Star Light Star Bright artist: CJ Rench
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4 | JANUARY 23, 2020
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BREWER MEDIA GROUP President & Publisher James Brewer, Sr. THE PULSE Managing Editor Gary Poole gary@chattanoogapulse.com Assistant Editor Jessie Gantt-Temple
Contents
VOLUME 17, ISSUE 4 • JANUARY 23, 2020
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Music Editor Marc T. Michael
It’s become almost second nature now. To walk through the city and look at the rhinoceros north of the river (he always seems eager to have the base of his horn scratched, though I’m not sure I should confess to climbing up on his wagon to touch him).
Film Editor John DeVore Art Director Kelly Lockhart Editorial Interns Halley Andrews Lindsey Clute
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A GEM OF THE OCEAN
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HONOR CHEF NEVILLE THE WAY HE WOULD WANT
Senior VP of Sales Lisa Yockey-Rice lisay@brewermediagroup.com Office 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Email info@chattanoogapulse.com Website chattanoogapulse.com Facebook @chattanoogapulse Founded 2003 by Zachary Cooper & Michael Kull THE FINE PRINT: The Pulse is published weekly by Brewer Media and is distributed throughout the city of Chattanooga and surrounding communities. The Pulse covers a broad range of topics concentrating on music, the arts, entertainment, culture and local news. The Pulse is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. No person without written permission from the publisher may take more than one copy per weekly issue. The Pulse may be distributed only by authorized distributors. Contents Copyright © 2020 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.
WHERE DOES OUR ART COME FROM?
Imagine if humans lived significantly longer than we did. For example, imagine if an important member of society lived to be, say, 285 years old. While the preservation of history via writing is incredibly important, we could learn so much from someone who has actually lived through that history to tell about it.
Those who experienced the local Jamaican restaurant Mrs. B’s Reggae Cafe knew it as an oasis of Caribbean escapism, offering authentic, exotic flavors in meticulously prepared, inventive dishes and a welcoming, easygoing atmosphere.
4 CITY LIFE
13 THE LIST
19 JONESIN' CROSSWORD
5 EDITOONS
16 MUSIC CALENDAR
20 FILM & TELEVISION
9 AIR BAG
18 MUSIC REVIEWS
21 NEW IN THEATERS
19 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY
22 GAME ON!
12 ARTS CALENDAR
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CITY LIFE · BETWEEN THE BRIDGES
Time To Feed A Fever
Cons ider This w ith Dr. Rick
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Local market provides fun during flu season
’M SWEATING. I’M FREEZING. MY SKIN HURTS. MY CHEST IS TIGHT. I’M HUNGRY but I can’t stomach anything but orange popsicles and chicken soup. It’s the flu. I am not one to be sick often so when it hits, it takes me down for the count. I thought I was in the clear as I watched folks get the funk around me but then after ringing in the new year, the plague of 2020 began to circulate closer to me.
“I have looked into a dog’s eyes and have seen a soul as real as mine.” — unknown I could feel little paws gently tapping my arm—a furry alarm-clock gently nudging me to get up. Okay, okay. I had a busy day ahead and needed to get moving. I was padding out of the bedroom when I looked back and saw her big brown eyes looking at me so lovingly, my heart melted a little. Did I really need to dash? To miss this moment of nineteen pounds of smart, sweet goofy Lily Pad, ever eager to delight in my company? Why in the world…I went back. Belly rubs occurred. Here’s my contract with the little wonderpup: “I will never move and not take you with me. I will never put you in a shelter and leave. I will never let you hurt or go hungry. I will never desert you when you get old. You are stuck with me, and I with you. You are family.” — Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D.
By Jessie Gantt-Temple Pulse Assistant Editor
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For just over a decade, the nonprofit Main St. Farmers Market is a year-round, food-focused market.”
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As this was the first time I’ve been sick since I started my local food journey a few years ago, I struggled to swallow the syrupy chemical crap or powdery mess since I had no idea what was in it. Thankfully, I have surrounded myself with salt of the earth homesteaders and amazing farmers who are knowledgeable in homemade remedies and what food can heal you. For just over a decade, the nonprofit Main St. Farmers Market is a year-round, food-focused market and their mission “is to inspire healthy, environmentally responsible lifestyles by fostering relationships within the local food community.” Their annual Winter Farmacy is a January event that brings awareness
to how your health is directly affected by what you put in your body. This weekly gathering is filled with edible items that can make you feel better all year long. When my Vitamin D was low a few months back, instead of taking a pill, I googled what food is good to remedy that and eggs, fish and mushrooms were among the top answers. They are all available at the market. Now with the plague upon me and the urge to not use store bought meds, I reached out for real food remedies like fresh garlic and ginger, elderberry syrup, tea, greens, raw honey, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar and fire cider. Fire cider, which is new to me, is a cold weather tonic made from fermenting apple cider vinegar with
EDITOONS
shredded roots like ginger, turmeric, horseradish & garlic. It wards off colds and flu, relieves nasal congestion, boosts energy and fights nausea. Apple cider vinegar alone aids in digestion and metabolism and boosts white blood counts to help fight infection. When I first learned about elderberry syrup, I thought it went on pancakes. I mean, it can but it should be dosed in a syringe versus a gravy boat. Elderberry syrup has become the elixir of the century as it boosts the immune system with its beaucoup of antiviral properties full of Vitamin A and C. To heal the taste, Ada’s Heritage Farm will have that berry deliciousness for sale as well as dandelion greens and dandelion jelly. Dandelions, yes the weed that too many try and mow over, are excellent for moving congestion and energizing the body. Known for their powerhouse greens, Tant Hill Farms will have their Awesome Asian and Lettuce mix with edible flowers! If
eating flowers is wrong, I don’t want to be right! To heal the touch and give everyone warm and fuzzies on site, Fall Creek Farms, who specializes in raw milk, will have baby goats to pet and Land To Table Farms, who specializes in red wattle hogs, will be bringing an adorable baby pig. To heal the sound and sight, live music will be provided by Fiddlers Anonymous student, 11-year-old Abi Snell and the newly developed non-profit Sustainable Food Center will be planting microgreens at the kids booth. There will also be guest vendors Sale Creek Honey, Harvest Home, Three Rivers Farm, Blumenwagen, and Upcycled Tabletops. For a detailed list of what’s available at this Wednesday’s Winter Farmacy off Main Street, just up the road from Chattanooga Brewing, check out the calendar online at mainstfarmersmarket.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JANUARY 23, 2020 • THE PULSE • 5
COVER STORY
Where Does Our Art Come From? Filling the blank canvas that Chattanooga's public art provides
Blue Boy Pull Toy #1 artist: John Petrey
By Jenn Webster Pulse contributor
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Taking a walk, as some Pulse writers have noted, is more than a synonym for exercise in Chattanooga.”
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T’S BECOME ALMOST SECOND NATURE NOW. TO WALK through the city and look at the rhinoceros north of the river (he always seems eager to have the base of his horn scratched, though I’m not sure I should confess to climbing up on his wagon to touch him). To visit the four ladies of the seasons, maybe wrap a hand around a solid arch or rounded heel. To flip a salute to the jaunty metal folks in silhouette—grandfather and granddaughter out for a walk, old man resting on a bench. To amble as far as the Southside and greet the pensive girl, to pass by the brilliant, stories-tall murals and see the giant children playing way up high in an endless afternoon. Like most of us, I don’t know most of
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the projects’ names unless I look them up. I don’t know which ones are public or private. It’s easy to take it for granted how much beauty—both natural and human-made—we have all around us in Chattanooga. Taking a walk, as some Pulse writers have noted, is more than a synonym for exercise in Chattanooga. It’s like a free visit to a living, changing gallery that’s always open, even (especially) when it’s 2 a.m. and you’re depressed.
