Although the official announcement for this year's Live at the Garden series will not be until April 1, the following shows have been confirmed.
June 25 - Steve Miller Band
July 8 - Michael McDonald with Boz Scaggs
There are also rumblings that Huey Lewis and the News will be playing on July 22.
One of the only negatives at Kooky Canuck has been the lack of quality TVs. As of tonight, this is no longer a problem. Kooky Canuck isntalled 5 new 37" flat screens above the bar all HD and all with the Comcast premium sports package. Good job guys! Now if only they would add TVs to the back room.
Grizz crowd on Monday
Where's the Blue?
What's the deal with Memphis sports fans? Not just Grizzlies fans, but Tigers fans too. The Grizzlies are in the playoff hunt and the turnout Monday night was less than half full and it wasn't against a lower tier team. At least there were some Grizzlies fans in attendance.
Where were the Tigers fans at Autozone Park last night for Memphis' baseball game against Arkansas? The crowd easily favored the Razorbacks 20 to 1 and that might a generous estimate. Yes, Memphis basketball attendance is incredible, but the lack of fan support shown last night and for football are one of the main reasons conferences like the Big East will always over look Memphis when considering expansion. Memphis sports fans on all levels should be embarrassed.
It's official, Tennessee-Knoxville has fired head basketball coach Bruce Pearl. This was an easy decision, but also difficult for Vols fans. Pearl had to be fired for the violations he committed. Without him, the program should go back to being an average club. What should happen next? Athletic director Mike Hamilton should step down or be fired for the Pearl situation and the hiring and departure of Lane Kiffin.
The Tigers wrapped up their season on Friday with a loss to the Arizona Wildcats in the second round of the NCAA tournament. Everyone seems to be jumping on the refs for the lack of a call, but several media sources at the game and the replays pretty much show that it was a clean block. Memphis should be improved next season, but that will only come if Joe Jackson picks up his game and shows more consistent play.
The Grizzlies are in action tonight at FedEx Forum against the Utah Jazz. The Grizzlies are in a fight to for the last playoff spot, with Utah right on their tails. This should be a great game and fans need to show up and be loud. If you haven't been to a game yet, you are definitely missing a great team to watch.
Weather this week should be perfect for Wednesday nights University of Memphis baseball game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at AutoZone Park. The Razorbacks have a strong club this season and Memphis has a decent club as well. Should be great weather and a great game.
Speaking of weather, the recent warm front has officially opened patio season at local restaurants and bars. Patios were festive yesterday for the first warm weather Sunday Funday of season. Still trying to figure out where the best patio fun is. Bayou, Bhan Thai, Boscos, Brookhaven, Celtic Crossing, Flying Saucer and Majestic are always strong. Where else can you find good patio fun?
Here's a St. Pat's party if you are looking for some Irish-inspired fun on March 17. The 6th Annual Green Carpet Sham-Rock Party at Kooky Cancuck starts at 11am on St. Patrick's Day. You can't beat the drink specials - 34oz Green Bud Light Draft for $3 and $5 Car Bombs. They will also give $100 to the person who wears the most green.
If you are a hip hop fan, you can't miss Salt-n-Pepa's Legends of Hip Hop Tour this Sunday at the DeSoto Civic Center. Outside of the headliner and Biz Markie, I honestly haven't thought about the other guys in years. This could be a very interesting show. Anyone going?
It's pretty safe to say that today will be a great happy hour day. No more work, decent weather and the Tigers will be on TV against East Carolina in the semi-finals of the Conference USA basketball tournament. Tip off is scheduled for 5:30, so get the running start towards the door just before quitting time. Today's winner takes on the the winner of the UTEP-Tulsa game in tomorrow's championship game.
The Memphis Tigers baseball team is also in action this weekend with three games against visiting St. Peter's at FedExPark. The weather should be perfect for baseball.
Here's a quick sampling of the Legends of Hip Hop.
