Nashville Arts & Entertainment

ANNUAL GUIDE

celebrating the best of Nashville

At First Tennessee, we love the arts as much as you do. That’s why we support them. And why we make it easier for you to be there for every great performance by providing convenient hours and online banking.

Not to mention multiple ATMs and locations that make it easy to find us on the way to the show. For all the other financial ways we help power your dreams, stop by or visit ftb.com.

MORETHANMUSIC

Nashville celebrities

Are everywHere

steveN rAC clark curtis iNterview

On

hOME •awards ShOwS & that faMOUS father

spring / summer 2012 An n uAl E dition

©2010 First Tennessee Bank National Association. Member FDIC. www.firsttennessee.com

SIXTH AnnuAl EdITIon — SPRInG/SuMMER 2012

Powering your next stage in life

NASHVILLE

Display until July 31, 2012

chapmaN’s

sHow (oF) HoPe

featuring: MOSt IntEREStIng PeoPle, Places & things SpECIal SECtIOn: nashville’s SOngwRItERS take it to the StagE whO’S whO in the lItERaRy, pERfORMIng and vISUal aRtS scenes ClaSh of the tItanS qbs • now Playing nashville’s ExClUSIvE CalEndaR

c s IS exu 11 L 20 The

With Lines This Good...

You May Get A

Standing Ovation.

Lexus of Nashville And Lexus of Nashville North.

Proud Supporters Of The Arts. www.NashvilleLexus.com

The

20

11 L

exu

s IS

c

Tires aren’T The only Thing we’re passionaTe abouT.

bridgestoneamericas.com

supporting the arts in nashville for over 20 years.

REPRESENTATIONAL PHOTO

W

hen we learned how sick Mom was, we didn’t know what to do. We’re so thankful that we asked her doctor about Alive Hospice. They came into our home like family, helping Mom stay with us where she wanted to be.

1718 Patterson Street | Nashville, TN 37203 | 615-327-1085 or 800-327-1085 | www.alivehospice.org

We provide loving care to people with life-threatening illnesses, support to their families, and service to the community in a spirit of enriching lives.

Letter from the Publisher Dear Readers, Welcome to the sixth annual edition of Nashville Arts & Entertainment. Each year it is our goal to provide you with the ultimate guide to the best Nashville has to offer in arts and entertainment.

Our cover story, More than Music, provides an interesting look behind the careers of some of Nashville’s best-known celebrities. It takes more than just a music career these days to build a brand— and Nashville’s savvy entertainers are everywhere (see page 42). In a more charitable tone, Steven Curtis Chapman is taking his brand to a live stage as a show of hope and help for orphans and those who want to adopt. It is a beautiful story of love and care reaching around the world for our most precious commodity—our children (page 15).

The Titans take the field this year with a new cast of characters—Mike Munchak as head coach, former Seattle Seahawk veteran quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and rookie hopeful Jake Locker (see page 68). It is a new era for the Titans and the NFL as a whole, and editor Sherry Stinson provides a tongue-in-cheek look at the lion-hearted competition between the two quarterbacks from the Pacific Northwest. You won’t want to miss the RAC Clark interview as RAC talks about his famous father and behind the scenes producing the Academy of Country Music Awards show (page 10.) And as always, our most popular annual section—Nashville’s Most Interesting People, Places and Things is packed full of, well, Nashville’s most interesting subjects (page 53).

If you have a smart phone, take a picture of our QR code below and go directly to our Nashville arts & eNtertaiNmeNt website where we hope you will join us on Facebook and also follow us on Twitter.

We appreciate your input each year, so let us know what you think and what you like, and we’ll do our best to continue to provide the ultimate guide in Arts & Entertainment!

Enjoy!

Robin and Gary robin@glovergroupinc.com gary@glovergroupinc.com

Scan this code with your Smart Phone and visit our website!

PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Gary Glover gary�glovergroupinc.com VICE PRESIDENT/PUBLISHER Robin Glover robin�glovergroupinc.com MANAGING EDITOR Sherry Stinson sherry�glovergroupinc.com ART DIRECTION & DESIGN Familytree Design + Illustration Alex Pearson alex�familytreedesign.net COPY EDITOR Gregory Rumburg CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Melissa Riddle Chalos Larry Nager Deborah Evans Price Gregory Rumberg Phyllis Stark Sherry Stinson Lori Ward Lain York PHOTOGRAPHY Ed Rode EXCLUSIVE ANNUAL ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR Powered by NowPlayingNashville.com ADVERTISING SALES & CIRCULATION The Glover Group, Inc. 5123 Virginia Way, Suite C-12 Brentwood, TN 37027 615.373.5557

We are excited to announce the addition of Studio Tenn Theater Company at the Franklin Theatre to our family of “Playbill” publications, which include: TPAC, Schermerhorn, Great Performances at Vanderbilt, Nashville Ballet, Nashville Opera, and The Tennessee Repertory Theater.

4

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

McQuiddy Printing 711 Spence Lane Nashville, TN 37217 615.366.6565

(For bulk orders of Nashville arts & eNtertaiNmeNt, 25 copies or more, for wedding guests or holiday gifts, call 615-373-5557.)

Proudly taking our seat as a supporter of the arts in Nashville.

Contents RAC Clark Tuned In

10

By Sherry Stinson RAC Clark takes time from his busy schedule as producer of the Academy of Country Music Awards show to talk about his love of Nashville, the joys of putting on an awards show and his relationship with his famous, iconic father Dick.

15

49 Nashville’s Songwriters Take it to the Stage

Steven Curtis Chapman’s Show (of) Hope

By Melissa Riddle Chalos It’s a rare intersection where artistry and community outreach meet face to face for a global impact—an entertainment event where you hand over your ticket, take your seat and discover far more than entertainment value. Contemporary Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman has created that with Cinderella, a full-scale, live musical production benefiting orphans around the world. Truly, a Show (of) Hope.

By Larry Nager While much of the rest of the country music industry shrinks, Nashville’s performing songwriter industry is in the middle of a major boom. Folks hitherto known only to industry insiders and obsessive liner note readers are headlining concerts, festivals, workshops and even luxury cruises all over the world.

42

By Deborah Evans Price While radio remains the main gateway to make or break an artist’s career, now more than ever savvy entertainers are embracing a variety of other opportunities to boost their careers and build their brand. Nashville celebrities are everywhere.

The Gift of Good Land

22 Radio Revolution

By Larry Nager Digital piracy remains the scourge of the music industry, and it continues to topple revenues. But in the digital age, AirPlay Direct is one Music Row company offering a solution that could help music makers put some money back into the bank.

6

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

By Phyllis Stark The wonderfully eclectic author and personality is living his father’s adage of the reinvented life and loving it. Robert Hicks talks about stepping out from a behind-thescenes role in the music business, to a starring role in his own life as a New York Times best-selling author and popular keynote speaker.

28

Visit us online and follow us on Facebook for even more content. www.NashvilleArtsAndEntertainment.com

BMW 3 Series

bmwofnashville.com 615-850-4040

A THIRST FOR POWER, NOT FUEL. The BMW 3 Series has its priorities in order. Its TwinPower Turbo engine is designed to squeeze every bit of heart-pumping performance out of every drop of fuel. So if getting maximum enjoyment with minimum fuel cost is priority for you, stop by a BMW center today for a test drive.

THE BMW 3 SERIES. BMW Ultimate Service速 Pay nothing. 4 years/50,000 miles. $

Brake Pads Brake Rotors Engine Belts Oil Changes

Scheduled Inspection Wiper Blade Inserts

BMW of Nashville 4040 Armory Oaks Dr. Nashville TN 37204 615-850-4040 BMWofNashville.com

For full details on BMW Ultimate Service速 visit bmwusa.com/ultimateservice. European model shown. 息2011 BMW of North America, LLC. The BMW name, model names and logo are registered trademarks.

The Ultimate Driving Machine

速

Contents

Letter from Editor

18

Travel

30

Literary Arts

By Ed Rode If Middle Tennessee were a middle C on a musical scale, what would that look like? We challenged intrepid photographer Ed Rode to come back with all things worth “C”eeing— images that capture not only “middle C,” but a full scale orchestra.

By Gregory Rumburg “Everybody writes, everybody sings”— so the lyric goes, right? Some of Nashville’s most notable scribes, though, have nothing to do with stage and song. Meet writers giving rise again to Nashville’s literary sun.

Performing Arts

34

By Lori Ward Explore Nashville’s fascinating stages of illusion and entertainment by discovering top-notch movers and shakers driving these creations.

53 This year’s Most Interesting People, Places and Things list

By Phyllis Stark, Gregory Rumburg, and Sherry Stinson

Sports: Clash of the Titans

68

By Sherry Stinson Last year we had a quarterback who didn’t want to play, and this year we have two quarterbacks who are big game hunters poised for the kill.

Finally Hank, we are ready for some football!

65 73

Visual Arts

75

8

By Lain York Nashville is ranked fourth behind Washington D.C., Los Angeles and New York for its “creative vitality,” meaning we are a creative force to be reckoned with. Forge ahead into Nashville’s visual arts underground that’s once again finding its sharper edges and coming into focus.

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Sherry Stinson Welcome to this edition of Nashville arts & eNtertaiNmeNt. As the magazine hits the streets, I have but one word on my mind: Change. The world we knew in so many ways is gone and a new world is birthing itself. And like all births, it is messy. In the sports entertainment arena we almost didn’t have an NFL season because the owners and players couldn’t agree. The United States almost defaulted on its debts because the politicians couldn’t agree. The global economy and trades are on the brink of disaster because this side or that side or still another side couldn’t agree.

More than ever, the arts are needed to help define and shape the world that emerges. Now is the time for poets, artists, philosophers—and perhaps a few holy men and women—to give word and note to a tumultuous world. And when all sign of reason and logic have seemed to disappear, it is really the artists and entertainers that can lift us out and up, if only for a few hours, to another place where something makes sense.

It is with that backdrop that we offer the sixth edition of our annual guide. Here, we’re examining the area scene, from the way the music world is shifting and finding its solid ground to how the top celebrities are learning new skills to stay relevant. And don’t miss the enclosed highlights of the 2011-2012 Now Playing Nashville calendar.

Everything right now is in motion. While it is the future that everyone is talking about, I think the present can be full of its own magic and mischief. We hope this guide will help you make your way today and in the days to come. Culture helps remind us who we are and helps shape us into who we are becoming. We are fortunate to have Nashville as our backdrop for such important work. Certainly that’s something on which we can agree.

Enjoy!

Sherry Stinson Editor

79 102

Exclusive: The Annual Calendar of Events from Now Playing Nashville NAE Tribute: Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Program

Contributors

Writer and digital media consultant, Melissa Riddle Chalos has been writing about the music industry and even more interesting stories for most of her adult life. When not chained to her laptop, or procrastinating the same, she enjoys adventures down a country road with her ridiculously gracious husband, Philip. They live in Franklin, Tennessee.

Larry Nager is a writer, documentary filmmaker and musician who lives in southeast Nashville with his wife Marsha.

As the music industry searches for new business models, he writes about two of them in this issue of Nashville arts & eNtertaiNmeNt, AirPlay Direct and the continuing rise of Nashville’s performing songwriter community. Formerly a Memphis Commercial Appeal music editor (he also did time with Cincinnati’s two dailies), Larry is the author of Memphis Beat (St. Martin’s Press), a comprehensive history of that city’s music scene, and the writer and co-producer of the film Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music, now on DVD. He currently writes and produces short films and live events for the Grammy Foundation.

Alex Pearson is the creative behind Familytree, a design and illustration studio in Nashville, that works with local businesses including: The Country Music Association, Capitol Records, Parnassus

Communications and also creates art using acrylic paint and mixed media, is perhaps best known for his portraits of Nashville songwriters and architecture.

where she gets to meet colorful characters like LynnMarie, “the Dixie Chick of polka,” and author, historian and local treasure Robert Hicks, both profiled in this issue.

Like a quixotic Bruce Springsteen song, Gregory Rumburg moonlights as a freelance religion, arts & entertainment writer and editor, clinging to the glory days he once enjoyed as the managing editor and resident curmudgeon of CCM Magazine. Now he works as a chaplain for the Nashville office of Odyssey Hospice, honored to serve women and men who are incredible life teachers. Originally from Ohio, Greg has lived in Nashville 19 years, making Music City his home-awayfrom-home residence, and he remains thrilled to be able to promote the city through this magazine. He’s active at Vine Street Christian Church, enjoys a good glass of wine, practices at Sanctuary for Yoga and, with the even-keeled patience of the Percy Priest Yacht Club, he is learning to sail.

Lori Ward is vice president of communications and community relations at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, a post she has held for more than 10 years. Lori is the eyes and ears of the performing arts here in Nashville. In this issue she profiles some of the more notable personalities behind the performing arts scene.

Books, Mitchell Delicatessen, Holland House, Foobar, and Theory8 Records. More recently Alex has begun developing his own line of children’s art posters, that have received national critical acclaim.

Working her way through college as a disc jockey at KRMD radio Shreveport, Deborah Evans Price fell more deeply in love with the country music she’d been listening to since childhood. After school, Deborah took up residence in Music City. She’s written for Billboard since 1994 and also contributes to Country Weekly, CMA Close Up, AOL’s The Boot, DevoZine, Gospel Music Channel.com and other outlets.

Deborah took a look at the many Nashville celebrities who are cross pollinating the airwaves to expand their brands and keep their careers relevant in a multimedia marketplace.

The work of photographer Ed Rode has been published widely as he travels across the country capturing images for a variety of clients. Ed, who holds a masters degree from Ohio University’s School of Visual

Veteran entertainment journalist Phyllis Stark has been reporting extensively on the music industry for two decades.

As a freelance writer, her work appears regularly in numerous publications and sites including MSN, Country Weekly and Radio-Info.com. She previously was Nashville Bureau Chief at Billboard magazine. This is her third year contributing to Nashville arts & eNtertaiNmeNt,

Lain York, who writes about Nashville’s visual arts sharper edges, is a Nashville native and a painter. His work can be found in the permanent collections of EMI Los Angeles, the Savannah College of Art, The Tennessee State Museum and the Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission. His work has been published in New American Paintings, New York Arts Magazine and Art Papers.

York is on the board of Fugitive Projects and is gallery director of Nashville’s Zeitgeist Gallery.

He has served as preparator for the Arts In the Airport program, the Metropolitan Arts Commission, the Summer Lights Festival, The Greater Nashville Arts Foundation and the untitled artist group. He currently coordinates exhibitions for artists with disabilities at the Vanderbilt Kennedy Center.

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

9

TunEd In Producer rAc clArk

STAYS IN TOUCH WITH HIS ROOTS, NASHVILLE AND COUNTRY MUSIC’S FINEST HOUR.

By Sherry Stinson 10

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The first thing one notices about Richard A. “RAC” Clark is the uncanny resemblance to his famous father, the iconic producer and “American Bandstand” host Dick Clark. The second is his beautiful voice, to which he confesses he never thought it as good as his father’s.

Evident, too, is RAC Clark’s appreciation for Nashville and Middle Tennessee. Nashville Arts & Entertainment caught up with Clark at the Hermitage Hotel downtown to talk about his impressions of Nashville (he lived here while producing the former TNN talk show “Prime Time Country”), his career and country music.

MusIC CITy’s MusE NAE: You lived in Nashville during the 1990s. What were your impressions of the city at that time?

Clark: I was a vegetarian and the only place to shop was Sunshine Market. There wasn’t a Starbucks either. Thank God for Bongo Java and Fido. I still go there all the time.

NAE: What do you do when you come back to Nashville?

Clark: I come to the Hermitage. Visit my dear friends. We go to Pizza Perfect and get pizza, and I go to Radnor Lake. Radnor is a spiritual place for me. When I first moved to Nashville, I was alone on the weekends and someone suggested I go look at Radnor. It reminded me so much of where I grew up in Ohio. I told my realtor I want to live on this street on this side.

There was nothing for sale, but we papered every mailbox and found something.

NAE: So many people who visit here want to stay. What is Nashville’s appeal?

Clark: I can only speak for myself. It is the four seasons. It’s the manageability of the city itself and its outlying areas. And ultimately, I love the people—the genteelness, the stability, the friendliness of Middle Tennessee. I want to do more projects in country music to be here and not only that but to help the cause—to get it in front of more people.

NAE: Have you been surprised at how country music as a genre has changed?

Clark: I love country music. I grew up on rock ’n’ roll and I’m seeing more of a fusion.

Country music speaks to America’s heartland, but today’s generation needs it to have more of a pop sensibility. There will always be the staunch traditionalist. I love Alan Jackson. I love George Strait. I love Loretta Lynn and the historical aspect of country music. But it must evolve to reflect the changing times. People say it’s not country—well, it is. It is new country because it tells a story. I love the songwriting

community here. The creativity that exists here in Nashville… I say love, love, love, because it’s all true.

NAE: The music industry as a whole is changing so fast. Is this a natural evolution?

Clark: I feel sad for the music industry in general. There are so many challenges in how the business model has changed. I am hard pressed now to buy a full CD. That has changed the www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

11

e’re bringing green energy to the Valley, and you have the power to help. For as little as $4 a month, you can join TVA and your local power company to create clean, green sources of renewable energy right here in the Valley by harnessing the power of the earth, sun and wind. To learn how you can sign up for Green Power SwitchŽ, call your local power company or visit www.greenpowerswitch.com.

W

A TVA renewable energy initiative.

Make the Switch!

SEARCH FOR DOCTOR BY: ZIP or GPS location Health insurance Specialty First & last name Gender

DOCTOR’S OFFICE MAPPING FUNCTION

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT with a doctor or tap to directly call MedLine

SAVE SELECTED DOCTORS for easy future reference

DOCTORS WHO WILL WORK ON YOUR SCHEDULE. NOW THAT’S A MEDICAL BREAKTHROUGH. Introducing the MedLine app for your iPhone. With a few screen taps, search and request an appointment today with a physician affiliated with HCA’s TriStar Health System – the region’s largest, most comprehensive healthcare provider with locations close to where you live and work.

SM

Download the free app and discover the easiest way to find a doctor near you that meets your healthcare needs.

TriStarHealth.com

economic model for everyone. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m going to do what I can to help the industry thrive by producing a world-class awards show.

Bearde, asked me to help him shoot the demo and brought my father in to help. It was really Chris’ project because my father didn’t want me to produce at that age. [But] Chris said, “He is ready. He can do this.”

BrEakIng In NAE: You’ve got a great story about how you got started in the business.

Clark: My father would not give me a job. My first job was as a runner and script reader at Hanna-Barbera cartoons. He insisted I not work for Dick Clark Productions. I was a 20-year-old and had gotten my degree from Northwestern University in radio, television and film production.

I was like, ‘What do you mean? You have a production company.’ He said, “I’ll introduce you to some people, you’ll have to get the job.” I’m glad he did that… sitting here 30 years later.

NAE: Was Chris one of your mentors?

Clark: There were three mentors in my life: my father, Gene Weed, who was the executive producer and director of the Academy of Country Music Awards Show then, and Chris Bearde.

Those three really shaped my career. My father by insisting that I not work for him [Clark laughs] and by being a model of a successful independent producer. Gene Weed gave me my first job as stage manager where I really learned what happens on a stage. I was already wellversed on what went on behind the stage.

NAE: What was the first show you produced?

Clark: It was 1984 and I was 27 years old. It was a syndicated talent competition show called “Puttin’ On the Hits,” where people would come on and lip sync to the hits. The creator, Chris

NAE: How did you find your way from there to “Prime Time?”

Clark: Gene Weed. I became the point person here in Nashville. Gene was the executive producer, and we built a staff and got it on the air January 1996. It hit its rough patches and finally

its stride, and it went off the air in ’99. Gene got very sick with cancer and my father called and asked if I would come back and help out with the Academy of Country Music Awards show.

I helped Gene produce show in 1999, and he passed away August of that year.

HE’s WITH THE BandsTand NAE: Your father has a reputation for being tough and demanding. What was your relationship with him like?

Clark: Excellent. He would call me every weekend in Ohio. [RAC had moved to Ohio with his mother; she later remarried.] My love of music came from him. I got every 45 [RPM record] and every album from him… cases and cases. I had all the original Beatles 45s.

NAE: Do you still have them?

Clark: My mother got rid of them at a garage sale when I went to college. I used to go visit my father in the summers and he would be doing “American Bandstand.” I was enthralled by the control room, the camera and the kids. continued on page 75

‘My father would not give me a job. He insisted I not work for Dick Clark Productions.’ – Rac Clark

14

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Setting the Stage

By Melissa Riddle Chalos

Anticipating the third-annual local performance of Cinderella in 2012, Steven & Mary Beth Chapman raise public awareness to find hope and homes for orphans.

I

t’s a rare intersection where artistry and community outreach meet face to face for a global impact—an entertainment event where you hand over your ticket, take your seat and discover far more than entertainment value. Yet it happens here with Cinderella, a full-scale, live musical production benefiting orphans around the world, thanks to the local nonprofit, Show Hope.

Slated for its third annual production on April 12, 2012 at Nashville’s Schermerhorn Symphony Center, the event features the Nashville Symphony, Broadway stars and local performers—all exceptional artists who volunteer their time and talent. Movingly, this version of the Rodgers and Hammerstein concert classic calls attention to the plight of orphans around the world, thanks to the vision of Mary Beth and Steven Curtis Chapman.

THE HousE THaT HoPE BuILT In 2003, the local nonprofit Show Hope, was founded by veteran Christian music artist Steven Curtis Chapman and his wife/author Mary Beth

to bring attention to the plight of orphans around the world, and to financially assist families who want to adopt children. Based in Franklin and named for the Chapman’s now 12 year-old daughter, Shoahannah Hope, Show Hope has financially helped provide more than 2,700 homes for orphans in 47 countries. In 2011 alone, Show Hope awarded more than $2.2 million, averaging $4,500 per grant to more than 500 adopting families.

Essentially, says Steven, who was awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2009, Show Hope is about, “inviting people to be part of a miracle—the miracle of adoption.”

“When we started Show Hope, we wanted to be a part of the conduit that God uses to help people who were willing to adopt but just needed some financial help,” he says. “Mary Beth and I said it would be amazing if we could help 100 or 200 families. [We recently] gave our 2,700th grant, and now those 2,700 families are telling their stories. There are communities around those families watching those miracles happen, and now there are more and more families interested in adoption. So it’s happening.” www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

15

On May 21st, 2008, the Chapman’s adopted daughter Maria—then 5, the youngest of three adopted daughters from China—was killed in an accident at the family home in Franklin. The Nashville community and hundreds of thousands of people around the world extended their support for the grieving family. Globally, people prayed and asked how they could help. Instead of flowers, the Chapmans agreed donations to Show Hope could help finish construction that had already begun on a foster home in China. More than $800,000 poured in.

A little over a year later, on July 2, 2009, Maria’s Big House of Hope opened its doors in Luoyang, China, a healing home for special needs orphans from the poorest regions of the country. The six-story, 60,000 square foot facility is equipped with 128 beds and a skilled, compassionate team of nurses and nannies to provide the highest level of medical care, literally for the least of these. About a third of the children are brought there to die with dignity. As unique as its sky-blue-with floating clouds exterior, visible from miles away, Maria’s Big House of Hope stands as a testimony to the life and lasting impact of the Chapmans’ little girl in her birth country.

THE HEarT & THE arT From the very beginning with Show Hope, and certainly as the organization began to see the impact of adoption in families across the country, this Grammy Award-winning artist’s desire was to use music and the platform that comes with it to bring the plight of orphans into the spotlight.

Steven has been talking about Show Hope and the needs of orphans in his concerts for years, but getting the Nashville community and local businesses involved—that was another matter.

But then in danced the idea of Cinderella.

“Show Hope is a fairly young organization here in middle Tennessee,” says Charley Redmond, director of operations for Show Hope. An adoptive parent himself, Redmond serves as the production’s producer. “Four 16

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

chapman daughtersand in his china or five years ago, director Matt Logan, who had been working on Broadway for about eight years, first approached us about doing a musical.

He’d known the Chapmans for years, and he’d worked on a couple of off-book, off-Broadway fundraisers, so he came back from New York with this idea.”

Inspired in part by the famous orphan story and by Steven’s daughtercoming-of-age song by the same name, the idea was to meld a worldclass cast of musicians, singers, sound, video and tech artists to bring the Rodgers and Hammerstein score for Cinderella to life on stage at the Schermerhorn. The vision cast was an unparalleled local arts event to raise awareness of Show Hope’s mission and outreach—and, specifically, awareness of the 140 million orphans around the world.

Scott Hasenbalg, Show Hope’s executive director says the approach works.

“We constantly hear how people have no idea that we were here or what we were doing,” he says. “You can’t force people to go deeper into a website until the cause itself takes root. And still, there’s something about music, about stories, about the arts in general... that when you wrap a message about real needs... makes for a real catalytic experience for people. It brings art in this area to another level.”

Staged for the Schermerhorn, Cinderella is a theatrical experience like no other, complete with the incomparable Nashville Symphony, a stunning video wall animating scenes and giving a larger-than-life visual to

Maria’s Big House of Hope the score. Recent performers include: Jodi Benson (Disney’s original Little Mermaid) and Alli Mauzey (“Glenda” of Broadway’s Wicked, Hairspray) as Cinderella; Anthony Federov (American Idol finalist) as the Prince; Gary Morris (Broadway’s Les Miserables) as the King; Eden Espinoza (“Elphaba” in Broadway’s Wicked, Rent) as the Fairy Godmother; and celebrated local actress/singer Nan Gurley as the Stepmother. All work in full theatrical attire and makeup, elevating this Cinderella production to a level of excellence often reserved for the New York or Los Angeles theater scene.

