Nfocus February 2021 by FW Publishing

FEBRUARY 2021 Step inside the newly opened National Museum of African American Music

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nfocusmagazine.com

| FEBRUARY 2021 <<

Contents February 2021 | Vol. xxviii, No. 2

features 15 29

Best of 2020

Upscale dining that can be enjoyed via takeout or delivery

departments

Our readers and writers weigh in on the highlights of a trying year

Master Makers Local artisans discuss their craft and what it means to them 30 32 34 36 38

Date Night In

SAVAS Carden Avenue Doug Regen Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Tenn Hens Design

In Our Words Thinking back and looking forward

Behind the Scenes Getting to know Nashville’s Youth Poet Laureate Alora Young

Step Inside The National Museum of African American Music opens its doors in downtown Nashville

Taking Vows Sara Shallenberger Brown marries David Harris Fleishman

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

Remembering the work of Bill “Hoss” Allen and WLAC-AM

Best Behavior

Nretrospect

Backstage Pass Catching up with five of the city’s most accomplished performers 42 44 46 48 50

Jun Iwasaki Megan Murphy Chambers Dave Ragland Jamie Kopit Matt Logan

ON THE COVER

Jun Iwasaki, concertmaster and first violin for the Nashville Symphony, photographed by Daniel Meigs. For more on Jun and other local performing artists, check out our Backstage Pass story on page 42.

8 >> FEBRUARY 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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We tell your stories. Want to become part of ours? Created by society insiders in 1993, Nfocus is the most trusted source for coverage of Nashville’s vibrant philanthropic and social scene. Throughout our 27-year history, we have covered thousands of charitable events and the nonprofits they support, in addition to highlighting the city’s culinary, retail and cultural offerings. We showcase the very best that Nashville has to offer in every single print issue, as well as on our website, in our emails and on social media.

Our original content, produced monthly by a staff of local contributors exclusively for our publication, covers the latest trends in fashion, dining, interior design, health and beauty, arts and culture, travel, weddings, food and wine and more. With a desire to shine a light on Nashville’s thriving philanthropic and business communities, we focus on the individuals, organizations and artisans that make Nashville so unique.

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V I S I T M E M B E R S H I P. N F O C U S N A S H V I L L E . C O M T O B E C O M E A M E M B E R T O D A Y !| 63 nfocusmagazine.com

FEBRUARY 2021 <<

Editorial

THE GRAND ROMANCE NASHVILLE PACKAGE

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Jonathan Sims associate editor Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Whitney Clay, Chris Chamberlain, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Laura Hutson Hunter, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Megan Seling, Varina Willse founding editor editor-in-chief

Art

Heather Pierce Eric England staff photographer Daniel Meigs contributing photographers Michael W. Bunch, Steve Lowry, Jen McDonald art director

senior photographer

Production

graphic designers

Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Christie Passarello

graphic designer /production coordinator

Marketing

events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton Caroline Poole

promotions and marketing coordinator

Advertising

publisher

Jennifer Trsinar

Olivia Bellon, Maggie Bond, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, William Shutes, Mike Smith, , Keith Wright sales operations manager Chelon Hasty advertising solutions associates Aya Robinson, Price Waltman advertising solutions consultants

Circulation Business

NIGHT $499/NIGHT/ 2STAY

THE ROMANTIC GETAWAY INCLUDES

• •

A LUXURIOUS, KING SUITE THE NASHVILLE GRANGE 4 COURSE DINNER FOR 2

Owner

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

president Frank Daniels III chief financial officer Todd Patton IT director John Schaeffer FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2021. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusnashville.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call JENNIFER TRSINAR at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2021 FW Publishing, LLC.

ALCOHOL AND GRATUITY EXCLUDED

•

2 TIX / FRIST ART MUSEUM EXHIBITS INCLUDE; PICASSO. FIGURES, LILIANA PORTER, AND A LANDMARK REPURPOSED - FRIST ART DECO BLDG.

•

2 SPA TREATMENTS OR 1 COUPLE’S MASSAGE ( 50 MIN )

•

2 COCKTAILS AT AURUM OR LOU/NA* ROOFTOP LOUNGE

IN O UR WO RD S

What You Missed Thinking back and looking forward

*EXCLUDING FEBRUARY 13 + 14

•

BOOK WITH CODE - GRNP

Our February issue has long been home to our annual Best Parties poll. Each January, we ask our readers to vote on the best and most memorable events of the previous year. Considering that 2020 only gave us about 10 weeks when parties were even an option, we had to change things up a bit. We asked our readers and writers to share the highlights of a trying year in our Best of 2020 poll. Everyone still had a chance to weigh in on events — the ones they loved, missed and were impressed by — but we also wanted to know the people, places and nonprofits that made 2020 a bit more bearable. Find out the results on page 15. Parties aren’t the only things we’re missing at the moment. I know I’m not alone in mourning

AVAIL. WEDNESDAY – SUNDAY, FEB. 2021

BY NANCY FLOYD

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10 >> FEBRUARY 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

NFocus_half_pg_vertical_rev.indd 2

the loss of live performances. Our local nonprofit performing arts companies have done an admirable job of pivoting to online programming and virtual shows, but we’re all eagerly awaiting the day when we can experience the power of live productions yet again. In Backstage Pass (page 42), we talked to local performing artists about their careers, what they’re working on and what’s next. We also checked in with local artisans, who have been creating beautiful work during the pandemic. Check out our Master Makers story (page 29) to learn more. And if you need some Valentine’s Day inspiration, don’t miss our picks for upscale dining available for takeout or delivery on page 53. Happy reading and eating!

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

1/25/21 4:15 PM

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Voice of Power Getting to know Nashville’s 2020 Youth Poet Laureate Alora Young By age 2, Alora Young was announcing to her family that she wanted to be a writer. As a junior at Hillsboro High School, she was named the 2020 Nashville Youth Poet Laureate. In normal times, she would have recited her works at numerous public appearances, but the pandemic put an end to that. Fortunately, we weren’t deprived of Alora’s powerful words and strong voice. In May, thousands of Nashvillians were awed by a virtual presentation of her poem “Iron Lung,” delivered during a mayoral press conference broadcast on all local news stations. The Basics Since then, she delivered spoken word performances for Name: Alora Young TEDxNashville and appeared Profession/Title: Nashville Youth in the CBS special Every Vote Poet Laureate Counts: A Celebration of DemocHometown: Nashville racy. A graduate of the Iowa Zip Code: 37027 Young Writers’ Studio, she’s been published in The New York Years in Nashville: 11 Times, Signal Mountain Review Age when first poem written: 8 and OZ Arts Nashville’s Art Wire. Also in 2020, she received The Princeton Prize in Race Relations as the founder of AboveGround, which works with students of color. Nashville’s Youth Poet Laureate program — overseen by Southern Word and supported by the Nashville Public Library Foundation — is part of the nonprofit Urban Word NYC’s national program, which celebrates teen poets who display leadership, artistic excellence and a drive for civic and How did you first get interested in writing poetry? social engagement. Alora’s new year has already I don’t even remember the first time I said I wanted started off with a huge honor. She was recently to be a writer. From what I’ve been told by my famnamed the South Regional Poet Ambassador, ily, I’ve been declaring it since I was 2 years old. which also makes her a finalist for National Youth My life has always been so laced with stories that I Poet Laureate. Alora is busy finishing her senior used to fall asleep telling tales of my own creation to myself until I learned to read and let the pages year, working with AboveGround and always, altell them for me. ways writing, but she paused to share more about her love of poetry and her promising career. Who were some of your favorite authors then? BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

My favorite authors as a child were Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss. I loved rhyme, and through reading their works, I learned so many different styles and meters of rhyme. What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done since being named Youth Poet Laureate? The most exciting thing I’ve done since becoming youth poet laureate was my performance for Mission 2020. I had the opportunity to perform for hundreds of the world’s top climate scientists and create a poem on an issue I had yet to explore thoroughly in writing up to that date: climate change. What is your organization, AboveGround? At AboveGround, I teach a combination of creative arts and Black history in order to show students of color that they are a part of history and to encourage them to pursue higher-level art and education. I created this initiative to identify where the disparity between the number of students of color and white students in advanced placement courses began. I found it often begins with elementary school honors courses, or Encore. When students of color are told

they’re not “advanced” at such a young age, they often take it to heart. By offering this program to non-Encore elementary schoolers, I can build their self-confidence, as the arts have been consistently proven to do, and show them that people of color have been successful in every field. With this oneon-one direction and attention, I show them that they have the ability to achieve at similar levels as their white counterparts. Since I began working with the students, I have made major breakthroughs relating to their feelings about education that would never have been made without access to creative expression and role models. How has the Nashville Public Library played a role in your development and growth as a writer? I used to hide in the library after school to avoid the kids who would bully me. This led to me reading almost all of the poetry in the children’s room at the Green Hills library. I wouldn’t have become the artist I am today without that. If you could trade places with anyone for a day, who would it be? I’m pretty content being me, actually. If I had to choose, I would like to be Sonia Sotomayor, so I could give a formal dissent at the Supreme Court, a life goal of mine. What’s the one thing you hope never changes in Nashville? The people. I know we are already changing, but Nashville is one of the kindest places I know. That kindness deserves to persist and, hopefully, not be squished by a pedal tavern!

12 >> FEBRUARY 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

For the full interview with Alora, visit nfocusmagazine.com.

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BEST OF 2020

Best of

0 0 2 2 Say what you will about 2020, but one thing is certain: We will never forget it.

Although it wasn’t a year filled with grand events and memorable nights on the town, there were still wonderful things happening in Nashville’s nonprofit community and social scene. In lieu of our traditional Best Parties poll, we asked our readers about the events that did and didn’t happen, as well as the nonprofits, restaurants and individuals that made the year special. We also asked our writers to weigh in on a few of their favorite things. Keep reading to find out what the best parts of 2020 were.

