The Pulse 13.25 » June 23, 2016

JUNE 23, 2016

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

Summer Travel guide VISITING THE GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS, WISCONSIN, AND PANAMA CITY BEACH

by Kelly Lockhart, Janis Hashe, and Brooke Dorn

MUSIC

ARTS

SCREEN

PUTT PUTT FUN

THE WEASAL

INDIE FILM HOME

SUPERBODY IMPROV CINE-RAMA

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CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Gary Poole Editorial Assistant Brooke Dorn

Contents

June 23, 2016 Volume 13, Issue 25

Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Contributors David Traver Adolphus • Adam Beckett Rob Brezsny • Janis Hashe Kelly Lockhart • Matt Jones Mike McJunkin • Beth Miller Ernie Paik • Rick Pimental-Habib Michael Turner Editorial Intern Hillary Eames

Features

Cartoonists Max Cannon • Rob Rogers Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow

4 BEGINNINGS: Several companies team up for an all-electric future.

FOUNDED 2003 BY ZACHARY COOPER & MICHAEL KULL

ADVERTISING

Director of Sales Mike Baskin Account Executives Chee Chee Brown • Linda Hisey Rick Leavell • John Rodriguez Logan Vandergriff • Joseph Yang

CONTACT

Offices 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Website chattanoogapulse.com Email info@chattanoogapulse.com BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher & President Jim Brewer II THE FINE PRINT: The Pulse is published weekly by Brewer Media and is distributed throughout the city of Chattanooga and surrounding communities. The Pulse covers a broad range of topics concentrating on music, the arts, entertainment, culture and local news. The Pulse is available free of charge, limited to one copy per reader. No person without written permission from the publisher may take more than one copy per weekly issue.

The Pulse may be distributed only by authorized distributors.

Contents Copyright © 2016 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.

8

7 AIR BAG: Our car guy goes searching for the world’s greatest missing cars.

Summer Travel Guide

Summertime is here, and the living is easy. Our travel writers have spread out across the country to find you some great places to spend vacation time: from the Great Smoky Mountains to Panama City Beach to the laidback state of Wisconsin. Pack your bags and get ready to relax!

14

Respect the Weasel

Backstage the atmosphere is like hanging out with the closest of friends, laughing and relaxing. As the clock ticks and show time draws closer, the improv troupe’s energy rises. Eight performers are now standing and milling about, shaking out their arms, loosening their necks

20

Putt Putt For Rock & Roll Glory

Authenticity is overrated. Consider the modern songwriter externally compelled to draw from personal stories and experiences, conveying an unspoken false purity through the sole use of acoustic instruments.

16 ARTS CALENDAR 19 MIXOLOGY: In search of the best of the small batch and single barrel spirits.

22 MUSIC CALENDAR 24 REVIEWS: Chancey soul-rocks their way from Nashville, Socro still trashy as ever.

25 DIVERSIONS 26 SCREEN: Cine-Rama is a realized dream a long time in the making.

28 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY 29 JONESIN’ CROSSWORD 30 SUSHI & BISCUITS: Our ex-pat chef travels the world for a very good reason.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 3

BEGINNINGS

NEWS • VIEWS • RANTS • RAVES

UPDATES » CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM FACEBOOK/CHATTANOOGAPULSE EMAIL LOVE LETTERS, ADVICE & TRASH TALK TO INFO@CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

The Future of Electric Vehicles Is Here Several Chattanooga companies team up for an all-electric future Have you thought about buying an electric car? While the internalcombustion engine still dominates the automotive landscape, the appeal of electric and plug-in hybrids continues to grow, with sales of MICHAEL new vehicles averaging around 10,000 a month in the U.S. Yet, even with greater choices of makes and models (and prices), electric vehicles still only account for just under three percent of market share of all vehicles.

The five most popular electric cars include the Nissan LEAF,

with a newly available long-range battery allows you to travel up to 107 miles in a single charge; the Chevy Volt, which comes equipped with a gas-powered generator that conTURNER tinuously feeds the battery pack once the initial charge is depleted; the Tesla Model S, which can travel up to 300 miles on a full charge; the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, which can be recharged to 80 percent capacity in just 30 minutes; and the Ford Focus Electric, which has 143 horsepower on tap, making it just

CITY LIFE

as quick as some gaspowered compacts.

One of the main drawbacks for consumers, however, is also one of the most obvious: where do you go to get juice when the battery runs low? Sure, you can plug it in at your home—and some friendly businesses will let you do it at work—but for most people, finding a charging station is pretty difficult.

Which is why it is welcome news to learn that CARTA, in partnership with TVA and EPB, has worked out an agreement with Green Commuter to build additional solarassisted electric charging stations throughout the city. To date, there are approximately twenty electric vehicle charging locations in the city, with more under construction, which will be integrated into the EPB power grid.

But wait, as they say in commercials, there’s more.

In addition, they are developing an electric vehicle car-sharing system. The goal is to get more Chattanoogans both behind the wheel of electric and plugin hybrids, which will go a long way to reduce vehicle emissions on a sustained basis.

“We are excited to work with EPB, CARTA, and Green Commuter to bring solar-assisted electric charging stations and electric vehicle car sharing to Chattanooga,” said Cindy Herron, TVA vice president of EnergyRight Solutions. “Electric vehicles and solar-assisted vehicle charging maximizes the benefits of clean energy, reduces emissions and encourages solar power and electric transportation in Chattanooga.”

2017 Chevy Volt

When the electric vehicle carsharing system is fully operational, proponents of the project say it will achieve significant reduction of air pollution and traffic congestion and improve quality of life by offering safe, affordable and environmentallyfriendly public transportation.

“Chattanoogans should be proud of this agreement because we are the first mediumsize city in the nation to implement an electric vehicle car-sharing system to reduce emissions and traffic congestion,” said Brent Matthews, CARTA Director of Parking.

So while for the foreseeable future, the vast majority of us will still be making regular visits to the gas station, it likely won’t be too much longer before the internal-combustion engine vehicle will go the way of the horse-and-buggy.

“One of the main drawbacks for consumers, however, is also one of the most obvious: where do you go to get juice when the battery runs low?”

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EdiToon

by Rob Rogers

How to Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet Explore, enjoy, and protect the planet: that’s the Sierra Club motto, and has been since their formation in 1892. It was created to protect communities, wild places and wildlife, and the planet as a whole. Although its headquarters rests in Oakland, the club has chapters and groups statewide. We have five groups in our Tennessee chapter, with the Cherokee group based here in Chattanooga.

Their Facebook group proudly boasts that they are “the oldest, largest, and most influential grassroots organiza-

tion in the United States,” and they further explain on their website that they “work to protect the natural world via education, advocacy of issues, support of local political candidates who support our goals... [and] enhancing appreciation of the outdoors through our outings and programs.”

You don’t have to be a Sierra Club member to participate in their outings—all events are open to the public, including their upcoming seminar on climate change.

Climate change is no secret, but this

IN THIS ISSUE

Janis Hashe Feature columnist, travel writer and our former contributing editor Janis Hashe has been both a staff editor and a freelance writer/editor for more than 25 years. Her work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, the Atlanta JournalConstitution, AmericanStyle

Monday, the Cherokee Group is sponsoring a seminar detailing how it will affect Tennessee wildlife in particular. The Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency, National Wildlife Federation, and Nature Conservancy completed an assessment in 2015 on potential impacts to wildlife and their habitats from the changes predicted within the next century.

TWRA Chief of Biodiversity Bill Reeves will discuss the report, including updates for 2016. The event will take place at green|spaces at 7 p.m. Like all Sierra Club events, it’ll be free of charge, and there will be snacks. Healthy snacks.

— Hillar y Eames

Brooke Dorn magazine, Sunset magazine, and the international magazine Monocle, among many other outlets. She has a master’s degree in theatre arts, is the founder of Shakespeare Chattanooga and a member of the Chattanooga Zen Group. Her novel The Ex-Club Tong Pang was published in 2013 (we think it’s a great novel, but we may be just a wee bit biased).

Pick up a copy today, and tell all your friends about it.

A lover of books, pizza, and all things happy, Brooke Dorn is a somewhat new addition to The Pulse as she completed an internship here last December and graduated from UTC with an English degree and an unyielding desire to correct grammar, leading

her to an editorial assistant position with her former intern family. She likes to spend her time reading fiction novels, pinning home décor ideas on Pinterest, perusing Netflix with her fiancé and their Australian Shepherd-Border Collie mix, Hank, and inserting oxford commas everywhere she sees fit. Brooke is currently in the process of learning to cook things other than pre-mixed cupcakes.

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COLUMN AIR BAG

Looking For The Cars We Can’t Find Our car guy goes searching for the world’s greatest missing cars

DAVID T. ADOLPHUS

“

Just finding out which cars aren’t there is turning out to be about as difficult as actually finding them, but that’s part of the chase.”

David Traver Adolphus is a freelance automotive researcher who recently quit his full time job writing about old cars to pursue his lifelong dream of writing about old AND new cars. Follow him on Twitter as @proscriptus.

In the old car world from which I come, there have been two great bubbles over the last few decades. The first, in the Eighties, was for Ferraris, some of which as much as quadrupled in value in less than 10 years and then, from about 1988-1991, crashed back to earth.

The second was in Chrysler Hemi muscle cars in the mid Oughts—some went for as much as a $1 million around 2005.

Two years later, the same car might be $150,000 and a few years later, half of that.

When there’s a spike like that, there are several follow-on effects. The first is that it brings new people into the market, money men and speculators (hedge fund managers, last time around), who are part of the inflation. It also raises the prices of other cars, as people get priced out—if you can’t afford an old Ferrari, you might be steered towards a Maserati. Lastly, it drags cars out of hiding, that were previously not worth doing anything with, or that owners suddenly get an urge to sell at ludicrous prices.

