Nfocus November 2023

NOVEMBER 2023

The Men's Issue Featuring contemporary and refined fashion, local artists, makers of spirits and more

Atelier Tourbillon, Blancpain – Le Brassus

A Villeret is for eternity.

Featuring an endless array of watchmaking’s most fascinating complications, the Villeret bears authentic testimony to the talent of our watchmakers. Essentials imbued with timeless elegance.

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2 4 0 4 B E L M O N T B O U L E VA R D $4,195,000 Open the gates to this historic, four square home and appreciate how beautifully it has been restored in keeping with the Belmont neighborhood. This iconic street is where cars give way to bicycles and sidewalks lead pedestrians to a walkable host of restaurants, coffee houses, shops and musical venues in the popular Belmont and 12 South areas. Take a seat on the covered front porch and enjoy this unique feeling of place. But not for long , because a surprise awaits as you cross the threshold and experience a jaw dropping three story entry foyer, and a fresh, modern, open concept. This fully renovated home offers the latest amenities and superb quality finishes.

This home checks all of the boxes with a 4-stop elevator, a Savant control system, dedicated g ym, home theater, game room/or 4th bedroom suite, covered back porch with an outdoor kitchen, a newly completed pool/spa, an incredible pool/guest house with a full bath, kitchenette, and a home office/studio. The Pella disappearing pocket doors open to your very own private oasis. Make this your perfect primary home, or an easy “lock and leave” second home.

615. 56 6. 1610 C | 615. 327. 48 0 0 O

beth@bethmolteni.com

615. 587. 3867 C | 615. 263. 4800 O

colehubbardhomes@gmail.com

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1358 PAGE ROAD $13,500,000

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RICK R ICK F FRENCH RENCH 615.60 615.60 .

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3 8 3 0 BE D F OR D AV E NASHVILLE, T N 37215 | 615.383.4442 | T HEOX FOR DSH OP.C OM

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T h e Ox fo rd S h o p Na sh vi ll e

PHOTOGRAPH: NATHAN WESTERFIELD

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 Demonbreun Street Nashville, TN.  6..868

30YEARS

Contents November 2023 | Vol. xxx, No. 11

features 17

29

35

41

42

54

Modern Gothic

A contemporary take on a refined aesthetic

56

Locally Sourced

A celebration of three local artistic talents

59

Entrepreneurial Spirits

Raising a glass to three of Nashville’s spirited makers

Blind Faith

Nashville Wine Auction’s Music City Harvest Party welcomes Joseph Dhafana

62

Preservation and Legacy

The 50th annual Heritage Ball shines a light on history

65

parties 47

51

60

68

A Watershed Moment

Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing celebrates 20 years of fundraising

It’s Always Something

Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee celebrates 25 years at the Red Door Bash

70

Teal Appeal

73

Where the Buffalo Roam

76

Chic Awearness charms while raising funds to fight ovarian cancer

The Heritage Foundation celebrates preservation with a preview of The American Buffalo

Seasons in the Sun

Families gather for the annual Fall for Cheekwood

departments

A Sisterhood of Enthusiasm

Tiffany Circle Fall Luncheon highlights the importance of community

10

In Our Words Celebrating 30 years of Nfocus

Stop, Collaborate & Listen

The Girl Scout Luncheon emphasizes community and mutual respect

12

To Bourbon, and Beyond

Beyond Bourbon returns to OZ Arts for another high-spirited evening

14

Going Green

Greenways for Nashville hosts another magnificent Dinner by the Bridge

78

An Elevated Event

Nashville Wine Auction’s Music City Harvest Party was a high-level success

80

A Night With Old Hickory

The Hermitage Gala shines at The Hermitage

82

17

84

ON THE COVER

Hank Ingram of O.H. Ingram River Aged photographed by Eric England.

For more about Hank and other local spirit makers, turn to page 35.

A Gleaming Pearl

A Tennessee Waltz celebrates 30 years

Behind the Scenes

A visit with Andy Marshall of A. Marshall Hospitality

Nstyle

The latest from style gurus Bentley Caldwell & Carson Love

30 Years of Nfocus

A look back at the first gentleman of Nfocus

Taking Vows

Dara Russell marries Mike Bussard

Pencil In

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events

Nretrospect

A look back at the first issue of the social scene chronicler

68 65

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9

IN OUR WORDS

30YEARS Editorial founding editor

Herbert Fox, Jr. editor-in-chief

Janet Kurtz managing editor

Karin Mathis contributing editors

Lindsey Lanquist, Jack Silverman social correspondent

Gloria Houghland contributors

Beth Alexander, Emily Bache, Jessica Baladad, Abigail Breslin, Bentley Caldwell, Whitney Clay, Melissa Corbin, Carson Love, Sandra Nelson, Nancy Vienneau

Art art director

Ntro

Christie Passarello

Celebrating 30 years of Nfocus

staff photographer

senior photographer

Eric England Angelina Castillo contributing photographers

“With this issue, Nashville has a new kind of magazine. The N is for Nashville; the focus is the Nashville social scene … Join us each month for a spin on the Nashville party circuit. We’re Nfocus.” — Herbert Fox Jr., founding editor, November 1993 Thirty years ago, founding editor Herbert Fox introduced Nashville to a new luxury lifestyle magazine: Nfocus. His vision was to give readers a glimpse into elegant events, big or small, while peppering in stories of the people and places that make Nashville interesting. Rather than be compared to “your mother’s Society Page,” Herbert promised a magazine “as contemporary as a laptop computer, reflecting Nashville society in the ’90s with its emerging new mix, new attitudes.” For years, Herbert would attend events from anniversary parties to galas — famously whispering names and notes into his trusty tape recorder. He was the chronicler of that era — a great storyteller for a moment in time that needed great stories.

For the lucky few of us who have taken up the mantle, we work hard each day to build upon the foundation that Herbert so diligently laid.

In this issue, we celebrate the men of Nfocus. We sat down with some of the creators of Music City, as we profile artists in our community as well as some concocters of spirits.

Bentley Caldwell curated our men’s fashion feature with stylish looks that are perfect for the coming seasons. We go behind the scenes with Andy Marshall of A. Marshall Hospitality to dish about, well, his delicious dishes. We cover the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County as the Heritage Ball celebrates its 50th anniversary. We were honored to be invited to events like the 20th anniversary of River Swing; Red Door Bash for Gilda’s Club — celebrating its 25th anniversary; a screening of The American Buffalo, a new Ken Burns documentary; A Tennessee Waltz — celebrating its 30th anniversary; and so many more. Finally, Mike Smith — president of FW Publishing — pens 30 Years of Nfocus with many remembrances and fond memories of Nfocus cornerstone Herbert Fox. The first Nfocus was a collection of fun and fundraisers, weddings, and a continuing feature on the “entertaining philosophies” of Nashville hosts and hostesses. The pages were graced with advertisements from stalwart institutions like Jamie; the real estate firm French, Clayton, Johnson & Associates; Castner Knott; and The Tulip Tree. Throughout the magazine, Herbert’s wit and wisdom shone light on a community that was just at the dawn of a new day. While Nashville has changed tremendously in the 30 years since Nfocus was founded, one constant has remained: As a city — and as a people — we are Nfocus.

Michael Scott Evans, Lorenzo Huerta, Hamilton Matthew Masters graphic designers

Sandi Harrison, Mary Louise Meadors, Tracey Starck

Marketing events and marketing director

Olivia Moye Britton marketing and promotions manager

Robin Fomusa

Advertising publisher

Jennifer Trsinar Jezewski advertising solutions consultants

Teresa Birdsong, Maddy Fraiche, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Allie Muirhead, Heather Cantrell Mullins, Niki Tyree, Alissa Wetzel, Keith Wright associate account executive

Kailey Idziak sales operations manager

Chelon Hasty advertising solutions associates

Audry Houle, Jack Stejskal

Circulation circulation manager

Gary Minnis

Business president

Mike Smith chief financial officer

BY JANET KURTZ

Janet moved to Nashville 25 years ago. She is an avid reader, traveler and collector of fountain pens, and she lives in downtown Nashville with her husband, Ron, and their dog, Julep. Email her at jkurtz@nfocusmagazine.com or follow her on Instagram @musiccitytraveler

Todd Patton IT director

John Schaeffer

Owner FW Publishing, LLC

Bill Freeman

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Tuesday, November 14, 2023. A limited number of free copies, one per reader, are available at select retail establishments, listed on the website: nfocusmagazine.com.

First-class subscriptions are available for $100 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 210 12th Ave. S., Suite 100, Nashville, TN 37203 or call Gary at 615-844-9307.

For advertising information, call JENNIFER TRSINAR JEZEWSKI at 615-844-9261. Copyright ©2023 FW Publishing, LLC.

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list with lipman group because your home deserves more 9120 JOINER CREEK COURT • THE GROVE 5 BD | 5/1 BA | 5,348 SF | $3,200,000 Jay Luna custom-designed home in The Grove • 5 ensuite bathrooms • upstairs wet bar and movie theatre • Quaker sliding doors open in living and dining rooms to the paved back patio • outdoor living with fireplace and dining space

JESSICA CASSALIA | 615.512.0976

102 BLUEBELL WAY • FRANKLIN 3 BD | 2/1 BA | 2,301 SF | $689,000 charming two-story Sullivan Farms home • freshly painted • office/library with beautiful built-ins • open-concept kitchen and living room • vast primary suite • huge upstairs bonus room • fully fenced private back yard

KENDRA NITZ | 423.322.5467

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nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

11

BEHIND THE SCENES

Andy Marshall A visit with Andy Marshall of A. Marshall Hospitality A Tennessee native and graduate of Franklin High School and MTSU, Andy Marshall grew up in the grocery business. At age 26, he purchased his first grocery store — an investment that quickly led to four additional locations and his being named president of the Tennessee Grocers Association and the Piggly Wiggly Association. In 1998, Andy sold those stores and bought Puckett’s, a small groThe Basics cery store in Leiper’s Fork. He launched a formal dinner and Names: Andy Marshall music program to enhance Professional Title: CEO & proprietor of A. Marshall Hospitality the shop and complement the town’s roots.

Hometown: Nashville/Franklin area Today, Andy has expanded Zip Code: 37046 A. Marshall Hospitality to enYears in Nashville: I am a Nashville native compass seven Puckett’s restaurant locations, Americana Number of Acts You’ve Seen at Puckett’s: Too many to count!

Taphouse, Burger Dandy, Puckett’s Trolley, Puckett’s Catering & Events, Deacon’s New South and Scout’s Pub locations in the Westhaven community in Franklin and in Midtown Nashville. Each familyowned eatery provides friends new and old with home-cooked food and Southern hospitality, the What did you initially want to be when you grew Marshall way. up? I am an entrepreneur by nature, so I always

BY KARIN MATHIS PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

knew it was my path. I love to lead and serve others.

What inspired A. Marshall Hospitality, and has your business grown/changed as Nashville has evolved? My desire was to serve one small town with just one store, where I could also offer home-cooked family recipes to the community I was serving. So in 1998, I decided to sell all of my grocery stores and purchase Puckett’s Leiper’s Fork. In 2002, I branched out to start a formal dinner and music program at the local hot spot. In 2004, I got the opportunity to expand Puckett’s to historic downtown Franklin. Nashville’s growth and evolvement has granted us the opportunity to expand into new markets, such as Midtown Nashville.

What is the most important advice you’ve received? A good friend of mine gave me great advice when I struggled with hanging on to Puckett’s Leiper’s Fork. He said, “It’s OK to let something go if it’s going to help you grow.” As much as I loved Leiper’s Fork, it held me back from growing the business, since I had to be there most of the time.

That advice helped me make the decision to sell the store, and it turned out to be life-changing.

