Contents
22 September 2009 Volume III • Number 11
14
30
EVENTS
FEATURES
12
Bastille Day Bash for ICHF
8
14
Lots of Leis at Phoenix Club Luau
45 Blues, Soul & Rock 'n Roll: B.B. King Museum Preserves Legacy of King of the Blues by Lyda Kay Ferree
VIP Style and Fashion: Introducing A la Mode by Lawson+Moore
46 Memorial for Isaac Hayes and Vigil for the King
18
All that Jazz at the Turleys
20
$70,000 Raised for Our Furry Friends
49 Eight top chefs share with us their recipes for Gourmet Tailgating
49
22 It was a Hoot and a Holler at ETA Last Chance series
24 SRVS Event Attracts Seven Hundred
26 In Memoriam: Jim Dickinson 28 The Brooks was Summer Party Central
29 Garage Bands Reunite for ADS 30 Lei-zy Germantown Athletic Club Luau
30 Special Events for Special Olympics
31
8 38 Old + New Gothic and Modern Architecture Characterize Landmark Institutions: Rhodes College and Memphis College of Art
38
REGULARS
6
Letter from the Editor
32 Marketing: Back To Basics – by Howell Marketing Strategies
34 Opening Doors by Debbie Rodda of Coleman-Etter, Fontaine Realtors
36 Just Out of the Spotlight, the Movie Lady Reports
Playhouse Great Wine Performances
48 For the Love of Wine 54 Biz Buzz: VIP Memphis reports on all the buzz from some of our favorite businesses around town
56 People and Places 4 • VIP
Memphis
Letter From the Editor
PUBLISHER Kat Semrau
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Summer is over, and it's back to reality. I went to Cape Cod, Massachusetts for a few weeks (see yachting photo), and it was a wonderful getaway. August brought alot of famous visitors to the Cape environs, including President Obama and his family, who spent their vacation on Martha's Vineyard. Also, would you believe that our beloved king of the blues, B.B. King--this month's VIP Memphis cover subject--- played a gig a few weeks ago on the Cape. There were sad times, too, of course in Hyannisport with the deaths of Eunice Kennedy Shriver and Teddy Kennedy. This month we are proud to introduce several great additions to our magazine. First and foremost, the exciting new style and fashion section, "A La Mode", will focus on fashion trends and is being produced by one of the most esteemed and sought after creative teams in the region, LAWSON+MOORE. It has been said they are “Rising visionaries…ushering in a
new era of Retro Glam conceptually infused with fearless fashion, makeup and photography!” Just wait until you see what we have in store for you inside this issue. Trust me, Vogue will have nothing on VIP! Also, our new "Biz Buzz" section will have photos and small write-ups on the latest news from some of your favorite businesses around town. Just look for the bright green pages in the magazine! As to events this time, we have covered summertime luaus hosted by both the Germantown Athletic Club and the Phoenix Club at Minglewood and lots of musical happenings, including a private jazz salon at the home of Calvin and Louise Turley and the Garage Band Reunion. In our stories on “Blues, Soul and Rock ‘n Roll”, we begin with an article by Lyda Kay Ferree on the B.B. King Museum in Indianola, Mississippi and follow with photographic coverage of both the Isaac Hayes Memorial marking the first anniversary of his death and this year's Elvis Presley vigil at Graceland. As I said almost a year ago when I first took over as editor, VIP Memphis magazine is all about the arts, and this time we have covered events held at Playhouse and at the Brooks Museum in connection with the art of Jacob Lawrence. Of course our regular line-up of distinguished columnists are with us in this September issue, including Arthur Kahn, Amy Howell, Linn Sitler and a delightful realtor/writer representing Coleman-Etter, Fontaine, Debbie Rodda. I am very excited about the fabulous fall season of Memphis parties and appreciate all the kind invitations that are coming across my desk. I assure you that VIP Memphis will try to attend as many of your events as possible, and I look forward to seeing everyone around town.F
Anne
ADMINISTRATOR Lorne Semrau
EDITOR Anne Cunningham O’Neill
GRAPHIC DESIGN Donna Donald, Director Ben Williams
WEB MASTER Robert Neilson
ADVERTISING Senior Account Executive Mark O. Ramirez Account Executives Martha Campbell Loryn Kramer Jason Watson Ellen E. Westbrook
WRITERS/PHOTOGRAPHERS Jay Adkins Lyda Kay Ferree Mark O. Ramirez Robert Tooms Christina Trask Andrea Zucker
FASHION SECTION Lawson+Moore
Distribution Terry Lay
VIP MEMPHIS MAGAZINE Suite 212 4711 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38117 901.766.2999 901.766.2977 (fax) memphis@vipmag.com www.vipmag.com
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About the Cover
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Our cover subject needs no introduction. He is, of course, world renowned blues guitarist and singersongwriter B.B. King--- the one, the only reigning king of the blues. This American legend has won numerous awards over his long career, including 18 Grammy Awards, the Presidential Medal of the Arts, Kennedy Center Honors, and last year, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Civil Rights Museum. He is considered to be the most respected, successful, and recognized bluesman, not just in the United States, but in the world. Look inside this issue for Lyda Kay Ferree's story on the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Cen-
ter in Indianola Mississippi, near the town of Itta Bena where King was born. Better yet, make a trip there to learn more about our foremost ambassador of the blues and the Delta world he came from.F
Cover photo by Andrea Zucker Photogrphy 6 • VIP
Memphis
8 • VIP
Memphis
VIPEvent
George Gottardi & Kari Eve Hingle
Larry & Joy Rice
Brice Timmons & Jenifer Alvarez
Bastille Day Bash for ICHF
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Larry and Joy Rice generously and joyously celebrated Bastille Day at their home this summer to benefit the International Children's Heart Foundation (ICHF). They are happy to report that over $3,800 was raised. ICHF is a Memphis-based pediatric cardiac charity that has provided life-saving surgery to over four thousand children in developing countries. F Photography by Mark Ramirez Lou Ann Dattilo & Connie O’Briant
Russ & Angie Lewis
Rachel Gallant with Mary & Sarah Matthews 12 • VIP Memphis
Sarah Beth Cohen, Brett Rodriguez & Alyssa Ruggiero
Ree Liverance & Diane Gordon
Donna Davis & Marie Firtik
Racheal Howard & Joe Smith
Anita & David Wieduwilt
September 2009 • 13
VIPEvent
Lots of Leis at Phoenix Club Luau
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Colorful inflated tropical fish and palm trees decorated the scene when the Phoenix Club of Memphis presented its Third Annual Luau at Minglewood Hall. The refreshments included “sliders” from Bardog, tastings from the new menu at Owen Brennan's, unlimited beer from Boscos and D. Canale and “Signature Drinks” from Itta Bena, Newby’s and Owen Brennan’s. VIP tickets included entry to the party as well as to the private “SkyBar” sponsored by Celtic Crossing with full premium liquor, wine and beer and signature food served in a skybox overlooking the dance floor. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Sarah Akins, Stephanie Henson & Brennan Trezevant 14 • VIP Memphis
Jeff Harris & Tricia Grimes
Thomas Moncrief & Lawson Baker
Matt Young & Rachel Tyler
Krystal Shaw & Sarah Thompson
Justin & Catie Miller
Aldo DeMartino with Ace "The Bar Dog"
Perfect Parties WEDDINGS RECEPTIONS REHEARSAL DINNERS ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHDAY PARTIES SHOWERS CORPORATE HOLIDAY PARTIES RETIREMENT
MANY OTHER EVENTS In-House Special Event Coordinator & Catering
$100off ROOM RATE WITH AD
coupon accepted for deposit only cannot be used with any other discounts not accepted for the month of December
The Magnolia Room Next Door to The Side Street Grill For menus and other information
www.magnolia-room.com
(901) 278-9080 | 2078 Monroe | Memphis, TN 38104 @ S. Florence on Overton Square September 2009 • 15
VIPEvent
Lots of Leis at Phoenix Club Luau cont.
