Category Archives: Crosstown

Spillit Slam: Education

This past Friday there was another Spillit event held at the Amurica studio in Crosstown.  I was so inspired by the one before, I set aside time to make sure I came back.  I was trepidatious about this adventure but not for the usual socially-anxious reasons.  I set out that night intending to tell a story.  What made it so terribly hard to approach is that I had NO clue what story to tell.  The theme was education.  Pretty broad, pretty ubiquitous.  I even got a pep talk from Jamie Harmon prior to the show about just how broad and ubiquitous the topic can be.

Basically, I should tell a story about something I’ve learned.  It’s extremely fortunate I received that pep talk.  Not only did it shatter the flimsy construction of a story I tried to piece together that day (a stilted retelling of how I became a pariah at Bryn Mawr) but it also made me look at myself and admit the biggest lesson I have learned recently.  I decided in that moment to attempt a summation of how I learned to find success.  Continue reading Spillit Slam: Education

Rum Rebellion @ Hi Tone 7/6/2014

Part three of my amazing holiday weekend involved a show at the Hi-Tone on Sunday.  This event was held in the small room behind the lounge, so it felt like I was part of a secret club when I paid my cover.  Memphis Punk Promotions put together a trio of incredible music ranging from here to Portland, OR.  The party was thrown to celebrate the birthday of an upright Memphis citizen.  And celebrate we did.

Continue reading Rum Rebellion @ Hi Tone 7/6/2014

Crosstown Traffic

I went out last night with very little idea of where to go.  The only thing I needed to do was drop a package at the post office.  While there, I noticed a crowd of young ne’er-do-wells loitering in front of Crosstown Arts.  My inner old lady immediately wanted to shake a cane and tell them to all get haircuts.  After I reeled that instinct back in, I meandered across the street to investigate.

Continue reading Crosstown Traffic

It’s New 2 U!

I fully intended to go over to the Time Warp Drive-In and wish Matt a happy birthday yesterday.  Then the bottom fell out.  I wasn’t really excited about the muggy heat, but I was still excited to see the all the hot rods.  Torrential downpour is where I have to draw the line for drive-in movies.  My windshield wipers just aren’t that good.

Luckily, there was another event that caught my eye – and it was indoors!  I recently discovered the Cleveland Street Flea Market and I was curious to see their New-2-U fashion show. Continue reading It’s New 2 U!

Pre-Owned Heart ~ Diamond Rings

Wow.  The weekend was so much fun I barely remember last week.  I also have a terrible memory, so it’s not as severe as it sounds.  This weblog turns 3 weeks old this Thursday, but it feels like it’s been months since the beginning of June.  It’s been a pretty hectic time for me – attempting to do/see/hear everything within a 10 mile radius gets challenging at times.  Fortunately, I’m not someone that backs down from a challenge.

Continue reading Pre-Owned Heart ~ Diamond Rings

Photography and Pop Art

I didn’t go out last night.  Oddly, I feel guilty about it.  I deprived myself of yet another opportunity to listen to The Memphis Dawls – and somewhere as great as Bar DKDC no less.   *sigh* C’est la vie!  I was exhausted from the COTD event that morning and sometimes you just need a chance to sit down and go through your pictures, right?

That reminds me, I got a new camera a few days ago.  It’s a little Nikon point-and-shoot but, compared to its predecessor, might as well be a digital SLR.  That pretty much covers all the lingo I was able to glean when I visited Memphis Photo Supply for advice on what to buy.  These guys are not only knowledgeable, but also incredibly patient.  I spent smart money on my needs, instead of just getting the best buy.  (pun thoroughly intended) Continue reading Photography and Pop Art

Spillit: Identity Crisis 6/20/2014

Last night, I had an experience with five strangers that profoundly changed my self-perspective.  While that may sound hyperbolic (and perhaps a little dirty) to most people, anyone that has experienced the Spillit project live knows what I’m talking about.  This unique production group, inspired by a podcast called The Moth, provides individuals the chance to open up in a safe space and tell personal stories.

The eclectic mix of props in the front window are only a slice of what awaits inside the Amurica studio.
The eclectic mix of props in the front window are only a slice of what awaits inside the Amurica studio.

Sometimes people spill their wisdom in a humorous way and sometimes they share a secret life experience.  Universally, they all reveal a raw part of themselves that the average world never sees.  It’s a captivating experience for the listeners and (probably) a cathartic release for the storytellers.  Altogether, it comes out to the best $10 I’ve spent in a very long time.

Continue reading Spillit: Identity Crisis 6/20/2014

The Hard Road ~ Smog

After last weekend’s wildness, it’s understandable if you want to take it easy for the next few days.  However, July 4th is around the corner and there will be plenty of private parties for kicking back.  June has been a hot month for happenings and I don’t plan to quit now.  Not everything has to be turned up to 11, so if you’re tired take a look and choose one of the less intense activities for this weekend.

Continue reading The Hard Road ~ Smog

Morning – Beck

It was a hectic weekend, to be sure.  Once all the dust settles, I think good times were had all around.  I heard that the Rosanne Cash show @ Levitt Shell pulled a record-breaking turnout.  I also received more than one invite to the new High Cotton Brewing Taproom that opened Saturday.  Apparently the Dead Soldiers capped off the festivities.  I was sorry to miss it, but I know the party must go on.

Continue reading Morning – Beck