Mona Lisa Nashville by monalisanashville

mona

lisa

NASHVILLE MAGAZINE

THERE ARE FAR BETTER THINGS THAN WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND.

ahead

C.S. LEWIS

THE BELL TOWER page 44

JAZZ IN THE GULCH

SPRINGFIELD FARMHOUSE page 62

page 58

Contents MUSIC 6........ JEFF COFFIN. 58...... JIM WILLIAMSON FOOD 20...... ANDREIA MEEK. 74...... MINDY MERRELL ART 22...... KIM FLORY. 40...... SARA ESTES. 52...... JOHN TOOMEY

HOME 26...... MICHELLE ALLISON. 62...... JENNIFER MOORE. 76...... ROBINSON REGEN. 88...... KIM ESTES

SPECIAL EVENTS 14...... JENNIFER MOORE: WEDDING PORTRAITS 44...... MCCLAIN ZEIGLER: INFINITY EVENTS & CATERING

GIVING BACK 94...... MICHELLE ALLISON: CARTER LAWRENCE GARDEN 3

People Will

feel.

NEVER FORGET

how you made them

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Maya Angelou

Name: Lisa Dunn Profession: Graphic Designer / Magazine & Online Publisher / Serial Entrepreneur When I think of Nashville I ... I think of where I came from. Without this incredible city surrounding me with the most talented, creative, intelligent, kind, funny and inspirational people & experiences I would not be who I am today. How long have you lived in Nashville and where else have you lived? I came to Nashville in 1988 to attend Belmont University which means I’m way old now. :) I was born in Gaffney, S.C. prior to House of Cards or “The Big Peach” putting it on the map. Then within the next four years i lived in Texas and Mississippi before settling down in Martin, TN, I know I can’t really count Brazil as a place I have lived (my mother was Brazilian) but I consider Rio de Janeiro to be my second home. I’ve spent many summers and vacations there. Highlights 2014: • I paid all my bills. • I started a blog. • I completed my first online magazine. • My son was accepted to the University of Arizona Film School. • My favorite cousin got married. • I bought a new washer and dryer. • John is still my best friend.

monalisanashville.com I’ve been trying to come up with a new business idea forEVER. It’s finally coming together. I’m not sure how I’m going to make it work but what I’m dedicated to right now is spreading the word about the beautiful people, places and things that deserve recognition. It’s really about people — It’s about you, our family and friends or even those we don’t know yet and would love to meet. This morning I was reading my daily blog from marketing guru and author Seth Godin. (see below) Then I listened to the TEDx talk that was completely and totally relevant to where I am right now. “It’s not too late to make a difference.” Thanks to all of those who trusted me to cover their story in my blog and now in my magazine. Thanks to all those who are following me, reading the stories about these amazing people. And thanks to those in the future who will make my blog post or magazine story something they want to share with others. It really isn’t too late to make a difference. — Lisa

The stories we tell ourselves by Seth Godin Here’s one: “I’m too old to make a difference, take a leap, change the game...” (Sometimes, I hear this from people who are 27 years old). This is a seductive story, because it lets us off the hook. Obviously, the thinking goes, the deck (whichever deck you want to pick) is stacked against me, so no need to even imagine the failure that effort will bring. Better to just move along and lower my expectations. Hannes Schwandt has published some interesting research on this. Regret seems to peak at 50, and then, as people start rationalizing that they’re not expected to make much of a difference going forward, life satisfaction starts to increase. Of course, this is doubly backwards... we can (and must) contribute as we get older, and freedom is nothing to fear. Doctor, scientist and speaker Jonathan Sackner-Bernstein wakes us up with this powerful new TEDx talk:

Goals 2015: • Grow my businesses. • Give my son wings so he can fly. • Share more beauty with others. • Look forward to being 50! • Be a better friend.

And so it begins

JEFF COFFIN

PHOTO: GREG KESSLER 6

Peace Now JEFF COFFIN

Jeff Coffin is an internationally recognized saxophonist, bandleader, composer and educator and has been traveling the globe since the late 20th Century. He is a 3x Grammy Award winner from Bela Fleck & the Flecktones and played with them from 1997-2010. In July 2008, Jeff began touring with Dave Matthews Band, and officially joined the group in 2009. When not on the road with DMB, Coffin fronts his own group, Jeff Coffin & the Muâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;tet, and works around the country playing shows and presenting music clinics to students. Living in Nashville, TN since 1991, Coffin graduated with a music education degree from the prestigious University of North Texas in 1990 where he played in the acclaimed One Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Clock Lab Band. He also studied with sax great Joe Lovano on a National Endowment for the Arts grant. 8

The Scrambler Some of the artists Coffin has shared the stage and the recording studio include a “who’s who” of musicians such as Bela Fleck & the Flecktones, Dave Matthews Band, Branford Marsalis, Bob Mintzer, DJ Logic, New Orleans Social Club, Maceo Parker, McCoy Tyner, Baaba Maal, Phish, Mike Clark’s Prescription Trio, Galactic, Kirk Whalum, My Morning Jacket, Widespread Panic,

Chris Thile, Willie Nelson, Chester Thompson, Garth Brooks, Van Morrison, J.D. Souther, Vinnie Colaiuta, The Dixie Chicks, ‘Rakalam’ Bob Moses, Stanton Moore, Brooks and Dunn, Tuvan Throat Singers – the Alash Ensemble & Konger Ol Ondar, George Porter Jr., Umphrey’s McGee, Del McCoury, John Scofield, Yonder Mountain String Band, Marc Broussard, Martina McBride, Lynyrd Skynyrd, . 9 the Wailers and many, many others.