Allie Pardue, Cory Hutto & Amanda White
Linda Pyron & Krystal Lepeard
Kelly Phillips, Stephany Goodnight, Jana Clark & Kate Hendrix
Forrest Haven, Duncan Galbreath, Brian Cohn & A.J. Schell
Brian Abraham & Oscar Atkinson 16 • VIP Memphis
Olivia Buffington, Beth Rainwater & Chandley Crawford
Will & Ginny Bozeman
Goodwin Lawrence, Marq Cobb & Lizzie Gill
Sophisticated Food in a Casual Atmosphere valet parking available nightly
120 Monroe, Memphis, TN 38103 • 901-527-7085 • www.McEwensOnMonroe.com
September 2009 • 17
VIPEvent Louise & Calvin Turley
All that Jazz at the Turleys
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Calvin and Louise Turley hosted a private jazz salon (shades of olden days!) open to only 50 guests at their Central Gardens home. The band included Joyce Cobb on vocals, Jonathan Wires on bass, Renardo Ward on drums, and Michael Jefry Stevens on electric keyboard. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Kate Duignan & Susan Dynerman
Joyce Cobb & Lee Porter
Duane & Linda Spiese
Hon. George & Lillian Brown with Lynne Turley & Tommie Pardue 18 • VIP Memphis
David & Susan Weber
Sybil & Peter MacBeth
Herbert & Sharon Casey- Mitchum
September 2009 • 19
VIPEvent
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$70,000 Raised for Our Furry Friends
Tara Henderson & T.J. Cates
The Paw Prints Gala was a black- tie fundraiser for the Memphis & Shelby County Humane Society at Temple Israel. Volunteers dressed as cats and dogs at the party, which featured silent and live auctions and music by Swing Time. More than $70,000 was raised at the event, which drew more than 320 people. Carol Carlson is the new executive director of the organization. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Mike Wilson & Lori Turner
Lynne Maples, Andrew Israel & Laurie Earnheart 20 • VIP Memphis
Grace & Geoff Whiting
Peggy Ryan Smith & Barbara Earhart
Mike Hikade, Aaron Kerr & James Hutto
Julie Davidson, Jeff Smith & Amy Strange
Carol Carlson & Ella Hernandez September 2009 • 21
VIPEvent
It was a Hoot and a Holler at ETA Last Chance series
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The Hard Rock Cafe and The Memphis & Shelby County Music Commission sponsored the Official Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) "Last Chance" event series! The winner from this 3-day challenge was Joseph Hall, and as a result he took the last spot available for The 2009 Ultimate ETA Contest held at the Cannon Center in conjunction with Elvis Week and a chance at winning $20,000! Unfortunately he did not win, but he gave a great performance. VIP Memphis magazine's own Senior Account Executive, Mark O. Ramirez, was selected to be one of several judges at the Hard Rock event series, and he recounts that the whole experience was "a hoot and a holler." F photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Karen Bradshaw,Lydia Cox, Gina Dear & Mary Pat VanEpps 22 • VIP Memphis
Ken Stonicki, Heather Guess, Joseph Hall, Julien Salley Jr. & Mike Benson
September 2009 • 23
VIPEvent
John & Wanda Barzizza
Emma Jean Pierotti & Kate Pera
SRVS Event Attracts Seven Hundred Anne & Fred Wesberry
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Nearly 700 guests attended the eleventh annual Spirit of SRVS auction and fundraiser which was recently held at Hilton Memphis. In addition to silent and live auctions, the entertainment included the Company d Dancers and Eddie Harrison. The party co-chairs were Dr. Fred and Anne Wesberry, and Fred and Pam Mon-
tesi were the honorary chairs. The Shelby Residential and Vocational Services has given 45 years of service in the community and to countless individuals along the way. Jeffrie Bruton is the organization's Executive Director. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Zachary, Shauna & Joshua Burton
Patricia Monasterio & Rosina Fynn 24 • VIP Memphis
Lillian Cara with Robert & Debbie Meyers
Elizabeth Morrow & Annie Wesberry
September 2009 • 25
Photo by Mark O. Ra
mirez
VIP Memoriam
In Memoriam: Jim Dickinson
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Sadly, famed record producer, session pianist and Memphis music legend, Jim Dickinson, died last month. Only weeks before, a benefit concert honoring him had been held at the Peabody Skyway. Over his career, Dickinson worked with the Rolling Stones, the Replacements, Aretha Franklin, Phineas Newborn, Ry Cooder, Bob Dylan, and Big Star.
The benefit night featured performances by John Hiatt, Jimmy Davis, Sid Selvidge with Jimmy Crosthwaite, Amy LaVere, Shannon McNally, and the North Mississippi Allstars. VIP Memphis magazine joins with the music community and Dickinson's many friends everywhere in paying tribute to his great talent and in deeply mourning his passing. F Photography by Christina Trask
Elizabeth Montgomery, Diane Duncan, Alexis Grace, Knox Phillips & Lydia Gilman
Ed & Sally Spivey
Shirley Selvidge & Ulla Crosthwaite
Russell Sugarmon, Sally & Danny Graflund, Saul & Betsy Belz with Irv Salky 26 • VIP Memphis
Jim Dickinson ta ken Grammy Party 20 at 09
Sam Tweddell, Pat Kerr Tigrett & Brooke Tweddell
Molly Willmont & Kristine Protopsaltis
Jerry Williams, Jon Hornyak & Kevin Kane
Keith Sykes, Joe Mulherin & David Fleischman
September 2009 • 27
VIPEvents
The Brooks was Summer Party Central As always, the Brooks Museum of Art is a source of great fun as well as great art. The members' opening for the Jacob Lawrence exhibition in July
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was followed in late August by the Avant Garde Party 2009 celebrating Lawrence’s art. Themed as “The Beautiful and the Damned,” the party offered Charleston and jitterbug lessons, a martini bar, jazz, karaoke, burlesque, bathtub gin and fortune-telling.F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez and Christina Trask
Claire & Marty Kiser
Heather Klien & Lindsey Hedgepeth
Ruth Brucker, Cameron Kitchin & Marina Pacini
Karen & Bradley Peacock
Pearl Palow, Jim & Ruth Owen with Victor & the Hon. Kaye Robilio
Renee Adam & Tracy Eaves
Jeff & Karen Smith Suzana Lightman & Anne Muller
Melanie Towery & Julien Provost 28 • VIP Memphis
April Panitz, Terri Panitz, Jessica Polk & Kelsey Panitz
Garage Bands Reunite for ADS
Dramatic dining where the food takes center stage.
