silence is so eerily profound that many people become flummoxed while visiting. Here’s the moral of the story: While you Virgos are naturally inclined to favor order and precision, a modicum of noise and commotion in your life is often beneficial. Like background sounds that keep you oriented, minor wriggles and perturbations ensure you remain grounded. This will be extra important for you to acknowledge in the coming weeks.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): To make a Mobius strip, you give a half twist to a strip of paper and attach the ends. You have then created a surface with just one side and one edge. It’s a fun curiosity, but it also has practical applications. Using Mobius strips, engineers can design more efficient gears. Machinists make mechanical belts that are Mobius strips because they wear out less quickly. There are at least eight other concrete functions, as well. Let’s extrapolate from this to suggest that a similar theme might be arising in your life. What may seem like an interesting but impractical element could reveal its real-world value. You may find unexpected uses for playful features. One of your capacities has dimensions you have not yet explored, but are ready to.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Sandra Cisneros is a visionary writer with Sun and Mercury in Sagittarius. She is always in quest of the next big lesson and the next exciting adventure. But she also has the Moon, Venus, and Saturn in Scorpio. Her sensitive attunement to the hidden and secret aspects of reality is substantial. She thrives on cultivating a profound understanding of her inner world. It took her years to master the art of fully expressing both these sides of her character. I bring this to your attention, Scorpio, because you’re primed to go in quest for experiences that will open your heart to novel amazements — even as you connect with previously unknown aspects of your deep self that resonate with those experiences.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Moeraki Boulders are spread along a beach in New Zealand. Many of the 50 big rocks are nearly perfect spheres and
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Octopuses have three hearts, each with a different function. Every one of their eight limbs contains a mini-brain, giving them nine in total. Is there any doubt, then, that they are the patron creature for you Pisceans? No other zodiac sign is more multifaceted than you. No other can operate with grace on so many different levels. I celebrate your complexity, dear Pisces, which enables you to draw such rich experiences into your life and manage such diverse challenges. These qualities will be working at a peak in the coming weeks. For inspiration, consider putting an image of an octopus in your environment.
up to six feet in diameter, so they provide a stunning visual feast. Scientists know that they have steadily grown for the last 4 million years, accumulating ever-new layers of minerals. I propose we make them your symbols of power until July 1st. In my astrological estimation, you are in a phase of laying long-term groundwork. What may seem to be a tedious accumulation of small, gradual victories is part of a grander undertaking. Like the Moeraki Boulders, your efforts will crystallize into an enduring foundation.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A Japanese proverb says, “The bamboo that bends with the wind is stronger and more resilient than the oak tree that resists.” That’s true. When storms bluster, oak branches get broken and blown away. Bamboo may look delicate, but it is actually strong and capable of withstanding high winds. It flourishes by being flexible instead of rigid. That’s the approach I recommend to you, Capricorn. Challenges may emerge that inspire you to stay grounded by adapting. Your plans will become optimal as you adjust them. By trusting your natural resilience, you could find unexpected chances for interesting transformation. Your potency will lie in your ability to bend without breaking.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Seattle’s Space Needle serves as an observation tower. It’s 605 feet high. For years, there was a restaurant with a rotating floor at the top. In its early days, the movement was so brisk that some visitors got dizzy and nauseous. Engineers had to recalibrate the equipment, so it was sufficiently leisurely to keep everyone comfortable. Your current situation resembles this story. The right elements are in place, but you need to adjust the timing and rhythm. If there are frustrating glitches, they are clues to the fine-tuning that needs to be done.
FILM By Chris McCoy
Monkey Gone to Heaven
Osgood Perkins lets his freak ag y in the Stephen King-penned horror comedy e Monkey
The best rediscovery from last year’s Time Warp Drive-In lineup was Creepshow. e 1982 anthology lm was directed by Night of the Living Dead’s George Romero and written by Stephen King, in one of the horror writer’s rare outings as a screenwriter. An homage to classic horror magazines from infamous comic publisher EC, Creepshow consists of ve stories, two of which were adaptations of King’s previously published short stories, “Weeds” and “ e Crate.”
If you’re just looking for a lm where Leslie Nielsen murders Ted Danson in a startlingly creative fashion, Creepshow is for you. For my money, it is a masterpiece collaboration between two legends at the top of their game. King himself had a cameo as the hapless farmer who is slowly eaten by an alien plant in “ e Lonesome Death of Jordy Verrill.” (Verdict: Great writer, not a great actor.)
In hindsight, what Creepshow reveals is that Stephen King is funny — or at least, some of his older stu is funny. Before he got into epic fantasy with e Dark Tower, before e Shining and Carrie created the expectation that he had to be psychologically profound, and before he was the most adapted author in the world (a whopping 412 lm and TV credits, according to IMDb), King wrote a lot of short stories that exhibited a rather endish sense of humor.
