The Pulse 14.28 » July 13, 2017

Page 1

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE


2 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM


VOL. 14, NO. 28 • JULY 13, 2017

4

ARE YOUR READY FOR GRILLIN’ SEASON?

The hot summer months are here, which means it’s time to fire up the grills and smokers and invite your friends over for an old fashioned backyard bash.

10

THE THIRD TIME TRULY IS THE CHARM

The typical superhero film is full of rescued damsels and world-ending supervillains raining death from above, a handful of plot holes and special effects, sprinkled with funny quips.

12

WHEN YOU WISH UPON A STAR...CATCHER

Peter Pan is arguably one of the most beloved stories from our childhood, but if you’ve ever wanted to know what led up to the magic of Peter, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, and friends...

18

YOU’RE A GOOD DUDE, WARNER MC

Several months ago I wrote about the return of the Chattaboogie Sessions, a locally produced show that focused on musicians from the area, featuring interviews, impromptu performances and archived material.

ALSO INSIDE

8

The Annual Short Story Contest Every year for the past eight years, we've challenged Chattanooga area writers to come up with a 500 word or less story. As any writer knows, that's quite a challenge. Our team of judges, including last year's winner Ever Flanigan, had a very difficult time picking the best of the best—and the results are, simply put, amazing!

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

5

CONSIDER THIS

20

MUSIC CALENDAR

7

SHADES OF GREEN

23

MUSIC REVIEWS

11

NEW IN THEATERS

24

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

14

ARTS CALENDAR

25

JONESIN' CROSSWORD

17

THE COMIX

26

ON THE BEAT

Music editor Marc T. Michael is a long-standing presence in the local music scene. When not playing with local Irish group the Molly Maguires, Marc can be found hosting trivia matches throughout the city.

Our resident film and television critic, John DeVore, has spent a significant portion of his life in dark theaters. From an early age, he was drawn to strong storytelling brought to life through the magic of the silver screen.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 3


BEGINNINGS ∙ CITY LIFE

Ready For Grillin’ Season? Local grillmaster Kent Whitaker has the perfect book for you By Michael Thomas Pulse contributor

BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher & President Jim Brewer II 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 Rob Brezsny Matt Jones Sandra Kurtz Ernie Paik Rick Pimental-Habib Michael Thomas Addie Whitlow Editorial Intern Lauren Waegele Cartoonists Max Cannon • Rob Rogers Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow

ADVERTISING Director of Sales Mike Baskin

Account Executives Brittany Dreon • Rick Leavell Libby Phillips • John Rodriguez Danielle Swindell • Logan Vandergriff

CONTACT

Offices 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Email info@chattanoogapulse.com Website chattanoogapulse.com 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 © 2017 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.

T

HE HOT SUMMER MONTHS ARE here, which means it’s time to fire up the grills and smokers and invite your friends over for an old fashioned backyard bash. And Chattanooga author and grillmaster Kent Whitaker wants to make it easy for you to be the king of the backyard cookout. His latest book, “Great American Grilling”, is chock full of great grilling and tailgating tips, tricks, and recipes. Whitaker, also known as the “Deck Chef,” has taken his down-home, Southern-style cooking to an art-form, serving up flavor, amazing recipes, easy grilling hacks, and grilling trivia, with a side-dish of history, graphics, and lip-smacking dishes. It’s not just a cookbook—though it does feature mouth-watering recipes like Petite Sirloin with Port Mushroom Shallot Sauce, Grilled Sea Bass Fillets with Garlic Red Potatoes and Sweet Gingered Five-Spice Pork Kabobs. What makes it most useful are the great insider hints, pit-proven tips, and tried-and-true techniques for year-round smoking, grilling and barbecuing. “I like to do a bit more than burgers and dogs on the grill,” Whitaker explains. And he knows his stuff. He is co-editor of the “State Hometown Cookbook Series” as well as the author of “Smoke in the Mountains” and “Checkered Flag Cooking”. He’s also appeared on the Food Network and won the Emeril Live / Food Network barbecue contest. Following along with his useful tips and tricks will surely make any backyard barbeque or parking lot tailgating party (remember, football season is just around the corner) a memorable event, elevating the backyard griller, tailgater, or smoker to the level of grilling guru.

4 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

“Great American Grilling” is the ultimate cookbook for anyone looking to perfect their grilling, tailgating, and smoking skills. For example, Whitaker says there are three key things every griller should know. “Get to know your grill before you plan to cook for a crowd,” he explains. “Knowing the capacity, fuel source and working condition of your grill or smoker can prevent a lot of disappointment later.” He also urges practice, practice, practice. “Practice makes perfect. Don’t try new recipes for a crowd; stick to the standards or cook it at least once for your family first.” And as for making your grilled meat and vegetables as tasty as possible? “Quick flavor is easy when you keep fruit juice, beer, wine and seasoning packets on

hand for quick marinades.” The book includes sections with foil packet cooking tips and recipes, as well as how to make fantastic pizza on the grill. His recipes for appetizers, dipping sauces, marinades, and rubs that burst with flavor will turn the everyday grilling experience into one that family and friends will be excited to talk about. “Great American Grilling” is the ultimate cookbook for anyone looking to perfect their grilling, tailgating, and smoking skills. It is available at local book stores and gift shops as well as online at greatamericanpublishers.com. To learn more about Whitaker, head on over to thedeckchef.com


Consider This with Dr. Rick

EdiToon by Rob Rogers

“You is kind. You is smart. And you is important.”

Making A Difference Through Roller Derby When people think about sports or athleticism, they often think of the basic sports: football, soccer, basketball, or baseball. But they probably aren’t thinking about roller derby. Roller derby is an underappreciated sport. Some people don’t even know it exists, and those that do probably know of it because of the 2009 movie Whip It. However, roller derby is alive and thriving in Chattanooga, and, according to Jessie Gantt, head of PR for the Chattanooga Roller Girls, “roller derby is a significant sport in Chattanooga because it breaks stereotypes and molds that have

floated around society for ages stating that a woman can’t be a tough, feminine, and approachable athlete.” The Chattanooga Roller Girls became a reality in 2008 after a team was pulled together. Since then, the CRG have proved themselves to be athletic, strong, successful, and nationally competitive.

The CRG is also extremely involved in community service by partnering with the Human Educational Society and Girls Inc. of Chattanooga. In fact, their upcoming event this Saturday, Summer Slam’her, will be benefiting the Orange Grove Center, a non-profit that serves adults and children with intellectual disabilities. The CRG inspire women everywhere with their determination, athleticism, and confidence. Skate on down to the Chattanooga Convention Center this Saturday to experience the energy that the CRG brings. — Lauren Waegele

One of my favorite cinematic/literary lines ever. We weren’t all raised with a wise, kind nanny with whom we could feel unconditional love. Hopefully our parents or other adult figures provided that. But perhaps not. What messages were you raised with that you’ve come to believe about yourself? You are important and loved? Or…you are unworthy and won’t amount to anything? Consider this: As an adult, it is vital to your self-esteem to sort through those messages and question them, with ferocious honesty and clarity. Some will be accurate. But some will not apply to you at all! Sorting through them is a process I call “re-parenting”. If they don’t fit, if they’re not true and accurate, they don’t belong to you, and certainly don’t belong in your head. Philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti puts it like this: “You have to be your own teacher.” And sometimes, your own parent. — Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 5


COLUMN ∙ SHADES OF GREEN

On Greenfields And Brownfields Are you truly safe from Chattanooga’s contaminated land?