But it’s worth remembering that collection got there somehow. Some are private works, but many belong to the city—to all of us. “Collection.” That’s the very word Katelyn Kirnie, Chattanooga’s Director of Public Art, uses to describe the works scattered across the city’s some 144 square miles. And just like any other gallery or museum curators, Kirnie and her staff pay ongoing attention to the collection, from helping communities conceive of a new work of art, to commission or acquisition, to ongoing maintenance and historical record keeping. “We have 104 public art works as part of the city’s public collection that we own and maintain,” Kirnie says. “The oldest are the brick sculptures on
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There are lots of ways to get involved, whether you are an artist, a person looking for volunteer or business opportunities, or simply a community member who wants to see art in your neighborhood.” the sidewalks. Before that, there was the Fireman’s Fountain and the bust in front of the courthouse, which is controversial these days. “Jim Collins [a prolific contributor to the arts revitalization of the 1990s] will say, ‘That Fireman on top of the fountain was the only other public art in the city.’” Collins and other individual artists became the heart of a new movement, with Collins himself creating multiple works for the city, including “Volumes”, the fountain sculpture in front of the public library on Broad Street and many other pieces, especially the distinctive two-dimensional people and animals. One percent of the funds for the original riverfront revitalization went toward art, Kirnie says. Then and now, the city purchased standalone public sculptures, often via temporary exhibitions. Works by Isaac Duncan, John Petrie, and Cessna Decosimo, among others, were purchased this way. “Public Art Chattanooga used to operate more as a nonprofit and in partnership with organizations,” she adds. “But now, we are pretty bound to hold an open-call request for proposals.” The system has both pros and cons. Public requests for proposals (RFP) are more transparent than earlier systems relying on networks of philanthropy and personal connections. However, Kirnie says, “It works against emerging artists as well as established artists who are not used to this format.” A beginner artist may not have the knowledge of the RFP process, while an extremely famous artist may expect a direct invitation. “Nationally renowned artists who are working to get major commissions will not submit an application among hundreds of [applicants],” Kirnie says. “The RFP process selects for bread-
and-butter artists with interns who are churning out proposals.” There’s always a balancing act involved. Using local artists often means selecting from a cadre of the same people; the policies that initiated open-to-all RFPs came out of a desire to get away from “going with who you know” and broaden the reach of artists included in the city’s collection. “In our early years, we had lots of Jim Collins work—15 to 20 pieces—and it’s great [work], but if we are aiming toward diversity, we can’t give prominent public spaces to one person over and over,” Kirnie says. This does not mean Chattanooga’s art process is divorced from local communities and artists—just the opposite, in fact. There are lots of ways to get involved, whether you are an artist, a person looking for volunteer or business opportunities, or simply a community member who wants to see art in your neighborhood. ART IS FOR EVERYONE Today, art integrated with larger city projects, Kirnie says, is part of neighborhood work across town—not just the touristy bits downtown or on the North Shore or Southside. “By and large, we have art and neighborhood projects and capital projects integrated with city construction,” she says. “And every time, we put together a specific selection panel that represents the community and stakeholders plus local artists to evaluate the scope and requirements of the project and the artist’s qualifications. My staff doesn’t have a say in what is chosen. The team looks at the [potential] artists’ past work and resume.” The process, she says, is designed to be as transparent as possible. All meetings except selection committee meetings are public, and
Celestial Clockwork artist: Rey Alfonso CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JANUARY 23, 2020 • THE PULSE • 7
COVER STORY St. Elmo (A History In Steel) artist: Charles Pilkey
Main Terrain artist: Thomas Sayre
Public Art Commission meeting notes are posted on the website for the public to review. (They take a minute to find, but you can locate them on publicartchattanooga.com/about, toward the bottom of the page.) In addition to public meetings, there are neighborhood-level programs with committees drawn from citizens and artists from those communities. That means that Chattanooga’s public art voice or style is becoming eclectic— no longer merely civic art memorializing the famous (or infamous) dead, or imposing works meant to highlight the city’s renaissance. Instead, different areas are seeing their own styles embraced by the city and given funds for public expression. “We want our city’s public arts program to be as diverse as our city is,” Kirnie says. For fifteen years or more, the city’s Art in Neighborhoods program has been doing neighborhood-level projects. At first it was simply local projects supported by matching grants from nonprofit organizations, leading to unequal results. Then the process became more nuanced. Artists were selected by panels of committee members to work closely
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Many public art projects employ apprentices or local artists in non-lead roles, meaning there are numerous ways to interface with the process.” with the neighborhood on projects that would both represent them artistically and, often, meet practical needs. “Since 2016, Public Art Chattanooga partnered with neighborhood services, neighborhood leaders,” Kirnie says. “You need somebody who is well connected with the community and who can be a liaison with the artist and with our office to help engage the residents.” Since 2016, neighborhood projects have included: • Oak Hills: Mural at Milliken Park and two bus shelter wraps. • Eastdale: Wilcox Tunnel mural. • Shepherd Hills: School bus shelters and wraps. • Highland Park: Tatum Park sculpture. • Woodmore Manor: Brainard Youth and Family Development Center project in design conversations now.
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“In the next few months, expect a call for the MLK railroad trellis to amplify and enliven the underpass,” Kirnie says. “We’ll have a creative strategist working closely to ensure a cultural tie with the community…to work with the artist and make sure they are engaging and listening to the community. This gives local artists the opportunity to learn about the public art process by working with the artist who comes to do the project, whether they are local or national.” In fact, many public art projects employ apprentices or local artists in non-lead roles, meaning there are numerous ways to interface with the process. The artisan trades, from masonry to landscaping, frequently participate when public art is created; for instance, the Wreath of Honor memorial to the Fallen Five at the Riverfront Park involved masons and many other skilled artisans in the project.
HELP BUILD OUR COLLECTION If you want to volunteer on a public art project, Kirnie suggests the best way is to reach out directly to the website, publicartchattanooga.com. You can also find them on the Facebook page at facebook.com/PublicArtChattanooga. “If you want to be on a selection panel, submit your name,” Kirnie says. “We want people who live in the communities and have expertise in arts, design [or] landscaping who can contribute to those panels.” Local artists must compete for commissions; however, Public Art Chattanooga is willing to give them feedback on portfolios, images, writing and photography throughout the process. “Even if you haven’t done a project of that scale, if you have amazing photography of your work and can explain in a narrative how you will tackle the project [based on your] past experience, then you should be able to convince a panel you can do it,” Kirnie says. “Our selection panelists always want to consider local artists, but they have to choose what’s going to be the best fit for the project…the community has to come first.”
COLUMN · AIR BAG
Cybertruck Is The Face Of Change It looks like a joke, but it’s the most important car in 60 years
David Traver Adolphus Pulse columnist
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When Tesla introduced their long-promised pickup, the Cybertruck, in November the general reaction was uncomfortable amusement. Was this a real thing? Was it a joke?”
David Traver Adolphus is a freelance automotive researcher who quit his full time job writing about old cars to pursue his lifelong dream of writing about old AND new cars. Follow him on Twitter as @proscriptus.
