Nashville Scene 4-28-22 by FW Publishing

CITY LIMITS: FOLLOWING THE PROTESTERS OF LAST WEEK’S WOULD-BE STATE EXECUTION

APRIL 28–MAY 4, 2022 I VOLUME 41 I NUMBER 13 I NASHVILLESCENE.COM I FREE

PAGE 7

FOOD & DRINK

MUSIC: CATCHING UP WITH INFLUENTIAL REUNITED PUNKS BE YOUR OWN PET PAGE 60

SPICY IMPOSSIBLE DUMPLINGS AT INTERNATIONAL MARKET

POLLING SOME CULINARY EXPERTS, PICKING 40 OF OUR FAVORITE LOCAL BITES AND MORE

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4/25/22 4:41 PM

CONTENTS

APRIL 28, 2022

Following the Protesters of Last Week’s Would-Be Execution ...................................7

Here in the Twilight ................................. 59

CITY LIMITS

Oscar Smith was set to be killed by the state on April 21. Says anti-death-penalty advocate Dr. Kevin Riggs, ‘God works in mysterious ways.’ BY MATT MASTERS

Accepting Autism .......................................8

MUSIC

A bit of work and a little play keep Jack White from getting dull BY STEPHEN TRAGESER

Belarusian trio Molchat Doma revitalizes postpunk and New Wave BY CHARLIE ZAILLIAN

BY HANNAH HERNER

Be Your Own Pet reckons with the past and looks ahead to highly anticipated reunion shows

This week on the Scene’s news and politics blog

Free the Beast ......................................... 60

BY MEGAN SELING

The Spin ................................................... 61

Where Will the Next Margot Cafe Land? ................................. 13

COVER STORY Food & Drink 2022

Polling some experts on what neighborhoods make the ideal place for the next chef-driven, self-made restaurant

The Scene’s live-review column checks out Record Store Day at Vinyl Tap and The Groove BY KELSEY BEYELER AND CHARLIE ZAILLIAN

FILM

What’s That Sound?

BY STEVE CAVENDISH

Memoria is a distinctive, ethereal experience

Our Favorite Bites.................................... 15

BY JASON SHAWHAN

40 local appetizers, entrées, desserts and cocktails the Scene’s writers can’t get enough of

Forget About It Liam Neeson can’t save Memory

Meet the Chefs ........................................ 38

BY STEVE ERICKSON

Talking to Iron Fork competitors Hrant Arakelian, Chris DeJesus, Star Maye and Nina Singto BY CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN, MARGARET LITTMAN AND MEGAN SELING

CRITICS’ PICKS Vince Herman Band, Tristen w/The Prescriptions & Abby Johnson, Fire Walk With Me, Mississippi Masala, Independent Bookstore Day, Destroyer, Nine Inch Nails, Salon@615 Feat. Don Winslow, Oklahoma!, Snoh Aalegra and more

Timberhawk Hall Plans 2023 Opening

The Geography of New Brutalism .......... 60

Tennesseans with autism and Down syndrome present their stories to lawmakers

Pith in the Wind .........................................8

THIS WEEK ON THE WEB: Isn’t It Rich That National Republicans Are Mad at Tennessee Republicans? Turnip Truck Set for Midtown Location Matt Logan Productions Launches With The Hiding Place ON THE COVER:

Spicy Impossible Dumplings at International Market Photo: Daniel Meigs

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

MARKETPLACE

BOOKS

A Cosmos of Its Own Jennifer Egan’s The Candy House multiplies the world of A Visit From the Goon Squad BY SEAN KINCH AND CHAPTER 16

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nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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Early voting for the Davidson County primaries wraps up on April 28, with Election Day on May 3. Though it may be hard to believe, there are 80-plus candidates who qualified for this primary. After completing their eight-year terms, Nashville’s sitting judges are up for reelection, many unopposed. Among the incumbents, General Sessions Division V Judge Dianne Turner will face challenger Robin Kimbrough Hayes, a former Fisk University student and Emory Law School graduate. Turner, a graduate of Lipscomb University and Nashville Law School, is completing her second term, having been elected in 2006. She was a criminal defense attorney for 18 years before her election. While still in law school, she worked for General Sessions Judge Leon Ruben, and before becoming a lawyer, she worked as a public school teacher and basketball coach. Turner once said that her varied background and experiences really helped her during her first term, and I’m sure they have helped during her second term on the bench, as well. In the 2014 election, Turner and her challenger, Nashville attorney Robb Bigelow, both portrayed the Division V judgeship — which handles both civil and criminal cases and is where many people experience our judicial system in action — as a bridge to the community. Turner has said that when she was first elected in 2006, she saw a wide range of people come before the court without an attorney. In each case, she would make sure everyone knew what was happening, no matter how NASHVI LLE, TN much time he or she had spent in front of a THERE’S judge in the past —NOT explaining to them the NOT reasons for herBOOZE rulings. Turner has presided IN HERE over the Cherished HEARTS Human Trafficking Intervention Court and has also acted as presiding judge in the General Sessions Court. Being a judge is not a job for everyone. It requires a special ability to read people, weigh circumstances, see things from different points of view and exercise discernment. Only someone experienced in those areas is suited for the position. A judge has to be impartial and fair. They must follow the laws of the state, and adhere to our state constitution as well as the United States Constitution. It’s also beneficial for a judge to be experienced — they must be familiar with the people in their community. In addition to her 16 years of experience on the General Sessions bench, Turner stays connected with the community by participating in a number of associations. Turner is a member of the Tennessee Lawyers’ Association for Women, the Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Nashville Bar Association and the Napier-Looby Bar Association. She is also a founding member of the Donelson-Hermitage Evening Exchange Club and a board member for the Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce. You’ve likely heard the expression, “If you want something done, ask a busy person.” It’s one Judge Turner takes

JUDGE DIANNE TURNER to heart. She is a busy and committed judge, but she is equally committed to her community and the organizations she chooses to share in. She is committed to continuing her journey and assisting Nashville residents to a better life through her rulings and interactions within the community. Considering the amount of experience, fair-mindedness and commitment Judge Dianne Turner has, it’s hard to think of anyone else in that position, is it not?

Bill Freeman Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post, and Home Page Media Group in Williamson County.

Editor-in-Chief D. Patrick Rodgers Managing Editor Alejandro Ramirez Senior Editor Dana Kopp Franklin Arts Editor Laura Hutson Hunter Culture Editor Erica Ciccarone Music and Listings Editor Stephen Trageser Contributing Editor Jack Silverman Staff Writers Kelsey Beyeler, Stephen Elliott, Hannah Herner, J.R. Lind, Eli Motycka, William Williams, KateLynn White Contributing Writers Sadaf Ahsan, Radley Balko, Ashley Brantley, Maria Browning, Steve Cavendish, Chris Chamberlain, Lance Conzett, Steve Erickson, Nancy Floyd, Randy Fox, Adam Gold, Kashif Andrew Graham, Seth Graves, Kim Green, Steven Hale, Steve Haruch, Edd Hurt, Jennifer Justus, Christine Kreyling, Katy Lindenmuth, Craig D. Lindsey, Brittney McKenna, Marissa R. Moss, Noel Murray, Joe Nolan, Betsy Phillips, John Pitcher, Margaret Renkl, Daryl Sanders, Megan Seling, Jason Shawhan, Michael Sicinski, Nadine Smith, Ashley Spurgeon, Amy Stumpfl, Kay West, Abby White, Andrea Williams, Ron Wynn, Charlie Zaillian Editorial Intern Ashley Barrientos Art Director Elizabeth Jones Photographers Eric England, Matt Masters, Daniel Meigs Graphic Designers Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Production Coordinator Christie Passarello Festival Director Olivia Britton Marketing and Promotions Manager Robin Fomusa Publisher Mike Smith Senior Advertising Solutions Managers Sue Falls, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Jennifer Trsinar, Keith Wright Advertising Solutions Managers Richard Jacques, Deborah Laufer, William Shutes, Niki Tyree Sales Operations Manager Chelon Hill Hasty Advertising Solutions Associates Jada Goggins, Audry Houle, Alissa Wetzel Special Projects Coordinator Susan Torregrossa President Frank Daniels III Chief Financial Officer Todd Patton Corporate Production Director Elizabeth Jones Vice President of Marketing Mike Smith IT Director John Schaeffer Circulation and Distribution Director Gary Minnis For advertising information please contact: Mike Smith, msmith@nashvillescene.com or 615-844-9238 FW PUBLISHING LLC Owner Bill Freeman VOICE MEDIA GROUP National Advertising 1-888-278-9866 vmgadvertising.com

©2022, Nashville Scene. 210 12th Ave. S., Ste. 100, Nashville, TN 37203. Phone: 615-244-7989. The Nashville Scene is published weekly by FW Publishing LLC. The publication is free, one per reader. Removal of more than one paper from any distribution point constitutes theft, and violators are subject to prosecution. Back issues are available at our office. Email: All email addresses consist of the employee’s first initial and last name (no space between) followed by @nashvillescene.com; to reach contributing writers, email editor@nashvillescene.com. Editorial Policy: The Nashville Scene covers news, art and entertainment. In our pages appear divergent views from across the community. Those views do not necessarily represent those of the publishers. Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $150 per year for 52 issues. Subscriptions will be posted every Thursday and delivered by third-class mail in usually five to seven days. Please note: Due to the nature of third-class mail and postal regulations, any issue(s) could be delayed by as much as two or three weeks. There will be no refunds issued. Please allow four to six weeks for processing new subscriptions and address changes. Send your check or Visa/MC/AmEx number with expiration date to the above address.

In memory of Jim Ridley, editor 2009-2016

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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4/25/22 6:04 PM

TIMBERHAWK HALL Built For Music. coming 2023 www.timberhawkhall.com

nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

CITY LIMITS

FOLLOWING THE PROTESTERS OF LAST WEEK’S WOULD-BE EXECUTION

Oscar Smith was set to be killed by the state on April 21. Says anti-death-penalty advocate Dr. Kevin Riggs, ‘God works in mysterious ways.’

scar Franklin “Frank” Smith was scheduled to be executed by the state of Tennessee at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 21. Today, Smith is still alive. At 72 years old, Smith is the oldest inmate on Tennessee’s death row. Roughly one hour before his scheduled execution, Gov. Bill Lee granted a “temporary reprieve” following an unspecified “oversight in preparation for lethal injection,” giving at least temporary hope to dozens of anti-death-penalty activists who gathered outside Nashville’s Riverbend Maximum Security Institution for a prayer vigil and protest. No further details on the apparent oversight have been provided. Smith was sentenced to death in 1990 following his conviction on three counts of first-degree murder in the brutal 1989 killings of his estranged wife Judith Smith and her two sons. More than three decades later, Smith maintains his innocence. Last week was some protesters’ first experience at such a vigil. For others, it was painfully familiar but especially significant — the state hadn’t performed an execution since the start of the pandemic. In February 2020, Nick Sutton was executed by electrocution before state killings were suspended due to the ongoing pandemic. In 2019, Leroy Hall Jr., Stephen Michael West and Donnie Edward Johnson were all executed during Lee’s administration. In 2018, under the administration of Gov. Bill Haslam, David Earl Miller, Edmund Zagorski and Billy Ray Irick were all executed. Before that, there hadn’t been a state execution in Tennessee since 2009.

EASTER SUNDAY

One of the protesters outside Riverbend on April 21 was Franklin Community Church senior pastor Dr. Kevin Riggs, who nearly a week before the scheduled execution helped lead an Easter Sunday protest march from the prison gates to the state Capitol. Marches like these have become a tradition before each execution. Riggs was joined by more than 40 people from faith groups and activist groups, trekking some nine miles to Legislative Plaza, where an Easter service was held with a larger crowd. The march began and ended with prayers and music from participants holding signs and banners, some with protest T-shirts sticking to their backs on the humid, overcast afternoon. They walked from the industrial areas surrounding the prison through quickly gentrifying neighborhoods,

across the Tennessee State University campus and between the office buildings that make up the downtown skyline. Among the signs carried were 15 large prints of paintings done by death row inmates — depictions of Jesus carrying the cross, others of his limbs being nailed to the killing device, another of his resurrection. A little more than halfway through the march, the protesters suddenly came to a stop on a West Nashville sidewalk where one of the demonstrators placed a cellphone to a microphone, revealing the voice of former death row inmate Pervis Payne. Payne, a Black man, was sentenced to death for the 1987 murders of a white woman and her young daughter before having his sentence reduced to two life sentences late last year after he was deemed intellectually disabled. Payne has maintained his innocence in the killings. “I’m there with y’all in thought and spirit,” Payne told the group during the phone call. “It’s so beautiful to turn around, to feel the energy, you know, and the determination and sacrifice that this community family is actually doing. I wish I was there with you — you know, I would be embracing you all with every step for this cause. It’s so good to turn around and spend this moment with y’all. “Y’all must remember, as y’all have extended y’all’s hand and time out for me, I am a miracle,” Payne continued. “That good things do happen. So on your walk, stay encouraged through your steps.”