Josh Pastner and his Memphis Tigers basketball team will face Southern Miss for the third time this season in the quarter finals of the Conference USA tournament in El Paso. The Golden Eagles have given the Tigers fits in both games this year, but Memphis has found a way to come back and win in both contests. Prediction - Either USM will find a way to hold on to the lead and never look back or Memphis will blow them out. Tip off is set for 2:30pm and the game will be televised by CBS College Sports.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade on Beale is this Saturday (March 12) from 4pm to 7pm. This should be a big party kicking off St. Patrick's Day week. If you need a costume, its not too late to pick up some St. Pat's gear.
Speaking of St. Patrick's Day, where is everyone going to celebrate next Thursday? Obvious choices are the traditional Irish pubs like Dan McGuinness, Celtic Crossing and The Dublin House. Where is your favorite St. Patrick's Day hangout? Let us know on Twitter.
The Grove Grill is hosting a "Bourbon Dinner in the Kitchen" on Friday, March 18 at 7:00pm. For $45 (plus tax and tip), you get four courses paired with beverages from Jack Daniels Distillery. Here's the menu:
Duck, pistachio and dried cherry terrine with dried fruit mustard
Jack Daniels
****
Lobster Bisque with eggplant caviar and bourbon crème fraiche
Angelo Lucchesi's Old No. 7
****
Wood Grilled Pork Loin with prosciutto wrapped grilled peaches and spring onions
and Habenero peach BBQ sauce
Single Barrel
****
Fuji Apple Tart Tatin with Gentleman Jack caramel sauce and brown sugar ice cream
Check out what the University of Memphis baseball team is doing to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. The Tigers are playing good ball so far this year and will bring their 5-2 record to FedExPark this weekend for a round robin tournament against Oral Roberts, Southern Illinois and Eastern Kentucky.
Mardi Gras is coming up very quickly. Several bars are having promotions geared to a Fat Tuesday holiday on March 8. Here are a few promotions that I know about. I'll add more as they are announced.
Boscos
Fat Tuesday Brewmaster's Beer Dinner - a five course chef created dinner with beer pairings for $50 a person.. The dinner begins at 6:45pm and reservations are required.
The High Point Pub's annual Mardi Gras celebration will be Saturday, March 5th. Stop by for food, beads (earned and unearned!), and fun. A parade will start at 10:00 pm. Anyone wishing to enter a float (wagon, wheelbarrow, garbage can, etc.) will be eligible for prizes.
Kooky Canuck
$3 Specials on 34 oz draft, hurricanes and hand grenades, 34 oz specialty drinks only $5! There will also be a limited Cajun menu.
The Grove Grill
Fat Tuesday Abita Beer Dinner will be Tuesday, March 8 at 7:00pm. For $45.00 plus tax and gratuity you get four courses paired with your favorite Abita beers. Wine is also available for those who aren't beer fans. Here's the menu:
Blackened Red Fish
With spinach stuffed mirliton and tomato etoufee
Beer Pairing: Turbo Dog
****
Pekin Duck and Home Made Andouille Sausage Roulade
With Louisiana brown rice and gumbo sauce
Beer Pairing: Save Our Shores
****
Chocolate and Raspberry King Cake
& Abita Root Beer Float
Beer Pairing: Purple Haze
Chef Ryan Trimm of Sweet Grass in the Cooper Young area has been nominated as one of Food & Wine's The People's Best New Chef of 2011. Take a minute and vote for him. If you haven't been to Sweet Grass, it's worth the trip.
To honor National Pancake Day, IHOP is giving away free pancakes until 10pm or while supplies last. Get there early, before supplies run out.
Midtown now has one less restaurant/bar. Zinnie's East has closed its doors. It's sad to see it go, but using the smoking laws that have been in effect for a three years or so as an excuse is pretty weak. Better food and drinks will always save the day. By the way, Zinnie's East was very underrated for Sunday brunch. Hopefully someone else will take the spot and turn it into a thriving business. No word yet on the future of the original Zinnie's.
Finally had a chance to get to the Dublin House. The bar has a great atmosphere and I'm very impressed with was they did with the old Melo's space. Regulars of the now closed Downtown Dan McGuinness will be happy to know that Mal is back in Memphis and is serving your favorite drinks at the Dublin House.
