Memorial Day Weekend Fun In Memphis

There is a ton of good things happening this weekend in Memphis. Here are just a few of the events you should check out.

Tonight's hot spot will be the South Main Trolley Tour. As usual, galleries and shops will be open with complimentary snacks and beverages. Also on the list will be 2010 Memphis Zombie Attack. Here's a quick look at last year's Attack.



The "must do" event for Saturday is the Sunset Symphony Featuring K.C. and the Sunshine Band at Tom Lee Park. Gates open at 2pm and the music begins at 3pm. Here's a little K.C. for your enjoyment.



A three-day weekend usually sets up a perfect Sunday Funday. You can't go wrong with brunch at Majestic, day drinking at Bardog and live jazz later in the day at Inn at Hunt Phelan.

All weekend long you can enjoy free concerts at the Levitt Shell in Overton Park. Here's the lineup.

Friday, 7pm - Will Hoge



Saturday, 5pm Kids Show - Gustaver Yellowgold



Saturday, 7:30pm - Meta & the Cornerstones



Sunday, 7pm - African Explosion

BBQ Fest Revisited, Basement Fun, G Shots, Dio

BBQ fest is over and detoxing can begin for most who attend the event. Smoked bologna seemed to be a popular choice this year in addition to the usual ribs, wings and shoulder that are usually sampled by team visitors. Many would say the most disappointing part of the festival was the heavy rains on Friday afternoon, but the real answer was the weak performance of David Allan Coe. Karaoke singers could have carried his tunes better.

If you ever get the opportunity to have dinner or drinks in the basement of Midtown's Bhan Thai, take advantage of the rare occurrence. It is an intimate room, stocked with a full bar and the full menu is available. Used mostly for special events, the basement occasionally opens up for bad weather days and there is talk of it opening more in the winter when it is too cold to use the Bhan Thai patio.

Check out this news feature about new procedure for women. The procedure itself is interesting, but the best part of the video is the commentary near the end.

 

Heavy metal fans are mourning the loss Ronnie James Dio, the former lead singer of Black Sabbath. Here is one of the hits from Dio's long solo career.

Big Star Tribute, Wedding DJ

Big Star's last live performance will be Saturday night at the Levitt Shell. Special guests for the finale include R.E.M's Mike Mills, Superdrag's John Davis and more. Should be a great show. Let's hope the weather holds off. Tickets are still available.

Pretty safe this classic will be on the set list.



The free spring concert series at the Levitt Shell starts next Thursday with the Soul Rebels Brass Band.

In honor of wedding season, check out this DJ master.



He definitely gives Adam Sandler's character in The Wedding Singer a run for his money.

Memphis Beat, BBQ Fest

TBS and TNT have been promoting the new series Memphis Beat starring Jason Lee. Many Memphians may be excited to see a police-themed television series based in Memphis, but they will be quickly disappointed when they notice most, if not all, of the filming was done in New Orleans. Either way, it should be fun to watch the series and see how Memphis is portrayed. The pilot episode is set to run on TNT on June 22. Check your local listing for channel and time information.

Two more days until the fun start at BBQ fest. The weather forecast has improved slightly. Looks like a smaller chance of rain for David Allen Coe on Friday night. Here's a little DAC for your listening and viewing enjoyment.

BBQ Fest, World Cocktail Week

After a weekend of beautiful weather, it appears that rain is in the forecast for most of BBQ fest weekend. The lone exception is Thursday. A 40% chance of scattered thunderstorms is currently projected for Friday and Saturday. Rain won't slow most of the festival hard core fans, so there will still be plenty of fun to be had.

This week is also World Cocktail Week. Bars and restaurants around the country are celebrating by promoting better understanding and appreciation of the art of the cocktail and its history, and responsible drinking. As usual, Memphis is lagging behind. Come on Memphis bar and restaurant owners, get on the ball. If any bars are celebrating, please let us know.

Cinco De Mayo

Lots of Cinco de Mayo parties today. The obvious hot spots will be Mexican restaurants, especially at Cafe Ole and Happy Mexican. Don't look past your favorite watering holes. Its safe to say all bars will have some type of Cinco de Mayo special. There should be great crowds at the new Swanky's Taco Shop (Walrus playing) and at Kooky Canuck (great drink specials). One recommendation, stay away from national chains like On The Border. Support your local restaurants.