The Pulse 15.28 » July 12, 2018

JULY 12, 2018

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

The Ninth Annual

Short Story Contest The cream of the crop of Chattanooga writers

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE VOLUME 15, ISSUE 28 • JULY 12, 2018

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EDITORIAL Managing Editor Gary Poole Assistant Editor Brooke Brown Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Contributors Rob Brezsny • Matt Jones Sandra Kurtz • Ernie Paik Rick Pimental-Habib Michael Thomas • Brandon Watson Jenn Webster • Addie Whitlow Editorial Interns Libby Gillies • Olivia Haynes Design Intern Kenzie Wrightsman Cover Photo Lesha Patterson Cartoonists Max Cannon • Jen Sorenson Tom Tomorrow

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The 9th Annual Short Story Contest Every year for the past nine years, we've challenged Chattanooga area writers to come up with a 500 word or less story. As any writer knows, that's quite a challenge.

Our team of judges, including last year's winner William Mitchum, had a very difficult time picking the best of the best—and the results are, simply put, amazing!

SWAN ECOLOGY ON STAGE

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SCIENCE FICTION/HORROR

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“HONK!”, the musical about the Ugly Duckling, has been around for a quarter of a century now. This July, Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga is staging a new version

Once, long ago, in the before-time, there was no internet. There was no social media, no digital downloads or streaming services. There were no DVDs, no VHS, there wasn’t even cable.

7 SHADES OF GREEN

IT'S SO NICE TO SEE YOU

Being a matchmaker is a vastly underrated profession; setting people up to see if they like one another enough to start a relationship is no easy task, especially in bustling New York.

BIG SCREEN, SMALL STORY

2015’s Ant-Man is no one’s favorite Marvel film. Looking back, it seems likely a footnote, like a small story that doesn’t quite fit with the epic storytelling of the franchise.

18 MUSIC REVIEWS

22 GAME ON!

12 ARTS CALENDAR

19 ART OF BUSINESS

23 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY

16 MUSIC CALENDAR

21 NEW IN THEATERS

23 JONESIN' CROSSWORD

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 3

BEGINNINGS · CITY LIFE

Swan Ecology On Stage Ensemble Theatre embraces the tale of the ugly duckling

By Jenn Webster Pulse contributor

“

When we chose shows for this year... we focused on the family— different aspects of family and what families mean.”

“H

ONK!”, THE MUSICAL ABOUT THE UGLY DUCKling, has been around for a quarter of a century now.

This July, Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga is staging a version that involves kids, trash, animals, dance, and, quite possibly, YOU!

At heart, the Ugly Duckling tale is a story about family, says Garry Lee Posey, founder and artistic director of ETC. This interpretation, though, widens the notion of family to include the environment.

“When we chose shows for this year…we focused on the family—different aspects of family and what families mean,” Posey says. “What drew me to ‘HONK!’ is the fact that you have an outsider of the family who happens to grow up within the family, but is a kind of a misfit. An egg that’s fallen into the wrong nest.”

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But don’t expect fluffy animal costumes. Normand Caissie, director of “HONK!”, says he has completely reimagined the show. The play starts with a group of citizens volunteering to clean up a park. Then they put on the musical, reusing the trash they find as costumes. It’s a big reinterpretation for the piece, and ambitious first project for Caissie as a director with ETC. “We want to it to be very immersive for the audience,” Caissie says. “[I ask myself] how can I do this successfully and prove myself as a director. I knew I wanted to scrap the campy storyline

and bring something fresh.”

Caissie wants to encourage the audience to reuse and think about the environment, he says. But the original message about finding community is still central.

“We use the litter that’s everywhere to tell the story of acceptance, love and family,” Caissie says. “Although [humans] aren’t the only animals with family, we’re the only ones with a voice to encourage others to reuse and to care for the environment.”

Caissie, who has been acting since second grade and directing since his sophomore year in high school, says it’s a complex job to coordinate all the moving parts involved in making a musical, including a cast ranging in age from seven to the mid-40s.

“It needs passion and patience,” Caissie says of the process. “The three youngest haven’t done a big musical before. To see them light up in rehearsal is so inspiring. They’re taking initiative and ready to learn.”

As well as the cast and crew, partners including the Tennessee Aquarium and Reflection Riding Arboretum are participating in “HONK!”. Kid-friendly matinee programs will be free to audience members younger than 14.

“We will have activities before the show,” Posey says. “After the show we’ll have a meet and greet with the cast, and during intermission, we’ll have a concession of some sort. We really want to expose as many children as we can to theater. This is such as great show to do that with!”

“HONK!” Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. July 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 7:30 p.m.

July 14, 15, 21 at 2:30 p.m. ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com

Cons ider This w ith Dr. Rick

“Sometimes you’re the windshield, and sometimes you’re the bug.”

Never Forget The Past Exploring the lesser known history of Chattanooga Who’s ready for another history snack? Next Wednesday, Chattanooga Organized for Action (COA) will be hosting a walking tour of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd.

While this tour will cover some ghosts of Chattanooga’s past, this is no ghost tour.

Michael Gilliland, the board chair for COA, will lead the tour, which will cover the lesser known history of Chattanooga’s “popular

action against racism.”

The tour will dust off stories that Chattanooga may have forgotten, from former slave Randolph Miller’s 1905 boycott of streetcar segregation (predating the similar boycott by Martin Luther King, Jr. by half a century), to the 1980 Klan shooting of five elderly black women, which was taken to court twice and ended in a settlement of $535,000 which signified a huge

step in federal action against the Klan.

On top of that, Gilliland will discuss the battle for renaming MLK Blvd. as well as an array of sit-ins, organizing, lawsuits, and riots.

While the tour is free, be sure to register in advance at thechattery.org as only 25 lucky historians will be able to experience this tour.

Come immerse yourself in the history of our town. — Olivia Haynes

And sometimes…we just need to come up for air and have a laugh. A sense of humor is considered one of the healthiest forms of human coping mechanisms. It’s called the “best medicine” for a reason.

So let’s get this party started: ▪ This was a terrible day. First, my ex got hit by a bus. Then I lost my job as a bus driver.

▪ Maybe eating tacos wasn’t cheating on my diet. Maybe going on a diet was cheating on my tacos.

▪ The fact that there’s a highway to hell and only a stairway to heaven says a lot about anticipated traffic numbers.

▪ I dream of a better world where chickens can cross the road without having their motives questioned.

▪ I’m not so sure about an inner child, but I have an inner idiot that surfaces every now and then.

▪ My brain said “crunches,” but my stomach autocorrected it to “cupcakes.”

Have a good week, y’all!

— Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D.

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COLUMN · SHADES OF GREEN

Living Better With Less Carbon Reducing your carbon footprint is one step in helping the planet

D Sandra Kurtz

Pulse columnist

“

Now carbon is good at some level—humans are carbon units. However, too much carbon in the air is the precursor of climate chaos.”

Sandra Kurtz is an environmental community activist, chair of the South Chickamauga Creek Greenway Alliance, and is presently working through the Urban Century Institute. You can visit her website to learn more at enviroedu.net

URING THIS TIME OF ENvironmental assaults emanating from Washington, DC, what is a concerned person to do? We can make a lot of noise with petition signing, marches, and visiting legislators.

Those actions all help. After all, EPA head Scott Pruitt just resigned in part because environmentalists and media kept the heat on regarding his scandalous abuse of power. The battle to protect our environment continues.

Meanwhile, as we keep the pressure on and prepare to vote, one can at least help the environment through personal choices. That’s why my husband and I chose to downsize. After 40 years living in a suburban 3,400 square foot home, we moved to an urban setting thereby reducing our carbon footprint and energy use. A side benefit is more free time due to less maintenance plus an opportunity to age-in-place.

Now carbon is good at some level— humans are carbon units. However, too much carbon in the air is the precursor of climate chaos. Environmental disruption makes it hard for life to exist as we know it. So my criteria for contributing less carbon meant any house had to be made of sustainable materials and be energy efficient. It should not contribute to urban sprawl, but be located in a walkable, bikeable area close to daily supplies. We preferred one story on flat land in a mixed zoning area with both commercial and residential buildings.

After an extensive hunt, we found it!

