The Pulse 10.43 » October 24, 2013

October 24-30

Vol. 10 • No. 43

TECH

SOCIALLYU AWESOME ONLINE

Chattanooga’s Weekly Alternative

Haunted By A Forgotten Past A visit to the Brainerd Mission Cemetery in search of Cherokee spirits

ARTS POTTERY SCHOOL MUSIC jonathan wimpee SCREEN THE DEVIL'S DIGESTION

Costume contest with Cash prizes.

Food served late.

Spooky bar specials.

2 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

OCTOBER

Contributing Editor Janis Hashe Contributors Rich Bailey • Rob Brezsny • John DeVore Mike Dobbs • Janis Hashe • Marc T. Michael Ernie Paik • Jim Pfitzer • Gary Poole • Alex Teach Editorial Interns Keith King • Chelsea Sokol Art Director Gary Poole Photographers Lisa Holt • Josh Lang Cartoonists & Illustrators Tom Tomorrow Jen Sorensen • Sketch Crowd Founded 2003 by Zachary Cooper & Michael Kull

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Director of Sales Mike Baskin Account Executives Chee Chee Brown • Julie Brown Rick Leavell • Leif Sawyer • Stacey Tyler Tara Viland • Jerry Ware • Candice York

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Offices 1305 Carter St., Chattanooga, TN 37402 Phone 423.265.9494 Fax 423.266.2335 Website chattanoogapulse.com Email info@chattanoogapulse.com Calendar calendar@chattanoogapulse.com 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. We’re watching. The Pulse may be distributed only by authorized distributors. © 2013 Brewer Media. All rights reserved.

BREWER MEDIA GROUP Publisher & President Jim Brewer II

Cover Story

e

EDITORIAL

Managing Editor Mike McJunkin

C

ontents

S EAN lse U N Pu IRC A he C T in BTERRek SU t We x

2013

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24

8 IN SEARCH OF A HAUNTED PAST

By Jim Pfitzer Six feet of chain link topped with three strands of barbed wire send a clear message as we approach the old cemetery. We did not come here expecting to engage in criminal trespass, but we are ghost hunting and the idea of breaking laws and scaling fences adds to the excitement.

Feature Stories

Everything Else

10 THE LIFE OF A MUSICAL WORKING MAN

By Marc T. Michael It was a different time then. Gasoline was cheap and plentiful and car seats were an afterthought and that’s why when an infant Jonathan Wimpee couldn’t be made to stop singing any other way,

20 IF YOU HAND-BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME

By Janis Hashe For 25 years, the city of Chattanooga operated the John A. Patten Pottery Studio in Lookout Valley. But with debate over the proposed elimination of the Education, Arts and Culture Department...

24 THE DEVIL'S IN THE DIGESTION

4 5 7 11 12 14 19 22 27 28 29 30

THE BOWL THE LIST TECHNOLOGY BETWEEN THE SLEEVES MUSIC CALENDAR HALLOWEEN GUIDE COMIX ARTS CALENDAR SPIRITS WITHIN FREE WILL ASTROLOGY JONESIN' CROSSWORD ON THE BEAT

By John DeVore The longer I watch movies, the more convinced I am that truly bad ideas are few and far between. Some movies are executed poorly, some movies are poorly funded, some movies miss out on greatness.

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chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 3

BOWL

THE

jack is back

Pumpkin Sculptin’ at Miller Plaza When viewed from the outside, there sure are some strange human holiday traditions. Imagine how odd it must be for an alien life form to watch someone chop down a pine tree, drag it into the house, and string popcorn around it—or how disturbing it must be to watch Americans gorge themselves on turkey then promptly pass out in front of the television just because it is the last Thursday in November. To someone (or something) without knowledge of these traditions, insanity would be the only diagnosis. Pumpkin carving can be added to that list of wacky holiday traditions.

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The tradition of placing carved produce on one’s stoop is a ritual that originated in the Celtic celebration of Samhain. On this magical night celebrating the dead, lanterns made from turnips, potatoes and gourds, were placed at the front of homes to help welcome in the spirits of loved ones who had passed on, as well as to help defend against more menacing imps. Pumpkins were not widely used until the European colonization of America, where the round orange surprises proved to be easily carved and were deemed perfect demon repellents. This glowing gourd was given the name Jack-O-Lantern. The name comes from the legend of Stingy Jack, whose deal with the devil left his spirit cursed to wonder the Earth with only the flickering ember of hellfire to light his way. On Friday, October 25, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Miller Plaza, witness

4 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

another evolution of this strange October tradition. As part of the Fresh Friday event series, expert pumpkin carver Tony Harris will be showing off the artistic possibilities of pumpkin. Michelangelo used marble, Donatello worked with bronze…Harris uses pumpkin. While the first two are longer lasting, the latter sure is tastier.

— Keith King latin passion & style

fully become powerful resources for the Latin American community.

— Chelsea Sokol Ballet Hispanico, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 28, UTC Fine Arts Center, Vine & Palmetto Sts. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call (423) 425-4269 or visit utc.edu/fine-arts-center bear with us

Ballet Hispanico Storms UTC

All About Black Bears

Having performed more than 3,350 times in 11 different countries, and with more than 75 works in its repertoire, Ballet Hispanico is known worldwide—and on Monday, October 28, Chattanooga will get a chance to find out why, as the company performs at UTC as part of the Patten Performances series. This season, several new pieces have been added specifically for the 2013-14 tour, including dynamic Spanish choreographer Cavetano Soto’s Sortijas and Tango Vitrola, Vilaro’s Danzon and Archipiélago, Nacho Duato’s Jardi Tancat, Pedro Ruiz’s Club Havana, and Annabelle Lopez Ochoa’s Nube Blanco.

Founded in 1970, and making its home in Manhattan Ballet Hispanico celebrates traditional Latin dances fused with “classical and contemporary techniques” and appreciates America’s blend of cultures with fervor and vigor. Currently, its choreographers represent Venezuelan, Cuban, Trinidadian, Puerto Rican, Mexican, Spanish, Brazilian, Argentinian, and Colombian nationalities.

Renowned for its theatricality and passion, Ballet Hispanico reflects contemporary Hispanic and Latin American culture by combining dances from various heritages. Founder Tina Ramirez, a Venezuelan-American dancer and choreographer created the organization to act as a community outreach program as well as an innovative dance company. Her wish has been fulfilled, as Ballet Hispanico also has a school of dance and an education and outreach program that have both success-

For many people, the idea of seeing a bear in the wild is terrifying. But for just as many, if not more, having a chance to see these biggest native wildlife neighbors— safely—is thrilling. Black bears (ursus americanus) have begun to thrive again in the wild areas of Tennessee. Despite their name, they range in color from pale brown to black, and stand between two and three feet tall on all fours—up to five feet standing on their hind legs. Possibly heading towards extinction in the early part of the 20th century, the big predators were saved by the establishment of the Cherokee National Forest and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in the 1930s, which allowed them safe haven and roam to roam.

Bear sanctuaries were established and laws against illegal harvests and the hunting of adult females were strictly enforced.

Bear populations benefited from the maturation and increased productivity of key oak forest species in protected areas.

But with their increased population has come increased interaction with humans.

Outdoor Chattanooga is giving hikers a chance to learn about bears with Erin Outz, a naturalist with Tennessee Wild.

The free class will be followed by a family hike (no strollers, please.) Don’t forget to bring sturdy shoes or boots and water if you plan to hike.

“All About Black Bears,” 10 a.m. – noon, Saturday, Oct. 26. Meet at Outdoor Chattanooga, 200 River St. (in Coolidge Park).

(423) 643-6888, outdoorchattanooga.com — Staff

LIST

THE

pulse » PICKS

• A curated weekly selection of picks from the Chattanooga Live and Arts & Entertainment calendars by Pulse staffers.

THU10.24 GETTING IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT “Sanders Family Christmas” • Sure, we know—it’s not even Halloween yet, but it’s never too early to get into the holiday spirit. Ho ho ho!

7:30 p.m. • Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave. Crossville. (931) 484-5000, ccplayhouse.com

FRI10.25 WORLD RECORD THEATER “The Bald Soprano” • Come be part of a Guinness World Record attempt for the longest live performance of this play, as ETC tries their hand (and their stamina). You could win a prize if you’re the longest-attending audience member.

7:30 p.m. • Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, 5600 Brainerd Rd. (423) 602-8640, ensembletheatreofchattanooga.com

NEVER A BRIDESMAID Moonlight Bride • The hometown favorites bring their “haunted pop” to JJ’s for a night of layered noise and intense melody, a perfect musical start to the Halloween season.

9 p.m. • JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400, jjsbohemia.com

SAT10.26 OOMPAH THE WORLD AROUND Die Mitternaechters • Our favorite rock garden folks keep in the “Rocktoberfest” spirit with a traditional German band, featuring drums, accordion, cowbells, trumpet, flugelhorn, alpenhorn, guitars, tuba and baritone.

8:30 a.m. • Rock City Gardens, 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd. (706) 820-2531, seerockcity.com

COPPERHEAD ROAD TESTED

MUSICAL MELODY MAGNIFICENCE

Steve Earle

“The Best of Rodgers & Hammerstein”

• The iconic Americana rocker returns to the Scenic City with a wealth of new material from his latest album, “The Low Highway”, along with special guest The Mastersons.

8 p.m. • Track 29, 1400 Market St. (423) 521-2929, track29.co

• The latest in the Luken Holdings Pops Series. Spend a night enjoying classics from all your favorite Broadway musicals.

7:30 p.m. • Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5156, chattanooga.gov

Dr. Shock Returns To Television The Infamous Shock Theatre will air its third episode—a horror hosting package created to present a new version of “Plan 9 From Outer Space”— on WDEF-TV 12, October 26 at midnight.

The program portrays Dingbat as a victim of an alien abduction. The backstory is in support of the classic horror film—which has been called one of the worst movies ever made.

Legend Films has done a magnificent job with the restoration process of Ed Wood’s cult classic—and they’ve added a new twist, the element of color. Shock Theatre producers say they are amazed at how “Plan 9” comes alive on screen with the addition of col-

orization.

The Shock Theatre cast follow leads throughout the program until they finally locate the abducted Dingbat and confront an alien being, whose spacecraft has been ditched.

You’ll witness Dingbat being beamed aboard a UFO, examined by aliens—then Dr. Shock will come to Dingbat’s rescue, communicating directly with an alien being.

“We have a full two-hour program of skits, original music, movie facts, and horror news,” says Jack Gray, who portrays Dr. Shock.

"The Abduction of Dingbat" Saturday, October 26 Midnight, WDEF-TV 12 facebook.com/groups/shocktheatre

chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 5

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Technology

rich bailey

Teaching Awesome Online F “ It is 100 percent written here in Chattanooga, handmade code. It’s not off-the-shelf stuff that we’ve duct-taped together. It’s a real and complete ecosystem that we’ve built.”

