Nfocus November 2026 by FW Publishing

NOVEMBER 2026

UTUMN GTHEINGS M A H J O N G : B EY O N D T H E T I L E S FA L L’S M O ST M E M O R A B L E EV E N I N G S LO C A L D E ST I N AT I O N S

Masai Collection

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THROUGH JANUARY 3

This stunning new exhibition features 17 artists who visualize the web of

relationships between human beings, other species, and the earth itself. Using digital animation, augmented and virtual reality, and generative

software as well as analog media, these artists tap into the transformative potential of the marvelous, the uncanny, and the unpredictable. Bridging ancestral and contemporary belief systems with environmentalism,

Downtown Nashville 919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203 Get tickets and information at FristArtMuseum.org Connect with us @FristArtMuseum #TheFrist

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biology, and future studies, Shimmer: Dreaming the Posthuman reawakens our sense of interconnectedness with our planet.

Supported in part by

Presenting Sponsor

Education and Community Engagement Supporter

Chris Redlich and Joanna Grochowska-Redlich The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by

Saya Woolfalk. Floating World of the Cloud Quilt (installation view), 2022. Three-channel video projection, natural and synthetic ﬁbers, digitally printed vinyl ﬂooring, plastic, paint, paper, beads, notions, and gel medium; 406 × 72–144 (variable) × 108 in. Courtesy of the artist. Image courtesy Leslie Tonkonow Artworks + Projects. © Saya Woolfalk. Photo: Etienne Frossard

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

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CONTENTS November 2026 | Vol. XXXIII, No. 11

parties

features 25

Tile Vibes Only

Mahjong unites generations, challenges minds and inspires connection 42

Storied Legacy

Family-run publishing company R.H. Boyd celebrates 130 years of uplifting the Black community

A Perennial Favorite

A Lot to Love

Perenn at Cheekwood cultivates a menu worthy of luncheon on the lawn 47

Modern Love updates a downtown landmark to invite and delight diners all day long 50

ON THE COVER

Paige Cleveland, Sarah Hodrick, Meg Dillard, Jennifer Parker and Mary Looney gather around the mahjong table, photographed by Eric England. For more on mahjong, turn to page 25.

Do the Work

The Next Door Recovery’s Annual Fall Luncheon celebrates the power of community

Where Nashville Slows Down

Planting Roots

Preserving Dignity

All In For Hygiene supplies Middle Tennesseans with essential products

Step Ball Change

Dancing for Safe Haven raises funds and spirits to help families experiencing homelessness

River Chic

A Safe Place to Land

Nashville Humane Association’s Cause for Paws merges fashion with philanthropy

Harpeth Conservancy celebrates environmental successes with Southern flair

Based on Beauty

OZ Arts Nashville’s Beyond Bourbon fundraiser supports cutting-edge art

Greenways for Nashville’s Dinner by the Bridge celebrates 20 years The Branching Out Fashion Show and Tea Party grows in its second year

Living Dialogues

The 3rd annual Paint the Town honors what was and is being built

The Colors of the Seasons

Fall for Cheekwood welcomes families to celebrate the season

Waltz Across Tennessee

A Tennessee Waltz celebrates the state’s rich history with an elegant evening at the Capitol

Courageous and Strong

The annual Girl Scout Luncheon encourages girls and women to Amplify Her Voice

All the Best People

departments 16

In Our Words

Behind the Scenes

The Sexual Assault Center’s Mad Hatter raises record-breaking funds

Finding joy in spending time with friends With Rebecca Schneider of xo, Bex Studio

Ndesign

James Allen

Worth the Drive

Nretrospect

The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

Five Generations and 130 Years of R.H. Boyd

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IN OUR WORDS

Editorial

founding editor

Herbert Fox Jr. editor-in-chief

Janet Kurtz

contributing editor

Lindsey Lanquist associate editor

Madeleine Bradford social correspondent

Gloria Houghland contributors

Julianne Akers, Jeanette Barker, Chris Chamberlain, Whitney Clay, Carrington Fox, Hannah Herner, Margaret Littman, Hamilton Matthew Masters, Nicolle Praino, D. Patrick Rodgers, Nancy Vienneau

Art

art director

Christie Passarello senior photographer

Eric England

staff photographer

Angelina Castillo

contributing photographers/videographers

Tausha Dickinson, Kristin Drum, Michael Scott Evans, Peyton Hoge, Hamilton Matthew Masters, Alan Poizner graphic designers

Sandi Harrison, Tracey Starck

Advertising

advertising solutions consultants

We Gather Together Finding joy in spending time with friends

Teresa Birdsong, Kathleen Chandler, Kailey Idziak, Michael Jezewski, Carla Mathis, Tatyanah McClanahan Heather Cantrell Mullins, Allie Robbins, Niki Tyree sales operations manager

