Nashville Scene 5-6-21

MAY 6–12, 2021 I VOLUME 40 I NUMBER 14 I NASHVILLESCENE.COM I FREE

CITY LIMITS: CAN NASHVILLE RESPOND TO MENTAL HEALTH CRISES WITHOUT POLICE? PAGE 6

FOOD & DRINK: ELLISTON PLACE SODA SHOP IS SET TO BRING FOLKS BACK TO THE ROCK BLOCK PAGE 24

The

Style Issue The brands, shops, designers and people making Nashville look good DESIGNER VAN HOANG

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5/3/21 6:00 PM

— Kris Kristofferson From the exhibit Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ’70s

Explore the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s major exhibit Outlaws & Armadillos: Country’s Roaring ’70s, open now, and find out more about Hall of Fame member Kris Kristofferson.

EXHIBIT NOW OPEN DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE Visit CountryMusicHallofFame.org to buy tickets. photo:

Leonard Kamsler

from the leonard kamsler collection from the country music hall of fame and museum

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NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

CONTENTS

MAY 6, 2021

6

27

Can Nashville Respond to Mental Health Emergencies Without Police? ...................6

Out North ................................................ 27

CITY LIMITS

Community activists envision a strictly medical response to what they say are fundamentally medical crises

BY STEVEN HALE

’Round the Bend ........................................7 The chance to preserve a big chunk of Bells Bend as public land is likely lost forever

BY J.R. LIND

Plans for a Woodbine Community Garden Fall Flat for Immigrant Community ..........8 A ‘difference in vision’ leads working-class neighbors to seek greener pastures

ART

The Frist Art Museum’s N2020: Community Reflections helps North Nashvillians see the strength in ourselves

BY M. SIMONE BOYD

Cover Me Up ............................................ 28 An art installation with international relevance finds its home in Nashville

29

BOOKS

Empowering People for the Long Haul Stephen Preskill revisits the story of Myles Horton and the Highlander Folk School

This week on the Scene’s news and politics blog

BY PETER KURYLA AND CHAPTER 16

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30

COVER STORY The Style Issue

Daisha McBride,The Shindellas and More to Play Exit/In’s Out/Back Concert Series A Famous Black Cowboy and Nashville’s March of Progress

BY ERICA CICCARONE AND LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

Pith in the Wind .........................................8

BY DIANA LEYVA

THIS WEEK ON THE WEB:

Jack Daniel’s Releases Two More Spirits in the Tennessee Tasters’ Series Curtain Up! TPAC Announces 2021-22 Broadway Season ON THE COVER:

Van Hoang Photo by Daniel Meigs

MUSIC

Warm Front .............................................. 30

Local Luminaries

A quick look at 10 stylish Nashvillians — their favorite designers, personal style philosophies and more COMPILED BY ERICA CICCARONE, NANCY FLOYD AND LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

Local Looks 15 standout shops, brands and designers in Nashville

John Mailander’s Forecast perseveres on Look Closer

BY ABBY LEE HOOD

Keeper of the Flame ............................... 31 Kim Ruehl shines a light on Zilphia Horton, who helped music become integral to the labor and civil rights movements

BY CHELSEA SPEAR

The Spin ................................................... 31

21

The Scene’s live-review column checks out the Best of Nashville Hip-Hop showcase at H.O.M.E.

CRITICS’ PICKS Attend Living Room Film Club: Buck and the Preacher, go see the Belcourt’s Oscar picks, visit Mystery Yard, see or stream Alecia Nugent at the Station Inn, see Riley Downing and Jaime Wyatt at The Basement East, pick strawberries, listen to Why Are Dads? podcast and more

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BY CHARLIE ZAILLIAN

32 FILM

Poetic Visions A new poetry and film collaboration brings versified cinema to OZ Arts

BY JOE NOLAN

Sowutations

FOOD AND DRINK

With the magical Gunda, director Viktor Kossakovsky adjusts our eyes

Talking Shop

The time-honored Elliston Place Soda Shop is set to bring folks back to the Rock Block

BY MARGARET LITTMAN

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BY ERICA CICCARONE

33

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD

VODKA YONIC Knives Out

On a year of profound and painful reckoning

34

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5/3/21 6:26 PM

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UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS THURSDAY, MAY 6 6:00PM

JOAN SILBER in conversation with PAUL YOON Secrets of Happiness

FRIDAY, MAY 7 6:00PM

SEAN LATHAM in conversation with ANN POWERS The World of Bob Dylan

MONDAY, MAY 10 6:30PM

JULIE CLARK in conversation with MEGAN MIRANDA The Last Flight

TUESDAY, MAY 11 6:15PM SALON@615 PRESENTS:

CHRIS GRABENSTEIN Dog Squad

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 6:00PM

STEPHEN PRESKILL in conversation with SAM FREEDMAN Education in Black and White

THURSDAY, MAY 13 6:00PM

MORGAN MATSON in conversation with SIOBHAN VIVIAN Take Me Home Tonight

GET TICKETS & LEARN MORE AT PARNASSUSBOOKS.NET/EVENT 3900 Hillsboro Pike Suite 14 | Nashville, TN 37215 (615) 953-2243 Shop online at parnassusbooks.net

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PHOTO: ANDREA ZELINSKI

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THELMA HARPER IN 2014

NASHVILLE LAMENTS THE PASSING OF SEN. THELMA HARPER For many years, Sen. Thelma Harper blazed trails and made history. She died last month at 80 years old.

She was the first African American woman elected to the Tennessee Senate, and and she held her District 19 seat for three decades — until 2018, when she decided not to seek reelection. This made her the longest-serving female state senator in Tennessee’s history.

Her loss is tremendous.

Thelma Harper was a kind and caring person, as well as a beloved mother and a great mentor. The Rev. Davie Tucker Jr. called her an “auntie” to the North Nashville community. For me, she was a dear friend whom I had the privilege of knowing and visiting with on occasion throughout the years. It was always a joy to see her. She was the type of person who, even after just one meeting, you could not help but remember always. And that wasn’t just because of her stylish hats, for which she was famous, but also because she was a classy, generous and courageous person dedicated to serving her community.

One of the things she really enjoyed was hosting her “Kids Are Special Too” annual Easter egg hunt, a tradition Thelma’s daughter Linda plans to continue. Given Thelma Harper’s fondness for people and her community, it’s not surprising she blazed a trail in local politics.

Thelma Harper started her political career in 1981 as the Davidson County Executive Committee Woman for the Tennessee Democratic Party. In 1983, she was elected to the Metro Council. In 1989, she defeated three other candidates to win the state Senate’s District 19 seat. Once she was there, some folks seemingly never wanted her to leave. The Rev. Enoch Fuzz said “she made people feel like she cared.”

She had the respect of both Democrats and Republicans.

While in the Senate, Thelma Harper became the first African American woman to preside over the body and was appointed

by Lt. Gov. John Wilder to chair the Senate’s Government Operations Committee. In 2011, she became the first senator to chair the legislature’s Black Caucus. She was a state delegate to the Democratic National

Convention from 1980 to 2008. Also while in the Senate, she sponsored legislation that renamed a portion of U.S. Highway 41 in honor of civil rights legend Rosa Parks. She aided in passing numerous amendments to state budgets to the benefit of her district — amendments that resulted in job training programs, workforce development efforts and even projects like Nashville’s Music City Center. If there was work to be done, Sen. Harper was ready to lead the way.

She did not wait for permission — she took action. She lived with conviction, did what she knew to be right and encouraged others to do the same.

Sen. Harper had a way of doing things that made the people around her feel at home. House Minority Leader Karen Camper said Thelma’s “constituents were like family to her at every level of service,” adding that the senator “woke up every day thinking about how she could improve the lives of the people in her hometown.”

“She was proud of Nashville and of her alma mater of Tennessee State University,” Camper told WSMV. “She was a champion for children, the elderly and for the disadvantaged among us.” Perhaps most of all, she was a great friend to Nashville — to all of us.

Sen. Thelma Harper left us with one final reminder of the greatness she achieved, becoming the first African American woman to lie in state at the Tennessee State Capitol. It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to this vibrant leader. She will be sorely missed.

I truly enjoyed knowing the senator, and was happy to call her a friend.

Bill Freeman Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and Home Page Media Group in Williamson County.

Editor-in-Chief D. Patrick Rodgers Senior Editor Dana Kopp Franklin Associate Editor Alejandro Ramirez Arts Editor Laura Hutson Hunter Culture Editor Erica Ciccarone Music and Listings Editor Stephen Trageser Contributing Editor Jack Silverman Staff Writers Stephen Elliott, Nancy Floyd, Steven Hale, Kara Hartnett, J.R. Lind, William Williams Contributing Writers Sadaf Ahsan, Radley Balko, Ashley Brantley, Maria Browning, Steve Cavendish, Chris Chamberlain, Lance Conzett, Marcus K. Dowling, Steve Erickson, Randy Fox, Adam Gold, Seth Graves, Kim Green, Steve Haruch, Geoffrey Himes, Edd Hurt, Jennifer Justus, Christine Kreyling, Katy Lindenmuth, Craig D. Lindsey, Brittney McKenna, Marissa R. Moss, Noel Murray, Joe Nolan, Chris Parton, Betsy Phillips, John Pitcher, Margaret Renkl, Megan Seling, Jason Shawhan, Michael Sicinski, Ashley Spurgeon, Amy Stumpfl, Kay West, Abby White, Andrea Williams, Cy Winstanley, Ron Wynn, Charlie Zaillian Editorial Intern Diana Leyva Art Director Elizabeth Jones Photographers Eric England, Matt Masters, Daniel Meigs Graphic Designers Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck Production Coordinator Christie Passarello Events and Marketing Director Olivia Britton Promotions Coordinator Caroline Poole Publisher Mike Smith Senior Advertising Solutions Managers Maggie Bond, Sue Falls, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Jennifer Trsinar, Keith Wright Advertising Solutions Managers Olivia Bellon, William Shutes, Niki Tyree Sales Operations Manager Chelon Hill Hasty Advertising Solutions Associates Aya Robinson, Price Waltman Special Projects Coordinator Susan Torregrossa President Frank Daniels III Chief Financial Officer Todd Patton Corporate Production Director Elizabeth Jones Vice President of Marketing Mike Smith IT Director John Schaeffer Circulation and Distribution Director Gary Minnis For advertising information please contact: Mike Smith, msmith@nashvillescene.com or 615-844-9238 FW PUBLISHING LLC Owner Bill Freeman VOICE MEDIA GROUP National Advertising 1-888-278-9866 vmgadvertising.com

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In memory of Jim Ridley, editor 2009-2016

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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CITY LIMITS

CAN NASHVILLE RESPOND TO MENTAL HEALTH EMERGENCIES WITHOUT POLICE?

Community activists envision a strictly medical response to what they say are fundamentally medical crises

BY STEVEN HALE

T

wice now in less than two months, calls to the Metro Nashville Police Department about a person experiencing a mental health crisis have led to officers shooting the person in crisis.

On March 12, 33-year-old Melissa Wooden called 911 and made comments to dispatchers about harming herself — specifically, she said she hoped police would come and shoot her to death. Three Madison precinct officers responded to the 2800 block of Greer Road in the Goodlettsville area, where they found Wooden, a white woman, standing near the road with a pickax and a baseball bat. Footage from a body camera worn by Officer Ben Williams shows him arriving on the scene as another officer is shouting at Wooden to “Step away from my car!” Williams begins engaging with her more calmly, and as she makes repeated comments urging the officers to kill her, Williams tells her that’s not going to happen.

Officers negotiated with Wooden for a few minutes before her mother arrived on the scene on a scooter, shouting at her daughter and telling officers that Wooden was “mentally ill.” Shortly after that, Wooden’s mother pulled her scooter closer to her daughter, ignoring Williams’ commands to stay back. Wooden, facing Williams, raised the bat and pickax, prompting him to deploy his taser. Seconds later, as Wooden stepped toward Williams, Officer Brandon Lopez shot her. Wooden was taken to the hospital but survived.

About seven weeks later, around 2:30 p.m. on May 1, Karen Griffin called 911 to report that her son, 23-year-old Jacob Griffin, had been threatening to kill her and others. Her son was schizophrenic, she told a dispatcher, and living in a wooded area behind a Goodwill in South Nashville. He’d recently been fired from the store, she said, and had previously made comments about going inside and shooting people.

“He does have a gun,” she said. “He has texted me pictures of a full magazine of bullets this morning. So he is armed, and I personally would consider him dangerous.

He has never actually been violent. I really don’t want the police to kill him, but I don’t want him to kill anyone else either.”

Around five hours later, following a long standoff, a SWAT officer shot and killed Griffin during an attempt to arrest him at his campsite. During the hours-long standoff, Mobile Crisis staff from the Mental Health Co-Op arrived and signed

6

emergency committal papers for Griffin, but it was SWAT officers who remained in the woods negotiating with him. Partial body-camera footage released by the MNPD shows officers pleading with Griffin to leave his gun and walk out to speak to a counselor. His responses make tragically clear his mental state at the time.

“I am a hypnotist!” he yells at the officers at one point. “Get off my property!”

Police claim Griffin fired off a shot from his pistol around 7:20 p.m. — in the body camera footage, a shot can be heard, although it was apparently not fired in the direction of the officers. About 10 minutes later, the team of officers attempted to take Griffin into custody using “distraction devices, direct impact hard foam rounds and a police K-9 team.” He was pinned on the ground by a dog, with officers yelling at him to show his hands, when in the footage a gunshot — allegedly from his pistol — can be heard. Seconds later, SWAT officer Matthew Grindstaff shot Griffin, who was later pronounced dead at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

As fatal police shootings around the country and in Nashville dominate headlines again, incidents like these — collisions between officers and civilians with mental illness — have also come under scrutiny in recent years. Earlier this year, Metro Police Chief John Drake announced a plan to create Crisis Intervention Teams that would include police officers and mental health professionals responding to calls together. But Nashville Organized for Action and Hope, a coalition of community organizations and activists, is proposing a different model that envisions a strictly medical response to what they say are fundamentally medical crises.

NOAH’s criminal justice task force began talking about Nashville’s response to mental health calls around a year ago, following a previous wave of incidents around the country. The group had seen locally how calls for help for a loved one could go awry.

“We’d had members of our own congregations call the police and ask them — when they have, for instance, a member of the family who’s acting violent for mental health reasons — ask for their help in a 911 call,” says Joe Ingle, a minister and longtime advocate on behalf of incarcerated people, death row prisoners and other marginalized communities.

“And rather than that person ending up in

a hospital, like a psychiatric unit, they end up in jail.”

In some cases, as Nashville has seen recently, they end up in a hospital or the morgue.

“When you bring law enforcement as a routine response into a mental health call, it has an escalating effect,” Ingle says.

That reality led NOAH members to look to other cities for ideas about a different way to respond to such crises. They found inspiration in Eugene, Ore., where an organization called CAHOOTS has been in operation since 1989.

The program dispatches two-person teams consisting of a medic and a crisis worker to mental-health-related calls. More than 30 years after its founding, CAHOOTS handles upwards of 20 percent of the city’s public safety calls with an annual budget of a little more than $2 million. According to CAHOOTS, in 2019, the organization’s teams responded to 24,000 calls and required police backup just 150 times.

NOAH’s proposal is called HEALS — Health Engagement and Liaison Services — and would pair EMTs with mental health crisis professionals to respond to behavioral-health-related calls. The group has been pitching the idea to anyone who will listen, from the mayor’s office to the police department to Metro Council members.

Reads a proposal document outlining the program: “The overarching philosophy of Nashville HEALS is to pair an integrated health care response with behavioral health related calls to 9-1-1 or local law enforcement when no known crime has been committed, the situation has been assessed by trained dispatchers to be non-violent, and the best outcome can likely be achieved through engagement with health care professionals. HEALS may be dispatched to assist with calls involving mental health issues (e.g., anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, hallucinations, delusions), addiction or substance use, disoriented individuals, urgent social service resource needs (e.g. emergency shelter), and other situations as mutually deemed appropriate.”

The proposal emphasizes that training dispatchers to effectively screen calls is crucial and acknowledges that some calls will still require police backup.

“If there is ever any question regarding whether a call is safe for a HEALS response, it is essential to err on the side of caution and dispatch law enforcement first or as a joint response,” the proposal reads.

Advocates contend that many calls that lead to violence when police are involved could be more effectively deescalated by unarmed mental health responders.

The proposal document from NOAH shows an estimated budget of less than $1 million for HEALS in its first year, and Ingle says the group will be seeking funding wherever possible, from the local, state or federal government. With the Metro budget process getting underway, they’ll be making a strong push for support from the Metro Council.

For now, Mayor John Cooper’s office and the MNPD say they’re set on pursuing the co-response model, which was included in a set of recommendations from the mayor’s Policing Policy Commission.

“WHEN YOU

BRING LAW ENFORCEMENT AS A ROUTINE RESPONSE INTO A MENTAL HEALTH CALL, IT HAS AN ESCALATING EFFECT.”

— JOE INGLE, NASHVILLE ORGANIZED FOR ACTION AND HOPE

“Metro is committed to launching a dedicated mental health co-response pilot this summer, one that reflects the recommendations of both the Behavioral Health and Wellness Advisory Committee and the Policing Policy Commission,” Cooper spokesperson Andrea Fanta tells the Scene. “We appreciate NOAH’s participation in this process and their passion for this issue and are looking forward to continuing conversations on this topic.”

In a February interview with the Scene, Drake said the presence of police officers would make mental health professionals more comfortable responding to potentially volatile situations. MNPD spokesperson Don Aaron said the department plans to start rolling out those teams this summer.

