4Memphis May/June 2023

CYRENA WAGES

TAKES CENTER STAGE IN SUMMER FASHION

WHAT CAN A BUSINESS AIRCRAFT DO FOR YOU?

DON’T NEED AN AIRPLANE EVERY DAY? CONSIDER A MANAGED CO-OWNERSHIP.

CONCERTS IN THE GROVE

Select Thursdays

April 27-June 29

THE GROVE

FRIDAYS

HAPPY HOUR 5pm - 8pm

KENTUCK DERBY

GIANT VIDEO WALL WATCH PARTY

MAY 6 | FREE SATURDAY MAY 13

Featuring James “Super Chikan”Johnson, fried chicken for purchase, special activities for the whole family, drink specials & a completely unique experience.

FAMILY MOVIE NIGHTS

SING 2 MAY 20

EL CANTO JUNE 3

FAMILY DAY

LUCKY 7 BRASS BAND & MORE MAY 25 | FREE

SUMMER MOVIE SERIES

SELECT SATURDAYS STARTING

JUNE 17

SCAN HERE TO SEE ALL EVENTS AT THE GROVE

CATHLEEN BLACK JEFF BLAKENEY MELANIE BLAKENEY ASHLEY BONDS

MELODY BOURELL KATIE NICHOLS COOK KELLY ERB

MARY GRAYSON FAUSER

ANGIE STREET JENNY VERGOS MINDY OKEON WAGERMAN WARD WALTHAL JOHN WEST JIMMY REED OWNER DAVID TESTER OWNER

THOMAS MURPHREE

TRACY LOMBARDO

JAKE

LAWHEAD

LAURENCE KENNER GLOBAL RELOCATION DIRECTOR

HOLLY JAMES LITA HURSTON-REED

ANDREA LOPEZ HAYES RIP HANEY ROBIN FAUSER

WILL ADAMS

JORDAN NICHOLS

HUGH

MALLORY

DIANE BENSON MALKIN

JERRY LUCIUS

SHELDON ROSENGARTEN

MARCY MATHIS SEIDEL

MYRA SHEDDAN ALTA SIMPSON

JIM SIMPSON MELONIE SAIN SIMPSON

Photography by Austin Stuart with 35North Films

Rice Law

For three generations, the Rices have handled divorce and family law matters in Memphis and across Tennessee. Their co-authored book, “The Complete Guide to Divorce Practice,” published by the American Bar Association, is recognized across the country as the national standard. After rigorous examination, contested case reviews, and recommendations from judges and fellow attorneys, both of the Rices are Board Certified in Family Law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. The Rices bring over 75 years of experience combined with up-to-date technology, including 128 bit encryption of client information and communication. Rice Law handles your family law matter with depth of experience including a team of nationally recognized attorneys and Advanced Certified Paralegals. Rice Law’s Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 31 listed mediators provide valuable insight into resolving your matter quickly.

Whether you find yourself dealing with divorce, mediation, custody, child support, domestic violence or any other matter involving family law, For

Jennifer and Joel Hobson

Jeff Bennett

Jeannie Bruce Carolina Capote Barbara Cowles

Michele Crump

Chelsey Diffee

Betsy Kelly

Ruth Morris

Bob Rowe

Mary Ruleman Paula Sansom Gordon Stark

Laurie Stark Gardner Hobson Story Alex Turner

Jennifer “Bird” Williams

Graham Winchester

Julie Burch

Janis Canale Hasen

Lisa Robinson

Derek Howell

Deborah Mays

Leigh Martin

Eleanore Kelly Maynard

Christina Morris

Cool rainbow striped kimono with knitted flower circle vest reflects the '60s and '70s “flower power” movement. The off-white leather shorts, gold chains, beaded necklace and woven crochet bag give a nod to the modern hippie. Multicolor jeweled cuff bracelet completes the look.

Kimono, Vest and Shorts / Kittie Kyle

Necklaces / Coming Attractions

Crochet Bag / Kittie Kyle

Cuff Bracelet / Social: A Shop for Gracious Living

ABOUT THE COVER:

The Blues are famous in Memphis and this L.A. Designer dress always “in tune” for “ the Killer” look. A wink to Carl Perkins lyrics , Go Cat Go… a silk whimsical Cat Scarf ties it all up. Blue floating ball earrings from London are a perfect match. White cowboy boots made for walkin' are on trend for the season.

Dress and Earrings / Kittie Kyle

Scarf/ Coming Attractions

White Boots / Model's own

Gift of Life Gala The National Kidney Foundation

Photography by Mark Ramirez

The National Kidney Foundation Serving West Tennessee hosted the annual Gift of Life Gala March 25 at the Peabody Hotel. The elegant evening featured the Gift of Life award, which is given annually to individuals or organizations that have made a significant contribution in the field of nephrology and/or transplantation. This year, the gala honored Dr. Alfred P. Kraus, Jr., Nephrology Services Medical Group and Gayatri Jaishankar, MSW, MHA, Senior Director & Transplant Administrator, Methodist Transplant Institute. kidney.org

1. Susan Snap & Honoree Dr. Gayatri Jaishankar 2. Jerry & Wanda Virgil 3. Ryan & Bailey Deady 4. Dr. Jacinto & Duminga Hernandez 5. Jamie & Julia Hill, Amy & Pat Person 6. Dr. Satheesh Nair, Dr. Yamini Menon, Dr. Nawar Mansour & Jack Turner 7. Karl & Stacey Farmer 8. Cheryl & Joe McCormack 9. Peggy Larkin & Richard Sperry 10. Karen & Adam Hamburger

MAY/JUNE 2023

May / June 2023

Volume IX • Number 3

PUBLISHER

Jim Walker jim@4memphis.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Sandi Butler Hughes sandi@4memphis.com

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Lesley Harris Colvett lesley@4memphis.com

ART DIRECTOR

McKendree Walker mckendree@4memphis.com

ARTS CONTRIBUTOR

Ken Hall

ADVERTISING

Mark O. Ramirez mark@4memphis.com

Cathy Farrell cathy@4memphis.com

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Cyrena Wages

WEBMASTER

Eddie Bates webmaster@4memphis.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mark O. Ramirez McKendree Walker

CONTACT

6465 Quail Hollow Memphis, TN 38120 901.217.4000 www.4memphis.com

Think Pink Memphis Luncheon

Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Chapter

Photography by Anna Payton

On March 25, over 250 people gathered at the Holiday Inn-University of Memphis to Flamingle for Breast Cancer Education and Awareness and to celebrate breast cancer survivors at the 15th Annual “Think Pink Memphis Luncheon, Auction and Survivor Fashion Show” hosted by the Memphis Zeta Tau Alpha Alumnae Chapter. This luncheon is an annual event to benefit Zeta Tau Alpha Foundation’s National Philanthropy, breast cancer education, and awareness. zetataualpha.org

Celebrating the Class of 2023

By Michelle Hope, Event Planner

Thegrand accomplishment of completing high school and earning acceptance into college is worthy of celebrating. For these five ladies preparing to flip their tassels in May, there was no better way to begin this next chapter than with the ultimate Senior Soirée.

The Junior League of Memphis was the perfect venue to host this come-and-go style party. The historic home has an intimate feel with a spacious back patio to accommodate the al fresco seating and indoor/outdoor vibe we wanted.

For the decor, we used a neutral color pallet with mixed metals and shades of pink and green. A custom-designed logo using the initials (S & K) of each girl's first name, with an added tassel symbolic of graduation, branded the event and added that personal touch to some of the details.

Senior pictures are a big Southern tradition and we wanted to incorporate those into the party, beginning with the invitations. Photographer Faydra Foster styled a photoshoot to get the photos needed, and each girl had a canvas to take home after the party. It’s always a win to have decor that doubles as a keepsake.

White Door Events had the perfect statement pieces to bring our patio party to life. The cream market umbrellas paired with blush linens completed the look outside, and a boxwood wall was embellished with florals for a photo backdrop. Pugh’s Flowers worked with us to accomplish the understated look that still created that wow factor.

For this late afternoon party, we opted for generous grazing tables with savory and sweet bites. And no party is complete without cake, so we had five! Each grad had their own custom-designed cake by Kris’ Cakes, revealing their new college logo.

We offered some caffeinated beverages for that afternoon pick me up with a customized coffee bar by Java Express and a loaded tea station. Special drinks were crafted and named in honor of each girl.

