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

This week, Sheila E. brings the “Glamorous Life” to Rhodes, Choices celebrates 50 years and the Memphis Tequila Festival helps you get into the Halloween spirit(s). 

Developing Memphis seminar at Memphis Botanic Garden, Thursday:

Ernest Strickland (left), president and CEO of the Black Chamber of Memphis; Stephen Townsend (center), senior project manager with UrbanARCH Associates; and Chance Carlisle, CEO of Carlisle Corp. are speakers at The Daily Memphian’s “Developing Memphis” seminar. (Courtesy Ernest Strickland, Stephen Townsend, Chance Carlisle)

This annual seminar, hosted by The Daily Memphian, offers updates on some of the city’s big development projects. This year’s panelists include Chance Carlisle (CEO at Carlisle Corporation and the man behind the Downtown Hyatt-branded hotels), Ernest Strickland (president and CEO of Black Chamber of Memphis, who recently led that organization’s rebranding) and Stephen Townsend (an architect with UrbanARCH Associates, who has worked on Memphis International Airport’s modernization). Read more about the seminar here. 3:30-5 p.m. $33.85. 750 Cherry Road. Register here. — Bianca Phillips

Memphis Tequila Festival at The Kent, Friday:

Get into the Halloween spirit with some spirits. (Wink, wink.) This fundraiser for Volunteer Memphis features more than 50 types of tequila and mezcal for tastings, a photo booth, a costume contest, a dance party, and tacos (because what else goes better with tequila, huh?) Each ticket comes with 12 tastings, and there’s also a cash bar with beer and cocktails if you’re still thirsty after all that. VIP from 5-6 p.m. and general admission from 6-9 p.m. $64 in advance, $75 at the door or $99 for VIP (gets early access, premium pours and light bites). 66 Keel Ave. Click here for more information. — Phillips

Dusty Slay: The Night Shift Tour at Minglewood Hall, Friday:

Alabama-born, Nashville-based comedian Dusty Slay is like a Jeff Foxworthy of the modern era. Think jokes about trucker hats and the Christmas presents his parents ordered from the Marlboro catalog. It’s blue-collar comedy of the first degree, based on Slay’s real-life upbringing in a small-town trailer park. Doors at 6 p.m., show at 7 p.m. $48-$62.1555 Madison Ave. Click here for tickets. — Phillips

Ballet Memphis’ ‘Dracula’ at the Orpheum Theatre, Friday-Sunday:

Ballet Memphis presents “Dracula” Friday-Sunday, Oct. 25-27, at the Orpheum Theatre. (Ziggy Mack/Courtesy Ballet Memphis)

First staged by Ballet Memphis in 2022, this fan favorite opens the Memphis dance company’s 38th season, which has a theme of duality. Artistic director Steven McHahon interprets the classic novel for the stage. The production is approximately two hours. It features costumes by Hogan McLoughlin, scenic design by Nate Bertone and Beowulf Borritt and lighting by Helena Kuuka. Click here to read more about the season. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday. $13-$78. 203 S. Main St. — Perry

Memphis Comic Expo at Renasant Convention Center, Saturday-Sunday:

Alright, comic-book nerds, this one’s for you. The largest comic creator-focused convention in the Mid-South brings more than 175 vendors and exhibitors with comics (natch), artwork, toys, games, and much more. Expect appearances by a long list of comic-book artists, including those from Marvel and DC Comics. Get the most out of your Halloween costume, and come dressed as your favorite character; there are prizes in the cosplay contest. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Ticket prices vary by day, and a VIP option is available. 255 N Main St. Click here for more info and tickets. — Phillips

Orange Mound Music Festival at the Harriett Performing Arts Center, Saturday:

The Young Actors Guild will host the Orange Mound Music Festival for the second time. This year’s performances will include Diamonique Jackson, Evvie McKinney, Rooted Soulz, J.Buck, Nathan McHenry, Zai, Ashundra Bernard, She Street, and Danza Azteca Xochiquetzal. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The event is free. 2788 Lamar Ave. Read more about the fest in this Daily Memphian story. — Bianca Thedford

Record Swap & Zine Fest at Crosstown Concourse, Saturday:

Crosstown Concourse is hosting a record swap and zine fest on Saturday, Oct. 26. (Ziggy Mack/The Daily Memphian file)

It’s a two-for-one special at Crosstown Concourse: Memphis Listening Lab’s Record Swap will be happening along with the ninth annual Zine Fest. Perfect for those looking to refresh their record and CD collections or add to their bookshelf. Exchange music on the first floor of the central atrium, and don’t forget to hit the WYXR merch stand. On the second floor, dive into the world of zines (self-published mini-magazines full of art, prints, poetry and, well, anything else). If this is new to you, don’t worry. Local artist Erica Qualy will be leading zine-making demos from 1-3 p.m., and as someone who frequents her vintage shop, I can tell you she’s got impeccable taste. No equipment necessary, just bring your ama-ZINE creativity! 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. 1350 Concourse Ave. Click here for more information. — Kelsey Bowen

Collage Dance Collective ‘Firebird’ at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday-Sunday:

(Courtesy Collage Dance Collective)

Artistic director Kevin Thomas’ interpretation of the famed “Firebird” ballet returns to the Memphis stage once more. Collage’s fall performance also includes George Balanchine’s “Prodigal Son” and the company premiere of Tchaikovsky Pas de Deux. 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Ticket prices vary. 255 N. Main St. — Perry

Fright-Tober Halloween Film Series: ‘The Creature from the Black Lagoon’ and ‘The Evil Dead’ at Crosstown Theater, Saturday:

