The Sidebar: Recent Episodes
The Daily Memphian
The Sidebar, hosted by Eric Barnes from The Daily Memphian, focuses on arts, culture and everything in between in Memphis, including interviews with people shaping the city and sometimes an exploration of topics stranger, funnier and more surprising than you might expect to hear.
Pat Mitchell Worley, the president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, joined Eric Barnes on this week's episode of "The Sidebar."
Rachel Knox, senior program officer for arts & culture for the Hyde Family Foundation, talks not just about the arts organizations that the foundation has supported, but the entire landscape of the arts in Memphis.
The principal of Constellation Properties, Stuart Harris, and the executive director of HiFi Memphis, Mersadies Burch, join Eric Barnes to talk about the scope and scale of the Downtown project.
Elizabeth Cawein, who founded Memphis Export Memphis ten years ago to promote Memphis musicians and help them in their careers, talks about the organization's birthday celebration concerts on July 25, the realities of making money as a musician, and what Memphis does right - and could do better - in being a music city.
International exhibition "Café Society" at Dixon Gallery and Gardens centers on Belle Époque Paris and explores how Parisian cafés shaped the city's culture from 1855-1914. Julie Pierotti, the Martha R. Robinson Curator of the Dixon, was the primary organizer of the exhibition. She joins us today to discuss the exhibition, as well as with the process of coordination it requires.
Robby, who is the executive director of WYXR, joined this week's episode of The Sidebar to talk about how the station has evolved in its six years, the range of program and events WYXR supports, and the station's growth into a full-blown arts and community organization.
John Zeanah has written a book: Today's Comprehensive Plan: An Adaptive Approach, which he describes as the book he wished he'd had when he started a project as big as Memphis 3.0.
Zeanah joined Eric Barnes on "The Sidebar" to talk about the book, his history of planning in Memphis, and more. They touched on some of the controversies around Memphis 3.0 and focused on the differences between the smart and dumb ways cities have planned for their growth.
Two music festivals are coming to South Main this weekend, as the Ghost River Brewing Co.'s Made to Wander Music Festival and the South Main Songwriter Festival kick off.
Organizers from both festivals - Tori Keskey with Ghost River Brewing and Mike Mielenhausen with the South Main Songwriter Festival - joined this week's episode to talk about events, the music, and - of course - the beer at Ghost River.
Olivia Wall, director of marketing and communications for Memphis Botanic Garden, joined this week's episode to talk about Live at the Garden's 2026 line up, including the first show featuring the band Alabama on June 13. The full line up and ticket information is here on Live at the Garden's site.
For the 30,000 children in Shelby County who get a book every month from Books from Birth, the benefits are innumberable. But getting those same books to the 30,000 kids in Shelby County who aren't in the Books from Birth program is the work of Wynett Jones and Porter-Leath.
Jones, program director for Books from Birth, joined this week's episode of "The Sidebar." The program, which is statewide, is run by Porter-Leath in Shelby County and sends 30,000 children of all backgrounds one book a month from birth till five years old.
New Memphis' president and CEO, Anna Mullins, joined this week's episode of "The Sidebar" to talk about the organization's mission in Memphis, how their role has evolved over time, and that the impact of COVID has changed how and why people choose where to work and live.
Restaurateur Karen Carrier joins Eric Barnes to talk about Legacy at the Table, a three-part dinner series where Carrier translates the history of Memphis College of Art into unique menus that take guests on a journey through different eras of the school. Karen also talks about her time at MCA, how she began her career and her food artistry.
Ramona Sonin is creative director of Memphis Art & Fashion Week, which starts May 4 at the Brooks Museum of Art, including a Met Gala watch party, a high tea, aperitifs and, of course, a runway show at the museum. Sonin, who also created and runs the fashion program at the University of Memphis, joined this week's episode of "The Sidebar" to talk about the event, its origins just three years ago, and how fashion has evolved since she got into the industry.
Holly Whitfield sits in for Eric Barnes with Tennessee Ballet Theater interim director Ashley Hannah Davis. They discuss Tennessee Ballet Theater's upcoming show, 901 Stories: Down on Beale. They also discuss the local memphis dance scene, Holly's secret past as a dancer and Ashley Hannah's career in dance.
