Vox Magazine - February 26, 2015 by Vox Magazine

V O X M A G A Z I N E / / 2 . 2 6 . 1 5 / / F R E E E V E RY T H U R S D AY

DON’T BELIEVE HIM JUST

Roxy’s owner Jesse Garcia is at it again, and his newest ice-cold club is a family matter PAGE 8

HOMEBREWED HOPS

Whether it’s an IPA or wheat, these beer buffs are sweeping the local craft scene PAGE 4

BRINGING WENDY BACK

Fly to a modern-day Neverland with Paula Rhodes in this storybook twist PAGE 15

This week

Online

FEBRUARY 26, 2015 VOLUME 17 ISSUE 7 | PUBLISHED BY THE COLUMBIA MISSOURIAN I’ll TAKE A GRANDE LETDOWN Starbucks unveiled a coffee bean service that delivers to your door. In other news, we still can’t get a soy vanilla latte on-demand.

320 LEE HILLS HALL COLUMBIA MO 65211 573-884-6423 VOX@MISSOURI.EDU ADVERTISING: 573-882-5714

CROPS AND CAPRIS FOR SPRING V O X M A G A Z I N E / / 2 . 2 6 . 1 5 / / F R E E E V E RY T H U R S D AY

Unthaw from the February freeze and prepare for warmer weather with these easy styles and accessories. Hint: Expect florals.

GIVE US SAMOA(S)

Feature Roxy’s owner Jesse Garcia has more tricks up his sleeve (of tattoos). In March, Garcia and his wife, Heather, plan to open a new ’50s-themed venue: a beauty salon by day and speakeasy by night. Go backstage with the Garcia family as they expand their empire. PAGE 8

THE SCENE

Learn how to transform those traditional (but tasty) Girl Scout cookies into even more delectable dessert bars and cheesecakes.

We’re social.

FROM THE EDITOR

HOMEBREWED HOPS

Whether it’s an IPA or wheat, these beer buffs are sweeping the local craft scene PAGE 4

BRINGING WENDY BACK

Fly to a modern-day Neverland with Paula Rhodes in this storybook twist PAGE 15

MUSIC Chicago Afrobeat Project combines new sounds with traditional African beats and lyrics about social justice. The group brings its contemporary vibe to The Bridge on Friday for a jazz-focused show. PAGE 7

Q&A

BETH CASTLE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

This week, I’m green. But that’s nothing new for me. Ever since my parents bought me Gymnast Barbie, I’ve had case after case of career envy. Bad. I watched Project Runway and wanted to be a fashion designer; I listened to the first Taylor Swift album and dreamed of becoming a country singer. In 2005, I even signed up for French classes because, with the exception of assassination attempts, I simply had to be Nicole Kidman’s character in The Interpreter. So, when I was reading the issue this week, I couldn’t help but turn a jealous shade of avocado. With The Scene story about homebrewers on page 4 and our featured profile of Roxy’s owner Jesse Garcia on page 8, cool-hobbyist-gone-business-savvy Columbians have our magazine at its entrepreneurial peak. The coveting side of me loves that so many people are taking it upon themselves to pursue their passions, their dreams, as full-time gigs. But if I’m being completely honest, my favorite career in Vox this week is on page 15, where Wendy Darling act-a-like and MU grad Paula Rhodes talks about her role in the web series The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy. For me, her job is the epitome of a whimsical kid’s response to, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” The answer: Why should I have to? I think that’s an important perspective to remember when considering our futures (at any age) and everything that comes with it. It’s easy to become so focused on making plans and building personal empires that we forget the childish glee of doing something we love every day. No, we can’t all have pixie dust send-offs, but given the option to be chained to a desk, I instead choose to fly.

VOX STAFF Editor: Beth Castle Deputy Editor: Laura Heck Managing Editor: Anna Seaman Creative Director: Tracee Tibbitts Digital Managing Editor: Bryan Bumgardner Art Directors: Alex Jacobi, Allison Lewis Photo Editor: Shannon Elliott iPad Art Director: Roselyn Adams VoxTalk Editor: Rachel Rowsey Multimedia Editor: Adam Harris Calendar Editor: Sean Morrison News & Insight Editors: Alaina Lancaster, Danielle Renton, Aditi Shrikant The Scene Editors: Miles Dobis, Nicole Eno, Lauren Rutherford Music Editors: Stephanie Bray, Tess Catlett Arts/Books Editors: Cecilia Meis, Ashley Szatala Contributing Writers: Elizabeth Brown, Reid Foster, Christine Jackson, Abby Kass, Sarah Kloepple, Makenzie Koch, Carson Kohler, Carolin Lehmann, Kara Quill Editorial Director: Heather Lamb Executive Editor: Jennifer Rowe Reporting Beat Leader: Joy Jenkins Digital Director: Sara Shipley Hiles Writing Coach: John Fennell Office Manager: Kim Townlain

VOXMAGAZINE.COM | 02.26.15

PHOTOS BY OR COURTESY OF KYLEE GREGG; MARCO PAKÖENINGRAT/FLICKR

Be My Guest Bistro, downtown’s newest fusion restaurant, serves up Asian-inspired eats until the wee hours. Try its spicy take on classic Vietnamese pho and popular Thai-influenced BBQ egg rolls. PAGE 6

COVER PHOTO: KYLEE GREGG COVER DESIGN: LINDSAY PIERCE

Roxy’s owner Jesse Garcia is at it again, and his newest ice-cold club is a family matter PAGE 8

CAN’T GET ENOUGH VOX? DOWNLOAD THE FREE IPAD APP

Columbia’s craft brewers, many of whom started at home, provide guidance to the burgeoning homebrew community. The DIY method’s growing popularity led iTap and Logboat to host a competition. PAGE 4

Actress and MU alum Paula Rhodes chats about playing Wendy Darling in a Peter Pan web adaption. With a little faith, trust and pixie dust, she made it big after internship-hopping in NYC. PAGE 15

DON’T BELIEVE HIM JUST

Radar

Vox’s take on the talk of the week

ONE LAST SWANSON-ISM

“Crying: acceptable at funerals and the Grand Canyon.”

