The Pulse State of the Arts - Vol. 8, Issue 34 by Brewer Media Group

Chattanooga’s Weekly Alternative

NEW LEADERS, ARTISTS, VENUES AND WOLVES JOIN THE FAMILY

STATE ARTS of the

OUR ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT ON THE ARTS IN CHATTANOOGA AUGUST 25, 2011 • VOLUME 8, ISSUE 34 • WWW.CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

Nightfall 2011 - Friday Night! Locos Por Juana

AUGUST

25 2011

ontents C

VOLUME 8, ISSUE 34 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

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Head Hunter • 16

Art on a Roll • 24

Meet the Maestra • 17

On Track • 26

Dan Stetson takes over at the Hunter

Handlebars to the (artistic) wind

Kayoko Dan shatters musical glass ceilings

Track 29 hits the rails full speed ahead

Season Ticket • 18

New Faces • 27

Our picks for the 2011-2012 arts season

The leading wave of Chattanooga art

Passing the Torch • 20

Art Seen • 28

Youthful playwrights lignite Muse of Fire

Party time in the Scenic City

Map of the Future • 23

Urban Edge • 29

The future is laid out now, by you

The Rek Gallery finds its niche

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

NEWS Chattanooga’s Weekly Alternative President Jim Brewer, II Publisher Zachary Cooper Contributing Editor Janis Hashe News Editor Gary Poole Director of Sales Rhonda Rollins Advertising Sales Rick Leavell, Michelle Pih Art Director Bill Ramsey Graphic Design Jennifer Grelier Contributors Gustavo Arellano, Rob Brezsny Chuck Crowder, Michael Crumb John DeVore, Kristin Halminen Janis Hashe, Lauren Haynes Matt Jones, Scott Kramer Sandra Kurtz, D.E. Langley Kelly Lockhart, Robert McCrary Ernie Paik, Cole Rose, Alex Teach Travis Dean Truett, Tara V Photography Josh Lang, Zach Leavell Louis Lee, Lesha Patterson Editorial Cartoonist Rick Baldwin Contact Info: Phone (423) 265-9494 Fax (423) 266-2335 Email Inquiries info@chattanoogapulse.com Calendar Submissions calendar@chattanoogapulse.com The Pulse is published weekly and is distributed throughout the city of Chattanooga and surrounding communities. The Pulse is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. No person without written permission from the publishers may take more than one copy per weekly issue. The Pulse may be distributed only by authorized distributors.

The Pulse is published by

Brewer Media 1305 Carter Street Chattanooga, Tennessee 37402 Letters to the editor must include name, address and daytime phone number for verification. The Pulse reserves the right to edit letters for space and clarity.

“We’re kind of setting out own pace here. We didn’t really have the highs and the lows that other places did so I think we can come back quicker.”

Pulse Beats

TVA Marks 25,000 InHome Energy Evaluations The Tennessee Valley Authority and local power distributors announced this week the completion of 25,000 In-Home Energy Evaluations since the program’s launch in March 2009. The program provides expert evaluations, energy-saving recommendations and up to $500 in reimbursements when qualifying home improvements are made. To date, TVA has spent $6.8 million on reimbursements, which consumers leveraged to make more than $54 million in homeenergy efficiency improvements. “We made a longterm commitment to improve the visibility and adoption of energy efficiency in homes throughout the Tennessee Valley,” said Bob Balzar, TVA vice president of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response. “The untold story behind the program is the economic boost it is bringing to communities. In addition to saving money on power bills, consumers are supporting their local economies through the audits and home improvements.” Balzar attributed the program’s steady growth to strong support from the power companies across the TVA service area. Requests for audits tripled in the second year of the program, and nearly 8,000 more requests are expected by the end of September. The average home improvement reimbursement is $462.

— Jennifer Grayson, President of the Greater Chattanooga Association of Realtors, on recent positive home sales news for the metro region.

“The local distributors of TVA power have made this milestone a reality. We are very grateful for their support,” Balzar said. “We will continue working closely with them to develop an ambitious, but achievable, strategy to increase our energy efficiency portfolio. We’re looking forward to trying new ideas and deploying new programs in the near future.” The TVA board of directors identified energy efficiency as a key element in reaching TVA’s vision to become a national leader in cleaner, lowercost energy by 2020. To support that vision, the board directed TVA’s Energy Efficiency and Demand Response team to adopt its own ambitious goal—to become the Southeast leader in increased energy efficiency by 2020. Programs like InHome Energy Evaluations, weatherization assistance and EnergyRight Solutions for Business achieved a nearly 470 gigawatt-hour reduction in energy use over the past 18 months—enough to power nearly 40,000 American homes for an entire year. “Energy efficiency is the cheapest means available for providing increased capacity for the TVA system,” Balzar said. “Every kilowatt saved through energy efficiency efforts is one that doesn’t have to be generated at a TVA power plant,” he concluded.

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

News Briefs Unemployment numbers remain stubbornly high in Tennessee and Georgia, but it depends on the job you’re looking for. A survey of businesses shows some gains in mining, logging and construction, up 900 jobs, local government, up 1,400, and hospitals and durable goods manufacturing, both up 900. But food services, and drinking establishments were down 1,600 jobs. State government was also down 1,600. State officials in Georgia say most of the summer job losses were seasonal, with 80 percent of them in state and local education. However, in a good sign, manufacturing in the Peach State increased by 1,400. They still call Detroit “Motown”, but you might be hearing some call Tennessee “Mostate”. That’s because for the second year in a row, the Volunteer State has led the nation in production of automobiles. The publication Business Facilities attributed the top ranking to several factors, including tax incentives and the state’s right-to-work status. The auto industry started here in Smyrna with the Nissan plant, and Chattanooga’s Volkswagen plant put us over the top. Additionally, Nissan will begin producing the all-electric Leaf in Smyrna by late next year.

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

NEWS

Opinion

Downtown Violence I was disappointed once again to see the complete lack of leadership from City Hall after some of our own police officials and business owners shined a bright light on the ongoing, and escalating, violence happening downtown. Gangs of thugs and criminals are roaming at will through our downtown parks and business areas, and the undermanned police are simply overwhelmed. Of course, it’s not too surprising that we’ve heard nothing from Mayor Littlefield, as his opposition to the police department is well documented. But in a community that depends on tourism, it’s almost criminal in its own way for the mayor to turn a blind eye to a very bad situation. We need leadership, and instead we get silence. Let’s just hope for the film crew that everyone has been crowing about doesn’t get mugged or overrun when they show up. Roger Benson Dunk A Celebrity, Help A Charity The Chattanooga Friends will be holding its second annual Dunked event on Wednesday, Sept. 14 from 11:15 a.m.

Send all letters to the editor and questions to

info@chattanoogapulse.com We reserve the right to edit letters for content and space. Please include your full name, city and contact information.

to 1:30 p.m. in Miller Plaza. This year’s event will put local businesspeople and celebrities in dunk tanks to raise funds for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Greater Chattanooga, Chambliss Home & Children’s Shelter, and Chattanooga Friends. We hope everyone can attend

and help support these worthy causes. Autumn Witt Boyd, Chattanooga Friends Committee Award-Winning Writing? After having read Alex Teach’s article in the August 18th issue of The Pulse [“Stress For Breakfast”, On The Beat], I think he’s written his best one to date. I say this is award-worthy, and hope the publisher will at least attempt to get him nominated. Chris Scott Snow Leopard Webcam Fans of the Chattanooga Zoo will now be able to keep a close eye on one of the attractions favorite animals thanks to a new “Snow Leopard Cam” that was recently installed in the Himalayan Passage exhibit of the Zoo. The webcam, sponsored by First Volunteer Bank, is positioned within the Snow Leopard den and allows fans to get a 24/7 glimpse of the large cats’ outdoor play area. Fans can view the Snow Leopard Cam by visiting www.chattzoo.org. Michelle Lisotto

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

NEWS

Politics & Crime A weekly roundup of the newsworthy, notable and often head-scratching stories gleaned from police reports from the Chattanooga Police Department, the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, the Bradley County Sheriff’s Department and the Dalton Police Department.

Here is one of the agenda items to be discussed at the Tuesday, August 30 meeting of the Chattanooga City Council.

7. Resolutions: a) A resolution authorizing the City Court Judge Sherry Paty to enter into a contract with Sildete M. Lopez d/b/a Latin America Consulting Company for Spanish translation services at a rate of $35.00 per defendant for which translation is provided.

While there are occasional legislative moves to make English the “official” language of the state or country, the fact is that the country is made up of people who speak a wide variety of languages. Because of this, the judicial system has to live up to the “equal justice for all” mantra of all courts and make accommodations for those for whom English is a second language, at best. And with the steady increase in Spanishspeaking residents of the city, the need for a regular interpreter in the courts has become obvious, which is the reason behind the above resolution. And while $35 may seem like a rather high amount, interpreters in the private sector routinely charge between $50 and $100 per hour, making the $35 per defendant a real bargain. The Chattanooga City Council meets each Tuesday at 6 p.m. in the City Council Building at 1000 Lindsay St. For more information on the current agenda, and past minutes, visit www.Chattanooga.gov/City_Council

• When is a gym bag with a pair of tennis shoes inside seen as something a bit more dangerous? When it’s left outside the federal building in downtown Chattanooga at four in the morning. A security guard on routine foot patrol noticed the suspicious bag and alerted police, who sent out the Explosives Ordinance Disposal Team to check the package. The bag was quickly determined to contain nothing more than a pair of shoes. A check of the rest of the building and surrounding area was made just as a precaution. Investigators have checked video surveillance footage but, as of press time, still have no positive identification on who left the bag or any working theories on why. • We hear lots of explanations of why people resort to a life of crime, but having cancer is not a common excuse. Yet that’s the reason an elderly man gave the pharmacy employees at a popular drugstore when he held them up last week. The man claimed to have liver cancer and, after displaying the butts of two handguns tucked into his waistband, told the late-night pharmacist that he wanted Oxycodone and Xanax. He said he would “shoot up the place” if he didn’t get his drugs of choice. The pharmacist calmly complied and handed over the drugs, at which point the older man quickly left and

hopped in an awaiting vehicle. Police, working off of video surveillance, were able to get a good description of the man and the getaway car, and hope to have a suspect in custody soon. • If the person you’re dating has a history of setting things on fire, don’t be too surprised when your house goes up in flames after an argument. Eyewitnesses on N. Kelley Street told police they saw a man and a woman on the porch, arguing with each other. While the argument was escalating, a cab appeared and the woman left the home…only to return a short time later when the house suddenly caught on fire. It didn’t take very long for fire investigators to determine that the 41-year-old woman was responsible and a short time later, officers located and arrested the woman. Who it turns out was already facing earlier charges for allegedly setting fire to her boyfriend’s car back in April. Unfortunately, while firefighters were able to put down the fire quickly, it still caused around $60,000 in damage to the building and its contents. • Sometimes when making an arrest, other crimes get solved at the same time. Such was the case for Hamilton County deputies who had been investigating a series of shoplifting crimes in the East Brainerd area. They were able to make positive identifications on a pair of thieves and made an arrest. At

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

which point they found additional evidence that implicated the pair in the recent theft of copper from the air-conditioning units at East Lake Elementary School. That theft not only caused the school to shut down early for several days during the recent heat wave, but also cost the county school system nearly $20,000 in damages. To quote poet Ralph Waldo Emerson, “There is no den in the wide world to hide a rogue. Commit a crime and the earth is made of glass. Commit a crime, and it seems as if a coat of snow fell on the ground, such as reveals in the woods the track of every partridge, and fox, and squirrel.”

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

OPINION

Between The Bridges

Depending Upon the Kindness of Wolves

By Cole Rose, Contributing Writer

request wolf pictures from strangers, but I also think that maintaining my anonymity is is the anonymous curator of the blog a key to understanding people’s willingness “Wolves By Strangers” that started right here to participate. CR: Anonymity seems to play a huge in Chattanooga and features artwork of wolves drawn by strangers from around the world. His role in this project. Exactly how anonymous project has attracted international attention— are you? yet the man himself remains masked and mys J: There are two main reasons why I try terious. to remain relatively anonymous: one, It’s fun, and two, I believe that my anonymity Cole Rose: First, why wolves? I know is an essential part of why the project has you’ve provided a bit of a response to this on been successful. Simply put, people enjoy your blog, but has your reasoning changed the weird thrill of mailing something to a as the result of other wolf-lovers’ participa- “stranger.” tion? Some believe me to be an aging college J: I chose to focus on the wolf for this professor, perched upon a stack of lupine project is because the creature possesses artwork, poring over the drawings with an the capability to be all things to all people. overly analytical eye, while others imagine The wolf can be tied to almost anything: me to be a pretentiously nerdy teenager, peace, solidarity, unity, loafing on a soiled Fuoneness with nature, love, “The most ton, licking the dust of familial bonds, social stacheesedoodles from my eccentric tus, savagery, beauty... evwhile I watch submitters would fingertips erything. Teen Wolf on an endless But I think this project be a group of loop. In reality, the truth would succeed even if it is probably somewhere friends from had nothing to do with right in the middle of wolves. The drawing of London that these two extremes. wolves is merely an approcontributed CR: When you startpriate vehicle that allows ed the project, what did a portrait of participants in this social you expect to find? Has experiment to step outRomulus and the result been what you side their comfort zone, to Remus drawn on anticipated? become childlike again, to J: Not having any sort do something unique and the back of a pub of reference point made creative. menu.” prediction-making exCR: Why do you think so many people have been eager to con- tremely difficult. I did try to have the lowest expectations possible so that I would be tribute? J: I believe we are experiencing a “wolf able to enjoy any results, even if they were renaissance” much like the one that took very meager. Ironically, the first picture the early 1980s by storm. Go back and look that I received was an illustration of a stickat all the wolf movies released in the early wolf that was drawn on a portion of a tampon box…but I told myself that I would be ’80s and you’ll see what I mean. Also, I think that the premise of the ex- happy…and so I was. periment and the request in and of itself is CR: What is your average person that deenough to spark people’s interest. I under- cides to submit a wolf picture like? What is stand that it truly does sound strange to the most eccentric example?

