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THE MEMPHIS FLYER is published weekly by Contemporary Media, Inc., P.O. Box 1738, Memphis, TN 38101 Phone: (901) 521-9000 Fax: (901) 521-0129 memphisflyer.com CONTEMPORARY MEDIA, INC. ANNA TRAVERSE Chief Executive Officer LYNN SPARAGOWSKI Controller/Circulation Manager JEFFREY GOLDBERG Chief Revenue Officer MARGIE NEAL Chief Operating Officer KRISTIN PAWLOWSKI Digital Services Director
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NEWS & OPINION THE FLY-BY - 4 AT LARGE - 8 COVER STORY “DE LA SOLDIERS” BY ALEX GREENE - 10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT WE RECOMMEND - 22 MUSIC - 24 AFTER DARK - 26 CALENDAR - 28
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SHARA CLARK Editor-in-Chief ALEX GREENE Managing Editor, Music Editor BRUCE VANWYNGARDEN Senior Editor TOBY SELLS Associate Editor KAILYNN JOHNSON News Reporter CHRIS MCCOY Film and TV Editor MICHAEL DONAHUE, JON W. SPARKS Staff Writers KIMBERLY HAM Calendar Editor, Copy Editor JESSE DAVIS, EMILY GUENTHER, COCO JUNE, ANDRIA LISLE, PATRICIA LOCKHART, KATHLEEN MURRAY, FRANK MURTAUGH, LINDSEY D. RHEA Contributing Columnists SHARON BROWN, AIMEE STIEGEMEYER Grizzlies Reporters KRYSTION PEGUES Editorial intern
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W E E K T H AT WA S By Flyer staff
Impeachment, Power Demand, & an Execution
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Cohen files on Trump, TVA breaks records, and advocates plea for inmate’s life.
Blisteringly hot temperatures did not stop tens of thousands from flooding the streets of CooperYoung last Saturday for the annual Cooper-Young Festival. AHHH
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Assaiyah Mariee eats a lot of food she finds on the internet. The YouTuber has more than 12,300 subs so she’s found her audience and is doing something right. Last week she tried Hot Dragon Shawarma, from what she called a viral food truck in the Memphis area. Looked great! The star of the show, though, was her male companion in the passenger seat looking at his phone throughout most of the video.
IMPEACHMENT ARTICLES U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Memphis) introduced 26 Articles of Impeachment against President Donald Trump last Thursday, calling him “the most impeachable President.” Cohen said his new articles of impeachment cite “multiple abuses of power, violations of his oath of office, the corrupt use of the pardon power, and emoluments clause violations,” plus other misconduct and unlawful acts. NIGHTCLUB CLOSED A Hickory Hills nightclub that was the site of a recent latenight bust by the Memphis Safe Task Force (MSTF) has PHOTO: LUIS GRATEROL | UNSPLASH been closed. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) leaders said September’s The Memphis Police heat dome, and the electricity usage to help tame it, broke at least a Department announced the dozen TVA power-delivery records. closing of Legends Bistro and Lounge located at 6232 Knight Arnold Road. The department said the move was in collaboration with the city of Alternative to the Death Penalty (TADP). Memphis and the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. The Tennessee Department of Correction announced Police officials said the closure was due to continued the execution was scheduled for noon on Wednesday, violence and criminal activity at the lounge. The September 30th, at the Riverbend Maximum Security department said 58 documented incidents had occurred Institution in Nashville. at the lounge since March 2023. The incidents included Pike was convicted of first degree murder in 1996. discharge of firearms and one homicide. DIGITAL EVIDENCE TOURISM RULES FAIL Body camera footage, doorbell cameras, and cell phones An effort to make uniform rules across Tennessee’s eight have created an increase in digital evidence for cases, Tourism Development Zones (TDZ) failed in a joint creating challenges for prosecutors statewide. hearing in Nashville last Thursday, creating a loose end on Data from the Tennessee Advisory Commission on legislation passed earlier this year. Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR) said the average Three of the eight of the TDZs are in Memphis — turnaround time for processing digital forensic evidence Downtown, Graceland, and Liberty Park. To keep the in the state in FY2023-24 was 66 weeks for computers and areas safe and friendly for tourists, the new law gave the 37.6 weeks for mobile devices. state authority on closing streets, homelessness, and more, allowing the Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) to make RECORD POWER DEMAND arrests in the TDZs and conduct investigations. September’s heat wave smashed energy-demand records for the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). PIKE EXECUTION In 17 days, TVA pumped more than 30,000 megawatts Pleas to spare the life of Tennessee death row inmate of electricity to customers. One day set the all-time record Christa Pike are pouring in to Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee for electricity delivered: On September 3rd, TVA delivered ahead of her execution, set for this week. 33,270 megawatts to customers, enough energy to power She is the only woman on death row in the state. more than 19.2 million homes. Visit the News Blog at memphisflyer.com for fuller versions of Hers would be the state’s first execution of a woman in these stories and more local news. more than 200 years, according to Tennesseans for the
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CITY REPORTER By Kailynn Johnson
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ir pollution is falling across Shelby County, leaders said, leading to financial issues for an air permitting program. Shelby County Health Department officials said large industrial facilities are emitting lesser amounts of pollutants, causing a decrease in revenue for its Title V program. While the agency said this was “great news,” the program relies on permitting fees that are calculated according to emissions. “By emissions going down, so [is] our revenue,” said Kasia Smith-Alexander, deputy director for environmental health and sustainability at the Shelby County Health Department. During a Wednesday meeting of the Shelby County Commission’s Hospitals and Health committee, SmithAlexander said the health department projected a revenue of $900,000 in 2025, but received $822,783. In 2026, the department expected $805,000 and received $810,000. Officials said they operate on a budget of $900,000 and are $90,000 short to operate the Title V permitting program. The department asked the commission to raise the fees associated with the program to “correct the shortfall.” These fees go toward employee salaries and fringe benefits. “[TitleV] does protect small businesses in creating these fees,” said Smith-Alexander. “Most of the fee impact will be with the major sources — that means those industrial areas that have the largest [amounts of] pollutants will pay the most for their permit, as they should.” Small businesses such as gas stations and laundromats would not be impacted by a fee increase. “We see [these] fees as equitable,” said Bruce Randolph, interim director of the Shelby County Health Department. “If you’re a major source polluter, you should pay more. You should pay your fair share.” As the county oversees air pollution, it must make sure certain companies comply with the standards set under a
PHOTO: TVA
TVA’s Allen Combined Cycle Plant Title V Operating Permit. The permit encompasses air pollution requirements for major industrial sources. The regulated sources fund the program rather than taxpayers. “Major sources are facilities that emit or have the potential to emit 100 tons of pollutants per year,” said Smith-Alexander. Compliance with the program helps the health department protect air quality, as the major sources must submit data to the agency. Smith-Alexander said the program has contributed to lower emissions across Shelby County. If funding falls, it is up to the health department to supplement the difference. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) can step in if the county is not compliant.
“By emissions going down, so [is] our revenue.” Smith-Alexander said the permits issued under Title V serve as legallybinding obligations to protect surrounding communities. “The Title V program has to be accountable in everything that it does,” said Smith-Alexander. “When violations occur, we can require corrective actions that reduce environmental risks.” Smith-Alexander also detailed the top five sources of pollutants in Shelby County. Three are located in the 38109 ZIP code. The other two are in 38127. The sources are Nucor Steel, Valero, Draslovka, Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)’s Allen Combined Cycle Plant, and Mitsubishi Chemical of America. SpacexAI was ranked at No. 28. Smith-Alexander said the proposal was presented to and approved by the Memphis and Shelby County Air Pollution Control Board. The county commission voted in favor of the proposed change, and there will be two more readings of the ordinance.
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’m in the window seat, trying and failing to redirect the tiny round overhead fan that’s fiercely blowing in my face. The woman assigned to the seat next to me arrives and lifts her carry-on into the overhead bin, then takes a small black container and gently slides it under the seat in front of her. “It’s okay, sweetie,” she says. “It’s just an hour or so.” After the woman buckles in, I ask, “Who’s traveling with you?” “Maisie,” she says, smiling. Then she slides the carrier from beneath the seat, unzips it, and two large brown eyes stare up at me. I don’t know what kind of dog it is, but it’s small and shaggy — and extremely mellow. “So, I guess Maisie is used to flying,” I say. “Oh yes,” she says. “She should have frequent-flyer miles. I go see my daughter in Atlanta several times a year and I’m her emotional support animal,” she laughs. Maisie soon closes her eyes and snuggles back in for the ride. I suspect there may be sedatives involved and I’m envious. The woman opens a novel and I open my Kindle and we’re off. Ninety minutes later, as we descend into ATL, my seat-mate sees me looking at my phone and shaking my head. “Tight connection?” she asks. “Yeah,” I say. “My flight to Memphis starts boarding 15 minutes after we land and it’s four concourses away, so I’ll have to scoot to the shuttle train.” “I’ll let you get off first,” she says. “You’ll make it.” Once we’re at the gate, those of us with tight connections are standing in the aisle, calculating our odds. Then the cheery flight attendant says, “Bear with us. We’re training a new jet bridge operator.” Groans ensue. Finally, the trainee nails the landing. My Delta app says my flight starts boarding in five minutes, meaning I have 35 minutes to get from Gate C11 to Gate F2 before they close the plane doors. Gimme a fast train! I hustle down the escalator and catch one just as the doors are closing. Yes! Then, dear reader, comes an experience I still have trouble believing actually happened. There are maybe eight people on the car, all caught up in their own thoughts, except for one guy. He’s young, tall, and bearded, and he’s talking to an older man. And by talking, I mean he is enunciating as though he is on a podcast. The older fellow is nodding his approval like a human bobblehead.
“I don’t like five-dollar-a-gallon gasoline any more than the next guy,” the man says in his best Sean Hannity voice, “but too many Americans just don’t understand that it’s the price that we have to pay to ensure that Iran doesn’t have a nuclear weapon.” The guy is obviously wanting everyone on the train car to hear his lecture. Does he just ride around doing this all day, I wonder? I look at the other passengers, but they ignore him. “And just think about the precision of the Venezuela operation,” young JD Vance continues. “We went there with an airtight mission plan and completed it without a single casualty. That’s just remarkable, and the American people need to understand that that oil is going to be flowing into our gas tanks soon. This president knows exactly what he’s doing!” This goes on (and on!) as the train rolls to Concourse D and Concourse E. Passengers enter and exit, and this human bot continues his Trumper TED talk. Now I’m thinking this must be some sort of guerrilla political advertising. I see a few eyes roll but still, no one says anything. I start working up a one-liner for my exit, figuring I could say something like, “Must be hard to talk with all that sh-t in your mouth,” then hop off the train and flip him the bird, leaving him shocked into silence by the crazy old communist. But alas, it’s not to be. At Concourse F, the MAGA-doofus and his audience of one step off in front of me and speed-walk to Gate 2. When I finally enter the plane, I can hear the guy still loudly pontificating, and he’s seated in first class! I’ve never been happier to be sitting near the back of an airplane. By the way, this guy is probably somewhere in Memphis. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. PHOTO: JAMES GROUP STUDIOS, INC. | DREAMSTIME.COM
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COVER STORY By Alex Greene
De La Soldiers
ABOUT TO PLAY MEMPHO, DE LA SOUL SPEAK TO THE FLYER ABOUT COMMUNITY, THE SOUTH, AND MARCHING ON.
RESERVOIR
PHOTO: COURTESY RESERVOIR MEDIA
H
October 1-7, 2026
earing De La Soul’s Kelvin Mercer, aka Posdnuos, and Vincent Mason, aka Maseo, talk about growing up in the ’70s and ’80s will certainly make you rethink their stomping grounds of the Bronx, Brooklyn, and Long Island, but also the South. Beyond mere geography, there were elements of a Southern state of mind in and around that hotbed of hiphop innovation that came to be known as “Strong Island.” It has come up in these pages before, when the Flyer interviewed another Strong Islander, Chuck D of Public Enemy, who spoke of his scholarly immersion in Memphis history and the Stax and Sun labels. Now, with De La Soul about to appear at the Mempho Music Festival on Saturday, October 10th, at Memphis Botanic Garden, the weird ley lines binding Northern hiphop and its pioneering Native Tongues movement to the South are revealing themselves once more. We delve into 10 it as I speak with both Posdnuos and Maseo in a recent Zoom meeting.
