VIE Magazine May 2020

TH

E S H OW

THE ENTERTAINERS M

US

N T GO O

!

TALES from a HOLLYWOOD CHILD STAR

WORDS of HOPE

LAUREN DAIGLE

ALL

BREAKS the MOLD

CORA SUE COLLINS

TAKES HER WALK of FAME

THE

WORLD’S A STAGE AN ICONIC STORYTELLER

May 2020

O TR

NG E R MA G

IC

DAVID OLNEY

S

REMEMBERING

The Talented & Driven

LESLIE ODOM JR.

FORMER HAMILTON STAR on HIS LATEST SOLO ALBUM, the GRADUATIONS of LIFE, and REACHING IMPOSSIBLE DREAMS

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In this issue On the Cover

Leslie Odom Jr. has been in the entertainment industry since 1998, when he joined the Broadway cast of Rent at age seventeen. Since then, the award-winning actor, dancer, singer, writer, and producer has had great success—and many failures along the way that he prefers to call learning experiences. Learn all about them in his book, Failing Up, and read more in our feature story as this star recounts his experiences in Hamilton, shares his excitement for upcoming projects, and drops some wisdom along the way.

Photo by Jimmy Fontaine

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PASS THE POPCORN! WE’RE ALL SPENDING A LITTLE MORE TIME AT HOME LATELY, AND THAT MEANS IT’S THE PERFECT TIME FOR A MOVIE NIGHT. CHECK OUT FORD V FERRARI AND OTHER TOP PICKS OF 2019—AND FIND OUT HOW TO WATCH NOW—IN THIS ISSUE’S FAVORITE FILMS ROUNDUP.

Photo by Merrick Morton © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation

FEATURE

SARTORIAL

28 Stronger Magic: Reaching the

84 Rebel Hearts: Vintage Couture by Loveworn

Impossible Dream

LE MONDE 27 34 Going Her Own Way: The Business of Morgan James

PUBLISHED BY

in London Since 1954

VISUAL PERSPECTIVES 97

Words of Hope

98 Lens Craft: Tom Griscom Photography

46 Acoustic Feedback 52 Songbird in Flight: Tami Jones Spreads Her Wings

58 The Glamour of Old Hollywood: A Childhood Legend Tells Her Story

63 L’intermission: Customize Your Life 64 David Olney: An Iconic Storyteller

104 I Want Candy: Robyn Blair Hits a Sugar High 110 Embrace Creation 115 L’intermission: Life Is Grayt

L’AMOUR 116 A Simple Beachside Wedding: Niki Noblin and Jeff Sliger

68 Seaside Celebrates the Greats: Tribute

INTROSPECTIONS

Concerts at The REP Theater

120 The Greatest Gifts

72 Nineteen Popular Films of 2019 and Where to Watch Them TheIdeaBoutique.com info@theideaboutique.com

92 The Show Must Go On: Sharing Music

40 Lauren Daigle: Crossing Genres with 45 L’intermission: Fire Up Your Hulu Vie is a French word meaning “life” or “way of living.” VIE magazine sets itself apart as a high-gloss publication that focuses on human-interest stories with heart and soul. From Seattle to NYC with a concentration in the Southeast, VIE is known for its unique editorial approach—a broad spectrum of deep content with rich photography. The award-winning magazine was founded in 2008 by husband-and-wife team Lisa and Gerald Burwell, owners of the specialty publishing and branding house known as The Idea Boutique®. From the finest artistically bound books to paperless digital publication and distribution, The Idea Boutique provides comprehensive publishing services to authors and organizations. Its team of creative professionals delivers a complete publishing experience—all that’s needed is your vision.

VOYAGER 91

C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION: ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED? 82

THE LAST WORD: MUSIC AND ENTERTAINMENT 125 AU REVOIR! 129 V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 11

Fulfilling Dreams Since 1976

Photo by Romona Robbins

efs a nj u a n.c o m

CREATIVE TEAM FOUNDER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF LISA MARIE BURWELL Lisa@VIEmagazine.com

FOUNDER / PUBLISHER GERALD BURWELL Gerald@VIEmagazine.com

EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR JORDAN STAGGS Jordan@VIEmagazine.com

CHIEF COPY EDITOR MARGARET STEVENSON CONTRIBUTING WRITERS NAOMI ALVARADO, FRANK BERTÉ, SALLIE W. BOYLES, FELICIA FERGUSON, CINDY GARRARD, ANTHEA GERRIE, MYLES MELLOR, KELSEY OGLETREE, CAROLYN O’NEIL, NIKI NOBLIN, TORI PHELPS, SUZANNE POLL AK, NICHOL AS S. RACHEOTES, L AURETTE RYAN, COLLEEN SACHS, JANET THOMAS, MEGAN WALDREP

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SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNERS OLIVIA PIERCE HANNAH VERMILLION

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14 | MAY 2020

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Editor’s Note

The WORLD Hit the PAUSE BUTTON

W

e interrupt our regularly scheduled lives . . .

I didn’t see it coming. I thought the distant rumblings about the coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, in early January were going to remain just that—distant.

But upon learning of the onset in Seattle, Washington, in late January, my attention was piqued. One of my brothers-in-law and his family live there. I kept a watchful eye on the news that week to monitor the situation, making calls and sending texts to the family to see how they were doing. They were doing well, and, at that time, everything was still business as usual. That was somewhat reassuring as I had a short jaunt to NYC planned for early February to meet my two sisters, whom I hadn’t seen in a while. But a still, small voice inside me alerted me to the possible danger of exposure to the virus. My sisters and I had already canceled several reunions in the previous six months, and I was determined not to cancel again. Strangely, I felt that if I didn’t make the trip, it could be a long time before we’d be able to get together.

So I went, and we had a great time with much-needed and overdue bonding. I made it back home safe and sound, not realizing that the Big Apple would soon be under lockdown due to a worldwide pandemic.

The deadly progression of the hard-to-contain virus was gaining traction in Italy and Iran. I have seen our world stricken with some pretty severe viral scares in my lifetime, but it was hard not to notice the extreme seriousness of this outbreak. The numbers of deaths were escalating, and the worry on the faces of doctors and politicians was undeniable. Still, we marched on—no need for concern. We always figure these things out just in time. Right? Not this time. This menacing and pernicious virus is relentless. COVID-19 invaded our shores, and it hasn’t let up. We’ve read in history books about pandemics like the bubonic plague—which has had at least three world campaigns—the 1918 Spanish flu, and smallpox, to name a few. But it’s difficult to fathom that, with our current knowledge base of epidemiology and history, this could be happening.

So now, the world has hit the pause button. With dread and confusion about how this could be happening, most of those with the ability to do so are now working remotely, shuttered inside their homes. I find it ironic as I have had a running joke with God that all I needed was for the world to stop for a little while so that I could get caught up. But there is something very sobering about a crisis that requires the attention and participation of literally every person around the world.

We are all in this together, but our first responders carry the heaviest responsibilities.

Many politicians have boldly stepped up with a determined resolve to do their part in winning this war. Thank you for your tireless efforts and for revealing strength and character as true leaders. Things are not going perfectly, but most people are doing their best. Meanwhile, the medical community has become the frontline cavalry in this contagion battle. I’ve never been more impressed with our medical “soldiers,” those who are fighting to save lives while putting their own at risk. We all need to give a huge thank-you to all the doctors, physician assistants, nurses, orderlies, and other support staff. You are our heroes.

Now that we find ourselves with time to do things at home and to immerse ourselves in selfish distractions, it’s oddly appropriate that this should be VIE’s annual entertainment issue. Music is a great healer and unifier, as is evidenced by the Italians who, while under a shutter-in-place decree, have been joining together and singing in beautiful harmony from their apartment balconies.

The talented entertainers featured within these pages are amazing. And since these gifted musicians are unable to perform publicly during this coronavirus pandemic, I hope you are moved to support them by purchasing their music. I am so excited that the multitalented Leslie Odom, Jr. graces our cover. Please read his inspirational story of life’s lessons in “Stronger Magic—Reaching the Impossible Dream.”

I believe good will come from this. I believe that God is still in control and will save humanity. We need to pray for help and for God to heal our land (2 Chronicles 7:14). Now that He has our attention, I believe that we need to love one another better than we did before. I’m praying more. I’m loving better.

Maybe it’s just me, but since the world stopped, I seem to hear the birds sing like never before.

—Lisa Marie Founder/Editor-In-Chief

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 17

The Creatives

We collaborate with talented photographers, writers, and other creatives on a regular basis, and we’re continually inspired by how they pour their hearts and souls into their crafts. Follow these creatives on social media and don’t forget to check out our account, @viemagazine.

ALSO, IT FEELS NAOMI ALVARADO

THAT DURING THESE TIMES IT’S IMPORTANT TO

Writer, “An Iconic Storyteller”

BE REMINDED OR MADE AWARE OF OUR CONNECTION

@preschoolandprosecco

IN THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE CREATIVES: WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST COMFORTING ABOUT ART, MUSIC, OR OTHER CREATIVE OUTLETS IN TIMES OF HARDSHIP?

For me, music creates so many different emotions. It can bring us back to a sense of normalcy, fuel energy levels for a tough workout, or even help us have a good cry.

This time of year is usually filled with events to kick off the busy season while tourists pour in, but this year is drastically different.

I’ve been able to connect with my friends for virtual happy hours and coffee dates while we listen to live streams from local artists. I’ve had music playing in the backyard with my son or while I’m making dinner to remind me of fun times and boost my spirits.

TO OURSELVES, OUR COMMUNITIES, AND OUR ENVIRONMENT, AND ART IS A REALLY EASY WAY TO DO THAT.

TOM GRISCOM Photographer, “Lens Craft”

SHANTELL MARTIN Artist @shantell_martin

Turning toward creativity and art during hardships can be extremely soothing. Also, it feels that during these times it’s important to be reminded or made aware of our connection to ourselves, our communities, and our environment, and art is a really easy way to do that. Art can be the path we follow toward a solution when faced with a problem, no matter how great or small. It is another tool that we all have access to that can guide us. Often asking questions like ARE YOU YOU, I’m thinking about new ones like ARE WE WE.

@tomgriscom

MORGAN JAMES Musician, “Going Her Own Way” @morganajames

In times of hardship, I am so comforted by the sense of community and humanity music brings.

During this time of social distancing, I have been performing online concerts, and to see thousands of people gathered—in different time zones and parts of the world—is incredibly heartwarming.

It reminds us all how much we need art, and how much of a mirror it holds up to our society.

Never underestimate the transformative nature of music. I got my millionth reminder of it during the first week of lockdown in Atlanta. Getting ready to go for a walk through Piedmont Park, I just happened to check a music review site and found that the new Childish Gambino album had just dropped. After quickly loading it on my phone, I made my way to the park. The next hour was an audio journey that seemed perfectly synced to the morphing sky and changing landscape. Dark brooding clouds collected over the city to deep pulsating bass and then broke moments later to the sound of Beatlesque harmonizing. By the time I was walking back up to my home, I felt a sense of brightness and calm.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 19

B E A U TY, S I M P L I C I TY, B A LA N C E , A N D G R AC E ST I L L T H R I V E .

During this quiet time, we are ever-thankful for our Alys Beach family. Our hearts are with you, no matter if you’re near or far. It is our hope that we all can reflect and be still in the moment. Connect in new ways. See that there is indeed beauty all around us, even in the simplest of things. Let life, especially now, be defined by joy and community.

Until we see you again, take care and be well. We look forward to welcoming you back to our beloved beach town as soon as it is safe.

FOR INFORM ATION & UPDATES A LY S B E A C H .C OM — 8 5 0 . 213 . 5 5 0 0

La conversation

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS WE LOVE TO COMMUNICATE AND INTERACT WITH OUR READERS! AND WE LOVE IT EVEN MORE WHEN THEY PROUDLY SHARE THEIR STORIES AND POSE WITH VIE FOR A CLOSE-UP! THAT’S WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT: SHARING, LOVING, AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS. WE THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH AND WE APPRECIATE YOU!

@zhours I’m featured in @viemagazine’s March issue, chatting about what fashion means to me and about my top five must-haves!

@alohaborah.media Aloha! We have been selected for the Rome Prisma Independent Film Awards! Thank you to all who supported us during the process of filming and editing this documentary in one week! Wow! Thank you @viemagazine, @lisamburwell, and @burwellassociates for allowing us to capture and share the story of VIE. Thank you all for joining us on our journey! This is just the beginning of more great things.

@30a_makeupartist It’s such a pleasure and honor “glamming” local innovators! Rebecca is the owner of @mingle30a and the first person to bring these gorgeous balloon displays to SoWal. She is incredibly talented, and her creations are stunning! If you have a celebration coming up and are looking to impress your guests, look no further. Photo by @viemagazine. Hair by @poseidonsands. Makeup by me!

@kelseybarnardclark Interviews are a breeze with @viemagazine. Thank y’all for the feature and for including me in this amazing group of creatives.

LET’S TALK!

@aceatthebeach The sun hasn’t come out in a few days, so I’m just over here dreaming of spring. @viemagazine @tribekelleysurfpost @brennakneissphoto @shelbyherronbeauty @hairbykaitlynbrown

@viemagazine “We love and thank all of our VIE magazine friends, family, clients, employees, advertising partners, readers, and subscribers. We are praying and believing for God’s intervention to help us in this time of great peril. We are praying for you and believe God will defend us against COVID-19.” —@lisamburwell, owner/founder of The Idea Boutique and CEO/editor-in-chief of VIE

Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!

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V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 23

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Le monde

Visit ShantellMartin.art now to learn more or shop prints, books, and other artworks.

Photo by Manolo Campion

Le monde GOES ROUND AND ROUND

Visionary artist and instructor Shantell Martin has released her brand-new book, Lines Lines..

This beautiful and thought-provoking coffee-table book features her work across the creative fields of drawing, performance, music, technology, and fashion. It also includes the first critical essay on Martin’s work by Katharine Stout, former deputy director of the Institute of Contemporary Arts, and an interview with Hans Ulrich Obrist, artistic director at the Serpentine Galleries. Lines is for sale now on Amazon, and signed special editions with hand-drawn covers are available on the artist’s website.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 27

Photo by Paul Morejรณn 28 | MAY 2020

A I M GC S T R O N G E R

REACHING THE IMPOSSIBLE DREAM INTERVIEW BY LISA BURWELL AND JORDAN STAGGS

TALENTED AND DRIVEN ARTIST LESLIE ODOM JR. IS MORE THAN A TRIPLE THREAT—HE HAS RISEN ABOVE HIS ROOTS AS AN ACTOR, SINGER, AND DANCER TO ADD PUBLISHED AUTHOR AND TELEVISION PRODUCER TO HIS PROFESSIONAL RÉSUMÉ. THIS YEAR, THE FORMER HAMILTON STAR IS ON TOUR PROMOTING HIS THIRD SOLO STUDIO ALBUM, MR, RELEASED IN NOVEMBER OF 2019.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29

O Above right: Leslie Odom Jr.’s 2019 solo album, Mr, is a thirteen-track mix of modern jazz, R&B, and soul that will surely get your feet tapping.

Photo courtesy of S-Curve Records

30 | MAY 2020

dom received training at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and made his Broadway debut at age seventeen in the acclaimed musical Rent, written by Jonathan Larson. The musical, he says, was life changing for him in the same way that Hamilton has impacted so many young actors today. That small role was a spark that fanned into a flame of passion for the Broadway stage—a place Odom says seemed mystifying and sexy to a kid growing up in Philly’s East Oak Lane neighborhood and singing in the Baptist church choir.

made an impression. The first eight bars of the show are some of the best writing for the theater, ever, and I’m so grateful to have been a part of it.

Hamilton opened doors for me that might never have been opened— it was the opportunity of a lifetime.”

The revolutionary musical is still running on Broadway and in Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and Australia and has touring performances throughout North America— all of which frequently sell out. But for those who didn’t get the chance

to see Odom and the rest of the He went on to graduate original principal Broadway cast with honors from Carnegie on stage, Disney is releasing a Mellon University. In 2012, film of the stage production in he won the Fred and Adele October 2021.