The last one has proven very durable and for years there has been varying interest in the “barn find” phenomenon, spawning not only articles and books, but several TV shows. And every time I think it’s run its course, it hasn’t. Ask me how I know.

A couple of months ago, I wrote an online piece about some of the greatest missing cars (i.e., James Dean’s Porsche Spyder; the stolen Aston Martin from Goldfinger), and it was surprisingly popular. So popular that last month I got a call out of the blue on a Saturday morning, asking if I wanted to write a book about the greatest lost exotic cars.

The first part of the project is to come up with a list of 45 of them, which is proving extremely difficult. It’s not that they’re not out there—I actually know where a Bugatti is hiding—but that the

James Dean's 550 Spyder

people who know the stories aren’t telling them. Oh, there are a few that were probably destroyed and no one is trying to hide, but for so many others there are people out there looking (or more likely, already know where they are and don’t want anyone else to find out) and they’re not talking. The acquisitions editor is already breathing down my neck about it.

So just finding out which cars aren’t there is turning out to be about as difficult as actually finding them, but that’s part of the chase. It all would have been far easier to do before so many lost cars were found over the last 35 years, but no one was writing about them when I was eight.

I’ve exhausted the easy (just googling it) sources, and am into heavier research through old newspaper stories and the like. I’m thinking that contacts at collector-car insurance agencies will also have some leads. I could probably write a meta-book about the research for the book, but no one would read it.

Honestly, no one is going to read this,

either, outside of a few people who actually read their father’s’ day presents and my relatives.* It turns out, however, that the missing car mystery is not only alive and well, but I’ve been sucked into it. Some of the cars on my list I know should be out there and findable, including a Ferrari that’s probably a $10 million car.

Which means now I’m imagining being the guy who actually finds the real car, if not the one who buys it. That’s been in car guy’s dreams for generations, and apparently it’s as fresh and compelling now as it was in 1910 when someone was looking for that 1905 Oldsmobile they once heard about hidden the next town over. Maybe someone would read that book, after all.

Next month will include our annual Automotive Issue (July 14th), and we’ll be talking about the present and future of alternative powered cars. Drop us a line, or contact Dave directly at dave@ proscriptus.com if you want to contribute your voice. *who am I kidding?

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Summer TRAVEL

Rest and Relaxation on the Florida Gulf Coast

Panama City Beach offers fun for everyone, not just Spring Breakers

W

By Brooke Dorn Pulse editorial assistant

hen I tell someone I’m going on vacation to Panama City Beach, I know what they’re thinking. They probably picture droves of drunk, bikini and boardshort-clad teenagers partying on the beach, unidentified liquids sloshing from their red Solo cups with every drunken misstep.

While this is true if you dare to take a trip during college and high school spring breaks, my summer vacation to Panama City Beach is quite different than the stereotypical spring break trips our minds float to.

For those of us who have outgrown the wild party side of our formidable teenage years, PCB is a pretty chill place to catch rays on white sandy beaches, try parasailing for the first time, dine at a multitude of delicious restaurants, and find your peace in a pina colada…at least until the week is up.

Plenty of beach activities and fun await you. Courtesy: Travel PCB

BEACHES, SWIMMING POOLS, AND LOTS OF GREAT FOOD

There’s nothing like waking up in crisp, clean hotel sheets and opening the door to the balcony to hear the soft rush of the ocean. For those of you who treat your vacation as exactly that, a vacation with nothing but time on your hands, you’ll probably find yourself spending the majority of the morning poolside or oceanside, but everyone has to take a break from the rays for lunch at some point.

So if you’re asking yourself where to go for a full belly, Pier Park is my best suggestion. With a wide variety of foods to choose from—like Red Brick Pizza (a personal favorite), The Back Porch, Dick’s Last Resort

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Great fishing without leaving sight of land. Courtesy: Travel PCB

(not a place for children), or good ol’ Margaritaville—Pier Park has more choices than you could ever run through. It’s the perfect place to swing by for lunch or dinner, just go ahead and accept that it will take you a minute to decide on the place.

Dessert on vacation is an absolute must and in the summer heat, there’s nothing better than a cold treat. Grab an ice cream cone from Kilwin’s, fresh sorbet or gelato from Red Brick, or an Italian ice from one of the many carts dotting Pier Park—the Italian ice servers will offer free samples if you get close enough!

As for activities, you’d need a month of vacation to experience all that Panama City has to offer, but if you’re there for just one short week, try your hand at watersports, parasailing, fishing or, our family’s all-time favorite, go-kart racing to the death…I mean, until a winner is declared.

ENJOYING THE COOL BLUE WATERS OF THE GULF A feeling of weightlessness is what you’ll get from a trip into the sky thanks to some cables, a speedy boat, and a giant parachute. Ride high above the sea and shore, but be prepared for a few dips into deep water, which are equally as intimidating as they are refreshing. Go it alone or share the experience with a friend or two!

Perhaps deep water is your thing and you love catching the creatures that inhabit it! Panama City Beach has a multitude of fishing charters that will take you and the gang out into the deep blue for a morning, afternoon, or all-day fishing expedition.

While some of us find our happy place to be with a pina colada by the pool, others find it out on the sea in a can of good ol’ American beer.

If you prefer to stay closer to shore, try paddleboarding, kiteboarding, or surfing. PCB’s midsized Gulf waves are perfect for entry-level surfers and experts alike! Paddleboarding offers riders a big board to stand on and gently paddle across the water, while kiteboarding, also known as kitesurfing, lets the wind do the work, but is a bit more difficult to master. Try any or all three and know that you’ll be sleeping good that night!

The sand and surf can be tolling after days of fighting the current and baking in the sun. Take a day to visit the Panama City Beach Conservation Park where you can choose to hike or bike 24 miles of unpaved trails that range from half-a-mile to 12 miles. Bring your pup, leashed of course, and experience the 2,900-acre park, which was developed

by PCB officials, Florida Dept. of Environmental Protection, Corp of Engineers and the Florida Dept. of Fish & Wildlife to restore thousands of acres of protected wetlands.

Play a round or two of golf with family and friends if you haven’t had too much sun! Signal Hill Golf Course is PCB’s oldest golf course, with 18 holes on relatively flat ground. Both newbies and pros will find a good time on this course with its mixture of tricky and beginner-friendly holes. A Seahaven Beach Market A unique artists and farmers market. Come for the freshest local Florida produce and wonderful artists.

Open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

15238 Front Beach Road

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PCB is a pretty chill place to catch rays on white sandy beaches, try parasailing for the first time, dine at a multitude of delicious restaurants, and find your peace in a pina colada.”

place of tradition, Signal Hill has been around from quite some time, as has been Captain Anderson’s.

It seems like everyone who frequents PCB has the same tradition of eating at Captain Anderson’s one night, and the same tradition of wrestling with just which pie, cheesecake, or cake to have for dessert.

It’s hard to narrow down just what to do in Panama City. From Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Shipwreck Island Waterpark, and go-kart racing to playing arcade games at Dave and Buster’s, taking an airboat tour, or playing mini golf, there’s fun around every turn in PCB, for every age. Don’t try and plan it out, just go live it. Too many family vacations have gone belly up thanks to extensive planning and not enough relaxation.

Final words of advice: pick a day, pick an activity, and try to make the most of your vacation!

You won’t get surfing on your first try, but you’ve got all week. Wear the sunscreen! Get dessert everywhere, especially at Captain Anderson’s. Most importantly—after the sunscreen—spend time with the ones you love. You only get so many funfilled family vacations in your lifetime; make the most of them.

Summer Concert Series A free concert in the park every Thursday at Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy the sounds of summer music!

Music starts at 7 p.m.

Prince Tribute Every Friday and Saturday at Pineapple Willy's, they pay tribute to Prince, with local guests True Soul live on stage. Free show, all ages are welcome.

9875 S. Thomas Drive

Adventure and fun on the beautiful Gulf waters. Courtesy: Travel PCB

Plein Air Tuesday Every Tuesday Morning at 9 a.m. beginner to experienced painters learn from each other as they paint outdoors. Locations vary, so visit beachartgroup.com for specific weekly details.

That Swing Thing Every Wednesday starting at 7:30 p.m. get swing dance lessons at the A&M Theatre. No experience necessary, no partner needed, just you!

563 Harrison Avenue

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Summer TRAVEL I

Enjoying The Great Smoky Mountains A mountain vacation destination that has so much more to offer

By Kelly Lockhart Pulse contributor

t may well be one of the most affordable vacation getaways in the region, and only a two-hour drive from Chattanooga. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in the country, and for a very good reason: it’s, quite simply, breathtaking.

Bracketed on the west side by the triple Tennessee towns of Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, and on the east side

by Cherokee and Bryson City in North Carolina, the vacation options are endless.

World renowned for its diversity of plant and animal life, the beauty of its ancient mountains, and the quality of its remnants of Southern Appalachian mountain culture, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers some of the best hiking trails to be found in the country.

During the summer months, hikers can seek out cool retreats among the spruce-fir forests and balds or follow splashy mountain streams to roaring falls and cascades. And be sure to keep an eye (and camera) out for black bears and other native wildlife.

The best view of the Smoky Mountains can be seen from the Ober Gatlinburg Aerial Tramway.

SEVIERVILLE, PIGEON FORGE, AND GATLINBURG AWAIT

On the Tennessee side of the park are three interesting, and often quite different, towns—Sevierville, Pigeon Forge, and Gatlinburg—all with a wide variety of attractions, entertainment, dining and lodging to fit any taste and budget.

