VOLUME 05 ISSUE 01 JANUARY 2017
LISTERHILL’S LEADING LADY
THE PERMANENT BEAUTY MARK
THESE GIRLS ARE ON FIRE
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
“I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO QUESTION SOCIETY’S IDEALS ABOUT WHAT A WOMAN ‘SHOULD’ BE OR HOW SHE ‘SHOULD’ ACT.” WORKIN’ 9 TO 5, P12 CONTRIBUTORS
LETTER
LET’S HEAR IT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
FROM THE EDITOR
GEEK SQUAD WOMEN BRING UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE TO GEEK CULTURE . . . . . . . 5
GIRL POWER WHAT THEY DO, THEY CONQUER. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
WOMAN UP Welcome to 2017! It’s a new year, full of new possibilities and new challenges. This year’s first issue is all about women. Throughout my life, women have been at the forefront. My family, like many of your families, is dominated by women. I’ve been shown the resilience of women, heard their stories, and from those experiences grown in my understanding of the issues they still face. In this issue, I wanted to celebrate women. We’re in a time of change, and women are at the forefront of that change. You’ll read a collection of stories from a variety of different facets. Rebekah Milwee talks to some of the women at Alabama Chanin, house of famed Alabama fashion designer Natalie Chanin. Ashley Graves talks to a few of the women at Wallace State Community College on the rise of women in STEM programs. Allie Sockwell speaks with Center of Hope on spreading awareness of abuse resources in Columbia, Tennessee. Spencer Brooks and Caleb Darnell step into the world of entertainment with interview with Paige McCay, one of the first University of North Alabama students, also a woman, to be submitted to the George Lindsey Film Festival. Caleb gives a review of the Oscar-worthy sci-fi film Arrival, which features Amy Adams as the lead actor. Keeping with the science fiction theme, newcomer Hali Black speaks with a devoted cosplayer. I get a chance to speak with Kristen Mashbern, Chief-of-Staff of Retail at Listerhill Credit Union, on leadership
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SUPPORT MAURY COUNTY’S CENTER OF HOPE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
WORKIN’ 9 TO 5! SHOALS AREA WOMEN ARE BREAKING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL GLASS CEILING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-13
HIGHBROW BODY ART TATTOO ARTIST PAIRING CURATES LOCAL, NATIONAL ART. . . . . . . 15
ALABAMA WHO? AN INSIDE LOOK AT ALABAMA CHANIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16-17
A GIRL AND HER CLAPBOARD MEET PAIGE MCCAY, A FEMALE DIRECTOR ON THE RISE. . . . . . . . 18
A FILM FOR TIME ARRIVAL DEMANDS HOLLYWOOD’S ATTENTION WITH FIERCE GRACE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 and being boss. I also visit Eva Huber, a tattoo artist who, along with her husband, recently opened an art gallery in downtown Florence. And finally, for our feature, Mallory Kirk sits down with a group of women to discuss the state of entrepreneurship in today’s world, and how it informs our culture. This is only a small portion of the endless stories around women. I hope that by reading this issue, it informs you and spotlights those women who push forward on a daily basis. As always, if you want to see yourself in print, hit me up through my email editor@getsetmag.com.
BY ISAAC RAY NORRIS, EDITOR
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.
CALENDAR WHAT’S GOING ON HERE? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20-21
WOMEN WHO ROCK FEMALE MUSICIANS TO WATCH OUT FOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22-23
SPOTLIGHT SET READERS IN ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24-27
WOMEN IN STEM WALLACE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SEES GROWTH IN WOMEN ENROLLMENT IN STEM PROGRAMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
FREESTYLE ONE FINAL THOUGHT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
CONNECT WITH SET MAILING ADDRESS:
P.O. Box 566 Sheffield, AL 35660
Please take one copy and share it. Listerhill Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative whose purpose is to improve the quality of life for the membership by providing cost effective services to meet their financial needs while maintaining financial soundness and promoting the credit union philosophy.
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM DROP US A LINE AT INFO@GETSETMAG.COM
PHYSICAL ADDRESS:
4790 East Second Street Muscle Shoals, AL 35661
4 CONTRIBUTORS
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
SET CONTRIBUTORS HALI BLACK
Florence, AL
ALLIE SOCKWELL
Lawrenceburg, TN
CALEB DARNELL Florence, AL
MALLORY KIRK Florence, AL
ASHLEY GRAVES Athens, AL
REBEKAH MILWEE Gilroy, CA
DERRICK FLYNN Madison, AL
SPENCER BROOKS Athens, AL
DUSTIN COAN
Ford City, AL
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
TECH 5
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
44 percent of gamers are women.
38% of Magic: The Gathering’s player base are women.
GEEK SQUAD WOMEN BRING UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE TO GEEK CULTURE
MASTERSON AT THE ALABAMA RENAISSANCE FAIRE IN 2016. A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… geeks were teased and taunted for their not so cool hobbies and interests that generally revolved around comics, sci-fi flicks and video games. In this distant past, small groups of like-minded individuals would huddle together in secluded basements and arcades to play a private game of Dungeons & Dragons. From this time period arose the easily recognizable geek stereotype: a socially awkward male, usually donning glasses and a Star Trek T-shirt. Today that same culture is nearly unrecognizable. What began as small interest groups has blossomed (with the help of the internet) into the global, multifaceted, billion-dollar industry that is nearly everywhere you look. Geek culture has become mainstream. Comics and videogames have invaded the movie screen, the bookstore, the toy aisle, even the fashion world. No longer at the bottom of the social hierarchy, people now proudly label themselves as geek. In fact, the term ‘geek chic’ has even been added to the Oxford English Dictionary, which defines the term as “The dress, appearance and culture associated with computing and technology enthusiasts, regarded as stylish or fashionable.” Times have changed. But some
people haven’t. According to statistics, female participation in fandoms and event attendance has largely increased and is now equal in number to males, despite popular culture still clinging to the stereotype of the male geek. For example, the gaming industry alone rakes in over $23.5 billion per year and women make up over 40 percent of game purchasers. In fact, women age 18 or older represent a significantly greater portion of the game-playing population (31 percent) then boys age 18 or younger (17 percent). While it is true that comic and gaming industries have historically catered to men, women have always been a part of this culture. In recent years, women have finally started making their voices heard, but it’s going to take more than the Master Sword to defeat this lingering stereotype. I was fortunate enough to get to meet up with Tori Masterson, a local Shoals cosplayer and proud geek, for a brief Q&A to get her opinion on this resurgence of women in geek culture.
HALI BLACK:
Tell me about your experience as a cosplayer. How did you get into the hobby and what keeps you interested?
TORI MASTERSON: I first got into cosplay by becoming a living history
MASTERSON AT THE 2016 GEEK GATHERING IN SHEFFIELD, AL. re-enactor with a local group called the Zholdak Kozaky. As a cosplayer I love the fandoms and the endless supply of characters I can become; however, my absolute favorite thing about cosplay is creating my own twist on the character I’m portraying.
ignorant about the cosplay I was doing.
HB: How do you think women have or can positively affect geek culture?
TM: Women should encourage other women to participate more.
HB: What projects/costumes are you HB: currently working on?
TM: Currently I’m working on several
cosplays such as the Black Canary, a Steampunk masquerade Harley Quinn and several more. HB: What do you think about geek culture becoming more mainstream?
TM:: I have seen the amazing impact
it has on strangers coming together in a community just from having similar interest in a fandom or character.
HB:
Despite the ever-increasing number of women in gaming/comics culture, society continues to claim that females are not real fans. Have you ever felt the pressure to prove your authenticity?
TM: Women shouldn’t have to prove
themselves at any convention or event, but it has happened. I’ve had to prove my knowledge on a few rare occasions, in which a person assumed that I was
Millions of women are working to overthrow the antiquated belief that this culture is predominantly male. Does a certain female figure come to your mind that you feel deserves recognition for their efforts of making geek culture more inclusive and welcoming?
