A love of Legos and various pop-culture characters led an Arlington man into a 3D-design business that has customers across the country.

The Memphis Jazz Workshop instructs young cats (jazz artists) in the fundamentals of a hip musical genre that has a long, but little-known history in the home of blues and rock ‘n’ roll.

The book follows Beale and Bella the buffaloes as they explore Shelby Farms Park and encourage their friends to build a light display that brings the most holiday cheer.

MaryLynn Mack, who moved to Memphis in August to take the reins of the Memphis Botanic Garden after many years working for similar organizations in Phoenix, San Diego and elsewhere, joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of “The Sidebar.” 

Gordon has written six books and numerous articles and liner notes, and produced or directed eight films. The Central Gardens resident has won three Grammys and an Emmy.

Related story:

Memphis Grammy winner to be honored with brass note on Beale

The Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative has been funded in Memphis and nine other cities since 2016. It’s now embarking on a new round of work.

This week, Pickleball 901 hosts a Thanksgiving tournament, and Black Friday brings the openings of holiday lighting installations. 

Robert Gordon is being honored with a brass note on Beale Street, a recognition of his work telling the rest of the world about Memphis and its culture.

A handcrafted, Memphis-made gift or experience is so much more thoughtful than something purchased from a big-box store. Here are a few ideas for Small Business Saturday (and beyond).

Onlookers at the Memphis Christmas Parade on Saturday talked about how the parade was a nice chance to show off their community spirit, an event to shine a positive light on the vast South Memphis area.

“The new venue will be a unique addition to the city and bring even more exciting shows to Memphis,” said Grant Lyman, president of Live Nation Southeast. 

This week, Justin Timberlake is back in Memphis, there’s an early turkey trot at Overton Park and the holiday lights come on at Graceland and Downtown.

The 2002 album “Justified” from Justin Timberlake, who plays the FedExForum Saturday, is almost certainly the most successful album to mention “Memphis, Tennessee” in its first 30 seconds. 

Also, Julien Baker will perform as part of a country duo with Torres at the 2025 Big Ears Festival in Knoxville.

This twist on a classic is the tradition two performers have known for their entire lives. They’ve danced nearly every role in the show, from mice to toy soldiers.

This pre-Thanksgiving weekend brings a couple of prestige-oriented films to the big screen, alongside stars Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Denzel Washington and Pedro Pascal. 

Beale Street would not be what it is today without Rum Boogie Cafe owner, and former CPA, Preston Lamm. But, he’s turned the keys over to a new owner. 

John Mark Sharpe is a jack of many home-and-garden trades and master of all of them: He decorates homes, he arranges flowers and he sells most of what you need to try these endeavors yourself.

The Memphis Police Department is hosting a new local TV show to showcase its efforts in curbing crime in the city.

The Acoustic Sunday Live series will hold its sixth event to benefit Protect Our Aquifer, the nonprofit that advocates for protection and monitoring of the aquifer that provides Memphis its drinking water. 

Casts created in hollowed-out spaces of volcanic ash and other artifacts from the frozen city of Pompeii, which was destroyed in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., are on display at Graceland starting this week. 

This week, learn cocktail science at Lichterman, spend an evening in Paris at the Orpheum and hear IMAKEMADBEATS’ new album — but with lasers.

The big activity in local theaters this week is the annual Indie Memphis Film Festival, but those screenings aren’t your only options.