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can’t think of another industry more conservative than the automotive one. Aircraft perhaps, but the traditionally huge profit margins of cars have allowed automakers to innovate even less than aircraft, which run on thin margins and almost have to be on the technological bleeding edge. The reasons for the two to be risk-averse are obvious—if you make a mistake, people die. The effect is magnified in cars because in 2017, the last year for which statistics are available, Americans moved themselves 4.8 trillion miles by passenger car and truck which is seven times more than by air. Combine seven times the exposure to risk with a market that seems happy to drive five-year old F150s, and you’ve got a recipe for stagnation. The car industry is so hidebound, in fact, the last car which challenged the status quo in any significant way was introduced during the Eisenhower administration. Chevy’s 1960 Corvair was an answer to the need for a smaller, more economical car with a rear engine. It came with turbocharging (eventually), an
air-cooled alloy flat six, rear transaxle and styled like a European sports car. Aside from some passing layout similarities to a VW Beetle (or the related Porsche 356), it truly broke the mold. And in doing so, it looked...alien. People literally didn’t understand what they were looking at—Corvair had no front grille, a low hood and trunk in the era of tailfins, and flat floors. Without a driveshaft running from the engine in front, it was able to have a different set of proportions than anything else coming from not just the Big Three, but even the stylistically adventurous little guys like Studebaker or recently departed Nash or Kaiser. When Tesla introduced their long-promised pickup, the Cybertruck, in November the general reaction was uncomfortable amusement. Was this a real thing? Was it a joke? It rapidly became obvious that this was a production vehicle and the consensus turned to scorn. It had none of the reference points for automotive styling that we’re used to seeing so it had to be interpreted through whatever lens that journalists could come up with. Usually, that was a sort of free asso-
ciation with the shape, which generally reminded people of building blocks and was equated with “childish” or “primitive.” But that wasn’t what was going on. Not at all. Tesla made a deliberate decision, based in part of the practical considerations of the stainless steel structure, to ignore all the conventions of automotive design. Aside from four wheels at the corners, it shares almost nothing with any car, let alone any truck. And yet, it fills all the necessary functions just fine. It’s coefficient of drag is probably not wonderful, but will still be better than a Dodge, Ford or Chevrolet. You can see out of it and drive it comfortably and the tetrahedron shape is certainly going to be exceptionally strong and rigid. It is truly a reinvention, asking us to reshape our ideas around it, instead of conforming to them. In releasing the angular, unrecognizable Cybertruck, Tesla has done something that few people under the age of sixty will remember ever seeing before, a radical reimagining of what a vehicle can be.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
A Gem Of The Ocean Comes To The Scenic City A 285-year-old woman tells her story on stage Illustrating The Universe At Townsend Atelier Thirteenth century poet Rumi wrote, “What is the body? That shadow of a shadow of your love, that somehow contains the entire universe.” Ask any artist, athlete, or medical professional and they’ll tell you the human body, with all its quirks and failings, is a wonder in itself. The artists at Townsend Atelier would agree. On Thursdays at 6 p.m., the atelier opens its studio for artists of every skill level to participate in a “Life Drawing Open Session”. Artists can work with an unclothed model using whatever medium they prefer. “The studio is a relaxed place for artists of all levels to practice the time-honored tradition of drawing, painting, or sculpting the human figure,” Peggy Townsend, owner of the atelier, says of this particular session, Townsend Atelier offers a variety of classes in the Arts Building at 301 East 11th St., including oil painting and quilt-making, and all classes are taught by experts in their field. Townsend notes that, “In addition to having local professional artists teach, the atelier brings internationally recognized professional artists to teach workshops.” For as little as $10, you can practice drawing, painting, or sculpting with the entire universe in front of you. Visit townsendatelier. com for more information. — Halley Andrews
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MAGINE IF HUMANS LIVED SIGNIFICANTLY LONGER than we did. For example, imagine if an important member of society lived to be, say, 285 years old. While the preservation of history via writing is incredibly important, we could learn so much from someone who has actually lived through that history to tell about it. By Addie Whitlow Pulse contributor
If this idea intrigues you, then you definitely don’t want to miss the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s production of “Gem of the Ocean”, opening this Friday at 8 p.m. “Gem of the Ocean” mixes mysticism and realism to tell the story of African American society in 1904 Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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where tensions were rising, and living and working conditions were poor. Aunt Esther, who is said to be 285 years old, lives in Pittsburgh’s Hill District; her home is a safe haven for former slaves and descendants, a place for redemption and forgiveness. A troubled man by the name of Citizen Barlow arrives on her doorstep, and she sends him on a spiritual voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to the City of Bones. “Gem of the Ocean” is directed
by August Wilson, and is chronologically the first work in his 10play series “American Century Cycle”, where each play tells of an important decade of African American history during the 20th century. The Theatre Centre is committed to performing the ten plays; they began the cycle last season with “Fences”. The Theatre Centre’s production is directed by Sadiqua Iman, who is the first ever African American director at the Theatre Centre, and features a cast of six. The cast started rehearsals in early December, and they’ve been incredibly dedicated so far, as the smaller cast makes this show more intimate. “The show was kind of a cheat because it’s definitely a mix of classic historical play but mixed with
surrealism, and I guess it kind of goes into a different world and then goes directly back,” Iman explained. “For me, it’s a fun challenge as a director because I love experimental work. That’s kind of my main background outside of musical theater so this play really kind of uses both of them.” Kim Reynolds, who portrays Aunt Esther, made her acting debut last season in the CTC’s production of “A Civil War Christmas”, a show she won the 2018-2019 Annie Award for Debut Actress. Although this is only the second time she’s professionally acted, Reynolds said she’s honored to play the lead role of Aunt Esther. “Aunt Esther is said to be the keeper of what we call ‘them’. I’m Aunt Esther at the ripe old age of 285, who is a source of wisdom to the other characters in the play because she’s lived through so many important episodes in African American history, and her name sounds like the word ‘ancestor’,” Reynolds said. “She’s the physical and the mystical link between the African American present and past, and her home is a sanctuary where troubled people come to be cleansed of guilt and sorrow. She’s both the keeper and the transmitter of African American memory.” The set is a large Victorian-style house, similar to what you’d see at the beginning of the 20th century. The
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This show blends realism and mysticism to tell the story of a trying time in history and how important having support and purpose is in overcoming hardships.” stage manager for this show is Marie Dance, and Iman said the crew worked really hard to incorporate African heritage into the house. “The set designer did an amazing job of blending African textiles and patterns with Victorian style so that it was very clearly an African American house but also a house of people who had actually come from Africa and who had actually been enslaved and how they would intertwine their beliefs in their culture into this very luxurious new home,” Iman said. Another interesting aspect of the show is that Iman is actually the costume designer as well. Iman, who left Chattanooga in 2003, has done a lot of directing work in Washington D.C., Chicago, and Seattle, where she currently lives. She came back to Chattanooga specifically to direct “Gem of the Ocean”, as she’s really excited to see the Theatre Centre producing more African American shows. “I hope audiences are being reminded of the resilience that our
ancestors had back then, how that is still in us, and how legacy passes on, regardless of if it’s actual family or chosen family,” said Iman. “You see this synergy in this community, even though it only takes place in this one house, you feel the outside world come in and how, when it comes into this house, it’s transformed into a safe haven. I feel like a lot of communities have that one person.” The Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s production of “Gem of the Ocean” opens Friday at 8 p.m. and will be performed through February 9th, with evening shows Thursday through Saturday and Sunday matinee shows. This show blends realism and mysticism to tell the story of a trying time in history and how important having support and purpose is in overcoming hardships. If you’ve ever wanted a chance to experience August Wilson on stage, then you definitely want to catch the CTC’s production of “Gem of the Ocean”.
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FRI1.24
SAT1.25
Beethoven’s Fifth
Gallery at Blackwell Winter Show
Artifice The Mentalist
One of the most recognizable pieces of music of its time, come hear it brought to life by the CSO. 7:30 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com
Come view the fine art images from the members of the Photographic Society of Chattanooga. 6 p.m. Gallery at Blackwell 71 EastGate Loop blackwellautoinc.co
It's much more than just your standard magic show, Artifice is a mentalist and he's ready to blow your mind. 8 p.m. Fountainhead Taproom 1617 Rossville Ave. fountainheadtaproom.com
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JANUARY 23, 2020 • THE PULSE • 11
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT Winner of the prestigious American Comedy Awards “Comic of the Year,” this Kentucky woman is a comedy icon! Hailed as the “Polyester Princess,” the reigning Queen of Southern Sass delivers a highpowered,take-no-prisoners performance full of truth, irony, humor and wisdom.
