The Pulse 15.26 » June 28, 2018

JUNE 28, 2018

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

TIME TO GET

OUT OF THE HOUSE

THE ART OF REFRESHMENT

A MUSICAL

LIBRARY FINDING COMEDY

IN TRAGEDY DINING OUT AT TOSCANO ITALIAN GRILL • SUMMERTIME, AND THE (LAKE) LIVIN’ IS EASY

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 15, ISSUE 26 • JUNE 28, 2018

BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher James Brewer, Sr. FOUNDED 2003 BY ZACHARY COOPER & MICHAEL KULL

EDITORIAL Managing Editor Gary Poole Assistant Editor Brooke Brown Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Contributors David Traver Adolphus • Adam Beckett Rob Brezsny • Matt Jones Mike McJunkin • Tony Mraz Ernie Paik • Rick Pimental-Habib RayTerry • Michael Thomas Editorial Interns Libby Gillies • Olivia Haynes Design Intern Kenzie Wrightsman Cover Photo Lesha Patterson Cartoonists Max Cannon • Jen Sorenson Tom Tomorrow

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Time To Get Out Of The House With the unbridled charm that the picturesque city of Chattanooga uses to enchant locals, and visitors with daily by way of its thriving music scene, events, activities, happenings, arts, and just with the overall heartbeat that is felt throughout the city, the great outdoors of Chattanooga has natural mystic, and heartbeat of its own.

ADVERTISING Director of Sales Mike Baskin Account Executives Rick Leavell • Cindee McBride Libby Phillips • Danielle Swindell

CONTACT Offices 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Email info@chattanoogapulse.com Website chattanoogapulse.com Facebook @chattanoogapulse 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 © 2018 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.

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SUMMER TIME, AND THE (LAKE) LIVIN’ IS EASY

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THE ART OF REFRESHMENT

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Chattanooga started out as a river town at Ross’s Landing. Today, it’s no different—a bustling area of constant expansion that just keeps growing.

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For most people, art is everywhere—at home, school, work, and all places in between. Art has a myriad of meanings and functions, but one quality that it is universally recognized for is entertainment.

9 AIR BAG

FINDING COMEDY IN TRAGEDY

As The Office’s Michael Scott once said, “There is no such thing as an appropriate joke” and despite the character’s general tone deafness, in this case, he’s right.

A TRULY MUSICAL LIBRARY

It’s common knowledge that modern libraries have outgrown the outdated perception of merely being austere book warehouses, manned by humorless enforcers of silence.

17 DINING OUT

24 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

11 NEW IN THEATERS

20 MUSIC CALENDAR

25 JONESIN' CROSSWORD

14 ARTS CALENDAR

23 MUSIC REVIEWS

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BEGINNINGS · CITY LIFE

Where The Livin’ Is Easy Enjoy the good life with lake living and the great outdoors

By RayTerry Pulse contributor

“

Marinas are full of fishing boats, runabouts, houseboats, cruisers and many other kinds of marine craft ready to ‘cast off or set sail.”

C

HATTANOOGA STARTED OUT AS A RIVER TOWN AT Ross’s Landing. Today, it’s no different—a bustling area of constant expansion that just keeps growing. The Army Corps of Engineers along with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) keep our waterways operating safely and efficiently. The river adds greatly to the overall economic and housing/business market.

Who doesn’t want to live by or on the water? Well, some might not, but I would think that most do. Living choices are plentiful. Houses, condos, and apartments are springing up everywhere.

The expansion of Riverside Drive downtown is one example of booming construction along the shores. Not to mention the ones that have already been well established for years that keep going up in price. It’s a top end market that keeps growing exponentially. People love the water!

Currently, business wise, construction upgrades are underway to the lock sys-

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tem at Chickamauga Dam. Once completed, barge traffic movement will be expedited for more commerce to flow up and down the river.

Leaving the city by river the lake dwellings become more stretched out along the way. New houses and docks are popping up all along the riverbanks.

TVA regulates permits for construction and property owner registration and the riverbanks are monitored so anyone can’t just do anything along the shores.

Go to TVA.com for your lake questions. You can also get the TVA Lake Info app for your smart phone and keep up with your favorite dams along

the system.

Great fishing abounds for those who want to enjoy the natural bounty of the river. Marinas are full of fishing boats, runabouts, houseboats, cruisers and many other kinds of marine craft ready to ‘cast off or set sail. Others, like myself, have the lazy pontoon boat, which allows one to get up and walk around and stretch those ‘sea legs’. Shiver me timbers, mate!

Personal watercrafts (such as jet skis) are basically a water motorcycle that is a thrill in itself. You can watch these “water jockeys” alongside tugs, barges and large boats to try and catch their huge wake and either ride it out or jump it.

There she blows!

For a more relaxed and personal experience try a paddleboard. They come in all shapes, sizes and colors allowing one to stand or sit and calmly paddle from left-to-right. Just know that these along with swimmers in the water, the law requires that boats create “no wake” around them while in close proximity.

The TWRA patrols the lake enforcing the state’s boat laws. When operating a boat, you must have the following: floatation device (life preserver) for every person on your boat; one throwable floatation cushion; horn, fire extinguisher, current registration, and visible boat numbers on the side of your hull.

The officers are usually very lenient knowing that people are out just to have fun. But, if you fail the initial safety check, you could open yourself up for more scrutiny. Do yourself a favor; be in compliance with the law! Oh yeah, if you put any kind of motor on anything that floats: it must be registered!

To stay informed about what is going on with the lake check out: Chickamauga Lake Property Owners Association. The CLPOA’s purpose is: to maintain, support, and protect the rights of property owners and lake users while encouraging and promoting good and practical stewardship of Chickamauga Lake, including its ecology, water quality, resource management, and aesthetics.

Lake living is a coveted way of life in our area. Safety, conservation and courtesy go a long way in maintaining the waters for all to enjoy for years to come.

Cons ider This w ith Dr. Rick

When Enough Is Enough Keep Families Together to rally Saturday at Coolidge Park In the past few weeks, the Trump administration adopted a policy of separating the children of migrant families from their parents, placing them in holding facilities or shipping them off to foster homes in Manhattan.

The UN defines this practice of separation as a form of genocide.

After a great deal of pushback from both sides of the political spectrum, President Trump signed a shotgun executive order, ending the separation policy. This almost looks like progress, but the impli-

cations of the executive order remain viciously problematic.

Thousands of children already separated from parents have no way to be reunited with their families, since they were classified as “unaccompanied minors” by the administration upon arrival.

Furthermore, the executive order now condones housing whole families like animals in cages.

Cities around the nation, including our dear Chattanooga, will demonstrate that dehumanization and blatant injustice will

not be tolerated by American citizens.

This Saturday, a rally for solidarity with the national Keep Families Together campaign is planned to take place in Coolidge Park.

The event will be peaceful in accordance with all city laws and tentatively consist of readings, a silent vigil, and a sidewalk march.

Organizers ask that signs be Southern Appropriate—“polite and topical”—and that attendees bring plenty of water and their best behavior. — Olivia Haynes

“The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice.”

When we are frustrated, angry, tired or depressed, we may speak harshly, hurtfully to those around us, especially to our loved ones. As we close out the traditional month of Pride this year, I encourage you to be conscious of your words.

Every gay person can recall an insensitive remark spoken unconsciously around the dining table when they were young. Or a derogatory term thrown at them in school, even from their teachers, coaches, etc., unbelievable as that sounds.

These words become part of the stored pieces that make up one’s self-esteem. Consider this quote: “I have been broken and I have lost myself. But here I stand, still moving forward, remembering the harsh lessons that made me stronger.”

You Are Worthy. Wash your whole life in these words.

— Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D.

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COVER STORY

Chattanooga Skydiving

Time To Get Out Of The House There is no lack of fun things to see and do all around town

By Adam Beckett Pulse contributor

“

Even though it was a short road, even though it only serviced a handful of houses, it showed what happens when a road goes neglected. ”

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ITH THE UNBRIDLED CHARM THAT THE PICTUResque city of Chattanooga uses to enchant locals, and visitors with daily by way of its thriving music scene, events, activities, happenings, arts, and the overall heartbeat that is felt throughout the city, the great outdoors of Chattanooga has natural mystic, and a heartbeat of its own.

Chattanooga is alive, and it is a fantastic time for all people to experience all that Chattanooga has to offer. Where the city-based activities are great and hold their own experiences, the outdoor adventures that are available make Chattanooga an absolute paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Outdoor activities that center around and surround the Scenic City are somewhat of an abyss in terms of options.

On any given day, a person could take

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a hike at a local trail, hang glide off a mountain, go mountain biking, play disc-golf, have a picnic in a park, relax at a waterfall, swim in a local swimming hole, paddleboard the Tennessee River, and then go to an outdoor music event; all in just one day.