To keep everyone entertained, we had an acoustic guitarist playing today’s hits from Morgan Wallen to Michael Buble’. And to bring the fun, we had the Boujee Bounce House on the lawn, because you are never too old to jump around!

We hope this graduation party inspires you to plan one yourself. Grab some friends and celebrate because it’s time to kiss the class of 2023 goodbye!

Seniors: Sydney Jackson, Karlie Foster, Sarah Regel, Kara Crunk & Kathryn Watson are part of the Evangelical Christian School Class of 2023.

VENDORS:

Event Planner: Social Butterflies, LLC, Michelle Hope;

Pugh’s Flowers; Rentals: White

Bounce House:

Photographer: Faydra Foster Photography; Venue: Junior League of Memphis; Florist:

Door Events; Caterer: Dana Ecker; Coffee Cart: Java Breeze Memphis; Cakes: Kris’ Cakes; Guitarist: Lloyd Rainey;

Boujee Bounce; Chalk Boards: Pearl and Rose Designs

Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival Porter-Leath

Photography by Frank Chin

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon, crawfish fans and Porter-Leath supporters celebrated 30 years of the Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival! Held on Riverside Drive, this festival is known as the unofficial start of Spring in Memphis. Over 35,000 festival-goers enjoyed live music on three stages, games including crawfish bobbing, eating, and racing, arts & crafts vendors, and so much more. It’s a great family-friendly festival with lots of Cajun lagniappe to benefit Porter-Leath! porterleath.org

Masquerade Ball Alpha Omega Veterans Services

Photography by Gigi Marie

The 7th annual Alpha Omega Veterans Services Masquerade Ball held March 4 at the Memphis Botanic Garden was a festive night celebrating Mardi Gras! The elegant evening featured traditional revelry with flying beads, a second line, and brass bands playing, entertaining guests all evening long! The Masquerade Ball benefitted Alpha Omega Veterans Services, who has been serving Memphis veterans for over 30 years - empowering displaced and homeless veterans in the Mid-South with the tools, skills, and services they need for successful reintegration into society. alphaomegaveterans.org

CHERYL PESCE - CHICO’S - COTTON TAILS - DINSTUHL’S

EAST MEMPHIS ATHLETIC CLUB - FLEET FEET SPORTS

FROST BAKE SHOP - HEATHER - HOT YOGA PLUS - IBERIA BANK

J MC LAUGHLIN - JAMES DAVIS - J JILL - JOSEPH - JOSEPH MEN

KING FURS AND FINE JEWELRY - KITTIE KYLE - LIBRO - LORI JAMES

NICOLE BARRÉ BRIDAL BOUTIQUE - NOVEL - ORVIS

PANERA BREAD - PAVO SALON - PIGTAILS AND CREWCUTS

RESTAURANT IRIS - SACHI - SISSY’S LOG CABIN

STOVALL COLLECTION - VIGNETTES INTERIORS - ZÜPMED

4Memphis Reads:

IT WAS AN UGLY COUCH ANYWAY

BY ELIZABETH PASSARELLA

A collection of refreshingly honest and hilarious essays from Southern Living columnist and Memphis native Elizabeth Passarella about navigating change--whether emotional or logistical--and staying sane during life's unexpected twists and turns. It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway will make readers laugh, cry, and feel a little less alone as they navigate their own lives that are filled with uncertainty, change, and things beyond their control.

Novel will host a launch event for It Was an Ugly Couch Anyway on Tuesday, May 2, 6pm.

NOT YOUR FATHER'S CAPITALISM: WHAT RACE EQUITY ASKS OF U.S. BUSINESS LEADERS

ADRIANE JOHNSON-WILLIAMS, PH.D.

JUST A FLING

BY KATHERINE GRACE

Memphis native Katherine Grace delivers a steamy modern romance that believes every great love deserves a second chance - and maybe a dash of fate. Law student Dawn Mathison and solar developer Callan Marlowe's steamy summer romance is strictly casual...until it isn't. But then Callan leaves Dawn broken hearted and pissed off, and they go their separate ways until a twist of fate brings Callan back into Dawn's life and their attraction reignites. Could last summer's hot affair turn into something more?

Signed copies available at Novel.

THE TRANSITION

BY DANIEL KIEL

University of Memphis law professor Daniel Kiel examines the shift in the balance of the third branch of American government ushered in by the replacement of Thurgood Marshall with Clarence Thomas in 1991. Not only did it shift the ideological balance on the Court; it was inextricably entangled with the persistent American dilemma of race. In The Transition, this most significant transition is explored through the lives and writings of the first two African American justices on Court, touching on the lasting consequences for understandings of American citizenship as well as the central currents of Black political thought over the past century.

The topic of diversity, inclusion, and equity is a hot one, but what does true equity mean for a capitalist organization? Can equity and capitalism coexist? And what, if anything, does that have to do with diversity and inclusion? Leadership coach, author, and Memphian Dr. Adriane Johnson-Williams answers those questions and many more in Not Your Father's Capitalism: What Race Equity Asks of US Business Leaders. Novel will host a launch event for Not Your Father's Capitalism on Tuesday, May 23, 6pm.

ALL NIGHT, ALL DAY: LIFE, DEATH & ANGELS

EDITED BY SUSAN CUSHMAN

There is something mystical about holding the hand of a person who is “crossing over.” It can be heartbreaking, but also very holy and beautiful. Some of the pieces in this collection share the experience of personal loss when a loved one dies. Often the presence of an angel or other mystical experience is shared. But not only in death—there are also stories here of the way the mystical world interacts with us in daily life. And not only angels, but also mothers, father, sisters, grandfather, and friends. This is Susan Cushman’s ninth book.

Novel will host an event for Memphis author Susan Cushman on Tuesday, June 20, 6pm.

Silky Sullivan St. Patrick’s Parade

Photography by Frank Chin

Leprechauns, shamrocks, and green beads were in abundance as revelers gathered on Beale Street for the 50th Annual Silky Sullivan St. Patrick’s Parade. Held on March 11 (it is always held the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day), the chilly weather didn’t stop the fun. With marching bands, twirlers and steppers, floats, and festivities, this 50 year celebration of all-things-Irish is a Memphis tradition!

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS HIGH SCHOOL BAND CELEBRATES

150TH ANNIVERSARY

The Christian Brothers High School Band is “The Oldest High School Band in America,” and this year they are celebrating their 150th anniversary. Since 1872, the band has played at numerous events in Memphis history including the dedication of Hebe Fountain in Court Square in 1876 and the dedication of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in 1962.

The CBHS Band has played in 29 states and the District of Columbia, including performances at Carnegie Hall in New York and Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. They have also gained national recognition and won many competitions and awards.

The parade day marked the occasion of their first public performance 150 years ago, and also served as a way to honor a notable alumni, the late Silky Sullivan, a 1960 graduate of CBHS and parade founder. As part of their jubilee anniversary, the band celebrated marching in the St. Patrick’s Parade on Beale Street.

The celebration continues with more exciting events this spring. On April 22, Band of Brothers - CBHS: America’s Oldest High School Band opened at MoSH. The exhibit chronicles the band’s many achievements and will feature displays of historic instruments, band paraphernalia, and photographs. The band will also be performing with Memphis Symphony Orchestra on May 6 at the Cannon Center.

The rich history of music education is worthy of celebration. Congratulations to the CBHS Band on 150 years of excellence. For information about upcoming concerts, the Band Hall of Fame, and more, visit cbhsband.org.

The Tommy Awards

Photos courtesy of Lafayette’s Music Room

The second annual Tommy Awards was held on April 2 at Lafayette’s Music Room. The sold-out show was a celebration of Memphis’ vibrant music culture and included performances by Almost Famous, Kevin & Bethany Paige, Area 51, and Lucky 7 Brass Band just to name a few! The evening benefitted Lily Moyt’s education fund; Lily is the daughter of Jody Moyt, the late and beloved Lafayette’s chef. For information about upcoming shows, visit lafayettes.com.