Sevierville, home to the legendary Dolly Parton, has many fascinating places to visit.

Among them (and highly recommended for animal lovers) is the RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo. Featuring over 600 live animals, repre-

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A marmoset at the RainForest Adventures Discovery Zoo.

senting over 130 species, the RainForest Zoo is home to unique and beautiful creatures from the rainforests of the world.

The zoo began as the brainchild of local businessman William Lucey. Today, true to Bill’s vision and under his guidance, RainForest Adventures has thrived and has become an exciting regional destination and one of the finest small zoos in the country, working with zoos all around the country, including our own Chattanooga Zoo. Pigeon Forge is home to Dollywood, one of two Titanic Museum Attractions, as well as the WonderWorks Indoor Amusement Park that will boggle your mind. New ad-

GREAT VIEWS, FOOD, ANIMALS AND FUN ditions to the list of things to do in Pigeon Forge include The Island, where you can ride the Great Smoky Mountain Wheel or complete The Island Ropes Course.

For a truly unique experience, take the drive up to Parrot Mountain and Gardens. Nestled on four acres of beautiful landscaped gardens, you can come face-to-face with hundreds and hundreds of gorgeous tropical birds and thousands upon thousands of flowers, plants and trees. If you’re looking for place to set aside your daily stresses and commune with nature, this is the place to visit.

When it comes to food, the choices are endless.

But one place deserves a special mention: Harpoon Harry’s Crab House. A 2016 Open Table Diner’s Choice Award winner, this woodsy-chic two-story bar and eatery offers sushi, steak, seafood bites, and live music, all served with a smile.

Just up from Pigeon Forge is the old-time charm and beauty of Gatlinburg. Nestled at the entrance to Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are three entrances into the Smokies right from downtown. This little town of less than 4,000 residents (though, if you count visitors, some weekends the population can reach ten times that) is dedicated to welcoming all of its guests with a taste of Appalachian hospitality at its best.

One of the most well-known attractions is Ober Gatlinburg. For the best view of the mountains (outside of Clingman’s Dome inside the park), make sure to ride the Aerial Tramway. Departing

“

If you're looking for place to set aside your daily stresses and commune with nature, this is the place to visit.”

regularly from downtown, this cable car will take you on a breathtaking 2.1-mile ride up to the park and is worth the trip even if you then turn around and ride back.

But you won’t want to do that. While Ober Gatlinburg is well known for it’s winter activites, it has plenty to offer for summer visitors, from the Alpine Slide to waterpark fun to the brand new Ski Mountain Coaster, the only coaster around where you control the speed (and the brakes).

In downtown, there’s plenty else to see and do: Ripley’s Aquarium Of The Smokies, Ole Smoky Moonshine Distillery, Zip Gatlinburg, and so much more. There’s also lots of dining to choose from, from old fashioned pancake houses to a romantic evening at The Melting Pot—we highly recommend the 4-Course Experience that takes you on a culinary journey to delight your tastebuds.

TAKE A ROMANTIC RAILROAD TRIP BACK IN TIME

Riding on The Great Smoky Mountain Railroad

On the North Carolina side of the park lies one of the most unique and fun attractions: The Great Smoky Mountains Railroad.

A stunningly scenic 90-minute drive through the park (well worth it in it’s own right) to Bryson City brings you to the old-fashioned train terminal that is home to a lovingly maintained collection of vintage rail cars and engines.

Take a ride alongside the beautiful Nantahala River on the Nantahala Gorge Excursion. This 4 ½ hour excursion carries you 44 miles to the Nantahala Gorge and back again. Enjoy traveling Bluegrass

Just one of the many beautiful parrots at Parrott Mountain & Paradise Gardens.

musicians with an occasional Appalachian story from an authentic mountain man, fantastic views and food, and a one-hour layover at Nantahala Outdoor Center where you can relax by the river.

If you’re in the mood to do a little gambling, just up the road from Bryson City is Cherokee, home to Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

Featuring over 150,000 feet of gaming fun, the resort also has a summer full of live entertainment and plenty of dining choices to rival Las Vegas...and without all the neon and crazy crowds.

Which brings us to one of the

most unusual destinations in the region, well worth the extra travel time: The Briarwood Auto Safari back over in Tennessee in the backwoods of Morristown. Where else can you get up-close-and-personal with zebras, water buffalo, elk, deer, ostriches, llama, rams and more?

Most of the animals will eat straight from your hand, but all come right up to your car to say hello. And if you don’t want to drive the four-mile trail through the more than 150-acre park, there are tractor pulled wagon excursions. Just be sure to bring your camera and your sense of wonder.

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Summer TRAVEL

D

Best of Summer’s Pickins in Door County Cherries to Shakespeare—this Wisconsin peninsula has it all

By Janis Hashe Pulse contributor

oor County, Wisconsin and the great Russian playwright Anton Chekov have a couple of things in common: cherry orchards and theatre. When Chekov wrote, “Don’t you see that from every cherry tree in the orchard, from every leaf and every trunk, men and women are gazing at you?” it was not a happy reference—but used for the orchards of Door County, it reflects the area’s long, successful history of cherry growing, which has been vital to the county’s economy since the late 1800s.

As for theatre, Door County’s proximity to Milwaukee and Madison in Wisconsin and Chicago in Illinois means there is a big audience for “summer stock” professional theatres, and the area features three.

Summer’s the time to visit, when Door County’s 298 miles of coastline on Green Bay and Lake Michigan are happily bustling with visitors, the weather’s balmy and from cooking classes and wineries to biking and kayaking, there’s something to suit every cherry-pickin’ person.

Theater in the great ourdoors with Door Shakespeare. Photo by Bruce Ambuel.

EAT, DRINK AND BE CHERRY

Cherry lovers will be in heaven in Door County, where they are served in entrees, salads and desserts, incorporated into alcohol, and refined down for medicinal use.

As recent research shows that the red fruit is high in antioxidants, melatonin, and is a natural anti-inflammatory, you can indulge without guilt.

If you’re in the county during cherrypicking season, Orchard Country Winery & Market gives you the chance to pick your own Montmorency cherries on their onehour tours of the orchards, winery and mar-

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You want cherries? They have plenty.

ket. (Tours run from May-October.) Sample wines made from cherries, cherry juice, cherry jam—and of course, pie! You can take

home all kinds of treats from the market, including Cherry Sangria, Hot Cherry Salsa and Cherry Butter, among many other options.

Another place to learn about and sample cherries is Seaquist Orchards, which also sells a wide selection of jams, syrups, pie fillings and other treats made from the fruits of their more than 1,000 acres of cherries. Track down Dale Seaquist for a real insider’s view of cherries.

Visitors who love finding new recipes should make a beeline for the Savory Spoon

ENJOYING THE GREAT (OUT) DOOR Cooking School, where chef/teacher/co-founder Janice Thomas will host you in this restored 1879 schoolhouse. No need to be an expert cook; the gracious Chef Thomas talks/demos you through the delicious offerings of the day. (Visit chattanoogapulse. com or our Facebook page for a recipe for “Sweet and Sour Cherries with Bay Leaves”) Door County’s 19 small towns and villages form a necklace along the shoreline, and all of them feature fabulous eateries. Try the cherry coffee cake at the Village Cafe in Egg Harbor, the Door County Cherry Stuffed French Toast at the gorgeous White Gull Inn in Fish Creek (perfect place to stay if you can get a room), cherry ice cream and great diner fare at Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor in Ephraim, and don’t forget the Cherry Margaritas at Fred & Fuzzy’s Waterfront Grill in Sister Bay, a casual locals hangout that often has live music.

The complete cherry experience cannot be had without visits to Door County’s distilleries and wineries. At Island Orchard Cider in Ellison Bay, sip ciders crafted in the tradition of Normandy in France.

Hard cherry cider is truly a treat.

Not far away is Stone’s Throw Winery with its wine and tapas tasting room. The wines, made with both California and Door County grapes, range from chardonnay to petit syrah. This year, Stone’s Throw has opened both a new eatery, Bocce!, which features wood-fired pizza cooked over old oak wine barrels (and you can play bocce ball!) and Taste, a new, intimate tasting series with winemaker-selected wines that must be booked in advance. Don’t leave out Door County Distillery in Carlsville. If you’re

“

Summer’s the time to visit, when Door County’s 298 miles of coastline on Green Bay and Lake Michigan are happily bustling with visitors, the weather’s balmy, and there’s something to suit everyone."

a fan of French eau de vie, you’ll love their similar fruit-infused vodkas and gins. Excellent gifts to bring home as well.

Not surprisingly, the area offers multiple ways to get in a little exercise to work off all the cherry treats you just indulged in.

Kayakers can paddle out from Peninsula State Park to Horseshoe Island, then stroll a one-mile path before kayaking back. Or, bike or hike the 10-mile Sunset Trail at the park, which is easy enough for all ages.

Then there’s the Cherry Tour with Segway the Door Tours, which will take you on the back roads of the county, alongside…you guessed it…cherry orchards.

Summertime and the (lake) living is easy...

THE ARTS CHERRY ON TOP Theatre and music are in full swing during summer in Door County, including, as mentioned above, three professional summer stock theatre companies.

The oldest of these, the Peninsula Players, has been operating for 80 years, and includes illustrious alumni such as Sam Wanamaker, who went on to found the New Globe Theatre in London. This year’s slate of shows includes “The 39 Steps,” “Alabama Story,” “The Full Monty,” “Agatha Christie—The Hollow,” and “Chapatti.”