And they all show up, eagerly, in support of Show Hope.

“People were surprised by the caliber of talent involved,” says Redmond. “You don’t expect an organization that you’ve heard little of to pull off a production like this. We shocked a lot of people. But these actors really feel like their art makes a difference. They do it for free.” In fact, he says, almost every aspect of the production is donated or discounted—$120,000 worth of services donated free and clear in the sold-out 2011 production. “Our sound guy, a world renowned professional, volunteers his time for free because he wants to help us help orphans.”

The 2012 production, Redmond says, will feature many of those same spirited performers and production specialists, but there are sure to be big surprises. “My gut tells me that Matt, the director, will do something

different this year.” One thing is for certain: With Show Hope’s third annual production in the works, Cinderella promises to be one of the most unique musical events in Music City—and one with lasting impact on local families seeking to adopt.

“It’s such a challenge to measure [success] when you’re doing an awareness event like this,” Hasenbalg says. “The goal wasn’t to make Show Hope known, but to make the orphan crisis issue known in the Nashville area. To reach out in a unique way in a beautiful venue, with a beautiful story, with a beautiful family that has endured such tragedy. To show how God is truly making beauty from the ashes,” he says. And although Hasenbalg doesn’t have exact data on how many local families have adopted through Show Hope since Cinderella first debuted in 2009, “There has certainly been a ripple effect,” as this seed of exceptional quality is planted year after year.

“This production is just one manifestation of our desire to give back to the community,” he continues. “As culture shapers, it’s a powerful combination, to tell the story of Cinderella and of orphans in need. Adoption is not a fairy tale... it is a miracle.” 

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

17

Take an off the beaten path

Photo

Tour

of Nashville

THrougH THe Lens of Ed RodE

If Middle Tennessee were a middle C on a musical scale, what would that look like? We challenged intrepid photographer Ed Rode to come back with all things worth “C”eeing, and he brought back images that capture not only “middle C,” but a full scale orchestra. His photos and thoughts follow.

Saint Henry catholic church 6401 Harding road

This photo was taken behind the church, and the landscape that spread out before me looked more like Tuscany than West Nashville.

18

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Customs House downTown nasHviLLe

I’ve always been fascinated by this beautiful building and intrigued that the cornerstone was laid by former President Rutherford B. Hayes. I was lucky enough to be walking by when the clouds parted and the sun hit the roof in a way that stopped me in my tracks.

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

19

Carnton Plantation frankLin Carnton Plantation was the site of one of the bloodiest battles in the Civil War. The Battle of Franklin lasted barely five hours tallying 9,500 soldiers killed, wounded, captured, or counted as missing. Nearly 7,000 of that number were Confederate troops. Carnton served as the largest field hospital in the area for hundreds of wounded and dying Confederate soldiers. In 1866, two acres were opened to bury the nearly 1,500 confederate troops adjacent to the home. It is the largest privately owned military cemetery in the nation. This is a sad piece of our history.

Crossroads downTown nasHviLLe Walking downtown on Lower Broadway one evening I couldn’t help but notice how much downtown Nashville had grown over the last 20 years. The number of honky tonks full of people gave the area a worn and fervent beat. The one thing that stood out was all the signage, new and old slammed together like a chain fence. This photo represents the melting pot of music, people and excitement that Lower Broadway offers today.

Countryside wiLLiamson CounTy Traveling south through Williamson County one afternoon I stopped near the Steeplechase grounds to walk through Percy Warner Park. As I stepped out of my car, I was inspired by the gently rolling hills and one lone tree that seemed to split the landscape.

Luckily the light was right, and I had my camera in hand.

20

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

when the gift has to be just right.

Nordstrom Department Store (Opening September 2011) Tiffany & Co. Louis Vuitton Burberry Michael Kors Tory Burch (Opening September 2011) David Yurman The Cheesecake Factory Macy’s Kate Spade Omega Boutique Juicy Couture Sephora Restoration Hardware Apple Store BCBG MaxAzria Dillard’s J.Crew Lacoste The Container Store (Opening November 2011)

Complimentary Mall Valet Parking Available

Gift Cards Available at the Mall Concierge

THE MALL AT GREEN HILLS • HILLSBORO AND ABBOTT MARTIN ROADS, NASHVILLE • THEMALLATGREENHILLS.COM

RaDio Revolution! by larry nager

aiRplay DiRect takes the leaD changing ‘business as usual’

D

igital piracy remains the scourge of the music industry, and it continues to topple revenues. But even before Napster, et. al., there was another breach between artists making a living and the fans who consume music. In “Dear Diary,” Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Tim O’Brien offers wry commentary: “Then I went across the street to Phonoluxe and they were selling one of my records that hadn’t even come out yet.”

The line—a standout track on the new Moody Bluegrass Two… Much Love, the second all-star CD tribute to British rockers The Moody Blues— elicits a nervous laugh from many Nashville recording artists and a blush from some music fans. But it’s been going on for years. Never mind all that postage and bubble wrap: Music shared for promotional purposes only winds up in used record stores around town. But in the digital age,

22

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

AirPlay Direct is one Music Row company offering a solution that could help music makers put some money back into the bank.

“AirPlay Direct is a conduit between global radio and artists in all genres of music,” explains Scott Welch, consultant and former company president. The company, he explains, “services music all over the world, from a high school station to the [top Arbitron-rated] station in Dallas, in all formats of music.” It now partners with nearly 30,000 artists and labels, in genres like bluegrass, country, Americana, blues, jazz, hip-hop, urban and pop.

The service is a digital music delivery system—a sort of iTunes for the radio and entertainment industries. Programmers subscribe to AirPlay Direct and, after being approved, can download password-encoded Illustration by Michael Korfhage

RobeRt plant

steve maRtin

big-name aRtists alReaDy onboaRD

the gRascals

recordings that have been uploaded to the company’s website by labels and independent artists. Subscriptions are free to any legitimate radio station—terrestrial, satellite and Internet—pending a process to weed out pirates and freebie hustlers. Labels and artists pay annual fees that vary according to the number of songs they upload. AirPlay Direct clients include Rounder Records, a mid-sized label with a roster that features Alison Krauss, Robert Plant, Steve Martin and recent projects by Gregg Allman, John Mellencamp and Elvis Costello.

In the effort, Welch sees opportunity for AirPlay Direct and a chance for fledgling acts to be heard. For marquee artists like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift, the old promotional model—sending numerous promo-CDs through the mail—still works. When you sell in the millions, the major

allison kRauss

labels can afford the staffing and outside promotional people to personally service the top-rated Top 40 pop and country stations.

Not so true for the middle-class of that industry, which experiencing a population explosion of mid-level and entry-level artists and small, independent labels that are bourgeoning. Opportunities are on the rise for satellite and Internet radio. Attempting to service this new breed of radio programmers with physical CDs would bankrupt anyone but the bigname folks quickly. AirPlay Direct offers a low-cost alternative, with the huge plus of the Internet’s global reach.

“Traditional big radio in this country is about selling advertising. It’s not about music,” Welch explains. “Let’s take Dallas. There are three [top Arbitron-rated] stations. Those are the big stations; I’m probably not gowww.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

23

ing to compete for that. The major record labels, they do that really well. But there are 200 other stations in that marketplace, from Tejas music to classical to jazz to talk. And then you start adding all the Internet stations and there’s a huge base out there of opportunity.”

International markets are impacted, too, thanks to the Internet.

“When you get outside of the American borders and say, go to the Netherlands, they don’t have a country station. They have a DJ who’s very knowledgeable and has a country show that’s on from 7-midnight,” says Welch. For example, “There’s a show there called, ‘The Nashville Express,’ so he’s looking for access to new music.

The major labels—they don’t service that [DJ] because it’s not cost effective and he’s not playing the Top 40 hits. The listening audience [in Europe] is more diverse, more open to a wider, broader range of music.”

That global reach appeals to Brad Paul, radio promotions director at Rounder Records. He’s utilized the service for three years. “I never used to service promos globally. There were a small number of Canadian DJs in the bluegrass world that I would service who were very active and who would always reach out to me, so I would send stuff to them. But now you can be in Brazil, you can be in Australia, you can be in France,” he says.

As national borders are breaking down, so are musical barriers, Welch adds. “Remember that music was put into categories to be sold. This is a country record. It’s made to be put in the country bins at Tower Records and it’s made to be played on a country station.

But you take an artist like Merle Haggard. He’s country, but he’s also country-alt. He’s a little bit of country blues. So we allow artists to post their music in three categories. I believe we are a service for an iPod generation. Those of us who are true music fans, we want a little broader spray.”

That’s not just true of Baby Boomers—who grew up on eclectic AM radio when Johnny Cash, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra and Aretha Franklin co-existed in the Top 10. It’s teens, too, says Welch. His children have been raised on video games like “Guitar Hero” and the varieties of music on TV shows like “American Idol” or “Glee.”

“I look at their iPods and two things are very clear. One, they don’t care about genre. Two, they don’t care when it was recorded.

My daughter will listen to Kenny Chesney into Metallica into Frank Sinatra,” Welch says. In fact, classic acts are using AirPlay Direct to put up their old catalogs. Roy Orbison’s widow Barbara Orbison has put her husband’s iconic hits on the service, while Dolly Parton has uploaded self-produced radio specials.

Artists and management can access the list of stations that have continued on page 76

24

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

scott welch

airplay direct takes the lead in changing radio for all

Where your creation begins... ...and ends

created by Rutt Custom Cabinetry.

Like fine art, the Rutt name is appreciated most by those who embrace culture and refinement.

We Light up Your life!

Hermitage Lighting Gallery

Hermitage Kitchen Gallery

Hermitage Appliance Gallery

531 Lafayette Street • 615-843-3300 • Mon. - Fri. 8 - 5 • Sat. 9 - 5

www.hlg.co

NAEmag09_OL.pdf

7/14/09

9:22:20 AM

The only Italian true experience in Nashville! Valentino’s & Bella Napoli.

Valentino’s: AAA Four Diamonds & The Wine Spectators Award winner, voted #1 Italian Restaurant by Tennessean 2 years in a row. Featuring award winning Chef & Co-Qwner, Paolo Tramontano. Reservations 615-327-0148, 1907 West End valentionosnashville.com Bella Napoli: The only authentic Pizzeria in Nashville, using only the freshest ingredients imported from Napoli, Italy. Located in the heart of Edge Hill Village at 1200 Villa Place Nashville (615) 891-1387 bellanapolipizzeria.com

THERE’S NE V ER BEEN A BE T TER TIME

to create the home of your dreams.

CALL ABOUT OUR

Take advantage of historic lows in construction costs, materials and interest rates to build a custom home or remodel your existing home.

Call, click or visit to create the home of your dreams!

Guaranteed Pricing (615) 309-8200

www.castlehomes.com EVERY HOME

Should Be a Castle

The Gift of

Good Land He emerged as a fresh voice in historical fiction with The Widow of the South. now best-selling author Robert Hicks battles to bring new life to Franklin’s national Civil War treasures.

By Phyllis Stark

28

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

R

obert Hicks’ father used to tell him, “The reinvented life is the best life.” It’s with that adage in mind that Hicks stepped out from a behind-the-scenes role in the music business—he worked as an artist manager and music publisher—to a starring role in his own life as a New York Times best-selling author and popular keynote speaker.

It was his own keen interest in historical preservation that illuminated the path toward his current career as the author of the novels The Widow of the South and A Separate Country, both set in the Civil War era.

A native of Florida, Hicks moved to Tennessee after graduate school in 1974 and settled in Franklin because, he says, “I kind of wanted to live in a decaying little Southern town. Little did I know that the decay was about to stop. A third of Main Street was boarded up when I moved to Franklin. It was on its way down. I wanted that. I’d come from South Florida where everything was moving upward and onward. So I came here and got involved in the community and got involved in preservation, and became kind of the visionary for the restoration of Carnton Plantation,” a former private home which was transformed into a military hospital following the bloody Battle of Franklin.

“I was trying to figure out how could I give this house a future,” he says. “Obviously, it had a great past. It had the largest private military cemetery in American in its back-

eral pilots have been recorded at Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant in Franklin, and feature an eclectic mix of humor, musical guests and a one-on-one interview with an author. Performers have included Vince Gill, Marshall Chapman, and Sam & Ruby.

“There have only been a few times in my life when I’ve been so absolutely committed in my confidence that I could publicly say, ‘I know this is what I’m supposed to be doing,’” Hicks says. “One was when I became a writer. The other is this radio show.

“Everyone who’s seen one of the pilots, from the state’s commissioner of tourism to the average joe, has afterwards come up to me and said, ‘This has to happen.’ The show has such a real potential for heritage tourism. And it’s a fun thing to do where the audience has a good time.”

Hicks’ former career in the music business has helped him book guests. Beyond that, his only remaining tie to his old profession is his partnership in the B.B. King’s Blues Clubs in Nashville, Memphis and Los Angeles. He serves as “curator of vibe” for the company.

On top of his other interests, Hicks is a longtime, serious art collector, specializing in the work of nontraditional folk artists. He’s been featured multiple times in Art & Antiques magazine’s list of the top 100 collectors in America, alongside such celebrities as Bill Cosby,

‘I kind of wanted to live in a decaying little Southern town. Little did I know that the decay was about to stop. a third of Main Street was boarded up when I moved to Franklin.’ yard. But what about its future?” While spearheading a multi-million dollar restoration of Carnton, Hicks was struck with the idea that writing a book might bring the home’s history to light. That book became The Widow of the South, which put Hicks on the map in literary circles.

The antebellum through post-War themes of his books have a wide appeal. On his book tours, Hicks says with a laugh, “Everybody has the same story of a great, great grandfather who fought at Franklin or almost fought at Franklin, or should have fought at Franklin.”

He’s spent the last two years working on his third novel, which he expects to have finished by the end of this year, and he says of the still-untitled work, “I really do feel it will be the best thing I’ve ever written.” Like his first two books, its central character is a real person, an African American woman named Mariah Reddick who lived the first quarter of her life as a slave. It tells the story, Hicks says, of “her triumphant internal life.” Even after slavery ended, he says, “For a person of color, circumstances were never great. And yet she had a rich life, [although] not monetarily.”

On Hicks’ Facebook page, he claims to be fluent in “Tennessee hillbilly English” and “sarcasm,” so he was the ideal candidate to host the fledgling show “A Guitar and a Pen Old Time Radio Hour with Robert Hicks,” for which he is working on finding a broadcasting home. Sev-

Madonna, Dennis Hopper and the Forbes family.

Oddly, he says, “It turns out just about every mental hospital takes Art & Antiques magazine. These [top 100] articles would come out in March, so starting in April I would begin to get these amazing letters from mental hospitals from wannabe artists. They would write me, ‘I’m an acute paranoid-schizophrenic’ or ‘I have Oedipal delusions and I’m an artist.’ Because of that, I actually discovered and was able to take to the national arena two or three now well-regarded artists.”

He has loaned parts of his collection to museums across the United Stated and Europe, which works out well since there’s no way Hicks could display his entire collection where he lives. Taking his interest in preservation all the way home, Hicks resides in a late 18th century log cabin he calls “Labor in Vain” in Bingham, Tenn., near Leiper’s Fork.

While finishing novel No. 3, he also heads a foundation called Franklin’s Charge, which is working to preserve the area’s battlefield space and turn it into a public park, as well as developing plans to start building the finest Civil War museum in the country by the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Franklin in November 2014.

“We’re so amazingly fortunate here in Franklin to be able to tell really the whole story from before the war through reconstruction,” he says of his work. “That and writing are really my passions.”  www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

29

na shville’s notable

LIteRaRy WeLL

By Gregory Rumburg Photos by ed Rode

When U2 rocked Vanderbilt Stadium last July, frontman Bono paid tribute to nashville’s creative well. “In a city of masters, we’ll stay students,” he said. Sure, the dubliner was rightfully praising the works of Music City’s songwriters, our greatest treasure. But master storytelling is hardly limited to Music Row. When the Southern Festival of Books gathers at Legislative Plaza in october, for example, there will be a fine selection of local authors celebrating their work.

“In this city, no one looks at you funny when you say you are a writer—they just ask you what you write,” says author and native Nashvillian Robert Benson. “There are maybe only a dozen cities in the country where that is true.”

30

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Discover again, or maybe for the first time, a collection of Nashville’s finest literary contributors, including Benson, Todd Bottorff, Mark Jarman, Lydia Peelle, Adam Ross and Ruta Sepetys.

adaM RoSS FICTION PICks:

Mr. Peanut and Ladies and Gentlemen

A show of promise. Adept storytelling. These are the qualities most often praised by critics and readers in the recent works by former Harpeth Hall English teacher and Nashville Scene writer Adam Ross. His debut novel was Mr. Peanut, a 2010 thriller title about a man who fantasizes about killing his wife, and his recently released collection of short stories, Ladies and Gentleman, contains tales leaning heavily into life’s morbid dark side. It’s a good thing the New York native is positively upbeat about Nashville, or Mrs. Ross may want to consider sleeping with one eye open.

“I’ve lived in many different places and it’s by far the most pleasant,” Ross says. “If I want to hear great music, get outdoors, play golf or tennis, everything’s right at my fingertips. If I want to lay low, it’s suddenly a sleepy little city.”

When he’s not grabbing a bite to eat at Fido with his family, Ross finds peace and inspiration at Percy Warner Park, where he runs regularly. “The 5.8 loop is always a challenge,” he says, “and it’s also incredibly peaceful. I might see two people if I’m jogging mid-morning, and the solitude is a blessing.”

UP next:

A novel falling into the bildungsroman genre about a child actor, set in New York City in the early 1980s

RoBeRt BenSon

NONFICTION P I C k s : The Echo Within, Digging In, Between the Dreaming and the Coming True Along with what seems like a church on nearly every Nashville corner, it feels as though there are an equal number of area writers purporting to share a relevant thought or 20 on all things God-related. Few do it better than Robert Benson, thanks to his knack for noticing the sacred in the midst of ordinary living. Though his family has deep roots in Nashville’s publishing and music annals, it’s his house of worship, Christ Church Cathedral, that stirs his creative spirit.

“I write books about learning to pay attention for the Holy in our lives,” he says. “The Holy is not limited to showing up in Christ Church Cathedral, of course, or any other sacred space in the city for that matter. But for me, this is the place that helps me focus enough on the Holy to be able to catch a glimpse of It on your average Thursday when the day is not going very well. Which is the point—any fool, including me, can catch a glimpse of the Holy here on Sunday.

“This has been my home for most of my life,” says Robert, “and I’m very grateful for living in a place where writers of all sorts are a part of the life here.”

UP next:

A book about writing a book that’s one part practical, one part philosophical and one part something as yet unknown

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

31

MaRk JaRMan POETRY

P I C k s : Bone Fires, Questions for Ecclesiastes, The Black Riviera

Mark Jarman, a Los Angeles native, says that despite nearly 30 years in the area he’s still not a Southern poet. Nevertheless, Nashville contributes plenty to his creative work.

“I’ve always appreciated that Nashville is a real place, with a distinct character, lent it by its history, its politics, its universities, its churches, and of course its music,” says Jarman, who has a Guggenheim Fellowship and a Poets’ Prize among his accolades. When the Vanderbilt English professor looks to refill his creative well, he heads to his favorite used bookstore, Bodacious Books in Belle Meade.

“The store is an Aladdin’s cave of all kinds of books, especially fiction, sometimes first edition hardbacks. But it also has a decent poetry section. I buy birthday and Christmas gifts there, and when I have the time, I just browse. It has a relaxed, unbuttoned atmosphere, and the books aren’t too orderly, so that you can find surprises,” he says.

UP next:

A new collection of poems featuring some character sketches of people, famous and obscure who, if asked, would say they were Christians

LydIa PeeLLe

FICTION P I C k : Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing

Peelle’s first short-story collection, Reasons for and Advantages of Breathing, earned her sweeping critical acclaim from the San Francisco Chronicle, to The Boston Globe and helped her land a prestigious Whiting Writer’s Award. Though originally from New England, it’s Tennessee in general and this area in particular that inspires her writing.

“There’s a story everywhere you turn in Nashville,” Peelle says. “From the man selling paper cups in the Mapco parking lot to the old woman living in the last farmhouse on the south end of Dickerson Road.” Recently, she’s been pouring over Nashville’s history to prepare a new book. “One of the things this research has taught me is how much in common we have today with the Tennesseans of 100 years ago,” she says.

Photo by W. Handel

UP next:

A novel set in Tennessee during World War I 32

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

RUta SePetyS

FICTION P I C k : Between Shades of Gray

A 15-year-old Lithuanian girl’s struggle for survival during World War II forms the core of Between Shades of Gray, a New York Times bestselling title from novelist Ruta Sepetys. “This city has a creative soul,” says the first-time author about her adopted hometown. “Nashvillians have a reverence for all things artistic and it’s inspiring to live in a city where art, music and literature are truly appreciated. I find inspiration not only in the community but also in the landscape. Middle Tennessee is beautiful.”

“Martin’s [Bar-B-Q Joint] is my favorite local hangout,” she continues. “When I sold my first novel, I called my family and we all met at Martin’s and celebrated with a mess of BBQ and a bucket of Stroh’s.”

UP next:

A novel set in New Orleans involving a fictitious Tennessee resident Photo by J. Michael Smith

todd BottoRFF

PuBLIShING P I C k : Happiness: The 21 Day Guide to Living Healthier, Wealthier and Wiser In many respects, the bookselling business continues to be as depressing as the music business. A local company is working against that grain, though, guided by Todd Bottorff, publisher and president of Turner Publishing. Since 2002, Bottorff has focused the company’s efforts to assemble an expanding portfolio of fiction and nonfiction trade titles with regional and national appeal.

“Nashville is a community of creative, dynamic entrepreneurs,” says Bottorff, who is also an author. “Being part of that community provides a camaraderie that drives us all to be better in our pursuits.” And its Percy Warner Park that helps to replenish his energies in these challenging times. “That is where I run and where I do my best thinking,” Todd says. “It is my Walden.”

UP next:

New work from New York Times bestselling authors Keith and Kent Zimmerman

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

33

Nashville’s

PeRFoRMInG aRtS GreaTs

Meet some of the men and women behind nashville’s outstanding performing arts programs.

By Lori Ward Photos by ed Rode

the allure of the performing arts lies in the human need to express and tell stories about our adventures. It is vital to venture outside of the everyday routine, to a place where emotions can be expressed in a healthy way, a place where a dancer can fly and a world can be created with a bucket of paint. Nashville Arts & Entertainment gives a nod to the following “artists” who have created safe and entertaining havens for us to land.

34

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Nashville Children’s Theatre: Scot Copeland Scot Copeland is the producing director for Nashville Children’s Theatre, named one of the top five acting companies for kids in the nation by Time magazine. Founded in 1931, the organization is the longest-running children’s theatre in the United States.

Copeland began his life in theatre at 17, when he co-founded the Whole Backstage Theatre in Guntersville, Ala. He worked professionally at nine regional theatres in seven states prior to putting down roots in Nashville in 1985. Earning a national reputation for his leadership and artistic vision, he is a lifetime member of the board of directors of the U.S. Division of the International Association of Professional Theatre for Children and Young People. He has served on the boards of the Southeastern Theatre Conference, the American Alliance for Theatre and Education, and the Children’s Theatre Foundation of America.

“Scot, always larger than life, has been at the forefront of professionalizing theatre for young audiences across the country…

Both his struggles and his triumphs as an artist and an administrator have served as a roadmap for and a record of the growth,” says colleague and admirer Roger Bedard, who heads the postgraduate studies in Theatre for Youth at Arizona State University.

“He has pushed us, he has pulled us and he has inspired us.”

Denice Hicks

Nashville’s Theatre Community: Denice Hicks and Barry Scott Denice Hicks and Barry Scott have played leading roles in the local theatre community for more than 20 years. As actors, directors, teachers, writers and artistic leaders, they’ve extended influence with extraordinary vision, continuously breaking new ground in the ancient art of theatre.

“If one can appreciate the cultural history of Nashville, then the careers of Denice Hicks and Barry Scott stand out as exemplars of what can be accomplished with talent, determination and guts,” says Mac Pirkle, co-founder of Tennessee Repertory Theatre. “I have had the privilege of working with both Barry and Denice in a variety of capacities over the years and continue to admire their ability to reinvent themselves, grow in their careers and pass on their experiences to the next generation.” Pirkle observes the commitment the duo made to the city changed Nashville.

“They show the way to young artists by living out their careers through hard work, inventiveness and leadership. They have helped to raise the bar [for] what it takes to succeed in the Nashville arts community,” he says.

Hicks joined the Nashville Shakespeare Festival in 1990 and is its artistic director. Denice also directs and acts with other companies in the city, and she’s earned a reputation for “the cutting-edge,” whether the works are classic or contemporary. She was an original member of the Tennessee Repertory Theatre acting company and also helped to found People’s Branch Theatre and Darkhorse Theatre. Raised in Pennsylvania, Hicks has lived in Nashville since 1980 when she moved here to perform at Opryland USA. The equally versatile Scott is the founder and producing director of American Negro Playwright Theatre, now performing at The Next Level Arts and Entertainment Mindset. Scott established ANPT to engage artists and audiences in diverse, thought-provoking and inspiring programs. The Nashville native is a graduate of Tennessee State University, where his parents and grandparents also received degrees.

In a typical year, Barry’s work includes directing and acting for film, television and the stage; touring “Courage to Lead,” his tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and voice-over work (including features for the NFL Super Bowl and NBA playoffs).