PHOTOS BY OR COURTESY OF MICKEYSAM52/INSTAGRAM; GOOGLEIMAGES/ CSP_KENBENNER; FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/DARRYL-PHILBIN/; FACEBOOK.COM/PAGES/RON-SWANSON/; CHINNIAN/FLICKR

... Or when your favorite show ends. We’ll miss you, Ron. And Leslie and April and Donna and Tom and Andy and Ben and, yes, even you, Jerry. BENEFITS OR BUST?

The proposal of a new Welcome Center at MU’s Memorial Union has us thinking of a few other upgrades we’d also like to see: • Better student housing • Reliable Wi-Fi connection • A basketball team that’s won more than two conference games

COLOR ME RACIST

300

The number of new Apple emojis that prove changing skin color alone doesn’t promote inclusivity. VANISHING BUNS

Craig Robinson revealed via Reddit AMA that “the best burger he ever had” was right outside Columbia. The only problem is, he can’t remember the name of the restaurant. Is he sure it wasn’t Booche’s?

17. N 9TH STREET // COLUMBIA, MO www.THEBLUENOTE.com

FEB. 27 - ELECTRIC JUNGLE FEB. 28 - 80s VS 90s: ROUND 2 MAR. 2 - K O N G O S MAR. 10 - THE WAILERS MAR. 11 - FRANKIE BALLARD MAR. 12 - SATISFACTION: ROLLING STONES TRIBUTE MAR. 13 - BRIDGET EVERETT MAR. 18 - RU PAUL’S DRAG RACE MAR. 19 - BONE THUGS-N-HARMONY MAR. 20- MIDWEST FUNK & SOUL REVUE II APR. 1 - C I R C A S U R V I V E APR. 2 - BUCKCHERRY APR. 7 - YELLOWCARD APR. 9 - L I L D I C K Y APR. 10 - INTERSTELLAR OVERDRIVE

BACK IN THE GAME?

Meet the only reason to watch Dancing with the Stars again. (Starts March 16.)

1013 PARK AVE // COLUMBIA MO www.ROSEMUSICHALL.com

TERM TO KNOW

Prowcraswtiwnawtion City Council continues to consider the plastic bag ban. The ordinance will either be thrown out ... or tabled until next year.

MICHAEL SAM

Written by: Stephanie Bray, Cecilia Meis, Danielle Renton, Lauren Rutherford, Aditi Shrikant

2/26 KATE VOEGELE 2/27 JOHNNY CASH BIRTHDAY BASH 2/28 INDYGROUND EYEDENTITY TOUR 3/2 ELECTRIC SIX 3/3 HOUNDMOUTH 3/4 REVEREND HORTON HEAT 3/7 HORSE FEATHERS 3/8 HORSESHOES & HAND GRENADES 3/11 JIMKATA 3/13 TURBO SUIT 3/14 TWIN PEAKS 3/14 THE MAIN SQUEEZE 3/15 PIANOS BECOME TEETH 3/17 ST. PADDY’S DAY CELEBRATION FEAT. THE ELDERS 3/18 RACHEL MALLIN + MERRY ELLEN KIRK + COURTNEY YASMINEH 3/27 THE HOOTEN HALLERS 3/28 WILLIE WATSON 3/28 DOCK ELLIS BAND 4/2 DOPAPOD 4/3 NORA JANE STRUTHERS 4/4 SPRING DUBTACULAR! 4/5 THE WYLDZ 4/7 RECKLESS KELLY 02.26.15 | VOXMAGAZINE.COM

THE SCENE

University ConCert series Good People. Great Performances.

Brew it yourself

Local pros help beer enthusiasts make sense of hops and malt BY JACK FLEMMING

Upcoming Events

sing-Along greAse (FeAtUre Film) Monday, March 2, 2015, 6:30PM

get the led oUt: A led Zeppelin tribUte Sunday, March 15, 2015, 7PM Fiddler on the rooF (FeAtUre Film) Wednesday, March 18, 2015, 7PM Willie nelson Monday, March 30, 2015, 7PM potted potter: the UnAUthoriZed hArry experienCe Tuesday, March 31, 2015, 7PM singin’ in the rAin (FeAtUre Film) Sunday, April 5, 2015, 2PM A hArd dAy’s night (FeAtUre Film) Monday, April 6, 2015, 7PM sing-Along the soUnd oF mUsiC (FeAtUre Film) Tuesday, April 7, 2015, 7PM @UConcertSeries

Tickets

www.concertseries.org Missouri Theatre Ticket Office 203 South 9th Street, Downtown Columbia (573) 882-3781

VOXMAGAZINE.COM | 02.26.15

Staying true to their homebrewing roots, Bur Oak’s Kraig Bridgeford and Phil Fuemmeler keep homebrew setups at the brewery for experimentation. Photos by SHELBY BASELER