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The sixth annual Garage Band Reunion at the New Daisy on Beale Street was a reunion of musicians who had their beginnings in bands practicing in garages during the 1960s and 1970s. Bands that performed at the reunion included Interstate 55, Reflections, Faces With Shoes, Eddie Harrison & the ShortKuts, and The GrayHounds. Tommy Burk & the Counts were this year’s honorees. The event was a fundraising benefit for the Alzheimer's Day Services of Memphis (ADS), a local, non-profit agency that provides an affordable, stimulating therapeutic day program for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. F Photography by Christina Trask
145 S. Main Street One block north of The Orpheum 901-522-8555 www.majesticgrille.com Open for Lunch & Dinner Seven Days The Ultimate Brunch' Sundays 11-3
Mary Taylor & Brian Davis
Tom & Sharon Malone
Keith & Katie Cole
Beverly Hollingsworth & Robert Curry September 2009 • 29
VIPEvents
Lei-zy Germantown Athletic Club Luau During the summer, the Germantown Athletic Club hosted a poolside luau with food, live entertainment and a open bar for guests to enjoy a “lei-zy” Friday night. The music was by Steve Hopper and the Wolf Island Band. Sponsors for the event included Stringer’s Garden Centers and Landscape Company, Heart and Soul Catering, Classic Party Rentals, VIP
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Memphis Magazine and the Germantown Performing Arts Centre.F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Brooke Tillie & Sherry Saxon
Scarlet Jones & Chuck Goldstein
Special Events for Special Olympics The Inn at Hunt Phelan hosted a gala wine and dine event to benefit Special Olympics which was presented by Arthur Kahn of Arthur's Wine and Liquor. Several weeks later, hordes of Elvis fans met at Graceland for the 27th Annual Elvis Presley Run, Walk, Rock & Roll benefiting United Cerebral Palsy of the Mid-South and Special Olympics. F photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Kelly Windschitl & Mary Greenwell
Brandon Eckel, Brooke Pierotti & Trevor Hopper
Lisa Taylor with Sam & Jacinda Johnson
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30 • VIP
Memphis
T.J. Henshaw, Justin Ladd, Kristen Evans & Mark Hulsewe
Kristine & Drew Hyde
Playhouse’s Great Wine Performances
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The Great Wine Performances party at Playhouse on the Square meant that guests were served their wine by famous characters such as Maggie the Cat from Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Obviously this was a wine-tasting done "Playhouse style" with ten wine stations spread throughout, and famous theatrical characters describing wonderful wines. F Photography by Christina Trask
Gini & Kelly Kirk
Leslie Murphy & Gloria Callihan
Michael Detroit as Don Quixote
Michael Gravois & Jennifer Henry
Nancy & Robert Williams September 2009 • 31
Marketing: back to Basics
A Sampler of PR Pointers Q&A with Amy Howell of Howell Marketing Strategies Q: Is your PR firm your partner or a vendor?
often I can listen for new opportunities to
A: PR professionals and firms should be eval-
position and promote them.
uated based on the strength of their relationships with their clients which is ultimately the result of providing valuable
Q: How is technology and social media changing communication? A: There is no substitute for strong relation-
Q: How do you know if your organization needs “social media”?
ships built on trust, value and loyalty. If you want to be in communications, you
services and becoming more like a business
A: All the hype on social media has a lot of
cannot sit behind a computer all day (un-
partner than a vendor. Just as we consider
people confused and wondering if it works.
less you are only tasked with digital and
our lawyers, our CPAs and our physicians
A CFO will ask you for the ROI value. What
electronic or Internet job functions). There
our partners, strategic organizations realize
I can tell you is that it is not an excuse to
is great value in getting in front of clients
the value of the PR professional and what
twitter time away behind a computer (and
and co-workers, talking through issues in
he or she can bring to the organization
social media can be a huge time waster).
person and collectively working out strate-
from the business and ROI (return on in-
You still need to sell your services or prod-
gies. E-mail is convenient, but I believe too
vestment) perspective. Understanding my
ucts and as long as people will buy them,
much reliance on e-mail, texting and social
clients’ business as well as their revenue
the tried and true marketing programs are
media is creating missed opportunities and
goals and objectives is fundamental to our
proven. Social media—relatively new and
miscommunications. F
ability to promote and protect them. If you
always changing—is a broad term and, as I
are using a PR firm or professional, they
have said before, is a tool that when used
should be spending time understanding
properly and efficiently can help leverage
business objectives, sitting in on sales meet-
any promotional campaign or brand. I have
ings, and basically being at the client’s of-
posted some relevant marketing content on
fices
are
this subject on my Twitter page which can
capitalizing on opportunities. Also, a client
be found on my website. I believe there are
must have a level of trust with his or her PR
many great reasons for organizations to im-
professional so that person can have access
plement social media strategies for sharing
to important and often sensitive informa-
information but the genius is in the strategy
tion. The more time I spend with my clients
behind why you need it and the validation
and the more I can talk with them, the more
is in the ROI.
often
to
make
sure
they
“Visit Howell Marketing online at http://howellmarketing.com/ to find new PR, marketing, and social-media related articles. If you have a question you would like addressed, e-mail amy@howell-marketing.com” Amy Howell
Who’s telling your story?
