Love Your City: January Events at a Glance

One of the most popular resolutions this year is to learn to love your surroundings. Well, Memphis makes it easy, and this month is no different. Check out some of the awesome events planned for this month.

SPORTS :

NBA Memphis Grizzlies vs. L.A. Clippers – January 14, 2013 – Fed Ex Forum

1.Clippers- (27-8)

2.Grizzlies - (22-10) 

Mike Conley vs. Chris Paul. Z-Bo vs. Blake Griffin. Marc Gasol vs. DeAndre Jordan. Yes, please. 

Memphis painfully ended last season by losing to the Clippers in the first round of the NBA playoffs. Unfortunately, the trouble continued into the current season with another loss to the Los Angeles team named after a hair salon. On January 14, it's time to avenge all that nonsense when the Grizz host the Clipps in what will surely be a battle to the bitter end. GNG. 

COMEDY : 

Brian Regan - premier comedian coming to Orpheum January 11th.

“I have to lay off dairy though. That's what my doctor threw in. As I was leaving his office, "Oh, and uh, leave off dairy." What kind of blanket sweep is that? "And no more happiness! Away with you!” - Brian Regan 

Brian Regan is an "American stand-up comedian whose performances are relatively "clean" because he refrains from profanity and off-color humor. His clean, off-center humor has been praised by critics and contemporaries alike and Regan enjoys a fan base that crosses young taste makers to middle-aged adults; he is respected in the comedy community for being a "universal comic," his work has been applauded by such diverse sources as Comedy Central, The Onion and The Wall Street Journal." Thank you, Wikipedia for that info :) 

Ralphie May - Comedy Central comedic genius performing on January 19th at The Orpheum 

"I’m really proud of this show.  And I was really glad to be on it um, just for fat people everywhere?  And, eh, I’m an extreme example.  But, you know, fat people in general.  I still get prejudice too.  And just subtle things.  Like, whenever I get on an elevator and there’s anybody already on the elevator, they always look at me like, “Oh, hell, no.”  And then they very slowly look up to try and find the capacity, they’re like…and then they do the math in their head.  They’re like, carry the one, divide it the two." - Ralphie May  

A born Southerner, Ralphie May made it big (pun sort of intended) by placing second in the reality tv competition, "The Last Competition Standing." In addition to a lot of self-deprecating humor, Ralphie has a very -ahem- colorful sense of humor with which he loves to play on racial stereotypes. This ain't for your kids, but it sure as heck will be a fun adult night out. One other fun fact about this comic: he has a daughter named April June May and a son named August May. 

THEATRE: 

There are many great shows happening around town starting in the month of January, and these three prove to lead the pack with strong messages, actors, and choreography. 

Remembering MLK this time of year? Why not spend an evening watching a joint collaboration between Hattiloo Theatre and The Circuit Playhouse performing the riveting play about the night before the famous assassination? The Mountaintop runs January 18-February 10 at The Circuit Playhouse. 

One of my personal favorite scripts will be performed by some of my favorite local talent: win-win-win! Marc Gill stars as Paul, a con man who seduces a wealthy family into welcoming him into their lives. Convinced that Paul is the son of Sidney Poitier, Ouisa and Flan Kittredge (portrayed by local stars Kell Christie and Barclay Roberts) are taken on a ride of their lives in this play about the six degrees that separates each and every one of us on the planet. Six Degrees of Separation runs 

January 25 - February 10th at Theatre Memphis. 

Carla McDonald, arguably one of the most talented performers in the city, will take on the role of faded star of silent film era, Norma Desmond, in the Andrew Lloyd Classic, Sunset Boulevard. Stacked with local and professional talent (including our very own Cassie Thompson) as high as a mountaintop, this show proves to blow away audiences throughout its run with stellar choreography and powerful direction by Bob Hetherington. Sunset runs January 25 - February 10th. 

LITERARY CULTURE: 

Unchained Deep South Tour – Monday January 14^th Crosstown Arts

Best-selling author George Dawes Green and his storytelling network The Moth are coming to Crosstown Arts as part of The Unchained Tour. Funny, contemporary stories will be told on this tour, which was created in the hopes of drawing attention to local, independent bookstores. 

SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY: 

The Howlin’ Moon Campfire Party – Memphis Botanic Gardens, 5-7 pm on January 11^th 

 Ready for fun outdoor family night? Come hang out by the campfire. Roast hot dogs and s'mores over a camp fire. Drink hot cider in the garden. Memphis Botanic Gardens hosts fun for the whole family on January 11th, including games and crafts for kids. Pre-registration is required. 

Whatever you decide to do, promise yourself one thing. You will get out and about in your city this month and do something a little different. It will broaden your horizons so to speak and hopefully make you appreciate your city a little more. 

- MORGZZ