Chelon Hasty

advertising solutions associate

Audry Houle FALL IN NASHVILLE brings a full calendar and plenty of reasons to gather. Whether you’re dressing for a grand evening or pulling up a chair among friends, there’s a particular joy in being together. The conversations, introductions and shared experiences often stay with us long after the evening ends. Some gatherings become traditions of their own. In this issue, we explore the history and heritage of American mahjong through Mahjong & Magnolias, a lifestyle and entertaining brand that grew out of friends gathering around a table. A regular game offers something that can be surprisingly difficult to arrange: time set aside for one another. That sense of connection carries through these pages. Madeleine Bradford explores the 130-year legacy of R.H. Boyd and the generations of work behind the enduring institution. Carrington Fox visits two eateries that offer fresh reasons to make plans: the newly opened Perren at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens and Modern Love inside the Fairlane Hotel. For those seeking a change of scenery, Margaret Littman visits the luxurious Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, a Georgia getaway well worth the drive. Closer to home, Nashville’s fall events bring people together with purpose. This month’s coverage includes The Next Door Recovery’s Annual Fall Luncheon, Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing, the Sexual Assault Center’s Mad Hatter and more. Each occasion is an opportunity to reconnect while supporting the work that strengthens our community. As the season fills our calendars, I hope we also make time to enjoy the company. It’s easy to remember where we need to be and forget why we look forward to going. So often, the answer is the people waiting when we arrive.

Marketing

events director

Robin Fomusa event manager

Tristan Maryanski

Circulation

circulation manager

Gary Minnis

Business

president and chief executive officer

Eddie Tyner

chief financial officer

Todd Patton

chief operating officer

Elizabeth Jones

chief revenue officer

Olivia Moye Britton IT director

John Schaeffer digital director

Caroline Prater BY JANET KURTZ Janet moved to Nashville 28 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.

Owner

FW Publishing, LLC

Nfocus is published monthly by FW Publishing, LLC. Advertising deadline for the next issue is Wednesday, November 18, 2026. 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 $175 per year. Send your name and address along with a check or credit card number and expiration date to: GARY MINNIS, FW PUBLISHING, 615 MAIN ST., Suite 102, Nashville, TN 37206 or call Gary at 615-844-9307. For advertising information, call HEATHER MULLINS at 615844-9252. Copyright ©2026 FW Publishing, LLC.

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BEHIND THE SCENES

Behind the Scenes With Rebecca Schneider of xo, Bex Studio

WHEN GREETED BY Rebecca “Bex” Schneider, you may be met with a memorable compliment: “You look so sketchable.” Focused on the subtle details that make people distinct, Bex’s live portraits, installations and murals bring joy to guests at Nashville and New York events — and beyond. When living in New York, Bex immersed herself in the luxury space, crafting artwork that replicates the feeling she gets when visiting a Chanel store. Her whimsical, elongated figures, reminiscent of fashion illustrations, have delighted clients of brands like Hermès, Rolls-Royce, Vogue, Lillet, Glossier and Waldorf Astoria (to name a few). But Bex identified Nashville as a place where her work could make a bigger difference, so she joined the chorus of the city’s vibrant arts community. She caught up with Nfocus about how live portraits elevate events, her process for conveying someone’s personality and how art and fashion go hand-in-hand. What sparked your loves of art and fashion? How do they fit together? Art and fashion go hand-in-hand very well. It’s just the true dreamer state of it all. I think I try to capture what they told us adulthood could look like. I was a kid that loved My Scene dolls and just everything sparkly. And I loved fashion growing up in Alabama, but there wasn’t much available to me to participate in. I think my love for fashion and art started early on, because art was my way of participating in fashion. I’d find inspiration on Pinterest or get catalogs in the mail, and I would always draw what I loved the most. At the end of the day, fashion needs art to sell the dream and the story of it. Fashion illustration always shares the essence and the feeling, and I’m a very feelings-based person when it comes to art. How do live event portraits uniquely capture moments in time? They’re the old-school photo booth. These days, everyone just craves the human touch. Having a live portrait artist there feels so guest-oriented and personal, where guests get to have an experience rather than just float around an event. There’s this kind of anchor moment where they feel seen, they feel heard and they have something to hold.