While that does not seem realistic to most people due to the restraints of time, and “real life” getting in the way, it absolutely is possible. If one were to disagree I would ask them to prove me

wrong by giving it a shot. Maybe not those specific things, or in that specific order, but something to that effect; try it, experience the magic.

Certainly, many people are aware of the natural treasures that are available in Chattanooga and even travel to experience it, however, it seems as if a lot of residents and visitors are unaware of the endless opportunities that are available for people to be outside, exploring Mother Nature.

After reconnoitering the area, researching, and speaking to outdoor enthusiasts over time, I have come to learn about some extraordinary local places.

Even after narrowing it down, options are seemingly endless. Hopefully, this will lead people to some of their new favorite places.

quality time outdoors. Many of the dog parks have areas for the dogs, as well as hiking trails that surround it so after the animals get their fill of the dog park, dogs and company can take a nice stroll to end the adventure.

Chattanooga has numerous dog parks, whether you live in Red Bank, Hixson, or Downtown. Places like Play.

Wash.Pint, Duck Pond, White Oak, Greenway Farms, Chew Chew Canine Parks are all perfect locations for animals and humans to unite and socialize among species while enjoying mother nature.

KEEP IT SIMPLE Sometimes getting out and being outdoors does not have to take a whole lot of planning or be time-consuming treks. Simple things like taking a stroll in Coolidge/Renaissance Park, on the Walnut Street Bridge, or on the Riverwalk are great ways to enjoy outdoor Chattanooga.

Visiting the magical Sculpture Fields at Montague Park is another simple way to experience the outdoors, and the local art scene in one sitting.

Renting a bike from one of the biking stations set around town by Bike Chattanooga and cycling around the city is another great way to explore downtown while getting some fresh air.

Also, with all the outdoor summer concert series like Riverfront Nights, and Nightfall, getting outdoors can be as easy as following the sound of the music.

ADVENTURES FOR THE KAMIKAZE/ADRENALINE JUNKIES

TENNESSEE RIVER ADVENTURES

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It seems as if a lot of residents and visitors are unaware of the endless opportunities that are available for people to be outside, exploring Mother Nature.”

There is no half stepping involved with extreme sports and activities, either people are, or they are not, there is no in between. It takes a special kind of person to thrill seek through adventures, but for those that seek an adrenaline rush, Chattanooga could very well be a mecca for buccaneers.

A few of the options are hanggliding, cliff-jumping, whitewater rafting and kayaking, sky-diving, mountain biking, hot air balloon Journeys, climbing and rappelling, and zip-lining adventures; there are endless opportunities to get your heart pumping. For more information visit Outdoor Chattanooga.

is played all over the world, and the containers are filled with various prizes, where participants are supposed to take something and leave something.

It is like treasure hunting, where explorers find clues that lead to the “treasure box”. It is a great way to have fun, it is very much mini-missions that help people discover areas. There are free apps available for devices, and thousands of boxes scattered all over Chattanooga. The difficulty ranges from easy to difficult. Go find them!

GEOCACHING

DISC GOLF

Geocache is an outdoor recreational activity where players use a GPS or mobile device to play hide and seek with containers called “caches”, that are marked by coordinates. This game

Disc Golf is a fantastic way to enjoy a nice day outside. For those that are unaware, Disc Golf is an outdoor activity that is much like golf, but instead of using clubs and a ball, players

throw a variety of frisbees from a tee/ launch pad, into a metal basket.

Courses are set with maps, and each basket has a set number of attempts that equal par. Players try to conquer the course and have the lowest score of people they are playing against.

There are several different courses in the area, such as The Sinks Disk Golf Course, Shepard Disc Golf Course, Portland Park, Dupont Park, 9 On Top Disc Golf Course, and Cloudland Canyon. All local courses that range in difficulty, spend a few summer weekends testing out the courses to find your favorite.

DOG PARKS Dog parks are a great way for both dogs and humans alike to get some

With the Tennessee River running right through Downtown Chattanooga, and the endless adventures that revolve around it, makes it a main event for outdoor aficionados. People can paddleboard, canoe, jet-ski, kayak, or just enjoy the day cruising on a boat.

Any given day passersby can see the montage of people enjoying various activities.

There is a social aspect to it as well, the water enthusiasts have developed into quite a large community. Get involved, don’t miss out on the excitement. Adventure companies like L2 Outside, and River Canyon Adventures are great starting points to figure out how to get on the water with rental equipment.

HIKING TRAILS/AREAS Thousands of miles of trails wrap around Chattanooga, so finding a hiking trail is not very challenging. People should use online resources to locate trails and match expertise levels before venturing out. Many are suitable for all, having various trailheads to choose by difficulty levels.

Hikers should be aware of signs along the way. They can offer valuable advice and safety warnings.

After much narrowing down, it has >> continued on page 8

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COVER COVERSTORY STORY been determined that some of the best trails are Point Park, Julia Falls Overlook, High Ridge Trail Head, Pot Point Nature Trail, Ochs Garden Trailhead, White Oaks Mountain Trails, High Ridge Trail Head, Snoopers Rock, Sliding Rock Trailhead, Ritchie Hollow Trail, Guild-Hardy Trail Head, Browns Ferry Federal Road Trails, Shingle Trail, Millers Way Trailhead, Stringers Ridge Trails, Middle Creek Trail, Eagles Nest Quarry, Sunset Rock.

CLIMBING According to specialists, the best local outdoor climbing areas are scattered about Lookout, Signal, and Raccoon Mountains. Also, the Stone Fort Little Rock City, Deep Creek, and Rocktown in Lafayette, GA (about 45 minutes away from downtown Chattanooga).

GO CHASING WATERFALLS

EXTENDED BACKPACK HIKING TRAILS The Appalachian Trail, and the Cumberland Gap. While both trails can be visited for day hike purposes, the more extreme hiker can hit the trails and be gone for an extended amount of time.

Where the Appalachian Trail eventually ends up in Maine, some local parts of it are perfect for local adventures.

On the AT, locally accessible sweet spots are Roan Mountain and Grayson Highlands (according to experts).

SPELUNKING/CAVING With innumerable caverns around the area for the spelunking, Chattanooga is a prime location for cave voyagers. According to Outdoor Chattanooga, the greater Chattanooga area is home to more than 7,000 caves, all within an hour drive from Downtown Chattanooga.

Outdoor adventurers have the option to walk through commercial caverns, or journey through wild caves.

Disclaimer that the wild cave option is recommended for the experienced with proper equipment. Wild caves can be fragile and dangerous.

A good starting place for people interested is Raccoon Mountain Caverns, which has five miles of mapped cave systems with guided tours.

NATURE AREAS, STATE, AND NATIONAL AREAS With

the

overwhelming

options

“

This list is just the tip of the iceberg.

There are not too many places on Earth that have the infinite outdoor activities available like in Chattanooga.” available for people seeking outdoor adventure, narrowing down the top nature areas is challenging.

Where there may be better places not listed, some of the best areas that Chattanooga has to offer are the Chickamauga Dam Tennessee Riverpark, Turchin Reservation National Park, Tennessee River Gorge Trust, Lula Lake, Enterprise South, Moccasin Bend National Park, Booker T. Washington State Park, Prentice Cooper State Park, Savage Gulf Natural Area, Cumberland Gap, Rock Town, Chattanooga and Chickamauga National Military Park, Big Soddy Gulf Creek, Reflection Riding and Arboretum, Audubon

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Acres, Maclellan Island Wildlife Sanctuary (in the middle of the Tennessee River, accessible by boat only), and the Elsie Chapin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Some of the areas are a bit of a drive, and not located directly in Chattanooga. They are all world class destinations, and well worth the trip.

MOUNTAIN BIKING Top mountain biking destinations are White Oaks Mountain Biking Trails, Raccoon Mountain Biking Trails, Chilhowie Recreation Area, Enterprise South, White Oak Mountain, Bear Creek/Pinhoti Loop, and the Cherokee National Forest.

While there are multiple waterfalls to chase, Falling Water Falls State Natural Area, Fall Creek Falls, Lula Falls, Desoto Falls, Laurel Falls, Ozone Falls, and Rainbow Falls are the top natural waterfall areas to experience.

A special shout out goes out to the maniacs out there that run as a lifestyle. You guys are the real MVP’s.

There is a breed of humans around Chattanooga that run fifty and one hundred-mile competitions, up mountains, and on trails.

The dedication and heart that these elite athletes demonstrate are sole.

Keep on trucking guys, you are truly an inspiration.

Endless options for activities are available daily. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. There are not too many places on Earth that have the infinite outdoor activities available like in Chattanooga.

For those that play, carry on, for those that do not, break the routine and explore outdoor Chattanooga. You will thank yourself later, it is breathtaking.

