The Memphis Scene

J.D. Reager Album Release Show Tonight

Mark Richens — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:11:04 +0000

Apologies for the light posting this week; it’s been a busy one. I’ve been remiss in not mentioning tonight’s album release party from J.D. Reager, a member of the Makeshift collective who is striking out on his own with the disc The Repechage. The Bulletproof Vests, Two Way Radio and comedian Mary Jordan are also on the bill. Read all about Reager and the album over at GoMemphis. (9 p.m., $5 cover)

Catching Up on Other Bloggers

Mark Richens — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 04:33:39 +0000

* Ryan Jones is taking a short hiatus from his blog, My Midtown Memphis. I know he has been slammed with work lately, but let’s hope he gets back to posting ASAP.

* Paul Ryburn is compiling a list of Downtown bars that will be open on Thanksgiving, so you can make your getaway after feasting with family.

* Lindsey is wondering about the status of Imperial Lanes.

Roller Derby: Memphis vs. Huntsville

Mark Richens — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:24:25 +0000

The travel team of Memphis Roller Derby, the Memphis Hustlin’ Rollers, takes on the hated Dixie Derby Girls of Huntsville, Ala., on Saturday night at the Mid-South Fairgrounds Youth Building. The Hustlin’ Rollers are undefeated, and this will be their last bout of the travel-team season. Bring a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots and get a chance at a Memphis Roller Derby gift basket. (Doors at 6 p.m.; action at 7; $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-12, free for the little ones).

A Tribute to O.V. Wright

Mark Richens — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:04:58 +0000

This weekend features a full slate of events paying tribute to the late, fleeting soul legend O.V. Wright, who recorded for such Memphis record labels as Hi and Soulwax in the 1960s and ’70s. Let Bob Mehr you caught up on the life and legacy of this underappreciated musical giant, whom Willie Mitchell called “the greatest singer that was ever on the planet.”

King Khan Confusion

Mark Richens — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:34:58 +0000

It appears that a promo blurb in the local alternative weekly tabloid was mistaken: Wednesday’s show at the Hi-Tone features Montreal-based garage rocker King Khan & BBQ Show, NOT King Khan & The Shrines. The latter project features a full band and horn section and touches on psychedelic soul and funk. The former is a stripped-down duo. Both acts seem to be worth a good show, though the Shrines figures to be more up my alley. We’ll all get a chance to catch them when Khan returns to Memphis in March. Tyler Keith and The Apostles and Hollow Stars round out the bill on Wednesday. Tickets will $8 in advance, $10 at the door.

Review of Maxwell Show

Mark Richens — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:52:46 +0000

I didn’t get to catch the Maxwell show last night at the Orpheum, but Cathryn Stout did. Check out her review over at GoMemphis.com.

Saturday Night Dancing at Nocturnal

Mark Richens — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 04:05:50 +0000

A whole gang of deejays — from Nashville, Indianapolis and right here in Memphis — converge on Nocturnal this Saturday night for the Memphis installment of the Muzique Boutique Tour. John Larner from Indy is your headliner. Read more about the show here, and be sure to click on that flier image above to check it out. (9 p.m.; $10)

Convection Party Returns to dish

Mark Richens — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 04:02:36 +0000

The monthly Convection party returns to dish this Saturday night, featuring the musical selections of Mr. White and Sean O’Daniels, who are making huge strides in the world of house music as artists in their own right. Read more about the two deejays and hear from the punters here.

If you’re interested in sampling some of the vibe before you show up, the Convection Web site (link above!) features live audio from the inaugural party last month.

Big Foot Lodge Sued Over Name

Mark Richens — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:56:33 +0000

The owners of The Bigfoot Lodge restaurant chain and concept in California have sued Shawn and Lana Danko, owners of Big Foot Lodge in Downtown Memphis, for trademark infringement, Memphis Daily News reports. During an interview with the Daily News last year, Shawn Danko even mentioned the California chain as an inspiration, the article points out. Furthermore — and this may be of particular interest to readers of this blog — the lawsuit itself cites posts on the Goner Records message board for examples of confusion caused by the similarities in name and concept. To top it all off, the California Bigfoot concept features in a Jim Carrey movie vehicle that is set to be released next month.

Recall that Calhoun’s in the South Main district also is being forced to change its name (word is the place will be called Max’s).

UPDATE: I watched the “Yes Man” trailer last night — it comes with the “Get Smart” DVD — and the Bigfoot interior seems to feature very prominently in the movie. This case should be interesting …

Reduced-Price Folk Festival Registration

Mark Richens — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 03:25:41 +0000

The Memphis Music Foundation is offering a deal for local acts wanting to apply for the International Folk Alliance Conference, coming in February. Stop by the Memphis Music Resource Center, 431 S. Main, next Wednesday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. to apply for only $25 (the usual fee is $50). Thanks to Livefrommemphis.com for the tip.