By Kirstin Cheers

When cacophonic harmonies and tragic memories dance together in Memphis, they create a stage of epic proportion.  

In true Memphis fashion, the anniversary of the assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will traditionally consist of candlelight vigils, silent marches and rowdy sermons from preachers who remember holding conversations with the great civil rights leader.

This year, however, the Memphis Symphony Orchestra (MSO) will celebrate one of the world's greatest revolutionaries with melodic strands of harmony, storytelling the emotions evoked from the sanitation marches in downtown Memphis to that fretful day on April 4, 1968.   

"Rebirth of the Dream" was inspired by the legacy of King as he stood at the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, leading a generation of people from his years as a young preacher, father, but most of all- a radical- towards racial and economic freedom in America.  

The Memphis Symphony Orchestra seeks to revitalize the history, pains and victories with the power of music surrounding King and his contributions. In an unprecedented effort to unite individuals and communities, experiencing such an event could be compared to revisiting that period of time, witnessing the relevance and resilience of the Memphis community as they stood near King.  

Even though they go unnoticed, women in the 1960s stood with King just as much as men, and today, women stand even stronger as they seek to honor his legacy.

By Melissa Wray

Tristan Parks freely admits that theatre has become his “entire life.”

Whether working on the Oct. 5  premiere of "Fabulation, or the Re-Education of Undine," Parks, along with fellow cast and crew members, have good reason to refer to theatre as their entire lives.

“This is our first show in a long time that will primarily feature an all African-American cast,” Parks, a sophomore Bachelor of Fine Arts performance major, said. “It’s about recognizing who you are, your truth and not escaping that for the rest of your life.”

When asked why he decided to audition for the play, Parks admitted that he was really moved by the eccentricity of the characters, and how fun it was to play them.

“This play is satire; so while we are poking fun at the issues that go on in our community, it is this poking fun that helps us realize who we truly are,” Parks added.

The issues in question refer to an out-of-wedlock pregnancy, drug abuse and deadbeat spouses. These combine to form the riches-to-rags story of Undine Barnes-Calles, a successful Manhattan-based African-American publicist who finds herself in a perilous situation when she learns that her husband not only took her money and left, but she is pregnant with his baby.

Barnes-Calles is then forced to move back in with her working-class relatives in Brooklyn, where she must re-face the obstacles she encountered on her way up the ladder. She also learns a thing or two about herself in the process.

Stage manager Jake Lacher said that in addition to the aforementioned issues, audiences should also be aware that there will be some discussions of sexual themes present in the play.

“It’s nothing too extreme,” a theatre student clarified. “It’s a good show for parents to bring their kids to, but they should keep those issues in mind.”

An event set for April 13 is designed to help residents of the University District envision what the future of the intersection of Highland and Walker could look like.

The University Neighborhoods Development Corporation along with the University District Business Association, the University District Incorporated and the Mayor’s Innovation Team will host a MemFix event. The one-day event will last from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m.

MemFix events encourage new ways to think about streetscapes, activate vacant spaces in neighborhoods and encourage neighborhood growth.  At this year’s event there will be some crosswalks temporarily installed at the Highland/Walker cross-section to make it more pedestrian friendly.  Pop-up businesses will fill vacant storefronts. Music and activities for people of all ages will take place on the sidewalks of the University District.

East Buntyn residents are preparing to spend a little time in the yard for the upcoming 4th Annual East Buntyn ArtWalk.

Gaye Swan, who is in charge of publicity for the event, is a new member of the ArtWalk committee.  She said one of the best aspects of the event is the camaraderie amongst the neighborhood’s residents.

“The best part of the ArtWalk is the overall vibe -- it is so cool to walk around, visit neighbors, meet new friends and get a look at the amazing art coming from local artists,” she said.

On April 7, local musicians and artists will present their work in the East Buntyn area, which residents say is the heart of Memphis.  There will be an art sale from 2 to 6 p.m. and live music from 2 to 7 p.m.