No'Ala July/August Issue 2009 (Entertainment)

North Alabama Lifestyle, Arts, Business, & Gossip

Seventeen Area Musicians Make New Strides as a Part of Our Area’s Rich Musical Heritage

JULY/AUG 2009 $3.95

Plus, the Best in Photography, Books, Poetry and Fine Art! noalamag.com

“I survived a heart attack because of ECM’s investment in technology.”

Sara Goldman had a heart attack on October 18th. She was rushed to ECM, where she underwent four bypasses, and then she was placed on ECM’s heart pump. “Most patients are on a heart pump for a few hours after surgery, until the heart can resume normal function and can pump on its own,” said Sara. “I stayed on the pump for three weeks, and it literally kept me alive!”

With the help of the staff at ECM and her surgeon, Dr. Cleveland, her pulmonoligist, Dr. Holden, and her

cardiologist, Dr. Lango, Sara made a full recovery, even after nine procedures in all. “I was treated very well at ECM,” she said, “and I’m so happy that they invested in the heart pump and that Dr. Cleveland was experienced in its use.” In fact, Sara recently traveled to Danbury, Massachussets, as a guest of the manufacturer, to speak on its behalf. She also makes frequent visits to ECM to encourage other heart patients and tell her story. For Sara Goldman, ECM’s heart program was there for her, when it mattered most.

ABOVE, Sara and her husband. LEFT: Sara Goldman is surrounded by the team that cared for her, Haley Bell, Lindsey Bonner, Vickie Pochop and Alicia Reaves.

Sara makes frequent visits to ECM to encourage other heart patients, and is an active member of the Mended Hearts program.

Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital (256) 768-9191 • www.ecmhospital.com 2 | No’Ala

July/August 2009 | 3

From forms to flyers, wedding invitations to No’Ala Magazine, we have the best printing technology in the world, and the people who know how to use it.

Printers & Stationers, Inc. 113 North Court Street Florence, Alabama 35630 256-764-8061 www.psi-online.net

4 | No’Ala

Contents

The guys of Firewood line up for our cameras: From left to right, Whitney Dean, Bradley Dean, Brint Roden and Justin Oliver.

22

Clothes by Billy Reid

Cover: The Beatles’ Abbey Road is one of the most imitated album covers in recording history, but that didn’t stop us from giving it the Shoals touch. We set out on a beautiful May morning, and, with a little help from friends, snapped the cover in just a little over 15 minutes—just five minutes more than it took Iain Macmillan to shoot the original cover in 1969. Special thanks to Bonnie Coates of Florence for loaning us her yellow Volkswagen Beetle, and the residents of Walnut Street in Florence for their patience and hospitality.

July/August 2009 | 5

{ contents }

10 22 50 58 64 6 | No’Ala

8 Contributors Calendar

July/August 2009 Volume 2: Issue 4 •••

14

When it comes to making dreams come true, Steve Richerson has the magic touch.

Contributing Photographers Danny Mitchell Contributing Designers Justin Hall

Books and art by local creatives that will invigorate your soul and decorate your home.

Fresh from the footlights—Will Stutts and Adam Berry share their stories of stage and song.

56

David Sims Managing Editor/Design Director Contributing Writers Steve Price

Seventeen musicians prove the Muscle Shoals musical legacy is alive and kicking!

46

C. Allen Tomlinson Editor-In-Chief

Gary Baker gives us a glance into the life of a music producer with this issue’s “20 Questions.”

This sampler of Shoals area writers and photographers will leave you hungry for more.

Business Manager Matthew Liles Marketing Coordinator Jeff Linholm Printing and Distribution Printers and Stationers, Inc. ••• No’Ala is published six times annually by ATSA PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630 Phone: 256-766-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106 Toll-free: 800-779-4222 Web: www.noalamag.com Standard postage paid at Florence, AL. A one-year subscription is $19.95 for delivery in the United States.

Signed articles reflect only the views of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the editors.

Advertisers are solely responsible for the content of their advertisements. © 2008-2009 ATSA, All rights reserved.

62

Tips for putting on the perfect summer fete—from the experts.

To advertise, contact us at: 256-766-4222, or sales@noalamag.com.

Steve Price thinks you may want to get out of the house more in this issue’s “Bless Their Hearts.”

66

Send all correspondence to Allen Tomlinson, Editor, at the postal address above, or by e-mail to atomlinson@atsa-usa.com.

Letters may be edited for space and style.

“Parting Shot” Bespoke and Bourbon get new digs on North Court.

The editor will provide writer’s guidelines upon request.

Prospective authors should not submit unsolicited manuscripts; please query the editor first.

{ editor’s letter }

BY

DAVID SIMS

I don’t exactly know how it all started, but somewhere along the way I determined I was not qualified (or maybe too intimidated) to choose the musicians who are featured in our “Home Town Picks.” I love music, but I realize that my musical intuition is somewhat unreliable. So, I challenged our resident audiophile and musician, Matt Liles, to research a lineup that adhered to a few important guidelines. First, all of the musicians had to have a connection to the Shoals—born here, live here, record here. They had to have broad appeal, but not yet have the exposure we think they deserve.

And, they had to have songs you could listen to right now—on your iPod, or in your pick-up truck. Check out our profiles on Shane Baker, Briana Dean, Firewood, Mary Gresham, Scooter Muse, Jenny Ray, The Ray Brothers, Christian Turner, and John Paul White. If you like their music as much as we do, check their websites for their next performance and experience their music live. And, by all means, purchase music directly from the artists. Let them know how much you love them!

We’re singing their praises Our business focus features filmmaker and entrepreneur Steve Richerson, perhaps better known as Steve Trash. He’s our very own “cinemagician.” We take a look at where he’s been and where he’s going. Gary Baker answers 20 questions about his illustrious music career, and Steve Price schools us in the art of listening in “Bless Their Hearts.”

Special Thanks: We must also thank Drew and Beth Thompson for the use of their beautiful Florence home, “Augazella,” and John McWilliams and the city of Tuscumbia for the use of the carousel in Spring Park.

If you read Beth Lane’s advice in our last issue about purchasing art, we suggest some of our favorite pieces on page 47. We’ve also included a series of thought-provoking poems and photographs by north Alabama writers and photographers. And, if you’re taking one more trip to the beach this summer, take along one more good book (or two) by a local writer— we’ve got some favorites! And don’t miss our profiles of two actors—Will Stutts and Adam Berry—one in the prime of his career and one just starting out—both are from the Shoals and both are amazing.

Due the popularity of our Home and Garden issue, we’re including a new page in each future issue of a special place that you may (or may not) recognize. Our photographer, Danny Mitchell, came up with the name, “Parting Shot”—only fitting, since we’ve made it the last page in the magazine. It’s meant to portray a quick glimpse into someone’s day— a true slice of life!

Lastly, our good friend and contributor Marigail Mathis turned us on to a very worthwhile movement called, “The 3/50 Project.” Its goal is simple: Ask consumers to frequent three local brick and mortar businesses they don’t want to see disappear, and to spend a very affordable $50 per month with each vendor. Visit the site at the350project.net and start supporting your locally-owned independent stores. It’s about funneling revenue back into local business!

July/August 2009 | 7

{ contributors } Custom Lamps— So “Handy”

Steve Price

Matt Liles

We knew Steve Price would be the perfect person to write this issue’s “Bless Their Hearts,” because he’s both an excellent writer and an accomplished musician—he just gets it. His passion for music has never been more evident than in his essay on page 64. It may even guilt you into venturing out during the Handy Festival. And that would not be a bad thing!

Matt Liles is responsible for producing the awesome musical line-up in this issue. Matt spent a couple of months researching the perfect acts for our first entertainment issue and we’re thrilled with the outcome—we hope you will be too! Incidentally, our cover concept is also his brainchild, and if you look very carefully, you can see Matt standing in the background next to the curb.

Created from a Vintage Cornet

Feel like contributing? We’re always on the lookout for excellent writers for our “Bless Their Hearts” column. It’s designed to be a gentle rant, but with an upbeat message. If you think you might have a good idea for a “Bless Their Hearts” editorial, drop us a line and pitch your idea. The worse thing we can say is, “no thanks, bless your heart.”

256-757-0045 3703 Florence Boulevard, Florence Lamps · Lamp Building · Shades · Repairs 8 | No’Ala

DANNY MITCHELL PHOTOGRAPHY

WEDDINGS PORTRAITS COMMERCIAL ADVERTISING EVENTS SPORTS INTERIORS PRODUCT STOCK 116 South Main Street Tuscumbia, Alabama 35674 256-386-0944 (oямГce) 256-627-3056 (cell) www.dannymitchell.com

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MUSICIAN JENNY R AY

Calendar of events July

July 3 First Friday Downtown Florence, 5-8pm, Free admission July 4 Spirit of Freedom Celebration McFarland Park, Florence. Live, nationally-known musicians perform all day, food vendors are onsite, and activities for the entire family will be at the park throughout the day. The Independence Day Celebration culminates with one of the largest fireworks shows in the Southeast. FREE. Star Spangled Fourth of July Spectacular at Doublehead Resort Featuring an all-star lineup of entertainment, including country superstar Rodney Atkins, and an earth-shaking fireworks display.

