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VOLUME 01 ISSUE 06 JUNE / JULY 2013
PHILLIPS AND KEARNEY OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT
INCOMPLETE GUIDE TO SUMMER EAT, PLAY, SHOP
DOWN IN THE DUMPS(TER) WASTE NOT, WANT NOT
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
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PHILLIP PHILLIPS’ SECRET TALENT?? BELLY DANCING... OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT P22 FEEDBACK
LETTER
LET’S HEAR IT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
FROM THE EDITOR
TRU$T ME, I’M RICH
AN ELITIST REVIEW ON THE TRAVEL APP, TRIPIT . . . . . . . . . . . 5
DOWN IN THE DUMPS(TER)
ONE MAN’S TRASH… THAT’S ANOTHER MAN’S COME–UP! . . . . 6
NO MORE PAPERS, NO MORE BOOKS “Schooooool’s out for the summer… schooooool’s out fo’eva!” Well, I know for most of you, school is probably not out forever, but at least you get a nice little break before it’s time to hit the books again. If you have just graduated high school and are about to embark on your freshmeat year of college, have no fear! SET is here to help you make the transition. You’ve got a little time before classes start (unless you’re one of the kids who actually takes summer classes), so what are you going to do with your vacation? Spend every waking moment by the pool? Hit up all the sweet hiking trails? Find a secret little beach along the Tennessee River and camp out every chance you get? In a small town like ours, people may think there’s nothing to do for entertainment during the lazy summers that pass us by, but that’s just not true. I mean … have you seen the Florence
Tourism video?? There are things to do in our area that even I didn’t know about, and I’ve been in the same place for 24 years! This month, we put together a nice little guide (p. 8-9) that maps out some of the sweet, sometimes unknown, places you can visit, shop, eat or play. This may be your first time ever seeing a copy of SET, and we’re so glad you picked us up. This magazine is not only meant to entertain you, but also to give you a platform to get your ideas out to the masses. SET is 100 percent written by its contributors, which means if you have an idea you want to write about, we’ll publish it! If you have events you want to photograph, we’ll send you there. Not only will you be able to publish your work and begin building up your portfolio, but you’ll also earn a little cash in the process. Sound like something you want to do? Visit getsetmag.com/contribute and get started. Have a great summer!
INCOMPLETE GUIDE TO A COMPLETELY AWESOME SUMMER
FUN AND BIZARRE THINGS YOU CAN FIND NEXT DOOR. . . . . . . 8-9
PEACE, LOVE, UNICYCLE
ONE GIRL’S ONE-WHEELED JOURNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
HAPPY & HEALTHY
CHANGING CHILDREN’S LIVES, ONE AT A TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
CALENDAR
WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-13
DAY TRIPPIN’ ON A DIME
YOUNG AND ADVENTUROUS, BUT BROKE?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SPOTLIGHT
SET READERS IN ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
SUMMER FLICKS
MOVIES SURE TO BLOW UP THE BOX OFFICE THIS SUMMER. . . 18
FLYING FAT
YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!. . . 19
FESTIVALS GALORE
WHERE TO GO FOR GREAT MUSIC AND A GOOD TIME. . . . . . . . 20
DIY SUMMER-WEAR
ONE-OF-A-KIND PIECES FOR CREATIVE MINDS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT BY LINLEY MOBLEY, EDITOR
HANGIN’ WITH PHILLIPS AND KEARNEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
SURVIVAL 101
TRANSITION INTO COLLEGE-LIFE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SET CONTRIBUTORS ANDY THIGPEN
Florence, AL
RITCHIE PRETENTIOUSON Old Money
KYLE ENLOE
Florence, AL
ANNA GRACE USERY Florence, AL
FREESTYLE
ONE FINAL THOUGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
JARED MCCOY
Hazel Green, AL
SET is a publication by and for local young people dedicated to lifestyle, finance, technology and community. It is published by Listerhill Credit Union as
part of its ongoing mission to promote the credit union philosophy of cooperation and financial literacy. It is a platform for 15-20 somethings in the community and it is free.
ELIZABETH BROCK Florence, AL
REBECCA LOGSDON Florence, AL
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Muscle Shoals, AL
PACE HOLDBROOKS Decature, AL
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DUSTIN COAN, @DUSTINCOAN You first hit a soft spot with music, and now you delivered the knockout punch with the Outdoor Issue! Thank you all so much for giving a voice to local issues. SET rocks!!!
BETSI BOUTWELL, @BETSIBOUTWELL Loved the article on drive-ins. I’m not into outdoors either, totally a great summer idea.
CHRISTY COFER MULLIS Hottest Gear this Year? I want one of everything! Can one fit in the Yeti cooler if a bear were to present him or herself?
JONATHAN MOORE, @JONMOORE1981 I’ve loved everything about your publication since issue 1. But my fav thing is your new contributor, @KalynM #RealTalk.
MACKENZIE TUCKER ‘Drive-Into Summer’ was a good read. I’ve been reminiscing about my drive-in days lately so I found it entertaining. Phone numbers and contact information could have been provided, other than that it was very light and upbeat. Good stuff.
TECH 5
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TripIt was founded in 2006 to simplify travel experience.
Follow TripIt on Twitter at @tripit!
TRU$T ME, I’M RICH AN ELITIST REVIEW ON THE TRAVEL APP, TRIPIT Since I am such a well-seasoned traveler, SET asked me to write about my favorite technical travel assistant. My first response was Rosie, our Jetsons’ replica robot who cooks my meals (gluten-free, of course). But they balked when I told them it was a prototype, handmade
by the ghost of Steve Jobs. They also said something about someone being a liar, but I think the ghost seemed very reliable. I digress. Aside from Rosie, my expeditions would not happen without the iPhone 6 app, TripIt (they might have it for your 3GS too, I dunno). TripIt is great ‘cause it keeps all of the details for my trip in one place. The best part is I don’t have to manually enter in the details myself. Well, I mean … I never did; my assistant said it would take her hours. With TripIt, I connected my email address so when an email comes in about a reservation or confirmation of any kind, it automatically adds all the info to TripIt. I’m always surprised at how much information it already knows. Not only does it tell me the status and boarding information for my flight, but also tells me the model of the jet with a seating
chart showing which first-class seat I will be in. What it doesn’t know is my dad owns the airline. FTW! TripIt is great for planning all the different aspects of my travels. I can manually add plans such as a meeting or activity (concerts, events, etc.). This keeps any important information I need in one place — my iPhone 6 — which I
totally have … fo’ reals. Since I have an abundance of wealthy friends, I can stay connected to them through TripIt as well. My Connections and I can view each other’s upcoming trips and see whose dad is better at fighting off this recession. It also notifies me when a trip itinerary intersects between a Connection and I. There are so many more perks of using the TripIt app, but I’m running out of time. I told the pilot to delay my international flight a couple hours so I could send this article in before we get in the air. I can’t believe there isn’t WiFi on the flight. Ugh!
STORY BY RICHIE PRETENTIOUSON
6 MONEY
I The Obamas were Dumpster Dumpster divers divers in their early years.
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The term “Dumpster” was U.S. patented in Jan. 1963.
DOWN IN THE DUMPS(TER) looking for a late night snack and are a little low on cash, stop by the Krispy Kreme Dumpster and see what you find! However, I would highly advise against hopping into the Dumpster of any other food establishment … that could get nasty.
