“The story ‘The Blind Side’ tells is built on a matrix of hot-button issues: Race, wealth, religion, public and private schools, as well as high school and college football. That matrix is fertile ground for problems of inequity, exploitation and paternalism. In other words, this garden is actually a minefield.”

In an email to its barbecue teams, Memphis in May President Jim Holt says the festival is “exploring venue options other than Tom Lee Park for the future.”

The ratings are the first full month look at the business decision that Dan Barron, Audacy senior vice president and market manager, admits was met enormous skepticism.

Memphis Botanic Garden heats up with the “Summer Sizzle ‘23” exhibit, where the works of more than 50 Memphis-area artists are on display. 

Brooks Lamb, who wrote “Overton Park: A History,” joins Eric Barnes to talk about his new book, “Love for the Land: Lessons from Farmers Who Persist in Place.”

This week, Large Professor plays on the anniversary of hip-hop, Michael Oher signs his new book and Crosstown’s plaza becomes a water park.

“We’re just so proud to have the exhibition here in what is now the largest majority Black city in America,” said the Memphis Brooks Museum’s executive director. “We think it’s so essential that every Memphian sees themselves reflected here in our museum.”

This year, Elvis Week festivities will include music, panels, contests, screenings and ceremonies celebrating the lives of Elvis and Lisa Marie Presley.

The celebration featured drinks, live music from the Shufflegrit band, family games, a western-themed photo booth, dogs up for adoption, raffle prizes, a silent auction and a doggie pool party for the attending canines. 

Memphis-based Collage Dance is one of the largest Black-led performing arts organizations in the South. 

This week, Friends of George’s presents “The Drag Boat,” Collierville celebrates trains and the Streetdog Foundation celebrates 14 years with a cowboy-themed dog party.

The 2023-24 schedule includes country, bluegrass and gospel artists; a comedian; full-scale live theater productions; a ballet and even some ‘70s and ‘80s throwback musical tributes.

Drake was scheduled to perform Sunday, Aug. 6, at the FedExForum as part of his “It’s All A Blur Tour.”

“You’re going to have a thousand nos but as soon as you get that one yes, it’ll actually change your life,” the Memphis-born designer told the crowd at a pop-up shop in Germantown.

Skol-Astic Book Fair, complete with beer and books, is for adults and will be held at Soul & Spirits on North Main near the Pinch District. A number of bookstores are participating.

This month, a jazz multi-instrumentalist will play Railgarten, hip-hop legends and a decorated country star will (separately) bring even more stars to FedExForum’s stage, and a 50th anniversary tour stops by Live at the Garden.

For 29 years, Tim Simpson has been on News Channel 3 telling Memphis viewers about the weather, advising them when a storm is headed their way and when to seek shelter. Now he’s retiring. 

The Overton Park Shell has a new tool to bring concerts all over the city.

This week, there are parties at the Southwest Twin and in a new Downtown neighborhood. Plus, professionals link up on e-bikes, and an author explores why farmers love their land.

Both recipients receive a $7,500 unrestricted cash grant during their two-month program.

The awards honor individuals who have shown a commitment to promote justice and equality.

The longtime head of the Orpheum Theatre shares memories of the late Tony Bennett’s performances in Memphis. “He was an outstanding entertainer and an even better friend. My love for him remains just as strong.”

Memphian Roman Neal II plans to study dance at Howard University. The scholarship is given to one incoming freshman fine arts student each year and covers four years of tuition.

The Orpheum Theatre Group is scouting possible locations for a 1,000-seat Halloran Center For Performing Arts & Education that would serve northeast Shelby County.

Playhouse on the Square has cut ticket prices by 50% from $50 to $25 per ticket to expand accessibility to live theater.