March 2015 Murfreesboro Pulse by The Murfreesboro Pulse

2006–2015: Celebrating 10 Years

MURFREESBORO

Vol. 10, Issue 3 March 2015

FREE Take One!

MUSIC Middle Tennessee’s Source for Art, Entertainment and Culture News

Scenic

View the sights from above on a Discovery Flight with Murfreesboro Aviation page 21

O R O B S E E R F R U M

Bonnaroo Fans Anticipate 2015 Festival page 12

FOOD Not Just Any Burger... A Smashburger page 22

LIVING Adventure Time With Timothy: We Made It to Hippie Hill page 18

DEAR READERS:

CONTENTS

EVENTS

Community Events 5 March TSSAA Tournaments, Special Kids Race and more! Entertainment Calendar 7 Karaoke, Bingo, DJs and Live Trivia

SOUNDS

0 w r y

Bird’s-eye view over MTSU’s Floyd Stadium

MARCH CONCERTS Music News Denny Laine announces area concerts, Heavy Metal on Hippie Hill, Local songwriters score Grammys. Anticipating Bonnaroo ’Roo fans making plans to attend 14th annual fest. Flatt Lonesome Murfreesboro band makes traditional bluegrass music. Album Reviews Eric Sims, MojoRose, Lethal Chaos, Realeyes

LIVING

Time with Timothy i Adventure Homeless man moves to Hippie Hill. Farmer’s Market Education Series p Start planning and planting seedlings for your spring garden. Scenic Murfreesboro a Anyone can fly with Murfreesboro Aviation. Get a bird’seye view of Middle Tennessee on a Discovery Flight.

FOOD

ON THE COVER

Review s Restaurant Smasburger

d g

Kids Eat Free (or Almost) Feed yourself and the kiddos at a great price. Coffee Talk Tips for storing and brewing great coffee

REVIEWS

j Movies 50 Shades of Grey, Kingsmen: The Secret Service k

Living Room Cinema Imprisioned in Time . . . Aren’t We All? Video Game Grand Theft Auto V

ART

for the Arts Boardwalk Bash ; Center Annual fundraiser set for March 28.

OPINIONS

The Stockard Report v Everyone loses when girls’ basketball teams throw game;

n /

David vs. Goliath; Legislative Largesse. Music Through the Decades “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” Phil Valentine: Views of a Conservative Many successful people did not finish college.

SPORTS

Indoors @ Tennis New facility at Old Fort Park to open in April.

CREW

PULSE

Talk with Z-Train $ Sports Jackie Robinson West faces consequences. Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo Art Director: Sarah L. Mayo Advertising Reps: Don Clark, Carrie Richards, Jeff Brown Copy Editor: Steve Morley

ONLINE AT:

Contributors: Dylan Skye Aycock, Katie Colwell Gloria Christy, Sarah Clark, Spencer Douglas Sean Hand, Zach Maxfield, James Nitz, Darcy Payne, Edwina Shannon, Christy Simmons, Cecilia Sinkala, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard, Sam Stockard, Norbert Thiemann, Phil Valentine, Ross Wilson

To carry the Pulse at your business, or submit letters, stories and photography: bracken@boropulse.com 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130 (615) 796-6248

BOROPULSE.COM

Copyright © 2015, The Murfreesboro Pulse, 10 N. Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130. Proudly owned, operated and published the first Thursday of each month by the Mayo family; printed by Franklin Web Printing Co. The Murfreesboro Pulse is a free publication funded by our advertisers. Views expressed in the Pulse do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. ISSN: 1940-378X

THERE ARE MANY OPTIONS THIS MONTH to check out an incredible variety of music. If you have ever wanted to hear a symphonic interpretation of the music of the rock band Queen, this is your month, as the Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra prepares to put on a March 12 performance of just that. The Secret Commonwealth continues its longstanding tradition on St. Patrick’s Day by bringing a little Irish flavor to The Boro Bar and Grill. Main Street Music is doing some great things with its Wednesday night jam night, as well as its All-Star House Band; Hippie Hill plans to celebrate the coming of spring with some heavy metal up on the hill; The Corbitt Brothers are back in the ’Boro this month too, with a Bunganut Pig performance. If you desire some rocking sounds to accompany casual Mexican dining, check out Ivan LaFever at Nacho’s, or Joe West at Carmen’s Taqueria. On March 31, DJ Cliffy D will celebrate his birthday at Whiskey Dix, welcoming country artists Ricky Young and Joe Bachman, and will afterwards drop the Drums vs. DJ sounds on the partygoers. Center for the Arts has its fundraiser dinner and concert this month, TFG is providing a home for the area’s independent bands of the heavier persuasion, JoZoara is collaborating with the MTSU jazz department—yes, so many different environments to hear so many styles of music. Whether it’s metal, country, the blues, Big Smo, classical or jazz that you crave, you can find it in Murfreesboro. Another neat entertainment option: flying with the crew at Murfreesboro Aviation. For that curious youngster who wants to learn more about machines, hopping on board one of the small aircrafts and launching into the blue yonder can be a very memorable experience. Or, a Discovery Flight could make an impressive date or outing. Take a joyride with any of Murfreesboro Aviation’s experienced pilots and check out the city and outlying area from above. Co-pilot Bracken Jr. The Great Middle Tennessee Ice Event of ’15 is history; Both Barrels’ Spring Thaw Motorcycle Show reminds us the time is drawing near to get out the bikes and celebrate spring. Wow, it’s already time to get those seeds started indoors for this year’s garden. Otherwise, we have March Madness and St. Patrick’s Day coming up, fun stuff. A sincere thanks to everyone involved with the Pulse, to everyone who contributes to making each issue happen: our writers, advertisers, readers, distribution network . . . “It takes a village.” Keep on loving your neighbor and chasing your dreams. Have a nice March.

Peace, Bracken Mayo Editor in Chief BOROPULSE.COM

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EVENTS

compiled by ANDREA STOCKARD

Send event information to murfreesboropulse@yahoo.com

THROUGHOUT MARCH

MARCH 6–8

CENTER FOR THE ARTS VISUAL ART ACTIVITIES The Center for the Arts will host “Famous Works of Art by Elementary Artists” in its gallery (110 W. College St.), featuring giant collages put together by local students, resulting in renditions of famous works of art when pieced together. In conjunction with this exhibit, children are invited to create their own versions of famous works of art at 11 a.m every Tuesday. Each week, participants will learn about a historically important artist as well as the techniques and styles they were known for when creating their own masterpieces. There is a $3 material fee to participate; parents are encouraged to stay. For more information, contact (615) 904-2787 or mai@boroarts.org, or visit boroarts.org.

LITTLE MERMAID JR. Murfreesboro Little Theatre will host performances of Little Mermaid Jr. at 7 p.m. March 6 and 7, and at 2 p.m. March 8. MLT is located at 702 Ewing Ave. For tickets or more information, visit mltarts.com.

THROUGHOUT MARCH STORYTIME AND PUPPET SHOW Enjoy Storytime and Puppet Show by Linebaugh Public Library the first Friday of each month at the Stones River Mall location of Books-A-Million (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.) at 10 a.m. For more information, call (615) 893-4131.

THROUGHOUT MARCH LESSONS FOR LADIES In honor of Women’s History Month, the Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) offers a special month-long tour featuring the domestic arts, etiquette and education of women during the 19th century. Many women did not have the opportunity to tell their story during the 19th century. Reservations made at least 72 hours in advance include a set tea time. Contact (615) 459-2341 or education@ samdavishome.org for more information.

MARCH 7 CURATOR TALK AND TOUR SERIES An extension of the Lessons for Ladies presentation (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna), this series addresses all that went into creating the exhibit, digs into the history that the exhibit does not explore and offers a topic-specific guided tour of the historic house and grounds at 1 p.m. (90 min.). Admission is $15 per person with reservations requested in advance. Contact education@samdavishome.org or (615) 459-2341. Limited space available.

MARCH 9–MAY 7 CENTER STAGE ACADEMY AFTER-SCHOOL CLASSES The Center for the Arts (110 W. College St.) invites you to Center Stage Academy’s after-school classes for grades 1st–6th on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4–5:30 p.m. Learn every aspect of theater from improv to acting skills to designing sets and costumes. No experi-

MARCH 12 MURFREESBORO SYMPHONY CONCERT: WE WILL ROCK YOU: THE MUSIC OF QUEEN The Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra and Chorus presents the music of Freddie Mercury and Queen at World Outreach Church (1921 Highway 99) at 7:30 p.m. with guest artists Jeans ’n Classics. For more information, call (615) 8981862 or visit murfreesborosymphony.com. ence is required. The Advanced Center Stage Academy course (ages 13 and up) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4–5:30 p.m. is titled “Who Am I? A Class on Character Development,” and offers eight weeks for students to dig deep into their own fictional characters. Learn how to “read between the lines” of a script, express point of view through your character’s eyes, motivation, details, inspiration, life application, and how to write your character’s own ending. Both courses are $150 each for tuition. Contact (615) 904-2787 or visit boroarts.org.

MARCH 5 PROFESSIONAL NIGHT Update your head shot and bio at Cultivate Coworking (107 W. Lytle St.) from 4–8 p.m. Photos by DC Robinson Photography and bio help from MTSU Writing Center representatives will be available. Sessions will be available for a $25 fee. You will receive two shots per session available to download 7–10 days after the event from the DC Photography website. The event is open to the public. Membership is not required to participate. For more information or to register, visit dcrobinsonphoto.com.

MARCH 9–APRIL 25 AFRICAN AMERICANS ON THE DAVIS PLANTATION EXHIBIT In honor of Black History Month, join the Historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) for a special exhibit. Learn about Isaac and other enslaved workers on the Davis Plantation with emphasis on their lives after emancipation. For more information, call (615) 459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org.

MARCH 10 SHARE THE LIGHT COMMUNITY PROGRAM Share the Light is a community group designed for practitioners in the healing, wellness and consciousness- creating arts, and for those interested in holistic and integrated healing modalities at Yoga on the Square (423 Lytle St.) from 7:30–9:30 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month. Enjoy Social Hour for sharing and networking, followed by a presentation from a featured healer. For more information, call (615) 295-8739.

MARCH 13 MARCH 4–7 & 11–14 TSSAA STATE HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS Enjoy girls’ high school basketball state championships March 4–7 at the MTSU Murphy Center (Greenland Dr.). Boys’ high school basketball state championships will be held March 11–14 at MTSU Murphy Center. For more information, call (615) 889-6740 or visit tssaa.org.

BALD IN THE ’BORO Murfreesboro Medical Clinic sponsors its fifth annual head shaving event, Bald in the ’Boro, at Lanes, Trains and Automobiles (450 Butler Dr.) at 4 p.m. to benefit the St. Baldrick’s Foundation for childhood cancer research grants. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation reports more CONTINUED  BOROPULSE.COM

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 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5 children are lost to cancer in the U.S. than any other disease. Bald in the ’Boro needs volunteers, donations and people of all ages and walks of life to get their heads shaved (The Beehive Salon). For more information, visit baldintheboro.com.

MARCH 21 4TH ANNUAL SPECIAL KIDS RACE The 4th Annual Special Kids 15K/5K Race and 1 Mile Fun Run begins at the Murfreesboro Medical Clinic (1272 Garrison Dr.) at 7 a.m. and continues through the Stones River Battlefield and over some fast and flat terrain off of Wilkinson Pike and Old Nashville Highway. All proceeds benefit rehabilitation and skilled nursing services to children at Special Kids. Participate as a runner, walker, volunteer, sponsor or spectator. Participants receive a t-shirt, a finishers medal and the 15K & 5K participants receive a race goodie bag from MMC, with the best part being the sweet children to greet you at the finish line! To register, visit runsignup.com/Race/TN/Murfreesboro/ SpecialKidsRace.

MARCH 14 BE WELL BORO HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR The Junior League of Murfreesboro’s annual Be Well Boro Health and Wellness Fair (previously Women’s Day Fair), will promote wellness from 9 a.m.–noon at New Vision Baptist Church (1750 N. Thompson Ln.), expanding its vision to embrace women from all backgrounds and walks of life. This fair encourages creating and maintaining healthy lifestyles, with educational opportunities available for kids and adults alike. Learn about skin cancer screenings, breast exams, legal assistance, BMI screenings and massage therapy, blood pressure screenings, medication counseling, fitness demonstrations and more. Enjoy free manicures and haircuts, door prizes and more. Admission is free. For more information, visit jlmonline.org.

MARCH 14 TEDDY BEAR TEA Dress in your Sunday best and bring along your favorite teddy bear (stuffed animal or doll) to the Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna). Young ladies ages 4–10 can hang out with their favorite bear and special lady, whether she is her mother, grandmother, aunt, older sister, or another from 10 a.m.– noon and 2–4 p.m.. Enjoy delectable treats and savory teas while creating a fun craft for your teddy bear friend. Take a tour of the area where young ladies of the house once played and sipped tea. Cozy up for story time in the museum

theatre. Reservations are required with prepaid admission of $15 per guest. Contact (615) 459-2341 or events@ samdavishome.org.

MARCH 14–15 NASHVILLE SYMPHONY CURB CONCERTO COMPETITION Submissions are now being accepted for the Nashville Symphony’s Curb Concerto Competition, one of the most prestigious student competitions in the state, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center (1 Symphony Place, Nashville). This annual event showcases gifted high school-age music students from Middle Tennessee and distributes $4,000 in scholarship money. The Curb Competition is open to classically trained instrumental students between the ages of 14 and 18 with five categories: woodwind, brass, string, piano and percussion. For more information, contact education@nashvillesymphony.org or (615) 687-6398.

MARCH 19 MURFREESBORO CREATIVE GROUP MEETING Murfreesboro Creative Collective is a

group of unique, creative spirits meeting at Cultivate Coworking (107 W. Lytle St.) from 5–7 p.m. to encourage the preservation of creativity and independent thought in the Murfreesboro community. This group is inclusive, allowing all to openly collaborate, share and learn with other creative professionals. For more information, contact info@cultivatecoworking.com or visti cultivatecoworking@gmail.com.

MARCH 20-22 HEART OF TENNESSEE AVICULTURE EXOTIC BIRD FAIR Enjoy the Heart of Tennessee Aviculture Exotic Bird Fair will be held at Tennessee Livestock Center (1720 Greenland Dr.). For more information, call (615) 739-0631 or visit midtnbirdclub.com.

MARCH 21 YOUNG LADIES TEA The historic Sam Davis Home and Plantation (1399 Sam Davis Rd., Smyrna) will host an event for young ladies ages 11–15. Here, participants can enjoy treats and teas while learning about 19th century clothing and etiquette. Take a women’s history tour of the Sam Davis Home and learn what life was like for the Davis ladies in the 1800s from 10 a.m.–noon and 2–4 p.m. Reservations are required. Contact events@ samdavishome.org or (615) 459-2341.

MARCH 21 MTCS TRIVIA NIGHT The fourth annual trivia night is a familyfriendly event to raise funds for the MTCS Chorus and Band programs (100 Middle Tennessee Christian School Rd.). Past events have provided funds for instrument repairs, entry fees for student competitions, the purchasing of instruments, risers and other equipment needed for chorus and band. Entry fee for a student team is $60, an adult team is $120. Dinner included if registered by March 13. Enjoy door prizes, a silent auction, home-baked goods, prizes, concessions and more at 6 p.m. For more information, contact mtcsbandparents@gmail.com. 6 * MARCH 2015 * BOROPULSE.COM

MARCH 23–APRIL 27 THE DISTILLED WISDOM SERIES WITH LARRY CURTIS Local life coach Larry Curtis packs years of life coaching wisdom into six powerful, life-changing sessions Monday nights at Cultivate Coworking (107 W. Lytle St.) from 5:30–6:30 p.m. The Power to Choose, The Power to Change (2 parts), The Power of Subconscious, The Power of Self-Image, The Power of Resilience. Classes are free. Space is limited. Advanced registration is required. Contact (615) 203-6084 or info@cultivatecoworking.com.