1. Bill, Lily & Louise Moyt 2. Lucky 7 Brass Band 3. Larry & Judy Moss 4. Jason D. Williams & Hal Lansky 5. Buddy Nemez, Bill Marshall, Tommy Cathey & Scott Sudbury 6. Katrina Nabong & Julien Salley 7. Seeing Red 8. Todd & Amy Poole 9. Royal Blues Band 10. Shara Layne & Shawn Few 11. Area 51 12. Julien Salley & Lily Moyt

Cabaret Gala Les Passees

Photography submitted by Les Passees

Les Passees recently held their elegant 2023 Cabaret Gala at Ridgeway Country Club. The “Soul of Memphis” theme was a celebratory fundraising event that featured dinner, dancing, a fabulous silent auction, and the presentation of the 2023 Living Ads along with their escorts and pages. Les Passees is Memphis’ oldest women’s organization and serves to enhance the quality of life for children and their families in our community. lpmemphis.org

1. Ainsley Baker, Jaden Bernhardt, Sofia Robertson, Theresa Diprizio, Isaac Whittington, Sophia Espy, Andrew Sivils, Georgia Sink, Jon Stonebarger, Vivian Van Cleve, Grace Petree, Madeline Van Cleve, Julia Petree & Payton Keuter 2. Anca Marr & Julie England 3. Hope Dooner & Leigh Espy 4. Jan & David Gould 5. Karyn Whittington & Andrea Mikkola 6. Terra & Thomas McFadin 7. Joyce Peterson, Terri Bernhardt & Ron Childers 8. Katelyn, Scott & Anne Bush

For over a century, Les Passees, Inc. has provided advocacy and support to enhance the quality of life for the children and their families in our community.

Since 1928, Les Passees has held Cabaret, an annual formal affair in which our high school senior/college freshman daughters and granddaughters are presented. These young ladies are “Living Ads” which represent and acknowledge our corporate sponsors. Les Passees is a partnership of the corporate community and a caring team of member volunteers.

Continuing in our long standing tradition, Les Passees proudly presents our 2022 and 2023 Living Ads and looks forward to another year of serving the families of our great city of Memphis!

2022 AND 2023 LES PASSEES SPONSORS:

FedEx, Baptist Medical Healthcare, Dorothy Orgill Kirsch, Bank Tennessee, Travelennium, Belz Enterprises, Semmes Murphy, Mathis, Tibbets & Mathis, At Home Magazine, Bryce Corporation, Stifel Investment Services, Reading Bear/WatchKnowLearn.org, Carol Ann & Jon Robertson, James R. Humphries, Roadshow BMW, International Paper, Radians, Crye-Leike Realtors, Joyce & Richard Carter, Janine Carney in Honor of Louis Barre III, Les Passees Past Presidents

JULIA CORRINE COMES*

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Comes

SOPHIE CAMPAGNA FERNANDEZ*

Daughter of late Dr. Julius Fernandez and Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Pratt

KAYLEE IRINA GOULD*

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs David Gould

ANNA GRACE KING

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ronnie King

MADISON DIANE LOVELACE*

Daughter of Miss Julie Boles and Mr. Patrick Lovelace

ELIZABETH BENTLEY WADSWORTH*

Daughter of Dr. and Dr. William Wadsworth

EMILY LAUREL WHITLEY*

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Whitley

KATHRYN ALEXANDRIA COX

Daughter of Mr. and Dr. Chris Cox

THERESA ANN DIPRIZIO

Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Diprizio SOPHIA ELIZABETH ESPY* Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Jay Espy

GEORGIA CHRISTINE SINK* Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. David Sink

VIVIAN ISABELLE VAN CLEVE Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joe Neil Van Cleve, Jr.

ABIGAIL NICOLE VINCENT* Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Vincent III

*Photos by Skipworth

Gold Centennial Ball Le Bonheur Club

The ladies of Le Bonheur Club sure know how to throw a party, and on April 29 they held a once-in-a-lifetime gala at The Peabody Hotel commemorating their 100th year as a club that supports Le Bonheur Hospital. Le Bonheur Club hosts a variety of events and fundraisers and provides the volunteer hours necessary to carry out hospital programs and traditions. The Centennial Ball was a huge success in continuing the club’s mission!

Photography by Lesley Harris Colvett

1. Lauren Barnett, Sally Perry & Haley Edmonds 2. Julie Trayal & Amanda Getschman 3. Tricia & Doug Snead, Jenny Vergos 4. Aaron & Shawn Ford

5. June Griffin James, Lee Rankin & Sirella Joyner 6. Jamie Harris, Poohie Burr & Lala Dando 7. Catherine Lackie, Lucy Raines, Brook Bailey & Lauren Plyler 8. Barbara Hodges & Debbie Compton

Photo Courtesy of Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

Angels Among Us:

Matthew Bowlin, The Healing Power of Music, and Hard Won Resilience

By Cyrena Wages

If you know me, you know I’m attracted to artists. People who are willing to leverage all else to live in the space of the senses: emotion, sound, color, the subjective, the non-linear. Beloved Memphian Matthew Bowlin recently shared his story with me and it’s one that renewed my own perspective on the purity of art.

Matthew grew up in Fulton, Kentucky. He entered his first singing competition in the 5th grade by walking up to an outside fair and singing the country tune “Just a Swingin.” His prize for winning? A catfish dinner for his family. A self-taught pianist and vocalist, he went to church early and stayed late to pick around on the piano. He had a natural ear. “I couldn’t tell you how I was doing it, I just played. Some see music in notes, some in color, I see it in fabrics.”

As Matthew tells the story, the years following are painted in conflict and struggle. He was outed to his parents as gay at age 18, resulting in his parents disownment. He then had his first child at 18, an attempt at rewriting the narrative against those who’d bullied and outcasted him for his truth. A single dad right out of high school, he won a vocal scholarship to UT Martin. At this time, he still could not read music and was failing out of his classes. Given the responsibility of being a new father, he hung up his artistic pursuits. “I changed my major to PE. I mean I had always wanted to be a cheerleader, too!” he says emphatically, breaking into laughter. However, his musical leave would only be temporary.

Matthew’s baby nephew Jonathan was hit by a car and suffered a traumatic brain injury resulting in a coma (a similar tragedy had taken Matthew’s own little brother many years prior). Jonathan’s father (Johnny Sr.) would play tapes of Matthew’s singing for his hospitalized son constantly, old recordings that Sr. had captured of Matthew’s various gospel performances over the years. The tape laid playing in Jonathan’s hospital bed. Matthew was asked to come to the hospital one Saturday as the family considered taking Jonathan off life support. “I remember it clearly. I sat there in the rocking chair, the baby laid in my arms and all you could see was his eye area as he was all bandaged up.” Matthew begins singing to me, “There is coming a day, when no heartaches shall come” - this unbelievably beautiful tone comes across my cell phone. “I sang to him. The nurses said ‘don’t stop doing what you’re doing, he’s responding.’” Baby Jonathan’s eyes fluttered. The nurses took him away and Matthew left in fear, assuming the end had come. “The next day my older brother called and said you have to come see this. I went in and the baby was standing in his crib with a helmet on.”

Sure, when reading this excerpt, skepticism is a choice. Or, what about the other choice? What about the possibility of magic and wonder? The unexplainable? “The next week I went back to the school and said can y’all find me a tutor, I want to change my major back to music. I have to teach children.”

Matthew graduated from UT Martin with a BMME, Bachelors of Music Music Education. After moving to Memphis, he joined several choirs eventually founding his own, originally called the Adams Avenue Camerata. Matthew is in his 3rd year teaching music at Lucie E. Campbell Elementary K-5 in Frayser, with May 2023 marking the end of his 22nd year as a music educator.

“The Preschool kids I had today didn’t understand what the notes were, but they could associate the sound with higher dots and lower dots. When singing these pitches their faces just glow. Then I tell them ‘kiss your brain, that was fantastic.’ They want so hard to please you. They want to be chosen, ya know.”

As for the adult community choir he leads, now called Memphis Camerata, it encompasses Memphians of all walks of life. “We have two music teachers, a banker, a corporate VP. Some can’t read music. I want to break every barrier or tradition that has previously been held for a community choir. People get insecure about their talents. I reassure them that I will help them find their voice. You can take a choir that sings perfectly from start to end and if it doesn’t spark an emotion in the people listening, that music was done in vain. My purpose is to move one person to tears or to happiness.”