THE BASICS Name: Rebecca “Bex” Schneider Hometown: Spanish Fort, Ala. ZIP code: 37207 Time in Nashville: 1 year How fast you can create live illustrations: 3 minutes per figure

Walk me through the process of illustrating someone at an event. I try to stay very focused on the subject — I call them my “Bex Babes.” I don’t overthink the sketch, and it just comes to life really quickly. Essentially, someone walks up to my table, and I immediately start with some skin tones and get in the weeds on the process. I do everything I can with the same color at once, so that I’m switching pens as little as possible. Trying to have a couple layers of different colors and then being done and getting out of my head as much as possible is key. People are delighted the most by the little details they didn’t know anyone would notice. Those are the things that make a portrait feel like someone’s personality. At the end of the day, it’s not photorealism, and yet their personality pops out on the paper, and it surprises me every time. How do you tell a luxury brand’s story through art? I feel like for every artist, there’s a space that feels very natural. That’s what was going to happen because that’s what I raised myself on. When I moved to New York initially, I worked at an amazing company called IMG, which is part of a larger entertainment conglomerate. I thought I wanted to be a model agent. I loved the idea of branding someone from the ground up. I think that talent management mindset has always stayed with me, where you have to be very strategic. If you have a model, you might say, “OK, she’s a Celine girl, and then this other model is a Chanel girl.”

Aspirational luxury is a space that has felt very exclusive for a long time, so bringing that Southern warmth into the luxury space almost feels like I get to love on people in a way that they’re not used to being loved on. What’s the most rewarding part of what you do? It always sounds so cliché, but I just love celebrating and empowering women — and anyone else I illustrate. I think what keeps me doing it is that moment where someone’s surprised that someone noticed the parts of themselves that really matter to them. Plus, it’s just fun. Quotes have been edited and condensed for clarity. BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPH BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

NDESIGN

Ndesign: James Allen The page-turning artist ‘excavates’ books, carving stories into sculpture IT’S TEMPTING TO say James Allen has X-ray vision, because he’s seemingly able to see through books. At least, the East Nashville-based artist can visualize how a book’s two-dimensional layers of words and images can be exposed — one stratum at a time — to create three-dimensional sculptures. Armed with a fine blade, a keen eye and boundless patience, James treats books as if they were precious raw materials, like marble. Slicing away thin leaves of paper, he reveals partial images at various depths. His resulting “book excavations” divulge stories in a visual language more poetic than the original prose. Take The Dangerous Book for Boys, for example. By removing material from early pages of the popular mischievous manual of boyhood, he allowed negative space to frame images and words deeper in the volume. Conflating text and images from various depths, he transformed the book into something between sculpture and collage, while preserving the playful theme of the literature. Likewise, in a piece he titled “Too Heavy for Superman,” James excavated textual exclamations throughout pages of comics to produce a high-energy topography of typography: “Boom!” “RROOAAR!” After earning a BFA at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, James lived in New York City, then Seattle and eventually Portland, Ore., where he and his wife, photographer Holly Feral, worked at Driftwood magazine. James’ work is still represented by Russo Lee Gallery in Portland. After the COVID19 pandemic, the couple moved to be near Holly’s family in Tennessee, where James connected with collage artist-poet Scott Zieher at ZieherSmith gallery.

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In preparation for ZieherSmith’s summer group show of baseball-related works, James painstakingly excavated the illustrated manual How to Speak Baseball, leaving a dynamic portrait of an athlete whose whirlwind of limbs appears to be in every possible baseball stance at once. In advance of a November 2026 solo show at ZieherSmith, James chiseled into a 28-volume set of Time-Life Library of Art books showcasing Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Rembrandt van Rijn, Vincent van Gogh and other icons. Spending two days on each artist, he exposed colors and images until each volume read as a cohesive multilayered composition. In the dazzling case of the Marcel Duchamp volume, James unearthed generations of dreamlike imagery — from Duchamp to René Magritte to Hieronymus Bosch — to unveil a landscape of disparate snippets united by their underlying surrealism. While James’ work has earned national accolades and placement at the Ringling College of Art and Design, Middle Tennessee State University, Johns Hopkins University, Baylor University, and the University of Caliornia, Los Angeles, among other collections, he knows not everyone approves of his cutting into books. But he maintains that the materials he alters aren’t endangered. More than 1.5 million copies of The Dangerous Book for Boys have been printed, for example. “There’s no chance this book isn’t going to exist,” he says. “I’m not cutting up illuminated manuscripts.” As layered as any of his artworks, James’ colorful attic workspace abounds with books that people have given him or he has salvaged, all awaiting his surgical skill and X-ray eyes. “I want to make art out of found stuff. I’ve always been an environmentally minded person,” he says, pointing to frames he constructed from reclaimed pallets and offcuts of hardwood flooring. “Partly, it’s not wanting to consume. Partly, it’s the starving artist thing.” I watch as James slides the Van Gogh-themed excavation back into its Time-Life slipcover and scans the wall-to-wall encyclopedias and atlases in his home studio. “The possibilities are endless,” he says. “Fortunately, my wife was like, ‘We need more bookshelves,’ not ‘We gotta get rid of some books.’” BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPH BY ERIC ENGLAND

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nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

WORTH THE DRIVE

THE BASICS

Worth the Drive: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee

What: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee Where: Greensboro, Ga. Distance from Nashville: 332 miles Why it stands out: Signature Ritz-Carlton attention and service are paired with Georgia pine trees and lakeside vistas for catching sunsets. There’s no way your kids or grandkids can be bored here.

