The Scoop on Shirey Ice Cream | On the Road with Senators Coaches | Set the Table to Music
33 MUSICIANS WHO ARE REALLY GOING PLACES JULY/AUG 2013 $3.95
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July/August 2013
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Daniel Huang is a typical 16 year-old—until he sits down to play the piano.
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Take a trip with our annual roundup of North Alabama’s most promising musicians.
BY ALLEN TOMLINSON PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD
BY CLAIRE STEWART MUSIC REVIEWS BY WILL WHALEY PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD AND DANNY MITCHELL
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I scream; you scream, we all scream for Shirey Ice Cream.
BY LAURA ANDERS LEE PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD
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Set your table to music.
BY CLAIRE STEWART PHOTOS BY DANNY MITCHELL
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Shawna P bares her soul in front of millions of viewers on NBC’s The Voice.
Driving the stars with Senators Coaches.
BY LAURA ANDERS LEE
BY LAURA ANDERS LEE
PORTRAITS BY PATRICK HOOD
PHOTOS BY GOODE DETHERO
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Giving thanks the oldfashioned way with pen and paper.
BY MICHELLE RUPE EUBANKS
© NBC Universal, Inc.
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SXSW—Muscle Shoals style.
BY ALLEN TOMLINSON
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Lynn Coleman invites 120 of her closest friends for dinner and a good cause.
PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD
BY ALLEN TOMLINSON PHOTOS BY ABRAHAM ROWE
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contents SHOALS ••••• July/August 2013 Volume 6: Issue 4 ••• C. Allen Tomlinson Editor-In-Chief David Sims Creative Director Contributing Writers Amy Collins, Michelle Rupe Eubanks, Sarah Gaede, Laura Anders Lee, David Sims, Claire Stewart, Allen Tomlinson, Will Whaley Contributing Photographers Goode Dethero, Patrick Hood, Ian McCalister, Danny Mitchell, Abraham Rowe Marketing Coordinator/Advertising Sales Heidi King Features Manager Claire Stewart Business Manager Roy Hall Graphic Designer Rowan Finnegan Interns Mack Cornwell, Ryan Paine, Will Whaley •••
© Abraham Rowe
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No’Ala is published six times annually by No’Ala Press PO Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630 Phone: 256-766-4222 | Fax: 256-766-4106 Toll-free: 800-779-4222 Web: www.noalapress.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. © 2008-2013 ATSA, All rights reserved.
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Calendar
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Events for July-August 2013
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Check It Out Book Reviews
“Bon Appétit!” BY SARAH GAEDE
124
Market Summer Style
BY CLAIRE STEWART
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Kudos BY LAURA ANDERS LEE
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The Vine “Un-Corked” BY AMY COLLINS
Bless Their Hearts
To advertise, contact us at: 256-766-4222, or sales@noalapress.com. The editor will provide writer’s guidelines upon request. Prospective authors should not submit unsolicited manuscripts; please query the editor first.
Part of the Club
BY CLAIRE STEWART
108
Back Talk “What Was Your First Live Concert?”
BY FLORENCE-LAUDERDALE LIBRARY
86
Food for Thought
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.
BY DAVID SIMS
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Parting Shot
No’Ala is printed with vegetable-based inks on 100% recycled paper.
BY DANNY MITCHELL Join us on Facebook: No’Ala Mag
editor’s letter « Allen Tomlinson « 11 WHEN YOU LIVE IN THE HIT RECORDING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD—the Muscle Shoals area—it’s easy to take music for granted. After all, we are surrounded by talented artists and recording studios that still create the music of our lives, and it’s easy to think that every city is just like this. Unless you live in Nashville, the fact is that no other Southern city is; there must be something in the Singing River (as it was called by the natives who lived along the banks of the Tennessee) that just breeds musical talent. So, welcome to our annual Entertainment issue. This is our chance to present the bright, young, up-and-coming musicians who are beginning to make names for themselves. We want to introduce you to them, and, so that you can really fall in love with their music, subscribers will find a bonus CD with a track from each act enclosed with your magazine. (If you are not a subscriber, there is a limited number of CDs available at First Southern Banks across the Shoals—they would love for you to drop by and ask for one.) Singer Shawna P, a competitor on the popular television show The Voice, is also featured and was generous enough to give us one of her tracks as well. Enjoy! This time, the issue is not just about entertainment—we decided to make it about entertaining as well. We’ll show you a wonderful dinner party put together by Lynn Coleman and friends and held at the home of Billy and Jeannie Reid to raise money for the American Cancer Society; our hope is that you will get ideas for summer entertaining of your own. We’ll show you some musical place settings, and we’ll introduce you to Senators Coaches, the people who are responsible for transporting some of the biggest names in show business on their nationwide tours. Daniel Huang, a 16-year-old virtuoso, is a young person to watch, and you’ll meet him, too; and that’s just the tip of the ice cream cone (see our feature about Reese Shirey in this issue.) There’s a lot to entertain you in this Entertainment issue! The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library celebrates the end of its first decade in its beautiful building on Wood Avenue—and boy, how things have changed! Our library has evolved from a place to check out books and do research to a community center, multimedia hub, and vibrant, entertaining, and interesting place. Check out the special section in the center of this issue, and prepare to be impressed. We want to remind you that nominations are open for our annual Renaissance Award Winner. Every two years, we accept your nominations for people in the community who work quietly behind the scenes to make this a great place to live. All you have to do to make a nomination is drop us a line and let us know why this person deserves consideration. A panel made up of prior nominees and winners will decide who gets recognition next spring. We have already begun to receive nominations; don’t forget to get us yours! Summer in the Shoals is fun. We have the Keller and Handy Festivals, outdoor fishing and sports, and lots of long, hot, and humid days that are perfect for entertaining. We hope yours is a safe and happy one—and we thank you for patronizing our advertisers. Now, grab a cold glass of sweet tea and enjoy this issue!
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calendar
Now through July 12 Elayne Goodman: Art as Life Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-3:00pm; $5 adults, $3 students, and free on Sundays; Tennessee Valley Museum of Art; 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0533; ttvaa.org July 4 Shoals Spirit of Freedom Celebration 10:00am-10:00pm; Free; McFarland Park; Florence Riverfront; (256) 740-4141; visitflorenceal.com
7:35pm; Admission charged or season tickets for $60; 11 W. 3rd St.; Sheffield; (256) 381-8370; ttvaa.org July 18-21 Gingerbread Players Present Disney’s Camp Rock the Musical Thurs-Sat 7:00pm; Sun 2:00pm; Admission charged; Shoals Theatre; 123 N. Seminary St.; (256) 764-1700; shoalstheatre.org
July 4 Fourth of July Walking Parade 10:00am; 600 N. Main St.; Downtown Sheffield; (256) 383-0783; colbertcountytourism.org
July 19-20 Saddle Up for St. Jude Fri noon-midnight; Sat 7:00am-midnight; Admission charged; Gardiner Farm; 1 Underwood Rd.; Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; colbertcountytourism.org
July 5 First Friday 5:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Florence at Court St.; (877) 290-8880; firstfridaysflorence.com
July 19-21 Classic Antique Boat Show Throughout the day; Free; Joe Wheeler State Park; (256) 247-5461; alapark.com
July 5-6 The Miracle Worker 8:00pm; $10-$15; Helen Keller Birthplace; 300 N. Commons St.; Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; helenkellerbirthplace.org July 6 First Saturday 3:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Rogersville; (256) 247-9449; visitflorenceal.com July 9-August 9 Mostly Blues Exhibit Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm; Free; Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts; 217 E. Tuscaloosa St.; (256) 760-6379; florenceal.org July 11-14 UNA Summer Theatre Presents Hank Williams: Lost Highway Thurs Preview 7:30pm; Fri and Sat 7:30pm; Sun 2:00pm; $20 general admission ($15 Preview); $15 seniors and UNA employees ($10 Preview); $5 students; UNA Norton Auditorium; (256) 765-4392; una.edu/summertheatre July 12-13 The Miracle Worker 8:00pm; $10-$15; Helen Keller Birthplace; 300 N. Commons St.; Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0783; helenkellerbirthplace.org Photo Courtesy of Keb' Mo'
July 14 Nate Currin in Concert 7:00pm; $10; Zodiac Theatre; 416 N. Court St., Florence; natecurrin.com July 18 Hot BBQ, Cool Blues 6:00pm-8:00pm; Downtown Tuscumbia at Main and Sixth streets; (256) 383-0783; colbertcountytourism.org July 18-20 Summer Stock at the Ritz Presents Les Misérables
Keb’Mo’ Headlines Handy July 27 Continued page 16
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July 19-28 32nd Annual W.C. Handy Music Festival Various times and venues; Free and admission charged depending upon venue; (256) 766-9719; complete listings at wchandymusicfestival.org July 25-26 Summer Stock at the Ritz Presents Les Misérables 7:35pm; Admission charged or season tickets for $60; 11 W. 3rd St.; Sheffield; (256) 381-8370; ttvaa.org July 27 W.C. Handy Headliner Keb’ Mo’ 7:30pm; $40 general admission or $125 VIP package; Norton Auditorium at UNA; (256) 766-7642; wchandymusicfestival.org July 28-Sept 13 Artworks 2013 Mon-Fri 9:00am-5:00pm, Sun 1:00pm-3:00pm; $5 adults, $3 students, and free on Sundays; Tennessee Valley Museum of Art; 511 N. Water St., Tuscumbia; (256) 383-0533; ttvaa.org August 2 First Friday 5:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Florence at Court St.; (877) 290-8880; firstfridaysflorence.com August 3 First Saturday 3:00pm-8:00pm; Free; Downtown Rogersville; (256) 247-9449; visitflorenceal.com August 10 American Cancer Society Coaches vs. Cancer Champagne and Diamond Ball 6:00pm; Admission charged; Marriott Shoals Conference Center; 10 Hightower Pl.; (256) 767-0825; cancer.org August 22-September 20 Oil Paintings by Nancy Bartmess Mon-Fri 9:00am-4:00pm; Free; Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts; 217 E. Tuscaloosa St.; (256) 760-6379; florenceal.org August 22-24 Center Stage at the Ritz Presents A Bad Year for Tomatoes 7:35pm; Admission charged or season tickets for $60; 11 W. 3rd St.; Sheffield; (256) 381-8370; ttvaa.org August 23 Killen Founders Day 6:00pm-10:00pm; Free; Killen Park; Lock 6 Rd.; (256) 757-1246; visitflorenceal.com August 29-30 Center Stage at the Ritz Presents A Bad Year for Tomatoes 7:35pm; Admission charged or season tickets for $60; 11 W. 3rd St.; Sheffield; (256) 381-8370; ttvaa.org.
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scene
Celest and Cindy Vandiver
Miranda Ainsworth, April Brewer, Magdalena Lira, Amanda Stansell, and Cindy Vandiver April and Briar Shelton
Tina Miller Parker, Erin Melson, Kaitlyn Miller, Stephanie Miller, and Brylee Miller
Carolina, Sofia, and Joseph Chaves Colbert County Cheerleaders
Above: Autism Walk APRIL 27, 2013 FLOWERS HALL , THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH ALABAMA
Grace Ann Rhodes, Tevor Laws, Chase Laws, Audrey Ainsworth
Brett King of Audiovysion
Below: Songwriters in the Round for Earth Day APRIL 27, 2013 J.C. BAKER BUILDING, SHEFFIELD
Jason Hughes, Elizabeth Graves, and Christy Dolly
Bryan and Laura Lee, and Chris Tompkins Terese and Rick Irons
Jackie Posey and Tim Harland
Ninon Parker and Susann Hamlin
Jessica Muse Tompkins, Nancy and Meghan Muse
Cody Fowler and David Drabkin
Ronda LeBlanc and Judy Keenum
* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.
Photos courtesy of Cherokee Lair
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“[Shubert’s Impromptu] is especially challenging, and the judges were surprised that anyone would tackle it. But Daniel came to me several months before the competition and said he wanted to learn this piece, and I said ‘why not?’ Like most everything he does, Daniel was able to master it.” —Noel Beck
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TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD
DANIEL HUANG LOOKS LIKE ANY OTHER 16 YEAR OLD. He’s interested in science, swimming, and school, and he’s obviously a bright young man. But when he sits down at the piano and begins to play, any similarity to a typical teenager gets swept away. Daniel Huang is an amazing musician. “I’ve been playing piano for about 10 years,” he told us, sitting at the concert grand piano in his teacher’s home. “My mother loved music, but she didn’t have much opportunity to pursue it. She introduced me to the piano, and I love it. The piano is capable of creating every sound—loud, soft, high, or low.” Daniel began playing at Music Academy, gradually finding his way to Noel Beck, who was named Alabama State Music Teacher of the Year in 2012. The two make a great team, evidenced by Daniel’s four State Winner designations and one honorable mention at the Alabama Music Teacher Association’s Young Pianist Auditions. This year, the competition was held at the University of Montevallo, and Daniel was a State Winner, playing a Bach symphonia, a Haydn sonata, and Shubert's Impromptu. “The Shubert piece is especially challenging,” said Noel, “and the judges were surprised that anyone would tackle it. But Daniel came to me several months before the competition and said he wanted to learn this piece, and I said ‘why not?’ Like most everything he does, Daniel was able to master it.” The Alabama Music Teacher Association’s competition is divided into divisions, and students are competing against others their age. Level One is for 10 and 11 year olds; Level Two is for 12 through 14 year olds, and Level Three is for 15 to 18 year olds.
“As you move up through the divisions, the competition becomes more difficult,” said Noel. Top music professors from other states come to listen and judge, and when Daniel first competed, he was one of the younger pianists in his division. “By the time you get to Division Three, the musicians competing are quite good,” said Noel. “Daniel is naturally musical,” said Noel, but you can’t discount the fact that he works hard at it. He practices at least an hour every day at the grand piano his parents purchased for him, which replaced the electronic keyboard he started taking lessons with. “You really have to practice,” says Daniel. “It isn’t always fun, but it’s worth it.” With talent like this, would Daniel consider a musical career? Nope. “I’d like to be a businessman or an engineer,” he said, “but I hope I’ll always have the piano for a hobby and for enjoyment.” He also loves to swim; he is on the Muscle Shoals High School Swim Team and holds awards for his athletic abilities as well. (When he was eight years old, he competed in the USA Southeastern Swimming Championships—in eight swim events—and earned first place in all of them.) Because of his love of swimming, he’s considering Harvard, Stanford, or MIT for college. Stanford is on the list because they have such an excellent swim team, although his older brother, a graduate of MIT, has convinced him that his school is a good school for engineering. But there will always be the piano. “My advice to other students of the piano is to relax, and don't stress about it,” he said. “Practice—you always have to practice—but let your heart sing.” Listen to Daniel play, and you’ll understand exactly what he means.
