The Pulse 12.42 » October 15, 2015 by Brewer Media Group

OCTOBER 15, 2015

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

business issue

the

fitting pieces together

Chattanoogaâ€™s business renaissance thrives off new, entrepreneurial ideas theater

music

screen

creepy & kooky

genki genki

parking woes

snap snap new panic deathgasm

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Contents

CHATTANOOGA'S WEEKLY ALTERNATIVE

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Gary Poole Contributing Editor Janis Hashe

October 15, 2015 Volume 12, Issue 42

Music Editor Marc T. Michael Film Editor John DeVore Contributors Rob Brezsny • Steven W. Disbrow Matt Jones • Ernie Paik • Louis Lee Mike McJunkin • Rick Pimental-Habib Helen Burns Sharp • Stephanie Smith Alex Teach • Heather Vega

Features

Editorial Interns Brooke Dorn • Sam Hilling

4 BEGINNINGS: VW scandal is a wakeup call for public accountability.

Cartoonists Max Cannon • Rob Rogers Jen Sorenson • Tom Tomorrow

10 JUST A THEORY: A nice range of choices for the end of the world.

Founded 2003 by Zachary Cooper & Michael Kull

14 ARTS CALENDAR

ADVERTISING

Director of Sales Mike Baskin

19 HALLOWEEN GUIDE

Account Executives Chee Chee Brown • Linda Hisey Travis Jones • Rick Leavell Kyle Richard • Stacey Tyler

23 DIVERSIONS

CONTACT

Offices 1305 Carter St. Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Website chattanoogapulse.com Email info@chattanoogapulse.com

‘Dynamo of Dixie’ Reignited

The word “renaissance” commonly conjures up visions of the great art masters da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. In their time they revived an interest in classical form and beauty.

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 © 2015 by Brewer Media. All rights reserved.

Musical For the Macabre Minded

Wave Of Weird Wonderfulness

It has been five months since I first wrote about Chattanooga’s premier surf-horror group, Genki Genki Panic, and the luchadores de la guitarra have some new moves, a new EP and, in the best wrestling tradition, a secret weapon.

26 MUSIC CALENDAR 29 REVIEWS: Damon & Gray tap into paranoia, The Mantles radiate sunshine. 30 SUSHI & BISCUITS: Chef Mike extols the wonders of dry-aged beef. 32 SCREEN: Stymied by parking, our reviewer trades uplift for depravity. 32 DINING: Chattanooga Brewing Co. 36 FREE WILL ASTROLOGY 37 JONESIN’ CROSSWORD 38 on the beat: Officer Alex finds that venturing into foreign parts is a bit…scary.

Tennessee Valley Heart Walk Saturday, November 14 | AT&T Field Activities begin 8:30am; walk begins 10am

COMMUNITY TRUST

www.chattanoogaheartwalk.org chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 3

news • views • rants • raves

BEGINNINGS

updates » CHATTANOOGApulse.com facebook/chattanoogapulse EMAIL LOVE LETTERS, ADVICE & TRASH TALK TO INFO@CHATTANOOGAPULSE.COM

The Good, The Bad and The Ugly The Volkwagen scandal is a wakeup call for public money accountability Volkswagen’s emissions scanits lofty projections for jobs and dal has dominated business news investment. We hope that current worldwide. Chattanoogans are corporate criminal circumstances paying particular atwill not affect operatention. We are contions at our plant. cerned about family We expect our and friends who work elected officials to do at the local plant. We everything in their Helen Burns are concerned about power to hold the Sharp our investment as company accountcity, county, and state taxpayers. able for meeting its prior comTaxpayers gifted Volkswagen mitments. We also expect them about a half a billion dollars in to view this situation as a wakeup various incentives, with the excall to improve clawback language pectation that VW would meet in future tax-break agreements.

News

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Our local tax-break program is fundamentally flawed, because the city and county do not restrict incentives to projects that both involve significant public benefit and likely would not happen without the subsidy. However, VW did pass both of these tests. Their projected jobs and investment and potential to attract suppliers made them a potential game-changer. Also, we knew that we faced intense competition from other states for the initial location. But the incentive package for VW turned into the l a r g est tax break given to an auto plant in the United States. The local property tax breaks last for 30 years, which is a very long time for a PILOT agreement. Last year alone, the city and county did not collect $8 million in taxes that would have been paid if the company were on the tax rolls. The 2014 PILOT agreement for the SUV expansion has not yet kicked in. In addition to more property tax breaks, Chattanooga and Hamilton County agreed in 2014 to pay VW a “Capital Reimbursement Grant” as part of the incentive package for the SUV expansion. This component is particularly troubling in light of recent events. Our elected officials agreed to provide grant funds “for the benefit of the company” in the amount of $52,500,000 to fund the ex-

pansion. The city and county paid VW $40 million last year, with the remaining $12.5 million due this year. Who will negotiate for the public in trying to recapture this money until we know that the expansion will go forward and our investment is protected? I hope it is not the same people who wrote or reviewed the one-sided “memorandum of understanding.” Accountability for Taxpayer Money (ATM), a grassroots citizens group, is calling for a moratorium on future PILOT tax breaks until the city and county retain an independent professional to recommend meaningful policies and procedures. We need strong criteria to determine which projects get tax breaks. We need strong clawback language in the agreements to make sure that a company upholds its end of the bargain or else taxpayers have some money back protection. It is time for the public to be represented at the negotiating table. ···· Helen Burns Sharp is the founder of Accountability for Taxpayer Money (ATM).

EdiToon

by Rob Rogers

DON’T BE LEFT OUT IN THE COLD THIS HOLIDAY SEASON! Always A "Hoppening" Good Time

A night of food, drinks and entertainment sounds like a good time already, but place all that on a few rooftops—and you’ve got one chic party. green|spaces has partnered with more than 15 of Chattanooga’s top restaurants, such as Taco Mamacita, Milk and Honey, and Urban Stack, to prepare tasty hors d’oeuvres for the rooftop mingling, the nonprofit’s major fundraiser for its

many sustainability projects. All restaurants and caterers involved share green|spaces’ commitment to local foods. Chattanooga Whiskey and Corsair Gin will be served, along with featured local craft wines and brews. Sip and munch while taking in the sounds of opening act Amber Fults and the Ambivalent Lovers, followed by headliner New South Players.

IN THIS ISSUE

Louis Lee Our cover story this week on the business renaissance of the city is by Louis Lee, who has been involved in journalism dating back to his days on the high school newspaper staff. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, he worked for a weekly newspaper in Baton Rouge, then

Starting at 4:30 p.m., party on the first rooftop at The Lookouts, then hop on over to party two at High Point Climbing, and then to party three at Walnut Commons. The Main Event will begin at 7:30 p.m. on the Hunter Museum Overlook Rooftop Patio, followed by the official after-party at The Camp House. Rooftop Hoppers can purchase Main Event Tickets or VIP Tickets, for access to all four parties, amenities, and inter-party transportation. For ticket prices and full details, visit rooftophop.com — Brooke Dorn

Matt Jones returned to college for formal training in television news. He came to the Tennessee Valley in 1991 to work for WDEF-TV as a video-journalist, a reporter who shoots his own stories. While working in the media and raising a family, Louis gave back to his community by volunteering as a reserve deputy sheriff in Bradley County. Louis is now an award-winning documentary filmmaker and freelance journalist.

Longtime crossword creator Matt Jones' first crossword appeared in the New York Times two decades ago, all the way back in 1994, making him one of the first teens published by legendary editor Will Shortz. Since then, his puzzles have appeared

in print and online, and he has created almost 700 crosswords for the weekly syndicate Jonesin' Crossword. He's most recently finishing up a crowdfunded book of freestyle crosswords with barred grids instead of black squares. He's published two other compilations, "Jonesin' Crosswirds" in 2004 and "Jonesin' for Crosswords" in 2009, which holds a perfect five-star rating on Amazon. He lives in Portland, Oregon.

BLUEWATER GRILLE IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO HOST YOUR EVENT. OUR BANQUET ROOM CAN ACCOMMODATE UP TO 40 PEOPLE FOR A SIT DOWN DINNER, UP TO 65 FOR A COCKTAIL RECEPTION. WE ALSO OFFER OUTSIDE CATERING SERVICES. PLEASE CALL BAILEY MEREDITH AT (423) 266-4200 OR EMAIL AT BMEREDITH@CWRESTAURANTS.COM FOR DETAILS.

chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 5

COVER STORY

The ‘Dynamo of Dixie’ Reimagined And Reignited Chattanooga’s business renaissance thrives off new, entrepreneurial ideas Story and photos by Louis Lee, Pulse contributor

“

There are three organizations in Chattanooga whose sole purpose is to create a fertile environment for entrepreneurs: nurseries for birthing new businesses and, in some cases, entirely new technologies.”

he word “renaissance” commonly conjures up visions of the great art masters da Vinci, Michelangelo and Raphael. In their time they revived an interest in classical form and beauty. Something most had thought long gone was brought back by a handful of progressive thinkers, who took those old ideas to a new level and a new audience. In many ways, Chattanooga is experiencing a renaissance in business.

“We’re reclaiming a part of our legacy,” says Mike Bradshaw, executive director of The Company Lab, better known as Co.Lab. “We talk about old manufacturing being replaced by a new wave of business. What’s ironic is that this technology has also produced new ways of manufacturing.” Bradshaw is referring to the time when Chattanooga was known as the “Dynamo of Dixie.” From the late nineteenth century and through most of the twentieth, the Scenic City’s scenery consisted of smokestacks, train tracks and smog. Because of Chattanooga’s central location, easy access to roads and rails and a willing workforce, hundreds of manufacturers called it home. But while the industries of the valley created wealth, it didn’t come without a great price. In 1969, a precursor of the Environmental Protection Agency an-

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nounced that Chattanooga had the worst air quality in the country. Throughout the 1970s, city officials worked with industry leaders and created a plan to reduce pollution levels. The effort was helped along by the fact that many of the industries that called Chattanooga home were waning in the face of cheaper off-shore competition. Chattanooga had to re-invent itself. Today, there are three organizations in Chattanooga whose sole purpose is to create a fertile environment for entrepreneurs: nurseries for birthing new businesses and, in some cases, entirely new technologies. Each uses a slightly different methodology and each has a different structure and primary focus. But each has a track record of helping get new ideas from inception to production. The first of these has been

around since the early 1980s: the Hamilton County Business Development Center (BDC), now better known as the INCubator. A program of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce, the INCubator is housed in an old 1920s factory at the corner of Cherokee Boulevard and Manufacturers Road. More than 500 businesses have been nurtured through the year-year process. Right now, there are more than 70 businesses with about 400 employees at various stages in the incubation process. Business owners benefit from professional mentoring, lower-thanmarket rent, shared administrative resources and free onsite counseling from the Small Business Administration. The BDC is not only Tennessee’s largest business incubator, but the third largest in the United States. (Editor’s note: The Pulse was incubated at the BDC.)

Mike Bradshaw leads a lunch meeting of volunteer professional mentors at Co.Lab's new headquarters.