“We are moving forward with the creation of a Mental Health Crisis Intervention Team in collaboration with the Mental Health Co-Op,” Aaron said in a written statement. “A Mental Health Co-Response Pilot Program (based on a Denver model) is scheduled to begin in the North and Hermitage Precincts on June 28th. The pilot program will team volunteer officers on the day and evening shifts at those two precincts with clinicians from the Mental Health Co-Op. That agency is dedicating 5 full-time and 4 part-time staff members to the pilot program. Training is to begin at the first of June. Inspector David Imhof, who is leading our new Office of Alternative Policing Strategies, is coordinating this effort on behalf of the police department. NOAH had brought up the Oregon program; however, after review, the MNPD believes a co-response program based on the Denver model is best for Nashville.”

Denver does have co-response teams, which can respond to more threatening situations. But the city has also recently embraced a program similar to CAHOOTS and the HEALS teams envisioned by NOAH. Denver’s STAR program started on June 1, 2020, pairing mental health clinicians with paramedics, and has been such a success that the city recently put $1.4 million toward expanding it. In February, USA Today reported that in its first six months, STAR responded to 748 calls and that none required police or led to arrests.

EMAIL EDITOR@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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5/3/21 5:59 PM

TIDWELL HOLLOW

’ROUND THE BEND The chance to preserve a big chunk of Bells Bend as public land is likely lost forever

BY J.R. LIND

N

early two years ago, in June 2019, then-Mayor David Briley thrilled public lands advocates with his announcement that he wanted Metro to acquire 789 acres of green space on Bells Bend for parks and greenways.

There were 107 acres used as a turf farm

by Thomas Bros. Grass at the southern tip of the bend, plus 682 acres owned by the Graves family that were originally the farm of David Lipscomb, further north on the bend near Tidwell Hollow. Neither of the tracts is contiguous with the existing Bells Bend Park, but they are close. The turf farm was priced at $1.5 million and the Graves property at $7.8 million. Both were to be purchased using the parks department’s Greenways Acquisition Fund.

Public land advocates lauded the move, though there was some consternation among the Metro Council and others because the announcement came just a few days after the city passed an extremely tight budget. There was also pushback — or at least concern — from Bells Benders themselves because they’d not been consulted on the pending purchase.

For his part, Briley had some interesting ideas about what the city could do with the land. “These nearly 800 acres of farmable land have great potential for food production, sustainability efforts and agritourism,” he said in a statement.

That raised eyebrows among greenspace advocates and historical preservationists.

Why, after all, save this massive chunk of open land to turn it into Agro-Disney, particularly since the bend is one of the richest archaeological sites in the county? There are dozens of confirmed sites from both Paleo-Indians and Mississippian moundbuilding cultures, and confirmed occupation from the Archaic, Woodland and Mississippian periods.

Of course, in the 23 months since then, a lot has changed. A tornado and a global pandemic refocused Metro’s budgetary priorities, sales tax revenues plummeted, Briley was replaced by a new guy, a huge property tax increase was enacted to shore things up, and the mayor’s office and the council have engaged in painful number crunching to get everything to balance out. Nevertheless, the council did approve the purchase of the smaller turf farm property at the end of July 2019.

But like so many once-lauded undertakings, the rest of the Bells Bend land acquisition hit the backburner.

“We were sitting around waiting for the other shoe to drop,” Councilmember Freddie O’Connell says.

Fast-forward to December 2020. The Graves family listed their tract for $6.8 million — $1 million less than Metro had agreed to pay for it. In a statement, Mayor John Cooper’s office emphasized that while

there was an agreement to buy the land, the money was never set aside to do so.

“Mayor Briley’s letter of intent set forth a purchase price, but funding was not allocated for this purchase,” Cooper spokesperson Andrea Fanta says. “Mayor Cooper remains very interested in seeing this property retain its natural beauty and would love for it to become land to be enjoyed by all Nashvillians. We are eager to engage with any stakeholders who wish to help us fund the acquisition or preservation of this space.”

Councilmember Jonathan Hall, whose District 1 includes Bells Bend, called Metro’s proposed purchase “a horrible idea,” saying because there’s already plenty of preserved space in the area, the money would be better spent on roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects.

In March 2021, veteran Nashville real estate investors Frank and Jack May met the asking price, adding the 682 acres to their already expansive holdings in the bend.

More than a decade ago, they’d planned Bells Bend for their May Town Center development, which — to put it mildly — was met with a cool reception by many Nashvillians in general and residents of Scottsboro and Joelton specifically, primarily because of concerns about increased traffic and the inevitable and irrevocable changes to the character of the bend.

Back in the Aughts, the May brothers said the development would require a bridge connecting it to Charlotte Park. When Metro refused to fund the bridge, May Town Center was all but dead. For their part — and perhaps not surprisingly given the vitriol they faced for their first swing at May Town — the brothers have heretofore remained

reticent about their plans for their new pickup. Hall may be pleased that the money saved by losing out on the property is now available for other things, but that sentiment isn’t universal among the council.

O’Connell says he has had a “testy exchange” with the mayor’s office about the failure to grab the Graves property, during which it was intimated that O’Connell himself was at fault for not amending the capital spending budget to fund the purchase.

Eventually though, O’Connell tells the Scene, the executive branch conceded that perhaps it didn’t do enough to engage conservationists and preservationists to enter into a plan to raise the money needed.

The simple fact is, now the chance to save the property as public land is likely lost forever.

“Either the timeline got extended out much, much farther or the price got much, much higher,” O’Connell says. “The May family definitely has a buy-and-hold mindset.”

Though certainly a tighter budget and rapidly shifting priorities played a part in Metro missing its chance, O’Connell says it’s another example of the consequences of elections. Briley saw the Bells Bend acquisitions as a legacy-building project; while Cooper wasn’t necessarily dead-set against it, it just wasn’t a high-priority item for him.

Still, O’Connell laments the loss.

“This was a once-in-a-generation opportunity,” O’Connell says. “This is one of the few places where active farms remain in Davidson County and with undisturbed river access and challenging topography. … The piece that made it work was the Graves piece.”

EMAIL EDITOR@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

nashvillescene.com | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

CITY LIMITS

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5/3/21 5:58 PM

CITY LIMITS

A ‘difference in vision’ leads working-class neighbors to seek greener pastures

BY DIANA LEYVA

W

hen members of the labor-organizing nonprofit Workers’ Dignity came together to discuss why it’s so difficult to organize and demand better working conditions in Tennessee, one answer stood out above the rest: Your food and shelter are strongly tied to your job, making it difficult to organize for more rights in the workplace.

This prompted some members to find a way to achieve some measure of food sovereignty — the right to define their own food and agricultural systems. According to national hunger-relief organization Feeding America, 1 in 7 Tennesseans struggles with hunger, and food security is even worse for children — 1 in 6. Plus, food insecurity has been exacerbated by the pandemic. The desire for food sovereignty among workingclass Nashvillians led Jack Willey, founder of Workers’ Dignity, to the idea of creating a community garden on a patch of land in the Woodbine neighborhood.

Willey says he reached out to District 16 Councilmember Ginny Welsch, who then put him in contact with real estate agent Chris Hulsey, who owns land on Peachtree Street in the neighborhood. Hulsey and

Woodbine neighbors formed a coordinating team to make decisions about the garden.

In March, Husley told the Scene that he saw the garden as an opportunity to bring people together and meet more of the Woodbine neighbors.

While the project was not an official program of Workers’ Dignity, members of the group were involved, including co-director Cecilia Prado. Many of Workers’ Dignity’s members are natives of Mexico, El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala. Nashville is home to a small but significant Q’eqchi’ community — Maya people who suffered traumatic experiences as a result of being displaced from Northern Guatemala due to colonization and imperialism.

“They lived in tropical forests that have completely been displaced by mining and hydroelectric companies, which was the case for some of our members,” says Prado.

“A hydroelectric company came and destroyed their land. That’s why they’re here.”

The goal was simple: to have a safe space where people from all backgrounds could come together and create a little piece of home — especially people renting their homes, who can’t garden where they live.

In organizing a community garden, the Woodbine neighbors also wanted to give some power back to the workers. Something as simple as having food sovereignty could make them less dependent on their jobs for food, which in turn would make it easier to demand better rights in the workplace.

Arnaldo Tun is from Guatemala and has been a member of Workers’ Dignity for a year. He first became involved with the organization after a friend suffered an accident and was referred to the group for assistance. Tun says his reason for emigrating from Guatemala was poverty and lack of employment. “If one doesn’t have some means to survive economically, life is very difficult,” he tells the Scene in Spanish.

When the idea of a community garden was presented, some neighbors were eager to restore their relationship with the Earth, something that had been so strong back in their home countries.

“I felt very motivated,” says Tun. “I was eager to experiment with the different growing methods. It’s much different here [in the United States] than in Guatemala.”

Another motivator for the garden was access to organic vegetables, which can otherwise be very expensive for people living in poor and working-class areas. Prado says staple foods for people from Latin America — tomatoes, corn, chiles and other produce — are much more expensive in Nashville.

“Access to fresh produce is number one [in] just keeping people healthy,” says Prado.

“This country has made it very clear that they don’t want poor people to survive for too long.”

Initially, the Woodbine neighbors spent four Sundays in the garden working from 1 to 5 p.m. They cleared and prepped the ground and gathered materials to make garden beds. They also organized a GoFundMe page to purchase soil. However, donations have since been disabled and progress on the garden has stopped due to a difference in vision between the gardeners and Hulsey.

Prado cites an unbalanced power dynamic between the landowner and gardeners, who are primarily people of color, that has caused tensions to arise. Coordinating team members have removed themselves from the Woodbine project and now seek land on which they can fulfill their vision.

“We reached a point at which it made more sense to go our separate ways,” says Willey.

According to Prado, Hulsey wanted to charge rent on garden beds. “It’s a shame because it all comes down to who owns the land,” says Prado. “It’s unfortunate, but it’s also not surprising. … We’ll keep looking for places that actually want a garden that is a community space and is about food justice and not gentrification.” Hulsey did not return the Scene’s request for further comment.

Tun says he is still eager to have a plot of land on which to harvest, where he and another member plan to grow tomatoes and chiles. “I hope to continue with the project and keep moving forward, despite setbacks,” says Tun. EMAIL EDITOR@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

ARNALDO TUN (CENTER) WORKS IN THE GARDEN

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THIS WEEK ON OUR NEWS AND POLITICS BLOG:

PHOTO COURTESY OF WORKERS’ DIGNITY

PLANS FOR A WOODBINE COMMUNITY GARDEN FALL FLAT FOR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY

In the annual State of Metro address, Mayor John Cooper announced plans to increase teacher pay, triple funding for affordable housing and overhaul the city’s transportation and transit network. Cooper’s speech pivoted from the belt-tightening and stringent prioritizing of the 2020 budget — built in the shadows of a tornado that devastated the city and a global pandemic that kneecapped tax revenue — to a rosier outlook for a city ready to reopen. “In a time of unrelenting crisis, we stood firm on our priorities: a sound budget, good schools, strong neighborhoods and the long-term success of our economy,” he said. Cooper’s plan includes an extra $81 million for Metro Nashville Public Schools, raising the average teacher’s salary by $6,900, with teachers having eight to 15 years of experience slated for a $10,800 raise. Cooper also plans for the largest transportation expenditure in Metro history, creating a Department of Transportation, installing smart traffic signals and creating a traffic management center. In addition, he plans to allocate $25 million to WeGo Public Transit. …

Medical pot may not be totally dead yet in the state legislature. As lawmakers scramble to complete their annual business, a plan has emerged to amend pending legislation to create a commission to study how the state could regulate medical marijuana, but only after the federal government takes the drug off its Schedule 1 list of most dangerous and least helpful substances. Some medical marijuana advocates opposed that legislation because they saw it as a stalling tactic, but it now could be their last hope for 2021. … Lawmakers gave final approval to a bill that will allow the state’s college athletes to earn money off their name, image and likeness. Gov. Bill Lee intends to sign the bill. With other states already having similar legislation set to go into effect, there was concern Tennessee schools could lose out in recruiting without a similar provision. … Even though Tennessee is already a socalled right-to-work state by law, voters will decide whether to add a right-to-work amendment to the state’s constitution, with the amendment on the ballot in 2022.

Under the law, workers can opt out of unions and their dues even if they benefit from collective bargaining or other union advocacy. … State lawmakers also passed a $42.6 billion budget — the only thing they are required to do constitutionally — setting the stage for their exit from the Hill. … Pith’s Betsy Phillips laid out a couple of Madison cemeteries’ connections to Nat Love, the famous Black cowboy.

NASHVILLESCENE.COM/PITHINTHEWIND EMAIL: PITH@NASHVILLESCENE.COM TWEET: @PITHINTHEWIND

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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5/3/21 5:58 PM

Noteworthy Neighbors Our Noteworthy Neighbors promotion calls on Nashvillians to highlight someone from their community who has done good work this year in their neighborhood — or beyond.

Share their story and we’ll feature the most inspiring and exceptional stories on our website, social media and in print!

Submit a nomination

by visiting our website and telling us about your neighbor and sharing a photo or show them off on Instagram along with #NashNoteworthyNeighbors through May 17.

nashvillescene.com/noteworthyneighbors nashvillescene.com | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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Ballet photo by MA2LA, Ascend Ampitheater photo by Matthew Carbone

LIVE Music by Louis York and The Shindellas

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NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

SUPPORTING SPONSORS:

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Style Issue

The Local Luminaries

A QUICK LOOK AT 10 STYLISH NASHVILLIANS — THEIR FAVORITE DESIGNERS, PERSONAL STYLE PHILOSOPHIES AND MORE COMPILED BY ERICA CICCARONE, NANCY FLOYD AND LAURA HUTSON HUNTER PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND DANIEL MEIGS

Rae Young ARTIST

STYLE PHILOSOPHY “More is more. If 13-year-old me would like my outfit now, then I’m doing an amazing job.”

FAVORITE PIECES “My vintage kuchi necklace dresses up my most casual outfits. My vintage Irish upholstery corset was the first corset I ever owned, and it started my interest in making custom corsets.”

ON NASHVILLE STYLE “Nashville is a city that shows little judgment when it comes to style. I’ve seen the traditional tourist looks, the Jack White and Johnny Cash prototypes, the ’90s Harajuku punk-inspired outfits here. Nashville’s style is just about being yourself.”

Ellie Caudill

ARTIST (INSTAGRAM: @PINKPIZZZA)

RAE IS WEARING Corset: Katrina Marie Creative Garb collection; oversized wooden rosary: Rae Young; eye choker: @water_witch on Instagram; shoes: Dr. Martens Jadon; white chemise, beaded coat, scarf: vintage

STYLE PHILOSOPHY “Stay comfy and bold. Top it off with pink sunglasses. If it’s not your vibe, paint it.”

FAVORITE PIECES “The two dresses local designer Rae Young made for me. I was in my brother’s wedding and was really struggling with feeling like myself. They collaborated with me to come up with my dream dress that I was also super comfortable in. Very Miss Piggy meets sheer, Victorian cupcake. I felt v Glenda the Good Witch walking the two toddler ring bearers down the aisle. The second dress was meant as a mock-up version, but they decided to go all-in and use this wild clown fabric and red tulle. So now I have two perfect dresses. I’m so lucky . I also love my slime-green plastic Uggs.”

Local Looks

15 STANDOUT SHOPS, BRANDS AND DESIGNERS IN NASHVILLE 1

FUFU CREATIONS

fufucreations.com For artist Nuveen Barwari, storytelling and art are part of nationbuilding. Her work is intimately connected with her Kurdish heritage — the altered Persian rugs and contemporary takes on traditional tapestries invite conversations about homeland and resettlement. Some are tributes to Kurdish activists who were killed for their revolutionary work, and others incorporate pop-culture iconography. With Fufu Creations, Barwari takes her work out of the gallery, screen-printing one-of-a-kind T-shirts and jackets with the Kurdish sun and the word ashti, which means peace. If you have a bit more to spend, you can snag a piece of art, like Barwari’s 8-by-10-inch fabric panels. In addition, Fufu Creations sells gorgeous fabric from Dubai that is used to make traditional Kurdish dresses; tees, sweats and totes by Barwari’s longtime collaborator Marlos E’van (more about him on p. 14 ); and prints showing the shape of her homeland. ERICA CICCARONE

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BLACK BY MARIA SILVER

ON NASHVILLE STYLE “Being a native, I believe Nashville style, as a whole,

blackbymariasilver.com Black by Maria Silver started like so many things in Nashville do — onstage. The brand’s namesake, Maria “Poni” Silver, was on a global tour playing drums with her band The Ettes when she decided to launch a clothing line. Since debuting as an emerging designer at 2011’s Nashville Fashion Week, Black by Maria Silver has gone in many different directions, most recently with a website that incorporates virtual dressing rooms and an expanded size range. This is the line you’ll want to know about if you like your casual clothes to have attitude, or your formalwear to have irreverence and comfort. Look for basics with nods to ’90s hip-hop style, and effortlessly glamorous pieces that would look equally chic on Nina Simone or Marianne Faithfull. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

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has really lost its grit — as has most everything else in this town. Everything has become so polished and uniform. The last decade has really stripped Nashville of its raw essence, and the last couple of years have really tried to suck the last of it dry with the tornado and pandemic. Nashvillians though, the real ones, are warriors. Keep your swords up and your hearts open. Take care of one another. Be loud, be soft, be unapologetically yourself.”

FAVORITE FASHION DESIGNER, BRAND OR BOUTIQUE “Rae Young for obvious reasons. They are the future of Nashville fashion. They are fashion.

I’m also really into T-shirt brands — @_harch, @timechangegenerator, @cometees, @myfawnwy on Instagram.”

