Nashville Scene 12-1-22

Cooper, MNPD Moving Forward With License Plate

The mayor is asking for the Metro Council’s approval in acquiring and deploying the controversial technology

BY NICOLE WILLIAMS

The ‘Roofie’ Problem 8 People are being drugged in bars — but it’s difficult to prove and prosecute

BY HANNAH HERNER

COVER STORY

Four More Years of Bill Lee Guided by his faith in God and markets, Tennessee’s deeply conservative top executive heads into his second term as governor

BY ELI MOTYCKA

CRITICS’ PICKS

WNXP Two-Year Anniversary Show, The Mavericks, Maren Morris, Minton Sparks Spoken Word and Poetry Festival, Nashville Scene Taco Week and more

BOOKS

Rye Wit

Clay Risen talks about death, history and the rebirth of America’s first spirit

BY MICHAEL RAY TAYLOR, CHAPTER16.ORG

MUSIC

Surveying the Strata 50 Adeem the Artist unpacks layers of privilege and marginalization on White Trash Revelry

BY BRITTNEY M c KENNA

Blank Slate .............................................. 50

Nordista Freeze’s Space Prom, a tribute to pop history, keeps on trucking

BY EDD HURT

Close to the Bone 51 Martha Redbone’s unique story of cultural identity resonates in Bone Hill

BY AMY STUMPFL

The Spin

FOOD AND DRINK

Surf, Turf and Mirth

South Nashville’s Las Cazuelas delivers mariscos, margaritas and mariachi

BY ALIJAH POINDEXTER

ART

Crawl Space: December 2022

The year’s last First Saturday celebrates a strong showing for Nashville’s art gallery scene

BY JOE NOLAN

Matthew Masters

Where are our state and federal leaders when it comes to the challenges facing Tennessee State University, Nashville’s only public state-funded HBCU?

Gov. Bill Lee campaigned hard on his work with prison-outreach group Men of Valor, highlighting the stark contrast between the haves and the have-nots. He should be aware of the challenges facing Black students and how hard it is — regardless of the color of your skin — to get a college education when coming from a disadvantaged background. TSU and its student population are overcoming hurdles, but our leaders have yet to lift a finger to help.

Tennessee’s senior U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn has also been quiet on the subject — though she has in recent months made her opinion on a well-educated Black woman quite clear. The nation was taken aback by her mistreatment of Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during Jackson’s confirmation hearing, asking if the judge had a “hidden agenda” and inspiring headlines such as Newsweek’s “Marsha Blackburn accused of racism over Ketanji Brown Jackson questions.” What a proud moment to be a Tennessean. While Blackburn has not made her opinion of TSU President Dr. Glenda

WHITE HOUSE APPOINTS BILL FREEMAN TO FULBRIGHT FOREIGN SCHOLARSHIP BOARD

On Nov. 22, President Biden announced key appointments to a pair of boards, including the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. Among the Fulbright board appointees were Carmen Estrada Schaye, Jennifer Lin and Bill Freeman.

“This is a very special and esteemed position, and I am honored and humbled by the fact that President Biden has chosen me for this responsibility,” says Freeman. “The important work of board members is to select students, scholars, teachers and others from the United States and abroad to participate in Fulbright exchanges. … I am grateful for the opportunity to work

Glover public, she may have similar unfounded suspicion of another Black woman in a position of leadership and responsibility.

It’s no secret that one of TSU’s greatest challenges has been the expense of providing a solid education. Nashville’s meteoric growth has been a challenge for many residents, and city growth has a large impact on an urban university with housing and educational responsibilities. When families find it difficult to find and keep homes in Nashville, the challenges facing an urban university are just as great. Combine that with the recent surge in TSU’s enrollment, and the school now has one of the best problems you can have: surging attendance, with more students than they’ve ever seen before. High praise for TSU, but it is indeed a logistical challenge.

TSU was recently in front of the state Senate’s Finance, Ways and Means Committee to discuss the framework for financial support for additional student housing. But as Tennessee Lookout’s Sam Stockard recently pointed out, the “outrage over TSU was outrageous.” Instead of discussing the logistics of a clearly needed student housing increase, this 10-member committee — notably composed of nine Republicans and a single Democrat — grilled TSU over

with Fulbright’s dynamic board members and very much look forward to this new position. Any thanks I can give President Biden would not be enough.”

Bill Freeman is the chairman of real estate investment, management and brokerage company Freeman Webb, which he co-founded with Jimmy Webb in 1979. He also serves as chairman of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority’s board of directors, and is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News

years-old financial audit findings.

TSU has worked diligently to increase enrollment, and has achieved a dramatic increase of 2,000 more incoming freshmen this year. The treatment TSU received was out of line. The school deserves more respect and simply excels at recruiting new students. “TSU’s biggest sin,” writes Stockard, “appears to be a strong marketing program and an inability to say no.”

Some have pointed out that other schools — namely UT-Knoxville — would never have been treated this way. I have to agree. I love both schools and have supported them for many years, but the treatment Dr. Glover received from our state legislators was uncalled for. Dr. Glover is a rare find in the educational field. How rare? She has no peer in Tennessee’s other public universities. Out of every public university in the state of Tennessee, only two are led by a woman, and only two are led by a person of color. How many are led by a woman of color? One. Dr. Glover is the only Black woman to lead a public university in Tennessee. This is how we treat someone with a hard-earned and welldeserved position of authority? I agree with Stockard’s comment that UT-Knoxville President Randy Boyd would never have been treated this way — and I suspect that the other eight white men in charge of our public universities wouldn’t have been treated this way, either.

Increasing enrollment is the primary goal of our public educational institutions. Nearly a decade ago, former Gov. Bill Haslam’s “Drive to 55” program was implemented with the goal of having 55 percent of all Tennesseans earn a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2025. TSU has arguably done more than its fair share of the work to reach that high bar, which was set back in 2013. They were charged with increasing enrollment, and that’s exactly what they’ve done.

The bottom line is this: TSU’s housing needs are real. They deserve help from the state, they deserve better treatment from our state legislators, and they deserve better from our state government as a whole.

Bill Freeman

Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News.

Editor-in-Chief D. Patrick Rodgers

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Editorial Policy: The Nashville Scene covers news, art and entertainment. In our pages appear divergent views from across the community. Those views do not necessarily represent those of the publishers. Subscriptions: Subscriptions are available at $150 per year for 52 issues.

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In memory of Jim Ridley, editor 2009-2016

UNDERFUNDED AND UNDERAPPRECIATED: TSU

DESERVES BETTER FROM LEE AND THE GOP

TSU PRESIDENT DR. GLENDA GLOVER

PHOTO COURTESY OF TSU

BILL FREEMAN

Journey across space and time. Fire and flood. Riots and ruins.

Teeming with luminous colors, surreal forms, and evocative symbols, the works of art in this exhibition visualize the deep human desire to develop “theories of everything”. And while they can be appreciated on a strictly aesthetic level, layered stories upon stories await your exploration. We invite you to immerse yourself in an interdisciplinary artistic experience that includes paintings, drawings, sculpture, and video.

Organized by the Frist Art Museum

This project is supported in part by the and the NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR THE ARTS SANDRA SCHATTEN FOUNDATION

The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by With additional support from our PICASSO CIRCLE

Installation view of Matthew Ritchie: A Garden in the Flood, 2022, Frist Art Museum. Photo: John Schweikert. © Matthew Ritchie

COOPER, MNPD MOVING FORWARD WITH LICENSE PLATE READERS

BY NICOLE WILLIAMS

The Metro Nashville Police Department and Mayor John Cooper’s administration are forging ahead with a proposal to implement a countywide license plate reader program in Nashville. The move comes amid unanswered questions and criticism from Metro councilmembers regarding the timing of a public hearing.

License plate readers are high-speed cameras that capture images of the license plate of every vehicle that passes. In October, the finance department quietly issued a request for quotation, soliciting bids from LPR vendors in a multi-round process to include review of written proposals and a 10-day “field evaluation.” Cost information will not be provided until the final round. Initial proposals were due in mid-November, but there’s no specified award date or anticipated length of evaluation.

Now the mayor’s administration has filed a resolution for the Metro Council’s Dec. 6 meeting, requesting the legislative body’s approval to move forward with acquiring and deploying LPRs throughout Nashville. Before voting, the council will hold a public hearing on the issue. Most Metro contracts are awarded administratively, though the council has the ability to place additional requirements on the procurement process.

In 2017, Councilmember Dave Rosenberg introduced a bill to require a public hearing and vote by the council before Metro government agencies implement any new surveillance technology.

Until now, this public hearing requirement has never been triggered. After a legislative battle lasting more than a year, the council passed a bill in February to pave the way for the MNPD and other Metro agencies to use license plate readers. Police departments can use LPRs to flag cars on a “hot list” of Amber Alerts, Silver Alerts and missing vehicles; they can also save the data for later use in criminal investigations.

Proponents of the controversial technology, including Mayor Cooper, tap into a public perception of threats to public safety that is at odds with data showing historically low levels of crime. TJ Ducklo, Cooper’s chief communications officer, tells the Scene: “License plate readers are a proven and effective technology to

Opponents cite concerns over privacy and disproportionately negative effects of policing on marginalized communities. LPR vendors are quick to claim drastic decreases in crime in jurisdictions that implement their technology as evidence of their success. But peer-reviewed research shows middling results on reduction of certain property crimes and little to no impact on violent crime.

Five years ago, Cooper — then an atlarge councilmember — voted in favor of a bill to prohibit Metro from using LPRs. Explaining the shift in the mayor’s position, Ducklo says, “In 2017, thenCouncilmember Cooper did not support use of broad surveillance technologies because there were no appropriate guardrails or limitations yet implemented to protect Nashvillians’ privacy — in stark contrast to the LPR legislation passed by council this past February, which mandates multiple privacy safeguards, use restrictions and access limits.” Cooper did not advance an alternative proposal at the time of the 2017 bill’s passage.

The legislation also includes a requirement that MNPD develop several sets of publicly available policies to govern their use of LPRs. As of press time, MNPD has no policies available for review, with spokesperson Don Aaron stating simply that a policy was “in development.”

When the council meets on Dec. 6 to consider the administration’s resolution, its members will need to determine that the benefits outweigh the costs; that the proposal will safeguard civil liberties and

civil rights; and that no alternative with “a lesser economic cost or impact upon civil rights or civil liberties would be as effective.” And they’ll be asked to make those determinations without knowing who the vendor or vendors will be; without knowing the cost of the program; and without time to review the policies MNPD will be using to govern implementation — a proposition Rosenberg describes as “the equivalent of closing our eyes and hoping for the best.”

One proposal will likely come from Vigilant Solutions, an industry leader with a history of dubious data use and privacy practices. Aaron tells the Scene that in September 2021, Vigilant loaned the department a mobile LPR trailer. He says the LPR wasn’t used to initiate any stops or aid in any investigations — only as a tool to help the department “better understand how LPR systems and equipment work” — and that it was “returned to [Vigilant parent company] Motorola months ago.”

Metro Councilmember At-Large Bob Mendes and others have criticized the administration’s decision to hold the hearing now. “I think the Cooper administration is making a terrible mistake by piling public hearings about the racetrack into the same time period as public hearings about the football stadium and then tossing a public hearing about license plate readers in, all during the holiday season,” Mendes tells the Scene. He adds, “I think they’re feeling pressure to get ‘their agenda’ done before we get to the budget season and subsequent election,” and in the process, “creating a legislative pace that’s unfair to the council and to the public.”

In response, Ducklo tells the Scene that “the procurement process that generated the current resolution began months ago

CITE

and was only recently completed,” and the resolution “was then promptly filed … and scheduled for public hearing at the next available council meeting.”

If the council approves the resolution, the MNPD will carry out a six-month pilot program. At the end of the pilot, the police department will have to ask the Metro Council for approval to permanently implement LPRs. Ducklo cites this “added safeguard” as “yet another reason why Mayor Cooper believes this is the appropriate next step.”

But Rosenberg sees the pilot as something of a smokescreen. “In the same way the argument now is, ‘This is just a pilot, let’s attach these things,’ ” he says, “the argument [in six months] will be, ‘We’ve spent the money, we’ve gone through the trouble of installing them, and it would be a waste of resources to just take them down.’ ”

To Rosenberg, the pilot is “an effective red herring, but a sucker’s move.”

EMAIL EDITOR@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

The mayor is asking for the Metro Council’s approval in acquiring and deploying the controversial technology

combat violent crimes underpinned by stolen vehicles; pedestrian and cyclist hitand-runs; highly dangerous street racing; auto thefts, carjackings and other missing persons situations.”

OPPONENTS

CONCERNS OVER PRIVACY AND DISPROPORTIONATELY NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF POLICING ON MARGINALIZED COMMUNITIES.

LICENSE PLATE READERS IN BELLE MEADE

PHOTO:

PET OF THE WEEK!

HI, MY NAME

THE ‘ROOFIE’ PROBLEM

BY HANNAH HERNER

Josephine is a fiddle player on Lower Broadway. She suspects that someone was hoping to steal her equipment and tip money when she was drugged last year — she collapsed in the bar, and entirely lost two hours of memory.

“When you’re drinking too much, you have a few memories,” says Josephine, who asks that we refer to her by just her first name. “I have a memory of the last thing that I saw, and there’s nothing else. I was just down. I’ve done my fair share of drinking, and it’s not normally like that for me. … I was no longer in control of myself physically, which is not in line with how I normally handle alcohol.”

A good Samaritan bartender took Josephine’s belongings for safekeeping, told the people milling around to leave her alone, and summoned a security guard to take her to the address on her driver’s license. Josephine says, all things considered, that

was the best-case scenario. Similar stories — and worse — frequently circulate via social media and by word of mouth. But as real a problem as it is, it’s difficult to collect evidence of drugging and therefore prosecute those responsible.

The catchall term “roofie” is slang for rohypnol or flunitrazepam, a drug that can be used to treat insomnia and assist with anesthesia. Rohypnol manufacturers have long added a color and flavor to the drug to try prevent its use in assault attempts. But that isn’t always the case with older drugs and the generic version, explains Rebecca Bruccoleri, a toxicologist at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. What’s more, GHB and ketamine are FDA-approved drugs that are sometimes used similarly to rohypnol.

All three drugs can cause sedation, hypnosis or sleep, not to mention anterograde amnesia — meaning a person affected can’t form a new memory while

under the drug’s influence.

“A lot of people don’t have any memory of the event, but this strange awareness that something happened,” says Bruccoleri.

The symptoms can be similar to what happens when a person has consumed a large amount of alcohol, though it’s different in its disproportionate effect compared to the amount of alcohol consumed. Bruccoleri says it can become especially dangerous if mixed with opiates already in a person’s system, or if the person aspirates their vomit.

Josephine knew herself well enough to know she hadn’t just been overserved. She contacted the police the next day, but says there wasn’t much they could do, considering she hadn’t been the victim of

People are being drugged in bars — but it’s difficult to prove and prosecute

“I WAS NO LONGER IN CONTROL OF MYSELF PHYSICALLY, WHICH IS NOT IN LINE WITH HOW I NORMALLY HANDLE ALCOHOL.”

assault or robbery.

Looking at the data of those who file police reports following a drug-facilitated crime, it’s impossible to determine how many people suspected that they were drugged. Reports are categorized by crime, such as robbery or sexual assault, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. There’s not a specific charge for drugging someone, either.

Drugging doesn’t even necessarily accompany a crime like assault or robbery. A source who has requested anonymity — we’ll call her Angela — says she was drugged at a concert at First Bank Amphitheater in Franklin. She tells the Scene she fell and broke her arm, and was taken home by a friend. Another source who we’ll refer to as Marina is a physician who says she was drugged while seeing her girlfriend’s band play on Lower Broadway. It’s happening to men, too.

“I don’t think that there has been a time where this has come up in conversation and somebody hasn’t had a first-person experience,” says Josephine, “whether it’s them, or whether it’s a friend who’s suddenly become incapacitated on a night out.”

Standard hospital urine tests do not pick up on these drugs, which are also flushed out of a person’s system within a few hours. If someone suspects they’ve been drugged, Bruccoleri recommends they go to the hospital immediately — and request further testing be sent out to another lab.

Lorraine McGuire, spokesperson for Nashville’s Sexual Assault Center, says she hopes to go one week without handling a sexual assault case with the victim being drugged at a bar. She recalls a 10-day period when the center had nine exams, and six were drug- and alcohol-related.

“We knew some of those had been drugged even though it didn’t come up in their system, because they were out, they had one drink, maybe two, and they blacked out,” McGuire says. “Well, nobody blacks out from two drinks.”