Our new Southside home measures 1680 square feet with a small lawn lined with 22 arborvitae trees. It’s an old building renovated by award winning architects. Materials are primarily concrete, reclaimed lumber, and glass for

natural daylighting.

The location permits short walks to restaurants, coffee shops, Chattanooga Market, dog-park, medical services, a fire department, small businesses, some government buildings, and the shuttle.

That eliminates much more driving, thus further lessening transportation emissions.

It’s a wonderful sustainable start: No new material was used building a new house or disturbing new land. No trees lost their lives for clearing and no new impervious paving was added. For energy efficiency, the appliances have eco settings and there is a heat pump. In this extremely hot weather, our electric bill in June was $62.31 about half that of our previous home. Our share of EPB’s Community Solar also reduces fossil fuel use.

Now the hard part: Stuff accumulated over 40 years. There are some sentimental mementos, but most is unneeded and besides where would we put it in our new setting? We left the freezer, most furniture, bedding, extra entertainment supplies, craft items, toys, tools, art work, outgrown or dated clothing, old LPs, old files and office supplies, and ever so many books. We made several trips to donate furniture, tools, clothing, and books. We assured any friends who

came to visit that they couldn’t leave without taking something.

An estate salesman came to set up one of those events where they stage the house items and take 30-35 percent of any income. After visiting he said he could give us the name of someone who could clear it all out and pay us. What he really meant was we didn’t have enough stuff to make it worth his while.

What? Drawers and closets are still filled with stuff. Every table and wall sports stuff. My environmental conscience won’t let me just send all to the landfill. Someone can reuse items and avoid using resources buying new things. It’s going to take time.

Meanwhile, we have reduced our carbon footprint. Our move fits our dream for quality of life. Leaving all that stuff behind is freeing. We are certainly not suffering as we take charge of our future. We already have set up bird feeders, compost bin, and tomato, pepper and basil plants.

Still, there’s more conservation that comes from lifestyle habits associated with water, waste, and energy. Perhaps solar panels? Wherever you live, if more of us take carbon-reducing actions, the Earth will be better for it.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 7

The Ninth Annual

Short Story Contest The cream of the crop of Chattanooga writers

Every year for the past nine years, we've challenged Chattanooga area writers to come up with a 500 word or less story. As any writer knows, that's quite a challenge. Our team of judges, including last year's winner William Mitchum, had a very difficult time picking the best of the best—and the results are, simply put, amazing! And as a bonus, we have our honorable mentions online at chattanoogapulse.com

Lest We Forget

By Ford Knox, Jr. The force of the impact across his cheek was unlike any pain Montgomery had ever felt before. He heard a crunch but couldn’t tell if it was his teeth jamming together or something even worse. He didn’t have time to process. The hairs on the back of his neck were raising again in anticipation of another blow.

He maneuvered to escape a fist filled with hatred. But he was too slow. The hit caused the crowd to drown out in silence only to be replaced by a high-pitched ringing.

Montgomery fell to his knees and groaned.

In his bizarrely muffled silence, Montgomery looked up in just enough time to see his assailant’s lips part and watched as his front teeth pressed against his bottom lip producing a firework of spittle “F,” his chin dropped “a,” then came back up “gg,” dropped again “o,” as finally his top and bottom teeth clanged together like a cymbal with another explosion of spit “t”.

So this was why he was being beaten.

In the middle of the street. By a stranger.

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Many strangers, actually. From the ground in the streetlight, he could see the mob of stonewashed jeans, different colored polo shirts, and high-tops pushing in and swarming around him. It was like looking in multiple mirrors at once, but none of his reflections had blood on their faces.

Panic screamed its way into Montgomery’s chest as he realized he couldn’t get away. His captors surrounded him. He looked back at the first man’s mouth and saw how beautiful his cocky smile was. How could something so full of hate produce something so lovely?

Was it really hate, or misunderstanding?

Can you hate something you don’t know?

Montgomery’s thoughts narrowed as he heard the unmistakable ‘click click’ of a

hammer and felt a barrel on his head. He closed his eyes in pained torment and let out a sob. All of this because he loved.

Trembling and waiting, he felt a hand gently brush his face. Montgomery yelled and then realized- it was a different type of touch. He choked in breath and squinted his eyes. A woman was at his side. Her eyes were wide yet tender, but her face was set like steel. She shouted something at the men.

Montgomery could only hear muffled noise. She yelled again. Little by little all the mirrors disappeared into the night. She said something in his ear. “Pod gloves new.” He looked at her not understanding and shook his head. “Odd laws who,” she said again.

He tried to stand and everything went black.

Montgomery woke up in darkness except for the faint glow of his smartphone. 6:28 am. He rubbed his eyes and squinted.

He looked next to him in bed. He saw the wedding ring on his husband’s hand and scooted closer. He leaned over and whispered, “Remind me to tell you about the dream I just had.” As he drifted back into sleep, he unconsciously mumbled, “God loves you.”

That Look

By Heath Long She pulled her blue Pontiac carefully between the faded white lines, killed the ignition, slumped back into the seat and tried to pull herself together. Yes, it had been a difficult night, but nothing she hadn’t seen before.

So there was a little blood, a little excitement on the ward, some frantic phone calls and tears. She’d seen it before and she was certain as the sunrise that she would see it again too soon.

If she were honest with herself—and she tried not to be, these days—she was seeing it still.

And so, with weary bones and a sore back, she composed herself and stepped out of the car into a rain puddle, soaking right down to her compression socks. She swore loudly.

The woman in scrubs and squeaky sneakers thumped a six-pack onto the counter.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, no alcohol sales before eight,” he said evenly, “but-”

The Butterfly Girl

By Adam Cook

When I was a youngster, I read a story about the life cycle of butterflies.

They evolve from eggs into caterpillars; grow more while tucked in a cocoon, and when they’re ready to face the world, they break away to become the best possible versions of themselves.

My grandparents had an oddly perfect butterfly terrarium in their den when I was a kid that was strategically littered with butterflies from around the world. My favorite was a Blue Morpho. It donned the electric blue color of lightning in a night’s sky, which was seamlessly accompanied by a jet black outer rim and dusted with traces of white as if someone had dabbed the wings with a tiny paintbrush to add finishing touches to the masterpiece.

Grandma explained that the creatures were dead, and had been injected with fluid to open their wings back up for the world to see.

“I watched a man die tonight and I need some damn booze.”

His eyes widened and she pinched her nose with regret, eyes red. Licked her lips, suddenly aware of their dryness. Rainwater pooled out of her shoes into the floor.

“I’m… I’m sorry. It’s—it was—I’ll put it back.

Not your fault.”

He spoke without hesitation. “You’re not the first.”

She had done the thing she had promised herself she wouldn’t do, which was spilling the horror of the night onto a random stranger.

And now here he was, this kid who couldn’t be old enough to drink himself, telling her with that pitying face that it wasn’t quite time, that she could either waste the next ten minutes or go home empty-handed, and how dare she feel frightened by that thought when there was a woman out there at home in an empty bed.

The sight of the dead man’s crumpled chest crashed into her vision and she scowled.

“This isn’t me,” she said, anger blazing in her voice. “I know what you think, buying booze at

eight in the morning-” “I wasn’t talking about the beer,” he says. “I mean that I don’t see anybody walking into this store happy with that look in their eyes.”

She is horrified to realize that the tears are welling without her permission. A fat, burning droplet lands on the back of her hand and she looks away in shame.

“I work the night shift too, I don’t care when you drink, you know? But I see y’all in scrubs pacing the aisle, making your choices, and you all got that same look.”

She looks down at the shiny brown bottles, their caps glistening in the morning sun, and sees her reflection. A choice to be made.

She called into work sick today, and she wasn’t lying. The receptionist calls her name and she walks back to the office, warm and calm.

“What brought you to therapy today?” she is asked, and she chooses her words carefully.

“I watched a man die last night, and I need some help.”

Little moments can stick with you over time, even if you don’t fully understand or appreciate their significance when then happen.

A few months ago, I was thinking about life and pondering my future with nothing but the open road in front of me. I was leaving Tennessee headed for the California coast when the storm hit.

I found shelter from the downpour at a roadside diner in the middle of Colorado.

I couldn’t help but notice the only other patron in the diner; a blonde-haired lady with an intoxicating smile and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, both of which floored me instantly and continue to whenever I close my eyes and remember her.