Side Up I recently went to see Jeff Coffin & the Mu’tet at 3rd and Lindsley. The Mu’tet takes its name from the word ‘mutation’, clearly reflecting Coffin’s philosophy that music must continue to change and mutate in order to grow. Actually this could be my philosophy too, not as the performer and creator, but as the spectator and follower. I want to continue to change and mutate my own musical tastes. I want to discover new sounds and connect with artists and genres I am unfamiliar with. I would encourage you to go see someone you’ve never heard, to expose yourself to something different. For me, I sometimes prefer to be surprised. Lucky for me, Sunday’s show was a pleasant surprise. I had already listened to Jeff’s new CD, Side Up and loved it so I knew the show would be killer. Of course, everyone in the band and the guests/friends who got up on stage were all incredible musicians themselves. I’m not a music critic. I can’t give you an educated critique on the show or the CD but I will tell you that you should take a listen. You should expose yourself to something new. You might be pleasantly surprised just like I was.

The Nashville Scene review

of Side Up.

To purchase Jeff’s CD Side Up click HERE. 10

Jeff Coffin & the Mu’tet

J.C. Hightlights 2014: The new JC & the Mu’tet CD SIDE UP. It just came out Nov. 4th and it’s my seventh or eighth solo project. I have worked my butt off on this and I think it’s really a great project. I’m so glad it’s done so I can work on some new things again. Recordings are always ready to go, well before you get them out there. It always takes longer than you think or want ... I love the process though and am looking forward to the next one.

Scratch that Itch Name: Jeff Coffin Profession: saxophonist/composer/educator/author When I think of Nashville I … . think of home, my family, my friends, the South, the trees, the music, the history, the musicians, the magnolias, Radnor Lake, hot chicken, the Belcourt, wide-eyed songwriters looking for their moment, young musicians looking for a chance to play, too many people playing for free (!), awesome food, great neighborhoods and Southern hospitality at its best! In high school were you a geeky musician or a cool/hip musician? . hahahaha I don’t even know. I think a little of both. I straddle that fence to this day! hahahaha... You’ve traveled the world, what’s your favorite city? NEW ORLEANS!!!!! without a doubt. no hesitation whatsoever. It’s the most amazing place I have ever been ... and it’s right here in the US!! wow. If you could trade places with any other person for a week, famous or not, living or dead, real or fictional, with whom would it be and why? . I would trade places with Mark Twain. I think he had a lot of fun and had an incredible wit and outlook on life. He was brilliant and I imagine he had a lot of interesting friends and hung out a lot with great musicians and artists of all types.

DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

Hightlights 2014: Another highlight is always making music with Dave Matthews Band. I have been with them since 2008 and this was a great year where we did two shows per night – one acoustic to open the night and then a longer ‘rock show’ after that. It’s such a joy to share the stage with great musicians and they are some of the finest on the planet ... as

are the guys in the Mu’tet!

Steppinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Up DAVE MATTHEWS BAND

jeffcoffin.com

BELA FLECK & THE FLECKTONES

Whimsical

WEDDING PORTRAITS AT GLENRAVEN JENNIFER PRUITT MOORE

PHOTOS BY KRISTA LEE PHOTOGRAPHY 15

Glenraven: A Brief History: Glenraven was built by Felix and Jane Ewing between 1898 and 1902 in Adams, TN. Jane Ewing was the granddaughter of Joseph Washington (a cousin of George Washington) and his wife Mary who built Wessyngton Mansion in 1819. Their son George, (Jane Ewingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father) took over the plantation when his father died and turned it into a thriving tobacco plantation that in 1860 was the second largest producer of tobacco in the world spanning over 12,000 acres. When George died in 1892, the land was divided among his children. His daughter, Jane received the land upon which she and her husband, Felix Ewing, established Glenraven. Glenraven, a massive three-story plantation house. The tobacco plantation the Ewings created was virtually a village, with church, school, post office and power plant. They operated the plantation until 1931 when they lost most everything in the Great Depression. My husbandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great-grandfather, Robert Moore, bought the house in 1941 and is still a working-1,100-acre cattle and tobacco farm.

When I was a little girl I would dream of antebellum homes and gorgeous ball gowns. It’s not just the fairytale stuff. My dad, who had a masters in history, took us to every historical home we could afford on our summer vacations. I absolutely loved visiting those homes and to this day, I’m still obsessed with them. So when my friend Dale asked me to go with her to her daughter’s wedding party at Glenraven, my answer didn’t require much thought. I had heard it was spectacular. And as you can see, it is pretty incredible. Because the family still resides in the home, photos are not allowed of the interior. What better way to showcase this home than to share Dale’s daughter, Jennifer’s wedding portraits made at Glenraven. This is exactly how I dreamed it would look like — the home, the dress, the beautiful bride. :)