TM:
Three local women come to mind: Amber Anglin (Con director for Anachrocon), Leana Scott (Leader of the Zholdak Kozaky), and Michelle Stumpe (Leader of the Shoals Steampunk Society).
HB:
What advice would you give to the next generation of geek girls?
TM:: The best thing you can do is be you. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box.
STORY BY HALI BLACK
6 MONEY
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Nick Walton
Miracle Osborne
Member since 2015
Member since 2013
Visit Our Stop by The Hill
to relax, recharge, or (of course) take care of your financial
needs. The Hill is a full service, student-run Listerhill Credit Union location in The Commons at UNA dedicated to helping students reach their full financial potential.
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
MONEY 7
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Women-owned tech companies use capital more efficiently.
By 2020, 66% of first world grads will be women.
GIRL POWER WHAT THEY DO, THEY CONQUER Throughout my life, women have always held some position of leadership, whether it be in my family, or at school or in my extracurricular activities. It has been hard for me to understand the struggle women face in terms of leadership because it has been so present - it was never an issue to have a woman in charge. For me, it became an assumption that there would be a woman in charge of almost every group or class I was in. So when it came time to think of article ideas for this issue, I very much wanted to speak with a woman in leadership about leadership. Women in leadership inform those of any group of the small, almost unthoughtof nuances that go hand in hand with leadership: telling the why behind the how and the why behind the who. That isn’t to say that male leadership is bad, it’s just different. Especially in my experience. I’ve learned some of the best lessons of leadership from those women who lead me. Kristen Mashburn is the Chief of Staff of Retail at Listerhill Credit Union. She is responsible for a team of around 150 people, and is a part of the management team at the company. “Being that I am the Chief of Staff of Retail, I am in charge of what our membership sees. That includes marketing, the front office everything,” Mashburn said. “The way the credit union is set up, there are three main leadership positions: the CEO and two chiefs-ofstaff, one being myself and the other being in charge of the behind the scenes stuff, so IT, human resources and things like that.” Being a woman informs Mashburn’s leadership style in way that it “becomes almost motherly,” she said. “I notice this of myself now more than ever, but I have a very nurturing leadership style. But on the flip side of that, I have no problem with
KRISTEN MASHBURN, CHIEF OF STAFF OF RETAIL, LISTERHILL CREDIT UNION discipline. I am deeply concerned with the individuals that work for me, and I want to make sure they are happy, whether that be with Listerhill or if they find work somewhere else.” Since the 1970s, women have become increasingly visible in the workforce, and that has brought its own challenges. “I think that there’s something great in having women in leadership; our company is primarily made up of women employees,” Mashburn said, “My great aunt worked at SunTrust for 50 years, and to think about that time when she was there and how the workplace was so different at that time, not to mention that she ended up in the VP level, in a really small town.
It’s amazing to think of something like that happening.” The word “bossy” has come under scrutiny for setting up the perception of assertive women as being demanding, disrespectful and rude. The balancing act that is being a woman in today’s workforce is a constant, and Mashburn recounts having to walk the line between what is best for her team, and what is best for the company. “There is another woman here in leadership that told me if you aren’t upsetting people, then you’re not doing something right. There is a balance as a woman, especially in meetings that I can come across as demanding, or ‘bossy,’ so the awareness of that is key for me in a working environment.”
Taking on a more assertive, manly energy can be helpful Mashburn said, but it doesn’t offer a new perspective or new, possible ideas. “Even within financial institutions the employees are generally women, but the majority of management is by far male dominated,” Mashburn said. “It can be really easy to say that I have to take on a male energy. It really doesn’t serve the purpose of having a woman in the room, so sometimes embracing your feminine energy is for the good of the group. It offers a different perspective.” Groups to mentor young women is something that Mashburn wish there were more of in our area. Finding likeminded people and asking yourself what you really want from life are two key pieces of advice Mashburn offers to young women. “It really helps to find a mentor in your field that is not only supportive, but also leading you somewhere,” she said, “ It also helped to see people as examples. When I was starting a family and my career, it helped to see other women in leadership with families. It helped me see that I can also do it.” Understanding who you are is a big part of it, according to Mashburn. “There are some things that other people see that you can’t see sometimes. Focusing on yourself when it comes to starting your career is essential,” she said. “You kind of have to take a step back and ask yourself what you want and how you plan to get there.” When it comes to women and leadership, it starts with representation. Throughout my life, women have been represented within almost every role of leadership. Sometimes all it takes is that one example to set someone on the journey of fulfillment.
STORY BY ISAAC RAY NORRIS
8 HERO
85% of domestic violence victims are women.
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM Domestic abuse costs taxpayers more than $37 billion a year.
JANUARY 2017
Every 9 seconds a woman is the victim of domestic violence.
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH SUPPORT MAURY COUNTY’S CENTER OF HOPE Some places touch your heart so much you can’t help but share with others. This sentiment is how I feel about Center of Hope, a women’s shelter in Columbia, Tennessee. Center of Hope was founded in 1989 under the name Hope House. Their time of opening occurred not long after the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic Violence determined a need for emergency help and counseling for victims of domestic violence in Maury County. Center of Hope’s website reads, “77,540 cases of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking were reported in Tennessee during 2013.” While this statistic from a few years ago, there is still a continued need for treatment in the middle Tennessee area. The word refuge means protection from danger, from a storm. Center of Hope provides just that to those in need: a home away from home offering care, understanding and hope. Violence and abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender, race, age, location or socioeconomic status. Center of Hope’s mission is to serve as a refuge, providing victims with services such as advocacy, counseling and residential services. Their website reads, “It’s our job to stand up, speak out and put an end to their shame and hurt for good. Take a stand. Break the silence. End the Cycle.” I spoke with Kassie Perry, the Sexual Assault Victims Advocate at Center of Hope. She informed me of some of the programs offered. “We were founded as a shelter for domestic violence and sexual assault; however, we do more than shelter these victims. We offer advocacy and support services by
helping victims stay connected to their district attorney, help with orders of protection, and safety planning,” Perry said. “We are there for our victims emotionally, serving as a source of comfort and accompanying them to hospital or court, as well as through more practical manners, such as filling out paperwork.” Other programs offered at Center of Hope include a Homeless No More program, which helps those struggling with homelessness get back on their feet. “The donation department provides food, housing, clothing, and allows them to get re-established.” There is also an Adopt a Family program, where Center of Hope takes down names and what the family needs and find people to help meet these needs. In addition to Perry, there are 11 other staff members, ranging from counselors to an executive director, shelter advocate, child advocate and support coordinator. I was also able to speak with the Adonis Patton, the
Support Coordinator. She explained there are two types of volunteer programs: individual volunteers who want to serve on an on-going basis, and secondly, group projects with more one-time events during the week or weekend. The first option allows individual volunteers to remain available for a 24-hour crisis line, working in the office, or Hope Boutique, an on-site donation room assisting clients directly or processing orders. The second option allows groups to work on more immediate needs, such as landscaping, painting, processing donations and stocking shelves. Patton explained, “We want to customize the group volunteer experience to meet any age range of group. We’ve even had Brownie troops of young girls come help out.” No job is too small! You can access Center of Hope’s donation list at their website. Center of Hope only accepts donations Tuesday and Thursday unless otherwise arranged. Please call 931-840-5414 between 8a.m. and 5p.m. to make delivery arrangements. Center of Hope is located at 2441 Park Plus Drive, Columbia, TN 38401. More information is available at centerofhopetn.org. Helping out others is critical. Getting plugged in to your community and finding ways to give back, both through emotional support and more tangible, financial means can make a difference in people’s lives. Even just becoming educated on domestic violence and standing up for fair treatment of all people is crucial is making this type of behavior unacceptable. Start by spreading the word about Center of Hope, its mission and opportunities to get involved. As Center of Hope explains, “Domestic abuse is not a private problem; it’s a community concern and as a nonprofit, Center of Hope would not be able to continue to grow its services without the kindness and generosity of the entire community.”