Barry Scott

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

35

Tennessee Repertory Theatre: Gary Hoff “How did theatrical design get this good on American stages?” So begins a note from the editor of American Theatre magazine to introduce six virtuoso designers from across the nation, including Nashville’s Gary Hoff, head of design and resident scenic designer for Tennessee Repertory Theatre.

Hoff has created dozens of visually stunning productions for Tennessee Rep, plus he designs for Nashville Children’s Theatre, the Nashville Shakespeare Festival and the Tennessee Shakespeare Festival. Hoff’s creative vision is coupled with an extraordinary eye for detail, one that sets the stage and the mood to the delight of local artists and audiences.

“Gary’s sets plant us firmly in the world of the story, whether it’s a modern day realistic setting or a place of timeless imagination.

His attention to detail and his ability to appropriately enhance presentations is second to none,” says Evans Donnell, a longtime local theatre critic. “Gary’s consistent, excellent work makes us very fortunate to have him in Nashville. Plenty of theaters around the country would love to have his designs on a regular basis.”

hoff’s work manifest on stage

continued on page 41

Photos Submitted

36

It doesn’t just steal the scene. It changes the show.

2012 Range Rover evoque

Introducing the revolutionary Range Rover evoque, the lightest and most fuel efficient Range Rover yet. It’s an entirely new look for the land Rover family—smaller and more agile for the demands of the urban landscape, with all of the poise and presence you expect from a land Rover. Inside, you’ll find the latest in entertainment and navigation technology, artfully subtle led ambient lighting, and every luxury comfort consideration— including land Rover’s signature focus on headroom. What does evoque arouse in you? Find out when you test drive yours at Land Rover nashville.

3 cadillac Drive | Brentwood

615-986-6000

www.LandRovernashville.com

Create. Deliver. Engage.

Touchscreen, Digital Signage, & Advertising Solutions

Engage Your Audience

Q

Touch

Screen

Deliver Your Creative Message

Focus Your Branding

Innovative Applications for Banks, Retail, Healthcare, Colleges & Universities

Let Us Show You How to Monetize Touch Screen Technology

Call 615-480-3563

MUSICAL EXCELLENCE IS ACHIEVED by surrounding yourself wiTh excellence

Only one piano merits its place on the stage of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center and other prestigious concert halls worldwide.

Only one piano parallels the distinction of the worlds most respected music schools. That piano is STEINWAY & SONS.

These Tennessee schools have chosen excellence by providing The besT pianos for The sTudy and performance of music by becoming all-sTeinway schools middle Tennessee sTaTe universiTy easT Tennessee sTaTe universiTy marTin meThodisT college belmonT universiTy pellissippi sTaTe communiTy college

4285 sidco dr. • nashville, tn 37204 (615) 373-5901 • steinwaynashville.com facebook.com/steinwaynash | twitter.com/steinwaynash

In fact, we require it. Lipscomb was the first university in the U.S. to require its music majors to sit for Britain’s acclaimed Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music exams. And that’s just one of our musical accomplishments in the arts. In theater, Lipscomb’s director was named one of Nashville’s top ten directors in 2010. And in visual arts, our

anatra jewel

presidential lecture earns rave reviews for the arts influencers it brings to the community. Experience it yourself.

There are very few times when there is not an arts event on campus, open to the public and enjoyed at little or no charge. Go to events.lipscomb.edu to see what’s happening. We’d like to treat you royally as well.

We give music students the royal treatment.

6027 highway 100 nashville tn 37205

615-352-9696

anatrajewel.com

events.lipscomb.edu

Nashville Ballet: Jane Fabian and Paul Vasterling

continued from page 36

Nashville Opera: Dr. William Whetsell Jr. Dr. William Whetsell Jr. is a professor of pathology, emeritus, at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and a distinguished area physician.

But outside the office or research lab, it’s opera receives his dedication.

“I’ve had wonderful satisfaction from my medical and scientific career, but the greatest joy of my life, aside from my family, has been music. Most especially, opera has been my passion from a young age,” Whetsell says. His service to Nashville Opera has included helping to establish it as an independent professional regional company in the early 1980s, contributing to its success as a major performing arts organization and initiating several of its active support programs, such as its Impresario Council. In 2005, Whetsell was named a life member of the Opera’s board of directors.

“We could never have imagined the professional artistry and national recognition Nashville Opera continues to achieve, nor could we have envisioned such a state-of-the-art facility as the Noah Liff Opera Center or the wonderfully comprehensive educational program,” he says of the organization. “I believe so strongly that opportunities for young people, even at the grade-school age, for exposure and exploration of new ideas and experience—whether it might be golf, fly-fishing or opera—kindle interests that can evolve into a lifetime of fulfillment and joy.”

Whetsell and Ciuffo at the Noah Liff Opera Center

Jane Fabian and Paul Vasterling forever changed Nashville by sharing their visions with local ballet artists and audiences.

Paul Vasterling stepped into the role of artistic director of Nashville Ballet in 1998, 10 years after he began his association with the company as a dancer. In 2010, at the request of the board, he also became the chief executive officer of the organization. A choreographer with a deep affinity for both music and storytelling, Vasterling has created more than 40 works, which have been performed throughout the world. Among other premieres, he raised the curtain on Nashville’s Nutcracker in 2008, adding local history and new relevance to a cherished holiday tradition.

Collaborations with local artists and organizations have become one of his trademarks, creating new works with distinct Nashville influence, thanks to partnerships with country music artists, library personnel and members of Vanderbilt’s Blair School of Music, among others.

“Nashville Ballet is fortunate to be led by Paul, who shares his artistic creativity and vision,” Fabian says. “Since his appointment as artistic director, his strength of purpose has been a guiding force in our company’s and school’s successes. His passion for our art form and [his] leadership style have positively impacted our continuing growth and stability, and enhanced our stature on the national stage.”

While Vasterling’s artistry sets the stage for the ballet’s contemporary success in this century, “The reason this company exists is Jane Fabian,” Vasterling said about Fabian when she announced her retirement as the Ballet’s chief executive in 2001.

Fabian’s life in the arts began as a child in Nashville, where she studied ballet and performed for proud parents, friends and family members at annual recitals and special performances. With the vision and perseverance it takes to bring dreams to life on stage, she became a co-founder of Nashville Ballet in the 1980s and served the company in a variety of capacities, including managing director.

Today, the troupe continues to perform at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, while teaching and rehearsing in its 32,000-sqaure-foot, custom-designed home with four studios, offices and production shops.

Tennessee Performing Arts: Roberta Ciuffo West When “60 Minutes” aired a story on her dramatic success to diversify music education at the Juilliard School, Roberta Ciuffo West started getting phone calls. One came from the Nashville Institute for the Arts, where she eventually accepted an offer to serve as executive director.

Later, Ciuffo West led that organization’s merger with the Tennessee Performing Arts Center (TPAC), creating one of the most comprehensive initiatives of its kind in the nation. Recently, TPAC’s executive vice president for education and outreach. Through four distinct programs for all ages, TPAC Education has now served more than 1.5 million people at performances, in schools and community centers, through teacher training and more—all at no or little cost to participants.

“I wish everyone could have the opportunities I’ve had to pursue what is beautiful to me, inspires me, and piques my curiosity. Really, it stems from what we teach through TPAC Education,” Ciuffo West says. “Creativity, inspiration and motivation come from connectivity.

Whatever speaks to you, whatever makes you respond, that is the foundation from which everything else springs—your work ethic, job satisfaction, success, everything. People are simply built that way.

Arts education reveals that unique aspect of who you are and how you connect to the world.” www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

41

HoW

nashville

celebrities their BRAND BuILd

BY DEBoRAH EVANS PRICE

42

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A

sk anyone connected to Nashville’s music community and they’ll tell you that radio remains the prime vehicle to expose an artist’s music and, generally, touring provides their key revenue stream.

Now more than ever savvy entertainers are embracing a variety of opportunities beyond the road and the radio to boost their careers and build their brand. From placing their songs in films and TV shows to launching acting careers or aligning themselves with various products, members of Music City’s creative elite are constantly expanding their resumes—and their starpower reach.

You know their names: Paisley, Underwood, Velasquez, Adkins, McEntire, Morgan, Heath, Anderson and Daniels. But it’s more than music, though, that places those names on your lips.

FIFTH gEar, FuLL THroTTLE The Country Music Association’s reigning Entertainer of the Year Brad Paisley is well known as one of Nashville’s most diverse talents, boasting an enviable skill set as a singer, songwriter and ace guitarist. Paisley had the chance to demonstrate that his talent extends beyond the country genre when he contributed two original songs for the soundtrack of the Disney/ Pixar animated film Cars 2. “Nobody’s Fool” is a bluesy number, and “Collision of Worlds” is a duet with British rocker Robbie Williams.

“John Lasseter, who is the head of Pixar and Disney’s animation studios, came to me and said, ‘I want you to write the end credits song for Cars 2, but I don’t want it to be a country song,’” Paisley tells Nashville arts & eNtertaiNmeNt magaziNe. “He said, ‘I want it to be a rock number and I want you to collaborate ’cause the movie takes place in Japan, France and Italy and it’s not a typical American animated movie. It’s a worldwide story.’” Lasseter partnered Brad with Williams—an unlikely pairing—to drive something fresh.

For Paisley, the enjoyable experience gave him an opportunity to stretch creatively.

“Something I’ve always been very careful about is making sure I fit very carefully within what I Brad Paisley on his Pixar experience consider the boundaries of country music, for me at least,” says Paisley, whose current album, This is Country Music, has already spawned several hits, including the title track, “Old Alabama” and “Remind Me” (a duet with Carrie Underwood). “The chance to do something that not only doesn’t have to fit into that box, but shouldn’t, is really fun because I know I’m not going to be judged.” Next, Brad plans to write music for a show his wife, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, has in development with TNT, and he hopes to write more for film.

“As a songwriter, there’s nothing more fun than [a studio executive] saying, ‘Here’s the story. What kind of song would you write?’ It’s like the most fun creative homework assignment you’ve ever been given,” Paisley says.

Of course, the work also diversifies his public exposure. Case in point: “Collision of Worlds,” which has been airing on the Disney Channel. “They played a video of us recording it on the Disney Channel, and I heard from a friend of mine who said, ‘You are always on the Disney Channel—you and Robbie Williams—when they play that Cars 2 track.’ That’s cool,” Paisley says.

“That’s obviously something I’ve never done.”

‘As a songwriter, there’s nothing more fun than [a studio executive] saying, “Here’s the story.

What kind of song would you write?”

It’s like the most fun creative homework assignment you’ve ever been given’

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

43

PEnny For your ProPs Endorsement deals for products and services help many artists gain broad exposure, as with Taylor Swift, who can be seen in TV and print ads for Cover Girl. Or, visit the website for Omega Watches to see Nicole Kidman featured as an ambassador for the brand, along with George Clooney, Cindy Crawford, Daniel Craig and Michael Phelps. It’s a move that can remind folks an act is just as good as he ever was, like when entertainer Charlie Daniels performed in one of GEICO’s most popular TV ads for the insurance company.

“Someone came up with the idea for this fiddle thing and somebody brought my name up. They approached us through our agent, the William Morris Agency,” Daniels says of how the deal was initiated. “I asked what they wanted me to do. They sent a script down and I had absolutely no trouble with it.” Soon, “That’s how you do it, son!” rose as a national catchphrase. Daniels, who had previously done a FedEx commercial, says he didn’t expect the spot to draw as much attention as it did.

“I was surprised,” he admits. “It was an Olympic year and this particular commercial kind of hit it off with the sports crowd and between the NFL and the Olympics. It was a very blessed and fortunate thing for me. It definitely raised my profile.

[People thought,] ‘Hey, he’s still out there. He’s still out there pickin’ and grinnin’.’”

Carrie Underwood has endorsement deals with Olay and Vitaminwater, parlayed from personal preferences.

“I enjoy telling people about things that I use or things that I do in my life,” the Grammy winning artist says. “People are always asking, ‘What are you wearing? What make-up do you have on?

What work outs do you do?’ Vitaminwater and Olay are both great products that I was enjoying long before they asked me to tell everyone that I was enjoying them.” High-profile celebrities such as Underwood are offered a variety of lucrative deals, but the Oklahoma-born singer is careful to align herself with products she truly believes in.

“Vitaminwater and Smartwater just make me feel good. Period. So I just get to tell people about something that I like and something that helps me.

Same with Olay. I pay close attention to my skin.

I’ve been using Olay products since high school.

I get to tell people why it works for me. Maybe some people will try their products and enjoy the results.” sHakE IT uP But what about trying something completely different, like straying from the day job?

Underwood, for example—when she wasn’t saturating country radio with such hits as “Mama’s Song,” “Undo It” and “Temporary Home”— expanded into films in 2011 with a role in the Bethany Hamilton biopic Soul Surfer. Hamilton is 44

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

‘Vitaminwater and Smartwater just make me feel good. Period. So I just get to tell people about something that I like.’

Carrie underwood

Carrie Underwood

Brad Paisley Cars 2 Copyright: Disney/Pixar Photo By: Debby Coleman

Charlie Daniels GEICo Commercial

the Hawaiian teen surfing champ who lost her arm when attacked by a tiger shark.

“The story was amazing,” Underwood says when asked why she took the role of Hamilton’s youth pastor, Sarah Hill. “They sent the script along with Bethany’s book and a DVD with some footage about Bethany and her story. She defied the odds and leaned on God and her family to achieve her dreams.” Underwood isn’t going to abandon music for a film career, but says she’s open to other acting opportunities.

“I love music, first and foremost,” she says. “Soul Surfer was an amazing opportunity to help tell an amazing story. If another role like this one happened to fall in my lap, I wouldn’t be too smart to pass it up.” Some of Carrie’s peers seem to agree; she’s just one of many Nashville celebrities who’ve made the leap to films. Tim McGraw is building quite a resume as an actor. His credits include Friday Night Lights, The Blind Side, and Country Strong.

And Christian artist Jaci Velasquez made her film debut in 2003’s Chasing Papi with Roselyn Sanchez

Tim McGraw Country Strong Kings of Leon Grey’s Anatomy

Trace Adkins Lincoln Lawyer

and Sofía Vergara. Her most recent film projects include 2010’s The Encounter and 2011’s Jerusalem Countdown, which co-stars Randy Travis, Lee Majors and David A.R. White.

“I play one of the lead character’s wives,” says Velasquez of the apocalyptic-themed film. Further, as she’s been preparing for new Christian and Latin albums in 2012, Velasquez has been capitalizing on her knowledge of Christian music, working as the morning show co-host on Salem’s Today’s Christian Music Radio Network and its flagship station in Nashville The Fish, WFFH. Velasquez sees such opportunities as extremely beneficial, naming the one-and-only Cher as an example of an artist whose diverse creative resume has been a key to her longevity.

“Cher has done all if it,” she says. “Time has come and gone and Cher is still there. She’s active. She’s done TV, music, films. She’s developed a brand. Cher is not just a vocalist. She is all things, and that’s where I think we miss the boat as artists in a lot of ways because we have an opportunity to go out and create a brand and really make the brand ingrained in people’s minds.”

For Trace Adkins straying from music was always part of his plan. He appeared in 2008’s An American Carol and 2011’s The Lincoln Lawyer with Matthew McConaughey.

“The acting thing is something I’ve wanted to do all along,” Adkins says. “I do the things that come along that interest me, things I think I can pull off and things I think will be fun to do. I don’t necessarily look at it as branching out and getting beyond radio and trying to grow my brand. I’m just doing stuff that I enjoy doing.”

Adkins has also gained exposure through other avenues. He was the inspiration for the Luke McBain comic books where his likeness became an action hero. He also came very close to winning Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2008, placing first runner-up behind TV personality Piers Morgan. “No question about that,” Adkins replies when asked if his ‘Apprentice’ appearance helps grow his fan base. “I still see people every day that know me from ‘Apprentice.’”

One country artist who blazed a trail for TV in the modern era was Reba McEntire, who broadened her career by starring in her own show, “Reba,” which ran 2001-2007.

“I was sad that it was over, absolutely,” the Country Music Hall of Famer says of the show’s end. “I was going to work every day and playing with my friends. It was a great bunch of people from the top to the bottom, from the writers to the artists, actors, crew, everybody. It was a wonderful team to get to work with, and we had six wonderful years.”

McEntire has also appeared in films and on Broadway, and her forays into acting haven’t diminished her relationship with country radio. Notice such recent No. 1 hits as “Consider Me Gone” and “Turn on the Radio.” www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

45

“Radio has been very good to me since 1976, and I sure can’t complain about it,” she says. “When I was in Annie Get Your Gun in 2001, doing it for five weeks and then came out and did the TV show, everybody thought I was leaving country music. But I feel like I have broadened the boundaries instead of leaving country music. I said from the very beginning I’ll carry the banner of country music forever and be proud to do it, and that’s what I continue to do.”

Veteran singer/songwriter Billy Ray Cyrus also increased his reach through TV, in addition to recording 12 albums, including his latest, I’m American. He first starred in the PAX-TV show “Doc” from 2001 to 2004, and then the following year he began co-starring with daughter Miley in the Disney series “Hannah Montana.” Cyrus credits his father with encouraging him to try acting.

“My Dad said, ‘You’ve got to be more like Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton. You can’t keep living and dying by radio. You’ve got all your eggs in one basket,’” recalls Cyrus. “He told me to branch out into film and television. I told him I wasn’t an actor, but he said, ‘You can do it!’” In August Cyrus is set to start filming the sequel to the Hallmark Channel movie “Christmas in Canaan”. He’s also currently starring on TLC in “Surprise Homecoming,” a reality show where military personnel are reunited with their loved ones.

Singer/songwriter Craig Morgan has also taken the reality approach on his TV venture. The second season of “Craig Morgan All Access Outdoors” launched in June on the Outdoor Channel with 13 new episodes. The top-rated show follows the avid outdoorsman as he’s hunting, fishing and motocross racing.

“It talks about what goes on in my life,” says Morgan, who is well known for such hits as “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “Love Remembers,” “International Harvester,” and “Almost Home.” “The show talks about how I integrate all of my outdoor activities, whether it be hunting, sky diving, dirt bike racing or whatever, into my touring schedule. It’s the behind the scenes look at what goes on in my life, and I’m just excited that people care enough to watch it.” Morgan says the show has been fun to do and he’s seeing career benefits.

“It was an attempt to help elevate my profile within the industry and in the world,” he says. “The more people see you out there, the more recognizable you become, so it’s important. Record sales go up. The attendance at the shows goes up. People might not know who Craig Morgan is as a singer, but they see me on TV and then they come out to the show, so it’s a wonderful thing.” Morgan sees TV exposure as beneficial for the whole genre.

“Anytime any of us country singers do something on TV, it’s good for not only us as country singers and entertainers, but it’s good for our format,” Morgan says. “We bring more attention to the country music industry as a whole and I think it’s a good thing.”

The Cast of the “Reba” Show

‘The show talks about how I integrate all of my outdoor activities, whether it be hunting, sky diving, dirt bike racing or whatever, into my touring schedule.’

Craig Morgan, on his outdoor reality show >

Billy Ray Cyrus “Surprise Homecoming” photo: Brian Lowe

46

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

“Craig Morgan All Access outdoors”

Craig Morgan

This isn’t a ten.

It’s a second chance.

It’s a ray of hope.

It’s a brighter future for a child with cancer.

Help our hospital help more children. Please give at GiveWithHope.org.

sTILL aBouT THE song An artist doesn’t have to become an actor or reality show host to see their music career receive a boost from film and TV. For many musicians, getting their songs placed in films and television shows translates to sales and a boost in their status.

Nashville-based Kings of Leon have garnered exposure by having their songs on the hit TV shows “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Gossip Girl.” Martina McBride’s hit “I Love You” was featured in the Richard Gere/Julia Roberts film Runaway Bride and, in 2009 McBride performed “Ride” and “I Just Call You Mine” on ABC’s “The Bachelorette.” The 3 Doors Down hit “Let Me Be Myself” gained extra exposure when it was featured in a GEICO commercial. Lady Antebellum’s ballad “Hello World” was featured on an episode of CBS’s hit drama “NCIS.” “It’s a great shot in the arm to get your songs placed,” says singer/songwriter Brandon Heath, a two-time winner of the Gospel Music Association’s Male Vocalist of the Year Dove Award. “I’ve got a song on a three-year ad campaign in Switzerland right now. We’ve seen sales go up in a market where I was non-existent before. It’s always a big help when they include your name and the song on the screen. That can make a huge difference.”

Closer to home, Heath won an Emmy Award for his hit “Give Me Your Eyes.”

“I didn’t see that one coming at all. It was for an ad campaign in Nashville for the homeless, so I was really more honored by the use rather than the award,” he says of the song being used in the Nashville Rescue Mission’s Hunger to Hope 2009 PSA Campaign, produced by NewsChannel 5’s Jerry L. Walker. “Give Me Your Eyes,” which Heath cowrote with Jason Ingram, won two Dove Awards, including Song of the Year. “It was really about conviction and perspective,” Heath says of the song’s message. “That’s something I think a lot of us crave and often overlook.”

As opportunities arise for Nashville celebrities to increase their star power through strategic alliances, just what should they look for when striking a deal? With one of Nashville’s most diverse careers, Country Music Hall of Fame member and beloved Grand Ole Opry star Bill Anderson appears to be in tune with what works. Not only has he been a singer and CMA Award winning songwriter, Anderson has also appeared on soap operas, has been a game show host and previously owned a chain of Po Folks restaurants.

“My advice would be to be careful about putting your own money into it,” says Anderson, who has

48

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

previously endorsed Stanback Headache Powders, Homelite Chainsaws and Braniff Airlines. “Just because you are successful in the music business does not mean you will be successful in some other business. There are classic tales of all of us in show business getting involved in things we didn’t know or understand and it is real easy to lose money.”

Like Anderson, Charlie Daniels urges young artists to be cautious.

“Don’t do it just for the money,” cautions Daniels. “Don’t do something that you don’t feel good about. It’s going to be a part of you for the rest of your life, so I think people should be particularly careful about what they do.” Daniels says newcomers can often feel pressured into something that looks like a good situation, but isn’t.

“You’ll sign just about anything anybody puts in front of you when you’re struggling and trying to get something going and somebody gives you something that you think is going to be good,” he says. But take caution. “Be yourself. If you’ve got something unique and if you’ve got something they would want, you’re going to get there eventually…

You have to circumvent a lot of things that look attractive at the time that you know are not good for you.”

Paisley advises recording artists to remember making great music is always the cornerstone of a long career.

“There are so many other opportunities that I think need to be looked at as gravy and not the meal,” he says. “No endorsement or movie opportunity has the ability to give you a career selling tickets like a hit song. It can help your hit song, but in the end, you’ve got to have that hit song.” It’s the music that matters. Period.

“It’s really amazing to me how much it still boils down to hits on the radio,” Paisley says.

“Longevity is still about a string of hit records that continues for a while. It’s about following up one hit with another.” 

Brandon Heath PSA Campaign “Give Me Your Eyes”

Bill Anderson Game Show Host

nk, Nashville’s ri sh s ie lt a y ro As songwriting ad, fashioning ro e th g n ti it h tunesmiths are . st concert trend e tt o h ’s y it C c Musi N Ag e r

By LArry

MIChAeL tIoN By ILLustrA

KorfhAg

e

I

Kenny Rogers rolled the dice on “The Gambler,” has been a performing songwriter in Nashville since 1973. “There are an awful lot of people coming to town to write songs now. There used to be dozens of people coming to town, now there are thousands,” says Schlitz.

During one week every spring, for example, songwriters take over the city as Tin Pan South—the Mardi Gras for performing songwriters—fill dozens of venues. Showcases ranging from songwriting rookies to Hall of Famers like Tom. T. Hall, drawing close to 10,000 attendees.

“We get people from all over the world—people planning trips here for Tin Pan South from places like the UK and Australia,” says Erika Wollam Nichols, co-director of the festival and COO/GM of The Bluebird Cafe. “The songwriters all want to be in town then because it’s a great way to network and hear new songs. There’s such an energy and electricity going on that week.”

But what’s trending now are increasing, year-round opportunities to heard Nashville is home to the world’s largest songwriting community, with more arriving every day. Don Schlitz, who has been writing hits since the writers crafting the hits. Not so long ago, Nashville songwriters could

t’s a familiar Nashville catch phrase: “It all starts with a song.” The slogan is a tribute to the often unseen wordsmiths providing the raw materials stoking Music City’s star-making machinery. The right song can turn an “American Idol” contestant into Carrie Underwood or a West Virginia guitar picker into Brad Paisley.

Lately, that saying has new meaning. Increasingly, these unsung heroes are singing for themselves, taking their songs—and the stories behind them—into the mainstream. While much of the rest of the country music industry shrinks, Nashville’s performing songwriter business is booming. Folks previously known mostly to industry insiders and obsessive liner note readers are headlining concerts, festivals, workshops and even luxury cruises all over the world.

Fallin’ and Flying

49

only be found at The Bluebird (the Vatican of Nashville songwriting) and a handful of other small clubs. Now, songwriters are a staple of Middle Tennessee’s entertainment diet.

Bart Herbison, Executive Director of the Nashville Songwriters Association International (NSAI), a non-profit songwriters trade association that produces Tin Pan South and owns The Bluebird Cafe, estimates there are 100 area venues featuring songwriters on any given night, from The Bluebird to neighborhood pizza joints. Herbison sees two primary reasons for the boom. The first, he admits, is terrible.

“I see songwriters that wrote the hits of your life, and they are having to perform many tours crossing the country because only one out of 30 songs is paid for; 29 are downloaded illegally,” Herbison explains. “These writers have had some great singles, but they made their living on album cuts, and that is a thing of the past with illegal downloading.” The second reason is social networking. “If you’re a real entrepreneur, there’s a way to do marketing and PR and even book facilities in a cost-effective way that really wasn’t possible before,” he says.