Jennifer Moore Name: Jennifer Pruitt Moore Profession: Sysco Sales Rep When I think of Nashville, I … think about how lucky I am to live here. I am a true Southerner and I can say, without hesitation, that I think I live in one of the best cities in the South if not the entire country. How long have you lived in Nashville and where else have you lived? I grew up, for the most part, in Atlanta. My family moved here the summer before I started high school. I have lived in Nashville for 20 years. Now, when people ask where I am from I say, “Nashville.” I lived in Knoxville for four years while attending UT (University of Tennessee). What are your favorite restaurants in Nashville? • City House in Germantown • Kayne Prime in the Gulch • PM* for sushi • Finezza* in Belle Meade • Bria* and Antonio’s* in Bellevue • Grilled Cheeserie Food Truck* *are customers of mine at Sysco. If you won $20 million in the lottery, what would you do with the money? Buy a beach house on 30a, give some to family and church and invest the rest. Well, and, of course, do a little shopping. :)) Connection to Lisa: Good friend of my mom’s (Dale Pruitt)

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Love is a canvas furnished by nature and embroidered by imagination. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Voltaire

Bonbon

JOY Bonbon Joy was started in January, 2014 by Andreia Meek. It started out being made as gifts for friends and family. There were so many compliments that she thought she might have to spread the joy of her Brazilian homemade candies with others here in Nashville. 20

WHAT IS A BRIGADEIRO? Brigadeiro is the word in Portuguese for Brigadier. The little chocolate treat was named after the Brazilian Brigadier, Eduardo Gomes, who in 1945 started his presidential campaign. His good looks and charisma attracted a group of female fans who created those chocolate “balls” and sold them to raise funds for his campaign. At that time, campaign parties were expected by the public and soon people were calling friends to go eat the sweet: “Let’s eat the Brigadier’s candy!” The bite-sized chocolate ball was then, named “Brigadeiro.“ The traditional recipe calls for condensed milk, chocolate powder and butter. Like many nostalgic treats in America, Brigadeiros bring back fond childhood memories for Brazilians. I don’t think I’ve ever been to a birthday party that did not have them. It’s about as traditional as you can get.

ANDREIA MEEK Profession: Nursing Home Admin Assistant | Owner, Bonbon Joy When I think of Nashville, … my heart sings ... How long have you lived in Nashville and where else have you lived? I have been in Nashville for seven years. In 2004, I moved to Richmond, VA from Porto Alegre, Brazil. Tell me about your family: I am married to Ted Meek and we have a 14-month-old daughter, Sophia Grace. Connection to Lisa: We met through mutual Brazilian friends.

Bonbonjoy.com

C oncrete Creations

kim flory

CONCRETE CREATIONS 22

Sometimes inspiration comes in the most unlikely of places. Kim had been exploring different ideas and concepts in search of something she could be passionate about and build a business. Out of the blue, it seems her concrete creations were conceived â&#x20AC;&#x201D; planters, vases, candle holders, stepping stones and more were designed. The outcome is quite lovely. I think she's going to be successful at this venture. I'm already a fan and collector.

Name: Kim Flory Profession: Graphic Designer / Concrete Artist When I think of Nashville I ... think of all the fabulous arts that are in the city and not just music. How long have you lived in Nashville and where else have you lived? I have lived in Nashville for 20 years. I am originally from St. Joseph, MI and I attended Western Kentucky University (WKU) in Bowling Green before moving here. Tell me about your inspiration for “concrete” and your experience at the The Skillery. The Skillery and Matt Dudley really helped me work through the process with the CoStarters program (CO. STARTERS is a nine-week business development program that helps aspiring entrepreneurs put ideas into action, and turn a passion into a sustainable and thriving small business.). The one thing I learned was to start slow. That has been a lifesaver for me. My inspiration for making concrete objects came from a random book I found on a “Books Are Fun” kiosk. After talking to people about my idea and receiving a positive response, I decided to jump start the work. 24

“

Too often, companies and individuals assume that creativity and innovation are the domain of the “creative types.” But two of the leading experts in innovation, design, and creativity on the planet show us that each and every one of us is creative. — Creative Confidence

One of your biggest accomplishments is being a cancer survivor. What’s the best way to help someone going through chemotherapy? And what was your resource for strength? Because I don’t have family in Nashville, my friends became a huge resource. In addition my amazing doctors and, of course, my faith were very important to me.

Kim, you have a good sense of humor so your oddball question is perfect for you. If aliens landed in front of you and, in exchange for anything you desire, offered you any position on their planet, what would you want? I would like to be the Creative Arts Ambassador, spreading creativity to all the aliens of the planet. (insert smiley face here). I have recently been reading the book, Creative Confidence a book which discusses the fact that everybody, including aliens, are creative in their own special way.

The best thing my friends did for me was set up a calendar of meals. Walking the dog and even just sitting with me and watching TV were also helpful. It wasn’t always easy to feel comfortable asking for help but ironically it was even harder to accept the offers of assistance. It was a difficult lesson to learn — I could not do everything I was used to doing myself anymore. The generosity of my friends and truly accepting their kindness were both truly a gift. Connection to Lisa: Lisa freelanced at C.R. Gibson where I worked as a graphic designer. However, we knew that we knew each other from somewhere else. I finally figured it out. We had worked on several Nashville Ballet events including the Dash for Dance 5k Run and a variety of dancer meetand-greet cocktail parties.

Into my garden come MICHELLE ALLISONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HOME

Switzerland to Belmont Michelle and her husband, John, lived in Zurich, Switzerland for four years and their Belmont neighborhood home is heavily influenced by the light and airy Swiss design aesthetic.