Pass the Soppin’ Biscuits It turns out that Posdnuos, who mainly grew up on Long Island, spent many a summer at his grandfather’s farm in Georgia. That may have even influenced his playful tongue-twisting moniker, a backward spelling of his earlier teenaged DJ name, Sound Sop, as in sopping up the last of a meal from your plate, but sonically — a new twist on a very down-home idea. It was an idea he identified with, as Posdnuos explains in our conversation: “I was proud I was from New York, but I took pride in my family as well. I brought this cotton back from my grandfather’s field, and people would be so mesmerized. Or, ‘Yeah, this is corn from my grandfather’s field.’ Like, I would have all this stuff with me, and you know, he paid us. “We worked on his farm. We chopped weeds out of his crops, and he paid us weekly. I was making money, and I could buy my own school clothes. And the other kids were like, ‘Wow, Kelvin!’ Like, you know, this was kind
“Your mind was meant to make use of itself.” — Posdnuos of unheard-of to them. So, [being connected to Georgia] was something to be proud of, and something that I felt like, wow, I was blessed to be a part of that. Yeah, even at that early age.” Given De La Soul’s celebration of refreshingly blunt New York dialects and attitudes in their music, it all seems a little ironic, but really, you see aftershocks of the Great Migration ebbing and flowing everywhere, once you
look. Just as Mississippi blues informed the music of Chicago a generation earlier, Black families that continued moving north through the 1970s brought the best of Southern culture with them. Think of Run-D.M.C.’s “It’s Christmastime in Hollis, Queens/Mom’s cookin’ chicken and collard greens.” And, speaking recently with Questlove on his podcast, Maseo noted that, when moving to Long Island after a youth in Brooklyn, his newly adopted home “felt country. It felt very Southern … like you were going down South. That’s what Long Island used to feel like.” De La Family Values All of which underscores another traditional value behind De La Soul’s spirit, the value of family. Posdnuos explains, “Anything I needed to try to get myself out of, or get myself into, I would just think, ‘Okay, well, how would my brother do this? How would my father do that? What would my mother tell me to do or not to do?’ I just had this really large community around me of uncles, aunts, and cousins, because both my parents came from like a family of 13 siblings. I mean, family was always around. “And you know the music, it was beautiful. The church music, going to church every Sunday, just viewing how my parents viewed the world. All that was a part of where I pulled from when it was about performing stories, lyrics, and creativity. We were from that era of thinking your mind was meant to make use of itself. You had to go around with your brothers and be this superhero, or make this thing up in your head. So all that really helped me when it came down to making up different things to talk about within hip-hop.” “At the same time,” adds Maseo, who had run with a rougher crowd in Brooklyn before moving to Long Island, “I didn’t have big brothers. I’m the oldest. So there was also a lot of vulnerability there, ’cause I had no one to run home to. There’s a precedent set with people who have big families, brothers and sisters. There’s always a thought in the bully’s mind that somebody’s big brother might come out of the woodwork, you know?” “And,” Posdnuos adds, “Mase can definitely attest to how, just being a certain age and then moving to Long Island, people your age will feel like, ‘Oh, this dude may think that we’re country and we gotta show him we’re not. We gotta show this Brooklyn dude!’ He, I’m sure, went through a lot of that.” Posdnuos notes that Long Island wasn’t all suburban peace and harmony. “Me and Mase were both very educated guys, but we knew street dudes, and what was cool about hip-hop then was, like, the street dude along with the nerd dude could still love the same music. We could both love Stetsasonic.
PHOTO: COURTESY RESERVOIR MEDIA
OG De La: Maseo, Posdnuos, and the late Dave, aka Trugoy the Dove So when we were trying to figure out what we as De La Soul were gonna do, even though it didn’t have necessarily gangster themes, there were still people around us who sold drugs, and could be cool with us.” “You know, I can honestly just speak for the era that we grew up in,” Maseo adds, “when you got involved in something that looked positive in the community, and it looked like it could get you out of the community, the real street cats would encourage you. Like, ‘Don’t come around here. Go do that. Get out!’”
continued on page 12
PHOTOS: COURTESY RESERVOIR MEDIA
De La today. “Cabin Cabin in the Sky is phenomenal,” says MAD. “Not just like, ‘Oh, it’s cool that they’re still around.’”
COVER STORY m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m
Bringing It All Back Home Beyond the tensions of family values versus the mean streets of Long Island, what’s truly inspiring is how, once De La Soul hit it big with their 1989 debut, 3 Feet High and Rising, their mode of expression was carried back down South. And that spoke to a young Memphian named James Dukes, who would later be known as IMAKEMADBEATS (aka MAD) and found the collective dubbed UNAPOLOGETIC. “If I was to say what had the first UNAPOLOGETIC energy, it might be De La Soul,” MAD says. “Or someone in the Native Tongues gathering. Also, when I got into [the De La Soul album] Buhloone Mindstate and then eventually Stakes Is High, the next album, which was the game-changer for me, at the same time, my mom was living in Long Island. So we were riding bikes in the summertime, visiting my mom, listening to De La Soul! I had been to the five boroughs and all that, but when my mom moved to Long Island, De La Soul became the soundtrack to us discovering places like Amityville, Hempstead, all these different neighborhoods and areas out there.” Moreover, he says, the group’s “skits
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continued from page 11 and comedy and quirkiness and different personalities at the time were rare in hip-hop.” The artistic territory De La Soul carved out for themselves, embracing humor, vulnerability, and just plain silliness, made a huge impression on the future IMAKEMADBEATS. When I observe that there might be a shortage of humor or fun in today’s hiphop, MAD is quick to agree. “What you said is a fact. You know, I get it. We’re in an interesting time now. This ain’t the late ’80s. Terminator 3 is about to happen. But I can’t tell you how many times I’ve told my team, ‘We will never let skits die, never!’ We want our music to represent us, right? Like, authentically, who we are, what we go through. And truth be told, most of the time when we’re together, we’re laughing and joking. I think it’s incredibly important to be who we really are in our music, and you know, De La Soul just embodied that.” At the same time, MAD cites the De La Soul album Stakes Is High as his favorite precisely because the group struck a new balance between their humor and their realism. Hearing it for the first time, “I remember feeling like, okay, I can hear the tide kind of change,” he says. “These guys are getting a little bit more serious. But then, also, I felt like I heard them realize that
that was happening, and then be like, ‘Nah, there’s still a lot of fun in us.’ You know what I’m saying?” That’s not to say that De La Soul can’t relate to the grimmer side of hiphop, especially those sounds of trap and crunk that the Bluff City is known for. As Maseo says, “That darker sound developed in Memphis because Memphis has for eons been a very dark place. And [Memphis rappers] only can speak on what they encounter, and apply their critical thinking to what they’re going through and how they circumvent it. And they do it in a very poetic way. I always loved what came out of Memphis. First of all, I’m a DJ. So what moves the crowd moves me. I like to see the beauty of how people react to this genre that came out of ashes.” Out of the Ashes In celebrating his love of De La Soul, MAD references the many past epiphanies they inspired, like his first awareness of producers like J Dilla or Prince Paul. (“Everywhere Prince Paul goes, it’s gonna be a world. He doesn’t get mentioned enough.”) But he’s also quick to point out the genius of their 2025 album, Cabin in the Sky. “The latest album, the one that just dropped, is phenomenal,” says MAD. “Not just awesome like, ‘Oh, it’s cool that they’re still around.’ No. If they dropped this album
15 years ago, I would still be like, this album is amazing. And if you just hit play on it, the very first thing you hear, the intro, is something that sounds like it could have come straight off of 3 Feet High and Rising, you know?” Yet that intro may also cause you to tear up a bit. It’s the perfect blend of the group’s humor and gravitas in equal measure, as, throughout the album, the group takes stock of growing older with all its tragedies, staying healthy, and soldiering on as artists after one of their comrades has fallen. “Often the real true soldiers just don’t get that shine like they should,” says a soundbite from Dave Jolicoeur, aka Trugoy the Dove, the missing third of De La Soul, on the topic of hiphop lifers “staying true to that magic.” Hearing his voice at the end of “YUHDONTSTOP,” the first track on the album, is haunting: It’s the group’s first album since Jolicoeur’s death in 2023. Yet hearing Trugoy’s voice throughout the album is a welcome sign that De La Soul are, in true De La fashion, confronting his death bluntly, summoning all their wit and soul to lyrically deal with both loss and the lingering presence of loved ones who have moved on. Amid unexpected (even for De La Soul) orchestral passages deftly cribbed from Ahmad Jamal and a very Isaac Hayes-inspired record by Living Jazz, the
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October 1-7, 2026
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remaining voices of De La Soul, Posdnuos and Maseo, summon their missing third brother in the appropriately titled “YUHDONTSTOP,” announcing, “And remember, when it’s Pos and Maseo you see, the magic will always remain three,” affirming that, even now, “(3 Is) The Magic Number” before Maseo adds, on a forward-thinking note, “But tell yourself, I’m staying true to myself.” He could have been singing those lines to himself and Posdnuos while they march into the future as hip-hop’s truest lifers, still committed to what they hail in the song’s call and response as “Art Official Intelligence, or simply, AOI/No doubt, and we are still making art/That will forever remain official and filled with intelligence.” Or, as Posdnuos rhymes: I keep moving at my best Cindy said, ‘If y’all stop, then Dave stops’ And that wouldn’t be the sure shot So we keep implementing that gift The D.A.I.S.Y. age lift, Cracker Jack box, scratch, sniff Graveyard shift, studio cooks Up from out of the dens of the crooks Who converted to a better way And have their own inner voice ready for when the day Come out dry, we more than meets the eye. “Yeah,” he adds at the end, “’cause there’s high stakes being played around the world.”
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October 1-7, 2026
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his year’s Best of Memphis party was held September 23rd at Loflin Yard. Attendees got to meet this year’s winners and hear Black Cream and Star & Micey. Special thanks to our platinum sponsors: De La Belle Wellness & Spa, Orion Financial, and Southland Casino Hotel; our cup sponsor: Pink Flamingo Catering & Events; our gold sponsors: Complete Home Services, Dobbs Brothers Chevrolet, Downtown Memphis Commission, Henry Turley Company, Pavo Salon & Spa, Sufi’s Mediterranean Grill, and 1776 Men’s Grooming; and our lanyard sponsor: Huey’s.
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(top left to right) Jeremy Jones, Kym Clark, Jonathan Knox; Willie and Jordan Foster (circle) Lorne Green (left) Salon 387
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(above left to right) Alex Greene, Courtnee Wall, Samuel X. Cicci; Khang Nguyen, Margaret Tong, Austin Wood, William Tong, pup Courgeous Tong (left) Star & Micey (right) Paula Raiford (below left to right)Nick Angelo, Katie Bray, Alex Gephart; Ward Archer (bottom row left to right) Hal and Kim Lovett, Nick Scott; Ryan and Crissy Ross, Kristin Pawlowski, Jeffrey Goldberg, Margie Neal
CONTINUED ON PAGE 16
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15
(above left to right) Karen Perrin, Ron Olson; Henry Turley and Wanda Shea; Christopher Champlain and Shara Clark; Jerred Price and Hunter Mathis (left) Jack Berry, Carmen Monet, Dora Shafer CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
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Mavis Staples
SATURDAY | OCTOBER 24
Tickets are on sale at gpacweb.com Germantown Performing Arts Center 1801 Exeter Rd. Germantown | 901-751-7500
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SATURDAY | OCTOBER 17
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16
(above left to right) Lizz Long and Rodger Goodrum; Peyton Chancey, Ben Weir; Laura Jean Hocking and Chris McCoy; Rabiya and Sardar Khan (left) Schuyler O’Brien, Cole Jeanes, Harrison Downing, Eric Vernon, Boula Baskhairoun CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
October 1-7, 2026
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East Memphis • Collierville Memphis-Lakeland Snowden Grove • Midtown Memphis
B y K r y s t i o n Pe g u e s
PHOTO: YVONNE GOUGELET
Hannibal Buress returns to Memphis.
As a comedian, actor, writer, and musician, Hannibal Buress wears many hats in the entertainment industry. Performing on stage is where he prefers to be. It requires him to be quick-witted and to build momentum, regardless of how the audience may react. But he also appreciates how being on camera can reach people at different stages of life, even years from now. “It gets a different life and a new base [on screen],” Buress says, “and people find out about something years later and can start going on a wormhole from there and discovering other things.” It’s helped him to understand the importance of branching out into different avenues to express his art. Starting at 19 and now 43 years old, most of Buress’ life has revolved around entertainment. “As an artist, I’ve evolved through performing and trying different things through TV, film, writing, and traveling,” he says. “You just try to get better and learn and figure out how to keep it fresh and … have fun and enhance the show.” Each medium in which he works requires a new element from him. Prepping for live shows looks different every time because he doesn’t do the same thing before each one. “I did a vocal warm-up in the car in Fresno, and … I could tell the difference in how my performance was,” he says. And he has a unique writing style, speaking his ideas into voice notes. “Writing is just sometimes talking into the phone and getting the idea out like that,” Buress says. “I sometimes [have] an internal conflict. Should I be writing on paper and recording audio at the same time to get it in both formats? Because what if I write it down, but then I don’t capture how I want to say it or how I was saying it in my head when I thought of it? Did I document what I’m trying to do in the most effective way?” Buress makes music as his alter ego, Eshu Tune. It’s his way of “trying to create a different world,” and, he says, Hannibal the comedian and Eshu the musician are “compartmentalized” differently in his mind. “Eshu is upbeat,” he says. “There’s some reflection, but there’s more fun in an Eshu show.” As Hannibal, he finds himself being more cynical, dark, and “at times, long-winded.” Buress’ parents’ families are from the Mississippi Delta, so Memphis was never too far for him to make connections and friendships through the years. “Memphis is dope,” he says. “I’m looking forward to just having a good show. Maybe I’ll DJ somewhere. Get some good food.” Fans will experience some of Buress’ polished comedic material with some new ideas thrown into the mix. Fatherhood, gambling, music, and other topics are part of the act on this tour. “I’m feeling in pretty good shape, comedically,” Buress says. “It’s going to be a good time.” HANNIBAL BURESS, CROSSTOWN THEATER, 1350 CONCOURSE AVE., SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4, 7 P.M., $35-$52.