MARCH 24 BREAKFAST WITH CHAMPIONS Breakfast with Champions is a new event designed to enhance your business knowledge while you enjoy coffee and breakfast at Cultivate Coworking (107 W. Lytle St.) from 8–9 a.m. The first session is led by Jennifer Woodfin (crigital.com). This event is free and open to the community. Seats are limited. For reservations, email info@cultivatecoworking.com

MARCH 25 FASHION SHOW TO BENEFIT MULTIPLE SYSTEM ATROPHY Bombshells’ 5th Annual charity fashion show to benefit Multiple System Atrophy kicks off from 6–9 p.m. at Bombshells Hair Studio and Spa (803 N. Thompson Ln.). Admission is a $5 minimum donation in advance; $10 at the door. Enjoy a live and silent auction including local art, hors d’oeuvres and wine. This year’s wardrobe is provided by Sugaree’s and Smoke and Mirrors. For more information, contact (615) 907-8004.

MARCH 28 LA VERGNE EASTER EGG HUNT Bring the whole family for fun, games and other activities at 9 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr., La Vergne). The egg hunts (divided by age) begin promptly at 10 a.m. Each hunt lasts about two minutes. Contact (615) 793-3224 or jwilson@lavergnetn.gov.

ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

DJ, Bingo, Trivia & Karaoke NIGHTS IN MURFREESBORO

 MONDAYS BUNGANUT PIG Live Trivia, 7 p.m. THE POUR HOUSE DJ, 7–11 p.m. TGI FRIDAY’S Live Trivia, 7 p.m.

 TUESDAYS OLD CHICAGO Live Trivia, 9 p.m. COCONUT BAY CAFÉ Live Trivia, 7:30 p.m. THE POUR HOUSE DJ, 7–11 p.m. NACHOS Live Trivia, 7 p.m. NOBODY’S Bingo, 7 p.m. THE BOULEVARD Karaoke, 7 p.m.

 WEDNESDAYS CAMPUS PUB Karaoke, 10 p.m.–2:30 a.m. MELLOW MUSHROOM Live Trivia, 8 p.m.

NOBODY’S Live Trivia, 7 and 9:30 p.m. SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Live Trivia, 8 p.m.

MT BOTTLE Karaoke, 9 p.m.–3 a.m. WHISKEY DIX DJ Cliffy D, 8 p.m.

 THURSDAYS

 SATURDAYS

CAMPUS PUB Live Trivia, 8:15 p.m. LA SIESTA (CHURCH ST.) Karaoke, 6 p.m. NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. SPORTS SEASONS Live Trivia, 7 p.m. THE POUR HOUSE Karaoke, 9 p.m. WALL STREET Live Trivia, 8 p.m. WHISKEY DIX DJ Cliffy D, 8 p.m.

CAMPUS PUB Karaoke, 10 p.m.–2:30 a.m. NACHOS Live Trivia, 7 p.m. NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. WHISKEY DIX DJ Cliffy D, 8 p.m.

 FRIDAYS NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. LA SIESTA (CHURCH ST.) Karaoke, 6 p.m. LA SIESTA (GREENLAND) Trivia, 7 p.m.

THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS ALL MONTH LONG FOR JUST $60 CALL (615) 796-6248

 SUNDAYS O’POSSUMS Live Trivia, 8 p.m. LA SIESTA (CHURCH ST.) Karaoke, 6 p.m. THE POUR HOUSE DJ, 7 p.m. WALL STREET Team Bingo, 5–7 p.m. SAM’S SPORTS GRILL Live Trivia, 8 p.m. To be included in the Pulse’s listings, contact zek@tnkaraoke.com

HEAR WHAT MURFREESBORO SOUNDS LIKE 

Want your band listed on our QR Classifieds? E-mail murfreesboropulse@yahoo.com

BOROPULSE.COM

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 IF YOU GO:

SOUNDS MARCH CONCERTS

Send your show listings to listings@boropulse.com

THURS., 3/5 BONHOEFFER’S Adrian Krygowski, Keturah Brown, Megan Swindler BUNGANUT PIG CJ Vaughn Trio JOZOARA Rik Gracia MAIN STREET MUSIC Open Mic Night NACHO’S Ivan LaFever TEMPT The Weeks TFG PRODUCTIONS Bad Idols, Wicked Pretty, The Colonists WALL STREET Acoustic night with Jackson Harrison WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. MTSU Symphonic Band

FRI., 3/6 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Reckless CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West COCONUT BAY CAFE Zone Status MAYDAY BREWERY The Bird and the Bear TEMPT Govinda TFG PRODUCTIONS Hurts to Laugh, The Joy Kills THE BORO Culture Cringe, Vamptones THE DEN MoBetta, Andale WALL STREET Piranah, Fate of Adam, EYEONTHESKY WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Orpheus Vocal Competition

SAT., 3/7 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Unauthorized Personnel CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West MAYDAY BREWERY Scissormen TEMPT MK Ultra TFG PRODUCTIONS Light Beam Rider, Voyager 77, Jig the Alien, Chasing Lights THE BORO Silent Monolith, Sex Knuckles, Boomstick, Horava, Aye Mammoth

WALL STREET Crayons & Antidotes, Gunslingers & Gravedig gers, Genie Child of God WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Orpheus Vocal Competition

SUN., 3/8 WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Orpheus Vocal Competition

TUES., 3/10 BUNGANUT PIG 2 Country 4 Nashville THE BORO Alive/Alone, Horava, The Strumms, A Thousand Ghosts, Distortion Sleep

WED., 3/11 BUNGANUT PIG JD Shelburne Duo LEVEL III Ryan Coleman’s Writers’ Night MAIN STREET MUSIC The Jam TEMPT Big Smo

THURS., 3/12 BUNGANUT PIG Hoo Doo Men JOZOARA Rik Gracia MAIN STREET MUSIC Open Mic Night NACHO’S Ivan LaFever TFG PRODUCTIONS Cara Louise Band, Firestarter, Young Heart, Left Home, Debris THE BORO All-Star Blues Open Mic with Stuart Montez WORLD OUTREACH CHURCH Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra presents the music of Queen

FRI., 3/13 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Backlit CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West COCONUT BAY CAFE Pimpalicous MAYDAY BREWERY The Aquaducks, Little Raine Band THE BORO Daniel Cohen

Monthly show schedule at BoroPulse.com/ Concerts 8 * MARCH 2015 * BOROPULSE.COM

Alfonso’s 179 Mall Circle Dr. 439-6155

SAT., 3/14

SAT., 3/21

ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Zone Status CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West JOZOARA MTSU Live MAIN STREET MUSIC All-Star House Band, Fender Bender MAYDAY BREWERY Kent Goolsby & the Gold Standard TFG PRODUCTIONS Stolen Remains, Graven Souls, Animality, Paryum, Scarecrow Saints WALL STREET Whyte Noyse, As Yourself

ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Corbitt Brothers CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West MAYDAY BREWERY Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau TFG PRODUCTIONS Animality, Iraconji, Cryptic Hymn, Dysphorium, Obelisk THE BORO Flea Market Hustlers WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. MTSU Jazz Festival, Bill Cunliffe

MON., 3/16 WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Flute studio recital

WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. MTSU Concert Chorale presents Bach and Friends; Low Brass Studio Recital

TUES., 3/17

MON., 3/23

BUNGANUT PIG 2 Country 4 Nashville THE BORO The Secret Commonwealth

WED., 3/18 BUNGANUT PIG Shane Douglas LEVEL III Ryan Coleman’s Writers’ Night MAIN STREET MUSIC The Jam WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Steel drum/World music

THURS., 3/19 BONHOEFFER’S The Strumms, Nat Durant I Am Spartacus, BUNGANUT PIG Charleyhorse FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH MTSU Wind Ensemble JOZOARA Rik Gracia MAIN STREET MUSIC Open Mic Night NACHO’S Ivan LaFever TEMPT Saving Abel THE BORO All-Star Blues Open Mic with Stuart Montez WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. MTSU Women’s Chorale

FRI., 3/20 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Marshall Creek CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West COCONUT BAY CAFE Lost Dawg MAYDAY BREWERY The Palm in the Cypress WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Rebecca Murphy; Logan McAmis

SUN. 3/22

TFG PRODUCTIONS All My Friends Are Dead, Warlokk, Oceans Grey, Paradise In Ruins WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Mary Elizabeth Howell; MTSU Faculty Trio: Christine Kim, Andrea Dawson, Arunesh Nadgir

TUE., 3/24 BUNGANUT PIG 2 Country 4 Nashville TFG PRODUCTIONS Gatekeeper, Evertheless, Abated Mass of Flesh, Paryum, Behold the Slaughter WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Eridany GonzálezPeregrina; Chisha Nwoblilor

WED., 3/25 BUNGANUT PIG Blake Weibert LEVEL III Ryan Coleman’s Writers’ Night MAIN STREET MUSIC The Jam WALL STREET DJ Night: The Deathless plays ’80s records WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Phillip Jones; Briana Deibler

THURS., 3/26 BONHOEFFER’S Nobigdyl, Mogli the Iceburg BUNGANUT PIG Tim Turner JOZOARA Rik Gracia MAIN STREET MUSIC Open Mic Night NACHO’S Ivan LaFever THE BORO

All-Star Blues Open Mic with Stuart Montez WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Brock McGarity

FRI., 3/27 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Escape CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West COCONUT BAY CAFÉ Zone Status HIPPIE HILL Fate of Adam MAYDAY BREWERY Rhythm Kitchen TEMPT Antiserum TFG PRODUCTIONS SkeetZo n’ Krysis, The Unsatisfied WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Randy York

SAT., 3/28 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG My July Band CARMEN’S TAQUERIA Joe West HIPPIE HILL Metal Fest with LowKey JOZOARA Cup of Songs with the MTSU Jazz Voice Dept. MAIN STREET MUSIC Burning Las Vegas TFG PRODUCTIONS Seize the Empire, Neufound Me, Threatpoint, Flawless Pursuit, Sedona THE BORO Autumn Electric WALL STREET Abysmal Dawn, Enfold Darkness WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. High School Clarinet Choir Day

SUN., 3/29 WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Beth Ann Stripling; Low Brass Studio Recital II

MON., 3/30 WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Kali Poore; Flute studio recital

TUES., 3/31 BUNGANUT PIG 2 Country 4 Nashville WHISKEY DIX Ricky Young, Joe Bachman, DJ vs. Drums WRIGHT MUSIC BLDG. Joe Gross; Dustin McGaha

WED., 4/1 LEVEL III Ryan Coleman’s Writers’ Night MAIN STREET MUSIC The Jam

Autograph Rehearsal Studio 1400 W College St. 631-2605 Bonhoeffer’s 610 Dill Ln., 907-2890 Bunganut Pig 1602 W. Northfield Blvd. 893-7860 Carmen’s Taqueria 206 W Northfield Blvd. 848-9003 Coconut Bay Café 210 Stones River Mall Blvd. 494-0504 First United Methodist Church 265 W Thompson Ln. 893-1322 Georgia’s Sports Bar and Grill 555 South Lowry St. Smyrna, 267-0295 Hippie Hill 8627 Burks Hollow Rd. 796-3697 Lifepoint Church 506 Legacy Dr., Smyrna 459-3311 Journey Pointe 1267 Middle Tennessee Blvd., 896-9272 JoZoara 536 N. Thompson Ln. 962-7175 Level III 114 S. Maple St. 900-3754 Liquid Smoke #2 Public Square 217-7822 Main St. Music 527 W. Main St. 440-2425 Mayday Brewery 521 Old Salem Hwy. 479-9722 Moose Lodge 645 SE Broad St. 893-0145 MTSU Wright Music Building 1439 Faulkinberry Dr. 898-2469 Nacho’s 2962 S. Rutherford Blvd. 907-2700 TFG Productions 117 E. Vine St. The Boro Bar & Grill 1211 Greenland Dr. 895-4800 The Den 1660 Middle TN Blvd. 895-7167 The Green Dragon 714-F W. Main St. 801-7171 Wall Street 121 N. Maple St. 867-9090 World Outreach Church 1921 New Salem Rd. 997-1861

ø Love œ Jazz Lovey’s Jazz Café offers smooth sounds for the soul.

STORY BY JAMES NITZ

ith smooth tunes and spiritual lyrics, Lovey’s Jazz Café in Murfreesboro is bringing music from the heart, for the soul. “We promote Christ through the means of jazz,” founder Melanie Winn says. Guests are scattered around the auditorium of Journey Pointe Church, home to the unique jazz venue. Many are seated at tables, eating chips and salsa as Winn sings an opening song. Her voice fills the auditorium with the same passion as a preacher on Sunday mornings. The message is similar too, although it’s delivered through the soulful sounds of jazz. She finishes and proclaims how good the Lord is. Amens echo through the room. On a recent Saturday, jazz keyboardist Jim Clarke performed at Lovey’s. During his hour-long set, Clarke played through a variety of his work, mixing traditional jazz with contemporary sounds and effects. Lovey’s opened its doors in 2012 to provide this jazz show like no other. The first Saturday of every month, Lovey’s dedicates a night to rising artists like Shelly Massey, Charles P. Walker and Ernest Newsom. Sets begin at 8 p.m. and run for an hour. Winn purposely books only one singer per evening. “It gives the audience a chance to find out who the artist is,” she says. Winn is a colorful woman with a soulful voice as big as her personality and ambitions. She has performed on the Good Day Alabama show, the African Street Festival in Nashville and several NAACP festivals. Audiences labeled her a jazz singer, although that’s not how she sees it. “For me it’s just music from the heart from some experience from my life,” Winn says.

Winn gigged around for more than a decade and noticed most audiences were unfamiliar with Christian jazz. She resolved to lead the crusade for the genre herself. “There’s 25 different styles of jazz. I want to make Christian jazz number 26,” Winn says. After experiencing hesitation from several producers and organizers, Winn decided to create her own platform. She searched around Murfreesboro for three months until she stumbled upon Journey Pointe Church during a late-night worship service. “I didn’t know what I was walking into. They had it set up like a café,” Winn says. Winn contacted Journey Pointe’s Pastor, Ron Bevels, and proposed her idea. Bevels welcomed Winn and she got to work. While worship is the focus of these events, Winn joyfully invites guests from all walks of life to come and experience Lovey’s. “You don’t have to be a Christian to come here,” Winn says. “We have secular artists too. Do what you do. I’m not going to talk against you.” The shows takes place in the auditorium of Journey Pointe, which is redecorated for the night. Rows of chairs are lined up in front of the stage, while tables, available for reservation, flank to the right and left. At the end of the auditorium is a free snack table loaded with treats and refreshments that change as often as the artist lineups. There are also non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase. The other side of the room has a table for artists to sell CDs and other merchandise. Lovey’s is advertised mostly by word of mouth, but has an online presence on Twitter and Facebook. Tickets are sold through Eventbrite. For more information, Lovey’s can be contacted at loveysjazzcafe@yahoo.com. BOROPULSE.COM

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SOUNDS MUSIC

NEWS

 JONNY GOWOW RELEASES VIDEO FOR “SWEET BOY” BY DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK

 DENNY LAINE SCHEDULES TWO MIDDLE TENNESSEE CONCERTS VETERAN TOURING ROCK MUSICIAN DENNY LAINE HAS ANNOUNCED TWO April concert dates in Middle Tennessee. The performances will be April 22 at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville and April 24 at the Arts Center of Cannon County in Woodbury. Laine was Paul and Linda McCartney’s main collaborator and co-founder of the band Wings, which was one of the most internationally successful bands of the 1970s. Although the band went through a few lineup changes, Laine remained an integral part of Wings throughout the band’s entire lifespan. Wings recorded some of the biggest hits of the 1970s including “Band on the Run,” “Live and Let Die,” “Jet,” “”With A Little Luck,” “Another Day,” “My Love,” “Junior’s Farm,” “Silly Love Songs,” and many more. Denny Laine co-wrote the worldwide hit “Mull of Kintyre” with the famous former Beatle, and in 1977 it became the biggest selling single of all time in the United Kingdom, breaking the sales record set by The Beatles’ “She Loves You.” Laine, who got his start in the Moody Blues, wrote and sang lead on the band’s ﬁrst hit single, “Go Now,” in 1964. He performed with a list of legendary artists in the late ’60s which led the way for him to become partners with McCartney and form Wings in 1971. The upcoming performances will feature hits from his time in Wings and the Moody Blues as well as songs from his impressive solo catalog. Critically acclaimed band The Cryers will do a set of originals, Beatles favorites and classic songs, and then will double as backing band for Laine’s performance. Published songwriter John Salaway will open the shows with a short acoustic set.