ONE MAN’S TRASH … THAT’S ANOTHER MAN’S COME–UP! In this economically-conscious age, we have discovered many creative ways to be frugal — DIY projects, consignment stores, yard sales, etc. While the latest deals at the nearest Salvation Army can be great for a while, let’s go beyond the thrift shop for a moment. Be honest with yourself … have you ever seen an abandoned couch on the side of the road and thought, “Wow, I really want that couch.” I certainly have. There are people who actually take this dream of recovering lost trash and turn it into a reality. How? A little activity called … wait for it … Dumpster diving. Dumpster diving is simply the act of sifting through a trashcan or Dumpster and seeking its hidden treasures. Sound like something you want to try? Here are five things to keep in mind that will help you out before you undertake this rewarding adventure!
1. WATCH OUT FOR THE PO-PO!
According to Freegan.info, “Dumpster diving is legal in the United States except where prohibited by city regulations.” I advise checking your local city ordinances before jumping into the nearest Dumpster. A tip for the wise: always be cautious of a privatelyowned Dumpster. You wouldn’t want a silly case of trespassing on your record because of your desire for trash loot!
4. DIVING GEAR
ROLLING IN THE DOUGHNUTS.
2. “BUT... I’M TOO COOL FOR DAT”
First and foremost, no you’re not. Second, it’s a free way to get cool stuff! Pretty simple. Besides the fact that Dumpster diving is 100 percent friendly to your wallet, it’s a new and unique hobby. How many of your friends can say that they have been diving … in a Dumpster!? In addition to that, how many of your friends can say that they actually found the newest addition to their living room in someone else’s Dumpster? I’m going to guess not many!
3. HIDDEN TREASURES
In the past, people have found computers, furniture, DVDs, CDs, books, clothes and food (gross!). Amazingly, much of this stuff is still in excellent condition even after the initial “chunk.” Unused electronics
get tossed into Dumpsters every day. According to a friend of mine, who spent his fair share of time working in the mall, Regency Square Mall’s GAP tosses its damaged and unsellable clothes into the Dumpster. Dumpster diving here would be a great option if your summer wardrobe and wallet are looking a little thin. Along with that, I would check out the other public Dumpsters in the area. A bit down the road at TJ Maxx, Florence local Marti Rich found her best piece of luggage while looking for Bubble Wrap (yes, Bubble Wrap!) in the store’s Dumpster. All of these are wonderful treasures, but recently I found the “holy grail” of Dumpster diving. Word on the street is that Krispy Kreme packages up their leftover doughnuts from the day and tosses them into the Dumpster. People have actually been lining up outside for this “trash.” So, this summer if you’re
There are two highly-effective options for Dumpster diving gear. The first option is going all-out and purchasing a full Hazmat suit. If you’re more like me and prefer homemade things, here’s a checklist for you! • Rubber gloves • Coveralls • Boots • Trash bags • Headlamp or flashlight • Broom handle with nail (your DIY trash spear!) • Stepladder or stool • Duct tape • Wet wipes • Hand sanitizer It’s also wise to bring a friend along during these adventures. After all, you never know what you could be getting yourself into. Lastly, keep a keen eye out for anyone who may be watching. It’s always best to try to avoid confrontation in this world of Dumpster diving.
5. SAFETY FIRST!
Yes, Dumpster diving is safe (as long as you stay away from the hospital), but it may not be the cleanest extracurricular activity you ever participate in. Whenever you finish with your first Dumpster diving excursion, chances are you will be a filthy mess and covered by millions of germs. I have one piece of advice for you: WASH. SCRUB. RINSE. REPEAT. Oh, did I mention wash? Above all else, have fun! Next time you and your friends are bored this summer (or just in need of some latenight free doughnuts), grab some gear and get diving!
STORY BY KYLE ENLOE
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MONEY 7
8 FEATURE
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AN INCOMPLETE GUIDE TO A CO USE THIS SUMMER TO EXPLORE SOME OF THE FUN AND BIZARRE THINGS YOU CAN FIND NEXT DOOR
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LAUDERDALE COUNTY 1. RIVERTOWN COFFEE, FLORENCE 2. PEGASUS RECORDS, FLORENCE 3. MCFARLAND PARK, FLORENCE 4. CAFÉ 106, FLORENCE 5. RICATONI’S AND CITY HARDWARE, FLORENCE 6. CHICAGO CAFÉ, FLORENCE
17. FORKS OF CYPRESS RUINS, FLORENCE These ruins are a haunting reminder of how fortunate we are to have fire alarms in our homes
bridge is a nice place to spend a sleepy afternoon. It’s ruggedness is often abused for wedding and photos. Awwwwww...
18. INDIAN WALL, FLORENCE This wall just north of Florence was built by Tom Hendrix as a memorial and commemoration for his great-greatgrandmother who returned from the Trail of Tears. She was part of the Yuchi tribe of Native Americans that once populated the Shoals Area and gave the Tennessee River its nickname “The Singing River.”
26. LAGRANGE COLLEGE SITE PARK, MUSCLE SHOALS 27. MEGA SKATE, MUSCLE SHOALS 28. WATERWHEEL HOMEMADE ICE CREAM, MUSCLE SHOALS
7. FROSTBITE AND MONTAGU’S, FLORENCE
19. SKATE CENTER, FLORENCE
8. THE END. THEATRE, FLORENCE
20. REGENCY SQUARE MALL, FLORENCE
30. RATTLESNAKE SALOON, TUSCUMBIA
9. UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA, FLORENCE
21. CAMPING IN WATERLOO
10. CYPRESS CREEK, FLORENCE
22. JOE WHEELER STATE PARK, ROGERSVILLE A great place to swim, fish, canoe and camp. Joe Wheeler is far enough from any city life so you can truly enjoy the peace that nature brings.
14. KEY CAVE NATIONAL WILDLIFE RESERVE, FLORENCE 15. BLUE DOOR THRIFT STORE, FLORENCE 16. DEIBERT PARK, FLORENCE
24. ROCKPILE RECREATION AREA TVA TRAILS, MUSCLE SHOALS 25. TRAIN BRIDGE, MUSCLE SHOALS If you’ve lived in the Shoals for any length of time, you’ve probably heard or seen the Train Bridge. This half of a
34. COLDWATER BOOKS, TUSCUMBIA
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23. CAFÉ SAVANNA, ROGERSVILLE 13. ST. VINCENT DE PAUL THRIFT STORE, FLORENCE
33. SPRING PARK, TUSCUMBIA
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12. CHAT-N-CHEW, FLORENCE
31. TUSCUMBIA TRAIN DEPOT, TUSCUMBIA 32. THE PALACE, TUSCUMBIA
29. NORTHWEST SHOALS COMMUNITY COLLEGE, MUSCLE SHOALS
11. RICE BOX,FLORENCE
The saloon is in a cave. I repeat: the saloon is in a cave. This saloon/restaurant is located way out on Highway 247, but it is worth the drive. The food is great. The people are nice. And it is in a cave (emphasis on “cave”). You’ll need to head out there early, though -- the owner keeps a respectable, responsible, family-friendly establishment and closes down at 10 p.m.
MUSCLE SHOALS TUSCUMBIA
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FEATURE 9
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OMPLETELY AWESOME SUMMER BY ANDY THIGPEN
FRANKLIN COUNTY
isn’t surreal enough, at night you can catch glimpses of thousands of bioluminescent insects called “dismalites” that glow like stars sunk into the sandstone.