VARIOUS DAYS & TIMES October 1st - 7th Reading and Book Signing with Joseph Coulson: The Prince of Memphis Burke’s Book Store, Thursday, October 1, 5:30 p.m. Enjoy this reading and book signing with Joseph Coulson, author of The Prince of Memphis. The novel follows Aron Beale, the unacknowledged son of Elvis Presley and a Black mother, whose plan to publish a revealing memoir draws the attention of lawyers, religious fanatics, and others determined to silence him. When a young journalist, Odelia Jane Phillips, discovers Aron’s decades-old hit song “Midnight Candy,” the two embark on a love affair and a shared mission to uncover the forces working against him.
Mistletoe Merchants Agricenter International, Friday, October 2-Sunday, October 4, Opens at 9 a.m. each day Mistletoe Merchants returns this year for three days of holiday shopping featuring nearly 200 merchants offering unique, one-of-a-kind gifts, holiday décor, clothing, gourmet treats, handmade goods and more. The event includes special experiences such as Margaritas & Mistletoe on Friday evening and Muffins & Mimosas on Saturday morning, along with door prizes, a photo booth, food, and package check services. John Crist Live Orpheum Theatre, Sunday, October 4, 7 p.m. Comedian John Crist brings his tour to the Orpheum Theatre for an evening of stand-up comedy and
viral sketches. Known for his sharp wit and tactfully unhinged humor, Crist has amassed more than 1 billion video views and 8 million followers and consistently ranks among Pollstar’s Top 10 Global Touring Comedians. Campfires & Cocktails Memphis Botanic Garden, Saturday, October 3, 6:30 p.m. Kick off fall at the Memphis Botanic Garden with this cozy evening featuring seasonal drinks, live music from Short in the Sleeve, and fireside favorites. Roast a hot dog, build the perfect s’more, enjoy hands-on activities, and relax around the campfire with friends. Tickets include two drink tickets, a hot dog and chips, and s’mores fixings. Vegan and vegetarian options are available. Must be 21+ to attend.
2026
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JOHN WAITE
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John Waite brings his dynamic, genre-defying music to BPACC! From his beginnings as lead singer and bassist of The Babys, Waite emerged as a formidable talent with a larger-than-life stage presence and impressive vocal range. His work as lead singer of supergroup Bad English, & as a successful solo artist, display his ability to cross genres & channel emotion into his songwriting, creating expressive — and enduring — hits like the chart-topping WHEN I SEE YOU SMILE — EVERYTIME I THINK OF YOU — MISSING YOU. Experience unforgettable power ballads from across his storied career. Rock Icon, John Waite, only at BPACC!
m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m
OCTOBER 9 – 7:30P.M.
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MUSIC By Andria Lisle
Dave Soldier Derails Your Musical Expectations The Kropotkins’ co-founder brings a wildly eclectic lineup and his LeWitt Etudes to The Green Room.
D
October 1-7, 2026
ave Soldier has made music with elephants and bonobos, collaborated with Kurt Vonnegut, Sun Ra Arkestra saxophonist and de facto bandleader Marshall Allen, and long-dead multihyphenate Johannes Kepler, played with Bo Diddley and Velvet Underground cofounder John Cale, and spent decades treating the borders between classical, punk, blues, jazz, and experimental music as if they were merely suggestions. Soldier, as David Sulzer, is also a neuroscientist and professor at Columbia University Medical Center, where he’s spent decades making significant contributions to the study of the brain. And one of the stranger chapters in his musical life happened right here in Memphis, with John Cale, Michael Jackson, Billy Ray Cyrus, and Jerry Lee Lewis all playing supporting roles. In October 1994, Soldier backed Cale on a deliberately stark, almost funereal rendition of “Heartbreak Hotel” at the Pyramid during Elvis: The Tribute Concert, a spectacularly overstuffed Elvis extravaganza watched by some 80 million television viewers. Backstage, Michael Jackson swept through the green room, sending everyone, including Tony Bennett and Mavis Staples, scrambling to clear the way while Cale and Iggy Pop chatted casually in a corner. Then, when Jackson tried to make his getaway, his limo got a flat. As the credits rolled, Billy Ray Cyrus handed Soldier a toddler-aged Miley to hold. Priscilla Presley punctuated the bizarreness of the experience by giving Soldier, Aaron Neville, and Eddie Rabbitt a private tour of Graceland. And then there was the Killer. “He was an older guy, but he looked mean,” Soldier recalls. “I didn’t wanna mess with him.” Lewis’ performance was astonishing. “Scarier than any punk rocker,” Soldier says. The concert itself was pure Hollywood. Afterward, Soldier went to the Castalia Heights juke joint Green’s Lounge, where he heard something closer to the Memphis music he’d been looking for. That makes more sense when you 24 know where Soldier comes from.
“‘Weird’ is a just nervous way to describe something brilliant and unique.” — Dave Soldier
PHOTO: CARLTON BRIGHT AND AMANDA SHAPERSON
Dave Soldier and an eclectic ensemble will be playing The Green Room at Crosstown Arts, composing new music in the moment. He was raised just upriver in Carbondale, Illinois, listening to Isaac Hayes and other Memphis music. Later in his youth, he joined Bo Diddley’s band in Gainesville, Florida. “It’s not foreign to me,” he says of R&B, soul, and the blues. “It’s part of the language I grew up with.” Eventually that language found its way into The Kropotkins, the Memphis-centric band Soldier cofounded with New York no-wave composer and drummer Jonathan Kane. The band’s unlikely origins included a Japanese street band Soldier encountered in Stuttgart, Germany, playing Bill Monroestyle bluegrass, and a visit to the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., where he discovered the music of North Mississippi hill country bandleader Sid Hemphill. Hemphill’s instrumentation included banjo, bass drum, and snare. “I wouldn’t have thought to put those instruments together,” Soldier says. “I thought the banjo wouldn’t work. I heard Hemphill and thought, wow, sure, it works beautifully.” That’s his specialty: hearing a combination that shouldn’t work, then wondering why it wouldn’t. Soldier met guitarist and singer Lorette Velvette through a chance
introduction by Gary Hardy at Sun Studio. “I wanted someone who could understand those traditions while pushing them forward and backward at the same time into science fiction, West African music, Irish music, and whatever else might fit,” he says. “That was Lorette.” He started working with her and The Kropotkins in the mid-’90s, and the band even made a pilgrimage to Otha Turner’s farm around then. For a time, Velvet Underground drummer Moe Tucker was in the group. On Friday, October 2nd, Soldier returns to Memphis with another improbable collision: a performance with Velvette and keyboardist Alex Greene, both Kropotkins veterans; percussionist Ra Kalam Bob Moses, who moved to Memphis in 2021; saxophonists Art Edmaiston and Chad Fowler; hill country blues guitarist Garry Burnside; harmonica player Yella P; tuba player Sean Murphy; Andre Turner’s fife and drum trio, the Otha Turner Boys; and Soldier on violin. Greene, who assembled the band with input from Soldier, played on an earlier interpretation of the LeWitt Etudes recorded in New York, released on Mahakala Music. “One thing I’ve found is that if you get good musicians together from
different backgrounds, everyone wants to make the best music they can,” Soldier says. This is the thinking behind Soldier’s LeWitt Etudes, musical compositions inspired by conceptual artist Sol LeWitt’s wall drawings. LeWitt supplied instructions for drawings that could be realized in innumerable ways, depending on the artists carrying them out. Soldier has applied the concept to music. His LeWitt Etudes are designed for musicians from any tradition and any level of training, including none. There are no notes to read. The musicians get the instructions and figure out what happens next. “Whether they’re improvisers or non-improvisers, composers or non-composers, they become improvisers and composers,” he says. Soldier doesn’t particularly like the word “experimental.” What he wants is for musicians to surprise one another. “Derail, of course,” he says when asked whether he wants collaborators to stick to his plan. “The point of collaboration is … other people would do what you wouldn’t have done or even thought of.” For Memphis, he wants “some of the sounds I associate with the North Mississippi hill country and Memphis and Chicago blues, which came out of Memphis anyways.” Soldier also objects to the word “weird,” an adjective I borrowed from the storied music critic Greil Marcus. “We could talk about them being ‘weird’ or being ‘sui generis,’” he says of North Mississippi blues masters R.L. Burnside and Junior Kimbrough. “‘Weird’ is just a nervous way to describe something brilliant and unique.” Fair enough. That may be the best way to approach Soldier’s music, too. He gives musicians a framework, gets out of the way, and sees what they do with it. After all, as Soldier puts it, musicians are like songbirds. “The same way that if you’re a bird, you just sing,” he says. “That’s your job.” Dave Soldier and ensemble will perform selections from The LeWitt Etudes: Memphis at the Green Room at Crosstown Arts at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 2nd.
2026
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AFTER DARK: Live Music Schedule October 1 - 7 progressive rock, funk, jazz, metal, and improvisational jam-band elements into intricate, high-energy performances. Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m.
Oct. 1, 7 p.m. GRIND CITY AMP
Ashton Riker & The Memphis Royals Thursday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
Baunie and Soul
Bringing soulful rhythms of music to life. Sunday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m. RUM BOOGIE CAFE
The B.B. King’s Blues Club Allstar Band
Friday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. | Monday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
Benton Parker
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m. TIN ROOF
Brad Birkedahl
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. BLUES CITY CAFE
Buddy Albert Nemenz
Playing tunes on guitar. Monday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. SILKY O’SULLIVAN’S
Computermane
Thursday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. TIN ROOF
Bryson Tiller: The Neo Trapsoul Tour
Coming to audiences with trap soul — a blend of contemporary R&B, hip-hop, and trap music. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7:30 p.m.
SILKY O’SULLIVAN’S
David Ingle
One man piano show. Sunday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. SILKY O’SULLIVAN’S
DJ Bori
Keepin’ the dance floor movin’. Friday, Oct. 2, 10:30 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 10:30 p.m. TIN ROOF
Eric Hughes
Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. RUM BOOGIE CAFE
Flick’s Picks Band
Saturday, Oct. 3, 4 p.m. | Sunday, Oct. 4, 2 p.m. B.B. KING’S BLUES CLUB
FreeWorld
Sunday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m. BLUES CITY CAFE
October 1-7, 2026
Rockin 88’s
Monday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m. BLUES CITY CAFE
A soulful Sunday gathering blending gospel and jazz. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2 p.m.
CENTER FOR SOUTHERN FOLKLORE
The Avett Brothers
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With the Drive-By Truckers. These two celebrated Americana and Southern rock acts come together for one unforgettable night. Thursday,
Alex Greene & friends welcome Dave Soldier.
Finding PBS in a Haystack
Join The Peter Blunt System for a night of high-energy alternative rock, grunge, and hard-hitting favorites at The Haystack Cafe. Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m.
Tamar Love
THE HAYSTACK
Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. SOUTH MAIN SOUNDS
Undertale: The Determination Symphony
The Determination Symphony is an unforgettable concert experience featuring the most memorable themes from the hit indie game, newly arranged and performed live by a 25-piece orchestra. Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. GRIND CITY AMP
Amy Grant and Mac McAnally
In concert at the Graceland Soundstage. Friday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. GRACELAND
Dale Watson Birthday Bash nificant impact on the global stage. Friday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m.
atmospheric elements. Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m.
Dave Soldier with Alex Greene & Friends
The Long Play - The Cure
GROWLERS
The Debbie Jamison Band Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m. NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
Elmo & the Shades
Featuring Eddie Harrison. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
John Williams & the A440 Band
John Williams & the A440 Band. Thursday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. NEIL’S MUSIC ROOM
Van Duren
The singer/songwriter performs solo. Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m. MORTIMER’S
Zazerak Soul Jazz Trio Saturday, Oct. 3, 8:30 p.m. BOG & BARLEY
An eclectic ensemble, including Ra-Kalam Bob Moses and North Mississippi players, will co-compose selections from Soldier’s LeWitt Etudes. Friday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. THE GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN ARTS
Devil Train
Thursday, Oct. 1, 9 p.m. B-SIDE
Drake White
With Bella McCormick. Friday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. MINGLEWOOD HALL
Earl Hondo
Conscious hip-hop, alternative rap, and indie R&B, pairing introspective lyrics with laidback, atmospheric production and melodic grooves. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m. GROWLERS
Fox N’ Vead Afterlife
Also with Afterlife, Stray View, Taken By Tides, and Collective Dust. Friday, Oct. 2, 3 p.m. GROWLERS
Bay Street
First Sunday Gospel and Jazz Jam Munch
PHOTO: COURTESY CROSSTOWN ARTS
MAIN STREET MALL
TIN ROOF
RUM BOOGIE CAFE
MINGLEWOOD HALL
Whether you’re grabbing coffee, shopping local, or meeting friends for dinner, you’ll be greeted with the sounds of Memphis along the way. Thursday, Oct. 1, 11:30 a.m. | Friday, Oct. 2, 11:30 a.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 11:30 a.m. | Wednesday, Oct. 7, 11:30 a.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3, 3 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 5, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m.