THURSDAY1.23 Miller Park Farmers Market 11 a.m. Miller Park 910 Market St. millerparkmarket.com Introduction to Quilling 1 p.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Indirect Oil Painting with Susan Budash 1 p.m. Reflections Gallery 1635 Rossville Ave. (423) 892-3072 reflectionsgallerytn.com Mixology 101: Vodka 6 p.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Corporate Identity & Branding 6 p.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Voices of Recovery 6 p.m. Edney Innovation Center 1100 Market St. theedney.com Open Bead Night 6 p.m. Bead-Therapy 1420 McCallie Ave. (423) 509-1907 bead-therapy.com Pop-up Project Dance Classes
Ruby Falls Lantern Tours 8:30 p.m. Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com Comedy Queens Spectacular 11 p.m. Queens of the Palace 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com
This trailer park goddess has appeared on Oprah, Showtime, CMT, CBS Sunday Morning , ABC, Columbia Pictures, and NBC. Etta May Thursday-Sunday The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. thecomedycatch.com 6 p.m. D. Williams Dance Academy 1106 McCallie Ave. (423) 838-5907 dwilliamsdanceacademy.com River Runners 6 p.m. Basecamp Bar and Restaurant 346 Frazier Ave. (423) 803-5251 basecampcha.com Life Drawing Open Studio 6 p.m. Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com Open Mic Poetry & More 6:30 p.m. Stone Cup Café 208 Frazier Ave. (423) 521-3977 stonecupcafe.com Beethoven’s Fifth 7:30 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com Etta May 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” 8 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Willie Bee & Friends LIVE Standup Comedy Show 8 p.m.
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SATURDAY1.25 SkyZoo Chattanooga 5709 Lee Hwy. (423) 468-4533 Alcoholics Not Anonymous Comedy Open Mic 8 p.m. Barley Taproom 235 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 682-8200 chattanoogabarley.com
FRIDAY1.24 Introduction to Quilling 1 p.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Chattacon 45 3 p.m. DoubleTree Hotel 407 Chestnut St. (423) 756-5150 chattacon.org Gallery at Blackwell Winter Show 6 p.m. Gallery at Blackwell 71 EastGate Loop (423) 648-8001 blackwellautoinc.co Brent Forrester’s Comedy Knowledge Drop 7 p.m. UTC University Center Auditorium 642 E. 5th St. (423) 425-4455 utc.edu Etta May 7:30, 9:45 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com
Beginner Tarot 10 a.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Resin Your Pebeo Washers 10 a.m. Bead-Therapy 1420 McCallie Ave. (423) 509-1907 bead-therapy.com Brainerd Farmers Market 10 a.m. Grace Episcopal Church 20 Belvoir Ave. (423) 243-3250 saygrace.net Chattacon 45 10 a.m. DoubleTree Hotel 407 Chestnut St. (423) 756-5150 chattacon.org Harry Potter Flash Day 11 a.m. Main Line Ink 317 E. Main St. (423) 602-8465 mainlinetattoo.com It’s Brittney Brunch 11 a.m. Palace Theater 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Ready! Set! Goals! for Your 2020 Vision Noon The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Introduction to Quilling 1 p.m. The Chattery
1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Beaded Kumihimo Necklace with Susan and Pat 1 p.m. Bead-Therapy 1420 McCallie Ave. (423) 509-1907 bead-therapy.com Cozy Tee Embroidery 1:30 p.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org An Evening With Beer & Photography featuring Tanner Morrison 7 p.m. Barley Chattanooga 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com Etta May 7:30, 9:45 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” 8 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Artifice The Mentalist 8 p.m. Fountainhead Taproom 1617 Rossville Ave. (423) 541-6355 fountainheadtaproom.com Once a Month Comedy Show 9 p.m. Palace Theater 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com
SUNDAY1.26 Chattacon 45 10 a.m. DoubleTree Hotel 407 Chestnut St. (423) 756-5150 chattacon.org Bolshoi Ballet: Giselle 12:55 p.m. Regal Hamilton Place 8 2000 Hamilton Place Blvd.
The List Cruising The Cold Away (844) 462-7342 fathomevents.com August Wilson’s “Gem of the Ocean” 2:30 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Symphony Orchestra Concerto Concert 4 p.m. Collegedale Church of Seventhday Adventists 4829 College Dr. E. (423) 396-2134 collegedalechurch.com The Feral Hogs Comedy Tour 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com
MONDAY1.27 Want to Publish Your Work? Learn to Edit First 5:30 p.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Relief Printing: Valentine’s Day Edition - 2 Part Class 6 p.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Winter Belly Dance Session
6 p.m. Movement Arts Collective 3813 Dayton Blvd. (423) 401-8115 movementartscollective.com Joggers & Lagers 6 p.m. Chattanooga Brewing Co. 1804 Chestnut St. (423) 702-9958 chattabrew.com
TUESDAY1.28 Chattanooga Self Improvement Meetup 8 a.m. The Edney Innovation Center 1100 Market St. (423) 643-6770 theedney.com Sew What 4 p.m. Chattanooga Public Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 643-7700 chattlibrary.org Chess K-night 5 p.m. Mad Priest Coffee Roasters 1900 Broad St. (423) 393-3834 madpriestcoffee.com Silverpoint Drawing 6 p.m. Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com AVA Critique Workshop 6 p.m. AVA Gallery
30 Frazier Ave. (423) 265-4282 avarts.org Paths to Pints 6:30 p.m. The Tap House 3800 St. Elmo Ave. taphousechatt.com Comedy Tap Takeover 10 p.m. Hutton & Smith Brewing Co. 431 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 760-3600 huttonandsmithbrewing.com
WEDNESDAY1.29 Main Street Farmers Market 4 p.m. 522 W. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com Beginner’s Stained Glass with Summer Harrison 5:30 p.m. Reflections Gallery 1635 Rossville Ave. (423) 892-3072 reflectionsgallerytn.com Beginner Cake Decorating: Mermaid Edition 6 p.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org Chalkboard Lettering 101 6 p.m. The Chattery 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 521-2643 thechattery.org
Gargoyle Sculpting 6 p.m. Townsend Atelier 301 E. 11th St. (423) 266-2712 townsendatelier.com Carbon Five: Hack Night 6 p.m. The Edney Innovation Center 1100 Market St. (423) 643-6770 theedney.com Winter Workshop: How to Protect Your Waterways 6:30 p.m. Outdoor Chattanooga 200 River St. (423) 643-6888 outdoorchattanooga.com CENOBIUM:dirt 6:30 p.m. The Mission Chattanooga 149 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 752-2219 missionchattanooga.org Open Mice Comedy 8 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400 jjsbohemia.com Nate Bargatze 8 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 399 McCallie Ave. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com
With the cold weather firmly upon us, many of us long for a vacation trip somewhere warm. Somewhere all of our worries are forgotten and fun can be had around the clock. Like a cruise ship. And with that in mind, we head to tropical shores with some random facts about those floating palaces of the seas. • The largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas, is twice the length of the Washington Monument. • The average cruise ship sails the equivalent of three times around the world each year. • Cruise ships travel an average speed of 20 knots, the equivalent of 23 miles per hour. • The Titanic was only a fraction of the size of modern cruise ships. All of which have plenty of lifeboats. • There are cruise ships designed for permanent residents, such as The World, which offers permanent residence to 165 guests. So come set sail and leave your worries behind...at least for a few days. Bon voyage!
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JANUARY 23, 2020 • THE PULSE • 13
THE MUSIC SCENE
The Man Behind The Underground and Mrs. B’s Honor Chef Neville the way he would want Rushing and Black Bring New Blues The only thing better than one blues artist, is two. Rick Rushing & the Blues Strangers and Jhett Black will be back to perform at Wanderlinger Brewing this Saturday at 7 p.m. Though neither are strangers to Chattanooga, the “Evening of the Blues” will bring the two groups together for a night that features new work and a long-time coming collaboration that Chattanooga didn’t know it was missing. A whole new set from Jhett Black gives the chance to see his new songs live for the first time, including his newest single, “The Devil Ain’t an Only Child”. His new set represents his branching away from ballads and folkinfluenced music into what he describes as, “straight-forward, down-home, hard-hitting blues stuff.” Both blues fanatics as well as first timers to the genre can enjoy the show. “The need for painful songs that describe the blue-collar plight of most working-class American citizens, that type of music is needed now more than ever and the blues is just a good way to express what we all are thinking of in our daily commute to work stuck in traffic,” Black said. Food will be served by the Green Tambourine food truck and WanderLinger is pet friendly so don’t miss the chance to immerge yourself in live music that showcases the genuine, soulful spirit that helps keep Chattanooga’s culture thriving. — Lindsey Clute
By Ernie Paik Pulse contributor
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The event will feature performances from local band Fresh Mind and the 4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Orchestra from Atlanta.”
