Nfocus Nashville February 2018 by FW Publishing

february 2018

Best

Parties

2017

The votes are in!

My Nashville Three local couples share how theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d spend their dream weekend in town

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Tennessee’s First SMILE New and Minimally-invasive Surgery for Myopia (Nearsightedness) is First Major Advance in LASIK Technology in 25 Years, Reducing Dependence on Glasses and Contacts short pulses is used to make small incision in the cornea to create a disc-shaped piece of tissue. This tissue is then removed by the surgeon though the opening which causes the corneal shape to change, permanently changing the prescription. SMILE has a proven track record of success. It has been used internationally since 2011 and more than 750,000 procedures have been performed worldwide. Dr. Wang noted that currently, the procedure has not been approved to treat large amounts of astigmatism and cannot treat farsightedness and that LASIK is still a better option for a majority of the patients seeking laser vision correction.

The first major advance in LASIK technology in 25 years, the SMILE procedure, was performed in Nashville recently at Wang Vision 3D Cataract & LASIK Center by its director, internationally renowned ophthalmologist Dr. Ming Wang, Harvard & MIYT (MD, magna cum laude); PhD (laser physics). “We are extremely very excited to be the first again to introduce the next generation laser correction procedure to the state, helping out patients with this new and minimally invasive procedure,” said Dr. Wang. Myopia is a common eye condition in which close objects can be seen clearly but distant objects are blurry without correction. LASIK and PRK have been the main stay treatments for myopia for over two decades. But SMILE, which stands for SMall Incision Lenticule Extraction, has unique advantages over LASIK. The SMILE surgery is minimally invasive as the surgeon needs only to create a small, precise opening to correct vision. No flap is needed. The laser incision is smaller than 5 millimeters for SMILE, compared to approximately 20 millimeters for LASIK. This

helps the cornea to retain more of its natural strength and reduces the risk of rare flap complications. Dry eye after SMILE is also reduced compared with LASIK, as nerves responsible for tear production during the cornea remain more intact in SMILE. One of the state’s first SMILE patients was Margaret Coleman, 34, a manager of the world-famous Bluebird Café, in Nashville, which was prominently featured in the ABC TV drama “Nashville”, among others. Ms. Coleman has had poor eyesight all of her life, legal blind in both eyes without correction. Ms. Coleman’s 3D Laser SMILE procedure went beautifully and she is thrilled to have her crystal clear new vision and newly gained independence on glasses or contacts and being one of the first patients in the state to receive SMILE!

Dr. Ming Wang, a Harvard & MIT graduate (MD, magna cum laude), is the CEO of Aier-USA, Director of Wang Vision 3D Cataract & LASIK Center and one of the few laser eye surgeons in the world today who holds a doctorate degree in laser physics. He has performed over 55,000 procedures, including on over 4,000 doctors. Dr. Wang published 8 textbooks and a paper in the world-renowned journal Nature, holds several US patents and performed the world’s first laser-assisted artificial cornea implantation. He established a 501c(3) non-profit charity, Wang Foundation for Sight Restoration, which to date has helped patients from more than 40 states in the U.S. and 55 countries, with all sight restoration surgeries performed free-of-charge. Dr. Wang is the Kiwanis Nashvillian of the Year.

“I am so happy!!!”, exclaimed Margaret at her postop visit. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the VisuMax Femtosecond Laser for SMILE procedure for -1 to -8 D myopia with up to 0.5D astigmatism. During a SMILE procedure, a femtosecond laser with precise

Dr. Ming Wang can be reached at: Wang Vision 3D Cataract & LASIK Center 1801 West End Ave, Suite 1150 Nashville, TN, 37203 615-321-8881 drwang@wangvisioninstitute.com www.wangcataractLASIK.com

AdvertoriAl by WAng vision 3d CAtArACt & lAsiK Center

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CONNECT IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE

Bring your family to the Y to spend quality time togetherâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and become part of so much more. When you join the Y, you support the values and programs that strengthen your community.

FOR MORE THAN A WORKOUT. FOR A BETTER US Come see how your family can be part of something more at the Y.

Visit your local Y or TrytheY.com/more to join today. Our Mission: A worldwide charitable fellowship united by a common loyalty to Jesus Christ for the purpose of helping people grow in spirit, mind and body. nfocusnashville.com

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M IRAMAR BEACH • SEASCAPE • SANDESTIN • DUNE ALLEN • GULF PLACE • SANTA ROSA BEACH • BLUE MOUNTAIN

STRETCH YOUR LEGS AND RAISE A TOAST TO GREAT FRIENDS

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Top Area Chefs Including Emeril Lagasse

Festive Dinners, Tastings & Seminars

Celebrity Winemakers, 800 Wines, Tasting Seminars

March 2 – Seaside

April 12-15 – Baytowne Wharf

April 26-29 – Miramar Beach

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GRAYTON BEACH • WATERCOLOR • SEASIDE • SEAGROVE • WATERSOUND • SEACREST • ALYS BEACH • ROSEMARY BEACH • INLET BEACH

Highlighted by year-round events, the festive food, wine and downtime of South Walton offer another excuse for joining those you pair with best.

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nfocusnashville.com

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Contents February 2018 | Vol. xxv, No. 2

parties

departments

Party Like It’s Your Bar Mitzvah

Reminiscing and reliving the past at Big Night Out

In Our Words All of our favorite things in one place

Behind the Scenes Butch Spyridon

Enchanted Evening A show of talent at La Bella Notte

features 23

Best Parties 2017

My Nashville

The results are in!

Nsider

Nuptials

Taking Vows

Soirée de Corps, Symphony Fashion Show Kick-Off, Merry Mercy Christmas Benefit and the Victoria Preview

Latest Nashville weddings

Rives-Lloyd vows

How three couples would spend the perfect weekend

48 16

54 ON THE COVER

Gavin and Lorie Duke photographed at home by Daniel Meigs. To find out how the Dukes would spend their dream Nashville weekend, visit the My Nashville feature beginning on page 33.

33 44

Local Flavor

Arts and Galleries

Nroute

Nspire

Best Behavior

Step Inside

Localite

Backstory

Pencil In

Nretrospect

What’s cooking at The Patterson House and Gertie’s Bar

Upcoming visual and performing arts

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences

Nashville Diaper Connection

Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

Noelle

A lesson from Valentine

What constitutes marital longevity

Calendar of February events

The first Nfocus cover

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Kelsey Albritton

Joseph Baer

1358 PAGE ROAD

6 BR & 8 FULL, 3 HALF BA | 20,533 SQFT $17,999,999 1358PAGEROAD.COM

DENNIS JOHNSON 615.429.7072

Join us in welcoming our new agents

LAURA BAUGH 615.300.3051

KIRTLAND RESIDENCES

LAURA BAUGH 615.300.3051

JANET JONES

Kathy Pittman

1816 PACE HAVEN

4613 GENERAL LOWREY DRIVE

JANET JONES 615.300.5045 MARY SUE DIETRICH 615.351.0073

SOLD | $1,549,900 JANET JONES 615.300.5045 MARY SUE DIETRICH 615.351.0073

4321 ESTES ROAD

3705A & 3705B ESTES ROAD

SOLD | $1,050,000 JANET JONES 615.300.5045 MARY SUE DIETRICH 615.351.0073

LAURA BAUGH 615.300.3051

2802A VAULX LANE

1206 HUNTERS TRAIL DRIVE

SOLD | $619,999 JANET JONES 615.300.5045 MARY SUE DIETRICH 615.351.0073

SOLD | $550,000 JANET JONES 615.300.5045 MARY SUE DIETRICH 615.351.0073

5 BR & 6 FULL, 8 HALF BA | 19,137 SQFT $8,100,000

THE HOMES AT WOODMONT 3619 & 3621 WOODMONT BLVD 5 BR & 4 FULL, 1-2 HALF BA 4,585 SQFT | 4,349 SQFT $1,187,950 | $999,000

Andy McClelland

3 BR & 3 FULL BA | 2,809 SQFT

3 BR & 3 FULL, 1 HALF BA | 2,100 SQFT

MARY SUE DIETRICH

LAURA BAUGH

5 BR & 7 FULL, 1 HALF BA | 8,421 SQFT

5 BR & 3 FULL, 1 HALF BA 3,860 SQFT | 3,863 SQFT $949,900 | $949,900

2 BR & 2 FULL, 1 HALF BA | 2,293 SQFT

DENNIS JOHNSON

40 Burton Hills Boulevard, Suite 230 Nashville 37215 | 615.250.7880 | worthproperties.com

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Editorial

Herbert Fox, Jr. Nancy Floyd managing editor Lauren Langston Stewart staff writer Holly Hoffman social correspondent Gloria Houghland contributors Beth Alexander, John Bridges, Hallie Caddy, Whitney Clay, Melissa Corbin, Geert De Lombaerde, Carrington Fox, Leigh Hendry, Sandy Nelson, Ellen Pryor, Jennifer Puryear, Hunter Claire Rogers, Megan Seling, Abby White, Varina Willse founding editor editor

Art

Heather Pierce Eric England staff photographer Daniel Meigs contributing photographers Michael W. Bunch, Steve Lowry, Jen McDonald, Brooke Rainey art director

senior photographer

Production

graphic designers

Liz Loewenstein, Melanie Mays Matt Bach

production coordinator

Marketing

marketing director

Lynsie Shackelford Josephine Wood

marketing promotions manager

Advertising

Amy Mularski Maggie Bond advertising director Rachel Dean senior account executives Carla Mathis, Hillary Parsons, Mike Smith, Stevan Steinhart, Jennifer Trsinar account executives Michael Jezewski, Keith Wright sponsorship specialist Heather Mullins sales operations manager Chelon Hasty account managers Olivia Moye publisher

associate publisher

Circulation

circulation manager

Casey Sanders

Nfocus is published monthly by SOUTHCOMM. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Thurs., Feb. 15, 2018. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusnashville.com. First-class subscriptions are available for $99 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or American Express credit card number and expiration date to: GAry MiNNiS, SOUTHCOMM. 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call MAGGiE BOND at 615-244-7989, ext. 233. Copyright ©2018 SouthComm, LLC. C

SouthComm

chief financial officer Bob Mahoney chief operating officer Blair Johnson vice president of production operations creative director Heather Pierce

Curt Pordes

IN o ur wo rd s

CMY

Nothing But the Best All of our favorite things in one place It’ll come as no surprise to you that our Nfocus team knows a thing or two about parties. We cover between 300 and 400 per year, and after 25 years in print, we’ve seen just about everything. That being said, we still find new things that surprise and delight us on Nashville’s social scene every single year, and this is the issue where we get to talk about them. For our annual Best Parties poll, we asked you, our readers, to vote on your favorite events of the year and all of the details that made them shine. We received a record number of votes this year and the results represent every corner of the city and the causes that make it so special. From the Nashville Zoo to the Nashville Symphony to the Warner Parks, the winning nonprofits are as diverse as the events they host.

NASHVILLE

NASHVILLENASHVILLE

4015 HILLSBORO PIKE, SUITE 105 | NASHVILLE, TN | P: 615-292-9700

Our writers also weighed in on the moments that stood out to us this year. Find out our favorite latenight snack, our biggest celebrity sighting and the luncheons that left us feeling inspired and educated on page 23. This issue also marks the return of the My Nashville feature (page 33). We asked three couples — Lorie and Gavin Duke, Fletcher Foster and Dennis Johnson, and Tara and Ben Armistead — to share how they’d spend a dream weekend in Nashville. Their itineraries showcase their unique personalities and include tips and suggestions on where to dine, where to hike, where to bike and where to shop. Take a minute to see Nashville through their eyes and find some new places worth exploring. BY NaNcY FloYd

Nancy is a reader of books, rider of bikes and lover of all things local. She lives in East Nashville with her husband, Kyle, and beagle, Gus. Email her at nfloyd@nfocusmagazine.com.