Main Street Sounds
Hunter Creed
Red Thomas
Xavier Wulf - The Cool World Tour
FEDEXFORUM
Danny Childers
Dueling pianos with Danny Childers. Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m.
SATELLITE MUSIC HALL
With Ruined God, and Bath Salt Munchies. Sunday, Oct. 4, 8 p.m. HI TONE
Bayway
With Cold Steel, Two Piece, Load Tha Nine, and Aversive Control. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. MINGLEWOOD HALL
Convictions - The Horizon We Seek Tour Hailing from Fremont, OH, the five-piece metalcore act Convictions is making a sig-
Along with Taxi. Friday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. 1884 LOUNGE
Greyson Turner
With Tobias Lund and Rowdy. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 7 p.m. GROWLERS
Hidden Sixes
With Red Sun Sermon. Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. HI TONE
Keaton Adams
With The Eastwoods and Mike. Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m. GROWLERS
Listen Up Session - Will Presley Will Presley delivers a rockand-metal-infused sonic blend; encompassing heavy, progressive, acoustic, and
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
Enjoy this full-album listening series of Disintegration by The Cure. Saturday, Oct. 3, 3 p.m.
agrupación de estilo cumbia que lleva al escenario el ritmo, la alegria y la energia de la música latina. Saturday, Oct. 3, 7 p.m.
Celebrating Dale Watson’s birthday the best way we know how: with two live shows. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 8 p.m. | Wednesday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m.
Proving Ground
Dolly Parton Tribute Show
OVERTON PARK SHELL
Friday, Oct. 2, 9:30 p.m.
MEMPHIS LISTENING LAB
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Machinetown
Pulse (Pink Floyd Tribute)
Friday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m.
LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Modern Jazz Masters: Troy Roberts with the Ted Ludwig Trio
Embracing his love for a vast variety of stylistic genres, three-time Grammy nominated saxophonist, Troy Roberts, is quickly becoming one of the most widely recorded touring artists of his time. Saturday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. THE GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN ARTS
The Mystic
So, what is The Mystic? The Mystic is a catalyst; through music, story, silence and dialogue, it’s an event to strengthen your attachment to hopes and dreams. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m. THE GREEN ROOM AT CROSSTOWN ARTS
Orion Financial Free Concert Series: Drivin N Cryin
Drivin N Cryin is an Atlantabased Southern rock band known for its blend of rock, country, folk, and punk influences. Friday, Oct. 2, 7 p.m. OVERTON PARK SHELL
Orion Financial Free Concert Series: Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Los Kumbia Brotherz Originarios de la Ciudad de México y con presencia en Memphis, Los Kumbia Brotherz son una
Sunday, Oct. 4, 5 p.m. LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Punchis Punchis: Banda Rave Experience Friday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. SATELLITE MUSIC HALL
Sarah Spain Acoustic Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m. LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
The Satin Hour
Come experience The Satin Hour, a celebration of music, creativity, and the artists shaping Memphis. Saturday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m.
HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
Memphis’ own Alexis Grace will take the stage to pay tribute to Dolly through the music that touched generations. Saturday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m. HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
Joecephus & The George Jonestown Massacre
Joecephus & The George Jonestown Massacre play gritty, riff-heavy Southern rock that blends outlaw country, punk, blues, hard rock, and stoner-rock influences. Friday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m. HERNANDO’S HIDE-A-WAY
GROWLERS
Seeing Red
Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 p.m. LAFAYETTE’S MUSIC ROOM
Shell on Wheels: Evergreen Street Fair
Shell on Wheels is hitting the road for a full morning of family-friendly fun as the inaugural Evergreen Street Fair takes over Overton Park Avenue. Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. OVERTON PARK AVENUE
Subteens
With Deaf Revival, Ryan Kidd & the Kobras, Armed Spiders. Friday, Oct. 2, 9 p.m. HI TONE
The Sweet Kill
On their U.S. fall tour. Sunday, Oct. 4, 8 p.m. HI TONE
Umphrey’s McGee
Umphrey’s McGee blends
Concerts in The Grove: Southbound Southbound brings the unmistakable spirit of Memphis to every stage with a high-energy blend of Southern rock, country, blues, and crowdfavorite classics that will have every audience member on their feet. Thursday, Oct. 1, 6:30 p.m. THE GROVE AT GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Lakecia Benjamin
Lakecia Benjamin is a six-time Grammy-nominated, New York-based saxophonist, arranger, composer, and educator whose masterful sound offers a unique meld of R&B, several strains of jazz, and funk. Saturday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m. GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
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CALENDAR of EVENTS: October 1 - 7, 2026 AR TS AND S P ECIAL E X H IBITS
“A Bend in the River”
With a focus on the early history of Memphis, when it was viewed as a frontier flatboat town, the gallery will explore the founding of Memphis in 1819 up to the “Flatboat Rebellion” of 1842. Through Oct. 25. PINK PALACE MUSEUM & MANSION
“An Investment in Pleasure: Fifty Years of the Dixon Gallery and Gardens Collection”
When Margaret and Hugo Dixon amassed their collection, it included works by Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, and Henri Matisse as “an investment in pleasure,” something to uplift and inspire them each day. Through Jan. 10. DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
“Beyond the Battlefield: Collierville’s VFW Post 5066 & Auxiliary” Stepping far beyond the front lines, this exhibition honors a nearly century-long legacy of local veterans who transitioned from serving their country to anchoring their community. Through Nov. 21. TOWN OF COLLIERVILLE MORTON MUSEUM
Emily Leonard: “Prairie”
Throughout “Prairie,” Leonard’s compositions move between moments of openness and areas of dense activity. Through Oct. 10. DAVID LUSK GALLERY
“From the Bluff to the Park: The Metal Museum’s Collection Through Time”
The first major exhibition in the Metal Museum’s new home, this exhibition traces the history and evolution of the museum’s collections, from the Metal Museum’s founding in 1979 to its expansion. Through March 21.
October 1-7, 2026
METAL MUSEUM AT OVERTON PARK
Jimmy Crosthwait: “Medallions, Magic, and Micro-Worlds”
Exhibition of artwork by Jimmy Crosthwait, that includes artwork created by pen and ink, as well as with beeswax, enamel print, alcohol links on fiberboard, and more. Through Oct. 4. THE CIRCUIT PLAYHOUSE
John Robinette: “Delta Nights”
Robinette’s paintings are inspired by the Mississippi Delta. The images include old churches, water towers, and shacks that are slowly disappearing from the Delta. All paintings in the exhibition are night scenes. Through Nov. 2.
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GERMANTOWN PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
Send the date, time, place, cost, info, phone number, a brief description, and photos — two weeks in advance — to calendar@memphisflyer.com. DUE TO SPACE LIMITATIONS, ONGOING WEEKLY EVENTS WILL APPEAR IN THE FLYER’S ONLINE CALENDAR ONLY. FOR COMPREHENSIVE EVENTS LISTING, VISIT EVENTS.MEMPHISFLYER.COM/CAL. landscape of Memphis during the Civil War era. Thursday, Oct. 1, 5:30 p.m.
Justin Bowles: “L’Esprit”
Paintings, works on paper, and acrylic box assemblages by Justin Bowles. Her latest work culminates in a show entitled “L’Esprit,” a French word used not only for “spirit” but also for a certain vivaciousness or capacity for joy. Through Oct. 17.
BURKE’S BOOK STORE
COM M U N I T Y
Cooper-Young Night Out
Businesses and restaurants in Cooper-Young kick up the fun a notch with music at the gazebo, discounts on food and drinks, two for ones, sidewalk sales, retail bargains and events, trivia games, happy hours, open houses and art shows. Thursday, Oct. 1, 5 p.m.
SHAPESHIFTER ART SCHOOL & GALLERY
“Making an Impression”
The Dixon’s permanent collection includes inspiring works of art that show the talent and skill of hundreds of artists. To highlight their creative processes and chosen media, the Interactive Gallery presents this interactive exhibition. Through Jan. 10.
BURKE’S BOOK STORE
Fall Plant Sale
Enjoy the last few days of the Fall Plant Sale at the Garden, where plant shopping meets expert advice. The garden’s plant pros are ready to help you pick winners for your yard, porch, patio, or windowsill. Free. Thursday, Oct. 1, 12 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m.
DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
Meredith Olinger: “On Repeat”
This show uses the language of pattern and surface to chart the domestic and intimate, taking inspiration from all aspects of life. Through Oct. 17.
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Mugs and Bookmarks Cozy Craft Night
SHAPESHIFTER ART SCHOOL & GALLERY
New Works by Lauren Cannon: “A merging”
A show of Memphis-based artist Lauren Cannon artworks that include oil paintings, encaustic techniques, resin, sculptural, and fiber arts. Her playfulness and storytelling often produce fascinating experimentations with light and layered color. Free. Through Nov. 2.
BUCKMAN PERFORMING AND FINE ARTS CENTER AT ST. MARY’S EPISCOPAL SCHOOL
“Nurses and Doctors”
Margaret Coleman made these drawings of Memphis healthcare workers in the late 1990’s. Coleman is a self-taught artist whose drawings and paintings are inspired by her life experience and surroundings. Through Oct. 3. TOPS GALLERY
Pat Patterson & Randy Parker Art Exhibition
A two-artist exhibition featuring Pat Patterson’s textured mixed-media landscapes and Randy Parker’s evocative watercolor paintings inspired by parks and everyday scenery. Through Nov. 30. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
“Paul R. Williams: American Architect”
This exhibit is devoted to Paul R. Williams, the Black architect known as the “Architect to the Hollywood Stars,” who designed the original St. Jude Children’s Memorial Hospital and influenced the decision that it be free to all. Through Oct. 10. THE ART MUSEUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
PHOTO: COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
Thistle by Emily Leonard is on display in her show, “Prairie,” at the David Lusk Gallery. Photographs by David Horan An exhibition bringing together a career spanning selections of Horan’s work. Through Oct. 10.
THE ART MUSEUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS
“Seams”
Organized by Metal Museum apprentices Alexandra Rose and Nina Yao, this exhibition features a range of multimedia work by Metal Museum staff from across the museum’s departments. Through Oct. 17. CLOUGH-HANSON GALLERY
“Strike! Pour! Create!”: Works by Metal Museum Apprentices
A showcase of the work of 20+ apprentices that have lived, worked, and learned at the museum since the program’s founding. Through Jan. 31. METAL MUSEUM AT OVERTON PARK
The Third Hand Group Exhibition
This group show examines creativity and its relationship to identity through figurative representation. These relationships are explored by 12 artists through paintings, drawings, ceramics, and installation. Through Oct. 16. URBAN ART COMMISION
Hughes Art Show
Dr. Hughes is a nationally awarded wildlife painter and carver, has had his work on the cover of, or in, over 40 publications, has won numerous competitions, and all of his 50 limited edition prints have sold out. Free. Through Oct. 26. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
“80 Exhibitions, 18 Years”
An anniversary exhibition featuring recent work by more than 60 Memphis-area artists, celebrating 18 years and 80 exhibitions in the Dixon’s Mallory and Wurtzburger Galleries. Through Jan. 3. DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
A R T HA P P E N I N G S
Artist Reception: Hughes Art Show
Enjoy this artist reception for Dr. Hughes, a nationally awarded wildlife painter and carver. Free. Sunday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Jazz, Jewels & Fine Art Showcase
Join the Pearls of Service Foundation for an unforgettable evening of elegance, culture, and creativity. $45-$50. Saturday, Oct. 3, 4 p.m. WATERKOLOURS FINE ART GALLERY
BOOK E V E N TS
Dixon Club de lectura (Spanish Book Club)
Este club de lectura del Dixon les invita a compartir sus experiencias de lectura en
español a través del título seleccionado del mes. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m. DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
Freida McFadden Book Release Party: The Witch
The Witch by Freida McFadden follows a woman who moves into a seemingly idyllic town, only to uncover dark secrets and a sinister truth lurking beneath its surface. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m. NOVEL
Living History Lab: Meet Author Elaine Blanchard
At this open session, guests can meet Elaine Blanchard as she discusses her recent publications, her activist work, and the life experiences that inspire her writing. Thursday, Oct. 1, 12 p.m. TOWN OF COLLIERVILLE MORTON MUSEUM
Quinn Connor: Your Beloved Remains
As fascination turns to obsession, two women drag each other into an academic horror story of forgery, murder, and rage, destined to be devoured by readers of Plain Bad Heroines and If We Were Villains. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. NOVEL
Reading and Book Signing with Joseph Coulson: The Prince of Memphis The Prince of Memphis by Joseph Coulson is a historical novel that follows a young man navigating love, ambition, and the turbulent social
Paint a mug and make a bookmark. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6 p.m. MINGLEWOOD HALL
Photography Night
Bring your favorite camera, or just your phone, and take all the photos you like while the sun sets at Elmwood Cemetery. Free. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 4:30 p.m. ELMWOOD CEMETERY
Project Green Fork Presents Reharvest Memphis
Come and experience Reharvest Memphis, a culinary experience to rethink food waste. $80. Thursday, Oct. 1, 5:30 p.m. CROSSTOWN CONCOURSE
Reiki Share
Join for a two-hour Reiki Share, a gentle and supportive space where multiple Reiki practitioners come together to offer their skills in service of collective healing. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2 p.m. THE BROOM CLOSET
Senior Safari
Enjoy wandering through the Memphis Zoo while gathering valuable information from businesses serving mature Mid-Southerners. Enjoy live music in the pavilion. Presented by the Professional Network on Aging and the Memphis Zoo. Free. Thursday, Oct. 1, 9 a.m. MEMPHIS ZOO
Tom Lee’s Mississippi River Gumption Revival Lantern Parade Celebrate Tom Lee Day with a glowing lantern parade honoring the courage of the
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m
C A L E N DA R : O C T O B E R 1 - 7 , 2 0 2 6 continued from page 28 Memphis hero who rescued 32 people from the Mississippi River. Saturday, Oct. 3, 5 p.m. TOM LEE PARK
Weed Wrangle
Volunteers will learn different invasive and exotic plants removal methods through live demonstrations, and all tools will be provided. Free. Friday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
C L ASS / WOR KS HOP
Bramble & Broom: Dried Flower Brooms
Join farmer-florist Marisa Mender-Franklin for a 90-minute workshop where you will make your own dried flower broom. You’ll use dried flowers and foraged branches to make your own brooms and then will decorate them with ribbons and charms. Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m.
