Now On Twitter @MEM_Lagniappe

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Blue Devil Picks Tigers, Global Leadership Series, New Laws

Memphis native Elliot Williams will leave the Duke Blue Devils and transfer to Memphis for the 2009-2010 academic year. Citing family health concerns, Williams will ask the NCAA for a transfer waiver that will allow him to play immediately. This is great pick up for Josh Pastner's club and it will be a nice upgrade for next year's squad.

Condoleezza Rice will be one of the featured speakers at the Global Leadership Series hosted by Greater Memphis Chamber. Rice will visit Memphis Cook Convention Center on September 15. This will be a black tie optional event that includes a reception prior to dinner at 7pm. Tickets are available for $500.

Several new laws will go into effect in Tennessee tomorrow. Finally, we can have wine shipped to our homes direct from wineries. One of the less publicized new laws is a ban on texting and driving. Offenders will be fined $50.

Ladies and gentlemen, Better Than Ezra.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Another Dive Bar, Mays, More Bad Politics

Continuing the search for Memphis dive bars, we stopped in Barbie's Place over the weekend. Located on Summer Avenue, Barbie has taken what looks like a former Pizza Hut and converted it to a watering hole. Cheap suds, nice people, pool tables and shuffle board are just a few of the features. And for those who like to start early, they open at 9am on Saturday's. Check it out when you get a chance.

Direct response TV hocker Billy Mays passed away today at the age of 50. This was bad week for celebrities.

Can't understand why our political system is crumbling? This is one of many reasons. I'm all for giving props to local kids and recognizing their accomplishments (good job Hurrican Chris), but rapping during a legislative session should not be allowed. To quote Florida Evans..."Damn! Damn! Damn!"



Ladies and gentlemen, the Zac Brown Band.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

NASCAR, Free Music, Aquanet, Cap & Trade

The NASCAR truck series will be the Memphis Motorsports Park on Saturday. Not as fun as watching the Sprint Cup or Nationwide Series, but still good, loud racing. 100 degree temps will not make this event fun.

More free concerts at the Levitt Shell all weekend. Your best bet will be Free World Sunday night at 7pm.

Another fun show will be at the Red Rooster on Saturday. 80s hair cover band Aquanet will brings their entertaining act Downtown. This is always a good time.

The U.S. House passed the Cap & Trade bill today. This will be the highest tax increase in American history. Your paychecks may not be touched via income tax, but you will see increases in your energy bills as soon as this bill becomes law. There is a ton b.s. spin coming from the White House and House Democrats, especially on the job front. Both are claiming this bill will create thousands of new jobs. Will the new jobs be more or less than all of the jobs that will be lost as a result of the bill? Yes, many jobs will be lost. This is confirmed by the three years of unemployment assistance that has been added to the bill to make sure those who lose their jobs are taken care of. But there is no talk in the mainstream media about this. Lets hope the Senate has more sense than the California-whack job led House. Shame on Steve Cohen. We thought you were better than this.

Ladies and gentlemen, Louis Armstrong.

NBA Draft, So Long Farrah & MJ

The Grizzlies took UCONN's Hasheem Thabeet with the second overall pick in the NBA draft. Many are surprised that the pick wasn't traded, but for once the Grizzlies will have size down low in the paint. Later in the first round, the Grizzlies continued to beef up the paint with with Missouri power forward DeMarre Carroll. With their second round pick they added Sam Young, a small forward from Pittsburgh.

Amazingly the Grizzlies, didn't take a guard. Later in the night they managed to get their guard fix via a trade. The Grizzlies agreed to send Darko Milicic to the New York Knicks for Quentin Richardson and cash considerations.

Former Memphis Tiger guard Tyreke Evans was selected by the Sacramento Kings with the fourth overall selection and Robert Dozier was the last pick in the draft, going to Miami. Memphis native Lester Hudson of Tennessee-Martin was taken in the second round by Boston.


Today the world in remembering the losses of Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. May they both rest in piece.

Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Jackson.

Willie's Gone, Trolley Tour, Canada Day

What was that loud roar heard in Memphis earlier today? Did the Grizzlies trade for Blake Griffin? Did the Tigers land a top recruit? The answers to both questions is no. What you did hear were cheers of joy from Memphis residents as they heard the news that Mayor Herenton has announced his retirement effective July 10. Unlike last year, let's hope he sticks with it. He is retiring to focus on his Congressional campaign against Steve Cohen. Here's to hoping Cohen can win again. Now to the bad news. Myron Lowery will be running the show until the special election.

The South Main Trolley Tour is tomorrow night. As usual, businesses on South Main will open their doors and offer free cocktails and goodies. Its going to be hot, so remember to dress cool.

Canada Day is coming early to Memphis again this year. Kooky Canuck will have Canada Day special all day on Sunday. Specials include:

$3.00 34oz Molson Canadian Draft
$2.00 Black Velvet 'Canadian Whiskey' Shots
$3.00 Bloody Caesars
$12.99 Canadian Burger w/Poutine and a Nanaimo Bar
$4.99 Montreal Steamie All Dressed (mustard, onion, cabbage & cayenne over the top) & french fries

Ladies and gentlemen, Kasey Chambers.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Free Chick-fil-A, McMahon, NBA Draft

On July 10, Chick-fil-A will give free meals to customers who dress like cows. For more information, visit cowappreciationday.com.

Late night TV legend Ed McMahon passed away today. Many will remember McMahon as Johnny Carson's sidekick and his many appearances on TV blooper specials. Here is one of his greater moments.



The 2009 NBA Draft is tomorrow. The big question is who the Grizzlies will pick with second overall selection. We have a hunch that the Grizzlies will draft a player and then trade him for players or future picks or trade the pick to Minnesota. Keeping the trade option in mind, here's how we see the 2009 Grizzlies draft going down.

Round (Overall Pick) Player/Position/School

1.(2) James Harden/SG/Arizona State
1.(27) Nick Calathes/PG/Florida
2.(36) Jermaine Taylor/SG/Central Florida


Ladies and gentlemen, Dig.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Free Shows At The Shell, Feldman, Lauren Conrad

Lots of free music this weekend at the Levitt Shell, including Todd Snider tonight at 7pm.

Michael Feldman will bring his quirky quiz/comedy show to Harding Academy on June 20 at 9:30am. Visit WKNO for more information.

Lauren Conrad, of MTV's The Hills, will be at Davis-Kidd on Wednesday, July 24 at 6pm for a book signing and discussion. Not sure how much there will be to discuss, but the view will be very pleasant.



Ladies and gentlemen, Collective Soul.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Main Street Block Party, Concert Updates, iPhone 3.0

The third Main Street/Peabody Place block party is slated for tomorrow. All of the businesses near the corner of Main and Peabody are participating with various food and drink specials in addition to discounts/sales at stores like Shelton Clothiers. Be sure stop by Shelton's and congratulate them on their fourth anniversary.

While we are giving out anniversary props, lets not forget the Kooky Canuck (fomerly Big Foot Lodge). Shawn and his crew celebrated their fourth birthday last night with a kick-butt party.

Here are a few quick concert updates.

Gov't Mule is coming to Minglewood Hall on July 21. Tickets are on sale now.



Summer Nights at Snowden Grove has announced its summer line-up. All shows are at Snowden Grove park in Southaven, MS and tickets are $10 for each show. Here is the line up:

- Friday, June 26 - Blues Traveler with Young Guns
- Thursday, July 9 - Gavin DeGraw, Collective Soul with Green River Ordinance
- Friday, July 17 - Better Than Ezra with Sterling Y and Tyler Hilton



Mud Island has announced another show for their summer series. The latest addition is Journey. The legendary rockers will be in Memphis on August 8. Tickets go on sale this Saturday.



For iPhone owners, don't forget that the 3.0 software update is available today.