“The thing to do is sort of ‘prototype’ your business as quickly as you can,” explains Co.Lab’s Bradshaw, “and see if you can develop a real fit between your value proposition—those things you say you’re going to do for people—and people who would want this.” That’s the step-off point for Co.Lab’s burgeoning businesses. The Company Lab is a nonprofit business incubator funded by private foundations such as Lyndhurst and Benwood. “I think this city, in particular, has just this willingness to engage in [helping start-ups] for no other reason than they think it’s the right thing to do,” says Bradshaw. Co.Lab recently moved into

larger quarters on Market Street, a sign of their success. One afternoon last week, I was sitting in one of the mini-conference areas in their new home and Bradshaw pointed out a group of about ten business professionals from some of the most impactful companies in Chattanooga coming in to discuss business with some of Co.Lab’s innovators. “We have to be nimble and adaptive in the extreme,” says Bradshaw, “And we’re surrounded, and all startups are naturally, operating in an environment of radical uncertainty without the resources to control the adventures the environment might supply to them.” Bradshaw says Co.Lab uses the

scientific method, or more accurately the “Agile Start-up Development Method,” to jump-start an entrepreneur’s entrance into the business world. “That’s what we’re all about...smart people getting together and doing things.” Interestingly enough, it was the downfall of the mills, factories and foundries that led to the cleaning up of the local environment—and the cleaner environment has led to the arrival of some of the city’s most innovative thinkers. A universal point of agreement exists between all involved in growing business that Chattanooga’s new reputation as an outdoor adventure destination has a direct impact on the type of businesses being born

here. Bradshaw says when he and his wife were looking for a place to live, having come first from New England and most recently Knoxville, Chattanooga’s ample recreational resources played a major role in attracting them. He tells The Pulse there are “idea people” out there that visit Chattanooga for the fun and stay here for the business environment. It’s as likely that new business ventures are discussed on a mountain bike or climbing a rock face as sitting at a table in a restaurant knocking back cocktails. “We had this issue where young people would graduate from school here and then they would >> Continued on page 9

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leave and go other places,” says U.S. Sen. Bob Corker. “And I knew one of the things, especially during that time, that really attracted young people was being able to be outdoors.” That was his epiphany in 2001, when he was mayor of Chattanooga. He recalled traveling the country as a contractor and seeing how many young professionals were settling in places like Boulder, Colorado. Years later, it became a cornerstone of his administration to make Chattanooga youth-friendly in hopes of retaining some of the enthusiastic forward-thinkers in the area. So he built upon the work started by former Mayor Jon Kinsey in creating a better Scenic City. Kinsey’s philosophy was that city government didn’t have to do everything to create a better business environment. In this view, city leaders should just set the stage for attracting go-getters and then get out of their way. “The change in culture was one where we began to take our river seriously,” explains Weston Wamp with the Lamp Post Group. “We began to take, more seriously, the climbing and hiking assets that are in not just the city, but in the surrounding areas.” Wamp’s Lamp Post Group is the third, and newest, of the the three incubators in town, but already has a list of success stories, including Bellhops, Steam Logistics, Fan Jam and the Chattanooga Whiskey Company. The Lamp Post Group is a business incubator like the other two, but as Wamp explains it, they have a different strategy and structure. “Lamp Post is completely funded privately and exists, ideally, to make investments that will be profitable down the road,” Wamp says. “We don’t do it for fun or to

be involved in the community. We believe we make good investments and then incubate them in the 40,000 square feet here on the second floor of the Loveman’s building.” If his description of LPG’s strategy sounds more mercenary than idealogical, it’s meant to. Yet there’s still a feel-good upside to this methodology. “Because of the style of the investments we make where we try to bring companies to Chattanooga to do business here,” Wamp says, leaning in, “it ends up benefiting Chattanooga. And so many of the things we focus on are Chattanooga-centric.” Wamp say his Lamp Post Group is a spoke in the wheel of the business landscape, just like the INCubator and Co.Lab They just do things a little differently. He notes, “I also think Chattanooga, in the last 10-to-20 years, has proven to be sort of an open-source community where you can move in from the outside and very quickly plug in and make a difference.” As an example of this, he points to Belhops, a local on-demand service for moving help. Its founders came to Chattanooga from Knoxville and Birmingham entirely because of the business climate for start-ups. Founded in February of 2013, the company already has 8,500 employees in 90 cities. The business environment in Chattanoga is moving about as fast as the data over our citywide gigabit internet service—not coincidentally. “The most influential company in Chattanooga in 2020 may not exist today,” Wamp declares. He qualifies it by saying it may be an emerging company, but he feels strongly that things are moving at super-computer speed in the Tennessee Valley.

“It’s as likely that new business ventures are discussed on a mountain bike or climbing a rock face as sitting at a table in a restaurant knocking back cocktails.” chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 9

TRAVEL

EXPECT SOMETHING MORE™

AAA Travel invites you to

DISCOVER THE CARIBBEAN Joins us for this preview of Caribbean getaways from AAA Travel. Listen as travel experts provide valuable insight into exotic vacations featuring idyllic beaches and warm island breezes. Plus, learn about special values and exclusive benefits available only with AAA Travel.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015 • 6:00 p.m. AAA Chattanooga 2111 Gunbarrel Road Chattanooga, TN 37421 Join us for a presentation on our 2016 Tennessee President’s Cruise

Space is limited RSVP online at AAA.com/Chattanooga or call 423-490-2000

10 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

The End Of The World Is Nigh! Prof. Disbrow gives us a nice range of choices for the end of the world In case you missed it, the world was destroyed last week. As a result, most, if not all, of you that are reading this are currently undergoing eternal torment of some sort. (Probably related to bike lanes.) Given that the world was destroyed by a Deity (I didn’t catch which one), I must say that I’m very embarrassed. Years STEVEN W. of trusting in reason, logic and the scientific method, and it turns out that I was totally wrong. My bad. Armageddon aside, it is pretty sweet that I don’t have to turn in a full column this month. So, I guess I’ll sign off by saying, quite appropriately: See you in Hell! Annnnnd…I’ve just been informed by The Editor (who thinks he’s a Deity), that the world didn’t actually end. It was just another failed apocalypse prediction by some “fringe” cult. Honestly! You’d think they’d get their facts straight before making these announcements. I gave away all my worldly goods for nothing! But, this begs the question: What would it take to destroy the world? I mean, for real? When most people think of “The End of the World,” they really mean “The End of Human Civilization.” The planet itself wouldn’t notice we were gone. But, last week’s predic-

tion stipulated that the world would be “annihilated.” To me, that sounds like the planet would be gone at the end of the day. Scary! In either case, humanity would definitely be gone. So, let’s look at both results and see how difficult it would be to achieve them. So let's start with the end of civilization. Good news, DISBROW apocalypse lovers! At our current tech level, this is pretty simple to do. Global Thermonuclear War: The classic! The initial exchange would kill vast numbers of people immediately, destroy most infrastructure, and give most survivors fatal radiation poisoning. Plus, the dust and dirt thrown into the atmosphere would plunge the world into a decades-long twilight/ice age. (aka “nuclear winter”). Plants would have trouble growing, the food chain would collapse and Internet would be spotty at best. Super-Virus: Remember Ebola? There’s probably something 100 times worse out there in the jungle right now. And it’s just waiting to jump into a lion-hunting dentist and take the red eye back to NYC. Given the interconnectedness of our civilization, speed of travel, and our basic disdain for personal hygiene, a really vicious virus could take us out pretty quickly.

Just A Theory

Gamma Burst: When a massive star collapses, it emits a huge burst of gamma radiation. This travels through space at the speed of light, frying anything that gets in its way. The bad news is that these things are popping off all the time and one could hit the Earth at any moment. When it does, it will basically ruin everyone’s day on the side of the planet that gets hit. Good news: Space is BIG, so, the odds of us getting hit are small. Bad news: There’s evidence to suggest that it’s already happened, causing a mass extinction about 500 million years ago. Super Solar Flare: A huge solar flare hits the Earth and trashes our technological infrastructure. Then things go from “Look at the Pretty Lights in the Sky” to “Let’s kill the neighbors for food” in a couple of weeks. Honestly, this one is 50/50. People are good at responding to technical challenges, so humanity might actually rise to the occasion and save itself here. Climate Change: Spoiler alert: It’s already happening! (See my feature article a couple months back for details on this one.) But that's just civilization. What about the end of the planet itself?

This is harder to do, simply because the Earth is so freaking big. But, it’s doable. Black Hole: If a black hole passed through our solar system, it could either swallow the Earth or knock it out of its orbit and possibly into the Sun. Either way, the Earth would be gone. Celestial Impacts: A black hole or other massive object could also pass near or through the solar system and send a slew of comets or asteroids towards us. Enough impacts and the Earth would eventually be reduced to rubble. Swallowed by the Sun: Actually, this is going to happen…in about five billion years. The Sun will swell up and swallow all the planets of the inner solar system, including the Earth. Death Star: What? The Death Star isn’t real! I’m only discussing real things here. Like, black holes, viruses and a ticked-off Deity. You should be ashamed of yourself for even suggesting such silly nonsense. Steven Disbrow is a computer programmer who specializes in e-commerce and mobile systems development. He’s also an entrepreneur, comic-book nerd, writer, improviser, actor, sometime television personality and parent of two human children.

Get your tickets today! www.therooftophop.com green|spaces main rooftop party at the Hunter Museum River Terrace will feature 12 local restaurants providing yummy appetizers, delectable cocktails and great live music. Grace Frank Group will have a Satellite Party from 4:30 to 7:30 at Lookout Stadium. Come have fun with games, fun food and a live band Moose and Squirrel. Fantastic weather is forecast to see some of the most amazing roof tops in the city.

Grace Frank, MBA Real Estate Partners 807 Cherry Street Chattanooga, TN 37402 Direct: 423-208-3834 Office: 423-265-0088 chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 11

ARTS SCENE

Musical For the Macabre Minded “The Addams Family” brings the legendary clan to singing…er...life?

Twisted As A Pig’s Tail Spin a yarn at “Tales with a Twist” with ETC and Artisti Affamati Get a little twisted this week at the Ensemble Theater of Chattanooga with their special production of three shows, together called “Tales with a Twist.” The three pieces are unconventional takes on traditional fables. Begin with Kaye Rose telling a more classic children’s tale—and then get ready to blow the house down laughing with the hilarious one-act play “Furry Tales with a Twist.” To wrap things up, “The True Story of the Three Little Pigs” is an operatic take on the story of the three little pigs that blends a piano recital and the antics of the three pigs and their wolfish pursuer in some unexpected ways. The opera is a collaboration between ETC and Artisti Affamati, a

local operatic group who selected “The True Story” as the winner of their 2015 competition for one-act operas. The collaboration also celebrates ETC’s new location in Brainerd. The show goes on Oct. 15, 17, 22, and 24 at 6:30 p.m. in The Highland Center at 104 N. Tuxedo Ave. General admission tickets are $20, senior and student discount tickets are $15, and tickets for children under 12 are $10. Visit artistiaffamati.com for tickets and more information. — Sam Hilling “Tales with a Twist” Oct, 15, 17, 22 & 24, 6:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga 104 N. Tuxedo Ave. (423) 667-0928

Thu10.15

fri10.16

sat10.17

funny time

waltzing tale

furry love

D.J. Lewis and Corey Forrester

“33 Variations: A New Play”

Paws in the Park

It's a double bill of great stand-up comedy, perfect for a Thursday night out. 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

A look at Beethoven's classic "33 Variations" waltz compositions. 8 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com

Hundreds of animal lovers will be gathering to raise money for the animals at the Humane Educational Society. 1 p.m. Ross’s Landing 100 Riverfront Pkwy. (423) 265-0771

12 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

They’re creepy and they’re kooky, Mysterious and spooky, They’re all together ooky, The Addams Family. — Theme song from the TV version of “The Addams Family”

Arts stephanie smith

“

At the end of the day, he’s just a simple guy dedicated to serving the family, particularly the children. He’s loyal to the death, assuming he isn’t already dead.”

