Memphis is My Home

15
Aug

Guy Sebastian’s Memphis Blog: Updated Link!

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

I’m not quite sure what happened, but something went wonky with the link on the previous post about Guy Sebastian’s time in Memphis.

This *should* be the correct link. I’m not quite sure how the link began diverting to Wikipedia. Sometimes, I believe I have a small troll that runs around wordpress and causes havoc. I have yet to disprove that.

I can only hope that Guy is adjusting to this unruly heat. Memphis has experienced a heatwave that has already caused a deathtoll of five. We have been experiencing temperatures of 105 Fahrenheit/40.5 Celsius.

At this rate, we’ll be lucky to see cooler temps by December. Which is okay. Who needs Christmas when you’ve already went broke due to your cooling bill?

06
Aug

An Australian Idol in Memphis: Guy Sebastian

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

We’ve had a lot of our own American Idol contenders hail from Memphis and nearby vicinities, but this time, an Australian Idol will be visiting the land of insane heat waves and the 240 loop.

Guy Sebastian will be in Memphis over the next coming weeks recording, get this, a tribute album highlighting the music and legacy of Stax. I think it’s fantastic that such a young artist (I speak as if I’m ancient - I’m still in my twenties, folks!) appreciates and acknowledges Memphis’ true musical heritage.

Guy’s going to be keeping a diary of his time in Memphis and I, for one, think it will be interesting to see our city and our music through his eyes. You can read his diary here.

And by the way, locals, if you run into Guy, please don’t do any bad “Shrimp on the Barbie!” jokes. In Australia, they’re prawns!

06
Aug

Elvis Week: Let the Madness Begin

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Graceland, Memphis, TN

Originally uploaded by G. J. Charlet III

This photo, found on Flickr, is a shot of one of the best things to be found in Graceland. Blasphemy? Maybe, but that’s one really cool peacock.

Stained glass peacocks aside, I’ve already seen the people pouring in from all over the earth in order to pay homage to Elvis Presley. If you’re one of those people, here are a few pointers from a native.

1. Graceland isn’t necessarily in the most beautiful part of town. This always shocks people. It’s surrounded by old car lots and not-so-pretty strip malls. I’m not old enough to know what Graceland looked like when Elvis was around, but I’m willing to bet that the surrounding area didn’t look like it does now with its garishness. Otherwise, he might have been looking for a realtor.

2. For the most part, the locals try their best to ignore the madness that is Elvis Week. If you’re like me and you’re a writer and videomaker, well, the madness is too good to pass up, but mostly, the only time most of us think about Elvis is when we have to tell someone to “turn on Elvis Presley and then…”

3. While you’re here, there actually are other things to do! If you make your way out of town just a bit to the east, there’s Collierville, a quaint little town with little homey restaurants and boutiques. Midtown Memphis offers a variety of kitschy shops and an independent film theatre.

4. It’s hot. Really hot. Today, we’re under a heat advisory with no relief in sight. Plan your activities so that you’ll spend good bits of your day in air conditioned venues.

5. Memphis does have a very high crime rate (we’re #1 in the nation for violent crime, per capita - lovely bit of trivia there). Be careful and use common sense.

6. If you plan on visiting Beale Street, keep in mind that it’s quite mad during the evening. If you’re not used to Bourbon Street at Midnight, you won’t enjoy Beale Street at night. You can see the shops and sights for free before nightfall as well as enjoy the music and booze.

If this is a lifelong dream of yours and you’ve never been here before, make sure you’ve done your research before you come. There have been many disgruntled visitors who didn’t do their hotel research ahead of time and found their accommodations weren’t the best upon arriving. Don’t hesitate to contact a Memphis community or site and ask for opinions if you’re unsure.

02
Aug

Elvis Week: Welcome to the Jungle (Room)

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Every year in Memphis, there’s this weird tradition. This tradition involves Elvis and various celebrations and even a candlelight processional. You know, the kind that’s normally reserved for religious holidays.

Well, that time is upon us again. Elvis Week, as it’s called, is soon to take over Memphis and soon we won’t be able to turn on our televisions without hearing Elvis’ rendition of “Hound Dog” or “Heartbreak Hotel.” Once again, I’ll be in the midst of the madness, video camera in hand. However, if you’re interested in seeing the madness first hand, you can check out the official (yes, there’s an official one!) Elvis Week page and their complete calendar of events.

Because you seriously don’t want to miss the numerous people who will be dressed in rhinestones and jumpsuits, do you?

Elvis Week Calendar of Events

29
Jul

Harry Potter Takes Over the Mid-South

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

My best friend is the manager of Southaven’s Books-A-Million and when she asked me if I’d like to volunteer for the midnight release of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I said “yes” without hesitation. I expected it to be a small little gathering, but I was pleasantly surprised to see that the release drew hundreds of people to Books-A-Million to await the release of the last Harry Potter book.

