Welcome back to The To-Do List, where Daily Memphian staffers suggest their favorite events and activities for the coming week.
This week, Martin Luther King Jr. is honored, a fashion legend is celebrated and a mid-century home transforms into a vintage pop-up shop.
‘Silent Sky’ at Theatre Memphis, through April 19:
 Kim Justis, left, Natalie Jones, center, and Emily Chateau, right, star in “Silent Sky” at Theatre Memphis. It runs through April 19. (Courtesy Carla McDonald/Theatre Memphis)
Due to popular demand, Theatre Memphis is remounting the production of “Silent Sky” with the same cast as the November 2023 regional premiere. “We’re so fortunate that they all agreed to come back for this,” said director Cecelia Wingate. Based on the true story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer at the Harvard Observatory, the play by Lauren Gunderson focuses on Leavitt’s groundbreaking work and her experiences as a female scientist in the early 20th century. You can read more about it in our April theater guide. Days and times vary. Ruuns April 19. $25 630 Perkins Extended. See here for more information. — Alys Drake
A Memorial Evening for Stanley Booth at Memphis Listening Lab, Thursday:
 Chris Herrington/The Daily Memphian
Daily Memphian writer Chris Herrington says, “A lot of people have written about Memphis and Memphis music, but few as sharply or as memorably as Stanley Booth.” The journalist and music critic, who wrote for publications including Rolling Stone and Esquire, died in December at age 82. This event includes readings by Jackson Baker, Jimmy Crosthwait, Robert Gordon, Ruby Booth and Nanette Bahlinger, and live music performances from Joyce Cobb with John Bass and Jimmy Crosthwait. Read Chris Herrington’s “Essential Memphis Library” article on Booth’s 1991 book, “Rythm Oil: A Journey Through the Music of the American South,” to learn more about his work and legacy. 6-8 p.m. Free admission. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 269. — Elle Perry
Tattoo Fest at Renasant Convention Center, Friday-Sunday:
Think you’ve got the best tattoo — or better yet, the worst tattoo — in town? Get down to the Renasant Convention Center, where you can compete in contests for both. (No ragrets, right?) You can also get some fresh ink while you’re there from your choice of 200-plus artists. And there’s plenty of art, jewelry and more to spend money on. Noon-10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday. Single day passes are $27.50, or weekend passes are $55. 255 N. Main St. Click here for more information. — Phillips
Tennessee Ballet Theater’s ‘The Icon: Babbie Lovett, Fashion Legend’ at Rhodes College’s McCoy Theater, Friday-Sunday:
Tennessee Ballet Theater’s spring show honors a living Memphis legend, Babbie Lovett. A graduate of Southwestern College (now known as Rhodes), Lovett, now 92, was a model, clothing store owner and fashion show producer. Among the shows she produced is Memphis City Beautiful’s Trashion Show, where designers created pieces from discarded items. Erin Walter directs the show, which includes works from featured choreographers Max Robinson and Steven Prince Tate. The event includes dance performances preceded by introductory monologues, a wine reception with Lovett in attendance, Sue Ambrose’s designs (made from bicycle tires), set pieces designed by “Recycle King” Paul Thomas and an interactive exhibit in the lobby. If you can’t make the performances this weekend, you can also catch shows Friday, April 11, and Saturday, April 12. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. (7:30 p.m. April 11 and 12). $45 (tickets here). 2000 N. Parkway. — Perry
Hot Foot Honeys’ ‘Lesson Learned’ at Germantown Community Theatre, Friday-Saturday:
 The Hot Foot Honeys will perform at the Germantown Community Theatre Friday-Saturday, April 4-5. (Courtesy Hot Foot Honeys)
Marianne Bell founded Hot Foot Honeys, a Memphis-based professional tap dance company that’s now led by Brooke Jerome and Sara Sims. Their spring performance is described as “an exploration of the human experience through the universal language of dance, emphasizing the life lessons that shape us all.” Choreographers for the performance are Jerome, Sims, Katie Cowden, Meredith Keaton, Riley Payne, Olivia Wilkinson, Kayla Woody and Laura Testino. Fun fact (and full disclosure): Testino is also a Daily Memphian reporter. She joined the troupe in 2023. 7:30 p.m. on Friday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. 3037 Forest Hill Irene Road, Germantown. $20 (tickets here). — Perry
‘Remembering MLK: The Man, The Movement, The Moment’ at the National Civil Rights Museum, Friday:
 The changing of the balcony wreath at the Lorraine Motel is part of the annual April 4th commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. (Brad Vest/The Daily Memphian file)