EXECUTION DAY

Four days later, some of those protesters, along with others, gathered in Nashville between Riverbend and the nearby Lois M. DeBerry Special Needs Facility. They were there to mourn — and there was an obvious change in the spring air, a different tone than the Easter gathering’s energetic camaraderie and passion. The Tennessee Department of Correction along with many state troopers — some on foot, some on horseback or in vehicles — set up security checkpoints and fenced-in areas. As with past executions, there were separate areas for those protesting the execution, as well as those rallying in support of it. But unlike during some past executions, the latter area remained an empty patch of grass. “Unfortunately I’ve been through it before,” Riggs told the Scene Thursday. “It’s just a day of reflection and a day of quiet, and of heavy hearts for Oscar Smith, for our government, our society, for the victims, and I’m just reminded again that this doesn’t do

PHOTO: MATT MASTERS

BY MATT MASTERS

FRANKLIN COMMUNITY CHURCH SENIOR PASTOR DR. KEVIN RIGGS POSES INSIDE THE WILLIAMSON COUNTY HOMELESS ALLIANCE OFFICE WITH A PRINT OF A PAINTING DONE BY A DEATH ROW INMATE

anything. This is not justice — it’s revenge, and that Bible is clear about revenge.” “The thought of this going on every other month until December is a little overwhelming,” Riggs said, adding that this was about the eighth execution vigil he’d attended. “It gets tougher every time, because it’s just the weight of everything.” Just moments later, Riggs was handed an iPhone with a text message thread displayed — the Scene’s video camera recorded the moment. “Is this here?” Riggs asked a fellow protester before reading the text over again, cracking a smile that quickly spread wider across his face. “It may be called off tonight — there’s been a mix-up with the drugs,” he said, holding up the phone and chuckling. “There’s been a mix-up with the drugs. All right, God works in mysterious ways. We live to fight another day.” A group of around 50 had gathered at the prison by that time, with more expected before the vigil was cut short. The evening concluded with prayers spoken in a circle of attendees joined hand in hand. It was 6:20 p.m. when they filed out of the designated protest area at the urging of guards who seemed eager to pack up early. Smith had already lived past his statedetermined execution date two times before having the date set for April 21. This latest reprieve is effective until June 1, though a new date has not been officially set. Harold Nichols is currently scheduled to be executed for the 1990 rape and murder of Karen Pully on June 9. On April 19, a little more than 48 hours before Smith was set to be killed, Gov. Lee issued the following statement: “After thorough consideration of Oscar Smith’s request for clemency and an extensive review of the case, the State of Tennessee’s sentence will stand, and I will not be intervening.” “I have to believe since [Gov. Lee is] a person of faith, that this weighs heavy on his conscience,” Riggs said. “And to be honest, I pray that he gets no sleep, that he’s restless, he cannot eat, he cannot function until he does the right thing.”

Riggs, whose own family has been victimized by murder, stressed that his efforts are rooted in his faith and are not meant to minimize the importance of the victims. He says he and his companions also, of course, pray for the victims, but it’s against his Christian faith to support capital punishment. “For some reason in our society we think that if we kill somebody that that’s somehow or another going to teach that killing is wrong,” Riggs said. “So for me then, it’s a pro-life issue as well — that if you’re prolife, that it’s inconsistent to be against abortion but for capital punishment.” Riggs grew up in a faith community but came to his personal views and passion for advocacy later in life. “I think that after doing my own prayer, my own study and reading books and looking at scripture as a whole from Genesis to Revelations, and especially the teachings of Jesus, I’ve concluded that the totality of scripture teaches against the death penalty,” said Riggs. “Jesus was executed by the state, and his execution should have ended all executions.” Riggs spent some time with Smith prior to his transfer to death watch. Riggs and his parishioners have formed relationships with multiple inmates over the past near-decade, even ordaining one inmate as a pastor. Those relationships have reinforced for Riggs and his fellow advocates the preciousness of life. These men, he says — people whom he calls friends — are not always the same people who first entered the prison’s gates. “In that period there’s been 16 men who have died — eight have been from natural causes, eight have been from executions,” Riggs said. While Riggs and others were relieved that Smith would live to see another day, he argues that it is “cruel and unusual” to continually delay the man’s execution date. “The drugs are horrible,” Riggs said. “That’s why there’s been lawsuits against it, there’s been botched executions across the country because of the drug protocol. … There’s no good, humane way to kill someone. There’s just not, and it just needs to stop.” EMAIL EDITOR@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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CITY LIMITS

ACCEPTING AUTISM

Tennesseans with autism and Down syndrome present their stories to lawmakers BY HANNAH HERNER

pril is Autism Acceptance Month, an initiative created by the Autism Society to promote awareness around the neurodevelopmental disorder. Accepting her autism is something that Jovie Talbott has certainly been able to do.

Walk a

With feet on the street, we discover Nashville’s with own unique beatJ.R.–Lind one mile at a time

Mile

THIS WEEK ON OUR NEWS AND POLITICS BLOG: The Tennessee Republican Party executive committee confirmed a decision to boot three candidates from the primary ballot in the 5th Congressional District for want of GOP bona fides. Former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, music video producer Robby Starbuck and businessman Baxter Lee are all newcomers to the district and indeed the state and therefore didn’t meet the rule of thumb of having voted in three of the the past four Tennessee Republican primaries. Twice-impeached former President Donald Trump endorsed Ortagus even before she made her candidacy official. Starbuck had the backing of Kentucky’s U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. Among Lee’s donors was former Tennessee Sen. Lamar Alexander. … Contributor Betsy Phillips is rather enjoying how the TN GOP, heretofore by and large willing to do whatever the Trumpist wing of the party wants it to do, is now in the crosshairs of national Republicans including but not limited to Sen. Lindsey Graham — who accused Tennessee of good ol’ boy corruption while being from, y’know, South Carolina. Donald Trump

JOVIE TALBOTT WITH STATE SEN. MARK PODY Talbott and 15 others shared their stories and gave recommendations to Tennessee legislators earlier this month as part of a program called Our Stories. The Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee and Autism Tennessee partnered on a grant from the Tennessee Disability Coalition to create the program and provide four weeks

Jr. seems to think it was inspired by antisemitism. As Phillips points out, it’s almost as if the cabal now running the GOP is interested only in keeping power with the enactment of policies — and let’s be clear, Tennessee Republicans have been extremely efficient at enacting Trumpist policies — a distant second. … In other candidacy news, longtime Metro insider Matt Wiltshire is leaving his job at the Metro Development and Housing Agency on April 29 as he considers a 2023 bid for mayor. Wiltshire says he has not made a final decision on running but will do so possibly in about six weeks to two months. In state Senate District 19, Brenda Gilmore’s last-minute withdrawal triggered the state’s anti-skulduggery law, extending the qualification deadline. Former Metro Councilmember Jerry Maynard picked up a petition seeking to qualify for the Democratic primary for the seat, as did The Equity Alliance cofounder Charlane Oliver. … Legislative Republicans advanced a tougher sentencing bill, which would require people convicted of certain violent crimes to serve 100 percent of their sentences without possibility for early release, parole or any other incentive-based sentencing revision. This runs counter to Republican Gov. Bill Lee’s rhetoric, which has emphasized broad criminal justice reform, an increasingly popular movement among conservatives. Organizations across the political spectrum have derided the bill, from the American Civil Liberties Union to the American Conservative Union. … The state Treasury Department is looking for a cryptocurrency vendor. A request for proposals asks

of training to help people with one or both conditions, some with their families, learn about self-advocacy and share what they have to say in print and video form. Talbott uses the term autistic to describe herself, and sees the condition as something inextricable from who she is as a person. The focus of the story she created through Our Stories is the public education system. Even with what’s known as an individualized education program, she found teachers didn’t understand her accommodations, and she eventually transferred to a private school as a result. Talbott, who was in school in Wilson County, says she often ended up in in-school suspension, and was known as a “problem kid” because of frequent meltdowns. She’d like to see students have access to quiet rooms with things like noise-canceling headphones and fidget toys to help them calm down when they get overwhelmed. Talbott also recommends more training for educators on teaching kids with autism, and more staff to allow for one-on-one attention. “I definitely feel like I was having these daily meltdowns because the school did not know how to treat me,” Talbott says. “I was isolated from a lot of my peers. I used to be good friends with my neighbor, but because I had meltdowns constantly she ended up being scared of me and didn’t want to hang out with me anymore. And the thing is, I know I wouldn’t have been having those daily meltdowns if I had just been accommodated for.” Now 16 years old, Talbott also serves as an advocate for those who were diagnosed later in life — she was diagnosed with autism at age 12, while diagnoses for some children arrive as early as 2 years old. “When [children with autism] fly >> P. 11

potential vendors to lay out how the company would manage virtual currencies like Bitcoin. Currently, the state holds no cryptocurrencies, and is seeking a vendor in order to “be prepared in the event that unclaimed virtual currency is remitted to the state’s unclaimed property program.” … In heraldry news, the Tennessee Historical Commission voted unanimously that Williamson County can alter its seal to remove the Confederate flag, which is included presumably in honor of the battles at Franklin and Spring Hill, both overwhelming Union victories. Since everyone was wondering, the blazon for the current seal is “Quarterly, first Gules, a cannon Or draped with a flag of the Confederacy, second quarter Gules a lamp Or on a cabin proper, third quarter Vert an open book before a cross in glory within a window, both Or, fourth quarter Vert a bull and horse Or before a fence Argent, all proper.” … We bought a mall! Well, technically, Metro bought a mall on our behalf. The Metro Council, despite the usual hand-wringing, approved the Cooper administration’s plan to buy Global Mall at the Crossings (née Hickory Hollow Mall). … Coincidentally (read: not at all coincidentally), Mayor John Cooper delivered the State of Metro at our new purchase Wednesday.

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NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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4/25/22 6:02 PM

THE CLOCK STARTS TICKING

ON MAY 4 AT 6 P.M.

Giving Always Matters. A message from The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee The Big Payback is an annual 24-hour, online giving celebration raising money and awareness for nearly 1,000 area nonprofits, schools and faith-based organizations. Together, since 2014, we have cumulatively raised $25 million, with a total of 180,583 donations from around the globe benefiting Middle Tennessee organizations. Let’s come together online at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 4 through 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 5 and give to the nonprofits that help make Middle Tennessee a place we are proud to call home.

KraftCPAs PLLC

AXIOS Nashville • Blackbird Media • The Cromwell Group, Inc. • Cumulus Broadcasting • FW Publishing • Graffiti Indoor Advertising • Lamar Advertising Lightning 100 • Main Street Media of Tennessee • Midwest Communications • NASHtoday • Nashville Lifestyles • Nashville Public Radio • StyleBlueprint The Tennessee Tribune • Williamson Herald/Southern Exposure Magazine • WKRN-Channel 2 • WMOT • WSM-AM Radio • WSMV-Channel 4 • WTVF-NewsChannel 5

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

CITY LIMITS

“IT’S SO FRUSTRATING, AND A LOT OF PEOPLE GIVE UP AND DON’T GET THE HELP THAT THEY REALLY NEED AND DESERVE AND IS AVAILABLE TO THEM, BECAUSE THE SYSTEMS ARE SO COMPLEX AND FRAUGHT WITH BUREAUCRACY.” —ALECIA TALBOTT, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DOWN SYNDROME ASSOCIATION OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE

under that radar and they’re not diagnosed until a later age, they end up in situations where they’re being labeled as misbehaving or the problem kids or the behavior challenges,” says Jessica Moore, interim executive director of Autism Tennessee. Presentations from the cohort touched on subjects including support for adult children in the event of divorce, employment opportunities, care for mental health, social security benefits for autistic adults, access to Section 8 housing, and reliable public transportation and safe walking for those who cannot drive. “The level of self-confidence that they gained from Session 1 through the actual filming process was just amazing,” Moore says. “Just their self-confidence, just that boost and being able to know that people care, people want to hear their stories, that they’re doing something that not only could positively impact their own lives, but impact the lives of other people with disabilities.” Alecia Talbott is the executive director of the Down Syndrome Association of Middle Tennessee — she’s also Jovie’s mother and the program’s videographer. She hopes the Our Stories presentations will push legislators to use their power to cut bureaucracy when it comes to getting services for people with disabilities. “It’s so frustrating, and a lot of people give up and don’t get the help that they really need and deserve and is available to them, because the systems are so complex and fraught with bureaucracy,” Alecia Talbott says. “It’s almost set up as if we’re all trying to scam the system in a lot of ways. It makes it much harder.” In 2021, the Autism Society of America formally announced a shift from Autism Awareness Month to Autism Acceptance Month, hoping to see those with autism more accepted and integrated into everyday society. It’s also something Jovie Talbott hopes will be true for others with similar struggles. “I think it was very important to be able to actively speak for myself,” Jovie Talbott says. “My community has historically been a group that has been spoken over. And I think in this day and age, it is time to just hand us the microphone and let us speak for ourselves for once.” EMAIL EDITOR@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

JUNE 24-26 Music City is preparing for a symphony of speed when the world’s best drivers return to Nashville Superspeedway, June 24-26. Experience the action, the music and the live entertainment that is #NASHCAR! Get your tickets today for a downshifting, uplifting good time for the whole family!

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nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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4/25/22 4:42 PM

US FOODS® IS PROUD TO BE

THE PRESENTING SPONSOR OF IRON FORK 2022 We supply great food solutions to chefs and operators across the country, as well as simple business tools and an "always-on" team of experts. We’re thrilled to be the presenting sponsor of Iron Fork, 2022 – honoring our commitment to helping the foodservice community make it. Visit usfoods.com to learn more.

FOOD & DRINK POLLING SOME CULINARY EXPERTS, PICKING 40 OF OUR FAVORITE LOCAL BITES AND MORE After a couple years off for, well, you know why, the Scene is happy to bring back Iron Fork, our competition pitting four talented local chefs against one another in a culinary battle royale. That takes place Thursday at First Horizon Park, and as part of this, our annual Food and Drink Issue, you can read profiles of our four top-

shelf competitors. Also in this issue, we poll some experts on what neighborhoods would make the ideal place for the next chef-driven, self-made restaurant. Plus, check out 40 of our favorite bites from all over town — appetizers, entrées, desserts and, hey why not, cocktails. Dig in!

WHERE WILL THE NEXT MARGOT CAFE LAND?

BY STEVE CAVENDISH

ore than two decades ago, Margot McCormack and her business partner settled on a scruffy-looking building in Five Points. Her eponymous restaurant would become not only one of the best places to eat in the city, but also a vanguard for the East Nashville dining scene. By the standards of today’s restaurant openings, Margot Cafe & Bar is fascinating for what it wasn’t. There was no multimillion-dollar build-out. There were no super fancy kitchen appliances, specially made chairs or luminous pieces of stemware. This was a bootstrapped operation done on the thinnest of margins. “I mean, I had literally dimes in my pocket when we opened the door,” McCormack says. “And we did it all from our own money. We didn’t have investors, we didn’t have a bank, you know, screaming at us, and I mean, I went to garage sales to find kitchen equipment and decor and you know, we recycled glass jars and bottles and plastic buckets.” Some absolute palaces have opened in Nashville in the past couple of years. Just within Sean Brock’s empire, the velvety Continental and his flagship Audrey have arguably jumped to the front of the luxurious dining queue. Celebrity chefs have planted gleaming restaurants in almost all of the city’s new hotel towers. The cost of entering the market downtown, in the Gulch

KINGSTON SPRINGS

PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND

POLLING SOME EXPERTS ON WHAT NEIGHBORHOODS MAKE THE IDEAL PLACE FOR THE NEXT CHEF-DRIVEN, SELF-MADE RESTAURANT

ing that, you know, Citizens Bank headquarters is about to be on Jefferson Street, you’re seeing a lot of different things about to take place there.”

