MURFREESBORO Vol. 9, Issue 10 October 2014
FREE For You!
EVENTS Zombie Walk
Middle Tennessee’s Source for Art, Entertainment and Culture News
Page 6
LIVING Bed Under the Bridge
Page 20
DEMENTED DOCTOR AND SADISTIC NURSE AWAITING PATIENTS IN AUBURNTOWN ART
They’re Everywhere! Middle Tennessee Haunted Attraction Guide
Scary Creations by William C. Cope, October Art Exhibits And More!
Page 22
DEAR READERS:
CONTENTS
23
16 8
6
COVER STORY
EVENTS
4 7
18
September Community Events Rutherford Romp, Cancer Killers, Black Out in the Country, The Middle Half, Share the Light, Zombie Walk Karaoke, Trivia, DJ & Bingo Nights Places to go for fun with friends
SOUNDS
Sax Machine 8 Murfreesboro’s Raymond Summerour has lived a life filled
9 0
w
with music, blowing the sax for legends for decades. Album Reviews Skunky Rooster, Levi Massie OCTOBER CONCERTS Teaching the World Guitarist Lance Allen helps students all over via Skype.
FOOD
r
The Egg & I Breakfast spot worthy of a try, but it’s hard to poach an egg.
Artists’ Creepy Creations d Local A look at some Halloween-inspired art of the ’Boro f Tattooists The work of Todd Wilson Art Happenings h October Plein Air on the Square, Mid-South Sculpture Alliance, Starseed, Watercolor for Beginners
REVIEWS
k Book The House at Tyneford, by Natasha Solomon Movie A Walk Among the Tombstones Living Room Cinema Community Troubles
SPORTS
Talk with Z-Train ; Sports Hester makes history and more
moronic behavior from Winston.
End of the Season in the Garden y Tips for saving your last tomatoes, making potpourri.
and the Bogeyman x Greed J.D. Lewis conned people all over
Fall Fun on the Farms u Local pumpkin patches, corn mazes set for the season.
OPINIONS
p
Auburntown Asylum Demented doctor and sadistic nurse setting up shop in abandoned Auburntown factory. Enter if you dare. Bed Under the Bridge Mr. Beavers lays his head just feet from thundering trains.
ART
C. Cope: Reigniting a Haunting Passion s William Cope makes horror-themed art, inspires others to create.
CREW
PULSE
BOROPULSE.COM
NEWS
LIVING
i
ONLINE AT:
Publisher/Editor in Chief: Bracken Mayo Art Director: Sarah Mayo Advertising Reps: Jeff Brown, Don Clark, Jami Creel, Jamie Jennings
Copy Editor: Steve Morley Contributors: Gloria Christy, Bryce Harmon, Mai Harris, Tony Lehew, Zach Maxfield, Michelle Palmer, Cameron Parrish, Bryan Ros, Jay Spight, Andrea Stockard, Sam Stockard, Edwinna Shannon, Christy Simmons, Norbert Thiemann, Phil Valentine, Dawn Wyatt
the world for millions of dollars
The Stockard Report v Evacuation, and an ineligible court clerk Valentine b APhil communist by association Through the Decades n Music The 1950s and 1960s and the Story of Tiger Den La Palabra , Haunted Spain: A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Seville 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
Copyright © 2014, 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
Sign up to receive our weekly digital newsletter at BoroPulse.com/Newsletter
GET OUTSIDE, MURFREESBORO! I tell myself that every day, as I am staring into the computer screen. Your parks are great. Visit them. There’s lots to take in at the state, city and national parks. Right here in Murfreesboro we have a wonderful Greenway system. Take your bike, scooter, running shoes or rollerblades, and have a little road rally for miles and miles. Stop and fish, or just watch for fish, birds, squirrels and bunnies. The soccer fields and tennis and basketball courts in our city parks are often packed with those engaging in a little sporting activity. Good stuff. If you are up for a drive, head out to Fall Creek Falls, Edgar Evins or another one of Tennessee’s parks, with abundant hiking trails, creeks and scenery. Drive a little bit farther to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a natural preserve of over 800 square miles that is still ruled by the animals and plants. Yes, they are all your parks—take advantage of them! A television news reporter in Alaska made waves recently when she quit her job live on TV to fight for cannabis law reform. Some say it was a violation of the basic ethics of journalism for Charlo Greene to not only quit in such a manner, but to not disclose her bias to her audience and bosses. (She was the President and CEO of the Alaska Cannabis Club, while simultaneously reporting on the group and an upcoming Alaskan ballot measure to decriminalize a plant known as marijuana). However, not even taking a side on the issue before the voters of that state, I say it was an A+ publicity stunt, and she utilized her available resources the best she could to get her views out there. Such an action tarnishes the otherwise generally stellar journalistic integrity of the local TV news? Please! Local TV news outlets can oftentimes be nothing more than government and corporate mouthpieces (with the weather and sports, of course), so I enjoy a good hijacking of the machine every now and then. Some talk a great deal about Americans’ sense of entitlement. So what gives the NFL and offensive players the notion that wide receivers are somehow entitled to waltz across the middle of the field untouched? I’d like to see power and toughness dominate the glorious game once again and the guys who don’t want to play a contact sport (many of whom are certainly incredible athletes) move to acrobatics or the circus. Goodell has a hard job, no doubt, and we could talk about football for a good long time, and debate whether he is making decisions based on money or for the good of football, but I’d basically like to say that I want to line up against Mr. Goodell on the field and see what happens. Enjoy this issue of the Pulse, as always, celebrating the talented people all over this town, from Mr. Summerour, the Sax Man (or the Sax Machine, I can’t decide), to Mr. Cope, the sketcher of scary himself. Keep your head up and your heart full. Peace, Bracken Mayo Editor in Chief BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 3
EVENTS
compiled by ANDREA STOCKARD
Send event information to murfreesboropulse@yahoo.com
THROUGHOUT OCTOBER CRIPPLE CREEK CLOGGERS Cripple Creek Cloggers are now holding teaching sessions at 7 p.m. on Tuesday nights at 220 E. Vine St. Classes are informal and free of charge. The troupe’s first performance is Oct. 25 at 2 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Pioneer Village as part of the annual Harvest Festival. Contact appdancer@aol.com.
THROUGHOUT OCTOBER LION’S CLUB APPLE DONATIONS Through Nov. 15, Murfreesboro Lions Club will give a box of apples for each $100 donation. If a donor does not want apples, any donation is greatly appreciated. Proceeds benefit Lions Club Sight Conservation projects such as eye screenings of children ages 1–6, which can detect seven different diseases. MT Lions Sight Service also pays for eye surgeries at Vanderbilt and loans out closed circuit TVs that magnify printed material for vision-impaired individuals Ten-
nessee School for the Blind and funds the Lions annual MTSU scholarship for a sightimpaired student. Call (615) 896-1007.
OCT. 1 RAIDERS’ CLOSET REOPENING The repository of gently-used professional clothes for students welcomes all visitors from 9 a.m.–4:30 p.m. in Room 327 of the Keathley University Center (MTSU). All items are free to students. The store opens from 2–4 p.m. on Fridays. Monetary donations are also welcome through an MTSU Foundation account. For monetary or clothing donations, call (615) 898-2902.
OCT. 1–2 AUTUMN IN THE OAKS Teachers and parents, spend your fall field day on the grounds of the elegant Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) guiding children through educational activities, games and pastimes of the harvest season as well as experiencing chores from the 1860s. Along with hands-on activities, explore the science, nature, history and art of the season through this self-guided experience enhancing local history. Bring your own blankets and sack lunches. For more information call (615) 893-0022, or visit oaklandsmuseum.org. Admission is $5.
OCT. 3 FOCUS: BREAST HEALTH Radiation oncologist Dr. Casey Chollet discusses risk factors, preventative screening and treatment options for breast cancer from noon–1 p.m. at North Rutherford YMCA (2001 Motlow College Blvd., Smyrna). Food and Nutrition Services presents a healthful lunch and discusses cancer prevention through diet. Admission is free; registration is required. Call (615) 342-1919 or (615) 220-9622.
OCT. 3 THROUGHOUT OCT. A HOUSE IN MOURNING The Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd.) hosts “Cult of Mourning,” a ritual that was at its peak in 1850– 1890. The house will be prepared for a funeral with mirrors draped in black cloth and clocks stopped at the time of death. View the mourning artifacts and learn the history of this practice. Call (615) 459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org. 4 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
STORYTIME AND PUPPET SHOW Bring your little ones for an exciting Storytime and Puppet Show at 10 a.m. on the first Friday of each month at Books-AMillion (Stones River Mall, 1720 Old Fort Pkwy.). Linebaugh Public Library produces the program. Call (615) 995-7112.
OCT. 3–4 JUNIOR MEAT GOAT CLASSIC The 4th Annual Heart of Tennessee Junior Meat Goat Classic will be at the Tennessee Livestock Center (1720
OCT. 18 FLASHLIGHT NIGHT IN OAKLANDS MANSION Wander through Murfreesboro’s most mysterious mansion and explore some of the unusual mourning customs and creepy superstitions of the Victorian era (900 N. Maney Ave.) from 7–10 p.m. Call (615) 893-0022 or visit oaklands museum.org.
Greenland Dr.) open only to Tennessee youth with showmanship, skillathon and class placing. Email mmote1@utk.edu, visit hotmeatgoatclassic.com or call (615) 898-7710.
OCT. 4 2ND ANNUAL RUTHERFORD ROMP 5K/10K AND FUN RUN Runners and walkers of all ages and experience levels are welcome. All proceeds benefit the Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County, Inc. and the Murfreesboro Rescue Mission. The race starts and finishes at Gateway Island behind Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital beginning at 7 a.m. with the 1 Mile Fun Run to immediately follow. Entry fee is $30, which includes a complimentary T-shirt and gift bag. Register at RutherfordRomp.com or call (615) 848-7386 for more information.
OCT. 6 SAM DAVIS’ BIRTHDAY The Sam Davis Home (1399 Sam Davis Rd.) celebrates the birth of Sam Davis from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. with free admission. Call (615) 459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org.
OCT. 9 MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING The 5th Annual Mental Health Screening Program helps identify depression and mood disorders on National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) with Branches Counseling Center offering free screenings at Reeves-Sain Drug Store (1801 Memorial Blvd.) from 9 a.m.–noon. Depression affects all walks of life, and screenings allow individuals to identify warning signs early and get proper treatment. Visit branchescounselingcenter.com, or contact (615) 904-7170 or mike@mikecourtney.net.
OCT. 4
OCT. 10
CEMETERY STORIES Spend the day exploring the stories contained in some of our most prominent historic cemeteries with programs at Evergreen Cemetery and Stones River National Battlefield as a part of the Sharing Our Past Heritage Month. For more information call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.
CANCER KILLERS Join Dr. Peter Camiolo for an educational seminar on cancer, Cancer Killers and Cancer Killer Kids, from 6:30–9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10, at New Vision Church (1750 N. Thompson Lane.). Register on eventbrite.com.
OCT. 5 MARKET AT THE MALL Welcome to Market at the Mall, “Homegrown, Handmade, and Heartfelt,” introducing a producer-only farmers’ and artisan market. Beginning in October, Market at the Mall will be held from noon–4 p.m. on the first Sunday of each month in the Stones River Mall parking lot (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.). The mission is to provide producer-only healthy, fresh foods, horticultural products and handmade art to the residents and visitors of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County increasing local commerce. For more information, visit stonesrivermall.com/market.
OCT. 11 MURFREESBORO HALF MARATHON The Eighth Annual Murfreesboro Half Marathon (“The Middle Half”) is a 13.1-mile race starting from the MTSU track at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. Because the course runs by the geographic center of Tennessee and begins and ends at MTSU, it has been tagged “The Middle Half.” The course goes down scenic, tree-lined Main Street and Maney Avenue to Oaklands Historic House Museum. Runners will circle the Rutherford County Courthouse on the Square, pass by MTSU’s Fraternity Row, the obelisk on Old Lascassas Highway and then finish on the MTSU track. Visit themiddlehalf.com.
OCT. 11
OCT. 17, 18, 24, & 25
BORO FAMILY COSTUME SWAP Celebrate the launch of borofamily.com’s new mobile app from 10 a.m.–1 p.m. at Stones River Mall (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.). Enjoy family-friendly festivities, a Halloween costume swap and more. Visit borofamily. com or email kriddle@rutherfordchamber.org.
GHOST TOURS “Is the Sam Davis Home haunted?” Board a haunted hayride and hear grim tales of the Sam Davis Home history. Storytellers tell hauntingly true tales of ghost encounters experienced by visitors, staff, and volunteers while guided along dark, winding trails by lantern light. Hayrides depart every 15 minutes from 7–10 p.m. Admission is $10 per adult & $5 per child; parental discretion is advised. Call (615) 459-2341 or visit samdavishome.org.
OCT. 11 4TH ANNUAL BREWSBORO FESTIVAL The 4th Annual Brewsboro Festival features a wide variety of brews from local, regional, national and international brewpubs as it raises awareness for United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties at The Avenue Murfreesboro (2615 Medical Center Pkwy.) from 2–7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11. This is a 21+ event only. Call (888) 6950888 or visit brewsborofest.com.
OCT. 11 BRADLEY ACADEMY HERITAGE FESTIVAL Enjoy food, fun and history from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. at Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center (415 S. Academy St.) as a part of the Sharing Our Past Heritage Month. Visit bradleymuseum.com or call (615) 867-2633.
OCT. 11–12 7TH TENNESSEE CAVALRY HISTORY DEMONSTRATION Watch Confederate cavalry maneuver and fire while learning how the Confederate Army of Tennessee affected the course of the Civil War in Middle Tennessee at Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.) Oct. 11–12. Admission is free. Call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.
OCT. 13–31 MOURNING CUSTOMS EXHIBIT Victorian mourning customs and superstitions will be explored, such as widow’s weeds, hair art and appropriate mourning times for family members at Oaklands Historic House Museum (900 N. Maney Ave.). For more information call (615) 8930022 or visit oaklandsmuseum.org.
OCT. 14 SHARE THE LIGHT Share the Light is a community group designed for practitioners in the healing, wellness, and consciousness-creating arts, and those interested in holistic and integrated healing modalities who meet at Yoga on the Square (423 W. Lytle St.) from 7:30– 9:30 p.m. Call (615) 904-9642. These are free events held on the second Tuesday of each month. RSVPs appreciated.
OCT. 15 COMMUNITY BINGO Join other adults for a lively game of
OCT. 18 OCT. 11 TAKE A HISTORY HAYRIDE AT EDGAR EVINS STATE PARK The 9th Annual History Hayride at Edgar Evins State Park (Silver Point, Tenn., between Smithville and Cookeville) will be held on Saturday, Oct. 11. Ride hay wagons back into the olden days as costumed re-enactors at stops along the circuit portray people and events from earlier days in the park and surrounding area. A narrator on each wagon will reveal more history between stops. It has been described as “kind of like theater in the round except the audience is sitting on a hay wagon.” Wagons will leave the Visitors Center about every 30 minutes to begin the circuit. Reservations will be for specific wagons and times. (This is not a Halloween themed event and it is not recommended for small children or anyone who has difficulty sitting quietly for two hours.) This popular annual event is a fundraiser for the Friends of Edgar Evins State Park, an organization that is dedicated to helping the park and improving the park experience for all. This year all reservations will be on-line at 123signup.com. For more information on the hayrides, or on the park, call (931) 858-2114, e-mail abertram@dtccom.net or find Friends of Edgar Evins State Park on Facebook. Bingo from 10–11 a.m. at Patterson Park Community Center (521 Mercury Blvd.). Small prizes are awarded along with a Grand Prize drawing at the conclusion. Visit the Game Room for a game of pool or walk the fitness track. Contact (615) 893-2141 or tpullum@murfreesborotn.gov. Admission is $2.
OCT. 16 McFADDEN FALL FESTIVAL McFadden Community Center (221 Bridge Ave.) hosts its Fourth Annual Fall Fest and Haunted Hallways from 5–8 p.m. Everyone is invited for food, fun, fellowship, and fright. There will also be a DJ, Moon Bounce, carnival games, and a T-shirt walk. Contact (615) 893-1802 or garbit@murfreesborotn.gov.
