Category Archives: Daily Life

Everything from impromptu thoughts to well-constructed observations.

Body Paint & Brothels

Art, Ernestine & Hazel's, First Impressions, KOART

Summer heat was in full force last weekend but that didn’t stop the parties.  There were so many things to do that I decided to skip everything I had heard about and go find new places for fun.  I didn’t have to look far.  From an innovative art show to authentic Memphis blues, there’s always something new to see in downtown Memphis.  Oddly, the weekend appeared to have an R-rated theme and yet stay PG the entire time.

On Friday I grabbed a ride downtown for the (non) Trolley Night on Main Street.  During my time near Madison and Main I discovered an anomaly.  Continue reading Body Paint & Brothels →

Dead Soldiers @ DKDC 7/21/2014

DKDC, First Impressions, Hi Tone

After Blues on the Bluff last weekend I walked away more “Memphis” than ever before.  The love I’ve developed for this city has surprised me more than anyone.  However, I was still carrying my own musical badge of shame – I’d never been to a Dead Soldiers show.  Honestly, their brand of Rockabilly (emphasis on the Rock) is not something I ever thought would appeal to me.  I’m the first to admit I was close-minded to the potential.  So when they scheduled a Monday night show, I was out of excuses.  Fate is great like that sometimes.

Continue reading Dead Soldiers @ DKDC 7/21/2014 →

Blues on the Bluff 2014

First Impressions, Metal Museum, WEVL

I’m not sure where the Memphis heat went this past week.  Honestly, I don’t really care that much because Blues on the Bluff at the Ornamental Metal Museum was frickin’ gorgeous last night.  Despite the fourth plague of mosquitoes, everyone enjoyed the annual benefit for WEVL 89.9 FM and the slightly muggy mid-seventies temp was a delightful reprieve to our typical July heat.  At dusk, the clouds on the horizon dissipated just enough to reveal a breathtaking sunset over the river.  It was an iconic Memphis evening for sure. Continue reading Blues on the Bluff 2014 →

Memphis Needs Lyft

Art, Bars, Daily Life, Dining, Dives, Large Events, Overton Park, Places, Reasons for Things, Venues

[Legal caveat: This article does not represent the opinions of Lyft or any of its employees.  Except me, of course.]

Haven’t tried Lyft?  Download the app here.
Use the code RO96 and your first ride is free!

*ahem*

Picture this.

Empty stage.
Matte black floor dotted with the remains of old tape.
A single light bulb dangles from an unseen chain above the stage.
Dusty curtains hang limply, neither open nor shut, simply there.

A woman emerges into the unflattering light carrying a wooden box.
She places the box on the black floor with a thump.
Reaching in her back pocket, she pulls out a container of hand soap.
Using a small caddy, she hooks it over the edge of the box.

Stepping up to stand on top of the box, spreading her arms for balance, the woman turns toward you and folds her hands demurely.
Holding a steady gaze, she smiles and begins to speak…

Continue reading Memphis Needs Lyft →

Spillit Slam: Education

Amurica, Crosstown, il poeta, Reasons for Things

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 →

Full Moon Saturday Night

Quick Thoughts

I have an acute case of fun poisoning. Can’t be my usual flaky self. Everyone be safe tonight. Report back to tell me what I missed.

You might miss something.
You might miss something.

 

Rum Rebellion @ Hi Tone 7/6/2014

Crosstown, First Impressions, Hi Tone

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 →

Cinco de Julio

Amurica, Ernestine & Hazel's, First Impressions, Hi Tone
The teaser photo booth outside the party.
The teaser photo booth outside the party.

I love the way summer heat and handheld explosives eke out the wild side of most Amuricans in the beginning of July.  I think it’s an innate response to all the social repression and politeness that has engulfed civilization.  Granted, the thrill of fireworks has been watered down a bit since I was a kid but there’s still something to be said for simply enjoying explosions.  I think most people my age can fondly recall the year someone’s dad set fire to the yard while under the influence of child-like enthusiasm and beer.

This year, I spent most of the Fourth hanging out at home.  My events calendar convinced me that the real action was on Saturday this year.  I was invited to see a large group of upstanding citizens shake their groove thangs during the Big Bad Mamajamma No Excuses Dance Party over in Crosstown.  I’m not much of a dancer but there is one specific genre of music I find irresistible – 90s disco.  So pretty much from the moment I walked in, I was infected with the beats.  Continue reading Cinco de Julio →

Undercurrent

First Impressions, il poeta, Random, Tap Room
undercurrent
This event needs a signature cocktail to go with it.

I’m going to do something a little off-the-cuff here. Continue reading Undercurrent →