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TEXT BY CLAIRE STEWART » PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD & DANNY MITCHELL MUSIC COMMENTARY BY WILL WHALEY
Road trips and great music go hand-in-hand. So, when you hit the road this summer, we recommend you let these North Alabama musicians take you home. Read about nine new acts who are well on their journey to the big time. Grace & Tony · The Local Saints · MaryJustice Lucas · Cold Cold Sweats · The Pollies Saints Don’t Grieve · Matt Morrow · The Wildwood Ruminators · The Pyles
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Grace & Tony were photographed on North Court Street, downtown Florence, Alabama. PHOTO BY PATRICK HOOD
Because of their varied backgrounds, you would probably think Grace Shultz and Tony White’s paths would never cross, much less produce the musical marriage it did. After all, he was playing in a punk band out of Columbia, Tennessee and she was playing in bluegrass bands in the same area. Tony admits to his admiration of her music: “I had seen Grace play years ago, and I was not only impressed, I developed a serious secret crush. When I noticed on Facebook that she was learning mandolin and banjo, I took a shot and asked her to come jam. We fell in love, and the music just followed.” Because they are from such different backgrounds, it is hard to believe how easily the music comes to them, and even more remarkable to hear the unforced blending of the genres in each of their songs. They call this fusion “Punkgrass,” and it seems to fit appropriately. While Tony brings the rough melodies and riffs to the songwriting table, Grace is able to fill in the rest with her narrative lyrics and foot-stomping banjo picking. “We think our sound definitely sets us apart—it is dark, yet happy; silly, yet serious; and it is a whole lot of fun to play,” Tony says. Though they are from smaller towns in southern Tennessee, the duo started busking together (playing for tips in public places) on the streets of downtown Nashville. They really had no idea where, if anywhere, their music career was going to go. “It is a very unpredictable way to perform,” she says. “There were times when people would pass by without even a glance, and other times a small group would gather, and we would play our hearts out hoping they would stay!” One of those nights, a man asked them to play a song for him. Thirty seconds into the song, he started messing with his phone. This peeved Grace and Tony a bit, until he admitted he was with Balcony TV, and he was texting his boss about how much he liked their music. “We were shocked! At this point in our career we weren’t even able to book a concert in our own small town, but this TV producer wanted to feature us on his show,” Tony says with a smile. From then on, things have only gone up for the two. They received positive press last year when The Country Network in Nashville began playing the video for their song, “Let You Down.” They later shot their video for “November” in downtown Florence. The two wanted to make sure to get some shots inside Rivertown Coffee Company, where they were allowed to play before they were known in the Shoals music scene. The songs on their first EP, Inside a 7 Track Mind, seem to tell stories, which Tony says you can blame on Grace’s writing background. “She loves to read, especially murder mysteries. I think that is where the storybook style of our songs comes from.” The songs tell stories of murder, unrequited love, family shame, and infidelity. This March, they released their album November in their hometown and were finally received with the sold-out concert they deserved. With their music on the rise, they also have some great news in their personal lives— the two are set to be married on July 27 of this year.
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“November” This song gets its roots from country pop, but as Tony explains, the duo has started a new genre: Punkgrass. Paying homage to artists such as Lady Antebellum, The Band Perry, and Little Big Town, Grace and Tony deliver well-crafted song lyrics and a driving, upbeat tempo with “November.” Grace and Tony’s harmony also pays tribute to another Shoals band, The Civil Wars. Maybe there’s a reason? Tony and John Paul White, from The Civil Wars, are brothers.
The Local Saints were photographed in Seven Points, Florence, Alabama, near the building where they recorded their first album. PHOTO BY PATRICK HOOD
Growing up in an area so rich with Muscle Shoals music definitely helped The Local Saints find their niche in the Shoals. Though it took each of the members a little time to travel and play with a few other bands, Jamie McFarlane, Rob McFarlane, Justin Holder, Chad Burdine, and Zach Walton seem to have found their perfect rhythm in The Local Saints. After graduating from high schools around the Shoals, each of these members went their own way in the music world. Justin, Rob, and Jamie played in bands throughout Alabama and North Carolina, usually backing up other musicians. Chad played for three years with the band Eyes Around and even went on a USO Tour through Japan and South Korea with the band Halo Stereo. Zach grew up in Rogersville and started playing keyboard for bands like The Late Blumers and Pine Street Jams in the Shoals. But early last year, the homegrown Shoals boys came together to create what they now agree is their main project, as well as their favorite. The inspiration for the band’s unusual name comes from the members’ parents, all of whom are pastors or active members in their church. Rob says, “Growing up in the Bible Belt will make you feel like you need to be little saints all the time.” Though they admit they may not carry the same ‘saintly’ qualities as their parents, they can’t deny their upbringing made them the musicians they are now. “Muscle Shoals musicians David Hood and Roger Hawkins have played a big part in my musical development,” Jamie says. “Being able to watch them record during my younger years influenced me greatly.” The two McFarlane brothers come by their talent pretty naturally though: their father, Will, is one of the original members of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. Both Rob and Jamie credit him as one of their biggest influences. The Local Saints pride themselves on incorporating some of that Muscle Shoals sound into their music—with a twist. Chad tries to sum it up as “Muscle Shoals meets indie rock with a love ballad or two.” They also attribute much of their subject matter to their upbringing in the Shoals. “We sing about life and love, and sometimes whiskey, and we might throw in a dog or a train, or an angry girl, because we are from the South and that is how we live,” they joke. Earlier this year, The Local Saints were able to perform at The Stage On Sixth Patio in Austin, Texas, as part of The Muscle Shoals Showcase at the South by Southwest Festival, along with other artists from the area. They agreed it was a great experience professionally and personally because it was an amazing way to represent their hometown. Their latest EP, released this April, was met with huge support at their album release party, which featured music from Dillon Hodges and The Bear, as well. Now that they are back in the studio, drummer Justin Holder says that is where the band shines. “I love our sessions in the studio. Performing live is a momentary thing, but a recording is forever, and I love that.” They are back in the studio for a while and recording music for their next project at Noiseblock Studio with the help of Chris Bethea and Matt Johnson. “Our goal is to get out there and let the music do what it does,” Jamie says. “We definitely don’t want to hold back, and we hope to create something special. This project is all or nothing for us.” While these guys have ventured through many musical endeavors in the past, all of the members agree that being able to play with their best friends is a pretty sweet gig. The Local Saints, from left to right: Chad Burdine, Jamie McFarlane, Justin Holder (in back), Zach Walton (in front), and Rob McFarlane 28 | J ULY /AUGUST 2013 | NOALAPRESS . COM | 29
“Don’t Stop Now” This upbeat song conveys a positive message and is presented with a Southern rock flair. In fact, the vocals remind you of Aaron Lewis, from Staind, on more of a country rock level. It’s a catchy piece and the listener won’t want to stop…listening to The Local Saints.
MaryJustice Lucas was photographed atop Monte Sano, near her grandparents’ home. PHOTO BY PATRICK HOOD
You could say MaryJustice Lucas started at a young age—but because she’s only 18 now, it wasn’t all that long ago. You could also say she came by her talent naturally: she remembers going to see plays from the Broadway Theater League when she was as young as three, and she heard Fred Astaire, Judy Garland, Patty Griffin, Etta James, Elvis Presley, and Journey being played throughout her childhood. She wrote her first song when she was five. Her mother would pick her up from daycare, and as she belted out some of her own lyrics in the backseat, her mom started to write them down. Eventually, she started to sing them into a pocket stereo recorder. It was no surprise when she started performing her music for live audiences in coffeehouses when she was 11…but after all, that was only seven years ago. Though she just turned 18, don’t be fooled by her age; she has accomplished a lot in her few years on the music scene. She won first place for songwriting at the Mountain Valley Arts competition, placed in the top ten in the 2010 iSing! Competition in Los Angeles when she was just 14, and most recently won multiple awards at the North American Country Music Association competition in Pigeon Forge last year. She was named 2012 Rising Star CD of the Year, 2012 Songwriter of the Year, and 2012 Female Entertainer of the Year. “Every time my name was called, I thought I was dreaming,” she confesses, “and that is something I will never forget!” One of her biggest honors was being invited to open for Jim Parker’s Songwriter Showcase at the VBC Playhouse last year—which she reveals she did with a 102 degree fever. “I was NOT going to cancel opening this show,” she says. “I don’t remember anything from when I performed, but I was told I did well!” She recently finished up an EP of original songs, and she had some good company to help—another one of our featured artists, Matt Morrow. She brags a little on her friend: “My oh-so-talented singer/songwriter friend Matt Morrow was so kind to do a little arranging, recording, and engineering, as well as adding some instrumentals and a couple harmonies to the tracks.” Matt and MaryJustice have done multiple shows together around North Alabama and seem to have perfectly blended vocals when they team up on songs. “Matt hears my songs the way I do,” she admits “so he just adds a little ‘kick’ to them.” MaryJustice has had a big start to her career at such an early age, but her goal is just to stay on the path she is on now. “I write and I sing because I can’t stop. It’s part of me. It’s like oxygen for me. Even if I only sing in coffee shops for the rest of my life, as long as I continue to write songs that make people feel something, then I am happy.” We can hardly wait to see what the next 18 years will bring.
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“So Much More” MaryJustice Lucas’s voice is sweet and pure and sounds a little like artists Priscilla Ahn, Norah Jones, Missy Higgins, and Alison Krauss. MaryJustice pulls inspiration from the acoustic and vocal sounds that portray an intimate, personal setting and especially so with “So Much More.”
The Cold Cold Sweats were photographed in front of the house on Wood Avenue, Florence, Alabama, where they recorded some of their first songs. PHOTO BY DANNY MITCHELL
You may have heard this group of guys perform under the name Rhyal Knight Band, or you may recognize them from a performance under their current moniker, Cold Cold Sweats. The group that began life as the Rhyal Knight Band has reinvented itself with a couple of new members. But if the names are tough to keep track of, just close your eyes and concentrate on the music—there is a distinct difference in the Cold Cold Sweats. In late June of 2010, as RKB, three of these band members shared the stage for the first time together at the Spirit of Freedom Celebration at McFarland Park. After an impressive show that received copious praise, the group hit the studio at the end of the year and recorded their debut LP, In Transit. The group gigged around the Southeast for a year, in between going to classes at their respective colleges, and soon began writing new material with a fresh vibe. They put out a 4-track EP, Good Vibes, and decided on the name Cold Cold Sweats. The official members of the current band are Rhyal Knight, Siler Head, Davis Sandlin, Quinn Stanphill, and Luke Wright. The Cold Cold Sweats say they thrive on their distinctiveness. “We dig up inspiration from our passion for creating groovy, never-before-heard sounds,” says Quinn. Though the group says they are influenced by groups like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, John Mayer, and Radiohead, the group is looking to bring something completely different to this area. “I would say we fall into the AAA [adult album alternative] genre, because of our indie rock and alternative influences,” guitarist Siler Head explains. “While our sound originated with Americana influences, it has since evolved into a more rock format.” As for the new name, it was chosen to better represent the new sound the band has. “It reflects the new edge AAA, with an ambient electric sound and soulful lyrics” says Siler. However you define their sound, fans seem to love it. Last year, the group was asked to play at the Sowega Georgia Throwdown, where they brushed elbows with other big-name acts like Drive-By Truckers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. Earlier this year, the group played at Birmingham-Southern’s SOCO Music Fest before country star Jerrod Niemann. Another exciting moment for the Cold Cold Sweats was when their song “Whisper” began circulating on well-read music blogs around the Nashville area. Right now, the group is recording a full-length album at Gary Baker’s Noiseblock Studios, courtesy of Singing River Records, with the engineering help of Chris Bethea. Rhyal says that this is a really great time for the group and things can only get better. “We are sitting on a pile of new material with fresh sounds that will be a bit of a departure from our previous releases; we’re incorporating bigger, more ambient sounds into our tunes,” he says. ”We are really excited to be operating under our new band name and plan on using the name change as a chance to experiment with new sounds in the studio and redefine our musical image.”
Cold Cold Sweats, front row: Quinn Stanphill, Siler Head, and Rhyal Knight; Back row: Davis Sandlin and Luke Wright
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“Whisper” The driving acoustics and Southern rock undertones will make you want to sing along to “Whisper.” Cold Cold Sweats really show off their guitarist’s skills in this piece and showcase a blend of different genres: funk, Southern rock, and soul—all from a singer who will remind you of artists like John Mayer and Adam Duritz of Counting Crows.
The Pollies were photographed at their studio in Killen, Alabama. PHOTO BY DANNY MITCHELL
There are a lot of words you could use to describe Where the Lies Begin, The Pollies’ debut album. Brooding. Daring. Haunting. Bold. All of these would work. But two things you can’t say about it is that it was hasty or thoughtless—this album is the culmination of years of musical introspection. Where the Lies Begin slowly evolved in the back of the minds of Jay Burgess and Chris James for years as they played together in bands throughout the area. They were so familiar with one another’s creative process, the music just seemed to flow through them when they wrote together. And although Jay and Chris loved the songs their writing sessions produced, the songs didn’t feel appropriate for the bands they were playing with at the time. So when their respective bands decided to take a break, Jay and Chris used their free time to perfect their side work. Where the Lies Begin is the result. It runs the gamut of emotions and life experiences of youth—everything from melancholy love ballads to upbeat tunes about coming home from a long absence. Chris sums up the long process of writing the album in just a few words: “After that break, we spent a couple years refining the songs and recordings, started playing shows, went through a few line-up changes, and ended with a solid group of talented friends.” All of that labor developed into what we now know as The Pollies. Those talented friends Chris mentions are Matt Green, Reed Watson, and Daniel Stoddard, and though their first album was released in 2012, the group has already received rave reviews from fans, critics, and fellow musicians. Brittany Howard of the Alabama Shakes says The Pollies’ album is one of her favorites. “They sound like a classic band living in their own time zone,” she says. And recently, Relix magazine said Where the Lies Begin “blends seamlessly into a jaded, almost traditional country sound of fear and loathing in the South.” All of the great press also allowed them to get an invitation to the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas in 2012 and 2013, as well as book multiple shows across the country. Now, the band is playing music fests throughout the Southeast. Drummer Reed Watson said the group is “writing material for a second record, tentatively scheduled to be released in early 2014, and daily trying to think of some cool ways to make North Alabama a more creative and fun place to live.” Plans for the future of the group? Chris says all they can do is stay consistent with the work they have been doing. “I know what I would like to see for our group, but as far as what will actually happen, I have no idea. The music business is unpredictable. As long as we are moving in a forward direction, and we are, I think we are doing okay.”