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4535 Harding Pk. - Suite 110 Nashville, TN 37205 (615) 202-7777 cpcanashville.com

125 Woodward Hills Place $1,899,990

Ellen Christianson 615-300-7190

1963 Old Estill Springs Road $1,175,000 Brady Smith 615-202-9019 Christy Reed 615-504-2833

110 31st Avenue North #406 $785,000 Doug Lesky 615-243-1064

COMING SOON

828 Woodmont Boulevard $750,000 Kim Oliver 615-521-6815

102 B Gilman Avenue $849,000

Shauna Brooks 615-347-2550

611 Georgetown Drive 5113 Sq.Ft. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; New Construction Shawn Binkley 615-414-8176 Shauna Brooks 615-347-2550

Christianson Patterson Courtney & Associates Congratulates our 2017 Top Producers

Shauna Brooks Platinum Level

Christy Reed Platinum Level

Stephanie Tipton Gold Level

Dana Battaglia Gold Level

Laura Clay Gold Level

Deirdre Kerr Bronze Level

Russell Buchi Bronze Level

Elizabeth McGuire Bronze Level

Ashley Travis Bronze Level

David Taylor Bronze Level

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Melissa Moss Silver Level

Brady Smith Silver Level

Kathryn Donelson Christa Shreffler Bronze Level Bronze Level

Seema Prasad Silver Level

Kim Oliver Rookie of the Year

1/26/18 9:49 AM

behind the scenes

Butch Spyridon When Butch Spyridon became the president and CEO of the Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. in 1991, Nashville’s landscape looked quite different — both literally and figuratively. There was no Bridgestone Arena, no Nissan Stadium, no Music City Center. Our beloved Nashville didn’t have the same draw for conventions or business, and even though the city had already been known for its music for decades, Music City tourism was nowhere near what it is today. Butch has lead the city through ups and downs over the years — including the time 13 tornadoes hit Nashville in one day in 1998, one ripping through downtown and causing catastrophic damage, as well as the devastating flood of 2010 — but now Nashville continues to grow and shows no sign of slowing down. Last year alone, 113 new restaurants opened, and this year, 16 hotel properties are expected to open — an all-time high for Nashville. In fact, Butch says that out of the last 85 months, 82 of those have shown record performance. Our city now boasts $6 billion in direct visitor spending each year, and 65,000 people are employed in the hospitality industry alone. And for so much of that, we have Butch to thank. We chatted with him to find out a few of his favorite things about Nashville and where he likes to spend time. by Lauren Langston Stewart photographs by Daniel Meigs

What’s it been like watching Nashville evolve over the years? Nothing short of a miracle. Nashville has been thoughtful and deliberate in many initiatives to improve our community, but I don’t believe anyone saw this level of success coming. I hope we played a part, but it has been a combination of great leaders, forward-thinking residents and a little luck.

The Basics

Name: Butch Spyridon Profession/Title: President and CEO of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. Hometown: Pascagoula, Mississippi Zip code: 37027 Years in Nashville: 26 ½ Number of tourists that visited Nashville last year: 14.5 million

How do you feel about the “new” Nashville? In my world, cities are growing or dying, so I like the “new” Nashville. What’s the most underrated or often overlooked attraction in Nashville? The Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum What’s your favorite annual event? Music City Food + Wine Festival If you had $1 million to give to a nonprofit, which one would you give it to? Can I divide the money four ways? If so, Pencil Foundation, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee, Nashville Humane Association and YWCA. What is Nashville missing? Nothing of significance. Maybe the mindset to remember our culture and heritage. What makes you the most proud of Nashville? The people of this community Where’s one place you always take friends visiting from out of town? I make sure they get to experience the incredible food scene and live music.

What’s your favorite time of year in Nashville? I’m a fan of fall in Nashville — the fall colors, the festivals, the events and sports. What’s your favorite city to visit? Anywhere with an ocean What’s your favorite part of your job? Every day is completely different. Least favorite? Public speaking What’s your favorite thing to do in town that feels the most authentically Nashville? Songwriter shows What’s your ideal night on the town look like? Nice dinner, good show, late-night snack at Dino’s or Hermitage Cafe What do you hope Nashville looks like in 10 years? Pretty close to what we are now — but with a good transit system and a new Titans Stadium What’s one thing you hope never changes about Nashville? The friendly, caring nature that Nashvillians display every day

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“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” - Leonardo da Vinci

{

}

At RE/MAX Homes and Estates, Lipman Group, we list some of the most extraordinary homes in Middle Tennessee and the interior designs within speak ultimate sophistication.

NASHVILLE • BRAND NEW 3.5 STORY WITH STUNNING VIEWS Luxurious, brand new abode. Media room with rooftop deck. Chef ’s gourmet kitchen with 2 islands, quartz countertops, LG 4 drawer fridge, and LG dishwasher. Gleaming hardwoods, designer bathroom tile and vanities. Open floor plan with deck off great room featuring a cozy fireplace. 3 BR, 2 Full BA, 2 Half BA • 2,559 SF • 3311A Felicia Street • $659,000 • Renee Max, 615.975.7043

LAKE FRONT LIVING • SPRING CITY Resor t Living | ~ 4 Acres | 150 Foot Yacht Dock 5 BR, 2 Full BA | 5,241 SF 2745 New Lake Road | $2,500,000 Chris Mannino, 615.299.7995

THOMPSON STATION • UNPARALLELED EQUESTRIAN LIVING Simply an amazing property. Nearly 5,000 square feet in this beautiful log home, in addition there is a 1800’s guest home with 1,000 square feet. You will want to take notice of the 14 stall barn, an indoor 16 stall riding arena, an outdoor riding arena and paddocks fenced and cross fenced throughout. 4 BR, 2 Full BA , 1 Half BA • 4,896 SF •1721 Dean Road • $1,495,000 • Chris Mannino, 615.299.7995

NASHVILLE • OPEN FLOOR PLAN Spacious | Master On Main | 2-Story Great Room 2002 Richard Jones Road 4 BR, 2 Full BA , 1 Half BA | 3,044 SF Suite C-1041225 Beech Hollow Drive | $429,900 Chris Mannino, 615.299.7995

TIM’S FORD LAKE • BEAUTIFUL LAKE FRONT RETREAT Pristine 5 acre proper ty is located on the shores of Tim’s Ford Lake in Winchester Tennessee. This new construction features 5 structures totaling 50,000 square feet, 3 gazebos, a 10 slip marina with boat lift, 10 slips for Jet Skis, 10 garages (20 car) and a tour bus garage. 18 BR , 20 Full BA , 17 Half BA • 3377 Old Tullahoma Road • $6,900,000 • Chris Mannino, 615.299.7995 Larr y Lipman, 615.364.333

Nashville, TN 37215 615.463.3333

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

SUTTON LIPMAN COSTANZA

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RENEE MAX

CHRIS MANNINO

LARRY LIPMAN

lipmanhomesandestates.com 2002 Richard Jones Road Suite C-104 | Nashville, TN 615.463.3333 Each RE/MAX office is independently owned and operated.

1/26/18 9:50 AM

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nsider

Ken and Lisa Abraham, Nancy Alcorn

Jordan and Nicki Rubin

George Shinn, Megan Westerfield

Kim and Lee Greenwood

Co-chair Birgitta Williamson, Whitney Daane, Co-chair Lorie Duke

Hugh Howser, Sandra Lipman

Janice Elliott Morgan, Gustavo Rangel

Taylor Boswell, Sammi Moore

Merry Mercy Christmas Benefit

Symphony Fashion Show Kick-Off

Mercy Multiplied held its annual Mercy Multiplied Christmas Benefit at the Hilton Nashville Downtown, where nearly 450 guests joined President and Founder Nancy Alcorn, Mercy graduates and singer-songwriter Francesca Battistelli for the program hosted by Josh Axe and Jordan Rubin. Graduates of the program shared moving testimonies that heartened the crowd, a positive reminder that lives can be changed — and Mercy Multiplied is doing just that.

The tireless committee of the Symphony Fashion Show took a break from planning and headed to Gus Mayer for a first look at the Spring 2018 line from Jason Wu, the featured designer at the stylish fundraiser. Ladies fawned over the ultrafeminine fashions as they sipped Champagne and nibbled on treats from Table 3. Quite a few tried on Jason Wu’s flirty florals and striped separates, looking for the perfect piece to wear to the event in April.

by Lauren Langston Stewart photographs by Eric England

by Holly Hoffman photographs by Eric England

12.5.17

Sheila Fischer, Derek Anderson, Mara Papatheodorou, Linda Wei

Ray Smith, Geraldine Kelly

Deb Miller, Michelle Dewey

Kevin Crane, Jessica Turk, Cass Teague

1.10.18

Shawn Haile, Christy Waller, Marci Houff

Steve Sirls, Paul Vasterling, Allen DeCuyper

Richard and co-chair Adrienne McRae, Co-chair Suzanne and Grant Smothers

Bruce Pittman, Joe and Joanne Sowell

Victoria Preview

Soirée de Corps

Nashville Public Television threw a festive preview of Victoria on the coattails of Dickens of a Christmas at The Franklin Theatre. Guests arrived in holiday attire and period-appropriate clothing and noshed on crostini and white chocolate blondies from Bacon & Caviar. Before settling in for the much-anticipated preview, Mara Papatheodorou gave a brief history of Victorian holiday traditions — including many that are still practiced today.

Ballet Ball co-chairs Adrienne McRae and Suzanne Smothers expressed their gratitude to the members of the Ladies’ and Gentlemen’s Committees, as well as the underwriters for the upcoming ball, with a celebratory gathering at the home of Christy and Brian Waller. Guests sipped on libations from Red’s Spirits and Wine and enjoyed bites from d.Kates while chatting away excitedly about the upcoming ball scheduled for March 3.

by Lauren Langston Stewart photographs by Eric England

by Lauren Langston Stewart photographs by Daniel Meigs

12.10.17

1.11.18

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“How is St. George Island different from modern day Florida?” The quick answer is “Everything.”

When I am asked the question

Immensely quieter, kinder. Resplendent with complex coastal habitats, nesting sea turtles, bald eagles and infinite species of fresh and saltwater sea life. Shimmering night skies devoid of artificial light intrusion. Pet-friendly beaches. Miles of coastal bicycle path. Density controls that prohibit high-rise structures. A 3300’ paved airstrip on the Island or three 5000’ runways in nearby Apalachicola allow discriminating privacy seekers to disappear into a world free of fanfare and worldly distraction. Just an unspoiled Island with a laid-back attitude. An easy trip from Nashville and just 2.5 hours from 30A, St. George Island, Florida, is a 28-mile Island escape into “Old Florida” surrounded by Apalachicola Bay and acclaimed Gulf of Mexico beaches.

Chat Que Peche

Captain N’ Crew

Enjoy the pinnacle of Island life in a private resort setting with waterfront pool, boat dock/lift, boat launch, beach, and lush tropical landscaping. This 4 BR, 6 BA home is custom designed and strategically sited to capture panoramic vistas and stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, Intercoastal Waterway and Apalachicola Bay from multi-level screened and open tiled porches. The top floor master opens to a private waterfront deck. Modern kitchen with gas range, cypress and glass cabinets, center island, bead-board coffered ceiling, and granite counter tops. Screened outdoor kitchen. Large heated and cooled garage and studio/workshop. This home is a true gem! Offered at $2,350,000

Charming Gulf view home! High ceilings throughout. Natural light from the many windows surrounding the open living area create a bright, happy ambience. 3 large BRs, 2 BAs. All bedrooms and great room open to a large wrap-around veranda. Enjoy the open Gulf view and sounds of the surf from the spacious veranda or atop the widow’s walk. Private pool with new heater and Pergola. Offered at $525,000

Pandora Schlitt, Realtor The Naumann Group 850-653-6690 pandora@pandoraschlitt.com

For more information on St. George Island and many other homes, please visit

www.pandoraschlitt.com

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pa r t I E S

Kelly Unger, Laurel Orley

Andrew and Jessica Ginsberg, Craig and Dara Freiberg

Cindee Gold, Frank Gordon, Jenny Lewis

Co-chairs Barbara Davis, Jessica Pinsly, Leeron Resnick and Nancy Jacobs

Theo and Erin Morrison

Party Like It’s Your Bar Mitzvah

Reminiscing and reliving the past at Big Night Out

Kim and Brian Lapidus, Beth Davis, Chris Ehresman

he pizzazz of Big Night Out, the Gordon Jewish Community Center’s recent soirée, was a perfect reflection of the event’s four chairmen: Leeron Resnick, Jessica Pinsly, Nancy Jacobs and Barbara Davis. After a year of working together, these high-energy BFFs could barely contain their exuberance. “We live at the J!” exclaimed Jessica. “Literally, our children go to preschool here, and we work out here every day. It is such an important part of our lives.” They concurred early on in the planning process that they wanted this year’s theme to be, “J Mitzvah, Party Like It’s Your Bar Mitzvah!” in honor of their beloved J. Every single detail of this evening brought back memories of this dynamic foursome’s teen years, as well as those of the partygoers. In fact, all attendees were asked to submit photos of their own Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, which became the foundation for a nostalgic slideshow displayed prominently as guests entered the party. Flashing neon bracelets served as unique seating cards while helium balloons from Vroom Vroom Balloon centered the confetti-covered tables. Passed apps, which included pigs in a blanket, french fries with ketchup, cowboy caviar, and black beans and salsa, tempted the devoted silent auction bidders and supplemented the multitude of food stations encircling the dining room. An oversized ice luge, in the shape of a “J,” of course, beckoned those in search of serious adult libations. For others, authentic root beer floats provided a genuine thrill. The combination of refined elegance mixed with touches reminiscent of “blasts from the past” ensured that this party was a hit! Laurel Orley and Kelly Unger chaired the auction committee, which wanted to emphasize experiences, from a behind-the-scenes tour at the Nashville Zoo to the ultimate date night for a year, featuring 12 gift certificates to the hottest restaurants in town. New this year was a live auction which had bidders jumping from their seats. Generating plenty of interest was the coveted up-front parking space at the GJCC. Nashville DJ service Spangler Entertainment rounded out this sparkling night by getting the more than 250 revelers out of their seats and onto the dance floor to rock the night away! by Gloria Houghland photographs by Daniel Meigs

