Silky O’Sullivan’s rolls out 50th St. Patrick’s parade

Despite a forecast of cool and rainy weather, cars, dancers and floats filled Beale Street Saturday, March 11, 2023, for the 50th annual Silky O’Sullivan’s St. Patrick’s parade.

Thousands of spectators came out to celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick’s holiday and Memphis’ biggest parade, with many adorned in green apparel from sparkling shamrock top hats and T-shirts to green Mardi Gras beads.

Participating organizations for this year’s parade include the Christian Brothers High School Band, Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, Murphy’s of Midtown Memphis, Carnival Memphis and River City Peddlers.

Journeying Through Beale Street Memphis: A Fusion of Art, Music, & History

Beale Street is a 1.8-mile-long street stretching from the Mississippi River to East Street in Downtown Memphis, Tennessee. It holds a special place in the annals of blues music and the city’s past.

This National Historic Landmark of Memphis—famous as the “Home of the Blues” and the “true birthplace of Rock n Roll”—showcases the city’s iconic live music heritage through museums, picture spots, and clubs where visitors can still hear the music being made in Memphis today. Beale Street is a popular destination for Memphis locals and visitors thanks to the variety of exciting live performances and cold brews.

Part of Barbecue Fest moves to Beale Street

A longstanding portion of the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is moving to Beale Street.

The “Patio Porkers on Beale” competition that had been part of the Memphis in May event will be a 30-team, one-day, ribs-only “smoke-off” Saturday, May 20, with free admission.

The Beale Street competition is on the last day of the May 17-20 barbecue contest.

International Blues Challenge crowns 2023 winners from Texas, Australia and more

The annual International Blues Challenge crowned its winners Saturday night at Downtown Memphis’ Orpheum Theatre, capping the 38th edition of the event.

The Houston, Texas, combo led and named after 20-year-old guitar phenom Mathias Lattin took home the title in the band category, while Sydney, Australia, singer-guitarist Frank Sultana earned the top prize in the solo/duo category.

ZACH RANDOLPH JERSEY RETIREMENT CEREMONY ON DECEMBER 11 CULMINATES WEEK-LONG CELEBRATION OF THE GRIZZLIES LEGEND

Among the events – on the day of Randolph’s jersey retirement, Saturday, Dec. 11, Grizz Nation is invited to arrive early and stop by the 2021 Memphis Holiday Parade on the world-famous Beale Street, where Randolph will serve as Grand Marshal. The parade starts at 3 p.m. and afterward fans can stop by the FedExForum Box Office for a chance to purchase select Terrace Level tickets for 50% off, in honor of the number the Grizzlies will retire that night, while supplies last.

–  Tickets Still Available for Zach’s Jersey Retirement Game Against the Rockets –

–  The First 5,000 Fans in Attendance Receive a Commemorative Vinyl Record Honoring Randolph –

– Retirement Ceremony Airs Live on Bally Sports Southeast Immediately Following the Game –

 

Full Release Below: 

The Memphis Grizzlies today announced the full slate of events for Zach Randolph’s jersey retirement game on Saturday, Dec. 11, vs. the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. CT. Tickets for the game are still available and start at just $11. Tickets are available for purchase by calling (901) 888-HOOP or by going online to grizzlies.com/tickets. The first 5,000 fans in attendance will receive a Commemorative Vinyl Record honoring Randolph, produced locally in partnership with Memphis Record Pressing.
#50ForDaCity Documentary

Festivities tip-off Tuesday, Dec. 7, with the digital release of the new Zach Randolph documentary film, #50ForDaCity, produced by Grind City Media. The documentary chronicles Randolph’s journey in Memphis starting with the trade that brought him to the Bluff City and includes every Z-bound, headband toss, MLGW bill paid, chokeslam and more. #50ForDaCity, which premieres exclusively as a benefit for MVPs on Dec. 5, can be found on grizzlies.com or the Grizzlies YouTube Channel starting Dec. 7. Fans wanting a behind-the-scenes look at how the film was created can tune in on Wednesday, Dec. 8, for the premiere of “Making of #50ForDaCity” on GrindCityMedia.com and Grind City Media social channels. This show will include a roundtable discussion led by Grind City Media’s Jessica Benson and feature Randolph, Grind City Media’s Chris Vernon, the film’s director, Michael Blevins, and The Daily Memphian’s Chris Herrington.