Adam Beckett is a professional writer that has a tremendous passion for life, love, dancing, and adventures.

Love is his intention for everything that he does, especially writing. He uses writing as a platform to spread positivity and refuses to write articles that criticize anything or holds a negative tone.

COLUMN · AIR BAG

A Fleecing In Tarrytown A sad tale of a pile of rust and broken dreams

I David Traver Adolphus Pulse columnist

“

Now, it had been a few years and Mrs. L had just discovered that her husband had sent around $100,000 to this friend for the car. That did sound like trouble.”

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.

T STARTED, FOR ME, WITH A phone call last week. Well, a two phone calls, a text, a voicemail and two emails. My stepmother kept saying the same thing: “David, help. A friend of mine is in trouble.”

If you’ve never had that call, you will.

Someone needs bail, needs a ride, needs to get out of a bad situation, is in the hospital, or should be. It’s just that the call doesn’t usually involve a 1980 Alfa Romeo Spider.

My stepmother’s account was a little jumbled. Her friends, Mr. and Mrs. L, were the Alfa owners, a car which had some special meaning for Mr. L. But according to the story, Mr. L was in moderately declining mental health and had sent the car to a family friend for work.

Now, it had been a few years and Mrs. L had just discovered that her husband had sent around $100,000 to this friend for the car. That did sound like trouble. I called Mrs. L in Tarrytown, a town 30 miles north of New York (where Benedict Arnold’s plot was uncovered).

Mrs. L. was frantic and it took some time to untangle her problems. It wasn’t $100,000, that was a total that involved other things Mr. L. had got himself into. But he was out $49,000 for the Alfa and it had been at the shop for several years now.

What should she do?

She already had a police detective involved, and the car was apparently in pieces. At some point I had to drop the bad news on her: An Alfa spider is worth maybe $15,000. On a good day.

We talked on and off all day. Another problem she was having was that she couldn’t find storage anywhere under $300 a month—30 miles from NYC, remember—and she really didn’t want

to be in any deeper than she already was. I put out a call to all the New York area friends I could think of, and gave Mrs. L a plan: 1. Sell the car as it is. If it was apart, maybe she gets $1,000 out of it, but she doesn’t spend any more.

2. Have it put back together somewhere reputable. More money would go into it, but she’d have an easier time selling it, or they could keep it.

But no one had seen the car yet.

There were ever shifting stories from the mechanic, who in between our phone calls told her she could access it, also that he’d just ordered two new carburetors for it. Unless you remove the fuel injection system, they don’t use carburetors.

I was trying to figure out if I could get to Tarrytown without costing her a fortune when my friend Jamie stepped up.

He not only knew a 50-year-old Italian car shop literally 10 minutes away from where the Alfa was, but he also has a

car storage garage across the Hudson river, and charges $200 a month. Mrs. L was thrilled.

A couple of days later they’d been to see the car, and it was worse than anyone had thought. Of the $49,000 there was no sign, just an old Italian convertible, missing its engine, that had been sitting outside for two years through Northeastern winters and was falling apart. The only thing Mrs. L wants it for now, is evidence.

She says she’s still finding check stubs, as far back as 2014 now. $49,000 would have bought the two best Alfa Spiders in the world. Maybe three. Or a half-dozen perfectly good ones for their own little used Alfa lot.

Mrs. L and the Alfa are both in Jamie’s good hands now, but neither are likely to be made whole. Maybe someone will restore the Alfa, but not them.

The car Mr. L loved so much will be gone forever, and all he’ll have left is a pile of rust and broken dreams.

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FILM & TELEVISION

A Different Kind Of Fireworks Producer Genki Kawamura follows up his mega-hit Your Name with another tale of star-crossed teenage lovers with a sci-fi fantasy twist.

Two junior high school pals, the shy Norimichi and fast-talking Yusuke, are googoo-eyed over the same elusive classmate, Nazuna. But Nazuna, unhappy over her mother’s decision to remarry and leave their countryside town, plans to run away and has silently chosen Norimichi to accompany her.

When things don’t go as planned, Norimichi discovers that a glowing multi-color ball Nazuna found in the sea has the power to reset the clock and give them a second chance to be together. But each reset adds new complications and takes them father away from the real world—until they risk losing sight of reality altogether.

Fireworks tells a simple story of adolescent longing that taps deep wells of emotion. It is tale of vulnerability and youthful wistfulness, of missed opportunities and long-ago dreams, the urgency of young lovers, and the desire to create a separate universe, a magic place outside of time, where they can be together.

Come see the premiere event this coming Tuesday at 7 p.m. at either East Ridge 18 on South Terrace or Hamilton Place 8 near Hamilton Place Mall. And if you can’t make it Tuesday, there will be encore screenings at both theaters next Thursday at 7 p.m. and again on Friday at 12:55 p.m.

Finding Comedy In Tragedy The Death of Stalin finds humor in very dark places

By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor

“

If comedy is tragedy plus time, the horrors of the world must get exponentially funnier as the year go by.”

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D

ARK COMEDIES ALWAYS A RISK. AS THE OFFICE’S Michael Scott once said, “There is no such thing as an appropriate joke” and despite the character’s general tone deafness, in this case, he’s right.

Humor is rooted in the unexpected, in surprise, and this can take many forms. Most Hollywood comedies aim for the lowest bar— for the sight gag, the gross out, the mistaken identity.

It takes talent to turn misery into hilarity. If comedy is tragedy plus time, the horrors of the world must get exponentially funnier as the year go by. At least they do if done correctly.

Good comedy is never at the expense of a true victim. Comedy may target the unwitting, but it works bet-

ter if the clueless are that way due to their own hubris. This is the challenge of the dark comedy. Very Bad Things isn’t funny because someone dies. It’s bitterly amusing to watch things get worse.

The Death of Stalin is a dark comedy, to be sure. The height of the Soviet Union was a very dark place.

The comedy therein is found in its absurdity. We aren’t laughing at the blood and tears. We’re laughing in spite of them.

The film takes excellent care to set up the very imposing presence

of Josef Stalin, the titanic dictator responsible for atrocities similar to Adolf Hitler while somehow avoiding the universal hatred (you’ll find his image all over the former Soviet Union).

Not only are we introduced to the interpersonal relationships, full of groveling and position jumping, but we also see the lengths people go to in order to avoid embarrassment and death. If the man with the mustache asks for a recording of a symphonic production, he gets it, even if the entire event has to be restaged.

The story begins here, with a pianist refusing to replay a concert for the leader of the party, being bribed into it, and then sneaking a note to Stalin accusing him of destroying the country. Stalin finds the note so amusing that he suffers a deadly cerebral hemorrhage, which throws the entire country into disarray.

His ministers begin their individual plots, scraping and crawling to grab power and win the hearts and minds of the people. Everyone wants to be a reformer, if in name only. There are very few true believers.

Ultimately, the film is about what happens in a power vacuum.

The humor here is situational; the characters must work within an

“

The film is smartly crafted by writer and director Armando Iannucci, who is no stranger to pointing out the absurdity of a system.”

absurd system designed to create death and destruction for the lower classes at the benefit of those at the top.

The film is smartly crafted by writer and director Armando Iannucci, who is no stranger to pointing out the absurdity of a system.

Iannucci is better known for his work on the HBO comedy series Veep about the misadventures of American Vice President Selina Myer.

Veep is a brilliant take down of our own political system and Iannucci brings the same wit and cynicism to the Soviet Union, with a bit more gallows humor thrown in. As in Veep, the dialogue is exceptional and hysterical, delivered by actors at the top of their game.

The cast is absolutely impeccable, with names like Jeffery Tambor (Malenkov), Steven Buscemi (Khrushchev), Michael Palin (Molotov), and Simon Russell Beale with a brilliant performance as Laverenti Beria.

The film is not a documentary, of course. Iannucci has mentioned that he toned down the “real life absurdity” in order to make the film more believable. The Soviet Union is a character unto itself in The Death of Stalin, with its own quirks and mannerisms.

This is nothing new—comedian Yakov Smirnov made a career out of it. However, there’s a significant amount of beauty worked into the carefully crafted script. Within a few spoken words, the entirety of a character is revealed. It’s truly masterful.

Of course, with any film that’s political in nature, comparisons to current politicians are thrown about. Without a doubt, there is no shortage of sycophants in the Trump administration.

That’s true of any job. Russia itself has not responded well to the release of the film. Indeed, it is banned in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. To me, that’s reason enough to see it.

✴ NEW IN THEATERS ✴

Sicario: Day of the Soldado The drug war on the US-Mexico border has escalated as the cartels have begun trafficking terrorists across the US border. To fight the war, federal agent Matt Graver re-teams with the mercurial Alejandro.

