The Weekly Memphian is a partial guide to things happening in Memphis, recommended by Daily Memphian staff. This guide covers April 10-16.
Wednesday
“Babylon” at Studio on the Square: I’m a fan of the 1973 reggae outlaw movie “The Harder They Come” (and a huge fan of its classic soundtrack), but I’ll confess that I’d never heard of the 1980 British reggae-themed feature “Babylon,” which stars Brinsley Forde (from the band Aswad) as a South London dancehall DJ negotiating the city’s music scene and dealing with racism, police misconduct and more. An Indie Memphis screening. – Chris Herrington
7 p.m. $10. More info here.
Candlelight Vigil for Nipsey Hussle at Tom Lee Park: Seminal emcee of the latest batch of West Coast rappers, Nipsey Hussle was slain March 31 in his hometown of Los Angeles. In his lyrics, Hussle adhered to principles of economic self-empowerment. However, beyond his musical catalog, he built an extensive portfolio of community outreach through youth STEM programs, awareness for nutritional health, rehabilitation for ex-convicts and gang members and anti-violence initiatives. His death has been felt by admirers well outside the music community due to his commitment to advocacy and activism. He’ll be honored in Memphis with a vigil organized by local fans. – Jared Boyd
6 p.m.–7:30 p.m. Free. 357 Riverside Dr.
Memphis 901 FC vs. Atlanta United 2 at AutoZone Park: The Memphis Express might have flamed out with the rest of the Alliance of American Football, but luckily they weren’t the only new club in the city playing football this spring. We know it isn’t quite the same sport, but futbol has garnered quite the following at AutoZone Park. Memphis 901 FC returns to Downtown to host Atlanta United 2. If you’ve yet to catch the excitement of the hometown soccer affair, come and kick it with the ever-enthusiastic Bluff City Mafia as they cheer on their squad from the stands. – Boyd
Kickoff at 7 p.m. $15-$99. 200 Union Ave.
Thursday
Southern Literary Festival at Christian Brothers University: For fans of HBO’s “True Blood” and Showtime’s “Weeds,” you’re in luck. The 82-year-old festival that brings award-winning authors to universities across the South is bringing screenwriter and novelist Chris Offutt to Christian Brothers University this year. In addition to his popular screenplays, Offutt has written several novels, including his latest, “Country Dark,” a novel about a Korean War veteran returning home and having to do whatever is necessary to keep his family afloat financially. – Michelle Corbet
April 11-13, Rosa Deal School of the Arts at CBU, 650 E. Parkway South, Memphis. Registration info here.
Ballet Memphis is closing its 2018-19 mainstage season with a ballet classic, “Giselle.” Eileen Frazer stars as a Wili ghost. (Photo courtesy of Rachel Neville Photography)
Friday
Ballet Memphis’ “Giselle” at The Orpheum: Ballet Memphis is closing its 2018-19 mainstage season with a ballet classic, “Giselle.” The ballet revolves around a peasant who finds out her lover is actually betrothed to someone else. Dancing as the leads in this production are real-life husband and wife Brandon Ramey as Albrecht and Virginia Pilgrim Ramey as Giselle. “Giselle” will also feature Crystal Brothers’ last mainstage performance with Ballet Memphis . Brothers, playing Myrtha, will retire after a nearly 25-year career with the company. “Giselle” runs through Sunday, April 14. – Elle Perry
Various times. $7-$75. 203 S. Main St.
“The Falling and the Rising” by Opera Memphis at Playhouse on the Square: Co-commissioned by partners that include The US Army Field Band and a chorus of military members, “The Falling and Rising” is an important performance at a time when so many veterans in this country are living with the memories of wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. The piece has text from librettist Jerre Dye, a Memphis artist who also did the libretto for “Ghosts of Crosstown.” Dye based the libretto on interviews he did with soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital and Fort Meade. The opera will including a military chorus of 24 active or retired members of the military. – Eric Barnes
7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Tickets range from $20 to $60. More information here and here.
New Ballet Ensemble’s “Springloaded” at Germantown Performing Arts Center: New Ballet Ensemble pairs professional and student dancers for a spring performance that promises to blend ballet, flamenco, African, hip-hop, and Memphis jookin’ dance styles. There will be a second, afternoon performance on Sunday at GPAC (2:30 p.m.). – Herrington
7 p.m .$15 in advance or $20 at the door. More info here.
Saturday
Lucero Family Block Party at Minglewood Hall: Stalwart Memphis rock back Lucero turns legal drinking age this weekend, celebrating its 21st year with the band’s annual spring block party outside at Minglewood Hall. The band’s most recent album, last year’s “Among the Ghosts,” was a strong back-to-the-basics affair rooted in core elements: Ben Nichols’ Arkansas rasp, Nichols’ and Brian Venable’s unflashy guitar interplay, John C. Stubblefield’s in-the-pocket bass, Roy Berry’s expressive drumming, and Rick Steff’s keyboard grace notes. The band will celebrate its longevity and the abiding relationship with its hometown to close out an all-day affair that will include the Mighty Souls Brass Band, Austin Lucas, Ben Abney & the Hurts, Will Hoge and Blackberry Smoke. You can pre-game the night before at the Hi-Tone Cafe with an acoustic pairing of Nichols and longtime pal/collaborator Cory Branan (full details here). At the block party, kids 10 and under get in free. – Herrington
Starts at 3 p.m. Tickets starting at $33. Full lineup schedule and info here.
