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Letter from the Publisher Dear Readers, Welcome to the 9th annual edition of Nashville Arts & Entertainment Magazine. We are pleased to announce our continued expansion, with distribution now available throughout the State of Tennessee. From all the state welcome centers, to newsstand locations in major cities, plus distribution in all 800 rooms of the Omni Convention Hotel, we continue to expand our readership which now exceeds 250,000. Our growth continues to be fueled by our incredible writers who each year help us explore the best Nashville has to offer in arts and entertainment. A great example is Dan Keen’s story, The Freakonomics of Making Money on Music Row. Dan provides an in-depth look at how the music and entertainment industry has a $10 billion annual economic impact on the Nashville region…plus you’ll read some very interesting insights into where the money goes. In addition to Nashville Arts & Entertainment Magazine, we also publish the Performing Arts Magazines for TPAC, Nashville Symphony, Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, Tennessee Repertory Theatre and Studio Tenn Theatre at the Factory in Franklin…for additional information on available arts and entertainment offerings, go to: GloverGroupInc.com And finally we want to acknowledge our loyal readers and advertisers for making Nashville Arts & Entertainment Magazine a success. Over 90% of our advertisers renewed their annual campaigns for another year…Thank you! We could not do what we do without this tremendous support from the Nashville business community! For advertising information call 615-373-5557. Enjoy! For additional information and special online promotions, please follow us on Facebook and Twitter. Gary Glover gary@glovergroupinc.com

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Table of Contents 20

2 Publisher’s Notes 5 Letter from the Editor 6 Contributors he Freakonomics of 10 TMaking Money on Music Row

“It all Begins with a Song” By Dan Keen

20 That Was Then

Nashville Sports & Entertainment

Nashville’s New Ballpark Gets Back to Its Origins By Sherry Stinson 36

24 The Nashville Bucket List

By Angela Roberts

29 Backstage Pass: A Peek Behind the

Performing Arts

Curtain at Local Venues

By Lori Ward 47

32 Taking Note

Literary Arts

By Janet Morris Grimes

36 Byron Jorjorian

Visual Arts

Uncovering Masterpieces of Nature By Paul Kingsbury 107 4

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Letter from the Editor

Next for Nashville? 42 What’s City leaders talk about how to keep the

Brandy Blanton

shine on Tennessee’s gem. By Beverly Keel

47 Country’s Next Generation

By Tim Weeks

Nashville Entrepreneur Center 50 The Local Think Tank is Turning Dreams into Companies

By Tom Woodard

Year’s Most Interesting 52 This People, Places, and Things

By Tim Weeks, Janet Grimes, Dan Keen, Jaylyn Carlyle, Matthew Glover, Mike Wine, Angela Robers, Sherry Stinson, and Kim Chaudoin

82 Nashville Arts & Entertainment Honors

By Sherry Stinson

Annual Calendar of Events from Now 87 The Playing Nashville

107 Get On the Bus, Gus!

Nashville Travel & Entertainment

More Nashvillians are Getting the Star Treatment By Deborah Evans Price

As we begin our ninth edition of Nashville Arts & Entertainment Magazine, we are excited to announce the first annual Nashville Arts & Entertainment Honors. We believe that it is important to call attention to those who have been champions and leaders in the arts and entertainment community… so we are proud to recognize five amazing artists, philanthropists and business champions whose lives and work in music, the visual and performing arts, business, songwriting and philanthropy have impacted our lives in countless ways. Nashville Arts & Entertainment is making a total donation of $5,000 to recognize and honor the tremendous spirit of giving and upliftment each Honors Award winner embodies. Please be sure to check out pages 82-84 to see this year’s honorees. As always, we have included your favorite sections: Nashville’s Most Interesting People, Places & Things starting on page 52 along with our exclusive monthly calendar of arts and entertainment events beginning on page 87. We hope you enjoy our unique editorial perspective as we bring you the best in performing, visual and literary arts along with a fun and entertaining look at our yearly Nashville Sports & Entertainment section beginning on page 20. Also don’t miss our new section called Nashville Arts & Entertainment’s Bucket List beginning on page 24! There is much more to explore in this edition. Thank you for spending time with us and please feel free to send me your comments and story suggestions. Enjoy and God bless! Robin Glover robin@glovergroupinc.com

@NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

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Contributors ation technology, marketing and oversees new business initiatives.

in his areas of responsibility and received ASCAP’s Award of Excellence Keen was appointed to the full time faculty at Belmont University in 2010 and has been nominated for the Chaney Distinguished Professor Award. Dan lives in Franklin, Tennessee with his wife and children where they own Advantage Talent Development, a premiere Modeling and Acting school.

KAYLA SCHOEN

BEVERLY KEEL

I grew up in Woodbury, TN. I am a concert and event freelance photographer. I am studying photography at Nossi College of Art and I will graduate in August with my associates degree. I hold a few positions at Nossi, I am a school ambassador and president of our CMA EDU chapter. I am interning with the Country Music Association working with video and photography. I have assisted Donn Jones as an editor with the Tennessee Titans. I am very passionate about photography and music so I absolutely love shooting concerts at big venues. During my free time I like to strengthen my craft as a photographer and get better at my skill.

Nashville native Beverly Keel, who is a professor and chair of MTSU’s Department of Recording Industry, is a journalist who has covered Nashville for more than two decades. The proud McGavock High graduate has written for People, The Tennessean, Rolling Stone, USA Today, Oxford American and other publications and won the Charlie Lamb Award for Excellence in Country Music Journalism. She is also a pop culture commentator who has appeared on numerous networks.

TOM WOODARD Tom Woodard, Jr. is a native Nashvillian who has enjoyed being a part of the marketing, advertising and music scene for more than 25 years. Tom is blessed to be married with three children.

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

BRET D. HAINES Bret D. Haines is a graphic designer, art director, and graphic design instructor, in the Nashville area. He runs BaaHaus Design, a small advertising and design business, and he works with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville as senior graphic designer and production manager. Bret is pleased to be included as the NA&E art director and designer for a third year.

MATTHEW LANDON GLOVER

DAN KEEN

Matthew Landon Glover serves double duty as both project manager and contributor to Nashville Arts & Entertainment Magazine. His three year tenure at Glover Group Entertainment has stretched his business entrepreneurship degree to new limits. In addition to his magazine responsibilities, Matt handles inform-

Energetic, personable and eclectic, Belmont University’s Presidential Faculty Achievement Award finalist, Dan Keen has enjoyed a multi-faceted career in Nashville’s music industry. While Dan was a Vice-President with the American Society of Authors Composers and Publishers (ASCAP) he facilitated dominate market share

JOEL ANDERSON Joel Anderson graduated from Ringling School of Art & Design in 1986 and came straight to Nashville to work at Carden & Cherry Advertising Agency. While at C&C, Joel won several advertising awards as well as an Emmy Award for his work on a CBS show, Hey Vern, It’s Ernest. In 1993, Joel and his buddy David Thomas started Anderson Thomas Design, which grew into an award-winning firm with a client list that included Universal Studios, DreamWorks, Hasbro, Golden Books, and National Geographic along with many local and regional clients. After David’s retirement in 2008, Joel reorganized the firm as Anderson Design Group, Inc. and narrowed his focus to branding, publication design and poster art. See more of Joel’s illustration and design work at: www.Anderson DesignGroup.com

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Contributors scribbling down thoughts, she can be found race training, volunteering, or traveling. For more information, visit jaylyncarlyle.com.

Encyclopedia of Country Music and Hatch Show Print: The History of a Great American Poster Shop. He lives in Nashville, where he works as Communications Manager for The Nature Conservancy in Tennessee.

JANET GRIMES

ANGELA ROBERTS Angela Roberts, a resident of Nashville since 1999, combed the hills, countryside, and city streets to create Nashville’s bucket list for this issue. Angela is a professional food blogger and freelance writer. As founder of spinachtiger.com, a food and restaurant blog, she creates original recipes and guides you to the best places to eat. She also works with major food brands as a recipe developer and food photographer. Angela dreams to one day complete a novel where food plays a sacred role in the life of an irreverent, dysfunctional family.

DEBORAH EVANS PRICE Deborah Evans Price is a Nashvillebased freelance writer who contributes to Billboard, People, CMA Close Up, Country Weekly, FIRST, Bob Kingsley’s Country Top 40 Countdown and other national outlets. Her most recent book, Country Faith, published by Harper Collins Christian, features Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood, Josh Turner and more than 50 country artists. Evans Price also is an executive producer on the Country Faith CD, released through Word Entertainment. In 2013 she won the Country Music Association’s Media Achievement Award.

LORI WARD Lori Ward works at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, home to a wide variety of performances and one of the most comprehensive education programs in the United States. Her 15 years here have been the highlight of her career in communications, public relations and community outreach for nonprofit arts and education organizations.

SHERRY STINSON

JAYLYN CARLYLE Versatile. This word best describes Jaylyn Carlyle’s writing style and topics of interest, evinced by her portfolio that includes the CIA, Rugby Magazine, the FBI, Johns Hopkins University, and Cordova Jewelry, to name a few. Continuing that theme, she’s served as a corporate and proposal editor at SAIC, a Fortune 500 company; a PR and marketing director; and an entrepreneur. Jaylyn now balances her time between fiction, nonfiction, and freelance writing. When not

TIM WEEKS

PAUL KINGSBURY Paul Kingsbury wrote the text for Byron Jorjorian’s new book of photography, Treasures Untold: Uncovering Masterpieces of Nature Across Tennessee. Kingsbury has written and edited several other books, including Woodstock: Three Days That Rocked the World, The

Janet is the author of the book The Parent’s Guide to Uncluttering Your Home. She has served as the Devotional Editor for The Christian Pulse, and is also a writer for Christian Woman Magazine and Inspire a Fire, as well as a music reviewer and contributor for Crossroad Magazine. For more information on Janet, please visit her website at http:// janetmorrisgrimes.com.

Tim Weeks has been working in Nashville as a TV producer and writer since the late 80’s. For much of the 2000’s, he worked with High Five Entertainment as show runner and writer of “Opry Live” on GAC and producer of numerous cable and PBS specials. Today, he produces and writes through his own business, TWA Pictures. He still thinks country music should have some twang in it somewhere!

In this issue, Sherry Stinson covers the new downtown baseball park, First Tennessee Park, reporting on the vastly interesting lore and history connected to the hallowed ground it sits on. In addition, she tracked down the infamous and indisputably Most Interesting Person, Bobby Estell (Bobby Bones Show), to discover the secret behind this amazing talent is “a chip on my shoulder.” She also researched and wrote about Nashville’s most amazing philanthropists, artists and business champions as Nashville Arts and Entertainment magazine honors five recipients who have made Nashville a better place. After living in Nashville for more than 20 years, she now resides in Omaha, going back and forth between the two cities as she also works as the Marketing Director for Habitat for Humanity of Greater Nashville.

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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The

MICS FofRMaking EAKON0 Money on Music Row

Canstockphoto / blamb

By Dan Keen

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“It all Begins with a Song”

f you’ve been charmed at one of Nashville’s famous writers’ nights that occur every night in clubs around town, you’ve discovered some Music City secrets. First, hit songs aren’t always written by the artists who sing them. And second, some of those songwriters sing well enough to be artists. Think about that: You could have a music business without artists. Enough songwriters can warble their songs to make it work. But conversely could you have a music business with artists and no songwriters? Nope, what would the artists sing, their Wikipedia bios? Well, yes they’d love to. But the audience would eventually demand songs! So the Nashville Songwriters Association International’s motto, “It all begins with a song” is more than just a swell catchphrase. It contains an undeniable truth about the music industry: Without a song ya got nuthin! Think about this – if you had to, you could have a music business without artists. Many of the different kinds of musicaffiliated companies—record labels, distributors, recording studios, marketing/public relations firms, and on and on—can be drastically impacted or replaced due to technological evolution. But nothing can eliminate the need for great songs. They’re core content. Music City gets that.

Nashvillian Mickey Kantor, former U.S. publishers and songwriters, and artist’s touring secretary of commerce, once said that from the income for the artists and their “team members” time a song idea leaves the songwriter’s brain who take a cut. Note that an artist can also be a until it reaches a consumer it is “touched” by successful songwriter and enjoy both silos. 237 people. Tennessee Congressman Marsha Think about all the ways you “consume” Blackburn once told members of the Copyright music. The obvious ones are streaming music Society of the South that intellectual property, on your computer and mobile devices, listening which includes music, is America’s No. 2 export to radio, watching TV (with music in both behind agriculture. Since then, government the shows and commercials) and hearing live reports have stated that the music business music—from small clubs all the way up to arenas supports at least 40 million jobs and contributes and stadiums. You also hear music in movies, in more than $5 trillion dollars (34.8 percent) to the gym and in retail stores, restaurants and bars. U.S. gross domestic product. And how about karaoke? In 2013 a study from the Nashville mayor’s (Come on, admit it.) office revealed that the music industry has a $10 billion annual economic impact on the Nashville region. The report also found that the Nashville FUN WITH area has more music industry jobs than any MUSIC HISTORY: other U.S. city relative to population and total In the 1950s New York-based record employment—more than New York or Los labels like Columbia and Decca were considering Angeles—helping create and sustain more opening a satellite office for country music. There was than 56,000 local jobs and supporting more competition between Dallas and Nashville to become that than $3.2 billion of labor income annually. country music center. Jim Beck was leading the efforts in Dallas. Beck had recorded Lefty Frizzell, Ray Price and Marty Music matters both emotionally and Robbins in his Dallas studio and was quite an entrepreneur. economically. On May 3, 1956, Beck died after collapsing at his studio from accidentally inhaling carbon tetrachloride fumes while he and his assistant Jimmy Rollins were cleaning So, who gets all this money? WHO recording equipment. No one else in Dallas could ARE THESE PEOPLE!?!? For starters, let’s lead the charge. Hello, Nashville? break it down into two silos that contain You are Music City! sizable income streams: Publishing income for

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Do you sing in a choir? Anybody you know learning to play an instrument? Do you send musical greeting cards and eCards? Singing toys? Ever go to a football game and see a marching band moonwalk while playing a Michael Jackson medley? Is music significant in weddings, funerals, baptisms and bar mitzvahs? How about ringtones! When you take a little time to slow down and “hear” the roses, you realize that music is in nearly every part of your day. Savvy businesses use it to affect your emotion and thought processes, or to ease your concerns (during its startup period, the Otis company piped in music to help people forget that some of the first elevators had a bothersome habit of, um … very rapid descent—hence the term: “elevator music”). All of those commercial uses, and any others you can think of, require licenses granting permission for the use of music. The license is granted by the owner of the copyright—that’s the publisher and/ or songwriter—to the radio stations (including satellite and online), television networks, streaming sites like Spotify and Pandora and all the other parties in the examples above. In short, anyone who profits from using music must get a license. This lovely process generates royalties to the copyright owners.

FUN WITH MUSIC HISTORY: The term “royalty” was coined when King Henry VIII mandated that all music in his realm had to pass his inspection. Oh, and there was a fee involved, the “royalty.”

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Performance – The Biggest Slice of the Pie During the “music business meltdown” that started in the late 1990s, there were two segments that suffered least (which is like saying, “Sure, I lost all my limbs but my heart’s still beating! Flesh wound! It’s just a flesh wound :-). Those areas were music publishing and live events/touring. These segments can’t be outmoded or made irrelevant because you can’t do without hit songs and live performances. Even a great DVD of a live show is not the same as actually being there, “in the room” with the real artist performing. Publishing royalties come from six sources:

performance (live or recorded but played or streamed publicly); mechanical income (physical product like CDs, greeting cards and toys); synchronization income (visual mediums like movies, television, YouTube videos, commercials); print income (sheet music, books, band and orchestra arrangements); grand rights (Broadway shows); and foreign income which is comprised of the previous five income streams for usage outside the U.S. So, when you hear a song on your car radio or on Pandora or Spotify, and then buy a ticket to hear the artist perform that song in concert, you’re helping generate performance royalties, the largest single source of publishing income for music publishers and songwriters. Note that performance licenses cover both live performances and recorded music that is broadcast or played to the public.

FUN WITH MUSIC HISTORY: For ten months between 1939 and 1940 a radio boycott caused popular songs to be pulled off radio in an attempt to get higher royalties from airplay. Imagine if there were no current, popular songs on the radio for 10 months now! (We may see similar situations arise over play on free internet services such as Pandora and Spotify.)

Anytime you hear that song played by a DJ in a dance club, a bar band, on TV, on a cruise ship or even played over a sound system in your favorite restaurant, performance royalties flow. Just so you’ll know (and drool). …if you wrote a song by yourself and it topped the Billboard Top 100 or country chart, you could make around $500,000—or more—just from performances on the radio alone (and so would your publisher). Yeah. Who collects these license fees? In Nashville, you’ll see and hear the acronyms ASCAP and BMI often. They, along with SESAC and Sound Exchange, are performing rights organizations (PROs). From their monumental offices on Music Row, those organizations represent publishers and professional songwriters by licensing performances and collecting fees, and then distributing the royalties. ASCAP and

BMI both collect around $1 billion annually in license fee—each— which they distribute to the writers and publishers (after deducting around 15 percent for overhead). Kind of a big deal.

The money flow works like this:

Mechanicals Sink … But Sync Rises We’ve created the scenario where you heard the song on the radio or streamed it on a computer or mobile device and then you heard it in concert. Let’s add more music consumption. On the way out of the concert venue, let’s say you buy a CD, or when you get home, you download a song or album into your phone or iPod. Now you’ve participated in the royalty stream called mechanical income.

FUN WITH MUSIC HISTORY: Ever since Alexander Graham Bell and Thomas Edison invented mechanical devices capable of playing recorded music (the Gramophone and Phonograph), a small portion of the price paid to buy copies of songs that could be played on devices (by “copies” we mean piano rolls, metallic cylinders, acetate discs, vinyl records, tapes, CDs, singing toys or downloads) flows back to the publisher(s) who splits it with the songwriter(s). That’s mechanical royalties.

1. The radio station gets a license to play a song from the performing rights organizations.

2. You, the consumer, hear a song on the radio.

Illustrations by Travis Foster

3. The PROs identify the mostplayed songs every quarter and send a pro-rata share of the license fees they’ve collected to the publishers and writers of those songs.

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particular version of the song—the artist’s recording of the song—requires a master license. That fee goes into the artist income silo. Independent singer/songwriters who own both their publishing and recordings, have income in each silo! Let the good times roll, my people!

Big Artists Make REALLY Big Money

Publishing/Songwriter Silo The mechanical royalty paid to the publisher, who splits it with the songwriter, is determined by Congress. That’s right, there is a statutory rate for mechanical royalties—the only income stream that is governed by federal statute. The rate is 9.1 cents per song, per unit sold (unless the single recording is longer than five minutes). If you download a single track, the publisher will receive a mechanical royalty of 9.1 cents. Using that formula, you see that if you buy an album with 10 songs on it, the mechanical royalties due publishers would be 91 cents (10 songs x 9.1 cents) for every album sold. Each publisher receives their pro-rata share based on how many songs they own on the project. Total mechanical income used to be about equal to performance income for most successful publishers … but not anymore. As everybody except a modern day Rip Van Winkle would know, CD sales plummeted and mechanical royalties took a nightmarish dive when Napster and other peer-to-peer Internet sites allowed people to copy music without paying for it. Another factor is that music lovers can now buy just the songs they prefer and not

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Artist Income Silo entire CDs. To replace lost income, publishers and songwriters have had to wake up and find other ways to realize their dreams. They’ve turned their energy to films and television shows. The ABC television drama, Nashville, is one example of music use that has helped sustain writers and publishers in the face of the meltdown. Music City songs are finding more exposure in TV shows, movies and commercials. This results in synchronization income (songs are played in “sync” with action onscreen). Fortunately, as CD sales and mechanical royalties have decreased, sync royalties have increased. Sync fees range from a few thousand dollars for a short background use to six figures when a character in the show sings the song on camera. TV theme songs are a goldmine. There are also many songs like Pretty Woman, 9 To 5 and Walk The Line that have become the title and storyline for a movie. Niiiiice. Sync use often requires two licenses. One is the sync license (explained above), which licenses the right to use the song itself. Those fees go into the publisher/writer silo. But the

For artists, the income percentages vary widely from the small group of superstars on top of the mountain to the rest of the artists trying to get there. At the peak, one percent of all artists make roughly 77 percent of the income generated by/to artists. Those at the summit who write their own hits can earn about a fourth of their total income from publishing royalties. The artists still climbing earn a much smaller portion of their total from composing songs. Artists who don’t write their own songs generally receive 10 percent or less of their income from the sale of their recordings and 20-40 percent from touring. Artists who write their hits make up to 30 percent of their earnings from royalties in addition to the same touring income.

ARTIST INSIGHT: Billy Sprague won a Song Of The Year Dove Award for his spectacular song, Via Dolorosa. Finally, his dream came true and he got a record deal. In the studio, Sprague received several gifts, food and drinks from the label as well as visits from record label employees to encourage him. Months later when he examined his royalty statements he discovered that all the swell gifts were charged against the royalties due him. The label personnel also charged him automobile mileage to visit him in the studio. Sprague quickly learned that, “…encouragement from a record label often comes with an invoice.”

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If an artist does it right, they won’t lose their shirt from merchandise sales; in fact, quite the opposite. The sale of T-shirts, hats, beer can coozies and other merchandise items produce income that rivals publishing and touring dollars with earnings of about 15-30 percent. So for artists, the three major income streams are touring, merchandise and royalties (if they are also a songwriter). As we mentioned, live events and touring are a sustaining enterprise for artists. Many successful artists can make up to four times as much from touring as they do from the sales of their recorded product (CDs, downloads, etc.). There are over 30 artists with connections to Music City who can regularly command performance fees of $100,000 or more.

Identifying exactly where the money goes and who takes how big a cut before the artist receives their net share is one of the most intriguing rabbit holes you can go down. Every artist’s touring financials are different from others, and every single performance can be handled with different financial schematics from gig to gig. Managers, booking agents, promoters and venue operators dangle different carrots depending on the unique

opportunities at each venue. The manifests, budget sheets and profit and loss statements at a business manager’s office can have over 100 different line items. So, there are infinite ways to split out the money from the touring that these acts do. Using one of many, many models in the industry, let’s break out what an artist might make from that concert you went to. One model could play out like this:

$90,000 Receipts from actual ticket sales

Promoter’s expenses –$20,000

$50,000 to Artist (Already sent as guarantee)

ARTIST INSIGHT: Mark Volman, who co-founded the Turtles, is now on the Belmont University faculty and pours out his experiences – both bad and good – for the great benefit of his students. He says, “We learned about music business practices by word of mouth and through our own experiences. A sad phenomenon is that our group, the Turtles, which is known for Happy Together was in litigation the whole life of the band!” Volman and his bandmate, Howard Kaylan, now own the songs they wrote for their bands (the Turtles and Flo & Eddie). They also own the master recordings of the songs that those groups made. So whenever those masters are in a movie, television show, commercial or other usages they make a nice chunk of change. They earn royalties when hip-hop groups sample their masters, too. Volman says, “A pleasant surprise has come from owning our masters. I want kids out there in bands to understand ‘ownership!’”

$20,000 Profit for artist and promoter to split 70/30 – $6,400 to Booking Agent

Artist now has:

$64,000

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Artist share is $14,000, which is added to the guarantee already received.

$50,000 guarantee plus $14,000 from 70/30 split of profit – $3,200 to Business Manager

– $ 9,600 to Artist Manager

Promoter’s profit –$6,000

$70,000

– $20,000 Artist’s expenses to do the show: band, transportation, hotels, etc.

$24,800 Net profit to artist from the show

$50 Per ticket for one show Another way to look at it is per ticket. Where does your ticket money go? This model includes everybody who takes a cut and the approximate percentage of that cut, based on a $50 ticket: Concert promotion, venue rental (Got to get butts in seats!) 30%

Taxes 10%

Credit card processing 3%

Band members (4) 3.2%

Per diems 8.75% (The band has to eat!)

Crew 6.65% (Sound, lights, roadies)

Production 2.8% (Renting sound, lights, pyrotechnics, fog machine, etc.)

Hotels 6.2%

Transportation 7.7% (Trucks carrying production, vans and buses carrying the band and crew)

Insurance 0.55% (Clauses in the contract protect against events or effects that cannot be reasonably anticipated or controlled, including weather disasters)

Merchandise manufacture 2.5% (Fans love those caps and T-shirts!)

Incidentals 0.35% (Stuff happens)

Artist receives from each ticket: $9.16

Total = 81.7%

Booking agent (-10%) – $0.90 (Thanks for the gig!)

So your ticket cost $50.00

Manager (-20%) – $1.80 (Thanks for the career!) Business manger (- 5%) – $0.44 (Thanks for preventing bankruptcy!)

Subtract costs (81.7%)

$40.84 Don’t forget that the booking agent, artist’s manager and business manager take their cuts. In this model, it happens at this point. From that $9.16, deduct 10 percent for the agent, 20 percent for the manager and five percent for the business manager from each ticket.

