LEGISLATIN’
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Legislatin’ State bills cover everything from forever chemicals and covenant marriage to medical debt and the World Health Organization.
PHOTO: JOSHUA RAINEY | DREAMSTIME.COM
An Efficiency Problem
Means-to-end action can be dangerous. p11
PHOTO: JOHN VANDERLYN | PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The Other Half of the Half Shell
A March opening is planned for the seafood restaurant’s new location. p25
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MEM ernet
Memphis on the internet.
FUN MUDDIN’
You’re in luck if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to go muddin’ in the Wolf River bottoms near Covington Pike. ATV content creator Jp Stephens Youtube posted a Facebook Reel that takes you there without getting your work clothes dirty.
{ ENVIRONMENT
Questions, Answers + Attitude
Edited by Toby Sells
MONDAY MOOD
Yawning gibbons drowsed in the spring sunshine last week in a post with the hashtag #mondaymood. I mean, you’ve gotta rest up if you’re going to entertain kids at the Cat House Cafe.
COHEN ON MUSK
U.S. Representative Steve Cohen (DMemphis) promised to ght a DOGE proposal to close the Odell Horton Federal Building in Memphis. e closing would leave no place for federal court to meet, Cohen argued, while the Trump administration considers new judges to be named.
“Maybe we just take this bill and hold it for awhile until the greatest, most brilliant, smartest, most absolutely phenomenal judicial and real estate mind in the world, Elon Musk, can come and tell us what he’s going to do with the judges,” Cohen said.
By Elise Plunk, Louisiana Illuminator
Fishing the Big Muddy
A new group could answer questions like: “Is it safe to eat sh from the river?”
A new congressional bill aims to improve sheries and environmental quality in the Mississippi River basin with a federally funded commission.
“ is is a bill that’s way past its due,” said U.S. Representative Troy Carter Sr. (D-Louisiana) who is co-sponsoring the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025 with U.S. Representative Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi). It was introduced February 24th in the House Committee on Natural Resources.
e goal is to fund grants for habitat restoration, sheries research, and the mitigation of invasive species. It aims to support the growth of the shing industry throughout the basin, as well as reinforce partnerships between local, state, and federal agencies involved in the management of the river and its tributaries. e commission would be federally funded and draw down on federal dollars to support restoration projects and sheries management.
“ e Mississippi, a mighty, mighty estuary, is not only a major tool for moving commerce back and forth, but it’s also a place where people make a living, shing on the river,” Carter said. “ is bill endeavors to make sure that we are protecting that asset.”
While commercial shing has declined in recent decades, and updated research is necessary to establish the exact value of recreational, commercial, and subsistence shing in the Mississippi River, one study valued it as a billion dollar industry.
e river has long faced challenges, such as industrial and agricultural pollution, habitat destruction, and proli c spread of invasive species. Part of the di culty in addressing these problems comes from the sheer size of the basin, with its geography covering over a third of the continental United States.
Communication amongst the numerous jurisdictions in the basin — states, cities, towns, and tribal entities — can be di cult. Collaborative groups encourage more cohesive policy between basin states, such as the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative and the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, and there have been e orts to
pass a river compact.
e United States and Canada share a partnership through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. e Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission would be part of the Department of the Interior and include other agencies, like the U.S. Geological Survey, Fish and Wildlife Service, and Army Corps of Engineers.
Due in large part to a lack of standardized testing, and o en limited resources, health experts and government agencies o en o er con icting advice as to whether sh from the Mississippi River are safe to eat. Fish advisories warning against consumption of sh in one area may not exist in neighboring states, varying from one side of the river to the other.
e bill authors request $1 million to launch the commission in 2026, then $30 million each year for the following three years.
While many sh the Mississippi River for sport rather than to eat, some rely on the river as a source of food.
General health advice for eating sh caught from the Mississippi does exist, such as throwing back the biggest and fattiest sh, washing them before leting, and broiling or grilling the catch to avoid certain pollutants.
Halle Parker contributed to this story. is story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri in partnership with Report for America, with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation.
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Jaqueline Davis shes in the Wolf River Harbor underneath the A.W. Willis Bridge July 7, 2022. Davis has been coming to this spot for over a decade.
Radical Indoctrination {
EDUCATION
By Marta Aldrich, Chalkbeat Tennessee
Moms For Liberty ght social-emotional learning, claiming it makes kids so on transgender peers, gun control, and more.
In a small recording studio near Nashville, Tennessee, conservative activist Kelly Schenkoske urged an online audience of parents to scour school district websites for contracts that mention social and emotional learning (SEL).
“Social-emotional learning is far more than just kindness,” Schenkoske said. “It is a bait and switch.”
e bait, according to Schenkoske and other panelists at the recent Moms for Liberty training event, is small shi s in the school day to introduce students to lessons about virtuous qualities like empathy and compassion.
e switch, they said, is to make children sympathetic to what they see as progressive ideas, ranging from open borders and acceptance of homosexuality to gun control, action against climate change, and redistribution of wealth.
“It is a bait and switch.”
“You send your child with your value system, your own beliefs, and now they’re getting the government’s value system installed into them,” warned Schenkoske, who hosts a podcast from her California home about education and parent rights.
e two-hour training session was the rst installment in Moms for Liberty U, an online course meant to drive conservative parent activism in the group’s continuing e ort to sway local and national education agendas.
at it focused on social and emotional learning illustrates the staying power of conservatives’ concerns about schools’ role in addressing student well-being. ese concerns stretch back years, even as research on SEL shows wide-ranging bene ts for students.
Now Moms for Liberty has an ally in the White House, with President Donald Trump painting schools as centers of radical indoctrination and signing executive orders that seek to stamp out teaching about systemic racism and policies supportive of transgender youth.
e group’s future trainings will cover critical race theory, restorative justice, sex education, library content, Marxism, and more — topics that are under scrutiny by the new administration and more prominent in public conversation.
Ti any Justice, a Florida mom, activist, and former school board member who co-founded Moms for Liberty, sees SEL at the root of everything. She hopes the
administration soon will call it out by name, too.
Parents who agree with the Trump administration can “take those executive orders, that messaging, and really make it come alive throughout the entire country,” Justice told Chalkbeat.
Social and emotional learning is an educational approach introduced in the 1960s to teach life skills designed to help children manage stress, treat others with respect and empathy, work cooperatively, and recognize and regulate their emotions.
e use of SEL tools has increased as educators seek to help students rebound academically and emotionally from disruptions to schooling and children’s daily lives a er the Covid pandemic emerged in early 2020.
About 83 percent of principals reported last year that their schools use an SEL curriculum or program, compared with 73 percent in the 2021-22 school year and 46 percent in 2017-18, based on a nationally representative survey by RAND Corporation and the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, or CASEL.
e programs vary in quality. But a large analysis of studies on SEL published in 2023 found a wide range of positive e ects, including better academic performance, homework completion, and attendance, a major area of concern nationwide since the pandemic.
“It’s frustrating to see the science and impacts in schools and then to see the noise around the banning of SEL,” said Christina Cipriano, an associate professor at Yale University and lead author of the meta-analysis, which synthesized more than 400 studies over 13 years that collectively included half a million children.
Cipriano recalled a trip to Washington, D.C., to talk with policymakers about using science to make decisions, including about social and emotional learning. One Republican congressional sta er told her that their constituents would love everything about her work — except the name.
“You have a Control-F problem,” the sta er said, referring to the computer keyboard command that lets someone easily nd a term in documents such as school district contracts to purchase SEL products and services.
PHOTO: MARTA W. ALDRICH, CHALKBEAT Moms for Liberty co-founder Ti any Justice speaks near Nashville.
POLITICS By Jackson Baker
Cohen Still Goin’
Status reports on 9th district congressman and state Representative Pearson.
Insofar as some degree of suspense has attached to the question of Steve Cohen’s reelection plans for 2026, it can now apparently be dispelled.
In a telephone conversation on Monday, the 9th District congressman said it explicitly: “I’m running!”
e Democratic congressman said he is convinced that his party will recoup the losses it su ered in 2024 and will regain a majority in the U.S. House of Representatives in next year’s election.
“I’m looking forward to the change,” commented Cohen who, without specifying, said he looked forward to improved committee assignments and chairing opportunities.
e congressman said he’d been checked out thoroughly by his personal physician, who pronounced him in good shape to keep running and to attend to his future duties.
In an oblique reference to a famous Mark Twain quote (“Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated”), Cohen recalled a TV panel show of some years ago during which a local political gure, since deceased, claimed to have certain knowledge that Cohen, su ering from “post-polio” circumstances, would be resigning from his o ce, to be replaced by another local gure.
the years as a skeptic about the advantages of vaccination and has been widely condemned for his views, even by other members of his renowned political family. Criticism of the secretary has been compounded by the fact of recent measles outbreaks among the nation’s unvaccinated population.
“He’s made lots of money o his involvement in anti-vax organizations,” Cohen further charged.
• Cohen’s declaration of candidacy for 2026 does not, of course, preclude the possibility of his having opposition.
Among the local political gures most frequently mentioned as potential claimants to the 9th District congressional seat at some point are Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, state Senator Raumesh Akbari, and state Representative Justin J. Pearson — all Democrats.
Pearson received abundant national attention in 2023 as one of the “Tennessee ree” House members who incurred Republican wrath, including an expulsion e ort, for protesting state government’s inaction on gun safety following a school shooting in Nashville. ough still regarded as likely to be a long-term political eminence, Pearson has had a shaky, sparsely attended legislative session so far — one marked by, among other things, his inadvertent, apparently accidental, casting of an aye vote for Governor Bill Lee’s voucher legislation.
“My demise didn’t occur. Hers did,” Cohen deadpanned.
e congressman is indeed a survivor of poliomyelitis, a disease he su ered long ago as a child and which severely a ected one leg but did not prevent a political career which has endured for numerous decades, including service on the Shelby County Commission, the Tennessee state Senate and, since 2006, the U.S. House.
Most recently, he has sponsored legislation to require training and integrity standards for income tax preparers.
Like several other observers and most elected Democrats, Cohen regrets President Trump’s choice of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as secretary of health and human services.
Kennedy has been conspicuous over
In delivering the 17th annual Murray Lecture at Vanderbilt University last month, Pearson touched on both his forebodings regarding the danger of rearms and the gun suicide in December of his brother, Timphrance Darnell Pearson — one obvious reason for his recent preoccupation.
Sharing the 988 suicide and crisis hotline number with his audience, Pearson said, “We have an epidemic of gun violence in our communities, and it is really imperative that we do everything that we can to help save anybody we can. I didn’t know what my brother was struggling with. We didn’t know about [the] mental illness that he had. You don’t know who’s struggling next to you or in your families.”
PHOTO: U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
Steve Cohen
Protect Your Info
These 10 tips can help.
A
ccording to the Federal Trade Commission, a new case of identity theft occurs every 22 seconds, and nearly 33 percent of Americans have faced some type of identity theft attempt. Identity theft occurs when a criminal uses your personal information to commit fraud, typically for financial gain. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to avoid being a victim of identity theft.
1. Sign up for an identity theft protection service.
While an identity theft service can’t prevent identity theft, it can promptly alert you to suspicious activity and help you recover any damages. For a monthly fee, these services monitor your credit reports, social media activity, financial accounts, medical information, and more in order to identify suspicious activity.
2. Use strong passwords.
Choose strong passwords that are difficult to guess, change your passwords often, and resist the urge to assign the same password to every account. That way, if one account is hacked, other accounts are still protected. Also, while it may seem obvious, don’t keep a list of passwords in an unsecured location.
3. Enable multifactor authentication. Multifactor authentication offers an extra layer of password security. It requires that you provide another piece of data to gain access to your account, in addition to your password. For example, your bank may send a PIN via text to your phone number on file. Whenever possible, enroll in multifactor authentication. That way, even if someone learns your password, he/she won’t be able to access your account.
4. Monitor your accounts.
One of the best ways to quickly identify fraudulent transactions is by consistently monitoring your accounts. At least twice a week, log into your various accounts to review recent transactions. Also, consider establishing banking alerts to notify you of any unauthorized or suspicious activity.
5. Protect your mail.
It’s not just your online data that’s at risk. Hard copy documents also contain valuable personal data that can be used by fraudsters. That’s why it’s important to promptly pick up your mail and shred all statements and documents before
putting them in the trash.
6. Review your credit reports. Each of the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) allows consumers to access one free report a year. Take advantage of this opportunity to check your credit reports and make sure there are no surprises or errors.
7. Maintain security software. Your internet-enabled devices should be equipped with strong, updated security software that regularly checks for suspicious and harmful activity. Make sure your software includes firewalls, anti-virus protection, and intrusion detection. Never connect to the internet without strong security software in place.
8. Keep your operating system and software up to date. Software and operating system updates often include security fixes, which is why it’s important to enable automatic updates on all devices. You should also be using a well-respected internet browser, such as Chrome or Firefox, as they’re more likely to be regularly updated with the latest security protections.
