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By
Jeff Balk
Memphis, Tennessee, is a city known for its music and for the diverse culture that helped create it. Southern charm grew into honky-tonk blues, soul and rock 'n' roll. Memphis is where the plantations' slave trade opened the
door to the South's first black millionaire. Memphis is full of fascinating history, mighty Mississippi River views, warm-hearted people, and amazing entertainment from historic Beale Street to Graceland.
Bars
Most of the gay nightspots are located in midtown and parking is never a problem. Most of the bars stay open till 3am, and there are several that are open for after hours and they close by 10am the following morning
(Just ask all of the Ole Miss boys that drive in from Oxford every weekend). The big dance club in town is
Amnesia (2866 Poplar Street). David and Frank sure knew how to spend the money on this club! This old warehouse is
divided into four sections. As you enter, you'll see a very comfy jazz bar. Next to that is a large video bar area, and then the drag room and dance floor. Oh yes, and how could I forget to mention the outdoor patio and swimming pool.
I thought for a second that I was in Florida. Amnesia is packed with the college boys and plays host to special entertainment, strippers and out-of-town DJs for after-hour parties.
Sharon Wray has been involved in Memphis bars for over 30 years now, and from what I hear, has her same old spunk. From the earlier years at Sharon's, she now has two clubs in Memphis:
The Jungle (1474 Madison Avenue) and Madison Flame (1588 Madison Avenue). The Jungle is a great place to hang out, with friendly staff, great beer prices, and nice atmosphere. It's right on Memphis's main strip and is a great place to start off your
night. A few blocks down is Madison Flame . The Flame has a mix of both men and women, and offers weekly karaoke. They tout being Memphis' "number one dance club."
"Star Karaoke" takes place on Thursdays at
Crossroads (1278 Jefferson and 111 N. Claybrook). They have nightly entertainment specials that include "Sissy Bingo" and dart tournaments. They brag because they have
happy hour every day. The weekends feature a star-studded show cast and late-night dancing. Grab your cowboy hat and boots and check them out.
The Pumping Station (1382 Poplar Avenue), formerly Pipeline, is the only levi-leather bar in Memphis. With a nice decor and a huge selection of domestic and imported beers, Manager Steve is usually there to greet
you, and he graces the bar in his tight leather pants. The place can be very dark at night and full of men and bears.
Lorenz/After Shock (1528 Madison Avenue) is like two bars in one. The Lorenz side of the bar has a fun neighborhood-bar atmosphere. Lorenz lives up to its reputation of being the local cruising and pick-up bar.
There's always someone playing pool just waiting and watching the door to see who might walk in next. Late night, around 9pm, the After Shock side of the bar opens, on weekends, with drag shows and dancing way past dawn.
N-Cognito (338 South Front) is located not for from Beale Street and its entertainment. A favorite of the black clientele, this white boy had a great time and enjoyed the drag show and gangster rap music heard around
the dance floor. I was fortunate enough to see Houston's Tommie Ross performing when I was in town.
Other clubs include Backstreet (2018 Court Street), J-Wags (1268 Madison),
Metro Memphis (1349 Autumn Street), and One More (2117 Peabody).
Dining and shopping
Lilly's Dim Sum Then Some (903 South Cooper) offers the best Asian food that I've ever tasted. Lovers Kathy and Nancy will make your lunch or dinner unforgettable. Their staff is friendly-- and so honest. I
accidentally tipped the waitress $20 more than I thought I had, and she returned to the table to make sure that I intended the compliment. Be sure to stop by and see the girls when you are in Memphis next.
Inz & Outz Cards and Gifts (555 South Cooper) is Memphis's only GLBT gift shop. They feature everything from magazine and videos to toys and jewelry.
Upcoming events
Memphis in May is a huge music festival. This year they salute the Netherlands. May 4-6 is Beale Street Music Festival; May 7-13 brings on International Week; May 17-19 is the "World Championship BBQ
Cooking Contest"; and May 26-27 is the "Great Southern Food Festival." The Mr. & Miss N-Cognito and Miss N-Cognito Plus Pageants are being held on Friday, June 8th and Sunday, June 10th. They will feature Shonn Dupree and
Amber Starr. For more information contact Alecia Kelly at 901-523-0599. Memphis Pride will be held June 15th and 16th. For more information browse to www.gaymemphis.com/pride.
When in Memphis be sure to pick up copies of
Family and Friends and Triangle Journal
News (www.memphistrianglejoyrnal.com).
| Author Profile: Jeff Balk |
|
Jeff Balk is publisher of EXP, a gay/les/bi/trans bar and
entertainment magazine serving
Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. Jeff
hails from St. Louis, Missouri, where
he lives when not travelling for The
Guide.
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| Email: |
expmag@aol.com |
| Website: |
www.expmagazine.com |
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