 TFG TO HOST KENTUCKY METAL BAND CRYPTIC HYMN HAILING FROM PADUCAH, KY., emerging blackened death-metal outﬁt Cryptic Hymn will make a tour stop at TFG Productions this month along with several other Middle Tennessee metal bands on the ticket. The band is comprised of ex-Voyage of Slave members Dave Palensky, Jon Grace and Nathaniel Vowell, along with Josh Mumford of Anagnorisis. The band recently released its ﬁrst single “Revel in Disgust,” and is currently in the studio working on its debut release. Joining Cryptic Hymn is fellow Kentucky band Dysphorium, along with Nashville’s own Animality and brutal death-thrash band Iraconji. The show, held at 117 East Vine St., will be held on March 21. Doors open at 9 p.m.

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FOLLOWING THE RELEASE OF HIS DEBUT ALBUM, Wide Stance, local artist Jonny Gowow, along with the Japanese Cowboys, launched a music video for their song “Sweet Boy,” which was ﬁlmed at Murfreesboro’s Liquid Smoke on the Square and features several of the bar’s regular customers. The video begins with a few couples engaging in small talk while a drunk guy rambles on a bar stool. It’s a typical bar scene, that is, until the party arrives for Jonny Gowow’s performance. Things get wild over the course of ﬁve minutes, so be sure to check it out for yourself on YouTube or boropulse.com.

 WMTS DJ JUSTIN REED WINS A GOLDEN MIC FOR “RADIO PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR” BY DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK THE JUSTIN REED SHOW, BROADCAST ON MTSU’S STUDENT-RUN RADIO station WMTS, has been nominated for two Golden Microphone nominations this spring—“Best Live Music” and “Best Celebrity Interview”—both for Erin McLendon’s appearance on the show last October. The show isn’t a stranger to winning awards; MTSU student Reed, the show’s host, traveled last spring to New York City, where he accepted a Golden Microphone Award from the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System. This year, The Justin Reed Show won “Radio Personality of the Year” from Nashville Universe. This year’s Golden Microphone winners will be announced in NYC at the 75th Annual IBS Conference on March 6–8. For updates on the awards or for more information on The Justin Reed Show, visit facebook.com/thejustinreedshow.

 UNCLE DAVE MACON DAYS ANNOUNCES HERITAGE, TRAILBLAZER AWARD WINNERS WITH BELOW-FREEZING TEMPERATURES and inclement weather upon us, the dog days of summer seem farther away than ever. That said, it’s not too early to begin talking about Uncle Dave Macon Days 2015 Heritage and Trailblazer recipients, Ralph Stanley and The SteelDrivers. The Old Time Music Festival, currently in its 38th year, honored Grammy Award-winning artist Ralph Stanley with the 2015 Heritage Award, which recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to preserving and promoting old-time music and dance. Stanley follows in the footsteps of previous winners Ricky Skaggs, Sharon White and 2014 recipient Dailey & Vincent. The 2015 Trailblazer Award was awarded to Nashville-based group The SteelDrivers for preserving oldtime techniques by using traditional means to create new music. Since the release of their selftitled debut in 2008, The SteelDrivers have been nominated for three Grammys and were presented the International Bluegrass Music Association’s award for Emerging Artist of the Year in 2009. The festival will be held July 10–12 in Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro.

 HIPPIE HILL METAL FEST SET FOR MARCH 27–28 BY KATIE COLWELL THE FIRE CRACKLES AND CHICKEN SIZZLES as Hippie and Mama Jeanie welcome Pennsylvania’s Whiskeyhickon Boys to a Kitchen Jam at Hippie Hill, located in Christiana, Tenn. Hippie and Mama Jeanie help run and organize Helping Hungry Kids on their property, known simply as Hippie Hill. They feed 30 to 40 people every day, and they house anyone seeking shelter. When asked why music has been the best outlet for their organization, Mama Jeanie said, “Well, The Beatles did it, and they brought peace to this world, so I think that we can do the same.” Every couple months they have Kitchen Jams, where bands stop by to entertain and have delicious meals cooked by Hippie Hill residents. “It’s hard to keep everyone warm,” Hippie said. Kitchen Jams, along with major annual events and the help of local churches and outreaches such as Greenhouse Ministries, provide donations to maintain the upkeep of Hippie Hill. When asked about the Hippie Hill experience, Mama Jeanie said, “The only way that you are going to ﬁnd out is to come and experience Hippie Hill for yourself.” There is no better time to visit than March 27 and 28, during Hippie Hill’s 4th annual Metal Fest. Last year, over 150 people attended Metal Fest, but Mama Jeanie said that they will be expecting larger crowds this year due to the featured bands: Lowkey, a band from New York, and Fate of Adam from Middle Tennessee. Tickets are $25, which includes camping for the weekend. There will be food and entertainment for everyone to enjoy. Other metal bands performing include Daisy Cutter, All or Nothing and Darkhound. Hippie Hill is located at 8627 Burks Hollow Rd., Christiana. For more information on the Whiskeyhickon Boys, visit whiskeyhickonboys.com; for more on Lowkey, visit facebook.com/Lowkeyny; for more information on Fate of Adam, visit facebook.com/fateofadam.

 MOORE, ESMOND SCORE 2015 GRAMMY AWARD FOR ‘MESSENGERS’ ONE SONG CARRIED THE MESSAGE OF GRAMMY GOLD for a pair of former MTSU students Sunday night, Feb. 8. “Messengers,” co-written by 2003 music business graduate Torrance Esmond and former student Lecrae Moore, won the award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/ LECRAE Song during the 57th annual Grammy Award ceremonies in Los Angeles. MOORE The win was the second career Grammy for Moore, who’s known professionally by his ﬁrst name. “Messengers,” which featured fellow Christian artists For God & Country, is part of Moore’s album Anomaly. Moore also was nominated for a Best Rap Performance Grammy this year for “All I Need is You,” another cut from the Anomaly CD. Esmond, who’s known professionally as “Street Symphony,” was succinct in his celebration, tweeting “Thankful” with a photo of himself and his colleagues backstage after accepting the award.

 MARCH 6 CONCERT BENEFITS UNITY OF MURFREESBORO UNITY OF MURFREESBORO will host a beneﬁt concert featuring performances by local songwriters Rick Bennett, Susan Dickerson and award-winning pianist Joseph Akins. The concert will help raise funds to keep Unity of Murfreesboro at its current location. The church was founded 15 years ago by Rev. Felicia Searcy. It began as a study group which met on a weekly basis. As it grew it moved to various locations, including a back room in the Hastings bookstore and a strip mall on South Church Street. In 2005 they were able to purchase a building that previously housed an air conditioning company, and through hard work, dedication and support from congregants and the community, created a sanctuary for worship services, a full kitchen, two classrooms and an ofﬁce. Unity congregants have also given generously of their time, talents, treasures and the Unity meeting space to support many organizations that work with the local community, such as Habitat for Humanity, Kymari House, the Rutherford County Child Advocacy Center, Statewide OrAKINS ganizing for Community eMpowerment (SOCM), Greenhouse Ministries, the Peace and Justice Art Committee and others. They have also been instrumental in providing opportunities for residents of the Murfreesboro metropolitan area to hear renowned speakers such as Michael Dowd, author of Thank God for Evolution, a book that was endorsed by no less than six Nobel Laureates. According to their current minister, Rev. Shirley Bowman, they are in danger of losing their current home, which would have a great impact on both the congregation and the community. This concert is being held to help to raise funds to prevent this from happening. Unity of Murfreesboro is located at 130 Cannon St. For tickets or more information, contact Rick Bennett at (615) 904-0456. BOROPULSE.COM

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SOUNDS

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PHOTOS BY ANDREA STOCKARD

onnaroo Music and Arts Festival first made an impact on the Southeast in 2002 with AC Entertainment and Superfly Presents, attracting headliners like Widespread Panic, Umphrey’s McGee, The String Cheese Incident and Ween to the 700 acres of Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tenn., with a whopping 70,000 tickets sold. Bonnaroo returns this year for its 14th annual festival June 11–14, 2015, with Billy Joel, Mumford & Sons, Deadmau5, Earth Wind & Fire, STS9 and more. Over the years music and art lovers have witnessed some of the most influential music legends of our time, including Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Police, Elton John, Bob Dylan, The Beastie Boys and Tool. With around 150 performances each year and 10plus stages, Bonnaroo is now one of the biggest music festivals in the country, generating an estimated 90,000-plus annual Bonnaroovians. As I reach my sixth year at Bonnaroo, I have watched the festival welcome the most talented artists in every genre of music, from indie-rock band the Black Keys, rap artists Eminem and Snoop Dogg, electronic musicians Bassnectar and Pretty Lights, female soloists Jenny Lewis and Regina Spektor, and jazz, blues, country, reggae and pop acts. As festival season rolls around each year, there is no doubt that Bonnaroo will have the most diverse overall lineup in the Southeast, and, fortunately for those of us in Middle Tennessee, it resides in our own backyard. My first year at Bonnaroo was 2008, and I had never experienced anything of the sort. It was a community of lovers, fairies and sprites, hula-hoopers, old and new-age hippies. There were people dressed in costumes, gentle souls relaxing under trees, extravagant show lineups that spanned from noon until around 4 a.m. with some of the best artists I knew of at the time, such as Kanye West, Rilo Kiley and Metallica. It is hard to forget the first show I ever saw at Bonnaroo, featuring MGMT. Night was approaching and the whole crowd seemed to be on a wave of refreshing positivity and appreciation; it was enchanting. Every year it seems I get more advanced with my survival techniques at Bonnaroo. We pack up the cars the night before with a mixture of healthy and junk food, water (I now prefer large water jugs over individual plastic water bottles, as it reduces plastic consumption and is easier to refill for cleaning purposes), lots of sunscreen (prepare for Tennessee sun!), baby wipes (since showering at a festival is not always top priority), camping supplies (air mattresses and cots have become my friends), fest gear with lavish apparel and accessories (bring comfortable clothes easily

VISIONS OF BONNAROO Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival expected to bring more than 90,000 music lovers to Tennessee for its 14th year. STORY BY ANDREA STOCKARD adaptable to hot days and chilly nights), flashlights and more as we prepare to leave the “everyday world of responsibilities.” There is something magical about showing up at the farm, staking your tents and canopies with a big group of friends while you acclimate yourself with your neighbors and the area that will be your home for the next four days. I have learned to remember my surroundings, such as balloons, flags, tapestries, etc., as finding your way back to your campsite can be difficult the first night with so many unfamiliar tents and cars. Heading down Shakedown Street is always an excited mesh of Bonnaroovians traveling to and from Centeroo (the main festival area that is not for camping) with jewelry and apparel, and vendors such as Enchanted Planet and Wormtown Trading Co., selling crystals and tapestries. Take the time to investigate the diverse and local food vendors along the way, like the unbeatable $1 grilled-cheese stand that always

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hits the spot on late-night adventures. There is a luminous air as you wander into Centeroo for the first time. Everyone high fives when Bonnaroo lets in the first big rush of attendees every day, and throughout the weekend you will hear excited fans sporadically screaming “Bonnaroo” as others readily holler in response. Eager Bonnaroovians write on “The Wall” in chalk that inquires, “Before I die, I want to . . .” The festival becomes surreal as you see some of your favorite bands the first night and learn the whereabouts of the marvelous main stages named Which, What, This, That and The Other. You spend the next three days basking in the free sunshine and shade-grazing under dispersed massive trees, witnessing some of the most extravagant light shows at night with glowsticks, light-up toys, flow performances, fire-spinning and staying up until the sun rises after catching late-night shows, hitting the Silent Disco and making new friends. Once you enter Centeroo, enjoy Planet

There is something magical about showing up at the farm, staking your tents and canopies with a big group of friends while you acclimate yourself with your neighbors and the area that will be your home for the next four days.”

Roo, an area for a variety of environmental action, yoga, meditation, one-of-a-kind artist performances at the Solar Stage (solar-powered!), nonprofit organizations, the Oak Tree Collective and great local and organic meals at The Planet Roo Café, Crescent Foods. The Academy offers interactive workshops in art, theater, dance, instrument building and gardening, and Rock the Earth presents music and dance, speakers and interactive entertainment. In the Bonnaroo Learning Garden, expand your expertise on growing your own garden, composting, herbs and more. The Red Bull Music Academy Bass Camp returns with daily broadcasts on RBMARadio.com with public lectures and performances by today’s hit musicians. Inside Centeroo, Bonnaroovians can visit the Bonnaroo Comedy Theatre, which in the past has showcased top comedians like Aziz Ansari, Chris Rock, Jimmy Fallon, Daniel Tosh and Triumph the Insult Comic Dog. Escape the sun at the Bonnaroo Cinema with prerelease independent features, documentaries, comedies, classics and interactive happenings alongside live Q&A sessions with special guest filmmakers and actors. Past showings includes “Dark Side of the Rainbow” (the Pink Floyd/Wizard of Oz tandem), the NBA finals, favorite movies such as Garden State along with such bonuses as a Q&A with actorwriter-director Zach Braff, and documentaries including Rock the Earth: Mountaintop Removal. The Bonnaroo Beacon onsite newspaper and Relix magazine keep you posted daily. Bonnaroo has lots to marvel at with its lightup clock tower, color spinning Ferris wheel (from which you can see the entire farm) and the recent Hamageddon, a large fire-breathing metal pig. The huge mushroom fountain in the center of Centeroo changes “trippy” paintdesigns every year and is a great place to find friends, figure out where you are going or simply rinse off. The Snake & Jake’s Christmas Club Barn transforms into the legendary New Orleans “watering hole” with lights, reindeer

Bonnaroo brings some of the greatest musicians of the rock era to Tennessee. The fans often debate, speculate and critique the lineup—“I can’t believe they booked this artist,” “I wish that artist were going to be there,” “I really wanted to see the other artist again”—but organizers always land a stellar, and very diverse, collection of legendary and rising performers. Some of the artists on this year’s lineup: DEADMAU5