Net income for artist per each ticket

Artist’s final net from each ticket

$6.02

$9.16

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Multiply $6.02 by the number of tickets sold for an entire tour and you can easily see the economy of scale that results in touring. If you like “Fun With Math,” apply those percentages to $150 tickets, then $10 tickets. You’ll see million dollar earnings for the few mega-artists, the struggles for artists who perform in small clubs and the various rewards for those in between. For most successful artists, whether they are indie singer/songwriters or superstars, the income from live shows and touring is their largest single source of income. Paramore While we’re here: From the ARTIST INSIGHT: previous page, look at all the jobs How does it work when the artist is a minor, that exist in the music business under 21 years of age? When the author of this besides the obvious ones like article signed Hayley Williams (above right) of Paramore artist, manager, songwriter to ASCAP they held their meeting in a coffee shop with her and publisher. You can attorney. Williams, who was 14-years-old exclaimed, “I’m SO glad I had this business meeting with you! I’ve been grounded all week but begin to see the scope of Mom let me out to have this business meeting!” the music industry and its positive impact on the job Williams and her mother, Cristi, have worked extremely hard to “keep market. it real” between them. After observing all the demolished show biz families around them, Williams’ mom believes, “A parent’s ultimate role – bottom line – is parenting. Leave the business decisions to the experts. Allow the team you helped build to do their jobs. Instilling your values in your children, even when they’re an Any more artist, that’s your job. Family values and integrity are disruptors? important no matter what career your child In 2015, watch for some has chosen.” significant paradigm shifts as consumers continue to prefer streaming music rather than buying a copy (song downloads, CDs, etc.). Currently, publishers receive micropennies from streaming. This is unsustainable. It also doesn’t seem fair when the PROs calculate that Pandora pays artists 12 times more for the music than they pay the songwriters and publishers of that same music. This issue will be hot, hot, hot until it resolves. Some publishers think it will take another boycott like one that occurred in 1939, when popular songs

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

were removed from radio for 10 months in an effort to gain higher royalties for airplay. This time they’ll boycott the streaming services. You could also see some significant mergers, such as one PRO merging with another or with other royalty collection services like the Harry Fox Agency, Sound Exchange or CCLI. Certainly the size and scope of the PROs will look very different, perhaps soon. The situation is very, very fluid. But even in it’s current state of disruption, the music business maintains its allure. As Mike Settle wrote in American Songwriter Magazine, “Publishing can be a lucrative and relatively stable arm of the music business. It can also be a bottomless pit of bloodsucking rejection and despair – a hole filled with your valuable time, money, hopes and dreams. Don’t it sound like fun?” A popular urban legend attributes the following quote to Gonzo journalist, Hunter Thompson: “The music business is a cruel and shallow money trench, a long plastic hallway where thieves and pimps run free, and good men die like dogs. There’s also a negative side.” Then there’s Johann Sebastian Bach who opined, “Music’s only purpose should be the glory of God and the recreation of the human spirit.” Those diverse opinions can exist in the same industry because, to put it simply, we love music. Every significantly developed civilization needs great art. From early hieroglyphics on cave walls to current day dance clubs, concert venues, churches, radio, computers and other media, it is clear that mankind has always been driven to express itself musically and to enjoy those expressions from others. Music permeates every fabric of our crazy quilt lives in work, play and worship. God Himself is portrayed as singing over us in Zephaniah 3:17b: “He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing.” God sings!!! Clearly there is the possibility to participate in something divine in the music business.

Just for the record, we’re proud to call Nashville home.

You’ll find more than 2,300 Bridgestone teammates hard at work and play in Nashville’s communities. Being involved is an important part of our business. It’s our passion. It’s our home.

Find out more at www.BridgestoneAmericas.com

NASHVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY, SPECIAL COLLECTIONS

“Baseball was, is and always will be, to me, the best game in the world.” —Babe Ruth

That Was Then Nashville’s New Ballpark Gets Back to Its Origins

aseball is about so much more than hitting the ball and running the bases. It is a self-evident truth about the roots of American culture. And as construction moves forward on a new home for the Triple-A Nashville Sounds organization, there could be no better place to continue Nashville’s baseball legacy than the already storied and historic site

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

chosen for the new ballpark, Sulphur Dell. “It is the historic home of baseball,” explains Mayor Karl Dean, who has been instrumental in getting the project signed, sealed and delivered. “Jackie Robinson, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig and Joe DiMaggio all played baseball there. It was also home of the Negro League’s Elite Giants when major league ball was still segregated.

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By Sherry Stinson

The Old Days: Playing in ‘The Dump’ Nashville’s baseball story began during the Civil War, when Union Army soldiers introduced baseball to the area. The game caught on and in 1870 a ballpark was built, known first as Athletic

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And, B.B. King, James Brown and other greats performed concerts there. I can’t imagine a more meaningful location to give minor league ball a new home and to generate new development along Jefferson Street,” Dean added. Until recently, Sulphur Dell was nothing more than buried stories, a historic marker and a state employee parking lot situated on the north side of the city between Jackson and Harrison Streets, and Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Plans to replace the ailing Herschel Greer Stadium, the Sounds’ home for 37 years, had been batted around since 2007 with no solid hits. That was then. This is now. Construction is at a furious pace to finish the newly named First Tennessee Park in time for the 2015 minor league season—a feat that, under normal circumstances, should take three years but is now targeted for one year, according to Ron Gobbell, president of Gobbell Hays Partners Inc. The Nashville architectural and management firm is in charge of coordinating the project’s design and construction teams.

“The Dump” with its legendary sloped outfield.

The proposed design for the new First Tennessee Park. Park, then Sulphur Spring Bottom and later coined Sulphur Dell by sportswriter Grantland Rice. A grandstand was built in 1885 and it became the city’s minor league ballpark for the next 100 years before it was torn down in 1969. From 1901 to 1963, it was home to the Nashville Vols minor league baseball team. Much of the lore surrounding Sulphur Dell was due, in large part, to its location in the bottomland or “dell,” and to its natural sulphur spring. But even more legendary was the steeply sloped outfield. Because the field sat down in a bowl, the outfield wall, or “shelf,” tapered up so badly in right field that visiting teams often referred to it creatively. They called the field “The Dump” and Babe Ruth once remarked, “They have a right field that goes straight up in the air.” Baseball Hall of Famer Casey Stengel, “The Old Professor,” joked he could bunt a home

run down the first base line. Right fielders were called “mountain goats” and pitchers called the field “Suffer Hell.” The ballpark was also located next to the Nashville stockyards and nearby Cumberland River, which would consistently flood, leaving the field a “stinking mess” at times. One player called the old ballpark a “drained-out bathtub.” And the story goes that when The Babe came to town for an exhibition game, the fire chief had to wet down the area outside the outfield fence for the special occasion to alleviate the odors. Sulphur Dell’s story reaches even further back in Nashville’s early history. Construction crews are digging up artifacts that suggest the area was possibly home to a Native American “pottery factory.” Archeologists are onsite with the construction crews, monitoring and collecting the treasure trove of history as the land continues to yield its story. State archeologists think the pottery remains and animal bones found at the site could date back more than 800

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years. As Nashville developed into a city, the area was also the site of the old city cemetery before it was moved to a different location—leaving one to wonder if the ghost of Shoeless Joe will prophetically emerge into the future storyline.

1913 Nashville Vols minor league baseball team

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

1959 Nashville Vols minor league baseball team

nashville public library, special collections

As construction crews grind away at the opening deadline, excitement is mounting over the new “neighborhood” ballpark, adding to a downtown sports profile that includes the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and the Nashville Predators NHL hockey franchise. The Sounds, the Triple-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers, couldn’t be happier with its new home and have signed a 30-year lease with the city. “We have been given a tremendous opportunity to restore baseball’s rich heritage in Nashville,” Sounds owner Frank Ward said. “We feel a commitment to make that happen in a dramatic fashion that everyone will witness in the coming months, as First Tennessee Park begins to take shape.” First Tennessee Park anchors the north end of Fifth Avenue, known locally as the “Avenue of the Arts,” opposing the massive new Music City Center at the other end. The ballpark sits east of the Bicentennial Mall and will offer sweeping views of the city. The site surrounding the Sounds’ new home is also earmarked for a new state library and archives, and possibly a new state museum, which is currently housed under the Tennessee Performing Arts Center and in need of a profile of its own. Dean adds that the city has made a significant investment south of downtown with the Music City Center and the expanded Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, along with private development of the Omni Hotel and other new hotels and businesses. It is time to turn an eye northward. First Tennessee Park will seat 8,500 with room for another 1,500 in open areas, and the park is being built with features unique to Nashville. What visitors can expect when the ballpark opens is a massive green space area outside of centerfield that will connect to the downtown

nashville public library, special collections

Bringing Downtown’s Energy Uptown

greenways and be open daily for visitors to enjoy. There will be four “home suites” behind the catcher, offering an incredible, eye-level perspective of the game. The trusses in the ballpark are being designed to pay homage to the old ballpark and there will be many displays and visuals around the park to “bring baseball back to its roots,” says Michelle Barbero, associate project manger for Gobbell Hayes. Other plans call for Jackson Street to be

designated a “festival street” that can be closed and utilized for venue activities when the ballpark is being used for other events. According to Toby Compton at the Nashville Sports Authority, the park will be used for concerts, community events and will even have rooms that can be rented for meetings. And for those who might wonder about the iconic guitar-shaped scoreboard currently at Greer Stadium: Plans include an updated version

The iconic guitar-shaped scoreboard from Greer Stadium will not follow the Sounds to the new stadium when complete.

of the beloved old landmark for First Tennessee Park with high-def video and animated graphics.

The ballpark construction is on schedule to open in time for the 2015 season, says Ron Gobbell. The Sounds ownership has pledged a reported $60 million toward a mixed-use real estate development surrounding the ballpark. Embrey Development Corp. has begun construction on a $37 million, 250-unit multifamily apartment complex nearby. A stateowned parking garage will also be located at the south end of the ballpark, providing ample parking for games and events. The investment for the entire development and new chapter in Nashville’s baseball history is projected at $150 million. In the end, it did take a village to get the project moving, as the Sounds organization has been publicly looking for a new home for years—and rightfully so. Greer Stadium was falling behind the new, emerging Nashville and had long outlived its season. Many parties had to come together to see Nashville baseball return

bret d. haines

It’s All About Teamwork

to its roots, but according to Dean, it all fell into place quickly. “Once we had an agreement as to the location of the ballpark at Sulphur Dell, everything fell into place and has moved smoothly,” Dean said. “The Nashville Sounds and its ownership group, particularly Frank Ward, have been great partners in this project. This ballpark would not have been possible without the partnership and support of many others, as well, including the Metro Council, the governor’s office and state building commission, the Metro Sports

Authority, Embrey Development Corporation, surrounding neighborhood organizations and baseball groups and First Tennessee Bank.” Many baseball fans have openly wondered if the new ballpark will lay the groundwork for a major league team some day soon. Unfortunately, everyone associated with this project agrees this ballpark will not accommodate a major league franchise. But don’t rule it out, says Dean. “Nashville’s future is bright, and, the way we are growing and thriving,” he said, “it’s clear the city will one day have an MLB team.”

• Minor league baseball returned to Nashville in 1978 when the Sounds—named for the country music “sounds” native to our city—played against the Savannah Braves in a 12-4 victory. The new stadium, Herschel Greer Stadium, was located at the foot of St. Cloud Hill in Fort Negley Park. • The Sounds finished ninth during its inaugural campaign of 1978 but led all of minor league baseball in attendance that year. • President and part owner Larry Schmittou,then-head coach of the Vanderbilt University baseball team, was instrumental in bringing professional baseball back to Nashville. Schmittou enlisted country music stars like Larry Gatlin, Conway Twitty and a few more to become stockholders. • The first Sounds mascot was Homer Horsehide, who had a human appearance with an oversized baseball for a head. A dinosaur named Champ was the next team mascot (he had “altercations with team management”) before Ozzie became the permanent mascot in 1997. • In 2005, the Sounds became the affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers (and remains to this day), the sixth different major league franchise for the team. That year, the Sounds won the 2005 Pacific Coast League championship. • In 2006, three Sounds pitchers (Carlos Villanueva, Mike Meyers and Alec Zumwalt) combined for a no-hitter against the Memphis Redbirds, the first in franchise history. In that same year, they played a record 24-inning game against the New Orleans Zephyrs. • In 2007, lefty Manny Parra pitched a perfect game that was later voted the Minor League Baseball Performance of the Year. • Out of 855 players on the Sounds roster, more than 500 have gone on to play major league baseball. • The Sounds have retired two numbers in its history: Skeeter Barnes’ 00 and Don Mattingly’s 18. • The Sounds are currently owned by Frank Ward and Masahiro Honzawa.

bret d. haines

Nashville Sounds Highlights

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The Nashville Bucket List By Angela Roberts

1. Iroquois Steeplechase, referred to as Nashville’s annual Rite of Spring, happens the second Saturday in May, attracting over 25,000 fans. It’s big hats, seersucker and pure Southern tradition. Try to get invited by a Southern belle—many tailgate with their own personal caterer. Next Race day is May 9, 2015, at Percy Warner Park, off Highway 100

features outside market stands; a food court of locally owned eateries; a meat and seafood market, international grocery store, cooking classes and an outside nursery. The Night Market also features wine, cocktails and live music. Adjacent to the Bicentennial Mall State Park, where you can pick up a few history lessons with a selfguided walk past the monuments. 900 Rosa L. Parks Blvd. (Photo: Angela Roberts)

(Photo: Mickey Bernal)

2. Celebrate fresh food at the Nashville Farmers’ Market. Open 362 days a year, Farmers’ Market

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3. Stroll through multiple galleries on 5th Avenue of the Arts, Nashville’s newly furbished, dynamic art district, open daily. Join an energetic crowd the first Saturday of every month for First Saturday Art Crawl. Free shuttle service is provided, and several galleries serve refreshments and wine. The Arts Company at 215 5th Ave.

North is one of the anchor art galleries. (Photo: Doug Roberts)

4. One man’s trash is Mike Wolfe’s treasure—as you’ve probably seen on his American Pickers TV show. You can browse Wolfe’s Nashville location, Antique Archaeology, located in the Marathon Village. 1300 Clinton St., Ste. 130 (615) 810-9906 Mon.-Sat.: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. / Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

5. Scratch your shopping itch at the Nashville Flea Market held

at the Tennessee Expo Center on the fourth weekend of the month (third in December). Currently ranked No. 7 in the country, and often presenting a themed weekend, vendors sell everything old and new under the sun. Tennessee Fairgrounds, 500 Wedgewood Ave. Free Admission; $5 parking; $35 Overnight RV Parking Weekend includes Friday, Saturday & Sunday (check nashvilleexpocenter.org for times)

Acklen Ave.; left on Love Circle. (Photo: Doug Roberts)

(Photo courtesy of Nashville Flea Market)

6. Pack a camera and lunch, grab your best gal (or guy) and head up to the grass covered Love Circle Reservoir for a romantic picnic spot with one of the best views of the Nashville skyline. From downtown on West End Ave.: Take a left on Orleans Dr.; right on

7. The Metropolitan Historical Commission has placed over 150 markers in Nashville since 1968, divulging historical gems right where they happened. Examples include the Marathon Motor Car, the Chickasaw Treaty, Jackson’s Law Office and Granny White’s Cabin. As you drive around, be sure to stop and read a piece of history and make it a goal to read all of them. Easily locate Historical Markers around you by using Field Trip app from the Apple or Google Store. (Photo: Angela Roberts)

8. Catch a show at the Ryman Auditorium, best known as the historic home of the Grand Ole Opry. Originally designed as the Union Gospel Tabernacle—which accounts for the church pew seating and it’s nickname, “The Mother Church of Country Music”—the Ryman is still one of Nashville’s best concert venues. Even if you can’t make a show, take a self-guided or backstage tour and get a picture of yourself onstage where legends Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn and many, many more have performed. 116 5th Ave. North Tours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily www.Ryman.com

10. Attend the Nashville Film Festival. Considered one of the top five film festivals in the United States, this red carpet event is also one of the world’s longest running. Two hundred entries will be chosen from over 1,500 submissions and viewed over 10 days at the Regal Theater in Green Hills. See one film or feast on them all. 3815 Green Hills Village Dr. (Photo courtesy of NaFF)

(Photo: Chris Hollo courtesy of Ryman)

9. Listen to music of all styles at 3rd and Lindsley. In this venue, less known to tourists but well known by all the local musicians, you’re just as likely to see stars in the audience as on stage. Bands consisting of top Nashville touring and studio musicians regularly play here, such as the Smoking Section, the Wooten Brothers, the Alternators, Here Come the Mummys, the Long Players and the Time Jumpers. 818 3rd Ave. South / (615) 259-9891 (Photo from Moments by Moser)

1 oz. bourbon 3 Goo Goo Clusters, chopped 1 prepared graham cracker crust Instructions Using a mixer, whip heavy cream until stiff peaks form. Reduce to low speed. Add sugar, vanilla and bourbon, mixing until fully blended. Fold in half of the chopped Goo Goo Clusters, mixing completely. Spread mixture into prepared graham cracker crust. Top with remaining Goo Goo Clusters. Freeze until firm. Can be served frozen or chilled. Bet you can’t eat one piece.

11. Eat Goo Goo Clusters, created and made in Nashville since 1912. A roundish mound of caramel, marshmallow nougat, fresh roasted peanuts and real milk chocolate, Goo Goo was the first American candy bar made from more than one ingredient. Found all over town and at the Goo Goo Outpost at the Fontanel (and soon a company store downtown). Fontanel located at 4225 Whites Creek Pike, Nashville, TN 37189 Recipe for Goo Goo Cluster Frozen Pie (printed with permission from McCabe’s Pub) Ingredients: 2 cups heavy cream 1 cup confectioners sugar 1 tsp. vanilla

12. Join 30,000 runners and hundreds of thousands of onlookers at the St. Jude Country Music Marathon and 1/2 Marathon in downtown Nashville. More than just a race, it includes live music every few miles and a post-race concert starring some of Music City’s biggest artists. April 25, 2015 (Photo: Michael Hicks)

13. Sample a selection of Nashville’s hand-crafted beers at local breweries. Taprooms and tours

are available at both Yazoo and Jackalope, close enough to jump from one to the other. While you’re in the beer mood, hop over to Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream for a scoop of Yazoo Sue with Rosemary Beer Nuts or other creative flavors. Jackalope Brewing - 701 Eighth Ave. South / jackalopebrew.com Yazoo Brewery - 910 Division St. yazoobrew.com Jenni’s - 2312 12th Ave. South (615) 292-7794 (Photos: Doug Roberts) 14. Stand up and paddle to a full moon on the Cumberland River. The fastest-growing water sport in the world doesn’t need an ocean, just a spirit of adventure. Demos, clinics, rentals at Paddle Up TN, the only brick-and-mortar paddle board company in Tennessee. They make it fun by hosting a Happy Hour Paddle Up, followed by a trip to the Blue Moon Waterfront Grille. Seasonal and varied hours. 525 Basswood Ave. (at Rock Harbor Marina)

16. Enter your best tomato art, or tomato recipe at the Tomato Art Festival. Every August in East Nashville, 35,000 fun-loving, hungry hipsters celebrate the tomato with art, music, a parade and cooking contest. They even crown a Tomato King and Queen! Intersection of Woodland and South 11th Street in East Nashville Second Friday, Saturday of August tomatoartfest.com (Photo: Angela Roberts)

(Photo courtesy of Las Paletas, Mariann

17. Grab a thermos of hot chocolate and visit the Gaylord Opryland Hotel at Christmas. The Country Christmas extravaganza offers shows and exhibits, but simply gazing at over two million lights and stunning decorations is worth the trip. Featuring multiple atriums with rivers, waterfalls, shops, and restaurants, it has been referred to as “The hotel you can visit but can’t find your way out of.” We suggest dropping breadcrumbs. 2800 Opryland Dr.

Colonna)

(Photo courtesy of Opryland Hotel)

15. Cool off with inventive Gourmet Popsicles at Las Paletas, which can be dipped in Nashville’s very own Olive & Sinclair chocolate. Paletas are Mexican popsicles made with fresh fruit—or made with cream and creativity, like Hot Chocolate with Peppers. 911 12th Ave. South

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18. Eat at a Meat and Three. To the non-local, that means a meat (entrée) and three sides. One of those sides is usually squash casserole, often found with mac and cheese and fried okra. Legendary meat and threes include Arnold’s Country Kitchen, featured on The Food Network’s Drive-ins, Diners and Dives; Rotier’s, a family owned Nashville landmark since 1945; and Puckett’s, iconic, homey and often host to live music. Arnolds Country Kitchen at 605 8th Ave. South Rotier’s at 2413 Elliston Place Puckett’s at 500 Church St., one of multiple locations (photo courtesy of Pucketts, Amy Whidby)

20. See a show at the Grand Ole Opry. Telling you about America’s most popular musical stage and oldest existing radio show is like telling you about ice cream—you really need to experience it. Put a little musical history in your memories as you watch a real, live variety show of new stars, old stars and stars in the making. Pure Americana. Hosted at Grand Ole Opry House, February - October or at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in the winter months. Grand Ole Opry House – 2804 Opryland Dr., 37214 / www.opry.com Ryman Auditorium – 116 5th Ave. N. www.ryman.com

22. Hermitage Hotel, open since 1910, is the only Forbes five-star and AAA five-diamond hotel in the state of Tennessee. Enjoy white-glove treatment whether you stay, dine at the exquisite Capitol Grill or just have a drink in the Oak Room. Rich in America’s political history (including a part in the suffrage movement), the Hermitage has hosted several presidents, scores of movie stars and one very famous pool legend (Minnesota Fats actually called it home for several years). 231 Sixth Ave. North

24. At The Hermitage, home of seventh president Andrew Jackson, you can tour the Greek revival mansion, and walk the beautiful Southern gardens and plantation. A special horse-drawn wagon tour is available from April-October, chronicling Andrew Jackson’s family history, acknowledging the part slavery played and honoring those who contributed to life on the plantation. 4580 Rachels Lane, Nashville, TN 37076 (photo courtesy of the Hermitage)

(Photo courtesy of Grand Ole Opry)

19. Cheekwood Botanical Gardens cannot be described as merely flowers and trees. Mind-blowing, seasonal outdoor art installations, a museum, an odd Alice in Wonderland-type statue trail, and an interactive tree house are all beyond splendor in the grass. The Howe Garden (originally the Wildings Garden, moved from a private East Nashville home) recently underwent a $1 million redo. If you can’t afford the fairy-tale wedding, it’s a wonderful place to get down on one knee. Fees for admission and parking. 1200 Forrest Park Dr.

21. Visit the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, a $125 million venue, distinctive in neoclassic architecture and worldclass acoustics. Treat yourself to an evening with the Nashville Symphony, which has received seven Grammy Awards since 2000. Classic movies are shown throughout the summer months. Free tours are available most Wednesdays and Sundays at Noon, September-April. 1 Symphony Place

23. Spend the day shopping and burning calories walking Tennessee’s largest retail outlet venue, the Opry Mills Mall. Check out over 200 stores, an IMAX movie theater, live music events and dining. Outlets include Coach, J. Crew, Saks Fifth Ave, H & M, Vera Bradley and many more. Located on Briley Parkway, next door to Opryland Hotel. 433 Opry Mills Dr.

(Photo: Angela Roberts)

(photo courtesy of Schermerhorn)

(Photo courtesy of Opry Mills Mall)

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

25. Go bird watching or hiking at Radnor Lake State Park, uniquely located in the city and protected as a Class II natural area. Choose from hiking trails of varying difficulty, with the most challenging, the Ganier Ridge, at 1.6 miles. No food allowed, and only one trail allows bikes and joggers. 1160 Otter Creek Rd. (615) 373-3467

Tubb Record Shop. File through LPs, CDs, books and memorabilia in a shop founded by ol’ ET himself, in 1947. There are so many stars on the wall, it feels like a mini-museum. Open daily, hours vary at 417 Broadway. Also, visit the Texas Troubadour Theater for Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree at 2416 Music Valley Dr. (Photo: Doug Roberts)

27. Natchez Trace - Drive, hike or bike on part of the 444-mile scenic Natchez Trace Parkway that follows the path of the historic Old Trace used by Native Americans, settlers and future presidents. Along the way, you’ll find waterfalls, hiking trails, campgrounds, historic monuments and an abundance of wildlife. Drive slowly; lose count of the deer. The Parkway begins at Highway 100 south of Nashville, just past the Loveless Café, and goes all the way to Natchez, Miss. (Photo: Michael Hicks)

(Photo: Michael Hicks)

26. Mingle with true country music and bluegrass fans at the Ernest

28. Go wine tasting at Arrington Vineyards and bring a picnic. Nestled on a hillside complete with picnic tables and scenic views, the vineyard is located 30 miles southeast of Nashville, in beautiful Arrington. Partly owned by entertainer Kix Brooks (of the chart-topping duo Brooks & Dunn), Arrington Vineyards has produced award-winning wines

from big fat reds to dessert wines that taste like blackberry cobbler. Enjoy Music in the Vines every Friday, Saturday and Sunday in warmer months. 6211 Patton Rd., Arrington, Tenn. 37014 (Photo courtesy Arrington Vineyards by Mark Boughton)

31. Have a cocktail! Bacon and bourbon lovers should treat

32. See one more reason why Nashville is called the Athens of the South. Centennial Park, originally built for Nashville’s 1897 Centennial Exposition, boasts a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in Athens, Greece (including a 42-foot statue of Athena). This unique 132-acre park, located in the heart of the city, includes a pond, play area, beautiful grounds for picnics, outdoor band shell and year-round events.

2500 West End Ave. (Photo: Michael Hicks)

33. Step into Nashville’s musical history at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, commemorating over 100 years of country music. The architecture is laced with musical imagery, from the building’s bass-clef shape to the piano-key windows. With 350,000-square-feet of exhibits and interactive games and activities, you can easily spend an entire day here. 222 Fifth Ave. South (Photo courtesy of Country Music Hall of Fame, by Dove Wedding Photography)

34. Walk your own runway in a perfectly fitted pair of jeans from the Imogene & Willie Jean Shop. A romantic, American

Some Like It HOT! Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack Address: 123 Ewing Dr #3, Nashville, TN 37207 Phone:(615) 226-9442

Bolton’s Spicy Chicken and Fish Address: 624 Main St, Nashville, TN 37206 Phone:(615) 254-8015

Hattie B’s Hot Chicken

Photo: Angela Roberts

29. Visit the Frist Center for the Visual Arts, Nashville’s premier art museum with world-class exhibits. The Martin Art Quest is a must for children of any age, but don’t be surprised to find adults participating in over 30 interactive art projects, many resulting in masterpieces to take home. 18 and under free. Give yourself a few hours to play artist. Open daily, varying hours. 919 Broadway (Photo: Doug Roberts)

30. “What the cluck…?” is a question you’ll never ask again, once you’ve attended the Hot Chicken Festival, held every July 4. Nashville’s signature dish is a mouthful of fireworks, amid live music and the best hot chicken vendors in town. East Park, 700 Woodland St. in East Nashville (see sidebar below for more items in this bucket!)

themselves to the Bacon Old Fashioned at the Patterson House. Or at the Nearest Green, try a Jack Daniel’s single Bourbon Bacon Cocktail at the 404 Kitchen. Ask the bartender why it’s called the Nearest Green. The Patterson House –1711 Division St. The 404 Kitchen–404 12th Ave. South

Address: 112 19th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37203 Phone:(615) 678-4794 Website: www.hattieb.com

400 Degrees Address: 319 Peabody St, Nashville, TN 37210 Phone:(615) 244-4467 Website: www.400degreeshotchicken.com

dream story with patriotic passion led to this one-of-a-kind blue jeans shop, curated in a former dilapidated gas station. Made in America, the jeans are couture quality, custom tailored and touted as the only jeans you will ever need. 2601 12th Ave. South

35. Eat a Southern biscuit. Tens of thousands of biscuits fly out the doors of three unique venues: The Biscuit Bar at Omni Nashville’s Kitchen Notes; the legendary Loveless Cafe; and on the street, from the Biscuit Love Truck, which not only sells biscuits, but puts them into crazy combinations—like the Gertie, with caramelized banana jam, house-ground peanut butter,

Pepperfire Hot Chicken Hot Chicken Address: 2821 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216 Phone: (615) 582-4824 Website: www.400degreeshotchicken.com

Hot Stuff Spicy Chicken and Fish Address: 1309 Bell Road Ste #218 Antioch, TN Phone: 615-712-6100 Website: www.hotstufftn.com

Smack Yo Mama Address: 5017 Nolensville Pike (Tusculum), Nashville, TN 37211 Phone: 615-834-7115

Smokin’ Thighs (food truck) Address: Get the Nashville Food Truck Official App! Just Search “NFTA” Phone: 615-601-2582 Website: www.smokinthighs.com

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pretzel crunch and Olive & Sinclair chocolate gravy. Kitchen Notes at the Omni – 250 5th Ave. South Loveless Cafe – 8400 Highway 100 Biscuit Love Truck has a calendar at biscuitlove.com (Photo: Angela Roberts)

36. While New York enjoys the fashion whimsy of Lady Gaga, Nashville has Katy K’s Western Wear and Ranch Dressing. Kitschy, vintage cowboy and a little flash. A local fixture in the very hip 12 South neighborhood. 2407 12th Ave. South

38. Dive deep into Nashville’s music identity and binge on songwriting talent at Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival, the world’s largest annual songwriting showcase. Over 85 shows, 250 songwriters gather to perform and further enhance the spirit of creativity that is Music City. March 24-28, 2015, nightly events at nine different venues (Photo provided by the Campbell Entertainment Group, Moments by Moser)

40. Pull into valet parking, and shop in high-end fashion at the Green Hills Mall, anchored by Nordstrom’s, Macy’s and Dillard’s. Get dressed in style at Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade or Louis Vuitton. Try on classics at Brooks Brothers, Burberry’s and J. Crew. Get beautiful at Mac Cosmetics, Aveda, Kielh’s and Lush. Spoil that special someone atTiffany’s or Godiva Chocolate. Then, enjoy sinful desserts at The Cheesecake Factory or dine on oysters and duck confit at Table 3 French Bistro, adjacent to the mall. 2126 Abbott Martin Road / (615) 298-5478 Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. / Sunday 12-6 p.m.