How does your work at A. Marshall Hospitality impact Nashville as a whole? In a concentrated industry with so many restaurants to choose from, we offer local, Southern cuisine with a comfortable feel that allows both locals and tourists to feel at home. We have always wanted our restaurants to be a gateway into the communities that they serve.

As you look around Middle Tennessee and see all the growth, what most excites or concerns you?

The growth has amped up the restaurant selection, and it’s been exciting to see Nashville becoming a “food city.” The out-of-town interest that has come in and expanded food offerings has caused the locals to meet the challenge and step up our game as well.

You began your hospitality empire with one smalltown grocery store in Leiper’s Fork. When you bought Puckett’s, what were your primary goals?

How have those changed in 25 years? My primary goal was to settle down and retire with that store when I bought it. Once it became something special, I knew God had different plans for me. Throughout the last 25 years, we have added restaurants in many special communities, and it has been a joy to be a part of each one.

Given the chance, what else do you love to discuss? I have a passion for serving the community and especially love to talk about the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and 4-H. In my childhood, someone took an interest in me at a time of my life when I didn’t have adult guidance, and [they] introduced me to the [local] Boys & Girls Club. It changed my life!

What is your most memorable moment, working in hospitality? The hardest and most memorable

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moments for me were the early years of Puckett’s Leiper’s Fork. I had to be creative and really push myself to gain profit — making biscuits at 3:30 a.m. and getting up the next morning to do it all over again. But truly, serving our community and having my kids involved are probably two of my most memorable moments during that time.

What legacy would you like to leave in this community? I hope to leave a legacy, not of what I’ve said, but what I have done. I pray that through it all, my servant’s heart has made a difference in someone else’s life.

THE ART OF ELITE

Brandon Jenkins

615.642.9992

G R OVE PA R K .C O M

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13

NSTYLE

His Style An ode to old

This month, I’ve had the privilege of once again styling the men’s issue, which we were fortunate enough to shoot at the b-e-a-utiful Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. While preparing for the shoot, the concept of the “old money aesthetic” was bouncing around my mind. For those unfamiliar with the term, the “old money aesthetic” favors quality over quantity, elegance over extravagance and heritage over hurry-up. In today’s column, we’ll talk about what the old money aesthetic is in menswear, why it’s important and why you shouldn’t follow trends.

The Old Money Aesthetic in Menswear To understand the old money aesthetic, you must understand old money. “Old money” refers to significant generational wealth. Think: the Rockefellers, the Vanderbilts, the Schermerhorns and whoever the family is that owns the color blue. Old money is wealth that stands the test of time. The same is true for the old money aesthetic in menswear. It is defined by heritage garments made in timeless fabrics, like tweed, cashmere and fine wool. Put simply, it is fashion that is made to last.

Her Style Styling the men in your life

What better way to celebrate our men’s issue than by showing the men in our lives a little extra love?

As a stylist, you could say that my “love language” is helping people find looks they enjoy so that they feel their best. I think fostering someone’s personal style can be a true gift, and I’m sure we all have men in our lives who could benefit from this kind of support.

So if you’re ready to play the role of “stylist” for a deserving gent you know, allow me to share some tips that’ll help you on your mission.

Upgrade His Current Uniform Rather than chasing the hottest trends or pushing for looks from Pinterest, meet your guy where he is in terms of his own style. Take a look at his current uniforms or go-to outfit formulas: What are the pieces he always reaches for? Are there certain outfits he wears all the time? Evaluate those outfits, piece by piece, and determine which items could be elevated. For example, he may love wearing the same ol’ button-downs, but there are current styles he could easily upgrade to with more modern fabrics and tailored fits.

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Be Besties With a Tailor In today’s era of mass-manufactured clothing, it’s absolutely essential to have a relationship with a great tailor or seamstress. (This goes for both men and women.) It’s incredible what a few simple tweaks can do to an overall look. So I implore you: Get those pants hemmed, those shirts tapered and those jackets taken in. Consider this when shopping for new clothes, and accept it as part of the price tag.

Introduce Seasonal Pieces Fall is the perfect time to stock up on “third pieces” — final touches, like jackets and accessories — that bring a look together. With a simple addition, like a new lightweight jacket, you can take your guy’s fall uniform from simple to striking. Some of my favorite examples: • Add a bomber jacket to upgrade his athleisure game • Throw a cozy “shacket” (shirt jacket) over a basic tee, and roll up the sleeves • Layer a knit blazer or a travel blazer over a button-down and jeans.

BY CARSON LOVE

Carson Love is a wardrobe & personal stylist based in Nashville. Her main goal is to help clients present and feel like their best selves, so they are ready for whatever life brings them. Find her online: CarsonLove.com or follow her on Instagram @carsonmlove

Why the Old Money Aesthetic Matters In a world where fast fashion (H&M, Zara and Shein) runs rampant and devastates the environment, slow fashion transcends trends and gets back to the humanity of well-crafted garments. The old money aesthetic evokes the themes of yesteryear, when garments were made by artisans through meticulous design and craftsmanship. The level of detail was bar none. And that garment could be traced back to the source of origin. Can the same be said of a boy band tee from Zara? (Speaking of, NSYNC, we need that world tour!)

Why You Should Not Follow Trends The short answer: Because they’re forever changing.

One season, it’s chunky sneakers. The next, it’s skinny jeans. Then, it’s oversized pants. Bentley hot take: Trends are meant to keep you buying into consumerism. I said what I said! Get off the consumerism merry-go-around. There’s a reason why fabric makers like Abraham Moon & Sons have been around since the 1800s and the “dad” shoes trend died off a few years ago. Trends are temporary. Style is forever.

Gents, ’tis the season for a nice tweed suit and a good bourbon. Pinky finger up? Your call. Be well, lads!

BY BENTLEY CALDWELL

Bentley Caldwell is a Nashville-based men’s personal stylist who helps guys up their style and confidence and take the guesswork out of dressing themselves.

Have a fashion or styling question? Visit his website: BentleyCaldwellStyling.com or follow him on Instagram @bentleycaldwell

­

Forest Hills ­ ­

Lipscomb

Brentwood

Green Hills

­

Cherokee Park

Brentwood

Richard Bryan O: 615.327.4800 | M: 615.533.835 | richardfbryan@gmail.com nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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LUXURY RENTAL AVAILABLE

FOUR SEASONS PRIVATE RESIDENCES NASHVILLE 3 Beds | 3/1 Baths | $25,000 per month Concierge Service, Valet, Enjoy all hotel amenities etc.

REAL ESTATE PROPERTY MANAGEMENT | INTERIOR DESIGN Therese Winnington | 615.545.8700 (Also licensed in Alabama)

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-Triple ThreatTop Individual Leasing Agent 3 Years in a Row | nfocusmagazine.com Diamond Elite 3 Years in a Row GNAR

FASHION

Editor: Janet Kurtz Art Director: Christie Passarello Photographer: Angelina Castillo Photographer Assistant: Eric England Stylist: Bentley Caldwell Stylist Assistant: Audrey Emmons Model: Trevor Holmes of AMAX Agency Location: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

John Varvatos Carlos peacoat — Franklin Road Apparel; cashmere turtleneck sweater and Crosby classic-fit suit pant in English wool tweed — J.Crew; Martin Dingman suede boot — Levy’s; Edward Armah scarf — Haymakers & Co./J. Michaels Clothiers

Modern Gothic A contemporary take on a refined aesthetic

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FASHION

Ludlow slim-fit suit, dress shirt and knit tie — J.Crew; pocket square — Clifton + Leopold; Magnanni Harlan dress shoe — Levy’s; IWC Portugieser Chronograph timepiece in 18-karat rose gold — King Jewelers

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Watch the Fall Sunsets from the

expansive windows

4701 blue creek road

­ ­ ­

6532 JOCELYN HOLLOW RD 4 BR | 6.5 BA | 6348 SF | .96 Acres | $3,250,000 Constructed and designed by two of Nashville’s best.

Tranquil setting on one-level with all en-suite bedrooms

2 Offices to Serve You Green Hills 615.327.4800 | Williamson Co. 615.263.4800

www.FridrichandClark.com 704 Estes Road Green Hills 5 br | 4 full, 1 half ba | 3873 sf | $1,725,000

1150 Crater Hill Drive Forest Hills

4 br | 4 full ba | 2.61 Acres $2,799,000

Renovated classic home with luxurious amenities and finishes. Set on 2.61 acres, this private setting is conveniently located to all Nashville has to offer.

Perfect combination of modern sophistication and convenience. Beautiful gathering spaces, light and bright kitchen which all flow onto the screened porch, perfect for entertaining! Amazing upstairs spaces with bonus room, office and large bedrooms. Two car garage and walking distance to Woodmont Park. nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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1711 Old Hillsboro Road

5 Bed / 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | 9,761 SF | $16,950,000

1858 Exquisite Greek Revival home with extensive restoration to the period of original construction. Approximately 66.1 acres (2 separate parcels.) Additions by current owners include Guest House/Pool House, Carriage House/Rec Room, 2 Barns, 2 Gated Entries, Gazebo, Cast Iron Fountain, Boxwood Gardens, & Lush Landscaping.

JANET JONES

C: 615.300.5045 O: 615.250.7880 janet.jones@corcorangroup.com ©2023 Corcoran Group LLC. All rights reserved. Corcoran® and the Corcoran Logo are registered service marks owned by Corcoran Group LLC. Corcoran Group LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. TN Broker License #257893

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FASHION

Dehen varsity jacket — Franklin Road Apparel; Southern sweater — Billy Reid; dress shirt, knit tie and loafers — J.Crew; slim-fit 15-ounce Kuroki slub indigo selvedge jeans — Loyal Stricklin; Bates Hats Gatsby cap — Stylist’s Own; Red Wing leather belt — Franklin Road Apparel; Rolex Yacht-Master 42 timepiece in 18-karat yellow gold — King Jewelers

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FASHION

The ’68 Special suede jacket — SAVAS; cashmere cardigan, knit tie, dress shirt and dress pants — J.Crew; The Legend boot — SAVAS; IWC Portugieser Chronograph timepiece in 18-karat rose gold — King Jewelers

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In the spirit and season of Thanksgiving, We’re reminded of the incredible impact we can create when we work together.

At Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty, giving back to the community is our top priority. Our commitment shines through the Zeitlin Charitable Fund, with 100% of our agents actively contributing to support non-profit organizations that aid thousands of our neighbors in need. We are honored to partner with and give a portion of our sales to local and global charities, including the Second Harvest Food Bank, Our Kids, Bridges of Williamson County, Shower Up and New Story.

Help support our mission by choosing Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty as your real estate partner!

ZEITLIN SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY

Nothing compares to what’s next.

Nashville: 615.383.0183 | Franklin: 615.794.0833 Each office is independently owned and operated | zeitlin.com nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

23

Happy Thanksgiving.

Thankful today and always.

Active $3,295,000

Active $2,400,000

Active $3,295,000

Active $3,690,000

749 W Meade Dr, Nashville, 37205

2207 Old Hickory Blvd, Nashville, 37215

2156 Golf Club Ln, Nashville, 37215

1105 Nichol Ln, Nashville, 37205

Active $2,600,000

Active $1,839,000

Active $2,899,000

Active $2,385,000

194 Moultrie Park, Nashville, 37205

967 Draughon Ave, Nashville, 37204 4626 Mountain View Dr, Nashville, 37215 9235 Carrisbrook Ln, Brentwood, 37027

24 >> NOVEMBER 2023 | nfocusmagazine.com

FASHION

Corduroy suit and suede derby shoe — J.Crew; Alan Paine merino wool turtleneck — Haymakers & Co./J. Michaels Clothiers; pocket square — Clifton + Leopold; IWC Portugieser Chronograph timepiece in stainless steel — King Jewelers

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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FASHION

Loro Piana plaid sport coat — Haymakers & Co./J. Michaels Clothiers; dress shirt, cashmere sweater, chinos, loafers and dress belt — J.Crew; pocket square — Clifton + Leopold; IWC Portugieser Chronograph timepiece in stainless steel — King Jewelers

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IVY VICK THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OVER THE PAST 20 YEARS.