Director: Stefano Sollima Stars: Benicio Del Toro, Josh Brolin

Uncle Drew After draining his life savings to enter a team in the Rucker Classic street ball tournament in Harlem, Dax (Lil Rel Howery) is dealt a series of unfortunate setbacks, including losing his team to his longtime rival (Nick Kroll).

Director: Charles Stone III Stars: Kyrie Irving, Shaquille O'Neal

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Trying Out Open Mic Storytelling If you’re anything like me, standing in front of a crowd is scary. Add reading your own work, it can get pretty nerve-wracking.

Are your palms clammy yet? Trust me, the more you stand up there, all eyes on you, the more comfortable you will get!

The Chattery is trying to help writers get past stage fright and have created an environment that will help people get their work out there and heard without it being so intimidating.

Being around other writers in the same boat is way less daunting. It’s always nice to get feedback from strangers too because they won’t be trying to spare your feelings too much. It’s very useful.

Open Mic Storytelling Night is all about sharing your first times. These can range anywhere from your first kiss, car, or love.

The stories have to be 5 minutes or less and they need to be true and from the heart. Get creative with it!

If you’re looking to push yourself out of your comfort zone, get out to The Chattery on Thursday night at 5 p.m. For more information, you can call The Chattery at (423) 413-8978 or visit their website at thechattery.org. — Libby Gillies

The Art Of Refreshment

How local bars & eateries are embracing local art

By Tony Mraz Pulse contributor

“

The effects of this symbiosis are overwhelmingly positive—and it is easy to see that business is booming.”

12 • THE PULSE • JUNE 28, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

F

OR MOST PEOPLE, ART IS EVERYWHERE—AT HOME, school, work, and all places in between. Art has a myriad of meanings and functions, but one quality that it is universally recognized for is entertainment.

When one wants to take the enjoyment and delight with them, by way of making a purchase, they might traditionally look in an art gallery, at an art fair, or online— but in Chattanooga, an emerging art culture is throwing parties, staging exhibitions, and having art shows in the next most logical of places—bars, restaurants, and coffee shops.

This is not necessarily a new trend—Lupi’s Pizza Pies has been

featuring local art for over a decade, since they had just one store.

They have a rotating exhibition, and if a customer likes the art, they have the opportunity to buy it. Now Lupi’s has four locations in Chattanooga and one in Cleveland, all of which feature local art.

Senior management specialist T.J. Greever tells us, “In my time, I have seen a ton of paintings get sold at the downtown store, with it being in the path of tourists and all.

I think it’s really cool to see the original art, and all the time that the artists put into it. I can’t wait for people to see what we’ve done with the expansion, and all of the local art that is going to be a part of the restaurant.”

Lupi’s newly renovated downtown location is opening in less than two weeks, with a lot more wall space for local art. “That’s kind of how Lupi’s is, we try to help the artists out, and we love local art.”

Over in St. Elmo, Chris Calhoun has instituted a similar program at The Tap House.

“I think it is an interesting and cool way to give local artists the opportunity to showcase their work. It started with one artist monthly,” Calhoun says.

“And now that time has been extended to six weeks. We have a new hanging system, and starting in 2019, we will be featuring three artists per six-week period.”

Some upcoming exhibitors at The Tap House in St. Elmo are Dori Taylor, Zach Cross, Hollie Berry, and Hannah Thatcher.

Across town on the North Shore, The Stone Cup is offering a multi-disciplinarian entertainment series featuring local art, music, poetry, spoken word, improv, and an open mic every Thursday.

“

These are just a few examples of how local artists and business owners are thinking outside the box, and working together to enhance the art community.”

They are hosting monthly art openings on the first Sunday of every month—the first in this series of events is happening on July 1. The openings will have live music, snacks, wine, beer, and all of the artists will be present to meet and greet.

Downtown on MLK Blvd., the Hutton & Smith Brewery has just expanded their taproom, tripling their capacity.

“It is nice to have a space for art, and the exposed brick wall makes an awesome background,” explains Cassie Farmer.

“We wouldn’t have it any other way.

Chattanooga has been so awesome to us, we wanted local talent to be part of our expansion. This place wouldn’t be the same without a little bit of color!

We’re friends with most of them, they are like our family.”

The brewery is currently showing work by Ady Caloca, Mercedes Llanos, Jamie Jameson, Brianna Bass, and Melanie Krautstrunk.

Next door at Barley Chattanooga,

Cameron and Olivia Hamner are hosting weekly openings with a different artist every Friday. The taproom also houses a permanent collection of work from local artists that is updated regularly.

Over on the Southside, The Spot is also hosting weekly openings with a new artist every Friday.

“When we first started, it was about minimizing the need for artists to do a tremendous amount of work to market their work,” says owner Justin Sweeney.

“We try to make it easy as possible. If an artist wants to exhibit, we will probably say yes. We want to be a facilitator for the artist, and for our customers to enjoy and maybe purchase the art.”

These are just a few examples of how local artists and business owners are thinking outside the box, and working together to enhance the art community. The effects of this symbiosis are overwhelmingly positive—and it is easy to see that business is booming.

THU6.28

FRI6.29

SAT6.30

Artful Yoga

Deep Brew Sea

Improv vs Nick Lutsko

Powering up with vino and Vinyasa, because what goes better with yoga than some really nice wine overlooking the Tennessee River?

6 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View huntermuseum.org

It's a night of great food, excellent beer and topnotch music, all benefiting the Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute.

7 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. tnaqua.com

One of our favorite musician puppeters takes on local improv masters in a stage performance for the ages!

10 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. improvchattanooga.com

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 28, 2018 • THE PULSE • 13

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR Big Fish the Musical

THURSDAY6.28 “Building an Engaged Social Media Audience” Noon The Edney Innovation Center 1100 Market St. (423) 643-6770 theedney.com Open Mic Storytelling Night 6 p.m.

The Tomorrow Building 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 521-5013 tomorrowbuilding.com Artful Yoga: Powering Up with Vino and Vinyasa 6 p.m.

The Hunter Museum of Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org Shawn Banks 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Country Line Dancing Class 8 p.m.

Westbound Bar 24 Station St. (423) 498-3069 westboundbar.com

FRIDAY6.29 Out On 8th

14 • THE PULSE • JUNE 28, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

5 p.m.

West Village 802 Pine St. (423) 424-1831 westvillagechattanooga.com “Genderally Speaking: Gender, Sexuality & Everything In Between” 5:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Workspace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com Friday Night Acro Social 6 p.m.

Peace.Strength.Yoga 3804 St. Elmo Ave. (423) 708-2779 peacestrengthyoga.com Cambridge Square Night Market 6 p.m.

Cambridge Square 9453 Bradmore Ln. (423) 648-2496 publicmarkets.us Deep Brew Sea 7 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (800) 262-0695 tnaqua.com Big Fish the Musical 7:30 p.m.

The Colonnade Center 264 Catoosa Cir. (706) 935-9000 colonnadecenter.org Shawn Banks 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Improv Movie Night: Western!

8 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Ruby Falls Lantern Tours 8:30 p.m.

Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com Improv Showdown 10 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Pride Dance Party 10 p.m.

The Palace Theater 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 645-8920 chattpalace.com

SATURDAY6.30 Gather & Grow-A Full Circle Yoga Experience 9 a.m.

Crabtree Farms 1000 E. 30th St. (423) 493-9155 crabtreefarms.org Canoeing Lookout Creek

9:45 a.m.

Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center 400 Garden Rd. (423) 821-1160 reflectionriding.org Chattanooga River Market 10 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. (423) 648-2496 publicmarkets.us Frequeroo Music & Arts Festival Noon Frequency Arts 1804 E. Main St. facebook.com/frequencyarts Red Wolf Feeding and Talk Noon Reflection Riding Arboretum 400 Garden Rd. (423) 821-1160 reflectionriding.org Arm Balance and Inversion Workshop 12:30 p.m.

Peace.Strength.Yoga 3804 St. Elmo Ave. (423) 708-2779 peacestrengthyoga.com Big Fish the Musical 1 p.m.

The Colonnade Center 264 Catoosa Cir. (706) 935-9000 colonnadecenter.org Skull ID 1 p.m.

Reflection Riding Arboretum

The Lion King Dance Spectacular

and Nature Center 400 Garden Rd. (423) 821-1160 reflectionriding.org The Lion King Dance Spectacular 3 p.m.

Silver Slippers Dance Academy 3234 Wilcox Blvd.

(423) 551-4519 silverslippersdanceacademy.com Conservation Conversations: Bugs 5:30 p.m.

Reflection Riding Arboretum 400 Garden Rd. (423) 821-1160 reflectionriding.org Summer in West Village 6 p.m.

West Village 802 Pine St. westvillagechattanooga.com Deep Brew Sea 7 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (800) 262-0695 tnaqua.com Big Fish the Musical 7:30 p.m.