STORY BY ALLIE SOCKWELL
JANUARY 2017
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
SET isn’t just a magazine looking for people to share their 2 cents. It is entirely comprised of content provided by the 15 - 29 year olds of our community. No one else writes the articles, no one else takes the pictures and no one else decides what runs. That’s why we need you. Attend our next editorial meeting, drop us a line or send us an idea for your story. We want your photography, art and music. Get on SET’s team.
getsetmag.com/contribute
HERO 9
10 FEATURE
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
WORKIN' 9 TO 5!
SHOALS AREA WOMEN ARE BREAKING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL GLASS CEILING STORY BY MALLORY KIRK
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
FEATURE 11
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Women start companies at 1.5x the average rate in the U.S. ake a glimpse into the past, not too far from present day, where reality for a southern woman was being subjected to the housewife mentality with professional careers few and far between. Millennials have been preceded by women who have fought for their right of equality in the workplace, all to be labeled the “unemployable generation.” The millennial generation has a bad reputation due to a small population of individuals who refuse to contribute to today’s society. However, this reputation is being tested in the Shoals with the rise of creative, young women who reject the millennial stereotype of lackluster laziness. Milly Baine and Julia Coldiron are two local women challenging the jaded label that has been tossed on the millennial generation. Both are recent grads of the University of North Alabama, where they strived toward a degree that will thrust their dreams into a thriving reality. Julia is in passionate pursuit of becoming a registered dietitian with an appetite for designing disease-specific meal plans for patients that wish to fight their illness through natural means. “I want to help the world make a shift from relying on pharmaceuticals and 'quick-fixes' to living a life that makes those things obsolete,” says Julia. On a journey to enrich people’s lives through clean-eating and beneficial life choices, Julia stays grounded by her favorite quote – “As with any trying time, take it one day at a time.” One lesson Julia learned through her past accomplishments is not to be afraid to lean on others in times of weakness, instead of attempting to be independently successful. While studying marketing at UNA, Milly Baine blossomed through her startup, Southern Trash. Her unique personality and eye for unconventionally-chic taste in clothes inspired her to thrift garments and revamp them to eventually create an online wardrobe to sell to the community through her website, southerntrash.co. Milly washes, steams and tags her clothes, as well as photographing outfits on models for online shoppers. Though she works mostly from home, Milly describes her favorite days as accepting private shopping appointments, where she makes her customers tea and allows them to get first pick on her array of apparel. Milly gives credit to her grandmother for
Women perform better than men in crowdfunding.
T
IT'S INSPIRING TO SEE SO MANY WOMEN SHAPING FLORENCE. MILLY BAINE teaching her to thrift and sew, along with local Patti Clark for giving her a start in retail at just 16 years old. She admits her work can be overwhelming, but she attributes her success to her supportive friends and family, in addition to her theme song “Just a Girl” by No Doubt. “I am Southern Trash, and Southern Trash is me,” she said. Milly also has pop-up stores in local businesses, such as Dixie Garage, and coming this spring she will be opening up a store front location with a wider range of clothing, even men’s attire. “The more you give, the more you get. The more you get, the more you have to give," Milly said. Milly also has advice for being critiqued, “Take into consideration where the criticism is coming from. Do they know what they are talking about?" said said. "If yes, then take it and run with it. You cannot improve if you are not aware that you are doing something wrong. If no, then brush it off. The important thing is to not let criticism tear you down.” She also has a positive view on women in this area, saying, “In the South in general, we see a lot of the glass ceiling effect and unbreakable gender roles. Thankfully we live in a community with a lot of women in charge. It’s inspiring to see so many
JULIE COLDIRON
12 FEATURE
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Today, 18% of startups have at least one female founder.
JANUARY 2017
The U.S. has over 9 million women-owned companies.
I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO QUESTION SOCIETY'S IDEALS ABOUT WHAT A WOMAN "SHOULD" BE OR HOW SHE "SHOULD" ACT.
KATE HILL women shaping Florence," she said. "Women run Florence Mainstreet. Many women own successful businesses downtown, like My Favorite Things, Idyllwilde and Eleven54. These women are all so influential in making Florence a great place for women to succeed. They have all inspired me to pursue my goals and open my business in Florence.” Through her dedication and modesty, Milly is making her fellow millennials proud. The musing does not stop there. Kate Hill and Piper Akers are also integrating their progressive expression of art into the South. Kate launched her photography business in 2015, starting off as Blue Mood Photography and developed into MK Hill Photography. Having a knack for portraiture, Kate shoots weddings,
families, senior portraits and more. By targeting an edgier demographic here in the Shoals, she can express herself in the more “creative, fashiondriven” shoots where she can build off a particular theme or concept and add a little mystery or magic. A typical day for Kate seems boring, so she aims for every workday to be unique, from hiking in the woods to get the perfect backdrop, to listening to psychedelic jam bands while creating some rad photographs in her editing stage. Kate, also an aspiring model, is not only behind the camera. She manifests an extraordinary personal brand for herself. While working with a local photographer in Birmingham on how to pose subjects in front of the camera, she was noticed by the talent agency Red Models. Since then, she has been
traveling across the Southeast building her personal portfolio while working with some renowned photographers. “In the South in particular, there are certain beliefs and standards that impose limitations on women. I think it’s important to question society’s ideals about what a woman 'should' be or how she 'should' act," Kate said. "There’s no need to adjust yourself to fit a certain role. Never shy away from your inherent power and essence for fear of making others uncomfortable. Let’s redefine what it means to be a successful woman,” she said. While crafting photography, modeling, music, art and travel, Kate combines all of these influences into her “aesthetic” and reinforces her desire to create. She is redefining the emblematic photography known to
everyone in the South, and creating her own original, inspiring art that incorporates her love for being both behind and in front of the camera. Piper expresses her art using a different method. Having an aptitude for drawing and a unique take on illustration, she started practicing Henna drawings on her friends and family a few years ago. With a peak of interest in the community, she branched out to Florence’s First Fridays and the Renaissance Fair with the name “Henna Gypsy.” Still committed to her Henna, Piper keeps a strong online presence through Instagram and Facebook, updating new designs and making appointments whenever she is available. Like Kate, Piper is multidimensional in her area of work. While creating
JANUARY 2017
FEATURE 13
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Brooklyn banks more female startups than any other city.
Palo Alto & San Jose have the fewest female founders.
WORK HARD, LEARN TO TAKE CRITICISM, BE PERSISTENT AND THINK LONG TERM.
PIPER AKERS designs on individuals using Henna, she realized that was her calling – creating personalized art for people to represent on their body. After this realization, she decided to take on an apprenticeship under Stephen Gilchrist at Noble Sparrow Tattoo. A year into her tattoo apprenticeship, Piper is starting to perfect her craft and create a persona where she will be recognized for her distinct style of art. “This industry is all about selfmotivation and discipline.” she said, “Work hard, learn to take criticism, be persistent and think long term.” Piper is representing diversity in her generation by flourishing in a maledominated field. The “unemployable generation” is taking it upon themselves to build careers in what they believe in;
whether it is nutrition, photography, fashion or art. Millennials are misunderstood because their creative process relies on conceptualism, instead of traditional ways of thinking. A new era of entrepreneurship and startups is happening right here in the Shoals, with a youthful twist on conventional practices. The stereotype strapped on to this generation forms into motivation for accomplishment. Not only are millennials inspired by the lack of dependence the baby boomers bestowed upon them, they are taking careers the older generation founded and altering them into modern employment. Julia Coldiron wants to bring holistic treatment to the area, instead of relying on medication that could be harmful. This type of
nutrition could encourage the south to be more mindful of their health, and in turn create a better environment. Milly Baine wants to bring a diverse selection of apparel to the area so people can be expressive through their appearance. Millennials hone in on their individualism and eccentricity, which can inspire them to create, think and believe in themselves. Kate Hill is allowing people to see who they are through her eyes. Artists like this can show you a side of yourself you have never seen before. Piper Akers is sharing her love for art, while encouraging others to work together to create pieces of illustration that reflect their individuality. These women encourage the younger generation to be themselves, instead of conforming
to society’s traditional thinking. It is important to look back in the past in order to appreciate what is happening in the present. 2017 is “The Year of the Woman” because women everywhere are breaking the mold and shining in their own right.