REAL ESTATE ADVISOR 615.485.0963 ivy@nashvilledigs.com nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 27 <<

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F E AT U R E

LOCALLY SOURCED A celebration of three local artistic talents

Artistic inspiration flows through Nashville as surely as the Cumberland River. While many have traveled to Music City with the hopes of becoming the next great musical creator, a large number of our artists are homegrown. Artists — and the art they create — leave an indelible mark on our soul. Whether through song, image or story, we are often frozen in the moment when art made an impact on us.

Nfocus sat down with three artists to learn more about their vision, their art and what they hope to leave as a legacy.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO AND ERIC ENGLAND Trenton Wheeler photographed by John Mofield

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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F E AT U R E

SHABAZZ LARKIN When Shabazz Larkin was growing up in Norfolk, Virginia, his older brother would take him to poetry slams and open mic nights, and those experiences made an immense impression on him. Those evenings, and being surrounded by artists expressing themselves through language, inspired Shabazz to try his hand at poetry — an

art form he would later use to create his “God Speaks” project. After going to school to become an art director, Shabazz worked with some of the top advertising agencies in New York. His experiences taught him that a single idea can be incredibly powerful. He set out to be someone who could clearly articulate ideas and make them as impactful as possible.

Growing up, Shabazz didn’t see himself in art.

In fact, it wasn’t until college that he saw a Black person represented in art in a grand way — the subject of the painting stood strong and confident.

This moment inspired him to begin to create, and to this day, motivates him to continue his journey.

Shabazz says his style has more to do with why he creates than how he creates. Using bright, bold

colors, Shabazz enjoys telling the vibrant stories of Black people. Embodying the spirit of the griots, a group of West African historians and storytellers, Shabazz shares the stories of those in his community. “I believe in preserving culture,” he says. “Because without culture, we can feel invisible, adrift.”

Shabazz’s art is multidisciplinary and spans an impressive number of media. In his “God Speaks” project, he asked the question: “When did God speak to you?” He turned the answers he received into poems, and planted them throughout Nashville, housing some in a temporary balloon installation

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titled “The Museum of Presence.” Shabazz is also a painter, sculptor, printer and writer, and he uses photos as a canvas for the written word. His book The Thing About Bees is a heartfelt love letter to his sons about the importance of bees. The book shares a father’s unconditional love for his children, and it’s part of the legacy he hopes he can leave with his art. “I want people to see how beautiful they are — to stand your truth and feel powerful within your beauty,” he says.

See Shabazz Larkin’s art at studioshabazz.com

F E AT U R E

TRENTON WHEELER Voice was Trenton Wheeler’s first instrument. He began singing at an early age. At age 7, as a Valentine’s Day gift, Trenton presented his parents with his first foray into songwriting — a book of lyrics called “The Family Love,” which he then performed for them. Trenton had musical influences all around him. Growing up in Dallas-Fort Worth, he attended a church that had a theater ministry. In the seventh grade, he learned how to play the tenor saxophone.

But it was the gift of a guitar from his father that would change the course of his life.

While in college, Trenton and a group of friends started a band called Seryn. An indie-folk band featuring broad vocal ranges, giant melodies and stunning harmonies that can vacillate between haunting whispers and bold emotional statements, the group makes music you knew you were looking for but could not articulate. After much success and a small hiatus, the band relocated to the Nashville area. However, Trenton’s solo project — Topknot, a shortened version of his Blackfoot name Owl Topknot Feather — is where his true voice can be heard and where he is able to show his soul. He recently released a new song, “Time Does Not Change.” The song sat buried in his computer for 15 years before he finished it. With the birth of his daughter as the catalyst, Trenton said he needed to be present in the moment and released the song into the world.

“Art shouldn’t be held on a hard drive,” he notes.

One of Trenton’s keystone tenets is the belief that love is immortality. Legacy really is based on how someone is remembered. “No matter what your spirituality, I think heaven is to be remembered well and hell would be to be remembered poorly,” he says. “When it comes to legacy, I would like my children to remember, not the success of my art, but how present I was as a father.”

As a mixed Indigenous artist, Trenton has found multiple influences for his work. He is a descendent of the Blackfoot and Métis people. When he was as young as 6 years old, he began to learn Grass Dancing — a ritual which was the subject of a documentary short he recently completed. Trenton often finds himself inspired by a quote from Louis Riel, a Métis leader who founded the Canadian province of Manitoba: “My people will sleep for 100 years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.” It is that spirit that he hopes will continue as his legacy.

Learn more about Trenton Wheeler at trentonwheeler.com

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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F E AT U R E

HAROLD KRAUS Harold Kraus is a beloved artist whose paintings hang in homes and galleries throughout the United States. Some have described his paintings as being “like a bag of potato chips — you can’t [have] just one.” Harold studied at Lipscomb University, initially planning to get a degree in ministry with a minor in art. His goal was to be a therapist through his ministry. In his words, “Plenty of people need fixing.” He learned pretty quickly that he was not suited to be a therapist, so he switched his major to an art major and Bible minor. That change made all the difference to Harold.

A self-described colorist, Harold finds beauty in everyday objects: “For me, color is the subject. I am inspired by trips to the grocery store to look at the produce or the unique colors brands use on their boxes and cans.” (He recommends going through the aisles and appreciating the thought and effort that went into the packaging.) His vibrant works

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range from beautiful florals with cheeky names like “Hey Cupcake” and “Blind Date,” to funky paintings of boxes of Crayola crayons and bottles of whiskey.

He also enjoys painting vintage items, like yo-yos, roller skates or the fin of a vintage car. While color inspires his work, at times, he has combined paint with other ordinary, everyday items. For Vanderbilt University’s 2002 graduation, Harold postmarked stamps that he later affixed to each of the pieces he created, elevating the paintings to encapsulate a special moment in time. With color leading the theme, most of the paintings were white envelopes on a black field with gold accents as a nod to Vanderbilt’s colors.

While he has shown in galleries throughout Nashville, the bulk of his work now hangs in a gallery in Dallas. He continues to paint at an astonishing rate. His legacy, he says, is to give back and help those who supported him on his journey. He fondly remembers one band teacher who offered him help when he really needed it. He recently had the opportunity to offer some of his work to that teacher as a thank you. Harold’s work also hangs in the Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee clubhouse.

Learn more about Harold Kraus at haroldkrausart.com

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nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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THE OFFICIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE OF THE TENNESSEE TITANS.

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F E AT U R E

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRITS Raising a glass to three of Nashville’s spirited makers

Mankind has been drinking fermented beverages since time immemorial — but distilled? That came much later. In the eighth century, an Arab alchemist named Abu Musa Jabir ibn Hayyan is credited with designing the pot (alembic) still — the first known contraption to distill alcohol. It was originally valued only medicinally — not for pleasure — but the uses shifted by the 1600s.

Crossing both class and culture in appeal, spirits — in their myriad forms — became known as aqua vitae: the water of life. Those who came and settled in what would become the United States brought the knowledge and mechanics with them.

In the early 1800s, Scotsman Robert Stein and Aeneas Coffey of Ireland contributed to making the column (continuous) still. In concert with the Industrial Revolution, this innovation brought alcohol production to a large commercial scale.

Tennessee has long been home to renowned alcohol distillers and concocters, traditions that have been enlivened today by Andy Nelson, Jack Espy and Hank Ingram. Each man has brought vision, passion and something fresh to the industry, while standing on the shoulders of history.

BY NANCY VIENNEAU PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO AND ERIC ENGLAND

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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F E AT U R E

ANDY NELSON Co-founder, lead distiller | Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery

A COMPELLING LEGACY

Growing up, I had always heard tales about my great-great-great-grandfather from my dad but thought he was, shall we say, embellishing. Then I’d hear my great-uncles speak wistfully about the old spring house and whether we could ever get the old business back.

It all made sense on that fated family trip in the ’94 Suburban to pick up our portion of a cow. That’s where my brother Charlie came upon the historical marker for Nelson’s Green Brier

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Distillery, even calling out his namesake, Charles Nelson. The hair stood up on the back of our necks — this is us! We talked to the butcher, who pointed to what was left of the old spring house and barrel house. We went to the Greenbrier Historical Society to learn more and found that the historian possessed two original bottles of Nelson’s Green Brier Tennessee Whiskey — perfectly preserved.

There was never any question — we had to bring it back. This was our destiny.

CRITICAL THINKER

My college degree was in the humanities, with an emphasis in philosophy. At graduation, I was more certain about what I didn’t want to do than what I did. But that field of study instills critical thinking, and — once you grasp that — you can do anything.

It is empowering. After that serendipitous find at the butcher’s shop, and that newfound, but notyet-understood, passion, I was consumed with the mechanics of the business and the “how to": how to make, how to distill, how to sell.

Charlie and I talked to anybody and everybody we could. At the time, about 98 percent of all whiskey was being produced within a three-hour drive from Nashville. We did the soul-crushing job of raising the right money. We had no pedigree; we learned to prove our concept, and we learned the language of distribution.

HOSPITALITY-DRIVEN EXPANSION

We successfully launched Belle Meade Bourbon in 2012. In 2014, we started with two middle bays at Marathon Village, totaling 30,000 square feet.

We always intended to expand, and it was our 300-square-foot gift shop — coupled with packed tours — that spurred us on. Now, at 50,000 square feet, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery also houses a restaurant, a proper cocktail bar and event spaces.

A favorite place of mine on the distillery tour is the room with the timeline — in images and words, it tells Charles Nelson’s story and escorts you to the present. We want this to be a place that locals will come and enjoy; we want this to be good for Nashville.

F E AT U R E

JACK ESPY

Founder, CEO | Spirited Hive

QUARANTINE COCKTAILS

I am definitely not from this industry. I was finishing my studies in real estate finance at the University of Southern California when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. I was in the onboarding process with a capital markets company in Los Angeles when I got the call: “Jack, we’re sorry, but —” Like a lot of us, I stayed at home. I started making my favorite drinks — Moscow Mules and Mexican Mules — for my “hive,” which is what I call my friends. The response was incredible: “How did you make these? They are the best!”

I use organic wildflower honey as the sweetener — which is far from your traditional recipe. I call it my sweet mistake.

The light bulb went off. What if I could make and market a canned cocktail that was better for you, using higherquality spirits and ingredients?

I started dreaming up a brand, in addition to an array of cocktails. In my kitchen, I worked to make a tequila cocktail with ginger- and lime-infused honey, a rosemaryand lemon-infused honey to pair with a bourbon-based cocktail, and a lemon- and juniper-berry-infused honey for our “Bee’s Knees” variation on the traditional Tom Collins.

RISK-TAKING, OLD SCHOOL

I am naive to the alcohol industry. It took about 18 months to formulate and craft the products and branding. I went to Empire Distributors here in Tennessee, and they took a risk on my new, Nashville-based brand. When it came to marketing, my dad suggested a billboard campaign.

Really? So old school! Shouldn’t I be doing social media?

I was skeptical but followed his advice.

Because of the billboard strategy, I landed contracts with the Nashville Soccer Club and the Tennessee Titans.

Our launch coincided with the opening of the new stadium at Geodis Park, giving Spirited Hive a powerful start. I’m also glad I was encouraged to create a Cosmo-style vodka cocktail — it’s turned out to be our bestseller.

