At the Lamar Terrace Picnic in Overton Park, March 24, 2012
Residents of Lamar Terrace Reunite for a Picnic in Overton Park, Memphis, 2012
Lamar Terrace, like almost all of Memphis’ housing projects, was demolished under the Federal Hope VI initiative, but more than three generations of former residents came together for a reunion and picnic at the pavilion in Overton Park in Memphis. I had done my share of hanging out in the Terrace in the early 1990’s, and had been invited to the event by friends of mine. Despite the stigma that outsiders often attached to projects like Lamar Terrace, the community was a tight-knit one, and many successful people got their start in the Terrace, including veteran Memphis rapper and actor Al Kapone.
At the Pop-Up Arts Festival in North Memphis at the Hollywood Community Center, March 24, 2012
ArtsMemphis has begun to sponsor a number of Pop-Up Arts Festivals in different neighborhoods around Memphis, and on Saturday March 24, 2012, the first one of the year was held at Hollywood Community Center in North Memphis. The event featured live music, African drumming and dance, food and various arts and crafts.
A last breakfast at Waterloo Ice House, Austin, before the long drive back to Memphis, Sunday, March 18, 2012
Street performers, SXSW, March 17, 2012
After the drumline began their walk back to East Austin, I walked over there too, to enjoy a last slice of Detroit-style pizza at the 313 Via food truck. As I sat at the picnic table enjoying my slice, I watched the brilliant colored lights in the trees at the outdoor performance space across the street. SXSW, March 17, 2012
This East Austin drumline had been marching through the crowds on 6th Street earlier in the evening. They eventually set up under the I-35 overpass and played a series of cadences to appreciative crowds before walking back to the East Side with their equipment. SXSW, March 17, 2012
At the A3C hip-hop showcase, SXSW, March 17, 2012
Memphis Producer Lil Pat Backstage at the A3C Showcase at SXSW
Lil Pat, one of Memphis’ earliest and most successful hip-hop producers, backstage at the A3C hip-hop showcase at SXSW, March 17, 2012