My friend, Michelle Gentle, kind, smart, dedicated, creative, funny, fun, strong, determined are just a few words that describe Michelle. A former teacher at a Nashville inner-city school, Carter-Lawrence Magnet School, she devoted herself to not only teaching her students the curriculum but giving them a safe, happy place to be at least for a few hours. While she was there she started a garden for the children so they could see what fresh fruits and vegetables look like — something most of them have never seen. See the story on page ?? As I’ve gotten to know Michelle better over the last several years, I’ve been impressed with her optimistic approach to life and her amazing commitment to her family, students and friends. Her attention to detail with her gardening and decorating make her home a showcase. Every nook and cranny is filled with the loveliest vignettes. Thanks, Michelle, for letting me share your home with my friends. :)

Poem by Michelle’s daughter, Emily

Michelle Allison Profession: Retired teacher (special education and 1st grade) When I think of Nashville, I … When I think of Austin, I think of home. The beach or the mountains is where I wanted to live. When I think of Nashville, I think of the beautiful relationships that have grown here — primarily with John and my children and my sweet sister friends, my kind neighbors and the lovely children I've come in contact with here, the doctors who are so diligently and kindly helping me through my cancer journey. I suppose in the end, its always about relationships for me, rather than environment. How many years have you lived in Nashville and where else have you lived? I was born in New Jersey. Moved to Houston, Texas when I was 4. Left Houston for Austin when I went to University of Texas. Moved to Nashville in 1992 for John’s postdoctoral work at Vanderbilt. Moved to Zurich, Switzerland in '95 after Emily was born. Moved back to Nashville in '99. Have been here for 15 years.

What are some of your favorite places in Nashville? Museum: Cheekwood & Frist Park: Radnor Lake Restaurant(s): too many to pick just one Silo, Yellow Porch, Chuy’s are some of my regulars. Shops: I shop often at Target, Gap, Anthropology but enjoy junk shops, vintage, secondhand and consignment stores What’s your alma mater? University of Texas Hobbies, pastimes and passions: Anything with my children, gardening, birds … I was very passionate about teaching. Tell me about your family … I have 3 lovely children (Carter 14, Sophie 17, and Emily 19.) I can’t imagine my life without them. They are musical and smart and kind and creative. They bring so much joy into my life. I’ve been married to John for 23 years. He’s been a great life partner and father. I feel very fortunate. If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us? If you came to my house for dinner we’d have Tex Mex, of course. Connection to Lisa: We met when our kids were at J.T. Moore Middle School and at Seven Hills Swim and Tennis Club.

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There is another sky, Ever serene and fair, And there is another sunshine, Though it be darkness there; Never mind faded forests, Austin, Never mind silent fieldsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Here is a little forest, Whose leaf is ever green; Here is a brighter garden, Where not a frost has been; In its unfading flowers I hear the bright bee hum: Prithee, my brother, Into my garden come!

â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Emily Dickinson

Art. Art. Art.

SARA ESTES This story is special to me because Sara Estes is the daughter of Patty Campbell and Jerry Estes, Westview High School classmates of mine from Martin, TN. I know they are both proud of Sara and all her accomplishments. Shoot, I'm proud of her too. This post and the above video are chock full of interesting information regarding art, artists, galleries, and the fun places Sara likes to hang out. Trust me. She's a mover and shaker in Nashville and I can't wait to see what's next for her.

Sara is a writer and curator based in Nashville, TN. She currently works at the David Lusk Gallery in Nashville's Wedgewood-Houston neighborhood. She is the former gallery coordinator for the Carl Van Vechten and Aaron Douglas Galleries at Fisk University, working closely with The Alfred Stieglitz Collection of European and American Modern Art. She is also the assistant and apprentice to renowned paintings conservator Cynthia Stow of Cumberland Art Conservation. Sara is the co-founder and curator of the Nashville-based contemporary exhibition space, Threesquared. Her writing and art criticism has been featured in numerous local and national publications including BURNAWAY, Number, The Nashville Scene, Nashville Arts Magazine, and ArtNow.

SARA ESTES Profession: Writer, curator, and art aficionado Where you’ll find me: David Lusk Gallery, Threesquared, Cumberland Art Conservation Alma Mater / Degree: Tennessee State University, Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts/ Painting, also studied art at MTSU, University of Memphis When I think of Nashville, I ... feel a deep sense of home. I’ve lived in or around here my entire life. This city is a major part of who I am. Any favorite galleries in Nashville you would recommend? Zeitgeist, Seed Space and COOP have my favorite exhibition programs. I’m also looking forward to Susan Sherrick’s new gallery, Sherrick and Paul, opening later this year. What’s your favorite piece of art, ever? It changes with the season. It’s fall right now, so anything from Picasso’s Rose period. Especially “Family of Saltimbanques” in the National Gallery of Art’s collection. In summer, I tend to fall back in love with photography. William Eggleston and Jacques-Henri Lartigue are long-time favorites. Last winter, it was Maxfield Parrish’s “Lantern Bearers” and anything by Louise Bourgeois or Jenny Holtzer. Spring always brings me back to Matisse’s “Piano Lesson”. My favorite piece from my own collection is a photograph by the brilliant photographer and Vanderbilt professor Vesna Pavlovic. What are some of your favorite Nashville hangouts? The Wedgewood-Houston Art Crawl, venues like Stone Fox and High Watt, Belcourt for movies, backyard bonfires. If I’m alone, you can usually find me at the Downtown Public Library or Centennial Park. What shops do you frequent? Parnassus, Grimey’s, Pangea, I love rummaging through vintage and second hand stores like Pre-to-Post Modern and Southern Thrift. What’s the best advice anyone ever gave you? Comes from Stevie Nicks: “When you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.”

