Good morning, Memphis! ☀️
Today's newsletter includes:
oysters
UFOs
Jimmy Buffett
Project Pat
and free eye care
If that sounds like someone hit the shuffle button on the news, you're not wrong.
Let's get into it.
Events
🌴 Jimmy Buffett's Island Vibes Are Heading to Germantown
Jimmy Buffett fans won't have to travel far for a little island time. A1A – The Official and Original Jimmy Buffett Tribute Show is bringing its nationally recognized tribute to Harrell Theatre in Collierville on Thursday, August 13, delivering two hours of Buffett classics and beach-party energy.
🌴 A1A has been performing Buffett's music for more than 34 years and remains the only tribute act ever officially endorsed by Jimmy Buffett.
🎸 The band has shared the stage with Buffett himself, members of the Coral Reefer Band, and has become a favorite among Parrot Heads nationwide.
🍹 Expect everything from "Margaritaville" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise" to deeper fan favorites in a concert that celebrates Buffett's legendary career.
Dust off the Hawaiian shirt now… August 13 will be here before you know it. Get your tickets here.
Food
🦪 A New Seafood Restaurant Is Making a Splash Downtown
Rendering of Walt & Ricky’s Patio
Downtown Memphis is getting another dining destination this fall. Walt & Ricky's Seafood Kitchen is targeting a September opening inside the former Fancy's Fish House space at The Landing Residences.
🦀 The concept comes from local restaurateur Mowbray Rowand, co-owner of Esco Restaurant & Tapas and the local Fat Tuesday's franchise.
🦪 The restaurant will feature fresh Gulf seafood, a raw oyster bar, handcrafted cocktails, and upscale coastal favorites.
❤️ The restaurant is named after Rowand's father and his wife's father, giving the concept a personal family connection.
It's another sign that Downtown Memphis' restaurant scene continues adding new reasons to visit. Check out their website here.
Music
🛸 Memphis' Newest Music Venue Is Already Booking a Huge Fall
Photo by Alex Greene
Memphis' newest concert venue hasn't even opened its doors yet, but Satellite Music Hall is already landing some serious acts. The first wave of announced shows features Grammy winners, hometown favorites, and national touring artists that should put the venue on plenty of concert calendars.
🎤 Early headliners include Chance the Rapper, The Band CAMINO, Project Pat, and Bowling for Soup, with dozens of additional shows already on the schedule.
🎟️ The venue is expected to open this fall inside the former Minglewood Hall complex, giving Memphis another mid-sized room built for touring artists.
🎶 The calendar already stretches months into the future, signaling that Satellite plans to become one of the city's busiest live music destinations.
If you're always looking for your next live music night, Satellite Music Hall deserves a spot on your radar. You can also click here for a very cool timelapse of the venue’s construciton.
Good News
👓 New Partnership Brings Free Eye Care to Memphians in Need
A new collaboration between Southern College of Optometry and Catholic Charities of West Tennessee is expanding healthcare access for people experiencing homelessness.
👁️ Patients will receive free comprehensive eye exams and prescription glasses through a new clinic at Catholic Charities' Hope Heights campus in Midtown.
🩺 SCO faculty will begin seeing patients immediately, with student clinicians joining this fall to expand services.
🤝 The clinic is supported by several community partners, including donated equipment, eyeglasses, and integrated healthcare services.
Clear vision can open doors to employment, education, and better health, making this partnership an investment in long-term stability for hundreds of Memphians.
Daily Picks
🗞️ Other News Around the 901
🍦 Sugar Ghost is celebrating National Ice Cream Month with brand-new flavors every Monday. This week you can try Cherry Goat Cheese & Soursop Yuzu Sorbet
🏛️ Ida B. Wells Plaza has officially reopened downtown after city improvement projects wrapped up, welcoming visitors back to the public gathering space.
🛸 Believe or not? A new study ranked Tennessee cities by reported UFO sightings, and Memphis made the list.
🏨 The $63 million redevelopment of the former DoubleTree Hotel downtown has officially received approval, clearing the way for a major renovation.
🏓 Bluff City Pickleball has opened registration for its summer leagues, with divisions available for players of all skill levels.
💦 Cooper-Young Splashdown returns Saturday, July 25, bringing water slides, splash zones, and family-friendly fun back to one of Memphis' favorite neighborhoods.
🗳️ The Memphis Flyer’s Best of Memphis voting is officially underway. Locals have until Wednesday, August 12 to vote for their favorite restaurants, businesses, bars, attractions, and more. Vote now!
🏀 The Memphis Grizzlies fell to Golden State in the NBA Summer League Championship, but the team still turned heads after setting several Summer League records—including an incredible 32-2 first quarter against Atlanta earlier in the tournament.
⚾ The Memphis Redbirds begin a three-game home series against the Durham Bulls, with games running Monday through Wednesday at AutoZone Park.
🚗 According to a new driving analysis, Bartlett has Tennessee's best drivers, followed by Germantown. Memphis is (somehow) not far behind.
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That's it for today!
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Have a great week, Memphis. We’ll see you tomorrow.
— 901 Today