39. You must walk what is known as Lower Broadway in downtown Nashville, from 5th Avenue down to Riverfront Park. Hear live country music blaring from iconic honky-tonk bars, such as Roberts Western Wear and Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge. Drop in at Jack’s Bar-B-Que or have one of the best burgers in the city at National Underground, both on Broadway. Broadway from 6th Avenue to the Cumberland River is considered Lower Broad. (Photo: Doug Roberts)

(Photo: Angela Roberts)

We’re Not Getting Older, We’re Getting Better.

37. Have an epic four days of your life at the CMA Music Festival, a country music lover’s dream come true. Over 80,000 fans from all over the world are able to see their favorite artists perform. Proceeds go to the advancement of music, as top celebrities donate their talent. Begun in 1972 to show fan appreciation, the music, activities and autograph lines make it the ultimate country music experience. Held over four days at LP Field (Tennessee Titans Stadium) and several more-intimate venues, June 11-14, 2015.

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T A Peek Behind the Curtain at Local Venues By Lori Ward

he marquee at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center reads “Welcome to Musical City,” both a clever twist on the familiar “Music City USA” moniker and a reminder that Nashville is home to a wide variety of performing arts. Here’s an exclusive glimpse behind the scenes of four local institutions and the work they present to hundreds of thousands of people each year.

Tennessee Performing Arts Center There’s a whole other world up there. Eight stories above the stage, a complex system of grids and cables can hold up to 60 tons of scenery to create the magic for a show like Wicked at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. “The challenge is that it’s all temporary. It has to go up in a day before the show opens and taken down in several hours after the final curtain call in Nashville,” says J.R. Hutchins, TPAC’s technical director, as he describes the demanding operations needed to stage a live performance. “We borrow just about all of our technology from other fields—

shipping, construction, mining, and aircraft manufacturing,” he says, noting that technical theatre consultants and architects specialize in the unique needs of performing arts spaces nationwide. “Most of the materials used at TPAC are purchased locally, from companies that specialize in rigging for cranes, for example. After manufacturing and rigid testing, everything is rated and stamped with a load rating of how much weight it can hold. Then we downgrade that to one-fifth of the ultimate strength.” Aircraft cable and special alloy chains are attached to counterweights, ceiling to floor,

in what Hutchins calls a relatively simple system. “It’s constructed so that just one person—the flyman—can control a thousand pounds of weight or more safely and smoothly, guiding it to within an inch of the spot where it’s supposed to land,” he says. “The riggers are in charge of hanging the really heavy stuff over the performers’ heads, requiring a high level of knowledge and the responsibility to ensure that the set pieces are safely hung and nothing will shift during a performance.” The materials are strong, resilient and efficient, allowing the

riggers to “load out” even faster than they “load in” from ten or more tractor trailer trucks, which also carry costumes, props, lights, sound equipment and other pieces of the live performance. “Touring Broadway shows— especially the big blockbusters like Wicked, The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera—have high expectations from performing arts centers like TPAC,” says Hutchins, noting that investments in that space so high above the stage are “what keeps us competitive, what keeps us running.”

tpac.org

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susan adcock

Ryman Auditorium

Bill steber & pat casey dailey

courtesy of the nashville symphony

Kelly Corcoran

The Nashville Symphony Chorus They come to the rehearsal at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center from the lives they lead. In contrast to the formal dress for a performance, they’re wearing work clothes, shorts, T-shirts—a wild blend of colors and styles reflecting the diversity of the all-volunteer Nashville Symphony Chorus. As the singers rehearse Brahms’ A German Requiem in its original language, conductor Kelly Corcoran gives encouraging notes such as, “Beautiful, beautiful, that was lovely,” or “Keep that same intensity.” Between the stops and starts common in a rehearsal, no matter what they’re wearing, the chorus sings boldly and beautifully. The music is glorious. For more than 50 years, the chorale has served as the vocal arm of the Nashville Symphony in concert, on recordings, and at special engagements, including a recent appearance in Ohio with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra.

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“The chorus strives for the same standard of excellence as the Nashville Symphony. It is our challenge, our task and our duty, to be prepared to perform with the symphony,” says Corcoran, in her second season as chorus director after seven years as the associate conductor of the symphony. High energy and petite, she puts her body, mind and soul into the quick and expressive movements of a conductor, blending her background in vocal music with a master’s degree in instrumental conducting, and an impressive résumé of guest conducting engagements nationwide. Corcoran has nothing but high praise for the chorus members, selected by audition. “Combined, they reflect our community. They come from all walks of life—moms, dads, teachers, lawyers, doctors and professional artists. You have to admire their volunteer spirit,” she says. “They put an amazing amount of work into it, including study and practice outside of rehearsal. Hundreds of hundreds of hours come together for a performance.”. Richard Hatfield, a Nashville native who has sung with the organization since its beginning 50 years ago, sums up what may motivate his fellow talented volunteers. “It’s a great joy to sing these great works with great musicians and to perform at a professional level,” he says. “Singing with the chorus enriches your soul and your spirit.”

nashvillesymphony.org

The storied past of the Ryman Auditorium is woven into the history of Nashville and the nation, from the riverboat days to the rise of country music. These halls truly deserve the description “hallowed.” Hard to match at any other entertainment venue in the country, the legends abound. Johnny Cash and June Carter did not just perform at the Ryman, for example. This is where they met. Built as a house of worship by Captain Tom Ryman in 1892, the building was renamed for him in the early 20th century and hosted famous names in entertainment, politics and literature. The Ryman became a showcase for American culture, art and entertainment, a purpose it continues to serve with hot contemporary acts— mostly a wide variety of music and comedy. Colorful stories go along with the photographs of every famous person on the walls, like Ernest Tubb, who joined the “Grand Ole Opry” in 1943 and became a regular during its 31 years at the Ryman. As the host of Midnight Jamboree, airing right after the Opry, Tubb introduced the likes of Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Charley Pride, Loretta Lynn and other emerging artists to a national audience. His story is one of hundreds, illustrating how Will The Circle Be Unbroken became a central theme in country music culture. For some, the story of the building itself is equally fascinating. Today, the national historic landmark is in the hands of people who take great care of the original bricks, mortar, glass and wood throughout the venue. “Anything we can do to preserve parts of the original building, we will. And if there’s anything we can do to bring it back, we will,” says LisaAnn Dupont, the Ryman’s communications manager, pointing to electric replicas of original gas lamps. Through the one major renovation in its history, backstage space was reconfigured, creating “a comfortable place for the artists to wait until the show starts,” Dupont says. “The average person has never been backstage in a venue. It’s interesting to visitors to see the dressing rooms and to get a glimpse into how much it takes to put on a show, how many

dressing room assignments. They see the post office, where fans can write in care of all of the Grand Ole Opry artists. They experience what it’s like before the show and end up on the stage, standing on the circle of wood from the Ryman and looking out into the auditorium. They can’t help but feel a sense of awe.”

ryman.com

grandoleopry.com

The Grand Ole Opry

Captivating audiences with country, classic, Broadway and modern music, these diverse institutions draw tourists and local residents into a circle of treasured traditions. Among the many ties that bind, they celebrate a rich musical heritage. As this backstage pass reveals, each enjoys contemporary vitality and looks to a bright future with artists who will continue to lead Nashville and the nation in new directions of entertainment.

Every dressing room tells a story. Each of the 18 spaces for artists behind the stage at the Grand Ole Opry now illustrates a chapter in its unique history, when a challenge was turned into an opportunity after the 2010 Nashville flood. The backstage area was completely renovated and redecorated, offering new amenities for artists. Dressing room No. 1 is named for Roy Acuff. “From the first moment the Grand Ole Opry moved into the Opry House, Roy’s door was always open so people could stop in and say ‘hello’ to him,” says Brenda Colladay, the organization’s museum and photograph curator, and the coauthor of “Backstage at the Opry.” Other dressing rooms celebrate bluegrass music, the Opry’s special relationship with the U.S. military, and individual artists like Minnie Pearl, Little Jimmy Dickens and Porter Wagoner. Also saluted are cowboys, songwriters, “HonkyTonk Angels” and more. One dressing room honors Opry debuts and another the day an artist is invited to join the illustrious family. And, of course, there’s one for WSM 650, which continues to broadcast the Grand Ole Opry every Saturday night, just as it has done since 1925, launched five years after the birth of commercial public radio. Asked if the backstage is a museum, Colladay says “It’s more of a showplace of art history and what makes the Grand Ole Opry unique. It’s a living, breathing place. The Opry has an amazing history, but it’s full of life. The backstage is a great place for us to show all of that to the public.” Like the Ryman, the Opry offers tours behind the scenes. “What we try to do on our tour is to put our guests in the shoes of an artist on the night they come to the Opry,” she says. “They come in through the artist entrance, check into security and get their

Dressing Room No 1, the Roy Acuff Dressing Room, at the Grand Ole Opry.

Marty Stuart

photos by chris hollo

people work behind the scenes for every one person on the stage.” In addition to a website packed with fun facts, the Ryman offers a comprehensive tour of the venue, giving the public the opportunity to walk with the legends, from the dressing rooms to the stage.

Trace Adkins

Taylor Swift and Dolly Parton

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Taking Note By Janet Morris Grimes

writer is one who blends perfectly the art of observation with the thrill of inspiration. Capturing every moment in an extra-sensory snapshot to be filed away until it is needed, writers find delight in what others might call ordinary. Their sense of time is measured differently, in ideas rather than hours; in “what ifs?” and “why nots?” A writer craves periods of solitude to process, to notice eternal moments and to cultivate the type of environment that breeds peace and creativity. So if you ever wonder what makes our city so special, ask the writers who take note of all that goes on around them. It is through these shared experiences that they tell our stories. Their words are streaked with our truths. We asked four local authors who have a love affair with Nashville about their writing process, their bucket list and their beloved home.

Donald Miller Latest book: Storyline: Finding Your Subplot in God’s Story Greatest Accomplishment: Getting married to Betsy

JEREMY COWART

Favorite Place to Write: Alone in a cabin Donald Miller is somewhat of a superstar, especially among millennials. A maverick, he’s known for taking a walk across the country and sharing what he learned, as if he were sitting around a campfire at the end of the night. He has a knack for grasping the big picture but responding to it in unpredictable ways—a very Jesus-like quality

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that leaves his readers a little envious and always craving more. The latest plot-twist in Donald Miller’s life brings together two of the biggest surprises and reasons to celebrate: Miller is now a newlywed as well as a newcomer to Nashville. “After getting married in 2013, Betsy and I chose Nashville for its beauty and community,” he says. “We’ve never looked back, and have fallen in love with this town. There’s more creative collaboration here, both to do excellent work and to help the world, than I’ve seen anywhere else. Nashville is special.” In their first six months of marriage, Miller says, “We’ve already had over 50 overnight guests. When people come to town, we take them to Josephine first. The brussels sprouts there are the best thing I’ve tasted. Then, we take in a show. We love the singer/songwriter genre and can’t share it enough. But our favorite thing to do is build a fire in our back yard, invite

friends over to meet our guests, and just make smokes. The conversations are magical.” Miller now invests much of his professional time inspiring creativity and clarity in others. With his Storyline Conference and Storyline Blog (www.storylineblog.com), Miller instills that everyone is designed to live a great story, and he helps attendees craft a life plan to achieve that. “I believe the world is a blank canvas and God has put a paintbrush in each of our hands,” Miller says. “We get to make of it as we will. If the world needs to change, we have what it takes to change it.” His writing process is as intense as the author himself, but it has transformed along with his personal life. “Now, I get alone in a cabin for a few days each quarter—it used to be for weeks at a time,” he explains. “I have to get away from the world and my phone to dive into a book. I think of writing like deepwater diving. You can’t keep coming to the surface and expect to get any work done. You’ve got to stay down at the bottom of the ocean for long periods of time, because that’s where the words are. If you come up, you’ll have to start over.” “My next book is Scary Close, and it’s about the journey I took before getting married, at the age of 42. I hope readers find it candid and vulnerable, yet also an adventure of a love story. And of course I hope it honors my beautiful wife.” When asked what was next on his bucket list, Miller responded with the grateful voice of a satisfied renegade. “My bucket list is over. I’m just spreading more icing on the cake. I just want to give back. If I get one more blessing, I’ll just walk around crying all the time. Nobody wants to see that.”

Becca Stevens Latest Book: Snake Oil: The Art of Healing and Truth Telling Greatest Accomplishment: Being the Founder of Thistle Farms Favorite Place to Write: “My bathtub.” Becca Stevens arrived in Nashville as a four-year-old, with four siblings and her parents, who had the intention of launching an Episcopal church in the southern part of town. The next year, her father was tragically killed by a drunk driver. “The focus of our lives changed after that,” she says. “I grew up with a mother who completely had to reinvent herself.” Picking up where her father left off, Stevens is now an Episcopal priest, with a heart bent toward helping others reinvent themselves. She credits her mother for that inspiration: “She was the role model for the hands of God.” In 1997, Stevens started Magdalene, a ministry that rescues women ensnared in addiction, prostitution and human trafficking. The program offers a sanctuary for these women,

giving them a place to stay for two years at no charge. They are provided the resources needed to fully recover, learning such concepts as community, responsibility and job training. As a natural progression, from Magdalene came Thistle Farms, a line of bath products that are “as good for the earth as they are for the body.” The products are handmade by the women of Magdalene. The social enterprise expanded with the addition of Thistle Stop Café, which opened in 2013 and serves fresh coffees, teas, sandwiches, wraps and baked goods. Stevens’ journey to becoming a writer began when Abingdon Press asked her to write a series of Bible studies. Before that, she composed for fun. “I remember writing a poem called Benediction,” she says, “about how a lake and all the flora and fauna felt like a church. I wanted someone to publish that poem, so I would have permission to write as part of my vocation.” Her writings and sermons reflect the pureness of her personality: untainted and nonjudgmental. It’s a tough trait to find. “I believe this whole world is holy ground,” she says, “and that just by walking on it, we should feel inspired. We carry each other’s burdens, so we don’t get burned out.” This simple philosophy carries over into all of her endeavors. Several of her books, such as Find Your Way Home: Words from the Street, Wisdom from the Heart, feature collaborations with the women of Magdalene. Stevens shares what she calls her “antibucket” list. “There are several things I don’t want to do before I die,” she says.“1: Get bored in my work; 2: Let cynicism get the better of me; 3: Give up on someone; 4: Jump out of a plane, unless it’s on fire.” A wife and mother of three boys, Stevens considers her family one of her greatest triumphs. “Being the founder of Thistle Farms, raising three amazing boys with my husband, and pastoring the same congregation for 20 years—these are the result of a community that loves one another dearly. These are not only my accomplishments. It takes a village.” Humility serves her well. When Nashville A&E interviewed her, Stevens had just returned

from Washington, D.C., where she received the 2014 Small Business Humanitarian of the Year award. “It is an honor to receive this national recognition,” she said of the award, “because it affirms the truth that love is good business, and sustains the whole world.”

Jon Acuff Latest book: Start: Punch Fear in the Face, Escape Average and Do Work That Matters Greatest Accomplishments: “Hitting the New York Times best-seller list, and having a family who loves me and knows I love them.” Favorite Place to Write: The library For Jon Acuff, it all started just a few years ago with a blog meant for a scattering of family and friends. As a curious preacher’s kid, he was raised in church and knew full well what was expected of him. He also discovered the closeddoor ironies and contradictory choices it takes to live that kind of public lifestyle on a regular basis.

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His blog, Stuff Christians Like, began as a satirical way to explain why Christians do what they do and now boasts over four million hits. His first book, by the same name, took this idea even deeper and broached some serious subjects. As Acuff braided wit, integrity and transparency, he gained a huge following and was branded for his rare honesty. Acuff enjoys the immediacy of a blog, with instant feedback and connection with the readers. He revels in being a public speaker for that same reason: the automatic response from the audience. But with writing books, it takes much longer to measure success and obtain feedback. He shares his journey so far. “I first considered myself a writer in the third grade. My teacher, Mrs. Harris, laminated a few poems I wrote and tied them together with ribbon. In that moment, I felt I had been ‘published.’” “For me, writing at the library helps keep things in perspective,” he says. “It’s humbling to be surrounded by thousands of books by authors once convinced they could change the world; whose books are now relegated to a quiet corner where a man in sweatpants is thumbing through on a Tuesday at 10 a.m.” Acuff first came to Nashville for a job opportunity in 2010. “Years later, I’m amazed at this community of artists. People from all over the country move here to chase their dreams. It’s a dream city. That is rare, and changes the entire feel of everything. The Acuffs, starting with my distant relative, Roy Acuff, have long embraced this city, and now I feel honored to live here.” “For newcomers,” he offers, “I’d recommend going to Broadway to have your cowboy moment. Seeing a show at the Ryman is amazing, as well. And I think Gabby’s has the best burger in town. So I guess that’s my ‘Banjo-to-Burger’ plan.” With another book release planned for 2015, Acuff shares what is next on his bucket list. “I’d like to build a house for a charity organization I support in Nashville.” Acuff first recognized his Stuff Christians Like blog as a ministry back in 2010, when he challenged his readers to raise money to build a kindergarten in Vietnam. They blew him away

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with their generosity, raising enough money for two kindergartens within 25 days. “I’ll use whatever platform I have to build much more than just my career or ego—neither of which are as important, or as fun, as helping other people.”

Kay West Latest book: 50 Things Every Young Lady Should Know Greatest Accomplishment: Raising two children as a freelance writer Favorite Place to Write: A cabin in Estes Park, Colorado Locally, Kay West may be best known as lifestyle reporter Betty Banner for the former Nashville Banner or her 15-year stretch as a restaurant critic and award-winning cover writer for the Nashville Scene. She currently serves as the Nashville correspondent for People Weekly and People Country and has written numerous books.

In 1981, she made the move to Nashville following a successful career at a national men’s magazine in New York City to take over the public relations department at RCA Records. “Not only was it a huge culture (and food) shock for me, but it was a terrible fit,” West says. “After a few unhappy years as a publicist, I returned to writing. By then, Nashville was home base. When my kids were born here, I knew I was staying.” She has become quite the philanthropist, volunteering and leading such organizations as the Nashville Farmer’s Market and Women for Tennessee’s Future. “Getting involved as a volunteer for something is a great way to meet people and learn the area,” she says. “Room in the Inn, Magdalene/Thistle Farms, Nashville CARES and the YWCA are some of my passions.” One of West’s most recent projects took her to the literal depths of darkness. With Dani’s Story: A Journey from Neglect to Love, she wrote from the perspective of Diane Lierow, the adoptive mother of a young, feral girl who was found locked in a closet in Florida. The Lierows, who have since moved to a farm in Tennessee, saw the vacant stare of the girl in the picture published in the St. Petersburg Times, and knew she desperately needed the kind of love they had to offer. West explains, “What struck me was that the doctor who first examined her said that most kids who suffer such neglect die from lack of contact, so it’s a tribute to Dani that she lived to be six years old under those conditions.” She will be forever changed by the experience of standing in the space where Dani was held, and being in the home with the Lierow Family and encountering such sacrificial love. The greatest source of pride for West is her two children, Joy and Harry. “Without question, raising two children as a single parent and freelance writer is a challenge,” she says. “But writing from home allowed me to volunteer in their schools, take them to practice and never miss a game. I spent a lot of time burning the midnight oil after they went to bed to keep up. My daughter is now 24 and son is 23, so they survived it too.”

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Byron Jorjorian Uncovering Masterpieces of Nature By Paul Kingsbury

yron Jorjorian has been stalking nature for almost his entire life. As a boy, he used to catch snakes, turtles and fish in bags, boxes and buckets. As a professional freelance photographer for the past four decades, he has captured nature with his camera. Over the course of a career that has taken him from the Amazon jungles to the tundra of Alaska, Jorjorian has assembled about 375,000 images. Yet he maintains he is still learning things, still seeing things that create a childlike sense of wonder in him. For him, photography is a way to not only experience and capture the fleeting beauty of the world but also to share it. “I think it all goes back to when I was little, and I would catch things and bring them in to show to my family,” he says. “There was never a boy with a bigger grin than me when I came in with a frog in one hand and lizard in the other. “That’s what I’m doing still. It’s like: ‘I have found something that’s so exciting’ It’s often something in nature that most people would walk by without noticing. But I found it. And I want to show you.” Based near Nashville, Jorjorian has traveled across the world in pursuit of wild places and natural beauties that fascinate him. His photographic style ranges from spectacular wilderness landscapes to intimate close-ups of miniature creatures and flowering plants.

The Artist’s Eye Jorjorian has a knack for bringing the viewer right into nature with him to catch the subject and the moment. One of his popular images is of a rocky, otherwise-desolate limestone glade carpeted with magenta pink Tennessee coneflowers, waving joyously in the warm

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summer wind. Another atmospheric photo captures a rutted old country road running through a green meadow and between wispy bare trees, everything swaddled in a blanket of mist and cotton-white clouds that tie earth and sky together. How does he find these perfect moments? It is not just good fortune. Byron Jorjorian is an artist who makes his own luck. He will go to extraordinary lengths to get the photo he wants. He will hike for hours, deep into green mountain gorges in the summer heat so he can capture the shafts of sunlight filtering through the trees to the forest floor. He has waded through swift streams and clambered up slippery waterfalls to find just the right angle on the misty, roaring cascade. Once when he was visiting the Duck River in winter, he noticed a group of leaves lightly covered by a film of water. It occurred to him that those leaves might look very different if the water froze. When he got home, Jorjoriae checked the weather report and, seeing that an overnight freeze was expected, he set his alarm for an early morning departure, well before sunrise. He awoke in the dark, drove 45 minutes back to the river, to the leaves he had seen earlier, just so he could capture the image he sought in the first light of dawn, the leaves now perfectly glazed with a thin crust of ice. Nature is an unruly collection of life, landscape, and elemental forces that constantly compete for attention. For Jorjorian, nature photography is an artistic process that involves spotting something special in the crowded field

of vision and whittling away until he arrives at the special scene he wants to compose and share. “I think that’s one of the big differences between painting and photography,” he says. “With painting you’re adding onto a blank canvas what you want the image to be. With photography, you’re taking away the things you don’t want and leaving the image. “So in essence the photographer is doing a subtractive kind of art. You’re removing things by moving your camera around, by arranging things, by lining things up, by choosing the lens, by choosing the aperture. All of these are choices about what is going to be left in the final image. It’s actually more like sculpture. “It reminds me of what Michelangelo said: ‘The sculpture of David was in the rock; I just had to get rid of everything that wasn’t David.’ In many respects, I think photography is closer to that type of art.”

Finding Nature, Naturally It might have been inevitable that Byron Jorjorian would become a nature photographer. He grew up outside Meridian, MS, always playing in the woods and creeks. At the same time, his father was a commercial artist, his mother liked photography and was artistic, and his sisters were artists as well. The artistic influence rubbed off. “I drew and painted all the time as a child,” he says. His love of nature and his artistic inclinations would soon come together. At the age of 19, Jorjoriae began pursuing photography with some seriousness, shooting

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nature scenes regularly and working in a Nashville camera store. Through his job, he learned all about the capabilities of various cameras, lense, and films. Meanwhile, Jorjorian was consumed with nature photography. “I shot every day,” he says. “The camera shop opened at 10 and closed at seven. I got up at 4:30 every morning and went into the woods and shot till 9:30 and drove right back to the store and opened the door at 10 and stayed there till seven. And then I did it again the next day.” A few years later, he left the camera store for a job in the insurance industry and made a good living at it. All the while, though, he kept up his nature photography, often receiving compliments on the quality of his work. One day, his boss’s wife told him, “These photos are so good, you should be selling them.” “Something about what she said just clicked,” he recalls. “And I thought: ‘If I can sell insurance, maybe I can sell my pictures, too.’ So I decided to give it a chance and see what would happen.” He followed his dream and has never looked back. Today his assembled body of work is impressive. He has had 11,000 images appear in publications such as Time, National Geographic, and Smithsonian Books. More than 19,000 of his fine art photographic prints have been installed in settings ranging from government buildings to hospitals to hotels. He has had several exhibitions, including at the Parthenon in Nashville, Cheekwood Botanical Garden, and Nashville International Airport. In the fall of 2014, Jorjorian will publish a fine-art book of his own hand-picked photography, titled Treasures Untold: Uncovering Masterpieces of Nature Across Tennessee. It will feature more than 90 of his wilderness images, taken in his travels across his home state. “My desire for this book is not only to share the beauty of Tennessee’s special natural places,” he explains, “but also for the book to be an artistic expression of the beauty I see in the natural world.” As any of his exquisite photographs confirm, Byron Jorjorian is an artist in the truest sense of the word, sharing a vision of nature that opens our eyes to things that would have remained otherwise unseen.

