The Pulse 14.52 » December 28, 2017 by Brewer Media Group

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE DECEMBER 28, 2017

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VOL. 14, NO. 52 • DECEMBER 29, 2017

THE END OF A RIVER GORGE EXPLORING ERA

With their five-foot wingspan, brilliant red crowns and sheer numbers, the winter migration of Sandhill Cranes to southern roosts is a wondrous sight to behold.

STOVE WORKS ENGAGES THE ARTS COMMUNITY

A new art institution called Stove Works is being developed for Chattanooga starting in 2018. The local arts community is extremely fortunate to have this massive project taking place.

GETTING ONBOARD THE “BOOGIE CIRCUS”

How does LUTHI—an eclectic 9-piece soul/ funk/dance group and self-proclaimed “Boogie Circus”—fit into the country-obsessed Nashville scene? Just fine, apparently.

THE SELF-AWARENESS OF JEAN CLAUDE VAN DAMME

Everyone has their favorite karate star. During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, karate was as ubiquitous as Star Wars—karate dojos popped up on corners all around the U.S., offering training in a variety of martial arts.

ALSO INSIDE

Hip-Hop Chattanooga Style The transformation of Chattanooga’s music scene into a vibrant, healthy, diverse community full of possibilities and opportunities has taken place at an exponential rate in recent years. This is no longer “the place you drive back to when the gig is done.”

FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS

CONSIDER THIS

NEW IN THEATERS

AIR BAG

ON THE BEAT

ARTS CALENDAR

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

MUSIC CALENDAR

JONESIN' CROSSWORD

NEW MUSIC REVIEWS

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.

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BEGINNINGS ∙ CITY LIFE

The End Of An Era Sandhill Crane Cruises cap River Gorge Explorer’s nine-year run By Thom Benson 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 David Traver Adolphus • Adam Beckett Thom Benson • Rob Brezsny Matt Jones • Tony Mraz Ernie Paik • Rick Pimental-Habib Alex Teach • Michael Thomas Cartoonists Max Cannon • Rob Rogers Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow

ADVERTISING Director of Sales Mike Baskin

Account Executives Chee Chee Brown • Jeff Camp 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 Facebook @chattanoogapulse Fax 423.266.2335 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.

ITH THEIR FIVE-FOOT WINGspan, brilliant red crowns and sheer numbers, the winter migration of Sandhill Cranes to southern roosts is a wondrous sight to behold. But for birding enthusiasts, the arrival of these majestic waterfowl to the Tennessee Valley at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge is as much an aural spectacle as a visual one. “When a thousand or a couple thousand Sandhill Cranes are taking off, you get the proverbial locomotive ‘whoosh’ sort of roar,” says John Dever, a naturalist aboard the Tennessee Aquarium’s high-speed catamaran, the River Gorge Explorer. “With the length of the cranes’ tracheae, it’s like a vacuum hose, so you can hear their call for miles,” he adds. “They’re very cacophonous.” Passengers aboard the River Gorge Explorer get a one-of-a-kind perspective of these magnificent birds during special Sandhill Crane Cruise eco-tours. These two, to two and a half, hour trips, which include a circumnavigation of Hiwassee Island, offer passengers spectacular views of the cranes and other birds that find refuge there, from spike-crested Kingfishers and enormous White Pelicans to rafts of ducks and Bald and Golden Eagles. This year’s Sandhill Crane Cruises depart from Sale Creek Marina (3900 Lee Pike, Soddy-Daisy) at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Dec. 29-31, Jan. 5-7, and Jan. 12-15. This year’s Sandhill Crane cruises mark the last chance for guests to board the River Gorge Explorer. The vessel will end operations after a nine-year run with the last cruise on Jan. 15. The cruises coincide with the annual Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival, which will take place Jan. 13-14 at the refuge and nearby Birchwood Community Center in

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Photo by Donna Bourdon

“The real appeal to many of the 2,000 to 3,000 guests who arrive from all over the country and abroad is the wildlife spectacle,” Birchwood, Tennessee. The festival, which is hosted by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), features live music, food and animal demonstrations. But the real appeal to many of the 2,000 to 3,000 guests who arrive from all over the country and abroad is the wildlife spectacle, which is in full view from the covered sanctuary of the refuge’s observation platform. Based on early arrivals at the start of December, this year’s migration should more than satisfy the birding crowd, says TWRA Wildlife Information Specialist Mime Barnes. “We’re seeing good numbers. The technician at the refuge said they had 5,000-6,000 birds this week,” Barnes says. “As someone

who just enjoys wildlife and bird watching, that area has so much to offer.” Standing on the deck of the River Gorge Explorer just off shore offers an even more intimate, unobstructed way to appreciate the arrival of the largest flock of Sandhill Cranes in the Southeast outside of Florida, Barnes adds. “I really hope folks come out and experience it in every possible way, which means from land and from water,” she says. Cruise registration is $35 for Aquarium members and $45 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Registration links and additional information are available online at: tnaqua. org/sandhill-crane-cruises.

Consider This with Dr. Rick

EdiToon by Rob Rogers

“Happiness isn’t about getting what you want all the time. It’s about loving what you have, and being grateful for it.” — Walt Disney

Envisioning Your New Year Beyond Resolutions We all make resolutions, and let’s face it, probably 90 percent of us break them (don’t check my statistics). If you’re one of those who can’t help but throw your resolution by the wayside sometime mid-February, Chattanooga Workspace can help get your new year started off on the right foot. Creating a vision board not only allows you to decide on how you want your year to look, but also provides clarity in what truly means the most to you. Maybe you want

to work harder for that raise or promotion? You want to try one new restaurant per month? Or simpler goals like, keeping the house cleaner or taking your pup to the park more often, they can all be beauti-

fully collaged on your vision board. Bring photos from home, magazines, or other types of visual inspiration to keep you motivated. Documenting your goals is the best way to keep yourself accountable. Hang it in your office, bedroom, home office or gym; wherever you feel you’ll find the most motivation. Guide your year, your career, family, or personal project with a beautifully decorated vision board. Check out thechattery.org for more information. — Brooke Brown

Oprah puts it this way: you can look into your wallet and see only a $5 bill, and complain or feel sad about that. Or you can see that five dollars and be grateful that you have it. You have that kind of choice all the time. If you wake up in pain, that will surely get your attention. But you can start your day in a poor mood because of the pain, or you can be inwardly grateful that you woke to another day. Look out the window. Set your intentions. Go for it. Easier said than done sometimes. But consider this: every time you allow yourself to feel gratitude for the roof over your head, the food on your plate, the love in your life…you draw more of it to you, and you feel ever better about the blessings you do have. You create a new default! — Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D.‑

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COLUMN ∙ AIR BAG

#WhatAboutUs? The #MeToo movement for blue-collar workers helps explain why women don’t work on their cars...and what you can do about it