A Georgia getaway gets a glow-up WHEN YOU TURN off Georgia State Road 44 toward The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee, you drive onto Linger Longer Road. This was the name of a former retreat in this area, and today it’s your first sign that a shift is coming. You will want to slow down and, indeed, linger longer, once you arrive. This spot, surrounded by Georgia pines on the shores of Lake Oconee, has long been a refuge for folks escaping the Atlanta crowds and summer heat. It was once the Reynolds family’s private land, then a gated community, before The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds opened in 2002. Over the decades, Ritz-Carlton has upgraded the property several times, including a 2024 spa renovation and a 2026 refresh of the Club Level and meeting spaces. Those efforts have continued to make the resort a modern destination for travelers wanting a luxury vacation in the Southeast. Ritz-Carlton service is legendary. Even people who haven’t stayed at one of its hotels know the name “Ritz” means an increased level of attention. And, yes, at Reynolds, Lake Oconee, the staff greets you by name and takes care of any request you could have. There’s an additional layer of attention to detail, too: Write a postcard to your friends back home — conveniently supplied in your guest room — and they’ll mail it for you. Forgot diapers for your little one?

They’re tucked away in restrooms, and swim diapers are available at the pool, too. If you choose to stay on the Club Level, the Ritz’s “hotel within a hotel” concept, service is even more tailored to your needs. Is your dress shirt wrinkled? They’ll press it for free before your meeting or dinner. The fifth-floor Club Level includes access to its own lounge, with check-in service, its own concierge, light bites for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert, plus cocktails, add-on services at the spa and other perks. With 257 rooms on 30 acres, it’s a large resort, but one where it’s easy to get away from the crowds. Kids programming makes this a family-friendly destination. There’s a kids’ pool and check-in area, lake adventures designed for them and even a little railroad (the Linger Longer Express) that rolls around daily. But if you’re not traveling with kids, you won’t feel like you booked the wrong place. You can set out on shaded walking trails, admire the sunset on the beach or have a romantic dinner. The smaller infinity pool is reserved for adults and kids ages 12 and older in summer (the rest of the year, it’s open to everyone). It’s the kind of place that offers the ultimate vacation conundrum: Do you curl up on your private balcony or in a hammock on the beach to read a book? Or do you take advantage of all the activities right outside your door?

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WHAT’S NEARBY Downtown Greensboro, Ga., is 13 miles away and offers restaurants, antique stores and other boutiques, plus several museums, including the Greene County African American Museum. There are several walking tours, including one to downtown and one to the cemetery. The resort is 75 miles from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, should you choose to fly rather than drive.

WHAT TO DO Whatever you want to do on a lakeside vacation, you can do here. Swim — in the indoor pool, the outdoor infinity pool, the family-friendly splash pool or the lake. Bicycle on eight miles of trails (using bikes available for guest use). Play 99 holes of golf on five courses designed by Tom Fazio and others. Kick back in the spa and salon. (As a hotel guest, you have access to the spa’s sauna and steam room, even if you don’t book a treatment.) Get your heart rate up at the fitness center, take to the lake on Jet Skis or paddleboards, take a falconry or fishing excursion, or just relax on the beach. Pop into one of the welledited boutiques. If you have to work on vacation, it’s easy, with business centers, tucked-away spots for phone calls, and WiFi throughout the resort.

WORTH THE DRIVE

WHERE TO EAT You have lots of options when it comes to food and drinks. Gaby’s by the Lake is a casual poolside eatery with lake views. Amore Del Lago is a fine-dining Italian spot. Linger Longer Steakhouse has an open kitchen and a traditional steakhouse menu. Oconee Cove is a speakeasy, complete with an entrance hidden behind a bookcase and its own bartender mixing signature cocktails with spirits not available elsewhere. Or, opt for the coffee shop and market, or poolside dining, or the nightly s’mores station. Club Level guests also have access to continuous food and drink in the Club Lounge.

HOW TO GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP Choose from several kinds of suites — some with patios and firepits, others with large soaking tubs. Select Club Level rooms for access to amenities like the Club Lounge, spa enhancements and exclusive seating at the beach. Private multi-bedroom cottages and lake houses are good choices when traveling with family or friends. BY MARGARET LITTMAN PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF THE RITZ-CARLTON

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

The Best

Christmas Memories Start Together

This Christmas, make space for laughter, togetherness, and the kind of moments that turn into traditions. Be among the first to experience the next evolution of ice! featuring Home Alone— a beloved holiday classic never before carved from ice. Tickets and overnight packages are on sale now.