The Pollies, from left to right: Chris James, Daniel Stoddard, Jay Burgess, Reed Watson, and Matt Green
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“Something New” The Pollies have a new alternative country rock sound that reminds you of artists like Glossary, Doc Dailey and Magnolia Devil, and Patterson Hood. The Pollies bring a certain country rocker edge to their music and vocals, and “Something New” brings just what the title promises.
WHO INSPIRES YOU? Please make your nominations for the 2014 No’Ala Renaissance Awards Every two years, we ask our readers to tell us about the people in our area who quietly work behind the scenes to make this an even better place to live. We’re interested in the unsung heroes, the role models, and inspirational figures who make a difference in your life and the life of our community. It’s time once again to begin gathering our nominees for the 2014 award. Our categories are: Science, Education, Service & Spirituality, Business & Leadership, and Arts & Culture. We will convene a panel of prior award winners and nominees to help us choose the five category winners, and from that group we’ll select a Renaissance Person of the Year. These special people will be featured in our 2014 March/April issue. Who inspires you? Who are your role models, your teachers, your mentors, and your inspiration? Let us know by writing us and mailing your nominations to No’Ala Press, P.O. Box 2530, Florence, AL 35630; or email your nominations to claire@noalapress.com. Help us bring recognition to the unsung people who make a difference in our lives.
The No’Ala Renaissance Award trophy is a collaborative effort. It is made from recycled steel with a hardwood base and finished with a sterling silver charm.
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Saints Don’t Grieve was photographed on Westmoreland Road in Huntsville, Alabama, near the members’ homes. PHOTO BY PATRICK HOOD
Saints Don’t Grieve may be the youngest group featured this year, but they are definitely not to be overlooked. For the last year and a half, Joshua Hill, Noah Fowler, Samuel Sharples, and Daniel Neely have been playing their music anywhere and everywhere they can. At some points they even said they would play anywhere that was providing free food. But after showing off their musical talent around North Alabama, people began to take them seriously, and now, Noah says, they have one of the best followings of any local band in Huntsville. Saints Don’t Grieve began with Daniel and Josh playing together at local coffee shops, festivals, and fundraisers. They were approached about recording a demo CD at one of the gigs, and slowly the wheels began to turn on their path toward a real career in music. After this encounter, they stayed up all night to write two original songs and began to book more shows to get their name out. The duo then invited Noah and Sam to be in their stage band and eventually brought them into the group that is now Saints Don’t Grieve. Just last year, Josh entered the Alabama Talent Hunt competition as a solo act and asked the rest of the members to perform with him as his band. Josh won the grand prize—thanks to a little help from his friends. Though none of the members are over the age of 18, they make up in musical experience what they may lack in age. The group has studied music theory together for the last couple of years and attended numerous all-state band competitions together, as well as a few all-state choir competitions and festivals. Whenever possible, the group says they are working on their music. “All clichés aside, we live and breathe music. It is how we think.” Daniel says, “There was one time that we tried to write a piece while listening to a tornado siren, just because we couldn’t stop obsessing over the question, ‘What note is that siren blaring right now?’” Their ages are reflected in their musical influences as well. The group says they are most inspired by, and aspire to be like, Coldplay, Mumford and Sons, Mae, and John Mayer, simply because those are the musicians they grew up hearing. The group agrees they have been very fortunate for the help they have been given from their fans and families during their short time in the music scene. Recently, they were lucky enough to work with Grammy-nominated producer Tony Wachter, which they say was a really exciting experience. The group just re-released their debut EP, At Least For Now, and they are currently working on a full-length album, tentatively titled Day of Redemption. This May, three of the four Saints graduated from high school and are now gearing up for their freshman year of college. And don’t worry, they won’t lose the music bug too soon—Sam will be majoring in music technology, Josh will be studying vocal performance and commercial music, and Daniel will be studying electrical engineering with a focus in studio work.
Saints Don’t Grieve, from left to right: Sam Sharples, Joshua Hill, Daniel Neely, and Noah Fowler
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“Breathe in Deep” This song has an inspiring tone, with its uplifting lyrics and driving acoustics, and has a country pop feel behind it. The harmonies are well-crafted and add just the right touch for the message that the song is conveying. Saints Don’t Grieve sound a lot like other folk and alternative artists, including a Muslce Shoals hit-maker from another generation: Bob Dylan.
Matt Morrow was photographed near his family home in Guntersville, Alabama. PHOTO BY PATRICK HOOD
Every artist probably says their beginnings in music were a little awkward and strange, but we don’t think anyone can touch Matt Morrow’s first introduction to music: in the funeral home owned by his great aunt. When he was eight years old, he was running around the funeral home when he decided to play the pianos and organs that were scattered through the building. He played some chords and made up songs until he realized he really liked to sing. Matt admits it was a strange sight to see. “I was this little solemn child making up music on the funeral home organ. I am sure it seemed kinda creepy.” But ever since the banging and clanging on the organs, he seems to have found his voice through other artists, events in the news, and the perspectives of the people around him. “I was first inspired by artists like Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen,” he says. “I tried to write like them, but I was never good at that grand, poetic style—and I definitely couldn’t do it when I was 15 and 16,” he says. Instead, he discovered artists like Patty Griffin, Bruce Springsteen, and Tom Waits and learned from their ways of storytelling through music. “Those three in particular write a lot from the perspectives of other people, which is something I really like to do,” he says. “It’s not personal confessional, autobiographical stuff for me 100% of the time.” “Anyone who has heard my music can tell you I am much more inspired by tragedy than by happiness. I don’t make music for fun, light-hearted times.” But Antje Duvekot, a fellow singer/songwriter who has played a few shows with Matt, says this quality is something unique and beautiful. “While ‘heartfelt’ is a sadly overused word, Matt’s music is truly that. Matt’s songs and vocals are utterly heartfelt and heart-breaking and will move you and just generally set your heart aching—in that good, yearning kind of way. There is an incredibly authentic, vulnerable, and simultaneously passionate edge to Matt’s music,” according to Antje. Right now, Matt is still playing shows behind his current album Burlap and Gold which he says is a “Southern Gothic” collection of stories told from the perspectives of the ordinary men and women of his small Southern town. While this album is still in keeping with his tried-and-true darker folk melodies, he says his newer work has been a little lighter and very different to write because it deals with more interpersonal relationships. He says, “I write music that I would listen to, and so I hope that other people will like it as well. That is the point of music to me—a connection with others through art.” Matt is also working on a song cycle about the ghosts that live in his house. “Whether that will ever see the light of day, I don’t know,” he jokes. Whether he is strumming sad stories on the guitar or talking about the angry widowed spirit in his attic, we know his audience will be hanging on every word.
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“Things You Can’t Get Back” Matt Morrow has the sad country pop song down. “Things You Can’t Get Back” consists of simple vocals with a small hint of background harmonies and acoustic guitar, the perfect combination for Matt’s melancholy lyrics.
The Wildwood Ruminators were photographed on Wildwood Park Road, Florence, Alabama. PHOTO BY DANNY MITCHELL
The Wildwood Ruminators say they met pretty organically—Drummer Malcolm Singleton knew vocalist Eddie Martin for 11 years before he introduced Eddie to guitarist Tony Lee. Eddie then brought electric guitarist John Jackson into the mix, and Tony brought in bass player Bill Williams. They met just like any group of friends with common interests, but they all agree that what happened from that point on was anything but ordinary. “There is an amazing creative energy that surrounds us when we write music,” says Malcolm. “Every time we work on a song together, it blows my mind.” This kind of energy surrounding them is what keeps The Wildwood Ruminators going. All of the members say they find their creativity through their bandmates. “I find inspiration to write songs by just wanting to hear Tony, John, Malcolm, and Bill play them,” says Eddie. “It always keeps me motivated to keep writing.” Maybe you can blame all that creative energy on their varied musical backgrounds. Eddie and Malcolm have worked together in the past on pop and rock solo albums. John Jackson was the leader in the pop/punk band Jessica’s Mistake, and Tony has worked with and performed with some of the best in the bluegrass and Celtic music realms. “Multifarious,” Tony says, describes their sound in one word. “Fortunately, each of our backgrounds provides enough talent and ability among us to feign different musical styles while staying true to each of our own roots.” With little dashes of funk, pop, rock, jazz, and folk, the group likes to say they would classify themselves as “roots-y Americana.” Eddie says they are eclectic mainly because they are so songoriented, “The song is king with The Wildwood Ruminators.” Though Eddie writes most of the songs, the members say the effort in the creative process is split evenly among the whole group. Everyone is excited and enthusiastic about the songwriting process. It’s an incredibly unique and supportive creative environment. When the group sits down to write, one thing is for sure—there is a constant commitment from each member to put their all into each song. Right now, the Ruminators are working on their newest album, which they say will be more intimate with ample amounts of acoustic tracks. The group has actually had to remove songs from the list of potential tracks because each day they make new music they love even more than the music they made the day before. They all agree that is a pretty good problem to have. Because of all the music that pours out of these five gentlemen, it doesn’t look like they will be slowing down anytime soon. But staying together and writing music seems to be the best thing they can do. Eddie says the band is everything to him: “In some very tangible way, I feel as though this band saved my life. If it seems we are genuinely happy to be on stage together, it is because it is the honest truth. We believe in this truth, and it is a powerful thing!”
The Wildwood Ruminators, from left to right: Tony Lee, Malcolm Singleton, Eddie Martin, John Jackson, and Bill Williams (not pictured)
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“Reckless Lies” It's not a country song if it doesn't tell a story about a lost love or the wrong love. In "Reckless Lies," Eddie Martin's doleful lyrics provide all that and more, and when paired with The Wildwood Ruminators’ rock-flavored melodies, you have a recipe for the perfect country ballad.
The Pyles were photographed at the intersection of County Roads 63 and 404 in Killen, Alabama. PHOTO BY DANNY MITCHELL
Hair and Makeup for Kimi Samson and Jessica Rothstein by Tabitha Creekmore Hanson
“Neo-Traditional Future-Primitive Folk” is kind of a mouthful, especially when it comes to classifying the simple and poignant melodies created by The Pyles. Even those without a keen ear for musicality will recognize the talent on display in The Pyles’ beautiful mix of smooth voices, cello, and violin—with a little ukulele thrown in for fun. Though this group identifies as Shoals artists and are current residents, their band’s beginnings happened about 900 miles north. W. Cullen Stewart, from Killen, was living in Philadelphia in 2009 when he met and began dating Jessica Rothstein. The two immediately started playing together and called themselves The Pyles—a nod to Goober and Gomer Pyle, who were formative characters in Cullen’s childhood. At that point, they were only using ukulele, guitar, and vocals to make their fun and upbeat songs (which can be found across Youtube.com). Soon, Jessica’s cousin, Albert Rothstein, who was also living in Philadelphia, took an interest in the duo’s music. Coincidentally, he played drums—and planted the seed in their head to expand the group. Cullen and Jessica moved back to the Shoals and got in touch with Kimi Samson and Danley Murner, who had played with Machinery of the Night, and Doc Daily and Magnolia Devils. Kimi taught Danley to play cello and the two seemed like the perfect addition to the new sound of The Pyles. After many trips back and forth, cousin Albert moved to the Shoals this past January to play drums for the group. Though many of the members have been playing music in other realms for a while, the group admits they are still a “baby band,” especially when it comes to the rich musical talent in North Alabama. The group’s inspiration come from all over, but they attribute a lot to the artists that surround them here. “Our peers inspire us,” Stewart says. “We have the privilege of being surrounded by amazing songwriters and musicians who really drive us and inspire us.” The group is in the studio right now. The song “When You Were Mine” was recorded, cut, and mixed especially for the No’Ala album, so you will have to wait until later this year for more of The Pyles’ music. The group plans to release an EP this summer and hopefully follow it with a full-length album by the fall. We anticipate the group to begin the fall with more foot-stomping, rhythm-driven tunes that are fun to watch and fun to listen to. No matter if the songs are about happy days or setbacks, relationship nostalgia or the joy of meeting someone new, The Pyles agree their work always begins with the story. “Sometimes the chord progressions create the beginnings of a song, and sometimes it is a few lines for the chorus, but no matter where we start, everything with The Pyles takes a backseat to the story,” Stewart says “Everyone brings their contributions to editing and arrangement and the raw product gets turned in a way that extols that story. If the words get in the way, we take them out. If the guitar gets in the way, we get rid of it. Tell the story. That’s it.”
The Pyles, from left to right: Danley Murner, Kimi Samson, Albert Rothstein, Jessica Rothstein, and W. Cullen Stewart
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“When You Were Mine” There’s nothing like an old-time bluegrass ballad, and “When You Were Mine” starts off just that way. The vocals also keep this theme and sound going, especially when they surprise you with their tight harmony. The Pyles make music that reminds you of groups such as The Civil Wars and Little Big Town.
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scene
Joel and Carmen Anderson Bob Bailey, Rod Slusher, Gina Bailey, and Pat Slusher Lia, Anthony, and Molly Kalliath Terry and Suzanna Wylie
Jeannie and Mims Rogers and Elizabeth Walters
Martha and Woody Truitt and Katherine Anderson Mac and Cindy Fraser
Tip-Off Party organizers
Above: American Cancer Society’s Tip-Off Party
Below: UNA 70th Anniversary Party
APRIL 19, 2013 HOME OF ANTHONY & MOLLY K ALLIATH
M ARCH 13, 2013 HOME OF JACQUE SEGAR BEHRENS
Lena Wright Ray and Martha Witt Betty Hamilton Duncan, Julia Bass Vess, and Linda Edwards Sledge Jane Wilcoxson and Sara Voorhies
Peggy Jean Doss and Carol Lyles
Brenda Aldridge Lee, Jane Wilcoxson, and Glenda Utley Couch
Beth Bethune Sanders and Brenda Marks
* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.
Marie Plyer, Jacque Segar Behrens, Jane Wilcoxson, Gail King Graham, and Judith Waldrop Woodcock
Jacque Segar Behrens
IN ONE WORD.
SPECTACULAR.
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Š Patrick Hood
TEXT BY L AURA ANDERS LEE » PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD
SHAWNA P HAS A VOICE. A BIG, SOULFUL VOICE—WITH A PERSONALITY TO MATCH. “I was born in Alabama, just outside of Muscle Shoals,” she belts in her song “Sister Soul.” “Same day Aretha was down the road laying down the soul. Something jumped off on me; I got Baptized in the groove; tapped in time to nursery rhymes; the music made me move.”