David Traver Adolphus Pulse contributor

HERE MAY BE NO PL ACE IN American life where sexism is baked in more thoroughly than car culture. A recent New York Times article profiling generations of abuse at Ford Motor Company—a problem they’ve been getting sued for since 1995 and which goes back more than 100 years—has brought Dearborn some of the same attention as Hollywood and Washington, but it’s more than just the factories. From vocational programs, to academia, to management, the dealership and the local instant oil change, cars have not just been a man’s world, but a world where women were actively discouraged. I can’t tell you when or where this started. Maybe the horse and buggy era was a boy’s club. I can tell you that I’ve worked in a lot of industries, and nowhere else has the level of institutional misogyny of the automotive world. Nowhere else is one of the most soughtafter promotional items a nude calendar like Pirelli’s; nowhere else are barely (or often un-) clad women used as literal machinery to begin races; and nowhere else are women excluded from even trying to participate. Maybe professional sports or rock and roll music can compare, but neither of those affect a fraction of the lives that the car does. Much as almost every woman has a

#metoo story from the workplace, so to do most women whose lives have touched cars in any way. I learned that from my own mother, a woman whose first car was a ‘65 Mustang, when dealers tried to “little lady” her and show her the trunk space. I learned it from my friend Julie, who worked for one of the world’s best known car restorers but was never taken seriously. I learned it from my editor Kate, an automotive scholar who was treated like she didn’t exist at international conferences. It’s impossible for me as a man to say I know anything about women’s experience in America, any more than as a white man I can know anything about the experience of being black in America, other than to acknowledge it sucks. But what I can do is try to help, and so can you, and here’s what we’re going to do: • Seek out woman-owned automotive businesses and spend your money there. Whether it’s a garage, dealership or tow truck; when presented with a choice make the one that evens the scales just that tiny bit. • Start young and start often. Cars are fun and do not have to be intimidating, especially to a young coder or hacker. It doesn’t have to be greasy, if someone is turned off by that. An OBDII (Onboard Diagnostic) scanner—a which reads fault codes, like a check engine light—is less than $50. Ten min-

utes with one of those and Google will tell you everything going on with your car. If you’re even more ambitious, 40 bucks will get you a USB interface you can use with a laptop and free software not only to read those codes, but clear them, too. For $80, you can get a bluetooth version and do it from your phone or tablet. Hand that to your kid and they can have a reprogrammable virtual dashboard of their own while you drive. • Stay woke. Are you a man with a woman doing something car related? And are you the one automatically being addressed? Say, “It’s hers” and walk away, every time, at the car wash, at the Valvoline oil change place, at the garage, anywhere. Hammer it home, over and over again and challenge assumptions. • Call it out where you see it. That goes for all evils and it can

be a fine line between neckbeard mansplaining and speaking up, so take a minute to make sure you’re not trying to rescue a damsel who is in fact just about to kick someone’s balls in. • And most of all, don’t be a dick. Do you need me to tell you this? I mean, I assume Pulse readers are an enlightened crowd but the thing about discrimination is, it’s sneaky. It doesn’t get taught; instead, it sneaks in around the corners in things you overhear as a kid, in the body language of people you trust, on the TV. Fighting it isn’t a war but a process of slow everyday repair, making little things better wherever you can. David Traver Adolphus is a freelance automotive researcher who recently quit his full time job writing about old cars to pursue his lifelong dream of writing about old AND new cars. Follow him on Twitter as @proscriptus.

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COVER STORY

Hip-Hop Chattanooga Style How a once underground music form made it to the mainstream in Chattanooga By Marc T. Michael Pulse Music Editor

HE TRANSFORMATION OF CHATTANOOGA’S music scene into a vibrant, healthy, diverse community full of possibilities and opportunities has taken place at an exponential rate in recent years. This is no longer “the place you drive back to when the gig is done.”

Reputations are made here, albums are recorded, concerts and festivals are played and loyal and enthusiastic fan bases are built. Virtually every genre music is represented here now; rock, folk, pop, country, jazz, blues, punk, metal, experimental, but of all of the styles and categories of music in the city, none has risen so swiftly from relative obscurity to front page prominence as Hip-Hop. Twenty years ago, Hip-Hop didn’t exist in this city, not in any measurable way. Ten years ago there were a handful of dedicated and talented artists who, unfortunately, rarely found an outlet for their music unless they were on the bill with some other kind of act. It was around then that Isaiah Rashad made his name, but even so it took going somewhere else to finally “make it”. Chattanooga was still the place you lived, not the place you performed. Even five years ago, with a rising tide of fresh young

talent, Hip-Hop was largely relegated to an underground existence, house parties and a small selection of venues better known for their rough crowds than their musical showcases. Underground may be a place to hone your skills and earn some street cred, you may even manage to launch a career, but the odds are against you in an industry where the odds are already slim. The artists were already here, they’d been here, practicing their craft for years. The fans were here, too, though their access to the music had been less than robust. Then, about a year ago, something happened that revolutionized the style of music, thrusting it firmly and irremovably into the spotlight. After speaking with a number of local artists, producers and promoters about the state of things today, where they were, where they’re headed, it seems undeniable that the scene’s sud-

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den and enthusiastic embrace of a genre that was not so long ago struggling to even be acknowledged can be traced to a singular event. Where the long overdue success and respect for these talented performers is concerned, all roads lead to Hip-Hop CHA. Formed just over a year ago, the original four (John, Nano, Sammy and Shun) came together to share their mutual appreciation for the music, a sort of “Hip-Hop book club” in the words of Cameron “C-Grimey” Williams. “In January Kay B Brown, Mickey

Real, DJ D-Whit and myself were asked to join the administrative team,” he tells us. From that point forward the group’s mission changed to focus on offering artists support and resources they might not otherwise have access to. “Our goal is to is to continue growing the hip-hop community, the artists, the culture, and (put a) stop to stereotypes while bridging the gap between hip-hop generations,” Williams explained. “We aim to promote inclusion through Hip-Hop-centric events all across Chattanooga,” Mickey Real

COVER STORY

adds. “We try to provide a platform for local artists and ideas.” Having established relationships with The Revelry Room and Spot Venue, the organization has worked tirelessly to put on a large number of productions, showcases, DJ battles and Chattanooga’s first ever Hip-Hop Festival. The access to quality venues, attributable to their high level of professionalism, is one of the many valuable assets they are able to offer artist, according to local performer, writer and recording artist Kindora Camp. “The current state of hip hop in our city is at an all-time high of acceptability and respect. I’ve never been invited to more hip hop shows ever and I’m happy about this,” notes Real. “Hip-Hop CHA is able to book venues that artists have a hard time being considered for. They are giving them nice PR, PR that a lot of artists have a hard time realizing they need, PR that artists typically have a hard time paying for.” DJ D-Whit has a similar take. “I came here in 2012 as a student at UTC and for the first couple of

“The artists were already here, they’d been here, practicing their craft for years. The fans were here, too, though their access to the music had been less than robust.” years I was mainly on campus but when I started getting out in to the city, it just wasn’t happening yet, but then here in the last year or so it’s been like watching a child grow,” he says. “It’s gone out of the underground and in to the mainstream with dance parties and showcases. They put on the first ever DJ Battle and put up $1,000 for first prize. There was nothing like that before and now people have been paying attention. I’ve been on the TV three times in the last year.” The watchword seems to be opportunities. There are more opportunities for rappers and DJs than ever before, due in part to the phenomenal talent available (Kay B Brown, reviewed earlier this year in this publication, is one of the most promising young stars from this area in years, and one to watch)

but the impact of Hip-Hop CHA as not-for-profit artist collective is undeniable. Essentially ambassadors for the genre, they are not only building bridges with venues and redefining the image of the genre, they also fulfill a valuable mentoring role for new artists who might not yet understand the business side of the music business. “The scene is definitely thriving for local artists,” Real explains. “Advances in technology are part of it, but there’s a spirit of entrepreneurship too. Artists have figured out that you don’t necessarily require a label anymore as long as you develop a solid brand. When Isaiah (Rashad) took off, a lot of people realized, hey, maybe I CAN make it! “We’re seeing a lot of talent now, though,” he adds with a grin.

