Welcome back to The To-Do List, where Daily Memphian staffers suggest their favorite events and activities for the coming week.
This week, Friends of George’s presents “The Drag Boat,” Collierville celebrates trains and the Streetdog Foundation celebrates 14 years with a cowboy-themed dog party.
“Five Easy Pieces” at Crosstown Theater, Thursday:
 “Five Easy Pieces” screens at Crosstown Theater on Thursday, Aug. 4. (Courtesy Crosstown Arts)
It’s probably best remembered for the diner scene in which Jack Nicholson’s Robert Eroica Dupea verbally accosts a server over a toast order, a scene that’s less funny than many recall. But 1970’s “Five Easy Pieces” is one of the great films about alienation, a film subject if anything is. Dupea is a classically trained pianist from an upper-crust northern family who’s abandoned that life to work the Texas oil fields and find new friends in low places. A family emergency sends him back home, working-class Texas girlfriend (Karen Black, also Oscar-nominated) in tow. Is Dupea at ease anywhere? And if not, is it him or them? Nicholson’s first major starring role, and one of the best films of the Seventies. Screening as part of the ongoing Crosstown Arts Film Series. $5. 7 p.m. See here for more info. — Chris Herrington
Jeff Hulett Listening Party at Memphis Listening Lab, Friday:
 Singer-songwriter Jeff Hulett celebrates the release of “The Josh EP” with a party at Memphis Listening Lab on Friday, Aug. 4. (Courtesy Jeff Hulett)
Memphis-based singer-songwriter (and public relations pro) Jeff Hulett has a new five-song EP named for his friend and neighbor, Josh Cosby of Star & Micey. Hulett and Cosby have collaborated on songs in the past, but for this latest release — called “The Josh EP” — Cosby did all the mixing, producing and engineering while Hulett performed his original works. The EP is being released with a listening party that includes free beer from Memphis Made Brewing Co. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 269. Click here for more information. — Bianca Phillips
“Americana Portrait Sessions: The Photography of Jeff Fasano” opening reception at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Friday:
 Photographer Jeff Fasano’s portrait of Steve Cropper is among the works in his new exhibition, “Americana Portrait Sessions,” opening at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music on Friday, Aug. 4. (Jeff Fasano/Courtesy Stax)
“Americana Portrait Sessions: The Photography of Jeff Fasano” runs from Friday through Dec. 31. More than 20 years ago, at age 40, Jeff Fasano quit his corporate job to become a photographer. The exhibition features more than a dozen of his photos of upcoming and long-time Americana musicians. The reception features a book signing for Fasano’s “Americana Portrait Sessions.” The nearly 200 musicians in the book include Steve Cropper, Bettye Lavette, Jason Isbell, Rhiannon Giddens, Bobby Rush and The War and Treaty. 6 to 8 p.m. Free. Click here for more information. 926 S. McLemore Ave. — Elle Perry
Adult Spelling Bee at Crosstown Brewing Co., Friday:
 Crosstown Brewing Co. will host an adult spelling bee on Thursday, Aug. 3. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)
Spell check yourself before you wreck yourself. Literally. Crosstown Brewing Co. is hosting an adult spelling bee. Need to prove something to your seventh grade self? Maybe you’re living out some redemption arc? Well, this is a chance of a millinnium, millenium, millionium — ah, well, I will just leave it to you. The winner will be crowned the best speller on the planet! What a privlege, priviledge, privlege — Ugh! 6 p.m. Free to attend. Click here for more information or to register. 1264 Concourse Ave. — Kelsey Bowen
Friends of George’s presents “The Drag Boat” at Evergreen Theater, opening Friday:
 Friends of George’s presents “The Drag Boat.”
Need a vacation? Come sail away with the Friends of George’s as they put on their original drag comedy musical “The Drag Boat.” All your favorite characters from “George’s Truck Stop and Drag Bar” are looking for some drama-free rest and relaxation. However, as they board their summer cruise, they find R&R is not on the itinerary. Ah, ship! This musical is sure to be full of cruise liners and one-liners! And if you need just one more reason to go, listen to this: proceeds will go to Love Doesn’t Hurt, an organization that provides assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual violence in the LGBTQ+ community. Runs through Aug. 12. 8 p.m. each night (except 2 p.m. on Sundays). $30 to $60, 1705 Poplar Ave. For more information on all the available shows, click here. — Bowen
FILAM Festival at World Overcomers Church, Saturday:
 The local Filipino American association will host a cultural celebration at World Overcomers Church on Saturday, Aug. 5. (The Daily Memphian file)
FILAMemphis Kabayan, a Filipino American association, hosts this first Filipino cultural celebration in cooperation with FILAM Millington, FILAM Mid-South, PNA (Philippine Nurses Association) and PMATI (Philippine Masonic Association of Tennessee Inc.) Memphis Chapter. The all-day festival features basketball from visiting and local teams, volleyball, Zumba, food vendors and more. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. $5 entry fee; $2 for children aged 3-6. 6655 Winchester Road. Click here for more information. — Perry
Train Heritage Day at the Morton Museum of Collierville History, Saturday:
 Collierville’s Train Heritage Day is planned for Saturday, Aug. 5. (Courtesy Morton Museum of Collierville History)
All aboard! Collierville’s annual Train Heritage Day pays homage to one of the world’s oldest forms of motorized transportation. During the all-ages event, visitors can check out model train displays, chat with local railroading groups and take guided tours of the historic Frisco 1351 steam locomotive. Plus, the Wayne Jerrolds' Band will play bluegrass in the Town Square Park gazebo. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours run from 10:30 a.m. to noon, and music runs from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Free. 196 N. Main St., Collierville. Click here for more information. — Phillips