32 • VIP
Memphis
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Opening Doors
These are a Few of our Favorite Things
by Debbie Rodda
Coleman-Etter, Fontaine REALTORS love Memphis! Most of us are native Memphians and have spent our lives here raising our families, shopping its stores and worshipping in its churches. All the while, we have been making a living helping people to buy and sell their most important investment – their home. We decided to share with you some of our favorite things about living in the Bluff City. Following is our list, which is in no particular order nor is it intended to be comprehensive: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Holiday Season in the lobby of the Peabody Breakfast at Brother Junipers (with homemade bread) Taking the little ones to reading time at Davis Kidd Sale day at Joseph’s Shoes! Saturday stroll at the Farmers Market downtown at the old train station Grabbing a burger at Bosco’s then walking to Studio on the Square for a movie Family playtime at “My Big Backyard” at The Children’s Garden at the Memphis Botanic Garden Night out with friends at Wild Bills on Vollentine Trolley tours with a stop at Gus’s Famous Fried Chicken Family night at the Redbirds AutoZone Park The children’s parade during the Germantown Charity Horse Show The Enchanted Forest (now at the Pink Palace) Taking out-of-town friends to The Stax Museum and Sun Studios Picnics on the Mississippi River bluff Watching the polar bears swim underwater at The Memphis Zoo Lunch at 3 Pigs Bar-B-Que on Quince to get a hot dog or that great pork bar-b-que Taking the children for an afternoon at The Children’s Museum Listening to music, enjoying a meal or meeting for a cocktail on the patio of the historic Hunt Phelan house Dressing up and going downtown to catch a Broadway show at the Orpheum Sitting on the bluff at the end of Memphis in May and listening to the Sunset Symphony with the sun setting on The Mighty Mississippi Sneaking off to Tunica with a stop at the Flea Market on Third Thursday nights on the rooftop of the Madison Hotel listening to music and taking in the great view of downtown and across the river Summer evenings on the lawn at the Memphis Botanic Garden listening to great bands at Live at the Garden Spaghetti dinner at Pete and Sam’s Catching the yellow blinking lights as you travel down Poplar alongside the train Spending the day at Cooper-Young's antique shops looking for that special something Getting that perfect manicure with Linda at Perfectly Polished Enjoying Memphis' four distinct seasons - each with its special qualities Watching, screaming, cheering at Memphis Tiger basketball games at the FedEx Forum Friday night tour of art gallery openings viewing wonderful artwork by local and visiting artists Strolling the monthly BIG flea market at the Fairgrounds Going to Neil’s to hear the Blues Society Band or: Going to Neil’s on Blues Society Thursday jams Starting the Holiday Season enjoying the magic of Ballet Memphis' performance of The Nutcracker at the Orpheum Dinner at the Rendezvous with its entertaining and one-of-a kind waiters
I know there are many more special Memphis places and unique experiences that we could have included. We all have our own personal favorites. But I hope that reading through this list will renew your enthusiasm for our wonderful city and ---better yet---inspire you to hit the ground running and take advantage of all that it offers.
34 • VIP
Memphis
Debbie Rodda Life Member MultimillionDollar Club Whos Who in Luxury Real Estate Coleman-Etter, Fontaine Realtors 651 Oakleaf Office Lane Memphis, TN 38117 901 767-4100 “DWELL IN POSSIBILITY” Emily Dickinson
Just Out of the Spotlight
From Disney to MTV, Memphis is a Movie Town The Movie Lady Reports by Linn Sitler
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Dateline Memphis --- It's been a summer filled with showbiz excitement -- with MTV back in town, hiring 70% local crew and cast, for yet another web series, SAVAGE COUNTY. Texan David Harris chose Memphis over his native Texas for the horror series -- with Memphian Erin Hagee calling the shots as Memphis producer! Lots of locals had the look of the script's murdererous characters -- including long-time Memphis musician/puppeteer Jimmy Crosthwaite. Can't wait for the premiere! Gore and body parts galore, I hear! On a lighter and definitely more humorous note, The Disney Train pulled into town --Memphis was one of only 40 U.S. cities selected for a stop. Promoting the November release of Bob Zemeckis' remake of Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL, the train opened its cars -- lined with movie and Dickensian memorabilia -- to almost 6,000 Mid-Southerners. However, the summer closed with sadness, as Memphis music legend, the incomparable, unique, innovative, and brilliant Jim Dickinson made the transition to a universe beyond our own. However, before he left the planet, Dickinson knew that we loved him -- with the city's top musicians and premier music lovers all gathered to celebrate him and his career. With a city like ours, of course producer Rebekah Alperin is proud to make Memphis the site of a documentary shoot on The Dalai Lama. A five year project sponsored by The Missing Peace Project, former Memphian Rebakah has lots of plans for His Holiness’ visit to her hometown. Go to The Film Commission’s website, www.memphisfilmcomm.org for more details re: those ticketed events open to the public. Peace and harmony to you and yours.F
36 • VIP
Memphis
In spite of soggy 90+ temperatures, almost 6,000 Mid-Southerners waited as long as 2 1/2 hours to tour The Disney Train, stopped at Memphis' Central Station for one day only.
Malco Theatres mogul Jimmy Tashie, Memphis Mayor Myron Lowery, and Shelby County Mayor AC Wharton look on as Disney executive Nicole Rivelli cuts the ribbon to officially open The Disney Train!
Filmmakers Barry Jenkins (foreground) and Mike Ryan play to a packed house at "INDIE HEAVEN WEEKEND" - a free screenwriting workshop sponsored by the Film Commission and Memphis ED.
Independent film producers Mike Ryan (left) (CHOKE, FORTY SHADES OF BLUE) and Justin Wolske (SAVAGE COUNTY) meet for the first time on the set of Film Commission client SAVAGE COUNTY.
Enjoying the music of Jim Dickinson's tribute concert at the Skyway: Ardent Recording Studio “stars”: woman-ofmany-talents Elizabeth Montgomery and Grammy-winning producer/engineer John Hampton.
The man-in-charge, tired but satisfied event producer David Less (left) , is congratulated by Knox Phillips, after the sellout, smashing success of the late Jim Dickinson's tribute concert at The Peabody's Skyway.
Memphis crew on the set of SAVAGE In the middle of Arkansas farmland COUNTY: Location Manager Derek Steiner near Crawfordsville, SAVAGE COUNTY producer Erin Hagee (left) and director, and 1st Asst. Camera Lee Gordon David Harris, get ready to wrap the MTV web isodes series.
Mosquito Wrapping: No, it's not the Middle East -- just Arkansas during mosquito season -- on the set of SAVAGE COUNTY. Crew members John Clark (left) and Kyle Henry protect their necks from the locust-like swarms.
“It’s at the printers!” Celebrating the completion of the 2009-2010 Film Commission Production Directory: (left to right) Oz Publishing’s Tia Powell, Deputy Film Commissioner Sharon Fox O’Guin, Film Commissioner Linn Sitler.
Your Neighborhood Grocery in Harbor Town Square.
Lisa Harris
“Join us on Facebook and Twitter”
Fitness Intelligent
Elena Jenkins, MBA, CPT
lharris@crye-leike.com
Director, Evolv Pilates & Fitness, LCC Fitness Coach, NASM Pilates Certified, All Apparatus Instructor, University of Memphis
Opening Doors for over 20 years
6159 Poplar Avenue (Above Starbucks) Memphis, Tennessee 38119
7700 Poplar Avenue • Germantown, TN 38138 Cell: 901-870-6362 • Office: 901-754-0800
Harbor Town Square • 737 Harbor Bend Road • Memphis, TN 901-526-4772 • www.misscordelias.com
Studio 901.762.0660 • Cell 901.461.9948 info@evolvfit.com
www.evolvfit.com September 2009 • 37
OlD+New
GOTHIC+MODERN ARCHITECTURE CHARACTERIZE LANDMARK INSTITUTIONS it is back to school time, and two beloved Memphis educational institutions are thriving.
