Weekend Recommendations

Here are a few quick recommendations for this weekend in Memphis.

Friday Night

It’s the last Friday of the month, so the South Main Association will have their monthly Trolley Tour. The weather should be perfect for gallery hopping, people watching and adult beverages. As always, this event is free.

Memphis Italian Festival is always a good time. Like bbq fest, you have to know someone on a team to get into a team’s booth/tent. You can still have a good time if you don’t have team connections. The festival offers other activities, including live music. Visit their website for more info. Tickets are $10 and are available at the gate.

Saturday
Italian Festival continues. If you had enough pasta and mozzarella to last you for few weeks, you should check out Aquanet at the Downtown Flying Saucer. Aquanet is one of the best 80’s rock cover bands around. If you are a fan of this style of music, you will not be disappointed.

2008 Memphis Memorial Day Weekend Recommendations

If you don't have plans for the weekend, ML recommends a couple of fun options.

On Saturday night, head down to Tom Lee Park for Memphis In May's Sunset Symphony. The Four Tops will join the Memphis Symphony Orchestra for an evening of fun on the river. There is also an air show before the music kicks off and fireworks usually follow the symphony. Gates open at 2pm. Remember that you can bring your own food and drink to this event, so be sure to load up the cooler with your favorite beverages and snacks.

If you didn't get enough of Downtown Memphis on Saturday, then you should stick around and go the Redbirds game on Sunday evening. Gametime is 6:05 with a special fireworks celebration after the game. If you don't want to pay ballpark prices for beer, stop by Bigfoot Lodge for $2 34oz Coors Light draught beer before the game. This special runs all day on Sunday.

With the first pick, the Memphis Grizzlies select...

For those who forgot that Memphis has a NBA team, the professional league held its draft lottery tonight. Because of their not so great record, the Grizzlies has had a 27.9% chance to get the first or second overall pick. Was lady luck on their on side in the quest to acquire Derrick Rose or Michael Beasley? Not tonight. The Grizzlies will have the 5th overall pick in the 2008 draft.

And the quest for Derrick Rose goes to:

Here's how we see the Top 5 picks of the 2008 NBA draft going down:

1 - Chicago Bulls - Derrick Rose
2 - Miami Heat - Michael Beasley
3 - Minnesota Timberwolves - Brook Lopez
4 - Seattle Sonics - OJ Mayo
5 - Memphis Grizzlies - Jerryd Bayless

The Grizzlies also have an additional selection late in the first round.

Get Out Your Slingblade, Billy Bob's Coming To Memphis

I was goofing around today and found out that Billy Bob Thornton & the Box Master's will be playing at the Hi-Tone on August 6th. I haven't heard any thing about his band, but I'm sure this will be an interesting time.

A Bravo Memphis Art Exhibit Sneak Peek and Wine Tasting

Join Bravo Memphis at the David Lusk Gallery for a preview of Crowded, a collection of work from four emerging male artists under 40 - Mike Force, Marcus Kenney, Shawn Mathews, and Cordy Ryman. The evening will feature conversation with an artist showcased in the exhibit, a sampling of white wines, plenty of hearty appetizers and a silent auction for the ultimate experiences for date night or group outings.

Thursday, June 5, 2008, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Tickets $45 for couple and $25 for singles.
Contact Pat Mitchell Worley at pworley@artsmemphis.org to get your tickets today.

Random Updates

- The Bayou Bar & Grill has moved to its new location and will re-open on May 21. They are moving from their longtime location next to Le Chardonnay to a new location across the street on Madison near Paulette's and Studio on the Square. Le Chardonnay is also moving to the same building on Madison that was fomerly occupied by Squared Foods.

- Rumors are floating around that the Downtown Blue Monkey will re-open this week.

- Morgan Freeman's Ground Zero has opened Downtown. Their official "grand opening" will be on May 25. In addition to live blues music Thursday - Saturday, Ground Zero will also be open for lunch and dinner.