Schlitz has always performed his songs in public, and he doesn’t plan to stop.

“It’s fun to go out and play. There are still thrills,” he says with a wide grin. “I like it when it’s entertainment, when it’s communication, when it’s sharing the song.” One of Nashville’s most respected songwriters, Schlitz has recently been expanding his performing. He used to limit it to his legendary, once-a-month weekday Bluebird gigs, “Don for a $” (playing

Dave Berg, Eric Paslay, Sarah Buxton, Tom Bukovac and Jedd Huges

‘Only 1 out of 30 songs is paid for–29 are downloaded illegally.’ for a $1 cover), or perhaps weekend shows with writers Thom Schuyler and Fred Knobloch and harmonica wizard Jelly Roll Johnson. But he’s begun booking himself more widely, as he and his wife Stacey, who’s also his attorney, use Facebook to promote additional shows.

OppOrtunity KnOcKs

New events and venues are cropping up, too, such as Delbert McClinton’s Sandy Beaches Cruises. Along with the Texas roadhouse blues-rock that’s a staple of the Caribbean cruise, the shows that really pack them in are the songwriter showcases, featuring such top performing writers as Schlitz, Al Anderson, Gary Nicholson, Danny Flowers, Karyn Rochelle and Bob DiPiero, plus artists who write, like Raul Malo. It’s huge opportunity for fans, who don’t live within driving distance of Nashville, to hear songwriters sing and talk about hits they’ve written.

Paul Compton, formerly with publisher Murrah Music, is another Nashvillian working on exporting that performing songwriter experience.

In 2010, he and partners Randy Harrell and Rod Parkin formed The Songwriter Agency, Inc. to bring a higher level of professionalism to booking package shows of songwriters. Their roster includes Schlitz, as well as such artist/songwriters as Steve Wariner, James House, Bryan White and Lonestar’s Richie McDonald.

In 2008, Compton’s father, Gary, built a venue, The Red Caboose, near the Compton family home in Elkmonnt, Ala., hoping to book songwriters.

Son helped out father and, even though Paul is a longtime fan of performing songwriters, he was still surprised at the popular reaction. “I would go book these shows, and these were just the common folk, the public, out there. And they just loved it. They loved hearing the stories behind the songs, sung from the writers’ perspective. It’s just very entertaining and engaging. And I said, ‘You know, we take it for granted in Nashville, but

Allen Shamblin

photos by Bev Moser / courtesy NSAI 50

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

this is something that can go across the whole nation, maybe the whole world.’”

Performing songwriter Fred Eaglesmith has been doing that for decades, touring out of his native Canada and throughout the States. In recent years, Eaglesmith has become a Nashville favorite, his unique “sentimental curmudgeon” persona drawing such high-profile fans as Alan Jackson, Toby Keith and Miranda Lambert—all of whom have cut Eaglesmith songs. With his outsider’s perspective, he’s noticed a change in our songwriting community.

“I think everybody has really had to get to work in the past couple years,” he says. “I think when times get tough, guys go, ‘We have to do something. We have to get creative. We have to go play shows.’ I think now the great thing about this downturn, and the fact that country music is having a big shift, is that it really makes people sit up and do things they wouldn’t ordinarily do.” And it’s not just the songwriters.

“I just met with a couple hotels last week, and instead of using the traditional entertainment methods they’ve gone to in the past, they want to do songwriter shows,” says NSAI’s Herbison. “And there’s a lot more corporate [events] than there used to be. It’s like times 20.”

Why the trend? First of all, it’s cost effective, says Compton, explaining that a basic three-writer package can go out for as little as $3,500.

“For the price point, it’s a little bit cheaper than a ‘B’ or ‘C’ class artist,” he says.

“For that, you can get the hottest local band that does covers, or you can get the brand-new act that you don’t know any of their songs, or you can get a group of songwriters who can play you their hit songs and tell you the stories behind them.

For the price that we can book them, we can compete with a lot of what’s out there on the lower echelon. The writers, they love it, because it subsidizes what is unfortunately their dwindling money.”

MOving alOng

Tom T. Hall, Peter Cooper and Eric Brace

Dates for the 20th annual Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival are set for March 22-31, 2012. Produced

by NSAI, Tin Pan South is the world’s largest all-songwriter festival. In 2011, more than 350 talented songwriters performed 88 shows. More than 10,000 music fans attend the event annually to hear songwriters tell the stories behind their hit songs and perform those songs as they were originally composed.

Herbison expects that dwindling to continue, though he’s optimistic that stronger anti-piracy legislation moving through the Senate, together with other efforts, will slow the bleeding.

It had better.

He cites estimates that as much as $800 billion will be lost globally this year to digital piracy of music and movies. If unabated, that total is expected to reach $1.75 trillion by 2015. About 70 percent of those lost recording revenues come directly from the American music industry. So for many, songwriters included, the music industry’s focus will likely continue to be the one thing that can’t be illegally downloaded—the live music experience.

“It’s unbelievable how many people are performing right now. We’re getting more people applying to play The Bluebird than ever,” Herbison notes. NSAI bought the club from founder Amy Kurland in 2008, and Erika Wollam Nichols’ mandate is to maintain its place of honor as the ultimate performing songwriter showcase. One thing that has changed, she says, is the influx of very young female singer-songwriters hoping to be the next Taylor Swift.

“On any given day we’re going to have a couple of 11-year-old girls getting their picture taken out front, even when we’re not open. And we’ve had an increase in the young girls who come to our auditions inspired by Taylor and what she’s done. It’s amazing how many young girls we’re seeing and also how good some of their songs are. I couldn’t have done that when I was 11,” she shares.

Even as the faces and generations change, people are still coming to get a taste of real music—no voice tuning, no fake smiles. You never know what will happen at the Bluebird, and that’s true of all the best songwriter “rounds.”

“People are hungry to find something real, and this is a way they can touch on that,” says Wollam Nichols. For Schlitz, even after all these years, whether he’s behind the microphone or in the audience, that something real means a real good time. “It’s vaudeville of sorts,” he explains with a chuckle. “Go sing some songs.

Tell some jokes. Sell some beer. Have a night out, get away from the television. Go break some rules. Go have some fun.” 

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

51

starting With a

sOng

Here’s a (very) partial listing of venues catering to singer/songwriters.

The Bluebird Cafe 4104 Hillsboro Road 615-383-1461

Commodore Grill at Holiday Inn Vanderbilt 2613 West End Ave. 6150-327-4707

Douglas Corner 2106-A 8th Ave. South 615-298-1688

The Listening Room 209 10th Ave. South, Ste. 200 615-259-3600

Puckett’s Grocery (three locations)

120 Fourth Ave. South (Franklin) 615-794-5527 4142 old Hillsboro Road (Leiper’s Fork) 615-794-1308 500 Church Street #100 615-770-2772

Come see the new Goodpasture, and THE JOY OF

!

Creativity

The Rutledge 410 4th Ave. South 615-782-6858

3rd & Lindsley 818 3rd Ave. South 615-259-9891

12th & Porter 114 12th Ave. North 615-254-7250

Nashville Songwriters Association International (nashvillesongwriters.com) maintains information for would-be songwriters, veteran songwriters and songwriter fans. The Country Music Hall of Fame regularly features veteran songwriters in its “Poets and Prophets” series. (countrymusichalloffame.org)

619 Due West Ave. • Madison, TN • 868-2600, Ext. 212 • www.goodpasture.org Building Confidence, Intellectual Growth, and Spiritual Strength.

MosT InTErEsTIng

PeoPle PlAces & things

ghost Tours

countryPoLITIan

BY PHyLLIs sTark grEg ruMBErg & sHErry sTInson

a rT & L I n daT W I s T j E W E L ry

duETs

12 south vILLagE

twisted sIsTErs

C H o C o L aT E C o M Pa n y

s To r E

ArtisAn CLoCks

fly’s gEnEraL

ernest TuBB

rECord sHoPs

frAnklin THEaTrE

butterfly MEadoWs

I n n & Fa r M

thomPson squarE

michAel BLanTon

lynnMarIE

fletcher FosTEr

blAke sHELTon

olive & sInCLaIr

o F Way n E k I r k PaT r I C k

oF nasHvILLE

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

53

“ You c a n have t h e las t s t raw be r r y.”

“O n l y if you fe e d it to m e.”

YOUR LIFE IS YOUR GREATEST PERFORMANCE.

We Put You In The Spotlight.

Experience the virtuoso retirement lifestyle

Historic Second Ave., Nashville 615-742-4970 Reservations recommended • Fondue coast to coast Locally owned and operated • meltingpot.com

Uncompromising Service, Uncommon Lifestyle

11 BURTON HILLS BLVD. NASHVILLE, TN 37215 WWW.BLAKEFORD.COM

615.665.9505

most interesting people

blAke sHELTon Is Blake Shelton the most interesting man in country music? His record label seems to think so, and, in truth, it’s hard to quibble with the premise.

With a recording career that’s on fire, a high profile new marriage to fellow country star Miranda Lambert, a co-hosting stint (with pal Reba McEntire) at this year’s Academy of Country Music Awards, and a recently renewed gig as a coach/judge on NBC’s breakout hit show “The Voice,” Shelton seems to suddenly be everywhere.

To launch his eighth album, Red River Blue, in July, Warner Bros. recorded a hilarious series of short videos pattered after a beer commercial, and positioning Shelton as “the most interesting man in country music.”

Each clip—some of which Shelton wrote himself—features the handsome star offering words of wisdom while swirling a scotch or clutching a pipe.

On the topic of careers, Shelton says, “Don’t spend too much time trying to find a job with benefits. Get yourself a friend with benefits.”

And addressing men who flat iron their hair—one of his pet peeves—Shelton offers simply, “You do realize that people are going to see you, right?”

But when Nashville arts & eNtertaiNmeNt magaziNe asked Shelton if he considers himself to truly be country’s most interesting male star, he laughed, and in his trademark bleep-worthy style responded, “I feel like the biggest dipsh*t in country music a lot of the time. I don’t even take myself that seriously.”

Pressed to cite what he thinks makes him interesting, Shelton says, “I don’t think I’m all that interesting, to be honest with you. In fact, I think if people came home [to Tishomingo, Okla.,] with me and saw what I do with my time when I’m back home, they would think I’m maybe the most boring person in country music.”

The nearly 600,000 people who follow the politically incorrect Shelton on Twitter would likely disagree. The reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year, Shelton has notched nine No. 1 singles since he launched his professional career 11 years ago, and The New York Times recently called him “the most important and visible ambassador from Nashville to the American mainstream.” That’s a role he takes seriously—as much as Shelton takes anything seriously.

“That might be the one thing in my career besides making a record or standing on stage I really take to heart,” he says. “I do realize that I’m representing an entire genre of music. There are a lot of people who never listened to country before that may be thinking about it now. They’ve watched me on [‘The Voice,’] and maybe they bought my new album because they became of fan through that show. By them walking into that country section at Wal-Mart, or getting on that country section in iTunes, looking for my stuff, they’re going to see Miranda Lambert, and Billy Currington and all these other country artists that are making cool records.

“I hope I am a good representative for the genre,” he adds, “because country music is very important to me.”

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

55

most interesting people

fletcher FosTEr Fletcher Foster has long been in the business of helping make singers into stars. One reason he’s particularly good at it is that he used to be a singer himself.

Foster began performing as a child in his native Kansas, releasing his first single at age 12 and his first album at 16. While attending Belmont University, he worked as a jingle singer around town as he earned a business degree. Soon, the business end of the music business appealed to him more, eventually leading to a successful career path that has included senior executive positions at record labels Arista, MCA, Capitol and Universal South in both Los Angeles and Nashville.

Late last year, he changed careers, becoming an artist manager overseeing the Nashville office of Red Light Management, which represents dozens of top stars including Faith Hill, Tim McGraw, Luke Bryan, Third Day and Alabama. He also took on another new role as co-producer for the fledgling “American Country Awards” show on FOX-TV last year, and will stage the second show on the network Dec. 5.

56

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

During his career, Foster has gained a reputation as one of the most well-liked and respected executives in the music business. He’s earned both by trying to be as honest and straightforward as he can in a business where those qualities aren’t always a given.

“There’s not always easy conversations to have with people,” he says of his challenging career. “I think if you just approach those tough conversations with as much honesty as you can, hopefully people can respect that.

We probably have more tough conversations these days than we have easy conversations. The only things you’ve got are your integrity and the ability to be honest with people, even through the difficult times.”

Foster is also well know for his volunteer work, serving on the boards for numerous charities and industry organizations including Make-AWish, Gilda’s Club, Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation and MusicCares.

“I enjoy people,” he says of the volunteer work. “It also helps me have a better perspective on my business. I just enjoy being involved, getting to meet people, and giving back.”

most interesting people

lynnMarIE While music city may not be best-known for that particular musical style, one of the bona fide stars of the polka world lives right here in our midst: five-time Grammy nominee, songwriter and accomplished button accordion player LynnMarie Rink (known professionally by just her first name).

Raised outside Cleveland, Ohio, Rink learned to play accordion from her father, and has been endeavoring ever since to prove that a pretty, young blonde woman can master the instrument typically associated with “portly old men in lederhosen.” When she played “The Tonight Show,” host Jay Leno called her “the Dixie Chick of polka.”

“The general public has a really odd stereotype about the accordion,” she says. “But most musicians in town have a real respect for it, because as an instrument it has a great texture when you layer it right with other instruments. But most people don’t know that. They think of John Candy on the back of the bus in Home Alone, or Urkel [from the sitcom ‘Family Matters’] or all these really bad stereotypes society has given the accordion.

“I’ve spent my whole career really trying to change the face of polka and the accordion,” says Rink, who moved to Nashville in 1994.

Thirteen albums later, she has little left to prove, but lots more to express.

After her son was born five years ago with Down syndrome, Rink sunk into a battle with depression that she ultimately won. Since then, she’s expanded her performance repertoire by adding “motivational entertainer” to the mix, sharing stories on stage not just about her son, but her victory over depression and surviving her own childhood with a father she describes as a “high-functioning alcoholic.”

What evolved from there was the one-woman show she’s touring this fall, “Stories & Songs From My Bathrobe: One Woman’s Journey From Depression To Dessert,” as well as a nearly-completed book titled Wrap Your Heart Around It. “I decided I wanted to do something that was going to help other people,” Rink says. “I felt like I had a bigger message to share… Our job as artists is to speak for people in ways that they can’t.”

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

57

most interesting people

michAel BLanTon As the music business has contracted over the last decade, record labels are making smaller profits and, subsequently, investing less and less in artist development. As a result, that critical task is increasingly falling on entrepreneurial companies like BE Music & Entertainment, launched earlier this year in Nashville with industry veteran Michael Blanton in the president’s chair.

Blanton started his career as a talent scout for a record label before moving into artist management, where he guided the careers of successful Christian/pop stars including Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Kathy Troccoli.

His credits also include executive producing dozens of albums by those artists and numerous others during his 34-year music career.

Now, two years after disbanding his management firm, Blanton is back with BE, which specializes in management, production and music publishing services for its clients. The company doesn’t just focus on Christian music, but also country, pop and jazz, as well as film, television, the visual arts and literature.

“Artists are artists,” says Blanton. “We have to realize that the model is different, but I don’t think music is going to go away.”

Asked what qualities he looks for in artists he wants to work with, Blanton says, “It’s all about songs… The questions [I ask myself are,] ‘Do they know a great song, can they write a great song, or will they let me present them a great song that they can sing?’”

Looking toward the next few years in the music business, Blanton says, “I think we’re going to go through a storm, and then we’re going to come to a moment where companies like ours come along with some artists and develop them—not impose our beliefs and our presentation ideas on them, but really come alongside them and help mold them.

It’s going to be a new game.”

58

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

most interesting people

thomPson squarE Just a little more than a year ago, the members of the now hot country duo Thompson Square were bartending and playing for tips on Nashville’s Lower Broadway, struggling to launch a music career. But when a sweetly sexy single titled “Are You Gonna Kiss Me Or Not” began charging up the country charts, eventually landing at No. 1 in March, it was a game-changer for Thompson Square, made up of married couple Shawna and Keifer Thompson.

They quickly landed an opening spot on this summer’s Jason Aldean tour, played the Grand Ole Opry, and followed up their No. 1 with another hit, “I Got You,” filming an hilarious, Sonny and Cher-inspired video clip in which Shawna and Keifer played every part.

But it took more than a decade of kicking around Nashville before any of that happened for Thompson Square. Shawna moved here from Alabama, Keifer from Oklahoma, and they met at a singing competition within a week of arriving in town. They quickly fell in love and have been married for 11 years.

Originally, they pursued solo careers, but sensed magic might happen if they combined forces. It did. But even that wasn’t immediate.

“About three months before we got our record deal, I hit a pretty rough patch and I told Keifer I didn’t think my heart could take it anymore,” confesses Shawna. “I was ready to go back to Alabama. Thank goodness he talked me out of it.” Now, with a smash hit under their belts, everything has changed for the couple.

“It’s been amazing,” says Shawna. “To be able to go out and play a show and the crowd’s singing your entire song back to you, it’s the thing every artist dreams about.”

Their career requires them to be together constantly, something many couples might find challenging. But the Thompsons make it work. “It’s really the only way we know to be,” says Shawna. “We just love being together.”

Asked who’s the roller coater and who’s the brakes in the relationship, Keifer says, “I think we’re both in the front car right now. There are no brakes.”

And they’re enjoying every minute of the ride.

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

59

most interesting places

12 souTH

nEIgHBorHood & dIsTrICT

It was once called a “blighted community” — a place “you never used to come to but where everyone wants to be now,” says Katie Hill, a frequent visitor to the neighborhood. The area known as 12 South is becoming one of Nashville’s most hip boutique neighborhoods. Consisting of the areas adjacent to 12th Avenue South between Wedgewood Avenue and Gale Lane, it’s sandwiched in between Belmont University and Melrose, close to downtown Nashville.

The district boasts some of the city’s most eclectic restaurants, art galleries, coffee houses and shops, including the gourmet popsicle store Las Paletas, the new urban cool restaurant Burger Up and longtime mainstay Katy K’s Ranch Dressing rodeo couture and western wear shop.

The area was farmland in the mid-1850s and, into the 1940s, grew to become a thriving commerce site that housed a school and blacksmith. That was all before a “debilitating mid-century emigration to the suburbs” (according to a 12 South Neighborhood Association historical account) left 12 South kind of soulless.

Not anymore. Bohemians, working class and college intellectuals all call it home seamlessly, as do a growing list of entrepreneurs and businesses. Where else in Nashville would you find a yoga studio, a taproom and a Christian bookstore practically next door to one another? Worth more than an afternoon visit. www.12south.org

60

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

butterfly MEadoWs I n n & Fa r M

Butterfly Meadows Inn & Farm, a bed & breakfast, retreat center and meeting/event facility, inhabits old-time country values while sporting modern amenities. Just 30 minutes from downtown Nashville and about 10 minutes from Cool Springs, the “new-old” farmhouse offers a place to, “Relax. Breathe. Create,” says proprietor Darlene Bobo.

“It’s a place where you actually live life instead of checking items off a list. I think that’s what makes us different. It’s a total experience of getting back to a simple, more basic time and making connections with people,” she says.

With panoramic views, courtesy of the Duck River mountain ridge, and 40 acres of gorgeous Williamson County land, Darlene, and her husband, Norma, along with their daughter, Abigail, envisioned this serene destination for more than just family.

Hospitality and peace permeates the environment. Outdoor enthusiasts can relish the walking trails and fenced meadows, encountering the many butterflies that inspired the facility’s moniker.

The centerpiece of the property is the Inn, a structure inspired by 100-year-old American farmhouses and craftsman-style workmanship. “What’s more inviting and nostalgic than a 100-year-old farmhouse?” Darlene asks, whose background is as a businesswoman, event planer, writer, speaker, and educator. “What we decided was that every old farmhouse started new once upon a time, so we built that farmhouse. It’s as comfortable as your Grandma’s house, but not at all stale and stuffy.”

Lots of natural light penetrates the Inn’s big windows, and porches, set with rocking chairs, overlook hardwood forests. At least one patron has commented about Butterfly Meadows, “Grandma never had it so good.” Throughout the Inn, the décor is tastefully country—think Pottery Barn—and practically irresistible next to the stone-stacked fireplace. A dining room affords home-cooked meals and neighborly conversation. Dreamers, readers and writers likely will settle next into the first-floor music room or the cozy second-floor library.

Seven spacious guest rooms and suites are designed to reflect the stories of beloved women in the Bobo’s family history. Accommodations include private bathrooms, comfortable beds, coffee makers and flat-screen TVs. There are inspiring views over treetops in the spring and summer and longer gazes as fall’s colors give way to winter’s landscape.

The Inn is handicap accessible and includes an elevator for visitor use. Wi-fi is available— it’s up to guests if they want to use it.

“I think it reminds people of an era gone by,” Darlene says, “a place were you can sit back and relax, not be rushed, not be hurried, and listen to the tree frogs at night or see every star in the sky.” Recent events held at the Inn include weddings, holiday functions and artisan retreats. “It’s a nice background for people to reenergize and take that extra breath to be creative,” Bobo adds.

Butterfly Meadows Inn & Farm opened in the spring of 2010 and is easily accessed from I-65 or I-24 via TN-840. Reservations are encouraged. www.butterflymeadowsinn.com

most interesting places

ernest TuBB rECord sHoP

Ernest Tubb Record Shop, the first major country music store anywhere, opened here in Nashville in 1947, eventually boasting its “Midnight Jamboree” radio show, currently WSM’s second-longest radio broadcast behind the “Grand Ole Opry.”

On a typical weekend afternoon now, the Ernest Tubb Record Shop downtown is buzzing with tourists admiring scads of memorabilia throughout the venue and rummaging through bins of country, bluegrass and gospel CDs, DVDs and vinyl.

“Our uniqueness is that we offer both contemporary and traditional country music,” says Steve Bowen, manager of the downtown location.

“These days it’s getting difficult to find a retail source for country music around town.” A similar situation gave birth to the business during Tubb’s time.

A singer, songwriter, tireless performer and mentor to numerous country acts, Tubb hailed from Texas, breaking into country radio in the early 1930s earning the nickname The Texas Troubadour. Inspired by Jimmie Rodgers, Tubb spent that decade working to find his sound as a tradi-

tional country singer/songwriter. His country music break came with his 1941 hit “Walking the Floor Over You,” notable, too, for the presence of electric guitar. Tubb scored his first invitation to play the Grand Ole Opry in December 1942 and joined the Opry the following February. Making music available for sale to fans became Tubb’s next charge.

“Back in the late 1940s, there weren’t retail or mail order sources for all of his friends in the country music business. He came up with the great concept of opening a shop and mail order service where people could get music from these early stars,” Bowen explains. Tubb opened his record shop in May 1947 and launched radio’s “Midnight Jamboree,” which followed the WSM Opry broadcast and boasted marquee names alongside rising acts. The record shop moved to its current location on Broadway in August 1951 and offers country music-related books and photos in addition to music.

“Midnight Jamboree” airs on Saturday nights from the Ernest Tubb Record Shop, 2416 Music Valley Drive, near the Gaylord Opryland Resort, and fans are invited to attend. “It’s a little bit larger,” Bowen says of that venue, which includes the Texas Troubadour Theater, home to the show.

“It’s still free, there are 500 seats and we have great popcorn!” Shoppers can also check out The Green Hornet, the restored 1964 Silver Eagle tour bus Tubb and his band used in the 1970s.

Tubb, a Country Music Hall of Fame member, had numerous hits during his 50 years in the business, including “Waltz Across Texas,” “Tomorrow Never Comes,” and “Sweet Thang,” a duet with Loretta Lynn, and he helped pioneer the honky-tonk sound. That legacy—along with the sounds of so many others before and after Ernest—remain available in these local treasures around town. www.etrecordshop.com

the frAnklin THEaTrE By this historic venue’s story, one can almost trace the growth of postCivil War Franklin like the rings of a tree trunk. The Franklin Theatre brought the glamour of Hollywood to small town Franklin in 1937 when she opened her doors charging 25 cents a movie. She was the first business to get air conditioning and public restrooms, and the marquee let everyone know Franklin had verve.

But by 1970, the city had changed and the aging movie house lost its glamour when the old marquee came down for a newer, so-called modern facade. It was a little like cutting Rapunzel’s hair. But as the story goes, Franklin’s love affair with the theatre was far from over.

“I was getting 30 calls a day, and we just had to figure some way to save her,” says Mary Pearce, executive director of The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, a non-profit that works to save historic properties. “I thought, Who is the best person in my world to help me do that.” The answer: Aubrey Preston. The local businessman came on board as a major tour de force seeking advice from the League of Historic American Theatres. Officials advised the Franklin Theatre needed to be a multi-use venue. Preston looked around at the incredible talent living within driving distance and Rapunzel let down her hair once more.

Since its June 2011 reopening, Grammy Award-winning artists like Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Keb’ Mo’ and Michael W. Smith have performed

Photo by Ashley Hylbert

there. At that time the theatre expanded its offerings to also include live theater, thanks to a partnership with Studio Tenn Theatre Company. Preston says the 300-seat Franklin Theatre is cementing already its reputation as one of Nashville’s most versatile entertainment venues.