Astaire Award—considered one of the highest achieve“I’m super excited to see the origiments in theater—for TO BE ABLE TO CUT THROUGH THE NOISE AND GET nal cast—I never got to see them Broadway’s best dancer. He in the show, and I hear they’re put in years of hard work as ON SOMEBODY’S RADAR IS HARD, BUT WE KNEW great,” Odom jokes. He goes on a singer, dancer, and actor WE LOVED THIS SHOW AND WE BELIEVED IN to say he is looking forward to for both the stage and the the chance to watch the film with screen, and he lived in Los IT, AND IT OBVIOUSLY MADE AN IMPRESSION. his family, including his daughter, Angeles for nearly a decade Lucille Ruby. before making history as Aaron Burr in a sold-out Odom released his eponymous solo performance of Lin-Manuel jazz album in 2014, which he had Miranda’s Hamilton on worked on with producer Steve January 20, 2015, at the Greenberg during afternoons and Public Theater in New York precious few days off between his Broadway performances. Odom’s holiday jazz City. The smash-hit musical, which details the life of album, Simply Christmas, debuted in 2016.

US founding father Alexander Hamilton, moved to the Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway shortly Mr, which is now available on CD and digital formats, is Odom’s first album thereafter, and Odom won both a Tony Award for Best of original songs and includes an upbeat mix of jazz, pop, and R&B. He has Actor in a Musical and a Grammy for Best Musical described it as an album that sounds like what Nat King Cole might sing today.

Theater Album as part of the original cast in 2016.

“It was the next frontier and the next logical step in my career,” he says of Mr and his accompanying 2020 North American tour. While some of his tour dates “I’ve spent enough time in my field to recognize when were postponed due to the outbreak of COVID-19, the show must go on, and something crosses my desk that is special,” Odom plans have been made to reschedule those shows for the fall of this year. “Having says of reading Miranda’s Hamilton script for the first learned so much about the recording process over the years, it felt like this album time and seeing the workshop performance at Vassar was the right thing to do—but it was definitely harder than I thought it would be.

College. “I knew that, but I didn’t know America But it’s been so rewarding, and I hope people enjoy it.” would feel the same way I did. It’s a busy, noisy world we live in. To be able to cut through the noise and While the thirty-eight-year-old performer’s story is far from finished, he remains get on somebody’s radar is hard, but we knew we incredibly humble and full of gratitude for what he has achieved thus far. “My career loved this show and we believed in it, and it obviously

“

”

Left: Photo by Jimmy Fontaine

has already exceeded all of my wildest dreams, so all of this is like the icing on a really delicious cake,” Odom admits.

Following on his poignant performance as abolitionist and writer William Still in the Academy Award–nominated film Harriet and his role as Dr. Arbuthnot in the 2017 adaptation of Murder on the Orient Express, Odom’s big-screen star is on the rise. He’ll appear in this year’s The Many Saints of Newark, a prequel to The Sopranos from writers David Chase and Lawrence Konner and director Alan Taylor. It’s set to be released on September 25.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 31

I

n addition to a couple of other projects in postproduction, Odom’s excited to be playing legendary singer-songwriter and producer Sam Cooke in the upcoming One Night in Miami. The film is a fictional account of real events that took place on February 25, 1964, between friends Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), Sam Cooke, Malcolm X, and NFL star Jim Brown in a hotel room after Clay’s world boxing championship win. The film, an adaptation of a play by Kemp Powers, is also Oscar-winning actress Regina King’s big-screen directorial debut.

“Regina wanted to work on a black love story,” says Odom. “It’s a different kind of love story, about the friendship and brotherhood these men shared. Regina is an amazing advocate—she’s the kind of director you want, who will support you and help you get it right. I had the time of my life, and I was feeling things on that set that I’ve never felt—there were goose bumps. The writer’s whole thesis is to lift the fourth wall of the hotel room where these friends are hanging out and exploring what they might have talked about, because no one really knows. Those are the moments that really got me excited.”

“

Other upcoming films include Music, directed by Sia, and an untitled project costarring Kerry Washington that tells the true story of LA-based pastors Touré and Sarah Roberts.

AS TIME PASSES, GETTING OLDER AND HAVING A CHILD, I THINK ABOUT PASSING THINGS ON— THINGS LIKE PERSONAL INTEGRITY AND BEING ABLE TO SLEEP SOUNDLY AT NIGHT. I THINK THINGS ARE EASIER TO DO WHEN YOU’RE FOLLOWING YOUR HEART.

Above right: Leslie Odom Jr. in the studio recording his album Mr in New York City.

Photo by Paul Morejón

32 | MAY 2020

”

For every bit of his success (and there’s a lot), Odom implores his admirers to realize he has had many more setbacks. As most who achieve greatness seem to learn, he says the failures are what get you to your goals in the end. Odom calls each big moment in his life a graduation and outlines his advice for the younger generation in his 2018 book, Failing Up: How to Take Risks, Aim Higher, and Never Stop Learning.

“I did not think I actually had a book in me,” he admits, “but when I was approached by the publisher, they suggested that I write this in the voice of a commencement address, and then I thought, okay, I can do that. It set me free, and I could think about what I wish someone told me when I was that age.”

With personal stories from Odom’s life, Failing Up asks the questions that will help readers unlock their potential and achieve seemingly impossible goals: “What work did you put in today that will help you improve tomorrow? How do you surround yourself with people who will care about your dreams as much as you do? How do you know when to play it safe and when to risk it all for something bigger and better?”

Odom says his goal was to help readers come to some realizations: “College isn’t the last graduation. I’ve had so many graduations since then; leaving Hamilton, my first album, first tour, becoming a father. Life and all those moments are about

apprehension and excitement but also about taking risks and putting yourself out there. As time passes, getting older and having a child, I think about passing things on—things like personal integrity and being able to sleep soundly at night. I think things are easier to do when you’re following your heart.”

Whether by fate or not, it seems like Odom’s immeasurable talent has led him toward the big conversation-changing projects, from the hit TV show Smash to Hamilton and now to films like Harriet and One Night in Miami. He’s become an integral part of storytelling that makes a difference to audiences, though he admits that he feels “careers only make sense in hindsight. But the right things will find their way to you; the choices you make telegraph to the world what you want to do.”

Are there any all-new undertakings germinating in Odom’s soul? “That’s a good question,” he says with a pause. “There is one dream I’m not quite ready to voice yet,” he chuckles. “For now, I just keep putting one foot in front of the other. I’m having so much fun, following my joy and my passion, challenging myself—what else are you supposed to do?”

It’s impossible to know exactly what’s next for the multitalented Leslie Odom Jr. But for a man who seems destined for greatness at every turn, there’s no doubt it will be spectacular. We’ll just have to wait for it.

VISIT LESLIEODOMJR.COM OR FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM @LESLIEODOMJR FOR MORE NEWS, TOUR DATES, AND MORE.

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THE BUSINESS OF

M o r g a n Ja m e s

OWN Interview by

LISA BURWELL AND JORDAN STAGGS Photos by

JENNY ANDERSON PHOTOGRAPHY

Le monde

“NO ONE WORKS HARDER THAN THE PEOPLE ON BROADWAY,” SAYS SONGSTRESS MORGAN JAMES AS NEW YORK CITY TRAFFIC PROVIDES THE BACKGROUND SOUNDS FOR HER PHONE CALL. SHE’S JUST RETURNED FROM A TOUR IN TAIWAN AND IS ON A HIGH FROM THE RELEASE OF HER LATEST SOLO STUDIO ALBUM, MEMPHIS MAGNETIC, WHICH DEBUTED ON FEBRUARY 7. “BEING IN FOUR SHOWS ON BROADWAY TAUGHT ME ABOUT HARD WORK, STAMINA, AND PERSEVERANCE.” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 35

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ames would know all about those things, especially after being classically trained at the prestigious Juilliard School and appearing in Broadway’s The Addams Family, Wonderland, Godspell, and Motown: the Musical. But it also took a hefty amount of courage to make Memphis Magnetic happen.

After the heartbreaking experience of being dropped by Epic Records—the label that put out her 2014 album, Hunter— James decided to do it all her way and self-produce her next two albums through her own label, Hedonist Records. “There’s not just one way to make it in the music industry anymore,” she admits. “I’m doing it differently than others. I had the major label experience—it’s not as magical as you’d think, even with all the magical things around you.”

Of course, self-producing an entire album of original jazz songs is not easy either.

James and her small but talented and dedicated team, including coproducer Doug Wamble (who also happens to be her husband), spent ten days in the album’s namesake recording studio making real magic.

Memphis Magnetic Recording Co. is new on the scene, having opened in March of 2019, but is housed in an old bank on Vance Avenue in the heart of the city known as Home of the Blues. Much of its authentic analog equipment is vintage, coming from studios in Nashville and installed in the new space by legendary studio designer Bob Suffolk. Not surprisingly for a performer whose role in Motown on Broadway seemed made just for her, James knew Memphis Magnetic was the perfect place to record her new album.

“Doug is from Memphis, and he and my whole team are so supportive of my vision and desire,” James says.

“We all aligned on the whole album. I’m proud of my other albums, but this one felt truly organic. I had total creative freedom and didn’t have to put anything on it that I didn’t want.”

The result is a soulful twelve-track lineup that will bring listeners back to the golden age of recording that James loves so much and which continually inspires her. She’s covered entire albums by Joni Mitchell and the Beatles, but Memphis Magnetic expresses the music that is truly her own, with her own sound and message that are contemporary yet keep the vintage 1960s and ’70s sound that has become her signature. “I’d never recorded on tape before,” James says. “There’s much more of a live, organic freedom to it, like being on stage. What you hear on the album is really like a live performance; it’s lush and natural, not rushed. It just feels right and authentic for me.”

36 | MAY 2020

THE RESULT IS A SOULFUL TWELVETRACK LINEUP THAT WILL BRING LISTENERS BACK TO THE GOLDEN AGE OF RECORDING THAT JAMES LOVES SO MUCH AND WHICH CONTINUALLY INSPIRES HER.

Morgan James belts her heart out at Joe’s Pub in New York City on February 9, 2020, as she celebrates the debut of her latest studio album, Memphis Magnetic.

Above right: Percussionist Damon Grant joined Morgan James and the rest of the band to perform Memphis Magnetic live at the Fairfield Theatre Company in Connecticut on February 28, 2020.

Photo by Scott Vincent

To promote the album, James released the full music video for “Give You Up” on February 6. The lighthearted, cheeky film was directed by Jonah Helms and shot at Memphis Magnetic. James can be seen transformed into a Twiggyesque beauty whose love interest, a mannequin in spectacularly ’70s garb, is obviously less than interested. The lyrics “He won’t give you what you need, but he won’t give you up,” accompany her journey from settling for a dummy to becoming a sexy, independent siren. “The director, Jonah, wanted to show two sides of personality in a vintage way,” James explains, adding that the costumes were all hers. “I’ve been collecting vintage on my own for photo shoots and shows for this album. It’s all from the 1960s and ’70s, with some coming from my mom. I think the style is kind of in my blood.”

Memphis Magnetic also features some incredible Memphis musicians on its tracks, along with duets

by James with Ryan Shaw and Marc Broussard. Of course, it was also a labor of love between James and her husband. “Working on the credits for the album, Doug wanted me to be listed as coproducer,” she recalls. “That means so much to me, to be seen and appreciated for all the hard work.”

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 37

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nother standout track is the penultimate song, “The Lark,” a beautiful string interlude that Wamble arranged from studying scores written by Clare Fischer for Prince albums. “I thought it would be really special to introduce that last song with just strings, and when Doug studied those arrangements, he wanted to create something based on Fischer’s work, and I loved that idea,” says James. “It’s called ‘The Lark’ because my nickname is the Morning Lark. That’s become one of the ways we give gifts to each other—through music.”

Raising all the money and planning the logistics for creating Memphis Magnetic was a lesson in patience for James. “When I became an independent artist, I didn’t know how to get money or how to manage it once I did,” she admits. But with the help of her team, she realized she had the tools she needed. For starters, there were her subscribers on YouTube and her Instagram followers, now up to 185,000 and nearly 50,000, respectively. “My manager, David, encouraged me to build my channels and a direct fanbase. If you empower fans and show them how important they are to your journey as an artist, they appreciate that, and you’ll grow.”

Photo by Scott Vincent

SHE REPLACED MANY CONCERT DATES WITH ONLINE SHOWS THAT SHE AND WAMBLE WILL BE LIVE STREAMING FROM THEIR HOME STUDIO THROUGH STAGEIT.COM. 38 | MAY 2020

That organic growth was spurred on in part by James’s wildly successful collaborations with Postmodern Jukebox, a rotating collection of musicians led by pianist Scott Bradlee. PMJ’s claim to fame is reimagining modern hits and recording them in vintage genres, such as jazz and swing. James’s tracks with PMJ include Aerosmith’s “Dream On,” Hozier’s “Take Me to Church,” and many more.

Above: James’s husband, Doug Wamble, is also her partner in music as a guitarist, producer, arranger, and cowriter.

Photo by Scott Vincent

From gaining steam as an independent artist to fund-raising and even designing all the merchandise for Memphis Magnetic and its accompanying tour, it seems James can do it all. Unfortunately, just a few short weeks after this interview, her dates across the US and Hawaii and two in Tokyo had to be postponed due to the global coronavirus outbreak. But even in light of this disappointing turn of events and a pandemic wreaking havoc on live entertainment events, James is demonstrating her ability to be nimble and do things her way. She replaced many concert dates with online shows that she and Wamble will be live streaming from their home studio through Stageit.com. Fans choose how much to pay for tickets so they can continue to support their favorite artists even in this unprecedented time for the music and entertainment industry.

James’s approach as an independent artist is also mirroring a trend as many performers are making it on their own. “Lizzo is one example,” James explains. “Her biggest hit is one she was performing for years when she was independent and now the label is just putting it out there.” Others she mentions include Brandi Carlile and the other Highwomen and Billie Eilish—all powerhouse females who are navigating labels, licensing in new ways, and making their own rules in the industry.

“I think the higher up people climb, they can hire more people who support their vision and dreams, and that’s the ultimate goal. I’ve been fortunate enough to have that with this album and my current team.”

Her journey goes to show that you can go your own way, and it’s a brave new world for independent musicians who want to do just that.

Visit MorganJamesOnline.com or follow on Instagram @morganajames for updates on concert dates and more, and listen to Memphis Magnetic now on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.

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CROSSING GENRES WITH

WORDS OF HOPE

BY FELICIA FERGUSON

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CENTRICITY PRESS

You say I am loved when I can’t feel a thing You say I am strong when I think I am weak You say I am held when I am falling shor t When I don’t belong , oh You say that I am Yours And I believe, oh I believe What You say of me I believe 40 | MAY 2020

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auren Daigle has saturated Christian radio and seeped into mainstream entertainment much in the same way the cut-with-a-butterknife humidity pervades the air in her native Louisiana. Husky tones, steeped in zydeco and blues and then slathered with a bit of Louisiana mud and Cajun swamp, flow from a soul that beats in six-eight time. From the early days of the release of her first album, How Can It Be, she has been hailed as “Christian music’s Adele.” With her third album, Look Up Child, Daigle sashayed through a door previously entered by a select few Christian artists (Kirk Franklin, Switchfoot, Amy Grant) and into the category of crossover Christian artist. Multiple platinum awards, two Grammys, and performances at Lollapalooza and on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Late Night with Seth Meyers, and Ellen have solidified her as an entertainment icon.

But Daigle is more than a vocal unicorn, and her lyrics are much deeper than words strung together.

Quirky, funny, always up for a laugh, she’s that crazy, carefree girl everyone has in their contact list—and if they don’t, they should. Emotionally transparent, whether goofing off or sharing the innermost cries of her heart, she thrives on living in the moment. Her faith is an obvious and stabilizing tether, anchoring her rebel heart and free spirit in a world of dazzling light shows, devoted fans, and outspoken critics.

Her wardrobe is eclectic, an outward testament to her inner individualist. She takes photos of random body parts for her Instagram account: her legs—to check to see if she got a tan on the Australia stop of her current world tour; a swollen lower lip after a day of deep-sea fishing; and her feet swathed in the royal purple of her beloved alma mater, LSU. She’s a fangirl and has her own what-are-the-chances story of meeting her favorite band from high school, Paramore, when she was waitressing at Chuy’s in Nashville. And, she has no filter when she’s overcaffeinated and jet lagged.