FRESH PERSPECTIVES

The alcohol industry can be very set in its ways, and the ready-to-drink industry is new, full of younger founders whose perspective is: “Why can’t I?” Sure, I’ve had doubts and setbacks, but I’ve never lost the passion for Spirited Hive. You have to believe in yourself, learn as you go and keep pushing.

My goal for 2024 is to expand into other states, moving deeper into the markets. I’m always looking to source better juices and extracts and tap into different distillers.

Our new variety packs offer something for everyone, and we’re working on our next tequila-based cocktail with a pineapple- and lime-infused honey. I like to take people by surprise with our cocktails and make them happy.

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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F E AT U R E

HANK INGRAM

Founder, proprietor | O.H. Ingram River Aged

A CLASS PROJECT

I come from a family business of barge-booking and decided to go to Vanderbilt University’s Owen Graduate School of Management to learn more skills. At a certain point, I needed a class project and found inspiration in a whiskey bottle. I was reading about the history of bourbon and how it started, and I noticed that its aging was initially connected to being transported on the river. My interest was piqued, and — because of my family’s river-shipping business — I felt even more connection. I wondered, Did we lose something when that method ended? It planted the seed; I got the go-ahead for the class project, and the great experiment began.

It was not easy — it is illegal to warehouse alcohol on a vessel. I finally found a tax attorney who said there was a way to do it, so barrels were stored on an anchored barge for six months. After that time, I compared the bourbon from the river barge to those aging on land. The difference was striking: The river-aged barrels had developed much more flavor. This was my “Aha! moment.”

A PROCESS, A BRAND

Anywhere from 50 to 60 percent of a whiskey’s flavor comes from the barrel, and three aspects of river aging drive that flavor’s complexity. The first is motion — the natural rise and fall of the Mississippi River moves whiskey around in the barrel, exposing it to more wood surfaces. Another driving factor is the humidity, which creates a blanket of moisture to keep the sugars active.

The final aspect of flavor complexity is temperature: Daily, temperatures fluctuate between about 85 to 125 degrees, causing the barrels to expand and contract — the “heartbeat” of the barrel.

We had created a process; it was time to create the brand. The simplest and best marketing idea, really, was to put my family’s name on it, combining bourbon history and family history. We started the company in 2015, mooring our floating warehouse on the Mississippi in Columbus, Kentucky.

With a start-up business of this nature, the challenges come from properly projecting and laying down inventory, then patiently waiting for it to mature. All O.H. Ingram whiskeys are river-aged at least three years, so we first came to market in January 2019.

A THREE-MAN CREW

We are a tight operation — a close-knit team of three, all of whom are excited for future possibilities and growth. Scott Beyer is our master blender, and Steven Nicodemo is the brand manager. Together, in 2024, we plan to double inventory with another barge. We are also understanding more about how barrels develop differently when stored in different locations on the barge, and this insight gives Scott more flavor and spice to work with in his blending. At the same time, our single-barrel program has become very popular — as has the highly anticipated limited run of Flagship Bourbon, released annually each November.

38 >> NOVEMBER 2023 | nfocusmagazine.com

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FEATURE

Blind Faith Nashville Wine Auction's Music City Harvest Party welcomes Joseph Dhafana Last month, the Nashville Wine Auction held its annual Music City Harvest Party with special guest Joseph Dhafana. Joseph’s rise to wine community fame skyrocketed when he defied the odds and formed a team of sommeliers from Zimbabwe to compete in the World Blind Wine Tasting Championships. Think Cool Runnings but with wine instead of bobsleds. What makes the story so compelling is that each of the four men — now living in South Africa — were refugees who were forced to flee conflict in their homeland of Zimbabwe. Their story of overcoming adversity and holding onto hope against all odds was documented in the recent film Blind Ambition.

Joseph’s unassuming demeanor and thousandwatt smile help all who meet him feel instantly at ease — like they are greeting an old friend. What became immediately apparent was his passion for knowledge and understanding of wine. When asked about what wine means to him after coming from a country that does not have a culture around wine, he said, “Wine is something truly special to me because it brings people together, it creates employment and boosts the economy. Wine does play a pivotal role in the food industry. It is very precious and very important to me today. I don’t know that I would be Joseph without it.”

As a refugee, Joseph had to reinvent himself.

“Honestly, most, if not all, refugees don’t see hope when they are relocating to other countries. All they look for is to be safe and have something to eat and shelter. When I moved to South Africa, I refused to sit with my hands folded. I saw some incredible opportunities when I got there, and I worked to always move forward and pushed the envelope. I did not want to forget the reason I left. I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life and what I wanted to achieve.”

Joseph is now working to leave a legacy, not only of wine, but of helping others in his home country as well as throughout the world. Success for Joseph does not mean the amount of money he has in the bank, but rather how many people he has helped. He still sends money back home for disaster relief and to help family members who stayed behind. His wine company — Mosi Wines and Spirits, which he started as a hobby — has expanded into the spirits business, launching a gin brand in 2018 using botanicals from Zimbabwe. He hopes that his story of fortitude and resilience is one that will continue to inspire people today and for generations to come.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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F E AT U R E

Honorary co-chair Marty Parish Ligon, co-chairs Calvin and Marilyn LeHew

Preservation and Legacy The 50th annual Heritage Ball shines a light on history

Founded in 1967, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County has worked tirelessly “to preserve and share regional history, local historic places and signature events that carry on our community traditions and cultural heritage through fundraising, research, advocacy, education, preservation and community engagement.” This work has included divisions such as: preservation of historic Main Street in Franklin, acquisition and restoration of the historic Franklin Theatre, development of the Franklin Grove Estate & Gardens — formerly O’More College of Design — and ongoing work on the History & Culture Center of Williamson County.

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F E AT U R E

In the early days of the Heritage Foundation, it was determined that the nonprofit was in need of more funds to amplify its work in the community.

Leaders agreed to create an event to raise crucial money for the still-new organization. Ruth Anne (Garrett) Hancock and Mark Garrett agreed to host the event at their historic Magnolia Hall home — making the location a big draw for close to 400 guests. Each couple was asked to donate $50 to the Heritage Foundation. The evening was deemed such a success that it stood to reason that the event would indeed return as an annual event. The following year, Marty Parish Ligon held a ball that was equally successful. While there was a brief two-year hiatus — with funds still being raised for the organization — the ball returned in 1976 and now holds the title of the largest black-tie event in Williamson County.

On a crisp October evening, the preservationminded once again gathered together for an evening dedicated to raising funds for the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County. Entering the reception tent of the 50th annual Heritage Ball brought into sharp relief the elegance of what was to come. After the red carpet welcome, guests were awed by a decor palette of crisp white broken by floor-to-ceiling golden draperies.

Within the dinner tent were crystalline chandeliers, beautifully adorned tables and at the center of the room, a white baby grand piano. The event decor and operation was orchestrated by Amos Gott with catering by Cater615.

Co-chairs Marilyn and Calvin LeHew and Sondra Morris — prominent leaders in the community and staunch preservationists — were on hand as guests filtered into the stunning space.

Honorary Chairs Teresa and Danny Anderson and Marty Parish Ligon mingled with revelers and shared their passion for preservation. Once guests were seated, the magic of the evening continued as piano music wafted through the air. Dinner included a salad course of grilled zucchini and squash, an entrée featuring grilled beef tenderloin filet, a crispy onion garnish and a dessert course of celebration cake. As dinner was served, guests chatted brightly and speculated about the surprise guest entertainment for the evening. The crowd did not have to wait long before none other than chart-topping, award-winning Wynonna Judd took the stage with her husband Cactus Moser.

Wynonna wowed the audience with a top-notch performance of incredible hits.

“We pulled out all the stops at this year’s Heritage Ball as we celebrated 50 years as Williamson County’s top fundraiser,” said Bari Beasley, president and CEO of the Heritage Foundation. “It was a magical night celebrating the Foundation’s patrons, sponsors, volunteers and even our own homegrown country music legend Wynonna. This will be a hard year to beat!”

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO AND HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

Mary Jackson, Bari Beasley, Georgia Harris

Co-chair Sondra Morris, Larry and Leiyan Keele

continued on page 44

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43

F E AT U R E

Cactus Moser and Wynonna Judd

Sharon Harper, Alexandra Harper

Grant and Lisa Martin

Wynonna Judd

LaQuita Scaife, Robert Sharp

Melissa Swartz, Jennifer Taylor, Stephanie Farmer, Rhayghen Ashby

Faith and Ryan Carter

Burning Las Vegas

44 >> NOVEMBER 2023 | nfocusmagazine.com

Darrell and Lindsey Finch, Lori and Randy Reid

Sarah and Steven Bengelsdorf

F E AT U R E

Meg Hershey

Todd and Courtney Reiselman, Leandra Sanchez, Parker Reiselman, Sarah and Matt Steinbrink

Jaclyn Ledbetter, Caitlin and John Bond

Belinda Berry, Thomas Barrett

Jason and Wendy Pharris, Pamela and Anthony Cmelak

Summer Sheldon, Shelby Meredith

Will and Mary Michael Cross

Tyrus and LaTara Sturgis

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

45

Photographs Nathan Westerfield / Drawing Colin Del Santo

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PA R T I E S

A Watershed Moment Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing celebrates 20 years of fundraising

Megan Eskind, Margaret Tyler, Kara Sharp

A

Bell Newton, Gloria Houghland

Grace Stranch, Jodi Hess, Monty and John Steele, Christian Currey with Margaret

fter a morning of scattered showers and dubious forecasting, River Swing 2023 arrived, blessed with perfect fall temperatures, a light breeze and eager crowds. An astonishing number of supporters flocked to Christian Currey’s River Circle Farm for a sold-out 20th anniversary event. Some sported muddy boots after their walk to the tent, but everyone looked terrific in their “river chic” attire.

The evening’s specialty cocktail of Gentleman Jack, mint, and tamarind, orange and lime juices was named “Mudbug Juice” in honor of the freshwater crawfish that resides in most of Tennessee’s waterways. With cocktails and hors d’oeuvres in hand, patrons watched the sun set from the outdoor lounge.

As darkness settled on the field, everyone made their way to the elegant tables under the tent for a buffet dinner from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint.

Once the clattering of forks subsided, Harpeth Conservancy’s CEO Grace Stranch took the stage to warmly welcome guests, as did the organization’s president, Dorie Bolze. Both women praised the generosity of attendees and sponsors, and Dorie added, “We are the river. United, we are the solution.”

Guests missed River Swing regular John Hiatt, who is recovering from injuries after he fell while hiking last month. But Moon Taxi put on a phenomenal show, and the dance floor was immediately crowded. The curly-haired guitar prodigy Grace Bowers made a cameo, and The Sweet Lillies serenaded the Late Party patronage well into the night.

Tennessee’s waterways provide drinking water, recreation and vital transportation to more than 3 million people, and Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing has been hooting, jamming and swinging to protect Tennessee’s rivers for 20 years.

The annual event has since raised over $2 million in support of Harpeth Conservancy’s mission: “to restore and protect clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers in Tennessee ... through scientific expertise and collaborative relationships.”

Cheers to 20 years, Harpeth Conservancy, and here’s to many more!

BY KARIN MATHIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Jeni Housley, Donna Tutt, Paul and Jeanie Leim

Max Rykov, Dorie Bolze, Grace Stranch

Luanne Waltemath, Paula Hughley, Patsy Currey

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

47

PA R T I E S

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615-742-1955 50 >> NOVEMBER 2023 | nfocusmagazine.com

PA R T I E S

It’s Always Something Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee celebrates 25 years at the Red Door Bash

History

On a warm August 3 in 1998, Sandy Towers, Felice Apolinsky and a small but mighty team opened Gilda’s Club Nashville.