BY NANCY FLOYD, HOLLY HOFFMAN, JONATHAN SIMS, MEGAN SELING AND LAURA HUTSON HUNTER PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND DANIEL MEIGS

nfocusmagazine.com

FEBRUARY 2021 <<

BE ST O F 2 0 2 0

Readers’ Choice BEST EVENT OF 2020, VIRTUAL OR IN-PERSON 1. Conservancy Gala 2. Ballet Ball 3. Pairings

EVENT YOU MISSED THE MOST 1. l’Eté du Vin 2. Iroquois Steeplechase 3. Dinner by the Bridge

BEST VIRTUAL EVENT 1. Red Door Bash 2. Nashville Wine Auction 3. JDRF Promise Gala

BEST PRE-PANDEMIC EVENT 1. Ballet Ball 2. Pairings 3. All for the Hall

BEST FAMILY MEAL KIT DELIVERY 1. Chef’s Market 2. G Catering 3. Answer

BEST NONPROFIT ONLINE PROGRAMMING 1. Nashville Ballet and #LoveWineHateCancer (TIE) 2. Gilda’s Club 3. Country Music Hall of Fame

BEST RESTAURANT REINVENTION 1. Nicky’s Coal Fired 2. Anzie Blue 3. Rosepepper Cantina and Answer (TIE)

BEST KIDS’ EVENT/PROGRAMMING 1. Nashville Zoo 2. Country Music Hall of Fame 3. Nashville Public Library

BEST RESTAURANT FOR TAKEOUT 1. Vui’s Kitchen 2. BrickTop’s 3. A nswer and Green Hills Grille (TIE)

BEST REIMAGINED EVENT 1. Red Door Bash 2. Conservancy Gala 3. River Swing and Nashville Wine Auction (TIE)

BEST ARTS EVENT 1. Fall for Chihuly 2. Ballet Ball 3. Symphony Ball

BEST OUTDOOR/SOCIALLY DISTANCED EVENT 1. Conservancy Gala 2. River Swing 3. Sunday in the Park

BEST EVENT PLANNER 1. Amos Gott, AmosEvents 2. Bruce Pittman 3. Big Events

BEST CATERER 1. Kristen Winston 2. G Catering 3. Dani Kates

BEST FLORIST 1. Amos Gott, AmosEvents 2. The Tulip Tree 3. Rose Hill Flowers

RESTAURANT YOU MISSED THE MOST 1. Sperry’s 2. Rolf & Daughters 3. Henrietta Red

VENUE YOU MISSED THE MOST 1. The Ryman 2. Schermerhorn 3. TPAC

BEST ONLINE AUCTION 1. Nashville Wine Auction 2. JDRF Promise Gala 3. River Swing

continued on page 19

16 >> FEBRUARY 2021 | nfocusmagazine.com

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BEST OF 2020

Writers’ Choice BEST SPECIALTY COCKTAIL

Ann M Bella at La Bella Notte

BEST PROVIDERS

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

BEST TRIP TO FRANCE

Ballet Ball It’s hard to remember now, but there were 10 glorious weeks at the beginning of 2020 when we were able to party as usual. There were several incredible events packed into that time, but none sparkled quite as bright as the Ballet Ball. Co-chairs Allison Cotton and Emily Humphreys planned a celebration fit for a king — King Louis XIV, to be exact. The Versailles-inspired French fête was a night of glamour and elegance, featuring a French feast prepared by Kristen Winston, French wines and fantastic live performances from Rayland Baxter, Maren Morris and, of course, our spectacular Nashville Ballet. It was such an opulent night that even Marie Antoinette made an appearance.

Between the tornado, the pandemic and the Christmas Day bombing, 2020 was an exceptionally difficult year for Nashville. Despite these tragedies, the city’s benevolence has never been more evident, thanks in no small part to the efforts of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. Within hours of each horrific occurrence, the organization established funds to provide resources and assistance to those impacted. With millions of dollars raised and awarded in grants thus far, the CFMT has reminded us all that even in our darkest days, Nashville is a community that comes together and serves one another.

Events frequently offer a special cocktail, usually with a cute name or a play on words, and they can range from tasty to sweet to, well, um, questionable. One of the best we’ve experienced was the Ann M Bella, served at La Bella Notte and named for honorary chair Ann Marie McNamara, who exclaimed, “This drink is named for me!” upon arrival. Appropriately made with prosecco, the concoction was almost as bubbly and delightful as its namesake.

BEST ART PARTY

The Art Ball BEST PUPPY PARTY

BEST OUTDOOR DINNER EVENT

Unleashed

River Swing

On Feb. 1, weeks before much of the world heard the term “COVID-19,” the Nashville Humane Association hosted their annual Unleashed event, a party that, quite literally, goes to the dogs. Guests and their pup companions got gussied up in their best beachwear for the tiki-themed event. We spotted Chihuahuas and French bulldogs sporting colorful floral leis, while a corgi waltzed around in a grass skirt. The night was the closest thing to a beach vacation many of us would experience for the rest of the year, but sipping on fruity, umbrella-laden drinks while surrounded by fun-loving furry friends was not a bad party to go out on.

The Harpeth Conservancy hosted a safe and beautiful dinner under October skies and string lights to raise funds for the restoration and protection of Tennessee’s rivers. With strict health, safety and social distancing guidelines firmly in place, the event offered a fresh-air respite from the seclusion of the previous months. And with dinner catered by Puckett’s, wine and charcuterie from WillCo Wine and Cheese, and live music from J.B. Strauss and friends, the evening was exactly what everyone needed.

Its goal was to be the Met Ball of the South, and by all accounts, the inaugural Art Ball, hosted by Tri-Star Arts at Marathon Music Works in February, nailed the Met Ball’s balance of outrageousness and glamour. Country music royalty Holly Williams was a gracious host, and singer-songwriter Joy Williams performed a captivating acoustic set that left audiences rapt. The event was a fundraiser for the Tennessee Triennial, which, like many events scheduled for this year, has been postponed. But the real success of The Art Ball was in its ability to galvanize so many local contemporary art supporters.

BEST EVENT FOR FILM LOVERS

A Red Carpet Evening Fortunately, the Academy Awards were scheduled for early February last year, allowing us all to gather safely at the Belcourt Theatre for one of the most highly anticipated events for cinephiles across the city. A Red Carpet Evening, chaired yet again by Amos Gott and our very own Holly Hoffman, brought a glitzy crowd together for a fun and fabulous night of film. Guests enjoyed fanciful treats from G Catering before watching the Oscars on the big screen. The most exciting part was that the 2020 event marked the 20th anniversary of the beloved fundraising event and broke records for ticket sales and sponsorships. continued on page 20

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BE ST O F 2 0 2 0

Writers’ Choice BEST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

BEST NIGHT OF MUSICAL THEATER

Antiques & Garden Show Last winter, the Antiques & Garden Show toasted its 30th anniversary in pre-pandemic style, welcoming more than 12,000 guests to the Music City Center for the three-day event. Co-chairs Louise Bryan and Ashley Levi were wise to choose “Legacy” as the show’s theme, giving them ample opportunity to celebrate three decades of history of the show, now the largest and longest-running of its kind in the nation. The Antiques & Garden Show is unfortunately canceled for 2021, but crowds will no doubt be lining up in 2022 to shop the fabulous collection of art, antiques and more.

BEST ART EXHIBIT

Rina Banerjee’s Make Me a Summary of the World Despite being shuttered for part of the year, the Frist Art Museum managed to create a safe environment for enriching our lives by viewing, interacting with and supporting exciting exhibits — the most intriguing of which was a collection of works by Rina Banerjee. The Kolkata-born artist uses natural and manufactured objects from around the world to discuss such timely topics as gender, identity, sensuality, colonization and the immigrant experience, particularly the prevalence and harm of anti-immigrant rhetoric. Each piece sparked important and necessary conversations we should all have to create a better, more empathetic and more inclusive world.

Broadway Brunch at Night Stage lights came back on for one shining August evening during Broadway Brunch at Night, the virtual version of Nashville Repertory Theatre’s oh-sopopular Broadway Brunch. Megan Murphy Chambers was an absolutely charming and hilarious emcee, and members of the Rep sang popular show tunes, a medley of songs spotlighting 35 years of Nashville Rep shows and a timely parody, “It’s COVID-19,” based on “It Sucks to Be Me” from Avenue Q. Needless to say, the show was a huge hit!

BEST SPECIAL GUEST

Maren Morris Award-winning country artist Maren Morris showed up not once, but twice, to lend her voice and her support to two of Nashville’s most prominent performing arts companies. In February, she performed three songs, while very pregnant, at the Ballet Ball. In October, she graced the Schermerhorn Symphony Center yet again for a recorded performance to air during the televised Symphony Ball special. Both events support arts education programs, a cause very near and dear to the star’s heart, and thanks in part to Maren’s generous involvement, both events were smashing successes.

BEST USE OF 3,200 ACRES

Sunday in the Park Truly “Our Sanctuary in the City,” the Warner Parks boast 60 miles of trails, clusters of restored picnic shelters and open fields within its 3,200 acres, not to mention the hundreds of native species of flora and fauna thriving there. At Sunday in the Park, supporters picked up box lunches and sought out their own oasis to enjoy the day and the wonders of the parks, which was a memorable way to to tide everyone over until they meet under the big tent on Ridge Field again.