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hough she may have a millennial’s birthday, her genuine vulnerability and eager openness connect with people of all generations, ethnicities, and statuses. She taps into that universal human need for compassion, kindness, and joy. In a concert tour video diary for her Facebook profile, Daigle says, “The music is what connects people and brings people closer together. To be able to give that community and that joy to everyone, that’s my heart for every one of these nights.”

Perhaps it is her brush with a debilitating illness that makes her so aware of the struggles of others. She began singing at sixteen when cytomegalovirus, an autoimmune disorder, kept her homebound from school for two years. Her mom enrolled her in voice lessons to keep depression at bay during Daigle’s battle and recovery. But whatever the root, her heart for the hurting radiates in her lyrics.

She admits she rarely reads social media comments, but when she does, stories of lives transformed by her songs bring her to tears as she marvels at God’s compassion for humanity. When asked about the single “Look Up Child,” Daigle says, “People will say, ‘This song inspired me when I was going through chemo.’ That song has been in hospital rooms and at death beds. It held people up through divorce. It is limitless. God has the sweetest way of carrying the heavy load.”

Her soul-healing lyrics answer the human race’s shared, yet singular, search for identity. But of all her songs, “You Say,” the multiplatinum lead single off Look Up Child, may have spawned the greatest life and outlook changes in her listeners on both Christian and pop-music stations. Drawing on biblical principles of how God views His children, Daigle’s lyrics counter every lie people contend with on the most secret of battlefields, the mind. Those truths encourage the downtrodden and give hope to the depleted. They are timely antidotes offering a life-affirming perspective in the face of doubt and devastation, reassuring all they are more than the words they hear.

On the first anniversary of Look Up Child’s release, Daigle posted a revealing glimpse into the creation of the album. “This record changed me.

It brought me out of an arduous forest of muck and mire into a field of lilies covered in gold. You all were there, all along. You may not have known it, but you were. Your stories were shown to me before I was told them from your mouths, your letters, your posts. He showed them to me. We as a team wrote, and I could hear them as we penned.”

Daigle continued her post, explaining the impact she felt once the songs were finished. “To see these stories come to life in the flesh after my spirit was being prepared—an intricacy I couldn’t weave if 42 | MAY 2020

HER FA ITH IS A N OBV IO US A ND S TA BILIZING TE THER , A NCHORING HER REBEL HE A RT A ND FREE SPIRIT IN A WORLD OF DA Z ZLIN G LIGHT SHOWS , DE VOTED FA NS , A ND O UT SP OKEN CRITIC S .

I tried. The stories. I just keep running back to them.

Day in and day out. They keep me focused on the small things. The small things are truly the biggest of things. I hope that if you have heard this record, you have heard your story tucked away somewhere in there. I’ve heard mine. As I hear them all together, it makes a sound only fit for heaven. All the deepest gratitude as I sit in silent awe.”

BUT I PERSON A LLY THINK TH AT ’ S WH AT GROWS US TO THE NE X T PH A SE .

TH AT ’ S WH AT TE ACHE S US WHO TO BECOME A ND HOW TO M AY BE N AV IGATE A CERTA IN CIRCUMS TA N CE OF LIFE DIFFERENTLY.

At the last show of the Hawaii leg of her world tour, Daigle reflected on the impact of trials and hard times on her life and the journey of all humanity. “Honestly, I really think that some of the best fruit comes whenever we’re just pressed to the end of ourselves. . . . I think a lot of times, we can look at things that are really difficult, really daunting—even moments that don’t bring out our best—we can look at those as a bad thing.

But I personally think that’s what grows us to the next phase. That’s what teaches us who to become and how to maybe navigate a certain circumstance of life differently.” The trials she has witnessed and endured have resulted in musical fruit that will continue to impact and change lives for years to come.

In this world of speaking first and last no matter the damage inflicted, Daigle’s simple message of kindness, unity, and compassion to ourselves and others encourages us to do better, to be better. To look up. Look up and find ourselves. Look up and discover our calling.

Look up and become who we were created to be.

aigle’s drive to support the hurting is not dependent upon her listeners’ locations. She has performed at Folsom and Louisiana State Prisons and the Ohio Reformatory for Women, reaching out to those confined and speaking hope and compassion. “I see you and me as the same,” she told a group of female inmates at the Ohio Reformatory. “I don’t see us separated at all. I see you as people. We’re all people on this journey of life together.” For 2019’s Giving Tuesday, she partnered with the Price Fund and raised $17,000 to provide the prisoners of Louisiana’s state prison at Angola more than seventy thousand telephone minutes to call their families, especially their children, for Christmas.

V I S I T L AU R E N DA I G L E . CO M T O L E A R N MORE , LISTEN TO MUSIC , AND CHECK O U T T O U R DAT E S A N D T I C K E T S .

Felicia Ferguson holds master’s degrees in healthcare administration and speech-language pathology but is currently an award-winning freelance writer and author. She finds inspiration in lakes and gardens and is blessed to have both at her home in Destin, Florida. More details can be found at FeliciaFergusonAuthor.com.

V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 43

G R A N D B O U L E VA R D

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L’intermission

Fire Up Your Hulu

Watch episodes now on Hulu.com.

Photo courtesy of Hulu

Kerry Washington and Reese Witherspoon star in Hulu’s hottest new series, Little Fires Everywhere, which debuted March 18. Based on the novel by Celeste Ng, this drama chronicles the tension between two families as mothers and daughters collide.

Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 45

Acoustic

Fe e d bac k

BY TORI PHELPS

|

PH O TO G R A PH Y BY C H R I S A LVA R A D O

S i n g e r- s on gwrite r an d g uitar arti san C h ri s Alvarado ri ffs o n th e be n e fits of pati e n c e , h i s de fi n itio n of “ maki n g it,” an d why h e ’ s th e luc ki e st g uy i n th e world.

Driftwood is a reminder of what Mother Nature can do when she’s not even trying. Washed on the waves and shaped by time, it evokes images of coastal life at its laid-back, enchanting best.

When Chris Alvarado named his custom guitar company Driftwood Guitars as an homage to his beloved Florida Gulf Coast home near Scenic Highway 30-A, he couldn’t have imagined that it would become synonymous with the kind of exceptional instruments that household-name artists are willing to wait years to own.

Growing up on the Emerald Coast, Alvarado didn’t always appreciate the area’s unique beauty; it took being stationed in Alaska with the Air Force to discover that he missed it. The time away helped him realize something else: he wanted to perform music. As he waded into the area’s vibrant coffeehouse scene, he became a fan favorite and soon was playing every weekend.

46 | MAY 2020

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y then, he’d been strumming an acoustic guitar for years. He’d picked it up in junior high—mostly to impress girls, he admits—after being awestruck by Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide.” His dad, a full-time saxophone player, encouraged both an artistic and a technical appreciation for music, as well as a passion for working with his hands.

In search of a new hobby, he tripped onto an idea after an Air Force colleague showed off an electric guitar he’d made one weekend. “It was a holy s*** moment for me,” Alvarado recalls. “I kind of said out loud, ‘I can build an acoustic guitar.’”

His friend’s advice? “Good luck with that.”

While an electric guitar can be built in a matter of days, an acoustic guitar made by hand takes months. But Alvarado was already fascinated by the idea, devouring books on the subject and “building” guitars in his head over and over. When he felt ready, he bought the materials and produced his first real acoustic guitar. A really terrible acoustic guitar, he concedes. Undeterred, he launched into a second, much-improved attempt.

A Johnny Cash–themed acoustic guitar with incredible inlay details created by musician and luthier Chris Alvarado of Driftwood Guitars Right: Chris Alvarado Photo by Shelly Swanger V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 47

ith his military service drawing to a close, Alvarado decided to give music a genuine try. Nashville and Los Angeles were the obvious destinations. Still, his dad suggested that if he wanted to make a living as a musician—rather than just get famous—he should consider returning to the Emerald Coast. His father’s career was proof, after all, that 30-A could support the profession. Alvarado agreed, and, within months, his music gigs were paying the bills.

Naturally, he played his guitars during performances, and people’s interest in the unique instruments led to commissions. But it was one commission in particular that put Driftwood Guitars on the map and finally convinced Alvarado that his little hobby was neither little nor a hobby.

Alvarado knew Duke Bardwell as Elvis’s bass player, as well as a fellow local musician. But as soon as Bardwell picked up one of Alvarado’s guitars and started to play, he turned into a customer. That job certainly raised his profile, but more importantly, the relationship he developed with Bardwell became a model for every customer relationship going forward. “It was the first time I had communicated with a client on that level; we talked on the phone almost daily while I was building it, and we became good friends,” Alvarado says. “That relationship made me want to build something extra special for him.”

In the years since, Driftwood Guitars has raised the bar in the custom guitar world.

Alvarado has built guitars for music megastars like Florida Georgia Line’s Brian Kelly and powerhouse organizations such as Rolls Royce and the Grammys. In a fun twist, the Grammy guitar he built ended up in the hands of Mick Fleetwood, a full-circle moment for the kid who got into music because of a Fleetwood Mac song.

48 | MAY 2020

Le monde His waiting list for a commissioned instrument runs up to two years these days, but clients are willing to queue up because the finished product is as much an emotional payoff as a musical one. Selecting everything from the soundboard wood to the rib rest bevel gives clients a rare investment in their guitars. And then there are the inlays, which began with Duke Bardwell and have now become a Driftwood hallmark. These abalone symbols, words, and pictures are as individual as fingerprints and elevate each instrument to a visual work of art.

But even those customized elements don’t tell the whole story of what makes Driftwood Guitars worth the wait and the price tag. To understand the cult of Driftwood, you have to understand Alvarado and his process. As he did with Bardwell, he gets to know each client on a gut level, drilling down to the things that give their lives meaning. Take the guitar he’s currently building, for example. Once he learned that the client treasured a piece of barnwood from a long-sold family farm, it was a no-brainer to include that fragment in the guitar itself. But perhaps the most remarkable

H i s dad, a fu ll -ti m e saxo ph o n e playe r , e n c o u rag e d both an arti s ti c an d a te c h n i cal appre c iati o n fo r m u s i c , as we ll as a pas s i o n fo r wo rki n g with h i s han d s .

illustration is a guitar he built for the two remaining members of a three-man band.

Alvarado incorporated ashes from the deceased trio member into the guitar so that, as he says, “Every time it’s played, all three of them are playing together again.”

Beauty and meaning are important, but Driftwood Guitars wouldn’t enjoy its lofty status without producing the best quality instruments any client—even a master—has ever played. And that, Alvarado asserts, is his main objective.

The sheer fact that his guitars are handmade goes a long way toward achieving that goal. Factory built, as it turns out, is a surefire way to churn out an instrument created for everyone and, as a result, for no one. In their focus on mass production, factories run the wood through a machine set to a specific dimension. The problem, Alvarado points out, is that no two pieces of wood are the same, even if they come from the same tree.

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Opposite: Alvarado founded Driftwood Guitars in 2007 and has since been making custom instruments on commission for clients, celebrity musicians, charity organizations, events, and more.

Opposite center: The inlay on this Driftwood Guitar was inspired by legendary folk artist Bob Dylan.

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e explains that the key to musicality is working with each piece of wood until it tells you it’s ready. With his years of experience and the patience of a true believer, this readiness is something he can feel. And it informs every step of the process. While Alvarado devotes two or three days to shaping the braces, also called “voicing” the guitar, factories spend thirty seconds knocking the braces down. That single process exemplifies the entire difference. “Not only am I voicing that particular guitar, but I’m voicing it for that particular client,” he says of his precision. “I know what kind of music he’s going to play, what kind of strings he’s going to put on it, and whether he’ll play it in Florida or Minnesota.”

Above: Alvarado’s Driftwood Guitars and ukuleles feature many types of wood options with details made from abalone shell, bone, ivory, and more. See details on his website.

Photo by Shelly Swanger Right: A custom Driftwood Guitar featuring a detailed inlay of the Nashville city skyline 50 | MAY 2020

Playing his optimized guitars could be one reason Alvarado is such a popular performer along 30-A, though a résumé full of singing and songwriting awards points to something more substantial. Among his most distinguished honors was winning the Florida Grammy Showcase in 2012—but not for the reason you’d think. “I felt like I’d made it,” he recalls. “And then I realized that I’d ‘made it’ before that award because I was already doing what I love. I play music and build acoustic guitars, and I feed my whole family with that. I’ve gotta be one of the luckiest human beings on earth.”

His long-ago dreams of playing music and building guitars didn’t include living on the road or in a huge,

Th e pro b le m , Alvarado po i nt s o ut, i s that n o two pi e c e s o f woo d are th e sam e , eve n i f th ey c o m e fro m th e sam e tre e .

smoggy city. That’s why, regardless of his “potential,” Alvarado is unapologetic about refusing to reach for bigger, better, more. He admits that he aims to be the best at what he does and doesn’t mind being recognized for it. “But in the end,” he maintains, “this is what I’m going to be doing: building guitars in Freeport, Florida.”

To learn more about Driftwood Guitars or to access Chris Alvarado’s performance schedule, visit Driftwood-Guitars.com.

Tori Phelps has been a writer and editor for nearly twenty years. A publishing industry veteran and longtime VIE collaborator, Phelps lives with three kids, two cats, and one husband in Charleston, South Carolina.

Le monde

Songbird in TAMI JONES SPREADS HER WINGS

52 | MAY 2020

BY SA L L I E W. B OY L E S | PH O T O GR A PH Y BY B E N Z A N D E R

NEARLY THIRTY YEARS AGO, TAMI JONES LEFT HER HOME STATE OF OKLAHOMA FOR TENNESSEE. AS SHE PUTS IT, “I HAD A GOAL TO BE A COUNTRY MUSIC SINGER IN NASHVILLE AMONG THE RANKS OF OTHER REVERED FEMALE ARTISTS LIKE TAMMY WYNETTE AND FELLOW OKLAHOMAN REBA MCENTIRE.” he wasn’t just another free spirit chasing a dream. Not long before she “showed up in Nashville and started singing on the sidewalk,” a divorce made her a single mom. That meant eighteen-month-old Saxon was along for the ride. Then, six months after moving, Jones, only twentyseven, was diagnosed with cancer. She’d taken such a big step in life only to find herself back in Oklahoma for major surgery.

Among the first to give her a job was legendary Mickey Gilley, who was then operating one of his live-music clubs in Nashville. “He hired me to sing on the patio,” says Jones. “Pretty soon, I started to get good tips, so he moved me inside. That’s when I realized I could actually do this professionally.”

Upon returning to Nashville, Jones put her rich vocals to work and considered herself fortunate to make a living in the industry. She recorded eight-tenths of a country album for release by Sony in 1999—just as the executive in charge of her project was dismissed in a label takeover. Ultimately, her album was shelved. “The whole Sony thing shattered me, in a way,” Jones says.

Talking with the clientele, Jones would inquire about meeting people in the industry, sometimes unaware that she was speaking to a player. That was the case with Harry Warner, a music-licensing executive and Nashville icon. “I told him my story and gave him my first recorded demo that I had made in Wichita, Kansas,” Jones says. He responded by making phone calls on her behalf. “I found out quickly,” she says, “that to get noticed or heard, you become a demo singer.”

Jones subsequently landed jobs recording songs for music catalogs.

Her stars finally aligned in 2017, when Billboard magazine named Jones a number one breakout artist for her single “The Sugar Shack.” The song—a disco hit—also topped the charts in the UK, and it’s a standout on her debut album, Velvet & Steel, released in 2018. The full LP, having sold in sixty-five countries, is worth a listen.

The collection sways to a bluesy-jazzy-rock vibe and, yes, a note of country, all the while showcasing Jones’s formidable yet soulful voice. Her beguiling sound, coupled with world-class writers and musicians, leaves listeners wondering why in the world it took so long.

The best answer might be that Jones needed to reach the right place in life.

She was twenty-seven when her parents (Jones calls them her “real-life angels”) revealed they’d adopted her at thirteen months. Recognizing her musical gift, both had ways of nurturing her singing. Her mom began taking her to sing solos at church before her fourth birthday, and although “she didn’t want to lose her baby girl,” she later encouraged the move to Nashville. Her dad passed along his love of jazz, R&B, and soul. He kept the record player on, ensuring that the music of his favorites—Sarah Vaughan, Nat King Cole, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Benny Goodman, and Tommy Dorsey—filled their home and entered her soul.

