Category Archives: Hi Tone

Gash: S&M Punk

I’m watching two sexy women salaciously roll around on top of each other in front of moderately attractive dudes playing hardcore music. There’s a submissive in the corner doing some strange form of masochistic yoga in-between songs/lashings. The mosh pit is a haze of beer, sweat and glitter.   There was a time I’d feel insecure even watching this show.  Now I’m wondering if I should join in.  I was offered glitter before the show by an Amazon in thigh-high black vinyl boots and a shiny rainbow bikini.  I politely refused while slowing inching away.  I’ve been glitter-free for almost a year now.  I’d like to keep it that way.

*****  Continue reading Gash: S&M Punk

Punk Fest 2015

At age 14, I was a punk.  I don’t remember all the details, but the major signs were there.  I frequented the Coffee Cellar, read zines and put RAPE stickers on stop signs all over East Memphis.  I got my ear cartilage pierced at a mall kiosk on a 9th grade field trip and I threw a punk-tacular fit when my parents held me down to rip it out.  According to the millenial punk rating system, the music I like from that era qualifies me as a fifth level punk.  So you can trust me when I say the 3rd annual Memphis Punk Festival is worth your attention.  Continue reading Punk Fest 2015

An Unspecified Number of Things To Do In March

Hail to all the ice storm survivors.  As a city, we get the Oscar for most-improved performance in the event of frozen water.  Compared to ’94, I’m proud of Memphis and our little-salt-truck-that-could.   And after that freeze, everything from here on out is practically spring.  In that spirit, it’s time to knock the dust off and get out into the brisk air.  A good time to scout for new hangouts, there’s no reason to break the budget before spring official kicks off. Here are my favorite places to find free-ish things happening in Memphis.  Continue reading An Unspecified Number of Things To Do In March

Oh Christ.

I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful Christmas day.  Mother Earth did her part so feel free to relax and enjoy the splendor.  When the day turns to night and you wake up from that day-drinking nap, there are a few options for things to do.  Here’s my list of fun, friendly places to grab a seat and let go of another season’s worth of guilt and familial obligations.  Continue reading Oh Christ.

The Running of the Birds

Hooray.  It’s a holiday week!  That means everyone’s got all kinds of time off work and special plans for the week.  How fun. For those of us not in that category, here’s a quick glance at some things to do while the masses sleep off turkey dinner. Continue reading The Running of the Birds

MannaFest 2014

It’s cold. No matter how many years I live in Memphis, I will loathe that moment when fall disappears.  It’s a devastatingly beautiful day but when you walk outside the temperature has dropped 20 degrees in 24 hours.  From then on it’s a battle to find heat wherever you can.  This year, I’m going to do more than just dig an old coat out of the closet.  I want to help fight the cold by sharing some warmth in my community.  Fortunately, Tyler Miller of Memphis Punk Promotions has created the perfect opportunity to help those in need.  Continue reading MannaFest 2014

Don’t Be Afraid Memphis

They say laughter is good medicine.  After a heavy September, I decided to test the theory.  Luckily, it wasn’t hard to find a hook up for the funny.   Once a month there’s a showcase at the Hi Tone called Don’t Be Afraid of The Comedy.  The event was on my radar after some ostentatious advertising at the P&H open mic night.  Josh McLane and Benny Elbows sparked a seemingly unprovoked feud that escalated to physical violence at an alarming rate.  Despite a somewhat affected delivery, the resolution to the local feud between Josh McLane and Benny Elbows promised an entertaining climax.  As I guessed in my earlier post, I paid $3 to get a healthy dose of laughter therapy. Continue reading Don’t Be Afraid Memphis

Let’s Do the Time Warp Again

Last weekend was so busy I’m just now recovering from the fallout. Gonerfest had everyone amped up and looking for a good time.  You didn’t even have to brave the Crosstown crowds to take advantage of the excitement.  The entire city hummed with energy and there were things happening everywhere.  Staying true to form, I avoided heavily populated areas and enjoyed some quality time doing something new.  Nothing personal Hi Tone, I just find the No Re-Entry policy a bit unsettling.  Feels a little too Gulagish to me.  Continue reading Let’s Do the Time Warp Again

The funny thing about Memphis

The transition from August to September was jarring this year.  After a weekend out of town and then a weekend of unbridled debauchery celebrating my birthday, I wasn’t ready to get back to business last week.  Instead, I went in search of something new and free to do in Memphis.  The aforementioned trip left me a little broke, so my options were limited.  For inspiration on Monday I visited the best free entertainment in the city – open mic at P&H presented by Tiffany Harmon. Continue reading The funny thing about Memphis