The East Nashvillian 8.2 Nov-Dec 2017

K N O W Y O U R N E I G H B O R : Marilyn Greer

A R T I S T I N P R O F I L E : Sarah Walden

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER

NOVEMBER | DECEMBER VOL.VIII, ISSUE 2

ISSUE 8.2

T H E E A S T N A S H V I L L I A N

SOUL MAN! JASON ESKRIDGE HAS A SPECIAL BRAND OF SOUL

2017 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE BUGGIN’

At The Theater Bug, kids learn to be ‘fearless and bold and brave’

‘A DREAM COME TRUE’ Friday Night Lights return to East Nashville

‘DRINKING BLACK COFFEE’ Andy Mumma’s business success is powered by community

THE BIG 6-0

When RCA Studio B opened in 1957, it became a cornerstone for Music Row

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theeastnashvillian.com November| December 2017

ART MADE TO MOVE YOU. Chicago-based artist Nick Cave creates work in a wide range of mediums, including sculpture, installation, video, and performance.

His creations, bursting with color and texture, are optical delights that can be enjoyed by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. A deeper look reveals that they speak to issues surrounding identity and social justice.

NOVEMBER 10 – JUNE 24

Downtown Nashville 919 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203 FristCenter.org/NickCave #NickCaveFeat

Kids 18 and under are always free.

Nick Cave: Feat. is supported in part by: Silver Sponsor

The Frist Center is supported in part by:

Nick Cave. Soundsuit, 2016. Mixed media, including vintage toys, wire, metal, and mannequin, 84 x 45 x 40 in. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York. Š Nick Cave. Photo: James Prinz Photography

November| December theeastnashvillian.com

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NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE PRESENTS THE NINTH ANNUAL

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COVER STORY

38 SOUL MAN!

Whether it’s Sunday, or any other night of the week, Jason Eskridge has a special brand of soul

By Ron Wynn

FEATURES

47 2017 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 60 BUGGIN’

By Marcia Marsulla

COVER SHOT

At The Theater Bug, kids learn to be ‘fearless and bold and brave’

By Steve Morley

JASON ESKRIDGE

By Michael Weintrob

68 ‘A DREAM COME TRUE’

Friday Night Lights return to East Nashville

By Joe Williams

76 ‘DRINKING BLACK COFFEE’

Andy Mumma’s business success is powered by community

By Randy Fox

83 THE BIG 6-0

When RCA Studio B opened in 1957, it became a cornerstone for Music Row

By Daryl Sanders

Visit THEEASTNASHVILLIAN.COM for updates, news, events, and more!

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

November| December theeastnashvillian.com

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EAST SIDE BUZZ

17 Matters of Development

IN THE KNOW

By Nicole Keiper

Your Neighbor: 31 Know Marilyn Greer

VILLE’ Challenges 24 ‘THE Conventional Radio Wisdom

By Tommy Womack

By Ron Wynn

in Profile: 32 Artist Sarah Walden

Century and Counting of 25 ACaroling For Kids

By Brittney McKenna

By Peter Chawaga

89 East Side Calendar

Pike Set For Pedestrian 26 Dickerson Improvements

By Emma Alford

By Peter Chawaga

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COMMENTARY

PARTING SHOTS

14 Editor’s Letter

BERMUDA TRIANGLE Performing at The Basement East

By Chuck Allen

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by Dan Heller

Astute Observations

By James “Hags” Haggerty

104 East of Normal

By Tommy Womack

Visit

THEEASTNASHVILLIAN.COM for updates, news, events, and more!

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WHO NEEDS MISTLETOE? H O L I D AY L I G H T S

NOV 24 - DEC 31

One million lights spread out across 55 acres of beautiful gardens.

Co-Presented By

Made possible by the AWC Family Foundation with additional support from The Frist Foundation and The Memorial Foundation.

cheekwood.org 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville, TN 37205 November| December theeastnashvillian.com

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PUBLISHER Lisa McCauley EDITOR Chuck Allen MANAGING EDITOR Daryl Sanders ONLINE EDITOR Nicole Keiper CALENDAR EDITOR Emma Alford CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Peter Chawaga, Randy Fox, James Haggerty, Marcia Marsulla Brittany McKenna, Steve Morley, Joe Williams, Tommy Womack, Ron Wynn CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chuck Allen DESIGN DIRECTOR Benjamin Rumble PHOTO EDITOR Travis Commeau ADVERTISING DESIGN ILLUSTRATIONS Benjamin Rumble Benjamin Rumble, Dean Tomasek CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Frederick Breedon, John Brown, Travis Commeau, Chad Crawford, Dan Heller, Michael Weintrob

Kitchen

Table Media Company Est.2010

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ADVERTISING SALES Lisa McCauley lisa@theeastnashvillian.com 615.582.4187 ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jaime Brousse DISTRIBUTION MANAGERS Christina Howell and Daniel Teo

©2017 Kitchen Table Media P.O. Box 60157 Nashville, TN 37206 The East Nashvillian is a bimonthly magazine published by Kitchen Table Media. This publication is offered freely, limited to one per reader. The removal of more than one copy by an individual from any of our distribution points constitutes theft and will be subject to prosecution. All editorial and photographic materials contained herein are “works for hire” and are the exclusive property of Kitchen Table Media, LLC unless otherwise noted. Reprints or any other usage without the express written permission of the publisher is a violation of copyright.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

T

In the blink of an eye

he nexus of memories and time has always fascinated me. It’s where change lives. We seem to have a built-in resistance to change, and the foundation of this resistance rests on memories. Through memories we create the myth of ourselves, and by myth, I mean how we see ourselves in terms of the world that surrounds us. This myth is a construct, of sorts, but without it we would be like a ship without a compass because there would be no waypoints to help us reach our next destination. Think of each destination as a chapter in our own personal book of life.

Last night, I was at The Family Wash to support Jamie Rubin as he leaves the business he began 13 years ago and closes this chapter in his book of life. The O.G. Wash lived at Porter and Greenwood. It was a smallish joint with a humble kitchen and bad plumbing and a green room about the size of a closet. Debates about transgendered folks using the bathroom were nonexistent because there was only one, in which hung a picture of Jesus watching over the United Nations building. The bathroom was located across from the green room/closet and just to the right rear of the stage, which meant those standing in line for the bathroom were about three feet from the band.

The stage itself was a rather small affair, but no one seemed to care. On Sons of Zevon nights one could find Jen Gunderman sitting at her keyboard, squeezed up against the wall audience left; Sadler Vaden, Jamie, Audley Freed, and Kevin Hornback crammed on the rest of the stage — often with a guest singer; Pete Finney would actually set up his pedal steel on the dining room floor in front of Jen, and background vocalists were set up on the floor in the path leading to the bathroom, so that you were never sure who was singing and who just needed to pee. I think there was a drummer, but only because I could hear one — they were concealed by everyone else.

Serving as a backdrop for the stage was Jennifer Quigley’s American flag painting. There were a couple of par cans for stage lighting, in addition to Christmas lights — everywhere.

The room sounded, in a word, amazing. Very natural, since there usually wasn’t much in the PA other than vocals and acoustics, maybe a little kick and snare. The guitars were usually coming at you straight out of the amp, and most players would show up with a 20-watt combo. Except

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for Reeves Gabrels. He’d show up with his 50-watt half stack on occasion, but he’s Reeves, so he can do whatever he wants.

The East Nashvillian hosted our Christmas parties at The Wash. The Ornaments played one, and Keith Gattis and friends played twice. You’ve never really heard what drums are supposed to sound like until you’ve heard a Martin Lynds or a Fred Eltringham in a room like The Wash. I could go on and on for days about the way it sounded in there, but I’ll stop here since anyone who ever darkened the door of the joint knows exactly what I’m talking about.

Jamie had a way with décor, too, meaning, there was stuff everywhere and the place felt … welcoming. Like a home well lived in. Photographs all over the walls; books and memorabilia and a Pink Jesus on the bar; and an espresso machine. It was good vibes and people well met, and it anchored the neighborhood in a way that seems to be vanishing. And it was all Jamie, heart and soul.

For awhile, he and I had a tradition of sorts where I would visit during the day while he was receiving deliveries and taking care of business — the O.G. Wash was only open at night — and have coffee and shoot the shit.

Which brings me back to the nexus of memories and time and why we’re resistant to change. I miss those days hanging with Jamie for no good reason other than to hang with Jamie. Sometimes he’d have his boys with him.

Sometimes Pete would be there. Or Audley. It was super chill. I’m sure Jamie is missing those days, too.

On Jamie’s final night, some friends of his from Boston were playing. Human Sexual Response was, in a way, the perfect band to close it out. Having them brought things full circle for Jamie, musically and spiritually. Their New Wave underpinnings brought back a flood of memories for me as well, kind of reminding me of the Now! Explosion shows at the Exit/In and the alternative music scene during the ’80s in general. Grimey was there, and our conversation about change inspired me to write this. He said, “Change is good. I’m excited about it. If the Slow Bar hadn’t closed, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now, you know what I mean?”

He’s right, of course, and change is not only good, it’s inevitable. It’s just that sometimes it feels like the chapter we’re about to close happened in the blink of an eye. I just hope I create my myths as beautifully as Jamie created his with The Family Wash.

holidays holidays at at the the Schermerhorn Schermerhorn Holidays with

CI RQU E d e l a s ym p honie

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MESSI A H

Nashville Symphony & Chorus

NOVember 30 TO DECember 2

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Christmas with

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A Very Merry Christmas with

Holiday Spectacular & Sing-Along with the Nashville Symphony

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December 10

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EAST SIDE B U Z Z FOR UP-TO -DATE INFORMATION ON EVENTS, AS WELL AS LINKS, PLEASE VISIT US AT: THEEASTNASHVILLIAN.COM

Matters of Development S i n c e o u r l a s t i ss u e , a lot o f t h e coming-soons we mentioned are now up-andrunning, including Inglewood’s Fox Bar & Cocktail Club (2905 B Gallatin Pike), Sushi Circle (914 Woodland St.), and Spanish/Portuguese restaurant Peninsula (1035 W. Eastland Ave.). And those are but a few of the big fall business happenings in East Nashville.

NEW AND NOTEWORTHY Probably the biggest opening in the East Nashville area in some time — literally speaking — was the Topgolf entertainment complex at 500 Cowan St. in late September.

The company’s new spot on our side of the river is absolutely massive, with 100 climate-con-

trolled hitting bays, a restaurant, private event spaces, a rooftop terrace, and lots more filling out 65,000 square feet of sporty fun.

The company’s 34th overall Topgolf location, the Cowan complex has a particularly Nashville-centric twist: a dedicated concert venue with a capacity of 500, about 100 more than the Basement East down the way.

The Topgolf approach to golf entertainment is a high-tech one, with microchipped golf balls that can self-score and measure distance. So if you’re a child of the future with an affinity for a 500 (or so)-year-old sport, this might be your thing. Even if you’re not much for golf, with all the entertainment options (including a Best Buy’s worth of TVs to watch games and such), it still might appeal.

The complex is open 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.

Friday and Saturday. Find out more at topgolf.com/us/nashville.

On the smaller side of the spectrum, East Nashville also welcomed a slew of homegrown independent businesses in recent months, ranging from clothes to cocktails.

On the wearable side, “luxe activewear” shop Longevity opened its doors at 1006 Fatherland St., Suite 204 (in the Shoppes on Fatherland) in early October, stocking an assortment of sporty attire for women.

The common thread in the threads carried there, founder Christine Anguiano told us, is a focus on durability — hence the shop’s name. So you’ll see well-known names like Swiftwick and Alo Yoga on the racks.

“We are trying to get away from ‘disposable’ clothing by offering brands that are made to last and are figure-flattering,” Anguiano said.

Longevity is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tuesday through Saturday; learn more at longevity-boutique.com.

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EAST SIDE BUZZ As for drinkables, we have Longevity’s Shoppes on Fatherland neighbors With Company Cocktails, aka WithCo, who opened their “storefront bottle shop” at 1006 Fatherland St., Suite 205, at the start of September.

In the shop’s bottles: WithCo’s own freshness-focused cocktail mixers, meant to be mixed with a spirit of your choice for a mixologistic experience in your home bar (or your friends’ home bar, etc.).

The company’s first three concoctions: their take on an old fashioned, dubbed the “Ellis Old Fashioned,” with orange oil, vanilla, cinnamon and more; a floral “Bouquet,” with lavender and rosewater; and “Jackass,” with ginger bite and stout bitters.

All of the mixers are made by hand here in Nashville, and were developed by WithCo cofounder Bradley Ryan.

The East Nashville shop is open noon to 5 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, noon to 4 on Sunday. Learn more about WithCo at withcococktails.com.

Giving the drummers some: Finally, East Nashvillians who hit things with sticks have a haunt of their very own. In early October, custom drum builders/repair company

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Drum Supply House and Franklin-bred vintage shop Nelson Drum Co. opened their shared space at 730 McFerrin Ave., bringing a shop full of drum/percussion gear new and old to the neighborhood.

On the DSH side, you can find drum parts and supplies and get one-on-one help with your projects, plus lots more. Nelson chief Bryson Nelson is bringing the vintage bounty he introduced in Franklin to the East Side — you can expect anything from ’50s WFL kits to ’60s Ludwig Jazz Combo snares, and a bunch more.

They’re open noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. on Saturday.

To learn more: drummaker.com and nelsondrumco.com have lots of details.

More into dancing than drumming? Check out the new The Dancer Project Conservatory, which opened in September at 1114 Porter Road (next to Vinyl Tap). Dancer/ teacher/choreographer and artistic director Jen Drake opened the space with a plan to “preserve, produce, and promote performing arts by making dance accessible and affordable to all communities, by way of community outreach performances and competitive tuition prices.”

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The specific way she and her team are doing so: youth and adult classes spanning from ballet to contemporary, for beginners and experienced dancers alike.

For more on classes/events/offerings, visit thedancerproject.com.

Another addition from the creative side of things: Locally, nationally, and internationally renowned fashion designer Amanda Valentine — long an East Nashvillian — brought her work to the neighborhood, too, opening a new studio at 919 Gallatin Ave., #9.

If you’re not particularly fashion-forward, but Valentine’s name still looks familiar, it might be because of her well-deserved reality-TV notoriety — she was a force on two seasons of fashion competition show Project Runway. (She finished in the top 10 in season 11, and returned in season 13 to place as the runner-up.)

Valentine welcomed neighbors into her new workspace in October with a pop-up shopping event for sustainability-focused clothing brand Fauxgerty. She says events like those will likely happen from time to time on the East Side, just as they did in her longtime Wedgewood-Houston studio.

At press time, Valentine had a lot of other big career happenings going, including a nomination for Womenswear Designer of the Year honors from the Nashville Fashion Alliance, who will be hosting their Honors ceremony on Nov. 16. Stop by our social media spots (@eastnashvillian on the tweets and /theeastnashvillian on Facebook) — we’ll make sure to update about the results. For more on our talented and fashionable neighbor and her work, visit amandavalentine.com.

You’ll probably notice a fun change at Bongo Java East this fall, too: Board game cafe Game Point is becoming part of the Bongo experience at 107 S. 11th St., with hundreds of games filling the shelves, and when the Point’s operating in the evenings, onsite coaches who can help you learn new titles and play the night away.

This one’s a joint project from Bongo chief Bob Bernstein and board-game pro Rick Keuler (the latter has a decade of board game-convention wrangling on his resume).

The plan, they told us, is to get in a wide variety of games — from classics like Monopoly to newer favorites like Settlers of Catan — and invite neighbors to come in and play, cover-free. The hope is that attendees will play along with a suggested food/drink minimum to keep things going.

At press time, the official Game Point launch was set for October 26.

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EAST SIDE BUZZ Also official as of October: New mixed-use community Eastside Heights, which held a hello party mid-month at 120 S. Fifth St., showing off their freshly built surroundings.

On site: more than 200 apartments, lots of amenities (including a fitness space, pool, and multiple courtyards), and almost 7500 square feet of ground floor retail. More at liveeastsideheights.com.

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CLOSINGS & MOVES Gluten-free diners got a big bummer in September, as “restaurant with a purpose” A Matter of Taste, a.k.a. AMOT Eatery, announced its official closure at 1100 Fatherland St., Suite 101.

Initially, owner Kellie Hopkins temporarily closed the restaurant in August, planning

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to reopen after Labor Day. But, she said, “Unfortunately things did not work out in my favor.” Hopkins told fans of the restaurant that she just couldn’t “keep continuing to do this as a single owner for many reasons.”

A Matter of Taste opened on Fatherland in 2014. No word yet on what might be taking its place.

Up the way toward South Inglewood, LAVA Home Design — led by the twin-sister team behind HGTV series Listed Sisters — closed its doors, too, at 1601 Riverside Drive in late September. The furniture/ home goods shop was in that East Nashville spot for about a year and a half.

This one’s not a total closure though: LAVA leader/interior designer Lex LeBlanc told us that she’ll have a pop-up LAVA for the holiday season inside Native + Nomad at the Cool Springs Galleria.

A few reopenings: Family-owned comfort-food spot Meridian Street Cafe, located at 815 Meridian St. since 2012, closed up there and moved over to 1800 Dickerson Pike, just off East Trinity Lane.

They’re humming away in the new digs now, with breakfast and lunch menu items longtime diners will know, plus fresh additions, including a new dinner and cocktail menu. (If you’re new to Meridian, they’re working with rib-sticking fare from burgers and biscuit sandwiches to ribeye steak and fried chicken.)

Cafe’s open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 to midnight on Friday, 9 to midnight on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday. For more, visit 815meridianstreetcafe.com.

Also open in a fresh space: Her Bookshop (previously a Shoppes on Fatherland shop), at 1043 West Eastland Ave. Owner Joelle Herr soft-opened the new space in October with an author event for Nashville artist/Fat Crow Press owner Julie Sola and her new children’s book, Run Fast, Milo!.

If you haven’t been yet, Herr stocks “a specially curated selection of unique, highly designed books on a wide range of topics,” from art and design to cooking and pop culture. (Lots of local talent featured in that mix.)

Check out the new space from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 11 to 5 on Sunday. More at herbookshop.com.

Another East Nashville book-slinger with a new address: Atomic Nashville picked up from its 1603 Riverside Drive location (where it’d been since late 2015), and, at press time, was gearing up for an imminent reopening at 118 S. 11th St.

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EAST SIDE BUZZ Atomic captain Dan Balog stocks books, art, and music with a local thrust, and fans who are itching to get in the new doors should keep an eye on the Atomic Nashville Facebook page (facebook.com/atomicnashville) for progress reports/news. More at atomicnash. com, too.

One more local biz newly open in a new location: Film photography champions Nash-

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ville Community Darkroom — who’ve been hosting classes, exhibits and more in East Nashville since 2014 — are now reopened at 625 Hart Lane.

Photographer/board member Erin Kice gushed about the new Darkroom home, telling us it has “a more industrial feel, upgraded equipment and sinks, and more flexibility for events.”

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They called 1143 Gallatin Ave. home prior, but had to relocate due to redevelopment moves. For more on the new space/new classes and events, visit nashvillecommunitydarkroom.org.

COMING SOON The reason for Meridian Street Cafe’s move: The building at 815 Meridian St. is set to be the new home for Red Headed Stranger, a creative taco-centric concept from Butcher & Bee owner Michael Shemtov and executive chef Bryan Lee Weaver.

No set opening timeframe from those gentlemen yet, but they do have a lot of culinary details cooking, led by Southwesterner-turned-Nashvillian Weaver’s “passion for flavorful tacos and the Texan cuisine of his childhood.”

When RHS opens, we can expect breakfast/ lunch service with fresh-made tortillas and lots of chiles and something many an East Nashvillian will be happy to see: breakfast tacos.

In the evenings, Shemtov and Weaver are hoping to kind of pick up where now-shuttered East Side restaurant incubator POP left off, and do pop-ups and test kitchens in the Red Headed Stranger space. If you’d like to keep up with their progress, follow Red Headed Stranger on Facebook (facebook. com/redheadedstrngr).

