Cooper Young First Thursday Night Out is when area businesses stay open late and dish out a world of discounts on everything from sushi to antiques. People from all over Memphis come to Cooper Young to enjoy our little neighborhood’s quirky charm on this night once a month from 5 – 9 pm.

While some of the area restaurants and bars host live music, we also host live music at our gazebo area located at the corner of Cooper Street and Young Avenue. At this time, we are looking for singer-songwriters and bands to play from 6 – 9 pm starting in April.

If you are interested in playing at this event, please contact Tamara Cook at 276-7222 or cyba@bellsouth.net.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Tamara Cook, Director
Cooper-Young Business Association
2120 Young Avenue
Memphis, TN 38104
Phone: 901-276-7222
www.cooperyoung.biz

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Holiday Fun in Cooper Young

Celebrate the holidays at the Cooper Young Night Out on December 1 from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.  The First Thursday Night Out is when neighborhood businesses stay open late and offer discounts on dining, drinks, retail, antiques and art.  Local businesses will be displaying their holiday decorations for a contest hosted by the CYBA.  Judging will be at 5:30 pm on this night along with prize presentation afterward.

At the gazebo, we have the Peabody School Choir under the direction of Jerry Sanders singing Christmas carols from 5:00 – 5:30 pm and Santa will be strolling about listening to holiday wishes and handing out candy.  Bring a small unwrapped toy to be donated to the Peabody School Eagle Bucks program that encourages kindness, integrity and good behavior.

ARTjamN is having an Art Sale and Group Painting event from 5 – 8 pm. Everyone is welcome to come help paint a painting to be donated to Hope House and enjoy free wine and cheese.  House of Mews has 50% off all cat adoptions for that special gift of a furry friend.  Toad Hall Antiques is offering free wrapping with a great selection of holiday gifts and décor along with drinks and nibbles. Loudeans has some wonderful rain coats, hats, jewelry, and gift items in for Christmas.  Cortona Contemporary Italian is hosting a wine mixer that starts at 6:30 pm which includes three glasses of wine and appetizers for a special price.

Fork It Over Catering and Gourmet Market is having an open house with free appetizers and drinks from 5 – 8 pm.  Stop by Burke’s Books for a book signing and reading with Tav Falco from 4:30 – 6:30 pm.  Come hear Tav read from his new book, Ghosts Behind the Sun: Splendor, Enigma & Death.  Painted Planet has discounts on jewelry and a large assortment of paintings by local artists as well as refreshments.   Enjoy live music on Celtic Crossing’s patio with Bob & Susie Salley and specials on drinks and appetizers.  Don’t forget to get some half-price nachos at Central BBQ and across the street enjoy a display of holiday splendor of year’s past in the windows of Flashback.

Alchemy is open! Be sure to check out our newest restaurant.  Sweet Grass Next Door is offering discounts on drinks and appetizers at the bar.  Do Sushi and Lounge has a discounted price on this month’s sushi roll; don’t forget the noodle dishes available here also.  Jasmine Thai has 10% off your dinner order on this evening; dine in or take out. Java Cabana has open mic night along with discounted coffee drinks.  Young Avenue Deli and Soul Fish Café offer a free child’s entrée when an adult entrée is purchased.  Café Ole has Happy Hour Margaritas all night with a DJ starting at 9:00 pm.  Underground Art has buy one piercing, get one free so bring your friends.  Kickoff the holidays in Cooper Young this year!

By Tamara Cook

Cooper-Young Night Out takes place the first Thursday of each month when local antique, specialty and retail shops, as well as more than a dozen award-winning restaurants and bars stay open late to offer discounts on everything from sushi to sweet potato fries. Bring your friends and join us on Thursday, November 3 from 5-9pm.

Rocking the gazebo at 6pm is The Gruvezone. The Gruvezone consists of talented musicians known throughout the greater Memphis area, featuring Tammy Strain on vocals, Tony Sutton on lead guitar and vocals, Nick Pechilis on bass guitar and vocals, as well as Rob Diaz on drums and vocals. This eclectic group of musicians has over 75 years of combined experience and have played with artists such as B.B. King, Rufus Thomas, and Ray Stevens to name a few.

In addition to live music at the gazebo, we will be celebrating the love of art at a reception for the winners and participants of this year’s Young Artist Contest at Peabody Elementary School located at 2086 Young Avenue. Come and browse art submitted by students from the Memphis area that will be on display in the school’s cafeteria. The reception is from 6 to 7pm and is sponsored by Lenny’s Sub Shop. Enjoy free refreshments while you take in some great art.