Northern Sky Theater has a unique mission: It presents only original musicals each season. The outdoor theatre, set in a wood, is a charming way to wile away a summer evening—but

be sure and mosquito-proof yourself before the show, and it won’t hurt to have the bug stuff along with you, either. This season includes “Lumberjacks in Love,” “Doctor! Doctor!,” “When Butter Churns to Gold,” and “No Bones About It.” If, like me, you cannot resist a chance to see Shakespeare performed outdoors under the stars, then hie thee to Door Shakespeare, where each summer two productions run in repertory.

(Note that the mosquito instructions above should be followed here as well.)

Another lovely grove setting forms the backdrop for Door Shakespeare shows, which this year are “Julius Caesar” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

Door County also hosts a year-round

(indoor) professional company, the Third Avenue Playhouse, where you’ll find adventurous offerings alongside more traditional fare. Their season through early September includes “Isacc’s Eye,” “Madame Sherry,” and “The Gin Game.”

Music-lovers will also find plenty to savor. At the Birch Creek Performance Center, a wide range of music takes the stage all summer long.

Classical fans have got both the Midsummer’s Music Festival and the Peninsula Music Festival to delight the eardrums.

If you’ve never considered heading north for a summer getaway, this might just be the summer to open that Door.

IF YOU PLAN TO GO For help in planning your trip, visit the complete and easy-to-use Door County Visitors Bureau website at doorcounty.com, or call them at (800) 527-3529.

Both American and Delta offer flights from the Chattanooga airport connecting through to Green Bay, where you will then rent a car to make the 45-minute drive to Door County.

Accommodations range from B&B to family friendly to luxurious.

Again, doorcounty.com gives you a full list of choices and can help you book your stay.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 13

ARTS SCENE

Learning How To Respect The Weasel Improv Chattanooga works to bring out the creative in everyone

The Artistry of Blackberry Wine Danielle Shelton teaches the flavorful art of winemaking Previously at Chattanooga WorkSpace, Danielle Shelton taught us how to use plants to make natural clothing dyes. This week, the education continues. With the summer months producing an abundance of berries at our disposal, Shelton will show participants how to make blackberry wine.

Participants in Shelton’s workshop will have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of winemaking. Rather than getting their hands dirty, this class is going to be demonstration-style, with Shelton taking the wheel. Participants will, however, still get the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice as wine making equipment kits will be available for purchase, and Shelton will teach recipes they can try for themselves at home.

Just because Shelton’s class is less hands-on doesn’t mean the results are too. Participants will get to

sample the fruits of Shelton’s labor.

Because of this, all participants must be 21 or over.

Shelton is the owner of the blog fermdamental.com, where she explained that she became disenchanted with Western medicine and its habit of “force feeding me pills rather than looking for the sources of the underlying problem.” She explains that research suggests that the underlying problem might be a lack of probiotics—a problem that fermented foods and drinks could solve.

She began making yogurt and kombucha; later on, milk kefir and cheese; and finally arriving at fermented alcoholic drinks, with mead, beer, and wine.

Can a glass of homemade wine really stave off pending health issues? Research is still uncertain, but better safe than sorry. Join Shelton Tuesday at 6 p.m. — Hillary Eames

THU6.23

FRI6.24

SAT6.25

KENNEDYESQUE

PLAY BALL!

DANCE FEVER

"Camelot"

Chattanooga Lookouts vs Jackson Generals

Dancing With the Chattanooga Stars

King Arthur meets JFK is this award-winning play.

7 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com

Friday night fireworks, too!

7:15 p.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley (423) 267-2208 lookouts.com

Cheer on your favorites.

8 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5156 partnershipfca.com

14 • THE PULSE • JUNE 23, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

B

ACKSTAGE THE ATMOSPHERE IS LIKE HANGING OUT with the closest of friends, laughing and relaxing. As the clock ticks and show time draws closer, the improv troupe’s energy rises.

Eight performers are now standing and milling about, shaking out their arms, loosening their necks. The excitement and nervous energy build like water against a dam. The circle of friends tightens and arms extend as they bring it in to sound their battle cry.

Arts BETH MILLER

“

Improv Chattanooga mostly performs longform improv where the focus lies on storytelling rather than short-form that is mostly comedic oneliners”

“Goooooooooooo weasels!”

Improv Chattanooga, originally founded as First Draft Productions in 2006, was rebranded in April 2016 by frontmen Steven Disbrow and Kevin Bartolomucci to reflect the true nature of their offerings. Disbrow, a ‘Noogan, started performing stand-up comedy at age 30 after finding himself at a crossroads in life.

His computer consultant business paid the bills, but he needed more from life.

Disbrow serendipitously bumped into Bartomolucci who had been doing improv for 20 years. The two joined forces and have been improvising ever since and through Improv Chattanooga, offer up their many talents to anyone who is interested in learning the art of improv.

The troupe breaks and heads to the stage where a row of fold-up chairs is lined up perfectly against a black curtain. The performers sit while Greg Rambin Jr. takes the stage. The stage lights slowly dim leaving behind a spotlight on Rambin. He phones his broker who is helping him locate an apartment in New York. The broker has no idea he is technically on stage.

The conversation is a back and forth over the size of the potential apartment.

Rambin calling out the dimensions of what would be considered a closet causes the audience to erupt in laughter.

He reassures the broker to keep looking

as Disbrow pops up from his chair and runs across stage signaling the end of the scene and on to the next.

A daytime talk show is in progress.

A married couple explains how they developed kiwi fruit that hatches from eggs. The curious albeit confused television host, played by Matt Patterson, asks questions in an unidentifiable accent about the kiwi’s fur and its many uses including hamster clothing. Patterson probes the couple about their remarkable 30-year age difference.

The husband describes how he wooed his now wife by rubbing kiwi juice all over her while she was hospitalized to help speed up the healing process. Rambin, from the first scene, leaps onto stage attacking the couple as though he were a T-Rex. Patterson begs for his life babbling in his fake accent. And on to the next.

Improv Chattanooga mostly performs long-form improv where the focus lies on storytelling rather than short-form that is mostly comedic one-liners. Bartomolucci describes long-form improv as “normal people in extraordinary circumstances or weird people in normal circumstances.” He sums it up as, “instant theater where you literally make it up off the top of

your head.” Despite such a whimsical approach, there are rules: Listen and respond. Stay in character and tell the story. And above all, respect the scene.

Improv Chattanooga performers are a diverse group who can reference anything from Abbott and Costello to Jay and Silent Bob. In order for improv students to secure a spot in the main troupe, Bartolomucci says, “Gotta earn your spot.” He goes on to explain, “Students must achieve a certain level of comedic quality.”

Disbrow and Bartolomucci unanimously echo the importance of harmony within the troupe and furrow their brows at the thought of an ill fit.

Bartolomucci says, “We really are a band.” He continues to explain, “It’s a chemistry thing. We have 11 people but everybody fits.”

The troupe wraps up the show and mixes and mingles with the crowd discussing their performances and the future. Disbrow expresses his longing to turn Chattanooga into an improv destination complete with its own improv theater and even a festival. But he and Bartolomucci refuse to reveal the meaning behind their “go weasels” war cry.

Disbrow replies, “Take a class and find out what it means.”

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 15

ARTS CALENDAR

Reptile Roundup

THURSDAY6.23 Ooltewah Farmers Market 3 p.m.

Ooltewah Nursery 5829 Main St. ooltewahnursery.com Signal Mountain Farmers Market 4 p.m.

Pruett’s Market 1210 Taft Hwy. (423) 902-8023 signalmountainfarmersmarket.com St. Elmo Farmers Market 4 p.m.

Incline Railway 3917 St. Elmo Ave. (423) 838-9804 lookoutfarmersmarket.com Ales & Tails 5:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. (423) 697-1319 chattzoo.org Sherman's Crossing Canoe Tour 6 p.m.

North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy 5051 Gann Store Rd. (423) 752-5213 nps.gov/chch "Camelot" 7 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Chattanooga Lookouts vs Jackson Generals 7:15 p.m.

16 • THE PULSE • JUNE 23, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley (423) 267-2208 lookouts.com D.J Lewis and Friends 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2299 thecomedycatch.com The Ringgold Playhouse Presents "Noises Off" 7:30 p.m.

The Ringgold Depot 155 Depot St. (706) 935-3061 cityofringgold.com

FRIDAY6.24 Junior League of Chattanooga’s Designer Showhouse

PULSE PICK: JAMES GREGORY For over two decades, veteran comedian James Gregory has stood grinning: his shirt untucked, his arms outstretched, a carefree welcome to a down-home, hilarious comedy experience.

James Gregory The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

10 a.m.

Designer Showhouse 526 S. Crest Rd. (423) 267-5053 jlcshowhouse.com Cambridge Square Market 5 p.m.

Cambridge Square 9453 Bradmore Ln. chattanoogamarket.com Chattanooga Lookouts vs Jackson Generals 7:15 p.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley (423) 267-2208 lookouts.com The Ringgold Playhouse Presents "Noises Off" 7:30 p.m.

The Ringgold Depot 155 Depot St. (706) 935-3061 cityofringgold.com

James Gregory 7, 9:15 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2299 thecomedycatch.com "Camelot" 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com

SATURDAY6.25 Reptile Round Up 10 a.m.

Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. (423) 697-1319 chattzoo.org Junior League of Chattanooga’s Designer Showhouse 10 a.m.

Designer Showhouse 526 S. Crest Rd. (423) 267-5053 jlcshowhouse.com Brainerd Farmers Market 10 a.m.

Grace Episcopal Church 20 Belvoir Ave. (404) 245-3682 facebook.com/ brainerdfarmersmarket Chattanooga River Market 10 a.m.

Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 265-0695 chattanoogarivermarket.com Northside Farmers Market

10 am.