Making the perfect beer requires an extensive checklist: the right type of water, the perfect blend of malts, impeccable grains and hops and precise heating and cooling temperatures. The quest for the perfect brew is not a journey for the weak-willed or the impatient, yet many are taking on the challenge, and homebrewing has picked up steam in Columbia. Within the past two years, homebrewers-turned-craft breweries such as Bur Oak Brewing Company and Logboat Brewing Company have sprung up, generating buzz around a growing trend. Homebrewers are moving out of the garage and into the bar. More and more entrepreneurs are turning to specialized craft brews that they can make and develop into profitable businesses. A few years ago, brewing was merely a hobby for Bur Oak’s President Craig Stichter. After all, he held a degree in mechanical engineering from Central Michigan University. But after living in Columbia for years, he saw untapped potential in the local market, and in May 2014, the Iowa native opened Bur Oak. “When I moved from Michigan, I immediately fell in love with the city,” Stichter says. “I decided it was the perfect place to start a brewery.” Bur Oak’s foundation is built upon one crucial element — the love of brewing quality beer. The two brewers, Kraig Bridgeford and Phil Fuemmeler, each have a homebrew station set up at Bur Oak where they can experiment with new flavors. “I’ve always had a lifelong passion for science, and to make beer, you have to understand it all: chemistry, biology and physics,” says Bridgeford, whose coworkers refer to him as the Bill Nye of brewing. “It’s so satisfying to see the beer start bubbling the next morning.” The rapid expansion of Bur Oak is indicative of local homebrewing potency, and clubs such as Columbia Beer Enthusiasts and Mizzou Fermentation Sciences Club testify to its increased prominence. MU’s club laid dormant until Andrew McEnery and two friends took over. Now, the group has 15 to 20 members who meet once a month to discuss beer, share processes and even brew a batch. They’ve also received support from local breweries. “Everyone’s always really receptive to questions,” McEnery says. “Broadway Brewery let us come in and watch them brew, and Logboat is always looking to make sure everyone has the supplies they need.” Because of the high concentration of Columbia breweries, five to be exact, and the give-and-take between established pubs and home beginners, it’s natural to assume the local market is saturated. Yet, the interest in craft beer is bigger than ever. And with a

strong sense of community and passion among brewers, the growth hardly seems to be slowing down. Logboat, a 2014 craft beer expansion, is a testament to the community’s cultivation. “Our goal isn’t to knock each other off,” says Judson Ball, Logboat marketing director. “Our goal is to educate people and brew beer. There can be multiple great beers in Columbia.” Jon Whitaker, general manager of International Tap House and one of the Homebrew Competition organizers, shares similar sentiments. Oftentimes, success for one can mean success for all, he says. “There’s a sense of competition, but it’s mainly about community,” Whitaker says. “We want to all join a collective effort to change the landscape of the brewing scene.” Whitaker says that the community’s enthusiasm to bring education and passion to craft beer in Columbia has been effective. Perhaps the most clear result of the growing homebrewing scene is the upcoming Homebrew Competition sponsored by iTap and Logboat. On March 7, homebrewers can submit their creations for both critical review and public consumption at the competition on March 8. “An event like this simply couldn’t have happened a few years ago; there weren’t enough homebrewers around,” says Josh Rein, Logboat’s head brewer. “But now there are more quality craft beers available.” The event will feature 10 to 20 homebrews, and the winning entry will be produced by Logboat and served at iTap. From brewski amateurs to seasonedHOMEBREW COMPETITION ale experts, Columbia’s homebrewing International Tap House scene creates a niche for every taste. The 3–6 p.m., Sunday DIY beer culture has taken off for good, $5, ages 21 and older 443-1401 and the refreshing flow shows no sign of internationaltaphouse.com stopping.

TRY THIS TRIO Bur Oak takes its ale seriously. An official Institute of Brewing and Distillery degree hangs on Kraig Bridgeford’s wall, and the clean industrial surroundings hint that beer experts know their porters from their pilsners. The brewery uses a special German ale yeast strain to give every beer a crisp, clean flavor. Sample these three popular selections currently on tap:

Bur Oak’s website features decadent recipes to pair with each of their popular brews. The Trail Bender Wheat tastes best with Seared Sea Scallops with a Jalapeño Vinaigrette.

Boone County Brown

Bur Oak’s roasted malts are showcased in this porter-style brew that uses various types of barley for a distinct flavor. The brewery uses roasted and chocolate malts to give it a coffee note with a hint of chocolate. Although flavorful and rich, it’s not overly sweet, which makes it a great partner with roasted meats. One of the brewery’s richest selections, be sure to pace yourself.

DeVine IPA

For the brewers, the IPA is all about balance. Hints of pine and citrus give this ale a more accessible flavor than average IPAs. “This brew is for people interested in IPA beers but who might not generally enjoy them,” Phil Fuemmeler says. At 5.8 percent alcohol, it’s the brewery’s heaviest year-round beer.

Trail Bender Wheat

Fuemmeler says, “This beer is where our special process is best highlighted.” The beer contains bready notes and hints of lemony-citrus hops. At 4.8 percent alcohol, it’s the lightest beer the brewery produces in both color and alcohol content, limiting the bitter bite of other light beers. The smooth finish pairs it well with spicy Mexican foods.