Later, as I sat outside on the store’s porch swing watching the rain, the lady exited through the creaky screen door and asked if she could sit with me. I obliged.

We discussed the rain, the store’s charm, and where we were headed on our respective journeys as if we were old friends, rather than what we actually were…complete strangers.

We sat on that porch swing all afternoon until the rain finally subsided. Her physical beauty was unrivaled, except for the gorgeous soul I got to know over a few short hours.

She was engaged and embarking on one final solo road trip before her wedding. We didn’t exchange names. We instead observed the day and those moments of ours, which were simple, elegant, meaningful, and as important to me as any I’ve ever experienced.

Eventually, just before the Colorado dusk capsized the mountains in front of us, she thanked me for the kind words we shared and went back to her life.

I never saw her again, but she sparked the fluttering feeling of butterflies in my stomach while reminding me that my best days are ahead. She injected hope into my heart and inspired me to spread my wings again for the world to see.

Moments are fleeting, but I’ll never forget the precious ones I spent with the butterfly girl that stormy afternoon in the middle of nowhere.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

The Culture Of Sexual Violence Sexual violence surrounds our society today and seems to be at an all-time high. The #MeToo movement brings more awareness to these issues and allows people to really understand what is going on in different communities, as it’s even an issue within the halls of power.

It’s amazing to see at all the support for victims that have been through sexual violence. Since it can sometimes be difficult for victims to come forward in the first place, movements like #MeToo, #ThatsHarassment, The Truth Has A Voice, and Time’s Up shows an immense amount of support.

To start a conversation about such issues locally, The Hunter Museum of American Art is holding an art show called Art + Issues: A Culture of Sexual Violence.

Harlee Milligan and Rachel Alonge, both part of the Chattanooga Rape Crisis Center, and Marcus Ellsworth, a spoken word poet, will explore a contemporary glass piece in the museum in regards to the culture of sexual violence in our world today.

If you are a victim of sexual violence or part of the support system, come see the art show at The Hunter Museum of American Art this Thursday at 6 p.m. For more information, you can reach them at huntermuseum.org or (423) 267-0968. — Libby Gillies

It's So Nice To See You “Hello, Dolly!” shines at the Theatre Centre

By Addie Whitlow Pulse contributor

“

Dunlap explained that one of his goals as director of ‘Hello, Dolly!’ is to capture the true farce nature of the performance.”

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B

EING A MATCHMAKER IS A VASTLY UNDERRATED profession; setting people up to see if they like one another enough to start a relationship is no easy task, especially in bustling New York at the turn of the 20th century.

However, if you want to see a woman who essentially has her matchmaking profession down to a science, then look no further than the Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s production of “Hello, Dolly!”, which opens Friday night at 8 p.m.

“Hello, Dolly!” is a 1964 musical, with music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, and a book by Michael Stewart. The performance is based on Thornton Wilder’s 1955 farce, “The Matchmaker.”

“Hello, Dolly!” is currently receiving a revival performance run in New York City, and it’s definitely a hit; however, the original 1964 Broadway performance, directed

by David Merrick, won multiple Tony awards, including Best Musical. “Hello, Dolly!” was also re-

leased as a film in 1969.

The performance follows the story of Dolly Gallagher Levi, an independent and attractive young widow, and her trials and tribulations as a matchmaker in Yonkers, New York in the early 1900’s. She’s given the task of finding a match for Horace Vandergelder, the “wellknown unmarried half-a-millionaire.”

However, instead of finding a match for Horace, Dolly devises a plan in which she becomes Horace’s match, and in doing so, she convinces Horace’s niece, his niece’s intended, and Horace’s two clerks to travel to New York City with her.

The Chattanooga Theatre Centre’s performance is directed by

Scott Dunlap, and it features a cast of 10 principles and an ensemble of 18.

Theatre Centre favorite Beth McClary plays the role of Dolly. Dunlap explained that one of his goals as director of “Hello, Dolly!” is to capture the true farce nature of the performance and to show the audience just how humorous it’s meant to be.

“I actually got to see Bette Midler and Bernadette Peters play it on Broadway, and one of the things that shocked me about the play was the fact that it’s really funny. It’s a farce, so it’s broad and silly and just really comical,” explained Dunlap. “And I think that’s one of the things that the film [lacks], because it isn’t really a slapstick or it isn’t really funny, but it focuses more on being pretty. And the music is nice, but it doesn’t really go into how broad the play is.”

The cast started rehearsals in May, and Dunlap explained that it’s been an enjoyable process to watch the actors and actresses change and adapt to fit their roles. Dunlap said rehearsals are one of his favorite aspects of directing, and the cast for this show has been extremely dedicated to the rehearsal process.

“I hope the cast is surprised by how funny it is, and getting to do that has been a challenge in itself because you can be a funny person; there are funny people in real life, but that doesn’t always translate to creating a funny

“

One of the things that shocked me about the play was the fact that it’s really funny. It’s a farce, so it’s broad and silly and just really comical.”

character or being funny on stage,” said Dunlap. “The timing of that, and being able to replicate it each time and be consistent, I find that to be fun.”

In addition to the rehearsal process, the crew has also been hard at work designing the set. Dunlap explained that the set itself is sort of bare bones, as the performance is set at the turn of the 20th century.

However, the set designers have been hard at work designing doors, staircases, and signage that accurately represent that time period.

“It seems weird when you have a show set in a period where you wouldn’t have that [modern] technology. We have different arches, and we have stairs. We’re creating a lot of signs,” said Dunlap. “A lot of the typography of the period is really big, so that’s sort of a motif, because a lot of the set locations are in different businesses.”

“That’s what we’re going for: more of the flavor of that time period. The big platforms that are out there, those will be stationary. But the stairs will

move to line up in different ways with the platforms, to help indicate where we are in scene changes,” explained Dunlap.

In regards to the costumes for the show, the Theatre Centre is actually hand-making the costumes for the 10 principles, and they’re incorporating a lot of soft pastels, lavenders, pinks, and lemon yellows. However, for Dolly herself, there will be lots of bold, solid colors, like her orange and navy jumpsuit and her famous red dress, in order to help her stand out. The goal is to use the costumes in a scenic way to help tell the story.

“Hello, Dolly!” opens Friday night at 8 p.m., and will be performed over the course of four weekends until August 5, with both evening and Sunday matinee shows. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited.

“Hello, Dolly!” is guaranteed to be a comedic experience for everyone involved, so you definitely don’t want to miss an opportunity to see this classic being performed on stage in Chattanooga.

THU7.12

FRI7.13

SAT7.14

“Guys and Dolls”

“Hunchback of Notre Dame”

“Play On!”

The Tony Award and Pulitzer Prize winning play brings the hustle and bustle of 1920's ear New York City to life.

7:30 p.m.

Christ United Methodist 8645 E. Brainerd Rd. christchurchchatt.org

A musical theater adaptation of the classic novel by Victor Hugo that tells a timeless tale.

7:30 p.m.

The Colonnade 264 Catoosa Cir. colonnadecenter.org

A comedy about the mishaps of theatre productions that celebrates "What could possibly go wrong?"

8 p.m.

The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. bapshows.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 11

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT CALENDAR

City Sweat: It’s About the Family

THURSDAY7.12 Extended Cavern Experience 8 a.m.

Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com Art + Issues: A Culture of Sexual Violence 6 p.m.

Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org City Sweat: It’s About the Family 6 p.m.

Coolidge Park 150 River St. (423) 643-6311 “Guys and Dolls” 7:30 p.m.

Christ United Methodist Church 8645 E. Brainerd Rd. (423) 892-9363 christchurchchatt.org Killer Beaz 7:30 p.m.

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

FRIDAY7.13 Out On 8th 5 p.m.

West Village 802 Pine St.

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(423) 424-1831 westvillagechattanooga.com Killer Beaz 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com “Guys and Dolls” 7:30 p.m.

Christ United Methodist Church 8645 E. Brainerd Rd. (423) 892-9363 christchurchchatt.org “Honk! The Musical!”

7:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 987-5141 “Hunchback of Notre Dame” 7:30 p.m.

The Colonnade 264 Catoosa Cir. (706) 935-9000 colonnadecenter.org “Play On!” 8 p.m.

Back Alley @ The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. (706) 996-8350 bapshows.com “Shrek the Musical” 8 p.m.