9. Never click on suspicious emails. If you receive an email that looks suspicious, it probably is. Resist the urge to click any links, and never provide personal information over email. If you receive an email regarding your finances that appears to be from a financial institution, the IRS or another reputable organization, call the toll-free number of that institution (the one listed on the company’s website, not a phone number in the suspicious email) to verify the email’s authenticity before you provide any information.
10. Fully wipe old electronics. Even if you delete files from old computers, they can still be recovered by techsavvy fraudsters. Before donating old electronics, use an overwriting software to fully wipe all personal data. Gene Gard, CFA, CFP, CFT-I, is a Partner and Private Wealth Manager with Creative Planning. Creative Planning is one of the nation’s largest Registered Investment Advisory firms providing comprehensive wealth management services to ensure all elements of a client’s financial life are working together, including investments, taxes, estate planning, and risk management. For more information or to request a free, no-obligation consultation, visit CreativePlanning.com.
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AT LARGE By Bruce VanWyngarden
Social Insecurity
On the fourth Wednesday of each month, a four- gure amount from the U.S. government gets deposited into my bank account. I wouldn’t want to try to subsist solely on my Social Security check, but it’s an invaluable source of income for me in my semi-retirement, and it’s a fund I’ve contributed to since I was in high school, working as a pharmacy stock boy.
President-Select Elon Musk said on Joe Rogan’s podcast recently that Social Security is a “Ponzi scheme” and spouted several statistics that were quickly debunked. “We’ll make mistakes,” Musk said, when asked about it. at didn’t stop President Trump from repeating Musk’s statistical lies in his address to Congress last week. Trump added that Social Security su ered from “shocking levels of incompetence and probable fraud.”
funds. at number (which includes my own dear mother) is a long way from 16 million. As for fraud, the SSA inspector general reported in 2024 that .84 percent of bene ts paid between 2015 and 2022 were improper.
So why are the two most powerful men in the country spewing disinformation about the SSA? Simple. ey are attempting to so en up the public for cuts in services. DOGE, Musk’s stealthy pseudogovernment agency, is cutting 7,000 SSA workers for starters, and the number of regional SSA o ces has been trimmed from 10 to four. Will that mean those of us who receive SS checks should worry? I’m going to go with “yes.”
Let’s look at their claims: A Ponzi scheme is a system in which the con artist tricks a lot of people into investing in a scam. If investors want to withdraw their money, the scammer pays back the early investors with money he’s gotten from more recent investors.
In a broad sense, that is the case with Social Security; the people paying into it now are covering the checks of those who are retired or disabled. If, as is happening now, the birth-rate goes down and people are living longer, there can be a funding problem. But, as many economists have pointed out, the solution is simple: Americans contribute to Social Security up to an annual income of $176,000. Raising the top salary level for paying into Social Security to $200,000 would x the issue for years to come. Another Social Security Administration (SSA) analysis says that an “increase in the combined payroll tax rate from 12.4 percent to 14.4 percent” would make the program sustainable for the next 75 years. at’s not a Ponzi scheme or a crisis. It’s an amendable budget line-item that Congress could address tomorrow.
Regarding Trump’s statements about incompetence and fraud? As hard as it is to believe, he’s lying. Trump told Congress and the American public that 16 million people over the age of 100 received Social Security payments, including 130,000 supposedly over 160 years old. As several media outlets reported a er Musk rst made these allegations, the SSA’s beneciaries chart shows that just 89,106 people over age 99 are receiving retirement
Here’s what former SSA chief Michael O’Malley told CNN: “Ultimately, you’re going to see the system collapse and an interruption of bene ts. … I believe you will see that within the next 30 to 90 days.” is is speculation, of course, and O’Malley is a Democrat, but here’s what Leland Dudek, the man Trump appointed to head SSA, said in a recent meeting, according to e Washington Post: “DOGE people are learning and they will make mistakes, but we have to let them see what is going on at SSA. I am relying on longtime career people to inform my work, but I am receiving decisions that are made without my input. I have to e ectuate those decisions.” Reassuring, eh?
Here’s the bottom line on all this: e “DOGE people” have access to the personal and nancial information of every American citizen — living or dead — who has paid into Social Security. What they will do with that private intel is anybody’s guess because they sure aren’t going to tell us. I do know this much: If DOGE screws up with the SSA as badly as they’ve screwed up with some of the other government agencies they’ve defenestrated, our social security bene ts could very well be interrupted. If that happens, it will be torch-and-pitchfork time among the citizenry. And it won’t be pretty.
PHOTO: POJOSLAW | DREAMSTIME.COM
An Efficiency Problem
Means-to-end action can be dangerous.
On January 20th, President Trump reorganized the United States Digital Service into the Department of Government E ciency (DOGE) and ordered it to begin “modernizing Federal technology and so ware to maximize eciency and productivity.” e task list soon became much larger to include, in the president’s words, “dismantle Government Bureaucracy, slash excess regulations, cut wasteful expenditures, and restructure Federal agencies.”
DOGE has quickly gone to work, holding up millions of dollars of federal contracts and ring tens of thousands of government employees. Elon Musk, who is somehow involved in the department but not its head, claims the goal is to save up to $2 trillion by radically slashing the federal budget.
E ciency is a tricky value. It’s hard to be against it. Why wouldn’t you want something to be e cient — meaning, fast, cheap, and accessible? But it’s not always obvious that e ciency is not the only, or the best, standard to have in all important matters. Fast food is e ciently delivered and relatively inexpensive, but no one pretends that it’s nutritious or even really that tasty. I doubt many people would choose a McDonald’s meal for anksgiving over a carefully cooked home meal, prepared with love and attention.
E ciency is about means-to-end thinking — what’s the cheapest, fastest, easiest way to get from here to goal X. Yet it appears that with DOGE e ciency has become an end in itself now. E ciency for e ciency’s sake. What goals are we achieving by making government “more e cient”? Musk has oated the idea that the DOGE slashing might result in a savings dividend of $5,000 to eligible households. is sounds exciting to many, but at what expense? What services might
no longer be accessible? What kind of government and society do we really want?
An e cient one — but to accomplish what kinds of values?
It’s not clear that government e ciency was that high of a concern for the Founding Fathers. ey were more concerned that government protect the liberty of its citizens. For that reason, James Madison, the fourth U.S. president, argued that our federal government ought to be organized in a way so as to work in a slow and complicated manner.
e Founders were worried about groups of people seizing government o ces to push their own agendas. So they built a federal republic — a government with multiple independent branches that check each other, splitting the legislative body in two to give public opinion different weight in consideration. All of this was to make government business gradual and deliberative, not necessarily e cient, in order to make sure that individual life, liberty, and property were not unduly infringed upon by the government. ere are some worrying signs about the operations of DOGE. Who exactly is directing it? President Trump has said it is not Musk; he is a “special senior advisor” directly to the president and therefore does not have to be vetted by other branches. e members of DOGE are “special government employees,” meaning they are not subject to ethical rules and con ict of interest regulations like other federal employees. DOGE records are also now classi ed as presidential records, meaning the public cannot have access to them until a er 2034.
If anything is clear, it seems that any possible “government e ciency” is being balanced against transparency and public oversight. Is getting a one-time check (that may or may not raise in ation, which is rising by itself already) worth a government that blocks insight into how it makes its major decisions about public welfare? is kind of power is even more worrisome when there is increasing evidence that these savings are not going to materialize in any signi cant way. All these developments seem like something that would have raised Madison’s suspicions.
As he wrote in Federalist Letter 51: “In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great di culty lies in this: You must rst enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.”
Jose-Antonio Orosco, Ph.D., is the author of several books and a professor at Oregon State University.
PHOTO: JOHN VANDERLYN | PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
James Madison
LEGISLATIN’
State bills cover everything from forever chemicals and covenant marriage to medical debt and the World Health Organization.
Lawmakers gonna law-make, and committee agendas for the Tennessee General Assembly are lled to the brim with a vast and complex array of proposals for a better Tennessee (depending on where you sit).
Hundreds of bills led in Nashville cover everything from far-right-fueled covenant marriages to hunters nding wounded deer with drones to rules that take the high out of Tennessee cannabis products — and so much more.
Here are a few bills we’re watching.
GENDER
TRANSITION (SB 0676)
Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis) says this law ensures that if a gender clinic takes state funds to perform gender transition procedures, they’ll have to also perform “detransition procedures.”
e bill also requires a report to the state on a ton of information about any transition procedures: the age and sex of the patient, what drugs were given to them, when the referral was made, what state and county the patient is from, and a complete list of “neurological, behavioral, or mental health conditions” the patient might have had. Almost everything but the patient’s name and WhatsApp handle.
FOREVER CHEMICALS (SB 0880)
e U.S. Chamber of Commerce is pushing this bill, and maybe not just in
Tennessee.
When Mark Behrens, a representative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Legal Reform, explained it to a Senate committee last week, he speci cally mentioned PFAS (also called forever chemicals by some), which are found in nonstick cookware, re ghting foam, and more. He also broadly mentioned “microplastics” and “solvents.”
Behrens claimed these may have a PR problem but they may also be in a situation where “the science [on them] is evolving and they may not have an impact on human health, or that impact may be unclear.”
So rather than the state banning
them for just having a bad rap, any ban would have to be based on “the best available science.”
Senator Janice Bowling (R-Tullahoma) asked if this could be used to keep uoride out of drinking water. No, she was told.
MEDICAL ETHICS DEFENSE ACT (SB 0955)
“ is bill prohibits a healthcare provider from being required to participate in or pay for a healthcare procedure, treatment, or service that violates the conscience of the healthcare provider.” e bill itself is scanty on details. On its face, it sure sounds like it’s aimed at the LGBTQ community.
But bill sponsor Senator Ferrell Haile (R-Gallatin) said it was a “straightforward bill,” covering things such as assisted suicide or whether or not a pharmacist felt comfortable prescribing birth control.
DEER AND DRONES (SB 0130)
is one is straightforward. It would allow hunters to use drones to nd deer they shot.
WHO NOW? (SB 0669)
With this bill, Taylor, the Memphis Republican, says pandemics can only be declared by the American, baseballand-apple-pie Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC), not the Swiss, soccer-and-Toblerone World Health Organization (WHO).
CASH FOR STI TESTS (SB 0189)
Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis) wants to give higher-education students in Tennessee $250 for taking a voluntary test for sexually transmitted diseases.
FELONIES FOR PROTESTORS (SB
0672)
You know how Memphis protestors like to shut down the Hernando DeSoto Bridge? Well, Taylor, that Memphis Republican, would make that a felony. But it’s not just big roads and protestors. e bill applies to anyone obstructing “a highway, street, sidewalk, railway, waterway, elevator, aisle, hallway, or other place used for the passage of persons or vehicles.” ose would be Class E felonies. But if the “o ense was committed by intentionally obstructing a highway, street, or other place used for the passage of vehicles,” it would be a Class D felony.
WHAT’S IN A NAME? (SB 0214)
is bill would prohibit any public facility to be named for a local public o cial who is currently in o ce — and for two years a er they leave o ce. e same prohibition would also apply to anyone who has “been convicted of a
COVER STORY By Kailynn Johnson, Toby Sells, and Sam Stockard, Tennessee Lookout
PHOTO: WAPP.CAPITOL.TN.GOV
Senator Brent Taylor
PHOTO: (TOP) SEAN PAVONE
felony or a crime of moral turpitude.”
COVENANT
MARRIAGE (SB 0737)
is bill creates “covenant marriage” in Tennessee. And the most important thing the bill caption wants you to know about the law is that this kind of marriage “is entered into by one male and one female.”
Covenant marriage is, like, a mega, pinky-swear marriage. To get it, couples have to go to premarital counseling and their preacher or counselor or whoever has to get notarized and some kind of pamphlet to be printed by the secretary of state.
Getting out of a covenant marriage is, like, way hard. A partner would have to cheat or die, be sentenced to death or lifelong imprisonment, leave the house for a year, or physically or sexually abuse the other partner or the couple’s children.
ese types of marriages are only available now in Arizona, Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Oh, and if you wonder where this is coming from, check out a video posted on our website that shows Senator Mark Pody (R-Lebanon), one of the bill’s sponsors, at church talking about “wicked” gay marriage. — Toby Sells
CLEARING HOMELESS CAMPS
(SB 0217)
A bill would give those living in homeless camps three days to vacate if their camp is targeted for removal in a new program that could cost around $64 million each year from the state highway fund.
Senate Bill 0217 would require the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and other agencies to regulate “the collection, storage, claiming, and disposal of personal property used for camping from the shoulder, berm, or right-ofway of a state or interstate highway, or under a bridge or overpass, or within
an underpass of a state or interstate highway.”
e bill, sponsored by Senator Brent Taylor (R-Memphis), coasted through its rst vote by the Senate Transportation and Safety Committee last week with only one Democrat voting against it. Taylor said he had experience in trying to clear areas of personal property and called it the “most complicated thing [he] had done as an adult.”
“What this bill does is simply allow TDOT to go into communities like Memphis, Nashville, Chattanooga, Knoxville, or any other community and to go ahead and preplan how they’re going to deal with homeless encampments and go ahead and work with social services networks in that community,” Taylor said.
Taylor said this network will include law enforcement, so that all the duties will already be spelled out when an encampment needs to be removed. He also said this bill does not criminalize homeless people.