September 2009 • 39
OlD+New
Rhodes college
rhodes College, founded in 1848, needs no introduction to generations of Memphians. its campus covers 100 beautiful acres in midtown near Overton Park and is famed for its gothic-style stone buildings, a number of which are listed on the national register of Historic Places.
40 • VIP
Memphis
Rhodes college
OlD+New
September 2009 • 41
OlD+New
the MeMphis college of aRt
the Memphis College of art, on the other hand, is located inside Overton Park and though its founding date of 1936 hardly qualifies it as a "new" institution, the fact is that its buildings fall squarely into the "modern" category. Much of its architecture dates from the 1950s.
42 • VIP
42 • VIP
Memphis
Memphis
the MeMphis college of aRt
OlD+New
September 2009 • 43
Blues, Soul & Rock ‘n Roll
B.B. King Museum Preserves Legacy Of King Of The Blues Story by Lyda Kay Ferree, The Southern Lifestyles Lady. Photography courtesy of the B.B. King Museum, Indianola, Mississippi hen B.B. King saw his name on the front of the museum named in his honor in Indianola, Mississippi, he was humbled. “My goodness,” King said, his voice cracking. “I didn’t go to school long enough to be able to tell you how I feel. But I have heard that heaven is beautiful. If heaven is more beautiful than the way I feel today, I’m ready to go tomorrow.” Hearing the humble blues legend make this statement gave me goose bumps. On a steamy hot day in September (13th), 2008, I was privileged to be among the national media invited to attend the grand opening of the B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, located at the intersection of Second Street and Sunflower Avenue in the small town of Indianola, Mississippi (pop: 12,066). What a treat to be among the first to pass through the doors of the $15 million, 20,000square-foot museum, which is a tribute to the world’s most famous blues musician. We saw more than a tribute to this blues icon. “We use B. B. King to get into the music but also the life of the Mississippi Delta, which shaped King’s life,” says Connie Gibbons, executive director of the museum. The museum, which is built in and around a brick cotton gin where the blues legend worked as a teenager, is the culmination of a seven-year process and an admirable community effort. For
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several decades B. B. King played a concert in Indianola, with the proceeds going to the children of that town, which he calls home. “A group of local citizens decided to honor B.B. since he has done so much for us,” says Allan Hammons, a Mississippi advertising executive. Ultimately, the citizens of the Delta town gave more than $1.7 million of the $15 million used to build the museum. That, in turn, led to contributions by the state and federal government plus corporate and private money. The museum explores King’s 60-plus-year career through the presentation of King’s papers, materials and objects that form his life and work, along with cutting-edge multi-media and film. The facility is designed so that visitors will experience chronologically the periods in King’s life, moving through an interactive environment that is visually stimulating and full of music. The access that King gave the museum curators was almost unprecedented. He allowed the curators to visit his Las Vegas home and haul away most of his worldly possessions, including the contents of his music room and home studio, which they rebuilt inside a glass exhibit at the museum. In addition to King’s personal memorabilia, the exhibit includes a selection of 10 films. One of B.B.’s charges for the museum board was to focus on educational programs for the kids. “He really wants to develop the next generation of kids who might carry this music fur-
ther,” says Hammons. On Monday, September 7 (Labor Day) King will be smiling broadly when the new AT&T Education Wing of the Museum will be dedicated. Following a ribbon cutting at 10:15 a.m., a drumming workshop will be held for young musicians and the dedication of the newest marker on the Mississippi Blues Heritage Trail at Club Ebony, just around the corner from the museum on Hanna Street. The marker ceremony, which will begin at 1:30 p.m., will include live music. “We are thrilled to announce the formal dedication and official opening of the education building at the B. B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center, says Gibbons. “As we prepare to celebrate the first year anniversary of the Museum it is a special honor to have B.B. (who will turn 84 on September 16) with us to cut the ribbon on the newest part of our facility. “ The museum has attracted more than 20,000 visitors since they opened last September, “and we see those numbers steadily going up as the word gets out about this world class facility,” Gibbons says. “In addition to being a destination for music lovers, heritage tourists, and all those interested in Delta culture, we are developing and delivering programs that are making a difference in our community. We cherish our role as the center of community life in this area and as an anchor site for the Mississippi Blues Heritage Trail. Come see us!”F
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MEMORIAL FOR ISAAC HAYES
a public memorial --- “Roses for black Moses”---was held in late august for Isaac Hayes almost one year after this beloved figure's passing. There was a short program at his grave site in Memorial Park featuring David Porter, members of the Hayes family, former Stax artists, and other guests. attendees brought roses to place in a large vase beside Hayes' grave marker before it was unveiled. F
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VIGIL FOR THE KING PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA ZUCKER
Thousands gathered at Graceland last month to take part in the candlelight vigil for Elvis Presley. The event marked the end of Elvis Week and the 32nd anniversary of Presley's death.F
September 2009 • 47
FOr tHe lOve OF wiNe
In
Arthur’s Opinion… By Arthur Kahn
ABROAD AT HOME W I T H F I R S T- C L A S S W I N E S
eople returning from vacations to the coasts and abroad frequently want to purchase the wines they enjoyed lakeside at Villa D'Este, mountainside at Auberge de Soleil or tableside at the Gotham Bar and Grill. Often the answer has to be: "I'm sorry, but that vintage/that wine isn't currently available in Memphis, but a reasonably similar wine is." Be assured, we in the wine trade always feel just a bit inadequate offering what seems a lame, self-serving response to your perfectly normal request. We shouldn't feel that way. And, world travelling Memphians, you should give us a pass on that one. Each wineproducing region of the world encompasses many times the number of wines as are sold for export, or sold for export to the United States, or are imported into Tennessee (as opposed to Oregon, say). To be sure, great consuming
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cities like New York, Chicago and Los Angeles (and, compared to Memphis, such higher ticket towns as Charlotte, Austin and Boulder) import a wider variety of wines than we see locally. And, yes, there's a conspiratorial attitude among many importers and national distributors that privileges the "A" markets and relegates a "C" market like Memphis to orphan status. But through it all, Memphis wholesalers are able to procure absolutely first-class wines from every wine-producing region in the world. Example: You can purchase top-vintage Chateau Lafite-Rothschild, arguably the world's most desired wine, at any number of stores in the city. The esteemed house of Angelo Gaja in the Italian Piedmont is well represented in Memphis, as are such tightly allocated wines as the Riserva Barolo from Cavallotti and the rarest wines from such superior Burgundy, Alsatian and Rioja houses as
Vincent Girardin, Domaine Weinbach and Bodegas Marques de Murrietta. You could go broke purchasing world-class wines in your hometown! But a double standard applies with regard to returning vacationers. While we spent 80 Euros on that fabulous bottle of ChapelleChambertin in Lacock, Wiltshire (At the Sign of the Angel is the charming, medieval restaurantwith-rooms), the exact same bottle may seem less desirable on a Memphis wine store shelf at $100. So on your next return from vacation, save a few of those pesos, Euros or sheckels to spend locally on the wines you enjoyed abroad; and if the identical wine isn't available -- just as when you asked the sommelier in Lyon for that wine you enjoyed at Erling Jensen and found it unavailable there! -- do as you did in France and try a new, reasonably similar bottle and allow it to become your new favorite. F
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gOurMet TAILGATING
Ben adams
John BRaGG
napa café
ciRca
Grilled tuna tostada with marinated tomatoes, hummus
White Bean chili
Yields 6 to 8
1# 1 cup 2 Cups 3-4 cloves 2 tbls 4 tbls 1/2 tsp 3-15oz cans 1 or 2
For Tuna Mixture 2 6 ounce pieces of tuna loin 8 6 inch tortilla shells 2 tbsp mayonnaise 2 tsp cilantro 1 tbsp chives 1/2 tbsp adobe sauce 1 tsp sugar salt and pepper to taste Preparation 1. Grill the tuna to medium or medium rare 2. Let cool and rough chop 3. Add mayo, cilantro, adobe sauce, sugar, salt and pepper. 4. Refrigerate for 1 hour 5. while the mixture is in the fridge preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Cut the tortilla shells to 4 to 5 inches with a cookie cutter and brush with olive oil on both sides. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until the edges get golden brown.