Memphis Camerata has been on hiatus since covid, and their June 6th concert, titled “The Awakening” at St. Patrick's Catholic Church will be the first in many years. “The Awakening” is about what would happen if there were no more hosannahs, alleluias, only silence, and then everything wakes up. “How can I keep from singing, Let Music Fill the Air, I Have Had Singing. Stories of men singing in the fields as they worked, children singing in the village as they played, the women at church singing. That's what I pleasure the most, because I have had singing. It’s a blessing.”

As in every honest story, there is redemption. Sometimes

redemption happens in the same life, and sometimes in a later one. Matthew’s father passed away eight years ago during Christmas. He was brought to Memphis to be rehabilitated and spend his last 18 days with Matthew. “I was with him everyday.” They achieved forgiveness and understanding. The last time his father saw him was when Matthew’s men's choir came to the hospital to sing his father’s three favorite Christmas carols in harmony. “My dad did not know I was doing these things in Memphis. All that had been shared with him was the negative.” As mentioned above, Matthew was disowned at 18. “My dad called me the next day and said, “I love you, son. Don’t forget me.’ That’s the last time we spoke.” Just one year ago Matthew graduated with his Masters in ORFF Music from the University of Memphis.

In my last question, I asked him what ignited such tenacity and resilience? Not everyone given the circumstances and trauma would have been able to take this type of agency over their story. “How did you?” I asked. “My sons,” he replied.

Life is complicated. Pasts are complicated. You don’t know someone until you do. There are angels among us and within us, angelic souls and angelic voices, and we are all much more alike than we may initially realize.

I hope you’ll consider attending the June 6 Memphis Camerata performance at St. Patricks Catholic Church at 7PM.

“You are needed, you are welcomed, you are wanted.”

-Matthew Bowlin

Season Reveal Party Live at the Garden

Photography by Bob Furniss

Live at the Garden is a Memphis tradition for music fans, and the Season Reveal Party on April 19 got the party started! Tickets are on sale, and with this great lineup they are sure to be a sell out. The first concert is Lady A on June 3 - visit radiansamp.com for information about tickets and the full line-up for the 2023 season.

Red Boa Bash American Red Cross Mid-South

Photography by Frank Chin

The 13th Annual Red Boa Bash was April 22 at 409 South Main in the heart of the Downtown Arts District. The fun evening featured a cocktail reception, live entertainment, and fabulous auction items for guests to enjoy. Our community benefits from the fundraising efforts as the American Red Cross provides critical services to those in need. redcross.org

Kimora Teague Guest Communications

Brandon Burke Sous Chef de Cuisine

Cobi Pollan Sous Ashley Weaver Photography

Literacy is Key First Book Mid-South

Photography

On February 9, the Memphis Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity hosted its 11th annual “Literacy is Key Book and Author Event” luncheon at the Holiday Inn University of Memphis. This special and fun fundraiser welcomed authors J.T. Ellison, Tara M. Stringfellow and Jennifer Coburn. Guests were treated to a prologue party and an author presentation by these talented writers. Literacy is Key raised money for First Book Mid-South, which transforms the lives of children in need by making brand-new, high-quality books and resources affordable and available to the educators and kids who need them most. firstbook.org

by Mark Ramirez

1. Charlotte Bray, Jennifer Coburn, J.T. Ellison, Tara M. Stringfellow & Andrea Harano 2. Hon. Janice Holder & Babbie Lovett 3. Melinda Gillespie, Katherine Godoy & Charlotte Gillespie 4. Jo Gilchrist & Mary Bruno 5. Elizabeth Foster, Sissy Carpenter, Karen Foster & Sally Barron 6. June Griffin James, Heather Grosvenor & Tara Stringfellow 7. Lauran Stimac, Justin Goettsch, Jennie Robbins, Penny Aviotti & Lisa Mallory 8. Gail Kimball & Jayne Whittington

CELEBRATE LITERACY WITH A TWIST

@ novel. 387 Perkins Ext. 38117

Swirl your way through an evening of fun and philanthropy as you Sip, Savor, and Vote for your favorite martini creation!

Enjoy a fun evening with us in partnership with the Laurelwood Shopping Center and novel. bookstore for Literacy Mid-South's 9th Annual Literatini. This Fundraising event with tantalizing tastes from Libro at Laurelwood, Chef Tanocha with Big Momma and Granny’s Catering, Crumpy’s Wings & More, and Chef David, infuses entertainment with the fantastic spins of DJ Mary “The K” and the Southern Soulful sounds by The Gerald Richardson Band! Sample martini cocktails from some of the best bartenders in Memphis and help us crown this year’s Literatini Champion! Enjoy an evening of fun supporting the ongoing e orts of 100% literacy in Memphis and the Mid-South with entertainment, dancing, a silent auction, and great books from Novel.

www.literacymidsouth.org/events/literatini-2023

GPAC Gala

Photography by Mark Ramirez

The 2023 GPAC Gala was a celebration of Spring, and to reflect the motif guests were encouraged to wear their brightest colors for this evening! Held in the Duncan-Williams Performance Hall, the gala featured a fabulous live auction with once-in-a-lifetime experiences all to raise funds for GPAC at their largest gala of the year. gpacweb.com

1. Saundra Messinger, Alvie & Rhonda Griffin 2. Hanna & Franck Oysel 3. Michelle Bender, Ann Margaret Hedges & Emily Hefley 4. Daniel & Diane Weickenand 5. Josh & Amanda Littlejohn, Mary Lauren & Michael Stewart 6. Jake Smith & Hannah Donahue 7. Cecilia Heffington & Melissa Kimbrough 8. Patty Cooper, Nevada Presley & Paul Chandler 9. David & Bonnie Thornton

Annual Awards Banquet Society of Entrepreneurs

This year’s Society of Entrepreneurs honorees were inducted and celebrated at the 2023 Society of Entrepreneurs Annual Awards Banquet: Mat Lipscomb, Johnny Pitts, Andy Malmo, and Patti Phelps were inducted and Doug Marchant was named a Master Entrepreneur. Congratulations to these new members! soememphis.com

Photography by Ken Hall

1. Leighanne & Jack Soden 2. Scot & Valerie Bearup, Anne & John McCormick, Kathy & Roger Sapp 3. Maritza Davila & Jon Sparks

4. Lisa & John Bobango 5. Johnny Pitts 6. Lalania & Carey Vaughn 7. Josh Burnett & Casie Keaton 8. Susan & Tom Stephenson 9. Bill & Lisa Courtney

Breathing Life into Wire

By Olivia Wall, Director of Marketing, Memphis Botanic Garden

This May marks the opening of the fourth outdoor seasonal exhibition at the Memphis Botanic Garden, Rich Soil at the Garden, presented by Bank of America. Building upon the success of its 2017 Big Bugs at the Garden, 2018/2019 Origami in the Garden, and 2022 Alice’s Adventures at the Garden exhibits, this new, outdoor exhibition developed and first displayed in the San Francisco, California, area is officially opening to the public on May 5.

Created by American artist Kristine Mays, Rich Soil at the Garden is inspired by the movements and gestures of Alvin Ailey’s dance composition "Revelations." The 29 wire sculptures in seven groupings will be placed throughout the Memphis Botanic Garden grounds through October 1. Each sculpture consists of thousands of pieces of wire hooked and looped together to create these intriguing forms which pay honor to ancestors–those that walked, lived on, and tended to this land–to the lives that have been overlooked and “forgotten” within our history. These forms deliver a message of strength while challenging how we view ourselves and others. Within the confines of hard metal wire is a sense of resilience and perseverance–a need to push forward and thrive. The work also speaks to identity–the question of who we are, what we can do with our lives, and the impact our lives have on the world. The implied movement in the works evokes expressive gestures through the delicate balance between perceived fragility and realized strength.

"I breathe life into wire,” says artist Kristine Mays. “Using hundreds of individual pieces of wire, I have developed a way of expressing the human form. As an artist, I am very aware of the impermanence of life. With metal wire, I have timelessly captured a fleeting moment that I hope will last for decades. My artwork points to the soul and spirit, transporting the viewer into another place. It's about reconnecting to a deeper purpose -- the soul and spirit of our lives. I transform hard, rigid wire into soft flowing movement. I create the outer shell, the exterior of a human being, but provoke you to see what's within. Memories and the way we have loved one another far outweigh our status or possessions -- and yet sometimes a simple dress or a body

in motion may trigger a memory from the past, allowing us to visit that which has imprinted our lives. As my practice has evolved, I have created work that points to the ancestors, making the invisible, visible.”