North Alabama native Shawna P., as she’s known to fans, is the kind of person who opens up immediately, winning people over with her unforgettable sound and infectious spirit. This spring, she had the opportunity to share a little of her soul with millions of viewers on NBC’s The Voice, Season 4, where she made it to the top 32 out of 50,000 talented hopefuls. The Voice is different from other reality music shows because singers are selected based on their talent alone; celebrity coaches cannot see them perform, only hear them. If the judges like the voice, they press a button which turns their chair around, indicating they want the artist on their team. If more than one judge presses their button and turns around, the artist has the power to decide. When Shawna P sang “She Talks to Angels,” at the blind auditions, both Adam Levine and Shakira turned their chairs around. Shawna P chose Team Shakira and went on to perform Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart” in the Battle Round and Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed” in the Knock Out Round. Shawna P’s album, EarthFunk Muzik
During her performances, Usher compared Shawna P’s voice to fine wine; Blake Shelton said it was smoky, raspy and fun to listen to; Adam Levine called it “bad ass,” Shakira said she has perfect pitch and control; and Carson Daily said the queen of funk has been found. So even though she lost to contestant Sasha Allen in the Knock Out Round just before the live shows, Shawna P came back to her Alabama home on cloud nine.
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“I STARTED [MY ALBUM] IN NASHVILLE, BUT I HAD TO COME TO MUSCLE SHOALS TO GET THE SOUND RIGHT.” SHAWNA P During the blind auditions, both Adam Levine and Shakira expressed interest in Shawna P, below. Shawna eventually chose Shakira to be her coach.
© NBC Universal, Inc.
“I never dreamed in a thousand years that I would make it as far as I did,” says Shawna P. “Things have catapulted since then.” Shawna P’s album has sold out on cdbaby.com; some of her old friends in Nashville have reached out to her again; she’s gotten offers from Signature Smiles and others for free services; she’s a guest news correspondent for Mobile’s NBC affiliate station; and her recording of “She Talks to Angels” made it to the top 200 on iTunes. “I don’t think there’s a 45-year-old singer out there with a top 200 song on iTunes,” Shawna P says. Most performers who make it in the music industry are in their twenties, if not younger, i.e., Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber. So Shawna P’s age was definitely a factor in the competition, where she was twice as old as most of the contestants. And it was one of the reasons she picked Shakira as her coach. “The only country where age matters is the U.S.,” says Shawna P. “The other countries like music for music. Shakira has a worldwide fan base, she’s sold more albums worldwide than any other judge, and I wanted to tap into that.”
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One of Shawna P’s biggest goals for being on the show was promoting her album, Earth Funk Muzik, produced in Muscle Shoals with Mojo Filter at FAME in 2011. “I started it in Nashville, but I had to come to Muscle Shoals to get the sound right,” she says. Shawna P has been singing her entire life, and she’s had a long road of ups and downs, promises and heartbreaks that come with pursuing a career in one of the toughest industries. “I was born in Florence and moved to Lawrence County and then Decatur,” says Shawna P. “The music heritage up here is so unbelievably rich. I was born around the time they were recording all the music here, ‘Mustang Sally,’ ‘When a Man Loves a Woman.’ My mom and dad always took me to concerts and shows when I was little. When I was eight years old, they took me to see Elvis in Huntsville. When I saw Elvis, it was crazy, it totally changed my life. I knew I had to go into music.” After graduating from the University of Alabama, Shawna P came home and produced a gospel album and moved to
Nashville to promote it. She got a record deal, but it fell through, so she left her dream for more than a decade for a steady IT job. “But then my next-door neighbor, who was a country rapper named Chan, asked me to sing back up in the Muzik Mafia,” Shawna P recalls. “That’s where I came alive again. I realized I was a good writer.” The Muzik Mafia was a collection of artists in Nashville who helped support each other through writing and performing. “They kind of gave the finger to the music industry,” says Shawna P, “and said, ‘we’re gonna do this on our own.’” It was in the Muzik Mafia that Shawna P got to share a stage with George Clinton, Kid Rock, Gretchen Wilson, and Big and Rich, and what led to a publishing deal as a salaried staff writer. Shawna P developed partnerships with SESAC Songwriter of the Year Regie Hamm and songwriter and keyboardist Tim Akers, who has recorded with Rascal Flatts, Faith Hill, and Keith Urban. The trio wrote “Sister Soul,” “Alabama Tears,” and “Broken” which are on her new album. “As a staff songwriter, you have to get yourself in the mindset that you have to write every day,” says Shawna P. “I prefer to write fresh and in the moment. It makes for more powerful songs. You’re very fortunate as a writer if you can find someone you write with well. I had some magical collaborations.” Shawna P left Nashville in 2006 for Mississippi for another record deal, but that later fell through. But Shawna P, who is a very spiritual person, always sees the blessings through the disappointments.
“I WANT TO DO FESTIVALS, AND I WANT TO COACH YOUNG ARTISTS ON HOW TO AUDITION ON SHOWS LIKE THE VOICE AND AMERICAN IDOL.”
“The record company ran out of money, but I found my husband there, which is a beautiful thing,” she says.
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© Patrick Hood
Shawna P and her husband opted for a fresh start in Orange Beach, where they play together in their band Shawna P.
“WHEN I WAS EIGHT YEARS OLD, [MY PARENTS] TOOK ME TO SEE ELVIS IN HUNTSVILLE. WHEN I SAW ELVIS, IT WAS CRAZY, IT TOTALLY CHANGED MY LIFE. I KNEW I HAD TO GO INTO MUSIC.” SHAWNA P and the Earth Funk Tribe. They gained a name for themselves along the Gulf Coast, mostly playing popular bars like the Flora-Bama and Seville Quarter. It was in Orange Beach where a friend called to tell her The Voice was hosting private auditions at a studio in Memphis. “My friend videoed me singing on a boat dock on Ono Island and sent it to the studio,” says Shawna P. “They called me for an audition, and the rest is history.” So in September, Shawna was off to Los Angeles for tapings of The Voice. “I pulled up and there were over 50 people in the lobby with guitars, violins, singing harmony,” says Shawna P. “It felt like home.” From September through April, Shawna P was in LA off and on. The show paid for her airfare, room and board, and gave her a stipend for each recording. She endured 15-hour days,
with band rehearsals and local coaching, all to prepare for a 90-second song on air. “When I sang, it was 90 seconds of normal for me,” says Shawna P. “I loved the energy that was there in LA. I feel like I’m 20 years old again. I’m so energized.” Now that she’s back at home, Shawna P, the eternal optimist and believer, is doing some soul-searching, contemplating her next move. “I want to do festivals, and I want to coach young artists on how to audition on shows like The Voice and American Idol,” says Shawna P. And above all, she just wants to keep making music. “I want to bring people together through music,” says Shawna P. “I want to Earth Funk the world, to spread peace and unity. My music is its own genre. It’s just what comes out of my soul.”
During the battle round, Shawna P and fellow competitor Brandon Roush, far left, listen the judges’ feedback with host Carson Daily. Shawna went on to win this match.
© NBC Universal, Inc.
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Riverhill School provides a Blue Ribbon Experience Riverhill School has been named an ASA Blue Ribbon School of Excellence. Our overall SAT average is 84, and our low student to teacher ratio, our emphasis on arts education, and even our National Elementary Honor Society Chapter set us apart. If academic excellence means something to you, rest assured it means something to us, too. Come visit and see what we mean! We’re registering now for our Pre-K2 through sixth grade classes. Call 256-764-8200 or visit riverhillschool.org for more information.
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check it out » Florence-Lauderdale Public Library
Beach Reads
political game, Anne and Isabel grow into powerful young women, who become influential players in their own right. Readers follow Anne’s course into the hearts of the royal family. And though it may cost the lives of those she holds most dear, it seems she will achieve her father’s greatest ambition. In this fourth novel of her “Cousins’ War Series,” author Philippa Gregory spins an intriguing plot of ambition, love, and treachery. Based on the War of the Roses, this historical novel follows the infamous struggle between the powerful houses of Lancaster and York in their attempts to control the throne of England. —Hali Black
Photo by Ian McCalister
Three Sisters by Susan Mallery Adult Fiction Call Number: F-MAL (In Romance Section) LT-F-MAL (In Large Print New Arrivals Section) A bride jilted at the altar, a suspected marital affair, and a tragedy that almost destroys a marriage. These are the issues faced by the three very different women, but author Susan Mallery brings them together in a bond just as strong as one shared by blood sisters.
Fables (Vol. 1-6) by Bill Willingham Adult Fiction Call Number: F-WIL (In New Arrivals Section) Fables, a multiple award-winning graphic novel series begun in 2002, tells the story of exiled fairytale creatures and their struggles to get along in the mundane world. You’ll see characters from all over woven into the story (some more recognizable than others) often with unconventional twists on their original stories. When the story begins, Old King Cole is the affable but ineffectual mayor of Fabletown, Bigby (Big B., or the “Big Bad”) Wolf is the sheriff investigating a murder in the small community, and Snow White is deputy mayor and estranged sister to the murder victim Rose Red. As Bigby investigates, we meet more exiled Fables, including Pinocchio (upset that he got his wish to become a real boy, because he hasn’t hit puberty after centuries), and Cinderella (who runs a shoe store, of course.)
Fair warning: don’t expect the sanitized Disney versions. Willingham pulls from the darker, earlier folk tales, and exposes more sinister interpretations of seemingly innocuous stories; in short, these books are not recommended for younger children or the squeamish. Fables deftly balances humor, horror, and a solidly human take (with all the complications that implies) on the often simplified characters emerging from fairy tales. —Jonathan Simms
Deanna, the devoted mother: “All she knew for sure was that she’d been so busy getting everything right that she’d lost something she hadn’t even known she wanted.” Andi, the pediatrician: “After being left at the altar, she was putting her life savings into a house she’d only seen twice, in a town she’d only visited for 72 hours. Go big or go home. Andi had decided to do both because falling for a house seemed a whole lot safer than falling for a man.”
The Kingmaker’s Daughter by Philippa Gregory Adult Fiction Call Number: F-GRE (In New Arrivals Section) LT-F-GRE (In Large Print New Arrivals Section)
And Boston, the artist: “What had been a flower became something much more beautiful, much more precious. A few more strokes and she was staring at the face of an infant. She was aware of the silence, feeling rather than hearing the steady beating of her own heart. That’s what she experienced these days. Silence.”
Sisters Anne and Isabel are the daughters of the most powerful man in 15th-century England, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick. Without a male heir, the Earl of Warwick devises a plan to use his daughters as pawns at the court of Edward IV. In this dangerous
Their lives become unexpectedly intertwined, and they all discover just exactly what they are made of through the strength of their friendship. This book is a great summer read! —Benita Logsdon
The Washingtons of Wessyngton Plantation: Stories of My Family’s Journey to Freedom by John F. Baker Jr. Adult Nonfiction Call number: 920-BAK (In Biography Section) Ask any history or genealogy buff and they can probably tell you the moment their passion for the subject was ignited. For 7th grader John Baker, it was when he realized that the photograph in his textbook at the beginning of the chapter “Black Tennesseans” was a photograph of his ancestors. This fueled decades of delving into the lives of his African-American ancestors. Using sources such as personal interviews, government documents, and the extensive collection of The Washington Family Papers at the Tennessee State Archives, Baker manages to weave together a wellwritten and very readable account of the lives of the slaves and white members of the Washington family. The plantation was founded in 1796 by Joseph Washington, whose son married Jane Smith. Jane was the daughter of Joseph Smith and Mary Jackson Hanna of Florence, Alabama. The Washington family owned the plantation until 1983. Although African-American research can be very difficult, Baker proves that with perseverance, it can be done. This is a must-read for those doing African-American research, as well as for anyone who wants to know more about the step-by-step process of genealogical research. —Patti Hannah The Fault in our Stars by John Green Young Adult Fiction Call Number: YF-GRE (In Young Adult New Arrivals Section) How could anyone feel so alive when she is literally being confronted with the brink of death? John Green explores this and other questions surrounding life, death, love, and loss in this extraordinary novel. Hazel Grace Lancaster seems like your average 16 year old: sarcastic, witty, inquisitive, maybe a little depressed. But the oxygen tank that she walks around with is only buying her more time— because Hazel has been diagnosed with terminal thyroid cancer. Augustus Waters, on the other hand, has a very positive outlook on life. He makes it his goal to light up a room and constantly contemplates the question of how he will be remembered. But what is not immediately evident about Augustus is that he lost his leg to cancer. Once Hazel and Augusts are acquainted at their weekly cancer support group, their lives quickly become intertwined as they fall in love and discover what it means to feel “alive.” While this novel is classified within the Young Adult genre, it should not be limited to this age group. This is a novel that will move teens and adults alike, forcing us all to question, “How will you be remembered?” —Abby Carpenter
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scene Kenneth Johnson and Jimmy Carringer
Landen Bray, Blake and Mathew Hanback, and Zachary Taylor
Johnny and Barbara Johnson Forest and Trent Harlan
Jon Thomas Willett, Moira Bruce, and Nikki Williams
Dallas Vaughn
Lisa Eckl Sandra and Andy Betterton
Above: Florence Federal Credit Union Annual Meeting
Below: Children’s Cake Decorating Class M AY 11, 2013 PUBLIX
APRIL 29, 2013 FLORENCE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
Tiffany Holder and Marilyn Ligon Liam and Lily Jamison Danny and Reagan King
Melissa Boatwright and Carlee Alexander
J.P. Ligon
Sydney and Jacob Deaton Matthew Duncan
Luke White Photos by Patrick Hood
* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.
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News, classical music and more 88.7 FM Muscle Shoals • 100.7 FM Huntsville www.apr.org 58 | NOALAPRESS . COM | J ULY /AUGUST 2013
florence-lauderdale public libr ary
10
YEARS
It’s been 10 years 10 years! 10 years of children devouring their favorite books. 10 years of readers discovering new authors and—even better—new ideas. 10 years of author events, technology classes, film screenings, genealogy workshops, storytimes… the list goes on and on. Moving into this beautiful building in 2002 marked a new beginning for Florence-Lauderdale Public Library. A decade ago, we couldn’t have anticipated the coming changes in technology, communication, and the nature of libraries. But because of our local leaders’ dedication to education and knowledge, we have had no reason to be afraid of those changes. Instead, we’ve been able to use those changes to become more exciting, more vibrant, and more relevant than ever. We do more than check out books at FLPL. We have become the community’s learning center, providing all members of our community with access to information and knowledge. That knowledge may come in the form of a book, a computer database, a movie discussion, a gardening class, or a concert. Just as importantly, we have also made the library a gathering place where people can join with their neighbors to learn together, an important service in this era of personal devices and digital information. We take pride in being a large part of what makes our community a great place to be. We constantly hear from people—both local residents and visitors—who are impressed by our library. While we love it when people gush over our beautiful bricks and columns, our favorite comments are when people say, “I didn’t know libraries did all this!” Yes, we have done all of this over the last 10 years. But just wait to see what we do in the next 10.