Sylvia Martinez, President and CEO of Girls Inc. of Memphis, joins Eric Barnes to talk about the organizations evolution from its beginning as Girls Club of America. She also talks about the importance of the Girls Inc. Youth Farm in Frayser as a thriving hub for community engagement and sustainable agriculture. And they discuss the upcoming Luncheon Celebration 2026, the annual fundraising event for Girls Inc. of Memphis.
Executive director of Ballet Memphis Andrew Goldberg joins host Eric Barnes to talk about upcoming performances (including Romeo & Juliet and Peter Pan), how ballet and Memphis intersect and summer camps/programming.
For many people, the Y is a gym. For others, it's a place to swim. But one of the biggest impacts the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid-South has is on the 14,000 kids they work with across the Mid-South.
Brian McLaughlin, group's CEO, joined Eric Barnes to talk about that impact kids and families on this week's episode of "The Sidebar."
Marina Pacini — the former chief curator for the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art —talks about plans for the museum's plans for an exhibition marking the Memphis College of Art's history and impact.
When the historic Annesdale Mansion suffered through a fire in January, more than a few people worried whether the house would be restored. But Bill Townsend, who bought the house in 2023 and did a nearly $2 million renovation, has assured everyone that Annesdale will be restored.
Host Eric Barnes is joined by Bill for this week's episode of The Sidebar. They talked not just about Annesdale, but also Townsend's major commitment to Memphis, especially nonprofits and community organizations here.
In a world where technology sometimes seems to have overwhelmed music, the world of Memphis Youth Symphony Program is refreshing. The organization's executive director, Jenny Davis, joined Eric Barnes on this week's episode of "The Sidebar" to talk about the group's programs and its history. Davis, who was a flutist and music teacher at Rhodes, also talked about the increasingly competitive realities of life as a musician trying to make it as a professional.
Alicia George really enjoys talking to people. Which is good, given her new role as co-executive director of Indie Memphis, which has big plans for a rebooted film festival in the fall.
As Indie Memphis bounces back from a year without its signature film festival, Alicia joined Eric Barnes on this week's episode of "The Sidebar" to talk about the organization's future.
Artist Brantley Ellzey joins Eric Barnes on this week's episode of "The Sidebar" to talk about work, his life and his Crosstown Arts exhibit, titled "Reflection + Ritual + Refuge."
Jee Vahn Knight, the CEO of BVO, talks about the attraction's opening on March 7, the next phases of expansion and how their business model works.
Sarah Leach, The Daily Memphian's director of fundraising and development, joins Eric Barnes on this week's episode.
For Lakenna Booker, Memphis Merit Academy is about so many things — helping young kids with literacy, creating a thriving school for parents and their children, investing in her neighborhood, and more.
Booker, who is the executive director of Memphis Merit Academy, joined Eric Barnes to talk about the charter school she founded in Parkway Village in 2019.
Lauren Ready has spent decades as a documentarian and TV journalist. Now she's become an author, using her foundation in journalism to help business leaders and others to, as she says it, reveal deeper truths.
Ready joined Eric Barnes to talk about her first book, "Ask Like a Leader: A Method for Revealing Deeper Truth and Turning Blind Spots into Breakthroughs."
Ready, who is also the co-founder of Forever Ready, a video production that works with many local nonprofits and business, spent many years as a TV journalist. And her documentaries have won numerous awards.
Virginia Reed Murphy, founder of Everystory, joins Eric Barnes to talk about the organization's name change and how the mission stays the same.
Katie Smythe of New Ballet Ensemble joins Eric Barnes to talk about turning the old Humes Middle School into a school focused on the arts for middle and high school students. - a project with a scale that is incredibly ambitious. The funding needs are massive and the timeline is not short.
Nick Barbian joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the goals for the outdoor venue located at Grind City Brewing in North Memphis.
Alex Matlock, the founder and current president of the Mid-South Latino Chamber of Commerce, and Sylvia Leon, the group's executive director, join Eric Barnes to talk about the impact of the federal influx of law enforcement.
Cequita Monique is a jazz singer as well as the founder of the First Sunday Jazz Jam Pop Up Series.
Dr. Lisa Beasley, associate professor at the UTHSC College of Nursing, joins Eric Barnes to talk about how the job of nursing has changed, the proactive work nurses do in underserved neighborhoods, and more.
Klondike Smokey City CDC is working to mow and maintain yards, build a pocket park and turn 150 vacant lots and empty homes into assets in the community.