14 ART
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
PUT COMMUNITY FIRST - JOIN THE CREDIT UNION TODAY!
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
ART 15
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
The Latin word for tattoo is “stigma.”
2012
was the first year that more women were tattooed than men.
Roosevelt has his family crest tattooed on his chest.
HIGHBROW BODY ART
EVA WORKING ON A CLIENT’S CUSTOM TATTOO
TATTOO ARTIST PAIRING CURATES LOCAL, NATIONAL ART Walk too fast and you’ll miss the new tattoo parlor and art gallery on Tuscaloosa Street. Artists Eva Huber and Florence native Ulyss Blair have recently moved to Florence to create custom tattoo art and curate a gallery for local, national and international artists. “We’ve been in Florence for about two months, and before that we were coming down once a month for a week at a time. We actually just moved from New York City, so this area is a very nice trade off,” Huber said. “We just wanted to get out of NYC, it’s a great place to live but its very challenging, and very nonstop.” Huber is an internationally recognized tattoo artist and has been featured in Nine Magazine, worked in Europe,
recently showcased her work in Iceland, and has partnered with Sperry’s to design shoes and research tattoo art in New Zealand. She and her husband hope bring a new perspective on tattoo art to the Shoals, after 13 years of experience in the industry. “That is one of the things that we are intent on proving. Tattoo is one of the oldest art forms, it’s primitive in nature, but where it is today, you can recreate the Mona Lisa on someone’s arm,” Huber said. “You’re just using a different brush. The kinds of tattoos we create are couture, intuit everything is custom. We don’t copy other artist’s work, and we don’t recreate the same image on different people.”
Before moving to Florence, Huber spent a few years living and working in New York City before moving to Europe. “Before coming to Florence, New York City was a bucket list item for me. I’m glad that I went and lived there at the age that I did. But, I was living and working is Massachusetts for about 6 or seven years, and I was really well off,” she said. “I always had this ambition to travel, so I was at this point that I could open a shop, or travel. So that’s what I did.” After saving her money, Huber took the plunge and moved to Europe. “I went to Europe for a little while and did some tattooing over there. It really was a refresher in restoring my faith in humanity. You’re at the mercy of other people’s honesty and opinions,” she said. “People were so genuine with me and honest. They were open and encouraging to what I was doing and I think that you have to find those kinds of people in life to be able to truly succeed.” A unique attribute of Huber’s style is that she doesn’t copy other artist’s work. She and her husband create couture, more highbrow art through tattooing. If
someone brings in a piece of work, they will not copy that onto another person out of respect for that other artist. “We don’t copy other artists work. I don’t copyright my work, but sometimes copying happens,” she said. “You don’t take what isn’t yours. You can be inspired by something, but to copy someone’s work is wrong to me. I have had people straight up copy my work, and it sucks because their customer isn’t getting the best version of that piece of work.” Huber also has a dense social media following with more than 20,000 followers on Instagram. Social media has helped her and her husband spread awareness of her artwork tremendously. “Social media has been very helpful. It’s like a magazine that always refreshes itself. I post my work, travel dates, what I’m doing. It’s not as nice as picking up a tangible paper, but the information there is faster and easier to access,” she said. “It can literally reach people across the world and has helped me as an artist tremendously. I was in Nine Mag, which is an incredible resource for artists around the world,” she said. “It was cool to talk shop with them and for them to showcase my work. Tattooing is a very strong community. By them interviewing me, they’re able to share me and I’m able to share them.” Though they are new to the Shoals, Huber’s hopes for her and her husband are high. They plan to open their gallery for monthly events, and are currently playing host to an artist from St. Louis, who specializes in collages and shrines. “Our hope is that we will be a positive contribution to the Shoals. We want to bring something positive and unique to the area, and we want to offer our tattling along with our gallery. We understand that tattooing is a lowbrow art form, but we hope to bring something higher to that.” You can check out Huber’s work, event schedule, and snippets of her life on her Instagram, @eva_huber.
STORY BY ISAAC RAY NORRIS
16 FOOD
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Chanin holds a degree in environmental design.
JANUARY 2017
She’s a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
ALABAMA WHO? AN INSIDE LOOK AT ALABAMA CHANIN Sophisticated. Simple. Timeless. None of these words came to mind as I turned my car in confused circles amongst the beige warehouse buildings boxed against the gray November fog. Black smoke curled out of the chimneys of some of the buildings as I searched the back lots of Florence’s Industrial Park for a good 10 minutes before finally spotting the maroon Alabama Chanin emblem on top of one particular warehouse, adding a bright dash of color to the otherwise bland horizon. With the exception of providing lyrical setting for drive-by trucker songs about assembly line labor and union wages, Industrial Park never really struck me as a place where very much artistic inspiration would be likely to manifest. However, I discovered how wrong I had been when I found Alabama Chanin’s The Factory. Alabama Chanin’s name recognition in our area is considerable, yet until now, the actual business model has always remained somewhat of a mystery to me. When I complained about the lack of quality brunch options in the Shoals, my friends kept urging me to drive out to Industrial Park and try The Factory at Alabama Chanin one weekend. I was intrigued. I kept hearing that name. I didn’t understand. Was it a restaurant? A fashion line? A home goods manufacturer? Turns out, Alabama Chanin is all that and then some. (Think Anthropologie, but all the items are handmade. With food.)
THE FACTORY STOREFRONT. Zachariah Chanin, son of owner Natalie Chanin, led me on a tour of the grounds. Zach’s charisma and vivid storytelling skills deemed him an excellent guide as he led me from a showroom filled with beautifully embroidered collection pieces to the Factory Cafe, where he serves as head chef. The cafe serves dishes made with locally grown organic ingredients. From the cafe, we went deeper into the back of the expansive warehouse, to the cutting and dying sections, into production and finally, on into the School of Making.
