The Weekly Memphian is a guide to things happening Feb. 20-26 in Memphis.
Thursday
African American Read-In featuring “Ain’t Misbehavin'” at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library: In honor of Black History Month, this event features community members reading from African American works of literature and includes a 30-minute preview performance of Playhouse on the Square’s rendition of the musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’.” The readings and performance will take place on the library’s lobby stage. — Elle Perry
6-7:30 p.m. Free. 3030 Poplar Ave.
“Blue Collar” at Crosstown Theater: “Taxi Driver” screenwriter Paul Schrader made his directing debut with this 1978 labor drama about a trio of Detroit autoworkers played by Harvey Keitel, Yaphet Kotto and an against-type (and excellent) Richard Pryor, who are being squeezed by their union from one side and their bosses from the other. Though critical of capitalism (Pryor’s character suggests “plant” seems short for “plantation”), “Blue Collar” differs from other notable labor films (“Norma Rae,” “Salt of the Earth,” “Matewan”) in tilting a skeptical eye toward labor unions as well. The only allegiance “Blue Collar” has is to the worker, but it refuses to romanticize even him. The men in this film do drugs, cheat on their wives and commit crimes. They’re desperate men feeling various larger forces conspiring against them. It’s a bleak film, but a lively and gritty one. — Chris Herrington
7:30 p.m. $5. 1350 Concourse Ave.
Tanya Tucker at the Soundstage at Graceland: Tucker was 13 (!?!) when she debuted, taking the deeply weird “Delta Dawn” (opening line: “She’s 41 and her daddy still calls her ‘Baby’ ”) into the country Top 10. She grew into the pre-eminent bad girl of the genre’s late ‘70s/early ‘80s “Urban Cowboy” era, but had faded from the spotlight over the past decade or so. Things changed: In a time when women dominate country music creatively but are all but banished from commercial country radio, Tucker made a major comeback with last year’s roots-oriented “While I’m Livin’,” her first album in a decade and the 2020 Grammy winner for Best Country Album. The album also won the Grammy for Best Country Song, for “Bring My Flowers Now,” which provides the name of the CMT-sponsored tour that brings Tucker to Graceland. Brandy Clark, whose 2013 debut “12 Stories” is one of the best country/roots albums of the past decade, opens. — Herrington
8 p.m. $24.50-$99.50. 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd.
Friday
Ameripolitan Awards 2020 at various locations: Memphis-based country singer and proprietor of Hernando’s Hideaway Dale Watson coined the term “Ameripolitan” to separate country artists in the traditional and outlaw styles of the genre from the polished, pop-leaning performers of today’s Nashville scene. In tribute to the still-gritty side of country music, he’ll be hosting events around the city of Memphis to show the industry what “Ameripolitan” is all about. Beginning Friday, a packed itinerary of showcases and activities will bounce among Beale Street, Whitehaven and Overton Square. And eventually on Monday, they’ll get around to having an award show at the Guest House at Graceland. For a full schedule, visit the Ameripolitan Awards site. — Jared Boyd
Friday-Monday. Award show prices vary. Various locations.
“Good Love: Culture, Humanity and Dissent through Graphic Design” at the Goodwyn Gallery at Benjamin L. Hooks Library: Memphis artist Lonnie Robinson, whose portrait of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hangs in Memphis City Hall’s public conference room, reflects on the concept of “love” in this exhibition at the library. Robinson created the Memphis Heritage Trails logo and way-finding signage marking historical landmarks in the city, and his work has been displayed at the American Jazz Museum in Kansas City, Kansas, the National Civil Rights Museum and Hattiloo Theatre. A reception will celebrate his library exhibit. — Boyd
6 p.m. 3030 Poplar Ave.
“Into the Woods” at Houston High School: Houston High debuts its renovated theater with a student performance of Stephen Sondheim’s popular work. — Abigail Warren
7 p.m. Friday, Saturday. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $15, $12 for students. 9755 Wolf River Blvd.