54. AVE MARIA GROTTO, CULLMAN Surreal and fascinating. A Benedictine monk has constructed 125 mini replicas of religious sites from all over the world. The site is definitely worth a stop.
42. CHAT-N-CHEW, PHIL CAMPBELL RUSSELLVILLE 39
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55. DOWNTOWN GRILL, CULLMAN 43. COFFEE BUZZ, HAMILTON 56. BERKELEY BOB’S, CULLMAN 44. LA TAQUERIA, HAMILTON 57. SMITH LAKE PARK, CULLMAN 45. BOOMERANG’S HOP SHOP, HAMILTON
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35. HELEN KELLER HOME, TUSCUMBIA
38.KING DRIVE-IN, RUSSELLVILLE
36. SHOE TREE, CHEROKEE This is another site you will have to hunt for. Way out in Cherokee, there is a tree adorned with hundreds of
39. PRIMO’S PIZZERIA, RUSSELLVILLE 40. SPEEDY PIG BBQ, RUSSELLVILLE
CULLMAN
59. RUMOR’S DELI, CULLMAN
49. BLUE MOON DRIVE IN, GUIN
60. LUNA’S BBQ, HANCEVILLE
50. PASTTIME THEATER, WINFIELD
61. WALLACE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, HANCEVILLE
51. ABBY NICOLE’S, WINFIELD Abby Nicole’s is both bizarre and amazing. The moment you step in you feel like you are in a cheap ‘we have everything’ type of store. Local artists, candle makers and jewelers sell their work at this unique store. Socks to picture frames, you should check out Abby Nicole’s first.
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37. NATCHEZ TRACE PARKWAY This parkway would make a great road trip. It runs from Natchez, MS all the way to Nashville, TN. The trail is beautiful, and the speed limit is 55 mph all the way up, so it is perfect for cruising.
48. BEVILL STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SUMITON
46. BAMA-Q PIT AND GRILL, HAMILTON
52. JANS, WINFIELD
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shoes. Why? Why not? It is almost as eerie as you’re probably imagining.
47. ANN’S BOUTIQUE, HAMILTON
58. FESTHALLE FARMERS MARKET, CULLMAN Every Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. local vendors come out and sell their homegrown produce and homemade crafts. This is a great time to get your produce!
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CULLMAN COUNTY 41. DISMALS CANYON CONSERVATORY, PHIL CAMPBELL In the heart of the Dismals Canyon, prehistory is tangible. House-sized chunks of sandstone lay scattered all over the canyon floor as if thrown carelessly by giants, and they form a labyrinth of rock used for shelter by peoples dating back to the paleolithic era. And as if the scene
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10 HOMETOWN HERO
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A beginner’s hardest feat is mounting the unicyle.
The world’s tallest unicycle is 114.8 feet tall.
PEACE, LOVE, UNICYCLE ONE GIRL’S ONEWHEELED JOURNEY Peace, love and unicycle — that’s the motto of University of North Alabama (UNA) student Lauren Schifano. Schifano is an exercise science major embarking on a three-week long trip beginning August 1. She will be promoting awareness of childhood obesity by unicycling over 400 miles
from Florence to Gulf Shores. The rough Alabama terrain, filled with winding back roads and the steepest of hills does not spook her in the least. She has prepared for the journey by asking companies and businesses to support her endeavors. Companies such as ClifBar and Eagle’s Nest Outfitters, as well as local business Borden Dental, have donated money, food and camping equipment to benefit her trip. With the help of UNA’s Geography Department, Schifano’s trip has been routed to include several campsites en route. “Bicycle safety awareness is not of much concern in Alabama, especially in the thick, rural areas,” said Schifano, boldly stating she is not scared. “I have a cause to promote; my safety is just a risk I am willing to take.” All proceeds go to Louie’s Kids, a
SCHIFANO HITS THE TRAILS. nonprofit organization in Charleston, South Carolina specializing in encouraging the betterment of children’s lives through mentoring and the use of workout facilities. Schifano’s interest in the topic of childhood obesity originated from
her love of friendship with children. Schifano will be making several stops as she ventures into the Deep South. Her first stop will be Huntsville, from there she will continue the trek to Birmingham, Montgomery and Gulf Shores. “When I make stops in the big cities, I will be networking with libraries and schools to speak on childhood obesity and hopefully spark their interests to join with me in making a change,” Schifano said. “I am extremely passionate about kids and I am concerned about the upcoming health of the next generation.”
STORY BY ANNA GRACE USERY
NONPROFIT OF THE MONTH 11
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One in three kids in the United States is overweight or obese.
HAPPY & HEALTHY
LOUIE’S KIDS’ FIT CLUB CHOOSES TO WALK THE 1.5 MILES TO DINNER AND BACK.
CHANGING CHILDREN’S LIVES, ONE AT A TIME Louie’s Kids is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization focused on the fight against childhood obesity. A characteristic of Louie’s Kids is its unrelenting attitude found in the motto, “We find the fix that fits, one kid at a time.” The organization was founded in Alexandria, Virginia and is now based in Charleston, S.C. The mission for Louie’s Kids is to encourage kids to lead a healthier and more active life by strengthening them both mentally and physically. They also hope to influence the kids in a way that creates more active and healthconscious citizens. Founder and CEO Louis Yuhasz said Lauren Schifano grabbed his attention by challenging herself to complete this journey in the sweltering Alabama heat, all for the betterment of children. “This kid’s [Schifano] not only got heart, she’s got guts!” Yuhasz exclaimed. “Guts are what it takes for
kids to grasp how their time is now. We tell kids it won’t be easy — you’ll want to give up, but don’t!” In his online biography Yuhasz said that his feeling toward the betterment of these children is a bit indescribable. “To see the smiles on kids faces as they complete a climb up a rock wall, repel from one mountain to the next, hike 4.5 miles, participate in a sport (as opposed to warming the bench) or find a lifelong friend, as so many of them have, is like no other experience I’ve known,” he said. Yuahsz wants to honor Schifano at the 2013 3rd Annual Southwest Airlines Slim Down the South Celebrity Softball game, Saturday, Nov. 9 at Joe Reilly Stadium in Charleston, S.C. “We’ll be using our social media platforms, Facebook and Twitter to get the attention the ride deserves,” Yuhasz said. “I think it would be awesome to fly her up and show our appreciation.” If you’re interested in making donations to Louie’s Kids, simply go to www.louieskids.org, click “Donate” in the upper right hand corner and follow the directions to help a child start living a healthier and better life.