Nov. 6 - Jan. 2 ChristmasAtGaylordOpryland.com

BRAND NEW THEME

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F E AT U R E

TILE VIBES ONLY Mahjong unites generations, challenges minds and inspires connection

GATHERED AROUND TABLES of four, an artist, an architect, two former sales executives, a communications pro, an accounting wizard, an ad agency director, and others share stories and laughs. The familiar clacking of tiles sounds like an uneven metronome, signaling the start of the weekly round of mahjong. What started as a group of mom friends taking their first lesson has grown into a popular lifestyle brand called Mahjong & Magnolias. With more than 55,000 Instagram followers and a robust website, the brand offers tablescapes, recipes and entertaining ideas, and recently launched its own set of cards. But mahjong’s popularity extends well beyond Nashville. How has the game embedded itself so deeply into American culture? And what else can it offer beyond a weekly dose of stress relief and a social lifeline for those who might otherwise lack an outlet? It turns out, quite a bit.

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

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A MYSTERIOUS PAST WHILE HISTORIANS CONTINUE to debate the exact origins of mahjong — much like the contested origins of chess — most experts agree the game emerged in China during the mid- to late 1800s, with Shanghai playing a significant role in its development and popularity. The game enjoyed widespread popularity in China, and in 1912, Joseph Parker Babcock, a representative of Standard Oil Company living there with his wife, fell in love with it. Upon his return to the United States in 1920, Babcock introduced mahjong to American audiences, where it quickly gained popularity. One challenge he hadn’t anticipated was the rapid evolution of the rules, which created confusion and frustration among players. In 1923, Babcock and a group of experts published a second edition of his original book Babcock’s Rules for Mah-Jongg in an effort to establish consistency. In 1937, a group of American Jewish women founded the National Mah Jongg League in New York. One of the primary differences between American and Chinese mahjong is the American version’s use of an annually updated card listing the valid winning hands. Each year, the National Mah Jongg League introduces a new card, adding fresh challenges and excitement for players. By the 1950s and ’60s, mahjong had become a staple of suburban Jewish women’s culture. In recent decades, films such as The Joy Luck Club and Crazy Rich Asians have renewed interest in the game, while social media has helped introduce it to new generations of players. The annual card is not the only distinction between Chinese and American mahjong. American mahjong incorporates jokers as wild tiles, while many traditional Chinese versions do not. The American game also includes a distinctive, multistep tile-passing ritual known as the Charleston. During the Charleston, players select three tiles and pass them to the player on their right. In the next round, they pass three tiles to the player across the table, followed by a final pass of three tiles to the player on their left. Once players complete the passing sequence, the game begins.

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MORE THAN A GAME MAHJONG MAY BE enjoying a surge in popularity, but the game’s appeal extends beyond colorful tiles, friendly competition and afternoons spent around the table. Its combination of memory, strategy, concentration and social interaction has also attracted the attention of researchers studying cognitive health. Studies involving older adults have found encouraging associations between playing mahjong and cognitive performance. A 2024 review of 53 studies examined the relationship between the game and psychological health, with findings suggesting potential benefits. However, researchers cautioned that additional studies are needed to determine whether playing mahjong itself improves cognitive function or helps protect against age-related decline.

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Paige Cleveland, Sarah Hodrick, Meg Dillard, Jennifer Parker, Mary Looney

MAHJONG & MAGNOLIAS FOR JENNIFER PARKER, Paige Cleveland, Sarah Hodrick, Mary Looney, Meg Dillard and Lyn Knopf, Wednesdays mean mahjong. At its heart, mahjong is an opportunity for gathering — a weekly chance to recharge the social battery often overlooked in today’s tech-weary society. In 2019, the six women, who met through their children’s school, decided to take a mahjong lesson together. After years of playing, entertaining and enjoying one another’s company, the friends recognized an opportunity in March 2023 to turn their passion into a business. Drawing on their individual talents and shared love of mahjong, they developed Mahjong & Magnolias, a lifestyle brand celebrating the game, entertaining and intentional gatherings. Today, the women have expanded their brand through partnerships, entertaining guides, recipes and a growing collection of products. Their website offers inspiration for hosting mahjong gatherings, while collaborations include Mahjong & Magnolias-branded Ella B. Candles and a Tervis drinkware collection featuring the group’s hand-painted watercolor designs. Across centuries and cultures, mahjong has evolved, but its appeal remains rooted in strategy, friendly competition and human connection. And as new generations discover the game, the familiar clacking of tiles continues to bring people together, one hand at a time. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

The 31 st Medallion Ceremony Produced and Presented by

THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

We congratulate Tim McGraw, Paul Overstreet, and the Stanley Brothers, and express our deepest gratitude to the many people who gave their time and talent to produce this very special 2026 Medallion Ceremony.