14 • THE PULSE • JANUARY 23, 2020 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
T
HOSE WHO EXPERIENCED THE LOCAL JAMAICAN restaurant Mrs. B’s Reggae Cafe—run by the husband/wife team of Neville and Marilyn Forsythe and named after Marilyn’s late mother Frances Brown—knew it as an oasis of Caribbean escapism, offering authentic, exotic flavors in meticulously prepared, inventive dishes and a welcoming, easygoing atmosphere.
Shortly after celebrating the restaurant’s 5th anniversary last summer, Neville passed away in a car accident, and although Mrs. B’s Reggae Cafe has closed, Neville’s legacy will be celebrated at a special event on February 1st at Barking Legs Theater, with all proceeds going to the Neville Osmond Forsythe, Sr. Scholarship Fund.
The event will feature performances from local band Fresh Mind and the 4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Orchestra from Atlanta then end with a dance party led by DJ Hubbs, spinning some of Neville’s favorites. Neville’s favorite cocktail, Voodoo Rhum Punch, will be served by its inventor, tiki enthusiast Evan Lipson, who ran the Voodoo Bar within Mrs. B’s Reggae Cafe.
With the word “reggae” in the restaurant’s name, and warm Jamaican music always playing in the background, it was apparent that music was important to Chef Neville and Marilyn. This writer recalls talking with Neville about his favorite Jamaican music, including reggae singer John Holt, from when he lived in Jamaica before joining the U.S. Navy and then putting down roots in Chattanooga. “Neville loved all types of music— blues, jazz, rock, reggae,” said Marilyn. “He loved music by James Brown, Chaka Khan, Bobby Womack, to mention a few.” What might not be well known is Neville’s part in both Chattanooga’s restaurant and music history. Starting in the early ‘90s, Neville and Marilyn ran one of Chattanooga first fine-dining restaurants, Chef’s Underground Cafe, which hosted a remarkable run of music-based events in conjunction with the arts non-profit organization The Shaking Ray Levi Society. “Chef’s Underground Cafe was a rare safe place for innovation, improvisation and life,” said Bob Stagner (co-founder of The Shaking Ray Levi Society). “Everything from his world was made with excellence, care, and heart,” said Stagner. “He recognized our work coming from the same place—totally
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The February 1st tribute and celebration for Neville will honor his passion through music and flavors—a loving, generous visionary who nurtured and inspired many, beyond the culinary community.” self-sufficient, driven and original.” Among the performers at Chef’s Underground Cafe were the legendary avant-garde jazz violinist Leroy Jenkins, the Dutch prog/art-rock band Blast, the organ-groove dance explosion Quintron, the insane theatrics of Melted Men, and the acclaimed, adventurous jazz unit Gold Sparkle Band. Trumpeter Roger Ruzow of the 4th Ward Afro-Klezmer Orchestra—an eight-piece jazz orchestra that mixes West African rhythms with Eastern European klezmer music—recalled playing Chef’s Underground Cafe as a member of Gold Sparkle Band. “We played a pretty far-out set for a dinner crowd, and the Chattanooga folks that night had big ears, for most of them stayed for the second set,” said Ruzow. “Chef was a gracious host, and I remember after we finished our sets, the band sat with Chef, eating, drink-
ing, and talking about the connections of music and food and the relation these things have to the soul.” “My memory of Chef’s Underground Cafe is standing on the steps in front of the dessert display, lip-syncing Mary J. Blige after closing time,” said Loni Richards, one of the Forsythes’ daughters, when asked about a favorite musical memory at the restaurant. Mrs. B’s Reggae Cafe has special significance for Fresh Mind—a genremixing rock group with reggae roots and rhythms—which got its start playing there. James Snider, the front man of Fresh Mind, was born and raised in Mandeville, Jamaica, where he grew up playing music at church and school. “For a while, I’d drive past Mrs. B’s Reggae Cafe, and then finally one day I stopped by,” said Snider. “Marilyn noticed my Jamaican accent and said, ‘Wait, where are you from?’ and had
to tell Chef Neville.” After the introduction and a friendly conversation, Fresh Mind was invited to play the 3-year anniversary celebration of Mrs. B’s Reggae Cafe in 2017. Talking with the Forsythes’ children, it became clear how Neville’s passion for food was an extension of his love, with fond memories—daughter Nicole recalling him pouring his heart into preparing the food for her wedding, son Neville Jr. bonding with his father during summer food runs for the restaurant, and son Sam learning Neville’s technique to make his signature Lollipop Jerk Wings. The February 1st tribute and celebration for Neville will honor his passion through music and flavors—a loving, generous visionary who nurtured and inspired many, beyond the culinary community. “Neville reminded me that all the little bees who first learned to make honey from his hive are now building their own hives,” said Stagner. “A giving soul, a real friend, and a true artist.” Chef Neville Forsythe: An Eclectic Celebration Saturday, Feb. 1, 7:30 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org
THU1.23
FRI1.24
SAT1.25
Wayne “The Train” Hancock
Mathias and The Manifold
Oweda
Honky-tonk, western swing, blues, Texas rockabilly and big band music all come together. 7 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks
Special sensual sounds that move your head and your feet by songwriter Mathias Concannon. 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
You read about them two weeks ago here in The Pulse, now come see why their new album is getting such rave reviews. 9 p.m. Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JANUARY 23, 2020 • THE PULSE • 15
LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR THURSDAY1.23 Danimal & Friends 6 p.m. WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com David Anthony & Paul Stone 6 p.m. The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Randy Steele 6:30 p.m. The Woodshop 5500 St. Elmo Ave. thewoodshop.space Wayne “The Train” Hancock 7 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks Toby Hewitt 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Chattanooga Song Circle 7 p.m. Pax Breu Ruim 516 E. Main St (423) 648-4677 Fiddling By the Fire 7 p.m. The Commons 4950 Swinyar Dr. thecommonstn.com Zech Dallas 7 p.m. Farm To Fork 120 Robert E Lee Dr. Ringgold, GA farmtoforkga.com Beethoven’s Fifth 7:30 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5580 tivolichattanooga.com Steve Busie 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Barefoot Nellie and Co. 7:30 p.m. The FEED Co. Table and Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Open Mic Night with Jonathan Wimpee
16 • THE PULSE • JANUARY 23, 2020 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Turkuaz with Neal Francis 9 p.m. Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks No Pressure 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com
FRIDAY1.24 Maria Sable 6:30 p.m. Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Arcadia Grey, Hawkins AV Club, Un-Entitled 7 p.m. The Spot of Chattanooga 1800 E. Main St. facebook.com/1800EMain CATK 7 p.m. Oddstory Brewing Company 336 E. MLK Blvd. oddstorybrewing.co Preston Ruffing 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Gino Fanelli 8 p.m. The FEED Co. Table and Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Amber Carrington 8 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Sixshooter 8 p.m. Farm To Fork 120 Robert E Lee Dr. Ringgold, GA farmtoforkga.com The Foothills Band 8 p.m. WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Randy Rodgers Band 8 p.m.
The Signal 1810 Chestnut St. thesignaltn.com Franki Valli & the Four Seasons 8 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com Fireside 8:30 p.m. Fireside Grille 3018 Cummings Hwy. firesidechattanooga.com Gruph, Longshot, Final Fairground 9 p.m. Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. (423) 265-8711 Jason Stoker and Eric Garmany 9 p.m. The Brew & Cue 5017 Rossville Blvd. (423) 867-9402 Jesse Black 9 p.m. Big River Grille 222 Broad St. bigrivergrille.com Dave Matthews Tribute Band 9 p.m. Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Tomatoband with Over Easy 9 p.m. HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Mathias and The Manifold, Caramore, Jetsome The Noose, Mark Cole 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Life & Culture with Double Nil 9 p.m. Stone Cup Café 208 Frazier Ave. stonecupcafe.com David Ingle 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Monday Night Social “Unplugged” 10 p.m.
