steppin’ out
We Recommend: Culture, News + Reviews By Susan Ellis
Mike Todd’s been championing the Edge District since 1994. That’s when he bought his first building in the area. “I’m not a gentrification guy. I’m a capitalist,” he says. But, he adds, “I want the Edge to maintain its coolness.” To that end, there’s The Edge Gets Lit! Alley Party set for Saturday, April 29th, noon to 11 p.m. This is a placemaking event for Floyd Alley, designed after similar events in other cities. The alley will be strung with 1,000 feet of lighting — signaling that the alley is safe and spotlighting all the businesses and stuff that’s going on. The alley party will take advantage of the Edge’s resources. The Black Farmers Association, a new tenant, will be in charge of the hay rides. Evelyn & Olive, a sponsor of the event, will be cooking on site. There will be storytelling, too — on the history of music in the Edge and Sam Phillips and Sun Records. We can’t not mention the Wacky Dog Olympics, which will include the Great American Peanut Butter Lick Off. As described by Darrin Hillis, Edge supporter and owner of event production company In the Wings, this involves dog owners, about a cup of peanut butter per, swim goggles, and (most likely excited) dogs. Of course, the highlight of the event will be the lighting of the alley. The switch gets thrown about 7:50 p.m. The ultimate goal, Hillis says joking, is to eliminate the question, “Now, where’s the Edge?” “Bottom line,” he says, “is to expose the Edge. It’s everything cool in one spot.” THE EDGE GETS LIT! ALLEY PARTY AT FLOYD ALLEY, SATURDAY, APRIL 29TH, NOON TO 11 P.M.
Guns, revenge, and paranoia in The Twelve Lives of Samuel Hawley Books, p. 30
Low on alcohol, high on taste Spirits, p. 33
SATURDAY April 29
April 27-May 3, 2017
FRIDAY April 28 STOP Doing Heroin Awareness Show Hi-Tone, 6 p.m., $10 suggested donation Benefit concert with music by Crockett Hall, J.D. Reager, Tiffany Harmon, and others. Plus guest speakers, demos, and testimonials. All proceeds go to treatment and harm-reduction services in the area. Hear 901 Music Festival The Bluff, 7-11 p.m., $8 Event planned by students enrolled in the Music Industry program at the University of Memphis.
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The Vault and Lisa’s Lunchbox Food News, p. 31
“Bluff Poem” David Lusk Gallery, 6-8 p.m. Opening reception for this show of new paintings by Don Estes. Also opening is “Line and Shadow: Estate Drawings,” work by Burton Callicott. REO Speedwagon Horseshoe Casino, 8 p.m., $42 We’re going to keep on loving you, y’all. ’80s hitmakers REO Speedwagon play tonight at the Horseshoe. Southaven Springfest BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove, 9 a.m., $10 Annual event with barbecue, rides, and music by Better Than Ezra on Friday and Craig Morgan on Saturday.
Cat on a Hot Tin Roof Theatre Memphis, 8 p.m., $25 Classic Tennessee Williams family drama. Gem of the Ocean Hattiloo, 7:30 p.m., $21-$26 August Wilson play about a man who seeks help from a 285-year-old wise woman.
Chaka Khan Gold Strike Casino, 8 p.m., $49 Concert by this R&B legend. ’90s Night AutoZone Park, 6:35 p.m., $9 A ’90s-themed Redbirds game with an appearance by Saved by the Bell’s Mr. Belding (!). Pops 3: A Salute to John Williams Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, 7:30 p.m. A tribute to this composer behind the music of such films as Star Wars, E.T., and Jaws.
COURTESY: THE EDGE GETS LIT! ALLEY PARTY
Let’s Get Lit