The Colonnade Center 264 Catoosa Cir. (706) 935-9000 colonnadecenter.org Shawn Banks 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233

thecomedycatch.com Week in Review 8 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Once A Month Comedy Showcase 8 p.m.

The Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 645-8920 chattpalace.com Improv vs Nick Lutsko 10 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com

SUNDAY7.1 Red, White and Blueberries 11 a.m.

First Tennessee Pavilion 1801 Carter St. (423) 266-4041 Frequeroo Music & Arts Festival Noon Frequency Arts 1804 E. Main St. facebook.com/frequencyarts Free Fiddle School 2 p.m.

Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 994-7497

CFC Women v Memphis Lobos 5 p.m.

Finley Stadium 1826 Carter St. chattanoogafc.com Bi-monthly Queer Youth Night 6 p.m.

Mercy Junction Justice and Peace Center 1918 Union Ave. (423) 521-0642 mercyjunction.org Sunday Circus Jam 7 p.m.

Tennessee Academy of Gymnastics 2501 Riverside Dr. (423) 697-1824 taggym.com Shawn Banks 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

MONDAY7.2 Summer Belly Dance Session 5:45 p.m.

Movement Arts Collective 3813 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 401-8115 movementartscollective.com First Monday Improv Comedy 7:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347

barkinglegs.org Movie Mondays 7:30 p.m.

Mountain Creek Church Of Christ 985 Runyan Dr. (423) 870-1368 mtncreekcoc.com Service Industry Improv Appreciation Night 8 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Fireworks at Lake Winne 10 p.m.

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park 1730 Lakeview Dr. (706) 866-5681 lakewinnie.com

TUESDAY7.3 Wake Up & Run 6 a.m.

Fleet Feet Sports 307 Manufacturers Rd. (423) 771-7996 fleetfeetchattanooga.com Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute Tour 4 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute 175 Baylor School Rd. (800) 262-0695 tnaqua.org CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 28, 2018 • THE PULSE • 15

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Artillery Demonstrations Pops on the River 5 p.m.

Coolidge Park 1 River St. (423) 265-0771 chattanoogapresents.com Tuesday Night Chess Club 6 p.m.

Downtown Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 643-7700 chattilibrary.com Paths to Pints!

6:30 p.m.

The Tap House 3800 St. Elmo Ave. (423) 682-8234 taphousechatt.com Tuesday Acro!

7 p.m.

Peace.Strength.Yoga 3804 St. Elmo Ave. (423) 708-2779 peacestrengthyoga.com Fireworks at Lake Winne 10 p.m.

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park 1730 Lakeview Dr. (706) 866-5681 lakewinnie.com

WEDNESDAY7.4 Middle Eastern Dance 10:30 a.m.

Jewish Cultural Center 5461 North Terrace (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com

16 • THE PULSE • JUNE 28, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Artillery Demonstrations 10:30 a.m.

Point Park 110 Point Park Rd. (423) 752-5213 nps.gov Red, White, & Blue Day Noon Creative Discovery Museum 321 Chestnut St. (423) 756-2738 cdmfun.org Run 2 Running for Brews 6:30 p.m.

Fleet Feet Chattanooga 307 Manufacturers Rd. (423) 771-7996 fleetfeet.com Naughty Knights Chess Meetup 7:30 p.m.

The Bitter Alibi 825 Houston St. (423) 362-5070 thebitteralibi.com Open Mic Comedy 8 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Fireworks at Lake Winne 10 p.m.

Lake Winnepesaukah Amusement Park 1730 Lakeview Dr. (706) 866-5681 lakewinnie.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse. com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

FOOD & DRINK · DINING OUT

Dining Out At Toscano Italian Grill Great Italian pizza, pasta and seafood where “nobody doughs it better” Brooke Brown

Pulse Assistant Editor

“

You’re not a friend at Toscano Italian Grill, you’re a part of the family.

If there’s one thing that comes across from the first bite of food, it’s just how fresh everything is.”

The Scoop Toscano Italian Grill Italian standards like pizza, pasta & seafood in a welcoming atmosphere.

6219 Lee Hwy #8 (423) 805-3888 Open Daily 10:30am – 9pm toscanositaliangrilltn.com and on Facebook

I

T’S NOT OFTEN THAT WE LOOK around and wonder how everyone came to be living in Chattanooga.

Some of us moved here as children, were born here, migrated from across the country or even the world.

For Rami and Rafif Barmadda, deciding to raise their three daughters and open a business in America was a notso-far-off dream of Rafif’s as she was born in California, but relocated back to the Middle East to be with her family. During her return home, she met and married her husband Rami and remained living there for ten years before moving back to America to raise their three daughters and pursue further opportunities.

“My husband was a businessman overseas so we knew we wanted to open a business here in America,” says Rafif.

“My first day in America, I went to my brother’s house and he invited us to eat lunch at Toscano Italian Grill. He said it was the best Italian food he’s ever had, and when they wanted a good meal to make them full, they went to Toscano.”

A friendship grew between the Barmaddas and Toscano’s owner, so when the time came that the owner wanted to sell Toscano Italian Grill, Rami and his wife jumped at the chance to run a business that they were truly proud of.

And proud they remain, overflowing with information about the way they take pride in preparing their food, making their customers happy, and working in a family environment. You’re not a friend at Toscano Italian Grill, you’re a part of the family as I came to know within the first five minutes of walking in.

As a lover of pizza, I had to order one of their brick-oven prepared pies, made with fresh dough, homemade marinara

sauce, and always fresh ingredients.

With a beautifully browned crust and hot bubbly cheese, Toscano’s pizza is a favorite for a million and one reasons (one being that their ten-inch pizza can be prepared on gluten-free crust), but their menu is far and wide, so one trip just for pizza won’t be enough.

Their chicken alfredo, lasagna, and multitude of sandwiches, pastas, and seafood dishes are all favorites, but their new lobster ravioli is mouth-wateringly made with ‘pink’ sauce, a mixture of fresh made marinara sauce and fresh alfredo sauce that’s so good you’ll be bringing friends to try it.

“Our Alfredo sauce is homemade with fresh cream, milk and mozzarella cheese,” says Rami. “We make it right when you order it so it’s a fresh as can be.”

If there’s one thing that comes across from the first bite of food, it’s just how fresh everything is. Expect the same fresh made dough for pizzas, calzones, and strombolis, and fresh greens and vegetables on a salad or atop your pizza pie, but make sure you leave room for dessert as they serve special fried Oreos, fried Reese’s, and fried cheesecake along with a variety of other sweet treats.

And if you’re looking to cater a large scale event, whether it’s a wedding, office function, or a reunion, Toscano’s special catering menu is perfect to feed your family and friends for a reasonable price. Delivery is available for both catering as well as every day to go orders as they deliver themselves and partner with delivery services like UberEats and GrubHub. But know that if you choose to dine at Toscano’s, they offer something that many places in Chattanooga lack: a large, free parking lot to accommodate you and all your friends.

One thing Rafif and Rami want to make sure customers know is that their main goal is for you to leave happy and full. Since taking over Toscano Italian Grill in April of 2017, nothing has changed other than management.

The same chefs dedicated to perfection and flavor are still whipping up your favorites in the kitchen, and the same family friendly atmosphere can be felt.

While they don’t serve alcohol or pork products, Toscano makes up for it with their amazingly prepared meals, prices, and hospitality in a kid-friendly atmosphere that will have you coming back time and time again to enjoy outstanding food with your newfound family.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 28, 2018 • THE PULSE • 17

THE MUSIC SCENE

The Traveling Ones Travel To Chattanooga Nashville based Americana duo The Traveling Ones will be traveling through Chattanooga to regale us with bluesy-folk power ballads from their first album, Meet Me There. The album, which the couple released in February of 2017, contains metaphors of their love accompanied by imagery of their southern roots.

Similar to the plot of Disney’s High School Musical, Emily and Justin of The Traveling Ones met at an open mic night and never left. Their songs have a unique quality between the lyrics, the plucky guitars, and the harmonies that calls to mind both open roads and open hearts.

The combination of Emily’s silky voice and Justin’s twangy one is what I imagine the children of Norah Jones and Tim McGraw would sound like—a little soul, a little blues, a little country, a lot of harmonica.

With sentimental love songs like “Yours Tonight”, “Here in the Light”, and “Ride With Me”, I anticipate this show will be a date night hit, as well as a favorite for anyone who appreciates some heartfelt Texas soul.

The Chattanooga stop on The Traveling Ones’ journey will take place at Puckett’s downtown starting at 9 p.m. this Friday night. — Olivia Haynes

A Truly Musical Library The Studio gives everyone a recording chance

By Ernie Paik Pulse contributor

“

Unlike a typical commercial studio, The Studio has an emphasis on learning, which means that the musicians themselves are expected to engineer their session.”