Maggie Schaumleffel, director of ministries for Barth House Episcopal Center, joins host Eric Barnes. They discuss the center's outreach to the colleges and universites in the area, as well as how it supports students of all backgrounds and religions with problems they face today.
Women's Foundation for a Greater Memphis President and CEO Shante Avant joins host Eric Barnes. They discuss the resources that the Women's Foundation provides to community-based services, the focus on lifting women and children out of poverty in the Memphis area and the upcoming fundraising event, Power of the Purse.
Host Eric Barnes is joined by Cindi Younker, Buckman Arts Center director, to talk about this season's upcoming events and what attendees can expect from the performances.
Parke Kennedy joins Eric Barnes to talk about her new role with the Germantown Performing Arts Center and the fundraising and effort that goes into their series and performances.
David Lusk joins Eric Barnes to talk about the history of David Lusk Gallery, the artists he represents and the biggest changes he has noticed in the industry.
Sam O'Bryant joins Eric Barnes to talk about the organization's history, its summer programming and his former role at Literacy Mid-South.
Overton Park Conservancy's Executive Director Kaci Murley joins Eric Barnes to talk about the status of the Greensward, how the park and the organizations within it work together and the future of Overton Park.
ArtsMemphis recently reached a milestone of awarding more than $100 million across Memphis and Shelby County since its founding in 1963. President and CEO at ArtsMemphis Elizabeth Rouse joins Eric Barnes to talk about how they support artists and arts organizations and raise funding.
Jean Francois Mahoro and Ashley Weaver with CodeCrew join Eric Barnes to talk about the organization's outreach and their upcoming Hustle & Code Hackathon.
Host Eric Barnes is joined by the Young Avenue Sound co-owner Taylor Berger and co-director of operations Christopher Franklin to talk about the evolution of the studio.
Executive Director of the Metal Museum Carissa Hussong joins Eric Barnes to talk about what the expansion to the former Rust Hall means for the museum's programming and discuss the renovation process.
Natalie Wilson and Yolanda Kelly with the Overton Park Shell join Eric Barnes to talk about the summer schedule, Shell on Wheels and how all of the organizations in Overton Park work together.
Olivia Wall with Memphis Botanic Garden joins Eric Barnes to talk about what attendees can expect from this season of Live at the Garden and how the series came to be.
SunAh Laybourn’s desire to highlight the culture and history of Asian Americans in Memphis has brought, in part, the extensive range of local events happening during Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Shamichael Hallman joins Eric Barnes to talk about the importance of libraries to the community and his new book, Meet Me at the Library.
Soulsville Foundation CEO Pat Mitchell Worley joined Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the Stax Museum’s first ever Power of Music Awards.
Marina Carracedo with the University of Memphis joins host Eric Barnes to talk about the upcoming Spanish Cultural Series Concerts, featuring Mr. Kilombo, Pedro Luis Ferrer & Lena Ferrer, and Pedro Pastor.
Jeff Kollath, executive director of the Sultana Disaster Museum, joins Eric Barnes to talk about the story of the deadliest maritime disaster in United States history and the effort for a new and expanded museum.
Lora Chilton has learned all she can about her lineage and the Patawomecks, including taking lessons to learn the language. And she published a historical novel about the tribe titled “1666.”
Indoor Trailer Park creator and tire artist Tad Pierson’s latest installation will span along Mississippi Boulevard from E.H. Crump Boulevard to South Parkway.
Bronia Jenkins, Executive Director of American Contract Bridge League, joins Eric Barnes to talk about the North American Bridge Championships happening this week in Memphis and how her love for the game began.
Jen Andrews, CEO of Shelby Farms Park Conservancy, joins Eric Barnes to talk about what it takes to operate one of the largest urban parks in the country and upcoming seasonal events.
MaryLynn Mack talked about her vision for new exhibits and initiatives at the garden. And she had pretty amazing things to say about her move to Memphis.
George Abbott moved to Memphis to join the Memphis River Parks Partnership as its head of communications before the pandemic. Now he’s involved in the Reimagining the Civic Commons initiative that’s been funded in Memphis and nine other cities since 2016.
His title is a long one: director of creative and cultural economy. But the goal for Demarcus Suggs, who carries that for the new office of creative and cultural economy for the City of Memphis, is simple: Support the arts.