BEST MICRO EVENT

Symphony Fashion Show The Symphony Fashion Show ordinarily draws around 700 people to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center for a runway show from a well-known top designer. Last year’s event was ultimately canceled, but that did not deter featured designer Zang Toi from bringing his Fall 2020 collection to Gus Mayer for a trunk show and adding a few micro shows for about 20 lucky ladies. The clothes were stunning, the music fantastic and the intimate setting unparalleled.

BEST LITERARY EVENT

Southern Festival of Books When events around the world were being canceled or postponed, literature fans across the South were awaiting word on what would happen to the annual Southern Festival of Books. Humanities Tennessee put together an incredible program of virtual talks and panels, and one of the best parts was that people from around the world were able to join in and participate this year. While everyone missed gathering downtown to hang out with fellow book lovers, this was a better adaptation than anyone could have hoped for. continued on page 23

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BEST OF 2020

Writers’ Choice BEST EXHIBIT RETURN BEST NEW FOOD DELIVERY

Chihuly at Cheekwood When Seattle-based artist Dale Chihuly first brought his striking glass sculptures to Cheekwood back in 2010, it was a watershed moment for the botanical gardens and museum. The return of the exhibit was equally as important, even more so than initially expected. Originally scheduled to open in April, the show was delayed until the summer due to the pandemic, but its arrival marked the reopening of the beloved institution, giving people a safe way to get out of the house and enjoy some art. The delay also meant that the exhibit remained at Cheekwood until early 2021, allowing guests to enjoy the spectacular sculptures surrounded by a million twinkle lights at Holiday LIGHTS.

Vui’s Kitchen Nearly every restaurant has had to adapt to the new world in the last year. Restaurants that offered neither takeout nor delivery have been forced to offer one or both options to stay in business. While it took some trial and error to get it just right, Vui’s has successfully transitioned to offering delivery and curbside pickup. Now, you can get the oh-so-comforting lemongrass pork belly noodle bowl with bao buns and a steaming bowl of pho brought right to your doorstep, and suddenly, the pandemic feels slightly more bearable.

BEST PARTY FAVOR

Any Old Iron masks As the pandemic droned on and fundraisers were reimagined, masks became the party favor of choice to protect people who faithfully, and cautiously, showed up to support their favorite organizations. By far, the best masks were the dazzling sequined face covers that designer Andrew Clancey gifted attendees of his Any Old Iron runway show at Noelle Nashville. Since the fall show, there’s been no better way to add glam to jeans, yoga pants and hoodies.

BEST CELEBRATION OF WOMEN

BEST BREAKOUT INSTAGRAM STAR

Conservancy Gala Drive-In

Ann Patchett Everyone knows Ann Patchett as a bestselling, award-winning author and a passionate spokesperson for independent booksellers and books. But those who follow the Instagram account for Parnassus Books have come to adore her clever sense of humor — often delivered with a bit of sass — and sense of style. Not long after the lockdown began, Ann began posting reels with amusing openings before sharing her book recommendations. Whether decked out in a ball gown or a statement t-shirt, she made us laugh, think and remember the value of reading.

With 2020 marking the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, there were many wonderful events celebrating suffrage throughout the year. But none were quite as festive as the Conservancy Gala Drive-In, which just so happened to fall on the night that the election results were announced and it was revealed that Kamala Harris would be our nation’s first female vice president. The news added an extra air of excitement to the outdoor event that was themed “Then & Now: Women Beat the Odds,” and guests were spotted popping bottles of bubbly in the parking lot to celebrate the historic moment.

BEST EVENT TO TALK TO THE ANIMALS

Jungle Soirée and September Sips BEST NEW FINE DINING

Yolan With recent construction bringing new high-rise hotels to the downtown area, The Joseph brings a new level of luxury and sophistication to the city, and with it, Yolan, the new home of James Beard Award-winning and Michelin-starred chef Tony Mantuano and wine expert Cathy Mantuano. The duo have crafted a menu that offers a fresh perspective on fine Italian cuisine, featuring such creations as an indescribably delicious white truffle gnocchi and a saffron lobster risotto. Every single dish on the five- or eight-course tasting or the à la carte menus is a new, unexpected delight.

One setting, two parties, small groups and lots of animals. When the Nashville Zoo hosted September Sips, an afterhours, adults-only event, and Jungle Soirée, a first-of-its-kind progressive dinner held at its most popular exhibits, guests were ecstatic to be so close to the zoo’s many residents. They fawned over the Animal Ambassadors, delighted at the flamboyance of flamingos, and, above all, were completely captivated by the appearance of Frances, a usually reclusive Sumatran tiger. continued on page 24

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BE ST O F 2 0 2 0

Writers’ Choice BEST VIRTUAL CHAT FOR THEATER JUNKIES

Studio Tenn Talks: Conversations with Patrick Cassidy

BEST MASK DESIGNER

Erica Knicely

BEST QUICK CHANGE

Iroquois Steeplechase When lockdowns went into place in March, the Iroquois Steeplechase quickly postponed the annual horse race until late June. When it became clear that 25,000 people would not be able to safely gather at that time, they proved to be quick on their feet yet again, offering one of the first party-at-home options of the year. Their Steeplechase in a Box packages brought the fun of the beloved spring tradition right to people’s doorsteps, allowing festive mini celebrations to take place around the city, sans horses, unfortunately.

Last year was marked by innovation and transition for pretty much everyone. Even the fashion industry was affected in a way none of us could have predicted. Fortunately, the biggest shift in the world of fashion also encouraged keeping others safe while looking great: face masks. And while everyone did a fantastic job of making masks that look chic, stand out and even express important social ideas, Erica Knicely’s masks — cotton and linen creations made from vintage tablecloths and featuring delicate floral embroidery — took the form to a whole new level of quiet elegance.

BEST PLACE TO CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF WOMEN’S RIGHT TO VOTE

The Hermitage Hotel

BEST VIRTUAL CLASS

Whiskey Is a Science, Bourbon Is an Art Early in the pandemic, everyone was scrambling to figure out how to engage their patrons and audiences in a way that felt somewhat natural, despite having to stare into webcams. TPAC found their footing with their virtual Salon Series. The first of the series was a conversation between TPAC President and CEO Jennifer Turner and Andy and Charlie Nelson of Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery. Part history lesson, part whiskey tasting, the virtual class was a fun way to learn the fascinating details of how the two brothers uncovered the story of the original owners of the distillery, their great-great-great-grandparents Louisa and Charles Nelson, and revived the original recipe for their Tennessee Whiskey.

The historic hotel played a pivotal role in the fight to secure women’s right to vote, so it was no surprise that, when the 100th anniversary of the momentous occasion rolled around, the festivities began a year in advance and continued in a safe and socially distanced manner once the pandemic hit. With tributes like suffrage-themed cocktails and afternoon teas with bites inspired by the era, it was the place to appreciate the determination of the suffragists. The high point came when the National Parks department added The Hermitage Hotel to the National Historic Landmark Registry at a ceremony on the same day the historic vote took place in 1920.

BEST THING TO HAPPEN TO RESTAURANTS

To-go and delivery of cocktails, wine and beer “Best” may be not be the most accurate term for an industry hit particularly hard by the pandemic, but when Governor Lee issued an executive order on March 22 allowing restaurants to offer cocktails, beer and wine for takeout and delivery, everyone sprang into action. The order certainly gave a boost to flagging sales and local restrictions that still haunt the industry after almost a year. Fortunately for them — and us — the order has been extended through the end of this month, at least.

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Patrick Cassidy moved here to serve as artistic director for Franklin’s Studio Tenn at the end of 2019 and brought an impressive list of contacts from his career on Broadway and in film and music. After stages went dark, Patrick called those friends for a series of online chats that included Seinfeld’s Jason Alexander and legends Chita Rivera and Patti LuPone, among others, while also saving some airtime to talk with heads of other local performing arts nonprofits.

BEST ADAPTED BOOK SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

The Bookshop For book lovers, one of the experiences most missed during the lockdown was spending a rainy afternoon getting lost in the stacks of a quiet bookstore. After being closed for some time, The Bookshop began a window pickup service. It was nice to be able to continue supporting the East Nashville purveyor of beautiful books, but the experience didn’t quite scratch the itch. Out of concern for the safety for her patrons, owner Joelle Herr devised a brilliant way to restrict the number of people in the cozy space: opening the shop to 20-minute private browsing appointments.

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Have you heard? We have a new name and look! Rebel Hill Florist is now

How About Dinner And A Movie? Reimagined

Park Center’s signature fundraising event, created by lifetime board member Barbara Daane with 2021 Chairman, Deena Drummond. Guests always look forward to this fabulous evening in late February, featuring a fabulous meal by Dani Kates, a lively auction and a unique film. This year – we are going virtual!

F ebruary 25, 2021 | 6pm

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Master Makers Local artisans discuss their craft and what it means to them

Here in Nashville, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re fortunate to have such a growing arts community, thanks to the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of our people, who are creating new art and opening our eyes to what it can become when we support them and their endeavors. Working in spirits, wood, jewelry, paper and leather, these five local artisans use their unique gifts and talents to make our city a little more beautiful. We know their brands and see their work around town, so we took a closer look at how they got their start, what drives them and what they love about what they do.

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ARTISANS

Name: Savannah Yarborough, SAVAS Medium: Leather and suede clothing and footwear What is one project that you loved working on? John Prine’s jacket for the Grammys for 2020 (where he was given a Lifetime Achievement Award). We made a sport coat like his favorite old Western sport coat. It had suede yolks on the front and a suede lapel. It was a really classic black calfskin. And the day I delivered it to him, he said, “I’ve been looking for a fit this good for 20 years.”