Northside Presbyterian Church 923 Mississippi Ave. (423) 266-7497 St. Alban’s Hixson Market 10 a.m.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church 7514 Hixson Pike (423) 842-6303 facebook.com/ stalbansfarmersmarket Diamonds and Pearls Fashion Show 11 a.m.

Chattanooga Convention Center 1 Carter Plaza ncbwchattanooga. wordpress.com Etsy Success Workshop Noon Chattanooga Public Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 757-5310 chattlibrary.org Rapid Learning: Beginner Whitewater Kayak River Class 5:30 p.m.

Outdoor Chattanooga 200 River St. (423) 643-6888 outdoorchattanooga.com James Gregory 7, 9:15 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2299 thecomedycatch.com Chattanooga Lookouts vs Jackson Generals 7:15 p.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley (423) 267-2208

lookouts.com The Ringgold Playhouse Presents "Noises Off" 7:30 p.m.

The Ringgold Depot 155 Depot St. (706) 935-3061 cityofringgold.com Color the Curve After Dark 8 p.m.

Coolidge Park 150 River St. (615) 496-8615 colorthecurve.com "Camelot" 8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Dancing With the Chattanooga Stars 8 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5156 partnershipfca.com

SUNDAY6.26 Chattanooga Waterfront Triathlon 7 a.m.

Ross’s Landing 100 Riverfront Pkwy.

(423) 842-6265 chattanoogatrackclub.org Junior League of Chattanooga’s Designer Showhouse 10 a.m.

Designer Showhouse 526 S. Crest Rd.

(423) 267-5053 jlcshowhouse.com Chattanooga Market 11 a.m.

First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. (423) 402-9957 chattanoogamarket.com Chattanooga Lookouts vs Jackson Generals 2:15 p.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley (423) 267-2208 lookouts.com "Camelot" 2:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Rodney Alan Wiggins and Friends 7:30 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2299 thecomedycatch.com

MONDAY6.27 Red Bank Farmers Market 4 p.m.

Red Bank United Methodist Church 3800 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 838-9804 lookoutfarmersmarket.com Chattanooga Lookouts vs Jackson Generals 7:15 p.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Alley

ARTS CALENDAR

Color The Curve (423) 267-2208 lookouts.com

TUESDAY6.28 East Brainerd Farmers Market 4 p.m.

Audubon Acres 900 N. Sanctuary Rd. (423) 838-9804 lookoutfarmersmarket.com Get Sideways: How To Make Blackberry Wine 6 p.m.

Chattanooga WorkSpace 302 W. 6th St. (423) 822-5750 chattanoogaworkspace.com

WEDNESDAY6.29 Middle Eastern Dance 10:30 a.m.

Jewish Cultural Center 5461 North Terrace (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com Main Street Market 4 p.m.

325 E. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com Collegedale Market 4 p.m.

Collegedale Commons 4950 Swinyar Dr. (423) 648-2496 collegedalemarket.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 17

18 • THE PULSE • JUNE 23, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

FOOD & DRINK MIXOLOGY

Sampling Small Batch Bourbons In search of the best small batch and single barrel spirits

One of the most popular distilled spirits in the world is bourbon, a barrel-aged distilled spirit made primarily from corn. And while the name bourbon is derived from the French Bourbon dynasty, most aficionados believe the name for the spirit comes from Bourbon County in Kentucky (though some argue it comes from Bourbon Street in New Orleans). Bourbon itself has been distilled since the 18th century, with the first use of name in the 1820s; the name itself has been used consistently in Kentucky since the 1870s.

Small batch bourbon is exactly what it sounds like: bourbon made in limited quantities. But what constitutes a small batch? There are no federal regulations, and some distilleries won’t provide a

clear indication of what “small batch” really means. Distilleries will differ on the number of barrels used in their small batch bourbons—Maker’s Mark, for example, will never use more than twenty barrels for a small batch bourbon, while Willet’s Distillery will use, at most, only twelve. Bernheim Original plays it especially fast and loose with the definition, stating a small batch would contain “no more than 100 barrels.”

Numbers aside, the limited quantities of small batch bourbons give creators the opportunity to focus on unique flavor profiles, making them a rare and unforgettable treat. As amazing as that sounds, I must confess I know nothing about bourbon. Luckily, Imbibe has me covered.

“Numbers aside, the limited quantities of small batch bourbons give creators the opportunity to focus on unique flavor profiles, making them a rare and unforgettable treat.”

I spoke with spirits specialist Toni Zabloki from Imbibe to get some recommendations on the best small batch bourbons Chattanooga has to offer.

Zabloki’s staple for an affordable small batch bourbon is Four Roses, coming out of a Kentucky distillery and priced at a very reasonable $33.99.

Zabloki describes Four Roses as having a “soft, kind of mouth-watering” taste with a “fair amount of complexity for the price.”

Two other suggestions from Zabloki were Noah’s Mill and Rowan’s Creek,

both from Willet’s Distillery, also known as Kentucky Bourbon Distillers.

“These are going to be harder to find,” Zabloki warned, “But they’re all delicious and good for their price.”

Even smaller than small batch is single barrel bourbon, where, you guessed it, the bourbon is distilled in a single barrel. Naturally, due to the size, single barrel bourbons are often hard to find and sell out quickly.

Having said that, Chattanooga Whiskey is currently doing a single-barrel program where you can sample different barrels in different locations, and select one unique whiskey from a single barrel. And yes, there’s a barrel for Imbibe.

For single barrel suggestions, Zabloki pointed me towards Blanton’s Bourbon, from the Buffalo Trace Distillery. Because of its small quantities, Zabloki said, it’s even more sought after than Noah’s Mill.

But the holiest of holy grails goes to Blood Oath, a single barrel bourbon made by “this one guy out of Kentucky,” Zabloki says. Indeed, on their website they warn visitors that “This Whiskey Shall Never Be Made Again.”

Price-wise, it’s at the top of the list at $115, but for a unique handcrafted product you might never taste again, you’ll get exactly what you pay for.

Small batch bourbons offer an opportunity to savor extraordinary craftsmanship and skill in sizes that make every bottle a masterpiece.

— Hillary Eames

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 19

MUSIC SCENE

Playing Putt Putt Mini Golf For Rock & Roll Glory

Little But Fierce: Pamela K. Ward Tiny titan of the saxophone headlines Puckett’s on Friday Pamela K. Ward stands four feet, eleven inches tall—barely bigger than the saxophone she carries with her onstage. But armed with her soul-filled powerhouse vocals, an engaging, energetic stage presence, and unmatched skill on the aforementioned sax, Shakespeare could’ve been writing about her when he penned the Midsummer line, “Though she be but little, she is fierce.”

An “early start” is a relative term for performers, but Ward’s earned the title, beginning at the tender age of two. She’s had a lifetime of experience in front of crowds, whether it’s fairs, festivals, headliners or opening acts, and her comfort onstage is palpable. When she and her backup band The Last Call Orchestra covered “Uptown Funk” in Little Rock, Ward easily transitioned between

belting out soulful vocals to rocking out on the sax to dancing—either like no one was watching or, more probable, like tons of people were watching and she was too happy to care.

Ward’s first album of original songs was released July 2013, each of which Ward wrote or co-wrote. Visit her website and you’ll be greeted with the track “Stilettos,” packed with driving guitars, bluesy vocals, and more sass than a stereotype in a sitcom. Her videos feature her in Nashville performing “Momma’s Boy Blues,” where her skill as both a sax player and a vocalist get equal opportunity to shine.

Swing by Puckett’s this Friday at 9 p.m. to see and hear for yourself.

You’ll be amazed by the little, but irrefutably fierce, Pamela K. Ward..

— Hillary Eames

THU6.23

FRI6.24

SAT6.25

SING A SONG

YACHT CLUBBING

FRENCH SOUL

Songwriters in the Round

Yacht Rock Revue

Irenka*

Chattanooga style with Ryan Oyer and more.

7 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org

The "Greatest Show on Surf" bring ‘70s light rock to life in a very memorable way.

9 p.m.

Track 29 1400 Market St. track29.com

A true original, an artist with a sound and musical vision completely her own.

10 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com

20 • THE PULSE • JUNE 23, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Getting inside the oft-confusing mindset of Chattanooga’s Superbody

A

UTHENTICITY IS OVERRATED. CONSIDER THE MODern songwriter externally compelled to draw from personal stories and experiences, conveying an unspoken false purity through the sole use of acoustic instruments. The infinite realm of music can certainly accommodate any aesthetic worldview imaginable, and to demand that everything be rooted in fact is to deny entire genres of storytelling and to suppress vivid imaginations. And pretty much anyone participating in social media has a manufactured persona, to some degree, from the subtle to the pronounced.

Music ERNIE PAIK

“

Look at me in the eyes. Who do you see?

Who the hell do you think makes them?

Nevermind. It’s chill dude.”

In line with this thinking, the Chattanooga-via-Dalton, Ga. duo Superbody lives and creates in a green-screen world with a grip on reality that’s just loose enough for the sake of entertainment and going against the grain. The past twelve months have been fruitful for the twosome, starting with the 2015 release of the full-length debut Hades Land, which was entirely written and recorded by the two.

Released digitally and on cassette, it offers twelve tracks of hook-laden new-wave goodness, exuding an odd sort of self-consciously frugal sophistication—all the charm of OMD or ABC but without the dry-cleaning budget.

Earlier this year, Superbody released the digital single “Camera,” and last month, the duo opened for Foxygen’s Diane Coffee; on July 30, the twosome will headline the Atlanta festival The BIG Thing, and there are no signs of the pair letting up any time soon.