Adeze Wilford joins Eric Barnes to talk about her career and her role at the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.
Andy Cates joins Eric Barnes to reflect on the nearly seven years since The Daily Memphian began and the importance of the fourth estate.
Paul Chandler joins Eric Barnes to discuss his role at GPAC, The Grove and the planning process for all of the events they present year-round.
Kevin Sharp, director of Dixon Gallery and Gardens, joins Eric Barnes to discuss current exhibitions and upcoming events.
Todd Richardson, the CEO of Crosstown Concourse, joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of “The Sidebar” to talk not just the new venue but also all kinds of new happenings in and around Crosstown.
It's been six and a half years since The Daily Memphian launched. Sarah Leach joins Eric Barnes to discuss why The Daily Memphian is a non-profit and the business model behind it.
Jeff Hulett joined Eric Barnes to talk about his new album, “Little Windows,” performed with his band The Hand Me Downs.
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.
The "Reimagining the Civic Commons" initiative is embarking on a new round of work on what it means to improve public spaces. George Abbott joined Eric Barnes to discuss on this week’s episode.
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.
The artist David Yancy joins Eric Barnes to talk about plans for his new lounge on Broad Ave., how graffiti became street art and the value of a Batman tattoo.
WYXR’s Jared Boyd and Liv Cohen join Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the station’s four years since launch and the upcoming Raised By Sound Fest in December.
Chilton joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about the book, her family’s history, her writing process and the difficult necessity of telling the full story of the incredible violence committed against the Patawomeck.
This week, were flipping the script and sending you an episode of Sound Bites. In this flashback episode from August, Ben Smith, owner of Tsunami in Cooper-Young, said he is worried about the fate of small, independent restaurants. Smith said that one of the biggest issues has been inflation and ingredient costs fluctuating more rapidly than they ever have before.
Cartwright joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about his life as a musician and even his house, which was once owned by some of the musicians who played with Johnny Cash.
Campbell joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of “The Sidebar” to talk about the organization’s events, its origin at Crosstown, some of their upcoming events, and how it moves from venue to venue around Memphis.
Daniel Kiel, who is co-chair of an upcoming Facing History event, joins Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of “The Sidebar” to talk about how the organization approaches race and social justice.
Interview with filmmaker Craig Brewer on his career challenges and new series "Fight Night," on this week's episode of The Daily Memphian's "The Sidebar."
Creative Aging’s executive director, Mia Henley, joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about the organization’s work across Memphis.
The festival’s organizer, Howard Stovall, joined Eric Barnes to talk about the 4th Mighty Roots Music Festival, which takes place September 13-14 in Stovall, Mississippi, not far from Clarksdale. Bands include Flipturn, Happy Landing, Easy Honey and many more.
“It’s Mississippi Delta pool hall existentialism,” Willy Bearden says of his new book, adding with a laugh, “I just made that up.”
Tim Barker and food and dining reporter Jennifer Chandler join Eric Barnes to talk about many complicated issues facing restaurants as they close and others open.
C. Rose Smith joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about the power of photography going back to the 1800s, the intersection of photography and music, and Smith’s own successful career as a photographer, including a recent exhibit of her work in London.
Toby Sells joins Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to about his lifelong fascination with - and love of - the paranormal, which he writes about in his first book, Haint Blues: Strange tales from the American South.
Natalie Wilson, the executive director of The Overton Park Shell, talks about The Shell’s upcoming season, their Backstage Experience and the upcoming 70th anniversary of Elvis appearing on state at The Shell.
Caroline Norris joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about Volunteer Odyssey’s mission, how it works to feed volunteers into 70 nonprofits in Memphis, and much more.
Zak joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar along with Dr. Lynn Dobrunz, Professor and Chair of the Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology at the UTHSC, where the Ozmo Institute is based.
Kelly English, the owner and chef of Restaurant Iris and Second Line, and the musician/producer IMAKEMADBEATS joined Eric Barnes to talk about the new late night party at Le Bon Appetit – a party that will feature performances from IMAKEMADBEATS and other artists from the producer’s company, Unapologetic.
In this first of a two-part interview on The Sidebar, Matt joined Eric Barnes to talk about how he started working at Sun Studio as a teenager then became a producer of musicians ranging from Jason Isbell to the Mountain Goats to Margo Price and many, many more.