To succeed in Nashville, however, Jones adopted country music.

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Le monde also worked in a publishing company, where I met Bobby Braddock,” Jones adds. She admits that she had no idea that the man who’d casually inquired about her goals, suggesting that she bring her demo tape by Sony, was a Nashville Songwriters Hall of Famer. By then, his many classic hits included “D-I-V-O-R-C-E” (Tammy Wynette) and “He Stopped Loving Her Today” (George Jones).

“He didn’t flaunt himself,” Jones says. “He was very tender and humble.”

Later inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame as well, Braddock is also a record producer, credited for discovering Blake Shelton. He produced Jones’s first album, and when she was ready to make her current one, Braddock, her longtime friend, was the one she called.

After the Sony disappointment, Jones met and married Lep Andrews, an entrepreneur who grew up in Nashville and got involved in music. “I was so happy about the marriage and combining our families,” says Jones. “I had a whole new world and felt strong enough to say that I don’t have to be specific in Nashville or country music, even though my love and pride for the city grows constantly. I started going back to the music my dad played for me. I said, ‘This is who I am. I can start making my own way.’ I’m going to challenge the genres and be an R&B, soul, jazz, country singer.”

To prepare herself, she worked with a seasoned R&B singer and songwriter, known in Nashville as Love Child. “I loved Mahalia Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald,” Jones says, “and he would show me all these nuances that I had inside. I had it naturally, but he taught me the dynamics of the song.” Singing “old-style R&B,” she says, “I started playing in soul joints.”

Jones and Andrews also shared a passion for traveling. Of all the places they visited, they fell in love with Asia. Desiring more time than a couple of weeks on vacation, Andrews applied for a job teaching business at a university outside Beijing. “The call came,” says Jones, “and we shut down our beautiful little farm, physically and emotionally, and moved to China for two years.”

“When we started going out to hear live music in China,” says Andrews, “people would see a beautiful blonde in China and wanted to find out what she was doing there.” Her physical appearance got her to the microphone, but her voice gave her the audience. Right away, she had fans. Within the year, a jazz club opened for Jones to headline.

Until 1987, jazz had been banned in China. A product of Mao’s Cultural Revolution, censorship persists, although it hardly suppresses the people’s appetite for Western music. That’s why, Jones says, “You can feel the jazz dripping off the audience members. They’re crying.

It’s like the forbidden fruit.”

The government sanctions other music that’s relatively tame, so when she used to perform in the club room of the exclusive Astor Hotel Tianjin (sometimes called the Last Emperor’s hotel because it was frequented by China’s last emperor), Jones could always count on requests for the jazz greats and the Carpenters. “I started ending my show with ‘Rainy Days and Mondays’ and ‘Superstar,’” she says.

Adoration for Jones spread to other Asian cities and countries, and the affection was mutual. She and Andrews fell so much in love with Thailand that they created a second home on Koh Chang, an island that can be reached in a roundabout way from Bangkok.

54 | MAY 2020

HER PHYSICAL APPEARANCE GOT HER TO THE MICROPHONE; TAMI’S VOICE GAVE HER THE AUDIENCE. RIGHT AWAY, SHE HAD FANS. WITHIN THE YEAR, A JAZZ CLUB OPENED FOR HER TO HEADLINE.

Jones became a headliner at Oodie’s Place on the island; the owner, Oodie, is a renowned bluesman from Bangkok.

“Walking down the streets of Koh Chang, Tami is a familiar face, and her love for the fellow islanders is apparent,” says Andrews. They now divide their time between Koh Chang and Nashville, where they have a hobby farm complete with peacocks, donkeys, and pets.

Referring to the tropical habitat in Thailand as “the Brigadoon of Asia,” Jones attributes her performances there to her fame overseas and international sales of Velvet & Steel. “I meet people from all over the world—Germany, Romania, Estonia, France, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Italy, Australia. They go home, we remain friends, and they tell their friends about me,” she affirms. “Their support helped put me on the map.” In addition to singing in intimate clubs, allowing her to “connect one-on-one with the audience,” she performs for thousands at music festivals and on other big stages.

Above: Velvet & Steel is Tami Jones’s debut studio album, a bluesy collection of jazz tunes with a hint of disco.

Photo courtesy of Tami Jones Left and opposite: Tami takes a stylish stroll in one of her favorite cities, Bangkok, while there on tour. Her music has become popular in several Asian countries over the past few years.

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THEY HAVE NO IDEA THE JOURNEY IT’S GOING TO TAKE. SO, WHEN I TAKE SOMEBODY’S BABY AND PUT TONE AND HEARTFELT EMOTION INTO THE WORDS, IT’S A MAGICAL THING AND A BEAUTIFUL RESPONSIBILITY. In creating the video for “The Cure,” composed by Chris Stapleton and Jay Knowles, Jones had the idea of using the refrain, “I’m still not sure if you’re the cause or the cure,” to make an environmental statement. The closing credits invite the audience to be part of the cure. “I really wanted to shoot this in Thailand,” she says, “and we slanted it toward loving the earth.”

The backstory of filming further proves that this delicatelooking lady is one tough woman. A scene shot in a national forest shows Jones, dressed in white silk and dainty slippers, crossing a field of elephant grass. The cuts she received from running her hands over the razor-sharp grass were minor in comparison to what could have happened.

“We’d see the occasional tourist group with a guide passing by, wearing protection up to the knee,” says Andrews. Jones’s crew had a permit to film, but the park police never warned them of the dangers. “We later found out that the park has some of the most venomous snakes in the world,” Andrews reveals. Thankfully, they also evaded wild tigers and wood leeches. “I’m so glad I didn’t know of all the creatures at my feet at the time,” Jones laughs.

er schedule was in full swing while she began working with Braddock on Velvet & Steel. They went through two thousand demos in search of potential songs—while Jones also played three shows a night, seven days a week. “I’d go to sleep exhausted at two in the morning,” she says, “and from ten to one in the afternoon, I’d listen to songs each day.” “‘The Sugar Shack,’” she says, “came to me from Bobby when I was in Thailand. It was bluesy, and I liked the song. Beth Hart [who cowrote the song with James House] is a great blues singer.” Praising both writers, Jones says, “Bobby then tells me, ‘I’m going to make a disco song out of this. Just trust me.’” She did, of course. “Disco,” Jones explains, “is an offshoot of blues. It’s on the soul meter.”

Trusting Braddock’s instincts throughout the production paid off, although Jones did have input. She insisted on presenting a strong female voice. Along with lyrics that plead, “Baby, come back to the sugar shack,” her music video undeniably shows, in the end, that she’s in control.

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In total, Velvet & Steel has thirteen songs that span decades. The tracks include Joe Bonamassa’s “Dust Bowl” (2011) and “Bridge to Better Days” (2006). “Maybe Someday,” written in 1965 by Joe Babcock, debuts on the album with a message— “Maybe someday, we’ll all get together”—that is as relevant as ever. Braddock told Jones that Babcock, now in his eighties, cried when he heard her sing it.

“Fly On,” written by grown-up Saxon in 2011, has fitting words of encouragement for Jones to sing to her son. He’s a singer-songwriter, actor, dancer, guitarist, and drummer in his own right, but after a promising start to a film career in Los Angeles and a stage career on Broadway, he has detoured for a few years to work passionately for a nonprofit that provides fresh water to people worldwide.

Suggesting, as a proud mom would, that her son is the more talented one in the family, Jones says, “I play a couple of chords on the guitar and piano.” As for the songwriting, she offers, “I’ve cowritten with people in Nashville and love the cathartic process to writing, but I feel, at the core of it, I’m a vocalist. I’m here to interpret the words and emotion.” She internalizes what that means. “When songwriters write a song, it’s their

baby,” Jones contends. “They have no idea the journey it’s going to take. So, when I take somebody’s baby and put tone and heartfelt emotion into the words, it’s a magical thing and a beautiful responsibility.”

Jones considers herself a perfectionist and says that for a performing artist, “It’s important to find people you can trust and who know you. I have two guitar players in Thailand who are connected with me spiritually.

We’ve been fortunate.” When she travels, an international network of friends and contacts allows her to work with exceptional talent, whether in Nashville, New York, LA, London, or Bangkok. “It’s a small, passionate world of musicians,” she reveals.

Within that world, Jones easily lists several artists and groups with whom she’d love to perform. Joe Bonamassa and Earth, Wind & Fire are at the top.

Contemplating her favorite music, she says, “I try to listen to most everything. I’m a lover of the art form.”

Most of all, she loves meeting people and learning about their cultures. “I gain great strength in going around the world,” she says. “It juices me up.” Music opens doors and empowers Jones to invite people in. “A lot of times they’ll tell me, ‘You don’t talk the way you sing. You’re kind of quiet.’” Jones agrees. “When I sing, I become a different thing, an instrument of words—hopefully ones that go straight to your heart.”

To experience Tami’s music, readers can begin with a visit to her website, TamiMusic.com.

Sallie W. Boyles works as a freelance journalist, ghostwriter, copywriter, and editor through Write Lady Inc., her Atlanta-based company. With an MBA in marketing, she marvels at the power of words, particularly in business and politics, but loves nothing more than relaying extraordinary personal stories that are believable only because they are true.

Le monde

THE

Glamour Hollywood OF OLD

A C H I L D H O O D L EG E N D T E L LS H E R STO RY

By LISA BURWELL

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P h ot o g ra p h y c o u r t e s y o f E XC L U S I V E A RT I STS M A N AG E M E N T

round of applause ensued as the short documentary ended, and the lights were brought up in the large yet cozy living room.

The intimate audience of about thirty new fans soon fell silent as their reverential attention turned to the guest of honor.

With an incredibly sharp mind and quick wit, Cora Sue reminisced about her days as a child actor where the work ethic and energy she dedicated to her trade exemplified, and in some cases surpassed, that of veterans with considerably more experience and fame. Cora Sue knew how to command attention but in such a way that everyone felt included—and it wasn’t an act. It became quickly evident that she embodies the very definition of class and authenticity. Cora Sue Collins is the real deal.

It was the evening of February 29 when we entered the stately gate of Churchill Oaks—a beautiful bay-front enclave in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. At the invitation of Peggy and Jimbo Adams, my husband and I arrived at their beautiful home nestled among ancient live oaks to cover a private screening of famed childhood actress Cora Sue Collins. I thought it to be destiny since the affair serendipitously coincided with the publishing VIE’s upcoming annual entertainment issue, so I graciously accepted the invitation. I was unaware that the experience would turn out to be something truly memorable.

Having been extremely punctual, we had some time to speak with our gracious hosts and other guests before Cora Sue’s arrival. Peggy and Jimbo were beaming in anticipation of the event. Thankfully, Peggy had a few spare moments as she delved into the history and reason for the evening’s informal reception.

The air was abuzz when Cora Sue and her entourage entered the scene. “I can’t wait for you to meet her,” said Peggy. “Cora Sue is absolutely delightful and remarkable—and still lives mostly independent!” she boasted with an exciting affirmation. From the beginning and throughout the get-together, I quietly studied Cora Sue as she met her new friends—giving everyone individual and undivided attention.

My husband was the first to introduce himself. “I am Gerald, and I am so pleased to meet you, Cora,” he said while exchanging a polite and gentle handshake.

Cora Sue was quick to firm her grip and give him an adorable scolding glance. “Cora Sue,” she said with a sweet, authoritative tone. “I am a proud Southern girl, through and through.” Realizing his faux pas, my husband happily apologized, saying, “I am so sorry— Cora Sue. I will not forget that.” Cora Sue gave him a reassuring smile signaling that all was good. They continued in an engrossing conversation for several minutes, where he learned of Cora Sue’s upbringing in rural, conservative West Virginia before she and her mother made their way to California.

Opposite: A glamour photo of Cora Sue Collins around the production of Week-End at the Waldorf c. 1944 Below: Cora Sue in her role as Pudge in The Unexpected Father c. 1932

It was during a trip to Los Angeles for a visit with their niece, Leah Rial Sappington, that Peggy and Jimbo were first introduced to Cora Sue. Leah is Cora Sue’s makeup artist with Exclusive Artists Management, located on LA’s Sunset Boulevard.

Exclusive Artists Management was founded by Darin Barnes and Heinz Holba, owner of LA Model Management, L.A. Talent, and New York Model Management.

Since launching in 2002, Exclusive Artists has represented the most talented and established artists in the industry. Owner Darin Barnes is the person responsible for spreading the gospel of Cora Sue Collins, hosting meet and greets across the country for the past several months. Upon meeting Cora Sue and learning of this, Peggy and Jimbo insisted that they would be honored to arrange and host an intimate gathering of friends and media to further Cora Sue’s cause. And, within a few short months, the Adamses followed through on their promise.

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aving made the trip to Florida with Cora Sue, Darin Barnes was at the event, and I was able to spend time with him. He recounted his meeting Cora Sue in November 2017 at a Hollywood memorabilia auction. After her birthday in April 2018, Darin asked her if she’d mind if he started putting out feelers for appearances. “I suggested that she tell her story to the world as it’s one of hope and inspiration, and it keeps the old Hollywood stories alive and well,” said Darin. Darin explained to Cora Sue that she is one of the last remaining connections to the Golden Age of Hollywood and that she should embrace her childhood now and enjoy it. “After discussing it a bit, she agreed. Cora Sue is so open to telling her stories—when she is asked— and has an incredible memory.”

Above: Cora Sue c.

1960 in Mexico, where she moved with her family and took up waterskiing Above right: Cora Sue with her two young daughters c. 1950 Opposite top: Cora Sue as a style icon of the mid-1980s Opposite bottom: Host Peggy Adams with Darin Barnes and Cora Sue Photo by Gerald Burwell 60 | MAY 2020

After about an hour, the Adamses announced that the screening of a short fifteenminute mini-documentary was about to begin, and that it would be followed by a brief personal biographical summary by Cora Sue herself. Then the floor would be opened up to a group Q&A. The short film was informative while entertaining.

I was surprised that I had not previously known of Cora Sue since I grew up in a house where my parents cherished watching the black-and-white classics of the silver screen. Cora Sue was a child actress who appeared in almost fifty films during the Golden Age of Hollywood, working alongside the likes of legendary Greta Garbo and having peers such as Judy Garland and Shirley Temple.

During the life biography and group Q&A that followed, Cora Sue reminisced about those days as a child actor in “Golden Hollywood.” Her film career began working long days at the tender age of three. In 1932, she made her acting debut in The Unexpected Father, which earned her a salary of $250 per week. That was a considerable amount of money at a time when the average annual income was just

over $1,300. She went on to star in other prominent films, but Cora Sue said working on the film Queen Christina with costar Greta Garbo was possibly the highlight of her career. She noted that Greta Garbo handpicked her from a long line of other child actresses vying for the role. Cora Sue played the part of the queen as a child, while Garbo played the queen as an adult. During the production of the film, Cora Sue and Garbo became good friends and remained so until Garbo passed away. Ultimately, Cora Sue would perform in forty-seven films through her fifteen-year movie career. At the age of eighteen, she left Hollywood, never to return.

As she answered questions from the guests, Cora Sue entertained us with stories of Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, Bette Davis, Louis B. Mayer—cofounder of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios (MGM), and Judy Garland, whom she adored. Cora Sue added that she was not a fan of the recent movie production Judy with Renée Zellweger playing Judy Garland. Cora Sue walked out of the movie crying because it did not do Judy justice—she found it to be more a caricature of her friend than what she was really like.

Cora Sue shared that working in the business was not as glamorous as it seemed from the outside. The

“

Ultimately, Cora Sue would perform in forty-seven films through her fifteen-year movie career. At the age of eighteen, she left Hollywood, never to return.

”

production hours were brutal—sometimes working ten- to sixteen-hour days. She did mention how, even as a young teenager, she had to deal with the proverbial “casting couch.” But Cora Sue had her limits and always stood up for herself. She could have continued her meteoric rise in the industry if it were not for obstacles that, as a female actress, she could not overcome—or would not overcome may be more appropriate.

This and probably being exhausted after putting in a lifetime of work by the age of eighteen are the reasons she left Hollywood for good. Cora Sue married in 1944 and began a new chapter of her life, raising a family far outside of the limelight.