Some other well-established Nashville dining names have another project in the works here on the East Side, too. Barista Parlor captain Andy Mumma, Husk Nashville cocktail chief Mike Wolf, and Isle of Printing’s Bryce McCloud recently announced plans for CHOPPER, a tiki-style bar in the former Bar Luca/Moto Moda spaces at Stratton and Gallatin Avenues (right near the first Barista Parlor).

The intent: bringing out “tastes of the South Seas,” with “flavors and frozen delights of recent island discoveries.”

At press time, demo work was well under way at 521 Gallatin Ave., #3, and last update we heard, the trio was hoping to rev things up this winter. Meantime, best way to keep track of CHOPPER’s progress is on Instagram, at @choppertiki.

From hot tiki climes to cold treats: KOKOS Artisan Ice Cream is the latest Nashville dessert purveyor to get an East Side shop going. At press time, their team was hard at work on getting a KOKOS To-Go Shop ready at 729 Porter Road, in the Shops at Porter East hub.

KOKOS frozen treats will be of particular interest to local vegans and folks with nut allergies, since it’s all plant-based, nut- and

November| December theeastnashvillian.com ESS15_EN_HalfPageH_August.indd 1

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8/17/15 10:20 AM

EAST EAST SIDE SIDE BUZZ BUZZ peanut-free, made with coconut milk. The team’s been building an ice-cream buzz as a pop-up player all around town for a while now, but this’ll be their first brick-and-mortar location, where prepackaged KOKOS flavors will be available in cups and pints for taking out or eating in.

Those folks have also said that a Nashville scoop shop is in the planning for 2018, too. To learn more/keep up with KOKOS opening plans, head to kokosicecream.com.

Something else to keep an eye on: In September, The Tennessean reported on plans for the former Piggly Wiggly location at 3611 Gallatin Pike — and they’re definitely interesting. Reporter Getahn Ward noted that former Rilo Kiley guitarist Blake Sennett and longtime friend Brian Klugman snagged that Piggly, and have plans to turn it into a potential dining/shopping destination.

“The idea would be to split that building up into multiple spaces,” Inglewood resident Sennett told the daily. “The hope is that we can get some sort of cute, curated businesses in there and bring some more fun stuff up to Inglewood. We want to put the kind of stuff there that we would want to go to.” Ideas thrown about: a restaurant, coffee shop, yoga

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studio, and more.

We haven’t seen any building permits pop up yet, so it’ll probably be a while. But the new owners’ personal attachment — Sennett told Ward that he “fell in love with the building” — bodes well.

Also in the works, this time reported by the Nashville Post: an East Side home for craft beer company TailGate Brewery.

They’re reportedly working on reimagining the long-vacant body shop at 811 Gallatin Ave. to add another location to their Nashville portfolio. Already up and serving: TailGate spaces in West Nashville and on Demonbreun.

The Post noted that future East Nashville TailGaters should expect access to limited and seasonal releases, plus lots of stuff to soak up the suds, like pizza and sandwiches. Plan as of September was to get that location open by year’s end.

If you’re new to TailGate, get to know their creative concoctions better at tailgatebeer. com. — Nicole Keiper

theeastnashvillian.com November| December 2017

Have any East Side development news to share?

Reach out to: nicole@theeastnashvillian.com

‘THE VILLE’ Challenges Conventional Radio Wisdom A few months ago, what was formerly gospel station 102.1 The Light morphed into 102.1 THE VILLE, whose catchphrase is “Soul of Music City.”

This new incarnation represents the ultimate vision of the station’s program director Shannon Sanders. Sanders’ bona fides as a producer, composer, and musician are extensive and include Grammy and Emmy awards, and he has long been a leader in Nashville’s African-American music community. His background as music director for India.arie alone would give him a ton of street cred, but his leadership was underscored when be became the first black president of Nashville’s NARAS chapter.

It was through a classmate in the Leadership Music class of 2017 that Sanders was able to realize his dream for a local radio station like THE VILLE. “Bud Walters was one of my classmates, and we became very close,” Sanders says. “He owns over 20 stations nationwide through the Cromwell group including 102.5 The Game (sports talk), 102.9 The Buzz (rock), and what was then 102.1 The Light. He said the station wasn’t doing very well. It wasn’t resonating with the community, neither the listeners, nor the music community. No one was responding to it. He asked me what I thought, and I told him that what Nashville needed was a classic R&B station, but one that was locally connected.

“I don’t come from a radio background,” he explains. “I come from a production background, and when he asked me if I wanted to take over, I said not really, but I would do it because the biggest catch-22 I’ve seen in Nashville over the years from the standpoint of indie and black music groups was that locally there was no station playing their music. So you couldn’t book shows because promoters didn’t know who you were, and no one knew who you were because you couldn’t get any airplay. That is something I set out to change.”

Aside from its menu of classic soul and funk, local and independent artists are aired weekdays from 7-9 a.m. and once again from 4-6 p.m.. Saturdays they are featured from 3-4 p.m., and there are plans to extend that even further with the addition of an hour of local artists at noon. Some of the local artists now being played in regular rotation on the station include Typhanee Fitzgerald, Jonathan Winstead, Myshel Britten, Jason Eskridge, Laura Reed, Rome Logan, Jeremy Whaley, Rio Ville, William Davenport,

EAST SIDE BUZZ Morgan Bosman, R.Lum.R, K-Rob, and Emoni Wilkins.

“We’re focusing on the music first and foremost,” Sanders explains. “We’re not here to create stars or personalities of on-air people. We want to build the careers of the local musicians, and also be a mirror that reflects the experiences of our listeners.

Where were you when you first heard those classic Al Green or Aretha or Earth, Wind & Fire songs? We want you to think about that when you listen to us. We’re giving you more music than any other local station by a wide margin because we don’t have to adhere to any corporate format. There’s no contests or stunts. There’s no shows or DJs. We’re really more like Pandora or Spotify because we’re just all about the music.

“The feedback that we’ve gotten so far has been tremendous,” he continues. “We’ve already vastly exceeded the numbers that 102.1 The Light got, and we just anticipate that things will keep getting better and numbers will continue going up. But our goal is to make this an authentic Nashville classic R&B station. That’s why we call it ‘THE VILLE.’ That’s how our listeners refer to Nashville. We want to reflect the vibe, the sensibility, the sound of black Nashville, and we think if we do that, in turn people will welcome us because they will hear that we are real and we are authentic.”

“We are in this for the long haul,” Sanders concludes. “We’re not going to change the format or alter what we’re doing now.

We are convinced that there’s an audience out there for classic soul and funk, as well as one that wants to hear what new and contemporary artists are doing locally. They’ve never had that platform, and that’s what we’re giving them now, and I think it shows that this community is ready for it, as well.”

singers and local musicians banded together to create the first Caroling for Kids campaign, performing at local theaters, hotels, and schools, raising $787 and establishing a tradition that would last until today.

“We absolutely love our traditions, especially when it comes to cherished holiday ones,” Melissa McWilliams, development director for Fannie Battle, says. “We often

hear from longtime carolers that have caroled since they were kids and now they carol with their grandkids. And they have always had a bright smile thinking of the memories made.”

Margaret (Peg) Lauderdale Williams is one such longtime caroler. “We caroled each Christmas Eve on Skyline Drive in the ’50s and Golf Club Lane in the ’60s and ’70s,”

— Ron Wynn

A Century and Counting of Caroling For Kids When the holiday season rolls around, we all have our own traditions to look forward to. But for Nashville, few traditions have enjoyed the long standing or community support of Fannie Battle Day Home for Children’s Caroling for Kids fundraiser.

Every Christmas season for the last century, the organization has built on its mission to provide child care and educational assistance for the area’s most vulnerable residents by organizing carolers who sing in return for donations. The tradition began in the winter of 1916 when the home found itself with less than $1 in the bank. Volunteer November| December theeastnashvillian.com

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EAST SIDE BUZZ Williams says. “In our most recent caroling history, we have serenaded our street, Meadowbrook Avenue, since sometime in the 1980s when my mother could no longer continue the tradition.

“We have a dedicated following of probably 25 to 30 carolers who show up every Christmas Eve, but some years we have had up to 50 in our chorus,” she continues.

“They all know what to expect: Arrive at 5 p.m. for the warm up. Our warmup consists of my mother’s recipe of savory sausage pinwheels — a recipe loved by all, a few hors d’oeuvres, and whatever anyone else brings to contribute. We have a quick practice at 6 p.m., fill our glasses with a nip of wine, sparkling cider or whatever tickles our fancy, and we hit the road! Our round takes us about one hour to complete and most of our neighbors know to expect us.”

The event has maintained its success not only because of East Nashville’s love for its holiday traditions, but because of the immense good that it does for one of the community’s most philanthropic organizations. With almost 100 percent volunteer participants, almost all of the donations are put directly back into Fannie Battle

Day Home to cover its overhead, from equipment and supplies to competitive pay for teachers.

“For the past 10 years we have raised, on average, enough funds to feed breakfast, lunch, and a snack to our children for a year,” McWilliams says. “As we continue to add classrooms, we have increased need for healthy, nutritious meals. Caroling groups collect an average of $100, and this year, we hope to add 10 new caroling groups to help supplement the costs of expansion.”

This year, Fannie Battle is planning its first kickoff party a month prior to the event to help get people into the spirit, introduce new volunteers to caroling, and connect participants with the organization’s mission and the families it serves. With the recent growth in East Nashville, the organization expects plenty of newcomers, but also knows that much will stay the same.

“While the area of East Nashville continues to change, the spirit of giving in our community does not,” McWilliams says.

“The support we receive from our neighbors … is constantly growing, which reinforces the success and longevity of our program and mission overall.”

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Interested volunteers can sign up for the kickoff event on Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 4-5:30 p.m. at Fannie Battle Day Home for Children, 108 Chapel Ave. For more information, visit www.fanniebattle.org.

— Peter Chawaga

Dickerson Pike Set For Pedestrian Improvements I n mid -S eptember , E ast N ashville neighbors gathered at Shwab Elementary School to discuss a development project that could make life much easier for local pedestrians. Attendees were there to discuss sidewalk improvements along the east side of Dickerson Pike, which would allow for easier, more pleasant walking from Douglas Avenue to Trinity Lane.

“Our team of design consultants, led by engineers from Barge, Waggoner, Sumner & Cannon, led the discussion with a presentation to the community,” J. Andrew Smith, an engineer from the Metro Public Works Department, says. “Comments were taken to enhance the project as it transitions from the preliminary engineering and environmental phase into the design phase.”

In addition to the new sidewalk, the renovation will include a green zone and other pedestrian enhancements, such as planting trees along the route. The need for these improvements was identified by the Metropolitan Planning Organization. Eighty percent of the costs, which are expected to reach $6.5 million, will be covered by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) with Metro responsible for the remaining 20 percent.

The project is the latest effort to improve that section of the neighborhood and will complement earlier improvements made in the area. Within the last few years, the Metropolitan Development and Housing Agency built a sidewalk in front of Uptown Flats, which stands at the corner of Gatewood Avenue and Dickerson Pike, about halfway between Douglas Avenue and Trinity Lane.

Smith also cites a similar redevelopment effort just south of Douglas Avenue.

A timeline shared at the community event projected a late 2019 completion date and TDOT requires that it be completed no later than May 2020. “We are at the end of the environmental phase of project development,” Smith says. “I expect we’ll ask TDOT for a ‘Notice to Proceed’ into the design phase in the next few weeks. As always, projects which require right-of-way or utility relocations have unique challenges.”

— Peter Chawaga

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Astute OBSERVATIONS by

When in Rome ...

ve been gone a lot this summer, East Nashville, so maybe I’m out of the loop.

Can someone please tell me when the change started?

What change is that, you ask? It’s hard to find the words, friends. Allow me to set a scene for you: I’m a social guy, I go out on occasion, and when I do, I often overhear conversations, asides, remarks, and the like. Recently, I’ve heard a few gems that have my blood pressure rising.

Last week, I went to see Reeves Gabrels and His Imaginary Friends play at The Family Wash. My pal Cowboy Keith Thompson and I decided to stop in at Mickey’s Tavern preshow for a Jack Daniel’s and a Miller High Life, respectively. Drinks secured, we made our way to the back deck and sat in a booth. In the booth behind ours sat two couples. Drunken hipster dude No. 1 was loudly explaining, for the benefit of the ladies, that Cobra used to be called fooBAR “back in the day.� After a few minutes of listening to his O.G. cred talk, we could take no more and walked back inside to the bar.

All the barstools were taken, so we grabbed a table near the front door. Across from us at the bar were seated two skinny rocker dudes in girl pants and man hats talking about their band and dropping names like bombs. Said bombs were dropped loudly and meant to impress everyone within earshot, which was, of course, everyone in the room. I was conflicted. We would have left sooner, but it was two-for-one and I don’t like to be wasteful.

Perhaps I’m just a grumpy bastard? Maybe I spend too much time in bars? Those questions are purely rhetorical.

I inherited some furniture recently. My friend Tommy Keenum helped me redecorate and reorganize my house. He did a fantastic job.

Now my home looks like an adult lives in it.

To celebrate my new, cool house vibe, I hired a

Have a hankering for more Hags?

We suggest visiting theeastnashvillian.com for all of his previous observations.

áš?áš’áš?

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theeastnashvillian.com November| December 2017

cleaning person. She knocked it out of the park. When she was finished, we chatted while she waited for her husband to pick her up.

We talked about the neighborhood, her daughter in the military, and music. It was a pleasant conversation. As she was leaving, she said, “I work for a lot of the rich people in East Nashville, they won’t even talk to me.� I said something like, “What? There are rich people in East Nashville?!� She assured me that there were. That’s when I remembered the Shelby Hills video of good-looking white people frolicking in the park and having wine tastings on their roof decks.

I thought those people didn’t really exist, they were just actors in a film marketed to a nonexistent, yet vapid, audience. Nope. They’re real.

I was at The Edgefield a few weeks back enjoying a burger when I overheard a woman say to her friend, “East Nashville is sooo great, but if they could just get rid of the locals though.� First of all, what’s with this whole though thing? When did that happen? Was it while I was out of the country? At least it wasn’t the question at the end of a declarative sentence vocal inflection thing that I’ve also wondered about. As in, “If they could just get rid of the locals though?� Frankly, I don’t understand the question?

Did I do that right?

To be clear, I’ve got nothing against wealth. I love money. I’d like more of it. What I do not like, not one little bit, are pretension, condescension, snobbery, and Trump support. To me, these things have no place in East Nashville — or anywhere else for that matter.

When I moved to town 20 years ago, I moved here for the locals. I wanted to be part of the scene. I wanted to contribute something. I still feel that way. It seems to me that if you move somewhere that is welcoming, friendly, creative, and funky — you know, the things that brought you there in the first place — you should get with that. When in Rome ... , you dig?

�

Hags is a part-time bon vivant, man-about-town, and goodwill ambassador for The East Nashvillian.

He earns his keep as a full-time bassist extraordinaire.

�

illustration :

I’

J ames “Hags� Haggerty

This is Thomas Edison. He invented the phonograph.

He also claimed credit for dozens of other people’s inventions, and was a real jerk to Nikola Tesla.

But he gave us the record player, and that’s pretty cool.

So, come buy some records...

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KNOW your NEIGHBOR

“I

haven’t always been this person.

We all have a past. Once I got my life together, I just wanted to give back. In my younger days I was a taker. When we’re young all we think about is ourselves. But now I just want to help better my community, better the people. I try to be in touch with positive people, people who can help me help my community. I have brought a group to the community called A Woman’s Journey.

We empower women. And then we have the Oasis Center that helps the teenagers find work. It’s all about anything that’s going to help the people. Helping to build them up. Because where we live, it can be very depressing. People out of work, and you want to work and can’t find a job, so with me knowing some of the people I know, I try to lead them in the right direction.”

Marilyn GREER

area where people can walk their dogs, we’re going to have a park, so it should

by Tommy Womack be very beautiful. Also, Martha O’Bryan will be expanding because they’re going to be building another school. So I’m excited to see what East Nashville and the Cayce homes are going to turn out to be.”

The project is huge. Greer says the whole endeavor will take eight to 10 years to complete. “It will be such an improvement, hopefully we as people can all learn to live together,” she muses. “It will not be only for the people in Cayce. Some of the homes will be market-rate homes, some will be based on workforce, and then some of them will be for the Cayce community.

I can imagine me living next door to a teacher, or a nurse, and we’re going to have to learn to adapt to each other. And people in Cayce and the people that’ll be moving in, we’re just going to have to learn Marilyn Greer has lived to adapt and live together. It can in Cayce Place just off South be done.”

Eighth Street for five years. She is All the 2,000 current residents vice-president of the Cayce Place will be grandfathered into the Resident Association, is on the new living spaces, and there will board of directors at the Martha be plenty of extra space after that O’Bryan Center, and also is on the for new tenants. The current tally board of the Metro Development of 716 apartments will grow to and Housing Agency’s “Envision over 2,000.

Cayce” project. Stirring her coffee “Cayce goes all the way from at Bongo East, the sun hits her South Fourth, almost by the reddish ringlets of hair, framing interstate, all the way up to a 62-year-old face that looks no more South Eighth,” she says. “That’s a lot than 40. Greer is involved in the push of land, and also, MDHA has bought to remake her entire neighborhood from other properties in the area, like Lenore the ground up. Metro is about to break Garden and there’s a church, I think it’s ground on the biggest housing project on South Fifth. They bought all that redevelopment in Nashville’s history. land, too. They’re going to be building One at a time, Cayce’s reddish brick, and building, it’s going to take a while.” two-story buildings are going to disapA full-time grandmother in addition pear and be replaced by townhouses that to her community work, Greer seems a will take the aesthetics of the neighborlittle perplexed when asked what she hood to a whole new level. A supermarlikes to do in her spare time — probably ket is planned along with structures to house because she has precious little of it. “I’m always additional businesses. There is even talk of an amphitheater. doing something,” she says. “I like to stay busy. My daughter tells “A lot of things are being moved around, like the family clinme all the time, ‘Mama, you need to sit down.’ But I can’t sit down. ic,” Greer says. “We’re trying to get a library, we’re getting a green I feel like there’s work to be done.”

PH O TO GR A PH B Y CH AD CR AW FO R D

“

My daughter tells me all the time, ‘Mama, you need to sit down.’

But I can’t sit down. I feel like there’s work to be done.

To learn more about the Metropolitan Housing and Development Agency’s “Envision Cayce” plan, as well as to stay informed about community meetings regarding the plan, visit: nashville-mdha.org/envision-cayce-2/

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Artist in Profile

SARAH WALDEN Patterns From the Past

By Brittney McKenna

S

arah Walden is an artist, but she’s also a time traveler. Well, okay, Walden may not have her very own TARDIS, but she interacts with the past in her myriad styles of artwork in ways that would leave Dr. Who himself impressed.

The East Nashville native first made waves in the art world with Peacoquette Designs, a studio that produces creative fabric patterns that can be printed on just about anything -- drapes, pillows, wallpaper, gift wrap. You name it, and Peacoquette can probably have it printed through print-on-demand services like Zazzle and Spoonflower.

While Walden’s intricate work — which takes cues from nature, Victorian England, and the steampunk aesthetic — suggests the craft of a veteran artist, but Walden’s foray into patternmaking was actually somewhat accidental. That hasn’t stopped it from being a successful and lucrative endeavor, though, as Walden’s patterns have sold in the seven figures and she’s currently represented by the Pattern Boutique of Edinburgh, Scotland.

“I was in the process of recording my first solo album when I got pregnant and had to go on bed rest,” Walden says. “That’s kind of when all of the art started popping up. I’ve always been artistic, but never tried to make a living out of it, and discovered print design for fabric and textiles and wallpaper, that sort of thing. I randomly became successful at it. Over a million dollars has been sold — I haven’t made that — but with my images have been sold. That made me have to take myself seriously, because it was just a hobby at first.”