Andy Ashby, one of the co-founders of the oldest local breweries in Memphis, along with Maggie Emerson, co-founder of Maroon Brew Co., one the newest local breweries, joins Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar.
Ned Canty and Dennis Whitehead Darling joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about the production, the cast and how Darling came to love opera.
Pedro Velasquez joined Eric Barnes to talk about LifeDoc’s mission, his family’s journey from Venezuela to Memphis, and the organization’s evolution nearly 20 years after its founding.
Phillip Ashley, the founder of Phillip Ashely Chocolates, discusses the evolution of his business as he’s shifted to more branded and business-to-business chocolate sales, including partnerships with Cadillac and other big named brands.
At its core, Vintage901 is about good food, good wine and the connections people make through eating and drinking together.
For eight years - until she founded the art gallery Sheet Cake in the Edge District in December of 2023 - Lauren Kennedy was executive director of the UrbanArt Commission, an organization which was essential to the spread of so much public art throughout Memphis.
Nykesha Cole joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about her work as the arts and culture liaison for Shelby County Government.
Josh Burgess, who founded Lucy J’s with his wife, Tracy, joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar. They talked not only about Lucy’s J’s support of families working to get out of homelessness, but the many ways big and small that the bakery supports these families.
This week, Christine Weinreich, head of the Memphis Library Foundation, joined Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the foundation’s work in support of Memphis public libraries.
Holly has written a new book documenting and describing so many cool and interesting places in Memphis: “100 Things to Do in Memphis Before You Die”.
Eric Barnes talked to the organization’s new president and CEO, Metise Moore Sr. this week about his plans to expand the reach of the clubs to more young people in Memphis.
Birdcap, who was born Michael Roy, has an exhibit on display at Crosstown Arts through the end of April, with paintings and mosaics inspired by his interpretation of Homer’s Iliad.
Rory Thomas, the president of the Memphis Medical District Collaborative, join Eric Barnes on The Sidebar.
The path from working in social work to leading the Urban Art Commission might seem an odd one. But talking to Lakeisha Edwards, the connections all become clear very quickly as she talks about the ways public art not only beautifies a street or neighborhood, but how it impacts the people who live there.
Cyrena Wages has an album preview party at the Memphis Listening Lab on Feb. 1 at 6:30 pm, including songs from her debut album , a Q&A with the album’s producer, Matt Ross-Spang, and performances of a few of the songs live with Joe Restivo.
Lauren joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about her documentaries as well as the other video production work done by she, her husband, Scott Ready, and their team at Forever Ready Productions. She also talked about her time on local TV and more.
Keith joined Eric Barnes to talk about his work and the people like him who helped make the Wolf River Conservancy - both before he joined and after - what it is today.
Tommy’s advocacy for and articulation of what Memphis could be was at once impossibly grand and totally accessible, possible and doable. Today, a remarkable amount of the strategies and tactics and passion he articulated has come to life in this city.
The museum's director talks about current and past exhibits, education programs - and irrigation.
As part of a series of conversations about our anniversary on September 18 - including interviews with board chair Andy Cates, columnist Dan Conaway and more - Eric Barnes sat down with our editorial director, Mary Cashiola, and our digital director, Holly Whitfield.
The long-time and much-loved TV anchor talks about her new show on WREG, her career in local journalism and how she saved Eric Barnes from catastrophic embarrassment during a recent mayoral debate. Plus she dances. And sings!
Eric Barnes, Chris Herrington and Holly Whitfield are live in the WYXR studio for a Sound Bites/The Sidebar "Home and Away".
Janet Boscarino founded Clean Memphis to deal with litter. Now, some 15 years since its founding, Clean Memphis is evolving. While they still lead big volunteer efforts to clean up neighborhoods, the group is also trying to focus on more of the root causes of litter.
As part of The Daily Memphian’s ongoing series of stories and interviews marking the 5th anniversary, Eric Barnes interviews the technical team behind the news organization.
As The Daily Memphian approaches its fifth anniversary on Sept. 17, Dan joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the launch, The Daily Memphian, his column and more.
Steve Selvidge joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the album he recorded with Luther Dickinson and Paul Taylor during COVID.
The Daily Memphian columnist and contributor to WKNO and ABC24 News joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about the importance of local journalism.