What was the last gift you gave someone? a handwritten note.

What artists should we be discovering right now? (for entrylevel collectors) The main thing I have to‑ say on this is: Collect what you love. No matter if it’s someone’s first painting or their thousandth. If you love it, if it moves you in some way, you need it. You can find affordable artists showing all over in smaller galleries, so get out there and explore! Go to openings, get in front of the work. Also, think photographs and prints. They are usually cheaper, but can have the same impact as a painting or sculpture. In Nashville, incredible artists are selling stunning work for under $1,000. Tyler Hildebrand and

Jessica Wohl are two of my current favorites. Artists usually have smaller, more affordable pieces in their stock. If you love an artists work, email them or their gallery and ask if there’s anything within your price range. Also, consider amazing programs like CSArt, where you pay a flat amount and get a box of original art by several different artists.

JESSICA WOHL “THROWDOWN”, COLLAGE, 2014, $500. AVAILABLE AT THREESQUARED.

TYLER HILDEBRAND "RESIDENCE 14", INK AND ACRYLIC ON PAPER, $500. AVAILABLE AT DAVID LUSK GALLERY.

MARK BRADLEY-SHOUP “SHELTERED HOUSING” OIL ON CANVAS, $800. AVAILABLE AT DAVID LUSK GALLERY.

Bold

BEAUTY This new Nashville transplant just moved here from Manhattan. However, the South isn’t unfamiliar to her condsidering she’s from Alabama. She’s just a little closer to home now. Musical theater major turned professional New York City event planner, this young lady has carved out quite the career in her young life. And it’s not over yet. Watch out Nashivlle here comes McClain Ziegler!

McClain Ziegler at the grand opening of The Bell Tower.

THE BRIDGE BUILDING EVENT SPACES In 1908, on the east bank of downtown Nashville’s Cumberland River, Arthur Dyer erected a six-story 5,000 sqft ofﬁce building for his newly founded Nashville Bridge Company. This would be the first of many structures to be built for what would become known as NABRICO. Now, as part of the greater Riverfront Redevelopment initiative, The Bridge Building has been renovated for use in the 21st Century and is available for weddings, corporate events and more. www.thebridgebuilding.com

McClain Ziegler Event Planner with Infinity Events & Catering PHOTO: GINKA POOLE

THE BELL TOWER Nashville's Newest Downtown Event Spaces. This historic church location, dating back to 1874, has recently undergone renovations to transform the interior to a modern open floor plan venue. Exposed beams, natural light, upper level mezzanine, full on site kitchen, bridal lounges, and state of the art light and sound are sure to make this venue one of the most desired spots in downtown Nashville. Accommodating seated dinners for up to 400 and cocktail style receptions for 700, this location is the single largest free standing downtown venue. www.thebelltower.com

Infinity Events & Catering: • The Bell Tower • The Bridge Building Event Spaces • Harding House at Belle Meade Plantation

McCLAIN ZEIGLER Profession: Event Planning with Infinity Events & Catering When I think of Nashville, I ... think it’s festive, friendly and Southern How did you end up in Nashville? I graduated from Samford University in Birmingham, AL in musical theater. After I graduated I worked for Disneyworld, Disney Cruise Line and opened Disneyland in Hong Kong where I lived for three years. From there I moved to New York to pursue my musical theater career. On a train in NYC I met my future husband. After getting married my priorities changed, and I decided to look for a more stable career. An opportunity fell into my lap to work in events. I had an incredible experience in New York, but after planning over 275 events I was ready to move back down South. My husband and I decided on Nashville. We’ve been in Nashville around six months now and we’re very happy to be a part of all the wonderful things happening here. List some of your New York Experiences: Event Planning: Coordinated corporate, social, and non-profit events for Great Performances, the largest privately owned catering company in New York City. Venues included: Jazz at Lincoln Center, The New York Public Library, The Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Sotheby’s, The Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, The New Amsterdam Theatre, and celebrity private homes. Clients included: Wells Fargo, Time Warner, JetBlue, New 42nd Street Studios, Ebony Magazine, Toyota, Victoria’s Secret, Lacoste, Trinity Church, Robinhood Foundation and others. I also assisted Ronnie Davis Productions with projects such as the Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl after-party, New York Mayor Bill de Blasio’s inauguration, Ballet Hispanico’s annual gala at The Plaza Hotel, and various weddings in the greater New York area. Now I am an event planner with Infinity Events & Catering here in Nashville. Pick two celebrities to be your parents. I would choose David Letterman as my dad and Goldie Hawn as my mom. :)

NYC EVENTS WITH MCCLAIN ZEILGLER

JOHN TO LIFT – MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER AND WOOD PANEL – 5’ X 9’3” X 2” - $4,600

OOMEY Lift

RESOUNDINGS, FLIGHT OF THE FLUSHLINGS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER AND WOOD

D PANEL – 36” X 58” X 2” - $2,400

John C. Toomey My art is communion with landscape. My imagery, which stems from both observation and improvisation, is born from dreaming upon the horizon, drifting towards sky and descending into soil. It is a dialogue between abstraction and representation, cause and effect, growth and decay. More invocation than description my work is a contemplation of forces which shape, veil, reveal, and reshape natural form.

