“Illiteracy is one of the most solvable issues of our lifetime. We have the research, we have the practice, we know how to teach reading to students.”

Daily Memphian food writer Jennifer Biggs, along with our producer Natalie Van Gundy, joined CEO Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar, which was recorded live during WYXR’s pledge week. 

A conversation with Zoe Kahr, the Brooks Museum’s executive director, about new exhibits, live music, how her family led her into the art museums world and a future exhibit on the the Memphis College of Art.

An upcoming fundraiser for Room in the Inn aims to help support the group’s mission to help homeless people.

“Exodus: Recreation,” which was produced by the InHEIRitance Project and will be performed in Memphis March 31-April 3, incorporated the input of 800 people and two dozen local organizations.

“This book is dedicated to anyone who ever bought a ticket for whatever movie starts next.”

Tara M. Stringfellow talks about the new paperback edition of her book, “Memphis,” which she’ll be signing at Novel Tuesday, March 7, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Ward Archer joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about some of the projects and companies he’s involved in, from Protect Our Aquifer to Archer Records to Contemporary Media. 

The executive director of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, Lar’Juanette Williams joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about her incredible range of experiences in the arts and beyond.

Hamlett Dobbins, a remarkable painter who lives here in Memphis, joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the work he does. 

The Memphis artist joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about his art, immersive worlds, the Mid-South Coliseum and how maybe — just maybe — the artists’ collaborative Live From Memphis could return.

One of the original owners of the Beauty Shop and now owner of Bar Keough and Cafe Keough talks about belly dancers, his love of chickens and the sweet, wonderful smell of burnt rosemary.

David Williams talks about his second novel, his writing process, and his 30 years as a reporter and editor at The Commercial Appeal on this week’s episode of The Sidebar. 

Mike Allen, the Botanic Garden’s executive director, joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about all the different aspects of the Botanic Garden and plans for expansion.

A conversation with John Bass, the director of the Mike Curb Institute of Music at Rhodes College.

Candace Echols talks about the importance — and the challenges — of writing about faith in her weekly column for The Daily Memphian.

Jennifer Balink, executive director of the nonprofit Kindred Place, joins Eric Barnes this week on The Sidebar. 

Daily Memphian CEO Eric Barnes interviews Lil Buck and Katie Smythe, the CEO and Artistic Director of New Ballet Ensemble and School, on The Sidebar.

For people who’ve been in publishing in Memphis for many years, there are generally two family trees: The people who came through The Commercial Appeal and the people who came through one of Bob Towery’s companies.

On this week’s episode of The Sidebar, executive director of Iris Collective Rebecca Arendt talks about the evolution of Iris, the new season of performances and her firm belief that “everyone can learn to sing.”

River Arts Fest executive director Bonnie Thornton joins Eric Barnes this week on The Sidebar. 

From The Magic Kids to knocking on doors to get out the vote, Bennett Foster talks about balancing a love of a songwriting and work on social and political issues.

Elizabeth Cawein of Music Export Memphis joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar.

The Power Pop Festival takes place Saturday, Sept. 24, at 4 p.m. at the Overton Park Shell, and includes former Posies member Jon Auer, Van Duren, Your Academy, a tribute to Big Star’s Chris Bell and the Sonny Wilsons.