18 • THE PULSE • JUNE 28, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

I

T’S COMMON KNOWLEDGE THAT MODERN LIBRARies have outgrown the outdated perception of merely being austere book warehouses, manned by humorless enforcers of silence, and at the Chattanooga Public Library’s downtown location, there’s even a space where people are encouraged to make as much sound as they want: The Studio.

The Studio, which opened one year ago, features a professional recording environment with three live rooms, an ample supply of microphones and gear, and a main control room with a 24-track mixing board and an Apple Mac Pro running the industry-standard recording software Pro Tools, and it’s available for anyone who has a library card and is at least 12 years old.

In February, The Studio began its Open Studio program, offering three-hour blocks of time to library

patrons who are guided by the Studio Instructor/Engineer Charles Allison, and The Studio isn’t strictly just for musicians.

“We’ve had people use the space for podcasts, creating jingles for their podcasts, voice-over work and scoring film,” said Meredith Levine, Head of Youth Services and manager of The Studio, via email. “With the plethora of plug-ins we have, we can support creatives of all kinds.”

Allison has over twenty years of recording experience, beginning with home recordings on a reel-

to-reel 4-track recorder before eventually going into the digital realm and being a full-time professional engineer, running his own Spanner Sound studio for several years; Allison’s history as a musician includes a project called Kil Howlie Day and the quartet Land Camera, and he’s currently the front man of the rock group Okinawa.

“One of the challenges of my job is making sure that everyone has the resources they need to record in The Studio wherever they may fall on the continuum of experience,” said Allison, via email.

“We have had teens, young adults and seniors all use the space,” said Levine. “The level of experience is just as wide of a range: people who have never walked in a studio before to artists who have studios themselves.”

“The library has built an amazing facility that has already shown its wide impact on the community, and it’s my job to make sure that everyone has a fair shot at using it to its fullest potential,” said Allison.

Unlike a typical commercial studio, The Studio has an emphasis on learning, which means that the musicians themselves are expected to engineer their session and set up equipment with Allison acting as a

guide, and The Studio also offers a variety of educational opportunities that are open to the public.

“Our programming partners, Dynamo Studios, provide five-to-six classes per week for library patrons,” said Levine.

“This includes Beat Making and Digital Music, Full Session Recording, Mixing and Post Production and so on.”

“We are currently working on funding to build out the storage for the Instrument Lending Library that we will be teaming up with Chattanooga Girls Rock on,” said Levine, about the local day camp that leads girls through writing songs and performing live.

“We hope to apply for future grants to create an editing classroom with a set of computers, Pro Tools, etc. so people can work on post-production at the library and still keep The Studio open for recording,” said Levine. “We hope to develop circulating podcasting kits, so people can check those out and record their podcasts from home.”

One of Allison’s favorite projects at The Studio has been with two brothers who recently moved from Haiti and use the studio to record their vocals for album projects.

“They often will post their fin-

ished songs on YouTube shortly after being in The Studio, and it’s pretty cool to see the immediacy of the library studio,” said Allison. “But I love working with anyone who is on fire for their craft, or is excited about learning how to record and wants to make the most of their time in the studio.”

Regarding a favorite story involving The Studio, Levine recalled an amusing moment from ZineFest in May. “Justin Savage, of Sonically Speaking, was in The Studio, and I was running the board,” said Levine. “He was interviewing ZineFest vendors for a podcast, and we have an open door policy in The Studio where when the door is open, people can come in and engage with whatever is happening in there at that moment.”

“I got a phone call and snuck into the other live room, and a 10-year-old ran in, opened the door in the middle of the interview and yelled, ‘Y’all having a meeting in here or something?’ and Justin immediately goes into interviewing the kid,” said Levine.

“It was such a perfect random moment that will not be edited out of the podcast. It is moments like that—the community engagement—that are so inspiring.”

THU6.28 Jake Owen

Catch a country superstar in a truly unique setting as he continues his "Life's Whatcha Make It Tour" at the ballpark.

6 p.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley (423) 267-2208

FRI6.29 The FridgeE & The Nim Nims

Electro psychedelic indie house pop anyone? This hot local outfit pushes musical boundaries, 9 p.m.

Songbirds South 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com

SAT6.30 Clay Parker and Jodi James

A great folk singer/ songwriter duo from Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

7 p.m.

Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 28, 2018 • THE PULSE • 19

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Monte Montgomery

THURSDAY6.28 James Crumble Trio 6 p.m.

St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Jake Owen 6 p.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley (423) 267-2208 Amber Fults 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Maria Sable 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Monte Montgomery 7 p.m.

Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com Toby Hewitt 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Jesse James & Tim Neal 7:30 p.m.

Mexi-Wing VII 5773 Brainerd Rd. (423) 296-1073 Bad Heaven LTD., “The Strawberry Situation,” Thanks Cagoule, Sinai Veseel 8 p.m.

20 • THE PULSE • JUNE 28, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Palace Theater 818 Georgia Ave. chattpalace.com John Carrol 8 p.m.

1885 Grill 3914 St. Elmo Ave. 1885grill.com Keepin’ It Local 8 p.m.

The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com KlusterfunK Open Jam 8 p.m.

Trip’s Tavern 4762 Hwy. 58 (423) 803-5686 Matt Downer 8:30 p.m.

Barley Taproom 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com Open Mic Night 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Dr. B and the Ease, Hamell on Trial 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

FRIDAY6.29 Summer Music Weekends 11 a.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd.

seerockcity.com Courtney Daly 6 p.m.

Cambridge Square 9453 Bradmore Ln. publicmarkets.us Jessee Jungkurth 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Preston Ruffing 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Campbell Station 7 p.m.

Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com Rick Rushing and The Blues Strangers 7:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Amethyst Kiah, Matt Downer & the Old Time Travelers 8 p.m.

Miller Plaza 850 Market St. nightfallchattanooga.com Young Bleu 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Convention Center 1150 Carter St. (423) 756-0001 DJ MCPRO 8 p.m.

Oddstory Brewing Company 336 E. MLK Blvd.

oddstorybrewing.co Heatherly 8 p.m.

Barley Taproom 235 E. MLK Blvd. chattanoogabarley.com The Traveling Ones 8 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com The FridgE & The Nim Nims 9 p.m.

Songbirds South 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com John Carroll 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Travers Brothership 9 p.m.

HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Dead Deads, Double Dick Slick, Hurts to Laugh 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Jason Lyles 9:30 p.m.

The Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Bad Tattoo 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

Jennifer Daniels

SATURDAY6.30 Summer Music Weekends 11 a.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Frequeroo Music & Arts Festival Noon Frequency Arts 1804 E. Main St. facebook.com/frequencyarts Preston Ruffing 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Megan Howard 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Clay Parker and Jodi James 7 p.m.

Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org Danimal 7:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Wade Sims and The Last Band 8 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Hara Paper 8 p.m.

The Casual Pint

5550 Hwy. 153 hixson.thecasualpint.com Electric Avenue: An 80’s MTV Experience 9 p.m.

Songbirds South 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com R.A. & The Flame 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Cosmic Shift, The Okay Bunch 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Edge Of Reality, Yugen, Trigger, and Tyrants 9 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Over Easy 10 p.m.

HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Bad Tattoo 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SUNDAY7.1 Summer Music Weekends 11 a.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd.

seerockcity.com Ben Van Winkle 11 a.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Marcus White Piano Brunch 11 a.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Frequeroo Music & Arts Festival Noon Frequency Arts 1804 E. Main St. facebook.com/frequencyarts Heidi Holton 12:30 p.m.

First Tennessee Pavilion 1826 Carter St. publicmarkets.us Jennifer Daniels 12:30 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. publicmarkets.us Danimal, Jessica Nunn, Ian Asmussen 12:30 p.m.

The Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com The Retrovales 1:30 p.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Lon Eldridge 2 p.m.

First Tennessee Pavilion 1826 Carter St.

publicmarkets.us Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m.

Long Haul Saloon 2536 Cummings Hwy. (423) 822-9775 Mathis & Martin 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Maria Sable 8 p.m.

Southside Social 1818 Chestnut St. southsidesocial.com Four Years of Life and Culture ​9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

MONDAY7.2 Dana Rogers 12:30 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. publicmarkets.us ABE PARTRIDGE, Matthew Paul Revere 7 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 28, 2018 • THE PULSE • 21

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Kofi Mawuko Open Air with Jessica Nunn 7:30 p.m.

The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com

TUESDAY7.3 Kofi Mawuko 12:30 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. publicmarkets.us Pops on the River 5 p.m.

Coolidge Park 1 River St. chattanoogapresents.com Bill McCallie and In Cahoots 6:30 p.m.