What began as a hobby has since led Walden to explore other art forms, most notably digital assemblage. Like physical assemblage, Walden’s work finds →

Photography by Stacie Huckeba

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Artist in Profile

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Artist in Profile

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Artist in Profile her compiling digital artifacts into tapestry-like pieces that are too intricate to label as mere collage. A recent piece, titled “Automaton,” began as a simple exercise and ended with an unorthodox take on the self-portrait — while you won’t see Walden’s face anywhere in the piece, it does pull back the curtain on her heart and mind.

“It reflects my inner workings,” she says. “You see the eyes looking in and the woman’s figure and shadow. The different elements represent, to me, just the mechanisms of my inner life.

There’s a little boy being chased by a ghost monster; those are my nightmares. There’s a horse running on a treadmill, and that’s my anxiety. There’s careful calculations and some hieroglyphics and figures from my religious upbringing. Every detail represents part of my inner workings.”

So how does Walden use all of those images without paying a fortune in licensing? The public domain, of course, which is just fine for Walden, as she calls the early Victorian era her dream aesthetic. (It’s also the theme of her house’s front parlor studio.)

“I pull from the British Library,” she explains. “I go through millions of images a year.

I’ll go through quarterlies and magazines and say, ‘Oh, look at that one tiny image from 1820,’

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and I’ll download the image and edit it so that I just have that one character and then I apply it. It’s fascinating to me to think that a lot of these images haven’t been seen in 200 years.

Most recently by the person who digitized it, and three or four other people. But I can take something that hasn’t been seen in 200 or 300 years and polish it up and give it a new context, which speaks to my philosophy on a fascination with time travel. I love that kind of interaction between me and long-dead artists.”

Pieces like “Automaton” will soon be on display at East Side Project Space in the Wedgewood Houston Neighborhood. She’ll have a gallery show there on Nov. 4 as part of the monthly Wedgewood Houston Art Crawl, and her work will be on display for the rest of the month of November. Walden also teases that she’ll debut her “Time Travel Kits,” which blend visual art with audio to create miniature time travel experiences, at that November show.

While Walden’s aesthetic looks backwards in time, her attitudes about the creation and consumption of art are decidedly progressive.

The pieces at her upcoming gallery show will have interactive elements, and any work that customers purchase online will receive a personalized tweak from Walden.

“I like people to put their own stamp on what

theeastnashvillian.com November| December 2017

I do,” she says. “For the way I do work, which is digital, if someone likes one of my pieces and they want to buy it, they can choose the format.

They can choose whether they want it to be a canvas print or a wallpaper or a banner or a puzzle. When someone buys it, if they give me access to their social media and I can learn a little about them, I find a figure that represents them to me and I insert it into the image so that anyone who buys my work gets their own personal version.”

Walden knows that she is within the minority when it comes to artists allowing others to alter their works, but she sees her decision as an extension of what’s at the heart of her love of time travel — the ability to have a conversation and connect with someone who would otherwise be a stranger. It’s also likely a result of Walden’s artistic background, as she’s entirely self-taught.

“I taught myself through courses, and the computer skills that I have are also completely self-taught,” she explains. “I don’t look like everybody else because I technically don’t know what I’m doing. I just have instincts, and I’m a slave to the instinct as to whether something looks right or not.”

Walden’s fascination with time travel itself dates back far further than her interest in art, and she pinpoints the exact moment as when she and her father watched the 1980 Jane Seymour and Christopher Reeve film Somewhere in Time. In the film, Reeve’s character travels backwards in time to pursue a romantic relationship with Seymour’s character, and Walden credits her romanticization of time travel to the film’s sweeping storyline.

“It was so beautiful, and I loved the costumes and the story,” she recalls. “But the whole theory that by surrounding yourself in an environment that looked like the era that you wanted to travel to with no signs of the modern age, that you could flip through time. It was absolutely formative. If you ever come to my house, you’ll see there are a couple of rooms in my house where that’s the prevailing aesthetic. I want to convince myself that I can flip through time.”

As for actually living in another era, Walden’s fascination stops short. “I think I’m too big of a feminist to live in the past,” she says with a laugh. “I would have been burned at the stake.”

Always working to evolve her craft, Walden has her sights set on eventually learning to sculpt, throw pottery, and construct physical assemblage. Until then, she’s happy to continue centuries-long conversations with present-day art lovers, professional training be damned.

“People respond to that either positively or negatively,” she says. “Someone might look at my work and go, ‘Oh, that looks like a mess academically,’ or someone might look at it and say, ‘Emotionally, I love this, and it resonates with me.’ That’s the best I can hope for.”

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SOUL Man! Whether it’s Sunday, or any other night of the week, Jason Eskridge has a special brand of soul • by photography by

Ron Wynn

Michael Weintrob

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T

he 5 Spot isn’t exactly the first place a Nashville soul music fan might consider a haven for explosive funk or gritty R&B ballads, but that’s precisely what is happening at the club on this evening as dynamic vocalist Jason Eskridge and his band have taken over the stage.

It’s the second Sunday night in October, and the atmosphere has just accelerated from pleasant and amiable to explosive and intense, shifting from a show to an outright party. Eskridge’s seven-piece backing ensemble demonstrates its versatility as they easily shift stylistic gears through two fiery sets. On the menu one minute is an original, the next an inspired cover of a Prince or Sly Stone piece.

“How is everyone feeling tonight,” Eskridge asks from the crowded stage.

“We want you to take advantage of that dance floor,” he adds, pointing to an area initially deserted, but that soon gets more crowded as folks are pulled out of their seats and onto the floor, heeding the call of the concentrated, constantly changing grooves and beats.

The audience this Sunday night numbers roughly 100 people, with a blend of regulars and first-timers, neighborhood types and people from other parts of town — and from out of town — who’ve heard there’s frenetic soul and R&B music being played in Nashville at The 5 Spot on this evening and want to experience it for themselves. Eskridge makes the rounds between sets, asking whether the patrons are newcomers or regulars, Music City denizens or visitors from other areas. Eskridge obviously sees his mission as much more than just being his band’s vocal leader and principal composer (in addition to contributing a few licks of his own on various instruments).

As the host of this twice-monthly get-down known as Sunday Night Soul, which recently celebrated its third anniversary, Eskridge views this as a continuation of a campaign that was ignited upon permanently relocating to Nashville from Alabama. “When I had played Nashville before, I thought there was an underserved audience and a lot of fine musicians who weren’t being recognized,” he says. “I wanted to do something to get them more exposure and attention.”

Eskridge went to the owners of The 5 Spot a little over three years ago with a unique proposal: to stage a special night twice a month dedicated to local soul artists. It would be an alternative to having a DJ spinning classic Motown or Stax hits for clubgoers, as well as a live showcase for Nashville’s finest soul artists, something that was sorely lacking.

“They were the one place I approached that was willing to take a chance on something that many people don’t think is traditionally Nashville,” Eskridge explains.

But then taking chances is nothing new to Eskridge. Not everyone, even someone supremely confident in their abilities, would opt to leave a comfortable job as a mechanical engineer working for NASA in his hometown of Huntsville, Ala., for the life of a soul bandleader.

After he graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1997 with a degree in engineering, Eskridge landed what many would consider a dream position. “I had a good job, nice little apartment, a gig with a 401K, and a pretty set future with NASA if that’s what I wanted,” he recalls. “But the music was and is me. That’s what I wanted to do, and I just couldn’t be happy sitting in an office.”

“In fact, the funny thing was I would stay up all night writing and playing music, then have to come into the office and drink a ton of coffee trying to stay awake and concentrate on the work,” he continues. “It got to the point one day I just said, ‘What do you really want to do,’ and it wasn’t even that tough a decision. I knew right away I wanted to play and sing, and I know that’s what I want to do now.

“I do soul as an artist,” he adds, “and I’ve been in Nashville long enough to know that there were and are now a substantial number of outstanding soul artists who were kind of in a catch-22 situation.”

It was Eskridge’s desire to serve those undeserved artists that spawned Sunday Night Soul. “The artists couldn’t get their music played on radio

☞

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stations, so in turn no one got the opportunity, except for a small group, to know who they were,” he says. “In turn, while it was wonderful that The 5 Spot already had a night devoted to playing classic soul with a DJ (Motown Mondays), I really saw this as a way to grow the soul audience and also give the performers a chance to really display their skills on a regular basis.”

Since the series’ beginnings on March 23, 2014, The 5 Spot, on the second and fourth Sundays of every month, has become the place of choice for the area’s most talented soul singers and instrumentalists. Sets can range in length from 40 minutes to an hour-plus, and there’s usually both an opening and headline act. Some of the top acts who’ve appeared there include Emoni Wilkins, Dustin Ransom, Classik Levine, Damien Horne, Kyshona Armstrong, Mike Hicks, and Dynamo. And, of course, Eskridge himself.

S

oul and gospel share a musical kinship that differentiates them from R&B, blues, funk, and disco, even though all these certainly have similar roots in the black experience. But the cry for salvation is a special one, which emanates through the vocal cries and animated expressiveness of gospel and soul acts in a fashion that sets them apart, and in turn distinguishes all the greats of those idioms. Eskridge has that special quality in his vocals and onstage persona.

Listening to his clever uses of falsetto and the ease with which he adjusts to changes in rhythm and tempo within songs, you can hear the impact of the two men he considers prime influences: Bill Withers as a composer and Donny Hathaway on the artistic end. “He was terribly underrated his entire career,” Eskridge says of Hathaway. “He could truly do it all. Great player, incredible songwriter and arranger, charismatic performer. I certainly don’t put myself in his class, but he’s the person whom I really model a lot of what I try to do artistically and with the band.”

While a close examination of Eskridge’s vocal and compositional styles will reflect his two primary influences, it is also easy to hear traces of other influences, most notably Sly and the Family Stone from the standpoint of having a racially and sexually integrated lineup with a woman in a key role other than background vocalist, and Earth, Wind & Fire from the loose, shifting improvisational framework that anchors many of his tunes.

“I’m not really accomplished on any one thing,” Eskridge says, downplaying his instrumental skills. “I kind of get out there on guitar, sometimes I’ll get on the keyboards, maybe occasionally the drums. I wouldn’t say any of them is a signature or main instrument, but they add colors to the sound.”

Although it might be stretching things a bit to put Eskridge’s musical presentation in the jazz-rock or fusion camp, within many songs there are periods where he and the band members will extend solos or engage in extracurricular exchanges and fireworks that are more commonplace in the jazz or blues vernaculars, especially when compared to the slick, tightly produced material that’s favored by today’s urban contemporary stations.

It’s while listening to Eskridge’s vocals that the soul explosion comes forth.

He carries on the traditions of classic soul singers through the cagey use of falsetto; singing in both the tenor and baritone; bringing expressiveness to the lyrics; projecting in an animated manner; and applying careful attention to mood and pacing. His forthcoming new album, tentatively set for an early 2018 release date, is going to be more focused on originals. “Sort of my coming out party,” he jokes.

Thematic and instrumental flexibility is a trademark of Eskridge’s musical approach, one reflected by the personnel in his band. Their exuberant first set features a stellar new member, flutist Kateri Farrell. “It’s funny man, she had heard about us and kind of just walked up to me and asked if she could play with us,” Eskridge recalls. “I listened to her for a couple of minutes and said, ‘Of course.’ She give us another sound, an extra voice, and it’s proving a fantastic addition.”

Eskridge has begun composing more open-ended material that gives Farrell plenty of solo space either in the middle or near the end of selections. He’s also employed another rather unusual instrumentalist for a soul band in violinist Forest Miller, who provides another musical twist. “The idea really was to have kind of a string section in addition to the standard type of soul group

☞

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instrumentation,” the bandleader explains.

Miller and Farrell converge with keyboardist Demario Johnson, bassist Mike Majett, and drummer Elijah Holt, plus guitarist Richard Gallaher when he’s available. Eskridge also periodically has other Nashville musicians sit in with the band. But his core group of Johnson, Majett, Holt, Miller, and now Farrell provide the main backing for his impassioned, soaring vocals and blend of various instrumental colors.

“I kind of play around on keys, drums, and guitar,” Eskridge says. “Really depends on the things that I hear in my head, and what I think then works best for the songs. My philosophy and what I always tell the acts who appear here is play what they feel. My goal was to create a safe environment, one where they could feel empowered to do their own songs, or morph into doing whatever they felt inspired to keep the party going. Our music for the shows is usually 50-50 originals and covers, but that can also change, depending on the night and the crowd and the mood.”

Sunday Night Soul also doesn’t adhere to any rigid thematic or stylistic code in regards to what type of performers can appear there.

Singers or bands are both welcome, and Eskridge’s idea of soul isn’t a restrictive one, something reflected by both his band and the act that opened for him on this misty October night. The Sextones, a group from Reno, Nev., are all white, something that shouldn’t matter, but often does when talking about who’s doing what type of music. Their set was enjoyable, funky, and propulsive, with mostly original material that had a distinctive ’70s-funk flavor, but which also retained ample soul bona fides in its rhythmic intensity and edge. “We got them kind of by surprise,” Eskridge explains.

“They’re currently on a tour, and they had an off night and were in town and heard that there was a place where soul bands could play on Sundays. The lead singer called me, and we booked them.”

With his new record slated for release, and a trip to Japan that will be under his belt by the time you read this, plus the Sunday Night Soul rotations, Eskridge feels he’s doing what he was always meant to do.

He also is among the local artists whose music is currently featured in rotation by program director Shannon Sanders on the new local radio station, 102.1 THE VILLE. “I’ve known Shannon for 25 years,” Eskridge says.

“He’s also been someone I’ve admired, someone whose integrity and devotion to music and local artists is high, and what he’s doing with 102.1 gives us something we haven’t had during my time in Nashville before, and that’s a place where we can actually get our music onto the commercial airwaves.

“I can’t tell you how many of the artists who appear on Sunday Night Soul have come up to me and told me how great it is to have that station around,” he continues, “both because

they can get their music played on it, and also because it’s a chance to hear a lot of the great artists who were active before us, and who are our heroes. Nashville has long needed that kind of station, and I’m thrilled to be one of the artists that is on it.”

Eskridge also thinks that Nashville’s becoming a much friendlier and inviting town for soul acts. “I am very optimistic about the future,” he says. “We’ve got more people moving here all the time from all over the nation

and their musical tastes and interests are very diverse, so it’s important that the city’s performing atmosphere be just as diverse. Plus, I see people at the shows all the time who’ve come from LA or New York, and they say it’s great to hear some music that they can dance or listen to like they have in other cities.

“If you love soul, if you love energy and want to have a good time, just come in and experience Sunday Night Soul. I guarantee that you’ll enjoy it.”

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PUT THE

X

IN X-MAS!

WXNA swag makes a great gift for the freeform radio lover in your life.

Tees, posters, pins and more at WXNAfm.org/donate.

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2017 H O L I D A Y

G I F T

G U I D E

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. While 2017 has certainly had its ups and downs, ‘tis the season to bring some festive cheer to you and yours. Keep the holiday spirit alive and local with these handpicked gift suggestions to jumpstart the jingle in your wallets!

F O R

T H E

CULTURE CRAVER

So many shows. So little time. You can’t go wrong with customizable MARATHON MUSIC WORKS & EXIT/IN Gift Cards ($25 - $200) that can be used to purchase concert tickets or venue merchandise throughout the year at the Marathon Music Works box office or online. You’ll show that you’re winning at being Secret Santa when you wrap it up with the classic Support Live Music! t-shirt ($20) from these Nashville originals. It’s available in either short or long sleeves!

1402 Clinton St. 615.891.1781 marathonmusicworks.com exitin.com

J

J Can’t wait until Christmas to gift your favorite? Spoil them with tickets ($42-$52.50) to NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE’S ninth annual production of A Christmas Story that runs from Nov. 25 through Dec. 22.

Ralphie’s back for this Nashville holiday tradition that exuberantly gives fans what they want — a hilarious, interactive winter treat.

With a frozen flagpole, a ballet tribute to the iconic Leg Lamp, and many, many costume changes, the show more than delivers on its promise of laughs, heart-warming charm, and a child with a bar of Lifebuoy in his mouth.

The Bumpus hounds will be ready and waiting for you!

TPAC’s Box Office: 505 Deaderick St. 615.782.4040 nashvillerep.org

J

J Still searching for that perfect gift for someone special on your list? Give the gift of music this year. You can choose between 90+ NASHVILLE SYMPHONY concerts (tickets start at $20) that are on sale now. From Star Wars to Elvis to Verdi’s Requiem, there is something for everyone at the Schermerhorn.

Print-at-home tickets are also available for instant gift giving!

1 Symphony Place 615.687.6400 nashvillesymphony.org

Take a ’60s cult movie, set it to a new operatic score, add live singers and orchestra, and you get a fantastic night of over-the-top fun.

Patrick Morganelli’s new opera, Hercules vs. Vampires (tickets start at $25) kicks off on Jan. 27 and was written to accompany Mario Bava’s 1961 cult movie, Hercules in the Haunted World, a sword-and-sandal film that is wildly operatic in scope. Follow Hercules on his quest to rescue Dianara from eternal enslavement by an evil vampire-master. The NASHVILLE OPERA will project the film in its entirety as the new operatic soundtrack is performed live by opera singers and orchestra.

And, yes, costumes are encouraged.

Jackson Hall at TPAC 505 Deaderick St. 615.832.5242 www.nashvilleopera.org

GIFT GUIDE

By Marcia Masulla

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GIFT GUIDE

F O R

PAMPERED

F O R

T H E

ROCK STAR

Have that someone on your holiday list who’d be curious to hang out in a quiet saltwater tank? FLOAT HORIZEN is a new float center and alternative therapy spa that offers this unique stimulus-free environment that allows the mind and body to relax, recharge, and recalibrate from life’s daily pressures. The float tanks create a zero-gravity therapeutic environment for individuals seeking alternative methods to enhance their overall health and well-being. In addition to the Float Sessions & Packages ($85-$300), additional alternative therapies include, salt therapy, yoga, and harmonic meditation.

1012 Russell St., Suite 204 615.490.8656 floathorizen.com

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From relaxation and stress relief, to addressing specific needs of each individual, message therapist VAL KNUST specializes in focus work and helping relieve and retrain overused or painful muscles. While these thoughtful Gift Certificates ($45 - $105) are always available, there’s no better time of the year to pamper the people who deserve it the most!

953 Main St. 615.491.1848

Diamonds continue to be a girl’s best friend with a Brightening Kit & Diamond Dermalinfusion Treatment ($300) from ONA SKINCARE. The technology is a completely unique, noninvasive skin perfecting treatment that has instant and cumulative results after the potent, but gentle 30-minute treatment with no down time. The Brightening Kit is ideal for nonspecific discoloration (freckles, liver spots, or uneven tone), reduces the appearance of fine lines or wrinkles, and offers desirable results with skin brightening. Treat yourself to a free LED Treatment ($50 value) with the purchase of any gift card over $100, too!

East: 1013 Fatherland St. Belle Meade: 6592 Highway 100, Suite 1 615.810.8785 onaskin.com

NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE will be hosting performances of The Snowy Day, Mockingbird, and Dragons Love Tacos for you and your tiny tribe! All NCT shows are designed, built, directed, and acted by local, professional artists.The easiest way to attend is with a Sapphire Membership ($150), which provides 10 tickets at an excellent rate to be distributed as you choose, for these three plays.

The tickets you receive with membership can be used by both children and adults. Members can purchase additional 2017-18 tickets at a discount, and also receive a 10 percent discount and priority registration for NCT 2017-18 drama classes and camps, and more.

25 Middleton St. 615.252.4675 nashvillechildrenstheatre.org Matchy-matchy has never looked so good!

PONY SHOW’S Rock n’ Roll Onesie or Kids Tee ($28) are designed in-house and printed right here in East Nashville on Americanmade fabric. From the littlest rock & rollers to their grownup counterparts, you can also score a matching Adult Unisex Tee ($32) to strut around the playground with your mini. You can also show mom some mad love with a limited edition Gold Dust Moon Cycle Sweatshirt ($48), which may just be the softest sweatshirt you’ve ever felt with thoughtful acid-washed fleece and a perfectly worn-in texture.