OCT. 17 SPOOKY SPLASH Come out to the pool for a spookin’ good time! There will be open swim, craft time, pizza and pudding surprise from 6–10 p.m. at Patterson Park Community Center Indoor Pool (521 Mercury Blvd.) Make sure you are ready to find what might be hidden in the pudding, and come prepared to leave your mark on a tiedye T-shirt! Please bring a white T-shirt. Ages 7–13. Contact (615) 893-7439 or kgoss@murfreesborotn.gov.
THE LEGACY OF STONES RIVER: CAUSES AND CONSEQUENCES As a part of Sharing Our Past Heritage Month, begin your day at the historic First Presbyterian Church with scholars Erskine Clarke and Megan Kate Nelson. Then head to Stones River National Battlefield (1563 N. Thompson Ln.) for special ranger programs. Advance registration required. Call (615) 893-9501 or visit nps.gov/stri.
OCT. 18 2ND ANNUAL WELLNESS FAIR The Wellness Fair at Lane Agricultural Community Center (Farmer’s Market Building, 315 John R. Rice Blvd.) from 9 a.m.–2 p.m. teaches health and wellness with facts of nutrition, exercise, massage, mental health, finance and more. Admission is free with door prizes! Call (615) 898-7710.
OCT. 17
OCT. 18
3RD FRIDAY NIGHT CONCERT SERIES Come out and bring your lawn chairs, a blanket and picnic for outdoor music and some dancing at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 7–9 p.m. For more information call (615) 890-0355 or e–mail shodges@murfreesborotn.gov.
LAMBERT DILLARD MEMORIAL 5K The second annual Lambert Dillard Memorial 5K and Kids Fun Run begins at 9:30 a.m. at Sharp Springs Park (1000 Espey Dr., Smyrna). The Kids Fun Run begins at 8:30 a.m. These races honor the lives of Angi Ross Lambert and Carla Dillard, who were tragically lost to violent crimes. Proceeds benefit the YMCA of Middle Tennessee’s Annual Giving Campaign. Visit give.ymcamidtn.org.
OCT. 17 CANNONSBURGH CONCERT SERIES Mary Howell performs at Cannonsburgh Concert Series from 7–9 p.m. at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.). Admission is free. Call (615) 890-0355.
OCT. 17–18 FALL FESTIVAL OF MAGIC The Middle Tennessee Magic Club presents The Fall Festival of Magic 2014 at 7:02 p.m. at The Center for the Arts (100 W. College St.). Club Vice President Jimbo Hooten serves as Master of Ceremonies for the evening event, featuring many of the best magical entertainers the area has to offer. Tickets can be purchased at J. Mullins Jewelry & Gifts (352 W. Northfield Blvd.) and CFTA. Visit boroarts.org/tickets or call (615) 904-ARTS. All seats are $10.
OCT. 18–19 MILITARY DEMONSTRATIONS Step into the past as you experience military demonstrations from the 9th KY Volunteer Infantry on the grounds of Oaklands Plantation (900 N. Maney Ave.) Oct. 18 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. and Oct. 19 from 1–3 p.m. This camp of instruction tells the story of what Union occupation forces would have been doing in and around our town during the Civil War. Families will be able to view the campsite and watch the soldiers practice drills. Visit oaklandsmuseum.org.
OCT. 18 AND 25 A FRIGHTFUL NIGHT Join the Sam Davis Home (900 N. Maney Ave.) for a frightfully good time beginning at 6 p.m. with dinner catered by BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 5
Legends Steakhouse in the Creek House and a showing of the film The Others in the theater. Afterwards, embark on a haunted hayride hearing hauntingly true tales of encounters at the Home. Reservations are required; $30 per person. Call (615) 4592341 or visit samdavishome.org.
OCT. 22–25 HAUNTED HAYRIDE OLD SCREAM ROAD Enjoy Haunted Hayride Old Scream Road, Murfreesboro’s scariest hayride ever, from 7–9 p.m. Oct. 22–25 at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) Contact tlaird@murfreesborotn.gov or (615) 9072251. Admission is $5.
OCT. 25 2ND ANNUAL ZOMBIE WALK AND THRILLER DANCE In partnership with YEAH! and Center for the Arts, enjoy the 2nd Annual Zombie Walk beginning with free zombie makeup by Paul Mitchell at 4 p.m. at the Center of the for the Arts (100 W. College St.). The Zombie Walk begins at 5 p.m., Thriller dance by CFTA Zombie Dance Troupe at 6 p.m. and Zombie Block Party and music on the Square from 6:30–8 p.m. Family friendly! For more information contact meagan@ boroarts.org. Rehearsals are Oct. 21, 22 and 25.
OCT. 24 NOT-SO-HAUNTED HAYRIDE Take part in a happy hayride in the back country from 5–7 p.m. at Barfield Crescent Park (697 Veterans Pkwy.) Fun for the whole family! Admission is $4 per person. Call (615) 217-3017.
OCT. 24 JOURNEYS IN COMMUNITY LIVING FALL SOCIAL & SPONSOR APPRECIATION EVENT Journeys in Community Living hosts its annual Fall Social from 7–9 p.m. at The Warehouse (730 Middle Tenn. Blvd. #14) including a Sponsor Appreciation Event.
This is an opportunity for sponsors to interact with the individuals that Journeys supports in a fun atmosphere with a costume party, music and karaoke. Enjoy “Guess Who”! Individuals can pay $1 to guess who the special costumed guest is behind his or her costume. “Clues” are on sale at journeystn.org. Contact (615) 278-9022 or mark.bell@journeysincommunity.org.
OCT. 25 BLACK OUT IN THE COUNTRY Come out to Beans Diesel Performance (210 Rollin Coal Ln., Woodbury) for this year’s Dirt Drags, Sled Pulls, Burnouts
and Dyno. Gates open at 8 a.m. with racing action at 11 a.m. and eliminations at 1 p.m. Sled pulls at 6 p.m. with Dyno action all day long. Call (615) 893-0022.
OCT. 25 ROCKVALE ELEMENTARY CRAFT FAIR This non-juried craft show features handcrafted items and baked goods at Rockvale Elementary School (6550 Hwy. 99, Rockvale) from 8 a.m.–4 p.m. No yard sale or flea market items please. Booth fee is $25. Admission to the event is free. Contact melissa.knudson@comcast.net or (615) 804-1904.
OCT. 25 38TH ANNUAL HARVEST DAYS CELEBRATION Come out for the 38th Annual Harvest Days Celebration at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. for bluegrass music, clogging, pottery demonstration, broom making, crafters, food vendors, hayrides, blacksmith demonstrating, antique auto show, art league show and more. Free except for crafters and food vendors. Contact (615) 890-0355 or shodges@murfreesborotn.gov.
OCT. 25 HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK Have a great Halloween at Sharp Springs Natural Area (1000 Espey Dr.) from 3–8 p.m. Visit readysetrutherford.com/events or call (615) 459-9773.
OCT. 25 LA VERGNE TRAIL OF TREATS Take your children to trick-or-treat along the trail at Veterans Memorial Park (115 Floyd Mayfield Dr.). Call (615) 7936295 or visit lavergnetn.gov.
OCT. 30 TRUNK N TREAT AND CHILI COOK OFF Enjoy a community event in the parking lot of the North Rutherford YMCA (2001 6 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
Motlow College Blvd.) from 4:30–6:30 p.m. where local business partners decorate the trunks of their vehicles. Candy for all and a chili cook-off if you are hungry! Call (615) 220-9622.
OCT. 31 MALL-O-WEEN Ages 12 and younger can trick-or-treat and participate in a costume contests (three age groups: 0–3, 4–8, 9–12) at Stones River Mall (1720 Old Fort Pkwy.) from 5–7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31.
OCT. 31 TRICK-OR-TREATING AT THE “OLD MANEY MANSION” Bring your little ghosts and goblins to the doors of the dimly lit Oaklands Mansion (900 N. Maney Ave.) for an experience unlike any “haunted” house you’ve visited. This is free and open to the public. Contact info@oaklandsmuseum.org or (615) 893-0022.
OCT. 31 FALL CELEBRATION AND HAYRIDE Enjoy an afternoon filled with fun, stories, games, laughs, hayrides and candy at Cannonsburgh Village (312 S. Front St.) from 2–5 p.m. Contact (615) 890-0355 or shodges@murfreesborotn.gov. Admission is $2.
OCT. 31 HALLOWEEN TRUNK OR TREAT Enjoy Trunk or Treat at Rutherford Country Sheriff’s Office (940 New Salem Hwy.) Admission is free. Contact (615) 904-3019 or jcassidy@rcsotn.org.
OCT. 31 12TH ANNUAL TRICK-ORTREAT AROUND THE SQUARE Trick-or-Treat on the historic Murfreesboro square from 3–6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. Visit the downtown businesses for trick-or-treating. Call (615) 895-1887 or visit downtownmurfreesboro.com.
DJ, Bingo, Trivia & Karaoke NIGHTS IN MURFREESBORO
MONDAYS BREW U Live Trivia, 7 p.m. BUNGANUT PIG Live Trivia, 7 p.m. THE POUR HOUSE DJ, 7–11 p.m.
TUESDAYS IGNITE Karaoke, 8 p.m.–12 a.m. 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 BIG EARL'S GRUB & PUB Live Trivia, 7:30 p.m. 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.
THURSDAYS CAMPUS PUB Live Trivia, 8:15 p.m. COCONUT BAY CAFE Karaoke, 8 p.m.–12 a.m. LA SIESTA (CHURCH ST.) Karaoke, 6 p.m. NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. THE POUR HOUSE Karaoke, 9 p.m. WALL STREET Live Trivia, 8 p.m.
FRIDAYS BIG EARL'S GRUB & PUB Karaoke, 8 p.m. NOBODY’S Karaoke, 9:15 p.m.–12:30 a.m. LA SIESTA (CHURCH ST.) Karaoke, 6 p.m.
MT BOTTLE Karaoke, 9 p.m.–3 a.m. BREW U Karaoke, 7 p.m.–10 p.m.
SATURDAYS BIG EARL'S GRUB & PUB Live Trivia, 7:30 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.
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.
THIS SPACE COULD BE YOURS ALL MONTH LONG FOR JUST $60 CALL (615) 796-6248
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
SOUNDS
SAX MACHINE
Raymond Summerour has lived a life filled with music.
STORY BY DAWN WYATT
N
ashville is not the only Middle Tennessee town steeped in rich music history. During much of the 1950s and continuing through the 1970s, well-known and in-demand Murfreesboro saxophonist Raymond Summerour was making music history of his own. His style, energetic and soulful, figured into the sound of such jazz and R&B greats as Bobby Byrd, Nobel ‘Thin Man’ Watts, Little Willie John and Roscoe Shelton. With many of his contemporaries having already passed, Summerour decided he wasn’t ready to close up his sax case just yet. “I just felt like I had a story to tell,” he said, sitting in the music room of his Murfreesboro home, lounging in jeans and a brown and beige striped shirt. He has the sly smile of a man who might be keeping a secret and possesses a raucous laugh. Summerour’s story began in the northeast Georgia town of Gainesville, where, at 14 years old, he played the trumpet in the Fair Street School marching band. But he said his horn was too hard to blow. One evening after band practice, he heard his band director playing the sax and, he recalls, “My eyes got as big as saucers! I said, ‘That’s what I want.’” He spent that whole summer working odd jobs around the neighborhood to save up enough money to buy his first sax. He soon joined a jazz band at his school that played its first gig for .88 cents per member. Summerour moved to Murfreesboro in 1960 at the age of 19, following another musician named Sonny Boy Williams who came to Tennessee to record in Fayetteville, Tennessee. Together they formed a band named “The Dukes” and regularly played at the Eldorado Club, a Middle Tennessee jazz spot. They played with artists like Earl Gaines, Gene Allison and William Bell, and many of the Nashville greats. “There was a guy named Elmo Gaines,” Summerour said. “He was a music promoter. He used to bring all these guys in and our band would play behind them. That’s how I got to play with all these people.” Then there was Clifford Curry, from Knoxville. “I played sax on two numbers on his CD, Shagadelic,” he said. One was ‘Shag
8 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
Saxophonist Raymond Summerour has performed alongside many great musical artists over his career, Bo Diddley, Clifford Curry and Jimi Hendrix, just to name a few.
Beach Party’ . . . back then [in the 1960s] they was all doing the Shag dance. Then the next one was ‘Doing the Best I Can.’” During his 53-year career, Summerour has played with many established stars. In 1960, legendary blues artist Bo Diddley was scheduled to appear at Club 51 in Columbus, Ohio on Labor Day, and Summerour’s band happened to have played there the night before. Diddley, still in town, walked in the club and wanted to play with them. Laughing, Allen said that when he tells that story he always notes that “Bo Diddley came in and played with us.” Another guy, Bobby Byrd, used to play piano for rhythm and blues great James Brown but the two parted ways right after Brown wrote “Please, Please, Please,” the sax man said. Byrd traveled to Gainesville, and met up with them at a night spot called Martar’s. “The last time I saw Byrd,” he recalled, “James Brown was playing in Buford, Ga., at the Elks Club in 1957. We were standing by the stage watching and Brown goes, ‘There’s one of my old band members from ‘The [Famous] Flames,’ and he called him up to sing.” Then there was the time he shared the stage with Jimi. Before Woodstock, there was Murfreesboro. “Jimi Hendrix played with us at the Eldorado Club in 1964,” said Summerour. “He was stationed at that Army base up in Ft. Campbell and he’d come down when he wanted to play music. We were playing one night and
he walks in and we were like, ‘Who is that guy?’ Now this was before he made the top. I’ll never forget it. I was 24 years old and I’m standing there and here he comes walking in carrying his guitar. We were all young then and anyone who came in with a guitar, saxophone, whatever it was, we challenged ’em!” he said with a gleam in his eye. “We were ready for him.” “So Jimi asked, ‘Can I sit in?’ and he wants to come on stage,” Summerour said. I looked at our guitar player, Horace, and told him, ‘You’re gonna get cut.’ We were all young and crazy then,” he said with a chuckle. Hendrix started playing and that was it. “He was bad then, even before he became world famous.” Poor Horace, Summerour said, put his guitar down and sat behind the stage shaking his head because he knew he’d been outdone. Summerour made it a habit to always carry his horn around with him, just in case. One night in 1974, Archie Bell and the Drells were playing the Maple Valley Country Club in Gainesville, Ga., so he asked if he could sit in with them and Archie told him, ‘Yeah, come on up.’” Years later, in 2003, after Bell had gone solo, they teamed up again to play the Broadway Club on Nolensville Road in Nashville.
Summerour’s years of playing have earned him recognition in recent years. In 2013, he was honored by Jimmy Church, a longtime jazz promoter, and the Tennessee Rhythm and Blues Society, and he received the Blues Lover Award in 2011 from Marion James and the New Era Rhythm and Blues Society in Nashville. Summerour and his wife, Kathleen, still live in Murfreesboro. He still plays occasionally; his last appearance was at the Wilson County Fair in August. One thing he still wants to do is to play the local Main Street JazzFest. “I love entertaining people,” Summerour said. “I love to play and I want people to enjoy it.”