MARGOT CAFE and down West End has become astronomical. Germantown? Not without serious cash. 12South? Forget about it. Which brings us back to Margot. For whatever accolades the restaurant has earned over the years and as large as its fan base has become, Margot is still essentially a chef-driven neighborhood restaurant. And it made us wonder: Where will the next Margot land? Where will the next great bootstrapped restaurant be planted, if it’s even still possible to bootstrap a restaurant in Nashville anymore? Where’s the next neighborhood place that makes us hop in our cars and drive across town to enjoy the work of a great chef striking out on their own? What areas have the right mix of need, real estate and built-in diners to be successful? The Scene reached out to a number of experts, and here’s what we found.

DONELSON For anyone who might have snickered at efforts to brand Donelson as “Hip Donelson” over the past few years … well, the joke’s on us. After East Nashville became largely unaffordable, many kept migrating east and landed there. “I’d probably put it in Donelson right now, personally, as much as anything, because my friends Edgar Pendley and his group have had tremendous success with Tennfold [Brewing],” says Randy Rayburn. “And I think it’s a thriving, growing area. You know, there are a lot of growing areas in Nashville. But I think that it’s underserved.” Rayburn would know. After helping make Hillsboro Village a destination three decades ago with Sunset Grill and later Cabana, Rayburn splits his time between his Midtown Cafe and consult-

ing on other restaurants. Bruce Fields is one of Tennfold’s owners, and also co-owns Donelson’s Nectar Urban Cantina. He says the area is perfect for someone wanting to put in a creative spot. One reason his places have thrived? They’re some of the closest quality choices to the airport. “There’s a lack of options in that location,” Fields says. “Nashville is 15 minutes to everywhere, and we get a huge segment of our regulars from Hermitage and Mt. Juliet. We see that there aren’t a lot of options in those areas except chain restaurants.”

JEFFERSON STREET The heart of historic North Nashville is ripe for the right kind of spot. “Why on Jefferson?” says Eric Brown, who until recently was in charge of economic and community development in North Nashville for Mayor John Cooper. “Because it was the historic corridor for North Nashville. I mean, if I go historically, of course, I would have said downtown. But that’s a different downtown after urban renewal, where, you know, there’s a lot of Black businesses. But now for me, it’s more North Nashville because it can be the gateway into many of the other Black businesses that are there.” Riddim N Spice has built a big following for its Caribbean dishes just a block to the south, but on Jefferson Street proper, it’s largely a mix of fast-casual, fast food and takeaway. “We know that North Nashville does have small lots within that area,” Brown says, noting that there are some house-conversion options that might work. “But I think that [the area] could still be shaped up — know-

As we polled people, the top answer was Bellevue. With its built-in population and comparative dearth of options, the West Side ’burb has tantalized restaurant owners for years. But one respondent gave a surprising answer for that side of the city. “Well, OK, I’ll give you some off the beaten path,” says Doug Hogrefe, whose 4Top Hospitality was an early entrant in places like downtown and West End that are almost too pricey now for a startup. “I have a lot of managers that are now moving to Kingston Springs. They can get a house with land. Good views. You know, it’s somewhat rural, but with easy access to an interstate. And they would love more thoughtful restaurants that still can be used as an everyday kind of place. Yeah. You know, the next evolution of the bar and grill, to utilize a podcast tagline. What they’re looking for is basically a chef-driven hangout.”

MADISON Hogrefe also notes that anyone looking to open a place should pay attention to where people are migrating as they move forward in their careers. “You know, maybe moving up from the hourly world into the salary world and maybe even starting to move into the upper middle class,” he says. “These are the older, older millennials. They’re moving to Madison and Donelson.” Cara Graham, who opened Lockeland Table a decade ago with chef Hal HoldenBache, has the kind of place that any type of neighborhood concept should emulate. From “community hours” that pack the bar in the early evening to a dinner menu respected across the city, Lockeland Table has built a reputation for excellence. And her staff and clientele began moving north to Madison years ago. “I think Madison is, if it’s not already, it’s definitely the next spot,” Graham says. “I mean, employees of mine that live there and bought [homes]. You know, I mean, [my manager] bought there six years ago, and it’s already appreciated in value. The money is there. I just think it’s like the next place. You know, I feel like there’s a lot of good things going on with Yazoo [Brewing Company] moving there.” ■

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OUR FAVORITE BITES 40 LOCAL APPETIZERS, ENTRÉES, DESSERTS AND COCKTAILS

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

THE SCENE’S WRITERS CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF

XIAO BAO AT THE DIVE MOTEL: HAND-PULLED NOODLES

When Anna and Arnold Myint reinvented their beloved family restaurant across the street from the old location, patrons were pleased to discover that many of their favorite dishes had returned to the menu and the steam table, albeit a little elevated in some cases. But the new additions to the menu are standouts — like Arnold’s Spicy Impossible Dumplings. Delicate but toothsome wrappers are artfully cupped around vegan protein topped with a house chili crisp oil, ponzu sauce, fried shallots and scallions. The lingering heat creates new memories at this Belmont Boulevard institution that will stick around long after the dish is gone. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

Scene contributing editor Jack Silverman recently called Xiao Bao’s hand-pulled noodles with chili cumin brisket “hands-down the best noodle dish I’ve ever had.” Listen to Jack — find this low-key red trailer on Dickerson Pike and get an order immediately. Grab some of their incredible fried mochi while you’re at it. And keep an eye out for their full-service McFerrin Park restaurant, slated to open this summer. D. PATRICK RODGERS

PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND

PHOTO: MICHAEL W. BUNCH

INTERNATIONAL MARKET: SPICY IMPOSSIBLE DUMPLINGS

THE PHARMACY BURGER PARLOR & BEER GARDEN: CREAMSICLE SODA

ROLF & DAUGHTERS: PORK RAGÙ

The Pharmacy is known as a biergarten, but its sleeper hit is the nonalcoholic Creamsicle Soda. It tastes, as promised, like an orange Creamsicle. Made with cane sugar, it’s available in the Assembly Food Hall location downtown as well as the original spot in East Nashville. MARGARET LITTMAN

Inventive Rolf & Daughters and Folk owner-chef Philip Krajeck is currently up for a James Beard Award for his flagship restaurant, Rolf, and the recognition is well-deserved. Krajeck & Co. regularly rotate the menu at the established Germantown fine-dining outpost, but you can typically find a delectable heritage pork ragù there. At last check, it’s being served with a tender rigatoni. Just an unbeatable dish. D. PATRICK RODGERS

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OUR FAVORITE BITES

INTERASIAN MARKET & DELI: ORIGINAL BANH MI

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND

You have several options for a mightily satisfying banh mi in Music City, but this one sets the bar. Balancing all of those flavors and textures — savory, tangy, sweet, crisp — in one sandwich is a feat fit for an acrobat, and InterAsian sticks the landing every time. STEPHEN TRAGESER

PENINSULA: GIN AND TONIC MENU

DUKE’S: 2:17 SPECIAL

THE BAR AT AUDREY: COCKTAIL FLIGHT

A gin and tonic seems simple enough — it’s literally two ingredients — but it’s amazing how many bars can get it wrong with bad gin, cheap tonic and the saddest lime slice you’ve ever seen. In keeping with its Spanish influence, Peninsula boasts a bar menu featuring eight seasonal options of the classic libation, each highlighting a unique gin and featuring Peninsula’s housemade tonic syrup. The key is the garnishes, aromatic selections that perfectly complement the gin and range from Japanese chili and blackberry to saffron and grapefruit. The end result is a perfectly balanced, perfectly refreshing cocktail that will keep you returning to the cozy East Nashville dining destination again and again. NANCY FLOYD

The folks behind the sandwich counter at beloved bar Duke’s in Five Points were wise to listen when they asked their 12-year-old selves how to make a turkey sandwich better: Just add chips. STEPHEN TRAGESER

Chef Sean Brock and bar manager Jonathan Howard have created a truly unique experience at the Bar at Audrey, a serene oasis upstairs from the energetic hustle of the restaurant below. Instead of a menu, mixologists present a basket of produce that might contain daikon radishes, Meyer lemons or even grains and mushrooms. Choose your produce as the base of a cocktail, or ask for a flight of half-portions of all of them and be prepared to take a mind-bending trip through flavor combinations. Each drink has only three ingredients — something derived from the items on the basket, a spirit from a short list of liquors and an extra infusion of a special ingredient created in the culinary lab around the corner from the bar. Rarely has something so seemingly simple turned into such complex flavors in a cocktail. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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OUR FAVORITE BITES NICOLETTO’S ITALIAN KITCHEN: ITALIAN BEEF

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

When I miss living in Chicago, I stop by the East Nashville outpost of Nicoletto’s for a sandwich layered with spicy, thinly sliced beef, hot giardiniera and a roll that sops up all the extra juice for a messy, Windy City flashback. MARGARET LITTMAN

MARU SUSHI & GRILL: BAJA FRESH SUSHI ROLL

PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND

If I’m going to splurge on sushi, I’m getting the Baja Fresh roll at Maru. It’s got a foundation of spicy tuna, cucumber and cilantro, topped with yellowtail, jalapeño, avocado, ponzu and chili sauce. It’s bright, flavorful, spicy and delicious. KELSEY BEYELER

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OUR FAVORITE BITES REDHEADED STRANGER: CRUNCHWRAP You’ve gotta love the ingenuity of Redheaded Stranger chef-owner Bryan Lee Weaver. As soon as you come through the front door, there’s a wall covered with signs promoting past specials, sometimes wacky experiments coming out of the kitchen at the whim of the chef. Every now and then, one of them will make the official menu, like the insanely delicious Crunchwrap. Options include Texas red chile, Hatch green chile, a combo of the two (known as “Christmas style” because of the red and green) or vegetarian stuffed between housemade tortillas and griddled until perfectly crispy. Try one and you’ll never make a run for the border again. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

WILD BERRY ACAI: TORNADO BOWL

Order your swirl of acai with coconut oil drizzled on top. When the liquid oil hits the cold acai, it hardens, giving you the crunch of a dipped softserve cone. Blueberries and strawberries provide sweet contrast to the tart acai and lemon zest. MARGARET LITTMAN

HENRIETTA RED: POPPY’S CAVIAR

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

The most popular appetizer at Henrietta Red is inspired by a recipe that chef Julia Sullivan’s father used to prepare for parties. Sullivan named Poppy’s Caviar after him, and we should all be so lucky to receive such a tribute. Scallions, oil, vinegar, shallots, dill, chives, garlic and lemon are whisked together to create a dip that is topped with a generous dollop of paddlefish caviar and sour cream. Drag a water cracker through it for a decadent treat. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

BUTCHER & BEE: WHIPPED FETA

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

Perhaps the most beloved appetizer in Nashville, this East Side whipped feta is tangy, with enough bite to be interesting (thanks, fermented honey and black pepper), and smooth enough to be slathered on everything from pita to carrots. Or eaten straight from the takeout container with a spoon. MARGARET LITTMAN

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OUR FAVORITE BITES

DRUSIE & DARR: EGG TOAST

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

The first time I tried the egg toast at Drusie & Darr, executive chef Kelsi Armijo described it as “the best grilled cheese you’ve ever tasted.” She wasn’t wrong, although the dish in question doesn’t actually have any cheese — the decadent creaminess comes from two perfectly sous-vide egg yolks wedged between bite-size slices of crunchy, buttery toast. The entire thing is topped with 10 grams of osetra caviar — hence the $70 price tag on this appetizer — for one of the most complex and indulgent bites you’ll find anywhere in town. NANCY FLOYD

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

ATTABOY: ANY COCKTAIL OK, we’re kind of cheating with this one. East Nashville’s resilient, cozy, speakeasy-style bar Attaboy — which is currently up for a James Beard Award — doesn’t have a menu. Instead they make improvised cocktails based on what you tell the staff you’re into. Bourbon and bitters? They’ve got you. Gin with citrus? Not a problem. Something more adventurous? Ask them to surprise you. You won’t be disappointed. D. PATRICK RODGERS

MARTIN’S BAR-B-QUE JOINT: FRIED CATFISH REDNECK TACO

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

With all the great smoked-meat options at Martin’s BarB-Que Joint, who would’ve thought that their fried catfish would be so good? Not me, until Pat Martin himself suggested that I try the Redneck Taco with perfectly fried golden-brown catfish fillets instead of my usual whole-hog order. The cornbread hoecake topped with some crunchy slaw and Alabama white sauce — which is like a redneck remoulade — is a hidden highlight on the Martin’s menu. (Add sliced pickled jalapeños to raise it to another level.) CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND

LOCUST: BEEF TARTARE

Acclaimed chef Trevor Moran does a lot of stuff right with the rotating menu at his Asian-inspired 12South outpost Locust. But every time I go back, and every time it’s on the menu, it’s the Bear Creek Farm beef tartare — served with warm rice and toasted nori — that bowls me over. Just a remarkable combination of flavors. D. PATRICK RODGERS

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

OUR FAVORITE BITES

PINK DOOR COOKIES: RAINBOW BROWNIE It looks like a cookie and tastes like a brownie, and it’s impossible to be in a bad mood when you bite into this chewy, rich, moist confection, topped with chocolate frosting and a colorful candy rainbow. MARGARET LITTMAN

MAS TACOS POR FAVOR: CHICKEN TORTILLA SOUP

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I don’t know how the avocado pieces don’t get mushy when they are combined with tomatoes, cheese, chicken and crunchy tortilla strips in this Mexico City-style soup from Mas Tacos in East Nashville. But I don’t need to know. I just need to know that it is available when I need it. MARGARET LITTMAN

RADICAL RABBIT: KENTUCKY FRIED VEGAN If you shop at the Richland Park Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, you’ve probably encountered the Radical Rabbit tent near the main entrance. With all the options spread throughout the park, it would be easy to walk right past, but the power move is to shop there first before Mariah Ragland sells out of her amazing Southern-fried vegan fare. The Kentucky Fried Vegan platter is a plate of fried jackfruit, mac-and-cheese, greens, mashed potatoes and gravy, and coconut cornbread. It actually reheats much better than fried chicken, so you can finish your shopping and take the KFV home for a fantastic lunch. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

