By Sydney Ashby

You would not notice it by walking or driving by 2072 Oliver, but there is an oasis just up the front porch steps. Lisa Marr and Steve Lancaster, along with her daughters, Brittany and Mallory, have created a lovely, shaded area on their front porch that is easily ten degrees cooler than the outside temperature. As you pass their home you will, however, notice the bright flowers at the end of their walkway, which includes lantana, vinca, petunias, and moss rose. To the right you also cannot help but admire the vibrant sweet potato vine surrounding the birdbath.

Steve keeps up the lawn, colorful vines, and floral accents. Lisa does her part by keeping many potted plants and lush greenery on their front porch Shangri-la. Besides the plants, there are iron works of art and wind chimes that help create a relaxed and inviting mood, while shades help keep out the sun and fans create airflow.

Lisa has lived in Cooper-Young since 1987, and she and her household love it because of the “wonderful neighbors, lovely historic homes, and a community that honors unique expression.” Steve has lived in just about every area of Memphis and has decided that there is absolutely no better place to be than Cooper-Young. So, take time to enjoy the colorful yard and say hello to Steve and Lisa. They are probably sitting on their front porch, enjoying the neighborhood.

By Barb Elder

In July Lurene Kelley, editor of MicroMemphis.com, reported the addition of a new restaurant to the area. The Slider Inn, located on the corner of Peabody and Cooper, offers delicious food until midnight on weekdays and until one hour before closing time at 3am on the weekends.

The Memphis Business Journal also announced some tasty news – the owners of McEwen’s on Monroe and other local partners are planning to open a yet-to-be-named restaurant in the two bays that previously housed Au Fond Farmtable and El Diablo at 938 S. Cooper. The restaurant is scheduled to open in late August with a menu that features smaller entrees as well as a full bar and wine list. The restaurant will be open from afternoon until late.

The Cooper-Young Community Association has been awarded a Strengthening Communities small grant for the 2011 year. This grant is for research on resident perceptions of alley safety, use and upkeep. We know that this is going to be a passionate topic for residents, so keep an eye out for additional information in next month’s LampLighter
and cooperyoung.org.

Peabody registration dates
By Ginger Spickler
If your child will be attending Peabody this fall, mark your calendar for registration – Tuesday, August 2 from 8am-3pm and 6-8pm. PTA representatives will also be on hand to get you plugged in to volunteer opportunities.

Stone Soup coming soon
By Barb Elder
The Memphis Business Journal recently reported the upcoming opening of a new breakfast/lunch restaurant in CY called Stone Soup. The dynamic duo behind this venture is Sharron Johnson, former Chef and partner at Buns on the Run, and Emily Bishop, CYCA board member and former President. Stone Soup will be moving into the building at 993 S. Cooper at the corner of Felix and Cooper (across from First Congo) once renovations are complete. The tentative opening is set for early August, so keep on the lookout and get ready for some tasty, eclectic blue plate fare.

Theatre for Hope
By Mesha Crump

Hope House is set to host its third annual Theatre for Hope, presented by Hilton Worldwide, on Saturday, July 16 from 6-11pm at Playhouse on the Square located at 51 S. Cooper St. in Midtown. Theatre for Hope will be emceed by WMC-TV 5’s Anna Marie Hartman and will feature a silent auction showcasing work by local artists and a special performance of Playhouse on the Square’s production of the musical Footloose. During the event, guests also will enjoy an appetizer and dessert bar, as well as a wine tasting. Funds raised from the event will go toward Hope House, which helps HIV/AIDS-impacted children and families living in Memphis and Shelby County.

Tickets are $50 per person or $75 per couple and can be purchased online at hopehousememphis.org or by calling 901-272-2702, ext. 206. Early purchases are highly suggested as only 300 tickets are available for the event.

Children’s Museum July events
By Barb Elder

According to recent press releases, The Children’s Museum of Memphis has two offerings to hit the spot this July. On Saturday, July 16 the whole family can cool off at the CMOM outdoor water park from 10am-1pm. There will be a waterslide, a water tunnel, a 3-in-1 bounce/water combo, and a watery obstacle course. For the more daring, there will be a rock climbing wall, bungee swings, and trampolines. After partaking in the outdoor fun, you are free to dry off, go inside, and enjoy the museum. Water park admission is free for museum members, $10 for adults and $15 for children – museum admission is included.