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

OPINION

Between The Bridges

J: I don’t like to jump to conclusions based on a single piece of artwork, but it is hard sometimes not to wonder how much the picture reflects the person behind it. Generally, though, I like to think that the people who participate could be described with three primary adjectives: (1) creative (2) open-minded (3) fun-loving. The most eccentric submitters would be a group of friends from London that contributed a portrait of Romulus and Remus drawn on the back of a pub menu. After a few email exchanges, I knew that there was something unique about this group of friends. We kept the conversation going for quite some time, and as a result, an overseas friendship has blossomed. CR: Have you been able to draw any larger truths as a result of this social experiment? J: Yes and no...I don’t know if I have “discovered” any larger truths through this project, but I can say that this project has certainly reinforced some truths that I have always believed in. (1) People are generally good-willed and supportive: I have overwhelmingly received positive reactions to the project, and the negative ones have been so infrequent that they are negligible. (2) People naturally long for connection with others, even with those that they will never interact with personally

or intimately. We are creatures that are built for this. We’re made to interact with each other in a wide variety of ways. (3) People are curious and are always looking for something new to satiate that desire for variety. This truth is proven both through myself as the collector of the wolves as well as by those that contribute pictures. (4) PEOPLE LOVE WOLVES! CR: Is there a finite lifespan for this project? If so, how will you know when it’s over? J: At this point, I plan to maintain the website by posting one new picture per day for at least one full year, regardless of whether or not the project receives any additional attention or publicity. I never would have suspected that the project would be featured on the variety of websites that it has, or that Danny Wallace would mention it in the Shortlist publication, or that Creaturemag would do a feature on it, or that I would receive wolves from everywhere from Lithuania to Austria to Japan. As I said, I have certainly been surprised so far, and I am anticipating more surprises in the future. CR: Is there another project like this in your future? If so, can you discuss it? J: Yes, I do have another project in mind, but at this point I think it’s best if I keep it to myself. Don’t worry, though, if the next project takes off like Wolves by Strangers has, I’m sure you’ll be the first to know.

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

OPINION

Beyond The Headlines

Support for Those With AS/HFA ganizations if any of Editor’s note: We invited Greater Chattanooga Aspies founder these groups existed Scott Kramer to write about why he’s created a group for adults here. Everyone told with High Functioning Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome. me, “Great concept— but we don’t have anything like that.” o you know of someone who displays one or Mahatma Gandhi more of the following symptoms? famously said, “ You • Difficulty having one-on-one relationships must be the change • Following a strict schedule you wish to see in • A fascination with one topic in particular the world.” Part of • Taking things literally that should be taken creating change in figuratively Chattanooga was my • Hypersensitivity to loud noises and odors founding of Greater • Inability to show and read facial expressions and Chattanooga Aspies body language (GCA) in December Welcome to my world of High Functioning Autism/ 2010. GCA is a sup“Due to the Asperger’s Syndrome (AS/ port/social group for adults (18-plus) with AS/HFA in sensory HFA). AS is not a disease; greater Chattanooga. GCA membership is based upon either having an ofit’s a neurological disorder challenges that ficial diagnosis of AS/HFA, or being referred to GCA and a “brain difference.” someone with It’s how our brains are from a mental health or medical professional, an agency, AS/HFA may wired. Having AS makes such as Vocational Rehabilitation (or other agencies inus special and beautiful in volved with working with adults with AS/HFA), or colhave during the our own way. Not all peo- lege/university staff at a two-year or four-year instituday, it’s easy for ple with AS are the same, tion. Because of the social stigma that continues to exthat person to as some individuals may ist today with AS/HFA, only GCA members know the be overwhelmed be affected to a lesser or location of support-group meetings and social events. GCA had its first support group meeting in April 2011 degree than others at work, causing greater with AS. To this day, I have and completed a two-month (June/July) series on “Dethem to go home a few challenges in recog- veloping Relationships”, during which Dr. Tammy Johnnizing that a joke has been son from Lee University spoke. and stay there.” Support-group meetings are held once a month, and made by someone. In late 2010, I had been looking for a support/social August’s topic was “Social Skills”. Isolation is one of the group for adults with AS/HFA in the Chattanooga area. greatest challenges for anyone with AS/HFA. Due to I asked several well-known nonprofit agencies and or- the sensory challenges that someone with AS/HFA may By Scott Kramer, M.S., Pulse Contributing Writer

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

have during the day, it’s easy for that person to be overwhelmed at work (or elsewhere), causing them to go home and stay there. By having support-group meetings and social events, our members can foster friendships, develop support networks and expand their

social horizons and interests. I am very happy with the way GCA is progressing. We are currently creating an advisory board to guide GCA into its future. I am seeking a diversity of individuals (about eight to 10 total), who are excited about changing the face of how people in greater Chattanooga see AS/HFA. For more information about the advisory board, please contact me at the email address listed at the end of this article. Lastly, I wish to see GCA grow to the point of having satellite meetings at locations throughout the greater Chattanooga area. With the ever-increasing number of people who either have or are being diagnosed as AS/HFA, GCA will play an ever bigger role in the way greater Chattanooga sees AS/HFA. I look forward to that challenge. For more information, contact Scott Kramer, founder/ executive director of Greater Chattanooga Aspies, at GCAspies@gmail.com

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

The 2011-2012 arTs season is shaping up to be a time of tremendous activity and exciting options. We have new leadership in some very high-profile and important seats at the table of the arts, as well as new ventures, new talent and new efforts on the front lines of our cultural city life. The cover photograph tells that story visually. It was interesting to watch those involved meet each other and immediately engage about their respective work—and even spark immediate collaboration. Here at The Pulse, we are constantly in the thick of what’s happening in the performing and visual arts. It’s a critical part of our editorial mission and we take it very seriously. This is our opportunity each year to pull back a bit, look at the landscape with a longer view and provide you with the work and the stories from the arts in multiple articles and pictures. We are truly excited about this season and we think you should be as well. Enjoy. — Zachary Cooper

NEW LEADERS

KAYOKO DAN debuts as the conductor and music director of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera on Sept. 24 at the Tivoli. DANIEL STETSON joined the Hunter Museum of American Art this spring. ONLINE: Watch a video of the State of the Arts photo shoot at chattanoogapulse.com

PHOTOGRAPHY » LESHA PATTERSON • ART DIRECTION & DESIGN » BILL RAMSEY www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

huNTER muSEum Of AmERIcAN ART

hEAD huNTER

THE NEW HuNTER HAT IS A STETSON — DAN STETSON — WHO AIMS TO fRAME A NEW vISION fOR THE CITY’S PREMIER MuSEuM • By janis hashe hE mIghT hAvE TAKEN ThE jOb for the view. The new executive director of the Hunter Museum of American Art, Daniel Stetson, looks out every day at the ever-changing face of the Tennessee River, the blue herons of Maclellan Island making frequent passes nearby. But, says Stetson, he was really motivated to leave a beloved 15-year gig at Florida’s Polk Museum of Art because he felt the Hunter position was a “tissue match. I called Rob [former Hunter Executive Director Robert Kret] and spoke to him about his experience, to make sure I was the right fit. I was impressed that they were taking their time to find the right person.” Stetson grew up in the same upstate New York town as Grandma Moses— the famous folk artist lived up the street from his family. “I met her when I was 5, and even then I knew she was important,” he says. The Hunter’s piece by the artist was just one of the signs he felt were pointing him toward taking the position. He also recognized the collection’s William Morris glass piece as one he’d exhibited in the early ’90s, “just before the Hunter bought it.” Additionally, he’s a huge fan of Atlanta artist Radcliffe Bailey, one of whose installations impresses visitors in the contemporary collection. Yet it was the Hunter’s position, both literally and figuratively, in Chattanooga’s burgeoning arts community that was the ultimate draw. “I became aware of Arts Move and MakeWork [CreateHere programs] and the connection between Chatt

State and [sculptor] John Henry,” he says. “I could see there was a community. While the Hunter’s role is not to present local artists, we can facilitate dialogue about art and bring artists in from around the world to see this community.” His situation now is one of “assessment”, he says, as he and the Hunter staff and board start an internal dialogue about the museum’s path. “Fiveyear plans are really three-year plans these days,” he notes. “Every plan is a living document. But we’ll celebrate the Hunter’s achievements, talk about what has been accomplished and what needs to happen.” He looks forward to pursuing partnerships with schools, with the Bessie Smith Cultural Center, the Chattanooga History Center and

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with other community institutions, pointing to the popular “Jellies” cooperative exhibit with the Aquarium as an example. These partnerships will continue the mission of “bringing the Hunter off the hill” and into the lives of as many Chattanoogans as possible. And the upbeat Stetson has a positive view of the arts’ impact on the future. “Some people are saying that ‘an MFA is the new MBA’,” he says. “Creative thinkers can work with business in problem solving.” As many have mentioned, when Volkswagen chose the Hunter to make its big announcement, the tacit endorsement of the arts community was huge. “Art changed my life,” he says. “And so I know it can change other people’s.” n

chATTANOOgA SYmphONY & OpERA

mEET ThE mAESTRA

AT 33, ASIAN-AMERICAN KAYOKO DAN SHATTERS SEvERAL GLASS CEILINGS AS THE CSO’S NEW MuSIC DIRECTOR AND CONDuCTOR • By janis hashe IT’S NEvER EASY TO STEp INTO ThE big shoes of a community legend—but the new maestra of the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera, Kayoko Dan, has the full support of the owner of those shoes, Bob Bernhardt. “I feel very lucky to have him here,” Dan says. “He really cares about the CSO and Chattanooga.” On September 24 at 8 p.m., she picks up the baton to conduct opening night: Rimsky-Korsakov’s Capriccio Espagnol, Tchaikovsky’s Capriccio Italien and Dvorak’s Symphony No. 8. At 33 and female, she’s breaking two glass ceilings, but she sees that as an advantage in the challenge of engaging the future’s classical music audiences. “Young people are very busy and might not think about the symphony. I want to open up the doors,” she says, partly by reaching out to organizations such as YPAC. “It helps if wine is included,” she says, laughing. Dan’s strong background in education, including her previous position as music director and conductor of the Central Kentucky Youth Orches-

tra, impels her to “unify the CSO’s mission” to kids and students. And she has been busy getting to know the musicians of the CSO,

“finding out the strengths and what repertoire has not been performed recently.” She’s looking to the next two seasons, talking with soloists and

composers, thinking about programs that enlighten concertgoers. “For example [in the past], I’ve programmed Beethoven before Brahms to show where Brahms’s ground was.” The audience-favorite Pops series will continue, with Bernhardt conducting. “He’s amazing, and makes audiences feel great,” Dan says. “I’ll be getting ideas…there are some really good shows out there that we could bring here to Chattanooga.” She loves the masterworks, but wants to include contemporary composers as well, mentioning Osvaldo Golijov, Jennifer Higdon and John Adams as possibilities. “It’s true that some people are afraid of new music, afraid they won’t understand it. But good music is good music,” she says, “and I hope people will trust me to choose good music.” Dan is aware that, as she says, “Classical music is facing difficult times.” But she realized after 9/11 that “people were coming to concerts to seek spiritual clarity.” She experienced the same feeling while conducting benefit concerts for Haiti’s earthquake victims and breast cancer victims. “Music can bring people together,” she says. Starting, for her, on September 24. n Visit www.chattanoogasymphony. org for the CSO’s upcoming season schedule.

www.chattanoogapulse.com www.chattanoogapulse.com || State State of of the the Arts Arts 2011 2011 || August August 25, 25, 2011 2011 || Volume Volume 8, 8, Issue Issue 34 34 || The The Pulse Pulse

hIghLIghTS & EvENTS

SEASON TIcKET puLSE pIcKS fOR THE 2011-12 ARTS SEASON

ASSOcIATION Of vISuAL ARTISTS fRESh • Sept. 9-Oct. 14 n Each year, AvA hosts an exhibition of emerging visual artists from across the region. This competitive, juried exhibit showcases artists who display artistic promise, commitment to their work and fresh ideas. INfO: avarts.org or (423) 265-4282 AvA gALLERY hOp 2-9 p.m • Sept. 10 n The sixth annual AvA Gallery Hop features more than 20 galleries and artist studios in and around Downtown Chattanooga. INfO: avarts.org/galleryhop or (423) 265-4282

bALLET TENNESSEE cEREmONY of cAROLS 8 p.m. • Dec. 2-3 n vic Oakes, director of Chattanooga Boys Choir, and Barry vanCura, director of Ballet Tennessee, collaborate to present Benjamin Britten’s Ceremony of Carols. Plus the Singing Christmas Tree at the Tivoli Theater. INfO: ballettennessee.org or (423) 821-2055 bALLET TENNESSEE pRESENTS NEW YORK’S AILEY II DANcERS 8 p.m. • Jan. 28, 2012 • Tivoli Theater n Ailey II is one of the most popular dance companies in the country. The New York Times describes the company as “high energy dancing

The The Pulse Pulse || Volume Volume 8, 8, Issue Issue 34 34 || August August 25, 25, 2011 2011 || State State of of the the Arts Arts 2011 2011 || www.chattanoogapulse.com www.chattanoogapulse.com

made even more electric by the push of youthful ambition.” INfO: ballettennessee.org or (423) 821-2055

ARTS & EDucATION cOuNcIL AEc bAcK ROW fILm SERIES • Sept. 15 n The 2011 AEC Back Row film Series concludes on Thursday, Sept. 15, with Truck Farm, a whimsical documentary about urban farming directed by Ian Cheney (King Corn). See the film, enjoy a Slow food potluck dinner, and tour an actual truck farm on site. INfO: backrowfilms.com or (423) 267-1218 AEc cuLTuRE fEST 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. • Oct. 2 • First Tennessee Pavilion n The 12th annual free family festival held during the Chattanooga Market features live performances, hands-on demonstrations, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations, food vendors and interactive booths. INfO: culturefest.org or (423) 267-1218

pATTEN pERfORmANcES LADYSmITh bLAcK mAmbAzO Feb. 16, 2012 • Roland Hayes Concert Hall, uTC fine Arts Center n for more than 40 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has married the intricate rhythms and harmonies of their native South African musical traditions to the sounds and sentiments of Christian gospel music. The result is a musical and spiritual

alchemy that has touched a worldwide audience. INfO: tickettracks.com or (423) 425-4269 Comedy of errors – ThE AcTINg cOmpANY IN ASSOcIATION WITh ThE guThRIE ThEATRE March 4, 2012 • Roland Hayes Concert Hall, uTC fine Arts Center n The legendary John Houseman and current Producing Artistic Director Margot Harley founded The Acting Company in 1972 with the first graduating class of The Juilliard School’s Drama Division to develop classically trained American actors and a national audience for the theater. The Acting Company has won Obie, Audelco, Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle awards and a TONY.