“There’s a lot of rookies out there too. Kids who focus so much on image they forget about stage presence or they get up there and they forget lyrics because they haven’t rehearsed. Then too, a lot of them don’t get that you have to go out there and meet the club owners, you’ve got to talk to the media, you can’t just wait for them to come to you. You’ve got to make that impression, be professional, and show them that you’re not just all image.” It is precisely this sort of guidance and advice that has allowed what essentially started as a music appreciation club to bring Hip-Hop music into the limelight, adding a new, important, valuable and rapidly growing dimension to the local scene. Their dedication to the promotion of their art, community and unity are nothing less than inspirational and the results speak for themselves as Chattanooga Hip-Hop takes its seat at the table. Thanks to their selfless hard work, for the new generation of up and coming artists, the sky is the limit.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Stove Works Engages The Arts Community New art institution to provide residency for local artists and more

By Tony Mraz

Pulse contributor

NEW ART INSTITUTION called Stove Works is being developed for Chattanooga starting in 2018. The local arts community is extremely fortunate to have this massive project taking place— in addition to boosting the local art economy and providing educational/ career advancement opportunities, the 75,000 square foot facility will bring established international artists to town for residencies. The project began as a pipe dream between two acquaintances in a bar in Nashville. While having a beer, Charlotte Caldwell and Michael Calway-Fagen got to talking about art. Agreeing on the importance of residencies, and the need for more cul10 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

tural exchange in the southeast, they conceived an idea of a large scale artist residency for Chattanooga. Michael eventually quit his job teaching art at UGA and moved to town. When the space for their dream to become a reality became available, Charlotte was able to secure it. Located near downtown, the complex of four adjoining buildings sits empty, an abandoned factory and warehouse. Starting in January, it will begin to be revitalized and transformed. Stove Works gets its name from being an assembling plant for cast iron stoves, though most recently it was a storage space for the Top Flight Paper Co. In the future, the institution will house working artists, their studios, and an enormous 5,300 square foot art gallery. The main entrance will

have bricks with donor’s names inscribed on them, and will open into a lobby with a coffee shop, front desk, and turnstile. The space is incredibly beautiful, with lots of natural light and stairs to a balcony that overlooks the gallery. The facility will include fabrication shops, a library, classroom, greenhouse, outdoor music venue, dog park, and sculpture garden. The courtyard will have extensive landscape architecture, being planted with all native plants, including those for making dyes and fiber. In addition to all of that, there will be commercial spaces available for use by creative businesses, and reasonably priced studios for local artists. Beginning in early January with demolition work, the project will take place in phases, with construction be-

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“Located near downtown, the complex of four adjoining buildings sits empty, an abandoned factory and warehouse. Starting in January, it will begin to be revitalized and transformed.” ginning in the spring. The overall model for Stove Works is a non-profit, but it will work in conjunction with for-profit businesses. Revenue from the rent for these businesses will go to the non-profit to make it more sustainable—this will enable it to start from zero instead of having to raise funds to pay for property taxes, utilities, operating costs, etc. All of the funds raised by the non-profit will go directly to programming, education, and to fund the artist residencies. For these, each visiting artist will live at Stove Works for a period of three months. There is space for seven visual artists, and two writers or a family residency. Each artist will get a stipend, a 400 square foot studio space, and a living space with a private bathroom and shower. The artist living area will have a lounge, communal kitchen, and community dining area. Initially the residency will house a test group, and after that there will be an open international call for artists. In addition to their private studios, visiting artists will have access to extensive creative facilities. The hub of this area, which occupies an entire building, will be a central workspace and conference room. Radiating out from the central workspace will be the fabrication shops—a wood shop, metal shop, screen print shop, and darkroom.

Next door to the shops, there will be two galleries—the main gallery will be white walled and pristine while preserving the character of the structure, hybridizing the old and the new. This formal presentation space will have obvious indications of the building’s history, with industrial columns and ceiling still visible, and the original concrete floor polished and lacquered. A secondary gallery will function as a project space, where experimental shows and student works will be accessible to the community. Most of the programming in the main gallery will be there for periods of 3 months, whereas the project space’s content will be rotating out more often. An educational component will correspond with each residency and gallery show in the classroom located next to the galleries. All classes and workshops will be free to the public, and funded by the non-profit. Next door to the classroom will be a library that will focus on catalogs, art books, and have a section of books that were influential to each resident artist. This incredible undertaking is being financed almost entirely by private donations. To learn more about the project, visit their website at stoveworks.org

(After) Christmastime: A Holiday Soap Opera It’s not Christmastime without overindulgence in everything from presents to food, and the always eventful, overindulgence in alcohol mixed with much too much family time. It’s as if your real life suddenly becomes a daytime soap and you can’t escape the boobtube. This Friday at First Draft Theater, they’ll be experiencing family in the most artificially real life situation and improving their way through the evening, much like you. Whether it’s chit-chatting with Aunt Edna about the good ‘ole days or trying to sneak as many glasses of wine as you can before sitting next to Uncle Bob at the dinner table, First Draft Theater might have some good tips to pick up on for the new year, so don’t miss out. The Improvised Soap Opera: Home for the Holidays! will feature a multitude of

“holiday trimmings: jealousy, booze, greed, secrets, gossip, booze, turkey, backstabbing, disappointment, booze, more disappointment, and maybe even some disillusionment.” Some of which, hopefully, will not be found at your own holiday get together this season. Bring your own booze to the soap and sit back for a hilarious night of what may or may not be a reenactment of your own life. Cheers! — Brooke Brown

THU12.28

FRI12.29

SAT12.30

December Social (Justice) Hour

Beauty and The Beast

Ruby Falls Discovery Day

A discussion of future events as well as some of their plans for the coming year. 7 p.m. Frothy Monkey 1400 Market St. (423) 680-6343 frothymonkey.com

The Disney classic comes to the stage. Come relive the timeless story of Belle taming the Beast and finding true love. 7 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. theatrecentre.com

Come celebrate 89 years since the discovery of the falls in 1928. Surprises will be in store for each visitor. 8 a.m. Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. rubyfalls.com

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

Thrill After Thrill For The Holidays

THURSDAY12.28 Thrill After Thrill For The Holidays 2 p.m. The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org 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 Lululemon & Oddstory Pub Run 5:30 p.m. Oddstory Brewing Company 336 E. MLK Blvd. oddstorybrewing.co Beauty and The Beast 7 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com December Social (Justice) Hour 7 p.m. Frothy Monkey 1400 Market St. (423) 680-6343 frothymonkey.com Spanky Brown, Andy

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Forrester & Rodney Alan Wiggins 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

FRIDAY12.29 Chattanooga Market at Erlanger 10:30 a.m. Erlanger Hospital Medical Mall 975 E. 3rd St. chattanoogamarket.com Thrill After Thrill For

The Holidays 2 p.m. The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org North Pole Limited 5:30, 7:30 p.m. Tennessee Valley Railroad 4119 Cromwell Rd. (423) 894-8028 tvrail.com Beauty and The Beast 7 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Eve Of The Eve: Latin Dance Party 7 p.m. Embargo 62 301 Cherokee Blvd.