ALBUM REVIEWS
LEVI MASSIE
SKUNKY ROOSTER
Angels Around My Barstool
Buskers' Blusterade 3.5 3.5
3.5 4 3.5
If a celebratory bonfire in a back yard surrounded by some very fine folks is part of one’s relaxation on a clear Murfreesboro night, local country and Americana singer/songwriter Levi Massie is one to sing along with, to his sophomore album, Angels Around My Barstool, released through Cedarpepper Productions and Four Leaf Studios last year. The 10-track LP sounds pretty nice playing from a nearby truck’s stereo, if not live. Massie’s sophomore album, following his 2010 debut, Sunrise and Cigarettes, is his latest testament in the vein of Townes Van Zandt, comparable as well to the recently Grammy-nominated John Fullbright. The album includes Massie on the acoustic guitar/lead vocals, accompanied by upright bassist, drummer and producer Sammy Baker, Steve McGraw on electric guitar, Nashville studio musician Tony Paoletta, violinist Vicky Kremer, and backing vocalist Paige Crockett, and is lyrically co-written by Frank Moore and Billy Plant III. As Massie and company have been relentlessly performing throughout the town the past couple of years, it would be kind of hard to miss his act, or at least a big sign with his name on it at the venues he plays. Highlights of Angels . . . are recognizable at the live shows, such as the leading track “Adios (The Hills of Tennessee),” “Don’t Curse Your Lonesome Bone,” “Don’t Count on Me Darlin’,” and the finale title track, “Angels Around My Barstool,” are all a little more sped and amped up than in his live shows, and very much worth the listen. Other songs, such as “Hunter Wayne and the Pinstriped Suit,” boasts lyrics you might hear on a Tom Waits’ record, had Waits’ been sedated and chosen a fiddle, or acoustic six-string, instead of his piano. Angels Around My Barstool is an optimistically forlorn mixture of women, good friends and booze—exactly what one needs around the relaxing bonfire late at night. (Available through iTunes, CDbaby and Amazon and in physical form at any of Massie’s live shows. — BRYCE HARMON
RATINGS: AVERAGE
As the 21st century unfolds, along with its increasing parade of broadly influenced and accordingly eclectic young artists, it gets more and more difficult to trace the whereabouts of the bona fide rock bloodline. You can find newer acts who nod to it, but the purity of first- and second-generation rock keeps getting further diluted. Those who seek the source should investigate Buskers’ Blusterade, which carries an authority not frequently heard in today’s post-postmodern, genre-jumbled indie scene. Skunky Rooster is comprised of guitarist/vocalist Scott Rath and drummer Seth Pappas, who began their partnership in the mid-’70s, playing countryand Southern-rock in the Boston-area band Zachariah before going their separate musical ways. While there are many recognizable vintage ingredients in the mix, they’re well digested and often difficult pinpoint in these 13 originals, written mostly by Rath. Among the several tracks that, when combined, tell an apparently biographical hard-knocks story are the guitar-chunky “Signals Crossed” and “Damage Control,” the latter a sparse rocker wielding a Deep Purple-shaded riff and a dark, tom-tom-driven vibe. “The Lie,” with its even more penetrating lyric about dealing with downer days, is a straightforward yet cliche-free blues-rock outing with a soaring lead break that brings to mind former Thin Lizzy axeman Gary Moore. Rath’s sober lyrical approach, coupled with his sometimes craggy vocals, suggests the work of Warren Zevon (an admitted songwriting influence with whom the guitarist briefly worked in the 1980s). The guitar-hungry will lick their lips over the instrumental title cut in particular, a snappy shuffle that would’ve sounded right at home on a Stevie Ray Vaughan album. In any case, with Buskers’ Blusterade, Skunky Rooster has delivered a classicstyled yet fresh-sounding album that proves this funky fowl to be a uncommon bird. (Available through iTunes, CDBaby and Spotify) — STEVE MORLEY
A CLASSIC BELOW AVERAGE
OUTSTANDING AVOID AT ALL COSTS
DEAD BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 9
IF YOU GO:
SOUNDS OCTOBER CONCERTS
Send your show listings to listings@boropulse.com
THU, OCT. 2 BUNGANUT PIG Amber’s Drive MTSU WRIGHT MUSIC BUILDING Fall Choral Concert NACHO’S Ivan LaFever
FRI, OCT. 3
TEMPT EOTO, Skymatic, Wilsdorf
THU, OCT. 9 BUNGANUT PIG Travis Bowlin NACHO’S Ivan LaFever
FRI, OCT. 10
ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BREW U The Time Raiders BUNGANUT PIG My July Band COCONUT BAY CAFE Pimpalicous MAYDAY BREWERY Erisa Rei WALL STREET Lobo, Killing Grace, Heretic’s Fork
ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG The Pilots THE GREEN DRAGON Uncle Don Clark MAYDAY BREWERY The Bird and the Bear, Curtis Edward Flannigan THE BORO Culture Cringe COCONUT BAY CAFE Zone Status
SAT, OCT. 4
SAT, OCT. 11
ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Vickie Reid Band MAIN STREET MUSIC Riff Rath’, Eleven 59 & The Placebo Effect MAYDAY BREWERY Scissormen WALL STREET The Average, Tomato Face, Space Train, Lines in the Sky
SUN, OCT. 5 CENTER FOR THE ARTS Murfreesboro Symphony Orchestra
MON, OCT. 6 MAYDAY BREWERY Max Garcia Conover
TUE, OCT. 7 BUNGANUT PIG CJ Vaughn Trio
WED, OCT. 8 BUNGANUT PIG Tim Bogle LEVEL III Ryan Coleman’s Writers’ Night
ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Zone Status MAYDAY BREWERY Joel & the Gents, Major & the Monbacks THE BORO Dos Palmers WALL STREET Skullkin, Look What I Did
TUE, OCT. 14
Alfonso’s 179 Mall Circle Dr. 439-6155 Bunganut Pig 1602 W. Northfield Blvd. 893-7860
HIPPIE HILL Husky Burnette, Hooteroll? WALL STREET Jacob Stiefel and the Truth
SAT, OCT. 18 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos CARPE CAFÉ Vagabond Songwriter and Friends HIPPIE HILL Pocket Vinyl MAYDAY BREWERY Richie Owens and the Farm Bureau, Low Society THE BORO Plow’d WALL STREET Tame and the Strange, The Modern Royals
SUN, OCT. 19 BUNGANUT PIG Marshall Creek THE BORO Run On Sentence
TUE, OCT. 21 BUNGANUT PIG CJ Vaughn Trio THE BORO Tennessee Scum, Mouth Reader
WED. OCT. 22 LEVEL III Ryan Coleman’s Writers’ Night
Hippie Hill 8627 Burks Hollow Rd. (615) 796-3697
HAIR TO THE THRONE SAT., 11/1 @ WALL STREET
Hair to the Throne will bring its tribute to all things ’80s rock and metal to Wall Street for a Saturday night show on Nov. 1. The band is comprised of several musicians who have toured with, or are currently touring with, national country and pop acts, and its combination of wardrobe, shredding guitars and howling vocals make for an in-your-face show that is a must-see for anyone who wants a night of ’80s nostalgia. Hair to the Throne’s catalogue consists of material from Poison, Cinderella, Guns N’ Roses, Whitesnake, Warrant and more. BUNGANUT PIG Doug Thurman THE BORO Glory Holes, Paradise Diet
THU, OCT. 23 BUNGANUT PIG Retro Duo NACHO’S Ivan LaFever
FRI, OCT. 24 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Liberty Valance COCONUT BAY CAFE Zone Status MAYDAY BREWERY Lobo, The Tip
BUNGANUT PIG Ray Cole
NACHO’S Ivan LaFever
10 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos BUNGANUT PIG Fender Bender JOZOARA Lydia Laird MAYDAY BREWERY The Worried Minds MTSU'S FLOYD STADIUM Contest of Champions WALL STREET Sugar Lime Blue, Year of October, The Trails
TUE, OCT. 28
BUNGANUT PIG Bobby Tomlinson LEVEL III Ryan Coleman’s Writers’ Night THE BORO Sama Patrick
THU, OCT. 16
View Concert Listings Online:
SAT, OCT. 25
WED, OCT. 29
BUNGANUT PIG JD Shelbourne Duo LEVEL III Ryan Coleman’s Writers’ Night
ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos COCONUT BAY CAFE Bernadette Temple MAYDAY BREWERY Midnight Snack
THE BORO Mien Blood Sausage Sistas
BUNGANUT PIG O'Donnells
WED, OCT. 15
FRI, OCT. 17
PUL PIC SE K
THE TRAILS
PUL SE PICK
SAT. 10/25 @ WALL STREET Middle Tennessee’s diverse jam band The Trails will perform with Sugar Lime Blue and Year of October on Saturday, Oct. 25, at Wall Street, for a night billed “No Silence of the Jams.” While performing in the improvisational jam band tradition, the band, true to its name, wanders down many trails, blending elements of funk, classical, hard rock, reggae and jazz for a wonderful, spiraling, slap-happy show. The concert, at Wall Street, 121 N. Maple St., is produced by Hippie Hill Productions.
THU, OCT. 30 NACHO’S Ivan LaFever BUNGANUT PIG John Cochran THE BORO Marbin
FRI, OCT. 31 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos MAYDAY BREWERY Plastic Visions, Mouth Reader
JoZoara 536 N. Thompson Ln. 962-7175 Level III 114 S. Maple St. (615) 900-3754 Liquid Smoke #2 Public Square 217-7822 Main St. Music 527 W. Main St. 439-6135 Mayday Brewery 521 Old Salem Hwy. 479-9722 MTSU Wright Music Building 1439 Faulkinberry Dr. 898-2469 Nacho's 2962 S. Rutherford Blvd. 907-2700 Readyville Mill 5418 Murfreesboro Rd. Readyville 563-MILL Sports Season Grill 1935 S. Church St. 624-6230 Tempt 211 W. Main St. 225-7757 TFG Productions 117 E. Vine St. The Boro Bar & Grill 1211 Greenland Dr. 895-4800 Wall Street 121 N. Maple St. 867-9090 Willie’s Wet Spot 1208 S. Lowry St., Smyrna 355-0010
BUNGANUT PIG Reckless COCONUT BAY CAFE DJ TruFx THE BORO Mink Inc Presents WALL STREET Zombie Bazooka Patrol, Mr. Nasti, Seth Moore the Band, The Suez
SAT, NOV. 1 ALFONSO’S Tony Castellanos THE BORO Armed Ideas, Tomato Face, Behold The Slaughter WALL STREET Hair to the Throne
MUSIC NOTES
CULT FAVORITE TO PLAY HALLOWEEN REUNION SHOW
DOBYNS-BENNETT HIGH SCHOOL
They’re back—if not from the grave, then at least from a five-year hiatus. The Zombie Bazooka Patrol is playing a very special reunion show this Halloween, exhuming its one-of-a-kind blend of undead folk and Nashville party rock for one night only in Murfreesboro. The ZBP was infamous throughout Middle Tennessee for its dance-your-ass-off house shows and kooky stage antics, as well as nationally televised appearances on Fox’s Next Great American Band and CBS’s Living Room Live. The four-piece toured relentlessly and played well over 100 shows, from New England to Minnesota to California, releasing numerous albums along the way through House
MARCHING BANDS COMPETE IN CONTEST OF CHAMPIONS OCT. 25 MTSU’s Floyd Stadium will host the 53rd annual Contest of Champions on Saturday, Oct. 25. The marching band contest is produced and directed by the men and women of the MTSU Band of Blue, and organizers declare a mission “where the important goal is not winning, but the discovery of the very best in each of us.” High school bands from Tennessee and Kentucky are accepted to compete in the contest, and they are not charged a fee to participate. General admission tickets are $15. For tickets and more information, visit mtsu.edu/coc.
FLY FREE FEST OCT. 10–12 In 2013, Fly Free Festival staged a community-driven, eco-friendly and family-oriented happening with great music and peaceful vibes featuring the up-and-coming music and art the South has to offer. As the festival moves from Adams, Tenn., to Cherokee Farms, Lafayette, Ga., Oct. 10–12, this year. Organizers Colleen and Corey Petree have expanded Fly Free’s genres of music to not only funk and electronica but to bluegrass, rock, indie-rock, jam, trance-like beats and more. The 2014 lineup features Railroad Earth, The Motet, Desert Dwellers, Arpetrio, This Is Art, Dan Deacon, Skymatic and Dextrous. Visual artists include Chance Losher (Inner Ascension), Scott Moelich (Sun Beam) and Bobby Kruse. Fly Free 2014 offers yoga, live art, food and craft vendors, spontaneous dance parties, disc golf, kids tent and nightly costume themes. For tickets and more info, visit flyfreefest.com.
PLOW’D TO ROCK THE BORO OCT. 18 The local music scene veterans of PLOW’D are ready to once again celebrate all things Southern. “Have you ever wondered what a Saturday night tractor pull, a big ol’ largemouth hittin’ a top water plug, a livestock sale barn, or a late model, modified dirt-track stock car race would sound like through a Marshall amplifier? Well, the answer would be PLOW’D!” according to the band’s promotional materials. Now Johnny Montgomery’s son, Zack, joins the group of aging (experienced . . .) Southern, ’shineloving gents to ratchet up the pretty factor. So if you’re looking for a fun time with a group of local dudes who don’t take themselves too seriously, give the PLOW’D boys a listen. PLOW’D will appear at The Boro on Saturday, Oct. 18; also find them on YouTube and ReverbNation.
ZOMBIE BAZOOKA PATROL
Pride Records (run by the band’s own Spy Zombie, born Nicholas Sebastian Naioti). If the Halloween night crowd is lucky, they will get to witness a zombie singing like Al Green while crowd surfing during the memorable song “Zombie Woman.” Local staple Seth Moore the Band, female fronted surf-poppers The Suez, and Mr. Nasti (Naioti’s latest project) will share the bill. The show will be at Wall Street, 121 N. Maple St., Halloween night, Friday, Oct. 31. Listen to all of the bands on Facebook.
PIANO + ART COUPLE RETURNS TO TENNESSEE Eric Stevenson and Elizabeth Jancewicz , the husband and wife duo behind Pocket Vinyl, will
return to Middle Tennessee this month. The couple, hailing from Connecticut, will appear up on Hippie Hill on Saturday, Oct. 18; at Murfreesboro’s Two-Tone Art Gallery on Sunday, Oct. 19; and at Springwater in Nashville on Monday, Oct. 20. During their performances, Eric plays piano while Elizabeth creates a painting on the spot; afterwards, audience members have the opportunity to purchase the painting to keep, and the income helps keep the artistic couple on the road. For more on Pocket Vinyl, visit pocketvinyl.com.
POCKET VINYL
BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 11
SOUNDS
ONLINE GUITAR TEACHER Smyrna guitarist teaches the world via Skype. STORY BY BRIAN ROS | PHOTOS BY NATALIE SHIPLEY
L
ance Allen smiles as he listens to a student strumming a guitar. Not an uncommon scene in this part of the country, where guitar picking seems to be a regional pastime. What is uncommon is that Allen is based in Smyrna, but his students . . . well, they could be anywhere an Internet connection is available. From the comfort of his desk chair, Allen utilizes the wide-reaching power of Skype to teach lessons on guitar, bass, mandolin and ukulele on a global scale. In one day he may share video time with students in different states, even different continents. That’s in addition to students who sit across from him in his studio.
12 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
He can hardly believe the scope of his reach. Raised in Kentucky, Allen, an awardwinning guitarist who has been featured in musicianship magazines like Fingerstyle Guitar and Acoustic Guitar, was initially inspired by his musical father and by classic rock veterans such as Led Zeppelin, Nirvana and Metallica, just to name a few. In time, Allen was drawn to the guitar style of Chet Atkins, particularly Atkins’ ability to play two parts of a song simultaneously via fingerstyle playing, the technique of plucking strings directly with the fingertips or picks attached to fingers. Allen soon focused on mastering the style.
Not long after graduating Middle Tennessee State University with a degree in recording industry management, Allen took a full-time job at a local music store where he also took on a full schedule of students for one-on-one lessons. During this era, the rise of YouTube provided an entirely new way to broadcast his teachings to a wider audience. Allen began uploading videos of himself playing, and his audience reached a couple hundred thousand views within a short period of time. Fellow YouTubers soon inquired what types of guitar styles he could play. Those conversations led to the use of Skype, the video conferencing network. “A friend from Malaysia, actually, was interested in Skyping to see if it would really work,” he recalled. Sure enough, the webcam lesson turned out to be a success and Allen’s entrepreneurial spirit took hold, leading to the creation of a business where he could teach the intricacies of guitarplaying from the comfort of his studio. “I built a website with keywords and things like that so that people could find me,” he said. “I kept putting video lesson teasers on YouTube and I eventually started to get a schedule of people . . . now I’ve taught [someone] in every state in the United States, and roughly 30 or so countries at this point.” To date, his YouTube channel has nearly 3 million views and approximately 3,000 admiring subscribers. Aside from posting highly successful song tutorials, Allen is also an original composer of instrumental music, which is available on iTunes and Pandora Internet Radio. For Allen, the rewards of teaching in person, or on Skype, are equally gratifying. For example, he recalled a 10-year-old student who was strumming and singing along in a mere four lessons with Allen at his studio. “She was really on fire,” he said. “I’m just really impressed with her, you know. And that right there, to see someone become really into guitar, it really makes my day. “You know, you fall in love with an instrument, and I’ve got all kinds of guitars in here that my students are welcome to play and put their hands on,” he said from his studio.