Denise Alper, Phyllis Alper

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pa r t I E S

Larry and Elizabeth Papel, Rachael and Dirk Melton

Cara Jackson, Gordon Howey, Carolyn Schott, Megan Barry

Doug Adair and Susan Culkin, Jack Chambers, Martine Sanders

Gurtej and Dona Sodhi

Enchanted Evening A show of talent at La Bella Notte

n selecting the theme “Great City. Great Opera.” for the 24th annual La Bella Notte, co-chairs Robb McClusky and Janet Weaver captured the spirit of our rapidly growing city and the arts and culture that abound here. Dedicated supporters of the Nashville Opera flocked to the Hilton Nashville Downtown for an evening that celebrated its strong reputation for stunning performances, solid education programs and extraordinary talent. A display of estate and antique jewelry added sparkle to an already lively cocktail hour. No one could resist the allure of the glittering cases, including honorary chair Megan Barry who stopped to admire the incredible selection. When chimes announced dinner, guests found the ballroom dressed in sophisticated tones of black, white and silver inspired by the event’s artwork, a silhouette of the downtown skyline — complete with a crane. Tall, slender vases holding calla lilies added to the understated setting. What was not understated: the gourmet meal. Proving that our great city also has great food, the Hilton chefs created an outstanding four-course menu that included a remarkable lobster and corn ravioli. CEO and Artistic Director John Hoomes served as emcee for a program that featured performances from the 2018 Mary Ragland Emerging Artists. Four talented singers performed a combination of opera and Broadway tunes in between courses. They also entertained the audience with a glimpse of The Enchanted Forest, a “choose your own adventure” opera written by Anna Young, director of education and outreach. For the finale, they sang “Bella Notte” from the famous spaghetti scene in Lady and the Tramp. La Bella Notte is the signature event for the Nashville Opera Guild and raises funds to support opera education and outreach programs. As this winter’s Opera On Tour program, The Enchanted Forest will bring more great opera to our great city when it tours Middle Tennessee schools and appears at free community performances at places including Casa Azafrán, The Parthenon and Noah Liff Opera Center.

Co-chairs Janet Weaver and Robb McCluskey

Donnie Newman, Laura Bearden, Linda and Art Rebrovick

by Holly Hoffman photographs by Eric England continued on page 18

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Best

PARTIES

6 7

2017

The results are in!

5 8

Another year has come and gone, but we couldn’t bid 2017 adieu without honoring the best parties of the year. Our writers and readers alike have been reflecting back on the biggest and brightest moments of the past 12 months, and what a year it was! From laughing with Shaq to dancing with Steven Tyler to celebrating the birth of Andrew Jackson, there was something to delight everyone on Nashville’s social scene. Keep reading to find out what events stood out to our readers, what details impressed our writers and whether or not your favorites made the list. by Nancy Floyd, Holly Hoffman, Geert De Lombaerde and Megan Seling

READERS’ CHOICE B e st Pa rty 1. Symphony Fashion Show 5 2. One Night Only 3. Conservancy Gala and Ballet Ball (TIE)

M ost F u n Party 1. One Night Only 7 2. Gentlemen’s Christmas Breakfast 3. Conservancy Gala and Ballet Ball (TIE)

M ost I n spi re d C o- c h a i r Te am 1. Shaun Inman and Sheila Shields (Symphony Fashion Show) 2 2. Beth Courtney and Mara Papatheodorou (Conservancy Gala) 3. Charlotte Goldston and Trish Munro (One Night Only)

Be st Au c tio n I te m 1. Trip to NYC with Matt Logan (One Night Only) 2. L ive painting by artist (Dinner on the Bridge) 3. Breakfast with Megan Barry (Taste)

B e st Favo r 1. Beehive honey pot with honey (Conservancy Gala) 2. Bridge tea towel (Dinner on the Bridge) 3. Commemorative book (Sunday in the Park) B e st D e c o rat i on s 1. Ballet Ball 4 2. One Night Only 3. l’Eté du Vin

B e st E ntertain ment 1. Eden Espinosa (One Night Only) 2. F isk Jubilee Singers (Ballet Ball and Conservancy Gala) 3. Steven Tyler (Symphony Ball) B e st Wo men’s E vent 1. Symphony Fashion Show 2. Power of the Purse 3. Friends & Fashion

Best Sp ec ial G u est 1. Steven Tyler (Symphony Ball) 6 2. Zac Posen (Symphony Fashion Show) and Renée Fleming (Oz Chairman’s Choice) (TIE) 3. Steve Inskeep (Hermitage Gala) Best Ch ildren’s E vent 1. All Booked Up (Junior League) 2. Family Day at Oz (Oz Arts Nashville) 3. P icnic at the Library (Nashville Public Library) Best Dressed Party G u e s t 1. Clare Armistead 2. Milton White Craz iest/F u nniest/Best Sigh t at a Party 1. President Jackson showing up for his 250th birthday 3 2. Seesaw at Conservancy Gala 3. Sabering a 9-liter Schramsberg Champagne at l’Eté du Vin

B e s t A n im al- C e n tr i c E ve n t 1. Art for Animals 2. Sunset Safari 3. Cause for Paws B e s t Cate r e r 1. Kristen Winston 2. Johnny Haffner 3. G Catering B e s t E ve n t P l an n e r 1. Amos Gott 2. Jayne Bubis 3. Hugh Howser B e s t E ve n t V e n u e 1. Schermerhorn Symphony Center 2. Oz Arts Nashville 3. Cheekwood

WRITERS’ CHOICE M ost Tou chi n g T ri but e

Jane Dudley Dedication

In June, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens recognized Jane Dudley — the founder, two-time chair and honorary chair of the Swan Ball and an honorary Board of Trust member — for her perennial commitment to the historic estate. Following the heartfelt dedication of the Jane Anderson Dudley Grand Staircase and Balcony, past Swan Ball chairs surrounded the honoree for a group photo at the base of the newly named stairwell, which

now serves as a constant, touching reminder of the benevolent lady we lost this year. Holly Hoffman Be st B last fro m th e Past

the crowd over in no time, inspiring everyone to wave their candles from side to side when he closed out the show with “Right Here Waiting.” Nancy Floyd 1

Richard Marx at Stars for Wishes

Mo st Su c c essfu l Make ove r

Wherever you go, whatever you do, Stars for Wishes will be right here waiting for you. The star-studded fundraiser for Make-A-Wish had ladies swaying in the audience and singing along with 2017’s headliner, Richard Marx. The singer — best known for his romantic ’80s ballads — won

After more than 30 years, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee decided it was time to give its signature event, the Harvest Moon Ball, a makeover. They opted for a more casual vibe by dropping “ball” from the name and moving to the

Harvest Moon

crowd-pleasing Loveless Barn. The many enthusiastic attendees, who filled the barn wearing sporty jackets and jeans, enjoyed fare from The Loveless Cafe and dancing to Super T Revue, proving the plan was a huge success. Holly Hoffman B e s t B i parti s an G ath e r i n g

Gentlemen’s Christmas Breakfast On one of the first truly cold days of late 2017, there was plenty of warmth from both sides of the aisle at Shaun and Gordon Inman’s Franklin home, continued on page 24

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BEST PARTIES

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WRITERS’ CHOICE where a record crowd gathered for the 18th Gentlemen’s Christmas Breakfast. Politics might be especially divisive these days, but disagreements were set aside for this jovial pre-holiday gathering that drew plenty of Republican and Democrat officeholders as well as numerous candidates looking to take their public service to the next level. Geert de Lombaerde 8 Bi g g e st C e l e b ri t y Si ght i n g

Shaquille O’Neal at Great Futures Gala

The Boys and Girls Clubs of Middle Tennessee is known for bringing in some big-time celebrities for the annual Great Futures Gala. In the past, they’ve welcomed Rob Lowe, Martin Short and Martin Sheen. But no one was bigger than this year’s special guest. Shaquille O’Neal, a former Club kid himself, was charming and hilarious when he sat down with Rudy Kalis for a live interview about his basketball career, his business success and his upbringing in New Jersey, reminding everyone in attendance of the huge impact this organization has made. Nancy Floyd 14 Be st Dog Pa rk A lt e rn at i v e

Unleashed: Dinner With Your Dog

The number of dog-friendly spots in Nashville continues to grow as more people take their furry friends out and about. When the sun goes down and the dog park closes, the best place to party with your pup is Unleashed: Dinner With Your Dog. Canines are as excited as their owners to head to the Hutton Hotel for the Nashville Humane Association fundraiser. If you don’t own a dog, no worries. Every adorable pup modeling canine couture is available for adoption! Holly Hoffman 9

M ost I nspiring Lu nch eo n

Reaching New Heights Cumberland Heights’ Reaching New Heights Luncheon is always an afternoon filled with wisdom and inspiration, but this year’s keynote speaker took it to another level. Jeannette Walls, author of the best-selling memoir The Glass Castle, shared many of the book’s more poignant tales as she addressed her father’s alcoholism, her untraditional upbringing and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Supporters of Cumberland Heights are no strangers to the heartbreak of addiction, but Jeannette’s message was one of hope and healing, two things that Cumberland Heights works hard to achieve every single day. Nancy Floyd 11 Be st L ate- Nigh t S nack

Chocolate-covered popcorn After an exquisite evening that included an a cappella performance of Aerosmith’s “Dream On” from the Nashville Boy Choir at Blair, ladies and gents at the Symphony Ball Patrons Party received one final surprise. Each guest was handed a charmingly wrapped, generously sized bag of chocolate-covered popcorn, compliments of G&G Interiors and past Symphony Ball chair Jane Anne Pilkinton. Two nights later at the ball, patrons were raving over the gourmet treat and many confessed to snacking on it as soon as they got home. Holly Hoffman M ost Mo dern Dé co r

Frist Gala

The art that inspired the 2017 Frist Gala may have been centuries old, but the party was as fresh and modern as you can get. Guests spent the first half of the black-tie gala admiring

Secrets of Buddhist Art: Tibet, Japan, and Korea in the main gallery, but when they stepped into the tent, cochairs Julie Dretler and Betsy Wilt wowed them with a modern take on the exhibit. Working with The Tulip Tree, the ladies created a contemporary and oh-so-chic setting for dinner, dreaming up a stark white-on-white aesthetic that was accented by bold red lanterns and panels hanging from the ceiling. The result was as stunning and dramatic as the art itself. Nancy Floyd 12 Best Visit to a Ho nky-Ton k With o u t Ru nning I nto Bach elo rettes

Bright Lights, Nashville Lights at the Omni Remember when a trip to Lower Broad was ill-advised because of rather sketchy, somewhat seedy characters roaming the streets? Now it is even riskier due to the rather drunk, somewhat loud bachelorettes who have invaded the five-block stretch. At Bright Lights, Nashville Nights, the Tennessee Kidney Foundation remedied that problem by recreating the famous district inside the Omni Hotel. It provided all the fun of hitting the honky-tonks without the threat of running into a single woo-girl. Holly Hoffman 10 Best Au dien ce Parti ci pati on

Broadway Brunch

In its second year, Nashville Rep’s Broadway Brunch showcased the excitement and unpredictability of live theater with this raucous Sunday morning party. As guests enjoyed brunch at City Winery, a handful of Nashville Rep’s stars entertained with a Broadway revue, eliciting a little help from the audience from time to time, most notably from the talented Eddie George who was sitting

front and center. About halfway into the performance, the cast started chanting “We want Billy,” the intro to “All I Care About” from Chicago. Eddie didn’t need too much coaxing before jumping onstage to reprise his Broadway role of Billy Flynn, sending this crowd into a mimosa-fueled tizzy. Nancy Floyd 15 Fan ci e s t F oot w or k