Memphis Record Ride for Record Store Day at various locations: This year for the annual Record Store Day, Memphis’ Goner Records is playing bandleader for a city-wide slate of activities for casual customers and hardcore collectors alike. If you haven’t been to Record Store Day or its Black Friday offshoot, it isn’t much different from retail holidays of other varieties. You show up early, stand in line with other like-minded consumers, and spill into your favorite record store to get your grubby hands on limited-edition collectibles. It’s a great way to reconnect with artists you forgot you love and find new favorites to add to your catalog. It’s also all about fellowship. Participating record stores, restaurants, and music venues have gone the extra mile this time, putting together an entire day of programming to keep music fans engaged. You can plan your whole day around shopping and hearing DJs at Goner before hopping aboard a shuttle that will cart folks to and from Memphis Music Store on Beale Street and Shangri-La Records on Madison in Midtown. At the end of the afternoon, Devin Steel will headline an outdoor dance party featuring legendary Memphis hip-hop DJs Big Sue, DJ Houston and DJ Superman. After that, (yes, there’s more) Star & Micey will take the stage at Railgarten to rock those who are still standing. – Boyd
Doors at Goner Records open at 9 a.m. 2152 Young Ave.
Overton Square Crawfish Festival at Bayou Bar and Grill: One of the less notable lyrics from Mystikal’s 2000 smash “Shake It Fast” is the moment when the New Orleans-bred rapper instructed listeners to “suck the head off that there crawfish.” Nearly 20 years later, here’s your chance to make good on that directive. Overton Square Crawfish Festival is a free event for the Mid-South to get a taste of the Gulf Coast critters that fuel communal summer sustenance. If you’re really serious about the endeavor, you can also shell out some extra cash to find yourself in a VIP tent, chumming it up with other fans of good weather and spicy crustaceans. – Boyd
12-6 p.m. Free for general admission. $75 for VIP. 2094 Madison Ave.
Carlene Carter at the Halloran Centre: Maybelle’s granddaughter and June’s little girl has had a pretty nice country music career all her own, from her union with Brit roots-rockers when she emerged in the late 70s to becoming an actual mainstream country hitmaker in the 90s to her comfortable perch now as a kind of Americana godmother. Ronnie Caldwell opens. – Herrington
7:30 p.m., $35. More info here.
Afrobeats + Island Rhythms at 64 South Main: Ready to sweat? DJ Bori will be taking guests on a musical sojourn through the continent of Africa across the Atlantic and into South America and the Caribbean with riddim as a guide. Dance enthusiasts Cat Marte, Michelle Primiano and David Quarles IV will be on hand to lead party-goers through expressing themselves with tapping toes and swinging hips. Don’t be scared. Just show up and shake! – Boyd
6-8 p.m. $10-$20. 64 S. Main Street.
17th Annual Southern Hot Wing Festival at Tiger Lane: 60 teams will be bringing the heat for the 17th iteration of the Southern Hot Wing Festival. Start saving room now, because you know good and well you won’t be able to simply sample a few. Whenever you decide to give your tongue and lips a break from the spicy fare, enjoy live music and a silent auction. – Boyd
11 a.m. - 7 p.m. $17 advance tickets. $22 walk-up admission. Tiger Ln.
“The Falling and the Rising” by Opera Memphis at Playhouse on the Square: Co-commissioned by partners that include The US Army Field Band and a chorus of military members, “The Falling and Rising” is an important performance at a time when so many veterans in this country are living with the memories of wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and elsewhere. The piece has text from librettist Jerre Dye, a Memphis artist who also did the libretto for “Ghosts of Crosstown.” Dye based the libretto on interviews he did with soldiers at Walter Reed Hospital and Fort Meade. The opera will including a military chorus of 24 active or retired members of the military. – Eric Barnes
7:30 p.m. Friday & Saturday. Tickets range from $20 to $60. More information here and here.
Sunday
Germantown High School Senior Art Show: This annual tradition allows the seniors to display their work from the year before they cross the stage in caps and gowns. While previous years have displayed political statements and highlighted social injustice, visual arts teacher Teresa Phipps feels this year’s work displays the students' personalities. The show opens April 14 and is open until April 26. The first afternoon there will be an opening reception from 2-4 p.m. Other days the exhibit is open during school hours. – Abigail Warren
7:15 a.m.-2:15 p.m. beginning April 15. Free. 7653 Poplar Pike, Germantown