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ashville is basking in the glow of being named the “It” city. We’ve got our own ABC TV show, and it seems like the media accolades are coming in faster than Miranda Lambert is churning out hits. Conde Nast Traveler named Music City one of the world’s five best places to visit, and Nashville ranked the No. 2 Most Affordable and Friendliest City in a survey of travelers, while another survey by Vocativ ranked it the 25th Most Livable City for Those 35 and Under. Lower Broadway sidewalks are packed with tourists, and the new Music City Center and Omni Hotel have forever changed the face of downtown. New hotels are going up every month, and soon the prestigious Virgin Hotel is opening on Music Row. In addition, we’ve become home to numerous A-list stars, from Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman to Taylor Swift, Jack White, the Black Keys, and Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. Recently dubbed an Emerging Food City, Nashville is home of The Catbird Seat, which was ranked No. 5 in GQ Magazine’s List of 10 Top New restaurants in America. And eateries such as Husk, City House, The Southern, and Rolf and Daughters have received national

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acclaim. Rolling Stone opened an office here, and Google may not be far behind.

Maintaining the “It” Trajectory So what’s next for Nashville? Will we get more restaurants, venues and restaurants? If so, does more necessarily mean better? Where will we be in 10 years, after the trendy “It” city moniker fades? “It depends,” says Butch Spyridon, president of the Nashville Convention and Visitor’s Corp. “From our perspective, how we handle the new level of success over the next two or three years is going to determine if we are still at this new normal or whether we were that city that had its moment in the sun and didn’t protect it, leverage it and take advantage of it. “We need to look at things like mass transit, Walgreen’s wanting to be on Lower Broad, the right kind of hotel development. Smart growth and development over the next few years is going to dictate whether we can protect the brand, protect the product and grow as a unique destination. “We have to keep the music brand front and center and have some kind of plan for use in certain areas, like what is the appropriate

use in Printer’s Alley or Lower Broad. We will be playing minor league baseball and Germantown will be thriving, and 12 South will reach its maximum growth. The Gulch will still be the urban hip, Yuppie location, where East Nashville is that indie hipster area. We need to look at what draws people and keeps that creative thread throughout entrepreneurship, music, fashion, dining and the visual arts.” Spyridon’s desire is for the city to maintain steady growth without destroying the individual personalities of the various neighborhoods. “It’s just as important that East Nashville, 12 South, Germantown and Hillsboro Village maintain their character as well. That is the hardest thing for any city—especially when you have big businesses under pressure to grow, sometimes we look at, ‘We grew 10 percent last year and we need to grow 10 percent this year.’ If we do that, we will destroy it.” In the next decade, the term “Nashville” will increasingly refer to the seven-county region surrounding the state’s capital. This area’s population will be 1.67 million in 2015 and is projected to reach 1.9 million by 2025. “Mass transit is critical so we can enjoy all of the assets this city offers,” Spyridon says. “We have

people moving here, and coming to visit, and nobody cares about county lines, so we really need to think regionally and not, ‘My city is better than your city.’ Nashville is the drawing card for better or worse, so everybody needs to make sure the Nashville brand is strong and the economy is healthy. The Titans are everybody’s team. The Sounds and Predators are too. The artists and songwriters live in all parts, so we are one community.”

Growing Up Instead of Out The region is going to feel bigger than it ever has before. This means there will be greater opportunities for entertainment, dining and cultural events, but also more traffic problems and complex issues that emerge as a city with an aging infrastructure continues to grow. “What’s next for Nashville is greater density, a constantly growing younger population that is drawn here by the lifestyle, the low cost of living, the high entertainment and cultural value and the diversity of the city,” says Ralph Schulz, president and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce. “It will be a marketplace that values proximity, connection and cultural activities, and ‘cultural’ is bigger than just entertainment. Over the next 10 years, with the population and job growth, you will see a real change in the way people live here.” There is a dramatic shift in the lifestyles of the Baby Boomers and those under 35. While Baby Boomers dreamed of bigger houses, the younger demographic value proximity, connectivity and amenities over square footage, acreage and privacy. “They only want enough room to get by,” says Richard Courtney, a Nashville realtor and author. “They don’t need a living room or another bath.” Developers will recognize these trends and utilize square footage better, he says, as evidenced by Ray Hensler’s new Twelve Twelve condo tower in the Gulch that offers guest quarters, a clubhouse and gym. Those under 35 want to live, work and play in a small community, and many prefer not to drive a car. Indeed, some don’t share the American dream of home ownership. The 16-35 demographic drove 23 percent fewer

Carrie Underwood Q & A Oklahoma native Carrie Underwood could live anywhere she wants, but she chose to make Nashville her home shortly after winning “American Idol.” She talks about a few of the many things she loves about Music City. Why did you decide to live in Nashville? I’ve loved Nashville since the first time I visited with my mom when I was about 11 years old! It just makes sense that I should live here. I can do everything I need to do in Nashville...from writing to recording to photo shoots to video shoots, etc. And I love that it’s the perfect amount of “city” and “country.” There’s lots do to and many places to go, but the people are still so nice. There really is something to “Southern Hospitality.” What do you like most about living in Nashville? I love that there are lots of great restaurants and lots of great shopping (these have grown so much since I’ve lived here). I love that I can still get around downtown. I love that I can go watch my hubby play for the Predators! And I love that “the country” isn’t far away. Again, Nashville has that perfect balance of “city” and “country.” And, of course, I love that there is so much country music history here. You can really feel (and hear) it everywhere! Is there anything you would like to see improved or changed in Nashville? I love how it continues to change and evolve on its own, so I can’t think of anything specifically that I would change. I know Nashville and the surrounding areas are growing rapidly, though, so I just hope that the roads and traffic management can keep up!   How would you like to see Nashville grow and evolve in the next 10-20 years? I would love for word of how wonderful Nashville is to spread and for more and more people to visit our amazing city! I hope for even more amazing support of our music and our sports teams (Go Predators!). I will always hope for more shopping and more fabulous restaurants because you can never have too much of both of those! And I hope Nashville continues to make music that matters, and that it continues to be a home for artists of any genre.

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miles in the last 10 years than the previous 10 years, and 34 percent nationwide do not have a driver’s license. “Walkability is a term that was foreign to Nashville 10 years ago and is very important now,” Courtney says. “A lot of (home) buyers don’t even have cars now and don’t want one. The thing that is going to be interesting is for the developers to understand what this new market is. These people don’t think like boomers. The difference between boomers and millennials is as different as night and day.” There will be more condominiums built, both downtown and in smaller, self-contained communities around town, and they will come with higher pricetags. For instance, Twelve Twelve is selling for $580 per square foot, which is double many of the squarefootage costs of Belle Meade mansions. “The Nashville of the next 10 years is not going to be about sprawl; it is going to be about proximity,” Schulz says. “That doesn’t all happen downtown. That happens in patches all around the region. But I do think that connectivity to downtown, where a lot of the amenities are found, is important. Some of that is really yet to be determined. It’s sort of an if-then statement: if you create the transit, these patches will evolve. If you don’t create a method of connectivity, then you’ll see a real densification in the center, which is Davidson County.” Courtney expects to see more development, especially two to four-story buildings, in the Nolensville Road and Woodbine areas, as well as growth in the Bellevue area. “We’ll see more of what we’ve seen with more of the infill lots being developed and higher density,” Courtney says. “Then the city will have to battle some of the neighborhood groups for there to be higher density, because they are opposed to it, which could cause some sprawl. The sprawl that we have already experienced is the biggest problem we have.”

Give ’Em the Business The companies that move to the Nashville area will be those attracted by our workforce,

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which is known for having a good work ethic, creative capabilities and the ability to get along well with others, as well as the convenient geographic location. “You will see creative industry grow here and probably the IT/digital industry as well,” Schulz says. “You will see the industries that are typically entrepreneurial, like health care and entertainment, grow and flourish.” Rod Essig, vice president of Creative Artists Agency, predicts that more sportsrelated companies will move here in the next decade because Nashville is emerging as a much bigger sports market.

Center that are helping hatch those R&D companies. If we can retain those businesses here, we win pretty big. The problem is so many of them have to go elsewhere because that is where the money is or that is where the dominant industry leaders are.” Individuals will continue to move here because of the city’s lack of state income tax, and its low cost of living, which ranks below Lexington, Louisville, Austin, Atlanta, Birmingham, Raleigh-Durham and Charlotte. Indeed, the cost of living is ranked at 88 percent of the national average, which is one percent lower than it was in 1989.

A Great Place to Play

While Schulz expects Nashville to receive its fair share of consideration for any Fortune 500 company headquarters relocations, he doesn’t believe that will be the focal point of growth. “It’s probably going to be smaller to medium-sized businesses that find this an affordable place to be, where they can find the workforce they need to grow and prosper. Most of what you will see is an expansion of businesses and industries that are already here. “What we would like to see is more of the research and development and frontend of product development,” Schulz says. “Our hope in the next 10 years is to recruit or retain more of that. There are places like Vanderbilt and the Nashville Entrepreneur

Nashville will continue to give Austin a run for its money as the live entertainment capital of the world as more venues open and thrive. “We used to have 328 Performance Hall,” says Essig. “Now we have the Cannery and Marathon Village. We have War Memorial coming alive, so it isn’t just the Ryman anymore, We have a lot more halls in town that are doing music. We are building a new amphitheater downtown that will be open next year, and I believe with the baseball park we’ll end up having another 15,000-seat venue in town. “The tourist traffic is way up, so with more people coming in, you can afford to have more music and more charged admission events,” he says, noting that the city will continue to increase the number of free entertainment events, such as Live on the Green, Nashville Dancin’ and Musicians Corner. “Nashville has probably become one of the best bachelorette party destinations there is. Instead of going to Vegas, my daughter’s friends are coming to Nashville. They stay at the Omni and walk to everything.” The restaurant industry will also continue to expand and evolve over the next decade. In fact, the city will see about a half dozen new quality restaurants open this year. “We are going to make sure the traditional Sunset Grills and Jimmy Kellys are just as important

to our health and longevity,” Spryidon says. “You don’t always want to be just new. Highquality independent restaurants can be a hallmark for this city. We should be able to compete with New Orleans, and Chicago. I don’t think we will pass New York, New Orleans, Chicago or San Francisco, but if you are naming the Top 10, we should be in there.” Spyridon also expects the fashion industry to expand here, following the success of Manuel, Imogene + Willie, Peter Nappi and Otis James. “There is a lot happening here, but it has a ways to go,” he says. “It is unique like the city, so it fits the brand. It is extremely creative and they are extremely collaborative with each other.”

Putting It All Together While the city has experienced exciting growth and cultural development, it still faces serious problems in the areas of public education (Nashville is ranked below Raleigh-Durham, Austin, Knoxville and Birmingham), and mass transit. While debate rages on about Mayor Karl Dean’s proposed AMP rapid transit bus line that would run down West End Avenue, focus needs to also remain on the traffic congestion along I-65, I-24, I-440 and I-40, as well as other major thoroughfares that already experience traffic jams. “We have to keep our nose to the grindstone on education and transit,” Schulz says. “Prosperity in the community needs to accrue from individuals, and individuals are only going to enjoy prosperity if they are well-educated. There are other

contributing factors, but you don’t have the chance if you don’t have the education.” It seems like the fears experienced in the 1980s and 1990s of “becoming another Atlanta,” have subsided. Nashville is now recognized internationally by its own brand of music, creativity and Southern hospitality, which was developed by “a lot of hard work, a lot of cooperation and a community spirit of willingness,” Spyridon says. “When people come to visit, they are shocked that everybody is willing to help each other and everybody is so nice,” he says. “It isn’t cutthroat. As people move here, how do we protect that? If somebody is reading this, you moved here because you liked what you saw. Help us keep that and protect it. Don’t say, ‘Well, in L.A’ ... Go back.”

Holly Williams Q & A 1. Why did you decide to live in Nashville? I didn’t have much choice since my mama brought me here from Alabama when I was a toddler! But I tell her all the time how thankful I am that she chose this amazing city, and moved us out of the boondocks. Ha! I love the boondocks for a rest, but Nashville has everything one could ever wish for (if only we had a beach we would be set!!) 2. What do you like most about living in Nashville? Cheap living comparatively, little traffic and lovely, kind, smiling people everywhere. The stunning hills of Leiper’s Fork are only 30 minutes away with creeks for miles to make my dogs happy. Killer food has come our way. Beautiful parks, talented musicians everywhere, great independent shops (if I do say so myself :-), easy access to NYC and LA for people in the entertainment industry, easiest airport in the world, and so much more! 3. Is there anything you would like to see improved or changed in Nashville? Nothing I would change, and I think we are all seeing the improvement. So many amazing chefs are coming here. The revitalization of the Gulch, East Nashville and my turf of 12 South has been brilliant. Independent businesses in every industry seem to be booming, and there are so many lovely people flocking here from all over the U.S. It’s been amazing to see the customer growth from my clothing store H. Audrey in Green Hills over the past seven years, and also all of the new families coming to 12 South who have been shopping at my general store (White’s Mercantile) for their new houses. There is so much growth here it is invigorating, and so nice that we have so many more hotel choices now for out of town guests! 4. How would you like to see Nashville grow and evolve in the next 10-20 years? I would like for the Rocky Mountains to magically shift here, that’s about all I hope for! I think we are on perfect track to continue this popularity that we’re seeing, and that people from all over the place are wanting to get in on and experience for themselves!

@NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

Next Generation Justin Moore

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

KRISTIN BARLOWE

By Tim Weeks

he entertainment industry thrives on new talent … who’s new and what’s hot. Becoming old news is the certain path to a short career. The key to competing in any crowded field is standing out in some way, and there’s no shortage of new country artists working to become the next legitimate big star. Only a few will break out and enjoy the success of a Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift or Lady Antebellum. But that’s the cycle in the industry. Blake and Miranda will remain country’s power couple, and like Tim and Faith, their spotlight will move on eventually to the “next big thing.” New artists like Kacey Musgraves and Justin Moore are now stepping into the bright lights with significant award wins this year. And as the camera points in their direction, Nashville Arts & Entertainment looks at Musgraves, Moore and a new generation of country artists who are making waves in 2014.

The Real Deal

kelly christine musgraves

Kacey Musgraves

One sure way to stand out in country music these days is to actually be country. In contrast to Luke Bryan and a number of new male performers who prefer baseball caps or no hat at all, Justin Moore is noticeable as the new hombre in a cowboy hat. Moore, who grew up on a 100-acre farm with cows and horses in Poyen, Ark., comes across as the real deal. “I fell in love with country music, growing up in the late 1980s and 1990s, and country music stars like Alan Jackson and George Strait wore cowboy hats,” he said. “I mean I want to be George Strait, so we may be a dying breed, but that’s the look of country music.” Moore may be a long way from being George Strait, but he has the career momentum to make it to the next level. After six years and three successful albums for Big Machine/Valory Music mogul Scott Borchetta, Justin notched the New Artist of the Year award at the 2014 Academy of Country Music Awards. Moore’s reaction on Facebook and YouTube was “It’s about f***in’ time,” but this star-in-the-making seems to be well grounded. “You have to be genuine because the fans can cut through the crap,” he remarked. “I can’t be satisfied, because there are too many talented and hungry artists out there.” “As a headliner for Off the Beaten Path this spring, we sold 6,000 tickets (per show), but I

want to continue building a career where I can sell 20,000 tickets,” said Moore. With radio mega-hits like Small Town USA and the current single Lettin’ The Night Roll, Moore is taking success in stride. Married with a third child due this summer, he laughed, “I came to Nashville as a kid who could sing, but I was clueless about the music business.” “Writing songs about things I knew helped me become an artist,” he recalled. “A little fame can get your priorities out of whack, but fortunately I grew up.” “I have career goals but fame and success can all be gone tomorrow,” Moore said. “We’re out of our freakin’ minds with another baby on the way, but having a family means I also have other goals ... to be a better husband and father.”

Bringin’ a Little Edge Of all the new artists now garnering attention, Kacey Musgraves is probably grabbing the most headlines with her Grammy and ACM-winning album Same Trailer Different Park and songs that reference sexual preference and marijuana use—subjects too taboo for country music in the past. Musgraves performed at the “We’re All for the Hall” benefit concert for the Country Music Hall of Fame at Bridgestone Arena this spring and it seemed fitting that her set was preceded by Lee Ann Womack, Deana Carter and Mary Chapin Carpenter, to set the stage as country’s recent generations of female singers and songwriters. Musgraves’ cross-over success landed her a tour and CMT special with pop star Katy Perry and a gig in New York singing at a gay and lesbian awards show, but she smartly played for the home crowd with a cover of Dolly Parton’s Here You Come Again and her Top 15 song Merry Go ‘Round. Most of the performers at the Hall gala were backed by a superstar house band including cohosts Keith Urban and Vince Gill, but Musgraves’ Universal Music Group label-mate Kip Moore stood out with an acoustic set featuring his own band. Moore’s recognizable raspy voice immediately enraptured the full house at Bridgestone with songs from his sophomore album scheduled for release in late summer. Moore—no relation to Justin Moore—is yet another example of an artist who spent years

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Thomas Rhett

Dan + Shay

The key to competing in any crowded field is standing out in some way, and there’s no shortage of new country artists working to become the next legitimate big star. honing his craft as a songwriter, long before there was a record deal and hits on the radio. Country fans know him for the No. 1 Somethin’ ’Bout a Truck and a string of hits from his debut album, but it was an eight-year journey for the Georgia native to make that first record. Moore’s career began playing bars in his hometown of Valdosta and before he came to Nashville, he made a wide turn to Hawaii first, where he spent his days surfing and backpacking and his evenings learning how to write songs. “For me, the defining moment was rediscovering the music of Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan and studying their lyrics,” he said. “When I got to Nashville, I worked my ass off playing the songwriter rounds and there was a buzz around town about me as a writer—which, after another three to four years, led to the record deal with MCA.” Moore continues to add depth to his music with songs like Dirt Road as he prepares for the release of his second album. “Dirt Road is not a literal song about heaven,” he said. “It’s more of a song about teen rebellion; because it’s tough on a 12- or 13-year-old kid sitting in church hearing hellfire and damnation sermons, when all he wants to do is hang out with his friends and have a good time.” On tour with Tim McGraw this summer, Moore is discovering other forms of salvation. “I met a Marine who was back home from Afghanistan who told me my music helped him keep his sanity and literally saved his life while serving our country,” he said. “There’s nothing that makes you feel better than that.”

Following in the Footsteps Thomas Rhett knows a few things about taking a measured risk with songs of substance, too. In reference to his single, Beer with Jesus, he 48

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laughed, “We knew we were taking a chance because any time you do a song about politics or God, some people are going to be pissed.” More fans are pleased than pissed with Rhett’s music these days. His debut album has generated several radio hits. “As a songwriter that was relatively new in the business, it was a moment of clarity for me when Jason Aldean cut my song I Ain’t Ready to Quit,” said Rhett. “But when my record, It Goes Like This, became a No. 1 single, I knew I was doing what I was supposed to be doing and it was the right thing.” Son of country artist and songwriter Rhett Akins, Thomas Rhett’s career has taken a shorter path to stardom compared to many of his newcomer contemporaries. ”Always being around the music industry, it was just Dad’s job, is how we saw it. But if we went on the road with him or went to a party, we would meet his friends and they were these famous people like Tim McGraw, Reba or Brooks and Dunn,” remembered Rhett. “It wasn’t something I always felt I had to do,” he said. “In college, I still wasn’t sure, but I played in a band and ended up getting a publishing deal to write songs. A year later, the opportunity for a singing career came along.” Even though Akins contributed songwriting to his son’s first album, Rhett says he’s not building a career in his shadow. “We have a very honest relationship and in the end, it’s me singing the songs or deciding how they should sound in the studio,” he said. Establishing his own identity by using his first and middle name, Thomas Rhett is busy building a brand. “It’s the age of ball caps and I’m one of them,” he admits. “But it takes time for a new artist to build a brand and I want to be more than an image. I want fans to come to our shows and know me for the experience they have.”

Feels Like the First Time Rhett may be on a fast track, but Dan + Shay are on rocket ride to the top as new artists. The duo met at a random party in 2012 and they started writing songs together the next day. Hoping to land a publishing deal, they posted their songs to a sound cloud with a private link and suddenly they had 25,000 listens. Warner/ Chappell signed them and introduced them to John Esposito at Warner Bros. Records. “So we went upstairs to play for John and he started pouring the wine and whiskey,” recalled Dan Smyers. “Three hours later, he told us we couldn’t leave until he had signed us to a record deal.” With a debut album recorded in the basement of songwriter-mentor Danny Orton, Dan + Shay crashed the Top 10 chart with their first single 19 You + Me and topped the country album chart, all since October 2013. Everything they do is for the first time. Performing at Riverfront Park at this year’s CMA Festival, the duo is living the dream. “Last year, we were at CMA as fans, checking everyone out at LP Field,” said Shay Mooney. “The access to the artists is incredible.” Smyers added, “Yeah, we saw Hunter Hayes then, and now we’re on the same record label and we toured with him this year.” Masters of social media, Dan + Shay are attracting a young audience, especially the girls, but Mooney says they appeal to a broad spectrum of fans. “Country is really good at telling stories,” he said. “We want to keep the emphasis on the songs because good music always wins.” Whatever their formula, it’s working for Dan + Shay. Fans lined the sidewalk on Third Avenue South waiting to meet them at “The Warner Sound,” the record label’s CMA Fest Headquarters. It was their first time to host a fan party meet-and-greet, of course. New artists and more new fans. The future of country music is in good hands.

photos courtesy of warner music nashville

Kip Moore

ChildrensHospital.Vanderbilt.org

You’ll do anything for your child. So will we. As a parent, you’ll do whatever it takes to help your child. With specialists in every area of pediatric medicine available 24 hours a day, we’re equipped to handle any issue your child may face. And as the region’s only hospital dedicated to caring just for children, we’re committed to doing anything and everything to help your child get well. That’s what makes Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt your child’s very own hospital.

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NASHVILLE R E P NEU E R T R EN CENTER By Tom Woodard

Local Think Tank is Turning Dreams into Companies

here have always been entrepreneurs in Nashville since a young fur trapper named Timothy Demonbreun stopped on the banks of the Cumberland River and built his first trading post. Since then, music, health care, insurance, publishing and many other industries have been forever changed by the vision and hard work of local business pioneers with multi-million dollar dreams. In more recent years, success stories such as email marketer Emma and digital music media distributor echomusic have validated and fueled an already growing “idea community.” There have always been entrepreneurs here, but now these brash, new frontier companies are proving they can start in Nashville and have an international impact—from right here in this ”small” southern city (bless its little heart!). However, there has never been a hub, a place for these rare individuals to call home when they wanted to bring their brainchild to life— until now. But the town known for Twang, Tootsies and Titans might just be poised to become the future Silicon Valley of the South, as technology giants Google and Dell and many other influential companies are

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

taking up residence at a vibrant, energetic downtown campus known as The Nashville Entrepreneur Center. Located along the Cumberland in the Rolling Mill development, the Entrepreneur Center has become a hub for upstart tech companies and deeply rooted local companies looking for that secret sauce for success. Led by President and CEO Michael Burcham, the Entrepreneur Center is bringing together new players, fresh concepts and mentors with proven success. The all-star team that helps lead the center is a who’s who of Nashville business—the board consists of names like Ingram, Frist, Galante and McWhorter—and it’s starting to draw new faces from some larger markets including Boston and Chicago. Burcham and his group of driven and intelligent visionaries are creating lightning in a bottle by mixing ideas and ambition with experience and leadership.

Dreamers Meet Movers and Shakers It was a virtual beehive of activity and brainpower at the Entrepreneur Center when we sat down with Mitch Evans, managing director at

Jumpstart Foundry and Jumpwerx. If Burcham and his entourage are the head of the EC, then the Jumpstart Foundry is, without question, the heart. According to Evans, Jumpstart Foundry is a 14-week, mentor-driven business acceleration program culminating in the launch of successful startup businesses, showcased at Investor Day. JSF has been fast-tracking the growth of tech-oriented startups since 2010. “Sixty-five percent of our alumni are still in business,” says Evans, “either bootstrapping operations or having raised follow-on capital averaging $800,000 per equity-financed graduate. The median follow-on round is $500,000. The maximum is $2.2 million with total follow-on financing of just over $8 million in three years.” JSF has experienced tremendous growth, becoming the leading business accelerator in the Southeast as it enters its fourth year. “We’ve graduated 30 companies, and we have over 100 carefully vetted mentors,” says Evans. Jumpstart Foundry even has an accelerator seat in Silicon Valley. “We can start things here in Nashville, but then head out there when the business is right for the move. The real money

is still out there,” Evans acknowledges. “We’re trying to create funnels of cash here in town in order to keep the machine rolling.” Evans is confident as he talks about the growth of technology in Nashville. After years as a strategist for Deloitte Consulting, he has chosen to help lead Nashville’s entrepreneurs to the “Promised Land,” one step at a time. Since opening in 2010, Evans notes that the Entrepreneur Center has been and continues to be the “front door for entrepreneurs looking to create companies in Nashville.” The allure of the whole tech-startup boom isn’t solely based on money. “It’s about the process,” says Evans. “It’s a great chance to work with like-minded, extremely driven and intelligent people.” He even suggests a parallel to another famous Music City product. “A good coding session is like a good jam session. It’s a bunch of people creating.” Entrepreneur-in-Residence Scott Rouse agrees. “A startup company is very similar to a band or an artist,” he says, likening it to a passion or calling. Music analogies come honestly for Rouse, whose credits include Grammy-nominated music producer. He came to the EC from IdeaBang, a consultancy that licenses digital and tangible products for clients including Apple, Disney and Sony. His role here is to help upcoming execs develop ideas and products and then pitch them successfully to investors. A frequent speaker around the country, he gets to

see how this area is comparing to other up-andcoming hubs. “I’m excited by the current energy and momentum going on at the EC and JumpStart Foundry,” says Rouse. “I’ll be staying in Nashville.” Rouse and others here recognize the special personality types who pursue great success— even at the risk of failure. For those who love living on the edge, the EC can help guide them and their concepts to the next level. Joe Brannon, founder and chief encouragement officer for local tech startup textLIVING says, “Martin Luther King didn’t go around giving speeches saying ‘I have a plan,’ but it was ‘I have a dream,’ and that inspired people to dream. I think the EC is inspiring people to take the risk,” Brannon adds, “and they have some great programs and people to help you along the journey.”