ELLIE IS WEARING Dress: custom-made by local designer Rae Young (@raeyoyoung); dress underneath: vintage from local @anacondavintage, with hand-painted polka dots by Ellie; frog sculpture: local artist Brett Douglas Hunter (@brettdouglashunter); butterfly chair and footstool: local dealer John Baker (@johnboybakervintage)

ERICA KNICELY

ericaknicely.com Erica Knicely is your local source for cottagecore looks. We’re talking gingham, ruffle sleeves and intricate, classic embroidery.

On the casual side, Knicely’s dark denim Sunflower Dress is an updated, streetwise Alice in Wonderland look, and her shorts — made from vintage quilt tops — are perfect for a summer picnic. If you want to take the rural aesthetic a step further, you’ll find cross-stitched change purses that are haute grandmacore. Then there’s elegance: You can drape yourself in silk charmeuse for a fancy night out, or order a custom-made wrap blouse with puff sleeves and a sweetheart neckline.

Earlier this year, our sister publication Nfocus named Knicely the city’s Best Mask Designer. Dare I say an embroidered mask is family-heirloom material?

Knicely has started vending at fairs and festivals, so keep an eye on her Instagram account (@ericaknicely) for updates. ERICA CICCARONE

5/3/21 5:34 PM

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NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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Van Hoang DESIGNER

STYLE PHILOSOPHY “I don’t really pay attention to trends anymore since they come and go. Instead I focus on what I think looks good on my body and what I feel good in. As much as I wish I were a 6-foot model, I’m not, so I really have to pay attention to proportions. I like things that are comfortable, functional (i.e., pockets in everything), effortless and timeless. Wide-leg pants with a flowy top or a comfortable dress and I’m good to go. And I will never say no to a good monochromatic outfit!”

ON NASHVILLE STYLE “I love that Nashville fashion is so unpretentious, versatile, eclectic and personal. Everyone has their own twist that they bring to their style, which makes it unique, and there’s an ease to it. You can dress most outfits up or down with a shoe change and no one would blink an eye.”

VAN IS WEARING T-shirt and skirt: her own designs; button-down: thrifted from Closet Case Vintage

Dr. André Churchwell

VICE CHANCELLOR OF EQUITY, DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AND CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY; CHIEF DIVERSITY OFFICER, VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER; PROFESSOR OF MEDICINE (CARDIOLOGY) STYLE PHILOSOPHY “Know your body’s dimensions and your favorite color scheme and build a wardrobe around these factors. I studied Fred Astaire and Gary Cooper and Cary Grant and recognized they found a personal style in dress and never deviated.”

ON NASHVILLE STYLE “Nashville is super eclectic — from cowboy style to Savile Row.” FASHION ADVICE “Dress is as unique a choice as is one’s signature — most men don’t see it that way, but it is. It also is the first thing the world sees when you are introduced. It is best to begin with a good first impression.”

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ROOTED

stay-rooted.com ROOTED co-founders Jaime Bacalan, Alexander McMeen and Aaron Morrison have loved sneaker and fashion culture for as long as they can remember. After graduating college, they saw a dire need for a place where the community could find premium footwear and fashion options without having to leave town or shop online. The three founded ROOTED with the idea that “customer experience in this industry deserves the utmost importance.” Sticking to this mission, the store makes community its top priority by providing a fulfilling experience that goes far beyond a purchase. The 2,600-square-foot shop was designed with a monochromatic color palette to highlight the products on display. Upon entering the Hermitage Avenue store, patrons are welcomed with the smiling faces of employees eager to assist with a purchase, answer questions regarding the many premier brands, or talk local happenings and culture.

Over the years, the ROOTED team has contributed to the community with coat drives, special events and collaborations, and community spotlights. A new initiative, The ROOTED Community Fund, is also in the works to invest in local initiatives including school programs, art-based workshops, food programs and youth empowerment. If you’re into fashion, sneakers or community, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a visit to ROOTED. D’LLISHA DAVIS

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DARLIN’ LINGERIE

darlinlingerie.com Formerly known as Nashville Darlin’, Darlin’ Lingerie has a storefront in Wedgewood-Houston but serves customers far and wide via its online store. Darlin’ offers intimate apparel like chemises, bras, bodysuits, hosiery, garters, thongs, loungewear and much more — not to mention a little selection of boxer-briefs for the fellas — from brands like Oh La La Cheri, Bluebella, Kilo Brava, Thistle and Spire, Wood Underwear and more. Owner Kathryn McGinnis and company pride themselves on catering to folks of many body sizes, and Darlin’ Lingerie carries cup sizes A through J and band sizes 30 through 44.

They also offer bra fittings, bachelorette parties and private shopping, and sell bath and body products. Click around on the site for sale items and gift ideas — for your paramour, or just for yourself. It’s 2021 for God’s sake, you don’t need an excuse to treat yourself. D. PATRICK RODGERS

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HEY MAVENS

heymavens.com Hey Mavens is Nashville’s size-inclusive panty haven, a shop where damn near anyone can go to feel cute, sexy, daring or just really, really comfortable in their skivvies.

Owner Annika Chaloff has been selling her handcrafted, locally produced wares for years online, but in March she took Hey Mavens to the next level by moving into a storefront at Shops at Porter East. There, the selection is massive — bralettes, thongs, briefs and bodysuits are available in sizes XXS to 6XL, made in a rainbow of fabric choices. Black lace, blue velvet, leopard and floral prints — Hey Maven even has an undies set featuring faces from The Office. Bras, beets, Battlestar Galactica. MEGAN SELING

PHOTO: CARMEN ROGGE PHOTOGRAPHY

ANDRÉ IS WEARING Blazer and trousers: Nandwani’s Custom Tailors; shirt: Turnbull & Asser; tie: Paul Stuart; hat: Worth & Worth; shoes: Ralph Lauren

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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Kimmy Garris

FAT-POSITIVE INFLUENCER AND BODY-LIBERATION ACTIVIST STYLE PHILOSOPHY “F*$k flattering — wear what makes you feel confident, comfortable and secure in your body.”

FAVORITE PIECES “I have a pair of orange corduroy cropped pants I bought from Target last fall and wore almost every day for three months. They just looked and felt so good, I couldn’t take them off. But some of my all-time favorite pieces have been my dresses I have purchased from Loud Bodies, a Romanian sustainable brand. The dresses are handmade with sustainable fabrics and feel so classic.

They’re a bit whimsical, romantic and just make me feel good, like I am in a rococo painting.”

INSPIRED BY “Locally, my favorite boutiques are: This Is the Finale, owned by Rachel Carter and located in the L&L Market, which serves up to sizes 3 to 4XL; and Hey Mavens, owned by Annika Chaloff and located in Shops at Porter East. They serve up to a size 6X.” KIMMY IS WEARING Dress: Loudbodies; shoes: Marti & Liz Shoes; headband: Target

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EYEPISSGLITTER

eyepissglitter.com Tatiana “Tot” Johnson is a creator and lover of life. With a warm smile matched by a vibrant personality, Johnson has become a powerful force in the Nashville community as vice president of the Nashville office of women-empowerment organization Together Digital, and as a disk jockey spinning at events and eateries. Johnson’s grandmother taught her to sew when she was 4 years old, and while living in New York and later Phoenix, Johnson took classes in upholstery and pursued interior design. Johnson began reupholstering furniture to serve private clients and local businesses. She founded Eyepissglitter last year to provide soothing, adventurous scented candles that are hand-poured and 100 percent soy wax.

Her shop also includes apparel, home goods and accessories, and this summer she’ll offer upholstery classes. No matter whether she is crafting furniture, hand-pouring candles or taking on projects for upcoming businesses across Nashville, Johnson has talents that are worth checking out. If you can support through a candle purchase, or if you’ve got an old chair you’ve been dying to have reimagined, Eyepissglitter is your one-stop shop. D’LLISHA DAVIS

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8

Marlos E’van

ON NASHVILLE STYLE “I’m not so sure about Nashville style as a whole. I just know that the people I’m close to have their own styles that don’t really riff on country Western — we’re not really into that.”

ARTIST

STYLE PHILOSOPHY “To wear it like nobody else can, and nobody else can wear it like me.”

FAVORITE PIECES “Black leather pants and jacket together with a beret and leather gloves, with black Nike huaraches or Air Max 98s. With this look, I’m a biker, rebel, Black Panther and warrior all at the same time.

I’m a pretty androgynous person too, so you’ll see ‘women’s’ pieces in my collection.”

QUEEN OF CUPS HANDMADE

queenofcupshandmade.com The brainchild of sisters Jemina and Alexia Abegg, Queen of Cups is a smallbatch tie-dye company with an offbeat, uniquely cool sensibility. The brand’s T-shirts, socks, totes, scrunchies and other wares incorporate traditional tie-dye techniques with more innovative splatters and crackles of color, and the Abeggs give the designs dreamy titles like Harvest Moon, Mothership and Jupiter. You can find baby onesies and socks at The Getalong in East Nashville, or you can buy their stuff online or at one of their frequent pop-ups — follow @queenofcups_handmade on Instagram to keep up. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

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FAVORITE DESIGNER, BRAND OR BOUTIQUE “On Instagram: Ta’miracle (@tc.ragewrld); FUFUHERO (@ fufuhero). Online: Cashville, (cashvilleetc.com); Cybelle Elena (cybelleelena.com/shop); FRKO (frkopestcontrol.com).”

MARLOS IS WEARING Shirt: his own design; shoes: Air Max 97; pants: Nike; Polaroid camera: Third Man Records; shades: Versace

DISSOCIALITE DESIGN CO.

dissocialite-design-co.business.site Last year, designer Brynn Plummer founded the Dissocialite Design Co., a line of sportswear advocating for mental health education and awareness. Early designs were quite literal, with a variety of mental states boldly displayed across the front of black sweatshirts in neon colors — “Anxious!” “Catastrophizing!” But Plummer’s more recent designs have taken a gentler, more playful turn. Her 2021 Rites of Spring collection is a pretty palette of pastel-colored T-shirts that kindly deliver the words we so often can’t find the strength to say ourselves — “I’m doin’ my very best, buddy,” “Please be gentle with me,” and my personal favorite, “Listening to Big Thief & Spiraling.”

As Miuccia Prada once said, “Fashion is instant language.” Sometimes you just want to say, “It’s OK that I’m not OK.” MEGAN SELING

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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5/3/21 5:37 PM

Clare Armistead PHILANTHROPIST

STYLE HISTORY “When I was young, I majored in fashion merchandising because I’ve always respected and admired beautiful clothes, pretty clothes, good-looking clothes. I’ve always liked clothes.

Maybe that time is passing in this world. I don’t know if many people are as interested now [in fashion] as they were, which must be hard on the manufacturers and the designers. I think people have gotten very casual, to put one adjective on the subject, about what they choose to wear. … I’m an old lady and I don’t go everywhere and I don’t see everything, so I may be missing something, but I don’t see the same interest in fashion as there was when I was growing up. I mean, it was sort of a great big deal then.”

Alicia Henry

STYLE PHILOSOPHY “My clothes, I feel, are very simple and mostly things with pretty fabric and simple design. If there’s something quirky, I like that too sometimes, just for the fun of it.”

FAVORITE PIECES “Levi’s 505 blue jeans and Dehner boots — classic comfort.”

ON NASHVILLE STYLE “I don’t think that Nashville has a style that’s peculiar to itself other than the folk and the country aspect of it, which I consider more of a way of dress than I would describe it as fashion.”

ARTIST

FAVORITE FASHION DESIGNER “Peg and Kris’ cotton floral designs and tops — comfort and bold colors.”

CLARE IS WEARING Dress: St. John belted silk georgette dress in alabaster

ALICIA IS WEARING Shirt: J. Crew; scarf: Anne Klein; jacket: vintage; purse: Dooney & Bourke

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N.B. GOODS

shopnbgoods.com Based out of East Nashville’s Shops at Porter East, N.B. Goods features loads of boostery apparel and accessories. From hats and T-shirts to stickers, sweatshirts and banners, N.B.’s wares are simple, straightforward and fun, featuring slogans like “Nashville Goes Hard” and “I Ain’t Never Leaving Nashville.” But there are also items with non-homer slogans — totes with messages like “Full of Shit” and “I Pray You Stay Six Feet Away” — as well as dyed bandannas and some jewelry. You can also order wool hats with custom messages and kids’ caps with initials. Of course, you can order from N.B. Goods’ website. But if you decided to pop in and have a look around, be sure to check out their neighbors RangerStitch — Nashville’s coolest custom chain-stitch embroidery shop (rangerstitch.com). D. PATRICK RODGERS

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ARTAYA LOKA

artayaloka.com The best face mask I bought during the pandemic came from Artaya Loka, Dana Greaves’ fashion and accessories brand — but Greaves’ true talents shine in her handcrafted jewelry line. Graceful bracelets dotted with beads cut from colored vinyl are bound together with tiny twists of thin sterling silver. Delicate hammered hoops, available in silver or pink-gold, pick up subtle glimmers of light with every movement.

They’re all stunning but understated. One style I’m hoping takes off this summer is the hoop earrings she calls Dripsy — they’ve been dipped into a paint or wax-like material to appear as though they are slowly, beautifully melting away. Back in the fall Greaves moved Artaya Loka out of its retail space at The Shoppes on Fatherland, but her creations — and face masks, for now — are still available in her online shop. MEGAN SELING

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ERIC ADLER CLOTHING

ericadlerclothing.com Time spent living abroad in Spain inspired Eric Adler Bornhop to pursue a career in fashion, but it was legendary couturier Manuel who really prepared him for the job. Bornhop learned the art of tailoring under Manuel’s tutelage before striking out on his own to launch Eric Adler Clothing in 2014 at Nashville Fashion Week. It didn’t take long for the menswear line to gain industry attention — Bornhop was the NFW’s Fashion Forward Fund Recipient in 2015 — and to attract a client list of some of the city’s sharpest-dressed gents. After years of designing impeccably tailored bespoke menswear, Bornhop began offering custom womenswear in early 2020. Known for flawless construction, high-quality fabrics and classic designs, Bornhop’s suits cost a pretty penny (a two-piece bespoke suit starts at $1,095), but they’re built to last a lifetime. Countering the one-two punch of the March 2020 tornado, which destroyed his East Nashville studio, and the pandemic, Bornhop rolled out an online atelier where customers can enter their measurements, select fabrics and customize their garments from start to finish. NANCY FLOYD

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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Gen Sohr

OWNER, PENCIL & PAPER CO. STYLE PHILOSOPHY “Your style tells your story! Find what you love and stick to it. For me, that’s color and pattern mixed in unexpected ways, always with a dash of vintage surprise!”

ON NASHVILLE STYLE “The thing that really stands out to me about Nashville fashion and style is the incredible sense of community. I have watched Nashville’s style grow and evolve over the last 20 years with an incredible influx of people moving to Nashville from other cities. I love to see how our little city has embraced this diverse mix of styles and people and has helped Nashville to become a creative hub!”

FAVORITE PIECES “I always appreciate a great vintage score, because you know that you’re not going to show up at the party in the same dress

TNT GOODS

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ARTIST, CORNELIUS VANDERBILT ENDOWED CHAIR OF FINE ARTS; FOUNDER OF VANDERBILT’S ENGINE FOR ART, DEMOCRACY AND JUSTICE

ON NASHVILLE STYLE “Nashville is an elegant city, very idiosyncratic, and from what I have observed, design matters here.

I love that.”

GEN IS WEARING Caftan: Sarah Bray Bermuda; earrings: Annie Costello Brown; shoes: Gucci; bracelets: vintage

shoptntgoods.com Founded by best friends and lifestyle coaches Jessica and Simone, TNT Goods is a line of home goods and accessories designed to make you look and feel good. They carry cute sunglasses, affordable goldplated rings and handmade resin coasters sparkling with flakes of real gold or copper.

But they also make space for important social issues with buttons, pins and T-shirts that celebrate empowered women, Black girl magic and the Black Lives Matter movement. Have even more to say? You can make a statement of your own with customizable necklaces decorated with your name, city or favorite word. MEGAN SELING

María Magdalena Campos-Pons

FAVORITE PIECES “No favorites — it depends on the occasion. Everything in my closet is carefully selected — I consider dressing a social responsibility.”

INSPIRED BY “I adore the magical designs of Pierpaolo Piccioli for Valentino. His eye for color and the never-ending ability to create surprise and delight are extraordinary! And if you’re really lucky you might find a Valentino treasure at UAL too.”

PHOTO: DANIEL CHRISTOPHER

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as someone else! I have amassed quite a collection of pattern-filled vintage dresses that are so beautifully made and bring me so much joy. And I’m such a lover of pieces that tell a story and are filled with special memories. I absolutely treasure my father’s chunky gold high school initial ring (we have the same initials: G.G.), and my grandmother’s charm bracelet filled with charms from her life’s travels. Plus, the most fabulous hand-embroidered Valentino palm tree dress that I scored at UAL for a song!”

ARTICLE X

FAVORITE FASHION DESIGNER “Pants from Sun Kim, dresses from Zuri. Marimekko dresses are unique, simple, relaxed, beautiful.”