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Marinated tomatoes 7 1/4 cup 1 tbsp 1 tsp
cherry tomatoes (sliced in half) orange juice chopped parsley sugar
1-2
Preparation Mix all ingredients together
Preparation
For hummus 1 can 3 1/4 cup 1/2 cup 1/4 cup 1 tsp
Boneless Skinless Chicken, cut into ½ dice chopped yellow onion (or the equivalent) chicken broth garlic, chopped finely ground Cumin seed olive oil dried oregano leaves white beans (great northern or cannellini), drained and rinsed chopped red, green or yellow bell peppers, or combination (go easy on the green ones) jalapeno chili peppers, fresh. If you don’t like it too hot, discard the seeds first
garbanzo beans (15 ounce) garlic cloves (chopped and mashed) lemon juice tahini water salt
Preparation Once garlic is chopped and mashed and all ingredients to food processor and puree until smooth. To serve, layer hummus on top of tostada with tomatoes on top.
In a large pot, like a dutch oven or enamel cast iron pot: Heat the oil over medium heat and add the onions, peppers, garlic and ½ the cumin. Cook gently so the vegetables become tender, but don’t brown – about 3 minutes. Add the chicken and the stock, bring to a boil. Add the beans and oregano, and maybe a little more water or stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cook about an hour. Best to cool overnight. Alternatively, you can put everything in a crock-pot and cook on low for about 3-5 hours.
gOurMet TAILGATING
dReW BRyan
scott delaRme
RiveR oaks
oWen BRennan’s
Grilled cap steak with curried vegetables
spice rubbed & smoked beef tenderloin sandwiches on baguette with horseradish aioli, arugula, and vine ripe tomatoes
Yield 4 Steaks Marinade for Steak 1 cup 6 Sprigs 2 Tbsp 4 Cloves
Pomace Olive Oil Thyme Chopped Parsley Roasted Garlic
Steaks Salt and Pepper
4-5 Sandwiches 2-2.5 # ½ cup ¼ to ½ cup 2-3 ounces 2 ea 2ea 1-2 # 2 tbls
Whole Beef Tenderloin (cleaned) Spice Rub Horseradish Aioli Arugula Baguette Fresh tomato Apple Wood (for smoking) Olive Oil
Vegetables 2 Cups Diced Yellow Squash (1” X 1”) 2 Cups Diced Zucchini (1”X 1”) Asparagus 1 Tbsp Curry Powder ½ Cup Pomace Oil Salt and Pepper Method Marinade the steaks in the oil, garlic and herb mixture over night. Season the steaks with salt and pepper and cook the steaks over medium heat until desired doneness. Allow the steaks to rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing. Mix the curry powder and oil. While the steaks are cooking, season the vegetables and allow cooking over medium heat. Just before the vegetables are fork tender, brush the oil and curry mix on all sides and allow cooking for just a minute longer.
Rub beef tenderloin the night before event, wrap well and refrigerate until needed. Smoke tenderloin to rare or medium rare, allow to rest for at least ten minutes before cutting. Slice Baguette, brush with olive oil and grill until just toasted. Slice beef tenderloin and assemble sandwiches with all remaining ingredients, using horseradish aioli last. Spice Rub 2 tbls 2 tbls 2 tsp ½ tsp 1 tsp 1 tsp 1 tsp 2 tbls 2 tbls ½ cup
Paprika Kosher Salt Black Pepper Cayenne pepper Thyme Basil Oregano Chopped Garlic Chopped Shallot Olive Oil
Combine all ingredients in food processor and mix well.
