Mike Brown

Portraits

Actor Morgan Freeman, seen here in Memphis, Tenn. on November 18, 2008, is among six individuals to be recognized for the 31st annual Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, December 7, 2008. "Morgan Freeman's name is synonymous with great screen acting and is one of the most respected performers in American cinema." said Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman.
   
Paul Ryburn blogs about downtown life on his website (paulryburn.com/blog). Here his laptop sits on the bar at what he calls his Second Street Branch office, better known as the Flying Saucer.(Mike Brown/Memphis Commercial Appeal)
   
Dean Deyo, president of the Memphis Music Foundation, stands on Beale Street. "What we've tried to do is be very grassroots-oriented, and give artists those development type things," says Deyo. "If you're an independent artist or songwriter or someone who wants to be in the industry there are these barriers - whether its finances or education or just knowing what to do. We want to eliminate the barriers standing in their way and give them what they need to move ahead."
     
  
(clockwise from top left) Felicia Scarpati-Lomax, Tiffanie Grier, Cardell Orrin and Desiree' Robertson are members of fastest growing demographic both locally and nationally -- people who identify themselves as two or more races.
   
John Hilgart, a former Rhodes College English professor turned advertising copywriter, was recently promoted to Associate Creative Director at inferno.(Mike Brown/Memphis Commercial Appeal)
   
Singer Al Jarreau addresses a group of Memphis City School teachers at Jarreau, Rhythm and the Arts: An Arts Integration Experience held at the Cannon Center on Monday. The workshop was the first in a series designed for educators sponsored by the Cultural Development Foundation of Memphis that is scheduled to include the Fisk Jubilee Singers, Preservations Hall Jazz Band, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and Antonio Fargas. (Mike Brown/Memphis Commercial Appeal)
     
  
Hernando High School junior Ricky Robertson, 17, currently holds this year's best high jump in the nation. The 5'10" student, seen here stretching prior to a couple practice jumps, cleared 7'3" last week.(Mike Brown/Memphis Commercial Appeal)
   
Musician Isaac Hayes gives an interview inside Sun Studio during the 50th Anniversary of Rock 'N' Roll Reunion Celebration on July 5, 2004 in Memphis, TN. The event marked the anniversary of Elvis' recording of "That's All Right" which is considered by many to be the "big bang" of rock and roll's beginnings.(Mike Brown)
   
A screech Owl named One Eyed Willie is one of several critters used as teaching tools to let visitors to the nature center at Meeman-Shelby Forest get closer to the wildlife of the area. One Eyed Willie was rescued after being hit by a car and now lives at the nature center.(Mike Brown/Memphis Commercial Appeal)
     
  
Actor Morgan Freeman, seen here in Memphis, Tenn. on November 18, 2008, is among six individuals to be recognized for the 31st annual Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, December 7, 2008. "Morgan Freeman's name is synonymous with great screen acting and is one of the most respected performers in American cinema." said Kennedy Center Chairman Stephen A. Schwarzman.