“We hope it’s a gift that keeps on giving,” says Pearce. “We feel we owe that to our donors. That’s why they did it.” www.franklintheatre.com

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

61

BlairNAE11-12_R1:Layout 1 6/15/11 3:51 PM Page 1

The Blair School and Vanderbilt —30 Years of Artistic Excellence Blair Concert Series 2011-2012

For information about our free faculty and student performances, guest artists, lectures, master classes, and more, visit the Blair website at blair.vanderbilt.edu Blair School of Music • Vanderbilt University 2400 Blakemore Avenue • Nashville, TN 37212 Complimentary valet parking and FREE self-parking for most events

Old Natchez Country Club is a beautiful venue for many social occasions such as: * Wedding Receptions * Rehearsal Dinners * Bridesmaid Luncheons * Holiday Parties * Fundraising Gala’s * Corporate and Charitable Golf Outings Our central location in Williamson County along with the beauty of the setting and first class service make Old Natchez Country Club the ideal venue for your special event.

115 Gardengate Drive, Franklin, TN 37069 615-373-3200 • www.oldnatchezcc.com

ro ne

’s gril l

Green Hills favorite neighborhood restaurant!

Serving crisp salads, comfort foods, fresh seafood, and aged, wood grilled steaks.

Keep us in mind for your next private party or catered event.

2122 Hillsboro Drive Nashville, TN 37215

(615)297-7777

www.nerosgrill.com

most interesting places

fly’s gEnEraL sTorE There is still a place one can venture on a Sunday afternoon where everyone knows your name—if you’re a local, that is. Where you can sit on the porch, drink a Sun Drop while watching the world go by and talk politics in between mouthfuls of the local specialty—a bologna sandwich. Possibly the best bologna “sammy” you’ve ever had. Fly’s General Store (5661 Leipers Creek Road) is perhaps the closest living story of yesteryear around. It opened in 1890 and current proprietor Wilson Fly bought it from his father, B.G., in 1990. B.G. had owned it since 1950.

“You meet all kinds,” explains Wilson about his current clientele. “Bicyclists, locals, country music wannabees… they all want to be Opry stars,” he muses. He explains his affection for his current clientele like this: “All these people are like having your grandkids around… lots of chatter, some fun, then you send them home. I always invite people to get out and see the sun, come on down and experience the real country.”

Photos by Ed Rode

64

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

most interesting things

olive & sInCLaIr C H o C o L aT E C o M Pa n y

If you’ve never thought of a cacao bean like a grape—origin, fermentation, blend and complexity—then you probably can’t talk shop with Scott Witherow. He’s the founder/owner/chocolate maker for Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Company.

“Cacao beans are a lot like grapes. That’s how we choose them. The flavor starts before we get it. Our craft comes in after that,” Witherow explains. “The point of origin, the size of the bean particle, as well as the fermentation, changes the taste of the chocolate.”

He confesses his passion for chocolate is more like an obsession that began with his mother’s chocolate drawer when he was 8 years old. After attending culinary school in London and traveling the U.S. for five years working in the food industry, Witherow says he was burned out.

“I started reading about chocolate making. If you’ve ever read a book like that… [it’s] a technical process,” he says. “I wanted it to sink in, but it

went in one ear and out the other.” But as fate would have it he stumbled upon a chocolate maker while traveling in Canada and the technicalities came alive. “I bought a pound of the chocolate and ate it all that night in my hotel,” he muses. While that hunk of goodness didn’t last, the inspiration did. The journey to cacao excellence has been a creative process of trial and error, Scott says.

“It used to be I’d hear a certain noise and I got a certain flavor,” he says modestly of those early days and the machines that produced the confections. Not anymore. Olive & Sinclair has gone from three to five pounds a week to a projected 1,200 pounds a week by the end of the year. But making chocolate is a lot harder than it looks, he asserts—this from a bona fide chef whose chocolate making started with a blow dryer. Now his confections are reaching global proportions.

Sales have tripled from early company projections, due in large part to Witherow’s artisan approach to the cacao bean and his exotic inclusions.

One of Scott’s exotic bars is a salt and pepper chocolate bar, which he says was actually a mistake.

“That one did happen by accident. I was unhappy with the result and thought, ‘What would happen if I salt and peppered it like a tomato?’ It worked like magic,” he says. With endorsements from the likes of Gwyneth Paltrow and an impressive array of press, Witherow says flavor is the foremost consideration. But after that it’s his Southern roots.

“That’s the reason for the new Buttermilk White Chocolate we are launching. White chocolate is overly sweet. I don’t’ like it. White chocolate, in my head, needed a balance. Buttermilk has a signature tang. It’s great,” he says of the combination. “And we are doing a Dominica Republic milk bar with fruity flavors, and something we’ve never done: a cranberry bar for the holidays.”

Is today’s success worth yesterday’s struggle? Absolutely, the chef says.

“It was a dream to make chocolate for a living. It might be hard to convince me to do it again. Sometimes when we think it’s a bad day, we realize we are still making chocolate every day. www.oliveandsinclair.com

nAshville gHosT Tours Nashville Ghost Tours offers an affordable introduction to the city’s creepy crawlies moving through shadows and darkness. Historical landmarks like the Hermitage Hotel, the Tennessee State Capitol, Ryman Auditorium, Printer’s Alley, Music Row and Belmont Mansion are among the sites explored, plus spots that, during the day, go unnoticed. But at night… take caution.

“I think people like the authentic ghost stories we offer,” Frankie Harris says. He and his wife, Kim, launched the tours in 2003. “People are always interested in ghost stories and the dark history of the city. We’re also something to do at night, especially for the downtown area if you’re not wanting to do the music or the bar

scene. We’re a great way to see the city without having to do that.”

Researching newspaper stories, books, magazines and doing a lot of personal interviews craft the storytelling these tours offer. “We want to give a sense of the history of these buildings.

If you have an idea of the tragedy that happened there that caused the ghost stories, I think that gives these stories more meaning,” he says.

Professional storytellers dressed in Victorian costumes facilitate each experience, and three options are available: the original downtown walking tour, a haunted tavern tour (yes, like a pub crawl, beverages are available) and the hearse tour—that’s one of the two converted funeral cars you’ve seen pass by with happy-go-

lucky patrons waving at you downtown.

“We cut the roof off and put in bench seating—your head is basically above the roof so you can see the sites while hearing the ghost stories from the driver,” Harris says. “There’s a shield at the front of the car to block wind. We have amplifiers in the back so you can hear the ghost stories while driving through the sites. It definitely turns heads, that’s for sure.” www.nashvilleghosttours.com

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

65

most interesting things

countryPolitiAn duETs Mention Anna Wilson’s name around town and you will likely hear, “THE jazz singer.” Arguably Nashville’s most acclaimed jazz singer, Wilson has produced a unique musical offering this year fusing a little bit of country and a whole lot of jazz in her new project Countrypolitan Duets. The word “countrypolitan” originated as a Nashville sound—a type of country music engineered by Chet Atkins and Owen Bradley incorporating string sections instead of banjos and fiddles. It was revolutionary then and remains so now.

Wilson has added a bit of intrigue and sophistication to Countrypolitan Duets by featuring the likes of Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, Connie Smith and Ray Price. “I Will Never Know” is the only original song, but the country songs infused with jazz are decidedly rich and the who’s who guest list compelling. Anna says she set out to demonstrate how country and jazz are similar. The two-year project offered “an amazing journey,” she believes.

“Making this record taught me so much about music and my place in the industry, Nashville in particular,” Wilson says. “The time I spent creating this record felt like a rite of passage because it is the intersection of so many relationships, experiences and years in the business. This album is a culmination of my artistic journey that started in country as a songwriter, moved to pop as a recording artist and then ultimately found its way to jazz, as a songwriter, recording artist and record company president [Transfer Records].

“I have so many influences from all three genres that it seemed only right to try and find a place where they could all blend together in one project,” she continues. “Countrypolitan Duets is that project.

With a little help from my friends, I was able to document that and be the voice that could connect it all.”

Wilson says the idea for the compilation came from a reoccurring question: What is a nice jazz singer like her doing in Nashville, the country music capital of the world?

“I have always clearly seen a strong connection between my brand of vocal jazz music and classic country music. Back in the late 1950s early ’60s, there was an era called The Nashville Sound, where the two genres sonically shook hands for a while. Vocal jazz artists tend to recycle tunes from the Great American Songbook, but rarely do contemporary country artists do that with classic country songs. I thought that since I had a toe in both genres, country as a songwriter and jazz as a singer, why not honor the songwriter and record some of the most beloved country songs from that era—but in a jazz styling? I love to write country songs and sing jazz songs, so it made perfect sense to me because I was able to truly marry both.”

Collaborating with so many great artists produced many memorable moments for Wilson. “A book full!” she says. The biggest moment came early on as singer Kenny Rogers replied to Anna’s email request to him to participate in the project.

“And I quote his response, which came back to me in all capitol letters: ‘THANKS SO MUCH FOR INVITING ME TO BE A PART OF YOUR PROJECT. IT SOUNDS LIKE FUN AND SOMETHING I WOULD REALLY ENJOY DOING... I WOULD LOVE TO DO IT.’” www.annawilson.com

66

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

most interesting things

ArtisAn CLoCks

o F Way n E k I r k PaT r I C k

twisted sIsTErs

a rT & L I n d aT W I s T j E W E L ry

Twisted Sister rock ‘n roll band came first— twisting notes and chords into heavy metal. Linda Hobdy took all that heavy metal to a whole ‘nother level.

About a dozen years ago, Linda, along with her sister, Debbie, took twisted sticks, wire and copper to create the first Twisted Sisters lighting. That soon morphed into an oxy-acetylene welding torch moving through thick sheets of copper and steel producing magnificent one-of-a-kind wall sculptures. They traveled the art show circuit forging a name for their unusual work. Then, Debbie left the shop to sell houses, leaving Linda to carry the torch into Lindatwist Jewelry—an architectural jewelry line made out of recycled material and a bottomless pit of imagination.

For Hobdy, her favorite tool is her hands. Then, she explains, “dysfunction becomes function. Working with recycled material is very satisfying because it rescues unloved items that aren’t being appreciated in their current forms.” She will use anything—from farm equipment to a flute—to morph her imagination into solid form. Because Lindatwist jewelry is made from unused or discarded items, Linda says her whole line is a metaphor for life.

“Everyone has their patchwork quilt of memories stitched together with love,” she says.

To complete the metaphor, Linda now takes two of her art forms, wall sconces and jewelry, to make “wall jewelry.” We say bring on the love, Linda! www.twistedsisters2.com.

Wayne Kirkpatrick has been making a living in Nashville as a singer/songwriter and producer for more than 25 years.

He co-wrote the Grammy Award-winning hit “Change the World,” made famous by the great Eric Clapton—along with hits by Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Faith Hill, Little Big Town and others.

But it was his fascination for the game Monopoly that led him to explore another creative outlet. The Louisiana native began by replicating the identifiable board, etching it onto a tabletop and painting the boardwalk to hang as wall art. And then he wondered what else he could do with it—and the idea of the game clocks was born.

“It became very nostalgic and a way to reconnect to my childhood,” Wayne explains. “I wanted to incorporate as many elements of the game into the clock so that you could really get the spirit of the game.” He liked his creation so well he cast about for other games he had grown up with, like Twister and Operation. A new way of telling time artfully emerged.

“I like the vintage stuff because it is a time capsule that reminds us or teaches us about where we came from, what our interests were at any given moment, and how we have evolved or devolved over time. I like being able to capture and preserve that,” he says. For Kirkpatrick, the artistry of the game is what captures his imagination. The fact that he is making a clock secondary.

“Some of the artwork for those games are really great. I’ve made clocks from games I’ve never heard of because the artwork is so great,” he says. Wayne featured his clocks at the American Artisan Festival at Centennial Park last summer, and he continues to be open to custom clocks for other gamers. www.wkirkpatrick.com

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

67

THE CLASH

O OF T TITANS MANAGING EDITOR sHErry sTInson PonTIFICaTEs PonTIFICaTE a s on THE ROCkY aTE ROC PAST AND INTRIGuING FuTurE OF OuR TITANS quarTErBaCks. Photos by Donn Jones

68

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

our Tennessee Titans move into a new era this season, one with rookie head coach Mike Munchak at the helm and a new quarterback—or make that two up-and-front quarterbacks vying for time at LP Field.

Veteran Matt Hasselbeck debuts with the Titans after a 10-year stint as a Seattle Seahawk. Meanwhile, Jake Locker, the former University of Washington quarterback and eighth pick of the 2011 NFL Draft, appears to be tucked squarely under Hasselbeck’s armpit for safekeeping until the newbie is ready to rumble. The Titans’ previous quarterback (sorry, his name escapes me) embarrassingly jumped ship as it was sinking last season and got himself released. Veteran stand-in quarterback Kerry Collins retired in July and then signed a one-year contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

So the setup goes something like this: Montlake Jake arrives on the playing field one step ahead of Hasselbeck because the NFL lockout delayed Hasselbeck’s workouts. He’s had less time to prepare and memorize the playbook and has the age thing against him. Montlake Jake has the vigor of youth on his side and has been looking impressive in preseason play. He doesn’t have the pressure of having to memorize the playbook yesterday and carry the team at the first whistle. And like all young lions, he is eager for his first NFL kill.

On the flip side, Hasselbeck has to deal with the real reason he is here—to get Locker ready to play.

Locker’s response: “I don’t know if it’s his responsibility, but he’s been really willing to take the time to help me understand the game from a different point of view.” All of a sudden, Hank, I’m ready for some football!

WondErIng WHErE THE LIons arE But forget about the silly score and the need to win, win, win. I’m here to watch the lions hunt. Make no mistake: Hasselbeck wants to end his career on a high note, and Locker wants to start his career as soon a possible on the same note. It’s a pride thing—if Locker is worth his shoelaces, it shouldn’t take three years to get on the playing field. He will be worth in dollars the length of time it takes for him to bring down Hasselbeck.

The football field has turned into an African savanna and I smell blood.

The NFL is fiercely competitive, as everyone knows, and the real point is to win ballgames. But my guess is despite the win/loss column this year, a few more “fans” besides me will be watching and waiting for the moment the young lion brings the old lion down. I’m sad already.

Hasselbeck says there is a mutual respect between the two and calls Locker a “great kid. He’s handled everything like a pro so far. I think just being conhANk... sistent and leading by example. People don’t want to hear you tell them what WE’RE READY FOR to do, they want to see you do it.” Locker says coming from the state of WashSOME FOOTBALL ington, “I grew up watching him (Hasselbeck) and rooting for him. I met him at a women’s basketball game. He was there with his kids. You could tell he was a really nice guy, obviously a family guy, and he took the time to chat with me for a little bit.” Yes—I smell a PR person. Where is former Dixie Chicks singer Natalie Maines when you need her? I want the boys to have the guts she did to say, “I’m not ready to make nice.”

In preseason, Jake established a reputation on the practice field as a leader and one cool cucumber under pressure. He showed up for practice during the lockout—a stark contrast to our last quarterback (his name still escapes me) who didn’t even show up for games. Locker famously told a New York Times reporter last year he was staying on at his alma mater to finish his senior year because “the NFL isn’t going anywhere.” Indeed.

Perhaps the most telling move about expectations for this season was the official announcement that Locker has his old jersey No. 10 (and that last quarterback’s number) and Hasselbeck has the number he has had his whole career, No. 8. Owner Bud Adams wants that No. 10 to pay for the rest of the roster finally, and the hole in his pocket from the last quarterback wearing those digits. In the NFL, numbers always tell the story. Of course, it’s the rest of the story that interests me.

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

69

Analysts call it a perfect situation as Hasselbeck should have one or two more good playing years in his three year contract with the Titans, giving Locker time to adjust to the faster paced life of a NFL quarterback. I say that is a perfect situation for everyone but Hasselbeck. The Titans will be eager to get Locker playing time, as time is money in the NFL. But at a mere $12 million for a four year contract, with an option on a fifth year—compared to that last quarterback’s 2006 contract, rumored to be worth as much as $58 million—it’s a whole new ballgame industry-wide, one meant to reward those who have played the game and make those who haven’t earn it. This part I like.

Brand nEW day Hasselbeck took Seattle to the Super Bowl in 2006, but had a tough season last year with a broken wrist and a hip injury. He threw for 3,001 yards, rendered 12 touchdowns while giving up 17 interceptions. Hasselbeck says he’s fully recovered from those injuries that limited him to 14 games last season. Bank on the fierce Titans offensive line to give Hasselbeck added insurance. Still, the QB job is far from secure.

Hasselbeck knows he is here buying time for Locker. Last year in college ball, Locker threw for 2,265 yards with 17 touchdowns, tossing nine interceptions.

He rushed for 385 yards. Locker knows he is here to get ready to play as soon as possible. My back feels arthritic and my joints hurt—I’m rooting for the old lion.

While Hasselbeck knows a large part of his job is to mentor “the kid” into his position, don’t think for a moment Locker will waltz in with a bouquet of roses.

If it were that easy, I’d turn in my tickets right now. Oops. I already have. Last year did it for me. Forked them over without a tear. Nevertheless, Hasselbeck is a competitor and, barring injury, it appears to be his position to lose. I didn’t realize this year was a safari—I’m begging for my tickets back and limping back upstairs to my big sky seats. I want Hasselbeck to make sense of my arthritis and gray hair by proving wisdom, experience and vodka tonics trump brute strength, beauty and working out every day.

For the moment, Locker acknowledges Hasselbeck is in front of him, but don’t expect the mutual admiration to turn into a tea party, even if the PR person is from Boston. In an Associated Press account, Locker said, “I think I’d be doing him [Hasselbeck] a disservice if I’m not pushing him to get him better. I’m going to prepare and do everything I can to give myself an opportunity to play.” In other words, the hunt is on. The minute Locker can run Hasselbeck down and land a fatal paw print, Hasselbeck will become the next Kerry Collins and I’ll have to go back to the gym.

How soon will that be? Anybody’s guess. My guess is that Titan’s owner Bud Adams doesn’t want to pay for Munchak’s lunch if it takes him three years to get a rookie QB ready. In an early online camp report, the head coach’s analysis on Locker went like this: “He is handling himself well. He doesn’t get down when you are on him. When he makes a bad throw or does something wrong or misses a check, he handles it real well. That’s something we saw in him, and we are seeing it out here already.” That’s not something Tennessee Titans fans are used to seeing of late.

Munchak is hungry and my guess is skipping lunch makes him grouchy. Ask that last quarterback (his name… escapes me still) about grouchy coaches. “This has been a dream of mine (playing in the NFL) for quite a while. It’s hard to put into words what it means, but it’s a privilege. It’s really a blessing and I’m going to treat it that way,” says Locker. “I’m going to give it everything that I have.”

Hunt on. Er, game on. 

70

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

preparing for the performance of life

“There’s something special about this place.”

615.292.9465 www.ctk.org PREKINDERGARTEN THROUGH GRADE 8

CapStar_Arts Ads-Sizes_CapStar_ArtsAd_8x4.875 6/22/11 10:53 AM Page 1

We’re Listening.

Our ears are tuned to listen carefully to the wants and needs of Nashville. We invite you to talk with us, challenge us with your personal and business financial needs, and let us show you our commitment to hear with intent and deliver a client-driven solution.

We’re Listening

capstarbank.com

Member FDIC

OVERBROOK SCHOOL

Your Favorite Country Place

Relax Breathe Create

Bringing out the best per formance in ever y child on the stage & in the classroom

Rigorous Academics Catholic Faith Formation Co-ed Pre-k through 8th Activities include 8 sports, band, drama club, forensics & more Financial aid available Afterschool care for all grade levels

Butterfly

MeadowS Inn & Farm

Bed & Breakfast Retreat Center Event Facility Growing in Grace and Knowledge since 1936 4210 Harding Road Nashville, TN 37205 615.292.5134 www.overbrook.edu

Just Minutes South of Nashville 615-671-4594 • relax@butterflymeadowsinn.com www.butterflymeadowsinn.com

It’s more than just banking.

Supporting the arts since 1906.

Close to the Community. Close to You. Visit our Website to find a location near you.

www.FirstBankOnline.com

200 Fourth Ave. North ~ at the historic Noel Place Downtown Nashville (615) 313-0080

Pictures shown are actual pictures of FirstBank sponsored art events in the communities we serve.

Works by Greg Pond

SHaRPeR edGeS nashville’s visual arts community may be underground, but its work is coming into focus here and abroad.

By Lain york

C

ulturally speaking, it’s no surprise Nashville has been topping polls for at least 10 years as an incredibly livable locale with amenities often found only in larger market cities.

Nashville is ranked fourth behind Washington D.C., Los Angeles and New York for its “creative vitality,” meaning we are a creative force to be reckoned with.

Closer inspection reveals, however, with Nashville’s well-mannered Southern creativity are exciting, sharper edges in the visual arts community. It’s a vibrant, creative community consisting of artists in a variety of genres already attract a following abroad.

Artists to watch include: Caroline Allison (photography), Patrick DeGuira (sculpture, painting, printmaking), Adrienne Outlaw (mixed media sculpture/installation), Greg Pond (sculpture, video, sound), Chris Scarborough (painting, photography), and Alicia Henry (mixed media sculpture, drawing). With the exception of Pond, who lives in Sewanee, Tenn., each lives and works in Nashville.

Uniting these contemporary artists is the notion that their works are more idea-based. Descriptions of their work may seem a bit abstract to some—these artists keep their themes and imagery open to interpretation. They make demands on the viewer to make personal associations, interpretations and identify parallels in their own experience.

In most instances, the artists have graduate degrees in studio practice, and their works revolve around university programs, artist-run initiatives, and the contemporary gallery/museum scene. Together, they don’t so much define the Nashville visual arts scene as they do illustrate it, showing there are artists here doing work on par with the cutting edges in more established scenes. The fact that these artists are operating in Nashville, a third or fourth tier market with an increasingly hip reputation (in part because it’s not New York City or Berlin, Germany) makes them still more remarkable.

Business market downturns, like what’s happening economically now, usually mean creative upturns. That’s certainly the case locally. Visual artists are in “the shed” (read: working), and the coming months should prove exciting as new studio work begins to see the light of day. While art by these women and men can be found locally in commercial galleries (in most instances), academic exhibition spaces and the occasional museum show, it’s increasingly common to discover exhibits in unlikely spaces—warehouses, re-purposed bars, a ranch-styled house or two, and buildings straddling the darker side of the codes department.

The next torrent of activity from the studio art community is already beginning to manifest itself in complexes like Chestnut Square (427 Chestnut Street), Houston Station (434 Houston Street) and the artist in residence program at Cummins Station.

Additional operations include Gallery F on the Scarritt Bennett campus, Blend (79 Arcade Street), Twist (73 Arcade Street), COOP Gallery (75 Arcade Street), The Open Lot (soon to reopen on Hermitage Avenue), Seed Space (427 Chestnut Street) and Three Squared (427 Chestnut Street). Plus there’s Nashville’s own independent juggernaut the untitled group, which is celebrating 20 years of work. These new, developing elements will build on the foundation set by the aforementioned mavericks and, hopefully, their work will be seen in more accessible outlets.

All this positive energy comes into its sharpest focus when art patrons and Nashville’s citizens at-large, too, seek and support local visual artists. And there’s the X-factor for the coming months.

Armed with a wish list that includes an up tick in museum shows, local sales by established and first-time art buyers, and academic support in the way of honoraria for localized exhibitions and arttalks, here’s to Nashville fashioning a sustainable path ahead for this current crop of artists—and for the ones yet to come.  www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

73

Bella Napoli

The only authentic Pizzeria in Nashville, using only the freshest ingredients imported from Napoli, Italy. Located in the heart of Edge Hill Village at 1200 Villa Place Nashville Ph: (615) 891-1387 www.bellanapolipizzeria.com

Fleming’s

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

Maggiano’s

We specialize in Italian-American cuisine served in generous portions and made-from-scratch. Our services include lunch, dinner, carryout as well as delivery, in addition to beautiful banquet spaces for special occasions. 3106 West End Ave. Nashville 37203 Ph: (615) 514-0270 www.maggianos.com

The Melting Pot

Where fun is cooked up fondue style. A four course experience in a casual elegant atmosphere.

166 Second Avenue North. Reservations at meltingpot.com Open 7 days, dinner.

Ph: (615) 742-4970. www.meltingpot.com/nashville/welcome

Nero’s Grill

Green Hills favorite neighborhood restaurant! Serving crisp salads, comfort foods, fresh seafood, and aged, wood grilled steaks. 2122 Hillsboro Drive. Ph: (615) 297-7777 for reservations.

www.nerosgrill.com

P.F. Chang’s

Acknowledge your craving for P.F. Chang’s! View our menu, reserve a table or order online.

Open for lunch, dinner and late night dining. Happy Hour from 3pm-6pm everyday! 2525 West End Nashville 37203 Ph: (615) 329-8901 www.pfchangs.com

Prime 108

Prime 108, a vibrant addition to Nashville’s downtown restaurants, offers the finest steaks, fresh seafood and an extensive wine list along with a beautiful setting inside the newly renovated Union Station Hotel. 1001 Broadway, Ph: (615) 726-1001 www.prime108.com

Sheraton Nashville Downtown

Sheraton is the place where friends gather. Make Sheraton a memorable part of your next cultural experience with dinner in Speakers Bistro before the show, or dessert and cocktails in Sessions Lounge after the curtain falls. Ph: (615) 259-2000 for reservations www.sheratonnashvilledowntown.com

Sole Mio

For almost twenty years, Sole Mio has been serving up Nashville’s best award winning Italian cuisine. Featuring handmade pasta and traditional Northern Italian Sauces made fresh to order.

Check us out! 311 3rd Avenue South Nashville 37201. Ph: (615) 256-4013 www.solemionash.com

Valentino’s

AAA Four Diamonds & The Wine Spectators Award winner, voted #1 Italian Restaurant by Tennessean 2 years in a row. Featuring award winning Chef & Co-Qwner, Paolo Tramontano.