Tapping into Tech Looking into the future, one can’t help but recognize that many of the coming trends are based in technology. Nashville is poised for that next huge opportunity. In one of the latest indicators that things are “turning tech” in Middle Tennessee, AOL cofounder Steve Case met recently with a group of local startups, leaving behind a $100,000 investment for the most promising new company. During a four-day, “Rise of the Rest” road trip in June, Case visited Nashville, Detroit,

Pittsburgh and Cincinnati to bring attention to up-and-coming entrepreneurial cities. His local tour included a fireside chat at The Pinnacle at Symphony Place, a pitch competition at the Entrepreneur Center and a happy hour at Pinewood Social. In an earlier statement, Case said, “It’s important to remember that America itself was once a startup and became the greatest economy in the world, thanks to the efforts of entrepreneurs who built not just companies, but entire industries in the heart of the country.” He said the purpose of his 1,000-mile circuit is to showcase emerging entrepreneurial startup systems that will play critical roles in “rebuilding the American economy and creating new middle-class jobs.” And that’s exactly how The Nashville Entrepreneur Center fits in. By connecting entrepreneurs with investors, mentors and the critical resources needed to launch startup companies, the EC is helping to start businesses and create jobs. Nashville has long been a place for dreamers and doers. Take a look around any of it’s busting neighborhoods, at people gathering, creating, learning, growing and believing that they have come up with the next big thing. Now, there’s a think tank and training ground to take these ideas and bring them to life. It’s a different kind of song for Nashville, but it sounds like The Nashville Entrepreneur Center is in perfect harmony with where the world is heading.

@NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING

PEOPLE PLACES & THINGS 52

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING

PEOPLE

Chip Esten, Nashville Naturally By Tim Weeks

normal life. “I am lucky,” he admits. “I’ve never had any great fame as an actor, but I’ve been doing this for 25 years and it has supported my family. I’ve been part of some great shows, but I’ve also had a lot of free time to be with my kids for soccer or as a scout leader and now they’re in high school, so I am a ‘present’ father in their lives.” Esten summarizes, “Deacon struggles for the things he sings about in the show, like this song written by Ashley Monroe and Sarah Siskind.” He quotes while walking: Sittin’ here tonight By the fire light It reminds me I already have more than I should I don’t need fame, no one to know my name At the end of the day Lord I pray, I have a life that’s good

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V shows like to end the season with a cliffhanger, from “Who Shot J.R.?” on “Dallas” to the brilliant and unexpected “flash forward” scenes in “Lost.” Water cooler buzz at the office the following day helps to keep an audience tuned in the next season. But network drama over the renewal or cancellation of a series makes every season a real-life cliffhanger for the actors and production staff in a show like ABC’s “Nashville.” The melodrama about the backstabbing world of country music has survived the ax twice now, as its third season was announced late this spring. For Chip Esten, the actor who plays Deacon Claybourne on the series, the news provided a big sigh of relief for professional and personal reasons. Cancellation would have meant looking for work again and upheaval of his family life. Renewal brings stability to their settled ways in Middle Tennessee. Nashville Arts & Entertainment took a walk with Chip and his wife, Patty, in a Brentwood park the day before ABC announced the show’s renewal. Understandably, Esten was a bit unsettled and nervous that day. “This is probably the most vulnerable I’ve ever been for an interview,” he said. “It’s a strange business because this is heaven, but there’s this odd little trap door underneath us.” “It’s not the just the show,” he continued. “But it’s the life around the show and the city we built our life in … we’ve loved every second of it, thanks to the warmth of the people of Nashville, from the extras to the hosts of every location, and we’re so appreciative.” Esten is sincere and genuine. Whatever perception you may have of actors or entertainment people (most have a switch for sincerity that goes on and off when ego takes over), Chip Esten comes across as a person who really would make a great neighbor. There’s no pretentiousness about him. He’s a talented actor and musician, but he’s so grateful to be playing the part of Deacon and living in Nashville. The character of Deacon on “Nashville” has a lot of problems, including dysfunctional relationships and binge boozing. But Esten, married for 23 years and a father of three, is Deacon in an alternate universe with a

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

(Chorus) Two arms around me, heaven to ground me And a family that always calls me home Four wheels to get there, enough love to share And a sweet, sweet, sweet song At the end of the day Lord I pray I have a life that’s good “I’m blessed with these things through Patty,” he explains. “We met in college when I was in a band, sleeping on the sofa and the floor, and I didn’t have anything. And after I moved to L.A., she followed me a year later. She’s been with me every step of the way, through all of the victories and disappointments.” “I have my family and faith … life is a bumpy road, so I don’t know how people make it without that. One of our daughters was diagnosed with leukemia when she was 2 1/2, and now she’s over 14 and healthy and happy. Going through that solidified what was important to us.” It’s a bit of irony that Esten started out as a musician while attending

ashley hylbert

the College of William & Mary. Acting came after college, and now both talents are blended in the personas of Deacon and Esten. The two have become blurred at times because Esten has performed live around town as Deacon for the show and then as himself at other times, including a four-city swing this spring, hitting major markets such as New York and Chicago. “Yeah sometimes it has been confusing, but when someone says ‘action’ or ‘cut,’ that’s Deacon,” he chuckles. “On TV, you’re performing on quiet sound stages—so yeah, people want to know if you can do it live,” he says. “So it was a thrill to play for sold-out audiences to see people out there invested in the show.” The musicians and songwriters involved in the production of “Nashville” are the best in the business, and Esten knows he’s in a privileged position as a developing musician. “The songwriters for the show are people like Andrew Rollins and Jeffrey Steele and the writing community is such an important relationship for us. I mean they do what I have wanted to do for so long and they do it at such a high level,” he says. “Producer T Bone Burnett (husband of show

creator/writer Callie Khouri) brought us crucial musical credibility in the first season,” Esten says, “and Buddy Miller has been our strength and guidance in season two. Colin Linden is the voice of Deacon’s guitar and he teaches me what to play so I can do it on the show.” “Sixwire was the house band for the pilot with such great musicians like Andy Childs and Steve Mandile, who played guitar alongside Deacon,” he recalls. “When doing TV, there’s a lot of waiting to do your scenes, so we were just hanging out at the Opry all day and I played them some of my songs. Steve offered to cut demos at his house (later that night), so he’s become a friend and writer with me.” “When I play the Opry or the Ryman or Bridgestone, I need great people around me,” Esten says, “and these guys are the bullet-proof band.” With his success blending acting with music, you wonder if any other actors-turnedmusic-artists are calling on Esten for advice. He acted in three of Kevin Costner’s movies, and Costner’s band, Modern West, has cut two albums and toured the country, including shows here in Nashville. “We have a history with Kevin because he has been a friend and mentor. He has put me in his movies, and my wife used to be his assistant,” he laughs. “But he has his music at full speed, and he does it because he loves to play and his fans love it. I know the band so I always enjoy seeing them.” Esten—who is always credited as Charles Esten onscreen—began his acting career in the United Kingdom on the show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and it picked up steam in the U.S.

version, which ran from 1999-2005. Comedy helped him get started but he played guest roles on numerous shows, ranging from sitcoms like Cheers and The Office to dramas, including Star Trek: The Next Generation and ER. Fame was never an issue, living and working in Los Angeles, though. “Yeah, if someone standing in line at the bank recognized you and said ‘Hey you were funny in Whose Line Is It Anyway?,’ it was a special day,” says Esten. “I was undecided between music and acting in the beginning but I chose acting because you really can’t act on the side … but I never lost the love for music,” he recalls. “I played some writer rounds in L.A. with some Nashville songwriters and planned to come here twice, and had to cancel because of acting jobs.” “So when my agent sent me the script for Nashville, I thought this was the one,” he says with excitement building in his voice. “Patty read the script and she waved goodbye. It was so perfect for me.” Esten landed the role of Deacon but the family stayed behind during the pilot and first season. When the show was renewed, Esten told Patty and the kids it was time to move. “When your kids are in eighth, 10th and 12th grades, you don’t want to uproot them. But there is such a sense of community and friendship here that it really has worked out for us … we have a great church and our children are involved in scouts and sports, so we really do love it here,” he says. “Everything is here, but the people are so welcoming, including the music industry,” he states. “I was at the airport and ran into Jason Aldean. He commented on what a great job we were doing on Nashville, so that kinda surprised me. I mean he may have thought that but he took a moment to speak to me.” Life in Nashville has become a natural for the Estens. They are here for the show, but now as Nashville rolls into a third season on ABC, Chip and Patty will be even more invested in their lives here. “We hope we’ll be doing this for a while,” he says.

@NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

Hitting all the right notes. Welcome to Music City — a vibrant city that offers a multitude of must-see downtown attractions, all within walking distance of the Omni Nashville Hotel. Listen to live music at one of the many honky-tonks that line Nashville’s famous Broadway. Experience world-class exhibits at the Frist Center for the Visual Arts. Seamlessly connected to the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum, explore the legends of country music without ever stepping foot off property. When you’re done exploring downtown, retreat back to the luxurious Omni Nashville Hotel and enjoy the many restaurants, entertainment options and amenities available to our guests.

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BOB’S STEAK & CHOP HOUSE The prime place for prime steak This award-winning restaurant offers the finest in steak, chops and seafood, paired with impeccable service and sophisticated style.

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BONGO JAVA Music City’s cup of Joe This Nashville favorite features certified organic and fair trade coffee, handcrafted espresso drinks and fresh baked goods.

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NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING PEOPLE

Rudy Kalis 40 Years of Stories, Scores and Highlights By Janet Grimes

n a town full of celebrity faces, none may be more endearing than that of Rudy Kalis, sports director and anchor at WSMV for the past four decades. During that time, he has witnessed and reported Nashville’s transition to a big league sports town and garnered numerous Emmys and prestigious honors along the way. In 2005, he was awarded the Silver Circle Award by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for outstanding achievement in broadcasting for over 25 years. Noting such longevity—something rare in the television news industry—Kalis reflects on his stellar career and life away from the anchor desk. “The decision to come to Nashville back in 1974 was simple,” Kalis says. “I fell in love with the city, met my wife here and didn’t want to leave. Our children were born here.” Kalis and his wife, Leigh, have two daughters, a son-in-law and two grandsons. They have just celebrated the birth of their first granddaughter. Off camera, Kalis is an excellent motivational speaker, perhaps making as many appearances in person at local community events as from the news desk. He appreciates the opportunity to do both. “I like people. Simple as that,” he says. “The job that I have allows me to go to so many places, either to cover events or to speak. In each case, I get the privilege of telling stories and encouraging people.”

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It is his love of both sports and people that brands him as one of the best storytellers around. “To me, sports reflect life,” he says. “The same struggles to achieve and to overcome obstacles are found in everyday life. People’s stories inspire me: people who refused to quit; people who try things that I don’t have the courage to try.” Kalis recalls one of those inspiring moments when the 1991 MLK High School basketball team won the state championship game against all odds. “It was against the religion of two brothers, their best players, to play from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday,” he recalls. “The game was on a Saturday afternoon. When the boys came to the arena after church, the crowd gave them a standing ovation for their conviction. Their teammates had played their hearts out and won.” He also remembers the two most tragic local headlines he’s covered. “The unexpected death of Steve McNair—it drove home the magnitude and consequences of choices we make in our lives. Also, in 1989, Vanderbilt football player Brad Gaines was tackled by Ole Miss defensive back Chuckie Mullins, which resulted in Mullins being paralyzed for life. The profound impact on Brad brought tears to my eyes.” Kalis has relished his front-row seat as Music City has evolved into a professional sports town, but savors the ways it has stayed the same. “The Titans put us into the big leagues. The Predators enhanced that image. This has become one of the hottest cities in the country; a special events mecca, and yet Nashville has retained its charm.” As he nears the 40-year mark at WSMV with a sense of satisfaction, he contemplates what his future holds outside the edges of his profession. “When I was younger and trying to find out if I was a coward, I tried my hand at sky diving, driving race cars and flying in anything that could turn me upside down,” Kalis says. “I’d still do it, with my wife’s permission. I love to travel and play golf. I’m a fan, and enjoy going to sporting events for fun. Out of habit, I don’t cheer, but I love it inside.” There is one thing Kalis knows for sure: “The good Lord willing, Nashville is where I plan to spend the rest of my life.” Loyalty and gratitude. This is what hometown heroes are made of.

Jon Meacham Looking History in the Eye

on Meacham: Pulitzer Prize winner; publisher; editor; television commentator; expert on politics, history and religion; journalist; novelist; historian. It’s difficult to identify the title for which he’s best known, even for Jon Meacham himself. In front of a packed house in a recent appearance at Lipscomb University, the following question was asked: “Do you consider yourself a journalist or a historian?” Meacham answered without hesitation, “I’m a recovering journalist.” He then expounded, saying he enjoys the roles of both the writer and editor. “One is being the patient. One is being the doctor. I find fulfillment in making the symphony work.” A regular atop the New York Times’ best-seller list, Meacham’s 2012 release, Thomas Jefferson: The Art of Power, is his most recent endeavor to capture the coveted No. 1 spot. He has developed an immensely successful formula of historical storytelling in a way that brings characters, even those from past centuries, to life, as if he knew them personally. He recognizes the unique message and thirst for truth that comes from a biography. “In our current political climate, people are hungry to see what’s happened in our past, and what solutions that

might offer,” Meacham observed. “My own sense is that there are folks who care deeply about the present, but feel there is no way to move forward. But the one thing we can do is look back. It gives us the chance to look historical figures in the eye.” Meacham thoroughly enjoys the investigative process, as he describes his current venture. “I spent today transcribing the 1986 vice presidential diary of George H.W. Bush. Not everyone would find that as exciting as I did. I’m very blessed to do what I do.” A native Tennessean, Meacham was raised in Chattanooga in the shadows of Missionary Ridge and General Braxton Bragg’s Headquarters. “You could stand on Missionary Ridge and see where (Ulysses) Grant stood on Orchard Knob. You could still, when I was growing up, find Minié balls,” he says, referring to the bullets that came to prominence during the Civil War. “I still have a box of them on my desk. For me, history was always a tactile matter. It was always right there.” Meacham credits his unique upbringing for his interest in political history. Born into a family of lawyers, Meacham’s grandfather—also a novelist—became the city judge. “At an early age, I would go to court with him and at 10:00 every morning, several local and state officials would gather for coffee at the Read House,” Meacham recalls. “I remember people like Al Gore, Sr. and Jim Sasser coming by, so I grew up listening to politicians telling stories. And then later, I would read about those same people in the newspaper.” After living in New York with his family for more than 20 years, Meacham now calls Nashville his home, a decision he credits to his 11-year-old son. “About three years ago, my son complained, ‘There’s nothing to do here after 4:30 in the afternoon.’ I couldn’t argue with him.” After spending lengthy periods in Nashville working on the Andrew Jackson book, Meacham had grown comfortable here. The move became an easy choice for him, his wife, their three children, and their two new Springer Spaniels. “Dogs and grass. That’s why we’re here,” he says. “And we’ve not had a bad day.”

James Pankow A Part of Chicago Lands in Nashville By Dan Keen

Trombone Joke No.1 Q: What is the world’s least-used phrase? A: Hey, look at that world-famous trombone player’s Lamborghini! James “Jimmy” Pankow gets the joke— but he also gets the last laugh. Pankow plays trombone as a founding member of the superstar rock band, Chicago. He is responsible for most of its legendary, distinctive horn arrangements and has written some of its biggest hits, such as “Colour My World,” “Make Me Smile” and “Just You ’n Me.” If you’ve seen that smokin’ gold-certified DVD of the Chicago/Earth Wind and Fire concert, or like millions of others, been rocked to your core at one of Chicago’s concerts, you’re hip to Pankow. He’s the crazy, animated, muscular horn player blowing a big, badass Yamaha trombone and flashing his “guns” in a sleeveless shirt. Jimmy Pankow doesn’t drive a Lamborghini— he is a Lamborghini: A sleek silver machine that can go from “zero-to-ROCK!” in seconds.

Trombone Joke No. 2 Q: A trombone player and a frog are each driving an identical car down the road in the same direction at the same speed. What’s the difference between the two? A: Conceeeeivably, the frog could be going to a recording session. Really? Besides playing an integral part on all of Chicago’s albums (Chicago 34 came out in the summer … 34!), Pankow’s been featured on several seminal recordings like Three Dog Night’s, “Celebrate,” the Bee Gees’ Spirits Having Flown album and Toto IV, which won a Grammy. Los Angeles can have the frog; Nashville will take Pankow. He and his wife, Jeanne, began city shopping when L.A. began to feel uncomfortable for their kids. They felt that their children were “prisoners” of a predatory culture there. Why Nashville (as if we didn’t know)? Of all the cities visited, Pankow says, “We saw that

Nashville celebrates the good things in American life. My children deserve to grow up like I did in a fun, safe and wholesome environment.” For the past four years in Nashville, the Pankows say they’ve been free to “celebrate our kids’ childhood.”

Trombone Joke/Quote No. 3: “Never look at the trombone players. It only encourages them.” —Richard Strauss Pankow readily encourages others and advises young musicians. “Acknowledge the gift you’ve been given from God—express it!” he says. “Share what you’ve been given. Isn’t giving better than receiving?” As for developing pro-level chops and style, he takes it deeper. “Find a great teacher and mentor,” Pankow suggests. “Use the spiritual inspiration and mechanical skill to develop a style. Style isn’t what you play; it’s how you play it. Learn a polyphonic instrument [an instrument that can play more than one note at a time, like piano or guitar] to bring out your ideas.” He also encourages old-fashioned practice to develop improvisation skills—the ability to instantly play the notes you hear in your head. “Work until you get to the point when you can express yourself simultaneously,” he advises. Lastly, Pankow exhorts parents of creative children to be supportive: “Encourage your kids. Celebrate their passion! Don’t stifle them or kill their dreams.” Pankow finds that easier to do in Nashville. Jimmy, we’re glad you’re here. No joke.

@NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING PEOPLE

Ken Whisenhunt A New Coach in Town By Janet Grimes

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PHOTOS BY DONN JONES

t’s been 15 years since the Tennessee Titans first arrived in Nashville, quickly becoming the hottest recreated franchise in the NFL. They brought a blast of excitement, and Nashville, in turn, fell in love with them. Over this time span, we have only known the faces of two head coaches as they walked the sidelines. But in January of 2014, the Titans wrapped up its first national search in decades and landed on Coach Ken Whisenhunt, affectionately known as “Whiz.” Whisenhunt first earned the name of “Coach” here in Nashville back in 1996, working as an assistant with tight ends and running backs at Vanderbilt University. From there, he entered the NFL and has constructed quite the résumé, even taking his Arizona Cardinals team to the Super Bowl in 2008. His varied experience in being both an offensive coordinator and head coach make him the perfect fit for an underachieving Titans team that has spent the past few years in search of its own identity, particularly with the offense. Just a few months into his new role, Whisenhunt took a few minutes to discuss his return to Nashville. “I had two great years here at Vanderbilt in ’96-’97 under Coach Rod Dowhower. That’s when the coaching bug bit me, and helped form part of how I coach today,” Whisenhunt explains, before describing how he landed with the Titans. “I was very lucky to interview with a number

of different teams, but when the opportunity to return to Nashville to work for the Titans presented itself, it was very attractive to me. I’ve played here as an opponent and loved the atmosphere and support of the fans. The chance to work with General Manager Ruston Webster really intrigued me after spending time with him during the interview process. But quite frankly, the city of Nashville was a big attraction as well. It’s a great place to live and be involved with football.” In choosing his staff, Whisenhunt has brought with him a slew of new faces. Each of the new coaches is relocating and getting acquainted with Nashville for the first time. “I’ve heard a lot of positive remarks from our coaches—whether it’s the number of diverse areas to live like the Gulch or Brentwood or Franklin—there is a variety of things to do here,” says Whisenhunt. “They’ve been impressed by how welcoming their neighbors have been and have noticed the tremendous family atmosphere in this city.” Whisenhunt demonstrates a great understanding of the fan base and who we are as a city. “We want our fans to be proud of us,

and want to represent the city and the fans the right way,” he says. “Our players need to be role models and give back to the city. That is a big piece of the puzzle to the ownership with the Smith and Adams families. We want a great atmosphere on game days, and when the fans come into LP Field, we want there to be a buzz about what we are trying to do both on and off the field.” He knows winning is important. “We all want to win, to bring championships and to build a legacy, but I want them to be proud of this team no matter what,” he said. Away from football, Whisenhunt is an avid golfer, even competing as an amateur before launching his coaching career. “One of the things I enjoy is the competitiveness of it; competing against that little white ball and trying to make it do what you want it to do. There are a lot of similarities between golf and coaching,” he admits. “I’m trying to get these young men to work together and do things the right way. Golf is a sport you never fully master, so hopefully, I’ll have more success with the team than I do with the little white ball. “

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Every once in a while in our busy world, something we do or experience peels back all the noisy layers and connects with our soul. Jake Strang, Executive Chef We know our diners are as unique as our dishes. Our seasonal menus feature gluten-free and vegan options, such as our popular cauliflower steak with red quinoa and oyster mushrooms, and our staff is always happy to help meet your dietary preferences.

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At Lipscomb, performance is not just measured by what we teach, but by how well our students take what they learn beyond our borders, in service. Our Global Hope MBA gives full scholarships to international students who go back to make a difference in their home country. The new Center for Global Connectedness and Collaboration connects organizations across diverse cultures and is one of 26 universities in the world offering

the Global Mindset® Inventory, enabling companies to develop global leadership. Programs in engineering, pharmacy, nutrition and nursing all combine professional skills development with building bridges in remote valleys, bringing health care to underserved villages and developing clean water sources. So while the lights continue to shine brightly on our local stage, don’t be surprised when you find us serving a global audience as well.

Our approach to global citizenship takes center stage. “There’s something special about this place.”

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NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING

PLACES

Sips n Strokes

photos by kayla schoen

By Jaylyn Carlyle

here are no two ways about it: Nashville is a city teeming with limitless creativity that has long since spilled over the music industry’s walls. From the plates at the Catbird Seat to the East Side Story readings, every neighborhood offers inspired works. However, to truly understand this part of the city’s spirit, it’s not enough to just experience it firsthand, but by your own hand. Literally. Tucked away in the Gulch, Sips n Strokes provides an opportunity to tap into that electricity that is the lifeblood of Nashville, even for those not so artistically inclined. “Measure five fingers from the bottom and make a horizontal yellow line,” instructor Emily Jokisch demonstrates, dragging a black streak across her canvas for the 40 class participants seated behind easels. Auriane de Rudder, another teacher, moves between the long tables, giving compliments. With a laidback, supportive atmosphere, Sips n Strokes engenders fond memories of elementary school art class—that is, if your art class had alcohol. Initially, there is a quiet, soft inhibition from the group. Through conversation, it’s clear that

most attending aren’t artists, but individuals simply seeking a fun experience outside their regular routine. Each session focuses on a different predetermined theme. Tonight, our aim is the Nashville skyline, one of the most popular painting options. Using a unique paint-by-teacher instructional method, Jokisch walks us, stroke by stroke, through the entire process: everything from establishing the background to creating dimension for the “Batman” building. While the steps are the same for everyone, personal style and preference ensure no two pieces are exactly alike. With every interjection of color—and as the wine disappears—the attendees’ canvases fill in, often resulting in a feeling of surprised accomplishment. This is Sips n Strokes’ ultimate goal: Make “art as accessible to as many students as possible.” According to Nashville location owner Emily Bussman, the idea came to founder Wendy Lovoy during a children’s art class. “[Lovoy] noticed a 4-year-old child’s spot-on rendition of a classical master painter. She then realized

anyone was capable of creating beautiful art— she just had to convince them,” says Bussman. “She wanted everyone to understand that even people who think they can’t draw stick figures can, in fact, be artists.” Thus, the brainchild was born. Lovoy, whose original artwork decorates the studios, began teaching monthly classes of just 16 painters. Word spread quickly and in just 10 years, the business flourished from being the most sought-after art class in Alabama to a franchised company in four states. After teaching in Birmingham, Bussman followed Lovoy to Tennessee. “I fell in love with Nashville immediately and realized opening a location here was my dream!” she says. And it’s no wonder. On a small scale, Sips n Strokes serves as an excellent backdrop for birthdays, anniversaries or simply a night out with friends. However, on a larger scale, it invites people to step outside their comfort zone, participate and contribute—if only in a small way—to the creative scene. All with the soft padding of a BYO Pinot.

@NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

The Johnny Cash Museum By Matthew Glover

hile cabbing into town recently from BNA, the Nashville International airport, the driver and I began talking about our favorite places in Nashville. My list was filled with restaurants, music venues, parks and hiking trails. The driver’s favorite spot took me by surprise. “The Johnny Cash Museum,” he said, “is by far my favorite place in Nashville. I’ve spent several hours immersing myself in the history.” I thought, “He must be one die-hard Johnny Cash fan.” Nonetheless, it was enough of an endorsement to push me to see the museum for myself. I’m glad I did. Trademark black suits and the words, “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash,” conjure up instant images for anyone who’s ever seen or heard The Man in Black. The Johnny Cash Museum will do the same. Cash lovers will find everything they could hope for, plus tidbits of history not commonly known. In addition to learning about Johnny Cash the music artist, you’ll learn, for example, that Cash was … well, an artist; a prolific sketcher who loved creating drawings. One such painting, Flight, was published in a serigraph and scooped up by art collectors around the world. Many of his paintings are on display at the museum. It would be easy to assume we already know plenty about Johnny Cash, after 60 years of hit

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

records including Ring of Fire, A Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues and his emotional cover recording of Nine Inch Nails’ hit Hurt—in addition to the Oscar-nominated biopic I Walk the Line. But tablets loaded with hit songs in every format and never-before-seen pictures keep even the most causal museum visitor from speeding through exhibits. A timeline at the forefront of the museum helps set the tone for each season of Cash’s career. There are even two theater rooms in the museum: One runs old Johnny Cash musical performances while the other plays clips from his brief acting career. This mixed legacy of Johnny Cash is worth seeing. The Johnny Cash Museum beautifully walks the line between enlightening the die-hard Cash aficionado and entertaining the casual fan. It’s a fitting reminder of Johnny’s ability to charm all walks of music lovers. A member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Country Music Hall of Fame, his influence was unprecedented. One night he could be commiserating with criminals at a live prison performance; and the next, singing a duet at the Grand Ole Opry. That’s, of course, until he was banned from the Opry in 1965 for smashing out the floor lights with a microphone. Apparently, the Opry was not Johnny’s favorite place in Nashville. But Johnny’s museum might make it onto your list.