Signal Mountain Playhouse 301 Rolling Way (423) 763-7219 smph.org “Hello, Dolly!”

8 p.m.

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

theatrecentre.com Cut Throat Comedy 8 p.m.

The Palace Theater 818 Georgia Ave. (423) 803-6578 chattpalace.com Improv Movie Night: 70’s Horror!

8 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Ruby Falls Lantern Tours 8:30 p.m.

Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com Free Movie Night 8:30 p.m.

3000 E. 34th St. elakeneighbors.org Improv Showdown 10 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com

SATURDAY7.14 Chattanooga Heroes Run/Walk 8 a.m.

Tennessee Riverpark 4301 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 842-0177 hamiltontn.gov Vintage Base Ball

Noon 6th Cavalry Museum 6 Barnhardt Cir. (706) 861-2860 6thcavalrymuseum.org Red Wolf Feeding and Talk Noon Reflection Riding Arboretum 400 Garden Rd. (423) 821-1160 reflectionriding.org Chicago Board of Trade Battery - The “Futures” Past 2 p.m.

Chickamauga Battlefield 3370 Lafayette Rd. (423) 752-5213 nps.gov Unwine in Style 6 p.m.

Spot Arts Venue 3210 Brainerd Rd. (931) 319-1616 spotvenue.co Summer in West Village 6 p.m.

West Village 802 Pine St. westvillagechattanooga.com “51 1/2 Shades of Brown” 6:30 p.m.

Chattanooga Convention Center 1150 Carter St. (423) 902-5202 coachlaurabrown.com Killer Beaz 7:30, 9:45 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com “Guys and Dolls”

Civic Arts League Show 7:30 p.m.

Christ United Methodist Church 8645 E. Brainerd Rd. (423) 892-9363 christchurchchatt.org “Honk! The Musical!”

7:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 987-5141 “Hunchback of Notre Dame” 7:30 p.m.

The Colonnade 264 Catoosa Cir. (706) 935-9000 colonnadecenter.org “Play On!” 8 p.m.

Back Alley @ The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. (706) 996-8350 bapshows.com “Shrek the Musical” 8 p.m.

Signal Mountain Playhouse 301 Rolling Way (423) 763-7219 smph.org “Hello, Dolly!”

8 p.m.

Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Week in Review 8 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com Movies in the Park 8:30 p.m.

Coolidge Park 150 River St. (423) 643-6311 chattanooga.gov Whose Line Chattanooga 10 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com

SUNDAY7.15 Five Star Food Fight 11 a.m.

First Tennessee Pavilion 1801 Carter St. (423) 266-4041 Free Fiddle School 2 p.m.

Fiddlers Anonymous 2248 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 994-7497 Civic Arts League Show 2 p.m.

North River Civic Center 1009 Executive Dr. (423) 870-8924 chattanooga.gov “Guys and Dolls” 2:30 p.m.

Christ United Methodist Church 8645 E. Brainerd Rd. (423) 892-9363 christchurchchatt.org “Hello, Dolly!”

2:30 p.m.

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

“Honk! The Musical!”

2:30 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 987-5141 “Play On!” 2:30 p.m.

Back Alley @ The Mars Theater 117 N. Chattanooga St. (706) 996-8350 bapshows.com Steve Hofstetter 7:30 p.m.

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

MONDAY7.16 Summer Belly Dance Session 5:45 p.m.

Movement Arts Collective 3813 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 401-8115 movementartscollective.com

TUESDAY7.17 Extended Cavern Experience 8 a.m.

Ruby Falls 1720 S. Scenic Hwy. (423) 821-2544 rubyfalls.com 5th Annual Drives for Live Golf Tournament 1 p.m.

Lookout Mountain Golf Club 1201 Fleetwood Dr.

(706) 820-1551 lookoutmountain.club Tuesday Night Chess Club 6 p.m.

Downtown Library 1001 Broad St. (423) 643-7700 chattilibrary.com Jess Hilarious 7 p.m.

The Comedy Catch 1400 Market St. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com Student Showcase 8 p.m.

First Draft Theater 1800 Rossville Ave. (423) 843-1775 improvchattanooga.com

WEDNESDAY7.18 The Lesser Known History of Chattanooga: A Walking Tour 5:30 p.m.

Union Depot Historical Marker 158 E. MLK Blvd.

(423) 413-8978 thechattery.org Open Mic Comedy 8 p.m.

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

Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 13

THE MUSIC SCENE

Funk It Up With Funk You Think of the sounds of the south. For some of you, banjos and cicadas will immediately strike up a front porch band, or a lone cowboy will appear on the stage to regale you with songs of heartbreak and tractors.

However, the cultural soundscape of the southern United States is more than country ballads and T-Swift. Just ask Augusta, GA based group Funk You—they’ve got a sample platter of musical genres served on a tray of upbeat (and downbeat) funk.

Funk You spans an eclectic mixture of instruments and styles, featuring everything from acoustic riffs and piano ballads to synthesizers and electric guitars. Occasionally, even a stray flute is employed.

The lead singer has a clean sound that reminds me of John Legend, tastefully contrasting with gravelly guitars and snare drums, or melting dreamily into an early ‘90s reminiscent wind-chime as a song fades. Their lyrics often call for change in the world and in communities, calling for a revolution of generosity and love.

Funk You will be performing live at Songbirds South this Thursday at 9 p.m. with local band Over Easy, so grab your tickets and prepare to get funked up.

— Olivia Haynes

Science Fiction/Horror Double Feature The Exotic Ones meet up with Genki Genki Panic

By Marc T. Michael Pulse Music Editor

“

The combination of Chatt-town’s favorite horror surf group with The ‘Boros own mad scientists is a match made in a laboratory.”

14 • THE PULSE • JULY 12, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

O

NCE, LONG AGO, IN THE BEFORE-TIME, THERE was no internet. There was no social media, no digital downloads or streaming services. There were no DVDs, no VHS, there wasn’t even cable television.

It was a dark time indeed for cheap entertainment, but there were a few faintly glimmering beacons of hope we common folk rallied around. There were drive-in movies, UHF television and, if you lived in a large enough city, grindhouse theaters.

While there may have been a handful of “fancy” drive-ins, most shared a common trait with other two media outlets in that they were cheap, low-budget affairs and required a steady stream of cheap, low-budget material to stay oper-

ating. Kung Fu flicks, exploitation films, bad horror and bad sciencefiction all found a loving home and a receptive audience in these environments.

There may have been a few people who thought the stuff was “good,” two or three guys in Topeka, maybe, but most of us knew they were bad, loved them for their badness, and developed a weird appreciation for them that has enabled Lloyd Kaufman to stay gainfully employed.

I think many of us had aspira-

tions (or at least daydreams) of making 8mm backyard movies with firecrackers, model rockets, and tinfoil and seeing B movies (and C, D, E and F movie) on a screen, big or little, gave us all a sense of reassurance that, “Hell, I could do THAT!” There are a few things all of these movies had in common, no matter the genre. Bad acting, stock footage, huge tracts of land, but it’s the music that stands out in particular because, honestly, it wasn’t always that bad, and even when it was, it was memorable.

One can only surmise that with actors, directors, prop masters and puppet wranglers, you get what you pay for, but there’s always a talented musician starving to death somewhere.

And now, finally, gentle reader, we come to the lede, buried so deep that digging it back up could serve as fodder for one of those Shock Theater classics, The Exotic Ones.

Based out of Murfreesboro, The Exotic Ones are an eclectic assemblage of musicians with a penchant for classic/ cheesy horror and sci-fi, '60s guitar sounds, proto-punk and rockabilly. Consisting of Messieurs Steph Infection, Tartan

Phantom, The Grey Shade, Mr. Ghoul, and Zoomga, the band has been performing unlicensed brain experiments on listeners for years and famously wrote and performed, “The Doctor is In”, the theme song for Nashville cable’s long-running show, “Chiller Cinema" (a.k.a. WB's "Creature Feature”), hosted by Dr. Gangrene.

Citing influences from the Dickies to the Monkees (and picking up some Ramones and Cramps along the way,) the band consistently delivers high energy, thrashy, crunchy rock and roll with Svengoolie overtones.

I’m a fast fast thinker but a slow slow learner I’m a bad bad boy with a Bunsen burner I’m a vast vast voyager on a no-returner I’m a mad mad maker and a monster-turner.