Ralph Stanley II, Lisa Stanley Marshall, and Jeanie Stanley Allinder for the Stanley Brothers

Paul Overstreet

Tim McGraw

Lady A

Ricky Skaggs and Vince Gill

Dean Dillon Billy Strings

First Ladies of Bluegrass

Tanya Tucker

Lainey Wilson

Jamey Johnson

Parker McCollum

Patty Loveless

Randy Owen

Blake Shelton

Photos by: Jason Kempin and Terry Wyatt / Getty Images for the Country Music Hall of Fame, Mary Caroline Russell, and Amiee Stubbs

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE MEDALLION ALL-STAR BAND

Biff Watson, Bandleader and Acoustic Guitar Mark Beckett, Drums Jen Gunderman, Keyboards

Tania Hancheroff, Vocals Alison Prestwood, Bass Deanie Richardson, Fiddle and Mandolin

Scotty Sanders, Steel Guitar Jeff White, Guitar and Vocals Charlie Worsham, Lead Guitar CountryMusicHallofFame.org

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STONG FOUNDTION

STOIED LEGCY Family-run publishing company R.H. Boyd celebrates 130 years of uplifting the Black community

FOR LADONNA BOYD, legacy means devoting yourself to a mission, being community-minded and advocating for social change. And as the fifth-generation president and CEO of R.H. Boyd, she’s seen firsthand how giving people a chance to be heard changes lives. R.H. Boyd is one of the oldest continuously operated, family-run African American businesses — and this year, it’s celebrating 130 years of preserving and celebrating Black heritage. “My great-great-grandfather started with the mission of having Black voices heard in our own faith-based curriculum,” LaDonna says. “And that’s still what we focus on to this day.”

FORMERLY ENSLAVED Richard Henry (R. H.) Boyd founded the nationally renowned National Baptist Publishing Board (now R.H. Boyd) in 1896. During a time of racial discrimination and persecution, R. H. established a thriving independent business that enabled Black churches to produce their own educational materials. By 1930, the company reached a combined circulation of over 12.7 million, reflecting the Black community through literature, faith-based texts, and educational resources — which LaDonna says are “written for us, by us.” Throughout his career, R. H. helped establish several other Black businesses, including the National Baptist Church Supply Company, Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company, the Union Transportation Company and the Nashville Globe newspaper. Each venture gave African Americans better control over their finances and education. After R. H. died in 1922, his son, Henry Allen Boyd, assumed his position. The Rev. T. B. Boyd Jr. succeeded him in 1959, and T. B. Boyd III followed in 1979. And in 2017, LaDonna became the company’s fifth president and CEO. “When LaDonna took over the reins, I was just so happy and proud,” says Yvette Boyd, LaDonna’s mother.

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

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NEW OPPOTUNITIES TO THIS DAY, R.H. Boyd is committed to empowering local communities by addressing modern issues — and providing opportunities for those in need. Yvette coordinates the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, a resource her husband, T. B. Boyd III, created in 1981. Generous scholarships and grants help students, organizations and churches reach their educational, professional and spiritual goals. The endowment has brought educational programming to churches, offered health programs and food services, equipped local schools with essential technology, and helped students attend 34 different universities. “I have a vested personal interest in everything that we’re doing,” Yvette says. “It means a lot to us as a family, as a business and in the community.” This impact is furthered at Legacy Ball, a black-tie fundraiser LaDonna created in 2022. The highly attended event supports the endowment fund while celebrating Black stories in Nashville and beyond. “Our audience looks very different than what you’ll see at some of the other main fundraising black-tie or whitetie events in the city,” LaDonna says. “When we first did our Legacy Ball at the Schermerhorn [Symphony Center], quite a few people came up to me and said that was their first time even in that building.” Each year, LaDonna and her team create an elegant evening where people feel comfortable, welcomed and able to actively engage in philanthropy. And powerful moments throughout the evening bring the mission home. “Each year, I invite back one of our scholarship recipients as well as one of our grant recipients, and they expound as to how receiving the scholarship has impacted their whole life,” Yvette says. “It’s just an honor to have all this done and be able to help.”

