Midtown Memphis Blog

RETech South-2009

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:28:00 +0000

RETech South-2009 (42), originally uploaded by joespake.

Joe Ferrara, Mr. Sellsius, live chatting.

Flickr

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 20:22:00 +0000

This is a test post from , a fancy photo sharing thing.

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 00:18:00 +0000

Charming Bungalow 447 N Avalon

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:52:00 +0000

Click "details" button for more information.

Contact Joe Spake - 901-870-3440 for more details and showings

Test Post

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 14:26:00 +0000

Checking feed for this blog
New address is www.midtownmemphisblog.blogspot.com

Test Post

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 12:27:00 +0000

I had to migrate this blog to another account, which included a name change to http://midtownmemphisblog.blogspot.com

Let's see how it works on the RSS feed

Midtown on YouTube - Bungalows

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 21:10:00 +0000

Midtown on YouTube

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:25:00 +0000

I am trying to pull together some Midtown Pictures and take some new ones to show what's special about Midtown Memphis. I was limited to 9 images of the scores of fine homes. I will be doing more fine and historic homes, bungalows, historic Midtown and other 1 minute topics.
Here is the first:

Schedule for Memphis Music and Heritage Festival

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 00:51:00 +0000

2008 Festival Schedule

Saturday August 30th, 2008

Sunday August 31st, 2008

Peabody Place & Main Street Stage

12:00 pm Greg Hisky and His Dixie Whisky Flyers
(Country)

1:00 pm TBA

2:00 pm Agitators with Joe Gaston & Jimmy
Segerson (Blues)

3:00 pm The City Champs (Jazz)

4:00 pm The Sensational Six (Gospel)

5:00 pm The Billy Gibson Blues Band (Blues)

6:00 pm The Kattawar Brothers (Rhythm & Blues)

7:00 pm Giant Bear (Folk Rock)

8:00 pm The Tim Terry Experience (Funk)

9:00 pm The MellowTones (Gospel)

10:00 pm Bobby Rush (Soul)

Trolley Stop Stage

11:00 am TBA

11:15 am The Flying MonkeyMan Band
(Music for the Family)

11:45 am TBA

12:00 pm Jimmy Crosthwait (Puppet Show)

12:40 pm Voices of the South - High Cotton
(Music for the Family)

1:15 pm Randal Morton (Banjo Workshop)

1:40 pm Felix Hernandez (Puerto Rican Cuisine)

2:05 pm TBA

2:30 pm David Bowen (Guitar Workshop)

2:55 pm Ella Kizzie (Southern Cooking)

3:20 pm TBA

3:45 pm Billy Gibson (Harmonica Workshop)

4:10 pm Thomas Sitt (Chinese Cuisine)

4:35 pm TBA

5:00 pm Choctaw (Cooking and Dancing)

5:25 pm Felix Hernandez (Latin Percussion Workshop)

5:50 pm Salsa Memphis (Dance Routine)

6:30 pm The US Navy Big Band (Big Band)

7:30 pm Valerie June Trio (Folk)

8:30 pm Fitz's Ultimate Cooking Hoorkers
(Music That Smells Good)

9:30 pm Tonya Dyson & Green Onions (Neo-Soul)

Folklore Store Stage

1:15 pm Charlie Wood (Jazz & Blues)

2:15 pm Deborah Swiney (Jazz)

3:15 pm Roy Harper & Rob Pearcy (Country)

4:15 pm Devin Miller (Blues)

5:15 pm Sidney, Cidney, Sidney (Rhythm & Blues)

6:15 pm Kim Richardson (Folk)

7:15 pm William Lee Ellis (Blues)

8:15 pm Promise (Jazz)

9:15 pm Harlan T Bobo (Rock)

10:15 pm Steve Gardner & The Jake Leg Stompers
(Jug Band)

Folklore Hall Stage

2:45 pm Los Cantadores Trio (Mariachi)