723 Porter Road ponyshownashville.com

NASHVILLE USED & NEW MUSIC is the place to splurge for your strummer. The Supro Jamesport ($899.99) has timeless curves and has been enhanced with ergonomic, set-neck construction, and a satin-neck finish. Want to really spoil them? Pick up the Martin Black Smoke 000-17 ($1799) that offers a satin black smoke finish offset with grained ivoroid binding and pickguard show off the understated beauty of this guitar. The The Reverend Warhawk RT guitar ($999.99) is loaded with two Revtrons for a warm, focused tone with an aggressive upper-midrange chime that cuts through.

Play on, player!

4876 Nolensville Road 615.837.7529 nashvilleusedandnewmusic.com

theeastnashvillian.com November| December 2017

T H E

KIDDO

P E R S O N

A little lavender goes a long way with the Spa Therapy Collection from ABODE MERCANTILE. This entire hot/cold collection, including a Spa Blanket (69.99), Neck Pillow ($44.99), and Spa Mask ($24.99), is infused with lavender, which soothes nerves while the weight of flaxseed helps heal strained muscles. Just chill items in the freezer or warm in the dryer, microwave or towel warmer for soothing comfort.

We all know everyone loves the South, so keep your tootsies warm or share that warmth with the loved ones on your list by giving them these snuggly Southern Socks ($12) from Abode Mercantile. You have nine fun and different styles to chose from to keep the heat!

1002 Fatherland St., #101 800.535.8184 abodemercantile.com

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T H E

J

J Vintage meets modern at ABODE MERCANTILE with a unique baby gift from The Milkman! Soft and stylish baby onesies packaged in glass milk bottles ($28) are the perfect special delivery for new additions to the family or you may scoop up a Baby ($28) or Toddler ($24.99) Tee with the popular I “Pick” TN design.

1002 Fatherland St,, #101 800.535.8184 abodemercantile.com

These gift ideas from FANNY’S HOUSE OF MUSIC are the perfect as stocking stuffer accessories for your favorite guitar player.

From the VHT Redline Combo Amp ($125) that includes 20 watts, spring reverb, and an 8-inch speaker to the Pig Hog, a 10-foot Plaid Instrument Cable ($19) and the Tomsline Greenizer Vintage Overdrive Pedal ($40), the gift of music will continue to rock around the Christmas tree!

1101 Holly St. 615.750.5746 fannyshouseofmusic.com

Y O U R

FUR FAMILY Keep your pet warm and cozy this winter with a Flannel Print Blanket

by Tall Tails ($11.99) from SPOT’S PET SUPPLY. This soft, machine-washable throw is great for use in their crate, the car, or draped over furniture for a festive way to protect your home from pet hair. The Aria Gingerbread Emoji Bandana ($2.99) will have your dog turning heads and melting hearts. This affordable offering is sized to fit most breeds, but can be cut down to fit your smaller furry family members. You may also stuff your pet’s stocking with a Huggle Hounds Holiday Bear ($22.99) that offers multiple squeakers, different textures, and is designed to be durable and long-lasting.

East: 1013 Gallatin Ave. 615.385.1800 West: 5001 Alabama Ave. 615.334.0000 thedogspot.com Show your barkin’ BFF how much you care!

Santa suggests heading to BAXTER BAILEY & COMPANY for a few of Fido’s favorite things that include the large selection of Holiday Decorated Treats ($2-$6) because it’s not just Santa that loves cookies during the holidays. Your fur baby will be on their best behavior to make sure they get on the “Nice List” for these delicious treats!

We’re tempted to chew on the Gingerbread Cookie Treats ourselves! Free of wheat, soy, and corn, these treats ($9.99) are popular year round, but especially at the holidays.

Delicious, festive, and healthy for your pup, and budget-friendly for you.

1004 Fatherland St., #101 800.535.8184 baxterbaileycompany.com

GIFT GUIDE

CREW

F O R

The Tall Tails 3-In-One Blanket Bed ($37.99) from WAGS & WHISKERS is the ideal resting spot for your loyal companion this holiday season because it offers a nest to snuggle into, a pad to lay on, and an opening to crawl and burrow inside. You can also gift your pooch a versatile and 100 percent waterproof Kurgo Muck Collar (small, $16.99; medium, $18.99; large, $19.99) This collar is the ideal solution for dogs who love to explore. It has a special flexible coating that allows your dog to swim, roll, and romp through the great outdoors, but stays odor-free forever. Lastly, your pup can dine for a worthy cause! Rawz Freeze Dried and Canned Food (freeze dried, $29.99; canned, $3.29) offer excellent nutrition while also supporting a good cause with 100 percent of their profits benefitting three causes that include spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and providing resources for service dogs.

East: 1008 Forrest Ave. 615. 228.9249 12 South: 2222 12th Ave. S. 615.292.9662 West: 3731 Charlotte Ave. 615.454.2665 wagsandwhiskersnashville.com

J

Santa can strum some strings with a DELGADO GUITARS Setup & Tune-up Package ($100) that includes neck and action adjustment of the nut and saddle, dressing and polishing frets, tightening of the tuner screws and nuts, lubricating tuning machines, general clean up, and restringing (strings are extra). Added value, you say? Receive a free Delgado Guitars Tuner or a free Mexican Guitar Strap with any setup or purchase over $50!

919 Gallatin Ave., #10 615.227.4578 delgadoguitars.com

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TOGETHER WE LEAD! Thank you for supporting Lockeland Design Center Elementary.

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FOR THE

LIBATION

VINTAGE

LOVERS

WEISS LIQUORS is your one stop shop for your holiday gift buying needs (at least for those 21 and up on your list). For the “neat” man in your life or for the lady who knows a good bourbon, stop by for a chance at one of the Weller Antique 107 single barrel bourbons ($26.99) specially bottled for Weiss Liquors, a third-generation family owned and operated business serving East Nashville since 1932.

With the winter nip, there is no place better to find a good sip! Tis the season after all.

824 Main St. 615.227.5505

Is there someone stylish on your list who would appreciate a 1982 Rolling Stones Tour Jersey?

Choose this buttery soft, thin baseball jersey ($275) that is as good as it gets or from over other 500 vintage concert tees at BLACK SHAG VINTAGE. Some other Santa-approved finds include a one-of-a-kind ’70s hand-tooled Leather Purse ($68) and vintage Dan Post Women’s Full Python Cowboy Boots ($275) that are truly some coveted kicks!

1220 Gallatin Ave. 615.947.5994 blackshagvintage.com

J

It’s a snap to be merry when you make your glasses clink with the 2015 Rockabilly Red Red Blend Wine ($24). Blackberry syrup, lavender, peppercorn, and eucalyptus on the nose, this wine is big and burly on the palate with bing cherry, raisin, and purple sage flavors that are paired with densely packed tannins and a kick of oak on the finish. This blend of 80 percent Petite Sirah and 20 percent Syrah, pairs well with hearty grilled meats and fried chicken. Stock up at the only place that sells wine on Sundays in our fair city, CITY WINERY NASHVILLE. 609 Lafayette St. 615.324.1010 citywinery.com/nashville

CONNOISSEUR

Good things can come in small packages with the HATCH SHOW PRINT Canvas Flask ($17). This 4-ounce flask fits comfortably in the back pocket when full and can be filled with his favorite libation. Use the 1-ounce, aluminum shot glass cap to serve with style, while the BPA-free and recyclable materials block UV rays to ensure the longevity of the potent contents!

224 Fifth Ave. S. 615.256.2805 hatchshowprint.com

J

GIFT GUIDE

FOR THE

From the classic Beatle boots ($240) made from calfskin leather to the bold DC 5 Gold Stage Boots ($320) and Paisley Shirt ($69), CARNABY STREET USA has the goods for the groovy giftee on your list! As the sole U.S. outlet for Beatwear boots and clothing, you can find imported goods from Italy that include authentic Beatle boots that are handmade to specifications matching the 1960s originals, and they also stock a range of other musicians apparel inspired by Carnaby Street fashions that include shirts, jackets, suits, and more that are ideal for stage or streetwear.

1310 Clinton St., #105 615.987.0200 carnabystreetusa.com

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PAGE TURNERS

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Imagine your favorite musicians like you’ve never seen them before. Released earlier this year, INSTRUMENTHEAD ($90), MICHAEL WEINTROB PHOTOGRAPHY & STUDIO GALLERY’S award-winning fine art photography coffee table book, features 366 portraits of musicians like Bootsy Collins, Derek Trucks, Johnny Winter, and so many more. The perfect gift for art and music lovers or just a solid excuse to treat yourself ?

919 Gallatin Ave., # 6 718.387.5751 michaelweintrob.com

The women in your life will adore the handplucked inventory from HER BOOKSHOP. You’ll certainly please her with these pages from bestselling author Tristan Gooley’s How to Read Nature: Awaken Your Sense to the Outdoors You’ve Never Noticed ($16.95).

Bravetart: Iconic American Desserts ($35), by award-winning pastry chef Stella Parks, features meticulously tested recipes for dozens of beloved dessert classics, including Glossy Fudge Brownies, Classic Yellow Layer Cake, and homemade versions of your favorite guilty pleasures. Justina Blakeney’s The New Bohemians, offers encouraging, expert guidance on how to turn any dwelling into a sanctuary, without spending a fortune, and invites readers for a peek into the homes of more than 20 creative families.

J

A sure bet for that person who loves lyrics and literature?

JOHN PRINE’S songs have become central to America’s musical heritage.

In Beyond Words ($34.98), his very first book, Prine gives fans and readers a behind-the-scenes look at his legendary career with a curated selection of his most adorned songs, over 100 photographs from his personal collection, and copies of handwritten lyrics demonstrating how the songs evolved. The book also includes Prine’s personal commentary plus lyrics and guitar chords for over 60 classics, which NPR calls “some of the post-Dylan era’s most powerful songs.” store.johnprine.com/collections/ custom-collection/products/ john-prine-beyond-words

Surprise that music history buff with one or both of these two literary finds from the COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM. Historic RCA Studio B, “Home of 1,000 Hits,” is a landmark with a legacy built by some of the most important producers and artists in country, rock, and pop music. Generously illustrated with rare photos from the museum’s archives, this book ($14.95) traces the story of RCA Studio B from its birth through the city’s striking musical evolution, to its existence today as both working studio and tourist attraction and celebrates a magical, bygone era.

Dylan, Cash and the Nashville Cats: A New Music City ($19.95) matches its namesake exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Dylan’s embrace of Nashville and its session musicians inspired many other artists, among them Neil Young, Joan Baez, and Leonard Cohen, to follow him to Music City. Around the same time, Johnny Cash was recruiting folk and rock musicians including Dylan to appear on his groundbreaking network television show, The Johnny Cash Show, shot at Ryman Auditorium, home of the Grand Ole Opry. This companion book looks at the Nashville music scene in the mid-to-late ’60s and early ’70s, a time of great cultural vitality for the city.

222 Fifth Ave. S. 615.416.2001 countrymusichalloffame.org

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GIFT GUIDE

FOR THE

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theeastnashvillian.com November| December 2017

Also available at HER BOOKSHOP: When punk icon Exene Cervenka says Woman Walk The Line ($24.99) “isn’t just for girls, it’s for everyone,” believe her. Edited by regular The East Nashvillian contributor Holly Gleason, the book is part memoir, part history, part criticism, and features 27 women poets, critics, activists, artists, chefs, and New York Times’ best-sellers considering how Rosanne Cash, Loretta Lynn, Kacey Musgraves, Dolly Parton, Lucinda Williams, Emmylou Harris, and others changed their lives. The Washington Post proclaimed, “a new collection of personal essays on the transformative impact of women in country music aims to change the narrative.” A great gift for any lover of country, bluegrass, early rock & roll, and Americana. Also available at other local booksellers.

1043 W. Eastland Ave. 615.485.5420 herbookshop.com

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GIFT GUIDE

FOR

FOR THE

HER

MUSIC LOVERS

J

J

Does she have the look? LOOK EAST stocks unique glasses and sunglasses that includes New Orleans-based brand, KREWE, which has already developed a cult following among celebrities and trendy individuals who crave individuality. The frames ($235-$275) are stylish, durable, and are made from plantbased acetates and premium metals with 100 percent UVA/B eye protection. Who says you can’t smile with your eyes?

1011 Gallatin Ave. 615.928.2281 lookeastnashville.com

Got a one-of-a-kind girl? Then why not let her know how much you appreciate her individuality with a one-of-a-kind necklace, such as the piece above right from East Nashville jewelry designer Leah McIntyre which is made with apatite beads, 14K GF embellishments, and a labradorite pendant ($430). Or the piece above left from Knoxville jewelry artist Kitty Siegel, a unique necklace created by combining a repurposed vintage watch and rhinestone necklace with Swarovski pearls and pewter beads ($250). Both of these singular necklaces are available at ART & INVENTION GALLERY. 1106 Woodland St. 615.226.2070 www.artandinvention.com

Gift your musicphile with the sounds of a local legend! East Nashville resident REEVES GABRELS is the guitarist of The Cure and a longtime compadre of the late David Bowie. His own trio, Reeves Gabrels & His Imaginary Friends, features Reeves on vocals and guitar. They’ve played regularly at The Family Wash/Garage Coffee for more than a decade, delighting locals and visitors with music combining the visceral energy of rock, the harmonic sophistication of jazz, and the emotional honesty of blues. Reeves Gabrels, Imaginary Friends Live was recorded at The Family Wash and is the perfect gift ($7) for friends who like rock – and beyond.

Exclusively at Bandcamp: reevesgabrels.bandcamp.com

BAND TOGETHER

BECOME A MEMBER TODAY

Museum members enjoy unlimited access to rotating exhibitions, as well as exclusive performances and programs, discounted tours of Hatch Show Print and Historic RCA Studio B, shopping and dining deals, and more.

#PressPlayRecord • #CMHOF50 • @CountryMusicHOF CountryMusicHallofFame.org/Membership • Downtown Nashville

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HIM J

J Introducing the all-new Extang Trifecta 2.0 — reinvigorated with a host of new features, while remaining easy to install and simple to use. The best selling Soft Tri-Fold Cover just got better. Sleek lines and soft and curves. On and off in seconds. Smarter clamping system.

Available for nearly every truck. Designed, manufactured, and assembled in the USA. Installed free at HUNTERS CUSTOM — no appointment necessary!

Not quite sure what album tops their list, but want to support their music habit? The Groove has got you covered. You can’t go wrong with a super soft THE GROOVE Branded T-shirts ($17.99) that features two different logos and are great for wear anytime of the year. Pssst! Children sizes are coming soon, too! Do they love vinyl? Stuff their stocking with branded Turntable Slipmats ($9.99) that are soft felt, with a glazed bottom for durability.

1103 Calvin Ave. 615.227.5760 www.thegroovenashville.com

GIFT GUIDE

FOR

Whether it’s for his Man Cave or a camping trip, CUMBERLAND HARDWARE has the hookup on keeping him warm with the energy efficient PTC Ceramic Heater ($24.99) that offers 750/1500 watts of heat in a jiffy.

We can’t think of a better way to melt his heart!

1018 Woodland St 615.227.1240

955 East Trinity Lane 615.227.6584 hunterscustom.com

J

Constructed from the finest quality full grain and enriched leather that provides for a smooth, tight, and supple hand, The Nashville Wallet ($45) features Nashville on the full grain leather exterior in a weathered serif font and is crowned with dueling acoustic guitars. THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM logo is embossed on the interior right hand corner. This gift will age beautifully, and the softness of the leather increases over time!

Museum Store 222 Fifth Avenue S. 615.416.2001 countrymusichalloffame.org

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SERVICE DIRECTORY APARTMENTS

CONCERTS | RESTAURANT | PRIVATE EVENTS | WINERY

EASTSIDE HEIGHTS

120 Fifth St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.255.0788 liveeastsideheights.com

THE CLEO EAST NASHVILLE 1034 W. Eastland Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 615.262.6893 eastcleo.com

ATTORNEYS COURTNEY A. TEASLEY ATTORNEY AT LAW

3925 Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216 615.521.1178 cteasleylaw.com

MILLER UPSHAW FAMILY LAW, PLLC

631 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.454.9899 nashvillefamilylaw.com

AUTO NASHVILLE AUTO CARE 839 Porter Road Nashville, TN 37206 615.228.2410

VOLKSWAGEN | COOL SPRINGS 620 Bakers Bridge Ave. Franklin, TN 37067

615.236.3200

vwcoolsprings.com

CHIROPRACTIC EAST END CHIROPRACTIC

12/3 Asleep At The Wheel “Merry Texas Christmas Y’All!” with Opener Leigh Nash presented by WMOT/ Roots Radio 12/5 Squirrell Nut Zippers presented by WMOT/Roots Radio 12/6 Exile - Wrapped In Your Arms for Christmas 12/7 Ronnie Spector’s Best Christmas Party Ever!

12/21 City Winery Presents Jason Eskridge: Christmas with Friends 12/22 Musicians Corner Christmas - Songs of the Season from Nashville Artists 12/23 Musicians Corner Christmas - Songs of the Season from Nashville Artists

12/28 The Black Jacket Symphony Presents: 12/11 Silent Night, Funky Night Pink Floyd’s The Dark An Evening with Side of the Moon Donnie Fritts 12/29 The Jerry Douglas Band 12/12 Christmas with The Celts presented by 12/17 A John Waters Christmas WMOT/Roots Radio 12/19 Kris Allen: Somethin’ About Christmas (Meet & Greet Available)

12/30 The Jerry Douglas Band presented by WMOT/Roots Radio

We Sell Wine

953 Main St., Ste. 109 Nashville, TN 37206 615.650.6533 eastendchiro.com

THE FOUNDRY CHIROPRACTIC AND UPPER CERVICAL 305 E. Trinity Lane, Ste. 104 Nashville, TN 37207 615.516.2866 foundrychiropractic.com

THE SPINE SHOP CHIROPRACTIC

805 Woodland St., Ste. 323 Nashville, TN 37206 615.736.2353 thespineshop.com

CONTRACTORS BUILDING COMPANY NUMBER SEVEN

Residential additions, remodels, handyman services 615.891.2398 nashvillegeneralcontracting.com

CUMBERLAND COOLING, INC.

Heating and air conditioning service, maintenance, installation 615.576.0742 cumberlandcooling.com

E3 INNOVATE

Wine delivered right to your doorstep.

join vinofile reserve

ON SUNDAYS!