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PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

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OUR FAVORITE BITES THE 404 KITCHEN: WHOLE SMOKED FRIED CHICKEN

D’ANDREWS BAKERY & CAFE: DOUBLE CHOCOLATE DULCEY COOKIE Double chocolate cookies are a dime a dozen and can be a lazy way for a bakery to get an upcharge for just adding chocolate chips to a chocolate cookie. (Yawn.) But David Andrews set out to create something unique with his version, combining two chocolates that seem to be at absolute opposite ends of the flavor spectrum. White chocolate usually tastes pretty much like sweet butter, but Andrews cooks Dulcey Valrhona Chocolate low and slow until it is converted into a caramel. He then gently blends the caramel with an intense 100 percent cacao to create an end product that is the essence of chocolate as the sweet and bitter perfectly balance each other beneath a dusting of powdered sugar. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

If you’ve ever tried to fry a chicken, you know it’s a delicate art. The 404 Kitchen’s version is equivalent to the ceiling in the Sistine Chapel. The crisp crust is unbeatable, and the rich smoke flavor gets down to the bone. Even if you share with another person, there’s plenty for next-day leftovers (if you can wait that long). STEPHEN TRAGESER

MOFONGO CAFE: EMPANADAS These empanadas at Berry Hill’s Mofongo Cafe (formerly Merengue Cafe) are sold in pairs and feature crispy and thin pastry — rather than a doughy shell — filled with your choice of tender beef, chicken, cheese, or cheese and guava. The hot buffet is delectable too, if you want some extra sides to go with the turnovers. ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ

CONNY & JONNY: STRAWBERRY PRETZEL FRITTER

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: Adorable local confectionary couple Constance and Jonathan Farro — aka Conny and Jonny — make the best doughnuts in Nashville. Possibly their most extravagant treat is the Strawberry Pretzel Fritter, which was recently one of the sweets included in their assorted-dozen preorder boxes. While C&J doughnuts are typically available at Crieve Hall Bagel and both Crema locations, the owners say they’re taking a temporary break from their baked goods in preparation for bigger things. Let’s all cross our fingers that they come back soon. D. PATRICK RODGERS

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NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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OUR FAVORITE BITES

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FLORA + FAUNA: CUBAN LATTE Flora + Fauna recently opened in the Highland Yards outpost on Douglas Avenue, and its Cuban latte is perfectly balanced. It’s smooth and creamy and not overly sweet, and the shop prioritizes locally and ethically sourced ingredients and sustainable packaging. JONATHAN SIMS

NICKY’S COAL FIRED: OLIVES WITH CITRUS AND ROSEMARY I’ll let you in on a little secret: I was never a huge fan of olives as part of an appetizer platter. In fact, you could say that I was anti-antipasti. Until I tried the coal-fired olives at Nicky’s. These beauties benefit from a kiss of smoke from Enrico, Nicky’s massive coal oven, and arrive at the table warm, seasoned with rosemary and citrus. They are just salty enough to stimulate the appetite for the upcoming parade of pizzas and pastas that you should have already ordered at the front desk upon arrival. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

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It’s rare that an appetizer is the first dish that someone mentions when discussing a great restaurant, but that’s often the case with chef Deb Paquette’s famous roasted cauliflower starter at Etch. At Jasper’s, Paquette’s elevated sports bar/neighborhood restaurant in Midtown, she has reimagined that iconic dish as a more appropriate bar snack. Instead of roasting the cauliflower, she tempura-fries it until it has the crunch you crave. The elegant pea pesto, whipped-feta crema and red bell pepper essence that are artistically painted on the plate at Etch have been converted into dipping sauces. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

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OUR FAVORITE BITES BARCELONA: EGGPLANT CAPONATA

PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND

This plate converted me into an eggplant enthusiast. It’s a simple one, with sweet peppers, eggplant and basil tossed in a semisweet, tangy sauce that I suspect contains some combination of oil and vinegar. Eating it with Barcelona’s bread is essential. KELSEY BEYELER

I DREAM OF WEENIE: REBEL YELP

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

This offering really puts the “hot” in “hot dog,” with mustard and red onions for savory goodness and hot chow-chow relish and jalapeños for a mean bite. Also, I Dream of Weenie in East Nashville’s Five Points neighborhood is one of the few places outside Alabama that I’ve seen Buffalo Rock ginger ale, one of the spiciest available. If you really wanna get that burn in your nose, order one to wash down your Rebel Yelp. STEPHEN TRAGESER

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OUR FAVORITE BITES CRIEVE HALL BAGEL CO.: JALAPEÑO CHEDDAR BAGEL WITH SUN-DRIED TOMATO SCHMEAR

Once upon a time, a cake from the now-long-gone Becker’s Bakery was a Nashville birthday tradition. Baked on 8th’s spin on this famous breakfast pastry, with its melt-in-your-mouth crust and just-right amount of decadent filling, is a worthy successor. STEPHEN TRAGESER

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

PHOTO: ERIC ENGLAND

You can’t pick a loser from Crieve Hall’s menu, but the jalapeño cheddar bagel provides a superb foundation for their king of savory schmears, the bright and tangy sun-dried tomato variety. STEPHEN TRAGESER

BAKED ON 8TH: BROWN SUGAR AND CINNAMON “POP-TART”

TRINITY COFFEE: AREPAS The arepas at this Plaza Mariachi cafe are loaded and very filling. But if you have room, you should also order one of their Instagram-worthy iced coffees, and enjoy it all while listening to music in the food court. ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ

KING TUT’S: FALAFEL

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

Are you someone who thinks falafel is some kind of cruel joke that Mediterranean cuisine is trying to play on herbivores? King Tut’s chef Rocky Rashwan has the real deal that puts pretenders to shame: crisp outside, tender inside, with a mouthwatering blend of spices in the chickpea batter. STEPHEN TRAGESER

CAITYPIES: CHICKEN POT PIE If you like your comfort food to feel like a hug from the inside, order this carrot- and chicken-filled gift, complete with flaky, buttery crust. Pick up the pie perfection at the Richland Park Farmers’ Market. MARGARET LITTMAN

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

OUR FAVORITE BITES

ONCE UPON A TIME IN FRANCE: COQ AU VIN When you see steak frites on the menu at Melvil Arnt’s French bistro on the East Side, it might seem like folly to choose a chicken dish instead. But the coq au vin, beautifully seasoned and slow-roasted to perfect tenderness, will have you considering the gravy-sopping properties of every item on the table. STEPHEN TRAGESER

LOU: BRAISED LAMB “TORTA”

This sandwich doesn’t sound like the brunchiest of options on the menu at charming East Side spot lou. But one bite of the tender and flavorful lamb and accouterments, neatly tucked into supremely soft bread, will confirm that you made the right choice. STEPHEN TRAGESER

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NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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4/25/22 5:00 PM

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Slicing citrus isn’t the most complicated of culinary tasks. But the skill is elevated to an art form when the oranges and grapefruit are combined with green olives, red onion, tarragon and arranged on a plate to look like stained glass. MARGARET LITTMAN

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SILVER SAND: OXTAIL AND NECK BONES I’ve got a T-shirt I bought from the SoulPhoodie website that shares an old Jamaican restaurant proverb: “No oxtail gravy unless you order oxtail meal!” You see, just about anything can be made better by ladling a little of that silky, rich beefy sauce over the top. Despite the fact that they come from two different ends of the cow, oxtails and neck bones are possibly the most delicious cuts you’ve never tried. Stop by the amazing soul-food restaurant Silver Sands near the Nashville Farmers’ Market on Thursdays, when they serve tails and necks over rice. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN EMAIL EDITOR@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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MEET THE CHEFS TALKING TO IRON FORK COMPETITORS

HRANT ARAKELIAN, CHRIS DEJESUS, STAR MAYE AND NINA SINGTO BY CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN, MARGARET LITTMAN AND MEGAN SELING

Ahead of Thursday’s big event at First Horizon Park, we caught up with all four of our Iron Fork competitors: Lyra’s Hrant Arakelian, Butcher & Bee’s Chris DeJesus, Anzie Blue’s Star Maye and Thai Esane’s Nina Singto. They’ve got a diverse array of skill sets and backgrounds, but they all have a couple of things in common — they’re all talented chefs, and they’re all in it to win it. Check out our profiles below.

HRANT ARAKELIAN, LYRA Even if you don’t recognize his name, if you’ve been dining out in Nashville, you’ve likely eaten chef Hrant Arakelian’s food. His résumé reads like a who’s-who of our dearly departed favorites: Sunset Grill? Check. Flyte? Check. Deb Paquette’s Zola? Check. Rumors East? Check. Holland House Bar & Refuge? Check. In 2018 Arakelian and his wife Elizabeth Endicott (who has her own long list of Nashville culinary royalty on her résumé) opened their dream restaurant in the old Holland House space. In fact, it was Arakelian’s connection with Holland House that gave them a leg up on securing the coveted corner building at Eastland and McFerrin avenues; they were able to approach the landlord early in the process. “We were very lucky to get that space,” Arakelian says. With Lyra (pronounced “LIE-rah”), the couple transformed the way in which East Nashville experiences Middle Eastern food. Born in Lebanon, Arakelian lived in Oman until he was 7 years old and his family immigrated to Nashville. Arakelian weaves into his food the flavors and traditions of the places he’s lived and the kitchens in which he’s worked. “Some people come in [to Lyra] with preconceived notions of Middle Eastern food, with kabobs and hummus and rice,” says Arakelian. “We hope that when they come to Lyra that they learn about the variety of Middle Eastern cuisine and some things that they are not as familiar with.” You can expect to see that modern approach at Iron Fork, a challenge about which he says he is both excited and nervous. Arakelian had been planning to participate in Iron Fork in 2020, which was canceled due to the pandemic, so he’s had a lot of time to think about how best to tackle such a cooking contest. Recent weeks have seen Arakelian brainstorming with his sous chef, thinking about which of the regular spices and spice blends they use at Lyra would be good to bring to the competition, and looking for options that could work with a savory or sweet secret ingredient. “The food we do at Lyra plays off sweet and salty and earthy and bright and floral to develop a well-rounded flavor, and so we hope to do that at Iron Fork.” “Lyra is a passion of ours that we have wanted to do forever,” he adds. “We just love that the city is embracing a variety of cuisines, and we are happy to be a part of it.” MARGARET LITTMAN

STAR MAYE, ANZIE BLUE Star Maye is no stranger to competition, having duked it out at Culinary Fight Club, Battle of the Burger and more events during her long culinary career. Maye is used to cooking under pressure, including during a stint at City Winery, where she would sometimes have to feed 500 people before two shows a night — or discover that nobody wants a pre-concert meal and just roll with the punches. “I learned to work fast,” she says. “Flip it and burn it!” Now, as the executive chef at CBD-centric cafe Anzie Blue, Maye is excited to introduce herself to Nashville diners. She was born in Jamaica and raised in rural Alabama, and then spent time in Pensacola, Fla., during a stint in the military. “I grew up on a farm,” she says. “I learned to cook soul food in the kitchen with my grandmother.” Maye’s culinary career took her around the world to cook in some unusual venues, including on cruise ships, on an oil rig and at fish camps in Alaska. These experiences taught her to think on the fly. “On an oil rig, you can’t count on getting supplies, so you just make do with what you can find in the kitchen. And in Alaska, they eat every bit of the salmon — big 50-pounders that I had to learn how to clean and figure out how to do something with the eyeballs!” “I’ve cooked just about every kind of food,” Maye says. “Thai, Middle Eastern, African, Italian, French, Jamaican and American. But since we only serve breakfast, brunch and lunch at Anzie Blue, people think I can only cook eggs. I feel like the underdog, but everybody loves an underdog!” Competing alongside her Anzie Blue sous chef Emily Costa, Maye has simple expectations. “None but to win!” she vows. “Emily is also great at pastry, so we’re bringing an air fryer. I don’t care what the secret ingredient is. Gimme whatever, and I’ll do whatever I can with it.” She doesn’t rule out adding some CBD to her dish, one of the specialties of the food and drinks at Anzie Blue. “I hope I get to go first or last, so that the judges will know that I’m the reason they start to feel really good about 20 minutes after tasting my dish!” CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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Bring your canine companions for an afternoon of dog-centric activities and local pet vendors, food trucks, beer, and more. Humans can enjoy beer tastings, sip a cocktail from the bar, play lawn games, and grab a bite to eat from tasty local food trucks. Furry friends will enjoy their own beer tasting by Busch Dog Brew, cheese it up in the pet photo booth, sample treats, and cut loose in our off-leash mini dog park.