I could not believe that someone that young would be put to work like that, and I could only imagine how difficult it was. Today Cora Sue would be part of the #MeToo movement. Her way of dealing with it then was to leave the industry instead of succumbing to it. Her mother had decided the life for her, and Cora Sue was the breadwinner for her mother and sister during a time of need. She didn’t seem bitter about this at all, but you could tell that, in retrospect, she probably knew it wasn’t entirely fair to her either. She was a good sport about it all.

Following the group Q&A, I was fortunate enough that Cora Sue afforded me some quality one-on-one time. I found her to be a fascinating and kind person.

Her ageless and striking beauty, young effervescent spirit, and boundless energy all seemingly defied her seasoned age; she is a true inspiration on every level.

Meeting Cora Sue, Darin, and Leigh, as well as celebrating with all of the guests at the Adams home on that Saturday evening, felt like we were transported back to the era of old Hollywood, and it felt good.

In the words of Darin Barnes, “What a way to ‘bookend’ her life!” Bravo, Cora Sue! Your elegance and grace are an inspiration to all!

To learn more, watch the short documentary The Films of Cora Sue Collins on YouTube, visit her page on IMDb.com, or find her page at Facebook.com/Cora-Sue-Collins.

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. . . or at least your handbag! The artists at Zavala Bespoke will transform your luxury items into one-of-a-kind works of art. Just contact head designer Lauren Zavala and collaborate on items including bags, luggage, jackets, and more. Stay tuned for more in our Art & Culture Issue!

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STORY

64 | MAY 2020

AN ICONIC

TELLER

By NAOMI ALVARADO | Photography by JOHN PARTIPILO, courtesy of DAVID OLNEY MUSIC

ON JANUARY 18, 2020, THE WORLD OF MUSIC LOST AN ICON. WHILE PERFORMING AT THE 30A SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL, DAVID OLNEY PASSED AWAY ON STAGE FROM A SUSPECTED HEART ATTACK. AFTER RELEASING MORE THAN TWENTY ALBUMS, HOSTING A WEEKLY YOUTUBE BROADCAST, AND PERFORMING ACROSS THE COUNTRY FOR FIVE DECADES, OLNEY LEFT BEHIND A LEGACY THAT WON’T SOON BE RIVALED. lney was born on March 23, 1948, in Lincoln, Rhode Island. In a 2016 article in Acoustic Live, he described his childhood as an idyllic experience that is not found much anymore. He grew up in a small town in the 1950s, took dance classes at school, and had a weekly paper route. The road to his long career began with his first appearance in front of a rapt audience: he had decided to forgo playing basketball so that he could participate in a school play. That experience, combined with receiving a

guitar when he was a teenager, set the stage for the rest of his life.

Olney’s mother was from North Carolina, and they regularly spent time in the summers with her side of the family. After high school, Olney returned to the South and attended the University of North Carolina.

A year later, however, he left school and found a home playing on stage at the Cat’s Cradle, a café in Chapel Hill. His sets consisted mostly of cover songs, but he often snuck in some originals.

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one her of albums in 1995. According to the biography on Olney’s website, “Emmylou Harris said, ‘David Olney tells marvelous stories, with characters who cling to the hope of enduring love, all the while crossing the deep divide into that long, dark night of the soul.’”

Olney’s penchant for storytelling and finding unique perspectives was a magnet for other artists, such as Linda Ronstadt, Del McCoury, Lonnie Brooks, James King, Slaid Cleaves, and many others. Olney has since been hailed as a pioneer of Americana music. Townes Van Zandt once said, “Anytime anyone asks me who my favorite music writers are, I say Mozart, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Bob Dylan, and Dave Olney. Dave Olney is one of the best songwriters I’ve ever heard—and that’s true. I mean that from my heart.”

In a time where it’s no longer common to consider a perspective outside of your own, Olney personified that in his songwriting. He explored viewpoints that were not often thought about, like the donkey that carried Jesus into Jerusalem or the iceberg that sank the Titanic. His final album, This Side or the Other, explores walls, both literal and symbolic. The tracks on this album comment on the ways walls are used to divide and isolate people and how to tear those walls down. t was during this time that he met fellow musician Bland Simpson. Simpson encouraged Olney to move to New York with him to pursue music professionally. After a year of playing with Simpson and learning about the music business, Olney ventured out on his own journey. He lived in Atlanta for about a year before relocating to Nashville in 1973; there he discovered a newfound dedication to songwriting. In the early 1980s, he formed his band the X-Rays. Originally intended to be a country band, they ended up with more of a rock-and-roll vibe. The X-Rays eventually signed a contract with Rounder Records, performed on Austin City Limits, and even opened for headliners such as Elvis Costello.

In 1986, he embarked on a solo recording career.

Olney’s time in the South inspired a deep connection and love for Southern folk songs. These influences can be heard as a constant theme throughout his music.

His first album, Eye of the Storm, was released in 1986 with a second album quickly following. Deeper Well was released in 1988 and has been credited with pushing Olney into Nashville’s elite songwriting circle.

Emmylou Harris covered a track from Deeper Well on 66 | MAY 2020

His love for storytelling went beyond songwriting.

In addition to his passion for music, Olney was also an avid reader and credited literature as a way of learning to tell stories. He launched a YouTube series in 2009 called You Never Know, which introduced Olney’s talents to a new generation of fans. He

ANYTIME ANYONE ASKS ME WHO MY FAVORITE MUSIC WRITERS ARE, I SAY MOZART, LIGHTNIN’ HOPKINS, BOB DYLAN, AND DAVE OLNEY. DAVE OLNEY IS ONE OF THE BEST SONGWRITERS I’VE EVER HEARD—AND THAT’S TRUE. I MEAN THAT FROM MY HEART. broadcast live every week with poetry recitations, insights on songwriting, and stories from his life. Olney was known to have a unique sense of humor, and it was apparent in his songwriting, his YouTube show, and his stage performances.

The day that he passed, Olney gave an interview to WUWF and said, “You only get one chance to play for somebody for the first time. And when they enjoy it, it’s the most satisfying feeling.” There is something poetic about a lifelong songwriter spending his last minutes on stage performing for a crowd of people.

Music lovers will enjoy his albums for generations to come. Thank you, Mr. Olney, for sharing your talents and stories with the world.

Olney is survived by his wife of thirty years, Regine, and their children, Lillian and Redding.

TO LEARN MORE AND TO LISTEN TO THE FINAL EPISODE OF YOU NEVER KNOW , VISIT DAVIDOLNEY.COM.

Above left: Songwriter and performer David Olney is known as one of the great storytellers of country, folk, and Americana music.

Left: The 30A Songwriters Festival main stage at Grand Boulevard Town Center in Miramar Beach, Florida. Olney, 71, passed away while performing at the WaterColor LakeHouse during the 2020 festival on January 18.

Photo courtesy of 30A Songwriters Festival

S

elebr at C e d i s es ea

Tribute Concerts at The REP Theatre Photography by Brendan Babineaux

“Smiling Fritz” Froeschner, Lisa and Bob Steeno, John Reinlie, and Nic Turner perform at The REP in Seaside, Florida, for Woodstock: The Tribute Concert on November 19, 2019.

Opposite: Jacob Mohr

Le monde

Although the doors of the Seaside Repertory Theatre in Seaside, Florida, are temporarily closed in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, it doesn’t mean The REP will ever stop celebrating the arts and artists. We’re looking back at the small community theater’s annual tribute concert series, which celebrates the greatest musicians and bands of all time in a fund-raising event that sells out within days of its announcement each year.

he 2019 concert was unique: instead of the usual artist or band tribute, the concert celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of the famous Woodstock Music and Art Fair, which took place in Bethel, New York, in August of 1969. Woodstock: The Tribute Concert took place at The REP on Tuesday, November 19, and brought a night of peace and music to the New Urban beach community.

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ocals gathered in a packed house at the black box–style theater, and the stage was just as packed with a group of incredibly talented Northwest Florida musicians. Each performer chose songs from the Woodstock concert lineup, and the night progressed into a true in-the-round-style extravaganza as musicians jumped in to help each other, enhancing the good vibes and the fantastic sounds during each set. REP director Brook Stetler and series coordinator Mark Schnell kicked off the evening with an introduction, laying out the history of The REP’s tribute concert series, which has become its biggest annual fund-raiser event.

Performers included Chris Alvarado, a musician and craftsman who also brought along a bit of music history—a piece of the original Woodstock stage, set in a plywood frame engraved with the names of the musicians who performed at the iconic festival. Alvarado is also the maker of the incredibly beautiful Driftwood Guitars; he plans to use the wood to create the neck of an instrument in the future.

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Performers included Chris Alvarado, a musician and craftsman who also brought along a bit of music history—a piece of the original Woodstock stage, set in a plywood frame engraved with the names of the musicians who performed at the iconic festival.

Joining him on stage were Scott Rockwood, Shawn Hartung, Fritz Froeschner, Mike Whitty, Ken Johnson, Andi Zack-Johnson, Scott Crompton, the Steenos, Nic Turner, and more!

Top left to right: Shawn Hartung, Chris Alvarado, and Scott Rockwood; Matt Miller and Mari Gleason; Mike Whitty

Guests jammed to the performers’ covers of such rock, folk, and blues classics as “White Rabbit,” “With a Little Help from My Friends,” “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” “Ring of Fire,” and many others. Each performer put his or her soul and style into the songs, bringing some different arrangements and tastes to the originals. It was indeed a one-of-a-kind concert, as all The REP’s tribute concerts are known to be.

Above: The tribute concert commemorated the fiftieth anniversary of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, which took place in Bethel, New York, in August of 1969.

“The Tribute Concert is always one of my favorite events of the year,” says The REP’s director, Brook Stetler. “I think it is one of the local musicians’ favorites, as well. It is always cool to see what personal touches they’ll put on such well-known songs. The REP is lucky to be so well supported by the musicians of Northwest Florida and by our audience members every year.”

Past tribute concerts in the series, which started in 2011, have celebrated Johnny Cash, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, legends of outlaw country music, Tom Petty, the Eagles, and John Prine.

The REP’s patrons and other members of the Seaside community, as well as the local musicians who pour their hearts and souls into the annual tribute concert to support the theater, can’t wait to see which artist, band, or genre will be coming up for 2020’s tribute. Stay tuned as we eagerly await the announcement this October!

Visit LoveTheREP.org to learn more, see their schedule of performances and events, and sign up as a member for discounted tickets and more.

19

POPULAR F ILMS OF

2019 AND WHERE T O WAT CH T HE M

By Jordan Staggs

EACH YEAR I LOOK FORWARD TO CREATING THIS ROUNDUP, BUT IT SEEMS THAT LAST YEAR I DIDN’T MAKE IT TO THE CINEMA AS MUCH AS I USUALLY DO. DID YOU KNOW THAT 786 FILMS WERE RELEASED IN THE US AND CANADA IN 2019? THERE’S JUST NO WAY TO SEE THEM ALL, UNLESS IT TRULY IS YOUR JOB. SO, INSTEAD OF CHOOSING MY PERSONAL FAVORITES, I’VE GATHERED A LIST OF NINETEEN FEATURE FILMS THAT ARE RATED AS SOME OF IMDB’S MOST POPULAR MOVIES OF THE YEAR—AND I’M LETTING YOU KNOW HOW YOU CAN WATCH EACH OF THEM RIGHT NOW. SO, GRAB THE MICROWAVE POPCORN AND YOUR FAVORITE CANDY, BECAUSE IT’S TIME FOR A MOVIE NIGHT!

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Le monde

REM A K I N G H I S TORY > > Ford v Ferrari Strap in for a high-speed historical drama as the race for performance-vehicle dominance is on between American muscle and Italian precision in the 1960s. Matt Damon and Christian Bale team up as automotive designer Carroll Shelby and race car driver Ken Miles, respectively. Their intense mission and quick tempers make for great dynamics as their characters vow to design and drive a car that will defeat Ferrari’s in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

1917 With three Academy Awards under its belt, 1917 was the year’s biggest historical drama. It is a fictional retelling of events during World War I as British soldiers struggle to deliver a message calling off a doomed attack on German forces. Stunning battle sequences and heartbreaking performances mesh to create a memorable story that will join the ranks of some of the best war movies ever made.

Purchase on iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood Ford v Ferrari photo by Merrick Morton © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation Above: A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood photo

by Lacey Terrell © 2019 CTMG, Inc. Top: 1917 © 2019 Universal Pictures

Won’t you be my neighbor? We could all use a little positivity in our lives, and few people have ever delivered the metaphorical sunshine as well as Mr. Fred Rogers. Tom Hanks portrays the legendary children’s television host and advocate as he changes the outlook of cynical Esquire journalist Lloyd Vogel (Matthew Rhys), who has been assigned to profile him.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

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Le monde HER O E S & V I LLAINS > > Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker The end of the Skywalker saga has come. While Episode IX in one of the world’s biggest film franchises has mixed reviews from viewers and critics, there’s no doubt that it’s an epic conclusion to a story that began over forty years ago with A New Hope. Fans of all ages flocked to the theaters to see how it would all play out in this Oscar-nominated space opera.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Captain Marvel Brie Larson literally blasted onto the scene of the Marvel universe in March of 2019, just a month before Avengers: Endgame would bring her together with the rest of the team on the big screen. Set in the 1990s, the film’s sound track and styling are a blast from the not-so-distant past, and hero Carol Danvers, a.k.a. Captain Marvel, has the attitude to match the grungy yet kick-ass girl groups of the era.

Avengers: Endgame Twenty-three films later, and the Marvel superheroes known as the Avengers, along with some friends, arrived in the endgame of a battle that began eleven years prior with the release of Iron Man. What’s known as the Marvel Cinematic Universe has become the most complex crossover universe in film history, tying together the stories of about twenty major superheroes, including newcomer Captain Marvel. Although it’s the end of the line for some favorite characters in the series, don’t worry— there are plenty more adventures to come as Marvel Studios rolls out its Phase Four film and television lineup, beginning with Black Widow this year.

Watch on Disney+ ( free with subscription).

74 | MAY 2020

Watch on Disney+ ( free with subscription).

CRIME DIE S (CRIME + COME DY >> Knives Out Ranked at the top of IMDb’s list of most popular movies of 2019, Knives Out is a welcome departure from so many huge franchise installments and adaptations. Writer and director Rian Johnson hit a home run with this whodunit-style mystery that features an all-star cast, including Christopher Plummer, Jamie Lee Curtis, Chris Evans, Michael Shannon, and more. The laughs are as bountiful as the twists as a rich family tries to solve the murder of its patriarch (Plummer)—and battle over inheritance in its wake.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Above: Captain Marvel © 2019 Walt Disney Studios Left: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker © 2019 Walt Disney Studios

M US IC WE LOV E >> Rocketman On the heels of the wildly successful Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) comes another classic-rock biopic, but the story of Elton John stands out with its own style, fantastic energy, stellar performances, and heartfelt storytelling. The music legend himself weighed in heavily on the musical, which stars Taron Egerton in what might be his best performance yet. Unlike in the aforementioned Queen film, which dubbed Freddie Mercury’s singing over actor Rami Malek’s fabulous portrayal, Egerton performed all his numbers as he brought John’s true backstory to life.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Yesterday What would the world be like if the Beatles never existed? This is the interesting question posed in Yesterday, starring Himesh Patel as struggling musician Jack Malik. During a global blackout event, Malik is hit by a bus and when he wakes, he discovers (through a series of hilariously frustrating moments) that he appears to be the only one who remembers the Beatles. Malik takes it upon himself to share their music with the world (claiming it as his own) and, of course, becomes a sensation. But what other consequences does the Fab Four’s absence have on the globe? Find out in this heartwarming musical rom-com.

Watch on HBO ( free with subscription).

Left: Knives Out photo

by Claire Folger © 2019 Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Below: Rocketman photo by David Appleby © 2019 Paramount Pictures

Once Upon a Time in Hollywood This film is about as Tarantino as they get. Buckle up for a fast-paced ride through 1969 Los Angeles starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Brad Pitt, Margot Robbie, and more. It’s described as “multiple storylines in a modern fairy-tale tribute to the final moments of Hollywood’s golden age.” The movie runs the gamut from rewriting history to playing up the style, lingo, architecture, and intrigue of the era. The sets alone are worth watching for, but the plot is sure to leave heads reeling.

Watch on Starz ( free with subscription).