Sandra Kurtz

Pulse columnist

F

OR SAFE DEVELOPMENT PURPOSes, land has been divided into two categories: greenfields and brownfields. You likely sense that a greenfield would be a farm or a place where no business or manufacturer has ever polluted. By process of elimination then, a brownfield could be everything else except waterways and wetlands. Say you’re a developer and you would like to build, reuse, or renovate an apartment building downtown. You need a design and a city permit that meets zoning requirements. However, you can’t get a permit until you show that your site is in a suitable environmental condition for your plan even if there is already a building on it. The city and state want you, the developer, to show that no pollutants will harm anyone choosing to live in that building. In other words, before buying in, ask, “Is this site now or has it ever been a brownfield?” If you choose to live in downtown Chattanooga, the answer to your question is most likely yes. This town had a long manufacturing history well before environmental regulations. Remember Ross-Mehan Foundry now under Finley Stadium? Not only that, the city has always been highly vulnerable to flooding. Land, say in Southside, would need to sit on higher ground to prevent flooding? Commonly the fill for that purpose was used foundry sand—potentially contaminated with metals such as lead and other

compounds like polyaronmatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAH) such as napthalene, plus formaldehyde, phenols, benzaldehyde, isoforonide isocyanate and other stuff you can’t pronounce. Lead contaminants are likely in some soils due to deposits of lead-based gasoline and paint or water. St. Elmo has been filled 20 feet over the years. Today you are likely to be safe even living atop a past brownfield because EPA has established regulations to prevent your exposure. Any developer must acquire an environmental assessment if contamination is suspected or perceived. Developers take this first step in making a brownfield safe for its next intended use by hiring an environmental company to conduct a Phase I Study. The land’s history will be checked and a document search will show whether there’s contamination or not. If it appears contaminated, then one must conduct a Phase II Study in which soil core samples are taken and analyzed. This is a protection for citizens and for someone who buys the property. You are liable if you sell it without documenting its condition. Fortunately, there is some help for the developer. The state has a Voluntary Cleanup, Oversight and Assistance Program (VOAP) for sites with hazardous substances. The State Remediation Program handles cleanups from spill events and petroleum sites. For developers who enroll, it provides limited liability. There

6 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

“‘Clean condition’ is a relative term. It depends on what the intended use for the site is and how previous conditions have been remedied if at all.” are several city brownfields in the program. The point person for our region is Troy Keith located in the TN Department of Environment & Conservation local field office. Now ‘clean condition’ is a relative term. It depends on what the intended use for the site is and how previous conditions have been remedied if at all. Remedies might include simply putting a non-porous cap over the land (Velsicol and Montague Park/old landfill), putting a waterproof vapor liner under the building (Chattanooga Coke site), or digging up the contaminated soil and dumping it in a landfill (TVA’s Kingston coal ash spill to low income Perry County, AL). Whatever is done must assure

that the land is safe for its intended use. That’s a good thing. Let us hope that our present administration does not gut both EPA and Department of Energy regulations just to save developers some time and money. It’s often the poor who suffer the most without strong regulations. The Feds are writing the budget now. Call your legislators and let them know EPA regulations protect us and should not be eliminated. As Troy Keith says, “Nobody is in favor of dirty air and dirty water.” We prefer clean soil too.

Sandra Kurtz is an environmental community activist and is presently working through the Urban Century Institute. You can visit her website to learn more at enviroedu.net


CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 7


The Eighth Annual

Short Story Contest The cream of the crop of Chattanooga writers

Every year for the past eight years, we've challenged Chattanooga area writers to come up with a 500 word or less story. As any writer knows, that's quite a challenge. Our team of judges, including last year's winner Ever Flanigan, had a very difficult time picking the best of the best—and the results are, simply put, amazing! And as a bonus, we have three honorable mentions online at chattanoogapulse.com

Empathy By William Mitchum It was the buzzing that attracted my attention first. The abnormal, low hum of way too many wings all buzzing at once. I’d been walking in the woods on that trail for at least 20 minutes, so the normal noises from the road had faded away. That low hum by the water’s edge perked up my instincts as I imagined how unpleasant it would be to walk up on a swarm of yellow jackets on a hot Summer day. But almost as soon as my eyes locked in on the center of the sound and I began to 8 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

see the whirling mass of blurry wings, my nose was assaulted by the unmistakably putrid smell of decaying flesh. Soft, fibrous tissues breaking down at a cellular level. The yellow, dappled heat of the midday sun overhead was accelerating the process. The smell so thick it hung in the air like a sheer, wet curtain. Clinging to your skin, permeating your clothes, overwhelming your senses. A dented up Ford Ranger, parked on the shoulder of a rarely used access road had an envelope tucked beneath the driver’s windshield wiper. The envelope was inside a Ziploc bag. The consideration of weatherproofing the letter had impressed me and almost immediately, by that tiniest of associations, I felt a hollow sort of empathy for the man who’d written the letter. I imagined that wherever he kept his tools, they were tidy and neat like mine. The discovery of that truck and the hand written letter on the windshield started a series of events that eventually led to me stomping through the woods and approaching the cloud of flies and vapors at the edge of a feeder creek. This wasn’t my first body recovery. Not

by a long shot. That smell, although never pleasant, was as familiar to me as my father’s Bay Rum aftershave that he would splash on when we were headed to the hardware store so many Saturday’s ago. No, nothing really new for me and as usual, I felt a sense of calm accomplishment come over me, as I realized that we’d be able to bring some closure to the people who had loved this man. I’d outpaced some of the other volunteers who’d been with me, and I was alone, at least for a little while. I sat down next to the tree he’d chosen and tried to look out on what had been his last perspective. It was a pretty view. Nothing spectacular. A small creek running through a small stretch of woods. But for him, I suppose it had been enough. I kept my eyes low, knowing that there was no sense in rushing the inevitable unpleasantness. Worn work boots at the base of the tree, resting on pine needles and Summer moss. Worn, but well taken care of and again I felt a thump in my chest for the soul who had filled those boots.


First Date By Adam Cook Mason was a guy who didn’t usually do nervous. He’d always had a certain confidence about him that was unrivaled. He was honest, quiet, and reserved most of the time. However, Friday night was different. It was his first date since his divorce. After six years of countless, never-ending disagreements, he and Amy had finally called it quits. They didn’t hate each other, but were both afraid of it ending up there if they kept trying to make it work for reasons other than actually wanting to be together. They made their decision and were sticking to it. It was the first thing they’d agreed on in ages. There was interest in Mason from women in his circle; a teller at his bank, a co-worker, the lady who cuts his hair. They were all intrigued by him, and he wasn’t oblivious to it, but it always

Here’s to Nothing by Mason Gallaway The Rolex and smartphone peeked from the folds of the Armani jacket lying on the bridge. It was the chicest pile of shit Ellis had ever seen. He turned and climbed over the bridge’s railing, toeing the edge where security kissed the broad emptiness over the river below. He loosened his tie and extended a leather-soled shoe over the water, letting himself sway in the breeze. Before he could plunge, a voice sprang up behind him. “You won’t die.” The words were like rusted machinery. Ellis stumbled back into the railing. He turned and saw a man standing on the bridge. Clumpy dreads, monstrous beard, ancient Columbia jacket, loose cargo pants. A fashion statement with no punctuation. The man gazed at the river, pulling smoke from a rolled cigarette nestled between two blackened fingers. “Hey, I was just–” The man silenced Ellis by blowing a thick

came down to the same issue. He just wasn’t ready. Friday was the exception. A beautiful blonde with captivating blue eyes had asked him to go to a dance with her. It was a different proposal than he’d ever encountered. People just don’t go to dances as often as they used to. He loved that it felt different with her. Besides, there was no way he could say no to the kindness and warmth of her smile when she asked. Her presence could calm storms and make even the darkest places shine with hope. Females have an effect on men that can’t be explained. Her name was Catie, and she was enchanting. Mason knew that nothing short of being the best possible version of himself would be good enough for Catie. She was the type of gal who made people better just by simply being in their lives. That’s where the nervous stemmed from. After years of being less than he could have been, Mason didn’t want to fall into the same habits that contributed to his half of his and Amy’s fall from marital grace.