New paintings by Cash Cummings titled Icon Graffiti are on display at Java Cabana. Just four steps east at The Purple Door, join others at the Day of the Dead Celebration and Open House. Enjoy a visual array of masks, candles, and altars as well as free refreshments while you create your own remembrance candle. Across the street, The Polish Bottle is hosting their first Ladies Night Out! Felicia will be serving up wine and margaritas from 4-7pm along with manicures, facials, and more. Be sure to get an appointment for some special pampering, and take a look at our newest shop in Cooper-Young.

The Painted Planet is offering all gallery jewelry at half price and free refreshments. Next door, Inbalance Fitness has half-off a group exercise class and punch card specials. Toad Hall Antiques has their annual Holiday Open House preview party. Enjoy drinks and desserts while you look for that perfect gift for this holiday season. Enjoy college football on the big screens at Sweet Grass Next Door with discounts on drinks and appetizers. Its Pint/Trivia Night at Young Avenue Deli and buy one adult entrée get a child entrée free at the Deli as well as down the street at Soul Fish Café.

Happy Hour margaritas at Café Ole, half-price nachos at Central BBQ, live music and drink specials at Celtic Crossing, 50% off cat adoptions at House of Mews, special sushi roll pricing at Do, appetizer discounts at the Beauty Shop, live music at Lou’s Pizza, and drink specials at Cortona are just some of the reasons to join us on this special monthly night out in Cooper-Young!

By Tamara Cook

Cooper-Young Night Out is coming on Thursday, August 4 from 5-9pm. Join us this month as we welcome the Side Street Steppers as they present vintage music, primarily from the 1920s and 30s. From classic blues to ragtime, Dixieland jazz to jug band, hillbilly to Hawaiian – if it was recorded on a shellac disk in the first half of the 20th Century, it is fair game for a Steppers performance! Guitars, banjos, ukuleles, kazoos, and washboards abound. The Steppers even make many of their own instruments, and they use no amplifiers. Come experience the music of Memphis from 100 years ago with the Side Street Steppers. Music begins at 6pm at the gazebo. In addition, entertainment from members of the LaVinnia London’s Cabaret cast will begin at 9pm featuring burlesque and fire performers, illusionists, comedians, belly dancers, and more. If you have a healthy appetite for mystery and a rich sense of humor, join us for this late night taste of the life of LaVinnia London!

You can catch more live musical performances in CY throughout the evening. At 6pm Bob and Susie Salley are singing on the Celtic Crossing patio. At Lou’s Pizza you can enjoy 2 for 1 domestic beer with a pizza purchase as well as live music with the Candy Company. Just down the street, join Java Cabana for open mic night and coffee specials. Nora and Hank are jazzing it up over at Central BBQ from 6-8pm where you can also get half-price BBQ nachos and beer specials. Join Sweet Grass Next Door for live music from 8-10pm featuring Scott Grimes and drink specials all night. Cortona has wine and beer specials at the bar and the best patio for enjoying the entertainment at the gazebo.

Other local businesses are serving up specials on food and shopping. Underground Art has buy one piercing, get one free so bring your friends. Café Ole has happy hour margaritas all night with DJ Lil Eggroll throwing tunes around at 9pm. Young Avenue Deli and Soul Fish Café have their buy one adult entrée get a free child entrée as well as Trivia Night at the Deli. Ask about Night Out specials on small plates and sushi offered at Beauty Shop and Do. Jasmine Thai has 10 percent off all take-out or dine in orders. Toad Hall Antiques pays the tax on all items purchased during Night Out while you enjoy free drinks and eats. Painted Planet has 50 percent off all gallery jewelry and live painting performances. David Perry Smith Gallery has new works of art by Andy Reed, Martica Griffin, Charlotte Terrell, and Greg Gustafson on display. Stop by for some fun at the Bubbly Beauty Happy Hour offered by Midtown Acupuncture and Barefoot Bride Boutique where Jessica and Joelle will be serving champagne and cupcakes along with cosmetic tips, spray tanning, Zerona demonstrations, discounted wedding and evening dresses, chair massages, and a Man’s Cave on the porch.

Bring it on. It’s summer in crazy, delightfully fun Cooper-Young!

By Tamara Cook

Celebrate the best party of the summer in Cooper-Young at the First Thursday Night Out on July 7 from 5–9pm. First Thursday Night Out is when CY’s independent business owners stay open late, offer discounts, and provide free, live music throughout the neighborhood. With over 15 restaurants, 23 retail/antique shops, and local artists Billy Moore, Rene Nickel, Darla Linerode-Henson, and others lining the sidewalk with their art, you can’t go wrong.