02.26.15 | VOXMAGAZINE.COM

THE SCENE

Dish it out

Three entrées define Columbia’s new Be My Guest Bistro BY CHEYENNE ROUNDTREE PHOTOS BY SHELBY BASELER A sushi roll crafted around a cream cheese bagel; egg rolls infused with barbecue sauce; samosas packed with pepper jack cheese. These atypical dishes are all found on the diverse menu of Be My Guest Bistro, an Asian eatery that opened in January. Poppy Watthanakhonthaiboon, the restaurant’s owner, describes the food as Asian fusion. This means it mixes cuisines from different Asian regions into one menu. Watthanakhonthaiboon and Kittikoon “Kitt” Chompupong, Be My Guest Bistro cook and Thip Thai Cuisine owner, planned and sampled their way to the current menu. Capture a taste of three dishes that emulate the restaurant’s plate personality. BE MY GUEST BISTRO 1200 E. Walnut St. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Mon.–Wed.; 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Thurs.–Sat.; 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Sun., 442-3100, bemyguestbistro.com

BBQ Egg Rolls

Satisfy your fried food craving with a standout starter for just $4. Watthanakhonthaiboon says people love the surprising combination of a savory barbecue filling and crunchy exterior. “Whenever a customer eats it, they go, ‘Oh my god!’” she says. Chompupong credits his Memphis roots for the unusual appetizer. The braised pork is paired with slaw, handrolled into a thick egg roll wrapping, then fried and served with a teriyaki barbecue dipping sauce.

Pho

For such a short name, pho has a surprisingly long prep time, with the broth taking four to six hours to simmer. The Vietnamese soup is beef based, and Chompupong’s favorite thing about this entrée is the combination of the hot broth, juicy meat and noodles. He adds a twist to the meal with a dash of Thai chili pepper. You can enjoy a dinner portion for $8.95. Don’t worry if you can’t take the heat: The dish isn’t spicy, but it is full of flavor.

Yaki Soba

This Japanese egg noodle stir-fry might become a new favorite for pad thai lovers. Chompupong says this recipe has similar textures and flavors as the Thai staple. Noodles are seared alongside vegetables, tender chicken and crispy calamari topped with a tangy sauce. Chompupong says he loves the perfect balance between sweet and salty. Make this your main course for $9.95, and if you’re not stuffed, add some kick to your stir-fry with some sake.

Blues in the Schools Benefit Presented by:

March 17, 2015 • 5:30-9pm • The Tiger Hotel How well do you know your music? Roots N Blues music, rock icons, country, gospel, folk and soul. Now is the chance to pit your memories against those of your friends and neighbors. Come on out to Name That Tune, and help support the Blues in the Schools program. For more information, on tickets go to rootsnbluesnbbq.com/foundation 6

VOXMAGAZINE.COM | 02.26.15

Did you know that we have a downtown Community Media Center right here in Columbia? If you live or work in Boone County, you can check out high-tech cameras and video gear and work in CAT’s edit suite of loaded iMac computers. Just $60/yr or $25/yr for students, seniors and military personnel.

MUSIC

Political beats Chicago Afrobeat Project redefines its genre with modern influences BY MEREDITH MCGRATH

Groovy? Yes. Funky? You bet. But describing the sound of Chicago Afrobeat Project doesn’t stop there. With a new album on the rise, CAbP is changing its style by incorporating electronic elements and new instruments into its sound. Since 2002, the group has taken part in not only transcending but also reforming the multi-style Afrobeat genre share your share shareyour your share your for a more contemporary feel. The late resumé-building resumé-building resumé-building resumé-building with with with access access access access Nigerian musician and political radical To Media To To Media Media ToEducation Media Education Education Education Technology Technology Technology Media Services Media MediaServices Services Fela Kuti created Afrobeat, which most Technology Media Services commonly blends hip-hop, jazz, funk and cat’s cat’s staff staff cat’s staff professional professional professional 24/7 24/7 24/7 cat’s staff Full Fullrange range Full range will willfully fullyproduce produce will fully produce professional 24/7 Full range will fully produce traditional African rhythms. The music cameras cameras cameras videos for videos videos for for cameras of ofclasses classes inin of classes in live live live videos for nonprofits and businesses nonprofits nonprofits and andbusinesses businesses gear, gear, lights lights gear, lights of classes in live nonprofits and businesses streaming streaming streaming gear, lights style draws influence from the American mics, tripods mics, mics,tripods tripods video video video streaming mics, tripods video recording recording recording affordable affordable affordable jazz movement of the ’50s and rose to editing editing editing fully-loaded fully-loaded fully-loaded affordable 92% 92%recording 92% && editing fully-loaded 92% & local local local popularity in Africa in the ’60s and ’70s. & Cut Pro • Adobe Creative computers computers computers • Final Suite • 27” iMacs local inin2013 2013 in 2013 studio computers studio studio to to to with discounts with with discounts discounts production production production Rather than stick to the typical sounds, in 2013 compose, compose, compose, studio available to nonprofits available availableto tononprofits nonprofits to with discounts • Canon T4i & Panasonic DVX100 cameras production edit, edit, edit, compose, available to nonprofits nn n-commercial n-commercial n n-commercial research research research edit, CAbP intertwines several other styles,n n-commercial dedicated dedicatedoutlet for for outlet for research dedicated outlet for •outlet 2000 sq dedicated ft high-def studio • & MORE two high-def two twohigh-def high-def & & speech speech& such as rock and electronic dance, into the freedom of two high-def speech affordable rates affordable affordable rates rates studios studios studios all speech & goes goes straight straightback back goes straight back expression expression Chicago Afrobeat Project affordableexpression rates to to include include all all to freedom of diverse genre. “We bring a lot of heavier expression studios goesinclude straight back into into cat’s cat’s very own into cat’s to include allis columbia’s columbia’s columbia’s very very own own CAT-TV CAT-TV is CAT-TV is into cat’smentoring mentoring mission missionlibrary mission elements to it at times,” guitarist David Glines says. “We keep it edgy in a way that CAT-TV is aanational nationalleader leader national columbia’samentoring very leader own library library mentoring by bystaff staff by staff missionfor a national leader for media formedia media award-winner award-winner award-winner library maybe some other Afrobeat bands don’t.” Columbia audiences can experience CAbP’saward-winner by staff COMMUNITY for media MEDIA CENTER wild Afrobeat sound for themselves on Friday when the group performs at COLUMBIAACCESS.TV • (573) 442-4447 • 23 N 10TH ST (DOWNTOWN) The Bridge. In its early years, the band focused “We are focused on whatever more on its instrumentals and less on vocals. Now, CAbP is incorporating comes to mind or whatever is messages, some political, to connect audiences. “We had things to say moving our spirits when we’re with that we felt added to the overall energy of what we’re trying to do,” Glines says. writing these words.” band’s early lyric-inclusive — David Glines, guitarist The album, (A) Move to Silent Unrest, explores the media’s influence on social justice and increased public activism. “We are focused on whatever comes to mind or whatever is moving our spirits when we’re writing these words,” Glines says. “There are songs as of late that are focused on recent racial issues in the United States.” Last year’s release, Nyash UP!, incorporated lyrics in at least half of the album’s nine songs. Listeners can expect even more vocals on the band’s upcoming album, which will drop later this year. But Garrick Smith, baritone saxophonist, says the band’s music is not all about the politics. CAbP is here to have a good time. To produce a more contemporary sound and party experience, the band incorporates dance- and house-music elements aimed at younger audiences. Still, the group is careful not to veer far from its Afrobeat origins. Smith says it’s more about adding new elements without losing the genre’s essence. Although CAbP incorporates modern sounds into its music, the band still honors its African roots. For the new album and two of the most recent tours, CAbP has teamed up with Tony Allen, Fela Kuti’s original drummer. “He’s creative, active and likes to be a part of what we’re doing,” Smith says. “He’s the coolest 70 year old.” Allen, 74, is a mentor to CAbP and has worked with the band for two years. Glines says they’ve improved in the last two to three years because of THE BRIDGE 7 p.m., Friday their work with Allen. “We’re a better $8–20; $3 minor surcharge sounding group, more energetic, more 449-3009 fun, more polished,” he says. “It’s a wealwaysswing.org killer show.”