“When I was a kid, I wasn’t allowed to play a Les Paul [electric guitar] in the music store, but I have one here that any of my students can play on.” In terms of original work, he claimed that his favorite song is one that he wrote for his wife. Called “Just Thoughts,” the tune doesn’t have lyrics, said Allen—but one has to remember that actual words are not always necessary to convey genuine emotion through music. He began to pick a pleasant, uplifting melody with skillful, fingerstyle precision on each chord. As he played he reminisced writing the arrangement for his then-college sweetheart while still an MTSU student.
“I kept putting video lesson teasers on YouTube and I eventually started to get a schedule of people . . . now I’ve taught [someone] in every state in the United States, and roughly 30 or so countries at this point.” Allen is grateful for the opportunities that technology has given him to expand his local business worldwide, and to teach students from different cultures who all share a common love for learning and playing music. “The only drawback is that a student and I can’t jam together,” he noted, because there’s a slight time delay in the video. “But I imagine one day they’ll have that figured out as well,” he predicted. When asked about advice for aspiring guitarists and songwriters, he shared the same wisdom he would give to any of his fellow students in the form of “three P’s.” “Pursue; number two is to persist and then number three is having patience. If you can achieve all three P’s . . . you can be moderately successful with any instrument.” It could also help to have a good Internet connection. For more information or to book a music lesson, visit lanceallenstudio.com.
BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 13
FOOD
A GOOD EGG B
STORY AND PHOTOS BY CHRISTY SIMMONS
ack in 2009, I photographed a beach wedding in Panama City Beach, Fla. It was a very quick trip—hardly any time to do any relaxing, and my assistant and I were exhausted. On the Sunday that we were slated to make our return trip, neither one of us felt up to the task of driving all the way back to Murfreesboro, so we decided to find a place to have a leisurely brunch. We stopped at a gas station to ask where there was good brunch spot, and several people inside suggested the same place: The Egg & I. Long story short, we went and had an amazing brunch and on subsequent trips to PCB, I have made specific plans to go to The Egg & I just for one of their delicious variations on eggs benedict. Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago: Mr. Mayo and I were discussing what restaurant we should review for this month’s issue of the Pulse, and we decided to meet for breakfast at The Egg & I. I had known that a breakfast restaurant with the same name as the one in Panama City had opened in Murfreesboro, but for some reason, it never occurred to me that this was a franchised restaurant. In my mind, the Egg & I in Panama City was a cute little local place, and the one in Murfreesboro was just being unoriginal (Or maybe just had great taste in movies: The Egg and I with Claudette Colbert, anyone?) So, you can imagine my surprise and excitement when I went online to peruse the menu the night before and figured out that it was indeed the same restaurant that I loved so much in Florida. Unfortunately, the excitement would not last. I met Bracken and his wife Sarah there for breakfast on a weekday, and the restaurant was more than half empty, which was what we wanted. I’m sure that the place gets very busy on the weekends. Since I had looked at
THE DISH
The Egg & I is worthy of a try.
NAME: The Egg & I LOCATION: 1970 Medical Center Pkwy., Murfreesboro PHONE: (615) 867-2525 HOURS: Mon.–Fri.: 6 a.m.– 2 p.m.; Sat.–Sun.: 7 a.m.– 2:30 p.m. COST: Crab Cake Benedict: $9.99; Denver Omelette: $8.99; Mexican Skillet: $8.79 ONLINE: theeggandirestaurants.com
14 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
the menu the night before, I knew what I was ordering: The Parisian Benedict. Bracken ordered the Vera Cruz Chicken and Avocado Omelette and Sarah ordered the Mexican Skillet with Pork Green Chile Sauce. I was almost bouncing in my chair in anticipation of those eggs benedict; I just knew they would be as amazing as they were in Florida. I managed to carry on something that resembled normal conversation until our plates came to the table; thankfully, only a short wait. The Pavlovian response I had to that gorgeous plate—poached eggs, nestled on a bed of shaved ham and mushrooms on a buttery croissant, all blanketed by a thick hollandaise—was visceral, but I managed to discreetly wipe the drool off my mouth before I cut my first bite. I went for the surrounding bits first, nabbing a piece of ham and croissant, then a slice of mushroom in the hollandaise, then finally I cut into my poached egg . . . and it deflated. Yolk and uncooked egg whites ran all over my plate; runny yolks are delicious, runny egg whites are so not delicious. Slightly disappointed, I called over our server, who quickly whisked them back to the kitchen, promising me a speedy return. I sat back and waited. And waited. After some more waiting, our server came back to the table and said it wouldn’t be much longer. After a bit more waiting, the manager on duty came to our table and said that she had checked the eggs and they were still undercooked, so she had the kitchen staff remake them again. While I waited, I sampled the other food on the table. If I had read anything on the menu beyond the benedict section, I would have known that Bracken’s omelette was an egg white omelette from the “Smarter Choices” section of the menu and I would have avoided it like the plague. I do not like egg whites by themselves, so please take note that my next comment is made with extreme prejudice: the bite I had was rubbery and tasteless and had that distinct cooked eggwhite odor. Bracken, however, enjoyed it. Sarah’s Mexican skillet was delicious, though. That pork green chile sauce was very flavorful and since there was so much of it, she gave me a small portion to hold me over while I was still waiting on my eggs benedict. Eventually, the manager brought my food to the table and stood there while I cut into the eggs to make sure they were cooked cor-
Clockwise from top: Eggs Benedict, Mexican Skillet with Pork Green Chili Sauce, Vera Cruz Chicken Omlet with Avocado
rectly, which they were. But, after a few bites I realized that the eggs were the only hot thing on my plate and after having waited as long as I did, I wasn’t about to go through the process of sending my food back again. Plus, they had already comped my meal (as they should) and I was mostly full from sampling Sarah’s tasty skillet. Despite this disappointment, I would try them again. Murfreesboro has a definite lack of good breakfast establishments, especially
since Goodness Gracious moved to Readyville. Benedicts are my favorite breakfast food and although I can make the dish myself, I prefer to eat it out. The only other place in town that does an eggs benedict that I have tried is Mimi’s Café and I do not like their versions. Here’s to hoping that the kitchen staff at The Egg & I practice making poached eggs and perfect them before my next visit. Otherwise, I am going to have to keep making the trip to Nashville for my weekend brunches.
BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 15
LIVING
FARMERS’ MARKET EDUCATION SERIES by EDWINA SHANNON
way to have them available for winter cooking. Remove the stem, wash and drain them. Place on a single layer on a cookie sheet. Freeze. Once they become hard tomato “marbles” store them in freezer bags. They can be cooked into soups, stews, roasts, scrambles, etc. (These tips were supplied by retiring Rutherford County Extension Agent Pat Whitaker in her Farmer’s Market class, Tomato Talk.) The Farmer’s Market classes continue through the end of October. These classes are free, open to the public and held at the Lane Agricultural Center on John Rice Blvd. They start at 9 a.m. and last approximately one hour.
A Busy Ending to The Growing Season THE GROWING SEASON MAY BE FINISHING UP THIS YEAR, but it is still a busy time of the year for the home gardener. Hardscaping as well as gardening and landscaping maintenance can be done in preparation for the next growing season and also to maintain yard beauty throughout the winter months.
• If you want fresh greens throughout the winter, now is the time to assemble a cold frame. • Create a wish list. Now that the season is ending, this is a good time to write down what you want for next year while it’s fresh in your mind. You may want to distribute the list in December, too.
Some Suggested End-of-Season Chores:
Have Tomatoes Available in the Winter
• Plant perennials. Check with your local nursery to be certain the plant you are considering with thrive with a fall planting. • Prune existing perennials. • Remove seed pods, also called deadheading. For non-hybrid varieties, it is a great way to have seeds ready for next year. • If you have rainbarrels, clean them out, dry them out and bring them in. If you leave them outside, it is likely that they will crack. With a little care, they should last decades. • If you are planting cool season grass, now is the time! Any fertilizing on existing lawns should be done right before a rain. • Be sure to clean your garden tools. Sterilize, sand, oil and sharpen as needed. • Don’t leave gas in your lawn mower tank over the winter.
Be sure to get your tomatoes picked before their vines are killed by the frost, probably mid-October. Green tomatoes can either be put in a cool, dark place or a brown paper bag to finish ripening. You do have the option to can or freeze green tomatoes. If you choose to freeze them with the intention of frying them in the cold winter months, wash, core and then slice the tomatoes ¼-inch thick. Pack the slices into a freezer tight container with freezer wrap between the layers. Leave a halfinch headspace. Seal and freeze; when you want to cook them in the winter, just remove what you need for that one meal. This is an easy way to keep green tomatoes available year round. If you get overwhelmed with red cherry tomatoes at the end of the season, here’s a simple
16 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
Oct. 24—Starting a Home Vineyard Tony Johnston, MTSU; Thinking of growing grapes for the table or making wine? Learn how to plan for success. Oct. 28—Pumpkin Time Pat Whitaker, Rutherford County Extension Agent; Impress your family and guests with these elegant pumpkin and winter squash recipes.
Farmer’s Market Class Schedule
Oct. 7—Woody Ornamental Planting Justin Stefanski, Wilson County Extension Agent; Get ready to revitalize your landscape by learning to plant, prune and care for woody ornamentals. Oct. 10— Discovering Olive Oil Jim and Peggy Hunt, Epicurean Olive Oil Company; Olive oil is nature’s own beneficial way to health and the foodie’s best friend. Oct. 14—Mushroom Gardening Floyd Adams, Certified Master Gardener; Learn to grow your own bed of mushrooms at home.
Oct. 17—Lasagna Gardening (Raised Beds) Linda Lindquist, Certified Master Gardener; The easy, no-digging, no-tilling way to create a garden bed your flowers or veggies will love! Oct. 21—Reducing & Recycling Mimi Kiesling, Rutherford County Environmental Education; Let’s uncover the mysteries and myths, and learn to reduce waste at home.
Oct. 31—Make Your Own Potpourri Linda Lindquist, CMG; Freshen your home naturally. Makes great gifts, too!
Spring 2015 The annual Plant Swap organized by the Master Gardeners of Rutherford County is currently scheduled for May 2. You may bring plants, seedlings or seeds to swap and leave with an equal quantity. There are educational classes offered during the swap. Mark your calendars now and be thinking about the excess plants that you can dig up next spring and trade. The swap is held at the Lane Agricultural Center and is a morning event. The Farmers Market will reopen next spring. If you are a local producer of plants or animals or products from either, there are mandatory training classes offered in the winter months. Free, educational classes will continue to be offered during the market season. If you have a special interest in a farmer, gardening, landscape or food facet, you may propose a one-hour class for consideration. Inquiries on any of these topics should be directed to Rutherford County Extension Agent Janie Becker at (615) 898-7710 or jbecker8@utk.edu. For more information about the Rutherford County Farmers Market, including a list of other upcoming classes, or to sign up for the emailed UT Extension Newsletter specific to Rutherford County, visit extension.tennessee. edu/rutherford. For more information about the Rutherford County Farmer’s Market and upcoming gardening upcoming classes visit extension.tennessee.edu/rutherford.
It’s Pumpkin Patch and Corn Maze Time!! The pumpkins are plump and a few local farms are in full fall celebration mode. Walden Farm, 8653 Rocky Fork Rd., Smyrna, has plenty of pumpkins available for picking and purchase, along with gourds, Indian corn and other fall harvest items. Walden offers hayrides and treats such as pumpkin fudge, roasted pumpkin seeds, funnel cakes and more. There will be crafts, a corn maze, a hay mountain, a 40foot slide and many other activities. Hours through Oct. 31 are 3–6:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; 9 a.m.–6:30 p.m. Saturdays; and 12–4 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call (615) 2202918 or visitwaldenfarm.biz.