3:45 pm Gary Topper Quartet (Jazz)

4:45 pm Singin Southern Jubilees (Gospel)

5:45 pm Billy Lee Riley (Rockabilly)

6:45 pm Grassfire (Bluegrass)

7:45 pm Tony Thomas Trio featuring Sam Shoup
& Tom Lenardo (Jazz)

8:45 pm Hope Clayburn & Soul Scrimmage
(Funk & Soul)

Gayoso & Main Street Stage

1:30 pm Mr. White (DJ & Vocal Set)

2:30 pm Moments of Joy (Gospel)

3:30 pm Lucas Cates Band (Rock)

4:30 pm Devil Train (Gypsy Jazz)

5:30 pm Elmo & The Shades (Blues)

6:30 pm Alicja Trout & The River City Tanlines
(Rock)

7:30 pm The Dark Side Thugs, Willie Firecracker , & The Tunnel Clones (Rap & Hip Hop)

8:30 pm Al Kapone (Hip Hop)

9:30 pm The Daddy Mack Blues Band (Blues)

Peabody Place & Main Street Stage

12:00 pm Hickory Withe Bluegrass (Bluegrass)

1:00 pm Phil Durham (Rhythm & Blues)

2:00 pm Smoochy Smith & Hooch (Country)

3:00 pm Annointed Cowans Singers (Gospel)

4:00 pm FreeWorld featuring Herman Green
(Rock & Jazz)

5:00 pm Reba Russell (Blues)

6:00 pm Homemade Jamz Blues Band (Blues)

7:00 pm Sonny Burgess & The Pacers (Rockabilly)

8:00 pm Will Graves and Soul (Soul)

9:00 pm Darrell Petties & SIP (Gospel)

10:00 pm Jason D. Williams (Boogie Woogie)

Trolley Stop Stage

11:00 am Michigan City Soul Steppers
(Michigan City, Indiana)

11:15 am The Flying MonkeyMan Band
(Music for the Family)

11:45 am The Sophisticated Sound & Steppers
(Hythorn, California)

12:00 pm Jimmy Crosthwait (Puppet Show)

12:40 pm Voices of the South - Virginia Ralph
(Children's Storytelling)

1:40 pm Pyramid Dancers (Belly Dance Performers)

2:05 pm Ella Kizzie (Southern Cooking)

2:30 pm David Evans (Jug Band Workshop)

2:55 pm Chinese Dance & Martial Arts

3:20 pm Chef Judd Grisanti (Spindini / Italian Cuisine)

3:45 pm The Isiserettes Drill and Drum Corp
(Des Moines, Iowa)

4:00 pm Johnny Yancy Big Band (Big Band)

4:50 pm Chef Michael Patrick (Creole Gumbo)

5:15 pm TBA

5:45 pm Millennium Maddness Fancy Trick Drill &
Drum Show Team (Memphis, Tennessee)

6:00 pm Ekpe (African Drumming)

6:25 pm Deanna Lubin (Working with Challah)

6:45 pm Jumpback Jake (Soul)

7:45 pm Don McMinn & Nightrain (Blues)

8:45 pm The Gypsy Hombres (Jazz)

9:45 pm Willie Covington (Soul)

Folklore Store Stage

1:15 pm Caleb Sweazy (Folk & Country)

2:15 pm Barbara Blue (Blues)

3:15 pm Roy Harper & Rob Pearcy (Country)

4:15 pm Dan Montgomery Trio (Rock)

5:15 pm Audie Smith & Vicki Newsum (Jazz)

6:15 pm Eden Brent (Blues)

7:15 pm Thomas Spurlock (Neo-Soul)

8:15 pm Last Chance Jug Band (Jug Band)

9:15 pm Pierce Pettis (Folk)

10:15 pm Blind Mississippi Morris (Blues)

Folklore Hall Stage

1:45 pm The Jumpin Chi Chis (Jazz)

2:45 pm TBA

3:45 pm Eddie Bond (Country)