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nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

CHRIS DEJESUS, BUTCHER & BEE Chris DeJesus may not have the professional competitive cooking experience of some of his Iron Fork competitors, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t ready to march into battle. “My wife and I play Chopped every now and again,” DeJesus tells the Scene. “For dinner we’ll challenge each other to shop for each other at the grocery store, and we’ll do it by surprise and pick each other’s basket. Sometimes I’ll cook dessert, and she’s a pastry chef so sometimes she’ll have to cook savory stuff. It’s even more of a challenge in that respect. It’s pretty fun. It gets me a decent amount of practice.” DeJesus has been the executive chef at Butcher & Bee for the past two years, and he says having to adapt to supply-chain issues during the pandemic has strengthened his ability to work on the fly. When one of the ingredients in Butcher & Bee’s famous whipped feta went missing, he had to get creative with his sourcing. “We’ve been struggling to get cream cheese — spoiler alert, it’s one of the ingredients in the whipped feta,” he says with a laugh. “We’ve had to get it from different purveyors. We’ve had it in, like, 30-pound blocks. I’ve had to get Amazon to deliver it from Whole Foods. I had to order eight cases at a time, which means I’m carrying like 200 pounds of cream cheese on hand. I can’t run out of that whipped feta, ’cause there’d be riots in the street.” Presenting a version of the whipped feta isn’t off the table — “That’d win everyone’s hearts, right?” But DeJesus probably won’t have to fall back on old favorites. His sous chef for the day is Butcher & Bee partner and Redheaded Stranger partner and chef Bryan Lee Weaver, and DeJesus is confident in his ability to get creative with a variety of different ingredients. So much so that he hasn’t bothered to get involved in much pregame trash talk. “I’m not a huge trash talker,” he says. “I like to be silent and then let my work speak for itself. But I saw some trash talk from Star Maye over at Anzie Blue a little bit, and I’m down for that. I like a little friendly banter. We had some fun at the Scene offices when we were there for our meeting. But I’m more of a silent kind. I just like to stay quiet and hopefully things work out.” MEGAN SELING

NINA SINGTO, THAI ESANE

If Iron Fork presented a Miss Congeniality award, Thai Esane owner/ chef Nina Singto would win in a landslide. Her ebullient personality has made her a diners’ favorite ever since she first opened her first small Thai/Laotian restaurant on 12th Avenue, and she was raring to go as an Iron Fork competitor in 2020 before, well … you know what happened in 2020. While she waited for her chance to show off her chops, she opened two new outposts of Thai Esane — one in Brentwood and one downtown at 5th + Broadway to join her attractive and modern flagship location at the head of Demonbreun Hill. Singto has plenty of experience in competition on television, including winning Guy’s Grocery Games and taking part in episodes of Bite Club and Chopped, where she was unfortunately stymied by the secret ingredient of Limburger cheese in her ingredient basket. (“We don’t use cheese in Thai cooking,” she laments. “The judges hated it, but have you seen how many cheese ramen dishes have come out since then? I was a trendsetter!”) She’ll be cooking with her brother at this year’s Iron Fork, and they’re in it to win it. “I’m ready to bring my all,” Singto says. “I’ve done well on television, but I want to win at home. I want people to say, ‘Nina, you’re good!’ I’m going to bring my culinary style and be as creative as I can be.” That style often includes blindingly spicy food. Longtime Thai Esane fans know the restaurant has a special “Nina Hot” level above the hottest normally offered, and she’ll do her best to hurt you with kindness if she knows you. The Iron Fork judges had better bring the Pepcid if Singto is feeling especially spicy that evening. As for a secret ingredient she’d like to see at the competition, she’d love a fun vegetable. (“No dairy!” Singto adds.) “With meat, you can do anything. I’d rather see something like an exotic fruit. As long as I can pronounce it.” In addition to her brother as sous chef, Nina’s secret weapons will be her favorite brand of oyster sauce and a mortar and pestle to grind up her spice blends. “Don’t bring me no Kikkoman,” she jokes. After her long wait to take the stage in the Iron Fork kitchen, Singto should provide some stiff competition. CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN EMAIL EDITOR@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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IF YOU CAN’T STAND THE HEAT... After a long two-year hiatus, the Scene’s beloved Iron Fork, a chef competition and gourmet sampling event, returns on April 28. In its 13th year, the event will not only highlight four fierce competing chefs but a slew of the city’s best casual eateries, cocktail lounges and fine dining establishments. The best part? A ticket purchase, which includes unlimited bites from our featured restaurants, helps support our mission to raise funds for The Nashville Food Project. Even if you can’t join us at Iron Fork, we hope you’ll pay a visit to our participating restaurants as they reflect the dynamic food scene that is Nashville, and the collaborative nature of the restaurant community in our growing city.

Anzie blue

Banh Mi & Roll

Butcher & Bee

Hillsboro Village

East Nashville

Anzie Blue is a modern mercantile, health and wellness shop and coffeehouse in Hillsboro Village, and owners Marcie Allen and Derek Van Mol have achieved some astonishing results through good old-fashioned customer service. Oh, and CBD. Executive chef Star Maye joined the team in the summer of 2021, elevating the restaurant’s culinary offerings from a limited menu to more substantial fare than you might expect from a coffee shop, like four-cheese mac-and-cheese bake to an Italiano melt sandwich on a baguette to their now famous chicken and waffles — there’s something for everyone.

After operating as a festival favorite food truck for almost 10 years, this bright-yellow spot opened as a brick-and-mortar location in November 2020. Since they are known for their Vietnamese sandwiches, you may not expect them to have award-winning boba tea (seeing as tea isn’t in the name). But Banh Mi and Roll’s boba was highlighted in our Best of Nashville Writers’ Choice awards in 2021, and their food menu is equally tasty.

Butcher & Bee continues to stand out in East Nashville, more than six years in, and the Mediterranean-focused dining destination is doing things right. Bryan Lee Weaver and his partner opened the East Nashville outpost of Charlestonbased restaurant Butcher & Bee in late 2015. Weaver brought in Chris DeJesus as the executive chef a few years later, and the restaurant has thrived as maybe the best vegetable-forward non-vegetarian dining destination in town. Their selection of small plates are always crowd-pleasers. Pro-tip: Go ahead and order an extra portion of the whipped-feta-and-honey dip — you’re gonna want more of that.

2111 Belcourt Ave., Nashville, TN 37212 anzieblue.com @anzieblue

1808 20th Ave. S., Suite 101, Nashville, TN 37212 banhmiandrollplus.com @bahnmiandrollplus

902 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206 butcherandbee.com/nashville @bandbnashville

Chef’s Market

Chopper Tiki lounge

city winery

goodlettsville

East Nashville

pietown

Located in an unassuming strip mall at 900 Conference Drive, the market has an easy rustic patina, with rough concrete floors, farmhouse furniture, large chalkboard menus and an old gas stove repurposed as shelving for gourmet groceries—including bags of the tri-colored pita points that are a hallmark of a Chef’s Market catered spread. Over the years, Chef’s Market has built a reputation for their creative foods and dependable execution in both the cafe and their catering services, being awarded Best Caterer in our Best of Nashville Readers’ Poll more than 10 years running.

Chopper Tiki, which opened in the summer of 2019 in East Nashville, offers a unique take on traditional tiki drinks like the mai tai, the jet pilot and the painkiller. In the meticulously curated space you’ll find beautiful booths, wall fixtures in the shape of robotic faces, and an enormous golden robot hovering over the massive, three-sided wraparound bar. If you’re looking for a fun place for pre- or postdinner drinks from one of the many neighboring eateries, this should be on your summer bucket list.

900 Conference Drive, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 chefsmarket.com @chefs_market 42

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

1100 B Stratton Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 choppertiki.com @choppertiki

Since opening, City Winery has positioned itself as a premiere performance venue offering not just stellar shows but excellent dining and drinking opportunities. With its own working winery, City Winery creates the perfect ambience, especially for those who rent out the barrel room for private parties. If you time your visit right, you might even catch the winemakers practicing their craft through the windows overlooking the production area. With a newly revamped brunch and dinner menu, they’re taking the art of food and wine pairings much more seriously.

609 Lafayette St., Nashville, TN 37203 citywinery.com/nashville @citywinerynsh SPONSORED CONTENT

Copper Branch

Cupcake collection

Daddy’s Dogs

downtown

Germantown

The Nations/Printer’s Alley

Located in the Nashville Public Library building, Copper Branch offers smoothies, maple tempeh sandwiches, “wings,” baked goods, salads, soups and pretty much anything else you can imagine, made with plant-based ingredients. There’s even a vegan poutine! The entire menu, from breakfast to dinner, is vegan, so if you are eschewing meat — either on occasion or 24/7 — this is the place to get quick, filling, not-at-all-boring eats downtown. There are a few tables inside, plus on the patio, but the restaurant is across the street from Church Street Park, making it the perfect stop to grab supplies for a picnic in the park.

The Cupcake Collection has won Best Cupcakes in the Scene’s annual Best of Nashville Readers’ Poll for the past five years, due in part to their unmatchable homemade style and taste, which so many of the larger bakeries sacrifice as they increase production. Mignon François, who launched The Cupcake Collection from her North Nashville house in 2008, has perfected signature flavors like sweet potato, carrot cake and red velvet, launching them into the national spotlight. In addition to cupcakes, you can also order custom birthday and wedding cakes, candles, “pupcakes” and more.

601 Church St., Nashville, TN 37219 eatcopperbranch.com @copperbranchnashville

1213 Sixth Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37208 thecupcakecollection.com @thecupcakecollection

“Big Daddy” Sean Porter spent years touring as a road manager with national acts like Cage the Elephant and Elle King. If he learned anything in that gig, it was the value of finding some good late-night eats. So when it was time to come off the road in 2015, he decided to open a gourmet hot dog cart to serve the need. Daddy’s Dogs has grown to operate a fleet of carts as well as brick-and-mortar shops in Printers Alley and The Nations. They even host their own events throughout the year, and it’s no surprise they’ve been awarded Best Hot Dog and Best Late Night Eats in the Best of Nashville Readers’ Poll ever since.

5205 Centennial Blvd., Nashville, TN 37209 205 Printers Alley, Nashville, TN 37201 daddysdogsnash.com @daddysdogsnash

Fable Lounge

5 Points diner

Graze

midtown

East Nashville

Fable Lounge is more than a cocktail bar and more than just food and drinks. It’s an experience where every drink tells a story. The menu features all your favorite drinks as well as award-winning cocktails from their skilled bartenders, small plates, entrees and desserts. Located in the West End neighborhood, the lounge and piano bar offers a speakeasy feel with an upstairs patio and covered cigar lounge. Not sure what kind of drink you’re in the mood for? Let the team of award-winning barkeeps whip up something special, just for you.

WOW Hospitality Group announced the launch of 5 Points Diner & Bar to open in East Nashville mid-May appealing to food lovers who enjoy playful cocktails in an upbeat, vibrant environment. The 5 Points Diner menu will be developed by a seasoned chef duo, Jonathan Duncan and Dylan Valentine, and will feature a variety of unique food concepts in addition to inspired classic diner fare such as meatloaf, shrimp and grits, chef salads and burgers as well as chicken, steak and pasta dishes. Guests can also expect weekend brunch, happy hours and a latenight food menu that will be served until 2 a.m.

Opened in 2016, East Nashville’s Graze came to us from the same folks who run The Wild Cow, which operates just around the corner. Graze’s vegan menu proves that a plant-based diet doesn’t have to be all zoodles and salads. It can also be mac-and-chorizo, oven fries and Nashville hot tempeh, a veggiefriendly spin on Nashville hot chicken. They’ve also landed at the top of the Readers’ Poll results in more than one installment of the Scene’s Best of Nashville issue in both the Best Vegan and Best Vegetarian categories, and even snagged a Writers’ Choice award for Best Vegan Junk Food.

1016 Woodland St, Nashville, TN 37206

1888 Eastland Ave., Nashville, TN 37206 grazenashville.com @grazenashville

114 28th Ave. N., Nashville, TN 37203 fableloungenashville.com @fableloungenashville

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last time for what’s going to be a very rare performance this year. As she wrote on Instagram: “Honestly, [Mercy Lounge talent buyer] John Bruton asking me to play a farewell show to Mercy Lounge is the only thing that could get what will be my *5 months pregnant with a baby girl* booty out for a live show.” She’ll be joined by up-andcoming songsmith Abby Johnson, whose handful of singles are incisive in context and dreamy in presentation, and rockers The Prescriptions, whose 2019 LP Hollywood Gold leans toward pastoral psychedelia. 8 p.m. at Mercy Lounge, 1 Cannery Row

VINCE HERMAN BAND

Since I grew up in Middle Tennessee in the 1970s, I am familiar with the concept of hippies playing bluegrass. I also lived in Boulder, Colo., 20 years ago, so neo-bluegrass was something I witnessed at a distance in that hotbed of post-hippie culture. Honestly, I don’t mind hippie ’grass when it’s done right — jam bands from the Grateful Dead to Leftover Salmon have their moments. In fact, Leftover Salmon guitarist and singer Vince Herman moved to Nashville last year, and Thursday’s show will give fans of the style a chance to hear him do his thing. Leftover Salmon, who have played some Nashville shows after Herman moved to town, released an album, Brand New Good Old Days, in 2021. As usual, an interesting element of their brand of ’grass-rock-country fusion is their taste in cover versions. They do a good job playing Ronnie Reno’s “Boogie Grass Band,” a song Conway Twitty cut in 1978. Meanwhile, their cover of Soundgarden’s “Black Hole Sun” sounds suitably psychedelic. Modern bluegrass is an unabashedly syncretic music that remains tethered to old-time practices I find charming, or at least quaint, and Herman — who has signed a publishing deal here and is reportedly planning a solo album — is a master of his craft. 8 p.m. at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, 102 East Palestine Ave., Madison EDD HURT

NASHVILLE REP PRESENTS MARY POPPINS

She’s practically perfect in every way, and beginning Thursday, you can catch her onstage at TPAC’s Polk Theater, as Nashville Repertory Theatre closes out its 37th season with Mary Poppins. Based on the beloved books by P.L. Travers and the classic Walt Disney film, Mary Poppins tells the story of a rather unconventional nanny who arrives at 17 Cherry Tree Lane to bring a bit of order, love and adventure to the troubled Banks family. The musical adaptation features original music and

lyrics by Richard and Robert Sherman, including familiar songs like “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Jolly Holiday,” “A Spoonful of Sugar” and more. There are also new songs added for the stage by Anthony Drewe and George Stiles, plus an engaging book by Julian Fellowes. Micah-Shane Brewer directs a terrific cast, including Christine McNeal in the title role and Middle Tennessee native Jeremy Benton as Bert, both making their Nashville Rep debuts. Audiences can expect to see plenty of local favorites too — like Denice Hicks, Jennifer Whitcomb-Oliva, Geoffrey Davin and more. April 28-May 8 at TPAC’s Polk Theater, 505 Deaderick St. AMY STUMPFL

FRIDAY / 4.29 [A SALTY SALUTE]

TRISTEN W/THE PRESCRIPTIONS & ABBY JOHNSON

The final weeks are ticking down before Mercy Lounge, The High Watt and Cannery Ballroom close — from mid-May until the proprietors of the venues find a new spot to set up shop — and the parade of musicians giving the venues a fond farewell continues. Top-notch rock ’n’ pop songsmith Tristen is among the many longtime locals who have played the venues on Cannery Row many times as they’ve built their careers. In 2021, Tristen got to tour a bit around her outstanding LP Aquatic Flowers, and on Friday she’s heading up to Mercy one

[DYNAMIC DANCE]