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gOurMet TAILGATING
antony field
david Johnson
fliGht RestauRant & Wine BaR
mceWen’s on monRoe
southern comfort Glazed BBQ duck leg with dried apricot and pecan orzo salad
Grilled mahi mahi Burger
4 ea Duck legs 2 tab oil Salt and pepper
Salt and Pepper to taste, Grill fish 3 Minutes per side
Season duck Legs with salt and pepper and rub with oil. Grill duck legs over low heat grilling each side for 30 minutes, then baste with glaze every 10 minutes turning each time for 30 more minutes. Southern Comfort Glaze 2 cups 2 oz 1 oz
Smoked BBQ sauce Southern Comfort Honey
Combine all in a bowl and mix till smooth Orzo Pasta Salad 3 cups cooked orzo 1 cup Dried Apricots 1 cup Toasted Pecans ¼ cup Champagne Vinegar ¼ cup diced Chives ¼ cup Vegetable Oil Salt and pepper Combine all ingredients and season to taste Plating Mound orzo salad in the center of the plate and rest the duck leg at 6 o’clock
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6 6
6oz Mahi Fillets Kaiser Rolls
Aioli 1 cup Mayo 1 TBL. Sriracha Juice of 1/2 Lime Combine above 3 items to make the aioli Relish 1 Poblano pepper - diced 1 Red Bell Pepper - diced 1/2 Red Onion Diced 1 Mango - peeled and diced 1/2 Papaya - peeled and diced 1 TBL Chopped Fresh Cilantro 1tsp Honey Juice of 1 Lime Olive Oil to coat Salt and Pepper to taste Combine above ingredients
gOurMet TAILGATING
patRick Reilly
chRis WindsoR
maJestic GRille
GRill 83
Grilled flank steak & vegetable salad
tailgate paella Serves 10-12
Flank Steak
1 oz Olive oil 4 oz Bacon, uncooked cut in 1 inch pieces ½ cup olive oil 3 lb Chicken legs and thighs separated ¼ cup soy 2 lb Chorizo, Andouille, or Kielbasa Juice of ½ lemon 1 ea Large pinch of Saffron, (ground) 2 cloves garlic chopped 1 ea Head of garlic, with ½ inch of the top cut off 2 sprigs fresh herbs (Thyme, Oregano, 12 ea Small fresh artichokescleaned, cut in half Marjoram, Rosemary) ½ lb Trimmed green beans – fresh 1½# Flank Steak Trimmed 2 ea Medium onion fine diced Red peppers, roasted, peeled and sliced Combine first 5 ingredients in a non-reactive dish. Add flank steak and marinate for at 4 ea 1 ea Can of Diced tomatoes with juice, (about 14 oz) least 2 hours or overnight. Remove from marinade, pat dry and grill over medium 6 cup Chicken Stock, low sodium chicken broth, or water coals until done (About 6 minutes a side for medium rare). Allow to cool and cut in 4 cup Rice, long grain- not instant thin slices against the grain. 1 lb Frozen peas 1½ lb Large Shrimp, Peeled and deveined, Tail shell on Vegetables 1½ lb Mussels, washed well Use whatever vegetables are available---Squash, zucchini, eggplant, red onion, sweet 2 ea Lemons cut into wedges potato, cut into ½" slices. Corn on the cob whole. Scallions, whole. Red, green and yellow peppers, halved and de-seeded. Lightly brush with olive oil, sprinkle with salt Put a Paella pan, wok, or large shallow pan on the grill or burner over med high heat. and pepper and grill over a medium heat until done. Heat the oil in the pan and add the bacon. Cook until crisp, remove to paper Allow to cool and cut into ½ " pieces towels, leaving the fat in the pan. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and sear skin side down for 5-7 mins until golden brown. Turn and cook the same amount of time on other side. Remove chicken to a plate. Sauté sausage links for 2-3 mins a Dressing side and reserve as well. Add the saffron, garlic (cut side down), artichoke, and ½ cup olive oil green beans and cook 4-5 mins, while stirring until vegetables start to brown. ¼ cup balsamic vinegar Remove them from the pan and add the onion. Cook until onion starts to turn 1 tblspn Dijon mustard translucent. Add the peppers and tomatoes and cook 2-3 mins more. Add 1/3 of the liquid to deglaze the pan. Add everything that you have previously cooked, Mix all ingredients. another 1/3 of the liquid and the rice. Cover with a lid or foil and cook 5 mins. Remove lid add peas and more liquid if the rice is dry but not cooked. Top with To assemble, toss the beef and vegetables with the dressing and sprinkle with some seasoned shrimp and cover for 2-3 mins. Add more liquid if the rice is dry and not chopped basil. This can be done ahead of time and brought assembled, or you can yet done. Top with mussels and cover. Cook 2-3 mins more until mussels open and grill the meat and vegetables at the tailgate party and serve warm. rice is cooked. Top with lemon wedges and serve in the pot. September 2009 • 53
B
IZ UZZ
Cellular South Has Tent at Heart Concert Stephen Signaigo Business Development Manager and Dave Miller and Amy Goff Nash, public relations for Cellular South, enjoyed entertaining business clients and media representatives at the Cellular South hospitality tent at Live at the Garden. F
VIP Memphis reports on all the buzz from some of our favorite businesses around town.
Caldwell Comes to Art under a Hot Tin Roof Stephen Signaigo, Amy Goff Nash, Dave Miller
Pat Averwater, Phil Burns, Cathy Williams, Ladonna Gibson, Chip Averwater Art under a Hot Tin Roof, that new and “unpredictable” gallery on S. Main Street, recently held a gala opening reception for its outstanding Copper Works of Ben Caldwell show.F Ben Caldwell & Anslie Todd Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Sarkis Kish opening new showroom Sarkis Kish Oriental Rugs is announcing the opening of their new showroom at 5179 Wheelis Drive, just off White Station Road in East Memphis. The new building also contains a specially designed complete professional rug handcleaning facility. Sarkis Kish Oriental Rugs gladly works with the design trade to help them provide their clients with the very best possible selection of handwoven oriental rugs as well as special orders.F
I.O. Metro Features Local Artists I.O. Metro is a specialty lifestyle furniture retailer selling eclectic import furniture and accessories. Billing itself as a “different kind of furniture store,” the Ridgeway Road store recently sponsored an art show which featured local artists. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
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Amro is Arkansas Band Supporter of the Year Amro Music Stores, Inc. was recently presented with the Arkansas Band Supporter of the Year award at the annual convention of the Arkansas Bandmasters Association in Little Rock. Conferred by Phi Beta Mu, the International Band Masters’ Fraternity, the award celebrates an organization for their assistance to Phi Beta Mu’s goal of developing better musicians in schools throughout the world, a goal shared by Amro. Amro Music, celebrating its 88th year in business, specializes in pianos, organs, electronic keyboards, school band instruments, sheet music, and repairs. Based in Memphis, the company has eight educational representatives visiting and servicing more than 200 schools across Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Alabama, Illinois, and Kentucky, as well as twenty-four repair technicians who service more than 10,000 band instruments a year.F
Happy Anniversary to Kooky Canuck Lana and Shawn Danko, the gracious and fun-loving owners of downtown's popular Kooky Canuck restaurant (home of the signature Kookamong Burger), recently celebrated their establishment's four-year anniversary with many of their favorite guests and friends..F Photography by Christina Trask
Billy Buchanan, Sarah Coleman, Amanda Kirkman & Jonathan Henry
Lana & Shawn Danko
Mona Pampers Clients at August Event August was client appreciation month at the eternally popular Mona's Spa in East Memphis. Guests were invited to a glamorous (of course) "sip and sample" event which included delicious spa cuisine from the neighboring Napa Cafe and special gift bags for all attendees. Of course everyone was also given a rundown on all the exciting products and services offered at Mona's.F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Hybrid Coming Out Party at Lexus
Courtney & Bryan Smith Tamara Whiteside & Valeria Donovan Alla Olswanger & Mona Sappenfield
Lexus of Memphis recently held a "coming out party" and after hours networking event to introduce the new 2010 hybrids including the HS250h and the RX450h.F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Kate Adair, Valerie Smith & Emily Taube
Larry Rice On the Go There are a lot of things happening at Rice, Amundsen & Caperton. Most exciting is the news that Larry Rice brought back from speaking for the eighth time at the American Bar Association’s Annual Convention. While in Chicago for the event, ABA committed to publishing a 25th Anniversary edition in 2012 of Rice’s The Complete Guide to Divorce Practice. The convention was a success and check out Larry Rice this interesting statistic---Rice has now spoken to the ABA more often than any member of the Supreme Court! As if that’s not enough, Rice is on his way in September to Bismarck to speak at the Western Dakota Assoc. of Legal Assistants. News of his excellence travels far!F
Virgil Edwards, Jerry Dodds & Eric Suffield
Emily Dunahoo, Amy Howell, Kristen Meyers & Cami Harris
Natural Stone Sponsors Irikat Event Natural Stone Distributors of Arlington, Tennessee, which offers the largest selection of designer tile and exotic granites in the Mid-South, recently sponsored a CEU-accredited event for area architects and designers--AIA, IIDA and ASID. Feras Irikat, Director of Design for Oceanside Glasstile in Carlsbad, CA presented a program on Color Theory and correct applications of color. The music was by “Battle Victorious” and the food was catered by Another Roadside Attraction. This special function was planned by the awesomely talented David Lindsey who is the showroom manager for Natural Stone and Tile. A good---and enlightening--time was had by all. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
Bluff City Showcases 2010 Models Bluff City Jaguar-Land Rover recently held a gala reception in its beautiful, state of the art premises on Wheel Cove to introduce the new: 2010 Range Rover Sport; the 2010 Landrover LR4 HSE; and the 2010 Range Rover Autobiography. F
Joan Casey & DeeAnn Dossett
Tom Paisely & Farrar Schaeffer
Granville Taylor, Colleen Flyn, Karen Loeffel & Don Lawrence
Feras Irikat & David Lindsey September 2009 • 55
Girls Inc. Strong, Smart and Bold
PEOPLE & PLACES
Girls Inc.'s recent annual luncheon at Minglewood Hall honored women and girls in our community who exemplify the adjectives "strong, smart and bold."