EARTH, WIND AND FIRE

and “creepy Santas.” The Silent Disco, where listening to music on headphones provides a “quieter” show from the outside looking in, stays open until the wee hours of the morning. Vendors with extraordinary, transcendental art, pins and jewelry stay up late entertaining guests such as vendors Third Eye Tapestry, and an exquisite array of food seems to always satisfy your late-night cravings. Bonnaroo encourages everyone to join the Refill Revolution and to bring their own reusable water bottle for the large, blue mushroom water fountains dispersed throughout the festival. Having partnered with Steelys Drinkware and the Plastic Pollution Coalition, Bonnaroo now offers affordable, high-quality stainless steel water bottles and beer cups. Having an insulated scuba foam carrying strap, you can attach these to your bag or belt loop to reuse and help reduce plastic consumption. If you are wanting to stay fit or healthy over the four days, Yoga-Roo offers classes free and open to all levels. Get involved with the 2015 “Roo Run” and enjoy the Splash-aRoo, old-fashioned, fun races on the 35-foot Tropical Slide. If you’re brave, check out its neighboring 40-foot Big Ass Water Slide. Bringing children? Kidz Jam inspires positivity and growth as it promotes a music interaction, culture and creativity. Kids can enjoy performances, games, recycling art projects, and play music themselves with provided instruments. Kidz Jam provides children with fresh water, sunblock, earplugs and tips on safety. Nonprofit organizations continue to make a difference at Bonnaroo with groups like HeadCount, at whose booth you can register to vote and volunteer for live music events. At

BILLY JOEL

the Positivity Park, meet Carbon Shredders, Green Ambassadors and the Bonnaroo Census. Take time between your favorite shows to learn about Bonnaroo’s renewable energy and sustainability front and how you can make a difference with things like reducing your carbon footprint. While basking in the sun, the festival wouldn’t be the same without free Ben & Jerry’s Coffee Caramel Buzz! Bonnaroo invites everyone to work or volunteer for Clean Vibes, a nonprofit group helping inform Bonnaroovians on reducing, reusing and recycling. Cans, cups, bottles and cigarette butts can be traded in for prizes at the Clean Vibes trading post. Over the past 12 years, Clean Vibes has stopped more than four million pounds of recyclable and compostable festival material from entering landfills. To volunteer at the event, visit bonnaroo.com/get-involved/volunteers. Bonnaroo Works Fund presents the 2015 Silent Auction, created in 2009. This fund helps regional and national organizations maintain areas of the arts, education, and environmental sustainability in surrounding areas of Middle Tennessee. Bonnaroo Works Fund has also helped disaster relief, assisting in cleanup after the Nashville floods and the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Local community organizations are also invited to raise funds by participating in the festival, where Bonnaroo will donate a portion of the sales in exchange for volunteer work. Get involved! For more information on Bonnaroo, visit bonnaroo.com, facebook.com/bonnaroo, or follow on Twitter and Instagram @ Bonnaroo. BOROPULSE.COM

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SOUNDS

j TRUE j

BLUEGRASS Murfreesboro’s Flatt Lonesome continues the bluegrass tradition.

STORY BY ROSS WILSON

ypically, bluegrass music conjures up a mental image of men with long beards, one strumming a tincan banjo, on the front porch of a holler shanty.

Flatt Lonesome is not typical. Seeing two of the band’s members—and husband and wife—Paul and Kelsi Harrigill in a Murfreesboro coffee shop setting, they don’t stand out as talented bluegrass musicians. In fact, they look like a couple of clean-cut hipster kids, who may fit in better with the indie scene than the bluegrass game. But with more than 50 shows, including the upcoming Lamar County Bluegrass Festival in Purvis, Miss., on March 13–14, planned for the year and a new album in the works, the Middle Tennesseebased Flatt Lonesome is earning its recent title as the 2014 International Bluegrass Music Association’s Emerging Artist of the Year. In a time when newer bands in the roots movement are leaning toward “newgrass” tropes, the young Flatt Lonesome, which formed in 2011, has that traditional acoustic sound but with a modern feel that’s different from the older mountain-music sound. Kelsi Harrigill said Lester Flatt, one of the most respected traditional bluegrass musicians, inspired the “Flatt” part of their name, but the “Lonesome” part of their name comes from the band just thinking that was a good bluegrass word. “Folk and Americana are bigger now,” Paul Harrigill said concerning Flatt Lonesome’s success. “People have an ear for it now.” Agreeing on a direction and cohesive style isn’t hard for Flatt Lonesome, since the band consists of siblings Charli Robertson, Buddy Robertson and Kelsi Harrigill, 14 * MARCH 2015 * BOROPULSE.COM

along with Kelsi’s husband Paul Harrigill and close friends Dominic Illingworth and Michael Stockton. Both Paul and Kelsi believe that the family connection makes Flatt Lonesome a stronger band. In fact, the group’s successful chemistry can be showcased by the fact that their record label, Mountain Home, recognized their talent immediately, and rather than produce a planned EP, they recorded an 11-track album in four days that ended up being Flatt Lonesome’s self-titled 2013 debut, according to Paul Harrigill. “For a record label to put that much faith in someone that no one had heard of is huge [for us],” Kelsi Harrigill said. After the success of their first album and their earlier performances, Flatt Lonesome was nervous about their continued success in the bluegrass field. They felt that people expected them to fail. “That’s the scary thing,” Kelsi Harrigill said. “When you’re not the new kid on the block, you’re not cute anymore.” Fortunately, Flatt Lonesome’s second album, Too, was warmly received, with critics like Daniel Mullins of Bluegrass Today saying the band avoided the dreaded “sophomore slump,” and the family band has emerged both in the bluegrass charts and on the festival circuit; the band has even picked up a handful of awards and nominations, including a win for “I’m Blue” in the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at MerleFest 2014. In the end, though, awards and charts don’t matter, because it’s all about the music for Flatt Lonesome. “We’re still just having a blast, and we’re still just playing music,” Kelsi Harrigill said. For more information on tour dates and tickets, visit ﬂattlonesome.com.

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ALBUM REVIEWS

ERIC SIMS

The New Wave of Making Love 3

In a release self-described as “unmastered and untamed,” Eric Sims’ The New Wave of Making Love is a 13-track compilation of diverse, unfocused recordings that encompass several genres, musical styles and interesting sounds over the course of a confusing and conflicting 40 minutes. The opening track, “Fox Masks,” begins with haunting vocals by MTSU student Synnovea Cleveland and eventually morphs into an impressive two-minute guitar shredfest. Cleveland’s pure voice is enveloped by unsettling lyrics that lead the song down a dark, uninviting road: Go on ahead, go on ahead, nobody even wants you here, you’re better off dead. If track number one doesn’t strike your fancy, don’t be discouraged. The disposition of one song is often completely dissimilar to the next. Sims slows things down on “Mecca,” which asks, When you think of me, do you fall to pieces? before shifting to “Earth Tongue,” an acousticdriven track featuring a filtered, demonic voice that creates an effect more like an intense round of slam poetry than a song. “Better When You’re Gone” is one of the best on the album, a rap song that has enough energy to pump you up for the day. “Somewhere in These Notes” is a comforting love song in the language of Sesotho, which is primarily spoken in South Africa, and translates into much sweeter lyrics than those that precede it: I love you so much / And I’m so happy that I have you in my life / I have this silly dream that one day, my life can morph into one / With you. If you’re interested in the screamo genre, give a listen to the three tracks labeled “Magnum Pyramid.” They are hardcore, to say the least. Eclectic ideas such as the inclusion of a voicemail message, a foreign language or a keyboard recording from 10 years ago (“Five Minute Idle”) are what make this album interesting. Sims’ motifs of love and hate become evident on the handful of songs that have lyrics, and his obvious talent shouldn’t be masked by the album’s discordant nature; it’s worth listening to, even in all its bizarre glory. Check out the album by visiting ericsims.bandcamp.com. — DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK 16 * MARCH 2015 * BOROPULSE.COM

REALEYES

American Ritual 3

Prepare to crank up the circle pits, music fans; if there is a word to describe Realeyes’ 5-track EP American Ritual, it would be “metal.” Throw “aggressive,” “angry,” “brutal” and “driving” into the mix, and you have a taste of what the Middle Tennessee band is all about. The source of the vocalist’s anger may not be totally discernible on first listen, as Chad Callis employs a technique known in music circles as “Cookie Monster vocals,” where a heavy metal vocalist growls in a manner similar to the Cookie Monster fiending for some of those sweet cookies in a most tortured, uncontrollable fit of rage. I’m still stuck here! he bellows over very tight double bass drums clicking along and ultra-distorted guitars shredding. The band doesn’t play constant blast beats, boasting some nice precision and experimentation, and often invites a slow, grooving nod rather than spine-shattering headbanging. But the vocals rarely vary from full-throttle and furious (aside from some chanting on “How Charming, Technology” and a few other spoken-type sections sprinkled in), and some listeners may not be able to get past the barrage of in-your-face, death-growl vocals. “Beautillion Ball” begins with a very beautiful, atmospheric change of pace, but after a minutelong intro, it’s back to the growl. The vocals here don’t seem to match the very gentle and chilling delay effect on the song. Again, the Realeyes players put forth some wellthought-out passages and precise figures in the music. The quick, nifty little intro to “Rotten Conversation,” may be enough to earn the “experimental” tag. There is not a huge difference between the sounds of Realeyes and the legion of other metal groups out there inciting moshing and devil horns in the air. Ultimately, American Ritual is full of thrashing passages and ride-cymbal breakdowns in the vein of Lamb of God and other such practitioners of modern metal mayhem, and is something the Middle Tennessee heavy metal fan will find to be worth checking out. For more on the band, visit realeyesband.bandcamp.com. — BRACKEN MAYO

MOJOROSE

LETHAL CHAOS

MoJoRose 3

SideWinder

2.5

I know the phrase “don’t judge a book by its cover,” but does the same rule apply to judging an album by its song titles? If not, it should. Because with tracks like “White Lady” and “Dog,” I wasn’t quite sure what to expect on MoJoRose’s self-titled debut. From Nashville, by way of Kentucky and New York, MoJoRose blends its members’ diverse backgrounds with elements of blues, rock and alternative styles to create an 11-track album that, despite some rocking guitar work, at times proves itself to be more underwhelming than outstanding. The album starts high-tempo with “New Age Fantasy,” and the opening line may easily trick you into thinking it’s another one of those pop/ country/rock albums that are, for whatever reason, so popular these days. West belts out a gravelly, growling, Hey Girrrl, come talk to me, but the rough edges eventually smooth out into a rock song rather than the twangy bro-country track I expected it to be. Still, it’s one of those albums that, if you’ve listened to one track, you’ve basically listened to them all. MoJoRose is comprised of J. Parker West on guitar and lead vocals, Seth Bryant on lead and rhythm guitar, Chas Villanova on bass and rhythm guitar and Joe Mauro on drums. Alternative-rock band Stone Temple Pilots is an obvious influence, both musically and vocally, and I’d even go as far as mentioning Pearl Jam. After touring on and off across the Southeast, the band is “looking to make a splash” in Nashville’s growing music scene, and it is heading in the right direction. Overall, the album is a solid foundation for the band to grow upon. Despite the strong track-totrack similarity, the production is decent and the album carries promise for future releases. MoJoRose will perform at The East Room in Nashville on March 30. For more information on the band, visit reverbnation.com/mojorosemusic. — DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK

RATINGS: AVERAGE

A CLASSIC BELOW AVERAGE

I don’t spend my days listening to the latest in heavy metal, nor will you generally find me headbanging, so I can’t precisely label where Lethal Chaos ranks among other Middle Tennessee heavy metal groups. I can say that the four musicians who make up Lethal Chaos know the genre well, and that becomes obvious on their sophomore release, SideWinder. From the town of Manchester, Tenn., Lethal Chaos joined forces in 2006, hitting the scene a year later with their self-promoted debut album, Serpentine. Since then, the band’s basic musical template has been a blend of hard rock and heavy metal. Upon first listen, SideWinder is difficult to wrap your brain around. The album opener, “Snake Bite,” is a galloping power-metal anthem with a growling chorus that would have done well to fade out after the guitar solo. Similar to the opening track, “Perfect Enemy” and “Caged” last a minute or two longer than they can sustain interest, clocking in at almost six minutes each. Justin Morrison provides skillful guitar work on SideWinder, while the rest of the album is credited to Chris Millraney (bass), Criss Alford (drums) and Rob Elliot, whose vocals help give Lethal Chaos their earthy, gritty, sound. The album’s antepenultimate track, “SideWinder,” serves as the album’s pinnacle, with thrashing vocals laying a thick coat over unrelenting guitar riffs. It’s pretty heavy, which is probably why it serves as the album’s title track. Lethal Chaos owes a lot of its sound to classic metal bands such as Pantera, Metallica, Killswitch Engage and Disturbed, just to name a few. The band’s Tennessee roots certainly contribute a twanginess to their core sound, which can be jarring at times. To listen to Lethal Chaos, visit reverbnation.com/lethalchaos. — DYLAN SKYE AYCOCK

OUTSTANDING AVOID AT ALL COSTS

DEAD BOROPULSE.COM

* MARCH 2015 * 17

LIVING

Tim cleans out his tent at his former camp.

e m i T e r u Advents it up to Hippie Hill. ke Timothy ma

t Linebaugh Public Library in Murfreesboro, a shaggy, redheaded man sits quietly in the computer lab. He’s contemplating the next step in his journey of homelessness.

“Guess my next option is Hippie Hill,” says Timothy. Hippie Hill is a legal homeless community in Christiana, Tenn. About 30 people currently reside on this hill. The leader of this group, Hippie, has set rules in place and accepts any newcomers. Although the community on Hippie Hill is accepting, if a person causes trouble, he or she could be kicked out immediately. Timothy has a naturally free spirit and seems like he will fit in well with the community on Hippie Hill. I ask him how he plans to get there. Timothy tells me he plans to bike the 16 miles with all his stuff, including his large tent. “Want me to help you take your camp there today?” I ask. “Can you?” Timothy asks excitedly. “I thought today would be a boring day. . . . But every day is an adventure with me!” Timothy’s favorite show is Adventure Time, so of course he likes to explore. His favorite 18 * MARCH 2015 * BOROPULSE.COM

STORY AND PHOTOS BY DARCY PAYNE character in the show is named Finn. He always talks about how cool it would be to have a hat with Finn on it. As a pit stop before Hippie Hill, we make our way to the Journey Home for lunch. While writing homeless profiles, I prefer to act the part; I dress down and do as the homeless do, so I am eating lunch at the Journey Home with Timothy. Today we are having beef stroganoff over rice, pink peaches, salad and a heart-shaped dessert (in celebration of Valentine’s Day). Upon our entry, a surprisingly friendly staff hands each of us a gift. The gifts are hand-written valentines. Timothy’s says, I love you soooooo much, and mine says, Happy Valentine’s Day! After volunteers escort us to our seats, Timothy and I enjoy a nice lunch together. And by “we enjoy a nice lunch together,” I mean I enjoy a nice meal by myself. Timothy ate so fast I am now eating alone five minutes into the meal. While I eat, he tells me about how he became homeless. Timothy is originally from Washington,

Penn., which is just outside of Pittsburgh. Timothy didn’t get along with his father while he was growing up. Ever since his father’s death three years ago, he hasn’t seen his brother or two sisters. He spent his early years (13–19) in juvenile detention centers for assault and typical teenage rebellion. However, Timothy did receive his GED when he turned 16. Soon after he turned 20, he burned down his family’s house while they weren’t home because of the childhood memories. That was the first time Timothy went to jail. He recalls burning down the house because he didn’t like his childhood and everything about the house reminded him of his past. Sometimes, Timothy talks and acts like a child, usually when he is nervous or anxious. He says he has a childlike spirit. When his father died of a heart attack, Timothy started smoking cigarettes again, which he isn’t proud of. He prides himself on being clean of drugs and alcohol addictions now. Although he is free of alcohol and drug addiction at the moment, a year ago Timothy lived in Chicago and got involved with a bad crowd. An acquaintance of Timothy’s stabbed him on the cheek, very close to his eye. He now has a scar just below his right eye. “He tried to gouge my eye out over drugs,” says Timothy, “The guy who did it used [drugs] and sold to get high. He said I owed him money [and] then just stabbed me.” Timothy ended up in Murfreesboro by riding his bicycle from Fort Wayne, Indiana. Before he rode his bike for travel, Timothy voyaged by what he calls “train hopping.” This is a process of riding train cars until he gets to a destination, which in Timothy’s