Home energy, efficiency, & environment specialists 615.876.5479 e3innovate.com

609 LAFAYETTE STREET, NASHVILLE, TN 37203 615.324.1010 | CITYWINERY.COM 56

theeastnashvillian.com November| December 2017

NINE 12 DESIGN

Residential architects specializing in historic renovation, additions, new construction, custom design 615.761.9902 nine12design.com

OCHOA BROS. GENERAL CONTRACTORS

Commercial buildouts, tenant improvements; residential design, build, remodel 615.516.7885 ochoabros.com

NASHVILLE ELECTRICIANS 615.630.2808 nashvilleelectricians.com

POWELL DESIGN STUDIO

Commercial architecture & design 615.320.5000 powellarchitects.com

RHYTHM BUILDERS

Residential renovations, additions, custom homes 615.925.0309

STRATTON EXTERIORS

Residential room additions, renovations, garages, new construction 615.750.2148 strattonexteriors.com

DENTA DOWNTOWN DENTAL

101 Union St. N. Nashville, TN 37201 615.254.1393 downtowndentalnashville.com

EAST SIDE SMILES

Dr. Thomas Hadley 7 N. 10th St. Nashville, TN 37206 eastsidesmiles.net

SMILEMAKER ORTHODONTICS 7 N. 10th St. Nashville, TN 37206 200 Gleaves St. Madison, TN 37115 615.865.6551 smilemaker.com

FINANCIAL MISTY PETAK | FINANCIAL ADVISOR 615.479.6415 misty.petak.nm.com

PATHWAY WBC

201 Venture Circle Nashville, TN 37228 615.425.7171 pathwaywbc.org

REGIONS BANK

615 Gallatin Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 800.734.4667 regions.com

SWBC

615.577.5194 615.278.0231 swbcmortgage.com/miller

FITNESS & WELLNESS KALI YUGA YOGA

1011 Fatherland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.300.7298 kaliyugayoga.com

MARATHON PILATES

966 Main St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.730.6638 marathonpilates.com

MARGARET MADDOX YMCA

2624 Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216 ymcamidtn.org/margaret-maddox

QUANTIFY FITNESS

224 S. 11th St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.697.3481 quantifyfitness.com/eastnashvillian

WELL BEING PILATES

1000 Fatherland St., Ste. 202 Nashville, TN 37206 615.454.4995 wellbodynashville.com

FLOAT HORIZEN

1012 Russell St., Ste. 204 Nashville, TN 37206 615.495.0034 floathorizen.com

FOOD & DRINK BARISTA PARLOR

519 Gallatin Ave. B Nashville, TN 37206 615.712.9766 baristaparlor.com

BATTER’D AND FRIED

1008 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.226.9283 batteredandfried.com

BEYOND THE EDGE

112 S. 11th St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.226.3343 beyondtheedge.net

CHOPPER

521 Gallatin Ave. #3 Nashville, TN 37206 chopper.tiki.com

DEE’S COUNTRY COCKTAIL LOUNGE

102 E. Palestine Ave. Madison, TN 37115 615.852.8827 deeslounge.com

DRIFTERS

1008-B Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.226.2776 driftersnashville.com

GRAZE

1888 Eastland Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 615.686.1060 grazenashville.com

ITALIA PIZZA & PASTA

1600 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.262.5001 italiapizza37206.com

MICKEY’S TAVERN

2907 Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216 615.852.5228 mickeystavernnashville.com

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NOMZILLA! SUSHI ET CETERA 1000 Gallatin Ave. A Nashville, TN 37206 615.712.7409 nomzilla.com

TENN SIXTEEN

1016 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.227.6313 tenn16.com

THE FAMILY WASH GARAGE COFFEE

STATE FARM INSURANCE BOBBY BERRY 703 Main St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.271.2996 bobbyberry.com

STURDIVANT INSURANCE 625 Main St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.943.4962 sturdi.net

1402 Clinton St. Nashville, TN 37203 615.891.1781 marathonmusicworks.com

RYMAN AUDITORIUM 116 Fifth Ave. N. Nashville, TN 37219 615.889.3060 ryman.com

MUSICIANS

LANDSCAPING | ARBORIST

REEVES GABRELS

THE TREEHOUSE

DRUID TREE SERVICE 615.373.4342 druidtree.com

MUSIC GEAR & REPAIR

THE WILD COW

1896 Eastland Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 615.262.271 thewildcow.com

VINYL TAP

2038 Greenwood Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 615.454.3995 vinyltapnashville.com

TWO TEN JACK

MASSAGE THERAPISTS TYRUS ARTHUR, LMT

VAL KNUST, LMT

NONPROFITS

953 Main St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.491.1848

MOVERS 6TH MAN MOVERS

THE TURNIP TRUCK

ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER

TOWER MARKET

1305 Gallatin Ave. 615.650.1005 delirestaurantnashvilletn.com

WEISS LIQUORS

824 Main St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.227.5505

FUNERAL SERVICES PHILLIPS-ROBINSON FUNERAL HOME

2707 Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216 615.226.3312 phillipsrobinson.com

HAIR SALONS BMERIN SALON

719 Porter Road Nashville, TN 37206 615.579.6160

SALON FRINGE

2528 8th Ave. S., #4 Nashville, TN 37204 615.582.2024

MUSEUMS 800 Fort Negley Blvd.

Nashville, TN 37203 615.862.5160 adventurescienceci.org

CHEEKWOOD

1200 Forrest Park Dr. Nashville, TN 37205 cheekwood.org

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM

222 Fifth Ave. S., Nashville, TN 37203 615.416.2001 countrymusichalloffame.org

FRIST CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS

108 Chapel Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 615.228.6745 fanniebattle.org

NASHVILLE CARES

nashvilleaidswalk.com

PERFORMING ARTS OZ ARTS NASHVILLE

6172 Cockrill Bend Circle Nashville, TN 37209 615.350.7200 ozartsnashville.org

NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE

25 Middleton St. Nashville, TN 37210 615.254.9103 nashvillechildrenstheatre.org

NASHVILLE OPERA

615.832.5242 nashvilleopera.org

PET BOARDING | GROOMING

MUSIC CITY ROOTS

The Factory at Franklin musiccityroots.com

MUSIC CITY WINTERFEST musiccitywinterfest.com

CITY WINERY

EXIT/IN

615.327.8115 graffitiindoorad.com

FANNIE BATTLE DAY HOME FOR CHILDREN

MUSIC

CUMBERLAND HARDWARE

GRAFFITI INDOOR ADVERTISING

EAT REAL TENNESSEE

eatreal.org/tennessee

NASHVILLE REPERTORY THEATRE

HARDWARE STORE

INDOOR ADVERTISING

PIANO MASTER

919 Broadway Nashville, TN 37203 615.244.3340 fristcenter.org

609 Lafayette St. Nashville, TN 37203 615.324.1010 citywinery.com/nashville

1018 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.227.1240

DELGADO GUITARS

919 Gallatin Ave., #10 Nashville, TN 37206 615.227.4578 delgadoguitars.com 615.262.0011 pianotuningnashville.com

615.830.1313 6thmanmovers.com/free-quote

970 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 321 12th Ave. S. Nashville, TN 37203 615.650.3600 | 615.248.2000 theturniptruck.com

reevz.net

2621 Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216 615.525.7439 tyrusarthurlmt.com

1900 Eastland Ave., #105 Nashville, TN 37206 615.454.2731 twotenjack.com

theeastnashvillian.com November| December 2017

MARATHON MUSIC WORKS

626A Main St. Nashville, TN 37206 familywash.com 1011 Clearview Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 615.454-4201 treehousenashville.com

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INSURANCE

2208 Elliston Place Nashville TN 37203 615.321.3340 exitin.com

615.244.4878 nashvillerep.org

CLOUD 9 MOBILE GROOMING 615.351.8473 cloud9mobilegrooming.com

HILLCREST KENNEL & GROOMING

3541 Dickerson Road Nashville, TN 37207 615.865.4413 hillcrestkennel.net

PET SUPPLIES BAXTER BAILEY & COMPANY

1004 Fatherland St. #101 Nashville, TN 37206 800.535.8184 baxterbaileycompany.com

WAGS AND WHISKERS

1008 Forrest Ave. (entrance on backside of building) Nashville, TN 37206 615.228.9249 wagsandwhiskersnashville.com

THE DOG SPOT

1004 Gallatin Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 615.385.1800 thedogspot.com

PHARMACY RIVERSIDE VILLAGE PHARMACY 1406-A McGavock Pike Nashville, TN 37216 615.650.4444 riversidevillagepharmacy.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS I AM REVOLVER

iamrevolver.com

INSTRUMENTHEAD: THE BOOK michaelweintrob.com

PHYSICIANS 3RD & CHURCH HEALTHCARE 301 Church St. Nashville, TN 37201 615.255.7902 thirdandchurchhealthcare

BENCHMARK PHYSICAL THERAPY 705-B Main St. Nashville, TN 37206 629.702.3164 benchmarkpt.com

COLE FAMILY PRACTICE

RADIO STATIONS

SCHOOLS

ROUTE 650 AMERICANA

GOODPASTURE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

wsmonline.com

WMOT ROOTS RADIO 89.5 wmot.org

WRLT LIGHTNING 100 lightning100.com

WXNA 101.5 FM wxnafm.org

REALTY ALEX SIGG RE/MAX FINE HOMES 615.579.5183 alexsigg.com

EXIT REALTY

619 Due West Ave. Madison, TN 37115 goodpasture.org

HARPETH HALL SCHOOL 3801 Hobbs Road Nashville, TN 37215 615.297.9543 harpethhall.org

December 28

ROBERT EARL KEEN’S MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE FAM-O-LEE

LOCKELAND ELEMENTARY

105 S. 17th St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.258.1330 schools.mnps.org/ lockeland-elementary-design-center

NASHVILLE COMMUNITY EDUCATION

December 30

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW

performing Bob Dylan’s Blonde on Blonde in its entirety

615.974. EXIT exitrealtyeastnashville.com

615.298.8050 nashville.gov/Nashville-CommunityEducation.aspx

VILLAGE REAL ESTATE

SKINCARE

Nick Irwin 615.418.0563 (Direct) 615.383.6964 (Office) basenashville.com

MELISSA LUNDGREN

615.383.6964 (Direct) 615.405.4784 (Office) melissalundgren.com

WAGONWHEEL TITLE & ESCROW

202 11th St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.650.5100 wagonwheeltitle.com

RETAIL ABODE MERCANTILE

January 16 & 17

DWIGHT YOAKAM with King Leg

ONA SKINCARE

(FORMERLY GLOW SKINCARE) 1013 Fatherland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.810.8785 onaskin.com

January 23

DAVID RAWLINGS

STORAGE A+ STORAGE

911 Division St. Nashville, TN 37203 615.861.8204 aplustorage.com

January 28

WALK THE MOON

EAST NASHVILLE SELF STORAGE 800 Main St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.742.0066 eastnashvilleselfstorage.com

February 1

FIRST AID KIT

226 Jackson Meadows Drive Hermitage, TN 37076 615.874.3422 colefamilypractice.org

1002 Fatherland St. #101 Nashville, TN 37206 800.535.8184 abodemercantile.com

EAST NASHVILLE FAMILY MEDICINE

ART & INVENTION GALLERY

KUSTOM THRILLS TATTOO 1000 Main St., #107 Nashville, TN 37206 615.226.3009 kustomthrills.com

February 15

1106 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.226.2070 artandinvention.com

LOOK EAST

BLACK SHAG VINTAGE

VETERINARIANS

February 16

801 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.469.5555 familypracticenashville.com 1011 Gallatin Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 615.928.2281 lookeastnashville.com

1220 Gallatin Ave. Nashville, TN 37216 615.947.5994 blackshagvintage.com

RIVERSIDE VILLAGE HEALTH & WELLNESS

CARNABY STREET USA

1406 McGavock Pike, Ste. B Nashville, TN 37216 629.777.9368 nashvilletnmedicalfacilities.com

RECORD STORE THE GROOVE

1103 Calvin Ave. Nashville, TN 37206 615.227.5760 thegroovenashville.com

Marathon Village 615.987.0200 carnabystreetusa.com

FRAMES BY U

The Shoppes at Rivergate 2152 N. Gallatin Road Madison, TN 37115 615.859.6878 framesbyu.net

MOTO MODA

FANNY’S HOUSE OF MUSIC

521 Gallatin Ave., Ste. 4 Nashville, TN 37206 615.319.4301 motomodashop.com

RECORD LABELS

723 Porter Road Nashville, TN 37206 615.319.2244 ponyshownashville@gmail.com

1101 Holly St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.750.5746 fannyshouseofmusic.com

NEW WEST RECORDS

newwestrecords.com

PLOWBOY RECORDS

TATTOOS

5 POINTS ANIMAL HOSPITAL 1103 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.750.2377 5pointsanimalhospital.net

MOBLEY VETERINARY CLINIC 4709 Gallatin Pike Nashville, TN 37216 615.262.0415 mobleyveterinaryclinic.com

WORSHIP NASHVILLE FIRST CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

BLUES TRAVELER

JOSH RITTER & THE ROYAL CITY BAND February 23 & 24 and March 2 & 3

TEDESCHI TRUCKS BAND February 27

NOEL GALLAGHER’S HIGH FLYING BIRDS

510 Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206 615.255.1289 nfcn.org

PONY SHOW

WOODLAND THRIFT

943-B Woodland St. Nashville, TN 37206

February 11

DANCING WITH THE STARS LIVE! Light Up The Night

plowboyrecords.com

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Ayla Williams, who plays Iris, and Christopher Bosen, who plays her father, in a scene from Still Life With Iris.

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Buggin’ AT THE THEATER BUG, KIDS LEARN TO BE ‘FEARLESS AND BOLD AND BRAVE’

By Steve Morley Photography courtesy of MA2LA

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Iris with her parents in the play’s final scene (L-R): Tamiko Robinson, Ayla Williams, Christopher Bosen.

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t’s about an hour before curtain time at The Theater Bug on a Friday evening in late September, night two of the all-youth theater company’s four-night presentation of the fantastical two-act play Still Life With Iris. In a building at the back of Inglewood’s New Life Baptist Church, nearly two dozen kids ranging from kindergarten-aged to high schoolers interact spiritedly, but peacefully, while parents contentedly converse or settle into volunteer roles, with nary a neurotic stage-mother vibe anywhere to be found.

Tonight’s performance is set in an alternate world called Nocturno, a peculiar but happy place save for the presence of a sinister conspiracy to steal the memories of family members, rendering them virtual strangers. Conversely, the peculiar but happy community atmosphere inside is one that an actual stranger — the visitor just arriving to experience The Theater Bug for the first time — finds to be an oddly inviting one, perhaps a bit like an alternate world itself.

Amy Rhyne, the company’s administrator, graciously greets the newcomer and finishes going over last-minute directions with a volunteer at the donation table just inside the door. Holding a full Starbucks cup in each hand, Rhyne introduces the visitor to some of the actors’ parents, such as neighborhood “Bug mom” Fleming McWilliams, an enthusiastic source of information. “This is not watered-down children’s theater, it’s a roller coaster of emotions,” McWilliams says from her volunteer post behind the snack bar. Her point is that topics of real gravity and poignancy are explored in The Theater Bug productions, and that the students involved have the skills to pull it off. “They’re real actors, these kids,” she adds with a mixture of wonder and conviction.

Standing nearby, newish East Nashvillian Christal Rosado praises the high-quality training her two daughters have received here since the family relocated from the San Francisco Bay Area, where the girls were involved in local theater. Tonight they each play a modest part, but The Bug Way makes no distinction regarding the size of each actor’s contribution; everyone, or no one, is a star. Christopher Bosen, a professional actor who is playing a rare adult role on the Bug stage, later notes that in every production, every young actor on stage will “have a moment, a line or something, to shine in the spotlight.”

Bosen goes on to explain that the students here range from professional actors who audition for Broadway shows to kids who may be trying theater for the very first time.

Those who are newer to the stage have the advantage of learning from more experienced participants, as was the case for Bosen’s daughter Sydney. “It’s opened up her independence and her sense of self to be around kids that have self-confidence onstage,” he says.

Bosen emphasizes that the key to this exchange is the environment of complete safety the program provides. “The kids become pretty fearless, and bold and brave in their choices.

Because they know there’s no risk of being embarrassed.”

Bosen is quick to attribute the good things happening at The Bug to its founder and artistic director, Cori Anne Laemmel. “She sets a professional atmosphere for the kids, and has high expectations for them, but at the same time she’s very nurturing in her environment,” he says. “Having worked with her in shows and worked with her as a director, I just think that The Bug is a natural reflection of who Cori is. It’s a really magical place that she’s created.”

By way of example, consider the preshow ritual taking place on the stage, where the entire cast is seated in a large, ring-shaped configuration known as the love circle. Each person has an opportunity to offer affirmation, encouragement, or gratitude to others in whatever way they feel inclined. By the time Cori Anne Laemmel has moved from the love circle to the theater’s front row of seats to meet her visitor, both Starbucks cups are now in her possession — one cradled in her upper left arm as she sips from the other. →

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Two friends Iris makes on her journey, Annabel Lee (Abbey Rhyne) and Mozart (Jake Jarrett), share a touching moment.

The full cast of Still Life With Iris.

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(L-R): Ayla Williams (Iris), Moses Williams, George Sekeres (Grotto Good), Roxy Painter (Greta Good), and Jody Jarrett (ensemble).

Laemmel, a California native who began acting professionally at age 9, formerly taught acting for Metro Parks and Nashville’s Street Theatre Company, where she launched the latter’s youth program. With support from husband (and Theatre Bug technical director) Tyson, she set out in 2010 with the vision for her own acting company after realizing her role at Street Theatre was “essentially a really small branch on a big tree. And the longer I was there, the more I realized I really wanted to be the tree,” she says, laughing.

Some would say she’s become the roots as well, establishing a reputation for the acting company through her energetic investment in her students, as well as its workshops, annual concerts, and the prolific body of plays and musicals she’s custom-written for the kids. She explains that tonight’s show is not a Bug original, as most are; rather, it’s a longtime personal favorite that licensing costs had previously made unfeasible for the nonprofit company, which debuted on the stage of Donelson’s Keeton Theatre in March 2011. Since then, The Bug has occupied three different locations near or along Gallatin Road, becoming an East Nashville fixture that’s now drawing students from surrounding counties.

When she emerges onstage about a half-hour later for brief preshow comments, she tells the audience what she told her visitor earlier about the performance soon to commence: “This play is deep and strange and unique; it doesn’t remind me of anything I’ve ever read. And I feel that way about all these kids, too. They’re all the most unique, strange, wonderful kids, and so it made total sense that I would do this show with them.”

Just before surrendering the stage to her student cast, she speaks an affirmation the actors hear in some form or other before every performance: “Kids, I love you. You are wonderful. You are magic. Have so much fun! And now I present ... .”

Still Life With Iris is indeed an odd duck among stage repertoire, offering scenes both heartwarming and bizarre. It’s also an anomaly in the sense that it isn’t one of the typically presented Laemmel creations that seek to elicit compassionate understanding of contemporary issues ranging from adoption and childhood cancer to learning disabilities and teen suicide. Now a defining feature of The Theater Bug, the plays initially were prompted by necessity — namely, the lack of funds to pay royalties on licensed works. It was a major plus for Laemmel that she could create roles on demand to suit her students’ growing numbers and individual strengths as well as sidestep the status quo of subpar material that Laemmel feels “talks down to really, really brilliant young actors. This was my chance to say, ‘Okay, let’s write you something that’s yours.’ ” Neither the writer-director nor her students initially set out to be social crusaders. “At first it was just a way of getting the kids to talk about stuff,” she says. “These are their stories, and it’s important to them. Art is an amazing communicator, and it was such a great way for them to be able to really use their art.”

Laemmel, perhaps understating her substantial contribution to developing her students’ capacity for empathy, believes it’s basically the result of their naturally artistic sensibilities. “I think what it comes down to is that they’re interested in storytelling, and anybody who is drawn to being a storyteller by nature is going to be a little more openly accepting of somebody that’s different from them,” she says. “And these kids often can see through a lot of things because of what they see in people and their hearts, and they want to do the right thing.

Really, every single show seems to have come down to the same thing, which is just to be kind, and it’s really easy to hear that from the kids.” →

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Indeed, what began simply as a cost-saving measure has become a core part of The Bug’s DNA, proving to be inspirational and transformational for adult viewers. “The shows Cori writes are so powerful that audiences who come in with low expectations since ‘it’s just a kid show’ are truly amazed and able to walk away seeing the world with different eyes,”Bug mom Julie Franklin says.

Audience members aren’t the only ones being transformed by the process. Amy Rhyne, a Bug mom as well as a staff member, affirms that daughter Abbey and her fellow students “are learning to make a difference in this world and to have empathy for others. I’m confident my child is going to be a better adult because of the years she has spent at Theater Bug.” Anna Williams is the mother of five Bug kids ranging from 6 to 16, three of whom are in the cast of Iris, including eldest daughter Ayla in the title role. Williams has observed that The Theater Bug participants “have been taught to honestly and respectfully look into the lives of people they may not have a place to explore otherwise. At the end of a run, Cori’s students go out in the world ready to protect, defend, befriend, honor, and respect people of all backgrounds, colors, faiths, and lifestyles,” Williams says.