The Children’s Museum is also offering a summer camp session July 11-15, 8:30am-1pm for children ages six and up. The session costs $130 and includes snacks. Space is limited, and reservations are required. For more information, call 901-458-2678 or visit CMOM.COM.

Golf Scramble to benefit University of Memphis men’s tennis
By Lorraine Griffin

The University of Memphis men’s tennis team will host its third annual Memphis Tennis Golf Scramble at Glen Eagle Golf Club in Millington on Saturday, August 27 beginning at noon. The scramble is open to the public for a cost of $300 per team or $75 per individual. Cost includes free range balls for warm-up, 18 holes on Glen Eagle, unlimited use of the course’s practice range, entry into skills competitions including longest drive, closest to the pin, and a putting contest, as well as University of Memphis “swag bags” and complimentary beer while supply lasts. Mulligans will be available for a donation of $5 each or $10 for three.

The golf scramble is also open to individual and corporate sponsors; sponsorships must be received by August 13 for recognition at the tournament. To register for the tournament or inquire about sponsorships, contact Coach Paul Goebel at pgoebel@memphis.edu.

Anime Blues Con
By Launa Morris

Anime Blues Con is a non-profit organization designed to promote Asian cultural awareness in the Mid-South through Asian style animation known as Anime. Memphis has a diverse and growing Asian population and this first-ever anime convention will highlight many aspects of Asian popular culture and add a new dimension to Memphis’ varied landscape.

Anime Blues Con will be held at the Hilton East July 8-10 and features 5 distinct programs: art, culture, gaming, adult, and Otaku. As an added bonus, we will have a Chibi program for children ages 6-12, so there is fun for the whole family. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $40 for the weekend. Check out animeblues.com for more details.

Homebrewing 101
By Andy Ashby

Join us at the Cooper-Young Community Farmers Market on Saturday, July 9 to learn about homebrewing. Drew Barton, a Cooper-Young Regional Beerfest committee member and former headbrewer at Asheville, NC’s French Broad Brewing Co., will be demonstrating how to make good beer in the comfort of your own home. Drew will be doing a homebrewing demonstration from 9:30-10am and 10:30-11am. He will also answer any questions you may have on homebrewing, commercial brewing, or beer in general. Mid-South Malts, a homebrew supply store at 741 North White Station Road, 901-682-1293, will have homebrew starter kits available for purchase.

Local author releases Too Fat For Europe
By Barb Elder

Enraged Fez Publications has released Memphis attorney and stand-up comic Joe Leibovich’s debut book, Too Fat For Europe. The book follows Joe and his wife, Christiana, as they take a whirlwind tour of London, Paris, and Rome all in about a week. The book is funny, insightful, and, at times, moving. Too Fat For Europe features color photographs and hilarious stories about travel, art, and food.

Joe grew up in Cooper-Young with mother, Lizi Beard Ward. Too Fat For Europe is available at Burke’s Book Store, The Booksellers at Laurelwood, Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle form, and Barnesandnoble.com in Nook format.

Eleemosynary showing at TheatreWorks
By Lisa Lynch

This touching, sensitive story examines the lives of three generations of extraordinary women. As precocious Echo single-handedly dominates a national spelling contest, her estranged mother Artie and eccentric grandmother Dorothea must join with her in coming to terms with their mutual need and somehow summon the courage to build a life together. St. Paul Pioneer Press and Dispatch call Eleemosynary “…a funny, perceptive, and eloquently written play…”

Eleemosynary is directed by Anne Marie Caskey (Artistic Director, Hutchison School Theatre) and features local actor Karen Mason Riss, Leah Bray Nichols (August: Osage County), and Olivia Wingate (August: Osage County). The show runs at TheatreWorks July 15 – July 31, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm. The Pay-What-You-Can performance is Thursday, July 21. TheatreWorks is located at 2085 Monroe in Midtown. For more information or to make reservations, please call 901-726-4656.