voice CAT-TV: The Channel

learn voice skills CAT-TV: CAT-TV:The TheChannel Channel

learn gain

voice skills skills CAT-TV: The Channel

partner partner partner gain learn gain with

skills cat

partner

cat

on columbiaaccess.tv

onon columbiaaccess.tv columbiaaccess.tv

on columbiaaccess.tv

rates

rates rates

rates

income income income COLUMBIA ACCESS TELEVISION freedom freedomofof

freedom of

freedom freedomofof

freedom of

atatstephens stephenscollege college

at stephens college

and and

and

totoencourage encouragecommunity communitydialogue dialogue

and

to encourage community dialogue

PHOTO COURTESY OF NIKKI SEGARRA

to encourage community dialogue

02.26.15 | VOXMAGAZINE.COM

THE POSSIBILITIES ARE

The owner of Roxy’s now thrives off Columbia’s nightlife, but his success hasn’t come without its share of setbacks Story by Megan Schuster Photos by Kylee Gregg and Tim Nwachukwu

n a crisp, clear Friday night in Columbia, Broadway swells with young people who laugh harder, talk louder and stumble more as the clock ticks toward bar close. Jesse Garcia stands outside his venue and waits. Amid the ruckus, a line of people ready to let loose in Roxy’s stretches from the corner of Broadway and Hitt Street down a full city block. Jesse, who opened the club in 2012, chats with the people in the queue, checking IDs as he goes. Later inside, he talks music with the two disc jockeys performing that night. From bouncer to manager, he’s worked every odd job in the business, until it was finally his turn to build something of his own. Boyish excitement washes over him when he talks about Roxy’s, a club that was 20 years in the making. But Roxy’s is only part of Jesse’s story. Lee Sensintaffar, co-owner of Iron Tiger Tattoo and Garcia’s half brother, calls him imaginative. “Jesse’s always been a good idea guy.” And Garcia’s wife, Heather, says, “He’s always building — he doesn’t stop.” So in early March, Jesse plans to open a second Columbia venue at North Eighth and Park streets. This one, though, probably won’t have a line out the door. In fact, patrons will need a password to get in.

On Thirsty Thursdays, the student population likes to go to Roxy’s where the beats don’t quit and neither do the cups. Jesse started bottomless cup promotion to attract Columbia’s young people.

Heather says losing everything brought her family closer. Although they are now on the other side of crisis, they never lost that bond.

HOT NIGHTS, COLD WAR The Garcias are joining forces to create a venue that is business in the front and party in the back. At the entrance of the building, Heather will open a vintage cosmetology practice, dubbed Lips & Curls. Heather has been refurbishing authentic ’50s furniture for months to prepare for the opening. “I want to make it homey,” she says. “Back in the ’50s, women used to go to the beauty salon every week for a boost — I want to bring that attitude back.” By day, women will feel like starlets after Heather styles their modern ’dos amid a nostalgic atmosphere. By night, her studio will be the entrance to a speakeasy where patrons will uncover secret passageways through the salon to reach the atomic-age lounge and club. The duo will roll out the name of their operation in the coming weeks. Jesse expects the lounge to hold about 50 people, and the music venue to accommodate about 100. Both of these spaces will be riddled with more secret entrances, trap doors and mysteries for people to discover. Hint: keep an eye on the bookcases; Jesse says nothing is as it seems.