Opening ceremonies at 2:55pm. Admission $30; $20 for students. www.doubleheadresort.com.

Old Fashion 4th of July Walking Parade Beginning at Fourth Street and proceeding North on Montgomery Avenue to the Standpipe where watermelon and lemonade will be served. Prizes for the best decorated bicycles, tricycles, wagons, scooters. Orchestra plays patriotic music under shade of 100 year old oak trees in Gordon Park. No admission. 10am. For more information: (256) 383-0250. Email: cpdriskell@cs.com July 7, 8, 9 and 10 Summer Art Camp at the Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, Tuscumbia. Ages 8-12; sessions will include Wheel Thrown Pottery, Studio Photography and Painting. Students may choose to attend individual sessions or all day camp. Call (256) 383-0533 for further details.

July 9–August 7 Mostly Blues Exhibit, Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts Local artists create paintings, drawings, sculpture, and photographs with a musical flair to get you in the mood for the W.C.Handy Music Festival. 9am–4pm; Free admission.

July 10 and 11 Joe Wheeler Antique Boat Show This annual boat show takes place at Joe Wheeler State Park; Free admission.

July 16–19 Amadeus 7:30pm; (2pm on July 19th), Norton Auditorium, UNA Set in the lush, 18th Century court of Austrian Emperor Josef, this Tony Award-winning play is underscored with the brilliant music of Mozart himself, creating a stunning visual and aural experience as Antonio Salieri is obsessed with the musical genius of Mozart and plots his downfall.

10 | No’Ala

July 16–18 Rogersville Bluegrass Festival The event will include live performances, crafts booths, a shade tree band contest, prize giveaways, and food vendors. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the day. Starts at 6pm; small admission charged.

July 17–18 13th Annual “Saddle Up for St. Jude” Features nationally known music headliners on stage both days. Auction, horse-related events such as trail rides, wagon rides, roping, seminars and demonstrations. Benefits St. Jude’s Hospital.

Donations accepted. Entry fees apply. Gardiner Farm, Tuscumbia.

For more information: (256) 446-5392.

July 17–26 W.C. Handy Music Festival A week-long tribute to the ‘Father of the Blues,’ William Christopher Handy. Great jazz and blues music can be heard throughout the Shoals at restaurants, theatres, malls, parks and other locations. The week will include over 100 events perfect for the music enthusiast.

Costs vary per event; most events are free.

July 19–August 21 ArtWorks ‘09 Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 North Water Street, Tuscumbia, Alabama. Exhibition Hours: Sunday, 1-3pm; Monday – Friday, 9am–5pm Admission: Monday – Friday: $5.00 for Adults, $3.00 for Students; Sundays: FREE. This exhibition is a multi-media survey of work

by Tennessee Valley Art Association artist members. Audiences may expect to see two and three dimensional works in watercolor, oil, acrylic, clay, metal, fiber, glass and more.

July 23, 24, 25, 30 and 31 SummerStock at the Ritz: West Side Story 7:35pm, Ritz Theater, 111 West 3rd Street, Sheffield, Alabama The original Broadway version with music by Leonard Bernstein, lyrics

by Stephen Sondheim, and directed by David Hope. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time. Tickets: $15.00 for Adults, $12.50 for Students; Contact: (256) 383-0533 or www.tvaa.net July 25 Halley’s Comet 7:30pm, Norton Auditorium, UNA John Amos will perform his impressive one-man show, Halley’s Comet.

Mr. Amos’s performance will be headliner for the annual W.C. Handy Music Festival. The show was conceived and written by Mr. Amos in 1980, and features a character who shares memories of witnessing Halley’s Comet twice in his life—once at age 10 and now in his old age.

July 30 The Smothers Brothers 7:30pm, Norton Auditorium, UNA campus The Smothers Brothers (Tom and Dick) changed comedy when they first hit the stage together more than 50 years ago. Their cuttingedge humor has proven both timeless and ahead of its time. The quickly became major headliners, were regulars on Johnny Carson and the variety shows of the era, and they also recorded a dozen topselling albums. They continue to perform selective dates around the world each year, playing to sell-out audiences and creating a legion of new fans wherever they go.

August August 2 Rogersville ‘First Saturday’ Live music by Barry Kay and 2nd Chance Band. 5-11pm; free admission.

August 4, 11, 18 and 25 Basketry Workshop Ages 15 and Older. 6-8pm, Tennessee Valley Museum of Art, 511 North Water Street, Tuscumbia, Alabama. Instructor, Glen Rikard. Contact: Lori Curtis, (256) 383-0533. Cost: $75.00 for Non-Members, $65.00 for TVAA Members August 7 First Friday Downtown Florence, 5–8pm. Free admission

charged. Based in Carrollton, Georgia Dyer is a Master Pastelist with the Pastel Society of America and a Member of Excellence with the Southeastern Pastel Society. Dyer’s figurative pastel paintings have won numerous prestigious awards and are in many private and public collections.

August 21, 22 Killen Founders Day Celebrate the 51st anniversary of the town of Killen with a parade, a 5k run, artisans and food vendors, live musical entertainment, activities for kids, a working colonial village, Native American demonstrations, and a display of classic vehicles. Fireworks show takes place on Saturday night to conclude the event. No admission charged.

August 22 Pets Are Worth Saving Adoption Day PAWS adoption day at Petco in Florence. Local rescue organization has pets available for adoption, 12–4pm.

August 8 Annual Sweetwater Reunion, Florence-Lauderdale Coliseum Anyone associated with the Sweetwater community is invited to attend this day of fun, fellowship and food. 10am-3pm. Free; Everyone is asked to bring a dessert 9th Annual Littleville Fun Fest Full day of fun and entertainment. Arts and crafts, car and truck show, musical entertainment climaxed by a spectacular fireworks show.

Free. 9am-10pm, Littleville Town Hall (surrounding facilities). For more information: (256) 332-3567. Email: avandivertol@yahoo.com August 13–September 18 Pastel Paintings by Margaret Dyer Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts; 9am-4pm; no admission

August 27, 28, 29, September 3 and 4 Center Stage Community Theatre Series: A Nice Family Gathering 7:35 p.m., Ritz Theater, 111 West 3rd Street, Sheffield, Alabama A comedy by Phil Olson, directed by Juli Martin. Tickets: $10.00 for Adults, $8.00 for Students. It’s Thanksgiving Day and the first family gathering of the Lundeen household since Dad died. At the gathering, Dad comes back as a ghost with a mission; to tell his wife of 35 years that he lover her, something he neglected to tell her while he was alive. The problem is, she can’t hear or see him. The trouble begins when Mom invites a date for dinner. Contact: (256) 383-0533 or www.tvaa.net

Contemporary, classic and everything in between. When it comes to lighting for your home, the Shoals has been coming to SBS for more than 60 years!

625 South Cherry Street, Florence, AL • 256-764-8481 July/August 2009 | 11

{ guess who I saw }

Gary Loden,Ashley Winkle, Lynne Bevis, and Debbie Bradford

Elizabeth Berry Hallie Mauldin

Alison Dodson and Susan Stanley

Carole Foret

Paint “Aubie” Party—Benefit for the Auburn Alumni Scholarship

Helen Keller Hospital Foundation Benefit M AY 14, 2009  HOLIDAY INN, SHEFFIELD

M AY 15, 2009  A. TOMLINSON/SIMS ADVERTISING

Dr. William and B.J. Cale Vanesa Gullet and Jenny Ray

Quint Langstaff and Cindy Prestige

Mark Narmore, Travis Wammack, Jenny Ray, and Billy Lawson

Shannon and Tommy Yates

Charles Crow and David Johnson PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEBE R AY