Part of our 10-year celebration is the debut of the new logo for FlorenceLauderdale Public Library. The books in the logo represent FLPL’s commitment to being a center for knowledge and education. The image radiates both inward and outward to illustrate the library’s roles both as a physical gathering place and as an organization that reaches out to serve all parts of the community. The image is a representation of the vibrance, inclusiveness, and diversity of today’s Florence-Lauderdale Public Library.
Board of Directors Peter Paine, Chairman Beverly Cheney Andy Frith Simpson Russell Dihanne Westfield Former Members since 2002 Patricia Bulls Butler Libby Watts Jordan Jeannie Rogers J. Edward Tease
Written by Jennifer Butler Keeton Layout by Falon Yates
Florence-Lauderdale Public Library 350 North Wood Avenue Florence, Alabama 35630
Nancy Sanford, Executive Director
256-764-6564 • flpl.org
&
books
local history
Local History Room resources Newspapers on microfilm Alabama Confederate Service Records Local census records Family files Access to records from the LDS Family History Library Map collection John Coffee Papers Yearbooks City Directories Family history books Ancestry.com, HeritageQuest, and Fold3 databases Circuit Court records Probate records on microfilm
Lee Freeman and Debra Glass browse historical documents
Descendants of the Beckwith slaves research their family history
For Local History Librarian
Lee Freeman, nothing makes his day quite like helping someone find a great-grandmother’s photograph or fill in that missing piece of a family story. Our Local History Room contains hundreds of resources for beginner and professional researchers alike, and it is fully staffed with trained historians as well as a group of talented volunteers. The staff and volunteers know the story of the Shoals area, and they have researched the genealogy of hundreds of local families. Their expertise is perhaps the most valuable resource in the Local History Room, and they can provide guidance on your research projects. We also strongly believe that in order to keep our community connected to its past, we must work to preserve our history and make it freely and easily accessible to everyone. Our Digital Archive contains thousands of photographs, documents, and oral interviews related to Shoals history, all digitally preserved and all accessible at archive.flpl.org. We also celebrate our heritage with lively discussions and hands-on learning. That’s why the library hosts a variety of lectures, discussions, and workshops on local history and genealogy topics. From talks with authors and scholars to classes on genealogy research, our Local History Department provides multiple ways to learn about your history. We invite you to visit our Local History Room, browse our Digital Archive, and join us for our discussions and classes, as we celebrate our families and the history of the Shoals. Rhonda Haygood and Clint Alley review a Digital Archive document
Learning isn’t just about
gathering facts and information. It’s also about the experience of chatting with your favorite authors or hearing a local musician. And it’s about getting the encouragement and knowledge you need to start your own creative projects. Here at the library, we offer a variety of programs and services to promote local art and culture, both by making that art available to you and by providing artists with a venue to share their work. We of course offer a large collection of literature to check out, but we also regularly host book talks and signings for local authors. This year’s Words from the River: A Shoals Author Fair included about 30 local authors and attracted hundreds of book lovers. For film fans, we check out DVDs and partner with Pillar of Fire to host multiple film screenings each month.
Doc Dailey and Magnolia Devil
Smithsonian historian John Edward Hasse, Nancy Gonce, and James Clay
We also celebrate the Shoals’ music scene—past, present, and future. Gone are the days when the only sounds in the stacks were whispers; now we regularly offer after-hours concerts featuring local musicians playing jazz, rock, folk, and more. And one of our most exciting new services is our guitar checkout program, which allows teens and adults to try out a guitar for two weeks for free. We’re also proud to present an ongoing series of local musician videos, in which musicians such as Dillon Hodges and John Paul White share their stories and offer tips to new guitarists. Come to the library, experience the talent of the Shoals, and be inspired! Hank Klibanoff speaks at a 2007 event
&culture
books
Some of our past arts & culture special guests
Recycled instruments at Jazz It Up with Trash, part of the Handy Festival
Richard Cowdrey, children’s book illustrator Dillon Hodges, musician Doc Dailey & Magnolia Devil, band Howard Lamb & Friends, jazz band Sarah Irvin, artist Rheta Grimsley Johnson, journalist and author Cassandra King, author Hank Klibanoff, journalist and Pulitzer prize winner Irene Latham, poet and children’s book author Frank Stitt, chef and author The Wildwood Ruminators, band
&family
books
Progr ams for every age group All ages
Summer Reading Program Lego Club Family Movie Night Family Picnic Paws for a Story
0–2 years
Babies Love the Library
2 years
Terrific 2s
3–4 years
ABCs Under the Trees Family Night
4 years
Ready, Set, Read!
Grade school
Book Club events
Mrs. Jessica checks a student’s progress in Ready, Set, Read
Their eyes always light up
when they see the trees for the first time. Day after day, when children visit our Youth Services Department, they stop in their tracks at the sight of the four 12foot tall trees in the middle of the children’s area. Under those trees, they can read, play, share their favorite books with their friends, or dance and sing with Mrs. Jessica. As soon as children walk into the library, they know that the space under those trees is just for them. Jessica Fenn Hill and the rest of the Youth Services staff provide programs nearly every day for children of all ages. They introduce babies and toddlers to their first books, teach preschoolers to read before they go to kindergarten, and encourage students to keep reading and learning. Our children’s collection includes over 29,000 easy books, chapter books, audiobooks, and DVDs. Our youngest patrons love digging through the books, picking the ones they want, and checking them out on their very own library cards. Over the last 10 years, those children and their loved ones have checked out over 1 million items from the Youth Services Department. If you have young children, bring them by to meet Mrs. Jessica, check out some books, and hang out under the trees. It just might be the first step to a lifetime of learning.
Lego Club at Regency Square Mall
Some dress as blue police boxes, some wear bowties, while others don’t wear any costume at all. But all of the people who attend our television viewing parties spend the evening chatting with other fans, enjoying good coffee, and watching the latest episode with dozens of their neighbors.
We’re proud that we’ve been able to turn this beautiful building into a gathering place, a place where people can come to meet others, share ideas, and have discussions. Over 70 organizations hold meetings in the library’s multiple meeting rooms. We host movie discussions after the release of major films, book clubs for all ages of readers, Q&A sessions with local scholars and authors, an annual travel series where people share stories about their visits to different countries, and more. We regularly have people and organizations approach us with an idea they want to share and discuss because they know that the library is the place to do it. It’s not just these programs and meetings that make the library a community center. Every day, you can walk through the library and see colleagues enjoying lunch at Bookmarks, tutoring groups using our study tables, or parents laughing and catching up after a children’s program. And you’ll see people making connections with strangers, simply because someone said, “I read that book, too!” It doesn’t matter if you’re a classic literature lover, a comic book fan, a gardener, or a scholar. Regardless of your interests, you can gather with friends—and make a few new ones—at your library.
Doctor Who season premiere party
&community
books
Public Meetings at the library
The Knit Wits meet in the Board Room to work and share their creations.
• Baker Street Irregulars: Sherlock Holmes interest group • CARD: Alzheimer’s support group • Community Service Council: Shoals area non-profit organization representatives • Florence Toastmasters: Speaking, communication, and leadership training • Knit Wits: Weekly knitting circle • La Leche League: Mother-to-mother support, education, and discussion of breastfeeding • Mended Hearts: Heart patients and their caregivers • North Alabama Photographer’s Guild • Parents of Children with Disabilities Support Group • Shoals Tech Forum: Discussion of computer systems and related technology
&learning
books
Library resources for learning Physical resources in the library • Fiction and nonfiction books and audiobooks • Large print books • Magazines and newspapers • Fiction and nonfiction DVDs • Kindle ereaders for checkout Electronic resources available in the library and at home • OverDrive and Freading ebook checkout • Freegal music downloads • Learning Express Library practice tests • Alabama Virtual Library research databases Abby Carpenter helps a computer class student
Get Dirty at the Library gardening series
Here at the library, we love seeing people learn something new. We believe that no matter your age, it’s important to keep learning, whether it’s reading a book on a new topic, visiting an exhibit, keeping current with technology, or trying a new craft project. We just started a new slate of teen programs that include literary learning with book clubs, cultural learning with film series, and technical learning with computer programming classes. For adults, we offer scholarly lectures, gardening classes, DIY workshops, and many other opportunities to expand your horizons.
Self-defense class presented by the Florence Police Department
Adults of all ages can stay current with new technology by taking our classes on computer skills, ereaders, smartphones, and more. Patrons with eyesight problems don’t have to give up their love of reading—they can use our large print and audiobook collections. Patrons who are homebound due to age or disability don’t have to stop using the library—they can use our Books by Mail service. Plus, we have staff members who are always willing to help you find the information you’re looking for. We are constantly evolving to provide you with information in the way you want it, which means expanding our collection to include ebooks and online databases. And we’ll even help you learn to use those services with classes and one-on-one assistance. Are you in the mood to learn something new? Then come by the library, where we can all learn together.
Darkness into Life, an exhibit about Alabama survivors of the Holocaust
support your library Be a part of the library family with
The Friends of the Library If you love your library and want to do what you can to help, consider supporting the Friends of the Library. The Friends is a volunteer-based organization that allows the library to buy more books, materials, and technology and to offer more programs and services for the community. Over the last ten years, they have donated $656,330 to the library. You can support the Friends by paying membership dues or by shopping or volunteering at the Friends Bookstore. The Friends Bookstore, located within the library, offers great deals on used books, audiobooks, DVDs, magazines, and more. To join the Friends, fill out and mail the form on the opposite page.
Give for the future with
The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Foundation A great building is just the first part of having a great library. The Florence-Lauderdale Public Library Foundation was created in 2002 to provide long-term financial support to the library, as well as an avenue for community commitment. The Foundation is a 501c(3) charitable organization that welcomes gifts of all sizes and accepts donations of cash, securities, or tangible personal property. Contributions to the Foundation help secure cash flow to the library for years to come. The Foundation strives to maintain excellence in the community’s public library.
Enjoy a good book and a good cup of coffee at
Bookmarks Coffee Shop Looking for a relaxing place to grab great coffee, sandwiches, and snacks? Bookmarks Coffee Shop, located on the first floor of the library, offers freshly prepared food and drinks to sit and enjoy, as well as quick snacks and sandwiches to grab in a hurry. Bookmarks also offers catering for meetings held at the library and creates special menus for many library events. 100% of the net proceeds from Bookmarks Coffee Shop are used for library books, materials, and programs. Eat and drink at Bookmarks, and support your library!
in the past
10 YEARS… 2,649,336
ITEMS CIRCULATED
friends of the libr ary membership form Name Address City State
Zip
Phone
416,021
SESSIONS ON THE PUBLIC COMPUTERS
2,393,367
PEOPLE VISITED THE LIBRARY
Annual Memberships October 1 — September 30
$10 $25 $50 $100 $250 $500
Individual Family Business/Organization Patron, Fiction Level Patron, Non-Fiction Level Patron, Autobiography Level All gifts are tax-deductible.
Mail this form and your check, payable to Friends of the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library, to:
4,119
PROGRAMS ATTENDED BY A TOTAL OF
Friends of the Library Post Office Box 1178 Florence, AL 35631
121,752
PEOPLE
8,309
COMMUNITY MEETINGS WITH A TOTAL OF
142,257
PEOPLE ATTENDING
1
$
Bring this coupon to Bookmarks and get $1 off a $5 purchase!
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expires october 31, 2013
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libr ary hours of oper ation Monday–Thursday Friday & Saturday Sunday
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friends bookstore Monday–Saturday Sunday
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We want to do everything homemade and from Alabama, the milk, the eggs…we say A ‘ labama when possible, Southern at all costs.’” —Reese Shirey
DID YOU KNOW? July is National Ice Cream Month. It was created by Ronald Reagan in 1984. Source: National Ice Cream Retailers Association
TEXT BY L AURA ANDERS LEE » PHOTOS BY PATRICK HOOD
It’s summertime. School’s out. Schedules relax. Warm days linger. And if life weren’t sweet enough already, July is national ice cream month. It’s the perfect excuse to celebrate with a bowl (or two) of America’s favorite treat. Just in time for the occasion, Muscle Shoals native Reese Shirey has announced he’s opening Shirey Ice Cream shop with the help of his two older brothers, Austin and Garrett. “All of us grew up as swimmers and that allowed us to eat whatever we wanted,” says Reese. “We loved ice cream and would eat it twice a day or more. With store bought ice cream, we started mixing it up, adding different things…I took it a step further and figured I could make it better than store bought.” As a collegiate competitor, Reese strives for only the best. When he went off to the University of Alabama on a swimming scholarship, he not only practiced his strokes but his ice cream making abilities as well. For the past five years he’s been tinkering with the perfect ice cream recipe, using an old hand crank contraption before buying an electric machine. At first, he admits the results weren’t great, but he pressed on, testing his product to the perfect customer base: hungry college students. “I launched the Shirey Ice Cream Facebook page my sophomore year in college, and posted the flavor of the week,” says Reese. “My friends would come to my apartment in Tuscaloosa and pay me a little, just to cover my costs so I could keep making more. I kept doing it for two reasons: one, their reactions to my ice cream, and two, I really loved doing it.”
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After graduating in May with a degree in entrepreneurship, Reese is ready to put his skills to the test by launching his own company. “We’ve been just doing special events, like music events and parties, but now we’ll be working out of Magpie + Ruth’s kitchen near the mall on Ana Drive, and customers can come to the drive-up window on Saturday afternoons,” says Reese. “We’re also going to be at Jack-oLantern Farms on Saturdays from 11:00am to 2:00pm, and once we get our permits, we’ll have pints for sale there and hopefully at places like Whole Foods and EarthFare down the road.” Besides obtaining the proper business permits, Reese has also had to meet the stringent standards of the health department. Reese could have taken the easy way out and made ice cream from a mix, but he feels that’s cheating. “People who use a mix—that’s not their ice cream,” Reese insists. “We want to do everything homemade and from Alabama, the milk, the eggs...we say ‘Alabama when possible, Southern at all costs.’” But for ice cream lovers, it will prove worthy of the wait. Reese’s ingredients are pure, his texture is incredibly creamy, (thanks to the eggs, he says), and his flavors are innovative. Reese Shirey, above, in his Muscle Shoals kitchen. Right: The brothers—Garrett, Austin, and Reese dishing out ice cream at one of Shirey Ice Cream’s special events.