ENTERTAINMENT SPOTLIGHT Three great comedians team up for a very special weekend of comedy, including a laughout-loud New Year's Eve comedy bash! Spanky Brown, Andy Forrester & Rodney Alan Wiggins The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

embargo62.com Mont Overton 7 p.m. Frequency Arts 1804 E. Main St. facebook.com/frequencyarts Improv Showdown 7:30 p.m. First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Spanky Brown, Andy Forrester & Rodney Alan Wiggin 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Nooga! Home For The Holidays Finale! 10 p.m. First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com

SATURDAY12.30 Ruby Falls Discovery Day 8 a.m. Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com St. Albans Hixson Saturday Market 9:30 a.m. St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 7514 Hixson Pike (423) 842-6303 Saturday Brainerd

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

West Village New Year’s Eve Block Party Farmers Market 10 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 Red Wolf Feeding and Talk Noon Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center 400 Garden Rd (423) 821-1160 reflectionriding.org Beauty and The Beast 2:30, 7 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com North Pole Limited 5:30, 7:30 p.m. Tennessee Valley Railroad 4119 Cromwell Rd. (423) 894-8028 tvrail.com Spanky Brown, Andy Forrester & Rodney Alan Wiggins 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Improv vs Standup 10 p.m. First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com

SUNDAY12.31 Zoo Year’s Eve 10 a.m. Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. (423) 697-1322 chattzoo.org New Year’s at Noon 10 a.m. Creative Discovery Museum 321 Chestnut St. (423) 756-2738 cdmfun.org Free Fiddle School 2 p.m. Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd. (423) 994-7497 New Year’s Eve Gaming Party 6 p.m. Infinity Flux 3643 Hixson Pike (423) 591-5689 New Year’s Eve Block Party 6 p.m. West Village MLK Blvd. & 7th on Chestnut & Pine St. westvillagechattanooga.com Karen Lawrence Night Run 7 p.m. Sportsbarn Downtown 301 Market St. (423) 266-1125 sportsbarn.net Spanky Brown, Andy Forrester & Rodney Alan Wiggins 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233

thecomedycatch.com New Year’s Eve Party On The Bluff 9 p.m. The Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org New Year’s on the River 9 p.m. Southern Belle Riverboat 201 Riverfront Pkwy. (423) 266-4488 chattanoogariverboat.com

MONDAY1.1 Lula Lake Polar Plunge 1 p.m. Lula Lake Land Trust 5000 Lula Lake Rd. (706) 820-0520 lulalake.org First Monday Improv Comedy 7:30 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347 barkinglegs.org

TUESDAY1.2 Northside Farmers’ Market 3 p.m. Northside Presbyterian Church 923 Mississippi Ave. (423) 266-1766 Lookout Farmers Market 4 p.m. Christ United Methodist Church 8645 E. Brainerd Rd.

lookoutfarmersmarket.com Tuesday Night Chess Club 6 p.m. Downtown Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 643-7700 chattilibrary.com

WEDNESDAY1.3 Lookout Farmers Market 10 a.m. Memorial Hospital 2525 Desales Ave. lookoutfarmersmarket.com Middle Eastern Dance 10:30 a.m. Jewish Cultural Center 5461 North Terrace (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com Main Street Market 4 p.m. 522 W. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com Square Foot Gardening Seminar 7 p.m. Chattanooga State 4501 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 697-4400 chattanoogastate.edu Comedy Open Mic 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • THE PULSE • 13

MUSIC

Getting Onboard The “Boogie Circus” Luthi brings their soul/funk/dance party to JJ's Bohemia

By Ernie Paik

Pulse contributor

OW DOES LUTHI—AN ECLectic 9-piece soul/funk/dance group and self-proclaimed “Boogie Circus”—fit into the countryobsessed Nashville scene? Just fine, apparently. “It’s been a blessing being in a city filled with so much music in general,” said Christian Luthi, the group’s founder, in advance of LUTHI’s Saturday night show at JJ’s Bohemia. “Nashville brings together so much talent and creativity no matter the genre. We’re pumped to be a part of it.” Originally from Chicago and Madison, Wis., Luthi settled in Nashville in 2009 after studying musical theater and vocal performance, and his musical aspirations gelled with his former

14 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

roommate Taylor Ivey, culminating with LUTHI’s formation. “There was no assembling, per se; everything happened organically,” said Luthi, the group’s lead singer. “We’re all drawn to good humor and positivity, but in reality, the entirety of this band were homies in some shape or fashion before we ended up playing together.” Comparisons have been made between LUTHI and acts such as soul-funk master Curtis Mayfield and modern post-punk dance group LCD Soundsystem, but LUTHI’s sound seems to come from many more origins, from the ensemble’s bright brass-band outbursts to its guitar pyrotechnics with psychedelic rock sources. “Musically, we’re all influenced by some different, sometimes out-there stuff, from Afrobeat to bluegrass to

underground hip hop,” said Ivey, via email. “I think we’re also very much influenced by each other’s musical ability and creativity.” “It’s still very fun to sit down and flesh out a song or set up some great improv with these guys and girl,” said Ivey. “I get a huge kick out of just listening to our band mates play.” Joining Luthi and Ivey in the earliest line-up of LUTHI was drummer Patrick Futrell, who joins bassist Taylor Craft to comprise the ensemble’s vital rhythm section and backbone, with Ivey and Johnny Williamson both handling guitar duties. Keyboardist Luke “Boots” Iverson— a Chattanooga resident—plays with an equal comfort level between funkinflected motifs, new-wave grooves or more contemporary cosmic electronics, and LUTHI’s brass—trombon-

MUSIC

“Comparisons have been made between LUTHI and acts such as soul-funk master Curtis Mayfield and modern post-punk dance group LCD Soundsystem.” ist Carl Gatti, trumpeter Robert Gay and saxophonist/backing vocalist Amber Woodhouse—are tight, offering aural glitter or an emotional smokiness depending on what’s needed in the moment. The group prides itself on having an organic flexibility regarding song development and how a live set might unfold. “Like all of the bands we grew up admiring, the songs really get legs once we’ve been playing them on the road,” said Ivey. “When we started, Christian would bring in pretty concrete songs with his melody and lyrics and, as a band, we’d develop what went around the existing song musically.” “Nowadays, it’s still pretty close to that, but one or two of us may be co-writing that initial outline with Christian before getting the band treatment.” LUTHI’s Chattanooga show on Saturday night comes just a day before a high-profile New Year’s Eve gig at the Tabernacle in Atlanta, opening for Moon Taxi. The show also comes on the heels of the release of the group’s new EP, Live at the Basement East, which is currently available digitally, with a two-song version soon to be released on a 7-inch vinyl single. It documents the highlights from a hometown show back in July, capturing the band’s

live chemistry and kinetic energy; however, the EP is just a warm-up for the ensemble’s upcoming debut album. “We’re finished tracking the initial bit of our first full length album. Now it’s time to start working on mixing and final tweaks,” said Ivey. “Stay tuned in early 2018 for some more news.” LUTHI’s most popular song so far is “Every Body,” from the group’s 2016 EP Home Again, and it’s a party pop song with Luthi’s singing—sometimes slipping into a soul falsetto—resembling a warmer, non-neurotic version of Kevin Barnes from Of Montreal. As heard on Live at the Basement East, LUTHI can earn some rapturous applause and spirited responses for its live performances, and Ivey recalled one particular indelible memory. “One time a very enthusiastic fan was dancing in front of our keyboard player, Luke, and he stared right into Luke’s eyes, licked the palm of his hand, and slapped the concrete floor of the venue with enough force to possibly break some bones,” said Ivey. “I’ll never forget that.” ···· Check LUTHI out this Saturday night at JJ's Bohemia (along with Three Star Revival and Over Easy) and hear for yourself.