12 | No’Ala

Justine DeDea & David Jeans August 8, 2009

Bride’s Hometown: Bloomsburg, PA Grooms Hometown: Florence, AL Bride’s Parents: Mrs. Renee Peters (Punta Gorda, Florida) and Mr. Jay DeDea (Arizona) Bride’s Grandparents: Mr. & Mrs. Bob Straw (Altoona, PA); Mrs. Sally DeDea and the late Fran DeDea (Altoona, PA) Groom’s Parents: Mrs. Babs Campbell (Florence, AL), Dr. John Jeans, III (Tuscaloosa, AL) Groom’s Grandparents: Mr. & Mrs. Robert Moody (Florence, AL), Mr. John Jeans, Jr. and the late Pat Jeans (Fayette, AL) Bride’s Attendants: Matron of Honor: Mrs. Courtney Burton (Sister of the Bride); Bridesmaids: Miss Michaelene Cadiz, Mrs. Beth May, Mrs. Karina Mikelson, Mrs. Kristen Musgrove, Miss Lauren Perry, and Mrs. Jannette Van Horn Groomsmen: Co-Best Men: Dr. John Jeans, IIII (Father of the Groom) and Mr. Robert Moody (Grandfather of the Groom) Groomsmen: Mr. Christopher Lambert, Mr. Tim May, Mr. Neil Self, Mr. Robert Wallace, Mr. Allan Weant Ushers: Mr. Art Lynch, Mr. Hale McKirnan, Mr. Dusty Nelson, Mr. Jonathan Nelson Ring Bearer: Master Noah Smith escorting “Oakley” Music: Mr. Wil McNeely and Mr. Robert Moody Ceremony Information: August 8, 2009, 6:00p.m., On The Beach at The Ocean Club Resort, Salter Path, North Carolina Reception: The Ocean Club Resort (poolside on the bay) Rehearsal Dinner: The Ocean Club Resort–Veranda on the Bay, given by John and Babs Campbell (Mother of the Groom) Additional Reception Celebration: Sept. 5, 2009, Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club, given by John and Babs Campbell (Mother of the Groom) Wedding Coordinator: Rachel Munro Bride’s Gown: Low’s Bridal of Arkansas Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Coral Taffeta by J. Crew Groom’s Attire: Khaki Poplin Suit (Jos. A. Bank) Groomsman/Ushers Clothing: Khaki/White Seersucker Slacks with White Shirts (Jos. A. Bank) Florist: Lola’s Gifts & Flowers (Florence Reception) Photographers: Mike Phangsa (North Carolina Wedding & Reception); Jim Frawley (Florence Reception) Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands: Diamond Brokers, Memphis, TN Caterers: Carltons at The Ocean Club (North Carolina Wedding & Reception); Turtle Point Yacht and Country Club and Sugarbakers (Florence Reception) Honeymoon: Surprise Destination Registries: The French Basket, The Yellow Door, Target, Macy’s Parties: Bridal Shower (Kentucky), given by Renee Peters (Mother of the Bride), and Courtney Burton (Sister of the Bride); Couples Shower (Memphis) given by Cory & Lynn Brown, Chaz & Liz Molder (Law School Friends); Florence Engagement Party (Home of Rennie & Barry Moody (Aunt and Uncle of the Groom) also hosted by friends and family of the Groom: Sherry & Dan Alexander, Lindy Blackburn, Beth & David Brewer, Jack Clement, Lesia & Ben Cochran, Cindy & Mack Fraser, Mary Martha & Keith Irons, Sandra & Mike Johnson, Susan & Don Lambert, Donna & Olin Mefford, Peggy & James Megar, Brad Moody, Liz & David Muhlendorf, Becky & Carter Norvell, Christie Orr, Diana & Bo Osborn, Deborah Paseur, Randal Paseur, Teresa & Chip Rasch, Jeannie & Mims Rogers, Laura Jane & Hank Self, Kathy Wallace Welcome Brunch: (The Ocean Club, North Carolina) given by Robert & Frances Moody (Grandparents of the Groom) Bachelorette Party: Trip to Sandestin, FL Bachelor Party: Trip to New Orleans, LA

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July/August 2009 | 13

{ everybody’s business }

TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON | PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL ADDITIONAL PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEVE RICHERSON

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID SIMS

14 | No’Ala

“Making film is a way to express that creative spark that is inside each of us.”

This story has its beginnings in 1861. That’s the year MarieGeorges-Jean Méliès was born, to a French family of shoe makers. When Georges grew up, he became one of the world’s most innovative filmmakers, accidentally discovering the stop trick, in which the camera is stopped and items are substituted to make them seem to appear or disappear; he was also a pioneer of multiple exposures, time-lapse photography, and hand-painted color in his films.

Before he became interested in film, he was a magician. (Today, he is sometimes referred to as a “cinemagician.”) That perspective, of knowing something the audience does not and directing their attention where it needs to be, served him well as a film maker. After all, Director John Boorman described the cinematic arts as “nothing short of trying to make a dream concrete.”

F

ast forward a hundred years. That’s about when Steve Richerson was born, to a dad whose work with the Alabama Forestry Commission brought the family to the Shoals, and where the family found themselves when Steve’s dad suddenly passed away as a very young man. “I had only been at Bradshaw High School for about a year when my dad died,” said Steve, “and these guys I hardly knew came to our house after it happened just to hang out and make sure I was okay.” Rusty Carbine, Joey James and Matt Mussleman were the guys who came to check on Steve, “symbolic of the way you’re treated in the Shoals,” he said. “You always feel embraced.”

Steve had been interested in magic since the age of seven, but turned to magic and theater in a big way after his dad died. “There was so much turmoil in my life at that time that it was an escape,” he said, “but what really fascinated me was knowing something clever that no one in the audience knew.” With Heather McCutchen, Steve produced a short film in high school as a drama project, and then, with a little string pulling by guidance counselor Nikki Graham, Steve was assigned two study halls and the task of writing the Senior play. Wednesday Morning Live, a parody of Saturday Night Live, July/August 2009 | 15

“There was so much turmoil in my life at that time that [magic] was an escape, but what really fascinated me was knowing something clever that no one in the audience knew.”

was performed that spring, starring Teresa Cox (Standard) in the Jane Curtin role, and “with parts written for as many people as I knew,” said Steve.

The performing community is strong in the Shoals, and as such is supportive. With the guidance of UNA Theater Professor Jim Davis, Steve enrolled in UNA and set about perfecting his craft. And, like so many other performers before him, Steve felt the call of the Big City: as soon as he graduated, he headed to New York to become a street performer.

It was terrifying—and lots of fun. “In New York, if you suck they will let you know,” he said. “You either quit or you get better, and I got better.” He also developed his signature style, a rapid-fire chatter that engages the audience and draws them in. “You almost have to demand that they watch you,” he said, and they did; he made money at it. In the coldest months he took part-time jobs in Wall Street firms, making enough money to survive and working on the next season’s performance. He loved being on the streets, and worked at a variety of locations for five years.

After a short stint in Miami, Steve headed to Los Angeles, with traveling performances in Japan and Australia. It was in LA that Steve wrote a play about a character named Steve Trash; the play was an LA Times “Best of the Weekend” pick, and the character became Steve’s next career project.

The Steve Trash character has evolved. “When I was performing magic, as a teenager, it was all about my bag of tricks,” he said. “Today, it’s all about the audience.”

Steve Trash has become a spokesperson for environmental issues, educating audiences (especially children) about environmental responsibility and challenging them to consider recycling and conserving. Steve Trash uses magic, banter, humor and hands-on demonstrations to teach the value of taking care of the earth, and Steve Richerson still devotes a great deal of his time taking that message on the road.

So, this is the story of a man who turned to magic after the death of his father, developed his skills as a street performer, created an environmentally-conscious character, and spent thirty years entertaining people of all ages. Right?

16 | No’Ala

Clockwise from left to right: Steve at 14; Steve Richerson’s ecological alter ego, Steve Trash; at 16, on the roof of Bradshaw High School’s auditorium, levitating friend Connie Bradley.

PHOTO BY PATRICK HOOD

July/August 2009 | 17

Yes, but there’s so much more! Like Dianne.

“I came home one weekend to visit my mother,” said Steve, “and I met Dianne.” The meeting changed his life in a lot of ways, not only because they fell in love and married, but because he discovered Frog Pond, Alabama, his home base. “I’ve always worked in cities, but I love living in the country,” he said, and, like his Steve Trash character, the Richersons live an environmentally aware life. Their earth-bermed home has an entire south wall made of glass, to let in the best light, and has an average utility bill every month of about $80. “When we built the house, each of us came up with the one thing we could not live without,” said Steve. “For Dianne, it was this huge circular window, which is central now to the house. For me, it was my studio and workshop.” Nestled among 80 acres in the heart of Franklin County, the Richersons garden, Dianne paints, and Steve works… on movies.

Richerson directs actor Michael Jennings on the set of his 2007 short, Mystic Swirl.

Richerson’s Green Magic Set (above) is designed to teach kids about recycling, using simple magic tricks.

It’s available at Whole Foods nationwide, and online at amazon.com.

18 | No’Ala

Steve Trash tours almost 200 days a year, and has led to video projects such as “Kids Making Better Choices,” a diet and exercise educational program shown in every primary school in Alabama. “I woke up one morning and realized that it was time to get into film in a bigger way,” said Steve. “I’ve spend twenty years or more producing Steve Trash videos, and I realized I have a pretty good network for production and distribution of digital product. This would be just another way to explore a creative avenue.” Steve wrote and produced his first short, The Burglar, which developed an immediate fan base and PHOTO BY PATRICK HOOD went on to win the Sweet Home Alabama Award at the George Lindsey Film Festival. “I liked being behind the camera,” he said, “because it’s another way to tell a story, and I’m passionate about telling stories.”

“Making film is a way to express that creative spark that is inside each of us,” said Steve, “and I love working in the Shoals, where we have so many creative people. Just look around—we have the Muscle Shoals Sound, which is creative expression—and fashion designers, such as Billy Reid and Natalie Chanin, who use their craft as a means of creative expression. The growing film industry here is full of wonderfully creative people, and this is an artistic, musical, storytelling area.” It could be that creative energy that led Steve to create an environmentally-friendly magic kit, being previewed at the Toy Fair in New York and designed to teach kids simple magic tricks using recycled and recyclable materials.