On April 6, 1938, the first “Addams Family” cartoon crept into the pages of The New Yorker. Charles Addams embarked on a nearly 60-year career of developing cartoons based on real-life characters. “Addams Family” cartoons have inspired a television show, two major motion pictures, a cartoon television show based on the films and the Broadway musical, created by “Jersey Boys” authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice. Locally, Closed Door Entertainment is producing the show Oct. 16-18 at the Tivoli Theatre. The Pulse sat down with Closed Door Founder and Executive Director JC Smith and two of the actors, Kevin Bartolomucci (Lurch) and Randy Forester (Fester). The Pulse: What is your personal connection to “The Addams Family”? Kevin Bartolomucci: I’ve been a fan of “The Addams Family” since I was a child. I used to watch the reruns after school.Then, I discovered the original Charles Addams cartoons while in junior high. It was perfect for a young, impressionable 12 year old with a macabre sense of humor. A dear family friend started calling me Lurch in 1980 after I went through a particularly large growth spurt. That never left me. TP: For people familiar with the TV

show, how does is this story similar or different? JC Smith: I grew up with the movies and remember bits of the cartoon. I also saw the national tour of the Broadway production (which is slightly different than our version) and fell in love with the score and show then and there. The story still has all of your favorites: Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Fester, etc., but it moves ahead in time a bit. Wednesday is growing up, has a new love interest, and our audiences get to see just what happens when her new boyfriend’s “normal” family comes to have dinner with the Addams. Purists of the show, cartoon, comic strips, and movies will love seeing their old favorites on stage and in person, and newcomers to the Addams will love the music, the characters, and finally realize what they’ve been missing all their lives. TP: Who is the heart of the story? JCS: So many love stories are woven into this spider web of a show that to say one character of this story is the heart would be a true disservice to the rest. Fester [is the narrator] and leads us down this tale of love, fate, victory, loss, and family. TP: How has your role challenged you as an actor? Randy Forester: The thing that impresses me the most about Fester is that he is a true vaudevillian. The old song-anddance, lame one-liners, slapstick through and through. Creepy, yes, but absolutely wonderful, and the true heart of the Addams family, because he knows it’s love that holds a family together. It’s what being

a family is. You can’t help who you love and in the end it doesn’t really matter as long as you are true to that sentiment. Yep, Fester is a deep thinker and a philosopher, all wrapped up in one big comic bundle. KB: The question I’ve always pondered is, “What is Lurch?” A zombie (the old voodoo kind), a Frankenstein-type monster, or a ghoul? I’ve always gone with ghoul. And at the end of the day, he’s just a simple guy dedicated to serving the family, particularly the children. He’s a maid, cook, babysitter, general maintenance guy. He’s loyal to the death, assuming he isn’t already dead. I thought it would be a lazy actor role. I don’t sing until the end of the show, I have no dialogue except for the occasional groan, and I just walk around slowly. Easy, right? But it’s turned out to be one of the hardest roles I’ve ever done because I have to be still and walk slowly. I’m constantly moving in real life, but in the show, it takes every bit of concentration I have to be still. It’s exhausting. TP: What do you hope audience members will walk away with at the end of the show? JCS: [The Addams Family] is a family that has spanned generations and reminds us all that sometimes the best of people come in the strangest packages. “The Addams Family: A New Musical” Oct.16, 17, 7:30 p.m.; Oct. 17, 18, 2 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. chattanoogaonstage.com chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 13

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ARTS CALENDAR

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thursday10.15 Women & Business: Global vs. Local Noon Bessie Smith Cultural Center 200 E MLK Blvd. (423) 266-8658 essiesmithcc.org Homeschool Science Club 1 p.m. Creative Discovery Museum 321 Chestnut St. (423) 756-2738 cdmfun.org Third Thursday Classic Film Series: “Carnival of Souls” 2, 7 p.m. Heritage House 1428 Jenkins Rd. (423) 855-9474 Ooltewah Farmers Market 3 p.m. Ooltewah Nursery & Landscape Co. 5829 Main St. (423) 238-9775 ooltewahnursery.com Highland Commons Farmers Market 4 p.m. 2000 Union Ave. (423) 838-8904 Red Bank Farmers Market 4 p.m. Red Bank United Methodist Church 3800 Dayton Blvd. (423) 838-9804 Harvest for Hope Buccaneer’s Event 5:30 p.m. Privateer Yacht Club

14 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

Chattanooga Oktoberfest 4713 Privateer Rd. (423) 870-6880 harvesthope.org Photographic Society of Chattanooga Open House: Bill Fortney 6 p.m. St. John United Methodist Church 3921 Murray Rd. (423) 344-5643 chattanoogaphoto.org Teen Night: Art to Anime 6 p.m. Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org “Tales with a Twist” 6:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga 5600 Brainerd Rd.

Pulse Pick: Katt Williams Stand-up comedian, actor, rapper and prolific voice actor, Katt brings his "take no prisoners" style of comedy to Memorial Auditorium for an unforgettable show. Katt Williams Friday, 8 p.m. Memorial Auditorium 399 McCallie Ave. (423) 757-5156

(423) 667-0928 “33 Variations: A New Play” 7 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Nt Live: “Hamlet” 7 p.m. East Ridge 18 5080 S. Terrace carmike.com/events “Mystery of the Nightmare Office Party” 7 p.m. Vaudeville Café 200 Market St. (423) 266-6202 funnydinner.com D.J. Lewis and Corey Forrester 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd.

(423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

friday10.16 Homeschool Workshop: American Children 10 a.m. Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org St. Elmo Farmers Market 4 p.m. Incline Railway 3917 St. Elmo Ave. (423) 838-9804 lookoutfarmersmarket.com Chattanooga Oktoberfest 5 p.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1826 Reggie White Blvd. (423) 266-4041 chattanoogaoktoberfest.com Boo in the Zoo 5:30 p.m. Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. (423) 697-1319 chattzoo.org Paddling By Moonlight 6:30 p.m. Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center 400 Garden Rd. (423) 821-1160 reflectionriding.org “Mystery of Flight 138” 7 p.m. Vaudeville Café 200 Market St. (423) 266-6202

ARTS CALENDAR

Thursdays through Sundays

Paws in the Park funnydinner.com “The Addams Family” 7:30 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 642-8497 chattanoogaonstage.com D.J. Lewis and Corey Forrester 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com “33 Variations: A New Play” 8 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com Katt Williams 8 p.m. Memorial Auditorium 399 McCallie Ave. (423) 757-5156 chattanoogaonstage.com

saturday10.17 Chattanooga Oktoberfest 5K 8 a.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1826 Reggie White Blvd. (423) 266-4041 chattanoogaoktoberfest. com/5k Citizen Forester Class: Beginner 9 a.m. Greenway Farm 3010 Hamill Rd. (423) 634-6839 Tennessee Valley Railroad’s

Summerville Steam Special 9 a.m. Tennessee Valley Railroad 4119 Cromwell Rd. (423) 894-8020 tvrail.com Chickamauga Battlefield Bicycle Tour 9:30 a.m. Chickamauga Battlefield Lafayette Rd. (423) 643-6888 nps.gov/chch 7th Annual Car Show 10 a.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. (423) 843-6726 Birth and Wellness Expo 10 a.m. Camp Jordan 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy. (423) 490-0078 Brainerd Farmers Market 10 a.m. Grace Episcopal Church 20 Belvoir Ave. (423) 698-0330 saygrace.net Chattanooga River Market 10 a.m. Tennessee Aquarium 1 Broad St. (423) 267-3474 chattanoogarivermarket.com Chattanooga Oktoberfest 10 a.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1826 Reggie White Blvd. (423) 266-4041 chattanoogaoktoberfest.com Down Syndrome Society Buddy Walk 10 a.m.

AT&T Field 201 Power Aly. chattanoogadownsyndrome.org Northside Farmers Market 10 a.m. Northside Presbyterian Church 923 Mississippi Ave. (423) 266-7497 northsidepresbyterian.org St. Alban’s Farmers Market 10 a.m. St. Alban’s Church 7514 Hixson Pike (423) 842-1342 Goodlet Farm Festival & Authors Barn 331 Straight Gut Rd. Rock Springs, GA (423) 987-0473 projectkeepsake.com 2015 Chattanooga Walk for Childhood Apraxia of Speech 11:30 a.m. Chattanooga Riverpark Pavilion 3 4301 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 475-1915 casana.apraxia-kids.org Met LIVE: “Otello” 12:55 p.m. East Ridge 18 5080 S. Terrace carmike.com/events Fall Festival 1 p.m. Tyner United Methodist Church 6805 Standifer Gap Rd. (423) 892-0444 Houston Museum: “History Hunters” 1 p.m.

Houston Museum of Decorative Arts 201 High St. (423) 267-7176 thehoustonmuseum.org Paws in the Park 1 p.m. Ross’s Landing 100 Riverfront Pkwy. (423) 265-0771 heschatt.com Artful Yoga with Jimmy Urciolli 1:30 p.m. Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View (423) 267-0968 huntermuseum.org “The Addams Family” 2, 7:30 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 642-8497 chattanoogaonstage.com “The Little Prince” 2:30 p.m. The Highland Center 104 N. Tuxedo Ave. (423) 987-5141 The Rooftop Hop 4:30 p.m. Hunter Museum of American Art 10 Bluff View Ave. (423) 648-0963 therooftophop.com Trick or Trail 5 p.m. Enterprise S. Nature Prk. 8015 Volkswagen Dr. (423) 893-3500 Boo in the Zoo 5:30 p.m.

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ARTS CALENDAR

Paying you the most...

Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. (423) 697-1319 chattzoo.org “Mystery of the Facebook Fugitive” 5:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café 200 Market St. (423) 266-6202 funnydinner.com “Tales with a Twist” 6:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga 5600 Brainerd Rd. (423) 667-0928 D.J. Lewis and Corey Forrester 7:30 p.m., 9:45 p.m. The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com “33 Variations: A New Play” 8 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com “Mystery of the Redneck Italian Wedding” 8 p.m. Vaudeville Café 200 Market St. (423) 266-6202 funnydinner.com

sunday10.18 7 Bridges Marathon 7 a.m. Coolidge Park

16 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

7 Bridges Marathon 200 River St. sevenbridgesmarathon.com 4 Bridges Half Marathon 7:30 a.m. Coolidge Park 200 River St. sevenbridgesmarathon.com Chattanooga Oktoberfest 11 a.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1826 Reggie White Blvd. (423) 266-4041 chattanoogaoktoberfest.com “The Addams Family” 2 p.m. Tivoli Theatre 709 Broad St. (423) 642-8497 chattanoogaonstage.com “33 Variations: A New Play” 2:30 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre 400 River St. (423) 267-8534 theatrecentre.com “The Little Prince” 2:30 p.m. The Highland Center 104 N. Tuxedo Ave. (423) 987-5141 Boo in the Zoo 5:30 p.m. Chattanooga Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. (423) 697-1319 chattzoo.org D.J. Lewis and Corey Forrester 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233 thecomedycatch.com

monday10.19 Vector Illustration & Artwork with Affinity Designer 5:45 p.m. A.I.R. Labs 2601 Broad St. (423) 380-8089 Street Cycling 101 6 p.m. Outdoor Chattanooga 200 River St. (423) 643-6888 outdoorchattanooga.com Vintage Swing Dance 7 p.m. Clear Spring Yoga 17 N. Market St. (931) 982-1678 clearspringyoga.com There’s a Word for That with Nathan Bell 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org

tuesday10.20 Equal Opportunity Day Breakfast 7:30 a.m. The Chattanoogan 1201 S. Broad St. (423) 424-3400 Sales and Use Tax Class: How to Pass an Audit 8:30 a.m. Small Business Development INCubator 100 Cherokee Blvd. (423) 756-8668

East Brainerd Farmers Market 4 p.m. Audubon Acres 900 N.Sanctuary Rd. (423) 838-9804

wednesday10.21 Middle East Dance 10:30 a.m. Jewish Cultural Center 5461 N. Terrace (423) 493-0270 jewishchattanooga.com Main Street Farmers Market 4 p.m. 325 E. Main St. mainstfarmersmarket.com The Trail Running Film Festival 6 p.m. The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd. (319) 931-4131 thecamphouse.com Met LIVE: “Otello” (encore) 6:30 p.m. East Ridge 18 5080 S. Terrace carmike.com/events “Back to the Future” Parts 1 and 2 7 p.m. East Ridge 18 5080 S. Terrace Majestic 12 311 Broad St. carmike.com/events Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

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1.877.TENNONC | tnoncology.com chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 17

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18 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

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Halloween Guide super oddtober Be amazed at the superpowers of (real) creatures around us

into the void

Blowing Screams Farm is back and so are its (real?) creatures

plus haunted houses & HALLOWEEN events WHERE TO GO, WHAT TO SEE, WHEN TO SCREAM

your weekly guide to chattanooga's favorite halloween haunts chattanoogapulse.com • halloween guide • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 19

ODDtober Swims Up at the Aquarium By Brooke Dorn

ids and adults will have the chance to be dazzled by the incredible oddities swimming around the tanks this ODDtober at the Tennessee Aquarium. As Halloween approaches, superheroes from all over join together at our very own aquarium to go for a swim with special aquatic creatures. Spiderman, The Incredibles, Wonder Woman, and more are ready to get wet for a Super ODDtober. But these superheroes aren’t the only ones with superpowers! Each week in ODDtober, a new superhero creature will be featured for its amazing ability. First up are snapping turtles, which embody the power of super strength with their incredible chomping jaws that can snap the thickest objects. Experience an educational program as you look upon the Ninja Turtles, witnessing the odd capability this animal

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possesses. And don’t miss the demonstration of the powerful snapping turtle’s jaws as the educator feeds it some treats. Sharks and owls are armed with super senses, snakes with super mobility, and animals we think are so common they can’t possibly be super, such as crows and raccoons, fall into the category of super in-

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20 • The Pulse • October 15, 2015 • Halloween guide • chattanoogapulse.com

telligence. “We see them all the time because their intelligence has made them survivors,” says aquarium employee Sara Carlson. “Super survivors!” Watch the divers perform the truly odd art of underwater pumpkin carving on Saturdays at 11 a.m. As Halloween approaches, the aquarium becomes the AquaScarium on October 30 from 4 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Candy stations will be found throughout the building, as well as “Star Wars” characters, princesses, and aquarium mascots all dressed up, ready for the Monster Mash. The exhibits will be decorated, so don’t be shocked to find a skeleton fishing or hear Cajun campfire stories in the Swamp. Download the free TN Aquarium app to make sure you don’t miss a single exhibit, with reminder alerts available to make sure you make it on time. For more information, visit tnaqua/org/oddtober

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Next Dimension of Scary is in The VOID By Sam Hilling

Venture into the horror of an ominous alternate dimension.

re you ready to drop into your worst nightmare? Then Rock City’s Halloween special is waiting for you. Slide down into the depths of their haunted tunnels to visit the VOID at Blowing Screams Farm. The Farm is a haunt with a backstory. Ten years ago, a scientist named Virgil O’Maro found a portal into another dimension and made his way to the other side. Now he needs your help to fend off the Nihilum, otherworldly creatures who can only be repelled by infrared light, and to create an exit portal to escape the other realm and bring his research back to our world. To get to him, you’ll have to plummet down a slide into the dark, claustrophobic tunnels that house the terrible Nihilum and their horrifying world. Whether it be amid a jungle of bamboo or while you shy away from the fungus-riddled walls, behind every corner could

be a monster waiting to drag you into the depths and doom you and O’Maro forever. If you’re feeling squeamish, things in our dimension are a little safer. Face painting, snacks, a bonfire, and “Scarecrow Alley” are available outside, along with a kids’ maze made out of fresh pumpkins that you can choose from to take home at the end of the night. The Coca-Cola playground is free for kids to enjoy in case they want to stay out of the tunnels. Blowing Screams Farm opens at dark and accepts visitors until midnight, when the last groups are allowed through. General admission tickets are $16, and a joint ticket for both the daytime and nighttime mazes is $22. The Farm is located at 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd. just north of Flintstone, GA. Inclement weather may affect availability. Call (706) 820-3220 or visit their Facebook page for more information.

Can you withstand the terrors that wait inside the inconceivable Void? Go forth, if you dare with this warning;

Abandon every hope, all who enter the VOID….

Fridays and Saturdays through October 31st

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271 Chattanooga Valley Rd. Flintstone, GA 30725 • 706-820-2531 >>>Due to the extreme nature of these attractions, parental discretion is advised.

chattanoogapulse.com • halloween guide • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 21

Haunted Houses & Halloween Events Acres of Darkness: Haunted Trail & Family Adventures Chattanooga Audubon Acres 900 N. Sanctuary Rd. (423) 892-1499 Fridays & Saturdays, Oct. 16-31 Tickets: $15; $5 off for CAS members acresofdarkness.com Asylum’s CarnEvil 527 W. Inman Rd. Cleveland, TN (423) 473-9668 Oct. 23-24 & 29-31 Tickets: $10 Oct. 23-29 and $12 Oct. 30&31 Blowing Screams Farm 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd., Flintstone, GA Fridays & Saturdays Oct 3-31 Tickets: $16 blowingscreamsfarm.com Boo in the Zoo 301 N. Holtzclaw Ave. Fridays & Saturdays Oct. 16-17, 23-24, 30-31 Tickets: $8.95 adults, $5.95 children, free ages 2-under Half off for members chattzoo.org Demise Haunted House 3801 Ringgold Rd. Fridays-Sundays in Oct. Tickets: $20 demisehauntedhouse.com Enchanted Maize 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd., Flintstone, Ga Thursdays-Sundays,

Sept. 24-Nov. 1 Tickets: $10 all ages, Free ages 3-under; $20 combo ticket blowingspringsfarm.com Fall Hayrides & Campfires at Cloudland Canyon 122 Cloudland Canyon Park Rd. Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, & 31 Tickets: $5 adults, $3 children, free 2 and under gastateparks.org Halloween Eerie Express 4199 Cromwell Rd. Oct. 10, 16-17, 23-24 & 30 Tickets: $22 ages 2 & up tvrail.com Halloween Spooktacular 930 Mountain Shadows Dr. Lookout Mt. KOA Oct. 16-18 & 23-24 Tickets: Rates Vary koa.com/campgrounds/ lookout-mtn-west The Haunted Barn 5017 McDonald Rd., McDonald, TN Fridays & Saturdays in Oct. Tickets: $20 all ages thehauntedbarnchattanooga. com Haunted Cavern Ruby Falls 1720 South Scenic Hwy. Fridays-Sundays in Oct. Tickets: $23 (Fri.), $25 (Sat.), $21 (Sun) hauntedcavern.com Haunted Hilltop 8235 Hwy. 58, Harrison, TN

Fridays & Saturdays in Oct. Tickets: $20 for everything or $15 per attraction thehauntedhilltop.com Haunted Trail 257 Hwy 307 E. Athens, TN Fridays and Saturdays Oct. 1-31 Tickets: $13 mayfieldmaze.com Lake WinnepeSPOOKah 1730 Lakeview Dr. Fridays & Saturdays in Oct. Tickets: $22 ages 3-54 lakewinnie.com/spookah Mystery Dog Ranch Haunted Ranch & Hayride 975 Wooten Rd. Ringgold, GA Oct. 16-17, 23-24, & 30-31 Tickets: $12 mysterydoghauntedranchandhayride.com Post-Mortem Haunted Trail 200 Natures Trl SW Cleveland, TN Saturdays & Sundays Oct. 3-31 Tickets: $10 opening weekend, $15 after teamtwiste5.wix.com Pumpkin Smash at Crabtree Farms 1000 E. 30th St. Oct. 24 Tickets: Free crabtreefarms.org Ringgold Haunted Depot 155 Depot St.,

22 • The Pulse • October 15, 2015 • Halloween guide • chattanoogapulse.com

Ringgold, Ga. Oct. 9-10, 16-17, & 23-24 Tickets: $15 for all ages cityofringgold.com The River Maze 1371 Hwy. 64 Cleveland, TN Friday-Sunday Sept. 26-Nov. 1 Tickets: $10 therivermaze.com Rock City Gardens’ Rocktoberfest 1400 Patten Rd. Oct. 17-18, & 24-25 Tickets: $19.95 for adults, $11.95 for kids seerockcity.com Shocktober Nights 490 County Rd. 67 Riceville, TN Oct. 17, 23-24, & 30-31 Tickets: $16.50 tnpumpkinfarm.com Tennessee Aquarium’s AquaScarium & ODDtober Events 1 Broad St. Oct. 30 Tickets: $40 for adults, $30 for children tnaqua.org McKamey BARKtober Fest and MEOWlloween Party 4500 N. Access Rd. Oct. 24 Tickets: Free ($13 cat adoptions and $31 dog adoptions) mckameyanimalcenter.org Color Me Pumpkin Fun Run

285 Main St. Dayton, TN Oct. 31 Tickets: $45 adults, $20 youth rheaofhopefriends.org Trick or Treat at Hamilton Place 2100 Hamilton Place Blvd. Oct. 31 Tickets: Free hamiltonplace.com Trick or Treat at Northgate Mall 271 Northgate Mall Oct. 31 Tickets: Free visitnorthgatemall.com Trunk or Treat at Abba’s House 5208 Hixson Pk. Oct. 28 Tickets: Free abbashouse.com Trunk or Treat at Balance Studios 11 Peak St. Oct. 31 Tickets: Free thisbalance.com Trunk or Treat at New Salem Baptist Church 9806 Dallas Hollow Rd. Oct. 31 Tickets: Free newsalembalance.net Trunk or Treat at Oakwood 4501 Bonny Oaks Dr. Oct. 31 Tickets: Free oakwoodchattanooga.com