Ladies and gentlemen, Journey.


Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Grove Beer Dinner, Joe Buck Live, Fun Fest

The Grove Grill will host a beer dinner featuring Ghost River Brewery. The menu is looking great, check it out.

Roasted Mississippi Hen of the Woods Mushrooms, Ripley Tomatoes, Beemster Goat Gouda Cheese and Champagne Vinaigrette - Ghost River Golden

Hot Smoked Wild Sockeye Salmon with crisp roasted pepper polenta, baby lola rosa and kalamata olive tapanade - Ghost River Glacial Pale Ale

Wood Grilled Quail and Rib Eye Cap Steak with summer vegetable stir fry basmati,
mole rojo and avocado pico de gallo - Ghost River Brown Ale

Lemon Chiffon Pie with Strawberry Coulis - Ghost River Hefeweizen

You get all the above for $45 plus tax and gratuity. Contact The Grove Grill for reservations and more information.

If you get a chance, check out Joe Buck Live on HBO. He has some great guests this week, including Brett Farve, Chad Johnson, Paul Rudd and some great stuff from Artie Lange.

TN Fun Fest is this weekend at the Agri-center. Not sure about all the festivities, but Fun Fest has a great bbq competition.

Ladies and gentlemen, Kenny Rogers and a few Muppet friends.

Monday, June 08, 2009

Downtown Crime, Ole Miss Getting Props, Oops...Kiffin Did It Again, River Racing

Just a quick reminder to keep your guard up when going out Downtown. So-called panhandlers struck again this weekend right outside of Hollywood Disco. After not receiving cash, they decided to take what they wanted. They made of with a purse and a few bucks before disappearing into the Memphis night. Police are always visible in the core entertainment area (as they should be), but it wouldn't hurt to step up patrols near South Main, etc. Hollywood Disco also needs to beef up its outside security. The crooks were hanging out on blue turf. A firm "get the hell out of here" may have prevented the situation.

Ole Miss is getting some new props these days and its not from Mike Bianco's Super Regional winning percentage. It appears that some Oxford locals want to put "O'town" on the map with a classy tune featuring Mississippi-Oxford co-eds (FWIW, we love the song). Their parents must be proud.



ESPN is reporting that Lane Kiffin has committed another secondary violation, bringing the grand total for 2009 to six. One per month..that's strong. The NCAA should add a rule that x number of secondary violations equals a major. Since Kiffin wants to make headlines and put Tennessee back on the map, we recommend branding this new regulation the "Kiffin Rule." Maybe he picks up his shady behavior from his father-in-law, John Reaves.

The Powerboat Superleague has announced it will hold the Memphis Riverfront International Championship Regatta on the banks of the Mississippi River, near Tom Lee Park. This will be a free event to the public. Dates are set for July 31 - August 2.

Ladies and gentleman, Counting Crows.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Free Music, O.A.R.

There will be free music all weekend at the Levitt Shell at Overton Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic baskets, coolers, etc. This weekend's line up looks like this.

Thursday - Hoots & Hellmouth, 7pm
Friday - Big Sam's Funky Nation, 7pm
Saturday - Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele, 5pm
Saturday - Del Castillo, 7pm
Sunday - Chic Gamine, 7pm

Mud Island Amphitheater is looking like it will have a busy schedule this summer. Tickets go on sale this Saturday for O.A.R. The show will be August 20th.


Ladies and gentlemen, O.A.R.

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Lefty Coming To Memphis, Free Root Beer Floats.

Phil Mickelson has announced that he will come back to the PGA Tour and his first stop will be at the St. Jude Classic. Great news for the tournament as well as good news for his wife Amy. Mrs. Mickelson's breast cancer is in early stages and her treatments will start later than originally thought. We still think its a good idea for Classic officials to encourage a pink day to support Mickelson and breast cancer awareness.

Sonic is giving a away free root beer floats on Wednesday from 8pm to midnight. Your local Sonic may be crowded, so get there early.