MARIA IS WEARING Blouse: StyleWe; vest: Heydari; jacket: Uniqlo; boots: Dr. Martens

article-x.com Article X is for the Rick Owens-Victoria Beckham hybrids among us. The indie fashion brand designed by Emily Swinson is filled with completely wearable garments in oversized silhouettes. The styles are trendy but never basic, with a mission to bring comfort, confidence and sophistication to the “dark minimalist.” Think asymmetrical T-shirts, sweatshirts emblazoned with “DON’T” in all caps, masks that say “Kiss Me Kill Me,” and lots and lots of black. The studio on 21st Avenue South is open by appointment only, but there are plenty of lewks to peruse on the company’s Instagram page — check out @articlex_ for more. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

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ANY OLD IRON

anyoldiron.us Any Old Iron’s Andrew Clancey has been adding a little punk-rock glam to Nashville’s music and fashion scenes since relocating his business here in 2014. With a blend of bold colors, daring cuts and sequins for days, Clancey creates pieces of clothing that are fun to admire but even more fun to wear — the kind of garments that make one stand a little taller and feel a bit more like a badass. It’s no wonder his attentiongrabbing designs have found their ways into the closets of some of the world’s most fearless performers, including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Cher and Elton John. In 2020, Clancey opened an Any Old Iron boutique, allowing the masses — or the ones on Music Row, anyway — to unleash their inner Beyoncé with his dizzying array of bedazzled clothing and accessories for men and women. The collection includes everything from sequined shorts to striking floor-length gowns to rockabillyinspired men’s suits. (The boutique also carries equally dazzling pieces from fellow designer, and Clancey’s longtime muse, Laura Citron.) NANCY FLOYD

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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CRITICS’ PICKS O F

T H I N G S

T O

D O

[BLACK WEST]

ATTEND LIVING ROOM FILM CLUB: BUCK AND THE PREACHER

If you subscribe to The Criterion Channel, you probably know that the streaming service currently has an interesting collection of Black Westerns, ranging from Gordon Parks’ coming-of-age story The Learning Tree to John Singleton’s fact-based tale of genocide Rosewood to Jeff Kanew’s rarely seen documentary Black Rodeo. (I wish Criterion could’ve gotten the rights to the 1975 Fred Williamson-Richard Pryor misfire Adios Amigo.) One title from the series, Buck and the Preacher, will be the latest selection in the virtual Living Room Film Club series, co-presented by the Nashville Scene and the Belcourt Theatre.

The 1972 shoot-’em-up has Sidney Poitier (who also directed the film) as a Civil War vet and wagonmaster who reluctantly joins forces with a con-man-of-the-cloth (Harry Belafonte). The duo takes out a gang of racist vigilante night riders (led by Western regular Cameron Mitchell) who go around terrorizing and killing Black settlers.

Scene contributor Ron Wynn will discuss the film and the series with Vassar College professor Mia Mask. Mask served as guest curator for the Black Westerns series, and she’s an authority on the genre, Poitier and Black cinema in general. The discussion will serve as a great introduction before your deep dive. The Criterion Channel costs a mere $11 per month. You can also rent Buck and the Preacher via Amazon Prime, Apple TV+ and more. Register to attend Thursday’s virtual event via belcourt.org.

8 p.m. Thursday, May 6, via the Belcourt CRAIG D. LINDSEY

FILM

R O U N D U P

[YOUR HOUSE HAS WHEELS — IT’S FUN!]

GO SEE THE BELCOURT’S OSCAR PICKS

in-person screenings. First we have Best to sound incredible in the Belcourt’s 1925 Picture winner Nomadland (May 7-11, May Hall. Minari (May 7-8, May 11-13) earned the delightful and talented Youn Yuh-jung a 13), Best Director winner Chloé Zhao’s Best Supporting Actress Academy Award, phenomenal and intimate depiction of and is a stunning, touching depiction of the nomadic life in the American West, which challenges facing one Korean-American landed the aforementioned McDormand family struggling to make a living in the her third Best Actress trophy. Up second rural South. And last, the Belcourt is Shaka King’s Judas and the Black Messiah will screen Thomas Vinterberg’s (May 6, May 8-9), the true story Best International Film winner of major Black Panther Party Another Round (May 9-10), figure Fred Hampton and EDITOR’S NOTE: AS A RESPONSE TO THE ONGOING the man who betrayed him which features a career-best COVID-19 PANDEMIC, WE’VE — which landed Daniel performance from Mads CHANGED THE FOCUS OF THE Kaluuya a well-deserved Mikkelsen and is reportedly CRITICS’ PICKS SECTION TO Best Supporting Actor Oscar in development for a remake INCLUDE ACTIVITIES YOU CAN PARTAKE IN WHILE YOU’RE and H.E.R. the award for starring Leonardo DiCaprio.

AT HOME. Best Original Song for “Fight Even if you’ve streamed some for You.” Then comes one of the or all of these titles, here’s your most powerful and intimate films of chance to check them out on the big 2020, Sound of Metal (May 8, May 12), which screen in glorious surround sound. Feels good to be back at the movies. Through May won Best Sound and Best Editing, and ought 13 at the Belcourt Theatre, 2102 Belcourt Ave. D. PATRICK RODGERS ART

Last month’s Academy Awards ceremony was truly one of the most peculiar broadcasts in Academy history. That was partly by necessity, of course, given COVID-19 protocols. But from Frances McDormand’s howl to Glenn Close’s “Da Butt” moment and that monumentally anticlimactic conclusion, the weird vibes abounded. Even so, some excellent films were honored, and the fine folks over at the Belcourt Theatre have selected a handful of the night’s big winners for repertory

WALK TOGETHER CHILDREN: THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

NOMADLAND

[AN INVITATION TO MAKE A RESERVATION]

VISIT MYSTERY YARD

During the year-and-change we’ve been grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, you’ve probably come up with a lot of creative ideas for how to use the personal space you’ve been confined to. But few are likely quite as cool and fun as the ones conceived by Neil Fridd, leader of the kinetic electronic pop band/performance troupe Terror Pigeon, and a broad array of

pals. They’ve combined them into Mystery Yard, a massive experiential exhibit in Fridd’s East Nashville backyard that you (and up to four friends) will be able to enjoy in one-hour blocks during the evenings from May 7 to 16. Think of the challenges from Legends of the Hidden Temple, minus the competition, multiplied by the talents of 18 artists of various disciplines; or else imagine an A/V-heavy edition of Modular Art Pods held outdoors. The tour begins with a giant seesaw — hop on, and your movements will remix an electronic piece by local composer Brainweight that’s playing over nearby speakers, thanks to some special modifications by Paradise MIDI’s Jen Gavin. Other stops include “Work From Ohm,” a collaborative installation by musician/impresario Tyler Walker (aka Sessy, fka Meth Dad) and video artist Mike Kluge (aka MKAV); a giant rainbow dome filled with sound by Nashville Ambient Ensemble’s Michael Hix and visuals by Strange Handle and Mark Edward Johnson; a series of massive hammocks turned into musical instruments by members of Atlanta bands Reptar and Icky Blossoms; two different treehouse environments; and even a huge nest, built from a tree that fell down in Fridd’s neighbor’s yard and was repurposed for an audiovisual adventure.

Get the full rundown of the logistics, COVID precautions and other important details at the event profile on withfriends.co, where you can reserve your time slot at a cost of

nashvillescene.com | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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PHOTO: KRISTEN SHEFT

FILM

W E E K L Y

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CRITICS’ PICKS $10 per person; you’ll want to buy for your whole group with one purchase. Once you buy the tickets, you’ll get the address to the yard, which Fridd notes isn’t far from the Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams East Side scoop shop. May 7-16 in East Nashville

[KILLER BOB]

ALECIA NUGENT

SHOPPING

[THE CRAFTS]

CHECK OUT THE TENNESSEE CRAFT FAIR AT CENTENNIAL PARK

Mother’s Day is Sunday, and whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for Mom or simply looking for a way to support local and regional artists, you’ll want to check out the 50th annual Spring Tennessee Craft Fair this weekend. One of Nashville’s favorite spring traditions, this free event will welcome about 150 exhibitors to the newly renovated great lawn by the Parthenon at Centennial Park — ensuring ample space for socially distanced shopping,

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In 2015, a reporter for Bluegrass Today wrote a piece about Louisiana-born bluegrass-country singer Alecia Nugent that carried this headline: “Where in the World Is Alecia Nugent?” As it turned out, she was living in her hometown of Hickory Grove, La., and working as advertising sales manager for a newspaper in nearby Alexandria. Nugent had cut three superb bluegrassy country albums for Rounder Records between 2002 and 2009, but left Nashville and the music business after the release of her final Rounder full-length, Hillbilly Goddess, to attend to family business back home. She returned to Nashville in 2017 and attempted to continue recording for Rounder, with whom she had signed a five-album deal. The label passed, as Nugent told American Songwriter’s Rick Moore in September 2020 — they felt like too much time had elapsed. Nugent found backing on her own, and released her first album in 11 years, The Old Side of Town, in late 2020. If Nugent’s earlier records had shown off the pipes of a first-rate bluegrass singer and songwriter, The Old Side of Town signals the return of a great country singer.

With savvy production from Keith Stegall, The Old Side stands as a modernist oldschool country album with a reason to exist: Nugent essays Texas swing, pop country and Tom T. Hall country over the course of nine songs. Every track shines, but my favorite is Nugent’s reading of Brandy Clark and Mark Stephen Jones’ “The Other Woman,” four-

WATCH WALK TOGETHER CHILDREN: THE 150TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FISK JUBILEE SINGERS

The Fisk Jubilee Singers will mark the 150th anniversary of their first performance on Oct. 6. Fortunately, we don’t have to wait until then to celebrate this award-winning choral ensemble and its extraordinary legacy. In fact, the Tennessee Performing Arts Center recently released a unique performance film titled Walk Together Children: The 150th Anniversary of the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Created in collaboration with musical director Dr. Paul T. Kwami and producer-director Jon Royal, the film looks back to the nine original members of the ensemble and invites viewers to “learn the significance of the negro spirituals and their value in today’s culture.” TPAC first introduced the film to student audiences as part of its annual Season for Young People, and is now making it available to the general public. You can catch Walk Together Children: The 150th Anniversary of the Fisk Jubilee Singers via Vimeo through May 14. Tickets are $20 and benefit TPAC’s arts education programs and the Fisk Jubilee Singers’ Endowed Scholarship Fund.

Through May 14 via TPAC AMY STUMPFL [BACK IN THE SWING]

SEE RILEY DOWNING AND JAIME WYATT AT THE BASEMENT EAST

If you’ve been fully vaccinated and have been itching to get out and see a club show in person, The Basement East is a good place to do it. Though the pre-pandemic tornado that tore through East Nashville put

PHOTO: JOSHUA BLACK WILKINS

SEE OR STREAM ALECIA NUGENT AT THE STATION INN

[CELEBRATING A MUSICAL LEGACY]

studio The Bomb Shelter, thank Downing and Tourville for hauling it there from Colorado.) Sharing the bill with Downing is Pacific Northwest native and Nashville transplant Jaime Wyatt. She and Shooter Jennings co-produced her latest album Neon Cross, one of the best country albums to come out of Music City in all of 2020. 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 12, at The Basement East, 917 Woodland St. STEPHEN TRAGESER MUSIC

discuss the collection on Parnassus Books’ Facebook page. It’s free to watch and the video will be archived, should you miss the live presentation. 7 p.m. Friday, May 7, via Parnassus Books MEGAN SELING

[HAPPY RETURN]

RILEY DOWNING

and-a-half minutes of brilliance. Nugent’s rich voice negotiates every song with ease, and her take on Hall’s title tune makes you feel like her struggles might be related to the way Nashville has changed over the past decade. The Old Side of Town is the kind of smart traditionalism that gives me hope that Nashville ain’t dead yet. Tonight’s show at the Station Inn is accessible both by streaming and live at the venue. 8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 12, at the Station Inn, 402 12th Ave. S. EDD HURT MUSIC

snacking and fun. As with most things, this year’s craft fair will look a little different, with virtual activities and projects replacing the traditional kids’ tent. You can also check out virtual demonstrations — featuring everything from stained glass and pottery to metalsmithing and jewelry — prior to the actual event. And as a bonus, Metro Health will be on-hand to administer the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. To learn more, visit tennesseecraft.org/springfair.

May 7-9 at Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave. AMY STUMPFL MUSIC

Just a few weeks before Bob Dylan turns 80, Sean Latham releases The World of Bob Dylan, a collection of essays that explore Dylan’s life and work, as well as the impact he’s had on music, culture and politics.

Latham is the director of the University of Tusla’s Institute for Bob Dylan Studies and one of the country’s leading Dylan experts.

For the book, he’s amassed an impressive list of music scholars and culture critics — including Greil Marcus, Ira Wells, Gayle Wald and Kim Ruehl. Nashville’s own Ann Powers contributed the essay “Gender and Sexuality: Bob Dylan’s Body” — a perfect choice, since Powers literally wrote the book on popular music and sex with 2017’s Good Booty: Love and Sex, Black and White, Body and Soul in American Music.

To celebrate the release of The World of Bob Dylan, Latham and Powers will

PHOTO: DAVID McCLISTER

STREAM SEAN LATHAM, EDITOR OF THE WORLD OF BOB DYLAN, IN CONVERSATION WITH ANN POWERS

MUSIC

BOOKS

STEPHEN TRAGESER

a massive hole in the side of the Beast, the building and its grade-A sound system have been fully restored. Staff also has a host of COVID precautions in place — like limited capacity and a mask requirement that most patrons seemed to be conscientious about when I visited in March. Wednesday’s show is a release party for Start It Over, a new solo LP from Riley Downing. Fans of multifaceted New Orleans rock ’n’ roots band The Deslondes will recognize his voice: a gravelly and sonorous instrument that makes me imagine what a hackberry on the bank of the Mississippi River might sound like if it could sing like an ent from The Lord of the Rings. His grooving new 12-track collection was made with Deslondes bandmate John James Tourville, Music City MVP producer-engineer Andrija Tokic and a host of outstanding Nashville players. (Side note: If you hear Hammond B3 organ on a recent record made at Tokic’s

[SUPER BLUES]

CHECK OUT THE MARK ROBINSON BAND’S MAY RESIDENCY AT DEE’S

I caught Indiana-bred guitarist Mark Robinson at an April show at Madison’s Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, and I temporarily lifted my inner sanction on modern electric blues. Robinson’s expansive take on standard blues material — like Rosco Gordon’s much-covered 1959 song “Just a Little Bit” — gave him the room he needed to play lots of guitar, which is the electric-blues norm. His originals weren’t bad either. Seeing Robinson at Dee’s reminded me of how much fun I used to have watching blues acts of all descriptions on Sunday nights at Huey’s in Midtown Memphis around 1995. Robinson sounded like a stone-cold ax master — he

NASHVILLE SCENE | JANUARY 21 – JANUARY 27, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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FOOD & DRINK

slid from Buddy Guy-style excursions to post-Dick Dale licks, all rendered flawlessly. A Nashville resident since 2004, Robinson cut his teeth playing on the road with rock ’n’ roll singer Bobby Helms, who achieved immortality with the 1957 single “Fraulein.” Robinson spent time in Chicago before moving to Music City, where he’s worked with musicians like David Olney, Tracy Nelson and Davis Raines. I like his aptly titled 2012 album Have Axe — Will Groove, and appreciate his 2010 cover of fellow Indianan Bill Wilson’s great tune “Pay Day Give Away,” itself a neglected outlaw-country classic. Still, this is blues, so it makes sense that his 2017 Live at The 5 Spot documents Robinson, who stretches out and shreds mightily, at his best. This also being modern blues, he cut a song about the siren call of cheap barbecue and dead Elvis, Raines and Michael Conner Rogers’ “Baby’s Gone to Memphis,” on Have Axe. Robinson and his band are set to play a Wednesday residency at Dee’s though May — expect plenty of hot licks and cool guest stars.

6 p.m. every Wednesday in May at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge, 102 East Palestine Ave., Madison EDD HURT

In a recent episode, Nashvillian Maggie Rose joined in on a discussion about Pretty Woman, the infinitely watchable but definitely questionable classic film that is sort of, deep down, really about dads. It turns out that there’s a whole slew of films that children of the 1980s and ’90s grew up watching that upon reexamination have some real fucked-up dad issues at their cores. I’m talking Moonstruck, Terminator 2, Dirty Dancing, Top Gun — basically, if you watched it repeatedly after school on VHS, there are dad issues to be examined. Find it on Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you listen to podcasts. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

COMEDY

CRITICS’ PICKS [A TOTAL CROCK]

CHECK OUT AFFION CROCKETT’S INSTAGRAM

If you haven’t been following Affion Crockett on Instagram, you’ve been missing out on some primo comedy.

Crockett is a comedian and former Wild ’N Out regular whose stand-up special, Affion Crockett: Mirror II Society, is free to watch on Tubi. When he isn’t posting photos of himself in the studio with Dr. Dre on a top-secret project, he often livestreams himself doing improv comedy from his own home. Whenever the webcast series Verzuz drops a show, Crockett hosts an after-party on his account, and he and another comic do extemporaneous versions of the show. (The episode with Crockett

impersonating a member of Earth, Wind & Fire, Spice Adams playing Ron Isley, and Godfrey jumping in as Steve Harvey was a laugh riot.) Lately, Crockett’s been doing “Therapy Thursdays” in these sketches, wherein he assumes the role of Dr. Devin Samuels (obviously a riff on belligerent “relationship expert” Kevin Samuels) and spends more than an hour inviting adviceseeking people to his livestream, and being just as obnoxious and ridiculous as the real Samuels. If you can’t check him out live, Crockett thankfully keeps these adlib-a-thons preserved on his page — check him out at instagram.com/affioncrockett.

CRAIG D. LINDSEY

[AMERICAN PICKERS]

PICK STRAWBERRIES

PODCAST

It’s strawberry season, berrypluckers! Just days ago the farmers at KELLEY’S BERRY FARM in Castalian Springs officially opened their fields to guests.

Picking hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, but it’s best to keep an eye on Kelley’s Berry Farm’s Facebook page, where the staff does a great job posting updates on how the berries are looking each day. Sometimes, after a particularly busy weekend, the new growth needs an extra couple of days to ripen up. Don’t want to pick ’em yourself?