The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Voodoo Slim 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com
SATURDAY1.25 Danimal 10:30 a.m. Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com The Black Jacket Symphony 5, 9 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com Sounds of Melange 6 p.m. The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Tre Powell 6:30 p.m. Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com The Briars 7 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org Rick Rushing and Jhett Black 7 p.m. WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Robben Ford 7 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks Flattop Boxers 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Paul Smith & Sky High Band 8 p.m. Eagles Club 6128 Airways Blvd. foe.com Hardy 8 p.m. The Signal 1810 Chestnut St. thesignaltn.com
Tomatoband Seth Power and John Hart 8 p.m. The Bicycle Bar 45 E. Main St. (423) 475-6569 Slaton Dooley 8 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com PBR Band 8:30 p.m. Fireside Grille 3018 Cummings Hwy. firesidechattanooga.com Josh Gilbert Band 9 p.m. HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com James Legg, Radium Springs 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Evan Kennedy 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Oweda with Jackson Bruck and the Dukes of Hume 9 p.m. Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Function with a “C” 10 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Voodoo Slim
10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com Jagger Lane 11 p.m. Sky Zoo 5709 Lee Hwy. (423) 521-2966
SUNDAY1.26 The Mailboxes 11 a.m. Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Peace Merchants 11 a.m. STIR 1444 Market St. stirchattanooga.com Carl Pemberton 11 a.m. Westin Chattanooga 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com My Name Is Preston Noon Southside Social 1818 Chestnut St. thesouthsidesocial.com String Theory Annual Family Concert 1 p.m. The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. huntermuseum.org Melanie A. Davis 1:30 p.m. Flying Squirrel Bar
55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Monthly Jazz Jam 3 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org The Molly Maguires 7 p.m. The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy. facebook.com/TheHonestPint An Evening with Jake Shimabukuro 7 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks Minimal Disturbance 7:30 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Fireside 8:30 p.m. Fireside Grille 3018 Cummings Hwy. firesidechattanooga.com Evan Kennedy 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com
MONDAY1.27 Open Air with Jessica Nunn 6 p.m. The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com
Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Blues Night Open Jam 7 p.m. Songbirds South 41 Station St. songbirds.rocks Monday Night Big Band 7:30 p.m. The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Frank Hurricane 8 p.m. The Woodshop 5500 St. Elmo Ave. thewoodshop.space
TUESDAY1.28 Tyler Martelli & Maria Jordania 5 p.m. WanderLinger Brewing Co. 1208 King St. wanderlinger.com Acoustic Bohemian Night 6:30 p.m. The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Danimal 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Over The Rhine 7 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St.
songbirds.rocks Megan Howard 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Live Jam Session with Freddy Mc and Friends 8 p.m. The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Ran Adams 8 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Lost Dog Street Band with Casper Allen 9 p.m. Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirds.rocks
WEDNESDAY1.29 Russ Williamson 6 p.m. Stevarinos Italian Pub 325 Cherokee Blvd. stevarinos.com Jesse James Jungkurth 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Mel Martin Jazz Combo 7 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Gino Fanelli 7:30 p.m. Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Indigo Girls 8 p.m. Walker Theatre 399 McCallie Ave. tivolichattanooga.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JANUARY 23, 2020 • THE PULSE • 17
MARC T. MICHAEL’S RECORD REVIEWS
New Music From Otava Yo
Otava Yo Do You Love? (Arc Music)
M
usic is the universal language. Folk music is the universal language, with a heavy accent. For the Russian folkgroup Otava Yo, folk music is a vehicle for connecting with a rich cultural heritage that was all but lost. In the words of founding member Alexey Belkin, “…there was no folklore in my life. It was USSR and communists did everything they could to steal folklore from Russian population and to replace it with fake academic folklore. But in spite of this, all you need is just to wish to listen to them. Most of the songs we sing we just know. But some of them we found in ethnographic recordings or books.” Founded in 2003, the group, a diverse collection of musicians, writers, artists, and actors, began recording and touring in 2006, amassing a small but fiercely loyal international
following. With the release of 2019’s Do You Love? (released globally in late 2019) the band may be on the verge of becoming a (nearly) household name. The album’s lead single, “Oh, Dusya My Marusya” went viral on social media platforms late last year, accompanied by a video that won Best Music Video at the NYC Indie Film Awards, Maykop International Film Festival, Russian World Music Awards, and London International Film Festival. The song itself is the perfect standard bearer for both the album and the band. A traditional Russian love song, the theme is familiar enough to anyone who has ever been a teenager. Two overwrought young lovers have a minor spat leading to grand pronouncements of “never again,” which just as quickly revert to even grander pronouncements of eternal, unflappable love. Charmingly familiar and relatable, the youthful trope is driven by music which, conversely, may be altogether unfamiliar unless you happen to be a fan of the modalities and instrumentation of Eastern Europe. Beautifully arranged, the tune combines the ubiquitous electric guitar, and bass with traditional Russian instruments, some of which are so hard to come by they must be commissioned on a one-by-one basis with instrument makers. The modern instruments are un-
obtrusive, lightly underscoring the traditional acoustic ones, including Russian bagpipes, zhaleika (a wind instrument), and gusli, a sort of Russian zither. The result is a livelier and more robust sound than might be expected from a purely traditional group, without diluting the distinct flavor of the music. The vocals, alternating between male and female choral arrangements, are hauntingly beautiful and even the sound of the Russian language itself is a kind of instrument. Subtitles and translations are available, but I strongly recommend you listen to the music unencumbered for the first few times. You may be surprised by how well the song conveys its feeling without having to explain it directly. The award winning video is a mustsee collection of sweeping rural vistas counterpointed with visual humor that, frankly, makes Otava Yo one of the most likable gang of musicians anywhere. Their passion for performance and love for their native culture is abundant and infectious and if a viewing or two of the song and video doesn’t move you, you likely aren’t going to be a fan of Otava Yo, or music in general for that matter. My bet is that you’ll come away a fan, and global response to the album so far suggests Otava Yo, after seventeen years of hard work and dedication, is set to become a genuine international phenomenon.