INfO: tickettracks.com or (423) 425-4269

n The CSO season closes with a visit from world-renowned banjo player Bela fleck and his new Concerto for Banjo. INfO: chattanoogasymphony.org or (423) 267-8583

chATTANOOgA SYmphONY & OpERA OpENINg NIghT 8 p.m. • Sept. 24 • Tivoli Theater n CSO 2011-2012 Masterworks Series Opens with Kayoko Dan as new music director andconductor. Program includes Capriccio Espagnol by Rimsky-Korsakov, Capriccio Italien by Tchaikovsky and Symphony No. 8 by Dvorak. INfO: chattanoogasymphony.org or (423) 267-8583 ThE cSO WITh bELA fLEcK 8 p.m. • May 3-4, 2012 • Tivoli Theater

huNTER muSEum DOROThEA LANg’S AmERIcA • Dec. 18, 2011-April 20, 2012 n Lang’s photos, such as Migrant Mother and White Angel Breadline, have become iconic images of Depression-era America. The exhibition also includes work by other leading photographers of the time, such as Walker Evans, Ben Shahn and Mike Disfarmer, to put her work in context. INfO: huntermuseum.org or (423) 267-0968

SOuND AND vISION: mONumENTAL ROcK AND ROLL phOTOgRAphY • May 6-Aug. 12, 2012 Sound and Vision consists of 40 monumental photographs by 20 different artists of rock ‘n’ roll luminaries from the last 50 years, including Elvis, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Madonna and Tupac Shakur. INfO: huntermuseum.org or (423) 267-0968

www.chattanoogapulse.com www.chattanoogapulse.com || State State of of the the Arts Arts 2011 2011 || August August 25, 25, 2011 2011 || Volume Volume 8, 8, Issue Issue 34 34 || The The Pulse Pulse

19 19

muSE Of fIRE

pASSINg ThE TORch

AT muSE Of fIRE, CHILDREN ARE THE PLAYWRIGHTS, WORKING WITH LOCAL ADuLT ACTORS TO CREATE ORIGINAL THEATRE • By cole rose STEvIE RAY AND KATIE fORbES Dallimore have taken their talents back home to Chattanooga and there’s quite a bit of chatter about their Muse of Fire Project. The Muse of Fire Project is modeled after the famed 52nd Street Project in New York City, which takes kids from the Hell’s Kitchen area and matches them with profesional actors to create original works. Founded in 1981, the program has created a tremendous buzz in the art world and has even spawned sister programs all over the country. Now we can add Chattanooga to that list. Stevie Ray pulled the name “Muse of Fire” from the opening lines of Shakespeare’s Henry V. His eyes lit up with the possibilities of the grand stage as he recited the lines that spurred his moment of inspiration. “O for a muse of fire, that would ascend the brightest heaven of invention, a kingdom for a stage, princes to act and monarchs to behold the swelling scene.” The Dallimores’ plan is to take that same enthusiasm and confidence that the theatre can provide and pass it along to the community.

At muse of fire, children script plays for adult actors. Photo courtesy Muse of fire

“It’s the idea of these kids from all kinds of different backgrounds writing these pieces and then the grown-ups that act them—we also invite them from as wide of variety as well, as a way of bringing communities together.” STEvIE RAY DALLImORE “Right now we’re at the tip of the iceberg,” Stevie Ray told me on a quiet afternoon in Niedlov’s Breadworks. That being said, the duo has accomplished quite a bit in their first six months in the city, including two complete weekends of performances.

For each run, they gather 10 kids between the ages of 10-12 from all over Chattanooga and help them produce their own original 10-minute plays, based on their ideas, and acted out by adults while the kids watch from on stage. “It’s the idea of these kids from

The Pulse Pulse || Volume Volume 8, 8, Issue Issue 34 34 || August August 25, 25, 2011 2011 || State State of of the the Arts Arts 2011 2011 || www.chattanoogapulse.com www.chattanoogapulse.com The

all kinds of different backgrounds writing these pieces,” says Stevie Ray, “and then the grown-ups that act them—we also invite them from as wide of variety as well, as a way of bringing communities together.” And the community has responded. “We’ve gotten a lot of incredible feedback from our work so far, and the community involvement has come largely as a result of that,” he says. The Chattanooga Public Library has served as a location for rehearsals and performances and support has come from local organizations such as Choose Chattanooga’s ArtsMove program, CreateHere’s MakeWork, the McKenzie Foundation and numerous individuals interested in seeing these two actors steeped in New York’s Broadway tradition continue to develop Chattanooga’s theatre scene. The two are also continuing their already accomplished professional acting careers across the United States, Kate is currently working on a production of The Crucible in Hartford, Conn. “Kate and I have moved here because we feel like there’s real potential in this city,” says Stevie Ray. “We want to help raise awareness of the theatre here but also further the already outstanding artistic identity of this city.” n For more information, contact themuseoffireproject@gmail.com.

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

ImAgINE chATTANOOgA 20/20

mAp

fuTuRE

OfThE

ENTIRE COMMuNITY IS INvITED TO HAvE ITS SAY IN CuLTuRAL PLAN • By janis hashe

RuTh hOLmbERg IS 90 YEARS OLD and in her long lifetime has arguably given more to Chattanooga arts than virtually any single individual you can name. And by “giving,” we mean both her dollars and her visionary spirit. Now Holmberg, UNUM Senior Vice President Tom White, Allied Arts and a whole passel (50) of heavy-hitter volunteers are giving their time to Imagine Chattanooga 20/20. According to its website, imaginechattanooga2020.org, “Imagine Chattanooga 20/20 is a powerful cultural planning process in which members of our community discuss the role of creativity, arts and culture in our region to outline a blueprint for future arts and culture-based initiatives. The primary goal is to define and create an action plan that answers, ‘What can the creativity, arts and culture do for our community?’” In 2010, with a grant from the Kresge Foundation, the arts consulting firm of WolfBrown was hired to survey the Chattanooga arts community, meet with the organizations currently being funded by Allied Arts, and facilitate discussions within the greater community about a “cultural plan.”

The first phase of the firm’s findings, available on the site, includes the following, as summarized by Allied Arts President Dan Bowers: • Many of the problems and challenges facing the arts in Chattanooga are systemic and call for solutions that go beyond individual organizations. • Some of the challenges will require long-term lead times and significant funding. • Marketing is a challenge that will require cooperation and cross-sector planning. • Arts education is a growth area. On Oct. 3-6, public discussions will be held. “We’d like to see everyone there,” said Tom White. “For this to be successful, people have to take ownership of it, the arts and business communities, students, everyone.” How to reach the naysayers who trumpet, “The arts are a frill”? “The arts are an investment in our future,” he said. “Volkswagen talked about their decision to build their plant here as having hinged partly on ‘the intangibles.’ The economy is cyclical, but arts and culture tie in to our economic development.” n

Dan bowers, president of Allied Arts.

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ART 120

ART ON A ROLL ART 120 RIDES INTO TOWN, HANDLEBARS TO THE WIND • By lauren haynes

hOuSTON TRANSpLANT KATE Warren is the lady to thank for all the wacky bikes zipping around Chattanooga. The driving force behind Art 120 and its mobile mission explains, “An art car can be anything. It is a kinetic sculpture that takes the form of a car or a bike or just anything that moves.” Art 120 is one of Chattanooga’s newer arts organizations, with the aim of helping fund and align educators, artists and students. Its mission was inspired by Houston’s Orange Show

“Art bikes and art cars provide a unique opportunity to get art off the walls and into the streets.” KATE WARREN Center for Visionary Art and its annual program and parade. SEE ART 120 PAGE 29

Kate Warren of Art 120 on a bedframe bike.

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www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

muSIc vENuES

ON TRAcK

TRAcK 29 HITS THE RAILS SEPT. 1 WITH JAMEY JOHNSON SET TO OPEN • By ernie PaiK josh mcmanus, left, and Adam Kinsey, coowners of Track 29, are preparing the new live music venue for its grand opening on Sept. 1.

ThE IDEA fOR TRAcK 29, chATTAanooga’s hotly anticipated new venue, started with co-founders Adam Kinsey and Josh McManus chatting at Bonnaroo two years ago. “After a couple of beers, we started asking, ‘Why can’t we see great music on a consistent basis in Chattanooga?’” said Kinsey, during a tour of Track 29 on the Choo Choo campus downtown for The Pulse. Kinsey and McManus recognized a void, between small-to-mid-sized clubs and 1800-plus seat theaters, and for over a year, they received input from venues, musicians, and others in the music industry, to consider every part of the concert experience. “We’ve really looked at every aspect of the venue and looked at how we can do things differently,” said Kinsey. “We have a couple of different overall philosophies, and one of those is to really take care of the artist.” This is apparent in Track 29’s design, which has both concert-goers and musicians in mind. It boasts artist amenities including two green rooms, a shower, a washer and dryer, and a private smoking patio; there’s

The Pulse Pulse || Volume Volume 8, 8, Issue Issue 34 34 || August August 25, 25, 2011 2011 || State State of of the the Arts Arts 2011 2011 || www.chattanoogapulse.com www.chattanoogapulse.com The

also a separate hospitality area for meet-and-greets, an office for the road manager, an enormous merchandise booth, and an in-house workshop for equipment repairs. Track 29 sports a custom-designed truss and movable stage which allow the concert space to perfectly fit the audience size, whether 1,000 or 1,800 people, and four elevated V.I.P. rooms that boast a clear view of the stage, with private restrooms, bars, and wait staff. One surprising thing Kinsey learned was how much they were able to source locally and regionally, using Chattanooga companies for the stage, lights, and audio gear, and using the Knoxville-based AC Entertainment for the talent buying. “We’re all about the local economy and trying to keep as much money as you can in town,” said Kinsey, who also mentioned that Track 29 will feature a monthly showcase of local talent. Another thing he learned over the last two years? “That I don’t need as much sleep as I thought I did,” said Kinsey. n SchEDuLE: track29.co

EMERGING ARTISTS

NEW FACES

THESE ARTISTS’ WORKS WERE FEATURED AT THE PULSE’S STATE OF THE ARTS PREVIEW PARTY CAT CollIER For the last five years I have been working on a large series, my “Forest” of trees. This body of work represents a concept that I can move within, experiment and explore in. The subject matter is also universally appealing. I am specifically influenced by color. It is the color reminiscent of childhood memories, the color vibrant in graffiti, the color of light, the color of urban stuff, and color in monochrome. DARyl ThETFoRD Thetford's photographs have been featured in exhibitions in museums and galleries throughout the United States, including the the Hunter Museum, CreateHere, and the Association for Visual Arts in Chattanooga. His photographs are in many private, public and corporate collections. MIkI BoNI An award-winning painter and New York native, Miki Boni began her career in Manhattan's East Village drawing street portraits. With her work in private collections internationally, Boni has lived in Mexico as a working artist, where she taught painting and drawing at the Instituto de Allende in San Miguel de Allende.

AMANDA BAzIER Brazier is an abstract painter who has lived in Chattanooga for the past three years. Her work investigates man’s elemental interaction with his environment. Since graduating from FreedHardeman University in 2007 with a bachelor’s in studio art and Spanish, her work has been exhibited throughout Tennessee. kEVIN BATE Kevin can trace his lineage back to George Herman “Babe” Ruth and James Joyce. Kevin was literally painting houses for money when he was offered the chance to paint Samuel L Jackson on Main Street. MATThEW DuTToN AARoN CoWAN DANIEl WRoE Dutton and Cowan are sculpture majors in their senior year at the University of Tennesseee at Chattanooga; Wroe is a painting and drawing graduate of UTC. All three live in the greater Chattanooga area and are continuing to help nurture the city’s growing artistic community. n

www.chattanoogapulse.com www.chattanoogapulse.com || State State of of the the Arts Arts 2011 2011 || August August 25, 25, 2011 2011 || Volume Volume 8, 8, Issue Issue 34 34 || The The Pulse Pulse

PREVIEW PARTY

ARTs sEEn

SceneS from the sTATE of ThE ARTs PREVIEW PARTY | Aug. 21 @ WArehouSe roW â&#x20AC;˘ Photos by Josh LANG

Artist Kevin Bate with his Al Capone mural.

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

sandra Brewer (left) and Jim Brewer (right) of Brewer Media present Dan Bowers of Allied Arts with a $1,000 check.

ART 120 fROM pAgE 24 “Art bikes and art cars provide a unique opportunity to get art off the walls and into the streets,” Warren says. “Because they are an uncommon form of art, they encourage participation from people of all ages and socio-economic levels. The art goes to the people—no pretensions.” The 120 movement is also deeply concerned with arts education. Most recently, Art 120 hosted a weeklong art-bike workshop that taught students not only creative problemsolving but valuable skills such as welding and drafting. A slew of local volunteers pitched in, with artists helping design the bikes, local mechanics helping build them, and downtown meeting places utilized for planning. Two sculptors and bike artists came in from Houston to help. Warren says she felt the community was really excited about the project, once word of mouth spread. Outdoor Chattanooga hosted a final art bike show and parade around Coolidge Park. In the coming year, Art 120 is planning a community “art bike brigade” ride during River Rocks on October 8 and 9, art-car events during 2012’s 4Bridges, and workshops in between. The events are open to anyone and everyone. For more information, visit art120.org.

gALLERIES

uRbAN EDgE

PULse cARTOONIST RIcK bALDWIN’S NEW REK gALLERY WILL SHOWCASE EDGY, POLITICAL STATEMENTS • By roBert mccrary uRbAN ART IS AppROAchINg A zenith in popularity around the world, spurred by the artists who create it, such as graffiti artist Banksy. Its public placement in everyday environments makes it truly a “people’s art form”. Chattanooga has just begun to recognize—and even celebrate—our own artists of this genre. Perhaps most prominent of high-profile displays is the “Discoteca Destruction Project”, where local muralists and graffiti artists covered the soon-to-be demolished building on Main Street with painted imagery, along with the Mark Making project, collaborating graffiti artists and area students. Now, a new home for urban art is opening its doors and providing a central collection for artists in this varied art form. Local artist Rick Baldwin saw a niche within the gallery community and is filling it with works that you wouldn’t find in other gallery spaces. Rick explains his thoughts behind the creation. “My idea for the gallery is to give local urban artists an opportunity to expose their work to the

Kevin bate’s “R.p. mcmurphy” is among the works at REK gallery.