Lucky Ladd Farms, 4374 Rocky Glade Road, Eagleville, is open through the spring and summer featuring a playground, petting zoo and splash pad, but fall is when the pumpkin princess comes out. Pumpkin picking and wagon rides are part of the fun, and Lucky Ladd also offers scavenger-hunt style games for kids in the corn maze, where participants use clues and animal tracks to solve a mystery. Giant tire swings, mega slides, lawn checkers, a huge playground and more make the farm a fun family destination. Hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Thursdays; 10 a.m.–9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 12–5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call (615) 274-3786 or visit luckyladdfarms.com. Maize at Milton, 11132 Lascassas Pike, Milton, is commemorating the 70th anniversary of Normandy with its corn maze this year. This attraction includes campfires, hayrides and a pumpkin patch as well. Hours are 4–10 p.m. Fridays; 10 a.m.–10 p.m. Saturdays; and 1–6 p.m. Sundays. For more information, call (615) 273-MAZE. BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 17
LIVING
The
ROGUE DOCTOR Sets Up Shop in Auburntown
T
he surgical ward was quiet but for the hum of the overhead lights and the occasional clink of a scalpel being laid on a metal tray. Zander Klein and Victoria Fletcher worked in silence, swabbing the surgical site with alcohol and administering injections. Klein glanced at the clock. Midnight. Plenty of time. The homeless man’s eye twitched. One finger quivered as his body tried without success to lift itself from the operating table. Klein scowled and barked, “Nurse Fletcher! More paralytic.” With a brusque nod, the woman at his elbow stepped silently around him and slipped the needle into the patient’s arm. As always, her stealth and economy of movement impressed him. She was a good woman, ran a tight ship. Behind her back, the other nurses called her Nurse Ninja and sometimes Nurse Ratchet. Klein suspected she liked it. The nurses talked about him, too. The sudden silence that would descend upon the nurses’ station when he passed told him as much. They needn’t have bothered; he’d heard it all before. “. . . dead eyes, like a poisonous snake.” “. . . found one of his patients strapped to the bed with his eyelids taped open. He called it some new therapy.” “. . . creepy old bastard. I wouldn’t turn a family member over to him for all the tea in China.” 18 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
People did, though. He had a wall full of diplomas and an impressive collection of leather-bound books on his shelf, the titles carefully chosen to evoke trust. Besides, creepy or not, he said what families wanted to hear, and if anyone saw beneath his shallow veneer of empathy, they chose not to acknowledge it. He glanced down at the patient’s hand and touched the tip of the scalpel to the finger that had wiggled. Blood beaded around the blade, but the finger didn’t move. Klein smiled. The patient stared at the ceiling, eyes watering in the glare of the operating room lights, the eyeballs twitching so violently they all but vibrated in the sockets. Klein cupped his gloved hand over the man’s shaved skull and crooned, “Sssshh. I know you’re frightened. But it will all be over soon.” He handed Fletcher the scalpel and picked up the saw, flicked the power button with his thumb. At the whine of the saw, the patient moaned. A metallic tang rolled off the man, a smell the doctor recognized as fear. “Sshhh. Almost done. Nurse. Sponge.” The saw bit through skin and into bone. Minutes later, Klein turned off the saw, set it aside, and closed his hand over the man’s head. The skull pulled away with a sucking sound, and the man’s brain lay exposed, pink and pulsing like a bowl full of intestines. Fletcher let out a breath and leaned in for a closer look. Fascinated, Klein slipped his
index finger between two folds of frontal lobe, and . . . The operating room door banged open. Fletcher jumped, and Klein’s finger jerked, sending a fleck of gray matter flying. Jerry Pelton, Chief of Psychiatric Surgery, stood in the doorway wearing a pair of plaid pants and a red shirt beneath a white lab coat. As he took in the scene in the operating room, his face paled, then reddened until it matched his shirt. “What the . . .?” he sputtered. Then, “Klein, what the hell is going on here?” “It was a crisis,” Klein said. “There was no time to call you.” Pelton stomped to the operating table and looked down at the patient. “Where’s your anesthesiologist? My God, man, did you just open up this man’s brain without anesthesia?” “Pain is the impetus for change in the organism,” Klein said softly. “It’s a new theory. The pain is the point.” “That’s . . .” Pelton began, but whether he was about to say monstrous or brilliant, Klein would never know, because Fletcher had slipped behind the chief psychiatric surgeon with her silent Nurse Ninja feet and plunged a syringe full of paralytic into his neck. Pelton gave an indignant, startled squawk and crumpled like an empty coat. Klein pinched the bridge of his nose. Pelton had known Klein was operating. Ergo, someone had tipped him off. Things were unraveling. No time to close up the patient’s
skull, and leaving him behind to talk was unthinkable. “I’m truly sorry,” he said to the man on the table, “but the operation was unsuccessful.” With one hand, he held the man’s nose closed. With the other, he covered the man’s mouth. The body quivered, and the eyeballs spasmed, then turned to glass. Fletcher said, “Do you think the treatment would have helped him?” Klein shook his head. “We’ll never know.” There were a few tense moments as they bundled the two men, one dead and one paralyzed, onto gurneys and trundled them past a few sleepless patients in the commons area and the night nurse, who was dozing—or pretending to doze—in the glass-enclosed observation room. Whoever had tipped Pelton off was keeping a low profile. In the parking garage, they loaded Pelton and the dead man into Klein’s van. Fletcher drove Pelton’s Cadillac. As they pulled out, Klein could hear The Partridge Family singing “I Think I Love You” through the Caddy’s open window. Pelton, recently divorced, lived alone—conveniently enough. They left his car in the longterm lot at the airport, then drove to his house, where they cleared out his wall safe and spent more time than Klein would have liked planting clues to Pelton’s disappearance. When the police arrived, they would learn that Pelton had been experimenting on patients. When his colleague, Zander Klein, threatened to expose him, Pelton murdered Klein and fled under a false name to South America, along with his head nurse. It was the best Klein could come up with on short notice. They pumped more paralytic into Pelton, stopped at Fletcher’s apartment long enough for her to pack a suitcase, then drove on to Klein’s house. “Wait here,” he said to Fletcher and went upstairs for Timmy. His older brother gave him a cockeyed grin that both infuriated him and melted his heart. The drugs that kept Tim’s demons at bay had dulled his mind and left him all but an imbecile. “Time to move, buddy,” Klein said. “Police coming again?” “Soon, probably.” “You gonna make me better today, Zan?” He thought of the homeless man’s brain, lost to him now. Another lost opportunity. “I’m working on it, buddy.” Just as he’d been working on it as a boy, when he’d dissected the brains of living animals, just as he’d been working on it all these years, in hospital after hospital, fleeing each one before he was caught. The cost in pain and human lives had been prodigious, but it
would all be worth it when he finally found a cure for mental illness. With Timmy strapped into the back seat and Pelton stretched across the floor at his feet, Klein and Fletcher packed as many of his notes and as much of his equipment as they could fit into the van. Then they hauled the homeless man into the house, tucked him into Klein’s bed, and doused the room with gasoline. Klein felt a pang of regret as the house went up in. It had been a good house, isolated and practically soundproof, and Klein had liked it. For a moment, he and Fletcher watched the house burn. Then she said, “You need a place of your own. Somewhere you can do your work and not be disturbed.” “Places like that are hard to come by.” “I know a place. It belonged to my mother’s family, so now I guess it’s mine. It’s like the land that time forgot.” “This place—where is it?” She tossed him the keys to the van. “First we empty Pelton’s bank account. Then just drive south. Don’t stop until we get to Tennessee.” Fletcher’s place was an abandoned shirt factory in Auburntown, a town so rural you couldn’t even find it on a map. It was perfect. They didn’t even have a police department. Stocked with to-go baskets of chicken sandwiches and ice-cold Coca-Colas from Smitty’s diner nearby, they unchained the gate and pulled to the rear of the factory. Pelton, still pumped full of paralytic drugs, gave a frightened huff as they hauled him inside. Timmy watched while Fletcher strapped Pelton to an abandoned table. Klein prowled the place, planning. His office, near the front. The cafeteria, here. There, the patient rooms. Here, the operating rooms. There, the showers. And at the entrance, the long, pastel-colored hallway lined with inspirational posters: IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN BE IT; IF YOU THINK YOU CAN’T OR IF YOU THINK YOU CAN, YOU’RE RIGHT; LIVE THE LIFE YOU’VE IMAGINED. He could even picture the sign out front: a wrought-iron archway reading “WELCOME TO AUBURNTOWN ASYLUM.” He returned to find Pelton beginning to squirm and Fletcher preparing a syringe. “Nurse Fletcher,” Klein said, “Could you please bring me my scalpels?” “You know,” Fletcher said, “It’s common practice for people who’ve committed murder together to call each other by their first names.” Klein smiled as Pelton’s eyes twitched in silent screams. “Victoria, would you mind bringing me my scalpels?” Auburntown Asylum is located at 776 Poplar Bluff Road East (Highway 96), Auburntown, Tenn., just a 20-minute drive from Murfreesboro. Explore it for yourself if you dare! It is open 7 p.m.–midnight on Fridays and Saturdays through Nov. 1. Find more information at auburntownasylum.net.
THERE’RE SPOOKS ALL OVER! A Guide to More Area Haunted Attractions
Auburntown Asylum 776 E. Poplar Bluff Road, Auburntown auburntownasylum.net Bloody Acres Haunted Woods 318 Big Station Camp Blvd., Gallatin bloodyacres.webs.com Creepy Hollow Haunted Woods 2133 Joe Brown Road, Spring Hill creepyhollowwoods.com Dead Land Haunted Woods 7040 Murfreesboro Road, Lebanon deadlandwoods.com Death Row: Sanitarium of Slaughter 418 Harding Industrial Dr., Nashville deathrowhauntedhouse.com Devil’s Dungeon 510 Davidson St., Nashville devilsdungeon.net Evilution 7091 Hwy. 41-A S., Pleasant View evilutionhauntedwoods.com Haunted Hell 3930 Apache Trail, Antioch hauntedhellnashville.com Miller’s Thrillers 1431 Carters Creek Pike, Columbia millersthrillers.net Monster Mountain 273 McMurtry Road, Hendersonville monstermountain.net Meyers Creek Haunted Woods 3800 John Bragg Hwy., Murfreesboro facebook.com/meyerscreek hauntedwoods Nashville Nightmare 1016 Madison Square, Madison nashvillenightmare.com Nightmare Holllow 2595 New Hall Road, Greenbrier Search for Nightmare Hollow on Facebook Scream Creek 1765 Martins Chapel Church Road, Springfield screamcreek.com Slaughterhouse 3445 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 19
LIVING
A Bed Under the Bridge Man sleeping by train tracks says he has everything he needs. BY BRACKEN MAYO PHOTOS BY SCOTT WALKER
F
or the past nine months, Charles Beavers has slept under Murfreesboro’s Church Street bridge, just a few feet from the very active train tracks. Beavers, who has been homeless for nine years, says he is growing tired of being homeless, but that he has everything he needs and his spot is far from the worst place in the world. “I’d rather be out here and have some privacy than be bunched up with a bunch of kooks in a mission; the mission in Nashville is like a jail,” Beavers said while sitting on his mattress below Church Street, where thousands of cars whizz past overhead every day. “And I’m probably safer here than in the projects.” His few possessions and Reese’s Pieces wrappers, Chef Boyardee ravioli cans, Vienna sausages, peanut butter and crackers, and pudding cups surround his mattress and blankets. His view to the front is a thickly wooded forest; to his back is a concrete ledge. Both serve to keep his area cool, shady and secluded. But just beyond the concrete barrier, 20 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
trains thunder down the train tracks, everyday, non-stop. “They never stop coming, 24-7, 365 days a year. Even on Christmas,” he said. Currently, one other man resides under the same bridge, his camp set up a little ways down the tracks. “There were some others, but I had to run them off,” Beavers said. “They was raising Cain and drinking.” In the past, the area under the bridge contained a great deal of trash, bedding, blankets, glass, and odds and ends. But currently,
other than the two men’s few possessions, it is quite tidy. “I’ll carry my trash away,” Beavers said. “The cops come down here, but if it’s clean, if there’s not trash all around, if you’re not drinking and harassing people, they’ll leave you alone. They know I’m down here, they even come and check on me sometimes.” While he prefers the outdoors to an urban mission setting, Beavers does take advantage of the services at Murfreesboro’s Journey Home. “You can take showers, do laundry and
I’ve been homeless for nine years now. I’m kind of tired of it. I’m tired of the road. . . . I’ve been out west, out in Colorado, California, but they don’t speak the dialect. I’d rather be in Tennessee or North Georgia.” keep yourself clean there,” he said. He also appreciates an occasional hot meal from the local Salvation Army. “Your mid-sized towns are where the good help is,” he said. Beavers doesn’t go hungry, he said; his food-stamp card is loaded each month. When asked if he needs anything, he replied: “Cat food. I’ve been feeding some cats down here.” “I have everything I need.” Originally from Georgia, Beavers attributes his current situation to drinking and driving. “I’ve been caught eight times,” he said. “I’ve been homeless for nine years now. I’m kind of tired of it. I’m tired of the road,” Beavers continued. “I’ve been out west, out in Colorado, California, but they don’t speak the dialect. I’d rather be in Tennessee or North Georgia.” He has family in Georgia, but said he does not plan to ever see them again. “They’ve pretty much disowned me,” Beavers said, and he has accepted that. “I’m going to get off of my lazy hind end and get a job one of these days,” he said. Until then, Beavers is at peace with his living quarters under Church Street, or at least not highly motivated to make an immediate change, his cats as his companions, and using his portable radio with headphones—one of his few luxury items—to listen to his Atlanta Braves on WGNS for entertainment.
BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 21
ART Haunting Artistic Passion The artwork of William C. Cope “Age is a matter of feeling, not years.” —Washington Irving That quote by one of William C. Cope’s literary heroes took on a special meaning for him one year ago. It came to mind as he was receiving medicine intravenously in the chemotherapy treatment area of Tennessee Oncology. In October of 2013 Cope was diagnosed with cancer. His treatments required him to sit for hours while medicine was pumped into his left arm, leaving his right hand free to pick up a pencil and begin to draw again for the first time in years. Cope had realized as a young adult that he could make money selling his drawings of people to people, but that realization soon became the only driving force of his art. After years of being paid to draw portraits, he realized he had lost his artistic heart along the way. “That’s when I began to see my art as work instead of fun,” he explains. He put down his pencil and didn’t draw more than an occasional doodle for many years. However, he still found himself surrounded by artistic things. He would occasionally tutor someone who needed help with their art class. He also sculpted, read, traveled, and did some photography while focusing on his career in Correctional Management. “Correctional facilities all over the United States are full of talented people who have made bad mistakes,” says Cope. “Some of the most creative artists I have ever met were inmates.” While working his way up in the ranks of the county facilities and the state’s prison system, he always encouraged those talented people he encountered to continue their passion of art. “When I was placed in the position of Assistant Director of the Rutherford County Correctional Work Center, I was able to implement a creative arts class for the offenders housed there. It gave participating inmates an outlet for their creativity and many times eased tensions that may have been taken out in less productive ways.” Cope adds that enrollment was based on a zero tolerance policy with one disciplinary action potentially resulting in expulsion. “From a management standpoint I was proud, because the class required no budget and cost taxpayers nothing. The wonderfully talented artist Ann Carothers volunteers her time to teach the class and it is securely supervised by Sergeant Ray Angus. The supplies are donated from local companies and volunteers,” he said. Artwork from the program has been exhibited at several recent events. And Cope hopes to host a full art show some time in 2015. 22 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
BY MAI HARRIS
But after inspiring so much creativity in others, his own drawing was taking a back seat—until he found himself in chemotherapy. “It was October and I was thinking about a recent trip that my wife Shannon and I had taken to Sleepy Hollow, N.Y., where we visited Washington Irving’s grave. As I sat there with that tube in my arm, I needed to feel as young as I could make myself. So, I sketched a scene from Irving’s Legend of Sleepy Hollow to make myself feel younger, and it worked,” Cope said. At that moment, Cope vowed to God that he would never give up on his artistic talents again. So he hasn’t, and it has resulted in many great things for him. “One of my sculptures,” Cope explained, “is currently displayed in Stephen King’s personal office in Bangor, Maine”—a special treat for the artist, whose mother was an avid Stephen King reader. He is producing illustrations for a Civil War novel by author Ed Alexander and co-author Wayne Wilson, a book collaboration with publisher Joe Mynhardt of Crystal Lake Publishing. He is also working with his brother, Joshua Cope, providing illustrations for a collection of scary short stories and poetry for young readers. His illustrations have even been inducted into the United States Army archives. Horror, fantasy and science fiction have been lifelong loves for Cope and have obviously influenced his subject matter, as have early artistic influences like Frank Frazetta and James Flora. His earliest drawings included everything from pictures he saw in Sunday school to dinosaurs and monsters he read about in cryptozoology books. In his most recent work you will recognize many of your favorite characters and scenes from a variety of horror movies. Many of these pieces will be on display at JoZoara Coffee Shop and Two-Tone Art Gallery throughout the month of October. As you’re viewing his work in person this month, remember that those images you’re having the pleasure of viewing wouldn’t exist had Cope not been able reignite his passion and take refuge in his art during the toughest times. Whatever your passions and talents are, take a cue from him and follow them always, even—perhaps especially—in your darkest moments.
House on the Hill acrylic on canvas by Micheel Sweatt
Frank N Dots by the Rhinovirus
Creepy Creations SOME OF MURFREESBORO’S finest local artists have scared up some very special creations for us this October. All of these works are either for sale, or the artists can be commissioned to create something similar. It’s never too early to start Christmas shopping for that certain someone in your life who celebrates Halloween year-round. We all know at least one person like that. . . . For more information about these pieces and artists, or to submit your own artwork for consideration of promotion in the Pulse, send an email to art@boropulse.com.
Anatomy 206 by Beth Moore
This is Halloween 31" tall, found objects, polymer and paper clay, by Michelle Sweatt
Witch by Oliver Langston BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 23
ART
A few months ago, the Pulse decided to speak with a few of our very talented local tattoo artists and get some insights into their profession. Look for more coverage of local tattoo artists, and featured tattoos at BoroPulse.com/Art
View more of Wilson’s work at tktktk.com
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:
Todd Wilson BY MAI HARRIS TODD WILSON is an artist at Icon Tattoo & Piercing, 115 E. Lytle St., Murfreesboro, and is also the owner of Two-Tone Art Gallery. Murfreesboro Pulse: What made you decide to become a tattoo artist? WILSON: I didn’t want to be a tattoo artist until I got my first tattoo. Until then I thought that they weren’t real art. I came from a small town that didn’t have much love for tattoos. What was your experience learning the art and process of tattooing like? Sometimes I think going to hell would have felt like a nice vacation. I washed cars in miniskirts, did more yard work than I thought was possible, and suffered many other indignities. I never regretted it. I didn’t know it at the time but that training shaped my character and turned me into the person I needed to be to do the job. What do you do, if anything, to make your clients feel more at ease and, as a tattoo artist, how big of a responsibility do you feel that is? I try to make people feel comfortable; I try to play relaxing music and help people stay calm. It’s a super-big deal, and neither party can forget that the decisions made in the process will be permanent. 24 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
Where do you find inspiration, and is this something you get a chance to incorporate into your work? Or is it left out since most people already know what they want as a tattoo? Being an artist outside of tattooing, I can honestly say that I look up to every other artist or anyone brave enough to try to brighten the word through expression. When it comes to doing tattoos, I always try to make it better than what the client comes in with. How often do people give you creative control? People often allow me to do whatever I want on their tattoos; I never really questioned why. (P.S. Rest in peace, tribal. Please stay dead.) [referring to the trend of tribal tattoos]
BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 25
OCTOBER ART EVENTS compiled by MAI HARRIS
ARTIST WORKSHOP: WATERCOLOR FOR BEGINNERS Wednesdays in October, 4–6 p.m. Moxie Art Supply, 302 W. Vine St. Joyce Kimbel will be teaching a four-week Watercolor for Beginners class at Moxie Art Supply, beginning Oct. 1 and ending Oct. 22. Cost is $75. To register, e-mail the artist at jakpaintsart@gmail.com.