MALPASO DANCE

Cuba’s Malpaso Dance has been around since 2012, and already this acclaimed troupe has earned a huge reputation as “a groundbreaking force in the contemporary dance world.” This weekend at OZ Arts, Malpaso will present four works that not only demonstrate the strength of its repertoire, but also showcase top international choreographers. The lineup includes Lullaby for Insomnia, a new solo piece by Malpaso co-artistic director and cofounder Daileidys Carrazana; woman with water, an intimate duet by the celebrated Swedish choreographer Mats Ek; Elemental by Robyn Mineko Williams, a 26-minute work created for the company as part of a collaborative program developed with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago; and Stillness in Bloom, a captivating commission from Canadian choreographer Aszure Barton. April 29 & 30 at OZ Arts, 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle AMY STUMPFL FILM

[BOOGIE ’GRASS]

[THERE GOES A CLEVER GENT]

MUSIC

THURSDAY / 4.28

THEATER

PHOTO: DAVID ALTSCHUL

DANCE

STEPHEN TRAGESER

[THE MAGICIAN LONGS TO SEE]

MIDNIGHT MOVIE: FIRE WALK WITH ME

Greeted with a particularly infamous response at Cannes 1992, this prequel (but also intermittent sequel because of Lodge Context Time) to the then-two seasons of Twin Peaks was an R-rated exigesis of the life of volunteer, homecoming queen, sex worker and icon Laura Palmer. If the TV series had been built around a community trying to solve and process her tragic murder, the film was a series of inciting events that provided context and gave answers that revealed deeply unsettling truths and situations. As Laura Palmer, Sheryl Lee gives a performance so good that it physically hurts — a landmine of empathy that shreds the viewer throughout all worlds. This film was a bottle of the most effervescent sparkling wine dashed to the ground, a challenge by David Lynch and Mark Frost to confront the trauma that shaped the broadcast TV fantasies of “solving” crime and “repairing” communities. American culture has always excelled at finding “suitable for TV” ways to express concepts and actions that no sane society could countenance, and if Twin

nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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CRITICS’ PICKS

SCENERY

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CHATTERBIRD FEAT. VASILIS KOSTAS

April in... 4/07 THURSDAY

21 +

FEAR OF THE DAWn listening party

4/08 FRIDAY

JAZZ NIGHT

TICKET

4/13 WEDNESDAY

with JACK SILVERMAN QUARTET 21 +

ata kak

with REAUX MARQUEZ

4/14 THURSDAY

COMEDY NIGHT

21 +

4/16 SATURDAY

hosted by CHLOE STILLWELL TICKET

GueRilla Toss

4/21 THURSDAY

21 +

NASHVILLE DON’T UNDERSTAND

with SNOOPER

4/23 SATURDAY

AARON STEELE & FRIENDS TITICKCKETET

jOSH HALPER’S BOSSA NOVA BAND

4/27 WEDNESDAY

creature feature FILM NIGHT

TICKET

4/09 SATURDAY

VINYL RANCH PRESENTS:

21 +

DISKO COWBOY 4/15 FRIDAY

21 +

DJ NIGHT: The Cramps

4/22 FRIDAY

closed to

the public

4/28 THURSDAY

music trivia night

hosted by BEN BLACKWELL

21 +

[SOME GOOD LUTE]

CHATTERBIRD FEAT. VASILIS KOSTAS

As important as it is to preserve our musical traditions, there’s something really exciting about an artist who is able to blur the lines between tradition and innovation. This weekend, Nashville’s own chatterbird is teaming up with the celebrated Greek laouto performer Vasilis Kostas to do just that. Kostas — who has appeared at Carnegie Hall, the Montreal International Jazz Festival, the Panama Jazz Festival and WOMEX — is widely known for blending traditional elements of Greek music with jazz improvisation. But he also has famously adapted the legendary Petroloukas Halkias’ clarinet lines to the laouto — a long-necked fretted instrument belonging to the lute family. Saturday night’s concert will present the regional premiere of Kalesma, for laouto and chamber ensemble, and also features guest artist Noam Israeli. 7:30 p.m. at The Parthenon’s Naos Room at Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave. AMY STUMPFL

SATURDAY / 4.30

DIJON

ut!

o sold

ut!

o sold

CHILDREN

4/29 FRIDAY + 4/30 SATURDAY [WE ARE FAMILY]

TPAC’S FAMILY DAY

Tennessee Performing Arts Center is well-known for its theaters, where it hosts everything from Broadway spectaculars to beloved comedians, dance performances and intimate stagings of locally produced plays. The nonprofit’s other arm is just as important to the city. It brings the performing arts into schools, trains teachers in arts-centered professional development, teaches aspiring theater makers through summer camps and afterschool clubs, and much more. If you’d like to support these efforts, attend TPAC’s

inaugural Family Day. It will feature interactive live performances, games, sensory-friendly crafts, sweet treats and more for a jovial afternoon at War Memorial Auditorium. 1:30-4:30 p.m. at War Memorial Auditorium, 301 Sixth Ave. N.

FILM

ERICA CICCARONE [X FACTOR]

WEEKEND CLASSICS: MISSISSIPPI MASALA

This weekend, audiences can head over to the Belcourt and see a rare occurrence in motion picture history: the time Denzel Washington was a romantic lead. Before he became our generation’s Sidney Poitier — continually giving great, cinematic performances as proud Black men — he took a brief detour into rom-com land with this 1991 film from filmmaker Mira Nair (Salaam Bombay!). This sexy dramedy has the future Malcolm X playing a Mississippi carpet cleaner who romances a young Indian beauty (Sarita Choudhury), which gets everyone in their small town talking. Not only is this movie playing in theaters in a new 4K restoration, but it will also get a Criterion Collection release later in May. It’s nice seeing this underappreciated tale of race and romance get the revival treatment — audiences may eventually want a homevideo reminder of when the future two-time Oscar winner was, briefly but memorably, a swoon-worthy matinee idol. SundayTuesday at the Belcourt, 2102 Belcourt Ave. CRAIG D. LINDSEY

BOOKS

MUSIC

Peaks was a mercurial and captivating show about the soap opera that is private life at the dawn of the ’90s, Fire Walk With Me was the revelation of a foundation built on an arcane cosmology that fed on innocence and potentiality. Operatic, mysterious and utterly unforgiving, this film is a cascading torch tossed into the nitrate storehouse that is the American family, and it burns so beautifully. Midnight at the Belcourt, 2102 Belcourt Ave. JASON SHAWHAN

[READERS, START YOUR ENGINES]

INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE DAY

If there’s one thing I know about Ann Patchett and Joelle Herr, it’s that — unlike one uber-wealthy seller of books — they’ve never been to space. Good news for all of you who buy your books online from the bad place, I’m giving you a chance at redemption. On Independent Bookstore Day you can spend your hard-earned dollars at the two bookstores in town that provided you with book recommendations, free virtual events and curbside pickup during the worst of the pandemic. In East Nashville, The Bookshop will have IBDexclusive merchandise and giveaways (with each purchase getting folks a spin at the Wheel of Bookishness for a prize). They will also partner with their neighbor, Hanna

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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NO JUS UN T CE D

coming soon

A Celebration of the Roaring ‘20s

PROHIBITION May 25

Last in our Jazz Series!

with the

CHAKA KHAN

Nashville Symphony

May 29*

BRENT HAVENS, CONDUCTOR | JUSTIN SARGENT, VOCALIST

ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 29

June 26 • Ascend Amphitheater

BEETHOVEN’S NINTH June 2 to 5

ABBA: THE CONCERT June 8*

Y olanda a dams WITH THE NASHVILLE

BACK TO THE FUTURE IN CONCERT

JUSTIN FREER, CONDUCTOR

June 17 to 19

SYMPHONY

A Gospel Mother's Day

BERNADETTE PETERS

DR. HENRY PANION III, CONDUCTOR

May 8

June 22

May 12 to 15

THE DRIFTERS, THE CORNELL GUNTER COASTERS, AND THE PLATTERS

Ballet Extravaganza

June 27*

Firebird and Billy the Kid with Nashville Ballet

BEN FOLDS

June 30 to July 2

LESLIE ODOM,JR.

Giancarlo Guerrero, conductor Paul Vasterling, artistic director SERIES PARTNER

GUSTER

WITH THE NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

July 6

Enrico Lopez-Yañez, Conductor

May 19 to 22

SERIES PARTNER

May 26 to 28

*Presented without the Nashville Symphony.

EXPLORE OUR CONCERT CALENDAR AND BUY TICKETS

NashvilleSymphony.org/Tickets | 615.687.6400

WITH SUPPORT FROM

THU 4.28  THE TALBOTT BROTHERS

THU 5.05  GAVIN DEGRAW - SOLD OUT

W/ EVAN BARTELS

NIGHT ONE

THE HIGH WATT

FRI 4.29  TRISTEN

FRI 5.06  SWIFT & SOUR: A TAYLOR &

W/ THE PRESCRIPTIONS & ABBY JOHNSON

OLIVIA DANCE PARTY

MERCY LOUNGE

F RI 4.29  DAN ANDRIANO & THE BYGONES W/ EMILY WOLFE

MAY 5

MELISSA ETHERIDGE

WITH SPECIAL GUEST JEFF LEBLANC

GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS

F RI 5.06  GAVIN DEGRAW - SOLD OUT NIGHT TWO

THE HIGH WATT

SAT 4.30  THE STORY SO FAR

W/ JOYCE MANOR, MOM JEANS, & MICROWAVE

SAT 5.07  SUPERSONIC: NORTH

CANNERY BALLROOM

AMERICA’S TRIBUTE TO OASIS W/ MATT SAHADI

SAT 4.30  DESTROYER

THE HIGH WATT

W/ ROSALI

MERCY LOUNGE

MON 5.09  THE HU W/ THE HAUNT

SUN 5.01  KEVIN DEVINE

CAN NERY BALLROOM

W/ KISSISSIPPI & KAYLEIGH GOLDSWORTHY

MERCY LOUNGE

MAY 19

CANNERY BALLROOM

TUE 5.10  ALL THAT REMAINS

MON 5.02  BONNIE ‘PRINCE’ BILLY & MATT SWEENEY: “SUPERWOLVES”

W/ EMMETT KELLY

W/ MISS MAY I & TALLAH

CAN NERY BALLROOM

TUE 5.10  BORN RUFFIANS

MERCY LOUNGE

W/ SHAM FAMILY

THU 5.05  JAMES ARTHUR - SOLD OUT

THE HIGH WATT

W/ NINA NESBITT

CAN NERY BALLROOM

MAY 21

MILLION DOLLAZ WORTH OF GAME

FRI. 4/29

SAT. 4/30

the high watt

mercy lounge

destroyer

dan andriano & the bygones

JUNE 7

STARS FOR SECOND HARVEST FEATURING CRAIG WISEMAN & FRIENDS ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10 AM

SUN. 5/01

kevin devine mercy lounge

SAT. FRI. 2/23 5/06

kendrick vs drake swift & sour: a taylor & olivia dance party presented by joco shows · mercy lounge cannery ballroom

JULY 25

PAT BENATAR & NEIL GIRALDO

SAT. 5/07

supersonic: tribute to oasis the high watt

WED 5.11  BOULET BROTHERS’ DRAGULA

AUGUST 18

LOCAL NATIVES ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10 AM

SEASON 4 TOUR

CAN NERY BALLROOM

CROWDED HOUSE ON SALE FRIDAY AT 10 AM

cannery ballroom

SAT 5.14  THE GHOST OF PAUL REVERE W/ EARLY JAMES

THE HIGH WATT

WED 5.11  THE PALMS

SUN 5.15  MAKAYA MCCRAVEN

THU 5.12  NOTELLE EP RELEASE SHOW

MON 5.16  LO MOON

THE HIGH WATT

W/ VIOLET MOONS, MAGGIE MILES, & WINONA FIGHTER

THE HIGH WATT

MERCY LOUNGE

THE HIGH WATT

TUE 5.17  LAUREN SANDERSON

FRI 5.13  ALLAN RAYMAN

SEPTEMBER 18

WED. 5/11

boulet brothers’ dragula

MERCY LOUNGE

FRI 5.13  THE FOXIES W/ LOMBARDY

THE HIGH WATT

SAT 5.14  THE WEEKS

W/ JORDY & MIKI RATSULA

MERCY LOUNGE

WED 5.18  SYD CANNERY BALLROOM

THU 5.19  LILLY HIATT MERCY LOUNGE M

W/ BETCHA

MERCY LOUNGE

ONE CANNERY ROW NASHVILLE, TN 37203 · 615-251-3020 BOOK YOUR EVENT OR PARTY AT ANY OF OUR VENUES EMAIL SPECIALEVENTS@MERCYLOUNGE.COM FOR DETAILS MERCYLOUNGE

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

MERCYLOUNGE.COM

INFO@MERCYLOUNGE.COM

CRITICS’ PICKS

[POST-ROCK AND A HARD PLACE]

GODSPEED YOU! BLACK EMPEROR

Godspeed You! Black Emperor may just be the perfect band to play at The Caverns — precisely because the band’s brand of post-rock noise might be a little bit overwhelming in a literal cave. But a little bit overwhelming is what Godspeed You! Black Emperor does best: The band begins each show with an insanely long (think upward of 10 minutes, not five or six) song called “Hope Drone,” which I also sometimes refer to as an asshole filter. If you can’t get down with several minutes of an orchestra of dissonant droning guitar, violin and cello, you might not be the asshole for this show. If you were obsessed with 2000’s Lift Your Skinny Fists Like Antennas to Heaven and want to see some of GY!BE’s 2021 effort G_d’s Pee at State’s End! on the band’s first tour since its release, head toward Pelham, Tenn., and get ready to be just a little bit overwhelmed. 8 p.m. at The Caverns, 555 Charlie Roberts Road in Pelham AMANDA HAGGARD

[LIFE AND DEATH]