“ is serves not only the state and the local community, but this serves the homeless folks as well,” Taylor said. “When they identify a homeless encampment that needs to be cleared, there’ll be nonpro ts and social services available to the people in homeless encampments. We all have empathy, but whatever has driven somebody to have to live under a bridge, their lot in life is not getting better by living under a bridge.”
Taylor said the bill will help communities develop a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to tackle this issue in a way that’s bene cial to both the city and the homeless. Senator Heidi Campbell (D-Nashville) asked if the bill outlines how their belongings will be stored, to which Taylor responded that the decision would be le to the board.
“I understand the intent,” Campbell said. “I have a similar thing happen in my district. I just am concerned without the direction from the legislation, the homeless peoples’ items
HAPPY HIGH? (HB 1376)
State Republicans propose either stricter cannabis rules or none at all.
Despite warnings that the hemp industry would be decimated, the House Judiciary Committee passed a measure last week that would put stricter regulations in place.
Sponsored by House Majority Leader William Lamberth (R-Portland) House Bill 1376 would place the industry under the Alcoholic Beverage Commission instead of the Department of Agriculture and remove products from convenience and grocery stores. Only vape and liquor stores would be allowed to sell some hemp products.
and things need to be considered, that we’re putting the discretion to be able to take stu away from homeless people in somebody’s hands where it might not have been before.”
Lindsey Krinks, co-founder of Housing for All Tennessee and Open Table Nashville, noted citizens’ concerns for the bill — speci cally, the disposal of homeless people’s belongings.
The program would cost the state around $64 million each year.
“What this bill doesn’t tell you is that the campsite removal costs will be passed down to local governments; we’re really concerned about that,” Krinks said. “We all want to see the number of people living in encampments decrease, but the way we do that is not to play a game of Whack-A-Mole. It’s to break the cycle of homelessness through providing housing and support to people.”
Krinks said the bill does not address homelessness nor the de cit of housing or shelter. She noted that the bill’s “aggressive” deadline of removal three days a er receiving a complaint does not allow people to secure permanent housing.
Taylor said this bill will address these concerns as the agencies and TDOT will help people get connected to the services they need. He said continuing to let people live in encampments without services does not provide them with extra support.
“If you support homeless people and want to get them the services they need and help them live in dignity, then you would support this bill because we’re able to make that connection when we clear a homeless encampment between a person in need and social services they need to connect them,” Taylor said. Kailynn Johnson
e House bill was slated to be heard this week in the Commerce Committee where agreements with the industry could be reached.
“It does ban [derivatives] THCA and THCP. e reason for that is we have not legalized marijuana in this state,” Lamberth said.
Hemp is distinguished from marijuana in that it contains a compound called delta-9 THC.
Cannabis with a concentration of less than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC is de ned as legal hemp in Tennessee — and federally. Cannabis with concentrations greater than 0.3 percent is classi ed as marijuana and is illegal to grow, sell, or possess in Tennessee.
Hemp owers also contain THCA, a nonintoxicating acid that would be banned in Tennessee under this bill. When heated or smoked, the THCA in the plant converts into delta-9 THC — an illegal substance in Tennessee in greater than trace amounts.
Clint Palmer, a representative of the hemp industry, told lawmakers the bill is similar to one passed in 2023 that led to a lawsuit against the Department of Agriculture that remains in litigation.
If the new measure passes, Palmer said, hemp businesses will be forced to shut down, even a er spending millions of dollars complying with state regulations.
“Bill sponsors have said it’s the Wild West in regards to the current hemp program. is is far from the truth,” Palmer said.
e 2023 law put new restrictions on products containing THC, he said, and noted retail stores, manufacturers, and distributors are required to be licensed or face criminal charges. Palmer added that regulation is lacking from the Department of Agriculture, despite a 6 percent tax on hemp-derived products, half of which nets the department $1 million a month.
Lamberth has said that consumers should know the ingredients when they buy a hemp product. But Palmer said those are listed on labels, based on the 2023 law.
PHOTO: WAPP.CAPITOL.TN.GOV
Senator London Lamar
PHOTO: JOSHUA RAINEY | DREAMSTIME.COM Taylor sponsored SB 0217.
The House leader also indicated that the industry appears ready to sue the state again because the federal Farm Act sets standards on hemp. Palmer didn’t acknowledge whether a lawsuit could follow the new bill’s passage, but he said the Alcoholic Beverage Commission doesn’t “have a clear understanding of the hemp plant, and it’s clearly shown in this bill.”
The Senate version of the bill, sponsored by Senator Richard Briggs (R-Knoxville), is to be heard next by the finance committee. Briggs said last week as soon as the products are heated, they become marijuana.
“We could withdraw the bill and let’s just put another bill out there that says we’re going to have recreational marijuana,” Briggs said. “Let’s be perfectly honest. It’ll help the businesses, we’ll have great revenue, and everybody smoking the stuff will be a lot happier.”
— Sam Stockard, Tennessee Lookout
HEALTHCARE ON
THE HILL (SB 0402 / SB 0403 / SB 0575)
Senate Democratic Caucus Chairwoman Senator London Lamar (D-Memphis) introduced SB 0403 and SB 0402 to tackle the issue of medical debt. SB 0403 proposes that
hospitals match the amount of money they receive from the government to cover “uncompensated care” in erasing medical debt. According to the Tennessee General Assembly, taxpayers paid $153 million to cover payments for 107 hospitals.
“Healthcare should heal, not bankrupt. This is about real relief for working people.”
“If a hospital takes public money, they should lift patient debt in return,” Lamar said. “Healthcare should heal, not bankrupt. This is about real relief for working people — helping families stay in their homes, invest in their futures, and live with dignity.”
SB 0402 seeks to further alleviate the toll of medical debt as it would remove its inclusion from credit reports. Lamar called medical debt an “unfair financial harm.”
Lamar has also long been an advocate for reducing the state’s maternal health crisis. The state has historically had the worst maternal
mortality rate in the country. To aid in this, Lamar filed SB 0575, which would require new mothers to receive information about postpartum warning signs from hospitals.
“There’s an education gap women are experiencing as far as resources, what to do, and how to go through this process,” Lamar said. “In an effort to ensure that women have the best pregnancy outcome possible, we want to make sure we’re providing them with more tools in their toolbox to protect themselves and their child in this process and after.”
Lamar said this bill would add an extra layer of accountability to make sure hospitals and birthing centers are doing their part to educate women. The senator said that medical deserts create a significant gap in accessing quality care even before they seek pregnancy care. She went on to say pregnancy outcomes are reliant on the mother’s lifestyle before and after the process.
“We have an unhealthy community that is deprived of access to resources and doctors,” Lamar said. “There is a financial burden of not being able to afford the healthcare they need. Healthcare is really expensive. It’s very elitist. It’s the haves and the have-nots, so if you don’t have the money to have insurance or pay out of pocket, then you don’t get healthcare. That
stems down to Black women who are less likely to have the care they need, rural women in rural areas who are experiencing poverty don’t have access [to care.]”
The idea of providing equitable healthcare and rights have extended to reproductive bills such as HB 0027 sponsored by Representative Aftyn Behn (D-Nashville). The bill, which has been supported by groups such as Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood, states that everyone has a “fundamental right to make decisions about their reproductive health care.” HB 1220 also protects reproductive freedom as it safeguards the right to choose whether or not a person wants to use contraceptives.
Some GOP bills, like the Medical Ethics Defense Act mentioned above, seek to curb access to care. Meanwhile, SB 0139, sponsored by Senator Adam Lowe (R-Calhoun), would mandate hospitals accepting Medicaid to collect and report citizenship status about patients, and report these demographics to the Tennessee Department of Health. The department would then submit this information to state government officials to track the impact of “uncompensated care for persons not lawfully present in the United States and other related information.” — KJ
steppin’ out
We Recommend: Culture, News + Reviews
Recycle Tour
By Abigail Morici
At the height of the pandemic, Memphis did stop recycling. “Two months into it, the city of Memphis had manpower issues, just like everybody else. And there was a time that they announced that they did have to send everything [to the land ll] just to make sure that people’s trash got picked up,” says Jason West, general manager for Republic Services, which sorts and processes the city of Memphis’ recycling. at was ve years ago, but Memphis has not stopped recycling since.
Even so, West says, some people still believe that their recycling goes to the land ll, in part because of this Covid-related decision. “ at kind of damage to the public perception, we will never do that again,” he says. “Two years ago, we had a big issue out here on the oor. We were working with the city. If we hadn’t gotten it xed within the next 12 hours, we were already in contact with our Dallas plant. We were going to send the recycling down there so they could process it, just because of that public perception from that two months.”
Currently, West estimates that “about 10 to 12 percent of what can be recycled is [recycled in Memphis]. … Twenty- ve percent is the goal where you want to be, and then 50 percent would be considered world-class.”
Another issue is that some of the recycling that Republic Services receives is contaminated. “You’d be surprised to see the stu people put in recycling,” says Josh Kirkpatrick, Republic Services supervisor. “Car batteries, knives, bowling balls. Stu like that tears our systems up, and we have a front line set up with people presorting.”
“About 32 percent of what we’re getting here ends up at the land ll because it’s trash,” West adds.
“If we get the contamination down, I think that’ll help a lot, and then get more participation and let people know we actually do recycle, that’ll help, too,” says Kirkpatrick. “Memphis recycles. It doesn’t recycle well.”
To combat this, Republic Services has engaged in several educational initiatives, working with schools and presenting to organizations. Within the past year or so, Republic Services has also partnered with Clean Memphis to o er free tours of its recycling facility to the general public, complete with a presentation on recycling and waste management. “It’s a lot more complex than you would think,” West says. “Usually people leave with some kind of bewilderment.”
To sign up for one of these tours, o ered monthly and sometimes twice-monthly, visit tinyurl.com/2rz6vx75.
To nd out more about how and what to recycle, visit tinyurl.com/mz3nenx6.
CLEAN MEMPHIS + REPUBLIC SERVICES - MATERIALS RECOVERY FACILITY (MRF) TOUR, REPUBLIC SERVICES, 3197 FARRISVIEW BLVD., THURSDAY, MARCH 13TH, 11 A.M.-1:30 P.M. | THURSDAY, MARCH 27TH, 11 A.M.-1:30 P.M. | THURSDAY, APRIL 24TH, 11 A.M.-1:30 P.M., FREE.
VARIOUS DAYS & TIMES March 13th - 19th
Dance Nation
eatreWorks @ e Evergreen, 1705 Poplar Ave., Friday, March 14-23, $25/adult, $20/student, senior, military
Dance Nation, a nalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, is a bold, funny, and deeply moving exploration of ambition, self-discovery, and the erce world of competitive preteen dance.
e comedic drama by Clare Barron is the story of a middle school dance team, played by a multigenerational cast, that is clawing its way to victory as the team’s dreams collide with the raw reality of adolescence. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to lonetreelive.com/dancenation.
e Fast & the Furriest 5K
Shelby Farms Park, 935 Farm Rd., Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m.
e Fast & the Furriest 5K presented by Hollywood Feed is back! is is one of the Humane Society’s largest fundraisers of the year. In addition to racing, participants can build a team, register their company, or individually fundraise. Register at tinyurl.com/58hvrdm2.
52nd Annual Silky Sullivan’s St. Patrick’s Parade
Beale Street, Saturday, March 15, 2 p.m. Silky’s hosts its 52nd edition of the largest St. Pat’s celebration in the Mid-South. This year, they’re honoring their first Irish Grindfather, Tony Allen, who will be having his jersey retired that night at the Grizzlies game.
Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW)
Memphis, Sunday-Saturday, March 16-March 22
Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW) is an opportunity for Black-owned restaurants to o er dining deals to bring in new customers. Twenty-nine Black-owned restaurants are participating this week, with 105 meals to choose from. Enjoy $15 two-course lunches and $25 three-course dinners. e week concludes with the Soulful Food Truck Festival at Tiger Lane on Sunday, March 23rd, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Expect food trucks and vendors.
Find out more at blackrestaurantweek.com.
PHOTO: NICK FEWINGS | UNSPLASH Learn about recycling.
MUSIC By Jake Sanders
Jombi: Your Local Psychedelic Rock Outfit
is new wave of young Memphis musicians prepares for their biggest festival date yet.
Along with headliners Missy Elliott, Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals, and e Killers on the lineup for this year’s RiverBeat Music Festival will be local Memphis band Jombi. e genre-bending group consists of four members: Auden Brummer, Sam Wallace, Bry Hart, and Caleb Crouch. All native Memphians, they’ve brought their electric live performances to countless venues here, as well as Nashville, New Orleans, North Carolina, and elsewhere. Last week, I sat down with them in the Mike Curb Lodge at Rhodes College, their frequent rehearsal space.
Essentially, Jombi is a group of “lifelong friends,” Hart says. ey started at School of Rock in Memphis, a nationwide music education program for young players. Hart and Brummer began at the school in 2013, playing medleys and cover shows with other students. Crouch and Wallace joined the program around 2016. Now, Hart, Brummer, and Crouch all teach at School of Rock.
