RAZOR NASHVILLE
NOVEMBER 2013 - RAZORNASHVILLE.COM
r e k c u s R u i r a D
HIS MUSIC IS MAKING US ALL TRUE BELIEVERS
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE - THE MUSICIANS HALL OF FAME REBORN - FANTASY FOOTBALL (NO GIRLS ALLOWED) - COCKTAILS IN KANSAS CITY - MANLY MAKEOVER - CHEF SEAN BROCK - DATING DON’TS - AMY BROWN - GUY GUYDE - AND MORE
RAZOR NASHVILLE
FEATURES
CONTENTS
|
SEASON ONE
|
ISSUE TWO
82
DARIUS RUCKER
Theover C tory S
From Hootie to the Opry, his life is right on track. by Shari Lacy
76
FANTASY FOOTBALL
68
No Girls Allowed! Yep, you read that right. Find out why from a female perspective. by Kate Alger
|
NOVEMBER 2013
OPEN FOR BUSINESS
The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum has a great new home. by Shari Lacy
PARIS OF THE PLAINS
Kansas City here we come. A surprising metropolis of cocktails awaits. by Derek Klaus
86
GUY GUYDE
24 / THE LINEUP
People, ideas, details, words, places, information, intelligence, talking points, random tidbits, and whatever else that just might be useful.
28 / LIFE LESSONS
What has legendary Nashville clothier David Levy learned about life?
DATING DONT’S
The top ten things NOT to do on a first date.
30
THE DRIVE
32 / MORE MONEY Finding your wealth.
LET’S TALK
Why you should talk to your kids about the world.
34
The 2014 Jeep Overland goes over anything.
48 52 / MEAT & THREE
54 / GET SMART
Grays on Main in Franklin.
Carve a turkey in five easy steps. from Celebrity Chef Jamie Deen
56 / LEADING LADIES
Meet Amy Brown from the Bobby Bones Show
36 / RAZOR SHARP
58
Joshau Smith is one of the best dressed men in Nashville. with Sonya Stanley
SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN
Chef Sean Brock brings his award winning food to Music City.
38 / MANLY MAKEOVER
Plastic surgery for guys. from Michael R. Burgdorf, MD, MPH
GOOD MORNING
A morning run just may be the perfect thing to get your day going.
42
62 / WISE WORDS from Frank Sinatra
64 / GET OUT
Your to do list for November.
The End / LAST CALL Fuji Apple Saketini from Virago
44 / INSTANT UPDATE
Five simple things you can start doing right now to make your life better.
CONNECT WITH RAZOR
“LIKE” us on Facebook and “FOLLOW” us on Twitter Just use #RAZORnashviile
1
What exactly is a prostate and why do I have one? Its only function is to create secretions for ejaculation. Sperm only makes up 5 to 7 percent, with the rest being support fluids. That is the prostate’s only purpose in the body.
2 Each month Williamson Medical Center’s boardcertified physicians will provide answers to your questions on a variety of health-related topics. Let us know what you want to know and we will bring our experts to you. November is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, so we solicited your questions via Facebook about all things related to prostate health. Joel Locke, M.D., a board-certified urologist at Williamson Medical Center, thought your questions were good ones! Dr. Locke and his partners at Urology Associates in Franklin were early advocates of robotic surgery, with Dr. Locke performing his first robotic prostatectomy in 2003. Since that time he has been active in advancing the multiple uses and scope of robotics while proctoring surgeons around the U.S. For more information about Dr. Locke or the robotic procedures he and others perform at Williamson Medical Center visit www.williamsonmedical.org or call 615.435.6733.
Do any of the common prostate issues cause or contribute to prostate cancer? No. There are no relationships between any of these conditions. Having BPH or prostatitis doesn’t increase your risk of cancer.
3
What are the early warning signs for prostate cancer? There are none. That’s the dilemma. In the early, curative phases, it is essentially asymptomatic. By the time you have symptoms of prostate cancer, such as pain, difficulty urinating or sexual dysfunction, it has advanced beyond the curative phase and at that point we are only able to treat the symptoms.
4
I’ve heard of a test called a PSA. What does that tell me? The PSA test, or prostate-specific antigen test, is a blood test. If you have an elevated PSA, it doesn’t mean you have prostate cancer, it just means we need to closely monitor your PSA levels. If those levels are consistently high, we would do a transrectal ultrasound and biopsy, which gives us more information.
*SEND US YOUR QUESTIONS FOR NEXT MONTH'S TOPIC: PULMONARY HEALTH INFO@WMED.ORG
5
Is prostate cancer hereditary? No. However, if there are family members either on the mother or the father’s side who have had prostate cancer, it does increase your risk and you will need to be monitored. We call that a familial propensity, but that is different than being genetically passed from generation to generation.
6
What age do I need to start paying attention to my prostate? Few men under age 40 need to have the PSA test. A man between the ages of 40 and 54 with a strong family history, African American men or men with an abnormal prostate exam, should be paying attention. Between the ages of 54 and 75, we recommend every man have an annual PSA test, which can even sometimes be bi-annually if PSA levels are extremely low. During your 50s and 60s is when we begin to become aggressive about it. It’s not something to be ignored. But it’s very unusual to see prostate cancer in men under age 45.
7
I’ve heard there are a number of fairly common problems associated with the prostate? What are they? There are essentially three problems associated with your prostate. One is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or a natural enlargement of the prostate that happens in all men with aging. It creates symptoms of bladder outlet obstruction, so men will feel hesitancy with urination, slow stream, nocturia (waking up at night to void) or double voiding. This can be corrected with medication or surgery. The second is prostatitis, which is inflammation or infection of the prostate which occurs in men from puberty to advanced age. It’s not dangerous, but it can be annoying. Symptoms include abdominal or pelvic pain, slow urinary stream, hesitancy and frequency. It is treated with antibiotics and removal of certain foods that can aggravate it such as caffeine. The third and most serious of the problems is prostate cancer, which is the second-most common cancer in men and the leading cancer in men over 50.
8
Who do I call if I’m having prostate-related issues? Urologists are always available for further questions, but the best place to start is a call to your primary care physician.
Faces of WESTHAVEN Cameron Gish serves as the Director of Bands at Hillsboro School in Franklin. While this seems to be an ideal situation for any recent graduate, it was made even more daunting of a task given that the band program was virtually nonexistent prior his arrival in the 2011-2012 school year.
When he started at Hillsboro, Cameron was charged with creating a middle school band program from the ground up, including the creation of a state-of-the-art band room and the development of a comprehensive instrumental music curriculum. Throughout the summer of 2011, a cluttered storage room and media classroom were transformed into a fully-functional band room, new school instruments were purchased, new chairs and music stands were ordered, and interested students were recruited. Working together with private donors, over $65,000 was generated to fund the new band program. During the 2011-2012 school year, 61 students participated in the band program, over 20% of the middle school enrollment. In its second year, nearly 90 students joined the program, representing 30% of the middle school enrollment. This year, 150 students participate in The Hillsboro Band, nearly 45% of the entire middle school enrollment. Other than the traditional band class, students are given opportunities to perform in the Hillsboro Jazz Band and the newly created Hillsboro Percussion Ensemble.
In its inaugural year, The Hillsboro Band performed at the Winter and Spring Concerts, Hillsboro Football Homecoming, Leiper's Fork Christmas Parade, Williamson County School Board Meeting, Hoops 'n Holler, Hillstock Arts Festival, and Eighth Grade Promotion. Cameron’s efforts can be seen not only on a group level but also on individual student levels as well. Students annually participate in the Williamson County Honor Band, participate in the MTSBOA Honor Band auditions, students have performed with an 80s Funk Band as part of the Westhaven Block Party, and some have been selected to the Kids on Stage Jazz Band.
Cameron’s teaching responsibilities include sixth, seventh, and eighth grade bands, The Hillsboro Jazz Band, and the Hillsboro Percussion Ensemble. He also serves as the school's Yearbook Adviser. In addition to his duties at Hillsboro, Cameron is on the staff for the award-winning Franklin High School Marching Band. Cameron graduated summa cum laude from Murray State University in May of 2011 with a B.M.E. in Instrumental Music Education. “The future of the Hillsboro Band looks incredibly bright thanks to the dedication of our outstanding musicians, their supportive parents and the fantastic administration at Hillsboro School,” Gish said. While at Murray State, Cameron was a 3-year drum major for the MSU Racer Band, a student leader in numerous campus organizations, an active performer within the music department, and a member of several honor societies. Prior to graduation, he was named the Outstanding Music Education Student in Kentucky, the Outstanding Senior Man of Murray State University, the Greek Man of the Year, and the Outstanding Senior in Music among other honors. Cameron is a member of the National Association for Music Education, Tennessee Music Educator's Association, and the Middle Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association. He is also a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. Learn more about the Westhaven Community at www.WESTHAVENTN.com advertisement
Sociability WE S T HAVE N
TH D
I
F
F
E
R
E
N
C
E
Sociability….at Westhaven, there’s a sense of community that sets this neighborhood apart. It’s knowing that your neighbors are there for you, whether you are borrowing a cup of sugar, need someone to watch the children or mow the lawn while you’re away. You know you are among friends you can count on. A sense of family, friendship and community exists in all corners of this community. Oscar’s Taco Shop and Ching Asian Bistro are family-owned businesses that embody the lifestyle of Westhaven and its residents…a warm smile and a friendly wave always greet you…inside the doors of these authentic dining establishments, or under the glow of the streetlamps lining neighborhood streets on an evening stroll. Walk in, sit down, and be greeted by the smiles of friendly restaurant owners…owners that many know as their friends and neighbors. Take a closer look at Westhaven and you’ll see the difference is Sociability.
A
SOUTHERN
LAND
COMPANY
COMMUNITY
WESTHAVEN REALTY OFFICE OPEN DAILY www.W E EST S T HA HAVEN VE N T N .co m
615.599.1764
|
1001 WESTHAVEN BOULEVARD, SUITE 100
MON-SAT 10-5, SUN 1-5
|
FRANKLIN, TN 37064
©2013 Southern Land Company | Broker participation welcomed. Prices, plans, dimensions and specifications subject to change without notice. Void where prohibited by law. Some restrictions apply.
OPENING LINES
From the Publisher
The sophomore offering. That is what I proudly present here, issue number two of RAZOR Nashville.
First off let me say thanks for the fantastic reception and response that our premiere issue received last month. We are thrilled that all of you see and embrace our vision and direction for the magazine. Our readers, advertisers, partners, and fans have been hugely supportive and we simply could not have pulled it off without all of you!
Now let’s talk about the issue in your hands. I have been a fan of “Hootie” for years. I had always admired his music and his life plus, he is a Charleston, South Carolina boy so I would often see him out and about when I lived in the Lowcountry. I thought that Darius Rucker perfectly fit the mold of a “RAZOR” man... well-spoken, respected, talented, good looking, and successful. We were thrilled and honored when he agreed to be on our cover. And we were even more thrilled when we sat down with him. He is everything we expected and more. Darius is humble, down to earth, a family man through and through, and quite simply one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. Don’t miss our story about him, from Shari Lacy, on page 68.
Also in this issue, we take a look at the new Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, we hit the road for a surprising trip to Kansas City (for something other than BBQ and music), and we give you a female perspective on the world of fantasy football. All of that plus our Guy Guyde. Information, stories, insight, and ideas about health, money, fashion, fitness, people, food, and much more.
I would also like to give out a big thank you to our friends and partners at Lucchese Boots. We had wanted to throw a “shindig” for the launch of RAZOR but we have been so busy that we just didn’t get around to it. Well, that is when the team at Lucchese and Jim Havey Public Relations stepped in and offered to help. Needless to say, it was a win /win situation for everyone. Our launch party is happening in the middle of this month (at the Lucchese Store in the Gulch) and it is going to be fantastic! We are grateful for all the planning, resources, talent, time, and effort that everyone is bringing to the table (and party!). We promise to give you readers a rundown of all the festivities in the next issue.
But for now, please dive in to this issue... and enjoy!
Rob
Rob Youngblood Publisher | Editor-in-Chief | Creative Director RAZOR Nashville Magazine | rob@razornashville.com On Facebook @YoungbloodLifeandStyle On Twitter @RobYoungblood
16 / RAZORnashville.com
LIGHTS OUT. EXHIBITION CLOSING NOVEMBER 10
Closing week: Sunday, November 3rd through Sunday, November 10th Open EVERY Night until 11pm.
RAZOR NASHVILLE
ROB YOUNGBLOOD Publisher - Editor-In-Chief - Creative Director rob@razornashville.com
KATE ALGER Business Director - Senior Editor / kate@razornashville.com LAUREN DEVENS Account Executive / lauren@razornashville.com WENDY GARRETT West Coast Marketing Director / wendy@razornashville.com SHARI LACY Contributing Editor / shari@razornashville.com KAY MAGHAN Travel Consultant / kay@razornashville.com AIMEE MCCRAY Senior Account Executive / aimee@razornashville.com SHANNON MILLION East Nashville Account Executive / shannon@razornashville.com SHERI ONEAL Staff Photographer / sheri@razornashville.com SONYA STANLEY Fashion Correspondent - Photographer / sonya@razornashville.com JANE YOUNGBLOOD Accountant / accounts@razornashville.com EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Michael Burgdorf, MD, MPH, Music City Plastic Surgery Rick Warwick - The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County VISIT RAZORNASHVILLE.COM to learn all about our staff and contributers.