Those are the opening lines from “Venus Flytrap,” a classic boy-makes-girlfriend-who-eatshim story that delivers such subtle imagery as, “Like a naked belly-flop into bacon, she leaves me glistening with pleasure…”

Imagine that delivered at 70 mph with nasty, driving guitar hooks (I’ve met the guitar player

who is quite the accomplished hooker) and you have an idea of their “real rock and roll for weirdoes” style.

It is telling, perhaps, that one of their signatures tunes is a cover of the theme from the 1968 Japanese/Italian sci-fi miss, “Green Slime.”

The best news of all about The Exotic Ones? They’re invading Chattanooga. In a pairing not seen since chocolate met peanut butter, The Exotic Ones are playing a double-header with local lords of smart weirdness Genki Genki Panic.

The combination of Chatttown’s favorite horror surf group with The ‘Boros own mad scientists is a match made in a laboratory. The two rock and roll powerhouses will meet on October 20th at The Spot, located at 1800 E. Main, for an evening searing music sure to please any unconventional conventionist.

The show is a ways off yet, and there will be reminders before the date rolls around, but for now there’s plenty of time to hit up Bandcamp, Spotify, and the usual round of intertube locations to find why you are already a diehard fan of The Exotic Ones.

THU7.12 Pinky Doodle Poodle

There's a lot more Japan than Anime and J-Pop bands, like this high-energy rock-n-roll band from the Land of the Rising Sun. 9 p.m.

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

FRI7.13 Lacquer

Album release party for the half-Chattanooga, half-Nashville band along with local favorites Waterfall Wash and more.

9 p.m.

Sluggo’s North 501 Cherokee Blvd.

(423) 752-5224

SAT7.14 Charley Woods

A mainstay in the Nashville songwriters’ community, her instantly memorable voice and modern country sound will entertain all.

8 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 15

LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR THURSDAY7.12 James Crumble Trio 6 p.m.

St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Jerry Fordham 6 p.m.

1885 Grill 3914 St. Elmo Ave. 1885grill.com Amber Fults 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Jimmy Dormire 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Randy Steele & Friends 7 p.m.

Songbirds North 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com Songwriter’s Night 7 p.m.

Stone Cup Cafe 208 Frazier Ave. (423) 521-3977 Toby Hewitt 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Keepin’ It Local 8 p.m.

The Social 1110 Market St. publichousechattanooga.com Open Mic Night with Jonathon Wimpee 9 p.m.

The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Pinky Doodle Poodle 9 p.m.

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

FRIDAY7.13 Summer Music Weekends 11 a.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd.

16 • THE PULSE • JULY 12, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

People On The Porch seerockcity.com 3’s Company 6:30 p.m.

Cambridge Square 9453 Bradmore Ln. publicmarkets.us Megan Howard 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Preston Ruffing 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Reese & Rosser 7 p.m.

OddStory Brewing Compnay 336 E. MLK Blvd. oddstorybrewing.co Cody James Harris 7 p.m.

The Tap House 3800 St. Elmo Ave. taphousechatt.com D.L. Yancey II & Shayla McDaniel 7 p.m.

Cadence Coffe Co. 11 E. 7th St. cadencecoffeco.com Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band 7 p.m.

Miller Plaza 850 Market St. nightfallchattanooga.com Rick Rushing and The Blues Strangers 7:30 p.m.

The Foundry

1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Meredith Joi 8 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com Lacquer, Have A Rad Day, Waterfall Wash, Staring Contest 9 p.m.

Sluggo’s North Vegetarian Cafe 501 Cherokee Blvd.

(423) 752-5224 Funk You 9 p.m.

Songbirds South 35 Station St. songbirdsguitars.com People on the Porch 9 p.m.

HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com Danimal Planet, Smart O bjects 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com The Afternooners 9 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s 607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net Lazybirds 9:30 p.m.

The FEED co. Table & Tavern 201 W. Main St. feedtableandtavern.com The Sullivan Band 10 p.m.

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

SATURDAY7.14 Quinn DeVeaux 11 a.m.

En Root House 1206 Duncan Ave. enroothouse.com Summer Music Weekends 11 a.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Bluegrass Brunch Noon The Honest Pint 35 Patten Pkwy. thehonestpint.com Gopher Broke 12:30 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. publicmarkets.us Sezessionvile Road 4 p.m.

Brew Market & Beer Garden 1510 Riverside Dr. taphousechatt.com Ryan Oyer 6:30 p.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com John Carroll 6:30 p.m.

Westin Dorato Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com

Kurt Vile & The Violators Muscadine Bloodline, Campbell Station 7 p.m.

Ross’s Landing Park 100 Riverfront Way riverfrontnights.com Danimal 7:30 p.m.

The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Monday Night Social 8 p.m.

Moccasin Bend Brewing Company 3210 Broad St. bendbrewingbeer.com Kurt Vile & The Violators with Dylan Carlson 8:30 p.m.

The Signal 1810 Chestnut St. thesignaltn.com Charley Woods 8 p.m.

Puckett’s Restaurant 2 W. Aquarium Way puckettsgro.com LITZ 9 p.m.

HiFi Clyde’s 122 W. Main St. hificlydeschattanooga.com The Okay Bunch (pt. 2) 9 p.m.

JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com Nik Flagstar and His Dirty Mangy Dogs 9 p.m.

Music Box @ Ziggy’s

607 Cherokee Blvd. ziggysbarandgrill.net The Sullivan Band 10 p.m.

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

SUNDAY7.15 Summer Music Weekends 11 a.m.

Rock City Gardens 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Kathy Veazey and John Rawlston 11 a.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com Marcus White Piano Brunch 11 a.m.

Westin Alchemy Bar 801 Pine St. westinchattanooga.com Jimmy Dormire Noon 1885 Grill 3914 St. Elmo Ave. 1885grill.com Kofi Mawuko 12:30 p.m.

Tennessee Aquarium Plaza 1 Broad St. publicmarkets.us Nabil Ince 1:30 p.m.

Flying Squirrel Bar 55 Johnson St. flyingsquirrelbar.com

Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m.

Long Haul Saloon 2536 Cummings Hwy. (423) 822-9775 Mathis & Martin 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com

MONDAY7.16 Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m.

The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Open Air with Jessica Nunn 7:30 p.m.

The Granfalloon 400 E. Main St. granfalloonchattanooga.com Very Open Mic with Shawnessy Cargile 8 p.m.

The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. #8 wellonthesouthside.com Modest Mouse 8:30 p.m.

Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. tivolichattanooga.com

TUESDAY7.17 David Bingaman 6 p.m.

1885 Grill

3914 St. Elmo Ave. 1885grill.com Bill McCallie and In Cahoots 6:30 p.m.

Southern Belle 201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com Danimal 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m.

Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Shytown Riot 9 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY7.18 Zechariah Dallas 6 p.m.

1885 Grill 3914 St. Elmo Ave. 1885grill.com The Other Guys 6 p.m.

SpringHill Suites 495 Riverfront Pkwy. springhillsuites.com Jesse James Jungkurth 7 p.m.

Backstage Bar 29 Station St. backstagechattanooga.com Jazz In The Lounge 7 p.m.

Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Priscilla & Little Rickee 8 p.m.

Las Margaritas 1101 Hixson Pike (423) 756-3332 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 • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 17

ERNIE PAIK'S RECORD REVIEWS

Radiation City, Ebo Taylor

Radiation City Coda (Polyvinyl)

Ebo Taylor Yen Ara (Mr. Bongo)

T

could use synthetic elements in a humanly manner, if that makes any sense.

Although the group’s break-up happened in late 2016, there’s a new, surprise final release—a digital EP titled Coda comprised of tracks that were incomplete at the time of the disbanding and finally mixed down.

As a document of closure, it can’t help but be bittersweet, and its finest moments tease the listener regarding the heights it could’ve reached. The gentle bounce of “Dirty Looks” entices with lush layers and a hard-to-place exoticism, punctuated with short, glitchy moments, including occasional vocals that ricochet between the right and left channels; also excellent is “Ghost Organ,” with its pop guitar stabs and hearty beat, bringing to mind mid’60s girl-group pop tenderness and harmonizing.