The name of Steve’s film company, “Concrete Dream,” came from director John Boorman’s statement that film makers are doing “nothing short of mak-

ing dreams concrete.” The inspiration for his work comes, in part, from Georges Méliès and his ability to develop a story line with a magician’s hand. And the Shoals area, once so embracing when Steve’s family went through personal tragedy, is also embracing as this new venture is being developed. “I am excited about the interest in film here in the Shoals,” Steve said, “and the talent here can create national and international quality. After the digital revolution of the 1990s, equipment became cheap, and the tools are affordable. My dream for Concrete Dream is to create a national organization using local talent—and I know we can do it!” N

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3115 Northington Court, Florence, AL 35630 256-766-6214 July/August 2009 | 19

When it was time to find long-term care for Dad, we were very careful. We wanted a place that would be warm and welcoming, where he would get the very best in care. Thank goodness he had been at Glenwood for rehab when he had his hip replaced, and we knew about the quality of their care The professionals there are like angels, and Dad is very happy. In fact, he only uses one word to describe his life here: Home.

211 Ana Drive, Florence AL • 256-766-8963 • www.glenwoodhc.com

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Mary Blanche Burden Neese Birmingham, AL

Mr. and Mrs. Harry Joe Neese of Florence have the pleasure of announcing the engagement of their daughter, Mary Blanche Burden, to Mr. Kyle Conrad Hankey. Mr. Hankey is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael John Hankey of Darien, Conn.

Miss Neese is the granddaughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lee Neese Jr. of Florence and Mrs. Louis Ben Gusmus and the late Mr. Gusmus of Tuscumbia.

Mr. Hankey is the grandson of Mrs. Carl Conrad Hankey and the late Mr. Hankey of Park River, N.D. and the late Mr. and Mrs. Orville Kenneth Swenson of Kenmare, N.D. Miss Neese is a summa cum laude graduate of The University of Alabama with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and a cum laude graduate of Cumberland School of Law. Miss Neese is a member of Kappa Delta sorority and was presented at the Tri-Cities Girls’ Cotillion. She is an associate in the litigation group of Sirote & Permutt, PC in Birmingham.

Mr. Hankey is a graduate of Washington & Lee University with a Bachelor of Arts in American History and a magna cum laude graduate of Cumberland School of Law. Mr. Hankey is a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He is an associate in the litigation group of Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP in Birmingham.

Miss Neese and Mr. Hankey will be married at Florence First United Methodist Church on July 18.

July/August 2009 | 21

STEREO SIDE A 07-2009

A NO’ALA PRODUCTION

Briana Dean se 1 Shane Baker 2 m 5 Scooter Mu ha es Gr ry 3 Firewood 4 Ma y Brothers 8 Christian Turner e Ra 6 Jenny Ray 7 Th hn Paul White 9 Jo

TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON AND DAVID SIMS | PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL ART DIRECTION BY DAVID SIMS

22 | No’Ala

They’ve got roots in the Tennessee Valley—places like Florence, Hodges, and Muscle Shoals. Newcomers and returning veterans. Rhythm and blues, bluegrass, soul—a little bit country, and a little bit rock-and-roll. They write their own music and they sing their songs with an authenticity as true as Alabama clay is red.

No’Ala presents 17 musicians whom you ought to know. Low on pretense, high on talent and drive—they are our favorites of 2009—our own, home town picks.

July/August 2009 | 23

Home Town Picks

[ Shane Baker ]

24 | No’Ala

Hair by Cindy Deason for Andy’s » Clothes by Billy Reid

Shane Baker has grown up around music: his father, Gary Baker, is a writer and producer. “I went to a Prince concert when I was eight years old, and I was fascinated,” he said, “and a few years later, when I saw Richard Marks in concert, I said ‘that’s what I want to do.’” He’s been writing and singing ever since.

Shane describes his style as guitardriven pop rock. “It’s melodic,” he said, which he considers an important distinction. “With a father who has made his living in music, I was a little nervous about showing him my work,” he said. “My father has always been supportive of us, but he’s never really encouraged us to pursue musical careers because he knows how much hard work it really is.” His dad listened to Shane’s music and pronounced it good—which gave Shane the confidence to go forward enthusiastically.

Shane and his family live in Muscle Shoals, and he has just released his first independent CD and is talking to distributors. In the meantime, he spends most of his time traveling

SIDE BAR

Shane is a coffee lover who starts every morning with freshly ground beans brewed in his French press. He frequents Rivertown because he loves the coffee there.

(spending two to three weekends of every month on the road”), performing and writing. Even though he’s inherited his dad’s ear for good music, Shane has done this on his own, and it’s good. When you listen to it, you’ll agree.

Read more: www.myspace.com/shanebakermusic Buy the CD at Noiseblockrecords.com, or Rivertown Coffee, Florence

July/August 2009 | 25

Home Town Picks

[ Briana Dean ]

26 | No’Ala

Hair and Makeup by Cindy Deason for Andy’s » Sleeveless Tunic (Black Dot) by Billy Reid

As a child, Briana Dean sang all the time. So much, in fact, that her parents hired a voice coach when she was 4, and she was competing in vocal contests when she was 5. At 15, she won a Loretta Lynn contest and started writing; at 16 she had a contract with a publishing company, and at 18 she was overseas, entertaining the American troops. “That was one of the best experiences of my life,” she said, “and very rewarding. We traveled to 30 cities all over Europe for a three week tour. Just being able to be there with the troops was like a breath of fresh air.”

That was in 2005, and a lot has happened since then. Briana describes her style of music as a blend of country and bluegrass, with a lot of soul, and she spends most of her time writing, recording and performing. She’s just completed a video, and she and her husband are considering a move to Nashville, where she can be in the middle of the country and bluegrass universe.

SIDE BAR

Briana is obsessed with vampire stories.

In fact, she read the entire Twilight series in a matter of weeks.

For a singer in her early 20s, she has the self-confidence and poise of performers twice her age, but her lyrics and tunes are fresh and melodic. It’s a pretty sure bet that you’ll be hearing more from Briana, sooner rather than later.

Read more: www.myspace.com/brianadean Buy the CD at iTunes

July/August 2009 | 27

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Good through August 31, 2009

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From Handy Festival events and music in Wilson Park to the Shoals Theatre, UNA and First Fridays—if you’re looking for entertainment, look to downtown Florence!

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Please join us at Longing for Home Bed and Breakfast, where our guests enjoy one of three spacious, private and luxurious guest suites and the warmth and Longing for Home Bed hospitality Southerners are known for. and Breakfast You are very welcome at our home!

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July/August 2009 | 29

Home Town Picks

[ Firewood ]

Firewood (from left to right): Justin Oliver, Whitney Dean, Bradley Dean, Brint Roden

30 | No’Ala

Clothes by Billy Reid

When Whitney Dean and Brint Roden went to middle school together, Whitney convinced Brint to learn to play the bass. They played together through high school, and when they entered the Entertainment Industry program at UNA, they met Justin Oliver.

“About that time, my brother Bradley (Dean) moved back from Atlanta, and we decided to form a band,” said Whitney. That was in 2004.

Finding a name was difficult. “We kept playing with different names, but so many of them soundedcheesy,” Whitney said. He and his brother would drive down the same stretch of highway every day, and they kept passing a sign advertising firewood for sale. “It finally clicked,” he said. “It’s simple, it’s easy to spell, and it’s something you can remember. That’s what we wanted!”

The band describes its sound as radio-friendly pop rock, lyrical and understandable, with much deeper meaning beneath the surface. It’s currently being played on Star 94 and 92.3, so local audiences have had a sample of the band’s music; their goal is to write music and

SIDE BAR

The band members are obsessive video gamers.

“We’ll take a five minute break when we’re practicing and sit down to play a video game, and three hours later we’re still playing,” said Whitney.

lyrics that appeal the first time they are heard, but hold up “on the seventeenth listen, too,” said Whitney.

Although the band members have other jobs, the goal is to make this their career—and things seem to be moving that way quickly. They have opened for Collective Soul and Sister Hazel, they won the Muscle Shoals Music Award for Alternative Rock in 2008, and they are in demand regionally, from Nashville to Birmingham and Tuscaloosa and everywhere in between.

Read more: www.myspace.com/firewood Buy the CD at CDBaby.com/firewoodmusic2, iTunes, or amazon.com

July/August 2009 | 31

Home Town Picks

[ Mary Gresham ]

32 | No’Ala

Like so many other singers, Mary Gresham started singing in the church choir at age 8, first in her family’s church in Selma, and then in Opp, Alabama. “I discovered my voice when I was in the eighth grade,” she said, “and I've been singing ever since.”

In 1968, a producer named Finley Duncan discovered Mary and her husband—singing as Chuck and Mariann—and brought them to Fame Studios to record. In 1973, Mary divorced and decided to move to Muscle Shoals permanently, singing backup for Johnny Taylor, Denice Lasalle and many others, including “a talented young singer named Annette Snell,” she said, “who was engaged to the comedian George Wallace. We recorded one day, and the next day she got on Southern Airways flight 242 and died when it went down on its flight from Muscle Shoals to Atlanta. That one was hard to get over.” Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section member Jimmy Johnson’s brother was also killed on that flight.

Although Mary has been singing all of her life—she was a member of Iguana Party for 14 years—much of her recordings from the late 1960s

SIDE BAR

One of Gresham’s re-released songs is a dance hit in Europe, and she has been invited to tour in Japan.

and early 1970s were put away and never released. They have been rediscovered and are being released now. She describes her sound as “Southern Soul,” but professes a love for country music; it's clear that she can sing just about anything. "Singing is a part of me,” she says, “and when I'm not singing, I'm not complete.”