The Sexual Assault Center teamed with the Tennessee Department of Health and the Tennessee Coalition to End Domestic & Sexual Violence to create the Safe Bar program in 2018. The free program — which the Scene first covered in depth in 2021 — requires that at least half of a participating bar’s staff has had a two-hour training on bystander intervention to prevent sexual assault. As part of the program, the Sexual Assault Center provides materials including coasters that can detect ketamine and GHB. Once certified, the bar is included in the Safe Bar app’s listings.

In Nashville, the app lists Jackalope Brewing Company, Whiskey Bent Saloon, Diskin Cider, Sandbar Nashville, Lakeside Lounge, Dino’s, Fait La Force Brewing Company and Pearl Diver as bars that have been certified. It’s been a challenge to get bars to take part, McGuire says — fewer than 50 in the state have taken the organization up on the training.

“I should be able to go out and get as drunk as I want and not have to worry about being raped,” McGuire says. “We just want [bars] to be part of the solution to a problem that we have in our city.”

THIS WEEK ON OUR NEWS AND POLITICS BLOG:

Former state Sen. Brian Kelsey, a Republican, pleaded guilty to federal criminal charges related to his failed 2016 congressional campaign. Kelsey was indicted last year along with Joshua Smith, owner and operator of The Standard, a private club in downtown Nashville popular in business and political circles. Kelsey initially maintained his innocence before changing his plea. He could face prison time for defrauding the Federal Election Commission and abetting the acceptance of excessive political contributions. … Gov. Bill Lee tapped Ralph Alvarado, a doctor and sitting Kentucky state senator, to lead the Tennessee Department of Health. A darling of the GOP who made inroads with the Trump White House, Alvarado has indicated ambition for higher political office. … Mayor John Cooper has begun taking steps to close an encampment in Brookmeade Park, home to roughly 45 unhoused people. Neighbors in West Meade publicly organized as “Reclaim Brookmeade Park and Greenway” over the past year, attracting a flurry of media attention and scoring an extended sit-down with Mayor Cooper last winter. The mayor’s office plans to close the camp by Jan. 1. … Former HCA counsel Jack Smith will lead the Department of Justice’s special investigation into the retention of classified documents by former President Donald Trump. Jay Sekulow, Trump’s counsel during impeachment hearings in 2019 and 2020, also has ties to Middle Tennessee, and has a home in Williamson County. … The Titans broke a hot streak with a loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, a repeat of last year’s playoff nightmare. The Predators sit around .500, somewhere in the middle of Western Division standings. … Nashville SC defenders Walker Zimmerman and Shaq Moore are in Qatar, where they’re in the backfield for the U.S. Men’s National Team. An aggressive tackle by Zimmerman resulted in a critical penalty kick for Wales in the team’s first game. … Tennessee Republicans nominated Rep. Cameron Sexton to return to his position as House speaker. Rep. William Lamberth of Portland was nominated as majority leader, while Sen. Randy McNally and Sen. Jack Johnson are expected to serve again as Republican leadership in the state Senate. A Republican supermajority all but guarantees their spots for lawmakers’ 2023 session. … The Metro Nashville Public Schools board met before Thanksgiving to consider a teacher termination and four charter school renewals, all of which passed. … Gov. Lee’s Education Savings Account program cleared yet another legal challenge this week. Writes Scene education reporter Kelsey Beyeler: Though the governor’s voucher program could face future litigation, the plan is already being implemented.

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FOUR MORE YEARS OF BILL LEE

Guided by his faith in God and markets, Tennessee’s deeply conservative top executive heads into his second term as governor

BY ELI MOTYCKA

PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

ov. Bill Lee’s reelection happened right on schedule. The Associ ated Press called the race at 7:02 p.m., two minutes after the polls closed on Nov. 8. Lee took the stage at his victory party in Cool Springs around 7:45 and walked off to “Rocky Top” 15 minutes later, wrapping up a tidy celebration around 8:30. Some lingered to watch Fox News election night coverage. By the official tally, Lee won his second term by 32 points — nearly 600,000 votes — over Nashville physician Jason Martin, marking a decade-and-a-half of Republican dominance in statewide political races.

Lee was elected as a political newcomer in 2018, forging a high road past current University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd, former U.S. Rep. Diane Black and then-House Speaker Beth Harwell in a Republican primary remembered for its attack ads. Lee Company, the regionally competitive home services company based in Franklin, has been the family business for 80 years and supplied natural name rec ognition. At times, the lines between HVAC commercials and campaign ads got blurry. Nashville-based Christian publishing house Thomas Nelson released Lee’s faith-heavy memoir, This Road I’m On, in May of that year. It centered largely on the trauma of losing his first wife, Carol Ann, in a horse back riding accident.

On the campaign trail, the future gover nor made it a point to stay above the fray. Lee took the Republican nomination with 37 percent of the vote. In the general, Lee trounced Democrat and former Nashville Mayor Karl Dean by 20 points, and has en joyed a Republican supermajority in both legislative chambers for the four years since. Occasionally, Lee has butted heads with House Speaker Cameron Sexton and Senate Speaker Randy McNally, both of whom are expected to return to their posi tions in leadership in the upcoming legisla tive session. He’s faced no real threat to his position atop the state’s party hierarchy. While backing some of the country’s most hard-line policies on abortion and organized labor and overseeing some of the nation’s worst income inequality and health care access, Lee has cultivated a reputation as a benevolent pragmatist, faithful to free mar kets and God.

“The voters of Tennessee have rewarded him twice,” Scott Golden, chair of the state’s Republican party, tells the Scene a week after Lee’s reelection. “They are attracted to his genuineness. What you see is who he is.”

Teachers, parents and students across Tennessee’s more than 140 school districts await the effects of Lee’s efforts to over haul the state’s public education system. Reagan-era economic beliefs still rule at the state Capitol, where the Republican su permajority favors tax cuts and takes aim at organized labor. Read just a few pages into his book, or listen to enough speeches, and Lee’s worldview starts to come into focus.

On election night, Lee previewed the themes of his second term.

“Roads, bridges, highways,” he told report ers after his acceptance speech. “Broadband. Water and sewer. Infrastructure investment and workforce development. The state with good workers will win in the future. We need to continue to invest in vocational, technical and cultural education.”

Lee thinks just as much about what a gov

ernment shouldn’t do (interfere in the state’s critical health care gap, for example, or bur den citizens with taxes) as what it should do (pave roads, secure utilities, host Christmas tree lightings). He has pinned the success of his first term on statistics like new jobs and business relocations. He likes to point to a few high-profile gets like Ford in West Ten nessee and Oracle in Nashville. While they paint an incomplete picture of the state’s economic health, jobs and business invest ment are quick talking points to voters and easily quotable.

Capitalism with few regulations, as well as a clear and public desire to reproduce the Christian upbringing he remembers fondly from growing up in then-rural Williamson County, can be understood as the two most important ideologies that will guide the gov ernor through 2026.

PROTECTIVE OF THE CAREFULLY crafted image that carried him through a bitter 2018 gubernatorial primary, Lee made it a habit to avoid situations that could leave him po litically vulnerable during his first term. He has courted friendly media and kept critics at arm’s length, preferring to speak in plati tudes befitting a high-minded Tennessee cattle rancher — the image from which Lee has fashioned a political identity.

“I can vehemently disagree with you and still treat you with dignity and respect,” Lee told conservative commentator Ben Shapiro last month in a rare far-ranging interview. Shapiro’s company, the Daily Wire, moved from Los Angeles to Nashville last year.

“I’m not the expert on civility, I just like thinking about it a lot. And I think our world could use a lot more of it.”

His praise for civil discourse has not meant a tenure defined by trade-offs or tolerance. In a state of nearly 7 million — roughly 1.1 million of whom voted for him — Lee has held uncompromising positions on the country’s most nuanced and controversial topics. Last year, he formalized the state’s so-called “constitutional carry” legislation, allowing Tennesseans to carry handguns without a

permit. Despite a spate of mass shootings in Tennessee and around the country, Lee ran on loosening gun restrictions. In his book, he traces his stance on the Second Amendment to memories of his family’s gun cabinet, “full of firearms of all kinds.”

After the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision rolled back protections for abortion in June, Tennessee was among the first states to institute laws restricting reproductive health care, a move long supported by Lee. He hailed Tennessee’s swift response as guaranteeing

GOV. BILL LEE SPEAKS AT THE 2021 WILLIAMSON COUNTY REAGAN DAY GALA IN FRANKLIN

PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

the “maximum possible protection for preborn children.”

Leading Republican lawmakers Jack Johnson and William Lamberth have already debuted controversial bills ahead of the 2023 legislative session focused on gender iden tity, a topic that has become central to GOP cultural politics. The first, Senate Bill 1, would prohibit certain gender-related health care, a legal counterpart to recent attacks on Vanderbilt University Medical Center from conservative media. Another, Senate Bill 3, would add legal restrictions around “adult cabaret performances,” an apparent response to conservative outrage over drag performances. In his Shapiro interview, Lee expressed explicit support: “It’s sad, mostly, for me. As a dad, as a grandfather. Someone who watches kids navigate the hard years of 12, 13, 14, 15. It’s really sad to me that these life-altering decisions, by adults making the decision on behalf of the child. … I think you’ll see it clearly addressed legislatively in this state.”

Like other conservative lawmakers facing uncompetitive elections this fall, Lee gained a reputation for turning down requests from local media. As recently as 2019, it was common practice for the gover nor’s office to grant end-of-year interviews with local and regional journalists. Jade Byers, Lee’s press secretary, turned down the Scene’s interview requests, offering press releases and videos instead.

Lee’s first term focused on attracting busi ness investment and remaking the state’s education system, punctuated by a few failed efforts at reforming the state’s carceral sys tem. His common folksy refrain since 2018 has been that Tennesseans want a good job, good schools and safe neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, the state has suffered from anemic public services, which Lee dismisses as not within the purview of government. While school districts struggle with enroll ment and testing, Lee’s answer has been to stratify the public education system in the name of school choice, carving out space for charter networks to compete against traditional public schools for enrollment (and therefore funding) while tax dollars subsidize private school students. The result has been a state increasingly segregated by wealth and a growing urban-rural divide.

Lee often uses anecdotal evidence to ex plain complex issues. He rarely brings up

charter schools’ potential to change educa tion without referencing his own experience mentoring a student in the “inner city” who benefited from a move to charter education. When talking about criminal justice, Lee cites his experience with Men of Valor, an evangelical Christian nonprofit where he was a board member. Early in his book, Lee marvels at the story of Mr. Linton, the patri arch of a neighboring farm who lived hum bly and died with a million dollars in assets. The anecdote extends Lee’s advice to those seeking wealth: work hard and practice frugality. A simpler and perhaps more obvi ous explanation, of course, is to own large amounts of desirable land.

While pockets of the state reap the ben efits of corporate investment and real es tate booms, economic growth has affected Tennesseans unevenly. There is no better example than Williamson County. Lee was raised on a few hundred acres just off the Natchez Trace Parkway and still maintains a home on his family’s sprawling property, where he also raised his children. He cites his childhood experiences as particularly formative. His estate is also home to Triple L Ranch, a joint venture between Lee and his siblings that includes horse boarding and cattle farming.

A working Tennessee farm provides a compelling political backdrop and secures the distribution and transfer of wealth across generations, but Lee Company has always been the family’s economic engine. Lee went to work at the family business fresh off an engineering degree from Au burn in the early 1980s, eventually becom ing the company’s chief executive — like his father before him and his grandfather before him.

Williamson County has grown into a shining example of the benefits of social spending — somewhat ironic, given the aus terity politics of many of its highest-profile residents. It’s Tennessee’s wealthiest and healthiest county. Its per capita income leads Tennessee at $95,000 — $23,000 ahead of Davidson, the second-wealthiest, and $40,000 ahead of Wilson, the third-wealthiest. It’s home to three of the state’s top (non-charter) public schools, a sprawling network of parks (currently focused on expanding mountain biking trails), and a robust public library system. Franklin and Brentwood are national bases for Republican fundraising and influ

ence, home to senior U.S. Sen. Marsha Black burn, former House Speaker Glen Casada and current Senate Majority Leader Jack Johnson. Junior U.S. Sen. Bill Hagerty grew up in Williamson County and lives just across the Davidson County border in Belle Meade.

The rest of the state, meanwhile, has among the worst measures of public health

and education while boasting some of the highest rates of income inequality and incar ceration in the country. Nearly 10 percent of Tennesseans do not have health insurance, a statistic that coincides with elevated rates of debt in the state. State lawmakers have refused to expand Medicaid, and Tennes see’s rural health care system continues a

TRIPLE L RANCH

PHOTOS: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

slow march toward collapse.

Lee publicly disregarded much of the guidance from the CDC and White House about COVID, adopting the laissez-faire attitude that informs his broader view of economics and political philosophy. Across the country, governments stepped forward to manage the most acute health crisis experienced by the general population in a century. Lee stepped back. At different points since the beginning of the pandemic, Tennessee has led the nation as a COVID hotspot. Lee earned a censure from Con gress’ Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis and the White House Coronavirus Task Force in July 2020.

“I am a person who says, ‘People oughta decide for themselves,’ ” Lee told Shapiro in November. “If you don’t want to get COVID, don’t go out, but it’s not because I’m going to make you stay in. I decided we can trust Ten nesseans. I don’t know best, the medical com munity doesn’t know best, they know best for themselves. I have that philosophy about children, education, health care — people know best for themselves and should be given the freedom to make those decisions.”

PEOPLE CLOSE TO LEE praise his instincts, calling him a quick study with the ability to paint the big picture and delegate the details. He isn’t prone to micromanagement and surrounds himself with people he trusts to implement his vision of government.

Penny Schwinn, a rising star who came to Tennessee via Texas early in Lee’s first term, is his commissioner of education.

Stuart McWhorter, a prominent Nashville businessman who recently succeeded Bob Rolfe atop the Department of Economic and Community Development, is respon sible for business recruitment. Butch Eley runs the Tennessee Department of Trans portation, a role likely to expand in political significance with the governor’s new spot light on roads, bridges and utilities. Jim Bryson is Lee’s finance and administration commissioner and his right hand at budget hearings this month. Brandon Gibson, for merly of the Tennessee Court of Appeals, is Lee’s chief operating officer, and Joseph Williams parlayed a failed campaign for state representative in 2018 into a posi tion as Lee’s chief of staff. Blake Harris, Williams’ predecessor, continues to be an important adviser to the governor. Some close to Lee have referred to this inner circle — particularly McWhorter and Eley, two successful Nashville businessmen — as moderating forces against some of Lee’s more hard-line instincts.

Two major Lee policies are hitting K-12 education in Tennessee: the Education Sav ings Account program, known colloquially as school vouchers, and the Tennessee In vestment in Student Achievement (TISA), a refigured funding formula for school districts.

Lee has also helped charter networks gain a foothold in local districts, establish ing a state-controlled charter commission to handle appeals when networks are re jected by local school districts and, at this year’s state of the state address, announc ing a charter partnership with Hillsdale College, a small Christian school in Michi gan affiliated with the American Classical Education charter network. The alliance came with little context, and months after

the announcement, Hillsdale president Larry Arnn openly degraded teachers in an appearance alongside Lee. After much ado, the network withdrew its Tennessee char ter applications this fall.

Vouchers passed in 2019 amid backroom politics, with then-Speaker Glen Casada allegedly orchestrating a bribe in an effort to secure the necessary votes. After a slog through Tennessee courts, which initially blocked voucher rollout, the policy — tuition reimbursements for qualifying students to enroll in private schools — is moving forward. Schwinn quarterbacked TISA last year, significantly changing how money is allocated across districts. It updates the state’s 30-year-old resource-based fund ing plan with a baseline amount per pupil and additional funding weights like unique learning needs and English proficiency. Eco nomic disadvantage, a metric that tries to approximate a student’s financial hardship, is the formula’s biggest weight.

Next to education, economic develop ment has been Lee’s most visible focus. If you want to know what the governor will bring up at any given media availability op portunity, check the press page of TNECD for a recent press release. Business reloca tions — Kewpie Mayo, LG, Hitachi in recent weeks — are favorite topics whenever he’s at a mic. Each comes with quick stats on jobs created and a bottom-line investment number. On Election Day, Lee chalked a second win when voters agreed to add a right-to-work provision to the state constitu tion. Lee Company is the largest non-union mechanical contractor in the state, and the governor used his perch to advocate for the amendment. His official statement told voters that a “No” vote would force work ers to join unions and pay union dues, a misrepresentation of the vote that drew the ire of unions and labor advocates — Lee ulti mately distanced himself from the mislead ing statement, telling the Associated Press, “I didn’t make that tweet.”