CONTACT US 188 Front Street, Suite 116-106, Franklin, TN 37064 Office - 615.472.8339 General Inquiries - heyman@razornashville.com On rhe Web - razornashville.com
RAZOR Nashville is free due solely to our wonderful advertising partners. Please support them as they so generously support us! Want to advertise on the pages of RAZOR Nashville? For our current media guide, and for general inquiries, please send us an email at heyman@razornashville.com. You can also visit the advertise page of website at razornashville.com for more information.
RAZOR Nashville is published by Youngblood Life and Style, Inc. All contents copyright 2013, all rights reserved. Reproduction, in whole or part, without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited. Content and photos, as well as opinions expressed on these pages, do not imply any endorsement or support of any product or person. We are not responsible for, nor will we return, any unsolicited photos, product samples, editorial content, advertisements or manuscripts and we may use any and all material at our sole discretion, printed or otherwise. “LIKE” us on Facebook - facebook.com/razornashville “FOLLOW”us on Twitter - twitter.com/razornashville
BE RESPONSIBLE - REAL MEN RECYCLE Please recycle this magazine. Save a tree, save the planet.
18 / RAZORnashville.com
e ll i v h s a N r o z a R
Locally Owned and Operated
A UNIQUE, ONE-OF-A-KIND NASHVILLE MAGAZINE
Featuring
INTELLIGENT INSIGHT, IDEAS, AND INFORMATION FOR MEN AND FOR THE WOMEN IN THEIR LIVES
Local Content National Quality Outside The Box Thinking Cutting Edge Design Integrity and Loyalty Great Service Affordable Pricing A Sharp Sense of Humor and A Very Stylish Staff
Proudly Serving the Music City MetroPlex
e! m a N y B Us r o F k s A FIND US ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS USING THE LATEST IN MODERN TECHNOLOGY! FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST, AND ON THE WORLD WIDE WEB AT RAZORNASHVILLE.COM
- PROUDLY MAKE UP OUR FOUNDATION -
TAKE A LOOK AND SEE WHAT YOU THINK WE THINK YOU WILL GET HOOKED ON
RAZOR NASHVILLE ! Accept No Substitutes / Satisfaction Guaranteed
JEWELRY ACCESSORIES APPAREL EYEWEAR
615 9TH AVENUE SOUTH, NASHVILLE, TN 37203 I 615.248.4318 I WWW.KINGBABYSTUDIO.COM
FACTORY
The
Franklin’s Most Unique Indoor Shopping Experience 230 Franklin Road in Historic Franklin | 615.791.1777 | www.factoryatfranklin.com
Abide Studio - Act Too Players - Advantage Models and Talent - Always In Bloom - Amish Excellence - Annette Charles Antiques at The Factory - Artisan Guitars - Boiler Room Theater - Burke Coffey Architects - Constant Craving Caterers Dave's Barber Shop - E-1 Entertainment - Essy's Rug Gallery - Franklin Farmers Market - Gulf Pride Seafood - Happy Tales Humane I.S.I. Defensive Driving - J. Chastain Photography - Franklin Brentwood Arts Academy - Jeremy Cowart Photography Journey Church Franklin - Little Cottage Children's Shoppe - Little Cottage Toys - Mark Casserly Architectural Woodworking Music City Dog House - Nature's Art - O'More College of Design - Saffire Restaurant - Second Impressions Clothing SouthBranch Nursery, Inc. - SouthGate Studio & Fine Art - Spring Tree Media - Stonebridge Gallery - The Glass Touch The Stoveworks Restaurant - Third Coast Clay - Times Past & Present - Tuscan Iron Entries - Wedding 101
SHOP-DINE-UNWIND
...not your average guitar shop!
“Where Artistry Meets Craftsmanship” 866-265-5993 | 615-595-2544 | artisanguitars.com
Custom Cabinetry and Furniture www.MarkCasserly.com
Nestled deep within the historic Factory at Franklin,
Saffire is a neighborhood restaurant with a big city feel.
It’s a sought-after destination for both locals and visitors
who know it is well worth the trip outside of Nashville to experience everything that only Saffire can provide. Wonderful creative cuisine and spectacular wine,
welcoming surroundings and attentive service; this is Saffire.
saffirerestaurant.com / 615.599.4995
GUY GUYDE
November ‘13 people, ideas, details, words, places, information, intelligence, talking points, random tidbits, and whatever else that just might be useful
GOT WOOD?
Sure, your iPad is a cool device and yes, you probably have a very cool cover for it, but if the woodpaneled ’48 Chevy Fleetmaster taught us anything, it’s that all technology looks better with some natural grain. The Element Wood Series iPad case takes care of that, snapping onto your iPad and holding firm while you go about your business. Composed of natural walnut veneer bonded to a carbon fiber shell, the case is thin and light for an unobtrusive fit. The case works with both second and third generation iPads. Available at www.elementcase.com.
MAKE MAGNUM PROUD
As an official global charity, Movember’s vision is to have an everlasting impact on the face of men’s health. During November each year, Movember is responsible for the sprouting of millions of moustaches on men's faces around the world. Through the power of the Mo, vital funds and awareness are raised to combat prostate and testicular cancer and mental health challenges.
DID YOU KNOW
Belle Meade Plantation was the origin of many fine thoroughbred horses. Among them were War Admiral and Seabiscuit (pictured below), both of which were again popularized by the novel and movie, Seabiscuit. War Admiral and Seabiscuit were actually descended from the sires of Bonnie Scotland, a prize horse of Belle Meade, making them not-so-distant cousins.
Movember encourages men to join the movement by growing a moustache for the 30 days of November. After registering on Movember.com, these generous Mo Bros start the month clean-shaven, then grow and groom their Mo (slang for moustache), asking friends and family to donate to their efforts. With their new moustaches, the Mo Bros bring much needed awareness to men’s health issues by prompting conversations wherever they go. But Movember is not just for men. Mo Sistas are an important part of Movember’s success. Mo Sistas raise funds and encourage the men in their lives to get involved. Essentially, Mo Sistas do everything that Mo Bros do, without a Mo. By the end of Movember, everyone will have moustache envy. When you’re out socially, all the attention is on the guy with the moustache. Get all the facial hair info at www.movember.com.
OUR FALL BOURBON
Jim Beam Honey is smooth with notes of vanilla, carmel, and oak. It has a sweet honey finish that, when combined with the stronger than expected aromas from the bourbon, gives it a warm and luxurious taste and feel. Perfect for fall! 24 / RAZORnashville.com
GUY GUYDE insight
THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WEARING
A man can showcase his personality in a variety of ways when picking out a great pair of cowboy boots. Everything from opting for a high or low heel, to choosing an exotic or flat leather, to deciding on a particular toe shape. A pointed toe, for example, lends itself to a younger, rock 'n roll aesthetic, where a rounded toe reflects more of a traditional Western look. Once a preferred silhouette is selected, proper fit and comfort are of paramount importance. The instep of the boot should be neither too tight nor too loose; the ball of the foot should fit between the widest part of the boot; and the heel should slightly slip out of the counter. You get those basics covered and you are good to go! Pictured above are the original hand made boots that Gregory Peck purchased from Lucchese in 1957. The good news for you is now you can get your own perfect fit, and a custom boot experience just like “The Gunfighter”, simply by heading to the Gulch. Lucchese is located at 503 12th Avenue South in Nashville. Call ahead to get started at 615.242.1161.
ONE OF THE ONLY GOOD THINGS ABOUT MONDAY
Mitchell Deli opened in 2008 and has quickly become a Nashville go to food spot. The joint is known for its high quality natural ingredients, local produce, and homemade products such as roast beef and sausage. But perhaps the best kept secret is the Asian flank steak sandwich. A mouth watering slice of heaven. The catch? It is only served on Mondays! Mitchell Delicatessen is located at 1402 McGavock Pike. 615.262.9862 / www.mitchelldeli.com.
JOKES WOMEN LOVE - #903
FRESHEN YOUR FACE Four quick and easy ways to turn back the clock and look younger.
RENEW YOUR EYES This is the first place you show your age - or a lifestyle that’s adding years to your look. If you aren’t using an under-eye cream already, add one to your regimen at night when skin gets extra parched. SMOOTH YOUR SKIN Flaky, bumpy, and ashen skin don’t exactly suggest youthfulness. Once a week, try a deepcleaning mask to remove dead cells or just swipe with an exfoliating pad, like Jack Black’s DIY Power Peel Multi-Acid Resurfacing Pads.
WHITEN YOUR SMILE Just as the eyes can reflect late, wine filled nights, your teeth are windows into your health. In addition to making regular appointments with your dentist for oral health, brighten your smile with a whitener. We like Rembrandt Stain Dissolving Strips.
CLEAN UP YOUR HAIR A lot of guys like to hide beneath a beard or some scruff in the winter. Not a bad strategy to keep warm. But make sure you keep the area clean and trimmed - excess hair might suggest that you’ve been lost in the woods for weeks. And of course, just because your razor is taking a break doesn’t mean your ear, nose, and eyebrow hair should as well. Tame those shrubs with the right grooming tools.The Wahl Micro GroomsMan Lithium Power Trimmer does the job.
A man thinks he is a dog, so he goes to see a psychiatrist. "It's terrible," says the man. "I walk around on all fours, I keep barking in the middle of the night, and I can't go past a fire hydrant anymore." "Okay," says the psychiatrist. "Get on the couch."The man replies, "I'm not allowed on the couch." 26 / RAZORnashville.com
OUR FALL 2013 COLLECTION:
LET US ROMANCE YOU A SEDUCTIVE MIX OF PROVOCATIVE SHAPES, TEMPTING TEXTILES & ALLURING FINISHES
The Hill Center 4015 Hillsboro Pike Nashville, TN 37215 / 615.460.7665 Mon thru Sat: 10am to 7pm, Sun: 12pm to 5pm / www.mgbwnashville.com IN STOCK AND READY FOR DELIVERY: LONDON SOFA 97”w x 42”d x 35”h in caspian-anthracite leather ($5910) $4195, ZONDRA CHAIR 25”w x 35”d x 34”h in antique-gold, a decadent velvet ($1340) $995, BASSEY NESTING COCKTAIL TABLE 35.5” diameter x 14.5”h $1745 (available late December), HATHAWAY SIDE TABLE 22”w x 25”d x 22”h $1055, TULLY LAMP 32”h in horn $475, POWERSHAG RUG 8’ x 10’ in champagne $1750, OPEN WING WALL ART 54”w x 42”h $2495
Father Husband Legendary Nashville Clothier
LIFE LESSONS from David Levy
I
GUY I treat every day as a gift. GUYDE
My favorite greeting is “Another Day in Paradise!”
people
n my early fifties I had a reaction to some decongestants and found myself being referred to see Dr. David Penson, a world renowned urological surgeon at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. I was the youngest male in the waiting room, so I was encouraged. The first person to greet me and take me to an examining room was a beautiful and fun nurse practitioner in her late 20s. Immediately my thoughts turned to how many more appointments I could make to see Dr. Penson. If I could live in any era I would go back to the 1930s and 40s (but not war time) and wear the clothes of that period. Beautiful flannel stripe, double breasted suits, wide ties, and classy shirts. History repeats itself when it comes to fashion.
The unique thing about owning your own clothing store is that you have to be proficient at so many things. It is not rocket science or like practicing medicine where lives are at stake however, a forgotten detail means that you have an unhappy client. If I could choose another profession or talent I would be a CPA or a Rabbi. Those two are a bit different though. Fears? I am afraid of heights and I am afraid of a clean desk.
My biggest regret in life ultimately became my biggest pleasure. I regret having to leave the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill (go Tar Heels) to work at Levy’s due to my father’s untimely death at age 56. However, leaving early gave me the chance to meet my amazing wife, Ellen. What is the worst fashion mistake a man can make? That is a tough question... only one? Men often think that they can wear golf garb to work or parties so logo’d golf shirts are the biggest mistake at parties and even the Iroquois Steeplechase infield each year!
Women are so much more aware of their dress and appearance overall. But the worst fashion mistake a woman can make is to not push the man accompanying her to “look the part.”
I love golf because it is the only thing that I can really do here in Nashville that is totally consuming and takes me away from thinking about work. I also love going on vacation with my wife because she changes from a wonderful person to an even more wonderful person. My dad Ralph Z. Levy, Sr. was the greatest man that I have ever known. My dad was the most compassionate, caring man I have ever met. He would not play golf for months and then go out and beat his foursome to shreds. I can only hope that a few of his assets have rubbed off on me as I have raised my two children.
As far as the greatest woman I have ever known, that is impossible to answer. My life continues to be touched by amazing women and I miss many from the past two generations who made a big influence on me. Women do not get the credit that they are due. Mothers are the best. My wife Ellen wins that award, she juggles more than I can even handle, respects her vendors while being super firm at work, loves her family like no other person that I have ever met. Ellen was the fourth of five girls so she is the most independent person that I have ever met. A true self made, beautiful woman.
I really enjoy connecting people to make their lives better. Whether it is suggesting a restaurant for out of town clients or introducing people who are authors and publishers. It is also such a privilege to be asked to wardrobe clients, weddings especially, and I never want to take that for granted.
When I was growing up I wanted to be doing exactly what I am doing now. I was awarded at my 25th Hillwood High School reunion a “Least Surprising Career” certificate. If I could talk to the ten year old version of myself I would tell him to not be so shy.