Savannah Yarborough SAVAS

Fashion designer Savannah Yarborough says there is something about a leather jacket that sets it apart from other garments. “There’s a power,” says Savannah. “I always say that leather jackets bring out our internal power. That’s what I want to achieve with each person that we work with. I’m not giving you the power. The jacket’s not giving you the power. You already have it, but it just brings it out of you when you put it on.” The Birmingham, Alabama, native, who specializes in bespoke leather and suede pieces and recently launched a readyto-wear line, studied menswear design at the renowned Central Saint Martins arts and design college in London before going to work for Billy Reid in 2010 and founding SAVAS in 2015. Her work has gained a celebrity following. Clients have included Reba McEntire, Jack White, Miranda Lambert, Jason Isbell and John Prine. She says 75 percent of her business is menswear, and

many of her customers aren’t rock stars but “dads who go play golf on the weekends.” A bespoke leather jacket starts at $5,000, whereas a leather jacket from the ready-to-wear line can be half that. There is also an in-between, made-to-measure program, where the pieces are based off an existing design and clients can choose a different material than what’s shown, as well as choose embroidery to personalize the lining. In August, SAVAS expanded into footwear, offering the Legend boot in colors such as black, tobacco, gasoline and whisky suede, with more options coming this month. The boots are priced at $825. SAVAS just moved to a new home at 525 Merritt Ave. in the Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. Right now, Savannah and her staff of five are following COVID-19 protocols and seeing clients by appointment or virtually. To see more of her work, check out the SAVAS website at ateliersavas.com. BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

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Suzanne Crook and Carolyn Greenfield Carden Avenue Sometimes, the best ideas happen organically, as in the case of Suzanne Crook and Carolyn Greenfield, the founders of Carden Avenue jewelry. About eight years ago, while taking their children to Elmington Park, the women were flipping through a Sundance catalog, when Carolyn said, “Oh my gosh, I could make that.” Both artistic but with no formal training, they were soon creating pieces for their friends, which were such a hit that before they knew it, they had a jewelry business. Now, Carden Avenue is carried in boutiques throughout the South, with plans to expand nationwide. The collection features delicate pieces that are perfect for layering and include mixed metals, pearls and diamonds. They call their aesthetic “classic with an edge.” “We hope people find that what we do is on trend,” says Suzanne, “but not too trendy, so you can continue to wear the pieces that we design for many years to come but, at the same time, stay current with what is going on.”

While they say their target demographic would probably be women in their 30s, 40s and 50s, what they have found is that they have a younger following, as well. A mom might be shopping for herself and also buy a gift for her daughter. Because the designers are so prolific, resulting in an expansive collection crafted in a home studio, clients can mix and match and layer pieces, making the look all their own. “So, we could be in a room, and the most gratifying thing — well, pre-COVID — was to be at a party or in a room with all these fabulous women who are wearing our jewelry, and we’re the only ones who know that it’s all ours, because everybody’s looks so different,” says Carolyn. Carden Avenue jewelry can be found locally at shops, including Emerson Grace in 12South, Rachel’s Boutique in The Hermitage Hotel downtown, and Oak Hall and Gus Mayer, both in Green Hills. To browse their collection online, visit cardenavenue.com. BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Name: Suzanne Crook and Carolyn Greenfield, Carden Avenue Medium: Jewelry What is one project that you loved working on? “We always do the Artclectic show (University School of Nashville’s annual art show) and the Harding Art Show. This year, we did [MBA’s] online show, as well,” says Suzanne. “It just feels so good to feel like we’re doing something that’s really a part of the community and also has an educational component to it.”

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ARTISANS

Doug Regen Furniture Designer and Builder Coming from a family of architects, engineers and construction managers — his great-great-grandfather was a carpenter who helped build Union Station — woodworking and furniture design wasn’t exactly a stretch for Doug Regen, except for the fact that he pursued a career in graphic design in marketing and advertising, instead. He nearly followed in his family’s footsteps when he started college as an architecture student, but as often happens when young minds meet inspiring teachers, Doug found his passion for marketing while taking a graphic design course from a professor who was also in the advertising business. That changed his trajectory toward a career in advertising that lasted more than 40 years. After a short stint in New York City, Doug made his way back to Nashville, where he spends part of his time. The rest of his time is spent at his farm in Kentucky, where he first started experimenting with furniture design using wood from a barn on the property. After working on a few designs for himself, he brought them to Nashville and was delighted to find that people liked them and wanted him to design custom furniture for them.

In a perfect blending of the creative design life he pursued and the handiwork of his family, Doug found himself creating oneof-a-kind, functional furniture pieces that are nothing short of works of art. Using a wide range of materials, he has created furniture for clients across the country, including pieces that are now in the homes of some notable entertainers and a former vice president — the names of whom he humbly keeps to himself. When he’s not in the studio working on his steady flow of furniture commissions, he serves as an instructor to other young minds, teaching courses at the O’More College of Design at Belmont University. With a firm belief in helping the next generation of designers gain some hands-on experience, Doug provides opportunities for internships at his studio. But for the most part, Doug works alone. Every design evolves throughout the process of creation, so each piece that comes out of his studio is handcrafted entirely by him and is the product of his family’s legacy and his deep love for creating beautiful and functional art. To see more of Doug’s work, visit dougregen.com. BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Name: Doug Regen Medium: Furniture What is one project you’ve loved working on? That’s a tough one. I really enjoyed the work I did with designer Kimberly Kelly for a season of Property Brothers. I also loved doing furniture for two houses for Terri Clark — one, an old-school rustic in the woods, the second, a sleek midcentury modern in the city.

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ARTISANS

Name: Victoria Eady Butler Medium: Whiskey What is one project you loved working on? There’s not just one. This whole thing, for me, has been the most exciting and rewarding thing that I’ve done. Following in the footsteps of a man I’ve never met and that most people never knew existed until four years ago, I’m extremely proud of that.

Victoria Eady Butler Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey Few people get the chance to recover a lost family legacy, especially if that ancestor’s story was lost because they were enslaved. Victoria Eady Butler is the great-great-granddaughter of Nathan “Nearest” Green, Jack Daniel’s mentor and Jack Daniel’s Distillery’s first master distiller, and now, after retiring from a nearly 31-year career at the Department of Justice, she is the master blender for Uncle Nearest Distillery. Growing up in Lynchburg, Tennessee, Victoria and her relatives knew that their ancestor played a major role in the founding and the success of Jack Daniel’s Distillery, but there was no recognition beyond their family’s stories. As it so often happened with the inventions and innovations of enslaved people, the story was lost, and even the world-renowned and beloved whiskey company, where three of her siblings still work, didn’t fully understand the impact that “Nearest” Green had on their company. That is, until Fawn Weaver, investor and author, uncovered the true history of Green’s genius and decided to make sure the world knew his name. She founded Uncle Nearest Distillery and invited Green’s descendants to take part in continuing his legacy. Little did she know when she asked Victoria to join her how strongly whiskey ran in the family. Each family member was given the chance to create a small batch blend of whiskey. Victoria’s first batch won awards. Her second batch won awards. Then, her third batch won awards. As it turns out, Victoria Eady Butler has whiskey-making in her blood, and she’s making waves, not just as the first female African American master distiller or even as a post-retirement career change, but as a distiller, period. When Victoria realized that this is what she was born to do, she became a student of the craft and the industry. She attended Moonshine University in Louisville and became a certified bourbon steward. She read every book she could get her hands on to learn the philosophies, techniques, science and language behind blending and began taking weekly sensory tests to make sure she stays in peak shape for creating the perfect blends. She says resolutely, “I’m driven to make sure ‘Nearest’ Green’s legacy never goes missing again,” and whether she understands it yet or not, she has already ensured that. Of course, by her own tremendous talent and impact, her name will also never be forgotten. To learn more about Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and to see what’s coming soon from the distillery, visit unclenearest.com. BY JONATHAN SIMS PHOTOGRAPHS BY STACY PRESTON

ARTISANS

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ARTISANS

Name: Bonnie Cross and Currier Stevens, Tenn Hens Design Medium: Graphic design and paper goods What is one project you loved working on? A Jimmy Choo party benefiting the Nashville Symphony in 2018. We painted these gorgeous, colorful hummingbirds and iris flowers and created a wrapped invitation. No detail was left out, and it was probably the happiest piece of mail we’ve ever seen.

Bonnie Cross and Currier Stevens Tenn Hens Design

When Bonnie Cross and Currier Stevens plan an event, it’s not just a party; it’s a production. Both former art directors for The Buntin Group advertising agency, they took their talents for branding, struck out on their own and opened Tenn Hens Design 16 years ago. They recently moved to a new office on Highway 100 that is perfect for meeting and brainstorming with clients. For events and weddings, they begin with unique custom invitations, which set the stage for a continuous theme throughout. “Someone might say, ‘Our flower for the event is tulips,’ but Currier and I are immediately thinking, ‘OK, is the tulip going to be on the menu? And how’s it going to carry over from the save the date to make the whole event feel cohesive and special to that person — not just a flower but a little bit bigger than that?’” says Bonnie. Currier is the fine artist and the watercolorist, and Bonnie does all the typography. Whether it’s planning weddings and events or branding for businesses, even

during a challenging year, one consistent is the partners’ love of their work. “We love what we do,” says Bonnie. “[We] love to be busy, and I think that’s helped us throughout this time to just continue our business and still be successful.” They have also learned to pivot during a pandemic when few events were being held, expanding into products, including holiday cups, napkins and acrylic stir sticks. They’re now considering a line of wallpaper and expanding various licensing agreements with other companies, such as Dogwood Hill stationery company. “We get comments all the time,” says Bonnie, “‘You should turn that pattern into a wallpaper,’ or ‘gosh, I could see this on this bag.’ After you hear that over and over, it started to make us think, ‘What else can we do with this beautiful artwork?’” To see more of Bonnie and Currier’s work, visit tennhens.com. BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

Tennessee Performing Arts Center is bringing the party to you.