Truth be told, The Bug’s own student body is nearly as diverse as the broad cross-section of people for which it artistically advocates. In The Bug’s climate of acceptance, Laemmel’s students learn to bond with one another across social and cultural lines, and they gain a maturity that helps buffer them from typical peergroup politics. “[Laemmel] opens her heart to every kind of kid, and she just sparkles inside and out,” says 16-year-old Ayla Williams, whose six years at The Bug have included building a group of friends she says feel like family. “I say this to her all the time, and I’ll say it again: She makes growing up a lot easier.”

Even being a grownup is easier at The Theater Bug. Working alongside young, passionate actors who follow Laemmel’s lead of expressing unconditional love was a heartening and restorative experience for veteran actor Bosen. “When she calls out to both sides of the stage and tells the kids she loves them, I’m choked up by it,” he says. “Because I think it’s true — it’s true for me as a performer, and I think it’s true for most performers, and for most people, there’s an inherent craving to hear those words. When we sat around in that love circle, we’d sit there and the kids would say it.

“I know that in doing this show, I rediscovered my own love and joy of creating with others and being a part of something like that,” Bosen continues. “As an adult, you don’t want to leave that. Because that spirit, unfortunately, doesn’t exist in that way when you work in most professional settings. It only happens at The Theater Bug.”

Perhaps for that very reason, Laemmel says it’s a shock to her system when she accepts the occasional professional acting gig she wedges into her schedule once a year to maintain her own professional growth. “Anytime I’m away from my kids and I’m in a setting where all of a sudden I’m just with adults again, I really feel the difference,” she says with a laugh that sounds like a sob. “It’s really hard for me.

Somebody else might say, ‘Oh my God, I just couldn’t be around a bunch of kids all day,’ but

for me it’s like, ‘Oh, they’re just such good human beings.’ ” For the many other adults who’ve found meaningful community and an uplifting, growth-producing environment for their kids, it should come as no surprise that the director prefers to be nestled snugly inside The Bug. Like them — and, for that matter, like Iris, who by show’s end regains her memories and returns to her restored family — Laemmel’s found her home in a peculiar, happy alternate world.

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Chattanooga Brainerd (right) delivers the opening kickoff at the debut of East High’s new stadium on Sept. 22.

‘A DREAM COME

by Joe Williams

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Friday Night Lights return to East Nashville

TRUE’

photography Frederick Breedon

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t’s the first Friday night of the fall and truly perfect. Low humidity and a slight cooling breeze brought a sense of October; not your typically muggy September evening. The enticement of comfort increased the number of patrons at the Red Door Saloon who were jockeying for a spot on the open-air deck, looking to shake off the cobwebs of the work week, making plans for the weekend.

Up the street, East Nashville High School juniors Alexis Patterson and Kane Scruggs joins several friends in the north parking lot of their school, awaiting the start of their weekend plans, plans that for a generation and half had not been an option. “We’ve been looking forward to this,” Patterson says. “Everyone is excited.”

As a full, bright yellow sun slips slowly past the western horizon, turning orange, then settling into a home-team red hue before disappearing altogether, the teens — and anyone else within earshot, including the people on the deck at the Red Door Saloon and beyond — hear the crackle of a public-address system and the sudden forceful sounds of a full band signaling the arrival of the East High Eagles on their own gridiron for the first time in over 30 years.

Friday Night Lights have returned to East Nashville.

“It’s been an exciting day, it’s really hard to put into words,” says principal Steve Ball, emotion slowing his words at the Sept. 22 dedication of East High’s new J.J. Keyes Stadium. “We’ve been waiting seven years, and this has been great.”

As the leader of the 85-year-old institution, Ball was instrumental in helping to bring back football to East High in 2009.

It had been nearly two-and-a-half decades after quarterback Michael McGuire ran into the end zone from the five-yard-line in overtime to beat Maplewood 6-0 in the old facility’s final game on Nov. 2, 1985.

Initially, the team played its games at Tennessee Preparatory School’s field, but Ball and first East Literature Magnet High School coach James “Bubba” Spears started talking about a home field almost immediately. Spears brought his mentor, Jerry Pigue,

out of retirement, a pair of former archrival Stratford stars, Spears as a quarterback and Pigue as a legendary coach, helping to get the once-hated Eagles program restarted.

The first year they managed to get lights for the field, but that’s where the plan stalled. Spears left to kickstart the Hillwood program, and Junior Ward got involved.

Ward was an all-state, all-everything track standout at East High, graduating as a world class athlete in 1960. It wasn’t long before he found himself back home as a teacher, coach, and mentor to students inside and outside the classroom. After he retired, he became a supervisor of officials that call TSSAA contests. In those duties, he visits games and evaluates the work of the keepers of the rules.

“I supervise football, and I went to the old TPS about seven years ago, and it was

the first night the band played on the field,” Ward recalls. “It was heartbreaking for the alumni who had to go all the way out to TPS, but the kids were having to go out to play.

I just thought the kids deserved more than that — they deserved what we all had when we were here. It just kind of steamrolled from there.”

Ward created the nonprofit East Nashville Football Stadium Foundation and started raising awareness and funds. He called on alums from all walks of life to help return football to the East campus facility, including 1945 grad Richard Fulton, who went on to become a state senator, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a threetime mayor of Nashville. That, of course, was all after the undersized, but ferocious Fulton gained legend status by blocking three punts in a single football game for East High. →

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The new facility has amenities not dreamed of when the original was constructed. Long, winding ramps that lead to the grandstands and the field to meet compliance with ADA regulations; a visitor’s grandstand on the other side of the field; a skybox for alumni use, and a fully functional concessions building where more than just hamburgers and hot dogs are offered. The variety of menu items has exploded with the addition of outside, local, neighborhood vendors, all getting a chance to establish a business while sharing proceeds with the school athletic department under the watchful eye of East Nashville resident Laura Wilson.

“We are Citizen’s Kitchens, a commissary kitchen, where small businesses go to grow,” Wilson explains on opening night. “Every time you see a food truck or a mobile food vendor or a baker without a kitchen, they need a commissary kitchen. We are excited to be opening a new kitchen in the basement of the old Hunters Automotive called Hunters Station, with an 8,000-square-foot kitchen to help others grow their business.

“We’re neighbors and we have a son on a path to go to East, so we are getting involved early,” she continues. “We’ll have a rotating group of vendors to just add a little variety to concessions. It’s great for our food vendors because they have an audience of young people here who are excited about food and those are our people.”

end zone. Teams often would go another direction rather than send a receiver into that corner. Teams that did manage to score in the northern end zone usually did not kick extra points after the first score. It was barely 10 yards from the goal posts to a short fence, where neighborhood kids would gather to see who could catch the kicked extra point ball.

If the ball made it over the fence, it typically did not come back. Many a good Saturday pick-up game on the field was facilitated

by a team making their first visit to the old Keyes Stadium.

There were other unique characteristics to the old stadium. By the time he graduated in 1964, Charles Dahlgren probably had as many laps around the old cinder track as anyone. The middle of five Dahlgren children with East High diplomas, he, like Ward, came back to the school, teaching and coaching from 1971 through its closure as a high school in 1986. He is also one of the few who

T

he current excitement over East High’s new stadium can be traced back to a wrecking ball in 1987.

Built in 1932 by the Works Progress Administration, the original J.J. Keyes Stadium, named for the first principal of East High who served from its opening until his death in 1936, sat with its back to McFerrin Avenue, where Ross Elementary now is located, rising up over 100-feet at the very top.

Constructed of concrete, it was the largest high school football stadium in Nashville, with a capacity of nearly 7,000 people.

The seating area stretched over 70 yards, from the 10-yard line in the northern endzone to the 15-yard line on the southern end.

There were four tunnels that came from underneath the seating area, each emblazoned by a large red letter, E-A-S-T. Once reaching the bottom row of seats, there were eight walkways that went all the way to the top; there were 128-steps from there to the top and back, as any athlete unfortunate enough to suffer the discipline of “running the stadium,” could tell you.

On the field, J.J. Keyes Stadium was the definition of home field advantage. The cinder track that surrounded the football and encroached on the left field area of the baseball field in turn two, was also the better portion of the left rear part of the northern November| December theeastnashvillian.com

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knew the best-kept secret of the old facility’s idiosyncrasies. “The old cinder track was only 360-yards long, not a regulation 440-yards long,” he explains. “You had to run five laps to make a mile, not four” But a decision to make East a middle school beginning in the fall of 1986 took away the need for a football facility. Metro school officials made the decision to not only close the high school portion, but to destroy the stadium to make way for the new Ross Elementary. The history, the memories, the uniqueness that was J.J. Keyes Stadium was reduced to rubble by a wrecking ball and hauled away in less than six months.

“I don’t think any of these kids, or the ones to come, will have any earthly idea what we played on,” he adds with a laugh.

Mark North, President of FANS (Foundation for Athletics in Nashville Schools), may have said it best at the very start of the campaign to bring Friday Night Lights back to East Nashville — “Nothing connects the community with the schools like athletics,” North explained.

“A football stadium that lights up on

Friday nights is a beacon to the community of all the good things that go on in the school. That’s why we needed a stadium at East High.”

The night doesn’t have the fairy tale ending envisioned for it: Chattanooga Brainerd captures the first win at the new Keyes stadium, edging the home team 22-16. But even with the loss, there is still joy in the neighborhood.

After 31 years, the Eagles are home.

O

ver 400 former players, cheerleaders and band members from six decades are on the field at halftime when the new stadium is dedicated, again in the name of the school’s first principal, J.J. Keyes.

There were elected officials, members of Keyes’ family, officers of the East Nashville High School Alumni Association, and others on hand as the announcement was made.

“It [East High] reminds me of my old high school back in California,” Ball says. “It has such a rich history. The alumni here are like the ones back home; they have just brought me into their family, and I know what it means to them to bring a home field back to this property.

“It’s been a real adventure; a seven-year climb,” he continues. “We’ve had great support from the alumni, the district, from the mayor’s office, from the council. All the dignitaries at halftime have a connection to East High.

“It’s been a dream day come true.”

“I feel like back in the old days when we were all here,” Ward adds. “It just warms my heart to see all of the alumni who came out tonight. We’ve got 1,000 alumni in those grandstands from all years. And those kids at the other end, the current students, they are finally now getting what we had all those years ago. It just means so much to all of us.”

The difference in the eyes of former players goes beyond explanation, especially those from the last decade who watched the once majestic community centerpiece begin to show signs of neglect from a lack of maintenance and care. The field where the new stadium sits was a rock pit, with large boulders sticking out of the ground.

“This is sacred ground to me,” says John Drake, a 1983 grad who played collegiately at MTSU and is now a deputy chief with the Metro police department. “I grew up playing pickup football on the old field, then played in high school. We didn’t have the greatest of teams, but we worked hard, we tried hard, and we competed. It’s just good to come back now and see a field that used to be a rock pit become an elegant field.

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‘Drinking

BLACK COFFEE’ Andy Mumma’s business success is powered by community

story 76

Randy Fox

photography

theeastnashvillian.com November| December 2017

John Brown

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“I

always tell people, coffee found me,” Andy Mumma says. The East Nashville entrepreneur and coffee master sits at a table in the East Side location of his landmark business, Barista Parlor. It’s a Tuesday morning and a small crew of expert baristas brew coffee by the cup for a steady stream of java lovers.

“When I was 18, things kind of came to a head, and I needed a change,” Mumma says. “My older sister was attending college at Belmont, so I decided to come to Nashville.

I didn’t pack anything. I had a 1950 Ford coupe that I drove all the way, stealing gas to get here because I had no money. I decided to stay and got a job as a barista. That’s when I started working in coffee, and it’s been the one constant in my life for the last 19 years.”

A native of Chesapeake, Va., Mumma grew up in a Conservative Mennonite family. Like all Mennonites, Conservative Mennonites believe in a strong dedication to pacifism and a life of service.

Navigating a middle path between Old Order and Progressive Mennonites, Conservatives embrace a limited amount of modern

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technology while following a simple lifestyle, primarily separated from most aspects of popular culture.

“I only hung out with the kids I went to school and church with during my grade school years,” Mumma says. “It was actually a great childhood because there was a huge sense of community, but I was always different. When I was 7 or 8 years old, I would draw tattoos on my arms with markers. When I was about 13, I found some blue hair dye and dyed my hair. I was always interested in different stuff and wanted to do something different with my life compared to the rest of the kids.

“When I was 14 years old, I was working at a local dairy farm, washing the delivery trucks and doing odd jobs. One day I was washing the milk truck and turned on the radio. There was a local station with a punk rock show. That was the first time I heard rock & roll — the Sex Pistols, Bad Religion, and Social Distortion. I got a cassette recorder and started secretly taping those songs off the radio.”

That chance encounter with punk rock plunged Mumma headfirst into the deep end of the rock & roll pool. Although his parents had never explicitly banned the Devil’s music in their household, Mumma kept his interest in rock clandestine to avoid disapproval.

When his father discovered his son’s new obsession, Mumma got a surprise.

“My dad married into the Mennonite culture, so he knew all about rock & roll from his younger years before he met my mom.

He introduced me to Chuck Berry, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and more. It made him very happy that I loved it.”

Rock & roll wasn’t the only lasting influence on Mumma. The summers he spent at his maternal grandfather’s dairy farm in Lancaster, Pa., led to another passion. “My uncles were all obsessed with muscle cars,” he says. “The first time I experienced the thrill of being pinned back in my seat was in a ’69 Road Runner, and my mom owned a Dodge Demon when she got married. Restoring and maintaining muscle cars was the one outlet many Mennonites had.”

When Mumma began attending public high school, these dollops of American popular culture were joined by a plethora of worldly temptations. “I went to grade school with the same 10 kids, and then when I started high school, I was one of 4,600 kids,” he says. “I got a guitar and learned to play rock & roll, and I discovered skateboarding. It was a whole new world for me — a crazy whirlwind from the time I was 14. By the time I was 18, I was playing in bands and even doing some touring.”

Along with the healthy aspects of rock and rebellion came darker issues. Conflicts with his family and drug use led to a downward spiral resulting in his bolt to Nashville with only a 1950 Ford and the desire for a different life.

“I know this sounds silly, but I decided to stay in Nashville because everyone I met was so welcoming and so nice,” Mumma says.

“When I got the job as barista, I knew nothing about coffee. What really attracted me were schedule flexibility and the social aspects of the job. I still wanted to play music, and working in a coffee bar was a way for me to meet and connect with people.

Mumma soon brought the same passion to brewing coffee that

he applied to rock & roll and fast cars. He also found himself in the right place at the right time as the movement that became known as the third wave of coffee began to gather steam.

“It really wasn’t about the coffee when I started,” Mumma says. “It was all about adding flavored syrups or how sweet you could make it. There were trail-blazing roasting companies like Stumptown and Intelligentsia that focused on the quality of the coffee. I got subscriptions to many of these and invited friends over while I played around with (different brewing methods like) chemexes and siphons. That was my first experience with really good, high-end specialty coffee.

I had my day-job coffee, and then I would do all my coffee geeking out at home. About seven years into my coffee career, my passions started changing from playing music or making films to the idea of owning my own coffee bar. I tend to obsess over things, so I spent eight years thinking about it and talking to my friends about my ideas before I decided to start Barista Parlor.”

Mumma moved to Phoenix, Ariz., to work for a roasting company with the goal of learning more about the production of high-quality coffee. “I was out there only 10 months because the people weren’t nice,” Mumma says. “All I could think about was being back in Nashville, so I moved back. I hardly had any money and really didn’t know what I was doing, but I decided I was going to will it to happen. I knew I wanted to be in East Nashville, and I knew I wanted to do it my way — using manual brew methods, making it to order by the cup. Part of the beauty of coffee is there is a niche for everyone. I wanted to create a coffee bar that fit my vision of how it should →

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be roasted, brewed, and presented.”

A year-long search for the perfect space and location eventually led him to a former transmission shop, just off Gallatin Avenue, tucked away behind what is now Local Honey, across the alley that runs behind Porter Road Butcher and The Groove. He then began a slow process of renovating the space over the course of several months, as his finances allowed.

“I found a landlord that would work with me on the big things, and I worked something out where I didn’t have to pay rent until I opened,” Mumma says. “I know the landlord thought I was crazy, but I think he thought at least I would improve the space, even if everything else fell through. I had a bunch of talented friends willing to help me, and it took me a year to build out the space. I tried to get an investor, offering 50 percent of the business for $10,000, but I couldn’t attract anyone. Then my mom died in the middle of the construction, and that was really hard, but my dad ended up moving here from Virginia to help me finish the space.”

Opening in May 2012, the Barista Parlor made an immediate splash in Nashville’s coffee and culinary scene. Mumma’s personal vision encompassed sourcing the highest quality sustainable coffee in the world and grinding and brewing each cup to order, using different brewing techniques tailored to bring out the best in each variety of coffee.

As for the ambiance, Mumma preserved the garage space aesthetic by retaining the garage roller doors and an ample amount of open space, adding custom-designed furniture made from reclaimed wood and built by local craftsmen he knew personally. He also worked closely with his friend Bryce McCloud of Isle of Printing to add several nautical-themed design elements, including the distinctive wooden anchor on the outside of the building and what Mumma calls “the world’s largest iPhone enhanced mural,” a 24-foot-long mosaic comprised of 4,400 individual letterpressed squares, each one with a different sea creature, creating a portrait of the Preussen, the famed German steel-hulled five-masted cargo ship that sank in 1910.

Mumma’s collection of vintage motorcycles parked at the front of the building became a popular feature of the decor. “When I opened the Barista Parlor, I started parking my bikes here because I didn’t have a garage,” Mumma says. “People enjoyed looking at them, and it’s attracted other motorcycle enthusiasts. Our goal was to merge art and commerce. I wanted people to think differently about coffee, make it more of an experience instead of just a transaction. So all the art pieces and small things we do are important in creating that experience.”

Commitment to his personal vision and thinking beyond the confines of routine

business concerns has been a major factor in Barista Parlor’s success and growth. In September 2014, Mumma opened a second location at the former home of the Golden Sound recording studio in the Gulch, and a third location opened in December 2015 in a former auto body shop in Germantown. A roasting operation was added to the Golden Sound location in July 2016. For each additional location, Mumma remained committed to the brewing techniques and functional layout of the original Barista Parlor, while adding unique design themes — aeronautics for Golden Sound and automotive for Germantown. He’s also continued his commitment to local craftsmen and artists.

“Growing up in a Mennonite community, everything in our house was built by family friends. I never thought about it as a way to represent my heritage. It just made sense to design the furniture and fixtures myself and have local craftsmen make them. If I’m going to spend money on furniture, why wouldn’t I support someone locally and keep that money in the community? The original Barista Parlor was the first big job for a lot of the people I worked with, and now they have successful businesses. Not only has Barista Parlor been a success for me, but it played a part in making other local businesses successful.”

With his coffee kingdom well-established,

Mumma is currently expanding into other businesses, partnering with longtime Husk Nashville bar manager Mike Wolf on a new tiki bar, Chopper, located in the same building as the original Barista Parlor. Mumma is also partnering with Moto Moda owner Jimmy Pruitt on a new, expanded location for the East Side motorcycle culture shop that will be located in Riverside Village. In addition, Mumma is hard at work on 4 Speed, a classic and customized car dealership slated to open on Main Street in 2018. For all of his ventures, Mumma credits success to the community of friends and business associates he’s fostered over the last two decades.

“It’s all about finding a really great team,” he says. “I work with amazing people that I trust, but it took me a few years to get to this point.

For a long time I wasn’t managing my stress well and taking pride in working 100 hours a week and trying to do everything myself. Now I take pride in having a really amazing team. I am ambitious, but I didn’t set out to create all these different businesses. They just grew organically. I wanted to create a kind of company that I never worked for, one where the employees are super-stoked about working for someone that cares about them. It’s never been about money, it’s always been about using my creativity and the community of people I’m blessed to work with.”

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Legendary session musicians (L-R) David Briggs, Norbert Putnam, James Burton, and Charlie McCoy at RCA Studio B prior to one of a number of events celebrating the iconic studio’s 60th anniversary.