4:45 pm Memphis Klezmer Allstars (Klezmer)

5:45 pm Orange Mound Jazz Messengers (Jazz)

6:45 pm Jim Dickinson, Sid Selvidge , &
Jimmy Crosthwait (Blues)

7:45 pm Niko Lyras Trio

8:45 pm Joyce Cobb (Jazz, Blues & Rock)

Gayoso & Main Street Stage

1:30 pm Mr. White & David Agape
(Gospel & House Set)

2:30 pm FreeVerse (Jam Band & Funk)

3:30 pm The Golden Keys (Gospel)

4:30 pm Charles Johnson & Kwest
(Jazz & Rhythm & Blues)

5:30 pm Kenny Brown

6:30 pm Brown Singers (Gospel)

7:30 pm Susan Marshall (Jazz, Rock & Blues)

8:30 pm Exodus (Reggae)

9:45 pm Los Cantadores (Latin)

One of Memphis' Best Kept Secrets

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:43:00 +0000

Mark your Calendars!

With the cost of gasoline not showing any signs of a downturn, why not do a staycation in Memphis for the Labor Day weekend? Very few Memphians are aware of the world-class music and cultural festival put on Downtown every year by the Center for Southern Folklore, yet I always meet folks from all over the country and the world who make the Festival part of their travel plans.

Come down to Main Street and Peabody Place on August 30 and 31 for the Memphis Music and Heritage Festival, with 5 stages of music, dance, cooking, and storytelling representative of the rich heritage of our area featuring over 100 acts.

2007 festival performers included: Bobby Rush, Jason D Williams, Billy Lee Riley, Kate Campbell, Darrel Petties & SIP, Jim Dickinson, Joyce Cobb, Roscoe Robinson, Sonny Burgess and The Pacers, Eddie Bond's Country Music Show, Blind Mississippi Morris, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Brown Singers, Spirit of Memphis, and many, many more.

The Shell is Coming Back this Fall

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 23:39:00 +0000

Well, I was too young to remember Elvis' premiere performance, and I THINK I remember seeing the Allman Brothers, and numerous other 60's-70's institutions, and that's where I first heard Jim Dickinson, and Mudboy and the Neutrons, and a host of other Memphis long-hair icons and even the Memphis Symphony back when Arts in the Park was in Overton Park,; and then the filled in the orchestra pit and the place sort of fell to ruin, only to be kept alive by a stalwart group called Save Our Shell.
Thanks to a lot of patience, hard work, and determination and some out of town money, the Shell is being resurrected as the Levitt Shell at Overton Park and is kicking off with a great free Fall concert series in early September. Here is the Schedule.

Seth Godin's Email Checklist

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 16:45:00 +0000

Seth Godin's Email Checklist should be informative and helpful to all of us.

Cohen For Congress Opens Headquarters

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Sat, 31 May 2008 16:09:00 +0000

Congressman Steve Cohen has officially opened his campaign headquarters at 1803-1 Union Avenue. Drop by to volunteer or send a check. Steve is a Midtowner, and has done a great job of representing the 9th Congressional District during his first term. He has a primary to get through before the Genera Election in November.
Let's re-elect Steve Cohen!

Love that Roller Derby!

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:50:00 +0000

Roller Derby is fun for the entire family. And very convenient for Midtown.