“Cartoon Love” mixes slinky soul with new-wavey synths, while “Song 6” starts with an epic arena-rock

here are certainly far worse misfortunes in the grand scheme of things, but it’s always a bummer to discover that a band that you admire has broken up—in this writer’s case, by unexpectedly coming across a YouTube concert video that is labeled “Last Show Ever.”

The band is Radiation City from Portland, Ore., and the break-up is particularly stinging because its final album from 2016, Synesthetica, was its finest effort and one that was obviously sweated-over; in a better world, it would’ve been a cross-over hit and ticket out of the “indie ghetto,” but the harsh reality is that the cream rarely rises to the top.

Formed around nine years ago by the core duo of Elisabeth Ellison and Cameron Spies, Radiation City was a slyly eclectic pop band with a certain elegance and nostalgia, mixing organic and electronic instrumentation; it had a warm soul, which was refreshing among detached indie peers and

18 • THE PULSE • JULY 12, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

style before opening up with space, giving way to its emotional maelstrom and peak volume.

While this final EP is fittingly titled Coda, its closing track is enigmatically named “The Middle”; one could see Radiation City’s breakup as a transition, as Ellison settles both into her new musical outlet Cardioid and her new homebase of Los Angeles.

She sings “I’m coming up into your house, and it’s a shame it’s not the same” as the track slithers out not with defiance but with perception and acceptance.

E

bo Taylor will bury us all—the Ghanaian legend, now 82 years old, has been musically active since the ‘50s, most prominently playing highlife and Afrobeat, and with his vital, movement-inducing new album Yen Ara, there are no signs of him slowing down.

His most notable groups include the Black Star Highlife Band, Ghana Black Star Band and Uhuru Dance Band, and he collaborated with the likes of Fela Kuti and others while living in London.

In the ‘70s he was involved with the Apagya Show Band and played with highlife notable C.K. Mann, and more recently, his work has regained interest partially due to contemporary hip-hop artists sampling it.

Rhythmically, Yen Ara feels like it is unstoppable, burst-

ing with energy and being both jittery yet absolutely tight, with each instrument occupying its own place as carefully assembled as an orchestra or a jigsaw puzzle.

Taylor’s charged singing uses simple, direct lyrics with an undeniable enthusiasm, and the album has a subtle modern sheen—most notably, with occasional echo effects—that sets it apart from vintage recordings but isn’t distractingly pandering to current audiences.

“Poverty No Good” wastes no time in getting things fired up, with its audacious horns, swift drumming and hand-struck percussion that are getting the bejesus beaten out of them. Taylor has explained that “Mumudey Mumudey” revisits an old song originally covered by the Apagya Show Band, using a story of the Fante people about a sharp-dressed little person, and it uses relentless call-and-response exchanges that push the listener.

Both that track and “Abenkwan Puchaa,” which features a furious disco-esque backbone, have powerful trombone solos that are standout performances on the album, and throughout the album, there are low-key psychedelic touches, like the wah guitar on “Ankoma’m.”

Keeping things sounding fresh after over six decades in the business is a minor miracle, but Yen Ara has the proof that Ebo Taylor can do it.

THE ART OF BUSINESS

Celebrating High Style And Fashion Encore Consignment features designer clothing, shoes and accessories Brooke Brown

Pulse Assistant Editor

“

Although the process can be very complex, I want our clients to know they’re getting an authentic piece for a great price, with a guarantee.”

The Scoop Encore Consignment Boutique 1301 Dorchester Rd, Suite #113 (423) 267-0130 Tue-Fri: 10am-6pm Saturday: 11am-4:30pm Sun & Mon: Closed encoreconsignmentonline.com

W

HEN ENCORE CONSIGNment opened in Riverview over 20 years ago, owner Sherry Shipley Gravitt was just trying to bring a little more style to Chattanooga as she noticed the lack of upscale consignment stores in Chattanooga after returning to her hometown from Nashville.

“The secret of some of the bestdressed and most affluent women in Nashville was shopping at upscale consignment stores,” says Sherry, whose biggest challenge after opening Encore was educating customers on the difference between “thrift store,” “resale” and “upscale consignment.”

Stepping into Encore Consignment Boutique, it’s obvious that this isn’t your grandmother’s thrift store. From the rows of perfectly placed shoes, to the collection of designer handbags, to the wide array of clothing, Encore is a place where you’ll find name-brand, boutique and designer labels at affordable prices.

Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, Tom Ford…you’ll find it all, lining the walls and the ceiling as handbags dot the space above you, beckoning you further into the store’s multitude of colors and styles.

Their inventory is massive and constantly rotating with new pieces being added daily. Racks of carefully scrutinized clothing are organized by color, size and function (that being dresses, slacks, blouses, etc.) for easy, uncluttered browsing.

Encore’s intake process for items is very selective, with items being thoroughly inspected before ever being accepted. Items must be less than three years old, trendy and in excellent condition.

Beyond personal inspection of each item, Sherry’s specialty is authenticating designer handbags, and each of their bags goes through an extensive authentication process before they’ll be sold at Encore.

“All our designer pieces are authenticated,” says Sherry. “Although the process can be very complex, I want our clients to know they’re getting an authentic piece for a great price, with a guarantee.” And that price will be music to your ears, with Encore offering 25 to 50 percent off retail pricing. For a designer bag, which can cost the amount of a semester at your local university, saving a pretty penny is absolutely worth it.

To pair perfectly with that handbag, Encore’s selection of designer shoes is a dream. Beat the summer heat in style in Chanel slip-on sandals or wow at the summer cocktail party in a pair of Christian Louboutins, designers you’ll be hard-pressed to find in Chattanooga or even close.

“Customers drive to Atlanta for labels and brands we carry here,” says Sherry.

“Many clients come in, just to request Peggy [Bronsburg] to style them. They want her to put together an entire wardrobe for the season and trust her to do so.”

Trust, in any relationship, is the basis of a strong foundation. Trusting someone to entirely outfit your wardrobe is saying something about the excellent customer service that Encore prides itself on. More than they want their customers to find something they love, they want them to enjoy spending time in their store, chatting, shopping and ultimately, finding a piece or pieces that will make them happy.

“We sell a ‘service,’ which is rare,” says Sherry. “After 20 years, I know most of my customers on a first-name basis, know what their kids are doing, and many have become great friends.”

Beyond style, quality, and an outstanding price point, you’ll find smiling faces and helping hands at Encore. Be careful though, you may walk out with more than you planned and a few new friends as well.

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 19

FILM & TELEVISION

Tom Hanks Goes Big Again Tom Hanks turned 62 this week, and in over four decades of work on the large and small screen has produced a body of work that is as solid as any actor in history.

He has won the Academy Award for Best Actor for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump, and picked up Golden Globes for Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Cast Away, and Big. It’s the latter one brings us to this week’s column. Released 30 years ago, Big tells the story of a 12 year-old boy who has been transformed into a 35 year-old man by a carnival wishing machine and finds himself romantically involved with a sophisticated executive.

Over the years, once popular movies have aged well while others have fallen by the collective movie-watchers wayside. And in many ways, Big straddles the line between classic and somewhat uncomfortable to modern audiences.

While Hanks’ performance was stellar, truly showcasing his sublime comedic talents and physical acting, the love story adds an uncomfortable note about consent in a more progressive world.

That said, no one can deny the enthusiasm and joy of watching Hanks and Robert Loggia dancing on the rolled out keyboard in the toy store, or Hanks trying to understand the appeal of a robot skyscraper toy.

Come see for yourself as Big returns to the big screen for an anniversary special this Sunday at 2 and 7 p.m. at East Ridge 18 and Hamilton Place 8. — Michael Thomas

Big Screen, Small Story Ant-Man and the Wasp is an entertaining diversion

By John DeVore Pulse Film Editor

“

As small as the hero is, his powers are grand and there is potential to be found in quantum realm adventures.”

20 • THE PULSE • JULY 12, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

2

015’S ANT-MAN IS NO ONE’S FAVORITE MARVEL film. Looking back, it seems likely a footnote, like a small story that doesn’t quite fit with the epic storytelling of the franchise. It’s an anomaly—fun enough, filled with charisma, but not exactly MCU material.

It almost feels like Ant-Man would fit better on the small screen, alongside Daredevil and Luke Cage and Jessica Jones. But then, as small as the hero is, his powers are grand and there is potential to be found in quantum realm adventures.