hosted by Tamiko Robinson Steele featuring performances by

Nashville Ballet • Nashville Opera • Nashville Repertory Theatre Tony-Nominee Susan Egan • Singer Diana DeGarmo • Spotlight Award-Winner Hatty King and a special birthday message from

Florida Georgia Line

Saturday 7:00 p.m. Our virtual celebration is FREE to enjoy from the comfort of your home. Add-on gourmet dinner and appetizer packages are available with proceeds supporting TPAC’s nonprofit mission. Reserve your access at TPAC.ORG/Celebrate Questions: Celebrate@TPAC.org

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ROGER DALE BROWN, OPAM, AISM, ASMA

Christmas in the Fall

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T HE V IOL IN IST

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B A C K S TA G E P A S S

Jun Iwasaki It could be said that Jun Iwasaki has music in his blood. The Nashville Symphony concertmaster is the son of two professional musicians — his father is a cellist, his mother a classical pianist — who grew up witnessing firsthand the commitment of his parents to their craft. Following in their footsteps, he has built an impressive career for himself, culminating in his current role as the concertmaster and first violin of the Nashville Symphony, which he has held since 2011. Born in Tokyo, raised in Illinois and considering Dallas, Texas, to be his hometown, Jun is a graduate of the Cleveland Institute of Music’s Concertmaster Academy. Prior to working with the Nashville Symphony, Jun served as the concertmaster of the Oregon Symphony for four years. His talent and career have led him around the world to appearances with the Tokyo Symphony Orchestra, São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, Santa Barbara Symphony, The Cleveland Pops Orchestra and the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, to name a few. In addition to his responsibilities with the Nashville Symphony, which has been shuttered since March 2020 due to the ongoing pandemic, Jun teaches at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music and is the artistic director of Portland Summer Ensembles in Portland, Oregon, which is a workshop for young musicians. Jun pulled back the curtain on his accomplishments, the highs and lows of his career and what’s next.

FIRST PERFORMANCE I really don’t remember my first-ever performance. But if I had to guess, it was in a group setting when I was 5 or 6 years old. Maybe that is the blessing of starting so young and not remembering how it felt! FAVORITE PERFORMANCE Hard to pinpoint a favorite performance, but one that I will always remember is when I played the Brahms Double Concerto for violin and cello with my father in Japan. I have been lucky enough to have been given the opportunity to perform all over the world. Some memorable places recently have been Lisbon, Portugal; São Paulo, Brazil; and Melbourne, Australia. Also, a performance we did here in Nashville a few years ago was in conjunction with the exhibit of Violins of Hope. This was a collection of instruments from the time of the Holocaust, and I was lucky enough to perform John Williams’ “Themes From Schindler’s List” with the Nashville Symphony using one of these special instruments. DREAM PERFORMANCE Currently, my dream performance is our next concert at the Schermerhorn in Nashville following the pandemic. I can’t think of anything more fulfilling than getting back to the stage with all of my colleagues in the orchestra. JOB PERKS Something I always love about my job is the people I get to meet. Whether it be in the symphony setting or backstage before and after concerts, connecting with people that appreciate what we do onstage is the most rewarding aspect of being in this profession. JOB CHALLENGES I think one of the hardest parts of my job was the audition to win the job. Auditions in the music world are rigorous and energy-draining. The time we put into preparing and ultimately performing in front of a jury is on par with training for a spot in major league sports. There are very few spots and thousands of candidates that apply every year for different positions in orchestras around the world.

BIGGEST INFLUENCE My parents, both of whom are professional musicians. My father plays cello, and my mother plays piano. I grew up every day listening to them practice at home and going to their concerts. I think hearing them work at their craft day in and day out helped me understand the challenges musicians face every day. BEST ADVICE My advice is to go for it. Don’t give up just because of one underwhelming performance or audition. And most importantly, keep an open mind and accept criticism and use it to mold yourself as a musician. PREPARATION I’m not superstitious about performances, so I don’t have any rituals. I guess the one thing I make sure of is not to be full before a performance. I try to eat a few hours before a concert and then eat again after the concert. It’s amazing how many calories we burn during a concert. WHAT’S NEXT We had a really great season planned out for 2020-21, so I am hoping many of those programs will get scheduled for 202122. Some of the pieces I was looking forward to before the cancellation were Beethoven’s Missa solemnis and the Double Concerto by Brahms. I was going to share the stage with our new principal cellist, Kevin Bate, and we had been looking forward to it for some time. I am hopeful that these will both be rescheduled, though, so I am happy about that. ON NASHVILLE SYMPHONY I think a lot of people still don’t realize that being in the Nashville Symphony is a full-time job. We all have put in the time and effort to make this our livelihood and hope that bringing music and art to the community will help the city continue to grow. Aside from the performances we give throughout the year, we are heavily involved in education throughout the city. Many of us go to schools to give demonstrations and classes to help the education of the arts to all of our schools. BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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B A C K S TA G E P A S S

Megan Murphy

Chambers

Megan Murphy Chambers is a familiar face and voice to local theatergoers, having performed iconic roles in nearly 100 comedies, dramas, musicals and even operas. She captured hearts with her portrayals of beloved characters, like Glinda in The Wizard of Oz, Mother in A Christmas Story and Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins. Those, along with playing the title roles in Always…Patsy Cline and in Nashville Children’s Theatre’s world premiere of Auntie Claus, are only a few of her favorite roles. When not onstage, Megan works with the all-female cabaret group MAS Nashville, and as soon as life allows, she will stage the follow-up to Fun, her one-woman cabaret show, with the aptly titled Funner, which was postponed due to the pandemic. This summer, Megan shared her talent and charisma through a virtual format and delighted viewers as emcee for Nashville Rep’s revamped virtual fundraiser, Broadway Brunch at Night. When live performances return, Megan says, “I will also be first in line to see all the shows. All of them.” The actress opened up about the roles she remembers most, her hopes for the future and more.

FIRST PERFORMANCE My first show was the not-at-all-classic Ghost Towns Never Die, a play that my entire sixth-grade class was required to be in. I was cast as the saloon owner and decided that the best way to approach the role was to do my impersonation of Doralee Rhodes from 9 to 5, a movie my sister and I watched on repeat as kids. I had a solo that I was psyched about, but better yet, I got some genuine laughs and was hooked. Thirty years later, still hooked. Entirely. FAVORITE PERFORMANCE This question is brutal. Narrowing down is tough, because there are performances that will always feel incredibly special to me because of how challenging they were or how perfectly in sync the team felt or how hard I fought for the role. But my true favorites are probably the more iconic roles I’ve gotten to play. It’s real magic. I can’t begin to tell you how privileged I feel every time I get to remind someone of something they love or make someone fall in love with live theater for the first time. DREAM PERFORMANCE Now that I’m in my 40s, I feel like I’m finally aging toward the roles I’ve always wanted to do most: brassy, hilarious, unconventional broads like Mame, Dolly Levi and Mama Rose. And I truly hope to do Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? opposite my husband, Jack E. Chambers, one day. It would be so fun to rip each other to shreds every night and then go home and laugh and drink together. JOB PERKS I met my husband because of Nashville theater, so I don’t know that I’ll ever do better than that. My career has let me travel and meet people that matter to me beyond words, but a memory I’ll carry with me forever is receiving an incredible compliment from the extraordinary playwright Christopher Durang. Swoon. JOB CHALLENGES I experienced a bad onstage injury six years ago that took a long time to get to the other side of. It was awful, but it did force me to tap into some skill sets I’d never relied on before, and I felt super-lifted up by the Nashville theater community the whole

time. On a more day-to-day level, the primary obstacle I run into is plain old fatigue. It’s not hard for your body and voice to get worn out, and in a live show, there’s nowhere to hide if you’re not feeling 100 percent. Let me be clear: I would kill to feel that kind of tired again. BIGGEST INFLUENCE I grew up obsessively listening to my mom’s Liza Minnelli and Barbra Streisand albums. Huge voices like theirs made me feel alive, and they were funny and unique. They’re gold standard, and I still want to be exactly like them. There are also about 50 Nashville performers that I want to be exactly like, and I try my hardest to be a sponge any time I’m in the room with them. BEST ADVICE I tell every young performer I know to trust their instincts (both onstage and off), take as many ensemble roles as they can (they’re always the most fun) and remember that the theater community is a small one — their behavior and habits at any gig will follow them in a more far-and-wide way than they might know. PREPARATION Nothing too exciting, although I love watching other people’s [rituals]. No matter the show or company, though, I’m an oldschool prop and costume checker. I trust the folks who manage those processes entirely, but I came up in companies where the actor was responsible for all of that preparation, and old habits die hard. I also like to give all of my colleagues a “good show!” hug or wave or something before curtain. It’s a nice energy bump. ON NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE I love the Rep for a thousand reasons, not least because I’ve both seen and been part of some of my all-time favorite shows there. I feel welcome and valued at the Rep and love that they prioritize producing new and unusual and challenging shows in balance with more traditional pieces. For theater to survive and thrive, we have to let new work shine, and the Rep has produced some truly incredible homegrown plays. I’ve also had more fun and laughed harder in their rehearsal hall than anywhere else and will always associate their spaces and people with real joy. BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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THE ACTRESS

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T HE CO MP O S E R

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Dave Ragland Multi-talented composer, vocalist, pianist and conductor Dave Ragland has a wildly impressive list of accomplishments. Among them, he garnered his first of two Emmy nominations for composition and music direction for Frist Art Museum’s Nick Cave Feat. Nashville. He is artistic director of Inversion Vocal Ensemble, a regionally touring vocal collective that has performed with Brandi Carlile and Ruby Amanfu, to name a few, and for the past two seasons, he served as chorus master for Nashville Symphony’s Let Freedom Sing concerts. Additionally, he is a composer mentor for 91Classical’s inaugural Student Composer Fellowship, an instructor at Creative Soul Music Academy, the 2020 GRADY-RAYAM “Negro Spiritual” Scholarship Foundation composer-in-residence and OZ Arts Nashville’s artist-in-residence. Last year, the Nashville Opera enlisted Dave to compose its first commissioned work, One Vote Won, which highlighted the stories of suffragist Frankie Pierce and Civil Rights activist Diane Nash through the lens of the ongoing struggle for equal rights in voting. The 30-minute work had its digital world premiere in September 2020. Up next for Dave is the debut of his opera Steal Away, presented with Inversion and Shackled Feet Dance, in OZ Arts’ upcoming season. Dave chatted with us to reflect back on his astonishing career, best advice and more.