Understandable. You can skip the whole trudging-through-the-mud bit and grab some of Kelley’s berries at local markets, including Tuesdays at the East Nashville Farmers Market and Saturdays at Richland Park Farmers’ Market. GREEN DOOR GOURMET doesn’t currently have any U-pick hours, but they are stocking pints and buckets of berries in their farm market, which is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday.

Or you could even get your fruit delivered to your door, as BLOOMSBURY FARMS sells its berries through Hot Poppy, the local grocery delivery app. Wondering what to do with your juicy treasure? Keep it simple.

Epicurious has a recipe for Balsamic Glazed Strawberries Over Ice Cream, which is as easy as cooking down vinegar and brown sugar, stirring in fresh-sliced berries and dumping the mixture over vanilla ice cream.

Perfection. MEGAN SELING [AY PAPI]

LISTEN TO WHY ARE DADS? PODCAST

There is a multitude of great pop-culture podcasts, but only one looks at pop culture as a means to understand what it means to be the grown children of dads.

If you think that sounds like a serpentine way to get at what makes dads tick, you’re right, but that’s the point. Why Are Dads? cohosts Sarah Marshall (You’re Wrong About) and Alex Steed (Nashville Demystified) have deep, smart conversations about pop culture’s many vessels for dads — from Honey I Shrunk the Kids to The Shining.

nashvillescene.com | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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FOOD AND DRINK

TALKING SHOP

The time-honored Elliston Place Soda Shop is set to bring folks back to the Rock Block

BY MARGARET LITTMAN

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PHOTOS: ERIC ENGLAND

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or nearly three decades, Miss Linda — full name Linda Melton — baked pies and seated people in booths at the Elliston Place Soda Shop. Using her grandmother’s recipes, she’s been the face ELLISTON PLACE SODA behind the chess SHOP OPENS MAY 11 AT pies, meringue pies 2105 ELLISTON PLACE (the taller the better) and banana pudding that have satisfied locals’ sugar cravings for decades.

In late 2019, then-owner Skip Bibb announced he was going to close the classic spot, which had fed folks on what’s now known as the Rock Block since 1939. Rents were rising, the restaurant needed renovations and repairs, and an expansion to a location in Cool Springs had failed, staying open less than two years. Bibb bought the restaurant from the previous owners in 2013 — another point when it had been at risk of being shuttered. There had also been a 2009 effort to expand in Green Hills.

Longtime customer and prolific real estate developer Tony Giarratana wanted to save the place. When he moved to Nashville in 1984, he didn’t know a soul, he says, and the Elliston Place Soda Shop was somewhere he felt comfortable — a Cheers, everybodyknows-your-name kind of place. (Giarratana says he’s a strawberry-milkshake, burgerand-fries guy.) Over the years he helped find employees somewhere to park — he used to own Premier Parking — and convinced Melton to make breakfast available before regular opening hours for the construction workers across the street working early hours to accommodate scheduling requests from the nearby hospital. So Giarratana decided to buy the place, uncertain of where it might go or without any restaurant industry experience. “My wife [Lisa] was furious,” he says. “I have never seen her so angry. She said, ‘You know how to do skyscrapers. You don’t know anything about restaurants.’ ” “I’ll hire people who do,” Giarratana says he promised her. Giarratana, who has worked on countless developments around town — including the 505 Nashville building on Church Street, apartments on Elliston Place and the Belle Meade Theatre building on Harding Pike — bought the Elliston Place Soda Shop and trademark. His first order of business was to offer spots on the payroll to Melton and dishwasher Leonard Jones, who has worked for the soda shop for 26 years.

While Melton concedes she cried the last day at the old location, she was happy about accepting Giarratana’s offer. Having waited on him for decades, she was confident he could make the soda shop a modern restaurant while respecting its nearly 82-year history. Giarratana brought in veteran restaurateurs Randy Rayburn and Bob Bedell, who now own Music City Hospitality Consulting, for their analysis. “You’re never going

to make money on this, but we get why you want to do it,” Giarratana says they told him.

Of course, with the pandemic, there were delays. But finally, the Elliston Place Soda Shop is set to reopen May 11 at 2105 Elliston Place, just steps east of the original location.

Giarratana rented the 1907 Cumberland Telephone Exchange building and set about replicating the original aesthetic. The team researched the restaurant’s past, not just in Bibb’s era but back when Lynn Chandler bought the soda fountain from the old El-

liston Pharmacy. There are tile floors with a mosaic ice cream sundae. There’s the 1947 soda fountain that was completely restored by a company in Chicago for $25,000.

(Giarratana bought it before he even had a location lined up.) There are the red booths that Melton says look just like they used to — except now they have plenty of legroom, electric outlets and USB ports. Chairs and tables no longer wobble. “You won’t end up with a milkshake in your lap,” Giarratana says. Shakes are served in the classic fluted

glasses. There are the original, restored red stools at the soda fountain and a free jukebox, plus a case at the entrance for the pies.

Outside, a replica of the iconic neon sign hangs above the entrance.

There are updates too. “You can’t just recreate old,” Giarratana says. The new location is two-and-a-half times bigger than the old one (168 seats including some outdoor seating). There are automated dishwashers, a takeout window so you can grab a milkshake on the go and a small stage for singer-

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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5/3/21 5:00 PM

PHOTOS: ERIC ENGLAND

FOOD AND DRINK

songwriter events. Live music will take place the last hour of the evening and during Sunday brunch. Behind the stage is an oversized replica of a painting by John Baeder of the original storefront. There are even a few parking spots, and alcohol on the menu.

After the past year — and particularly on the Rock Block, down the street from Exit/In and the recently shuttered Rotier’s — Giarratana and his team think something that is “not new” sounds pretty good. As there’s so much concern about Nashville losing its soul, the team thinks a reasonably priced milkshake and meat-and-three plate may help.

They are walking a line of not wanting to be a Disneyfied parody of a soda fountain counter and wanting to honor what came before.

Melton’s pies will be a constant. Of course, she’ll have some seasonal fruit varieties, but the idea is that you know there will always be chess pie, pecan pie and lemon and chocolate meringue in the case — so if you want to buy a pie for a birthday party,

you can swing by and get one.

The restaurant will be open breakfast through dinner Monday through Saturday.

It will close at 3 p.m. on Sunday and may be available for private events in the evening that one day a week. They have already been inundated with requests for weddings and bat mitzvahs, for photo shoots and music videos. Singer Kathy Mattea recently posed for an interview shoot on site. But the soda shop wants to focus on the everyday customers — older Nashvillians who remember the original spot, students, nurses and doctors, parents and kids coming by after school, and tourists — rather than special events.

Rayburn and Bedell introduced Giarratana to Craig Clifft, formerly of Cabana, who came on as general manager, and to Jim Myers, who calls himself the soda shop’s Minister of Culture. “I’m here to capture and tell the stories of the history and to hold us accountable to that history,” he says. A former journalist at The Tennessean, Myers is aware of the risk of high expectations.

“As a former restaurant critic, in some ways this is my personal reputation. I’m the guy who called everyone out on everything.

I only get one shot at this so I needed to know that it was going to be done right,” Myers says.

That’s why Myers went deep into the history, looking at old menus, making sure what was offered on the new menu was both something people like to eat today and something that would have made sense historically. The soda shop brought on some staff members who are Nashville natives and grew up eating at its counters, and staff has been having scratch-cooking competitions to make the best grilled cheese (Lisa Giarratana offered the winning techniques and tips), biscuits and meatloaf. They added glu-

ten-free dishes and veggie burgers and took the Reuben sandwich off the menu — not that it didn’t sell well before, but they felt it didn’t fit with their desire to focus on the true roots of the joint: Southern plate lunch, meat-and-three, and a soda fountain.

Myers, who is a font of knowledge about all things Nashville — particularly its food history — can rattle off story after story about the soda shop. For instance, Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry, who grew up in a segregated Nashville in the 1960s, recounts how a waitress at the Elliston Place Soda Shop would bring him a chocolate ice cream cone outside, as he was not allowed to come inside and be served. George Jones featured the soda shop on an album cover.

Because of the investment and the increased food costs, Giarratana’s not certain the restaurant will be profitable in the short term, in part because they are committed to keeping prices affordable. (The meat-andthree will be $9.99, for example.) He says the project is about saving it for the city.

Myers says the team has their eye on the bottom line as well as the menu.

You’d be forgiven if you’re skeptical.

Bringing back a business with sentimental significance takes finesse — others have tried it with the soda shop in the past. This very street is the heart of debates about new and old Nashville. Myers, Rayburn and Bedell all had concerns. But now even Lisa Giarratana, who initially was angry with her husband over his ice cream parlor purchase, is convinced.

Giarratana had an opportunity to sell the business, and was ready to do so, when Lisa stopped him. “Honey, I just wanted to save it,” Giarratana told her. “I didn’t think we needed to own the thing.”

“I think we should keep it,” she countered.

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nashvillescene.com | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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VODKA YONIC

KNIVES OUT

Vodka Yonic

27th Annual

On a year of profound and painful reckoning

BY DYLAN MORISON

Vodka Yonic features a rotating cast of women and nonbinary writers from around the world sharing stories that are alternately humorous, sobering, intellectual, erotic, religious or painfully personal. You never know what you’ll find in this column, but we hope this potent mix of stories encourages conversation.

I SAVE THE DATEs! JUNE 3, 10, 17, 24

NED STAY TU R 2021 FOR OU INEUP, MOVIE L COMING SOON!

Elmington Park M O V I E S S TA R T AT S U N D O W N

N A S H V I L L E M O V I E S I N T H E PA R K . C O M

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n mid-March of last year, I shut down my station at work like it was any other day. My co-workers and I wiped down every surface in the kitchen, and I washed my knives and tools before I put them away for the night. As I clocked out that evening, I was certain I’d be back the next day, and I said goodbye to the dishwashers without thinking twice. What I didn’t know then was that it would be more than six months before I’d collect my knives and tools, and that when I left the staff entrance on that March night, I was stepping out of one chapter in my life and into an altogether new one. I wrote in my diary around that time that we’d probably be back in a month or two, but I remember adding that maybe we would look back and laugh at ourselves, that we thought this was a temporary change, not a permanent one.

If you had asked me what I wanted then, I would have said I wanted things to go back to normal. But that wouldn’t have been the whole truth. A year ago, normal meant working 40, sometimes 50 hours a week and going home to complete my low-residency graduate program in creative writing. I often felt like there was never enough time, and I can see now, in retrospect, how I used the elements of my life to completely incapacitate myself.

Pre-pandemic, I was getting by on four to six hours of sleep, daily drinking and a perpetual cycle of personal drama, work and depression.

For me, being depressed feels like time stretching into one endless day, and that can last for months, even a year. Instead of feeling like I wake up every morning to a new day, the same one slugs onward, punctuated by scraps of naps and crashes.

I’d often take an Uber home as the sun rose in the morning after spending the night out drinking with co-workers. At that time, I was making more money than I ever had, but I was careless with it and spent indiscriminately, constantly trying to get that elusive hit of dopamine, any way I knew how. I was moving through my own life like an emotional bulldozer, but I used my job as proof that I was holding it all together.

I used to say I was “high functioning” because I was working at a high-stress, high-performance cooking job at a five-star restaurant — a system in which my only worth was defined by my ability to make

NO LONGER COULD I BLAME EVERYTHING ON THE ELEMENTS OF MY LIFE: MY JOB, MY WRITING CAREER, MY RELATIONSHIPS. IF I REALLY LOOKED AROUND, ALL I FOUND WERE MY OWN NEUROSES AND SELF-SABOTAGING HABITS REFLECTED BACK AT ME. money. But what I meant was this: I will let my whole internal world fall apart if it means I can keep the mask from slipping.

But life came and shook me hard, and I never want to forget what it felt like to be sleepwalking.

Instead of remembering 2020 as a “dumpster fire” or the worst year of my life, I will think of it as being a year of profound and painful reckoning. How often are we so abruptly pulled out of our daily routine and mental stagnancy? I watched as all the things I hid behind fell away into “unprecedented” chaos. No longer could I blame everything on the elements of my life: my job, my writing career, my relationships. If I really looked around, all I found were my own neuroses and selfsabotaging habits reflected back at me.

I forgot that I could change everything, even if doing so is really hard. The me who left that kitchen in March 2020 didn’t have the ability to say, “I desperately need a change.”

I’ve caught up on a lot of sleep and tried to let go of the constant nagging need to define myself by the jobs I have. It took me a few months of quarantine to pick up a kitchen knife and enjoy cooking again.

My life pre-pandemic was a hell of my own design, and even though it took getting my whole life turned upside-down, I am so grateful for the wisdom this year of forced rest and relaxation has offered me.

For years, I have been committed to struggling, and I’ve often defined myself by the amount of pain I could tolerate.

I’m choosing not to do that anymore.

When everything falls apart, having the opportunity to change, to put the pieces back together, feels like a massive blessing.

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NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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5/3/21 5:02 PM

ART

OUT NORTH

The Frist Art Museum’s N2020: Community Reflections helps North Nashvillians see the strength in ourselves

BY M. SIMONE BOYD

“VOTE” lege found that a little more than 1 percent of collections at major U.S. art museums is made by Black artists. The Frist Art Museum has no permanent collection, but its commitment to supporting and exhibiting Black artists is significant. The 100-plus artists who created N2020 are following a long tradition of artists seeking to uplift their race during times of turmoil. Following the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, the Black art collective Spiral was formed. They explored the responsibility of artists in the civil rights movement. While Spiral lasted only two years, the group’s role in laying a foundation for artists to reflect their communities and fight for social justice cannot be overstated.

That’s why we need artists now more than ever. They help us see the strength in ourselves. They help us make meaning.

SINCE THE JEFFERSON STREET ART CRAWL has been on hold because of the pandemic, I asked my neighbors Stephanie Nesbitt and Valerie Fisher to view N2020 with me. The four videos and 48 photos could be viewed in less than 45 minutes, but my neighbors and I spent almost two hours watching and talking.

The hook from “Field Work” has been playing in my head nonstop. In the spokenword video, Twigz (featuring J Reggaerica) links the treatment of essential workers to expendable field hands during slavery. The

“FIELD WORK”

comparison is heavy yet truthful: It’s a new age of slavery All this misguided bravery To think that she was 17 and just had a baby She was making minimum wage She was under age She was born and raised to be a corporate slave The image of a grocery clerk behind bars is seared in my mind. And I can’t help but think about how Kroger revoked hazard pay from its employees in May while raking in record profits.

Images by six photographers — including DaShawn Lewis, Norf Art Collective’s Keep3 and the aforementioned Bryant — capture both the scale of our loss and determination in 2020. Pictures of tornado-damaged homes are next to people linking arms during marches and empty grocery store shelves.

“The Great Debate” recounts events of last year. In the beginning of Angel Adams and Kyrstin Young’s video, a young man looks at his phone and learns about the death of Kobe Bryant. I’d almost forgotten about this. (Maybe it was self-preservation.) But my memories came flooding back.

I was waiting in the lobby of a movie theater with about 40 church members, when I learned that a helicopter crash killed Bryant, his daughter and their friends. It was eerily

“FIELD WORK,” TWIGZ (FEAT. J. REGGAERICA)

AS A NASHVILLE NATIVE and North Nashville resident, I have a love-hate relationship with the city. I love the culture and history of my neighborhood. But I hate how decades of structural violence — construction of Interstate 40, educational segregation and lack of opportunities — have rendered my neighbors almost hopeless.

The double whammy of the March 2020 tornado and COVID-19 amplified the hardships and strength of North Nashvillians. We saw schools, churches and houses ripped apart. But we responded by caring for our neighbors, planting gardens and committing to rebuild. That’s why the Frist Art Museum’s online exhibition N2020: Community Reflections is so important — because it gives us the gift of memory. It reminds us that, despite the treachery of 2020, we are still here.

The exhibition was curated by Jamal Jenkins, aka Woke3. While Woke3 is best known as a muralist with Norf Art Collective, this project features dozens of dancers, spoken-word artists, musicians, actors and photographers.

A 2019 study conducted by Williams Col-

“VOTE,” CURRY OF BEAD + COWRIE AND THE CONSCIOUS COLLECTIVE

I

t was the fourth Saturday of the month in North Nashville, before the 2017 opening of Slim & Husky’s Pizza Beeria transformed the perception of Buchanan Street. We’d made our way through the maze of driveways and dead ends in our neighborhood N2020: COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS IS ONLINE to find Garden THROUGH AUG. 1 AT Brunch Cafe. The FRISTARTMUSEUM.ORG sweet smell of bananas Foster panPERFORMANCE: N2020 IN A DAY IS AT 5 P.M. SUNDAY, cakes hung in the MAY 16, AT CENTENNIAL PARK air, and charcoal sketches resembling photographs lined the hallway. The restaurant had morphed into a gallery for the Jefferson Street Art Crawl, and it felt like a family reunion.

“Do you live on old Buc or new Buc?” said the woman with salt-and-pepper dreadlocks.

“Old Buc.” She squinted in disbelief. “What street?”

We told her. Her eyebrows raised, then she hugged us.

“Whew. Y’all really keeping it the ’hood.”

Interactions like these — with neighbors, artists and friends — are what kept me, my husband and my son coming back to events featuring North Nashville artists over the years. Whether it was the Frist Art Museum, One Drop Tattoo Parlour and Gallery, or Woodcuts Gallery and Framing, these were spaces of comfort and connection.

Amid the violence that was happening in the world (and on our street), my toddler son witnessed artists thriving. Omari Booker would high-five him. He’d play with LeXander Bryant’s son. We’d watch Elisheba Israel Mrozik paint. Or we’d visit Mr. Kwame Lillard’s office.