The best advice I have ever been given was to always have cash and pay off my loans early. My best mentors always ask how much cash is in the bank, not how profitable we have been.
The best advice I could ever give someone would be when you become the boss, don’t expect people to immediately change for the better... a leopard rarely changes its spots. And, talk to me before you open a store. There is nothing easy about retail especially these days.
Given the opportunity to be any fictional character I would be James Bond. Mainly because “clothes make the man.” Neapolitan dressing (named for the Naples, Italy area where clothing is made) is so sleek and beautiful... and his women are so superb. RN RAZORnashville.com / 29
10 Check Out Other Women
The easiest way to get water thrown in your face is to get caught checking out another woman. Hey, we get it, it can be hard to tame your wandering eye (thousands of years of evolution and all that) but for the sake of the possibility of future dates, limit your field of vision to her face, the menu, and your server.
You can even turn this to your advantage. Do you think your date doesn't notice the knockout in the skimpy dress bending over to adjust her shoes? She does, and she'll be looking extra hard at you to determine how you handle it. Keep your eyes on the prize and you'll score major points.
30 / RAZORnashville.com
DATING DON’TS
9
8
7
The Top Ten Things NOT To Do On A First Date from the ladies of the RAZOR Nashville staff
Prematurely Use Terms Of Endearment
Nicknames, pet names and other terms of endearment are great. They help you develop intimacy and give your relationship character. They're also sickening to other people and will scare off women faster than a visible cold sore if they're used too early in a relationship. Look, we've all dropped a "babe" or "pookie" or "shnookums" before, even if we wouldn't be caught dead admitting it to our best buds. But do you want to be that guy who made "pookie" meaningless by dropping it too early in the relationship, thereby cheapening its meaning? We didn't think so.
Spend Time On Your Phone
Smartphones are incredible, aren't they? In fact, they can be more interesting than the majority of your dates, and yet, from the time you pick her up to the time you say goodnight (or good morning), keep your phone in your pocket, on silent. It's just plain-ol' being polite, and even a bad date can be salvaged if she goes around spreading the good word about what a good listener you are and how polite you were.
Talk About Your Ex
The very fact that this rule needs to exist, that some bozo needs to be reminded of what is painfully obvious to anyone else, makes us wish we could reach out of this page and slap you. Nobody wants to be reminded of your romantic past or held up for comparison to your previous lovers. Keep that information to yourself, unless you want to hear about how wealthy or how "well-endowed" her last boyfriend was. Fair is fair, right?
6
Make Crude Jokes
We love crude jokes, and so do many women. Sarah Silverman makes more men blush than erectile dysfunction. But the first date is for getting a feel for the other person's sensibilities, discovering what they like and don't like, and how much of that you have in common.
The right way to do this is to begin slowly, making light jokes and getting a sense for her character. Eventually you'll know if she's the right audience for your latest joke about Catholic priests. The wrong way to figure this out is to begin with the joke and test her reaction. Best-case scenario? You get lucky and get a laugh out of her. Worst-case scenario? You offend her by mocking something she holds dear, and end up with a slap to the face and an empty seat across from you in the restaurant.
1
GUY GUYDE
5
Have Bad Manners
You may not have to stand when she enters the room or put your coat on a puddle of water to prevent her feet from getting wet, but that doesn't mean you can get away with chewing with your mouth open and treating her to the sight of your half-masticated food. Or letting a door slam in her face. Or interrupting her. (don't interrupt her.)
Basic manners are a must, because any breach of them will get you booted from future romance. Act like someone she can take home to her parents and she might just do that; act like a slob and you're going to find yourself with no one to interrupt.
4
Talk About Money
This is a no-win scenario: Either you've got lots of money, in which case talking about it will make you look arrogant, or you're penniless, and talking about it will make you look pathetic. Worse still, consider what message you're sending. If you spend all dinner talking about your new Audi and your robust stock portfolio and the girl manages to stay awake, and even seems interested, is she picturing herself with you or with your money? Whatever your financial situation, it's not something you should be sharing on a first date.
3
Be Indecisive
Compare these two openers: "Hey, we should grab a coffee some time" vs. "Hey, would you possibly want to grab coffee with me, or maybe dinner? We could even see a movie." In the first, you're basically asking her on a date, albeit phrased in a way that makes it seem like a foregone conclusion. This is good, because it projects confidence, and it gives her only one thing to wonder: Do I or do I not want to date this guy? The second question, on the other hand, not only puts her in the position of wondering whether or not she wants to go out with you, but forces her to consider the venue, too. This is bad: Now you're burdening her with irrelevant extras and, worse, making yourself look indecisive. Stick to one point. If she'd rather do dinner than coffee, she'll let you know.
2
Correct Her On Little Things
Nobody likes a knowit-all, and, in general, if your behavior is something that would upset a male friend, it will upset your date at least twice as much. It's a good thing to project confidence and intelligence, but if the only way you can do this is at her expense, you're going to make her feel bad, and she will associate those bad feelings with you and with the date.
women
Be Too Confident
There's confidence, and then there's arrogance. The former is attractive to women. It makes you seem at ease with who you are and what you represent. The latter is a Band-Aid covering up insecurity and is about as transparent as cellophane. The chestthumping swagger of a frat boy might get you laid in college, but on a real first date, it will make you look childish and uncomfortable with yourself. RN
Keep things light and playful; your goal should be to make her smile and show her a good time, not improve her grammar or knowledge of basic geography.
RAZORnashville.com / 31
GUY GUYDE money
MORE MONEY FINDING YOUR WEALTH
T
from the RAZOR Nashville staff
en billion (and counting), that's how much Warren Buffett made from investments during the 2008 recession. Those kinds of numbers are talked about and envied, and why not, doesn't everyone want recognition, achievements, monetary gains, and of course, that feeling of power and control? Instead of sitting there and dreaming behind your desk, it's time for you to get up, shake off that nobody tag, get out and make things happen. It's time to realize that being nobody is not just passĂŠ; but being somebody, now that's something you can take to the proverbial bank.
Work Towards Change
Just because you dream about all those billions today, doesn't mean you're going to get it all tomorrow (unless you're involved in something questionable). Success, like everything else in life, has to be worked at constantly. There's no harm in starting small. In fact, some of today's billionaires started in their own home. (have you heard of a guy named Jobs and the little biz he started in his garage?). Keep your eyes in the sky but your brains on the ground because that's where you will have to start building a strong business foundation. Invest in yourself, which means you'll have to invest in time. Remember, too much too soon is a fallacy (unless you're a trust fund baby who slept in a diamond crib). Put in the time, effort, and come what may, believe in yourself.
Money Talks
Like it or hate it, nothing in the world talks like money. You'll have hosts of experts and holier-than-thou analysts regale poetry (almost) about how talent takes precedence over all else. But let's face it, while talent is important, it's the people 32 / RAZORnashville.com
with money who hire the people with talent to make more money for them! Want to be king of your castle? You've got to make your money work for you. Do you know the key ingredient in Warren Buffett's strategy? The money he makes is reinvested, which simply means that he ensures his money to be working for him. You may not have a billion dollars in the bank right now, but what is your money doing as you read this? How is it working for you? It's time to get off your derrière and make that money work.
Make Connections
Every person you know knows someone, but who are those people? Are they nobody's, somebody's, or planning to become everybody's? You can assume that connections mean nothing, but it's your connections that'll connect you to another "everybody". Business and professional life is all about connections, after all. Industrialists connect to politicians, politicians connect to more businessmen - it's a circle and these are connections you will have to foster to make forward strides. These connections aren't a choice; they are a way of life. Idealists call it time-serving connections, realists and optimists recognize them as network connections. Distinguish between relationships (family, friends, partner, children, etc.) and connections. If you mix the two, you risk blurring lines that shouldn't cross each other in the first place.
Power is the Way Ahead
Power is heady, but you've got to work your way to it, and once you have the power, you've got to have a steady head that'll not just keep you there but
make you even more powerful. Power opens doors, fosters connections, makes business decisions a whole lot easier because of the influence it brings and ensures that your name is respected and looked up to. Whether you're the CEO of your own company, the director of finance or any other role, your role defines your power quotient. Work your way to a position of power and make well-informed, strategic decisions to stay in power and up your quotient!
Who's Around You?
Take a quick scan of the company you keep. Successful people surround themselves with more successful people. Does this mean you ditch all your friends you consider unsuccessful? Absolutely not. But, ensure that network and make the right connections. Besides furthering your cause, you'll be surrounded by likeminded ambitious people, exchanging ideas, discussing possibilities, making change for the better. A dream becomes a reality through action, and now, it's time to surround yourself with people who like you, take that action.
Become an Expert
Nothing holds more value than expertise in a particular area. You could choose to be an industrialist, a businessman, a writer, a mechanic, or a surgeon; but you've got to be at the top of your game. Any less than being the best is just not good enough. So while you're dreaming big, it's time for you to sharpen your skills, enhance your knowledge, and stay on top your game. As long as you're on the field, you might as well own it! RN
GUY GUYDE
LET’S TALK
dude & dad
H
ave you ever thought about the reasons to talk about the world with your children? Maybe your child has questions about something they heard on the news or something talked about at school. You can’t avoid the hard topics with them forever. If your little mini-me is like mine, they have a huge desire to ask questions. His questions show me that he is curious about the world around him. Here are seven great reasons why talking about everything from Israel to ice cream (and why it is different from gelato) is a great thing to do early and often with your youngsters. 1. INCREASES AWARENESS My number one reason to talk about world affairs with my son is to increase his awareness of the world. He may not completely understand the nuances of world affairs, but that doesn’t stop him from asking questions… even at six years old. It is never too early to get the little ones knowledgeable and smart about the world. It is a also a great way for them to start understanding early on that people are different, but also similar in many ways, and being different does not equate to being bad.
WHY YOU SHOULD TALK TO YOUR KIDS ABOUT THE WORLD
by Rob Youngblood
2. INCREASES READING SKILLS Reading well, like writing well, is a skill. Discussing world events with my son encourages him to read more. Reading stimulates his desire to want to know more about an issue. World affairs of all kinds can introduce new vocabulary words and different languages. No one may speak Latin today but knowing that most languages started with Latin is a good thing, for kids and adults.
3. ENCOURAGES WRITING I think that one of the best ways to learn to write well is to read a lot and write often. Talking about world issues with mini-me helps him learn to understand the issues and articulate his opinions. Reading about the issues exposes him to a variety of ways in which writers express their opinions and research. He often writes down his opinions and thoughts in his secret journal (I am sure he is already under some kind of government surveillance.) 4. ENCOURAGES RESEARCH SKILLS Talking about the world helps develop research skills. Whenever my son and I
encounter a new word we look it up! It is amazing how a Google app on the iPad makes this oh so easy. News concerning world affairs inevitably includes foreign language terms which we also have to investigate. Learning to uncover the meaning of words and phrases helps him develop research skills. Encouraging my son and his developing research skills is another reason why I talk with him about world affairs. Plus, he is positive that he wants to be a spy when he grows up!
5. HELPS DEVELOP OPINIONS My son (like me) was born with a strong will and strong opinions to match. He contemplates topics and develops his opinions before talking about them. Discussing world affairs encourages him to think independently and develop his own opinion. It also helps him learn to not be judgmental just because someone has a different way of life than he does.
6. IMPROVES CONVERSATION SKILLS Discussing world affairs of all sorts, and at any length, can help develop conversation skills and build confidence. Partially because of this, my little guy is nowhere near shy and is also always ready to engage in a conversation. Often kids are criticized for having short answers to questions meant to engage them. If you want to encourage them to talk at length, then talk at length with them! It has to start somewhere.
7. BROADENS THE KNOWLEDGE BASE Talking about the world can not only broaden your child’s knowledge base but your knowledge base as well. Wide ranging understanding of the world can help you put issues into perspective (for yourself and the kiddos). Discussions are more interesting when you have a base for comparison or basic knowledge to work from. And conversations at the dinner table are never boring. Don’t be afraid to help your children learn something new and maybe even teach yourself something new in the process. RN
34 / RAZORnashville.com
ONE NAME. ONE HEALING COMMUNITY. Baptist Hospital IS NOW
Hickman Community Hospital IS NOW
Hospital for Spinal Surgery IS NOW
Middle Tennessee Medical Center IS NOW
Saint Thomas Hospital IS NOW
Everything is changing in healthcare right now and you need a partner you can depend on. A partner who has the strength and stability to care for you through all stages of your life. That’s why Saint Thomas Health is focused on one purpose – to keep the individuals and communities we serve healthy. With one name and one voice we are creating a community of healing by making it easier to access holistic, reverent care. We are stronger when we all work together.
GUY GUYDE style
RAZOR SHARP
Meet The Best Dressed Men in Nashville
with Sonya Stanley
Joshua Smith
Owner, The Standard at The Smith House (Restaurant and Private Club)
36 / RAZORnashville.com
J
oshua is known for his undone bow ties with nearly every suit. Why? Because he wants to make all of his customers feel comfortable, from bankers to politicians to musicians. If they come in formal, they think he’s still formal and just undid his bowtie. If they come in casual, he still looks a bit undone and comfortable. “As a host,” he says, “you don’t want to make anyone feel over or underdressed.”