THE ART OF WILLIAM C. COPE Throughout October; JoZoara Coffee Shop, 536 N. Thompson Ln., Two-Tone Art Gallery, 113 W. Lytle St. William C. Cope, will have his horror- and fantasy-inspired artwork on display at JoZoara and Two-Tone Gallery this month. For more information on these exhibits or on purchasing his artwork, contact William at williamccope@hotmail.com.
CREATIVE GROUP MEET-UPS
First Wednesday of each month, 5–8 p.m. at Two Tone Art Gallery, 113 W. Lytle St. Local creatives gather to work on projects, make connections and get more familiar with the local art community. Feel free to bring something to work on and some snacks.
ENGAGING POSSIBILITIES
Through Oct. 25 Center for the Arts/MTSU campus The Center for the Arts partners with the Society for Photographic Education for a conference entitled Engaging Possibilities. The Center gallery, located at 110 W. College St., will host a member exhibit through Oct. 25. The conference will take place on the MTSU campus and will have content such as workshops, presentations and demonstrations presented by SPE members. Other events planned for the conference include a film screening, portfolio reviews and exhibits.
ART IN THE PARK
Oct. 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Historic Courthouse Square, Shelbyville Everyone is invited to the third annual Art in the Park on the historic Bedford County courthouse square, featuring amazing artists, booths, great food, artistic demonstrations, live entertainment on stage, children’s art activities and more. Bring the family and come “harvest your creative self” on the Shelbyville square. Free admission and parking.
PLEIN AIR ON THE BELL BUCKLE SQUARE
Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.– 3 p.m. at Historic Railroad Square, Downtown Bell Buckle 20 professional artists from across Middle Tennessee will leave their studios and set up their easels all around the historic Railroad Square in downtown Bell Buckle, as they participate in the spontaneous and exciting form of painting called en plein air (French for ‘in the open air’). Visitors will have the opportunity to see an original painting created right before their eyes. Artists will be working as quickly as possible to capture the beauty of a Tennessee fall day on canvas, competing with the changing light of the sun and movement of the clouds. Come meet the artists; some paintings will be available for purchase, as well as a mini-farmers market.
VINTAGE CIRCUS
Opening Oct. 8 Mayday Brewery, 521 Old Salem Road This month’s art exhibition at Mayday, “Vintage Circus,” will go up on Oct. 8, with an opening reception to be held Thursday, Oct. 17, from 5–7 p.m. For more information, contact Dawna Magliacano at dkmagarts@gmail.com.
STARSEED BY MIKA MOLLENKOPF
Oct. 15–31 Moxie Art Supply, 302 W. Vine St. Recent work by Mika Mollenkopf will be on display. An opening reception will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21.
ILLUSTRATION EXHIBIT
Oct. 7–23 at MTSU Todd Art Gallery Curated by Ashley Doughty, this exhibit includes the work of critically acclaimed African American artist and illustrator Kadir Nelson. He is a recipient of multiple awards and honors from children’s books to major publishers and publication companies like Coca-Cola and Major League Baseball. Also involved are Sandra Strickland and John Hendrix. Hendrix is a professor of illustration and typography at Washington University in St. Louis. His work has been published in numerous publications including Time, Rolling Stone, Sports Illustrated and Entertainment Weekly. He has also illustrated and authored award winning children’s books including John Brown: His Fight for Freedom and A Boy Called Dickens. A reception will be held, Monday, Oct. 6, from 5–7 p.m. 26 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
MID-SOUTH SCULPTURE ALLIANCE
Oct. 28–Nov. 14 at MTSU Todd Art Gallery Curated by sculpture professor Michael Baggarly, the Mid-South Sculpture Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the creation and understanding of sculpture. The Todd Art Gallery will host an exhibition of sculpture Oct. 28–Nov. 14. The Mid-South Sculpture Alliance seeks to advance the understanding that sculpture educates, effects social change and engages artists, art professionals and the community in dialogue.
BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 27
LIVING ROOM CINEMA
REVIEWS
column by NORBERT THIEMANN
facebook.com/livingroomcinema
MOVIE A WALK AMONG THE TOMBSTONES 3.5
Starring Liam Neeson, Dan Stevens, Brian “Astro” Bradley Directed by Scott Frank Rated R There’s nothing new in the new crime drama A Walk Among the Tombstones, as the brooding, unlicensed private detective Matt Scudder (Neeson) attempts to solve the mystery of who’s been kidnapping and killing the wives and girlfriends of some of New York’s wealthier drug lords. Nothing is new, because we’ve seen Liam Neeson play this type over and over; we’ve seen this gritty world of predator and prey, the unhinged versus the psychotic. Yet without breaking any new ground, and
BOOK review by MICHELLE PALMER
The House at Tyneford by Natasha Solomon AS NATASHA SOLOMON’S book The House at Tyneford begins, the year is 1938, and war is coming in Europe. At 19, Austrian Elise Landau has lived a privileged and pampered life. Elise’s mother, Anna, is a world-renowned opera singer, and her father, Julian, a published author; older sister Margot is known as an accomplished violinist. Parties, expensive jewelry and clothing, and entertaining are a way of life for the Landau family. But with war looming and Jews already being persecuted, Elise’s parents begin to fear for their safety, and their first step is to get Elise out of the country. The very last thing Elise wants to do is leave her family and go to England to work as a maid.
RATINGS:
save one caveat, A Walk Among the Tombstones stands up as a quality work of genre storytelling. Set in 1999, writer/director Scott Frank imbues this adaptation of the eponymous novel with the familiarity of such hard-worn and well-traveled tropes as to evoke a certain timelessness to this story of an ex-cop who’s been hanging by the thread of sobriety for nearly eight years after an alcohol-enhanced incident of offduty heroics left him wallowing in a well of existential despair.
Neeson’s now natural stoicism is perfect for the role (though maybe he’s due for a comedic turn soon, eh?) as his investigation into the killings falls into the comfortable groove of an aboveaverage TV procedural, aided by the seething tension of Neeson’s resting face. The anti-cellphone, anti-computer Scudder finds his foil in the equally lonely, techsavvy teen TJ, played by relative newcomer “Astro” Bradley, giving a standout performance. Wisely, time and setting dictate
But Elise’s family has several qualities that make them vulnerable during this troubled time: they are wealthy, they are artists and they are Jewish. Elise places an advertisement as a maid, and shortly thereafter finds herself on a train destined for the rocky coast of England and her new life at Tyneford. From the moment Elise arrives, it is clear that she is very different from the other servants working at Tyneford. Whether it is her exotic looks and long dark hair or her previous life as a member of society in wealthy Austria, Elise does not fit in. “You are to be the end of us all,” declares Wrexham, Tyneford’s butler. The challenging situation is only made worse when Elise meets and eventually falls in love with the young master of the house, Kit Rivers. While Elise struggles to adapt to her new world, as well as her
feelings for Kit, the ever-present worry for her family grows with each passing week. The original plan—for Anna and Julian to secure visas and go to America— has encountered one roadblock after another, and eventually, as war breaks out, Elise loses all touch with her parents. The House at Tyneford is a tale of loyalty, bravery and the tremendous cost of war, not just to people but to the very existence of the house at Tyneford and a way of life. Fans of the television series Downton Abbey will adore this novel, which clearly evokes the class division, formality and traditions of late 1930s England. Solomon’s account of the war is fairly benign—the German soldier who crashes in the water off Tyneford suffers only a cut to his head, and Mr. Rivers’ injuries from the war include exposure and a gash under his arm. Where
A CLASSIC
28 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
OUTSTANDING
AVERAGE
Frank’s directing style, with keen attention to framing and extended shot lengths moving the film beyond a boilerplate thriller to a legit period piece. Once the whodunit is revealed, the procedural gives way to cat-andmouse, at times recalling the ’90s godfather of serial-killer movies, The Silence of the Lambs, keeping itself in good company. Unlike the aforementioned genre touchstone, however, A Walk Among the Tombstones suffers frowm a paucity of female characters who aren’t either beautiful objects to be admired, or more often, screaming victims. Bechdel test: failed. The lack of women in any speaking supporting roles seems a glaring omission for a film so indebted to, and in love with, the decade that saw the genre dominated by the likes of Jodie Foster and Ashley Judd, and this is a blemish on an otherwise good movie. — JAY SPIGHT Solomon excels is in the descriptions of Tyneford, from the height of its glory to its sad demise, and her writing is both lovely and evocative. The House at Tyneford is a lush book that will take readers on a journey to a long-forgotten place and time. Despite Wrexham’s prediction, in the end, it is not Elise who causes the downfall of Tyneford; it is the ravages of war and time itself that cause its demise. Michelle Palmer of Murfreesboro is a member of Read To Succeed’s One Book Committee and is author of the book blog Turn of the Page (michellepalmersbooks.blogspot.com). Read To Succeed is the community collaborative created to promote literacy in Rutherford County. The objective of this partnership between schools, area agencies, and businesses is to support local programming and raise awareness about the importance of literacy. For more information on how you can make a difference, visit readtosucceed.org.
BELOW AVERAGE
Community Troubles
T
here are different kinds of troubles that can afflict a community. Many times it plagues the children as well as the adults. Here are some thoughtful selections toward that broad subject.
The Hunt (2013) is written and directed by Thomas Vinterberg (The Celebration). Mads Mikkelsen stars as a divorced father who works in a child daycare center. His life and community are deeply altered after accusations of misconduct are lodged against him. The Hunt is a true story only in that it is conceived from multiple real-life cases that have been artistically combined.
Top of the Lake (2012) is a New Zealand mini-series directed by Jane Campion and Garth Davis. A detective returns to her childhood homeland to be with her ailing mother, only to get recruited to aid in a child abuse and disappearance case. Elizabeth Moss does a stellar job as the detective, Robin Griffin.
Art of Conflict (2012) is a documentary directed by Valeri Vaughn. For years Belfast and Northern Ireland suffered through the violent conflicts known as the Troubles. Murals adorn the architecture on both sides, depicting martyrs and their points of view. The story is thoroughly told, and engaging to watch. AVOID AT ALL COSTS
DEAD
SPORTS HESTER MAKES HISTORY, AND MORONIC BEHAVIOR FROM WINSTON
T
person would calm down, grow up, focus he Train Daddy is back, and the pain on their craft. After all, he is a major taltrain is ready as always to bring you ent. There are also the little incidents that sports knowledge and life lessons in hurt his credibility in 2012: there was an that unique style. I hate to start this column by Z-TRAIN incident where police had to speak to him way, but the Titans suck, and they have titanman1984@ yahoo.com about windows being shot out by a BB gun; disappointed greatly! I stated my concerns then there was a Burger King manager prior to the season and Coach Whisenhunt who accused Winston of stealing soda, and stated that has proved me correct. I would dig deeper than anyone to ahe kept refilling his cup after being asked to stop. Then, shed some positive light on the Titans; sorry, there is no the New York Times reported that another FSU student more digging I can do. sought counseling, but didn’t pursue charges after a sexual So, besides the disappointment that is the Titans, what experience with Winston. Jameis Winston made this comelse do I have for you? How about Jameis Winston, comment to the media: “If I get Manziel disease, I want every ing off a season where you win the Heisman award and one of you all to get your mics and start slapping me on a national championship: quit acting a moron, son! But the head.” Sure, Johnny Manziel was in a bar fight once, first, on to something a little more positive. complained about a parking ticket once and was even On Thursday Night Football, Atlanta Falcons speedster suspended for autographing a picture. Still, Manziel never Devin Hester scored a 62-yard punt return, giving him faced any serious allegations. I don’t know if Winston will a record-breaking 20th return touchdown for his career. attempt to enter the NFL draft next season. I hope not. Hester broke the record of 19, currently held by Primetime The kid needs to shut up, needs to study and take a note Deion Sanders, who was on hand at the Georgia Dome. from quarterbacks like Peyton, Brees and Rodgers. After the game, Hester joined Deion for the post-game After a very impressive 26–10 victory over the Chiefs show and they cried it out, they hugged, cried some more. in the opening game of the season, Hell, I think I cried. Sanders told the Me-Ma and all Titans fans were Devin, “I love you as a man, a father, pumped up and excited for what they as a husband, I’m so proud of you.” It thought was a very improved Titans was actually touching seeing a sports team. Well, that was short-lived, and moment that was historic and real. since Week 1, the Titans have been It is so refreshing to see that rather manhandled by the Cowboys, the than all this crap on domestic abuse Bengals and the Colts, losing each of and child abuse and the abuse the those games by 16 points or more. referees have been giving their little We all know Jake Locker is injury yellow flags—that’s the real abuse. prone, so it seems to me as a head These games that are getting close coach you would go out of your way to 30 penalties a game are crazy. I for the best backup quarterback you won’t go deep into that, but please could get your hands on. So who let them play. I feel so sorry for these does Coach Whisenhunt bring in? defensive players in the league. Charlie Whitehurst, better known as They are playing flag football. It’s Hester Clipboard Jesus. Before being signed been about offense for a long time on by the Titans, Clipboard Jesus hadn’t thrown a pass now, but it’s out of control. Good defenders are naturally in an actual game since 2011, and it showed in the ugly aggressive people. Now they are told to think and back Week 4 loss to the Colts. Only 13 career appearances and off. Forcing them to play soft goes against everything they four starts in his nine-year career. The only reason he have been taught since pee-wee football. Games will get was signed was because he won over Coach Whisenhunt lengthier, fans will complain, players will complain . . . unless you’re Peyton Manning . . . and we will all keep watch- in San Diego as a backup to Phillip Rivers. I hope I am wrong, but if Jake gets seriously injured and we’re stuck ing, because we love football. I understand the emphasis on concussions and attempting to keep defenseless players with Clipboard Jesus, all fingers have to point at Coach Whisenhunt when things go from bad to really bad. Jake’s safe, but I am concerned that we are taking away the little right-wrist injury doesn’t look too serious, but after three bit of brutality left in the game. ugly games in a row and another injury, my hopes have So, from an apparent rape case to stealing crab legs dwindled. All I want is wins and for Locker to be successand, now, standing on a table in the middle of campus ful; I want to see him play like Brett Favre did, slinging the screaming an obscene phrase to anyone within earshot . . . ball and using his legs, and he has the potential. Oh well, really? Jameis Winston is a great player, maybe the best in it looks like it might be a rough season for the Titans, I college football, but he is a moron—a true moron without hope at the end, though, we have at least a couple of posia doubt, I don’t care how good he is. I imagine all 32 owntive things to look forward to in the future. ers in the NFL will have him marked as a moron come This one kind of hurt to write; I have written very few draft day. So, how do you define a moron? Webster’s dearticles in which I degrade the Titans, but this one speaks fines it as a very foolish or stupid person who gets caught truth. Train’s out the station. Choo-choo! stealing crab legs! After rape accusations, you figure a
30 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
SPORTS TALK
BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 31
NEWS Con artist J.D. Lewis scams victims for millions
GREED, FRAUD AND THE BOGEYMAN M
J.D. Lewis
STORY BY TONY LEHEW
oney has a strange way of blinding people; someone who would normally make sound decisions can be led down a dark pathway by money. That simple fact of the human condition is the bread and butter of a con man. If you think about it, greed is a huge part of the American way. To get ahead, to prosper: This is ingrained in all Americans, maybe more than any other culture in the world. That kind of drive to succeed also makes you more vulnerable to those who would cheat you. Dangle the right carrot at the right time and every one of us will try to take a bite. It’s with that setup that we introduce Karen Maddox, Lonnie and Charlotte Layne, David Howell and J.D. Lewis. Maddox, along with several others who did not wish to be identified in this piece, has suffered huge losses from the criminal fraud of the others mentioned. This tale of heartbreak and loss is related to a classic Ponzi scheme. A Ponzi scheme is a fraudulent investment operation that pays returns to its investors from existing capital or new capital paid by new investors, rather than from profit earned by the individual or organization running the operation. Operators of Ponzi schemes usually entice new investors by offering higher returns than other investments, in the form of short-term returns that are either abnormally high or unusually consistent. Now, that is a clinical definition; the human definition is fraud, lies and deception. The toll is calculated in monstrous greed, criminals and victims. Maddox and the others are victims. They are not hapless victims, however, because they chose to fight back. Their stories vary a little but they are basically the same. All were befriended by local businessman, Lonnie Layne. Layne owned an investment company called Legacy Estates. All of the victims had inheritance money to invest or were managing the affairs of their elderly parents. Layne had found the mastermind of this Ponzi scheme, J.D. Lewis, in an advertisement in a local paper. Lewis placed an ad looking for brokers to help him find investors. Layne, approaching people who trusted him and thought him to be a friend, asked them to invest with J.D. Lewis. He then sent the money 32 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
to Lewis, who in turn, was supposed to invest it for the women. Claims were made that the money was insured and all investments were legit. A profit of 20 percent was promised. At first, dividends were paid and all looked well with the world. Since the investments were paying, why not invest more? So they did invest more, to the collective total of $2 million. When their resources had been tapped and there was no more money to invest, everything changed. The checks were replaced with excuses, calls went unanswered, stalling tactics were employed and eventually threats were made. And there are many other victims worldwide. “My mom died in October of 1996. When she died, Dad was lost, because Mom had always handled the finances,” Karen Maddox said. “So, I stepped in to help manage their investments. “We invested with Wallace Reid, a local investor. Wallace moved to Texas and turned over our trust to Legacy Estates and Lonnie Layne. Lonnie was trained to handle trusts and by doing so, he would know exactly how much money you had and how to move it around. Every time he invested or moved our money he would get a commission or a fee,” said Maddox. “Lonnie was never open with us about his motives. We never knew if he was ever working in our best interest. My dad used to argue with him about moving his money. After I became suspicious of the investments and J.D. Lewis, I called Lonnie and told him, ‘You are either going to tell me on the phone, face to face or in court, what you know about J.D. Lewis.’ He said, ‘I know him, I’ve done business with him before, he’s a good guy.’ I found out that Lonnie was never invested in any of the things he invested us in. Later on Lonnie finally admitted he didn’t know J.D. and he found him in a newspaper ad. His mother was invested in VCDC, (the name of J.D. Lewis’s fraudulent company) but he got her out when he found out it was a Ponzi scheme.” When asked if she thought Layne was aware what he was doing, Maddox said, “It is my feeling that Lonnie did know it was a Ponzi scheme because he put family in it. He invested them in it, in the beginning, to show future investors how well they did. You pay your family and friends the high returns with the new
Karen Maddox discusses her experience with J.D. Lewis and Lonnie Layne.