Lead singer Robert Gregg McCurry II offers an affected passion with his baritone voice and channels the simultaneous comedy and tragedy of John Maus; his face resembles a composite of Ultravox’s Midge Ure, Kraftwerk’s Florian Schneider and John Wa-

Photo by Chistopher Artell, courtesy Superbody

ters with frighteningly expressive eyebrows. The man behind the machines, Caleb Jackson Dills, serves as a sort of Q to McCurry’s James Bond, with sequenced electronics and a keen ear for enticing synth-pop.

Providing easily the most unusual interview this writer has conducted in recent memory, McCurry and Dills answered some questions for The Pulse via email, at times with a playful confrontation and a penchant for fiction.

“I met Caleb in April 2014 right after he had gotten off a tour filling in on bass for Lionel Richie, and we instantly hit it off,” said McCurry. “We are still very proud of ‘Wings 4 Two’ off of Hades Land, and it holds a very special place in our collective hearts because we had spent the entire day beforehand playing Putt-Putt (Mini Golf) for free off of a gift card we had found in the street outside my PeePaw’s house.”

Superbody’s music videos for “Wings 4 Two” and “Harvest” embody the ‘80s/’90s VHS-obsessed visual aesthetic frequently seen on certain shows on the Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, and it makes perfect sense that Dills has recently become a contributor for the Everything Is Terrible! VHS-scavenging collective.

“VHS tapes are a bulky, obsolete product from a bygone era that now serve as a relic to humanity’s passage through time, and you can find some

real fun and funny junk on them if you look hard enough!” said Dills.

“Look at me in the eyes. Who do you see? Who the hell do you think makes them?” said Dills, after being asked about the origin of Superbody’s video concepts. “Nevermind. It’s chill dude.”

“I’ve been considered a Kim Kardashian type figure of the Chattanooga area for quite some time now,” said McCurry, regarding floating between Dalton and Chattanooga. “So I understand my presence is felt in whatever hole inside of the Tennessee Valley I decide to lay my head.”

When asked about possible newwave sources and inspirations, McCurry said, “The new wave is dead.”

“I don’t know. It might have never been here in the first place and I don’t even know anyone who would have been old enough to hear that stuff when it was going on. Is it even on Spotify? All I know is that my ‘new wave’ hasn’t even started yet. I think it’s gonna be kinda like my second puberty of sorts.”

When asked about the duo’s plans, McCurry said, “I want to find a [way] to be a child again.”

“Feel something substantial and exciting again. Let’s make some music, bro. Come over and we’ll jam. No we won’t. It’s all kind of confusing to me right now, but we’ll make it through this.”

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 21

MUSIC CALENDAR

The Captain Midnight Band

THURSDAY6.23 James Crumble Trio 6 p.m.

St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Rick Rushing Blues Jazz N’ Friends 6 p.m.

Bluewater Grille 224 Broad St. bluewaterchattanooga.com Live Bluegrass 6:30 p.m.

Whole Foods Market 301 Manufacturers Rd. wholefoodsmarket.com Songwriters in the Round, Chattanooga Style with Ryan Oyer and more 7 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Bluegrass Thursdays 7:30 p.m.

Feed Co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com Keepin’ It Local 8 p.m.

The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Open Mic with Hap Henninger 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com In the Making 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia

22 • THE PULSE • JUNE 23, 2016 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

FRIDAY6.24 Old Time Travelers, Ben Durham 9 a.m.

Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com The Molly Maguires 5:30 p.m.

Cambridge Square 9453 Bradmore Ln. cambridgesquaretn.com Hope Country, Jessee Jungkurth & The Patron Haints 7 p.m.

Miller Plaza 800 Market St. nightfallchattanooga.com

PULSE PICK: JESSE RS This Denver-based indie rock band with folk and funk influences has a unique addictive sound and an energetic style which thrives in a live setting.

Jesse RS Saturday, 10 p.m.

Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com

John Prine 8 p.m.

Tivoli Theater 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com The Mailboxes, Big Emotions, Dalahäst 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Appetite for Destruction: A Tribute to Guns ‘N’ Roses 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co The Road Runners 8 p.m.

Mayo’s Bar & Grill 3820 Brainerd Rd, (423) 624-0034 David Anthony & the Groove Machine

8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Randall Adams 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Bad Tattoo 9 p.m.

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com/chattanooga Jesse James & the Patron Haints, Johnny Monster Band 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Yacht Rock Revue 9 p.m.

Track 29 1400 Market St. track29.com The Captain Midnight Band 10 p.m.

Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Arson 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SATURDAY6.25 Old Time Travelers, AM Radio 9 a.m.

Rock City 1400 Patten Rd.

MUSIC CALENDAR

Dopapod seerockcity.com Michael Jacobs 12:30 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. chattanoogarivermarket.com Tennessee Fiddle Ensemble 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org The Velcro Pygmies 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co David Anthony & the Groove Machine 8:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Pamela K. Ward and the Last Call Orchestra 9 p.m.

Puckett’s Grocery and Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com/chattanooga Irenka* 10 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Jesse RS 10 p.m.

Clyde’s On Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Arson 10 p.m.

Bud’s Sports Bar 5751 Brainerd Rd. budssportsbar.com

SUNDAY6.26 Old Time Travelers, Highbeams 9 a.m.

Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Ben Woodruff 11 a.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Lon Eldridge 12:30 p.m.

First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com Anna Linnea Edstrom 1:30 p.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Amber Fults 2 p.m.

First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m.

Long Haul Saloon 2536 Cummings Hwy. (423) 822-9775

MONDAY6.27 Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Very Open Mic

8 p.m.

The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. #8 wellonthesouthside.com Open Mic Night 6 p.m.

Puckett’s Grocery 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Open Air with Jessica Nunn 7:30 p.m.

The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Richie Ramone, Tuff Tits 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

TUESDAY6.28 Bill McCallie and In Cahoots 6:30 p.m.

Southern Belle Riverboat 201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com Dopapod 8 p.m.

Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Pumpkinseeds, Ben Ricketts, Side Affects 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

WEDNESDAY6.29 Noon Tunes with Slim Pickens Noon Miller Plaza 850 Market St. rivercitycompany.com Matt Downer 4:30 p.m.

Collegedale Commons 4950 Swinyar Dr. collegedalemarket.com The Other Guys 6 p.m.

SpringHill Suites 495 Riverfront Pkwy.

(423) 834-9300 Open Jam 8 p.m.

Raw Dance Club 409 Market St. rawbarandgrillchatt.com Wednesday Night Jazz 8 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Wednesday Blues Jam 8 p.m.

The Office @ City Café 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com The Prime Cut Trio 9 p.m.

The Palms at Hamilton 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 23

RECORD REVIEWS ADAM BECKETT

Righteous Indie Soul Rocking, Getting Hip-Hop Trashy Chancey soul-rocks their way from Nashville, Socro still trashy as ever

Chancey On Time (iTunes)

Socro Still Trashy (soundcloud.com/socro)

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at record stores and on iTunes.

Each song on the album has the general makeup that generates excellent music, but the two songs that stand out most would have to be “Lightning” and “Sun”. “Lightning” is a beautiful and emotion-inducing song about lost love and the power it possesses to completely change people’s lives.

Listeners can really feel the

ocal Chattanooga local musician Matt Chancey is currently rocking his way through Nashville with his music group Chancey. The group’s indie soul music emits a righteous and soul rocking sound. After being a group for a little over a year, the band was able to take the necessary steps to produce a debut EP. On Time was released back in May and is available for purchase

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raw emotion that only comes from personal experience. It is the pure definition of real life, pain, and soul music. “Sun” has a jam band feel to it with a slightly poppy and vibrant twist to it.

Both songs are very powerful and soul-felt.

Though the band attributes influences such as Marc Broussard, Jonny Lang, John Mayer, Emily King, Dave Matthews Band, the Roots, and Norah Jones as motivational and inspirational tools, Chancey has done a fantastic job of keeping things original. Occasionally a sound or two might expel tones reminiscent of some of their influencers, but it is very limited.

Chancey has been a unit for slightly over a year, but they have traveled leaps and bounds in terms of making great music, and success. The debut EP displays their ability to make music that shakes bones and moves souls.

The Chattanooga native and his

band mates make local music with a national sound.

Follow them on SoundCloud and YouTube @ Chancey.

O

ver the last several years, the roots of the Chattanooga music scene have been strengthening and setting deeply into the fertile ground, and now the state of the art music scene is flowering beautifully.

With so many interesting people, events, and activities circulating around the scenic city, it seems as if the local musicians are collecting influences from bits and pieces of it all. The local music scene is in full bloom, and artists like Socro are producing some of the brightest of flowers.

Socro has been a local powerhouse for many years, but his music has an earshot range that travels far beyond Chattanooga.

In the world of underground hip-hop music, Socro is a wellknown figure, and his music is

excellent. With the release of his newest album Still Trashy, Socro demonstrates his top class music making skills and helps to demonstrate the versatile music scene that Chattanooga bleeds.

Working as an independent artist, Socro has been able to break the confines that labels often try to impose on music production, and kill any authenticity that is ever so important in producing quality music. Due to his independence, Socro is able to beam real, strong, and authentic hip-hop music at a top class level.

Where hip-hop music is not for everyone, Still Trashy will make a fan out of anybody that gives the album an honest listen.

Socro produces a really special sound that leaves the listener wanting more. With the lyrical diversity that is laced inside of the tracks, it is easy to fall in love with the sound.

Where it is the kind of album that people can put on and listen to from start to finish, a few tracks shine a little brighter than the rest; “Useless”, “Dreamin”, and “Lemons” are all spectacular displays of hip-hop music.

The album is available for purchase in record stores and iTunes.