BOTTOM ROW FROM LEFT TO RIGHT. AVAILABLE AT WWW.JOHNCTOOMEY.COM. RESOUNDINGS II – MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER – 18" X 18" - $450 RESOUNDINGS – MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER – 18" X 18" - $450 LIFT STUDY III – MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER – 18" X 18" - $450

JOHN TOOMEY Profession: Arts Educator and Montessori instructor at Abintra Montessori and Drawing Instructor at Sarrat Art Studios at Vanderbilt University When I think of Nashville I … I think of growth, change, and creativity. Nashville, with its vibrant and diverse music and art scene, is a city that pulses with creativity. I love its traditional character but also deeply appreciate the influx of people from across the world. How long have you lived in Nashville and where else have you lived? I’ve been here for nearly three years now. I lived for many years in New Mexico, but having grown up in a small town in Tennessee I definitely think of myself as a Tennessean. I have also lived in Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky and Caracas, Venenzuela. How long have you been creating art? …since childhood! We are all artists as kids and I only became more interested as I got older. Name an artist you know who you admire? There are many but the most important is my mentor and friend Dale Daniel Leys. He was my first drawing professor at Murray State University in Kentucky, and as I acquired A BFA in Drawing we spent many semesters together. His work is phenomenal and he’s the most inspired instructor I’ve ever encountered. And though it’s been many years since I was his student, I feel I continue to learn from his ever curious spirit and vigorous devotion to the making of work. Name an artist you don’t know who you admire?

HYMN RECORDING, BORNE MIXED MEDIA ON CANVAS – 48”X 36” - $2200

There are so many artists that have inspired me to name one is very difficult. But I’ll go with my favorite living artist, the German painter and sculptor Anselm Kiefer. His work is usually very large in scale and incorporates materials such as straw, ash, clay, and lead. Thematically his work is very large as well, addressing history, mythology, theology, philosophy…and poetry. I first saw his work in the flesh at the St. Louis Art Museum when I was 21. It was like walking into a cathedral, I just had to sit down and be with it for a long while. 56

JOHNCTOOMEY.COM WORKING MEMORY COLLECTION

1 OF SOIL AND SKY, COMMUNIONS MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER – 23” X 22”. PRIVATE COLLECTION: . PLACITAS, NEW MEXICO 2 OF SOIL AND SKY, GERMINATIONS . MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER – 23” X 22”. PRIVATE COLLECTION: . TUSCON, ARIZONA 3 OF SOIL AND SKY,GESTATIONS. MIXED MEDIA ON PAPER – 23” X 22” . PRIVATE COLLECTION: . PLACITAS, NEW MEXICO

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JIM WILLIAMSON CONDUCTING THE NASHVILLE JAZZ ORCHESTRA AT JAZZ IN THE GULCH

Jazz

IN THE GULCH

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JIM WILLIAMSON

There hasn’t been a real jazz destination in Nashville for quite some time besides the now closed F. Scott’s or The Nashville Jazz Workshop. Jazz trumpeter Jim Williamson, the man behind the Nashville Jazz Orchestra, has been on a mission to find a home for live jazz in Nashville — not just a place to play, but a place that really feels like a jazz club. And when he walked into The Cave, a venue on the corner of Ninth Avenue South and Gleaves Street on the eastern fringe of the Gulch, he knew he’d found the place. (The Cave is not related to NJW’s Jazz Cave, which is in Germantown.) Williamson is now hosting live jazz Sundays through Wednesdays at The Cave, under the title Jazz in the Gulch.

—Nashville Scene

I had never heard of The Cave, not that that means anything but I, too, felt like this was such a great place to hear live music. The location is in the trendy Gulch neighborhood. Do something different. Stop in some time Sunday-Wednesday and go listen to some jazz. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t regret it. 59

Jim Williamson It was a pleasure to meet Jim and to hear The Nashville Jazz Orchestra perform. I attended on a Tuesday night which is big band night. I enjoyed it so much, I want to return on the other nights to hear contemporary mainstream, Latin and funk/fusion/R.&B. Thanks Jim, for being commited to bringing jazz to the forefront here in Nashville. Profession: Trumpet and Music Director When I think of Nashville I ... think of the amazing amount of world class music and musicians. Contrary to the stereo-type image of “music City,” the music scene is intensely diverse — much broader than the perception. Your ambitions as a child and your ambitions now: To be a jazz trumpet player. At this point, still enjoying playing jazz, I’m focussing more on composing and promoting jazz. What’s your background? I have recorded and/or toured with B.B.King, Bobby Blue Bland, Aretha Franklin, Michael McDonald, Delbert McClinton, The Mavericks, Reba McEntire, Boots Randolph, among others. Other performances include appearances with Slide Hampton, Randy Brecker, Bob Mintzer, Marvin Stamm, Jim McNeely, Ed Shaughnessy, Bobby Shew, Buddy Morrow, Donald Brown, Four Tops, The Temptations, The O’Jays, Dinah Shore, Andy Williams, and Nashville, Knoxville & Chattanooga symphonies. Jim has also served as a University of Tennessee instructor and member of its faculty brass quintet, headed the music department at Roane State Community College, and founded jazz programs at Seigel High School and Oakland High School. He has been an instructor at Middle Tennessee State University and writes and arranges music for high school and college bands. For the Jazz in the Gulch Calendar visit thecavenashville.com. 60