Visitors to the Garden can dig into the exhibition during the opening weekend festivities. On opening day, Friday, May 5, the Garden is hosting the Rich Soil to Rich Souls Panel Discussion at 11 am. The esteemed panelists will discuss how art and nature can grow and heal a community featuring Kristine Mays, Rich Soil at the Garden Artist; Karen Niceley, Community Engagement Manager for Collage Dance; Dorimar Ferrer, Executive Director of Cazateatro; Lar’Juanette Williams, Executive Director of Memphis Black Arts Alliance; and Anne Froning, Co-Owner of Being:Art.

Rich Soil at the Garden Family Day on Saturday, May 6, from 10 am-4 pm, allows guests to immerse themselves in the exhibition. Visitors to the Garden on this day can meet artist Kristine Mays, enjoy performances by Collage Dance Collective that were inspired by the exhibition, and children can try their hand at creating their own miniature sculpture using wire. Plus, there will be a cash bar and food trucks on-site for a picnic lunch.

Beyond opening weekend, visitors can en-RICH their experience at the Garden on the last Sunday of May through September with music and performances from local arts and cultural organizations. Rich Sounds at the Garden, a brand new event series developed in conjunction with the exhibition, will premiere on May 28 with Ekpe Abioto and continue on June 25 with Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre Group, July 30 with Memphis Jazz Workshop, August 27 with Stax Academy, and September 24 with Memphis Symphony Orchestra Ensemble. There will also be a cash bar on-site to grab a seasonal sip on these special afternoons.

We invite visitors to the Garden to take a moment to pause in nature and reflect as they experience these intricate and evocative sculptures and encounter arts and cultural programming in the heart of our city. Learn more about Rich Soil at the Garden and the accompanying events at membg.org/rich-soil.

Photo courtesy of Kristine Mays

Let’s Go Shelling!

By Sandi Butler Hughes

Spring is that magical time of year when azaleas burst into bloom, the days get longer, and Memphians pack their coolers and their chairs-in-a-bag and stake out a spot at the Overton Park Shell. Since 1936, this piece of living history has gathered together people from across the city to enjoy an array of live performances. Since opening, there is one thing every performer who takes the stage at the Shell has in common: from opera singers to modern dancers, from Elvis to Emmy Lou, they all have experienced the Shell backstage, and now you have that opportunity too with the Backstage Experience. This is an immersive tour and explores almost a century of music history at Overton Park Shell. The Connie Abston Archive & History Exhibition is located backstage in the wings and green rooms, and the exhibit honors Connie’s long history with the Shell. Her association dates back to her childhood in the 1940s when the Shell was known as the Memphis Open Air Theater. The 4Memphis team was welcomed backstage and treated like rock stars when we spent a glorious Spring afternoon shooting our fashion spread for this issue. We were treated to a little preview of the Backstage Experience Tour, and it was so fun and enlightening to hear the stories of all the performers, from Black Sabbath to Bonnie Raitt, who have played the Shell.

The Shell’s history is entwined with Memphis music history, and fashion for both women and men has also been a part of that rich history. When Elvis first played the Shell in 1954, he took the stage wearing baggy fuschia trousers he bought at Lansky’s. The renowned opera singer Marguerite Piazza was a regular performer at the Shell beginning in 1950 into the 1990s, and she was frequently mentioned in newspaper columns about designer fashions in Memphis and often was included in Memphis’ Best Dressed List. A Memphis pianist and singer who performed in the early days of the Shell was Barbara Jo Walker Hummel. She was crowned Miss America in 1947, and became the last pageant winner to pose in a swimsuit.

The Shell is about the stories almost as much as it is the performances. In 1936 Mayor Watkins Overton said the Shell was “a pledge to the future of music in Memphis.” That pledge and legacy continues today with the signature Orion Free Concert Series, Shell on Wheels, the Backstage Experience Tour, and all of the offerings in the heart of Overton Park. overtonparkshell.org.

Photography by Craig Thompson

Kelly Green crochet dress with shoulder ties and long lace duster overlay contribute a peaceful '60s vibe. Fringed shoulder bag and gold rope hoop earrings complete the playful feel of a Rock Star. Cyrena’s own vintage buckle shoes pull the entire look together.

Dress /Oak Hall Duster / Coming Attractions Bag / Oak Hall Gold Hoops / Kittie Kyle

Abstract and mod in 2023 with this pleated bouncy dress against the Shell’s famous white background translates sophistication. The handbag with bamboo handle adds interest and a pop of color! The chrysanthemum pale blue earring is a must have for Hollywood glamour. Vintage Missoni shoes add European flair for a stage right exit.

Dress / Coming Attractions

Handbag / Kittie Kyle

Vintage Missoni Shoes on loan from Coming Attractions

Pleated off shoulder rosette top with silk matching wide leg pants is the Rolls Royce ensemble for making an entrance. The ascending white round starlet earrings and crystal star studded boots are a “hit" and demand attention.

Top, Pants, and Earrings / Kittie Kyle

Girly and flirty white eyelet babydoll dress sets the stage for a perfect show. The sleeping cheetah and china dragon silk scarf and turquoise gold drop earrings add an exotic element to the mix.

Dress / The Pink Door

Silk Scarf / Coming Attractions

Earrings / Social: A Shop for Gracious Living

Photography: McKendree Walker | Model: Cyrena Wages

Makeup: Matt Gossett | Hair: Jonathan Watkins / Eden Spa & Laser

Style Consultant: Meg McCord | A special thanks to the Overton Park Shell!

Grab a tambourine and head to center stage with this multicolored knit skirt and top. Add a one-of-a-kind bespoke vintage camo jacket seen on JLo, Shakira and more for a star power look. Designer “knock off” sunglasses and pinkish gold bangles with matching ring add a little fun to this unconventional vibe.

Skirt and Top / Oak Hall Camo Jacket / Lansky 126 Sunglasses / Coming Attractions

All Jewelry / Social: A Shop for Gracious Living

Unlock The Vault MoSH

Photos courtesy of MoSH

The Museum of Science and History - MoSH - hosted the inaugural Unlock the Vault party and fundraiser. It’s the first time they have opened their archives to the public, and it was a sight to see! The theme of the items shown were related to the regional areas from the Gulf of Mexico through Mississippi. The evening featured Chef Jimmy Gentry’s Paradox Catering, and the menu related to the region with oysters, redfish, grits and more. MoSH is hosting the Mad Scientist Ball on June 9 - it is sure to be a fun night for experiments and exploring. For ticket information, visit moshmemphis.com.

Fashion

4Ward

By this time of year if someone you love is getting married, you are either a MOB, MOG, or other. Many of you, by May, have had a toast of champagne and are READY for the big day. Some of you may have just received your title and have begun the task of what to wear and started the torture of a diet and search for the “perfect dress.” As you slip into stores to begin to shop, you try to avoid eye contact and the real reason for being in the store. Fear not - revealing your quest, most stores are determined to keep you looking “fashionable, tasteful and age-appropriate” states a recent online article.

The same article goes on to say, “Naturally you want to look terrific on the day your daughter or son gets married because while it's true all eyes will be on the bride, they’ll also be on you.” Why thanks, T. Rendy…as your stress level peaks! Not to worry, I have some great tips from years of investigation and observation.

1. Get your orders from the Bride or Groom…long dress, short, theme etc.

2. Decide and think about a style that looks best on you; try to match the style of the wedding with your best look.

3. Try on those “looks" that you love and be open to something new at the Bride's request.

4. Focus on solids, they are more slimming and sophisticated. Your picture 20 years from now will be timeless and beautiful.

5. Look for a great looking comfortable shoe. Avoid extremely high heels and spikes. Square heels work nicely because they do not sink and pierce the ground. Many pictures are made outside and shoes are ruined due to the shoe heel becoming a golf divot. A photographer once said the best pictures are those without toes. Closed toe shoes are always elegant.

6. Avoid trendy looks, pictures will one day look dated.

7. Lose those arm phobias…it's better than the old “Lawrence Welk Show” matronly sleeve!

8. Whatever you do - DO NOT google “Mother of the Bride Dress.” It will make you cringe.

9. Always carry a beautiful clutch. Whatever the venue, church or synagogue, have someone place your clutch or purse in your seat before the ceremony. When exiting, then carry that fabulous accessory. Someone once told me, you do not want to look as if you were in the neighborhood and hurried down the aisle with a clutch in hand to catch your daughter or son's wedding.