Susan Stephenson, Ruby Bright, Dr. Shirley Hilliard & Deborah Hester
Cathcart is U.S. Learning Speaker Putt Putt for Ronald McDonald House The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Memphis celebrated a successful fundraising event with the 5th Annual Sam’s Club Cameron Harper Eyewitness News Celebrity Putt Putt Tournament. Nearly $20,000 was raised for the children and families of Ronald McDonald House of Memphis in just one day as over 150 people attended this fantastic family event and got a chance to play a round with members of the Eyewitness News team and other local celebrities at Golf and Games Family Park.
Jesse Denby, Elizabeth Tagg, Ronald McDonald, Sarah Lacy
Ursula Jones, Rocky Redbird & Rae Lyn Hartley
Mike Strickland
Los Pilares Loves Music
Plug-In Mixer at Minglewood
Joe Evans, Van Menard, Judy Wilson & Jimmy Tual
Morgan Freeman Stars in MED Fundraiser
Fiesta Fun for Volunteer MidSouth
Michael Guthrie & Susan Ewing Sandra Palazolo & Joe Rasberry
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Don Hutson & Jim Cathcart
Morgan Freeman, Oscar-winning film star and Mid-South native, hosted “Zero to 60” at the Hard Rock Café on Beale Street. The fundraising event raised $60,000 for The MED’s Elvis Presley Memorial Trauma Center, which is celebrating its 25th anMorgan Freeman with Francine & Bill Luckett niversary this year.
Los Pilares, the popular Mexican restaurant which has several locations in town, sponsors live music by Mike Strickland on Fridays at the Mt. Moriah location and on Saturday at the Stage Road restaurant in Bartlett.
Our VIP Memphis photographer mixed and mingled recently at a “Plug In” media mixer at Minglewood Hall. Entertainment was provided by three advertising industry bands --- Vending Machine, The Revisions and WatchPaper---which are comprised of people who work (and "play") in the advertising industry. Communications and creativity were the name of the game at this unique networking event which attracted some 300 attendees. It was sponsored by the American Advertising Federation Memphis, AIGA Memphis and the local chapter of the Public Relations Society of America. F Photography by Mark O. Ramirez
U.S. Learning Inc. kicked off The Prosperity Series at the Memphis Botanic Garden with acclaimed author and speaker, Jim Cathcart. During the opening seminar, Cathcart revealed some of the principles behind his New York Times best sellers, Relationship Selling and The Acorn Principle.
A Summer in the City fiesta event to benefit Volunteer MidSouth was held at Chickasaw Oaks Mall. The party included great food, wine/beer/margaritas, live music and salsa dancers.
Blake Wadell & Kristen Myers
Memphis Means Music
Beale Street Caravan fundraiser at Red Rooster
The Music Resource Center celebrated its first birthday recently at 431 S. Main Street with food, drinks and lots of live music (of Rudy & Honey Scheidt course!). Gary Rowsey, Sue Layman, Brandon Bowyer & Diana Bailey
DAT at WaterWorks A Taste of Summer Wine event was held recently at Memphis WaterWorks by the Decorative Arts Trust for its patrons, sponsors, donors and associates.
Beale Street Caravan's 2nd Annual Blowout fundraiser was held recently at the Red Rooster in downtown Memphis. Promoting our indigenous musical culture, Beale Street Caravan is a syndicated radio show broadcast from Memphis which is heard in 400 cities worldwide and reaches 2.4 million people weekly. Musician/singer Sid Selvidge, one of the founders of the program, hosted the event along with Cynthia Ham, president of the Beale Street Caravan board. Sid Selvidge & Linda Archer
Muck Sticky
Frank, Mindy & Frank Roberts Amy Goode, Kevin Kane, Hailey Thomas & Mark Jordan Pearce, Bridget & Phil Trenary with Pat Tiggret- Kerr
“Open Five” by Kentucker Audley is Celebrated “Love Letter to Memphis” celebrated indie filmmaking in Memphis at Minglewood, and kicked off the production of ”Open Five” directed by Kentucker Audley and shot by Joe Swanberg. The film shows Memphis culture through the eyes of young women visiting from the NY art world scene and features Memphis-based-musician-from-Brooklyn "Jump Back Jake". It is the first of three film projects launched by Paper Moon’s Nick Case and Ryan Watt.
Paper Moon Films Producers Nick Case and Ryan Watt, with Kentucker Audley, Director of “Open Five”
“Swingtime” Grant's Gala
photo by René Koopman
The third annual "Grant's Gala" was held recently at the Central Train Station to benefit the Children's Heart Foundation. This organization is dedicated to funding the most promising research to advance the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of congenital heart defects
Swingtime and the Memphis Jazz Orchestra Join the Memphis Jazz Orchestra EVERY Sunday evening at Alfred's on Beale from 6-9:00 p.m. for dining and dancing. MJO is joined by the sultry vocals of JoJo Jefferies and Tom Prestigiacomo. No cover at the Alfred's. Then on the last Friday of EVERY month a smaller group of members of the MJO called Swingtime play at the Tower Room from 6-9:00 p.m! The Tower room is $50 per person and includes a special four course menu. Not enough Jazz for you, then contact Howard Lamb for booking information at 901-763- 2010 and email hlamb@comcast.net.
Tommy West, Tommy Tomlinson & Mark Blair
Golfing for St. Jude The 15th Annual AutoZone Liberty Bowl Golf Classic was held at Ridgeway Country Club and included a festive Awards Dinner. Head football coaches, athletic directors and other sports celebrities were on hand to help the event raise money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Jessica Brown, Rob Burger, Tracy Clapp & Chad Abbott September 2009 • 57