OR THE LAST FOUR YEARS, ANDRE DANTZLER’S COMPANY SociallyU has been quietly developing its own unique version of online training. Rather than helping corporations train employees, SociallyU forms partnerships with people who know a thing or two and helps them sell their expertise to consumers.

“Our angle is finding experts and equipping them with a platform so they can teach whatever they’re awesome at and have other people pay a fee to learn,” says Dantzler.

The LearnSocial product is a self-contained, cloud-based ecosystem to manage the delivery of eLearning video content, including a user management system, credit card processing, security, a drag-and-drop page designer for building web pages and email blasts, and an integrated support desk system. The idea, says Dantzler, is for his company to take over the entire burden of technology.

As the company’s name suggests, the social component is critical. A robust commenting

engine allows students not just to interact with the teacher but to engage their community of fellow learners. For example, music students might seek peer feedback on a recording of themselves playing a lesson or entrepreneurs might look for peer and mentor comments on a video of their investor pitch.

Companies pay a relatively modest fee for the core system—just under $3,000—and agree to share 20 percent of profits with SociallyU. Because of that profit-sharing partnership, SociallyU vets potential clients before accepting them.

“You can’t just go to our web site and sign up,” says Dantzler. “Because we are partners, the people we pick we are going to make successful. It’s about picking things we think are interesting. I think my clients want this, too.

They want me to be passionate about it.”

Beyond that initial tier, SociallyU also offers video production from its own in-house team and marketing from partner company Whiteboard, which also designed LearnSocially’s user experience.

Dantzler and his staff of six have worked with just a handful of companies in an extended beta, using each company as a realtime R&D project to pilot the system and develop new features to roll out to the group.

Clients include a stage magician, music teachers and nonprofits. Dantzler doesn’t want to name them because SociallyU is invisible to the end user. His largest client has about 12,000 users nationally, while the smallest has as few as 20. One site offering video music instruction draws revenue in the six figures, according to Dantzler, revenue that was new to the company.

A year ago, SociallyU stopped accepting new custom development clients to concentrate on building out the commercial version.

Now the company is preparing to roll out LearnSocially 3.0 in November. Why so long

to launch?

“We don’t use the ‘launch it broken and then iterate fast to fix it’ model, like so many companies today seem to,” Dantzler says. “It’s a drip release, bringing on clients, feeling what that need is like, making sure we’ve addressed it well technologically.”

Dantzler structured the company to be customer funded. He received a start-up grant from Innovate Here, a program of CreateHere, the Lyndhurst Foundation and others to attract high-growth startups to Main Street. With no other outside funding, it has been profitable and debt-free from day one.

“There’s an overarching philosophy of ‘What will people pay us to do’ that drives every decision,” says Dantzler. “That shapes our culture differently than the investor-funded model that says ‘We are going to build this product.’ We know what we’re going to build, and at the same time we have to figure out how to make some money while we’re heading in that direction.”

Code for the new system, created in Ruby on Rails 4, was finalized last week and is in quality assurance testing now.

“It is 100 percent written here in Chattanooga, handmade code,” Dantzler says. “It’s not off-the-shelf stuff that we’ve duct-taped together. It’s a real and complete ecosystem that we’ve built.”

Dantzler plans to roll out the fully developed LearnSocially product in November.

Five clients—some current, some new—will be on the new platform by the end of the year, and his goal is to sign 50 new clients in 2014.

“The world has changed,” says Dantzler.

“Information doesn’t want to be free anymore.”

Now that we’re drowning in the free stuff, including an estimated 72 hours of video uploaded to YouTube every minute—niche content is king, which creates opportunity if SociallyU can find the right experts.

“If you give me a niche, I can create a platform around that and make them the top people in their niches,” he says. “When the world is your audience, even a small niche can generate some sizable revenue.”

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COVER STORY

Haunted By A Forgotten Past A visit to the Brainerd Mission Cemetery finds no Cherokee spirits Story by Jim Pfitzer Photos by Lisa Holt & Josh Lang

“

Closing my eyes, I imagine fires lighting native dancers and storytellers, drumbeats filling a wood that once must have stretched from Missionary Ridge to Chickamauga Creek.

S

IX FEET OF CHAIN LINK TOPPED WITH three strands of barbed wire send a clear message as we approach the old cemetery. We did not come here expecting to engage in criminal trespass, but we are ghost hunting and the idea of breaking laws and scaling fences adds to the excitement. The sun has already set, but it is not yet dark and I ponder if we should come back later, when we can hide in the shadows, be shiftier, avoid detection. Surely such an entry would make us more acceptable to the spirits. I do not share these thoughts with my girlfriend Lisa who follows behind with her camera.

Photo by Lisa Holt

8 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

Reaching the southwest corner of the cemetery, we find a break in the chain link and a low iron gate attached to a knee-high stone wall paralleling the chain link just inside.

I am puzzled by such an angry border serving no purpose other than to funnel those who might step over the beautiful stones rather than walk a few yards to the gate.

Above the gate, a large brown sign bears three words in the Cherokee language, followed by this in English: Trail of Tears National Historic Trail. Then, in much larger print: Brainerd Mission

Cemetery. This is all I know of this place.

There is no lock. The gate swings in with the kind of creak synonymous with all things haunted—and we are granted entry. At first glance, the place seems to have been abandoned years ago. On our right, a shiny granite stone commemorates the life of Shelley Hahn Stack, 1909-2008, remembered as Treasurer of Old Brainerd Mission Cemetery for 31 Years. The marker seems oddly modern and out of place in this forested patch dedicated to the Cherokee people. In front of me and too far off the path to be read by my flashlight, an information board is dense with hand-drawn maps and faded history.

Darkness is encroaching and a monkey grass border in bad need of weeding is all that keeps us on the path. Almost immediately, the path splits tracking east and north. We choose the east fork and follow until it curves north and abruptly stops, leaving us standing between two rows of small, unmarked tombstones. The grave markers lean at odd angles, and have the feel of a mock graveyard created for trickor-treaters—simple blank slabs with no names or dates.

I sit down amid the stones and listen as Lisa wanders further with her camera.

Not far to the south interstates 24 and 75 drone steadily. A jet screams loud and low overhead. Closer and seemingly from all directions I hear brakes squeal, engines accelerate, and transmissions shift. Between peaks in the sounds of human progress around me, I hear a lone insect trill a steady beat from the top of a hickory tree.

Other than the occasional crunch of early autumn leaves under Lisa’s feet, this is the only sound coming from inside the walls.

The photographer disappears into the darkness, leaving me to sit in the quiet waiting for creepy shadows, voices on the breeze, unusually cool air pockets, any sign of the otherworldly. Of course I would nev-

er want anything to happen to Lisa, but I secretly hope for a scream from the darkness, a loud thud, a sinister laugh, but the only thing delivered on the faint breeze is diesel exhaust. I rise and move on.

I pass through the center of the cemetery where the largest and most prominent monument stands—a short white obelisk atop a large block with extensive script engravings. The entire monument stands roughly six feet and I wonder what great Cherokee chief is remembered here. Not far from the monument, a bench commemorates the Golden Jubilee of the Chickamauga Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

I sit down on the bench under the heavy canopy of hardwood trees that seem almost tragically out of place on the fringe of an old shopping mall whose heyday passed thirty years ago. To my right, I look down a lane badly encroached upon by overgrown boxwoods. The path terminates at the original entrance, and an ornate double hung iron gate closed in by a larger chain link gate. Beyond that, the backdoors of who knows what retail business or dentist offices trace the shapes of gravestones.

Closing my eyes, I imagine fires lighting native dancers and storytellers, drumbeats filling a wood that once must have stretched from Missionary Ridge to Chickamauga Creek. I see travelers on foot kicking up dust along a narrow track where Brainerd Road now lies—the road to Ross’s Landing, and a path many Cherokee walked in 1938 when the Brainerd Mission closed for lack of a people to convert. I listen for the voices of ghosts left behind by those people, but all remains quiet.

Moving on, I find Lisa standing among a crescent-shaped row of benches facing U.S., Tennessee, and Cherokee flags. Each bench is dedicated to a chapter, donor, or officer of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

Beneath the flags, obscured by tall

grass clearly not mowed in more than a season, a granite marker informs us that this cemetery was founded in 1817 for the Cherokee Indians by the American Missionary Society.

We wander back through the grounds in the dark, exploring gravestones by flashlight. Most of the graves are marked by either rough limestone blocks set in the ground, or unmarked erect rectangular slabs.

Only a handful of the several dozen

ing, a writer of prominence, it reads.

Among other things, Mr. Foreman is praised on the cast-iron plaque for translating the New Testament into Cherokee and for being in charge of a wagon train when the Cherokee were removed.

The other Cherokee memorialized in the cemetery was Ann Shorey McDonald, Cherokee Grandmother of Chief John Ross, a man who rose to the position of Principal Chief in

Mission) played an important part in the educational development and Christianizing of the Cherokee. Brainerd Cemetery contains graves of whites and Indians who died in the Mission, which was discontinued in 1838, at the time of the Cherokee Removal.

I found no ghosts in my three visits to the Brainerd Mission Cemetery, but I was haunted in that small patch of wood by how we whitewash our

Photo by Josh Lang

grave markers scattered about the property are inscribed, and best I can tell, all of these honor missionaries, preachers, and otherwise once prominent or wealthy folks of European descent.

We found only two monuments honoring individual Cherokees. One commemorates the life of The Reverend Stephen Foreman, born October 1807 to Scotch-Cherokee parentage.

A gentleman of the old southern type, a scholar of much culture and learn-

spite of being only one-eighth Cherokee. Like Foreman, Ross was of Scottish ancestry.

The large obelisk honors an ordained minister and missionary from New England.

Just before leaving, Lisa notices a plaque in the northeast corner of the cemetery. Oddly, it is outside the chain link, but facing in. It offers this: Established in 1817 by the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, (the Brainerd

history to celebrate “winners,” and romanticize or forget losers.

If ever there were Cherokee ghosts in this cemetery, I can only hope they heard the cries of their brothers who, in 1838, walked a long lonesome trail that passed just a few hundred feet away, and joined them for that walk west. If there were ghosts of missionaries in this ground...well...I suppose only their god knows where they are now.

chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 9

Music

Marc T. Michael

The Life of a Musical Working Man Jonathan Wimpee just loves to play

I

T WAS A DIFFERENT TIME THEN. GASOLINE WAS CHEAP AND plentiful and car seats were an afterthought and that’s why when an infant Jonathan Wimpee couldn’t be made to stop singing any other way, his parents tucked him in the back seat of the car and went for a drive until he nodded off. The result was a marriage between travel and music that would ultimately lead to Jon traveling the world, living in 14 different cities and playing with some huge performers and iconic bands.