“I am caught off-guard. Not at the fact he is a polite person, but by the fact he appreciates me.”

case was Chicago. He says it’s a scary but fun experience. “The fun part is the wind through your hair,” says Timothy with a smile. “Couple days without food and water, though, you start to wonder what’s gonna happen next.” Eventually, I finish eating and we exit the Journey Home the way we entered. Timothy and I walk the short distance to my lime green 2002 VW bug as he lights up a smoke. I lean against my chilly car while we chat. The cigarette dwindles away. “You’re the first person to ever visit my camp,” says Timothy. It’s a pretty special feeling to know a homeless man trusts only you with the key to his house. We hop into my car and he directs me to his camp. He says he purposefully makes his campground difficult to get to so no one will make a point to go to his location. He succeeded, because this is quite the journey into the woods, one that I would never attempt again. While we are hiking, Timothy randomly giggles. “What?” I ask curiously. “It’s funny to see a diva like you going through the woods,” Timothy laughs again. We gather his belongings with the 27-degree winds nipping at our necks. Timothy doesn’t seem phased, but I am jumping up and down trying to warm up. He says I look like a chicken flapping its wings as he takes his time rolling up his tent. With five bags in his hands, he gives me a blue bag that contains his sleeping bag and a sign that says “Free Healing.” Timothy says he doesn’t fly signs, but he does carry this one. When I ask how he makes money for cigarettes, considering he doesn’t panhandle, he mentions that random people give him money without begging. He believes as a child of God he has everything he needs without panhandling, but with the random money he gets he buys occasional cigarettes. We make the long trek back to my car. It seems like miles in this cold weather, but realistically it’s probably just one mile, if that. He tosses all his stuff in my back seat and runs into the Marathon gas station to buy some coffee and use the restroom. Upon his arrival back to my car, we head to Hippie Hill. On I-24 East, we listen to Christian contemporary music on the radio. He sings along to every song. Once we hit Christiania, Timothy gazes out the window and talks about the beautiful landscape. He looks forward to riding his bike through the twisty roads all the way to Murfreesboro, planning to visit often. “Hey,” he says looking at me seriously, “Thank you. Thank you for this.” I am caught off-guard. Not at the fact

there are people on Hippie Hill. Luckily, he is a polite person, but by the fact he Timothy loves animals. We are greeted by a appreciates me. Most of the time, people group of five hippies as we reach the kitchen. don’t express genuine gratitude towards me The kitchen is composed of more than for driving them around town, and I don’t 200 bunk beds donated by MTSU. Members expect a thank you. of Hippie Hill disassembled the beds and “It’s no problem,” I say. “Today is your used the wood to create a building. The day.” building is used to cook and congregate as a My bug struggles to make it up the literal community. According to Dwight, a resident hill that the hippies live on. With each inch of the hill, there was no use for 200 beds in a that my tires grip the rocky hill, Timothy camp of 30 typical residents. Although Hipgets more nervous. Midway up the hill pie Hill residents don’t use the beds to sleep, there is a gate. We are just outside the gate they put the wood to good use as a structure of Hippie Hill. Timothy is getting anxious for a beautifully built room in which to cook. about meeting his new family as he opens There are two rooms that are separated the door of my parked car. by a wall with a large opening resembling I have never seen the electric gate closed a bar. One room is where the stoves are and I don’t know the password. Timothy is located. The other is a living room with devastated that our plan seemed to fail. a fireplace, dining table and chairs. All of “I knew I should’ve called [them],” he these elements are made out of materials says woefully. from the 200 bunk beds as well. “What are you talking about?” I ask. As soon as Timothy introduces himself “We are parking right here and walking up and mentions the new ordinance in Murthere.” freesboro, one of the hippies immediately I’m planning a way to sneak in. He offers him a place to stay. Timothy’s regains his excitement. There is a sign posted on the gate that new place is what they call says, “No Trespassing. “the bunk house.” It is Private Property.” a small shed with a We start walking bunk bed inside. towards the gate Mama Jeanie, one of the main to hop it when decision makers, Mama Jeanie, interjects with one of the leadher opinion of ers of Hippie Timothy stayHill, opens the ing on Hippie gate for my car Hill. to get through. “We can talk I assume she about it when remembers me you’re sober, actufrom other visits ally,” she says sternly. and allowed us in. I’m She thinks Timothy is a little disappointed we Standing tall high or drunk. He gets that can’t sneak in. on Hippie Hill reaction often because of his natuTimothy is mumbling words rally squinty eyes, happy energy and slow I can’t understand in a childlike voice and voice. Timothy is truly sober right now. drops all the contents of his pockets onto “I am sober, ma’am,” Timothy responds the ground by accident. I suggest that we politely. Mama Jeanie looks to me for confirleave his stuff in the car and introduce him mation. I nod. first. He seems relieved. “All right,” she says. We made it to Hippie Hill. Timothy and I walk to the best place to At the top of the hill, homemade street look out over the hill. It’s supposed to be the signs overwhelm our view. Some are handbest view on Hippie Hill. Timothy stands painted on wood and hanging on trees. next to the fence made of wood and looks Some are spray-painted on trailers with out at the beautiful pink and purple sunset. messages of freedom and rules. An abun“Everyone seems really nice,” I say. dance of trailers, broken-down VW buses, “Yeah,” whispers Timothy, “I don’t know ancient milk trucks and tepees are in this why I was so scared to come here.” encampment. The hippies live in these “How does it feel to have a room now?” I reclaimed treasures. ask. “You’re not homeless anymore!” A stage is centered next to the play“I’m not homeless,” says Timothy, “Home ground. They say it is used for concerts is just wherever I am at the moment.” that happen semi-annually. The most Timothy happily marches back to the well-known show is “AfterRoo.” This is a kitchen with a smile stretching across his show that occurs after Bonnaroo. Residents face. He takes a puff of a cigarette with his of Hippie Hill are used to having random new roommate and friends. He looks at me, people drop by, so AfterRoo is quite the still smiling, and raises his eyebrows as if to social event. say, “We finally made it.” Timothy says hello to every dog that We made it to Hippie Hill. approaches him. There are more dogs than BOROPULSE.COM

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LIVING

March is the time to get your seeds started indoors. Reuse newspapers by folding them into cups for seedlings.

FARMERS’ MARKET EDUCATION SERIES

by EDWINA SHANNON

The Green Thumb Itching to Go OUR MUCH ANTICIPATED SPRING is in the air, and in the ground, and stirring through the plants. The bright forsythia yellow and the exuberant redbud, which is a violet color, are two of my favorite heralds to this season. I consider the early spring bloomers to be the “warm-ups” to the garden, just prepping me and getting me ready for the next seven months. To feed this anticipation, I start to visit garden shows and nurseries and local garden centers. They are great places to see some beautiful displays, talk with vendors, attend lectures . . . soak in the ambiance of plants and spring. Not only are they a visual feast, but the employees can assist with your choices and answer your questions. They are a resource!

Research and Planning

As you peruse the staged beauty of shows and centers, realize that your home growing conditions are most likely different than what you are viewing. So enjoy and appreciate but before you buy, be informed! Will it work in your yard or garden? Does it fit in with your lifestyle? For example, if you are looking at a relaxing scene with a koi fish pond surrounded by plantings, ask yourself: before you buy everything, were you envisioning yourself with an outdoor fish tank? Do you have those skills? Do you have the time? So, my challenge to you is for you to develop a meaningful plan or a purpose for 20 * MARCH 2015 * BOROPULSE.COM

this season. Each season may have a different purpose. Are you growing food? Are you trying to get something to grow in the shade? Are you trying to create shade? Are you trying to eliminate that sporadic pond in your yard where the rain water collects? Have you always wanted a particular plant and need to choose a spot for it? Is your garden in a dry area or a moist area? Will you be watering? How much space do you have? Are you growing in pots on a patio or converting your yard or acreage to a new purpose? What type of soil are you growing in? Have you done a soil test within the last three years? If not, bring your soil sample to the Extension Office on John R. Rice Blvd. (There is a small fee for the analysis.) The reason of my series of questions is to get you thinking. First, recognize and be thankful for what you currently have. Then make your list of what you want.

The want list could include: Integrating potted plants onto your patio Adding fruits to your landscape Starting an herb garden or adding several plants to your landscape Trying a new vegetable Building a carrot box Converting tilled rows to raised garden beds Creating a drip irrigation system Collecting rain water Improving the topsoil Creating a composting system Planning successive planting to maximize your space

Get to Work

How can you develop what you have into what you want? Start with your basis, or if you have never had a garden, just choose a site and start. If possible, choose an almostlevel area with a slight slope towards the south. Then from your list, decide your priorities. Priorities can be based on constraints or on needs, and only you can decide what those are. Realize that gardening can be a lifelong project. It is a very satisfying hobby that many make into a business. If you have not already trimmed existing plantings or if your plants suffered from the February storms, trim and remove broken branches as soon as possible. Plantings for the spring crop can be done in March and April. You want to plant your cool-season vegetables in one area and your warm-season ones in another area. The first crop of the cool-season plants will be harvested by mid-summer. Then the same area can be replanted for a fall harvest. If possible, stagger your plantings too, so all aren’t ripening at the same time.

Spring-Planted Cool-Season Vegetables Include: Beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliﬂower, carrots, collards, kale, kohlrabi, mustard greens, onions, English peas, sugar peas, potatoes, radishes, spinach, Swiss chard, and turnips. Of these, beets, onions, radishes, spinach and Swiss chard can be planted in a shallow pot (less than 12 inches deep.) Carrots, broccoli, cabbage, cauliﬂower, and peas can be planted in a container that is 12–18 inches deep, while potatoes need a pot 18 or more inches deep. Cool-season vegetables require cool, moist soil and cool air temperatures to germinate, grow and produce maximum yield and quality. As shallow-rooted vegetables, they are susceptible to drought but respond well to nitrogen (fertilizer).

Take a few minutes to read the info on the back of the seed packets. When to plant outdoors, depth of planting the seed, width between plants, plant height, days to germinate and days to start to harvest are all listed. That info is necessary to help you plan the season’s gardens and any garden rotation. As a general statement, without regard to varieties, growing conditions and weather, cool-season vegetables are planted in this area from March 1 to April 1. A really good resource is the chart within the UT Extension’s publication “Guide to Spring-Planted, Cool-Season Vegetables” (pub SP 291-O, accessible online).

Indoor Starters

Warm-season vegetables can be started indoors. The biggest challenge is to provide enough light for growth. Spindly plants are an indicator of poor light. If you choose to start your own veggies, start with clean pots. A solution of 1/10 bleach to water will sterilize them. You want to use a starter medium as well, not soil from the garden. Seed-starting mixtures are usually composed of vermiculite and peat. You can make your own by mixing one-third part sand, one-third part peat moss and one-third loamy soil, then heating it in an oven for 30 minutes at 180 degrees to sterilize it. Fill the pots or flats with the potting mix, and water the mix before sowing seeds. The potting mix will settle down into the containers. Add more potting mix and water again, until the containers or cells are nearly full. There is no fertilizer in seed-starting mixtures, so water these with fertilizer mixed at half strength. Sow one seed per pot or cell. Try to sow within three weeks of transplanting into their outdoor location. Finish looking at the garden catalogs and remember to place your seed order for the whole year in the spring. You can refrigerate the seeds until planting time. If you have any leftover, seed is typically viable within 3 years of purchase, with the germination ratio diminishing each year. Seeds are also available at nurseries and garden centers. Plant your favorites but be brave and try a new vegetable this year, too!

E V O B A M O R F Y DISCOVER From pilotsin-training to joyriders, anyone can ﬂy with Murfreesboro Aviation STORY BY BRACKEN MAYO PHOTOS BY RICHARD CHISUM

Once you have tasted ﬂight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. — Leonardo da Vinci AS TREES BLOSSOM, the temperatures rise and the daylight hours expand, spring fever can hit and send you daydreaming about leaving the earth, seeking a temporary freedom from gravity, racing through the clouds and getting a little taste of the bird’s-eye view. That dream can turn into a reality fairly easily. Murfreesboro Aviation owner Jim Gardner wants the community to know that his operation not only offers flying lessons, airplane rentals and maintenance, but also Discovery Flights. These brief excursions, generally lasting a half-hour or a full hour, give anyone the chance to take in a brief tour of Murfreesboro and the surrounding terrain from the sky.

Murfreesboro Aviation owner Jim Gardner

Setting off on one of Murfreesboro Aviation’s Discovery Flights, a curious 5-year-old climbs aboard a four-seater Piper Warrior as pilot Johnny Ross performs the pre-flight inspections on the aircraft. After seat belts are fastened, he starts the engine. The pilot and passengers put on ear protection, complete the final checks and the Warrior taxis down to the end of the runway. The youngster’s nose is pressed against the glass window as Ross gets radio permission to take off, throttles up the aircraft and begins down the runway. In the matter of a few seconds, the craft is airborne, and objects on the ground below are growing smaller and smaller. The passengers take in the sights from above: MTSU, downtown Murfreesboro, Percy Priest Lake, the Nashville Superspeedway, the cars below looking smaller than ants creeping along the ground. “How fast can this plane go?” the boy’s father asks a few minutes later as they are

CHISUM-MULTIMEDIA.COM

Pilot Victor Huey (left) and an eager 5-year -old co-pilot

floating 1,500 feet above Rutherford County. “Let’s find out,” Ross said, as he quickly gets the single-engine craft up to 120 knots (about 138 mph), and he says that top speed can vary by 10 knots or so depending on headwind or tailwind. If this experience is something you, your friends or family have been lacking, you may want to consider scheduling one of these joyrides through the sky. Murfreesboro Aviation does offer aircraft maintenance and hangar service for those who own and fly their own airplane, as well as pilot training instruction. But while all that could take a significant financial investment, the business offers its Discovery Flights for those wanting to go up on a quick, affordable getaway. Victor Huey, another of Murfreesboro Aviation’s experienced pilots, says he loves to fly and encourages anyone looking to do something a little different to try out a Discovery Flight. Huey, who says he has been flying since he

View of Castle Gwynn in Triune

was 3, began his pilot training in 2007. Once he caught the airplane bug, it was hard for him to shake it. He says he is now more comfortable behind the controls of a plane than a car. “I’ll be driving down the highway (in a car) and realize I am driving down the center line, speeding up like I’m about to take off,” Huey said, after pointing out a secluded grass airstrip to his aircraft passengers, and explaining how to set the trim in a Cessna 172. Huey and the whole Murfreesboro Aviation crew invite anyone interested to schedule a time to fly, and whether the scenery is of fireworks in downtown Nashville on the 4th of July, or of the hills, quarries and countryside surrounding Murfreesboro, he says there’s lots to take in. To schedule a Discovery Flight, to get more information on obtaining a pilot license or get answers to general aviation questions, visit murfreesboroaviation.com or call (615) 494-1900. BOROPULSE.COM

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FOOD

Smashing!

