By Katie Kelly Growlers in Midtown Memphis is packed. Overflowing really. There are people in groups in the parking lot talking, people in line waiting to get in, and some just hanging out around the venue. Inside, it’s even more crowded. It takes 10 minutes just to get to the bar and another 15 to get drinks. There’s an excited buzz emanating from the audience, but that buzz immediately dulls once the music starts. All at once it seems everyone’s attention is locked up front. Because it’s been almost 5 years since Healy played a hometown show, and he just walked on stage. A lot’s changed for ..read more

Need to know what’s going on in Memphis’ arts and culture communities? ArtsMemphis’ Event Calendar is one of the best resources for everything you need to know and events you can’t miss! Get to Know ArtsMemphis! ArsMemphis serves as a vital support system for local artists and cultural institutions. Their mission revolves around ensuring that Memphis remains a dynamic hub for artistic expression. Their commitment goes beyond financial support–they’re dedicated to fostering an inclusive, creative environment accessible to all. “At ARTSmemphis, our purpose as a granting organization is to grow t ..read more

Memphis music is truly unstoppable. Each month welcomes more and more incredible new projects. Here are just 5 we’re highlighting for November that we’ve had on repeat: Talibah Safiya ft. MadameFraankie – “Papa Please” When we talked to singer Talibah Safiya back in October, she told us that she was readying a new 5 song project titled “Black Magic”. While the full EP hasn’t dropped, Safiya did share the first single off the upcoming record. “Papa Please” finds Safiya soulfully crooning over crunchy, gritty guitar courtesy of MadameFraankie. It’s the perfect teaser – just enough to wet our app ..read more

After nearly four years, longtime Memphis musician Paul Taylor is finally  returning home to play his first local show of the 2020’s.  His triumphant return to the Green Room at Crosstown Arts will take place this Friday evening, where Taylor will be joined by his brand new band, Three Springs. Prior to his highly-anticipated return, we sat down with Paul Taylor to discuss his return, his recent hot creative streak, and much more. 1. Before moving to Wisconsin in 2020, you were one of the city’s go-to sidemen and a celebrated solo artist as well. Just to set that stage, give us a bri ..read more

Thanksgiving is right around the corner, which means it’s time to start shopping for the winter holidays soon after. We want to help make this holiday season easier for you by putting together this handy guide of places to support around the 901 for a Thanksgiving dinner and your gift shopping. Here is your comprehensive guide for this November’s festivities. Take-Home Thanksgiving Dinners Leave all the stress and prep work of cooking behind when you buy one of these take-home dinners from classic Memphis restaurants. Not only will your Thanksgiving be more relaxed, but these dishes offer quin ..read more

The holidays are fast approaching and, while many are thinking about their holiday menus and where to eat this season, that’s not the case for plenty of people in our community. According to Feeding America, one in seven people experience food insecurity daily. If you’re facing food insecurity or looking for a place to volunteer this season, here are several food pantries or assistance services in the 901 that you should know about. Along with these food pantries, you can also search Facebook for local groups with community gardens and fridges that Memphians work together to keep stocked. Here ..read more

Story by Katie Kelly Photos by Gabrielle Duffie Imagine you’re standing shirtless and blindfolded in the middle of a busy college campus. You’re surrounded by cans of paint and you ask those who pass by to stop and paint something, anything, on your actual body. No, this isn’t some drunken dare or Greek life hazing ritual. Instead, you’re there on your own freewill to try and do something much scarier: encourage people to be vulnerable. That’s the idea behind musician Aaron James’ new project, “Paint What You Feel.” With this, James pivots from his traditional role behind his guitar and instea ..read more

In our city, “soul” isn’t just a word. It’s a feeling, it’s a movement, it’s a vibe. As Memphians, we wear soul with pride. Our city isn’t just the birthplace of musical icons or the city where food, music, and culture come to life. Our city’s soul is described by generosity that knows no bounds and the thousands of Memphians building community with each other on the daily. It’s the activism that stirring in our hearts, pushing each other and the world to see better and do better. It’s in the limitless innovation fueling insatiable curiosity and so, so much more. Memphis has always b ..read more

Libraries are one of the best free resources! You can find just about anything you need here, from popular fiction novels to rentable equipment. If you want to utilize everything a library has to offer, thankfully, Memphis has plenty of convenient locations for everyone. Here are just some of the libraries around town that you can visit for events, books, and more.  The Cossitt Public Library If you haven’t been to the newly renovated Cossitt library, you’re going to want to add it to your list. It reopened in 2023 after a five-year closure and, now what was Memphis’ first library, featur ..read more

Memphis music is truly unstoppable. Each month welcomes more and more incredible new projects. Here are just 5 we’re highlighting for October that we’ve had on repeat: Slimeroni – “Freak Like Me” You’re probably familiar with Slimeroni for her standout verses on hit songs like “Shabooya” or “Wrong One”, where she raps alongside her crew of fellow formidable female artists. But Slime has all the makings of solo stardom and “Freak Like Me” is another example of why. Set over dance ready production courtesy of Ayoza, Slime once again showcases her lyrical skills and sharp delivery. The single wa ..read more