Zuzu and the Sunbeams is a name that surely rings a bell—as long as you attended Gadsden High School in the late ’80s and early ’90s. It is debatable whether it was his fledgling efforts in this first band or his receiving the prestigious Alabama Jazz Educators “Jazz Guitarist of the Year” in 1990 and 1991 that really opened doors for Wimpee, but by 1992 he was on the road. A five-year stint with powerhouse coverband Chaz gave young Jon his inauguration into the grueling world of a travellng band. This time allowed him to polish his chops while learning the ins and outs of the practical side of the business, including the fine and underappreciated art of getting paid by reluctant and often

“

A master of numerous styles of playing, Jon is equally at home playing blues, country, reggae, jazz, rock, folk and R&B.

shady bar owners or, failing that, the fine and underappreciated art of living off of a package of baloney and a loaf of bread for a week or two at a time.

Forging his stage presence and considerable range of skills in the fire of constant touring allowed Jon to rise through the ranks. Having finished his five-year mission with Chaz he “re-upped” for another five-year hitch with the Supplements.

During this period, Jon also took numerous sit-in side gigs with various house bands throughout Alabama and North Florida, a very busy circuit to play in those days. By the end of the ’90s, Jon had made his way both to the altar and to Macon, GA. It was in Macon that he first met Paul Hornsby, producer for Molly Hatchet and The Marshall Tucker band and an early member of the Allman Bros. Hornsby enlisted Wimpee in the studio as a vocalist on various commercial products including, to Wimpee’s dismay, it seems, some work for Hallmark Greeting Cards.

It was around this time that Jon was picked up as a second guitar by Tim Brooks and the Alien Sharecroppers and what had been a steady climb for Wim-

RAW

pee became a meteoric rise that included opening for the likes of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marshall Tucker, Greg Allman and Little Feat. Zig-zagging across the country, the band eventually crossed the Atlantic for a European tour, an experience Wimpee will only refer to as “mind-blowing.”

The frenetic pace of and brutal demands of that kind of roadwork can quickly take a toll on a marriage and a person’s health, so in 2001 Jon came to the city of Chattanooga and for a time attempted to commute between here and Virginia, Georgia and Indiana. Eventually the strain became too great. For the sake of his sanity, Jon decided to keep his playing closer to home, taking up the mantle of guitar player for local legends Milele Roots. Never one to sit still for very long (at least not where music is concerned though he is known in certain circles by the nickname “Pokey”), Jon continues to do session work with area musicians, fulfilling his duties as head axe man for Milele, sitting in with the Natti Love Joys and even joining up with some sort

of “Irish-style” band for a change of pace.

This is all in addition to his extensive solo work, as Jon may be found on a weekly basis performing at North Shore Grille, Sugar’s Rib Shack and The Office, to name only a few venues.

A master of numerous styles of playing, Jon is equally at home playing blues, country, reggae, jazz, rock, folk and R&B, and his ability to improvise freely with any and all of these on the guitar as well as vocally has made him one of the most versatile and respected musicians in the area. It certainly doesn’t hurt that when all is said and done, he’s just a hell of a nice guy to boot. When asked about the “always just beyond his fingertips” brushes with fame, Jon happily points out that after four record deals, none of which delivered what it promised, fame isn’t that important.

“The goal is playing, sharing music and all that goes with it with other people and I am just grateful that I’m able to do that.

Fame? Meh. I like to sing and play. That’s what I do.”

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Between the Sleeves

record reviews • ernie paik

From Guts to Complex Wine Spooky free improv, entrancing beats suit the season

John Butcher, Thomas Lehn, John Tilbury Exta (Fataka)

M

ovies that are terrifying or tense, in the horror or suspense genres, can often find wide audiences, but music that strives to invoke the same effects in people is often relegated to the outer reaches. So, the question is, why is that? Perhaps it is a matter of attention. When people view a movie, they generally give it their undivided attention, particularly if viewed at a theater.

However, when listening to music, people allow it to slip into the background, letting it start their day on the morning commute or gently push them along when doing an exercise workout.

Here’s another question: when is the last time you played an album and just sat there, only listening to it and doing nothing else?

The new spooky, abstract album Exta (which is the Latin word for “entrails,” a photograph of which graces the album cover) from saxophonist John Butcher, synthesizer player Thomas Lehn

Tal National Kaani (FatCat)

and pianist John Tilbury, is deserving of undivided attention, and perhaps it is appropriate to write about it in cinematic terms, since it evokes that special kind of refined dread experienced in certain Stanley Kubrick films.

For example, one of the album’s centerpieces, the 19-minute long “Cor,” begins with sparse piano notes that sound almost desperate, from Tilbury, the London improviser who’s known as a member of the long-running group AMM. Butcher adds a thin layer of faint blowing, before Lehn adds to the uneasiness with high frequency tones. Each instrument seemingly has a distinct role in the aural horror film: the sax “voice” offers a human element, the electronics supply the atmosphere and the piano brings elegance and formality, perhaps like the architecture in a Kubrick film, be it the Overlook Hotel or an orgy-filled manor.

Butcher is one of the most fascinating saxophonists working today, with an incredible control

of his instrument and the ability to make a mind-boggling array of sounds, and Lehn plays with subtle yet disquieting tones and minutiae that might otherwise be lost or overlooked, like repeating tiny digital glitches to elevate them. While free improv can occasionally sound like a racket, on the other hand, Exta is an album of great restraint, and curious, patient listeners should proceed without a fear of the unknown.

B

efore complaining about the state of being a professional musician in the U.S. today, consider the case of Tal National, from Niamey, the capital of the West African nation of Niger. Here’s a band that sells its CDs by hand on roundabouts, due to Niger’s lack of a music distribution network, and plays five-hour (nonstop!) shows, five nights a week. The band’s tenacity and discipline are certainly admirable, but of course, that wouldn’t matter unless the music itself was

worthwhile. Going by the group’s latest album, Kaani, which benefits from international distribution, it has certainly tapped into something special, delivering polyrhythmic guitar music that is rich, complex and entrancing, transferring energy to the listener rather than being draining.

Formed in 2000 by guitarist Hamadal Issoufou Moumine, also known as Almeida, Tal National both adapts West African folk songs and plays original numbers, and for Kaani, the band employed Chicago-based engineer Jamie Carter, who flew to Niamey and coaxed a highquality recording out of a dilapidated studio. It strikes the right note, being a recording that is not overly slick with excessive dynamic compression; it has the clarity to allow the listener to appreciate each instrument’s soundstream, and in particular, the drums just sound true.

The quality of Kaani doesn’t waver, with each track carrying the group’s characteristic vigor while having its own personality. “Nouvelles” is tense and propulsive, driven by jittery hi-hat taps, while “Kountche” ends with delicate guitar lines that tickle the ears. “Banganésiba” turns up the distortion on the guitar a little more, leaning toward even a psychedelic guitar sound, complemented with furious beats on a talking drum. “Sarkin Fada” is a notable track with fluid lines like threads that form a swatch of vibrant fabric, coming together at choice moments to play tightly in unison. The listener’s attention is free to concentrate on individual elements on Kaani—such as the electric guitar pointillism or smooth and limber bass line— like discerning the flavors in a complex wine, or to zoom out and be lifted by the overall rhythmic momentum of the band. chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 11

Chattanooga Live

CHATTANOOGA

MUSIC CALENDAR Erin Hill Band

Steve Earle

LIVE MUSIC OCT/NOV

24 FRI HILLBILLY SiNS 10p 25 DAVEY SMITH BAND SAT 9:30p26 CALDWELL & FRIENDS SUN 3p 27 BAND OF HEATHENS WED 9p 30 THU OPPOSITE BOX 9:30p 31 FRI ST. PAUL 10p 1 NATHAN ANGELO

with MICAH DALTON - 18+ SHOW

THU 9p

with RAGDOLL

with CHAD "CHIG" MARTIN

BENEFIT CONCERT TO HELP A FRIEND

with CAROLINA STORY

with DEEP FRIED 5 & DEMONWAFFLE AND THE BROKEN BONES

THE HOTTEST SHOW IN THE SOUTH!

11.2 BACK N BLACK: ULTIMATE ACDC TRIBUTE 11.6 BLACK TAXI 11.8 MINNESOTA

COMING SOON

BIRDSMELL

SAT BEN BRIDWELL OF BAND OF HORSES 9p

RAVEN CLIFF

SOUTHERN FRIED ROCK AND ROLL

WED 9:30p

9

13

ALL SHOWS 21+ UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED • NON-SMOKING VENUE

221 MARKET STREET

HOT MUSIC • FINE BEER • GREAT FOOD BUY TICKETS ONLINE • RHYTHM-BREWS.COM

THUrsday 10.24 “Pickin’ at the Post” with Bluegrass bands 5 p.m. American Legion Post, Highway 11 N. (423) 582-1337 Keyz Brown 6 p.m. Ari’s Harbor Light, 9718 Hixson Pk. (423) 843-2800, arisrestaurants.com Bluegrass and Country Jam 6:30 p.m. Grace Nazarene Church, 6310 Dayton Blvd.

(423) 842-5919, chattanoogagrace.com Courtney Daly and Ivan Wilson 7 p.m. Bart’s Lakeshore, 5840 Lake Resort Ter. (423) 870-0777, bartslakeshore.com Soddy-Daisy Jamboree 7 p.m.- 10 p.m. Soddy-Daisy Community Center, 9835 Dayton Pk. (423) 332-5323 Fireside at Greenway Farm 7 p.m. Greenway Farms, 5051 Gann Store Rd. (423) 643-6888, outdoorchattanooga.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202.

(423) 499-5055, thepalmsathamilton.com The Loop 7 p.m. Sugar’s Ribs, 507 Broad St. (423) 508-8956, sugarsribs.com Tim Neal and Mike Harris 7:30 p.m. Mexi Wings VII, 5773 Brainerd Rd. (423) 509-8696, mexiwingviichattanooga.com Steve Earle 8 p.m. Track 29, 1400 Market St. (423) 521-2929, track29.co Fresh Kils and Durazzo, Mad Dukez and DJ Uncle Fester, Hudson, Annachrome 9 p.m. The Honest Pint, 35 Patten Pkwy. (423) 468-4192,

12 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

thehonestpint.com Nathan Angelo, Micah Dalton 9 p.m. Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644, rhythm-brews.com Homemade Machine, Ted Bartram 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400, jjsbohemia.com Open Mike with Hap Henniger 9 p.m. The Office, 901 Carter St. (inside Days Inn) (423) 634-9191, facebook.com/theofficechatt

friday 10.25 Jason Thomas and the Mean-Eyed Cats: The Man in Black Tribute 5 p.m. Chattanooga Choo Choo-Victorian Lounge, 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000, choochoo.com Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Mason, 2204 Hamilton Pl. Blvd.