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WHT’S TO COME IN THE COMING YEARS, LaDonna hopes to bring a wider regional audience to Legacy Ball, expand fundraising and continue growing the endowment fund. And Yvette looks forward to seeing how her daughter continues to uphold the company’s legacy. “Being the mother, I respect her as my boss,” she says. “I respect her ideas, and I want to help her grow.” While looking to the future, the Boyd family keeps the organization’s storied history in sharp focus. “Our community is still facing a lot of the challenges we were 130 years ago, when my greatgreat-grandfather was sitting in this seat,” LaDonna says. [We’re] continuing to push forward and fight for what’s good and what’s right.” BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND AND COURTESY OF R.H. BOYD

IN R E

3605 KNOLLWOOD RD | $5,700,000 Co-Listed with Shauna Brooks Zeitlin Sotheby’s International Realty (615) 347-2550 | (615) 383-0183

HAL ROSSON

Representing Real Estate Buyers and Sellers Since 1971 615.271.2705 halrosson@freemanwebb.com N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

F E AT U R E

 PEENNIL FVOITE Perenn at Cheekwood cultivates a menu worthy of luncheon on the lawn

IF EITHER CLAUDE MONET or Édouard Manet had scouted locations in Nashville for their respective paintings entitled “Le Déjeuner sur l’herbe,” surely the 132 acres of Cheekwood Estate & Gardens would have topped their lists. Of course, the Cheek family didn’t wrap construction on their great American country place until 1929, decades after Manet’s controversial 1863 impressionist naked luncheon in the grass and Monet’s cheeky 1865 response to it. Still, who doesn’t stroll the wooded and meadowed acreage of Leslie and Mabel Cheek’s legacy landscape and daydream about a perfect picnic?

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WITH SUCH SYLVAN snacking in mind, Perenn bakery on the Cheekwood campus is adding an easygoing edible element to the elegant al fresco environs. “Where you choose to spend your time is really important,” says Aubrey O’Laskey, who co-owns the Perenn family of stores in Nevada and Tennessee with her husband, Tyler. “We want to encourage people to spend more time outside in nature.” After launching in Reno in 2018, the couple, who met at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., expanded their bakery-based brand to Middle Tennessee in 2025. They planted their first flag in Franklin, at a full-service restaurant with outdoor seating along the bank of the Harpeth River. Next came the spacious Berry Hill store, which houses bread ovens and equipment for pastry production, along with ample and hospitable seating. Perenn at Cheekwood followed in May 2026. And even before the WedgewoodHouston market opened, Perenn became legendary in WeHo for caramelized croissant crumbs served atop frozen yogurt at Culture Club next door. Perenn’s multi-hyphenate prowess in breadbaking and place-making is transforming Cheekwood into a dining destination, with a menu as fresh, natural and elegant as the native perennial gardens. “We find a lot of inspiration from England,” says Aubrey, who visited the United Kingdom this summer to explore dairy butter. She describes the tradition of garden centers in the Cotswolds that marry horticulture, dining, design and social experiences. “That’s something we want to have as our presence at Cheekwood,” she says.

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

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Housed in the Frist Learning Center, facing the historic stables, Perenn fills the space formerly occupied by Café 29. Tiled floors and soaring ceilings create a peaceful retreat for morning coffee and tea, breakfast sandwiches and warm brown-butter croissant-cinnamon rolls. Meanwhile, the all-day space provides respite — not to mention hot cocoa — during busy tours of harvest- and holiday-related outings. Naturally, artisanal breads and pastries anchor the menu, which includes items cooked to order, along with grab-and-go offerings in the cooler. Baguette sandwiches layer combinations such as butter, prosciutto, comté cheese and cornichons, or brie with rosemary-fig jam and prosciutto. There’s a chicken salad croissant, avocado toast, a breakfast sandwich (available on a croissant or an English muffin), a leek-and-garlic grilled cheese and a Cheeky Club with rotisserie chicken, bacon, comté, tarragon green goddess dressing, pickled red onion and herb salad on a toasted country loaf. Anything prepared in the kitchen can be wrapped up to carry out into the gardens. Meanwhile, the refrigerated cases abound with picnic-ready takeout boxes, including kid-friendly PB&Js, charcuterie and festive assortments of finger sandwiches — perfect for snacking with a Cheekwood latte or brown sugar-cinnamon cider. Perenn focuses on organic and local ingredients, with no seed oils or dyes. “When we looked at being Cheekwood members ourselves and what we want to experience, we thought, they’ve always done teas,” Aubrey says, referring to the finger-sandwich legacy of the bygone Pineapple Room. “That’s how Cheeky Tea came about.” Don’t take “tea” too literally. Cheeky Tea for Two can just as easily fuel a wine lunch or happy hour — thanks to a roster of mimosas, beer and wines in cans and on draft — or perhaps a prosecco-popping proposal. In fact, it’s not unheard of to see a newly engaged couple celebrating at Perenn after a plein-air betrothal or wedding portrait session. Someday, there might be even more tables beyond the Frist Center courtyard, for luncheon and teatime among the wildflower gardens and sculpture trails, Aubrey suggests hopefully. “The goal is to make the café more around the whole grounds, so you could have a picnic anywhere.” BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

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RECOGNIZE. RESCUE. RESTORE. RESOURCE.