Toy Story 4 Okay, it’s not exactly a “crime” movie, but the hunt is on in Toy Story 4 as Forky, the newest toy in the gang, escapes and Woody takes it upon himself to rescue him. They encounter a gang of toys in an antique shop who definitely fit the mob profile, and they also encounter an old friend. The series installment won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature, and it’s sure to bring a nostalgic tear to the eye of fans of all ages, with plenty of laughs and thrills as well.

Watch on Disney+ ( free with subscription).

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The Lion King Disney’s new CGI rendition of the 1994 classic brings back the beloved music from the best-selling animated film sound track of all time and the long-running Broadway adaptation, but with a fresh new cast. The Lion King stars Beyoncé, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, John Oliver, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and James Earl Jones reprising his role as Mufasa. The animation is stunningly realistic as Disney once again struts its prowess in the field. Although nothing could replace the original, it’s worth a watch!

Watch on Disney+ ( free with subscription).

FAM I LY M U S T- SEES > > Frozen II As many parents around the world have no doubt already discovered (and perhaps regret), Disney released Frozen II on its streaming service early to bring some extra joy during the COVID-19 outbreak as many are confined to their homes.

The hit sequel is perhaps one of the most dynamic storytelling arcs we’ve seen in an animated film series, as it delves into the pasts of Queen Elsa, her mysterious powers, the kingdom of Arendelle, and more. The characters experience deep feelings and themes not often explored in children’s films, though the lessons they learn along the way are excellent reminders for all ages.

Watch on Disney+ ( free with subscription).

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Jumanji: The Next Level The mismatched heroes from 2017’s Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle are back and are once again playing for their lives in a game of wild adventure. Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart, Karen Gillan, Nick Jonas, and Jack Black reprise their roles, albeit with some twists befitting the unpredictable nature of the Jumanji game.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Troop Zero Get ready to laugh, cry, and cheer on the underdogs of Troop Zero, Amazon Prime’s coming-of-age tale set in rural Georgia during the famous Space Race era. A lonely misfit kid (Mckenna Grace) who is obsessed with outer space decides to form her own

Above: Troop Zero photo by Curtis Bonds Baker © 2019 Amazon Studios Top left: The Lion King © 2019 Walt Disney Studios Top right: Jumanji: The Next Level photo

by Frank Masi © 2019 CTMG, Inc.

troop of Birdie Scouts when she learns the jamboree grand prize is a chance to have your voice on a golden record that will be shot into space.

Watch on Amazon Prime ( free with subscription).

OH, THE DRA MA >> Little Women

Above: Little Women photo by Wilson Webb © 2019 CTMG, Inc.

Louisa May Alcott’s beloved novel has a new adaptation, and it’s received rave reviews from viewers and critics, not to mention an Oscar win for Best Costume Design.

A dynamic cast brings to life the multifaceted March sisters and their love interests as they navigate family, friendship, love, death, betrayal, and more in a classic coming-of-age tale. It’s incredible how a story written in 1868 can still resonate so deeply and remain relevant to audiences today, as great literature ought to do.

Purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

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Le monde

Joker Joaquin Phoenix took home the Academy Award for Best Actor for his chilling performance as one of the comic book industry’s most renowned villains. (The film also won Best Original Score for the work of Hildur Guðnadóttir.) But this isn’t your usual Batman hero versus villain romp. Instead, it took a look into the background and psychology behind the Joker, and fans were on edge continually throughout the film as they wondered what moment might be the one to make the man snap.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

The Irishman Netflix released Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama bringing together some of the greatest actors in the biz—Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci—in this adaptation of I Heard You Paint Houses by Charles Brandt. It follows the memories of World War II veteran and trained killer Frank Sheeran as he recounts his time as a hitman for a Philadelphia crime syndicate in the 1960s.

Watch on Netflix ( free with subscription).

78 | MAY 2020

THE BE S T PICTURE >> Parasite The big Oscar winner of 2019 might have come as a surprise to many. Parasite, a dark comedy-thriller from South Korea, tells the intriguing story of two families—one wealthy and one struggling to survive. Written by Han Jin-won with Bong Joon-ho, who also directed the film, it swept up four Academy Awards and subsequently led to viewers worldwide clinging to the edge of their seats.

Rent or purchase on Amazon Prime, YouTube, Google Play, and Vudu.

Above: The Irishman © 2019 Netflix Top left: Joker © 2019 Warner Bros.

Top right: Parasite © 2019 NEON + CJ Entertainment

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C’est la vie

ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED?

Times are strange. For one thing, we’re all spending a lot more of our time indoors lately. This C’est la VIE collection is for those who need a little entertainment and want to stay chic—even while at home! From the hottest tech accessories to a cool and challenging jigsaw puzzle you can work with the family, these items may be just what you’re looking for. We hope they bring some comfort and relaxation!

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Party of One

Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H4 Second-Gen Headphones in Limestone $300 – Bang-Olufsen.com 82 | MAY 2020

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Book Tour

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REBEL HE RTS VINTAGE COUTURE BY LOVEWORN

By Photos by MEADOW

MEGAN WALDREP

ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY

It’s not just a clothing label: it’s a vibe—a place where the soul of each vintage piece speaks to the soul in you. Together, pop artist Wallace Piatt and stylist/ seamstress Jill Johnson (who also photographs like a Guess model) form Loveworn, a barely three-year-old brand that exudes Americana. A trip to their shop in Santa Barbara, California, is the perfect stop on any dream road trip down Highway 101 before you end the day with an epic sunset.

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Wallace Piatt and Jill Johnson, an artist and a stylist who were formerly married and remain good friends, joined forces a few years ago to open Loveworn, a vintage style mecca in Santa Barbara, California.

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“

We literally had nothing to open a clothing store, but we did everything on a budget and we kicked ass.

The jaw-dropping array of vintage denim and reworked vintage pieces at Loveworn can be described as couture artisan style—edgy for some yet with a “joie de youth” for women and men of every age. Take, for example, the vintage Saks Fifth Avenue camel-hair blazer with metal-studded lapels and spray-painted sleeves, the luxurious cashmere cardigan with a fur collar and punk band Black Flag stenciled on the back, or the old-school Levi’s with sewn-in African indigo fabrics, vintage patches, and bright hand stitching along the pocket and down the leg. Each piece in the shop is carefully selected, and Johnson and Piatt often work together to alter garments for an extra touch of magic.

“We’re creative together and we trust each other,” says Johnson. “We see eye to eye on things.”

This page and opposite: The warehouse-style Loveworn shop also houses Piatt’s impressive gallery of colorful pop art.

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This isn’t the duo’s first rodeo. Piatt and Johnson, once married and now forever besties, opened a popular predominantly vintage clothing shop in 1991 called True Grit, also in Santa Barbara. For sixteen years, they specialized in coveted old American denim that amassed

a huge following overseas. (In other words, they were big in Japan.) The couple scoured vintage shops around the country, a real time-consuming process for those not dedicated to the hunt or patient enough to withstand the hours it takes to find wearable treasures. But the couple thrived on it. The self-proclaimed “thrift shop junkies” held prized vintage finds overhead the way world heavyweight wrestlers display shiny gold championship belts. They sold a ton of merchandise and learned a lot, but after a decade and a half, they called it quits.

Piatt focused on his craft—mostly large-scale popAmericana paintings, and battled an alcohol addiction he’s since overcome (he shares his art along with his recovery on Instagram @wallaceisart). Johnson moved

out of state to pursue other passions. Although they lived separate lives, the two kept in touch.

Three years ago, Johnson returned to Santa Barbara and almost immediately signed a lease for an abandoned warehouse in the Funk Zone, named for the “funky” industrial warehouses that were home to artists and start-up businesses since the mid-1900s.

The spaces have since turned into contemporary restaurants, tasting rooms, and a few local boutiques.

She persuaded Piatt to come take a look. He was reluctant at first, but once Johnson rolled up the garage door to the large, dusty space with concrete floors and lime green walls, the spirit of True Grit bubbled to the surface. The pair decided it was game on. The trouble was that they had no inventory, only a vintage American flag, which they quickly hung and built the Loveworn aesthetic around.

“We literally had nothing to open a clothing store,” Piatt admits, “but we did everything on a budget and we kicked ass.” For two months, he and Johnson

worked fourteen-hour days to bring a reimagined “denim body shop” to life. Johnson adds, “We cranked out T-shirts, folded Levi’s, visited swap meets, and found cool racks, hang tags, and sewing labels.”

occurs when they cross the threshold. “Once people are in the atmosphere, they get it,” Johnson says. “You can feel the energy in the store, in what you pick up or see.”

They built a shop that’s turned into a cultural movement, an incubator for the brand: while one side of the space is the store, the other is home to Piatt’s art gallery, creating a unique museum of eclectic style.

“I hate using the word fashion but I like style,” Piatt says. “Some people have immense style. They’ll mess around with thrift shop s***, and it’s not new fashion, but they made it fashion in that way.” Johnson and Piatt both sew, redesign, and paint clothing to create truly unique pieces known as “punk rock couture,” and social media has taken notice. People from all over the country follow @lovewornsb on Instagram and travel to the warehouse-turned-cool-kids-clubhouse to dress like them.

The Loveworn team is rebellious in its craft, not sticking to any one way of creating a piece. But there’s a method to the madness, and they’re proud of it.

While many artists protect their creative processes, Johnson and Piatt post videos on social media as if to say, “This is what we do, and we’re doing it our way.”

For example, they still use old-school screen-printing screens made back in the day by Piatt to print on vintage T-shirts. Then, they use primitive painting and sewing techniques to rework those shirts into unique wearable art. In response to those questioning why they use regular paint instead of proper screen-printing ink, Piatt answers the way a true painter would: “Well, we could, but it’s not as opaque.” It’s what he’s used to, he knows how to use it, and he has a ton of it. “If someone asks, ‘Do you have a yellow?’ We’re like, right here—we have five different hues!”

If someone’s on the fence and wondering if they can pull off the Loveworn style, the tipping point usually

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Johnson is also a seamstress; she and Piatt alter or upcycle many pieces they find at thrift shops and vintage outlets around the world. Their collection of custom denim is especially amazing!

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It’s that perfection and spontaneity that people gravitate toward and devour, many to the point that they wear their Loveworn purchases right out of the shop. “Wally and I have a fun time too,” says Johnson. “Sometimes we even amaze ourselves. At times, we won’t have a plan and just say, ‘Let’s try this in baby blue. Maybe teal? Sure!’”

The collaborations never end—even during this interview, they discussed how to style short shorts for spring and what screens to use for their next T-shirt collection.

Where Johnson adds a feminine flair, Piatt sprinkles rock ’n’ roll.

As purists of vintage, Johnson and Piatt honor the past and celebrate the present. As Johnson puts it, the essence of Loveworn “feels like your favorite pair of jeans, your dad’s fuzzy sweater, or your boyfriend’s old shirt you can sleep in.” In other words, it’s clothing that has lived in the best way.

Follow along with Loveworn on Instagram @lovewornsb and coming soon at ShopLoveworn.com.

Megan Waldrep is a freelance writer who recently traded life on a thirty-four-foot sailboat in Mexico for a vintage twenty-foot Airstream in Carpinteria, California. She also writes a relationship column under the pen name Elizabeth Rose. What does all this mean? Find out at MeganWaldrep.com.

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Photo courtesy of Lexus

Voyager

SEE THE WORLD

Lexus held the world premiere of its first luxury yacht, the Lexus LY 650, last fall in Boca Raton, Florida.

“The LY 650 symbolizes the challenge taken by Lexus, which aspires to be a true luxury lifestyle brand, to venture beyond the automobile,” says company president Akio Toyoda. “A collaborative team between Toyota and Marquis Yachts introduced the Toyota Production System to the boat manufacturing facility to improve productivity and quality. This allowed the Lexus ‘crafted’ philosophy of anticipatory hospitality and meticulous attention to detail to become a reality in the form of a luxury yacht.”

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The Troubadour café and lounge, home to great coffee and live music, has been open in the Earl’s Court neighborhood of London since 1954.

Y

our head is throbbing. You’re clearly more than just a little hungover—maybe it’s a coma coming on. The aroma of black coffee emanates from somewhere, faint at first, but then the cup hits your table. Your bloodshot eyes crack open to see tiny green leaves dancing in the soft breeze. A new smell joins the coffee; saffron-dusted scrambled eggs and fresh fruit follow quickly as a server places them before you. A yellow finch alights on a palm frond. It’s 1970, and you are sitting in the garden of the world-famous Troubadour.

The Troubadour started out, humbly enough, as a quaint coffeehouse in 1954. London at that time was awash in a movement known as the second great coffee revolution.

band of touring American musicians were about to launch their assault on Britain and the world’s music scene.

Old Brompton Road and its coffee shops were quickly becoming the stage for new American folk artists. There, performers like Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Jimi Hendrix, and Joni Mitchell played their early UK live shows, and at the center of all the action was the suitably named Troubadour club.

The café has maintained its flamboyant decor, making a visit today feel like a step back into the seventies.

Fifty years ago, a musical revolution was starting in the historic city, and the Troubadour adjusted accordingly. While Soho and the West End were still swinging to the sounds of the sixties, out in Earl’s Court—the neighborhood known as Kensington and Chelsea’s wild western frontier—a

Today, the Troubadour is promoted to local and international audiences by Frank Berté, a graphic designer and publicist in South Walton, Florida, who visited the bohemian club on a recent trip to London and says the venue still has an unmistakable aura of the era. “While many other London venues have closed or been converted to million-dollar apartments, the Troubadour is still thriving as a home for live music, avant-garde writers, and contemporary culture. The café has maintained its flamboyant decor, making a visit today feel like a step back into the seventies. Contemporary acts like Ed Sheeran and Adele have also launched their careers from its famous stage.”

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You can still sense the spirit of authenticity and openness the café has always been famous for.

Berté points out that the venue is a treasure for music fans who might enjoy a stop off the beaten path in London. “Whether you are coming to sit in its enclosed garden and feast on its sumptuous food or to catch a live show one evening—or even just to grab a drink and browse the photographs of your musical heroes and heroines that adorn its walls—you can still sense the spirit of authenticity and openness the café has always been famous for,” he says.

The Troubadour club on Old Brompton Road is open from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on weekdays, and until 2:00 a.m. on the weekend. They offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and yes, live music nightly. The Troubadour also has nearby guestrooms available, including the Dylan Suite where, allegedly, the iconic singer-songwriter stayed while in London. A microtel is planned to open above the club in the summer of 2020.

Florence Welch performs at the Troubadour London.

Origin

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Visual Perspectives

Visual Perspectives EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

Visit Amblin.com/ movie/west-side-story to learn more.

Photo by Ramona Rosales © 2019 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, All Rights Reserved

Actors renowned in theater and film, those new to the silver screen, and a host of talented singers and dancers will join Steven Spielberg and his crew in bringing a new adaptation of the original, beloved stage musical West Side Story to the cinema this December. The cast includes Rachel Zegler (Maria), Ansel Elgort (Tony), Ariana DeBose (Anita), David Alvarez (Bernardo), Mike Faist (Riff), Josh Andrés Rivera (Chino), Corey Stoll (Lieutenant Schrank) and Brian d’Arcy James (Sergeant Krupke). Rita Moreno, who won an Academy Award for her portrayal of Anita in the 1961 film version of West Side Story, Story, will feature as Valentina, a reconceived and expanded version of the character of Doc, the owner of the corner store in which Tony works.

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LENS CRAFT

BY KELSEY OGLETREE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TOM GRISCOM

T

he style of classically trained photographer Tom Griscom has shifted drastically throughout his career. Now, the edgy Atlanta artist is calling his own shots.

Like many artists, Griscom prefers to work behind the scenes. Dressed in his typical shooting uniform— Birdwell jacket, jeans, T-shirt, and Vans slip-ons—the Atlanta-based photographer blends into the background on set. But one peek at his website, and you’ll see that his style is anything but demure.

Griscom’s work is colorful, unusual, provocative, edgy, and eclectic. While he mainly shoots people, he’s far from your average portrait photographer.

“My style of work is both a blessing and a hindrance at times,” he explains. “People who want to work with me really want to work with me, but sometimes more conservative clients have been a little scared.”

He wasn’t always this bold with his photos, however; it’s been a long journey to develop this modus operandi. Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Griscom spent the first part of his childhood in Washington, D.C., and attended high school in North Carolina.