The mission was “to ensure that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action and sustained by community.” That mission is central to everything Gilda’s Club has done since opening the doors. In two short years, the organization and the number of those they served grew to include support for children through the Noogieland program.

The 2010s brought a move to the current Division Street location, the launch of the Red Door Society for major donors and the name change to Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee. As the organization continued to grow and evolve, in 2017, it became clear that a satellite location in Williamson County was essential to assist the community. During the pandemic, Gilda’s Club triumphed in serving community members by providing cancer support in-person, virtually and hybrid. This support was made possible through generous funding from the Frist Foundation.

Pamela and Mark Carver

Legacy

Throughout the years, many volunteers and board members have left their mark on Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee. Among them is Mark Carver, who first became involved with Gilda’s Club in 2004 when he was invited to join the board of directors.

Mark and his wife, Pamela, have been faithful supporters of the community ever since. In 2019, Mark was awarded the Red Door Champion award at the Red Door Bash. Among his most important contributions to Gilda’s Club were the many months of expert consultation and advice he offered the organization through the search for the current clubhouse. His knowledge and experience in real estate law were crucial to the process, as was his extraordinary commitment to the mission. Mark continues to be an avid participant in events, including Gilda’s Club Golf Classic, Songwriter’s Night and the annual Red Door Bash.

Mark’s leadership continues to impact the future with service on the Advisory Board.

Sunny Bray, Elizabeth Moore

continued on page 52

Co-chairs Lori Fishel, Gretchen Goldstein

Frank and Julie Boehm

Wendy and Steve Burch, Harriet Schiftan

Alan Zweibel

Ken and Graham Bryant

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PA R T I E S

Heidi Hassenfeld, Missi Friedenberg

Aaron Manser, Maria Pargh

Nina Kuzina, Jack Cawthon

Joyce Vise, Annette Eskind

Maggie and Allen Huggins, Deb Sandvik

25th Annual Red Door Bash

Celebrating a milestone like a 25th anniversary is a momentous occasion — particularly when that milestone is honoring the important work of Gilda’s Club Middle Tennessee. The organization has worked tirelessly for a quarter century to lift up and support those in the community experiencing cancer. With a change in venue to the Music City Center, revelers arrived for the evening ready to celebrate. The perimeter of the reception hall was filled with generously donated items for the silent auction. As usual, Nashville’s generosity was on full display as guests shopped the trips, jewelry and artwork available in the auction. Red Door Bash co-chairs Gretchen Goldstein and Lori Fishel were on hand visiting with guests and eyeing some auction items themselves.

Once guests were seated for dinner, the program began.

This year’s Corporate Vision Award was presented to Ken Bryant and Burr & Forman. Ken reminded the crowd, “People are built for community, and Gilda’s Club helps create that community.” Ken continued, “People with cancer speak a different language that others cannot understand. At Gilda’s Club, those experiencing cancer are understood.” Additionally, the Red Door Champion Award was presented to Matt and Lisa Taylor.

The always moving Member Moment was presented by Sinclair Baldassari, who spoke of losing her husband to cancer and her own battle with the disease.

While the Red Door Bash is always a magnificent evening, excitement had been building for weeks after the announcement of Emmy Award-winning writer Alan Zweibel as the entertainment. Alan has spent a long, illustrious career as a comedy writer.

He spoke of his early days as a joke writer selling $7 jokes. Alan had been one of the original writers on Saturday Night Live, and he talked about the first time he met Gilda Radner, their long friendship, and what her loss meant to him. While guests laughed and cried, all raised a glass to the purpose of the evening. President and CEO Harriet Schiftan, with board chair Allen Huggins, shared the vision: “We are here to celebrate our 25th anniversary and those who paved the way for us to arrive at this moment, and to honor those who are planning for the next 25 years!”

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

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Deborah and Mark Robin

Rishab and Suruchi Jaju

Anthony Barton, Beverly Davenport

Terry and Julie Bulger, Earl & Julianne Fitz, Kim Nielsen

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PA R T I E S

Franny Ambrose, Kathleen Estes, Edward Jackson

Jen Troxel, Alicia Barker

Kimberly Lewis, Susannah Lowery, Amy Jackson

Teal Appeal Chic Awearness charms while raising funds to fight ovarian cancer

A

wave of teal washed over the W Hotel on a Monday evening in support of the Chic Awearness campaign.

Guests were greeted with themed cocktails adorned with butterflies, the symbol of resilience and hope — a feeling that was not lost on the attendees that night. As conversations and camaraderie grew louder, the silent auction still commanded attention. Vacations from Greece to Napa Valley encouraged bidders to dream of jet-setting while supporting a great cause.

The host of the evening was Marci Houff, the founder of Chic Awearness and a pioneer of this fashionable fight for ovarian cancer research. After Marci delivered a touching speech on her survival and dedication to the cause, she introduced guests to Dr. Ben Park, director of the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

His words about the allocation of funds within their research were equally uplifting and refreshingly transparent. Dr. Park had the honor of presenting the 2023 Frances Hill Caldwell Jackson Courage Award to Rio Thorogood in memory of her mother, Marla Raderman, who lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 2019.

George Thorogood, Marla’s loyal husband and a Chic Awearness supporter, took the stage after his daughter to play some of Marla’s favorite songs. Between classic hits, George discussed how painful it can be to stand on the sidelines as a loved one struggles. Noting his wife’s strength, he said, “I found out the hard way who the ‘tough guy’ was in our family.” Although his name is synonymous with “Bad to the Bone,” George’s presence was good-natured and generous.

The musician presented a tough act to follow, but Grace Clayton charmed everyone with her quick wit and auctioneer skills during a spirited live auction. Building on her momentum, Rhori Johnston of News Channel 5 played host to the evening’s final entertainment: the Chic Awearness fashion show, highlighting some of the best local boutiques. Dr. Park even made his runway debut as one of the models.

This inspirational event has been going strong for the past 10 years, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support research and eradication of ovarian cancer. Advancements are made possible by meaningful and memorable fundraisers like Chic Awearness. What we knew of ovarian cancer in the past can now morph into a healthier, more promising future.

Vickie Mertz, Sherri Smith, Janna Smith

Christina Yates, Jodi Kennedy

Yvonne Mann, Marci Houff

BY WANDERLUST GIRLS | EMILY BACHE & ABIGAIL BRESLIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO Albert Ambrose, Annie Jackson, Edward Jackson, Kris Salisbury, Barbara Browning

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PA R T I E S

Cyril Stewart, Emily Humphreys

John and Talbott Grimm, Bari Beasley, John Huie

Jon Meacham

Where the Buffalo Roam The Heritage Foundation celebrates preservation with a preview of The American Buffalo

C

Drew Reifenberger, Jennie and Peek Garlington

Bill and Tracy Frist

Bill Frist, Dayton Duncan, Kathy Mattea, Dwayne Estes, Jon Meacham

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loaked in twilight under a shroud of history, guests arrived at The Franklin Theatre for an early preview of The American Buffalo — a new documentary directed by filmmaker Ken Burns and written by Dayton Duncan — sponsored by The Heritage Foundation, The Better Angels Society and Nashville Public Television. The Franklin Theatre — itself rescued from destruction by The Heritage Foundation of Williamson County — served as the perfect setting for the preview of a film that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The film delves into a dark chapter in American history — the near-extinction and subsequent revival of the American buffalo. Earlier that day, The Better Angels Society — which funded a portion of the project and whose mission is “to be the preeminent organization supporting American history documentary filmmakers, advancing the use of their body of work to promote civic engagement and educate generations of students and lifelong learners” — invited high school students to be the first in the area to view the film.

As preservation supporters gathered, the theater buzzed with anticipation for the new film. The evening — hosted by Tracy Frist and her husband Bill Frist — brought together luminaries of historic preservation and chroniclers of our nation’s history. After a warm welcome from Bill, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian Jon Meacham took the stage, greeting the crowd with a humorous “Welcome to Monday night football for dorks” — eliciting hearty laughter. Jon invited the film’s writer, Dayton Duncan — known for illustrious works like Mark Twain, Country Music and The National Parks: America’s Best Idea — to the stage. “The story this film tells is not a fairy tale. It is a story of a complicated human saga,” said Dayton. The series — produced over the span of four years — takes viewers on a journey through more than 10,000 years of North American history, tracing the mammal’s evolution, its significance to the Great Plains and, most importantly, its relationship to the Indigenous people of North America.

Following the screening, Dayton, Jon, board member Kathy Mattea and Dwayne Estes — executive director of the Southeastern Grasslands Institute — took the stage for a Q&A session moderated by Bill Frist. The night concluded with remarks from Heritage Foundation president and CEO Bari Beasley, who deemed the night a perfect example of preservation bringing the community together to celebrate the past, present and future.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

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58 >> NOVEMBER 2023 | nfocusmagazine.com

PA R T I E S

A Sisterhood of Enthusiasm Tiffany Circle Fall Luncheon highlights the importance of community

Leisa Gill, Cheryl Sullivan, Kari Johnson

F

Joanne Sowell, Meera Ballal, Brooke Trusley

irst and foremost, the Tiffany Circle is a community — a sisterhood of enthusiasm. These words echoed throughout the room, spoken by chairman of the American Red Cross and co-founder of the Tiffany Circle Bonnie McElveenHunter, who served as the guest of honor and keynote speaker at this year’s Tiffany Circle Fall Luncheon. The message resonated with those in the room, who were some of Nashville’s elite female leaders. Those in attendance exemplified the concept of service and giving of oneself to others.

The Belle Meade Country Club hosted the luncheon on a stunning autumn day just before the leaves began to turn.

Female philanthropists gathered and reconnected with old friends as they eagerly anticipated the main event. Lunch featured a delicious menu: a watermelon and feta salad, creamed chicken crêpes, and a fruit crisp topped with vanilla ice cream.

On becoming Tiffany Circle members, women are presented with charm bracelets and — at each gathering — receive a new charm to add to their collection.

Bonnie took the podium to share stories of perseverance and lessons from her mother. She also recounted some of the successes that the Red Cross has achieved over the years. To date, the Red Cross has served 9.5 million military families, and — during Bonnie’s tenure of nearly two decades — over 2 billion people have been assisted through disaster response.

On the Red Cross’ unfailing steadfastness, Bonnie quoted the sentiments of founder Clara Barton: “Although its growth may seem to have been slow, it is to be remembered that it is not a shrub or plant, to shoot up in the summer and wither in the frosts. The Red Cross is a part of us — it has come to stay — and like the sturdy oak, its spreading branches shall yet encompass and shelter the relief of the nation.” Bonnie emphasized that during her time with the Red Cross, they have “never been accused of being the shrub that withered, but have been an oak that offered shelter and relief to all of our citizens in their most critical hour of need.”

Libby Menefee, Joel Sullivan

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY LORENZO HUERTA Anne Russell, Barbara Bovender, Bonnie McElveen-Hunter, Richard Patton

Barbara Turner, Jane MacLeod, Lisa Manning, Noel Geer

Denise Cummins, Tricia McDowell, Laurie Seabury

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PA R T I E S

Stop, Collaborate & Listen The Girl Scout Luncheon emphasizes community and mutual respect

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s the room stood, a chorus rang out: “On my honor, I will try: to serve God and my country, to help people at all times and to live by the Girl Scout Law.” Thus, the 2023 annual Girl Scout Luncheon was opened, and supporters settled into their seats, ready for lunch and learning in the Hutton Hotel’s Vista Ballroom. As guests ate Caesar salad and caprese chicken, troop leaders Tracy Rokas and Babetta Arhagba took the stage to discuss the importance of supporting Girl Scouts. “It’s more than friendship bracelets and selling cookies,” said Babetta. “Every patch or badge represents a memory or experience that we cherish.”