Southern Belle 201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com Danimal 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Open Mic Jam Session 7 p.m.

Crust Pizza 3211 Broad St. crustpizza.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Thirstin Daniels, Caney Village 9 p.m.

22 • THE PULSE • JUNE 28, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

J​ J’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

WEDNESDAY7.4 The Do Rights 12:30 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. publicmarkets.us The Other Guys 6 p.m.

SpringHill Suites 495 Riverfront Pkwy. springhillsuites.com Jesse James Jungkurth 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Jazz In The Lounge 7 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Priscilla & Little Rickee 8 p.m.

Las Margaritas 1101 Hixson Pike (423) 756-3332 Prime Cut Trio 9 p.m.

The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse. com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

ADAM BECKETT'S RECORD REVIEWS

New Music From JJM3, Westview Elementary

JJM3 Interim (jjm3.bandcamp.com)

O

n my daily journey of scouring the internet for untapped local artists, I stumbled across the LP Interim by JJM3. According to the website bandcamp.com, Joseph J. Micolo III (JJM3), is a sound artist, and multi-instrumentalist that is interested in the use of music as a vehicle for the exploration of consciousness.

I have recently discovered the thought provoking, and conscious expanding abilities of deep listening music. At one point and time in my life, I thought that it basically sounded like noise. There was a tent

Westview Elementary Let The Sun Shine Out (westviewelementary. bandcamp.com) at Bonnaroo in the campgrounds this year called “The Well Being”, that was a deep listening area that was basically a relaxation chamber.

The sound quality was amazing and while sitting inside, the different frequencies and resonances made me realize that sound, and energy, had some very deep meanings and capabilities. Presumably much farther than I even understand today.

Micolo states that Interim is a collection of material that was produced during the fall of

2017, and the winter of 2018.

The pieces of the album are both a prelude to new ventures in sonic exploration, and also a closing past era of creative approach.

After giving the album an honest listen, I was very impressed with the intelligence, and overall sound of the music. Though there are just four tracks on the LP, the makeup of it still generates over a half hour of music, which is impressive.

The tracks that I enjoyed the most were “Winter Scene Reminiscence”, and “Get Offa My World”. I think that more people would be open to deep listening music if they were properly exposed to it. If they actually listen to it, to feel it; And use the right sound equipment or proper headphones to experience it, that it would be more popular.

Deep listening has become a part of my daily life post Bonnaroo, and I am certainly glad that I stumbled on the beautiful piece of art. Open your ears, your heart and mind will follow.

A

n incredibly upbeat, and fantastic album coming from the students and faculty at Westview Elementary is Let The Sun Shine Out. The students and teachers obviously put forth a tremendous effort in creating this bliss. I am blown away by the sound quality and production of this pop album.

First-hand experience leads me to believe that listening to this album at the start of the day with a cup of coffee is a foolproof way to begin it with a smiling face and warm heart.

The positive message that is spread throughout, mixed with the harmonic voices of all the participants, and the absolute jam that the instruments and sound produce, makes this one of my favorite local albums ever.

Discovering hidden gems makes the act of discovering new music feel very rewarding.

It is a glorious feeling to stumble upon something powerful, potent, and awesome; such as this album.

All the songs on the album are very crisp, clean, and

crunchy. It is hard to pick a standout track, they honestly all are contenders. If I had to pick an absolute favorite, it would be a tie between “It’s Gonna Be a Good Day” (4th Grade, Eller/Scarborough), “Til You Turn on The Light” (5th Grade Monroe/Berg), and “Simon Says” (3rd Grade, Burger/ Ratchford/Eaves).

Each song uses a variety of instruments and is each extraordinarily diverse. Some of the songs have a mixture of electric guitars and even brass instruments. I do not know whose idea it was to produce this project, but they deserve a gold star and an award for excellence.

This is a great example of the education department taking a stance to help the youth become more dimensional.

Reading, writing, and arithmetic are all critical aspects of development, but tapping into art, music, and creativity is equally important.

Thank you Westview Elementary for this solid gold album. It is truly fantastic.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 28, 2018 • THE PULSE • 23

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY 5. Allow yourself to be deeply moved by people whose influence on you is healthy and stimulating.

ROB BREZSNY CANCER (June 21-July 22): In the coming weeks, you will have an excellent chance to dramatically decrease your Wimp Quotient. As the perilously passive parts of your niceness toughen up, I bet you will encounter brisk possibilities that were previously off-limits or invisible to you. To ensure you remain in top shape for this delightful development, I think you should avoid entertainment that stimulates fear and pessimism. Instead of watching the latest flurry of demoralizing stories on Netflix, spend quality time summoning memories of the times in your life when you were unbeatable.

For extra credit, pump your fist ten times each day as you growl, “Victory is mine!”

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): It’s not so bad to temporarily lose your bearings. What’s bad is not capitalizing on the disruption that caused you to lose your bearings. So I propose that you regard the fresh commotion as a blessing. Use it as motivation to initiate radical changes. For example, escape the illusions and deceptions that caused you to lose your bearings. Explore unruly emotions that may be at the root of the superpowers you will fully develop in the future. Transform yourself into a brave self-healer who is newly receptive to a host of medicinal clues that were not previously accessible.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Here’s my list of demands: 1. Avoid hanging out with people who are unreceptive to your influence. 2. Avoid hanging out with people whose influence on you is mediocre or dispiriting. 3. Hang out with people who are receptive to your influence and whose influence on you is healthy and stimulating. 4.

Influence the hell out of the people who are receptive to your influence.

Be a generous catalyst for them.

Nudge them to surpass the limits they would benefit from surpassing.

24 • THE PULSE • JUNE 28, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive.” Activist author Audre Lorde said that, and now, in accordance with your current astrological and psychological needs, I’m offering it to you. I realize it’s a flamboyant, even extreme, declaration, but in my opinion, that’s what is most likely to motivate you to do the right thing. Here’s another splashy prompt, courtesy of philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre: “We only become what we are by the radical and deepseated refusal of that which others have made us.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): André René Roussimoff, also known as André the Giant, was a French actor and professional wrestler. He was 7 feet, 4 inches tall and weighed 520 pounds.

As you might imagine, he ate and drank extravagantly. On one festive occasion, he quaffed 119 bottles of beer in six hours. Judging from your current astrological indicators, Scorpio, I suspect you may be ready for a binge like that. JUST KIDDING! I sincerely hope you won’t indulge in such wasteful forms of “pleasure.”

The coming days should be a time when you engage in a focused pursuit of uplifting and healthy modes of bliss. The point is to seek gusto and amusement that enhance your body, mind, and soul.

Homework: Describe the tree house you would like to build for yourself one day, and what pleasures you would like to pursue there. Write: Truthrooster@gmail.com cons, I have selected two pieces of advice to serve as your guiding meditations during the next seven weeks.

You might want to write them on a piece of paper that you will carry in your wallet or pocket. Here’s the first, from businessman Alan Cohen: “Only those who ask for more can get more, and only those who know there is more, ask.” Here’s the second, from writer G. K. Chesterton: “We need to be happy in this wonderland without once being merely comfortable.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Ecologists in Mexico City investigated why certain sparrows and finches use humans’ discarded cigarette butts in building their nests. They found that cellulose acetate, a chemical in the butts, protects the nests by repelling parasitic mites. Is there a metaphorical lesson you might draw from the birds’ ingenious adaptation, Aquarius? Could you find good use for what might seem to be dross or debris? My analysis of the astrological omens says that this possibility is worth meditating on.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): On her 90th birthday, my Great-Aunt Zosia told me, “The best gift you can give your ego is to make it see it’s both totally insignificant and totally important in the cosmic scheme of things.” Jenna, my girlfriend when I was 19, was perhaps touting a similar principle when, after teasing and tormenting me for two hours, she scrawled on my bathroom mirror in lipstick, “Sometimes you enjoy life better if you don’t understand it.”

Then there’s my Zen punk friend Arturo, who says that life’s goodies are more likely to flow your way if you “hope for nothing and are open to everything.” According to my analysis of the astrological rhythms, these messages will help you make the most of the bewildering but succulent opportunities that are now arriving in your vicinity.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I suspect that sometime soon you will come into possession of an enchanted potion or pixie dust or a pouch full of magic beans—or the equivalent. If and when that occurs, consider the following protocols: 1. Before you use your new treasure, say a prayer to your higher self, requesting that you will be guided to use it in such a way as to make yourself wiser and kinder.

2. When you use it, be sure it harms no one. 3. Express gratitude for it before and during and after using it. 4.

Use it in such a way that it benefits at least one other person or creature in addition to you. 5. See if you can use it to generate the arrival or more pixie dust or magical beans or enchanted potion in the future. 6. When you use it, focus on wielding it to get exactly what you want, not what you sort of want or temporarily want.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In accordance with the astrological bea-

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your best ideas and soundest decisions will

materialize as if by magic while you’re lounging around doing nothing in a worry-free environment. So please make sure you have an abundance of relaxed slack and unhurried grace.