(423) 894-8726, elmesonrestaurant.com Tim Lewis 5:30 p.m. El Mason Hixson, 248 Northgate Mall. (423) 710-1201 Binji Varsossa 6 p.m. Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Lounge, 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461, cancunmexicanrest.com Wasted 7 p.m. Southern Brew and Cue, 5017 Rossville Blvd.

(423) 468-4222 The Half & Half Band 7 p.m. Troy’s Place, 320 Emerson Dr., Ringgold, Ga. (423) 965-8346 Danny Sample/Dave Walters 7 p.m. 212 Market, 212 Market St. (423) 265-1212, 212market.com

Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202.

(423) 499-5055, thepalmsathamilton.com Erin Hill Band 8 p.m. Acoustic Café, 61 RBC Dr., Ringgold, Ga. (706) 965-2065, ringgoldacoustic.com Standing Room Only 8:30 p.m. The Foundry, 1201 Broad St. (423) 756-3400, chattanooganhotel.com Huskey Burnette 8:30 p.m. Jack A’s Chop Shop Saloon, 742 Ashland Ter. (423) 710-8739, jackaschopshopsaloon.com Eli Young Band 9 p.m. Track 29, 1400 Market St. (423) 521-2929, track29.co Sam Warner 9 p.m. The Office, 901 Carter St. (inside Days Inn) (423) 634-9191, facebook.com/theofficechatt Crossfire 9 p.m. SkyZoo, 5709 Lee Hwy. (423) 468-4533, skyzoochattanooga.com Moonlight Bride 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400, jjsbohemia.com Soul Survivor 9:30 p.m. Sugar’s Ribs, 507 Broad St. (423) 508-8956, sugarsribs.com Hillbilly SiNs, Ragdoll 10 p.m. Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644, rhythm-brews.com Stereotype 10 p.m. Raw, 409 Market St. (423) 756-1919, facebook. com/raw.chattanooga Austin Nichols Band 10 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar, 5751 Brainerd Rd. (423) 499-9878,

budssportsbar.com

saturday 10.26 Die Mitternaechters 8:30 a.m. Rock City Gardens, 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd. (706) 820-2531, seerockcity.com Greg Erwin 12:30 p.m. Cartecay Vineyards, 5704 Clear Creek Rd. (706) 698-9463, cartecayvineyards.com Mike Serna Fundraiser with Rick Rushing & the Blues Strangers, Anna Serna, David Rhea & Matt Nenson, Ace Bailey, Perry Joe Gabbard, Michael Seabolt, Live to Die, Vic Burgess & Randy Brown, No Big Deal 2 p.m. - 8 p.m. Cloud Springs Deli, 4097 Cloud Springs Rd., Ringgold. (706) 956-8128, cloudspringsdeli.com Jason Thomas and the Mean-Eyed Cats: The Man in Black Tribute 5 p.m. Cattanooga Choo ChooVictorian Lounge, 1400 Market St. (423) 266-5000, choochoo.com Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Mason, 2204 Hamilton Pl. Blvd.

(423) 894-8726, elmasonrestaurant.com Tim Lewis 5:30 p.m. El Mason Hixson, 248 Northgate Mall. (423) 710-1201 Binji Varsossa 6 p.m. Cancun Mexican Restaurant & Lounge, 1809 Broad St. (423) 266-1461, cancunmexicanrest.com 24/7 Band 7 p.m. Red Clay Pickin’ Barn,

Chattanooga Live

901 Carter St (Inside Days Inn) 423-634-9191

MUSIC CALENDAR

Machines Are People Too

JJ Grey & Mofro

Thursday, October 24: 9pm Open Mic with Hap Henninger Friday, October 25: 9pm Sam Warner Saturday, October 26: 10pm The Scarlet Love Conspiracy Halloween Show Tuesday, October 29: 7pm Server/Hotel Appreciation Night $5 Pitchers $2 Wells $1.50 Domestics ●

1095 Weatherly Switch Tr. (423) 464-3034 The Hopeful Country Band 7 p.m. - 10 p.m. Troy’s Place, 320 Emerson Dr., Ringgold, Ga. (423) 965-8346 Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202.

(423) 499-5055, thepalmsathamilton.com Brody Johnson Band 8 p.m. Acoustic Café, 61 RBC Dr., Ringgold, Ga. (706) 965-2065, ringgoldacoustic.com The Countrymen Band 8 p.m. Eagles Club, 6128 Airways Blvd. (423) 894-9940 Doug E. Reese and Corinne Chapman 8 p.m. Charles & Myrtle’s Coffeehouse, 105 McBrien Rd. (423) 892-4960, christunity.org Standing Room Only 8:30 p.m. The Foundry, 1201 Broad St. (423) 756-3400, chattanooganhotel.com Ragdoll 8:30 p.m. Jack A’s Chop Shop Saloon, 742 Ashland Ter. (423) 710-8739, jackaschopshopsaloon.com Machines Are People Too, Baby Baby, Marque Mayfield 9 p.m. JJ’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400, jjsbohemia.com 90 Proof 9 p.m. SkyZoo, 5709 Lee Hwy. (423) 468-4533, skyzoochattanooga.com Skin Deep 9:30 p.m. Sugar’s Ribs, 507 Broad St. (423) 508-8956, sugarsribs.com Davey Smith Band, Chad “Chig” Martin & The Alabama Outlaws 9:30 p.m. Rhythm & Brews,

221 Market St. (423) 267-4644, rhythm-brews.com Stereotype 10 p.m. Raw, 409 Market St. (423) 756-1919, facebook. com/raw.chattanooga The Scarlet Love Conspiracy (Halloween Show) 10 p.m. The Office, 901 Carter St. (inside Days Inn) (423) 634-9191, facebook.com/theofficechatt

sunday 10.27 Die Mitternaechters 8:30 a.m. Rock City Gardens, 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd. (706) 820-2531, seerockcity.com Benji Varsossa, Danny Mull, Jimmy Young 11 a.m. Great New York Flea Market, 143 Park Industrial Blvd.

Ringgold, Ga. (706) 858-0188 Bobby Denton Band Jam 2 p.m. Cheap Seats Sports Bar, 2925 Rossville Blvd.

(423) 629-5636 Taylor Caldwell & Friends: A Benefit 3 p.m. Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644, rhythm-brews.com Keyz Brown 4 p.m. Ari’s Harbor Light, 9718 Hixson Pk. (423) 843-2800, arisrestaurants.com “Evensong” 5:30 p.m. The Camp House, 1427 Williams St. (423) 702-8081, thecamphouse.com Molly Maguires 7 p.m. The Honest Pint, 35 Patten Pkwy. (423) 468-4192, thehonestpint.com Audacity, Mean Jeans, Future Virgins 9 p.m. J.J.’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK

Blvd. (423) 266-1400, jjsbohemia.com

monday 10.28 Keyz Brown 6 p.m. Ari’s Harbor Light, 9718 Hixson Pk. (423) 843-2800, arisrestaurants.com Men’s Barbershop harmony group 7 p.m. All Saints Academy, 10 East Eighth St. (423) 876-7359 Big Band Night 7 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202.

(423) 499-5055, thepalmsathamilton.com

tuesday 10.29 Keyz Brown 6 p.m. Ari’s Harbor Light, 9718 Hixson Pk. (423) 843-2800, arisrestaurants.com Tim Starnes & Friends 7 p.m. Sugar’s Ribs, 507 Broad St. (423) 508-8956, sugarsribs.com Jim Palmer 7:30 p.m. 1885 Grill, 3914 Saint Elmo Ave. (423) 485-3050, facebook.com/1885Grill Clutch 8 p.m. Track 29, 1400 Market St. (423) 521-2929, track29.co Open Mic Hosted by Mike McDade 9 p.m. Tremont Tavern, 1203 Hixson Pk. (423) 266-1996, facebook.com/TremontTavern

wednesday 10.30 Eddie Pontiac 5:30 p.m. El Meson Hixson, 248 Northgate Mall, (423) 710-1201

Courtney Daly 7 p.m. Magoo’s, 3658 Ringgold Rd., East Ridge. (423) 867-1351, facebook.com/MagoosTN A Man Called Bruce 7 p.m. Acoustic Café, 61 RBC Drive, Ringgold, Ga. (706) 965-2065, ringgoldacoustic.com Jimmy Harris 7 p.m. The Coconut Room at The Palms at Hamilton, 6925 Shallowford Rd., #202.

(423) 499-5055, thepalmsathamilton.com PeeWee Moore 7:30 p.m. Jack A’s Chop Shop Saloon, 742 Ashland Ter. (423) 710-8739, jackaschopshopsaloon.com JJ Grey and Mofro 8 p.m. Track 29, 1400 Market St. (423) 521-2929, track29.co Humpty Hump Dance Party 9 p.m. J.J.’s Bohemia, 231 E. MLK Blvd. (423) 266-1400, jjsbohemia.com England in 1819, Daniel Elsworth & The Great Lakes, Dead Testaments 9 p.m. The Honest Pint, 35 Patten Pkwy. (423) 468-4192, thehonestpint.com Channing Wilson 9 p.m. Bud’s Sports Bar, 5751 Brainerd Rd. (423) 499-9878, budssportsbar.com Band of Heathens, Carolina Story 9 p.m. Rhythm & Brews, 221 Market St. (423) 267-4644, rhythm-brews.com

Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@ chattanoogapulse.com.

●

All shows are free with dinner or 2 drinks!

Stop by & check out our daily specials!

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri: 4-7pm $1 10oz drafts, $3 32oz drafts, $2 Wells, $1.50 Domestics, Free Appetizers

Facebook.com/theoffice.chatt

Hot Music • Hot Times • Hot Food

Smoke Free • 742 Ashland Terrace

25 Husky Burnette SAT OCT 26 Ragdoll FRI OCT

Come Catch All The College Football Action Every Saturday HAPPY HOUR

3P-7P • MON-FRI BIKE NIGHT EVERY

WEDNESDAY

(423) 710-8739

jackaschopshopsaloon.com

chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 13

the Pulse's

Halloween Guide are you ready for a mutant invasion? the creepy denizens of the undead underworld venture out into the dark hallways of blowing screams farm

:

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

your weekly guide to chattanooga's favorite halloween haunts 14 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

By Josh Lang

T

HE NIGHT SKY WAS VOID OF CLOUDS AND THE MOON PROVIDED enough light to guide our path. We were told a chemical accident had taken place somewhere around Saint Elmo—but an investigation into such grandiose claims would be required to back up such a story.

BSF Global was known for conducting themselves in risky and inhumane ways, with whistleblowers coming forward with horrendous information into the testing they perform on innocent bunnies, squirrels, and…people.

In accordance with Section 666 of the Right to Know Law within our local municipal government regulations we were granted access into their facilities in order to file a complete report on what exactly goes on behind those guarded walls. We were led to the entrance of their operations and greeted by a misshapen fellow, let’s call him “Fred”, who warned us to keep our wits about us as it’s not always wise to go snooping around gathering information—even if it’s legal to do so.