Pulse cartoonist Rick baldwin’s new REK gallery at 1815 bailey Ave. opens Aug. 26 and feature the art of baldwin, Kevin bate and Seven. public as well as help them establish a name in today’s art scene,” he says. “The REK Gallery is a place to find art that might not fit in other Chattanooga

galleries, art that breaks the norm, is edgy, irreverent and political. Most of the art expressions originate in street, tattoo and hip-hop cultures and even mix in graphic design, folk art and pop -ulture images.” The gallery will also feature cartoon, comic and humorous artworks. The REK Gallery opens its doors on August 26—and with that, is sure to open our eyes to important art. n INfO: rekgallery.com

www.chattanoogapulse.com www.chattanoogapulse.com || State State of of the the Arts Arts 2011 2011 || August August 25, 25, 2011 2011 || Volume Volume 8, 8, Issue Issue 34 34 || The The Pulse Pulse

ARTS

Feature

Interpreting Film’s Evolving Visual Language By Michael Crumb, Pulse Arts Writer

a magnificent work of emphatically visual film in Terence Malik’s The Tree of long with the accumulation of Life. From the early days of silent film, data that marks the acceleration of auteurs worked to develop purely visual our information age comes an unprec- narratives in order to minimize appearedented abundance of cultural prod- ances of those black frames with text. ucts. We may no longer be able to read Malik has produced an artifact of conall the good books or see all the good sciousness with a sublime emphasis on films. The expansion of markets and visuality. producers now appears to be creating a The literally cosmic range of Malik’s “crowding” effect in theaters, and films portrayals, including the sometimes may be facing shorter runs, with more seamless, sometimes abrupt intrusions film releases. of the surreal, brings us to question the With new technologies, the visuality ability of our language to render the of film and television approach each situation of our own existence. This afother through higher fect also testifies to resolution. Film has ”Writing and voice the quality of this also developed betfilm’s writing. are essential to ter 3-D technology, film art. The recent Woody Allen made which provides a kind writing the subJane adaptation of of object lesson retext of his gorgeous specting the dynamic Eyre sought to be a fantasy Midnight in of business and art in definitive approach, Paris. This film also film production. Not with narrative offered a lush visualonly are 3-D films ity, and, throughout, innovation and a released with a similar sense of intimacy this auteur’s voice focus to amusement emerges humorously with its characters, park rides, but we commenting on art, leading to a sense have also seen 3-D society and time. of the author herself added to films in a Writing and voice speaking through are essential to film somewhat gratuitous fashion that increases art. The recent adthis film.” these films’ revenue. aptation of Jane Eyre From an artistic perspective, the film sought to be a definitive approach, Coraline, based on Neil Gaiman’s book, with narrative innovation and a sense used 3-D in a way that heightened of intimacy with its characters, leadthe sense of natural perspective in the ing to a sense of the author herself film’s realistic sequences, and 3-D also speaking through this film. The more intensified this film’s surreal sequences, recent Philip Dick adaptations A Scanner Darkly and The Adjustment Bureau likely to an unprecedented effect. We are fortunate to have before us both developed through different vi-

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

ARTS

Feature

sual styles, but in both these films the directors devoted themselves to rendering the writing, making it possible to hear Dick, significantly moving. If we look back to the ’80s, when Hollywood first established its ability to make films look good, we can follow a cinematically visual trail. Blade Runner, Ridley-Scott’s adaptation of Dick, made such an impression that its dreary ambience found its way into Ghost in a Shell, with its similar concerns about consciousness and technology, though more connected to cyber-punk writing. In the breathtaking credit sequence of “Ghost”, we see these numbers on a green field. These numbers become the raw matrix of the “Matrix” films. Over time, an international inter-visuality develops cues to significant subtexts. Probably the first cyber-punk film was Jean-Luc Goddard’s Alphaville, one of the 1962 “New Wave” films. Its Orwellian themes and its concerns with rockets and computers, not to mention its portrayal of Paris as another planet—a visual masterpiece— are all deeply engaging. William Gibson’s writing elaborated the cyber-punk genre, and the film that he wrote, Johnny Mnemonic, brought out cyber-space visuality. The “Matrix” films intensified this same visuality with the addition of cinematic innovation. Satoshi Kon’s anime film Paprika presented a cyber-punk break-

“If we look back to the ’80s, when Hollywood first established its ability to make films look good, we can follow a cinematically visual trail.”

through by merging cyber visuality with surreal visuality. Paprika became an international masterpiece. Christopher Nolan’s Inception built on this merging, and he added innovation to this rich visual mix to create a masterpiece of film art. Sometimes surreal visuality presents cues to the audience. In Pan’s Labyrinth, we are aware of visual shifts. In Zach Snyder’s Sucker Punch, these cues are more subtle. When significant plot elements are played out on fantasy levels, we are left to assume their “real” correlates are horrific. The writing here is close to Kafka, the very difficult spirituality of oppression. Notably, his Watchman film presents an exemplary montage of frame-byframe compositional integrity. The artist does not want to lose the audience; neither does the artist want to lose the art. Robert Rodriguez developed a new narrative structure for his film Shorts. His collaboration with Frank Miller in Sin City is stunning. There is neo-realism in Gomorrah and in Winter’s Bone. Contagion looms on the horizon.

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

ARTS

Arts & Events Calendar FRIDAY

THURSDAY

Beverly Semmes: Eye on Fashion

See the Hunter’s fab exhibit and a fashion show featuring 13-year-old local designer Madison Waldrop. $9.95 (includes museum admission) 6 p.m. Hunter Museum, 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968. www.huntermuseum.org

Thursday

Dynamo of Dixie Downtown Tour 10 a.m. Sheraton Read House, 827 Broad St. (423) 228-0448. www.chattanoogasidewalktours.com FACES UnMasked Benefit Auction 5:30 p.m. The Car Barn, 6721 Heritage Business Ct. (423) 266-1632. www.facesunmasked.ettend.com “Beverly Semmes: Eye on Fashion” 6 p.m. Hunter Museum of American Art, 10 Bluff View. (423) 266-0944. www.huntermuseum.org Bluff and Bridges Downtown Tour 7 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 1 Walnut St. (423) 228-0448. Mystery of the TV Talk Show 7 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839. www.funnydinner.com Tim Wilson 8 p.m. The Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233. www.thecomedycatch.com Chattanooga Ghost Tour 8:15 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 100 Walnut St. (423) 821-7125.

Friday

Dynamo of Dixie Downtown Tour 10 a.m. Sheraton Read House, 827 Broad St. (423) 228-0448. www.chattanoogasidewalktours.com Opening Reception for Kathleen Mack 10 a.m. Shuptrine Fine Art Group, 2646 Broad St. (423) 266-4453. www.shuptrinefineartgroup.com Fresh on Fridays Marketplace 11 a.m. Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. (423) 265-3700. Handcuffs and Hoses: Police vs. Firemen Softball 11:30 a.m. AT&T Field, 201 Power Alley. www.lookouts.com Southside ArtStroll 5 p.m. Downtown , Main St. (423) 475-5533. facebook.com/SouthsideArtStroll Born to be Wild 3D 6, 8 p.m. IMAX Theater, 1 Broad St. (800) 265-0695. www.tnaqua.org 2nd Annual Bead Show 6 p.m. My Color Image Boutique & Gallery, 330 Frazier Ave, Ste. 100. (423) 598-6202. Ultimate Wave Tahiti 3D 7, 9 p.m. IMAX Theater, 1 Broad St. (800) 265-0695. Mystery of Flight 138 7 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839. www.funnydinner.com Bluff and Bridges Downtown Tour 7 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 1 Walnut St. (423) 228-0448. www.chattanoogasidewalktours.com Tim Wilson 7:30, 10 p.m. The Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233. www.thecomedycatch.com

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

Woyzeck 7:30 p.m. UTC Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Center, Vine & Palmetto Sts. www.utc.edu The Comedy of Errors 7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, 1918 Union Ave. (423) 987-5141. ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com Luck of the Draw 7:30 p.m. Chattanooga State, 4501 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 697-3207. www.chattanoogastate.edu Pizza Man 7:30 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. (423) 267-8534. www.theatrecentre.com Sherlock Holmes 7:30 p.m. The Colonnade Center, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold. (706) 935-9000. www.colonnadecenter.org Chattanooga Ghost Tour 8:15 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 100 Walnut St. (423) 821-7125. www.chattanoogaghosttours.com Lantern Tour 8:30 p.m. Ruby Falls, 1720 South Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544. www.rubyfalls.com Stand Up Comedy! Andy Woodhull 9:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839. www.funnydinner.com Female Impersonation Show Midnight. Images Showbar, 6065 Lee Hwy. (423) 855-8210. www.imagesbar.com

Saturday

Walk of Blessings 8 a.m. Chattanooga Christian School, 3354 Charger Dr. (423) 266-1384. www.ccsk12.com

Opening reception for Susan Creswell’s “A Celebration of Four Generations” Part of this month’s Southside ArtStroll. Free 5 – 8 p.m. Planet Altered, 48 E. Main St. (423) 400-4100. www.planetaltered.com

Dynamo of Dixie Downtown Tour 10 a.m. Sheraton Read House, 827 Broad St. (423) 228-0448. Brainerd Farmers Market 10 a.m. Grace Episcopal Church, 20 Belvoir Ave. (423) 458-6281. Chattanooga River Market 10 a.m. Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. (423) 648-2496. www.chattanoogamarket.com Art till Dark Noon. 40 Frazier Ave. (423) 413-8999. www.arttildark.com Rock City Summer Music Series Noon. Rock City, 1400 Patten Rd. Lookout Mountain. (800) 854-0675. Luau Open House Noon. Georgia Winery, 6469 Battlefield Pkwy. (706) 937-9860. www.georgiawines.com Rockabilly Rock Out & Cruise-In Noon. Thunder Creek HarleyDavidson, 7720 Lee Hwy. (423) 892-4888. Sherlock Holmes 1 p.m. The Colonnade Center, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold. (706) 935-9000.

ARTS

Arts & Events Calendar

SATURDAY

Pizza Man

Dark comedy about two women taking their revenge on the male sex. $5 7:30 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre, Circle Stage, 400 River St. (423) 267-8534. www.theatrecentre.com The Comedy of Errors 2 p.m. Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, 1918 Union Ave. (423) 987-5141. ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com 17th Annual Southern Brewers Festival 2 p.m. Chattanooga Riverfront, 201 Riverfront Pkwy. (423) 757-5259. Mystery at the Nightmare Office Party 5:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839. www.funnydinner.com Born to be Wild 3D 6, 8 p.m. IMAX Theater, 1 Broad St. (800) 265-0695. www.tnaqua.org Bluff and Bridges Downtown Tour 7 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, Walnut St. (423) 228-0448. www.chattanoogasidewalktours.com Woyzeck 7:30, 10:30 p.m. UTC Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Center, Vine & Palmetto Sts. www.utc.edu Tim Wilson 7:30, 10 p.m. The Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233. www.thecomedycatch.com

SUNDAY

Riverfront Nights 7:30 p.m. Ross Landing Park, Riverfront Pkwy. www.riverfrontnights.com Luck of the Draw 7:30 p.m. Chattanooga State, 4501 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 697-3207. www.chattanoogastate.edu Pizza Man 7:30 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. (423) 267-8534. www.theatrecentre.com Sherlock Holmes 7:30 p.m. The Colonnade Center, 264 Catoosa Circle, Ringgold. (706) 935-9000. www.colonnadecenter.org Mystery at the Redneck-Italian Wedding 8 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839. www.funnydinner.com Lantern Tour 8:30 p.m. Ruby Falls, 1720 South Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544. www.rubyfalls.com Chattanooga Ghost Hunt 9:30 p.m. Patten Chapel, 615 McCallie Ave. (423) 821-7125. www.chattanoogaghosttours.com Stand Up Comedy! Andy Woodhull 10:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839. www.funnydinner.com Female Impersonation Show Midnight. Images Showbar, 6065 Lee Hwy. (423) 855-8210. www.imagesbar.com

Sunday

Dynamo of Dixie Downtown Tour 10 a.m. Sheraton Read House, 827 Broad St. (423) 228-0448. www.chattanoogasidewalktours.com

Chattanooga Market 11 a.m. First Tennesee Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. www.chattanoogamarket.com Rock City Summer Music Series Noon. Rock City, 1400 Patten Rd. Lookout Mountain. (800) 854-0675. Luck of the Draw 2:30 p.m. Chattanooga State, 4501 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 697-3207. www.chattanoogastate.edu The Comedy of Errors 6:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, 1918 Union Ave. (423) 987-5141. ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com Bluff and Bridges Downtown Tour 7 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 1 Walnut St. (423) 228-0448. Woyzeck 7:30 p.m. UTC Studio Theatre, Fine Arts Center, Vine & Palmetto Sts. www.utc.edu The Scenic City Comedy Search 8 p.m. The Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233. www.thecomedycatch.com Movie Night 8 p.m. Sluggo’s North Vegetarian Cafe, 501 Cherokee Blvd. (423) 752-5224. Chattanooga Ghost Tour 8:15 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 100 Walnut St. (423) 821-7125. www.chattanoogaghosttours.com

Monday

RMHC Verizon Wireless Golf Classic 7:30 a.m. Black Creek Golf Club, 4700 Cummings Cove Dr. (423) 778-4338. Dynamo of Dixie Downtown Tour 10 a.m. Sheraton Read House, 827 Broad St. (423) 228-0448.

Woyzeck

Multi-media version of the Buchner classic. $10 7:30 p.m. Theater for the New South/ The Dissonant Theatre Project, Studio Theatre, UTC Fine Arts Center, Vine & Palmetto Sts. www.utc.edu Bluff and Bridges Downtown Tour 7 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 1 Walnut St. (423) 228-0448. www. chattanoogasidewalktours.com Chattanooga Ghost Tour 8:15 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 100 Walnut St. (423) 821-7125. www.chattanoogaghosttours.com

Tuesday

Chattanooga Ghost Tour 8:15 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 100 Walnut St. (423) 821-7125. www.chattanoogaghosttours.com

Wednesday

Dynamo of Dixie Downtown Tour 10 a.m. Sheraton Read House, 827 Broad St. (423) 228-0448. www.chattanoogasidewalktours.com Main Street Farmers Market 4 p.m. Main St. at Williams St. www.mainstfarmersmarket.com Bluff and Bridges Downtown Tour 7 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 1 Walnut St. (423) 228-0448. www.chattanoogasidewalktours.com Chattanooga Ghost Tour 8:15 p.m. Walnut Street Bridge, 100 Walnut St. (423) 821-7125.