STORY BY ANNA GRACE USERY
12 CALENDAR
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM JUNE / JULY 2013
EVENTS
JUNE 5 - JULY 31 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
JUNE 5
ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Florence, AL 9:00am JEFF HENSON & JORDAN DENTON @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL MUSIC IN THE PARK @ Wilson Park, Florence, AL 11:30am
JUNE 6
ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Florence, AL 9:00am CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Downtown Nashville, TN DROPKICK MURPHYS @ Marathon Music Works, Nashville, TN 7:30pm LEND ME A TENOR @ Ritz Theater, Tuscumbia, AL 7:30pm
JUNE 7
ALABAMA SHAKES @ Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham, AL 9:00pm ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Florence, AL 9:00am CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Downtown Nashville, TN HOBO HIPPIE @ Swamper’s, Florence, AL 8:00pm FIRST FRIDAY @ Downtown Florence, AL 5:00pm LEND ME A TENOR @ Ritz Theater, Tuscumbia, AL 7:30pm PLANET INK @ The End Theater, Florence, AL 8:00pm THE MIRACLE WORKER @ Ivy Green, Tuscumbia, AL 8:00pm
JUNE 8
ALABAMA HAMMERS @ Von Braun Center Arena, Huntsville, AL 7:00pm ALABAMA SHAKES @ Sloss Furnaces, Birmingham, AL 9:00pm CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Downtown Nashville, TN FLY-BY RADIO @ Flobama, Florence, AL LEND ME A TENOR @ Ritz Theater, Tuscumbia, AL 7:30pm THE MIRACLE WORKER @ Ivy Green, Tuscumbia, AL 8:00pm
ALABAMA SHAKES, JUNE 7-8, SLOSS FURNACES
JUNE 9
CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Downtown Nashville, TN IN THE MOOD! @ Shoals Theatre, Florence, AL 2:00pm
JUNE 10
AARON CARTER W/ GLOTRON @ Good Time Charlies, Tupelo, MS 7:00pm ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Florence, AL 9:00am
JUNE 11
ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Florence, AL 9:00am
IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM
JUNE 12
ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Florence, AL 9:00am JEFF HENSON & JORDAN DENTON @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL
CALENDAR 13
JUNE / JULY 2013 WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
MUSIC IN THE PARK @ Wilson Park, Florence, AL 11:30am
JUNE 13
ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Florence, AL 9:00am BONNAROO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL @ Manchester, TN LEND ME A TENOR @ Ritz Theater, Tuscumbia, AL 7:30pm
JUNE 14
ARTS ALIVE GALLERY EXHIBITION @ Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts, Florence, AL 9:00am BONNAROO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL @ Manchester, TN BRAVES VS. GIANTS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:30pm LEND ME A TENOR @ Ritz Theater, Tuscumbia, AL 7:30pm SONGWRITERS SHOWCASE @ Berkeley Bob’s, Cullman, AL THE MIRACLE WORKER @ Ivy Green, Tuscumbia, AL 8:00pm
JUNE 15
BONNAROO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL @ Manchester, TN BRAVES VS. GIANTS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 4:05pm DEBBIE BOND AMERICANA @ Berkeley Bob’s, Cullman, AL THE MIRACLE WORKER @ Ivy Green, Tuscumbia, AL 8:00pm
JUNE 16
BONNAROO MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL @ Manchester, TN BRAVES VS. GIANTS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 1:35pm
JUNE 17
OPEN MIC NIGHT @ Berkeley Bob’s, Cullman, AL
JUNE 19
GRAND OLE OPRY @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN 7:00pm ONE DIRECTION @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN 7:30pm JEFF HENSON & JORDAN DENTON @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL MUSIC IN THE PARK @ Wilson Park,
Florence, AL 11:30am WIDESPREAD PANIC @ Oak Mountain Amphitheater, Birmingham, AL 8:00pm
JUNE 30
JUNE 20
WIDESPREAD PANIC @ Oak Mountain Amphitheater, Birmingham, AL 8:00pm
JUNE 21
ROCK THE SOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Heritage Park, Cullman, AL 3:00pm THE MIRACLE WORKER @ Ivy Green, Tuscumbia, AL 8:00pm THE 17TH FLOOR @ Zydeco, Birmingham, AL 9:30pm
JUNE 22
RICK & JILDA WATSON @ Berkeley Bob’s, Cullman, AL ROCK THE SOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Heritage Park, Cullman, AL 12:00pm THE MIRACLE WORKER @ Ivy Green, Tuscumbia, AL 8:00pm
JUNE 25
GRAND OLE OPRY @ Grand Ole Opry House, Nashville, TN 7:00pm
JUNE 26
HELEN KELLER FESTIVAL @ Spring Park, Tuscumbia, AL JEFF HENSON & JORDAN DENTON @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL MUSIC IN THE PARK @ Wilson Park, Florence, AL 11:30am
FALL OUT BOY @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN 7:30pm HELEN KELLER FESTIVAL @ Spring Park, Tuscumbia, AL
JULY 3
JEFF HENSON & JORDAN DENTON @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL
JULY 4
SHOALS SPIRIT OF FREEDOM CELEBRATION @ McFarland Park, Florence, AL 10:00am
JULY 10
HUNTSVILLE STARS VS. BIRMINGHAM BARONS @ Joe Davis Stadium, Huntsville, AL 6:43pm LIL WAYNE, T.I. & FUTURE @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN 7:00pm JEFF HENSON & JORDAN DENTON @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL
HELEN KELLER FESTIVAL @ Spring Park, Tuscumbia, AL
JUNE 28
CHIPPER JONES JERSEY RETIREMENT DAY VS. DIAMONDBACKS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:00pm BILL & ELI PERES BLUES GOTUS @ Berkeley Bob’s, Cullman, AL HELEN KELLER FESTIVAL @ Spring Park, Tuscumbia, AL
JULY 18
LES MISERABLES @ Ritz Theater, Sheffield, AL ROGERSVILLE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Recreation Park, Rogersville, AL
JULY 19
LES MISERABLES @ Ritz Theater, Sheffield, AL ROGERSVILLE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Recreation Park, Rogersville, AL SEAN RIVERS @ Flobama, Florence, AL 6:00pm W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL
JULY 20
LES MISERABLES @ Ritz Theater, Sheffield, AL ROGERSVILLE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL @ Recreation Park, Rogersville, AL W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL ROCK THE SOUTH MUSIC FESTIVAL @ Heritage Park, Cullman, AL
JULY 26
LES MISERABLES @ Ritz Theater, Sheffield, AL BRAVES VS. CARDINALS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 7:30pm W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL
JULY 27
AN EVENING WIT KEB’ MO’ @ Norton Auditorium, Florence, AL 7:30pm BILL COSBY @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, Nashville, TN 8:00pm BRAVES VS. CARDINALS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 3:30pm W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL GOLDY LOCKS @ O’Malley’s, Sheffield, AL 9:00pm KOZMIC MAMA @ Side Pockets Lounge, Florence, AL 9:00pm THE SPRINGS @ Flobama, Florence, AL 9:30pm
JULY 28
JULY 11
JULY 21
W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL
BRAVES VS. CARDINALS @ Turner Field, Atlanta, GA 1:35pm W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL
JULY 12
JULY 22
JULY 31
HUNTSVILLE STARS VS. BIRMINGHAM BARONS @ Joe Davis Stadium, Huntsville, AL 6:43pm HUNTSVILLE STARS VS. BIRMINGHAM BARONS @ Joe Davis Stadium, Huntsville, AL 6:43pm
JULY 13
JUNE 27
JUNE 29
NICK LASETER @ The End Theatre, Florence, AL 7:30pm
BEYONCE @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN 8:00pm HUNTSVILLE STARS VS. BIRMINGHAM BARONS @ Joe Davis Stadium, Huntsville, AL 6:43pm
JULY 14
HUNTSVILLE STARS VS. BIRMINGHAM BARONS @ Joe Davis Stadium, Huntsville, AL 1:03pm
JULY 17
JEFF HENSON & JORDAN DENTON @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL
W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL
JULY 23
W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL
JULY 24
W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL JEFF HENSON & JORDAN DENTON @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL
JULY 25
LES MISERABLES @ Ritz Theater, Sheffield, AL W.C. HANDY MUSIC FESTIVAL @ The Shoals, AL
HELEN KELLER FESTIVAL @ Spring Park, Tuscumbia, AL VOODOO BAYOU @ Spring Park, Tuscumbia, AL 7:15pm
IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM
JEFF HENSON & JORDAN DENTON @ On The Rocks, Florence, AL
14 SPECIAL FEATURE
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM JUNE / JULY 2013
Mid-1800’s railway excursions saw a boom in day-trippers.