PHOTO: COURTESY QUINN CONNOR
“Quinn Connor” is “one pen in two hands,” the writing team of Robyn Barrow and Alex Cronin.
MIDTOWN BRAMBLE & BLOOM
Country Swing Dance Lessons
It’s never too late to start and a partner is not required to join the class. Friday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. WHISKEY JILL’S
Succulent Pumpkin Workshop
Join farmer-florist Marisa Mender-Franklin for a 60-minute workshop where you will get to create your own pumpkin decoration with live succulents. Sunday, Oct. 4, 2 p.m. MIDTOWN BRAMBLE & BLOOM
The Tingey Painting with Parkinsons Program (TINCAN™)
This free art therapy program supports people living with Parkinson’s. The weekly sessions encourage participants to freely explore art materials and work without interruption while listening to meditative music. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
October 1-7, 2026
Tree Stewards Class 2026
30
Instruction and outdoor learning will cover tree physiology, tree species identification, tree care, how trees support wildlife, the history of urban forestry, tree law for homeowners, arboretum requirements, and more. $120. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
COME DY
Crosstown Arts Presents: Hannibal Buress
Hannibal Buress is a powerhouse of comedy, television, and film. From writing for Saturday Night Live and 30 Rock to acting in blockbusters like Spider-Man, Buress has spent over 20 years cementing his status as an entertainment icon. Sunday, Oct. 4, 6:30 p.m. CROSSTOWN THEATER
John Crist Live
Combining sharp wit, tactfully-unhinged stand-up, and viral sketches, John Crist is one of today’s most distinctive, fastest-rising comedic voices. Sunday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m. ORPHEUM THEATRE
Laugh Box: Featuring Tracey Jay & Ricky Franklin
The Laugh Box is a weekly comedy showcase featuring multiple comedians and a diverse range of comedy styles, from sharp observations and storytelling to edgy stand-up and everything in between. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6:30 p.m. HATTILOO THEATRE
The Pit Comedy Club’s Thursday Showcase A weekly pop-up comedy club in the back of Flyway Brewing that showcases the funniest nationally touring and local comedians we can find every single Thursday night. Thursday, Oct. 1, 8 p.m. FLYWAY BREWING COMPANY
FAM I LY
All Your Friends
Led by Kristen Zemaitis, Caterpillar Club is one of the few preschool adventures in Memphis that gets your little one discovering nature, hands-on, in the great outdoors. $160. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m. | Wednesday, Oct. 7, 10 a.m. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
The Freedom Award Student Forum
The National Civil Rights Museum’s Freedom Award Student Forum connects students in grades 5 to12 with civil and human rights leaders through an in-person and live-streamed experience. Thursday, Oct. 1, 10 a.m. NATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS MUSEUM
The Maze
The Mid-South Maze is where fall traditions come
alive. Families wander the twists and turns, share s’mores by the bonfire, bounce across the jumping pillow, and test their aim and try their luck with the corn cannon. Thursday, Oct. 1-Wednesday, Oct. 7. AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL
Preschool Play-Along
For ages 2 to 5 years old, A-BCs are as easy as 1-2-3 when you attend this program specifically designed with stories, sing-alongs, and crafts all featuring the letter or number of the week. Thursday, Oct. 1, 10:30 a.m. GERMANTOWN COMMUNITY LIBRARY
Rhythm & Roots
Each week, students explore drumming, dance, teamwork, and creative expression in a safe and inspiring environment led by experienced instructors and mentors. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. MEMPHIS YOUTH ARTS INITIATIVE CENTER
Tunes and Tales with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra
Enjoy a special musical storytime with Tunes and Tales! Woodwind musicians from the Memphis Symphony Orchestra will bring the story to life with live music as we read Xander’s Panda by Linda Sue Park. Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. BENJAMIN L. HOOKS CENTRAL LIBRARY
FEST I VAL
Mid-South Fair
Enjoy rides and attractions galore, pig races, a petting zoo, a grizzly bear experience, circus shows, and live music. Thursday, Oct. 1, 4 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 2, 4 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 4 p.m. | Sunday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m. | Monday, Oct. 5, 4 p.m. | Tuesday, Oct. 6, 4 p.m. | Wednesday, Oct. 7, 4 p.m. LANDERS CENTER
Urban Earth’s Fall Flicker Fest
This festival is a celebration of the changing seasons, the hard work of the Urban Earth staff, and an appreciation for those who continue to beautify Memphis with their gardens. There will be live music, free pumpkin paint-
C A L E N DA R : O C T O B E R 1 - 7 , 2 0 2 6
V&E Artwalk Festival
Enjoy this event that brings together talented local artists and craftspeople who will be showcasing and selling their creations along the scenic trail at the Kirby Station House grounds, right at the corner of Tutwiler and Avalon. Free. Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. V&E GREENLINE
FIL M
17th Hispanic Film Festival: Soy Nevenka
Soy Nevenka screens at the University of Memphis as part of the 17th Hispanic Film Festival. Directed by Icíar Bollaín. Spanish with English subtitles. Free. Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m. UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS, UC 145
Albertine Cinémathèque French Film Festival - Closing Recpetion: The Mohican/Le Mohican
Closing reception of this film festival with a show of The Mohican/Le Mohican. Friday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m. BLOUNT AUDITORIUM
Crosstown Arts Film Series Presents: Sorcerer
William Friedkin’s Sorcerer follows four desperate men who risk their lives transporting unstable dynamite through treacherous South American jungle terrain. Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. CROSSTOWN THEATER
“Fright-Tober” Film Screening: Carnival of Souls Carnival of Souls is a 1962 psychological horror film about a young woman who survives a car accident and becomes haunted by a mysterious, pale figure as she is drawn toward an abandoned carnival. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 6:30 p.m. CROSSTOWN THEATER
Movie Night in the Park: GOAT
Bring your blankets, chairs, and the whole family for Movie Night in the Park
Zoo Boo is back on select nights throughout October to celebrate a fun Halloween season. hosted by Play Your Park! Saturday, Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m. NORTH FRASYER FRONT LAWN
Overton Square Fall Movie Series
Overton Square Fall Movie Nights are back! Enjoy a free screening in the courtyard for a free movie night. Bring your picnic blankets and folding chairs to enjoy this free, fun, and relaxing evening of cinema under the stars. Free. Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. OVERTON SQUARE
FO O D AN D D RIN K
Brewzle Old Dominick Distillery Takeover Whiskey enthusiasts gather at Old Dominick Distillery for an afternoon of tastings, tours, cocktails, food, giveaways, and an exclusive Brewzle single-barrel selection. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2 p.m.
Sweater Weather: Wine & Cheese Pairings
Enjoy this guided cheese tasting with expertly paired selections. Spend your evening learning about cheese in a fun, interactive setting. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. GREYS FINE CHEESES
Taste of the District
Taste of the District is back as the ultimate after-work stop in the heart of Memphis. Taste samples from dozens of food and beverage restaurants, food trucks, and bakeries offering delicious options from all over the world. $15-$30. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 4 p.m. MEDICAL DISTRICT PARK
HE A LT H A N D F I T N E SS
Fright and Flight 5K
The Fright and Flight 5k is a Halloween event that takes place at Shelby Farms. This year, the goal is to raise enough funds to be able to have some left over, which Dorothy Day House can use however they need. Sunday, Oct. 4, 8 p.m.
OLD DOMINICK DISTILLERY
HYDE LAKE PAVILION
Campfires & Cocktails
Get Outside Fitness: Mat Pilates
Roast a hot dog, build your perfect s’more, and sip on seasonal drinks while local band Short in the Sleeve provides the soundtrack for the evening. Enjoy hands-on activities that add to the fun, plus plenty of time to settle in by the fire. 21+. $25-$35. Saturday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m. MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Dinner on Stage
Enjoy Dinner on Stage, a night that celebrates the ghosts that have lived in the Orpheum for almost 100 years, along with themed cocktails, and a three-course dinner. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 6 p.m. ORPHEUM THEATRE
“Papa Bear Trivia” with Shawn
Bring your brainpower and your crew for a night of free trivia. Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. DRU’S BAR
Pilates will lengthen and strengthen your core muscles, build body awareness and balance, and create space for mental clarity. Free. Saturday, Oct. 3, 4:30 p.m. SHELBY FARMS PARK
Seated Mindfulness Experience
Ground yourself this fall with a Seated Mindfulness Experience led by Coach Alex Carpenter. This gentle session invites you to pause from the pace of daily life and cultivate a sense of peace. No experience necessary. Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. OVERTON PARK
Taijiquan
Led by Milan Vigil, this Chinese martial art promotes relaxation, improves balance, and provides no-impact aerobic benefits. Saturday, Oct. 3, 10:30 a.m. DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
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m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m
URBAN EARTH
PHOTO: COURTESY MEMPHIS ZOO
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ing, and more. Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m.
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C A L E N DA R : O C T O B E R 1 - 7 , 2 0 2 6 continued from page 31 Yoga
Strengthen your yoga practice and enjoy the health benefits of light exercise with instructor Laura Gray McCann. Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m. DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
Mistletoe Merchants
901 Wrestling Midtown Massacre
Monsters are real ... and they face off at Midtown Massacre. Sunday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m.
Author Robert Macfarlane: Is a River Alive?
The Wilson Center for Interdisciplinary Humanities at Rhodes College hosts a free public lecture by Professor of Literature and the Environmental Humanities at the Faculty of English in Cambridge, Dr. Robert Macfarlane. Free. Thursday, Oct. 1, 6 p.m. RHODES COLLEGE MCNEILL CONCERT HALL
Munch and Learn: For the Love of Hostas
A talk exploring the beauty, variety, and cultivation of hostas with Susan Ragsdale and Julie Lewter. Free. Wednesday, Oct. 7, 12 p.m. DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
Science Café: Why Are Oaks Losing Ground? Dr. Alexander examines the important relationship between oaks and fire, how decades of fire exclusion have changed our forests, and what can be done to restore these iconic ecosystems. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 5:30 p.m.
The French king and a select few men have moved their court to the garden park of Navarre, where they swear to create “a little academe” that will study for three years while swearing off women. Free. Sunday, Oct. 4, 3 p.m.
MINGLEWOOD HALL
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic
AGRICENTER INTERNATIONAL
LECTU RE
Tennessee Shakespeare Company’s 10th Annual Free Shout-Out Shakespeare Series: Love’s Labor’s Lost
S P OR TS
The best holiday shopping of the South returns to Memphis with more of the hard to find, unique, one-of-a-kind items that make your gift giving so special. Friday, Oct. 2, 9 a.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. | Sunday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m.
Wednesday, Oct. 7, 7 p.m.
Sabores de Su Casa
FEDEXFORUM
Sabores de Su Casa: The “sabores” — flavors — that make up Su Casa reflect the cultures, shared-values, and traditions of the community. Experience those sabores through a wellknown tradition in every culture: a backyard fiesta. $50-$80. Friday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m.
DIXON GALLERY AND GARDENS
T HE AT E R
The Ant & Mr. Q / Teatro en el Parque: La Hormiga y el Sr. Q
Bridging Worlds: An International Black Theatre Festival
Legend has it that the first inhabitants of Mesoamerica, including the Aztecs, survived by eating only roots and the animals they were able to hunt. Witnessing their struggle, the god Quetzalcóatl decided to help humanity. Free. Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m.
The Bridging Worlds festival brings acclaimed Black theatre companies from Norway, Nigeria, and South Africa to Memphis for performances, workshops, and cultural exchange celebrating the global Black experience. Friday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 2:00 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, Oct. 4, 2:00 p.m.