“It’s been part of his agenda since he took office to enshrine a policy that has statisti cally showed higher death rates, lower wages, poorer working conditions, and no voice for workers on the job,” says David Rutledge, an organizer with Laborers’ In ternational Union of North America. “He’s taken his business practices and extended them to the state.”

It’s a natural leap that Lee would stitch the two primary focuses of his first term — education and economic development — into the fabric of his second term. Lee has added workforce development to his stump speech post-reelection, an umbrella term that will translate to vocational and techni cal training throughout Tennessee’s second ary and post-secondary schools.

“We have to be that state that has the workers,” Lee told Shapiro a week before he gave an almost identical answer to report ers after his reelection. “The state with the workers will win. These are not sexy things. But they’re things the government ought to be about.” Per Lee’s ideology, owners, bosses and managers should be courted as job creators and attracted with a welltrained and pliable workforce.

The second policy area, Tennessee in frastructure, encompasses all of the state’s hardscape, like roads and bridges, as well as popular modernizing initiatives like rural broadband. With Commissioner Eley in the

GRACE CHAPEL

TDOT driver’s seat, Lee is already playing up his background in engineering and HVAC to make a point about the state’s bones. In a statement to the Scene, Eley previewed TDOT’s role in Lee’s plans to address the state’s project backlog, and he specifically mentioned traffic congestion as a stumbling block for Tennesseans. Significant cracks in the I-40 bridge from Memphis to Arkansas over the Mississippi led to a brief shutdown in 2021, a black eye for Lee and a jarring mes sage to Tennesseans about the state of their state. With the right political coalition and a chunk of federal funding, regional mass transportation may be a rare policy area with common ground for Lee and Democrats.

LEE WAS NOWHERE to be found at the 9 a.m. service at Grace Chapel on a recent Sunday morning. Lee still publicly identi fies with Grace Chapel, though the affluent megachurch just outside the Franklin town center has weathered its share of highprofile controversies. Grace Chapel founder and former senior pastor Steve Berger very publicly supported and attended the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. In summer 2021, the church became a flashpoint for allegations of sexual abuse and murder aimed at former WSMV anchor Aaron Solomon, a member of the congregation, by his daughter Gracie. Berger stood behind Solomon before resign ing in August of that year.

Grace Chapel epitomizes the nondenomi national “Charismatic Christianity” that took root in America in the late 1990s and has risen in popularity behind rock-star preachers, casual dress codes and high-pro duction pop hymns. Sunday mornings feel like concerts, and sermons stray quickly from scripture. Nov. 20’s sermon turned the story of Cain and Abel into a parable about the virtues of giving money to the church.

Faith is Lee’s most comfortable terrain and an easy way to tie his policy decisions to expressions of morality. He explains his life as repeated triumphs of hope in the face of hardships — losing his first wife to a tragic accident, his second wife Maria’s recent lymphoma diagnosis. God has rewarded his humility and faith with blessings, like material wealth and a high political office. As evidenced by his stances on abortion or economic inequality or health care, Lee ar rives at his moral truths via secular filters

— supply-side capitalism, the supremacy of markets, a patriarchal attitude toward deci sions about pregnancy.

This year, Lee serves as the vice chair of the Republican Governors Association. It’s a potential stepping stone for higher office and historically a Tennessee mantle. Bill Haslam, Lee’s predecessor, chaired in 2014 and 2017. Ahead of the next presidential cycle, poles are forming in the GOP around former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis — both angry, both indig nant, both ready to sling mud in a protracted primary. Lee has comparable hardcore conservative bona fides, but he doesn’t talk about California liberals or Northeast elites. Presidential ambitions would likely have him sizing up the same benevolent Christian lane he took en route to his Republican pri mary upset back in 2018. Reaching for the national spotlight would also cut against his carefully maintained image as Tennessee’s agrarian servant, humbled by God and wary of power. Sources familiar with Lee believe he’s more focused on completing projects in his second term that would cement a legacy in Tennessee political history. Then, with credibility intact, he could return to his Csuite and plow.

Ahead of his fifth legislative year, Lee has built second-term priorities off first-term momentum. He wants to fin ish education funding reforms, continue to support charters and subsidize private school students. Lee has set up a turn away from traditional public schools in the name of providing families with choices, recreating an education ecosystem that more closely mimics market dynamics. Tennes see has attracted corporate investment and seen significant population growth since the last census, but economic measures reflect a profoundly unequal state, par ticularly as the governor maintains a legal environment hostile to organized labor. Workforce development and infrastructure will be themes through 2026, both serv ing Lee’s apparent view that government mainly exists to serve business interests.

Lacking power, money, party structure, organization and effective messaging, Democrats have failed to win a statewide race since Gov. Phil Bredesen won a second term 16 years ago. For four more years, it’s Bill Lee’s state.

PHOTO: HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

Another hand-drawn cutaway, this puzzle illustrates Nashville’s renowned Fable Lounge. It’s packed with strange and colorful anthropomorphic characters inspired by Aesop fables.

PREMIUM CIGARS AND ACCESSORIES

BELLE MEADE PREMIUM CIGARS | Belle Meade Plaza 4518 Harding Rd, Nashville TN 37205 bellemeadecigars.com

Belle Meade Premium Cigars and Gifts is a locally owned store. For more than 18 years, Belle Meade Premium Cigars has supplied people with great smokes, both pipes and cigars, as well as a great lounge where you can relax and smoke and have some great conversations with the great clientele that comes into this fantastic shop. Join us here this holiday season.

COUNT DRACULA’S BRAN CASTLE JIGSAW PUZZLE

CARDEN ILLUSTRATION | hollycarden.com | @holly_the_red

This cutaway of Bran Castle by local artist Holly Carden illustrates Stoker’s novel Dracula. The accompanying guide identifies each scene along with an excerpt.

HANDMADE ORNAMENTS

THE CLAY LADY’S CAMPUS | 1416 Lebanon Pike, Nashville TN 37210 | theclcgallery.com | theclaylady.com @clayladycampus

The CLC Gallery showcases the work of our 65 Resident Artists on The Clay Lady’s Campus. We are open for you to shop as well as meet the artists in their studios! We have the largest selection of handmade ornaments ever! Find the perfect handmade gift! Or treat yourself to the gift of art! Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11:00-3:00 and Saturdays 10:00-2:00 and by appointment

FLICKER

FORMAL WESTERN TIE

CLIFTON + LEOPOLD | Nashville | cliftonandleopold.com

GIFT GUIDEShop local

HAIR GOODIES = BEST GAL GIFTS

GREENPEA SALON | 4 City Blvd- One City and 1113 12th Ave South | Nashville TN | greenpeasalon.com

Great for stocking stuffers and pal gifts by themselves, or pair with a gift card and candle for their favorite goodies of the season. Stylish and unique hair accessories from LoveLina, Nat+Noor and more.

50 YEARS BOOK

EXIT/IN | 2208 Elliston Place | store.exitin.com 615.915.0764 | @exit_in

Celebrate fifty years of the venue that put local music in Music City with Exit/In: Fifty Years and Counting.

GASLAMP ANTIQUES & GASLAMP TOO 100 & 128 Powell Place, 37204 | 615.297.2224 615.292.2250 | GasLampAntiques.com @gaslampantiques & @gaslamptoo

Make holiday shopping fun with GasLamp Antiques and GasLamp Too! Specializing in unique gifts, festive décor and so much more -- all from Nashville’s BEST antique store. Open daily!

NEST CANDLES

GREENPEA SALON | 4 City Blvd- One City and 1113 12th Ave South | Nashville TN | greenpeasalon.com

With a cult-like following, these beloved and beautifully fragranced candles crafted with a premium wax that burns cleanly and evenly. Shop our best-selling holiday collections or perennial faves such as wild mint & eucalyptus, Moroccan amber & more.

BASIC BATCH, SIGNATURE SERIES, AND BOUQUET TOSS MEAD

HONEYTREE MEADERY | 918 Woodland St, 37206 honeytreemeadery.com

First and Only Meadery in Nashville! Dry to Semi-Sweet, no syrupy texture. Honeytree is changing the game on what Mead is capable of!

BASIC BATCH, SIGNATURE SERIES, AND BOUQUET TOSS MEAD

HONEYTREE MEADERY | 918 Woodland St, 37206 honeytreemeadery.com

First and Only Meadery in Nashville! Dry to Semi-Sweet, no syrupy texture. Honeytree is changing the game on what Mead is capable of!

GIFT GUIDEShop local

12 DAYS OF SEXXXMAS

HUSTLER HOLLYWOOD | 1400 Church St | hustlerhollywood.com

Best for curious couples, this gift set provides multiple days of fun with toys and enhancers. Try something new each day to heat up the nights.

Get Directions: hustlerhollywood.com/pages/store-nashville-tennessee

DREAMGIRL SATIN BOW TEDDY WITH CUFFS

HUSTLER HOLLYWOOD | 1400 Church St | hustlerhollywood.com

If you’re the best gift, put a bow on it! This daring one-piece can be untied to reveal your best assets. (available in curvy)

Get Directions: hustlerhollywood.com/pages/store-nashville-tennessee

HOLLYWOOD GLAM LUXURY ROBE

HUSTLER HOLLYWOOD | 1400 Church St | hustlerhollywood.com

Tease your beloved with layers of soft tulle trimmed with marabou feathers. Satin sash doubles as a luxe bondage tie. (available in more colors)

Get Directions: hustlerhollywood.com/pages/store-nashville-tennessee

GEMSTONE PIERCING JEWELRY

ICON TATTOO & BODY PIERCING | 1925 Church St. Nashville, TN 37203 | icontattoo.com

14k yellow gold Tiny Athena by BVLA with Genuine Amethyst stones.

GEMSTONE PIERCING JEWELRY

ICON TATTOO & BODY PIERCING | 1925 Church St. Nashville, TN 37203 | icontattoo.com

Rook piercing with 14k yellow gold Sunshine by BVLA with Cubic Zirconia stones.

14K GOLD PIERCING JEWELRY

ICON TATTOO & BODY PIERCING | 1925 Church St. Nashville, TN 37203 | icontattoo.com

Daith piercing with a 14k yellow gold Stick for Stack by Maya Body Jewelry. Lobe piercing with a 14k yellow gold Tooth by Sacred Symbols and 14k yellow gold Geo XL Charm by Pupil Hall.

GEMSTONE

PIERCING JEWELRY

ICON TATTOO & BODY PIERCING | 1925 Church St. Nashville, TN 37203 | icontattoo.com

Septum piercing with 14k yellow gold and garnet Eden Pear ring by BVLA and a nose piercing with a 18k yellow gold King end with a faceted opal by Anatometal.

GEMSTONE

PIERCING JEWELRY

ICON TATTOO & BODY PIERCING | 1925 Church St. Nashville, TN 37203 | icontattoo.com

14k yellow gold Pear Kolo by BVLA with alternating faceted and sandblasted lavender cubic zirconias.

NASH.TN | 3820 Charlotte Ave | nash.tn | 615.200.7455 @thenash.tn

We collaborated with Frothy Monkey to bring you “Dreamers Hate To Sleep” the perfect companion {bag of coffee + 15oz Mug} for fueling your late-night muse. Shop in-store at L&L Market.

NASH TN GUITAR PICKS

NASH.TN | 3820 Charlotte Ave | nash.tn | 615.200.7455 @thenash.tn

Our custom assortment of quality {medium & heavy} Nashville guitar picks are a great gift for guitar players and a cool keepsake for music lovers! Shop in-store at L&L Market.

THE “NASHVILLE LOOKS GOOD ON YOU” SWEATSHIRT

NASH.TN | 3820 Charlotte Ave | nash.tn | 615.200.7455 @thenash.tn

Our Nashville Looks Good On You?? murals celebrate the artist within each of us. Now, you can inspire those around you wherever you go. Shop in-store at L&L Market.

NASHVILLE DARLIN’ | 438 Houston St #165 nashvilledarlin.com | 615.724.2248 | @nashvilledarlin

A good fitting bra is the gift that keeps on giving! As a Best of Intima North American finalist 2020, 2021, and 2022, we pride ourselves on a lingerie experience unlike any other. With a limited collections from coveted sustainable brands Fleur Du Mal, Only Hearts, Else, and many others, you’ll be sure to find a one of a kind gift that lasts.

Gift certificates are available to ensure a perfect fit.

BAKED NASHVILLE COOKBOOK

NASHVILLE SCENE MERCH STORE |nashvillesceneshop.com

“Baked Nashville” features more than 30 bake-at-home recipes, adapted for home cooks from the professional kitchens of some of Nashville’s favorite pastry and restaurant chefs.

10% of proceeds from the inaugural book launch will benefit the Nashville Farmers’ Market’s Fresh Bucks Program.

HOLIDAY HEAVY HITTERS

PARNASSUS BOOKS | 3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 14, Nashville, TN 37215 | parnassusbooks.net 615-953-2243 | @parnassusbooks

The books the avid readers in your life want to unwrap this holiday season! Come see us for the blockbuster books of 2022.

PARNASSUS BOOKS | 3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 14, Nashville, TN 37215

NOTABLE NONFICTION

PARNASSUS

PARNASSUS BOOKS | 3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 14, Nashville, TN 37215

BAR CART ESSENTIALS

SINKERS WINE & SPIRITS | 3308 Gallatin Pike sinkersbeverages.com | 615.262.2300 | @sinkers.nashville

Pick from an array of gift items from red blend wines and rich cigars to wine aerators, jiggers, bottle openers and sterling silver flasks or the perfect mixers to top off the holiday celebration!

GIFT GUIDEShop local

HANDMADE EARRINGS BY IVORY AND OAK

$16 TURQUOISE, $22 WOODED

TN STATE MUSEUM GIFT SHOP | 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208 | TNMmuseum.org |615.741.2692 @tnstatemuseum

Chattanooga-based Ivory and Oak makes jewelry uniquely handcrafted by Rebekah Jean Gouger. Featured: Bohemian-style turquoise-beaded, brass hoop earrings and non-toxic wood-stained earrings.

KRUG CHAMPAGNE

SINKERS WINE & SPIRITS | 3308 Gallatin Pike sinkersbeverages.com | 615.262.2300 | @sinkers.nashville

Known as the master of Champagne with its rich, complex, and long-aging sparkling tastes! Pop a bubbly glass of Krug to toast this holiday season!

HEAVEN’S DOOR

SINKERS WINE & SPIRITS | 3308 Gallatin Pike sinkersbeverages.com | 615.262.2300 | @sinkers.nashville

Introducing our Heaven’s Door barrel pick! Sweet warm caramel with above average complexity. Available only through Sinkers!

TSM VOTES FOR WOMEN MUG, 14 OZ - $14

TN STATE MUSEUM GIFT SHOP | 1000 Rosa L. Parks Blvd., Nashville, TN 37208 | TNMmuseum.org |615.741.2692 @tnstatemuseum

Two-toned honeycomb ceramic mug. Made exclusively for the Museum to celebrate the centennial of Tennessee’s ratification of the 19th amendment and the Museum’s Ratified! Exhibition.

CUSTOM APPAREL

TWEAK NASHVILLE | 3 City Ave Suite 400, Nashville, TN 37209 | tweaknashville.com | @tweaknashville

TWEAK is Nashville’s only fully custom apparel shop, featuring sweaters, tees, hats, totes, & more! Browse their in house designs or bring in your own.

Justice Industries is a local non-profit organization that creates social enterprises to put people to work. We employ people with barriers to employment such as precious incarceration, homelessness, addiction recovery, mental health, generational poverty and more.

Just. Glass, a curbside glass recycling service, is our largest social enterprise keeping over 250 tons of glass out of area landfills and providing almost 11,000 hours of work for our team last year. Give an annual glass recycling subscription for $225.

ADVENTURE SCIENCE CENTER

ADVENTURESCI.ORG/ JOIN-GIVE

This holiday season, give a gift that lasts all year long with a membership to Adventure Science Center.

A membership includes special discounts, member exclusives, and free admission for one year.

BURNS VILLAGE & FARM BURNSVILLAGEFARM.COM

“Cohousing is about living the good life while using less of the earth’s resources, and having a good time doing it.”

Katie McCamant

NASHVILLE ZOO

NASHVILLEZOO.ORG/GIFT

Nashville Zoo offers holiday gift certificates for year-long enjoyment of animals, event and fun. For more information and to easily order gift certificates, visit www.nashvillezoo.org.

JUSTICE INDUSTRIES JUST GLASS JUSTICEINDUSTRIES.ORG

Just.Glass is a social enterprise of local non-profit Justice Industries, providing curbside glass recycling services that keeps glass out of area landfills, while also employing our neighbors in need.

