The head of Crosstown Arts’ artist-in-residence programs talks opportunities for artists, the role of the arts in Memphis, and her near 10-year-history with the Crosstown project.

Welcome to this weekly roundup of what Memphians are saying and what’s being said about Memphis on social media, curated by digital desk reporter Jasmine McCraven.

Local artist Anderson Goin and his group are embracing the “ugly” to make it beautiful. 

This week, a free soul concert series kicks off at Fourth Bluff Park, “Jesus Christ Superstar” opens at the Orpheum and there’s a Nude Party at Overton Park Shell (but you should wear clothes). 

Ja Raffe has an important role to play in Utah, but that hasn’t stopped locals from bemoaning the move. 

“Elvis” is the biggest-ever Elvis movie and Elvis is arguably — maybe inarguably — the biggest-ever Memphian. But what will the film ultimately mean for Memphis and one of its most popular tourist attractions? 

On Friday, June 24, a small group of local writers, directors and actors will come together to write, produce and perform six 10-minute plays within 24 hours. 

With eyes on the future while nodding to the past, the Black arts organization Tone gets glamorous before Sunday’s ‘Family Reunion’ in Orange Mound.

There was lots of activity this week at the Museum of History (formerly known as Memphis Pink Palace Museum); summer school students received a visit from state dignitaries, and an East Memphian proclaims his love for neighbors. Which image is your favorite?

A spaghetti and catfish debate, mixed feelings about the depiction of Mississippians in “P-Valley” and fans react to a new Tiger commit.

Five members of the U.S. Navy Leapfrog Team parachuted onto the front lawn of the Museum of Science and History Thursday, June 16, as part of Memphis Navy Week.

Orange Mound’s Tone is hosting a Juneteenth gala that calls for dress in “Afrofuturistic black tie.”

Memphis in May is projecting a record-setting financial loss of roughly $1.9 million for 2022. Its largest loss, previous to this, was in 2020 when the festivities were totally canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This week, Juneteenth celebrations are planned across the city, ’90s alt-rockers Collective Soul and Everclear will play (but not together) and an “ooky” musical opens at The Harrell Performing Arts Theatre.

Former Memphian Garrison Starr will perform her entire 1997 debut album Friday, June 17, at the Crosstown Theater. 

You’ll never guess where Elliot Perry is being honored Tuesday night. At the Museum of Modern Art, in New York. It’s the latest accomplishment for one of the greatest, humblest Memphians.

The three-episode series entitled, “Tennessee Civil Rights Trail Podcast,” will feature events of the movement that happened in the state during the 1950s and 1960s, as told by veteran civil rights activists.

“Part of our mission as a rebranded museum is to honestly tell the stories of Memphis,” said Raka Nandi, MoSH’s director of exhibits and collection. 

The event will feature static display aircraft, aerobatic performances, military demonstrations and local emergency response helicopters.

Three generations of Presley women — former wife Priscilla Presley, daughter Lisa Marie Presley & granddaughter Riley Keough — bestow their approval on the ‘Elvis' film.

Related story:

‘Elvis’ stars walk the red carpet

A bevy of celebrities showed up Saturday night for the premiere of the director Baz Luhrmann’s movie “Elvis” at the Guest House at Graceland. They included Priscilla Presley; actor Austin Butler, who portrays the King of Rock and Roll, and Tom Hanks, who plays Colonel Tom Parker. The movie opens at local theaters June 24.

Related story:

Co-stars Austin Butler and Tom Hanks, director Baz Luhrmann make Graceland debut of ‘Elvis’

Hey, we’ve got pictures of kids having fun, some new businesses on Beale Street, and Mud Island’s monorail (with a cool skyline view.) Vote for your favorite.

The idea behind “Action!: Art in Motion” was to harness children’s love of animation. 

As a preview for Saturday’s Le Bon Appetit fundraiser for Le Bonheur, an all-star group of chefs participated in a “Chopped”-themed cooking competition.

The Reigning Sound, longtime fixtures of Memphis’ music scene, announced this week they were dissolving and canceling a European tour but one local show, scheduled for Friday, remains.