It was exactly a year ago that The Daily Memphian was able to hire a full-time reporter, Keely Brewer, to cover environmental issues. The definition is, intentionally, a very broad one, including everything from the aquifer to park spaces to management of the Mississippi River to the question of who will provide electricity to Memphis.
Of the 19 flavors of Lays we tried, I could only score two of them as pretty good. And a few of them were, for lack of a better word, revolting.
Kevin joined Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about how MoSH – which includes The Pink Palace, the Lichterman Nature Center and other facilities – weathered COVID as well as new developments at the museum.
Stuart, the founder of the development group that bought the Sterick recently, joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about the group’s vision not just for the building but for the neighborhood around it.
Torey Bates, For the Kingdom’s executive director, and Summerjoy Scott, the director of human development, joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk the evolution of the organization.
A conversation with Zoe Kahr, the Brooks’ executive director, about new exhibits, live music, how her family led her into the world of art museums and a future exhibit on the legacy of the Memphis College of Art.
An upcoming fundraiser for Room in the Inn aims to help support the group’s mission to help the homeless.
“Exodus: Recreation,” which was produced by The InHEIRitance Project and will performed in Memphis Friday, March 31 through April 3, incorporated the input of 800 people and 2 dozen local organizations.
Tara M. Stringfellow talks about the new paperback edition of her novel, “Memphis,” which she’ll be signing at Novel bookstore Tuesday, March 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Ward Archer joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about just some of the projects and companies he’s involved in in Memphis, from Protect Our Aquifer to Archer Records to Contemporary Media.
The executive director of the Memphis Black Arts Alliance, Lar’Juanette Williams joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about her incredible range of experiences in the arts and beyond.
Hamlett Dobbins, a remarkable painter who lives here in Memphis, joined me on The Sidebar to talk about the work he does.
The Memphis artist joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about his art, immersive worlds, the Mid-South Coliseum and how maybe – just maybe – the artists’ collaborative Live From Memphis could return.
One of the original owners of The Beauty Shop and now owner of Bar Keough and Cafe Keough talks about belly dancers, his love of chickens and the sweet, wonderful smell of burnt rosemary.
The writer David Williams talks about his second novel, his writing process, and his 30 years as a reporter and editor at The Commercial Appeal on this week’s episode of The Sidebar with Eric Barnes.
Mike Allen, the Botanic Garden’s executive director, joined Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about all the different aspects of the Botanic Garden and the plans for expansion.
A conversation with John Bass, the director of the Mike Curb Institute of Music at Rhodes College.
Jennifer Balink, executive director of the nonprofit Kindred Place, which provides support and counseling to parents and families, talks about the dramatically changing attitudes about counseling and mental health over the years – changes that were accelerated during the pandemic.
Caramelized was once just focused on food. But now it has become something much bigger.
For people who’ve been in publishing in Memphis for many years, there are generally two family trees: The people who came through The Commercial Appeal and the people who came through one of Bob Towery’s companies.
For people who’ve been in publishing in Memphis for many years, there are generally two family trees: The people who came through The Commercial Appeal and the people who came through one of Bob Towery’s companies.
The executive director of Iris Collective, Rebecca Arendt, talks about the evolution of Iris, the new season of performances, and her firm belief that “everyone can learn to sing.”
From The Magic Kids to knocking on doors to get out the vote, Bennett Foster talks about balancing a love of a songwriting and work on social and political issues.
From The Magic Kids to knocking on doors to get out the vote, Bennett Foster talks about balancing a love of a songwriting and work on social and political issues.
The Power Pop Festival takes place Saturday, September 24 at 4 pm at the Overton Park Shell and includes former Posies member Jon Auer, Van Duren, Your Academy, a tribute to Big Star’s Chris Bell, and the Sonny Wilsons.
The Power Pop Festival takes place Saturday, September 24 at 4 pm at the Overton Park Shell and includes former Posies member Jon Auer, Van Duren, Your Academy, a tribute to Big Star’s Chris Bell, and the Sonny Wilsons.
Emily Bishop and Karen Lebovitz join Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about how MidtownMemphis.org is working to improve and beautify a section of Madison Avenue.
Emily Bishop and Karen Lebovitz join Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about how MidtownMemphis.org is working to improve and beautify a section of Madison Avenue.