Shirey Ice Cream Summer Flavors Salted Caramel Cookies ‘n’ Cream Dark Chocolate Banana Pudding Blueberry Lemonade Chilton County Peach
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“A really popular flavor right now is salted caramel,” he says. “And one of the recent ones was dark chocolate porter from the Gadsden Back Forty Beer Co. and chocolate from Olive & Sinclair in Nashville. It has a smoky, malty taste. But my personal favorite is roasted honey nut. It tastes like it came right out of a peanut butter jar.” Reese typically offers several flavors at a time, which will rotate based upon which ingredients are available locally. “This summer, we’ll have some fruity flavors, like Blueberry Lemonade and Chilton County Peach,” Reese says. While Reese might be young in business, he’s already learned the recipe for success. “If it tastes good and feels good in your mouth, then it’s good ice cream.”
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The original buses (top) are quite different from the sleek Prevost coaches used today. From the exterior, it’s hard to know that someone very famous—or the traveling crew that supports the star—is headed to the next gig.
“The life I love is making music with my friends. And I can’t wait to get on the road again.” Willie Nelson 80 | NOALAPRESS . COM | J ULY /AUGUST 2013
TEXT BY L AURA ANDERS LEE » PHOTOS BY GOODE DETHERO
Behind every musician is their crew. And on the road, this is literally the case. Each night when the last note has been played, the last autograph signed, the last fan filed out of the arena, the crew begins to take down the stage. Then, they load the bus, get some sleep, and wake up at their next location to do it all again. But these days being on the road doesn’t mean roughing it. In fact, it’s more like luxury living on the highway. The largest upscale tour bus fleet in the country is based in North Alabama, at Senators Coaches in Florence. “I bought the company when it was in Memphis back in the 80s,” says Owner George Pillow. “We had five tour buses. Then in 2004 we consolidated three companies in Alabama, Mississippi, and Florida to the Florence office.” Today, the company has grown from a handful of buses and employees to a workforce of more than 140 who is responsible for designing, building, servicing, leasing, and driving the country’s largest fleet of tour buses for the biggest names in music and television. “I’ve been in manufacturing my whole life, and we’re building the best coaches,” says George. “We have really good people, really good craftsmen. Our success is built on the people we have. Because of them, we’ve won best coach company for six years in a row. We are well established; anyone in the business knows who
“We have really good people, really good craftsmen. Our success is built on the people we have.” GEORGE PILLOW
we are. Anytime if it’s a pretty big tour, they come to us.” Right now Senators Coaches is cleaning Jillian Michaels’ bus from The Biggest Loser tour, gearing up for John Mayer’s “Born and Raised” tour, and leasing a fleet of buses for Paul McCartney’s “Out There” tour. “Paul McCartney doesn’t ride the bus,” George jokes, “but his crew, including the sound guys, food staff, and support team ride on the bus.” Above: Senators Coaches line up in front of Carnegie Hall in New York City. Below: Senators’ state-of-the-art headquarters in Florence.
Senators’ rock-n-roll roster includes everyone from U2, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Journey, and The Rolling Stones to Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Pitbull. And they have personallysigned memorabilia throughout their offices to prove it. “We do have a few star buses with private suites,” George says, “and we’ve had chefs, bodyguards, and even nannies and kids ride the bus, for people like Amy Grant and Sheryl Crow.”
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Senators begins with an empty shell, purchasing Prevost buses that have unďŹ nished interiors. In the Florence plant, craftsmen design and build the coaches to become luxurious homes for people who travel for a living. The transformation is amazing.
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© Mazzur
© Nick Biemans
Senators’ rock-n-roll roster includes everyone from U2, Elton John, Rod Stewart, Journey, and The Rolling Stones to Rihanna, Alicia Keys, and Pitbull. And they have personally-signed memorabilia throughout their offices to prove it. The road crew can consist of four to six buses for an average tour, to up to 16 for larger tours like The Rolling Stones.
© Stocklight
© Cinema Festival
Senators Coaches also leases its buses to sports broadcasters, including ESPN Game Day, ESPN Monday Night Football, ABC’s Saturday Night Football and DIRECTV. During the offseason, the buses are leased to other organizations; in the spring the Monday Night Football bus was used at George’s alma mater, Mississippi State, for their annual alumni Road Dawgs tour.
© Gustavo Fernandez
© Mary A. Lupo
“Those buses are custom-made,” says George, “but everything else we do is our design. We build a coach to our standards, and our clients know what to expect from the interior, quality, and features.”
“Our ESPN Game Day bus serves as their studio on Saturday mornings,” says George. “There are eight TVs in the back room so they can watch every ballgame that’s on. We’re installing an 80-inch TV in one of our new buses now; we’re constantly upgrading our equipment.”
© D. Free © Helga Esteb
It does, afterall, have to meet the standards of musicians and their sound technicians.
© D. Free
© Katatonia
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Senators Coaches buys premium passenger buses from Prevost in Quebec, and then they come to the Florence facility completely bare except for the driver’s seat. Senators’ team of employees outfits the bus, building the cabinets and up to 12 bunk beds and installing the generator, one to two bathrooms, granite flooring, a large stainless steel refrigerator, and up to 16 televisions, including one for each bunk. When they are through, the 45-foot bus is transformed into a roadie’s living room, a private hotel suite, or even a studio ready for live TV.
George admits at first being nervous about putting the keys to his business in the hands of a rock band, but he says they’ve never had a problem with a bus being trashed. He says, “it’s their way of life; they take good care of them because it’s their home on the road.”
Where would you like to go? If you want to go someplace cool, to escape the heat — or just someplace “cool” — Silver Airways and the Northwest Alabama Regional Airport can get you there. From business trips to vacations, anywhere in the world there is air service — your travels begin at the airport right here at home. Fly the Shoals - you can get anywhere from here! www.flytheshoals.com
Modern Travel Old Fashioned Service J ULY /AUGUST 2013 | NOALAPRESS . COM | 85
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Lady Death Tank ($35) Flower Power Lace Crop Top ($50) Bohemian Bop etsy.com/shop/bohemianbop
Red Gentle Souls Wedges ($212) Marigail’s (256) 764-9444 Made in the Deep South Vintage Cuff ($182) The Village Shoppe (256) 383-1133
Lilly Pulitzer Insulated Cooler with Wine/ Bottle Opener ($32) Printers and Stationers, Inc. (256) 764-8061
Braided Belt ($16.95) Market House (256) 577-5197
Cameo by Seda France Candles ($31) Printers and Stationers, Inc. (256) 764-8061
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market » Claire Stewart » Photos by Danny Mitchell
Alex and Ani Live Music Bracelets ($28)—proceeds go to help local music festivals! Side Lines Jewelry (256) 767-0925
Linnea’s Lights 60 Hour Soy Candle ($30) French Velvet Home Mist ($16) The French Basket (256) 764-1237
Scarf ($18.95) Vegan Crossbody Purse ($34.95) Andy’s the Professionals (256) 767-2800
Cotton Snaps ($25 each) —holds your sunglasses in place! Jar & Co. (256) 768-1004
Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy Tubes ($7 each) Alba Botanical Natural Shampoos ($10.59 each) Osa’s Garden (256) 764-7663
Britt by MZ Wallace ($405) Marigail’s (256) 764-9444
Patagonia Live Simply Hat ($29) Alabama Outdoors (256) 764-1809
Aveda Spring Blush and Shadow Compact (prices vary) Andy’s the Professionals (256) 767-2800
Rebecca Glam Film Necklace ($400) Grogan Jewelers (256) 764-4013
Jet Set Interchangeable iPhone 5 Covers ($30.95) Market House (256) 577-5197
BCBG Tote ($108) Jewell’s (256) 712-5988
Mudpie Black Sun Hat ($24.95) Market House (256) 577-5197
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David Hood The Swampers
SXSW MUSCLE SHOALS MEETS
PHOTO ESSAY BY PATRICK HOOD » TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON
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If
you live within a hundred miles of Muscle Shoals, you are certain to have heard about the documentary, called Muscle Shoals, that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January. The music documentary by Greg “Freddy” Camalier traces the history of FAME Studios and the music that came from these parts, and was shown in the Shoals area in February of this year to a sold-out crowd. In March, the movie traveled to the South By Southwest Festival in Austin, Texas…and so did a group of Muscle Shoals musicians. Our musical legends, listed below, boarded Senators Coaches buses on March 13 for the ride to Austin, where members of The Swampers (The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section) conducted a panel on the 14th and then went on to perform to a standing-room only crowd at The Stage on Sixth Patio. Late that night, the musicians again boarded the bus for the long trip home, happy knowing they had brought a taste of our legendary talent to a receptive and appreciative audience.
Tonya Holly
Jamie McFarlane The Local Saints
The event was presented by Cherokee Lair Productions and 6 Degrees Of Muscle Shoals and photographed by Patrick Hood, who rode on the bus with the musicians. “I could not believe the musical powerhouse that was assembled in that venue in Austin,” said Pat, and his photographs show these legends doing what they do best— making sweet, beautiful music. There is no word yet on the wide release of the movie Muscle Shoals, but you can learn more by visiting www.muscleshoalsmovie.com.
Gnarly Charlies
The musicians who participated included: The Valley Roots An Abstract Theory Tonya Holly The Local Saints Shonna Tucker & Eye Candy The Legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section/The Swampers: David Hood & Jimmy Johnson with special guests The Decoys, Spooner Oldham, Will McFarlane, and Donna Jean Thatcher Godchaux Clayton Colvin with Buggaboo Fiddleworms SCM Electrix Gnarly Charlies Pine Hill Haints
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Russell Mefford Fiddleworms
Kelvin Holly (foreground) and David Hood
Spooner Oldham
The musicians take time to rehearse before their performance.
Will McFarlane
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Donna Jean Thatcher Godchaux
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SCM Electrix
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scene
Jeremy Britten, Shannon Wells, and Donna LeFort Allen Tomlinson, David Sims, Shannon Wells, Jennifer Highfield, and Ken Shepski
Myra and Mike Soroczak John and Kris Walls
Andy Thigpen, Jennifer Highfield, and Christina Dorough
John Cartwright and Mike Pretes
Debra Dombrowski and Jackie Hendrix Bobbi Tomsik and Patty Klos
Above: The Tasting Room Christening Event
Below: Girlfriend Gala for Success by 6
M AY 2, 2013 THE WINE SELLER , FLORENCE
APRIL 6, 2013 PICKETT PLACE, FLORENCE
Shane Baker and Laura Bethea
Mary Katherine Rowe, and Christy Dolly
Ashli Smith and Rebecca Tedder
Crystal Magruder, Julie Trapp, and Jennie Corley
Katheryn Thigpen, Shannon Baker, Nicole Sneed, Shelly Spidel, and Heather Anderson
Sweet Things Bake Shoppe
* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.
ME Spa
Julie Trapp, Natalie Chanin, and Beth Howard Photos by Alabella Studios
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entertaining» Claire Stewart » Styling by David Sims
Set it to music Who isn’t inspired by our area’s rich music history—and what better way to honor that heritage than by throwing a special dinner party surrounded by good friends, family, and the unique sounds of the Shoals? So gather the gang, mix up a signature cocktail or two, pick out some fun accessories, choose a famous hit from the Shoals, and set your table to music!
Rock Our Shoals musical inspiration: “Wild Horses” by The Rolling Stones Silver Glass Vases ($14)–Halsey House Glass Goblet ($15)–Halsey House Dishes ($24.99, $39.99)–David Christopher’s Black Flute ($14.99)–Driftwood Home+Design Napkin Fabric–Thread Drink: Grateful Dead from On The Rocks
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Country & Folk Our Shoals musical inspiration: “Bloody Mary Sunday” by Willie Nelson Tablecloth ($55)–Driftwood Home+Design Wired Glass Containers ($20, $24)–The French Basket Napkin ($16)–The French Basket Dishes ($29, $38)–The French Basket Wooden Trivet ($100)–The French Basket Drinking Glass ($18)–The French Basket Antler Bottle Opener ($55)–Halsey House Drink: Back Forty Kudzu Porter from The Wine Seller
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Pop Our Shoals musical inspiration: “Kodachrome” by Paul Simon Yellow Vase ($50)–Driftwood Home+Design Dishes ($16.99, $25.99)–David Christopher’s Drinking Glass ($7.99)–David Christopher’s Background Fabric–Thread Drink: Ly-chee Martini from Yumm Sushi and Beyond
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Blues Our Shoals musical inspiration: “St. Louis Blues” by W.C. Handy Dishes ($26, $42)–The French Basket Blue Vases ($22, $32)–Halsey House Wine Glass ($18.95)–Halsey House Napkin ($16)–The French Basket Blue Spheres ($12, $25)–The French Basket Votive ($22.50)–Halsey House Drink: Muddy Waters from Sweet Magnolia Café
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Rehab • Assisted Living • Long-Term Care ___________________________________ 256-766-8963 • glenwoodhc.com
Birthplace of the Shoals
Your mother worked carefully to prepare for your birth, and we were there to help. Even before she discovered you were on your way, we helped make everything ready for your arrival. Welcome, dear baby — we’ve been expecting you! Dr. Daphne Jones and Dr. Mary Robbins
North Alabama OB/GYN Caring for women of every generation 541 W College St Suite 2400, Florence, AL 35630 (256) 767-0081
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The Value of the Thank You Card TEXT BY MICHELLE RUPE EUBANKS
I have desk drawers full of note cards. They litter virtually every part of my desk at home and at the office. Some, my husband in particular, might say I have an addiction to them. I’ll wander into a stationery store; no, not wander. I’m called to them. I seek out paper goods stores and aisles. I can spend hours pouring over designs, textures, and the words contained within. I’ve even been known to purchase multiple sets of the same design because I loved it so much. Another quirk of mine is that I don’t send the last card in the box. I want to keep it to remember how much the cards meant to me and the joy I hope they brought to others. Save the judgment. I already know that’s a bit over the top. There’s no question, then, that when it’s a note I need to write—thank-you, sympathy, get well, thinking of you . . . well, you get the idea—I’m never at a loss for something upon which to write. Like everyone, however, when faced with a blank card (I rarely purchase those with the words “Thank you” on the outside, by the way), I get a little tied up when it comes to the words that should fill the space. I’ve tossed more than a few in the trash when searching for just the right turn of phrase or appropriate sentiment to express my gratitude. In finding my way through this bit of writers’ block, I found the best advice comes from Connie Leas, author of “The Art of Thank You: Crafting Notes of Gratitude.” Like Miss Man-
ners, Leas offers suggestions on when a thank-you card is appropriate, how to encourage children to get in the habit of writing thank-you cards, and if e-mail is ever an appropriate form to express gratitude (more on that later). Unlike Miss Manners, Leas, a technical writer by trade, “came at the thank-you note from the research standpoint,” she said. “I sent off a wedding gift and never received an acknowledgement, so I’m left wondering, ‘Did she receive it? Did she like it? Did she not know how to write a note?’” Many of us have been in the same situation as Leas. We’ve sent a gift, perhaps wedding, maybe graduation, quite possibly even a birthday gift, and not received a note in reply. “This leaves something of a black mark,” she said. “I hate to say, but this is something you just don’t forget. Years later, you always seem to remember the lovely note you received as well as the note that never came at all.” Let’s be honest. Expressing gratitude through words doesn’t come naturally for everyone. It takes practice. If you’ve never been in the habit before, being faced with a mountain of cards to complete and mail after getting home from a week-long Caribbean honeymoon, it can seem daunting to say the least. “People see it as a chore, especially if they’ve not been schooled in the niceties as a child,” Leas said. “When there are a lot to be done, set a goal to write 10 a day. I was compulsive about it; I even did some thank-yous while I was on my honeymoon. And even I think that may be a bit extreme.” Gifts are just one reason to send a note of gratitude. Leas said a personal experience can also inspire you to put pen to paper. “Doctors, ministers, nurses, when they get these notes, they keep them, put them away and get them out to read over and over again,” she said. “It’s a simple way to make someone’s day.”