I remember vividly the first time I met Mr. Smith about five years ago, all due to his personal fashion. I had friends visiting from California and had taken them downtown to The Stage. In walks a tall, slender man, just a little older than I, in a black three piece suit with the top button of the shirt undone and a bow tie laid open down the front of the shirt. I was not used to seeing men in Nashville dressed so well. So, for this issue, when I went in search of a great guy with style to spare the first name that came to mind was Joshua Smith. THE TAILOR - Olia Zavozina, a local men’s suit and women’s bridal wear designer, makes all of his suits custom. Joshua prefers using local designers and brands.
THE SUITS - ZZTop said it best when they penned “…every woman’s crazy ‘bout a sharp dressed man.” and a well-tailored suit is one thing that every man on this planet should own.
THE SHOES - Joshua proves here that even a southern country boy who likes his alligator boots (Lucchese Classics in this shot) can wear them with a European tailored suit. How does he pull it off without boot cut pants? His designer tailors in a one inch slit on the inside of each pant leg, enabling his slim fit pants to lay right over his boots.
THE ACCESSORIES - Sometimes the best accessories are those ones that have the most meaning and the best stories behind them. That holds true with nearly every piece Joshua chooses to wear, right down to his cuff links. I found out that there’s a tradition at his club of exchanging cuff links. The pair he is wearing here are from member, Tom Buckly, which have the well-known Rolls Royce Flying Lady or Spirit of Ecstasy on them. Joshua and other members, often give away the cuff links they are wearing when they are complimented on them by another member.
THE MANTRA - Don’t try too hard. One thing Joshua pointed out about fashion is that you can indeed go too far. “You can get too out there with colors and prints together and that’s just too much.”
THE GO TO FASHION PIECE - A black linen suit with white stitching. He likes that the linen keeps it a cooler suit (literally). Also, the fabric texture and white stitching are always noticed by people who know fashion well. Yet to guys who don’t know any better, it’s still just a black suit and he doesn’t come across as a show off who’s trying too hard. His style has been built by his efforts to make everyone else feel comfortable and this suit does that well for him. He’s not trying to draw attention to himself, he’s trying to relate to people and patrons.
He says his style is the same as the motto of his club - Grand but not pretentious. RN
RAZORnashville.com / 37
MANLY MAKEOVER
Special to RAZOR Nashville from Michael R. Burgdorf, MD, MPH / Music City Plastic Surgery
Brad Paisley’s song, “I’m Still a Guy”, pokes fun of men undergoing plastic surgery, but you’d be surprised by just how many men actually have been to a plastic surgeons office. Yeah, we like to appear as rugged individuals and act as if we’re just not interested, but that’s not the whole story. Just look at all the male celebrities who spend truck loads of cash to achieve the “I don’t care” look. But secretly, we do care. We just don’t want to be caught making the effort. 38 / RAZORnashville.com
GUY GUYDE health
Don Draper certainly loves impressing his women. He leaves work in the middle of the day to see French films and reads O’Hara poetry. If he thought that going under the knife would help his life, hell yeah he would have plastic surgery.
Men make up approximately 10-15% of a plastic surgeon’s practice and it is becoming much more commonplace. A man can have liposuction, nose surgery, eyelid surgery, facelifts, body contouring surgery, removal of gynecomastia (male breast tissue), ear reduction, skin cancer removal, fingers repaired, etc. Think of the aging businessman who wants to keep up with his younger competitor. He has the experience of the years, but wants to retain the freshness in his appearance conveying vitality, a go-getter attitude, and ability for hard work. Or, imagine the owner of the company who doesn’t want to answer if he is tired anymore because of the sagging of his eyelids. Or, the gentleman whose image is important and wants to appear as healthy and lean as possible. Oftentimes, men have plastic surgery for economic reasons. Like it or not, it’s been widely studied that attractive people make more money. In a recent study, it has been shown that cosmetic facial treatments can positively influence the self esteem projected and the first impressions that patients make. This can have a significant impact on job interviews and in closing sales. However, the business world can be tricky. I have seen many seasoned veterans who worry about being passed by because of the “perceived” notion of being tired, slower, or “not as up to the challenge” as their younger counterparts. Plastic surgery can, and often does, remove the stigmata, real or perceived, of ones age. A gentleman’s heavy and sagging eyelids are an example of conditions typically treated by a plastic surgeon. The excess skin can obstruct the ability to see fully and can contribute to an appearance of tiredness and older age. Heavy skin and fat can be removed from around the eyes and “bags” reduced in order to diminish the tired look. With an upper and lower eyelid lift, he can restore the youthfulness in his face that he feels. For the more athletic man, liposuction is often used to remove fat from “problem” areas that persist even after vigorous exercise. Abdomen and flanks are commonly treated and often can be etched to further create the “six pack” look so often desired. Gynecomastia (a condition of male breast tissue) can be extremely troubling for men. Just going to the beach or pool or playing sports may turn into an embarrassing ordeal. This can easily be removed by a plastic surgeon with an inconspicuous scar. Another area that men see a plastic surgeon for is after a gastric bypass procedure. To remove the extra skin left behind from the significant weight loss, massive resection and reconstruction is undertaken. This may involve the standard abdominoplasty or continue around to the back to remove the hanging skin and fat rolls. There are countless examples how a man can benefit from plastic surgery. Botulinum toxin can help smooth out visible wrinkles around the eyes and decrease the ability for a patient to strongly frown. A facelift can rejuvenate the appearance to match the overall inner vitality one feels. Skin cancers, typically seen in someone who has spent a long time out in the sun, can easily be removed with an imperceptible scar. That turkey neck can be tamed and reduced back to the shape seen in the younger day. The list can go on and on. Other, non-cosmetic reasons I see men in my office include activity related mishaps like facial and finger fractures, partial amputations, and extensive lacerations. While these may seem more “manly” reasons to see a plastic surgeon, they are no less legitimate than the more aesthetic concerns. So, while I do enjoy listening to Brad Paisley on the radio, I wish he would give us guys a break and not question our masculinity when we take an interest in our appearance. And for those who are still a little embarrassed, but want that youthful change anyway… subtlety is key and besides, I’ll never let on that I’ve met you. RN RAZORnashville.com / 39
WILLIAMSON COUNTY’S LEADING SALON
AND ONE OF ONLY SEVEN REDKEN ELITE SALONS IN TENNESSEE! artistry SPASALON
Located at Westhaven Town Center in Franklin 188 Front Street, Suite 120 615.567.6300 www.artistryspasalon.com - The Official SPASALON of RAZOR Nashville -
GUY GUYDE fitness
GOOD MORNING There are some things every man should wake up to in the morning: a beautiful lady, breakfast in bed, and his favorite newspaper waiting for him. But since that is not a reality for most of us, fit men should at least be waking up to a proper morning cardio routine. It’s understandable that some men don't consider a brisk, morning jog very desirable, but a man should start his day as he wants the rest of it to go. Every muscle, every sense, and every thought should be vying for 100%. The fact is that performing a cardiovascular workout first thing in the morning sets you up to tackle the day ahead.
ACCEPT IT Performing a morning cardiovascular activity (i.e. running, cycling, rowing) will wake you up more than a turbo-jetted shower. Endorphins released into your body give you a natural ‘high’ that will make you feel positively euphoric. Your stress levels will be reduced, your mood will improve and blood circulation will increase throughout your body. All in all, you’ll be ready to kick start your day before you’ve even touched your breakfast. Most men aren’t morning people and hitting the tarmac after only a few minutes of waking up is not a very pleasant thought. No matter what distance you run or how hard you push yourself, starting the morning with a 'high intensity' cardio workout will always be the hardest hurdle to jump. There’s no simple answer to getting started. Morning cardio is just something that you are going to have to learn to incorporate
42 / RAZORnashville.com
into your lifestyle. The good news is that, just like with anything new, once you get into the routine, it will become second nature
FIND THE MOTIVATION Why do you work out in the first place? Is it to lose weight, keep fit, or to just start your day off right? If you want results, you are going to have to work for them. Nothing worthwhile ever comes easy. You’ll be proud in knowing that while others may still be asleep or slowly moping around their house with a coffee in one hand and outdated ties in the other, you have already burned some body fat, helped your heart and taken steps towards improving digestion, endurance, blood circulation, immune functioning and overall mental health - reducing stress, increasing mental focus and improving self-esteem.
PROOF POSITIVE Cardio in the morning is better than cardio performed at any other time of day because morning cardio keeps your metabolism elevated for hours after the session is over. When your metabolism is high, you’ll burn more calories. It’s that simple. Even a few hours later while sitting at your desk twiddling your thumbs, your body is continuing to burn calories at an elevated rate because of your early cardio session. If you wait to perform cardio until later in the day, your metabolism will drop as soon as your head hits the pillow, limiting the number of hours your metabolism is elevated. While you are asleep, your metabolic rate is lower than at any other time in the day, which means that you will hardly burn any extra calories, so ditch those late night cardio sessions for good.
Another reason to choose morning cardio over night cardio is that an elevated heart rate will make it harder to get to get sleep, which, whether you realize it or not, is putting you a step behind for the following day.
THE NUMBERS So how many more calories are you burning with morning cardio? Studies have suggested that you’ll burn up to 300% more calories when performing morning cardio as opposed to evening cardio. This is because when you wake up, your fuel tanks are running on empty. All of the food you ate yesterday has been digested. If you hold off on breakfast and kick start your day with some cardio, your body has no choice but to immediately burn off secondary energy sources: body fat. A study performed by Kansas State University has shown that if cardio is performed during the morning hours, rather than any
other time in the day, one kilogram of fat will be oxidized more quickly. After a 12 hour fast, 67% of the total energy used will be fat you burned off. Exercise done later in the day can only burn up to 50%. This doesn’t mean you shouldn't still watch what you eat. If you know that what you’re eating isn’t good for you, then it’s time you break the habit and create a healthier lifestyle.
MAKE IT COUNT While performing morning cardio, and to ensure that you burn off the maximum number of calories, you should try incorporating intervals. A study by the American College of Sports Medicine indicates that more calories are burnt in short bursts of high intensity exercise, rather than if performed at a slower, longer pace. So strap a watch to your wrist and begin switching between high intensity and low intensity levels every minute or so. With interval training,
you’ll work both your aerobic and anaerobic muscular system completely in as little as ten minutes which can free up more time for your day. The research is there, the facts are conclusive and the rewards are not only immediate, but abundant as well. Tomorrow morning is as good a time as any for you to begin a morning cardio routine. Transitions are tough, so start by only assigning one or two days to your cardio per week. The hardest part is actually doing it, so begin by setting yourself realistic goals and increase them with time. You’ll find that your mind, body and spirit will all be in unison and, as a result, your performance, professional or otherwise, will reap the rewards. RN
RAZORnashville.com / 43
GUY GUYDE life
INSTANT UPDATE
from the RAZOR Nashville staff
Most men are well aware of the fact that they could spend a life time on self improvement and still never be as classic as Sean Connery as James Bond but, that doesn’t mean that guys can’t take a few cues from 007. Here are five easy ways to be better right now.
44 / RAZORnashville.com
T
here are plenty of things that men can do to improve their appearance over the long haul (like getting more exercise). But there are also some simple, small things that guys can do instantly to improve their image. Your appearance greatly impacts how people rate you on a daily basis... everything from how influential you are to how attractive you look. So, take the bull by the horns right now and make a difference in how the world sees you.
CLEAN YOUR SHOES AND KEEP THEM THAT WAY
Some people say that a man is defined by his shoes. Although this is a bit of an exaggeration, many women do pay special attention to the shoes on a man's feet. A great appearance runs from head to toe but it's not just about wearing nice shoes; it's also about keeping them clean and cared for. Invest in shoe care because clean shoes really do build a look.
Leather: Clean, condition, polish and protect. Avoid using alcohol based sprays as these will dry out the leather and cause it to crack. Using lotions will moisturize the leather and prolong its wear life.
Suede: Before the shoes are worn, spray them with a protective spray or finish to prevent stains and water damage. If this reaches you too late, then test a small area to clean first before tackling a larger stain. Use products only formulated for suede specifically. A suede cleaning block can be used to remove deeply nestled dirt. The nap of the suede can be revived using a suede brush, often made from brass. The block and brush are usually sold together as a duo.
WEAR CLOTHES THAT FIT YOUR BODY
Your clothes should fit comfortably and snug; giving others a reason to take a second look. Unfortunately, far too many men wear clothes that don't fit them properly. Paying a little extra attention to what you wear and how it fits can instantly
boost your appearance. Opting for a form fitting shirt can have you looking leaner and taller. You can tell if a top fits correctly by checking where the shoulder seam sits on your shoulder. The seam should sit on the area just before your arm starts; if the seam sits down the arm, the shirt is too large for you. On the other hand, if the seam sits too far up, then that shirt is too small for you. Also, wearing pants that comfortable snug fit enhance and elongate the appearance of your legs.
WEAR SUNSCREEN
Ok, fair enough, Bond is probably not applying sun screen before he hits the Riviera... but you should! Sun exposure is the number one cause of visible aging, skin damage such as wrinkles, blotchiness, age spots and skin cancer. Although wearing sunscreen won't instantly improve your appearance, applying sunscreen everyday will keep your skin looking youthful, healthy and clean. Healthy looking skin is an attractive quality. When shopping for sunscreen, look for the words “broad spectrum� on the label. This means that the product will provide protection from both UVA/UVB rays. The higher the SPF number, the more protection you will receive. Layering different products with different SPF's will not increase the overall effectiveness of the products. For those of you who love to tan, tans are actually a visible indication of skin damage whereby skin produces more melanin to protect itself from further damage. Consider getting a fake tanner instead.
