Five Things To Do This Weekend in Memphis: February 26th-28th

This weekend is a gallery of events. Celebrate the retelling of classics, new digs in old spaces, and a fiery history of jazz and art. From film to farm, Memphis has you entertained.

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Closing reception for Mosal Morszart

FireHouse Community Arts Center, 985 S. Bellevue

Fri., Feb. 26, 6 p.m.

As Black History Month draws to a close the Black Arts Alliance rounds out the month with special programming. If you have not had the opportunity to see the work of Morsal Morszart, drop in  for the closing reception. Sunday morning you can see a production of Sankofa: Black History Now by Souls-A-Fire Performing Arts Troupe. The performance will be held at Christ Missionary Baptist Church, 480 South Parkway East at 10 a.m. and includes dancers, singers, musicians, actors, poets, and visual artists ranging in ages from 7-24. Later on Sunday, be entertained  with "Jazz-A-F!RE: The Chocolate Cabaret," featuring Cequita Monique, Audie Smith, Andre Holman, and Kent Suggs. All weekend you can enjoy Noir Fashion Show, curated artful events promoting black owned beauty and fashion businesses.

Artist reception for "OPENING: david lusk gallery 97 tillman"

Fri., Feb. 26, 6 p.m., showing through March 5

David Lusk Gallery, 97 Tillman

I'm not sure how or when it happened, but at some point in my childhood I became fascinated with architecture. Perhaps it was the first time my brothers and I built our first coffee table tent with a blanket for secret meetings. No adults allowed. Later in middle school, my parents built a house in Arlington. My brothers and I helped. Please note that I use the term "helped" as loosely as possible—we mostly got in the way. Nonetheless we witnessed our home jump off the architect's page into existence. From nothing but an empty plot of land to homestead in a span of two years. My family did most of the work with licensed professionals doing the electrical, plumbing, and such. Then in college, I made a remarkable friend who was studying for his masters while I was stumbling through Handball 101. He was well connected with photographers who were primarily interested in architecture. We spent many hours in bookstores pouring over books of photography where many pictures of remarkable buildings were lovingly captured on printed page. My love of space grew. Those of you who have been fans of the David Lusk Gallery through the years—from the location on Poplar to Flicker Street, and now, 97 Tillman will appreciate this art opening of sorts documenting the space transformation.

An Evening with Joel Salatin

Christian Brothers University Theater, 650 E. Parkway S.

Sat., Feb. 27, 7-9 p.m.

One of our fine universities has invited farmer Joel Salatin from Swoope, Virginia to talk about sustainable farming. After showing the film, Polyfaces, Salatin will conduct a Q&A and sign books. Polyface's website says this about the film, "Joyful film about connecting to the land and the community. Produced over 4 years it follows the Salatin’s, a 4th generation farming family who do ‘everything different to everyone else’ as they produce food in a way that works with nature, not against it. Using the symbiotic relationships of animals and their natural functions, they produce high quality, nutrient-dense products."

My Son Pinocchio: Geppetto’s Musical Tale

Harrell Performing Arts Theatre, 440 Powell, Collierville

Starts Feb. 19. Sundays, 2:30 p.m., Fridays, Saturdays, 7 p.m. and Feb. 24-26, 10 a.m. Continues through Feb. 28

There are some fine theater performances this weekend, but I chose one you might not have heard about yet. This retelling of the classic story is from the toymaker's point of view. Even so, you will hear some of your favorite songs. As a bonus, take your tykes to Saturday's morning performance and take advantage of a special Children's Workshop. It will be fun for the whole family. I wouldn't lie about this, I've seen what happens when you lie. I like my nose just fine.

Oscar Shorts: Animated and Live Action

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, 1934 Poplar

Feb. 28, Noon, 3 p.m.

Before you tune in to the 88th Academy Awards ceremony Sunday evening, drop in at the Brooks Museum for a preview of animated and live action short film nominees. That is, if you're not hobnobbing with Hollywood elite and actually attending the ceremonies. On a side note, the Museum would like to let you know that these films are not suitable for young viewers in case you are tempted to bring the little ones to the animated category.

For a full list of what’s happening this weekend in and around Memphis, check out our calendar of events.  Also, be sure to tag your favorite Instagram photos of Memphis while you are out and about with the #memphismagazine hashtag.  I hope you have a great weekend.