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

OPINION

On The Beat

Public Art Is Public Safety I

n this magnificent annual issue, The Pulse is focusing exclusively on a subject near and dear to the city of Chattanooga: The role of public art in our most scenic of homes. It was mid-afternoon on a Wednesday and my editor was hideously drunk when he called me with this news because he had no idea how I would apply this to my own niche here and was fearful of some ill-thought reaction on my part that would either clash with the theme, incite anger on the parts of our local art lovers, or both. “Relax!” I said I said to him in my characteristic soothing and reassuring tone. “I’m drunk, too! As a matter of fact,” I paused, “I’m pretty sure I just pissed my pants.” I gave him no chance to process this (as was intended) and immediately said, “I’ve already got a piece prepared to fit right in. It’ll even be on time.” I heard a pause on the other end of the connection and realized I may have gone too far, and rapidly added, “Well, probably.” I could sense him easing up, and concluded the phone call with my usual suggestion of AA (or NA, you can never tell with these artsy types) and got to thinking about what I’d actually write. How DID the local art scene impact my job? And almost instantly, an idea hit me like a bronze statue of a Great Dane to the head: “Cover.” Allow me to explain. Most people will tell you that Volkswagen of America settled on Chattanooga as its newest (and only) The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

Alex Teach

North American production plant because of the nearly half-billion dollars in tax incentives the state of Tennessee literally gave it. And because of the ready-to-build concrete foundation already laid on a 1,350-acre site with highway, rail, and utility connections valued at $81 million dollars provided gratis, after the state spent $23 million more on an interstate exchange exit to the site, and another $25 million in road and rail improvements to and around the facility. To the roughly $12,000 per employee the state agreed to pay in employee training (at 2,000 employees, totaling another $24 million dollars), or the $300 million in franchise and property tax breaks over the next 30 years by the city and county (minus education, of course), or the $5,000-a-year employee tax credit per-employee for up to 20 years for the size of its investment. “NO!”, I say. It was not for those reasons, and anyone thinking otherwise is “stupid”: Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield very clearly stated that VW cited “intangibles” as

OPINION

On The Beat

the reason Volkswagen chose Chattanooga! Relax. I can admit…I was against this too, at first, because I thought public safety should take precedence. I was prejudiced because instead of “hiring police officers for two years” despite the annoying tendencies of retirements, resignations, terminations and deaths of police personnel, the city leaders instead took the money from police academies to replace equally important things like “Riverfront Passage Water Fountain” areas near our downtown aquarium at a million dollars a pop. (As a moron, this didn’t make sense, but that was prior to the mayor’s explanation.) As professional necessity bred adaptation to the more dangerous environments, however, I actually began to see the upside of these choices as crime grew where police forces shrunk: Ballistic cover! If you’re scared to walk in "The cops are Coolidge Park downtown gone…but in after 8 p.m. because of the their place are decreased police presence, relax! It’s all a matter of fine pieces perspective. The cops are of ‘cover’ gone…but in their place provided by are fine pieces of “cover” local artists provided by local artists from across the country! from across I was there on several the country!” occasions that shots were fired in the park (and on the Walnut Street Bridge), and while for a fleeting second I thought, “Oh, sweet Lord I need help!” (in the form of a back-up officer that was never hired to replace

the dozens that quit), I quickly realized, “Hey! Cover!”, and my stress decreased instantly when I hid behind pieces of steel art such as “Heavy Metal” by Jonathon McNair and Jim Collins on the east side of the Walnut Street Bridge. (“Ascending Path” by Aaron Hussey and Brad Bourgoyne on the west side of the Market Street Bridge is even better, given its bronze-and-corten steel makeup should you be pinned down in the Renaissance Park area.) Even the refurbished trusses on the Walnut Street Bridge itself are solid steel! GREAT cover, particularly for “serpentine” directional escapes while making your way across the bridge from either direction depending on which side the shots (or fireworks) are being fired. It’s not all perfect, mind you; once across the bridge on the South side, you may choose to hind behind “Poise” by Angela Conner. “Nay, nay,”

says I! This is made of marble dust and cast resin and couldn’t keep you safe from a harsh breeze, much less an errant 9-millimeter round. But the East Main Street area (“Celestial Clock” by Rey Alfonso? You TOTALLY saved my life, bro!), the local recreation centers…I cannot express my gratitude enough. But I ramble. Just remember: When something from a politician’s mouth seems stupid, give pause, and look for the bright side. It clearly works for me. After all, I’m a bit of an artist, too; I just prefer to work with my hands. Oh…the things I can do with my hands. (Enjoy, fellow art lovers!) When Officer Alexander D. Teach is not patrolling our fair city on the heels of the criminal element, he is an occasional student, carpenter, boating enthusiast, and spends his spare time volunteering for the Boehm Birth Defects Center. Follow him on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alex.teach

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

MUSIC

Feature

East and West, It’s A Celebración This Weekend By Tara V, Pulse Music Writer

his weekend, we will welcome two headliners with Latin and Chicano roots to the Tennessee Valley. They will be dishing out the soul and love for hip shaking and hot beats that sizzle our summer with a fusion of heritages. I already want a margarita just thinking of it. Two different styles will grace our city: One with a legacy reaching from the ’70s, and one that formed as long ago as 2000. Nightfall provides an“They will be other prominent evening dishing out the at Miller Plaza—and with only three shows left in soul and love the season, it will be time for hip shaking to get out and enjoy what and hot beats we have left or see what you have been missing. that sizzle our This week brings us Locos summer with Por Juana, which formed a fusion of in Miami in 2000 and heritages.” has given a modern twist to an old favorite. Known for their energetic hybrid of Latin influences and sound, the band incorporates the heart and soul of Columbia along with a diverse shuffle of South American countries. The present lineup consists of vocalist Itagui Correa, guitarist Mark Kondrat, drummer Javier Delgado and a horn section made up of Jose Gonzalez and Lasim Richards. Though Correa, Kondrat and Delgado form the nucleus of the group, at times as many as five to seven guest musicians may join the five regulars onstage for

shows and tours. Opening for these Latin lovers are our own Chattanooga hellions, Prophets & Kings. This group has a sound ranging from what they coin as “...a pop sensibility of Disney themes while slagging the raunchy bass and booming rhythms of the ATL crunk scene.” Since forming they have attracted an intense group of followers in the Chattanooga night scene and are another example of fantastic local showcasing to a new not-so-late-night core.

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

After sweating out the tequila from Friday, it will be time to grab a craft beer and bask in the glory of Los Lobos at the Southern Brewers Festival on the waterfront Saturday night. I was informed that Los Lobos has been in promoters’ thoughts for many years and from the soundtrack of La Bamba to tours with the Grateful Dead, this multi-Grammywinning Chicano rock band from East L.A. has entertained since the ’70s. Rumor has the band being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and

MUSIC

Feature

I sat down with Regional Brewer DaI have no doubt that it will make for an vid Sharpe and with an expected 15,000 amazing headliner. The Southern Brewers Festival, now in attendance, Sharpe couldn’t stress enough how hard evin its 17th year, has beeryone involved voluncome a staple in our area "After sweating teered their own time and is not only an event out the tequila to make this an unforto hear great music and from Friday, gettable experience. explore more than 30 it will be time One hundred percent micro breweries—but a to grab a craft of the proceeds go to chance to help an amazing cause. In the past five beer and bask Kids On The Block, so years, SBF has raised you can be proud to in the glory of don the beer goggles roughly $430,000 for Los Lobos at and let it all hang out. Chattanooga's Kids on the Southern The Block. Kids on The This year, you can expect a new LED screen Block is an organization Brewers that brings talented pupso that those at street Festival.” level can get a great peteers and puppets into schools to educate students about dis- view of the performances. There will abilities and empower children to look also be additional porta-potties. Yes, added porta-potties got me expast these differences and reach a level of love and respect no matter another cited. Trust me—it will you too after six beers. child’s situation. Locos Por Juana Free Friday, 8 p.m. Nightfall, Miller Plaze, 850 Market St. www.nightfallchattanooga.com

Los Lobos $20 Saturday, 10:30 p.m. Southern Brewers Festival, 100 Chestnut St. (downtown Riverfront) www.southernbrewersfestival.com www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

MUSIC

Concert Calendar

THURSDAY

Chris Pickering and Aron Shiers

“Lyrical deftness and attractive melodies” from Pickering. $5 9 p.m. The Honest Pint, 35 Patten Pkwy. (423) 468-4192. www.thehonestpint.com

Thursday

Ben Friberg Trio 7 p.m. Table 2, 232 E. 11th St. (423) 756-8253. www.table2restaurant.com Audience Choice Night 7 p.m. McHale’s Brewhouse, 724 Ashland Ter. (423) 877-2124. www.mchalesbrewhouse.com Blake Morrison 7 p.m. Spectators, 8021 East Brainerd Rd. (423) 648-6679. Gideon, All’s Quiet, Fit for A King, Trails 7 p.m. The Warehouse, 412 Market St. www.warehousevenue.com Open Mic Night 7:30 p.m. The CampHouse, 1427 Williams St. (423) 702-8081. www.thecamphouse.com Blues Jam with Rick Rushing 7:30 p.m. Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St., #100. (423) 634-0260. www.marketstreettavern.com 2-N-Fro 8 p.m. The Lounge at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202. (423) 499-5055. www.thepalmsathamilton.com

FRIDAY

Jimmy Harris 8 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202. (423) 499-5055. www.thepalmsathamilton.com The Mumbles, Greenland is Melting 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400. www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia Chris Pickering and Aron Shiers 9 p.m. The Honest Pint, 35 Patten Pkwy. (423) 468-4192. www.thehonestpint.com Jonathan Wimpee 9 p.m. The Office (inside Days Inn), 901 Carter St. (423) 634-9191. Find them on Facebook. Chicken Fried Chicken with Kelsey’s Woods 9 p.m. Rhythm and Brews, 221 Market St. www.rhythm-brews.com This is Art, Digital Butter 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400. www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia

Friday

Johnny Cash Tribute Band 5 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo Victorian Lounge, 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000. www.choochoo.com/localevents Blake Morrison 6 p.m. SkyZoo Lounge, 5709 Lee Hwy. (423) 468-4533. Jimmy Harris 6:30 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202. (423) 499-5055. www.thepalmsathamilton.com The Great Commission, Sent by Ravens, To Speak of Wolves, As Hell Retreats, Creations, Encounters 7 p.m. The Warehouse, 412 Market St. www.warehousevenue.com

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

Prophets & Kings 7 p.m. Nightfall Concert Series, Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. www.nightfallchattanooga.com Locos Por Juana 8 p.m. Nightfall Concert Series, Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. www.nightfallchattanooga.com Casey Adams Band 9 p.m. Acoustic Café, 61 RBC Dr., Ringgold. (706) 965-2065. www.ringgoldacoustic.com The Most Important Band in the World 9 p.m. Raw, 409 Market St. (423) 756-1919. www.myspace.com/jimstriker DJ and Dancing 9 p.m. Spectators, 8021 East Brainerd Rd. (423) 648-6679. DJ and Dancing 9 p.m. The Lounge at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202. (423) 499-5055. www.thepalmsathamilton.com Power Players Show Band 9 p.m. Sugar’s Ribs, 507 Broad St. (423) 508-8956. www.sugarsribs.com Wrecking Crew 9 p.m. Bart’s Lakeshore, 5600 Lakeshore Dr. (423) 870-0777. www.bartslakeshore.com Steam Boars 10 p.m. Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St., #100. (423) 634-0260. www.marketstreettavern.com AJ Varcarcel’s Bitter Lesson 10 p.m. T-Bones Cafe, 1419 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4240. www.tboneschattanooga.com Jordan Hallquist 10 p.m. Tremont Tavern, 1203 Hixson Pk. (423) 266-1996. www.tremonttavern.com

Locos Por Juana

Nightfall headliners are Miami’s bilingual Latin hipsters. Free 8 p.m. Nightfall, Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. nightfallchattanooga.com Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute 10 p.m. Rhythm and Brews, 221 Market St. www.rhythm-brews.com Karaoke & Dancing 10 p.m. Chattanooga Billiards Club East, 110 Jordan Dr. (423) 499-3883. www.cbcburns.com Booger Holler 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar, 5751 Brainerd Rd. (423) 499-9878. www.budssportsbar.com How I Became the Bomb, Holy Smokes, Cousin Dan TBA JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400. www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia

Saturday

Grace Adele & The Grand Band 10 a.m. Chattanooga River Market, Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0698. www.tnaqua.com Free Range Mystics 10 a.m. Incline Railway, 3917 St. Elmo Ave. (423) 821-4224. www.ridetheincline.com New Binkley Brothers Noon. Rock City Summer Nights, 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mtn. www.seerockcity.com

MUSIC

Concert Calendar

SATURDAY

Taxicab Racers, Machines Are People Too, The Cusses

Welcome back the Racers and dance, dance, dance. $7 10 p.m. Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644. www.rhythm-brews.com Rockabilly Rock Out & Cruise-In Noon. Thunder Creek HarleyDavidson, 7720 Lee Highway. (423) 892-4888. www.thundercreekharley.com Open Jam Sessions 3 p.m. Rock City Music Weekends, 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mtn. www.seerockcity.com Johnny Cash Tribute Band 5 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo Victorian Lounge, 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000. www.choochoo.com/localevents Three Minutes To Fame 6:30 p.m. Southside Bistro & Saloon, 1301 Chestnut St. (423) 757-4730. www.southsidesaloonandbistro.com Jimmy Harris 6:30 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202. (423) 499-5055. Show The Fight, 1994, Cartographers, Faretheewell 7 p.m. The Warehouse, 412 Market St. www.warehousevenue.com Daniel Boling 8 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse, 105 McBrien Rd. (423) 892-4960. www.christunity.org

SUNDAY

40 Hells, West End, Bryan Hensley 8 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400. www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia Mark “Porkchop” Holder 9 p.m. The Office (inside Days Inn), 901 Carter St. (423) 634-9191. Find them on Facebook. The Most Important Band in the World 9 p.m. Sugar’s Ribs, 507 Broad St. (423) 508-8956. www.sugarsribs.com The Regulars Band 9 p.m. Raw, 409 Market St. (423) 756-1919. www.myspace.com/jimstriker Robby Hopkins 9 p.m. Acoustic Café, 61 RBC Dr., Ringgold. (706) 965-2065. www.ringgoldacoustic.com DJ and Dancing 9 p.m. The Lounge at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202. (423) 499-5055. www.thepalmsathamilton.com Chris & Greg from Bud Lightning 10 p.m. T-Bones Cafe, 1419 Chestnut St. (423) 266-4240. www.tboneschattanooga.com Machines Are People Too with The Cusses and Taxicab Racers 10 p.m. Rhythm and Brews, 221 Market St. www.rhythm-brews.com Booger Holler 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar, 5751 Brainerd Rd. (423) 499-9878. www.budssportsbar.com

Sunday

New Binkley Brothers Noon. Rock City Summer Music Weekends, 1400 Patten Rd., Lookout Mtn. www.seerockcity.com