Diversions

Consider This with Dr. Rick by Rick Pimental-Habib, Ph.D. “I don’t fly-fish to escape from life’s little problems … I fly-fish to remind myself how little life’s problems are.”— Unknown How easy it is to get caught up in our daily dramas, right? I was watching a TV show recently in which a young couple, maybe in their early 30s, was looking to buy a house. They had a million dollars to spend—that’s right, one million—and as they looked at one of several mansions, the wife became quite dismayed over the color of the shower tile. Talk about a “First World” problem. Let’s remember that there is “real” drama—let’s say cancer, poverty, overpopulation, global warming … for starters. And there’s “created” drama—oh, like the wrong bathroom tile. As we discern the real from the created, we may find that we humans can be a fickle bunch. Now and then, perhaps a little fly-fishing, or a walk in the woods, volunteering at the community kitchen, or simply counting one’s blessings, would help keep life in perspective. chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 23

MUSIC SCENE

Genki Genki Panic Rides Wave Of Weird Wonderfulness

Stand Up for The Revivalists Revelry Room hosts New Orleans rock hybrid sound When you first hear the passion of The Revivalists with their seven-member band, it’s hard not to tap your foot. It’s an electrifying sound that sticks with you. Their Americana-style, complete with guitar, drums, pedal steel guitar, bass, saxophone, keyboard, and trumpet comes together with the sultry vocals of frontman David Shaw. While every song is one to listen to, each one has its own personality. The song “Stand Up” is upbeat and infectious, one you would definitely move to, while songs like “Navigate Below” and “Keep Going” are for those afternoon chill sessions when the day is done and you want to unwind. Their range is vast, covering a whole spectrum of emotions in ev-

ery new song they produce. With a sound that could be described as a more refined version of the band Hozier, The Revivalists definitely have a bright future ahead of them with their groovy beats and warm lyrics. The band will be performing Friday, Oct. 16 at 9 p.m. at the Revelry Room, 41 E. 14th St.. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15, or at the door for $18. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show is 18 and up. revelryroom.co — Brooke Dorn The Revivalists Friday, 9 p.m. Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co

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The Charlie Fog Band

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Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead with all your tie-dyed friends, as Charlie and the guys jam out to all your favorites. 10 p.m. Clyde’s on Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com

It couldn't be Oktoberfest without a good polka band, now could it? Certainly not! Time to grab your lederhosen and head to the Southside. 10 a.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com

Rick Rushing, Dakari & Friends Add one more downtown venue to the list of places to see local live music, as the Bluewater Grille gets the blues (in a good way). 6 p.m. Bluewater Grille 224 Broad St. bluewaterchattanooga.com

24 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

Vaya Con Diabolos takes the masked ones beyond surf-horror rock

t has been five months since I first wrote about Chattanooga’s premier surf-horror group, Genki Genki Panic, and the luchadores de la guitarra have some new moves, a new EP and, in the best wrestling tradition, a secret weapon. The EP is Vaya Con Diabolos and it is a glowing testament to the effort the men in masks have put into refining their already hot sound.

Music MARC T. MICHAEL

“

I’d call it a ‘match made in heaven’ if the song didn’t sound like what should be on stage in the very best bar hell has to offer.”

With the advent of this collection of tunes I find I am less inclined to refer to them as a surf band, despite the fact that they self-identify that way. There is no doubt that’s where they started, but, intentionally or not, they have broadened their sound in a way that transcends the genre. The opening track, “Spiderwalk,” is a good example. It starts out just as “Ventures-like” and surfy as you could want (although the opening chord voicings sound a little Robyn Hitchcock) but as the song progresses, so does its complexity and expressiveness. A halfbluesy/half acid-rock guitar solo at the end of the song is definitely somewhere beyond the outer limits of surf. To carry my, “They are more than what they say they are” hypothesis a little further, much of the music on this EP brings to mind and old favorite, Shadowy Men on a Shadowy Planet. This is the band best remembered for creating the opening music to “The Kids In The Hall” TV show. Frequently referred to as a “surf band,” the members of the group eschew that label so completely it led to

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TRACK29.CO FOR SCHEDULE REVELRYROOM.CO FOR INFO HALLOWEEN SHOWS! the release of the single, “We’re Not a F***ing Surf Band.” SMSP thinks of themselves as an “instrumental rock band” and I’d be inclined to call Genki Genki the same—were it not for the titular track two and their secret weapon. “Vaya Con Diabolos” is one of the most outstanding tracks I’ve heard anywhere in a while. The mildly distorted guitar arpeggios give it a classic feel right off the bat. But when the organ solo kicks in about halfway through, it is pure gold, a worthy homage (intentional or not) to the Animals’ “House of the Rising Sun,” albeit a considerably slower, smoldering homage. That being said, the vocals are what take this song from, “Hey, that’s really good” status to “Hey, this is one of the best tracks I’ve heard all year” territory. Yes, vocals. The one and only Bethany Kidd of River City Hustlers makes a guest appearance as the vocalist on this track and the result is incredible. I’d call it a “match made in heaven” if the song didn’t sound like what should be on stage in the very best bar hell has to offer. It is a wicked, soulful tune that ought to be played over one of those extended closing segments “American Horror Story” is so fond of. I firmly believe that Genki Genki

shouldn’t completely reinvent themselves; they don’t need to stray too far from their surf roots, but songs like this demonstrate just how accomplished and versatile these musicians are. I sincerely hope they do more. Once again I’ve written so much about half a disc I’ve left no room to discuss the other half, but I can at least squeeze in that the two remaining tunes, “Fly” and “Soul Crusher” serve to reinforce the notion that the boys in Genki Genki Panic are the best at what they do. The frenetic “Fly” is classic Genki and over too soon; “Soul Crusher” is melodic and moody and, dammit man, the whole EP is just amazing. There are a few opportunities to check out one of the most weirdly wonderful bands in the area. Genki Genki has upcoming shows Saturday, Oct. 17 at the Marietta Zombie Walk and then later that same night at JJ’s Bohemia for Wrestlehemia. On Friday, Oct. 23, they’ll be at Burnt Hickory Brewery in Marietta. El Chancho himself will be filling in on guitar for the return of River City Hustlers at Ziggy’s on Oct. 24 (oh please, please, please wear the mask…) and finally the band be releasing their new CD on Friday, Oct. 30 at Ziggy’s with special guests Mudsex and La Basura Del Diablo.

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10/16

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THE REVIVALISTS

10/17

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MADDIE & TAE

10/20 REV 10/21

REV

10/28 REV 10/29

T29

10/30 T29

PIGEONS PLAYING PING PONG LEFTOVER SALMON THE SUFFERS DAVID NAIL THIRD EYE BLIND

10/31

T29

MOON TAXI

10/31

REV

SOUL MECHANIC

11/3

REV

ALLEN STONE

11/4

T29

FLUX PAVILION

11/5

REV

PAUL THORN BAND

11/6

REV

YACHT ROCK REVUE

11/7

REV

TOADIES

11/8

T29

LETTUCE

11/12

T29

DREW HOLCOMB & THE NEIGHBORS

3 WAYS TO PURCHASE TICKETS TRACK29.CO • REVELRYROOM.CO • (423) 521-2929 BOX OFFICE IS OPEN 10AM - 6PM EVERY FRIDAY chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 25

Sunday • October 18

MUSIC CALENDAR

Tuesday • October 20

thursday10.15

Thursday • October 15 UV-TV

Friday • October 16 Wrestlehemia

Saturday • October 17 Wrestlehemia

Chillhowie Royal · Crumbsnatchers Comedy Buffet w/ Caleb Syran

Friday & Saturday • Oct 23-24 JJ’s Bohemia Nine Year Anniversary Party!!!!

JJ’s Bohemia • 231Blvd. E MLK Blvd. JJ’s Bohemia • 231 E MLK 423.266.1400 • jjsbohemia.com 423.266.1400 • jjsbohemia.com

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James Crumble Trio 6 p.m. St. John’s Meeting Place 1278 Market St. stjohnsrestaurant.com Rick Rushing, Dakari & Friends 6 p.m. Bluewater Grille 224 Broad St. bluewaterchattanooga.com The Oom-Pah Sisters 6 p.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com Prime Country Band 6:30 p.m. Ringgold Nutrition Center 144 Circle Dr., Ringgold (706) 935-2541 Live Bluegrass 6:30 p.m. Whole Foods Market 301 Manufacturers Rd. wholefoodsmarket.com Eclectic Jam Session 7 p.m. The Camp House 149 E. MLK Blvd. thecamphouse.com The House Band 7 p.m. End Zone 3658 Ringgold Rd. (423) 661-8020 Bluegrass and Country Jam 7 p.m. Grace Nazarene Church 6310 Dayton Blvd.

26 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

chattanoogagrace.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Jesse James & Tim Neal 7 p.m. Mexi Wings VII 5773 Brainerd Rd. (423) 296-1073 Erin Medley 7 p.m. Greenway Farms 5051 Gann Store Rd. outdoorchattanooga.com Brett Dennen 9 p.m. Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co Open Mic with Mark Andrew

Pulse Pick: Don Alder Winner of the 2011 Worldwide Guitar Idol, 2010 Guitar Superstar contest and 2007 International Fingerstyle Championships. Don Alder Saturday, 8 p.m. Charles and Myrtle’s Coffehouse 105 McBrien Rd. (423) 892-4960 christunity.org

9 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com UV-TV 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

friday10.16 Jason Thomas and the Mean-Eyed Cats 5 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. choochoo.com Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd.

elmesonrestaurant.com Binji Varsossa 6 p.m. Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Lounge 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Dale Ann Bradley 7 p.m. Mountain Arts Community Center 809 Kentucky Ave., Signal Mountain, TN signalmacc.org Wits-End 7 p.m. The Pub on Frazier 346 Frazier Ave. (423) 668-8273 Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Tim Lewis 7 p.m. El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Mandolin Orange 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Priscilla & Lil Rickee 8:30 p.m. The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Scott James Stambaugh 9 p.m. The Office 901 Carter St. (inside

Day’s Inn) citycafemenu.com Roughwork 9 p.m. World of Beer 412 Market St. worldofbeer.com The Revivalists 9 p.m. Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co “50th Anniversary of the Grateful Dead” with The Charlie Fog Band 10 p.m. Clyde’s on Main 122 W. Main St. clydesonmain.com Wrestlehemia 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

saturday10.17 Chattanooga Oktoberfest (The Wurstbrats) 10 a.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com The Musik Meisters 11 a.m., 12:30, 2:30, 4 p.m. Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Live on the Big Nine: The Power Players, Stratton Tingle 3 p.m.