Come see the championship bout on 4/26

Former Burke's site on Poplar to Become Auto Repair Shop

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:46:00 +0000

Read about it at http://www.memphisdailynews.com/editorial/Article.aspx?id=36630

Urgent news regarding the Cumberland Presbyterian Archives Building

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 22:34:00 +0000

From June West at Memphis Heritage:
We have learned just now that application has been made to the City Codes Department for a demolition permit. The Landmarks Commission received a call from Codes to confirm that there was no special designation that would prevent them from demolishing the Historic Cumberland Presbyterian building at Union and Rembert St. in Midtown. This is really unthinkable that they would take this action without having an open discussion with the members of Memphis Heritage. We are asking everyone to call the corporate offices of Chick-fil-A in Atlanta TODAY and again over the next several days (1-404-765-8000). I am afraid the toll free number might just let you leave a recording but you can try it (1-866-232-2040) and ask to speak to Truett, Dan or Bubba Cathy. Or if you want to get to their Marketing VP ask for Steve Robinson. Please voice your tremendous disappointment that the corporate leadership of CFA will not even meet to discuss other possibilities for the site. To our knowledge, no one from their corporate design team even came to Memphis to see about the possible adaptive reuse for this architectural landmark. As one person put it in an to email to CFA: "The first step in any community project is dialogue. It is my understanding that Corporate Chick-Fil -A has refused to attend a meeting with Memphis Heritage to discuss the project and possible alternatives to demolition. Ultimately Chick-Fil -A will want to be part of the Midtown community and want to receive trust and respect from their area customers. Trust is built on dialogue and open lines of communications. Diplomatic dialogue can and should be a Chick-Fil-A corporate policy. I urge you to meet with June West and her associates for an hour of open discussion. It's not a big amount of time but it symbolizes your interest and commitment to serve the Midtown area and future customers. " Memphis Heritage received the following email from Perry Ragsdale, VP of design and construction for CFA. -----Original Message----- From: Perry Ragsdale [mailto:Perry.Ragsdale@chick-fil-a.com] Sent: Friday, April 04, 2008 3:26 PM To: Mgorman, CC; Bubba Cathy; Dan Cathy; John Featherston; Truett.Cathy@chick-fil-a.com; Pete Abernathy Cc: jwest@memphisheritage.org Subject: Re: Cumberland Presbyterian Archives Building "Mr. Gorman" (Marty Gorman is the Chair of the Board of Director's of Memphis Heritage), "we have received numerous messages from the members of Memphis Heritage concerning this building, and we have a clear picture of the concerns. We are currently in the negotiation and inspection period, so it would not be appropriate for us to meet with you at this time. Thank you for your understanding." This certainly does not show community partnership or respect on the part of Chick-fil-A for the residents of Midtown Memphis! Please let your voice be heard before it is too late!!!

Support Memphis Roller Derby

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 22:39:00 +0000

Now that Memphis Roller Derby bouts are at the Fairgrounds Youth Building, Midtowners have no reason not to check out the action. More Details at www.memphisrollerderby.com.

Sponsorships and Program advertising available.

Proud sponsor Joe Spake of Crye-Leike Realtors with members of
Memphis Roller Derby's Women of Mass Destruction Team

Midtown Home Sales Going Well So Far in 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 17:39:00 +0000

According to statistics provided by the Memphis Area Assoc. of REALTORS (click for full report) the number of homes sold in Midtown for the first 2 months of 2008 is off -0.8% from 2007, compared -17.2% drop in the overall Memphis area market. Midtown median sales price is down 18.4%, and average sale price down 19.0% from 2007, compared to 15.4% and 16.5 downturns in the overall Memphis market.
Still a little too early for trends, but the next few months will be very interesting to watch.
Visit www.spake.com for all your real estate needs.

Cooper Young Night Out - Great Way to Kick Off the Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 22:22:00 +0000

From Tamara Walker at the Cooper Young Business Asssoc. :

Starting April 3rd, the Cooper Young Historic District merchants will be hosting a monthly neighborhood Night Out event like no other. The Cooper Young Night Out will be the first Thursday of every month from 5–9 pm. You can start your Night Out on Central Avenue at Central BBQ located in the heart of the Memphis Antique and Design District and meander down South Cooper from shop to shop and end somewhere fabulous on Young Avenue. Or you can start on Young and move toward Central. No matter how you spend your time, this is the night to prowl around in the 18 restaurants and over 25 retail shops in the area, and discover once again, that Cooper Young is the premier shopping and entertainment spot in Midtown.