Mountain View Bluegrass 11 a.m. Chattanooga Market, First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. www.chattanoogamarket.com Slim Pickens 2 p.m. Chattanooga Market, First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St. Free Range Mystics 3 p.m. Pasha Coffee and Tea, 3914 St. Elmo Ave. (423) 475-5482. www.pashacoffeehouse.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 7 p.m. The Office (inside Days Inn), 901 Carter St. (423) 634-9191. Find them on Facebook. The Molly Maguires 8 p.m. The Honest Pint, 35 Patten Pkwy. (423) 468-4192. www.thehonestpint.com Frontier Rukus, Sweet GA Brown, Bob’s Trailer 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400. www.myspace.com/jjsbohemia

Monday

Old Tyme Players 7 p.m. Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St., #100. (423) 634-0260. www.marketstreettavern.com Big Band Night 8 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202. (423) 499-5055. Karaoke with DJ Salt 9:30 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar, 5751 Brainerd Rd. (423) 499-9878. www.budssportsbar.com

Tuesday

Open Mic with Mike McDade 9 p.m. Tremont Tavern, 1203 Hixson Pk. (423) 266-1996. www.tremonttavern.com

Frontier Ruckus, Sweet G.A. Brown, Bob’s Trailer

Of Frontier Ruckus, Rolling Stone says, “songs of rich, rural details…Gothic Americana.” $5 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400. myspace.com/jjsbohemia

Wednesday

Jimmy Harris 6:30 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202. (423) 499-5055. www.thepalmsathamilton.com Ben Friberg Trio 7 p.m. Market Street Tavern, 850 Market St., #100. (423) 634-0260. www.marketstreettavern.com Open Mic Night 8 p.m. Acoustic Café, 61 RBC Dr., Ringgold, Ga. (706) 965-2065. www.ringgoldacoustic.com Fried Chicken Trio 8 p.m. The Lounge at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202. (423) 499-5055. www.thepalmsathamilton.com Jenntastic Wednesdays 9 p.m. Holiday Bowl, 5518 Brainerd Rd. (423) 899-2695. www.holidaybowlbrainerd.com Blake Morrison 9 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar, 5751 Brainerd Rd. (423) 499-9878. www.budssportsbar.com

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

MUSIC

New Music Reviews

Arrington de Dionyso’s Malaikat dan Singa

The Art of Noise

(K)

Luigi Russolo’s 1913 futurist manifesto The Art of Noises (Read it! It’s short and awesome.) describes an emerging musical revolution and aesthetic shift that comes with noisy, industrial growth; Russolo concludes that “…we get infinitely more pleasure imagining combinations of the sounds of trolleys, autos, and other vehicles…” than from familiar symphonies. The London group The Art of Noise clearly drew much inspiration from this manifesto, using as its primary musical instrument the digital sampler and scoring several hits in the ’80s, which is surprising for a faceless, mostly instrumental group. The Art of Noise arrived in 1983 with its debut release, Into Battle with the Art of Noise, at an interesting time, right before sampling exploded in the music world, tying popular forms with a playful avant-garde spirit. The Into Battle EP feels like a double-single with b-sides rather than a solid release, as its highlights are two of the group’s most enduring songs, the old-school beat-driven “Beat Box” and the exquisitely sensual “Moments in Love” (presented here with its five-minute version). Some other repetitive tracks may seem a bit annoying, going into “Jingle Dogs” territory, like “The Army Now” which uses an Andrew Sisters sample. While Into Battle has been reissued several times before, this reissue is notable because it contains 18 bonus tracks: the entirety of the unreleased album Worship. This was to be the band’s debut album until the group scored a hit with the single “Close (to the Edit),” after which the material was retooled and released as the relatively friendlier album Who’s Afraid of the Art of Noise? With the orchestra-hit-enhanced industrial march of “The Movement of Desire” and the in-your-face drum tones of “The Wounds of Wonder,” Worship is an essential release for fans—more sprawling and a little riskier than the album that replaced it. — Ernie Paik

Suara Naga

Arrington de Dionyso is on a short list of vocalists today who I think are really doing something remarkable, in terms of sheer impact and trying to tap into something that’s unfamiliar, stirring, and engaging. Suara Naga, billed under his band Malaikat dan Singa (translation: Angels and Lions), is his second album full of songs sung in Indonesian, a language he taught himself, and he barks out staccato phrases often with a manic delivery. Impassioned singing styles are hard to pull off— one might come off as overwrought, schmaltzy or conspicuously affected; however, Dionyso sounds absolutely possessed, channeling some kind of demon force like the girl in The Exorcist. He sounds fearsome and strange, at times using his throatsinging skills to slip into low, disquieting monotones or jumping up to the tenor range for dramatic snarls and wails; “Suara Naga” appropriately means “dragon voice” in English. (Note to metal/grindcore singers: take some notes from him; it’s time to try something other than the “Cookie Monster”-type ridiculous vocals.) Dionyso, also a member of the Portland group Old Time Relijun, grabs the most attention with his singing, and his musicianship is no slouch, as well, delivering primal-yet-methodic guitar jabs like on “Madu Mahadahsyat” which slips into a hypnotic two-note garage rock riff. On bass clarinet, he demonstrates a greater expressive range, going into free jazz mode on “Susu Naga,” providing menacing drones on “Wadah Rohani,” or promenading weirdly on “Blanglala Batin.” The album’s oddest moment just might be “Aku Di Penjara,” which is an off-kilter reverb-drenched approximation of hip-hop with brass bleats, a female voice going “do do do,” and shadowy guitar notes. The year is 2011. Musicians are running low on ideas. The time is right for more batshit-crazy Indonesian post-punk/garage rock/hip-hop like Suara Naga. — Ernie Paik The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

Into Battle with the Art of Noise (Salvo/ZTT)

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

OPINION

Shades Of Green

Biomimicry: Nature Has Many Secrets To Copy W

hen you watch a spider creating a web, your mind probably doesn’t jump to thinking about web fiber components or, unless you’re Spiderman, wonder whether you could do the same. In fact, that’s what scientists engaged in biomimicry do. They learn from nature. This new scientific discipline looks at aspects of natural processes, forms and systems that have been honed over millions of years. Biomimicry doesn’t mean seeing a jewelweed throw its seeds and then designing a catapult. It goes deeper. You might think of it as “better living through chemistry” as the old General Electric slogan stated, but it’s based on using nature as a mentor. Biomimics know there is genius in nature. They devise ways to unlock and then emulate the secrets of sustainability that work so well naturally. So, how does the spider make fiber? With the discoveries of metallurgist Christopher Viney, we now know that the spider starts out with a ball of soluble liquid protein in a gland which becomes a liquid crystal squeezed into a spinneret, and somehow (the jury’s still out on this part) the crystal emerges as an insoluble, nearly waterproof highlyordered composite polymer able to absorb five times the impact force of Kevlar, the bulletproof vest fiber, and is ounce-for-ounce five times stronger than steel. Spider silk also has energy-absorbing elasticity, allowing it to bounce back to its original length when stretched by a moth. Awesome!

biomimics also ponder how pillbugs pull water The potential for the business of fiber directly out of the air and how microbes pull waste manufacturing is high. out of water or how a wasp processes cellulose. It’s Earth-friendly if we They want to know if we can grow food in natural can make it like a spider. ways to avoid use of chemical fertilizers and loss of Kevlar stops bullets, soil nutrients. They ask how trees communicate but making it requires with each other to protect their forest framework. oil-based molecules What about the art of self-assembly causes an and sulfuric acid, using animal shell to form? What is the makeup of the tremendous energy super-hard shell itself, and what is the trigger with toxic byproducts. that causes growth to cease? How does shark Meanwhile, spiders eat skin repel bacteria? What does nature know insects for energy on about nanoparticles and color with minimal use of their production line materials? with only a small amount of nutrient-filled biodegradable waste left. We need to figure “Biomimics also ponder how pillbugs this out at a manufacturing scale. pull water directly out of the air and Perhaps the most challenging effort in how microbes pull waste out of water biomimicry is to emulate photosynthesis. Every leaf knows how—but not scientists. or how a wasp processes cellulose.” An artificial leaf that could produce electricity using only sunlight, carbon dioxide, and The inspirational guru of biomimicry is Janine water would take the place of our current laborBenyus. She says the big question is how to live intensive solar cells with their toxic, and rare-earth while taking care of the planet for our offspring. We components. In fact, such research is happening share Earth with numerous other species that can here in Tennessee under the guidance of Dr. Barry teach us aspects of sustainability. In the end, we Bruce, a biochemistry researcher and professor may come to fully realize that the human species at University of Tennessee. Forbes Magazine has can only endure by living in harmony with nature, named him one of the “10 Revolutionaries That May not assuming we are divorced from it. Change the World”. He is applying the processes Sandra Kurtz is an environmental education consultant, a former of photosynthesis to produce new sources for classroom teacher and a founder of Tennessee Environmental Eduhydrogen and electricity. He assures us Popeye cation Association. Presently she is executive co-director with the was right. Spinach is powerful. Urban Century Institute, a local nonprofit organization promoting sustainability and sustainable thinking. In addition to fiber and photosynthesis processes,

Sandra Kurtz

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

SCREEN

Film Feature

One Day: Gorgeous Scenery, Overwrought Plot By John DeVore, Pulse Film Critic

meant to go see a different film this weekend. I had $7 set aside specifically for the remake of Fright Night, which I expected to be a passable vampire movie, one where the villain doesn’t sparkle in the sun or fall desperately in love with a minor despite being many centuries old. Alas, it was not to be however, as I failed to notice that Fright Night was only being offered in the inferior 3D, and I had only a $10 bill to my name. Not that I would “If we were to have been particularly thrilled at the prospect view our own of squinting through unfriendships on comfortable glasses just the anniversaries to make out the action of an already dark film of their origins, being screened in an inhow many of ferior, dim medium, and those days would paying $11.25 for the contain some matinee experience. So, I bought a ticket meaningful to the newest film that event that was showing at approxiapplies directly mately the same time, which was a love story to our own featuring a bespectacled entanglement?” Anne Hathaway and an irritating Jim Sturgess. While viewing this film, I discovered this: Pensive expectation is not the best way to push a plot forward. By now, most audiences have seen one or two melodramas, quite a few romantic comedies, and

have a pretty good idea which characters are going to end up together. One Day is an exercise in waiting, at times in excruciating fashion, for the inevitable. Emma and Dexter meet through mutual friends outside their university graduation, on July 15, St. Swithin’s Day, 1988. They are immediately drawn to one another, although Dexter is only interested in girls from a purely physical perspective. The film follows their lives from 1988 to the present, always on July 15. I wonder: If we were to view our own friendships on the anniversaries of their origins, how many of those days would contain some meaningful event that applies directly to our own entanglement? Perhaps more than we would like to admit. In the case of Emma and Dex, we see the future of this couple from the outside, wanting desperately for the obvious resolution. But then, it is easier to be objective from a distance. The characters here are somewhat clichéd. The filmmakers attempt to make Emma mousy, bookish, and self-conscious, seemingly forgetting that Anne Hathaway is the embodiment of radiant el-

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

egance. But Hollywood continues to believe that glasses are a prop for hiding beauty, rather than a necessary apparatus for visual enhancement. Dex is a jerk; a self-involved alcoholic who annoys a nation with an American Bandstand-type show in Great Britain. He is the only character that seems to change, as he must necessarily for the plot to continue. Emma, on the other hand, only needs to change into a tight dress and reach the breaking point with her failed stand-up comedian boyfriend. We watch Dex go through relationship after relationship, deaths in the family, and unexpected consequences. We watch Emma get prettier. Their story ultimately reaches its conclusion in the way we have all expected, allowing us as an audience to

Film Feature

breathe easier. U.S., the time period can be immeUnfortunately, this is where the film diately placed by the surrounding set lost me. While I was admittedly an- pieces. But Europe has an enduring noyed by the overwrought anticipation feel to it, a perpetual beauty that perbuilt into the script, I meates the buildings was enjoying the way and people. "The writers the characters played Were we not told the apparently felt off one another and the year, the action could that the ups timeless landscapes of almost take place at and downs of England and France. It almost any time. This was an enjoyable expemight speak as much a complicated rience. to the realistic nature relationship Without giving away of the film as to the weren’t quite any spoilers, the writscenery itself. We ofers apparently felt that ten look at the past as enough to jerk the ups and downs of a caricature. One Day tears from the a complicated relashows us the natural audience.” tionship weren’t quite progression of time, enough to jerk tears with all its subtlety and from the audience and decided to in- grace. The writers simply lost the plot sert unnecessary soap-opera tactics to at the end because time just doesn’t elicit a stronger emotional response. It wrap itself up neatly enough to fit into turns what was a decent romance into a a two-hour movie. contrived melodrama. The more ranOne Day dom the plot twist, the less believable Directed by Lone Scherfig the story. Starring Anne Hathaway, Jim Sturgess, That said, the acting here is top Patricia Clarkson notch, the scenery is lovely, and the Rated PG-13 overall themes are accessible. I loved Running time: 108 minutes the setting especially. Here in the www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

SCREEN

New In Theaters

Another Stoner Movie...