401 E. MLK Blvd. jazzanooga.org Rooftop Hop 4:30 p.m. The Chattanooga Lookouts 201 Power Alley therooftophop.com Jason Thomas and the Mean-Eyed Cats 5 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo 1400 Market St. choochoo.com Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Meson 2204 Hamilton Place Blvd. elmesonrestaurant.com Binji Varsossa 6 p.m. Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Lounge 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461 Gold City, The Kingsmen, The Triumphant Quartet, The Perrys, Appointed Quartet 6:30 p.m. Memorial Auditorium 399 McCallie Ave. chattanoogaonstage.com Tim Lewis 7 p.m. El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonchattanooga.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Don Alder

8 p.m. Charles and Myrtle’s Coffehouse 105 McBrien Rd. (423) 892-4960 christunity.org Priscilla & Lil Rickee 8:30 p.m. The Foundry 1201 Broad St. chattanooganhotel.com Maddie & Tae 9 p.m. Track 29 1400 Market St. track29.co Mark Andrew 10 p.m. The Office 901 Carter St. (inside Day’s Inn) citycafemenu.com Wrestlehemia 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

sunday10.18 Chattanooga Oktoberfest (The Wurstbrats) 10 a.m. First Tennessee Pavilion 1829 Carter St. chattanoogamarket.com African Children’s Choir 10:30 a.m. Burks United Methodist Church 6433 Hixson Pike (423) 842-4219

MUSIC CALENDAR

Maddie & Tae

burks.org The Musik Meisters 11 a.m., 12:30, 2:30, 4 p.m. Rock City 1400 Patten Rd. seerockcity.com Gospel Soul & Brunch 1:30 p.m. Bessie Smith Cultural Center 200 E. MLK Blvd. bessiesmithcc.org CSO String Quartet 2:30 p.m. First Christian Church 650 McCallie Ave. (423) 267-4506 Greg Bryant’s Concurrence 3 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Open Mic with Jeff Daniels 6 p.m. Long Haul Saloon 2536 Cummings Hwy. (423) 822-9775 Chilhowie Royal, Crumbsnatchers 10 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia 231 E. MLK Blvd. jjsbohemia.com

901 Carter St. Inside City Café (423) 634-9191

Thursday, October 15: 9pm Open Mic with Mark Andrew Friday, October 16: 9pm Scott James Stambaugh Saturday, October 17: 10pm Mark Andrew Tuesday, October 20: 7pm Server/Hotel Appreciation Night $5 Pitchers $2 Wells $1.50 Domestics ●

●

Wednesday, October 21: 8pm Blues Night feat. Yattie Westfield

#1 Desserts! Voted “Best of the Best” 901 Carter Street

citycafemenu.com/the-ofﬁce

$10 Ladies Day Special every Monday 4115 Shallowford Rd www.superiorhandcarwash.com

monday10.19 Courtney Daly Band 6 p.m. Mellow Mushroom 2318 Lifestyle Way mellowmushroom.com Children’s Open Mic 6:30 p.m.

chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 27

DALE ANN BRADLEY

Friday, October 16th @ 7 p.m. A Five-Time IBMA Female Bluegrass Vocalist of the Year winner! Advance Tickets: $15, Seniors: $12, Children (12 & under) $8 Special Guests The Mountain Cove Bluegrass Band opens the show Mountain Arts Community Center • 809 Kentucky Ave, Signal Mountain, TN For more information: (423) 886-1959 or online at signalmacc.org

Celebrate Life. Eat Well.

MUSIC CALENDAR

The Mountain Arts Community Center presents...

The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. # 8 wellonthesouthside.com Monday Nite Big Band 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Southlander 7 p.m. End Zone 3658 Ringgold Rd. (423) 661-8020 Very Open Mic 8 p.m. The Well 1800 Rossville Blvd. # 8 wellonthesouthside.com There’s A Word For That: Nathan Bell and Special Guests 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org

tuesday10.20

2213 Hamilton Place Boulevard • Open 7 Days (423) 899-5341 • www.acropolisgrill.com

Locally Owned and Operated for 20 Years

28 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

Bill McCallie & In Cahoots 6:30 p.m. Southern Belle Riverboat 201 Riverfront Pkwy. chattanoogariverboat.com Open Mic with Mike McDade 8 p.m. Tremont Tavern 1203 Hixson Pike tremonttavern.com Pigeons Playing Ping Pong 9 p.m. Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co

Pigeons Playing Ping Pong

wednesday10.21 Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Meson 248 Northgate Park elmesonrestaurant.com The Other Guys, No Big Deal 6 p.m. SpringHill Suites 495 Riverfront Pkwy. (423) 834-9300 Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room 6925 Shallowford Rd. thepalmsathamilton.com Courtney Daly Band 7 p.m. End Zone 3658 Ringgold Rd. (423) 661-8020 Wednesday Night Jazz 8 p.m. Barking Legs Theater 1307 Dodds Ave. barkinglegs.org Blues Night with Yattie Westfield 8 p.m. The Office @ City Cafe 901 Carter St. citycafemenu.com Leftover Salmon 9 p.m. Revelry Room 41 E. 14th St. revelryroom.co Map these locations on chattanoogapulse. com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@chattanoogapulse.com

Record Reviews

ernie paik

Supernatural Unease, A Salute To Kiwi Pop Damon & Gray tap into paranoia, The Mantles radiate bittersweet sunshine

Tyler Damon & Darin Gray ...Oninbo (Yoke)

n the graphic novel In the Shadow of No Towers, Art Spiegelman used—to illustrate the post-9/11 constantparanoia mindset—the example of “waiting for the other shoe to drop.” It’s where an apartment dweller takes off one shoe before going to bed and awakens the person living directly beneath by dropping it to the floor; knowing that eventually, the other shoe will also be dropped, the person lies awake with great uneasiness. That is the precise mood that is captured on the album

brewer media

The Mantles All Odds End (Slumberland)

...Oninbo by the improvising duo of percussionist Tyler Damon and electric bassist/percussionist Darin Gray. While a normal rock song might have cycles of mounting tension and release, on the largely abstract ...Oninbo the listener comes to the realization that there is no release, only tension. Once that expectation is lifted, the listener may realize that it’s all about embracing the fear that is being conveyed. On “Creeping Oninbo,” Damon weaves his sonic web with constant scratches

and pin-pricks with insistent brushed drums, rolls and cymbal sweeps, evoking a sense of impending doom; Gray’s unclassifiable bass tones have a spooky, supernatural quality to them. Other tracks feature prominent percussion clangs, in disorienting layers; rather than simple Morse-code hits to the metal, there’s a sort of circular quality to the playing, suggesting cascades and whirlpools. “Silent Water” offers more organization than the other tracks, with discrete notes tapped out in loose patterns on what sounds like a haunted Indonesian gamelan orchestra, and it’s also notable for its use of space and sense of anticipation to generate a different kind of tension. The closing 11-minute “I Must Admit, It Has Destroyed Me” is a bundle of nerves, like a stroll through a scorchedearth landscape of valleys and peaks with an ambiguous conclusion; it’s not about happy endings or sad endings but the demanding present time.

he new album All Odds End from the California five-piece indie-pop outfit The Mantles sports a deceptively breezy attitude—when needed, it can deliver a substantial, meaty punch, both musically and lyrically. Offhand, the group led by singer/guitarist Michael Olivares seems to owe a lot to Kiwi pop from the ’80s, and bassist Matt Bullimore happens to be a native of New Zealand. In particular, it may appeal to fans of The Clean; Olivares’ voice has an uncanny similarity to that of The Clean’s front man David Kilgour, and at times Virginia Weatherby’s spirited drumming even resembles the motorikvia-Moe-Tucker drumming of The Clean’s drummer Hamish Kilgour, like on the opening track “Island.” Lyrically, All Odds End has loose themes of comings and goings, geography and isolation, and despite the perky rock-pop jangle of many tracks, there are some unexpected biting moments. For

example, in “Hate to See You Go,” the title is revealed to be a sarcastic remark after the listener hears lines like “Every time you’re given the chance to smile, you smile until it becomes malicious.” “Time to Come Away” is ambiguous enough to suggest that a man who “couldn’t stop screaming” was institutionalized, with a musical sparkle that belies its pessimism and cynicism. “Police My Love” uses joyous and vibrant outbursts and a strum-happy style, enhanced with organ flourishes, masking the story of the desperate, love-starved protagonist told plainly. If you were raised on issues of the zine Chickfactor, C86 British pop, Flying Nun Records and ’90s indie-pop, The Mantles’ bittersweet sunshine on All Odds End will likely appeal to your tastes. It’s not music that is earthshaking or revelatory; however, its execution is engaging, and its lyrics are simple yet penetrating, with the whole package never being less than a pleasure.

Chattanooga’s Greatest Hits

everywhere. every day.

chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 29

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5425 HWY 153, Suite B4 • Hixson, Tennessee (423) 805-3773 • facebook.com/freshpotcafe 30 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

Beef... It's What's For Dinner Chef Mike extols the wonders of dryaged beef, in all its meaty goodness however, didn’t produce the big flaThe first cool nights of fall and the vors of dry aging and, over time, conemergence of winter clothes from sumers’ palates forgot that beef was their mothball-laden cocoon trigsupposed to taste, well...beefy. gers a particular region in my brain Most beef today is “wet aged” (althat longs for the blackened sear and though not necessarily deliberately) mouthwatering aroma that only comes for a very short pefrom a sizzling slab of riod of time in plastic medium-rare beef. shrink-wrap while it I know, I know, we’re waits to be sold in your supposed to be collarlocal supermarket. bone-deep in pumpMakes your mouth wakin spice by now, but MIKE McJUNKIN ter, doesn’t it? I’m not just yearning Dry-aged beef, on the other hand, for any old beef. I’m craving the comis allowed to sit in carefully controlled plex flavors and buttery tenderness conditions under cool temperatures that bathes your tongue—nay, your and relatively high humidity for sevvery soul—with the juicy sweetness eral weeks up to a couple of months. and nutty savoriness that comes from These conditions allow enzymes to the holy manna of the meat kingdom. do their magic and turn a high-quality I’m talking about dry-aged beef. steak into a magical meat masterpiece. Believe it or not, meat sliced fresh Enzymes are essentially molecules from the cow is not necessarily best that can break down bland building when it comes to getting the most blocks like proteins, carbohydrates, flavor out of a steak. When a cow is and fats into things like glutamate, for first slaughtered, its beef is considexample (the “G” in our good friend ered “green.” Not green as in a raging MSG). The result is a complex kamass of E. coli, but green as in wood leidoscope of flavors that no cooking from a freshly cut tree. Green beef is method can generate on its own. tough, bland, and susceptible to being Dry aging also causes beef to lose dry when cooked. between five and ten percent of its Prior to the late ’50s or early ’60s, water in the process. This decrease most beef was dry aged. But then in moisture means the flavor-holding vacuum packing came along and protissues become more concentrated, cessors found that by aging beef in a which concentrates the flavors themvacuum-sealed package they wouldn’t selves. This doesn’t mean dry-aged experience the loss of weight that ocmeat will be dry. Quite the contrary, curs with dry aging. This process,