H C L U G E H T IN

CAVE

THE

NASHVILLE

811 GLEAVES ST.

THE MOOR

Springfield F

R E FA M I LY

Farm House

The above picture was taken at Glenraven (see page 14) by Kroger as an ad for Frosty Morn Packing Company (no relation to our Moore Family). Their beef came from cattle at Glenraven. In the photo left to right is: 1. Bailey Apple 2. Everett Moore (Crosby Moore’s father & owner of Frosty Morn) 3.Robert Moore –owner of Glenravn (Jim’s greatgrandfather) 4. Someone from Kroger 5. Crosby Moore (again-no relation) The men on the horses were farm hands. I think one of them was the farm manager (Tom Walton).The waiter and dog were brought in for the ad by Kroger. Not sure when it was taken. Jim guessed late 60’s

THE MOORE FAMILY OF SPRINGFIELD, TENNESSEE

Jennifer, Siler and Jim

M I N DY

CHEATERCHEF.COM

MERREL Cheater Chef I can add to my “claim to fame” that I am friends with Mindy Merrell of Cheater Chef. Not that she wasn’t famous before but now she just won the episode of the Food Network’s “Chopped”in October. Congratulations, Mindy. Read the Tennessean article HERE. I am honored to have Mindy (Min’s Kitchen) showing us how to make micro-broiled winter squash with four sauces: sweet sauce, chutney sauce, savory tomato sauce and mushroom and onion duxelles sauce. In addition the second video is the recipe for the deliscious mysterious salsa. I told Mindy I had an ulterior motive. She responded, “To have lunch?” And I smiled and replied honestly, “Yes.” So after videotaping the segments we sat outside on a gorgeous fall day and had a tossed salad and winter squash. It was heaven. Those sauces are angelic (that’s the PG description).

HOME, H I S TO RY & H U M I L I T Y

Robinson REGEN 77

Whenever I’ve gotten an invitation to come over to Doug and Robinson’s home I always know it’s going to be a party. These guys are such great hosts. They should be ... take a look at their resume of events they’ve worked on in Nashville in Robinson’s profile below. And do you know they know everybody? Even if you don’t know them, they probably know somebody you know. It’s crazy. Come take a peak inside the most eclectic home in Nashville!

Robinson Regen Profession: Non-profit Management Consultant When I think of Nashville, I … of all the opportunities the city has to offer, the friends I have made and the cast of characters that make this town so unique and fun. You and Doug (Robinson’s husband) have been a huge part of Nashville’s non-profit world. Who are some of the organizations you have been involved with? Giving and volunteering was ingrained into me when I was young. I had a dear friend who gave me a hand towel that said stop me before I volunteer again. Here is a sampling of the non-profits I have been involved with: Hands on Nashville, Young Leaders Council, Junior League of Nashville, Adventure Science Center when it was Cumberland Science Museum, Belmont Mansion, Iroquois Steeplechase, University School of Nashville, La Belle Notte benefiting the Nashville Opera, and Albion College’s Parent Leadership Council, Albion, MI Doug and I chaired the Heart Gala the year all of the ballrooms where booked so it meant the event had to be held in Opryland Hotel’s convention space. We had a blast with a black box spaced. Almost a million dollars was raised. We followed that as a team, chairing Safe Haven’s first Dancin’ for Safe Haven event. My paying gigs in the non-profit world have had their unique experiences and sets of challenges.

I think working for Bethlehem Centers of Nashville and Joyce Searcy has been one of the most life-changing experiences I have ever been blessed with. The majority of my non-profit jobs have been about raising the money to make the organization a better place than it was before and impacting the lives served by the mission whether that be an after-school program for under served children or finding funds to build a world-class dance studio space for the next generation of Nashville Ballet dancers.

If both a taxi and a limo were priced the exact same, which one would you choose? Oh, how do I choose. First off, either one works if we’ve been out. Getting home safe is run number one after a party! For our ride to the Symphony Ball a couple of years ago one of Powell’s best friends dropped us off in his jacked-up jeep which wasn’t easy to climb into in a slim-cut ball gown and heels but what an entry it made. Connection to Lisa: Lisa and Doug worked at Hart and Company in the’ 90s. She also gave us the best recommendation about traveling to Brazil! Thank you. The Amazon was breathtaking as well as Iguazu Falls.

You have traveled to many countries. Where have you been? Between my junior and senior year of Centre College, one of my best friends and I traveled around Europe for the summer. This was before formal semester abroad became more typical. My family had a family friend living in Madrid who met us and helped us rent a car and off we went. In late July she went to the London School of Economics for a summer program I went to Berlin and then cycled the Western Coast of Ireland. She got the education — I dumped the boyfriend. When Doug and I first started our travel adventures the requirement laid out was if it could not fit it all in a backpack we did not need it. We would carve out a minimum of two weeks of time together. Greek Isle, Portugal, Ireland, Tunis, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, England, and then Egypt the boys joined us on that adventure because it was Jackson’s best friend’s family who had invited us. Tell me about your family: Powell is my first-born son and is a sixth generation graduate of Centre College currently working for the artist Herb Williams. Herb has just exploded onto the Asian art scene which gave Powell the opportunity to travel to Shanghai in July to assist in installing Herb’s show. Jackson, my younger son, is a junior majoring in communications at Albion College in Albion, MI. He chose Albion not only because of the liberal arts education but they also have one of the nicest indoor arena and barns of all the colleges he looked at. He took his horse Major Tom to school with him. He rides for their varsity Hunt Seat team although his primary equestrian discipline is Eventing. I should be translating all of my fundraising skills in to finding equine sponsorship for the kid. He has a big dream. My husband is wildly creative, met him when he was the Creative Director for Channel 4. He has owned an ad agency, sold out his shares in the ad agency, and has transitioned into designing and building custom furniture. During the academic year he teaches at O’More College of Design. To say the least, nothing is boring in our household. Oh, we do have a very important extended member of our family and it is not all any of our four-foot creatures. She is Ellen Pryor. Actually we should just say she is family!. Connection to Lisa: Lisa and Doug worked at Hart and Company in the’ 90s. She also gave us the best recommendation about traveling to Brazil! Thank you. The Amazon was breathtaking as well as Iguazu Falls.