VOXMAGAZINE.COM | 02.26.15

Although the bar has some elements of a speakeasy, it will be adorned with Cold War era decor, not prohibition glitz. The contrasting bleakness and optimism of that period fascinate Jesse. He wants the lounge, The Social Room, to have a Frank Sinatra-meets-The Jetsons aesthetic. Jesse keeps an air of mystery over the details of the music hall, but he describes it as “the rebirth of rock ’n’ roll in a venue.” As Roxy’s gained popularity, it lost its classic rock flair. Jesse says this new venue will be a place where his orignal, more edgy clients can go to listen to local bands.

Jesse describes the new club as “the rebirth of rock ’n’ roll in a venue.”

Music gave Jesse Garcia a sense of freedom. It allowed him to have his own world despite his family’s frequent relocation.

LOUD MUSIC, QUIET PERSISTENCE Jesse was born in Rolla, but his father was in the Air Force, so he grew up all over the country. Although he didn’t realize it at the time, playing and listening to music gave him a sense of freedom. Music allowed him to have his own world despite his family’s frequent relocation. He considers Florida to be his most permanent childhood home because he was there for high school. But after Jesse’s graduation, his father was sent to Italy on a military assignment, and Jesse’s life became less structured. Jesse’s mother and his siblings joined his father in Europe, but he stayed behind. After his family moved, Jesse decided to attend a one-year Bible college in Texas and continue his nomadic way of life. When he completed the program in 1998, he bought a van so he could travel all over the country to visit the friends he met while his dad was stationed in various cities –– mostly women, he admits. In 1999, he returned to Rolla with the intention of visiting one final woman: his grandmother. While in Rolla, Jesse met Heather and decided his wayfaring days were over. “We physically ran into each other in Wal-Mart — just smacked into him,” Heather says. “He asked if he could get my number, and I told him he’d be better for my sister.” But Jesse wouldn’t accept that brushoff; he knew he had to see her again. He took note of Heather’s skater style and decided to hang around skate parks to see if she would show up. Eventually he found her. Heather says she was a little “creeped out” by his persistence, but she agreed to go to Waffle House with him. After their first date, Heather went home and told her mom she had found “the one.” She says she realized just how much she needed Jesse. “I saw God in him,” Heather says. She was going through a lot in her home life after experimenting with drugs and was finding them hard to shake. She, like Jesse, had moved around during her childhood because of her mother’s three marriages. Heather was a little troubled, a little scorned and in need of stability. Jesse offered that. Fifteen years, three children (Roxxanne, 14, Paul, 13, and Diego, 9), and multiple businesses later, they are still partners in everything they do. Jesse named Roxy’s after his eldest child. “I wanted it to mean something,” Jesse says. “I wanted to be reminded every day why I’m doing this.” But long before Roxy’s got its second-floor home on Broadway, Jesse had been immersed in the Columbia business scene. “He’s bounced all over downtown,” Heather says, both of her husband’s movement from job to job and working as a bouncer for downtown bars and venues. Jesse owned his own construction business that was profitable in the mid-2000s. The family bought a couple of new cars and renovated their home. It seemed that Jesse and Heather finally had the stability they needed to achieve their dreams. Then, of course, the recession hit.

Jesse says contemporary hits bore him, so the new venue will appeal to Columbia’s rock ‘n’ roll subculture. The music hall will host local bands from that genre.

Jesse used beer cans to patch up their shoddy brick mason work.

Heather has been waiting to open her own beauty salon since before the recession. In 2007, she went to cosmetology school during the day, Jesse stayed home with the kids and worked at the Missouri Auto Auction at night.

02.26.15 | VOXMAGAZINE.COM

SHAKY FOUNDATION, STURDY CONVICTION When the housing bubble burst in 2007, his construction business crumbled. The Garcias were forced to sell nearly everything they owned and cram into a rented two-bedroom apartment. Heather says the tough times ultimately strengthened their family. When she became overwhelmed over their situation, Jesse held onto their aspirations and started tucking away savings. Heather says he was able to separate the hardship from what needed to come next. He read books on business, leadership and finances to help kickstart his vision and get his family back to financial stability. With each paycheck, Jesse and Heather separated their income into three envelopes. The first was for housing-related bills, which ate 60 percent of their earnings. Thirty percent of their checks went in a second envelope for food and some frivolities, such as taking the kids to a movie or out to eat. The last one was savings to reassure Heather and Jesse that having ambition was OK, even during a time when practicality ruled. As Jesse started to find more work and as Heather got closer to finishing cosmetology school, they increased their nest egg from 10 to 15 percent. Later, it grew into thousands and they had finally saved enough so the Garcias could build their businesses.

When Roxy’s first opened in 2012, the crowd was mostly an eclectic subculture that used to frequent to Sideshow, a bar underneath Gumby’s Pizza. Jesse had been a manager there, and he left an impression on the regulars. They supported him in his new venture, but initially word didn’t spread far beyond that community. “The college kids were harder to draw in,” Jesse says. “They were the goal.” College students make up a large part of the local nightlife, so Jesse knew that in order for Roxy’s to be successful, he needed to gain the loyalty of that group. To transform Roxy’s into a collegiate club, Jesse changed his marketing strategy to highlight drink specials, exclusive DJ nights and the one thing Roxy’s has to offer that many CoMo bars don’t: a club-like atmosphere. “I love going to Roxy’s to dance,” says MU senior Kate Obermeier. “It’s really one of the only places to do that here.” Jesse soon introduced a $5 weekly bottomless cup night on Thursdays. This brought in hordes of students. In late spring 2014, lines began to stretch down the block at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday nights. Roxy’s soon became a weekly ritual among undergrads, until people started lining up around the bar for a different reason.