MAINTAIN THE MANE
Our hair and the way we wear it significantly influences how we look. The right hairstyle can really elevate your appearance and the wrong hairstyle can really downgrade it. There are hundreds of possible hair styles but only a few that will properly fit your face and personality. Make sure to pick one that does both; seek out professional consultation if you are unsure which ones work for you.
Once you have the right style, it becomes extremely important that you properly maintain it. Take care of your hair by properly shampooing and conditioning it. Schedule regular visits to your local barber or stylist. Depending on how fast your hair grows, that may be every three to six weeks. Many stylists also perform free cleanups of your neckline and sides between haircuts - it takes less than 10 minutes and can really help prolong your look. Lightly style with product but be sure not to go overboard or you may come off as looking greasy.
PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR NONVERBAL COMMUNICATION
Your appearance is also greatly influenced by how you act and communicate. In recent years, there has been a lot of research focusing on nonverbal communication. A person's body language can give away a great deal about their personality and current mood but it can also influence perceptions of you and how you look. Men who act and communicate confidently are actually judged to be much better looking than similar looking men who act and communicate poorly. Even though improving your nonverbal communication can instantly improve your appearance to strangers, the challenge comes in maintaining a conscious awareness of the message you are portraying to those around you. Next time you're at a party, instead of crossing your legs and arms try loosening up with a more open posture. Crossing the arms and legs gives out a defensive and unwelcome vibe that will keep people at bay. And never slouch; it looks messy and gives off a sense of low self-confidence. Stand up straight and look people in the eyes when you talk to them.
Through our busy schedules and hectic lives, we sometimes forget to take care of our appearance. The key is to incorporate the little things and details into our daily rituals so we keep looking our best. RN
RAZORnashville.com / 45
615.567.5716 musiccityplasticsurgery.com
Coming Soon to Green Hills at 3803 Bedford Avenue
U N P A R A L L E L E D
S U R G E R Y E X P E R I E N C E
P L A S T Michael R. Burgdorf, MD, MPH 4323 Carothers Parkway, Suite 209 A I in Williamson Medical Center N C
MUSIC CITY PLASTIC SURGERY
GUY GUYDE on the go
THE DRIVE
2014 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE OVERLAND Over land, over rocks, over hills, over just about anything. This Jeep doesn’t disappoint. review and photos by Rob Youngblood
T
he Grand Cherokee is Jeep's best-selling SUV and the 2014 Overland Edition is a good bet to help the model keep that title. I used the Overland for just that, going “over land�... and over rocks, over mud, over hills. Over just about anything and it was a winner across the board.
MODEL LINEUP
The 2014 Grand Cherokee is offered in five trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit and SRT. Base rear-wheel drive units start from $28,795 for the Laredo and climb to $35,795 for the Limited, $42,995 for the Overland and $47,995 for the Summit. Tack on an extra $2,000 for 4-wheel drive on Laredo and Limited models, and $3,000 to add it to Overland and Summit. The 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT starts at $62,995, with the Quadra-Drive II, Select Terrain traction control and Quadra-Lift air suspension all standard.
UNDER THE HOOD
Here is the easy part. The available engines include the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with 290 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque; the 5.7-liter V8 producing 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque; and the new EcoDiesel 3.0-liter engine, good for 240 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. The SRT comes with a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 putting out 470 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. The more difficult part to understand is the various 4-wheel-drive systems, of 50 / RAZORnashville.com
which there are three: Quadra-Trac I is the most basic, with a single-speed transfer case providing full-time 4-wheel drive. Quadra-Trac II uses "throttle anticipate" to stop tire slippage from a stop (with as much as 100 percent of power going to the axle with the most traction when needed); QTII has a 2-speed transfer case that catches and corrects tire slip as quickly as possible. At the top of the line is Quadra-Drive II, which adds an electronic limited-slip differential to the tech of the other two systems, enabling the transfer of torque not just front to rear, but also side to side. All are equipped with a new 8-speed, paddle-shift automatic transmission.
INSIDE
For the most part the revised interior is a success, with several standout elements, though the optional rear-seat Blu-ray disc player seems a little outdated in the digital-media era and the center console shift knob simply drove me nuts. It is hard to get into gear and easy to knock out of gear... go figure that one out! The instrument cluster in the 2014 Grand Cherokee is excellent, with a seven inch screen that allows for a customizable readout that can include the status of the Select Terrain traction control and Quadra-Lift systems. A particularly nice touch is the center image of the cluster changes along with the Select Terrain setting, showing the Grand Cherokee in snow, rocks, sand, etc., depending on where the system is set. The wood-trimmed steering wheel in the Overland and Summit versions, along
with heated and ventilated front seats, add some extra luxury and comfort to the Grand Cherokee's roomy cabin.
ON THE ROAD
The Pentastar V6 feels like a brand-new engine connected to the 2014 Grand Cherokee's 8-speed automatic. With the old 5-speed transmission, the V6 felt tired; now it's downright livable. Of course, the noise and feel of the 5.7-liter V8 is much more satisfying - that is, until you have to stop for gas.
New safety features and driver assists include hill-start assist, ParkSense rear object detection (with front sensors on the Summit model), and forward-collision warning with crash mitigation, which alerts the driver when it senses a crash may be imminent.
YOU WILL WANT IT
The new Grand Cherokee will make die hard Jeep fans happy. But, when you feel the low-end grunt of the new EcoDiesel engine you will want it and you will probably see the V6 and V8 as the weak siblings. For off roading, there are a lot of confusing choices in the lineup. Keep it simple. Go for a version with the QuadraDrive II package, Quadra-Lift, Select Terrain and EcoDiesel. It will handle anything that you can throw at it off road and will also keep you in high style when you are keeping it clean on dry pavement. This is a standout SUV that I would love to park in my garage. RN
RAZORnashville.com / 51
GUY GUYDE eat
MEAT & THREE
five star to family style, the best food on the best menus, all over town
GRAYS ON MAIN
Housed in a 140 year old Victorian building in historic downtown Franklin (it was once home to the old Gray Pharmacy), the restaraunt opened earlier this year and has quickly become a local fave. The food has a heavy focus on locally and regionally sourced ingredients so offerings change seasonally but on a recent visit here were our favorites. We thought they fit the meat and three menu in a modern yet truely southern way. Our “meat” was a cornmeal-crusted Carolina trout with wilted spinach, roasted butternut squash, homemade potato croutons, and topped with a house made sorghum sherry drizzle (a reduction of chicken stock, shallots, sorghum, and sherry vinegar). Then we added three can’t miss sides. Sweet potato wedges with a sorghum and sherry vinegar reduction and served with a side of homemade bourbon honey mustard sauce. Hoppin’ John. This traditional Southern dish had a bit of a kick.with saffron rice, house-made chorizo, mixed bell peppers, and black-eyed peas. And finally, crispy green beans that were tempura fried and served with a side of house-made creamy herb dressing (mayonnaise buttermilk, basil, thyme, parsley, and cilantro). Now we know you’re hungry! www.graysonmain.com.
52 / RAZORnashville.com
GUY GUYDE
knowledge
GET SMART
CARVE A TURKEY IN FIVE EASY STEPS from Celebrity Chef Jamie Deen
Last month it was Halloween and carving pumpkins, this month it’s Thanksgiving and taking the knife to the big bird. After working for hours prepping and cooking the perfect turkey, the last thing you want to do is terribly butcher Tom Terrific! Don’t ruin your hard work before you ever get the meat on the plate. Here is all the knowledge you need to impress the guests at the family table come late November.
Step 1
Cut the band of skin holding the drumstick. Grasp the end of it, then place a knife between the drumstick/thigh and body of the turkey, and cut through the skin to the joint. Remove the entire leg by pulling out and back, using the point of the knife to disjoin it. Separate the thigh and drumstick at the joint.
Step 2
Make a long horizontal cut above the wing joint all the way through to the body frame. If you want, the wing may be disjointed from the body at this point.
Step 3
Slice straight down with an even stroke, at the top of the breast bone all the way through to the horizontal cut you made in the previous step.
Jamie’s Extra Carving Tips
Step 4
Remove the breast to a cutting board and slice starting at the smallest end to the largest.
Step 5
Repeat the previous four steps on the opposite side of the bird.
Use a straight edge, sharp knife for easier carving.
Be sure to allow your bird to rest for at least 20 minutes before carving. Cut dark meat before light meat, as it will stay moist longer.
The key to removing thighs, legs, and wings from the body is to run your knife along the body until you find the places where the bones meet.
By cutting between joints, and not through bones, you can disconnect the bones without much trouble.
Don’t throw away the left over turkey parts or meaty bones. Save them for stock. If you don’t have time to make stock right away, put the parts and bones in a zip top bag and place in the freezer for future use. RN 54 / RAZORnashville.com
GUY GUYDE people
LEADING LADIES
CLASSIC / CONFIDENT / CONTEMPORARY
Radio Personality Amy Brown
As the saying goes, “Behind every great man stands a great woman” and so true is the case with Amy Brown from the syndicated radio broadcast The Bobby Bones Show. As co-host on the show, Amy adds to the fabric of the team with her witty banter, female perspective, and conservative point of view all resulting in what is quickly becoming one of the highest rated morning radio shows across the country. Roughly seven years after starting with The Bobby Bones Show (then, a mainstream top-40 production), it was announced that the show would change its format to a national country music show and move from the “Live Music Capital of the World” to “Music City.” Less than a year after landing in NashVegas, Amy says, “I feel pretty lucky to call Nashville my new home. Coming from Austin, Texas, I didn't know how the two would compare, but I couldn't be happier. We live out in East Nashville, which seems like our own little small town within a big city that hosts a melting pot of nice people from all over. Nashville is just so friendly, and when you sprinkle a little southern hospitality into the mix, it’s hard not to love this place.” Amy’s awareness of the needs for children around the world has lead her to start organizations such as TEEMHaiti (teemhaiti.com) and 30 Abes (thirtyabes.com) in addition to supporting organizations such as Numana (numanainc.com) in an effort to bring food and resources to children in Haiti. (Someone has taken quickly to the Volunteer State mantra!) Oh, and she just recently helped organize a little event with over 2,000 volunteers that broke the Guinness World Record for number of hunger relief meals packaged in one hour by assembling 530,000 meals in 39 minutes. Simultaneously, they were also able to raise over 2,000 pounds of non-perishable food items for the 2nd Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Not too shabby for a Saturday morning. Amy has also discovered what is starting to leak out about our beloved Nashville; we have more to offer than just savory BBQ. “ I can't mention Nashville and not compliment the amazing food in this town. Nice people and good food? I don't ever want to leave.” With such charm, authenticity, and immediate involvement in the community that Amy brings; we sure don’t want this leading lady to leave any time soon. 56 / RAZORnashville.com
SWEAT TO SHINE. + heated & non-heated yoga classes + childcare + lifestyle boutique.
HOT YOGA PLUS + MORE AT
Nashville + Brentwood + Cool Springs
GUY GUYDE people
SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN REFINED / RELEVANT / RESPECTED
Chef and Restauranteur Sean Brock
The culture of food is deeply ingrained in Sean Brock, He started honing his passion at his first job as a chef tournant under Robert Carter at the Peninsula Grill in Charleston, South Carolina. From there, Brock went to work at the five-star Jefferson Hotel in Virginia before being promoted to the Hermitage Hotel here in Nashville. He perfected his skills for three more years before returning to Charleston as executive chef at McCrady’s. Brock has always emphasized historic techniques, practicing low-and-slow fireplace cooking. In 2010, Brock opened Husk, where indigenous products and seasonal availability dictated the changing menu. And now, Brock has returned to Music City with a second outpost for Husk. Located in Rutledge Hill, just a few blocks south of Historic Broadway. The kitchen reinterprets the bounty of the surrounding area, exploring an ingredient-driven cuisine that begins in the rediscovery of heirloom products and redefines what it means to cook and eat in Nashville. At Husk, there are some rules about what can go on the plate. “If it doesn’t come from the South, it’s not coming through the door,” says Brock. The resulting cuisine is not about rediscovering Southern cooking, but rather exploring the reality of Southern food. Seed-saving, heirloom husbandry, in-house pickling, and charcuterie programs by the culinary team are the basis of Husk’s cuisine. Brock and his cooking have been the recipient of numerous accolades and awards including several nominations from James Beard, followed by a win in 2010 for “Best Chef Southeast.” In 2011, Bon Appetit magazine named Husk Charleston “Best New Restaurant in America,” and we are quite sure that the Nashville version of Husk will be winning many similar awards very soon. 58 / RAZORnashville.com
MEMBER FDIC
Don’t you deserve a different bank? Call 615.252.BANK (2265) today. Cool Springs Carothers Parkway at International Drive Cummins Station 209 Tenth Ave. South: Suite 250 West End 2930 West End Ave. Green Hills 3823 Cleghorn Ave.
avenuenashville.com
.0#*-& "11 t 0/-*/& #"/,*/( t "-- "5.4 '3&& t $0/$*&3(& #"/,*/( 4&37*$&
book a photo session by october 31 & receive 25 photo holiday cards free.
www.kelseyfreemancreative.com kelseyfreemancreative@gmail.com 205.585.0266 |
60 / RAZORnashville.com
©2013 AVENUE BANK
beat of a different drummer.