1907 West End. Ph: (615) 327-0148 for reservations www.valentinosnashville.com

For Advertising Information call: Glover Group Entertainment 615-373-5557

‘I had a normal childhood… except when I visited my father.’

– Rac Clark

continued from page 14

I would come home and tell all my friends. I was the first kid on the block to have a skateboard.

The cultural shift didn’t hit everywhere. It came out of the coast and into the heartland. At age 7 or 8, I had a Beatles haircut. I looked like Justin Bieber. That was radical in Ohio. I had bell-bottoms… in a way it was cool. The skateboard was amazing. The fashion? Not so good.

NAE: With Charlie Sheen so much in the news these days, was growing up the son of a celebrity hard? What is the difference between you and Charlie?

Clark: Country music! [Clark laughs] Growing up in the Midwest was very grounding. My stepfather was an executive at a steel company.

I had a normal childhood… except when I visited my father. roLLIng ouT rEd CarPET NAE: What do you love the most about putting on a show like the Academy of Country Music Awards?

Clark: I love dealing with Nashville. I love this community. I loved living here and love coming back here. If I could, I would live here. Being a freelance producer, my business is in Los Angeles, and this is one passion project of mine I’m grateful to be involved in.

NAE: What does it mean to be the executive producer of the ACM Award Show?

Clark: I am the focal point where the physical production of the awards show comes together.

I am somewhat involved in marketing and publicity. I sit on those committees for the Academy and attend the meetings with CBS, but I am in-

volved in the nuts and bolts of putting together a three-hour live award show.

NAE: It sounds like a nightmare job.

Clark: Not for someone like me. I am an obsessive guy [he says, laughing]. Someone will come to me and say, “I need five and half minutes for my song.” I have to say, ‘Three to three and half minutes is the attention span of today’s viewer. Unless you’re doing a medley, five minutes is an eternity!’ People accuse me of being the time police, but that is my job.

NAE: Are award shows as a whole becoming more difficult to attract and keep viewers?

Clark: There are models in place that have increased viewers. The Grammy’s and Oscars— shows like that because they bring a spectacle. We deal with one genre of music. We target a specific audience. We’re on at a time of the year during daylight savings when there are less houses using television. We try our best to showcase the best in country music and add a few surprises to bring in other viewers that may watch CBS, but not a country music award show.

NAE: Without the spectacle and without the genre combinations, what’s the magical formula for the ACM? Clark: It’s all about the song and how the artist would like to be presented. I get started on the show right after the first of the year. I come to Nashville for a week and visit all the managers, agents, publicists and record labels and ask, ‘Where is the talent going to be in April, and if you don’t know, let me suggest something.’

NAE: Any foreseeable changes in the future for the ACM Award show? There were rumors about Cowboys Stadium hosting.

Clark: I don’t know about the location. I’ve told them to give me time and money, and I’ll give them a great show… I think for music award shows, it is always about the music. Folks at home don’t want to see the awards belabored.

It’s a form of reality show. Who is the winner?

Who is the loser? It’s a game show. People want to see that emotion.

NAE: Any acceptance speeches that stand out in your mind?

Clark: I think when Taylor [Swift] won her first award. She cried and thanked her mother. We cut away to her mother in the audience, who was crying too. There was an emotional connection there.

NAE: What is the most challenging aspect of producing a show of this nature?

Clark: Being in the moment [during]the live three hours? What will happen if something goes wrong, and how we get off the air on time.

The local affiliates don’t like it when you go long. One year Keith Urban’s guitar amp didn’t work. We were coming out of commercial and his amp wouldn’t work. You can’t ask Keith Urban to take the stage without his guitar. We put up a promo and then another promo. Still nothing. We finally had to pull Keith, go to an award, and get Taylor Swift ready. Then where does Keith go back in the program? Everything is designed to work as a train. It was great! 

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

75

continued from page 24

downloaded their material from AirPlay Direct, targeting them for followup. That’s how bluegrass champs The Grascals are using the service. Jamie Johnson, the band’s singer and guitarist, says it’s been helpful toward leveling the playing field.

“The response has been incredible,” Johnson says. “It’s a great tool for the band, and for any independent artist. We’re no different than a Brad Paisley in getting our music out there. It lets us get out to more folks—the more the better.” The Grascals have uploaded two projects up on AirPlay Direct.

The Grascals & Friends, featuring collaborations with a flock of mainstream country stars like Dierks Bentley and Dolly Parton and Dance ’Til Your Stockings are Hot and Raveling, a musical tribute to the original Andy Griffith Show.

Johnson says they’ve been getting responses from as far away as Japan.

“The other day I had an interview with [an Irish] radio station and they

76

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

got [the new music] on the playlist from AirPlay Direct,” Johnson says. A Swiss station recently interviewed Grascals banjo player Kristin Scott Benson, while singer/guitarist Terry Eldredge had an interview with a Japanese bluegrass DJ. As the music industry becomes less about big-machine labels and more about artist-driven DIY, Welch sees AirPlay Direct playing a major role in the music industry’s growing grassroots movement—empowering artists willing to put in the work.

Says Welch, “It used to be if you didn’t have a major deal and you couldn’t get on radio, how could you succeed? If you were an artist in Tennessee, how could you get on the radio in New York City? Well, that’s not true anymore.

Now, with the Internet and with people like us, now you can get your music all over the world, and it can be sold everywhere.” 

It takes the skill of an artist to restore this masterpiece.

To the neurosurgeons at Saint Thomas Health, brain surgery is the highest form of art. The Truebeam STX radiosurgery program at Saint Thomas Hospital provides them the tools they need to apply therapeutic radiation with unparalleled pinpoint accuracy. That means renewed hope and improved quality of life to cancer patients.

615-284-LIFE 路 STHS.com

Preparing students for College, Life, and Eternity

Age 3 - 12th Grade Cultivated performing arts program College-prep academics Competitive athletics

www.davidsonacademy.com

615.860.5300

More Than Copiers, Solutions for Today’s Modern Office

Nurturing the Spirit

HARDING A C A D E M Y

At RJ Young we specialize in taking care of the modern office.

Increase your efficiency and reduce your overall cost by: Managing all your devices, copiers and printers Providing high quality, low price supplies and equipment Local and prompt technical service Workflow analysis and document management

809 Division Street • Nashville, TN 37203 • (615) 255-copy RJYoung.com • MyPaperFREEOffice.com

Harding Academy exists to educate, nurture, and inspire. As a co-educational K–8 independent school, we are dedicated to academic excellence and the pursuit of educating thoughtful, creative, lifelong learners who are self-disciplined, responsible, caring citizens.

Ian L. Craig, Head of School 170 Windsor Drive Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 356-5510 www.harding academy.org

Inspiring the Mind

NowPlayingNashville.com is your one-stop resource in finding over 1,900 arts and entertainment events in Nashville and around Middle Tennessee.

Focusing on sports, music, theatre, dance, festivals, art exhibits, kids, family, community gatherings, and even free events, NowPlayingNashville.com is an easy-touse platform in planning your next outing with family, friends, and visitors. In addition, the website provides exclusive discount ticket offers as well as special giveaways to some of the region’s top events.

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, NowPlayingNashville.com is pleased to partner with Nashville Arts & Entertainment Magazine to highlight some of our area’s upcoming events in the following pages. If you’ve been wondering, “Where to Go … What to Do!” then NowPlayingNashville.com is the perfect resource for you.

Photo credits: Nashville Children’s Theatre – Dan Brewer; Nashville Shakespeare Festival – Jeff Frazier; Nashville Symphony – Becca Hadzor; Tennessee Repertory Theatre – Harry Butler; TPAC – Paul Wharton; CMA Music Awards – John Russell.

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

AprIl EvENT

DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Mule Day

Mar. 29 – Apr. 1

Downtown Columbia

A Tennessee tradition since 1840, the festival has grown into a week-long celebration of the mule. Thousands of visitors take part in activities ranging from working mule and best of breed events, to horse shows, arts and crafts booths, and a flea market. The highlight of the Mule Day festivities is the Mule Day Parade, held on Saturday.

Nashville predators vs.

Minnesota Wild

Apr. 3

Bridgestone Arena

Nashville predators vs.

Dallas stars

Apr. 5

Bridgestone Arena

The Art of Corsair Distillery

Apr. 5

TPAC’s War Memorial Auditorium

Join us for "The Art of," a fun and educational wine, beer, and spirits tasting series. Local experts will guide an informative and educational tasting highlighting the history, use and unique flavors of Corsair Artisan Distillery, founded by Nashville natives Darek Bell and Andrew Webber.

This is a 21 and up event.

An Intimate Evening with steve Wariner ft. a Tribute to Chet Atkins

Apr. 5 – 7

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

An incredible guitarist in his own right, Steve Wariner recently released a loving homage to the late Country Music Hall of Famer. For this special evening of songs and stories, he’ll show off some fretboard fireworks, share fond remembrances of his friend and sing some of his own hits, including “Holes in the Floor of Heaven.”

> TITANIC the Musical: 100 Year Tribute Apr. 5 – 8 James K. Polk Theater

Event details and ticketing available at

Circle Players will revive its hit production TITANIC the Musical in an extraordinary theatre experience at TPAC’S Polk Theatre, for four night performances and one matinee – just days before the actual 100th anniversary of TITANIC’s sinking.

80 80

Eggstravaganzoo and Bunny Breakfast

Apr. 7

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Get the kids together, and hip hop over to the Zoo for the 13th annual Eggstravaganzoo featuring egg hunts for children ages 10 and under, prizes, free games, bunny breakfast, and a special visit by the Easter Bunny.

We’re All for the Hall: Keith Urban & vince Gill with very special Friends

Apr. 10

Bridgestone Arena

2005 CMA Entertainer of the Year and four-time Grammy Award winner Keith Urban returns to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena for a concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum. The show will feature performances from an all-star line-up including Urban, Country Music Hall of Fame members Vince Gill and Alabama, Alison Krauss & Union Station, The Band Perry, Blue Sky Riders, Diamond Rio, Exile, Lady Antebellum, Little Big Town, The Oak Ridge Boys, Pistol Annies, Rascal Flatts and Thompson Square.

Giacomo puccini’s The Girl Apr. 12 – 14 of the Golden West

Andrew Jackson Hall

Puccini was fascinated by the American West, and California during the Gold Rush was perfect for the adventures of one of his most memorable leading ladies. Rough-and-tumble characters, soaring arias, and a harmonically sumptuous score in the original “spaghetti Western” inspired by a 1905 play about Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

Highballs & Hydrangeas

Apr. 13

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

Don't miss a Friday night cocktail fling featuring a cash bar with high-end cocktails and fabulous hors d’oeuvres from Nashville Originals’ member restaurants.

southern Women’s show

Apr. 12 – 15

Nashville Convention Center

The annual Southern Women’s Show attracts thousands of local women each year with fashion shows, cooking demonstrations, beauty tips, health screenings, decorating ideas and personal growth opportunities — all tailored especially for women — as well as celebrity appearances. This year’s show also promises more than 500 exhibits ranging from boutiques and jewelers to travel destinations.

Béla Fleck & The Flecktones

Apr. 14

Ryman Auditorium

Béla Fleck & The Flecktones have garnered a GRAMMY nomination for best instrumental composition for “Life In Eleven,” off their hit 2011 record, Rocket Science. The much anticipated reunion record marked the original founding members first recording together in 20 years and immediately jumped to #1 on both Billboard’s Jazz Charts and Soundscan’s Jazz Charts.

Apr loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

pied piper Fantasy

Apr. 14

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The Pied Piper of Hamelin comes vividly to life in John Corigliano’s imaginative flute concerto. The composer’s enchanting music captures the essence of this timeless tale, with exciting moments for the full orchestra, a virtuosic part for the flute and a rousing closing scene as the piper marches out of the hall with children in tow.

Connecting Cultures: Children’s stories From Across the World

Apr. 15 – June 3

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

This exhibit begins with the premise that the stories of children simultaneously reflect unique cultural values, as well as perspectives that are shared by people worldwide. The artworks created for this exhibition are as diverse as the communities, participants, and stories themselves.

rivers & spires Festival

Apr. 19 – 21

Downtown Clarksville

Rivers and Spires Festival is a three day outdoor event in Historic Downtown Clarksville. It features a night of patriotic tribute to military heroes, seven stages of entertainment, an International Streetfest, International House of Brewers, Kidz Zone, Jazz ‘N Wine area, marketplace, car shows, parades, Quilts of the Cumberland, artz galore and more.

Nashville Film Festival

Apr. 19 – 26

Regal Green Hills Stadium 16

Nashville Film Festival is a cultural arts institution that inspires, educates and entertains through an annual celebration of the art of motion pictures, year-round events and community outreach. Founded in 1969, the Nashville Film Festival is the longest running film festival in the South. An Academy qualifier for short films, it ranks among the most prestigious regional festivals.

Jeanne robertson

Apr. 21

Andrew Jackson Hall

With six nationally released DVDs, three books, hundreds of hours on Sirius-XM satellite radio and over 13 million YouTube hits, Jeanne Robertson is an overnight success nearly half a century in the making.

The Temptations

Apr. 21

Nashville Municipal Auditorium

The Temptations, who were ranked #67 on Rolling Stone Magazine's list of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time, are most well-known for their hits "My Girl," "Get Ready," and "Papa Was A Rolling Stone."

WplN public radio presents A Prairie Home Companion

Apr. 21 and 28

Ryman Auditorium

As part of its 50th Anniversary celebrations, Nashville Public Radio is delighted to announce that Garrison Keillor and crew are coming back to Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium for two live broadcasts of A Prairie Home Companion.

orpheus Chamber orchestra

Apr. 24

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

This legendary ensemble is notable for choosing to perform without a conductor, and the result is a musical experience like no other. Orpheus has changed the way the world thinks about orchestral performance.

rite of spring and Firebird

Apr. 27 – 29

Andrew Jackson Hall

With an Igor Stravinsky score double-bill, Nashville Ballet will present Rite of Spring and Firebird together for the first time with live music from The Nashville Symphony Orchestra.

> Country Music Marathon & ½ Marathon Apr. 28 Centennial Park With over 25,000 participants, 50 live bands, hundreds of cheerleaders, and thousands of spectators, this is one racing event you don’t want to miss! Events preceding race day are a kids’ marathon and a two-day expo with more than 60 exhibits.

Franklin Main street Festival

Apr. 28 – 29

Downtown Franklin

The 28th annual Main Street Festival brings more than 200 artisans and crafters, two food courts, four stages, and two carnivals to the historic Public Square and Downtown District of Franklin.

Nashville Zoo Golf Classic

Apr. 30

Golf Club of Tennessee

Join Nashville Zoo for the 20th Annual Golf Classic. Taking place at the beautiful and prestigious Golf Club of Tennessee in Kingston Springs, this exclusive "members only" course has been ranked among America's 50 Greatest Golf Retreats and recently was rated #1 in Middle Tennessee for slope and course by Nashville Business Journal's Book of Lists. All Golf Classic proceeds benefit Nashville Zoo, a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization, and help to support education programs, animal care, park beautification and conservation efforts.

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

DATE

Event details and ticketing available at

EvENT

81 81

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

MAY EvENT

DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Feist

May 1

Ryman Auditorium

Canadian singer-songwriter, Feist launched her solo music career in 1999.

Her subsequent studio albums, Let It Die, released in 2004, and The Reminder, released in 2007, were critically acclaimed and commercially successful, selling over 2.5 million copies. The Reminder earned Feist four Grammy nominations, including a nomination for Best New Artist.

rain

May 1 – 6

Andrew Jackson Hall

RAIN, the internationally-acclaimed Beatles concert, returns by popular demand. From the early hits to later classics ("I Want To Hold Your Hand," "Hard Day's Night," "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band," "Let It Be," "Come Together," "Hey Jude" and more), this adoring tribute will take you back to a time when all you needed was love and a little help from your friends!

TpAC Arts Appetizer: rain

May 2

TPAC’s James K. Polk Theater

TPAC Education provides the perfect pre-show treat to whet your appetite before a performance. Arrive early to enhance your theater experience with a menu of fun facts, delectable discussions, and, yes, appetizers.

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The can’t-miss event of the season: Two innovators join forces when electric violinist and Nashville resident Tracy Silverman debuts a new concerto by pioneering composer Terry Riley, whose music embraces everything from minimalism to Indian ragas to American ragtime.

Tracy silverman premieres May 3 – 5 Terry riley

> Full Moon Pickin’ Party May 4 Warner Parks Equestrian Center

Event details and ticketing available at

These family-friendly evenings feature Middle Tennessee’s finest bluegrass music under the light of a full moon. Pickers form circles around the grounds, while several headliners are featured on stage. Beverages are included in the ticket price. Monies raised go directly back into the Parks to ensure preservation, protection and funding of educational programs and special projects.

Coppélia

May 4 – 6

MTSU’s Tucker Theatre

The season will draw to a close with our Children’s Series featuring ballet’s most famous comedy of errors, a full-length version of “Coppélia”, an entertaining piece about a beautiful doll who is mistaken for a real, living girl. Children will enjoy the special pre-show activities designed for both the young and the young at heart.

Murfreesboro Main street JazzFest

May 4 – 5

Downtown Murfreesboro

Main Street JazzFest is a free event where you can eat, drink, shop, mingle, relax, soak in the rays, and of course, hear some of the best contemporary live jazz in Rutherford County.

41st Annual TACA Tennessee Craft Fair

May 4 – 6

Centennial Park

Tennessee’s premier outdoor showcase, this popular event attracts over 45,000 people annually to view the works of over 170 of the finest craftspeople from across the state. The Tennessee Craft Fair offers shoppers the opportunity to meet and talk with exhibiting artists, enjoy children’s activities at the Publix Kid’s Tent, visit special exhibits and demonstrations, and purchase a wide variety of uniquely handcrafted art.

Nashville sounds 2012 Home schedule The Nashville Sounds are the Triple-A franchise for the Milwaukee Brewers and play their home games at Greer Stadium.

For ticket and game information, visit NowPlayingNashville.com.

DATE Apr. 13 – 16 Apr. 17 – 20 Apr. 30 – May 3 May 8 – 11 May 12 – 15 May 25 – 28

82 82

OPPONENT New Orleans Zephyrs Oklahoma City Redhawks Omaha Storm Chasers Colorado Springs Sky Sox Reno Aces Round Rock Express

June 2 – 5 June 14 – 17 June 19 – 22 June 30 – July 3 July 12 – 15 July 16 – 19 July 24 – 27 July 28 – 31 Aug. 10 – 13 Aug. 14 – 17 Aug. 27 – 30 Aug. 31 – Sept. 3

New Orleans Zephyrs Omaha Storm Chasers Oklahoma City Redhawks Iowa Cubs Albuquerque Isotopes Round Rock Express Memphis Redbirds Albuquerque Isotopes Salt Lake Bees Tacoma Rainiers Iowa Cubs Memphis Redbirds

MAY DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Women's Work 2012

May 4 – 20

Looby Theatre

The Tennessee Women’s Theater Project presents its sixth annual celebration and showcase of works by women. Theater, poetry, dance, music, film, visual arts – 11 different performances, at the unbeatable bargain price of $5 per ticket.

Eric Church with Brantley Gilbert and Blackberry smoke

May 5

Bridgestone Arena

Church’s debut country album, Sinners Like Me, which produced radio hits “How ‘Bout You,” “Two Pink Lines,” and “Guys Like Me” sent him into national success. His follow-up, Carolina, went on to sell over 500,000 copies (certified Gold) and spawned top hits “Love Your Love The Most,” “Hell On The Heart,” and “Smoke A Little Smoke.”

First saturday Art Crawl

May 5

Downtown Nashville

Every first Saturday of the month, multiple downtown galleries open their doors to avid art lovers as well as anyone else that is just curious to see what the Gallery Crawl is all about. Over 1,000 people attend this very popular monthly event. Most galleries serve free wine and other refreshments. The gallery crawl is a great free night on the town!

Tennessee renaissance Festival

May 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27, 28

Castle Wynn

Travel back to 16th Century England as the Village of Covington Glen comes alive with the bustle of a Renaissance Marketplace. More than 60 skilled Artisans from all over the country display their wares from silks to swords, gems to jewels. Enjoy the specialty foods and drinks, along with the sounds of Renaissance musicians and merrymakers.

Uncle Kracker with sonia leigh and Ty stone

May 8

Cannery Ballroom

Uncle Kracker is actually no stranger to the audience, scoring a #1 hit with "When The Sun Goes Down", his collaboration with Kenny Chesney. He also co-wrote Kid Rock's multi-format smash "All Summer Long" which peaked at #3 on the Billboard country charts.

Yanni as you know him best, performing his instrumental hits from the shows that have become famous around the world. This live show will feature some of the music from Yanni’s new album Truth of Touch, which is the composer’s first album of original studio music in almost a decade.

Bonnie raitt

May 12

Ryman Auditorium

Blues singer-songwriter, Bonnie Raitt is a renowned slide guitar player.

During the 1970s, Raitt released a series of acclaimed roots-influenced albums which incorporated elements of blues, rock, folk and country, but she is perhaps best known for her more commercially accessible recordings in the 1990s including "Nick of Time", "Something to Talk About", "Love Sneakin' Up on You", and the slow ballad "I Can't Make You Love Me".

Iroquois steeplechase

May 12

Percy Warner Park – Steeplechase Barn

Bring a picnic or tailgate at one of the oldest, most prestigious, and most challenging steeplechase races in the country, featuring seven races. Share in this yearly spectacle of horses, hats, and hounds with your family and friends.

Mike Epps: I’m still standing Tour

May 12

Nashville Municipal Auditorium

In addition to his notoriety as a stand-up comedian, Mike Epps has made a name for himself in Hollywood with a host of recent hit films including “Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins,” “Hancock,” “All About the Benjamins,” and more. Epps is best known for his role of "Day-Day" opposite Ice Cube in the popular Friday series "Next Friday" and "Friday After Next."

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

> An Evening with Yanni May 12 Andrew Jackson Hall

Event details and ticketing available at

EvENT

83 83

Event details and ticketing available at

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

MAY

84 84

EvENT

DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

princesses and Frogs

May 12 – 20

Martin Center for Nashville Ballet

As part of its Family Series performance offerings, Nashville Ballet will present an hour-long children’s ballet inspired

by Sleeping Beauty and the popular children’s book Jump, Frog, Jump

by Robert Kalan.

Nashville Shores

With award-winning Tennessee wineries offering samplings of their finest wines, this festival continues to be one of the area’s most anticipated events. More than just a showcase for great wine, this event offers live music, gourmet food, free wine and food seminars, fine artisans, and complimentary lake cruises.

A Toast to Tennessee Wine May 12 Festival

> Click Clack Moo: Cows That Type Apr. 3 – May 13 Nashville Children’s Theatre Farmer Brown’s cows find an old typewriter in the barn, and next thing you know, click-clack-moo, clickety-clack-moo, Farmer Brown gets a typewritten note. If you loved NCT’s productions of Go, Dog. Go! and Goodnight Moon, then you’ll love this hilarious musical romp, ripped from the pages of one of America’s most popular picture books.

Chris Botti

May 17 – 19

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

America’s best-selling jazz instrumental artist, trumpeter Chris Botti has broken through musical barriers with a distinctive style that blends the verve of jazz improvisation with the sounds of pop and classical music. A magnetic stage presence and an incomparable musician, he’s sold out all of his previous appearances at the Schermerhorn. He returns for what is sure to be a blockbuster performance with Nashville’s GRAMMY®-winning orchestra.

Emergence

May 17 – 19

Martin Center for Nashville Ballet

The 2012 presentation of Emergence will bring together Nashville Ballet dancers with ALIAS Chamber Ensemble and Watkins College of Art, Design & Film to present original dances set to music, film and other interactive elements.

Imagination Movers live “rock-o-Matic 2012”

May 18

Andrew Jackson Hall

The Imagination Movers sing about messy rooms, healthy snacks, sibling rivalry and other topics that relate to being a little kid. Their musical style, however, would sound right at home on a weekly MTV countdown.

Trace Adkins

May 18

Ryman Auditorium

Trace will host a “homecoming” of sorts at the historic venue, as he plays in Nashville, the city he’s called home for the past twenty years as a Country hitmaker, on his Songs & Stories Tour.

fEAsTival Nashville

May 19

East Park

fEASTival Nashville is an event that occurs once a year in the East Nashville area and combines the community’s most talented entertainment, restaurants and activities for a day of enjoyment and fun.

Little Shop of Horrors

Apr. 26 – May 19

Andrew Johnson Theater

Seymour Krelborn, a nerdy florist, finds his chance for success and romance with the help of a giant man-eating plant who sings for his supper.

Dive-In Movie: Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows Part 2

May 25

Nashville Shores

Dive-In Movies feature movies on the shores of Percy Priest Lake on select nights throughout the summer. Movies begin at dusk approximately 8:30pm.

MAY DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Frist Fridays

May 25

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

One of Nashville’s most popular summertime activities, Frist Fridays feature live entertainment, great art, and cash bars under the stars.

Zzzoofari slumber

May 26

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Join us for a zoo-nique camping experience as you sleep under the stars just a short distance away from the snoozing animals. Enjoy a variety of activities that may include Private Keeper Talks, Twilight Tours, Animal Presentations, Hayrides, Crafts, and more.

> Chet Atkins: Certified Guitar Player Through July 15 Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Event details and ticketing available at

EvENT

This exhibit examines the life and career of one of the most significant figures in music history. As an instrumentalist and recording artist, Chet Atkins influenced generations of country, rock, and jazz guitarists with his smooth and legendary finger-picking style. This exhibit is made possible by the Gretsch Company, with additional support provided by GAC.