A Raspy, Rockin’ New Year's Kick Off It seems like any time I ask a friend where they’re going tonight, the answer is Clyde’s. Meet me for a drink? Clyde’s. Wanna see some live music? Clyde’s. It’s become a staple of young Chattanoogans, the place to head when they’re looking for a great time and even better food and beer. This Friday won’t be any different as the band Clyde’s is hosting is phenomenal in their own right, but seem like a band that pairs perfectly with a good brew. Cranford Hollow has the raspy vocals of rock and roll dreams and smooth, chill lyrics that will have you clam-

oring for more. Categorized on their website as “psychedelic lowcountry rock” it’s certainly a sound you won’t soon forget. They hail from Hilton Head, bringing some South Carolinian twang with them and in songs like “Bury it Down,” it’s evident you won’t be able to keep your toes from tappin’. Scour their music on SoundCloud to find your favorites prior to the show. This writer’s favorite has to be “Long Shadows.” It has a Kings of Leon feel, like much of their album, but with a lowcountry kick that makes it all their own. Don’t miss them! — Brooke Brown

THU12.28

FRI12.29

SAT12.30

Bluegrass Thursdays

NONY

Caroline Cotter

The weekly gathering of bluegrass pickers and fans of roots music is a must visit for all fans of Appalachian music and more. 7:30 p.m. Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com

It's a New Orleans New Year presented by Hip Hop CHA to get you into the "Big Easy" spirit and start your NYE weekend off right! 8 p.m. Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.co

Vivid, thoughtful lyrics with a honeyed soprano, Cotter's tunes are brimming with soul-searching expression. 8 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • THE PULSE • 15

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Megan Howard

THURSDAY12.28 James Crumble Trio 6 p.m. St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Prime Country Band 6:30 p.m. Motley’s 320 Emberson Dr. Ringgold, GA (706) 260-8404 Toby Hewitt 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Open Mic Night with Ryan Oyer 7 p.m. Moccasin Bend Brewing Company 3210 Broad St. bendbrewingbeer.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

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Open Mic Night with Jonathan Wimpee 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com

FRIDAY12.29 Binji Varsossa 6 p.m. Cancun Mexican Restaurant 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Mont Overton, Jason Dean, Pinecone, Powers, Praymantha 7 p.m. Frequency Arts 1804 E. Main St. facebook.com/frequencyarts 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 New Orleans New Year presented by Hip Hop Cha 8 p.m. Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.co Megan Howard 8 p.m. The Casual Pint 5550 Hwy. 153 hixson.thecasualpint.com Instant Replay 8:30 p.m. The Foundry

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Mark "Porkchop" Holder 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Courtney Daly & The Daly Grind 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Gabe Jones and Ashley Broockman 9 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com End of Year Bash 9 p.m. SPOT Arts Venue 3214 Brainerd Rd. spotvenue.co Infidel, Rent Veil 9 p.m. Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Stone Cold Fox, MPH 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com The Reese & Rosser Band 9:30 p.m. Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Cranford Hollow 10 p.m. Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Voodoo Slim 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SATURDAY12.30 Bluegrass Brunch Noon The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy. thehonestpint.com Binji Varsossa 6 p.m. Cancun Mexican Restaurant 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Hip Hop CHA New Year’s Showcase 7 p.m. Frequency Arts 1804 E. Main St. facebook.com/frequencyarts Rick Rushing 7 p.m. Oddstory Brewing Company 336 E. MLK Blvd. oddstorybrewing.co

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 New Year’s Eve Eve Bash 8 p.m. Southside Social 1818 Chestnut St. thesouthsidesocial.com Caroline Cotter 8 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse 105 McBrien Rd. christunity.org Instant Replay 8:30 p.m. The Foundry 1201 Broad St.

PULSE MUSIC SPOTLIGHT Courtney Holder is making waves in the Southeast music scene. Her style is best described as Stevie Nicks meets Jewel with a Southern flare.

chattanooganhotel.com Mark “Porkchop” Holder 9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Three Star Revial, Luthi, Over Easy 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Courtney Holder 9 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com RoughWork 9 p.m. Farm To Fork 120 Robert E Lee Dr. Ringgold, GA farmtoforkga.com Dead Affect 10 p.m. Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Voodoo Slim 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SUNDAY12.31 NEW YEAR'S EVE

Courtney Holder

Saturday, 9 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com

The Malemen Show Band, Priscilla & Little Rickee 7 p.m. Westin Chattanooga 801 Pine St. CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • THE PULSE • 17

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR

Nick Lutsko westinchattanooga.com Disco Wonderland 7 p.m. The Dwell Hotel 120 E. 10th St. thedwellhotel.com The Communicators 7 p.m. Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 7:30 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. choochoo.com Behold the Brave, Deacons 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Unknown Hinson 9 p.m. Songbirds Guitar Museum 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com The Embellishers featuring Troy Underwood & Gary Hermstreet 9 p.m. Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com The Power Players 9 p.m. The Chattanoogan 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com KlusterfunK 9 p.m. Trip’s Tavern 4762 Hwy. 58 (423) 803-5686 Matthew Paul Revere, Jerry

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Grant and the Corruptors, Silver Tongued Devilz 9 p.m. Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Nick Lutsko, Genki Genki Panic 9:30 p.m. The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy. thehonestpint.com The Velcro Pygmies 9:30 p.m. Revelry Room 41 Station St. revelryroom.co Voodoo Slim 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

MONDAY1.1 Open Mic Night 6 p.m. Puckett’s Grocery 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Attack Of The Open Mic! 7 p.m. Barley Chattanooga 235 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 682-8200 Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Open Air with Jessica Nunn 7:30 p.m. The Granfalloon

400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Very Open Mic with Shawnessey Cargile 8 p.m. The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. #8 wellonthesouthside.com

TUESDAY1.2 Bill McCallie and In Cahoots 6:30 p.m. Southern Belle 201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com Open Mic With Courtney & Ivan 7 p.m. Farm To Fork 120 Robert E Lee Dr. Ringgold, GA farmtoforkga.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

WEDNESDAY1.3 No Big Deal

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 Jesse James Jungkurth 7 p.m. Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Joel Brothers 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 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 ∙ ADAM BECKETT

