Have you had your arts this week?

Now that Spring has come back to Memphis, I can't help but be excited about all the amazing things there are to do, see, and experience in this remarkable city. We get a lot of negative press, which is sad. Here is one example: Last week alone the downtown Memphis Farmers' Market opened, Mud Island River Park opened, the downtown Alive! series hosted some great events in the squares along Main, a Peabody Rooftop party, events all along Cooper Young, two crawfish boils, a celebration of the earth, and more arts and cultural events than I can even count. I have never been happier to be a Memphis native-"returnee".

One of the outstanding, free events last week was an open rehearsal for Ballet Memphis' performance of Cinderella, which was performed at the Orpheum Saturday and Sunday. I grabbed a sandwich at Lenny's and head over to the newly renovated Lowenstein building at Main and Jefferson and I was just blown away. The dancers had transformed the empty building space into a dance studio and tons of people brought their children, strollers, colleagues, and friends to see the Ballet Memphis dancers warm up and rehearse dances for the weekend's show.

It was exhilarating and soothing at the same time! We are so fortunate to live in a city that continues to support a world-class ballet company.

This free rehearsal was part of the Downtown Alive! series, presented by the Center City Commission. They have a great line-up for April, including a demonstration by the Metal Museum on Wednesday, April 29 in Court Square!

Be sure to go enjoy your arts this week...we will have more on the biggest BRAVO event of the season that is taking place this Thursday, April 23 at 6 pm at the Orpheum. Stay tuned!