Diversions

Consider This with Dr. Rick

by Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D. “Just be yourself. Let people see the real, imperfect, flawed, quirky, weird, beautiful, magical person you are.” —Mandy Hale Here’s what we need to remember: there’s no such thing as perfection. We’re not put here to be perfect; we’re put here to be real, and to experience whatever it is—both smooth sailing and choppy waters— we’re meant to. Even in nature what appears to be symmetrical actually isn’t. What if our language changed from “I want it to be perfect” to “I want it to be wonderful”?

The same holds true for you. The unattainable “perfection” leads us to try for the “A” in everything we do. Nothing wrong with having high standards, but not at the expense of accepting and loving yourself.

Consider this: Take a breath. Think about your strengths, weaknesses, amazing talents and eye-rolling flaws. Know that all of it—especially the quirks—makes you the interesting, creative, work in progress that you are. Take the pressure off. Own and celebrate your uniqueness. It’s why people like you in the first place.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 25

SCREEN SCENE

Something Special Comes To The Southside Cine-Rama is a realized cinema dream a long time in the making

The Candy Man Returns Relive your childhood chocolate dreams with Willy Wonka “Come with me and you’ll be, in a world of pure imagination.” So sang the reclusive chocolate maker Willy Wonka upon opening the doors of his factory to a small group of children back in 1971.

Now, 45 years later, you will have the chance to see the Gene Wilder classic Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory back on the big screen without needing a golden ticket.

Come and take a whirlwind tour of Wonka’s incredible, edible realm of chocolate waterfalls, elfish Oompa-Loompas, and industrial-sized confections, as a boy named Charlie

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discovers the sweetest secret of all: a generous, loving heart lay behind the eccentric and often bewildering face of the eponymous chocolate maker.

The beloved film will be accompanied by special commentary from TCM's Robert Osborne and Ben Mankiewicz, who will provide insight, background and more, making this film come alive.

The special two-day event will be screened at Carmike's East Ridge 18 cinemas on South Terrace on Sunday at 2 p.m. and again on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

NEW IN THEATERS

Independence Day: Resurgence It's been two decades since the first Independence Day alien invasion, and Earth is now faced with a new extra-Solar threat. But will mankind's new space defenses be enough?

Director: Roland Emmerich Stars: Liam Hemsworth, Jeff Goldblum, Bill Pullman, Maika Monroe

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The Shallows A mere 200 yards from shore, medical student/surfer Nancy is attacked by a great white shark, with her short journey to safety becoming the ultimate contest of wills.

Director: Jaume Collet-Serra Stars: Blake Lively, Óscar Jaenada, Brett Cullen, Sedona Legge

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T

HERE’S SOMETHING SPECIAL THAT’S HAPPENED IN Chattanooga. For years, films fans here have had their options limited to mainstream movies at Carmike theaters. It’s not a terrible problem for most movie goers, who see maybe three or four films a year, catching others when they show up on DVD or Netflix. Most people don’t care much for the experience of film. To them, a movie is a hassle, an expense, a cattle-like interaction with the public that they’d rather avoid save for special occasions and birthdays.

Screen JOHN DEVORE

“

It is a place for strange film, for wonderful film, for niche and complicated storytelling that will not be found anywhere else.”

Most people don’t think about the differences between watching a film on your couch verses watching one in the theater.

This is most immediately obvious with comedies. Laughter breeds laughter and seeing a comedy with an audience is a vastly different experience than seeing one alone. The enjoyment of a film is almost always enhanced by the presence of others. Even bad films can be made tolerable if seen with friends and strangers. It’s an experience like no other.

Chattanooga has a unique opportunity, one not afforded by many cities of its size, by the newly opened Cine-Rama. It is a place for strange film, for wonderful film, for niche and complicated storytelling that will not be found anywhere else.

As with most new things in Chattanooga, this newly minted non-profit service for film fans has been hammered with criticism that is easily dismissed by the more rational among us, but can still damage a fledgling venue before it gets started.

Don’t be discouraged by online stupidity—instead, think about where film was in Chattanooga and where it is going.

The Cine-Rama has its roots in Mise En Scenesters, a film club started by Chris Dortch in his living room for

friends who wanted to see certain types of film. My first experience with them was in a warehouse near St. Elmo, watching Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale projected on a sheet hanging from the ceiling. It remains one of my favorite movie going experiences, not just because of the quality of the film and the strange fun of the preshow reel, but because the atmosphere was so genuine.

MES grew and hosted more and more film experiences, finding a temporary home with the Barking Legs theater. Then, the founders of MES created the Chattanooga Film Festival, a truly exceptional southern film festival that gets better every year. Each of these steps has led film in Chattanooga out of the shadows of disparate non-profits bringing their own random independent films tailored specifically to one audience and issue to a fully functional theater where any and all types of film can be found.

Last week, during the height of Riverbend, the Cine-Rama showed The Saddest Music in the World, a comedy/musical from 2003 starring Isabella Rossellini and directed by Guy Maddin. This is unlike anything found at a Carmike theater. It’s an homage to silent film and the 1930s, a black and white yet richly colorful world that is as much style as it is substance. It’s not a comedy in the traditional sense of the word. It’s far more strange and beautiful than most films of the genre.

There were only around ten people in

the audience, which is understandable given the film itself and the timing of the screening. But Cine-Rama showed it because there are people in the city that want to see it.

Complaints surrounding the CineRama have focused on things like the sound and selection. Some have complained that they were expecting an Alamo Drafthouse experience. But just as the Alamo Drafthouse didn’t open its doors in the form we see now, the Cine-Rama needs a chance to grow and develop with the support of film fans around the region.

The problems with the sound have now been addressed, according to Facebook posts, but given that I saw The Saddest Music in the World before the changes were made and didn’t experience anything overtly distracting, it seems to be that many of the complaints were largely unjustified.

I could complain that the couches were too comfortable and the cushions too deep so that my view of the screen was slightly obstructed by the couch in front of me but since I didn’t get up and move to rectify the situation (I really liked that couch) complaining would make me a bit of jerk.

If this town wants a theater like the Alamo Drafthouse, support the CineRama, allow it to grow, patronize the hell out of it, and enjoy the fruit it brings. The Cine-Rama isn’t about making money—it’s about providing a space for film lovers to see film. I can’t think of anything better.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 27

DIVERSIONS FREE WILL ASTROLOGY CANCER (June 21-July 22): My meditations have generated six metaphorical scenarios that will symbolize the contours of your life story during the next 15 months: 1) a claustrophobic tunnel that leads to a sparkling spa; 2) a 19thcentury Victorian vase filled with 13 fresh wild orchids; 3) an immigrant who, after tenacious effort, receives a green card from her new home country; 4) an elevenyear-old child capably playing a 315-year-old Stradivarius violin; 5) a menopausal empty-nester who falls in love with the work of an ecstatic poet; 6) a humble seeker who works hard to get the help necessary to defeat an old curse.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Joan Wasser is a Leo singer-songwriter who is known by her stage name Joan As Police Woman. In her song “The Magic,” she repeats one of the lyric lines fourteen times: “I’m looking for the magic.” For two reasons, I propose that we make that your mantra in the coming weeks. First, practical business-as-usual will not provide the uncanny transformative power you need. Nor will rational analysis or habitual formulas.

You will have to conjure, dig up, or track down some real magic.

My second reason for suggesting “I’m looking for the magic” as your mantra is this: You’re not yet ripe enough to secure the magic, but you can become ripe enough by being dogged in your pursuit of it.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Renowned martial artist Bruce Lee described the opponent he was most wary of: “I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

In my astrological opinion, you should regard that as one of your keystone principles during the next 12 months. Your power and glory will come from honing one specific skill, not experimenting restlessly with many different skills. And the coming weeks will be en excellent time to set your intention.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): To celebrate my birthday, I’m taking time off from dreaming up original thoughts and creative spurs.

For this horoscope, I’m borrowing some of the BOLD Laws of author Dianna Kokoszka. They are in sweet alignment with your

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ombudsman has some similarities to the fool’s function. He or she is hired by an organization to investigate complaints lodged by the public against the organization.

Now would be an excellent time for you to have a fool or ombudsman in your own sphere, Sagittarius. You’ve got a lot of good inklings, but some of them need to be edited, critiqued, or perhaps even satirized.

ROB BREZSNY astrological omens for the next 13 months. Take it away, Dianna.

1) Focus on the solution, not the problem. 2) Complaining is a garbage magnet. 3) What you focus on expands. 4) Do what you have always done, and you will get what you have always gotten. 5) Don’t compare your insides to other people’s outsides. 6) Success is simple, but not easy. 7) Don’t listen to your drunk monkey. 8) Clarity is power.

9) Don’t mistake movement for achievement. 10) Spontaneity is a conditioned reflex. 11) People will grow into the conversations you create around them. 12) How you participate here is how you participate everywhere. 13) Live your life by design, not by default.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): No pressure, no diamond. No grit, no pearl. No cocoon, no butterfly.

All these clichés will be featured themes for you during the next 12 months. But I hope you will also come up with fresher ways to think about the power and value that can be generated by tough assignments. If you face your exotic dilemmas and unprecedented riddles armed with nothing more than your culture’s platitudes, you won’t be able to tap into the untamed creativity necessary to turn problems into opportunities.

Here’s an example of the kind of original thinking you’ll thrive on: The more the growing chamomile plant is trodden upon, the faster it grows.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The royal courts of Renaissance England often employed professional fools whose job it was to speak raw or controversial truths with comedic effect. According to the Royal Shakespeare Company, Queen Elizabeth once castigated her fool for being “insufficiently severe with her.” The modern-day

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Capricorn journalist Katie Couric is a best-selling author who has interviewed five American presidents and had prominent jobs at three major TV networks. What’s her secret to success? She has testified that her goal is to be as ingratiating and charming as she can be without causing herself to throw up. I don’t often recommend this strategy for you, but I do now.