Through May 27

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

In Cross-Reference, Hans Schmitt-Matzen and his collaborator Gieves Anderson pay tribute to the spatial experience of being in a library. A series based on photographs taken in libraries and attempt to convey the painterly aesthetics of panning one’s eye across the rolling spines of books lining a shelf.

Fairy Tales, Monsters and the Genetic Imagination

Through May 27

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

This exhibition features a collection of works by contemporary artists who invent humanlike, animal or hybrid creatures to symbolize life’s mysteries, desires and fears. Finding inspiration in sources ranging from Aesop’s Fables to the products of genetic experimentation, the artists in the exhibition examine interactions between nature and humanity in the context of oral and written lore, psychology, ethics and visions of the future in both science and science fiction. The exhibition will include approximately 60 contemporary paintings, photographs, sculptures and video works.

HIsTorIC sITEs AND lANDMArKs Belle Meade Plantation Belmont Mansion Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Carter House Cheekwood Botanical Gardens & Museum of Art Clement Railroad Hotel Museum Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum George Dickel Distillery Grand Ole Opry Museum Fort Nashborough Fort Negley Historic Carnton Plantation Historic Printers Alley Historic RCA Studio B Jack Daniels Distillery

James K. Polk Home Nashville City Cemetery Nashville’s Historic Germantown Natchez Trace Parkway Rock Castle Ryman Auditorium Schermerhorn Symphony Center Stones River National Battlefield Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Museum Tennessee State Fairgrounds Tennessee State Museum Tennessee State Capitol The Fontanel Mansion & Farm The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson The Parthenon Travellers Rest Plantation and Museum

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Hans schmitt-Matzen

85 85

With eight arts and entertainment publications, we reach a fantastic audience!

Whether at TPAC, the Schermerhorn, Vanderbilt, Franklin Theatre or on the newsstand, we celebrate the best that Nashville has to offer in Arts & Entertainment.

Great Memories are Better When Shared Sheraton is where friends gather.

Make Sheraton a part of your next memorable cultural experience with dinner in Speakers Bistro before the show, or cocktails in Sessions Lounge after the curtain falls.

Glover Group

Entertainment

To advertise or for more information call 373-5557

enjoy our superb cuisine, elegant décor, drink specials and more

Call 615 259 2000 for Reservations

©2011 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Sheraton and its logo are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates.

Glover Group

Entertainment

www.GloverGroupEntertainment.com www.NashvilleArtsandEntertainment.com

THE ROYAL TREATMENT. Winding through Southern hills, the paths leading to the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa reveal elegance at every turn. Upon approaching the castle-like resort, guests are swept into a fairytale escape where culinary masterpieces tempt the palette and an award-winning spa promises to treat the senses. The world’s fourth longest golf course, part of Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail, challenges your skills, while state-of-the-art meeting space inspires productivity.

RENAISSANCE BIRMINGHAM ROSS BRIDGE GOLF RESORT & SPA 4000 Grand Avenue Birmingham, AL 35226 t: 205 916 7677 rossbridgeresort.com A part of the Resort Collection on Alabama’s Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail

Event details and ticketing available at

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

JUNE EvENT

DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Full Moon pickin’ party

June 1

Warner Parks Equestrian Center

These family-friendly evenings feature Middle Tennessee's finest bluegrass music under the light of a full moon.

Pickers form circles under around the grounds, while several headliners are featured on stage.

Beverages are included in the ticket price.

Monies raised go directly back into the Parks to ensure preservation, protection and funding of educational programs and special projects.

Music City Nationals – pro UCI series

June 1 – 3

Hamilton Creek Park

National BMX (bicycle motocross) event and pro-UCI series event featuring hundreds of riders from around the world.

> Carmina Burana May 31 – June 2 Schermerhorn Symphony Center The full range of human emotion will be on display when Orff’s Carmina Burana brings the season to an exciting finish. Nashville Symphony Chorus joins the orchestra for this enduringly popular piece, highlighted by the thunderous “O Fortuna.”

First saturday Art Crawl

June 2

Downtown Nashville

Every first Saturday of the month, multiple downtown galleries open their doors to avid art lovers as well as anyone else that is just curious to see what the Gallery Crawl is all about. Over 1,000 people attend this very popular monthly event.

Most galleries serve free wine and other refreshments. The gallery crawl is a great free night on the town!

shakespeare Allowed: The Comedy of Errors

June 2

Nashville Public Library - Main Branch

The Nashville Shakespeare Festival reads a different Shakespeare play on the first Saturday of every month. Sixteen chairs in a circle, and whoever wants to read out loud can choose one of the 16. There will be additional seating available for anyone who wants to read along silently. The play should not take longer than 3 hours to read out loud, with a 15 minute break in between the third and fourth acts.

Todd snider & Justin Townes Earle

June 2

Ryman Auditorium

Some of Todd Snider's hits are "Talkin' Seattle Grunge Rock Blues"—a folk song about the early '90's grunge scene, featuring a band that "refused to play" — and "Alright Guy," which later became the title cut of Gary Allan's 2001 album. Justin Townes Earle will also be performing.

Cyberchase – The Chase is On!

Through June 3

Adventure Science Center

Prepare to journey out of this world and into Cyberspace with Adventure Science Center’s latest temporary exhibit, Cyberchase—The Chase is On!.

The exhibit is based on the popular Emmy award-winning PBS KIDS GO! animated television series and invites visitors to join forces with the show’s characters and use math to fight evil.

> CMA Music Festival 2012 June 7 – 10 LP Field and Downtown Nashville CMA Music Festival delivers the full range of concert experiences with equal parts nighttime fireworks and daytime sizzle. While the evening concerts at LP Field provide full-tilt excitement, the Daytime Stages offer a more intimate setting for daylong, non-stop music from your favorite hitmakers in Downtown Nashville.

88 88

JUN loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Willie Nelson performs with the Nashville symphony

June 5

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

With his incomparable voice and incredible musicianship, this American icon will explore the full range of his artistry, from hits like “Crazy” and “Always on My Mind,” to the storied Tin Pan Alley tunes featured on his latest release, American Classic.

Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

June 7 – 10

Manchester, TN

The Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival is a four-day, multi-stage camping festival held on a beautiful 700-acre farm in Manchester, TN. Bonnaroo brings together some of the best performers in rock and roll, along with dozens of artists in complementary styles such as jazz, Americana, hip-hop, electronica, and much more. In addition to dozens of epic performances, the festival's 100-acre entertainment village buzzes around the clock with attractions and activities including a classic arcade, on-site cinema, silent disco, comedy club, theater performers, a beer festival, and a music technology village.

Say Goodnight, Gracie

June 8 – June 24

Street Theatre Company

Five 28-year-olds planning to attend their 10-year high school reunion gather in an East Village, New York City, apartment to discuss their dreams, insecurities and pasts. As they while away the hours reminiscing, their conversation becomes funnier and more revealing, and they try to figure out what to do with their lives as they approach age 30.

Damn Yankees

June 8 – June 30

Towne Centre Theatre

Middle-aged baseball fanatic Joe Boyd trades his soul to the charming but devious Mr. Applegate for a chance to lead his favorite team to victory in the pennant race against the New York Yankees. As young baseball sensation Joe Hardy, he transforms the hapless Washington Senators into a winning team, only to realize the true worth of the life (and wife) he’s left behind. With the help of a handy escape clause and a guilt-ridden temptress named Lola, Joe outsmarts Applegate, returns to his former self and shepherds the Senators to the World Series.

12th Annual Warner parks Children’s picnic

June 9

Warner Parks Nature Center

Bring your whole family for music and nature-related fun and games.

Clowns, hikes, arts and crafts, face painting, and a fabulous silent auction are just a few of the highlights. Families may pack their own picnic or purchase picnic lunches during the event. Reservations are not required for this event.

Downtown Murfreesboro

With dance groups from around the world, the International Folkfest promises to be a week of excitement and education. Throughout the week, international groups will perform for area schools, youth and senior citizen organizations and for civic clubs.

International Folkfest 2012 June 10 – 17

GolF CoUrsEs Cedar Crest Golf Course, Murfreesboro Country Hills Golf Course, Hendersonville Fairways on Spencer Creek, Franklin Farm Lakes at Riverside Golf Course, Old Hickory Forrest Crossing Golf Club, Franklin Gaylord Springs Golf Links, Nashville Harpeth Hills Golf Course, Nashville Hermitage Golf Course, Old Hickory Hunters Point Golf Club, Lebanon Indian Hills Golf Club, Murfreesboro Little Course at Aspen Grove, Franklin Long Hollow Golf Course, Gallatin McCabe Golf Course, Nashville Nashboro Golf Club, Nashville Oak Hills Golf Course, Greenbrier Old Fort Golf Club, Murfreesboro Percy Warner Golf Course, Nashville Pine Creek Golf Course, Mt. Juliet

Shelby Golf Course, Nashville Smyrna Municipal Golf Course, Smyrna Sycamore Valley Golf Course, Ashland City Ted Rhodes Golf Course, Nashville The Legacy Golf Course, Springfield The River Course at Harpeth Valley Golf Center, Nashville Through The Green - Franklin Golf Course, Franklin Through The Green - Highland Rim Golf Course, Joelton Twelve Stones Crossing Golf Club, Goodlettsville Two Rivers Golf Course, Nashville V.A. Hospital Golf Course, Murfreesboro Vanderbilt Legends Club - Ropers Knob Course, Franklin VinnyLinks First Tee Nashville, Nashville Windtree Golf Course, Mt. Juliet

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

DATE

Event details and ticketing available at

EvENT

89 89

EvENT

DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Michael Jackson: The Immortal World presented

by Cirque du soleil

June 12 – 13

Bridgestone Arena

A riveting fusion of visuals, dance, music and fantasy that immerses audiences in Michael’s creative world and literally turns his signature moves upside down, Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL World Tour unfolds Michael Jackson’s artistry before the eyes of the audience.

Music City Hits softball Tournament

June 14 – 17

Drakes Creek Park

The Nashville Sports Council will host the 8th annual Music City Hits fast pitch softball tournament, the Southeast's largest college exposure tournament featuring more than sixty-six of the top female amateur softball teams in the country.

Dive-In Movie: Dolphin Tale

June 15

Nashville Shores

Dive-In Movies feature movies on the shores of Percy Priest Lake on select nights throughout the summer. The movie will begin at dusk, approximately 8:30pm.

42nd Annual American Artisan Festival

June 15 – 17

Centennial Park

This festival of textures, tastes, shapes, and sounds will feature 165 exhibitors from across America offering a multitude of original American handcrafts.

Nashville pride Festival

June 16

Riverfront Park

The Nashville Pride Festival is held downtown at Riverfront Park and consists of musical entertainment on two stages, a 100+ vendor marketplace, and plenty of surprises.

rC Moon pie Festival

June 16

Bell Buckle, TN

Two Southern traditions collide – RC Cola and Moon Pies – and are brought together for a grand celebration, featuring country and bluegrass music, clogging dancers, Moon Pie games, crafts, a 10 mile run and the ever popular "Synchronized Wading Extravaganza". The cutting of the world's largest Moon Pie rounds out the day.

roger Waters: The Wall live

June 19

Bridgestone Arena

Roger Waters, the co-founder and principal songwriter of the archetypal progressive band Pink Floyd, has announced the return of the historic production of “The Wall” to North America in 2012. His aural and visual masterpiece of alienation and transformation will be performed in-its-entirety featuring a full band and state-of-the-art production.

Captain Louie

June 22 – July 7

Roxy Regional Theatre

Young Louie feels lonely and without friends in his new neighborhood.

Looking for something to cheer himself up on Halloween Night, Louie returns to his old neighborhood friends in an imaginary journey on the wings of his favorite toy, his little red plane. The story is full of tricks and treats, and the incomparable music and lyrics of Stephen Schwartz.

Event details and ticketing available at

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

JUNE

90 90

> Brothers of the Sun Tour ft. Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw with Jake Owen and Grace Potter June 23 LP Field The Brothers of the Sun Tour will be the first time in 10 years that Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw have hit the road together. The reunion will kick off June 2 and will feature stadium shows on weekend dates at venues across the country. The Brothers of the Sun Tour will also feature special guests Grace Potter & The Nocturnals and Jake Owen.

Columbia Muddy Buddy ride and run

June 23

Cheatham Wildlife Management Area

The total distance of the course is approximately 6-7 miles. Each partner will complete the entire course by running 3 miles (approx) and biking 3 miles (approx). One partner runs while the other bikes. You switch tasks at each obstacle transition area. All teams must conquer the famous Mud Pit before crossing the finish line together as MUDDY BUDDIES!

The Wedding Singer

May 25 – June 23

Roxy Regional Theatre

It’s 1985, and rock-star wannabe Robbie Hart is New Jersey’s favorite wedding singer. He’s the life of the party, until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar.

Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own.

You too will be grooving to the tunes in this hilarious musical comedy based on the hit movie starring Adam Sandler.

JUN DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Carnton summer Concert series

June 24

Historic Carnton Plantation

A unique venue for friends and families to relax on the lawn and listen to some of the area’s most talented musicians. Guests are welcome to pack picnic dinners or take advantage of on-site food and beverage vendors.

Frist Fridays

June 29

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

One of Nashville’s most popular summertime activities, Frist Fridays feature live entertainment, great art, and cash bars under the stars.

Dive-In Movie: Transformers 3

June 29

Nashville Shores

Dive-In Movies feature movies on the shores of Percy Priest Lake on select nights throughout the summer. The movie will begin at dusk, approximately 8:30pm.

Every Tree Tells A story

May 26 – Sep. 2

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

An exhibition that focuses on the irreplaceable trees and tree groupings, often associated with historically significant people and events that have shaped the development of communities and cultures, captured by prizewinning and renowned photographers.

let NowplayingNashville.com be your guide for WHErE To Go and WHAT To Do in all of Middle Tennessee.

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

MIDDlE TENNEssEE CoUNTY GUIDEs

Event details and ticketing available at

EvENT

County pages provide each county with its own “premiere events calendar,” informing residents and visitors alike on WHERE TO GO and WHAT TO DO in that county. The goal is to encourage residents and visitors to experience the arts and take advantage of what each community has to offer, while enriching each individual’s lives.

With specific county pages, anyone can search for all the local happenings: Music, Theatre, Sports, Festivals and more at NowPlayingNashville. com’s Middle Tennessee County Guide.

91 91

Think globally.

Print locally.

$ : 2 5 / ' 2 ) 3 5 , 1 7 6 2 /8 7 , 2 1 6

As one of middle Tennessee’s oldest printers, our roots run deep. Not just in the local community, but across the globe. After all, we’re part of a nationwide network of commercial printers. But more than that, we’re also participants in the worldwide movement to sustain the planet. In fact, we recently became the first full-service commercial printer in Nashville to be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

Graphic DesiGn BranDinG illustration weB Development

www.family treedesi g n .n et

Now one of the area’s most trusted companies is one of the most ecologically responsible, too.

McQuiddy Printing 711 Spence Lane, Nashville, TN 37217 (615) 366-6565 or (800) 882-4444 www.mcquiddy.com

America’s 2nd War of

2012

marks the beginning of the War of 1812 Bicentennial that is closely tied to what is arguably Tennessee’s most iconic location, The Hermitage, Home of President Andrew Jackson. The War ended on January 8, 1815 when a littleknown Army general lacking formal military training won an unlikely victory against a major world power. When Andrew Jackson defeated the British in the Battle of New Orleans, he won a war and perhaps changed the course of world history.

Depending on your professor, or what history book you read, the War of 1812 was either an unnecessary war or the 2nd War of American Independence.

The result was also cloudy; the War ended in a draw or it guaranteed America – and Andrew Jackson – a seat at the table in international affairs.

Following their surrender at Yorktown in 1781, the British failed to show Americans deserved respect in winning their independence. A renewed military engagement was a long time coming, and the roots of the War of 1812 can be found in the years following the Revolution.

During the Napoleonic Wars, the Royal Navy “impressed” experienced sailors – including many Americans - forcing them to serve on British ships.

Parliament passed a series of trade restrictions against the technically-neutral United States, preventing trade between the U.S. and France, which the U.S. protested as illegal under international law. Further, since the Northwest Territory was disputed between the United States and various Native American tribes, the British viewed the Native Americans as a possible ally against the U.S. and provided them with weapons, hoping they could hold the Northwest Territory as a buffer between America and Canada. All of this was viewed by Americans as an insult.

The War of 1812 may be understood as a duel of honor between the United States and Great Britain. Political power was beginning to shift to the south and west, favoring a group of congressmen known as the War Hawks – led by Henry Clay and John C. Calhoun. The war hawks saw British actions as an affront to United States honor. When President James Madison placed a declaration of war before Congress, it passed strictly along regional lines, with every senator from the South and West voting in favor of war.

The early stages of the War of 1812 did not fare well for the United States.

General William Hull surrendered his 1,800 troops to 400 British troops in Canada near Detroit. Over the next year efforts to take Canada resulted in disastrous encounters on land and water with no territory changing hands.

The British began an assault on the Chesapeake Bay region in late summer/fall 1814, resulting in key pieces of our American identity. The militia

Independence

was driven from Bladensburg, Maryland (called “the greatest disgrace to American arms”), allowing the British to march unopposed into Washington, Not only did the British forces torch the United States Capitol, the Presidential Mansion (now the White House) and other federal buildings, they first ate the dinner prepared for President Madison in his own dining room.

The British then turned attention to Baltimore. Fort McHenry guarded Baltimore’s harbor. American lawyer Francis Scott Key was there to negotiate release of American prisoners. The 25-hour bombardment of Fort McHenry prompted him to write a poem entitled “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The final phase of the British attack was to come at New Orleans. If Britain could take New Orleans, they could move up the Mississippi, join forces in the mid-Atlantic and Canada, hem in the United States from the west, and contain the growing nation to the Atlantic seaboard.

But awaiting the 10,000-man British force was General Andrew Jackson of Tennessee and his volunteers. Jackson’s “force” numbered about 4,000 and included Army regulars, militia men, frontiersmen, free blacks, slaves, Native Americans, Creoles, and Baratarian pirates.

When the smoke cleared after General Edward Pakenham led the British assault on the Chalmette plains on the morning of January 8, 1815, the casualties were staggering: over 2,000 British troops killed, wounded, or captured, to the Americans’ 13 dead and 115 wounded.

The Treaty of Ghent, ending the War of 1812, reached Jackson in New Orleans in March. The British never again attacked the United States; Americans won European respect they so desperately wanted; and Andrew Jackson was catapulted to national fame that eventually won the presidency in 1828.

The Hermitage, Andrew Jackson’s beloved home, has been preserved and presented to the public by The Ladies’ Hermitage Association since 1889.

Visitors tour Jackson’s Greek-revival mansion, historic garden, and various historic log structures on the 1,120 acre property. Costumed historic interpreters and a popular audio tour enrich the experience, providing a deeper understanding of Jackson’s impact on our developing nation and democracy.

The Hermitage will celebrate the War of 1812 Bicentennial over the next three years with programs, events, and displays culminating in the 200th anniversary of the Battle of New Orleans on January 8, 2015. Check online for Bicentennial information. www.thehermitage.com The Hermitage 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Nashville, TN 37076 – (615) 889-2941

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

JUlY EvENT

DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Music City Hot Chicken Festival

July 4

East Park Community Center

This free event features the unique southern flare of local restaurants, amateur cooking competition, inflatables for the children, the Yazoo Brewery beer garden, and of course, legendary Nashville music. The first 500 people will be treated to free hot chicken samples from Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack, The Chicken Shack and Bolton’s Spicy Chicken & Fish.

Music City July 4th: let Freedom sing!

July 4

Riverfront Park

If there's one thing Nashville knows how to do, it's throw a party. Head down to Riverfront Park for a day filled with entertainment and family fun and an evening of incredible fireworks dancing in the night sky to the rhythm of the Nashville Symphony.

Full Moon pickin’ party

July 6

Warner Parks Equestrian Center

These family-friendly evenings feature Middle Tennessee's finest bluegrass music under the light of a full moon. Pickers form circles around the grounds, while several headliners are featured on stage. Beverages are included in the ticket price. Monies raised go directly back into the Parks to ensure preservation, protection and funding of educational programs and special projects.

pippin

July 6 – 28

Boiler Room Theatre

Once upon a time, the young prince Pippin longed to discover the secret of true happiness and fulfillment. He sought it in the glories of the battlefield, the temptations of the flesh and the intrigues of political power (after disposing of his father King Charlemagne the Great). In the end, he found it in the simple pleasures of home and family.

First saturday Art Crawl

July 7

Downtown Nashville

Every first Saturday of the month, multiple downtown galleries open their doors to avid art lovers as well as anyone else that is just curious to see what the Gallery Crawl is all about. Over 1,000 people attend this very popular monthly event. Most galleries serve free wine and other refreshments. The gallery crawl is a great free night on the town!

Event details and ticketing available at

> An Intimate Evening with James Taylor and His Band July 12 Bridgestone Arena

94 94

James Taylor has sold more than fifty million albums throughout his career and has earned forty gold, platinum, and multi-platinum awards and five Grammy Awards. His songs have had a profound influence on songwriters and music lovers from all walks of life: “Fire and Rain,” “Country Road,” “Something in the Way She Moves,” “Mexico,” “Shower the People,” “Your Smiling Face,” “Carolina In My Mind,” “Sweet Baby James,” “Don’t Let Me Be Lonely Tonight,” “You Can Close Your Eyes,” “Walking Man,” “Never Die Young,” “Shed a Little Light,” “Copperline,” and many more.

Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival

July 13 – 15

Cannonsburgh Village

Grab your banjos and shine your dancin' shoes for the Uncle Dave Macon Days Festival. Considered one of America's premier summer festivals, the family-oriented event annually gathers more than 40,000 people to Murfreesboro for a hearty helping of fun, southern style.

Happy Days: A New Musical

July 13 – Aug. 18

Roxy Regional Theatre

Happy days are here again with Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli, Richie, Potsie, Ralph Malph and all of the gang in this musical based on the hit television series, HAPPY DAYS. This new musical reintroduces one of America’s bestloved families, the Cunninghams, and the days of 1959 Milwaukee complete with varsity sweaters, hula hoops and jukebox sock-hoppin’. This perfect family-friendly musical will have you rockin’ and rollin’ all week long!

Dive-In Movie: soul surfer

June 15

Nashville Shores

Dive-In Movies feature movies on the shores of Percy Priest Lake on select nights throughout the summer. The movie will begin at dusk, approximately 8:30pm.

Frist Fridays

July 27

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

One of Nashville’s most popular summertime activities, Frist Fridays feature live entertainment, great art, and cash bars under the stars.

JUl DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Music City Brewers Festival

July 28

Walk of Fame Park

Brewers from around the country call the Music City Brewer's Festival one of the best festivals they participate in all year! Attendees can sample beer from over 30 local, regional and national breweries.

> Ice Day July 28 Nashville Zoo at Grassmere Looking for a chilly place to pass the “dog days of summer?” Come to Nashville Zoo and chill out with the animals!

This mid-summer event is ice-packed with fun activities, including: popsicle treats for the animals, free ice cream samples for human guests provided by Blue Bell Ice Cream, an ice cream eating contest, a water slide inflatable and much, much more!

Carnton summer Concert series

July 29

Historic Carnton Plantation

A unique venue for friends and families to relax on the lawn and listen to some of the area’s most talented musicians. Guests are welcome to pack picnic dinners or take advantage of on-site food and beverage vendors.

Wave Country summer season

June 1 – Aug. 13

Wave Country

One of the area's only wave-action swimming pools! Ride the waves, or just let them lap at your feet. There are calm, "non-wave" periods as well. You will also have access to three water flumes and two speed slides!

Event details and ticketing available at

EvENT

NAsHvIllE’s loCAl FlAvor 718 Division St. Gabby’s Burgers and Fries, 493 Humphries St. Germantown Café, 1200 Fifth Ave. N. , 501 Main St. Goten, 1719 West End Ave. Holland House, 937 Eastland Ave. Jackson’s Bar and Bistro, 1800 21st Ave. S. Jimmy Kelly’s, 217 Louise Ave. Joe’s Place, 2227 Bandywood Dr. Kayne Prime, 1103 McGavock Loveless Café, 8400 Highway 100 Mad Platter, 1239 6th Ave. N. MAFIAoZA’S Pizzeria & Neighborhood Pub, 2400 12th Ave. S. MAmbu, 1806 Hayes St. Margot Café & Bar, 1017 Woodland St. McCabe Pub, 4410 Murphy Rd. Melrose Neighborhood Pub, 2535 Franklin Pike Merchants, 401 Broadway Midtown Café, 102 19th Ave. S. Monell’s Dining & Catering, 1235 6th Ave. N. Nero’s Grill, 2122 Hillsboro Dr. Noshville Delicatessen 1918 Broadway 4014 Hillsboro Circle One Terminal Dr., Term A/B

The Palm, 140 Fifth Ave. S. Pancake Pantry, 1796 21st Ave. S. Paradise Trailer Park Resort, 411 Broadway Park Café, 4403 Murphy Rd. Past Perfect, 122 3rd Ave. S. The Patterson House, 1711 Division St. The Pharmacy Burger Parlor & Beer Garden, 731 McFerrin Ave The Pineapple Room at Cheekwood, 1200 Forest Park Dr. PM, 2017 Belmont Blvd.