Submit your adventures to nerdydaytrips.com.
DAY TRIPPIN’ ON A DIME YOUNG AND ADVENTUROUS, BUT BROKE? DAY TRIPS ARE THE REMEDIES FOR YOUR WANDERLUST I’ve found for the carefree (and sometimes income-free) time in your early twenties, day trips with your friends can be the perfect little weekend getaway. If you budget your trip perfectly, you can have a big weekend without breaking the bank. Here is an itinerary for a day trip to Nashville for only $50 — trust me, it can totally be done! Rustle three of your closest friends out of bed around 9 a.m! Yes, they will be mad but give them some coffee and a muffin and convince them it will be totally worth it. Head up Highway 43 North. This is the perfect time to roll down the windows and blast that Summer Driving CD you have been saving all spring! Your first stop will be the Amish Country Galleries in Ethridge, Tennessee (3931 Old US Highway 43). Step back in time for a while and see how these people live. Around 300 Amish families in Ethridge sell their products in the galleries. Wander through the shops to see their handmade glassware, cast-iron, jewelry, jams, jellies, pickles, butter and cheese. Play your cards right and you could get a little sampling of each product! Just outside of Nashville, you will want to stop in downtown Franklin, Tennessee around lunchtime. In this
THERE IS PLENTY OF FUN TO BE HAD ON BROADWAY! quaint little town, there are multiple cheap and delicious restaurants that you can stop at for a bite. If it is a nice day outside, you should stop at the Chapman’s II food truck on East Main Street for a Honey Chicken Salad Sandwich or the Jazzy Yumm Bowl for a vegetarian option (both $6.50). Take some time to stroll around downtown and check out some of the art galleries, clothing boutiques and antique shops. My personal favorites are Lulu, Rebecca’s Furniture, Philanthrophy, PD’s and the Franklin Antique Mall. Besides all being amazing small businesses, the old architecture in many of these stores is pretty easy to fall in love with! Before you leave, stop in at the original Sweet CeCe’s downtown. They have some amazing fro-yo that tastes more like rich, creamy and fattening ice cream (pretty sweet deal for about $4). Now you are on your way to Music City! Get back on the interstate and make your first stop at the Grand Ole Opry. For any music or history buffs, this is a must-see! Day tours start at $16 with a student discount! Maybe if
you have a little more money to spare on your trip you can catch a concert while you’re there. Seats can be as low as $35 to see some of country music’s greatest performers. Another great place to spend a couple of hours in Nashville is Opry Mills Mall. It is an enormous mall that has something for everyone. You could see an IMAX movie, play games at Dave and Buster’s, or eat in the Aquarium Restaurant surrounded by fish, stingrays and sharks. For dinner, I would go to Rosepepper in East Nashville (1907 Eastland Ave). This funky little restaurant is always packed with patrons but the food is definitely worth the wait. It is authentic, fresh Mexican food at a broke-kid price. Before your entrée, order the Buffalo White Cheese Dip ($5.95) to share. It is an interesting take on the usual queso. For dinner, I recommend getting the fish tacos (or Cabo Tacos). You will be absolutely stuffed with food for only $9.95! Your nightlife options are wide-open in Nashville. You can go to the typical honky-tonks down Broadway, like Tootsies or The Stage. For a different
scene, check out spots in midtown, like the Red Door Saloon. Pretty much everywhere you go there will be live (free) music. My recommendation would be to dance the night away with your friends then head on back around midnight — the best days end at 3 a.m., right? If you would rather stay the night, you should check out sites like Airbnb. com, where you rent rooms from people who live in the area. I have done it before and met some pretty cool locals who can tell you about local treasures you may have missed. Nights in Nashville can run as low as $37 a night on Airbnb! If you just stayed for one day, tipped all your waiters, and threw some change to a few struggling musicians on Broadway, you have just broke the $50 mark! Trips like this make some of the best memories and they can be done every month if you plan it out right!
STORY BY CLAIRE STEWART
JUNE / JULY 2013 WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
SPECIAL FEATURE 15
16 SPOTLIGHT
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM JUNE / JULY 2013
SAY CHEESE!
SET READERS IN ACTION
PHOTOS BY JUSTIN ARGO, AMY JACKSON AND KAYLA SLOAN
BRADLEY MCMURTREY, COURTNEY MCKINNON, ALEX HUGHES AND KATELYN GIST, UNA SPRING CONCERT
EMILY SMITH, ELISE COFIELD, BRITNEY NEWBY AND CELIA PRINCE, MAY LAUNCH PARTY
DEVIN KENNAMER AND JACOB EZELL, ARTS ALIVE
STACY MOORE AND KATHRYN SMITH, UNA SPRING CONCERT
LUKE SEGO, DANIEL POWELL AND ANNA TALBOT, UNA SPRING CONCERT
HANNAH YOUNG, PEGASUS RECORDS
SPOTLIGHT 17
JUNE / JULY 2013 WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
LADARIUS PRINCE, UNA SPRING CONCERT
MACK CORNWELL AND CELIA PRINCE, MAY LAUNCH PARTY
DANIEL CRISLER, MAY LAUNCH PARTY
IVAN GONZALEZ-DOLLAR, PEGASUS RECORDS
SYDNEY RICHMOND, THOMAS HAYNES AND ALLISON YOUNG, UNA SPRING CONCERT
REESE SHIREY AND SAM REYNOLDS, PEGASUS RECORDS
JOSHUA LYNCHARD, MICHAEL GROSSMAN AND CHRIS JORDAN, PEGASUS RECORDS
MARY BETH COATS AND LACEY SMITH, PEGASUS RECORDS
18 MOVIES
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM JUNE / JULY 2013
In 1956 a movie ticket only cost $0.50.
Theaters make their profit from the concession stands.
SUMMER FLICKS to grab their attention. By the same token, any character-based plot twists could be pretty easily executed if the audience doesn’t know what to expect from this set of fresh faces.
A PREVIEW OF MOVIES SURE TO BLOW UP THE BOX OFFICE THIS SUMMER
RED 2 OPENS JULY 19
As an unashamed fan of the first film, I really wish I could say I thought this was going to be a huge hit, but I won’t be surprised if it’s not. In case you missed the first one, Bruce Willis plays a retired black-ops CIA agent who gets called back into action with his old teammates and shows that old people, particularly Morgan Freeman and Helen Mirren, can still kick some tail. Plot-wise, I think we can probably expect an oddly similar movie, but now the cast includes David Thewlis, Catherine Zeta-Jones and the wonderful Anthony Hopkins. If you have no problem with entertaining a guilty pleasure that might just as easily be titled “Die Hard: Mid-life Crisis Edition,” then you will probably be rewarded in spades by “RED 2.”
With the freedom of summertime comes a staple of American culture that might be called our second greatest pastime — blockbuster season. A time for films that are not self-conscious, that are produced with the highest sense of entertainment in mind, that will make children want action figures of their favorite characters and that give little consideration to the question, “How would this film fair at the Academy Awards?” Now that “Iron Man 3” and “The Great Gatsby” are out of the way, there will be room to see what else has the strength to compete as a blockbuster.