Christie Wilson at Dancing for Safe Haven You can count on discovering a friend’s hidden talent at Safe Haven Family Shelter’s Dancing for Safe Haven. That friend was Christie Wilson. Six competitors took the assignment seriously, training for weeks with professional dancers to learn their way around the dance floor. Each performance was impressive, but it was Christie who danced her way into hearts of the crowd. With her partner, Christopher Wayne, she wowed everyone with a Foxtrot that went from demure to red hot in a flash and deservedly won the Audience Favorite Award. Holly Hoffman B e s t-K ep t P r o mi s e

Laura Bush at the Spring Outing In 2009, former first lady Laura Bush was so moved by a visit to The Hermitage that she told the staff to let her know if there was ever anything she could do to help. Last year, when the Andrew Jackson Foundation was planning the Spring Outing, Laura was the first person to come to mind. The former first lady kept her promise and appeared at the 117th annual event to speak to the record-breaking crowd of 700 guests, sharing tales of her time in the White House, offering updates on her family and honoring the important role of The Hermitage continued on page 26

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BEST PARTIES

2017

T H E H E I G H T O F L U X U RY I N N A S H V I L L E

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WRITERS’ CHOICE in educating others about American history. Nancy Floyd 13 Best Ph oto o PPo rtu n i ty

NFA Honors

At the inaugural NFA Honors, Kelly Diehl and Elizabeth Williams of New Hat Projects employed loads of color and patterns to create not one but two fantastic photo opportunities at the arts-immersive event. A kaleidoscopic balloon wall was the most innovative step-and-repeat ever, and columns of spin-able cubes provided a killer backdrop in the photo booth. As artistic directors for the Nashville Fashion Alliance event, Kelly and Elizabeth embraced the theme — celebrating the artistic collaboration and economic potential of Nashville’s fashion industry — and brought in their creative friends to help. Holly Hoffman 20

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Kelsea Ballerini and Zac Posen at the Symphony Fashion Show It’s hard to imagine anyone more adorable than fashion designer Zac Posen. That is, until country music darling Kelsea Ballerini walks into the room. The duo was paired up for the Symphony Fashion Show, a genius move by co-chairs Shaun Inman and Sheila Shields, and it was love at first sight — for them and for us. When they came together on and off the stage, the result was pure magic, giving fans one of the most fabulous Symphony Fashion Shows in recent memory and — if we do say so ourselves — one of the most gorgeous Nfocus covers of the year. Nancy Floyd 16 Best alternative to ha PPy h o u r

Wined Up 615-653-4753 505 CHURCH ST NASHVILLE, TN 37219

A great way to end a wintry week — or any week for that matter — is drinks with friends. In February,

Wined Up provided the perfect setting for exactly that while raising funds for Nashville Wine Auction’s fight against cancer. A thirsty crowd filled City Winery for the Fridaynight event, a part of the organization’s Pairings: The Ultimate Wine and Food Weekend. Enthusiasts and aficionados reveled in sampling almost 100 wines from 29 West Coast vintners while cleansing their palates with tasty appetizers prepared by Chicago chefs. That’s plenty to be happy about! Holly Hoffman 17 B e s t sl i Ce of aM e r i Can a

Whitland Fourth of July Celebration

The Fourth of July always has everybody feeling patriotic, but no celebration in the city is quite as charming as the parade and potluck that happens in the Historic Whitland neighborhood. The entire affair feels like stepping inside a Norman Rockwell painting — rosy-cheeked children waving American flags, dogs yapping at their heels, grown men dressed like Uncle Sam — and is the perfect way to kick off the birthday of our great nation. Nancy Floyd 19 B e s t tr i P BaC k i n t i M e

Prom Night at Hampton High

No matter what your recollection of high school prom may be, everyone looks back on Prom Night at Hampton High with fond memories. More than 200 people attired in big dresses, big hair and big lapels walked through a balloon arch into the “gym” — aka Bette and Mark Christoferson’s backyard — for the zany night benefiting Nashville Conflict Resolution Center. Even a former prom queen returned to campus for old times’ sake: Title-winning female impersonator Brooke Lynn Hytes entertained the crowd until way past curfew. Holly Hoffman 18 continued on page 28

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BEST PARTIES

2017

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WRITERS’ CHOICE

Be st T r i um p ha n t R e t urn

Conservancy Gala

After taking a year off due to an unexpected tragedy in 2016, the Conservancy Gala returned in triumphant fashion this past November. A celebration of our beloved Centennial Park and Parthenon, the event honored the history of these two Nashville treasures by transporting guests back to 1897 for the Tennessee Centennial and International Exposition. Co-chairs Beth Courtney and Mara Papatheodorou had every detail covered, from a welcoming committee decked out in Victorian attire to copies of the expo’s admission tickets to a replica of the giant seesaw that was the most popular attraction. It was the perfect way to celebrate the past and the future! Nancy Floyd 22 Be st Hoc ke y-V i e w i n g Pa rt y

Swan Ball

Ticketless fans of the Predators filled sports bars and living rooms to watch their beloved team win the first home game in the Stanley Cup finals, but the ritziest viewing party by far was held at the Swan Ball. Guests — some wearing fan gear to accessorize tails and gowns — were thrilled to find televisions strategically placed under the tent on Cheekwood’s Swan Lawn. Although performer Sheryl Crow couldn’t slip away to watch the game, she showed her support for the team by plucking a Preds cap from a fan and wearing it while she sang a couple of songs. Holly Hoffman 21 M ost I n f orm at ive C hat

Antiques & Garden Show Lecture

The Antiques & Garden Show is known for bringing in some of the most fascinating and glamorous peo-

ple in the world — Hi, Diane Keaton and Gwyneth Paltrow! — and we could listen to their keynote speakers talk for days about style and design. But it’s also nice to walk away with some very practical tips, which is what audiences received when Nate Berkus took the stage. The interior designer, who shot to stardom as a favorite guest of Oprah Winfrey, was charming and informative as he offered up design tips and shared his favorite finds from the show. Nancy Floyd Be st-Beh av ed Ho no ree

Bill Forrester at How About Dinner and a Movie You can always count on Bill Forrester to be a perfect gentleman, and he was definitely minding his manners at How About Dinner and a Movie. The man who always keeps us in line by asking, “Are you behaving?” was honored for his far-reaching contributions to so many area nonprofits, including Park Center, the beneficiary of the event. A courteous — and record-breaking — crowd followed Bill’s lead and minded their p’s and q’s throughout the night. Holly Hoffman Coo lest Co llab o ratio n

Steven Tyler and the Nashville Symphony at the Symphony Ball It’s no secret that the Nashville Symphony is fabulous, but there is something incredibly special about watching them accompany some of Nashville’s — and the world’s — biggest stars. Fortunately, for guests of the Symphony Ball, that’s exactly what happens when the Harmony Award winner takes the stage at the white-tie gala each year. This year’s honoree, Steven Tyler, had everyone

on their feet during his five-song set, but it was the closing number — a moving rendition of “Dream On” accompanied by members of the symphony — that nearly brought the house down. Nancy Floyd Best Co stu mes

Ballet Ball

Upon arriving at the Ballet Ball, we were mesmerized by the striking dancers positioned atop marble bases in the lobby of the Schermerhorn. Billy Ditty of the Nashville Ballet’s costume department used a sophisticated color scheme of black, gray and champagne and unexpected materials including feathers and passementerie to create the fanciful costumes that evoked the fashions of Jean Paul Gaultier and Alexander McQueen. We were so enamored with the remarkable looks that we featured three of the dancers on our April cover! Holly Hoffman 23 M o st Artfu l Dinner

l’Eté du Vin Patrons Dinner The pieces of art lining the galleries at 21c Museum Hotel — the site of the l’Eté du Vin Patrons Dinner last summer — weren’t the only masterpieces on display. With chef Levon Wallace at the helm, each course of the delectable dinner was a work of art. And due to a new format where patrons were divided into two smaller dinners, Levon and his team actually prepared two entirely different — but equally inspired — multi-course meals to complement the wines from the California vineyards. With inventive dishes like tobacco-cured duck and black cocoa rigatoni with lamb ragù, the meal was almost too pretty to eat. Nancy Floyd

P r e tti e s t A l f r e s co Eve n t

Dinner on the Bridge Cumberland Park was a breathtaking substitute spot when Dinner on the Bridge relocated from its usual spot on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. The park’s riverfront location afforded spectacular views of the city skyline, the bridges, the Cumberland River and the restored riparian plantings along its banks. As if perfectly timed, the sun set just as dinner was announced. More than 500 guests made their way to a long line of tables which ran down the East Bank Greenway, a perfectly appropriate locale for an evening benefiting Greenways for Nashville. Holly Hoffman B e s t Far e w e l l to S u m m e r

Fall Harvest Dinner

After another long, hot summer, we’ve never been more ready for autumn, and there’s no better place to usher in the cooler temps and the beautiful colors of fall than at Cheekwood. The Horticultural Society’s Fall Harvest Dinner is one of the best ways to say au revoir to summer and embrace the brisk days ahead. The alfresco dinner, staged beautifully in the Bradford Robertson Color Garden, paired perfect weather with an exceptional meal. Nancy Floyd 24 B e s t F lor al D i s p l ay

Marché des Fleurs by Electric Flora at the Antiques & Garden Show Phillipe Chadwick is known for his show-stopping, vibrant designs, and when Electric Flora, his company with Nick Maynard, conceived Marché des Fleurs for the Antiques & Garden Show, it may have been the most continued on page 30

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Red Hot February Finds You’ll Love!

Opening Nashville’s Finest Doors UNIQUE & EXCEPTIONAL LISTINGS

1108OvertonLea.com

1108 OVERTON LEA ROAD Spectacular Oak Hill home with luxe pool and pool house on gorgeous 2.06 acre estate lot. 4 BR | 6.2 BA | 7,208 sf Offered at $2,875,000

3BucklandAbbey.com

2146 Bandywood Drive - Nashville, TN 37215 www.ashleymeier.com

3 BUCKLAND ABBEY Stunning Northumberland home with top tier finishes, elevator, covered porch and spectacular courtyard. 4 BR | 4.3 BA | 6,425 sf Offered at $2,090,000

708 OVERTON PARK European style custom built home with exquisite updates. Covered back porch and walled courtyard with spa pool. 4 BR | 4.1 BA | 4,322 sf Offered at $1,295,000

1925 CASTLEMAN DRIVE This beautiful renovated Cape Cod offers, charm, character and convenience in the heart of Green Hills. 4 BR | 3.1 BA | 3,729 sf Offered at $989,000 COMING SOON 9619 Brunswick - Bonbrook 5BR | 4.5 BA Full Unfinished Basement $699,000

MELANIE BAKER ABR, CRS, SFR

615.300.8155 615.383.0183 melanie.baker@zeitlin.com

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BEST PARTIES

2017

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WRITERS’ CHOICE impressive example yet. As visitors stepped into a garden of evergreens and white tulips and hyacinths, a loose floral arrangement sitting in a “window” beckoned them to pass through the “storefront” door. On the other side, a vivid flower shop with two flower walls — buckets of pastel flowers on one side and primarycolored ones on the other — was a visual spectacle that brightened our day and spirits. Holly Hoffman 25 Best Way to Watc h th e oscars

A Red Carpet Evening There are a few requirements for optimal viewing of the Academy Awards: a big screen, a group of friends and plenty of wine. The Belcourt’s annual fundraiser provides all of this and more, offering Nashville the biggest and best Oscars party around. Guests can walk the red carpet like a star, browse local goodies in the silent auction, stock up on treats at the concession stand and watch Hollywood’s biggest night in the company of hundreds of film lovers and new friends. Nancy Floyd Mo st edu catio nal c o c ktail Party

Claws, Paws and Jaws At the annual Claws, Paws and Jaws, generous supporters get up close and personal with some of the wonderful creatures who reside at the Nashville Zoo. Not only do attendees get to pet and hold the special guests, they learn new and fascinating facts about the creatures as well. This year we learned a most unexpected tidbit about some new zoo inhabitants that will never be taken to anyone’s home. One knowledgeable staffer informed us that petting a white rhino is “just like petting a dog.” Holly Hoffman

B e s t c h an ce to M i n g l e W i th r o Man J os i

Petey’s Preds Party The Nashville Predators hadn’t announced who their new team captain would be when we rolled up to the Bridgestone Arena back in September for Petey’s Preds Party, the annual event that raises awareness of Parkinson’s disease on behalf of the team’s former assistant coach Brent Peterson. So we happily took the opportunity to go straight to the source, asking Roman Josi, the man rumored to fill the honorable role, if he could confirm or deny anything. He let out a surprised laugh, claimed to know nothing and happily posed for pictures. Just a week later, Roman was, in fact, announced the new captain. Congrats, #59! We literally told you so. Megan Seling 26 M os t or i g i n al aWar d

Thomas Williams Golden Skillet Award At Nourish, an event hosted by The Nashville Food Project, Executive Director Tallu Schuyler Quinn announced the creation of the Thomas Williams Golden Skillet Award. The prize was just that — a skillet painted gold with a plaque in the center. Thomas, a board member and Nourish founder, had the honor of announcing Margot McCormack as the first recipient of the annual prize for her continued dedication to inventive eating. The room cheered when he presented her with the shiny frying pan. Holly Hoffman

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D SOL

1608 CHICKERING ROAD | 30 ACRES IN FOREST HILLS

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Representing Real Estate Buyers and Sellers Since 1971 Freeman Webb Companies 3810 Bedford Avenue, Nashville, TN 37215 615.271-2700: Office 1/26/18 10:16 AM

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How would you spend your ideal weekend in Nashville? What would you do? Where would you go? Perhaps most importantly, where would you eat? We asked three local couples to answer these questions and dream up the perfect Nashville weekend. They’ve written up itineraries showing exactly how they’d spend two days with no previous commitments or engagements. From facials to football games — and just about everything in between — their dream weekends are an inspiration and a reminder of all the wonderful things Nashville has to offer.