FIRST PERFORMANCE I had performed in a few youth showcases in my hometown of Chattanooga as a teen. My first performance in an opera was with Chattanooga Symphony & Opera. I was in the chorus of Puccini’s La bohème. They updated the production to World War II, so I was a soldier (in uniform). The irony is that La bohème was also the first opera that I attended. I was about 11, and back then, I did not like the idea of opera. It’s interesting to see how my perspective has changed. FAVORITE PERFORMANCE My favorite performance in recent memory is Nick Cave Feat. Nashville for Frist Art Museum at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. I was the music director and composer, [and] I was onstage for most of the time. That was my first time receiving essentially a “blank canvas” to compose with on such a large scale. Nick Cave’s artistry really made me step up my game. And I ended up receiving my first Emmy nomination for the project. It was very inspiring to see Nick’s visual art unfold in a manner that involved so much of the Nashville community. DREAM PERFORMANCE Honestly, I’ve always had a dream of singing a role in an Italian opera in an opera house in Italy, like La Scala or La Fenice. I must say that my upcoming engagement with OZ Arts, Steal Away, is, indeed, a dream project on its own. It’s not often that the composer is also a key performer onstage in a dramatic work. JOB PERKS I, with Inversion Vocal Ensemble, was invited to take part in Love On Fire, a benefit concert for Thistle Farms held at The Ryman Auditorium. Thistle Farms is an amazing organization devoted to helping women. Founder Becca Stevens and Marcus Hummon are like godparents to me. How could I not say yes to helping such an important cause? We had the opportunity to sing a Brandi Carlile song with Brandi Carlile, and I’ll never forget embracing and thanking the great John Prine at the end of the concert. JOB CHALLENGES Right now, the hardest part of my job is being balanced: balancing compositions, teaching, family and friends and rest. However, throughout this pandemic, the biggest challenge has been main-

taining connectivity. So many interactions are now limited to virtual meetings or very brief (and distanced) in-person encounters. BIGGEST INFLUENCE My biggest influences [are] definitely my parents and grandparents. Each of them [are] strong-willed, compassionate and communityminded. My high school band director, Jim Ransom, was a major musical influence as a teen. My musical mother, Diana Poe, opened my musical mind and helped to mold me into who I am. Our relationship goes back to my time as an undergraduate at Tennessee State University. BEST ADVICE I’m currently serving my second term as composer mentor for 91Classical. I tell my composer mentees to let composition be a medium for your artistic voice and not to try to find your voice in composition. I met the late, great William Warfield when I was a freshman at TSU. He told me to not just be a student of music but to be a student of art. The plays of August Wilson and the art of Aaron Douglas and Monet have been just as important to my development. I think that’s why I was able to interpret and compose for Nick Cave’s art so readily. PREPARATION Words of encouragement and prayer — always. WHAT’S NEXT I am definitely looking forward to seeing staged productions of One Vote Won, my commission with Nashville Opera. The librettist Mary McCallum and I intentionally wrote it so that it could be adapted to stage and screen. I’m curious to see it thrive in a “second life” onstage. I am also looking forward to collaborating with Mary McCallum more in the future. ON NASHVILLE OPERA One of the brand slogans is “Opera is for everyone!” I believe that they take that to heart. From the children’s opera and school tours to mounting productions in Spanish to their first commission — which featured an all-Black cast and music ensemble — Nashville Opera is making an impact and forging its own path in community mindfulness. BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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B A C K S TA G E P A S S

Jamie Kopit When Jamie Kopit first stepped onstage for a dance recital at age 3, it began a passion for ballet and launched a professional career that has taken her around the world before bringing her to Nashville. The California native began training at Southland Ballet Academy. At 15, Jamie was awarded Grand Prix at the Youth America Grand Prix Los Angeles regional competition and went on to be a senior division finalist in the organization’s finals in New York City. From that, she received a scholarship to the esteemed Royal Ballet School, where she trained for two years. At 17, she joined the prestigious American Ballet Theatre as a corps de ballet dancer and spent six years touring throughout Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Jamie has become a familiar face since joining the company at Nashville Ballet in 2018. In addition to bringing her grace and prowess to the stage, she shares her passion for the Gyrotonic Method. She has benefited from the holistic approach to movement and teaches others how the practice can strengthen and awaken both the body and mind. The professional ballerina chatted with us to reflect back on her impressive career and look forward to the future.

FIRST PERFORMANCE My first performance was a summer recital at my local dance studio at age 3. My first role was an angel in the annual Nutcracker performance at the age of 5. It’s hard to remember exactly how I felt at the time, but I must have liked it, because I haven’t stopped performing since. FAVORITE PERFORMANCE It is hard to pick a single favorite performance. At Nashville Ballet, I had the honor of performing Balanchine’s Duo Concertant. It is very technically and musically challenging, but it allows you to make it your own and dance your heart out. I also danced as Stella in Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s A Streetcar Named Desire, which pushed me both as a dancer and as an actress and has helped me grow holistically as an artist. DREAM PERFORMANCE I have always loved the dramatic roles that utilize classical technique, such as Giselle and Juliet. I also would love to explore more Balanchine ballets. I am lucky that, at Nashville Ballet, we are always performing new works by extraordinary choreographers, so there are so many dream roles that we have yet to create! JOB PERKS When I was a dancer at American Ballet Theatre, I [was] fortunate enough to tour many different cities around the world, including Paris, Barcelona, Brisbane, Seoul, Taipei, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Beijing, Muscat and Abu Dhabi. I think I am most lucky in that I continue to be surrounded by people who love ballet and the arts as much as me, especially here in Nashville. JOB CHALLENGES Injury is definitely one of the hardest obstacles a dancer can face, and dancing through pain is not uncommon. What is worse is the emotional pain of having to watch your colleagues from the sidelines, since a dancer’s career is incredibly short-lived. As a dancer with scoliosis, I have had to deal with various herniated discs and stress reactions.

Luckily, I have learned how to properly align myself and cross-train appropriately from these injuries and, hopefully, will be able to dance longer because of them. BIGGEST INFLUENCE The incredible coaches and teachers I’ve had the honor of learning from at my hometown studio, Southland Ballet Academy, and The Royal Ballet Upper School of London and ballet masters at both American Ballet Theatre and Nashville Ballet. Most importantly, I continue to learn and be inspired by the extremely talented dancers I dance beside and watch in the studio every day. BEST ADVICE I think it is important that aspiring dancers do not let setbacks discourage them and that they stay confident in their talents. Ballet is an extremely biased art form, and just because you don’t get the job or the role doesn’t make you a lesser dancer. It is important to stay focused on the work and enjoy the journey. In addition, it is important to take care of your body, because it is what allows you to do this art form! I wish I put more emphasis on proper alignment in my earlier training. Not only does it make you less prone to injury, but it also makes you a stronger and more reliable dancer. PREPARATION I don’t typically have rituals. I just make sure I am rested and properly warmed up so I can give my best to each performance. WHAT’S NEXT I am looking forward to anything that is in front of a live audience! ON NASHVILLE BALLET Nashville Ballet’s main goal is to create performances that translate, educate and inspire all members of the community. This makes for a creatively challenging and inspiring atmosphere to grow as an artist, as well as creating a loyal and engaged audience that supports us. BY HOLLY HOFFMAN PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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THE BALLERI NA

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T HE A RT IST IC DIR E CTO R

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B A C K S TA G E P A S S

n a g o L t t a M

A true multihyphenate, Matt Logan’s astounding career has included turns as an actor, director, designer, costumer and illustrator. A Nashville native, it’s only fitting that his professional directorial debut was made on the TPAC stage when he was just 19 years old. His career eventually led him to New York, where he worked on Broadway in costuming and casting for shows ranging from The Lion King to Jersey Boys. During that time, he also gained national recognition as an illustrator and caricature artist, working with clients that included Hugh Jackman, Dolly Parton and Bernadette Peters. Upon returning to the Nashville area, Matt served as the founding artistic director of Franklin’s Studio Tenn in 2009. For eight seasons, he designed, directed, produced and performed in critically acclaimed shows for the theater troupe, including Cinderella with the Nashville Symphony and Evita with TPAC. He left the company in 2018 to pursue his own artistic endeavors and made national headlines in 2019 for designing costumes for Reba McEntire. Matt is currently partnering with TPAC once again to produce their 40th Anniversary Celebration, a virtual event that will take place on Saturday, Feb. 20 at 7 p.m. The program will include performances by TPAC’s three professional residence companies — Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera and Nashville Repertory Theatre — and will include special appearances by Tony Award-nominated actress Susan Egan and recording artist and actress Diana DeGarmo, among others. Matt shined the spotlight on the highlights of his career, what he loves about TPAC and what’s in the pipeline for him.