Her voice is deeper now, and her life is rich in experiences; she’s spending time learning the guitar and writing. “I can honestly say, the best is yet to come,” she says with a smile. “I have more stories to tell, and I'm hanging on to the next day.”

Read more: www.garryjcape.com Buy the CD at Pegasus Records, Florence

July/August 2009 | 33

Home Town Picks

[ Scooter Muse ]

34 | No’Ala

Robert “Scooter” Muse got interested in music through a cousin who played guitar. “Like everyone in Florence at the time, I took guitar lessons from Cantrell’s Music Center in north Florence,” he said, and by the time he was 18 he was also learning the banjo. In the early 1980s he heard an Irish band called DeDannon, and “that was the music I’d been looking for,” he said. An acoustic blend of Celtic and New Age, he perfected the art, creating a band called Full Moon in the mid-1990s, and continuing to work on his guitar and banjo technique.

SIDE BAR

Although Scooter teaches guitar and banjo, he is able to teach a limited number of people at no charge due to a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts. He is also an avid dog lover.

“When I play the guitar, my music is strictly Celtic or New Age, and when I play the banjo you'd call it bluegrass.” He’s good at it—he’s the current Tennessee Valley Bluegrass Banjo Champion as well as the Tennessee Valley Finger Picking Guitar Champion, awards he’s won eight times. He’s also a Master Folk Artist and has a grant from the Alabama State Council on the Arts to teach his art to others.

“I want to continue doing exactly what I'm doing,” he says, “and I’m so happy I don’t do this for a living because it makes it a lot more enjoyable. I’ve worked for the Florence City Planning Department since 1980, and if music was my work I wouldn’t enjoy it any more.” He plans to continue playing bluegrass and banjo for Muscle Shoals Studios, and plays Celtic music with Henris Notions (www.henrisnotions.com.)

Read more: www.myspace.com/scootermuse Buy the CD at CDBaby.com/Scootermuse

July/August 2009 | 35

Opening Doors in the Shoals If you’re buying or selling a home, let BJ Baskin and Suzanne Morris help open doors for you!

BJ Baskin, Associate Broker, CRS, ABR, SRES, ASP 256-810-2347 bj@bjbaskin.com

Suzanne Morris, Associate Broker, ASP 256-366-5416 suzbmorris@aol.com

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www.openingdoorsintheshoals.com

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36 | No’Ala

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1709 A Darby Drive, Florence AL Associate Broker/Owner

July/August 2009 | 37

Home Town Picks

[ Jenny Ray ]

38 | No’Ala

Makeup by Rachel King

Jenny Ray has packed a lot of experience into just a few years. A singer since she was three, Jenny took voice lessons from Gene Anngifford and participated in show choirs and choruses until she was 12, when she won a Bliss magazine model search.

“That led to an introduction to a casting agent, classes every Saturday, and finally to meeting Frank Lister and Mike Schrimpf, who helped me produce a demo,” she said.

Jenny’s mother happened to pass a copy of her demo to Jay Klos, who passed it along to Gary Baker. That’s how her current album came about, which Jenny describes as “a poprock blend, not hard rock but not bubblegum. It’s written to appeal to a lot of different tastes and ages.” She co-wrote the album, and “the more I write the more I learn to put real emotion behind the lyrics,” she said.

“Frank Lister continues to teach me about writing, and I still have the first lyrics I wrote. I have definitely grown since then, and I doubt the world will ever see those first ones!” she laughs.

Jenny sees her career as a series of stages. The first stage revolved

SIDE BAR Jenny and her family traveled to Prague to record the strings on her CD. Smecky Recording is a division of the Prague Philharmonic Orchestra—they specialize in soundtracks for other musicians and for television and film scores.

around writing and recording, and her current stage involves—well, stages. “As a performer, I’m seeing a totally different perspective,” she says, “and on stage the music comes to life. Your nerves just disappear in front of a live audience.” She must be doing well, because she’s been invited into the Nashville club scene, a tough place to break into but a venue she takes in stride.

Read more: www.myspace.com/jennyraysmusic Buy the CD at Pegasus Records, or at various locations at English Village, Florence

July/August 2009 | 39

Home Town Picks

[ The Ray Brothers ] The Ray Brothers (back row, left to right): Lee Taylor, Timmy Ray, and Joseph Thigpen; (front row, left to right): Benjamin Ray, Brad Green, and Dillon Hodges

40 | No’Ala

Timmy and Benjamin Ray—brothers in real life—were born musicians and have played together for years. A friend of theirs, Chris Bethea, got a job out of college at Noiseblock Studios, where Timmy had done some recording. One day they talked and Chris asked Timmy if he’d like to record some sample songs. Timmy contacted some other friends—Brad Green on saxophone, Joseph Thigpen on bass, Lee Taylor on guitar and vocals, and Dillon Hodges on guitar—and the group just worked. “The chemistry was good, and the music was good,” said Timmy, “and we ended up recording enough for an album.” The album was released on April 18, 2008, and The Ray Brothers—the band—was born.

SIDE BAR

The Ray Brothers pass the time traveling to shows by watching old cartoons from their childhood, like The Real Ghostbusters, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

Timmy describes their music as “pop funk rock,” born from a shared love of R&B, soul, jazz and folk music. They also have a love of Christmas music, and perform an annual benefit for Toys For Tots; the band is even considering recording more Christmas tunes. In the meantime, they are refining their sound, writing feverishly, selling CDs and t-shirts and getting ready to get back to the studio.

And they perform in live venues. “We’ll basically play wherever they’ll let us,” said Timmy, and the band has a following regionally in Atlanta, Huntsville, Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Nashville, and, of course, in the Shoals. They have opened for Sister Hazel, Billy Currington, Lady Antebellum and John McLaughlin, and are planning to play locally at the Spirit of Freedom Celebration in McFarland Park and at the Handy Festival. “We would love for this to be a full time job,” said Timmy, “and I don’t think there’s a single one of us who wouldn’t love to play our music every day.”

Read more: www.myspace.com/raybros Buy the CD at iTunes, amazon.com, or at CDBaby.com/raybrothers July/August 2009 | 41

Home Town Picks

[ Christian Turner ]

42 | No’Ala

Music is in Christian Turner’s blood. His father was a professional guitar player before Christian was born, and growing up he was surrounded by music. He sang in church, but didn’t really pursue music seriously “until I was 19, and I had my first serious relationship, my first serious breakup, and my first opportunity to begin writing music because it was therapeutic,” he said. He sang his first song to himself for three or four months before he would let anyone else hear it, but “I’m glad I finally decided to share,” he said.

“A lot of my lyrics use double and triple entendre, but I leave it up to the listener to interpret,” Christian says.

The guiding rule for him is melody, “with a good sense of groove,” he says.

Christian points to other melodic groups, especially the Beatles, as examples of those who use a good melody to tell their musical story, “and sometimes I think melody is a lost art. A good sense of melody with a groove is what I aim for.”

SIDE BAR

For the first 19 years of his life, Christian was not known as a singer—he was known as a baseball player, going to college on a baseball scholarship.

Christian is working on his second album, which draws its inspiration from “the state of the world and the state of the country these past two years,” he says. “This is an album for people who have been victimized by their own frustrations for the past few years.” He describes it as heavier and more aggressive than his previous album, but still true to his core—which is to preserve the melody. He hopes to release it in a couple of months.

Read more: www.myspace.com/christianturner.

Buy the CD at Pegasus Records, Florence, or at www.papagottagrove.com

And he loves trains.

July/August 2009 | 43

Home Town Picks

[ John Paul White ]

44 | No’Ala

Like just about everyone in the South, John Paul White grew up singing in church. When he was 16, he and some friends entered a talent show at Loretto High School, and they were going to lip sync to “Back in Black,” by AC/DC. “While they were setting up the sound system and trying to get it to work, they asked me to sing a little of the song for a mic check,” he said. “I knew the words, so I just started singing—and everyone stopped to listen. No one knew I had a good singing voice— not even me!”

From that point forward, singing became his passion. John Paul loved his father’s Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash records, but he also loved his Queen and Led Zeppelin albums. “When I write, I want people to understand the lyrics; I want to tell a story the way old school country singers did,” he said. But his music can’t be described as country—melodically, his sound is much more European, influenced to some degree by the Beatles, but there are folk, indie and alternative influences

SIDE BAR

John Paul White recorded the strings for The Long Goodbye at Abbey Road Studios in London, the same studio in which the Beatles made one of their last albums— Abbey Road.

as well. It’s a beautiful mix, and it always tells a story.

John Paul has paired with Joy Williams to create a duo called The Civil Wars. His plan is to pursue this musical passion, writing, performing… and storytelling. Not bad for a young man who surprised everyone with his voice, including himself!