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{HOW WE’D SPEND THE PERFECT WEEKEND}

Lorie and Gavin Duke From their stunning Belle Meade home to their playfully adventurous sartorial style, everything about Lorie and Gavin Duke feels effortlessly cool. It’s no wonder then that the philanthropically minded couple has played a pivotal role in some of the most fashionable and chic events in town. Gavin, a landscape architect with Page | Duke, has designed gardens for the Antiques & Garden Show for over 20 years, and in 2014, he served as the designer for the Swan Ball. Lorie — whose long list of chairing responsibilities include the Swan Ball Auction, the Antiques & Garden Show Preview Party and the Sunday in the Park Décor and Design Committee — is taking the helm of the Symphony Fashion Show this April alongside Birgitta Williamson to welcome Jason Wu to Nashville. Find out how this dashing couple would spend a dream weekend in Nashville.

DAY ONE

4 p.m. — Puppy love

5 a.m. — Break a sweat

Gavin is usually at Warner Park on the trails by 5 a.m. He is an avid runner and begins his day running the trails with friends. It is a usual occurrence to see him out there in the dark with his headlamp on! Meanwhile, Lorie would grab coffee at Starbucks (her favorite) and drive out to Franklin to visit her horse and ride with all her “barn girlfriends.” We call it therapy time. We may go on a trail ride or ride in the ring and get our workout in for the day.

11 a.m. — Gorgeous glow

After running and riding, it’s great to go to Karee Hays Esthetics for a medical-grade face clean-up and glow! Karee and her team of professionals keep our skin fresh and clean. (Men need to glow as well.) It’s one-stop shopping for all things skin-related.

12 p.m. — Leisurely lunch

One of our favorite lunch spots is Epice in 12South, a family-owned Lebanese bistro with great fresh food and nice wines. It’s fun to have a nice leisurely Saturday lunch there and maybe walk down the street to Las Paletas for a delicious gourmet ice pop for dessert.

1:30 p.m. — Fresh flowers

Next, we’re off to The Tulip Tree to pick up beautiful fresh flowers for our home to enjoy for the weekend and week ahead. They are so fresh and last forever! We love and adore everyone there, and it is always a treat to stop in. The best!

2 p.m. — Shop ‘til we drop

We would go by G&G Interiors in Westgate Center to peruse their gorgeous furnishings, linens and accessories. We always pick up something fabulous there, whether it be a Cire Trudon candle (the oldest candlemaker in the world) — sheer bliss for the home — or some beautiful linens. So, so elegant, and the store is beyond gorgeous! It’s a dream for Nashville.

3 p.m. — Stocking up on wine

We would more than likely pop into Harvest Wines to grab a few bottles of wine to have on hand. It’s almost happy hour after all! Laura and Ames are adorable and very helpful. (We also shop at The Wine Chap. Richard and his team are great and so helpful with our parties.)

We would take our two Brittanys, Georgie and Gabe, to the dog park at Warner Parks for some playtime and exercise.

7 p.m. — Date night

Time for a romantic and fun dinner out at Rolf and Daughters. We love this restaurant! Always so delicious and fun — every time. We never want dinner to be over!

DAY TWO 9:30 a.m. — Church service

We usually try to attend church service at Woodmont Christian Church. Our minister, Clay Stauffer, is amazing, and we love him and his family. His sermons are so inspiring, and they have a wonderful youth Sunday school program for our daughter, Poppy.

11 a.m. — Sunday brunch

We love Le Peep in Belle Meade. We’ve gone there for over 10 years. (Table 3 is also a favorite spot — love the bloody marys.)

1 p.m. — Great outdoors

We’d take a nice long walk around Cheekwood, one of Nashville’s treasures. We were married there in the Wills Garden and love to stroll through the gardens as often as possible. It’s such a special, special place for us. We are very fortunate to have this place in our city.

3 p.m. — Mid-day movie

We’d catch a movie at the Belcourt Theatre. It’s the coolest place in town to see a movie! And we love the snacks they serve too — not just your typical movie popcorn.

6 p.m. — Pizza night

Sunday pizza night: It’s tradition for us now, a time to relax and start planning for the week ahead. We would either order pizza in (from Mafioza’s) or Gavin would prepare his famous homemade ones.

opposite page: photograph by Daniel Meigs; this page: the Tulip Tree photograph by eric england, G&g Interiors and the belcourt photographs by daniel Meigs

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my nashville

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my nashville

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>> february 2018

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{HOW WE’D SPEND THE PERFECT WEEKEND}

fletcher foster & Dennis Johnson Fletcher Foster and Dennis Johnson made Nashville their full-time residence in 1995. Since then, they have been making an impact on the city’s entertainment, real estate, social and philanthropic circles. Fletcher is a Music Row veteran whose Iconic Entertainment Group manages several artists including Kelsea Ballerini, whose headlining Unapologetically Tour launches this month. Dennis has applied his expertise in marketing for companies such as Disney, Opryland and Universal Orlando to become a successful real estate agent at Worth Properties and a sought-after visual designer. When their hectic schedules permit, they travel to new and exotic locales, but when in town, their weekends are quiet, spent visiting favorite shops and restaurants and enjoying time with friends and their dogs, Mason and Zachery.

DAY ONE

like dancing waterfalls. Whatever the weather condition, we are constantly reminded of living mindfully and are thankful for each and every moment.

6:30 a.m. — Sunrise

7 p.m. — Dinner with friends

One of the advantages of living on an eastward facing hill is experiencing the beauty of sunrise. Each morning is completely different depending on the time of year and the weather. Some days, you can see forever, while others you may be sucked into a bank of passing fog.

7:45 a.m. — Morning news

Weekend mornings are about enjoying a cup of our favorite coffee or tea and reading the paper. Despite the fact that most news is delivered digitally, we enjoy the less stressful form of getting the news by holding the paper.

9 a.m. — Breakfast for a cause

Founder Becca Stevens is an angel. What she has created at Thistle Farms is truly a loving gift to us all. The newly expanded and remodeled cafe was designed by our friend Ray Booth and is stylish and comfortable. Sitting within an environment of such love and compassion is enough to empower you to get out and make a difference in someone else’s life. Our dining experience ends with a visit to the shop. We usually pick something up as a gift for someone special, and we generally throw something in for ourselves. (It’s the one place you don’t feel guilty about that.)

10:30 a.m. — Shopping for antiques

In order to fuel the right side of our brains, we love to hit the local antiques shops. We especially love to find creative ways to repurpose items that many would think of as junk. Finding two items, such as an old chandelier and an iron sphere, allows us to imagine how we could engineer putting them together to make a unique hanging light fixture. A few of our favorite shops are the Winchester Antique Mall in Franklin and Gas Lamp Antiques and Gas Lamp Too in Nashville. We seem to always come out with a new creative project.

For as long as we can remember, Margot Café has been our go-to spot. Margot McCormack created one of the first “foodie restaurants” in Nashville and is a true craftsman at her trade. We always request one of the tables near the kitchen so we can enjoy watching the culinary production that seems to happen so seamlessly. We particularly enjoy when Margot has a few moment to mingle with her guests.

DAY TWO 7 a.m. — Newspaper and coffee/tea

With Sunday morning comes the Sunday paper.

8 a.m. — Watching CBS Sunday Morning

One of the best shows on TV — the stories are out of the ordinary, always interesting and leave you feeling good.

11 a.m. — Church service at West End Methodist Church

Nashville is filled with a variety of inspiring places to worship. This is our time to step away from the hustle of the world and reflect on the things that are most important.

12 p.m. — Brunch or football

Josephine has a cozy and inviting feeling that somehow makes you feel like you are in a room full of friends. One of our favorite things is the Brussels sprouts. However, if it were football season, we’d head to the Titans stadium to meet up with our friends Sylvia Roberts and Jeff Stone for a game of high-fiving.

1:30 p.m. — Lunchtime

4 p.m. — Dog walk

3 p.m. — Relaxing on the back deck

6:30 p.m. — Dinner at BrickTop’s or J. Alexander’s

Of all of the great dining options in Nashville, one of our favorite spots is the lunch counter at Nordstrom. We love to watch the chefs prepare the variety of dishes. (OK, since neither of us are Wolfgang Puck, we are really there participating in what we think is a Cooking 101 class.)

Our international travels, particularly to the Far East, inspired us to create an environment that embraces all the senses. On a slightly breezy day, the wind chimes that surround the house play magical tunes, not one tune the same. On a rainy day, the rain chains (our gutter system) that surround the house are

Our two dogs Mason and Zachery are clear on their purpose in life: protecting us and each other. Walks are more of an endurance test than a relaxing jaunt through the park. There is no enjoying the scenery; it’s a tug-of-war where they generally win.

Both restaurants consistently serve delicious, well-plated dishes. Personally, we think the ribs at J. Alexander’s are the best in town. We generally sit at the counter in the bar area so we can watch a sporting event, and if we are lucky, we run into someone we know.

opposite page: photograph by Daniel Meigs; this page: The Café at thistle Farms, Josephine and Gas lamp antiques photographs by eric england

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{HOW WE’D SPEND THE PERFECT WEEKEND}

Tara and Ben Armistead Nashville natives and friends since high school, Tara and Ben Armistead married in 1984 and recently welcomed their first grandchild, Clare, into the family. The outdoors enthusiasts stay connected over their love of the natural world. Tara follows her passion as a landscape architect, working on residential designs and civic projects that impact the community — Azafrán Park for Conexión Américas being the most recent undertaking. While transportation logistics fill his workdays, Ben spends his time off outdoors, including the pursuit of his goal to visit every national park. (This year, Acadia and Theodore Roosevelt are on his list.) Surrounded by family and close friends, Tara and Ben’s dream weekend would be spontaneous, adventurous and spent outside as much as possible.

DAY ONE

9 p.m. — Music

6 a.m. — Lazy morning

We would go for a small venue and an unknown, really talented musician. Nashville is packed with them! Recently we went to a Musicians Corner Christmas, and we didn’t recognize any of the musicians — except Levi Hummon — but every song was amazing.

7:30 a.m. — Explore the outdoors

DAY TWO

Be quiet and listen to the morning. We would read a poem and be a little lazy, then fix a breakfast of cottage cheese pancakes, Black Forest bacon and scrambled eggs with pesto — a trick from Lisa Froeb.

For Tara, it’s time for a long hike at Warner Parks or at Taylor Hollow (The Nature Conservancy’s first preserve) and the adjacent new Larkspur Conservation property. (The wildflowers will take your breath away.) Tara goes to the woods to discover what is new and to listen — not only to her surroundings but also to her heart. Benji will take the morning and meet his friends to play tennis, golf or go on a long run — anything very active!