Planted Rock Vegan Festival at Collage Dance Center, Saturday:
Back in my early vegan days in the mid-2000s, we didn’t have a single vegan fest in Memphis. Come to think of it, vegan options in local restaurants were few as well. But boy, how times have changed. Vegan dining options are abundant now, and there are several vegan fests every year. The Planted Rock Vegan Fest is organized by the folks from Speed Vegan, a plant-based comfort food pop-up on Brooks Road near Memphis International Airport. And they’re bringing vegan food vendors, food demos, Black farmers and live music. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free. 505 Tillman St. Click here to register. — Phillips
Picnic Party 901 at Shelby Farms Park, Saturday:
This is the last in the summer series of women-only picnic parties. How it works: Bring your food, drinks and a blanket, and be prepared to socialize. To find the picnic: Put in the exact address provided (below); go up the hill at the three way stop sign at Pine Lake Road. The hill towards the right is where the picnic will be held. Pink balloons mark the spot. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free admission. 6993 Great View Drive North. Click here for more information. — Perry
“Elikia: Echoes of Ebony Hope” at Urevbu Gallery, Saturday:
 Work by Doudou Mbemba
Elikia is the Lingala word for “hope,” and it inspired Congolese artist Doudou Mbemba’s recent works in “Elikia: Echoes of Ebony Hope.” (Lingala, by the way, is the language spoken in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.) The show features 13 medium- and large-scale abstract paintings, all exploring themes of optimism, promise and Congolese culture. Mbemba is traveling to Memphis from Kinshasa, the capital city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, for the opening reception, and he’ll share insights into his creative process during the event. Opening reception from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; show runs through Sept. 30. Free. 410 S. Main St. Click here for more information. — Phillips
“An Evening with Susan Marshall” in the Green Room at Crosstown Arts, Saturday:
 Crosstown Arts presents “An Evening with Susan Marshall” in The Green Room on Saturday, Aug. 5. (Courtesy Crosstown Arts)
Think of this show as “Susan Marshall: Unplugged.” Longtime Memphis soul/blues singer and pianist Marshall will perform stripped-down versions of her original works with the help of Art Edmaiston (sax), Logan Hanna (guitar) and Peewee Jackson (drums/percussion). And Marshall has a large canon of work to choose from; she’s released five solo albums over the years, including her latest, “639 Madison.” A former frontwoman for 1990s rock/soul band The Mother Station, Marshall also performs with the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, and she’s been the resident musician at Itta Bena on Beale Street for 15 years. 7:30 to 9 p.m. $20 advance, $25 day of show, $10 student tickets. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280. Click here for more information. — Phillips
“Skinny’s Birthday Throwdown” at the Hi-Tone, Saturday:
Nobody throws an old-fashioned rock ’n’ roll yeehaw music party like Brian “Skinny” McCabe, owner of the Hi-Tone music venue. To kick off his own illustrious 42nd year, McCabe will host his annual birthday throw-down with a lineup of local acts. Catch Southern rock ensemble Dead Soldiers at a semi-rare appearance; their sets are always raucous bursts of energy, mixing heartfelt ballads and uptempo country rollicks. Punk duo Heels is Joshua McLane and Brennan Whalen, and they’ll also take the stage with their “pop songs for a dying planet.” (A bit on the nose with the record-breaking heat and water crises and UFO news, guys!) Hardcore thrash-metal group Vermin Fate and Memphis rockers Risky Whiskers round out the night, which is upstairs in the Hi-Tone’s “Big Room.” If you’re still not sold, please note that your ticket does include one free “loose” hotdog as well. Doors at 8 p.m. Show at 9 p.m. $20. 282-284 N. Cleveland St. 18 and up. Click here for more information. — Holly Whitfield
Streetdog Foundation’s “Paws & Outlaws” Anniversary Celebration at Loflin Yard, Sunday:
Streetdog Foundation celebrates 14 years this weekend with a western-themed party, so break out the cowboy hat and boots for yourself. And maybe put a tiny hat on your dog, too, because pooches are welcome at this party, and there’s a western-themed photo booth for kitschy family photos. There’s also a doggie pool party! The $25 entry fee gets you discounted drinks, a commemorative “Paws and Outlaws” cup and a stylish bandana for your dog. Cover band Shufflegrit will play live music, and there’s a silent auction and raffle. And best of all: Streetdog is bringing adoptable pups. Noon to 4 p.m. $25. 7 W. Carolina Ave. Click here for tickets. — Phillips
“Happy Heavenly Birthday” Celebration for Gangsta Boo at Carolina Watershed, Monday:
 Hip-hop artists La Chat and Certy Mac are hosting a “heavenly birthday” celebration for the late rapper Gangsta Boo (shown here in 2017) at Carolina Watershed on Monday, Aug. 7. (Photo by Robb Cohen/Invision/AP file)
Rap pioneer Lola Mitchell, better known as Gangsta Boo, died Sunday, Jan. 1. On Monday, fellow Memphis hip-hop artists La Chat and Certy Mac will host an event on what would have been Mitchell’s 44th birthday. A balloon release is scheduled for 4 p.m., with the celebration to follow at 5 p.m. DJ Rico Love will provide music. 4 to 8 p.m. Free admission. 141 E. Carolina Ave. — Perry
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