Read more: www.johnpaulwhite.com www.myspace.com/johnpaulwhite Buy the CD at www.johnpaulwhite.com, Rivertown Coffee, Florence, or Pegasus Records, Florence

July/August 2009 | 45

{ shopping }

Easter Snow Grant Posey $8.95 Visions and Poems Dimple S. Underwood $17

Fears No Man Tom V. Whatley $18.95 Yell Like Furies Tim Kent $24.95 Sweet Nothings Alexis Rhae $16.99

Five Days in October Judson B. Emens $15.95

*Frank Lloyd Wright’s Rosenbaum House— The Rebirth of an American Treasure Barbara Kimberlin Broach, Donald E. Lambert, AIA, and Milton Bagby $20

Anybody's Guess?

by Sharon E. McGee $16 McGraw's Coffee House & Artisan Art Gallery (256-765-7779)

Livin’ in High Cotton Stoney Creek, Alabama Jennifer Youngblood and Sandra Poole $15.95/$14.95 46 | No’Ala

Unless noted otherwise, all books are available at Coldwater Books, Tuscumbia, AL (256-381-2525) *Available at The Kennedy Douglass Center for the Arts, Florence, AL (256-760-6379)

Reflections Marigail Mathis $1200 Artifacts Gallery (256-764-7732)

Compost Collage #1 Rich Curtis $500 almockingbird.blogspot.com (256-653-7506) Cape Briton Series Nancy O’Neal $200 McGraw's Coffee House & Artisan Art Gallery (256-765-7779)

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{ shopping } Randall Holland Pottery Cassetta Fine Art & Framing (256-386-5252) McGraws Coffee House & Artisan Art Gallery (256-765-7779)

Venice Tommy Mathis $1500 Artifacts Gallery (256-764-7732)

Michael Lentz $60 McGraw's Coffee House & Artisan Art Gallery (256-765-7779)

Birds of Praise Sergio Portillo $790 (256-436-1453)

Tara Bullington Cassetta Fine Art & Framing (256-386-5252) M.C. & Jim Jerkins M.C.’s Hallelujah Hands (256-766-4455)

48 | No’Ala

Designing Also known as the “Designing Women Team” of HomeLenders of the Shoals, inc 502 E. Dr. Hicks Blvd., Florence · 256-766-7339

The Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Presents its 55th Season 2009-2010 Escape from the ordinary is only 60 miles away.

Visit www.hso.org for ticket information Opening Night: Bach, Beethoven and Shostakovich September 12 at 7:30 p.m.

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318 E. Tennessee Street, Florence, AL 35630 July/August 2009 | 49

Will Stutts with Vicki Lawrence

Adam Berry

A TALE OF TWO ACTORS

Adam Berry is starting his acting career. Will Stutts is using his experience to help other promising actors. Here’s a look at two stars from the Muscle Shoals area.

» WHERE THEY GREW UP: TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON

Adam graduated from Muscle Shoals High School, auditioned for The Boston Conservatory and was accepted. “My first day of class was September 11, 2001, and the planes that hit the Towers originated in Boston,” he said. “Our parents were crazy scared, but it made our class stronger.”

Will graduated from Sheffield High School, made a name for himself locally while a student at Florence State College studying under Gladys Shepard, and worked for Ringling Brothers right after school in public relations and advertising. “Glad bemoaned that and pushed me to go to graduate school,”

50 | No’Ala

he said. During a Summer Theater Production of Goodbye My Fancy, he befriended actress Peggy Cass, whose good friends Jean Kerr (Please Don’t Eat the Daisies) and husband Walter (critic for the New York Times) wrote Will letters of recommendation to Yale.

» HOW THEY SPEND THEIR TIME: Adam has a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree in musical theatre with an emphasis in acting and dance. He works on Cape Cod during the summers, performing a cabaret show and producing other shows there. Summer work allows him to save his money so he can work part-time the rest of the year in New York City, which gives him the flexibility to audition and meet with casting agents.

Will has spent a career acting in New York and touring with his one-man shows. The character he is best known for in the Shoals area is Mark Twain, but he has developed shows about Clarence Darrow, Frank Lloyd Wright, Oscar Wilde and many, many others. “Because my shows had an educational element, I spend a lot of time touring schools and universities,” he said. He loves developing these one-man shows because “I love the solitary aspect of writing,” he said. This summer, Will is producing and starring in Amadeus, a UNA production, and is helping bring John Amos and The Smothers Brothers to the Shoals for two separate events during the Handy Festival.

» HOW BEING FROM HERE WAS BENEFICIAL: “I feel sorry for the kid in Nebraska who tells his parents he wants to be an actor,” said Adam. “Around here, with the music industry and all of the talent we have, my par-

“There are ten other people out there who look just like you do and can do what you can do.”

ents could look around a know that it was possible to make a living in a creative field. This area has always been supportive of the arts, and my love for music and theater started from singing in church and acting in Gingerbread Theatre productions.”

“Everyone has to be from somewhere,” says Will, “and I think we need to change the “if he’s so good what is he doing here?” attitude you sometimes encounter.” Will credits the influence of a high school biology and speech teacher, Doug James, who resurrected the drama program at Sheffield High School and gave Will his first stage experience. He also says that “Glad Shepard was my catalyst,” and he credits her with pushing him to be a truly good actor. Professor Nick Wynn is also among his heroes, because Wynn assigned him the project of developing a one-man show about Mark Twain. It was so well received that a friend, Linda Quigley, began sending out flyers to other schools, and pretty soon Will was taking his show on the road… even performing on the Delta Queen.

» ADVICE TO ASPIRING ACTORS: “There are ten other people out there who look just like you do and can do what you can do,” said Adam, “and you are going to have to compete for work. As a result, you learn how to promote yourself, and you learn not to be discouraged if you don’t get the part. You just pick yourself up and keep going, because this is what you love.”

“In your life, you will meet wonderful people, and each person represents the opportunity to learn something.”

“In your life, you will meet wonderful people, and each person represents the opportunity to learn something,” said Will. “Get good training, make connections and network, but then follow what’s in your heart. You have to nurture that fire in your heart.” N

July/August 2009 | 51

{ guess who I saw } Judy and Andy Keenum Hazel Thompson and Mary Torkington

Ellen Cross and Virginia Koonce O.T. and Ferrell Mefford Markie Howard and Loee Myree

Stephen Koonce and Kathryn Keith

Edith and Buddy Meeks

Sandra Johnson and Dale Glennon PHOTOS BY JORDAN CRACRAFT

Heritage Christian University Women’s Golf Tournament

Florence Supper Club TURTLE POINT YACHT & COUNTRY CLUB Announcing the winners

Sue York, Vickie Sledge, Sompit Jeffrey, Etoyle Manush Jackie Hyde, Carolyn Traglia, Sue Raines, Tami Green Good friends, good times

Back to the cart

Announcing the winners

Debbie May and Genett Johnson

Michelle Bevis, Amanda Staggs, Marsha Williams

Checking Carolyn’s putt PHOTOS COURTESY OF DEBBIE MAY

52 | No’Ala

Unique Introducing Miss Effie’s Hospitality House, available for out-of-town clients, clients in transition, and other charitable purposes. Unique, Southern hospitality, offered exclusively by Cypress Realty—because, after all, they are a unique Real Estate Company.

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Come see us at 620 Sam Phillips Street in Florence, call us at 256-764-6151 (or 888-764-6151)—or visit www.cypressrealty.net

July/August 2009 | 53

{ guess who I saw } Barry Rickard, Keri and Chris Klaus, and Tom Hardin

Hannah Brake, Rev. Jaina Anderson, Ashley Morrow, Allen Tomlinson, Jerica Woods

Artist Dan Dunn

Charles Vaughn and Lloyd Marks

Myra and John Finch with Amy Smith (First Methodist of Muscle Shoals Party)

Mr. and Mrs. Bragwell (First Methodist of Muscle Shoals Party)

First Methodist of Muscle Shoals Party

Artist Dan Dunn

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEFF WHITE, BARRY RICKARD AND WESLEY RODEN

Dining With Friends to Benefit the North Alabama AIDS Action Coalition M AY, 2009  VARIOUS LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE SHOALS AND HUNTSVILLE

Trinity Church Party

Kathy, Chris and Scotty Bobo (Trinity Church Party)

Sarah Gaede, Joe Daniel, Henry Gaede, Elizabeth Berry, Ian Berry, and Christy Dolly (Trinity Church Party)

Joel Terry and Jeff Linholm

WHNT’s Greg Screws Artist Dan Dunn 54 | No’Ala

Robert Smith,Sue Copeland, Richard Higgins, Cheryl Cornman, Ginny Cohenour

Wesley Roden

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July/August 2009 | 55

{ 20 questions }

20 Questions for Gary Baker The most important thing in a song lyric is the title—the idea.

Never underestimate the power of a song. I have seen firsthand how songs that I’ve written have affected people in incredible ways. I watched President Bush cry as Lonestar sang “I’m Already There” at the Ford Theatre in Washington, shortly after the 9/11 attacks. I listened to a woman cry while I was in the audience for the Tonight Show—when All-4-One debuted “I Swear”—and she explained to her friend that it was just performed at her daughters wedding.

“I have one goal—to keep it all going and keep writing from the heart,” says Gary Baker, who garnered a Grammy for 1994’s multi-million-selling smash “I Swear,” a tender testament of true love co-written with Frank J. Myers.

First recorded by John Michael Montgomery, “I Swear” captured the No. 1 spot on the country charts for four consecutive weeks. The love song was quickly covered by the harmony group All-4-One, who carried their own classic rendition of “I Swear” to the top of the pop charts for 11 additional weeks.