The journey began and I felt a tightening in my chest. It could have been from extreme exposure to dangerous radiation, or to the fear that crept over me, knowing at any moment a deformed creature from beyond the pit of hell could reach for my ankles or come screaming down from the ceiling. Some rooms were extremely dark with only faint hints of light. But they were full of screams, able to be used in guiding my way through this demented compound.

“

In one area, the sick bastards were experimenting on helpless and defenseless squirrels.

Squeaker, as the label read under one of the cages, had began growing a forth eyeball and devilish horns. One can only wonder what purpose an army of deranged and mutated squirrels holds. Was it power BSF Global sought?

Was it to watch the world burn? I had to push forward to discover more hidden secrets.

After being chased by some of the unlucky scientists who were unable to escape before the “accident” took place, I found myself in a dark room that appeared at first to be safer than the places before. Each step carried a bit of hesitation, because one does not simply forget how easily these creatures lurk in shadows waiting for unsuspecting victims. However, it was not a scientist or small furry critter that would evoke phobic responses for years to come—but a bunny rabbit the size of a man who lunged at me from his rabbit hole with intent to kill! I luckily escaped after a well-placed feminine scream frightened the human-sized furball away.

Near the end of my journey, a medical doctor came forward to collect any misplaced faces or limbs that might have been “accidentally” taken during the tour. Little did we know that it was a setup, with the intent to purposefully rip the faces off pretty young girls and guys, in order to rebuild their population of chemical mutants, enabling them to lure more unsuspecting victims.This was a great haunt and one for the season! Check out more info at www. blowingscreamsfarm.com

The journey began and I felt a tightening in my chest. It could have been from extreme exposure to dangerous radiation, or to the fear that crept over me.

Halloween Guide

Mutants Reign at Blowing Screams Farm

chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 15

LOC NEW AT ION

halloweenexpress.com/chattanooga Beside Pepboy’s Auto, near Hamilton Place Mall entrance

2114 Gunbarrel Road Chattanooga, TN

$10 OFF

a purchase of $50.00 or more.

Expires October 24, 2013. Only at this location. Limit one coupon per customer.

Cannot be combined with any other offer or discount.

Beside Pepboy’s Auto, near Hamilton Place Mall entrance

2114 Gunbarrel Road Chattanooga, TN

16HE2184-5.25x10.4-PulseMgz-ChattanoogaTN-4c.indd • The Pulse • october 24-30, 20131 • chattanoogapulse.com

9/20/13 8:17 AM

(Be) Heading for Halloween More scary and not-so-scary stuff to do this year

K

ICKING OFF THE HALLOWEEN WEEK OF 2013 IS THE Haunted Market on Sunday, October 27, complete with multiple costume parades and contests and a multitude of gourd and apple selections to help everyone prepare for All Hallow’s Eve, the spookiest of holidays, on Thursday. Additionally, the weekend of the 25th to the 27 th will be your last chance to visit Rock City’s Rocktoberfest, the Enchanted MAiZE at Blowing Springs Farm, and the Blowing SCREAMS Farm Haunted House before the boundaries between the spirit world and the human worlds fade.

On the weekdays leading up to Halloween, there will be a bit of a lull— a respite to let everyone take some deep breaths and prepare themselves for the absolute blowout that will signal October’s end in Chattanooga.

You can see Maximo Ortiz’s “Spooky Nights in the Library” art collection at the E.G. Fisher Library and admire his spooky style in an attempt to prepare yourselves for the big night, or perhaps spend the last few evenings before Oct. 31 putting the finishing touches on your costumes—because they are going to need some quality structural support to last through this night. Not only will you probably be battling vampires, zombies, ghosts, werewolves, and other monsters at various stages of undead, but you’ll also have to hit up all the parties around the town.

The pre-dark stages of the night are, as always, reserved for kid-andfamily-friendly events, including the Halloween Family Festival at the Sequatchie Valley Institute located on 1233 Cartwright Loop from 4 - 9 p.m., the Scarecrow in the Wilds Picnic and Hayride at the Chattanooga Arboretum and Nature Center from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Halloween at McKay’s Books from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., and the Soddy Trunk O’ Treats held at the Soddy Community Chapel from 6 - 8 p.m. Additionally, Cleveland will be hosting its annual downtown Halloween Block Party, with stage appearances from the Convertibull Party Band and The Breakfast Club 80s Tribute Band.

These events will include plenty of timeless pre-Halloween human rituals, such as hayrides, bobbing for apples, and eating vast amounts of candy that will give you and your children the energy surge you need to

run from, or, if you’re feeling brave, attack, the hordes of ghouls and goblins that will soon be knocking down your front door.

If you’re done bashing in the heads of your enemies, definitely consider attending the many celebratory bashes that will be accompanied by music and quantities of alcohol to rival your candy binges from earlier in the evening. The Chattanooga Whiskey Monster Mash at Miller Plaza promises an assortment of whiskey cocktails, while Chattanooga’s favorite bars and hangouts boast the best lineups for a good time. The Honest Pint’s “3rd Annual Halloween Bash” includes The Bohannons with Behold The Brave, Mime Games and The Nim Nims, J.J.’s Bohemia’s “Halloween Show” features Strung Like a Horse, Jack A’s Chop Shop Saloon’s “Halloween Party” stars Dash Rip Rock, and Rhythm and Brews’ “Halloween Party” features Opposite Box with Deep Fried 5.

Looking for a somewhat more laidback and relaxing activity to recuperate from your evening of monsterslaying? The Vaudeville Café will be putting on a special Spook-tacular Murder Mystery Dinner Show and Brewer Media will be hosting Noel Coward’s Hauntingly Funny Blithe Spirit Costume Party and Contest at the Chattanooga Theatre Centre.

So, don’t worry! There will be plenty of fun and interesting activities for everyone (who survives), from our smallest children to the most agèd of our fellows.

Consult the Pulse’s calendars to review your options and create the best possible game plan for your Halloween festivities!

— Chelsea Sokol

Haunted Houses & Events Acres of Darkness Haunted Trail Chattanooga Audubon Acres 900 N. Sanctuary Road Hours/Dates: 8-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturday Evenings, October 18-26 Tickets: $15 Web: chattanoogaaudubon.org Blowing Screams Farm 271 Chattanooga Valley Road Flintstone, Ga. Hours/Dates: 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night in October.

Tickets: $16 Blowing Screams Farm; $20 Combo ticket Web: blowingscreamsfarm.com Chattanooga Ghost Tours 138 Market Street Hours/Dates: 7 p.m. every Friday and Saturday night in October.

Tickets: Tour $15 adults, $10 children; Kids 12-under are free Web: chattanoogaghosttours.com Dreamnight: Boo in the Zoo! 301 North Holtzclaw Avenue Hours/Dates: 5:30-8:30p.m.

October 18, 19, 24, 25, & 26 Tickets: $8.95 adults and $5.95 kids 3-12 Web: chattzoo.org Enchanted Maize 271 Chattanooga Valley Road Flintstone, Ga. Features: “Another YEar of Corny Fun.” Hours/Dates: ThursdaysSundays through Oct. 30.

Tickets: $9 adults, $7 children Web: enchantedmaze.com Halloween Eerie Express Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum 4119 Cromwell Road Hours/Dates: October 11, 12, 18, 19, 25 & 26; Trains depart at 7:45 p.m.

Tickets: $22 ages 2 and up Web: tvrail.com The Haunted Barn 5107 McDonald Road, McDonald Hours/Dates: 7-10 p.m. , Friday and Saturdays in October.

Tickets: $18 Web: thehauntedbarnchattanooga.com

Haunted Cavern Ruby Falls 1720 South Scenic Highway Hours/Dates: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October (including Oct. 31).

Tickets: $21 online; $23 at the door; $17 Sundays Web: hauntedcavern.com Haunted Hilltop 8235 Highway 58 Hours/Dates: 7 p.m.-1 a.m.

Fridays and Saturdays in October (including Oct. 31) Tickets: $20 for the Haunted House, Haunted Maze and Haunted Hayride.

Free parking.

Web: thehauntedhilltop.com Lake Winnepaspookah 1730 Lakeview Drive, Rossville Hours/Dates: 6-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays in October.

Tickets: $24 Web: lakewinnie.com Monster Barn 4431 Shackleford Ridge Road, Signal Mountain Hours/Dates: 7:30-10:45 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays in October.

Tickets: $10 per person Web: monsterbarnfun.com Mystery Dog Ranch 975 Wooten Road, Ringgold, GA Hours/Dates: 7 p.m. Oct. 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26 Tickets: $10 Web: mysterydoghauntedranchandhayride.net Redneck Zombie Paintball 490 County Road 67, Riceville, Hours/Dates: Friday and Saturday nights 7-11 p.m. and Halloween Tickets: $15 Web: redneckzombiepaintball.com Sir Gooney’s Haunted Carnival 5918 East Brainerd Road Hours/Dates: Doors open at 7:30 p.m. every weekend in October through Halloween.

Tickets: $20 Web: sirgoonyshauntedcarnival.com

chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 17

The FEAR is HERE.

Fri. & Sat. Nights

At the foot of Lookout Mountain 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd Flintstone, Georgia 30725 Phone 706-820-2531

sponsored by

In Partnership with

VOTED TOP 10 IN NATION Rand McNally

Thurs, Fri, Sat & Sun nights!

Save on Sundays - buy your online ticket today.

Not recommended for young children, parental discretion is advised.

18 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

Comix

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 1 . 8PM

TIVOLI THEATRE TICKETS AVAILABLE AT THE MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM BOX OFFICE (TIVOLI THEATRE BOX OFFICE DAY OF SHOW ONLY), ETIX.COM OR BY PHONE AT 423-642-TIXS

chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 19

Arts

janis hashe

AN CUB d , THaE-cola mawriitnhate ham

coc lled zarella, , gri pork les, moz , and stard .yum! pick .. n mu cuba peppers a n bana

VEGA

N CU RRY

Photos by Josh Lang

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KEN CHIC JERK LAT eppers, F n, red p chives,

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(423)-201-4882

825 HOUSTON ST.

DOWNTOWN CHATTANOOGA

If You Hand-build It, They Will Come Former city pottery studio re-opens as Scenic City Clay Arts

“ SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 Machines Are People Too

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27

Audacity, Mean Jeans, Future Virgins

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 Humpty Hump Dance Party

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31

Strung Like a Horse ~ Halloween Show

231 E MLK Blvd ✴ jjsbohemia.com

Working in clay is, in fact, primal—a completely different experience than creating a graphic on a computer. It’s the ultimate hands-on: messy, serendipitous and satisfying.

20 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

F

OR 25 YEARS, THE CITY OF CHATTANOOGA OPERATED THE John A. Patten Pottery Studio in Lookout Valley. But with debate over the proposed elimination of the Education, Arts and Culture Department came cries to end city funding—despite public testimonials from many people about how much the studio had contributed to their lives. Last July, after the EAC got its pink slip, the studio closed.