MONSTERS UNIVERSITY OPENS JUNE 21
No one should ever be surprised when a Disney/Pixar film becomes a hit. Kids love their movies, and everyone else just enjoys the chance to let their inner child come out to play. “Monsters University” is sure to be no exception to this rule. As the title suggests, this film takes place about 10 years before the original movie to show Sully and Mike as they enroll in college. Original voice talents John Goodman, Billy Crystal and Steve Buscemi return to reprise their roles and add Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina and Nathan Fillion (“Castle” fans, eat your hearts out). As always with Pixar, expect stunning visuals, a heartwarming story
THE WOLVERINE OPENS JULY 24
“HI-YO, SILVER!” and plenty of laughs throughout.
THE LONE RANGER OPENS JULY 3
If any film this summer follows the most basic and successful financial formula of the past decade, it will most certainly be “The Lone Ranger” from director Gore Verbinski (“Pirates of the Caribbean”). Johnny Depp stars as Native American sidekick Tonto alongside whoever the no-name is actually playing the Lone Ranger. Expect there to be lots of explosions and way more special effects than any reasonable Western would call for. Judging from what’s been shown already, the film seems like it will handle like a superhero movie, giving
the audience a background and a context for one of TV’s classic heroes.
PACIFIC RIM OPENS JULY 12
Here’s one for those who are looking for a new flick about giant, fighting robots but are also worn out by the “Transformers” series. Director Guillermo Del Toro (“Pan’s Labyrinth”) steps outside of his typical fantasy and horror box to try his hand at scifi. It looks like the only recognizable actor in this is Charlie Day (from “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”), which could be a plus or a minus for the movie. Audiences may have trouble connecting to a new set of characters if there’s not at least one major star
Instead of being a sequel to 2009’s “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” this film follows the franchise’s most popular character sometime after the events of 2006’s “X-Men: The Last Stand” as he travels to Japan to confront a figure from his past. This will be the first film where we’ll see Wolverine truly on his own, without any previously recognizable characters to guide his story. This film seems like it could go either way — if done well, it could revive interest in the “X-Men” franchise, which has been waning in the past few years; but it could just as easily turn out to be a platform for critics to remind the public that superhero movies are getting old.
STORY BY JARED MCCOY
FOOD 19
JUNE / JULY 2013 WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Ice cream was part of U.S. immigrants’ first meal.
In the 1700’s ice cream was considered an exotic dessert.
PHOTO BY JUSTIN ARGO
FLYING FAT YOU SCREAM, I SCREAM, WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM Growing up in the South, we’re raised on the best foods in the country — fried chicken and biscuits, catfish and hushpuppies, pie and … ice cream? I love the South and the foods here. The South is known for so much in the area of food, but my question is, why not ice cream? From what I’ve seen in this wonderful state of ours, there are all sorts of subcultures. There is the music subculture, the coffee connoisseurs and the farm-to-table crowd. Where are all the craft ice cream people? Oh wait, there aren’t any craft ice creams in Alabama. That’s why I started making ice cream — for the craft. I’ve been a swimmer my entire life. Therefore I could eat whatever I wanted. I chose store-bought ice cream. I loved it. My siblings and I ate it so often that we began making up our own concoctions. We would take plain old vanilla ice cream and totally warp it into something unrecognizable, something delicious. One such treat was the crown jewel of our creations — Flying Fat. We scooped mounds of ice cream, poured in whole milk, covered it all in Reese’s Shell, peanuts and peanut butter. Its name was a no-brainer. There was fat flying everywhere, but we burned it off in the pool. Then I changed. I grew up. I became an ice cream connoisseur, and those store-bought ice creams weren’t making me happy anymore. After all, they’re 50 percent air! Outrageous! So, naturally, I learned to make my own ice cream. And it was terrible. But I didn’t stop.
REESE SHIREY SCOOPING ICE CREAM FOR STUDENTS AT UNA. I eventually got better. Now, I don’t ever buy store-bought ice cream. I can revisit my childhood treats with my own ice cream. And that is what ice cream is — a treat. It isn’t a necessity, but a shameless indulgence that allows your inner child to surface once again. Because, after all, we’re always trying to return to our childhood. Childhood isn’t so very far way. Now you can go back to that wonderful place with my recipe for Sweet Cream. It is the most basic flavor of ice cream — just four ingredients. How’s that for complicated? Sweet Cream is the blank canvas on which the art of ice cream making is painted, glorious and bright. If you want peanut butter ice cream, you simply add peanut butter to it. If you want lemon ice cream, you simply add lemon syrup to it. And it is perfect for a Flying Fat sundae. I am on a mission to make the South known for its ice cream (we have to
have something good to go with all this pie, don’t we?) and to speak to your inner child in the process.
SWEET CREAM – 1 QT 1-cup whole milk 2-cups heavy cream ¾-cup sugar 5 egg yolks
• Heat milk, cream and sugar in saucepan over medium heat. Separate yolks into bowl, whisk. Temper egg yolks by pouring warm milk mixture into bowl with yolks, whisking constantly. Then, pour eggmilk mixture back into saucepan. (Here’s where you can add peanut butter, lemon syrup, strawberry syrup, bananas, etc.) • Continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. Be sure not to cook too fast or you will cook the eggs and have nasty little bits of scrambled egg in your custard. Using
a cooking thermometer, cook until the custard reaches 160 F. • Pour through a sieve into a plastic or glass container, cover, place in refrigerator for 6-8 hours, or overnight. • This is where you’ll need an ice cream machine. Pour chilled custard base into ice cream machine and churn. When it’s churned, I recommend scraping it into a plastic container, covering with plastic wrap, and setting it in the freezer for 6 hours to harden up. • Once firm, scoop and enjoy with any and everything. Let the fat fly!
STORY BY REESE SHIREY
20 ART
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM JUNE / JULY 2013
‘Festival’ was first recorded as a noun in 1589.
The Tomato Festival is Spain’s most famous festival.
FESTIVALS GALORE
Our generation is known for its insatiable desire to be unique. We want our flannel shirt to be one-of-a-kind. We want to be the first ones to hear that up-and-coming band and we want everyone to know that we were there way before they became mainstream. And no one should dare ask us where we got that oversized sweater, we’d never tell anyway. We are treasure hunters … call us the hipster-pirate generation. This is the exact reason why there is such a magnetic, gravitational pull on our souls toward the world of festivals. Because handmade = one and only. Because music is brand-new and we are the first to give our judgment. Because, like us, everything is different and has a story. Last weekend, I went to a portion of UNA’s Front Porch Storytelling Festival. I walked in — late, as usual — and snagged a seat toward the back. Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Bragg stood on stage in front of a microphone, telling stories in response to questions from the audience. His words flowed as if they were ink connecting to paper — completely unscripted. There I was, sitting in a sea of untold stories, hearing one after another and somehow feeling as if mine were being told too. I closed my eyes and for a
PHOTO BY KAYLA SLOAN
WHERE TO GO WHEN YOU’RE CRAVING WATERMELON, GREAT MUSIC AND A GOOD TIME.