Maybe some of those short stories needed to be funny because they were published in magazines like Playboy and, in the case of “ e Monkey,” Gallery. (For my online readers, pornography was once primarily distributed via still images in magazines. Many of these skin mags also published words written by respected authors. It was a win-win. e writers got paid top dollar, while the publishers could yell, “I publish Norman Freakin’ Mailer!” when they were inevitably dragged into court on obscenity charges. Hence the old joke, “I only read Playboy for the articles.”)
“ e Monkey” was later gussied up and expanded for publication in King’s 1985 short story collection Skeleton Crew It provided the book’s cover image of a wind-up, cymbal-banging monkey doll. According to director Osgood Perkins, that was changed to a drum-banging monkey for his adaptation because Disney trademarked the cymbal-banging monkey for Toy Story merchandise.
Perkins’ last lm, Longlegs, was an unexpected jolt of horror surrealism that took o thanks to a bravado performance by Nicolas Cage — and really, are there any other kinds of Cage performances? e Monkey doesn’t brood like
COURTESY OF NEON H
PHOTO:
eo James plays two brothers who share knowledge of a very bad little monkey toy.
most of today’s art horror (I’m looking at you, Nosferatu) because it’s too busy doing slapstick.
e lm opens in a dingy pawn shop some time in the 1990s. Capt. Petey Shelburn (Severance’s Adam Scott) bursts in, demanding that the owner take back the monkey he sold him. e owner cites his “no returns on toys” policy, which is clearly posted on a sign behind the counter. But Petey insists that this is no toy. If the monkey plays his drum, bad things will happen. e owner has just enough time to sco at the notion before he is impaled by an improperly secured speargun. Petey responds by taking a amethrower o the wall (yes, this is the kind of place that sells fully loaded amethrowers) and melting the monkey into plastic and metal sludge. But it takes more than a convenient amethrower to keep a bad monkey down. Petey disappears, leaving his wife Lois (Tatiana Maslany) and their two kids Hal and Bill (both played by Christian Coventry) alone and destitute. Later, when the twins are middle schoolers, Hal nds a hatbox deep in his dad’s old closet, marked “organ grinder monkey. Turn the key and see what happens. Like life.”
Naturally, the boys respond to the cryptic instructions by turning the key, and they are disappointed when nothing seems to happen. en, Lois sets o on a date, leaving the two boys with the babysitter Annie (Danica Dreyer), who takes them out for dinner at a hibachi grill. But while the chef is irting with Annie,
he gets distracted and accidentally chops her head o .
At this point, I can hear the horror host Joe Bob Briggs gleefully rattling o , “Speargun impalement! Hibachi decapitation!” ere will be many, many more Joe Bob’s Drive-In eater-worthy deaths before this monkey is done.
Lois tries to comfort her traumatized kids with a speech, which Maslany of Orphan Black fame absolutely nails. Death, she says, is the inevitable outcome of life. “Everything is an accident, or nothing is an accident. Same thing either way.”
Needless to say, the bickering brothers are not comforted. Further experiments with the monkey lead to more random loss of life, until Hal turns the key to try to do away with Bill. Instead, Lois dies suddenly of a rare brain hemorrhage, leaving the brothers to be raised by their swinger uncle Chip (our director, sporting overthe-top muttonchops).
Twenty- ve years later, Hal and Bill (now played by eo James) are estranged. Hal is a deadbeat dad to his son Petey
(Colin O’Brien), fearful that the monkey might return. When their aunt dies hilariously, Hal is called back to his hometown, where he learns that a series of deaths has happened, each more unlikely than the last. Is the monkey loose again? Is Bill behind it? Will someone swallow a million wasps? ( e answer to the last question is a resounding yes.)
Perkins is letting his freak ag y in e Monkey, and it pays o big time. Gore in lm is only horrifying if it is grounded in realism. As Sam Raimi realized in Evil Dead II, at a certain point, spurting blood becomes funny. e Monkey hits that sweet spot. James is great as the two brothers who hate each other, and the young actor Coventry is even better. Maslany, Scott, and Elijah Wood leave big impressions in small parts. is lm is crass, utterly tasteless, and exactly what I needed to see on a doomy Sunday a ernoon.
e Monkey
Now playing
Multiple locations
Our critic picks the best films in theaters.
Parthenope
In this Italian film, a woman named for the muse of Naples, an ancient siren who tempted Odysseus, recalls her life of freedom and nonconformity. She is at times an actor, an anthropologist, and a religious scholar. At each stage of her life, she meets someone who changes her course, whether negatively, such as the tipsy writer John Cheever (Gary Oldman), or positively, such as the Catholic bishop she has an affair with. Newcomer Celeste Dalla Porta plays young Parthenope, while Stefania Sandrelli portrays her as an adult.
Captain America: Brave New World Anthony Mackie stars in his first film as
the new Captain America. When Cap is sent on a mission to intercept a mysterious package which has been stolen by Sidewinder (Giancarlo Esposito), he accidentally uncovers a plot by The Leader (Tim Blake Nelson), whose intellect has been enhanced by a gamma radiation experiment, to corrupt the new president (Harrison Ford).