EQUAL HOUSING LENDER
You march to the
RAZORnashville.com / 61
GUY GUYDE life
WISE WORDS “You gotta love livin’, baby, ’cause dyin’ is a pain in the ass.” - Frank Sinatra
62 / RAZORnashville.com
GUY GUYDE
on the town
GET OUT YOUR NOVEMBER TO DO LIST
2nd
A NIGHT FOR FOODIES
Alton Brown Live! The Edible Inevitable Tour, TPAC’s Jackson Hall The Food Network star and acclaimed author brings his unique mix of culinary skills and comedy to Nashville. tpac.org
SUIT AND TIE NIGHT Justin Timberlake, Bridgestone Arena
Questionable acting choices aside, the man is talented. He can definitely sing and dance and that is what you are paying to see in the 20/20 Experience World Tour. bridgestonearena.com
TURKEY DAY SLEEP FILLED NIGHT Thanksgiving
The bird will give you a lot of lean protein and the Tryptophan will give you a good night of sleep. That is of course if you’re not up all night with heartburn because of the over indulgence in the 11 side dishes that came along with the turkey! 64 / RAZORnashville.com
7th
8/9th 15th
16th
28th
LATIN NIGHT
El Día de los Muertos, Cheekwood Botanical Gardens
The popular Latin American family celebration will feature activities including live performances, an international marketplace, and interactive art activities for everyone. cheekwood.org
HISTORY COMES ALIVE
Blue and Gray Days, Carnton Plantation
This annual event draws hundreds of children and adult spectators. Meet Civil War re-enactors and get hands-on experience with clothes, trades, and weapons of the past. This living history experience is the perfect day trip for families. carnton.org
CHARITY NIGHT Hats Off To High Hopes
Raising money for kids in need is always a good thing. And it gets even better when you throw in a songwriters night with some of the most talented people in Music City. highhopesforkids.org
Styles of Yesterday & Today 7KH $PHULFDQ *LUO )DVKLRQ 6KRZ LV D IXQ ¿OOHG HYHQW for girls and their families, friends, and favorite dolls! Celebrate the experience of being a girl, whether yesterday or today, through a colorful presentation of historical and contemporary fashions. Enjoy elegant refreshments, enter to win door prizes, and learn how FORWKLQJ KDV FKDQJHG RYHU WKH \HDUV WR UHÀHFW KLVWRU\ culture, and girls’ individual styles. +RVWHG %\ DQG 7R %HQH¿W
Mercy Community Healthcare Sponsored By
It’s Vintage, Baby
November 9, 2013 10:00am, 2:00pm & 6:00pm
The Factory at Franklin 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
Tickets: $35
www.MercyCommunityHealthcare.org
Recommended for children 6 and up. American Girl Fashion Show is licensed from American Girl Programs. Copyright 2013 American Girl. All rights reserved. All American Girl marks are trademarks of American Girl.
68 / RAZORnashville.com
DARIUS RUCKER Theover C tory S
From Hootie to the Opry
has always been a believer. story by Shari Lacy
RAZORnashville.com / 69
I
t was the mid-90s, I wasn’t far out of college, and I was all about music. I was singing music, performing music, listening to music, and experiencing music. I loved live shows. Still do. I am a fan of a good, strong melody and memorable lyrics, so anything that checks those boxes, catches my attention. So, when Hootie and the Blowfish came on the scene, I was hooked. Back then, they were new, they were exciting, and they were my youth. I could not get enough of their great melodies and lyrics that we could not stop singing, and yes, I appreciated them for the memories that were created with my friends around each and every song they released. Personally, I was drawn to that distinctive, raspy lead singer’s voice and I loved how every time I turned on the radio (and yes, we still listened to the regular old radio back then) I knew who it was. No question. At the time, this was not your typical, overdone group with the same recipe as the rest. That voice, that quality, that sound behind each word… it was his. He was Hootie. But really, Hootie was just a name. Behind that moniker, as we are all now aware, was a great artist, a gifted songwriter, and talented musician. His name was Darius Rucker.
LEAP OF FAITH
After blazing onto the music scene in the 90s with Hootie and the Blowfish, Rucker experienced quick fame as the band rose to the top of the charts. The rock and pop worlds were good to him but after years of significant success and heavy touring, he started to rethink what it was that he wanted not only from his musical career but also for his personal life. He made the decision to leave the musical world he had known for years to try and make it in the genre he truly loved country music. Now, deep into that musical transition, Rucker remembers the thought process he endured as he thought of rebranding himself and establishing himself in a new genre. “Some think that when a pop star switches to country, it’s because they couldn’t make it in the pop world. That’s not the case,” he says. 70 / RAZORnashville.com
He just knew that this transition in genres was something he wanted to do. “I wanted to come in and say, I’m ready to work to make it in this genre. We played Ravinia in Chicago on the last Hootie tour to huge, sold out crowds. Weeks later, I was the 30 minute opener for folks like Deirks Bentley. I wanted to work my way up. Didn’t want anyone to think I was entitled,” he says. He knew his place as new kid on the block. “I understood early on that I was going to have to start from the ground up. I didn’t think anybody owed me anything. Still don’t.” Refreshing. In a culture that thrives on and values fast and easy success, it’s hard to remember the last time an artist at the top of their game willingly stepped out and basically went back to boot camp. Nevertheless, Rucker truly believed that hard work would get him there. He remembers life on the road with Hootie and after a while, the rigorous touring schedule, and toll on him was enough. “Touring in the rock world is hard. You get on the bus in April and you’re gone three weeks, see your family for a day and then you’re gone again,” he recalls. “In country music, we tour a few days a week and I get to be back home. It’s awesome,” he says with a smile. Rucker knows he could not have come into country music if his family had not grounded him to what’s important in life. “All that matters to me is playing country music and being with my family. That’s it. I just want to be the best husband and father I can be and best country singer I can be. All of it came from kids I adore and a wife who is so patient. They put up with me being me and kept me grounded and being the human I’m meant to be,” he says humbly. A native South Carolina boy, and University of South Carolina alum, Rucker has always had a great appreciation for home and family. They are his foundation and it is apparent when you talk with him that they are a large part of his success. “I know I couldn’t have had the success in country music that I’ve had, if it weren’t for my family,” he says. “I’m a different guy than I was sixteen years ago. I realized I didn’t want to be a rock star anymore. I wanted to be a dad. A husband. It was huge for me to discover that,” he adds. His first album, Learn to Live, went straight to No. 1 and he believed that maybe his dream of making it in country music might actually be a possibility. His next two albums, Charleston, SC 1966 and his newest, True Believers, both ran straight up the charts to the top, turning out a combined six No. 1 singles and selling more than two million copies.
ROUND THREE
When recording True Believers, Rucker did some of the recording process in his hometown in South Carolina rather than him traveling to Nashville to do the recording. Instead of feeling as if he was going to work every day to make music, the making of this record was more relaxed as a result. “I did the vocals in South Carolina and my producer came to me. I was able to take the kids to school, record some vocals, and keep living life” and you can feel that relaxed atmosphere on the record. You can hear his devotion to his family on songs like “True Believers” in which he writes about the commitment that a husband and a wife have together. He calls it the most personal song he wrote for the album with its uplifting and life giving lyrics. Other songs like the heartbreaking “Miss You,” “Love Without You” with fellow country/pop cross over artist Sheryl Crow and the quixotic “Leavin’ The Light On,” a self-proclaimed letter of love for his wife of many years, Beth, give the listener some insight into the heart of this dad of three. He takes pride
in being a hands-on dad. They were all on the road with him when we talked. The title song from True Believers seems written about this belief and commitment to family life with lyrics like “Church bells ringing on our wedding day, Climbed in that limo and rode away, Guess you'll always hear some people say, Man, they're never gonna make it… We settled in and we settled down, In this quiet little seaside town, You are the rock I built my world around And life will never break it… We are one heartbeat in the darkness, We are one lasting answered prayer, We are one unbroken promise, And we are two, true believers...”
Another huge hit from the album is the song “Wagon Wheel.” A self-proclaimed Bob Dylan fanatic, Rucker’s admiration of the musical poet’s words and music is well known. This song is one of only two tracks on the album that he did not have a part in writing. (continued)
72 / RAZORnashville.com
“I think I’m drawn to different stuff,” he says. I’ve always considered the song the most important thing to me,” he adds. “I’m drawn to fun stuff. ‘Wagon Wheel,’ is fun! I never thought of it as a country song but a teacher at my daughter’s school played it in a school show and I loved it,” he recalls. “Wagon Wheel” became the second single from True Believers. A signature song for bluegrass group Old Crow Medicine Show, Rucker wanted to record it and Lady Antebellum came on board to do the harmony. The song hit the top of the Billboard Country Singles chart in May, just prior to the release of the album. Written by Rucker’s favorite, Bob Dylan, and Old Crow’s Ketch Secor, you would be hard pressed to walk into any bar in any town and not hear the song played by either a DJ or a cover band. Its popularity has created a huge hit for Rucker and Old Crow, including a performance together on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry that has been watched on YouTube over a million times. Overall, Rucker was seeking a strong record that was strong through and through. “We take a lot of time with our records. We wrote over fifty songs for this one. It’s all about the song. Not about having four singles and a bunch of filler. I want to have records that have thirteen singles,” he says. “It’s all about the song for me.” His family is his harshest critic. “I bounce songs off my family all of the time. As soon as I come home from the studio, they are always listening. They are definitely a huge help. My kids are 18, 12, and 9 and they are not afraid to tell me their opinion,” he chuckles. “To them I’m just Dad.”
He also turned to some new writers for True Believers. “It’s always important to bring new people in when writing a record. I don’t want to get stuck in one place, one sound. I want to know what they do, what they think. It’s all about moving and growing,” he says. “It’s easy to grow when you’re dealing with new people. I still love all of the guys I’ve written with before. You get attached to the songs. They are like my kids. I wouldn’t put a song on the record if I didn’t love it. You better love it because you might end up playing it for the rest of your life,” he laughs.
PART OF THE FAMILY
He is finally feeling settled into this genre that he loves but the one moment that sticks out most in his mind is his induction into the hallowed Grand Ole Opry in October 2012. “That’s the moment I really felt I’d made it,” he says. “I’m a part of country music now. I remember going to the ACM’s and CMA’s years ago and thinking ‘What’s Hootie doing here?’ but all of the hard work is working. It was one of my favorite music nights ever!” he says. (continued) RAZORnashville.com / 73
“It was beautiful. Amazing. I was in shock. I knew I’d played the Opry a lot and had a lot of success in country music but I figured I was a few more years away from that,” he says. “I’ve made a point to play the Opry as much as I could. It was amazing to have Brad (Paisley) there and ask me if I wanted to be a member.” That moment was extremely emotional for him. As one of the few African-Americans to rise to such heights in country music, his induction held all sorts of emotions. “It’s so funny, every time I go to the Opry, I have to touch my plaque,” he laughs. “They told my wife about the induction a month before and she told my kids. When I told my wife at that time that I was going to play the Opry, she said they wanted to come with me. All my friends were there. Somehow, I didn’t see anybody. They all managed to hide from me!”