Music Mondays at the gazebo
By Barb Elder

You still have several opportunities to enjoy live music this month with Visible Live Music Mondays. Every Monday in July from 6-8pm at the gazebo there will be free music provided by the students, alumni, friends, and teachers of Visible Music College. These events allow local musicians to hone their technical and artistic skills while we enjoy their talents. Take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts!
Volunteer Mid-South fiesta fundraiser
By Sandra Palazolo

On August 9, Volunteer Mid-South is holding a fundraiser at the Chickasaw Oaks Mall from 7-10pm. This event, called Summer In The City – Fiesta, will include wine, beer and “Stinky Gringo” margaritas. A silent auction will be held, and acoustical guitarist Andy Tanas will entertain the crowds. Tickets are $40 per person and can be purchased at volunteermidsouth.org or by calling 901-523-2425, ext 212.

Humane Society summer camp program

By Katie Pemberton

The Humane Society of Memphis and Shelby County has three more half-day camp sessions planned for this summer. The camp sessions, each lasting four days, will feature fun activities and education about pet ownership and animal advocacy for children. The camps will take place at the Humane Society facility located at 935 Farm Road in Shelby Farms from 9am-noon on July 11-14, July 18-21, and July 25-28.

The camp is open to all children ages 7 to 12. The cost to participate is $125 per session or $35 per day. Children will engage in unique games, craft service projects, and hands-on animal activities. They also will have the opportunity to interact with kittens and puppies. Parents who wish to register their children for the camp or who would like more information may visit memphishumane.org or call 901-937-3900.

Curb improvements in CY
By Barb Elder

If you have driven down Barksdale in the past few months, you may have noticed new wheelchair accessible curbs at a few of our intersections. As a mom who sometimes pushes a stroller around our neighborhood, I have wondered how on earth anyone in a wheelchair could navigate our sidewalks. Luckily others have taken notice and action. According to Lurene Kelley, editor of local news hub MicroMemphis.com, these improvements are part of a $4-million Federal stimulus project that will be used to fund the building of 2,500 new handicap accessible curbs throughout Memphis.

Self defense classes available at Midtown Martial Arts

By Patty Lovett

Midtown Martial Arts ATA located at 2166 Central has started a new self defense specialty class once a month that is open to the public. The class will be held the last Thursday of every month at 7pm (come early) and is open to adults and teens. However, any teen attending that is not a member of the Midtown ATA school must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants must sign in before they can enter the class. The cost is $10 per class or free for members. Call 901-725-7725 for more information.

By Libby Flynt

One reason that Cooper-Young is the best neighborhood in town is that its residents consistently turn out to support these historic blocks. As you probably know, CY has its own Festival and race. But what residents may not realize is that a large percentage of the 2000 runners who participate in the race do not live in our neighborhood, or even our city or state. Some of us run these streets on our daily jogs with no one cheering us on, but the Festival Friday 4 Miler is our chance to show out-of-towners and non-CY Memphians how awesome our neighborhood is and how fiercely we support it’s excellence!

We want to show every runner, whether they have lived in Cooper-Young for 25 years or had to use their navigation to get to the race, how proud we are of our neighborhood. The most thrilling part of a race is running past strangers who are waving, cheering, and having a great time on the sidelines. If we can create a constant stream of cheerleaders along the race route, our runners will cross the finish line feeling like champions, will have an even better time at the post-race party, and will go home telling all their friends what a lively neighborhood we are.

Are you ready to show that neighborhood pride? Step one, take a look at the race route map on this page and see if runners will be footing it down your street. Chances are in this neighborhood, if the race doesn’t pass your home, you probably are friends with someone along the route.

Step two, parties are more fun to throw when you partner up and divide the work. Start talking to your friends and neighbors now and see what sort of creative ideas surface – themes, costumes, decorations, you name it. Block captains along the route may want to spearhead efforts in their section of the community. And for those who want to be involved but may be new to the neighborhood or looking to meet new people, head to the CY Festival 4 Miler Facebook page, post your interest on the wall, or connect with others who have posted. See you out on the streets Friday, September 16!

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 Renee Massey

Just when you’re thinking July is too hot to have fun, we Cooper-Young Community Association members have a few options to enjoy discounted indoor activities with our fabulous membership sponsors! Let me give you a couple of examples. How would you like to get a pedicure while enjoying the great indoors? Or maybe you want to throw back a few cold beverages while watching a film in your own home. Our membership sponsors are ready to make those summer dreams a reality. Enter The Nail and Skin Bar and Black Lodge Video. We recently spoke to these businesses about their CYCA sponsorship. Here’s the low-down on what they had to say.