He “floated for a while,” working for a restaurant chain before deciding to apply to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in Savannah, where he majored in graphic design and illustration.

Photography wasn’t really on his radar until he was required to take a 101 class, which led to two major revelations for him.

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“F

Visual Perspectives

irst I realized I liked photography a lot,” says Griscom.

“But I also realized I’m going to get so much more out of my education here by doing this. I already knew design and drawing, but there are technical and scientific parts of photography that are not innate.” At the time he was at SCAD, photography was still all film based—so learning the chemical aspect of making imagery was phenomenal, he says.

The school was also led by some of the first academic photography teachers in the United States, who had learned under masters like Harry Callahan and Ansel Adams, so the aesthetic was rooted in the 1950s with a focus on fine art and large-format photography. “That was what I went out into the world with, and I quickly found out it was not a very viable way to make a living,” recalls Griscom.

Right: The BlackSon, a Nashville hip-hop artist Previous spread: Left: Nashville-based musicians known as Black Son Rising spreading the word about the city’s Jefferson Street Sound movement Right: Lavaado, Sexton, and King Imprint Bottom right: Alternative country artist Rayland Baxter

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Continuing his exploration of the country, he moved to New York City after graduation and worked as a photo editor for publications; a few years later, he headed west to San Francisco to attend graduate school and became a studio manager for photographer David

“WE’RE ALWAYS SUPER HARD ON OURSELVES WHEN IT COMES TO THE WORK WE MAKE, BUT EVERY ONCE IN A WHILE, YOU’LL MAKE SOMETHING AND THINK, MAN, THAT’S SOMETHING.”

Left: Country artist Shelley Skidmore Below: Irreverent country duo Birdcloud

Maisel. It was there that Griscom began to gain a new perspective on what a fine art photographer could do, and after another stint in New York shooting stock photo assignments and teaching at the International Center of Photography, he ended up back in the state of his birth—this time in the burgeoning city of Nashville.

It was in Music City that he finally began to hone the work that has become his hallmark over the last few years, finding his rhythm shooting portraits of musicians. One shoot that was transformative for Griscom professionally was with Birdcloud, a country duo of two women known for writing songs with boundary-pushing lyrics.

To prepare, he spent hours watching Birdcloud’s videos and researching his subjects. He learned that they were not only musicians but also true performers—so he took that idea and ran with it. Creating his own set within a Nashville bar, he sprayed the back wall with a type of aerosol that thickens the air, creating the look of smoke, and shot light through it. The result was a photo that is still among his favorites, representing the start of a bold new aesthetic in his work.

“We’re always super hard on ourselves when it comes to the work we make, but every once in a while, you’ll make something and think, man, that’s something,” says Griscom. “I look at that picture and think, yeah, that’s a good one.”

One thing that makes Griscom’s work stand out is that there’s not a lot of postproduction trickery going on. There’s a controlled chaos to his work, meaning it has many technical aspects, but it’s not overly serious. Nowhere was this more evident than with “one of the weirder shoots” he’s ever had, he says, which was with John McAfee, the British American businessman who founded the first commercial antivirus software.

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WHILE DOCUMENTARIES AND PHOTOJOURNALISMSTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE IMPARTIAL, HE SAYS, HE CAN’T HELP BUT INTERACT WITH THE SUBJECT TO CREATE ART THAT TELLS ITS OWN STORY. many oddball situations, including a shoot for the 2018 movie Mandy (starring Nicolas Cage) involving goblins that “vomited” macaroni and cheese on children. That’s to say nothing of the wacky things he’s seen happening on the sets of many hip-hop video shoots in his current home base of Atlanta, Griscom says.

Above: Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Michael Logen

The weirdness of this shoot was amplified by a few different factors: First, notorious bad boy McAfee was technically on the run at the time—it was just after the murder of his neighbor in Belize. Second, the shoot was taking place in a random tattoo parlor in Memphis, where McAfee (who was running for president) was getting his campaign slogan tattooed on his chest. Not only was the subject four hours late for the shoot, but he was also being trailed by a Spike camera crew for a reality show and had the team make a run for two handles of tequila before they could get started.

“It was all just bizarre, but I was unfazed by it,” says Griscom. “I find people really interesting, so I’m more curious than freaked out by anything—and also I’m there because I want to make something interesting with them.”

And make something interesting he did: he created a scene inside the tattoo parlor by building out a wall of newspapers behind McAfee, whom Griscom ended up shooting shirtless—naturally—to show off his new ink.

Believe it or not, the McAfee shoot was simply another day in the life. Griscom’s work has taken him through

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But for all the weird, there’s a lot of good in what he does too. For example, he’s done documentary work over the years with the organization #WeLoveATL (WeLoveATL.org), highlighting notable events such as refugee resettlement around Atlanta, including in the most ethnically diverse square mile in America. Griscom also worked on a project with the National Center for Civil and Human Rights to profile fifty influential Atlantans who’ve made differences not everyone knows about— which included everyone from advocates for LGBTQ rights and African American culture to refugees and immigrants.

Ultimately, for Griscom, it comes down to communicating a message without words. “I’m always trying to figure out how to tell people’s stories through one photograph,” he says. While documentaries and photojournalism-style photography are supposed to be impartial, he says, he can’t help but interact with the subject to create art that tells its own story.

“I’ve grown tired of just taking pictures,” Griscom says. “The next evolution was to start making pictures.”

TO VIEW MORE OF GRISCOM’S WORK, VISIT TOMGRISCOM.COM OR FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM @TOMGRISCOM. Kelsey Ogletree is a Chicago-based writer covering travel, wellness, and design for publications that include Robb Report, Shape, Architectural Digest, and more. Always on the hunt for stories and forever a notetaker, she never leaves home without her mini Moleskine and at least two pens.

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SOLD EXCLUSIVELY AT ISIDRO DUNBAR MODERN INTERIORS

Visual Perspectives

I WANT CANDY

R O BYN BL AIR HI TS A S U GA R HIGH

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Interview by J O R DA N STAG G S | Photography courtesy of by R O BY N B L A I R

Colorful paper, instantly recognizable logos, and deliciously sweet flavors are all part of the magical experience of candy. Even as adults, we often can’t resist a taste of our favorite treats.

F

or artist Robyn Blair Davidson, it’s become an everyday enjoyment—but not because she’s eating all the Dubble Bubble, Skittles, Starburst, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups that enter her studio. Instead, she’s bringing that fun nostalgia of all her childhood favorites to her fans through her rainbow-hued pop art.

Davidson grew up in Potomac, Maryland, where she often visited old-fashioned candy stores with her grandparents and siblings. “Candy has always been a big part of my life, so it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to build a career around it!” she shares. Her confectionary collections have raised the bar on her artwork, and she was chosen to host a month-long collaborative exhibition with NAME GLO that filled the halls of Bergdorf Goodman in New York City in early 2020.

For my first piece, In Case of Emergency, Break Glass, I filled a custom-designed acrylic shell with Dubble Bubble gum and printed the title of the work in hot-pink block lettering. It ended up being exactly what I needed for my living room, and as soon as friends and family saw the art, they asked if I could make a piece for them too. I posted a collection on my Instagram (@byrobynblair), and everything took off from there!

Left and below: Artist Robyn Blair Davidson of by robynblair teamed up with NAME GLO to create an exclusive installation at Bergdorf Goodman in early 2020.

VIE caught up with her to talk about all things art, candy, and inspiration:

VIE:

Was art always something you wanted to do professionally?

Robyn Blair: My brand, by robynblair, started by accident. In 2018, I was redecorating and wanted art that would reflect my personality. I always have a bowl of candy out, and I thought it might be fun to try to make a piece of wall art using candy. How could I not, right?

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I want each piece I create to evoke

VIE: How would you describe your art? What

the same happiness,

does it make you feel when you create it?

My work is bright, light, and nostalgic. My art makes me smile every time I look at it because nothing makes me happier than candy since I have so many happy memories that center on candy and sweets. I feel a sense of pride every time I look at one of my completed pieces.

joy, and nostalgia

RB:

My pieces are modern, but the candy makes them nostalgic at the same time. With so many different ways to create my art by mixing the candy or other objects with my signature phrases, or something more personal for the client, it really makes each piece one of a kind and even more special to hang in your home.

VIE: What is your favorite thing about being an artist, and what are the biggest challenges?

RB: It’s my job to make something that brings happiness and cheer to other people’s homes— there’s no better job than that!

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for its owner that candy does for me.

Working for yourself and creating something like by robynblair from the ground up can be both a blessing and a curse. I have the opportunity to make by robynblair exactly what I want it to be, but that also means I want to work twenty-four-seven to make everything perfect. Learning to draw the line so that I am not working around the clock has been the biggest challenge for me thus far.

VIE: How did you get connected to collaborate with Bergdorf Goodman?

RB:

The Bergdorf Artists in Residence installation was a collaborative work between by robynblair and contemporary neon design company NAME GLO. I have been a longtime customer of NAME GLO, so when I first made my pieces, we immediately found ways to integrate their neon into my custom candy artwork. Some of our collaborative pieces were on display in 2019 at the Affordable Art Fair, which is where the Bergdorf ’s team first spotted our work and later approached us to work together as their newest Artists in Residence!

Left: Photo by Scott Roth

Above: by robynblair’s Bergdorf exhibition featured her signature rainbow hues and candy motifs along with NAME GLO’s custom neon lights.

Above right: A collaboration between by robynblair and SHOWFIELDS, including a floor-toceiling version of one of the artist’s In Case of Emergency, Break Glass pieces Photo by Scott Roth

It was such an honor. Bergdorf ’s has always been a special place where my mother, my sisters, and I have celebrated many special occasions, so to see my work displayed there really was a dream come true. It was really special to be able to introduce Bergdorf ’s customers to my work; my pieces literally sold off the walls!

VIE: Can you tell us a little about your other brand partnerships?

RB:

I’ve been able to partner with so many amazing retailers in just two short years, including SHOWFIELDS, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Harry Winston. These partnerships mean the world to me, and I feel so lucky to have the opportunity to work with such major names in the space.

Renowned jewelry designer Stephanie Gottlieb and I have always been fans of each other’s creations and our respective uses of color, so we combined our expertise in jewelry and decor to create two different jewelry boxes that come with my signature “In Case of Emergency, Break Glass” motto printed on top.

From there, we also created a candy-themed jewelry line that includes earrings, necklaces, and charms.

I also wanted to make my work more affordable because I believe everyone should be able to sweeten up their space, so I partnered with Dormify to create prints of my artwork that cost thirty-nine dollars.

VIE:

What do you like about working with interior designers and seeing your art in homes and other spaces?

RB: Working with interior designers who understand their clients’ needs is one of my favorite parts of being an artist. I want each piece I create to evoke the same happiness, joy, and nostalgia for its owner that candy does for me. When I’m able to fully create something from scratch for someone that matches their decor aesthetic and is meaningful to them, that is when I feel the most fulfilled.

VIE: Who are your inspirations or other artists you admire?

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RB:

Art brings people together! There are so many artists that I admire, so I really try to support those people who inspire me and my work as well. I own pieces by Jojo Anavim, Hannah Polskin, and Deborah Kass, just to name a few!

VIE:

What advice would you give to artists just starting in their professional careers, or artists who wish they could make it a full-time career but are afraid?

RB:

My best advice would be that if you love what you are doing, stay focused and become the best at exactly what you do and what makes you unique. I really believe that if you build it, they will come. Like-minded people will show up and support you. Don’t stay away from what you love!

VIE: What other projects do you have coming up in 2020?

RB:

I have some exciting new products launching, as well as new styles of by robynblair favorites. Stay tuned!

Photo by Scott Roth

Visit ByRobynBlair.com to learn more or shop now.

Visual Perspectives

EMBRACE

Destani Hoffman F/W 2020 Couture Collection Blue Waterproof Gown layered with Glitter Black Tube Top from DH S/S 2020 RTW Collection; Oxidized Sterling Silver Studs from ExVoto Vintage, 5 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, Florida— ExVotoVintage.com; Belt from Private Gallery, 7 South Church Street.

Fairhope, Alabama— PrivateGallery.com

110 | MAY 2020

“MY FOCUS AS A DESIGNER HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO REALLY DESIGN FROM AN EMOTIONAL STANDPOINT,” SAYS FAIRHOPE, ALABAMA–BASED FASHION CREATOR DESTANI HOFFMAN. “WHEN CONCEPTUALIZING, I THINK ABOUT AN EXPERIENCE, BOTH EMOTIONALLY AND VISUALLY, BEFORE I EVER DESIGN ANYTHING. I ASK MYSELF, ‘WHAT DO I WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL, SEE, AND BE IMMERSED IN WHEN THE COLLECTION IS PRESENTED?’”

This is the “superpower” of so many creatives around the globe, whether they are painters, fashion designers, poets, photographers, musicians, or any number of other labels—they are artists. They break molds by embracing the creation process and bringing others into it through their work. In troubled times, people turn to the creatives to bring not only joy and entertainment but also deep thought, meaning, and empathy.

Art is also a poignant reminder of how amazing people can be when they work together, as some of the absolute best creations are team efforts.

“I always say that I cannot do my best work without a talented team of people and that was very true for this shoot,” says photographer Lauren Athalia. The moody yet elegant fashion shoot you see here was a collaborative effort between five female creatives: Athalia and Hoffman, stylist Sarah Levey, hair and makeup artist Stacy Alderson, and model Delaney Tyndall. “Each one of these women has an amazing set of skills, and it is my joy and my job to capture that.”

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T

he pristine coastal landscape of Saint Andrews State Park played backdrop to the beach shots, giving them an interesting juxtaposition of nature and couture. “One of my favorite things about this beach is that Hurricane Michael’s winds uncovered a World War II gun turret on the beach, and I think this was a cool consequence of a terrible natural disaster. It exposed some Florida history and made the beach a little more unique.”

In general, Hoffman says her DH Designs brand is geared toward an edgy, grungy, nonchalant vibe. “I generally style things with a hard and soft balance and an unkempt, little-bit-punk look, so when we decided to collaborate on this shoot, I really just wanted to let my brand vision take a backseat. Part of what I love about being an artist is that it’s always a learning experience, and I wanted to really challenge myself to let go and see what Lauren and Sarah would do with my pieces.”

‘‘

PART OF WHAT I LOVE ABOUT BEING AN ARTIST IS THAT IT’S ALWAYS A LEARNING EXPERIENCE, AND I WANTED TO REALLY CHALLENGE

’’

MYSELF TO LET GO AND SEE WHAT LAUREN AND SARAH WOULD DO WITH MY PIECES.

Destani Hoffman S/S 2017 Tulle Poncho Dress; Earrings, see previous spread Left: Destani Hoffman S/S 2020 RTW Collection Ruffle Set – DH Signature Cropped Top and Bermuda Shorts; Hair Accessories from Private Gallery, 7 South Church Street, Fairhope, Alabama— PrivateGallery.com

112 | MAY 2020

Destani Hoffman S/S 2017 Tulle Halter Jumpsuit; Orange Beaded Wrap Bracelet/Necklace, Tan Fedora, Olive Velvet Jacket, and Shearling Cross Body Clutch Bag from ExVoto Vintage, 5 Main Street, Rosemary Beach, Florida— ExVotoVintage.com; Belt, see previous spread Right: See previous spread for wardrobe Below: Destani Hoffman S/S 2020 RTW Collection Burgundy Stretch Tulle Tee layered with Glitter Burgundy Tube Top (Same collection); Custom Choker by DH Fashion Designs; Gold Bangle by Coastal Road Leather Goods— CoastalRoad.net

Athalia agrees that she is always learning too— especially on the job. “I generally plan to do six to eight outfits for a fashion editorial, in a variety of scenes. Among those combinations, I try to edit in the moment and not overshoot one look.

Some things work in my mind that don’t in real life, and the opposite is true too. Sometimes I find unexpected moments that are just begging to be photographed. It’s a balance of having a plan but not being so controlling that you can’t capture the happy accidents.”

The ethereal nature of this photo shoot just goes to show that embracing the creation of art and the creation of earth, and being willing to follow their lead, can lead you to beautiful things.