But the four always had an appetite for their own project. In 2020, they started rehearsing at Hart’s house, adopting the name “ e Jombi Jam Band.” e name stuck, but not without some resistance. Crouch and Hart remember questions like “ at’s the name?” and “In two years, that’s what y’all are gonna be?” Not to mention the occasional mix-up with Outer Banks character John B. Now, almost 5 years later, Jombi has released an EP and two studio albums, and toured throughout Memphis and the South.
Out to Pasture was the band’s sophomore album, a project that wholly demonstrates Jombi’s multiinstrumentalist skills and collaborative songwriting. Wallace wrote the lyrics and sings on the track “Break/Melt,” a haunting and hypnotizing 5/4 tune that highlights the band’s longestablished chemistry and rhythmic nesse. Brummer coined the hook for “Nothing Le to Say,” the band’s highest-streamed song on Spotify. Hart recalls why he loves that lyric:
Jombi’s widespread talents ooze out of their music.
“It’s poetic but it’s simple.” Hart writes plenty of lyrics for the band as well. He even “hears Auden’s voice in [his] head” when working on his own projects. e band regards Crouch as “the musically educated” one in the group. eir widespread talents ooze out of their music. It’s no surprise they’re preparing for their biggest festival date yet.
RiverBeat came onto Jombi’s radar a er a show at Overton Square a couple of months back. Post-performance, Hart met Brent Logan, the talent buyer for Mempho Presents, who organizes RiverBeat, Mempho Music Festival, Shell Daze Music Festival, and more. Logan liked their set, and the two exchanged contact information. Hart told Logan, “We
just wanna throw our name in the hat” for Mempho-sponsored festivals. e band was disappointed when they didn’t see their name on the Shell Daze lineup. ey thought, “[It] was our only chance. … We’re not gonna play RiverBeat.”
Just a couple months later, Logan texted Hart asking if they wanted a spot at the Tom Lee Park festival. Hart got the message in the middle of teaching a lesson, but quickly found Brummer (who was with his own student) to share his excitement. Before committing, though, the group had to make sure: “Can Sam do it?”
Wallace, besides being their lead guitarist and certi ed “noisemaker,” is a student at Belmont University in Nashville. Before giving Logan the green light, Hart, Brummer, and Crouch had to con rm that he was available for the festival weekend. To no one’s surprise, the answer was a resounding yes.
Being in the other music city three hours out of Memphis, Wallace says there have been challenges, but nothing that wasn’t worth overcoming. “[I] give
up a piece of my college experience to be in Jombi,” he says. He says he’s gone home six weekends in a row before. But, for Wallace, a six-hour round-trip is worth it for his family, friends, and incredible gigs. “I just went home to fucking play with Futurebirds.” Wallace is referencing Jombi’s show at 1884 Lounge last fall, where they opened for the big-time touring band out of Athens, Georgia. Now, he’s going home to play on the same day as Anderson .Paak and the Free Nationals.
From their roots at School of Rock to album release shows at the Pink Palace Planetarium, Jombi has shown an equal amount of determination and talent since their formation in 2020. RiverBeat is just the beginning, too; Hart says the gig is “totally lighting a re under our ass.” Jombi’s songwriting won’t be stopping anytime soon, and neither will their touring. ey’re preparing to embark on their Spring Fling Tour, with dates in Nashville, Birmingham, and more. Keep an eye out for their next studio release and get your tickets now for RiverBeat on the weekend of May 2nd.
PHOTOS: AMANDA SMYTHIA
(above) Guitarists Sam Wallace (le ) and Auden Brummer (right) both sing; (below) Caleb Crouch on upright bass
AFTER DARK: Live Music Schedule March 13 - 19
Earl “The Pearl” Banks
Tuesday, March 18, 7 p.m.
BLUES CITY CAFE
Flic’s Pics Band
Led by the legendary Leroy “Flic” Hodges of Hi Rhythm.
Saturday, March 15, 4 p.m. |
Sunday, March 16, 2 p.m.
B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
FreeWorld
Sunday, March 16, 8 p.m.
BLUES CITY CAFE
The B.B. King’s Blues Club Allstar Band
Friday, March 14, 8 p.m. |
Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m.
B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
Vince Johnson
Monday, March 17, 6:30 p.m. | Tuesday, March 18, 6:30 p.m.
RUM BOOGIE CAFE
An Evening With Judy Collins
e eclectic folkie and social activist best known for “Send in the Clowns” returns to Tennessee to share her evocative music. Tuesday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
THE HALLORAN CENTRE
Future-Everything presents: Strooly b2b TEHKAL at Central
Station Hotel
A special evening of deep house from the founders and co-owners of the Memphis based record label FutureEverything. Free. Saturday, March 15, 9 p.m.-1 a.m.
THE CENTRAL STATION MEMPHIS, CURIO COLLECTION BY HILTON
Memphis Symphony Orchestra: Scheherazade and Butterfly Lovers
Concerto With conductor Robert Moody and Timothy Chooi, Violin, the MSO will perform e Chairman Dances (Adams), Butter y Lovers Concerto (He/Chen), and Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherazade. Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m.
CANNON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
South Main Sounds
Songwriters Night Friday, March 14, 7 p.m.
SOUTH MAIN SOUNDS
Twin Soul Duo
Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.
HUEY’S DOWNTOWN
All Recorders Great and Small
Enjoy lively, unique springtime Early Music, refreshing to our 21st-century ears. Performers include Greater Memphis Recorder Society and Faire Winds & Friends. Sunday, March 16, 3-4 p.m. ALL SAINTS’ EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Caleb Orr Band
ursday, March 13, 9 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
Celebration of the Life of Billy McDaniel
With e Fast Mothers, Generation X, Steve Goin, e ShotGunBillys. Sunday, March 16, 3-8 p.m.
NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
Formerly Known As Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m.
NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
Jackson Chase Band
Saturday, March 15, 10 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
John Williams & the A440 Band
ursday, March 13, 8 p.m.
NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
Landslide (Fleetwood Mac Tribute)
Friday, March 14, 10 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
Leroy Clay Trio
Saturday, March 15, 6 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
Memphis Symphony Orchestra: Scheherazade and Butterfly Lovers
Concerto
Sunday, March 16, 2:30 p.m.
SCHEIDT FAMILY PERFORMING ARTS
CENTER
MusicBoXx
Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m.
ROOSTER’S BLUES HOUSE
The Brian Johnson Band
Friday, March 14, 8 p.m.
NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
5 Fridays of Jazz is week see Candace Mache and the Swinging Machete Trio in the beautiful interior of the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. Friday, March 14, 6:30 p.m.
BENJAMIN L. HOOKS CENTRAL
LIBRARY MEMPHIS PUBLIC
LIBRARY
The Deb Jam Band
Tuesday, March 18, 6 p.m.
NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
The Pretty Boys
Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.
HUEY’S POPLAR
Monday, March 17, 2-6 p.m.
NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
Van Duren
e singer-songwriter, a pioneer of indie pop in Memphis, performs solo. ursday, March 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
MORTIMER’S
Aaron Lee Tasjan & Friends
Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m.
GROWLERS
Bodywerk
Sunday, March 16, 8 p.m.
BAR DKDC
Bonfire Orchestra
Saturday, March 15, 5 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Bright Eyes
Bright Eyes have straddled genres for three decades, yet always with their core band at the heart of their sound.
$54.86/general admission.
Monday, March 17, 8-10 p.m.
MINGLEWOOD HALL
Devil Train
Bluegrass, roots, country, Delta, and ski e. ursday, March 13, 9 p.m.
B-SIDE
Hit Parade
With Corrina Repp. Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m.
BAR DKDC
Jimbo Mathis 20th Anniversary Show
With Jack Oblivian. Saturday, March 15, 9 p.m.
B-SIDE
Joe Restivo 4
Guitarist Restivo leads one of the city’s nest jazz quartets. Sunday, March 16, noon.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Kevin & Bethany Paige
Duo
ursday, March 13, 7 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Kitty Hell
With Nonconnah, Dinosauria. Sunday, March 16, 8 p.m.
LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE
LOB
Wednesday, March 19, 8 p.m.
B-SIDE
Matt Basler
With Runi Salem, Oakwalker [Small Room-Downstairs]. Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m.
HI TONE
Melinda
With Bedridden. Monday, March 17, 10 p.m.
BAR DKDC
Mudflap King Saturday, March 15, 9 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Mudshow
With Ruined God, Bvrnbvbybvrn [Small RoomDownstairs]. Sunday, March 16, 8 p.m.
HI TONE
Nanocluster (Immersion + SUSS)
In celebration of the release of Nanocluster Vol. 3, Immersion (Colin Newman of Wire and Malka Spigel), in collaboration with ambient country masters SUSS, bring their Nanocluster series to Memphis. $20/ advance, $25/at the door. Tuesday, March 18, 7:30 p.m.
THE GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN
ARTS
Neon Glittery ‘n’ Friends Friday, March 14, 8 p.m.
BAR DKDC
Not Your Nails (Nine Inch Nails Tribute)
With DJ St. Faust [Big RoomUpstairs]. Saturday, March 15, 9 p.m.
HI TONE
Optic Sink
With Greg Cartwright, Hartle Road. Saturday, March 15, 9 p.m.
LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE
Rubber Udder
With Honey Puppy. Tuesday, March 18, 9 p.m.
B-SIDE
Runi Salem
With Mothcat, Chorin, Your Mom. Sunday, March 16, 9 p.m.
B-SIDE
Saoirse Dream - The Simulacrum Tour
With W1NDOW, Cel Shade. Wednesday, March 19, 9 p.m.
LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE
Hunter Peebles & The Moonlighters
With Noah G. Fowler. Sunday, March 16, 7 p.m.
HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
Jack and the Fat Man
Saturday, March 15, 8 p.m.
HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
McLeod & Lonardo
Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S SOUTHAVEN
Memphis Rhythm Revue
Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S SOUTHWIND
The Waymores with Wayne Alexander ursday, March 13, 8 p.m.
HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
PHOTO: COURTESY CROSSTOWN ARTS
Nanocluster, with Wire’s Colin Newman
Spite House
With e Dirty Pretty, AcceptIt [Small RoomDownstairs]. Wednesday, March 19, 8 p.m.
HI TONE
St. Swifties Day
e Stupid Reasons present indie rock covers of Taylor Swi . Monday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.
HI TONE
The Chaulkies Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.
HUEY’S MIDTOWN
The Ecstasy of St. Evelyn: A Multimedia Canonization
With Little Baby Tendencies, Adrien. Friday, March 14, 9 p.m.
LAMPLIGHTER LOUNGE
The Lotts (U.K.)
With Ryan Kidd & the Cobras, Macrophonics. Wednesday, March 19, 8 p.m.
BAR DKDC
The Narrows With Arc of Quasar, Smokies, Degenerate Breakfast. Friday, March 14, 8 p.m.
HI TONE
The New Pacemakers Sunday, March 16, 5 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue - Shorty Gras Tour
e Crescent City’s nest, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue represent a pioneering approach to sublime genrebending music. $44.70/general admission. Sunday, March 16, 8-10 p.m.
MINGLEWOOD HALL
Tunes of the Emerald Isle
Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m.
| Sunday, March 16, 3 p.m.
OPERA MEMPHIS
Vinyl Happy Hour
With guest DJs every Friday. Friday, March 14, 3-5 p.m.
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
Celtic Concert:
Celebrating the Spirits & Music of the Emerald Isle
Raise a glass and a plate of Irish refreshments, then tap your toes and sing along as e Slainte Singers ll the theater with irresistible Irish folk, rock, and ddle reels. Door prizes, dancers, and more. $20/general admission. Sunday, March 16, 6:30-9 p.m.
| Monday, March 17, 6:30 p.m.
GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY
THEATRE
Duane Cleveland Band
Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S COLLIERVILLE
El Ced & Groove Nation
Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S COLLIERVILLE
Ethan Smith Trio
Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S MILLINGTON
Java Trio
Sunday, March 16, 6 p.m.
HUEY’S OLIVE BRANCH
Jazz in the Box: Master Guitar Series with Romero Lubambo e hottest little jazz club around is GPAC’s Jazz in the Box, now hosting Lubambo’s new sound in Brazilian jazz guitar. $40/general admission. Friday, March 14, 7-8:30 p.m.
GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Peanut Butter & Jam: Music Box Live Show
Children and parents are invited to come learn and move. Free. Saturday, March 15, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Royal Blues Band
Sunday, March 16, 8 p.m.
HUEY’S CORDOVA
Winter Jam Tour 2025 Christian music’s biggest tour will feature performances by Skillet, Anne Wilson, KB, Colton Dixon, Newsong, Micah Tyler, and speaker Zane Black. $15-$59.99. Sunday, March 16, 5-9 p.m. LANDERS CENTER
Big River Roots Sunday, March 16, 8 p.m.
HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
The Risky Whiskey Boys
CALENDAR of EVENTS: March 13 - 19
ART AND SPECIAL EXHIBITS
“2024 Accessions to the Permanent Collection”
Featuring new additions to the museum’s permanent collection. rough Nov. 2.
METAL MUSEUM
“A Journey into the Shadows”: Nelson Gutierrez
Works evoking migration and displacement through a 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”
Arresting objects and powerful images speak to the association’s historical signi cance and continuing relevance. rough March 29.