Given the chance to recognize the work of her troop — Troop #1347 — Tracy discussed the Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee’s very own superhero: Josephine Holloway. In an effort that has snowballed since its inspiration in spring 2018, Troop #1347 wanted more people to learn about this civil rights pioneer who — among other advancements — started the first African American Girl Scout troop in Middle Tennessee. After a meeting with District 34’s Councilperson Angie Henderson, the troop asked Angie for help memorializing Josephine’s legacy. With the councilperson’s assistance, Troop #1347 co-wrote a City Council resolution and — in 2019 — erected a historical marker in her honor: This year, Lifeway Plaza was renamed Josephine Holloway Avenue.

While guests enjoyed their choice of chocolate or carrot cake, Dr. Megan Gerhardt rose to deliver a compelling keynote speech on intergenerational collaboration in the workplace and beyond. Rounding out the inspiring program, the longtime president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, Agenia Clark, gave a heartfelt farewell, as she will soon transition to another prestigious role: president of Fisk University. Not only did everyone leave the luncheon with a box of delicious cookies, they left inspired by the history and leadership of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee. This program provides a strong foundation for young women, allowing them to pursue their interests while building the courage and confidence to become anything they want to be.

BY KARIN MATHIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Sara Douga, Kimberly Kelly, Larysa Jaye

Lyda Goldsmith, Kelly Goldsmith, Yeenee Leri, Megan Gerhardt, Katie Marchetti

Lynet Payne, Sheila Gibson, Ashley Bond

Agenia Clark, Megan Gerhardt

Tracy Rokas, Babetta Arhagba

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Michelle Brown

Karen Clark, Jeanie Rittenberry

A GAYLORD HOTELS ORIGINAL EXPERIENCE

Step inside a holiday showplace like no other as you wind your way through the larger-than-life sculptures of ICE! featuring The Polar Express™, zoom down thrilling frozen slides, and traverse mesmerizing passageways.

Escape to Gaylord Opryland to enjoy the splendor of the holiday season.

NOV. 10 - JAN. 1 | ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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PA R T I E S

Kelli Chandler, Arnita Ozgener, Georgette Eftekhari, Camilla Bjoerkman

Alice Farquhar, Kevin and Katie Crumbo, Ryan McLaughlin Wood

Kendall Brown, Adam Sansiveri

Nancy Peterson Hearn, Hope Stringer, Michael Barrett

To Bourbon, and Beyond Beyond Bourbon returns to OZ Arts for another high-spirited evening

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estled in West Nashville lies a tranquil oasis where art thrives at every turn: OZ Arts. Here, the realms of performance and visual arts converge to engage the senses.

On a recent September evening, all the senses were awakened as guests gathered for the eighth annual Beyond Bourbon. Last year, event organizers altered the format by introducing a wildly popular VIP tasting, merging two fabulous events to create one incredible evening. This year’s co-chairs — Alice Farquhar and Max Goldberg, Amanda Church and Cesar Gueikian, Tracy and Don Hardin, and Kelly and Mark Lombardi — continued this model, contributing to another successful year for the nonprofit.

The evening commenced with small tasting vignettes — featuring Pappy Van Winkle, Willett Distillery, Belvedere Vodka and select Napa Valley wines — which were poured and discussed by experts in the fields of wine and spirits. Belvedere Vodka’s Alice Farquhar, global brand education and training manager, led a captivating discussion on James Bond, the mystique surrounding Belvedere and the absence of gluten in most distilled spirits. At the Pappy tasting, bourbon and whiskey expert Jason Eskind — founder of The Eskind Foundation and executive vice president of Best Brands Inc. — along with Bret Moore, president and CEO of Cool Springs Wine & Spirits, presented guests with a vertical tasting of Pappy throughout the years. Mark Lombardi selected wines from his private cellar, showcasing America’s most celebrated wine region, and Whiskey House Nashville’s John G. Brittle Jr. conducted an exclusive tasting of eight premium Willett Family Estate bottles.

Following the VIP tastings, all guests converged in the main space, where they were greeted with a seemingly endless array of spirits to taste and auction items ripe for the bidding. As guests mingled, the team from Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint made a ceremonial entrance with a smoked whole hog for dinner, a perfect complement to the spirits. OZ Arts — set to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2024 — has worked tirelessly to bring international performing arts to Nashville and to provide performing arts experiences to schoolchildren throughout the region. The funds raised through Beyond Bourbon continue to support this crucial mission of bringing the arts to a wider audience.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

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PRESENTED BY

GREENWAY CHAMPIONS

Hawkins Partners, Inc. l a n d s c a p e

a r c h i t e c t s

SUPPORTING SPONSORS

SUPPORTING AND CELEBRATING A GREENER NASHVILLE FOR ALL With tremendous gratitude, Greenways for Nashville wishes to thank our generous sponsors, patrons, guests, committee members, and volunteers for their support of this year’s Dinner by the Bridge.

Thank you for supporting our work to preserve open space and expand the network of greenways throughout Nashville and Davidson County.

IN-KIND SPONSORS

We hope to see you at next year’s Dinner by the Bridge and, of course, out on the greenways.

EVENT COMMITTEE

greenwaysfornashville.org

GW_DBB_2023_NFocusAd.indd 2

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DREW ANN BORSOS

BRENDA GILMORE

STEVE SIRLS

KELLY BROCKMAN

BRANDON HAUMSCHILT

KATE STEPHENSON

ALLEN DeCUYPER

KIM HAWKINS

GRANT WINROW

MARK DEUTSCHMANN

JACOB KASSINGER

PETE WOOTEN

MARTY DONNER

KATHLEEN MURPHY

TYLER YARBRO

SANDRA DUNCAN

JACQUELIN QUARLES-McCOY

10/17/23 1:45 PM

PA R T I E S

Laurie Eskind, Trey Lipman

Jim Gingrich, Jeanie Nelson and Will Martin

Ann Roberts, Kate Stephenson, Karl Dean

Going Green Greenways for Nashville hosts another magnificent Dinner by the Bridge

I

Gloria Blair, Mary Patton

Paul and Molly Polycarpou

Gwyneth Smith, Asia Parham, Katrina Chen, Greer Gage

n 1991, then-mayor Phil Bredesen, in conjunction with the Metro Council, established the Greenways Commission to develop a network of greenways traversing Davidson County. In 1994, through a collaborative effort between the Commission and the Nashville community, Greenways for Nashville was founded to support the development of the new greenway network. The nonprofit’s mission is “to create, preserve and promote a system of greenways in Nashville and Davidson County [and to] advocate for the preservation and protection of natural and cultural areas, development of community recreational opportunities, and acquisition of land for preservation as greenways and parks.” To date, Greenways for Nashville has contributed to the development of nearly 100 miles of trails and the addition of over 7,000 acres of parkland to the area. Throughout the pandemic, many Nashvillians found solace along the greenway system’s trails.

On a beautiful evening in late September, supporters and friends of Greenways for Nashville gathered by the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge. Tables were beautifully arranged end-to-end along the greenway. Before dinner, guests enjoyed cocktails in Cumberland Park, where dancers from the Nashville Ballet Company — adorned in verdant costumes illuminated as the sun set — posed in elegant tableaux vivants.

A notable presence of former mayors attended the event, along with newly elected Mayor Freddie O’Connell, who addressed the audience, expressing support for — and emphasizing the importance of — Greenways for Nashville.

When dinner was served, guests took their seats, and the evening commenced under the glow of an almost-full Harvest Moon. Wine flowed, and diners relished a salad of corn and roasted sweet potatoes, a main course featuring a sage- and apple-stuffed chicken breast and a French-style braised short rib, and a conclusion of tahini, chocolate and banana soft serve.

As a memento of the evening, guests departed with Greenways for Nashville’s traditional party favor — a tea towel — to help them remember the event throughout the year.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Amy Crownover, Ann Tidwell, John Cooper, Freddie O’Connell, John Harkey

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PA R T I E S

Daniel Meigs, Lloyda and Dennis Williamson

Allen DeCuyper, Jim Munro, Steve Sirls, Trish Munro, Mycah Kennedy, Nick Mullikin

Donna Nicely, Carol Hudler, Elizabeth Fox

Anne Davis, Jenny Hannon xxx

Amy Crowder, Joe Fareed, Gail Greil, Beth Zeitlin, Jay Taylor, Alan Helfer

John Noel, Manuel Zeitlin, Melinda Welton, Kabir Sandhu

Christopher Ferguson, Amelia Stephens, Kate Hyde

Rick Ewing, Kathryn Barnett

Janet Gilmore, Sandra Duncan, Clark Edgin

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Sharon Cheek, Meredith Libbey, Will Cheek

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PA R T I E S

An Elevated Event Nashville Wine Auction’s Music City Harvest Party was a high-level success

Chase Cole, Missy Gentry

T

Loren Chumley, Ross Uchida

he Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory was a picture-perfect setting for the second annual Music City Harvest Party. As the sun set on a delightful evening, guests visited and enjoyed a bounty of wines available for tasting. The event featured an international selection of wines from Planeta (Italy), Andeval (Argentina), Phifer Pavitt (California), Two Hands (Australia), Domaine Zind-Humbrecht (Alsace), Craggy Range (New Zealand), Concha y Toro (Chile) and Mosi Wines and Spirits (South Africa).

Under clear skies, guests marveled at telescopic views of Saturn at one of Nashville’s highest peaks, the Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory, with astrophysicist and observatory director Billy Teets. After the reception, revelers enjoyed a harvest buffet alfresco, live music and whiskey and bourbon tastings from Leiper’s Fork Distillery, O.H. Ingram River Aged, Red Line Whiskey Co., Davidson Reserve and Corsair Distillery.

Guest of honor Joseph Dhafana, of the inspiring documentary Blind Ambition, addressed the crowd: “I always say, ‘In water you see your own reflection; in wine you see the heart of another.’ This was my experience in Nashville — it feels like my new home in the United States.” Joseph served as the captain of Team Zimbabwe at the World Blind Wine Tasting Championships in 2017 and 2018, and his meteoric rise from refugee to world-class sommelier and winemaker is a poignant reminder of the power of the human spirit. Today, Joseph is the founder and director of Mosi Wines and Spirits, a producer of wines and gin. He’s also a sommelier, winemaker and wine and spirits judge. Of his commitment to the Nashville Wine Auction cause, Joseph concluded, “I was reminded to love, taught to share the little I have with others, and to keep excelling. I will definitely come back and share my wines with the auction in the quest to cure cancer.”

Denise Cummins, David Kazmerowski

BY JANET KURTZ AND KARIN MATHIS PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO Lynne and Dave Teckman, Elizabeth Waller, Chris and Todd Henry

Joseph Dhafana

68 >> NOVEMBER 2023 | nfocusmagazine.com

Ali Moresco, Margo Lombardi, Haley Schock

Our Vision

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) champions blood cancer patients at every step.

Funding groundbreaking research, providing personalized support to patients and families, and fighting for treatment access.

LLS aims to change - and save - lives.

A WORLD WITHOUT BLOOD CANCERS

to our Visionaries! The funds raised by our student and adult leaders are paving the way to blood cancer breakthroughs.