moment, I wasn’t in an auditorium. I was on a front porch, creating a breeze with my porch swing, hearing old wood boards creaking beneath my feet as I listened to a heart that had been beating much longer than my own. The following Sunday I stepped into Wilson Park for the annual Arts Alive festival … X marked the spot. Every square-inch was filled with crafts and handmade creations — custom-made soaps, jewelry, furniture and lemonade from vendors all over the state. Throughout the entire park, there were no two things alike … it was almost too much for my treasurehunting heart to take! Arts Alive is a festival for everyone, especially those wanting to take home unique, one-ofa-kind goods. If you weren’t able to go to either of these festivals, fear not! There is still a plethora of festival fun to be had this summer. On June 26-30, Tuscumbia will be hosting the Helen Keller Festival at Spring Park. A weeklong smorgasbord
ARTISTS FROM ALL OVER THE COUNTRY COME TO ARTS ALIVE TO SELL THEIR HANDMADE GOODS. of events and fun await you during this last week of June. The main event is “The Miracle Worker,” a retelling of the amazing story of Tuscumbia’s own Helen Keller performed by local actors and actresses. Community bike rides, fun-runs, car shows and live music are just a sampling of the other events taking place during the festival. Beginning July 19, the local music scene will be showcased during the 32nd Annual W.C. Handy Festival. All over the quad-cities, local musicians will bare their souls in front of hundreds of onlookers in a variety of different venues, many of which will be local restaurants. This week is the perfect time to grab a taste of the Shoals over dinner, dessert or coffee. If your pocketbook says, “No,” to eating out every night then pack a picnic basket, grab a blanket and pick out the perfect spot at Wilson Park in downtown Florence where there is sure to be a great band playing. You will leave with a belly full of great cuisine and an overflowing heart as you hear and see
all that the Shoals has to offer. Russellville, the watermelon capitol of Alabama, will be hosting the 33rd Annual Watermelon Festival during August 16-17. But don’t be fooled by the name. Though there will be plenty of watermelon consumption, there will also be plenty of other fun activities to get involved in. If your competitive streak runs a mile wide and you are itching to get out there and show your stuff, this festival has avenues for you to do that — including the Watermelon Run. If competition is not your glass of sweet tea then grab your own glass, sit back and enjoy the list of music artists lined up for the weekend. This summer, follow your map and find your unique, one-of-a-kind treasure at the many different festivals going on right around the corner.
STORY BY ELIZABETH BROCK
JUNE / JULY 2013 WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
There are over 4 million daily visitors on Pinterest.
THE AVERAGE MEMBER SPENDS 16 MINUTES PER DAY ON
FASHION 21
Tie-dye originated in China palaces over 2000 years ago.
ONE-OFA-KIND PIECES FOR CREATIVE MINDS AND PENNYPINCHERS
PHOTO BY KAYLA SLOAN
DIY SUMMER-WEAR (FOR GIRLS) 1. OMBRE FRINGE TOP
• Try on the shirt first to see how far up you want the fringe to be, then cut vertical shreds along the bottom of the shirt. If you want a tank top, go ahead and cut the sleeves as skinny or thick as you want them. • Fill a container with bleach. Hang the shirt over the container so that about 1 inch of the fringe is submerged in the bleach. The shirt will gradually absorb the bleach, creating the ombre look. • Leave in bleach until your desired look is accomplished (mine took about 30 minutes). • Wash shirt separately.
2. TAKE A BOW SHORTS
PHOTO BY KAYLA SLOAN
We all have those shirts that sit at the back of our drawer, just taking up space. Turn your unworn or worn-out clothes into one-of-a-kind, essential summer pieces. DIY fashion has no restrictions and is virtually free! Put those pennies you save toward a beach trip or any other summer indulgence!
• Cut off the bottom section of the back pocket. Be sure not to cut into the butt on the shorts; just the top layer of the pocket. • Use the cutoff material to tie around the middle portion of the remaining pocket, to form the bow look. • Secure by sewing or using fabric glue.
(FOR GUYS) 3. POCKET TEE
• Find your favorite shirt and a sample of fabric you want to use for the pocket. • Cut out the shape of pocket on the sample of fabric. Cut at least a 1/2-inch outside of the exact shape you want. • Sew pocket onto shirt or use fabric glue (Liquid Stitch or Aleene’s No Sew are the way to go).
4. BLEACHED TEE
• Draw desired design on a shirt with a bleach pen. • Let dry, then wash separately.
STORY BY REBECCA LOGSDON
22 MUSIC
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM JUNE / JULY 2013
Phillips’ biggest pet peeve is smacking while eating.
Kearney attended Cal State on a soccer scholarship.
OUT OF THE SPOTLIGHT HANGIN’ WITH PHILLIPS AND KEARNEY On Wednesday, May 1 sightings of Phillip Phillips and Mat Kearney were creating excitement throughout the Shoals area. The University Program Council (UPC) brought in these big names, as well as up-and-coming artist Gin Wigmore, for the 2013 Spring Concert at the University of North Alabama (UNA). Warm, sunny and slightly breezy, it couldn’t have been a more perfect day to have these artists visit our town. I walked into The Wine Seller at 3:45 p.m. to find Mat Kearney, wearing a flat-bill hat and a blue, short-sleeve button-up, seated at the window with a table of friends. Kearney greeted me with a smile and a handshake and we went to find a small table in the corner to talk. Although he has never been to this area before, Kearney knows all about the musical history the Shoals holds. “I’ve driven through, but I’ve never spent any time here, so it’s super special to be able to stay a bit,” Kearney said. Although he was not able to visit any of the recording studios, he did get a small taste of the area. “We took a golf cart from campus and illegally drove it through town. We got to see quite a bit,” Kearney said. “We visited Leo, went to Rivertown and stopped in at Billy Reid. He’s got a shop in Nashville so that was something I was familiar with.” Kearney is originally from Oregon but has lived in Nashville for 11 years now. It was after his move to Nashville that he met his wife at Anthropologie (“Hey Mama” anyone?).
“Our first meeting didn’t really go so well. I was trying to get her opinion on a dress for my sister-in-law. Her friend was helpful but she knew what I was up to so she wasn’t having it,” Kearney said. “She didn’t know who I was, we had been dating for a month or so before she listened to my music … she definitely wasn’t wooed by my musical abilities from the beginning.” Kearney and his bride have been married for a couple of years now. With him traveling so much with tours and shows, he spends his free time relaxing at home or at his favorite coffee shop in Nashville, Crema. “I travel so much that honestly, a luxurious day for me would be going to the grocery store at lunchtime, picking out a lot of ingredients and spending all night cooking and hanging out at home,” Kearney said. As we were coming to a close, Kearney shared one of his most
PHILLIP PHILLIPS
MAT KEARNEY
Faves: Summer activity: Swimming Pizza topping: Cheese Clothing item: T-shirts Show: “The Walking Dead” Vacation spot: The beach Song to cover: “In the Air Tonight” Candy: Reese’s Genre: Rock
Faves: Summer activity: Canoeing Pizza topping: Prosciutto Clothing item: Steve Allen button-up “Arrested Development” character: GOB Vacation spot: Paris Song to cover: “Dancing In The Dark” Candy: Mike & Ikes Band: Tribe Called Quest
awkward stage moments with me. “One time at a show a woman slowly crawled on stage … she crawled over to me and grabbed my right butt cheek and just slowly crawled back into the crowd,” Kearney said laughingly. “It was so awkward and I was in the middle of the song so I just had to keep singing. The
worst part was that she was like 10 feet away from me the whole show.” Before the Spring Concert, Kearney grabbed a coffee from Rivertown, went to The FIX for an impromptu radio interview and got ready for the show with his traditional backstage dance party.