2015’s heist centered plot didn’t quite rise beyond the sum of its origin story parts. The film existed to introduce the character and the powers, which did it well enough.

Most of the film was carried on the back of Paul Rudd’s endless lik-

ability, alongside a few well-written side characters. The film was mostly successful—it’s a Marvel movie after all—and the Ant-Man cameo in Captain America: Civil War was enough to keep the character fresh in the minds of fans.

Ant-Man and the Wasp, this year’s sequel and buffer between the darker tones of Avenger’s Infinity War films, is on equal footing with the first film. It’s an entertaining distraction that doesn’t amount to much but fills in a few gaps along the way.

Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) has been on house arrest since the events of Captain America: Civil War, where he violated the Sokovia Accords by assisting Steve Rogers after Bucky Barnes, the Winter Soldier, was framed for bombing the UN. His associates, Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) and Hope Van Dyne (Evangeline Lilly), have gone underground for the same reason (why they’re guilty for Lang’s usage of stolen equipment is never sufficiently explained).

In the intervening years, Pym and his daughter have discovered evidence that the original Wasp (Michelle Pfeiffer) may have survived her disappearance into the quantum realm thirty years ago and have set about creating an entire lab devoted to finding her.

Opening a gate to the quantum realm triggers a reaction in Scott Lang, the only person to visit and return, indicating that he has become entangled with Janet Van Dyne and thus is a necessary component to rescuing her.

This sets off a chain of events involving a crime syndicate and a mysterious woman who is out of phase with our reality as the heroes seek to return the original Wasp to full size.

One of the bigger criticisms of 2015’s Ant-Man was the weak-

“

The MCU has become a machine that spits out film after film which may contain minor details that may become major plot points.”

ness of the villain. The film was very much a paint-by-numbers story the ended with an underwhelming battle with the bad guy. Ant-Man and the Wasp manages to avoid this by not settling on one specific villain.

Instead, each character is vying for control of a MacGuffin for their own purposes, none of which are overwhelming nefarious or world changing.

It’s a nice step back from the universe wide consequences found in the Avengers series. What results is, again, a small story with limited range but a good amount of heart.

Performances are all adequate—Paul Rudd would be entertaining in a film where he read the phone book for ninety minutes.

Humor is the key to a film like this one and Rudd is always funny and endearing.

There’s not much to say about the filmmaking. It’s fine. There’s nothing distracting. Neither is there anything especially interesting or innovating. The visuals as Pym

✴ NEW IN THEATERS ✴

shrinks into the quantum realm are nice set pieces, for green screen work.

Overall, the film is very average.

If you’re a Marvel fan, you’ll enjoy it. Ant-Man may have more to do in later Avengers films, so if you’re a completionist, you might as well see it.

There’s the rub, really. The MCU has become a machine that spits out film after film which may contain minor details that may become major plot points.

They’re written in such a way that skipping one isn’t an option, lest you become confused at some later date.

I’ve seen every film, some multiple times. I still find it impressive how much I manage to retain. In this way, the MCU is more comic book than any comic book movie ever made.

It is very literally comic books come to life. It’s all soap opera coincidences and in universe references made big. Its appeal is huge and shows no sign of stopping.

Skyscraper A father goes to great lengths to save his family from a burning skyscraper, a "towering inferno" of sorts. But since it stars Dwayne Johnson, chances are you'll want to see it anyway.

Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber Stars: Dwayne Johnson, Neve Campbell, Pablo Schreiber, Noah Taylor

Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation Oh look, they made another one. While on a vacation with his family, Count Dracula makes a romantic connection.

Director: Genndy Tartakovsky Stars: Mel Brooks, Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Andy Samberg

CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 21

COLUMN · GAME ON!

Rev Up The Chainsword And Dice Miniature gaming is alive-and-well in the Gaming City

I Brandon Watson Pulse columnist

“

Honestly, I’ve only been a mild spectator of the miniature gaming world and I must say videogames don’t hold a candle to the mind blowing extravaganza that mini gaming offers.”

When not vaporizing zombies or leading space marines as a mousepad Mattis, Brandon Watson is making gourmet pancakes and promoting local artists.

N THE MILITARY, THERE EXISTS notorious pre-operation briefs called terrain models or sand tables. A poor squad leader is tasked to build a scaled down representation of the battle-space in order to coordinate missions and plan attacks.

Everything from grass, twigs, and camel turds are used to make these representations and Odin help you if you have a war gaming nerd on your squad.

These guys magically turn up and completely dominate miniature scale builds.

They spend hours on meticulous and sometimes useful details that you can forget making that SP (start patrol) time but ensure the brass will be impressed.

Never mind the plan will descend into utter chaos and insanity but at least it looked amazing in small scale!

So as tribute to my favorite table-top tacticians who have saved my bacon in the field, I will dedicate an unhealthy measure focus on miniature gaming the rest of summer. And before you whip out the chain sword for the most obvious and inevitable miniature game (save that for the next column) I aim to tell you about a nifty event happening soon.

Because it’s Chattanooga and likeit-or-not there’s always an event just around the corner even if you haven’t fully recovered from the last six yesterdays.

I’m like a dog chasing cars on a freeway in California, but man my quads look amazing!

My friends over at Infinity Flux clued me in on an event called ATC or American Team Championship. A three-day miniature gaming tournament where around 90 teams go head-to-head playing their favorite miniature combat games in order to find out who is the best-of-the-best around the nation. This is the 8th year and being held at Camp Jordan Arena all coordinated, hosted, and wrangled by Cleveland’s very own

22 • THE PULSE • JULY 12, 2018 • CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

Dicehead Games.

Dicehead Games and Comics is one of many businesses that are held in high regard with the local gaming community. Among my friends they are a go-to resource for miniature gaming and collectables. Among my friends’ friends they are a go-to resource as well. Heck if a so-called neighborhood competition refers to your business as family and point customers in your direction you know you got a good thing going on.

Honestly, I’ve only been a mild spectator of the miniature gaming world and I must say videogames don’t hold a candle to the mind blowing extravaganza that mini gaming offers.

There is just so much stuff with figures, literature, lore, collectables, and campaigns. Games can range from things as simple as Chess with dice to spectacular feats of engineering requiring a sextant, compass, and advanced Calculus in order to compete.

The ATC event will host six different miniature games with matches ranging from Warhammer 40k to Star Wars Legion. Guests and sponsors in attendance will be Games Workshop and “Forge the Narrative”, to name a few, because there is a lot.

“Forge the Narrative” is a podcast that covers the craftier side of miniature gaming that offering tips and share knowledge to improve those artsy skills.

Which is arguably one of the biggest joys I have when discussing anything

about miniatures it’s all about the crafting and customization baby! Everything that I usually see is hand painted with various levels of precision and pride from the uniforms and battle armor to the detailed terrain props. I enjoy watching a person’s army evolve from bland Bondo colored toys to hot-rot hued badass figurines cleverly detailed and ready for battle.

The combinations are endless with some deciding on a lore friendly approach but the most exciting are the rogues who eschew gaming norms and go totally ape with it.

There is a lot to like with miniature gaming and even more to love if you find the time and dedication for it. Because miniature gaming as a hobby is so consuming it boasts a very cult-like reverence among players and spectators, sans the Kool-Aid and tax breaks.

This is very evident when surrounded by solid groups of people who compete as friends and colleagues.

So the 8th Annual ATC this weekend at The Camp Jordan Arena. Check out the event news at dicehead.com if you are looking to knock dust off that Ork hoard or seeking fun and fellowship that comes along with team competitions.

Keep an eye-out for the future as I will be talking about three of Chattanooga’s favorite miniature games as a celebration into one of the most revered forms of gaming and the most annoying form of pre-mission planning in the universe.

FREE WILL ASTROLOGY CANCER (June 21-July 22): I pay tribute to your dizzying courage, you wise fool. I stage-whisper “Congratulations!” as you slip away from your hypnotic routine and wander out to the edge of mysterious joy.

