Welcome back to The To-Do List, where Daily Memphian staffers suggest their favorite events and activities for the coming week. 

This week, the Hi-Tone hosts a freestyle rap battle, Alicia Keys is at FedExForum and yoga meets plant-based cheese at Crosstown Concourse.

Fourth of July celebrations, various locations: 

Fourth of July celebrations are happening all over Memphis and Shelby County. (Brad Vest/Special to The Daily Memphian file)

Fireworks shows and July 4th parties kick off Thursday with Millington’s Flag City Freedom Celebration (fireworks, live music by Sherry Oke, kids’ zone) and carry on through the Independence Day holiday. Graceland’s All-American Weekend on Saturday and Sunday features Elvis-themed fireworks and an Elvis tribute artist concert. The City of Memphis’ free fireworks show is at Liberty Park on Monday, and the Cooper-Young neighborhood will host its annual parade on Tuesday. There’s plenty more going on, so check out our Fourth of July event guide. Various times and locations. — Bianca Phillips

Alexis Grace at The Grove at GPAC, Thursday:

Alexis Grace will play the Germantown Performing Arts Center’s “Concerts in the Grove” series on June 29. (Courtesy GPAC)

Hometown songstress Alexis Grace has kept busy with acting, radio hosting and recording music since her season eight appearance on “American Idol.” Grace’s sound blends her Memphis soul music background with pop and country influences, and the Germantown show will feature new, original tunes. The Grove at GPAC’s Thursday live music series allows lawn chairs, blankets and coolers, or you can purchase drinks and food from the bar and trucks onsite. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Music from 6 to 8 p.m. $5, plus fees for adults; children under 18 are free. 1801 Exeter Rd., Germantown. Click here for more information. — Holly Whitfield

“Dinner & a Movie: Pan’s Labyrinth” at Black Lodge, Thursday:

Step into a visual feast set in a whimsical and gothic land, directed by Academy-Award winner Guillermo del Toro, at Black Lodge. “Pan’s Labyrinth” tells the story of a girl in post-Civil War Spain who escapes to a fantastical world that isn’t all fairytales. And what’s a visual feast without an actual feast? Black Lodge’s Chef James Blair is here to provide. A four-course meal featuring rabbit stew and paprika pork loin, will accompany the film. Deliciosa, as the Spaniards would say. There are two screenings, one at 6 p.m. and the other at 8 p.m. This event is for those 18 or older. Click here for more information, including the full menu. $30 plus tax for dinner, free to just watch the movie. 405 N. Cleveland St. — Kelsey Bowen

Crosstown Arts Film Series presents: “Paris is Burning” at Crosstown Theater, Thursday:

Crosstown Arts will screen “Paris is Burning” at Crosstown Theater on June 29. (Courtesy Crosstown Arts)

As Pride Month winds down, Crosstown Arts’ last film for June is “Paris is Burning.” This documentary, directed by Jennie Livingston, explores the ornate and deep culture of the birthplace of voguing — New York’s ballroom scene. Named after artist Paris Dupree’s annual “Paris is Burning” ball, this film takes a deep dive into Harlem drag in the late ’80s and the LGBTQ+, Black and Latino communities surrounding it. Filmed across seven years and covering topics from gay liberation to homophobia, racism, AIDS and poverty, this film is a touchstone of LGBTQ+ culture. 7 p.m. (Sharp!) $5 at the door. 1350 Concourse Ave. For more information, click here. — Bowen

“Off the Dome” at the Hi-Tone, Thursday:

Memphis Music Initiative, a nonprofit fostering music programs for Memphis youth, is sponsoring “Off the Dome,” a freestyle rap competition hosted by local musician LaDarryl. This event is part of Kit Kat’s campaign to spotlight Black musicians from across Memphis for the month of June. So brush up on your rhythm and flow, or just go to watch the show. And that rhyme is on the house! Doors open at 7:40 p.m., and show starts at 8 p.m. $10 cover. 282-284 Cleveland St. N. in the big room upstairs. Click here to buy tickets. — Bowen

SriMu Yoga at Crosstown Concourse, Friday:

SriMu owner Julie Piatt will lead a free yoga class at Crosstown Concourse on June 30. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)

Plant-based cheese company SriMu recently relocated its operation from Los Angeles to Crosstown Concourse. The company is now creating nut-based cheeses in a space across from Farm Burger, and a public-facing vegan cheese and wine cafe is coming soon. SriMu’s owner, Julie Piatt, is also a yoga teacher, and she’ll be leading a free class, followed by a SriMu cheese tasting, in the East Atrium near Art Bar. 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Free. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280. — Phillips

Spillit Slam: Summer Lovin’ at Black Lodge, Friday:

Spillit Memphis presents “Spillit Slam: Summer Lovin'” at Black Lodge on June 30. (Submitted) 

It’s time for some summer lovin’. Tell me more, tell me more! Ten storytellers will spin a seven-minute true tale about summer and the people, places and things they’ve loved during the season. After that, voters will choose which teller spilled it the best. The winner will be invited to the Spillit Grand Slam to compete for the title of Grand Master Storyteller of Memphis. 7 p.m. $10, 405 N. Cleveland St. For more information and to buy tickets, click here. — Bowen

Orion Concert Series: Buffalo Nichols at Overton Park Shell, Friday:

Buffalo Nichols will play a free concert at the Overton Park Shell on June 30. (Amy Harris/Invision/AP file)

Guitarist and singer Carl “Buffalo” Nichols plays the blues these days. But when he was growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Nichols sang and played in bands from just about every genre, from punk to Americana. Reviews of his latest album, “The Fatalist,” (due from Fat Possum Records in September) tout the record’s blend of classic blues with drum machine beats. 7:30 p.m. Free. 1928 Poplar Ave. Click here for more information. — Phillips

“Fancy: Queens of Country Party” at Black Lodge, Friday:

Feeling up for some boot scootin’? Here’s your one chance (this week). The party throwers behind The Dolly Party are returning to Black Lodge to host a dance party featuring hits from all your favorite country queens, from the likes of Tennessee royalty Dolly Parton to Shania Twain, Faith Hill and, of course, Reba McEntire. And that’s not even the full list. So, pull out your cowgirl hat (bedazzled preferably), grab your Chicks (wink, wink) and give ’em something to talk about! Black Lodge’s full bar and food menu will be available. 9 p.m. $18, 405 N. Cleveland St. For more information, click here. — Bowen

Summer Splash at Overton Park, Saturday:

As of press time, the high on Saturday is forecast to be 99 degrees. In other words, it’ll be hotter than a stolen tamale. You’ll need a place to cool off, and the Overton Park Conservancy has you covered. Waterslides are popping up all over the Greensward as part of the park’s monthly Summer Splash series. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free. 1914 Poplar Ave. Click here for more information. — Phillips

Orion Concert Series: Preauxx with Unapologetic at Overton Park Shell, Saturday:

Preauxx will perform in the free Orion Concert Series at the Overton Park Shell on July 1. (Ziggy Mack/Special to The Daily Memphian file)

Memphis rapper Preauxx’s musical career took off after he enrolled at the University of Memphis in 2008, so much so that he dropped out of school to pursue music. His style blends singing and rapping seamlessly, and his lyrics tackle social issues and trend toward positive messages. Preauxx is part of the Unapologetic roster, which will also be bringing some surprise guests to this free show. Learn more about Preauxx in our July concert round-up. 7:30 p.m. Free. 1928 Poplar Ave. Click here for more information. — Phillips

Alicia Keys at FedExForum, Wednesday:

Alicia Keys will play FedExForum on July 5. (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP file)

With hits like “If I Ain’t Got You,” “No One” and her breakout ballad, “Fallin,” Alicia Keys brings her “Keys To The Summer” Tour to Downtown Memphis on the day after Independence Day. The Grammy Award-winning, multi-hyphenate artist has said that this tour ’s production is staged “in the round” style, offering attendees a 360-degree view of the show. 8 p.m. Ticket prices vary. Click here for more information. 191 Beale St. — Whitfield

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