Smashburger offers juicy burgers, fresh fries tossed in garlic and rosemary. STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTY SIMMONS

THE DISH NAME: Smashburger LOCATION: 541 N. Thompson Ln., Murfreesboro. PHONE: (615) 809-2226 HOURS: 10 a.m.–10 p.m. (Opens 11 a.m. Sundays) PRICE: Classic Smash $4.99; Add Regular Smash Fries for $1.99; Truffle Mushroom Swiss Burger $6.29 ONLINE: smashburger.com

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e all know that cheeseburgers and fries aren’t the healthiest choice for a meal. Heck, the same goes for just about anything fried or made from red meat. Sometimes, though, a powerful craving comes up that only a cheeseburger and fries can cure. If you’re going to give in to that craving, at least make sure that the burger and fries are worth the extra time at the gym. No crappy drive-through burger should be used to scratch this particular itch. Those things are awful. Nope, when I get a craving, one of the places I go to is Smashburger. In fact, I have been there twice in the past two weeks, purely for research purposes (wink, wink). If you haven’t been to this small eatery, located right down the sidewalk from Gigi’s Cupcakes on Thompson Lane, then I don’t know what you’re waiting for. It’s delicious. Fresh, hand-“smashed,” pure beef burgers, served with a profusion of tasty toppings on brioche buns that remind me of those blessed rolls from Logan’s Roadhouse. The burgers are juicy and messy, just the way they should be. (Say it with me: “Fat is flavor.”) They have several different types of burgers to choose from, including one available only locally, called the Tennessee Burger, that features Jack Daniel’s BBQ sauce, American cheese, grilled garlic jalapeños and grilled onions. My favorite is the Truffle Mushroom Swiss, topped with truffle mayo, sauteed crimini mushrooms and aged Swiss cheese. This is the first item I have ordered from a chain restaurant that claims to have truffles involved where I can actually taste the truffles. I get it every

time I go there. I keep telling myself that I will get something different, but I never do. I just end up taking a bite from whatever my husband gets. If you aren’t a fan of beef or don’t eat meat at all, there are options for you as well. You can get any of the burger flavors offered with grilled or crispy chicken, or a black bean patty for the vegetarians. If you have the willpower of a nun when faced with juicy burgers and you want something healthier, there are several salads available to choose from. Not possessing any of that willpower, I can’t tell you what they taste like, but I am sure they are perfectly fine, for a salad. The burgers don’t take all of the glory, though. Some of it must be reserved for the plethora of sides you can choose from to accompany your burger. There are regular fries, sweet potato fries, thin and crispy onion tanglers; they even have flash-fried green beans and carrot strips or buffalo fries, served with ranch dressing. But if you are a first-time visitor of Smashburger, don’t even look at the other choices. Just order the SmashFries. They take their fries and they toss them with garlic, rosemary and olive oil. The flavor is insane and highly addictive. The hand-dipped milkshakes are great too, especially the peanut butter and jelly one. So, the next time you get a craving, I hope you’ll take my advice and visit Smashburger. It’s rare for me to be so passionate about a chain restaurant, but I have yet to be disappointed by this place. I am so happy that we have one here in Murfreesboro!

KIDS EAT FREE (or Almost)

Feed yourself and your kiddos at a great price. BY ANDREA STOCKARD APPLEBEE’S 2896 S. Rutherford Blvd. Tuesdays, 5 p.m. to close: Receive up to 2 free kids meals for each adult meal purchase CAPTAIN D’S 323 N.W. Broad St., 239 Cason Ln. Thursdays: Up to 2 free kids meals with any adult entree purchase CHEF WANG’S 1145 N.W. Broad St. Mondays, 4 p.m. to close: Kids 5 and under eat free with adult meal purchase CHICK-FIL-A 2005 Old Fort Pkwy. Tuesdays: Kids eat free with adult entree purchase (Limit 1 child per adult) CICI’S PIZZA 710 Memorial Blvd., Ste. 220 Every day: Kids under 3 eat free with adult buffet purchase

FARMER’S FAMILY RESTAURANT 1958 Old Fort Pkwy. Daily: Kids 2 and under eat free with adult purchase; ages 3–6 eat for 99¢ (beverage included) with adult purchase FAZOLI’S 835 Old Fort Pkwy. Tuesdays 5–8 p.m.: Free kids meals with purchase of adult entree (dine-in only) FIREHOUSE SUBS 2018 Medical Center Pkwy. Wednesdays, 4 p.m. to close: Kids 12 and under receive a free kids meal with an adult medium combo purchase GENGHIS GRILL 1650 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste. 2250 Tuesdays: Children 11 and under receive one free kids bowl with the purchase of adult bowl (dine-in only) CONTINUED >>> BOROPULSE.COM

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23 GONDOLIER 219 N.W. Broad St. Every day, 5–8 p.m.: Kids 13 and under get a choice of spaghetti with meat sauce or marinara sauce with the purchase of adult entree (Limit 1 child per adult) McALISTER’S DELI 1624 Memorial Blvd. Thursday 4 p.m. to close and all day Saturday: Children 12 and under get a free kids meal

PIZZA HUT 1114 Mercury Blvd. 1718 Memorial Blvd. Tuesdays, 5–8 p.m.: Kids 10 and under get 1 free buffet with adult buffet purchase SHONEY’S 1950 S. Church St. Saturdays: Kids 3 and under get a free buffet with adult meal purchase (Kids age 4–10 get half-off buffet) SIR PIZZA 1902 E. Main St. 110 Barﬁeld Crescent Rd. 3219 Memorial Blvd. 11 a.m.–2 p.m. Monday through Friday; 5–8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday: One free kids buffet with each adult buffet purchase for children 5 and under TOOT’S 860 N.W. Broad St. 2992 S. Church St. Sunday–Thursday: Free hot dog basket for kids under 12 with purchase of adult entree

OLD CHICAGO 1835 Old Fort Pkwy. Tuesdays 4–9 p.m.: $2 make-yourown kids pizza (beverage included) PITA PIT 2943 S. Rutherford Blvd. Every day, 5–9 p.m.: Kids 12 and under get a free kids pita with purchase of one regular size pita

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YOUR BURGER 206 N. Thompson Ln. Wednesdays, 4–7 p.m.: Kids eat free with adult meal purchase ZAXBY’S 905 Old Fort Pkwy. 2890 S. Rutherford Blvd. 2678 S. Church St. Mondays 5–8 p.m.: 99-cent kids meals (beverage included)

Coffee

Talk BY SEAN HAND

Tips for

Storing and Brewing Great Coffee ✱ STORAGE:

• Buy no more coffee than the amount you’ll use in a week to 10 days. Also, make sure that the coffee that you are purchasing is at least 24 to 48 hours out of the roaster. This gives it time to release CO2 from the roasting process. This is called “degassing” or “off-gassing.” It allows the coffee time to develop truly great ﬂavor. • BUY WHOLE BEANS and grind just before brewing. This is the only way to extract the maximum ﬂavor from your fresh roasted coffee. • DO NOT STORE YOUR COFFEE IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR FREEZER. Ice crystals can form inside the beans in the freezer, and moisture can leach into the beans in the refrigerator. Keep it wrapped up tightly in the bag that it came in, away from light, heat, air and moisture.

✱ BREWING IN A FRENCH PRESS:

• Place 1½–2 oz. of fresh, coarsely ground coffee into the bottom of the French Press. • Bring fresh, cold, ﬁltered water to a boil and then allow it to cool about 60 seconds before pouring it into the press. • The proper water temperature for brewing is between 195 and 205 degrees Fahrenheit. Boiling water (212° F) can bring out oils and other soluble compounds, which can cause your coffee to taste bitter, sour or off-tasting. • Pour ¾ of the hot water over the grounds. • The mixture should bubble up, releasing CO2. This is called “blooming” or “the bloom.” This action will show you how fresh your coffee is. No bloom = stale coffee. When the bloom settles down, after about 20–30 seconds, give it a quick stir and

pour the rest of the water over the grounds to ﬁll the press. • The coffee will (slightly) bloom one more time. Gently stir the coffee for about 30–45 seconds. • Place the plunger lid assembly on the top of the French Press. • Carefully press the ﬁlter screen to the bottom of the press and enjoy a cup of perfectly brewed coffee!

✱ GOURMET COFFEE:

Nuance Coffee and Tea specializes in light to medium-dark roasted coffees in the “Scandinavian” style using “ﬂuid bed” hot air roasters. Nuance coffee is served at The Church at Cross Point, and its Thursday night Bonhoeffer’s events, and its coffees have also been blended into Mayday Brewery small-batch beers. Nuance also operates a Coffee Co-op, which works just like a CSA. Members pay for each consecutive 10-week round upfront, and will receive their choice of a full pound or a half pound of coffee each week for 10 weeks. They will receive a different coffee each week during the 10-week rounds. Coffee is available whole bean unless the member requests it to be ground. Sean Hand is the Roast Master and Tea Specialist for Nuance Coffee & Tea, a small-batch, artisan roaster of specialtygrade coffees, and purveyor of luxury loose-leaf teas, located in Murfreesboro, TN. Nuance products can be purchased through the Stones River Market, or by joining its Coffee Co-op; Coffee Co-op members receive a different full pound or a half pound of coffee each week. For more information, contact Sean at nuancecoffeeandtea@gmail.com. BOROPULSE.COM

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LIVING ROOM CINEMA

REVIEWS

column by NORBERT THIEMANN

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50 SHADES OF GREY

It’s not for a lack of trying. Dakota Johnson is genuinely winning as Anastasia and she gives the character a spirit that was missing from the page. She also lends honesty to the sex scenes, giving them a thread of eroticism the film desperately needed. The director (Sam Taylor-Johnson) also does her best during these scenes by focusing on Johnson’s face and quivering body parts. It almost works, but fails because Christian Grey himself is a certified dud.

Jamie Dornan is handsome but boyish. He seems visibly uncomfortable in the role and that gives his scenes with Anastasia an awkwardness that punctures the little sexual tension they manage to create. The only aspect of Christian Grey that Dornan seems capable of playing is the character’s menace. There’s been much discussion over whether the book romanticizes abuse, and while the film tones down some of the book’s seedier elements, it still doesn’t do enough to temper the fact that Christian Grey is a stalker and a creep. His actions in the final sequence are legitimately upsetting; I left the film hoping Anastasia stays away from him instead of wishing for them to be together. 50 Shades of Grey is bad film with a bad message, but its ultimate sin is that it’s boring. I went in hoping for a fun time and what I got was a film about sex that feels like a chore. — CECILIA SINKALA

with bringing in a new recruit after one of their agents meets his demise. Enter newcomer Taron Egerton as Eggsy, the Eliza Doolittle to Galahad’s Henry Higgins. Egerton nails the intelligent yet troubled criminal youth-cumsuper spy, and more than holds his own against such heavyweights as Colin Firth and the Kingsman’s leader, Arthur (Michael Caine). While Eggsy and his posh classmates train and vie for the sole open position on the Kingsman’s roster, the film’s tech-mogul and super-villain, Valentine (Jackson),

and his sword-footed henchwoman, Gazelle, plot a plot so devilish it almost makes sense. It involves global warming and triggering everyone’s most violent urges while inhibiting impulse control, but the film is self aware enough to realize that the important part is that its villain have an over-the-top lisp and his henchwoman be equipped with razor-sharp blades for legs. We’ve come a long way since the in-your-face self-referencing of the ’90s, but if I see another movie with the line “this isn’t that kind of movie,” then I don’t know what. Thankfully, Kingsman: The Secret Service knows better than to include the self-congratulatory, aren’t-we-clever wink after such so-called “jokes,” and gets a pass just for giving the James Bondmeets-Austin Powers spy genre its due justice. Also noteworthy: Mark Hamill as a British professor and a super WTF moment at a Kentucky hate church. — JAY SPIGHT

Starring: Dakota Johnson, Jamie Dornan, Jennifer Ehle Directed by: Sam Taylor-Johnson Rated R Few properties in recent times have been subject to more discussion than 50 Shades of Grey. Since the release of the first book in 2011, it has been the target of tremendous outrage, scorn and ridicule. I read the first book in 2012 and while I hated the content, I loved making fun of it with my friends. The book is weirdly enjoyable in how awful it is and I was hoping the film would at least give me that same feeling. Unfortunately, it did not meet my low expectations. 50 Shades of Grey tells the story of college student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson), who, filling in for a sick friend, interviews mysterious billionaire

MOVIE Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan). They are immediately enamored with each other and begin a sexual relationship in which he introduces her to his secret world of bondage, dominance and submission. That is basically where the plot ends and the movie then alternates between sex and scenes in which Christian badgers Anastasia into becoming his submissive. That’s also when the movie falls apart, because it becomes clear the two leads have no chemistry.

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE 4

Starring: Colin Firth, Samuel L. Jackson, Mark Strong Directed by: Matthew Vaughn Rated R Kingsman: The Secret Service is one of those well-made genre pieces destined to live in obscurity. Like the well-reviewed, seldom remembered Shoot ’em Up, The Crazies, or Zombieland, Kingsman’s highly enjoyable and hyper-kinetic take on its well-worn genre of choice, the secret-agent spy flick, gets everything right while stopping just short of adding anything new. As is any good spy movie worth its salt, Kingsman is steeped in all things British, starting with its unlikely top agent, Colin Firth (code name Galahad), bringing his kingly charm to the role. His inRATINGS:

herent Colin Firth-ness enhances the whiz-bang action sequences to such a gleeful degree because of the sheer improbability, but utter capability, of his ass-kicking aptitude. If he stays the course, Colin Firth could pull a Liam Neeson minus the complete lack of joy, though my gut tells me this film was something of a lark for Firth. As a member of the world’s most secret (and most British) secret service (the Kingsman’s HQ is located beneath a tailor who supplies all their bulletproof bespoke suits), Galahad is charged A CLASSIC

OUTSTANDING

AVERAGE

BELOW AVERAGE

Imprisoned in Time . . . Aren’t We All?

The Wall (Die Wand) (2012) is directed by Julian Roman Polsler, and stars Martina Gedeck. What turns out to be a virtual life sentence in seclusion started out as a mere vacation. A woman’s narrow view of her surroundings suggests that the remainder of the world has been frozen in time. Contemplation ensues.

Synecdoche, New York (2008) is written and directed by Charlie Kaufman. Although he has been a monumental success as a screenwriter since the early 1990s, this is Kaufman’s triumphant directorial debut. The great Phillip Seymour Hoffman was cast as a playwright who ﬁnds himself in personal turmoil just as he is being awarded a coveted grant to produce a major work. The rehearsals last for decades as he tries to marry art to his interwoven and disjointed reality.