The Big

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When RCA Studio B opened in 1957, it became a cornerstone for Music Row

By Daryl Sanders | Photography Eric England

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Columbia recording artist Jo Davis had the first session at RCA’s new studio on Oct. 29, 1957 with guitarist Chet Atkins and bassist Bob Moore.

Photographer: Elmer Williams

The Everly Brothers, Don left and Phil right, confer with Cadence Records owner and producer Archie Bleyer during a late ’50s session at Studio B. Also pictured: guitarist Hank Garland (left) and bassist Lightnin’ Chance.

Photographer: Elmer Williams

Jim Reeves during a late ’50s session.

Photographer: Elmer Williams

A 24-year-old Roy Orbsion takes a break during a session in August 1960.

Photographer: Elmer Williams

Elvis Presley’s first day recording in Historic RCA Studio B.

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Archival photos courtesy of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum

I

t’s the last day of August and as night falls, Music City is being drenched with a torrential downpour. The rainstorm, however, doesn’t dampen the spirits of the people inside Historic RCA Studio B. Four legendary musicians — David Briggs, James Burton, Charlie McCoy, and Norbert Putnam — are among those gathered inside the studio, there to be featured participants in an event recognizing the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death. Although it’s not the primary focus of the evening, the event is one of several being held at Studio B as the studio celebrates an anniversary of its own: It’s been 60 years since it first opened for business.

These days, of course, Studio B is no longer a commercial concern, instead operating as a historic landmark under the auspices of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

It’s open for daily tours, occasional special recording projects, and events such as the one the studio is hosting on this night to honor Presley.

After a tour of the facility, everyone gathers in the tracking room for the panel. Museum Editor Michael Gray leads a discussion with Briggs, Burton, McCoy, and Putnam. As the four men reminisce about working with Presley, they also share their memories of working in Studio B, because no artist was identified more with the room than the king of rock & roll, who recorded over 200 songs there. Before he introduces the panel, Gray notes to the audience of 50 or so, “The profits Elvis generated for RCA in 1956 and ’57 [were] a major factor in RCA deciding to even open this studio.”

Before they had any kind of physical footprint in Nashville, RCA was conducting sessions in the city under the direction of recording executive Steve Sholes, who, assisted

by Chet Atkins, had been producing records here since 1950. “The first place they used was Brown Radio Productions, which was a radio production business located downtown on Fourth Avenue North,” museum senior historian John Rumble says. “Some would call it Brown Brothers. For some reason, they decided to close their doors and go back to Missouri where they came from.”

The Browns sold their equipment to an engineer named Cliff Thomas in late 1952 or early 1953, and Thomas eventually set up shop at 1525 McGavock St., in the same building as TRAFCO, the Television, Radio, and Film Commission of the Methodist Church.”

Initially, RCA was just one of a number of clients who were renting the studio from Thomas, but by November 1954, the label had taken over the space exclusively, and by January of 1955, they had set up their first Nashville offices in

the building. One afternoon the following January, while TRAFCO employees worked on Sunday school lessons, Presley entered the building and recorded his initial sides for RCA: “I Got A Woman” and his first million-seller, “Heartbreak Hotel.” That evening, he cut “Money Honey.”

“It really wasn’t a compatible situation,” Rumble says of TRAFCO and RCA being in the same building. “Rock & roll, you got to remember, was really controversial — that was the devil’s music.”

Aside from any incompatibility between the Methodists and RCA, the TRAFCO people needed to expand. Plus, Atkins had issues with the studio’s sound. “Chet told me it had kind of a curved ceiling and the bass tones would bounce off of it and get in everybody’s microphones, and it was just not what Chet wanted,” Rumble says. “He had a very finely tuned ear, and he hated things that were too loud.”

So the building’s owner, local builder and investor Dan Maddox, offered to build a new building for RCA to lease exclusively at the corner of 17th Avenue South and Hawkins Street, and the label bosses in New York took him up on his offer. By the spring of 1957, ground had been broken on the new building, and by late October, RCA engineers were setting up the tape machines, mixing board, and other gear in the label’s new facility.

According to Rumble’s book book published by the museum’s CMF Press, Historic RCA Studio B: Home of 1,000 Hits, the first session in the new RCA studio on Oct. 29 ironically was for a Columbia artist, Jo Ann Davis. But RCA’s Hank Snow was there the following day, recording several songs. The Nov. 4 issue of Music Reporter mentioned that the new studio had already booked “a heavy schedule of recording dates.”

The opening of what was then known simply as RCA Studio only a block from Owen and Harold Bradley’s studios on 16th Avenue South gave the city’s burgeoning recording industry an important pair of cornerstones that would anchor the area that would become Music Row for the next two decades. The proximity of the two studios was especially convenient for the city’s session musicians. “At the time,” McCoy says, “if you didn’t work at one place, you worked at the other.”

Presley’s first session at the label’s new facility in Nashville was held on June 10, 1958, during a two-week furlough from the Army before leaving the U.S. for two years’ service in Germany. He cut a pair of hits that day — the chart-topping “A Big Hunk O’ Love” and “(Now And Then There’s) A Fool Such As I,” which reached No. 2 — and was backed for the first time by a trio of musicians who would go on to work with him extensively in the studio once he returned from military service: guitarist Hank Garland, bassist Bob Moore, and drummer Buddy Harman.

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Early the following year, the usually calm, cool Atkins lost his temper with an irritating engineer named Bob Ferris and threw a punch at him. “Something set Chet off and he took a swing at Ferris and hit a piece of equipment instead,” Rumble says, picking up the story. “So there he is, his hand is hurting, and Ferris complains to the union, and the union says, ‘Well, look, we’re going to shut this studio down.’ ” So the union forced the facility to close while Ferris trained a replacement. Although the

incident was embarrassing and problematic at the time, Atkin’s swing-and-miss turned out to be fortuitous because, as Rumble points out, “that’s what let Bill Porter come in.”

Born and raised in East Nashville, Porter was working as a television cameraman when he made the move to RCA early in 1959. The recording studio was a whole new world for him, but Atkins was his guide. “He said Chet was very helpful in explaining how the equipment worked,” Rumble recalls the engineer

telling him. “In other words, if you wanted particular sounds, this is what you had to do, with the gain, with the recording level, with the limiters, etc.”

As it turned out, despite being a novice, Porter was a natural. “He had great ears, and he was a great technical man,” Rumble explains. “Chet said Bill was the best engineer he ever had.”

Porter set about improving the sound of the room. With the help of assistant engineer Tommy Strong, he identified the best spots to place vocalists and acoustic instruments, actually putting X’s on the studio floor with tape.

Porter also bought some acoustical panels and strung them from the ceiling to break up the sound waves. “The sound difference was phenomenal,” Porter told Rumble. “They didn’t look very good, but they worked.”

“They were breaking rules, making their own ways of doing things,” current studio manager Justin Croft says. “RCA actually had like a manual on how to record, and they essentially discarded it and did their own thing.

“They were resourceful, and they were creative, and they were just trying to make the best records that could be made with what they had, you know,” he continues. “And I think they did a phenomenal job, obviously.”

Obviously. Over the next two decades, a who’s who of country artists cut hit after hit for the label at Studio B, including Snow, Skeeter Davis, Bobby Bare, Dottie West, Porter Wagoner, Dolly Parton, Eddie Arnold, Jim Reeves, Waylon Jennings, and Charlie Pride.

T

he panel discussion includes some touching memories, as well as humorous ones. “It’s great being back here tonight,” Putnam says at one point, “because that bathroom back there — the first session I’m doing with Presley, I remember I went back there ’cause we were starting in about 10 minutes, and I looked in the mirror and said a little prayer: ‘Dear God, don’t let me be the first bass player to ruin a Presley session.’ ” Briggs expressed a similar sentiment recalling his first session with Presley, also at Studio B. “I was scared to death,” the keyboardist says.

Burton first worked with Presley in Las Vegas, but like Briggs and Putnam, McCoy first recorded with The King at Studio B. It was on a soundtrack session in February 1965 for the film Harum Scarum. “He had an aura about him,” McCoy tells the audience. “He comes through the door, I was first in line ’cause I was playing acoustic guitar. ... He walked right up to me, he shook my hand and said, ‘Thank you for helping me.’ From that moment on, he had all of us right there (points to his upturned hand), and we were like, ‘Yeah, let’s do this.’ ” Presley was not the only early rocker who recorded at RCA Studio — both The Everly Brothers, who recorded for Cadence Records, and Roy Orbsion, who recorded for the 86

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Monument label, cut many of their biggest hits there, songs like “All I Have To Do Is Dream”

by The Everlys, which went all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard singles chart, and “Only The Lonely” by Orbison, which reached No. 2.

McCoy’s first two master sessions as a studio musician were at Studio B in 1961. “The first one, Chet called, and it was Ann-Margret, and on that session, Bob Moore booked me for a Roy Orbison (session) later that week,” he says a few weeks after the event.

The Ann-Margret session yielded the legendary actress’ one-and-only Top 40 hit as a singer, 1961’s “I Just Don’t Understand,” while the Orbison date also resulted in a hit, “Candy Man.” Recalling the Ann-Margret session, McCoy says, “Fortunately for me, I already knew what to play because he wanted exactly what was on a demo I’d played on. Needless to say, I was pretty distracted — Chet, the A-team, the Anita Kerr Singers, and then 18-year-old Ann-Margret, and I’m like a 20-year-old guy.”

music’s evolution. At Studio B, visitors stand where Elvis, Dolly, Charley Pride, and many other greats stood to make music that would define their era and affect listeners for years to come. There is magic in that experience.”

Alan Stoker, who is currently the museum’s curator of recorded sound collections, became the first manager of the studio after the museum took charge. He echoes Young’s point in a video shot there to commemorate its 60th anniversary. “Studio B was one of the first

major-label studios to anchor themselves on Music Row,” Stoker notes. “That studio and Owen’s studio about a block away. And I think those two studios really are responsible for Nashville and the Music Row area becoming what it is today, sort of a mecca and a hub for the music industry. Now that’s changed quite a bit since the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, but it’s still that way, and you still get that feeling when you walk in the studio, that there’s something special that went on here.”

B

y the mid-’70s, the recording landscape had changed dramatically in Nashville, with an abundance of master quality studios, not only in the Music Row area, but spread across the city from East Nashville to Mount Juliet and Berry Hill. Against this backdrop, RCA, which had been locked in an ongoing dispute with the engineer’s union, decided to shutter most of its studios nationwide, including the four rooms it was then operating in Nashville.

Briggs and Putnam co-owned one of the most prominent and successful independent studios in the ’70s, Quadrafonic Sound. “I know there were several reasons other than us, but it was sad to me that we were probably part of the demise of it,” Briggs says later, lamenting the closing of Studio B. After RCA made the decision to close their studios here, at the behest of building owner Maddox, the Bradleys, and others, the museum began offering tours of the studio. In 1992, the Maddox Family Foundation made a gift of the studio to the museum. Ten years later, the Mike Curb Family Foundation philanthropically purchased the facility and leased it back to the museum in perpetuity for $1 per year.

“With Music Row undergoing drastic change today, RCA Studio B stands as a powerful symbol of a bygone era in Nashville, when the city’s music business was conducted within the confines of an easily accessible community,” museum CEO Kyle Young says. “Some of the world’s greatest singers, songwriters, and musicians routinely crossed paths on the sidewalks of 16th and 17th avenues. ... When we were invited to take custody of Studio B in the late 1970s, we didn’t hesitate.

“In the museum, visitors can see artifacts associated with the most important individuals and events in country music history,” he continues.

“The artifacts help us tell the story of country November| December theeastnashvillian.com

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T.ORG

EAST SIDE CALENDAR EMMA ALFORD CALENDAR EDITOR

N O V E M B E R | D E C E M B E R 2017

FOR UP-TO -DATE INFORMATION ON EVENTS, AS WELL AS LINKS, PLEASE VISIT US AT: THEEASTNASHVILLIAN.COM

TALKIN’ TURKEY

Studio, Delgado Guitars, or any of our other 12 comrades in the area. There will be food trucks, beverages, and live entertainment. You’re reading this, aren’t you — why don’t you come say hello in person?

919 Gallatin Ave.

Nov. 1 through 22, Pickups at East End United Methodist Church

CAN WE MUSTACHE YOU TO RUN?

UPCOMING Boy Scout Troop 3 Annual Turkey Fry Fundraiser

Want one less thing to gobble over this Thanksgiving? You can skip the hassle this year by enlisting East Nashville Boy Scout Troop 3 to fry your bird. Their annual turkey fry will start taking orders on Nov. 1, and you can scoop the $55 bird up the day before Thanksgiving from noon to 4 p.m. They’ve got you covered, Scout’s honor. nashvilletroop3.com To order, email turkey@nashvilletroop3.com

AN EAST NASHVILLIAN HOLIDAY HELLO The Merchants of 919 Gallatin Open House

3-7 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 11, 919 Gallatin Ave.

The East Nashvillian’s very own office and our kind neighbors who share the space with us have decided to throw an open house of sorts to get into the holiday spirit. We’ve got a small army of artistic stops in our presence, so drop by Red Arrow Gallery, Michael Weintrob’s Photography

LUNGevity Foundation’s Breathe Deep Stache and Lash 5K

7 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, Shelby Park

The 5K of facial hair makes its return for another year. This timed run and untimed walk benefits critical lung cancer research.

You can head to Shelby Park and don your best statche, beard, and luscious lashes for this jaunt. They’re hoping to raise $40,000 this year, which will support Lungevity, an organization funding lung cancer research, education, and support.

1900 Davidson St.

A HAPPY EDGEFIELD-GIVING Edgefield Thanksgiving

6 p.m. to 3 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 23 Edgefield Sports Bar & Grill

Looking to dip out of your family Thanksgiving early? Maybe you don’t want

to meet Aunt Martha’s new husband or hear about your second cousin’s engagement?

Whatever your reason, ever-trusty Edgefield Sports Bar & Grill has you covered. After you’ve had your fill of turkey and yams, trudge over for a special “Tupperware Edition” of Gameroom from DJ Dadrock (aka Heath Haynes). He’ll be spinning classic rock vinyl all night. The booze will be flowing, but the kitchen will be closed, so bring along your Thanksgiving feast leftovers.

921 Edgefield St.

CAROLER’S CALL Caroling For Kids Greater Nashville area

Dec. 1–24

Fannie Battle Day Home for Children keeps caroling on with their yearly tradition this holiday season, a staple of the organization since 1916. Families, churches, companies, schools and other organizations are invited to carol their way around the city, collecting money for Fannie Battle. Raise your voices if you’d like to raise money for a childcare center that’s provided support to struggling at risk families for years. If you feel like deckin’ the halls, sign up your group now.

This musical tradition continues through both door-to-door caroling as well as a variety of creative endeavors.

To become a caroler, call 615-228-6745, email caroling@fanniebattle.org or visit fanniebattle.org/caroling

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SHOPPING IN A WHISKEY WONDERLAND

NOBLES KITCHEN & BEER HALL

Extended hours TBD, Thursday, Dec. 7 Shops at Porter East

Catalina Gonzalez

HOME, SWEET HOME Lockeland Springs Celebration of Home Tour

Saturday, Dec. 2 Lockeland Springs Neighborhood

The landscape is ever changing here on the East Side, but one thing isn’t, the Lockeland Springs Celebration of Home Tour. Now in its 39th year, East Nashvillians continue to open their doors to their neighbors.

Take a trot around the Lockeland Springs neighborhood while visiting beautiful historic homes during this season’s Celebration of Home Tour. The tour is sponsored by a number of local businesses, and it is the Lockeland Springs Neighborhood Association’s only fundraiser throughout the year. Check the LSNA website to learn about the homes included, event sponsors, and ticket vendors. lockelandsprings.org

DRINKING AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE An Opera Tree Lighting

7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 5 Smith & Lentz Brewing

O’ Christmas tree is right. This year, Nashville Opera will show up in full force to carol their way through the tree lighting at Smith & Lentz Brewing. You can expect a few custom beer carols, and the event is free and familyfriendly. A portion of the night’s proceeds will benefit Nashville Opera, ’tis the season of giving, after all.

903 Main St.

Whiskey Shopping Night Market Sleigh bells are ringing at Porter East. The small businesses are feeling the holiday spirit, so they’ll have extended hours this evening for shoppers looking to wet their whistle. The stores will have hot cider and whiskey, caroling, and a few visiting vendors. If you’re Grinchlike, perhaps a bit of the rye stuff will cause your heart to grow a few sizes.

700 Porter Road

A FLORA NOEL

Flora’s Holiday Weekend Party

Dec. 9-10, Flora Plant Shop

’Tis the season of tree trimming, boughs of holly, and mistletoe. Our botanical brethren at Flora Plant Shop are bringing in the season’s most festive plants. You can shop Norfolk pine trees, Christmas cacti, gift sets, and holiday specials to boot. They will have other local vendors and refreshments under the tree to keep shoppers jolly. Stop in Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. to pick up your horticultural holiday favorites.

305 E. Trinity Lane.

q

RESIDENCIES =

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noblesbeerhall.com

Writer’s Residency Night

Thursday, Nov. 2, 9, 16, & 30, 8 p.m. =

THE FAMILY WASH familywash.com

Lightning 100 Writers’ Night

Wednesdays, 6 p.m.

Finally Fridays

Live Broadcast: WMOT 89.5 FM Roots Radio

Fridays, noon-2 p.m.

Happy Hour

w/Crackerboots

Saturdays, 5-6:30 p.m. =

THE 5 SPOT the5spot.club

Sunday Night Soul

Jackie Wilson & Jason Eskridge

2nd & 4th Sundays, 7 p.m.

Stolen Faces

3rd Sundays, 8:30 p.m.

Bill Lloyd

Tuesdays in November, 6-8:30 p.m.

EAST SIDE CALENDAR

$2 Tuesdays

Hosted by Derek Hoke

Tuesdays, 9 p.m.

Frazier Band and special guests

Wednesdays in November, 6-7 p.m.

Smokey White Devils

Wednesdays in December, 6-8:30 p.m.

Tim Carroll’s

Rock & Roll Happy Hour

Fridays, 6-8:30 p.m.

Funky Good Time

1st Saturdays, 9-11:30 p.m.

Dynamo’s Thankful Feast

attle

Fannie B

g n i l o r Ca for Kids se for A Cau

A holiday tradition since 1916

tion

Celebra

Nov 16-18, 9 p.m. =

DEE’S COUNTRY COCKTAIL LOUNGE deeslounge.com

Rick Mahan

Wednesdays Nov. 8 & 22, 8:30 p.m.

k

December 1st - 24th

ART EXHIBITS

Looking for a worthy cause to volunteer for over the holidays?

DON’T FORGET TO STUMBLE ON

Since 1916, volunteers have caroled throughout the Nashville community for the benefit of Fannie Battle Day Home for Children. Today, that tradition continues through both caroling door-to-door as well as a variety of creative endeavors.

East Side Art Stumble

6-10 p.m., second Saturday of every month, multiple East Nashville galleries

We don’t art crawl on the East Side, we art stumble. Every month, local galleries and studios will open their doors after hours to showcase some of the fabulous work they have gracing their walls. You can expect to see a diverse, eclectic mix of art, affording the opportunity to meet local artists and support their work. Local retail stores are stumbling in as well, with some businesses participating in a “happy hour” from 5-7 p.m., offering discounted prices on their merchandise to fellow stumblers. Be sure to check out the happy hour deals in The Idea Hatchery.

• Organize a Caroling group with friends & family • Host a “Party with a Purpose” • Short on time? Hold a virtual fundraiser • Shop or dine-out with a Caroling Partner

615.228.6745 • www.fanniebattle.org/caroling

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RED ARROW GALLERY Jodi Hays “Keeper” Opening Reception 6 p.m., Nov. 11 Through Dec. 3rd Holiday Exhibition Opening Reception Dec. 9, 6 p.m.