Sushi & Biscuits

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2 drafts

Grasshopper. It will be as succulent and juicy as ever, but those juices will be full of more flavor than Padma Lakshmi’s spice rack. Dry-aged beef is obviously expensive to produce. That’s no surprise if you’ve ever stood paralyzed by the price tag on a La Freida 50-day ribeye. The solution for the budgetconscious carnivore: Dry age your own. Start by buying the best quality boneless beef rib or loin roast you can afford from a butcher or farmer you know and trust (you can’t age individual steaks), then rinse and pat it dry with paper towels. Use a dedicated fridge to dry age your beef and clean it like Howie Mandel on an OCD bender. It needs to be really sanitary. A dorm fridge works great, but your family fridge will never be clean enough and it gets opened and closed too much to retain the steady temperature and humidity that are necessary. You’re looking for about 60 percent humidity and 35° (+/- 3°) temperature. Don’t trim the fat cap. That layer of fat will protect the meat, and once it’s aged, you can peel it off, and everything underneath will be beauti-

fully aged and preserved. Wrap the meat loosely in three layers of cheesecloth or an immaculately clean dishtowel and set it on a rack over a rimmed tray on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator—that’s the coldest spot. Be sure to change the moisture-soiled towels as needed throughout the duration of the aging process. Refrigerate for three to 14, maybe even 21 days; the longer the beef ages, the better it tastes. Once it’s aged the desired time, or you’ve begun to quiver in anticipation like Ralphie on Christmas morning, unwrap the meat and, with a sharp knife, shave off the hard, dried outer layer of the meat and the fat cap, leaving behind as much of the good fat as possible. Roast whole or cut into steaks and try not to howl like “Lassie” Honeywell when you take that first magical bite. Longtime food writer and professional chef Mike McJunkin is a native Chattanoogan who has trained chefs, owned and operated restaurants, and singlehandedly increased Chattanooga’s meat consumption statistics for three consecutive years. Join him on Facebook at facebook.com/SushiAndBiscuits

and sundays catch all the football action on our big screens FREE TO PLAY EACH WEEK

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chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 31

SCREEN SCENE

I Wanted “Malala” And Ended Up With “Deathgasm”

The Fall of the House of Otello

Stymied by parking, our reviewer trades uplift for depravity

Verdi's triumphant opera comes to the big screen Help celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Metropolitan Opera’s award-winning series The Met: Live in HD with a stunning performance of Verdi’s “Otello” live at Camike’s East Ridge theatres this Saturday. Verdi’s masterful “Otello” matches Shakespeare’s play in tragic intensity. Director Bartlett Sher probes the Moor’s dramatic downfall with an outstanding cast. Tenor Aleksandrs Antonenko plays the doomed Otello; new soprano star Sonya Yoncheva sings Desdemona, Otello’s innocent wife and victim; and baritone Željko Lu-

✴✴✴✴

cic plays the evil Iago, who masterminds Otello’s demise. Dynamic maestro Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducts. “Magnificence worthy of the Met…Yannick Nézet-Séguin led a performance of cracking intensity… Aleksandrs Antonenko sang brilliantly.” — Financial Times The Met Live in HD: “Otello” Saturday, 12:55 p.m. Carmike East Ridge 18 5080 S. Terrace (423) 855-9652 carmike.com

NEW IN THEATERS

Goosebumps A teenager teams up with the daughter of young adult horror author R.L. Stine after the writer's imaginary demons are set free on the town of Greendale, Maryland. Director: Rob Letterman Stars: Jack Black, Dylan Minnette, Odeya Rush, Ryan Lee

✴✴✴✴

Crimson Peak In the aftermath of a family tragedy, an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider and ends up in a very strange house. Director: Guillermo del Toro Stars: Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, Charlie Hunnam

32 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

went to the movies this past weekend hoping to be inspired. There are several theaters in the Chattanooga area and only one of them was playing “He Named Me Malala,” the documentary about the exceptional Malala Yousafzai, 2014’s winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Screen john devore

“

I could have used more character moments like the shared revulsion of all things Poison related or the inability to distinguish between the Lord of Darkness and soft, glossy fabrics.”

I was hoping to spend part of my afternoon learning about the strength of a young woman who stood up to religious fanatics for the sake of female education. Every interview I’ve seen with her has been touching and heartening, a powerful testament to the triumph of the human spirit. However, of all things, parking thwarted my best intentions. I circled the blocks surrounding the Majestic several times, only to find the parking garage full, the streets lined with cars (or blocked off by new curbs for bike lanes to serve a proportionally low percentage of cyclists in Chattanooga when compared to the number of drivers), and every Republic lot full. With nowhere to leave my vehicle, I took to the highway and returned to the safety of my basement for a decidedly different experience. Rather than reveling in the soaring nobility of human perseverance, I wallowed in the violent depravity of “Deathgasm,” the final film being shown at Mise En Scenester’s Frightening Ass Film Festival.

Some days just turn out differently than you expect. “Deathgasm” is a New Zealand film directed by Jason Lei Howden about a high school metal band inadvertently summoning eternal darkness to their small, insignificant town. It is a typical high school outcast film, complete with romantic misunderstandings, subgroup humor, and fundamentalist ribbing. Oh, and it also features a perfectly acceptable level of decapitation, disembowelment, and angry, demonic howling. In my previous article, I described the film as “Evil Dead” meets “This Is Spinal Tap,” and on some levels, this is an apt comparison. However, at no point does “Deathgasm” meet the high standards set by either of those films. The film aims be funny and succeeds quite often, but “Evil Dead” also managed to be unnerving, if not downright scary, in certain places, whereas “Deathgasm” is more interested in winking at the camera to let us in on the joke. Where it fails is in its commitment

“The camera occasionally takes the role of antagonist, allowing the audience to see from the perspective of one of the possessed as they attack the characters, which adds another level of engagement to an already engaging film.” to the characters—we never get a real sense of the band members as people, beyond their simplified roles. Compare this film with another New Zealand based horror/comedy “What We Do in the Shadows.” This film works because the characters are well developed. While each vampire represents a stereotypical vampire type, the actors breathe a certain amount of life into them, giving them relatable qualities that allow the audience to connect with the characters. “Deathgasm” doesn’t give the actors time to sink into their characters before leaping into the demonic mayhem that is necessary to move the plot

forward. Keep in mind, however, that “What We Do in the Shadows” is stylistically a “mockumentary” film in the style of “This Is Spinal Tap” or “The Office,” which frees up the filmmakers to characterize through talking-head style interviews. “Deathgasm” doesn’t have that luxury, and therefore must tell the story using more traditional methods. Still, I could have used more character moments like the shared revulsion of all things Poison related or the inability to distinguish between the Lord of Darkness and soft, glossy fabrics. The strengths in the film are derived from the direction by Howden,

who was clearly inspired by “Evil Dead”-style techniques. As with “Evil Dead,” the camerawork is almost a character in itself. The camera occasionally takes the role of antagonist, allowing the audience to see from the perspective of one of the possessed as they attack the characters, which adds another level of engagement to an already engaging film. Additionally, Howden injects some highly entertaining, hilarious moments into the tension of the action scenes that we don’t normally see in a bloody horror film (gas-powered tools never seem to work on pull, do they?). While the film isn’t perfect by any stretch of the imagination, it’s easy to see that there is talent behind the scenes and likely more good films to follow. “Deathgasm” is the type of film that needs to be seen with an audience. Most comedies are better when experienced with a group than alone. Luckily, Chattanooga has that opportunity on Halloween. See it with a friend or two.

chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 33

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34 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

Great Things Are Brewing On The Southside Chattanooga Bewing Company continues to expand and innovate When I want to relax with myself so as to not emgood friends, great food and barrass anyone, but any excellent beer, the only place foodie would understand to fit the bill for me is Chatthis was hard to do. It’s tanooga Brewing Company. never an easy decision at The relaxed atCBC, with mosphere and an amazing Dining Out casual seating selection of allow gatherings appetizers, heather vega of any size to salads and enjoy the delicious craft brew. sandwiches to choose One of my favorite items on from. the menu is the “Freddy BrewThe Chattanooga ger.” The “Freddy Brewger” Brewing Company serves is always a pleasant surprise, a nice selection of the as the kitchen staff creates a beer they make. I find new sandwich each week that pleasure in pairing just includes one of the select craft the right beer with my beers as an ingredient, served meal. I know if I come on local Bluff View Bakery here in a fickle mood bread. The sheer excitement and cannot decide what of knowing this week’s burger I want to drink, there is made with one of their speare always the “Flight cialty dark beers and bacon, Selections,” which are creating a candied bacon jam five 4-oz. samples of my to top the burger was enough choosing. Once I decide to make me shed a tear of joy. on a pairing for my meal, I also learned their OktoberI am never disappointed. fest beer was available on tap, I find comfort knowing which inspired a happy dance this is a local brewery that in my chair. I tried to contain uses only natural ingredi-

Chattanooga Brewing Co. 1804 Chestnut St. Chattanooga, TN 37405 (423) 702-9958

Mo-Th: 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri-Sat: 11 a.m. - Midnight Sunday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

www.chattabrew.com

“Chattanooga Brewing Company offers more than great craft beer and delicious food. There is fun to be had each night of the week. ” ents in their delicious beers. (And never fear if you are a wine drinker—feel free to bring in your own bottle of your favorite wine to enjoy for a small corkage fee.) Chattanooga Brewing Company offers more than great craft beer and delicious food. There is fun to be had each night of the week. Come prepared to channel your inner artist for the “Uptown Art Paint Night” on Monday nights. Tuesday is the night for “BrewGa,” when you can enjoy a

yoga session followed by a beer for only $10. Wednesday is trivia night, followed by $3 beers all day Thursday, with acoustic live music on Thursday night. Come out during the weekend for tours of their operation. While you’re there, regardless of the day of the week, take some time to learn about the interesting history of beer in Chattanooga in general and the Chattanooga Brewing Company in particular. Short on time? Don’t

hesitate to run in and purchase a growler of your favorite selection of craft brew to enjoy at home, especially at this time of year when their Oktoberfest beer is available. CBC is conveniently located opposite Finley Stadium on Chestnut Street. As the Southside of Chattanooga continues to grow, make sure you keep Chattanooga Brewing Company on your radar. Once you visit, you won’t be able to keep them off your mind.

chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 35

Free Will Astrology

“ Homework: In what part of your life are you doing less than your best? Why? FreeWillAstrology. com

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.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Many astronomers believe that our universe began with the Big Bang. An inconceivably condensed speck of matter exploded, eventually expanding into thousands of billions of stars. It must have been a noisy event, right? Actually, no. Astronomers estimate that the roar of the primal eruption was just 120 decibels—less than the volume of a live rock concert. I suspect that you are also on the verge of your own personal Big Bang, Libra. It, too, will be relatively quiet for the amount of energy it unleashes. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): For now, you are excused from further work on the impossible tasks that have been grinding you down. You may take a break from the unsolvable riddles and cease your exhaustive efforts. And if you would also like to distance yourself from the farcical jokes the universe has been playing, go right ahead. To help enforce this transition, I hereby authorize you to enjoy a time of feasting and frolicking, which will serve as an antidote to your baffling trials. And I hereby declare that you have been as successful at weathering these trials as you could possibly be, even if the concrete proof of that is not yet entirely visible. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): One afternoon in September, I was hiking along a familiar path in the woods. As I passed my favorite grandmother oak, I spied a thick, six-foot-long snake loitering on the trail in front of me. In hundreds of previous visits, I had never before seen a creature bigger than a mouse. The serpent’s tail was hidden in the brush, but its head looked more like a harmless gopher snake’s than a dangerous rattler’s. I took the opportunity to sing it three songs. It stayed for the duration, then slipped away after I finished. What a great omen! The next day, I made a tough but liberating decision to leave behind a good part of my life so as to focus more fully on a great part. With or without a snake sighting, Sagittarius, I foresee a comparable breakthrough for you sometime soon.