Young at Art’s Roaring 20’s Party at Dixon Gallery & Gardens: Guests should wear 1920s-inspired attire for this party with live music from Michelle Bush Shrader’s Hot Swing Three, silent disco, art, hors d’oeuvres and drinks. — Perry
7-10 p.m. Free for Young at Art members, $35 for non-members. 4339 Park Ave.
Saturday
“Native Voices, 1950s to Now: Art for a New Understanding” at Brooks Museum: Organized by Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas, “Native Voices” opens at Brooks and will immerse audiences in the history, issues and identity of indigenous peoples in America. — Boyd
10 a.m.-5 p.m. $7 adults, $3 youth and students. 1934 Poplar Ave.
Vivaldi and Piazzola “Four Seasons” at University of Memphis: Four violin soloists will be featured in Harris Concert Hall on the U of M campus in a Memphis Symphony Orchestra performance that brings together Vivaldi’s “Four Seasons” with the tango-inspired “Four Seasons of Buenos Aires” by Argentina’s Astor Piazzolla. — Peggy Burch
7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $40. 3775 Central Ave.
Mardi Gras at Railgarten: The celebration features separate events for kids and grown-ups, with a bead toss and music by the Mighty Souls Brass Band for kids early in the day, and music by Marcella & Her Lovers and Lucky 7 Brass Band later. — Boyd
Kids Mardi Gras at noon. Big party at 6 p.m. 2166 Central Ave.
Trolls LIVE! at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts: DreamWorks’ 2016 film “Trolls” was a colorful animated epic with a message about community. (For parents, maybe it was a long music video for Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop the Feeling!”) The film’s characters come to town for a live adventure. — Boyd
Various times, Saturday and Sunday. Tickets via Ticketmaster. 255 N. Main St.
Masquerade ball at Bishop: The French restaurant in Central Station hotel holds its official grand opening with a silent disco, a mask bar, live music and a DJ, a performance by Opera Memphis artists, cocktails, wine, beer and food. Proceeds benefit Southern Foodways Alliance, an organization dedicated to documenting, studying and exploring food cultures of the American South. — Perry
7-11 p.m. $100. 545 S. Main St.
Sunday
The Plagues of Early Memphis: Part II at Elmwood Cemetery: Elmwood executive director Kim Bearden will talk about the diseases that killed early Memphians. The seated, indoor event will include snacks, beer and wine. — Perry
3-4 p.m. $20. 824 South Dudley St.
Monday
Mike Doughty Tells Your Future Winter Tour at Bar DKDC: Formerly of the band Soul Coughing, Mike Doughty recently moved to Memphis. The veteran of underground music styles which blend hip-hop, rock and jazz will give his new town a taste of the mix. — Boyd
9 p.m. 964 S. Cooper St.
Tuesday
Mardi Gras at Crosstown Concourse: Laissez les bon temps rouler at the Crosstown Concourse, with a dog costume contest, and a parade for people and their pups. An ensemble from Memphis Symphony Orchestra and DJ Swagg provide music. — Boyd
5-7 p.m. 1350 Concourse Ave.
Fat Tuesday at Bayou Bar & Grill: The Mighty Souls Brass Band will make its eighth appearance at the Cajun restaurant’s annual celebration. — Warren
5 p.m. until 11:55 p.m. 2094 Madison Ave
Wednesday
“Vitalina Varela” at Malco Ridgeway Cinema Grill: Portuguese director Pedro Costa’s film follows a 55-year-old Cape Verdean woman, who arrives in Lisbon days after her husband’s funeral, having waited 25 years for her plane ticket. — Perry
7-9 p.m. $10, before fees. 5853 Ridgeway Center Parkway.
Streeter & The Tribe at the Green Room: The Memphis soul band features Charles Streeter, a drummer, producer, composer, bassist and keyboard player who has worked with artists including Chaka Khan, Jennifer Lopez, Stephanie Mills and Tori Kelly. — Perry
Doors open at 7 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m. $10. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280.