MEMPHIS MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
“Beasts Abound” (Figurative Group Exhibition)
Inspired by the hungry spirit Bukowski describes in “Beasts Abound in Time,” this exhibit captures a moment when it’s exciting to be a gurative artist. rough March 21.
MARSHALL ARTS GALLERY
Bob McCabe: “Discovering Painting: It’s Never Too Late!”
Experience the artist’s work in watercolors, acrylics, and oil painting. rough Mar. 30.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Brian Jobe and Jered Sprecher: “Arrangements in Gravity” Featuring two artists in whose work both the poignant and playful are present. Free. Monday, March 17-April 25.
BEVERLY + SAM ROSS GALLERY
Carlyle Wolfe Lee: “Wonder” is 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. rough April 6. THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
“Earth Matters: Rethink the Future” Learn about the inner workings of a tree, endangered species, biodiversity, and climate change. $18. rough May 18.
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
Work incorporating mixed media, printmaking, 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”
ree-dimensional enameled copper sculptures within jewel-like paintings that mix overlapping/colliding geometries with animal and plant imagery. rough April 13.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
Johnathan Payne:
“Regenesis”
Works from the intersection of drawing, collage, embroidery, beadwork, and painting. rough March 22.
CLOUGH-HANSON GALLERY
“Let’s Eat” Exhibition by Carolyn Moss and Georgia Smith Hospitality is interwoven through paintings created collaboratively by the artists. rough March 8.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
“Light as Air”
Explore the beauty in tension: balanced forms, contrasts between heavy and light, and negative space. rough Sept. 7.
METAL MUSEUM
Memphis Camera Club: “Best of 2024 Exhibition”
One of the oldest and most active photography organizations in the region presents the nest photographic works created by MCC members over the past year. rough March 28.
ANF ARCHITECTS
“Opposites Abstract”: A Mo Willems Exhibit
“Opposites Abstract”: A Mo Willems Exhibit gives children the opportunity to “make some silliness and take art seriously at the same time.” –Mo Willems. Free. rough May 18.
CHILDREN’S MUSEUM OF MEMPHIS
“Pompeii: The Exhibition”
In a media-rich, immersive experience, discover the bustling commercial port and strategic military center that was Pompeii before Mount Vesuvius erupted. rough April 13.
GRACELAND EXHIBITION CENTER
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.
PHOTO: ROBIN TUCKER
e Zippin’ Pippin, in Mike McCarthy’s documentary
Sandra Horton and Becky McRae: “Double Vision: Abstract vs. Realism”
Featuring Horton’s vibrant and colorful abstract paintings and McRae’s photographs from abroad. Free. rough March 28. WKNO
Sisters of the Brush and a Brother: “Paint Their Dreams” Exhibition Works by Phyllis Boger, Patrick McGee, Barrie Foster, Ann Brown omason, and Jana Jones. rough March 31.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
“Spirit of ’74, Fire and Water”
An exhibit uniting two St. Mary’s class of ’74 alums, Mary Hills Baker Powell and Katie Dann. 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 father. rough May 11.
CROSSTOWN ARTS AT THE CONCOURSE
PHOTO: COURTESY BEVERLY & SAM ROSS GALLERY Jobe and Sprecher’s “Arrangements in Gravity”
“The Colors of the Caribbean”: Juan Roberto Murat Salas e Cuban-born painter trained at the San Alejandro Academy of Arts in Havana, and brings the rich visual traditions of his homeland to life. rough May 11.
CROSSTOWN ARTS AT THE CONCOURSE
phy, sculpture, and kinetic art. rough April 28.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
Tributaries: Rachel David’s “Engorging Eden”
Everyday furniture is transformed into fragmented expressions of life’s chaos, joy, and loss. rough May 11.
METAL MUSEUM
“Who Is That Artist?”
Jorden Miernik-Walker
Photography-based work with interactive components that speak to function, loss, identity, comfort, and femininity. rough April 6.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
ART HAPPENINGS
“Backbone”
An exhibition that seeks to honor and illuminate the essential role of Black people — past, present, and future — as the strength and structure of societal evolution. Friday, March 14, 1 p.m.
ARTIFACTS ART GALLERY
Sandra Horton and Becky McRae: “Double Vision: Abstract vs. Realism”
An opening for the dual show. Free. Saturday, March 15, 2-4 p.m.
WKNO
“In Plain Sight” The Photography of Ben Couvillion Photography exhibit by local photographer Ben Couvillion. Reception with the artist. Saturday, March 15, 5-7 p.m.
ST. GEORGE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
Saddle Creek Gallery / March Opening
Reception
With work by Shameka Carter, Zack Orsborn, Kait Harris, Josh Wilson. Saturday, March 15, 4-6 p.m.
SADDLE CREEK GALLERY
Temple of Souls Art & Vintage Shoppe
Jana Wilson of Vintagia Memphis curates this showcase. Friday, March 14, noon-5 p.m. | Saturday, March 15, noon-5 p.m. | Sunday, March 16, noon-5 p.m.
VINTAGIA MEMPHIS
BOOK EVENTS
Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping
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” ese ethereal works harness wind to blur the boundaries between landscape photogra-
A special sunrise celebration of the new Hunger Games prequel, with co ee and pastries. Tuesday, March 18, 7 a.m. NOVEL
continued from page 19
CLASS / WORKSHOP
Basic Photography with Buck Billings
Photography tips to learn how to capture stunning pictures of your art. $25/ Photography Tips. Sunday, March 16, 2-4 p.m.
CASEY’S ARTBOX
Forged Copper Flowers
Jewelry Making Class
Create your own flowers from copper sheet and wire. Sunday, March 16, 10 a.m.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Community Build Day
Calling all space cadets, ETs, and star-seeds! Help build an alien planet. Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
OFF THE WALLS ARTS
Creating Dream Catchers with Tonya
Make your own dream catcher today. $65/dream catchers. Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
CASEY’S ARTBOX
Downunder Horsemanship
Walkabout Tour
Learn how to build a better partnership with your horse, fix common behavioral problems and be inspired to work toward your horsemanship goals. Saturday, March 15-March 16.
AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL
Family Art Time
Bring the family in for a St. Patrick’s Day art experience. $20/one adult and one child. $7.50/each additional participant. Monday, March 17, 3-4:30 p.m.
CASEY’S ARTBOX
Help Me Find My People: Genealogy 101
The more you learn about your ancestors, the more you learn about yourself. Saturday, March 15, 1-2:30 p.m.
MEMPHIS PUBLIC LIBRARIES
ORANGE MOUND BRANCH
Houseplant Propagation Workshop
Learn everything you need to know to grow plants from existing houseplants. Sunday, March 16, 1 p.m.
URBAN EARTH GARDENS, NURSERY & MARKET
IMDb Pro Clinic
Tips on creating an IMDb profile. Saturday, March 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
INDEPENDENT BANK BUILDING
Learn Bridge in A Day
For anyone who thinks bridge is too complicated. $25/pre-register, $30/door. Saturday, March 15, 1-6 p.m.
RENASANT CONVENTION CENTER
Macro Photography Workshop
If you have ever wanted to get “up close and personal” to your subject, macro photography might just be for you. Free. Saturday, March 15, 8 a.m.-noon.
RADIANS AMPHITHEATER AT MEM-
PHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
CALENDAR: MARCH 13 - 19
and other engaging activities throughout the afternoon.
Free. Saturday, March 15, 1-5 p.m.
STAX MUSEUM OF AMERICAN
SOUL MUSIC
Pre-School Story Time
Enjoy stories, songs, art activities, and creative play that connect with Collierville history. Friday, March 14, 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 included. Wednesday, March 19, 10:30 a.m. NOVEL
Story Time with Horton and Friends
Featuring Horton, the lovable elephant from Horton Hears a Who, along with his friends from Seussical the Musical! Saturday, March 15, 10:30 a.m. NOVEL
FILM
Destroy Memphis + New Short Films
Make Your Own: Alcohol Inks on Copper Flowers
Introducing a fun, simple metalworking technique using minimal tools — great for all ages. Saturday, March 15, 2:30-4:30 p.m.
METAL MUSEUM
Masterpiece Moments
Artist Casey Smith leads you and your little one in creating a masterpiece together, making this artwork one filled with memories. $45/ adult and toddler. Friday, March 14, 10:30 a.m.-noon.
CASEY’S ARTBOX
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation offers a powerful way to cultivate clarity and presence, allowing us to live more fully and compassionately. Thursday, March 13, 5:15-6:15 p.m.
DELTA GROOVE YOGA
Mosaic Creation
St Patrick’s Day isn’t complete without a four leaf clover. $65/mosaic creation. Monday, March 17, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
CASEY’S ARTBOX
Pruning Hydrangeas
An enlightening workshop on the unique pruning techniques and timing required for different types of hydrangeas. Saturday, March 15, 9-11 a.m.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Super Saturday -
Abstract Sculptures
This Super Saturday celebrates the work of Chakaia Booker, a groundbreaking artist known for her iconic abstract tire sculptures. Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.noon.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
Teen Art Lab: Painting with Acrylic with Darlene Newman
A workshop designed to acquaint students with color theories, materials, composition, and techniques of painting. Saturday, March 15, 9:30 a.m.
CONTEMPORARY ARTS MEMPHIS
Vibrant Citrus Fruits
Still Life Oil Painting
Learn all about oil painting while capturing a your own “Vibrant Citrus Fruits Still Life” creation. $200/vibrant citrus fruits still life oil painting. Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m.-noon.
CASEY’S ARTBOX
COMEDY
Comedy Night with Ben Pierce
A hilarious host for an open mic experience. Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m.
BAR DKDC
Open Mic Comedy Night
Midtown is a riot! Tuesday, March 18, 8 p.m.
HI TONE
Whose Live Anyway?
Cast members Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, Ryan Stiles, and Joel Murray create witty scenes on the spot. Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m.
ORPHEUM THEATRE
COMMUNITY
Explore Memphest
Do you love Memphis?
Celebrate our city at this fest. Friday, March 14, 1-4 p.m.
RALEIGH LIBRARY
Figure Drawing (Clothed Model)
Practice drawing the human form. $18/general admission. Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.-noon.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
Free Community
Clothing Event
Celery Consignment
Boutique is hosting its semi-annual community free clothing event. Monday, March 17, 4-5 p.m.
CELERY CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE
Heritage Commission Meeting
The commission serves as the town’s authority on matters regarding the town’s history. Its mission is to preserve, interpret, and impart knowledge of the history of the town of Collierville. Wednesday, March 19, 4-5 p.m.
MORTON MUSEUM OF COLLIERVILLE HISTORY
Rare Plant and Garden Ornament Auction
Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres while bidding on rare plants of all sizes, carefully selected for our climate, but unavailable in local nurseries. $30/ticket for Dixon member, $45/ticket for nonmember . Wednesday, March 19, 4-7 p.m.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS Songbird Stroll
There’s a bird for everyone. Friday, March 14, 8 a.m.
OVERTON PARK
EXPO/SALES
Memphis Home and Lifestyle Show
The place to find local home remodeling experts, local
and national exhibitors, and exclusive deals. Friday, March 14, noon-6 p.m. | Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.5 p.m. | Sunday, March 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL
Southern Flea Market
Starts at 8 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday. $2. Saturday, March 15-March 16.
LANDERS CENTER
FAMILY
Caterpillar Club
Pre-K fun! Parents (or grandparents, aunts, uncles, or nannies) accompany their toddler or preschooler (ages 2 to 5) as they share stories, play games, create crafts, and explore the natural world. Tuesday, March 18, 10 a.m. | Wednesday, March 19, 10 a.m.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
D is for Dance: Jazz for Littles
Song and dance designed for children aged 0 to 4 and their caregivers! Led by Dorian Rhea. Friday, March 14, 2 p.m.
BENJAMIN L. HOOKS CENTRAL LIBRARY
Homeschool Day –Celebrating Women’s History Month
A look at mixed media collage, inspired by groundbreaking women artists featured in the collection. Thursday, March 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
March Free Family Day
Enjoy live music, including a tribute to women artists, from the house band, Soul CNXN, as well as food trucks, arts and crafts, games,
Black & Wyatt Records presents Mike McCarthy’s documentary on efforts to save the Zippin’ Pippin and the Mid-South Coliseum, plus his recent short profiles of musical artists. $10. Saturday, March 15, 4 p.m.
MALCO STUDIO ON THE SQUARE
Abandoned: The Stories of Japanese War Orphans in the Philippines and China Asian studies at Rhodes College invites you to the documentary screening and Q&A in Blount Auditorium. Free. Wednesday, March 19, 6-8:30 p.m.
RHODES COLLEGE
Public Safety Movie Screening: The Work A documentary that takes us inside Folsom State Prison, where men come together for deep healing and transformation. Tuesday, March 18, 11 a.m.
MEMPHIS MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY
Twin Peaks: Fire Walk with Me
In the town of Twin Peaks, everyone has their secrets — but especially Laura Palmer (Sheryl Lee), in this prequel to the groundbreaking 1990s television series by David Lynch. $5. Thursday, March 13, 7 p.m.