At the gazebo this month we welcome The Vynals with their smoking hot, high-energy mix of hit songs from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. The Vynals themselves are an eclectic group of Gen-Xers and Baby Boomers from diverse backgrounds and places who somehow came together in Memphis. Come enjoy the songs you love from a group that can deliver them just like the originals!

If you have an appetite for more live music as well as good food and drink, you have several options in the area. Swing by Lou’s Pizza Pie and enjoy music by the Candy Company and happy hour domestic beer with any large pizza order. Sweet Grass Next Door has drink specials all night as well as live music from 8–10pm. Bob and Susie Salley will be singing at the Celtic Crossing patio starting at 6pm, where there will also be half-priced combos and beer specials. Café Ole has margaritas specials and DJ Lil Eggroll spinning tunes at 9pm. Central BBQ has half-off BBQ nachos and beer specials as well as live music on the patio. Java Cabana has open mic night and cold coffee specials. The Beauty Shop is rolling out their new summer menu with small plates of heirloom vegetable dishes supporting local farmers. Over at Do, check out their new cold noodle plate and their discounts on sushi rolls.

There is more to do in CY than eat, drink, and groove. How about shopping, sipping, and snacking? Join the Barefoot Bride and Mid-Town Acupuncture for another evening of bubbly fun with local designers, makeup artists, tanners, cupcakes, wedding planners, champagne, and the ever popular “Man Cave.” Painted Planet has 50% off all gallery jewelry and local artists painting “live” as well as refreshments. Loudean’s has their summer FLAX shipment in, so stop by to visit and to take a look at their collection of handmade hats. The Purple Door gallery and tea shop will be open with special story weaver, Rev. Dr. Toolie Rogers. ArtJAMn is hosting a benefit party to support the CY Community Farmer’s Market – join in the fun and help paint a peach for a minimum donation to the cause starting at 6pm. Toad Hall Antiques has a new shipment of summer-themed gifts and accessories at 10% off during their Sip and Shop party from 5–8pm.

Snap, crackle, and pop on over to Cooper-Young this July for some great summer fun.

By Tamara Cook

Cooper-Young Night Out is when business owners stay open late and offer up live music venues throughout the area along with special events, drawings, and discounts on shopping and dining in this popular hip-storic neighborhood. This month’s Night Out is Thursday, June 2 from 5-9pm. For the first time in CY, we welcome the three woman band named Sibella. Sibella’s sound is reminiscent of the Indigo Girls and Jack Johnson with a splash of cello and congas. The intellectual styling of Sibella’s music encourages an upbeat and engaging musical experience. Come and enjoy music by Sibella at the gazebo from 6 to 9pm.

This month we have some special events taking place around the neighborhood. At Tsunami, get in on the Iron Shaker competition which begins at 6pm. Guests pay an entrance fee of $15 which includes some snacks and tasting of two drinks. The boys against girls bartender teams competing will be handed a mystery basket containing one liquor and an ingredient to pair with it. Both teams will have full bar access to work their magic with. Liquor representatives will be on-hand to discuss the drinks and guests will vote for one of the teams. This fun adult event will be held on the bar side of the restaurant.

Midtown Acupuncture and the Barefoot Bride Boutique located at 917 South Cooper Street are hosting a “Champagne Beauty Hour” from 5-8pm complete with a fashion consultant, makeup artist, professional trainer, spray-tan artist, and others. Get in on seminars discussing weight loss, beauty, and fashion as well discounts on products and services. Check out the sale on wedding and formal wear starting at $10. There is a Waterslide Party for all children, 12 years of age and younger, at Midtown ATA this month. Get a jump on summer water fun for only $5 per child from 6-9pm. Bring a towel, some dry clothing, and splash away at 2166 Central Avenue.

It’s live music with Scott Grimes and Yazoo Brewery Pint Night at Sweet Grass Next Door from 8-10pm. Join Bob and Susie Salley for some tunes on the Celtic Crossing patio at 6:30pm and DJ Lil Egg Roll at Café Ole starts at 9pm. Painted Planet and David Perry Smith Gallery are both open tonight showcasing new art for the month of June. For the inner animal lover in you, stop by Imagine Vegan Café located at 2156 Young Avenue and enjoy a meat-free dining experience that the locals are raving about. Soul Fish Café and Young Avenue Deli both have a buy one adult entrée, get a child entrée free special as well as trivia night at the Deli. Cortona has expanded their patio dining and are offering drink specials.