Civil War House Museum– Lotz House A Tale of Two Houses By Mike Wine

s you drive through Franklin, Tenn., you will see signs directing you to the Carter House. This once lovely home was the unfortunate epicenter of the Battle of Franklin, considered by many to be the bloodiest five hours of the Civil War. More than 20,000 Union soldiers dug into trenches on Nov. 29, 1864, the eve of the Battle of Franklin. A tremendous battle raged as confederate soldiers moved in, and while the battle stormed for 17 hours, 25 people hunkered down in the basement of the home of Fountain Branch Carter. When the families emerged after the battle, they viewed the aftermath. Bodies were so thick that it was difficult not to step on them. Ten thousand Americans were killed, wounded, captured or missing. “The fighting here was so vicious that the blood of dead and wounded soldiers pooled in Carter’s garden and flowed down the

battle of franklin trust

johnny cash museum collection

NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING PLACES

Mokara Spa at the Omni Hotel

adjacent Columbia Turnpike,” proclaims a sign at the Carter House. About 100 yards down that street stands the Lotz House, the home of one of the families who took shelter at the Carter House during the battle. Johann Albert Lotz, an accomplished craftsman, had built this home for his family, which included three children. Sadly, the tragedy continued after the battle. Union soldiers had poisoned much of the water supply, and the Lotz twins, Julius and Julia, died from drinking poisoned water at a nearby stream. The Carter House and the Lotz House are worth viewing. During the battle, the south wall of the Lotz house was blown off, and cannonball holes can still be seen to this day. The house served as a hospital after the battle, and there are bloodstains on the floors and walls of the house. The Carter House is pockmarked with bullet holes, and history buffs will appreciate the preservation of these two homes. American history happened here, and even though it wasn’t a pleasant event, it was real. You can visit authentic Civil War homes, where, as one soldier put it, “The devil took full possession of the earth.” Learn more and find information about tours at www.lotzhouse.com and www. battleoffranklintrust.com.

magine an entire day at a luxurious spa with music softly playing, enjoying beauty and wellness treatments and then rushing to nowhere, except to a relaxation room or the exclusive rooftop pool, with a view of Nashville’s skyline. The Mokara Spa, located inside the stunning Omni Nashville Hotel, is a comprehensive, fullservice spa and salon, offering locals and visitors a chance to retreat from busy, creative lives to an hour—or a day—away. The Mokara’s decor has a modern, pleasing aesthetic, featuring lots of Carrara marble, warm wood and spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows. Spa services include anti-aging facials, fullbody massages, private pedicures, hot stone treatments, roof-top yoga, hair styling, waxing, makeup artistry, steam baths and body wraps. Signature individualized treatments and spa packages are available for men, women, teens, mothers-to-be and couples. • The Music City Romance Ritual might be just the daycation a couple needs to steal a getaway and spend the day relaxing by the pool. Then enjoy side-by-side massages in a duo massage room. The relaxing room has chaise sofas, allowing you to unwind before and after your treatment. • If you want your body to glow, consider

Photo courtesy of Omni Hotel

battle of franklin trust

By Angela Roberts

a blueberry soy scrub and slimming body wrap. • If you want your toes to twinkle, get the lavender pedicure in a private room equipped with massage chairs. • Leave feeling like Scarlett O’Hara with a Grand Ole Opulence facial, using Nobel Prize-winning discoveries that slow down the aging process and lengthen the life of your skin’s DNA. • Enjoy the Sound of Beauty, combining innovation and science with Babor’s luxury skin care line, promising results in just minutes. The professional staff at Mokara can also treat your face to a non-invasive, High Skin Refiner Lifting Facial, restoring its youthful contours, and boosting your confidence for that upcoming high school reunion or, perhaps, that next video shoot. Each service is performed by a team of experts who have only you in mind. A no cell phone policy keeps everybody’s hectic world out of the spa. Convenient, complementary valet parking and full use of Nashville’s rooftop pool is afforded to each guest with any treatment provided. This truly is luxury. 250 5th Avenue South Nashville, Tennessee 37203 Phone: (615) 782-5300

@NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

NASHVILLE’S

UNEXPECTED GALLERY

Public Art Revolving Art Exhibits Permanent Art Collection Community Art Exhibits Live Music in the Terminal

Nashville International Airport is a gateway to Music City. The terminal and surrounding facilities at Nashville International Airport were designed to incorporate rotating art exhibits and public art acquisitions. The award-winning Arts at the Airport’s goal is to provide a great first impression and positive impact for the arts. The next time you visit the airport, look up, look around and discover Nashville’s unexpected gallery. Like us! www.facebook.com/ArtsattheAirport Arts at the Airport receives funding for the visual arts from the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority and the Tennessee Arts Commission (TAC). The Flying Solo Exhibition Series is funded under an agreement with TAC and the State of Tennessee. For more information about Arts at the Airport, call (615) 275-1614, send email to arts @nashville.com, or visit www.flynashville.com.

Elevating education to a fine art. It should come as no surprise that a school known for its academics is equally recognized for its fine art programs. Whether art, chorus, band, drama or theater, students are able to discover and pursue their own creative talents in new and exciting ways. As part of Lipscomb University, they are also able to do it on a much larger stage with access to first-class art studios, a variety of performance venues and collegiate-level instructional experiences. Our choruses continue to receive high honors and top state rankings, outstanding musicals are performed year-round and, most recently, our band received superior ratings and was asked to perform at the state concert festival held at Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music. Come by the campus for a tour, meet a few of our faculty or attend an upcoming information session. See just how we elevate our students to reach their potential...and beyond.

For More Information:

Pre-K through 4th grade: 615.966.6320 Middle and High Schools: 615.966.6409

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Cool Off This Summer with a New Ceiling Fan!

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Hermitage Lighting Gallery

531 Lafayette St. • Nashville, TN 615•843•3300 | Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 • Sat. 9 - 5 www.hermitagelighting.com

Lighting • Appliances • Baths • Hardware • Kitchens • Plumbing

Encore Dining 1808 Grille

Sophisticated, yet casual, 1808 Grille’s seasonal menus blend traditional Southern dishes with global flavors. Award-winning wine list, as well as full bar and bar menu. Forbes Four-Star. Complimentary valet. 1808 West End Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203 Ph: (615) 340-0012 www.1808grille.com

Bob’s Steak & Chop House

The prime place for prime steak Located inside the Omni Nashville Hotel, Bob’s Steak & Chop House is a nationally renowned steak house specializing in the finest corn-fed, Midwestern prime beef. Our menu formula is simple: incredible meat, gigantic shrimp, fabulous salads and decadent desserts. Classic steak house food prepared and presented in a manner that Bon Appétit calls “the kind of fare you’ll want to go back for again and again.” 250 5th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 Ph: (615) 761-3707

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

Fleming’s Nashville is an ongoing celebration of exceptional food & wine, featuring the finest prime steak and an award-winning wine list. We are located across from Centennial Park at 2525 West End Ave.

Ph: (615) 342-0131 www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations/tn/nashville

Kitchen Notes

Authentic Southern Flavor Enjoy traditional Southern dishes handed down from generation to generation at Kitchen Notes, offering sustainable dishes made from treasured family recipes. This innovative farm-to-table concept incorporates using the freshest ingredients to create great food and a casual dining experience. While you’re here, don’t miss out on our famous Biscuit Bar, serving biscuits throughout the day! 250 5th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203 Ph: (615) 761-3700

Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville Nashville

On the corner of Fourth & Broadway, Margaritaville has everything… authentic southern food, the best bars & the caliber of music that’s expected in Nashville. Ph: 615-208-9080 / www.MargaritavilleNashville.com / Sales@MargaritavilleNashville.com

The Melting Pot - a Fondue Restaurant

Where fun is cooked up fondue style. Join us for Cheese and Chocolate fondue or the full 4-course experience. Casually elegant – Always Fun. Open 7 Days for dinner. Sundays after the Matinee. Valet Parking. Ph: (615)742-4970. 166 Second Ave. N.

Reservations Recommended. www.meltingpot.com/nashville

Prime 108

Prime 108 was named a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star restaurant, offering contemporary American cuisine with new menus each season and an extensive wine list. Located inside the historic Union Station Hotel. 1001 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

Ph: (615) 620-5665 for reservations www.prime108.com

Rodizio Grill - The Brazilian Steakhouse

Enjoy the authentic flavors, style and warm alegria of a Brazilian Churascarria (Steakhouse). Rodizio Grill features unlimited appetizers, gourmet salads, side dishes and a continuous rotation of over a dozen different meats carved tableside by our Gauchos. Banquet seating and private dining available. Valet Parking . Ph: (615)730-8358. 166 Second Ave. N. Reservations Accepted. www.rodiziogrill.com/nashville

Stock-Yard Restaurant

One of the top 10 Prime Steakhouses in the U.S.! Private dining is available from 10130. Complimentary shuttle service from every hotel in the city! Make your reservations today! 901 Second Ave. N. Nashville, TN 37201 Ph: 615.255.6464 www.stock-yardrestaurant.com

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NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING

THINGS

Nashville Pedal Tavern

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NASHVILLE PEDAL TAVERN

By Mike Wine

orst Nashville joke ever? “What do you call a bar in Nashville that you can pedal around town? Footsies.” Best traveling bar in Nashville ever? It’s The Nashville Pedal Tavern, a bar on wheels, powered by patrons fueled by their own libations. The Pedal Tavern is a bicycle built for 16 adventurers who pedal this eye-catching contraption from pub to pub. Pedal Tavern is not for the shy or faint of heart. Participants are usually stared at, photographed and videoed. They might end up on YouTube. People are used to seeing all kinds of transportation in Nashville—even horses— but a tavern moving along the street filled with laughing, boisterous people is always a showstopper. Groups can reserve a Nashville Pedal Tavern vehicle. The bar-cycle has an empty keg, but revelers can bring their own beverages, alcoholic or otherwise. The goal is to create a memory, so participants are encouraged to dress up and to dress up the tavern. One memorable group had a Viking theme, with Nordic partyers sailing up and down Broadway. The Pedal Tavern offers a choice of two routes. The Broadway Route visits several bars along Broadway and cruises past the Ryman Auditorium and Country Music Hall of Fame. If you’re looking for a more relaxed trip, select the Midtown Route. Here, you’ll be close to the Vanderbilt and Belmont campuses and will visit several dive bars and patios. Tripadvisor ranks the Nashville Pedal Tavern third of all its suggested Nashville activities, putting it just behind the Nashville Walkin’ Tour and the Segway of Nashville Tour. That’s a very high ranking in a city that offers so much to do. And the tavern’s pedal pushers tend to agree. “Booze and cardio—why not?” said one patron. “I am Canadian, and we like to drink, we like to work out and most of all, we like to party. By far, the greatest invention!”

@NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

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NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING THINGS

Country Artists Salute the Music of Billy Joel

icture it. It’s 1973, and Billy Joel walks into a recording studio in Los Angeles, sits down at the piano and shows the studio musicians the song that will become the iconic Piano Man and change the landscape of pianoplaying singer/songwriters forever.

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Yet, what if instead of making his mark from the West Coast, he had packed up the car in New York and made the pilgrimage to Music City, like so many before and after him, to the town where “It all begins with a song?” Perhaps we might talk of the great Nashville tunesmiths like Harlan

Howard, Kris Kristofferson, Roger Miller—and Billy Joel—in the same breath. Because even without the famous voice and piano playing, Billy Joel is unquestionably one of popular music’s best writers. A Nashville State of Mind is an album designed to commemorate Billy Joel’s 50th anniversary as a songwriter. It will reimagine classic arrangements and performances of his compositions, with the help of artists with strong Nashville ties such as Lady Antebellum, Lyle Lovett, David Nail and others. Along with the hits, Joel has handpicked some deeper cuts to be brought to life by contemporary country artists. The project answers the question: If Billy Joel had simply let his songs speak through the musical voice of the common man—country music—would we still know and love his songs? The resounding response from the Nashville artists bringing this vision to life is “Yes!” The compelling musical endeavor was the inspiration of music industry veteran Lance Freed, longtime head of Rondor Music and publisher of Joel’s song catalog. Freed knew that it would take a special creative team to pull this project together, one that truly understood the power of a song and the role of the songwriter. He turned to husband/wife team, Monty Powell and Anna Wilson, award-winning songwriters, producers and artists, to shepherd the project and marry some of Nashville’s best artists and musicians with Billy Joel’s amazing songs. “We’ve been tapped before for special projects like this that are concept driven and shine a light on a specific musical convergence,” Powell said. “Most recently, we had great success with Anna’s ‘Countrypolitan Duets’ record that fused classic country songs into a reinvented jazz styling; and again a few years back on A Common Thread: The Songs of The Eagles project and Mama’s Hungry Eyes, a Merle Haggard compilation. It’s albums like these that energize us and allow a new creative spark to keep great music alive for younger audiences.” Wilson adds, “Billy always says that his songs are his kids. This was a chance to dress up the ‘kids’ in some new clothes. We could not be more honored to be a part of bringing the music of The Piano Man to Guitar Town.”

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Blair Concert Series 2014-2015 The Blair School of Music, celebrating 50 years making music in Nashville For information about our free faculty and student performances, guest artists, lectures, master classes, and more, visit the Blair website at blair.vanderbilt.edu

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NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING THINGS compromise style include: an all-out Twitter war with songwriter Kacey Musgraves; four billboards down I-24 that read, “Go Away Bobby Bones;” and the riot that ensued over his “Shoot a Deer” song. WSIX can’t really censor him as no one seems to know what is coming next—not even Bones, although he says he relies and values the feedback he gets from the WSIX helm. In a Washington Post interview, Clay Hunnicutt, WSIX Clear Channel executive vice president and general manager of national programming platforms, explained his star host this way, “You know, we just take it because it’s Bobby.” What no one can explain is the surge of popularity that continues to grow and the fact that WSIX clearly bet on a winner.

The Bobby Bones Show By Sherry Stinson

“L

ighting rod,” “an acquired taste,” and “awkward sounding” are just a few of the opinions one can find when looking at the growing body of “hits” about country music talk show host Bobby Bones (Bobby Estell). WSIX brought The Bobby Bones Show, featuring Bobby, Lunchbox and Amy to Nashville for the morning drive time and things have never been the same. The show, with its transparent and brutally honest conversations “between friends,” has become the latest post in the ongoing tête-à-tête about the changing landscape of country music. The Bobby Bones Show joined Premiere Networks’ national lineup in 2011 and was nationally syndicated, transitioning to a country format in 2013. WSIX lured Bones and friends to Nashville in February of that year and his show now broadcasts to more than 70 country radio stations nationwide. The Bones crew added a weekend country show, “Country Top 30 With Bobby Bones,” to the lineup, and things have

never looked better for the boy from a trailer park in Arkansas. “We are reshaping the way country music radio is being done…in a more honest way,” he observes. Defining—not defending—his personal style, Bones points out, “The biggest format in music now is country; it’s bigger than Top 40 and most people who listen to country music aren’t wearing cowboy hats or belt buckles. So why put a character on the radio like that?” His unyielding personal honesty and transparency are endearing to the millions of “beltless” cowboys and cowgirls, who faithfully tune in every morning to hear his latest self-revelations or opinions. The greatest compliment, says Bones, is “when someone says, ‘Hey, I sat in my car an extra 15 minutes to hear what you had to say.’” Bones isn’t trying to be different; he is just being himself. “I feel like if I had to compromise anything it wouldn’t be genuine, and listeners are so smart,” he said. Examples of his no

Bones explains his drive to succeed this way. “I grew up with a big chip on my shoulder. It’s just a competition with myself against everyone who ever said people like me—who grew up in the hood or who grew up in a trailer park— couldn’t make it. It’s weird, you always grow up hearing, ‘Just imagine what you want to do and go do it.’ There’s not a truer case than me. I came from the bottom.” Off air, he admits to being a “hermit.” He keeps his perspective honest by not mixing and mingling with the record industry, adding that his job is to “stay right here, right now.” And when the radio gig ends? Bones says, “The radio gig isn’t going to end. Next year will be big…some massive TV projects are on the way.” But he laughs and acknowledges, “It could be a terrible story with a terrible ending.” We don’t think so.

@NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

NASHVILLE’S MOST INTERESTING THINGS

Hatch Show Prints Chronicling Nashville History One Poster at a Time By Kim Chaudoin

printing, a technique of relief printing that presses paper onto wood, metal letters and hand-carved images, with ink in between. It’s a method that revolutionized printing nearly seven centuries ago, and today is considered by many experts to be unrivaled for its subtleties of texture and color. Started by brothers Charles and Herbert Hatch in 1875 as CR and HH Hatch, the pressmen at Hatch Show Print developed their recognizable look—a balance between type size and style, vertical and horizontal layout—that became a part of American history, Southern

photos Courtesy of the country music hall of fame and museum

f you’ve spent any time in Nashville, chances are you’ve come across a very unique type of artwork that is simple in design and based on a process that is becoming a lost art. For nearly 140 years, Hatch Show Print, located in the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum building downtown, has chronicled some of the biggest moments in Nashville’s entertainment history with its posters. The distinctive look of the Hatch Show Print has become a beloved part of the Nashville community. What makes a Hatch Show Print so unique? These posters are produced using letterpress

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

culture and the golden era for country music. From 1925-1992, the company was located right behind the historic Ryman Auditorium, longtime home of the Grand Ole Opry. They moved to lower Broadway from 1992-2013, until relocating to their new space at 224 5th Avenue South, in downtown’s SoBro district. Hatch Show Print has captured some of music’s greatest icons spanning a variety of musical genres. It also painted a picture of Americana with print jobs for grocery stores, filling stations and movie theaters, among other clients. Today, Hatch Show Print designs and produces around 600 unique posters each year in addition to providing artwork for a variety of other projects. Hatch Show Print is open to the public and guests may visit its four different spaces, designed and built to suit the demands and mission of this busy icon of design, letterpress printing and history. These include: • A large print shop where visitors can watch posters roll off the presses. Tours are offered daily where participants get an up-close look at the presses, learn more about the process of letterpress printing, the history of Hatch Show Print, and print the final color on a keepsake letterpress print that they get to take home. • A store with wall space to display the 100plus posters created by the print shop and available for purchase; • Hatch Show Print’s Haley Gallery, featuring historic restrikes of original posters from the Hatch collection, as well as Master Printer Jim Sherraden’s monoprints—contemporary interpretations and celebrations of the classic wood blocks of Hatch Show Print; • Hatch Show Print Space for Design, a classroom and workshop space that will offer visitors and clients opportunities to learn more through demonstrations, hands-on printing and more in-depth programs. Take a walk back through time with a visit to Hatch Show Print and see first-hand how this unique art form continues to tell the story of Nashville. For more info visit: www.hatchshowprint. com.

Giorgio Armani Thomas Cole Tina Barney Asher Brown Durand Thomas Gainsborough Oskar Kokoshka Wassily Kandinsky Giovanni di Paolo Helen Pashgian Jaume Plensa Prada John Singer Sargent and many more. Visit www.fristcenter.org for a complete schedule of exhibitions and programs.

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H O N O R S By Sherry Stinson

ashville Arts and Entertainment magazine is proud to recognize five remarkable Nashvillians whose lives and work in music, the visual and performing arts, business, songwriting and philanthropy have impacted our city in countless ways. To acknowledge the tremendous spirit of giving and encouragement these honors award winners embody, Nashville Arts & Entertainment Magazine— a Glover Group Entertainment production—is pleased to make a donation of $1,000 to each of these affiliated charities of the honorees. The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Metro Arts Commission, The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, The First Tee Foundation, and the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund.

Jeffrey (LeVasseur) Steele Songwriter, Performer, Philanthropist

“A lover of words and stories of life and tradition” — Jeffrey Steele Jeffrey Steele’s catalog of hits, awards, honors and accolades go on and on … and on. They include being named one of Billboard Magazine’s top five writers, 2013 Nashville Songwriter Hall of Famer, three BMI Songwriter of the Year awards; three NSAI Writer of the Year awards, more than 35,000 airplays on radio and

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

television,100 singles released and 500 songs cut. The credits all begin to tell the tale of one of Nashville’s most prolific and legendary singersongwriters. Steele has the Midas touch when it comes to writing hit songs. He moved to Nashville in 1994 and has written hits for Faith Hill, Rascal Flatts, Tim McGraw, the Zac Brown Band, Aaron Tippin, Leann Rimes and so many more—tunes like What Hurts the Most, The Cowboy in Me, She’d Give Anything, These Days and They Don’t Make Them Like That. He could have easily rested on his songwriting laurels but chose to also embrace his performing gift by cutting seven studio albums. The Country Music Hall of Fame has honored Steele as a poet and a prophet. The man doesn’t just save it for the high notes, however. He plays benefits all over town, including the recent YMCA Songwriters Night to benefit the Brentwood YMCA. One event especially close to his heart is the Jeffrey Steele and Friends charity event in support of the Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund. Steel established the fund in partnership with the Community Foundation in memory of his 13-year old son, Alex, who was killed in an ATV accident in 2007. The fund has distributed more than $150,000 toward programs for underprivileged and at-risk youths. For aspiring songwriters who wonder how the student became the master, a recent

interview posted on talive.com might shed some light. “I’m a fanatic old-school country historian,” Steele said, “and I become a tyrant for form. I was always the kid in the room learning, watching, pushing, trying … passionate, angry, hungry, never pleased with where I was at.” Well, we sure are.

Charity Benefit: Alex LeVasseur Memorial Fund

Steve Buchanan Senior Vice President of Opry Entertainment Group, Executive Producer of “Nashville” The man behind the scenes for 28 years at Opry Entertainment Group has impressive credentials. Steve Buchanan’s leadership has been credited with reviving and saving the venerable Ryman Auditorium. And when 2010’s historic flood threatened cancellation of a “Grand Ole Opry” performance—a series that has broadcast continuously since 1925—he made sure the show would go on, despite the Opry House being underwater. More recently, Buchanan pitched an idea to the Creative Artists Agency in Los Angeles

Monroe’s music, he chose the lower-paying job, becoming the marketing manager for the Grand Ole Opry. It turned out to be the right decision—and a great one for Nashville.

Martha Ingram that has become the ABC TV hit, Nashville. Now in its third season, the show has been one giant home run artistically, musically and as a branding tool for Music City. Shooting here, and featuring local landmarks, the show has boosted Nashville as a travel destination. As executive producer, Buchanan says it was one of his proudest moments to represent the city and its famous music industry to the world. Not bad for a kid who grew up in Oak Ridge, Tenn., wanting to study forestry. He enrolled at Vanderbilt University to become an environmental engineer but his love for music won out. He worked on the concert committee responsible for bringing stars such as Bonnie Raitt, Muddy Waters and Bob Marley to campus, whetting an appetite that has never dulled and cementing his profile in Nashville’s skyline of movers and shakers. Humbling experiences, however, have not escaped Buchanan. His first job on Music Row was with Buddy Lee Attractions, a booking agency that taught him he still had a few things to learn about the vast entertainment industry. So he went back to Vanderbilt’s Owen Graduate School of Management to get a better business foundation. Upon graduating, he had two career offers. Because he loved Bill

Businesswoman and Tireless Advocate for the Arts Twice, Martha Ingram is reported to have kept the banks from foreclosing on the Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Having spearheaded the design, construction and fundraising of the world-class symphony hall, she was not about to give it up. She had, after all, cut her teeth on the formidable task of establishing an arts culture in Nashville, working tirelessly for eight years and through three governors to build the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. The essence of one of Nashville’s most iconic personalities and brilliant minds may have been captured best by former Vanderbilt University Chancellor Nicholas Zeppos, who said of Ingram, “She has achieved what she has by leading strong-willed men.” After being diagnosed with cancer, Ingram’s husband, Bronson, groomed her to take over the family business, just like her father had done years before. Upon his death, she ran the billion-dollar empire as chair and chief executive officer from 1995 until her son, John, replaced her in 2008. She was the first female chair of the Ingram Industries Board. It was one of many firsts. Ingram was elected the first female chair of Spoleto Festival

Mr. John Russell

Charity Benefit: Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

in Charleston, S.C., her hometown, as well as the first woman to chair the Vanderbilt Board of Trust. She is the first living woman and first daughter of a laureate to be inducted into the South Carolina Business Hall of Fame. In April 1999, she was inducted into the Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame and was also the recipient of the Mary Harriman Community Leadership Award of Junior League International Inc. Former President Richard Nixon even tapped her to be included on the prestigious President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts for the John F. Kennedy Center. The day before Ingram’s 70th birthday, she met with 50 Ingram Scholars who have benefited from her family’s generosity. They gave the benefactress 69 roses and she gave back one rose to each scholar, reminding them it was now their turn to lead by example. As she has done for years, Martha Ingram continues breaking down barriers, using her wealth and influence for the good of others; not only changing the world for the better, but also making it a more beautiful place to live.