Like most strong, silent types, Mason was a hard man to know. That was the part that Amy had the most trouble with. She thought of him as a closed book; impossible to read even though she desperately wanted to. Mason knew he’d have to finally let that guard down one day. He wanted Friday to be that day. He dry-cleaned the only suit he owned, shaved the stubble and insecurity from his face, and then stood alone on her porch with flowers in hand and butterflies in his stomach as he knocked. Amy answered the door with a smile, the first she’d given him in a long time. They shared a moment uncluttered by words, both knowing it wasn’t about them anymore. “Are you ready to go, Daddy,” an innocent voice asked from between Amy and the door. “You bet I am, sweetheart,” Mason replied. The father/daughter dance with Catie was the best first date of Mason’s life. It’s the only one that ever mattered.

plume of pale blue smoke in his face. “What the hell, man?” Ellis coughed. “Just enjoying the view, huh? I was sayin’ the fall might kill you, but you gotta really want it. I tried twice. Broken ribs the first time. Smashed coccyx the second. Hella bruises…The fall’s incredible though.” “Move along, man.” Ellis said, turning away. The man swiveled forward and rested his elbows on the railing, eyeing the city’s luminance shimmering in the black below. “What reason could a guy like you have?” The man asked. Ellis sneered. “Reason?” He swept a dismissive arm over the expanse of the river and city before him. “I have everything. But it’s all worthless. It’s nothing. I don’t even need a good reason. That’s my reason.” The man chuckled and snuffed out the cigarette on the railing, smoke sailing from his lips. Then he eased the half-spent cig into his jacket pocket as though it were a delicate creature. “Why haven’t you tried again?” Ellis asked, studying the man’s charred fingers, stained garb, the beard consuming his face. “I mean…

no offense.” The man smiled. “I got nothing. No purpose. No nothing. I don’t even have a good reason. That’s my––” Ellis groaned and began massaging his forehead. “Just mind your damn business, huh?” “Fine. It’s your death.” The man bent down and rifled through Ellis’s things. He stood back up and threw the jacket over his shoulder and slid the Rolex onto his wrist. “You should be able to swim back if you don’t die. But you might want to let them pass first.” He nodded up river at an approaching boat. “Don’t wanna ruin somebody’s evening.” Then he whirled around and limped toward the sleepy East side as if summoned. Ellis watched him for a moment then faced the boat. A luxury party cruise, carrying people who probably still had purpose. So as the boat passed, Ellis gripped the railing and waited, watching the shimmering water, listening for murmurs of purpose rising up like pale blue smoke over the laughter, jazz, and clinking glasses. Here’s to nothing and everything. CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 9


FILM & TELEVISION

The Third Time Truly Is The Charm

Spider-man: Homecoming resets superhero cinema

The Scary Denizens Of The Deep We've been fascinated with sharks on the big screen since Steven Spielberg since Jaws debuted on the big screen in the summer of 1975, all but inventing the concept of the summer movie blockbuster. These blank-eyed, seemingly soulless killing machines struck a note of terror in movie fans, leading to an endless number of sequels and copycat films, each one trying to make sharks into even more of a monster. Then along came the Discovery Channel, where they set about to de-mystify the shark and educate (and entertain) audiences on the reality of one of the ocean's most vital animals, the key to a vast and complex ecosystem. Now, America’s favorite week of television, “Shark Week,” makes waves in movie theaters nationwide for a one-night premiere event this summer. This exclusive debut, showing locally at both East Ridge 18 and Hamilton Place 8, features one of the best episodes from “Shark Week 2016,” along with a special episode of “Shark Week 2017” ahead of its television debut on the Discovery Channel. The large screen format of the cinema offers audiences the chance to see “Shark Week” in whole new way. Moviegoers will see every detail of these powerful creatures, from their enormous size and multiple rows of teeth, to their impressive hunting skills as they burst into the air to capture seals on the ocean's surface. Additionally, event attendees will receive a limited-edition foam shark hat on a first come/first serve basis. Discovery’s Shark Week at the Movies Tuesday, 7:30 p.m. East Ridge 18 Hamilton Place 8 5080 South Terrace 2000 Hamilton Pl. Blvd. (423) 855-9652 (844) 462-7342 www.fathomevents.com 10 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor

T

HE BEST MARVEL CINEMATIC UNIVERSE films aren’t strictly superhero movies. The typical superhero film is full of rescued damsels and world-ending supervillains raining death from above, a handful of plot holes and special effects, sprinkled with funny quips and a score that swells to stand in for character earned emotions. Marvel has several films of this type, of course. Those films exist as they are to further the box office domination that drives the Marvel machine, but that successful formula has allowed for an expansion into occasional departures. Ant-Man, for instance, was ostensibly a heist film. Captain America: Winter Soldier was a political thriller inspired by Three Days of the Condor. The Guardians of the Galaxy films are comedic space operas. These films are examples of the best Marvel has

to offer, full of relatable characters, realistic humor, and genuine fun, rather than a film meant to set up the next sequel. Spider-man: Homecoming is yet another exceptional installment from the Marvel machine. It’s a coming-of-age film of young Peter Parker, with notes of John Hughes, meant to capture the awkward youth of Marvel’s best known high school hero. We all know Spider-man’s origin story: radioactive spider bite leads to wall crawling webhead with super strength and extrasensory perception. The film, for once, doesn’t need to rehash this here. Spider-man was first seen in this universe in Captain America: Civil War so he’s already been established fairly well. We also don’t have to go through the loss of Uncle Ben and the whole “with great power comes great responsibility.” Instead, the film begins with a collection of videos made by young Peter Parker (Tom Holland) during his Stark “internship” from


FILM & TELEVISION

“Conflicts arise from an inability to manage personal relationships and the reluctance of adults to listen to teenage concerns. This is very much to the film’s credit.” the previous film, reminding us of his age and his enthusiasm. After the events of Civil War, Stark encourages Peter to be a friendly neighborhood SpiderMan and stay out of the limelight. Peter is gifted the fancy suit from Stark and told to stay in touch with his driver, Happy Hogan (Jon Favreau). There aren’t any shots of Spider-man swinging his way around Manhattan—Peter stays close to home in Queens, occasionally heading out to the suburbs where he learns webslinging is a strictly urban pastime. Besides his night job, Peter goes to school and increasingly sees it as pointless—he’s already basically an Avenger. But he tries to balance both, to varying degrees of success, until he encounters a group of criminals trying to boost an ATM with highly advanced weaponry. This sets him on a

path towards the mysterious Vulture (Michael Keaton). As I mentioned, the film is very much a teenage drama akin to Pretty in Pink or The Breakfast Club. Conflicts arise from an inability to manage personal relationships and the reluctance of adults to listen to teenage concerns. This is very much to the film’s credit. Peter Parker seems like a teenager—he’s not especially wise, is often impulsive, and genuinely loves his cool new powers. He’s too young to see the burden he carries or the threats that might come from being a vigilante. The film, which features an extensive writing team, managed to create a very authentic character in Peter Parker. However, his counterparts are largely one note: the goofy friend, the beautiful crush, the bully, the father figure.

Given that the film is already trying to be two things at once, it’s hard to criticize the execution. If anything, Spider-Man: Homecoming has more teen drama than it does superhero excitement. It works due to the overall appeal of Holland in the role—he fits in the way Andrew Garfield never quite did, mostly in that he plays the role as a wide eyed innocent without an ounce of chill. Peter Parker is not especially cool and Holland does a good job portraying that. It’s worth noting that SpiderMan: Homecoming is the third reboot of the character, one that came when Sony realized that they were never going to have another successful Spiderman film outside of the MCU. I still maintain that SpiderMan 2 with Toby McGuire is the perfect superhero film and the best portrayal of the character outside of the comic books. Holland is excellent in the role, but Sam Raimi nailed Spiderman in his second outing. But now that the wall-crawler is back where he belongs, in the same universe as the Avengers, there will be plenty of stories to tell. It’s hard to complain about that.

✴ ✴ NEW IN THEATERS ✴ ✴

War for the Planet of the Apes After the apes suffer unimaginable losses, Caesar wrestles with his darker instincts and begins his own mythic quest to avenge his kind. Director: Matt Reeves Stars: Andy Serkis, Woody Harrelson, Steve Zahn, Karin Konoval

Wish Upon A teenage girl discovers a box that carries magic powers and a deadly price for using them. Director: John R. Leonetti Stars: Joey King, Ryan Phillippe, Ki Hong Lee, Mitchell Slaggert

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 11


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

When You Wish Upon A Star...Catcher “Peter & The Starcatcher” brings Peter Pan to new life

Dreaming And Singing With Joseph Watching a musical is, in my opinion, some of the best entertainment out there. I mean, why listen to music or watch a movie/play separately when you can have both? To all the musical-loving Chattanoogans out there, Andrew Lloyd Webber is one of the most well-known names in music composition for many beloved musicals including “Phantom of the Opera”. One of his lesser-known, but equally-impressive, works is “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, coming to the Colonnade Center in Ringgold, Georgia. Joseph, of course, is inspired by Biblical Joseph’s “coat of many colors.” However, this musical takes the Bible story and adds songs like “Those Canaan Days” and “Go, Go, Go Joseph”: two songs that are certain to sound amazing in the Colonnade Center’s engineeredfor-music theater. The Colonnade Center is one of the most versatile theaters in the area, and audience testimonials boast it as a “hidden jewel.” Whether or not this show is being performed on the West End, on Broadway, or at the Colonnade Center, this family-friendly and entertaining work of musical and artistic expertise is sure to bring enjoyment to any viewer anywhere. Head on over to Ringgold this Friday for the premier of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”. — Lauren Waegele Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Friday, 7:30 p.m. The Colonnade Center 264 Catoosa Cir., Ringgold, GA (706) 935-9000 colonnadecenter.org 12 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