36 • The Pulse • october 15, 2015 • chattanoogapulse.com

rob brezsny

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Canadian author Margaret Atwood has finished a new manuscript. It’s called Scribbler Moon. But it won’t be published as a book until the year 2114. Until then, it will be kept secret, along with the texts of many other writers who are creating work for a “Future Library.” The project’s director is conceptual artist Katie Paterson, who sees it as a response to George Orwell’s question, “How could you communicate with the future?” With this as your inspiration, Capricorn, try this exercise: Compose five messages you would you like to deliver to the person you will be in 2025. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Every hour of your life, millions of new cells are born to replace old cells that are dying. That’s why many parts of your body are composed of an entirely different collection of cells than they were years ago. If you are 35, for example, you have replaced your skeleton three times. Congratulations! Your creativity is spectacular, as is your ability to transform yourself. Normally these instinctual talents aren’t nearly as available to you in your efforts to recreate and transform your psyche, but they are now. In the coming months, you will have extraordinary power to revamp and rejuvenate everything about yourself, not just your physical organism. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): The coming weeks will NOT be a favorable time to seek out allies you don’t even like that much or adventures that provide thrills you have felt a thousand times before. But the near future will be an excellent time to go on a quest for your personal version of the Holy Grail, a magic carpet, the key to the kingdom, or an answer to the Sphinx’s riddle. In other words, Pisces, I advise you to channel your yearning toward experiences that steep your heart with a sense of wonder. Don’t bother with anything that degrades, disappoints, or desensitizes you. ARIES (March 21-April 19): Here’s actor Bill Murray’s ad-

vice about relationships: “If you have someone that you think is The One, don’t just say, ‘OK, let’s pick a date. Let’s get married.’ Take that person and travel around the world. Buy a plane ticket for the two of you to go to places that are hard to go to and hard to get out of. And if, when you come back, you’re still in love with that person, get married at the airport.” In the coming weeks, Aries, I suggest you make comparable moves to test and deepen your own closest alliances. See what it’s like to get more seriously and deliriously intimate.

time these small knobs and disks were purely ornamental—meant to add beauty but not serve any other function. That changed in the 13th century, when our ancestors finally got around to inventing buttonholes. Buttons could then serve an additional purpose, providing a convenient way to fasten garments. I foresee the possibility of a comparable evolution in your personal life, Cancerian. You have an opening to dream up further uses for elements that have previously been one-dimensional. Brainstorm about how you might expand the value of familiar things.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Some firefighters use a wetter kind of water than the rest of us. It contains a small amount of biodegradable foam that makes it ten times more effective in dousing blazes. With this as your cue, I suggest you work on making your emotions “wetter” than usual. By that I mean the following: When your feelings arise, give them your reverent attention. Marvel at how mysterious they are. Be grateful for how much life force they endow you with. Whether they are relatively “negative” or “positive,” regard them as interesting revelations that provide useful information and potential opportunities for growth.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): You would be wise to rediscover and revive your primal innocence. If you can figure out how to shed a few shreds of your sophistication and a few slivers of your excess dignity, you will literally boost your intelligence. That’s why I’m inviting you to explore the kingdom of childhood, where you can encounter stimuli that will freshen and sweeten your adulthood. Your upcoming schedule could include jumping in mud puddles, attending parties with imaginary friends, having uncivilized fun with wild toys, and drinking boisterously from fountains of youth.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is a BBC TV mini-series set in the early 19th century. It’s the fictional story of a lone wizard, Mr. Norrell, who seeks to revive the art of occult magic so as to accomplish practical works, like helping the English navy in its war against the French navy. Norrell is pleased to find an apprentice, Jonathan Strange, and draws up a course of study for him. Norrell tells Strange that the practice of magic is daunting, “but the study is a continual delight.” If you’re interested in taking on a similar challenge, Gemini, it’s available. CANCER (June 21-July 22): We humans have put buttons on clothing for seven millennia. But for a long

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): While still a young man, Virgo author Leo Tolstoy wrote that “I have not met one man who is morally as good as I am.” He lived by a strict creed. “Eat moderately” was one of his “rules of life,” along with “Walk for an hour every day.” Others were equally stern: “Go to bed no later than ten o’clock,” “Only do one thing at a time,” and “Disallow flights of imagination unless necessary.” He did provide himself with wiggle room, however. One guideline allowed him to sleep two hours during the day. Another specified that he could visit a brothel twice a month. I’d love for you to be inspired by Tolstoy’s approach, Virgo. Now is a favorable time to revisit your own rules of life. As you refine and recommit yourself to these fundamental disciplines, be sure to give yourself enough slack.

Jonesin’ Crossword

matt jones

“Order in the Food Court!”—all rise, then be seated at a table ACROSS 1 Get a move on? 5 Baseball Hall of Famer Ty 9 Episode 1 title, frequently 14 Actor Sharif or Epps 15 Et ___ (and others, in Latin) 16 Entertainment venue 17 Act like a nomad 18 Pound cake ingredients 19 Hardiness 20 Stealing cheese from the taqueria? 23 “Twister” star Hunt 24 Belonging to you and me 25 Hewlett-Packard CEO Whitman 28 Compelled 31 Handle hardship 32 The main character of “Blindspot,” at first 35 Courtroom mallet 36 With 37-Across, additional order in the court? 37 See 36-Across

39 On the subject of 40 Cal Ripken’s team 41 Detained 42 Club attendee, maybe 44 NYC winter hrs. 45 Judy Garland’s eldest daughter 46 Musical endings 51 Why this writer’s silent on forgetting malt vinegar? 55 Self-serve dessert, slangily 57 Long ride around town? 58 Greek salad ingredient 59 In a weak way 60 “___, meeny, miney, moe ...” 61 Got better, maybe 62 Measured by the teaspoonful 63 Lead-in to “boy!” or “girl!” 64 Old stories DOWN 1 Covered area leading

to a doorway 2 Love, to Dean Martin 3 Complain pettily 4 Latter half of a donut chain 5 Columnist Herb who coined the word “beatnik” 6 Gymnast Korbut 7 HBO drama set in Utah 8 Shellfish soup 9 Covers a lot of ground? 10 Colored eye area 11 With “The,” film with Will Arnett as Batman 12 “Be My Yoko ___” (Barenaked Ladies single) 13 Coal or pine product 21 Behind on bills 22 Big container of coffee 26 Duel blades 27 Hair holders 29 Nutritionist’s stat 30 Ending for super or inter

31 “Carmina Burana” composer Orff 32 Agrees (with) 33 Humane Society transactions 34 Neither masc. nor fem. 35 Acceleration measure 36 “For heaven’s ___!” 37 “Lord of the Rings” beast 38 “A pox on you!” 40 Reducing 42 Fizzle out 43 Iggy of pop charts 45 Christopher of “Back to the Future” 47 Organ meats 48 San ___ 49 Garden store buy 50 Elms provide it 52 TV marine Gomer 53 Group led by Master Splinter, initially 54 Georgetown athlete 55 DVD remote button 56 “The Serpent and the Rope” novelist Raja

Copyright © 2015 Jonesin’ Crosswords. For answers to this puzzle, call: 1-900-226-2800, 99 cents per minute. Must be 18+ to call. Or to bill to your credit card, call: 1-800-655-6548. Reference puzzle No. 0749 chattanoogapulse.com • october 15, 2015 • The Pulse • 37

Alex Gets A Green Card Alex finds that venturing into foreign parts is a bit…scary

“

There beyond the fortified walls of this economic fortress lay the graffiti-covered poured-concrete structures that dominated the sun-baked streets here.”

When officer Alexander D. Teach is not patrolling our fair city on the heels of the criminal element, he spends his spare time volunteering for the Boehm Birth Defects Center.

I was sitting in a shitbox dolphin named “Sparta.” Days Inn ten miles outside (There’s more to Mexico than of Mobile, Alabama watchdonkey shows & diarrhea, you ing HGTV and sipping know; the urge to specify this is wine from a plastic cup brought on only by the recent when I heard a noise outmention of the Alabama Popuside the door that took my lace at large.) mind off of just what could The market was the usual been so damp for so long haven for tourist dollars; a to cause the place sucsmell I was cessfully currently livtempting ing with. people to I pulled travel 700 ALEX TEACH back a curmiles over tain slightly to see that my the Gulf of Mexico to purneighbors to the left had chase knock-off items moved their rolling desk shipped from the same chair and accompanying country they just traveled breakfast nook seats onto from. These items are justithe walkway in front of their fied as being local by being rooms, and propped their sold alongside cheap somdoor open to better facilibreros for people known tate the acoustics provided as “a-holes” to wear on the by the single-speaker teleplane ride or cruise ship vision inside. back to The Big Paycheck. The oldest inhabitant I walked along its store(whom I decided was the fronts, and just as anyone father, the oldest brother, who has seen the outskirts or both, in the family) had of Washington D.C. and the heel of a pointed boot marveled at its majesty just propped up over the rail prior to stepping over the with the rest of his slim form line in a little place called reclined back in the office Anacostia D.C. and sudchair, and he reached withdenly considering crapping out looking into a bucket of their pants, the view past ice next to him that held his the polished stones of the Natural Light beer supply. market square was more (The bucket, by the way, than disturbing to the averwas a garbage can.) age suburbanite on holiday. Ah. Alabama. There beyond the fortiForty-eight hours later I fied walls of this economic was in an entirely different fortress lay the graffitishitbox known as “Calica, covered poured-concrete Mexico,” sipping on testructures that dominatquila while shopping for a ed the sun-baked streets cheap pair of sunglasses to here, as they supported the replace ones I lost earlier half-assed structures built in the morning while stradagainst and around them to dling an inverted bottlenose protect from seasonal storms

On The Beat

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and arson. This was the real Mexico, the “Stab You” Mexico that doesn’t make the brochures any more than the Section 8 areas of our own nation’s capital do, despite the valiant efforts made therein to keep it the “Murder Capital” of the United States. As I surveyed these surroundings, muscle memory kicked in. I subconsciously drew my right forearm in to my waist to simultaneously feel the comfort of a gun butt above my belt and make mental note of its distance to my palm should it need to slide up and draw it, when deep alarm bells rang in my head alerting me that it was not there. I wasn’t on American soil, and it was a feeling worse than simply having left my gun locked in the car or in my safe. Should the shit hit the fan, I wasn’t just unarmed…as far as I was concerned, help simply wasn’t coming. No matter how much you hated George Bush back in the day or photo enforcement in the current one, or even the Baby Jesus in the school system in any given year…everyone is patriotic when they’re scared and

on foreign soil. In America, even the fiercest critic of police hates them until their back is against the wall and those same cops are the first ones they call for help—not Momma, not their best-est buddies. But when you slip towards the Third World? Hell. Honest cops in Mexico are the ones found headless in the desert—not a hypocritical cell phone call away. That’s this week’s theme, you see. This week’s lesson. Like not appreciating a good woman (or man) until they’re gone…take a walk down South Kelley Street or Calica’s Federal Highway 307 and see how much you hate the police then. What an awful feeling, walking under a different flag. I eventually found the glasses I sought and several rum-based drinks that aided in that quest, and returned to the safe haven of the ship I’d arrived on (which like the dolphin ride is a completely separate story). It was safe; a little floating America with its pleasant façade of safety, and I felt normal again. And for once? My “normal” was better. Nos vemos, baby. In America.

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