CROSSTOWN THEATER
FOOD AND DRINK
Gin Cocktail Pairing Dinner
A gin cocktail pairing dinner with Memphis’ own Waymar Gin House and Joe’s Wines and Liquors. $90/general. Thursday, March 13, 7-9 p.m.
CELTIC CROSSING
Lunar Luxe
Experience a touch of lunar magic at this exclusive fullmoon celebration. Thursday, March 13, 8 p.m.
TIGER AND PEACOCK
PHOTO: COURTESY MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN Hydrangeas require unique pruning techniques.
The Queen’s Brunch
Presented by the Mystic Krewe of Pegasus. Sunday, March 16, noon
DRU’S BAR
Yokai Sushi Pop Up
Presented by the Hi Tone’s Darren Phillips. Thursday, March 13, 6 p.m.
HI TONE
HOLIDAY EVENTS
52nd Silky Sullivan St. Patrick’s Parade
The free parade kicks off at 2 p.m. and will be followed by the traditional Raising of the Goat at Beale venue Silky O’Sullivan’s at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 2-5 p.m.
BEALE STREET
Memphis’ Best St. Patrick’s Day
Weekend Bar Crawl
Embark on a lively St. Patrick’s Day revelry with our exclusive bar crawl extravaganza. Saturday, March 15, 4-10 p.m. MEMPHIS
Memphis St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
Get ready for the ultimate Las Vegas bar crawl!
$20.73/Early Bird. Check in 1-6 p.m. Saturday, March 15, 1-8 p.m.
COYOTE UGLY SALOON
Memphis St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl and Block Party - 10+ bars!
Rally your friends, dress in green, and bounce from bar to bar. Join the largest St. Patrick’s Day bar crawl and block party with free entry and drink discounts at 10+ venues! $14/General Admission. Saturday, March 15, 1 p.m.
DOWNTOWN MEMPHIS
St. Patrick’s Day Dinner & Music
Cruise
Enjoy a buffet-style meal featuring some Irish favorites and dance the night away as a band plays all through the evening! Eat, drink and be Irish on the Mighty Mississippi! $50/General Admission. Monday, March 17, 6-9 p.m.
MEMPHIS RIVERBOATS
St. Patrick’s Day at Celtic Crossing
Join us for our 20th St. Patrick’s Day celebration at the pub! Saturday, March 15-March 17.
CELTIC CROSSING
St. Patty’s Day Crawfish Boil
Pinch, peel, and party this St. Patrick’s Day with fresh crawfish, cold drinks, and live music by Wyly Bigger! Sunday, March 16, 1-9 p.m.
CROSSTOWN BREWING COMPANY
The Official Lucky’s St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl
Where good vibes, green drinks, and festive fun collide! $12.78/general admission. Saturday, March 15, 4-11:45 p.m.
ATOMIC ROSE BAR & GRILL
LECTURE
4-time International Whistling Champion Chris Ullman & Coach Bill Courtney
Join us for a live interview with whistling champions for the podcast An Army of Normal Folks! Free. Friday, March 14, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
Art Club: Light of the Incarnation
Art history professor Mallory Sharp will discuss artist Carl Gutherz. Sunday, March 16, 2-3 p.m.
MEMPHIS BROOKS MUSEUM OF ART
Landscape Design Panel
Whether you want to learn more about hardscaping, drainage solutions, landscape lighting, plant selection, or any garden-related topic, these are the local experts to help your garden grow. Saturday, March 15, 10 a.m.
URBAN EARTH GARDENS, NURSERY & MARKET
Munch and Learn: Female Agency in Films Made by Latin American Women Vania Barraza, Professor of Spanish at the University of Memphis, discusses film, gender, and sexuality studies. Wednesday, March 19, noon-1 p.m.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
PERFORMING ARTS
A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music and Dance Sensation
Hot off its off-Broadway premiere, this show is hitting stages across the country now. $82.15/ premium, $71.90/A reserve, $60.60/B reserve, $49.30/C reserve, $38/D reserve. Wednesday, March 19, 7:30-9:15 p.m.
CANNON CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Memphis Magic Night starring Joe M. Turner and Zach Williams
The Bluff City’s favorite evening of magic, mentalism, and comedy. Monday, March 17, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
BAR DKDC
National Snow Queen Victory Show
Starring the latest titleholders with special pop up performances. Friday, March 14, 7 p.m.
DRU’S BAR
So You Think You Can Sing: A Gospel Karaoke & Comedy Event
Get ready to show off your singing skills and enjoy some hilarious comedy. $30/general admission. Saturday, March 15, 6-8 p.m.
905 E SHELBY DR
SPECIAL EVENTS
13th Annual Mid-South Daffodil Show
Celebrate the beauty and diversity of daffodils at the 13th Annual Daffodil Show, hosted by the
Dixon Gallery & Gardens and the Mid-South Daffodil Society. Free. Saturday, March 15, 2-5 p.m. | Sunday, March 16, 1-4 p.m.
THE DIXON GALLERY & GARDENS
Memphis 101
An opportunity to network and engage with organizations and attractions that help define Memphis as a thriving community. Free. Tuesday, March 18, 5:30-7 p.m.
SHEET CAKE
Porter-Leath Early Childhood Career Fair
Hiring opportunities at multiple sites. Thursday, March 13, 2-6 p.m. | Friday, March 14, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
PORTER-LEATH’S EARLY CHILDHOOD ACADEMY
THEATER
Dance Nation
A bold, funny, and deeply moving exploration of ambition, self-discovery, and the fierce world of competitive pre-teen dance. Finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. $25/adult general admission, $20/student/senior/military. Friday, March 14, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, March 16, 2:00 p.m. | Monday, March 17, 7:30 p.m.
THEATREWORKS AT THE EVERGREEN
ACROSS
1 Evidence of merit
6 With 38-Across, this whole time
9 Country singer with a cityish name
14 “___ in English is, in the main, just about as sensible as baseball in Italian”: H. L. Mencken
15 Cocktail with vodka, cranberry juice and grapefruit juice
17 Doesn’t look so well?
18 Carrier with a yin/yang symbol in its logo
19 Lustrous material
21 ___ Drago, opponent of Rocky in “Rocky IV”
Crossword
22 Actress Aduba of “Orange Is the New Black”
23 Where one might go out to get a bite?
26 Bhagavad-___ (Sanskrit text)
27 Nonsense
31 Extension
34 Collection of superstars
37 Good name for a gardener
38 See 6-Across
39 One of five in “La Bohème”
40 Fairy tale villain
42 U people?
43 Kind of strip
44 Wrinkly fruit 46 Supreme Court nickname, with “the”
52 Cause to groan, maybe
55 Sparks can be seen at its edge
56 Way that someone might get out
57 Make the grade
60 Off-the-wall
61 Pastrami and corned beef
62 Some Deco collectibles
63 “God ___”
64 Hula hoop?
65 Little brats
1 Extra help
2 Kind of test for a baby
3 Symbol of change
4 Spider-Man’s archenemy
5 Starts something slowly
6 Say “what?,” say 7 Pope during the Battle of Ostia
8 Creepy-crawly 9 Stockpile that may be subject to inspection 10 Rapper MC ___ of N.W.A 11 Suitor 12 Former Iraqi V.I.P. Tariq ___ 13 Ancient
Disney Presents: Beauty and the Beast
This classic story tells of Belle, an independent young woman in a provincial town, and the Beast, really a young prince who is trapped under the spell of an enchantress. Thursday, March 13, 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Friday, March 14, 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Saturday, March 15, 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Sunday, March 16, 2-4 p.m.
THEATRE MEMPHIS
Shakespeare in the Cemetery
It’s the Ides of March at Elmwood: Actors Michael Khanlarian and Lauren Gunn of the Tennessee Shakespeare Company perform Shakespeare’s greatest passages. $20/general admission. Saturday, March 15, 6:30-8 p.m.
ELMWOOD CEMETERY
The Orpheum’s 2025-2026 Broadway Season Reveal Event
A special pre-show performance on the Mighty Wurlitzer organ begins at 6:15 p.m. and the season will be unveiled at 6:30 p.m. Following the reveal, enjoy a celebration of drinks, desserts, and more. Monday, March 17, 6-7:30 p.m.
ORPHEUM THEATRE
Thoughts of a Colored Man
A play that celebrates the hopes, ambitions, joys, and triumphs of black men in a world that often refuses to hear them. Friday, March 14, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, March 15, 7:30 p.m.
HATTILOO THEATRE
by Will Shortz No. 0413
No-frills
Requirements for voting
Nosedives
Result of a meltdown?
PUZZLE BY DEBBIE ELLERIN
We Saw You.
with MICHAEL DONAHUE
Soup was on for the 36th time at Soup Sunday, which was held February 23rd at e Kent.
A total of 32 restaurant and catering vendors participated.
More than 500 people attended, which was a record in attendance since the event started being held at e Kent. e Youth Villages Soup Sunday has been held at e Kent four times. e event began at the old Captain Bilbo’s restaurant before moving to FedExForum.
Proceeds go to LifeSet, a program to help young people who are aging out of foster care.
“We had a great turnout at our 36th annual Soup Sunday, a fundraising event that has grown so much since we rst started it in 1990,” says Youth Villages CEO Patrick Lawler. “It was a huge success, raising more than $100,000 for the LifeSet program.”
You could say Soup Sunday has been “souped-up.”
PHOTOS: MICHAEL DONAHUE above: Andrew and Emily Adams, Colleen Kohl, and Blake Murray circle: Sergio Valero below: (le to right) Patrick and Ellen Lawler with Gabriella Prieto; Jenny and J. Pallme; India Weaver and Serena Dixon bottom row: (le to right) Donita Scott and Reese Adkins; Christopher and Karolyn Neely; Taylor Coleman and Marcia Coleman
above: Jason Jones, Tanja Jones, Shaun Bernard, and Amanda Bernard circle: Khalid Washington below: (le to right) Rob Ja e and Sara Boscarino; Miles Epley and Michael Patrick; Alexander and Alexandra Walker; Anna Catron Lee & Gabe Roberts
right row: (top and below) Terry and Phil Woodard; Patricia Davis and Beth Yobak bottom le : omas Vanelli and Charles Vanelli
A MEMORIAL EVENING FOR
STANLEY BOOTH A MEMORIAL
EVENING FOR
Music by:
Music by:
Music by:
STANLEY BOOTH
STANLEY BOOTH
Joyce Cobb with John Bass and Jimmy Crosthwait
Joyce Cobb with John Bass and Jimmy Crosthwait
Joyce Cobb with John Bass and Jimmy Crosthwait
A MEMORIAL EVENING FOR
Music by:
A MEMORIAL EVENING FOR writer extraordinaire
Readings by:
Jackson Baker
Readings
Readings
Jimmy Crosthwait
A MEMORIAL EVENING FOR
Music by:
Robert Gordon
Jackson Baker
Jackson Baker
Joyce Cobb with John Bass and Jimmy Crosthwait
Music by:
STANLEY BOOTH
Jimmy Crosthwait
Jimmy Crosthwait
Ruby Booth
STANLEY BOOTH
Nanette Bahlinger
Robert Gordon
Robert Gordon
Ruby Booth
Ruby Booth
Nanette Bahlinger
Nanette Bahlinger
A MEMORIAL EVENING FOR
MEMORIAL EVENING FOR
APRIL 3, 2025
6:00 PM
STANLEY BOOTH
Joyce Cobb with John Bass and Jimmy Crosthwait
Joyce Cobb with John Bass and Jimmy Crosthwait
friend of a few oppressed souls oppressor of a few friends’ souls raconteur writer extraordinaire
friend of a few oppressed souls oppressor of a few friends’ souls raconteur writer extraordinaire
STANLEY BOOTH
Readings
Jackson Baker
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE a beardless production
Music by:
Music by:
Jimmy Crosthwait
Robert Gordon
Readings by:
APRIL 3, 2025
APRIL 3, 2025 6:00 PM
Jackson Baker
Ruby Booth
Nanette Bahlinger
Joyce Cobb with John Bass and Jimmy Crosthwait
6:00 PM
Jimmy Crosthwait
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
Joyce Cobb with John Bass and Jimmy Crosthwait
Robert Gordon
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
Readings by: Jackson Baker
CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
Ruby Booth
Jimmy Crosthwait
Nanette Bahlinger
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE a beardless production
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE a beardless production
Robert Gordon Ruby Booth Nanette Bahlinger
friend of a few oppressed souls oppressor of a few friends’ souls raconteur writer extraordinaire
friend of a few oppressed souls oppressor of a few friends’ souls raconteur
writer extraordinaire
friend of a few oppressed souls oppressor of a few friends’ souls raconteur writer extraordinaire
APRIL 3, 2025 6:00 PM
APRIL 3, 2025 6:00 PM
friend of a few oppressed souls oppressor of a few friends’ souls raconteur writer extraordinaire
Readings Jackson Jimmy Crosthwait Robert Ruby Nanette Bahlinger
friend of a few oppressed souls oppressor of a few friends’ souls raconteur writer extraordinaire
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
APRIL 3, 2025 6:00 PM
CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
APRIL 3, 2025
CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
6:00 PM
APRIL 3, 2025 6:00 PM
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE a beardless production
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE a beardless production
CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE a beardless production
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE a beardless production
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE a beardless production
FOOD By Michael Donahue
The Other Half of the Half Shell
A March opening is planned for the seafood restaurant’s new location.