Zach told us the story of his mother Natalie Chanin, the company’s namesake, who designed her first T-shirt for a party she was attending shortly after moving to New York City. According to Chanin, Natalie has always been a highly creative individual with no reservations about working tirelessly in pursuit of her passions. Before long, Natalie’s original t-shirts with inlay stencil designs of her original sketches were being modeled on the runway at New York Fashion Week. This unique style that is now so
characteristic to Chanin’s pieces attracted several designers, and almost overnight what had formerly been known as “Project Alabama” grew into a booming retail manufacturer recognized worldwide for producing high quality sustainably resourced clothing and home goods. The company name officially changed to “Alabama Chanin” and has remained true to its original philosophy ever since. From these original stencils came hundreds more. Upon arriving in the production area of the warehouse, Zach opened up an entire file cabinet with drawer after drawer full of carefully ordered designs from Natalie’s very first sketches to patterns for this year’s latest pieces. The evolution of the designs is fascinating, from simple barnyard animals on those first Project Alabama shirts to complex geometric patterns. Alabama Chanin pieces are recognizable by their minimalist overall design usually accentuated by intricately detailed needlework. Considering the simple beauty of their products, while interviewing the women and men who work at Alabama Chanin, it surprised me how often our conversations about handmade goods managed to take unexpected turns to much broader, more serious subjects. From global trade laws to sustainable manufacturing in the age of sweatshops, to the future of American artisans and trade laborers, there is much to take into consideration as an American manufacturer in this day and age. Local artist, Olivia Sherif has been with Chanin from the ground up. When Sherif began working production at Chanin, she was one of only four employees. A true jack of all trades, Olivia is a graduate of Sheffield High School and later, UNA with a degree in Art. After college graduation, Sherif became frustrated with the lack of local jobs and opportunities for artists, and began considering a move to a larger city with a prominent artistic culture such as San Francisco or New York City. However, upon being introduced to Natalie by her assistant, Sherif quickly became a vital asset to
JANUARY 2017
FOOD 17
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
The Factory was built in 1982 as a textile plant. the small original four-person team, still living in her hometown, yet she suddenly found herself creating each day. This time not only as a passion, but a career. Sherif says that whenever a new skill or project came about that the original team members were unfamiliar with or unsure how to approach they encouraged one another to remain determined and persistent, always figuring things out through good old trial and error. This relentless initiative drove Alabama Chanin to achieve wide recognition in a very short amount of time. Sherif also emphasizes what a constant work in progress the overall development of the company has been, and uses her personal journey as an illustration of that. As the company grew, Sherif began to shift job titles every few months. When entirely new demands arise or advances in technology eliminate the need for certain positions, Sherif will typically move on to the next most pressing need in order to help the company continue to progress.
In 2013, Chanin won the CFDA/Lexus Eco-Fashion Challenge.
Although the majority of Alabama Chanin’s popularity is due to its blog and online store, Sherif believes that Alabama Chanin has made a hugely positive impact locally as well, providing jobs to local artisans and skilled trade workers who otherwise might not have been able to find a comparable career using their skill set, with the majority of America’s clothing being manufactured overseas nowadays. Rachel Rohler is another local artisan who also found her niche in the company. Head of the School of Making, Rohler organizes, oversees, and teaches several of the DIY workshops offered by this arm of the company each year. Rohler grew up in nearby Greenhill. Upon her grandmother’s insistence, Rohler began learning to sew when she was still a toddler. From cross stitching to embroidery, Rohler’s grandmother taught her the timeless value of handmade items, and in passing on knowledge from one generation to the next. While studying Apparel Design and Production
CHECK IT OUT NOW.
Management at Auburn, Rohler heard a speech that Natalie gave at UNA and applied for an internship. Today what some may consider a lost or dying art is a vital component in Rohler’s identity, as well as career. At Alabama Chanin, Rachel is truly in her element, passing on her grandmother’s knowledge to countless others who come through workshops in the School of Making. The School of Making offers courses throughout the year for all levels of expertise, from beginner to advanced. Rohler says that by thinking consciously about where we purchase all our goods, we are able to make a global impact in our everyday lives. According to Sherif, for each cotton shirt that is made without organic cotton, roughly 1 pound of pesticides is put into the earth. Rohler says that the company’s becoming actively conscious about where she purchases clothing caused her to recognize other areas of her life that she felt she could apply this mindfulness to such as food and medicine. Sophisticated. Simple. Timeless.
All of these words come to mind as I remember stepping out of Alabama Chanin back into the frigid cold. The fog from before had passed, and the sun had come out just in time to set again while I had been inside. Taunting me with its bright glow in contrast with the chilled air, I nevertheless felt hopeful as I shivered and watched it cast shadows amongst the squares of the industrial skyline. With a fresh optimism toward any pipe dreams that may come to me in this town that sometimes seems like it will suffocate me it is so small, I hurried to my car, with visions of all the unfinished masterpieces I had waiting for me at home, and all the potential they might be holding if, like the determined artists I had met inside the warehouse, I would only roll up my sleeves and figure them out to the end.
GETSETMAG.COM
New Website!
Their products are handmade in a process called slow design.
STORY BY REBEKAH MILWEE
18 ENTERTAINMENT
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Men outpace women 7 to 1 in on-screen STEM careers.
JANUARY 2017
For every $1 earned by men, women in STEM earn 86¢.
A GIRL AND HER CLAPBOARD MEET PAIGE MCCAY, A FEMALE DIRECTOR ON THE RISE Coming into the University of North Alabama (UNA), Paige McCay was a History major aspiring for more. After leaving UNA in the spring of 2017, she will be remembered as a film major, a founder of the film club, an entry in the George Lindsey Festival and most importantly, a director. Paige’s interest in film started with watching movies late at night with her father. “My dad would surf the channels and find weird movies, which I know as classics now.” Paige said, “No one else liked our ‘weird’ movies.” “It really got me interested in film a long time ago.” Paige is from a small town of Locust Fork, just outside of Birmingham. “There you can learn you can be a teacher, nurse or engineer, but you don’t hear a lot about the stranger things such as directing, film and journalism,” she said. “Filmmaking wasn’t really an option for majors, so I went with History because I liked it.” After majoring in history for a little while, Paige switched her focus to Theatre after getting a part in the department’s annual Christmas production. “I had always been interested in Theatre and my parents encouraged me to try out,” Paige said. “I went into Theatre knowing I didn’t want to act, but direct.” At the time, UNA had no other options. “After half a semester of Theatre, I realized we had a film program all of the sudden.” Paige quickly transferred over to the film department and hasn’t moved since. Paige said during her first semester, the program was having a bad period. “They only had one professor, no film clubs and myself and a few others were thinking of switching to English or Creative writing or something,” she said. “Then JP showed up and he kicked me into gear, really hard.” JP, also known as Jason Pangilinan, assistant professor of Film and Digital Media Production at UNA, became a driving force in Paige’s accomplishments. “I remember walking into JP’s office one day to talk to him because I was in one of his classes,” Paige said. “It was the first time I was in his office and the first time I had met him.” “He looked at me and told me I wasn’t a film major and that I needed to really consider if this is what I wanted to do because clearly I didn’t want to.” Paige went home and cried. “I didn’t know what to
do, I thought I had ruined my life.” She called her dad, concerned of what to do. “I told him I didn’t think I could do it and it was too much, then he told me something that stuck with me from then on out.” Paige said “My dad told me ‘You know you picked something so incredible, so unique to do with your life that it is going to be harder than anything else you could have done. It’s going to be really really hard for a really long time, but you can do it, I’ve seen you do incredible things and if you put your mind to it I know you can do this, you’re going to be fine, I can tell you want this, don’t give it up, and you’ll be fine, just keep going.’” After that, Paige went back to JP’s office, told him she was a film major, and walked out. “Since that day there has been a begrudging respect with us,” she said. “I took a lot more of his classes and became super involved with film club.” Paige then became the first female director of the film department and one of the seven founding members of the film club. “Once we met each other and started film club it kept us going.” The semester after JP’s arrival, members from the film club began working on a short film to submit to the 2015 George Lindsey Festival. “I put together the first film crew of our ‘generation’, asked JP a gazillion questions and did months of prep work.” Paige said, “That October we filmed ‘Stay’, my first production.” “Stay” is a short film about a girl leaving her boyfriend to venture out and live her life. The film was screened at the George Lindsey Film Festival in March 2016. “It’s been the first year in a while since a UNA student’s film has been in the George Lindsey festival,” Paige said. “It was crazy, because it’s our university’s film fest.” The film was given a great amount of approving feedback and was positively received at the festival. “I felt a lot of pressure, because in the film industry, women are not in positions of leadership, especially when it comes to directorial roles,” Paige said. “I’m always open to learning more, but when it comes down to it, I like directing.” Paige and the film club will have another film, “I Promise,” to be screened at next year’s New York
MCCAY IN HER ELEMENT. International Film Festival. “It’s about a drag queen and drag king on Halloween in 1993, talking about HIV/AIDS and the future,” Paige said. “It somehow caught the attention of the festival from this rather ignored area.” “I believe the content caught their attention,” she said. “Usually, Alabamian films are overlooked, but the subject matter is fresh for this area of the country.” Paige is currently working on attending CalArts in California for graduate school. “I think the major fear is going to film school and getting stuck in the makeup and costume department or acting,” Paige said. “I’m going to try and make my stand to be a director.” “You have to work twice as hard as any guy on set and three times as hard as any girl,” she said. “I work hard and I never believe anyone when they tell me I can’t do something.”