Members of the Cooper Young Business Association have been knocking this Night Out idea around for years. New businesses moving into the area like Lux, an upscale men and women’s clothing store and Tear It Up, a vintage, rock n roll jeans and accessories store have added to the diversity you can find in the area. Cooper Young is home to over 9 antiques stores that line Central Avenue where you can purchase anything from English, French, and primitive furnishings to local artwork, gift items, and rugs. The area is host to a number of music stores, stores specializing in handmade jewelry, vintage items, and Memphis’ Best of the Best restaurants and bars some known around the world for their chefs.

The first Thursday Night Outs will be a perfect opportunity to stroll the largest historic district in Memphis, take advantage of some shopping discounts offered and have some fun that won’t bust your budget. Bring the kids or if you prefer, leave the little ones with the Taekwondo teachers at Midtown Martial Arts located at 2166 Central Avenue. These CPR certified owners have graciously offered to let the kids have some fun of their own for a total of only $5 each for the hours from 5-9 pm on Night Out evenings.

You will want to start just down the street at the new Artist Reception going on at Artists on Central and view some new pieces by this month’s featured artist. Across the street, Central BBQ will start up the event in April with the talented Brandon McGovern, who is known for his acoustic pop/rock music, half-price BBQ nachos and beer discounts await. Next door, Barbie Pepper Antiques will be open late and offering refreshments while you stroll through her European antiques and collectibles. Some other sure spots on the radar would be Palladio Marketplace, Market Central and Memphis Waterworks which will be paying the sales tax on items bought during the Night Out event. While you are here, have a snack at the tranquil Café Palladio. Across the street, enjoy some music at Xanadu Music and Books where you will probably find legendary Johnny Lowebow and other local performers playing along.

Before you leave Central Avenue, be sure to hit a Memphis’ Best of the Best favorite, Toad Hall Antiques, which will be hosting a decorating class and have discounts throughout the store. Next, head south to 2157 York and turn east to the spectacular New Ballet Ensemble studios to catch a performance of the company and view classes. Young children and adults alike may take a sample hip-hop class in the Red Room from 5:30-6:15 pm. Learn to Juke like a real Memphis dancer! Refreshments will be available. After that, Mothersville and Gents will both be giving free massages this evening that you don’t need to miss just south on Cooper Street.

Treat the kid’s to some fun at Soul Fish for half price kid’s entrée with adult entrée purchase. Then, check out the Memphis Drum Shop which will be hosting live performances by local artists and a drum circle for the kids. Be sure to stop in and see what makes them the largest, best percussion store in Memphis. Have time to ponder a beautiful etched design for your home or office? Then take advantage of the discounts at Carved Designs on this night. Owner, Cindy Sharp, will be on-hand to discuss these one of a kind creations that will make a big statement in your home. Next door is our new lingerie boutique, Amazing Lace which is giving away an item with a purchase and other specials on this evening.

You are now entering a two block area that has more of the Memphis’ Best of the Best restaurants and bars than any other area in Memphis. Jasmine Thai, Tsunami and Sweet are all offering an assortment of specials throughout the evening so be sure to have an appetizer, a tea, a meal or just dessert at one of these fine food establishments. Burke’s Book Store will have a local or regional author signing books tonight so stop in and browse or get that new favorite book signed. Dish and Blue Fish Restaurant are both offering special Night Out discounts on drinks and will be offering a special appetizer or two. Try the new Cooper Young Night Out Signature Roll at Do Sushi and Lounge designed specially for this evening by world famous chef, Karen Carrier Blockman. Next door, have your hair done at the Beauty Shop, not really; but there will be a special appetizer menu to consider and it’s just fun.

Hop across the street and chill for a while with a Margarita on the patio at Café Ole or listen to some music and enjoy $3.00 pints at Young Avenue Deli. After that, be sure to spend some time at Goner Records, they will have a live performance by a local band and Lou’s Pizza will have a buy one get one half off special going on. Don’t forget to visit Bella Notte and Loudeans; these retail shops both have local artists discussing their wares and a drawing for a gift certificate that can be used in their shops.