In December, Jesse made what he calls a major “marketing blunder.” Following the events in Ferguson after the shooting of Michael Brown, Roxy’s distributed entrance wristbands that read “Hands Up, Pants Up.” It came off as mocking the “Hands Up, Don’t Shoot” rallying cry in support of Michael Brown. His children received threats at their schools, so Jesse and Heather pulled them out for a week. Jesse came home from work one night to find a hostile group waiting on his driveway. The string of events caused his family to leave town for a month until the tension settled. For his part, Jesse says that he wouldn’t knowingly devalue the events that happened in Ferguson. He had those bands on site months before Brown’s death and didn’t connect the message with the protests surrounding Brown’s killing. It might take time to fully restore Jesse’s reputation, but he is moving forward, as he always has. He’s been a military brat, a nomad and the glue holding his family together. Today he fancies himself the owner of an empire with plans to expand to St. Louis and Kansas City. Music used to be Jesse’s way of escaping. In his new project, it will be his way of interacting with the world around him.

After the recession, the Garcias were forced to sell nearly everything they owned and cram into a rented two-bedroom apartment.

VOXMAGAZINE.COM | 01.26.14

W RY

OR #S

T AR EP

W RY OR #S TY AR EP

THE FAMILY BUSINESS

Twelve years ago, Jesse and Lee worked together in construction while Gabe was an apprentice at Iron Tiger Tattoo. Today, the brothers are all small business owners.

For these brothers, entrepreneurship runs in their blood Just down Broadway from Roxy’s, and a half a block up 10th Street, Jesse Garcia laid his first tile floor at Iron Tiger Tattoo. It was back when Jesse was just getting his start in the construction business. “And you can still tell the problem areas,” jokes Lee Sensintaffar, Garcia’s half-brother. “But, hey, it’s still functional.” Lee and Gabe Garcia, Jesse’s brothers, are the owners of Iron Tiger. Like Jesse, the brothers worked their way up and purchased the business in 2010. During the housing downturn, Lee lost his job as a painter for Jesse. He says he walked into Iron Tiger, then called Hollywood Rebels, where Gabe had an apprenticeship as a tattoo artist. “I told them I would do anything to earn some money,” Lee says. “Even scrubbing the floors with a toothbrush.” What he ended up doing was pretty close. He washed the rooms from floor to ceiling, making sure they were spotless. He says the owner noticed his work ethic and started giving him more responsibilities, such as running the front desk and eventually managing. As he got more hours, he became familiar with the business. Gabe says Lee became an even better boss than he was, so when Hollywood Rebels was up for sale, he asked Lee to buy it with him. Last year, Lee and Gabe opened a second parlor, Tattoo You, to meet their growing talent and demand. “We’ve all benefitted from each other’s success,” Lee says.

Jesse watches the thumping crowd as the DJs mix. Jesse has been crazy about music since he was 14 years old. He still jams with a guitar and bass.

02.26.15 | VOXMAGAZINE.COM

THIS WEEK IN COLUMBIA

The to-do list ARTS & CULTURE

MUSIC

How the Other Half Loves

MU Studio Jazz Band

William Woods University hosts How the Other Half Loves, a comedic play about love, affairs and dining room drama. Not suitable for kids. Thursday–Saturday, 7:30 p.m., Dulany Auditorium, William Woods University, $6–12, 592-4267

CIVIC Coyote Hill Pancake Breakfast

Bring a pal and an empty stomach to Memorial Baptist Church for some pancakes. Proceeds will go to the Coyote Hill Christian Children’s Home recreation fund. Saturday, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m., Memorial Baptist Church, $5 adult; $3 children under 12, 443-1408

FOOD & DRINK Rootin’ Tootin’ Chili Cookoff

Join MFA Oil for their 10th annual charity chili event, which benefits the Boys and Girls Club. Attendees can sample from a variety of vendors, and vote to help crown the Grand Chili Champion. Saturday, 2–6 p.m., Holiday Inn Executive Center, $10 in advance; $12 day of, RTchilicookoff.com

COMO CRIME TRACKER Brought to you by the Columbia Missourian

CoMo Crime Tracker allows you to browse violations and have an in-depth look at what happened, where it happened and when.

FORUM 8 573-445-7469

GQTI.com and on Facebook

Stadium Blvd. at Forum Blvd.

$6.00 No passes

BARGAIN TWILIGHT

D A I LY 4 : 0 0 - 6 : 0 0 P M

* excludes Digital 3D and Fathom events

Stadium seating

SHOWTIMES 2/27 - 3/4 TITLES AND TIMES SUBJECT TO CHANGE

SPRING MOVIES

Saturday & Sunday 9 & 10 AM THE BOXTROLLS (PG) WINTER DOCUMENTARY SERIES: THE KILL TEAM MON. 3/2 5:00 & 7:00 PM

CRIME CHART

EVENT MAP

DATA TABLE

Hover over any date on the chart to see how many violations were reported on a specific day. The chart can display one month, three months, six months or one year of data.

The map shows roughly where crime events have taken place. Zoom in and out to see clusters of data. The map can be modified to display specific days and types of violation.

The table is used to search through concrete records of incidents in a specified month. The incident’s date, nature and synopsis is provided.

Visit the CoMo Crime Tracker today!