Baker and Myers later collaborated with Richie McDonald, lead singer of the country super group Lonestar, on a second musical hit called “I’m Already There.” The 2001 single remained No. 1 on the country charts for seven weeks before crossing as a Top 5 pop smash.

A native of Niagara Falls, New York, Baker launched his recording career with Muscle Shoals’ famed LeBlanc and Carr band, performing on their Top 10 hit “Falling.” He later became a member of Muscle Shoals’ hit country act, The Shooters.

Baker and his wife, Amanda, live with their two sons, Brett and Cole, on the Tennessee River in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. He is the owner of Noiseblock Music Group in Florence, Alabama.

Read more about Gary at: garybakermusic.com, or noiseblockmusic.com

The thing that sets real talent apart is passion and know-how. Lots of people can sing, write and perform, but it’s the ones who really truly want it that usually live their dreams.

My biggest surprise was winning the Grammy for “I Swear”. All my life I dreamed about just being there in the company of the elite of my business.

I will never forget looking at my wife Amanda as they announced the Grammy for “I Swear”.

I get my best ideas while riding in the car or mowing my yard. My wife has also given me some great ideas, including my first number one with Alabama, “Once Upon A Lifetime.”

I would love to work with… Well, I’ve been blessed to have worked with the best in the business, from Backstreet Boys to Lonestar and from Jessica Simpson to LeAnn Rimes. I really enjoy working with anyone who has talent and a great work ethic. I would say my favorite singer to work with is Nick Lachey, and I just finished a project with Marie Osmond’s son, Stephen Craig, who also is an amazing singer.

The one thing that comes easiest for me is hearing the production finished in my head.

And the hardest thing for me is making sure that my lyric is perfect.

I shudder when I hear my engineer, Chris Bethea, telling me “We have some equipment down in the control room”.

I don’t think I could live without my faith and my family.

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My favorite part about this business is watching a song go from the writing stage to number one… although a list of my favorite things about this business would be a long list.

In my personal music collection, you’ll find a lot of Beatles music.

When I’m not working, I’m coaching little league baseball or working in my yard.

My best advice to someone starting out in this business is don’t—unless you are willing to go the distance. There are no overnight successes in this business!

A lot of people think they can write a song or are the next number one artist. You have to go outside your family and friends to get the true, honest answer.

The biggest thrill for me is to see the look in a young writer’s eyes who has just heard that he got his first cut.

The one thing people don’t know about me is that what you see is what you get. My life is pretty much an open book. I guess part of growing up in New York is still with me!

The first time I heard one of my songs on the radio, I almost ran off the road! I was on my way to the Sheffield Recreation Center to play basketball. I’ll never forget it. “They Only Come Out At Night,” by the Shooters.

The hardest thing about this business is finding a way to stay in it. The music business is constantly changing. But a good song will always prevail. Mac McAnally called his most recent hit with Kenny Chesney a “recession buster”. I thought that was right on the money.

Fine furniture, art and accessories, featuring exclusive lines from High Point, North Carolina, at wholesale prices Vanguard, Emerson et Cie, Theodore Alexander, Frederick Cooper lamps and more Persian rugs Custom pieces available Complete residential and commercial design services

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2575 Hough Road, Florence, behind Cinema 12 256-764-1213 or 256-275-3922 M-F 10-5:30 • Sat 10-2 July/August 2009 | 57

Local Works Wilson The river is held back by the work of man At ninety-five feet it has filled the land The hollows and the flats The rich bottom land That grew gardens To feed them all From the hard work of their hands It has covered the shops and homes The graveyards that held the bones Of those that have passed But did not make it Beyond the locks And the canal For reasons of their own It could have been the wonder of engineering That held them so close and was endearing Could have been the sight of the train Pulling a paddle wheel steamer On an aqueduct high above Where a troubling creek Emptied into the Tennessean I know for some money was the persuasion For some like the descendants of Asians Who walked the bluffs high above The flint vein and the shoals The white water raging Life was held in the Bounty and beautiful the seduction At ninety-five feet it has forever covered it all Canal and locks to the limestone walls Where in the treed hollows between The heights the color of autumn Will tumble down to the lake Painting it in its reflection Leaf sails on the surface as they fall

Photo by Patrick Hood (www.patrickhoodphotographer.com)

—Grant Posey, Town Creek, AL

“Samantha, Ashley and Tara” by Shannon Wells (www.una.edu/photos)

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The Journey from Jackson to Florence Eudora Welty lived in her family’s adopted city for almost the whole of her life, capturing the voices of its kin better than a native. Her house is left authentic, her spirit still in the piles of her books, the patchwork of her manuscripts resting on top of my palm like the miraculous bones of a bird.

I gaze at my Mississippi friend, such a naturally elegant woman who has been beautiful since childhood, still so kind, so funny. I suddenly see sadness under her eyelids. Unable to tell her. Perhaps it’s the pain in her aging back that persists and cripples.

Then on the Natchez Trace there are miracles. The south’s game park, a preservation not only of nature, but the ancient spirit of the land. Something at least left of the native people.

I walk slowly around Bynam’s mounds while the wind whispers. The hawk makes his song in three rings around the sky.

Watching as the earth goes from sandy to green. Corn fields so high and latticed, this year without drought. Red brick farm house stark against the horizon.

My brothers meet me with a plate of hamburger and pickles.

Their sweet children are wet with river water as the earth raises its hand in greeting in the clouds’ majestic white mountains.

“Roxy” by Keri Klaus

There is hope for a full summer’s fun and learning.

—Charlotte Tomlinson, Florence, AL/Dallas, TX

“Crazy Carolyn” by Abraham Rowe (www.abrahamrowephotography.com)

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Local Works

The Shoals Tours take you by a small cabin where a boy practiced and played, and the father of a St. Louis woman lived a legacy of the blues in us instilled.

Once a year we celebrate a miracle at Ivy Green. A young child, physically challenged, different from the rest, overcame to inspire in us, the best If Sheffield is her bosom Florence is her breast Muscle Shoals is her arched hips Tuscumbia, her fingertips —Dorothy C. Hardy, Florence, AL

Photo by Danny Mitchell (www.dannymitchell.com)

The Bob-O-Link He sweeps to earth in downward scoops In bounding curves and upward swoops On tailwind trails he makes his loops.

He does his act from azure rink Announcing boldly, “Bob-O-Link,” Then follows through with, “Spink, Spank, Spink!”

In aerobatic feats he swings Across the sky shrill notes he flings And courts his mate while on the wing.

When purpling sky above him shows When shadows darken ‘n taller grows Subdued by time he quickly goes.

—Dimple S. Underwood, Sheffield, AL Photo by Robert Rausch (www.gasdesigncenter.com)

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J. Randall ’s Wedding & Special Events

X

W E C R E AT E . Y O U C E L E B R AT E .

110 S Seminary Street · Florence · (256) 764-6584

Good food, wine and service isn’t just what we do—it’s just what we do best.

1627 Darby Drive, English Village, Florence (256) 764-5991 July/August 2009 | 61

Party with the Pros TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON

F

ace it: there are people who just know how to throw a party. There they are, dressed to kill, pouring drinks and handling trays of appetizers, smiling and encouraging conversation and not even breaking a sweat. Their house looks good, the food is fabulous, the guests are having a good time, and you secretly hate them because they make it seem so easy.

Never fear. Entertaining isn’t as difficult as you might think, but it does take some practice. We asked people around the Shoals who entertain for a living— caterers, decorators, and one or two we secretly envy for their entertaining abilities—to share their advice. When you read it, it doesn’t sound so daunting!

You might not want to start out with a party for five hundred, but maybe you can practice on two or three good friends and build your confidence for a party of twenty or more?

Tom Hardin, designer, Sweet Deliveries: “Location, location, location.

When you plan a party, pay attention to the location. Will it be inside or outside?

Will it be hot or cold? Will your living or dining room hold all of those people?

Be realistic about how many people you can comfortably entertain in the location you’ve chosen.”

Carole Graves, Sweet Basil Café: “Have a Plan B. What will you do if it rains? What happens if there’s bad weather? What will you do if the hot water heater explodes? Think through everything and have a back-up plan.”

Jenny Hill, designer, The French Basket: “When you send an invitation, tell them what to wear. People really stress out over what to wear, so take away that stress and let them know. And don’t be

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“Prepare everything ahead of time so you can relax and visit with your guests.

Part of the job of a host or hostess is to make everyone comfortable, and when you’re prepared you can be comfortable, too.”

too cute about it—who in the world knows what “dressy casual” really means?”

exactly match the bridesmaid’s dresses, but they will leave talking about the food.”

Elise Gilchrist, Locust Hill: “It’s nice to have a decorating theme that you carry through the whole party. It lends an air of cohesiveness. For example, we love to use hydrangeas in the summer, and we incorporate them into everything.”

Carole: “If you have a limited budget, concentrate on the appetizers and on the desserts. The appetizer sets the tone for the party, and if you have a great appetizer and a fabulous dessert, no one will even remember what came in the middle.”

Carole: “Prepare everything ahead of time so you can relax and visit with your guests. Part of the job of a host or hostess is to make everyone comfortable, and when you’re prepared you can be comfortable, too. The French have a word for it: “Mise en place,” which means “everything in its place.” Then, on the day of the party go have yourself a bubble bath and relax knowing all the work has been done!”

