JD Reager apologizes when he says that, in certain ways, the COVID pandemic changed his life for the better.

Our photographers captured some classic Elvis Week images, and also made it to an unusual school, an iconic store and some sporting events. Cast your ballot for the best one.

It’s no longer Elvis Week, but they’re still rocking at Graceland. Meanwhile, there’s barbecue in the park and dining deals all over.

Daniel Seddiqui, known for working 50 jobs in 50 states, was at the Metal Museum Monday, Aug. 16, crafting a metal music note for his latest project, “A Piece of Your City.” 

“The tribute artists are not the parody,” said Angie Marchese, vice president of archives and exhibits at Graceland. “These guys are true artists. They’re singers, they’re craftsmen, paying tribute to someone who has changed their lives.”

The local 12-year-old is getting his shot at the big time as the understudy in a production by the Metropolitan Opera in New York City.

Vote on your favorite: We’ve got some fab sports pics this week, including 901 FC and the final day of the WGC FedEx St. Jude Invitational, but Brad Vest’s image of some students who appear none too happy to be back in school says it all.

With the Delta variant spiking local COVID rates, will tougher, more restrictive measures at venues and festivals become more common in Memphis?

About 25 people were vaccinated at the event Thursday. In recent months, the City of Memphis has hosted various community pop-up in ZIP codes with lower vaccination rates to increase uptake as part of a more door-to-door approach.

This week in Memphis: Big concerts, throwback flicks, dining specials and the unbeatable combo of chicken and beer. Plus, it’s Elvis Week. 

After missing 2020, the Mempho Music Festival is slated to return in October. 

“Solid Gold Soul: The Best of the Rest from the Stax Museum” is on show now. The exhibit features staff-selected artifacts from Stax’s vast archives, including Isaac Hayes’ desk from the 1970s. 

The WGC-FedEx St. Jude Invitational has been big news this week, with lots of opportunities for pictures. But The Daily Memphian photogs also got some other great images. Tell us which is your favorite.

New Day Children’s Theatre has returned with its summer show to give back to the community. This weekend students are performing “Les Misérables,” and the community is embracing its return.

“Like Sam Phillips, one of our goals is to release local music that is raw, visceral, and real,” says Graham Winchester.

Masks will be required at indoor festival screenings, with partial theater capacity for social distancing. 

Gotta love those Redbirds, but you may prefer one of these other photos from The Daily Memphian. Cast your vote for the best one.

After making a splash with last fall’s BVOE, Off the Walls Arts returns with FIREBIRD, blending modern dance and sculpture at its unconventional South Memphis arts space.

This week Lucero frontman Ben Nichols will play a solo acoustic birthday show and septuagenarian gospel artist Elizabeth King, flanked by some ace Memphis sidemen, will perform a live score to a pioneering work of Black cinema. 

The National Civil Rights Museum plans to mark its 30th anniversary in late September with a “community celebration.”

Inside the Walt Disney Archives, an exhibit showcasing the history of the Walt Disney enterprise, opened Friday at Graceland. 

This weekend, metal is a way of life.