THANK YOU

Nashville Student Visionary of the Year 2023 Teams

Nashville Visionary of the Year 2023 Candidates

Kayla Anderson -104.5 The Zone | Michelle Gillis - North Star LLC Team Brentwood High School - Grace Gardner Taylor Bates-Rogers - Transport Enterprise Leasing Team Father Ryan - Carmen Catignani & Evie Stewart Team Kate - Kate Lile ALL STAR - Chris Sanders - Montgomery Bell Academy Team Lights Out Cancer - Trent Roseboom CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NASHVILLE STUDENT VISIONARY RUNNER-UP Team PCA - Callie Parker Team MBA/Harpeth Hall - Henry Huber, Shaffer Dale, Lily Fitzgerald Team Ravenwood Raptors - Will Coleburn, Neil Khedkar, & Titziana Liuzzi CONGRATULATIONS TO THE VISIONARY OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP Team Tiger Stripes - Ella Howard & Sophie Williamson

Nikki Peterson - Coldwell Banker - Conroy, Marable & Holleman

Changemakers. Leaders. Visionaries.

They look to the future - and see infinite possibility.

They challenge the status quo - and make the impossible possible.

They boldly imagine a better world - and lead the charge to create it.

2023 Nashville Visionary of the Year

Congratulations to our 2023 winners!

2023 Nashville Student Visionary of the Year National Top Five Fundraiser

Team Golden Girls Nysha Quirk Effectv Raising funds for LLS was one of the most rewarding things I have ever done. Knowing that I helped make a difference in patients lives truly gives me a sense of fulfillment. - Nysha Quirk

Learn more about getting involved with Visionaries of the Year

Team Page High School Eva Grace Nielsen

Getting to know some of the most incredible, inspiring people and working to fundraise for such a special cause is something that has truly changed my life. Eva Grace Nielsen

Learn more about getting involved with Student Visionaries of the Year

www.lls.org Information Resource Center 800.955.4572 nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 << 69

PA R T I E S

A Night With Old Hickory The Hermitage Gala shines at The Hermitage

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he Hermitage Gala shone under an early Harvest Moon. Guests were immersed in a bygone era of gracious entertaining to raise funds for the home of our seventh president.

Co-chairs Irwin Fisher, who also serves The Hermitage as vice regent, and Marees Choppin planned a perfect evening for a record crowd, each marveling at the lovely evening and historic house. A word about the printed program: Not only was it exquisite in design, but it also revealed the essential nature of “Old Hickory,” a nickname earned by Andrew Jackson for his toughness in battle and his willingness to suffer alongside his troops.

The Craig Duncan Orchestra led guests from the cocktail tent to the gorgeous dinner tent, where tables were centered with fall roses atop lush, moss-green velvet tablecloths.

Honorees Pam Koban, Mary Wade and daughter DeeDee Wade drew a top flight crowd of all ages. Everyone was engaged in the festivities, from Irwin’s warm welcome, through “The StarSpangled Banner” sung by the Andrew Jackson Elementary School choir, to the last bite of chocolate bourbon tart.

The menu was inspired by Jackson’s own tastes, starting with an arugula and spinach salad. Known as the “prince of hospitality,” Jackson would have relished other favorites that made the menu: sliced beef tenderloin with Jezebel sauce and leather britches with fingerling potatoes. If you don’t think you’d want leather britches for dinner, you might reconsider when you learn they’re dried green beans. These were sautéed with bacon and cremini mushrooms — yummy.

Two real treats followed dinner: Mac Hardcastle led the live auction of four tempting items, and the Lewis R. Donelson Award was presented to Frances Spradley, who has already won every other honor The Hermitage could possibly bestow.

There’s no one more deserving, as the standing ovation attested.

The capper of the evening was a killer performance by Phil Vassar. Phil knows how to get them going — pure star power in our backyard. Partygoers leapt to their feet, and somehow Phil’s neighbor Sandra Lipman ended up onstage, among others. It was that kind of night. Funds raised for the event help support the mission “to preserve the home place of Andrew Jackson, to create learning opportunities and to inspire citizenship through experiencing the life and unique impact of Jackson.”

Well done, Marees and Irwin.

BY BETH ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Charles and Jennifer Brindley

Co-chairs DeeDee Wade and Irwin Fisher, honorary co-chair Mary Nelson Wade, co-chairs Marees Choppin and Pam Koban

Whitney and Zach Bates

Justin and Dione DeWitte

Vicki Horne, Mattie and Michael Shane Neal, Carol Yochem

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David Plazas, Betsy and Michael Miller

Erica Lee Haines, Corey Caldwell

1244 MARY HELEN DRIVE FOREST HILLS Welcome to this exquisite, one of a kind hilltop home in the prestigious Forest Hills community!

This stunningly renovated 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath home boasts beautiful views from every room and offers an open concept layout perfect for entertaining guests.

Step inside and be greeted by the spacious living area with hardwood floors throughout, a chef’s kitchen complete with quartz countertops, and plenty of storage space.

The oversized primary bedroom is a retreat in itself, with its own private bath featuring a spa-like shower and luxurious soaking tub.

Enjoy the beautiful outdoor space, perfect for gatherings, with plenty of room for seating and entertaining.

Joyful.

Jubilant.

Jolly.

Conveniently located just minutes away from Radnor Lake, Brentwood, 12 South, Green Hills, downtown Nashville, and I-65.

H OLI DAY LI GH T S Holiday LIGHTS is Nashville’s classic holiday tradition, featuring elegant and creative displays of lights that set the gardens aglow.

November 18 – January 7 Advanced reservations required at cheekwood.org.

Proceeds benefit Cheekwood’s programs and preservation.

Presented by

Sponsored by

Cheekwood is funded in part by

O: 615-373-2044 | M: 615-522-3848 addy.biggers@crye-leike.com https://addybiggers.crye-leike.com nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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Opening Nashville’s Finest Doors MELANIE SHADOW BAKER 615.300.8155 melanie.baker@zeitlin.com

Nashville Area’s Only Member of

Sotheby’s Our Trusted Network™ ourtrustednetwork.com

SOLD – Belle Meade Estate

1310 Chickering Road

6 BR | 5.5 BA | 12,168 SF 5.37 Acres | Offered at $8,000,000

HANDEL’S MESSIAH

NEW PRICE + LUXURY POOL

506 Franklin Road

5 BR | 5.2 BA | 8,325 SF 2.77 Acres | Offered at $5,990,000 COMING SOON – Heart of Green Hills!

Nashville Symphony & Chorus Tucker Biddlecombe, conductor

4107B Lone Oak Road

4 BR | 3.1 BA | 3,164 SF Custom finishes | Offered at $1,285000

DEC 15 & 16 | 7:30 PM DEC 17 | 2 PM

MUSIC ROW | VANDY RENTAL!

Schermerhorn Symphony Center

1010 16th Ave S, No. 201 2 BR | 2 BA | 1,270 SF $2,800 per month

IN CONTRACT | SOLD

September | October 1310 Chickering Lane | $8,000,000 1121 Granny White Court | $3,599,900 1517 Lone Oak Circle | $3,490,077 1616 Richland Woods Ln | $2,495,000 1109 Nichol Lane | $1,950,000 1219 Nichol Lane | $1,250,000 1010 16th Ave S, No.201 | $535,000

zeitlin.com | 615.383.0183 Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. All information is thought to be correct at the time of printing, Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty has no liability for any errors printed on this ad

Giancarlo Guerrero, music director

Purchase all of your favorite party photos at nfocusmagazine.com We’ll ship prints right to your door

@NfocusMagazine

72 >> NOVEMBER 2023 | nfocusmagazine.com

BUY TICKETS: 615.687.6400 NashvilleSymphony.org/Tickets

PA R T I E S

Anne Cain, co-chair Austin Pennington

Ray Stevens

Matthew Hargis and Divya Shroff, Sheila Dial-Barton and Edwin Barton

A Gleaming Pearl A Tennessee Waltz celebrates 30 years

I

t was a clear evening as guests ascended the stairs of the State Capitol for A Tennessee Waltz. Co-chairmen Nicole and Bo Watson warmly greeted supporters of the Tennessee State Museum just inside the entrance of the historic building. The event — celebrating its 30th anniversary — supports the museum and its mission: “to procure, preserve, exhibit and interpret objects which relate to the social, political, economic and cultural history of Tennessee and Tennesseans, and to provide access to educational and cultural programs and exhibitions for the people of the state.” The museum has engaged with schoolchildren in K-12 programs in every county and has welcomed over 200,000 visitors this year alone, thanks to the generosity of donors. To show appreciation for these patrons, A Tennessee Waltz was created, allowing like-minded friends to have a little fun.

As guests admired the architectural beauty of the Tennessee State Capitol, they chatted with friends and perused silent auction items. The evening was perfect for sipping cocktails on the terrace as servers passed hors d’oeuvres on silver trays.

Following the reception, guests returned downstairs for a seated dinner. Just before dinner was served, Ming Wang entertained the crowd by playing “Tennessee Waltz” on the erhu — a Chinese two-stringed bowed musical instrument. Diners enjoyed the decadent meal, featuring a dual entrée of salmon and beef filet.

Organizers of the event arrange post-dinner musical entertainment each year, and this year, the musical guest was beloved entertainer Ray Stevens. After dinner, guests moved upstairs to see the stage. The excitement in the room was electric as the multigenerational crowd eagerly anticipated the arrival of the special guest. They did not have to wait long before the Grammy Award–winning songwriter took the stage; his opening act of “Mississippi Squirrel Revival” had patrons dancing in the hall as they sang along to the popular tune. He kept the crowd delighted the entire evening, and — as guests departed — they were treated to a beautiful holiday ornament as a keepsake for this special evening.

Whitney Boon and Freddie O’Connell, Alice Rolli

Lindsay Porter, Janet Rives

Co-chairs Nicole and Bo Watson

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND Sharon and Will Cheek, Clay and Sarah Byrd

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PA R T I E S

Brenda Daniel, Jonathan Turner, Marty Luffman, Richard White, Teresa White

Jamie and Matt Greci

Kennedy and Elizabeth Griffin, Holly and Christopher Ing

Pat and Katie Price, Kevin and Kim Temple

Anne Cain, Deryl McKissack, co-chairmen Cheryl McKissack-Daniel and Samuel Daniel, Leatrice McKissack, Byrd Cain

Philip and Allison Johnson, Cindy Greene, Jeff Burkhart

Dawn Alvarado, Melanie Bull, Erin Luper, Abby Williams

Jake Tudor, Spencer Bowers

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Rob Calhoun, Alexis Hughes-Williams, Ann and Joseph Gilbert

Saturday May 11, 2024

Scan here for tickets

Photo credits: Brenda Black, Joan Morrison, Simbalic Photography, Wade Payne

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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PA R T I E S

Perrine Hood, Jeremy Westbrook

Jane and Don MacLeod with Kennedy Jaulin and Princeton Jaulin

John and Nancy Cheadle with John Jarman

Seasons in the Sun Families gather for the annual Fall for Cheekwood

J Nikki and Micah Zuercher with Carson and Emerson

Warren Jarman

ust as the leaves on the trees begin to hint at their autumn transmutation and temperatures dip ever-soslightly into sweater weather, the whispers of fall fill the air. For families in Nashville, Fall for Cheekwood is a cherished tradition as children and their grown-ups return year after year — in varying states of growth — to take a moment, slow down time and forget the hustle and bustle of the busy fall season.

As guests arrived at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens, they followed a path leading to a variety of family-friendly activities. The Fall for Cheekwood 2023 co-chairs Mary McCluggage Keith and Caroline Mazey planned a beautiful day for all. After posing for a staged photo op, the first stop for many on the trail was the new fall PSL: Pumpkin Sided Lodging, or pumpkin houses. There, children and their siblings ducked in and out of stunning, thatched-roof tiny homes made of colorful gourds and accents of greenery. Not far away sat the ever-popular cotton candy station, where children could choose their preferred flavor of the sweet treat. While they waited, children and adults were enthralled by the talents of pumpkin-carving expert Lundy Cupp.