The Half Shell’s second location at 9091 Poplar Avenue, Suite 101, is slated to open at the end of March.
And, yes, they’ll still sell oysters on the half shell just as they do at their location at 688 South Mendenhall Road.
And, yes, the toucan mascot is back — in many forms, including statues and paintings.
And, yes, the second location still feels like the Half Shell, which people have known and loved for a half century or so.
But customers are in for some surprises.
“I think it’s comfort chic, with a little play in the seafood scene,” says John May, COO of Forest Hill Partners, the umbrella group that includes Forest Hill Grill and both locations of the Half Shell. Gene and Rhonda Barzizza are the majority stakeholders in the partnership. “It looks nice. But it’s not too uppity, per se. It’s nice enough where you still feel comfortable. We just wanted to up our game a little bit as far as a local food dive.”
Forest Hill Partners already owns the nearby Forest Hill Grill, so, when former owner Danny Sumrall decided to sell the Half Shell, they decided to buy it, May says. “We were always interested in Half Shell because we love the seafood concept. We don’t think Memphis has enough seafood readily available.”
May was general manager for Flying Fish at one time. “I have a little history on that end. When Danny reached out to us — he was getting ready to retire — we wanted to pick up his legacy and run with it. We knew it had a great brand, had a great following.”
But, May adds, “As much as we love the legacy of Danny Sumrall, we want to pave our own legacy.”
Part of the new legacy was brightening up both places, beginning with the Poplar location. e Half Shell on Mendenhall has “the dark and local dive hole” look, May says. “But I think it’s time to turn the page and put our little touch on it, making both restaurants feel the same way, which includes the look and the menu.”
e second location “is not so dark and gloomy. I think that’s a little bit of what older restaurants used to look like in the early ’90s. We just updated.”
e color scheme is now neutral colors of brown and tan. Light xtures, which resemble jelly sh, hang from the ceiling. Lots of paintings and artwork, including a tall wood carving of a mermaid, are featured.
Along with toucan images, the new Half Shell also has netting on the walls, in-
cluding in the bathrooms, as well as gecko gurine lamps and a ceiling light xture shaped like a whale.
“It’s almost the size of the Mendenhall location, but it’s more open. It’s about 3,600 square feet. Instead of all the little nooks and crannies that Mendenhall has, this is just a square block.”
ey converted the area, which formerly housed Mike Miller’s golf simulators when he owned the Let It Fly sports bar, into a private dining hall that can seat 55 people.
As for food, the Poplar location will still
o er the popular Monte Cristo sandwich, but only on the brunch menu, May says. ey won’t sell the popular steak sandwich, but it will be available on Mendenhall’s menu.
And never fear: e lobster bruschetta remains on the menu.
e new slant? “Taking a lot of the old recipes — what people are familiar with as far as the avor of the Half Shell — and putting our little twist on it. Putting our touch on it. Having the old and new combined. e recipes are the same.”
e menu at Mendenhall is six pages.
“All we’re doing is compressing it. We’re able to o er the majority of the same menu items.”
Both locations will eventually feature the same items, May says.
Sumrall recalls how he got involved in the Half Shell.
e restaurant used to be on the corner of Poplar Avenue and Mendenhall, where Belmont Grill is now located, then moved to its current South Mendenhall Road location in 1983, Sumrall says.
e late founder of Huey’s, omas Boggs, was the instigator. “He said, ‘We need to buy a restaurant,’” Sumrall says. “And then he calls and says, ‘How about the Half Shell?’ I said, ‘I’ve never been there in my life.’ I said, ‘Let me go check it out and I’ll let you know.’”
By then, the restaurant had already moved to South Mendenhall Road.
Sumrall had been in the restaurant business for some time. He opened the old Captain Bilbo’s, which overlooked the Mississippi River and is now fondly remembered for having hosted shows by such luminaries as jazz guitarist Garry Goin and singer Wendy Moten, back in the 1980s.
Sumrall and his wife went to eat at the Half Shell. “We ordered some dinner. And I noticed the server just dropped o the food and ran away. And when I tasted the food I knew why.’”
e food wasn’t very good. Sumrall thought, “Well this is an easy x. I can x the food.”
ey brought in chef Darrell Smith to rework the menu. Smith, who “improved the quality,” worked at the Half Shell until he retired about ve or six years ago.
Around 2003, Sumrall opened the second location of the Half Shell at 7825 Winchester Road. at location is now closed. “It was declining in sales,” May says. “ e lease was up for renewal and we didn’t want to re-sign.”
Sumrall nally decided to retire. He thought, “It’s time for me to put it down and take a break.”
He enjoyed his years at the Half Shell. “I got to know all the customers and their kids and their families,” Sumrall says. “We had families that started coming here when they were dating or before they were married.
“ ey had kids. Now these kids have graduated from college.”
But there is one thing Sumrall experienced that won’t change at all at either location of the Half Shell. “We really cared about the guests. Wanting them to have a good experience. And it was about the quality. I wanted the food to be really good.”
PHOTOS: MICHAEL DONAHUE General manager Dorothy Vazzano, manager Trent Wicker; tuna salad
MY HEALTH is our health
Since welcoming little one, life expanded while my world contracted.
More complexity, less time
Every day I advocate for my baby whether it’s at daycare or the doctor’s office.
And every day, I push off one thing my own health.
Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of new moms, with risks can last for months post-partum.
So, I’m taking action and starting the conversation, with not just my doctor, but with other moms I know, too.
Because not only do I want to be a great mom — I want to be a mom for a very long time.
Locally supported by
NEWS OF THE WEIRD
By the editors at Andrews McMeel Syndication
Mittens the cat gets around, to wit: On Jan. 13, the 8-year-old Maine coon was booked on a one-way flight from Christchurch, New Zealand, to Melbourne, Australia, Sky News reported. But in Melbourne, Mittens was never unloaded from the baggage compartment. Instead, three hours later, the airline revealed that Mittens had flown back to New Zealand — about 7.5 hours in the air. Owner Margo Neas was told a wheelchair in the cargo area had obscured Mittens’ cage from the baggage handler’s view. “It was not a great start to our new life in Melbourne because we didn’t have the family, we weren’t complete,” said Neas. After arriving back in Christchurch, Mittens was loaded onto another flight to Melbourne, where she was reunited with her family. She “ran into my arms and just snuggled up in here,” Neas said. “It was just such a relief.”
Unclear on the Concept Drug counselor Alvin Lewis Jr., 54, was arrested in Wappingers Falls, New York, on Jan. 14 after he sold crack cocaine to undercover agents on Mid-Hudson News reported. Community members had alerted the Dutchess County Drug Task Force that Lewis was selling drugs while using multiple aliases. He worked the overnight hours at an inpatient recovery facility, Arms Acres. After executing a warrant, agents discovered crack packaged and ready for sale in his home. He was held in the county jail without bail.
A sunfish at the Kaikyokan Aquarium in Shimonoseki, Japan, has a new lease on life — or at least, new “friends” to share it with. The New reported that the sunfish, who is the sole occupant of its tank, became depressed and stopped eating after the aquarium closed for renovations in December. “One of the staff members said, ‘Maybe it’s lonely because it misses the visitors,’” said an aquarium worker. “We attached uniforms of the staff members to the tank with a little bit of hope. Then, the next day, it was in good health again!” Workers say the sunfish tracks the uniforms and face cutouts with
its eyes as it swims by, and those still in the building wave to it every time they pass the tank.
News You Can Use
A23a, an enormous iceberg that broke away from Antarctica almost 40 years ago, has been spinning around the Antarctic Ocean for a year, caught in a vortex, the Mirror reported. But now it’s on the move again, headed roughly toward South Georgia, a British-owned island that is largely uninhabited. A23a, at more than 1,200 feet thick and 1,400 square miles, can be seen from space. Sea captain Simon Wallace, stationed on the Pharos vessel in South Georgia, told the BBC: “Icebergs are inherently dangerous. I would be extraordinarily happy if it just completely missed us.” A collision could threaten wildlife on the island, including penguins, seals, and sea birds. The iceberg’s fate depends on currents and whether it gets “stuck” on the continental shelf around the island.
The Golden Age of Air Travel
On Jan. 17, as a Ryanair flight prepared to leave Lanzarote, Spain, and fly to Santiago de Compostela, a male passenger insisted that he was a United Nations diplomat and had a seat in the front row of the aircraft, the Mirror reported. When flight attendants asked to see his boarding pass, he said his friend had it. Once he was removed from the front row, he tried to sit in an exit row. An airport worker boarded the plane to say that “there was a ticket that hadn’t scanned properly,” and that’s when the flight crew decided he had to go. Police boarded the plane and had to drag the man off the aircraft as he said, “I have paid to travel” and “I am not going to accept this.” The flight was delayed about 40 minutes.
Send your weird news items with subject line WEIRD NEWS to WeirdNewsTips@amuniversal.com.
NEWS OF THE WEIRD © 2025 Andrews McMeel Syndication. Reprinted with permission. All rights reserved.
ARIES (March 21-April 19): What can you do to show how much you care about everyone and everything that deserves your love? Now is a fantastic time to unleash a flood of gratitude and appreciation that takes very practical forms. Don’t just beam warm and fuzzy feelings toward your favorite people and animals, in other words. Offer tangible blessings that will actually enhance their lives. Find your own personally meaningful ways to nourish all that nourishes you.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Ancient Egyptians loved the color blue. The mineral azurite and the semiprecious stones turquoise and lapis lazuli satisfied their fascination to some degree, but were rare and difficult to work with. So the Egyptians decided to fabricate their own pigment. After extensive experimentation, using copper, silica, and lime, they succeeded. The hue they made is known as Egyptian blue. I heartily endorse a comparable process for you in the coming weeks, Taurus. Identify the experience, substance, or feeling you really, really want more of, and then resolve to get as much of it as you really, really want.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Dandelions germinate quickly and grow fast. Because of their deep taproots, they are hardy. Once they establish their presence in a place, they persist. Dandelions are adaptable, too, able to grow anywhere their seeds land, even from cracks in concrete. Their efficient dispersal is legendary. They produce large quantities of lightweight seeds that are easily carried by the wind. Bees love dandelions in the spring when there are few other flowers yet to provide them with nectar. I propose we make the dandelion your symbol of power in the coming weeks, Gemini. Be like them! (PS: They are also beautiful in an unostentatious way.)
CANCER (June 21-July 22): About 36,000 years ago, humans created remarkable drawings and paintings in the Cave of Altamira, located in what we now call Spain. When an early discoverer of the art published his findings in 1880, he was met with derision. Experts accused him of forgery, saying such beautiful and technically proficient works could not have been made by ancient people, who just weren’t that smart. Eventually, though, the art was proved to be genuine. I propose we meditate on this as a metaphor for your life. It’s possible that your abilities may be underestimated, even by you. Hidden potentials and unexpressed capacities may be close to ripening, but they will need your full confidence and boldness. Don’t let skepticism, either from your inner critic or others, hold you back.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In 1977, NASA launched two Voyager probes to study our
By Rob Brezsny
solar system’s outer planets. Their original mission was designed to last a few years. But in 2025, they still continue to send back useful information from the great beyond, far past Uranus and Neptune, and into interstellar space. I suspect that now is also a good time for you Leos to seek valuable information from adventures you began years ago. Even if those past experiences have not yielded relevant revelations recently, they may soon do so. Be alert for ways to harvest new riches from old memories.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): About 3,775 years ago, a Babylonian man named Nanni wrote a crabby letter to Ea-nasir, a merchant who had sold him substandard copper ingots. Nanni was also upset that his servant was treated rudely. It is the oldest customer complaint in history. With this as our touchstone, I remind you that maintaining high standards is always crucial for your long-term success. Others may be tempted to cut corners, but your natural integrity is one of your superpowers. Please redouble your commitment to providing highest value, Virgo. And ask for it from others, too.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Blogger Yukiko Kisaki writes about the Japanese concept of ma. She says it’s “the emptiness full of possibilities, like a promise yet to be fulfilled. It’s the purposeful pauses in a speech that make words stand out; the quiet time we all need to make our busy lives meaningful; the silence between the notes that make the music.” According to my analysis, Libra, you will be wise to make ma a central theme in the coming weeks. I invite you to research the power of pauses. Rather than filling up every gap, allow space for pregnant blankness. Trust that in being open to vacancy, you will make room for unexpected riches.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): The literal meaning of the Japanese word yohen is “kiln mutation.” It refers to a type of glaze that undergoes unpredictable variations in color when baked in a kiln. The finished pottery that emerges displays patterns and hues that are blends of the artist’s intention and accidental effects created by the heat. I would love to see you carry out metaphorical versions of yohen in the coming weeks, Scorpio. Suggested meditations: 1. Collaborate to create beauty with energies that aren’t entirely manageable. 2. Undertake projects that require both careful preparation and a willingness to adapt to shifting conditions. 3. Engage with opportunities that will have the best outcomes if you relinquish some control.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): A big party is underway in your astrological House of Self-Understanding and SelfDefinition. The near future will be a favorable time to discover yourself in greater
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I’m not exactly sure where you are going, Pisces, but I’m certain you are headed in the right direction. Your instincts for self-love are at a peak. Your ability to see your best possible future is lucid and strong. Your commitment to gracefully serving all that gracefully serves you is passionate and rigorous. I will congratulate you in advance for locating the exact, robust resources you need, not mediocre resources that are only half-interesting.
depth and bring your identity into clearer focus. I see this mostly as a task for you to carry out in intimate conversation with yourself. It’s also fine to solicit the feedback of allies who have insight into your nature, but I urge you to rely heavily on your private investigations. How can you deepen your knowledge of the reasons you are here on earth? Can you learn more about your dormant potentials? Who are you, exactly?