where we love is home

kim estes I've never known anyone who loved their home more than my friend Kim Estes. Her home is her refuge, security and oasis. She has created the most beautiful space â&#x20AC;&#x201D; something that has always been very important to her. It truly is a haven for her, her family and friends. Kim thought it was funny I wanted to feature her home because our homes are so different. What she doesn't realize is that her home is so welcoming â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it is one of my favorite places to hang out in Nashville. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she feeds me like I'm a King: filet mignon, twice baked potatoes, homemade soups, cobblers and the best banana pudding I've ever eaten in my entire life. We've spent a lot of time together hanging out on her deck, watching movies, enjoying a fire and a glass of wine. She even graciously hosted a dinner party for my Brazilian family several years ago and invited me over for Christmas Eve dinner with her own family. Kim, I love your home and you know part of my heart is there too. Thanks for always opening your home to me and making me feel at home.

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Where we love is home â&#x20AC;&#x201D; home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.

kim estes’

FAVORITE PIECE OF ART HANGS IN HER KITCHEN Kim attended the J.T. Moore Middle School’s fundraiser “Arte de Moore” several years ago where she spotted this Jackson Brown signed print. She won the bid and took that print home, grinning from ear to ear. I asked Kim why she loved that print so much and she responded, “When I was in high school I grew to love his music. It reminds me of my youth, a lot of good times and fun memories. It’s my favorite piece of art. It’s the best thing I have.” What I didn’t realize until this summer was that my friend Shellie Shea’s husband was the photographer. I couldn’t believe the connection. Of course it makes sense since Shellie’s daughter attended J.T. Moore. Jim Shea is the award-winning photographer who took this photograph. If he only knew back then that this photo would some day bring so much pleasure to someone in Nashville, TN. Kim is proud of this work. It continues to make her smile.

Visit Jim Shea’s website HERE:

KIM ESTES Profession: Property Management Assistant When I think of Nashville ... it reminds me of new beginnings — moving from a small town opened many doors in my life. How long have you lived in Nashville and where else have you lived? I’ve lived in Nashville for 28 years. I was born in Shelbyville, TN and raised in Fayetteville, TN. I have also lived in Albuquerque, NM and New Orleans, LA before moving to Nashville. I think I covered every climate and terrain. What was it like growing up in Fayetteville, TN? FUN, FRIENDS & FABULOUS! I mostly remember riding the back roads, enjoying bonfires, floating the river and attending the Lincoln County Fair. It all was great fun. It still is. What are your favorite restaurants in Nashville? Urban Grub, The Local Taco, J. Alexander’s and McCabe’s Pub Tell me about your son: Reid is 16, drives a big truck and attends Franklin Road Academy. He is the joy of my life. Pepsi or Coke? Sun Drop Connection to Lisa: We met through a mutual friend who was my neighbor at the time.

THE CARTER LAWRENCE

Garden

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What does a strawberry taste like?

MICHELLE ALLISON

I have shared Michelle Allison’s beautiful home. She is incredibly talented and creative but her true gift is teaching, giving, volunteering, giving, giving and even more giving. “My seed isn’t doing anything?” Five minutes later... “It’s still not doing anything?” Obviously there’s a need to educate children about food and how it gets to the table. That’s one of the reasons that Michelle started the Carter Lawrence garden. To expose the students to nature, to give them an opportunity to watch things grow, and have a chance to taste fresh produce. At the time she started the Carter Lawrence

Garden, the Edgehill Community was a food dessert. Food deserts are defined as urban neighborhoods and rural towns without ready access to fresh, healthy, and affordable food. It has improved somewhat in the last few years. Michelle’s garden began with one plot and a grant. Then she asked several Eagle Scouts to build beds. Vanberbilt donated picnic tables and more raised beds. Now she has a Vanderbilt freshman dorm, Hank Ingram House, who come over to do a service project annually. They water, weed and help with maintenance. 97

VANDERBILT'S HANK INGRAM HOUSE: SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

Carter Lawrence Garden VOLUNTEERING ON A SATURDAY MORNING AT CARTER-LAWRENCE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. STUDENTS FROM THE HANK INGRAM HOUSE AT VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY DONATE THEIR TIME TO HELP THE COMMUNITY THEY LIVE IN. THANKS, FOR YOUR GENEROSITY

Carter Lawrence's view in the Edgehill neighborhood of Nashville is striking. The contrast in lifestyles is significantly upside down. Give your time and money to support this worthy cause started by the most dedicated school teacher I've ever known. We can make a difference too just like Michelle.

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Let's make sure every child is given the opportunity to know what a strawberry tastes like. 99

I LIKE THE WAY YOU

WORK IT. NO DIGGITY

W H Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S N E X T ? W H O S H O U L D I M E E T ?

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