But as far as a group of clay devotees are concerned, that was just the beginning of a new chapter. In August, the space re-opened under its new name, Scenic City Clay Arts (SCCA), operating without any civic funding. Those who used the studio, both past and present, donated their own money and

time to make the re-opening possible.

The group’s mission: “Citizens coming together to sustain the art of clay, through education and practice, at an affordable price.”

“There was a group that was not willing to let the studio go. In the last seven years, participation had tripled,”

WE ARE BREAKING A WORLD RECORD! Friday, October 25th - Prizes to the longest attending audience member says David Chambers, a potter who heads the “club” that saved the space.

“We are now leasing the studio and the equipment from the city, at a very fair rate. We are responsible for maintaining the equipment,” consisting of 10 wheels, slab roller and extruder and kilns.

The club intends to formally incorporate as a nonprofit, which will enable it to apply for grants. But in the meantime, it isn’t letting the glaze grow under its feet. SCCA is open five days a week, and continues to offer multiple classes in hand-building and wheel throwing.

“Our goal is to have the studio be available to all, from professional level to kids just getting started in clay,” Chambers says. He points out that it typically costs from $6,000 - $7,000 to create a pottery studio space, and that many budding artists and craftsmen cannot afford that.

For young people, SCCA is working with the new city Department of Youth and Family Development to identify innercity kids eligible for five full scholarships and five partial scholarships for next year’s summer camps.

Another goal is to spread the word about what the studio offers and how convenient it actually is. “We’re really only a few minutes from downtown Chattanooga,” Chambers points out. Besides classes, the SCCA offers four-hour studio sessions for $15. Group members make all of the more than 20 glazes available for both in-studio use and for sale for use elsewhere. All the glazes, with one exception, are food- and dishwasher-safe, and Chambers notes that a beautiful red glaze has just been added to those offered. Twenty-fivepound bags of clay, brought in from Asheville, are sold for $30, which includes both bisque and glaze firings. As soon as the right space can be found for it, raku firing will be available as well.

The six-week classes meet twice weekly; hand-building costs $175 and wheel throwing, $200 (each with an additional $30 charge for clay). “All the instructors love taking

their knowledge and sharing it with others,” Chambers says, laughing a little that “some people are still after the ‘Ghost’ experience, but there’s much more to it than that.”

Working in clay is, in fact, primal—a completely different experience than creating a graphic on a computer. It’s the ultimate hands-on: messy, serendipitous and satisfying. Chambers relates how reluctant he was to publicly show a piece that had an accidentally off-center neck. Yet when he did take the piece to the Chattanooga Market, it was the first one that sold that day. Asked why she chose it, the customer said, “I love that the neck is off-center.”

The SCCA is offering a free chance to try hand-building or the wheel, along with a special kids’ station, at its official “Grand Opening” on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Members’ work will be for sale, with a portion of the proceeds going back to the studio.

Scenic City Clay Arts, 3202 Kellys Ferry Rd. (corner of Browns Ferry and Cummings Hwy.) (423) 260-0255.

Studio hours: 3 – 9 p.m. Monday and Wednesday; 1 – 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday.

$15 General Admission, $10 Students - For ALL 30 hours!

(423) 602-8640 | www.EnsembleTheatreOfChattanooga.com Eastgate Town Center, 5600 Brainerd Road, Chattanooga, 37411

VOLKSWAGEN SERIES

CLASSICAL’S TOP HITS November 3, 2013 at 3:00PM Volkswagen Conference Center Kayoko Dan, conductor

Tickets are $25 or $15 for students with valid I.D. 423.267.8583 • www.chattanoogasymphony.org chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 21

October Weekends

Arts & Entertainment

EVENTS CALENDAR

"Blithe Spirit"

Jodi White

for more info call 706.820.2531

See RockCity.com Come join the Fall Fun!

k!

Final Wee rs Open Thu to Sun

Final d! n e k e e W

BlowingScreamsFarm.com

THUrsday 10.24 Spooky Night at the Library 9:30 a.m. E.G. Fisher Library, 1289 Ingleside Ave. (423) 745-7782 Practically Perfect Consignment Sale 10 a.m. Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy. practicallyperfectsale.com Ooltewah Farmer’s Market 3 p.m. Ooltewah Nursery & Landscape Co. Inc., 5829 Main St. (423) 238-9775 Family Canoeing on North Chickamauga Creek 6 p.m. Greenway Farm, 5051 Gann Store Rd. (423) 643-6888, outdoorchattanooga.com “Blithe Spirit” 7 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. (423) 267-8534, theatrecentre.com “Mystery of the Redneck Italian Wedding” 7 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839, funnydinner.com Black and White Forest 7 p.m. Artsy-U, 5084 S. Ter., East Ridge. (423) 321-2317, artsychattanooga.com Jodi White 7:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233, thecomedycatch.com “Sanders Family Christmas” 7:30 p.m. Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave. Crossville. (931) 484-5000, ccplayhouse.com

22 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

friday 10.25 Practically Perfect Consignment Sale 10 a.m. Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy. practicallyperfectsale.com Pumpkin Carving Fresh on Fridays 11 a.m. Miller Plaza, 850 Market St. rivercitycompany.com Fall Trees 2 2 p.m.Artsy-U, 5084 S. Ter., East Ridge. (423) 321-2317, artsychattanooga.com Fantasy Maze at Tennessee Riverpark 6 p.m. Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 842-0177 Aquascarium Vi: Pirates of the Aquarium 6 p.m. Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. (800) 262-0695, tnaqua.org “Mystery of the Nightmare Office Party” 7 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839, funnydinner.com Halloween Party - Pumpkins 7 p.m. Artsy-U, 5084 S. Ter., East Ridge. (423) 321-2317, artsychattanooga.com “From Russia with Love” piano concert 7:30 p.m. UTC Fine Arts Center, Roland Hays Concert Hall, Vine & Palmetto Sts. (423) 425-4269, utc.edu/fine-arts-center “The Bald Soprano” 7:30 p.m. Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga, 5600 Brainerd Rd. (423) 602-8640,

“Ragtime” 7:30 p.m. Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville. (931) 484-5000, ccplayhouse.com Jodi White 7:30, 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233, thecomedycatch.com Zombie Ball with “Night of the Living Dead” 8 p.m. The Venue Creekside, 527 W. Inman St. (423) 584-5403, lightscameracleveland.com “Blithe Spirit” 8 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. (423) 267-8534, theatrecentre.com Larry Reeb 9:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839, funnydinner.com

saturday 10.26 2nd Annual Chattanooga 31 Mile SUP/Kayak Race 8 a.m. Coolidge Park, North Shore.

Rocktoberfest 8:30 a.m. Rock City Gardens, 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd. (706) 820-2531, seerockcity.com Practically Perfect Consignment Sale 10 a.m. Camp Jordan Arena, 323 Camp Jordan Pkwy. practicallyperfectsale.com All About Black Bears Class and Family Hike 10 a.m. Outdoor Chattanooga,

200 River St. (423) 643-6888, outdoorchattanooga.com “2013 Sanders Family Christmas” 10:30 a.m. Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville. (931) 484-5000, ccplayhouse.com Fall Festival and Trunk or Treat Noon. Childcare Network, 5531 Highway 41, (706) 937-2939, childcarenetwork.com The Met Live: “The Nose” 12:55 p.m. East Ridge 18, 5080 S. Terrace, East Ridge, Hamilton Place 1017, 2000 Hamilton Pl. Blvd. metoperafamily.org Barktoberfest 1 p.m. Whole Foods, 301 Manufacturers Rd. (423) 702-7300, MES Presents: FrighteningAss Film Festival 3!

2 p.m. Barking Legs Theatre, 1307 Dodds Ave. (423) 624-5347, barkinglegs.org “Ragtime” 2:30 p.m. Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville, (931) 484-5000, ccplayhouse.com “Mystery of Flight 138” 5:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839, funnydinner.com Fantasy Maze at Tennessee Riverpark 6 p.m. Tennessee Riverpark, 4301 Amnicola Hwy. (423) 842-0177 Halloween Party Zombie Self Portraits 7 p.m. Artsy-U, 5084 S. Ter.,

Arts & Entertainment

EVENTS CALENDAR Ballet Hispanico

Larry Reeb

naturally wonderful

RubyFalls.com

East Ridge. (423) 321-2317, artsychattanooga.com Jodi White 7 p.m. & 9:30 p.m. The Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233. thecomedycatch.com CSO: Luken Holdings Pops Series, “The Best of Rodgers & Hammerstein” 7:30 p.m. Tivoli Theatre, 709 Broad St. (423) 757-5156, chattanooga.gov “Mystery of the Facebook Fugitive” 8 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839, funnydinner.com Larry Reeb 10:30 p.m. Vaudeville Café, 138 Market St. (423) 517-1839, funnydinner.com

sunday 10.27 Rocktoberfest 8:30 a.m. Rock City Gardens, 271 Chattanooga Valley Rd. (706) 820-2531, seerockcity.com Chattanooga Market: The Haunted Market 11 a.m. Chattanooga Market, First Tennessee Pavilion, 1829 Carter St., chattanoogamarket.com “Blithe Spirit” 2:30 p.m. Chattanooga Theatre Centre, 400 River St. (423) 267-8534, theatrecentre.com “To Kill a Mockingbird” 2:30 p.m. Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville. (931) 484-5000,

ccplayhouse.com Takin It to the Streets 5 p.m. BI-LO, 6951 Lee Hwy. (423) 892-4270 Jodi White 7 p.m. The Comedy Catch, 3224 Brainerd Rd. (423) 629-2233, thecomedycatch.com

monday 10.28 Black Cat 5:30 p.m. Artsy-U, 5084 S. Ter., East Ridge. (423) 321-2317, artsychattanooga.com The Diamonds 7 p.m. Lee University Conn Center, 1120 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland. (423) 614-8000, leeuniversity.edu Friends of Moccasin Bend Lecture Series: Principal Chief Bill John Baker, Cherokee Nation 7 p.m. Tennessee Aquarium, 1 Broad St. (800) 262-0695, tnaqua.org Ballet Hispanico 7:30 p.m. UTC Fine Arts Center, Roland Hays Concert Hall, Vine & Palmetto Sts. (423) 425-4269, utc.edu/fine-arts-center

tuesday 10.29 Sustainable Tennessee Summit 8:30 a.m. UTC University Center, 615 McCallie Ave. (423) 425-4455, utc.edu “To Kill a Mockingbird” 10:30 a.m. Cumberland County

Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville. (931) 484-5000, ccplayhouse.com Sun Flowers 7 p.m. Artsy-U, 5084 S. Ter., East Ridge. (423) 321-2317, artsychattanooga.com “2013 Sanders Family Christmas” 7:30 p.m. Cumberland County Playhouse, 221 Tennessee Ave., Crossville. (931) 484-5000, ccplayhouse.com Chattanooga Clarinet Choir Concert 7:30 p.m. Ackerman Auditorium, 5061 Industrial Dr. (423) 236-2814, chattanoogaclarinetchoir.com Percussion Ensemble 7:30 p.m. Lee University Conn Center, 1120 N. Ocoee St., Cleveland. (423) 614-8000, leeuniversity.edu “Shall We Dance?”