The cast makes their way through the jungle (represented by umbrellas)

By Addie Whitlow Pulse contributor

P

ETER PAN IS ARGUABLY ONE OF THE most beloved stories from our childhood, but if you’ve ever wanted to know what led up to the magic of Peter, Tinkerbell, Captain Hook, and friends, then you’re in luck. Starting Friday at 8 p.m., the Chattanooga Theatre Centre will be telling the prequel story of Peter Pan with their production of “Peter & The Starcatcher”. “Peter & The Starcatcher” follows the journey of Peter Pan, a lonely orphan who later becomes The Boy Who Would Not Grow Up. Peter meets Molly, a Starcatcher-in-training, on board a ship bound for an island ruled by an evil king, and it’s then that the magic begins. The all-ages performance includes a takeover by pirates, a shipwreck, and singing mermaids, among other magical forms of

excitement. The original theatre performance of “Peter & The Starcatcher” was directed by Roger Rees and Alex Timbers, and the Theatre Centre’s performance holds many similarities to the original. Directed by Scott Dunlap and Beth Gumnick, “Peter & The Starcatcher” at the Theatre Centre includes twelve cast members who portray more than 100 uniquely different characters. “Every [cast member] is essential, absolutely essential, and they have a different kind of responsibility because they have to change gears quickly, from one thing into the next,” explained Gumnick. “One minute they’re this character, and then in the next, immediately following, they’re a totally different character.” One of the main distinguishing aspects of “Peter & The Starcatcher” is the idea of creating things out of different things, such as a towel turning


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“The advent of computers and the internet is having as profound of an effect upon the art world as the discovery of pigment, or the pursuit of abstraction.” into a cat, which is also what makes the performance so magical. Gumnick explained that the Theatre Centre’s goal in their production is to give people an experience similar to what would have been if they had seen the original. Much like in Peter Pan and many other beloved classic stories, imagination is key, and Gumnick said the audience has to use their imagination and participate in order to bring the magic to life. “Your imagination is what creates it, which is really the essence of reading, storytelling; so that’s one way it really does tie into the notion of how it’s the Peter Pan origin story, and someone actually came up with this, and you have to come up with it as an audience member to some degree,” Gumnick said. “And I think that some of those things

are so fun and so clever and an opportunity for the audience members to have those ah-ha moments.” Because imagination is so important to “Peter & The Starcatcher” it’s been a fun challenge for the cast members to embrace that. Rehearsals began in late May, and the cast is putting on the finishing touches to prepare for opening night. Dunlap and Gumnick both explained that the cast shows incredible dedication, and their performance will definitely mirror that. “I think that a lot of times, when you do a show, you have an opportunity for offstage time, to look over your script, pay attention to what’s coming up next, and get your head around it. They have to do a lot of homework,” Gumnick said. “This cast has to

Scott Shaw ("Black Stache") and Greg Rambin, Sr. ("Smee") plotting something dastardly

be really dedicated because they don’t have down time in rehearsal, they don’t have an opportunity, after that scene’s over, to go look at their script to see what’s going on next. They just have to dive right into it.” In addition to the challenge of the script and the portrayal of so many characters, the show also features several different musical numbers, such as singing and dancing done by mermaids. And, if that wasn’t enough, the show features live sound, meaning that

all noises you hear on stage are made by the cast members and props. Dunlap and Gumnick said the production is going to have a very theatrical and Victorian feel, as many of the props are things you would find in a theatre or on a ship. “I think that even if you don’t know Peter Pan very well, if the last time you saw it, you were five, you’re going to recognize things,” Dunlap said. “It’s a part of our lexicon; we don’t know how much we really do know, you know. There’s a

really special connection in awakening your childhood, as well.” “Peter & The Starcatcher” opens Friday night at 8 p.m., and it will be performed Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, with a matinee show on Sundays, through July 30. If you’re looking for an opportunity to relive your childhood—or to just enjoy a humorous and fun performance—then you definitely don’t want to miss “Peter & The Starcatcher” at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.

FRI7.14

SAT7.15

SUN7.16

Offline Chattanooga

Ordinary People

Cosplay Yardsale

A showcase of cutting edge art and music from some of our region’s brightest young artists. 7 p.m. Relik 1010 Georgia Ave. (423) 653-3233 relik.co

An absorbing and authentic look at real people trying to survive a deeply painful event. 8 p.m. The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. (706) 621-2870 bapshows.com

Need to find that perfect costume for DragonCon? Head out to Camp Jordan and get your geek on! 9 a.m. Camp Jordan Park 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy. (423) 490-0078 eastridgeparksandrec.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 13


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

The Harry Smallwood Show

THURSDAY7.13 Ooltewah Farmers Market 3 p.m. Ooltewah Nursery 5829 Main St. (423) 238-9775 ooltewahnursery.com Signal Mountain Farmers Market 4 p.m. Pruett’s Market 1210 Taft Hwy. (423) 902-8023 signalmountainfarmersmarket.com Jane Newman Artist Reception 5 p.m. Reflections Gallery 6922 Lee Hwy. (423) 892-3072 reflectionsgallerytn.com City Sweat: Military Style 6 p.m. Waterhouse Pavilion 850 Market St. (423) 265-3700 rivercitycompany.com Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 7:15 p.m. AT&T Field 201 Power Alley lookouts.com Killer Beaz 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com ‘NOOGA presented by Improv Chattanooga 7:30 p.m.

14 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com A Very Sordid Wedding 8 p.m. Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com

FRIDAY7.14 Chattanooga Market at Erlanger 10:30 a.m. Erlanger Hospital Medical Mall 975 E. 3rd St. chattanoogamarket.com Cambridge Square Night Market 5 p.m. Cambridge Square

9453 Bradmore Ln. (423) 531-7754 cambridgesqauretn.com American Heroes Dinner 7 p.m. Chattanooga Convention Center 1150 Carter St. (423) 593-0182 honoringthesacrifice.org Offline Chattanooga Art Event 7 p.m. Relik 1010 Georgia Ave. (423) 653-3233 relik.co Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 7:15 p.m. AT&T Field 201 Power Alley lookouts.com Killer Beaz 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT With thousands of radio, television and stage appearances under his belt, Killer Beaz has been entertaining audiences for over 30 years. Truly the "best buzz in town!" Killer Beaz The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 7:30 p.m. The Colonnade Center 264 Catoosa Cir. Ringgold, GA (706) 935-9000 colonnadecenter.org Peter & The Starcatcher 8 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Ordinary People 8 p.m. The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA (706) 621-2870 bapshows.com The Harry Smallwood Show 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org The Little House 8 p.m. Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com

SATURDAY7.15 Chattanooga Heroes Run/Walk 8 a.m.