10:30 a.m. — Off to the farmers market

6 a.m. — Kicking off the morning

Benji would bring us coffee, and we would plan our day and watch the sun rise before reading The New York Times in our living room. (We have extra-big windows that let the light stream in.) Then we would head to St. Augustine’s chapel on Vanderbilt’s campus. The early morning is peaceful and quiet; it’s a moment to be still and focus on gratitude and kindness and generosity.

Time to buy some ginger-turmeric pineapple juice, homemade bread, fresh flowers and so many heirloom veggies — especially tomatoes when they are in season — that it would be hard to carry the bag to the car.

8 a.m. — Tee time

11 a.m. — Teatime

12 p.m. — Take a hike

Next stop: a visit to The Café at Thistle Farms for a cup of tea. There is a feeling of always being welcome there, and the food is crazy delicious. We would fill the tip jar with cash to overflowing. And if we had an extra minute, we would go by Crossroads and have one of the teenage interns help wash our dog. (We leave so much happier after spending time there!)

12 p.m. — The birds and the bees

Time to check our bees. Our dream is for our backyard hives to be full of honey, pollen, and healthy, productive bees. Benji would feed his birds and hope to see lots of hummingbirds.

1:30 p.m. — Bike and a beer

We would either bike the levee and downtown pedestrian bridge and go to Bearded Iris for a beer, or we would bike Shelby Bottoms and race around Cornelia Fort Airpark. If we had lots of energy, we would bike the Leiper’s Fork loop. We ride in a big pack — you know who you are!

6 p.m. — Dinner at The 404 Kitchen

Serve up a black Manhattan with Woodford Reserve’s rye whiskey to begin. We love their food, but our favorite part is talking with sous chef Laura Hebenstreit.

One of our favorite short jaunts is to play golf at Sweetens Cove. Dogs are welcome, the greens are impossible, and it’s in the middle of nowhere.

We would take a long hike off trail in the Savage Gulf looking for springs and sinkholes and wildflowers. We would finally find a trail through the new Stone Door that would take us back to our cabin in Beersheba Springs.

6 p.m. — Unwind

Soak in a big tub with something very cold to drink!

7 p.m. — Perfect dinner party in Beersheba

It would be relaxed and simple. Benji would set the atmosphere with music, a roaring fire and a crazy table setting with lots of candles, serving dishes that Clare has collected from local artisans and beautiful moss from the woods. Tara would grill something that she hadn’t tried before — and it would turn out to be delicious. There would be plenty of Rafanelli red wine, and best of all, our table would be crowded with friends. (Because this is a dream, there would be no clean up, only dancing.)

11 p.m. — Sleep under the stars

We would inflate an air mattress, add pillows, linens and a big comforter and sleep under the stars on our porch. We would watch the moon rise and listen for owls. It would be luxurious!

opposite page: photograph by Daniel Meigs; this page: the 404 kitchen photograph by Daniel Meigs, the pedestrian bridge and Bearded iris brewery photographs by eric england

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nuptials

• Over 40,000 Designs Since 1984 • Featured in Traditional Homes, Nashville Tennessean, Parade of Homes & Talk of the Town • References in your own neighborhood • Local reputation you can count on

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Caroline Corinne King married Derek Michael Dedeker on Oct. 21 at First Presbyterian Church with a reception at Grey Gables — the home of her parents, Llew Ann and Matt King — in Brentwood. The couple honeymooned at Jumby Bay Island, Antigua. Both graduates of TCU, they now reside in New York City. PhotograPh by Clark brewer PhotograPhy

Designer jewelry and custom engagement rings Expert jewelry repairs by master jeweler Terry Cochran

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Katherine Hayley Phipps and David Graves Robinson married Sept. 23 at All Saints Episcopal Church with a reception at The Eseeola Lodge in Linville, North Carolina. The bride attended Auburn and is a veterinarian at Belle Meade Animal Hospital. The groom attended The University of the South and works at Genesco. PhotograPh by kristin sweeting PhotograPhy

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Signature Events Karen Kaforey

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Let our experienced team guide you through your planning process! We assist you with vendor selection, contract negotiation, time and budget management, invitations, concept and design, and scheduling and logistics.

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ta k i n g v o w s

Photographs by Meredith Teasley

Riv es n o t a e K Martha marries Lloyd s a l g u o John D

Keaton Rives and JD Lloyd met in 2014 through mutual friends after a Sunday service at Redeemer Community Church in Birmingham, Alabama, when they all gathered for lunch at El Cazador. Their first date was more than two years later, and JD proposed on March 10, 2017 — the first anniversary of that date. “We were dancing at my house,” said Keaton. “I love to be twirled, so he spun me around a couple of times. When I came around the last time, he was down on one knee!” They went to Gianmarco’s for dinner, where their families were waiting to celebrate. They married in August 2017 at Forest Hills Baptist Church in Nashville. Keaton wore a Martina Liana design of hand-cut lace over dolce satin. It featured petite capped sleeves and a skirt that

fanned into a chapel train. “The veil was worn by my mother 37 years ago,” said Keaton. The reception was at Hillwood Country Club which was decorated with flowers by Jennifer Solesby and linens by BBJ Linen Rental. Guests danced to the tunes of Erik Blue Band and dined on a Southern-style dinner of pot roast, fried chicken, corn pudding and fried okra. Leland Riggan designed the caramel wedding cake topped with the bride’s favorite peonies, and the groom’s cake featured dinosaur figures. At the urging of the groomsmen, and as an inside joke among JD’s friends, Keaton hit the groom in the face with a small pie during the cake cutting. “It caught him totally off guard,” said the bride, “but he

couldn’t help but laugh.” Keaton is an alumna of Samford University and University of Alabama at Birmingham, and JD is a graduate of Auburn University and The University of Alabama School of Law. After a wedding trip to Antigua, Miami and Key West, the couple returned to their home in Mountain Brook, Alabama, where she is a nurse educator at UAB Hospital and he is an attorney at The Law Office of J.D. Lloyd. The bride’s parents are Carol Ann Leonard of Brentwood and Franklin Kelly Rives of Eagleville, Tennessee. The groom’s parents are Lynn and Dale Michael Lloyd of Mountain Brook, Alabama.

by Sandy Nelson

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l o c a l f l av o r

Old Fashioned, New Nashville What’s cooking at The Patterson House and Gertie’s Bar by Carrington Fox

Gertie’s Bar at The 404 Kitchen 507 12th Ave. S. 615-712-8572 the404nashville.com

The Patterson House

photographS bY eric england

1711 Division St. 615-636-7724 thepattersonnashville.com

Named for Governor Malcolm R. Patterson, the teetotal executive who unexpectedly helped end Prohibition in Tennessee, The Patterson House celebrates and elevates the cocktail to an art form. On the ground floor of the low-profile building that houses the dining landmark The Catbird Seat, mixologists in subtle period wardrobe perform an elegant show of building drinks, from muddling fresh herbs and frothing egg whites to coaxing a friendly flame from a citrus peel. In an amber-lit bar stocked with endless possibilities of liquors, liqueurs, housemade bitters and infused syrups, The Patterson House bartenders prevent decision paralysis with a well-curated menu, arranged by choice of alcohol. On the bourbon page, for example, you might find the iconic bacon Old-Fashioned, made by pouring whiskey into a pan of sizzling bacon, extracting the meat and grease to leave a salt- and smokeinfused sipping whiskey that is then mixed with maple syrup and coffee-pecan bitters and served over a baseball of twice-filtered ice. With an ever-changing menu of craft cocktails and seasonal bar snacks — think deviled eggs, charcuterie, elevated doughnuts and tater tots, and creative panini and flatbreads — it’s no wonder owners Max and Benjamin Goldberg continue to draw quiet crowds to their latter-day speakeasy. And while there’s no secret password to sneak into this elegant library lounge, here’s a hint: go early. The cozy book-lined barroom fills up fast, and there’s no standing allowed in this sophisticated inner sanctum of creative cocktailing, so you’ll have to wait outside the velvet curtain until a booth or seat at the bar opens up. But if you do get there when the queue has already formed, be patient. It’s worth the wait.

You might recognize the Gulch address of Gertie’s Bar as the former wine room of Watermark Restaurant, but these days, the space has traded grape for grain. Named for a legendary bootlegger, Gertie’s Bar stocks an encyclopedic inventory of brown liquors from around the world. In fact, the number of whiskeys, ryes and bourbons sitting on the glowing shelves over the bar — approximately 400 — is just a coincidence, nothing to do with Gertie’s big sister upstairs, The 404 Kitchen, which recently relocated from a tiny shipping container across the street to the much larger space vacated when Watermark left for the Bridgestone Americas building. What’s not a coincidence is the meticulous attention to ingredients that go into cocktails at this establishment. Beverage director Christina Cabrera oversees a repertoire of craft cocktails on a par with chef Matt Bolus’ dinner menu upstairs. Tiny brown bottles of tinctures, bitters and syrups with labels such as Rose and Canned Heat line the counter of the large central bar where bartenders pipe them delicately into innovations such as The Man in Black (bourbon, Bruto Americano, vanilla and coriander), Minnie Pearl (vodka, prosecco, Dolin Blanc, Luxardo cherry, eucalyptus and lemon), and Fall to Pieces (vodka, Lillet Rosé, rose petal syrup, lemon and soda). To see the marriage of cocktails and cuisine, look no farther than Gertie’s 404 OldFashioned, made by steeping brown butter with bourbon and toasted pecan syrup. Meanwhile, Gertie’s serves an independent menu of bar snacks such as deviled eggs with handmade chowchow and chicken liver pâté served in a tiny canning jar. Bootlegging never looked so good.

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photograph by John schweikert

ArtS AND GAllerieS

Nick Cave: Feat. Nick Cave’s Feat. addresses social justice and civic responsibility through captivating works that include everything from video to sculpture to “Soundsuits,” which are as thought-provoking as they are stunning. Through June 24. Tickets $7-12. The Frist Center for the Visual Arts, 919 Broadway, 615-244-3340, fristcenter.org.

The King and I The winner of four 2015 Tony Awards, this revived Broadway show follows the complicated relationship between Anna and the king as the two navigate both conflict and love. Through Feb. 4. Tickets $25-90. TPAC Andrew Jackson

Attitude series — and further pushing boundaries — this piece centers around the story of Holocaust survivor Naomi Warren and addresses human strength and resiliency through music and dance. Feb. 9-11. Tickets $28-70. TPAC James K. Polk Theater,

Hall, 505 Deaderick St., 615-782-4040, tpac.org.

505 Deaderick St., 615-782-4040, nashvilleballet.com.

The Snowy Day

The Pigeoning

Utilizing both live action and shadow puppets, The Snowy Day relishes in the simple pleasures of childhood by following the hilarious snow-day adventure of Peter and his friends. Through Feb. 11. Tickets $15-20. The

Martin Center, 25 Middleton St., 615252-4675, nashvillechildrenstheatre.org.

Cleanliness and order are of paramount importance to Frank, the lead puppet in this dark comedy set in 1980s New York City, which explores obsessive compulsion and our relationships to the animals that live around us. Feb. 1617. Tickets $25-40. Oz Arts Nashville,

6172 Cockrill Bend Circle, 615-3507200, ozartsnashville.org.

Truth or Dare: A Reality Show Juxtaposing imagery and materials, Truth or Dare challenges the viewer to look — and then look again — as each piece is not exactly as it seems. Through Feb. 28. Gratis. 21c Museum Hotel,

221 Second Ave. N., 615-610-6400, 21cmuseumhotels.com/nashville. Smart People

Dynamics involving race and romance merge for a poignant look at how conversations on race can suddenly take a turn for the worse — even among four socially aware, Harvardeducated intellectuals. Feb. 8-24. Tickets $25-52.50. TPAC Andrew

Johnson Theater, 505 Deaderick St., 615-782-4040, nashvillerep.org.

Attitude: Light / The Holocaust & Humanity Project Continuing the Nashville Ballet’s

photograph courtesy of tpac

Cabaret Step into the Kit Kat Club with emcee Sally Bowles where Berliners seek refuge from the chaos of pre-World War II Germany with hits such as “Cabaret” and “Willkommen.” Feb. 27-March 4. Tickets $22-72. TPAC Andrew Jackson

Hall, 505 Deaderick St., 615-782-4040, tpac.org.