STORY BY SPENCER BROOKS
JANUARY 2017
ENTERTAINMENT 19
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
There are 2.24:1 male to female characters in film.
Women comprise 7 percent of directors on top 250 films.
A FILM FOR TIME ARRIVAL DEMANDS HOLLYWOOD’S ATTENTION WITH FIERCE GRACE Spoilers ahead, you’ve been warned! Arrival, directed by Denis Villeneuve and starring Amy Adams, tells the story of Louise Banks (Adams), a linguist appointed by the U.S. military to translate the language of a race of seven-footed aliens called “Heptapods.” The Heptapod’s spacecraft, all 12 of them, land on Earth and nothing happens. No one knows why they arrive. Eventually, world militaries and intelligence agencies begin communicating with one another on each of their findings and their interactions with the alien spacecraft. It becomes known that the aliens want to communicate with humans, but they do so in a way that contradicts humans’ linear thought process. The Heptapods speak in what becomes known as “Heptapod A,” and “Heptapod B,” the latter being the language that must be deciphered. “Heptapod B” is a language that writes an entire sentence at the same time, visually represented as a circle that looks like the ring of a spilled cup of coffee. Think of it as a written form of telepathy. By learning “Heptapod B,” one can “time travel,” through visions of the future. Through the endeavors of Banks, her team, and fellow scientists around the globe, the alien language is painstakingly decoded. However, not all of humanity is certain that the alien’s intentions are benign, and fear retaliation. After a severe misunderstanding between Earth’s nations, several countries cease communications with the Heptapods, and commence military action against them. Can Louise and her team solve the riddles of the Heptapod’s strange language before humanity lashes out in fear and desperation? Arrival is by far one of best science fiction films of the past decade. The goal of science fiction is to make us reflect on ourselves, and Arrival does so with a fiery, fierce grace that the genre has never experienced. Adams shines as Louise, a knowledgeable and capable woman whose patience and resolve not only uncover the mysteries of the alien’s language, but their reason for reaching out to humanity. Jeremy Renner offers a superb
AMY ADAMS AS LOUSIE BANKS. performance as mathematician Ian Donnelly, and Forest Whitaker, always a delight on screen, provides bedrock pragmatism throughout the film as Colonel Weber. Villeneuve’s cinematography is masterful in scope, with grand vistas and visuals, but is also subtle and reflective. His use of muted colors during the “present” sequences stand in stark contrast to the rosy luminescence of Louise’s dreams. Studious viewers can follow these cinematic clues to ascertain the film’s beautiful conclusion, which won’t be mentioned here, because where’s the fun in that? The story of Arrival is based on the award-winning novella Story of Your Life by Ted Chiang, published in 1998. Arrival is based more so on the deep truths of language, imagination, and human relationships within many political moments. It is about more than talking to one another, it is about the roadmaps we use to navigate our world. The film suggests that those roadmaps need constant adjustment. This film is special in that it features a woman in the lead role. Louise is a complicated character, with a very complicated past - or is it her future? Louise is an intelligent, multifaceted character who is not thrust into an unwanted, unwarranted, or unnecessary relationship with a man. Instead, she literally saves the world and everyone on it, and then organically forms a relationship with man when she chooses to do so. Louise’s character is based in her intelligence, her forethought, and her ability
to put herself on the line to understand the basic notion of seeing another individual, hearing them, understanding them, and eventually helping them. Arrival, at its core, is about the importance of communication and how it shapes our reality. The film shows that mutual communication and outreach transcends aggression and ignorance. By casting aside fear and anxiety, and daring to continue her work despite the overwhelming odds, Louise proves that one doesn’t have to wield powerful weapons, or blow things to pieces to be a hero. A hero can be a dedicated, knowledgeable person who wishes to do right by all parties through thoughtful correspondence and understanding. Not only should Hollywood follow this jewel of a film’s example, but so should all of humanity. In this time of great uncertainty and dread, with people as divided as ever, perhaps we should all stop screaming at one another, and take time to listen instead. Perhaps we could find that we are more alike than we initially thought. Perhaps the avenues of peace lie not within the barrel of a gun, but though the channels of an open, receptive heart.
STORY BY CALEB DARNELL AND ISAAC RAY NORRIS
20 CALENDAR
EVENTS
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2 - JANUARY 30 CALENDAR OF EVENTS
HARRY POTTER & THE SORCERER’S STONE IN CONCERT W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY @ SCHERMERHORN, JANUARY 5
IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2
BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8 p.m.
JANUARY 3
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7 p.m.
JANUARY 4
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. WAFFLE HOUSE WEDNESDAY @ 1104 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN, 10 p.m.
JANUARY 5
HARRY POTTER & THE SORCERER’S STONE IN CONCERT W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 7 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7 p.m. KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8 p.m.
JANUARY 6
HARRY POTTER & THE SORCERER’S STONE IN CONCERT W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 7 p.m. HIDDEN FIGURES @ Your local theater UNDERWORLD: BLOOD WORLD @ Your local theater POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. LIVE MUSIC @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 9:30 p.m.
JANUARY 7
JAYSEN GOLD @ Natchez Hills Winery, Nashville, TN, 4 p.m. IN THE ROUND W/ JASON ISBELL, AMANDA SHIRES & BUDDY MILLER @ The Bluebird Café, Nashville, TN, 9:30 p.m. WRITING LOVE AND SOLIDARITY: A POERTY WORKSHOP @ The Skillery, Nashville, TN, 2 p.m. HARRY POTTER & THE SORCERER’S STONE IN CONCERT W/ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY @ Schermerhorn Symphony Center, 7 p.m. LEARN HOW TO SELL YOUR ART AT THE BISTRO @ Emma’s, Nashville, TN WINTERFEST BEER BLAST @ Westbury House, Columbia, TN, 7 p.m.
JANUARY 8
CALENDAR 21
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
LEARN HOW TO SELL YOUR ART AT THE BISTRO @ Emma’s, Nashville, TN
JANUARY 9
2017 MILLION DOLLAR SHOW FOR ST. JUDE @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30 p.m. BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8 p.m.
JANUARY 15
HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 2 p.m. TOM CHAPLIN @ City Winery, Nashville, TN, 6 p.m. EMPORIUM PRESENTS: THE MACHINE @ WorkPlay Theater, Birmingham, AL, 7:30 p.m.
XXX 3: THE RETURN OF ZANDER CAGE @ Your local theater SPLIT @ Your local theater POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. LIVE MUSIC @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 9:30 p.m.
JANUARY 10
JANUARY 16
JANUARY 21
TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7 p.m.
JANUARY 11
POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. WAFFLE HOUSE WEDNESDAY @ 1104 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN, 10 p.m.
JANUARY 12
ANCIENT COMEBACKS @ The End, Nashville, TN, 7 p.m. JOE RUSSO’S ALMOST DEAD @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7 p.m. KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8 p.m.
JANUARY 13
THE DOZEN & CHRIS SIMMONS @ WorkPlay Theatre, Birmingham, AL NATURAL WONDER: THE ULTIMATE STEVIE WONDER EXPERIENCE @ City Winery, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. THE DOZEN & CHRIS SIMMONS @ WorkPlay Theatre, Birmingham, AL, 8 p.m. PATIROTS DAY @ Your local theater LIVE BY NIGHT @ Your local theater MONSTER TRUCKS @ Your local theater THE BYE BYE MAN @ Your local theater SLEEPLESS @ Your local theater POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. LIVE MUSIC @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 9:30 p.m.