Photography by Lauren Athalia LaurenAthalia.com, @laurenathalia Clothing by Destani Hoffman, DH Designs DestaniHoffman.com, @dhfashiondesigns Styled by Sarah Levey, The Southern Atelier TheSouthernAtelier.com, @thesouthernatelier Hair and Makeup by Stacy Alderson @stacyalderson Model Delaney Tyndall with ONYX Model Management @delaneytyndall, @onyxmodelmanagement V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 113

Recording artist and Broadway alumna Morgan James—see more on page 34.

Photo by Kat Hennessey

THE SHOW MUST GO ON ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR $29.95 V IE M A G A ZINE .C OM / S UB S CR IBE

L’intermission

Life Is Grayt

Photo by Karen Culp / Shutterstock

Traveling has been put on hold for a while, but we’re still enchanted by our home in Grayton Beach, Florida. With white sands, rare coastal dune lakes, and the Underwater Museum of Art, it’s no wonder it topped Condé Nast Traveler’s list of fourteen best beaches in the US this year!

Love, VIE xo V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 115

L’amour

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NOVEMBER 29, 2019

A SIMPLE BEACHSIDE WEDDING N I K I

N O B L I N

&

J E F F

S L I G E R

Photography by Dawn Chapman Whitty

O U R

LOVE STORY

Jeff and I met during Labor Day weekend of 2011. Jeff was in flight training in Enterprise, Alabama, and came down to Destin, Florida, for the weekend. I lived in Destin at the time and had a mutual friend who was in flight school with Jeff. The weather was terrible because of Tropical Storm Lee, so instead of them going to the beach, we all ended up hanging out all day and night on the harbor, and Jeff and I hit it off. We then dated for eight years! I know that seems like an awfully long time, but we dated through his time at flight school, two deployments, and four years of being stationed in Kansas. It was a long journey to get to the place where we could live in the same town and really be together.

G O N E

TO

THE DOGS

I’m on the board of Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida, and I love my dog, Chicken (she’s my fourth rescue). That’s one of the first things that attracted me to Jeff—his love of animals. We both adore our dogs and they are a huge part of our lives. Jeff has never been a full-time volunteer at Alaqua, but he was always more than willing to help out when he was in town. Fittingly, Jeff proposed to me at the Destin dog park surrounded by our four rescue dogs on Labor Day weekend— seven years after we first met. I was completely surprised! He asked with a gray rosecut Just Jules diamond ring from The Jewel in Grand Boulevard. I’d loved that ring from afar for a very long time and now get to admire it every day.

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L’amour

O U R

VENUE

Jeff and I live on Holiday Isle in Destin. We talked about several places for the wedding but decided on Destin Pointe because of its location near our home and its natural beauty. The neighborhood has a coastal lake, beach, views of the East Pass and boats, and fantastic coastal architecture. I thought it would give us a lot of options for photos. Prior to my wedding, my photographer had never been to Destin Pointe and she couldn’t believe how beautiful it is. I also liked the location for our family and out-of-town guests, which was almost everyone. My family lives in Tennessee, so they stayed in the beach house. Jeff ’s family is from Ohio, and they stayed with us.

We held our reception at the Sandcastle, a beach home in Destin Pointe at 3583 Rosalie Drive. The reception house was a gift from my friends Stan and Wassiya Hewitt. We actually stayed there all week for

“

MY DAD AND MY ALAQUA PUP, CHICKEN, WALKED ME DOWN THE AISLE. JEFF’S GROOMSMEN WERE HIS THREE MALE DOGS, AND MY NEPHEWS WERE THE DOG HANDLERS. Thanksgiving. It’s a beach house on pylons, so we had the reception underneath the house. The pylons are covered with white lattice, so we got a sense of privacy, and the area is surrounded by palms that create a nice backdrop of greenery. We decorated with numerous sisal rugs, twinkle lights, candles, tulle, and handmade flowers by Nicole Paloma to give it a bohemian vibe.

OUR

WEDDING PLANS

The advantage of having a small-scale wedding is that it’s a lot less stressful. The only real stress I experienced was finding a florist. Most florists were closed for Thanksgiving and Black Friday, so I was having a hard time finding anyone to do the flowers.

In the end, Pavlic’s Florist and Gifts in Destin opened on that Friday just for me. The gesture did not go unnoticed, and my flowers were simple but elegant. My friend Mary Chris Murry did the best job of helping plan and organize the wedding. She took my vision and pulled it all together. I found out that no matter how large or small the wedding, you really do need someone to help!

OUR

WEDDING

DAY

We got married the day after Thanksgiving, so we invited everyone to have Thanksgiving lunch with us in the beach house. It is my favorite holiday because it’s about family, friends, and just being grateful for what you have. We had a very small, intimate wedding; we each invited five of our nearest and dearest friends. (We 118 | MAY 2020

My favorite part was our furry attendants. My dad and my Alaqua pup, Chicken, walked me down the aisle.

Jeff ’s groomsmen were his three male dogs, and my nephews were the dog handlers. Stephania Crisafulli was our officiant, and she wrote vows that mimicked our dogs—Chicken, Sam, Danger, and Cooper—and their expectations for their mom and dad’s marriage: “Love makes messes. Love leaves you little surprises here and there. Love needs lots of cleaning up after.

Sometimes you just want to get love fixed. Sometimes you want to roll up a piece of newspaper and swat love on the nose, not so much to cause pain, but just to let love know, Don’t you ever do that again! But love makes you meet people wherever you go—people from all walks of life. If you throw things away, love will bring them back again and again and again. But most of all, love needs love, lots of it. And in return, love loves you and never stops.”

SPECIAL THANKS Every part of the wedding was important and personal. I had two must-haves for the day: a Nicole Paloma gown and Dawn Whitty as my photographer.

Both were great. My dress, hand made by Nicole, was a floor-length halter dress covered in hundreds of handcrafted ecru blossoms in shades of white and cream. It’s honestly the most unique wedding dress I’ve ever seen, and I’m glad I got married in a one-of-akind dress made by a local designer. Two of my fellow Alaqua volunteers, Marisa Taylor of Make Me Up and Natalie Ittu of Tease, did my hair and makeup. Our family and friends were all so wonderful and worked hard to make it a special day we will never forget!

ended up with thirty guests because our friends are all married with kids.) We went back and forth about a large wedding versus a small one. Jeff and I were both getting married for the first time, at thirty-nine and forty-three, respectively, and he wanted a larger celebration, but I wanted it to be more intimate. In the end, because Jeff was leaving for Afghanistan soon afterward, we decided to keep it small, and we are both happy with that choice. It was a blast because we all knew each other so well. We all stayed in the neighborhood, so it was like a weekend celebration. As the bride and groom, it was special for us to be able to spend time with everyone at our wedding—I think you lose that when you have a large event.

We had a white wedding on Black Friday. I asked all the guests to wear black, to give the feel of them being part of the wedding party. I liked the color contrast as well. Our menu was a low-country boil with crab legs, shrimp, corn, and potatoes—perfect for the beachside venue.

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g gg Introspections

The

GREATEST

Gifts BY

S U Z A N N E

PO L LA K

A mysterious book, hypnosis, and fourteen-week presents—have you ever heard of such gifts?

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g g

he Charleston Academy fields many questions about gift giving. Students wonder what to buy for weddings, bridesmaids, and hostesses. They want to know what to bring—and what not to bring—to a dinner party. Husbands call for gift advice so often that we could give a class dedicated to the one subject.

Recently my mind turned to other sorts of gifts: the “life savers” that make you feel differently about your situation instantly and entirely.

A few months ago, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am lucky (it was an early-stage cancer) and even more so to feel the love shown by so many people near and far. I want to tell you about three gifts that jolted me, so unusual they were.

I awakened to their imagined advice, glanced at the title of the book, and drew up my list of what must be done. It didn’t matter if there were two weeks left or thirty years. My tiny list soothed my mind, and the book’s content did too. We are all going to die someday. Let us get our ducks in a row. The ritual and the organization of these tasks can be comforting.

We know we have an end date, and if we have lived in full technicolor, it must be okay. My first gift was that my brain was calm. My life story is so rich in experiences that it could not be made up. However ready I may (or may not) be for the unknown, right now there’s more to say on the subject.

I will never forget the instinctive wisdom of the friend who presented me with the second gift: a hypnosis

“

We know we have an end date, and if we have lived in full technicolor, it must be okay.

The first came from outer space. No joke! A package arrived on my doorstep the day after a biopsy and two days before the doctor called to report the cancer. No one but my doctor knew I’d had a biopsy, but not even the doctor knew I had cancer when the book appeared.

Not one of my friends acknowledged sending the book. My spirit guide? Pure coincidence? A fluke? I considered these questions.

Our brains tend to run wild with stories all the time, even more so after a cancer diagnosis. The surprise gift from the unknown sender was titled A Year to Live by Stephen Levine. Receiving the book out of the blue, between the time of the biopsy and the doctor’s calling to report on the result, served as a sharp wake-up call.

Who sent this? Who cares? I considered the gift in a context of fantasy, my brain fuzzy with unwanted, unexpected news. Could this be a gift mystically organized by my deceased father and cousin’s spirits?

Were they trying to tell me: “Pay attention! It’s time for you to do the things that matter to you, things we did not have time to do before our deaths from cancer”?

session. This hypnotist’s specialty is preparing patients for surgeries. Do I believe in hypnosis? Am I a susceptible person? Does it matter? These surprise gifts came from angels who alighted around me when I needed them. That is what I learned. When we have a real need, something shows up. It may not be what we ordered, expected, or dreamed of; it’s most likely better than anything we imagined—and better for our souls too.

And then there was the third gift, which blew me away, randomly arriving every seven to ten days for fourteen weeks. This gift stunned me because (1) it came from one of my sons and (2) it brought us closer together. His gift made me healthier and happier and feel honored in ways possibly not even imagined by the giver himself. Through his generosity, I started eating more, I regained lost weight, and I took better care of myself. I even cooked and ate new foods, including eggs.* The gesture was so valuable to me that it seemed almost worth having cancer.

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t Introspections

“

The three gifts made me feel wiser, well cared for, and utterly loved. They were proof that the givers understood me and my situation. They were transitory in nature (except for the book) but treasured all the more so because each gift was so needed at that exact moment.

Bags of groceries and armfuls of flowers appeared on my doorstep every week, delivered from Whole Foods. There was an avalanche of goodness that extended from this gift: the initial surprise of opening up bags of groceries (chosen by a foodie); discovering what was inside, which made me feel like a little kid at Christmas; then the joy of planning meals, choosing recipes, and making myself eat three meals a day, at home, to get through all the supplies.

The calculation of how much a woman can consume in one week, according to a younger male, can be quite astounding. I didn’t want one bite, ounce, or flavor to go to waste, so I had to figure out how to eat all the food before it lost its freshness.** Then I experienced the thrill of arranging the flowers.*** During several weeks, I did not have enough vases because the blooms from last week were still alive or dying too gracefully to discard, so now there were even more buds to arrange.

The three gifts made me feel wiser, well cared for, and utterly loved. They were proof that the givers understood me and my situation. They were transitory in nature (except for the book) but treasured all the more so because each gift was so needed at that exact moment.

122 | MAY 2020

If you are wondering what to give a person in need, the following are ideas that will be remembered for their kindness years later: a home-cooked meal with directions, orchids, a handwritten letter, a lunch scheduled every so often so the person has something to look forward to, a text every morning asking, How are you?

Through this experience, I relearned many things that I already knew. A person and their thoughtfulness can save you. *I never really liked eggs but, after receiving a dozen of the finest eggs one week, I changed my attitude. A dozen is a lot to use when eggs are not part of your diet, so I began making three-egg omelets. A quick omelet in a cast-iron skillet takes little effort, so I started experimenting with a true French omelet. But when I couldn’t find the proper pan, I switched to scrambled eggs and discovered how to make them so delicious that I’m now addicted!

Here’s how: Over low heat, melt a bit of Irish butter.

Then add three of the best eggs money can buy (You’re worth it!); these should be well blended with a fork so no white streaks remain. Continuously stir the eggs in the pan until they become a creamy blend. Just when curds (soft lumps) start forming, keep stirring, and add a few crumbled pieces of plain goat cheese. Keep on stirring until you wind up with a creamy pile of the softest eggs imaginable. ** What freezes beautifully? How could I reuse leftovers? I made stocks from the roasted chickens, soups from the vegetables, veal ragout from the bundles of carrots and celery. Sometimes I was too tired from radiation to cook a real meal, so I would roast a sweet potato and spoon on mountains of sour cream, crème fraîche, and Irish butter, and then shower chopped chives over the top—all treasures from one week’s bounty. ***Flower tip: To make flowers last, change the water every other day. According to Lily from Flowershop (who taught an Academy class long ago), you should put the vase under the faucet and let the water run through until clear.

Suzanne Pollak, a mentor and lecturer in the fields of home, hearth, and hospitality, is the founder and dean of the Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits. She is the coauthor of Entertaining for Dummies, The Pat Conroy Cookbook, and The Charleston Academy of Domestic Pursuits: A Handbook of Etiquette with Recipes. Born into a diplomatic family, Pollak was raised in Africa, where her parents hosted multiple parties every week. Her South Carolina homes have been featured in the Wall Street Journal Mansion section and Town & Country magazine. Visit CharlestonAcademy. com or contact her at Suzanne@CharlestonAcademy.com to learn more.

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BY MYLES MELLOR

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Pop singer known as “Songbird Supreme” (2 words) Former Beatles record label Band that sang “Black Magic Woman” Band that sang “Light My Fire,” the ___ Jewelry stone The Princess and the __ animated film Word before Maiden and Butterfly Film based on a Neil Gaiman book Poker money Jupiter moon Unforgiven star First African American woman to win the Oscar for Best Actress (last name) One of the top-ranked films of 2017 starring Gal Gadot (2 words) __ Bice, American Idol runner-up Singer whose albums include 21 and 19 Type of beams used in Star Wars Morgan Freeman’s character in The Shawshank Redemption Soul music pioneer Charles They “bless the rains down in Africa” “Diary” singer Alicia

Oratorio with the “Hallelujah” chorus “I __ __ Rock” by Simon and Garfunkel Fab Four drummer Sandler of The Longest Yard Guitar great M*A*S*H character Retired Rockets star from China “50 Ways to Leave Your Lover” transportation Pearl Jam album ___ a Peach (Allman Brothers album) Restful retreat Live and Let ___, film or song title “To __, with love” Pixar animated comedy directed by John Lasseter (2 words) Woodstock event, e.g.

Old Hollywood sex symbol West Emeril’s shout Classic cry to Forrest in Forrest Gump Tombstone character (first name) Common fairy-tale villain Rainbow shape Long, feathery scarfs DiCaprio, to fans “Thinking Out Loud” singer (first name) Raiders of the Lost ___ Word of encouragement V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 125

The Last Word

“

It’s not what a movie is about, it’s how it is about it.

— Roger Ebert

”

Au revoir!

Au revoir!

BEFORE YOU GO . . .

Billie Eilish arrives for the Spotify Best New Artist 2020 Party on January 23, 2020, in Los Angeles.

Photo by DFree / Shutterstock

“When we all fall asleep, where do we go?” This is the question posed on musical artist Billie Eilish’s website—it also happens to be the title of her 2019 album. The eighteen-year-old singersongwriter has taken the world by storm the past few years. She won the American Music Award and the MTV Award for best new artist 2019 and swept the 2020 Grammy Awards with four wins: Album of the Year, Best Pop Vocal Album, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Through all the fame, the young artist seems to have kept her quirky personality and is insistent on doing things her way—she and her brother, actor and producer Finneas Baird O’Connell, even wrote and recorded When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go? in Finneas’s small bedroom studio.

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June 1 - 26, 2020 A Summer Intensive For Dancers Entering the 4th Grade & Up

2020 Summer WORKSHOP

Train with top professionals in classical ballet and contemporary dance styles.

Featuring International Guest Faculty Level 1 (Dancers Entering 4th & 5th Grades) 9:15 am – 2:00 pm A half-day program that includes four classes a day with a break for lunch. Must have at least 1 year of formal ballet training to participate. No placement class required.

Levels 2 & 3 (Dancers Entering 6th Grade & Up) 9:00 am - 3:30 pm A full day program includes four classes a day with a break for lunch. Students may choose which weeks to attend. Must have 3 years of formal ballet training to participate. Placement class held May 31 at 2:00 pm.