NASHVILLE SCENE MEMBERSHIP

SUPPORT.NASHVILLESCENE.COM

The Nashville Scene has been serving our city for three decades and counting.A strong, independent voice, the Scene covers news, music, film, food, art, culture, and state and local politics in a way that only we can — with hard news, creative feature writing, long-form reporting, analysis and criticism that serves a diverse readership, and does so with a voice. Give the Gift of a membership today!

NFOCUS MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERSHIP.

NFOCUSNASHVILLE.COM

Give the gift of an Nfocus membership! Created by society insiders in 1993, Nfocus is the most trusted source for coverage of Nashville’s vibrant philanthropic and social scene. Throughout our 29-year history, we have covered thousands of charitable events and the nonprofits they support, in addition to highlighting the city’s culinary, retail and cultural offerings. We showcase the very best that Nashville has to offer in every single issue.a membership today!

PHOTO BY ALAN MESSER

HANDMADE GOODS FOR THE HOLIDAYS

If there’s one thing we at the Scene + Crafty Bastards are going to encourage you to do this season, it’s supporting independent artisan vendors and businesses! Our Holiday Gift Guide features dozens of unique items perfect for the quirky crafter in your life. Be sure to visit their online storefronts to shop directly from these talented vendors this holiday season and #StayCrafty.

APPLE AND OAK

Apple & Oak has been Nashville’s go to for accessories for your life and home since 2015. Located in East Nashville in the shops at Porter East, they are known for their vintage rugs and unique gift items. Come shop small from this local female owned business!

BLACK SHEEP GOODS

bakery. Their freshly baked croissants, cruffins, and cakes make the perfect party gifts but their special edition holiday candles keep the sweets going so much longer with their delicious scents! You can find their Buttered Rum candle and more on their website or at Porter Flea, this month!

Than Booze! A cocktailinspired bubbly beverage in three delicious flavors: Rosemary Infused Grapefruit Paloma, Mint Mojito with Lime, and Elderberry Infused Gin & Tonic. Grab a 12-can variety pack with all 3 flavors

BROOKE SCHNEIDER CERAMICS

Black Sheep Goods is a one stop handmade shop. From one of a kind hand ice dyed clothes, DIY weaving kits & ice dyeing kits, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your list.

Brooke Schneider Ceramics is a woman-owned, small-batch functional ceramics business in Nashville, Tennessee! They create durable tableware inspired by the southern landscape. They want to bring handcrafted, beautiful, and long-lasting ceramic ware to the tables of others, creating traditions with our dinnerware and goods.

CHEIMAN TEA

Eclectic and vintage mugs and teacups transformed into scented candles. Find them at the Nashville Farmers’ Market every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am - 2pm.

CANDLEWITHAHANDLE.ETSY.COM @CANDLEWITHAHANDLE

HILO STUDIOS

The makers at Hilo Studios think a good cup of coffee in a handmade mug is what great mornings are made of. They create high-quality handmade ceramics for beauty, usefulness, and above all to become your favorite little thing. Every piece is created to function beautifully within your home and life.

Cheiman Tea is a small family business out of Chattanooga, TN. They offer instant blends of chai latte mixes, made by hand in small batches and combine black tea, with rich spices, creamy milk and a little sugar for this delicious easy to prepare drink. Simply add hot water and stir! May be served hot or iced.

CHEIMANTEA.COM @CHEIMANTEA

FORESTDALE

Founded by Third Man Records ambient artist Luke Schneider, Forestdale makes incense and beeswax candles scented with 100% premium essential oils. In 4 short years their cozy campfire scent has become a staple in homes and retailers all over Nashville.

If you are someone who dislikes the sweet artificial scents of most cheap imported incense, check out Foresdale’s all-natural woodsy vibes.

GOODS

Winner of the 2022 Clean Beauty Awards, Greenmade Goods has taken the bath and beauty scene by storm, and is considered one of the best new start-ups to watch this year. Touting 100% ingredient transparency and offering a Green + Clean Guarantee, you can stop wondering what’s in that bottle and rest easy knowing that everything is pure and natural.

HOT SAUCE NASHVILLE

Hot Sauce Nashville is a small spicy business that cooks mouthwatering hot sauces in East Nashville. They have three tongue-tickling flavors: Hot Garlic, Hot Green, and Hot Ginger. Every bottle sold donates a meal to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.

Necklace is made from solid sterling silver matchstick casting and sterling silver satellite chain. Components are sterling silver. Casted in NYC and handcrafted at the Collarbone Jewelry Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

Relics

SHOPCOLLARBONE.COM @SHOPCOLLARBONE

GLITTER AND TOADSTOOLS

Glitter and Toadstools is the brainchild of Nashville-based illustrator, Hannah Mathis. She describes her aesthetic as sparkly cottagecore-featuring mushrooms, critters, cryptids and curiosities. The perfect shop for sweet gifts and unique stocking stuffers, offerings include original art, prints, and other handmade items made from her illustrations, such as stickers, earrings, keychains, hats, fanny packs, and more.

Hannah

who uses found objects and recycled materials to make art that is sustainable and beautiful. Her work includes a mixed media assemblage, created from diverted waste, that seeks to make beauty out of unexpected objects and highlight a better future for our planet. Prints and stickers are also available for purchase, along with other sustainable collages, on her website.

and

IBU TEXTILES

Ibu

GREEN BLANKY STUDIO

HANNAH VAUGHN GOGH

HANNAHVAUGHNGOGH.COM @HANNAHVAUGHNGOGH

Vaughn Gogh is a mixed media

sustainability artist

GLITTERANDTOADSTOOLS.COM @GLITTER.AND.TOADSTOOLS

HILOSTUDIOS.CO @HILO.STUDIOS

Textiles is a line of fiber art designed & crafted here in Nashville by artist Jennifer Fleischer. Featuring unique pieces that are handmade with care on floor & frame looms.

HOTSAUCENASHVILLE.COM @HOTSAUCENASHVILLE

Part of the Trinkets +

Collection by CAT LUCK

January Moon combines shape, color, and texture with premium, safety tested materials to create downright droolworthy jewelry and teething solutions.

N.B. GOODS specializes in nostalgic goods for all. Whether you live in Nashville, or just visiting they want everyone to find something they love behind their doors. They offer affordable high quality goods with a nostalgic and witty flair designed by them and made locally.

QUARTER SPRING FARM

At Quarter Spring Farm they handcraft goat milk soaps, all natural salves and balms, and ecofriendly home and beauty products. They grow, fashion, or forage everything right here in Middle TN. They make environmentally conscious products for everyday life. Sustainability doesn’t have to be about extremism or blame. It can be a simple choice to use less, reuse more, and reduce as much as you can.

SMOKE AND GINGER

Fun and festive clothing that is hand dyed, pressed and packaged in the heart of Nashville. Nikki Sheppard, owner & designer, adds love and a prayer to each piece she makes for her customers. Humorous, inspiring and Nashville type styles for year round plus the flair of all the holidays mixed in. There is truly something for everyone!

Handmade Sterling Silver Jewelry. Each piece is unique, one of a kind and heirloom quality. Using all natural stones and crystals makes this the perfect way to incorporate a little dose of healing vibrations while you wear it. Made with Love, passion and fire.

NASHVILLE BLANKET PROJECT

Checkered blanket is a fun take on a classic pattern, guaranteed to bring character to any room it’s in. You can be proud knowing that because of your purchase of an NBP blanket, another blanket was donated to a neighbor in need.

BEE ARTWORK

Rachael Bee is a local nature and wildlife watercolor artist who’s mission is to educate people about wildlife and nature conservation with her art. Rachael offers a wide variety of products at various price points to shop from. These items include matted archival art prints of her original paintings, greeting cards, journals, sketchbooks, tote bags, waterproof stickers, and ornaments. 10% of the profits are donated to local and regional wildlife sanctuaries.

STOMPING GROUND HERBALS STOMPINGGROUNDHERBALS.COM @STOMPINGGROUNDHERBALS

Treat your loved one to a spa day at home. Their farm grown, herbal infused body oils make amazing stocking stuffers. Pair one with a gua sha massage tool for the ultimate gift. Choose from Flower Crown, Daydreams, Forest Floor, or Creamsicle.

Everyone loves some warm hot chocolate, hot cider, or a glass of wine in the cold weather! Surprise that special person on your list with a special piece of their full line of engraved drinkware, that goes from wine glass to coffee mugs and wine decanters. Remember, you can create your own design!

PET MUSINGS

Pet Musings is where spoiling your pets (and yourself) helps animals in need! Part of every purchase is used to donate supplies to a different local rescue each month. You’ll find high quality, handmade bandanas that can fit all breeds and sizes, from cats and tiny pups to large breed dogs. In additional to adorable accessories for your fur children, they also have thoughtful and practical accessories for dog moms and dads!

S.C. DESIGN INC

Share some Peace & Joy this holiday season with fine cards created by Nashville artist, Susie Campion. Four watercolor designs with hand done gold foil stamping, two each in every box of eight. Printed locally on extra thick paper.

STRINGS FOR HOPE

Strings for Hope takes recycled guitar strings and turns them into luxury jewelry. They employ women in recovery from addiction, human trafficking, and domestic violence to hand craft each item. Choose from a selection of necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings all made from guitar strings.

NASHVILLEBLANKETPROJECT.COM @NASHVILLEBLANKETPROJECT

Nashville Blanket Project’s Sage

RACHAEL

JANUARYMOON.COM @THEJANUARYMOON

MADEINGLASSTN.COM @MADEINGLASS

JENIVYJEWELRY.COM @JENIVYJEWELRY

Style by Steffi offers artisan jewelry, handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, earrings and car angel inspired by European style and fashion. Wear a unique piece of German designed jewelry made with love in Tennessee. Most of her pieces are one of a kind which will make you feel beautiful, gorgeous and special. Boho chic, urban lifestyle and fashion trends from all over the world influence her creations. Be you, be different –express it with your jewelry!

The Happy Groundhog Studio makes Ecofriendly stuffed animals. Heirloom quality handmade critters and monsters with a heart. Whimsical stuffed creatures are lovingly stitched from eco-fi felts, reclaimed sweaters, and fabrics. Inspired Huggable Art for all ages of animal lovers, plushie collectors, and those just needing a snuggly friend. This Happy Axolotl will be sure to give anyone on your list a big smile and warm snuggle!

TreeLilys INC, a collection of surreal and quirky hand-cut collage prints, was founded in March 2020 when Tree Lily Butcher, an unemployed waitress and three months pregnant during the COVID pandemic, shut herself into her home art studio and ripped apart magazines while the world split at the seams. Change is at the very core of hand-cut collage and change is what inspired her to pursue art professionally.

TREE LILYS TREELILYBUTCHER.COM @TREELILYS

STYLEBYSTEFFI.ETSY.COM @STYLE_BY_STEFFI

THE HAPPY GROUNDHOG STUDIO

THEHAPPYGROUNDHOGSTUDIO.COM @THEHAPPYGROUNDHOGSTUDIO

TENN PRAIRIE

Nashville based Tenn Prairie makes small batch concrete home goods, with an emphasis on candle and scent accessories. Their products are a great addition for any candle lover in your life. SCAN TO SHOP SAVE THE DATES CRAFTY BASTARDS IS RETURNING IN 2023! APRIL 1 + 2 JULY 8 + 9 NOVEMBER 4 + 5 Learn how to become a vendor and more about our Arts & Crafts Fair at craftybastards.com

THURSDAY / 12.1

MUSIC [COUNT ME IN]

WNXP TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY SHOW

The first time I heard Wet Leg was on WNXP — it was their goofy and delightful debut single “Chaise Lounge.” It’s fitting that the female-led British group should headline the show for the station’s second anniversary. “Mommy, Daddy, look at me,” sings frontwoman Rhian Teasdale. “I went to school and I got a degree / All my friends call it ‘the big D’ / I went to school and I got the big D.” It’s a dick joke that I don’t hate, and the genius doesn’t stop there. They’ve released a whole critically acclaimed debut album of quirky vibes this year and have quickly gained steam in the alternative music world and beyond. (Harry Styles did a cover of their song “Wet Dreams,” blessedly.) Local DIY outfit Twen is similarly fun as hell, and Nashville pop trio VEAUX (French for “commoner”) is anything but common. Thursday will be a celebration of a local radio station that Nashville deserves — one that doesn’t speak down to its audience, and leaves room for fun and discovering new tunes. I’d give one leg to be there, but I’ll be a wet leg (i.e., a self-pitying person) because it’s already sold out. 7 p.m. at Brooklyn Bowl, 925 Third Ave. N. HANNAH HERNER

COMEDY [SITTING DUCK] JEFF ROSS

Comedian Jeff Ross is known as the “Roastmaster General” for his insult comedy and hit appearances at celebrity roasts. He has ruthlessly ridiculed Flavor Flav, Mike Tyson, Justin Bieber, William Shatner and Roseanne Barr, among others. Over the summer, he appeared on the Conan O’Brien Needs a Friend podcast and joked, “Can you believe we lost Gilbert, Saget and Will Smith all in the same year?” In his live set, Ross combines rehearsed bits with talking smack to the audience. He loves to hand-pick total strangers to take a public flogging, so if you have thin skin, don’t be a dope and sit in the front row. Dec. 1-3 at Zanies, 2025 Eighth Ave S. TOBY LOWENFELS

MUSIC [PAN-AMERICANA]

THE MAVERICKS

If you’re fortunate enough to have seen The Mavericks live, you know the genreblurring roots-rock act puts on one hell of a show. Frontman Raul Malo, who could give anyone else in Americana a run for their money with his soulful tenor, oozes playful charisma, commanding the stage whether singing in English or Spanish. The band has performed more Spanish-language music of late — Malo is of Cuban-American heritage — thanks to the success of its critically acclaimed 2020 release En Español, and that bridging of cultures gives them greater room to show off their chops. Drummer Paul Deakin is agile and versatile, while guitarist Eddie Perez and multi-instrumentalist

MUSIC [SWEET STRUMMERS]

STEEP CANYON RANGERS

Since forming at the University of North Carolina in 2000, Steep Canyon Rangers have distinguished themselves as stalwarts of the 21st-century bluegrass scene. The band has collaborated with comedian and banjo plucker Steve Martin several times since 2009, earning mainstream attention and a Grammy nomination for Best Bluegrass Album with 2012’s Rare Bird Alert. The band won the award a year later with Nobody Knows You and picked up another nomination in 2021 for North Carolina Songbook. Their latest single, “Sweet Spot,” is a jangly and joyful celebration of simple moments of peace and love featuring artwork that looks an awful lot like the logos for saccharine Southern sodas like Sun Drop. It’s a good jumping-in point to get to know the band, as several members swap lead vocals and weave solos throughout the song. Their show at 3rd and Lindsley will also be a Nashville introduction for new strummer Aaron Burdett, who picked up six-string-slinging duties after founding member Woody Platt amicably parted ways with the band earlier this year. 6 p.m. at 3rd and Lindsley, 818 Third Ave. S. COLE VILLENA

POETRY [A FESTIVAL OF WORDS]

MINTON SPARKS SPOKEN WORD AND POETRY FESTIVAL

It’s no secret that Nashville is full of great storytellers. But Minton Sparks is a true original — one of those rare artists who sort of defy genre or classification. A poet, performance artist, playwright and author, Sparks has built her career on the power of the spoken word. Beginning Friday, you can check out this dynamic performer for yourself with Minton Sparks’ Spoken Word and Poetry Festival. Audiences can look

forward to selections from Sparks’ Where Humans End and Birds Begin, along with new work from her upcoming album, which is due out this winter. But the evening also will showcase a wide range of poets and songwriters from near and far, with performances from Lonnie Holley and Derrick C. Brown, along with the young artists of Southern Word. There’s also a post-show “meet and greet” add-on available with Sparks, Holley and Brown. Dec. 2-4 at TPAC’s Johnson Theater, 505 Deaderick St. AMY STUMPFL

MUSIC

[NOT-SO-HUMBLE HOME] MAREN MORRIS

Maren Morris’ Humble Quest was something of a return to form for the country star. After 2019’s expansive, poppy Girl, Morris returned to a more straightforward sound for its follow-up, crafting her best album (and racking up a few more Grammy nominations)

in the process. Morris will conclude her Humble Quest Tour with what’s sure to be a triumphant homecoming at Bridgestone Arena, where she’ll perform a hit-packed set list that may contain a few surprises — she did release an acoustic EP featuring songs from Humble Quest earlier this month, after all. And don’t be late — “dirt emo” singer-songwriter Ruston Kelly and quickly rising country star Brittney Spencer open, and both are more than capable of holding their own in an arena setting. 8 p.m. at Bridgestone Arena, 501 Broadway BRITTNEY McKENNA

