〽️ 9 things to do in the 901

Howdy Memphis! Welcome to the This is Memphis newsletter, where it’s our duty to cool you down in this summer heat with the best events in the 901.

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In today’s newsletter:

• 9 things to do in the 901 🤸 

• Joey Dorsey hired as Timberwolves assistant coach 🐺 

• 21-year anniversary of Hurricane Elvis ⛈️ 

• New accelerator program launched for Fall 2024 🔬 

Let’s get to it. 〽️ 

🗞️ The Rundown

Tigers Legend Joey Dorsey joining Timberwolves staff 🏀 

Joey Dorsey, your favorite Memphis Tiger from the 2004-08 era (okay, maybe my favorite player) is now a player development coach for the Minnesota Timberwolves on a 2-year contract. This comes after he spent last year as a volunteer coach under Penny Hardaway’s Memphis Tigers and graduating from the NBA’s Coaching Development Program. 

$39 million given in SBA resources in 2023 in Shelby County 💰️ 

Access to critical funding should never be a problem for small business owners in Memphis. This week, Dilawar Syed, the deputy administrator of the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA), visited Memphis to spread awareness of federal support for entrepreneurs in the Memphis small business ecosystem.

As $39 million in SBA loans were given last year in Memphis and $372 million in Tennessee, Syed only wants to grow that number. With xAI bringing in hundreds of new jobs and BlueOval on the horizon, the community is ripe for more startups to lean into this ecosystem. Learn more about SBA resources for Tennessee here.

Accelerator applications open for BioTech entrepreneurs 🧬 

Ever wanted to launch your own business? Are you a post-doc or graduate student who needs an idea to build a business around? Well, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Powered by LaunchTN and BioTN, the Scipreneur Challenge is a 10-week accelerator, where you build a business in the advanced healthcare, medical device, and life science markets in Tennessee. At the end, you have a chance to win a cash prize. Learn more here.

_{*Paid 3rd party news source}

⛈️ A Taste of Memphis History

Memphis has had its share of terrible storms over the years, but if you ask most Memphians, there was nothing as bad as this one.

Almost exactly 21 years ago on July 22, 2003, one of the worst storms to ever hit Memphis rumbled through — aptly named Hurricane Elvis. With 100 MPH winds rolling through the city (enough to be a Category 2 hurricane), over 70% of the city was out of power. There was over $500 million in damage to the city and sadly seven fatalities.

Do you remember where you were during Hurricane Elvis?

🤸 9 Things To Do in the 901

Thursday

• Peabody Rooftop Party | Thursday, 7 PM | Peabody Rooftop
  
  Each and every Thursday night. All Summer long. Get downtown tonight if you want some drinks, good music, and the best views of the city.

Friday

• Points & Pints Summer 2024 | Friday, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM | Wolbrecht Tennis Center
  
  Points & Pints is a relaxed, social tennis league for entry level players. Participants will warm up with some light cardio, play a few friendly mixed doubles matches, and then hang around a bit for some fellowship or head to a nearby watering hole after play for some social time.
  
  Important note: This is a 6-week series. Registration is only available for the entire series, not individual weeks.
  
  Cost: $80
  For more information, click here.
  

• Happy Hour in the Grove | Friday, 5 PM | GPAC
  
  Every Friday this Summer, head on down to the Grove in Germantown for summer jams, happy hour drink specials, $5 wine, local brews, and live music.
  

• Memphis Cocktail Festival | Friday, 6 PM | The Kent
  
  Enjoy seasonal sips, tasty eats, and ALL the throwback vibes. Your ticket includes 12 fun-size summer cocktails, plus access to all the fun and entertainment. This event benefits Volunteer Memphis. 
  
  Tickets: $54 in advance, $65 at the door
  For more info, click here.
  

• Live at the Garden - Goo Goo Dolls | Friday, 7 PM | Memphis Botanic Garden
  

  

  
  This legendary 90s rock band will be rocking out at the Garden on Friday night. Grab your tickets today, and don’t forget your lawn chair or picnic blanket.
  
  Get tickets here.

Saturday

• July Family Day @ Stax | Saturday, 1 PM - 5 PM | Stax Museum
  
  Enjoy free entry, diverse food trucks, live music, arts & crafts, and more —fun for all ages at the Stax Museum! The event aims to promote more exposure to the arts and offers an excellent opportunity to learn about Memphis history and the significant role Stax Records played.
  

• Farewell Midtown | Saturday, 1 PM | Memphis Made Brewing Co.
  
  Our Midtown taproom's final day is Sunday, July 14 but we'll have a big party 1-10 p.m. on Saturday to send the old space out in style. It's so hard to say goodbye, so we decided to throw a party instead. The new Downtown taproom will open on July 20.
  
  Cost to attend: free
  

• Red, White & Silent Disco | Saturday, 8 PM - 11 PM | Slider Inn
  
  Don't miss out on the ultimate summer party! Enjoy Memphis’ best silent disco experience, where you control the vibe of your evening by switching between three different DJ channels to find your favorite beats. Grab your tickets today and get ready for grooves & fun.
  
  Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, 21+
  Click here for tickets.

Sunday

• Always Sunny in Philadelphia Brunch | Sunday, 11:30 AM | Black Lodge
  
  This will be a monthly brunch where they screen the best of the best episodes of your favorite gang of dysfunctional degenerates. The theme for this one is the Best of the Gang. Any episodes that revolve around all 5 characters. They will have $3 mimosas and Mac’s Breakfast Chimichanga. 
  
  Learn more here.

📸 Photo of the Week

 📸 Meteorologist Cory Smith in MiPPP FB Group | Independence Day fireworks in Downtown Memphis. Hope everyone had a great 4th of July!

Want your photo featured? DM us on Instagram!

🌡️ WEEKEND WEATHER

Friday

93 🌡️ 72 | ⛅️ | 7%

Saturday

95 🌡️ 74 | 🌤️ | 9%

Sunday

96 🌡️ 76 | 🌤️ | 5%

THANK YOU MEMPHIS!

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See you next Thursday!

This is Memphis Team

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