Nixey to direct this remake because of the response to Nixey’s short film Latchkey’s Lament. The original TV movie had sharp dialogue but laughable effects, especially the creatures themselves. This time around, though, del Toro’s wellknown expertise of making scary things very real on the screen should play well. And the bonus of seeing Katie Holmes being tormented in a beautiful home will have some lining up for tickets and popcorn. Starring Katie Holmes, Guy Pearce Directed by Troy Nixey

Our Idiot Brother A pot bust sends nice-guy Ned to jail, and though he’s released early on good behavior, he returns home to discover that his girlfriend has left and taken his dog with her. Homeless and unemployed, his divides his time by couch-surfing at the homes of his three sisters—and causing chaos in each of their lives. The brothersister duo of Jesse and Evgenia Peretz team up for this comedic farce with Jesse directing a script written by sibling Evgenia. Paul Rudd continues his recent streak of likeable losers, and the interplay between him and current “it girl” Zooey Deschanel (who also has a sit-com debuting next month) make for what early reviewers are calling an enjoyable film, if a bit of the long side. Starring Paul Rudd, Elizabeth Banks, Zooey Deschanel Directed by Jesse Peretz

Don’t Be Afraid of the Dark A young girl sent to live with her father and his new girlfriend discovers creatures in her new home who want to claim her as one of their own. Avant-garde filmmaker Guillermo del Toro tapped Troy The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

Colombiana Cataleya Restrepo, who was raised in the U.S. by her uncle to be a top-tier assassin, looks to settle with the Colombian drug lord who executed her parents when she was 10 years old. In what feels like a sequel to Quentin Tarantino’s Kill Bill, Zoe Saldana continues to remake herself from cute cheerleader in Drumline to the bankable action star (albeit without the CGI effects) she showed herself capable of in Avatar. Add in writer-producer Luc Besson and protégé Olivier Megaton directing in his follow-up to Transporter 3¸ and the potential is here for a late-summer action success. Starring Zoe Saldana, Michael Vartan, Callum Blue Directed by Olivier Megaton Circumstance A wealthy Iranian couple struggles to contain the teenager daughter’s growing sexual rebellion and her brother’s dangerous obsession. While it’s been promoted as a call-to-arms for a myriad of Iranian causes, the softcore lesbian pandering of the film detracts from what could have an indie circuit darling as well as negatively impacting the sought-for integrity of the film and the filmmakers. Starring Sarah Kazemy, Nikohl Boosheri, Reza Sixo Safai Directed by Maryam Keshavarz

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

OPINION

Life In The ‘Noog

Stayin’ In Or Steppin’ Out? A

s a single man, I’m by no means a homebody. I like to go out. I don’t care where or when—I am “out” more than I am “in.” A lot of it has to do with the fact that staying in usually means alone. And I’d much rather go out and socialize with others than stay in and surf the Web or watch television or whatever. One thing I’ve noticed however, is that a lot of people have definite opinions about where, when, how and how often one should be “out” versus “in.” It seems that going out is a big ta-do with some people. This is especially true with women, who find that the perception of their whereabouts is just as critical as how they look when they get to wherever they’re going. Women can’t be out more than they are in. To them, it’s just not right. If you are always out, then your intentions are no longer pure, and you might be subjected to unfavorable labeling by the opposite sex or more importantly, your peers. But if they do decide to venture out, women tend to run in packs of at least four and must be joined at the hip the entire night —whether it’s arriving at the exact same time, ordering as a group or going to the bathroom together. And, rarely will they ever be seen in public past 9 p.m. on a weeknight. Many women frown upon, but secretly admire, women with the balls to go places by themselves. Usually if a woman shows up somewhere alone, it’s because they are meeting someone, but they will wait at least 15 minutes past the scheduled meeting time to ensure the other party has arrived. Some “old-school” ladies won’t ever, under any circumstances, enter a public place alone. “Wait and go with me so I don’t have to walk in alone” is a common female plea—especially when it’s a party that’s in question. What’s more, women must have a

Chuck Crowder “If you’d rather curl up with a good book than party on, so be it. But if going out is your thing, then I’ll see you there.” purpose for going out. Whether it’s to console a friend, be set up with a guy, have dinner, celebrate some random event, try a new place, see a movie or performance or whatever, women, especially in groups, must have a purpose for their outing. Otherwise, they must stay in. Guys, on the other hand, need no reason at all to go out. Birthdays, business meetings, networking, meeting chicks, drinking a few beers, watching a game, or seeing a band are all good reasons. But then again, anything can constitute a good reason. Tuesday is a good reason. Because a buddy called me is a good reason. Happy hour is a good reason. Or, no reason at all is just as good a reason. And guys can hop from place to place, event to event, drinks to dinner to dancing without any need of knowing what the night has in store. Our limited wardrobe options and women’s lack of caring what we look like means we are

ready to go wherever, whenever. Women aren’t so lucky. In fact, in order to properly prepare for any sort of outing, women have established labels for a meeting’s intent. There’s “dinner,” “out” and “out-out.” And each of these events has a definite timeframe and wardrobe. In fact, the amount of skin an outfit exposes directly correlates with the list above, in descending order. Once a plan has been developed, deviation from it might well be curbed just because of the lack of wardrobe planning. On more than a few occasions, I’ve actually overheard a girl within a group of her peers remark, “Oh, I thought we were just going to dinner and then out. I didn’t know you meant ‘outout.’ I’m not dressed for that.” You see, the difference between “out” and “out-out” is very profound. “Out” simply means meeting some folks at a bar for a few drinks before 11 p.m. “Out-out” means swinging from the rafters at Alan Gold’s in some slinky sequined dress drinking Blue Bazookas and shooting Jagerbombs until 3 a.m. In fact, “out-out” can render a girl “in” for at least a month to hide and recover. ‘Cause it seems that what you do when you go “out” can be just as important as how often you go “out” in the first place. Personally, I just don’t get it. Why someone would stay home alone if they would rather go hang out with people based solely on principle to me sounds like self-abuse. Life is for living. It’s not about what people are going to think if they see you doing what you want to do. So if you’d rather curl up with a good book than party on, so be it. But if going out is your thing, then I’ll see you there. Save me a seat. Chuck Crowder is a local writer and general man about town. His opinions are just that. Everything expressed is loosely based on fact, and crap he hears people talking about. Take what you just read with a grain of salt, but pepper it in your thoughts.

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

Dining Out In Chattanooga

Fresh, Local and Fabulous at Niko’s By D.E. Langley, Pulse Food Reviewer • Photography by Zach Leavell

menu at Niko’s, but their I visited Niko’s last special events as well. year and was impressed This fall, in conjunction by their approach to with the aforementioned cuisine. To owner Nick Chattanooga Brewing Kyriakidis, Greek food Company and Cycle means freshness, first Sports Concepts, they’ll and foremost. He blends be hosting Pedal for Pints that philosophy with every Thursday–anyone flavors and ingredients who rides a bicycle to of the American South. Niko’s from 4 to close In that vein, a lot of the will get CBC pints for dishes you’ll find coming $2.50, plus special meal from his kitchen might deals. In addition, anynot immediately make one who takes part can you think of Greek clasbe entered to win a comsics, but they all bring muter bicycle! together a penchant for Need more? Niko’s fresh flavors with local hosts destination dinners ingredients and attenon the fourth Friday of tion to detail, producing each month. Patrons can a brand-new cuisine that travel with globe withis unique in its scope and out leaving downtown, approach. as each month’s dinner “Every ingredient features a special menu should shine though,” inspired by the cuisine Nick related on a recent af“The dishes all bring together a penchant for fresh flavors with of a particular region or ternoon. The cool interior local ingredients and attention to detail, producing a brand- country—for instance, the was a welcome respite from southern coast of Italy this the fierceness of the late new cuisine unique in its scope and approach.” month, and Germany in summer sun, and I engaged September. lemon juice. The dish screamed summer—light and in a bit of people-watching Different menus don’t mean differing quality, in over a cold beverage. Young families with toddlers delicious, and true to Nick’s earlier statement, with sat alongside reclining businessmen in suits and each component providing its own flavor without terms of food or service. Regardless of whether you visit for one of these special occasions, stop by for loosened ties. After I cooled down, Nick brought overwhelming the others. My main course was a testament to the acumen pregame festivities prior to a UTC football game, me a sample of some locally raised watermelon and cantaloupe, extraordinarily fresh and at the peak of of Niko’s kitchen. Using pork from River Ridge or bring family and friends for a delicious lunch or ripeness. “See,” he asked, “what else do you need Farm (in Ten Mile, just up Highway 58), they cre- dinner, you’ll be treated to the same level of disto do besides highlight flavors like that?” It really ate their own pancetta, using a five-week process tinctive cuisine with the same congeniality that you was fantastic, and got me that much more excited that involves a double cure. It shone on their House would at any other time. Kyriakidis summed it up Pancetta Burger, joined by a fried farm egg, local nicely. about the dishes I would try. “When you sit down at Niko’s, you’re sitting at Appetizers on the dinner menu include mozza- arugula, and feta cheese atop a well-seasoned patty. rella and risotto balls, fried and served alongside The saltiness of the pancetta was excellent with the my table. It’s not about pomp and circumstance. It’s marinara, and traditional spanikopita and tyropita, rich egg yolk, which along with the feta gave the about making everyone feel comfortable, and havsavory spinach and cheese pies. I went with the spe- mouthfeel of a luscious sauce. An order of their ing them leave satisfied.” cials, determined by availability from local farms crisp Greek Fries came on the plate as well, seaNiko’s, 1400 Cowart Street. Open Monday and markets. Showing off more of their spectacu- soned with oregano and cracked black pepper, and lar produce, my appetizer was grilled okra, served served with tzatziki sauce for dipping. Chattanooga Thursday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturwarm and still with a slight crunch, topped with Brewing Company’s Imperial Pilsner made for a ter- day, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Call (423) 266-9211 for more information and check out specials at facean heirloom tomato and basil relish, flecked with rific pairing. Originality and foresight go into not only the book.com/eatatnikos. red onion and brought together with a touch of

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

OPINION

Beyond The Headlines

Entries From The Entrepreneur’s Diary By Travis Dean Truett, Contributing Writer

turned into what is now retickr, a news and social media app. he story behind retickr stretches Brian met Kathryn Foster, who works from California to India to Chattanoo- for the Chamber of Commerce, and he ga and thus far is without a doubt the told me that I needed to get to Chatgreatest adventure of my life. tanooga immediately to meet her. Brian Trautschold and I thought up Sensing his excitement and urgency, I our first business idea while studying for immediately booked a flight home for a Finance 300 class at 3 a.m. This was Christmas Day. Kathryn was just as exspring of 2008—and coincidentally the cited as I was and told me, “This could inaugural year of the University of Ten- be the next big thing!” I couldn’t believe nessee Knoxville Busi“Up until that it. Here I was in Chatness Plan Competition. tanooga, 3,000 miles meeting with from where I was curBrian and I pitched our idea “Global Exchange” Lamp Post, we rently living and this lady and made it through the were a group was telling me that I had first round. The second a winning idea and that of kids who round stopped us in our had a dream. she would love to help us tracks. pursue our dream. I flew We thought We brought in Jared back to California, quit Houghton and Beas- that we would my job on the spot and ley Scales for our secdrove straight to Chatjust 'launch' ond try at the Business tanooga. and 'run' a Plan Competition and big “break” came business…we in Our we meant business. We early February when had no idea created a 35-page busiwe got a meeting with what those ness plan for “Rate My the newly formed Lamp Resume” and made it words actually Post Group. I rememthrough all three rounds ber thinking to myself meant.” I seriously thought we the night before our could sell our “idea” for millions of first meeting,“We will go in, pitch them dollars at that point. I left for Europe retickr, get a couple million dollars…” that summer to work as a climbing in- The meeting did not go well. structor in Austria and quickly transiLooking back, the several weeks that tioned from a “Captain of Industry” to followed that meeting can probably be a climbing bum. classified as our “defining” moment. I I spent my winter skiing in Utah, my redoubled my efforts to find a develspring and summer rock climbing in oper to join our team as a co-founder. Austria, and my fall climbing and ski- Our first big break of 2011 was finding ing in California. Luckily, it was that Adam Haney and convincing him to summer that Brian came to me about a join our team. Adam started getting us new idea he had, an idea that has slowly to think bigger picture: extensive data

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

OPINION

Beyond The Headlines

research, personalized news, complex algorithms. I asked Jack Studer of The Lamp Post Group for another meeting, told him that we’d made some recent progress and that we wanted another shot. He agreed, and our second meeting took place one month after the first. We let the prototype run on the projector while we gave our new, updated pitch and I remember them vaguely listening to me while they watched streaming news go by in real time. I will never forget Allan “We received a interrupting my pitch to lot of feedback, proclaim, “Wow—he died? I didn’t know that.” Looksome good, ing back, this point in time a lot bad. marked what feels like the We logged end of the first chapter everybody’s in our story. Up until that thoughts, meeting with Lamp Post, we were a group of kids who had created a a dream. We thought that prioritized list we would just “launch” and of fixes and “run” a business…we had no tweaks, and are idea what those words actunow back to ally meant. Two events happened development.” around the same time that I believe will most affect our chances of success. One was retickr finding a business incubator and not a “check-writer.” The second is having (almost) all of us live together. Adam, Josh, Jared, and I moved in early May and it has been an integral part of how fast we have grown as a company and as individuals. We wake up and talk about retickr, we go to work and talk about retickr, we head home and talk

about retickr, we dream about retickr. While it has undoubtedly been stressful at times and for most it would probably be too much, we are all workaholics on a mission and I would recommend the experience to any and every first time entrepreneur out there. This summer has been incredibly busy and our developers have easily averaged working 80 hours a week building retickr. The life lessons continue, the mentoring never stops, the arguments comeand-go, the anxiety builds. We launched our product on August 10. I woke up and drove into work at 3 a.m. I almost cried on the drive as I reflected on everything we have been through so far and everything that we will soon experience. Our launch was the success that we expected— even though we secretly all hoped for the “viral explosion.” We opened up retickr for downloads

and quickly signed up several hundred users. We received a lot of feedback, some good, a lot bad. We logged everybody’s thoughts, created a prioritized list of fixes and tweaks, and are now back to development. Sometimes it feels like we are so far away from our goals, and sometimes it feels like we are so close. I feel that our second chapter came to a close on August 10 when we finally put ourselves out there and gave our product to the world, for better or for worse. The third chapter has just started and will assuredly be exciting as we improve retickr, market across the region, and grow as businessmen. This entire experience has been unbelievable and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I am looking forward to living and then writing about the future chapters of retickr and hopefully the story will have a happy ending. Until then…

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

The Art Of Business

Longer, Leaner and More Powerful: Pilates of Chattanooga By Kristen Halminen • Photography by Josh Lang

70s. Benefits span across Trends influence all asall ages, but becomes even pects of our daily lives, more valuable with age. and exercise is no excepThe goals of a Pilates praction. Upon walking into tice also changes with age. the Pilates of Chattanooga Creating healthy habits at studio, I instantly got the a younger age will prevent vibe that this is one trend aches and pains further that not only deserves a down the road. Carboni comeback—but is here to mentioned how today’s stay. There is good reason fast-paced lifestyles work this practice has returned in ways that will break to the spotlight. down the internal pilColleen Carboni, owner lars that hold us up and and founder of Pilates of make us strong. She is not Chattanooga, has been only referring to our core teaching Pilates for more strength, but also the way than 10 years and recently we move throughout our moved her studio to its new day, noting that if you are home in Warehouse Row working the body without in downtown Chattanoostrengthening it for activiga. Professionally trained ties, you are just asking for in New York and Seattle, problems. Carboni hopes to reignite There’s a lot to be said the practice of Pilates by for one-on-one training. Chattanoogans. As a selfJust like a personal trainer proclaimed “victim” of the “When practicing Pilates movements, you are learning at a gym, the benefits of yoga craze (albeit still a novto stretch your internal line, perfecting posture, and personal instruction are ice), I was a little shocked noticeable. But Pilates to see so much equipment re-training muscle memory.” goes deeper than weight or “apparatus” in the stuAt first glance, the sequences appeared easy training to build muscle dio. If you’re like me, when you think of the word “Pilates”, your brain defaults enough, but I soon realized that Mansell’s effortless- mass. When you challenge your muscular fitness on to Windsor Pilates, DVD workout craze and info- ness would not be my own when they invited me only one dimension, and find yourself super strong in mercial celebrity of years past, now collecting dust to try out the chair. It was a challenge, but the kind certain targeted areas, you are creating holes in othon your bottom shelf. But I knew right away that that drives you to want to become better. As Carboni ers. Carboni works with her clients to find a deeper this was no 20-minute DVD workout—and I was coached Mansell’s sequences, she explained some of strength in every movement, paying close attention to the philosophy behind the Pilates practice, using the alignment, building strength from within, supporting completely entranced. The natural light shone through the large indus- metaphor of a stage when talking about the body as a longer, leaner, and powerful physique. The Pilates philosophy stands for intelligent strength, and at Pitrial windows of the exposed brick studio as I tagged it relates to Pilates. Often we are doing things onstage, she said, wheth- lates Chattanooga, Colleen Carboni embraces this along on Carboni’s 11 a.m. appointment with longtime client Bonnie Mansell, a second-generation Pi- er it is sports or everyday activities, but rarely do we ideology to work with you no matter your experilates devotee who swears by it as an important com- consider the construction of the stage itself. Pilates is ence level. With my years of ignorance of the Pilates about creating a strong platform on which to let all ideology behind me, I’m scheduled for next week, ponent to her overall physical health. That’s exactly what Pilates founder Joseph Pilates other activities shine. With a strong core, everything determined to conquer that chair! Classes are availwas trying to accomplish when he created the se- becomes easier and results in less injury. When prac- able in groups of four, as well as one-on-one appointquence of movements as a proposed rehabilitation ticing Pilates movements, you are learning to stretch ments. New student intro sessions are also available, program for returning veterans during World War your internal line, perfecting posture, and re-train- working with you and your individual goals. I. Pilates designed “The Pilates Principles” to condi- ing muscle memory that will activate more efficient For more information, visit www.pilateschattation the entire body through proper alignment, cen- movement on a day-to-day basis. Carboni’s studio is frequented by a clientele rang- nooga.com or call (423) 493-0775. Pilates of Chattering, concentration, control, precision, breathing ing in age from their mid-20s all the way up to the tanooga is located at 1110 Market St., Ste 213. and flowing movement.