Let’s be honest. Expressing gratitude through words doesn’t come naturally for everyone. It takes practice.
Of course, I had to ask Leas if it’s ever acceptable to write a note of thanks via e-mail. “You know, I’m getting more lax about it,” she said. “For more casual experiences, an e-mail is becoming more acceptable. But for bigger things, for the overnight stay, you really want to do something that reflects the effort someone put into the gift.” Feeling inspired? Write out a note of thanks for the couple that hosted you for a dinner party. Thank your grandparents for giving you a place to crash over the weekend. Pop a note in the mailbox for your postman for delivering the package to your doorstep. And, please, please, please, don’t forget the note to the prospective employer after the interview. It can land you the job, and, for that, who wouldn’t be grateful?
Do Do have your supplies ready. If you’re geared up to share your gratitude with those who have gifted you, the last thing you want is to be out of stamps. Or cards. Or pens. Have what you need on hand. Do think through what you want to write. Take a moment to consider each gift. How will you use the gift? What makes this gift special to you? The recipient of the card will love to hear that you not only enjoy the gift but how you plan to use it as well. Do act quickly. You’ll feel more genuine in your response if you send your thanks sooner rather than later, but, I’m also of the opinion that a thank-you card, even one that’s a month after the fact, is better than no card at all. Do use good stationery. Speaking of supplies, invest in some monogrammed cards. Consider using a nice pen, one that writes well. You might even want to go so far as to get an embossed stamp for your stationery. After all, writing your return address more than a dozen times can become monotonous.
Don’t Don’t use a template. Even the shortest note that gets right to the point is more effective than a generic note. Consider Marilyn Monroe’s note to a gentleman who gifted her with a bottle of champagne: “It arrived, I drank it, and I was gayer.” It really doesn’t get any more to the point than that. Don’t rely on technology to convey your message. While an in-person thanks is a lovely gesture, an e-mail note doesn’t reflect the same effort of the giver. If you really want to let someone know you’re sincerely grateful for their gesture of kindness, a hand-written note is the best means to accomplish the task. Don’t get hung up on formalities. The thank-you note follows the same rules as basic letter writing: Dear Aunt Jane, followed by the body of the note, and the closing, such as Sincerely, All best, or Thanks again. Choose phrasing suited to the occasion. Don’t be afraid. They’re just words, after all. Use them. It’s fun.
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scene
Akshaya and Ajit Naidu
Maggie Chanin, Kate Billingsley, and Annie Trapp
Maymie and Warren Fowler
Collins and Dan Goodson
Claudette and David Fields Todd and Aivree Manning
Above: Riverhill School Father-Daughter Dance APRIL 18, 2013 RIVERHILL SCHOOL
Kenneth and Mary Caroline Rose
Cailin and James Munday
Below: Shoals Yoga & Bohemian Bop Collaboration Party M AY 10, 2013 INDIE SPACES
Heather Wylie and Danielle Snoddy Ana Pannell, Zeppelin Alonso, Danielle Snoddy, and Linda Armstrong
Ashley Baker Haselton
Caitlin Chalk, Mary-Huston Lumpkin, and Carson Richey
Dakota Bentley and Brianna Snoddy
* Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.
Lynn Libell, Lori Jamieson, Meaghan Doyle and Sarah Prejeant
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ers Lee Laura And
If you want to share some good news about a friend, neighbor, or colleague—or even toot your own horn—send your kudos to allen@noalapress.com.
R AISING THE BAR Cherokee native Larry Smith has won the American Bar Association’s Diversity Leadership Award for advocating diversity in the legal profession. Larry, who received his juris doctorate from the University of Alabama School of Law in 1984, now lives in Orlando where he is the founder and managing partner of Southern Trial Counsel. The ABA established the award in 2008 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to promoting full and equal participation in the legal profession. Diversity awards have gone to various minorities, such as women and African-Americans, but this year is the first to go to an openly gay lawyer. For the past 14 years, Larry has been a voice for the LGBT legal community. In 1999, he became the first openly gay member of the Supreme Court Commission on Professionalism in Florida with the goal of promoting diversity and inclusion of all people.
CURB APPEAL Florence residents Anne Leslie WarrenTompkins and Judy Young have been nominated for the Zillow.com and HGTV Front Door “Doory Award,” which celebrates the country’s most beautiful homes for sale. The Walnut Street home was nominated by HGTV editors in the “Best Kitchen” category, which Anne Leslie designed for the homeowners. Judy, with Coldwell Banker Pinnacle Properties, is the REALTOR and associate broker for the property. The nomination shines a national spotlight on one of the quaint, historic neighborhoods in the Shoals. See the winners at frontdoor.com.
selected. Lexington High School junior Maggie Killen was named the show student of the year. In addition to four-year tuition, Maggie received a new car from Jim Bishop Automotive, a $500 cash prize, and an iPad. Maggie serves as a state official with 4H, manages a herd of cattle, and makes her own clothing and jewelry line, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. After attending Northwest-Shoals Community College and UNA, she plans to receive a master’s at Auburn University and return to the area for a career in agriculture. Other scholarship recipients are Briana Kristian Byers of Colbert Heights High School; Crystal Ann Rayburn of Waterloo High School; James Quentin Nolen of Covenant Christian School; Brittany Megan Pennell of Shoals Christian School; Rachel Kaitlyn Smith of Colbert County High School; Garrett Landon Grigsby of Rogers High School; Olivia Marie Bishop of Lauderdale County High School; Levi Cade Bevis of Central High School; Caylee Elizabeth Rutland of Cherokee High School; Katori DeShon Mobley of Muscle Shoals High School; Erica Lyn Blackstock of Brooks High School; Cameron Allen Thorn of Wilson High School; Thomas Edward Swinea of Mars Hill Bible School; Caitlin Sims Wall of Florence High School; Jenna Lyn Richardson of Sheffield High School; and William Randall Davis of Deshler High School.
Anne Leslie Warren-Tompkins
Judy Young
SUCCESS YOU CAN BANK ON Shoals Scholar Dollars recently awarded more than $340 thousand in scholarship money for 17 local students to attend Northwest-Shoals Community College and the University of North Alabama. One student from each of Lauderdale and Colbert counties’ high schools was Larry Smith
Providing Insurance and Financial Services
Myron Gardner, LUTCF 1819 Darby Drive, Florence, AL 35630 Bus 256-764-2234;Cell 256-335-6080 Email myron.gardner.b17k@statefarm.com
Phil Wiginton 419 Cox Boulevard, Sheffield, AL, 35660 Bus 256-383-4521; Cell 256-762-5859 Email phil@philwiginton.com
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Dining foraCause TEXT BY ALLEN TOMLINSON » PHOTOS BY ABRAHAM ROWE
One morning, Lynn Coleman woke up thinking about her friend, Marigail, who had lost a courageous battle with cancer two years earlier. “I started thinking about all of my family and friends, and realized that I didn’t know anyone who had not been touched by cancer,” she said, “and I decided I wanted to do something—anything—to help battle this disease.” Lynn’s solution was to hold a fundraising dinner party. The tradition of inviting friends to dinner and asking them to make a donation to a non-profit is not a new one; Dining With Friends, a series of parties for the AIDS Action Coalition in Florence/Huntsville has raised more than a million dollars in the 25+ years they have been hosting their events. But this was a new idea for the American Cancer Society, one that Lynn hopes will catch on. “My dream is that people who came to this party will be moved to have parties of their own, and ask their guests to make a contribution to help eradicate this horrible disease,” she said. “The parties don’t have to be fancy or elaborate—the focus is good friends, good fun, and all of it bound together by a good cause.” As Lynn began asking her friends to come to the party, the entire thing snowballed. Billy and Jeanne Reid offered their backyard; a friend suggested inviting Chef John Currence, whose James Beard Award-winning restaurant, City Grocery, is a favorite spot in Oxford, Mississippi. Music, decorations, food, and drink were all arranged, and pretty soon Lynn and a group of her closest hardworking friends had organized an event for 120 people. At $250 per person, plus corporate sponsorships, the event raised more than $60,000 for the American Cancer Society. And it was a memorable evening. Details make the difference, and the photographs here will give a glimpse into the thought that went into this party to make it a success. “Our party was exactly what we imagined,” said Lynn, “but I would encourage people to do whatever they are comfortable with. Order pizza, if you want to, and invite friends over; the money you raise, no matter how much or how little, makes a difference. The important thing is to make an effort—because every effort counts.”
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Work began early on a day that threatened rain, but the Reid’s backyard was completely tented. Chef Currence and his team were assisted by students from the UNA Culinary program (below). The Southern farm-to-table menu was served family-style. Even though it was a dreary and rainy day, the rain stopped the moment the party started… and didn’t begin again until it was over.
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There are many ingredients that come together to make a memorable party. The Reid’s backyard was the perfect location; the Southern food and drinks, the table decorations, the candles, and the entertainment all added to the ambience. But the best part of any party is the people who gather. It’s the laughter, the conversations and the assembly of friends that made this party special.
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At one point in the evening, Lynn Coleman asked the crowd to stand if they had experienced cancer firsthand—personally, or through the life of a loved one. There was no one there left seated. “We are all touched by cancer,” she said, “but this was an evening to put aside our sadness about the disease and celebrate a common effort to make a difference in fighting it.” Oh, what a night.
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the vine » Amy Collins Detecting cork taint requires practice, especially when it occurs in low levels. Not all noses are the same, and some of us are better at picking up corkiness than others.
“Un-Corked” YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED THE INFLUX OF SCREW CAPS ON WINE BOTTLES OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS. For many of us, initial reaction was a subtle recoil with a touch of snobbery. Screw caps on wine bottles meant it had to be cheap. The restaurant experience lost its romance when, instead of witnessing the twist of a fresh-hewn cork, the waiter or sommelier simply popped the top like the cap of a vinegar bottle. Fortunately, we humans are an adaptable lot, and the industry-wide switch to screw cap and synthetic closures has saved bottles upon bottles of precious vino. Cork taint, corky, corkiness, or corked, is the most common flaw that can occur in wine, making it a disappointing drink when mildly affected, and absolutely unpalatable at high levels. When very minor, cork taint will suppress aromatics and flatten any fruit qualities, making the wine insipid and boring. At its worst, cork taint will make a wine smell of musty basement, wet cardboard, or even wet dog. It won’t hurt you to imbibe, but it’s an unpleasant experience and best avoided. TCA, (2,4,6-trichloroanisole) or cork taint, is a bacteria that grows from a fungi living in the bark of cork trees, the source of real cork closures. The bark and cork closures are porous, like all wood, which makes them ideal stoppers for wines meant to be cellared and aged a few years, as the slow exchange of oxygen in the wine allows it to develop secondary and tertiary characteristics. In other words, the wine gets more interesting with a little age. The risk lies with those little holes and the fungi that live in them, most of which will never develop into the undesirable TCA bacteria. But for short-lived wines, young sippers intended for consumption within a year or two, the risk is much higher because you want the wine to be fresh and vibrant and devoid of oxygen’s influence, thus the gamble is greater. In the early 2000s an estimated 8 to 10 percent of all wines with cork closures were affected with TCA. That’s a sizable profit loss for the wine producer. Detecting cork taint requires practice, especially when it occurs in low levels. Not all noses are the same and some of us are better at picking up corkiness than others. It can start slow and subtle, but grow to a distinct offensive mustiness as the bottle drains and the oxygen to surface ration changes, enhancing the flaw. I’ve opened bottles my guests don’t mind at all, but which I can’t tolerate because I smell and taste the taint while they cannot. I’ve had bottles that reeked from the moment the cork was lifted, wafting across the room where trained noses declared “corked!” as if it were a game of bingo. And I’ve argued, nearly brawled, with other wine professionals over whether a bottle is or isn’t. But given new standards in cork processing and the consumer’s willingness to accept Stelvin (screw cap) closures on their bottles, the cork taint numbers are down, hovering around one to two percent.
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It’s important to understand cork taint. If you open a bottle at home you think might be flawed—maybe it’s the first time you’ve tasted the wine, or maybe it’s an old favorite that no longer has the juicy fruit flavors you remember—it’s not a total loss. The bad bottle can be returned to the store for credit, or a replacement bottle. Flawed wine will eventually be billed back to the producer, who takes full responsibility for the undrinkable product. When eating in nice restaurants, if you order a bottle, the waiter or sommelier will present the wine, pointing out the name of the wine, the type, and the vintage, then pour a taste for the person who ordered the bottle. This is not to ask if you like the wine, but to deem it “clean” and unflawed. If the wine smells musty, it’s likely corked, and should be denied. Usually, the next bottle will be fine. Occasionally, several bottles of the same wine might be tainted, which is probably a larger problem within the winery, as certain chlorine based cleaners can agitate TCA and infect an entire barrel or container. But this is a rare case. So as you practice detecting cork taint while wandering through your neighbor’s basement or exploring that wet pile of cardboard on the side of the road, remember, it takes time to develop a sense memory. Meanwhile, embrace the screw cap and rest assured your wine will be absent of wet dog. Here are a few of my favorite screw-capped cuvées:
Beginner’s Sipper (under $20) Petit Chapeau Macon-Villages 2011—100% unoaked Chardonnay. Medium body with good acidity and a natural richness. Classic (affordable) white Burgundy.
