The To-Do List: Science fiction, secret feature (and some places to Gogh)
Welcome back to The To-Do List, where Daily Memphian staffers suggest their favorite events and activities for the coming week. Want more ideas? Check out The Daily Memphian’s event calendar, and feel free to submit your own events there as well.
This week, Arooj Aftab and Bang on a Can All-Stars perform at Crosstown Theater, Pussii Dusse’s music and art come to the Benjamin L. Hooks Library, bluegrass is back on the Collierville Town Square and the Metal Museum puts on “RINGS!”
In “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” at Graceland, guests can walk inside and around the classic works of Vincent van Gogh. (Timothy Norris/Submitted by Elvis Presley Enterprises)
“Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience” at the Graceland Exhibition Center, opening Friday:
Have you ever gazed deeply at Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Nights” and thought, “Man, I want to get in that”? If so, here is your chance. In “Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience,” viewers can walk inside and around the Dutch post-impressionist’s classic works. The immersive exhibition features 20,000 square feet of van Gogh’s works projected onto walls and floors in a moveable array and set to music. Read more about the exhibition here. Wednesdays-Mondays, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tickets are $36.99 for adults and $21.99 for children ages 5-10. 3717 Elvis Presley Blvd. For tickets and more information, go here. — Bianca Phillips
Tangela/Pussii Dusse. (Submitted)
“The Birth of The Pussii” reception at Benjamin L. Hooks Library, Friday:
For Women’s History Month, art from Stax Music Academy and Berklee College of Music alumna and Memphis artist Tangela is featured in the library’s William A. Goodwyn Gallery. The collection of paintings also introduces Tangela’s free-spirited, artistic alter-ego, Pussii Dusse. While viewing her visual art, attendees will be treated to Tangela’s music with a performance of songs from her previous release, “Splendid Mind.” Light refreshments and beverages will be served. Free. 4-6 p.m. 3030 Poplar Ave. — Elle Perry
Director Craig Brewer, photographed on the set of “Coming 2 America,” is bringing a new film series to Crosstown Arts. (Quantrell D. Colbert © 2020 Paramount Pictures/Daily Memphian file)
Craig Brewer’s Secret Screening at Crosstown Theater, Friday:
Memphis-based filmmaker Craig Brewer will host the first of what is planned to be a recurring series in conjunction with Crosstown Arts. “Craig Brewer’s Secret Screening” is just that, a film screening picked, programmed and introduced by Brewer (director of “Coming 2 America,” “Hustle & Flow” and more), the movie selection kept under wraps until the projector rolls. The music, starting at 7:30 p.m., will come from the Lucky 7 Brass Band. At 8 p.m., Brewer and a guest (another secret) will introduce the film, without quite revealing it. Music at 7:30 p.m., screening at 8 p.m. $5 at the door. 1350 Concourse Ave. Click here for more information. — Chris Herrington
Mid-South Con is back at Clarion Hotel & Suites from March 25-27. (Carlin Stuart/Submitted by Mid-South Con)
Mid-South Con at Clarion Hotel & Suites Memphis Airport Conference Center, Friday-Sunday:
It’s time to drag out that Harley Quinn cosplay outfit that you only get to wear once a year (come on, you know you’ve got one). Mid-South Con, the multi-genre science fiction convention, is back with panel discussions on everything from paranormal activity to female anti-heroes in comics, a workshop on making your own chainmail, gaming sessions galore, Disney sing-alongs, film screenings of “Star Wars” shorts and the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” (at midnight, of course). There’s even a Saturday morning cartoon-watching session. Plus, Marc Gunn performs a concert of fannish and Celtic music. Begins at 5 p.m. on Friday and 7 a.m. on Saturday-Sunday. $20-$55 for adults, $10-$28 for kids. 2240 Democrat Road. Click here for more information. — Phillips
The 4Memphis Music launch party was held last November at the former home of Elvis Presley’s doctor George C. Nichopoulos. This Friday, they’re hosting “Stardust — One Night in Vegas” at the home. (Courtesy 4Memphis, Bryant Cummings)
4Memphis Music presents “Stardust — One Night in Vegas” at the Dr. Nick home, Friday:
Local arts and entertainment mag, 4Memphis, is hosting a benefit party at the home of Elvis Presley’s doctor George C. Nichopoulos (aka Dr. Nick). The home at 6465 Cottingham Place was financed and designed by Presley as a gift to his doctor, and it’s currently owned by 4Memphis publisher Jim Walker. The evening is billed as “one night in Vegas” and will feature musical performances by Don Bryant, Amy LaVere and Uriah Mitchell (son of Royal Studios’ owner and Grammy award-winning producer Boo Mitchell), as well as a silent auction, charity poker and, perhaps most importantly, an open bar. Proceeds benefit faith-based organization For the Kingdom Memphis. Read more about the event and the work of For the Kingdom here. 6 p.m. $80. See here for info. 6465 Cottingham Place. — Phillips
Pickin’ & Grinnin’ at Collierville’s Town Square, Friday:
Some years ago, bluegrass musicians started playing music on the Collierville Square in warmer months. The group – Pickin’ and Grinnin’ — returns this week for their first performance of the season. 6-9 p.m. Free. 94 N Main St. in Collierville. — Abigail Warren
Artist Ted Noten’s “Greed” was crafted from 3D-printed, gold-plated steel and is included in “Rings! 1968-2021” at the Metal Museum. Artwork courtesy of the Helen Williams Drutt Family Collection. (Virginia Price/Courtesy of National Ornamental Metal Museum).