10. Wear your hair the way you wear your hair! Stiff hair or up-do’s can sometimes age you. You want to feel like yourself and be comfortable with your look. Have false eyelashes applied if you can stand them. Your eyes will look younger and prettier in pictures. Schedule a practice look for hair and make-up to make sure it looks great. Last and necessary… practice posing. There is an art to great pictures! Most importantly, have fun! If you are smiling and having fun, you’ll be the prettiest Mother of the Bride or Groom ever!

Yours, T. Rendy

Building on Arrow's focus of creative entrepreneurship, EMDP gives aspiring designers the opportunity to get real life design experience, showcasing their garments in front of an audience and networking with other creatives. EMDP, in it's tenth year, supports and grows local fashion designers. Designers have worked with EMDP liaison, Sonin Myatt, over the past five months to complete their garments for the runway. Myatt says "As a designer and fashion educator at the U of M it's been an honor to mentor our local designers. What a pleasure to watch the incredible fashion talent in Memphis grow. EMDP is truly a special part of Memphis Fashion Week and something not to miss!" Local designers will showcase their garments at Arrow Creative's Memphis Fashion Week Saturday, May 13th. For tickets: arrowcreative.org/memphisfashionweek

Crawfish Boil Retrieving Freedom

Photography by Andrew Gilbert

Retrieving Freedom, Inc. (RFI) is a nonprofit organization with a mission of changing lives through the training and placement of Service Dogs for Veterans with disabilities and children with autism. They breed and train chosen dogs that exhibit specific traits necessary to perform tasks to help these individuals, and they work to match the perfect dog to each client. The training program isn’t designed to train each dog to follow a certain program; instead dogs are trained to meet the needs of their specific client. The dogs go through more than two years of training to meet their strict standards for a successful placement. This high standard also has a high cost of an average $40,000 per applicant.

Retired Army Sgt. Veteran Trent Dirks, Resource Development Director for RFI, was in Memphis recently for a Crawfish Boil and fundraiser at Wiseacre Brewing OG on Broad Avenue. Trent knows first-hand the importance of a service dog because he was a client before he began working with RFI. He joined the Army at 17 and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2010. “We operated COP Kalagush in northeast Afghanistan. Many unforgettable things happened in that year,” Trent said.

When he returned to the US after his service, he was constantly on high alert, had nightmares when he slept, and panic attacks when he was awake. “I struggled with depression and PTSD so bad that I contemplated suicide daily and had a severe alcohol abuse problem. It was severe enough that I decided my last option was to stop in at Retrieving Freedom in Waverly, Iowa to see if a service dog could benefit me. I applied for a service dog, and Tracer and I have been together since December of 2015.”

After receiving Tracer and attending a treatment program for PTSD, he continued to volunteer at RFI in hopes of helping other Veterans get the help and service dogs they need. Eventually he was hired by the organization. "I am blessed beyond measure to be able to make a career out of helping other Veterans and children with autism get service dogs to assist them in improving their quality of life,” Trent said. “It's a dream come true.”

To learn more about Retrieving Freedom, visit retrievingfreedom.org.

-Sandi Butler Hughes

1. Trent Dirks, Jenna Lisi & Tracer 2. Program Coordinator Ashlyn Snyder and Service Dog in Training Charm

Nonprofits Offer Summer Events

By Kevin Dean

Memphis may not be the largest city in the nation, but there’s always something fun to do, and nonprofits are a key part of our vibrant city life! Whether it’s a show at Playhouse on the Square or Zoo Rendezvous or the Beale Street Music Festival, nonprofits across the city offer plenty of distractions, libations, more to keep our evenings and weekends fun throughout the year. In this issue, we’re focusing on seven great events in May and June that support great organizations while providing a good time for you, your friends, and your family. Below are recommendations of upcoming events offered by local nonprofits that you are sure to enjoy!

FRIES AND WINE

June 4

Join Ronald McDonald House this summer for their inaugural Fries & Wine event at Railgarten! Pair McDonald’s world-famous fries with the perfect beer or wine for a great day of giving back to RMHC-Memphis families. Visit www.rmhc-memphis.org/event/ fries-wine/ for tickets or contact grace@rmhc-memphis.org for more information.

EXPERIENCE MEMPHIS GARDENS

May 20 - July 2

Experience Memphis Gardens is a 6-week-long citywide garden tour of 180+ private, public, community gardens, farms, and aquaponics. Explore gardens in 16 different Memphis neighborhoods and get inspired to create your own garden sanctuary. All proceeds benefit the Cooper Young Garden Club. Visit www.experiencememphisgardens.org for tickets and more information.

GROWING THE VILLAGE IS SWEET

June 1 - 30

Foster Village Memphis is hosting their Growing the Village is Sweet campaign featuring individual lemonade stands across the city, hosted by kiddos, benefitting kiddos. Host your own stand, purchase lemonade, or visit a participating business to join in the city-wide campaign bringing awareness and support to children and families in the child welfare system! Visit www.fostervillagememphis.org/growing-the-village-is-sweet for more information.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS AFFAIR

May 20

The Mental Health Awareness Affair by Community Health Partners is to create a space for people to focus on self-care and understand the importance of mental health stability; and because mental health is essential and relatable at every stage of life, this event will target the whole family and the whole person – mind, body, and spirit. The awareness affair will shift the narrative by bringing the resources to the people who need it most. For more information, visit www.mycommunityhealthpartners.org.

HIT THE LINKS FOR LITERACY GOLF SCRAMBLE

June 5

Hit the Links for Literacy Golf Scramble supports adult learners trying to improve their literacy skills. All funds raised from sponsors and players go directly to provide job skills, English, and community literacy programs for families through Shelby Literacy Center! Visit www.shelbyliteracy.com for tickets or email info@ shelbyliteracy.com for more information.

CAFÉ DU MEMPHIS

May 6

The Rotary Club of Memphis brings back Cafe du Memphis on Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Malco Summer Drive-In! Join them from 10am - 1pm and enjoy beignets, shrimp & grits, cafe au lait, and plenty of fun. Visit https://bit.ly/3UEsksL for tickets or email taylorhughes@memphisrotary.org for more information.

PAGE ROBBINS GALA: UNDER THE BIG TOP

June 10

Come one, come all to the Greatest Gala on Earth – The Page Robbins Gala: Under the Big Top! Join the event for an evening of entertainment, food, dancing, joy, and celebration as Page Robbins Adult Day Center raises funds to provide uplifting and affordable weekday care for adults with memory loss. Visit www.pagerobbins.ejoinme.org/2023gala for tickets or christina@pagerobbins.org for more information.

Healthier Memphis Gala LifeDoc Health

The inaugural Healthier Memphis Gala was held March 23 at 409 S. Main to celebrate and support LifeDoc Health, whose mission is to build healthier communities by preventing diabetes and obesity through healthcare and research. Guests were treated to a special evening and unforgettable culinary experience hosted by Jose Gutierrez of River Oaks (and the organizer of the Memphis Food and Wine Festival.) Unique dishes from some of the best chefs in the city such as David Krog, Jimmy Gentry, Patrick Reilly, Ryan Trimm, Ana and Ignacio Gonzalez, Steven Leake, Emily LaForce, Michael Patrick, Andreas Kisler, Reny Alfonso, and Franck Oysel were served and wowed guests. lifedochealth.

Photography by Mark Ramirez

1. Alejandro & Pedro Velasquez, Harley Steffens & Gabe Velasquez 2. Alia Hogan & Hileri Schrier 3. Elliot Embry, Anna Cook, Sherry & Bob Chimenti 4. Joseph Bollwerk, Kim MacQueen & Bill Townsend 5. Fanny Rodriguez & Andres Velasquez 6. Terri Walker & Angela Trillo 7. Taylor Bone & Leslie Murphy 8. Chef David, Amanda & Doris Krog 9. Melissa Vincent, Claudia Neira & Jairo Velasquez 10. J.W. Gibson & Darrell Cobbins

May/June

Art events

The last bit of Spring melds into the beginnings of summer vacation season. It may even be nice outside. Fickle weather aside, there are a nice array of options inside. If the world seems a bit dismal, there is a 99.7% chance your mood will be lightened significantly with a dose of Groucho Marx witticisms. Few things are more elegant and vibrant than a Memphis Fashion Week show. You have at least four opportunities to hear an orchestra; from Midtown to Germantown, the arts are coming to you. As usual this is a representative, not comprehensive list. -Ken

Hall

May events

Delta Authors on Tour First Baptist Broad, 11am

5/6 5/9

An Evening with Groucho Halloran Centre, 7:30pm

Chico Pinheiro Green Room at Crosstown, 7:30pm

Part of the Modern Jazz Master series, Pinheiro’s guitar blends jazz, classic, and Brazilian sounds that resulted in two Grammy nominations.