Groundhog Day (1993) is written and directed by Harold Ramis. Normally I do not go out of my way to recommend ﬁlms created for mass appeal, but this is a special exception. Bill Murray stars as a reporter who must relive the same day over for what seems like eternity. It’s ample time to play within the fabric and affect the lives of others, only to reboot the next day. AVOID AT ALL COSTS BOROPULSE.COM

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G AME Grand Theft Auto V 4½ 4 5

REVIEW BY SPENCER DOUGLAS THE BEAUTY OF GRAND THEFT AUTO HAS also been its biggest crux: freedom. Grand Theft Auto’s freedom has never been more true than with its newest spawn. Grand Theft Auto V (or 5 on the newest generation of systems) has yielded some very interesting results. First of all, it is one of the most beautiful games ever built, and there are articles online that show just how similar to actual photos GTA5 actually is. GTA5 is known for being “violent” and lacks any compassion for a fellow human being. But how true is that opinion? GTA5 I believe, does just what all the other Grand Theft Auto games have done in the past, but hit their mark more efficiently in this installation. This is accomplished in the first-person mode. Grand Theft Auto has always skirted the line between genius and insanity, and it likes where it lives. The genius is not necessarily in the game design, but in how the player uses the game design. Sure, famously, you can kill ladies of the night and take back the cash you paid them. However, the game doesn’t really reward you for doing so, and in fact punishes you for it (as the money is not equal to that which was initially paid). The Grand Theft Auto series thrives on letting the player have moral choices, but these choices aren’t scripted. These choices just occur by free-roaming the city, and the game doesn’t judge you one way or the other. Rockstar is not trying to force anyone to do anything, but they are certainly not trying to stop any player from doing anything they want to do. However, if you are killed or arrested (which will happen when you break the law) the game will take money from the player. There is one exception to this, with full spoiler warning. At one point in the campaign you will be forced to torture another human, and I did find this rather disturbing. The scene itself wasn’t graphic, and had purpose and feeling to it, but it can leave a bad taste in one’s mouth. The first-person mode emphasizes this moral decision-making even more. It may seem like a small addition, but it is quite the opposite. Including such a mode will likely make players feel as though every choice they make hits closer to the heart, as it seems as if the player is doing this rather than just a character on screen. Games like Lionhead’s Fable series may pride itself in choices made, but the choices are forced and pre28 * MARCH 2015 * BOROPULSE.COM

determined with a predisposed plot line in place to hold the player’s hand in feeling a certain way. GTA5 does no such thing. It simply . . . is. It may not necessarily be the best “sandbox game” available, but it is the greatest “choice” game available. You can complete their story mode or not, but the entire city is yours to do with as you wish. An individual can just sit on the beach and do absolutely nothing except soak up the rays of the sun and drive around the cars that the characters paid for, or the player can play the missions that reveal corruption, lies, espionage and burglary (if they so choose). Their single-player heist missions are the game’s best part, and have complex planning attached to them. It is a rare opportunity that a game, or anything else for that matter, allows an individual to indulge in any activity they want. Be it golf, tennis, racing, mountain biking, hiking, SCUBA-diving, hunting or sightseeing. GTA5 actually has it all and never forces the player to do anything they don’t want to do unless they want to progress the story, and it does so in style. GTA5 also supports Multiplayer online, and allows up to 30 people to play competitively in several different game types, such as: racing (land, air, and sea), deathmatch, and objectivetype games. It also features extensive unlockables and co-op missions. It allows you to buy property and cars online that you can use in missions. Finally, Rockstar has announced that its “heist” mode will be available for players before April 14, 2015 (the PC release date), and will allow players to plan complex heist missions online with their friends. GTA5 has learned from its many design flaws over the years, such as: the eating/workout system of San Andreas, the dating of GTA4 and not being able to swim. GTA5 wants you to explore the world of Los Santos (GTA5’s setting), and play the side quests and minigames, but doesn’t make you. The choice is in the player’s hands, and if the player decides to be a stone-cold killer the game does not reward them. If the player decides to wander around aimlessly getting lost in the mountains while hunting wildlife the game does not reward them. This is how sandbox games work when done properly, and is a must-own for anyone who loves sandbox-type games. (GTAV is currently available on PS4, XBOX1, PS3 and XBOX 360. Available on PC on April 14, 2015). Find Pulse Video Game Reviews on Facebook for discussions with our video game writers and editors, and to share your experiences.

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ART

A ROARING GOOD PARTY Center for the Arts’ Boardwalk Bash set for March 28. BY SARAH H. CLARK

his year, the Center for the Arts’ sixth annual Bash fundraiser will take you back—to the Roaring Twenties, that is. Loosely themed around the imagery and ambiance of HBO’s hit TV show Boardwalk Empire, the Boardwalk Bash will feature cocktails, dinner and dancing. The event will take place on March 28 and will be held both inside the theater at 110 W. College St. and in tents on the street outside. Cocktails will be served as the party kicks off at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner catered by Maple Street

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Grill at 7. Dancing with live music by local band The Pilots (who also played at last year’s Bash) will follow at 8 p.m. Details for the party are still evolving, but the committee hopes to offer 1920s cars, art deco décor, vintage period jazz music and plenty of lights. To further capture the spirit of the lively Twenties, they plan to project silent movies inside the theater and maybe even provide a vaudeville-style show, palm reading booth and roving cigarette girls (and guys!). Special guests at the event may include Al Capone, Coco Chanel and other icons of the era. The Boardwalk Bash will also feature a silent auction in the Center’s Gallery, which the event’s planners hope to deck out as a Prohibition-style speakeasy. Guests are encouraged, though not required, to carry over the

event’s theme into their dress: “flapper style, or a three-piece suit and hat for men,” suggests Art Growden, owner of Art Growden Creative and Center for the Arts board member. “It’s going to be a really fun party,” he adds. The annual Bash is the primary fundraiser for the Center for the Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching and entertaining our community. “It’s all for a good cause, to help the Center and to help them do their educational programs,” says Growden. The Center offers not only quality performances to the community, but also after-school programs and summer camps for kids interested in acting and the arts through their Center Stage Academy program. The theme for this year’s bash was inspired by the Center’s play series for this year, entitled The Classics. Upcoming shows this season will include The Music Man (April 10–26), Bonnie and Clyde (May 15–31), West Side Story (July 17–Aug. 2), and Harvey (Sept. 11–20). Performers are drawn from Murfreesboro and the surrounding area, and according to the Center’s website, an average of 20,000 attendees come to their performances each year. “The experience of live theater is magical,” the Center states on its website. With the help of those who contribute, attend shows, and come to the Boardwalk Bash, citizens of Rutherford County and beyond can continue to experience that magic right here in Murfreesboro. Learn more about the Center for the Arts or purchase tickets for upcoming shows at boroarts.org. Tickets for the Boardwalk Bash are $100 each, or you can reserve a table for 10 for $1,000.

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OPINIONS EVERYONE LOSES AFTER GIRLS’ TEAMS TRY TO THROW TOURNAMENT BASKETBALL GAME

The

STOCKARD REPORT BY SAM STOCKARD

to throw brick after brick at the backboard or if she simply had a bad shooting night. This will be a tough one to get over for a lot of people, and for a long time. But maybe, just maybe, we all learned a little something about ourselves as a society.

DAVID VS. GOLIATH

If he misappropriated money from the Young Republicans and refused to return it, he should certainly pay. The club’s chairman, Scott Kimberly, said board members gave David a chance to refund them before he called the sheriff ’s office. David says he wants his day in court. He’ll probably get that opportunity soon enough. Unfortunately, $570 is enough to merit a felony theft charge, something that could haunt him for years. But the question remains: How many people are extradited for stealing $500? By the time the sheriff, a U.S. marshal or anyone else brings David back from Virginia to Tennessee, it would cost another $500, if not double that. Oh well, apparently, wasting taxpayers’ money is better than wasting Young Republicans’ money.

Rutherford County Sheriff Robert Arnold pursued extradition of former City Council candidate Axl David from Virginia on a $570 theft charge after he allegedly embezzled the money as treasurer of the Rutherford County Young Republicans. Arnold reportedly said he treated the case the same as he would any other. One wonders why Arnold didn’t do the extradition himself. After all, early in his first term he traveled to San Francisco and Alaska for extraditions. Afterward, he said, “Rank has its privileges.” Of course, the second-term Republican probably doesn’t want to pick up David and State Rep. Rick Womick is an interesting with their principals. Recruiting players, skirtride back home with him because David’s been fellow. ing practice rules and playing “bracketology” a thorn in his side for the past couple of years. Two years ago he sponsored legislation to basketball are simply a means to an end. Last December he posted video of the sheriff ’s eliminate hotel per diems for state lawmakers One of the most disappointing things about nephew, Deputy James Vanderveer, working who live within 50 miles of the state Capitol this situation is the coaches’ messages to the a DUI checkpoint. Vanderveer resigned from and give them a mileage reimbursement girls: You’re not good enough to win next week, the sheriff ’s office a few years ago after being instead. so lose tonight. Forget about N.C. State’s miracharged with DUI and was later rehired. This year, he defends his right to receive cle win over Houston in 1983 and all the other David also claims he posted a YouTube state health insurance—even though legislaCinderella stories in the NCAA video of a jail inmate tors work part time—while reTournament over the years, along being confined and fusing to support the governor’s with hundreds of TSSAA games in pepper-sprayed by Insure Tennessee plan to aid which district champions lost the Vanderveer. The 280,000 working people caught first game of the region tournasituation is now the in a coverage gap. ment and went home for the year. subject of a federal Despite resistance in 2013 It happens all the time. lawsuit. from legislators who said he There was no guarantee either Ever since he would create a situation in of these teams would have won came onto Murfreeswhich only rich people could the first game of the region boro’s political scene afford to serve in the General tournament so they could get to a couple of years Assembly, Womick reasoned AXL DAVID RICK WOMICK Blackman, just as there was no ago, David has been they shouldn’t be getting $107 guarantee Blackman would win its opener. a thorn in the side of several politicians. He a day for lodging since many of them drove The fallout for these girls comes when they criticized Murfreesboro’s red-light camera en- home for the night. look back over their high school careers in forcement, took pot shots at the sheriff over Instead, they started receiving 46 cents 20 years and realize: I tanked it in the 2015 DUI checkpoints, etc. per mile for travel, in addition to the $66 a district tournament. It would be a tough way Interestingly enough, David says he acday for meals and incidents. That’s on top of for a senior to go out. For the coaches, both complished major spiritual growth over the salaries around $19,000. of whom have had good careers, it should be past few months. He was volunteering to It was the right move to make, especially their last game in Tennessee and a lesson to all work services at Encounter, a group at The with some of the hoopla surrounding lawmakthose who follow. Experience Community, a church on Old ers’ per diems. A few years earlier, now-former Unfortunately, when people shell out $6 to Salem Pike. But many of the discrepancies in state Rep. Joe Carr of Lascassas received go to a game from now on, they’ll be sitting in the Young Republicans’ bank account were approval from the Legislative Administration the stands wondering if one of the girls meant recorded at this same time. Office to gross mileage payments without paying taxes on them, claiming he lived outside the Capitol’s 50-mile zone. Truth be told, he lived inside the 50 miles, but when he left his Lascassas farm off Overall Creek Road, he drove through Walter Hill on CONTINUED ON PAGE 38

LEGISLATIVE LARGESSE

Riverdale-Smyrna girls’ basketball games usually don’t make the CBS morning news or ESPN talk shows. But one did in late February, after both teams tried to lose the consolation game of the District 7-AAA tournament so they wouldn’t meet national power Blackman in a region tournament elimination round. For those who didn’t attend the game, the situation was hard to comprehend until the network showed footage. Sure enough, girls were banging free throws off the backboard, taking intentional 10-second back-court calls, going over and back at half-court and dancing around each other on offense and defense. One of the girls tried to score at the other team’s basket. Rutherford County Schools Director Don Odom suspended Riverdale’s Cory Barrett and Smyrna’s Shawn Middleton from coaching for the 2015–16 season after the TSSAA ruled the teams ineligible for the rest of the tournament, put them on probation for next year and fined the schools $1,500. Smyrna Principal Rick Powell said he had already decided to remove Middleton from coaching. They both deserve to be fired. But they’re only part of the problem. Principals put too much pressure on coaches to win, a serious problem in Rutherford County for the last 20 years or more. When that happens, they have little choice but to win at all costs. Giving young people a chance to have fun playing ball and enjoy their high school years doesn’t mean a damn thing to many coaches and administrators around here. All the coaches care about is winning championships so they can get a little leverage in bargaining 34 * MARCH 2015 * BOROPULSE.COM

“Oh well, apparently, wasting taxpayers’ money is better than wasting Young Republicans’ money.”

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Murfreesboro’s Music Through the Decades BY GLORIA CHRISTY

A Song That Changed America:

“The Battle Hymn of the Republic”

lmost beyond hearing, a church bell clamored faintly in the distance. From the isolation of its steeple, snowflakes swirled and descended on the hillside against a barren ground. Shadowy figures lay heavy in the cold, blankets wrapped and curled around their bodies in the fallen snow. Immense oaks and sycamores animated the scene, their skeleton-like branches hovering as Julia’s eyes gazed across the countryside with its hundreds of glowing fires. It was December, 1861. Everything in Washington was changing. Only days before, an attack by the Confederates had caused much excitement. Now, the Federals guarded the railroads and the streets were filled with thousands of marching soldiers. (Note: Decades of growing strife between North and South erupted in civil war on April 12, 1861, when Confederate artillery opened fire on this Federal fort in Charleston Harbor in South Carolina.) For nearly 20 years, Julia Ward Howe had experienced a personal battle of her own. Her tumultuous marriage to Samuel Gridley Howe was plagued by forces out of her control—infidelity and violence, including both physical and verbal abuse. Her husband’s controlling behavior and threats of taking the children away kept her locked in this abusive relationship, one which was commonplace for a 19th-century woman. Julia herself had not been patient or kind. Many times, she could hardly restrain herself from hurling venomous accusations. No doubt her emotional pain caused her to respond in hurtful ways. Nevertheless, Julia and Sam agreed to retreat from the hostility, call a truce, and stay in the marriage. Although they remained in the union, the two became antagonistic foes victimized by their inability to find healthy ways to cope and build a loving relationship. Now, along with a party of friends—other abolitionists who had come to review the situation—Julia found herself walking alongside her husband at a transformative time in American history. Fort Sumter had changed a united country into enemies. Families were divided—brother against brother, father against son. She nervously pulled her plaid shawl around her as this compelling scene gave way to clusters of young Yankee soldiers camped in the cold. Under the snow-laden landscape, heaps of dried, brown, November leaves were crushed by her footsteps. Long ago, she, too, had been crushed, defeated by the pain of her hopeless situation. Perhaps in haste to leave home, and against her family’s wishes, Julia married Samuel. After all, he had admired her ideas, her quick mind, her wit, her active commitment to the causes he also shared. But Samuel believed that married women should not have a life outside the home, that they should support their husbands and that they should not speak publicly or be active themselves in the causes of the day. This was counter to Julia’s temperament and personality.