Charity Benefit: Metro Arts Commission

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Dr. Thomas Frist Jr. Businessman /Entrepreneur/ Philanthropist

Though he served as a flight surgeon for the U.S. Air Force, Thomas Frist Jr. never practiced medicine. He could have followed in the footsteps of his father, Dr. Thomas Frist Sr., but the lure of the business world captured his imagination first. The entrepreneurial spirit surfaced early for Frist, while attending Vanderbilt University. Craving some financial independence, he started a company distributing desk blotters to college campuses. While making a delivery in Oklahoma, he missed a flight and decided he would never again depend on commercial airlines. He soon got his pilot’s license and used the money he had saved for an engagement ring to buy his first airplane. (Things worked out: He married the love of his life, Patricia—whom he had met in ninth grade—after his first semester in medical school, and they’ve been married more than 50 years.) Frist says he got the idea of a “shared-source hospital” partly from a fraternity brother whose father was a co-founder of Holiday Inns of America, and from observing other industries that used a similar shared-service business concept, like grocery chains. The Frists, along with Nashville businessman and surgical supplier Jack Massey, started the Hospital Corporation of America and the rest is history. Thomas

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Frist Jr. became the president of HCA in 1977, subsequently becoming chairman, president and CEO by 1987. He was inducted into the Healthcare Hall of Fame in 2003, following his father’s induction in 1990, making them the first father-son honorees. Sharing his considerable net worth (Forbes reported at $6 billion), he helped set up the Frist Foundation, a charitable trust of the Frist family, awarding annual grants to a wide range of organizations. When the city of Nashville decided it needed a visual arts center, the foundation led the charge, and the Frist Center for the Visual Arts took its place in the former historic downtown post office. An important cultural epicenter for the community since 2001, it was Thomas Frist who identified the beautiful art deco building as the perfect place for a downtown museum. Like for much of his life, Tom Frist rarely has a bad idea.

for his remarkable body of work. A bluegrass pro since high school, he found his voice playing in a band that opened for Pure Prairie League. He became PPL’s lead singer, before venturing out as a solo artist, charting his first Top 5 single, Cinderella, in 1987. Since then, he’s never looked back as he’s sold 26 million albums, earned 18 CMA awards, 20 Grammy awards (the most of any male country artist) and a place in the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Charity Benefit: Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Vince Gill Artist, Songwriter, Philanthropist Go rest high on that mountain Son, your work on Earth is done Go to Heaven a shoutin’ Love for the Father and Son Vince Gill sang those words to Go Rest High on That Mountain, a tribute to his late brother and a song that has become something of a national anthem to anyone grieving the loss of a loved one, as he was being inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame. It was a choice that reflects—perhaps even better than his amazing résumé—how deep the waters run for this highly regarded Nashville legend. Gill’s illustrious career saw yet another milestone in 2014, as he was awarded the Country Radio Broadcasters’ Career Achievement Award

An avid golfer, he started the Vince Gill Pro Celebrity Invitation Golf Tournament (The Vinny) to help support junior golf programs in Tennessee. He and his wife, Amy Grant, are renown for their charitable spirits that constantly and continuously pour out into the community. Gill was recently awarded the Leadership Music Dale Franklin Award in recognition of his philanthropic heart. His response was simply, “All you can do is lead by example, and that’s all I’ve ever tried to do.” Known for the sly humor he showcased over the 12 years he co-hosted the CMA awards, Gill is also widely recognized for his gentle but earnest personality. Kyle Young of the Country Music Foundation said it best, “Vince Gill is quite simply a living prism refracting all that is good in country music.” Charity Benefit: First Tee Foundation

2014-2015

EVENTS CALENDAR CALENDAR POWERED BY

Photo Credits (LtoR): Tennessee Titans; Schermerhorn Symphony Center; Dragon Boat Festival in Downtown Nashville; Brian Russell (Brutus), Eddie George (Julius Caesar), Eric Pasto-Crosby (Marc Antony) – Photo by Jeff Frazier/NSF; The Parthenon at Dusk; The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson; the Grand Ole Opry at the Grand Ole Opry House; Tennessee Performing Arts Center at night; Tennessee Crafts Festival in Centennial Park; Rainbow Lorikeets at the Nashville Zoo at Grassmere – Photo by Amiee Stubbs; Photo by John Russell – An interview with Lady Antebellum on the red carpet; A Country Christmas at Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center; Nashville’s Nutcracker presented by the Nashville Ballet at TPAC; and Nashville Earth Day Festival.

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NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

September Shakespeare In The Park: As You Like It

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Centennial Park

Sept. 1, 4 – 7, 11 – 14 Directed by Denice Hicks, As You Like It features songwriting legend David Olney in the role of Amiens, playing his own original songs written for the show.

Fiddler on the Roof

The Factory at Franklin Sept 4-21

Sunset Safari

Music, entertainment, and animals representing the four corners of the globe abound! Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind event, your adventure awaits!

Live On The Green Music Festival

In its sixth year, Nashville’s premiere free music series will wrap up with a weekend finale featuring live music from Cage The Elephant, Delta Spirit, G. Love and Special Sauce, The Wild Feathers, Ingrid Michaelson, and more.

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Public Square Park Sept. 4 – 6

Full Moon Pickin’ Party

Enjoy some of Middle Tennessee’s finest bluegrass music under the light of a full moon. Bluegrass and roots pickers jam in circles under the trees and around the grounds, while three headlining acts perform on the main stage.

West Side Story

The 2014/15 season kicks off with a screening of the beloved film West Side Story, with the Nashville Symphony performing Leonard Bernstein’s dynamic score live.

Warner Parks Equestrian Center

Schermerhorn Symphony Center Sept. 5 – 6

Nashville Italian Lights Festival Historic Germantown Sept. 5 – 7

Tennessee State Fair

Tennessee State Fairgrounds Sept. 5 – 14

Event details and ticketing available at

With anticipated attendance peaking over 25,000 for this three-day event, the Italian Lights Festival is proving to be a unique and talked about event throughout Tennessee. Come to see the best Tennessee has to offer with over 50 live performances, craft artisan demonstrations, livestock shows, roaring midway, and much more.

Andy Warhol’s Flowers

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art Closes Sept. 7 Andy Warhol’s Flowers exemplifies the nature of pop art, where something commonplace—like a flower—is transformed into art. Exhibit highlights include Warhol’s audacious floral proposal for the Tacoma Dome in Tacoma, WA, as well as paintings, studio photographs, and almost a dozen screen prints from his vibrant Flowers series based on the photograph of hibiscus flowers by Patricia Caulfield. Image: Andy Warhol, Daisy, ca. 1982

Jay Leno

Acclaimed TV late night show host, admired stand-up comedian, best-selling children’s book author, much-in-demand corporate speaker, lovable TV and movie voice-over artist, pioneering car builder and mechanic, and philanthropist … it’s no wonder that Jay Leno has always been widely characterized as “the hardest working man in show business.”

FirstBank Pops Series: The Four Tops

They created the soundtrack for a generation with their unbeatable string of hits. Don’t miss your chance to see these Motown legends with the Nashville Symphony.

Jackson Hall – TPAC

Schermerhorn Symphony Center Sept. 11 – 13

Boasting a legacy as an immediate and enduring international sensation, “Fiddler on the Roof” opens Studio Tenn’s fifth season.

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

Wine On The River

One of Nashville’s largest wine tasting events on the beautiful walking bridge, overlooking the best views of the downtown skyline.

HCA/TriStar Health Broadway Series: Once

Featuring an impressive ensemble of actor/musicians who play their own instruments onstage, Once tells the enchanting tale of a Dublin street musician about to give up on his dream when a beautiful young woman takes a sudden interest in his haunting love songs.

Shelby Street Pedestrian Bridge

Jackson Hall – TPAC Sept. 16 – 21

15th Annual Americana Music Festival Various Venues

More than 160 live performances take place at over nine venues in the vicinity of downtown. The festival also features numerous panels and seminars, proudly providing Nashville’s most educational music industry forum.

Sept. 17 – 21

Bluebird on the Mountain Dyer Observatory

On one of the tallest hilltops in Nashville, the concerts are scheduled around glorious sunsets on the portico of the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs, food, and drink and relax on the Observatory’s front lawn to enjoy a fabulous evening of sunset, music, and stars.

Hands On Nashville Day

Thousands of community volunteers come together each fall to complete hundreds of “done-in-a-day” school improvement projects throughout the city.

Nashville Beer Festival

Deaderick Street, Downtown Nashville

With more than 150 craft beers, local brew, great food, and fellowship, the Beer Fest also benefits the Phoenix Club of Nashville, helping disadvantaged youth for 12+ years.

WWE Night of Champions Pay Per View

See all of your favorite superstars including John Cena, Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, The Wyatt Family, Randy Orton, and more. Card is subject to change.

Local Metro Schools

Bridgestone Arena

Lorde

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tall Tales

Grand Ole Opry House

Relive the legends of Johnny Appleseed, Mike Fink, Pecos Bill and other American Folk Heroes as they are explored through the eyes of children.

MTSU

Tennessee Craft Fall Fair Centennial Park

No matter what you are looking for, you will be sure to find it among the artists participating in the always anticipated fall craft fair.

Sept. 26 – 28

Amy Schumer

Ryman Auditorium Her show Inside Amy Schumer provides an intimate look into the mind of the comedian, who, through a series of scripted vignettes, stand-up comedy, and man-on-the-street interviews, explores topics revolving around sex, relationships, and life.

Women’s Half Marathon & 5K Downtown Nashville

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Bridgestone Arena

Sept 24-28

Event details and ticketing available at

Courses feature energetic Cheer Zone groups to inspire and motivate runners along the way. Even the Water Stop volunteers add to the positive spirit on the course by playing music, wearing costumes, and decorating their stations.

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NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

October 1

Yo-Yo Ma

Famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins conductor Giancarlo Guerrero and the Nashville Symphony. Included works: Symphony No. 1 (Brahms), Concerto for Cello (Elgar).

Disney On Ice: Frozen

Anna, a girl with an extraordinary heart, embarks on an epic journey to find her sister, the magical Elsa, who is determined to remain secluded as she finally feels free to test the limits of her powers.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Bridgestone Arena Oct. 2 – 5

Carrie: The Musical

Street Theatre Company Oct. 3 – 12

Based on Stephen King’s 1974 horror novel, this is the story of a shy teenage girl living in a world of bullies. After a practical joke goes too far, Carrie then uses her telekinetic powers to bring about her revenge.

Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street

Johnson Theater – TPAC

Oct. 4 – 25 The rare instance of a musical thriller, this chilling, suspenseful, heart-pounding masterpiece of murderous “barberism” and culinary crime tells the infamous tale of the unjustly exiled Benjamin Barker (aka Sweeney Todd). Photo credit: Harry Butler

Celebrate Nashville Cultural Festival Centennial Park

This free festival provides an opportunity for intercultural dialogue and features a variety of dance and music performance on 7 different stages, food vendors offering authentic and exotic tastes from around the world, hands-on children’s activities, an area for teens, a marketplace, and much more.

Fall Fest

This event focuses on a fantastic variety of artisans, live music acts that can only be found in Music City, and specialty foods and spirits.

The Hermitage Oct. 4 – 5

Jackson Hall – TPAC Oct. 9 – 11 With its thrilling, beautiful music and its mixture of high comedy and serious drama, the opera sweeps the viewer away into a world of young love, a world of romance, and ultimately, a world tinged with bittersweet longing.

Grand Ole Opry 89th Birthday Concerts Grand Ole Opry House

It’s the show that made country music famous. The Opry features a dynamic line-up of new stars, superstars, and legends of country music.

Oct. 10 – 11

Event details and ticketing available at 90

La Bohéme

Nashville Oktoberfest Historic Germantown

The city’s original and longest running cultural festival that attracts thousands from around the region with its unique brand of traditional German revelry.

Oct. 10 – 11

Southern Festival of Books War Memorial Plaza Oct. 10 – 12

Celebration of Nations

Paul McCartney

Franklin Wine Festival

Historic Downtown Franklin

Prominent authors, from legendary mystery writers to critically acclaimed debut novelists, poets to biographers, and chefs to children’s authors participate in panels, workshops, and readings. Creating a passion for global diversity through presenting the ethnic traditional arts, foods and sensory experiences of various immigrant cultures.

Bridgestone Arena

Historic Downtown Franklin

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Enjoy extensive offerings by Middle Tennessee’s finest chefs paired with more than 300 selected wines from around the world while bidding on wonderful surprises during the silent auction held simultaneous with the tasting events.

NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

The Del McCoury Band and Hot Rize

Swan Lake with Nashville Symphony

War Memorial Auditorium

Oct. 17 – 19

Accompanied by the mesmerizing, seamless formations of her charmed maidens, the Swan Queen comes to life through the grace and elegance of Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov’s choreography and Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s iconic score.

Ghouls at Grassmere

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Oct. 17 – 19, 23 – 26 This annual fundraiser boasts exciting Halloween activities designed to appeal to families with children ages 12 and under. Put on your costume and creep on over for a night of ghoulish fun. Photo credit: Amiee Stubbs

17 18 21

Music & Molasses Oct. 18 – 19

Bluegrass music, storytellers, crafts, food including homemade cakes and pies, free buggy rides, log cabin activities for children with a trail hike, pony rides, animals to touch and much more makes this a weekend of family fun.

HCA/ CA Tri CA/ T Star Health Broadway Series: Chicago with John O’Hurley

A true New York City institution, Chicago has everything that makes Broadway great: a universal tale of fame, fortune, and all that jazz; one show-stoppingsong after another; and the most astonishing dancing you’ve ever seen.

Tennessee Agricultural Museum

Jackson Hall – TPAC

Event details and ticketing available at

Jackson Hall – TPAC

Oct. 21 – 26

31st Annual Pumpkinfest Historic Downtown Franklin

The Heritage Foundation’s annual fall festival attracting a crowd of 50,000 local and out-of-town visitors for a full day of autumn-inspired food, children’s activities, music, storytelling, and more.

Halloween Movie Night: Phantom of the Opera

Get ready for some serious chills and thrills when they screen the 1925 silent movie classic, accompanied by the breathtaking, seat-shaking sound of the concert organ.

Steel Magnolias

Studio Tenn brings to Franklin this quintessentially Southern stage classic about hope, healing, humor and heartache.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The Factory at Franklin Oct. 30-Nov 9th.

FirstBank Pops Series: The Music of Queen

Experience the majesty of “Bohemian Rhapsody” and all your favorite Queen hits when conductor/arranger Brent Havens and his band join the Nashville Symphony for high-energy fun and incredible music.

Schermerhorn Symohony Center Oct. 30 – Nov. 1

Cheekwood Harvest

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art Sept. 27 – Oct. 31

Tennessee Titans 2014 Home Schedule

The Tennessee Titans play their home games at LP Field in Nashville, TN. Visit NowPlayingNashville.com for ticket and game information.

Stroll around the grounds and enjoy the crisp fall air while taking in the changing hues of the landscape. Over 5,000 chrysanthemums will be planted across the grounds, creating a carpet of rich color to usher in the new season.

DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

Sun. Sept. 14

Dallas Cowboys

Noon

Sun. Oct. 5

Cleveland Browns

Noon

Sun. Oct. 12

Jacksonville Jaguars

Noon

Sun. Oct. 26

Houston Texans

Noon

Mon. Nov. 17

Pittsburgh Steelers

7:30pm

Sun. Dec. 7

New York Giants

Noon

Sun. Dec. 14

New York Jets

3:05pm

Sun. Dec. 28

Indianapolis Colts

Noon

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An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

November El Dia de los Muertos

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art One of the most important celebrations in Latin America, it demonstrates the culture’s strong sense of love and respect for one’s ancestors while celebrating the continuance of life. Learn more about this unique holiday.

Pied Piper Children’s Series: Under the Big Top

Acrobat Kristen Leophard and dance troupes FALL and The Aerial Fabricators will be on hand to perform amazing stunts, and the orchestra will play festive favorites.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Martina McBride

Wine Down Main Street Historic Downtown Franklin

Unique wine tasting along Historic Main Street in Downtown Franklin, where more than 40 shops play host to wines from around the world.

American Ballads: The Photographs of Marty Stuart

Primarily known as a country music star, Marty Stuart has been taking photographs of the people and places surrounding him since he first went on tour with bluegrass performer Lester Flatt at age 13.

Ryman Auditorium

Frist Center for the Visual Arts Closes Nov. 2

HCA/TriStar Health Broadway Series: Camelot Jackson Hall – TPAC

Recount the time-honored legend of King Arthur, Guinevere, Lancelot, and the Knights of the Round Table in an enchanting fable of chivalry, majesty, and brotherhood in this four-time Tony Award®-winning show.

Nov. 4 – 9

TBA 5

48th Annual CMA Awards

“Country Music’s Biggest Night™” brings together the biggest names in Country Music under one roof.

Nashville Jewish Film Festival

A weeklong celebration of contemporary films that illustrate all facets of contemporary Jewish life in the U.S., Israel, and around the world.

Bridgestone Arena

Belcourt Theatre Nov. 5 – 15

See this popular drama on the Tucker Theatre stage at MTSU

MTSU

Event details and ticketing available at

Nov 5-9

Aegis Sciences Classical Series: Mozart Schermerhorn Symphony Center Nov. 7 – 8

Pianist Jeffrey Kahane and conductor Hans Graf join the Nashville Symphony. Included works: Odna Zhizn (A Life) (Christopher Rouse), Piano Concerto No. 25 (Mozart), Concerto for Orchestra (Bartok).

Miranda Lambert: Backstage Access Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Closes Nov. 9 Explore a year in the life of Grammy Award-winning superstar Miranda Lambert. The exhibit features gowns, stage costumes, awards and much more. Lambert’s own Tweets will provide the narrative thread of this journey through the artist’s life in 2013.

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A Doll’s House

Nashville ½ Marathon, Marathon, & 5K Hard Rock Café, Downtown Nashville

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Whether you’re an out-of-towner or a lifelong local you will love this route as it takes you through some of Nashville’s most beautiful and historic scenery.

NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

Schermerhorn Symphony Center Nov. 13 – 15

Blue & Gray Days

Enjoy a night uptown as Jeff Tyzik and the Nashville Symphony take a trip back to the heyday of New York’s Cotton Club with this salute to the “Hi De Ho” swing of Cab Calloway and the elegant “Satin Doll” sheen of Duke Ellington. Guests meet Civil War reenactors and get hands-on experience with clothes, trades, and weapons of the past.

Historic Carnton Plantation Nov. 14 – 15

Christmas Village

Tennessee State Fairgrounds

Nashville’s oldest and most prestigious consumer show featuring around 260 merchants with a variety of unique seasonal and gift items including: toys, clothing, jewelry, food, pottery, collectibles, and unusual pieces for the “person who has everything.”

The Adventures of Robin Hood and His Merry Men

Following the success of Ichabod: Missing in Sleepy Hollow, STC will again partner with Playhouse Nashville in selecting a playwright to write an original script for STC’s ClassAct fall youth production.

Street Theatre Company

Event details and ticketing available at

First Bank Pops Series: A Night at the Cotton Club

Nov. 14 – 22

Christmas with Celtic Thunder and the Nashville Symphony

Ring in the holidays with these sensational Irish performers, who’ve become famous all over the world for their dramatic live performances.

HCA/TriStar Health Broadway Series: The Book of Mormon

Nine-time Tony Award winning Best Musical from the creators of South Park. The New York Times calls it “the best musical of this century.” The Washington Post says, “It is the kind of evening that restores your faith in musicals.”

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Jackson Hall – TPAC Nov. 18 – 23

Aegis Sciences Classical Series: Jonathan Biss Plays Brahms Nov. 20 – 22

A Christmas Carol: The Musical Larry Keeton Theatre Nov. 21 – Dec. 14

Mandy Barnett

A Christmas Carol: The Musical

Cumberland County Playhouse

Hendersonville Performing Arts Company Nov. 28 – Dec. 14

The Larry Keeton Theatre is unlike any other entertainment venue in the Nashville area. Serving up scrumptious dinings and thrilling performances by some of the most talented performers and crew around.

Differentiating this version of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol from the hundreds of other adaptations of the same Yuletide classic is it’s tonguein-cheek ambiance and a bundle of memorable tunes by perennial Disney composer, Alan Menken and former Schoolhouse Rock lyricist Lynn Ahrens.

A Christmas Story

Johnson Theater – TPAC

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Pianist Jonathan Biss joins conductor Giancarlo Guerrero, the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, and the Nashville Symphony Chorus. Included works: Requiem (Duruflé), Piano Concerto No. 2 (Brahms).

Nov. 29 – Dec. 21 Humorist Jean Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s follows 9-year-old Ralphie Parker in his unflappable campaign to get Santa (or anyone else) to give him a “legendary official Red Rider carbine action 200 shot range model air rifle.” The consistent response: “You’ll shoot your eye out.” Photo credit: Harry Butler (L to R) Jamie Farmer, Samuel Whited, David Compton.

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Cindy Harper

Partner and Practice Leader, Wealth Management Services

615.377.4600 www.lbmc.com

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MTSU is an AA/EEO employer.

ack “Mimm” McClure produced some of the smoothest moonshine in North Georgia, and it was strong enough to fuel a car - for those who could afford one - and cure the common cold. Mimm passed away in 1969, and although the recipe remained in the family, not another drop was produced…until now.

Introducing Grandaddy Mimm’s Authentic Corn Whiskey.

Available in 100 and 140 proof White Whiskey, 80 proof Apple and Blended Whiskey and 60 proof Apple Brown Betty. Drink Responsibly and Tithe on Sunday®

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7/29/14 4:29 PM

EVEN THREE WISHES WON’T GET YOU WHAT YOU WANT.

GOLD-PLATED OIL LAMP

That is, if what you desire is an office that runs efficiently and technology that gives you the power to work wonders. Because when it comes to a smooth running operation, magic just doesn’t cut it.

For technology that powers your business, call your local RJ Young representative at 615.255.8551 or visit us online at RJYoung.com.

Your productivity is our mission.

NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

December A Country Christmas

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Gaylord Opryland and Resort Nov. – Dec. A Country Christmas® includes more than 2 million lights and more than a dozen shows and attractions including the Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Radio City Rockettes®; Lorrie Morgan’s Enchanted Christmas Dinner & Show™; a Christmassy DreamWorks Experience; and much more.

Handle’s Messiah

The MTSU Concert Chorale and the Middle Tennessee Chorale Society will present the holiday favorite Messiah at First United Methodist Church.

Christmas with Amy Grant and Vince Gill

In their two-hour program, the Grammy-winning husband and wife team will present cherished standards and as well as newer seasonal fare.

MTSU

Ryman Auditorium

Dec. 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, 18

It’s a Wonderful Life The Factory at Franklin

Based on the beloved Holiday film by Frank Capra, Studio Tenn presents Hollywood’s heirloom Christmas gift to post-war America.

December 4-21

Deloitte Jazz Series: The Manhattan Transfer Swings Christmas

The beloved vocal quartet is ready to deck the halls, trim the tree, and sing all the Christmas songs that make you feel warm and fuzzy.

Romulus Hunt

In 1993, Carly Simon took her gift of melody and her fearless examination of love and relationships, and created this opera. At the time of its premiere, the opera was heralded as “one of the most important American operas since Porgy and Bess.”

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The Noah Liff Opera Center Dec. 5 – 7

Pied Piper Children’s Series: Amahl and the Night Visitors Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Nashville Public Library’s puppet troupe Wishing Chair Productions joins the Nashville Symphony to perform Gian Carlo Menotti’s beloved holiday classic.

The Black Keys

Bridgestone Arena

Nashville’s Nutcracker with the Nashville Symphony Event details and ticketing available at

Jackson Hall – TPAC

Dec. 6 – 21 Celebrate the wonder of the holidays with young Clara as she goes on a fantastic adventure through magical destinations, including the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. Experience the grandeur of yesteryear and travel back to 1897 Nashville. Photo credit: Karyn Kipley Photography

6 9

Jim Brickman: On A Winter’s Night

Jim will showcase new music, along with holiday favorites and the hits that have made him the most charted Billboard® Adult Contemporary artist. With featured musical guests, feelings of hope and joy are fused together with Jim’s most beloved songs.

Marvel Universe Live!

A mind-blowing show unlike anything you’ve seen before. Watch your favorite Marvel Super Heroes including Spider Man, The Avengers, Iron Man, Hulk, and more, and threatening villains come to life in an action-packed arena extravaganza.

Dickens of A Christmas

More than 250 volunteers participate in the event as characters from Dickens’ stories, vendors or street performers. Meet Ebenezer Scrooge, his unfortunate partner Marley (the ghost in chains), little Tiny Tim Cratchit and his family, and many more, including Father Christmas.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Bridgestone Arena

Historic Downtown Franklin Dec. 13 – 14

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

Polk Theater – TPAC Dec. 16 – 21

Handel’s Messiah

Schermerhorn Symphony Center Dec. 18 – 20

Justin Timberlake

Scrooge

A Sanders Family Christmas

From fleeing the Abominable Snow Monster to saving Christmas, join Rudolph and his friends Clarice, Hermey the Elf, and Yukon Cornelius as their adventures teach us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Celebrate the season with the Nashville Symphony Orchestra and Chorus as they perform one of the most inspiring works of music ever written. Handel’s masterpiece is full of passion, drama and passages of stunning beauty.

Bridgestone Arena

Cumberland County Playhouse

The classical musical tale of Ebenezer Scrooge and the spirits that guide his reluctant journey, showing him the true spirit of Christmas.

Nov. 21 – Dec. 20

Cumberland County Playhouse

Faith, family, and fun abound in this heavenly holiday favorite. It’s got great gospel music, uproarious laughter, and a romantic surprise!

Event details and ticketing available at

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical

Oct. 31 – Dec. 21

Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl LP Field

Established in 1998, the Franklin American Mortgage Music City Bowl has transformed the week between Christmas and New Year’s Day into one of the city’s busiest times of the year in Nashville! Enjoy a college football classic!

Bash On Broadway Downtown Nashville

Ring in the new year and rock out the old with Music City and thousands of your closest friends at Nashville’s New Year’s Eve party on Lower Broadway. Bring your party hats. Make some noise. Count down to the fireworks and midnight “Music Note Drop®”! Photo credit: Nashville Convention and Visitors Corporation

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Holiday Charity Guide: GivingMatters.com WHERE TO FIND ONE STOP HOLIDAY SHOPPING This holiday season, give a gift that honors the recipient and impacts our community by making a charitable gift in the name of a friend or loved one. Visit GivingMatters.com for detailed information on more than 1,400 Middle Tennessee nonprofits, and find organizations that appeal to the interests of everyone on your list. Secure, tax-exempt, online donations to local charities can be made directly through GivingMatters.com.

CHARITABLE GIVING CARDS Want to put a new spin on charitable giving? Holiday GIVING CARDS can be purchased in the style and amount of your choosing. Recipients of Giving Cards can redeem them to benefit the charity of their choice. Learn more about Giving Cards at cfmt.org/givingcards. Connect with GivingMatters.com on Facebook and Twitter! T F: Facebook.com/GivingMattersCFMT

T: @gvngmatterscfmt

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NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

January 3

Nashville New Years Resolution Run

After you’ve counted down the last seconds of 2014 start your New Year with the Nashville Resolution Run. Don’t wait to start your New Year’s resolution, celebrate with your friends and family in this 5K, finishing with prizes and festivities.

Helen Pashgian Columns

Helen Pashgian explores the nature of perception by using natural and artificial light to illuminate reflective, translucent or transparent industrial materials. A pioneer of the Light and Space Movement of the 1960s, Pashgian and others sought to make the spectators’ sensory experience the focus of their work.

Downtown Nashville

Frist Center for the Visual Arts Closes Jan. 4

Kandinsky: A Retrospective

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Closes Jan. 4 Featuring over 80 paintings, watercolors, drawings and a reconstituted mural, Vassily Kandinsky celebrates some of the most significant aspects of the artist’s oeuvre. Photo credit: Frist Center for the Visual Arts

HCA/TriStar Health Broadway Series: Blue Man Group Jan. 6 – 11

Best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine comedy, music, and technology to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. Although it is impossible to describe, people of all ages agree that Blue Man Group is an intensely exciting and wildly outrageous show that leaves the entire audience in a blissful, euphoric state.

Aegis Sciences Classical Series: Beethoven’s Seventh

Violinist Caroline Goulding and conductor Johannes Debus join the Nashville Symphony, included works Siegfried Idyll (Wagner), Violin Concerto No. 5 (Mozart), and Symphony No. 7 (Beethoven).