New Music From Good Guy Collective and Aron Devereaux

Good Guy Collective What The Water Tells Me (facebook.com/ goodguycollective)

rom the (real) hip-hop side of things, coming out of Knoxville is a thought provoking, positive minded, eclectic, and cognizant album What the Water Tells Me, from Good Guy Collective. The album is refreshing due to its unmatched individualized, soul sound; it is true to itself. It is beautiful when likeminded people can produce a collective vision, and reap monumental results. The Good Guy Collective was founded in 2013 by a group of artists who joined forces to share tools and resources to create music. The group elevated to operate as a non-profit organization, producing projects, offering programs, services, and workshops, with the vision of building a close-knit performing arts community; What the Water Tells Me is one example of the outcome of their collective union. It is a truly fascinating album that is full of raw style,

Aaron Devereaux Mirrors (arondevereaux.bandcamp. com)

soul, and artists that know how to pour their hearts out into music. It seems as if this group feeds off of each other, pushing each other to the next level, tapping into that untainted rhythm and flow. The different emcees and singers perfectly complement each other, breathing dynamic life into this album. Free Spirited spoken word segments are in between many of the tracks, they penetrate ventricles and have the power to free minds. This album deserves to be heard by the masses. Consciousness is the overall undertone of it in its entirety, however, it does not trump the pungent beats, fanciful sound, and artistic flow; it is a glorious album. Start to finish is the recommended way to listen to this album so that its effectiveness can have the opportunity to cycle through the listener’s system, some of the standout tracks are “World Tour”, a “Monkey’s

Curriculum”,” Rain Drops”, and “Miseducated”. Spoken word “We’ve Lost Them” is profound and throat punching in a wake-up type of way. What the Water Tells Me is a staple album that should be in every free thinker or music lovers music collection. Go press play to open your mind and enhance your life.

n exceptional album that has recently caught my attention is the electronic/ chill/ambient Mirrors, by Knoxville artist Aron Devereaux. This rocksteady piece of instrumental artwork is remarkable on many different levels. The diverse style of the fifteen ever changing tracks on the album all come together to release an incredible blend of music. The imagination of the artist blares through his music. The music has a heartfelt sound about it, and it has a beautify pure essence. With precise head bobbing beats paving the way for some floaty rhythmic, and pulsing tones to glide alongside it, the intelligently produced album is a daily listenable type of album that is great background music for most settings of daily life. All the songs on the album have their own unique original sound to them, inside each song is a magical blend of different sounds.

“Castle”, is an ambient, wave-riding track with some heady hip-hop beats to compliment it, it drifts in a cool type of way. “The Pond” and “Smoky” are both short but sweet tracks that have real chill, down tempo trap music feels about them, and they both get a spot on the soundtrack to my life. Where they both resemble trap music, Devereaux contains them to his own spacy and fluent track styling, and adds his own twist to them, they are both tracks with some extra jam. “Flames Under the Sky” is potentially the standout track on the album with the soul smashing ear candy that floods from it. The guitar coincides perfectly with the beats, and is simply excellent music. “Setting Sun” is a close second with its earthy beach tone, that is seemingly made to be enjoyed with a cup of coffee in the morning to start the day off right, and to center ones being in this oftenhectic world. It is a perspective changer that will guide a mindset toward positivity, it even utilizes a sample from Charlie Chaplain’s “Final Speech”; positive motivation at its finest. This uplifting artist makes amazing music, check out Mirrors for your daily dose of jam.

THE PULSE • NEW YEAR'S EVE GUIDE • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • 19

FILM & TELEVISION

The Self-Awareness Of Jean Claude Van Damme Jean Claude Van Johnson entertains in all the right ways

The Worst Movie Ever Made? With all the Oscar buzz surrounding James Franco’s The Disaster Artist, now is your chance to see the movie it was based upon: Tommy Wiseau’s The Room. Mark your calendars now for Wednesday, January 10th at Hamilton Place 8 and prepare yourself to experience what many have claimed to be the “worst movie ever made” in all its spectacularly insane glory. This special screening will feature Tommy Wiseau’s commercials, an inside look at a Hollywood screening and the trailer for Tommy and Greg Sestero’s upcoming film Best F(r)iends. Because of course he’s made another movie, since his first has been so “successful”. For those unware, the plot is, well...a bit complicated. Johnny (Tommy Wiseau) is a successful banker who lives happily in a San Francisco townhouse with his fiancée, Lisa (Juliette Danielle). One day, inexplicably, she gets bored with him and decides to seduce his best friend, Mark (Greg Sestero). From there, nothing will be the same again. And neither will audiences. The bad acting, bizarre pacing, often incomprehensible acting, and plot threads that appear and disappear with seemingly no purpose have captivated audiences around the word and made The Room a true cult classic. Just be warned: it really is that bad. Which is what makes it so much fun. — Michael Thomas

By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor

Tommy Wiseau's The Room Wednesday, January 10, 8 p.m. Hamilton Place 8 2000 Hamilton Pl. Blvd. (844) 462-7342 www.fathomevents.com 20 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

VERYONE HAS THEIR FAVORITE KARATE star. During the ‘80s and early ‘90s, karate was as ubiquitous as Star Wars—karate dojos popped up on corners all around the U.S., offering training in a variety of martial arts. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles dominated Saturday morning cartoons and Ralph Macchio waxed on and off in The Karate Kid. Criminals got a cowboy boot in the face from Chuck Norris on Walker, Texas Ranger. Those my age remember Three Ninjas and Surf Ninjas and lots of other kid ninjas defeating evil through slapstick humor. This all started, of course, with Bruce Lee. He captured the attention of every wannabe street fighter in the world in movies like Enter the Dragon and Fist of Fury. That he inspired copycats was inevitable. Jean-Claude

Van Damme was one. He hit the movie scene in Bloodsport, an example of both the best and the worst action movies the ‘80s had to offer, and followed it up with classics like Universal Soldier, Timecop, and Hard Target. But, like all karate movie stars it seems, he began to fade into the obscurity of direct-to-video movies by the end of the millennium. He was off the map for a while until he starred in the limited release film JCVD, where he played a version of himself involved in a post office heist in his hometown of Brussells. It was a send-up of his legacy, a strong performance and commentary on elusive fame and fortune. Now, thanks to Amazon, he returns in the sixepisode series Jean Claude Van Johnson, where he again plays a version of himself. Unlike JCVD, however, Jean Claude Van Johnson is a weird meta-comedy that allows Van Damme to show his range.

FILM & TELEVISION

“Van Damme’s acting is far better here than it ever was during his heyday. It seems that starring in fifty-eight movies helped him learn something about timing.”