TRAMPLED BY TURTLES W/AMIGO THE DEVIL

FILM

It was about a decade ago when Trampled by Turtles was playing Live on the Green — at the time, it was the most packed I had ever seen the annual free festival at Public Square Park. Now touring after a five-year hiatus, the group of bluegrassfolk-rockers from Canada will be packing the iconic Ryman. Although lying in the grass at a time before the city expanded beyond recognition while listening to “Midnight on the Interstate” and “Help You” might not be topped, these folks will still sound just fine in the Mother Church. Purveyor of folk murder ballads Amigo the Devil — a songwriter who came up with tracks like “Dahmer Does Hollywood” and “Murder at the Bingo Hall” — is slated to open. 8 p.m. at the Ryman, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. AMANDA HAGGARD [EVERYBODY RELAX]

BIG TROUBLE IN LITTLE CHINA

NINE INCH NAILS

It’s been four years since Nine Inch Nails went on tour, and the legendary industrial-rock band has included a Nashville-area stop on its latest run. Trent Reznor & Co. will play Franklin’s FirstBank Amphitheater on Sunday for what’s sure to be one of the loudest, most raucous shows to hit Williamson County in recent memory. Fresh off Academy Award and Golden Globe wins for film score work (2020’s Mank and Soul among them), Reznor is in peak form, with the potential to build dynamic, decades-spanning set lists from early, classic NIN albums like 1989’s Pretty Hate Machine and 1999’s The Fragile as well as the band’s most recent releases, 2020’s Ghosts V: Together and Ghosts VI: Locusts. 7:30 p.m. at FirstBank Amphitheater, 4525 Graystone Quarry Lane in Franklin BRITTNEY MCKENNA

[VILE BELT]

KURT VILE W/CHASTITY BELT

Kurt Vile’s show Sunday at the Ryman will be bittersweet. In late 2019, when Vile was in town to record his Speed, Sound, Lonely EP at The Butcher Shoppe, the recording studio co-owned by John Prine, the two songwriters sat down together to record a lush, bright duet of Prine’s 1979 track “How Lucky.” Only months later, Prine died of complications from COVID-19. Vile released his EP — along with the pair’s duet — in the fall of 2020, and he told Rolling Stone at the time that recording that song with Prine was “probably the single most special musical moment in my life.” The fact that Prine, a man who’s played the Ryman roughly a dozen times (by my count, at least), won’t be there to join Vile onstage is heartbreaking. Still, Vile’s warm, increasingly country-tinged songwriting should temporarily soothe any aching hearts. Like Prine, Vile can paint vivid pictures with his lyrics, and he

KURT VILE

MONDAY / 5.02 [FEEL YOUR DISTANT CALL]

SHEER MAG W/ANGEL DU$T & SNOOPER

I tried not to get too upset when Sheer Mag didn’t tour through Nashville in 2019 following the release of A Distant Call, the stellar follow-up to the band’s critically acclaimed full-length debut Need to Feel Your Love. “Surely they’ll come in the spring,” I told myself at the time. “There’s no need to panic, Megan. You will have your chance to dance.” Months later, it was going to happen! In early 2020 the band announced a May 1 show at Mercy Lounge. FUCK! YES! I listened to A Distant Call for days on end in preparation. It’s a yowling storm of rock ’n’ roll. Singer Christina Halladay sets the tone, opening the album by screaming “HELLLLLL YEAH!” with so much power it would permanently damage a lesser vocalist. Songs like “Steel Sharpens Steel” and “The Killer” are a fiery combo of guitar-wailing ’70s rock and give-no-shits punk of the same era, while “The Right Stuff,” an underappreciated anthem for body positivity, recalls the more melodic side of The Clash’s catalog. Then, the May 1 show never happened. Neither did the rescheduled date in August 2020. Sadness. But now, exactly two years and one day from their original tour date, Sheer Mag will

Nashville’s ONLY vinyl record store with full bar and 24 seasonal craft beers on tap. 28 29 30 1 2 4 5

Classic Rock with DJ Callie Deep grooves with DJ Major Dude Acme Radio Live DJs First Day of May Daytime DJ Set with DJ Tyler Glaser NOW OPEN ON MONDAYS 3-10pm Queerfolk Showcase LIVE: Jon Camp + Trevor Nikrant

ta p yl

nashville .c

Back in the mid-’80s, Hollywood made several films in which stateside saviors slid themselves in the middle of danger and mystery in predominantly Asian environments. (One of the main reasons this martial-arts/fantasy whatzit from 1986 exists is because 20th Century Fox wanted to release it before Eddie Murphy’s Eastmeets-West adventure The Golden Child, which came out later that year.) At least in this one, the American hero is a complete idiot. Director John Carpenter called on his

SUNDAY / 5.01 MUSIC

MUSIC

D. PATRICK RODGERS

[HEAD LIKE A QUARRY]

vin

“A hundred-million lovers dancing in a row,” sings Destroyer frontman and central member Dan Bejar in “All My Pretty Dresses,” a standout tune from this year’s Labyrinthitis. “A hundred-million vacancies that trip and tremble.” The song, both aesthetically and thematically, is somewhat reminiscent of British New Wavers Modern English’s 1983 hit “I Melt With You” — and I count that as quite a good thing. Bejar has done a lot of sonic shape-shifting over the course of Destroyer’s 13 full-length albums, and Labyrinthitis — released March 25 via indie stalwart Merge Records — is another inventive installment. It’s full of spacedout synthesizer sounds, Bejar’s poetic lyrics and even a couple of earworms, most notably the aforementioned “All My Pretty Dresses” as well as the uptempo, kitchensink pop tune “It Takes a Thief.” Bejar, a member of Canadian supergroup The New Pornographers, will hit the soon-to-close Mercy Lounge on Saturday, where he’ll be supported by singer-songwriter Rosali. 8 p.m. at Mercy Lounge, 1 Cannery Row

MUSIC

DESTROYER

and his band the Violators are still very sonically explorative, unafraid to bend the rules or stick to any traditional idea of what a singer-songwriter’s music should sound like. See “Like Exploding Stones” on Vile’s latest album (watch my moves) — the song approaches the Sonic Youth end of the spectrum — as well as Vile’s nearly eight-minute ethereal cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “Wages of Sin.” Opening the show will be the great Chastity Belt, a Seattle-based band that started as a joke with songs like “Pussy Weed Beer” and has since evolved into their own brand of contemplative rock that modernizes the Pacific Northwest’s grunge roots. Here’s hoping they dip back into their past a little, though — my kingdom to hear Chastity Belt play “Giant (Vagina)” in the Mother Church. 7:30 p.m. at the Ryman, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. MEGAN SELING

MUSIC

[I AM BECOME DEATH]

longtime leading man Kurt Russell (who played brawny protagonists in Carpenter’s Escape From New York and The Thing) to star as Jack Burton, a truck driver full of bluster and ego who stumbles upon the strange underworld lurking beneath San Francisco’s Chinatown. Of course, ever since its release, people have complained that it revels in problematic Asian stereotypes while giving us a white boy to root for. But even though Russell is the star, people who’ve seen the movie know that this damn fool isn’t the hero. 7 p.m. at Full Moon Cineplex, 3455 Lebanon Pike CRAIG D. LINDSEY MUSIC

MUSIC

Bee Coffee, on an exclusive, one-day-only cold brew called S’More Books, Please. Across town in Green Hills, Parnassus Books will have signing lines and guest appearances by authors like Mary Laura Philpott, Margaret Renkl and more. They will also have a selfie booth, games and prizes, special Parnassus coloring sheets, and exclusive IBD products. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at The Bookshop, 1043 W. Eastland Ave., and Parnassus Books, 3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 14 KIM BALDWIN

nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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B E T H E T H O U G H T. B E T H E WO R D .

American Currents: State of the Music EXHIBIT NOW OPEN

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4/25/22 8:37 AM

CRITICS’ PICKS

East Nashville

Antiques

Vintage

12,000 SQUARE FEET OF VINTAGE COOLNESS

Nashville’s Family-Owned Boutique Music Shop KASSA OVERALL

[IN THE WIND]

BONNIE ‘PRINCE’ BILLY AND MATT SWEENEY W/EMMETT KELLY

If you pay attention to liner notes, there’s a good chance you know Matt Sweeney’s name. Over the past 30 years, the inventive and deft producer and guitarist, who cofounded loud-ass ’90s rock outfit Chavez, has contributed to records by Johnny Cash, Margo Price, Run the Jewels, The Chicks, Guided by Voices, Iggy Pop and tons more. Among Sweeney’s most frequent co-conspirators is songwriter’s songwriter Will Oldham, aka Bonnie “Prince” Billy. Sweeney has frequently played in Oldham’s band and on his records, but they’ve made two albums together with a distinctive flavor that warranted crediting to “Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy and Matt Sweeney.” The first was Superwolf in 2005, which they followed up last year with Superwolves. The title might lead you to expect something that sounds “predatory.” You wouldn’t be quite right, since the bulk of the album is gentle and relatively quiet, arranged for Oldham’s weathered voice and Sweeney’s nimble Bert Jansch-ian guitar. But you wouldn’t be quite wrong either, since Oldham and Sweeney subtly devastate as they take stock of the anxiety of growing older in our cracked and bruised world. On Monday, they’ll be joined by fellow traveler Emmett Kelly, a masterful songwriter, player and producer who’s frequently recorded with associates under the name The Cairo Gang. 8 p.m. at Mercy Lounge, 1 Cannery Row STEPHEN TRAGESER

MUSIC

TUESDAY / 5.03 [JAZZMATAZZ]

KASSA OVERALL

Kassa Overall combines jazz and hip-

hop in a way that goes beyond sampling or interpolating standards and looping them into runways for fiery lyrics — no disrespect to some of the great jazz-rap acts of history who tend toward that route, including Kassa’s hero, the producer MadLib. But Kassa has definitely uncovered a special alchemy that morphs the craft of hip-hop-style beat-making into a jazz discipline, the give and take between the two genres as fluid as the interactions and improvisation of the musicians he works alongside. He’ll go from something that sounds like early fusion and then slip into boombap and then something akin to “bedroom pop” — that airy, lo-fi vulnerable sound associated with acts like Cuco — and then launch into an explosive jam session. He also goes from drums to vocals at the same time, too. Is he a producer with jazz skills or a jazzman with a producer’s ear for MC-worthy loops? Who cares — his new brand of fusion is fun and unique. 7 p.m. at The Blue Room at Third Man Records, 623 Seventh Ave. S. ALEJANDRO RAMIREZ BOOKS

MUSIC

finally come to Nashville. I’m ready. I’ve been ready. “HELLLLLL YEAH!” Opening will be Baltimore hardcore supergroup Angel Du$t, featuring members of Turnstile and Trapped Under Ice, along with locals Snooper. Snooper is poised to take over Nashville with their extremely intoxicating brand of theatrical, catchy, uptempo art punk. Trust us: Get there early to catch the openers. 8 p.m. at The Basement East, 917 Woodland St. MEGAN SELING

[THE POWER OF THE DON]

SALON@615 FEAT. DON WINSLOW

What is an acclaimed, bestselling crime novelist to do when frustrated with the current political landscape? Send a bunch of angry tweets? Write a book based around a thinly veiled version of any number of modern demagogues? Don Winslow started out going the Twitter route, even going as far as taking out a full-page ad in The New York Times to address Donald Trump. But then he began funding the production of left-wing political campaign videos in the lead-up to the 2020 election. As the videos became more popular, Winslow became known more for social media activism than for his actual books. Now the celebrated author is back, and he’s discussing his new novel, City on Fire, at Parnassus Books as part of the Salon@615 series. With the sprawling, award-winning Border Trilogy finally in the rearview mirror, Winslow’s latest novel centers on a pair of criminal empires fighting for control of New England. The event is free, but space is limited, so tickets are required to enter. Winslow will also sign copies of the book, but it must be purchased through Parnassus. 6:15 p.m. at Parnassus Books, 3900 Hillsboro Pike LOGAN BUTTS

933B WOODLAND STREET · 629.256.6092 caldwellguitarsnashville.com

3407 GALLATIN PIKE 615●649● 8851

DOWNTOWN

Saturday, April 30

Saturday, May 28

SONGWRITER SESSION

Kieran Kane and Rayna Gellert NOON · FORD THEATER

Austin Jenckes NOON · FORD THEATER Saturday, June 4 SONGWRITER SESSION

Saturday, May 14 SONGWRITER SESSION

Roger Cook

Ronnie Bowman NOON · FORD THEATER

NOON · FORD THEATER

Monday, June 13 LIVE IN CONCERT

Saturday, May 14 NASHVILLE CATS

Cindy Cashdollar 2:30 pm · FORD THEATER

Andy Grammer 7:30 pm · CMA THEATER Thursday, June 16 LIVE IN CONCERT

Friday, May 27

Colbie Caillat

LIVE IN CONCERT

Janis Ian

8:00 pm · CMA THEATER

Check our calendar for a full schedule of upcoming programs and events. CountryMusicHallofFame.org/Calendar

Museum Membership Museum members receive unlimited Museum admission, concert ticket pre-sale opportunities, and much more. JOIN TODAY: CountryMusicHallofFame.org/Membership

nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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LIVE MUSIC | URBAN WINERY | RESTAURANT | BAR | PRIVATE EVENTS LOW TICKE T ALERT

4.30 An Evening with

5.01

The Kings of Queen

Sarah Harmer

(Tribute to Queen) Brunch Show

in the Lounge

LOW TICKE T ALERT

5.01 5.02

5.04 Victor Wooten

Colin Hay

with Steve Bailey & Gregg Bissonette: Bass Extremes

5.06 5.07

5.05

MixTape

Eric Roberson

80’s Tribute Band Cinco de Mayo Party

5.12

PHIL VASSAR

5.12

KEVIN GALLOWAY (OF UNCLE LUCIUS) IN THE LOUNGE

STEVE FORBERT WITH SPECIAL GUEST THE DELEVANTES IN THE LOUNGE

5.13

WMOT PRESENTS POKEY LAFARGE

5.14

5.8

BLOOD BROTHERS TOUR 2022 FEATURING MIKE ZITO AND ALBERT CASTIGLIA

KEVIN WHALUM PRESENTS ORGANIC MUSIC (ALBUM RELEASE CELEBRATION)

5.14

WHO ARE THESE PODCASTS?

5.9

GIVE THEM LALA LIVE THE BRAND NEW TOUR

5.15

GLENN JONES

5.16

5.11

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GZA (OF WU-TANG CLAN) WITH MOUNT WORCESTER

5.17

THE CAROLE KING & JAMES TAYLOR STORY

5.1

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5.5

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5.7

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NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

[WHAT A BEAUTIFUL DAY]

OKLAHOMA!