Whether you’re old or young, it’s always fun in Cooper-Young!

By Tamara Walker

Come party in Midtown at the Cooper-Young Night Out third anniversary on Thursday, April 7 from 5-9pm. Cooper-Young is the largest historic district in Memphis and is known for its eclectic mix of restaurants, retail shops, antique venues, art galleries, and bars. Every first Thursday of the month businesses stay open late to serve up discounts on everything from vinyl records to BBQ nachos. Joining us this month are the artists of the Memphis Arts Collective and CY neighborhood. Approximately a dozen artists will display their wares at booths on the sidewalk at the corner of Cooper Street and Young Avenue. Some of the artists that will be joining us are Rene Nickel, Dinah Makowsky, Chuck Parr, Billy Moore, Angie Cooper, Lisa Blake, and Jennifer Hyatt.
Starting at 5pm at the gazebo, the Dancing Fire performance team, consisting of belly dancers, break dancers, poi artists, hoop artists, jugglers, and drummers, will entertain with their unique artistic abilities that are enhanced by the manipulation of fire props. Their moves are set to music producing a one-of-a-kind performance that should not be missed. At 6pm Odd Normality, an instrumental group, will perform original music derived from rock, jazz, funk, classical, and bluegrass roots. Their unique and versatile sound doesn’t fit any mold. They’re here to create something new, funky, and very cool.
CY is full of restaurants offering sweet deals for Night Out. El Diablo, the newest taqueria/tapas shop by Chef Ben Vaughn located at 938 South Cooper, is offering $1 tacos all night long. Another addition to the CY restaurant scene is Sweet Grass Next Door at 937 South Cooper. Ryan Trimm’s new neighborhood bar will be open and offering drink and appetizer specials. Young Avenue Deli and SoulFish Café are offering a free child entrée with the purchase of an adult entrée, and don’t forget that it is Trivia Night at Young Avenue where they have beer discounts galore. The Beauty Shop has discounts on their appetizers, and Do Sushi actually creates a different sushi roll special to celebrate each Thursday Night Out event. Café Ole has happy hour margaritas all night long as well as DJ Lil Egg Roll starting at 9pm. Scoop up some half-price nachos and beer specials at Central BBQ. Cortona has their patio lit up and is the perfect place to enjoy all the Night Out music and fun, plus David is offering discounts on beer and wine.
Live music abounds throughout Cooper-Young during Night Out. At 6pm Susie and Bob Salley will be playing Irish ballads and country covers on the patio of Celtic Crossing with Jeremy Stanfill starting at 10pm. Over at Lou’s Pizza, enjoy Candy Company starting at 7:30pm and buy one pizza, get the second half price. Make you own music at Java Cabana during their Open Mic Night and get discounts on coffee drinks.
If you are in the mood to shop, Painted Planet has 50% off gallery jewelry plus complementary refreshments. Toad Hall Antiques has a shop and sip party for their guests where you can browse their newest Easter gifts, decorations, and home furnishings. House of Mews has 50% off approved cat adoptions and 20% off all retail purchases. Underground Art is offering buy one piercing get the second for half price, so bring a friend! And you can work off those extra Night Out calories at Inbalance Fitness where group fitness classes are half price and you can get $2 off any punch card purchase.
Hope to see you in Cooper-Young for all of the music, art, food, and retail fun!

By Tamara Walker

Scoot on down to the hippest part of the City on Thursday, February 3, from 5–9pm for First Thursday Night Out fun. Kick off your weekend a little early while enjoying discounts on dining and shopping, along with free music, while the independent business owners of Cooper-Young dish it all up!

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, you can warm up by singing a love song for your sweetheart or reciting a poem at Poetry Reading/Open Mic night at Java Cabana starting at 7:30pm, with half price lattes from 5-8pm. After that you can sneak on over to The Enchanted Florist where you can get 40% off all Valentine prebooks from 5–9pm. Walk-ins are welcome or you can call 901-907-0819 to order those roses! Are you ready to take your relationship to the next level? Underground Art has buy one piercing, get the second piercing at half price. And, of course, if you would like to show some kindness to a four-legged friend, House of Mews will be offering cat adoptions at half-price along with 20% off retail items.