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18 • THE PULSE • JANUARY 23, 2020 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM
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JONESIN' CROSSWORD
FREE WILL ASTROLOGY AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I’m a big fan of self-editing. For example, every horoscope I write evolves over the course of at least three drafts. For each book I’ve published, I have written but then thrown away hundreds of pages that I ultimately deemed weren’t good enough to be a part of the finished text. And yet now and then, I have created a poem or song in one rapid swoop. My artistic artifact is exactly right the first time it flows out of me, with no further tinkering needed. I suspect you’re now entering a phase like that, Aquarius. I’m reminded of poet Allen Ginsberg’s operative principle: “first thought, best thought.” PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Who don’t you want to be, Pisces? Where don’t you want to go? What experiences are not necessary in your drive to become the person you were born to be? I encourage you to ask yourself questions like those in the coming weeks. You’re entering a phase when you can create long-term good fortune for yourself by knowing what you don’t like and don’t need and don’t require. Explore the positive effects of refusal. Wield the power of saying NO so as to liberate yourself from all that’s irrelevant, uninteresting, trivial, and unhealthy. ARIES (March 21-April 19): German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749–1832) declared that English writer Lord Byron (1788–1824) was the greatest genius of the 19th century. Here’s an interesting coincidence: Byron regarded Goethe as the greatest genius of the 19th century. I bring this to your attention, Aries, in the hope that it will inspire you to create a similar dynamic in your own life during the coming months. As much as possible, surround yourself with people whom you think are wonderful and interesting and enlivening—and who think you are wonderful and interesting and enlivening. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurusborn Johannes Brahms (1833– 1897) was a renowned German composer who lived most of his life is Germany and Austria. He became so famous and well-respected that England’s Cambridge University offered him an honorary degree if he would visit the campus. But Brahms was too timid to risk crossing the English Channel by boat. (There were no airplanes and Chunnel in those days.) He declined the award. I beg you not to do anything even remotely like that in the coming weeks, Taurus. Please summon the gumption necessary to claim and gather in all you deserve. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the coming weeks will be one of those rare times when
you can safely engage with influences that might normally rattle you. You’ll be protected as you wander into the unknown and explore edgy mysteries. Your intuition will be highly reliable if you make bold attempts to solve dilemmas that have previously confounded and frustrated you. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to get a bit wild and exploratory, this is it. CANCER (June 21-July 22): J. M. W. Turner (1775–1851) is regarded as one of England’s greatest painters. He’s best known for his luminous and imaginative landscapes. His experimental use of light and color influenced the Impressionist painters who came after him. But the weird thing is that after his death, many of his works were lost for decades. In 1939, a famed art historian found over a hundred of them rolled up like tarpaulins in the basement of an art museum. Let’s apply this event as a metaphor for what’s ahead in your life, Cancerian. I suspect that buried or lost elements of your past will soon be rediscovered and restored. I bet it will be fun and illuminating! LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In my early adult life, I lived below the poverty line for many years. How did that impact me? Here’s one example: I didn’t own a mattress from ages 23 to 39, but rather slept on a two-inch thick foam pad that lay directly on the floor. I’m doing better now, thank you. But my early experiences ensured that I would forever have profound empathy for people who don’t have much money. I hope this will serve as inspiration for you, Leo. The next seven weeks will be the Empathy Building Season for you. The cosmos will reward you if you build your ability to appreciate and understand the pains and joys of other humans. Your compassion will be tonic for both your mental and physical health. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Ancient Greek author Theophrastus was a scientist before the concept of “scientist” existed. His writings on botany were influential for hundreds of years after his death. But some of his ideas would be considered unscientific today. For example, he believed that flute music could heal sciatica and epilepsy. No modern research suggests that the charms of the flute can literally cure physical ailments like those. But there is a great deal of evidence that music can help relieve pain, reduce anxiety, reduce the side effects of drugs, assist in physical therapy, and even make you smarter. And my reading of the current astrological omens suggests that the therapeutic effects of music will be especially dramatic for you during the next three weeks. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Learn-
ing to love is difficult, and we pay dearly for it,” wrote the serious and somber author Fyodor Dostoevsky. “It takes hard work and a long apprenticeship,” he added. All that’s true, I think. To hone our ability to express tenderness and warmth, even when we’re not at our best, is the most demanding task on earth. It requires more courage than that of a soldier in the frenzy of battle, as much imagination as a poet, and diligence equal to that of an architect supervising the construction of a massive suspension bridge. And yet on the other hand—contrary to what Dostoevsky believed— sometimes love is mostly fun and inspiring and entertaining and educational. I suspect that the coming weeks will be one of those phases for you. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): How well do you nurture yourself, dear Scorpio? How diligent are you in providing yourself with the sustenance that ensures your body, mind, and soul will thrive? Are you imaginative in the ways that you keep yourself excited about life? Do you take strong measures to avoid getting attached to mediocre pleasures, even as you consistently hone your focus on the desires that lead you to joy and deep satisfaction? The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to meditate on these questions. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Seven books of the Bible’s Old Testament refer to a magical place called Ophir. It was a source of exotic finery and soulful treasures like gold, peacocks, jewels, frankincense, and precious sandalwood. One problem: No one, not even a Biblical scholar, has ever figured out where it was. Zimbabwe? India? Tunisia? Its location is still unknown. I am bringing this to your attention because I suspect that in 2020 there’ll be a good chance you’ll discover and gain access to your own metaphorical Ophir: a fount of interesting, evocative resources. For best results, be primed and eager to offer your own skills and riches in exchange for what this fount can provide to you. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn filmmaker Steven Soderbergh says it’s crucial for us to have a well-developed story about who we are and what we’re doing with our lives. It’s so important, he feels, that it should be the trigger that flings us out of bed every morning. We’ve got to make our story so vivid and interesting that it continually motivates us in every little thing we do. Soderbergh’s counsel is always good to keep in mind, of course, but it will be even more so for you in the coming months. Why? Because your story will be expanding and deepening, and you’ll need to make the necessary adjustments in how you tell your story to yourself.
“Decade in Review, Part 2”—fun stuff from 2012 & 2013. ACROSS 1 It’s produced in a Van de Graaff generator 7 Glass with a radio cadence 10 Base times height 14 “Garfield” cat 15 “As much as you want” 17 Type of music video with a world record set in 2012 by 9,300 participants in Lindsay, Ontario 18 Book-based movie series that ended in 2012 with “Breaking Dawn - Part 2” 19 Q&A feature, on Reddit 20 Like Dali’s art 22 Spear-shaped fish 23 Need an ice bag 25 8-Down’s need 26 Home of the Nevada Museum of Art 27 Opera highlight 28 Actress Claire of “The Crown” 29 Becomes dim 30 2012 song that was YouTube’s mostviewed video until “See You Again” surpassed it in 2017
34 Yoko born in Tokyo 35 “___ Nub” (common name of the 1983 song called “Ewok Celebration”) 36 House vote 37 ___ Lipa (“New Rules” singer) 40 What China became the third country to achieve with the Chang’e 3 mission in 2013 43 ___ dab in the middle 46 Suffix with puppet or racket 47 Key West, e.g. 48 Minnow’s home 49 Sign of sorrow 51 Fascinated with 52 Go bad 53 Role for Smith, Cartwright, Kavner, or Castellaneta 55 Athlete’s knee injury site, often 57 Swedish duo with a breakup song that hit #1 on the UK Singles Chart in 2013 59 Game that “The Price Is Right” devoted all six pricing game segments to in a 2013 episode 61 Gillian Flynn thriller
published in 2012 62 Bygone Toyota model 63 Drink from a flask 64 Red Sox rival, on scoreboards 65 Jousters’ horses DOWN 1 Parlor, in La Paz 2 Boat with three hulls 3 2020 Best Supporting Actor Oscar nominee 4 Talking bear film of 2012 5 Occupied, as a lavatory 6 “From Peru to ___ hear the power of Babylon” (Philippine island name-dropped in Enya’s “Orinoco Flow”) 7 They receive paper assignments 8 Crew member 9 What a celebrity might use at a hotel 10 “Who ___?” (“Les Miz” song) 11 Fixed illegally 12 Gas in fuel mixtures 13 Team in a signstealing scandal 16 Taking a sick day 21 Floor-cleaning robot 24 Sea ___ (Popeye villain) 26 Peabody Award-
winning Issa 27 In bygone times 28 “Prelude to the Afternoon of a ___” (Debussy work) 29 Dessert also known as crème caramel 31 Stooge’s laugh syllable 32 First Family of the 1840s 33 2012 or 2013, e.g. 37 Itinerary measure 38 Insecure, in a way 39 Mature 40 “Daft Punk is Playing at my House” band ___ Soundsystem 41 Freshen up, as lipstick 42 Annoying racket 43 Rosemary bits 44 Milk source, to a kid 45 “Queer Eye” food and wine expert Porowski 49 Easy basket 50 Atlanta research university 51 Arm of the sea 53 2012 AFTRA merger partner 54 Chooses 56 Online outbursts 58 Pos. opposite 60 Incensed feeling
Copyright © 2020 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents perminute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 972 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JANUARY 23, 2020 • THE PULSE • 19
FILM & TELEVISION
Aquatic Film Drowns In Disappointment The writing is more horrific than the monster
The Betrayal Of Young Love It’s the 10th anniversary of Bolshoi Ballet in Cinema and in this new production, leading perspective to one of the oldest and greatest works of the classical repertoire, offering the public the opportunity to discover again this iconic ballet that addresses the universal romantic themes. Giselle is the story of a young peasant girl. She is in love and is confident that she is loved. The gamekeeper, who is in love with Giselle, tries in vain to persuade her that Albrecht, her loved one, is not a peasant at all but a nobleman in disguise and that he is deceiving her. The gamekeeper manages to steal into the cottage which Albrecht is renting in the village and here he finds a silver sword with a coat of arms on it. Now the gamekeeper knows for sure that Albrecht is concealing his noble origins. Giselle is shocked to the core by the perfidy of her loved one. The pure, crystal-clear world of her faith, hopes and dreams has been destroyed. When the ruse is revealed, the fragile Giselle dies of heartbreak and Albrecht must face the otherworldly consequences of his careless seduction. Giselle is considered a masterwork in the classical ballet performance canon. Come out this Sunday at 12:55 p.m. and see it on the big screen at Regal Hamilton Place 8 at 2000 Hamilton Place Blvd. — Michael Thomas
By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor
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Most of the problems with the film come from convenient (lazy) writing solutions, as well as pacing.”