The coming weeks will be prime time for you to expand your web of connections and energize your relationships with existing allies by being almost too nice. To get what you want, use politeness as your secret weapon.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “The water cannot talk without the rocks,” says aphorist James Richardson. Does that sound like a metaphor you’d like to celebrate in the coming weeks? I hope so.

From what I can tell, you will be like a clean, clear stream rippling over a rocky patch of river bed.

The not-really-all-that-bad news is that your flow may feel erratic and jerky. The really good news is that you will be inspired to speak freely, articulately, and with creative zing.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Every now and then you may benefit from being a bit juvenile, even childlike. You can release your dormant creativity by losing your adult composure and indulging in free-form play. In my astrological opinion, this is one of those phases for you. It’s high time to lose your cool in the best possible ways. You have a duty to explore the frontiers of spontaneity and indulge in I-don’t-give-a-cluck exuberance.

For the sake of your peace-of-soul and your physical health, you need to wriggle free of at least some of your grown-up responsibilities so you can romp and cavort and frolic.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “The past lives on in art and memory,” writes author Margaret Drabble, “but it is not static: it shifts and changes as the present throws its shadow backwards.” That’s a fertile thought for you to meditate on during the coming weeks, Aries.

Why? Because your history will be in a state of dramatic fermentation. The old days and the old ways will be mutating every which way.

I hope you will be motivated, as a result, to rework the story of your life with flair and verve.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “Critics of text-messaging are wrong to think it’s a regressive form of communication,” writes poet Lily Akerman. “It demands so much concision, subtlety, psychological art—in fact, it’s more like pulling puppet strings than writing.” I bring this thought to your attention, Taurus, because in my opinion the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to apply the metaphor of text-messaging to pretty much everything you do.

You will create interesting ripples of success as you practice the crafts of concision, subtlety, and psychological art.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): During my careers as a writer and musician, many “experts” have advised me not to be so damn faithful to my muse. Having artistic integrity is a foolish indulgence that would ensure my eternal poverty, they have warned. If I want to be successful, I’ve got to sell out; I must water down my unique message and pay homage to the generic formulas favored by celebrity artists. Luckily for me, I have ignored the experts. As a result, my soul has thrived and I eventually earned enough money from my art to avoid starvation. But does my path apply to you? Maybe; maybe not.

What if, in your case, it would be better to sell out a little and be, say, just 75 percent faithful to your muse? The next 12 months will be an excellent time for you to figure this out once and for all.

Rob Brezsny is an aspiring master of curiosity, perpetrator of sacred uproar, and founder of the Beauty and Truth Lab. He brings a literate, myth-savvy perspective to his work. It’s all in the stars.

Jonesin’ Crossword

MATT JONES

“Get Up! (Get On Up)”—even though you wanna get down.

ACROSS 1 Coeur d’___, Idaho 6 Twin sister and bandmate of 29-Down 10 Dandyish dude 13 Comparatively untested 14 Certain ski lifts 16 Penny name 17 “Oh, that’s a horrible pun” reaction 18 Surname in the “Cats” credits 19 25%, for the generous 20 Southern city and production site for the Manhattan Project 23 Kermit sipping tea with the caption “But that’s none of my business,” e.g.

24 Credited in a footnote 25 Red Muppet who’s always 3 1/2 years old 28 Digging 30 Author of “J’accuse” 33 Liam of “Taken” 35 Grabs a bite 38 ___ du pays (homesickness)

39 “Please keep in touch!”, somewhat quaintly 42 Prefix for cycle or brow 43 Real estate measurement 44 “This Is Spinal Tap” director Rob 45 Coral color 47 Climactic intro?

49 Impact, e.g.

50 Hipster feature, maybe 53 Compound with a doubly-linked carbon atom 55 Hajj 61 Disco or Big Band 62 Love by the Louvre 63 Message with a subject line 64 “Arabian Nights” creature 65 Bindi Irwin’s mom 66 “With parsley,” on French menus 67 Cartridge contents 68 Cohort of Roger, George, Pierce, Timothy, and Daniel 69 Vicuña’s home

DOWN 1 Jason’s ship, in myth 2 Spencer of “Good Morning America” 3 “Return of the Jedi” critter 4 Closest 5 He said “I can’t hear you, Bert, I’ve got a banana in my ear” 6 FC Barcelona goalkeeper MarcAndre ter ___ 7 Fit for the job 8 Shower apparel?

9 Rice-___ (“The San Francisco Treat”) 10 “Blueberry Hill” singer 11 Award bestowed by the Village Voice 12 “Looney Tunes” Casanova ___ Le Pew 15 “Leave it,” to a typesetter 21 Key of Beethoven’s Ninth 22 “Oh really? ___ who?”

25 Become, finally 26 “Jurassic Park III” star Tea 27 Tommy Lee Jones/

Will Smith movie of 1997 29 Twin sister and bandmate of 6-Across 31 Approach bedtime 32 Observant 34 “Diary ___ Wimpy Kid” 36 2006 Winter Olympics host 37 Eur. country with a king 40 Cap’n O.G. ___ (literacy-promoting cat and host of 1980s “ABC Weekend Specials”) 41 Chuck Connors TV western, with “The” 46 “Tap takeover” unit 48 Bygone medicated shampoo brand 51 “I smell ___” 52 “Blue” singer LeAnn 54 Last of the Greeks?

55 “Frasier” actress Gilpin 56 Manganese follower 57 Psychic radiance 58 Joker, e.g.

59 Cannes presentation 60 Some family speakers at a notable June 2016 funeral

Copyright © 2016 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per3minute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 0785 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 29

COLUMN SUSHI & BISCUITS

Traveling The World For The Food Our ex-pat chef travels far and wide for a very good reason

MIKE MCJUNKIN

“

Food helps form the backbone of life and community, transforming who we are over the course of one meal or a lifetime of meals.”

Longtime food writer and professional chef Mike McJunkin is a native Chattanoogan currently living abroad who has trained chefs, owned and operated restaurants. Join him on Facebook at facebook. com/SushiAndBiscuits

People travel for many reasons. Some travel to find the sublime beauty in the world’s endless grandeur while others seek out those sublime moments that serve as signposts on life’s winding path.

Travel allows us to encounter the familiar within the unknown, the extraordinary hidden only by distance and fear, and the thrill of discovering that the Lonely Planet guides and Travel Channel episodes were completely wrong, or right, or both. I travel for all of those reasons, which is to say, I travel for the food.

When I say I “travel for the food”, I don’t mean that I plan my destinations simply based on the meals awaiting my hungry maw at the end of a long flight.

I travel for food because of the power of food and the culture that produces it.

Food has the ability to create indelible memories and bring archeological depth to an otherwise linear journey. Food helps form the backbone of life and community, transforming who we are over the course of one meal or a lifetime of meals.

For travelers, there can be no authentic experience of a place without the cuisine that feeds that place and its people.

The soft pancake, crunchy sugar cane and chewy coconut of bo bia served from a bicycle vendor on the streets of Hanoi; the herbaceous and slightly sour bite of red tree ants with raw beef eaten in a nameless back-alley shop in the heart of Phnom Penh; the surprisingly spicy, crunchy and cooling flavors of Burmese tea leaf salad in one of Yangon’s open-air teahouses—these are moments that not only shape our recollections of that place, but provide a sensory context for how we view the world and our place in it.

For many folks, the idea of traveling halfway around the world for food that, many times, is readily available in Chattanooga, Atlanta or any number of American cities, seems unnecessary or even ludicrous. When I admit that food

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is the driving force behind my travels and why I’ve moved across the world to Northern Thailand, I often am asked the same question. Why would you travel to Vietnam for pho or Thailand for phat krapow moo when there are Thai restaurants in Chattanooga and scores of authentic Vietnamese restaurants on Buford Highway in Atlanta? My answer is always the same; because there is so much more to eating than just the food.

No painstaking reproduction of a dish, no meticulously followed recipe, and no hand-picked pantry of ingredients can ever replicate that first bite of khao ka moo from a street vendor in Chiang Mai because there is so much more to that moment than just the flavors.

There’s the fragrant smell of star anise, cinnamon and cloves that softly announce the cart’s presence. There’s the gentle tap-tap-tap of cleaver on wood as the vendor slices through soft, slow braised pork leg, while a slight breeze from a tuk-tuk brushes your calf as it whizzes by so close you could reach out and touch the driver. There’s the row of competing vendors lining the street, offering competing flavors and aromas with the sing-song chorus of “sawadee kaaaa” for every passing, potential customer.

There’s the precarious feeling of teetering on a tiny plastic stool in front of a rickety folding table set with repurposed soda bottles of mysterious, but intriguing smelling sauces and condiments. These are as much a part of the experience as the food, but go far beyond what is served

on the plate.

It’s often been said that “food doesn’t travel well.” That sentiment is not a commentary on the portability of grandma’s potato salad or the uni nigiri you just couldn’t finish last night. It’s a concise insight into the layered experience around what makes a particular meal, dish or destination memorable.

But most importantly, it’s a statement about how so much of what we experience when we eat while traveling cannot be packaged into a cookbook, television show, restaurant menu or Instagram post.

The food close to home may be spectacularly delicious, the chef may be award winning and the recipe may be perfectly authentic, but when you travel to eat you take in not just the flavors of a place, but its essence—its soul.

Traveling to eat not only immerses you in a particular taste at a particular time, it informs the memory of every other time you enjoyed that same food. What we eat when we travel becomes an anchor, a common thread that ties us back to that moment and ultimately to why we travel.

I travel to eat.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JUNE 23, 2016 • THE PULSE • 31