The recent revival of Oklahoma! caused quite a stir when it first opened at Broadway’s Circle in the Square Theatre in 2019. And with good reason. Without changing a line from the original script, director Daniel Fish revealed a darker side to Rodgers and Hammerstein’s classic musical — and perhaps that of our nation too. His gritty interpretation of the piece featured an intimate, in-the-round staging set in a simple community hall. (They even served audience members chili and cornbread at intermission.) Of course, the national tour — which arrives at TPAC on May 3 — substitutes a proscenium backdrop. And I wouldn’t hold out for the chili and cornbread. But Nashville audiences can expect all the same stark production elements that marked the Broadway production, including John Heginbotham’s choreography and Daniel Kluger’s musical arrangements, played by a seven-piece band. The tour also notably features two trans actors playing cowboy Will Parker and the flirtatious Ado Annie. May 3-8 at TPAC’s Jackson Hall, 505 Deaderick St. AMY STUMPFL

MUSIC

WEDNESDAY / 5.04 [VENEER OF REALITY]

EVERGREEN:

THINGS YOU CAN DO ANY TIME

SNOH AALEGRA

Listening to Snoh Aalegra’s 2021 album Temporary Highs, I get a distinct impression of poise and cool. In fact, Aalegra — born in 1987 of Iranian parents in Uppsala, Sweden — filters passion through the same kind of techniques forebears like Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston and Prince made their own. In other words, Aalegra creates slick music that also registers as real. Aalegra started early in the music business, signing a deal when she was only 13. She got encouragement and advice from Prince in the last years of his life, and the music on Temporary Highs is experimental, commercial and seductive — which suggests she took Prince’s words to heart. With production help from The Neptunes and Tyler, the Creator, Temporary Highs is neo-soul at its most evolved, and it’s beautiful stuff that repays repeat listens. Ama Lou and Ogi open Wednesday’s show. 8 p.m. at Marathon Music Works, 1402 Clinton St. EDD HURT MUSIC

singer and songwriter Doug Martsch, who has employed a shifting cast of musicians to fill out the band over the years — evoked the simple, tuneful guitar-driven rock of the mid-’60s without sounding overtly avant garde or revivalist. The band’s 1997 release Perfect From Now On hasn’t lost its charm in a quarter-century, and the seven-minute tune “Kicked It in the Sun” still surprises when it moves from meditative guitar rock to a section that uses a prog-like meter you’ll have fun trying to count correctly. Martsch, who’s from Idaho, is a master of heartland rock who sings like Graham Nash, or maybe a less angsty Neil Young. He’s also an unassuming guitar hero whose licks are a lot more elegant than they first appear. The latest edition of the band finds Martsch recording with members of the Brazilian avant-garde rock group Oruã, whose 2021 album Íngreme is worth checking out. Martsch & Co. have a new album, When the Wind Forgets Your Name, set for September release. For their current tour, bassist Melanie Radford and drummer Teresa Esguerra will perform rhythm-section duties. Itchy Kitty and Prism Bitch open. 8 p.m. at The Basement East, 917 Woodland St. EDD HURT

[IN THE SUN]

BUILT TO SPILL

Thirty years ago, during the heyday of indie rock, Built to Spill stood out among their peers as avatars of neo-classic rock. Of course, you could say the same thing about Pavement and Dinosaur Jr., but Built to Spill — essentially the project of guitarist,

MUSIC

THEATER

CRITICS’ PICKS

[ROAD-TRIPPING]

CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE GRATEFUL DEAD’S LEGENDARY SPRING 1972 EUROPE TOUR

Even though the Grateful Dead’s fan base is generally synonymous with a chilled-out and carefree attitude, figuring out where to start with the band and its never-ending oeuvre of live jams is often overwhelming, even stressful. For seasoned veteran Deadheads and the uninitiated alike, there’s maybe no better starting point — or section of their live catalog so worth consistently revisiting — than their legendary spring 1972 tour of Europe, which turns a ripe 50 this year. Generally considered a highwater mark of the band’s live career, the 1972 tour found the Dead solidifying its identity as a performing organism, in legendary symphony halls with godly acoustics. Their set lists form something of an American songbook and folk music canon, mixing their own staples like “Sugaree” and “Dark Star” with folk and blues standards like “I Know You Rider” and “Hurts Me Too,” country classics like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “El Paso,” and iconic rock records like “Not Fade Away” and “Good Lovin’.” If you’re still too daunted by full Dead shows, not to fear; the more succinct Europe ’72 compilation features some of the best selections from the two-month tour. NADINE SMITH

nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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BOOKS

A COSMOS OF ITS OWN Jennifer Egan’s The Candy House multiplies the world of A Visit From the Goon Squad BY SEAN KINCH

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ix Bouton, the first protagonist in Jennifer Egan’s The Candy House, is the founder of a landscape-changing tech media company, but he’s plagued by fears that he won’t be able to repeat his success. “I’m afraid I can’t do it again,” he admits. After the critical and commercial triumph of 2010’s A Visit From the Goon Squad, Egan may have been nagged by the same anxiety, but her new work of fiction should put those doubts to rest. Manhattan Beach, Egan’s 2017 historical novel set in Brooklyn’s naval yards during World War II, proved that Egan could generate compelling stories far from the California music scenes of Goon Squad. Now, with The Candy House THE CANDY HOUSE — plugged as a “sibBY JENNIFER EGAN ling” to Goon Squad SCRIBNER 352 PAGES, $28 — she has produced her most ambitious EGAN WILL DISCUSS and challenging HER BOOK 6:30 P.M. work, a web of emoWEDNESDAY, MAY 4, AT tionally powerful PARNASSUS and intellectually provocative narratives. Fans of Goon Squad will discover new facets of familiar characters, though enjoying The Candy House does not require knowledge of the previous work. The principal characters of Goon Squad, Sasha and Bennie Salazar, make appearances here, as do references to key events (notably the swimming death of one of Sasha’s college friends), but they play supporting roles as new characters take center stage. Bouton, a classmate of Sasha’s at NYU, is the ruling spirit of The Candy House, while Sasha’s husband Drew, haunted by the earlier drowning, becomes a hero when he saves the life of Sasha’s cousin Miles Hollander. Bennie’s personality is refracted here through the experiences of his family and his mentor, Lou Kline, whose offspring from three marriages get entangled in various story lines. The two books operate as illuminating companions, offering depth to Egan’s recurring theme: the instability of human identity. In addition to sharing characters, Goon Squad and The Candy House have similarly structured interweaving narratives, with each chapter adding dimension to the tapestry. In The Candy House, the connections among stories are complex, to say the least. For his social media software, Bouton draws “algorithms that explained trust and influence” from the work of anthropologist Miranda Kline, Lou Kline’s third wife and mother of two daughters, one of whom becomes a digital music mogul who “absorbs” Bennie Salazar’s company. A student of Miranda’s researches the uncompromising authenticity of provocateur Alfred Hollander, brother of Miles, who goes to NYU with Sasha and Drew, the parents of mathematical savant Lincoln, who ends up working at

Bouton’s company. You get the idea. Egan plays an interesting game by embedding in her fiction characters who offer commentary on the knotty relationships the novel depicts. Miranda’s theories regarding “patterns of affinity” in human relationships, such as romance and friend groups, seem to apply to her characters’ messy lives. Bouton’s company, Mandala, acquires the technology to “externalize” our minds — by uploading them to a “cube” — then takes the idea further to create “Collective Consciousness,” a web that connects users’ memories, so that Mandala’s customers have access to everyone else’s mental history. The Candy House, taken as a whole, appears to embody the same concept. Naturally, Mandala’s drive to open minds to universal exploration comes under criticism. Miranda herself, who objects from the start to the “perversion” of her concepts for commercial exploitation, joins the “eluders,” a loose confederation of protesters who resist the centralization and commodification of consciousness. Like the rogue airconditioning repair technicians in the movie Brazil or the Quebecois separatists in David Foster Wallace’s Infinite Jest (a novel whose techno-capitalist future bears a close resemblance to The Candy House’s), the eluders risk their lives to preserve the principle of freedom. Though this book cannot be reduced to a simple protest novel, Egan makes clear her reservations about recent trends in data mining and the public’s willingness to participate in black-box customer optimization. The title comes from a scene in which Lou Kline’s daughters campaign against file sharing, which is “dismantling” the music business. “Nothing is free!” they try to remind people. “Only children expect otherwise, even as myths and fairy tales warn us: Rumpelstiltskin, King Midas, Hansel and Gretel. Never trust a candy house!” Egan is aware that as an author she exerts an authoritarian power over her subjects. At minimum, Egan feels the responsibility to choose carefully, from countless available narratives, the few that are worthy of recording. As one of her characters with access to the Mandala database acknowledges, “Not every story needs to be told.” Paradoxically, The Candy House provides evidence against its own premise. Far from being reducible to stable memories and twodimensional charts, Egan’s characters demonstrate that human nature is multiform. Mandala’s own employees testify to “the infinitude of an individual consciousness”: “Consciousness is like the cosmos multiplied by the number of people alive in the world,” Egan writes, “because each of our minds is a cosmos of its own: unknowable, even to ourselves.” For more local book coverage, please visit Chapter16.org, an online publication of Humanities Tennessee. EMAIL ARTS@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

NASHVILLE SCENE | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | nashvillescene.com

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4/25/22 2:51 PM

MUSIC

HERE IN THE TWILIGHT A bit of work and a little play keep Jack White from getting dull BY STEPHEN TRAGESER

PHOTO: PAIGE SARA

ack White has often spoken about his fantasy of breaking a leg and being stuck in a hospital bed, with circumstances forcing him to clear and focus his mind. That was part of the inspiration for 2014’s Lazaretto, his second solo album. In 2020, PLAYING APRIL 30 AND MAY 1 AT ASCEND nearly a decade AMPHITHEATER into his post-White Stripes solo career, the Third Man Records chief got a monkey’s-paw version of his wish. The pandemic ground everything to a halt, leaving the rock star ample time to write new material. But the idea of stockpiling songs without any idea of when he’d be able to perform them — a driving force for his creative output — left him cold. So he held off writing and focused on other pursuits, like building furniture and planning the new London outpost of TMR, which opened in September. After about eight months, however, songs began to flow. And they kept right on flowing, so much so that White finished two very different albums. The first and more bombastic, Fear of the Dawn, was released April 8, while the gentler, more contemplative second LP Entering Heaven Alive is set to land July 22. Also on April 8, White kicked off the Supply Chain Issues Tour, a trek that will take him across the country and around the globe through the late summer. He’ll be back here in his adopted hometown on April 30 and May 1 for a pair of shows at Ascend Amphitheater. White still has plenty to keep him occupied outside of making music. In his personal life, he proposed to partner and fellow musician Olivia Jean onstage near the end of the first show of the tour, and they got married at the start of the encore. Many divisions of Third Man have big projects of their own. That includes The Blue Room venue at the label’s Nashville headquarters, which has ramped up activity, filling its calendar with excellent shows and opening up as a bar during off nights. Third Man Pressing in Detroit is churning out vinyl at such a rate that White issued a public call for the major labels to open their own pressing plants. But the music still matters. On his 2018 album Boarding House Reach, White pushed himself to try new things, even if they didn’t always work. That didn’t stop people from getting excited about it, of course, and it debuted at No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard 200 chart. Fear of the Dawn (which at press time was No. 4 on the Billboard 200) brings back that experimental attitude. On Fear, White picks up production cues from heavy music of the ’80s and ’90s, in addition to blending in sampling techniques from hip-hop and dance music with the blues-schooled rock and punked-up funk that he’s shown his mastery of over the past 25 years. Overall, the results are compelling. The first half of Fear is loud, leading off with

the one-two punch of “Taking Me Back” and “Fear of the Dawn” — symphonies of nervous energy and effects that distort instruments till they sound like weapons. The record gets stranger — with “Hi-De-Ho,” in which White and master rapper Q-Tip riff on a Cab Calloway sample, and “Into the Twilight,” which samples vocalese outfit The Manhattan Transfer and Naked Lunch author William S. Burroughs — before riding out on the comparatively chill “Shedding My Velvet.” There’s a delicate balance required to make style and technique serve the story you want to tell, and White hits it much more often on Fear of the Dawn than on Boarding House Reach. Still, the new record works best as a unit; the dubby “Eosophobia” fits in its spot on the album, but I’m not likely to throw it on a playlist. In interviews, White emphasizes that he wants to leave the stories in his lyrics open to interpretation. Judging by the advance tracks released from Entering Heaven

Alive, that record will give listeners an easier grip on those story elements. Heaven ends with a swinging acoustic take on Fear’s opener, called “Taking Me Back (Gently),” that gives you more breathing room to focus on what White is saying as he plays around with different meanings of the phrase “taking me back.” In an interview with Spin, White notes that Heaven may be a bit of a sleeper. ”[My friends] think that the Fear of the Dawn will get a lot of attention because it’s big and it’s electric — it’s powerful,” White says. “But at the end of the day, people are going to come away liking Entering Heaven Alive three times as much, and it won’t get received that well and won’t be as big of a deal because [it’s the] second of two.” Whatever your feelings about White’s albums, all signs point to the shows being as raucous and enthralling as you could hope for. For starters, reunited Nashville punk legends Be Your Own Pet open the Saturday

show at Ascend (read our interview on p. 60) and rocker extraordinaire JD McPherson opens Sunday. White’s band includes drummer Daru Jones and bassist Dominic Davis, who’ve been in his orbit for many years, and keyboard wizard Quincy McCrary, who joined up for Boarding House Reach; they nearly blew the doors off the studio when they played The Late Show last week. Set lists for this tour have included songs from all five of White’s solo albums, plus a smattering of tunes from other White projects like The Dead Weather and The Raconteurs, a couple of covers and a heap of White Stripes favorites. White may find himself so busy that the old fantasy — about getting stuck by himself, “down in a lazaretto, bored rotten,” as he once sang — comes back around again. But the success of his various endeavors suggests that he does his best work with a team, and he’s pretty good at picking teammates. EMAIL MUSIC@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

nashvillescene.com | APRIL 28 – MAY 4, 2022 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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