At 2:30 p.m., the finale in this Halloween film series will show one of the classic 1950s creature features, “The Creature from the Black Lagoon,” in which scientists pursue a scaly missing link in the Amazon River while the creature itself pursues a bathing beauty. (RSVP here.) Then, at 6:30 p.m., they’ll be showing “The Evil Dead,” filmmaker Sam Raimi’s 1981 cult film about a group of college students at a secluded cabin, suddenly at war with a dark, ancient spirit. (RSVP here.) For more Halloween films and other movies to watch, check out our new Memphis Movies This Week column. Free. 1350 Concourse Ave. — Chris Herrington

R&B Forever Tour at the Landers Center, Saturday:

Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tevin Campbell will bring their R&B Forever tour to Landers Center. (Dan Steinberg/Invision for Atlantic Records/AP file)

If the phrases “begging R&B” or “dirty mackin’ R&B” are your favorite parts of the rhythm-and-blues genre, I have just the concert for you. The “R&B Forever Tour” not only features a TGT reunion (with members and solo stars Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank), but also special guests Tevin Campbell (of “Can We Talk” and “I’m Ready” fame), Silk (the R&B group behind the hit “Freak Me”) and Memphis’ own K. Michelle. This concert is suitable for either a date night or night out with friends. Long live R&B! Read more about must-see October shows in our monthly music guide. 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show. $80.50. 4560 Venture Dr., Southaven. Click here for tickets. — Perry

Choices 50th Anniversary Gala, Saturday:

Choices will host its 50th anniversary gala on Saturday, Oct. 26. (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian file)

Choices has been providing reproductive and sexual-health care for 50 years, and that calls for a celebration. Join the Memphis-based health center for a throwback anniversary at The Kent. The theme is disco glam, so start ironing that jumpsuit, honey. There will be an open bar and food, and VIP tickets get you access to a special cocktail hour (6-7 p.m.) and lounge, valet parking and more. Oh, and don’t forget about the after-party, which will include drag performances, beats by DJ Bizzle Bluebland and lots of dancing! Must be 18 or older to attend. 6-11 p.m. $150. 61 Keel Ave. Click here for more information and to buy tickets. — Bowen 

Vaneese Thomas at The Green Room at Crosstown Arts, Saturday:

Vaneese Thomas will play The Green Room at Crosstown Arts on Saturday, Oct. 26. (Courtesy Sandrine Lee)

Vaneese Thomas — daughter of late Memphis legend Rufus Thomas and sibling to singer Carla Thomas and late keyboardist Marvell Thomas — will perform in Memphis to celebrate the release of her ninth album. Her style fuses Memphis soul and R&B with gospel, blues and jazz. The singer, songwriter, producer and actor has worked with Luciano Pavarotti, Sting, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Eric Clapton and Bruce Springsteen. Her single “Let’s Talk It Over” hit the top 10 of the R&B charts in 1987. More recently, Vaneese Thomas performed with The Black Opry in Memphis and New York. A fun fact: Vaneese Thomas voiced Clio the Muse (Goddess of History) in Disney’s “Hercules” animated film. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $25 advance, $30 at the door. 1350 Concourse Ave., Suite 280. — Elle Perry

The Concordia Orchestra at various locations, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday:

Concordia Orchestra will play four shows in Memphis this week and next. (Courtesy Concordia)

This touring college orchestra from Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, is directed by Kevin F. E. Sütterlin, who earned his master’s and doctoral degree from the University of Memphis. Sütterlin’s Memphis ties also include co-founding and co-directing Sinfonietta Memphis, an ensemble that provides free concerts and educational experiences for in the Memphis area. The Concordia Orchestra will perform on Sunday, Oct. 27, at 7 p.m. at St. George’s Episcopal Church; on Monday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church; and on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. in the Crosstown Concourse central atrium. You can also catch them next weekend on Friday, Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Scheidt Family Performance Arts Center. Click here for more information. — Phillips

Springfield Music Lecture Series featuring Sheila E. at Rhodes College, Monday:

Sheila E. (Courtesy Rhodes)

Prince collaborator, Grammy- and Emmy-nominated musician and percussionist Sheila E. will speak in Memphis as part of Rhodes College’s music lecture series. Her debut album, “The Glamorous Life,” included the top 10 hit of the same name. In addition to acting in “Krush Groove,” “The Adventures of Ford Fairlane” and “Chasing Papi,” Sheila E. received a Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. At the Rhodes event, the college’s jazz ensembles will open the event, followed by Sheila E. joining in. Music historian and associate professor Charles L. Hughes will then moderate a Q-and-A session with Sheila E. The event is free and open to the public, admission passes are required and will be sent on a first-come, first-serve basis for those who register. The event will take place in McNeill Concert Hall on Rhodes’ West Campus. 5:15 p.m. doors, 6 p.m. event start. Free, but registration is required. 613 University St. — Perry

‘Moulin Rouge! The Musical’ at the Orpheum Theatre, opening Tuesday:

Moulin Rouge! The Musical!” opens at the Orpheum Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and runs through Sun., Nov. 3. (Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade/Courtesy the Orpheum Theatre)

Based on the 2001 film, this jukebox musical won 10 Tony Awards including Best Musical in 2020. It’s set in Paris in 1899, a period in French history referred to as “The Belle Époque” (French for “The Beautiful Era”) that saw great optimism, peace and prosperity, as well as scientific and cultural innovations. The arts in particular flourished during this period. Read more about “Moulin Rouge” in our October theater guide. Runs through Nov. 3. 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 2 p.m. Saturday; 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. 225 S. Main St. See here for more information. — Alys Drake

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