The Nail and Skin Bar at 247 S. Cooper offers CYCA members 10% off Spa Pedicures. This is an hour long service, and the regular price is $40. Joslyn Jackson of The Nail & Skin Bar says, “We are a sponsor because we believe in supporting the community. We love everything about Cooper-Young! It is the most eclectic community in the city. It is diverse, trend-setting, and gives you a home-town feeling.” She says the business has had many people book appointments because of the exposure received by being a membership sponsor. They have weekly specials such as $12 Tuesday for manicures (reg. $17) and Wine Down Wednesday (Spa Pedicures are $10 off and complimentary wine is given with the service). Joslyn notes, “We offer the latest nail trends, such as Shellac and Gelish manicures, that last up to two weeks for natural nails.” Personally, I’m sold on Wine Down Wednesday. The words “complimentary wine” get me every time.

And while I wait for my toenails to dry, I could look for some fantastic films at Black Lodge Video at 831 S. Cooper. CYCA members get 1 free movie rental per month when presenting their membership card at Black Lodge. Even more, they get access to one of the greatest movie collections in America! Some of you already know Matt at Black Lodge Video, because you’re in there every night. But for those of you who don’t, Matt told us a little about the business. He said, “When Black Lodge first opened its doors in 2000, Cooper-Young was already a growing niche neighborhood where all kinds of people seemed welcome and comfortable living side by side. There weren’t many businesses here then, but the general feeling of the neighborhood was one of communal cooperation, classical old American attention to cleanliness and beauty, and a refreshingly modern, open-minded atmosphere. Exactly the environment we wanted and one that’s open to a myriad of business possibilities and lifestyle options. Over the next ten years, the neighborhood has grown out of that fertile soil. Phenomenal restaurants, already legendary bars/nightclubs, and multiple fantastic specialty shops have helped give the neighborhood more energy, possibilities, and character.

Cooper-Young is Memphis. This city may have many blocks full of homes and businesses, but CY is one of Memphis’ only neighborhoods with all that word suggests. Any way we can support and encourage that, including being a CYCA sponsor, we want to do.”  Matt goes on to say, “Being a sponsor has helped in two ways: directly, in that sponsorship helps our business get attention from people in the neighborhood who might not have considered our services; and indirectly, in that sponsorship helps the CYCA with the funds needed to continue its many neighborhood improvement and upkeep projects. Black Lodge is the last movie rental store in the entire city of Memphis. It is also one of the biggest film collections for rent in the entire country, and easily the biggest in the eastern United States. Our collection is incredibly diverse, covering all time periods, countries, and genres, including new releases. Black Lodge also does a monthly film history article in the LampLighter, and we are preparing to do a weekly midnight movie screening in store starting in August. We’re open every single day of the year, including holidays, from noon til midnight.” You can follow Black Lodge Video on Facebook.

Neighbors, we have something really special here in Cooper-Young. If membership sponsors, like the businesses highlighted here, don’t convince you to join the Community Association, I don’t know what will. Our community picnics, safety notices, block clubs, website forums, and neighborhood clean-ups are also quite motivational. Stop by our office at 2298 Young Avenue, visit us online at cooperyoung.org, or mail in the membership form from page 3 today to start enjoying 10% off your spa pedicures and your free movie rental every month for the rest of the year. And know that you are supporting the Community Association whose mission is to make this neighborhood a more desirable place to live, worship, work, and play!

By Kristan Huntley

Many may have thought Mike Earnest crazy when he decided to come out of semi-retirement and use his personal savings to begin Midtown Nursery. Three years later, Mike is still going strong, talking to customers and enjoying the outdoors, even in the Memphis heat.

Prior to beginning Midtown Nursery, Mike Earnest was in charge of the plant department at the East Gate Ike’s location. He helped grow the lawn and garden section to around $10,000. In the process, he gained a lot of knowledge about plant purchasing, how to work with vendors, and what works well in Memphis.

When the location at Central and Cooper came available, Mike thought that the space, though small, would be an ideal start for a plant business. With his own savings and building on relationships with local providers he met through Ike’s, he opened Midtown Nursery in March 2008. Since that time, business has steadily grown and Midtown Nursery is now the proud sponsor of both the Central Gardens and the Cooper-Young Yard of the Month programs. Mike loves being involved in the Midtown community and actively works to keep his sources as local as possible. If by chance there is something a customer asks for that he doesn’t carry, he tries to send the person to another local, small business so money stays in the area.