SU CASA FAMILY MINISTRIES
Trefoils and Trailblazers
This event will bring together leaders from business, healthcare, philanthropy, education, and the nonprofit community for a conversation about how we can help girls build confidence, find their voice, and thrive. Tuesday, Oct. 6, 11:30 a.m.
SEA ISLE PARK
Twelfth Night
Step into a world where identity is a mask and love is a delightful madness. After a shipwreck strands Viola, she disguises herself as a man, only to become the middleman in a hilarious, high-stakes romantic triangle. Thursday, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 7:30 p.m. | Sunday, Oct. 4, 2:00 p.m.
HATTILOO THEATRE
MEMPHIS BOTANIC GARDEN
Soul Ties
Zoo Boo
A theatrical story about connection, longing, and the invisible chains that refuse to let go. Thursday, Oct. 1, 7:30 p.m. | Friday, Oct. 2, 7:30 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 2:00 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 6:30 p.m. | Sunday, Oct. 4, THEATRE MEMPHIS p.m. Times Syndication Sales Corporation The New2:00 York
Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare presents an all-new Zoo Boo, with more nights and a completely reimagined Halloween experience. Friday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 6 p.m. | Sunday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. MEMPHIS ZOO
@ THE SQUARE 620THEATREWORKS Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For Release Tuesday, August 20, 2019
OVERTON PARK CONSERVANCY
PE RFORMING ARTS
Back To The 90s: A Soulful Murder Mystery Experience
Crossword
HALLORAN CENTRE
Dungeons & Drag Queens
6 Up to the task
Join Gage Leon, Envy S. Hart, and Stormey Langhammer for a live comedy fantasy adventure where drag, dice, and total chaos collide. Friday, Oct. 2, 9 p.m. HI-TONE
It’s Raining Queens Tour
A powerhouse live music and comedy event starring two-time Grammy-nominated vocalist Martha Wash, and legendary comedian and actress Marsha Warfield. The show features a mix of powerhouse vocals, comedy, and storytelling. Friday, Oct. 2, 8 p.m. HALLORAN CENTRE
SPECIAL E VE NTS
Art for Elephants
Watch an elephant paint live, browse and bid on one-of-a-kind animal artwork, meet elephant conservation experts, and enjoy hands-on activities for all ages. Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. MEMPHIS ZOO
The Freedom Award
The National Civil Rights Museum’s signature event honors individuals who have made significant contributions to civil and human rights, celebrating their unwavering commitment to justice and equality. Thursday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. ORPHEUM THEATRE
La Baguette 50th Anniversary Celebration
Celebrate La Baguette’s 50th Anniversary with live music, face painting, decorating your own sugar cookies, top your own single serve cakes, plus a prize wheel full of give-away items. Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. LA BAGUETTE
Memphis Stamp & Postcard Show
Enjoy this stamp and postcard show with exhibits, dealers, and buy and sell your own. Friday, Oct. 2, 10 a.m. | Saturday, Oct. 3, 10 a.m. BARTLETT STATION MUNICIPAL CENTER
24 Print media revenue source 26 Copenhageners, e.g. 28 Oasis beast
10 Landlocked Asian 29 Lawn game country banned in 1988 11 DuVernay who 30 In the manner of directed “Selma” 32 ___ Amidala, 13 One with a “Star Wars” feather duster, queen maybe 34 “___ quote …” 14 ’Vette option 35 Oakland’s Oracle, 15 Speedy Amtrak for one option 37 Diez minus siete 17 Yours, in Tours 38 Born 18 Grp. that 39 Insect feeler combats 41 The “e” of i.e. smuggling 42 The Kennedys or 19 Land made for the Bushes, so to you and me, in speak a Woody Guthrie song 44 As a group 21 Demo material 46 Country singer for Wile E. Coyote ___ James Decker 22 Entertained with a story, say
47 Very wee
ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE C A L F R O S Y R A I D S A R I E O P I E E P C O T B U Z Z W O R D S P R E G O G A Z A Y E N T A A B U P U R E S T B O B S A G E T O L D S A W S S T B E D E W A S B I L G E U S S R P I X I E D U S T O A T H T O A S T F U M R E H E A T M E R G I N G C R E W N E C K R E E S E S H A M G L O A T E L S A A T A L L S H O R T C U T S R O G U E E L I E A R E A D R I V E C O L A P E N D
No. 0716
48 Embarrassing fall 52 Structures illustrated twice in this puzzle through both black squares and letters
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10
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6 12
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13 16
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58 Male buds 59 Nae Nae or cancan 60 Captain who circumnavigated the globe 61 Flue buildup
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28 31
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32 36
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62 “Come in!” 63 Influence
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DOWN
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1 Setting for a classical sacrifice
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2 Flinched
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3 Adjuncts to some penthouses 4 Nile viper 5 State as fact 6 Org. for docs 7 Military field uniform
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20 “Stat!”
35 Predate
23 Not pro
36 Glassworker, at times
25 Amo, amas, ___
12 Et ___
31 Hathaway of Hollywood
15 Iowa college town
33 Alternative to Chanel No. 5
16 “Hells Bells” band 19 Bottles that might be marked “XXX” in the comics
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PUZZLE BY ROSS TRUDEAU
27 Sheltered at sea 8 World’s highestpaid athlete in 29 Maker of “No 2019, per Forbes more tears” baby magazine shampoo, for short 9 Drops (or adds) a line 30 Pretentious
11 Got 100 on
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39 “Take me ___” 40 Modify
52 Targets of plank exercises 53 Do that might block someone’s view, for short
43 Equally speedy
54 Pooh’s pal
45 Shenanigans
55 When repeated, calming expression
49 Abba of Israel 50 Fourth-and-long option 51 Subject of a school nurse’s inspection
56 Smallest state in India 57 Wild blue yonder
Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 7,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Read about and comment on each puzzle: nytimes.com/wordplay.
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ACROSS 1 Start of an incantation
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Grab your windbreakers and party like it’s 1999. Filled with music, comedy, and audience participation, this soulful murder mystery will have you laughing and competing to solve the case before anyone else. Sunday, Oct. 4, 3 p.m. | Sunday, Oct. 4, 7 p.m.
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We Saw You. with MICHAEL DONAHUE
I
October 1-7, 2026
f somebody said, “You look hot,” at the recent Cooper-Young Festival, it could be a compliment. But it probably meant you looked like you were sweltering in the 90-plus-degree heat. Yet the heat didn’t stop 96,000 people from attending the annual event, which was held Saturday, September 19th. People listened to live music and visited food, drink, arts, crafts, and other vendors as they sauntered up and down Cooper Avenue and Young Avenue. “Numbers were down due to heat,” says Cooper-Young Business Association executive director Tamara Cook. “But the festival was super great.”
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PHOTOS: MICHAEL DONAHUE
above: (left to right) Russell Turner; Reid Mitchell below: (left to right) Lee Anderson; DJ Lewis, Audrey Stecchi, Ryan Wesley; Aaron Judah, Madison Erwin, Eden Dunaway bottom row: (left to right) Whitney Fullerton, Beth Baker, September Lyles, Grace Lyes; Toya, JT, and Trey Hodge; Drew Tracey, Kristen Peppers, Kayla Bella, Cody Henry; Ethan Mayo, Owen Traw, Bella Frandsen, Jasper Scherz
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Earnestine & Hazel’s has it all, and more music to boot.
T
here’s a lot going on at Earnestine & Hazel’s, the home of the “Soul Burger.” And that includes those departed souls in the nightspot at 531 South Main Street. The building housing E&H was built in 1906. During its lifetime, it was a church, a brothel, and a pharmacy. Then Earnestine Mitchell and Hazel Jones opened the original E&H there, which has occasionally hosted bands over the years. Nowadays the bar is holding outdoor concerts through October 19th in the patio area at 529 South Main Street, adjacent to E&H. “We just call it ‘529’,” says operations manager Miles Epley. “Some people call it ‘The Patio.’ Sixty-two people can sit over there. And it’s like a sound room, man. The acoustics are just incredible.”
PHOTO: MICHAEL DONAHUE
Antonio “Tony” Jones and Miles Epley The patio doesn’t belong to E&H. “We rent it periodically from the owner of the lot.” Epley and general manager Antonio “Tony” Jones want to concentrate on music more at E&H. “It’s always been pretty well known for the Soul Burger.” But, Epley says, “We want music to be the star. If you listen to music, you’re going to get hungry and drink.” “I feel it’s giving the people in the neighborhood and tourists somewhere to go,” Jones says. “Especially outside of Beale Street. Something else to do during the week as far as live music. Instead of just going to a bar where people are just sitting there talking to the bartender, they can come in and listen to good music. There’s good vibes.” They also recently instituted “Mundane Mondays” at E&H. “The consumer product of Monday night football is not what it used to be. It’s caused businesses to pivot, adjust, and adapt.” Drink specials, football trivia, “a full karaoke band,” and other attractions are now featured on Mondays at E&H. One thing that will remain the same
at E&H are the ghost stories. “Different things happened that there’s really no explanation for,” Epley says. “One of the main ones is hearing what I consider little kids’ feet tapping around upstairs. It could be your mind playing tricks on you, but if you’re sober, it’s a lot harder to argue.” E&H also has an old jukebox that randomly plays records. “We’ve got ghost DJs and we don’t know what we’re going to get,” Epley says, adding, “But they’ve got good taste. I’ll give them that.” The ghostly selections include recordings by B.B. King and Aretha Franklin. “Stuff that has Memphis ties.” E&H, apparently, also has at least one full-fledged ghost. One of their “weekend regulars” showed Epley a photo someone took upstairs. It shows “this apparition peeping around the corner.” The apparition appears to be a young woman around 16 or 18 years old. “When you blow it up, she’s completely translucent. You can see right through her.” Her hair is “long, brown, straight, and a little disheveled, from what I remember. She didn’t look like she belonged in this time frame at all.” The story goes that when E&H was a brothel, there was “one girl who refused to do her job, if you will, about that age — 17 to 18,” Epley says. “And she just starved herself to death.” But ghosts, haunted jukeboxes, and tapping feet aside, E&H is “the safest haunted spot in this part of America.” The metaphysical isn’t all that’s going on at E&H. They’ve also done physical work on the place, Epley says. “We tried to keep it as authentic as possible. Our deal is giving it a subtle makeover a little bit, but also keeping the authenticity.” They painted the front of the building about three and a half months ago. “It was blue in the front with just that rust that happens over the years. It’s now a regal blue,” Epley says. “Not ‘Tiger blue.’ But we kept it somewhere around ‘Memphis blue.’” As for the food, the E&H menu is going to stay the same, Epley says. “Right now it’s not broken, so we’re not going to fix it.” Soul singer Izzy Moore and Arthur Cole of WSY Films are currently working on a documentary about E&H. Nate Barnes, aka “Mr. Nate,” who held court for years behind the upstairs bar, is one of the subjects. “He had to retire late last year,” says Epley. “He had a knee problem and couldn’t get up the stairs.”
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What the Pho? Behind the new bar menu at Bao Toan.
Nguyen isn’t creating unusual cocktails simply because he can. He’s fascinated by what happens when Vietnamese ingredients and techniques get into a cocktail shaker and start misbehaving. “Fish sauce may turn some people off,” he says. On the old menu, he used a dash to add a salty, savory note, or “just enough to alter the molecular composition of the cocktail.” Sometimes the combinations are intuitive: ginger, carrot and lemon. Cucumber, yuzu, and mint. And sometimes they take a sharp left turn. Take the Imperial Citadel, Nguyen’s favorite drink on the new menu. It began with tequila and oysters topped with caviar and eventually emerged as a clarified, smoky mezcal cocktail served over a giant rock and topped with banana “caviar.” The caviar, needless to say, is not caviar. It’s somewhere between caviar and boba, with tiny pearls that pop with little bursts of banana flavor. Excellent costume design, remarkable texture.
Our Bao Toan Cocktail Cheat Sheet • The One That Makes Us Feel Smart: Imperial Citadel. Mezcal, Salers, Lillet Blanc, and banana caviar? Obviously we know what we’re doing. (Hint: sample the caviar, then take a sip.) • The One We’ll Order Again: City of Eternal Springs. We both default to ginbased cocktails. However, beet juice is not generally how we begin an evening. And yet. • The One We’re Afraid Of: Coconut Capital, Nguyen’s nod to the Mekong Delta, with tequila, coconut, caffeine-free butterfly pea tea, and orange blossom. It could easily get us into trouble. We also have concerns about Floating Markets, a rum-and-Faccia Brutto combination that goes down a little too easy. • The One That Tastes Like Vacation: Nguyen describes Island Life as a journey. We describe it as a Mai Tai that has seen some things, like Sam Rockwell’s character in The White Lotus. • The One You Can’t Miss: Last May, Nguyen created a pairing dinner billed as “Four courses, four cocktails, zero regrets.” We were happy to be guinea pigs. He plans more of these events for the future. Consider it your excuse to let him do the thinking for you. Pro Tip: Not indulging in dinner? Do happy hour. Sit at the bar, chat with your bartender, and get a snack like the khai vị ba món with your cocktail. The platter of pork, shrimp, and beef rolls will help soak up all that booze.