Provence Breads & Café 1705 21st Ave. S. 601 Church St. Puckett’s Gro. & Restaurant, 500 Church St. Rosepepper Cantina, 1907 Eastland Ave. Ru San’s Sushi and Seafood, 505 12th Ave. S. Rumba Rum Bar and Satay Grill, 3009 West End Ave. Rumours East, 1112 Woodland St. Rumours 12 South, 2304 12th Ave. S. Sambuca, 601 12th Ave. S. Sole Mio, 311 3rd Ave. S. South Street, 907 20th Ave. S. Sperry’s , 5109 Harding Pike Sportsman’s Grill 1601 21st Ave. S. 5405 Harding Pike

Stock-Yard Restaurant, 901 2nd Ave. N. Sunset Grill, 2001 Belcourt Ave. Suzy Wong’s House of Yum, 1515 Church St. Swett’s 2725 Clifton Ave. 2209 Abbott Martin Rd. Taco Mamacita, 1200 Villa Place Tavern, 1904 Broadway Tayst, 2100 21st Ave. S. Tin Angel, 3201 West End Ave. Two Twenty-Two Grill & Catering, 222 5th Ave. S. Urban Flats, 610 12th Ave. Valentino’s Ristorante, 1907 West End Ave. Virago, 1126 McGavock St. Watermark, 507 12th Ave. S. Whiskey Kitchen, 118 12th Ave. S. Yellow Porch, 734 Thompson Lane

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

1808 Grille, 1808 West End Ave. Baja Burrito, 722 Thompson Lane Boscos, 1805 21st Ave. S. Bound’ry, 911 20th Ave. S. BrickTop’s, 3000 West End Ave. Broadway Brewhouse, 317 Broadway 1900 Broadway 7108 Charlotte Pike 8098 Highway 100 Burger Up, 1203 Paris Ave. Cabana, 1910 Belcourt Ave. Cantina Laredo, 592 12th Ave. S. Café Coco, 210 Louise Ave. Caffe Nonna, 4427 Murphy Rd. Capitol Grille, 231 6th Ave. N. ChaChah, 2013 Belmont Blvd.

City House, 1222 4th Ave. N. Copper Kettle Café, 4004 Granny White Pike 94 Peabody St. Crow’s Nest, 2221 Bandywood Dr. Demos’ Steak and Spaghetti House, 300 Commerce St. Eastland Café, 97 Chapel Ave. F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar, 2210 Crestmoor Rd. Fido, 1812 21st Ave. S. Firefly Grille, 2201 Bandywood Dr. Fish & Co., 2317 12th Ave. S. Flyte World Dining & Wine,

95 95

FROM SCHOOL

OF MUSIC TO MUSIC ROW

Following graduation from Belmont’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, brothers Dwan and Marcus Hill took their love of music and passion for innovation and opened a successful production house on Music Row, while continuing to tour as musicians. This is how Dwan and Marcus Hill are Belmont.

beBELMONT.com SCHOOL of MUSIC Bachelor of Arts Major in Music

DEPARTMENT of ART Bachelor of Arts Major in Art

Bachelor of Music

Bachelor of Fine Arts Majors in Art Education, Design Communications and Studio Art

Majors in Church Music, Commercial Music, Composition, Music Education, Music with an Outside Minor, Music Theory, Musical Theatre, Performance and Piano Pedagogy

DEPARTMENT of THEATRE & DANCE Bachelor of Arts Major in Theatre Bachelor of Fine Arts Majors in Theatre with an emphasis in Performance, Directing, Production Design or Theatre Education Minor in Dance

Bachelor of Fine Arts Major in Musical Theatre Master of Music Majors in Church Music, Commercial Music, Composition, Music Education, Pedagogy and Performance

For more information, contact the CVPA Office: (615) 460-6408 or www.BELMONT.edu/cvpamajors

s erving nashville for over 27 years Hope Clinic for Women provides women and men with a safe environment for medical care, counsel, and practical support related to pregnancy, pregnancy loss, and post partum depression.

With many services free of charge, we rely on your generosity to help us grow.

Ask us about: • Volunteer opportunities • Financial support opportunities • Pregnancy services • In kind donations • Open Houses • Prevention education

www.hopeclinicforwomen.org

Equipping people, since 1983, to make healthy choices with unplanned pregnancies, abstinence, and past abortions.

www.ezellharding.com Go Eagles

“All the world’s a stage...”

E d u c at i n g S c h o l a r s w i t h I n t e g r i t y a n d B a l a n c e franklinroadacademy.com • 615. 832 . 8845

_ Shakespeare

franklin road academY Where Children Are At Home Wıth The Arts

Prekindergarten through Grade 12

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit.”

Children are starving.

— Nelson Henderson

From South America to Africa...

No food today means no hope for tomorrow.

Experience it with us.

Choose to make a difference.

YOU can save a child’s life today.

YOU can give him hope for tomorrow.

Just Hope

Please help us help them.

615.254.4663 www.habitatnashville.org follow us on:

INTERNATIONAL

Visit us at www.JustHopeInternational.org PO Box 2088 • Brentwood, Tennessee 37024

Event details and ticketing available at

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

AUGUsT EvENT

DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Metamorphoses: Drawings

by Erin Anfinson, Kristi Hargrove, Mark Hosford, and Chris scarboro

June 8 – Oct. 28

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Includes drawings by four area artists, whose tightly-controlled yet mysterious images suggest dissolution—of beliefs, information, even the body itself—and subsequent re-integration into novel forms that convey a sense of renewed possibility.

Williamson County Fair

Aug. 3 – 11

Williamson County Ag Expo Park

The Williamson County Fair presents “Life on the Farm”, celebrating our agricultural past, present and future, featuring live music, competitions, livestock shows, carnival rides, food, and much more.

The Real Inspector Hound

Aug. 3 – 25

Towne Centre Theatre

In the hilarious spoof of Agatha-Christie-like melodramas that follows, the body under the sofa proves to be the missing link. As mists rise about isolated Muldoon Manor, Moon and Birdboot become dangerously implicated in the lethal activities of an escaped madman.

First saturday Art Crawl

Aug. 4

Downtown Nashville

Every first Saturday of the month, multiple downtown galleries open their doors to avid art lovers as well as anyone else that is just curious to see what the Gallery Crawl is all about. Over 1,000 people attend this very popular monthly event. Most galleries serve free wine and other refreshments. The gallery crawl is a great free night on the town!

Dive-In Movie: Real Steel

Aug. 10

Nashville Shores

Dive-In Movies feature movies on the shores of Percy Priest Lake on select nights throughout the summer. The movie will begin at dusk, approximately 8:30pm.

shakespeare in the park: Much Ado About Nothing

Aug. 16 – Sept. 16

Centennial Park Bandshell

Enjoy an enchanting evening of theatre under the stars at The Nashville Shakespeare Festival's 24th Annual FREE Shakespeare in Centennial Park.

Wilson County Fair

Aug. 17 – 25

Lebanon, TN

Tennessee’s largest fair, the Wilson County Fair features six stages with nightly performances, rides and games, exhibits, delicious food, a demolition derby, lawn mower race, and various other fun events.

Highballs & Hydrangeas

Aug. 17

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

A Friday night cocktail fling, designed to introduce Nashville's downtown denizens, media/art/music/film people, budding art collectors, and urbane professionals to a contemporary, hipper side of Cheekwood.

Steel Magnolias

Aug. 17 – Sept. 1

Boiler Room Theatre

Concerned with a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, the play is alternately hilarious and touchin -- and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the antic banter of its characters.

> 74th Annual Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration Aug. 22 – Sept. 1 Shelbyville, TN The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration takes place each year during the 11 days and nights prior to Labor Day. It is the premiere event for the Tennessee Walking Horse, during which the breed’s World Grand Champion and some 20 World Champions are named. Other activities include a barn decorating contest, a trade fair and a dog show.

Music City Festival & BBQ Championship

98 98

Aug. 24 – 25

Riverfront Park

This two-day event will bring 20,000 + folks to downtown for festivities and live entertainment! Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville will be hopping with vendors, exhibits, live music stages, a kids zone with a kids activity stage, the Music City Car Show (Saturday) and the smell of 100+ BBQ teams vying for bragging rights and championship trophies.

This event is sanctioned by the Memphis BBQ Network and Kansas City BBQ Society.

AUG > Treehouses: Great Works of Literature May 26 – Sep. 3 Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art

EvENT

DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

Carnton summer Concert series

Aug. 26

Historic Carnton Plantation

A unique venue for friends and families to relax on the lawn and listen to some of the area’s most talented musicians. Guests are welcome to pack picnic dinners or take advantage of on-site food and beverage vendors.

Frist Fridays

Aug. 31

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

One of Nashville’s most popular summertime activities, Frist Fridays feature live entertainment, great art, and cash bars under the stars.

Full Moon pickin’ party

Aug. 31

Warner Parks Equestrian Center

These family-friendly evenings feature Middle Tennessee's finest bluegrass music under the light of a full moon. Pickers form circles around the grounds, while several headliners are featured on stage. Beverages are included in the ticket price. Monies raised go directly back into the Parks to ensure preservation, protection and funding of educational programs and special projects.

Event details and ticketing available at

A showcase of seven treehouses, each artfully designed to represent one of literature’s great works. Designs were submitted by area architects, landscape architects, and artists who let their imagination run wild creating imaginative and non-traditional treehouses that will explore innovation in architecture.

loCAl sHoppING sHoppING MAlls

BoUTIQUE sHoppING Betsy’s, 2218 Bandywood Dr., Nashville Boutique Bella, 2817 West End Ave., # 111, Nashville Coco, 4239 Harding Pike, Nashville Designer Renaissance, 2822 Bransford Ave., Nashville Emmaline, 400 Main St., #130, Franklin Fire Finch, 1818 21st Ave. South, Nashville 305 Church Street, Nashville Flavour, 1522 Demonbreun St., Nashville Gìn-ò Boutique, 118 4th Ave. South, Franklin H. Audrey, 4027 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville Habit, 2209 Bandywood Dr., Nashville Haven, 343 Main St., Franklin Hemline, 4025 Hillsboro Pike, #504, Nashville Imogene + Willie, 2601 12th Ave. S, Nashville Ivey, 1200 Villa Place Suite 108, Nashville

J. McLaughlin, 4027 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville J. Michael’s Clothiers, 2525 West End Ave., Nashville Jamie, 4317 Harding Pike, Nashville Katy K’s Ranch Dressing, 2407 12th Ave. S., Nashville Local Honey, 2009 Belmont Blvd., Nashville Moda, 2511 12th Ave. South, Nashville Muse Boutique, 2525 West End Ave. Ste 2505, Nashville Pangaea, 1721 21st Ave. South, Nashville Pastiche, 6031 Highway 100, Nashville Perfect Pair, 2209 Bandywood Dr., Nashville Philanthropy, 432 Main St., Franklin Posh, 1809 21st Ave. South, Nashville 4027 Hillsboro Pike, Nashville Scarlett Begonia, 2805 West End Ave., Nashville Serendipity Emporium, 2301 12th Ave. South, Nashville Smack Clothing, 2201 Elliston Place, Nashville Studio 615, 2922 West End Ave., Nashville The Cotton Mill, Grace’s Plaza, Nashville Two Elle, 2309 12th Ave. South, Nashville UAL, 2918 West End Ave., Nashville What’s-In-Store, 407 Main St., Franklin GIFT sHops A Thousand Faces, 1720 21st Ave. S., Nashville Corzine and Company, 4003 Hillsboro Rd, Nashville

Fabu, 4606 Charlotte Pike, Nashville Happiness Place, 2144 Bandywood Dr., Nashville Hot Pink, 231 Franklin Rd., Brentwood Ilex For Flowers, 4542 Harding Rd., Nashville Pear Tree Avenue, 237 Franklin Rd., Brentwood Rock Paper Scissors, 317 Main St., Franklin Social Graces, 1704 21st Ave. S., Nashville The Dotted Line, 2209 Bandywood Dr., Nashville The Registry, 335 Main St., Franklin

HoME DECor Ash Blue, 2170 Bandywood Dr., Nashville Bella Linea, 2133 Bandywood Dr., Nashville Curtain Exchange, 4103 Hillsboro Cir., Nashville Ferguson Bath and Kitchen Gallery, 3201 Powell Ave. #B, Nashville Hermitage Lighting Design Gallery, 531 Lafayette St., Nashville Inside Out, 149 Wilson Pike, Brentwood Kenny and Co., 303 11th Ave. S., Nashville Metropolis Antiques & Gifts, 1017 Fatherland St., East Nashville Nest Interiors, 1200 Villa Place Ste. 112, Nashville Noveau Classics of Nashville, 3201 Belmont Blvd., Nashville P.D.’s, 119 S. Margin St., Franklin ReDo Home & Design, 300 Public Square, Franklin Renaissance Tile and Bath, 1625 Broadway #100, Nashville Retropolitan, 1813 21st Ave. S., Nashville The Iron Gate, 338 Main St., Franklin

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

Cool Springs Mall, Brentwood/Franklin Hickory Hollow Mall Hill Center at Green Hills Indian Lake Village, Hendersonville Opry Mills Prime Outlets, Lebanon Rivergate Mall The Avenue, Murfreesboro The Mall at Green Hills

99 99

Event details and ticketing available at

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

sEpTEMBEr

100 100

> First Saturday Art Crawl Sept. 1 Downtown Nashville Every first Saturday of the month, multiple downtown galleries open their doors to avid art lovers as well as anyone else that is just curious to see what the Gallery Crawl is all about. Over 1,000 people attend this very popular monthly event.

Most galleries serve free wine and other refreshments. The gallery crawl is a great free night on the town!

EvENT

DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

science In Toyland

June 16 – Sep. 23

Adventure Science Center

Science in Toyland utilizes toys to demonstrate scientific principles and encourage children to experiment. Toyland combines the fun of playing games with problem solving to foster a positive attitude towards science, and provides children with a rich mix of discovery and experimentation in a safe and dynamic environment.

Constable: oil sketches from the victoria and Albert Museum

June 22 – Sep. 30

Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Centered on two major works by John Constable in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the full-size oil sketches for The Hay Wain and The Leaping Horse.

Zzzoofari slumber

Sept. 1

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Join us for a zoo-nique camping experience as you sleep under the stars just a short distance away from the snoozing animals. Enjoy a variety of activities that may include Private Keeper Talks, Twilight Tours, Animal Presentations, Hayrides, Crafts, and more.

pBr: professional Bull riders Jack Daniels Invitational

Sept. 7 – 8

Bridgestone Arena

In two-day competitions, the top 45 bull riders each ride one bull the first night of competition and one bull the second night of competition. The 15 riders with the highest total score on two bulls qualify for a third round of competition that takes place after intermission on the second night. The overall event winner is the bull rider with the highest three-ride total.

Home Decorating & remodeling show

Sept. 7 – 9

Nashville Convention Center

This show will feature almost every type of home product or service you can imagine, free seminars daily, and of course fabulous shopping.

Mahler’s Eighth – symphony of a Thousand

Sept. 7 – 9

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Join Giancarlo Guerrero as he leads 450 musicians and singers in one of the most monumental pieces of music ever written.

Caroline, or Change

Sept. 7 – 30

Street Theatre Company

Set in 1963 Louisiana, Caroline, or Change centers its action on the Gellman family and their African-American maid, Caroline, who is drifting through her life, nearly paralyzed by her circumstances - a single mother of four working in a service job to a white family.

23rd Annual White oaks Crafts Fair

Sept. 8 – 9

Arts Center of Cannon County

The work of over 75 craft artisans will be available for purchase as The White Oak Craft Fair returns for its 23rd year, offering something of interest for everybody who delights in original textiles, jewelry, woodcarving, metalwork, pottery, photography, chairs, baskets, ironwork, stained glass and much more. The White Oak Craft Fair takes place along the banks of the East Fork Stones River just down from the Arts Center.

The 13th Annual Americana Music Festival and Conference

Sept. 12 – 15

Sheraton Nashville Downtown

The 13th Annual Americana Music Festival & Conference will offer seminars, panels and networking opportunities at the Sheraton Nashville Downtown Hotel by day, and bring a stellar lineup of musical showcases each evening at premiere venues like The Mercy Lounge, Cannery Ballroom, The Station Inn, and The Basement.

Boyz II Men

Sept. 13 – 15

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Celebrating their 20th anniversary this year, they sound just as fresh as ever.

They’ll bring their singular style for an evening of such timeless hits as “End of the Road” and “On Bended Knee,” along with some classic Motown soul.

Healthspring senior Day

Sept. 14

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Adults age 65 and older get free admission to the Zoo on Senior Day, as a result of a partnership between Nashville Zoo and HealthSpring.

sEp DATE

loCATIoN

DEsCrIpTIoN

A Woman’s life

Sept. 20 – 22

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

Richard Danielpour adapts the poetry of Maya Angelou to trace the universal experiences of womanhood, from childhood to old age. Described as “a perfect cycle” by the composer, this piece is a breathtaking vehicle for soprano Angela Brown, whose powerful, shimmering voice will capture the spirit of Angelou’s words. Dazzling pianist Olga Kern takes the stage for Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, one of the most challenging and thrilling pieces of music ever written. And who doesn’t love the William Tell Overture, known to all through The Lone Ranger and Looney Tunes?

Heritage Ball

Sept. 22

Eastern Flank Battlefield Park

Hosted by The Heritage Foundation of Franklin and Williamson County, its annual fundraiser, Heritage Ball, will feature dinner and dancing.

> 34th Annual TACA Fall Craft Fair Sept. 21 – 23 Centennial Park

Event details and ticketing available at

EvENT

A signature event in Nashville, TACA’s Fall Craft Fair offers shoppers the opportunity to meet and talk with exhibiting artists, enjoy children’s activities, visit special exhibits and demonstrations, and purchase a wide variety of uniquely handcrafted art.

Walk of Fame Park

The Lady Speed Stick® Women's Half Marathon Nashville awards all half marathon finishers an industry-first, patent-pending, two-in-one medal and charm. Finishers will also receive a designer goodie bag and tech tee. The event begins with a two-day, women-specific health and fitness expo and finishes with an outdoor party.

Nashville Zoo’s 15th Annual Harvest Days

Sept. 22 – 23

Nashville Zoo at Grassmere

Step back to the days of yore, and help the Zoo celebrate its favorite "past" time, Harvest Days, at the Grassmere Historic Farm. Harvest Days is a celebration of life at harvest time in the 1800s, featuring fun, educational activities for the whole family!

Full Moon pickin’ party

Sept. 28

Warner Parks Equestrian Center

These family-friendly evenings feature Middle Tennessee's finest bluegrass music under the light of a full moon. Pickers form circles around the grounds, while several headliners are featured on stage. Beverages are included in the ticket price. Monies raised go directly back into the Parks to ensure preservation, protection and funding of educational programs and special projects.

WHErE To HEAr lIvE MUsIC 3rd and Lindsley 12th and Porter 12 South Taproom & Grill Arrington Vineyards B.B. King’s Blues Club Bluesboro Bootleggers Inn Bourbon Street Blues & Boogie Bar Bunganut Pig Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum Dan McGuiness Irish Pub Dick’s Last Resort Douglas Corner Café Exit/In F. Scott’s Restaurant and Jazz Bar Foobar Frist Center for the Visual Arts

Grand Ole Opry House Grimey’s New and Preloved Music Hard Rock Café Reverb Room Layla’s Bluegrass Inn Legends Corner Limelight Loews Vanderbilt Hotel Marathon Music Works Margaritaville Nashville Music City Bar & Grill Nashville Palace National Underground Puckett’s Grocery Red Rooster Bar & Music Hall Ri’chard’s Cafe Rippy’s Smokin’ Bar & Grill Robert’s Western World Rocketown

Ryman Auditorium Sambuca Second Fiddle The 5 Spot The Basement The Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar The Bluebird Café The Commodore Grille The End The Family Wash The Fontanel Mansion & Farm The Listening Room Cafe The Loveless Barn The Mercy Lounge and Cannery Ballroom The Muse

The Pond The Rutledge The Stage on Broadway The Station Inn Tin Roof Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge Whiskey Bent Saloon Wildhorse Saloon

An initiative of The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee

lady speed stick Women’s Sept. 22 Half Marathon Nashville

101 101

TRIBUTE To oUR

troops

Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Program

102

NASHVILLE ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

t

he program literature reads: “It is said that a veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to the U.S. of America for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’”

The program is Lipscomb University’s Yellow Ribbon Program—a partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, which administers the Post-9/11 GI Bill, offering returning veterans free college tuition in a public university.

Lipscomb University’s commitment as a private faith-based institution is to boldly embrace the Yellow Ribbon program as well, and create a prototype for other private institutions to do the same thing.

“I have a vision,” says Lipscomb University President L. Randolph Lowry. “If we can get 100 faith-based schools to educate 100 veterans… that sounds exciting to me. We are trying to share our story so other schools can see the value of doing all they can to provide a free or low-cost education to our returning veterans.”

For Lowry, the Yellow Ribbon program at

Wynonna

Lipscomb is about more than an education.

It’s about a university and community coming together in support of returning veterans, providing a faith-based environment for them to reintegrate into society. “We are small enough to care and large enough to challenge them academically,” Lowry says. “The first three veterans graduated this year and we recognized them at commencement. Immediately there was a standing ovation that started with the students.

It reflects the fact we are a school that serves. I am so impressed with the younger generation.”

Lipscomb is one of the few private universities in the nation offering an undergraduate degree—as well as select graduate degrees—to eligible military veterans through the Yellow Ribbon program. According to Deby Samuels, vice president of university communication and marketing, more than 100 veterans are participating in the program this fall.

Lowry also notes another benefit of having service men and women at Lipscomb University. “The veterans are disciplined, directed and

have done things most of us can’t imagine in terms of the service required. They are productive members of our community who offer a unique perspective and maturity in the classroom that is valuable,” he says.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill pays one-third of Lipscomb University’s undergraduate tuition. Lipscomb underwrites half the remaining amount and the Veteran’s Administration’s Yellow Ribbon Program matches that amount. Presently, Lipscomb underwrites approximately $7,000 per veteran making a tuition-free education.

Enter Charlie Daniels who, with a few good men and women from his organization, has organized and hosted two concert events—Operation Yellow Ribbon—to create greater awareness of the educational needs of our returning veterans.

“We have so many heroes whose needs fly below our radar. This shouldn’t be happening and Operation Yellow Ribbon is helping to

Charlie Daniels in Iraq playing for the troops

make sure it doesn’t,” Daniels says. A variety of celebrities, including Wynonna Judd, The Grascals, Kix Brooks, Montgomery Gentry and Amy Grant, have helped Daniels raise awareness for Lipscomb’s program.

Lipscomb has decided to enhance its involvement in veterans’ education apart from its Yellow Ribbon Program. Last year at the Operation Yellow Ribbon concert, the university announced a partnership with the Sentinels of Freedom Foundation, a program that gives disabled veterans a chance at a tuition-free education. The first three recipients will enroll at Lipscomb this fall.

“The lens I look at life through is Jesus—how did he relate to people,” Lowry shares. “He was responding to those denied opportunities. That population changes generation by generation, but in our nation today, those of the Christian faith want to respond to that same group.”

At Lipscomb University, they have. 

www.nashvilleartsandentertainment.com

103

H s n e r p p ! a H c i g a M

tpac.org • 615 -782-4040

TPAC Box Office (Downtown or inside The Mall at Green Hills) Groups call 615-782-4060

Rockin’ Nashville Since 1925 2011-12 SeaSoN

September 27 – October 2, 2011

November 15-20, 2011

January 3-8, 2012

Whatever the decade or style, some of the hottest acts in music have played War Memorial Auditorium.

Mumford & Sons, November 1, 2010

February 7-12, 2012

March 20-25, 2012

May 1-6, 2012

See all six season shows for less than $150 tpac.org/broadway • 615-782-6560

TPAC Box Office (Downtown or inside The Mall at Green Hills) Some shows may contain adult language and content. Memphis contains mature subject matter. As always, we encourage you to contact TPAC directly for more specifics. Artists, schedules and show titles are subject to change.

PLUS, receive priority seating for 2011-12 Broadway SpecialS, including the return of Wicked, Nashville’s most popular musical!

October 19 – November 6, 2011

January 27-28, 2012

Upcoming shows include:

EVANESCENCE , August 17 SOUNDLAND 2011, September 21 ARCTIC MONKEYS, October 5

Get your tickets today!

TPAC.org/shows • 615-782-4040

c s IS exu 11 L 20 The

With Lines This Good...

You May Get A

Standing Ovation.

Lexus of Nashville And Lexus of Nashville North.

Proud Supporters Of The Arts. www.NashvilleLexus.com

ANNUAL GUIDE

celebrating the best of Nashville

At First Tennessee, we love the arts as much as you do. That’s why we support them. And why we make it easier for you to be there for every great performance by providing convenient hours and online banking.

Not to mention multiple ATMs and locations that make it easy to find us on the way to the show. For all the other financial ways we help power your dreams, stop by or visit ftb.com.

MORETHANMUSIC

Nashville celebrities

Are everywHere

steveN rAC clark curtis iNterview

On

hOME •awards ShOwS & that faMOUS father

spring / summer 2012 An n uAl E dition

©2010 First Tennessee Bank National Association. Member FDIC. www.firsttennessee.com

SIXTH AnnuAl EdITIon — SPRInG/SuMMER 2012

Powering your next stage in life

NASHVILLE

Display until July 31, 2012

chapmaN’s

sHow (oF) HoPe

featuring: MOSt IntEREStIng PeoPle, Places & things SpECIal SECtIOn: nashville’s SOngwRItERS take it to the StagE whO’S whO in the lItERaRy, pERfORMIng and vISUal aRtS scenes ClaSh of the tItanS qbs • now Playing nashville’s ExClUSIvE CalEndaR