I caught the whole thing on tape and had so much footage after the evening was over, I couldn’t possibly fit it all into one little video. So, here’s the first look at Harry Potter’s Memphis/Southaven Takeover with more to come in a couple of days.

Enjoy!

17
Jul

Road To One America Tour - John Edwards

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Presidential hopeful John Edwards made a stop in Memphis tonight. The stop was part of his “Road to One America” Tour addressing the rising problem of poverty here in the United States.

JohnEdwards.com gives a bit more information about the tour:

“Everyday, one in eight Americans wakes up in poverty. That’s not okay. Today, we have Two Americas in our country - one America that has everything it needs and another that is struggling to get by. Our next president needs not only to understand the struggles facing the 37 million Americans living in poverty, but also have a plan to lift them up out of poverty. That is what this tour and my campaign are about - giving them a voice so that we can build One America, where every person has the opportunity to work hard and get ahead.”

Edwards’ Memphis stop was one of five stops here in the South. The tour kicked off in New Orleans, Louisiana just this morning as the Edwards campaign travels 1,800 miles across the Southern U.S. before ending the tour in Prestonburg, Mississippi on July 18.

Photo courtesy of Road To One America Tour - John Edwards. Originally uploaded by america_in_08 via Flickr.

17
Jul

Issac Hayes/Harry Potter Event Cancellation

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

You might recall me telling you that Issac Hayes would be reading from the 7th Harry Potter book at the Barnes & Noble at Collierville Crossing. However, after a follow up with Barnes & Noble, it appears Issac has had to cancel the engagement and will be in Europe instead.

However, yours truly will be attending the Potter Party at Southaven’s Books-A-Million. There will be costumes and prizes and me dressed as Luna Lovegood. And by golly, you certainly wouldn’t want to miss that.

10
Jul

Are You a Filmmaker in Memphis?

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Went by Studio on the Square this weekend to check out Michael Moore’s latest, “Sicko.” While there, I checked out the plethora of pamphlets and promotional postcards they had on the counter for local indie film events. I picked up a couple of things, but the one that really caught my eye was the slick postcard released by the Memphis International Film Festival. The postcard is an advance entry notice for those filmmakers hoping to be exhibited in this years festival.

The festival takes place on March 27-30th, but of course, they have to start screening those films right about - well - now. Here’s the information direct from the notice to those hoping to make it into the festival:

“It’s not too early to plan to exhibit your film at the 9th annual Memphis International Film Festival.

Founded in 2000, the Memphis International Film Festival is a four day event presented in late March each year. From the beginning, the festival has featured a rich variety of regional, American and International films and education programs. Guests have included Morgan Freeman, Holly Hunter, Issac Hayes, Richard Gladstein and Alan Blomquist.

Memphis, the home of the Blues and the birthplace of Rock & Roll, has become an important American epicenter for film production and appreciation.

Categories: Feature, Documentary, Live Action Short, Animation and Music Video.”

You can find more information about the festival at www.MemphisFilmForum.org

09
Jul

Harry Potter Comes to Memphis

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Well, kinda.

There are a good number of bookstores here in Memphis and a good number of those bookstores will be celebrating the release of the seventh and final Harry Potter book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, at midnight on July 21.

Perhaps the most notable event, however, will be taking place at - you guessed it - Barnes and Noble in Collierville’s Carriage Crossing. There, you can hear none other than Issac Hayes read from an excerpt from the Deathly Hallows.

There are a number of other release parties going on in the area as well. You can keep up to date with Harry Potter release parties everywhere by checking out the Harry Potter Release Party lens on Squidoo.

30
Jun

July 4th Activities in the Memphis Area

Author: Kelly, Category: Uncategorized

Now, I realize it’s hotter than can biscuits in the oven at the moment, but would July 4th seem right if it wasn’t?

There’s a number of events in and around town and most all of them include the one staple of a good Independence Day festivity: Fireworks. Here’s a list of events to get you in the patriotic spirit:

Star Spangled Celebration - June 30th

FM100’s Star Spangled Celebration is one of the most popular July 4th events in the Memphis area. Situated at Tom Lee Park, right on the Mississippi River, the celebration offers food, music (including Tennessee’s own almost-American Idol, Kimberly Locke) and, of course, fireworks. Festivities begin at 2:00 P.M. with the fireworks finale at 9:50 p.m.

A .pdf file containing all sorts of information about the Star Spangled Celebration can be found here.

Bartlett Fireworks Extravaganza 

Held at Bobby K. Flaherty Municipal Center, festivities will begin at 6:30 p.m. and end at 9:30 p.m. Food, live music and, what else? Fireworks.

Southaven July 4th Celebration 

Southaven, MS - spitting distance from the Memphis International Airport - hosts this celebration at Snowden Grove Park. I know you’re going to be surprised by this, but there will be music and fireworks.

Just remember folks, if you’re going to be out before the sun goes down, wear that sunblock. And the mosquitos are horrid right now, so bring plenty of OFF!