If you are ready to soak in some culture, Ken Murphy and Scott Baretta will be at Burke’s Book Store from 5:30-6:30pm to sign copies of their coffee table book, Mississippi: State of the Blues. Painted Planet’s Big Flash photography show by local artists is up for viewing, with 50% off all gallery jewelry along with refreshments. ARTjamN is rocking with discounts on painting fun with your friends and family. Be sure to bring the wine! And David Perry Smith Gallery is open from 5–8pm.

If food is what crave, then look no farther. Lou’s Pizza Pie has buy one pizza get half off the second pizza for dine in or take out. Café Ole has happy hour margaritas during Night Out and DJ Egg Roll is spinning tunes starting at 9pm. Sweet Grass has a three flight menu paired with wine at a discounted price, or you can enjoy a Night Out sushi special at Do Sushi. Central BBQ is offering half price on nachos and discounts on beer. Or you can grab a seat at Celtic Crossing on their heated patio and enjoy a local musical favorite, Bob and Susie Salley. Celtic offers discounts on drinks and half price on their combos, so plan to stay awhile.

There is truly something for everyone at this month’s First Thursday Night Out in historic Cooper-Young!

Holiday Fun in Cooper Young

By Tamara Walker

Celebrate the holidays at the Cooper-Young Night Out on December 2, from 5-9pm! The First
Thursday Night Out is when neighborhood businesses stay open late and offer up discounts
on dining, drinks, retail, antiques, and art. Local businesses will be displaying their Holiday
decorations for a contest hosted by the CYBA, and we welcome Rose Hill from Memphis and
Shelby County Code Enforcement to our neighborhood to decide our winners. Judging will be at
5:30pm on this night, followed by a prize presentation.

At the gazebo we have the Peabody School Choir under the direction of Jerry Sanders singing
Christmas carols from 5:30-6pm, and the CY Parent’s Network caroling at 6pm. Be sure to enjoy
some homemade cookies while you enjoy the music.

Worlds Apart is having a Holiday Open House from 5-7pm and Lux is having a Holiday Sale
complete with all of Santa’s favorite refreshments. House of Mews has 50% off all cat adoptions
for that special gift of a furry friend. Toad Hall Antiques is offering free wrapping with a great
selection of holiday gifts and décor along with drinks and nibbles. Loudeans has some wonderful
rain coats, hats, and gift items in for Christmas. David Perry Smith Gallery is featuring an
Opening Reception until 8pm for Elizabeth Eggleston and her creative handmade jewelry.

Goner Records is the place to get the first CD by Luv Clowns. This group is destined to be your
new favorite kids’ music band. The group boasts a roster that reads like who’s-who of Memphis
musicians: Harlan T. Bobo, Doug Easley, Alex Greene, and T. Prudhomme. They all dress-up
like clowns when they play; it’s the perfect present for everyone young at heart. Burke’s Books
will have a book signing from 5:30–6:30pm with co-authors Andria Lisle, Amie Plumley, and
photographer Justin Fox Burks for their new book, Sewing School: 24 Hand-Sewing Projects
Kids Will Love to Make. Painted Planet has discounts on jewelry and a large assortment of
paintings by local artists, as well as refreshments.

Au Fond celebrates tastes of the season with four small plates that are paired with wine. Sweet
Grass is offering a three-course tapas dinner with a wine flight. Do Sushi and Lounge has
a discounted price on this month’s sushi roll; don’t forget the noodle dishes available here
also. Jasmine Thai has 10% off your dinner order on this evening; dine in or take out. Java
Cabana has open mic night along with discounted coffee drinks. Young Avenue Deli and Soul
Fish Café offer a free child’s entrée when an adult entrée is purchased. Lou’s Pizza gives you
half-off second pizza ordered. Café Ole has Happy Hour Margaritas all night with a DJ starting
at 9pm. Kickoff the holidays in Cooper-Young this year!

By Corey Mesler

Memphian Andria Lisle along with Amie Plumley and Justin Fox Burks will be at Burke’s Book Store on Thursday, December 2, from 5:30-6:30pm to sign copies of their new book, Sewing School: 24 Hand-Sewing Projects Kids will Love to Make (The Storey Books, $16.95). This event coincides with the monthly Cooper-Young Neighborhood Night Out.

Andria Lisle, freelance journalist and author of Waking Up in Memphis, writes about music, food, and pop culture for The Commercial Appeal newspaper and the Memphis Flyer alt-weekly, as well as for myriad magazines including Paste, MOJO, and Garden and Gun. When not at her laptop, she loves to sew. She lives in Memphis, Tennessee.

If there are any questions concerning this event, please contact Corey Mesler at 901-278-7484.