MUSIC [MUSIC AT THE MUSEUM]

ROY WOOTEN TINY MUSEUM CONCERT

The Jefferson Street Sound Museum — the best museum you probably haven’t been to, but definitely should — is hosting the last in its four-week Tiny Museum Concert Series on Friday. Grammy Awardwinning drummer Roy “Futureman”

Jerry Dale McFadden bring fire and flair to the band’s arrangements. Catch the band Thursday or Friday at the Ryman, with soul singer JD McPherson opening both nights. 8 p.m. at the Ryman, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. BRITTNEY McKENNA

MAREN MORRIS

Wooten will play selections that celebrate classical music and the Black experience. Think: Mozart to Miles; Beethoven to Bird; Stravinsky to Strayhorn; Dvořák to Duke. As you listen, you’ll be surrounded by Lorenzo Washington’s extensive (we don’t use that term loosely) collection of memorabilia related to the Jefferson Street music scene and Black life along Jefferson Street between 1940 and 1970. If you’re lucky, Washington will tell some of his tales before and after Wooten performs. Tickets are $20. 7 p.m. at the Jefferson Street Sound Museum, 2004 Jefferson St. MARGARET LITTMAN

SATURDAY / 12.3

MUSIC [THE SOUNDS OF THE SEASON] MERRY EVERYTHING: A NASHVILLE IN HARMONY HOLIDAY CONCERT

Last December, just as the local arts community was getting back into the swing of things after the long COVID shutdown, Nashville in Harmony was putting the final touches on its much-anticipated holiday concert. Alas, the virus wasn’t quite done with us, and the groundbreaking chorus of LGBTQ community members and allies was forced to cancel due to illness. Fortunately, the organization’s leadership decided to bring the show back this year, offering an evening to “celebrate the hopefulness and joy of the holiday season.” The program features plenty of familiar classics, such as “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” all backed by a five-piece band. Artistic director Wesley King promises some brand-new pieces as well — including three that were composed and arranged specifically for this event. There’ll be a performance from the Major Minors (Nashville in Harmony’s youth chorus) and even a bit of audience participation to get folks into the holiday spirit. Dec. 3-4 at the Nashville School of the Arts, 1250 Foster Ave. AMY STUMPFL

[THE LITTLE THINGS]

SHOPPING

A SHOP OF THINGS HOLIDAY PARTY AND FUNDRAISER

A bright side of the corporate takeover of the holidays is that small local businesses can hit their annual sales goals for the entire year over the next few weeks. That means we consumers get to act like buying shit is a good deed. I’ll gladly, valiantly do my part by buying this amazing hand-printed tapestry and a couple sexy coffee table books. No, please don’t thank me — I’ll just add this bottle of wine to my cart and, oh, maybe throw in a tarot card reading. Add a raffle to help support local abortion care, and I’m a regular Mother Teresa. Join in on the goodwill along with 17 local vendors — including hosts A Shop of Things, Green Ray, and Sapphire & Sage. Other vendors include TNT Goods, Jukebox Mama, Pink Poppy Boutique, Wine by the Bottle, Yanira Vissepo, Tarot Readings With Kat and more. Ten percent of all sales will go to Abortion Care Tennessee. ’Tis the season! 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at A Shop of Things, 3239 Gallatin Pike LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

MUSIC

YEAH!’S COME AS YOU ARE ’90S GRUNGE PROM: 20TH ANNIVERSARY ROCK CAMP REUNION

These days, it’s tough to imagine not having programs that offer girls the chance to participate in the enriching environment of a music community. But around the turn of the millennium, those opportunities were a lot fewer and further between, which led a group of students at MTSU to launch the weeklong Southern Girls Rock ’n’ Roll Camp, whose inaugural run was in summer 2003. Among the program’s myriad evolutions was establishing Youth Empowerment through Arts and Humanities (aka YEAH!), an umbrella nonprofit organization responsible for what’s now known as Southern Girls Rock Camp in its iterations in Murfreesboro and Nashville, the after-school Rock Block program and more. On Saturday, The Basement East hosts a special benefit concert and reunion celebration that’s open to all ages and is aimed at bringing together some of the hundreds of volunteers, former students, benefactors and more who have been part of the extended Rock Camp universe. It’s a grunge-themed prom event with a performance by beloved ’90s tribute act My So-Called Band — don your Docs and flannels, bring the kids and help support the next 20 years of community-building youth arts programming. 1-3:30 p.m. at The Basement East, 917 Woodland St. STEPHEN TRAGESER

Sons of Kemet drummer Tom Skinner. From the slow unfurling of album opener “The Same” to the art-punk freneticism of “You Will Never Work in Television Again” and the melting prog rock of closer “Skrting on the Surface,” the record — produced by longtime Radiohead collaborator Nigel Godrich — is a moody, shape-shifting soundtrack for what has so far been, let’s admit it, a rough decade. “Don’t mess with me,” pleads Yorke over the slinky groove of “The Smoke.” “As I die in the flames / As I set myself on fire.” Like I said, it’s ominous. But there’s also plenty of catharsis to be had here, and when Yorke & Co. take the stage at the Mother Church on Saturday night, fans will no doubt be treated to a powerful, intense show from three world-class performers-slash-improvisers. For a little taste of what’s to come, head to YouTube and dig up The Smile’s fiery performance at Barcelona music festival Primavera Sound back in June. 8 p.m. at the Ryman, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. D. PATRICK RODGERS

MUSIC [2 MEN, 1 CUP]

MEN IN BLAZERS LIVE

“We are working so hard not to say the ‘Q-word,’ ” says soccer humorist Michael Davies in the intro to Men in Blazers’ 2022 World Cup preview. Davies and his podcast partner Roger Bennett have been open about Qatar’s human rights violations resulting in the reported deaths of 6,500 migrant workers in the run-up to the nation’s hosting of the biggest sporting event on earth. After breaking into Apple’s top 10 sports podcast list with MiB (and their World Corrupt pod about the Qatar controversy), the duo is taking the show on the road, crossing the U.S. and talking World Cup with celebrity guests. The Nashville gig promises a lot of footie talk and verbal jabs at FIFA president and freckle survivor Gianni Infantino. 8 p.m. at The Wildhorse Saloon, 120 Second Ave. N. P.J. KINZER

COMEDY [GADABOUTISM]

A VERY GADABOUT CHRISTMAS

As we stumble through the interminable pub crawl/social minefield that is the pre-Christmas holiday slog, any and all levity is appreciated. Gadabout Theater, the brainchild of Stephanie Houghton, “has been going on for as long as I’ve been doing comedy,” show co-writer and longtime friend of the Scene Seth Pomeroy says. The holiday show marks a rare opportunity in town to witness high-quality theater and sketch comedy that promises obligatory cringe, but above all else, cathartic laughter. Pomeroy’s contribution this year, he says, “is a riff on Clue, Knives Out [and] Agatha Christie. A Santa Claus murder mystery.” 7:30 p.m. at The East Room, 2412 Gallatin Ave. CHARLIE ZAILLIAN

MONDAY / 12.5

FOOD & DRINK [SOMETHING TO TACO ’BOUT]

NASHVILLE SCENE TACO WEEK

Tacos are among the perfect portable foods. Here at the Scene, we’re celebrating the folded tortilla with another Taco Week, when restaurants around town will offer special taco deals for just $5 so you can set up your own dine-around and sample as many of them as your body will allow to pick your favorite. The week of taco tasting kicks off Monday,

MUSIC [THOM FOOLERY]

THE SMILE

A Light for Attracting Attention is an ominous record for an ominous time. Released in May by British indie XL Recordings, Attention is the debut LP from The Smile — a trio featuring Radiohead’s Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood and

THE SMILE

NASHVILLE SCENE TACO

Dec. 5, with a party at the newest location of Pancho & Lefty’s at 2600 Eighth Ave. S. from 5 until 7 p.m. The free event will offer drink specials, swag giveaways and tacos as you plan your “eat-inerary” for the week. Sample tacos from usual suspects like Taco Mama, Ladybird Tacos, Pie Town Tacos and Las Palmas, or try treats from unexpected sources such as Smokin’ Thighs, City Winery or Stay Golden Coffee Co. Tag your pick on the ’Gram with the hashtag #SceneTacoWeek22 to help us pick the taco supreme! Dec. 5-11 at various restaurants around town CHRIS CHAMBERLAIN

MUSIC

CHATTERBIRD PRESENTS INSOMNIA’S MY CLOSEST FRIEND

You can never know what to expect from a Chatterbird performance. The Nashville chamber music ensemble is a nonprofit that explores stylistic diversity and thoughtful conversations. Its latest performance, Insomnia’s My Closest Friend, is a poetic and musical retrospective on Black and biracial mental health and masculinity. Poet Tavius Marshall has teamed up with composer Joshua Dent to create a show that discusses “the struggle of being ‘othered’ in a world not built for you.” The music will be

30-minute talkback, and you can expect to leave the show with a whole new perspective. 8 p.m. at Hutton Hotel, 1808 West End Ave. TOBY LOWENFELS

TUESDAY / 12.6

COMEDY

[NOT THAT CHANNEL 5] ANDREW CALLAGHAN

It’s been less than two years since Andrew Callaghan rose from the ashes of his YouTube series All Gas No Brakes with his latest media project, Channel 5. Callaghan, with the help of his friends Nic Mosher and Evan Gilbert-Katz, first made a name for himself through his coverage of Trump rallies in the lead-up to the 2020 election. Through interviews with supporters of the former president, he gave an informative and comedic look into the minds of Trump’s followers. Zipping around the country while living out of an RV, Callaghan has provided on-the-ground coverage of political movements, niche subcultures and Chet Hanks that has fostered him a base of die-hard fans who constantly check in for his latest uploads to YouTube. Now Channel 5 is on the road as usual, but this time for a countrywide tour

doing Q&As with fans, hiring magicians off Craigslist to perform as openers and showing teaser footage of Callaghan’s upcoming A24-produced film that covers the lead-up to the Jan. 6 insurrection. 7 p.m. at Zanies, 2025 Eighth Ave. S. CONNOR DARYANI

MUSIC [DEEP LANGUAGE]

BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN W/JOAN SHELLEY

The layered guitars, banjo and piano that help define the sound of Bonny Light Horseman’s 2022 album Rolling Golden Holy pay tribute to the timeless practices of folk-rock. Formed in 2018, Bonny Light Horseman combines sleek folk with elements drawn from rock, which means the album works best when the band exploits the deep nature of the harmonic language they favor. The band features Fruit Bats leader and Shins guitarist Eric D. Johnson along with producer and multi-instrumentalist Josh Kaufman, who has worked with Hiss Golden Messenger and The National, and Vermont singer Anaïs Mitchell. Rolling Golden Holy isn’t a doctrinaire folk-rock record — the trio goes for a modernist approach that nods to the progressive folk of the past. It’s often beautiful, with “Someone to Weep Over Me” and “Fair Annie” exemplary takes on folkie verities. The combination of acoustic and electric guitars produces subtle voicings throughout Rolling Golden, and the record gleams with intelligence. Opening will be Kentucky singer-songwriter Joan Shelley, who debuts with Smog frontman Bill Callahan on “Amberlit Morning,” a track from her excellent 2022 album The Spur 8 p.m. at The Basement East, 917 Woodland St. EDD HURT

[COUNTER CULTURE]

MUSIC

COUNTERPARTS

Hamilton, Ontario, seems like an unlikely hub for hardcore, but the westernmost point of Lake Ontario has always had a strong showing in the scene. The city’s current heavy hitter is Counterparts, who have been blasting out really interesting post-hardcore for 15 years. The thing that has made Counterparts

a standout is the band members’ technical prowess. In a subculture where musicianship often takes a backseat to attitude, Counterparts have enough chops to justify the fact that they share a name with a Rush album. Sharing the stage Tuesday night will be their fellow melodic mosh monsters SeeYouSpaceCowboy, Dying Wish and Foreign Hands. 6:30 p.m. at Eastside Bowl, 1508 Gallatin Pike S. P.J. KINZER

WEDNESDAY / 12.7

MUSIC [DIGGIN’ FOALS] FOALS

Though never the hippest, biggestselling nor highest-praised of the mid-Aughts armada of festival-friendly, four-on-the-floor rockers from across the pond (see also: Phoenix, Arctic Monkeys), Foals have proven to be the most consistent. The Oxford crew’s seventh and latest LP Life Is Yours marks the first time I’ve checked in since 2013’s Holy Fire, an ultra hi-fi, dance-floor-ready update on Talking Heads’ epochal Speaking in Tongues Neither aging into adult-contemporariness nor a global pandemic have taken the spring out of frontman Yannis Philippakis & Co.’s step. Top honors go to “2001,” an aptly titled time capsule of a dance-pop banger, and “2am,” a moody, krautrock-styled pop excursion that passes the car test (I checked, and it sounds great while listening to it over car speakers). Foals’ catalog also features arresting slow jams that stop you in your tracks, like the U2-like “Spanish Sahara,” from 2010’s Total Life Forever. A pair of like-minded Stateside acts support: Inner Wave, from L.A., and Glove, out of Tampa, Fla. 7:30 p.m. at Marathon Music Works, 1402 Clinton St. CHARLIE ZAILLIAN

followed by a

ANDREW CALLAGHAN

BONNY LIGHT HORSEMAN

FOALS

**Photos outlined in GREEN indicate restaurants offering pescatarian and/or vegetarian options.

51 North Taproom

Crispy Shrimp Taco Crispy shrimp on a flour tortilla with slaw, avocado, chipotle mayo and pico. Served with tortilla chips, guac, pico de gallo and sour cream.

51st Deli

51st Deli Street Tacos

Your choice of two proteins: asada, pollo, pastor, carnitas, barbacoa, chorizo, fish, shrimp, falafel, Nashville hot chicken, fajita asada, fajita pollo or birria. Enjoy with standard taco toppings—a true taste of 51st Deli tacos!

Bakersfield Tacos + Tequila + Whiskey Street Carnitas

House-braised pork with pickled onions, cilantro and crema on a tortilla.

Calle Taco Quesabirria Taco and Pastor Taco Crispy red tortilla filled with cheese and Calle Taco’s famous Tijuana-style beef brisket, topped with onion and cilantro with consommé for dipping.

Cano’s Fresh Mexican Grill

Chipotle Shrimp Tacos

Two chile-lime shrimp tacos grilled with red onions and topped with pico, coleslaw, avocado and cilantro. Served with rice & black beans.

City Winery Duck Tacos

Made with a delicious and delicate braised duck, topped with a house-made spicy cabbage slaw and salsa roja.

Condado Tacos

Blue Dream

Flour tortilla, queso blanco and Kewl Ranch shell with Tex-Mex ground beef, lettuce, tomato and avocado ranch sauce.

El Paseo Cantina

Cochinita Pibil

Yucatan original slow-roasted suckling pig marinated in a citrus and achiote base. Topped with habanero and pickled onion salad, served with red rice and black beans with pico de gallo.

Family Tacos

Happy Tacos

Two of Family Tacos’ famous birria tacos served with cheese, cilantro and onions. Plus, a cup of their homemade consommé and a cup of horchata.

Fins Bar

Shrimp Tacos

What's inside, you ask? They’ll tell you! Guacamole, blackened shrimp, pico de gallo and queso fresco.

Germantown Pub Smoked Pork or Chicken Tacos

Your choice of smoker pulled pork or a smoked pulled chicken taco served with a secret sauce.

Graze Nashville

Crispy

Brussels and Bacon

Taco Crispy Brussels, tempeh bacon, vegan ranch, spinach and crushed red pepper, served on a flour tortilla.

Ladybird Taco Chorizo, Egg and Cheese With a Coffee

One of Ladybird’s most popular breakfast tacos, paired with a 12-ounce drip Crema coffee.

Las Palmas Mexican Restaurante

NashPalmas Street Tacos

Two signature NashPalmas Street Tacos with tender char-grilled chicken covered in homemade Tinga salsa made with peppers, tomatoes and onions. Topped with pico de gallo and cotija cheese. Comes with your choice of rice or beans.

Mestizo’s Mexican Cuisine

Guests will have their choice between the Diablo or Memphis tacos. The Diablo taco includes shredded chicken cooked with onions and marinated in salsa diabla (hot) served on a homemade blue corn tortilla and topped with pico de gallo and goat cheese. The Memphis taco includes pulled pork cooked with pineapple and barbecue sauce on a blue corn tortilla and topped with cilantro.

Mojo’s Tacos

The Luchador Smoked morita marinated pork belly with corn salsa and habanero sauce.