“RINGS! 1968-2021” opening reception at the Metal Museum, Saturday:
Famed collector Helen Drutt will attend the Metal Museum’s opening reception for “RINGS! 1968-2021.” The traveling exhibition includes more than 100 wearable works made using a variety of methods. Drutt’s exhibition offers a closer inspection of the cultural, political and personal meanings of this form of personal adornment. As a part of the opening, the museum is hosting a drop-in cuttlefish casting ring-making class between 11 a.m. and noon and 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. The cost of the class is $25. Note: Prior registration is required for the exhibition; click here to register. 3-5 p.m. Free, but suggested donation is $8. 374 Metal Museum Dr. Click here for more information. —Perry
“Beethoven’s 9th: Ode to Joy” at the Cannon Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday and Sunday:
This performance is part of the 2021-2022 Memphis Symphony Orchestra Masterworks Series. The MSO says that Beethoven’s “9th Symphony” has become the world anthem for hope and “provides the perfect celebration and healing for these times.” The show includes a performance of “Joyride,” which MSO conductor Robert Moody commissioned from composer Michael Markowski in 2012. The performance also features the Memphis Symphony Chorus and the University of Mississippi University Choir. Click here for more information. 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. $17-100. 255 N. Main St. —Perry
Arooj Aftab (Submitted by Crosstown Arts)
Arooj Aftab with Ouri at Crosstown Theater, Sunday:
Arooj Aftab, one of this year’s Best New Artist Grammy nominees, is coming to Crosstown Theater this Sunday. Born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan, Aftab came to prominence in Pakistan in the early 2000s for her style that combines Sufi-mystical poetry (think Rumi) with the spirit of independent rock. Her 2021 album, “Vulture Prince,” has been making lots of buzz lately (with features in The Rolling Stone and Pitchfork and on NPR), and besides her New Artist nomination, Aftab is also up for a Best Global Performance Grammy for her song, “Mohabbat.” The concert, presented by Crosstown Arts and Sonosphere, Inc., features an opening performance by DJ/cellist/harpist/vocalist Ouri. Proof of vaccination or a negative COVID test is required; masks are also required. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m. $25. 1350 Concourse Ave. Click here for more information. — Phillips
Bang on a Can All-Stars will perform at Crosstown Theater on March 29. (Courtesy of Crosstown Arts)
Bang on a Can All-Stars at Crosstown Theater, Tuesday:
Since 1992, Bang on a Can All-Stars have been crossing the boundaries between classical, jazz, rock and experimental music. In fact, if you don’t think you like classical music, Bang on a Can All-Stars would be an excellent entry point since they basically pioneered the idea that classical music can color outside of genre lines. The six-member ensemble of players on clarinet, cello, piano, percussion, bass and electric guitar formed out of the Bang on a Can festival, an annual, one-day, New York-based Marathon concert that launched in 1987. Members of the All-Stars have toured and recorded with Paul Simon, Sting, Bruce Springsteen, Alison Krauss and Bob Dylan, among others. The program for Tuesday’s concert at Crosstown Arts includes Meredith Monk’s “Spaceship” from “The Games: A Science Fiction Opera,” Louis Andriessen’s “Workers Union,” and works by Julia Wolfe, David Lang and Michael Gordon. Doors at 7 p.m., Show at 7:30 p.m. $20-25. 1350 Concourse Ave. Click here for more information. — Phillips
Topics
Crosstown Arts Craig Brewer Metal Museum 4Memphis Magazine Memphis Symphony OrchestraChris Herrington on demand
Never miss an article. Sign up to receive Chris Herrington's stories as they’re published.
Enter your e-mail address
Elle Perry
A native Memphian, Elle Perry has earned graduate degrees from the University of Memphis and Maryland Institute College of Art. She’s written for publications including the Memphis Business Journal, Memphis Flyer and High Ground News, and previously served as coordinator of The Teen Appeal.
Bianca Phillips
Bianca Phillips is a Northeast Arkansas native and longtime Memphian who’s worked in local journalism and PR for more than 20 years. In her days as a reporter, she covered everything from local government and crime to LGBTQ issues and the arts. She’s the author of “Cookin Crunk: Eatin’ Vegan in the Dirty South,” a cookbook of vegan Southern recipes.
Chris Herrington
Chris Herrington has covered the Memphis Grizzlies, in one way or another, since the franchise’s second season in Memphis, while also writing about music, movies, food and civic life. As far as he knows, he’s the only member of the Professional Basketball Writers Association who is also a member of a film critics group and has also voted in national music critic polls for Rolling Stone and the Village Voice (RIP). He and his wife have two kids and, for reasons that sometimes elude him, three dogs.
Abigail Warren
Abigail Warren is an award-winning reporter and covers Collierville and Germantown for The Daily Memphian. She was raised in the Memphis suburbs, attended Westminster Academy and studied journalism at the University of Memphis. She has been with The Daily Memphian since 2018.
Want to comment on our stories or respond to others? Join the conversation by subscribing now. Only paid subscribers can add their thoughts or upvote/downvote comments. Our commenting policy can be viewed here.