Throughout the grounds, guests enjoyed special surprises and delights. Many stopped to say hello to the turtles in the Bracken Foundation Children’s Garden, while others enjoyed music provided by The Cowpokes. Children and grown-ups alike enjoyed rides on the hay wagons and participated in the potato-sack races. After enjoying the trail of activities, families made their way into the Frist Learning Center Great Hall for The Southern Supper, catered by Edley’s Bar-B-Que. The early evening benefit was the perfect family event to kick off fall.

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Hazel Reed, Emily Garza

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Megan and Bradley Lawrence with Caroline and Henry

GIVE THE GIFT T H AT KEEPS ON B L O O M I N G. 34TH ANNUAL

Antiques & Garden Show of Nashville J A N . 12 –1 4, 2 024 | M U S I C C I T Y C E N T E R , N A S H V I L L E , T E N N .

Tickets to the Show make a great holiday gift.

A N T I Q U E S A N D G A R D E N S H O W. C O M

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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30 YEARS

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30 YEARS

Ah, Sugah A look back at the first gentleman of Nfocus As we celebrate 30 years of Nfocus, we have asked our friends in the community — many of whom have been with us since the beginning — to tell their story in their own words. Throughout the year, readers will hear from those who have graced our pages and supported our stories.

This month, we asked Mike Smith, president of FW Publishing, to share stories of his time with Herbert Fox. Herbert Fox Jr. was the epitome of a gentleman — stylish, witty, humorous, clever and insightful, occasionally acerbic, but in the best way. Many of those qualities make up the pillars of the Nfocus brand. He could seamlessly maneuver through a crowd, so smoothly capturing the essence of an event and the people who made it happen.

Most often, he’d wind up holding court with a few friends and favorites spinning tales, with perhaps a little gossip thrown in. You wanted to be in that circle. Herbert was “old Nashville.” His friends from Parmer School became some of his first investors in Nfocus, along with a few fortunate others who believed in his vision.

Herbert had a remarkable background — living a life so full it could be the plot of a novel. After graduating from Montgomery Bell Academy and Vanderbilt University, he served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, flying missions over Korea. Later, as the public relations director for the National Cotton Council, he staged high-fashion photo shoots with a young Ali MacGraw in New York, as well as others in Egypt and Morocco. He bought and lovingly restored a château in the Loire Valley. But it was his work on the homefront that would bring him the most joy. He worked as an editor for The Nashville Record and later became a reporter for the Nashville Banner. His greatest joy, before creating Nfocus, was in his role as head writer for the countrymusic-based variety show Hee Haw. In 1993, Herbert was inspired to create Nfocus magazine — which he referred to as “our little pamphlet.”

To be fair, earlier on, it was just that. The magazine was printed on newsprint and filled with grainy black-andwhite photos. It was almost entirely written by Herbert, so he did not use bylines, but it was still intriguing to peruse because it was filled with Nashville personalities.

Familiar with the society pages of New York, London and other metropolitan markets of the day, Herbert wanted what he was doing to be Southern and genteel yet with

a snappy, entre-nous voice. He enjoyed Palm Beach’s oversized “Shiny Sheet,” which set the template for Nfocus over these 30 years. As we developed our take on the lifestyles of the local social set, beyond the galas and events, we borrowed elements from Vanity Fair or Town & Country — insider scoop, pulling back the curtain a bit on how socials live, but making it accessible.

Herbert had a gift for writing in a style that brought readers under the tent, as if a good chum were sharing the juicy details. Whether you’d met him or not, his voice was distinct, personable and spare. He was inimitable.

His personality — witty, worldly, smart with a tilt toward francophilia — became our “tone.” Nfocus was his opportunity to showcase the society side of Nashville. What began as lifting the veil into private parties and fundraisers evolved into stories of haute couture, entertaining, beauty and travel — always with the lens focused on Nashville. Herbert’s coverage of the philanthropic events were an insider’s perspective, perhaps a more provocative, albeit subjective, read than event coverage from the dailies back then. I admittedly didn’t know much about Nfocus when I started in advertising in 1997, but soon, once I was out speaking with business owners about their goals, it became clear that Nfocus filled a niche in attracting a discerning clientele that was otherwise hard to reach. My goal was growing the Nfocus brand in the market and appealing to new luxury retailers that choose Nashville as their next move. Herbert had a way of making everyone he wrote about feel special. There was a love there, sometimes a wry tease, but always with an affection for the subject and story.

I often refer to Herbert as being “stylish,” and he was, but not because he wore the newest fashions. He had a specific personal style. He seldom wore socks with his loafers (back before that was en vogue) and wasn’t afraid to wear a neckerchief or ascot. He was always in a blazer or jacket. And perhaps most importantly, he carried himself with a quiet, knowing confidence and a ready smile — he was always delightful to run into — those things one can’t buy, and that to me are the building blocks of a true gentleman. Herbert was taken from us too soon, yet with each click of the laptop’s keys, we honor his history and legacy. In the words of Herbert as he would end his calls, “You’re a sweetheart. Bye.”

BY MIKE SMITH PHOTOGRAPHS FROM NFOCUS ARCHIVES

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TA K I N G VO W S

ell D ara Russ Marries ard Mike Buss

In the spring of 2021, Dara Russell and Mike Bussard were introduced by mutual friends. After dating for a year, Mike proposed on a fall 2022 getaway to Asheville, North Carolina. “We were tasting wine at the Biltmore Winery,” said Dara, “when he began telling me all the reasons he loved me, got down on one knee and popped the question.”

They married in July 2023 on the lawn of The Chattooga Club in Cashiers, North Carolina, with the Rev. Rodney McClain officiating. Nashville singer-songwriter and family friend Amy Stroup played the guitar and performed her song “Hold Onto Hope Love” to open the ceremony, and Carolina Music Planner presented violin and cello pieces throughout the ceremony, cocktails and dinner.

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“One of the most joyful parts of the ceremony,” said Dara, “was having our four adult children stand up for us.” Dara’s daughters are Warner Dickson and Laine Dickson, and Mike’s children are son AJ Bussard and daughter Morgan Bussard. Sister of the bride Rebecca Howard was matron of honor, while Rebecca’s daughter River was the flower girl, and her son John did a reading.

Dara wore a gown by Romona Keveza, and her bridesmaids wore light blue tulle dresses by Jenny Yoo. They all carried blue and white bouquets by Meghan Lock, who arranged all florals for the event.

The reception was in an outdoor pavilion, where guests enjoyed a seated three-course dinner featuring sautéed trout and braised beef. In lieu of a wed-

ding cake, there was a dessert bar including banana pudding verrines, key lime tarts, chocolate brownies and peach shortcakes. Preston Prince played ’80s tunes — perfect for dancing the night away.

The couple lives in Brentwood. Dara, a graduate of Baylor University with an M.A. from Belmont University, is a marriage and family therapist at Nashville Family Therapy. Mike has an M.S. from Northwest Missouri State University and is regional vice president at Pacific Life Insurance Company.

Parents are Anne and Joe Russell of Nashville, and Gary and the late Betty Bussard of Tarkio, Missouri.

BY SANDRA NELSON PHOTOGRAPHS BY TERRI CLARK

615-205-9626 4219 Hillsboro Pike Suite 103 @framepilatesnashville www.Framepilatesnashville.com

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PENCIL IN

NOVEMBER MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THESE UPCOMING EVENTS

CRAFTING CHANGE LUNCHEON

2

NOV. 2

A. Fuente Ashton CAO Cohiba Davidoff Montecristo Padron Tatuaje Zino & Many More

BELLE MEADE

PREMIUM CIGARS & GIFTS Belle Meade Plaza 4518 Harding Road, Nashville, TN

615-297-7963

As Nashville’s most trusted source for social and lifestyle coverage, Nfocus takes readers inside more events than any other publication in town.

LITERARY AWARD GALA NOV. 4

RENEWAL HOUSE THANKSGIVING

4

NOV. 7

Rekindle the magic that exists within those first moments of reading when we fall in love with great stories at 2023’s Literary Award Gala. Each year, an outstanding individual from the literary community is invited to Nashville for a weekend-long celebration to honor their achievements with the Literary Award Gala, which raises funds to support and enhance the Nashville Public Library and its essential education and literacy programs and resources.

For the first time in the Literary Award’s 19-year history, the NPLF will honor an author known for her groundbreaking work specifically within the children’s literature genre.

The impact of literary superstar Kate DiCamillo’s work transcends age limits. While created for children, Kate’s works consist of grand, beautiful stories that resonate across generations and reach for light in an often dark and challenging world. Nplf.org

Gather around the table at the Omni Nashville Hotel for the 24th annual Renewal House Thanksgiving luncheon. As the first — and only — long-term provider of addiction treatment in Middle Tennessee where women and children stay together for simultaneous treatment and care, Renewal House has always been a unique and necessary program for those in need. Beyond assisting with costs of housing, meals, clothing and medical support, Renewal House Thanksgiving helps to fund treatments that are uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.

RenewalHouse.org

7

CIGARS FROM

Together with local artisans at Virgin Hotels Nashville, The Family Center is “crafting change” for children and families in our community. Enjoy wine, shopping, lunch and a celebration honoring members of our community who are committed to changing lives, changing families and changing futures. FamilyCenterTN.org

ALL FOR NAHT NOV. 9

30YEARS SUBSCRIBE TO OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER AT NFOCUSMAGAZINE.COM. @NfocusMagazine

82 >> NOVEMBER 2023 | nfocusmagazine.com

Lead the Middle Tennessee community in the fight against human trafficking, working for its victims, by attending Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition’s annual fundraising event: All for NAHT 2023 at Prancing Horse of Nashville, a Ferrari dealership.

NAHT Coalition’s founder and Executive Director Mary Trapnell is an incredible resource with her hand on the pulse of anti-trafficking needs, and NAHT partners with various area organizations to effectively combat human trafficking in our area. NahtCoalition.org

9

F E AT U R I NG

PRESENTED BY

T HA N K YO U! MODERATOR AND PANELISTS

Vicki Yates

Dr. Adrienne Battle

Deana Ivey

Candice Lee

Jennifer Turner

Journalist

Director of Schools, Metro Nashville Public Schools

President & CEO, Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp

Vice Chancellor, Athletics and University Affairs Athletics Director, Vanderbilt University

President & CEO, Tennessee Performing Arts Center

SPONSORED BY

GIFT BAG SPONSORS

ANNE L. RUSSELL

CHRISTIE WILSON

CONNIE DEIDIKER

JANET M. MILLER

JOHARI MATTHEWS

Cheekwood Estate & Gardens

Nashville Wine Auction

Nashville Repertory Theatre

Nashville Entrepreneur Center

Tennessee Titans Foundation

JOSEPHINE VANDEVENDER WARD

KYSHONA ARMSTRONG

SONDRA MORRIS

OZ Arts Nashville

Centennial Park Conservancy

RYAN MCLAUGHLIN WOOD

H O N ORE E S

Goodwill

Heritage Foundation of Williamson County

TREY LIPMAN Equal Chance for Education

nfocusmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2023 <<

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NR E TR O S P E CT

Nfocus in Retrospect A look back at the first issue of the social scene chronicler

In November of 1993, a new magazine graced the doorsteps of select boutiques and eateries throughout West Nashville. Herbert Fox Jr. was at the helm of a free publication titled Nfocus, which promised to shine a light on Nashville’s social scene and offer readers a behind-the-scenes look at events and personalities from those who were there. The first issue grabbed Nashville’s attention with event coverage of both nonprofit fundraisers and private weddings. Herbert featured his friend and Nfocus investor Alyne Massey in the first of a series titled “Their Entertaining Ways.” He even printed — with names — letters to the editor with not-so-gentle suggestions on what and how he should write in the future. As the reviews poured in from later issues, it was clear Herbert had created something special. Cheers to 30 more years!

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