COMING FULL CIRCLE
Rucker is not one to rest on his laurels. To whom much is given, much is expected and he has a huge heart for giving back. “I’m still in awe of the fact that my name or just having me show up or come to play some songs can help charities make money for themselves and make money to help people,” he says. “To me, giving back is what I’m supposed to do. It’s one of those things that God put me on the earth to do. I’ve had a lot of success. I came from nothing. I was one of six kids living my life and now here I am selling records and selling out shows. If a buddy calls and says ‘Can you come and do this or that to help,’ I’m like SURE! That’s what I was taught as a kid. I always knew if I had success doing anything, giving back was something I was going to do.” Life is in a sweet spot right now. Family life is good. His career is rewarding and he feels no end in sight for his desire to continue bettering himself. He even had a street named after him in Charleston - Darius Rucker Boulevard. It’s been a dream fulfilled and that’s what keeps him going and he feels fortunate. “It’s really great. I know it’s important to just keep finding something that makes you want to get up each morning.” And it’s important to keep believing. RN 74 / RAZORnashville.com
RAZORnashville.com / 75
FANTASY FOOTBALL NO S L GIR WED O L AL by Kate Alger (who yes, is a woman)
There, I said it and I am sure I am not the only one to ever think this. Okay, okay, maybe not all women but really, there should be some sort of vetting processes. (Maybe the same for a few men as well.) There needs to be a cut off of some sort because frankly, some woman are not playing for the same reasons as the true spirit in which the game was created; you know, to trash talk for 16 weeks, take cold hard cash from friends, and ultimately to win. (continued) 76 / RAZORnashville.com
RAZORFEATURE
I
n an age when women can do anything that men can, maybe we need to revisit female involvement in Fantasy Football a little. We try so hard to do everything they do and often do it well, but I don’t always think that is the case for Fantasy Football. Let me set the stage here a bit for you on why only select women should play. I have always been an avid football fan. Being born in Green Bay, Bart Starr signed my birth certificate next to my father’s John Hancock. I kid, but seriously, in a town that is supported by paper mills and the Packers and with a current population just over of 100,000, it is an unspoken requirement that to take up residency in the land of beer and cheese curds, you must be a fan of the green and gold. Throw in the fact that the fans own the hometown team and really, there is no deeper-rooted
When my oldest was born, I did what every new mother does and added her to the Green Bay Packer season ticket wait list. Fingers crossed and prayers to St. Lombardi, she should be getting her tickets when she is 32. No joke. fan base in all the NFL. Back in the day when players had full time jobs in addition to being on the roster, my grandfather, Jim Moravetz, had a little bar located near where the team would practice. The guys often stopped by after a grueling training session for a cold one. As the team grew and the original stadium was being built, the players that frequented my grandpa’s watering hole, gave him five season tickets in an effort to thank him for his support and continued hospitality. Those tickets are still in the family to this day and are as one can imagine, quite coveted. When my oldest was born, I did what every new mother does and added her to the Green Bay Packer season ticket wait list. Fingers crossed and prayers to St. Lombardi, she should be getting her tickets when she is 32. No joke. 78 / RAZORnashville.com
So fast forward a few decades and I arrive on the scene. I learn the basics of football from my father, begin to understand what the yelling and shouting on Sundays is about, why after a loss it seemed that everyone was in mourning, and why grown men were bare chest at Lambeau Field when it was 20 below. (Fanatic fans + booze = topless, over weight men with a “G” painted on their chest.) In junior high, I even had a math teacher, Ms. Maier, who taught us all the intricacies of math equations via football scoring scenarios. My best friend, Jody, was far more knowledgeable about how the game was played, than anyone I had ever known. Then, I hit high school and was exposed to a new “form” of fascination with the game, Fantasy Football. I had been dating a young man (name withheld to protect the innocent) for some time and on the two-year anniversary of this heated relationship, I was preparing for an exciting date night when my plans were sadly dashed. I was coldly informed that this significant milestone in our teenage relationship happened to land on Fantasy Football draft night and that while I was welcomed to have a lovely, romantic evening, my beau would not be in attendance. He would instead be huddled in his basement with his buddies selecting players in an effort to secure the most divine Fantasy Football team imaginable. Devastated, I tried very hard to respect this decision as ludicrous as it sounded to me. Then, I did what any respectable, intelligent, levelheaded 17-year-old girl would do. I showed up at his house to see what all the fuss was about because if it was taking up precious landmark relationship time, it had better be good. Let me just say that the unannounced visit into the den of masculinity went over as well as a Bears jersey north of the Illinois/Wisconsin state line. I learned several things from that evening. One, sometimes a woman has to let a man have time with other men without intervening even if it happens to land on what seems to be the most important day of a young girl’s life. In retrospect, if he ever interrupted a girl’s night, I am sure I would have been equally annoyed. Two, if I wanted to be welcomed into this new version of a boys club, I had better brush up on some skills.(continued)
Do your research. There is no wonder as to why $6 million was generated in entry fees, magazines, draft kits, etc. last year alone in addition to an average of three hours a week being spent by owners managing their teams. Do not go into a draft unprepared. This is where your core selections could make or break your season.
Understand your league’s scoring system. Most have similar scoring systems while others have minor differences. The most popular systems are with Yahoo and ESPN.
Utilize the trades and waiver wire to your full advantage. Keep an eye on who is coming and going on other teams as well as be astute as to what your team needs are within the wire.
Don’t underestimate the work that your Commissioner does for the league. Befriend “The Commish,” you may need them to be on your side during a dispute at one point or another in the season.
Football 101 Quiz
If you can’t answer at least eight of these ten questions, please rethink your participation in Fantasy Football and invest the money instead in something as simple as “Football Rules and Basics For Dummies” or visit “The Beginners Guide to Football” at nfl.com.
1. How many players are on a football team? 2. How many quarters are in a football game? 3. When a team has possession of the ball, they are on _______________ . 4. What is the job of the defense? 5. How many points are scored for the following? a. Touch down b. Extra Point c. Two-Point Conversion d. Field Goal e. Safety 6. Which of the following is NOT an offensive position in football? a. Quarterback b. Center c. Point Guard d. Wide Receiver e. Tight End (HINT: This is not just a physical attribute of most football players.) 7.Which of the following is a defensive position in football? a. Linebacker b. Cornerback c. Safety d. All of the above 8. Are the Tennessee Titans part of the AFC or the NFC? 9. Name three of the most common penalties in football? 10.Who is the Super Bowl trophy named after?
If you had Jake Locker on your roster you were off to a good start... before the injury! RAZORnashville.com / 79
RAZORFEATURE So, this brings us to today, (sans that guy whom I do believe faired quite poorly that year in his league - no, still not bitter at all) when it is estimated that 6.7 million women compete in Fantasy Football leagues and of course, I am now one of them. Now I don’t really have an issue with women competing in Fantasy Football (“Hello Pot, this is Kettle.”) but I do take issue with those that don’t even know what football is. I firmly believe that if you are going to involve yourself in something, you need to education yourself and be able to hold your own. Too often, I see/have played in leagues with other women where this is the case. It’s like my view on voting, if you don’t educate yourself on the person and/or issues on the ballot, please, for the love of all that is holy, don’t vote. If you don’t know the basics of traditional American football, please don’t play Fantasy Football. Signing up in a league, should take more effort than selecting players based off looks, the colors of their uniforms, whether or not there is an affinity for the shopping in the city that is represented by a team, or whom they are dating/married to. (I kid you not, these reasons have been utilized. See Tony Romo, Jessica Simpson saga.) There should be some effort to not only know the basics of football but also to have at least general knowledge of players, what their positions are, their point potential, and what exactly Fantasy Football is. Also, if a women (or anyone for that matter) is playing, they need to play. Truly participate in the intent of the games origination. Don’t waste everyone else’s efforts in the game by not even making a single change in your line up throughout the season, unless somehow you have been given the unachievable perfect team. Don’t just fill a slot on the schedule because there is the thought it will check the “quality time” box with one’s mate as it degrades the teams that have been mindful of their performance. For example, in our office league last year, one of my fellow female colleges decided she wanted to play, didn’t make one change to her line up, and ended up with winning the pool. Beginners luck, maybe. Completely and utterly annoying that 80 / RAZORnashville.com
she didn’t even realize she won, most definitely. Now, since we are well into this season of Fantasy Football, I am sure there are many women out there that are already committed to participating. If you are one of them, and have made the effort to educate yourself on the game of football as well as how Fantasy Football actually works, please also keep the items (on the next page) in mind when playing.
Signing up in a league, should take more effort than selecting players based on looks, the colors of their uniforms, whether or not there is an affinity for the shopping in the city that is represented by a team, or whom they are dating/married to. (I kid you not, these reasons have been utilized. See the Tony Romo, Jessica Simpson saga.) All in all, at the end of the season, everyone should be able to look back and say that they had a good time participating in any Fantasy Football league no matter what their level of experience is. Remember that it is a team effort and whether you are a man or a woman, know what you are doing before you commit to entrenching yourself in a season full of trash talking, waivers, trades, player placement decisions, and possible financial loss. In reality, I don’t really care what gender you are, I will happily take your money when I clean up week after week with my exquisite appointment of show stopping players. In the immortal words of Terrell Owens, “Get your popcorn ready, ‘cause I’m gonna put on a show.” RN
EDITORS NOTE: At the time of this article being written, the author’s Fantasy Football team was 5-0 and in no shortage of continued momentum.
THE BASICS 1) Don’t take a loss too personal. No one is out to get you or gang up on you. It’s a game. Someone has to lose.
2) Much like baseball, there is no crying in Fantasy Football. Ever. Period. 3) Do not under any circumstance use the outcome of a weekly match up, trade,
trash talk, etc. as a catalyst for a fight with your man. There are enough reasons outside of the game to fester over something your boyfriend/spouse should have telepathically known about or done.
4) While loyalty is an admirable trait in life, it isn’t in Fantasy Football. Don’t be
loyal to a player or team if they are not contributing enough to your scoreboard. No one will get hurt feelings if you bench or trade them. Newton doesn’t know you benched him for Brees anymore than he can hear your father when he yells at the refs on TV.
5) If you aren’t 100% confident in your playing abilities but are still somehow in a league (i.e. pushy IT guy at work suckered you in) get a “ghost coach/mentor” to help you out. In the same vain as a ghostwriter, enlist your brother, cousin, friend, etc. to help you out behind the scenes. It’s not cheating; it’s research.
6) Although I am sure you try hard to utilize the best BB cream available, you
must have thick skin. There will be a healthy amount of trash talking throughout the season. This too is part of the game and an unwritten rule in participation. When in doubt, refer to #2.
7) In addition to being on the receiving line of trash talking, be prepared to dish some out as well. But be careful if you so indulge. “Ha, I beat you!” is not trash talking. Get clever and be accurate.
8) If you select a team name such as “Cleats and Cleavage” or “Breaston Plants” back up that creativity with an equal amount of innovative player allocation. Don’t be just a pretty face.
9) Not specifically Fantasy Football related but a good rule of thumb is just
because the NFL has produced lines of women’s apparel, does not mean that they should be worn. For instance, pink jerseys are not really team jerseys at all. They are just pink shirts with numbers on them at that point. “Wearing your
team colors” is actually just that and the last time I checked, there were no teams that claimed pink and white as part of their brand. Believe it or not, there are a few items that should not be made in pink.
THE MUSICIANS HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM IS BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER! 82 / RAZORnashville.com
by Shari Lacy
Glen Campbell Exhibit
Bruce Springsteen Exhibit
Motown E xhibit
T
here would be no killer songs without killer musicians. It’s a fact. But how many of us actually know the names of those musicians who recorded some of the most memorable instrumental refrains of all time? You know the ones. Ed King’s immediately recognizable guitar riff at the beginning of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” a riff that came to him in a dream. Or Dick Dale (a.k.a. King of the Surf Guitar) on "Misirlou,” a guitar sound that defined the surfing generation. Or what about, Jimi Hendrix’ guitar solo on the Jimi Hendrix Experience’s “Voodoo Child,” a song that became a 15-minute blues jam that seemed to go on forever. Or even Kurt Cobain’s chord riff on 1991s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” a song that gave a sense of rebellion and fury when it was a hit for Nirvana. Before technology evolved to what it is today, musicians were hired to work with artists during studio recording sessions. Music lovers have probably heard of a few of these groups as some of them went on to make a name for themselves as headliners like Booker T and the M.G.’s and Toto. While it’s hard to comprehend, between the 1950s and mid/late 1980s, these studio bands played on over 80-90% of ALL albums recorded. Their influence is undeniable. These are musicians who played on hundreds of hits from Bob Dylan to Elvis, Frank Sinatra, Garth Brooks, and more. Studio musicians groups came out of cities such as Detroit, Muscle Shoals, Los Angeles, Memphis, and Nashville and were a part of an evolving recording industry. They found themselves playing whatever came to them in a session, whatever the song needed no matter the genera. These musicians often had nicknames and were known as one entity like The Wrecking Crew or The Funk Brothers, The Memphis Boys, The A-Team, The Swampers, and even Garth Brooks’, The G-Men. There’s no doubt that Nashville is the capital of country music, but it also has a strong non-country musical past as well. The city can boast a long list of other styles recorded in the past through today. Neil Young’s “Heart of Gold,” was recorded in Music City. Bob Dylan’s “Lay Lady Lay,” and “Dust in the Wind,” by Kansas. Jimi Hendrix got his start in Music City, visiting Nashville while he was in the military stationed at Ft. Campbell, Kentucky. Today, tight clusters of studio musicians creating memorable sounds are not as prominent as they once were. Nashville can still claim some ownership of stellar session players but nothing like it was when popular artists of the day called upon ace studio bands to define a generation and just play great music. The list of influential musicians through the years is long. Famous instrumental sounds have defined generations but often we, the listening public, don’t even know the name of the musician who played it. We just know the artist who made it famous. (cont.) RAZORnashville.com / 83
RAZORFEATURE The Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum (MHFM) is on a mission to change that and to give musicians the recognition they deserve. Finally, reopened in their new space inside Nashville’s old school-cool Historic Municipal Auditorium, this museum is different from all of the others. It is the only museum in the world that honors the talented musicians who played on the greatest recordings of all times. The MHFM stems from the passion of one man, founder Joe Chambers. Chambers, a successful songwriter, first thought of telling the musician’s story in the mid-1990s while speaking with guitar giants Chet Adkins and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, James Burton. He mentioned his desire to honor musicians in this way and those conversations later turned into building a hall of fame and museum. “I knew there were a lot of great musicians that were not known to the public but who had played, and still play, on great recordings along with musicians whose names we already know,” Chambers says. “I thought that music lovers would be interested in knowing who played on their favorite songs. When we checked and found that there was no Musicians Hall of Fame that covered all musicians, no matter where they were from, what style of music they may be best known for playing, or what instrument they played, we felt it needed to be done.” The MHFM’s original location was on Sixth Avenue, just behind Bridgestone Arena but they had the misfortune of having the wrong address when it came time for Nashville to build the new Music City Centre. Always a supporter of a new convention center in Nashville, Chambers set out to find a new home for the museum while also expanding upon the success and relevance that the museum was experiencing. 84 / RAZORnashville.com
The MHFM recently reopened in their brand new location at the Municipal Auditorium located on Fourth Ave. N. in downtown Nashville. The auditorium even got a name change when MHFM moved in. It is now known as, “The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum at Historic Nashville Municipal Auditorium.” The MHFM is definitely worth a visit, not only to read about these influential musicians and their part in musical history, but to also see the very instruments that created the sounds we know. In addition to all of the unmatched displays, the MHFM is also home to The Musicians Hall of Fame Awards Show, which is a top-notch production that features some of the amazing studio musicians live as they are being inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. The lineup of performers and presenters is impressive to say the least. For Chambers, seeing the Musician’s Hall of Fame and Museum come to fruition has been a thrill. “The coolest thing about being the MHFM founder has been seeing something develop from just an idea to what it has become today,” Chambers says. “The most rewarding thing has been seeing what the MHFM has meant to all the musicians who have been recognized by their peers but also in the case of most of the studio players, this has been the first time in their lives that they have been exposed to and honored by the public who grew up listening to the music they created on the radio.’ New exhibits are always in the works and through the end of this year, you can view a great art exhibit by artist Betty Harper, known as “The Elvis Artist” and the official artist for Elvis Presley Enterprises, you can see her works of The King and other musicians in person by visiting the MHFM today. RN For more details, check the MHFM website at www.musicianshalloffame.com
PAST MUSICIAN HALL OF FAME AWARD SHOWS
2007 Inductees (1st Annual) The Funk Brothers, The Nashville A-Team, The Wrecking Crew, The Blue Moon Boys, The Memphis Boys, The Tennessee Two. The inaugural ceremony was highlighted by the performances of Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Peter Frampton, George Jones, Amy Grant, Rodney Crowell, B.J. Thomas, and Dobie Gray honoring the evenings inductees. 2008 Inductees (2nd Annual) Billy Sherrill, The Crickets, Al Kooper, Duane Eddy, The Memphis Horns, Booker T and the M.G.’s, The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section & Friends. Keith Richards, Kid Rock, Phil Everly, and Lee Ann Womack were among the performers to welcome the inductees. Richards joined The Crickets on stage for a performance of Holly's "Don't Fade Away," which The Rolling Stones covered in 1964.