investors’ (victims) money and then get them out of it. The new investors, like us, never get paid. [The matter of ] Lonnie Layne knowing initially that it was a Ponzi scheme is open for debate,” she said, “because it is a common tactic for Ponzi schemers to use family members. They put their family and friends in to get your trust and pay the family high returns off new money and they can show off the paperwork to make the investments look legitimate. “If he did start out to be honest, at some point he became dishonest . . . once he knew what was going on, then it was all about getting his family out and still collecting fees and commissions from us.” In 2000, J.D. Lewis was fined $30,000 by the Manitoba Securities Commission, Maddox explained. “Lonnie knew that, yet he never told us anything about it. I know that he received $24,000 from J.D. Lewis after he knew the investments were a scam,” she said. “He had promised us that he wouldn’t take any more money until we got our money back.” When asked what she thought the $24,000 payment Layne received was for, Maddox said, “I think that payment was hush money.” “I made my last payment in 2003 and Lonnie kept asking for more money, he promised us the rollovers. That’s the way a Ponzi scheme works, you get paid at first and then when the money stops you get promises like, ‘Well, I came through for you before, just send the money, and I will again.’ It became obvious that this wasn’t on the level,” Maddox said, “so we pressured Lewis to return our money. He knew we were about to sue him, so he sent a man named David Howell to do a debt consolidation. He was supposedly a rich friend of Lewis’ and he was going to bail him out of this. But it was all a stall tactic. There were a lot of meetings, with promises of other investments and profits that never happened. We were all hoping that he would be able to help; at that point, hope is all we had left. But as it turned out, [Howell] was a con man too. We think that he conned J.D. Lewis out of a lot of our money also. So basically, he conned the con man,” Maddox said. “It’s a good guess that we might have retrieved some or all of our money if it hadn’t been for Howell.”
So, this story has more than one bogeyman. “My parents, my brother and I invested $140,000 in VCDC and got almost none of it back.” In 2011, Karen Maddox and three others employed local attorney Ken Burger to represent them and filed suit against Lonnie and Charlotte Layne, David Howell and J.D. Lewis. Howell and Lewis did not show up for the court date and the Laynes acted as their own counsel. According to Maddox and the others involved, the trial was a stressful one, with the Laynes grandstanding for sympathy and trying to play the victims themselves. Ultimately, Maddox and the other victims in the case won a $2 million settlement against the defendants. Burger characterized Lonnie Layne as a financial predator. He swooped down on people who had experienced a death in their family, people who were grieving. All the investments Lonnie Layne brought to the victims went broke. Layne was also found guilty by the Tennessee Department of Commerce of selling securities without a securities licenses. They revoked his insurance licenses and barred him from ever getting them back. Although they won a judgment, collection efforts are still ongoing. As of this writing, none of the defendants have paid anything. The Burger Law Firm continues to make attempts to collect the debt, but Lewis is hard man to find. He has offices in New York, but lives in Canada. They have tried to extradite him and so far the efforts have not been successful. There is evidence that he has carried out cons similar to this all over the world. The true depths of his deception and schemes could well eclipse that of Bernie Madoff. “We are only a drop in the bucket compared to all the people he has conned worldwide,” said Maddox. Lewis and Howell have been referred to as bogeymen throughout this article, but they are real, they are still out there and they want to devastate your life, just like they did Karen Maddox’s. She and the others want you to learn from their mistakes. “The real impact is emotional. At first you feel so stupid and violated, I feel like I’ve been beat up and left in a ditch. I feel like someone has come into my life and did something terrible to me and I let it happen. I don’t trust anyone anymore. Don’t make my mistake, do your homework. Don’t feel bad about checking out someone you trust. If they are legit, they won’t care if you check them out.” So, if this story does nothing else, let it serve as a cautionary tale. As Mr. Burger plainly put it, “If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”
BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 33
OPINIONS What Are the Odds? THE EVACUATION THAT WASN’T COST SOME LOCAL BUSINESSES BIG MONEY We were minding our own business, not bothering anybody—which is the Stockard way— talking about the future of bars and restaurants on the Public Square one evening when a strange thing happened. Pulse Publisher/Editor in Chief Bracken Mayo, former 3 Brothers owner Rob Fortney and I were evacuated from the Sims Realtors building by a Rutherford County Sheriff ’s officer. At first, we thought he was joking when he said we had to get out, but then he informed us a substance had made someone sick at the Judicial Building, which is four doors down, and that we needed to go out the back door and walk away from Judicial Building. Being a workaholic, I asked if I could at least log out of my computer and pack up my stuff so I could keep my nose to the grindstone. I can’t function without my mobile office. He said I could, and then we got the heck out of there. Out on the street, the Public Square’s north side was bedlam. The poor cigar smokers who gather every evening in front of The Humidor were unceremoniously booted out. People walked around speculating about the problem, guessing the cause was anything from an exploded aerosol can to anthrax in the mail. (I know the mailman, and he can’t be trusted.) Emergency workers from across Murfreesboro and Rutherford County descended on the Judicial Building to search for the toxic substance that apparently caused someone working in the third-floor clerk’s office to get sick. Fire trucks, police cars, a command unit, rescuers, hazardous materials experts arrived. They even called in Homeland Security and the FBI. We had enough firepower out there to liberate Ukraine. But if you’ve been around downtown Murfreesboro long enough, you’re accustomed to bomb threats at the Judicial Building. When someone doesn’t want to show up at court, they threaten to kill a judge and the building closes down for half the day. Security doesn’t have much choice but to take everything seriously. Most of the time, however, when a threat is made or something smells like it’s burning in one of the electrical areas, security evacuates nothing but the Judicial Building. This time, though, everybody on the north side of the Square got kicked out. Yellow tape went up and folks were kept out, left to gawk at the beehive of emergency personnel activity.
34 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
The
STOCKARD REPORT BY SAM STOCKARD
recently and moved to Texas. Big Bang Dueling Pianos is replacing 3 Brothers, and The Alley Steakhouse is filling the former Rooster’s spot. Kudos to anyone who tries to run a small business, especially one in downtown Murfreesboro. But let’s hope they don’t get shut down by an alleged evacuation. One hit on a night’s worth of business can be expensive, especially if it wasn’t necessary or even ordered. . . .
WHAT DID HE SAY? Liquid Smoke and The Humidor
Five hours later, after firefighters in hazardous-materials uniforms covered every square inch of the building several times, they determined the threat was “unfounded.” Hooray. But this ain’t over. Some inquiring minds got to thinking: Why were Liquid Smoke and The Humidor evacuated that night while Maple Street Grill, Wall Street and Marina’s, which are closer to the Judicial Building, were allowed to stay open? After all, if noxious fumes really were floating around, wouldn’t they drift west across Maple Street as well as east toward Church Street? And here’s the odd thing: When questioned about the evacuation strategy a few days later, the sheriff ’s department said it had not called for every building to be cleared on the north side of the Square and that it had told personnel only to keep people from walking near the Judicial Building. But Mayo, who shares an office with me, confirmed that I wasn’t crazy, that we were told to “evacuate” that night. We were sitting only about 6 feet apart when the sheriff ’s officer ordered us out. So if the sheriff ’s department is telling the truth, maybe we were hearing things, and that means Liquid Smoke and Humidor owner Mike Lamure cost himself more than $1,000 that night. Lamure says that’s about how much he lost, because The Humidor shut down for half a day and by the time the evacuation—or alleged evacuation—ended that night, it was 9 p.m., and the damage was done. Lamure didn’t bother opening Liquid Smoke. Oddly enough, not two minutes before we were summarily sent out, Fortney mentioned how difficult it is to run a business in downtown Murfreesboro. His former business, 3 Brothers, had just closed its bar on the east side of the Public Square, about a year and a half after moving from its popular location on West Main Street. Rooster’s, which used to host 2Country4Nashville on Tuesday nights at the former 3 Brothers location, also closed
Otho Dunaway perked up some ears recently when he testified in Circuit Court on a motion by the district attorney’s office to revoke the license of AAAA Bonding Co. to write bail bonds. Dunaway’s wife is newly-elected Circuit Court Clerk Melissa Harrell, who turned the bonding company over to him, thinking that she could still run the office and abide by state law, which prohibits clerks from having direct or indirect benefit from a bonding company. The clerk’s office oversees Harrell bail bonding companies to make sure they follow state law, and Circuit Court judges have authority over whether bail bonds are forfeited or extended. Anyway, AAAA Bonding contended that Dunaway and Harrell don’t commingle their money, that it’s all separate, therefore she wouldn’t benefit from his owning the company. During testimony, Dunaway said, “I pay nothing” toward household expenses. He said money he made from working for AAAA the last 13 or 14 months went toward child support payment. He testified that he sold a franchise and made nearly $60,000 that he uses to pay for his own expenses such as a car payment and fuel. Answering questions from Assistant DA John Zimmerman, Dunaway acknowledged he has bought Harrell some items but not with money he made working for AAAA. Asked if they ever go out to eat at Olive Garden or any other local restaurant, Dunaway said Harrell works so much these days they hardly have any time to eat out anymore. But he answered possibly the most telling question from Judge Ben Cantrell, who heard the case after all other judges recused themselves. A trust was set up to run the company until Dunaway could obtain the two years of bail-bonding experience needed to take over. Cantrell asked what benefit he would receive once he assumes control of the company. To which Dunaway answered, “I don’t seek benefit.” Do you think the judge believed that? Why
would anyone take over a company and spend dozens of hours running it every week for no benefit? Call me crazy, but it’s as if Harrell wanted to keep operating the bail bond business while running the Circuit Court Clerk’s office. Maybe she needs steady money to pay bills. Earlier, Dunaway testified he paid $20,000 to acquire the company but later said he got it for no consideration. He also said he took on an $800,000 liability with ownership. Anyway, after the hearing, some wisecrackers (not me, of course), said, “Where can I find a wife like that?” Incidentally, the judge ruled that AAAA Bonding’s license should be revoked.
PARTY CLASH Newly-elected District Attorney Jennings Jones, a Republican, filed the motion to revoke the operating license for AAAA even though Harrell also was elected as a Republican. Jones Jones more or less apologized to Dunaway in the courtroom after the judge ordered the revocation of AAAA’s bail-bonding business. But, ethically, he didn’t have much choice but to enforce the law.
LOOMING QUESTIONS Well before the Aug. 7 election, Democratic candidate Avent Lane challenged Harrell’s candidacy because she had not divested herself of the bonding company and still had outstanding bonds totaling $30,000 that stretched back to 2010, and had received 14 court extensions for two men who fled to the United Kingdom. State law says that you’re ineligible if you have a “judgment unpaid” to the nation, state or county, and those “who are defaulters to the treasury at the time of the election” are ineligible “and the election of any such person shall be void.” When the state Division of Election was asked when those rules kick in, it said the critical point is Election Day, not the early-voting period. Well, Election Day came and went, then the swearing-in took place. Did Harrell incorrectly state that she was eligible for office? Based on the judge’s ruling, Harrell had an indirect benefit after she was sworn in because AAAA wrote 16 bail bonds before the DA filed his motion. Court testimony shows that. Jones filed motions to stop AAAA from operating. But what about the question: Did Harrell take office in violation of the law? I suppose someone will have to take legal action to force a decision. The DA’s office may have to be compelled to ask the question.
Hillary’s Association with Alinsky Confirms Her as a Communist
W
ho is Hillary Clinton really? If some old letters that have recently surfaced are any indication, she’s a far cry from who she’s trying to portray herself as. She wants Republicans to believe she’s a moderate. A voice of reason among an Obama administration packed with lefties. Someone who can be counted on when that call comes in the middle of the night. But is she really different from your garden variety liberal? The Washington Free Beacon obtained copies of Hillary’s adoring letters to the father of community organizing, Saul Alinsky. Alinsky’s most famous book, Rules for Radicals, was dedicated to Lucifer, “that very first radical.” Rules is a how-to primer on disrupting the establishment and redistributing the wealth. Alinsky, a well-known communist, seemed to be infatuated with Hillary around the time he was writing Rules. Hillary began her correspondence with Alinsky when she was a student at Wellesley College and continued writing to him into her Yale Law School years. Her letters read like a devoted sycophant. That may not be disturbing unless you fully understand what Saul Alinsky was all about. Alinsky was in favor of an all-out revolution where the “have-nots,” as he put it, would take from the “haves.” It’s no wonder that when Hillary VIEWS OF A was asked in 2008 if she was proud of America she responded that she was proud of what America could column by be. In other words, no, she’s not proud of America. PHIL VALENTINE philvalentine.com From the viewpoint of someone who’s disenchanted with the direction my country’s going, there is a distinct difference between being concerned about your country and ashamed of it. Do I cringe at the way our president conducts foreign policy? You bet, but the president is not the country. He represents it for, at most, eight years. The United States, like any country, should be looked at in its totality. Overall, there’s plenty to be proud of as Americans. We have made mistakes and we will continue to make mistakes but if anyone were to ask me if I was proud of America my answer would be yes. Working backwards from Hillary’s comment in 2008, it’s not too difficult to figure out how she got to that point. After law school she went to work for one of the most radical law firms in Berkeley, Calif., one that named among its clients the Black Panthers and other militant groups. It’s also interesting that there’s only one paragraph about Alinsky in Hillary’s autobiography. Even then she merely mentions that he offered her a job out of college but she wanted to follow a more conventional path of going to law school and into the law profession. Like working for a radical law firm that represented the Black Panthers? Interesting what she considers conventional. Will this have any effect on Hillary’s presidential aspirations? It’s doubtful. The news media will sweep this under the rug and vilify anyone who brings it up. Or, in the words of Hillary herself, what difference does it possibly make at this point? Let me assure you, it makes a ton of difference. I’ve often said when you hear peace and justice together you know you have yourself a commie. But it will make no difference to the gatekeepers in the media. It’ll be considered old news that some community organizer in the ’60s caught Hillary’s eye. That she wrote glowingly of a guy who was an admitted socialist and a closet communist is inconsequential. Of course, we all now know where these community organizers end up. Hillary Clinton just may turn out to be Barack Obama 2.0.