✴ ✴ NEW IN THEATERS ✴ ✴

The premise is that movie star JeanClaude Van Damme is a cover for private undercover operative Jean Claude Van Johnson, fighter for truth and justice. He’s retired from both now—a shell of the former fighting force known as the “Muscles from Brussells.” His movie career stalled long ago, as did his undercover work, and as a result, Jean-Claude moves from relationship to relationship, bored and wanting more out of his life. He decides to return to the agency and is given an assignment on a movie in Bulgaria—a Michael Bay style action reboot of Huckleberry Finn. This is the type of absurdity necessary to make the show work. Most of the jokes a self-referential—JeanClaude’s opening monologue tells us that he “used to be super famous.” He reminds us about Bloodsport (“It is on television all of the time.”) and Time-

cop (“Which is like Looper starring Bruce Willis, but like a million times better.”). The pilot episode is filled with references to action movie clichés, like bad guys attacking one at a time, or eye rolling one liners. But Van Damme’s acting is far better here than it ever was during his heyday. It seems that starring in fifty-eight movies helped him learn something about timing. The storyline itself is sometimes hard to follow, but it really doesn’t matter. Everything is just a set-up for a joke of some sort. Some of the best material is the biting commentary about the film industry rather Van Damme’s disappearance from it (Huck’s companion, “N-Word Jim,” is replaced by an Asian actor because it’s offensive for a black person to portray a slave and it’ll make the movie more popular in China). The show works well due to its limit-

All the Money in the World The story of the kidnapping of 16-year-old John Paul Getty III and the desperate attempt by his devoted mother to convince his billionaire grandfather Jean Paul Getty to pay the ransom. Director: Ridley Scott Stars: Michelle Williams, Christopher Plummer, Mark Wahlberg, Romain Duris

ed episode number. Six episodes feels like the right amount to explore the idea. Any more and the joke would wear thin. This doesn’t necessarily bode well for future seasons, though. If the writers want to continue the series, they will need to move beyond the more obvious jokes. Van Damme could reasonably sell another season, but he’d need a stronger supporting cast and maybe cameo or two from the old days, but without turning the show into a smaller scale version of The Expendables. Jean-Claude Van Johnson is worth a short binge on the weekend, particularly if you were a fan of his earlier work. Amazon has done a good job on some of their original series’. Shows like Jean Claude Van Johnson and The Tick have a limited audience and that Amazon is willing to give them a chance is a positive, as is their habit of allowing viewers to choose which series they’d like to see created. Netflix is greenlight happy right now, so it’s nice to see a little restraint. There’s not much of that in the entertainment industry. Give Jean Claude Van Johnson a try. It’s best enjoyed with coconut water.

Molly's Game The true story of Molly Bloom, an Olympic-class skier who ran the world's most exclusive high-stakes poker game and became an FBI target. Molly's Game marks the return of director Aaron Sorkin to the big screen. Director: Aaron Sorkin Stars: Jessica Chastain, Idris Elba, Kevin Costner, Michael Cera CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • THE PULSE • 21

COLUMN ∙ ON THE BEAT

Christmas At Walmart Officer Alex spends his Christmas day in a (nearly) deserted parking lot

Alex Teach

Pulse columnist

HRISTMAS DAY. THIS IS OF note in two small ways that are only of any concern to myself, but I’m the one writing this column so you get the unenviable joy of listening to both of them. The first is that Christmas Day falls precisely three days past the deadline for the submission of said column. This is both amusing to me for the annoyance it unintentionally causes my handler (a man surpassed in patience by only that of a daycare worker) as well as the fact that the story simply couldn’t be written until now because it had yet to unfold. The other small way that it is of note is that it’s the second Christmas in a row I’ve spent watching over a particularly vilified corporate parking lot, and the second year I’ve wound up feeding folks occupying cars that serve as their primary places of residence. I started off considering myself to be alone here in freezing and sub-freezing temperatures, making people either mad or sad that they chose the one day of the year Walmart actually shutters its doors to make crucial purchases. The looks always start the same: disbelief, followed by confusion, then anxiety and occasionally shock. Some choose to engage in a verbal argument about their “constitutional right to have access to food and milk” while others are simply crestfallen, doomed to seek apples for Rudolph at a gas station with a bit of luck, because there

is no joy to be had here. But after a bit when the tide of the Poor Time-Management Crowd begins to recede, this place looks like a desert, and quite appropriately does what deserts tend to do for those that take the time to study them for a bit: its indigenous creatures emerge from shadow and resume their after-hours lives. The dozen or so cars on the lot that appear to be derelicts are largely just that—the abandoned (and occasionally stolen) hulks left to rot out of convenience for their previous pilots…but the twinkle of glass inside one indicates scratched prescription eyeware of the man living inside. The flash in another is from the reflection of the short white hair of a pit bull mix the two occupants of the front seats hold dear. The former SUV was fully operational, albeit filled to the gills with sacks of trashbags serving as luggage, while the latter car was victim to a flat tire, the two meth-addicted occupants were powerless to resolve as evidenced by what was now their 12th hour of waiting for assistance that began at 4 a.m. the night before when I watched them carefully wheel in. What to do then? Why say “Hello” of course, and to see what could be done after assurances of eviction were done away with. In the end I am neither a mechanic nor a landlord, but I could feed them whatever I had on hand and it is positively amazing what six bottles of water, six packs of

22 • THE PULSE • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

“Some choose to engage in a verbal argument about their ‘constitutional right to have access to food and milk’ while others are simply crestfallen." crackers and four packets of trail mix can do for one’s spirit after a 12-hour wait when not even a convenience store is open. The same thing happened last year, though the occupants of that car happened to be father and son—the father getting visitation for the “magical” night when his girlfriend’s mutual meth addiction could not be restrained as he had done, resulting in quality time in a 1992 Buick in the pre-dawn hours for his 6-year-old. I made arrangements for them, but not after setting up a milk crate outside the door with what was to be my late night dinner of pop-top Ravioli’s, cookies, water and soda. The point of all this is that this is a difficult world to not be humbled in if you take the time to look

around you. There is help to be rendered (if you’re comfortable). There are things to be grateful for (if you grasp the concept of “perspective.”) And more than anything? You are never truly alone, if you take the time to look beyond yourself (both figuratively and literally). Particularly during a 15-hour side-job shift on Christmas Day. (I hope this finds you sheltered, warm and fed. And if not? Look for the flashing blue lights. We’re not all sweethearts, but we’ll do what we can with what we have.) Merry Crimmas. 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.

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY ∙ ROB BREZSNY CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Hungarian psychiatrist Thomas Szasz dismissed the idea that a person should be on a quest to “find himself” or “find herself.”“The self is not something that one finds,” he said. Rather, “it is something one creates.” I think that’s great advice for you in 2018, Capricorn. There’ll be little value in wandering around in search of fantastic clues about who you were born to be. Instead you should simply be gung-ho as you shape and craft yourself into the person you want to be. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Is there anything about your attitude or your approach that is a bit immature or unripe? Have you in some way remained an amateur or apprentice when you should or could have become fully professional by now? Are you still a dabbler in a field where you could be a connoisseur or master? If your answer to any of these questions is yes, the coming months will be an excellent time to grow up, climb higher, and try harder. I invite you to regard 2018 as the Year of Kicking Your Own Ass. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 2018, one of your themes will be “secret freedom.” What does that mean? The muse who whispered this clue in my ear did not elaborate further. But based on the astrological aspects, here are several possible interpretations. 1. You may have to dig deep and be strategic to access resources that have the power to emancipate you. 2. You may be able to discover a rewarding escape and provocative deliverance that have been hidden from you up until now. 3. You shouldn’t brag about the liberations you intend to accomplish until you have accomplished them. 4. The exact nature of the freedom that will be valuable to you might be useless or irrelevant or incomprehensible to other people. ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I need more smart allies, compassionate supporters, ethical role models, and loyal friends, and I need them right now!” writes Joanna K., an Aries reader from Albuquerque, New Mexico. On the other hand, there’s Jacques T., an Aries reader from Montreal. “To my amazement, I actually have much of the support and assistance I need,” he declares. “What I seem to need more of are constructive critics, fair-minded competitors with integrity, colleagues and loved ones who don’t assume that every little thing I do is perfect, and adversaries who galvanize me to get better.” I’m happy to announce, dear Aries, that in 2018 you will benefit more than usual from the influences that both Joanna and Jacques seek. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the Scots language spoken in Lowland Scotland, a watergaw is a