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.19): Ethiopian marathon runner Abebe Bikila was selected by his country to compete in the 1960 Rome Olympics. But the honor was offered shortly before the games began, and he had to scramble to get there in time. When he arrived for the main event, he couldn’t find any running shoes in local stores that fit comfortably. So he decided to go barefoot for the 26.2-mile race. Success! He won, setting a new world-record time. I propose we make him your role model, Capricorn. May he inspire you to respond to an apparent scarcity or deficiency by calling on earthy alternatives. May you adjust to a problem by deepening your reliance on your natural self.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): After being part of two journeys to Antarctica, Aquarian explorer Ernest Shackleton (1874–1922) assembled a team to try what no one had ever done: crossing the entire continent on foot with pack dogs and motorized sledges. But the proposed 1,800-mile expedition failed soon after it began. That’s when Shackleton did what he is most famous for. His leadership during the harrowing struggle to survive became legendary. I don’t think you will face anything remotely resembling his challenges in the coming weeks. But I suspect that your response to tests and trials will define your success. As you encounter obstacles, you will treat them as opportunities to showcase your resourcefulness and adaptability. You will inspire others to summon resiliency, and you will bring out their best as together you engage in creative problem-solving. Trials will become triumphs.
FILM By Chris McCoy
The Expendable Man
Robert Pattinson plays multiples on a mission in Bong Joon-ho’s Mickey 17
“Every leap of civilization was built on the back of a disposable workforce.”
at’s Niander Wallace, played by Jared Leto, in Blade Runner 2049. Wallace is the chairman of the successor to the Tyrell Corporation, a company which makes replicants for use on the o world colonies. “More human than human” is their motto.
Blade Runner and the novel it was based on, Philip K. Dick’s Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?, was far from the rst science- ction story to address this idea. ere are smatterings of it in everything from R.U.R., the Czech play which gave us the term “robot”, to the rst modern sci- story Frankenstein. Would an arti cial person be fully human? What counts as arti cial? If the thought of treating an articial human like a machine lls us with disgust, shouldn’t slavery also ll us with disgust? What about the more extreme forms of capitalist exploitation?
e latest lm by Bong Joon-ho, Mickey 17, explores the question of who counts as human with a little more humor than Blade Runner (Granted, that’s not hard; I love both Blade Runner lms, but it’s di cult to conceive of a more humorless story.) Based on the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton (which had 10 fewer Mickeys), the lm stars Robert Pattinson as a loser from the future. He and his friend Timo (Steven Yeun) try their hand at entrepreneurship with a candy shop. But to raise the necessary capital to make their macaron dreams a reality, they have to borrow money from the worst loan shark on Earth, the sadistic Darius Blank (Ian Hanmore). Unfortunately, the future’s macaron biz ain’t what it used to be, so Timo and Mickey end up on the run from Blank and his henchman Chainsaw Guy (Christian Patterson). As many poor people have throughout history, they sign up for a one-way trip to the colonies to escape persecution at home.
and completely horny for Mickey. is goes great, until Marshall bans all sexual activity on the ship. Sex is too calorieintensive for this expedition, which has very narrow margins for error. Every slurp of gray nutrient goo counts!
All the ship’s food and other consumables come from the recycler, a tank of glowing goo where all of the organic waste ends up. Which brings us to Mickey’s job.
e expedition is led by Kenneth Marshall (Mark Ru alo), a slimy politician who is also trying to renew his sagging fortunes. Marshall’s wife Y a (Toni Collette) is a scheming Lady MacBeth type whose sickly sweet demeanor drops instantly when she thinks she’s being disrespected or disobeyed. In fact, everyone on this spaceship to Ni heim seems to be some avor of toxic jerk, except for Nasha Barridge (Naomi Ackie), the head of security who is somehow both level-headed
Recently, the Disney corporation tried to get a theme park-connected wrongful death lawsuit dismissed because the plainti s had clicked “accept” on the Disney+ terms of use, which indemni ed the company against any wrongdoing. Something similar happened to Mickey. Desperate to leave Earth, he signed up as an Expendable without reading the ne print on the contract. Marshall’s expedition takes advantage of human printing technology. Banned on Earth, the tech allows Mickey’s memories to be saved on a hard drive that looks like a brick. en, if his body dies, a copy of his body can be reprinted, and his new brain’s neurons imprinted with the saved personality.
Voilà, instant immortality.
But with an expendable, it’s not “if” he dies, but “when” he dies. Mickey gets the most dangerous assignments on the ship. Every time he doesn’t make it back, the science crew prints up a new copy of their boy and hosts a “lessons learned” meeting. You wanna know how long it takes to die in a hard radiation environment? Put Mickey in there and nd out. Need a vaccine for a deadly virus? It’ll take a basketball team’s worth of dead Mickeys to re ne the formula. Want to explore the frozen wastes of Ni heim, looking for edible alien life forms? Mickey’s your guy. It’s on one of those expeditions when the Expendables program goes wrong. Mickey falls down a crevice in the ice and becomes trapped in a cave. Timo comes to his rescue, but he doesn’t have enough rope. Besides, why try too hard to save a guy who has already died and been reborn 17 times? Plus, Mickey’s cries for help have attracted the attention of the
natives. ese creatures look like a cross between a woolly mammoth and a tardigrade and range in size from cute lapdog to tractor-trailer. Mickey hopes the swarm of cute-but-ferocious critters will eat him quickly so he doesn’t have to freeze to death. But instead, they plop him out onto the surface again. Mickey presumes they like their meals cold, so he runs blindly into the snowstorm. When he’s picked up by a passing transport, he returns to the colony base. But Timo reported Mickey dead, and they’ve printed out Mickey 18. is is a big problem because in the event of multiples, standard procedure calls for both copies to be destroyed and fed back into the recycler.
Pattison’s Mickey 17 is a good-natured schlub, while Mickey 18 got all of his aggressive tendencies. Caught between the threatening alien Creepers and the unforgiving terms of their contract, two versions of the same guy have to cooperate to survive. Pattinson is electric in both roles. Meanwhile, Ackie plays it straight as the girlfriend who has to choose which version of Mickey she wants to be with.
Bong’s last lm Parasite won Best Picture and is one of the best lms of the century. But despite Ru alo’s Trumpy performance as the leader, this isn’t a searing social satire. Even with a back half that gets bogged down in subplots inherited from the novel, Mickey 17 is original, darkly hilarious, and a lot of fun.
Mickey 17
Now playing Multiple theaters
Pattinson inhabits many Mickeys, with Naomi Ackie (above).
Our critic picks the best films in theaters.
Opus
Ayo Edebiri stars as Ariel, a journalist who gets a strange assignment. Alfred Moretti (John Malkovich) is a pop star who walked away from fame and fortune 30 years ago. Now, Ariel is tasked with visiting his desert compound to see what he’s been up to all this time. Also starring Juliette Lewis and Tony Hale.
Novocaine
Jack Quaid (The Boys) stars as Nathan Caine, a bank executive who suffers from (or rather, doesn’t suffer because of) congenital insensitivity to pain. Yes, CIP is a real syndrome, but you won’t believe what Caine does with
it when his girlfriend Sherry (Amber Midthunder) is kidnapped in a bank robbery.
The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie
Daffy Duck and Porky Pig are back in this debut feature from Peter Browngardt, a veteran animator from The Venture Bros. and Adventure Time and creator of Uncle Grandpa. Porky and Daffy are up to their usual shenanigans in a bubble gum factory when they discover a secret plot by an alien invader (Peter MacNicol) to use mind control to take over (and presumably explode) the world. Emmy-winning voice actor Eric Bauza does double duty as duck and pig, while Candi Milo co-stars as Petunia Pig.
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Rose is a beautiful 1 year old female Staffordshire Bull Terrier/German Shorthair Pointer mix with a black and white coat and adorable spotted legs. She is a moderately active girl who enjoys playtime but also appreciates quiet moments. She is both house and crate trained, making her an easy addition to a loving home. Rose is good with children and other dogs and is ready to find a forever family that will provide her with the love she deserves. TO
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Patricia Lockhart
Spring Break Survival
From Millington back to Memphis, a spring break guide for kids and parents.
Soon, owers will bloom, painting the landscape with vibrant colors. e sun will shine for more hours, casting a glow over the freshly repaired potholes. Birds will sing cheerful melodies, and people will cruise through the city blasting GloRilla. But something else is stirring: spring break!
I’m a mother of four wonderful teens/tweens — an 11-year-old girl, twin 13-year-old boys, and a 16-year-old boy. And nothing is more exciting than the arrival of spring break. A full week with nothing pressing to do! But with tweens and teens, it hits di erently. If you plan too much, they’ll complain. If you plan nothing, they’ll complain. Making sure your teens enjoy their break is a delicate balancing act. So, here’s a Teen Spring Break Survival Guide that will help you stay sane while keeping your teens (mostly) happy! Follow this foolproof (okay, semi-foolproof) plan:
Ice cream — and food in general — keep the tweens and teens happy. THE LAST WORD By
• Limit your fun activities to one per day. Don’t over ll your teen’s schedule. While they may enjoy what you plan, let’s be real, teens love one thing above all else: being le alone. Pick activities carefully. We’re heading to Monster Mini Golf in Cordova, where they can enjoy glow-in-the-dark minigolf. And if they’re feeling extra adventurous, they might choose to play laser tag, too. (Keyword: choose — forcing extra fun is a crime in Teen Law.) More than one activity is overwhelming; less is boringggg.
• Involve lots of food.
At least one activity should involve food. My kids love to activate their “summer stomachs” during breaks. ey have rst breakfast, second breakfast, brunch, lunch, snacks, dinner, dessert, and a late-night snack. We are currently vibing on Jay’s Co ee & Cuisine in Millington. Everything on their menu is delicious. We’ve tried their shrimp and grits, chicken and wa es, french toast, pancakes, and fries. Jay’s fries are out of this world! ey are the BEST FRIES IN MEMPHIS. Period! Jay’s also serves lattes, syrups, and teas. I’m currently loving their lavender matcha latte.
• Leave them alone.
Arrange at least one day where you don’t call their name. Yeah, I said it! Need a glass of water? You’re going to have to get it yourself. Can’t nd the remote? Try looking under the couch cushions or in the refrigerator. Who knows where they put it. For a full 24-hour period, require nothing of your teen. Nada. Zilch! Just like you get tired of hearing Mom, Mama, Bruh, they also get tired of being called to do tasks. Trust me: It’s peaceful on both sides.
• Let them sleep.
Do not wake them before noon. My teens stay up all night watching ’90s sitcoms and playing video games. Waking them up before noon is like poking a hormonal grizzly bear — only do it if you want a moody teen stomping through the house. Plus, the later they sleep, the fewer hours you have to entertain them. So while they rest, I’ll head to Hopson’s Espresso Print Co ee Shop in Bartlett. ey’re a new co ee shop with the best butter cookies this side of the Mississippi. My go-to is the English to ee latte — just the right temp and taste. During spring break, I’ll be there playing my Nintendo Switch.
• Find something for you to do.
While they’re gaming, sleeping, eating, or doing anything but taking a shower, nd something for you to do. Catch up on your favorite shows. Take that nap. Or get that project done you’ve been putting o . I plan on remodeling our backyard. I might even add a couple of chickens. Better yet, I’ll just go to the library. e Raleigh Library in, of course, Raleigh has an attached walking track. e outside area also has a huge, shaded seating area.
• Ice cream is still magical.
No matter how old they get, my kids will always cheer when I say Sugar Ghost Ice Cream and Bubble Tea. Located on Broad, they have the only ice cream I eat religiously. And naturally, my kids love it, too. Ice cream has a way of melting the hard edges o teenagers. It’s really just magical how a sweetened dairy product can bring their inner child out. Spring break with tweens/teens is all about balance — just enough plans to keep them entertained, plenty of food to keep them happy, and the freedom to sleep and do their thing. Whether we’re minigol ng, eating at Jay’s, or simply enjoying some well-earned quiet at Hopson’s, the key is embracing the frenzy and the calm. And while they’re living their best lives, I’ll be sipping lattes, playing my Switch, and maybe even getting those backyard chickens.
Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. By day, she’s an assistant principal and writer, but by night … she’s asleep.
PHOTOS: PATRICIA LOCKHART