Tom: “People come to eat and have a good time. Food brings people together, so concentrate on the food. You know food is important—that’s why everyone always ends up in the kitchen!”

Jenny: “Be a guest, too. You should enjoy yourself, even if it is your own party.”

Tom: “If you hire someone to do the food or the decorations for you, don’t stress about it. Hire a professional and let them do what they do. It takes the stress away from you!”

Elise: “Don’t make your guests wait. I’ve seen brides make their guests wait until all of the photographs have been taken, and people aren’t too happy when they have to do that. Give them some food or something to drink, and don’t leave them hanging. Pay attention to your audience.”

Jenny: “I like to put little special touches all around the house, because when you entertain people tend to spread out everywhere. A little vase of flowers in the bathroom or the use of herbs from the garden in an arrangement gives the guest something to look at and it makes them happy… .”

Elise: “Pay attention to the food. That’s what people will remember. They won’t remember if the flowers don’t

Elise: “Remember the ant spray. You never know… .”

A few more tips from the pros. The best parties happen when the people gel, when conversation flows, and when people are comfortable. Try to mix your guests according to their interests, and consider inviting one or two who are comfortable keeping the conversation going, to help you.

If it’s a sit-down dinner, tell them so. If it’s drinks and appetizers, tell them that, too. Surprise them with the flowers and the food, but don’t make them think they are coming for dinner and then send them home hungry.

If you’re preparing an exotic meal, be careful who you invite. Some people really aren’t that adventuresome.

Some are, thank goodness—but as Elise says, pay attention to your audience! And unless you’re a very confident cook, it’s probably best not to experiment with recipes you’ve never prepared.

Finally—if you’re playing with a recipe you’ve never prepared before and it burns, it doesn’t rise, or it just tastes terrible—there are plenty of pizza places that deliver. The purpose of a party is to relax and have a good time. Keep your sense of humor. That’s why you have a Plan B —and if you have to use it, it’s not the end of the world! N

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{ bless their hearts }

As a teenager, W.C. Handy worked the docks on the Tennessee River listening to and singing the heart-wrenching songs of the laborers. The melodies tempered the pain of the backbreaking work and Handy’s lyrics laid the foundation for what would later be referred to as, “The Blues.”

LISTENING 101

I can just see a young Mr. Handy coming home in the evening and sharing the experience with his family and then his neighbors and friends.

“Are You Listening?” he would say. Apparently, they were not.

History hints that a young Handy received a “cold” ear from the residents of the Shoals area as venues were few and far between. Undeterred, Mr. Handy lent his talents to one band after another, taking his show on the road in search of more receptive crowds in Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee and even Florida. Soon, the whole world was listening.

Webster defines “listening” as paying attention to a sound, hearing something with thoughtful attention. In 300 B.C., Zeno of Citium wrote, “The reason why we have two ears and only one mouth is that we may listen the more and talk the less.” Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. The friends who listen to us are the ones we move toward. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold and expand. But I digress.

Roll the tape forward sixty years or so and we see a group of businessmen and musicians with a vision and the Muscle Shoals “sound” is born. Before long, a small circle of soul-drenched white boys turned heads around the world with a maniacal string of hits on a par with Motown and Stax. It put a former cow pasture on the map as Muscle Shoals was named the “Hit Recording Capital of the World” and landed an obscure little concrete block building in Sheffield on the National Historic Register.

BY STEVE

PRICE

Music fanatics worldwide are green with envy knowing that we live and work in the Shoals with industry legends walking among us.

The list of artists is to this day a jaw-dropper—Aretha Franklin, Paul Simon, The Rolling Stones, Bob Seger, Lynnrd Skynnrd, Mark Knopfler, Etta James, Bob Dylan, Linda Rondstadt, and Wilson Pickett, just to name a few. Not to mention session players like Duanne Allman and Eddie Hinton. Were you listening?

More than likely you were listening to your favorite radio station and not in a live setting simply because there were few, if any, venues in the Shoals during the sixties and seventies. It was an oddball dichotomy, one on a par with Lynchburg, Tennessee, where Jack Daniels whiskey was manufactured but could not be purchased or consumed. That’s all changed. Yes, you now purchase Jack Daniels in Lynchburg and guess what?

You can now venture out from your home and listen to live music all around the Shoals. Trust me, it’s true. Elvis Presley said his favorite part of the (music) business was the live concert, “exciting because of all the electricity that is generated in the crowd and onstage.” Our history of failing to support live venues in the Shoals is something we, as a community, should be ashamed of.

64 | No’Ala

Music fanatics worldwide are green with envy knowing that we live and work in the Shoals with industry legends walking among us. Roger Hawkins, Donna Jean Godchaux, Jimmy Johnson, David Hood, Spooner Oldham, Donnie Fritts, Scott Boyer, Mickey Buckins, Pete Carr, Lenny LeBlanc, Mac McAnally, Larry Byram and Kelvin Holly, just to name a few.

Most of these aforementioned legends are still playing on a regular basis. On any given weekend, these musicians are still making their magic. Are you listening?

The Handy Festival seems to be one exception, drawing big crowds and a lot of local ears. Maybe the planets line up correctly or maybe Mr. Handy’s lyrics still echo from the banks of the Tennessee River magically drawing spellbound Shoals residents from their homes like zombies. Maybe it’s the hard work and diligence of Handy volunteers or just the enormous amount of tourists coming in and shaming residents to get out and participate.

Whatever the reason, the festival is a buffet—a plethora of live music. I went into the Shell station on Woodward last year and there was a three-piece jazz combo in the men’s room. (Okay, I made that one up.) Once again, I digress.

As the city of Sheffield lays out a plan for an arts and entertainment district downtown and the city of Florence continues to guide its Sweetwater district in a musical direction, the community’s support will be crucial. We should embrace our musical heritage as well as our musical future. It put us on the map and continues to put us on the map. The steel mill thing didn’t work out in Sheffield and the industrial era seems to have faded for the Shoals area. Fame Studio is still here.

The hits are still coming out of the Shoals with songwriters like Gary Baker, Mark Narmore, Gary Nichols and James LeBlanc. New studios such as NoiseBlock and The Nutthouse are booked months in advance. A new generation of Muscle Shoals music is alive and well with bands such as Jason Isbell, Flux, The Sons of Roswell, The Grown Folks Band and more. Live music is available year-round at venues sprinkled throughout the Shoals in pubs, clubs, parks and hotels. Get off of your butt and get out of the house!

The music is still here. It never left. Are you listening?

Steve Price is a native of Sheffield and is a writer, musician, photographer, painter, grille master and gardener. He is a lover of all things Italian.

PUPPY LOVE. SUGARBAKERS I WOOF YOU!

MON–FRI 9AM-5PM; SAT 9AM-12PM 5121 COUNTY RD. 47, FLORENCE, 3.2 MI. NORTH OF MARTIN’S 256.766.0001

Historic Locust Hill, near downtown Tuscumbia, is the location for your picture perfect wedding. Sweeping porches.

Beautifully manicured lawns. Meticulously restored rooms with high ceilings and beautiful decor. Weddings, receptions and more... your picture perfect event deserves historic, beautiful Locust Hill.

Locust Hill

Elise Gilchrist, Proprietor 209 S. Cave Street, Tuscumbia 256-383-6441 • www.locusthillevents.com

It’s not too early to book your Christmas party!

July/August 2009 | 65

“NEW DIGS” » BILLY REID » DOWNTOWN FLORENCE » FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2009 » 10:20 A .M.

{ parting shot }

66 | No’Ala

BY

DANNY MITCHELL

At First Southern, we’re proud to be one of your

We believe in the people of the Shoals area. Our towns are blessed with hardworking, talented folks, and we’re proud to be able to provide loans, mortgages and savings tools to help families and businesses as they go about building their lives here.

Five convenient locations to serve you: Main branch at 301 South Court Street, Florence: 256-718-4200 1027 E. Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals: 256-718-4242 1455 Highway 72, Killen: 256-718-4273 5145 River Road, Ford City: 256-718-4255 4350 CR 47, St. Florian: 256-718-4282 Mortgage Department, 303 N. Pine Street, Florence: 256-718-4237

As summer approaches and we get ready for the Keller and W.C. Handy Festivals, we’re excited about discovering even more talent here in the area. We believe in supporting hometown talent, and we’re appreciative that you support us, too.

www.firstsouthern.com First Southern Bank is proud to play a part in showcasing the musical artists featured in this issue of No’Ala. Subscribers received a sample CD featuring their music, and a very limited number of CDs is available at First Southern branches. Ask your First Southern Banker for details.

After all, we’ve been your Hometown Banking Pick since 1935. Sometimes smaller, local and personal is better!

MEMBER FDIC

July/August 2009 | 67

With an asthma inhaler from Milner Rushing, he never misses a game.

Familiar Faces, Expert Care • www.mrdrugs.com

869 Florence Blvd.

Florence, AL 35630 256-764-4700

202 W. Avalon Ave. Muscle Shoals, AL 35661 256-386-5220

2602 Hough Rd. Florence, AL 35630 256-740-5515 July/August 2009 | 68