If you’re ever in Memphis, you better stop by Minglewood. Unless, that is, you like drinking whiskey. Or for that matter, any libation other than draft beer in a plastic cup while you’re taking in a rock and roll show. That’s because, despite the extensive fanfare and extreme promise offered by Memphis’ new and much needed music venue, Minglewood Hall, that’s all you’ll get there. At least for now.
The new venue is by many measures a sharp upgrade from the primary similar sized venue in town, the New Daisy Theater downtown. Minglewood, named after an old Gus Cannon tune that was later popularized by the Grateful Dead as “New Minglewood Blues,” is in midtown on Madison Street in the space most recently occupied by the Strings and Things music store. Previously it had been the Tastee bread factory among other things.
The new venue is by many measures a sharp upgrade from the primary similar sized venue in town, the New Daisy Theater downtown. Minglewood, named after an old Gus Cannon tune that was later popularized by the Grateful Dead as “New Minglewood Blues,” is in midtown on Madison Street in the space most recently occupied by the Strings and Things music store. Previously it had been the Tastee bread factory among other things.
The midtown location provides several advantages over its downtown counterpart. Ample and free parking is chief among them. Distance from the Beale Street hubbub is another. No expense seems to have been spared on the sound system at Minglewood, as the sounds rings true and clear in most spots in the room. But the room itself is unremarkable—a large and flat span with a too-low ceiling that evokes the feeling of being in a warehouse. Hall, yes. Theater, absolutely not. Some VIP suites overlook the main floor, and seem to offer a good vantage point. But otherwise there are not many good sight lines for a room of such size, and that’s one area where the tiered nature of the New Daisy holds an advantage. The bathrooms are nice and new and extensive. The staff, fairly courteous.
Plans call for Minglewood Hall to be expanded into Minglewood Plaza— an entertainment and retail center that will include additional retail outlets, restaurants and offices under the same roof. Indeed, there is ample room for such expansion. The entryway to the concert venue snakes past several open areas that would provide excellent locations for any number of retail outlets. Like, say, a bar?
Plans call for Minglewood Hall to be expanded into Minglewood Plaza— an entertainment and retail center that will include additional retail outlets, restaurants and offices under the same roof. Indeed, there is ample room for such expansion. The entryway to the concert venue snakes past several open areas that would provide excellent locations for any number of retail outlets. Like, say, a bar?