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L
IKE MOST PEOPLE, 20,000 LEAGUES UNDER THE SEA might have been the start of my interest in the depths below. I can’t tell you much about the story now—it’s a film I watched as a young child and I likely didn’t understand much of what happened. I remember Captain Nemo and the Nautilis, and some parts about sea monsters, and of course, the giant squid. But the whole of the story is murky, not unlike the ocean itself. But as Roger Ebert noted, when it comes to movies, “Your intellect might be confused, but your emotions will never lie to you.” I remember how it made me feel—astonished, curious, frightened. I’ve seen as many films about underwater adventures as I could since then—from The Abyss to Sphere to
Deep Blue Sea—and there are aspects I enjoy about all of them. Underwater is yet another in this genre. Like most of the others, it’s filled with some good moments and many more goofy ones. For a January release, particularly one that’s been so delayed, it’s not the worst thing out right now. It’s not the best, either. Underwater is one of those films that will be forgotten entirely within a year. It’s something you might see on Amazon Prime, pause for a moment,
and scroll right past. Underwater is a film that takes no breaks. It begins immediately with the inciting incident and does nothing to slow down until the credits roll. If you’re looking for backstory or character development, you’ll need to pay close attention because these details are only included in margins of the story. Norah (Kristen Stewart) works as a mechanical engineer for an underwater drilling company searching for oil. The film takes place in what we can assume is the future, but near enough that fossil fuels are still a thing. The company is drilling more than six miles down, when the underwater facility is hit by what is thought to be an earthquake. The base sustains critical damage, killing many of the workers. Norah manages to survive and find a collection of survivors, including the captain of the station. The only way out is to drop further down, don pressure suits, and walk across the ocean floor to another facility a mile or so away. The group must move quickly to escape the facility before the energy core breaches and drops the entire station on top of them. Over the course of the film, the group discovers they have
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There are several things that work in the film. The atmosphere and set design are top notch—the station feels lived and realistic.” disturbed something older and deadly as they drilled further into the earth. There are several things that work in the film. The atmosphere and set design are top notch—the station feels lived and realistic. In particular, the pressure suits look fantastic. Creature design is also entertaining, although the behavior of the antagonists doesn’t make much sense given their environment. This, of course, is a writing problem. In fact, most of the problems with the film come from convenient (lazy) writing solutions, as well as pacing. The characters mention the pressure suits are dangerous, without giving us an explanation why. When a helmet shatters causing its occupant to implode, it certainly seems dangerous but we’re told later that it was faulty. Then, when another suit explodes for seemingly no reason, it seems to again confirm that the suits are
dangerous. What are these suits for exactly? As I mentioned, the deadly sea creatures themselves pose confusing questions—what do they eat? Why are they predatory? How can they function in low pressure environments like flooded corridors? Has anyone on the writing team seen a blobfish at sea level? Like all questions of this nature, the answer is “because it’s in the screenplay”. The screenplay also explains that the characters can only wear underwear in the pressure suits. This is fine, but why do the female cast members have to wear high cut bikini briefs? Kristen Stewart doesn’t wear pants the entire movie. Again I know the answer to this but I can’t help but feel bad for her. This experience of shooting this film had to be miserable. I got the impression that much of this film was physically demanding for the actors and stuntmen. However, I never got the impression that it was worth it.
✴ NEW IN THEATERS ✴
The Gentlemen A British drug lord tries to sell off his highly profitable empire to a dynasty of Oklahoma billionaires. Director: Guy Ritchie Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong
The Turning A young governess is hired by a man who has become responsible for his young nephew and niece after the deaths of their parents. A modern take on Henry James' novella "The Turn of the Screw". Director: Floria Sigismondi Stars: Mackenzie Davis, Finn Wolfhard, Brooklynn Prince, Karen Egan
CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JANUARY 23, 2020 • THE PULSE • 21
COLUMN · GAME ON!
Gamers Will Be Roaming The Streets Massive virtual murder mystery game comes to Chattanooga
T Brandon Watson Pulse columnist
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Have you the skills and preternatural abilities to go beyondthe-board and step into an augmented reality detective game?”
When not vaporizing zombies or leading space marines as a mousepad Mattis, Brandon Watson is making gourmet pancakes and promoting local artists.
HE SECOND SATURDAY IN FEBRuary you may see groups of random folks looking like they stepped out of a Sir Arthur Conan Doyle novel or the Great Gatsby being led around town by their cell phones. I can assure you that these strange folks will be dressed in all sorts of ways and wandering around the Scenic City looking for all sorts of clues. Clues to what you may ask? A mystery, well a virtual murder mystery set in the roaring twenties (the first one, not this one). But before I tell you more, I need you to ask yourself these questions: Do you fancy yourself as a slick super sleuth who can crack codes or solve riddles? Do you think yourself a hotshot-shamus who can figure out who-done-it before anyone else? Have you the skills and preternatural abilities to go beyond-the-board and step into an augmented reality detective game? If you’ve answered yes to one or all of these then I believe this game would be right up your nondescript alley. The game is Sneaky Finders: a virtual selfguided city-wide adventure and/or outrageous optional costume party. Sneaky Finders is the 1920’s themed murder mystery brought to us by our favorite cousins across the pond in the UK, CluedUpp Games. CluedUpp Games is a slick gaming company that specializes in creating altered reality games right in the backyards of many metropolitan areas. CluedUpp Games operates in thirty-eight countries and offers interactive adventures to have with friends, family, or colleagues alike. The self-guided approach to outside gaming can be both thrilling and a little daunting.
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Essentially you are buying access to a game that exists parallel to our own reality with you and your device the only means of interaction into this fictional world. No tour guides or actors, just you, your team and your wits, oh and your wireless devices. For the price of one ticket, a team of two to six amateur detectives will be given start locations and then set loose to explore. Backstory content, virtual witnesses and augmented locations will overlay on Chattanooga’s geography through advanced GPS technology. Anyone familiar with Pokémon Go or geocaching will feel right at home with this type of gaming. It has been noted by past participants, Sneaky Finders incorporates much of the local geography with landmarks serving as clue and riddle locations. It’s a fantastic way to get out on a Saturday and explore the city with your buds or with the one-hundred other random people possibly snooping around your beat. Feel free to team up or challenge others to see who can solve the mystery first. There is a time limit when the game ends, usually around sunset, and the winning teams get ranked on the leaderboards. Also don’t be afraid to snatch up a stranger to help you get through some tough riddles. You’d be surprised at what random useless information a passerby knows. To be clear you only need one person with access to the app in order to play the game. Also, be aware that the CluedUpp game app is a battery eater so be sure
to pack portable charge packs or feel free to stop by any of the local shops on your adventure to recharge and regroup. I’m not sure where Sneaky Finders will be taking players but I’m sure it’s going to be through some of our best spots. Added bonus to those participants who decide to suit up for detective adventures, which by order of CluedUpp Games allows you to send them photos to share with the world. Now, I’m not saying that I should be on the lookout for a team of Dr. WHO’s or Sleuthing Storm Troopers running around like a bunch of Sherlocks but my hope is that Chattanooga will be Chattanooga about the entire thing and get really weird with it. Fingers crossed on a pack of Detective Pikachu roaming around the Aquarium asking strangers for directions. If you get suited up for the game, you have my permission to tag your photos via Instagram at chattanoogapulse. Sneaky Finders will kick off the entire day on February eighth at a location that won’t be disclosed to the public. You have to buy the ticket in order to enjoy the ride and they are going fast so go to their site at cluedupp.com. Get your team together and come out to show Chattanooga who’s top sleuth.
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