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SLEEP At each of the spacious 60 guest rooms and 32 villas (three to six bedrooms complete with kitchens and living quarters), personal concierges greet guests with welcome drinks during check-in. Open floor plans boast floor-to-ceiling windows and secluded outdoor areas with panoramic views. Deep soaking tubs, private outdoor showers and organic amenities come standard, and in-room spa services are also available. The impeccably stylized rooms are well-appointed with remote-controlled blackout blinds, espresso machines and Bluetooth sound systems. Nightly turndown services invite peaceful slumber in sumptuous bedding — the perfect complement to those breathtaking Baja sunrises.

DINE Executive chef Yvan Mucharraz’s team embraces sustainable principles and sources locally for the award-winning Latin cuisine at Chileno’s two open-air restaurants. Comal’s beachside dining sets the tone from breakfast to late-night cocktails while TnT’s tacos and other casual fare can be enjoyed at the rustic beachfront bar or poolside. From an extensive tequila and mezcal selection to rarities such as the indigenous fish Totoaba, you’ll want to savor chef Yvan’s creativity by sharing several dishes. Add to the experience by arranging for a romantic campfire dinner right on the beach and under the stars.

PLAY The family-friendly resort is centered around a series of infinity pools surrounded by personal cabanas and lounge chairs. The adults-only pool and Jacuzzi virtually spills into the Sea of Cortez, where every day at 5 p.m, a floating bar comes to you. An activity center, complete with pilates and yoga studios, offers a wealth of classes. While the movie theater and kids’ center are popular for those seeking respite from the sun, the H2O Cave is a water sports haven, offering snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and clearbottom canoes. Book a private yacht or deepsea fishing excursion to explore Chileno Bay, hike the nearby desert trails or play a round of golf on the private Tom Fazio golf course.

Chileno Bay Resort & Residences Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

RELAX Infusing natural elements from the Baja region, The Auberge Los Cabos Spa Resort at Chileno Bay makes each experience unique. Starting in the mist alcove and finishing in the reflexology pool, guests are also encouraged to visit the salt inhalation room, the aromatherapy steam room and ice fountain for relaxation and meditation prior to signature treatments. These moments of zen may even be enjoyed as a personal practice without spa treatments. Don’t forget to check out the spa boutique where local finds can help you create a spa day at home to ease back into everyday life.

Along the Sea of Cortez, there’s a magical stretch of Baja California peninsula known as Los Cabos, Mexico. A bevy of resorts abound, offering postcard sunrises, turquoise-blue waters and unforgettable experiences — so many that choosing where to hang your snorkel and fins can prove overwhelming. For a long while, at the top of this list has been Esperanza, an Auberge Resorts property recently garnering Travel + Leisure’s Top 10 Resort Hotels in Mexico for 2017. In keeping with the Auberge level of luxurious excellence, the resort’s service and amenities leave you barely lifting a finger. When its “little sister” down the road, Chileno Bay Resort & Residences, debuted last winter, discerning travelers fell in love all over again. Whether it’s for your honeymoon, anniversary or perhaps a Tuesday, this 1,200-acre piece of modern paradise never ceases to amaze. by Melissa Corbin

Carretera Transpeninsular San Jose-San Lucas Km. 15 Playa Chileno Bay Cabo San Lucas, BCS 23410, Mexico 844-207-9354 chilenobay.aubergeresorts.com SJD

Photographs courtesy of Auberge Resorts

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nspire

photographs by Daniel Meigs and Lauren Langston Stewart

No Child Wet Behind Serving babies and families in need with Martina McBride and Nashville Diaper Connection Any parent of a baby or toddler would consider diapers a basic need, but for a large portion of Nashville’s population, they are a luxury that is out of reach. One in three families struggles to provide diapers for their children, and even those on government assistance still can’t obtain them. In fact, when it comes to food stamps, diapers are classified the same way as tobacco and alcohol. Recognizing how great the diaper need is in Davidson County, the Nashville Diaper Connection has worked tirelessly since 2013 to provide diapers for low-income families and to raise awareness about this critical need. “We need to spread the word about diaper need,” says Doug Adair, president of the Nashville Diaper Connection. “Nobody knows that you can’t buy diapers with food stamps. Nobody knows that you can’t buy diapers with women, infant and children vouchers. Nobody knows that you can’t buy diapers with your own flex spending account. I could buy Rogaine, but I can’t buy diapers. It doesn’t make sense.” The organization, headquartered in West Nashville, held its first diaper drive in the summer of 2013. In the beginning, it was supported by local churches, and in that first year, the Nashville Diaper Connection donated 19,000 diapers to families in need. By year two, that number increased to 106,000. The nonprofit distributed 169,000 diapers in 2015 and 223,000 in 2016. At the end of last year when our Nfocus team volunteered — alongside Martina McBride and volunteers from her charity, Team Music Is Love — Nashville Diaper Connection was on track to distribute 310,000 diapers by year’s end. More than a third of the diapers that Nashville Diaper Connection distributes are donated through a partnership with Huggies. The rest are collected through area diaper drives or purchased with monetary donations and grants. Last fall, Huggies donated 53,000 diapers to the Nashville Diaper Connection in honor of Martina McBride’s 25th anniversary in the Grand Ole Opry. Martina mobilized volunteers through Team Music Is Love to help repackage the diapers so they could be distributed across Middle Tennessee. Team Music Is Love offers Martina’s fans the opportunity to volunteer around the world with causes that are meaningful to her. “Naturally, for me as a mother and a woman, I’m drawn to causes that benefit women and children,” Martina says. The Nashville Diaper Connection was a perfect fit, and the country star was thrilled to work with the organization and learn

more about what they do. “It’s amazing to be able to contribute all over the world and all over the country, but when you can bring it back home and help people in this community, it’s really special,” she said. Martina, like our entire Nfocus staff, was shocked to learn about how great the diaper need is in Nashville and the devastating impact it can have on children and families. Most daycare facilities require parents to provide a day’s worth of diapers. If they’re unable to do so, their children don’t qualify for care, and the parents are forced to miss work. The long-term effects — physically, mentally and emotionally — can be detrimental to parents and kids alike. “A baby develops 90 percent of its brain capacity by the time it’s 3 years old,” Doug says. “A lack of clean, dry diapers, a mother’s stress, a mother’s depression — those things are known as adverse childhood experiences. If a baby goes through three persistent adverse childhood experiences, statistically, they’re not going to be able to read at grade level at the end of the third grade. Statistically, their chances of ever catching up are dramatically small. Many states, Tennessee included, use third-grade performance to forecast prison bed needs 10 years out.” The Nashville Diaper Connection knows it can’t meet every single diaper need in Davidson County, but they’re working hard to increase their numbers every year, motivated by their motto, “No Child Wet Behind.” Thanks to their strong relationship with the National Diaper Bank and with community advocates like Martina McBride, they’re helping more families each year. “This is a way for a person like me or you to make a difference,” Doug says. “Our goal here is to put diaper on butts. That’s it. And it’s simple.” Making a difference with Nashville Diaper Connection really is simple. There are volunteer opportunities for individuals or groups who want to help collect, package and distribute diapers, and monetary donations go a long way to provide for families and babies in need. It’s an easy and straightforward way to have a lasting impact on those who need it most. “[Nashville] is an incredibly generous community. I’ve never lived in such a giving place,” Doug says. “We’re a welcoming community. Let’s welcome our newest citizens.” Visit nashvillediaperconnection.org for more information on Nashville Diaper Connection. To learn more about Martina McBride’s Team Music Is Love, check out teammusicislove.com. by Nancy Floyd

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best b e h av i o r

May I Have A Word? Expert etiquette advice from John Bridges

Travel-Sick I’m just back from a major trip to Europe to celebrate my birthday. The trip was great because I invited a crowd of good friends to come along. My mother and her husband were logically in the group because I love them. Well, I guess I do. Everything went well for the first week, but from then on out, they started bickering over everything — where to eat, where to meet, what to see. It got worse and worse to the point where I seriously thought about putting them on a plane home for everybody else’s sanity. I didn’t, but what could I have done? —Anonymous, East Nashville The flight home would have cost a great deal more than sipping an aperitif on a quiet terrace and calming down. As coordinator of this grand tour, you probably deserved a drink. Your mother and her husband deserved one too — but locked behind the doors of their hotel room. They deserved privacy, and so did the rest of the troop. A two-week trip to Europe has its challenges, no matter whose birthday it is. After a week and counting, you might well have expected to encounter a bit of surliness, but that’s no excuse for impropriety, whatever the local language. Good manners get involved — even if it’s your mother. You might have sat down with them (in the few open minutes on your agenda) and told them to keep their conniptions to themselves. Their nettlesome behavior may have been precisely the same way back home. You’ve taken them for a big trip; show them iPhone pictures the next time.

company’S company My daughter-in-law recently had us over for dinner along with her own parents. We sat on high stools at an island in the middle of the kitchen. While we were waiting for a bowl of chili, we passed around bowls of chips and Cheetos. We weren’t expecting silver and china, of course, and her parents didn’t seem to mind, so I didn’t say anything. But she can do better than this. How can I help her? —Anonymous, West Hills This time, you got precisely what you were expecting: stainless — or even heavy-duty plastic — in the kitchen with her mother at a bar stool. There’s a bowl-of-chili thing running in your daughter-in-law’s blood. Her mother seems perfectly happy with it. Did you check out her dining genes? No reason to share your concerns with her mother. Over a cup of tea, you’re headed for disaster. You might be able to help them by asking the pair over for dinner, complete with the silver and china. But I bet your guest list might run a little bit old for her and her husband’s crowd. If the crowd ran a little younger, there would probably be a lot of untucked shirttails. Be prepared. You’re on iffy ground as her mother-in-law. Babies may be on the way. You may already be setting a high standard for babysitting. Leave it alone. Let them ladle up their own stew.

All their hearts' desires! Valentine's and other gifts for the Sweet Lovelies in your life. A N T I Q U E VA S E S

•

H A N D M A D E V E LV E T H E A R T P I L L O W S

CANDLES

•

MUCH MORE

by John bridges

2825 Bransford Ave in Berry Hill 615-385-2122 • Monday – Saturday 10-4

John is the author of How To Be a Gentleman and the co-author, with Bryan Curtis, of other books in the GentlemannersTM series. Send your Best Behavior questions to jbridges@nfocusmagazine.com, and check out his up-to-theminute advice on life’s puzzling problems every Friday at nfocusnashville.com.

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nfocusnashville.com

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step inside

What’s Old is New Again Other than the Trade Room and its magnificent windows, reconditioned brass railings and original terrazzo floors, most of the hotel is new, including 224 guest rooms with king beds. Rooms start at $309 and go up to $1,500 for the presidential suite. Amenities include a wet bar in the hallways offering still, sparkling and hot water, plush bathrobes in the marble baths, and “10-minute coffee” — meaning guests can call room service and have coffee delivered in 10 minutes at no charge.

Noelle

Photographs by Emily Dorio and Daniel Meigs

Taking a cue from Charles Dickens’ three ghosts of Christmas, Noelle — a new boutique hotel in downtown Nashville at the corner of Fourth and Church streets — embodies the past, present and future. “We were certainly inspired by the history of the building, even committed to honoring the Noel family that started the original Noel Place hotel in 1930,” says Nick Dryden of Dryden Architecture and Design (DAAD). “Also, we wanted it to be new and current … We wanted there to be a kind of healthy balance of more modern design complementing the historic nature of the space.” Makeready, a Dallas-based company that operates independent hotels, restaurants and retail stores, has reimagined the historic property with parent company Rockbridge Capital and partner Tribute Portfolio. Nashville-based architects Feltus Hawkins Design collaborated with DAAD and partnered with branding specialists Peck & Company to recreate and redefine a downtown treasure. In the majestic Trade Room, just off the lobby, round top transom windows flank comfortable but elegant sofas and chairs in tones of gray, brown and beige. Most of the furniture was custom-designed by DAAD and made locally, with the exception of a few reupholstered vintage pieces. Bartenders serve libations from a large brass bar with detailed custom walnut millwork by Nashville firm Tate Ornamental.

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by Whitney Clay

Shop (and Stay) Local

Feast for the Senses

Rare Bird

Local is a theme throughout the hotel. Nashville artist Bryce McCloud will oversee Noelle’s art programming, much of it interactive, and display his own art as well. The retail store Keep Shop, curated by Libby Callaway, will feature works and wares by local designers and artists including handbags, jewelry and apparel. Books by local authors will be among those available for purchase. A coffee shop, Drug Store Coffee — run by Nashville favorite Barista Parlor — will offer coffee drinks and fresh pastries baked by Noelle’s in-house restaurant.