JANUARY 14
UNA HONORS ORCHESTRA @ Norton Auditorium, Florence, AL, 7:30 p.m. GREENSKY BLUEGRASS @ Marathon Music Works, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. INDOOR YARD SALE @ Shady Brook Cinema, Columbia, TN, 7am
MARTIN LUTHER KING UNITY BREAKFAST @ Von Braun Center, Huntsville, AL, 8am BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8 p.m.
JANUARY 17
IN THE ROUND W/ WALT ALDRIDGE @ The Bluebird Café, Nashville, TN, 9 p.m. RUN THE JEWELS @ Marathon Music Works, Nashville, TN, 7 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7 p.m.
JANUARY 18
JOSH RITTER @ City Winery, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. BROTHERS OSBORNE @ Marathon Music Works, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. WAFFLE HOUSE WEDNESDAY @ 1104 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN, 10 p.m.
JANUARY 19
LYDIA LOVELESS @ Exit/In, Nashville, TN, 9 p.m. WHISKEY MYERS @ Cannery Ballroom, Nashville, TN, 7 p.m. THE WRITER’S SHARE PRESENTS: MARCIA RAMIREZ, KIM PARENT & ROB HARRIS @ WorkPlay Theater, 8 p.m. DROP IN DRAWING WORKSHOP @ First Center f or the Visual Arts, Nashville, TN, 5 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7 p.m. KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8 p.m.
JANUARY 20
VIDEO GAMES LIVE @ Nashville Symphony, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. 102.9 FREE BEER & HOT WINGS LIVE @ Wildhorse Saloon, Nashville, TN 7 p.m. THE FOUNDER @ Your local theater
DIERKS BENTLEY @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7:30 p.m. THE VELCRO PYGMIES @ Shooters Bar, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. MARKEY BLUE @ The Larry Keeton Theater, Nashville, TN, 7:30 p.m. POP EVIL @ WorkPlay Theater, Birmingham, AL, 8 p.m.
JANUARY 22
LUKAS GRAHAM @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30 p.m. ALEX KRAMER ALBUM RELEASE @ The 5 Spot, Nashville, TN, 6 p.m.
JANUARY 23
BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8 p.m.
JANUARY 24
THE BEACH BOYS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30 p.m. OLATE DOGS @ WorkPlay Theater, Birmingham, AL, 7 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7 p.m.
JANUARY 25
THE LAST WALTZ 40 TOUR @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30 p.m. POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. WAFFLE HOUSE WEDNESDAY @ 1104 Nashville Hwy, Columbia, TN, 10 p.m.
JANUARY 26
DRIVE-BY TRUCKERS @ Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, TN, 7:30 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ La Fuente, Columbia, TN, 7 p.m. KARAOKE @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 8 p.m.
JANUARY 27
GALLAGHER: THE JOKES ON YOU TOUR @ Von Braun Center, Huntsville, TN, 8 p.m.
IF YOU HAVE ANY EVENTS YOU WOULD LIKE LISTED, EMAIL CALENDAR@GETSETMAG.COM
TRAVIS TRITT @ Shoals Theatre, Florence, AL, 6:30 p.m. THREE WAY @ James K. Polk Theater, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. COWBOY MOUTH @ WorkPlay Theater, Birmingham, AL, 8 p.m. RESIDENT EVIL: THE FINAL CHAPTER @ Your local theater BASTARDS @ Your local theater GOLD @ Your local theater POKER NIGHT @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. LIVE MUSIC @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 9:30 p.m.
JANUARY 28
GALLAGHER: THE JOKES ON YOU TOUR @ Von Braun Center, Huntsville, TN, 8 p.m. THREE WAY @ James K. Polk Theater, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. YACHET ROCK REVENUE @ WorkPlay Theatre. Birmingham, AL, 9 p.m. AMSOIL ARENACROSS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 7 p.m.
JANUARY 29
SARA WATKINS @ City Winery, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. THREE WAY @ James K. Polk Theater, Nashville, TN, 8 p.m. CONSIDER THE SOURCE & THANK YOU SCHIENTIST @ WorkPlay Theater, Birmingham, AL, 8 p.m. AMSOIL ARENACROSS @ Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN, 12 p.m.
JANUARY 30
SARA WATKINS W/ LIZ LONGLEY @ WorkPlay Theater, Birmingham, AL, 8 p.m. BILLIARDS @ Dolan’s Deli and Bar, Spring Hill, TN, 7 p.m. TRIVIA NIGHT @ Odette, Florence, AL, 8 p.m.
22 MUSIC
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
5% of Nashville producers and engineers are women.
JANUARY 2017
Only 3 solo women have won The Mercury Prize award.
WOMEN WHO ROCK FEMALE MUSICIANS TO WATCH OUT FOR 1. EXES
Lush pop and guitar streaks are filled throughout this six track EP. While most of the EP dedicates itself to half-hearted love songs, the wonderful in corporation of bell and string instruments surrounded by bass makes the journey more worthwhile than the actual result. A definite must for fans that wish for a more ambient and quieter Purity Ring.
4. RAYVN LENAE
Sharing features on Noname’s debut mixtape and Saba’s debut album might be enough for some, but that doesn’t stop her from being something special all on her own. Her own ten-track EP of soulful, embellished sounds produce something that would make Solange and Lauryn proud. Songs to vibe to: Alive - Single Moon Shoes - EP
Song to vibe to: The Art of Saying Goodbye - EP
2. NEVVE
What first grasps you as an overconfident pop powerhouse leaves behind a rhythmic unnerving collection of thoughtful hits. While she may be starting off small with features on electronic albums, it’s evident that both her lyrics and voice are here to stay. For fans that want more meaningful lyrics set to emphatic trap hits resembling duos like Kucka & Flume. Songs to vibe to: Catching On (feat. Nevve) - Elephante Life Under Water (feat. Nevve) - Jerry Folk Backroad (feat. Nevve) - VOKES
3. KLLO
This Australian duo sounds off potential with their debut five-track EP. Electropop combined with dreamy R&B vocals produce an ethereal yet reminiscent 90s feel. For fans of UK Garage, AlunaGeorge and Jamie xx. Song to vibe to: Well Worn - EP
5. THE JAPANESE HOUSE
Four songs. That’s all it takes for Amber Bain to construct a credence of complex and modern pop. Rarely am I unable to describe a collection of ballads that boldly speak for themselves like this. Fans of worldly indie pop and electronica will adore this one.
Song to vibe to: Swim Against the Tide - EP
6. IZZY BIZU
London soul are two words that would sum up this 22-year-old singer. It’s a wonder why more people weren’t talking about her this year as she creates an earthly mix of full and falsetto throughout her debut album. Don’t be surprised to hear more of her in 2017. For fans that want more carefree and fun R&B from artists like NAO and Lion Babe. Song to vibe to: A Moment of Madness - Album
7. REVA DEVITO
Kaytranda enthusiasts will want to
look at this funky and fresh new artist. Her sound feels right at home with the rest of notable neo-soul artists like Erykah and a slight ring of pop that gives a nod to Mariah. Song to vibe to: THE MOVE - EP
8. MERRYN JEANN
Another contender for tropical dance anthem of the year. A laid-back tone and strike of wallow set this singer up for one of the most talked about songs of the summer. She continues the trend featuring on Møme’s debut album Panorama. For fans of modern topical house hits like MØ & DJ Snake. Songs to vibe to: Aloha (feat. Merryn Jeann) Why Is It (feat. Merryn Jeann)
9. JORJA SMITH
This 18-year-old singer gives her steady voice to the political backdrops of a failed education and legal system in a tacit yet tangible feeling. Jorja channels the hook from Dizzie Rascal’s “Sirens” and makes it her own for a new generation to enjoy. Her five-track EP entails careful piano ballads and slow jams for both old and new lovers of R&B. For the fans that miss the allure of Amy Winehouse. Songs to vibe to: Project 11 - EP Blue Lights - Single
10. LAUREL
Mellow lyrics and the incandescent chant of modern baroque pop are locked within the mind of this 22-yearold singer. This collection of four songs
were recorded in her East London bedroom studio. For the fans of eerie pop music and Florence Welch. Song to vibe to: Park - EP
11. WAFIA
Chill, brushed overtones of a warm soul splash up from subtle instances of trip hop and woozy contemporary rhythm. Poetic yet sometimes resembling more of a haiku. Her story becomes clearer with each listen. For fans of complex beats and Lorde. Songs to Vibe To: Heartburn XXIX - EP (m)edian - EP
12. TRACE
Spatial riffs and electronic pixel beats lay low to a calm and serene atmosphere. On her four-track EP she steps over the vitality of life with maturity and grace. For the fans that want a more stripped down CHVRCHES and structured 80s’ synth pop. Songs to Vibe To: Low - Single Low - EP
13. LAURA WELSH
Smart and resourceful indie pop melodies bounce from the voice of this Staffordshire born and raised musician. Having recorded with artists like Blood Orange and John Legend, she has an eye on her in the industry. Expect to hear more from her in the coming year. For fans of Lykke Li and expansive pop music.