Jackson Hall – TPAC

Schermerhorn Symphony Center Jan. 8 – 10

Progressive Insurance Nashville Boat & Sportshow Music City Center Jan. 8 – 11

FirstBank Pops Series: Kenny Rogers Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Tennessee’s premier boat and sportshow docks at the new Music City Center for five days of summer fun to break up winter-induced cabin fever. Sharpen your boating and angling skills and get tips from the pros during an expanded seminar lineup. With more than 50 years in show business, Kenny Rogers has sold more than 120 million records worldwide and scored an impressive 24 No. 1 hits.

Event details and ticketing available at

Jan. 15 – 17

Hands On Nashville MLK Days of Service Various Locations

Honor Dr. King’s legacy by joining Hands On Nashville, in partnership with Metro Parks, to improve our community centers.

Jan. 17 & 19

24th Annual Nashville Auto Fest

Tennessee State Fairgrounds and Expo Center Jan. 17 – 18

Deloitte Jazz Series: Gregory Porter Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The annual Auto Fest, a combination car show and swap meet, features more than 120 vendors with new & used parts and memorabilia, a car show with more than $2,500 in cash and awards, all indoor for sale corral, plus door prize drawings. With his rich baritone, Porter has been compared to the greatest of the greats, but it may be the brilliance of his poetry and the unguarded depth of his delivery that has fueled his rise to fame.

Florencia en el Amazonas Polk Theater – TPAC

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NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Jan. 23, 25, 27 Inspired by the writings of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, this ravishingly beautiful romantic opera is an examination of love in all of its joys and folly. Sung in Spanish with easy-to-read projected English supertitles.

NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

Zoo Run Run

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Nashville’s Local Flavors This neighborhood guide features the tastiest local hotspots to sample in Nashville such as fine dining, meat and 3’s, barbecue, gastropubs, breweries, gourmet popsicles, and more. Discover Nashville’s local flavor!

12 SOUTH / MELROSE

DEMONBREUN / MIDTOWN

GREEN HILLS

12 South Bistro B & C Melrose BBQ Burger Up Edley’s Bar-B-Que Gabby’s Burgers and Fries Las Paletas Gourmet Popsicles MAFIAoZA’S Pizzeria & Neighborhood Pub M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers Taqueria Del Sol The Smiling Elephant Urban Grub

Bound’ry Broadway Brewhouse Midtown The Catbird Seat Chuy’s Corner Pub Midtown Hattie B’s Hot Chicken Noshville Delicatessen The Patterson House San Antonio Taco Company The Slider House Soulshine Pizza Factory South Street Tavern

Copper Kettle Café Corner Pub Green Hills Crow’s Nest. Firefly Grille Joe’s Place Jonathan’s Grille Noshville Delicatessen Table 3 Restaurant & Market

BELLE MEADE Finezza The Harding House at Belle Meade Plantation Newks Noelle’s The Pineapple Room at Cheekwood Sperry’s Sportsman’s Grill

BELLEVUE / WEST NASHVILLE

BELMONT / EDGEHILL VILLAGE / HILLSBORO VILLAGE Bella Napoli Boscos blvd Nashville Cabana Chago’s Cantina The Dog Fido Jackson’s Bar and Bistro McDougal’s Pancake Pantry PM Sportsman’s Grill Sunset Grill Taco Mamacita

BERRY HILL Baja Burrito Yellow Porch

Arnold’s Country Kitchen Broadway Brewhouse Capitol Grille City House Copper Kettle Café The Cupcake Collection Demos’ Steak and Spaghetti House Etch The Farm House Germantown Café Husk Jacks Bar-B-Que Mad Platter Merchants Monell’s Dining & Catering The Palm Paradise Trailer Park Resort Past Perfect Pinewood Social Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack Rolf & Daughters San Antonio Taco Company Silo Sole Mio The Southern Steak & Oyster Stock-Yard Restaurant Swett’s Restaurant Two Twenty-Two Grill

Bar Louie Cantina Laredo Flyte World Dining & Wine Jackalope Brewery Kayne Prime Music City Flats Pour House Ru San’s Sushi and Seafood Saint Añejo Sambuca The 404 Kitchen Virago Watermark Whiskey Kitchen Yazoo Brewery

WEST END / SYLVAN PARK / ELLISTON PLACE 1808 Grille BrickTop’s Café Coco Caffe Nonna & Pizzeria Goten Jimmy Kelly’s MAmbu McCabe Pub Midtown Café Miel Restaurant Neighbors Park Café Rotier’s Suzy Wong’s House of Yum Tin Angel Valentino’s Ristorante

EAST NASHVILLE Eastland Café Fat Bottom Brewery Five Points Pizza Holland House Jeni’s Ice Cream Lockeland Table Marché Artisan Foods Margot Café & Bar The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden Rosepepper Cantina Rumours East The Silly Goose The Treehouse The Wild Cow Village Pub & Beer Garden

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An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Bria Bistro Broadway Brewhouse 100 Broadway Brewhouse West Coco’s Italian Market Corner Pub 100 Jonathan’s Grille Loveless Café M.L. Rose Craft Beer & Burgers Nachos [PUB]licity Thistle Stop Café The Wild Hare

DOWNTOWN / GERMANTOWN

THE GULCH

Event details and ticketing available at

Unleash the beast for the Nashville Zoo’s annual 5K through the park. All proceeds benefit the Nashville Zoo. Dinner will be served to the participants as they complete the course.

Charity : Music Music Heals. Ryan’s Guitars Project provides quality guitars and guitar instructors to poor and refugee children throughout the Middle East. Because all children should grow up with positive ways of expressing themselves regardless of circumstance.

Ryan’s Guitars Project is a charitable expression of St. Paul’s Foundation. We’ve been working in the Middle East helping all of all faiths for over 1,600 years.

To find out more and donate, go to:

www.guitarsproject.org Just $20 gives a child use of a guitar and music lessons for a month.

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E D I S N I P E y T r S o t S r u O

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to say “ Iit’swant ‘Live Salt’ because it’s fresh, alive! Buy some.

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NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

February 30

Antiques and Garden Show Music City Center

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Jan. 30 – Feb. 1

More than 150 antique and horticultural booths make up this annual show with many innovative landscaped gardens as well as internationally renowned experts and exhibitors in the fields of antiques, decorative arts and landscape design.

6th Annual No Veteran Left Behind

Sound Kitchen Studios hosts the annual benefit concert presented by the We Are Building Lives Foundation.

Zooperbowl

Before sitting down for the big game, stretch your legs and get the gang fired up by heading over to Nashville Zoo for half price admission.

Baker Mountain Farm

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

HCA/TriStar Health Broadway Series: Kinky Boots

Jackson Hall – TPAC

Feb. 3 – 8 This inspirational story follows a struggling shoe factory owner who works to turn his business around with help from Lola, a fabulous entertainer in need of some sturdy stilettos. Together, this unlikely pair finds that they have more in common than they ever dreamed possible. Photo Credit: The original Broadway cast of Kinky Boots by Matthew Murphy

The Great Eastern: Storytelling in the Heart of East Nashville

A monthly storytelling with 4-5 storytellers, and a few spots for those whose names are drawn randomly out of a hat for a 5 minute spot. The only rule is that the stories be true(ish).

Aegis Sciences Classical Series: Dvorak’s Beloved ‘New World’

Pianist Kirill Gerstein and conductor Lawrence Foster join the Nashville Symphony, including Symphony No. 2 “Age of Anxiety” (Bernstein) and Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” (Dvorak).

Cult Fiction Underground

Schermerhorn Symphony Center Feb. 5 – 7

The Whipping Man

Johnson Theater – TPAC

In the post-Civil War South, three men are tied to each other by history and faith, but are also bound by secrets.

Feb. 7 – 21

Fiddler on the Roof Larry Keeton Theatre

Event details and ticketing available at

Feb. 12 – 28

Attitude

Polk Theater – TPAC Feb. 13 – 15

Warner Parks Nature Center

Feb. 13 – 15 Celebrate your love for art and the Warner Parks on Valentine’s Day weekend. Middle Tennessee’s plein air painters, The Chestnut Group, will present an art show of works inspired by the natural beauty of Nashville’s beloved Warner Parks. A portion of proceeds from artwork sales will benefit the Parks.

In The Mood: A 1940s Big Band Musical Revue

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

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Choreographer Gina Patterson will revive her celebrated 2012 creation “...but the flowers have yet to come,” with music from Matthew Perryman Jones and visual art from local artist Emily Leonard, who will create an original painting on stage during the performance.

Art Show by The Chestnut Group

Named by the Nashville Business Journal as the third highest most attended theatre in town, The Larry Keeton Theatre is unlike any other entertainment venue in the Nashville area. Serving up scrumptious dinings and thrilling performances by some of the most talented performers and crew around.

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A retro 1940s musical revue featuring top-notch singers and dancers accompanied by the sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra. In the 1940s, the combination of up-tempo big band instrumentals and intimate, romantic ballads set the mood for a future filled with promise, hope and prosperity.

NOW PLAYING NASHVILLE PLACEMENT

Peter & the Wolf with Nashville Ballet

With choreography by Paul Vasterling and sets by Nashville artist Norris Hall, Nashville Ballet brings this classic children’s story to life as it follows Peter on an adventure with his fun-loving animal friends. Photo Credit: ANTHONYMATULA.

HCA/ CA Tri CA/ T Star Health Broadway Series: Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Jackson Hall – TPAC

Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s irresistible family musical about the trials and triumphs of Joseph, Israel’s favorite son. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph, his eleven brothers, and the coat of many colors, this magical musical is full of unforgettable songs.

Feb. 17 – 22

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FirstBank Pops Series: Styx Feb. 19 – 21

Get ready for a night of soaring power ballads and classic anthems when one of the biggest acts in rock history joins the Nashville Symphony to perform some of their most breathtaking songs.

The Cash Legacy

Studio Tenn presents a Musical Tribute to the Man in Black.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Event details and ticketing available at

Polk Theater – TPAC

The Factory at Franklin Feb 19-Mar1

Aegis Sciences Classical Series: Mahler’s Ninth

Giancarlo Guerrero conducts the Nashville Symphony.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center Feb. 27 – 28

Ongoing

Historical RCA Studio B Tours T

More than 35,000 songs were brought to life by the Studio B magic, including more than 1,000 American hits, 40 million-selling singles, and over 200 Elvis Presley recordings. Step into the house of the hit-makers and discover the leg-end of this Music Row landmark.

Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

2014 - 2015 Home Schedule

The Nashville Predators play their homes games at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN. Visit NowPlayingNashville.com for ticket and game information. DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

DATE

OPPONENT

TIME

Thu, 10/09 Sat, 10/11 Tue, 10/14 Tue, 10/21 Thu, 10/23 Sat, 10/25 Tue, 11/11 Sat, 11/15 Sat, 11/22 Tue, 11/25 Thu, 11/27 Sat, 11/29 Thu, 12/04 Sat, 12/06

Ottawa Senators Dallas Stars Calgary Flames Phoenix Coyotes Chicago Blackhawks Pittsburgh Penguins Edmonton Oilers Winnipeg Jets Florida Panthers Los Angeles Kings Edmonton Oilers Columbus Blue Jackets St. Louis Blues Chicago Blackhawks

7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm

Tue, 12/16 Sat, 12/27 Tue, 12/30 Tue, 01/06 Thu, 01/08 Tue, 01/13 Fri, 01/16 Tue, 01/27 Tue, 02/03 Thu, 02/05 Sat, 02/07 Tue, 02/10 Thu, 02/12 Sat, 02/14

Boston Bruins Philadelphia Flyers St. Louis Blues Carolina Hurricanes Dallas Stars Vancouver Canucks Washington Capitals Colorado Avalanche Toronto Maple Leafs Anaheim Ducks New York Rangers Tampa Bay Lightning Winnipeg Jets New Jersey Devils

7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 2:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

Tue, 02/17 Tue, 02/24 Thu, 02/26 Sat, 02/28 Thu, 03/05 Sat, 03/07 Tue, 03/17 Sat, 03/21 Tue, 03/24 Sun, 03/29 Tue, 03/31 Sat, 04/04 Thu, 04/09

San Jose Sharks Colorado Avalanche Minnesota Wild Detroit Red Wings New York Islanders Winnipeg Jets Minnesota Wild Buffalo Sabres Montreal Canadiens Calgary Flames Vancouver Canucks Dallas Stars Minnesota Wild

7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 2:00pm 7:00pm 6:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm 4:00pm 7:00pm 7:00pm

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An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Nashville Predators

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Get On the Bus, Gus! More Nashvillians are Getting the Star Treatment By Deborah Evans Price

or Nashville’s music community, reliable transportation is key to taking their music on the road and providing fans with a live concert experience. Elaborately outfitted buses have long been the preferred vehicle among music’s elite, and Nashville is home to some very successful businesses that provide custom buses, not just for country music stars, but also to athletes, politicians and rock stars from all over the world. These days, luxury buses and high-tech RVs aren’t limited to the rich and famous. There’s an increasing trend toward families abandoning the confines of the well-traveled mini-van for beautifully appointed buses and recreational vehicles, fully loaded with technological bells and whistles, to transport them to their favorite vacation spots. Recently, Nashville high-rise developer Tony Giarratana and his family hit the open road for

a memorable vacation. “My family and I had an amazing 10-day experience traveling by motor coach from Nashville to the West Coast,” he says. “With luxurious onboard accommodations for eight and a carefully orchestrated team of professional drivers, we were able to go from one exciting destination to the next, with most of the travel being accomplished at night while we slept,” Giarratana says. Along the way, they took in several national parks and natural attractions that would have been a grueling drive by car—and impossible by plane—as well as stops in Las Vegas, San Francisco and along the magnificent Pacific Coast Highway. “My family and I thoroughly enjoyed our experience,” he says, “and we have many special memories.” Giarratana says the decision to undertake such a trip was actually spontaneous. “My wife and I had talked about seeing these spectacular

sights with our kids for some time, but there just never seemed to be a good time,” he says. “During a Lipscomb University College of Business advisory board meeting, my friend and fellow board member, Gary Glover, mentioned he had received a certificate for the use of a tour bus formerly owned by a country music star— including fuel and drivers. We negotiated a deal on the spot and my family was shocked when I told them that night to pack their bags because we were heading out West.” He credits his wife with mapping out the trip and calculating distances and logistics with the help of Premiere Transportation. “The challenge was making sure that our driver didn’t need to drive more than 10 hours in any given day,” he says. “On two occasions, when we needed to travel more than 10 hours between national parks, Premiere arranged for replacement drivers to fly in ahead of us and

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With a fleet of over 90 buses, Premier Transportation lease buses to entertainers, executives, politicians, or anyone looking to travel in style.

If You Build It, They Will Ride

rendezvous with our bus … so that we could keep moving.” Giarratana notes that even with long travel days, the trip was stress-free. “Because the motor

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coach was quite luxurious and equipped with all of the amenities of a small condo, we were comfortable even when we needed to drive during the day, which made the trip quite enjoyable.”

If there’s anybody who knows how important it is to have a comfortable, functional bus, it’s Joey and Trent Hemphill of Hemphill Brothers Coach Company. They grew up traveling and performing with their parents as part of the acclaimed Southern Gospel group The Hemphills. Their father, Joel Hemphill Sr., started his own bus-leasing company as a side business in 1974, and the brothers began learning the trade. Years later, their dad decided to get out of the business, and he sold two buses to his sons. Little did he know that would be the start of one of the most successful transportation businesses in the world. Joey and Trent launched the company in 1980, and by 1989, they gave up performing to focus full time on the bus business. Today, they have a fleet of more than 90 buses. “Our client base is very diverse,” says Trent. “It’s a lot of musical celebrities … but we also have Broadway tours that lease from us, politicians that go on campaign and people

nields for big machine records

who want to launch a book they’ve written. We have sports teams leasing from us, so it’s a wide variety.” From President Barack Obama and top rock acts like Van Halen to country sweethearts like Kellie Pickler, the Hemphill Brothers know how to make sure their clients travel in style with the right custom accommodations. “Kellie’s dog would get Rascal Flatts up in the middle of the night and get a drink of water, and because it’s a real small dog … he would wake her up trying to get back in the bed because the bed is so high,” Trent says. “In her new bus, we built a little staircase so the dog could crawl down and back up … without waking her up.” The Hemphills have recently been working with rapper Chris Brown. “We’re designing a bus with him with all the gadgets you can control by a touch pad. Anything in the bus you want to control—the doors, the windows, the televisions, the lighting—you just push a button,” Joey says. “This bus is very unique. You can just barely turn up the sound system and it will blow you out of there. You can hear him coming down the road, for sure. The exterior is that black matte finish that looks like a SWAT vehicle. You can change all the colors inside the bus just by pushing a button. He saw the movie “Avatar,” and he said, ‘Build me an Avatar bus,’ and that’s what we did.” They have worked with everyone from the late poet Maya Angelou and Oprah Winfrey to Barbara Mandrell, whose Hemphill-designed bus went on display at Fontanel after she retired.

Taking the Off-Stage Coach In additional to celebrity clientele, there’s a robust business catering to the executive crowd. It’s there that Ken Fitzpatrick, president of Premiere Transportation, has found a successful niche.

“The company has been around for about 20 years, but it made a major change in 2003 to go away from the entertainer-style buses to focus on the executive-style buses—which is what we have now,” Fitzpatrick says. “The entertainer bus has bunks in it for entertainers to travel at night after the concerts. The executive bus does not have bunks. It has much more room to seat about 20 to 24 people, which makes it great for day use, which applies best to the corporate and campaign world. Those are the ones that get the most value out of it.” In addition to leasing to executives and politicians, Premiere often leases to record companies looking to transport their staff, or media members, to see one of their artists at out-of-town concerts. They also lease to people looking to take a bus to events such as a NASCAR race, Bonnaroo, the Kentucky Derby—or just looking at Christmas lights around Nashville. They also provide buses to be used as “green rooms” for entertainers, including Paul McCartney, who hung out at Bonnaroo in a Premiere bus, which then transported him to the airport following his performance. They also lease to individuals—like the Giarratana family—looking to take their family on vacation while Premiere provides the driver. “We do a lot of vacations,” Fitzpatrick says. “It’s not the bulk of our work, but we do a lot of them each year. It is an up-and-coming trend.

“I guess people are curious about seeing the places that they’re used to flying over … or they’ve already been to California or to Vegas, New York or Chicago, so the national parks are being rediscovered,” he notes. “People are wanting to go out and travel by bus to see them, which is really the best way … because none of the parks are necessarily convenient to the airport.”

Keeping the Flatt Tires Rolling Of course, when people see shiny buses heading down the highway, they might assume there’s a celebrity on board—and quite often, there is. For recording artists who spend so much time on the road touring, the bus is their home away from home. “I enjoy my bus,” says Jay DeMarcus of Rascal Flatts. “I’ve got a huge bed on this bus so it’s like I’m at home, sleeping in my bed. There’s a huge flat screen TV on the wall … it feels like home. That’s my favorite spot, is to be back there, laying in the bed, watching the flat screen.”  DeMarcus, who produced the bulk of Rascal Flatts’ new album as well as projects by Jason Crabb and Sandra Lynn, also uses his bus as a mobile recording studio. “I have a Pro Tools rig up front on my bus, so anytime I want to do some work, I can sit up front and play around,” he says. “It helps me if I’m working on other projects to have that set up.”

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Artists generally have their buses decorated or outfitted to reflect their personal tastes. Rascal Flatts lead vocalist Gary LeVox is no exception. “What I love the most about my bus is the whole inside of it is Mossy Oak camouflage,” he says. “I’m a big hunter, so the whole inside of my bus is covered in Mossy Oak. ‘Break Up Infinity’ is the camo pattern. It’s all camo. You can’t even see me in there.” When Rascal Flatts heads out on tour, it’s a pretty impressive caravan. “I think we’ve got nine buses now and 13 trucks,” says DeMarcus. Having their own buses gives the guys room to bring their families out on the road with them. “They come out every once in a while. They’ll go to the fun cities. They don’t like to go to Des Moines,” DeMarcus says, with a good-natured laugh.  Joe Don Rooney also brings his wife Tiffany and their two children on the road, and is looking to update his bus to make room for his expanding family. “We’re pregnant with number three now, due in late September,” he says. “It’s going to be nuts, but awesome. We’re going to try to figure out how to get a crib on the bus.”  When asked about his favorite feature, the Rascal Flatts’ guitarist cites an innovation most artists love. “When it’s parked, the front lounge area slides out about 3 1/2, almost four feet, so it makes it feel like it’s a lot larger than what it really is,” he says of the sliders. “Of course, when you leave, it sucks back in, but there’s a bedroom in the back … it also slides out another threeand-a-half feet. So I love to get parked because once I get parked, it’s like I’m at home.”

Taking Home on the Road Martina McBride says her favorite feature is her spacious stateroom. “In the back room where we have our bed and shower, I have a really long vanity where I can really spread out,” she says. “I like to leave things out where I can see them. When I put my makeup on for a show, I don’t put it away. I leave it out there. It’s nice to be able to have room to spread out and to have good lighting. Girls know how important that is.” McBride says her daughters have traveled with her most of their lives, but things are changing. “I can’t get Delaney to come out

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anymore. She’s 19 and it’s not her idea of a great time,” McBride shares. “She’s busy working and going to college. Emma will come out some. It’s hard to get my 16-year-old out as well, but my 8-year-old, Ava, still thinks we’re cool and she’ll come out with us.”  Country superstar Josh Turner, who added “author” to his résumé this year with the publication of his book Man Stuff: Thoughts on Faith, Family, and Fatherhood, travels with three buses and a semi-truck. “I’m in the process of putting together a new bus, but the current one that we’ve been on for years is designed with a Western flair,” he says. “There’s leather and cowhide seats, antler sconces, Gene Autry pictures, etc. It hasn’t been the most functional bus but it was a good-looking bus.” Turner travels with his wife, Jennifer, who also plays keyboards in his band, and their three sons—Hampton, 7 1/2, Colby, 5, and Marion, 3. They are expecting their fourth little boy in September. “We travel as a family. We have a crib in the back lounge, toy drawers up front and a library of children’s DVDs,” he says. “We go sightseeing as a family.” Grammy-winning Christian artist Jason Crabb also frequently takes his wife, Shellye, and their two daughters, Ashleigh and Emma, on the road. “There are some good things about flying. But the truth is, if I have my druthers, it would be on the bus because you just rest better,” Crabb says. Crabb’s vehicle is affectionately known as “The Big Red Bus.” “My road manager, David Sykes, is the one that built the back room for me. He did it with tile up around the back of the wall and put a great big picture of my family he had made for me. It’s a picture of Shellye, me and the girls, and that’s what I see right before I go to bed at night. I love that.”  “I would rather be on a bus over flying any day of the week,” says Bart Millard, lead vocalist for MercyMe, the platinum-selling Christian band known for their crossover mega-hit “I Can Only Imagine.” “It’s your home away from home and when you tour as much as we do, if your space on the road is not comfortable, it makes life really miserable. My bed is the most important place.” With five kids, Millard says he’s started just

Jason Crabb with his “Big Red Bus”

taking them out one at a time. “I’m rotating my boys. I took one last weekend and another will come out this weekend. We’re past taking them all together. We’d have a convoy of buses if that were the case,” he says with a grin. “They love the bus. They’d rather stay in the bus than watch us play.”

Movin’ On Up For many new artists, getting a bus is a rite of passage that signals success. Rising country star Chase Rice co-wrote the Florida Georgia Line hit “Cruise,” which set the all-time record with 24 weeks at No. 1 on Billboard magazine’s Hot Country Songs chart, and is now on the road promoting his own hits, such as “Ready, Set, Roll.” He’s upfront about his favorite feature. “The feature I like most about ours is that it’s a bus! It’s our first bus. It doesn’t have a slide and it’s a little older, but it’s a bus and that makes us happy. We went from my truck, to a van, to a sprinter, to this bus in about two years.” Rice was also first runner-up on CBS reality series, “Survivor: Nicaragua.” He knows how to tough it out, but prefers a more comfortable approach to touring. “We’re a small crew growing quickly,” he says. “We’re just in the one bus right now but hoping to move to a second sometime next year.”

Dolly Trolley Dolly Parton: Q: During your world tour this year, you had your busses shipped from Australia to Europe for tour. Why do you choose to travel by bus everywhere? Dolly: Because I love living on the bus. We’ve been on tour so many times through the years and I found I love just living on the bus as opposed to going in and out of hotels because I can always keep all of my things on the bus. So we have two buses running all the time on these tours. [They] are almost identical and are stocked almost the same way. Q: What appeals to you most about traveling in this manner? Dolly: It gives me a feeling of being home all the time. I scatter my stuff. I never have to carry all of that luggage in and out of hotels. I’m just a gypsy and this is my caravan. Q: How has life on the road changed for you in the last few decades? A: “Well it’s better now because I’ve already built an audience so you know you are going to have a crowd. I used to worry if anybody was going to show up. More than anything that’s a great relief to think, ‘Oh yeah! They are telling me the tickets are selling really good!’ It’s fun for me still because I just love the audience. I love to perform. Of course, I love to write songs better than anything, but then again I love to go sing ‘em. I love to get out onstage and perform ‘em. So it’s kinda like an all around thing for me but I still enjoy it as much as I did in the old days.” Q: What do you do to get ready for a tour? A: “I tell you, it is really a good year and a half of work before you actually hit

the road because first of all you’ve got to decide if you really want to do the tour. Second you’ve got to decide what you want the show to be—what the show needs to be—then you’ve got to get with your promoters. You’ve got to get with the people that have to try to sell it and see what time of year is the best time to go, then you’ve got to get in work for weeks and weeks rehearsing the show. It’s only after you’ve hit the road that you can really rest. I’m serious. I always think ‘Oh Lord, just let us get on the road so I can get some sleep and get some rest!’ Q: What do you do to stay healthy on the road? A: When we travel overseas, we have our own caterer that’s with us all the time because different ones [in the band and crew] have different health problems or some are vegetarian. Some need to do this, need to do that and so we have a great chef that provides really great food in addition to junk if we want it, desserts and all that sort of thing. We’re all pretty health conscience because we’re all older. Most of the people in my band we’ve worked together for a long time so we all know what we need to do and there’s some that get out and get a little rowdy, but they’re usually younger and they can afford a hangover where some of us can’t. [laughs] Q: What makes you continue to tour? Would you ever retire? A: When I get out on that stage and see the audience and I see their response to me, it all just comes back to me why I started this journey and I love that. I love that exchange of love and energy and excitement. I still love it and I guess I’ll be doing it until I get sick or my husband gets sick. I don’t ever intend to retire so I hope to always do it.” @NashvilleAandE • www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

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