fragmented rainbow that appears between clouds. A skafer is a faint rainbow that arises behind a mist, presaging the imminent dissipation of the mist. A silk napkin is a splintered rainbow that heralds the arrival of brisk wind and rain. In accordance with the astrological omens, I propose we use these mysterious phenomena as symbols of power for you in 2018. The good fortune that comes your way will sometimes be partially veiled and seemingly incomplete. Don’t compare it to some “perfect” ideal. It’ll be more interesting and inspiring than any perfect ideal. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In 2018, half-buried residues from the past will be resurfacing as influences in your life. Old dreams that you abandoned prematurely are ripe to be re-evaluated in light of what has happened since you last took them seriously. Are these good or bad developments? It will probably depend on your ability to be charitable and expansive as you deal with them. One thing is certain: To move forward into the future, you will have to update your relationships with these residues and dreams. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Poet Diane Ackerman tells us that human tongues, lips, and genitals possess neural receptors that are ultra-responsive. Anatomists have given unsexy names to these blissgenerating parts of our bodies: Krause end bulbs, also known as bulboid corpuscles. (Couldn’t they have called them “glimmering rapture hubs” or “magic buttons”?) In any case, these sweet spots enable us to experience surpassing pleasure. According to my understanding of the astrological omens for 2018, Cancerian, your personal complement of bulboid corpuscles will be even more sensitive than usual. Here’s further good news: Your soul will also have a heightened capacity to receive and register delight. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Mise en place is a French term whose literal translation is “putting in place.” When used by professional chefs in a restaurant kitchen, it refers to the task of gathering and organizing all the ingredients and tools before beginning to cook. I think this is an excellent metaphor for you to emphasize throughout 2018. In every area of your life, thorough preparation will be the key to your success and fulfillment. Make sure you have everything you need before launching any new enterprise or creative effort. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Experimental composer Harry Partch played one-of-a-kind musical instruments that he made from objects like car hubcaps, gourds, aluminum ketchup bottles, and nose cones from airplanes. Collage artist Jason Mecier fashions portraits of celebrities using ma-

JONESIN' CROSSWORD ∙ MATT JONES

terials like noodles, pills, licorice candy, bacon, and lipstick tubes. Given the astrological configurations for 2018, you could flourish by adopting a similar strategy in your own chosen field. Your most interesting successes could come from using things as they’re not “supposed” to be used. You could further your goals by mixing and matching resources in unique ways. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): I wish I could make it nice and easy for you. I wish I could proclaim that the forces of darkness are lined up against the forces of light. I’d like to be able to advise you that the opening months of 2018 will bring you a showdown between wrong and right, between ugliness and beauty. But it just ain’t that simple. It’s more like the forces of plaid will be arrayed against the forces of paisley. The showdown will feature two equally flawed and equally appealing sources of intrigue. And so you may inquire, Libra, what is the most honorable role you can play in these matters? Should you lend your support to one side or the other? I advise you to create a third side. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 2018, your tribe will be extra skilled at opening things that have been shut or sealed for a long time: heavy doors, treasure boxes, rich possibilities, buried secrets, shy eyes, mum mouths, guarded hearts, and insular minds. You’ll have a knack for initiating new markets and clearing blocked passageways and staging grand openings. You’ll be more inclined to speak candidly and freely than any other generation of Scorpios in a long time. Getting stuck things unstuck will come naturally. Making yourself available for bighearted fun and games will be your specialty. Given these wonders, maybe you should adopt a new nickname, like Apertura (the Italian word for “opening”), Ouverture (the French word for “opening”), šiši (Yoruban), Otevírací (Czech), Öffnung (German), or Kufungua (Swahili). SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I predict that the coming months won’t bring you the kinds of opportunities you were imagining and expecting, but will bring you opportunities you haven’t imagined and didn’t expect. Will you be alert and receptive to these sly divergences from your master plan? If so, by September of 2018 you will have become as smart a gambler as maybe you have ever been. You will be more flexible and adaptable, too, which means you’ll be better able to get what you want without breaking stuff and wreaking whirlwinds. Congratulations in advance, my daring darling. May your experiments be both visionary and practical. May your fiery intentions be both steady and fluidic.

“No Two Ways About It”—words that are almost palindromes. ACROSS 1 Anthony of the Red Hot Chili Peppers 7 Beethoven and the like 11 Maple tree output 14 Part of ACTH 15 Up to it 16 “In Treatment” actress Wasikowska 17 Period that doesn’t involve levies or charges (almost, except for letters 3 and 9) 19 Shapiro of NPR 20 Tissue additive, sometimes 21 Greek vowel 22 FBI agent Kurt of “Blindspot” 24 Poet Sandburg 26 Chews out 27 Wayne’s “Wayne’s World” cohost 30 “___ du lieber!” 33 Muscles that are crunched 34 It may be shaved or crushed 35 When duels may occur, in westerns 38 His “Frozen Adventure” appeared before “Coco” in theaters

41 “And ___ Was” (1985 Talking Heads hit) 42 Place for a soak (almost, except for letters 2 and 6) 44 Heady brew 45 Daly of “SpiderMan: Homecoming” 47 Vitamin B3 48 Web portal with a butterfly logo 49 Talk incessantly 51 ___-Caps (Nestle candy) 52 It’s really a light crime 54 Van Gogh painting that set an auction record 57 Superfood seen in seed form 59 “I’m not lying!” 60 Place with polar bears, perhaps 61 Some car cleaners, slangily 65 Census info, in part 66 Give quick attention to (almost, except for letters 5 and 7) 69 Flock formation shape 70 Fictitious cookie

guy Spunkmeyer 71 Plaza Hotel girl of kid-lit 72 Mess up 73 “Star Wars” universe character Boba ___ 74 Word before date or jacket DOWN 1 Japanese syllabic writing 2 Matinee figure 3 Puzzle cube creator Rubik 4 Pick up on 5 Needle ___ haystack 6 Bobby-___ (1940s teen) 7 Numbers to crunch 8 ___-Wan Kenobi 9 Luminesces 10 Iroquois Confederacy tribe 11 Some trick-taking feats, in bridge (almost, except for letters 5 and 6) 12 Broadcast 13 Some poker hands 18 Legendary sunken island 23 Southwestern wolf 25 Moby-Dick’s pursuer 27 Central idea

28 Hurting and sore 29 Design again from scratch (almost, except for letters 5 and 6) 31 Broadway composer George M. ___ 32 Drink in a mug 36 Leather shade 37 Rapa ___ (Easter Island) 39 As well 40 “Twin Peaks” actress Sherilyn 43 ___ B’rith 46 Facility 50 Words in some greatest hits album titles 53 One of Buddy Holly’s last hits 54 “___ my doubts” 55 “Copy that” 56 What a star may stand for 58 Held expectations (for) 60 Lemon peel 62 Similar (to) 63 “Deal or No Deal” container 64 Hip or quip ending 67 Box full of model components 68 Peyton’s brother

Copyright © 2017 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. 864 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • DECEMBER 28, 2017 • THE PULSE • 23