FIRST PERFORMANCE To be honest, my first performance was at the age of 5 with a top hat and cane. I was the ringmaster! But my first public performance was at age 16 in a music recital. I sang a duet from Les Misérables. I was terrified, and yet, I think it all clicked for me.

of Cabaret, and it rocked me. I was intrigued [by] how he could approach a classic, older piece with such revolutionary freshness. His influence set me on a course to pursue my own interpretation of older material. When I got to work on his production of Gypsy, I finally got to thank him. Now, his work in film is inspiring me to new heights.

FAVORITE PERFORMANCE At Pepperdine [University], I was gifted the role of Algernon in The Importance of Being Earnest. I adored that role and understood it in my gut. It felt like Oscar Wilde wrote it for me, and I love doing a comedy. I think it was also the first time I realized I could really bring myself to a role, instead of just pretending to be someone else.

BEST ADVICE Just do it! Do not wait for the perfect opportunity to fall in your lap. Get out there and build your future. If you have vision and ability, you must put it to use. The years I created and worked for my high school taught me so much and laid the foundation of my future. I had no idea what was happening except pursuing my vision. A path emerged, and those relationships and work became my foundation. Just do it!

DREAM PERFORMANCE Ooooh ... that’s tough. I think I’d love to play Cervantes in Man of La Mancha. It’s a complex show, but the song “The Impossible Dream” has always meant so much to me since I heard my mentor, John Raitt, sing it. Also, the role is a bit actor/director at the same time, so it fits perfectly. It’s a ringmaster one again. JOB PERKS My job as performer and creator has allowed me to be on some of the nation’s most amazing stages, including the New Amsterdam stage on Broadway, The Ryman and the San Francisco Opera. But my most special moment was when I got to costume Reba for the CMA Awards, and I stood backstage getting her all set. As I stepped back to watch the number from the wings, Dolly Parton came and stood a few feet away to watch. I was in awe of the majesty of that moment. JOB CHALLENGES Faith in my vision is the hardest struggle. I’m a creator, a visionary. This means I take pieces and parts and pull them into something that did not exist before. It’s my passion and my purpose, but having faith can be exhausting. I always say replication is easy; it’s creation that is hard. It’s a risk, and I have to surround myself with people who build me up and keep me going when my own faith feels thin. BIGGEST INFLUENCE Sam Mendes’ work in the theater completely changed the way I thought about storytelling. In college, I got to see his production

PREPARATION In every project, I prepare like crazy and then just go with my gut. Each time I perform or produce, it feels like a different animal, but relationship is always at the core of my work. Sometimes, casts develop practices. In Spamalot, the cast would collect and do pushups in a circle. WHAT’S NEXT I have several in the works right now. Many are in limbo, as we have no definitive time when theaters can open again, but I am honored to produce the Tennessee Performing Arts Center’s 40 th Anniversary Celebration online on Feb. 20. ON TPAC I feel like a poster child for TPAC. I was 4 years old when it began to elevate the arts in Middle Tennessee. I saw many Humanities Outreach performances as a student. I enjoyed years of the Broadway Series. I performed in several shows there, and I’m the only director to direct/design on all three TPAC stages in the last 25 years. TPAC feels like home. It’s where I first learned to dream of a career in the arts, and then, to top it all off, I get to produce the 40 th Anniversary Celebration. This institution is the height of the performing arts for us and gives those who hold the arts in high regard a magical house of dreams. BY NANCY FLOYD PHOTOGRAPH BY DANIEL MEIGS

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NA SH V I L L E BA L L ET’ S SPR I NG L I N EU P Attitude: a two-part virtual series featuring three fan-favorite ballets

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APRIL 2–4

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Choreographed by Christopher Stuart, Under the Lights is a tribute to the life and legacy of the infamous “Man in Black” featuring iconic Cash tunes “Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues.”

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L O C A L F L AV O R

Date Night In

Upscale dining that can be enjoyed via takeout or delivery Valentine’s Day is quickly approaching, and whether you plan on spending the day with a loved one or treating yourself, one thing is a must: a memorable meal. Dining out can still feel a little iffy with the ongoing pandemic, but don’t fret. Some of the city’s best spots for date-night dining are offering takeout and delivery, so you can indulge in a world-class meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. We rounded up some of our favorite local restaurants for a lavish dinner you can enjoy at home without lifting a finger.

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ASHLEY HYLBERT

etc. The list goes on and on and on when it comes to things we love about Chef Deb Paquette’s dining room nestled in a nook of Green Hills. No matter what addresses her chef-driven eateries occupy — be it Etch downtown or the erstwhile Zola and Cakewalk on West End Avenue — Deb creates a sense of place with her inimitable culinary personality, which celebrates flavors, techniques and ingredients from around the world. An etc. event, whether it’s a takeout “Staff Meal” enjoyed at home or a romantic dîner à deux served in the dining room, might include eclectic innovations, such as duck fat fried rice; roasted pork and white bean pot pie; coffee-roasted carrots with honey-ginger butter; turkey-mole lasagna; or chicken-farro risotto, to name a few signature specials. Paired with a cocktail — perhaps vodka with pea-flower white ambrosia tea and lemon — dinner at etc. is just the potion to make you fall in love all over again. CARRINGTON FOX

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L O C A L F L AV O R

Nicky’s Coal Fired There are few people I trust with my dinner more than Tony Galzin. Ever since he and his wife, Caroline, opened Nicky’s Coal Fired in West Nashville, we’ve taken friends and family to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and other occasions. Tony built his kitchen around Enrico, a massive, tiled oven named for a greatgreat-grandfather who immigrated from Lazio, Italy. At temperatures double what a normal oven can produce, Enrico spits out Neapolitan-style pizzas in mere minutes and is used to finish other items on the menu. Tony’s background in pastry means that his dough and pastas are some of the best in town, but there are joys all down the menu. Antipasti and cheese plates frequently surprise and delight, while his gelatos and sorbets often take advantage of seasonal ingredients. And while the pandemic might have changed Nicky’s style of service from tableside to casual — you now order when you arrive — it also inspired a series of great takeout menus, including a Feast of the Seven Fishes at Christmas, which allowed for multicourse dining at home. Whether it’s a pie featuring the finest cured meats or a bowl of crawfish pasta, Nicky’s never fails to satisfy. STEVE CAVENDISH

PHOTOGRAPHS BY NICKY'S COAL FIRED

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L O C A L F L AV O R

PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRND HOUSE

Josephine I got tired of trying to keep up with the Nashville restaurant scene years ago — seven years ago, to be exact. That’s when Josephine opened its doors in my neighborhood and gave me little reason to go looking for good food elsewhere. I love everything about Josephine: its cozy but chic vibe, its comforting but nuanced plates, its professional but never pretentious staff. Though I am no longer just down the street, Josephine remains my go-to restaurant for pretty much any occasion, whether a rare date night with my husband or a glass of wine with friends. And now, during the time of COVID, it’s also my choice for takeout when I want something that feels special. Beef cheeks have been on the menu since Josephine opened in 2013, and though Chef Andy Little has varied the recipe throughout the years, this season, he has gone back to the way he first made it: atop a creamy horseradish risotto. The dish travels well and is something I would never make on my own. Another favorite, less exotic but no less excellent, is the whole chicken for two. With crispy potato and kale, it is pure winter goodness. The folks at Josephine know that no good meal should go without a good drink, so they have that covered too. To-go cocktails come beautifully sealed in either a five- or 12-ounce bottle, and I have to say A Little Stitious is more than a little delicious. My favorite part of any meal at Josephine, takeout included, has to be the little bag of molasses cookies they give you as you go. That touch of hospitality keeps me coming back every time. VARINA WILLSE

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L O C A L F L AV O R

Tànsuŏ For years, Nashvillians resided in a Chinese food desert, with the only options for the beloved Asian cuisine coming from dingy hole-in-the-wall eateries or commercialized chain restaurants. That is, until chefs Maneet Chauhan and Chris Cheung opened the doors to Tànsuŏ in The Gulch in 2017. Serving up contemporary Cantonese cuisine in a chic and cosmopolitan setting, Tànsuŏ has brought a world of flavor to the city and a gorgeous space to enjoy it. After closing for a few months off and on throughout the pandemic, Tànsuŏ is officially reopened for socially distanced dining and takeout. The restaurant’s decadent spin on Chinese classics, like lobster fried rice, crab-stuffed shrimp rangoon, kung pao cauliflower and the crispy glazed General Tso chicken, elevates familiar flavors to new heights. With an ever-changing assortment of dim sum, entrées, noodle and rice dishes and sides, not to mention truly unique signature cocktails and desserts, Tànsuŏ is the perfect option for a memorable date night meal, whether you feel comfortable venturing out or want to enjoy a remarkable takeout experience at home. NANCY FLOYD

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL RIVERA

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ON SOCIAL MEDIA N F O C U S M AG A Z I N E

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As a Nashville native with 15 years of experience and expertise in the real estate industry, Jonathan Davis is here to meet your home buying and selling needs. Whether you are a first-time purchaser or are looking to downsize, Jonathan can find the ideal property to suit every situation and budget. Having lived in the areas of Oak Hill, West Meade, Bellevue, Donelson, Franklin, and Clarksville, Jonathan has extensive knowledge of the Middle Tennessee region. With Jonathan, clients become family, and genuine southern hospitality is at the forefront of every interaction. He is honored to be a part of the Parks Real Estate family.