CONSERVATIVE
“Overall, there’s plenty to be proud of as Americans. We have made mistakes and we will continue to make mistakes but if anyone were to ask me if I was proud of America my answer would be yes.”
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. BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 35
Murfreesboro’s Music Through the Decades
by GLORIA CHRISTY
The 1950s and ’60s: The Story of Tiger Den
I
n the fall of 1963, I was a freshman at Murfreesboro Central High. For nearly a decade, there were some established traditions left by many a teen, one of which were the dances and activities of “Tiger Den.” Tiger Den was a teen hangout found in two different locations at Central, one in the Old Tennessee College for Women and the other in a large room in the annex built in 1959. Teens gathered after football games as well as for casual get-togethers, mostly coming alone or as part of a group of singles. I was a child of the ’50s, America’s final days of innocence and naiveté. According to today’s regulations, many of my friends and family, including myself, should not have survived this time failing to drink from childproof bottles, riding my bike without a helmet, drinking strange sugary slurps from waxed containers, riding in car seats that hung from the back support of the front seat, and playing all day without supervision until it was too dark. But I did survive,
With contributions from several civic clubs in town and support of $500 from Murfreesboro’s City Council, a gathering place for the town’s young people was created. By following the music of the ten-year period from 1953 to 1963, and the teens who attended Tiger Den, one can chronologically follow the story that took place all across America. In addition, this gives us clues about Murfreesboro’s favorite musical styles during that era. By the early 1950s, popular music belonged to the realm of the white middle class and wholesome, cleancut white performers. For a culture that was recovering from the atrocities of World War II and the emergence of the middle class in suburbs all across America, music was designed to be as innocent and inoffensive as possible. For the most part, the music of that era reflected one of the most peaceful times in America’s history. The population of Murfreesboro had heard music of varied styles over the airwaves on WSM 650AM. Most of the primarily rural community listened to the Grand
An image from Shacklett’s historic photo collection of "Tiger Den" at Murfreesboro Central High.
Read more Murfreesboro’s Music Through the Decades series at BOROPULSE.COM and, at 13, I found myself at Tiger Den after a Central High football game, sequestered on the girls side of the room—with my friends, of course. Coming from a turntable playing 45s at the back of a dimly lit room was wild, loud and infectious music. As a child of the ’50s, watching American Bandstand every weekday afternoon for years, I had been fully educated and indoctrinated about these sorts of things. I had seen older teenagers dance (the Stroll, Twist, Mashed Potato and the Jerk) and wanted to imitate everything they did. Or at least I thought that I did, until I found myself a freshman in Tiger Den, a room filled with teen friends. In 1963, the “Den,” as it was called, had been a tradition at Central for 11 years. According to Central’s newspaper, The Highlights, Tiger Den was formally opened Oct. 23, 1953, at Central on Main, which had opened in 1951 (after the old Central on Maple burned in 1944). 36 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
Ole Opry’s hoedown music. Then, on Dec. 31, 1946, as the new year of 1947 drew near, approximately 8,000 persons tuned into their first local radio station. It was a big thing for the county to get its own radio station. At 10 o’clock p.m. the static suddenly vanished and a strong new signal appeared. WGNS rang in the New Year of 1947. As a song from the mid-1930’s (but still popular in the late ’40s) jovially explained, The music goes round and round and it comes out here. According to the Central Highlights newspaper, during the Tiger Den’s first year a group of five boys got together and began playing some of the craziest music ever heard at Central High. This was the Central High String Band! The players were Billy Spence, Billy Henson, Kenneth Bean, Floyd Leonard and Roy Melton. Even at their young ages, all had been professional musicians in the area. They played square dances at Tiger Den dur-
ing 1953 and ’54. In the 1950s, a student Tiger Den steering committee was involved in the planning and implementation. The Key Club installed a counter and several tables for a snack bar. What fun it was to play the piano and dance, join in a card games or a game of pool on the donated billiard table. Many would bring 45 rpm records from home. Sounds of Les Paul and Mary Ford, Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee and even our homegrown Tennessee girl, Dinah Shore, were all favorites. This is validated in the school’s newspaper, Central Highlights, dated Feb. 2, 1954: One day I wandered over to Tiger Den and found a lot of boys playing pool and some girls playing ping pong and many more games. I think that place is wonderful! Everybody seems to like it. About sixth period, the other day, I dropped by the den and there was Sandy Weisburg teaching a bunch of girls the can-can. It was in the early days of the 1950s that musical styles began to merge creatively. Rhythm & blues pioneers began to exert a primary influence in all of America’s music. Records waxing some of the first indications of the rock ’n’ roll sounds soon to follow somehow fused shouting, African American gospel with up-tempo jump blues and elements of pop and country to create a completely new, still-unnamed genre of music. These new recordings, showing up on jukeboxes and in teen hangouts like Tiger Den, began to influence America’s teens in a way that was unacceptable to the post-World War II generation. These musical innovators embellished their sound with multiple horns and intense, shouted vocals. The sound, earmarked by driving rhythm and the honking of the tenor sax, was the precursor to rock ’n’ roll. With their gospel-informed delivery, vocalists began to identify sounds heretofore kept behind the racial barrier, eventually resulting in wide-ranging vocal styles like those of B.B. King, Little Richard and James Brown. All the fears and myths related to the supposedly more active sexuality of blacks and the integration of the races were having a powerful effect on the sentiment of the day. In the minds of conservative, older whites, rock ’n’ roll was going to destroy everything that was American. In its humble beginnings, rock was hated by the general Caucasian public and considered to be the devil’s music. One newspaper headline read, “Rock ’n’ roll is a communicable disease. Rock ’n’ roll has got to go!” The division even caused riots and banning of the music across America. In order for rock to rise to mainstream success, what was needed was the reversal of this effect—namely, what Memphis entrepreneur Sam Phillips described as “a white boy who sings like a black man”—to make the sound more palatable and presumably less anxiety-provoking for whites. That would be Elvis Presley, who visited Murfreesboro in the early 1950s on local radio station WMTS,
thanks to owner Tom Perryman. Elvis went on to become the King and reigning icon of rock ’n’ roll. On WGNS, every afternoon around 4 until sign-off at 10 p.m. in the 1950s and ’60s, the new sounds of rock ’n’ roll could be heard across the county, exposing every teen to the latest hits of the day. Locally, teens had an eclectic musical experience from the airwaves of their Good Neighbor Station, WGNS. In the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s Carl Tipton and the MidState Playboys did a live radio show from a different local business every day at noon. After 1964 and throughout the late 1960s, the innocence of the Tiger Den experience began to lose its appeal for teens in our community as our country and music began to change dramatically. The events of the 1960s—the assassination of our president, John F. Kennedy, his brother Robert and Martin Luther King Jr., along with race riots and the tension over Vietnam— transformed America’s music forever. Here’s the final twist to this story. In my senior year in 1967, planning the senior prom at Tiger Den, an emerging group at the time called The Allman Joys appeared in the area. As I remember (though as yet unconfirmed), this group played for our senior prom at Tiger Den. I did ask the famous songwriter, record promoter and producer John D. Loudermilk to confirm this possibility. During this time, Loudermilk confirmed that he was booking the group at functions all across Middle Tennessee in the Nashville area. The group would later become one of the most famous of the 1970s, The Allman Brothers Band. He commented, “I just sent them to California. They just didn’t catch on here!” From the 1950s to the 1960s, the teens who attended Tiger Den, like others all across the USA, participated in shared cultural experiences that defined and transformed the youth landscape and, ultimately, America itself—not necessarily for the better. Some say that, over the past 50 years, our culture has fallen into an abyss. One result of such a descent could be the powerful and dark forms of creative expression found in many recordings of our day. Sadness and cynicism have found a place in our consciousness, reflecting our affinity with the ever-present emptiness within us. In the 21st century, we have affirmed the notion that mankind alone has all the answers. The emerging belief from the last century tells us that “God is dead, therefore man becomes God and everything is possible. There really is no truth!” There is an Eternal Truth that can transform us from the darkness into Light. We have an even more powerful force: God’s love. He never wanted us to taste evil. His plan has always been for our good. Clearly, as God’s love frees us from evil’s soul-destroying spirit, this Eternal Truth can penetrate deeply into every fiber of our society, including all creative expression.
One newspaper headline read, “Rock ’n’ roll is a communicable disease. Rock ’n’ roll has got to go!” The division even caused riots and banning of the music across America.
BOROPULSE.COM
* OCTOBER 2014 * 37
La PALABRA
OPINIONS Haunted Spain: A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Seville IN ENGLISH:
Una columna del idioma español por CAMERON PARRISH
Espana Encantada: La Guía Cazafantasmas de Sevilla
Hotel Alfonso XIII
THE QUINTESSENTIALLY ANDALUSIAN city of Seville, situated in the south of Spain, is both epically romantic and mysterious. Since the pre-Roman era this land, her ancient fortresses, churches and city streets have played host to such bloody events as the Spanish Inquisition, military conquests, religious strife and, most recently, a bloody Civil War in the 1930s. Seville is a magical city with secrets tucked away inside her monumental buildings and many obscure landmarks. A certain energy fully compiled a guide of the city’s most haunted connecting her to the past flows deep within tunnels that lie beneath the streets and spills up- locations. This is a book for adventurers who want more out of Spain and for those curious ward into her plazas to perpetuate the nightlife about what lies beneath the surface of the tourist and festivals for which the city is renowned. It’s the same energy manifested in the performances attractions. Our project is also aimed at hardcore researchers of the paranormal. Some internationof the bullfighters and flamenco dancers from al ghost hunters may find this document a useful neighborhoods like the Triana district. With tool to identify areas for investigation. The guide more violent history and passion per square takes readers on a journey kilometer than virtually any through haunted hospitals, real estate on planet Earth, it mansions, ancient convents should come as no surprise and enchanted towers where that Spain is home to some fragments of the past seem to of the most thrilling and overlap with our own reality in actively paranormal locations the form of audible voices, huin Europe. man apparitions that emerge In the days before social from dark hallways and media and smartphones, objects that move about as if before nomads went digital, controlled by unseen hands. I journeyed to Spain to study A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to and explore. The log I kept Seville (Vol. 1) will be available was no epic memoir. My this winter at amazon.com. The lifestyle didn’t lend itself book reveals not only the best to much thoughtful prose. places to find Spanish spooks, In fact, some nights surely but also offers a measure of old folklore that you resembled pages from Hemingway’s The won’t get in the mainstream guidebooks. We’ve Sun Also Rises (a.k.a. Fiesta). Many of us who also included a glossary of Spanish terms used wandered Europe immediately after 9/11 were throughout the book that will help you better a lost generation indeed—less concerned navigate the city streets and architecture. with gaining followers and taking selfies, but Every bit as important as the Spanish ghostequally lost in other respects. At that time I hadn’t the foggiest idea that I would eventually hunting experience is the pure enjoyment to be found wandering about the city and getting to use my wine-stained notes and memories to write a book with one of Spain’s most enigmat- know the people and their vibrant culture. You’ll find that Seville has much to offer in ic paranormal investigators. the way of places to have a caña or Ana F.G. is a native Sevillana and some vino and enjoy local cuisine. a true insider when it comes to the This is why in our book we also offer haunted places in her city. As both a plenty of clues on where to find the paranormal experiencer and investibest tapas and spirits. For almost gator, Ana is a rising star on Spain’s every site listed we’ve attempted paranormal scene. Some of her to included a recommendation on work can be viewed at aventmisteri. Ana F.G. how to spend your pre- or postblogspot.com. Ana and I have care-
38 * OCTOBER 2014 * BOROPULSE.COM
ghost-chasing hours. So, if you’re taking a trip to Spain or just enjoy reading about haunted places we invite you to explore the hidden side of Seville. ¡Viva España! Semper explorandum
que lleva años cazando información privilegiada alrededor de los lugares encantados de su ciudad. Como investigador y una persona con experiencia en lo paranormal, Ana es una estrella en ascenso en la escena paranormal de su país. Algunos de sus trabajos se pueden ver en aventmisteri.blogspot.com. Juntos hemos elabEN ESPANOL: orado una guía de la ciudad sobre los lugares más encantados. Este es un libro para los avenLA CIUDAD ANDALUZA DE SEVILLA, tureros que quieren conocer más de España y situada en el sur de España, es insuperablepara los que sienten curiosidad por lo que existe mente romántica y misteriosa. Desde la época bajo la superficie de las atracciones turísticas. romana y antes la tierra, sus antiguas fortaleNuestro proyecto está destinado también a los zas, iglesias y calles han sido el anfitrión de investigadores serios. Algunos cazadores de acontecimientos sangrientos como la Inquisfantasmas puede encontrar este documento ición Española, conquistas militares, luchas una herramienta útil para identificar áreas de religiosas y, más recientemente, la sangrienta investigación. La guía lleva a los lectores a un Guerra Civil en la década de 1930. viaje a través de hospitales, mansiones, antiguos Sevilla es una ciudad mágica con secretos esconventos y torres donde fragmentos del pasado condidos dentro de sus edificios monumentales parece que se superponen con nuestra propia y lugares no bien conocidos. Una cierta energía realidad en la forma de audible voces, aparicioconecta el pasado al presente y corre por los nes humanos que surgen de pasillos oscuros túneles que se encuentran debajo de las calles y los objetos que se mueven como si fueran y sale hacia arriba a sus plazas para perpetuar controladas por manos invisibles. la vida nocturna y fiestas de cuales la ciudad es A Ghost Hunter’s Guide to Seville (Vol. 1) estará tan conocida. La misma energía se manifiesta disponible en 2015 en el sitio web amazon.com. en las actuaciones de los toreros y bailarines de El libro contiene no sólo los mejores lugares para flamenco nacido en barrios como el famoso barrio de Triana. Con más violenta historia y pasión encontrar fantasmas españoles, sino que también historias antiguas que salen en guías de viajes por kilómetro cuadrado que prácticamente normales. Además hemos incluido un glosario de todos los bienes inmuebles en el planeta Tierra, no debería sorprender a nadie que España sea la términos españoles que le ayudará a navegar por las calles de la ciudad y la arquitectura. sede de algunos de los eventos y lugares de más Tan igual como la experiencia de cazar fantasactividad paranormal en Europa. mas españoles al que caza es el verdadero placer En los días antes de Facebook y los smartde ambular por la ciudad, llegando a conocer a la phones, yo viajé a España para estudiar y exgente y su cultura vibrante. Encontrará que Seplorar. El diario que llevaba no fue una autobiovilla tiene mucho para ofrecer en el camino de sigrafía épica. Mi estilo de vivir no producía tanta tios para tomar una caña o algún vino y disfrutar prosa reflexiva. De hecho, algunas noches sin de la cocina andaluza. Esto es por qué en nuestro duda se asemeja a las páginas de Fiesta escrito libro también ofrecemos por Hemingway. Nosotros muchas pistas de donde que vagábamos por Europa encontrar las mejores tapas inmediatamente después 9/11 y copas. Para casi cada sitio fuimos una generación perpuesto en la lista hemos indida. Menos preocupado por tentado incluir una recomenganar seguidores y sacando dación de cómo gastar los selfie, pero igualmente perdida momentos antes o después en otros aspectos. En aquel que persiguen al fantasma. momento yo no tenía idea Así pues, si planeas un viaje de que algún día sacaría mis a España o simplemente te memorias y hojas manchadas gusta leer sobre lo paranorde vino para escribir un libro mal le invitamos a explorar con uno de los investigadores el lado escondido de Sevilla. paranormales más enigmáti¡Viva España! cos de España. Spain has much more than Semper explorandum Ana F. G. es una sevillana beautiful buildings; explore the mysteries lurking behind the castle walls.