Beaujolais Release Party

a misty Beaujolais morning

Every year on the third Thursday of the month of November, French locals eagerly cheer on the large trucks that roll into their villages in the wee hours of the morning, loaded down with bottles of wine.  Not just any wine — Beaujolais Nouveau!

Beaujolais, produced near the French heartland, is an immensely popular wine.  It is a slightly fruity and light-bodied wine, thanks to the hybrid grape from which the wine is made.  Clever cooks have paired Beaujolais with all types of foods, from light picnic fare to beef, poultry, and even fruit.  Parisian bistros commonly serve Beaujolais Nouveau in one-pint carafes.  And in the Beaujolais region, people traditionally steep the wine bottle in a bucket of ice water before venturing to the center of town for picnics and games.

To capture the spirit of Beaujolais, the Brooks is hosting a Beaujolais Nouveau Release Party and Dinner on Thursday, November 20, at 7:30 p.m..  Chefs Wally Joe and Andrew Adams of the Brushmark Restaurant will be cooking up a three-course menu, each dish highlighting a different Beaujolais varietal.

Tickets are $70 if you are a member and $80 for non-members (your tax and gratuity are included in the price).  To make reservations, please call us at 901.544.6225, or purchase your tickets online.

Botero Family Day

This Saturday, November 15, we are having a Colombian celebration!  Join us for free admission and activities surrounding the vibrant culture of Columbia.  John McIntyre, whose sculptures are featured in our touch gallery, will be giving an artist’s presentation.  A Brooks docent will be your gallery guide, and you can join in some fun hands-on creative activities.  From 10 a.m.to 1 p.m.

The Who: Live at Kilburn 1977

 

 

This Sunday, November 16 the Brooks is teaming up with Indie Memphis to bring you previously unreleased landmark performances from The Who, one of rock’s most influential bands. This London concert was one of legendary drummer Keith Moon’s last live performances. 

 

Originally shot in 35mm, these scenes have been digitally remastered for the ultimate Who experience.  You will remember hits such as “My Generation,” “Baba O’Reilly,” and “Pinball Wizard.”  Some of this rare footage was used in Jeff Stein’s famous film, The Kids Are Alright.   

 

The Brooks Museum is the only venue in this region that will be screening this film!  So bring your favorite Who fan, and come on out and enjoy the show.  We’re having a cash bar at 5 p.m., and then the film screens at 6 p.m.. 

 

You can read up on the concert beforehand and also find a list of participating theaters at www.thewhoatkilburn.com.  Tickets are $8 for members, $12 for non-members, and you can buy them here or call us at 901.544.6208. See you there!

The Memphis World Guided Tour and Gospel Lunch

 

This Saturday morning, come out to the Brooks Museum for lunch, music, and a special viewing of our exhibition, Photographs from the Memphis World, 1949-1964. A Brooks docent will be your guide on this interactive tour.

 

Originally, these photos were run in The Memphis World, an African-American newspaper published from 1931 to 1973.  The Memphis World (like many of its sister publications geared towards an African-American audience) depicted its readers’ lives and all its facets — politics, education, religion, social organizations, the arts, civil rights, business, and sports.  Unlike the reporting found in white newspapers, The Memphis World documented the successes and challenges of the city’s diverse population.  These images of everyday life represent a powerful testament to the spirit of the African-American community living in the Jim Crow South. 

 

After the tour, the New Olivet Baptist Church Choir will be joining us at noon in the Museum’s rotunda to uplift and inspire with their songs.  A tasty lunch will also be served in the Brushmark. 

 

There is no cost besides your museum admission.  However, space is limited to 30 people on a first-come, first-served basis.  Call   901.544.6200  to hold your place now or get your tickets here.  If you can’t join us this weekend, keep in mind that this exhibition will be on view until January 5, 2009.

So you wanna dance…

Put your dancing shoes on because we are having a fun salsa lesson on Thursday after hours! The members of La Rumba Latin Dance Company will show you the basics so you can party in style.  These guys are the stars of the Memphis Rumba Room — you will soon see why after they give a professional exhibition of their Latin dancing skills.  It is going to be a real party with a full cash bar and Colombian-inspired tapas.  Memphis’s top Latin DJ, DJ Moi, will be setting the tempo for an upbeat night of food, music, and dancing.

It’s all happening on Thursday, November 13 in the rotunda at 7 p.m. The lesson is $8 for members and $12 for non-members. Get your tickets online at the Brooks website or call us at 544-6208. 

Space is limited, so grab your tickets now!