Zach Randolph Jersey Retirement Game & Weekend

The Claw Crew will continue festivities with the Mountain Dew Street Corners throughout the day on Friday, Dec. 10 and Saturday, Dec. 11, giving fans an opportunity to receive tickets to the game vs. the Houston Rockets. Fans can follow @memgrizz on Twitter to find out where the Claw Crew will be popping up throughout the city.

On Friday, Dec. 10, Zach Randolph will stop by the Porter-Leath Toy Truck drive at WMC-TV Action News 5 Station, 1960 Union Ave, from 2-3p.m. The 20th annual Toy Truck, presented by International Paper, provides over 2,500 preschool children with meaningful, age-appropriate holiday gifts. The first 200 fans who stop by between 2-3 p.m. and donate a gift at the toy drive will meet Zach and receive two tickets to Saturday’s game gifted by Zach.

On the day of Randolph’s jersey retirement, Saturday, Dec. 11, Grizz Nation is invited to arrive early and stop by the 2021 Memphis Holiday Parade on the world famous Beale Street, where Randolph will serve as Grand Marshal. The parade starts at 3 p.m. and afterward fans can stop by the FedExForum Box Office for a chance to purchase select Terrace Level tickets for 50% off, in honor of the number the Grizzlies will retire that night, while supplies last.

 Musical tributes for Zach will occur throughout the night from a myriad of Memphis acts including the Royal Studios All Star Band, Al Kapone, the reuniting of Three 6 Mafia’s DJ Paul and Young Buck along with 8 Ball and MJG. Also on hand for the festivities is Randolph’s first-ever artist off his NLess Entertainment roster, multi-platinum recording artist and Memphis native Moneybagg Yo.

During the game, Grizz Nation will be able to enjoy their favorite Zach Randolph in-game video skits and highlight videos as the Memphis Grizzlies celebrate the guest of honor throughout the game. Immediately following the game, Zach’s jersey retirement ceremony will begin and air live on Bally Sports Southeast, hosted by Pete Pranica, Brevin Knight and Rob Fischer with special guests including, Tony Allen, Lionel Hollins, Chris Wallace, Damon Stoudamire, Bonzi Wells and more from Zach’s career, along with a special tribute video and musical performances.

Fans who want to support the Memphis Grizzlies and purchase single game tickets, including to Zach Randolph’s jersey retirement game, can do so now by calling (901) 888-HOOP or by going online to grizzlies.com/tickets. Season Tickets are the best way to guarantee seats to the top matchups at the lowest prices all season long. For more information on the Grizzlies, visit grizzlies.com, ‘like’ Memphis Grizzlies on Facebook or follow on Twitter and Instagram (@memgrizz).

 

-Grizzlies.com-

Beale Street Artcrawl Festival Returns Saturday

Vicky Love, self-proclaimed science geek and art collector, looked for an art crawl after moving back to Memphis from Nashville. Something not as big and glamorous as River Arts Fest, but a cozy, independent artist pop-up fair working symbiotically with local businesses. “I told myself, ‘They don’t have an art crawl in Memphis? I’m going to claim one,’” Love says.

A graduate of Tennessee State University in Nashville, Love holds a master’s degree in geospatial information systems, and she’s an artist and photographer. Her left and right brain work double duty. She is also the founder of Dear Music Nonprofit, supporting artists and creators with the creation and public performance of their work.

“Creating opportunities for others is my calling,” she says.

In 2018 and 2019, the Beale Street Artcrawl Festival was amazing, according to Love. Beale was packed. The crawl went online last year due to Covid. This year, the event is a hybrid, with an online presence and the live event on Saturday.