With a crazy grin of encouragement and my fist pressed against my chest, I salute your efforts to transcend your past. I praise and exalt you for demonstrating that freedom is never permanent but must be reclaimed and reinvented on a regular basis. I cheer you on as you avoid every temptation to repeat yourself, demean yourself, and chain yourself.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I’m feeling a bit helpless as I watch you messing with that bad but good stuff that is so wrong but right for you. I am rendered equally inert as I observe you playing with the strong but weak stuff that’s interesting but probably irrelevant. I fidget and sigh as I monitor the classy but trashy influence that’s angling for your attention; and the supposedly fast-moving process that’s creeping along so slowly; and the seemingly obvious truth that would offer you a much better lesson if only you would see it for the chewy riddle that it is. What should I do about my predicament? Is there any way I can give you a boost? Maybe the best assistance I can offer is to describe to you what I see.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Psychologist Paul Ekman has compiled an extensive atlas of how emotions are revealed in our faces. “Smiles are probably the most underrated facial expressions,” he has written, “much more complicated than most people realize. There are dozens of smiles, each differing in appearance and in the message expressed.” I bring this to your attention, Virgo, because your assignment in the coming weeks— should you choose to accept it—is to explore and experiment with your entire repertoire of smiles. I’m confident that life will conspire to help you carry out this task. More than at any time since your birthday in 2015, this is the season for unleashing your smiles.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Lucky vibes are coalescing in your vicinity. Scouts and recruiters are hovering. Helpers, fairy godmothers, and future playmates are growing restless waiting for you to ask them for favors. Therefore, I hereby authorize you to be imperious, regal, and overflowing with self-respect.

I encourage you to seize exactly what you want, not what you’re “supposed” to want. Or else be considerate, appropriate, modest, and full of harmonious caution.

CUT! CUT! Delete that “be considerate” sentence. The Libra part of me tricked me into saying it. And this is one time when people of the Libra persuasion are allowed to be free from the compulsion to

balance and moderate. You have a mandate to be the show, not watch the show.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Emily Dickinson wrote 1,775 poems—an average of one every week for 34 years. I’d love to see you launch an enduring, deep-rooted project that will require similar amounts of stamina, persistence, and dedication. Are you ready to expand your vision of what’s possible for you to accomplish? The current astrological omens suggest that the next two months will be an excellent time to commit yourself to a Great Work that you will give your best to for the rest of your long life!

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): What’s the biggest lie in my life?

There are several candidates.

Here’s one: I pretend I’m nonchalant about one of my greatest failures; I act as if I’m not distressed by the fact that the music I’ve created has never received the listenership it should it have. How about you, Sagittarius? What’s the biggest lie in your life? What’s most false or dishonest or evasive about you?

Whatever it is, the immediate future will be a favorable time to transform your relationship with it. You now have extraordinary power to tell yourself liberating truths. Three weeks from now, you could be a more authentic version of yourself than you’ve ever been.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Now and then you go through phases when you don’t know what you need until you stumble upon it. At times like those, you’re wise not to harbor fixed ideas about what you need or where to hunt for what you need. Metaphorically speaking, a holy grail might show up in a thrift store. An eccentric stranger may provide you with an accidental epiphany at a bus stop or a convenience store. Who knows? A crucial clue may even jump out at you from a spam email or a reality TV show. I suspect that the next two weeks might be one of those odd grace periods for you.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Reverse psychology” is when you convince people to do what you wish they would do by shrewdly suggesting that they do the opposite of what you wish they would do. “Reverse censorship” is when you write or speak the very words or ideas that you have been forbidden to express. “Reverse cynicism” is acting like it’s chic to express glee, positivity, and enthusiasm.

“Reverse egotism” is bragging about what you don’t have and can’t do. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to carry out all these reversals, as well as any other constructive or amusing reversals you can dream up.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Poet Emily Dickinson once revealed to a friend that there was only one

JONESIN' CROSSWORD Commandment she ever obeyed: “Consider the Lilies.” Japanese novelist Natsume Sōseki told his English-speaking students that the proper Japanese translation for “I love you” is Tsuki ga tottemo aoi naa, which literally means “The moon is so blue tonight.” In accordance with current astrological omens, Pisces, I’m advising you to be inspired by Dickinson and Sōseki. More than any other time in 2018, your duty in the coming weeks is to be lyrical, sensual, aesthetic, imaginative, and festively non-literal.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Your key theme right now is growth.

Let’s dig in and analyze its nuances. 1. Not all growth is good for you. It may stretch you too far too fast -- beyond your capacity to integrate and use it. 2. Some growth that is good for you doesn’t feel good to you. It might force you to transcend comforts that are making you stagnant, and that can be painful. 3. Some growth that’s good for you may meet resistance from people close to you; they might prefer you to remain just as you are, and may even experience your growth as a problem. 4. Some growth that isn’t particularly good for you may feel pretty good. For instance, you could enjoy working to improve a capacity or skill that is irrelevant to your long-term goals.

5. Some growth is good for you in some ways, and not so good in other ways. You have to decide if the trade-off is worth it. 6. Some growth is utterly healthy for you, feels pleasurable, and inspires other people.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You can’t sing with someone else’s mouth, Taurus. You can’t sit down and settle into a commanding new power spot with someone else’s butt. Capiche? I also want to tell you that it’s best if you don’t try to dream with someone else’s heart, nor should you imagine you can fine-tune your relationship with yourself by pushing someone else to change. But here’s an odd fact: You can enhance your possibility for success by harnessing or borrowing or basking in other people’s luck. Especially in the coming weeks.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): You wouldn’t attempt to cure a case of hiccups by repeatedly smacking your head against a wall, right? You wouldn’t use an anti-tank rocket launcher to eliminate the mosquito buzzing around your room, and you wouldn’t set your friend’s hair on fire as a punishment for arriving late to your rendezvous at the café.

So don’t overreact to minor tweaks of fate, my dear Gemini. Don’t over-medicate tiny disturbances.

Instead, regard the glitches as learning opportunities. Use them to cultivate more patience, expand your tolerance, and strengthen your character.

“A Noble Effort”—dropping those last few.

ACROSS 1 Faucet 4 Self-referential, like this clue 8 American realist art school 14 Sorta, in suffix form 15 Planetary path 16 Mr. or Ms. Right 17 General linked to chicken 18 Company named for a goddess 19 1955 pact city 20 Sky viewer used at an airline’s main airport?

23 Atlanta university 24 Catan resource 25 Org. with a tour 28 Lucille’s co-star 29 Cargo carrier 32 Diamond call 33 Rita of Netflix’s “One Day at a Time” 35 LPs and 45s 36 The origins of singing wordlessly?

39 George of “Star Trek” and Twitter

40 Excited 41 Finished 42 “Fiddler on the Roof” matchmaker 43 Follow commands 47 “Indubitably!”

48 Scribble (down) 49 Sudden onrush 50 Scratch some statuary?

54 Music organizer on a wall, maybe 57 Modern cheesecake ingredient 58 ___ Interwebz (intentional online misspelling) 59 Onetime Sidekick maker 60 Helicopter designer Sikorsky 61 Country set to share the 2026 World Cup 62 Lounging chair 63 Multiple-day music gathering, e.g.

64 Dir. at 202.5° DOWN 1 Paid to the church

2 Jump to conclusions 3 Innermost of Mars’s two moons 4 Coinage 5 Heinous 6 Seize 7 Microbrewery brews 8 On the job 9 Geometric figure 10 In this location 11 Prefix with play, at some cons 12 Tennis’s Ivanovic 13 Just out 21 Weed whacker, e.g.

22 Shell in a “Monty Python and the Holy Grail” running gag 25 Early Atari game 26 Start of a Frank Loesser title 27 Just over 99%?

29 Low number in Naples 30 Word misspelled in a tattoo meme 31 Part of ACLU 32 Discover

34 Kimono sash 35 “C’est la _ _ _!”

36 Hold’s partner 37 HI-strung instruments?

38 “The Puzzle Palace” org.

39 Kids’ meal prize 42 Terrier type, informally 44 “Julius Caesar” conspirator 45 Way out 46 Cowboy’s yell 48 Game with a bouncing ball 49 Cricket, say 50 Wailuku’s island 51 Updo, e.g.

52 Entreat 53 They share the same season as Geminis 54 Sine’s reciprocal, in trig (abbr.)

55 “Well, that’s obvious!”

56 Head producer for the WuTang Clan

Copyright © 2018 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents perminute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 892 CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM • JULY 12, 2018 • THE PULSE • 23