Martin Luther King Jr. was killed in Memphis on April 4, 1968. And as always, the National Civil Rights Museum is hosting a ceremony in King’s honor on the anniversary of his assassination. The program will begin in the museum’s courtyard with a speech on King’s activism, musical performances and the annual changing of the balcony wreath at the Lorraine Motel. The event will also be streamed online. 5-7 p.m. Free. 450 Mulberry St. Register here. — Phillips
Preston Lauterbach in conversation with Robert Gordon at Memphis Listening Lab, Friday:
 Writer Robert Gordon (shown here) will lead a conversation with author Preston Lauterbach at Memphis Listening Lab on Friday, April 4. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian file)
Memphis author Preston Lauterbach has written a number of books on Black history in Memphis music. His latest, “Before Elvis: The African American Musicians Who Made the King,” profiles artists Little Junior Parker, Big Mama Thornton, Arthur “Big Boy” Crudup and Calvin Newborn, all of whom helped create the rock ’n’ roll sound. Grammy-winning writer Robert Gorden will moderate the conversation. Co-hosted by Novel and Memphis Listening Lab. 6 p.m. Free. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 269. Click here for more information. — Phillips
‘The Cold Fusion Play’ at Voices of the South, Friday-Sunday:
Memphis-native Adele Fish is a Mexico City-based writer, director, actress and comedian. She earned a bachelor of fine arts in acting from Syracuse University. Her one-act play, “The Cold Fusion,” is about a group of students rehearsing scenes from a play on an unspecified “most divisive election night” in U.S. history. It stars five Memphis teen actors. The 60-minute work features improvisation and collaborative storytelling from the teens. Voices of the South is located in First Congo Church in Cooper-Young. 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. on Sunday. $15 (tickets here). 1000 Cooper St. —Perry
Friends of George’s presents ‘Dragged Thru Time’ at Evergreen Theatre, opening Friday:
 (Courtesy Friends of George’s)
Imagine the plot of “Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure” but with drag queens. In the latest drag variety show from Friends of George’s, queens Goldie and Bebe have an “extravagant adventure” as they travel back in time to the Boston Tea Party, the Moon Landing and a star-studded night at Studio 54, all while trying to outrun a villain from the future. Runs through April 12. General admission is $30, and VIP tickets are $80 (includes seat choice, open bar and more). 1705 Poplar Ave. Click here for more information. — Phillips
‘Saint Joan’ at Tennessee Shakespeare Theatre Co., opening Friday:
“Saint Joan” premiered in 1923, but the version Tennessee Shakespeare Co. will stage in April has been adapted for a modern audience. George Bernard Shaw, an Irish playwright whose influence is felt in Western theater, culture and politics, premiered the play in 1923. “Joan’s ideas were really scandalous for her time,” said director Sarah Hankins. Despite the heavy subject matter, Hankins says the play is very funny. Hankins said Shakespeare and Shaw excel at pulling in audiences with humor and then kind of “smack(ing) you.” You can read more about it in our April theater guide. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday and Saturday. Runs through April 19. $22. 7950 Trinity Road. See here for more information. — Alys Drake
‘Art Speaks: Visual Poetry & Art Inspired by Words’ at Memphis Art Salon, opening Friday:
 “27 Shades of Purple” by Amanda Harper will be on view during “Art Speaks.” (Courtesy Memphis Art Salon)
“Art Speaks” highlights artists’ work that is inspired by literature, poetry, music and spoken word and includes paintings and mixed-media works. See a full list of participating artists in our visual-arts guide. The opening reception includes an artist panel and spoken-word performances. The panel begins at 6:30 p.m., while poetry begins at 7:30 p.m., as well as a “words to art” session where attendees can witness “poetry come to life through illustration.” Admission is free, but a $20 open-bar wristband is available for purchase. The exhibition will be on view through May 31. 5-9 p.m. Free admission. 1557 Madison Ave. (inside Minglewood Plaza). — Perry
Grand opening of Grit Group Fitness, Saturday:
 Melissa Bamford’s Grit Group Fitness celebrates its grand opening on Saturday, April 5. (Patrick Lantrip/The Daily Memphian)
Melissa Bamford, a University of Memphis and Florida State University adjunct sociology professor and fitness instructor, has opened a new fitness studio across the street from East High School. There, she’ll offer Les Mills workouts with a boutique studio experience. At the opening, attendees can try out free 15 to 30 minute workout samplers, meet instructors, try out equipment, have snacks (from neighboring LuLu’s Bakery) and meet community partners. Though drop-ins are permitted (if space allows), attendees are requested to RSVP for workouts. They are BodyPump (9 a.m.), BodyAttack (9:40 a.m.), BodyJam (10:10 a.m.), Shapes (10:45 a.m.) and BodyBalance (11:10 a.m.) Click here to read more about Bamford’s philosophy on “whole-body, whole-mind fitness.” 9 a.m. to noon. Free admission. 3129 Poplar Ave. — Perry