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Q N' Brew At The Zoo Tennessee Riverpark 4301 Amnicola Hwy. chattanoogaheroesrun.com NoogaStrong Memorial Ride 8 a.m. Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson 7720 Lee Hwy. (423) 892-4888 thundercreekharley.com Homebuyer Workshop 9 a.m. Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise 1500 Chestnut St. (423) 756-6201 cneinc.org Cosplay Yardsale 9 a.m. Camp Jordan Park 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy. (423) 490-0078 eastridgeparksandrec.com Chickamauga Battlefield Bike Ride 9:30 a.m. Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park 3370 Lafayette Rd. Fort Oglethorpe, GA (423) 752-5213 nps.gov/chch St. Alban’s Hixson Market 9:30 a.m. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 7514 Hixson Pike (423) 842-6303 Northside Farmers Market 10 a.m. Northside Presbyterian Church 923 Mississippi Ave. (423) 266-7497 Chattanooga River Market 10 a.m. Tennessee Aquarium Plaza

1 Broad St. (423) 648-2496 chattanoogarivermarket.com Nature Photography with Your Smart Phone 10 a.m. UT Extension Office 6183 Adamson Cir. (423) 855-6113 extension.tennessee.edu Brainerd Farmers Market 11 a.m. Grace Episcopal Church 20 Belvoir Ave. (404) 245-3682 Farmer’s Market 11 a.m. Nutrition World 6237 Vance Rd. (423) 892-4085 nutritionw.com Lightfoot Club of Chattanooga vs Mountain City of Chattanooga Noon 6 Barnhardt Cir. Fort Oglethorpe, GA tennesseevintagebaseball.com Classical Embroidery & Crazy Quilting 1 p.m. Houston Museum of Decorative Arts 201 High St. (423) 267-7176 thehoustonmuseum.org Q N’ Brew At The Zoo 6 p.m. Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. (423) 697-1322 chattzoo.org Summer Slam’Her with the Chattanooga Roller Girls

6 p.m. Chattanooga Convention Center 1150 Carter St. chattanoogarollergirls.com Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 7:15 p.m. AT&T Field 201 Power Alley lookouts.com Killer Beaz 7:30, 9:45 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 7:30 p.m. The Colonnade Center 264 Catoosa Cir. Ringgold, GA (706) 935-9000 colonnadecenter.org Peter & The Starcatcher 8 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Ordinary People 8 p.m. The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA (706) 621-2870 bapshows.com The Little House 8 p.m. Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com

Movies in the Park 9 p.m. Coolidge Park 1 River St. firstthings.org

SUNDAY7.16 Cosplay Yardsale 9 a.m. Camp Jordan Park 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy. (423) 490-0078 eastridgeparksandrec.com Chattanooga Market 11 a.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. (423) 648-2496 chattanoogamarket.com Free Fiddle School 2 p.m. Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd. (423) 994-7497 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat 3 p.m. The Colonnade Center 264 Catoosa Cir. Ringgold, GA (706) 935-9000 colonnadecenter.org Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 5:15 p.m. AT&T Field 201 Power Alley lookouts.com Spoken Word / Poetry Workshop 6 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 15


ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

The Little Hours 105 McBrien Rd. (423) 892-4960 christunity.org Ryan Davis 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com The Little Hours 8 p.m. Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com

MONDAY7.17

ALL NEW. ALL FOR YOU.

ChattanoogaHasCars.com THE TENNESSEE VALLEY’S MOST POWERFUL AUTOMOTIVE SHOPPING TOOL

Chattanooga Lookouts vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp 11:15 a.m. AT&T Field 201 Power Alley lookouts.com Red Bank Farmers Market 3 p.m. Red Bank United Methodist 3800 Dayton Blvd. (423) 838-9804 Look & See Film Screening + Discussion with Chattanooga Author Brian L. Tucker 5:30 p.m. Majestic 12 Cinema 311 Broad St. (423) 826-2375 tugg.com

TUESDAY7.18 Extended Cavern Experience 8 a.m. Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy.

16 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

(423) 800-0566 rubyfalls.com Tuesday Night Chess Club 6 p.m. Downtown Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 643-7700 chattilibrary.com The Little Hours 8 p.m. Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com

WEDNESDAY7.19 Chattanooga Market at Erlanger East 10:30 a.m. Erlanger East Hospital 1751 Gunbarrel Rd. (423) 648-2496 chattanoogamarket.com Main Street Market 4 p.m. 522 W. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com Comedy Open Mic 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com The Little Hours 8 p.m. Palace Picture House 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com

Map these locations on chattanoogapulse. com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com


OPINIONS & DIVERSIONS

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 17


MUSIC

You’re A Good Dude, Warner MC Warner MC and The Predicament headline Dumpy’s

Rebirth Brings New Orleans Brass To The Revelry Room The music scene of Chattanooga is really quite diverse. As an avid concert-goer, I’ve seen a variety of concerts in Chattanooga from a variety of genres. However, in my experiences, I don’t think that I have had my fill of funk. Well, this Saturday, I’ll have that opportunity. Rebirth Brass Band is making its way to Chattanooga, and apparently, they’re really good. Founded in 1983, Rebirth originally played on the streets of the French Quarter as a traditional brass band. Now, the band has developed its signature sound by diving into the realms of both funk and hip hop. Rebirth is a Grammy-winning band that, according to The New York Times, “can be precise whenever it wants to, but it’s more like a party than a machine. It’s a working model of the New Orleans musical ethos.” This band dominates the brass scene, and is honoring Chattanooga with its funky sounds. If you’re looking for great place to move your feet and listen to some sounds that Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers claims is “hard as well” and “free as a ray of light,” make your way to the Revelry Room. You won’t be disappointed. — Lauren Waegele Rebirth Brass Band Saturday, 9 p.m. The Revelry Room (423) 521-2929 41 Station St. www.revelryroom.co 18 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

By Marc T. Michael Pulse Music Editor

SEVERAL MONTHS AGO I WROTE ABOUT the return of the Chattaboogie Sessions, a locally produced show that focused on musicians from the area, featuring interviews, impromptu performances and archived material. One of the earliest episodes spotlighted the very talented, albeit somewhat hirsute, Warner MC of Microdahts/Mdahts fame. In that episode, Warner discussed his solo career, poetry, long

running feud with Eroc R. (who still owes him $17) and a very special upcoming project. The project is finally about to see the light of day as material from the upcoming EP You’re a Good Dude, Warner MC gets a big reveal at Dumpy’s, the home bar of the Ocoee river rats this Friday night at 9 p.m Dumpy’s, it should be noted, is rapidly becoming one of the hotter music venues in the area as this summer has seen a continuing rotation of Chattanooga favorites making the trip up Highway 64 to the charmingly barnlike venue.


MUSIC

“Call it a family reunion, a musical orgy for your ears, or just the best damn party anywhere this weekend. Dumpy’s at 1110 US 64 in Ocoee is the place to be Friday night.” Warner will be partnering up with DJ SKiNNYiLL , who will lay down a short set of high-energy, jammy hip-hop grooves before being joined on stage by freshly minted supergroup The Predicament. Featuring Jon Wimpee on guitar, Danimal Pinson on bass, Cory French on keyboards and Hunter White on drums. The Predicament is a powerhouse of local talent guaranteed to blow the roof off the place. The mix of styles and backgrounds within the band is impressive enough, but pairing that with the swaggering, humorous and poignant hip-hop style of Warner is the musical equivalent of dipping chocolate in peanut butter. You just don’t know how good it is until you try it. Speaking of foodstuffs, Digital Butter is coming out of retirement for this show. The highly regarded group hasn’t played original music together since Riverbend 2013 making this an even more momentous event, so much so that Warner has publicly likened it to musical Viagra (at least from his point of view.) The trio of SKiNNYiLL, Bexy and Hunter

was hugely and rapidly successful before going on hiatus to pursue other projects and the fact that they’ve decided to regroup for this show is just another sign that it’s going to be an intense, memorable evening. The Fridge is a late addition to the bill, featuring the talents of the brothers French and Mister White to produce some “chill, groovy electro tunes.” Finally, Warner has promised the appearance of some special guests and while he isn’t giving up any details, it is this writer’s opinion that at least one of those special guests will be a certain failed hairdresser whose talent on the mic is undeniable (and largely attributable to Warner, according to Warner.) Call it a family reunion, a musical orgy for your ears, or just the best damn party anywhere this weekend. Dumpy’s at 1110 US 64 in Ocoee is the place to be Friday night. There will be free camping on site and cheap camping nearby, giving it just the right dash of Roots Fest to make it the “can’t miss” event of the summer.