Heart Eyes
A serial killer with a cool glowing mask targets lovers on Valentine’s Day. Ally (Olivia Holt) and Jay (Mason Gooding) aren’t lovers. They were pushed together by their bosses for a joint work project. But when Heart Eyes mistakes them for lovers, all hell breaks loose, and they’re on the run. Can they get anyone to believe them?
Qualifying Agencies are:
•Treatment
•Churches
•Schools
THE LAST WORD By Jesse Davis
The Doll and the Don
Comparing and contrasting a true American hero and our new American nightmare.
Like many of this fantastic publication’s erudite and discerning readers, I consider myself a Memphian, not a Tennessean. at is, at least, until Dolly Parton enters the chat. Famed country music singer/songwriter, businesswoman, lm star, and philanthropist, Parton’s list of accolades is longer than a country mile, and they’re the rare sort of achievements that have crossover appeal.
I mention Our Lady of the Wild owers because I have just signed my newborn son up for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, a program funded primarily by the Dollywood Foundation (with some funding from community partners), which provides free books for children from birth to age 5. If that sounds like nothing more than a tax write-o , consider that Parton has said the program was inspired by her father’s struggles reading and that she credits her mother’s songs and stories as an inspiration for her own eventual creative career. Consider also that 21 percent of adults in the United States are illiterate, and a whopping 54 percent of Americans read below a sixth-grade level. According to the National Literacy Institute, low levels of literacy cost the U.S. up to $2.2 trillion per year.
As I write these words, the Imagination Library’s funding is under attack in Indiana. e state’s (Republican) governor, Mike Braun, is looking to defund the program, likely in an attempt to curry favor with President Donald Trump and his gang of cost-cutting cronies.
“We are hopeful that Governor Braun and the Indiana Legislature will continue this vital investment by restoring the state’s funding match for local Imagination Library programs,” Parton said in a statement released online. “ e beauty of the Imagination Library is that it unites us all — regardless of politics — because every child deserves the chance to dream big and succeed.”
It’s hard to argue with that kind of logic, right?
Wrong. at seemingly American-as-apple-pie statement couldn’t be more out of step with today’s values. Enough of us decided this November that a quick buck and cost-cutting are preferable to an investment in our future. With the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Health, USAID, NASA, and other critical programs on the chopping block, who has tears to spare for the Imagination Library?
e current moment seems to me to be summed up thusly: America says it wants Dolly Parton, but it keeps choosing Donald Trump. ough Parton is surely too intelligent ever to descend into politics — and she doesn’t have to, since she’s not desperately avoiding a lengthy stint in prison — she does seem to be the actual best version of everything Trump pretends to be.
Where Trump claims to be a self-made success, along with his siblings, he inherited a portion of his father’s estate, then valued between $250 and $300 million. Parton, on the other hand, is a real person of the people, one of 12 children raised in a single-room cabin in Pittman Center, Tennessee — her “Tennessee Mountain Home.” She wrote and sang her way to success. Trump’s populist shtick only works if one can suspend disbelief long enough to forget about his goldplated toilet, his hush payments to porn stars, and his failed for-pro t “education center.” As a businessman, his career pales in comparison to Parton’s. rough her Dollywood Foundation, she spends money by the bucketload, investing in poverty relief, in the Imagination Library, in building a cancer treatment center, in the Vanderbilt University Medical Center, and in preservation e orts for the bald eagle — our national bird. She has that money to invest because she’s actually good at business
Trump’s businesses, on the other hand, have led for bankruptcy six times. In 2011, the Gold-plated Gri er was quoted by Newsweek as saying, “I do play with the bankruptcy laws — they’re very good for me.”
Both celebrities — don’t kid yourself; Trump isn’t a politician or a businessman, he just plays one on TV — have augmented their natural appearance (and there’s no reason to judge them for that choice). Trump is famously prickly about himself, though, and completely devoid of a sense of humor. Parton, however, maneuvers through interviews like a dancer on stage, disarming reporters with comments like, “It costs a lot to look this cheap.” She’s funny, and she has a sense of humor about herself. I know who I would rather drink a beer with, and not just because “9 to 5” is one of the best songs ever written.
ere do seem to be strange similarities between the two gures. Is the devil just an angel seen through a scanner, darkly? More than anything else, Parton believes in investing in what she values, while Trump and the sociopaths holding his leash seem intent in strip-mining the once-proud American government and economy for personal gain. e moment to choose our hero has already passed. America chose self-interest over sacri ce, cruelty over compassion, petty small-mindedness over creativity. I pray that we get a chance to correct our course, and that we haven’t lost too much when that moment comes.
Jesse Davis is a former Flyer staffer; he writes a monthly Books feature for Memphis Magazine . His opinions, such as they are, were formed in his early years spent tucked away in the library stacks.
PHOTO: LAURENCE AGRON | DREAMSTIME.COM
Dolly Parton