Knows Just Enough to Make Trouble ($20-$35) Walnut City Wine Works Pinot Noir 2010—super light Willamette Valley cuvée with cherry fruit, good acidity, and soft tannins.
High Roller’s Cuveé ($50+) Palie Wine Co. ‘Windsor Oaks’ Pinot Noir 2010— classic Russian Rivery Valley Pinot, rich and powerful. A big wine for big drinkers.
Follow Amy at www.pigandvine.com for more stories and wine suggestions.
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food for thought » Sarah Gaede
Bon Appétit! THE ORIGINAL CELEBRITY CHEFS CAME UP THE HARD WAY. They
Another seminal celebrity chef who remains one of my favorites is Jacques Pépin. In the 1970s, before cable television, if you were going to see a big name chef you had to go see him (they were mostly hims back then) in the flesh. Jacques gave a demonstration in Atlanta that I still remember, and not just for the fabulous food. As one of my cooking school comrades observed: “He’s so attractive—all five seven of him.” If you count 8th-grade home economics as my introduction to cooking, I’ve been at it for 50 years. I know how to read recipes and how to write them, so my standards are high. Mark Bittman is the one I usually turn to first. His recipes are clear, wellwritten, and simple. Even if you think you know it all, I recommend his How to Cook Everything as a reference. For contemporary recipes à la française, I love Ina Garten, even though she does have a show on the Food Network. Sometimes I double-check with Mark or Julia to make sure Ina is steering me the right way, but mostly I’m delighted with her creations. To celebrate summer and celebrities, here are two of my all-time favorites, one old and one new. The two dishes together would be perfect for a light summer supper, served with a dry rosé. Ina Garten’s Vegetable Tian, from Barefoot in Paris, is amazingly fla-
Courtesy of Paul Child/© PBS
If you count 8th-grade home economics as my introduction to cooking, I’ve been at it for 50 years.
weren’t plucked out of obscurity and given their own shows on the Food Network because of their over-the-top personalities (coughPaulaDeencough.) In the beginning, of course, there was Julia Child. She was the one from whom all others proceeded, some worthy of the title, some not so much. I fell in love with Julia when I was in junior high school and watched her on “The French Chef.” With Mastering the Art of French Cooking in hand, my friend Laurie and I, who would have been hard-pressed to scramble an egg, made petit fours, consisting of genoise cake, apricot filling, and rum-flavored fondant icing that my father still remembers as having adhered to every surface in the kitchen. We also made croquembouche for French club. Wikipedia defines it nicely: A French dessert consisting of choux pastry balls piled into a cone and bound with threads of caramel. (And no, we were not on crack cocaine—it hadn’t been invented in the 1960s.) I still marvel that we managed to pull it off. I have way more sense these days than to attempt that kind of project. That’s why God gave us bakeries—something the French know very well.
vorful. It could serve as a main dish for two with salad and bread or as a side with grilled meat or fish. I can’t count how many times I’ve made the Peach Gratin from Everyday Cooking with Jacques Pépin, though not always with peaches. Plums and nectarines are wonderful as well. It’s a great last-minute dessert to make with ingredients I usually have on hand.
Ina Garten’s Vegetable Tian The prettiest presentation will result from potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes that are about the same circumference, but don’t make yourself crazy. • Good olive oil • 2 large onions, cut in half and sliced (I like to use Vidalia) • 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced • 1 pound small Yukon Gold or red potatoes, unpeeled • 3/4 pound zucchini • 1 1/4 pounds small tomatoes • 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus 5 or 6 extra sprigs • 2 ounces Gruyère cheese, grated Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Brush a 9 x 13 x 2-inch (or oval equivalent) glass or ceramic baking dish with olive oil. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet and cook the onions over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes, until translucent but not brown. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Spread the onion mixture on the bottom of the baking dish. Meanwhile, slice the potatoes, zucchini, and tomatoes in 1/4-inch thick slices. Layer them alternately in the dish on top of the onions, fitting them tightly in a single layer. (Depending on how obsessive you are, this can be either a random pattern or an artistic masterpiece.) Sprinkle with salt, pepper, thyme leaves and thyme sprigs and drizzle with 1 more tablespoon olive oil. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the potatoes are tender. Uncover the dish, remove the thyme sprigs, sprinkle the cheese on top, and bake for another 30 minutes, or until browned. Serve warm.
Jacques Pépin’s Peach Gratin • 3 ripe unpeeled peaches (about 1 pound) or other soft fruit • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed • 1 large egg • 1/2 cup heavy cream • 2 tablespoons chopped almonds or pecans • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice the peaches directly off the pit and arrange in a circular pattern in a round, shallow glass or ceramic quiche or pie pan. Place a few slices in the center in a decorative pattern to simulate the center of a flower. Sprinkle peaches with the brown sugar. Whisk the egg with the cream and pour the mixture over the fruit. Sprinkle with the nuts and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until browned and slightly caramelized.
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scene Savannah Yarborough, Ashley Prinzi, and Caroline Nelson
Jeremy, Christi and baby Margie Britten
Mark Beumer and Mirium Stangel Sarah and Henry Gaede
Sergio Artiga, Kim Jackson, and Ray Grissom
Kristen McCaney and Andrea Anderson
Carolyn and Dan Waterman
Casey and Chuck Gill
Above: Florence Foodies Event
Below: Tru Identity Grand Opening
M AY 14, 2013 ROSIE’S C ANTINA , FLORENCE
APRIL 5, 2013 DOWNTOWN FLORENCE
Olivia Woodard, Holly Roden, and Allie Elliott Lauren Miller, Kellie Wender, Valerie Wender, and Morgan Holt Vanessa Savage and René Johnson
Tammy Underwood Holt and Tim Holt, owners
Tambra Arthur and Malinda Baggett
Farrah Grissom, Shelley Dawson, Kamryn Grissom, and Livi Newbury * Names for photos are provided by the organization or business featured.
Amanda Franklin, Stacy Smith, Barbara McNabb, and Heather Gasque
Mark Newbury, Katie Newbury, and Larry Kowalski
I’m Dr. Lee Nichols. As an orthopedic surgeon, I treat the entire musculoskeletal system. In addition to helping you with knees, hips, shoulders, and other bone and joint disorders, I have a special interest in foot and ankle ailments, with over 20 years of experience treating various problems, including: • bunions/hammertoes • fallen arches • heel pain • neuromas • ankle sprains Your feet are your foundation. Let me help you keep them healthy!
Dr. Lee Nichols, Shoals Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Board Certified • American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society member 426 West College Street, Florence • 203 West Avalon Avenue, Suite 230, Muscle Shoals
256-718-4041
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back talk » Claire Stewart
What was your first live concert?
“At Tennessee State University, I saw Ashanti and Musiq. I thought it was awesome!
“Drake Bell in Birmingham when I was 12. I touched his shoulder! But I noticed he looked a lot cuter on TV.” —Beth Maldonado
“My first concert was Britney Spears… unfortunately we were so far back that we couldn’t see anything!” —Brianna Bolden
—Ivra C. Warren Beth
Ivra
“I saw the Oak Ridge Boys 20 years ago in Chattanooga. It was absolutely wonderful.” —Myrtle Richey
“I saw Bob Dylan at City Stages in Birmingham. I can’t say the concert was that good, but he is a legend so I had to say I saw him!” —Michael Cody
Myrtle
Michael
Brianna
“My dad took me to see Will McFarlane at the Shoals Theatre when I was 7 or 8. I loved it!” —Caleb Pettus
“Modest Mouse. I was 17 and I went with all my friends and no parents. We all piled into an old Buick and drove to Columbus, Ohio for the concert.”
“At 13 I went to see the Grateful Dead with Jerry Garcia. I wouldn’t call myself a huge fan, but I knew it was an experience I couldn’t pass up. I’m really glad I went.” —Tim Terrell
Caleb Tim
—Katie Leverenz
“Peter Frampton in 1974 in Mobile. It was a great concert!”
“Ted Nugent and Uriah Heap in Hartford, Connecticut in 1976. I was 16, and I remember driving my 1967 GTO up to the venue.”
—Matt Riddle
—Steve Ward
Katie
Matt
Steve
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back talk » What was your first live concert? “Ziggy Marley in Hawaii. It was a dream!” —Shea Self
“I was 4 and my parents took me to Carlos Santana in Nashville. My mom was worried about me being around all the stoners!”
Shea
—Catherine Counts
“I was 15 and a bunch of my friends went to see John Mayer. He was recording a CD and concert DVD of the show. I watched it later and could hear us cheering for him to play our favorite song!” —Jessica-Lauren Steigleder
Catherine
“Evanescence in Atlanta a few years back. I was shocked by the number of people at the concert as well as the strange characters I saw.” —Will Whaley
Jessica-Lauren
“When I was 14, we bought tickets the day before the N’Sync concert. They ended up being floor seats and JC waved at me! It was a pretty awesome night!” —Frances Adams
Frances
Will
All respondents were interviewed at Rivertown Coffee Co. in Florence.
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bless their hearts » David Sims
Part of the club
We’ve been together through some of the happiest and most tragic of times. I certainly love these people, and I know they love me. But let’s be real— these people can cook, and I love to eat.
MY PARENTS DID NOT BELONG TO A SUPPER CLUB WHEN I WAS YOUNG. Their idea of socializing meant gathering the immediate family after mass for Sunday lunch (Morrison’s Cafeteria), or Sunday evening supper at my great aunt’s house (biscuits with honey or maple syrup, barbecue, smoked sausage, cole slaw, and sweet tea). It wasn’t until I moved to the Shoals almost 17 years ago that I came to know the tradition, allure, and importance of the supper club. In the South, food is entertainment. We’re lucky in the Shoals to have an endless array of great musicians to entertain us, and some of us are lucky enough to live on the water. Heck, some of us are lucky enough to know musicians who live on the water. If you don’t fall into any of those categories, you eat out for fun. If you don’t believe me, just try to get into a new restaurant during its first month of operation. It’s like a cross between a Red Cross disaster relief effort and a Justin Bieber concert on the Today show plaza. Food is the core of our culture. And it’s one thing that Southerners do better than anyone in any other part of the country. I mean, when is the last time anyone craved Pennsylvania scrapple? And don’t even get me started about gravy or vinegar on French fries—that’s just icky. And if food is entertainment, then the supper club is its theatre. I read somewhere that the first supper club originated in Beverly Hills—which would support one of my mother’s crazy, but most repeated axioms. “All trends originate in California, eventually making their way to the South.” She first made this pronouncement after my brother and I ignited mass hysteria at Sacred Heart Cathedral School with our new View-Masters, purchased in Anaheim where my dad was attending a six-week trade school. Incidentally, that was the first and only time I was considered cool by anyone’s standards. Now that I live in the Shoals, I belong to a supper club. Unlike sewing clubs, where women do not really sew (think drinking and gossiping), we actually do eat at our supper club, and to be quite honest it’s become a bit of a competitive sport (more on this later). Although our supper club was borne of common interests (the ability to talk politics being one), we actually do like each other very much. After all, we’ve been together through some of the happiest and most tragic of times. I certainly love these people, and I know they love me. But let’s be real—these people can cook, and I love to eat.
I think like most supper clubs, we take turns hosting. If it’s your turn to host, you make the main dish, provide the drinks, and invite the “wild cards.” The wild cards can be an additional couple or guests who the hosts think will be an interesting addition to our group. It’s a wonderful way to keep the conversation and evening fresh, and it’s the perfect opportunity to meet and get to know new people, or welcome a newcomer. Our newest members, Alyson and J.T., were once wild cards. The wild cards are not allowed to make anything, because their job is to be the center of attention—to be fascinating. The remaining members are responsible for appetizers, side dishes, and desserts, all assigned through e-mail exchanges, on a first-come, first-serve basis. It’s a casual affair, and most of our dinners have revolved around a type of food (comfort food, Indian, Italian) or a theme (“Thanksgiving Leftovers Night” is Debra’s idea and one of my favorites). And we’re a pretty creative and competitive bunch, so we tend to pull out all the stops when it comes to food preparation. Everyone seems to have something they do very well. Sandee (of Sandee and Jim) makes a pretty mean lasagna. In fact, Sandee’s Italian heritage has almost made up for the fact that she is a Connecticut Yankee, and unlike Giada De Laurentiis, she doesn’t insist on suddenly alternating between her lovely regional accent and a dramatic Italian accent. Carolyn (of Carolyn and Dan) has mastered Indian cuisine—due in part to their years of living and working abroad. Their home is filled with beautiful artifacts of exotic travels and we almost always get to hear one of Dan’s stories about 24-hour dinners with Arab sheiks (or something equally decadent). Carolyn’s Tandoori chicken, Saag Paneer, and homemade nan have achieved hall-of-fame status in our club and nirvana in our stomachs. Debra (of Debra and Jackie) can make just about anything with Ina Garten precision—she’s just that talented, and Jackie has been known to grill up a feast. Our new members Alyson and J.T. are known for their Tex-Mex (Alyson is from Beaumont) and an occasional New Albany chocolate pie from J.T.’s neck of the woods (Mississippi). Plus, they have the coolest screenedin porch and a pool. Allen and I always rush to get dessert, because it’s the only course in which I can participate on a highly competitive level. I may not be able to properly grill a steak, or make the perfect rice, but I can art direct the heck out of a cake, provided that Allen makes everything else. So, if you don’t yet belong to a supper club, I encourage you to start one with your friends. Be creative, try new foods, but don’t stress over what to make. Because supper club is ultimately not about competition, or even the food. It’s about connecting. It’s about sharing our gifts with good friends. But mostly, it’s all about love.
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parting shot » Danny Mitchell
Tennessee River—early morning fog
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Visit any First Southern location for a free copy of the Road Trip CD, featuring artists from this issue. J ULY /AUGUST 2013 | NOALAPRESS . COM | 131 Supplies are limited, so come on by!
Three convenient locations to serve you: 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 www.mrdrugs.com