Last year Mike also opened up a Midtown Nursery in East Memphis on Poplar Ave. where Stringers Garden Center had been located. Though it has meant splitting time, the temporary expansion has allowed him to direct potential customers to the Midtown location and gain word of mouth exposure. The East Memphis location of Midtown Nursery closed June 27.

Midtown Nursery doesn’t just have plants. From containers to fertilizer to bird baths, there’s a bit of everything. Mike’s team also consists of Faye Garrner and Fran Terhorst who love to help with specialty items such as gifts and houseplants. They all adore Midtown and are passionate about the business. If you get a chance, stop by and say hi. And keep working on your yard, because if you get picked for Yard of the Month, you win a gift certificate at the Nursery!

After a year of serving already, I would like to say thank you for officially voting me in as your CYCA Vice President a couple months ago. I can’t wait to get started on……Pardon me, what was that? John did what? He’s where? I’m what?

In case you are unaware, our former President, John Kinsey, had to step down from his duties unexpectedly when a new job took him away from our beloved neighborhood to North Carolina. As Vice President it was my privilege to take up the charge. I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting to fill the role of President so soon, but in Cooper-Young we adapt and overcome, so I shall carry on that tradition. I will miss John and am thankful for everything he did to help fine tune our organization. Fortunately, I feel very comfortable stepping up at this time because we are lucky enough to have a good combination of experience and energy in our remaining board members. And let’s not forget our Community Director, Kristan Hunley, whose liveliness rivals the Energizer Bunny. April Boleware has also stepped up to take over the duties of Vice President, and Renée Massey will take over as our Membership Chair.

Although summer is supposed to be our slow time of year, there are still exciting things going on! This week I attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the new skate park in Toby Park. I can’t wait to see my husband try to keep up with the kids out there. Cooper-Young Night Out is in full swing, and resident and visitors have braved the heat to enjoy the festivities. We are also still waiting patiently on those bike lanes. I have a special pair of stilettos ready for my first trip down those freshly-painted lanes, so keep your eyes pealed.

June Hurt

By Barb Elder

If you have listened to local radio stations and if you are honest, deep down you probably have some frustrations. You may wonder why you always hear the same songs and think back nostalgically to the days when there seemed to be more variety. You may remember the time when the radio voices you heard were real, live, local people instead of pre-recorded DJ’s from other cities. You may ask while flipping the dial, “Is it just me or does everything sound the same?” If these thoughts have crossed your mind, than you know Memphis radio needs to be rescued!

If you are familiar with some of these less than admirable aspects of Memphis radio, you may also be familiar with a man who until very recently was a part of that system. If you have ever met CY resident Ric Chetter, it is hard to mistake him – a voice that is clearly meant for the airwaves, a down-to-earth personality with a biting wit, and a newly kindled passion to produce radio as it should be.

One year ago Ric was headed in a very different direction professionally. His radio show with friend and partner “Bad Dog” on 103FM was number one for its target demographic, and he had 14 years under his belt with Clear Channel, a corporate media conglomerate that owns a large percentage of radio stations across the US. Little did he know that in February 2011 his job with the station would come to an end and a string of tragic events would unfold causing him to strike out into the new, uncharted waters of internet radio.

Working his whole life in broadcasting, Ric witnessed the industry’s slow drift into the corporate controlled, bottom-line driven mindset that dominates the airwaves today. In fact, when his time with Clear Channel came to an end, Ric says it took him some time to detox from corporate radio culture. In the weeks that followed his leaving, he listened to other Memphis stations and quickly knew that most of them were just like 103FM, using a limited play list and recorded radio personalities from out of town in order to cut back on expenses. Naturally, he began to search for a way to return to the roots of radio – the ones that he had fallen in love with as a kid in San Antonio when things were simple, fun, and all about the music.

Ric’s agent told him that leaving 103FM was the best thing that ever happened to him. And indeed, it may be. His divorce from corporate radio has led him to an innovative dream that is ripe with possibility. Ric is starting a new internet station called Radio Memphis (radio-memphis.com) which will feature unsigned rock, pop, and even occasional country talent from Memphis and the surrounding area. Memphis’ reputation as a music city is well-earned. So much talent is found throughout the Mid-South, yet where can you go, besides live shows and your CD collection, to hear these artists? Well, now you have somewhere to turn.

