Jon W. Sparks

• Memphis Symphony's final Mastersworks concert masterful Published 05/20/2013 at 7:50 p.m.

  The final Masterworks concerts of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra’s season were a robust, all-American affair.

• Action pops, lines zing in Germantown Community Theatre's "Ruthless" Published 05/20/2013 at 6:52 p.m.

  Audiences can be reassured that the Joel Paley/Marvin Laird musical is benefiting from the steady hand of director Michael Duggan who never lets "Ruthless!" go off the rails until it's just the right time.

• VIP tickets get visitors a complete Memphis in May barbecue experience Published 05/17/2013 at 2:57 p.m.

  Jason Fontanez came in from New York to get the "A" ticket of barbecue.

• Winners announced in three contests as Memphis in May BBQ festival begins Updated 05/17/2013 at 12:52 a.m.

  Once a year, the Ms. Piggie Idol competition explodes on the main stage at the Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest.

• MSO honors composer who broke barriers Published 05/16/2013 at 1:48 p.m.

  Florence B. Price secured her place in history on June 15, 1933.

• Smoking meat and music on the menu at barbecue contest Published 05/16/2013 at 1:24 p.m.

  The Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest is under way at Tom Lee Park and, for three days, is the most aromatic temporary city in the world.

• Concert review: Memphis Repertory Orchestra shines in final performance of season Published 05/12/2013 at 6:02 p.m.

  It’s tempting to say that the Memphis Repertory Orchestra, with its free concerts, offers the best classical music value around town. But the Eroica Ensemble also offers terrific performances gratis, which prevents either organization making the claim.

• Baron Hirsch at 150Synagogue honors past with historical exhibition Updated 05/10/2013 at 11:55 p.m.

  The Baron Hirsch Congregation celebrates its 150-year history this year by looking to the past as well as the future.

• Concert Review: IRIS and Kahane boost Beethoven's brilliance in Germantown performance Updated 05/06/2013 at 12:03 a.m.

  Beethoven was rolling over and over Saturday night.

• Memphis rapper Al Kapone working hard for Beale Street Music Fest fans Updated 05/05/2013 at 7:19 p.m.

  Memphis rapper and Oscar-winner Al Kapone was the hardest working man in Memphis show business on Sunday as the Beale Street Music Festival entered the home stretch.

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