Memphis Fashion Week

Fashion Night Out on the 12th from 5-8:30pm and the Emerging Designers on the 13th with a cocktail party and fashion show. High energy, local innovation, great fun. through 5/13

A Magical Night in Malaysia

Memphis In May International Gala Peabody Hotel, 6:30pm

The Funkiest Man Alive Rufus Thomas book signing Stax Museum, 6pm

A book signing AND a dance party with a DJ spinning Rufus’ hits plus a special commemorative beer for the museum’s 20th anniversary!

Clyde’s Circuit Playhouse, through 6/4

Springloaded New Ballet Ensemble

Buckman Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm; 5/13, 2:30pm

Brazil by Night Crosstown Theater, 6:30pm Iris Collective & Collage Dance Collective

The Falling and the Rising Opera Memphis

Scheidt Performing Arts Center, 7:30pm

A poignant musical look at the personal sacrifice of members of the armed forces and their families.

Symphony in the Gardens Dixon Gallery & Gardens, 5pm

Big band music from members of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra.

Iterations

art by John Salvest

David Lusk Gallery, through 6/24

Delta Authors on Tour First Baptist Broad, 11am

5/25

PRIZM concert

Shady Grove Presbyterian, 7pm

The ensemble brings in guest artists Basil Alter and Evan Solomon.

Seven Samurai film screening Crosstown Theater, 7pm

The Akira Kurosawa classic film on the big screen at Crosstown.

Sunset Symphony Memphis Symphony Orchestra Overton Park Shell, 7:30pm

June events

Germantown Symphony Orchestra Pops Concert GPAC Grove, 6pm

PRIZM’s annual International Chamber Music Festival

Shady Grove Presbyterian, through 6/17

Mary Poppins Theatre Memphis, through 7/2

Paul Carr

Green Room at Crosstown, 7:30pm

A true ambassador for jazz today and saxophone virtuoso.

Jersey Boys Playhouse on the Square

Titanic: The Musical Harrell Theater, through 6/25

Beyond the Blossoms – A Tour of Harmonia

Rosales: Master Narrative guided tour Brooks Museum, 6pm

Disney’s Frozen Orpheum Theatre, through 7/2

Mr. Holland’s Opus film screening

GAPC Grove, 7pm

Beth Edwards art

David Lusk Gallery, through 7/29

"Flowers in a Vase VIII" by Beth Edwards

Volunteer Odyssey 10th

Anniversary

Volunteer Odyssey was just an idea a little over 10 years ago. It began when Sarah Petschonek volunteered at 30 different organizations over 30 days, and that idea crystallized into a nonprofit dedicated to connecting volunteers with agencies in need of volunteers: Volunteer Odyssey. And now, a decade later, thousands of Memphians have been connected to service opportunities by Volunteer Odyssey. The 10th anniversary celebration began with teams of volunteers serving at 10 different agencies in the morning and then culminated with a celebration at Crosstown Concourse where guests enjoyed food, beverages, and music. Memphis Made Brewing created a special commemorative beer called “Voluncheers,” which perfectly captured the mood of the afternoon. volunteerodyssey.com

1. Andrew Schrack & Reggie Davis 2. Joji McCaffrey, Peggy Jean Craig, Alissa & Brad Shaw 3. Caroline Simpson & Jessica McGee 4. Special made Voluncheers by Memphis Made Brewing 5. Bud Ritchey, John Harrison, Alix Gonsoulin & Joe Morris 6. Jeff Hulett & Aaron Brame 7. Max Fleischer, Chas Harris & Jonathan Hill 8. Anna Ritz & Sarah Petschonek 9. Miles, Courtney & Alexander Northcliff

Photography by Ken Hall

Dates: Thursday, June 8th

Time: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Where: 7900 Wolf River Blvd Germantown, TN 38138

Al Fresco in Style!

By Lesley Harris Colvett

Pack your cooler with your fave food and useful utensils to plan a fun night out to enjoy the season! Whether heading out to GPAC, Live at the Garden, Overton Park Shell or simply your own patio, ‘tis the season to pack it and go. Our 4Memphis retail partners have tips to help you dine al fresco in style!

BABCOCK GIFTS

“If you are preparing for an evening or event outside that includes food and drink, consumers have many fun options,” says Brooks Terry, Owner of Babcock Gifts “Picnic baskets such as those from Picnic Time are much more elaborate and can be purchased complete with dishes, utensils and drinkware.”

With Memphis’ warm weather you will most likely be carrying food on ice, so Brooks advises to consider the different shapes and sizes of cooler bags from SCOUT in lots of fun colors and patterns. And for the gentleman who prefers something a little more traditional, Mission Mercantile offers wine totes and coolers. When considering serveware, the melamine of today is not what your mother had in the 1980s! Beatriz Ball offers beautiful, white melamine pieces in multiple patterns that are sure to please any hostess. This melamine is both BPA and PABA free, top-shelf dishwasher safe and is perfect for those who want a reusable serving piece. These pieces are available in a myriad of sizes and shapes. Beatriz Ball and Vietri, as well as Relish, offer melamine dinnerware for those who prefer reusable plates. For reusable flatware, consider Bella Cutlery by Sophistiplates, which is also top shelf dishwasher safe. Sophistiplates also offers festive paper plates for all occasions.

Brooks adds, don't forget the drinkware! There are many fashionable options that are reusable, including more traditional acrylic glasses from Juliska and BOLD. Mario Luca Giusti offers acrylic pieces that are a cross between formal and pop art. As consumers have become more environmentally conscious, styrofoam has been replaced by frost flex cups that are also top shelf dishwasher safe and offer consumers an option to make a statement with various sayings and slogans.

“These types of outdoor use items were traditionally considered for summer, but are available year around and make outdoor dining easy and fun!”

LISA MALLORY INTERIOR DESIGN

Lisa Mallory says she considers Estelle Colored Glassware a classy way to set a beautiful, seasonal table outdoors for a patio! Estelle Colored Glassware, which features mixed stemware, stemless, champagne flutes, cake stands and more, makes for the perfect table setting both outdoors on the patio and indoors. The beautiful colors can be used to complement table decor and set the stage for any season.

Lisa also highly recommends the line “Picnic at Ascot,” which is Bamboo Charcuterie Boards that transform from an easy to store wedge to a circular multilevel cheese board complete with stainless steel tools in a pullout drawer.

SOCIAL: A SHOP FOR GRACIOUS LIVING

“A good serving set for cheeses, jams, honey and nuts (and remember spoons) should always be on hand. Acrylic and heavy plastics are good materials,” says Carmen Bond, owner of Social. “Cocktail and luncheon napkins are something you should always have on hand. They also come in handy to wipe down a seat that may be wet. Vietri has this wonderful, linen-like disposable napkin that is very absorbent and simulates a real cloth napkin.

“Depending on the setting and venue, paper plates and cups are great, but if you don’t have a table sometimes paper plates are hard to hold and maneuver, so that is why I love the melamine products. “I love all the choices that are out right now for acrylic glassware and stemware, and you can get almost any kind of drinkware in acrylic (from martinis to champagne).

Carmen recommends packing your food in large ziplock bags, and then at the end of the night you can just slide your dirty plates in one of the bags, and dirty utensils in another. Plastic food containers, that come in all sizes, are also great for packing up at the end of the night.

Carmen has always been a lover of flowers and floral patterns, and she said flowers are trending everywhere - in both home and fashion. Colors that are trending this season are pink and turquoise. “I am seeing pink everywhere, that bubblegum pink tone, and I consider it almost a neutral because there is really nothing that pink doesn’t go with,” Carmen said. Turquoise in all shades, but especially the bright aqua color tones, is another color she is seeing.