Before you head home, stop in Java Cabana for Happy Hour priced coffee and walk down to the gazebo. At the gazebo, there will be a different local artist each month playing music outside for your listening pleasure. It just doesn’t get any better than this in Memphis, Tennessee. Drive on over and discover why Cooper Young is the place to start the weekend or the month from now on.

Cooper Young Chili Cook-off

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 03:14:00 +0000

The vestiges of Friday's winter storm greeted contestants and diners at the first Annual Cooper-Young/Peabody School Chili Cook-off on Saturday March 8. The cook-off was a fund raiser for the new neighborhood playground.

Contest loser - Midtown Real Estate Broker- Joe spake

Roller Derby Comes To Midtown

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:19:00 +0000

If you are my age you probably remember watching Roller Derby on Channel 13 in the 60s, and were a big fan of the Bay Area Bombers, featuring superstars Charlie O'Connell and Joanie Weston, as they battled it out on the banked track.
Well things have changed over the years and Roller Derby has quite a different look and feel from the old days. Same rules, sort of. But now its all female players.
Memphis Roller Derby has been around for a while, but the big news is that they are moving their bouts from Collierville to Midtown-The Youth Building at the Fairgrounds.
The first match is March 1. For more info and tickets, visit the site www.memphisrollerderby.com.
BE THERRRRRRE!

Walk Score - How "Walkable" is Your Midtown Memphis Address?

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 13:30:00 +0000

I have added the Walk Score tile to the left border. This cool mash-up widget allows you to enter an address for a list of walkable businesses, parks, schools, etc., and give a "walkability score" for your address.
I think this will be especially interesting to Midtowners. I set it up for Celtic Crossing (which has a high score of 72). Click the link on the tile to try it for your address!
PS: I am still looking for co-authors, contributors and comments.

Ideas, Suggestions, and Co-Authors Wanted

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:28:00 +0000

I would like your ideas on the direction of future posts and topics. I always solicit co-authors to vary the point of view and content of Midtown Memphis Blog. If you don't want to leave your contact info in comments, email me at joespake@gmail.com

A Memphis Institution meets the wrecking ball

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 02:22:00 +0000

Some have ended a bad day at the Criminal Justice Center at 201 Poplar (now famous in story,song and graffiti), while others may have been delivered a few blocks east to MMHI......

....Poplar Avenue's second most famous address. Yes, the familiar building at 865 Poplar -Memphis Mental Health Institute, is being demolished to make way for the LeBonheur Children's Medical Center. The cranes and wrecking balls were active this afternoon.
The building is perhaps more familiar to some than others. I worked there for a short time in the early 1980's after earning my Master's Degree in Counseling, and over the years, a few of my friends were..... well, we won't go into that.

Midtown Makeover - Why has it taken so long?

noreply@blogger.com (Joe Spake) — Sat, 05 Jan 2008 17:47:00 +0000

An story in today's Commercial Appeal Business Section titled "Midtown Makeover?" describes the early stages of development of the blighted area bounded by Cleveland, Poplar, McNeil and Madison, an area mostly neglected since the 1970s, if my Midtown Memories serve me correctly. The description of the proposed development of the area sounds optimistic, and the thoughts of a big box store in Midtown are overshadowed by the proposal of a mixed use area with a variety of retail, services and housing options. Of course, a Target Store for the area has not been ruled out.

The out of town developer, WSG Development of Miami Beach, FL has already poured a sizable sum into property acquisition and apparently has construction money commitments.

This project can only be GOOD for Midtown. That goes for the Sears Tower too. Lets hope these projects move forward and that level headed decision makers take the right course to enhancing the core of our city. Obviously both WSG and Andy Cates (Sears Tower) understand the concept of Location, Location, Location.