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PHOTO: WENDY ADAMS
Bao Toan’s new cocktails
Nguyen says his process is essentially an elaborate series of Hey, I wonder what this would taste like? His most successful experiments make the menu. The City of Eternal Springs, a gorgeous fuchsia gin cocktail tempered with beet juice, might give a cautious drinker pause, at least until the first sip. We both loved it. The Historical Influence is sneakier: Nguyen’s interpretation of an espresso martini, with a nod to the French influence on Vietnamese cuisine. Then there’s Island Life, a take on the Mai Tai. It starts out like a mouthful of the tropics, with Blue Note rye, overproof rum and Campari, and then the German digestif Underberg shakes things up. Nguyen calls it a bitter Mai Tai; we call it a drink that knows exactly how innocent it looks. You don’t have to know what banana caviar is. You don’t have to understand why somebody put artichoke amaro in your drink. And you definitely don’t have to be the person who hears “fish sauce” and says, “Sign me up.” You just have to be willing to explore.
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here are two kinds of people in this world: those who hear “fish sauce in a cocktail” and think hmm, interesting, and those who immediately start looking for the nearest exit. Tony Nguyen, beverage and service director at Crosstown Vietnamese restaurant Bao Toan, has served both. Fish sauce appeared on the original cocktail menu, but has since retired. Nguyen hasn’t exactly gone mainstream, though. The new menu, launched last month, features surprises from beet juice and artichoke amaro to banana “caviar,” housemade fruit rollups, and Vietnamese coffee juiced up with Hennessy.
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Thank you, Flyer readers, for supporting Overton Park! Join us in October for a month of connecting to nature.
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NatureZen Month presented by
October 1-7, 2026
ArtsMemphis, Creative Aging, Metro Logics, MLGW, Southern Works Demolition, Tennessee Arts Commission, and Wild Birds Unlimited Saturday, October 3 Seated Mindfulness Experience
Tuesday, October 20 Beginner Tree Identification Course
Tuesday, October 6 Science Café
Thursday, October 22 55+ Nature Journaling Class
Thursday, October 8 55+ Nature Journaling Class
Saturday, October 24 All-Ages Nature Journaling
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Sunday, October 25 Overton Park Five Mile Classic
Monday, October 12 Kids’ Curiosity Crew Hike
Monday, October 26 Field Notes Guided Walk
Thursday, October 15 Third Thursday Trek
Saturday, October 31 - Sunday, November 1 MEM REN: Memphis Renaissance Festival
Saturday, October 17 Songbird Stroll Memphis Mushroom Festival
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Visit overtonpark.org/naturezenmonth to register
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10.24.26 | MEMPHIS, TN WWW.MIDSOUTHHEARTWALK.ORG
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While they’re highlighted during spooky season, real witches of many faiths practice year-round.
O
ctober has arrived, and with it comes what many people call “the season of the witch.” I’m a witch all year long, of course, but I know the wider world tends to think about witches only when the leaves turn and the Halloween decorations come out. And when most people picture a witch, they imagine the ones from fairy tales and movies — mysterious, dramatic, sometimes frightening. As entertaining as those characters are, they don’t resemble real witches or the lives we actually lead. Witchcraft itself isn’t a religion. It’s a practice, something you do, not something that requires belief in a particular deity — or any deity at all. You’ll find witches in many faiths. I’ve met Christian witches, pagan witches, and atheist witches. Witchcraft is the art of working with the natural energy of the world to help manifest change. Those energies exist whether we believe they were created by a god, by many gods, or by no divine force at all.
PHOTO: BECCA CORREIA | PEXELS
Witches in fairy tales: mysterious, dramatic, and even frightening. Even though witchcraft doesn’t require religion, most witches I know do have a spiritual life. The community I belong to tends to believe in a higher power, or in many. Many of us are religious Pagans who honor gods and goddesses from various cultures. There’s a lot of overlap between paganism and witchcraft, but they aren’t the same thing. You can be Pagan without ever casting a spell, and you can be a witch without being Pagan. As I mentioned earlier, plenty of witches follow Christian
paths, secular paths, or other religious traditions entirely. So what are real witches like? There’s no official census, no registry, no way to know how many people identify as witches today. What I can say is that the number is growing. Trying to define witches as a group is like trying to define any broad demographic — you’ll find every kind of person among us. Most of us would tell you we’re ordinary people. We deal with the same daily challenges as anyone else. Being a witch doesn’t grant special powers that let us skip the school pickup line or avoid paying the electric bill. We go to work, care for our families, and do our best with the lives we have. And truly, anyone can be a witch. You don’t need to be born into a magical bloodline. You don’t need to dress a certain way or adopt a particular aesthetic. Witchcraft isn’t tied to ethnicity, gender, or appearance. The only requirement is learning how to practice magic. Magic has structure and technique, but it doesn’t come with dogma or built-in moral rules. It’s neutral — like any tool — and what matters is how a person chooses to use it. Because witchcraft is so diverse and so personal, you can’t easily identify witches out in the world. We’re your coworkers, your neighbors, the person chatting with you in the grocery store line. Many witches keep their identity private, often because of the long history of discrimination and misunderstanding surrounding our practice. Unless someone chooses to tell you they’re a witch, you may never know. Other witches are more open. Some of us wear their identity proudly, and some — like me — have jobs where being a witch is part of the work. As one of the owners of The Broom Closet, my witchcraft is woven into my professional life. But when I’m out running errands or moving through spaces outside my community, no one can tell. I look like any other person going about their day. As October settles in and the world turns its attention toward witches, I hope people remember that we’re not just characters in stories or symbols of a spooky season. We’re real people living real lives, practicing a craft that connects us to the natural world and to our own sense of purpose. And we’re here all year long — not just when the pumpkins appear. Emily Guenther is a co-owner of The Broom Closet metaphysical shop. She is a Memphis native, professional tarot reader, ordained Pagan clergy, and dog mom.
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NEWS OF THE WEIRD By the editors at Andrews McMeel Syndication
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tretfure.com/event/tret-fure-returns-to-memphis-tn/ • Was significant in the formation of women’s music by singing and recording many artists. • 2023 – Tret was awarded the Phil Ochs Award in recognition of her music and her activism for social and political justice. • 2022 – Finalist in the USA Songwriting Competition with Tret’s new song, “Home You Go.” • 2020 – 1st place winner in A Still Small Voice 4U songwriting competition with her song “Monuments.”
October 1-7, 2026
Tret Fure began her career at the age of 19, when she moved to LA in hopes of obtaining a record deal. Within a year she was performing as guitarist and vocalist for Spencer Davis, touring with him and penning the single for his album “Mousetrap.” She went on to record her own album “Tret Fure” in 1973, on MCA/UNI Records, with the late Lowell George of Little Feat as her producer. With the success of that release, she opened for such bands as Yes, Poco, and the J Geils Band. After leaving the mainstream, she helped define Women’s music in the 80’s and 90’s, She recorded with and produced some of the best of women’s music including mixing the legendary “Meg & Cris at Carnegie Hall” (1983). She worked as a duo with Cris Williamson throughout the 80s and 90s, producing, engineering and releasing 3 CDs together. In 2000, Tret returned to solo work starting her label “Tomboy Girl Records,” where she has since released 9 albums. Tret is known for her warmth, wit, and willingness to sing about life, love, justice, and family. She has a knack for singing about the ordinary things that make our lives rich. Fure is a master songwriter and storyteller and will move you to laughter and tears through the magic of her shows.
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Her concert at Otherlands promises to be a rare treat for Memphis music listeners. Tickets are available online at tretfure.com or at the door.
A Bat for Breakfast back into the wild. [KABC 7, 8/30/26] Dr. Krista Edelman of Virginia woke up around 6 a.m. on August 20th to find a The Case of the Disappearing Island bat attempting to get inside of her mouth, A floating mass of trees in the Williston WWBT reported. “I was dreaming that Reservoir in British Columbia has sparked there was a little mouse trying to get into speculation of a disappearing island. The my mouth,” Edelman said. “And then mass — estimated to be almost as large in my dream, I was reaching up to my as two American football fields — was mouth. And when I did, first spotted by satellite I grabbed something and imagery in July, then ultimately, I had folded seemed to disappear. the bat’s wings back.” On September 1st, CBC She began screaming, reported that according waking her husband, to imagery from August who — armed with 15th, the mass had mittens, a plastic net and reappeared and was a bucket — captured the resting along shore near bat. After the ordeal was where the Ospika River over and animal control flows into the reservoir. had whisked the bat Electric utility company away, Edelman cleaned B.C. Hydro has been her mouth and went to keeping tabs on the mass work seeing patients. and says the floating PHOTO: JOHANNES GIEZ | UNSPLASH However, after speaking trees are intact and not to an infectious disease causing any trouble. doctor about the risk of rabies — which is “We will monitor this just to see what fatal if untreated — and learning about the happens, whether it breaks apart and if high incidence of it in her area, she went we then have a debris field instead of one to St. Mary’s Hospital, where she started big chunk, that may cause us to take some a vaccine series. When the bat tested other action,” spokesperson Bob Gammer negative for the illness a few days later, said. [CBC, 9/1/26] Edelman ended her treatment. [WWBT, 8/26/26] Caught on Camera Kiante Matlock of Houston had a rude Operation Care Bear awakening when he checked his Ring Can we all agree that it’s been unbearably camera on August 24th, Fox 26 reported. hot this summer? That could be what Matlock was playing a video game when sent a mother bear and her cubs into he got a notification that his DoorDash a large water storage tank in La Verne, order had arrived. When he checked his California, on August 29th, as reported Ring camera, he saw his delivery driver by KABC. Officials say the animals was in his birthday suit. In the buff. were probably seeking water when they Naked as a jaybird. Matlock threw his squeezed through a 1-foot opening in the food away and asked DoorDash for a concrete structure, only to get trapped refund, which they promptly issued. In inside for at least 12 hours. Three nearby a statement, a DoorDash spokesperson residents found the animals after hearing called the driver’s behavior “vulgar and whimpering sounds during a morning completely unacceptable.” “What this run. “We climbed up top (of the tank), consumer experienced was abhorrent, and there’s a small hole and right away we and we’ve reached out directly to offer see a bear staring at us, kind of holding on our support,” they said. “Our team to the walls because it was full of water,” permanently removed [the driver’s] said Jamie Kirk, one of the runners. State access to our platform. We do not tolerate wildlife officials drained water from the sexual harassment or misconduct of any tank, then city and county firefighters cut kind, and we stand ready to assist law a larger hole in the structure and lowered enforcement with any investigation.” a ladder for the bears to climb. “They [Fox 26, 8/27/26] were exhausted, so it took a few minutes,” said Keith Navarre with the Los Angeles NEWS OF THE WEIRD County Fire Department. Ultimately, © 2026 Andrews McMeel Syndication. “Operation Care Bear” was successful, Reprinted with permission. with mom and cubs making their way All rights reserved.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I propose we make 93-year-old Taurus musician Willie Nelson your patron saint and role model for the foreseeable future. Earthy, unflappable, and unhurried, he has kept making his distinctive, soulful music for over 70 years, devoted all the while to the land and the people who work it. He has never pushed to sound like anyone else; he has patiently, inexorably become more fully himself. It’s your birthright to live like Nelson, Taurus, with a steady, sensual, enduring devotion to what you love. In the coming weeks, I invite you to tend to your deepest roots. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I may be preaching to the choir here, but there’s a fun kind of magic that thrives when you decline to be consistent. You Geminis are least likely, of all the signs, to exhaust yourself in trying to maintain a unified self-presentation. Like the Gemini poet Walt Whitman, you’re often pleased with the fact that you contain multitudes. It’s a potential superpower! The you who loves solitude and the you who craves connection can both be true. The skeptic and the mystic can coexist in the same nervous system. Your assignment: Honor three contradictory impulses without trying to make them coherent. You’re boisterously excused from having to make too much sense. CANCER (June 21-July 22): In certain caves, like the Cave of the Crystals in Naica, Mexico, crystals grow to astonishing sizes. Why? Because the environment remains stable for thousands of years, with steady temperatures, minimal disturbances, and slow mineral flow. Under these stable conditions, ordinary molecules assemble into lavish structures. I believe you’re cultivating a similar sanctuary, Cancerian, as you invoke the powers of steadiness and devoted dedication. Even if progress appears slow, the underlying process is gradually generating a beautiful strength and/or lasting treasure. Now’s a
good time to redouble your faith in your good work. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The cosmic powers have granted you a license to be magnificent. Not arrogant, please note, but majestic, resplendent, and marvelous. You know the difference, right? Arrogance is parasitic, demanding that everyone reflects your glory back at you. Magnificence is expansive, making everyone feel more vital and attuned to their own splendor. The second option is far more nutritious and delicious for you in the long run. In the coming eons, and especially now, I hope you’ll be lavish with your praise and generous with your attention. Glow and dazzle in ways that inspire others to glow and dazzle. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A Zen teaching says, “Before enlightenment, chop wood, carry water. After enlightenment, chop wood, carry water.” But being the post-Zen teacher I am, I protest and say, “No, the chopping and the carrying ARE the enlightenment. There is no separate ‘after.’” The sacred is ALWAYS lurking in the mundane, disguised as ordinary tasks. And you Virgos are potentially the zodiac’s supreme master of this controversial truth. Others may chase after astral bling and transcendent glitter, but you know that divinity lives in the earthy details that are right in front of you. That’s how you transmute seemingly unremarkable stuff into the sublime. It’s time to wield your superpower to the hilt, please! SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Volcanologists distinguish between two different eruptions. In the effusive type, lava flows slowly and steadily, while the explosive eruptions eject material fast and hard. What does this have to do with you? In my astrological estimation, you currently contain building pressures that need release. Here’s the good news: You can maneuver yourself in the direction of effusive expression and thereby make the explosive kind unnecessary. So my advice is to find small, controllable outlets for what’s gathering inside you. Don’t wait until the only option is a massive, sudden discharge. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll flourish in the coming years if you ask daring questions and befriend sweet ambivalence and welcome adorable uncertainty. You’ll stumble upon weird but interesting success and project potent authenticity if you let your curiosity lead you to situations outside of your cozy bubbles and velvet ruts. On the other hand, you’ll flounder if you cling to folk wisdom foisted on you by the algorithms, treat all your opinions as facts, or pretend you always know what the f*ck is going on in this dazzling mess of a world. Keep it generous and exploratory, Sagittarius. Seek out wide-ranging conversationalists and playful skeptics.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A river delta is where a river finally meets the sea. Instead of arriving as one bold channel, it fans out into dozens of branching streams, depositing the rich silt it has carried for many miles. Deltas are fertile places because of everything the river gathered along the way and finally lays down. You’re approaching a metaphorical delta, Capricorn. All the experiences, emotions, and impressions you’ve been carrying are ready to be released and turned into fertile ground. Abundance wants to grow from all you’ve gathered. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the 17th century, Aquarian astronomer Johannes Hevelius mapped the moon with surprising accuracy. Yet he worked with funky homemade telescopes perched on a homemade observatory that he built on the rooftops of his three connected houses. I recommend you borrow his approach, Aquarius. You might feel tempted to postpone action until conditions are ideal, but I hope you’ll begin with what you already possess. Prediction: As you proceed, your tools and strategies will evolve. Momentum will become one of your key resources. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In traditional Chinese medicine, wei qi is a protective energy that circulates beneath the skin, forming a shield against harmful influences. To nourish it, you revel in sleeping and eating well. You work diligently, with tender discernment, to maintain healthy boundaries. How are you doing with that, Pisces? Is it possible you’ve been working so hard on your deep transformations that you’ve semi-neglected this outer layer of strength? I hope that in the coming weeks, you’ll nurture the subtle shields that prevent you from absorbing every stray particle of psychic weirdness in your environment. Think of this task not as building walls, but tending to your garden’s edges.
