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In an effort to get a head start on coordinating a Memphis get together (meet up) prior to the show at 8:00 PM on Sunday, March 24th, at the Orpheum Theater, I wanted to get a discussion going on the topic so that we, as a group, might come to a consensus, or at least get a majority opinion on the following:

(a) Start time (5:30 PM ish)? Possibly earlier dependent on plans of the group;

(b) Specific location. Wherever we decide it should be within easy walking distance (no more than four blocks from the Orpheum). With that set in place, we could start to form an opinion on a particular venue which would allow for easy conversation and have a certain ambiance. While upscale fine dining might be on the palates of some most of those locations would not provide a great setting for a meet up. Similarly, a loud location on Beale Street would also detract from the meet up. I am thinking of somewhere in the middle of that spectrum but nothing would be concrete until a consensus is formed. I am thinking but we are not limited to the following venues: The Majestic Grill (http://www.majesticgrille.com/), Silky O'Sullivan's on Beale (http://www.silkyosullivans.com/), Pearl's Oyster House (http://www.pearlsoysterhouse.com/) and a few others as possible locations. Please do chime in and recommend some more places. We can use the polling option at some point to gain a consensus. Late March will possibly offer us the chance to slide to an outside eating area at most locations near the Orpheum while being to slide inside should the weather not allow it.

(c) Any potential earlier sight-seeing activities for those from out of town that might want to check out some things our great city has to offer. Not every one would have to or need to participate but this would allow like minded Cohenites another opportunity to get to know each other and discuss LC.

As of now, the Grizzlies do not have a game on March 24th and the FedEx Forum has no events currently listed so parking should be easy that day.

Anyway, please do throw out more suggestions or volunteer to assist me in planning this. I am not new to the Memphis area and have lived here for about fourteen years. My Facebook profile is at http://www.facebook.com/lcohenfan should you care to send me a friend request - I am always looking to connect with more Lenny fans.

Todd

South of Beale and Local Gastropub are two that merit consideration. SOB has a great patio and both have great food/drinks and are about three or four blocks from the theater.

By the way, anyone who is considering coming to Memphis for the show but has never been here before, the Orpheum is an amazing venue. It is historic, intimate and within walking distance of great hotels, bars and restaurants. And it's going to be cool to say you were at Leonard Cohen's first (and only?) show in Memphis. I can't wait to see him for the first time.

The Local Gastro Pub is absolutely perfect. I had forgotten about this little gem and it is so close to the Orpheum. Free parking would be a little more difficult there than it would be at South of Beale. I love both of those places.

Hi Todd,

My husband & I would love to attend a meetup in Memphis. We know nothing about the area, have never been there before; & since you are so familiar with the area, we will be happy with whatever place you choose. Thank you so much for your efforts in organizing this. Looking forward to meeting you & everyone else!

Mark and I would also love to join any gathering that takes place in Memphis. I'm away from home right now and not looking at my computer very much, but please count us in!
Anything and anywhere will be absolutely great as far as we're concerned - it's just lovely to meet friends old and new.
Joy

Anything finalized for the meet up in Memphis?
Local gastro or Silky`s are my choices

Anything new where we are going to meet up? How far is the Gastro pub from the Westin?

Local Gastropub is about three or blocks from both the Westin and the Orpheum. You'll find Downtown Memphis is pretty compact, perfect for walking to hotels, bars and restaurants, shops and the theater. I also recommend taking the Riverside Trolley loop for a nice tour of Downtown and some good views of the Mississippi River.

Here is a good map of Downtown: http://www.downtownmemphis.com/images/docs/map.pdf

For anyone still undecided about coming to Memphis for the show, I highly recommend it. Not only are there still lots (too many) seats available, but this will be his first and probably only appearance here. Memphis has a lot to offer. For any sports fans out there, the Memphis Grizzlies have a game the night before the show (http://www.nba.com/grizzlies). Springtime here is quite nice, and there are a ton of great patios Downtown

For more options on things to do and places to eat and drink, visit these websites:
http://www.commercialappeal.com
http://ilovememphisblog.com
http://www.memphisflyer.com

Any more questions about Memphis? Post them here and I'll answer.

I believe that the Local Gastropub is a great location as it appears a few others of us do. Let's hope for clear, warm weather so that we may sit outside that establishment.

I am planning on getting to the Local Gastropub at about 5:00 PM CDT. I did have brief email communications with the manager, Tony Westmoreland, some weeks back. I will reengage to let him know that we are on but with a to be determined amount of people.

Drove by the Orpheum this morning for a photo and have linked here https://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?f ... =1&theater if anyone is interested.

I, too, am available for any Memphis related questions that you may have.

And, I will not be hard to locate there. I will be the one wearing a river's disguise.

lennycohenfan wrote:Let's hope for clear, warm weather so that we may sit outside that establishment.

Looks like it's going to be cool and quite windy.

I won't be able to make the meet up, but I hope to run into some of you there (I'll be in the will call line).

If anyone wants to say hi, I'll be the big guy with glasses, faded black jeans and a brown leather jacket. Name is Eric.