2009 Inductees (3rd Annual) Chet Atkins, Toto, Victor Feldman, Charlie Daniels, Fred Foster, Billy Cox, Paul Riser, Dick Dale. Rascal Flatts joined Toto on stage to perform "Rosanna," "Hold The Line," "I'll Be Over You" and "Africa". Steve Wariner, Paul Yandell, Tony Joe White and Beach Boys guitarist Al Jardine were among the other performers at the ceremony. Hank Devito, Brian Ahern & Garth Fundis
AMERICA’S “NEXT GREAT COCKTAIL CITY” IS SPIRITED DOWN TO ITS ROOTS!
86 / RAZORnashville.com
f o s i r a P Plains the by Derek Klaus
Downtown and Sprint Center photo from David Arbogast
y a w a t e G e h T
“If you want to see some sin, forget Paris and go to Kansas City.”
G
– Edward R. Murrow
od bless the creator of the travelling cocktail kit. Here was a man (or woman) who challenged the possibilities of successful living; who had a keen understanding of those priorities that make for the puzzle pieces of a whole existence. While it’s feasible that the slinging of a 30-pound leather case over one’s shoulder can whisper inconvenience, it’s inarguable that this mobile vault of spirits will singlehandedly change the spirit of any trip, prompting nothing less than spirited adventure, if only by way of a shaker, a jigger, and a dream. God bless you, you…genius. You hero. You saved us all. Except, there is one footnote: That travelling cocktail kit is an unnecessary accessory in a city of particular bounty. Kansas City. By night (or by day, depending on one’s day), this city transitions into a constellation of cocktail destinations. It is a unique galaxy in the lower Great Plains - one with a special vocabulary of phrases like “barrel aged” and “house-made grenadine” - that seeks to welcome, and not just those customers who breathe the secret password. However, it was not always that way. Brush those mothballs off the DeLorean, and take a Sunday cruise back to the bonedry landscape of the Prohibition era. KC political leader “Boss” Tom Pendergast engineered an alcohol irrigation system that established Kansas City as a nightlife capital in the 20s and 30s. “He was really the guy in charge who kept the saloons open and the nightclubs open, so Kansas City was commonly referred to as a ‘wide open’ town during that time,” says Manifesto speakeasy co-owner (and Imbibe magazine’s 2013 bartender of the year), Ryan Maybee. Maybee notes that Kansas City was the only major city that sidestepped convictions related to the distribution or sale of alcohol during Prohibition. “A lot of the jazz musicians - if they already weren’t here in KC - came here because it was the most fun and most wild town. People were still able to drink and celebrate and dance and have a good time, and do so without interference.” Nearly a century later, Maybee leans on that history to lead a Kansas City cocktail renaissance. His pioneering of a progressive cocktail scene is one expression. Another is the Paris of the Plains Cocktail Festival, which he co-founded with Doug Frost and Brandon Cummins. Held the week before Labor Day, “POP Fest” highlights cocktail and spirits by way of education, tasting, and full-on drinking. “If nothing else, it’s an attempt to show KC and the rest of the country that there are skilled and experienced professionals 88 / RAZORnashville.com
working here who are doing things that are as interesting as people in more famed places,” says Frost. “But it’s also an attempt to provide them with a forum to interact with colleagues from other cities. And to try to have a hell of a lot of fun while we do all of the above.” POP Fest only accounts for four days, however, so what about the remaining 361? Good news: Kansas City continues to irrigate through a craft cocktail movement reflecting the best of what a growing national effort can muster.
JC Nichols Fountain
The Players
The highest concentration of outstanding cocktail destinations is within and around the city’s arts district, the Crossroads. It is a fitting complement: a proper cocktail is as much of an artistic endeavor as is any painting (said me after my fourth cocktail). However, the people of this city sustain notable destinations across the region. Therefore, we work ourselves inward, starting north and south.
North
Jonathan Justus (right) has defined himself nationally with an interpretation of regional cuisine that speaks that a la mode language of farm-to-table. His restaurant is Justus Drugstore, and his cocktail program is a charismatic extension of his brand. Who else, for instance, would make their own sweet and dry vermouths? (The sweet version features over 60 ingredients.) Most exciting is Justus’ elixir du jour, a hyper-seasonal daily cocktail special that rarely repeats. Today, it’s a lilac gin number featuring a variety of peach so rare that Kansas City’s botanical garden (Powell Gardens) asked for the seeds. Jonathan grows the peaches in his front yard. And he probably blows the glass in which the drink is served. Probably.
South
When Megan and Colby Garrelts launched Rye in late 2012, they opened the floodgates on an indefatigable stream of national attention: a cover story in Saveur; recognition by Bon Appétit as one of the 50 best new restaurants in the U.S. in 2013; Etcetera. And Rye’s cocktail program is at the heart of its excellence. Anchored by cocktails like the Barrel Aged Boulevardier (pre-mixed and then aged in a charred American white oak barrel for three weeks), and the State Fair (which shines thanks to its caramel corn infused bourbon), Rye is the go-source for liquid sustenance in Johnson County.
Westport
Rye’s sister restaurant, Bluestem, is the flagship of the Garrelts’ empire-in-training. Staffed with bartenders sporting names like Lazer and Van Zarr, patrons might mistake Bluestem as the rave capital of Kansas City. Fortunately, it is not. Instead, it is a destination for the kind of modern cocktails that complement its James Beard Award-winning modern culinary program. This past summer, guests sipped the Paloma Shrub, a spin on that classic cocktail that combines grapefruit soda and tequila. (cont.) RAZORnashville.com / 89
For more information about all there is to see and do in Kansas City, contact the Kansas City Convention & Visitors Association at VisitKC.com or call 800-767-7700. (clockwise from top) Union Station, Power and Light District, Kauffman Center, Museums at 18th & Vine
The Paloma Shrub begins with a homemade grapefruit “shrub” (reduced grapefruit nectar fortified with Champagne vinegar), which bartenders blend with Espolon blanco tequila. Equally as enticing as the cocktail program is the space itself chic, low key, and buzzing with a subtle energy. Blocks away from Bluestem, Port Fonda is Kansas City’s authority on culinary-driven, authentic Mexican food and drinks. Port Fonda features cocktails and spirits of all natures, but it emphasizes craft concoctions rooted in tequila or mezcal. Margaritas are the star of the show (they’re so popular that the restaurant serves them on tap), but the A-lister among that exclusive circle is the Rozelle, a pink margarita combining Milagro blanco tequila, hibiscus-infused simple syrup, Solerno blood orange liqueur, and fresh lime juice. On Saturdays and Sundays, a build-your-own Bloody Maria bar offers more ingredients than you have in your house.
President Hotel
Downtown Crossroads Arts District
The Kill Devil Club, Extra Virgin and Grunauer are all leading cocktail destinations in the heart of the city. But it was Manifesto that vaulted Kansas City into the national cocktail dialogue. It’s a speakeasy-style venue, which means it plays hard to get. Walk to the back of 1924 Main Street, ring the bell, and then descend one flight down into the city’s darkest and most seductive drinking venue. The cocktail list is as extensive as most restaurants’ food menus, and each offering is as special as a snowflake - the rare breed that’s slightly unsteady and slurs every fifth word. The Winter in Buenos Aires, frontrunner for the metro’s best cocktail, has been on the menu since day one, and blends cachaca (Brazil-born sugarcane liquor) honey, cinnamon, lemon, and roasted butternut squash into that version of heaven that’s mixed 007-style. Manifesto is Ryan Maybee’s creation. And earlier this decade, when he co-founded The Rieger Hotel Grill & Exchange, he established a sister bar that values cocktail execution in an equally as serious fashion. Here, the drinks are typically less esoteric than Manifesto’s, but every bit as well crafted. It might just be a gin and tonic, for instance, but The Rieger’s bartenders compose the tonic in house. (Same story for the ginger beer and the cola.) A drink called The Pendergast, however, is where this story - the story of Kansas City cocktails - begins and ends. Built from bourbon, sweet vermouth, Benedictine and Angostura bitters, it’s the go-to drink for anyone looking to step back in time. Just under a century ago, Al Capone could have been standing next to you. He lodged at The Rieger (originally a hotel) when in Kansas City for meetings with the real Pendergast, Boss Tom, whose office was on the same block. Those meetings built a nightlife. Inspired a population. And established a reputation for cocktail excellence that’s more relevant today than ever before. Welcome to the new Kansas City: The city of fountains. And cocktails. RN
The Manifesto
Providing food to the hungry in Middle Tennessee since June 2000.
This holiday season, please help us feed our neighbors in need.
To learn more about our Alternative Gift Program, please visit our website at www.IHHGDPHULFD多UVW RUJ Feed America First, 1105 Blue Springs Rd., Franklin, TN 37069 (615) 512-5915
JOIN THE ST. JUDE GIVE THANKS THANK . W ALK. LK.™
Walk. W alk. alk a k To help h me live. Form walk and eam ttoday oday an d F orm a w alk tteam help unds tto oh elp ssave av sstart tart rraising aising ffunds kids Reagan. kids llike ike R eagan.
St. Jude patient Reaga Reagan, 3 leukemia acute lymphoblastic leu ©2013 © 2013 ALSAC/St. A L S AC / S t. Jude Jude Children’s Children’s Research Research Hospital Hospit al (14777) (147 7 7 )
REGISTE REGISTER
|
FORM FO RM M YOUR YOU TEAM T EAM
|
FUNDR FUNDRAISE FUND AISE
|
W WALK ALK
Saturday Satur rday
November N ovember
23
Sign up today at
givethankswalk.org.
®
Thanks and Giving
A ARTFULLY RTFULLY A AWARE WARE
An A Auction uction to to Benef Benefit it A Autism utism
Join us ffor or a Night Night of Fun Fun and Entertainment! Enter tainment!
November November 9t 9th h 7:00 7:00 - 10:00 10:00 pm
THE FACTORY ATT FRANKLIN FRANK FACTORY A Liberty Liber ty Hall, 230 Franklin Franklin Rd Franklin Franklin TN, TN , 37064 37064 TTo o pur purchase chase your your ticket ticket to to tthe he auction, adv advanced anced viewing viewing of the the ar t, and for for more more information information go to: to: art, www.biddingforgood.com/thebrowncenter www.biddingforgood.com/thebrowncenter items ar e available available Select items are Tickets are are $25.00 per person, $30 at tthe he door Tickets All musical per performances formances are are solely solely by by individuals with with Autism Autism
EEbo^ Lbe^gm :n\mbhg' Eh\Ze :kmblml' A^Zor Ahkl = h^nok^l bo^ Lbe^gm :n\mbhg' Eh\Ze :k mblml' A^Zor Ahkl = h^nok^l The The Br Brown own C Center enter 2 2702 702 Gr Greystone eystone Rd N Nashville, ashville, Tn 37204 37204 Featuring Featuring pieces created created by by children children receiving services receiving ser vices Brown at The Br own Center. well Cent er. As w ell as artt donated by ar donated b y artists! local ar tists! proceeds All pr oceeds will benefitit ttheearly benef heearly intervention int er vention services ser vices at The Brown Center Br own Cent er
LAST CALL from Virago
Fuji Apple Saketini 1.5 oz Grey Goose La Poire 3/4 oz Fuji Apple Sake 1/4 oz simple syrup Dash of pear nectar Dash of cranberry
Shake and strain into a martini glass Top with Poochi Poochi sparkling sake Garnish with Asian pear slice THE END / RAZORnashville.com
N<Ë M< = @ E8C C P 9L@ C K @ K % % %
EFN @ K Ë J PFLI K LIE K F :FD< K ?< E<N C <OLJ F= E8J?M@ C C < FG<EJ EFM<D9<I ( /K ? @ $ -, 7 IFJ 8 C % G 8 I B J 9 C M ;
NNN% E8J?M@ C C <C <OLJ% :FD