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

Chattanooga Street Scenes

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

Photography by Louis Lee

Kayaking on the Tennessee River with Outdoor Chattanooga.

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

ENTERTAINMENT

Free Will Astrology

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In August 2009, 120 scientists and their helpers staged a BioBlitz in Yellowstone National Park. Their goal was to find as many new species as they could in one day. To their surprise and delight, they located more than 1,200, including beetles, worms, lichens, and fungi that had never before been identified. An equally fertile phase of discovery could very well be imminent for you, Virgo. All you have to do is make that your intention, then become super extra double-wildly receptive. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “Two dangers threaten the universe: order and disorder,” said poet Paul Valery. I think that’s especially true for you right now, although the “danger” in question is psychological in nature, not physical, and it’s a relatively manageable hazard that you shouldn’t stay up all night worrying about. Still, the looming challenge to your poise is something that requires you to activate your deeper intelligence. You really do need to figure out how to weave a middle way between the extremes of seeking too much order and allowing too much disorder. What would Goldilocks do? SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Readers of Reddit. com were asked to describe their lives in just six words. It would be a good time for you to try this exercise. You’ve reached a juncture in your unfolding destiny when you could benefit from a review that pithily sums up where you’ve been up until now, and where you’ve got to go next. To inspire your work, here are some of the most interesting from Reddit: 1. Early opportunities wasted, now attempting redemption. 2. Searching tirelessly for that one thing. 3. Living my dream requires modifying dream. 4. Must not turn into my mom. 5. Insane ambition meets debilitating self-doubt. 6. Do you want to have sex? 7. Slowly getting the hang of it. 8. These pretzels are making me thirsty. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Go where the drama is, Sagittarius, but not where the melodrama is. Place yourself in the path of the most interesting power, but don’t get distracted by displays of power that are dehumanizing or narcissistic. You are in a phase of your astrological cycle when you have a mandate to intensify your excitement with life and increase your ability to be deeply engaged with what attracts you. I urge you to be as brave as you once were when you conquered a big fear and to be as curious as you were when you discovered a big secret about who you are. For extra credit, be highly demonstrative in your expression of what you care about. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In his older years, after steadfastly cultivating his vices with the care of a connoisseur, the agnostic actor W. C. Fields was caught reading the Bible by an old friend. Questioned at this departure from his usual behavior, Fields said he was “looking for loopholes.” I suspect a comparable shift may be in the offing for you, Capricorn. In your case, you may be drawn to a source you’ve perpetually ignored or dismissed, or suddenly

interested in a subject you’ve long considered to be irrelevant. I say, good for you. It’s an excellent time to practice opening your mind in any number of ways. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I watched a YouTube video that showed eight people competing in a weird marathon. They ran two miles, ate 12 doughnuts, then ran another two miles. I hope you don’t try anything remotely similar to that, Aquarius. If you’re in the mood for outlandish feats and exotic adventures (which I suspect you might be), I suggest you try something more lifeenhancing, like making love for an hour, eating an organic gourmet feast, then making love for another hour. It’s a good time for you to be wild, maybe even extreme, about getting the healing you need. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In the out-of-print book In Portugal, A.F.G. Bell defines the Portuguese word saudade as follows: “a vague and constant desire for something that does not and probably cannot exist, for something other than the present, a turning towards the past or towards the future; not an active discontent or poignant sadness, but an indolent dreaming wistfulness.” In my astrological opinion, Pisces, it is imperative that you banish as much saudade from your system as you can. If you want, you can bring it back again later, but for now, you need to clarify and refine your desires for things that are actually possible. And that requires you to purge the delusional ones. ARIES (March 21-April 19): I predict that in the coming weeks, you will be able to extract an unexpected perk or benefit from one of your less glamorous responsibilities. I also predict that you will decide not to ram headfirst into an obstacle and try to batter it until it crumbles. Instead, you’ll dream up a roundabout approach that will turn out to be more effective at eliminating the obstacle. Finally, I predict that these departures from habit will show you precious secrets about how to escape more of your own negative conditioning in the future. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Dear Astrologer: My life is stagnant and slow. It suffers bone-deep from a lack of changes, good or bad or in between. Why has my karma been deprived of all motion? Why must I go on frozen in such eerie peace and quiet? I seek your help. Can you cast a spell for me so that I will be

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

happily disrupted and agitated? Will you predict my sorry state of stillness to be ended soon? Arvind Agnimuka, Taurus from Darjeeling.” Dear Arvind: Funny you should ask. According to my analysis, members of the Taurus tribe are about to be roused out of their plodding rhythm by a bolt of cosmic mojo. Get ready to rumble— and I mean that in the best sense of the word. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I found this unusual classified ad in a small California newspaper. “Wanted: Someone to travel backwards in time with me. This is not a joke. You must be unafraid to see the person you used to be, and you’ve got to keep a wide-open mind about the past—I mean more wide-open than you have ever been able to. I have made this trip twice before, and I don’t expect any danger, but there may be a bit of a mess. Please bring your own ‘cleaning implements,’ if you know what I mean.” As crazy as it sounds, Gemini, I’m thinking you’d be the right person for this gig. The astrological omens suggest you’ll be doing something similar to it anyway. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Of your five senses, which is the most underdeveloped? If you’re a typical Westerner, it’s your sense of smell. You just don’t use it with the same level of acuity and interest you have when you’re seeing, hearing, tasting, and touching. You may speak excitedly about an image you saw or song you heard or food you ate or massage you experienced—what they were like, how they made you feel—but you rarely do that with odors. You easily tolerate an ugly building or loud traffic noise or mediocre food or itchy fabric, and yet you feel a deep aversion to an unappealing smell. Having said that, I want you to know it’s an excellent time to upgrade your olfactory involvement with the world. You’d benefit greatly from the emotional enrichment that would come from cultivating a more conscious relationship with aromas. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “Enlightenment is simply this,” said the Zen master. “When I walk, I walk. When I eat, I eat. When I sleep, I sleep.” If that’s true, Leo, you now have an excellent chance to achieve at least temporary enlightenment. The universe is virtually conspiring to maneuver you into situations where you can be utterly united with whatever you are doing in the present moment. You’ll be less tempted than usual to let your mind wander away from the experience at hand, but will instead relish the opportunity to commit yourself completely to the scene that’s right in front of you.

Solution To Last Week's Crossword

facebook.com/chattanoogapulse www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Jonesin' Crossword — "Fill 'Er Up...With The Right Letters" Across 1 Build to a climax, perhaps 15 Her marriage to Lamar Odom was televised 17 “Go for it!” 18 “This is good” 19 MS enclosure 20 Sounds disappointed 21 “Biography” channel 23 Apt. ad stat 26 It gets struck after the show 27 Greek letters that look like tridents 28 Diamond settings 32 Radio tower tops 34 URL punctuation 37 Without a purpose 38 U may follow them 39 Frozen pops 42 Adds up 43 “One ___” (Joan Osborne hit) 47 Time zone for most of Eur.

48 Mao ___-tung 49 Catholic college in New York 50 Some practicers of Islam 52 Residential care worker, for short 54 WWII naval vessel 55 She played the devil in “Bedazzled” 60 Kept one’s powder dry 61 Treaty sessions Down 1 Item for a star search 2 He’s a “really useful engine” 3 The comeback kids? 4 Character that rhymes with Pooh 5 Edgy 6 Ada’s st. 7 Actress Dunaway 8 German equiv. of “miss”

9 Reagan’s “Star Wars” program, for short 10 Washroom, casually 11 Suffix after neur- or psych12 Response to a ring 13 Person who sticks around 14 They may possess 50-footers 16 Platform used to play Metroid 22 When the clocks shift: abbr. 23 Author of the “Goosebumps” series 24 Does impersonations 25 “___ Nacht” (original German version of “Silent Night”) 28 Least loopy 29 Burdens 30 Suit to ___ 31 Really fast plane, for short 33 Fixes

34 ___ Perignon 35 Prophetic 36 Classic Dave Brubeck song 40 Surfer of sorts 41 “___ says to the guy...” 44 Became the responsibility of 45 Camouflaged 46 Horny beasts, in two ways 49 ___ Ste. Marie, Mich. 50 His, to Henri 51 “The Sweetest Taboo” singer 52 Golfer K.J. 53 Drag racing assoc. 56 Tom Hanks movie with a Silly String fight 57 Eisenhower’s command, for short 58 ___-LCD (display type on flat screens) 59 Bollywood actress Aishwarya ___

Jonesin' Crossword created By Matt Jones. © 2011 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle #0534.

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse

OPINION

Ask A Mexican

Special Comida Edition Dear Mexican, This is going to sound absolutely and totally Caucasian. Lately, we have been trying to lighten the mood around the office with delicate bits of international confections. With all that’s going on in the world, who needs one more worry? With that said, we are struck with yet another issue to ponder. Just the other day at my birthday celebration, I quite insisted on a lilac-toned bomb cake from a pricey bakery in Monterey. In addition to this, some of my Mexican sisters brought something called the Tres Leches. To try to begin to describe the subtle richness and the coolness upon the tongue, left my bomb cake standing alone like a wall flower at a seventh-grade dance. To this end, we are still arguing what in the heck is the THIRD leche in the Tres Leches? We have cow as leche number uno, goat as leche number dos… however, the mind spins with the possibilities of the tres leches? — Rattled in Ryan Ranch Dear Gabacha, I’m glad you enjoyed pastel de tres leches, but unless your Mexi amigas bought a gourmet version, you’re wrong on all counts. Tres leches cake is traditionally made with evaporated milk, condensed milk, and a layer of cream on top. Usually, Mexicans use goat milk to make cajeta, the mestizo cousin of caramel—but cajeta usually doesn’t go on pastel de tres leches. You can drizzle that on the pastel de tres leches—wash it down with horchata, and you’ll have the sweetest combo to come out of Mexico since Salma Hayek’s breasts.

Dear Mexican, While trying to instill some history into my girlfriend, who is also Mexican (well, I was born acá, y ella, allá) I told her that maize was first harvested by Aztecs, whereas she states that it was the Mayans

valley (around the states of Puebla and Oaxaca) dating back to 5,000 B.C.— more than 2,000 years before aliens built the pyramids in Egypt as guides or whatever the latest Coast to Coast A.M. explanation is. The domestication of maize (and the miracle that is nixtamalization, which makes masa possible) is Mexico’s greatest gift to the world, greater even than Salma Hayek’s boobs of glory.

Gustavo Arellano

"Trying to determine who domesticated corn is as impossible as finding a Mexicanowned truck without a sticker of a bull, their hometown, or stick figures depicting their family.”

who kept la yunta andando for corn first. Could you please enlighten her by telling that she’s wrong? — Mexican Light Dear Wab: Drop the Aztec love, cabrón! Everyone knows they were just a parasite empire that absorbed attributes from the many cultures and people that preceded them, from the Olmecs to Toltecs to Mayans to whoever the hell built Teotihuacán. And the fact is both of you are wrong. Trying to determine who domesticated corn is as impossible as finding a Mexican-owned truck without a sticker of a bull, their hometown, or stick figures depicting their family, but the great book America’s First Cuisines notes scientists in 1964 found evidence of domestication and harvesting in the Tehuacan

The Pulse | Volume 8, Issue 34 | August 25, 2011 | State of the Arts 2011 | www.chattanoogapulse.com

CRAZY NEWS! You’re favorite columna is being turned into a play! ¡Ask a Mexican! will get its first-ever reading this Friday at the prestigious Off-Broadway Atlantic Theater Company as part of their annual Latino Mixfest. A special gracias to my writing partner, Atlantic’s artistic leadership associate Jaime Castaneda (a Tejano, but that’s okay), for wanting to do this. For my Puebla York cabrones interested in attending the reading: it’s free, but you must RSVP—more info at atlantictheater.org. For everyone else—start bugging your local theater company to stage the play come next year! GOOD MEXICAN OF THE WEEK! Since this is my annual food edición, a shout-out to all the original loncheros— those taco-truck pioneers across the country who fought the law and racist ordinances to ensure we can all enjoy a late-night taco. All you luxe lonchera folks slinging “gourmet” food: pay respects to your elders when you park your trucks next to them at the commissary. Yes, gentle readers: roach coaches and “gourmet” food trucks spend their nights together. Imagine that! Have a question? Ask the Mexican at themexican@ askamexican.net, be his fan on Facebook, follow him on Twitter or ask him a video question at www.youtube.com/askamexicano!

www.chattanoogapulse.com | State of the Arts 2011 | August 25, 2011 | Volume 8, Issue 34 | The Pulse