“It’s hard to step out and believe in yourself and your abilities,” says Love. “Artists believe in their work, but they still need to pay the bills. It was hard before the pandemic. It’s even harder now.”

Her pet project is getting the word out that Dear Music Nonprofit not only supports traditional artists but also encourages young artists like Thomias Calderon, who is on the autism spectrum.

“I want those young artists who test within the autism spectrum to continue to express themselves and discover more abilities.”

Beale Street Artcrawl Festival, Beale Street, Downtown Memphis, Saturday, Aug. 21, 1-7 p.m., free.

Ja Morant the focus of Moneybagg Yo’s new song ‘ROTY’

If one could hold Ja Morant’s star potential in their hands, it would have been strapped to a rocket ship and sent to the moon this postseason.

The Memphis Grizzlies point guard has emerged as one of the league’s brightest rising talents, taking down two-time MVP Steph Curry and legendary coach Gregg Popovich along the way.

No player since 1949 scored more points in his first two playoff games than Morant did in Utah. He’s one of only four NBA players — the others are Hall of Famers George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — to score more than 100 points in his first three playoff games. He has set franchise records, NBA records and career highs along the way.

But now his star portfolio is getting a few more sections, with a documentary series and a tribute song.

Morant made headlines because he scored 47 points in a game. He made headlines because some Jazz fans made offensive and racist comments in the direction of his family. He was name-dropped in a J. Cole record last month.

If the discussion is about playoff basketball or simply hoops culture — Morant’s name is likely to come up.


“Dropping my documentary, ‘PromiseLand June 3rd,” he posted on Instagram Monday.

“Promiseland” is a six-episode docuseries — produced by Crackle, a network that airs free TV and movies — that chronicles the rise of Morant.

It features fellow NBA star Carmelo Anthony, WNBA star A’ja Wilson and Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo, according to the trailer.

GHOST RIVER BREWING COMPANY OPENING SECOND LOCATION ON WORLD FAMOUS BEALE STREET

Ghost River Brewing Company, Memphis’ first craft brewery, and Beale Street Management are excited to announce Ghost River’s second location at 341-345 Beale Street in historic Downtown Memphis, with a grand opening scheduled for July 2021. Beyond great local brews, the Beale Street location will feature cuisine from Chef Sobie Johnson of Flying Sobie’s Gourmet Kitchen, a taproom, an outdoor beer garden, and live music.

Ghost River is independently owned and operated and has been making good beer for the good people of Memphis since 2007. This is the brewery’s first expansion.

“We are excited for the opportunity to expand our historic Brewery, Tap Room, and Beer Garden to world-famous Beale Street,” said Bob Keskey, owner of Ghost River Brewing Company. “We think it will be a great partnership – giving Memphians and tourists easier access to our assortment of hand-crafted beers – and we couldn’t be happier to help add to the vibrancy of Beale.”

Ghost River’s commitment to providing a place where everyone can enjoy some distinctive southern hospitality with their hops will be a welcome addition to Beale Street. And, if beer wasn’t enough, the brewery will also provide another dining option on the street with a unique partnership with Flying Sobie’s Gourmet Kitchen. Ghost River first became aware of Chef Sobie because of his strong following within the food truck community, and the partnership idea took off during the past year. With Ghost River covering the kitchen buildout, and equipment, Chef Sobie will bring his signature ground chicken burgers to his first “brick and mortar” location.

Beale Street Management fully supports the partnership.

“We are really looking forward to what the Ghost River/Flying Sobie’s team is going to bring to the street,” said Jon Shivers, manager of Beale Street. “Their timing couldn’t be better – Grizzlies are in the playoffs, we are gearing up for summer concerts, great weather9, 01FC and Redbirds games are ramping up. This is perfect beer and burger season.”

It seems Ghost River has equally positive feelings about Beale.

“It is important to Ghost River and our team to continue our support of all existing establishments on Beale, from the west side of Beale to the east side,” said Keskey when asked about the new location. “I want to thank the City of Memphis and Beale Street Management for their support and vision to bring this to fruition. There isn’t a better Memphis location than Beale; we are honored to be a part of the street.”