The Memphis-based graphic designer joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about props, album covers, toys and more.
The Memphis-based graphic designer joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about props, album covers, toys and more.
The Memphis guitarist, who plays with The Hold Steady, Big Ass Truck, and many other combinations of musicians inside and outside Memphis, joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar.
The Memphis guitarist, who plays with The Hold Steady, Big Ass Truck, and many other combinations of musicians inside and outside Memphis, joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar.
An innocent conversation about cheeseburgers with Jennifer Biggs, Chris Herrington and Eric Barnes devolves into culinary distractions, general mockery and outright name-calling.
An innocent conversation about cheeseburgers with Jennifer Biggs, Chris Herrington and Eric Barnes devolves into culinary distractions, general mockery and outright name-calling.
Howard Stovall joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about blues music, Americana music and Clarksville, Mississippi.
How Coaching for Literacy is working with sports teams nationwide to raise awareness about the massive challenge of illiteracy.
Jennifer Biggs talks to Eric Barnes about the Taste of Summer food series, plus what she eats for breakfast, what food she has in her refrigerator, and her belief that, apparently, all change is for the better.
Carissa Hussong joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about expansion in the former home of the Memphis College of Art and plans for their campus on the bluff.
The founder of Memphis Teacher Residency and the leader of the Memphis Literacy Conference join Eric Barnes to talk about using science, people and constant effort to help people of all ages learn to read.
Marvell Terry II joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar to talk about his advocacy for the LGBTQ community, his work to support people with AIDS and HIV, and what it means to be a Black gay man.
The head of Crosstown Arts’ artist in resident programs, Mary Jo Karimnia, joins Eric Barnes to talk about opportunities for artists, the role of the arts in the Crosstown building and community, and her near 10-year-history with the Crosstown project.
Molly Quinn, executive director of OutMemphis, joins Eric Barnes to talk about the organization’s work with homeless LGBTQ+ young people, the group’s upcoming Queer Prom, and the progress – and steps backwards – in the environment for LGBTQ+ people.
Scott Bomar – the musician, Emmy-award-winning film composer, record producer and more – joins Eric Barnes on this week’s episode of The Sidebar to talk about how he became a musician, began to produce soundtracks for Craig Brewer’s movies, his studio’s upcoming move to the Sam Phillips Recording Studio, and much more.
The Associate Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Brooks Museum joins Eric Barnes for a discussion about upcoming exhibits, the future of NFTs in digital art, Maurice Sendak, the Tommy Kha controversy and more.
Along with countless other fans on Twitter, Reddit, Instagram, and TikTok, they’re building new communities where the league’s most knowledgeable, passionate, and funny fans can connect to each other and the team they love.
The emphasis on creative thinking, collaboration, problem solving, and engaging with the real world is one of the things that differentiates XTH from other high schools throughout Shelby County and around the country.
Nearly 10 years after founding Choose901, John Carroll joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar.
The leader of the Episcopal Diocese of West Tennessee joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar.
Listen to Robby Grant and Jared Boyd talk about WYXR's first anniversary on this week's episode of the Sidebar with Eric Barnes.
The photographer from Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair and more joins Eric Barnes on the Sidebar
John Zeanah talks about the evolution of regional planning on this week's episode of The Sidebar
"Life changing" visits and Buffalo vaccinations: Jen Andrews joins Eric Barnes on this week's episode of The Sidebar.
A look at the work of the Wolf River Conservancy on this week's episode of The Sidebar with Eric Barnes.
Mary Claire Borys from Housing Community & Development joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar.
Toby, the news editor for The Flyer, joined Eric Barnes this week on The Sidebar to talk about how we got started on topical marijuana mentions, plus Bigfoot (and the Bigfoot festival he’s organized for a few years), alt weeklies and, maybe most importantly, the Radio Flyer show he’s now hosting on WYXR each Friday at noon.
The program manager at the newly launched WYXR, Jared Boyd was a reporter at The Daily Memphian when the station started to look for a program manager before launching. Take a listen to this week’s episode and hear how his knowledge of and passion for music is already shaping the station.
Pat Mitchell-Worley, the executive director of Stax Music Academy and host of Beale Street Caravan, joins Eric Barnes on The Sidebar.
Geoff Calkins talks about the challenges of writing columns in a time of such political polarization.