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As director at Perkins Institute for the Blind, Samuel Howe lived with his family on campus in a small house. Julia and Samuel had their six children there. Julia, respecting her husband’s wishes, lived in isolation in that home, with little contact with the wider community of Perkins Institute or Boston. Julia attended church and wrote poetry, yet it became hard for her to maintain her isolation, and she was not the most patient person. Thomas Wentworth Higginson wrote of her in this period: Bright things always came readily to her lips, and a second thought sometimes came too late to withhold a bit of a sting. Julia wanted to immediately forget what she had witnessed, but it became embedded in her mind and stirred her to action, as had happened so many times before. A relentless pounding in her chest . . . she had to respond the only way she knew . . . she must write! Something remarkable was happening! Without hesitation, this gritty woman was empowered, inspired and driven. Her words were precious freedom not only to her soul, but resonated hope for the generations that would follow. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord / He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored / He hath loosed the fateful lightening of His terrible swift sword / His truth is marching on / Glory, glory, hallelujah Years later she described how the song was written: In spite of the excitement of the day I went to bed and slept as usual, but awoke the next morning in the gray of the early dawn, and to my astonishment found that the wished-for lines were arranging themselves in my brain. I lay quite still until the last verse had completed itself in my thoughts, then hastily arose, saying to myself, I shall lose this if I don’t write it down immediately. I searched for an old sheet of paper and an old stub of a pen which I had had the night before, and began to scrawl the lines almost without looking, as I learned to do by often scratching down verses in the darkened room when my little children were sleeping. Having completed this, I lied down again and fell asleep, but not before feeling that something of importance had happened to me. “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the great Civil War song, became an American anthem of righteousness and power. Composed in a flash of inspiration to the tune of the marching song “John Brown’s Body,” the poem was published in The Atlantic Monthly in February of 1862. However, “Battle Hymn” was popularized as a song by Union chaplain Charles Cardwell McCabe, who often included it in his lectures and sang it on important occasions. The hymn was also a favorite of Abraham Lincoln, who reportedly cried when he first heard it. Knowingly, Howe wanted Lincoln to be moved by the sentiment of the song and free the slaves. Although slow to embrace abolitionism, Howe had become caught up in the drama of John Brown’s martyrdom for his failed attack on Harp-

ers Ferry. Her powerful Biblical imagery linking the Old Testament prophesies in Isaiah of vengeance and redemption framed the Civil War as a Christian crusade, and her lyrics became the battle cry for freedom. The music to “John Brown’s Body” and “Battle Hymn” is based on an old Protestant hymn sung across the frontier by the settlers. The folk tunes from oral tradition were a part of a collection of songs sung at camp meetings at the turn of the 19th century during the Second Great Awakening. Up until the Civil War, these tunes and texts were interspersed through camp meeting songbooks throughout America, consequently having an influence on Howe’s inspiration for “The Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Held by the Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians for worship, preaching, and communion, camp meetings were a part of the religious experience during the Second Great Awakening at the turn of the 19th century in America. Many camp meetings were held here in Rutherford County. One of the most popular and enduring was the Windrow Camp Revival, held near the Rockvale community. A song which inspired “Battle Hymn,” “Glory Hallelujah,” was perhaps sung at a Windrow camp meeting. These highly energy-charged meetings became a persuasive atmosphere and the moral climate for social and cultural change regarding slavery in all of America. For over 150 years, from 1812 until 1968, the Windrow Camp Revival hosted tens of thousands with its traveling circuits. The event was responsible for 3,000 to 4,000 conversions. There is no doubt that this homespun, “holy fair” camp at Windrow was one of the most remarkable ever held in the state. Not only did it play a vital role in the spiritual and social life of Rutherford County, the camp meeting revivals inspired cultural and social reform, challenging institution of slavery all across America. From her inspired camp-meeting song, Julia Ward Howe’s powerful, brush-stroked verses in “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” would touch others in a manner that few songs have ever done in American history. “The Star Spangled Banner” wasn’t officially adopted as the United States’ national anthem until 1931; “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” the most important song of the Northern side of the American Civil War, was effectively the national anthem until then. Later, this woman patriot became one of the most popular women in America, leading the suffrage movement, becoming an influential force behind the national adoption of Mother’s Day and continuing to write all types of literature (she spoke several languages). In her day, many Americans referred to Howe as the “Queen of America.” Could it be that the “King of the Ages” is sending a message today through these lyrics? We can emerge victoriously through our circumstances, whether personal or public, if we just believe! His truth is marching on . . . glory, glory, hallelujah! BOROPULSE.COM

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 34 Jefferson Pike, then turned south and went down state Route 840 before picking up at I-24 and heading northwest to Nashville. The route gave him more than 50 miles. Carr contended he could get to Nashville quicker that way than by driving through Smyrna. Maybe he could, but since he’s no longer in the Legislature, we’ll let it go. Now, however, Womick opposes Gov. Bill Haslam’s Insure Tennessee plan, which was killed in a Senate committee in early February before it reached the House or Senate floor for debate. Womick contends Haslam’s plan to use funds from the Affordable Care Act was “smoke and mirrors,” with nothing in writing and no guarantees. Womick claims the governor even misled lawmakers, telling them it wouldn’t cost Tennessee a thing early on. Of course, Haslam did forget to mention a $15 million fiscal note, the price tag to administer it. Presumably, the state’s hospitals were going to cover costs the feds didn’t pay. But here’s the catch: Womick, a Rockvale resident, along with state Rep. Dawn White of Murfreesboro, Rep. Mike Sparks of Smyrna and Sen. Jim Tracy of Bedford County—all Republicans—are receiving coverage through the state’s insurance plan, which pays 80 percent of their premiums, according to information obtained by the Associated Press through an open records request. State Sen. Bill Ketron of Murfreesboro and Rep. Bryan Terry, both Republicans, were the only members of the Rutherford delegation not listed as receiving state insurance coverage. Asked how they could justify receiving coverage through the state while opposing Insure Tennessee, Tracy and White said little other than they are state employees receiving a benefit. Sparks said he was somewhat uncomfortable with getting the benefit. But Womick, when asked about it, said state coverage for legislators is no different than coverage other people

receive through their private companies. “Now whether I’m working for a major company, a private company like an airline or an automotive company, and they offer health care, I’m going to have my own premiums each month, but they’re also subsidizing that health insurance plan. So this is no different with the state government,” Womick said. Going further, Womick looks at the governor’s proposal as an attempt by working Tennesseans to prey on others for their insurance. “I’m not doing that. I’m paying a premium as an employee. I’m working for this state. I’m working for the people, and that is a benefit. It is not a handout. It is not free socialized medicine, as the governor might like to address. And he doesn’t have to worry about it. He’s got a multi-billion dollar company. He doesn’t even take a salary, so if he wants to point the finger, that’s fine,” Womick said. Of course, Womick did call Haslam a traitor last year for using a political action committee to try to unseat Republicans he didn’t favor in the Legislature. It’s unlikely Haslam lost much sleep over Womick’s characterization. After all, he is one of the richest politicians in America, thanks to the success of Pilot Flying J truck stops across the nation. One way of looking at it is this: At least Haslam is willing to use that $1 billion a year sitting in a federal bank account to help people get insurance coverage rather than go to the emergency room every time they get sick. On the other hand, Womick and many other lawmakers are willing to take state benefits and deny coverage to tens of thousands who need it. They’re watching out for our money, right? But if Womick is concerned about taxpayers, he should let his airline customers pay for insurance, not the people of Tennessee. He lists himself as a Boeing airline pilot, U.S. fighter pilot, retired teacher and retired U.S. Air Force. Between those he can’t find any affordable insurance?

“Lawmakers are willing to take state benefits and deny coverage to tens of thousands who need it.”

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Many Successful People Did Not Finish College

he left thinks it’s found Gov. Scott Walker’s Achilles’ heel and they are locked in on the target like a laser beam. Howard Dean was leading the charge, telling MSNBC, “The issue is how well educated is this guy and that’s a problem.” A problem for Howard Dean and the college snobs but, let’s face it, Howard Dean has a degree from Yale and most Americans think he’s a buffoon.

It’s important, however, that the left has brought this subject to the forefront. This is a discussion we need to have. President Obama has led a movement in this country that pretty much says if you don’t have a college education you’re worthless. What he and the left haven’t calculated is that less than 40 percent of the population even has a two-year associate degree. That leaves 60 percent of the people out there potentially offended by this assault on Gov. Walker. The problem is Scott Walker has been wildly successful as the governor of Wisconsin. He’s overcome huge opposition and a recall election, and his success dwarfs that of Howard Dean’s tenure as governor of Vermont. Yes, there’s an element of jealousy involved in the attacks but it mostly stems from fear. Some of the most successful people in the country VIEWS OF A lack a college degree and if Scott Walker starts a trend of presidential candidates who run on their column by track record rather than what they did before the PHIL VALENTINE philvalentine.com age of 22 then the liberals are in big trouble. The bigger issue is how people without college degrees are treated. I had a friend once tell me that he’d rather his daughter be a lesbian than not finish college. Of course, if she goes to one of these exclusive liberal arts schools he just might get his wish. Greg Gutfeld from Fox News had a great point. He said about college, “You no longer learn how to think, you are told what to think.” That’s absolutely the truth. I spend half my time trying to counter what my two oldest are picking up at college rather than engaging in thoughtful discussion about all the wonderful things they’re learning. Gutfeld made the very candid point that many people go to college as a delay tactic, because they haven’t figured out what they want to do with their lives. He counted himself in that number. That’s certainly not to say that people should be discouraged from going to college. It’s only to say that people who choose another path shouldn’t be looked down upon. For me, the proof is in what you did with your life after the age of 22. I could take up this entire column space with successful people who either didn’t attend college or didn’t finish. Names like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs, Larry Ellison of Oracle and Mark Zuckerberg of Facebook fame. Michael Dell of Dell Computers never finished college nor did Brian Dunn who started Best Buy, John Mackey of Whole Foods or Anna Wintour of Vogue. Ditto for Ralph Lauren and Ted Turner. Ironically, Obama’s senior advisor, David Plouffe, dropped out of college to run political campaigns. He only completed his degree in 2010, an afterthought to his political success. Karl Rove, derided by liberals as “Bush’s Brain,” didn’t finish college but certainly finished two successful presidential campaigns. You can add Faulkner and Cronkite and Twain and Fitzgerald to that illustrious list. I guess a degree from one of the Poison Ivy League schools might get you a job as a community organizer. Or, maybe, you can leave early and be a successful governor.

CONSERVATIVE

“‘You no longer learn how to think, you are told what to think.’ That’s absolutely the truth. I spend half my time trying to counter what my two oldest are picking up at college rather than engaging in thoughtful discussion about all the wonderful things they’re learning.”

Phil Valentine is an author and nationally syndicated radio talk show host with Westwood One. For more of his commentary and articles, visit philvalentine.com.

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SPORTS

Indoor Tennis Facility Plans April Opening New courts allow athletes, tennis lovers to play the sport year-round. BY SARAH H. CLARK

ennis has always been a summer sport in Murfreesboro—but that’s about to change. Set to open this spring, the city’s new eight-court indoor tennis center will revolutionize the way the game is played in Rutherford County. The new tennis center was originally scheduled to open on Jan. 10, 2015, but construction was delayed due to poor weather conditions. Now, the courts are expected to open to the public in early April (though additional weather delays may change the timing slightly). One function of new center will be to allow the MTSU men’s and women’s tennis teams the opportunity to practice all winter long, without having to commute an hour each way up to Nashville to do it. “Tennis is usually played outside only when it is 50 degrees or above, and dry,” explains MTSU men’s tennis head coach Jimmy Borendame. Before becoming the head coach at MTSU, Borendame was head coach at Drake College in Des Moines, Iowa, following a stint as associate head coach at Virginia Tech. He took over the MTSU teams in August 2010. Borendame has been an essential part of the process of getting the new tennis center built. Since prior to being hired he has insisted upon significant effort being made towards the center’s creation. “Coaches have been trying to get this built for 10 years,” he says—but he’s the one who succeeded. Borendame helped raised more than $2 million towards the cost of the center, including a $500,000 grant from the Christie Houston Foundation. The City of Murfreesboro contributed an additional $3 million towards 42 * MARCH 2015 * BOROPULSE.COM

the construction of the $5.8 million facility. The center’s public face will be run by the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department. The tennis teams will have court time six days a week from 1 to 4 p.m., with public access available during the rest of the center’s open hours. There will be a fee to use the center; the amount is still being determined. In addition to the normal fees, it is expected that memberships will be offered for discounted rates on court time. The city also plans to offer programming and lessons for all ages and experience levels. “This is going to be a major tennis center for the South,” says Borendame. With the addition of the new indoor courts, Old Fort Park’s existing 24 courts and MTSU’s 14 courts, the city will boast a total of 46 courts within a three-mile radius. Now that the indoor courts offer an option for inclement weather, the city expects, and is actively recruiting, tournaments at the local, state, regional and even national levels. “The city jumped on this project because of the huge economic impact,” says Borendame. He points to a tournament being recruited that will bring over 200 players to the city, all of whom will need to stay in a hotel for the weekend, eat at local restaurants and buy gas from local stores. He also expects the top-of-the-line facility and programming to increase the number of local tennis players and may even help to attract new businesses due to the increased quality of living for employees that such a center provides. The center will also undoubtedly increase quality of life for Borendame and his student athletes. Two hours of commuting—six days a week, on top of a three-hour practice— hasn’t stopped the team from earning the status of ITA All-Academic Team from 2011 to 2013. Still, having an indoor option in town will ease the players’ schedules significantly, as well as making MTSU’s tennis program more attractive to new recruits. “And,” adds Borendame, “I’m looking forward to spending more time with my family.”

Jackie Robinson West, Girls’ Basketball Teams Face Consequences of Their Actions

SPORTS TALK

and their parents, calling out he Train Daddy is back everyone besides the people with the pain, daddy, column by Z-TRAIN responsible for the incident, bringing sports news and titanman1984@ stating, “Is this about boundlife lessons to you, the yahoo.com aries or race?” Of course it’s reader, in only one way: the racist; how could it not be Train Daddy way. So what do when the race hustler Jesse Jackson shows up. we have for you this month? Well, nothing Why don’t we point the finger at the but controversy, because controversy crepeople in charge of this scandal, not at acates conversation and conversation creates opinion, and because this is America and ev- cusations of racism? Team manager Darold Butler and Illinois District 4 administrator eryone has opinions (and, unlike the Middle Michael Kelly have both been removed from East these days, voicing your opinions here their positions. These two are the masterin America won’t get you killed). minds behind creating a fake boundary map Years ago, when I first started my work for and ultimately creating a superteam. Little the Pulse, all I covered was Tennessee Titans League president and CEO Steven Keller told talk (still my favorite topic at heart), but until the Titans get their act together the team won’t ESPN, “Quite honestly we had to do this, we had no choice. We had to maintain the have my full attention. Will the No. 2 overall integrity of the program. As painful as this is, pick in this year’s draft, which the Titans have, it’s a necessary outcome from what we have be a sexy pick or safe pick? Of course, sexy confirmed.” Even President Obama chimed is what will get us all excited, but safe could prevent the birth of a future dud player similar in on the situation, stating that he still is very proud of the kids, and the blame is on the to Vince Young or Jake Locker. I love Marcus dirty dealings of the adults. Well, what do you Mariota, but I also love the Seahawks’ defense know, me and Obama agree on something. and attempting to recreate a squad like that The league’s decision came after teams seems very intelligent come draft day. from Illinois and The Nashville Nevada complained Predators are on fire that the Jackie Roband ready to make inson West roster a Stanley Cup run. I was rigged. This is can already see the sad for the kids, but fans of Cell Block 303 rules are rules, and pumping their fists the punishment is and singing those just. This could have dirty chants. been a great teachSo, right after ing lesson for these young boys, but instead my last column hit the stands, Little League they’re being told that life will never be fair. team Jackie Robinson West, an all-black team So, Rutherford County made national news out of Chicago that captivated America, was for an embarrassing incident. Media outlets stripped of its United States Championship and all other wins from the 2014 Little League such as ESPN, USA Today, Washington Post, and The New York Times all covered the story International tournament. I remember thinkof Smyrna vs. the Lady Warriors of Riverdale. ing, “Man, that really sucks, those kids played Even Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon hard and probably the most euphoric feeling broke it down on Pardon the Interruption. of their lives is going to be erased because Riverdale coach Cory Barrett and Smyrna the adults in charge of the team cheated.” I coach Shawn Middleton have been suspendthought about these kids from Chicago, kids ed through the 2016 school year by Rutherwho loved baseball, won a championship ford County Director of Schools Don Odom. and even got to visit the White House and Both teams attempted to lose the District the President after they captured the hearts 7–AAA consolation game in order to avoid of many Americans. I had a conversation playing powerhouse Blackman High in the with my dad, saying that this sucks for the regional semi-final, an elimination game. kids, but maybe they will learn an even more Free throws were missed on purpose, halfimportant lesson about honesty and fair play court violations were regular and both teams after the adults they looked up to cheated. attempted to purposely turn over the ball. Playing sports at the youth level is about Both schools were fined $1,500 and their teaching kids life lessons, teaching them to season ended immediately. Smyrna princirespect their opponents, to accept loss, to pal Rick Powell said, “We pleaded with the be humble winners and to play fair! This TSSAA, we hated that they were penalized. incident provided the perfect opportunity to But that was their decision.” So not much teach these kids the difference between right more to say here, just listen to Coach Herm and wrong. I was absolutely speechless when Edwards: You play to win the game! I saw Jesse Jackson on CNN with these kids BOROPULSE.COM

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