JANUARY 2017
MUSIC 23
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
14% of the Performing Rights Society members are women.
In 2015, no woman produced a Top 40 song alone.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
Songs to Vibe To: Red - EP Soft Control - Album
14. LISSA
A cross between a breakout and sleeper hit are what come to mind when you hear this Indonesian singer’s single “Zimt” for the first time. Trancelike yet bubbly span the course of her debut single. A must for fans that want a combination of cheerful tunes and Yael Naim. Songs to Vibe To: Zimt - Single Feel Good Inc. (Gorillaz Cover)
15. GABRIELLA HOOK
Soulful and somewhat airy in places set her voice for a layered approach to her
sound. This Montréal musician molds multiple genres together to create new aspects that were previously thought impossible. Flashes of mystery and emotion ensue on her featured track “Don’t.” For fans that like a mix of both ambient electronic music and Regina Spektor.
Songs to Vibe To: Don’t (feat. Gabriella Hook) CRi - Tell Her - EP Skin Don’t Put Your Hands Down
STORY BY DERRICK FLYNN
24 SPOTLIGHT
SAY CHEESE!
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
SET READERS IN ACTION
GRAFFITI JAM VOL. 1 BLUEWATER BREWING CO., OCTOBER 23, PHOTOS BY DUSTIN COAN
PHOTOS BY DUSTIN COAN
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
SPOTLIGHT 25
IRON HORSE MUSCLE SHOALS TO MUSIC ROW, NOVEMBER 10, PHOTOS BY DUSTIN COAN
IRON HORSE BLUEGRASS WITH GARY NICHOLS
GARY NICHOLS, IRON HORSE BLUEGRASS
26 SPOTLIGHT
MUSCLE SHOALS MUSIC ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS PARTY SHEFFIELD, DECEMBER 5, PHOTOS BY DUSTIN COAN
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
SPOTLIGHT 27
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
102.7 KISS.FM’S STUFF-A-BUS 2016 FLORENCE, DECEMBER 11, PHOTOS BY DUSTIN COAN
BATMAN AND BRENT REED
28 SPECIAL FEATURE
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
Kahri Member Since 2013 Abby Member Since 2013
Drew Member Since 2013
Rebecca Member Since 2013
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
SPECIAL FEATURE 29
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
In the U.S., women hold less than 25% of STEM jobs.
Women account for over 25% of all scientific researchers.
WOMEN IN STEM
JONATHAN MINYARD TEACHES A STUDENT IN THE MACHINE TOOL TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT.
WALLACE STATE COMMUNITY COLLEGE SEES GROWTH IN WOMEN ENROLLMENT IN STEM PROGRAMS From welding, to machine tools and even auto mechanics, gone are the days when industry and career tech jobs were dominated by men. Fast forward to 2017, and it’s now a rarity to find one of the above careers without at least a few females in the mix. Such is the case on the campus of Wallace State Community College in Hanceville where there has been a rise of women enrolling in their Technical
Division programs. “We’ve always had one or two in our program, but I would say in the last five to seven years, we’ve seen a small increase in that number,” said Jimmy Hodges, Dean of Applied Technologies at Wallace State. One of those is Melanie Patterson. Patterson made the decision to return to school for a second degree in August 2015 after a long stint as a newspaper reporter. She is
enrolled in the welding program. “I was ready for a change,” Patterson said. “There were many times that I interviewed people who were in that line of work, and it would always leave me wishing I could do something like that. Welding was one thing that always appealed to me the most.” After testing the waters for a semester, Patterson fell in love instantly. The rest has been history. She will finish the program in May with hopes of landing a job in the fabrication field. “I want to do something where I can create and build things,” she said. In its 2014 annual averages, the U.S. Department of Labor reported welding, soldering and brazing as a nontraditional, or male-dominated occupation field for women. Women made up 4.8 percent of the 615,000 total employed workers in that field, according to the report. Hodges believes early education about what the career tech field has to offer has played a role in the number of women seeking out
technical jobs. “As educators, we try to encourage those type jobs, and I think that has helped with the increase we’re seeing,” he said. Meanwhile, Patterson isn’t alone. Macie Key decided to follow a similar path after graduating from Hayden High School. Key is enrolled in the Machine Tool program and also serves as Alabama Skills USA Post-Secondary President. She credits Wallace State for getting her interested in the field. “As a junior in high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do after graduation,” Key said. “We had a recruiter come talk about various programs, and I was amazed at how you could take something so small and turn it into something.” Key added her love for arts played a role in the decision too. “I’ve always been real artsy; I do a lot of drawing and painting, and that has played a big part at school, as far as the detail aspect of things and how parts come out.” While it may have been intimidating in the beginning, both women agreed that their experience so far has been nothing short of great. “I was a little nervous at first about what other people would think,” Patterson said. “But it has been wonderful. Everyone has been so respectful. I’ve been treated no different.” Patterson had one piece of advice for females thinking about following in her and Key’s footsteps: “Take the leap and do it,” Patterson said. “It wasn’t easy, especially for someone like me, but it was very worthwhile. Try it, and if you don’t like it, you can always do something else.”
STORY BY ASHLEY GRAVES
30 FREESTYLE
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
FREESTYLE
READER RESPONSE: What is your favorite part of being a woman?
Courtney Jones In today’s world I, as a woman, have so much will to be independent. I don’t have to rely on anyone and I love that. I hate depending on people.
Ja’nae Kirkmon I would say my favorite part of being a strong, independent, black woman is surpassing bars that were “supposed” to be too high for me to reach. As a professional finance major, you don’t see a lot of women in the finance world - let alone the business world - so I like setting myself against the norm and being known and heard in a field that women shy away from. In all, I love being a woman because I’m not going let a male dominated world stop me from achieving my goals and dreams in life and I refuse to let anyone stop me from doing so.
Baylee Smith The fact that no matter how others see me, and the standards of beauty that I am choked by every day, I am still able to enjoy my favorite things more freely like shopping or doing makeup. I’ve realized lately that men don’t have that freedom, really.
Rachel Samuelson I’d say my favorite thing about being a woman, at this stage of my life, is the ability to look however I want, and either way I’m totally fine with the way I look.
Emily Monson I would say it’s getting to prove people wrong. I love having someone doubt me because of my nature or body type only to show them that I can do something just as well as they can. Its little opportunities to show off that equality can and should be a thing. I feel like I’m doing my minuscule part to promote feminism.
JANUARY 2017
JANUARY 2017
WWW.GETSETMAG.COM
FREESTYLE 31