In addition to a coffee shop and retail store, there will be a working printing press onsite, a nod to the building’s historic roots and proximity to Printers Alley. The hotel’s restaurant, Makeready Libations & Liberation, will also tip its hat to the past, offering hearty tavern-esque food that would appeal to the working man or woman. Menu items include country ham, burgers and a charcuterie plate, and to have its own sense of identity, the restaurant will have a separate entrance on Church Street.

A rooftop bar called Rare Bird, referencing Noelle’s signature blue heron — a part of the hotel’s branding — offers spectacular views of the river. Complete with two wood-burning fireplaces and propane heaters, it seats about 100 and is expected to be open year-round. The bar will serve specialty cocktails and small plates. “There’s a lot for our guests to discover,” says General Manager Shannon Foster. “They won’t be able to see everything in one visit. There will always be new things to see and experience every time they come back.”

>> february 2018

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‘Tis the month for love, and if the aisles of Walgreens are to be our guide, love is found in a cellophane-wrapped heart-shaped box with chocolates inside that were made in a factory in Mexico. I can’t help but note the irony in the fact that our country’s quintessential expression of love is formed by the hands of a people we choose to greet with a big, beautiful wall. But getting cynical and snarky is hardly going to help either. Valentine, for whom this month’s holiday is obviously named, was believed to be a Roman priest who was sentenced to a wretched death for marrying young couples against the wishes of the emperor (who preferred to send the men off to war unbetrothed and therefore less death-wary). Love wasn’t all roses and a reservation at Bastion. It was about committing to something with faith despite the explicit danger. It was about committing to a person or a principle despite (or perhaps precisely because of) the total self-sacrifice required. That’s what parenting is. That’s what marriage is — in a perfect world. I was talking to a friend about this recently, who was recalling the wisdom of the priest who married her and her husband (incidentally when they were quite young). He said that love was 10 percent emotion and 90 percent work. Isn’t that the truth even though everywhere we look — Instagram, the cover of People, romcoms — the image of love looks more like 10 percent emotion and 90 percent, well, image.

Fake it until you make it is good advice in starting a business, but I don’t think it’s the most helpful approach to love. Cellophanewrapped chocolates and selfies are faking it. Being in the trenches, forgiving, withholding judgment, sticking it out in sickness and in health, loaded and broke, blissful or broken — that is the real deal. It is work, and we are inherently bad at it because we are judgmental and self-righteous and scared. Or at least I am. The other thing is, love wasn’t supposed to be reserved for our families and closest friends. It was supposed to be our guiding principle for everything. We were supposed to love every single other person as much as we love ourselves, even if those people are “on the other side” — of the political spectrum, of the tracks, of the boxing ring we have built around ourselves to duke it out like fools. What if we did actually love our neighbors as ourselves? (And our neighbors included any person who is a person, too.) The ratio of that love would be 0 percent emotion and 100 percent work, at least to start. But I suspect that the better we got at it, the less like work it might seem. What if we marked this month’s holiday not simply with roses for our spouse but with real daily kindness toward him or her and to our fellow travelers? What if we reached beyond image and shared story? There are plenty of walls we have the power to take down. Valentine would be proud.

Hollywood’s biggest night on the Belcourt’s big screens! belcourt.org/red-carpet-evening

The Belcourt’s programs are generously supported throughout the year by the Metro Arts Nashville Office of Arts + Culture and the Tennessee Arts Commission. * This event is not sponsored by or affiliated with the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. Please note that this is a 21+ event. For an ADA accommodation, contact Melinda Morgan at 615-846-3150 x12.

by Varina Willse

President and founder of the writing firm Willse Ink, Varina is currently working on a third book and an experimental project called the Ponder Effect (pondereffect.com).

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backstory

Bonding And what constitutes marital longevity

We just crossed a major marital milestone: Our marriage is older than a millennial, more the age of a mid-Gen Xer. You’d think this might imbue us with the wisdom of age and experience and leave us with the sweet secrets of a lasting relationship. But life is full of surprises, so it’s dangerous to get too confident. Our younger son Cal will be married in April, which leads me to reflect on what constitutes marital longevity. Some is by design, but most is guesswork. Conventional wisdom says discuss and agree on children, money and your central values. When you have no children and no money, it’s easy to establish your operating theories. And who doesn’t value mom, apple pie and baseball? Like most newlyweds, we had no clue what life would serve up. We also had two very different sets of parents and parenting styles as examples. Mine were strict and protective. If I went out, my mother paced and peered through the front windows until I came home. When Dave was in high school, his left him in charge of the house while they went to Europe. They took the phone off the hook at 10 p.m. on weekends so their sleep wouldn’t be disturbed if he got into trouble. Which never happened. Of course, our landline is permanently off the hook now. Before children, we decided that if we ever disagreed in the parenting arena, whoever recommended the stricter response would prevail. A great theory that evaporated the first time I preferred the stricter punishment. We ran afoul of Senior Skip Day. I was appalled: Of course that’s not sanctioned by the school! Back to school right now! I was overruled, and the A student in question got zeroes for the day. It still makes me crazy.

In today’s politically correct world, maybe a better prescription is to agree on individualism, tolerance and the pursuit of world peace. Individualism — or its practical application, autonomy — feels right. In our youth, each of us had a viral resistance to authority, including each other’s. Time has eroded that rebellious impulse and transformed it into something like tolerance, an appreciation of each other’s idiosyncrasies. And world peace? Hah. Domestic peace — or is it exhaustion? — is the highest bar we set around here. Nope, our prescription for a happy marriage is having similar musical tastes, finding the same things funny, and … some third thing we can’t agree on. Heck, our first bonding moment was when Dave delighted me by rejecting bad songs on a fraternity jukebox. The silliness that made us double over with laughter 40 years ago still makes us laugh today. That third thing — maybe it’s basic civility. Don’t say anything you’re going to regret. Tone of voice matters. It’s OK to be wrong! And if you’re right, OK, let’s note it once and move on. Foibles happen. Forgive and really forget. Maybe it’s friends. Research shows that couples with different sets of friends have a greater likelihood of marital longevity. One of the first things I liked about Dave was his circle of friends; they were smart and funny, and they still are. Friends reflect your values, whatever they are, and are an amalgam of your life choices. Whatever it is, happy Valentine’s Day, sweetie. I love your friends, and you’re still not the boss of me.

by beth alexander

Beth was editor of Nfocus from 2001 to 2008. She is now a private banker at CapStar, and continues to be involved with many fine causes in Nashville. Email her at editoralex@bellsouth.net.

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| February 2018 <<

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February 2018

What: Antiques & Garden Show For: Cheekwood and ECON When: Feb. 2-4 Where: Music City Center Co-chairs: Kim Holbrook and Robin Puryear Tariff: $25 per adult, $15 per senior, active military or student, gratis per child 12 and under Info: antiquesandgardenshow.com

Where: Oz Arts Nashville Tariff: $300 per person Info: ozartsnashville.org/ conversations2018

01 What: Antiques & Garden

Show Preview Party For: Cheekwood and ECON When: Thurs., Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m. Where: Music City Center Co-chairs: Liza Coleman, Shea Ghertner and Hugh Howser Tariff: $200 per person Info: antiquesandgardenshow.com

What: Swan Ball Unveiling

07 For: Cheekwood

When: Wed., Feb. 7, 6 p.m. Where: Home of Karyn Frist Co-chairs: Beth Alexander and Patti Smallwood Party note: Invitation only Info: swanball.com

02 What: Antiques & Garden

Show Keynote Lecture For: Cheekwood and ECON When: Fri., Feb. 2, 11 a.m. Where: Music City Center Party note: Keynote lecturer Charles Spencer Tariff: $75 per person Info: antiquesandgardenshow.com

What: Bottles for BizTown 02 For: Junior Achievement When: Fri., Feb. 2, 6 p.m. Where: JA BizTown Tariff: $30 per person Info: janash.com What: Antiques & Garden 02 Show Bourbon Party For: Cheekwood and ECON When: Fri., Feb. 2, 6:30 p.m. Where: Music City Center Co-chairs: Graham Meadors and Caroline Sloan Tariff: $75 per person Info: antiquesandgardenshow.com

06 What: How About Dinner and

a Movie Patrons Party For: Park Center When: Tues., Feb. 6, 5:30 p.m. Where: Home of Margaret and Rob Rolfsen Tariff: $1,000-1,500 per VIP patron, $250 per patron Info: parkcenternashville.org

07 What: Conversations at Oz

For: Oz Arts Nashville When: Wed., Feb. 7, 6 p.m.

What: Swan Ball Jewelry Preview For: Cheekwood When: Thurs., Feb. 8, 5:30 p.m. Where: Home of Maxine and Frank Majors Party note: For daytime appointment, call 615-352-1182 Info: swanball.com What: Noted: Songs, Sips & Stories For: Renewed When: Thurs., Feb. 8, 6 p.m. Where: City Winery Tariff: $1,000 per patron couple, $75 per person Info: renewedsupport.org

10 What: Wine Women & Shoes For: YWCA When: Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m. Where: Music City Center Tariff: $500 per VIP, $125 per person Info: ywcanashville.com What: Hearts of Hope

10 For: Nashville Rescue Mission

When: Sat., Feb. 10, 7 p.m. Where: The Factory at Franklin Tariff: $100 per person in advance, $125 at door Info: fabulousfriendsforafrica.org What: Soundwaves and

17 Sweethearts

For: Nashville Dolphins When: Sat., Feb. 17, 8 p.m. Where: Skyville Live Tariff: $75 per person Info: nashvilledolphins.org

22 What: How About Dinner and a Movie For: Park Center When: Thurs., Feb. 22, 5:30 p.m. Where: Belcourt Theatre Co-chairs: Emily Griffin, Joanna Hall and Margaret Rolfsen Party note: Honoring Bill Young Tariff: $250 per patron, $1,000-1,500 VIP patron, $150 per person Info: parkcenternashville.org 22 What: Pairings: Vintner Dinners For: Nashville Wine Auction When: Thurs., Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m. Where: Private homes throughout Nashville Co-chairs: Melanie Cansler and Jodi Pfaff Gillman Tariff: $175-350 per person Info: nashvillewineauction.com

23 What: Pairings: Wined Up

For: Nashville Wine Auction When: Fri., Feb. 23, 6 p.m. Where: City Winery Tariff: $125 per person Info: nashvillewineauction.com

23 What: Preds & Threads

When: Sat., Feb. 10, 11 a.m. Where: Trevecca University Tariff: $100 per person Info: nashvillerescuemission.org

10 What: Valentine’s Party

For: Fabulous Friends for Africa

When: Sat., Feb. 24, 6 p.m. Where: The Listening Room Tariff: $150 per person Info: 65rosesnashville. eventscff.org What: Strings and Stories

24 For: High Hopes

When: Sat., Feb. 24, 6 p.m. Where: Green’s Grocery Tariff: $150 per person Info: highhopesforkids.org

24 What: ScholarSips

For: Vanderbilt Woman’s Club When: Sat., Feb. 24, 6 p.m. Where: Vanderbilt Legends Club Tariff: $75 per person Info: vanderbilt.edu/vwc

25 What: Soup Sunday

For: Our Kids When: Sun., Feb. 25, 11 a.m. Where: Nissan Stadium Tariff: $25 per adult, $5 per child 4-17, gratis per child under 3 Info: ourkidscenter.com

25 What: Broadway Brunch

Launch Party For: Nashville Rep When: Sun., Feb. 25, 6 p.m. Where: Salt & Vine Co-chairs: Hannah Schneider and Mattie Selecman Tariff: $30 per person Info: nashvillerep.com/ broadway-brunch-launch-party

27 What: Outside the Box

For: Girl Scouts of Middle TN When: Tues., Feb. 27, 5:30 p.m. Where: Nissan North America Tariff: $20 per person Info: gsmidtn.org

For: Predators Foundation When: Fri., Feb. 23, 6:15 p.m. Where: Bridgestone Arena Tariff: $150-350 per person, $2,000-5,000 per table Info: nashvillepredators.com/ fashion

28 What: The First and The Worst

What: Pairings For: Nashville Wine Auction When: Sat., Feb. 24, 6 p.m. Where: City Winery Tariff: $275 per person Info: nashvillewineauction.com

28 What: A Little Night of Music

What: An Evening for 65 Roses For: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

For: Music Health Alliance When: Wed., Feb. 28, 5 p.m. Where: City Winery Tariff: $50-100 per person Info: musichealthalliance.com

Patrons Party For: Pencil Foundation When: Wed., Feb. 28, 5:30 p.m. Where: Home of Jim Kelley Tariff: $300 per person Info: pencilforschools.org

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