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ARIES (March 21-April 19): Orchids may lure pollinating insects with ingenious illusions rather than nectar. Some mimic the look or fragrance of other flowers. Others resemble female insects so convincingly that hopeful males unknowingly assist with pollination. From this, we might conclude that nature can be as duplicitous as humans. But rather than being bummed out by the facts of life, let’s use this as a lesson for you to wield in the coming days. Appearances can be deceiving — for both better and worse. If a situation initially seems disappointing or confusing, linger before drawing conclusions. Likewise, if something looks irresistibly attractive at first glance, investigate further. I predict your intuition will be extra skilled at distinguishing authentic richness from glamorous distraction.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Let’s make Libran writer Ursula K. Le Guin your patron saint. She believed that any human arrangement, however permanent it seems, was made by people and can therefore be unmade and remade by people. The divine right of kings once seemed eternal and inevitable, she liked to remind us. Be like her in the coming weeks, Libra. Refuse to accept that the way things are is the way they must continue to be. Imagine more beautiful, more just, and more loving arrangements in every area of your life, including your relationships, your work, and your inner life. Then take three steps toward making it so.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY By Rob Brezsny
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FILM By Chris McCoy
That FPS Feeling Zach Cregger’s Resident Evil reboot is a bloody good time.
W
October 1-7, 2026
hen Capcom released Resident Evil for Sony’s PlayStation in 1996, it was widely praised for its cinematic atmosphere. Even today, it’s hard to make a video game as truly scary as creeping through the biohazardzombie-infested haunted house in Raccoon City felt 30 years ago. Resident Evil has always straddled the line between video game and movie. The original was loosely based on a Japanese haunted house movie from 1989 called Sweet Home, which had also inspired a Capcom video game. And while Resident Evil was followed up by six sequels and countless updates and mods on various gaming platforms, the film franchise it inspired is arguably even more popular. Director Paul W. S. Anderson was convinced the game would make a good movie after playing it obsessively for days. His 2002 film had very little to do with the familiar characters of the game, besides the whole “advanced bioweapon leaks from a lab and creates monsters” thing. What it did have is Milla Jovovich, the UkrainianAmerican star of The Fifth Element who would go on to become the highest-paid model in the world — and who eventually married Anderson. For 15 years and six films, Jovovich blasted and chopped her way through rage zombies and tentacle monsters, to steadily diminishing artistic and financial returns. Enter Zach Cregger. The comedian turned horror director, riding high off of last year’s sleeper hit Weapons, got the job to reboot Resident Evil. He did it without the heaping helpings of Jovovich which attracted a generation of young men to the franchise. But if
This Resident Evil is good, clean horror fun — if by “clean” and “fun” you mean “bloody” and “terrifying.” the guy sitting next to me in the theater who kept turning to me unprompted to say, “This is just like the game!,” is any indication, the lack of fresh cheesecake is not an issue for the core audience. Instead of the hyper-competent covert operative, Cregger’s new protagonist is Bryan (Austin Abrams), a medical courier whom we meet wandering through a Colorado trauma ward trying to deliver an organ to a transplant surgeon. He is trying in vain to get someone to sign off on the
delivery when he is approached by another doctor who offers him double his usual rate to deliver a rush package to the top floor of the hospital in Raccoon City. Turns out, he can use the extra money because his unseen girlfriend (Sara Paxton) has just discovered she is pregnant. Their phone conversation turns heated as Bryan tries to drive through a blizzard on the road to Raccoon City. In the first of the film’s many jump scares, a woman (Andrea
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Miltner) runs out onto the road and is promptly run over by Bryan. When he follows her bloody footprints into the woods, he discovers that she is not dead, but seemingly dazed from her injuries. Since he’s already heading to a hospital, Bryan decides to take her with him. But once he gets her buckled into the car seat, her behavior becomes even more erratic. While he tries to sheepishly keep her in the seat, Bryan starts swerving all over the icy road and
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FILM By Chris McCoy turned out to be a very good choice. Nobody can accuse him of being a filmmaker who is using horror to explore deep ideas. But what the director lacks in cinematic ambition he makes up for in execution. Cregger never met a jump scare he didn’t like, and his commitment to recreating the feel of playing the old-school Resident Evil games extends to point-of-view shots with a shotgun intruding into the frame, first-person shooter-style. Like Weapons, this Resident Evil is good, clean horror fun — if by “clean” and “fun” you mean “bloody” and “terrifying.”
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gets pulled over by a sheriff (Johnno Wilson). The sheriff is suspicious of everything Bryan says, but since he is legitimately on an emergency mission and he is heading towards a hospital with the woman he ran over, the sheriff agrees to help him get there first and then sort it out later. Since Bryan’s job is only transporting parts of people, not whole patients, in his ancient Subaru, the sheriff agrees to take the wounded woman with him in his patrol car. But they’re not on the road for very long when the sheriff ’s squad car runs off the road and flips over. The woman, Bryan finds out, is infected with the very thing that Bryan is carrying the cure for. Hiring Cregger to helm the reboot
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ST. JUDER CHILDREN’S RESEARCH HOSPITAL (MEMPHIS, TN) seeks a Sr Software Engineer (Job ID: JRSJ004): Develop software used in big data analysis as part of a team of scientists and engineers supporting research into childhood disease. Req: 5 years of Front-End & Back-End software development experience or Bach or equiv in Comp Sci, Data Sci, Info Sci, or rltd and 3 yrs of Front-End & Back-End software development exp. Telecommuting Permissible, must live in commuting distance. Send resume w/ job# to John Rochford, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, MS 507, Memphis, TN 38105 or email Recruiting@stjude.org. St. Jude is an EEO/AA/Vet/Disability Employer.
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SR ADVISOR - ANALYTICS IMPLEMENTATION ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - the fund-raising organization of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital - is currently looking for a Sr Advisor - Analytics Implementation as follows. As a key role on the Digital Analytics & Insights team, the Sr Advisor - Analytics Implementation is responsible for implementing and validating data collection across all ALSAC online web properties according to Digital business needs. Position eligible to telecommute from anywhere in U.S. Requires MS degree in Comp Sci, Info Tech, Info Sys, or a related field and 3 yrs of technical, analytical, systems experience - OR - a BS degree in Comp Sci, Info Tech, Info Sys, or a related field followed by 6 yrs of technical, analytical, systems experience. To review the full job description and apply, go to https://www.stjude.org/jobs/ alsac.html (Job ID R0011130). SR. DESIGN QUALITY ENGINEER, Medtronic, Inc., Memphis, TN. Req. Master’s deg. in Mechanical, Industrial,
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Busy Teens, Chill Mom What I do between busy teen schedules.
My teens are busy. Not “I’m bored and have nothing to do” busy. I have three thriving teenagers: 14-year-old twin boys and a 13-year-old girl. I’m talking soccer practice, ballet, golf, running with Dad on Saturday mornings, and whatever else gets added to the calendar at the last minute. And honestly? I’m okay with it. Because I’ve discovered something during this season of parenting teens: I don’t have to sit around and wait for my kids. I used to be the parent who sat in the car, hour after hour after hour, just reading my book and sipping my water. But not anymore. Now, I experience Memphis while they’re living their best lives.
PHOTOS: PATRICIA LOCKHART
City Silo: a full meal in under an hour; (inset) Aldar Cafe: open until 9 p.m.
While She’s at Ballet My daughter attends ballet several evenings a week. Pirouettes, tendus, pointe shoes … She loves it all. And while my daughter is enjoying ballet class, I take to the streets. I love a good, long walk through Overton Park. But if the weather isn’t cooperating, I enjoy some air-conditioned exercise at the Kroc. While I never make it in time to attend their Zumba class, I do enjoy walking on the treadmill. Side note: Their treadmills have built-in fans! After my workout, I drive over to Aldar Cafe on Summer Avenue. While most other cafes close around 6 p.m., Aldar stays open until 9 p.m. And don’t worry, I’m not drinking caffeinated drinks. Instead, I’m sipping on Milk and Honey Tea or the occasional smoothie. Besides drinks, Aldar also offers plenty of food. Pizza, maneesh, and bagels are always on the menu. But my favorite go-to meal is the All Day Breakfast with fresh, warm pita bread and a variety of dips and so much more. Plus, Aldar is a great place to study, write, pay bills, or simply relax. The environment is typically quiet, with lo-fi music playing in the background. But be sure to stay up to date on their Instagram posts. They’ll let you know when they’re hosting poetry readings and other community-centered events. While He’s Practicing His Golf Swing On other weekday evenings, my son likes to practice his golf swing at High Tee. They have these cool interactive bays where he can select a course and swing away. The system keeps track of all kinds of great data, too. My favorite part of High Tee? They serve really good London Fogs, and they even sell alcoholic and non-alcoholic beers. It’s the perfect place to chill while he works on his swing. And if I get restless? The Novel bookstore is just a few feet away. Everybody wins. While He’s at Soccer On yet another weekday, while the other twin is completing soccer drills, I’m enjoying myself in a rocking chair at the Front Porch Cafe. What do I get there, you ask? An Iced Chai Tea Latte and an Oatmeal Cookie, of course. There are worse ways to spend an hour.
THE LAST WORD
When Their Practices Run Long Their long practices are also good opportunities for me to grab a quick meal with a friend or sneak in a date with Hubby. Restaurants like The Hen House, City Silo, Venice Kitchen, and SOB offer delicious food with speedy service. I can get a full meal in under an hour without feeling rushed. That’s a win in my book! I used to think making memories with my kids meant taking them somewhere. Now I’m realizing it can be much simpler. Sometimes we’re all in the same place, doing completely different things. He’s playing soccer. She’s dancing. He’s swinging a golf club. And I’m finding my own little piece of Memphis nearby. Maybe that’s what this stage of motherhood is about: giving them room to grow while giving myself room to live, too. Patricia Lockhart is a native Memphian who loves to read, write, cook, and eat. By day, she’s a librarian and writer, but by night … she’s asleep.
m e m p h i s f l y e r. c o m
While They Run on Saturday Mornings On Saturday mornings, the guys leave the house to go running with Dad, leaving my daughter and me to catch up on some much-needed beauty rest. And by 11 a.m., we’re both ready to get up and get our day started. This is the perfect opportunity for us to try new coffee cafes, like Baaloo Coffee Roasters in Bartlett. I love their Adonia Chai and their Honey and Cardamom Latte. It’s sooo good!
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