Otto’s Bar 1980s Tacos

Two "totally tubular" hard-shell tacos that even Marty McFly would come back to the future for. Your choice of beef, chicken or a vegan/meat-free option.

Pacifico’s Real Mexican Baja Shrimp Taco

Fresh shrimp battered and topped with pico, sour cream, cabbage and chipotle cream sauce.

Pancho & Lefty’s Cantina

Steak Alambre Taco

Guajillo-rubbed, mesquite-grilled flank steak, smoky peppers and onions, chihuahua cheese, crema and cilantro in a flour tortilla.

Pie Town Tacos

Birria Tacos

Two braised beef tacos with chihuahua cheese served in crisp tortillas and topped with adobo

Saint Añejo

Flamin’

Avo-Taco

Flamin' Hot Cheeto's, avocado serrano salsa, crispy jalapeño, cabbage slaw and pickled peppers.

Scoreboard Bar & Grill

Nashville Hot & TN BBQ Tacos

One Nashville hot chicken taco seasoned to your choice of heat level with your choice of spicy or buttermilk ranch. One real TN BBQ taco with in-house smoked pork and your choice of spicy or sweet BBQ sauce. Served with handmade coleslaw and chips and salsa.

The Slider House Dos Texicans

Two street tacos with chorizo/ beef, shredded pepper jack cheese, roasted jalapenos, diced tomato, grilled onion and avocado, drizzled with a smoked tomato remoulade.

Smokin Thighs

Applewood Smoked Chicken

Tacos

Soft flour tacos filled with BBQ applewood smoked chicken, topped with roasted corn, kickin' slaw, lettuce, and drizzled with a ranch sauce.

Stay Golden Breakfast Tacos

Local farm eggs, crispy potatoes, roasted tomatillo salsa, pickled red onion and cotija cheese served with a side of crispy potatoes.

Taco Chela

Taco Chela Flavor Excursion

One pollo rojo taco with marinated chicken breast cooked to perfection and topped with house-made chipotle crème, cotija cheese, lettuce and avocado. Plus, one pork belly taco with a delicious slice of pork belly seasoned and cooked for over four hours and topped with red cabbage, pico and créma.

Taco Mama

Alabama Redneck

Roasted pulled pork, ancho chile slaw, pickles and Mama’s Chipotle BBQ Sauce served on a soft or crunchy tortilla, along with chips and mild salsa.

Taco Mamacita Sloppy Jose

Mama's version of a Sloppy Joe!

Seasoned ground beef, queso melt, jalapeños, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream and crunchy Fritos paired with a side of street corn.

Tacos y Mariscos Lindo México

Baja Fish Taco

Fried beer-batter tilapia fish, served on a corn tortilla and topped with lettuce, pico and a special house sauce.

Wilco Fusion Grill

Barbie-Hottie!

Wilco presents for the first time a COUNTRY LATIN FUSION, the best flavors of the South elevated with a creative Latin twist. Smoked pulled pork, zesty hibiscus slaw, roasted pepitas, spicy corn crema, cilantro leaves, on an artistic TIE-DYED tortilla and served with BBQ Broth! When they say fusion, they mean it!!

SURF, TURF AND MIRTH

South Nashville’s Las Cazuelas delivers mariscos, margaritas and mariachi

BY ALIJAH POINDEXTER

With all the change — good and bad — sweeping through Nashville, it’s nice to see the classics still showing what they’re made of. Case in point: Las Cazuelas Mexican Grill, a cen terpiece of Nashville’s Latin American com munity that’s been pumping out mariscos, margaritas and live mariachi since 2005. The first thing to draw you in at Las Cazu elas is its undeniable fun factor. You’ll feel a boost from the array of sights, sounds and inviting smells as soon as you walk through the door, not to mention the vibe, which is a bit more lively than what you’ll find at some of the more homogenous spots around town.

Big barrel-like chairs and vibrant stucco pat terns adorn an always-bustling dining room (expect a wait after 7 p.m. on the weekends), while servers and wandering karaoke sing ers battle for space in the dining room. It’s a laid-back environment — grab a cold drink, have a few laughs and enjoy some delicious and unpretentious Mexican food.

If it wasn’t apparent by now, let me be clear: Las Cazuelas is not the place for a quiet candlelit dinner, and you won’t find an el egant mustachioed violin player or an exten sive wine list. On offer here is a huge variety of live Latin American music, from norteño filled with accordion and guitar to salsa, me rengue and ’80s ballads. The playing is good, loud and expressive, and since Las Cazuelas is a hub for Nashville’s Latin American music scene, familiar faces usually make a weekly appearance. Don’t be surprised if a random sing-along sweeps through the audience as the beer gets flowing, and if a microphone suddenly gets passed your way, simply do your best Luis Gabriel (or Steven Tyler) im pression. The mariachi is sure to appreciate your contributions.

But Las Cazuelas offers more than free live music and elite people-watching oppor tunities — it’s got some really good food. It’s one of the better full-service Mexican res taurants you’ll get on this side of the Missis sippi, offering pretty much everything for everybody. The dishes run the gamut from

street tacos, tamales and tortas to burritos, chiles rellenos and enchiladas with a veri table rainbow of sauces. Where Las Cazu elas really excels, however, is in the unique combination of grilled meats, seafood and ice-cold drinks that makes this type of Mexi can cuisine special.

The template is pretty simple: meats of your choosing, with a focus on steak, grilled fresh in the back, along with rice, beans, guacamole and a variety of cheeses. But while it may sound like regular old fajitas (and they do those here too), the combina tions and flavors come off wonderfully.

Fajitas Palapa — a sizzling-hot plate of steak, chicken, bell peppers and onions topped with a monstrous amount of melted Chihuahua cheese — is a crowd-pleaser. Meanwhile, the Parillada Mar y Tierra, heaping with surf, turf and a complimentary quesadilla, comfortably feeds two and will have you napping before they bring the check. Also worth trying is the arrachera, a cut of skirt steak that’s marinated in a fragrant cumin-heavy spice blend before hitting the grill. And if you crave spice, don’t worry — the salsa bar will give you an op portunity to test your mettle.

Things start to get really interesting with the seafood. Mexico has some of the world’s best seafood, and every state and region does it differently. But Las Cazuelas is a solid representative of the style popular in

the coastal states of Sinaloa, Nayarit and Jalisco, where all types of fish and shellfish come piled high on crisp tostadas, sautéed in butter, garlic and chili sauce — or in the case of the Piña Cantamar, covered in cheese, butter, hot peppers and served inside a hollowed-out pineapple. The dish is eyecatching, but the flavors are just as vibrant. The shrimp is cooked delicately, while the bouncy texture of the octopus plays well with the sweet, spicy and savory flavors of the dish.

Sopa de Mariscos — a dish also known by the more poetic name caldo de siete mares, or “soup of the seven seas” — features crab legs, oysters, scallops and a host of other ingredients flash-boiled in a light and aro matic red broth that pairs well with tosta das. Aguachiles, a lime-based shrimp dish akin to ceviche, is another good choice, but the seafood focus doesn’t stop there, as the camaronada (a michelada combined with shrimp cocktail) demonstrates.

But the drink menu isn’t only for the gas tronomically curious. Traditional beverages like margaritas, cantaritos and the always dependable Corona with lime will come in handy if you’re just looking for a few drinks and some exceptional saxophone playing. But seeing as how they put shrimp in the friggin’ drinks at Las Cazuelas, you might as well come hungry.

LAS CAZUELAS MEXICAN

PIÑA CANTAMAR

AGUACHILES

PHOTOS: DANIEL MEIGS

SPACE: DECEMBER 2022

The year’s last First Saturday celebrates a strong showing for Nashville’s art gallery scene

BY JOE NOLAN

This has been a crazy year for Nashville’s art scene: The Arcade’s once-lauded cavalcade of accessible art spaces may be gone for good, but The Packing Plant has become home to a bigger-than-ever Coop. The loss of Channel to Channel was palpable in Wedgewood-Houston, but The Browsing Room came back from its pandemic pause with a strong run downtown. Nashville artists got lots of national press this year, and Tennessee’s oldest art journal, Number, was reinvented — again — and relocated to Nashville.

All in all, it’s been a pretty good run for the gallery scene, and it feels like a well-timed surge as we head into the upcoming inaugural Tennessee Triennial, where the state’s contemporary artists and curators may find their biggest stage yet. December’s First Saturday brings a strong finish to a strong year with deserving holdovers from November, brand-new standout shows, and the delightfully predictable holiday gift-centric displays. Happy holidays!

THE NATIONS

Local multimedia artist and musician Robbie Hunsinger wowed Nashville’s experimental music heads at Centennial Park’s Black Box Theater back in October. Her double bill with Tim Kaiser blended acoustic and electronic sounds in a program that combined ambient music, oboe expressions, creative coding, audio loops and live visuals. Hunsinger debuts a sequel performance to the Black Box show in the form of a new solo happening at Barbershop Theater this Saturday afternoon. SynthX4 includes contrasting audio synthesizer loops that feed video synthesizers to create live eye candy in response to the musical inputs. All these sounds and visuals free Hunsinger to add oboe, alto saxophone, clarinet and vocals, and the live acoustic improvisations are also layered with the synthesizer loops in real time. Hunsinger is planning an interactive “Playtime” segment of the show, allowing audience members to use Xbox Kinect to control her music-fueled visuals. The artist will also be available for a Q&A after the show to illuminate the secret alchemy of her live audio architecturing. If Hunsinger didn’t play her instruments so well, I’d simply call her a performance artist. But she’s plainly talented, deeply learned and wildly inventive in both her techniques and concepts. I just call her one of Nashville’s most important artists, and our best ambassador for more crossover at the edges of our city’s art and music scenes.

SynthX4 makes contact at Barbershop Theater this Saturday at 3 p.m. There’s a $10 suggested donation.

WEDGEWOOD-HOUSTON

Ellen Letcher and Julie Torres’ Needle in the Hay opens at Unrequited Leisure in WedgewoodHouston on Saturday. Unrequited Leisure is seriously dedicated to screen-based new media displays, but the gallery is ending a year of outstanding programming with a show that includes paintings hanging on walls — it’s an otherwise typical gallery display that translates as subversive in the UL alterverse. Letcher and Torres co-run the LABspace curatorial project in Hillsdale, N.Y., and their installation explores the aesthetic intersections of video art and painting. I’ve seen lots of shows that speak to the mutual historic evolution of painting and photography, but this novel movingimages-meet-painting display puts me in mind of everything from Stan Brakhage’s hand-painted film frames to painter Julian Schnabel’s movie about Vincent van Gogh, in which actor Willem Dafoe created paintings on camera. Opening reception is 5 until 8 p.m.

If you hit Wedgewood-Houston for last month’s art openings, you might have discovered The Packing Plant bathed in darkness after a traffic accident took out part of the neighborhood’s power. The Modfellows space at the The Packing Plant still managed to sell several pieces from the anonymous artists exhibition Senza Nome, and the gallery has decided to extend a restocked version of the show for December. All the works are priced to sell for gift-giving season at $250 apiece. Senza Nome includes work from some wellknown Nashville artists — but I’m not telling. Opening reception is from 5 until 8 p.m.

EAST NASHVILLE

I reviewed Amelia Briggs and Calli Moore’s excellent Alternative Medicine at The Red Arrow Gallery right after it opened during November’s First Saturday events. The show will run through the first half of December, so see it for the first or fifth time before it closes on Dec. 17. Alternative Medicine ends a year of great shows for Red Arrow before the gallery winds down for a tender Tennessee Christmas.

DOWNTOWN

Tinney Contemporary will open The Essence of Their Ticking on Saturday. The show is a retrospective on the lives and work of artists and curators Arlyn Ende and Jack Hastings. The exhibition’s title is a reference to the pair’s previous duet at Tinney Contemporary, The Essence of Our Ticking in 2012. That show featured work from five decades of the couple’s itinerant lives as partners and creative collaborators. Hastings studied mural painting in Mexico before building a career as a sculptor of metal and clay. Ende’s painterly assemblages deploy formal designs in service of poetic metaphors, and the artist was also a beloved director of the University Art Gallery at the University of the South in Sewanee. This show recalls the earlier display, but includes more personal context about Ende and Hasting’s life together inside and out of the studio. The exhibition runs through Jan. 7. Tinney Contemporary’s Saturday hours are 5 through 7 p.m.

EMAIL ARTS@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

“HOLUS BOLUS,” ARLYN ENDE

“JADE WINDOW AT THE VILLA DORIA PAMPHILI,” CALLI MOORE

THE

ESSENCE OF THEIR TICKING AT TINNEY CONTEMPORARY

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AT THE RED ARROW GALLERY

talks about death, history and the rebirth of America’s rst spirit

BY MICHAEL RAY TAYLOR

From Old Monongahela, the generic name for the spirit that dominated American tastes in the 19th century, through the distinct styles of Kentucky, Maryland and the myriad expressions of the latest microdistilleries, Clay Risen explores all things rye in American Rye: A Guide to the Nation’s Original Spirit. This is his third book in a series that also includes American Whiskey, Bourbon & Rye and Single Malt.

Risen, a New York Times reporter and editor who grew up in Nashville, is also known for writing obituaries and for various works of U.S. history. Recently he spoke with Chapter 16 by phone about the rebirth of rye as a popular spirit, his other writing interests and the current political moment.

In the introduction you recall three decorative decanters on a sideboard at your grandmother’s house, labeled with metal tags reading “Scotch,” “Bourbon” and “Rye.” Did any relatives or visitors choose the rye bottle? No. It was untouched, which fits with attitudes toward rye at that point. It was more like a historic curiosity than anything else. I was probably more curious about it because all the adults probably knew what it was or knew what it had been. I had no idea what rye was. I don’t think I ever tasted it until 2006 or 2007, as I was getting to know bourbon, and rye was bourbon-adjacent.

It’s been nine years since your guide to bourbon was published. What’s changed in the world of whiskey since then? Well, I’ll tell you the biggest: I could never write a book like that again. Then, it was at least possible to conceive a book that covered most of

the whiskey in the country. It covered everything in about 300 pages. Today you would need thousands of pages, and it would be out of date almost immediately. New distilleries open all the time. New whiskeys come out all the time. There are so many different facets of the industry of American whiskey that it makes the idea of a comprehensive book a little outlandish.

What makes rye so American? As a grain, rye has been distilled for a long time in Europe. There still are rye-based spirits in Northern Europe, but they’re very different from rye whiskey. Our marriage of aging and a predominantly rye mash bill is something that until recently was unique. It was being distilled here long before bourbon, long before any other type of whiskey.

In the section “How to Drink Whiskey,” you write that “you should treat a whiskey you don’t know like a dog you don’t know.” Metaphorically speaking, were you bitten by any bad dogs while working on the book? Sure. Rye is spicy and often has a little edge to it. I like that a lot. But it can catch you unawares. If you stick

your nose right in it, it can bite back.

I’ve enjoyed your palate notes in previous books. They’re often surprising and sometimes poetic. Some in this book were linen, Big Red chewing gum, aspirin, flat cola and cherry cough syrup. What does linen taste like? There are two ways to think about tasting notes. The first a quasi-scientific approach. You get a bunch of great noses in a room and have everyone sit down and calibrate. There is a right set of smells to find and a right set of tastes to find, and those things are indicative of qualities of the whiskey. That’s one way to do it, and that’s perfectly fine. The way I do it is much more impressionistic and suggestive. What I’m trying to get across is a general sense of what this whiskey is like. I hope when people read the notes, it sets off something in their imagination. What would linen taste like? Something airy and maybe slightly floral, sort of soft, maybe a little waxy. The idea is to be a little playful with it.

Let’s talk about your other job, as an obit writer for New York Times week out, you share stories of people who may not be household names, but who have led extraordinary lives. What is your process? one is a little different. These are assigned to me, and I really like having no idea what’s in the box when I wake up in the morning and open that email. And then I find out, today I’m going to spend my time with a documentary filmmaker or a research scientist or a politician. … There’s almost something sacral about it, knowing I am helping to put this person into history.

My last question is about your third job: writing history books. Are you working on one now? I have a book due in July about the second Red Scare of the 1940s and ’50s. It certainly has a lot of resonance. For example, New York and California and a lot of other states cracked down on high school and elementary teachers, essentially creating a blacklist for teachers who might have said anything in the classroom that showed any sort of sympathy for communism. … It’s very hard to read about the career of Sen. Joe McCarthy and not feel like this is a play that is continually being reproduced on our political stage.

To read an uncut version of this interview — and more local book coverage — please visit Chapter16.org, an online publication of Humanities Tennessee.