These spaces were proof that Black people, Black lives, are worth celebrating.

quiet as people scrolled on their phones trying to piece together what happened. It was the last time I went to a movie theater.

“Vote” and “Within 2020” sparked the most conversation for Ms. Valerie, Stephanie and me.

“Vote” — a music video created by The Conscious Collective and helmed by creative director Curry — conjured the despair of 45 winning the presidential election in 2016 and the uncertainty surrounding the 2020 election. Will we be doomed to another four years of him being in office? I wondered then.

“I couldn’t take election coverage anymore,” remembered Stephanie. “I’m an empath. And I had flashbacks from 2016. Being glued to the TV and thinking, ‘God, you aren’t gonna let this happen.’ ” We talked about navigating the proud silence of his supporters, having our voices as Black women devalued, and the exhausting barrage of constant chaos.

We also remembered the sense of relief after the Biden-Harris inauguration.

Watching “Within 2020” — a spoken-word performance by artist Karimah — was hard, because both Stephanie and Ms. Valerie had serious tornado damage to their homes. Several scenes were filmed in front of Stephanie’s house, and Ms. Valerie’s home was completely lost. Just hours after the tornado hit, real estate vultures were circling, and I worried my neighbors wouldn’t stay.

“I’m glad [Karimah] touched on that,” Ms. Valerie said. “We were sitting in shock, trying to piece our lives together, and people are asking ‘Want to sell your house? Want to sell your land?’ ” Developers are still scavenging. She gets text messages at least twice a week offering to buy her home, and her mailbox is often full of offers.

“I never doubted that I wanted to be back in the neighborhood,” she said. “We have a collective of neighbors that care now. Doing the bike rides, the block parties, things like that to focus on the good. It helps us — the old-timers, the OGs — be hopeful.”

Ms. Valerie broke ground on her new house last month.

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nashvillescene.com | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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ART

COVER ME UP

An art installation with international relevance finds its home in Nashville

BY ERICA CICCARONE AND LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

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the Union Army barracks during the Civil War. Gen. Clinton B. Fisk of the Tennessee Freedmen’s Bureau endowed a group from the American Missionary Association with the site so they could start a school, and the Fisk Free Colored School convened in January 1866. It was the first place in the area where formerly enslaved adults and children — ranging in age from 7 to 70 in its first class — could receive education.

“Leaves of Grass” is just the second of Mahama’s works to be on U.S. soil, and Campos-Pons notes the significance of Fisk as the site. In 1961, Fiskite W.E.B. Du Bois went to Ghana to create a new encyclopedia of the African diaspora, the Encyclopedia Africana. He hoped the project, built on decades of his study as a sociologist, writer and activist, would document the whole of the African and African diasporic experience — a sort of bible of pan-Africanism.

In Fokidis’ curatorial statement, she emphasizes the importance of Mahama’s installation being in Nashville, in the

American South, and in particular at Fisk.

“It offers a possibility to build fresh networks based on empathy and resonance, and together provides a site from which to discuss anew the entanglement of colonialism and systemic racism.”

Says Campos-Pons in her remarks: “It was here a century ago [that] W.E.B. Du Bois dreamed about getting together information about the Black diaspora, and from here to Ghana, to start in that work.

And he died there. So we are doing what we call interplanetary circularity. Bringing Ibrahim Mahama, the son of Ghana soil, to Fisk, is completing the circle of proximity and care.”

In the days leading up to the installation, students and volunteers from all over Nashville gathered on the lawn outside the Little Theatre, stitching the sacks together with various materials — from yarn to twine to tree bark. They are well-worn, covered in dirt and sweat from Ghana, which mixed with dirt and sweat from Nashville. The

PHOTO: ANAÏS DALY

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

PHOTO: DANIEL MEIGS

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rive around the Fisk University campus this month and your eye might land on something unexpected — the historic Little Theatre has been draped in dusty fabric made from IBRAHIM MAHAMA hundreds of worn“LEAVES OF GRASS, 2012out jute and burlap 2021. 2021.”

ON VIEW THROUGH MAY 31 AT sacks. The patchFISK UNIVERSITY work material completely covers CALL 615 329-8720 TO the building, like SCHEDULE A VIEWING. it’s a house being WALK-INS ARE ACCEPTED, BUT COVID-19 PROTOCOLS fumigated, or REQUIRE VISITORS TO FIRST maybe a wrapped CHECK IN AT THE SCHOOL’S art installation CARL VAN VECHTEN ART

by Christo and GALLERY. Jeanne-Claude. In reality, it’s a little like both of those things — and it’s even more interesting that it looks.

“Leaves of Grass” is the product of a collaboration between Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama and a slew of Nashvillians, under the guidance of project curator Marina Fokidis and artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons. Campos-Pons is the endowed dean of Vanderbilt’s art department and the founder of the university’s Engine for Art, Democracy and Justice. With EADJ, she’s collaborating with artists, academics and activists from around the world — and locally, she’s producing projects like this one in collaboration with Vanderbilt, Fisk, the Frist Art Museum, Millions of Conversations and other Nashville-based organizations. The wrapped theater is what Campos-Pons calls an intervention — creating “gestures in the geography” of a site that frame ideas being discussed in the classroom.

“Black people were kept away from learning, to get instructed, to access knowledge, because we well know that knowledge is power, clarity, innovation toward the future,” said Campos-Pons at the installation’s opening on April 21. Visitors were invited into the theater to watch an interview with Mahama, who spoke about the work with the project’s curator via Zoom.

“Ghana was the largest producer of cocoa in the 20th century,” Mahama said during the interview, “and a lot of the money from cocoa was used in the founding of the country in the post-independence era after the British colonial rule. I’ve been very much interested in the decline and social development since the post-independence era … looking at infrastructure and also social life and conditions and how that is reflected within materials. The jute sack is one of those points where we can trace some kind of history and trajectory.” Mahama utilizes this symbolically loaded material with purpose — he explains the associations it has with trade and labor — to call the entire system of trade and ownership into question.

The site of the Little Theatre was part of

ALICIA HENRY AND A STUDENT SEW

labor involved in the installation is just as monumental — and just as meaningful — as the finished product. The conversations, negotiations and exchanges that students had with each other from their socially distanced spots on the grass are themselves a kind of mending.

“Knowledge too is a tool of healing,” Campos-Pons tell the Scene. “Knowledge too is a tool that allows us to think and observe and conclude and to move forward. There are many, many dark forces that make [it] difficult for us to accomplish great ideas, and there are many, many light forces that allow us to really fulfill our dreams.”

The unveiling comes on the heels of an exciting announcement from Fisk University Galleries. The department has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, which will be used to improve infrastructure and support the conservation for the upcoming African Modernism in America, 1947-1967 exhibition in 2022.

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NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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5/3/21 6:40 PM

BOOKS

Me. You. Bed. Now!

EMPOWERING PEOPLE FOR THE LONG HAUL Stephen Preskill revisits the story of Myles Horton and the Highlander Folk School

BY PETER KURYLA

W

ith Education in Black and White: Myles Horton and the Highlander Center’s Vision for Social Justice, Stephen Preskill revisits and revives the story of Myles Horton and Tennessee’s Highlander Center. Historians of the civil rights and labor movements have long known about the significance of Highlander, but this lucidly written book frames Myles Horton’s story “as an account of an educator, passionately committed to helping adults, mostly poor and forgotten, to wake up to their own historic agency.”

EDUCATION IN BLACK AND WHITE: MYLES HORTON AND THE HIGHLANDER CENTER’S VISION FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE

BY STEPHEN PRESKILL UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS 369 PAGES, $29.95 PRESKILL WILL DISCUSS HIS BOOK ONLINE 6 P.M. WEDNESDAY, MAY 12, VIA PARNASSUS BOOKS Highlander’s vision of education required people coming together, comparing experiences and making decisions for themselves.

Horton and the many others he worked with at Highlander facilitated deep, searching exchanges more than they taught people in a formal sense. Horton worried less about reaching ultimate answers to social questions than about giving people the space and the means to find those answers on their own.

The Highlander Folk School, now known as the Highlander Research and Education Center, was founded in Monteagle, Tenn., in 1932 and is most widely known as a place where iconic civil rights activists — particularly Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr. — participated in training sessions. But as Education in Black and White shows, its influence ranged beyond those two worldhistorical figures. Highlander lives at the intersection of many veins of activism in the United States, from labor organizing in the 1930s to civil rights organizing, working with local people in Appalachia and connecting with similar kinds of democratic education initiatives in Latin America in the 1970s and ’80s.

Education in Black and White begins with a haunting prologue describing the 2019 fire that destroyed the Highlander Center’s main administrative building at its current home in New Market, Tenn. A “crude white nationalist symbol” was found on the parking lot pavement in the aftermath. Preskill’s choice to open the story in this way has a foreboding poetry about it. In an age of renewed white nationalism, it brings into bolder relief how rare an intentionally integrated space like Highlander was in the Jim Crow South.

Preskill shows how this practice developed organically from the center’s labor-movement roots, eventually reaching into the civil rights movement, so that the center became “a microcosm of an integrated, democratic society.” Completing the circle, we also learn how this interracial, democratic practice made Horton and Highlander targets, subject to intimidation and baseless legal action, harried and hunted by those who opposed the world they sought to create.

The underlying principle of Highlander — that democratic education requires give and take between equals — is so disarmingly simple and feels so right in our bones that it could easily collapse into platitudes about inevitabilities. But giving people the tools to free themselves is often much tougher than advertised. Education in Black and White succeeds when the author considers concrete examples, allowing the reader to better imagine the difficult work. The best sections sometimes involve people other than Myles Horton, especially his wife Zilphia Horton’s uses of music and theater (see story on p. 30), where people sang in unison and acted out conflicts teeming with everyday dramatic significance. The moving story of Septima Clark showing adults in Johns Island, S.C., how to sign their own names, transforming them while preserving their dignity, comes to mind, as does John Gaventa’s groundbreaking work in community-based participatory research in Appalachia.

A book like Education in Black and White, with such sympathy for its subject, makes for a peculiar bind. Myles Horton — a Savannah, Tenn., native who became involved in labor and community activism as a young man — was an epic storyteller who loved to talk and laugh. He was also self-aware, suspicious about his own charisma and tendencies to dictate, to talk rather than listen. Preskill shows when and where Horton fell short.

A similar tension works through the book.

Preskill tells stories of people too often overlooked — figures like Septima Clark, Bernice Robinson and Ella Baker — emphasizing democratic decision-making. Yet at times there is heavy reliance on autobiography or correspondence from the book’s central figure, rather than a broader field of reading.

Some sections are tightly focused and even insular, while others are far better contextualized. The book, like its main character, at times wars against itself.

Whatever the creative tensions in the book, the lingering impression remains that democratic education can be deeply meaningful and potentially transformative. It is a “long haul,” to borrow from Horton’s own description. Hopefully, Education in Black and White will move some of us to roll up our sleeves and get to it.

For more local book coverage, please visit Chapter16.org, an online publication of Humanities Tennessee.

EMAIL ARTS@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

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nashvillescene.com | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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MUSIC

PHOTO: JAKE FAIVRE

STREAMING THURSDAY, MAY 6, FROM THE 5 SPOT; LOOK CLOSER WILL BE SELF-RELEASED MAY 7

WARM FRONT

John Mailander’s Forecast perseveres on Look Closer

BY ABBY LEE HOOD

L

ook Closer, the new EP from John Mailander’s Forecast, feels a bit like a microcosm of our pandemic experiences. Before lockdown, the stellar fiddler and his band were all set for a residency, but COVID-19 forced them to put the run of shows on hold.

As quarantine continued, the group set up together in one room for masked and socially distanced recording sessions. Thursday, the band makes a return to its frequent haunt, Five Points bar and venue The 5 Spot, for a streaming virtual release show. As the pandemic stretches into a late stage where exhaustion, caution and hope mingle, most everyone is looking for some kind of solid ground on which to build their new version of normal. The Forecast’s bittersweet and genre-bending combo of jazz, bluegrass and roots music might be the perfect soundtrack.

The group came together “socially distant but musically close,” as Mailander puts it, at Soundwave Studios in July. As the group recorded the six-track collection, each musician had their own station with a divider, which allowed them to maintain eye contact and play as a unit. The live element was especially important for Mailander, who initially worried the strange circumstances would bleed through in the record’s sound.

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Instead he found that each player tapped into the songs in a fresh way.

“I had it in my head that it would be this stark process, reflecting the sadness and isolation we were feeling,” Mailander says of the recording, which was preceded by a lengthy email thread discussing safety measures. “But the moment we got together, it felt opposite of that — so joyful. That’s what made it to the record, more than the heaviness of the time.”

The EP is a reflection of Mailander’s storied professional career and his desire to push the boundaries of fiddle playing. He came up in the bluegrass tradition and has toured with contemporary acoustic luminaries like Molly Tuttle, Darol Anger and Billy Strings; you can hear Mailander on Strings’ Grammy-winning album Home. The San Diego-born Nashvillian also brings Music City flavor to multifaceted pianist Bruce Hornsby’s jazz- and string-band-inflected group Bruce Hornsby and the Noisemakers.

Despite the prominence of his name on the release, Mailander is adamant that Look Closer is a group effort. And it’s not just about his primary instrument either — indeed, fiddle isn’t even featured on the title track. Instead, Mailander plays keys on “Look Closer” and lets the other band members come in one voice at a time, with Ethan Jodziewicz on bass, Mark Raudabaugh on drums, Chris Lippincott on pedal steel and lap steel, Jake Stargel on guitar and David Williford on sax and clarinet. It’s a poignant coming together, not too different from the way loved ones and friends are beginning to gather again, slowly and just a little at a time.

Guests on the EP include vocalist Kristina Train, who sings a cover of Joni Mitchell’s “Borderline.” Mailander says the pair became fast friends after meeting at a house concert; Train played at one of the last 5 Spot gigs before the venue closed to help slow the spread of COVID. Singer-songwriter Maya de Vitry, who was Mailander’s roommate in college, takes the lead on a rendition of Lucinda Williams’ “Dust” that wraps up Look Closer. Before their gigs were canceled, de Vitry was scheduled to appear with the band in May of last year.

Though the record is a product of Mailander’s talented collective, his fiddling still shines through. He uses a variety of techniques, from plucking pizzicato on opening track “Returning” to billowing bowing on “Song for John,” which is dedicated to his mentor, mandolin player John McCann.

Then, in the last minutes of a breakdown on “But It Did Happen,” all the technique pulls apart in an interlude reminiscent of Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot with single drum hits, chicken-squawk fiddle and negative space,

before the song resolves into a main riff that could have easily been pulled from a White Stripes record. Jodziewicz’s bass in the first seconds of “Look Closer” sounds like it swaggered in from the sweeping, dramatic soundtrack to Bridgerton. There’s a lot to hear — all of it enjoyable.

Look Closer is acoustic without being folksy, experimental but accessible. It feels a little like peeking your head timidly out the front door after a bad storm has blown over — something Nashvillians understand intimately. “Returning,” “But It Did Happen” and “Look Closer” were all written during quarantine, while the other three songs have been in the band’s repertoire longer. If you’ve seen the group at The 5 Spot, you’ve probably heard those songs.

It’s fitting, then, that the band returns to the venue for Thursday’s release show, their first live performance since the pandemic began. They’ll play Look Closer top to bottom. Mailander says the band is “doing their homework,” but don’t expect that what you’ll hear that night will sound just like the record.

“We explore so much,” Mailander says.

“The album is a roadmap, but we’ll take the songs wherever the night takes us.”

Musicians face a slew of questions right now, about how they’ll explore their next project, when and how they’ll get back to live performances, and more. Much like the rest of us, Mailander is hopeful that live performance comes back soon in a way that feels safe, but he doesn’t have a ton of answers.

“Live music is a part of what keeps us going,” he says. “When it does come back, it’ll look different than it did before.”

EMAIL MUSIC@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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MUSIC

KEEPER OF THE FLAME

Kim Ruehl shines a light on Zilphia Horton, who helped music become integral to the labor and civil rights movements

BY CHELSEA SPEAR

Y

ou might not know Zilphia Horton by name, but if you’ve attended a protest in the past half-century, you’ve probably sung her work. Horton arranged songs like “We Shall Overcome,” “We Shall Not Be Moved” and “This A SINGING ARMY: ZILPHIA HORTON AND THE Little Light of Mine” HIGHLANDER FOLK SCHOOL for group singing,

BY KIM RUEHL which helped them UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS become anthems of 320 PAGES, $29.95 the civil rights and labor movements. As the music and drama director at the Highlander Folk School in Monteagle, Tenn., she drew on the communal power of performing arts to help organize community activists, and collaborated with Rosa Parks and Pete Seeger among others to signal-boost their activism around important causes of the day.

Because Horton’s creative output was so collaborative, and because she died at 46 from a tragic accident — a few years before other civil rights icons would visit the school — her name has been forgotten by all but the most ardent folk-music scholars. With A Singing Army: Zilphia Horton and the Highlander Folk School, published in April, former No Depression editor Kim Ruehl introduces the teacher and musicologist to activists and Americana music enthusiasts alike.

Though she grew up in a comfortable middle-class home in Arkansas, Horton was aware of injustice in the world from

a young age. Her father, Robert Guy Johnson, worked as the manager of a coal mine, where he came into contact with members of the Industrial Workers of the World and went out of his way to hire Mexican immigrants to work in the mines. Racial injustice was implicit and explicit in Paris, Ark., where the Johnson family lived on a street that was then called Klan Road, and Zilphia’s sisters occasionally played piano at the nearby klavern, a Ku Klux Klan meeting house. Ruehl describes Horton’s early creative ambitions — such as the glee club she founded at school and the scenery and costumes she designed for her reign as Paris’ Paving Jubilee Queen — but also foregrounds her early awareness of racial and class injustice.