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02 2 CH R A M G N DI N A L

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PHOTOGRAPHS BY ARIA DORSEY AND DANIELLE ATKINS

L O C A L F L AV O R

Rolf & Daughters From the moment Rolf & Daughters opened its doors in 2012, the popularity of Philip Krajeck’s “modern peasant food” never waned. Although a meal in the industrial-chic setting is not an option now, you can (almost) replicate the experience at home with an intimate dinner from the beloved spot. Definitely select the homemade sourdough bread with seaweed butter and at least two small plates to share — each has a wonderful mix of fresh, bright and nutty ingredients. The rustic, yet elegant, made-in-house pastas come topped with outstanding sauces that change regularly, and fortunately, the pork ragu seems to have a permanent spot on the list. Homemade ice cream — try the sorrel! — is the perfect finish to your meal. Let someone else choose the wine by clicking on “Mystery Bottle,” and the perfect bottle from the natural wine list will both surprise and delight you and your dining partner. Finally, when ordering your special dinner for two, please consider helping someone in need through the Family Meals program, which provides a nutritious meal for four. Simply add one to your cart, and the Rolf & Daughters team will handle the rest. It’s a wonderful way to spread more love any time of year. HOLLY HOFFMAN

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L O C A L F L AV O R

Once Upon a Time in France We often look to the French for romance and fine dining for good reason. They know exactly what they’re doing. Fortunately for Nashvillians this Valentine’s Day, the East Nashville bistro Once Upon a Time in France offers authentic French cuisine for takeout. The fatherson duo of Laurent Champonnois, who dreamed of opening a classic French restaurant, and Melvil Arnt, who dreamed of opening a wine bar, combined their passions into one 1920s-style bistro, and the menu is perfect for a romantic evening in. The hors d’œuvres, such as the escargot with garlic and parsley butter, charcuterie plate featuring a selection of European cheeses and smoked and cured meats, and real duck foie gras, are easy for two to share before enjoying a hearty and classic French entrée of beef Bourguinon, duck confit or a gratin of potatoes with an herb-cheese dip. And don’t forget to order dessert. The decadent chocolate fondant with vanilla ice cream and chantilly made by local French artisan Cocorico and the simply delightful panna cotta with raspberry coulis and blue Curaçao are to die for. JONATHAN SIMS

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

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Recognized at Last The National Museum of African American Music opens its doors in downtown Nashville Nashville is now home to the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM), and according to its curator, it’s a perfect pairing. “From a historical perspective,” says Dr. Steven Lewis, “Tennessee has really been the crossroads of many different African American and American musical styles, including the blues, gospel music, soul music and country music, which has an African American influence and presence that is often underrecognized.” After a COVID-19-related delay, NMAAM recently opened on Jan. 18, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, but its history stretches back more than two decades. In 1998, community leaders Francis Guess and Dr. T.B. Boyd III came up with the idea to start a museum that celebrated African American cultural contributions. The idea evolved from there. Located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Broadway, NMAAM consists of 56,000 square feet of space and is dedicated to honoring more than 50 musical genres that were created or inspired by African Americans. Steven points to many connections between the history of African American music and the Volunteer State. “There’s the banjo,” says Steven, “which is kind of an icon of Tennessee music, like bluegrass and country, which was developed by African Americans and brought to the United States by Black people from the Caribbean a few centuries ago. You have the role of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, a Nashville-based group, who were the first group to bring African American music to an international audience, beginning in the 1870s.” Steven says both Nashville and Tennessee have played a significant role in the history of African American music and its becoming part of the broader American culture. In the wake of George Floyd’s and Breonna Taylor’s deaths and as the country confronts systemic racism, Steven believes the museum can play an important role. “I think this is the time when the American public is coming to terms with aspects of the Black experience that are often ignored or dismissed, like the persistence of racism in contemporary society,” he says. “For that deeper understanding to really take root and for there to be a cultural shift, there needs to be a deeper understanding of, and appreciation for, African American cultural traditions, right? I think the museum’s role is in facilitating that understanding of African American culture, because we’re the only museum that provides such a comprehensive view of Black music and the connections to the Black experience, broadly speaking.” BY WHITNEY CLAY PHOTOGRAPHS BY DANIEL MEIGS

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STEP INSIDE

OUTREACH PROGRAMS One mission of NMAAM is to work with area schoolchildren. “Even before the museum was ready to open, we’ve been operating as a museum without walls,” says Steven. Staff members and musicians have been visiting schools as part of the From Nothing to Something program, showing students how African American musicians with little resources fashioned instruments out of what they had, and they teach children to do the same. Now, schoolchildren will be able to visit the museum, COVID-19 safety precautions permitting.

MUSIC LESSONS The museum has six different galleries that showcase musical genres including gospel, the blues, jazz, Broadway, soul and hip-hop. There are 1,500 artifacts and objects, including a robe and wig donated by George Clinton — whose musical collective, Parliament-Funkadelic, was given a lifetime achievement award by the Grammys — and a trombone donated by Helen Jones Woods, a former member of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm, a successful female jazz band in the ’40s. There’s also a guitar donated by blues musician and five-time Grammy winner Keb’ Mo’.

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FEBRUARY 2021 <<

TA K I N G V O W S

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MARY ROSENBAUM

r Brown e g r e b n e ll Sara Sha Marries hman s i le F s i r r D avid Ha

Sara Brown and David Fleishman became friends in 2011 during their freshman year at University of Virginia but did not begin dating until they were seniors. After graduation, Sara worked in San Francisco, and David worked in New York for almost two years before moving to San Francisco. There was another chapter of long-distance dating when Sara attended Owen School of Management at Vanderbilt. During Sara’s fall break in 2019, she visited David in San Francisco, where he had planned a daytrip to wine country. Upon arriving at a vineyard, they were instructed to walk around the property until the next tasting tour. When they reached a spot on a hill overlooking the countryside, David proposed.

He then further surprised Sara with a celebratory lunch including all of their immediate family. After the alfresco meal, everyone drove over to Sara’s aunt and uncle’s farm nearby to continue the afternoon celebrations with their greater family. They married in Nashville in October under a floral chuppah in the garden of Wildwood, Sara’s grandparents’ farm. Family friends Rev. Becca Stevens and Cantor Robert Gerber officiated the interfaith ceremony, which included only siblings, parents and grandparents. The bride wore a gown by Oscar de la Renta and carried a bouquet of garden and spray roses by FLWR Shop. Jenny Richter Corts coordinated the

event, and Sam Levine played for the reception on the upper and lower porches of the home. Kristen Winston catered the seated dinner on the upper porch with a choice of two entrées: seared duck breast or Chilean sea bass. Dessert Designs created the cake. Following the wedding toasts, there was a surprise fireworks display and dancing. After a wedding trip to Blackberry Mountain, the newlyweds returned to San Francisco, where Sara is an environmental sustainability and strategy consultant, and David is an investor at Level Equity. Their parents are Cathy and Martin Brown of Nashville and Sheri and Robert Fleishman of Houston, Texas. BY SANDY NELSON

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BEST B E H AV I O R

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BANKROLLING THE BIRTHDAYS My daughters live half of the time with my ex. She and I get along pretty well. She plans the birthday parties for both girls, and I’m expected to share the cost with her. That sounds like a fair deal to me, but she never asks me before she does the shopping. Lately, the birthday gifts for our 9-year-old and 12-year-old have gotten to be pretty pricey. I’ve been out of a job for the past three months, and it’s really hard for me to keep up with her budget. I’m not sure why we need to be paying so much for the gifts. I committed to pitch in, so help me know what to say. — Anonymous, The Nations

follow me on Instagram @LIVE.Nashville

Your finances may be in tough shape just now, but they’re not likely to look much better if you leave them in the hands of your ex. Being honest is your best option. Go ahead and explain your situation to her, but don’t ask for her pity or suggest that she set up an installment plan so that you can pay off your birthday debts. Your daughters are probably old enough now to start suggesting what they want as birthday gifts. Their mother may have the income, as well as the urge, to give them whatever they ask for. You might tell her how much you’re willing, or able, to pitch in and let her pick up the balance. But no, that’s not good advice. You don’t live together, so revert to the time-tested practice of giving separate gifts. Just ask the girls for their wish lists. Tell their mother what you’ve chosen; she can deal with the rest of the list as she pleases. You have no reason to be ashamed. Show up at the parties, or throw them once in a while at your place. You can show her how to have a big time with cost control.

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Of course your mother is right. People she’s just met, or scarcely knows, have little interest in her last visit to her doctor or her problems with her plumber. Your mother surely understands that when people ask in passing how she’s doing, they’re not asking for an autobiography. The common practice, I fear, is to say “fine” or, at the worst, “OK,” unless the people asking the question are true friends. If that’s the case, she can hold forth, but she’ll be setting herself up to listen to the details of their lives. Even at her age, your mother can learn to say, “I’m doing well, thank you.”

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By the late 1940s, legendary deejay Bill — “Hoss” or “Hossman” — Allen was already taking to radio airwaves to share the sounds of the blues and R&B that he grew up on. From the ’50s to the ’70s, he introduced the music of Otis Redding, Chuck Berry, Jackie Wilson, Bo Diddley, James Brown and more to millions while at Nashville’s WLAC-AM, the 50,000-watt station where he was part of the late-night crew with Gene Nobles and John Richbourg. The music Hoss and these men played helped shape the tastes of listeners, Black and white, throughout the nation and beyond. At a time when laws and society dictated that Black and white people couldn’t even sit or eat together, Hoss taught listeners that music was for everyone.

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Supporting Second Harvest Food Bank this Winter This December, we held a food drive benefiting Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, assisting individuals and families in need this winter with 600+ food items. Congratulations to Jeremy Jeter, Real Estate Advisor, winner of our food drive competition. Special thanks to donors Kathy Abernathy, Jenisté Belle, John Clayton, Neal Clayton, Will Clayton, Tice Feldman, Emily McNeilly, Laurie Murray, Sheila Reuther, Ashlie Shorey, Loren Smith and Gray Wallace.

Engel & Völkers Nashville 20 Burton Hills Blvd. Suite #450 . Nashville . TN, 37215 . 615-297-8543 Learn more at nashville.evrealestate.com ©2020 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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