SURVEYING THE STRATA

Adeem the Artist unpacks layers of privilege and marginalization on White Trash Revelry

BY BRITTNEY M c KENNA

In country music, sharing one’s origin story is a rite of passage. Though they’re not likely to get as much attention as, say, the “truck songs” that have become so ubiquitous, or the heart-wrenching breakup ballads that seem to be requisite, origin songs are still important. They introduce listeners to an artist via linked biographical snapshots, and the best of the bunch capture the essence of a life with great intimacy and succinctness. “Carolina,” the opening track of Adeem the Artist’s new album White Trash Revelry, out Friday, stands alongside the genre’s best.

“I started out as a light in my father’s eye at a Texaco / Mama was working overnights on Sam Wilson Road,” Adeem sings, begin ning the story with an evocative image truly deserving of the oft-overused descriptor “cinematic.” Each line of the song is more powerful than the last, like the sucker-punch of a lyric, “From my grandpa’s fist to my mother’s lip / There’s an ancestral impres sion.” A listen through the rest of White Trash Revelry reveals that Adeem isn’t one to waste a word or leave it out of place.

Many listeners became fans of Adeem through their 2021 record Cast Iron Pan sexual, which drew critical acclaim from country and roots outlets and laid the groundwork for the wildly successful crowdfunding campaign that would pay for White Trash Revelry. As Adeem tells the Scene, where Cast Iron Pansexual explored sexual and gender identity and the ways they interact with Appalachian culture, White Trash Revelry leans more heavily on the culture itself and its layers and nuances.

“I exist at this intersection of marginal

ization and privilege,” says Adeem. “I am a nonbinary queer country musician. I am pansexual. I use they/them pronouns. I’m a member of the trans community. I’m also a white person, with 30-some odd years of cisgendered male privilege and male social ization. And I’m a low-class, white-trash kid from rural North Carolina. These different aspects of identity are endowed with various marginalizations and privileges. With this re cord, I had intended to lean a lot more heavily on my privileges. … I really want it to be my way of interfacing with my community of, to say it concisely, poor white people.”

Though Adeem wrote “Carolina” back in 2017, the song was integral to their process of making White Trash Revelry. They re count that song as one of the first on which they went back and revised lyrics, eschew ing an earlier style of writing that glorified the rawness of a song over its precision. While both methods certainly work for Adeem, that attention to detail makes White Trash Revelry the kind of album that re wards close and repeated listens. “Heritage of Arrogance,” for example, recalls a child hood encounter with the KKK and a group of Black counter-protestors, to which their father replied simply, “Yeah, they hate each other.” Adeem sees their own understanding of bigotry as information not readily avail able to a lot of people from communities like their own.

“A lot of folks in my community have not had the experiences I’ve had, to have their hand held through understanding that rac ism still exists,” they say. “It sounds really silly, but that’s true. So I really wanted to come at this record from a posture of, ‘Look, I am racist. I am 34 years old. And all the years of my life, I have been socialized to inhabit racism. That’s just the situation of America.’ ”

After raising more than $17,000 through a crowdfunding campaign, Adeem was able to hire some of their favorite musi cians — some of whom are friends, others who were strangers — to play on the LP. Among others, the players include guitar ists extraordinaire Ellen Angelico and Joy

Clark, songsmith and banjo ace Jake Blount, former Turnpike Troubadour Giovanni “Nooch” Carnuccio III on drums and singersongwriter Mya Byrne on lap steel. The group quickly established a rapport, and their chemistry is evident across the al bum’s excellent arrangements, which also owe a debt to producer Kyle Crownover.

“Nobody’s ever met each other before,” Adeem says. “And we get together. I would play the song, talk about the song. Every body would write their parts through one session, and then we’d start recording. And we just did that for three days.”

Our conversation took place two days after a gunman in Colorado Springs shot and killed five people and injured dozens more at the queer nightclub Club Q. The tragedy weighed heavy for Adeem, even when considering the positive impact music like theirs can have for the queer community. As Adeem explains, their music — and their growing popularity — brings more public attention to their place as a queer person, which can unfortunately feel scary and dangerous.

“I do feel different,” they say. “And it’s tough for me to think about it having a posi tive impact right now. It’s tough for me to separate myself emotionally from the fear and everything, and consider that people can learn and grow. But I really hoped [for that] with this record, and I still still do to some extent.”

Though that heaviness will linger, Adeem plans to bring a joyful, inclusive album re lease celebration to The Basement on Friday. Joining Adeem will be the talented and fan tastically named Flamy Grant, a drag queen and musician whose latest album Bible Belt Baby, which came out in October, bridges the gap between contemporary Christian music and queer culture. Adeem also shares that there is a right-wing protest planned for their Dec. 3 show in Maryville, Tenn.

“For us to be in Nashville at The Base ment, having a drag performer and singing songs — it feels important right now, with everything going on. It feels like it has a new level of importance that it didn’t before.”

BLANK SLATE

Nordista Freeze’s Space Prom, a tribute to pop history, keeps on trucking

BY EDD HURT

“T

his is our best one yet,” says Nashville pop musician and showman Nordista Freeze. He’s telling me about Space Prom, a tribute to the history of pop he first staged nearly five years ago. Like virtually everything Freeze sets his mind to, Space Prom has evolved. Freeze and a group of like-minded singers and instrumentalists convened for the initial iteration of Space Prom at a Charlotte Pike Chinese restaurant, Lucky Bamboo, in February 2018. The show featured a series of bands who pulled songs from the lively era of pop that spans the 1930s through the ’90s, and Freeze sold out the show.

Because Freeze is a hard-touring road musician and prolific record-maker who tells me he’s recently played his 710th gig, his ambition — and his confidence — seem completely justified. “We’re not, like, cashing out, and we’re not coasting,” he continues, talking about Space Prom 5, which will be held this year at Brooklyn Bowl. “We’ve put in twice, if not three times, as much work as any year before. It’s gone from something to do to something a big team of us are doing.”

Freeze grew up in Nashville and began making albums when he was a teenager, and he transformed himself into Nordista Freeze when he was a junior at David Lipscomb High School, now Lipscomb Academy. He also sang in the Lipscomb chorus, having grown up in the

SPACE PROM 5 FRIDAY, DEC. 2, AT BROOKLYN BOWL WHITE

PHOTO: SHAWN POYNTER

Church of Christ denomination, which doesn’t use instruments in church services. As he tells me, choral-singing experiences turned him into a vocalist comfortable with many approaches, as you can hear on his 2021 album Big Sky Pipe Dream

Freeze’s albums zig-zag among various pop and rock ’n’ roll styles, with Big Sky Pipe Dream a bit looser — and a bit more rocking — than his 2017 release Cosmic Haus. In the world of Freeze, British Invasion rock on the order of, say, Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich sits alongside dark Steely Dan grooves and folk-rock interludes. In similar fashion, Space Prom has been a way for a very funny rock polymath to present his vision of rock history, complete with detours into pop’s weird side.

Again, Freeze’s ambitions seem perfectly suited to a performer whose very name conveys the alluring power of a blank slate. “It’s like a blank canvas for someone who has lived in the same community forever,” he says about his sobriquet. “It’s a chance to pivot into uncharted waters.” If Big Sky Pipe Dream contains hints of The Beach Boys and ’50s rock, the album is filtered through a sensibility that’s syncretic by definition. Freeze writes simple songs that don’t feel like genre exercises, and he delivers them in a voice that never takes itself too seriously.

Talking about the influences that have gone into his albums and the Space Prom shows, he makes the kind of distinctions that ordinary revivalists often fail to recognize. “I used to say ‘ ’60s,’ and then I realized it was more ‘early ’60s,’ specifically. I definitely am a huge Beach Boys fan, and pretty deep. I just kept getting deeper into early-’60s, pre-Beatles music.”

Big Sky and Cosmic Haus defy categorization — Freeze’s forays into pop draw from several decades, and he plays a song like “Hey Gigi,” which appears in different versions on both Big Sky and Cosmic Haus, for laughs. “Hey Gigi” is a bubblegum tune worthy of Tommy Roe, and the two arrangements of the song offer contrasting takes on rock ’n’ roll basics. On his albums, he combines ramshackle rhythm-section dynamics with song structures that include tempo and metric shifts.

Freeze says Space Prom 5 will feature a large group of musicians that includes Bruce DuBray and Johnny Hopson of Nashville pop band Future Crib, along with The Minks, Drumming Bird and Hotel Fiction. As in previous years, the song list will include hits and deep cuts from the ’70s and ’80s.

“I want people to come to Space Prom and hear a set that they will never hear anywhere else,” says Freeze. “If we can do disco and then glam rock, and then throw in a song from Frank Zappa or Captain Beefheart, that’s something they wouldn’t have actually gotten in the ’80s.”

In past shows, David Bowie and Talking Heads songs have coexisted with hits by the likes of Fleetwood Mac.

It should be a party for the ages — a rock ’n’ roll revue that’s not afraid to push boundaries.

Like Captain Beefheart, a towering personality who put together a group of great players who took his ideas into the stratosphere, Freeze is a frontman who appreciates the push and pull that only a band can create.

“They’ve all been practicing for months,” he says about the Space Prom band. “I’m just kind of up there, standing. In some ways, maybe I’m orchestrating, but in other ways, they’re on the scene on their own and I’m grateful to be surrounded by them.”

CLOSE TO THE BONE

Martha Redbone’s unique story of cultural identity resonates in Bone Hill

BY AMY STUMPFL

When award-winning vocalist and composer Martha Redbone set out to create Bone Hill: The Concert, she knew she had a unique story to tell — one that honored both her Native and African American roots. But what she didn’t anticipate was how easily audiences would relate to such a deeply personal tale.

“I remember standing in the lobby of The Public Theater after one of our first performances, and all these people came up to me to talk about their family experiences,” says Redbone, who grew up in the coal country of Eastern Kentucky, before moving to Brooklyn while still in middle school. “They talked about their grandparents coming to this country from Italy and India and other far-off lands. They

talked about the pressure to assimilate and fit in, and yet still trying to hold onto traditions from home. It was amazing. I really didn’t expect that kind of response, so to me, that was the gift.”

Originally commissioned by Joe’s Pub and The Public Theater, Bone Hill is now a touring production, which comes to Oz Arts Friday and Saturday. It is presented as something of a theatrical concert, featuring a cast of eight actor-musicians and exploring “our nation’s history through the lives of four generations of women in a Cherokee family.” And while Redbone admits there are many painful chapters within that story, she approaches such moments with humor and dignity, highlighting her family’s unshakable connection to the land and celebrating the individual stories that make up this nation.

“I didn’t want it to feel like a history lesson,” she says. “Because it’s really more of a family story — a story of love. But when you’re born into a multiracial family, your identity is automatically political. So when you think about the erasure and marginalization of cultures — whether through slavery or the Indian Removal Act — I wanted to talk about what happens to a family that defies those odds and fights to hold on to their culture.”

Beyond the obvious historical elements, Redbone says it also was important to tap into a musical timeline, serving up

everything from traditional Cherokee chants and lullabies to bluegrass, blues, gospel and R&B.

“Growing up in Harlan County, Ky., I listened to folk, country and traditional mountain music,” she says. “Then I moved to New York as a young teen, and let’s just say I was the only one in the neighborhood who knew Conway Twitty. But I loved the music there, too. Then you have my husband and collaborator, Aaron [Whitby], who is a Londoner. So there are many, many influences along the way. But I think what ties all those traditions together is strong melody and storytelling. That’s what really inspires me.”

That seems to be the case for audiences as well. And as much as Redbone enjoys being onstage, she says it’s often in those post-performance conversations that she recognizes the true impact of her music.

“This summer, we were at a festival up in Nova Scotia and this older white gentleman waited to talk with me after the show. He had tears in his eyes, and he said: ‘I want you to know that I really heard you today. I learned so much, and I just had to thank you.’

“It was such a special moment,” Redbone continues. “It made me proud to be an independent artist. But that’s the power of music. And if I can reach just one person — just reel them in one at a time — that’s golden.”

THE SPIN

LAST EXIT

BY CLAIRE STEELE, STEPHEN TRAGESER, D. PATRICK RODGERS AND BRITTNEY M c KENNA

Through the summer and early fall, all you could do was speculate about what might happen next at Nashville music institution Exit/In. As the historic club celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2021, the property was sold to developer AJ Capital Partners, while longtime venue operators Chris and Telisha Cobb launched a campaign to raise money on top of existing financial backing to make AJ an offer on the site. In March, the Cobbs noted that they weren’t booking shows after Thanksgiving, citing uncertainty about their lease. In August, a phenomenal run of shows began popping up on the November calendar, with some artists billing their appearances as their “farewell to Exit/In.”

Finally, in mid-November, Chris Cobb confirmed that he and Telisha had “exhausted all efforts” to buy the building and the aforementioned shows would be the last ones under their management. AJ Capital representatives confirmed the club would reopen in 2023 on a date TBA following renovations. AJ sought a historic zoning overlay that would apply to the Exit/In building, and some music fans have expressed relief that the firm didn’t decide to tear down the club and leave the historic marker out front. There’s no reason as of yet to say that the incoming staff won’t act in good faith to keep the venue playing the same important role in local music that it has for half a century. But the way the change has come about has left a bad taste in many folks’ mouths. The Cobbs — like Todd Ohlhauser & Co. at the Mercy Lounge complex, which shuttered in May and which is slated to reopen next year as Cannery Hall — didn’t appear to act with anything less at heart than the best interests of musicians and audiences, leaving the feeling that the power to make the decisions ends up going to whoever has the most money. With all of these emotions and others bubbling around, Scene music writers and/ or photographers squeezed into the soldout crowd for each of the last five shows at Exit/In as we’ve known it for nearly two decades. Each show featured musicians who’ve played Exit/In over the past couple decades as they played their parts in making independent music from Nashville known far and wide.

On Saturday night, Nov. 19, the air outside the venue was cold, heavy and damp, lending a thick and slouchy vibe to the preshow proceedings inside. The overall mood seemed to reflect a keen awareness that we’re on the verge of a significant change that no one is looking forward to. Coley and the Young Go-Hards, a band of ringers fronted by ace musician Coley Hinson, lit a festive spark with some eclectic covers. There was a Monkees tune, as when they opened for Lilly Hiatt at the Mercy Lounge finale in May, as well as songs by artists who’ve graced the Exit/In stage in decades past, like

John Prine and Billy Joel. The crowd was appreciative, but the dark feeling in the air remained.

Adia Victoria and her band came prepared to kick the somberness up a notch, all dressed in black and armed with a set list that drew heavily from 2021’s masterful A Southern Gothic. Victoria dedicated the simmering “Whole World Knows” to “every single survivor of Christianity,” and she described “Magnolia Blues” — anchored by a slinky Jason Harris bass line — as “another song about a dumbass girl who thought she could make it in New York.”

It was Lilly Hiatt’s turn next, and somber gave way to rowdy. Thanks to tunes like “P-Town” and Josh Halper’s furious guitar solo on “Trinity Lane,” the audience loosened up. As she did in May, Hiatt concluded her set with a vibrant stomp through Neil Young’s “Hey Hey, My My” and exhorted everyone to take care of each other as the crowd sprinkled off into the night.

Sunday’s show brought out younger fans who’d had their concept of a rock scene largely shaped by JEFF the Brotherhood’s singer-guitarist Jake Orrall and drummer Jamin Orrall and Infinity Cat Recordings. The brothers started the influential label as teenagers with their dad, musician and visual artist Robert Ellis “Bob the Fatherhood” Orrall. Also in the audience were plenty of folks a few years older, who were doing our best to channel our inner 20-somethings and stay up past 10 p.m. on a school night.

The Bogus Bros were also drawing some energy from their younger selves, as their two shows would feature full performances of albums they’ve evolved far beyond as they’ve absorbed new influences, added new members, taken a hiatus and settled in new locales. Their 2009 LP Heavy Days, which got the spotlight Sunday, marked the beginning of the duo’s transition from locally revered band to internationally loved touring outfit.

The buzz of anticipation that New Orleans psych group Silver Synthetic encouraged in the audience carried over into the P.A., as the recording of insects that opens the snarly, gnarly, pop-inclined Heavy Days played Jake and Jamin to the stage. One verse into “Heavy Days,” the crowd surfing commenced. Jake plays with many more tonal colors on newer records like 2018’s wonderfully experimental Magick Songs and this year’s Ye Olde …, but he had no trouble conjuring the molten-ice-cream sound of the Heavy Days period. Jamin’s more recent parts tend toward jazz, but on Sunday he very literally leaned into the distinctive metal-meets-motorik rhythms that became his calling card. Silver Synthetic guitarist Kunal Prakash, a longtime associate who officially joined JEFF in 2018, added some extra textures to the sweet-andsour “The Tropics,” and to a few songs in the encore including English progsters Wicked Lady’s “I’m a Freak.” But for the most part, it was just the Orralls, inspiring about 500 fans to slam dance like we weren’t going to need Icy Hot later.