“Her earliest memories of labor disputes were inextricable from the prejudices she witnessed from adults toward anyone who didn’t have white skin or speak English,” Ruehl observes.

“The way she experienced these things as interrelated tells us much about how she would later hop seamlessly from labor to civil rights, organizing as though they were two parts of a whole.”

After debunking the persistent myth that Horton became permanently estranged from her family when she participated in an attempt to organize the workers in her father’s mine, Ruehl follows Horton to the then-new Highlander Folk School, where the recent college graduate made her name as a teacher, a gatherer of songs and an organizer. In these chapters, we also meet Highlander School founder Myles Horton (read more about him in our books story on p. 29), whom Zilphia would eventually marry. “Trying to serve people and build a loving world was the entire motivation for Myles Horton’s life,” writes Ruehl, “and it was to be the glue that connected him

with Zilphia, who shared this mission.”

The pair married after a whirlwind courtship, and the letters reproduced in the book find the couple to be as passionate about social justice as they are about each other.

Ruehl depicts the modernity of their marriage, from their independence as a couple to the officiation of their wedding by a labor leader; there are allusions to theirs being an open relationship.

Zilphia Horton confronted issues that confound some activists today. While she was supportive of the burgeoning civil rights movement, her privilege informed her interactions with Black women she met

while studying at the New School. As she contextualizes excerpts of a pair of entries from Horton’s journals, Ruehl writes that “Zilphia had … come to recognize her privilege and her prejudices.

She wanted to connect with a stranger, however awkwardly, despite it all.”

Music and the arts gave Horton and her colleagues the opportunities for connection that they sought. Activities as seemingly apolitical as square dancing and singing nursery rhymes gave her the opportunity to talk about the importance of unionization, community and civil rights. “Square dancing … is an intrinsic lesson in how previous generations confronted the darkest difficulties of their times and celebrated despite those troubles,” writes Ruehl.

“It’s a lesson in collaboration across differences.”

Throughout A Singing Army, Ruehl reasserts Horton’s belief that “the arts are not dressing,” but rather an important aspect of political organization that allows people from different backgrounds to understand one another’s struggles and find common ground.

Ruehl’s invocation of Horton’s beliefs plays like the catchy refrain to one of Horton’s labor songs, emphasizing the importance of her ideals and showing readers another way to organize and connect with others.

Over the past year, Americans have borne witness to both frightening divisions in our country and potent reminders of the need for social justice. If we’re to change anything, finding common ground with strangers who might not hold your views is as necessary a task as it is daunting.

Through her subject’s incredible life and through her straightforward, observational style, Ruehl illuminates a story bound to inspire 21st-century artists and activists.

EMAIL MUSIC@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

THE SPIN SPRING TRAINING

BY CHARLIE ZAILLIAN

S

peaking as a Tennessee transplant and admitted rockist, I’ve yet to quite get a bead on Nashville hip-hop. I know there’s a long-standing scene, and though it lacks the cachet of scenes in Memphis or Atlanta, a growing cast of talented artists and outlets to highlight them exists here in town, working to build that social and commercial infrastructure. Some recent additions to the media landscape deserving shout-outs include Black-owned internet radio station Streetz 99.3 and Nashville Public Radio station WNXP. But beyond some scattered sets at Spewfests past, I can’t say I’ve experienced the conglomeration of crews and individual artists enough to know the array of sounds and styles inside and out. COVID hasn’t helped much with any of those musical blind spots. However, Friday’s Best of Nashville Hip-Hop showcase served as a pretty solid crash course in performers to keep an eye on. The three-hour show — which had just a few people in the crowd at East Nashville studio-venue H.O.M.E., but was streamed to thousands online via Facebook — was a veritable relay race of Music City mic-rockers, backed by a

HEAD OF THE CLASS: DAISHA McBRIDE

frankly incredible live band directed by pianistproducer Nate Melville.

At the top of the show was a three-way tag-team set from the Third Eye & Co. crew, including master collaborator $hrames, proud East Sider and Scene fave Chuck Indigo and smooth-drawling Jordan Xx. Following $hrames’ agile rhymes, Indigo’s incisive, introspective bars deftly and lucidly walked the line between the personal and the political. He teed up Jordan Xx, who took things in a darker, somewhat more risqué direction with his alternately boastful and melancholy verses.

This time out, Daisha McBride didn’t play her aspirational set list staple “Ride Fr,” which brought

GET THE HORNS: CHUCK INDIGO

the house down at Spewfest V back in the brighteyed, bushy-tailed days of February 2020. But her set, which started with “Ballgame” and its confident couplet “I used to look up to all the greats / I feel like I’m one of ’em now,” and concluded with the empowering and celebratory “Black Queen,” brought intensity, melody and lyrical clarity in equal measure.

Later, Lord Goldie worked the stage like a capital-B Boss — with a sprained ankle, no less. She got the small crowd going off with “Ándale,” an infectious tune and apparent fan favorite. Among others on the enormous roster, I also dug 2’Live Bre, whose boyish charm and understated, intimate delivery camouflaged the depth and wisdom in his words.

Bookending the sets were interludes with Streetz 99.3 host Averianna the Personality, in which performers talked about their musical journeys and how they’ve spent the past 14 months. The coronavirus has made it especially difficult for rappers, whose live sets depend on chemistry with their audiences perhaps more than any other entertainers besides stand-up comics. Everyone playing Friday was clearly ecstatic to emerge from this collective fog to reflect on its toll and its takeaways.

Front-to-back, the show was packed with rappers to watch, and to make a point of seeing in person as soon as it’s safely possible.

EMAIL THESPIN@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

nashvillescene.com | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE

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FILM

POETIC VISIONS

A new poetry and film collaboration brings versified cinema to OZ Arts

“HERE IS WHEN YOU ARE” BY FILMMAKER SOPHIA GORDON AND POET DAN HOY

BY JOE NOLAN

N

ashville’s Defy Film Festival celebrated its fifth birthday in September. The showcase of eclectic experimental films managed one of the most successful transitions to online culture 12 POETRY INTO FILM presentation we COLLABORATIONS saw during a peMAY 7-8 AT OZ ARTS, 6172 COCKRILL BEND CIRCLE riod of strict social distancing. Five years also seems to have marked a comingof-age moment for the weird little movie festival that could, as organizers are now expanding their programming in collaboration with Kindling Arts Festival and OZ Arts to present a weekend of screenings of short

SOWUTATIONS With the magical Gunda, director Viktor Kossakovsky adjusts our eyes

BY ERICA CICCARONE

G

unda opens with a pristine rural tableau.

A sow rests on a bed of straw. Framed by the arch of a door, she first appears to be sleeping. She snorts softly, and her breathing becomes more GUNDA labored. Then, a newborn G, 93 MINUTES piglet slides down her OPENING FRIDAY, MAY 7, body and onto the straw.

AT THE BELCOURT It squirms, trying to climb the titular pig’s massive body to get back in the barn.

This barn door, too small for an adult human to use, is the entrance to the world of Gunda and her litter of piglets. Shot chiaroscuro on film in black-andwhite, Russian director Viktor Kossakovsky’s magical documentary features no title cards, music, narration or humans. The images are presented without bias — but they still have a lot to say.

Gunda is a film to experience in the immersive atmosphere of a theater — and the Belcourt will show it at limited capacity. We watch Gunda raise her piglets, nudging them along in the pasture, breaking up squabbles with her gloriously large snout, lazily keeping an eye on things as she wallows in a mud bath.

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films created by local poets paired with local filmmakers.

12 Poetry Into Film Collaborations was originally announced more elegantly as Heroic Couplets, a title referencing a pair of successive (often rhyming) lines of poetic verse — as well as the pairings of 12 poets and 13 filmmakers who collaborated to create these cinematic adaptations of poetic works. Participating poets include Alora Young, Dan Hoy, Robyn Leigh Lear, Meg Wade, Joshua Moore and the singular Ciona Rouse. The program also includes contributions from spoken-word artists Cameron Mitchell and Frank “Frizzy” Sykes, Lagnajita Mukhopadhyay, Elise Anderson and Courtney Brown, and John Shakespear’s

Her life appears bucolic, but the tag on her large left ear betrays her purpose in life. Gunda is a breeder.

Kossakovsky trains his lens on other animals as well. In the tall grass, a cage holds a small group of hens. They emerge cautiously, their feathers — where they have them — skeletal. Their beaks are clipped. Their combs are outlandishly big, because they are chickens who have not been bred to look pretty. They’ve been bred for disease resistance and for the size and quantity of their eggs. The camera zooms in close on their feet, which are clean and smooth, as the hens ever so slowly step into the grass. They are factory-farm hens, and this is the first time they’ve ever touched grass and dirt — likely the first time they have ever been outdoors.

Kossakovsky told the Los Angeles Times that his objective in creating Gunda was not to humanize the animals. But when left alone with these creatures at eye level, it is difficult not to project our narratives onto them. A one-legged hen is an audacious survivor, making the most out of her lot in life. The cows are not a faceless herd, but individuals with stories to tell.

Gunda is a protective mother, who must make difficult choices for the survival of her litter — but motherhood wears on her as her piglets grow up, and their gentle suckling becomes ravenous. We all do this with the animals in our own lives — our dogs and cats in particular. Yet the creatures in Gunda aren’t the ones who curl up at our feet in the evening. The film draws out the cognitive dissonance that allows us to consume

music/poetry mash-up rounds out the wordsmiths’ contributions. The local filmmakers completing the collaborating couplets include John Warren, Angell Foster, Montez Mickles, Luke Harvey, Caleb Dirks, Drew Maynard, Chris Durai, Katie McCall, Haven Nutt, Samantha Szwaglis, Nichole Lim and Natalie Ruffino Wilson, and Nashville video glitch sorceress Sophia Gordon.

Film scholar William Wees first coined the term “poetry-film” back in 1984. Wees didn’t get prickly at alternative names like “video poetry” or “cinematic poetry” or “multimedia film poetry,” but he championed the idea that when spoken-word or poetic text was married to cinematic sound and images, the resulting display was something greater than the sum of its parts, and that it deserved to be recognized as a distinct subgenre of movies. With these parameters in mind, the poetry-film genre includes a diverse array of works including Beat Generation masterpieces like the movie of the Kerouac/Ginsberg/Cassady poem “Pull My Daisy,” or Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s “Assassination Raga,” which fused death imagery and sitar music into a meditation on the death of JFK. Even D.A. Pennebaker’s creative capturing of Bob Dylan’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues” in the Don’t Look Back documentary — which features a cameo by the aforementioned Allen Ginsberg — could be considered a poetry-film of a kind.

I love loosely defined categories like this, and I include everything from Jim Jarmusch’s Paterson to Hype Williams’ music video for Kanye West’s “All of the Lights” under the banner of what a poetry-film can be. The collaborators at OZ also bring vividly varied takes to how words, images and sounds can be combined in unique ways to achieve that bigger-than-the-sum-of-theirparts synthesis Wees championed.

some animals even as we cherish others as members of our families.

Kossakovsky sought funding for his documentary for 20 years. He said in a recent interview that when he finally started scouting sites, he visited a farm just outside Oslo, Norway. There, someone opened a door, and Gunda walked right up to the director, chatting merrily. He told producer Anita Rehoff Larsen: “She’s Meryl Streep. We found her. We don’t need to search anymore.” With his small crew, which included cinematographer Egil Håskjold Larsen, Kossakovsky shot on farms and sanctuaries in Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom. He rarely shoots animals from above, which forces us to view them on their level rather than from a perspective of dominance. Though we get close enough to chickens to see the shafts of their broken feathers, they don’t appear to notice that a small crew is filming them. It’s different from a standard nature documentary — more intimate.

Gunda found international distribution through

“Familiar” explores water as a symbol of interconnected nature. Various voices read verses off camera, noting that anything can penetrate water, and water can penetrate anything. Elise Anderson’s words are matched to splashing, surging, sloshing, spilling watery images edited by Katie McCall. The imagery brings a welcome clarity and sharpness to Anderson’s lines, and “Familiar” is a great example of how sounds and visuals can lift a verse to another level.

Poet C. Sinclaire Brown and filmmaker Drew Maynard team up for “And All the Empty Space in Between, Still Ringing,” which portrays a young protagonist growing up and gaining spiritual wisdom with Brown’s poetic recitation as a backdrop. “In the beginning is when it collapses,” read the words on a computer screen at the beginning of filmmaker Sophia Gordon’s “Here Is When You Are.” Gordon’s signature vintage glitch aesthetic is as tangible and visionary as it is recognizable. Dan Hoy’s words only appear as computer text and subtitles here, while Gordon’s horror-film synth soundtrack buzzes and gurgles with mood to spare. “Legs: An Ekphrasis on ‘When I Die, Please Give My Legs to a Mermaid’ by Ciona Rouse” finds Luke Harvey delivering one of the most unique filmic interpretations in the show. An ekphrasis is a passage in which an author vividly describes a work of art, and Harvey’s imaginative response to Rouse’s mermaid poem will only make viewers want to read Rouse’s sea-soaked verses for themselves even more.

The poetry-film festival premieres this Friday, May 7, at 8 p.m. The festival will also screen on Saturday, May 8, at 2, 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and available at oznashville.org, and the Friday night premiere will have limited seating available.

Masks and social distancing required.

EMAIL ARTS@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

Joaquin Phoenix, who was so moved by his experience watching it that he signed on as executive producer. Although Phoenix is a vocal advocate for animal rights, the film doesn’t push an agenda. Kossakovsky wrote in a published director’s note that Gunda is “without vegan propaganda.” It does not use gory images of suffering animals to shock us into an invigorated social consciousness. Such methods have done very little to convince humans to reckon with the roughly 70 billion land animals that are slaughtered for food each year, or the fact that livestock creates 35 to 45 percent of methane emissions worldwide — a gas that has 23 times the impact of carbon dioxide when it comes to global warming.

The fate of the piglets is predictable, but Gunda’s reaction is not. After they are taken from her, she trots around the empty barnyard, rooting in the dirt not for food, but to capture the scents of her offspring. Her expression is one of complete anguish and betrayal.

The camera lingers on her teats, still swollen with milk. If Kossakovsky truly did not set out to humanize Gunda, he has failed in that regard. The magic of Gunda lies in his ability to adjust our eyes.

The results are devastating, but there’s hope too.

When the tactics of the animal rights movement fail to sway committed meat eaters, it’s possible that something else will appeal to their conscience.

Something much more universal, understood and cherished across cultures — a mother’s love.

EMAIL ARTS@NASHVILLESCENE.COM

NASHVILLE SCENE | MAY 6 – MAY 12, 2021 | nashvillescene.com

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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 June 21, 2021.

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.

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6-Across, with “out” What the Cyclops couldn’t do after Odysseus tricked him “___ interesante” Bull’s preceder in the zodiac “Sooo funny …”

Fearing Inits. before 9-Across Pop star Grande, to fans Airplane whose name is also a vitamin Start of the third millennium Something often skipped using a DVR Way to say “hey” in São Tomé 37-Across, in slang Overlooked Pestering sort Dip stick?

Depiction on Arizona and New Mexico’s flags ___ loose 64-/65-Across and others Ice-___ (old tennis nickname) Bombard (with) Sorting category in a music app “Jeopardy!,” basically Fix Bumpkins French holy title: Abbr.

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Non-Resident Notice Fourth Circuit Docket No. 20D1979 HAWRI KAK HUSSEIN vs.

MATEEN BILBAS 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 Mateen Bilbas. It is ordered that said Defendant enter his appearance herein with thirty (30) days after May 20, 2021 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 June 21, 2021.

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.

Richard R. Rooker, Clerk W. North, Deputy Clerk Date: April 22, 2021 Bethany Peery Glandorf James L. Widrig Plaintiff NSC 4/29, 5/6, 5/13 & 5/20/2021

Non-Resident Notice Fourth Circuit Docket No. 21D104 MEGAN RENEE PRISCO vs.

DANIEL EDWARD ARMSTRONG PRISCO 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 Daniel Edward Armstrong Prisco. It is ordered that said Defendant enter his appearance herein with thirty (30) days after May 20, 2021 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 June 21, 2021.

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.

Richard R. Rooker, Clerk L. Chappell, Deputy Clerk Date: April 22, 2021

crossword_5-6-21.indd 33

Paul W. Moser Plaintiff

Richard R. Rooker, Clerk L. Chappell, Deputy Clerk Date: April 22, 2021 Paul W. Moser Plaintiff NSC 4/29, 5/6, 5/13 & 5/20/2021

FORECLOSURE SALE NOTICE WHEREAS, Vinod T. Zaver and wife, Manglaben V. Zaver, by a Deed of Trust, dated July 27, 2005, of record in Book 1129, Page 1562 and Modification of record in Book 1473, Page 2407, Register’s Office for Wilson County, Tennessee AND of record in Instrument No. 20050803-0090649 and Modification of record in Instrument No. 20111205-0094622, Register’s Office for Davidson County, Tennessee, conveyed to Randall Clemons, Trustee, the hereinafter described real property to secure payment of a promissory note as described in said Deed of Trust; and

Being a tract or parcel of land situated and lying on the northerly side of Sparta Pike and bounded generally on the north by Forbes and Spring Creek, East by lands of Smith and South by Sparta Pike, the same being a triangular tract running to a point at the westerly end, containing by estimation five (5) acres, more or less.

Being the same property conveyed to Vinodkumar T. Zaver and wife, Manglaben V. Zaver by deed to create tenancy by the entirety, dated 8/13/04, of record in Book 1067, Page 2192, with further reference at Book 1065, Page 2103, in the Register’s Office for Wilson County, Tennessee.