Where To Go, What To Do, Who To See? It’s another Friday night conundrum in Chattanooga with a roster of incredible shows and not enough time to see them all. Jazz Songbird Robin Grant will be performing at Archway on Glass Friday evening at 7 p.m. Grant, featured recently in this paper, is one of Chattanooga’s most promising artists of the year. The intimate setting of the Archway serves as the perfect backdrop for “triple threat” Grant and her world-class backing band as they bring you an evening of beautiful jazz. Tickets are available now at robingrantmusic.ticketspice.com. If something edgier is more to your taste, consider spending the evening with legendary punk rockers The Unsatisfied at J.J.’s Bohemia. The show marks the debut of the highly anticipated new EP from the band and features special guest SkeetZo N’ Krysis. Long considered one of the definitive bands of the range,

The Unsatisfied will leave you anything but, bringing their monstrous talent to the stage Friday night, from nine until midnight. Pains Chapel will raise the roof at Ziggy’s that same night with their brand of uber hard rock, from 8 p.m. until 11, with special guests Silent Monolith, STDz, and non-grada. Finally, Warner MC along with The Predicament, The Fridge and Digital Butter, will be debuting his latest project, “You’re a Good Dude, Warner MC” at Dumpy’s on the Ocoee. — Marc T. Michael

THU7.13

FRI7.14

SAT7.15

River City Sessions

The Unsatisfied EP Release

Courtney Daly and The Daly Grind

Faith Evans Ruch headlines this month's presentation, highlighting some of Chattanooga's best singer-songwriters. 7 p.m. The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. rivercitysessions.com

Chattanooga's legendary punk rockers showcase their latest material, with speical guests Skeetzo N’Krysis. 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

Soulful rock-and-roll from one of the biggest voices in town at one of the coolest new venues. 7 p.m. Songbirds Guitar Museum 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 19


LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

STRFKR

THURSDAY7.13 James Crumble Trio 6 p.m. St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Shrimp Boil Music Fest 6 p.m. The Crash Pad 29 Johnson St. crashpadchattanooga.com Rick Rushing 6 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Forever Bluegrass 6 p.m. Whole Foods Market 301 Manufacturers Rd. wholefoodsmarket.com Prime Country Band 6:30 p.m. Motley’s 320 Emberson Dr. Ringgold, GA (706) 260-8404 Bluegrass & Country Jam 6:30 p.m. Grace Church of the Nazarene 6310 Dayton Blvd. chattanoogagrace.com River City Sessions ft. Faith Evans Ruch 7 p.m. The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. rivercitysessions.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd.

20 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

thepalmsathamilton.com Bluegrass Thursdays 7:30 p.m. Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Jesse James & Tim Neal 7:30 p.m. Mexi-Wing VII 5773 Brainerd Rd. mexi-wingchattanooga.com Keepin’ It Local 8 p.m. The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Open Mic Night with Jonathan Wimpee 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Cosmic Carnival 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY7.14 Summer Music Weekends 11 a.m. Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Rye Baby 6 p.m. Cambridge Square Night Market 9453 Bradmore Ln. chattanoogamarket.com Eddie Pontiac 6 p.m. El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Binji Varsossa 6 p.m.

PULSE MUSIC SPOTLIGHT Riverfront Nights returns for another summer of free concerts on the riverfront, kicking off with the Nashvillebased alternative rock band Elliott Root. Elliott Root Saturday, 7 p.m. Chattanooga Riverfront 201 Riverfront Pkwy. riverfrontnights.com

Cancun Mexican Restaurant 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Foxygen, Walrus 7 p.m. Miller Plaza 850 Market St. nightfallchattanooga.com Collateral Damage 7 p.m. Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson 7720 Lee Hwy. thundercreekharley.com Robin Grant & The Standard 7 p.m. Archway on Glass 2523 Glass St. archwayonglass.com Tim Lewis 7 p.m. El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com The Lee Experiment 8 p.m. The Casual Pint 5550 Hwy 153 hixson.thecasualpint.com Priscilla & Little Rickee 8:30 p.m. The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Lon Eldridge 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Cody James Harris


LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Live By Satellite 9 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com The Unsatisfied EP Release w/ Skeetzo N’Krysis 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com STRFKR, Reptaliens 9 p.m. Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.co Silver Tongued Devilz, Silent Monolith 9 p.m. Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Urban Soil 10 p.m. Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Outlaw 45 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SATURDAY7.15 Summer Music Weekends 11 a.m. Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Misfit Toyz Noon Thunder Creek Harley-Davidson 7720 Lee Hwy.

thundercreekharley.com Bluegrass Brunch Noon The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy. thehonestpint.com Julie Gribble 12:30 p.m. Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. chattanoogarivermarket.com The Power Players 6 p.m. Embargo 62 301 Cherokee Blvd. embargo62.com Something Else 6 p.m. Las Margaritas 4604 Skyview Dr. (423) 892-3065 Eddie Pontiac 6 p.m. El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Binji Varsossa 6 p.m. Cancun Mexican Restaurant 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Elliot Root, The Mountain vs. Monkey Town 7 p.m. Chattanooga Riverfront 201 Riverfront Pkwy. riverfrontnights.com Courtney Daly and The Daly Grind 7 p.m. Songbirds Guitar Museum 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com Tim Lewis

7 p.m. El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com The Simp Gatsby + “The Uncool Kids” (Part II) 7:30 p.m. The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd. thecamphouse.com Jonathan Kane 8 p.m. The Casual Pint 5550 Hwy 153 hixson.thecasualpint.com Nathan Bell CD Release 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org The Countrymen Band 8 p.m. Eagles Club 6130 Airways Blvd. (423) 894-9940 Behold the Brave, In the Whale, Kerchief 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Rebirth Brass Band, Over Easy 9 p.m. Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.co This is Me Breathing, The Creatures In Secret, EMERGE, Age of Atrocity, Sparrus

9 p.m. Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Pickin Crows 9 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Live By Satellite 10 p.m. Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Amanda Rose 10 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Outlaw 45 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SUNDAY7.16 Summer Music Weekends 11 a.m. Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com The Mailboxes 11 a.m. Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com David Elliot 12:30 p.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com Dana Rogers CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 21


LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Kasey Chambers 12:30 p.m. Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. chattanoogarivermarket.com Mountain Creek House Fire 1:30 p.m. Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Eric Nassau and Friends 2 p.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com Bluegrass Jam 4 p.m. Fiddler’s Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd. (423) 994-7497 Chattanooga Strong Community Concert 5 p.m. Tennessee RiverPark 4301 Amnicola Hwy. chattanooga.gov Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m. Long Haul Saloon 2536 Cummings Hwy. (423) 822-9775 Mathis & Martin 7 p.m. The BackStage Bar 29 Station St. (423) 629-2233 Polarity 7 p.m. Cloud Springs Deli 4097 Cloud Springs Rd. Ringgold, GA cloudspringsdeli.com Diva Nation Awards 8 p.m. Revelry Room

22 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

41 Station St. revelryroom.co Enfold Darkness 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

MONDAY7.17 Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Very Open Mic with Shawnessey Cargile 8 p.m. The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. #8 wellonthesouthside.com Open Mic Night 6 p.m. Puckett’s Grocery 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Open Air with Jessica Nunn 7:30 p.m. The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com

TUESDAY7.18 Danimal 6 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Bill McCallie and In Cahoots 6:30 p.m. Southern Belle

201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com In This Moment w/ Motionless in White, VIMIC, Little Miss Nasty 7 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com Strengthen What Remains 7 p.m. Cloud Springs Deli 4097 Cloud Springs Rd. Ringgold, GA cloudspringsdeli.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Kasey Chambers 9 p.m. Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.co

WEDNESDAY7.19 Noontunes with Caney Creek Company Noon Miller Plaza 850 Market St. noontunescha.com Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonrestaurant.com Toby Hewitt 6 p.m. Backstage Bar

29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com The Other Guys 6 p.m. SpringHill Suites 495 Riverfront Pkwy. springhillsuites.com Old Time Fiddle & Banjo Show 6:30 p.m. Fiddler’s Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd. (423) 994-7497 Joel Clyde 8 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Priscilla & Little Rickee 8 p.m. Las Margaritas 1101 Hixson Pike (423) 756-3332 Jazz in the Lounge 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org The Coathangers, Residuals, Folk Killer 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com 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


RECORD REVIEWS ∙ ERNIE PAIK

Raymond Scott Three Willow Park (Basta)

I

f you’ve seen more than a couple Looney Tunes cartoons, then you’ve heard Raymond Scott—the bandleader/pianist whose compositions such as “Powerhouse” were adapted by Carl Stalling for numerous Warner Bros. cartoons. His noteworthy Raymond Scott Quintette (sic) in the late ‘30s played playful, animated and technically challenging “descriptive jazz” with evocative song titles, like “New Years Eve in a Haunted House.” However, Scott had a separate, second legacy that was profoundly influential yet perhaps not as well-known: his legacy as an electronic music pioneer. Scott had an early interest in both music and technology and intended to study engineering in college, but his older brother Mark steered him toward studying music at what is now Juilliard by bribing him with a

Thinking Plague Hoping Against Hope (Cuneiform) Steinway grand piano and paying his tuition. His fascination with technology never left him, and he went on to invent electronic instruments including early synthesizers such as the Clavivox and the Electronium, a “Bass-Line Generator” and a drum machine adorably named “Bandito the Bongo Artist.” While the outstanding 2000 compilation Manhattan Research Inc. concentrated on Scott’s midcentury electronic music, including numerous commercial jingles, instrument demonstrations and electronic adaptations of his old compositions like “Twilight in Turkey,” the new 2-CD collection Three Willow Park focuses on the decade of 1961 to 1971, during which Scott spent much time in the factorybuilding lab/home that gives this collection its name.