Through Jan. 9th

theredarrowgallery.com 919 Gallatin Ave. #4, 615.236.6575

ART & INVENTION GALLERY

Holiday Art Show Nov. 24-Dec. 24 Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Extended holiday hours: Sunday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

RAVEN AND WHALE GALLERY

Works by Kate Harrold and Jason Brueck Thursday- Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Extended hours during East Side Art Stumble, second Saturdays 6-10 p.m. ravenandwhalegallery.com 1108 Woodland St. Unit G, 629.777.6965

h

THEATER|OPERA

Nashville Repertory Theatre

artandinvention.com 1106 Woodland St., 615.226.2070

presents

A Christmas Story

Nashville Children’s Theatre presents

Mr. Popper’s Penguins

Through Dec. 3

Cinderella

Dec. 14-21

nashvillechildrenstheatre.org 25 Middleton St. ∏

The Theater Bug presents

6th Annual Winter Concert

7 p.m., Dec. 8 6 p.m., Dec. 9-10

thetheaterbug.org 4809 Gallatin Pike ∏

Nov. 25-Dec. 22 James K. Polk Theater at TPAC

Nashville Opera

nashvillerep.org 505 Deaderick St. ∏

Maria de Buenos Aires

presents

Nov. 10-12 Jackson Hall at Tennessee Performing Arts Center nashvilleopera.org 505 Deaderick St.

e

HOLIDAY CONCERTS MARATHON MUSIC WORKS

marathonmusicworks.com 1402 Clinton St.

Lightning 100’s Festivus

St. Paul and the Broken Bones Friday, Dec.1

Carols by Candlelight

Little River Band Benefit for Monroe Harding Foster Care 6 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 12 ∑

EXIT/IN exitin.com 2208 Elliston Pl.

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Kissmas

A Kiss tribute with Blonder Than Hell 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21 New Year’s Eve

Roots of a Rebellion 8 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 31 ∑

THE RYMAN AUDITORIUM ryman.com 116 5th Ave. N

Amy Grant and Vince Gill’s Christmas at the Ryman

All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 29 and 30; Dec. 6 and 7; Dec. 13 and 14; Dec. 18 and 19; Dec. 20 and 21 The Brian Setzer Orchestra

14th Annual Christmas Rocks! Tour 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 3

Old Crow Medicine Show

“Blonde on Blonde” 10 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 30 New Years Eve with Hits old and new 9 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 31

All ages, registration required

j

Bird Friendly Coffee Social

SHELBY BOTTOMS NATURE CENTER 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday Noon to 4 p.m., Wednesday and Friday Closed, Sunday and Monday

8-10 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 18 All ages Body Works

10-11 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 18 Ages 18 and up, registration required

The Nature Center offers a wide range of nature and environmental education programs and has a Nashville B-Cycle station where residents and visitors can rent a bike to explore Nashville’s greenways. For more information, as well as the online program registration portal, visit: nashville.gov/Parks-and-Recreation/ Nature-Centers-and-Natural-Areas/ Shelby-Bottoms-Nature-Center 1900 Davidson St., 615.862.8539

EVENTS & CLASSES Star Party with Barndar Seyfert Astronomical Society

6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Nov. 10

Bottomland Trees

10 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Nov. 18 Ages 12 and up, registration required The Art of Autumn

2-3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 18 All ages, registration required Giving Thanks Hike

1-3 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 22 All ages, registration required Printmaking with Julie Sola

11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 All ages ☛

∑

NASHVILLE SYMPHONY

nashvillesymphony.org One Symphony Place

Drew & Ellie Holcomb’s Neighborly Christmas

7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 10

Home Alone with the Nashville Symphony

7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21 ∑

COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM countrymusichalloffame.org 222 5th Ave. S.

Jason Isbell

Artist-in-Residence 7 p.m., Dec. 5, 12, and 19, CMA Theater November| December theeastnashvillian.com

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EAST SIDE CALENDAR

Birding and Coffee at the Observation Deck

9-10:30 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 Registration required for bird walk, not for coffee ☕

Happy 10th Birthday Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

Noon to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 All ages, open house

Bird Friendly Coffee Social

8-10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 2 All ages

It’s the Balm!

2-3 p.m., Saturday Dec. 9 All ages, registration required Make a Winter Birdfeeder

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 9 All ages Cajun Night Before Christmas

2-3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 All ages, registration required

Bird Friendly Coffee Social

8-10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 All ages Morning Hike

9-11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 16 Ages 5 and up, registration required Storytime and Snack

2-3 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 20 All ages, registration required S’more the Merry

1-2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 21 All ages, registration required

RECURRING SHOP AROUND SUNDAY Sundays at Porter East

Noon to 4 p.m., First Sunday of every month, Shops at Porter East

The Shops at Porter East open their doors the first Sunday of every month for a special little parking lot party. You can expect to enjoy a selection of rotating food trucks (and a flower truck), fixups from Ranger Stich, and occasionally catch some good tunes. Amelia’s Flower Truck will let you build your own bouquet while Ranger Stich weaves some amazing chain stich on your favorite denim.

You can also grab a bite to eat from some of the on-site food trucks.

700 Porter Road

TEA TIME

Sweet Tea Dance

4-7 p.m., last Sunday of every month, The Beast Pub

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EAST SIDE CALENDAR the nightlife? I think we can all agree that the late-night, all-night club parties can sometimes be a little intense. For a more laid-back Sunday afternoon soiree, head to The Beast Pub. This dance party is set in the early evening and will have you home before dinnertime (if you so please). No cover and 2-4-1 drinks! Time for tea. thebasementnashville.com 917 Woodland St., 615.645.9176

Throughout the week, they host a community happy hour that includes a special snack and drink menu, as well as a menu just for the kiddies.

A portion of all proceeds benefits Lockeland Design Center PTO, so you can feel good about giving back to your neighborhood while schmoozing with your fellow East Nashvillians. lockelandtable.com 1520 Woodland St. 615.228.4864

RINC, Y’ALL

SHAKE A LEG

Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance

Sundays at DancEast: 2-3 p.m., 7-12 years; 3-4 p.m., teen/adult Mondays at Eastwood Christian Church: 5-6 p.m., all ages

You’re never too young — or too old — to kick out the Gaelic jams with some Irish Step dancing. No experience, or partner, required.

Just you, some enthusiasm, and a heart of gold will have you dancing in the clover before you can say “leprechaun.”

DancEast

danceast.org 805 Woodland St. Suite 314 615.601.1897

Keep On Movin’

10 p.m. until close, Mondays, The 5 Spot

For those looking to hit the dance floor on Monday nights, The 5 Spot’s “Keep on Movin’ ” dance party is the place to be. This shindig keeps it real with old-school soul, funk, and R&B. Don’t worry, you won’t hear Ke$ha — although you might see her and you can leave your Apple Bottom jeans at home. If you have two left feet, then snag a seat at the bar. They have two-for-one drink specials, so you can use the money you save on a cover to fill your cup. the5spot.club 1006 Forrest Ave. 615.650.9333

TELL ME A STORY East Side Storytellin’

7 p.m., first and third Tuesdays, The Post East

Looking for something to get your creative juices flowing? East Side Story has partnered with WAMB radio to present an all-out affair with book readings, musical performances, and author/musician interviews in just one evening. Look for this event twice each month. If you want some adult beverages, feel free to BYOB. Check the website to see who the guests of honor will be for each performance. The event is free, but you may want to reserve a spot by calling East Side Story ahead of time.

The Post East

theposteast.com 1701 Fatherland St. Suite A 615.457.2920

East Side Story

eastsidestorytn.com 615.915.1808

"

Eastwood Christian Church, Fellowship Hall 1601 Eastland Ave. 615.300.4388

ANSWER ME THIS Trivia Nights

8 p.m., each week, various locations

East Siders, if you’re one of the sharper tools in the shed (or not, it’s no matter to us), stop by one of the East Side locales to test your wits at trivia. They play a few rounds, with different categories for each question. There might even be some prizes for top scoring teams, but remember: Nobody likes a sore loser.

Drifter’s Edley’s BBQ East Lipstick Lounge (7:30 p.m.)

Wednesday Noble’s Kitchen and Beer Hall Thursday 3 Crow Bar

Monday Tuesday

BRING IT TO THE TABLE

Community Hour at Lockeland Table

4-6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Lockeland Table

Lockeland Table is cooking up family-friendly afternoons to help you break out of the house or away from that desk for a couple of hours.

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EAST SIDE CALENDAR

GET YOUR GREEN ON Engage Green

First Wednesday of each month, locations vary

Tap into your eco-consciousness every month when Urban Green Lab and Lightning 100’s Team Green Adventures join forces for Engage Green. Join these enviro-crusaders for a discussion that highlights government agencies, businesses, and organizations that practice

sustainability. They will provide you with info on these trends and a way to make them an affordable and a convenient part of your own life. You can expect an hour-long presentation or demonstration with a fun, hands-on component. Green looks good on you! urbangreenlab.org

TRANSFORMING AT THE POST Free Conscious Transformation Groups

7-8:30 p.m., second Wednesday of every month, The Post East

Looking for a supportive environment to focus on your professional and personal development? These monthly meetings foster a place to focus on conscious transformation teaching, tools, and meditation practices to promote and hone in on a plan of action to support your transformation. The meetings are led by Energy Healer Ben Dulaney. Think of it as conscious coupling with other likeminded folks. theposteast.com 1701 Fatherland St., Suite A 615.457.2920

ART IS FOR EVERYONE John Cannon Fine Art Classes

6-8 p.m., Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2-4 p.m., Saturdays, The Idea Hatchery

If you’ve been filling in coloring-book pages for years, but you’re too intimidated to put actual paint to canvas, it might be time to give it a try. Local artist John Cannon teaches intimate art classes at The Idea Hatchery, and the small class size keeps the sessions low-pressure and allows for some one-on-one instruction.

If you’re feeling like you could be the next Matisse with a little guidance, sign yourself up. johncannonart.com 1108-C Woodland St. 615.496.1259

WALK, EAT, REPEAT Walk Eat Nashville

1:30 p.m., Thursdays; 11 a.m., Fridays & Saturdays, 5 Points

What better way to indulge in the plethora of East Nashville eateries than a walking tour through the tastiest stops? Walk Eat Nashville tours stroll through East Nashville, kicking off in 5 Points, with six tasting stops over three hours.

You will walk about 1.5 miles, so you’ll burn some of those calories you’re consuming in the process.

This tour offers the chance to interact with the people and places crafting Nashville’s culinary scene. You even get a little history lesson along the way, learning about landmarks and lore on the East Side. Sign up for your tour online. walkeatnashville.com Corner of 11th and Woodland Streets 615.587.6138

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EAST SIDE CALENDAR

FIND YOUR STATION

BOOM-BAP YOU SILLY

7 p.m., third Thursday of every month, The Engine Bay of The Station

The mantra of this monthly raver is: “We throw parties, you dance”—and that pretty much sums it up. Each month a rotating cast of DJs spin you silly with hip-hop records during this all-night dance-a-thon. It’s become

Songwriters Night at The Station

They’re not fighting fires anymore, but the folks at The Station are on to something hot. Every third Thursday, they host a writer’s round of local musicians. You can check the monthly lineup on The Station’s Facebook page. Tip: There is limited parking behind the building, but overflow parking is available across the street at Eastland Baptist Church. (P.S. The Station will throw a special holiday-themed music night for the month of December, stay tuned for details!) thestationnashville.com 1220 Gallatin Ave.

HONESTLY, OFFICER ...

The Boom Bap

9 p.m. to 3 a.m., fourth Saturday of every month, The Basement East

a Nashville staple among habitual leg-shakers.

(You may have seen the bumper stickers). Bop on over.

917 Woodland St. 615.645.9174

⌚

HIGH-TECH TOOLS and AWARD-WINNING SERVICE? NAILED IT.

East Nashville Crime Prevention Meeting

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Thursdays, Turnip Truck Join your neighbors to talk about crime stats, trends, and various other issues with East Precinct’s Commander David Imhof and head of investigation Lt. Greg Blair.

If you are new to the East Side, get up to speed on criminal activity in the area. If you are a recent victim of crime, they want to hear your story.

East Precinct

615.862.7600

Turnip Truck

701 Woodland St., 615.650.3600

CAN’T FORCE A DANCE PARTY Queer Dance Party

9 p.m. to 3 a.m., third Friday of every month, The Basement East

On any given month, the QDP is a mixed bag of fashionably clad attendees (some in the occasional costume) dancing till they can’t dance no mo’. The dance party has migrated over to The Beast, which gives shakers and movers even more space to cut up. Shake a leg, slurp down some of the drink specials, and let your true rainbow colors show. thebasementnashville.com 917 Woodland St. 615.645.9174

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© 2017 Regions Bank. Mobile Banking, text alerts, the Regions mobile app and Regions Mobile Deposit require a compatible device and enrollment in Online Banking. Regions Mobile Deposit is subject to fees. Your mobile carrier’s messaging and data fees may apply. | Regions and the Regions logo are registered trademarks of Regions Bank. The LifeGreen color is a trademark of Regions Bank.

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EAST SIDE CALENDAR

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS & EVENTS HISTORIC EDGEFIELD NEIGHBORS

7 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 28 East Park Community Center

historicedgefieldneighbors.com 700 Woodland St.

LOCKELAND SPRINGS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

6:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16, The Post East lockelandsprings.org 1701 Fatherland St.

SHELBY HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

6:30 p.m., third Monday of every month, Shelby Community Center shelbyhills.org 401 S. 20th St.

MAXWELL HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

6 p.m., second Monday of every month Metro Police East Precinct 936 E. Trinity Lane

ROLLING ACRES NEIGHBORS MEETING

6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 14 Eastwood Christian Church (Sanctuary) 1601 Eastland Ave.

EASTWOOD NEIGHBORS

Date & Time TBA Eastwood Christian Church

eastwoodneighbors.org 1601 Eastland Ave.

GREENWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

6 p.m., second Tuesday of every month House on the Hill greenwoodneighbors.org 909 Manilla St.

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIAITON

6 p.m., third Thursday of every month Kipp Academy 123 Douglas Ave.

☞

EAST NASHVILLE CAUCUS

Metro Police East Precinct, 936 E. Trinity Lane

The East Nashville Caucus provides a public forum for East Nashville community leaders, council members, and neighbors. Contact East Precinct for meeting times, or check their

opping Holiday Sh Games Live Music s Food Truck

DECEMBER 9 CENTENNIAL PARK

musiccitywinterfest.com

Photos With Santa Kids Activit ies Beer Gar den

Beard Con test Pet-Frien

dly

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EAST SIDE CALENDAR Facebook page. facebook.com/East-PrecinctMetropolitan-Nashville-PoliceDepartment 615.862.7600

6:30 p.m., second Wednesday of every month Metro Police Precinct East

6:30 p.m., second Thursday of every month Cleveland Park Community Center

936 E. Trinity Lane

facebook.com/groups/Cleveland Park 610 N. Sixth St .

EAST HILL NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

CLEVELAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE

MR. POPPER’S PENGUINS A flipper flapping, Broadway style musical!

October 26 - December 3, 2017

INGLEWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

7 p.m., first Thursday of every month Isaac Litton Alumni Center inglewoodrna.org 4500 Gallatin Pike

MCFERRIN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

6:30 p.m., first Thursday of every month McFerrin Park Community Center 301 Berry St.

ROSEBANK NEIGHBORS

6:30 p.m., third Thursday of every month Memorial Lutheran Church

TICKETS: NashvilleCT.org 615-252-4675

1211 Riverside Drive

HENMA

Dates and locations vary

HENMA is a cooperative formed among East Nashville business owners to promote collaboration with neighborhood associations and city government. Check the association’s website to learn about the organization and where meetings will be held each quarter. eastnashville.org

MOMS Club of East Nashville FREE PARKING ON SITE Book by Robert Kauzlaric Music & Lyrics by George Howe Based on the novel by Richard & Florence Atwater Geoff Davin as Mr. Popper Photo by Michael Scott Evans

CINDERELLA December 14 - 21, 2017 Special Holiday Event

Scot Copeland’s

EVERYONE HAS A STORY

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10 a.m., first Friday of every month, location varies by group

MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club is an international organization of mothers with four branches in the East Nashville area.

It provides a support network for mothers to connect with other EN mothers. The meetings are open to all mothers in the designated area.

Meetings host speakers, cover regular business items of the organization including upcoming service initiatives and activities, and also allow women to discuss the ins and outs, ups and downs of being a mother. Check their website for the MOMS group in your area. momsclubeast.blogspot.com

fin.

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marketplace

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marketplace

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East of NORMAL ⟿ by Tommy Womack ⟿

I

The glorious gift of gotcha

live a pretty active life, and I enjoy it. Trouble is a lot of it doesn’t pay much. I write articles for this magazine, and that’s a little money, which is nice. I do a radio show Monday mornings on WXNA, and I love it, but it don’t pay a dime. I play gigs in town, and most of them are pass-the-hat. You might make $150, you might make $30; you don’t know ahead of time. I play gigs out of town, and that’s some money too, but then there’s the gas, the hotels, the Snickers bars — the overhead piles up. And then there’s the occasional royalty check, which can range from $600 to $42.50, and you never know ahead of time what it’s going to be.

That’s why I have to start ahead of time for Christmas shopping. I try to start saving money on or about Dec. 15, and get my shopping started around the 21st. Not everybody always gets what he or she wants, but fuck ’em. Do I always get what I want? Hell no. Or at least not all the time.

One Christmas about 25 years ago, Mom gave all us four siblings the same thing, and we all had to open our presents simultaneously so it wouldn’t blow the suspense for the slowpoke. Four blue-green tubes of Luzier Foot Creme. I shit thee not. Foot cream. That was our present. “But it feels so good on your feet!” my sister exclaimed, being grateful for the four of us. Well, I would certainly hope it feels good! If it felt bad, that wouldn’t be a good thing, would it! I was expecting an R.E.M. record, or maybe a blue-green tube of weed. But no. Foot cream. And Mom was serious. She was the most good-hearted person I’ve ever met, and she had nothing but our best interests at heart. Her only wish that Christmas was to make her children’s feet supple and smooth. I later gave my tube to my sister. And I’m sure she used all of it. Women.

But there was ONE time about three years ago when I actually did save some money ahead of time. Quite a lot, actually, by my standards. It

took me about six months of saving before I could launch my sortie at Best Buy. Christmas is, of course, all about Peace on Earth and Goodwill Toward Men (and women, and dogs), but that year, for me, it was all about shock value — I was going to get my family good.

We were drinking coffee in the living room around 8 or 9 a.m. on Christmas morning. Nathan was 16, Beth was, well, you know, old. Me, too. Our ancient cathode ray television was on with the sound down, we had our coffee next to where we were sitting, and we opened our presents. We each had two: one about a foot wide and tall (with the thing we’d asked for) and one small one, probably a wallet or some shit like that. Whoopee. We sat for a moment, surveying our bounty, and then, after another moment, I got out of my recliner and said, “I’ll be right back,” as if I was headed to the john or something.

I went to the master bedroom and knelt down under the bed. I pulled out a box Beth had been sleeping over for two weeks without knowing it. That box was huge — four feet long by three feet wide by around nine inches thick. I struggled to get it out from under the bed, and when I did, I stood it up. Then I got behind it and push-scooted it out of the bedroom, across the kitchen floor, and into the living room.

When Beth and Nathan saw the word SAMSUNG in big letters on the box, I watched their faces melt, into goo, dripping on the floor. I got ’em. Oh, I got ’em good. It was tasty.

That was one of the best Christmases ever, not because of the receiving (although I did get the Sennheiser headphones I wanted), but because of the giving, the centerpiece of the season. I stood there in my sleep pants and my KISS T-shirt and soaked it in as they sat there gobsmacked. A 28-inch, HD, flat-screen, internet-ready television like all the other neighbors had. It was a sweet moment, the giving, and that’s at least part of what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Tommy Womack is a Nashville singer-songwriter, musician, and freelance writer.

Keep up with his antics on Facebook and at tommywomack.com.

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PARTING SHOTS

BERMUDA TRIANGLE

Performing at The Basement East, July 12, 2017 Photographed 106

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Dan Heller | DZH Photo

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