Mar Vilaseca featuring The Alternate Takes at The Green Room at Crosstown Arts, Saturday:
Mar Vilaseca is a vocalist, composer and pianist from Barcelona. She studied piano and voice at the Conservatorio del Liceo and earned a master of music in jazz studies at The Juilliard School, studying under Wynton Marsalis. This show will include her newest music, which is a mix of late ’70s and early ’80s rock and R&B, as well as jazz and improvisation. The opening act, The Alternate Takes, is a Memphis-based jazz trio composed of Tony Thomas (organ), Danny Banks (drums) and Logan Hanna (guitar) that performs in the soul jazz subgenre. 7 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m. show. $25 advance, $30 door (plus fees). 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280. — Perry
MCM vintage shopping and open house, Saturday-Sunday:
 The home at 150 Waring Road was built in 1961 and was featured in the 2024 the American Institute of Architects' Memphis MidMOD Home Tour. (Courtesy Michael Berry)
Anyone with a love for old houses surely casts an eye to Waring Road in East Memphis. Well, here’s your chance to step inside one of those very houses. Realtor Margaret Mikkelsen will open the home at 150 Waring Road, which was featured in the 2024 AIA Memphis MidMOD Home Tour. This 1961 home boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms, terrazzo and brick floors, a pool and so many more beautiful details. And it’s just been listed! Along with the open house, local boutique Blue Suede Vintage will host a pop-up with pieces dating from the 1950s to the 1970s. Noon-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Free to attend. Click here for more information. — Kelsey Bowen
B----Bopz anniversary party at Ugly Art Co., Saturday:
It’s time to celebrate the Boppers Who Shall Not Be Named (in this online publication; thanks, AP style). The B----Bopz are one year old, and that’s partying age. They’ll be hosting a soiree at Ugly Art Co., with drinks, live painting, DJs and more than 20 vendors. Plus, there will be a BarterUp raffle. Bring an item to donate for a chance to be one of three prize-winners! Click here for more information on the raffle. Grab a bite from Last Vegan On Earth, but be sure to save some room for cake. Don’t miss drag and burlesque performer Purple Umbrella Joint’s show at 7:30 p.m. It all comes down to the music for the B----Bopz, and, starting at 8 p.m., there will be four shows to end the night, rock band Screamer, hyperpop artist Suroor Hassan, singer Jupitor Jones, and musician Raneem Imam. 5-11:45 p.m. $10. 635 Madison Ave. Click here to buy tickets. — Bowen
Vintage901 Wine Festival at Beale Street Landing, Saturday-Sunday:
 The Vintage901 Wine Festival will be held at Beale Street Landing Satuday-Sunday, April 5-6. (Courtesy Vintage901)
You can sample your choice from more than 90 wines at Vintage901’s annual Grand Tasting event, but maybe don’t try all of them. (I may have attended this event before, and I may be speaking from experience.) Attendees can take classes, and there will be chef demos and music at the Saturday event. There’s also a VIP wine tasting on Saturday that includes a class hosted by sommelier Laurie Forster with signature cocktails, wines and swag bags. The Grand Tasting runs from 6 to 9 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, there’s a Sparkling Brunch from noon to 2 p.m., also hosted by Forster. $105 for the Grand Tasting, $205 for the VIP Grand Tasting and $120 for the brunch. Weekend passes are also available. 251 Riverside Drive. Click here for more information. — Phillips
‘Some Like It Hot’ at the Orpheum Theatre, opening Tuesday:
 “Some Like It Hot” opens at the Orpheum Theatre on Tuesday, April 8. (Matthew Murphy/Courtesy Orpheum Theatre)
The Orpheum brings the Broadway touring production of “Some Like It Hot” to Memphis. Based on the 1959 Billy Wilder film starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon, the story is set in Prohibition-era Chicago and follows two male musicians who dress as women to flee mobsters after witnessing a mob murder. The musical won four 2023 Tony Awards and the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album. And if you love tap dancing, you are in store for a treat. You can read more about it in our April theater guide. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday, 2 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Runs through April 13. Prices vary. 203 S. Main St. See here for more information. — Drake
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