Another recommendation Carmen has for an evening outdoors is having some sort of lighting, even if it is just soft, battery-powered lighting.

FedEx 50 th Birthday Celebration

Photography by Bryant Cummings

FedEx celebrated its 50th birthday by honoring small business customers and the spirit of entrepreneurship through a collaboration with renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz. FedEx hosted an event at the Memphis International Airport to unveil the portrait series, Driving Passions, which features portraits of FedEx founder and Chairman Frederick W. Smith, three FedEx small business customers, and the 2022 FedEx small business advocate of the year. A temporary installation featuring the portraits, as well as exclusive behind-thescenes footage of the series, will be on display at the Memphis International Airport in Terminal B on the Main level through the end of the summer.

PURE Youth Athletics Alliance

Photography by Ken Hall

PURE Youth Athletics Alliance is a local nonprofit doing exceptional work in our community, and they recently hosted an event at the Benjamin Hooks Central Library. PURE stands for Progressing Under Restraints and Extremes, and it is a residential education program that provides at-risk students the resources they need to achieve the ultimate academic success. Their mission is to empower underprivileged school-aged, African American young men to overcome generational poverty through the power of education. For more information about PURE programming and how they are making a difference, visit pureyouth.org.

1. Bruce & Beth Moore, Hallie Peyton 2. Tamara Williams & Colby Jonas 3. Kim Bowden, Patrick Sala & Jerre Bowden

Super Chikan: Instrumental Art

In the Mississippi Delta the surname "Johnson" is akin to "Windsor" in England. With lineage tracing to the Robert Johnson of the famed Crossroads story, James "Super Chikan" Johnson is a blues-blood with a gift for the guitar, not only playing them but also crafting them as unique, tuneful pieces of folk art.

Johnson designs guitar, diddley bow, and banjo-style instruments from recycled and repurposed items. Raised on the Markham Plantation in Sunflower County, MS, Johnson was taught from an early age to use what you’ve got. "We would throw something in the garbage, and then go back and get it out. We were recylin' before we knew it!" He bought his first guitar as a young teenager from the Salvation Army store in Clarksdale, but it was in 1996 that he began to create what has become his trademark instruments. When a ceiling fan had to be replaced in his house, Johnson threw it away. Then he looked back at it, thinking to himself, “That fan quit workin’ too soon!” So he fashioned a Gui-Jo using the fan motor casing with a guitar neck. The Chi-Kan-Tar, his signature piece, is made from a WWII style metal jerry gas can with a broomstick neck.

Super Chikan’s "blues" and "artist" personas are both on full display as he sets up for his gig. The array of glossy, painted, and bejeweled instruments take center stage before he does. He arranges his artful instruments along with his traditional guitars. Johnson has played on stages from the Delta to the Notodden Blues Festival in Norway, plus countless juke joints, clubs and festivals in between, and his shows are an infusion of his electric-style blues, fervor and wit.

One-liners roll off his tongue as easily as his song lyrics: "My mama taught me to dance...with a switch;" "Being poor will make you a

man;" “We grew up in a crack house...’cause there were so many cracks in the walls.” Johnson writes many of the songs on his playlist, and the lyrics speak to his life experiences. He has a penchant for cleverly blending words not only to name his instruments but also in his songs. “Sippi’Seekan’Saw” is a tune on his 2007 release Sum Mo Chikan about the convergence of Mississippi, Tennessee, and Arkansas, and Chikadelic is the title of his 2010 Blues Music Awards Winner for Traditional Blues Album of the Year.

While Johnson came to performing later in his life, he has been playing the diddley bow and guitar since he was a young boy. His first instruments had few strings and because of this, he learned to vary the sounds with the instruments he had. “I was makin’ do to make the blues.” It was later when he was working as a truck driver with long stretches of time on the road that he began writing music. With the encouragement of friends, including his cousin the late Big Jack Johnson, he began performing and recording his blues compositions. Super Chikan Johnson is one of the few remaining bluesmen who lived life as a sharecropper and worked on a plantation. Blues music is his heritage, but he hopes his legacy will be his handmade guitars. “Fifty years from now, I want people huntin’ for my guitars because they are special. You know, keepin’ count on who has them and where they are,” he says. That would indeed be a fitting legacy from a member of the first family of the Delta blues.

Super Chikan will be performing at the GPAC Fried Chicken Fest in the Grove, May 13; his instruments are on display at the Art Museum of the University of Memphis through June 24.

Story and photos by Sandi Butler Hughes

Community Dance Workshop The Halloran Centre

Mid-South community members of all ages gathered at the Halloran Centre on March 4 for a free, community dance workshop led by Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater company members Yannick Lebrun, Courtney Spears, and Khalia Campbell. Participants learned choreography from Mr. Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations, the most widely-seen modern dance work in the world. This community dance workshop was sponsored by New York Life. To explore all of the Orpheum’s upcoming education and community engagement programming, visit orpheum-memphis.com.

Founder’s Day Luncheon

The Salvation Army Auxiliary

The Salvation Army Auxiliary hosted a lovely luncheon on April 5 at the Hilton Memphis Hotel honoring their founding and contributing life members. The Founder's Day Luncheon featured Tommie Dunavant as guest speaker, and music by the talented Memphis University School Ensemble. Funds will go to send underprivileged youth ages 7-17 to Camp Paradise in Burkesville, Kentucky, this summer where they can have a fun week swimming, fishing, playing sports and Bible lessons. salvationarmymemphis.org/womens-auxiliary

Photos by Orpheum Theatre Group

1. Lorie & Mark Hunter 2. Pat Sexton, Karen Avery & Nancy Bramlett 3. Lisa Turner & Susan Madden 4. Judy Weatherly & Billie Jean Graham

Photography by Mark Ramirez

Spring Fashion Show Josephine Circle

Photography by Mark Ramirez

The Josephine Circle recently hosted their annual Spring Fashion Show, and the major fundraising event included a delicious luncheon, a silent auction, and a fashion show. Proceeds from the Spring Fashion Show will help fund the loans and endowments for eligible college students. This year, “The Mad Tea Party” was held on April 3 at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn Hotel. Many guests joined the fashionable fun and wore their favorite hats. Fashions were modeled by Josephine Circle members and generously provided by Kittie Kyle, Joseph, Chico’s, Coming Attractions, Soft Surroundings, and Trousseau. josephinecircle.org

Josephine Circle is a 109-year-old Memphis charity organization whose members are devoted to providing interest free loans to students to further their education. Students who meet eligibility may currently borrow up to $20,000 over a four-year period and repay those loans when they graduate without interest fees.

In addition to providing loans annually for students, the organization has been active in initiating endowments to University of Memphis, Rhodes College, and now the University of Tennessee Health Science College of Dentistry to insure students will have the opportunity to these loans into perpetuity.

Over 76 years ago, founder Josephine Fitzhugh established the Josie Millsaps Fitzhugh Scholarship at Southwestern, now Rhodes College. The Josephine Circle, Inc. Scholarship was established at the University of Memphis in 1957 and endowed in 2008.

This year, Josephine Circle established its endowment at the University of Tennessee Health Science College of Dentistry and increased its donations to University of Memphis and Rhodes College to total $100,000 each.

1. Ann Newell, Marsha Cayce, Becky Barton & Ann Swift 2. Norann McManus 3. Donna Gilpatrick, Nan Buck & Rhonda Baltier 4. Amy Bell, Bill Russell & Amy Lindeman 5. Alli Echlin & Pam Beall 6. Meg Glass, Annie Taylor, Maxine Oliver & Carol Ann Robertson 7. Laurie Golden & Alanna Brice

- Linda Ashmore

Carnival Memphis

Photography by Julie C. Eaves

Carnival Memphis season continues with Grand Krewe coronation balls, the Queen Bees Cocktail Party, Ptah's Black Tie and Tennis Shoe Ball, and Krewes for Kids. The Party with a Purpose is in full swing and looking forward to Carnival Week 2023 in early June! carnivalmemphis.org

Mid-South Heart Walk & Run American Heart Association

by Bryant Cummings

Friends, family, and co-workers donned their red gear for the 2023 Mid-South Heart Walk & Run. Held on April 22 at the University of Memphis Alumni Mall Lawn, it was a great way to get moving while having fun and supporting the work of American Heart Association. heart.org

Photography