The Penny Hardaway Hall of Fame Building at the University of Memphis on Normal Street will be the site of a lecture featuring its namesake.

Former NBA player Penny Hardaway will join CNN Senior Producer Wayne Drash and Lester Middle School basketball head coach Desmond Merriweather in a lecture and book signing. The event is sponsored by the University of Memphis Bookstore and will take place from 6 to 9 p. m. May 8.

Drash is the author of a book entitled “On These Courts: A Miracle Season that Changed a City, a Once-Future Star, and a Team Forever.” In his book, he discusses how Hardaway took the reigns when his friend, Merriweather, was stricken with cancer, and coached Lester to become a winning team.

Drash said that his experiences working with Merriweather and Hardaway made him feel more than welcomed to be in their presence.

Perfect weather on April 6 made for a great first Blue Tom Fest at the University of Memphis, and due to the success organizers hope to continue the tradition every spring.

More than 100 people were in attendance for the sunny skies, warm weather and good music for the outdoor event. It attracted students, faculty and residents of the University District.

 “I loved this event. Literally my friends and I were talking about sitting outside listening to music that day because it was so beautiful, then I remembered the festival” said Junior Journalism major, Christina Vanelli.

Organizer, Trey Hamilton said it was everything he expected.

“The crowd was diverse and the bands put on great shows.”

The University District is gearing up for the first ever BlueTOM Fest on April 6 at Memorial Field on the University of Memphis campus.

The festival is named after Blue Tom Records, which is the U of M’s student run record label.

The line up will include Star and Micey, Fast Planet, The Chinese Connection Dub Embassy, Lightaho, Alex Inman and Absentease.

Tevin McInnis, a junior at the University of Memphis will be DJ-ing the event.  

“I’m excited to see the musical diversity, and excited to reach out to a different crowd as far a DJ-ing goes,” said McGinnis.