Night 2 of JEFF’s doubleheader at Exit/In was all about 2011’s We Are the Champions, frenzied stage dives, bittersweet vibes and old familiar faces.

After an opening set from Impediment,

the brothers Orrall — once again playing as the classic two-man lineup — took the stage to Chris de Burgh’s “Lady in Red.” Champions is a record built on sludgy riffs and catchy hooks in equal measure, and despite a couple of false starts in “Cool Out,” the boys were off to the races by the time the undeniable Oh oh oh oh ohs of “Diamond Way” hit. Longtime JEFF collaborator and familiar local sideman Loney John Hutchins joined on keys for “Endless Fire,” and frontman Jake noted that we’d be getting the official “Heavy Version” of “Health and Strength” rather than the sitar-kissed rendition that landed on Champions — more conducive to the flurry of crowd-surfing that was happening by set’s end anyhow.

After meandering around the stage and only barely ducking out of sight for a moment, Jake and Jamin kicked off a long encore with “U Got the Look” before dipping back into 2006’s Castle Storm for the eternally crowd-pleasing “Extra Good.” The encore kept threatening to end, but the players seemed as hesitant as anyone to call it a night — with the possible exception of Nashville’s Best Stage Dad, Bob Orrall, who rocked along in the crowd at stage left, as ever. But the Bogus Bros finally shut it down with Heavy Days’ “Mind Ride,” with Jake sending his trademark custom three-string Lucite guitar out into the crowd for one last Exit/In surf of its own before bidding us all farewell.

When Diarrhea Planet decided to take a final bow in 2018, the Belmont-bred shredders chose Exit/In for their farewell run. It was a fitting decision: Some of their earliest gigs were across Elliston Place at The End, and Exit/In became like a second home as the band worked its way toward becoming nationally known. Following a little victory lap in which they opened for Jason Isbell in October 2018, DP retired, having gone out in a blaze of glory and splinters from a guitar smashed on the Ryman stage. Tuesday, they seemed just as stoked to be back onstage as the rabid crowd was to be on the receiving end of their four-guitar assault. They opened with “Ghost With a Boner,” the supremely silly song that was their first fan favorite; it sounds like a great way to recover if the screen goes out when you’re doing “Dancing in the Dark” at karaoke.

“I haven’t sweat this much since 2018,” quipped frontman Jordan Smith early in the set, before sharing a bit about the night’s bittersweet proceedings. “I think things like this just go to prove that, while it can be a sad thing, you can take away the building but you can’t take away a community.”

As crowd surfers whizzed by, the band joyfully blazed through a 20-song set that included songs from each of their three studio albums — with highlights including a larger-than-life performance of “Kids” — as well as a loud, faithfully raucous cover

PHOTO: ANGELINA CASTILLO

PHOTO: H.N. JAMES

LILLY HIATT

JEFF THE BROTHERHOOD

of The Stooges’ “Search and Destroy” with finger-tap-happy guitarist Emmett Miller on lead vocal.

Waxed, whose summer 2022 debut Give Up took home Best Metal Album honors in this year’s Best of Nashville, got Wednesday’s show off and running at a breakneck pace. The quintet’s ferocity and technicality earned plaudits from DP’s Smith later in the night: “We can’t riff that hard — what is even going on?!”

Snooper, who came roaring out of pandemic lockdown in 2021 and has barely stopped since, went next. Equal parts band and art project, the five-person group led by post-punk lovers and creative partners Connor Cummins and Blair Tramel reeled off hyperactive, helium-voiced one- and twominute missives — some Devo influence here, a little Deerhoof there — so uniformly concise that would-be stage-divers sometimes found themselves stranded awkwardly onstage at the moment a song stopped. Impressively, those who visited Snooper’s merch table at the end of the night could buy a cassette of the very show they’d just witnessed. In a move harkening back to the origin of Infinity Cat circa 2002, the band recorded it, and, while DP played, the guitarist could be seen fiendishly dubbing and hand-labeling copies for showgoers to take home.

Diarrhea Planet’s set was no mere reprise

of their 2018 finale. While the 2018 sets paid tribute to The Who, Tears for Fears, Rage Against the Machine and other classic acts that shaped the Planeteers, these had a different tenor, spanning nearly every original from the sextet’s catalog. Wednesday’s sole cover was an appropriate one: “White Lies,” from Old Nashville rock iconoclasts Jason & the Scorchers. Capped, once more, by the powerful lossof-innocence paean “Kids” and, naturally, “Ghost” (this time, played last), the band’s emotive, riff-tastic trademark sound delivered the feels and shook the walls as always. If this was to be the last proper rock show to take place in the venerable building as it had been known, one would have been hard-pressed to find a more appropriate local band to see it off.

In 2022, four independent venues that have a long history of making major contributions to the local music ecosystem closed their doors and have changeovers in the works — that’s plenty to make Nashville music fans uneasy. It’s also true that, for now, the creative independent spirit remains strong with lots of people working hard to keep it alive. But as all kinds of pressures mount — especially economic ones — the risk that we’ll eventually lose what people have been working to build for decades isn’t going anywhere, either.

EMAIL THESPIN@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

PHOTO: STEVE CROSS

PHOTO: HAMTILON MATTHEW MASTERS

DIARRHEA PLANET

DIARRHEA PLANET

WE’RE GONNA HOLD ON

that stuck with Chastain and Shannon. “Well, I love the cemetery with George and Tammy,” Chastain says, referencing Woodlawn Memorial in Berry Hill, where a number of other country music stars are buried as well — including Porter Wagoner and Marty Robbins. “I know that sounds weird to say.”

“That’s a really beautiful cemetery,” adds Shannon. “We spent a lot of time there when we were recording the songs for the show.”

have to work on it too much, I just kinda walked in and started doing it,” Shannon jokes. “No, it was a lot of work. We spent months and months practicing with the local legend Ron Browning, the vocal coach. And when we perform a song on the show, we’re singing a cappella in front of a bunch of strangers. So I don’t know if that sounds like something you would enjoy doing, but we did that on the regular. So we had to be tough cookies.”

“I would go watch him and his band play in Brooklyn,” says Chastain of Shannon.

BY LOGAN BUTTS

Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon have spent a lot of time in Nashville.

While filming the upcoming Showtime miniseries George & Tammy, the acclaimed actors loved visiting the Ryman. And they spent time at plenty of other notable locations from the lives of country music icons George Jones and Tammy Wynette, who they portray in the series. But when asked about their favorite places in town, their eyes light up when discussing a bar near the Ryman that they frequented after long days of filming back in the spring — they just can’t recall the name.

“There’s a restaurant across the street, I forgot what it’s called, but there was a really nice bartender named Forrest,” Chastain tells the Scene

“He was a nice kid,” says Shannon. “I wonder what he’s up to.”

The less glamorous spots were the ones

The Scene is speaking to the duo during a recent press junket at Noelle, a downtown hotel just a couple of blocks from the Ryman.

“It’s so wild to come back to this hotel, because we were here before we even started shooting,” says Shannon. “And now to be here after it’s all said and done and just realize everything that’s happened in the meanwhile, it’s pretty trippy looking out the window at that football stadium like I used to — I used to stare out this window. I feel like I’m in the same room that I was in. It’s so strange.”

To prepare, the duo worked with vocal coach to the stars Ron Browning, who’s helped guide such luminaries as Wynonna Judd, Amy Grant, Alison Krauss and Jamey Johnson, among others. (Browning also occasionally plays at Char Nashville, a steakhouse and jazz room in Green Hills.) But even with Browning’s “hardcore training” regimen, singing Jones and Wynette’s famous songs was a daunting task.

“Well, it was pretty easy — I didn’t really

“Tough and drunk,” Chastain adds.

“I’m tough, she’s drunk,” says Shannon. Even so, both actors have musical experience. Shannon is the longtime frontman of folk band Corporal, and Chastain worked with Nashville superproducer Dave Cobb to record a number of Tammy Faye Messner’s songs for her performance in 2021’s The Eyes of Tammy Faye — a role that earned her an Oscar.

“We had earpieces that played with music, and [Nashville engineer and mixer] Rachael Moore was on set with us, so she was in charge of all the recordings on set,” says Chastain. “So we’d hear a little bit of the music, and the extras could hear the beat, so they can move, and then the music would drop out and we’d only hear it in our ears, and we’d have to sing it in the mic. So it’s like singing ‘Stand by Your Man’ in front of a bunch of people, and they just hear my cold vocal without music. It felt incredibly exposing.”

Shannon and Chastain — as well as fellow

“We would send each other silly pictures every once in a while, or run into each other at festivals, and have always been looking for another project for us to do. And when I signed on I didn’t really know about Tammy and George, but the more I started learning about George … I just felt I didn’t understand another person who could do it.”

All six episodes of the series were directed by John Hillcoat, who also directed Chastain in the 2012 crime drama Lawless.

“He really has such an incredible visual sense, and when you watch the show, it’s shot so beautifully,” Chastain says. “And also, [series creator Abe Sylvia] had been working on it for over a decade. And so to have John’s visual sense and Abe’s emotional intelligence, it was such a great combination.”

And yes, they did shoot Jones’ infamous lawnmower incident.

“Well, we put our own special twist on it,” Shannon says. “I’ll just say chipmunk. That’s all I’m gonna say.”

“That means nothing,” Chastain follows. “Literally. That’s not a thing.”

George & Tammy will air every Sunday night from Dec. 4 through Jan. 8 on Showtime.

EMAIL ARTS@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

Jessica Chastain and Michael Shannon talk George & Tammy and getting to know Nashville

George & Tammy cast member Katy Mixon — first worked together on Jeff Nichols’ 2011 apocalyptic psychological thriller Take Shelter

GEORGE & TAMMY PREMIERES SUNDAY, DEC. 4, ON SHOWTIME

BY CRAIG D. LINDSEY

The Inspection is, you could say, G.I. Jane for the LGBTQ crowd.

That Demi Moore vehicle from 25 years ago — now unfortunately known as the fuse that led a certain movie star to slap a certain comedian at a globally televised event earlier this year — was about a military woman facing discrimination and abuse during special op erations training. This movie is about a gay man being discriminated against and abused at Marine Corps boot camp. Unlike the fic tionalized Jane, Inspection is the true story of writer-director Elegance Bratton. After years of making short films (he also made a documentary feature in 2019 called Pier Kids), Bratton gets his Antwone Fisher on, creating a movie about struggling and surviving in the military and in his everyday life.

Two-time Tony nominee Jeremy Pope plays Bratton stand-in Ellis French. After years of being homeless on the New Jer sey streets, kicked to the curb by his disapproving mother (Gabrielle Union), French enlists in the Marine Corps in an attempt to get off the streets and back into his mother’s good graces.

He immediately puts on an act once he gets to the South Carolina boot camp, pre tending to be straight around these testos terone-fueled knuckleheads. The facade evaporates when he, shall we say, stands at attention in the showers. Dude is eventually hazed and tormented, especially by a bitter, damn-near-sociopathic training instructor (a seething Bokeem Woodbine).

Bratton practically gives himself a hero’s journey with Inspection. The out-and-proud Pope serves as a willing avatar for Bratton, playing French as a defiant fighter who’s still sensitive enough to show concern for

his fellow soldiers in need. With support from a superior (Raúl Castillo) who has our boy wondering if he’s also gay (there’s a dream sequence — or at least I think it’s a dream sequence — involving the pair in a bathroom stall), French not only perseveres through this brutal, body-and-soul-breaking ordeal, but also proves to be the bravest of them all.

Most of the characters here are textbook assholes. With the exception of a Middle Eastern soldier (Eman Esfandi) who’s also the target of abuse, Bratton depicts the rest of the squad as homophobic, horny himbos, ready to beat off in their bunks whenever they get nudie photos in the mail. But the biggest villain here is French’s mother, whom Union plays like a less psychotic version of Mo’Nique’s monstrous mom character from Precious. Although Bratton presents the mom as a woman who’s piti fully deep in denial about her son’s sexuality, he also gives her briefly sympathetic mo ments. (Between this role and her voice turn in the recent Disney flick Strange World, Union — who in real life is a stepmom to a trans kid — has apparently become to go-to actress for mothers of gay kids of color.)

Set smack-dab in the middle of the “don’t ask don’t tell” era (and a few years after 9/11 made everyone thirsty for war), The Inspection is basically Bratton’s melodra matic, feature-length fuck-you to all those who didn’t (and still don’t) think people like him should be fighting for Uncle Sam. Even so, it’s done in a rather self-congratulatory, unremarkable fashion. I’m sure there are many accounts — even more harrowing and disturbing than Bratton’s — of LGBTQ folks going through their own battles of serving in the military. But since Bratton’s story won over the team at uber-hip film company A24, this is the one that’ll be on movie screens for the time being.

EMAIL ARTS@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

In this cause it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the defendant is a non resident of the State of Tennessee, therefore the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon FAUSTINO TORRES. It is ordered that said Defendant enter HIS appearance herein with thirty (30) days after DECEMBER 22, 2022, same being the date of the last publication of this notice to be held at the Metropolitan Circuit Court located at 1 Public Square, Room 302, Nashville, Tennessee, and defend or default will be taken on JANUARY 23, 2023 It is therefore ordered that a copy of this Order be published for four (4) weeks succession in the Nashville Scene, a newspaper published in Nashville.

resident of the State of Tennessee, therefore the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon FAUSTINO TORRES. It is ordered that said Defendant enter HIS appearance herein with thirty (30) days after DECEMBER 22, 2022 same being the date of the last publication of this notice to be held at the Metropolitan Circuit Court located at 1 Public Square, Room 302, Nashville, Tennessee, and defend or default will be taken on JANUARY 23, 2023

It is therefore ordered that a copy of this Order be published for four (4) weeks succession in the Nashville Scene, a newspaper published in Nashville.

Joseph P. Day, Clerk

M De Jesus, Deputy Clerk

Date: November 22, 2022

Maniatis Attorney for Plaintiff

NSC 12/1, 12/ 8, 12/ 15 12/ 22/22

Non-Resident Notice

Third Circuit Docket No. 22D1167

HARVEY STANLEY BURNS vs. ELIZABETH SHARONDA BURNS

In this cause it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the de fendant is a nonresident of the State of Tennessee, therefore the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon HARVEY STANLEY BURNS. It is ordered that said Defendant enter HIS appearance herein with thirty (30) days after DECEMBER 1, same being the date of the last publication of this notice to be held at the Met ropolitan Circuit Court located at 1 Public Square, Room 302, Nashville, Tennessee, and defend or default will be taken on JANUARY 2, 2022.

It is therefore ordered that a copy of this Order be published for four (4) weeks succession in the Nashville

Scene, a newspaper published in Nashville.

Joseph P. Day, Clerk

L. Chappell, Deputy Clerk Date: November 3, 2022

Ellis H. Marshall Attorney for Plaintiff

NSC 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1/22

Non Resident Notice

Third Circuit Docket No. 22D 1165

SERBANDA AJXOLLIP GONZALEZ vs. GUSTAVO LINARES

In this cause it appearing to the satisfaction of the Court that the defendant is a non resident of the State of Tennessee, therefore the ordinary process of law cannot be served upon GUSTAVO LINARES. It is ordered that said Defendant enter HIS appearance herein with thirty (30) days after DECEMBER 22, 2022, same being the date of the last publication of this notice to be held at the Metropolitan Circuit Court located at 1 Public Square, Room 302, Nashville, Tennessee, and defend or default will be taken on JANUARY 23, 2023

It is therefore ordered that a copy of this Order be published for four (4) weeks succession in the Nashville Scene, a newspaper published in Nashville.

Joseph P. Day Clerk

M De Jesus, Deputy Clerk

Date: November 22, 2022

Gary W. Temple Attorney for Plaintiff

NSC 12/1, 12/ 8, 12/ 15, 12/ 22/22

Senior Application Engineer (HCA Management Services LP, Nashville, TN): Reqs Bach (U.S./frgn equiv) in CS or rel; 5 yrs IT exp; proficient w/ DM Express, Informatica, SSIS or DataStage ETL tool; applied knowledge of data warehouse design & implementation concepts; exp in JIRA, Confluence &/or Service Central; knowledge of Erwin, Visio, Power Designer, SQL Server, Teradata or other database or ETL tool; knowledge of Doclib, Remedy, HOST, ZEKE, Clarity, Quality Center, or Atlas; knowledge of Windows, Unix, Linux, & Firewall. Email resume to Elaine.Healy@hcahealthcar e.com.

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