ColumbiaMissourian.com/crimetracker

VOXMAGAZINE.COM | 02.26.15

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY PRESENTS THE DROP BOX TUE. 3/3 7:00 PM, WED. 3/4 7:00 PM TH. 3/5 7:00 PM S

THE LAZARUS EFFECT (PG-13) D-BOX

12:10, 2:15, 4:45, 7:15, 9:30 FRI/SAT LS 12:10 S FOCUS (R) 11:20, 1:50, 4:15, 7:00, 9:45 FRI/SAT LS 11:50

HOT TUB TIME MACHINE 2 (R)

10:10 PM

MCFARLAND USA (PG) 12:25, 4:00, 6:50, 9:40 THE DUFF (PG-13) 11:45, 2:10, 4:30, 6:55, 9:15 FIFTY SHADES OF GREY (R) 11:00, 1:40, 4:25, 7:10, 9:55 FRI/SAT LS 11:30

KINGSMAN: THE SECRET SERVICE (R)

Directed by graduate student Ryan Adamsons, approximately 20 student musicians show off their skills. Think Whiplash but less intense. The evening benefits the MU School of Music. Thursday, 7 p.m., The Bridge, $5–10, 442-9627

SPORTS Missouri Baseball vs. Central Arkansas Watch the Tigers take on the Bears in the second home series of the season. Missouri started the season 7-1, which is better than last year. Is this team on an upswing? Come out and see for yourself. Tuesday, 6 p.m., Taylor Stadium, $3–5; free for students, 882-0362

SCREEN Focus (R) Con man Nicky (Will Smith) falls for stunning Jess but breaks it off when she gets too close. They cross paths years later, and the now con artist interferes in Nicky’s latest scheme. F RUNTIME = 1:44

voxLazarus Effect (R) The Scientists Zoe (Olivia Wilde) and Frank THURSDAY (Mark Duplass) discover how to bring the dead back to life. When the experiment goes wrong, the team must revive Zoe using their new and unpredictable medicine. F, R RUNTIME = 1:23

FEBRUARY 26 SIZE: 1 col. x 5" ALWAYS KEEP SIZE

The Overnighters (R) An oil boom brings the get-rich-quick crowd in droves, but the hopefuls find that jobs and housing are scarce. This documentary follows a pastor as he opens his church to the homeless as a shelter. RT RUNTIME = 1:40

Still playing American Sniper (R) F, R The DUFF (PG-13) F, R Fifty Shades of Grey (R) F, R Hot Tub Time Machine 2 (R) F, R The Imitation Game (PG-13) RT Jupiter Ascending (PG-13) R Kingsman: The Secret Service (R) F, R McFarland USA (PG) F, R The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water (PG) F, R The Wedding Ringer (R) R Wild (R) RT

11:00, 1:45, 4:30, 7:20, 9:00 FRI/SAT LS 11:35

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS: SPONGE OUT OF WATER (PG)

11:15, 1:30, 4:10, 6:35 AMERICAN SNIPER (R) FRI-SUN 12:30, 4:00, 6:55, 9:50 MON 12:30, 9:50 TUE/WED 12:30, 4:00, 9:50

Theaters F = Forum

R = Regal

RT = Ragtag

Check out movie reviews on VoxMagazine.com.

Q&A

A CONVERSATION WITH PAULA RHODES

Meet the new Darling of Neverland BY BROOKE VAUGHAN Spunky, spontaneous and self-proclaimed super nerd Paula Rhodes shines as Wendy Darling in the web series The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy on newpeterwendy. com. This Neverland twist shadows Peter Pan, Wendy and the other Darling siblings as they run a small-town newspaper in Neverland, Ohio. Rhodes, an MU alum, lives in Los Angeles and works on season two of The New Adventures while doing voicework for Ever After High and Monster High. Kyle Walters, the show’s creator, co-producer and Peter Pan, says Rhodes is “sweet, hardworking and just lovely.” On and off set, the self-proclaimed “Pan Fam” have a close-knit relationship that Rhodes describes as “something magical.” What inspired you to pursue acting? Growing up in Missouri, acting didn’t seem like a viable option. When I did the Miss Junior America pageant, one of the judges was an acting coach in New York, and I told him I was going to intern for him. That internship made me realize, “I can do this,” and it’s actually something achievable.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NEWPETERWENDY.COM

How did you land your role in The New Adventures of Peter and Wendy? A friend of mine, Jenny Powell, was casting it. So I knew it was probably something special. I got the callback, and they brought us all in to see who had chemistry. At first it was intimidating, and then it was really wonderful because you saw how talented everybody was. They all brought different flavors to it. You’re a season two producer. How do you juggle the new responsibilities? Being a producer is not a job that has a super-defined duties list. You’re more of a mom on the set. So you have to make sure this creative thing lives, breathes, eats and stays alive. What is good about being a production team is that we’re all good at wearing different hats. It takes a village. My husband, Charlie, says that I hate free time, so I just keep taking on jobs. What similarities do you see between you and Wendy? Wendy is ambitious, and she’s in love with love. Those were things that existed in me anyway. But there are a lot of things that I have either outgrown or downplayed that I had to bring out for Wendy, so it was an adventure. The things she’s dealing with I have probably dealt with earlier in life, like the decision of “Do you follow your dreams, or do you listen to your heart?” Kyle Walters talks about his multiple roles as creator, co-producer and Peter Pan. Check out the full interview on VoxMagazine.com 02.26.15 | VOXMAGAZINE.COM

Don’t Worry, FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS MISSOURI

PLUNGE APPY! H s (3101 Bas

ake L s p o h S s Pro s a B 14, 2015 , h a c i 5 r b a 1 0 M m ! 2 u D , l E1 Co U.L2 Db RESCHFEe .org O M O S @ r CSchuste 6.6367 573.25

)

Pro Drive

Polar Bears Receive: • Official Polar Plunge shirt • Incentives for reaching fundraising levels • Eligibility for great prizes • Bragging rights for freezing your fur off for a great cause!

MISSOURI

The Polar Plunge is one of many events hosted by law enforcement to benefit their charity of choice, Special Olympics Missouri. All proceeds benefit year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

PlungeMO

SOMissouri