Subject property is unimproved property and has the address of Sparta Pike, Lebanon, Wilson County, TN 37087 MAP 149 GROUP 340.00 PARCEL 2

PARCEL

Land lying and being situated in the Second Civil District of Davidson County, Tennessee, described according to a survey made by James L. Terry and Associates, dated June 12, 1985, described as follows, towit:

WHEREAS, default having occurred with respect to the note secured by the Deed of Trust, and the full balance owing having been accelerated; and

Beginning a point living on the westerly line of the Pebble Creek Apartments at the southeast corner of the Ervin Entrekin, Trustee property as of record in Book 4940, Page 721, Register’s Office of Davidson County, Tennessee; thence running with the said line of Pebble Creek Apartments South 2 degrees, 53 minutes, 47 seconds West a distance of 375.21 feet to a point lying on the northerly line of Terragon Trails, Section I, as of record in Book 4860, Page 61, Register’s Office of Davidson County, Tennessee; thence leaving the said line of Pebble Creek Apartments and running thence with the said northerly line of Terragon Trails North 43 degrees, 57 minutes, 06 seconds West a distance of 555.18 feet to a point lying on the southerly line of the Ervin Entrekin, Trustee, property; thence leaving the said Terragon Trails and running with the Entrekin Property south 86 degrees, 28 minutes, 03 seconds East a distance of 405.05 feet to the point of beginning, containing 1.74 acres, more or less.

WHEREAS, Wilson Bank & Trust, as the owner and holder of said note, has demanded that the real property covered by the Deed of Trust be advertised and sold in satisfaction of said debt and the cost of the foreclosure, in accordance with the terms and provisions of said note and Deed of Trust;

Being the same property conveyed to Vinod T. Zaver and Manglaben V. Zaver, by Final Decree Confirming Sale from Clerk and Master, recorded on February 26, 2004 and filed for record in Instrument 20040226-0021868, said Register’s Office for Davidson County, Tennessee.

NOW, THEREFORE, notice is hereby given that I, Robert Evans Lee, Substitute Trustee, pursuant to the power, duty and authority vested in and imposed upon me in said Deed of Trust, will on June 4, 2021 at 10:00 A.M., Central Time, at the front door of the Courthouse in Lebanon, Wilson County, Tennessee as to the 5 acres on Sparta Pike, Lebanon, Wilson Co. property AND at 12:00 P.M., Central Time at the front door of the Courthouse located at 1 Public Square, Nashville, Davidson County, Tennessee as to the 1.74 acres on Billingsgate Road, Antioch, Davidson Co. property, offer for sale to the highest and best bidder for cash and free from all rights and equity of redemption, statutory or otherwise, homestead, dower and all other rights and exemptions of every kind as provided in said Deed of Trust, certain real property situated in Wilson and Davidson County, Tennessee, described as follows:

Vinod T. Zaver and Vinodkumar T. Zaver is one and the same person.

The notice required by 26 U.S.C. Section 7425(b) to the United States has been timely given, that the sale of the land thus advertised will be subject to the right of the United States to redeem the land as provided for in 26 U.S.C. Section 7425 (d) (1).

WHEREAS, Robert Evans Lee having been appointed Substitute Trustee by Wilson Bank & Trust, the owner and holder of said note by an instrument of record in Book 1600, Page 153, Register’s Office for Wilson County, Tennessee AND in Instrument No. 20140714-0061742, Register’s Office for Davidson County, Tennessee, with authority to act alone with the powers given the Trustee; and

MAP 104 GROUP PARCEL 023.00 PARCEL I A parcel of land situated in the 19th Civil District of Wilson County, Tennessee, and more particularly described as follows:

Marketplace

EDITED BY WILL SHORTZ

scribed as follows:

Subject property is unimproved and has the address of Billingsgate Road, Antioch, Davidson Co., TN 37013 The right is reserved to adjourn the day of sale to another day and time certain, without further publication and in accordance with law, upon announcement of said adjournment on the day and time and place of sale set forth above, and/or to sell to the second highest bidder in the event the highest bidder does not comply with the terms of the sale.

Substitute Trustee will make no covenant of seisin or warranty of title, express or implied, and will sell and convey the subject real property by Successor Trustee’s Deed, as Substitute Trustee only.

THIS sale is subject to all matters shown on any applicable recorded Plat or Plan; any unpaid taxes which exist as a lien against said property, including without limitation city and county property taxes; any restrictive covenants, easements or setback lines that may be applicable; any statutory rights of redemption not otherwise waived in the Deed of Trust, including rights of redemption of any governmental agency, state or federal; and any prior liens or encumbrances that may exist against the property. This sale is also subject to any matter that an accurate survey of the prem|isesMAY 6 -disclose.

MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE might

Being a tract or parcel of land situated and lying on the northerly side of Sparta Pike and bounded generally on the north by Forbes and Spring Creek, East by lands of Smith and South by Sparta Pike, the same being a triangular tract running to anashvillescene.com point at the westerly end, containing by estimation five (5) acres, more or less.

INTERESTED PARTIES are Mary Caraker; Dept of the Treasury - InBeing the same property conveyed ternal Revenue Service; Commuto Vinodkumar T. Zaver and wife, nity First Bank & Trust; and Bone Manglaben V. Zaver by deed to creMcAllester Norton PLLC ate tenancy by the entirety, dated 8/13/04, of record in Book 1067, THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COL-

33

5/3/21 4:59 PM

Rental Scene

Book 4860, Page 61, Register’s Office of Davidson County, Tennessee; thence leaving the said line of Pebble Creek Apartments and running thence with the said northerly line of Terragon Trails North 43 degrees, 57 minutes, 06 seconds West a distance of 555.18 feet to a point lying on the southerly line of the Ervin Entrekin, Trustee, property; thence leaving the said Terragon Trails and running with the Entrekin Property south 86 degrees, 28 minutes, 03 seconds East a distance of 405.05 feet to the point of beginning, containing 1.74 acres, more or less.

East End Village Townhomes 307 E Village Lane Nashville, TN 37216 3 bed 3.5 bath 1700-1820 sq ft plus 400 sq ft attached garage

Being the same property conveyed to Vinod T. Zaver and Manglaben V. Zaver, by Final Decree Confirming Sale from Clerk and Master, recorded on February 26, 2004 and filed for record in Instrument 20040226-0021868, said Register’s Office for Davidson County, Tennessee.

$1950-$2400 4 floor plans

eastendvillageapartmentsnashville.com | 629.205.9131

Vinod T. Zaver and Vinodkumar T. Zaver is one and the same person.

Fairfax Flats 206 Fairfax Ave Nashville, TN 37212

Subject property is unimproved and has the address of Billingsgate Road, Antioch, Davidson Co., TN 37013

1 bed / 1 bath

The right is reserved to adjourn the day of sale to another day and time certain, without further publication and in accordance with law, upon announcement of said adjournment on the day and time and place of sale set forth above, and/or to sell to the second highest bidder in the event the highest bidder does not comply with the terms of the sale.

$1200 to $1375 634 sq ft 1 floor plan

fairfaxflats.com | 629.702.2840

Substitute Trustee will make no covenant of seisin or warranty of title, express or implied, and will sell and convey the subject real property by Successor Trustee’s Deed, as Substitute Trustee only.

Marketplace

THIS sale is subject to all matters shown on any applicable recorded Plat or Plan; any unpaid taxes which exist as a lien against said property, including without limitation city and county property taxes; any restrictive covenants, easements or setback lines that may be applicable; any statutory rights of redemption not otherwise waived in the Deed of Trust, including rights of redemption of any governmental agency, state or federal; and any prior liens or encumbrances that may exist against the property. This sale is also subject to any matter that an accurate survey of the premises might disclose.

INTERESTED PARTIES are Mary Caraker; Dept of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service; Community First Bank & Trust; and Bone McAllester Norton PLLC THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THIS PURPOSE. THIS 21st day of April 2021

Non-Resident Notice Third Circuit Docket No. 20D1966 BARBARA CARUTHERS vs.

ISIAKA BAMIDELE 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 ISIAKA BAMIDELE. It is ordered that said Defendant enter HIS appearance herein within thirty (30) days after May 27, 2021 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 June 28, 2021.

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.

Richard R. Rooker, Clerk L. Chappell, Deputy Clerk Date: April 29, 2021 William H. Stover Attorney for Plaintiff NSC 5/6, 5/13, 5/20 & 5/27/2021

EMPLOYMENT

34

naviHealth Inc. seeks multiple Data Warehouse Engineers in

2100 Acklen Flats 2104 Acklen Avenue, Nashville, TN 37212 Sr. Business Analyst needed for HCA/Parallon Busines s Solutions, Nashville, TN. Perform complex dat a analysis on big data. Will perform the financial analysis and create financial dashboards.

Will create presentations, reports and stories using Tableau, Excel, VBA, and Microsoft SQL Server.

Will troubleshoot thousands of lines of code and streamline busines s processes with automati on (file drops, screen scraping, email generation, selfservice tools, Etc.) The employee may work remotely from home within commuting distance of Nashville, TN up to 3 days per week. Must have a BS degree in business, finance or economics and 3 yrs. of exp.in the skill sets listed above. Will also accept an MS degree in business , finance or economics and 1 yr. of exp. in the skills sets listed above. Send resumes to: para.corphr@parallon.com

Studio / 1 Bath 517 sq ft $1600 - $1625

1 Bed / 1 Bath 700 sq ft $1825 - $1975

2 Bed / 2 Bath 1036-1215 sq ft $2400 - $2800

12 floor plans

2100acklenflats.com | 615.499.5979

naviHealth Inc. seeks multiple Data Warehouse Engineers in Brentwood, TN to play a critical role in building and supporting naviHealth’s Enterprise Data Management. Req. MS + 2 or BS +5 yrs exp. To apply mail resume to: naviHealth, Attn: Jaclyn Langseder, 210 Westwood Place, STE 400, Brentwood, TN 37027.

Must reference Job Title & Job Code: 000046. EOE.

Lead Developers, IT MDM. Develop Master Data Management (MDM) applications for a major retailer. Employer: Tractor Supply Company. Location: Brentwood, TN. Multiple openings. To apply, mail resume (no calls/e-mails) to P. Hatcher, 5401 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027 and reference job code 0255.

Senior Developer – CI/CD (Multiple positions. GEODIS Logistics, LLC, Brentwood, TN): Reqs Bachelor’s degree (US or foreign equivalent) in Comp Sci, Comp Eng, or related & 6 yrs exp.

Alternatively, will accept a Master’s degree (US or foreign equivalent) in Comp Sci, Comp Eng, or related & 3 yrs exp. Also reqs: exp w/ IAC using Terraform; exp w/ app containerization using Docker; exp w/ Go, C#, or Python; exp w/ cloud technologies like AWS or Azure; exp w/ source control systems like GitHub, Bitbucket or GitLab; PC literate w/ exp w/ Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, & Access; able to script & implement various tools in the DevOps Toolchain.

Qualified applicants mail resume to Sharon Barrow, GEODIS Logistics, LLC, 7101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 333, Brentwood, TN 37027 Ref #: SENIO16660.

| MAYTN6to- MAY 2021 Brentwood, play a12, critical role | nashvillescene.com NASHVILLE SCENE in building and supporting naviHealth’s Enterprise Data Management. Req. MS + 2 or BS +5 yrs exp. To apply mail resume to: naviHealth, Attn: Jaclyn Langseder, 210 Westwood Place, STE 400, Brentwood, TN 37027.

Must reference Job Title & Job Code: 000046. EOE.

IT Quality Assurance Analyst II (Multiple positions .

GEODIS Logistics, LLC, Brentwood, TN): Reqs Bachelor’s degree (US or foreign equivalent) in IT, Comp Sci, or related; 4 yrs exp in IT quality assurance; able to create test plans, test cases, & document test results; able to perform frontend testing & back-end testing using databas e queries; exp w/ defec t reporting & tracking; able to perform code change risk analysis; able to perform Functional Testing, Integration Testing, Regression Testing, & coordinate User Acceptanc e Testing; knowledge of leading industry tech w/ a strong knowledge of IT governance, project planning, & technological usage/alternatives. Qualified applicants mail resume to Sharon Barrow, GEODIS Logistics, LLC, 7101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 333, Brentwood, TN 37027 Ref #: ITQUA16658.

Consulting Applications Engineer needed for HCA/Management Services, Nashville, TN. Engage in Data Warehousing activities.

Configure warehouses of database information.

Create indexes SI & PPI. Engage in Performanc e Tuning of data warehousing applications.

Utilize Teradata and DM Express.

Write SQL Scripts and engage in UNIX shell scripting. Work with BTEQ and MLoad. The employee may work remotely from home within commuting distance of Nashville, TN up to 3 days per week. Must have a BS degree in computer science or engineering and 5 yrs. of overall progressive IT exp. working with Data Warehousing which includes at least 2 yrs. of exp. in the skill sets listed above. Will also accept an MS degree in computer science or engineering and 3 yrs. of overall progressive IT exp. working with Data Warehousing field which includes 2 yrs. of exp. in the skills listed above. Send resumes to: elaine.healy@hcahealthcare .com IT Quality Assurance Analyst II (Multiple positions .

GEODIS Logistics, LLC, Brentwood, TN): Reqs Bachelor’s degree (US or foreign equivalent) in IT, Comp Sci, or related; 4 yrs exp in IT quality assurance; able to create test plans, test cases, & document test results; able to perform frontend testing & back-end testing using databas e queries; exp w/ defec t reporting & tracking; able to perform code change risk analysis; able to perform Functional Testing, Integration Testing, Regression Testing, & coordinate User Acceptanc e Testing; knowledge of leading industry tech w/ a strong knowledge of IT governance, project planning, & technological usage/alternatives. Qualified applicants mail resume to Sharon Barrow, GEODIS Logistics, LLC, 7101

Sr. Product Analyst needed for HCA/Management Services, Nashville, TN. Engage in Requirements Gathering and system analysis using TFS. Work with Teradata and SQL Server databases. Write SQL Queries and develop Microstrategy dashboards.

Use Power BI, Pivot Tables and Tableau Reports. Use Business Objects to create Reports and Dashboards. Will use Power BI, Pivot Tables and Tableau Reports.

Will use Business Objects to create Reports and Dashboards. The employee may work remotely from home within commuting distance of Nashville, TN up to 3 days per week. Must have a BS degree in computer science or engineering and 5 yrs. of overall progressive IT exp. which includes 1 yr. of exp. in the skills listed above. Send resumes to: elaine.healy@hcahealthcare.com Sr. Business Analyst needed for HCA/Parallon Busines s Solutions, Nashville, TN. Perform complex data analysis on big data. Will perform the financial analysis and create financial dashboards.

Will create presentations, reports and stories using Tableau, Excel, VBA, and Microsoft SQL Server.

Will troubleshoot thousands of lines of code and streamline busines s processes with automati on (file drops, screen scraping, email generation, selfservice tools, Etc.) The employee may work remotely from home within commuting distance of Nashville, TN up to 3 days per week. Must have a BS degree in business, finance or economics and 3 yrs. of exp.in the skill sets listed above. Will also accept an MS degree in business ,

SERVICES EARN YOUR HS DIPLOMA TODAY For more info call 1.800.470.4723 Or visit our website: www.diplomaathome.com

REAL ESTATE Alabama – Smith Lake 678’ Waterfront Lot 500 S/Q Min. House Restriction. Off 1-65 Exit 305 $79,900 MLS#106579 Jack Culpepper 256-590-8650 Culpepper Real Estate

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Contact: classifieds@ fwpublishing .com

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Welcome to Dupont Avenue Apartments

Local attractions: · Cedar Hill Park · Amqui Station and Visitor’s Center · Madison Farmers Market (Sundays June through August)

Rental Scene

Your Neighborhood

FEATURED APARTMENT LIVING

Best place near by to see a show: · Grand Ole Opry Favorite local neighborhood bar: · Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge

Neighborhood dining and drinks: · Chef’s Market · Blue Crab Shack The Ville · Grams Coffee and Tea

Best local family outing: · Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park (Old Hickory, TN)

Enjoy the outdoors: · Treetop Adventure Park (Hermitage, TN) · River Queen Voyages · Nashville Fly Board

Your new home amenities: · On-site laundry · Dog park

Call the Rental Scene property you’re interested in and mention this ad to find out about a special promotion for Scene Readers

601 N. Dupont Avenue. Madison, TN 37115 | www.dupontavenue.com | 615.285.5687 Cumberland Retreat 411 Annex Ave Nashville, TN 37209 2 Bed /1 Bath 1008 sq ft $1259 2 floor plans

cumberlandretreatapartments.com | 615.356.0257 Dupont Avenue Apartments 601 N. Dupont Avenue Madison, TN 37115

1 bed / 1 bath 650 sq ft $872 to $1184 3 floor plans

dupontavenue.com | 615.285.5687

Gazebo Apartments 141 Neese Drive Nashville TN 37211 1 Bed / 1 Bath 756 sq ft $1,119 +

2 Bed / 1.5 Bath - 2 Bath 1,047 – 1,098 sq ft $1,299 +

3 Bed / 2 Bath 1201 sq ft $1,399 +

To advertise your property available for lease, contact Keith Wright at 615-557-4788 or kwright@fwpublishing.com

1 Bed / 1 Bath 675 sq ft $959

5 floor plans

gazeboapts.com | 615.551.3832 nashvillescene.com | MAY 6 - MAY 12, 2021 | NASHVILLE SCENE

35

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Nashville is a diverse city, and we want a pool of freelance contributors who reflect that diversity. We’re looking for new freelancers, and we particularly want to encourage writers of color & LGBTQ writers to pitch us.

Read more at our new pitch guide: nashvillescene.com/pitchguide

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