Specialty: Belly dancing
Specialty: Making breakfast
MAT KEARNEY IS A BILLBOARD TOP 40 ARTIST.
MUSIC 23
JUNE / JULY 2013 WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Kearney was star-struck when he met UO’s Chip Kelly.
“Home” debuted at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100.
PHILLIP PHILLIPS’ FAVORITE HOBBY IS WATCHING MOVIES. After I met with Kearney I headed back to UNA’s campus to scope out the quick-growing line of waiting fans. I moved to the very front of the line to find a group of girls who had already been in line for 4 hours! “We are just really hoping to get a glimpse of Phillip Phillips!” they told me excitedly. Hearing this, I thought it was safe not to mention that I had literally just witnessed Phillips throwing a football behind Norton Auditorium. I knew that the show had sold out quickly (selling over 1,500 tickets) but seeing the line was pretty overwhelming. It started at Norton, wrapped around the corner of the Art Building and ended near the double doors at the back of the Guillot University Center … and that was still an hour before the doors opened! After talking to a few people in line I made my way around to the back of Norton to get ready to meet Phillip Phillips. I set up some chairs in the woodshop and watched as security buzzed around backstage getting ready. He casually walked in wearing a button down, jeans and flip-flops. Although Phillips is originally from Leesburg, GA (only a 6-hour drive from Florence) he has never heard about our little corner of Alabama. Since this was his first visit to the area I made sure he wasn’t walking away without a small musical history lesson. He wasn’t
able to explore the town as much as he wanted, but he did manage to sneak in a meal at Rosie’s Mexican Cantina. “Y’all have a nice little town here, I really like it,” Phillips said. One of Phillips greatest encouragers in his career is his brother-in-law, Ben Neil. Neil originally taught Phillips how to play the guitar, and from that point on pushed him to become better and better. The two would play shows together throughout Georgia until Phillips achieved his success through American Idol. Although Neil is not in Phillips’ permanent band, he does occasionally play shows with him. “He’s an amazing guitarist and great musician and one of my best friends. He’s a great writer as well and always pushes me to step it up a little more,” Phillips said of his brother-in-law. “He’s helped me write some songs for the album — he’s just a really great guy to work with.” While we were talking I could tell that Phillips was a very shy and humble person. Being pushed into the spotlight still isn’t easy for him to deal with. “It’s weird to hear “Home” or “Gone” or whatever song it is. I’ll be walking into a place and a song will come on and people will look at me and start pointing and I’m just like, ‘Oh … See ya!’” Phillips said as he hid his face and pretended to duck around a corner. “I get all awkward and start sweating.” Even before shows, Phillips has to
fight nervousness before he goes on stage. “Backstage I just pace back and forth; I get so nervous. I tell myself not to screw up … I eat a lot of cough drops and drink hot tea to soothe my throat. But mainly I just pray I won’t screw up.” Nerves definitely didn’t show through during his performance, however. Phillips confidently took the stage to an auditorium full of screaming girls. His show was complete with the typical PhilPhil dancing seen during American Idol and a few Dave Matthews-style jam sessions. The concert wasn’t over after Phillips left the stage, however. Kearney and his band got the crowd dancing with hiphop style beats and catchy melodies. He ended the night by running through the crowd and bringing UNA student LaDarius Prince up on stage during a song to play the kick drum. After meeting Phillips and Kearney it is much easier for me to look at performing artists and realize that they are people just like you and me. Once you take the spotlight off them you can see that they have embarrassing moments, they make mistakes and they get nervous. They may have fame and fortune, but these two guys are truly in it for the love of the music.
STORY BY LINLEY MOBLEY PHOTOS BY AMY JACKSON
24 SPECIAL FEATURE
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‘Ramen’ is the Japanese pronounciation of ‘lo mein.’
Length of noodles in one Ramen package: 51 meters.
SURVIVAL 101 HOW TO MAKE IT THROUGH THE TRANSITION INTO COLLEGELIFE WITHOUT LOSING YOUR DIGNITY The fall semester will be here quickly and maybe your freshman nerves are beginning to creep up on you. The first thing you should know is that you can do it. You can survive college, and if you heed my words you can do it with class. So sit tight and take notes, kid. As you begin your foray into the world of “higher-education,” certain questions are probably coming to mind: Do I really only eat Ramen Noodles? Will my teachers force me to write all of my papers in cursive? Am I supposed to know my life’s plan already? Do I have to wear shower shoes to the community bathrooms? Calm down … let’s take it one at a time. I wish I could honestly say that the Ramen Noodle diet is not a real thing, but I’ve seen too much to lie to you. Some students do survive in college on less than $20 a week by eating food with all the nutritional value of a piece of loose-leaf notebook paper, but no one would recommend it. Here’s a suggestion: If your parents haven’t already done this for you, research meal plan options at your university and work out a budget so that you don’t blow your life’s savings by eating out every night. Guns kill but so does Taco Bell. As for the workload that comes with being a college student, expect more work than you ever had in high school accompanied by more than enough time to do every assignment twice (don’t worry, you’ll still procrastinate). At least, this is true of your freshman year — after that the assignment load grows, as does your ability to handle it. It’s kind of like weightlifting, but with your brain … while using a computer. And you use a computer for almost everything but multiple choice tests and math homework, so don’t sweat over whatever your 70-year-old English teacher warned you about in high school (I was told that I’d have to write with a feather quill and ink in college — now I just do that for
DON’T WORRY, NOBODY IS GOING TO MAKE YOU DO THIS IN COLLEGE. fun). While you’re writing your 10-page philosophy papers and pulling allnighters to pass those basic chemistry exams, remember that the grades are just stepping stones to get your degree. Oh, what’s that? You don’t know what degree you want to pursue? You don’t even know what major you are currently registered under? Have no fear; college is designed specifically for helping you figure out who you are and what you’re good at. Some of this will come by trial and error (and by error I mean almost failing a class or three). Some of it will come by experiences gained outside of the classroom. Getting involved on your campus is about as important as doing well in class. Your parents and professors may not fully understand this concept, but do not let that slow you down. Get involved and
find people who do the things you like to do and do them together. Make sure that you’re being challenged. No seriously — if you aren’t challenged during these years of your life, then the “real world” will be a rude awakening. Be prepared to find out that you suck at a lot of things while trusting that you’ll discover plenty of areas that you excel in. Nobody knows what his or her life will turn out like, so just pay attention and act accordingly — I’m trying not to say “listen to your heart,” but you get the idea. Now for some practical tips: Whether you’re starting off in an apartment for the first time or you’ve just moved in to your dorm with the guy who smells like tuna fish and never looks up from his computer screen, it’s always important to practice hygiene. It starts simple — when you finish eating or drinking something, throw the container in the
trash. You’d appreciate it if your tunaconsuming roommate would show you the same courtesy, right? Your mother is not here to clean up after you (but wouldn’t it be awesome if she was? She could probably buy you groceries, too). And always wear shoes in the bathroom … ‘nuff said. There’s much more that could be said for how to survive college (like how to get a job, do you go Greek or not, when is it too early to start a relationship, how do I pass a class without buying the textbook?) but we’ve discussed some fair basics. Stick to these, look for the opportunity in every ball you drop and you’ll be just fine.
STORY BY PACE HOLDBROOKS
JUNE / JULY 2013 WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
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26 FREESTYLE
ONE FINAL THOUGHT
PHOTO BY KAYLA SLOAN
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ARTS ALIVE 2013
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