Treat yourself to record-setting levels of comfort and self-care. Do whatever’s necessary for you to feel as safe as you have ever felt. I realize these prescriptions might ostensibly clash with your fiery Aries nature. But if you meditate on them for even two minutes, I bet you’ll agree they’re exquisitely appropriate for you right now.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “It is always what is under pressure in us, especially under pressure of concealment -- that explodes in poetry.”

Taurus poet Adrienne Rich wrote that in an essay about the poet Emily Dickinson. She was describing the process of tapping into potent but buried feelings so as to create beautiful works of literature. I’m hoping to persuade you to take a comparable approach: to give voice to what’s under pressure inside you, but in a graceful and constructive way that has positive results.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Introductory offers are expiring. The bracing thrills of novelty must ripen into the cool enjoyments of maturity. It’s time to finish the dress rehearsals so the actual show can begin. You’ve got to start turning big, bright fantasies into crisp, no-nonsense realities. In light of these shifting conditions, I suspect you can no longer use your good intentions as leverage, but must deliver more tangible signs of commitment.

Please don’t take this as a criticism, but the cosmic machinery in your vicinity needs some actual oil, not just your witty stories about the oil and the cosmic machinery.

Rob Brezsny is an aspiring master of curiosity, perpetrator of sacred uproar, and founder of the Beauty and Truth Lab. He brings a literate, myth-savvy perspective to his work. It’s all in the stars.

JONESIN' CROSSWORD

“Free To Say It”—a freestyle puzzle with something to say.

ACROSS 1 Game with eagles and albatrosses 5 Lag from a satellite broadcast, e.g.

14 Kind of history or hygiene 15 2014 hashtag campaign against gun violence 16 “99 Luftballons” singer 17 They’re said verbatim 18 It’s sometimes used in making feta cheese 20 Overflow 21 “Everything’s being handled” 22 Tubular pasta 23 Last Oldsmobile model produced 26 Signs of healing 28 Train stop (abbr.)

29 Western watering hole 31 Delphic prophet 33 Indicate 35 Wallet ID 39 Just ___ (a

little under) 41 Grammy winner Twain 42 Barker succeeded

by Carey 45 Islands, in Italian 47 Latin phrase usually abbreviated 48 Go for ___ (do some nature walking) 50 Camera brand that merged with Minolta 52 Erato’s instrument 53 Feature of some roller coasters 57 1980s “Lovergirl” singer 60 Ride before ride-sharing 61 2007 Stephen Colbert bestseller subtitled “(And So Can You!)” 62 Bakery fixture 63 Singer/actress Kristin with the memoir “A Little Bit Wicked” 64 Basmati, e.g.

DOWN 1 Chuck Barris’s prop 2 Cookie with a “Thins” version 3 Singer Del Rey 4 Old pressing tools 5 Targets of pseudoscientific “cleanses” 6 Type used for emphasis 7 It looks like it contains alcohol, but doesn’t 8 Treebeard, for one 9 PepsiCo product, slangily 10 Act theatrically 11 Sophia and family 12 Vehement 13 Sycophants 15 Dory helped find him 19 Drink that needs a blender 22 They’ve already seen it coming 23 Cleopatra’s nemesis 24 Chinese philosopher ___-tzu

25 Inventor Whitney 27 Baseball stats 30 Some Congressional votes 32 One who might get top billing 34 Exercised caution 36 Dir. from Providence to Boston 37 “Pretty sneaky, ___” (Connect Four ad line) 38 Take in 40 Step on the gas 42 Sea west of Estonia 43 Kool-Aid Man’s catchphrase 44 Two-tiered rowing vessel 46 Add vitamins to 49 Thompson of “SNL” 51 Big-box store with a meandering path 54 Sitarist Shankar 55 Business bigwig 56 Drink with legs 58 “I love,” in Spanish 59 Pet sound?

Copyright © 2018 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. 890 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 28, 2018 • THE PULSE • 25

FOOD & DRINK · SUSHI & BISCUITS

Pork Skewers, Thailand Style Once you've tried Mu Ping, you'll never look at pork the same way

E Mike McJunkin Pulse columnist

“

Glossy drops of fat drip slowly onto hot mangrove wood charcoal, creating a rhythmic psalm that illustrates the necessity to burn away negative qualities within ourselves.”

Mike McJunkin is a native Chattanoogan currently living abroad who has trained chefs, owned and operated restaurants. Join him on Facebook at facebook.com/SushiAndBiscuits

VERY EVENING, AS THE SUN begins to set on Northern Thailand, street food vendors emerge and take their places along the road.

Makeshift grills send plumes of smoke heavenward, summoning the cool night with a modern liturgy of fire, meat, lime and chilis—anointing anyone who passes through with the fruits of their fragrant offerings.

That intoxicatingly fragrant smoke draws the faithful to its source. Glossy drops of fat drip slowly onto hot mangrove wood charcoal, creating a rhythmic psalm that illustrates the necessity to burn away negative qualities within ourselves.

The savory perfume of meat blessed by fire rises into the air and dissolves, a subtle reminder of the transient nature of our own ephemeral existence.

Salvation by street meat starts with a fistful of skewers, and sweet, smoky sanctification comes through eating your weight in mu ping.

You can find the mu ping gospel being shared in every market and on every street corner across most of Thailand, but for me, mu ping Mecca will always be Siri Wattana Market in Chiang Mai. Thai food is intensely regional, and Northern Thailand in particular has a distinctive mix of fresh, spicy, meaty, salty, sour, sweet, and herby. But even here, when it comes to mu ping, very few stray from orthodoxy.

Mu ping simply means “grilled pork” in Thai, but these humble looking skewers of pork have been baptized in a sweet, salty, herby marinade, basted with coconut milk, grilled over mangrove wood charcoal, and served with a dried chili dipping sauce called jaew.

When done right, the limbic system in your brain is activated and enlightenment seems to get closer with each bite.

If you want to make mu ping at home, be sure to use cuts of pork that have a

26 • THE PULSE • JUNE 28, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

good mix of meat and fat—such as pork butt, neck, or shoulder. Lean cuts and pork belly make chewy mu ping, which is a sin.

Mu ping masters preach the importance of how the pork is threaded onto the skewer. Bite-sized pieces, cut across the grain should be threaded onto the skewers kabob-style. Push the pieces tightly together so they form a compact mass and stay moist when cooked.

Grill the skewers over medium-hot coals using the highest quality wood charcoal you can get (Thais prefer mangrove wood charcoal).

Brush coconut milk on the skewers as they cook to help the pork stay moist and increase caramelization, but as soon as the pork starts to char, stop brushing so your finished skewers will crisp up and get a final anointing of fragrant smokiness from the grill.

So go therefore, with warm sticky rice and som tam; spread the message of mu ping love to all nations and to all people.

MU PING • 4 lbs pork shoulder, cut against the grain into ¼- to ½-inch thick, bitesized rectangles • 3 Tbsp finely-chopped cilantro root • 8 large garlic cloves • 1 Tbsp white peppercorns • 4 oz palm sugar, grated finely or melted in the microwave • 3 Tbsp fish sauce • 2 Tbsp light soy sauce • 2 Tbsp oyster sauce • 1 cup coconut milk to brush the pork as it cooks • Skewers, soaked for 2-3 hours Pound the cilantro roots, garlic, and peppercorns together.

Mix the pork, paste, and seasonings together, making sure the pork is completely coated, cover, and let marinate in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours (overnight

is even better).

Thread the pork onto the skewers (see above) and grill over medium coals until just cooked and slightly charred. Brush coconut milk on the pork occasionally, but stop brushing a few minutes before removing them from the grill (you don’t want the meat to be wet with coconut milk at the end).

Serve warm with sticky rice and Jaew dipping sauce.

JAEW DIPPING SAUCE • 1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots • 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro • 1/2 teaspoon galangal powder • 1/3 cup fish sauce • 2 Tbsp lime juice • 2 tsp grated palm sugar • 1 Tbsp toasted rice powder* (khao khua) • 1 Tbsp red pepper flakes (coarsely ground).

Mix everything together in a bowl.

The sauce should be sour and salty, but adjust to taste with fish sauce (adds salt), lime juice (adds sour), or sugar (adds sweet). *Rice powder (khao khua): toast 2 Tbsp of raw sticky rice in a skillet over mediumlow heat for about 10 minutes, making sure the grains are evenly toasted. Once the rice has cooled, grind to a powder in a mortar and pestle or coffee grinder.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 28, 2018 • THE PULSE • 27