Chattanooga’s Ballroom Dance Club 7:30 p.m. Allemande Hall, 7400 Standifer Gap Rd. (423) 238-4518

wednesday 10.30 The Met Live: “The Nose” (encore presentation) 6:30 p.m. East Ridge 18, 5080 S. Terrace, East Ridge, Hamilton Place 1017, 2000 Hamilton Pl. Blvd. metoperafamily.org Sunset Cattails 7 p.m.Artsy-U, 5084 S. Ter., East Ridge. (423) 321-2317, artsychattanooga.com Northshore Village

Apartments’ Community Halloween Bash 7 p.m. Northshore Village, 621 Memorial Dr. (423) 485-3331, mynorthshorevillage.com

ongoing

nds!

Open Weeke

423.821.2544 RubyFallsZip.com

“Narrative Gestures” 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon-Sat, 1 - 5 p.m. Sun. River Gallery, 400 E. 2nd St. (423) 265-5033, river-gallery.com “FRESH” (through Oct. 25) 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tues.- Sat. AVA Gallery, 30 Frazier Ave. (423) 265-4282, avarts.org “Texture and Glaze” 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Mon-Sat, 1 - 5 p.m. Sun. In-Town Gallery, 26A Frazier Ave. (423) 267-9214, intowngallery.com “Local Artists” 11 a.m, - 7 p.m. Mon-Sat Graffiti: A Hill City Art Joint, 505 Cherokee Blvd.

(423) 400-9797, hillcityart.com “Icons in Transformation” 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Tues-Fri. 10 a.m. - Noon Sat St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 305 W 7th St. (423) 266-8195, stpaulschatt.homestead.com

Map these locations on chattanoogapulse.com. Send event listings at least 10 days in advance to: calendar@ chattanoogapulse.com. chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 23

HALLOWEEN Screen HEADQUARTERS The Devil’s in the Digestion john devore

Get in the Holiday Spirit with these and many other in-store specials!

Southern Tier Pumking and Warlock Whole Hog Pumpkin Ale Hard Luk Ciders Fulton’s Harvest Pumpkin Pie and Apple Pie Cream Liqueur Hiram Walker Pumpkin Spice and Caramel Apple Liqueur Davy Crockett Tennessee Mud Whisper Creek Tennessee Sipping Cream Kah Tequila Espolon Tequila Jack Daniels Jax Single Barrel Master Distiller Series 1 & 2 White Rabbit Saloon Poizon Zinfandel Boneshaker Zinfandel

MES screens the ultimate in stomach trouble, “Bad Milo!”

T

HE LONGER I WATCH MOVIES, THE MORE convinced I am that truly bad ideas are few and far between. Some movies are executed poorly, some movies are poorly funded, some movies miss out on greatness by bad writing, bad acting, etc. But in general, most ideas are sound and have immense possibility.

“ We will meet or beat any advertised price and special order any wine available in the Chattanooga market!

216 MARKET STREET

423-266-8420

[This is] one of those strange films that need an audience with an open mind, because a movie about a man with a demon living in his colon sounds ridiculous on paper.

ONE BLOCK FROM THE TN AQUARIUM

24 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

Every film deserves a chance. “Sharknado” might have been excellent in the hands of a skilled director. Kevin Smith (“Clerks”) is currently writing a horror film about a man being slowly turned into a walrus by a mad surgeon.

I’d watch that movie in a heartbeat. Never dismiss a film just because it sounds weird. Mise En Scenester’s main feature during their Frighting Ass Film Festival on October 26 is one of these strange films that need an audience with an open mind, because a movie about a man with a demon living in his colon sounds ridiculous on paper. Truth be told, it’s ridiculous on film. But it works surprisingly well due to a host of actors that commit to the story and a director that knows the story he wants to tell.

“Bad Milo!” is funnier than any mainstream Hollywood film released this year, in part because the subject matter is unique.

In many ways, “Bad Milo!” is similar to Mike Judge’s “Office Space.” Both characters are unsatisfied with their jobs, both are fearful of their personal relationship, both have extreme reactions to stressful stimuli, both visit hypnotherapists. But whereas Peter Gibbons sees a competent one that turns off his stress before dying on the floor, “Bad Milo’s” Duncan (Ken Marino) sees a therapist that reveals the angry, pink, big-eyed, ball of teeth that has come to represent his anger. On the horror side, “Bad Milo” is something of an homage to 1980s creature flicks like “Gremlins” and “Ghoulies.” It’s packed with the same dark silliness found in those pictures, which is certainly welcome in a time when most horror movies take themselves a little too seriously. This film uses an

intestinal demon as a stand-in for violent reactions caused by unrelieved stress. It’s a little on the nose for a metaphor—but then this is a horror comedy and it’s not meant to be especially deep. Eventually, this tiny ball of suppressed rage begins to attack and murder the sources of Duncan’s stress. The film follows Duncan as he tries to control his inner demon and bring balance to his life. Again—not a high-brow concept, but in a film that features a cute abdominal goblin, the message is received rather well.

The film works, as I mentioned, because the cast commits to the premise so strongly.

“Bad Milo!” features character actor veterans like Stephen Root and Patrick Warburton, as well as “Community”’s Gillian Jacobs, and relative newcomer Kumail Nanjiani, all of whom are masters of delivery and understatement. The jokes in “Bad Milo!” are solid. This isn’t a “Scary Movie” type of horror comedy, reliying on gross-out sight gags and one-liners based around current pop culture. It has a real story and that’s what makes it interesting. It varies the humor enough that we aren’t bored by the concept within a few minutes, instead of repeating the same joke or attempting to take down the genre as a whole. It’s really surprising how competent the film is despite the absolutely absurd premise. Part of this might be due to the support of producer Mark Duplass, one of comedy’s current golden boys and star of “The League” on FXX. But mostly, this film goes to show that all ideas can be valid if they are developed well.

“Bad Milo!” is one of the films being screened as part of the MES’s Frightening Ass Film Festival, which also inlcudes “Maniac” and “Spider Baby.” Tickets may still be available but are likely very limited. The festival also features music and comedy, a costume contest, and screenings of short horror movies by local filmmakers, which is a lot of scary entertainment for $15. If you do miss out on the festival, “Bad Milo!” is available for download on iTunes—you can make your own Halloween film fest at home.

MES Frightening Ass Film Festival, 2 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.

Barking Legs Theater, 1307 Dodds Ave. More information and tickets: mesfilmclub.com

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M-F 10am-7pm Sat: 11a-4pm Closed Sunday

3658 Ringgold Road East Ridge, TN • 423.867.1351 chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 25

26 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

Spirits Within

mike dobbs

My Old Kentucky Bourbon Home Our man on the bar stool finds fall tasty at Easy Bistro “Bourbon does for me what the piece of cake did for Proust.”

— Walker Percy, 1975

N

ow that fall has officially shown up, the time is just right for something a little warmer and soothing than lemonade on Grandma’s front porch.

So, fiddle-dee-dee, I went in search of something with a bit more substance...bourbon.

I found myself at Easy Bistro in the old Coca-Cola bottling plant in downtown Chattanooga.

I met with mixologist Laura Kelton, who was kind enough to take time from her busy day to spend a few minutes with me to lay out some of the finer points of what they had to offer.

The first concoction she slid across the granite bar top was a little number she’s coined, “The Bait & Switch.”

Basic ingredient: Angel’s

ATHENS ATHENS DISTRIBUTING DISTRIBUTING COMPANY COMPANY

WINE AND WINE SPIRIT ANDW SHOLESALERS PIRIT WHOLESALERS ATHENS COMPANY ATHENSD DISTRIBUTING ISTRIBUTING COMPANY

ly owned ally ownedsince since1961 1961 ned since 1961 COMPANY

shift away from the PIRIT WHOLESALERS overabundance of Follow us Follow on Facebook us on Facebook Follow us Follow on Twitter us on Twitter Athens Distributing Athens Distributing Company Company Chattanooga Chattanooga @athenschatt @athenschatt juniper toward a more forward balance of Follow us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Visit Visit ourChattanooga website: our website: Athensdistributing.com Athensdistributing.com Follow us on Facebook Follow@athenschatt us on Twitter Athens Distributing Company botanicals. Distilled Follow us Company on Facebook Follow us on Twitter Athens Distributing Chattanooga @athenschatt Follow us on ncebook Facebook Follow usTwitter on Twitter in small batches and Visit our website: Athensdistributing.com Athens Distributing Company Chattanooga @athenschatt pany Chattanooga @athenschatt ompany Chattanooga @athenschatt Visit our website: Athensdistributing.com bottled at 84 proof.

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It’s paired with a houseinfused pear vodka, Amontillado, orange liqueur, lemon, mint and cinnamon.

It’s definitely a more pungent cocktail that will sure spark your inner pilot light!

Thirdly, before Laura had to catch her wings to get to Portland’s Cocktail Week, she whipped up a cocktail using Woodford Reserve Bourbon.

Woodford is from the oldest distillery in Kentucky, It was also created by Lincoln Henderson and is from only copper-pot still and triple distillation process used to handcraft bourbon today. Did I mention it’s the official bourbon of the Kentucky Derby?

With this, she added an herb and fruit liqueur, sweet vermouth and her famous (to me) flamed orange peel.

This is another belly-warmer with a nice bitter hint and fruity-herby aftertaste—the perfect ending for the afternoon.

Athens Distributing recommends these fine spirits...

Aviation American ATHENS DISTRIBUTING CHOLESALERS OMPANY W INE S PIRITW W Locally owned owned since since 1961 1961 W INEAND ANDLocally S PIRIT HOLESALERS Gin W AND SPIRIT WHOLESALERS NS DISTRIBUTING COMPANY HENS DISTRIBUTING CINE OMPANY INE AND SPIRIT WHOLESALERS WINE AND SPIRIT WHOLESALERS owned since 1961 Aviation embodies a Locally Locally owned since Locally owned since 19611961

RIBUTING

Envy Bourbon.

This bourbon was created by the recently late Master Distiller Lincoln Henderson.

Angel’s Envy is worth coveting. Aged up to 6 years in charred white oak barrels and finished in ruby port wine casks, it has a deep, rich flavor.

Laura complements it with an herb and fruit liqueur, white vermouth, peach bitters and puts it in a glass that’s been rinsed with scotch. She then tops it all with a flamekissed orange peel that causes the essential oils to flow and mix into one of the most delicious drinks I’ve had in a loooong time.