In this week’s edition of The Extra Podcast, John Carroll talks with Eric Barnes about how he set about trying to find ways to talk to people about all the good things in Memphis.
Elizabeth Rouse, President & CEO of ArtsMemphis, joined Eric Barnes on The Extra Podcast this week to talk about the myriad number of ways that artists are trying to connect with people during the shutdown.
A deeper look at the content and mission of the re-branded WUMR with Executive Director Robby Grant and Program Manager Jared Boyd.
Emily Ballew Neff, the director of the Brooks Museum, joins Eric Barnes to discuss how The Brooks Museum is on a "soft pause" as it adapts to the new realities of restrictions on public spaces and an economic downturn.
President Carol Johnson-Dean talks about how the gift came to be on this week’s edition of The Extra Podcast, as well as the critical role LeMoyne plays for students who most often are first generation college students.
The issues facing schools as they look to reopen with some semblance of normalcy is almost overwhelming. A bit scary. And in some ways heartbreaking.
The head of the Memphis branch of the Fed – technically the Memphis branch of the St. Louis Federal Reserve, which is part of the overall Fed system – is Douglas Scarboro, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive.
Douglas joins the Extra Podcast to talk about the Memphis branch, but also to give his views on the economic losses associated with systemic racism.
Executive Editor Ronnie Ramos talks about how The Daily Memphian has approached coverage of so many different stories at once on this week’s Extra Podcast with Eric Barnes.
MMDC’s President Tommy Pacello on the group’s effort to support small businesses, residents in need, and future development.
Jeff Kollath, the head of the Stax Museum talks about plans for reopening – and contemplates when live music and events will happen again.
Jennifer Oswalt of the Downtown Memphis Commission gives a status update on the billions of dollars in downtown development in the wake of the Coronavirus shutdown.
The National Civil Rights Museum’s Terri Freeman talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted inequality, as well as the financial impact the shutdown has had on the museum.
Rhodes President Marjorie Hass tells Eric Barnes about the contingencies the college is planning for as it finishes the year and plans for an opening in the fall.
Ernie Mellor, president of the Memphis Restaurant Association joins Eric Barnes to talk about the heavy economic toll COVID-19 has had on local restaurants – and the difficulties restaurants face in reopening.
Shantelle Leatherwood on how Christ Community Health Services is expanding COVID-19 testing into some of the hardest hit communities and people in Memphis.
Inside the ICU: What Chris Herrington saw and learned in his exclusive tour of Baptist’s COVID fighting efforts.
Recording of a live Q&A with Dr. Stephen Threlkeld, infectious disease expert at Baptist Memorial Health Care, on the impact of Coronavirus on the Memphis area hosted by Eric Barnes.
From supporting laid off restaurant workers to providing translation services to refugees, the Community Foundation is trying to target money to the people who need it most.
Local financial planner Duncan Miller talks about the impact of COVID-19 on the Memphis economy and how people view their retirement planning in the crisis.
Dr. Jon McCullers, an expert on infectious diseases at UTHSC as well as pediatrician in chief at Le Bonheur, talks about the complicated, ethically difficult strategies societies face in a pandemic.
Ned Canty tells Eric Barnes about his journey from watching the Ramones in CBGB’s in New York to heading Opera Memphis.
Eric Barnes talks with Mark Fleischer, publisher and founder of Storyboard Memphis, about how he got started, the role of Storyboard and what it means to connect to local readers.
Tina Sullivan of the Overton Park Conservancy talks about parking on the Greensward, the recovery of the General Services Area, the future of MCA and the Brooks, and new connections between Overton Park and its neighbors.
How Facing History and Ourselves shapes some of the most difficult conversations we can have – and does it with children and teens in schools throughout Memphis.
From its start, The Daily Memphian has been expanding free access. Kesha Whitaker, who’s now leading the effort, talks with Eric Barnes on The Extra Podcast about how this effort is growing.
Ronnie Ramos joins Eric Barnes on The Extra Podcast to talk about his prior work at the Indianapolis Star, the USA Gymnastics investigation, and the future of local journalism.
Ekundayo Bandele, CEO of Hattiloo Theatre, talks about the history and future of the theater he founded.
Ten years after its rebirth, Natalie Wilson, the executive director of The Levitt Shell, talks about how free music remains possible at The Shell.