There are bleeps and bloops galore, with demos of sound effects and interesting snippets along with longer pieces that explore the capabilities of the Electronium. A complex piece of equipment that only Scott—a secretive control freak— fully understood, the Electronium could compose musical sequences with artificial intelligence; as Scott explained, “The Electronium isn’t played. It’s guided.” Scott was on Motown Records’ payroll to construct an Electronium for Berry Gordy, not to make sounds on Motown releases, but rather to be a source of ideas and inspiration. The examples of the Electronium on Three Willow Park are fascinating percolations—although rhythms are established, the patterns constantly vary and evolve in unpredictable ways. The entrancing “Dorothea” and “Carribea” bring to mind Scott’s proto-ambient/minimalist 3-volume Soothing Sounds for Baby, and two versions of Scott’s heavenly “Portofino” (plus a fragment) are included, with its gently cascading melody, wordless vocals and a sax—a rare occurrence of nonelectronic sounds on this collection. The dedicated team handling the Scott archives has produced yet another winner, with meticulously researched liner notes and a carefully curated 61-track treasure trove pared down from 80 hours of raw material, shining a light on

a brilliant inventor who rightfully deserves his spot in the electronic music pantheon.

I

n the early ‘80s, guitarist Mike Johnson and multi-instrumentalist Bob Drake met in Colorado over a mutual appreciation for prog-rock and art-rock bands such as Yes and Henry Cow and formed the core of Thinking Plague, an invented name for an affliction marked by constant contemplation. Today, Johnson is the only consistent member over the group’s 35year existence, and the band has only released a handful of albums, with Hoping Against Hope being the latest excursion. As always, the band’s output is ambitious and complicated, driven by Johnson’s compositions that augment the standard rock combo instrumentation with reeds and even an occasional toy piano on the album. Hoping Against Hope is a constantly stimulating album where so much is going on that the listener may be overwhelmed and perhaps exhausted to attempt to process everything. Like the aforementioned Yes and Henry Cow, Thinking Plague’s music is technically demanding, and some listeners might think that they’re showing off, being complicated for the sake of being complicated. However, it’s enlightening to examine Johnson’s musical background and intentions; Johnson,

a self-taught guitarist, grew up listening to classical music as well as rock acts such as Jimi Hendrix and King Crimson. His idea for Thinking Plague was to channel through a rock band what 20th century composers such as Shostakovich and William Schuman were doing, generating turbulence and sonic drama. Sometimes playing with atonality, Johnson would also frequently change time signatures as a tool in his compositional toolbox, to break out of rigid structures. Vocalist and keyboardist Elaine di Falco often sings with clear tones with no vibrato, and on the title track, her vocal lines sync up with the dominant melody, in a way emphasizing the notion of the voice being an instrument rather than a character. An unexpected moment on the album occurs near the end of “The Great Leap Backwards,” where the carefully structured music seems to fall into disarray on purpose, creating a glorious climax. Hoping Against Hope is an album that’s impossible to fully absorb or appreciate upon a single listening session; on one level, Thinking Plague can seem clinical, with the band playing from sheet music, but with cycles of heavy, furious playing balanced with more delicate moments, it also can have an undeniable emotional impact.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 23


FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

The List Organic Food Statistics ROB BREZSNY

One can debate endlessly how “organic” organic foods really are. There are plenty of arguments both for and against the hottest trend in food. But setting the arguments aside, the fact remains that organic foods are popular. Very popular, in fact. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Economic Research Service and the latest report from the World of Organic Agriculture, the numbers are big. And getting bigger. • Organic foods annual U.S. revenue: $39 billion • Annual global organic sales: $68.9 billion • Percentage of organic food sold by mass market retailers: 54% • Number of U.S. certifiedorganic farms in the 50 states: 14,540 When you can buy organic produce at Walmart, you know it's become a big deal. And for all the arguments, the simple fact is that people like organic food. And that's just fine. Source: statisticbrain.com/organicfood-statistics/

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Do not be too timid and squeamish about your actions,” wrote Ralph Waldo Emerson. “All life is an experiment.” I’d love to see you make that your operative strategy in the coming weeks, Cancerian. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, now is a favorable time to overthrow your habits, rebel against your certainties, and cruise through a series of freewheeling escapades that will change your mind in a hundred different ways. Do you love life enough to ask more questions than you’ve ever asked before? LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Thank you for contacting the Center for Epicurean Education. If you need advice on how to help your imagination lose its inhibitions, please press 1. If you’d like guidance on how to run wild in the woods or in the streets without losing your friends or your job, press 2. If you want to learn more about spiritual sex or sensual wisdom, press 3. If you’d like assistance in initiating a rowdy yet focused search for fresh inspiration, press 4. For information about dancing lessons or flying lessons or dancing-while-flying lessons, press 5. For advice on how to stop making so much sense, press 6. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The cereus cactus grows in the deserts of the southwestern U.S. Most of the time it’s scraggly and brittle-looking. But one night of the year, in June or July, it blooms with a fragrant, trumpetshaped flower. By dawn the creamy white petals close and start to wither. During that brief celebration, the plant’s main pollinator, the sphinx moth, has to discover the marvelous event and come to gather the cactus flower’s pollen. I suspect this scenario has metaphorical resemblances to a task you could benefit from carrying out in the days ahead. Be alert for a sudden, spectacular, and rare eruption of beauty that you can feed from and propagate.

24 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If I had more room here, I would offer an inspirational Powerpoint presentation designed just for you. In the beginning, I would seize your attention with an evocative image that my marketing department had determined would give you a visceral thrill. (Like maybe a photoshopped image of you wearing a crown and holding a scepter.) In the next part, I would describe various wonderful and beautiful things about you. Then I’d tactfully describe an aspect of your life that’s underdeveloped and could use some work. I’d say, “I’d love for you to be more strategic in promoting your good ideas. I’d love for you to have a well-crafted master plan that will attract the contacts and resources necessary to lift your dream to the next level.” SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I advise you against snorting cocaine, MDMA, heroin, or bath salts. But if you do, don’t lay out your lines of powder on a kitchen table or a baby’s diaper-changing counter in a public restroom. Places like those are not exactly sparkly clean, and you could end up propelling contaminants close to your brain. Please observe similar care with any other activity that involves altering your consciousness or changing the way you see the world. Do it in a nurturing location that ensures healthy results. P.S. The coming weeks will be a great time to expand your mind if you do it in all-natural ways such as through conversations with interesting people, travel to places that excite your awe, and encounters with provocative teachings. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In late 1811 and early 1812, parts of the mighty Mississippi River flowed backwards several times. Earthquakes were the cause. Now, more than two centuries later, you Sagittarians have a chance—maybe even a mandate—to accomplish a more modest rendition of what nature did way back then. Do you dare to shift the course of a great, flowing, vital force? I think you should at least consider it. In my opinion, that great, flowing, vital force could benefit from an adjustment that you have the wisdom and luck to understand and accomplish. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You’re entering into the Uncanny Zone, Capricorn. During your brief journey through this alternate reality, the wind and the dew will be your teach-