While I was like a boy floating in warm water over that one, she began mixing our second taster of the afternoon.

The “Block Party” is made with Bulliet Bourbon, which is characterized by having a high rye content for a bourbon (at approximately 28 percent). This gives it a pretty heavy backbone.

Angel’s Envy Bourbon

Short Mountain ‘Shine

Maestro Dobel Tequila

Aged up to 6 years, and finished in ruby port wine casks.

Hand blended in very small batches, this bourbon has a taste profile unlike any other.

Made from corn grown and stone milled on a 300 acre working farm in Cannon County, Tennessee.

True Tennessee shine, made by real moonshiners!

Double distilled from 100% blue agave cactus, then matured in Hungarian White Oak barrels and filtered for exceptional smoothness and clarity.

@athenschatt

Athensdistributing.com

chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 27

Free Will Astrology SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpios are obsessive, brooding, suspicious, demanding, and secretive, right? That’s what traditional astrologers say, isn’t it? Well, no, actually. I think that’s a misleading assessment. It’s true that some Scorpios are dominated by the qualities I named. But my research shows that those types of Scorpios are generally not attracted to reading my horoscopes. My Scorpios tend instead to be passionately focused, deeply thoughtful, smartly discerning, intensely committed to excellence, and devoted to understanding the complex truth. These are all assets that are especially important to draw on right now.

The world has an extraordinarily urgent need for the talents of you evolved Scorpios.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “If you’re in pitch blackness, all you can do is sit tight until your eyes get used to the dark.” That helpful advice appears in Norwegian Wood, a novel by Haruki Murakami. Now I’m passing it on to you, just in time for your cruise through the deepest, darkest phase of your cycle.

When you first arrive, you may feel blind and dumb. Your surroundings might seem impenetrable and your next move unfathomable. But don’t worry. Refrain from drawing any conclusions whatsoever. Cultivate an empty mind and an innocent heart. Sooner or later, you will be able gather the clues you need to take wise action.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Have you thought about launching a crowdfunding campaign for your pet project? The coming weeks might be a good time. Have you fantasized about getting involved in an organization that will help save the world even as it feeds your dreams to become the person you want to be? Do it! Would you consider hatching a benevolent conspiracy that will serve as an antidote to an evil conspiracy? Now is the time.

You’re in a phase of your astrological cycle when you have more power than usual to build alliances. Your specialties between now and December 1 will be to mobilize group energy and round up supporters and translate high ideals into practical actions.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In

28 • The Pulse • october 24-30, 2013 • chattanoogapulse.com

rob brezsny ahead to cultivate Hockney’s style of greed. As you head out in quest of adventure, here’s an important piece of advice to keep in mind. Make sure you formulate an intention to seek out thrills that educate and inspire you rather than those that scare you and damage you. It’s up to you which kind you attract.

2008, writer Andrew Kessler hung out with scientists at NASA’s mission control as they looked for water on the planet Mars. Three years later, he published a book about his experiences, Martian Summer: Robot Arms, Cowboy Spacemen, and My 90 Days with the Phoenix Mars Mission. To promote sales, he opened a new bookstore that was filled with copies of just one book: his own. I suggest that you come up with a comparable plan to promote your own product, service, brand, or personality. The time is right to summon extra chutzpah as you expand your scope.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Right now you have a genius for escaping, for dodging, for eluding. That could be expressed relatively negatively or relatively positively. So for instance, I don’t recommend that you abscond from boring but crucial responsibilities. You shouldn’t ignore or stonewall people whose alliances with you are important to keep healthy. On the other hand, I encourage you to fly, fly away from onerous obligations that give you little in return. I will applaud your decision to blow off limitations that are enforced by neurotic habits, and I will celebrate your departure from energy-draining situations that manipulate your emotions.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I’m greedy,” says painter David Hockney, “but I’m not greedy for money—I think that can be a burden— I’m greedy for an exciting life.” According to my analysis, Aries, the cosmos is now giving you the go-

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): French philosopher Simone Weil described the following scene: “Two prisoners in adjoining cells communicate with each other by knocking on the wall. The wall is the thing which separates them but is also their means of communication.” This muted type of conversation is a useful metaphor for the current state of one of your important alliances, Taurus. That which separates you also connects you. But I’m wondering if it’s time to create a more direct link.

Is it possible to bore a hole through the barrier between you so you can create a more intimate exchange?

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “I had tended to view waiting as mere passivity,” says author Sue Monk Kidd in her memoir. “When I looked it up in my dictionary, however, I found that the words ‘passive’ and ‘passion’ come from the same Latin root, pati, which means ‘to endure.’

Waiting is thus both passive and passionate. It’s a vibrant, contemplative work . . . It involves listening to disinherited voices within, facing the wounded holes in the soul, the denied and undiscovered, the places one lives falsely.” This is excellent counsel for you, Gemini. Are you devoted enough to refrain from leaping into action for now? Are you strong enough to bide your time?

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Venice is to the man-made world what the Grand Canyon is to the natural one,” said travel writer Thomas Swick in an article praising the awe-inciting beauty of the Italian city. “When I went to Venice,” testified French novelist Marcel Proust, “my dream became my address.” American author Truman Capote chimed in that “Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one go.” I bring this up, Cancerian, because even if you don’t make a pilgrimage to Venice, I expect that you will soon have the chance, metaphorically speaking, to consume an entire box of chocolate liqueurs at one go.

Take your sweet time. Nibble slowly.

Assume that each bite will offer a distinct new epiphany.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Do you have any interest in reworking—even revolutionizing—your relationship with the past? If so, the coming weeks will be an excellent time to do so.

Cosmic forces will be on your side if you attempt any of the following actions: 1. Forgive yourself for your former failures and missteps. 2.

Make atonement to anyone whom you hurt out of ignorance. 3. Reinterpret your life story to account for the ways that more recent events have changed the meaning of what happened long ago. 4. Resolve old business as thoroughly as you can.

5. Feel grateful for everyone who helped make you who you are today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “As a bee seeks nectar from all kinds of flowers, seek teachings everywhere,” advises the Tibetan Buddhist holy text known as the Dzogchen Tantra. That’s your assignment, Virgo.

Be a student 24 hours a day, seven days a week—yes, even while you’re sleeping. (Maybe you could go to school in your dreams.) Regard every experience as an opportunity to learn something new and unexpected. Be ready to rejoice in all the revelations, both subtle and dramatic, that will nudge you to adjust your theories and change your mind.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Don’t you wish your friends and loved ones would just somehow figure out what you want without you having to actually say it? Wouldn’t it be great if they were telepathic or could read your body language so well that they would surmise your secret thoughts? Here’s a news bulletin: IT AIN’T GOING TO HAPPEN! EVER! That’s why I recommend that you refrain from resenting people for not being mind-readers, and instead simply tell them pointblank what you’re dreaming about and yearning for. They may or may not be able to help you reach fulfillment, but at least they will be in possession of the precise information they need to make an informed decision.

Homework: Imagine you get three wishes on one condition: They can’t benefit you directly, but have to be wished on someone else’s behalf. Freewillastrology.com

matt jones

“You’ve Got to Stand for Something” --but not that.

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chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 29

On the Beat

alex teach

Remembering Rodney: A Poorly Timed Tribute 1991. It was more than just two decades ago; it was a lifetime ago.

I simply can’t think of a way to properly express how literally I mean that, because, well…I wasn’t a cop then. Ask any cop you know who’s been on the job for five years or more and they won’t admit it, but they don’t really know who they used to be either, before the Job. 1991 though—I do remember that year before “the life”.

I was still an asshole of course, but I was a different kind of asshole. Out of high school and going through the motions of college, but not really sure which road I was going to take. And when I saw the events of March 2, 1991 broadcast on a shitty handheld camcorder, I vividly remember those moments as clearly as I do Reagan getting shot, the Challenger explosion, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and September 11, 2001. It changed my Generation X (and therefore our country) forever.

At that time in my life, it showed me that the Good Guys weren’t always Good. Right and Wrong didn’t have such a clear delineator, and it served as one of the first real fissures in my then-

idealistic perception of the world.

How could this happen in a “just society?” It was absolutely not a factor in it, but I was a cop a few short years later. Go figure.

On that night, Rodney King was a convicted felon on parole driving with an estimated .19 BAC on the Foothill Freeway in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles with two passengers onboard.

“

A reckless criminal, a victim…an icon.

Defend him or revile him, he made an impact on this country not unlike an asteroid.

Observed speeding by the California Highway Patrol, he refused to stop and a chase ensued. He exited the freeway and the chase continued through residential streets at speeds allegedly ranging from 55 to 80 mph. When he was finally cornered and stopped, his passengers responded to police orders to stop and lie down after the chase. King chose not to, waved at a helicopter, grabbed his pockets (where weapons are undisputedly ordinarily kept), then proceeded to throw the cops off him who tried to take him into custody and the ensuing legendary ass-whipping needs no further description.

These are the actions of a bad guy, folks. And it is THIS assbeating that took all of the facts above, shit-canned them…and made Rodney “the victim”.

Did that ass-beating go on too long? Yup. Did he ask for it by his refusal to do anything his companions had the sense to do, and the cops had the legal right to order him to do after his life-threatening behavior? Yup. But rather than focus on his bad behavior that night and his nights before, the five cops were the bad guys

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because they stepped over the line. And the result?

The acquittal of those cops resulted in 1,600 buildings being destroyed, nearly 2,400 people being injured, and 53 people being murdered...22 of which murders have never been solved. But it’s OK, because it wasn’t their fault. They had to riot and destroy their own neighborhoods and kill their own neighbors, because they were now victims, too. For you supporters out there, this is on your resume, too, you know. In for a penny, in for a pound, right?

Now? Many, many years later, I learned something else: There were a few minutes of video before that savage beating that weren’t shown. It didn’t make that beating right, but it sure altered the nation’s perception and L.A.’s bloody reactions to the trial a year later. There is always more to the story.

Rodney King squandered his portion of the $3.8 million dollar lawsuit award, never beat the drugs and booze that he earned it with, became a “reality television star”, and was finally found dead in the bottom of a pool on June 17, 2012…the 54th victim of his

own acquittal-inspired riots from George Holliday’s fateful camcorder video.

A reckless criminal, a victim… an icon. Defend him or revile him, he made an impact on this country not unlike an asteroid.

And more than 22 years later, what’s the difference between the kid I was then and the man I am now? I now realize the irony that as a cop, I’m on the side of those trying to help us “all get along”, unlike the good reverends that made a living off of doing the opposite. How sad.

May you rest in the peace that you never found in life, Mr. King.

For good or ill, you will literally never be forgotten.

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. Follow him on Facebook at www. facebook.com/alexteach

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chattanoogapulse.com • october 24-30, 2013 • The Pulse • 31