While radio-memphis.com was launched in late June, you may be disappointed to know that you won’t hear Ric’s voice until August. Be assured he will take his rightful place on the air on August 1 when all of his obligations with Clear Channel come to an end. In the meantime you can enjoy the music and from time to time hear the voices of two of Ric’s friends and fellow radio veterans Michael “Doc” Studdard and “Vexar Dave” Dave Thorn as they get the airwaves warmed up for Ric’s arrival and continue on as part of the Radio Memphis family.

Although Radio Memphis is already on the cyberspace air, they are planning to celebrate this accomplishment on July 23 at Neil’s (Madison and McLean) at their kick-off party. This party, called the Vexmas in July, is an annual celebration with a planned tribute to Memphis music legend Tommy Ruble. But this year when the doors open at 9pm, Radio Memphis will be there, and the $5 cover gets you live, local music (of course) provided by The Fast Mothers (led by Tommy Ruble’s sons), Mondophonics, and others. Ric will take the stage at 11pm for a humorous time of confession to expose some of corporate radio’s dirty secrets and help all of us understand how Radio Memphis is a departure from business-as-usual.

There are several things that make Radio Memphis unique and worthy of our community’s support. First, what could be more in line with Cooper-Young and Midtown values than supporting local musicians? The music played on this station is different from anything you will hear anywhere else, literally, and the variety will easily blow most stations out of the water. Ric mentioned with a smile, “If you don’t like what you hear, just wait 5 minutes.” If you are someone who likes to venture off well-worn music paths into the unknown, this station is a wonderful way to discover new talent and enjoy it before the rest of the world gets the chance. In addition, if you are a local musician looking for greater exposure, you are welcome to submit your original music to music@pirateradiostudios.com for airtime consideration.

The second thing that makes Radio Memphis unique is that it is an internet station. Like all forms of media, radio has seen some dramatic changes in the past decades. More and more people are using smart phones and computers to access their entertainment instead of traditional means. I may be dating myself, but I use to listen to “The Top 9 at 9” on my clock radio every night when I was in Middle School near Kansas City. While I certainly am not on the cutting edge of technology, even I no longer use traditional radio as the soundtrack to my life. I prefer other options.

While Ric says the technological learning curve has been great, he knows that he is headed in the right direction – the direction that radio must go if it hopes to survive the changing times. You can already access Radio Memphis from anywhere in the world by computer (Memphians are not the only ones hungry for Memphis music). A free app enabling your iPhone to receive the station should be available in early July, and a Droid app is expected later in the month (check radio-memphis.com for details). You will even be able to access the station in your car if your stereo and phone are blue tooth enabled. Other features on his site include an online concert calendar so that you can catch your favorite band’s shows, and in time Ric hopes to expand the site to link with musician’s Facebook pages, blogs, and websites.

Lastly, Radio Memphis breaks the mold by simply doing business in a different way. Ric says, “One thing I learned from all my years in the broadcasting business is how not to run a company.” His description of corporate owned radio paints the picture of stations run by accountants and lawyers who are out of touch with listeners and interested primarily in profit. Ric will be running this enterprise from his home in Cooper-Young, perhaps someday moving to a store front type location in the neighborhood. Unlike most stations who cut corners by using prerecorded DJ’s from out of town, on Radio Memphis when you hear someone talking on the air, it is a living, breathing person coming to you live. You will even be able to call in (the studio line is 901-922-5407) or email, and who knows, you might end up on the air. The station will not only feature local music, but local news and weather, and interviews with local musicians as well.

Behind the scenes Ric has a different approach to business too, working hard to treat people right. Case in point, his sales reps make over 7 times the commission that some stations give. He is also able to offer more affordable ad rates to local businesses (contact sales@pirateradiostudios.com to inquire about rates) and encourages folks to support the businesses that support local music. He says laughing, “I’m not trying to get rich here.” Of course, he needs to make a living, but it is clear that he wants Radio Memphis to be a business that gives as much as it gets.

Even more, Ric is one of us. He’s a Cooper-Youngian making a bold move to try something new. In true CY fashion, let’s get behind him! You can listen to Radio Memphis right now (radio-memphis.com) and go to the kick-off party at Neil’s on July 23 to show your support. How will you get involved? Listen, make music, and advertise because a radio rescue doesn’t come along very often, and Lord knows Memphis needs one.