Homework: Do you let your imagination indulge in fantasies that are wasteful, damaging, or dumb? Stop it! Testify at Freewillastrology.com ers. Animals will provide special favors. You may experience true fantasies, like being able to sense people’s thoughts and hear the sound of leaves converting sunlight into nourishment. It’s possible you’ll feel the moon tugging at the waters of your body and glimpse visions of the best possible future. Will any of this be of practical use? Yes! More than you can imagine. And not in ways you can imagine yet. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): This is one of those rare grace periods when you can slip into a smooth groove without worrying that it will degenerate into a repetitive rut. You’ll feel natural and comfortable as you attend to your duties, not blank or numb. You’ll be entertained and educated by exacting details, not bored by them. I conclude, therefore, that this will be an excellent time to lay the gritty foundation for expansive and productive adventures later this year. If you’ve been hoping to get an advantage over your competitors and diminish the negative influences of people who don’t empathize with you, now is the time. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “There is a direct correlation between playfulness and intelligence, since the most intelligent animals engage in the greatest amount of playful activities.” So reports the National Geographic. “The reason is simple: Intelligence is the capacity for learning, and to play is to learn.” I suggest you make these thoughts the centerpiece of your life in the coming weeks. You’re in a phase when you have an enhanced capacity to master new tricks. That’s fortunate, because you’re also in a phase when it’s especially crucial for you to learn new tricks. The best way to ensure it all unfolds with maximum grace is to play as much as possible. ARIES (March 21-April 19): It’s not your birthday, but I feel like you need to get presents. The astrological omens agree with me. In fact, they suggest you should show people this horoscope to motivate them to do the right thing and shower you

with practical blessings. And why exactly do you need these rewards? Here’s one reason: Now is a pivotal moment in the development of your own ability to give the unique gifts you have to give. If you receive tangible demonstrations that your contributions are appreciated, you’ll be better able to rise to the next level of your generosity. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Other astrologers and fortune-tellers may enjoy scaring the hell out of you, but not me. My job is to keep you apprised of the ways that life aims to help you, educate you, and lead you out of your suffering. The truth is, Taurus, that if you look hard enough, there are always seemingly legitimate reasons to be afraid of pretty much everything. But that’s a stupid way to live, especially since there are also always legitimate reasons to be excited about pretty much everything. The coming weeks will be a favorable time to work on retraining yourself to make the latter approach your default tendency. I have rarely seen a better phase than now to replace chronic anxiety with shrewd hope. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): At least for the short-range future, benign neglect can be an effective game plan for you. In other words, Gemini, allow inaction to do the job that can’t be accomplished through strenuous action. Stay put. Be patient and cagey and observant. Seek strength in silence and restraint. Let problems heal through the passage of time. Give yourself permission to watch and wait, to reserve judgment and withhold criticism. Why do I suggest this approach? Here’s a secret: Forces that are currently working in the dark and behind the scenes will generate the best possible outcome. 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 ∙ MATT JONES “Arrangement in Black and White”—another freestyle puzzle. ACROSS 1 Get the DVD going 10 When doubled, a Japanese telephone greeting 15 Mole ___ (sauce named for a Mexican state) 16 ___ impulse 17 Ancestor 18 Passed out 19 One of Sri Lanka’s official languages (besides Tamil and English) 20 “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” author Eric 21 “Cool!” 22 Synagogue singer 23 Father’s Day gift that accessorizes another Father’s Day gift 27 U.S.-based Maoist group of the 1970s-80s (or an abbreviation for the thing you’re solving) 28 It may be captured from your laptop 32 Sport with mallets 33 Earlier offense 34 Kid’s game 35 Gives the eye 36 Bird on Canadian coins 37 Scout’s honor? 39 “That’s so weird!” online 40 Chaotic states 41 “The Imitation Game” subject 43 “___ come to my attention ...” 47 Scottish families 48 “Not even close!” 52 Therefore 53 “High Sierra” actress 54 Invest (with) 55 University of South Carolina team [giggle] 56 Daniel of “Home Alone” 57 Savvy Down 1 Boston ___ Orchestra 2 ___ to go (stoked)

3 Cervenka of early punk rock 4 Borat, really 5 Abandoned property dweller 6 Pilfer 7 ___-majesté (insulting the king) 8 Years, in Chile 9 Olden days 10 Zany 11 Indian, for one 12 Have no leads to follow up on 13 What a person who can eat constantly without gaining weight is said to have 14 Situate between 22 Op. ___ (bibliography abbr.) 24 Compound present in beer 25 Spanish actress and frequent “Love Boat” guest star 26 Latin suffix after “bio” or “techno” 28 Figures in Pollock paintings? 29 Neologism paired with “embiggen” on a “Simpsons” episode 30 It’s between Laredo and Nuevo Laredo 31 Unimaginably long time 32 Jordan Spieth’s org. 35 Get in the way of 37 Auto ad stat 38 Frivolous type 40 Latent 42 Receive, as a penalty 44 “Join me for a ride!” 45 Ecclesiastical vestment 46 Airport bathroom lineup 48 Mediterranean fruit trees ... 49 ... whose leaves covered him up 50 “Rendezvous With ___” (Arthur C. Clarke novel) 51 Word after ring or coin

Copyright © 2017 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per3minute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 840.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 25


COLUMN ∙ ON THE BEAT

Evolution: It’s A Real Thing Officer Alex ponders on how the tide has changed on body cameras

Alex Teach

Pulse columnist

I

’M NOT TALKING ABOUT THAT OF mankind (or even that really horrible David Duchovny movie from 2001); I’m talking about the evolution of the American Civil Liberties Union and Police Body Worn Cameras. In police-involved shooting after shooting, they were demanded to bring accountability to police actions in the worst situations, and I’m pleased to say that police officers and administrations both agreed. Silence from the left was matched with police officers on the right actually buying their own personal body cameras as municipalities struggled to find the funding for what turned out to be not inexpensive equipment and data storage fees, but eventually they made it there where they belonged—on the front of coppers everywhere. And as I predicted just a few years ago from this very platform, the ACLU’s stance on body worn cameras began to “evolve.” Case in point: Last month, 18-year-old Logan Huysman of Burlington Vermont was doing what most teens do and was passed out in a car full of other teens at a shopping center after dark thanks to the twin miracles of alcohol and sweet, sticky Vermont Weed. Unfortunately, this kind of activity attracts police and prompts them to do what police do, and Ms. Huysman was ultimately arrested for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and assault on police.

This being 2017, the young Miss took to social media after her arrest, claiming on social media that police touched her inappropriately, and posted pictures of her bruised arms. “I would consider that sexual assault, especially coming from ‘authority,’” she said. She later claimed that the post was meant to be a “wake-up call” on police misconduct. In an apparently shocking response to claims of police brutality and sexual assault of a young girl, however, Burlington Police Chief Brandon del Pozo (wait for it!) released the bodycam footage which showed an impaired Huysman demanding that the officer pay her $80 for her bong, threatening suicide, doing cartwheels, destroying paperwork, reaching into her waistband and simulating producing a gun with her hand and pointing it at officers, screaming at them, resisting her inevitable arrest and assaulting the cops in the process. The Chief also responded directly to the girl’s Facebook post which prompted a wave of outrage at the girl’s behavior which resulted in her doing the first responsible thing since this whole interaction began: She deleted the post. Enter the ACLU. “There’s a fine line between engaging the community, which is something we want our law enforcement officers to do, and doing what some might see as trying to shut down conversations,” said Jay Diaz, an attorney for the

26 • THE PULSE • JULY 13, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont said in a statement. In other words, the ACLU is furious that the local police chief released facts about the case in order to counter lies spread by Logan Huysman, and are therefore accusing him of using facts to “shut down conversations.” As discussed in previous columns, the American Civil Liberties Union has released an updated (“evolved”) version of its policy for regulating how police-worn body cameras should be used and under what circumstances the footage they capture can be released. This new “model law” suggests that most body camera footage shouldn’t be released unless there is a strong public interest, such as a use of force by police or a complaint against an officer that outweighs privacy issues. In this case, an on-duty police officer was publicly accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in their community on a publically accessible social media platform. I feel comfortable arguing this

as something the public would be “interested in,” since it somewhat shocks the conscious and shakes the very faith in public trust. A public official responded directly to the accusation and provided taxpayer-funded video evidence to the contrary, and now the ACLU considers this “shutting down conversations.” Well…yes, that was the point. Guilty. The ACLU has discovered what we have always known on this side of that vaunted Blue Line: That the behaviors of our clients are at times deplorable, and such displays are destroying the cases that were until now tried in the court of public opinion without defense. Now that the public finally gets the same front seat view that law enforcement does, of course they want to restrict what’s released. It’s only “fair” when the other guy looks like an asshole. Welcome to the party, boys. When officer Alexander D. Teach is not patrolling our fair city on the heels of the criminal element, he spends his spare time volunteering for the Boehm Birth Defects Center.


CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 13, 2017 • THE PULSE • 27



Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.