Together, We Can Change the Story of Human Trafficking.

MAKE HOPE POSSIBLE THIS GIVINGTUESDAY | DECEMBER 1

NAHTCOALITION.ORG 35

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

F E AT U R E

A LOT TO LOVE

Modern Love updates a downtown landmark to invite and delight diners all day long

AS MODERN NASHVILLE’S cultural and dining scene expands, the decisions can be overwhelming. Where shall we dine? What can we do after dinner? And the kicker: How will we park? With so many opportunities and logistics to consider, planning an evening out is enough to take the leisure out of leisure time. Navigating new Nashville requires hacks and angles — and we recently stumbled onto one worth sharing.

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The Modern Love restaurant in the Fairlane Hotel downtown may look familiar. Maybe it’s because the jewel-colored stained glass and rich woods of the midcentury-modern-style hotel lobby served as the backdrop for Nfocus’ 2026 Model Behavior photo shoot. Or maybe the setting rings a bell from a feature in Nfocus’ digital newsletter profiling the 7 Paintings Dinner, an immersive dining event based on iconic works of art history, hosted in the hotel’s fourth-floor restaurant space. Of course, the grand windows on the corner of Fourth and Union might simply call to mind decades of banking errands. That erstwhile bank lobby is where Modern Love now serves breakfast through dinner in stylish spaces including a lounge, billiards room, bar and restaurant. Use of space continues to evolve in the Fairlane lobby, since Modern Love’s debut in August 2025. While tables previously occupied the lefthand lobby, now a comfortable lounge fills that space, and dining has migrated to the bar, with banquettes, barstool seating and an elevated diner vibe.

F E AT U R E

CONTEMPORARY CUISINE OVER THE COURSE of two dinners, Modern Love’s dishes were original and well executed, with eclectic plates such as warm crab salad, seared tuna with soba and a jammy egg, duck breast adorned with pistachios and shaved truffle, and chicken stuffed with artichoke and salsify and plated like a colorful garden bouquet. By late summer, the menu — along with the seating — had shifted. The concise dinner roster in the clubby bar included a generous filet plated with roasted carrots coated in crispy quinoa, a disc of roasted leek segments belted in nori — which read like an oversized cross section of a sushi roll — and a pair of velvety yellow carrot and black garlic purées, which added a dramatic black-and-gold finish to the composition. Note: Modern Love is not a destination for a sweet tooth. During our visits, there was no dessert menu. There’s some talk of adding a sweets roster, but until then, the bar offers a few opportunities to drink dessert.

RETRO-ISH PRICING NOT TO SAY everything is cheap and cheerfully priced — after all, there is a $22 burger in the mix — but prices topped out with the $41 filet, and we found several price tags reminiscent of the good old days. Four deviled egg halves topped with housemade pickles, bacon, chili crisp and chives cost $8. Yes, eight. And at $18, the entrée of crisp-fried redfish over a succotash of corn, green peppers, black-eyed peas and andouille ranks among the best dinner value we’ve seen in a long time. At happy hour, the deviled eggs and burger drop down to $5 and $12, respectively.

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

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POOL PARTY ON THE FOURTH Avenue North side of the lobby, the Cube Room off the main lounge has a pool table, television and sofa — a casual hangout for coffee, cocktails before or after a meal, or for passing the time after ordering. A thoughtful server kept an eye on our table and gave us a two-minute advance notice to wrap up our eight-ball before dinner arrived.

FREE PARKING NOT TO BURY the lede, but valet parking is free for guests of Modern Love. When we sank our last bank shot, we stepped out onto the sidewalk to retrieve our car, minus the ubiquitous downtown parking fee. The concierge was very helpful in providing a validation code to enter on a phone. As Modern Love enters its second year, the team continues to fine-tune a formula of food and recreation worthy of attracting a local crowd to a hotel restaurant. This fall, expect menu updates, as well as programming such as live music, Titans game broadcasts, sports on screen after dinner service, and more games to play while hanging out in the Cube Room. BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

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PA R T I E S

Do the Work

The Next Door Recovery’s Annual Fall Luncheon celebrates the power of community

John and Jillian Frist

Jenny Hannon, Kathy Anderson

Anna Thornton, Crissy Haslam

hile the mission of The Next Door Recovery is serious, its board of directors and team are anything but somber. Never was this more evident than at the organization’s 22nd Annual Fall Luncheon, Light for a Lifetime, held at St. George’s Episcopal Church. The mix-and-mingle before the program made it clear this extremely popular event was “oversold.” Over 400 attendees, chicly clad, were bubbling with excitement as co-chairs Shea Ghertner and Dione DeWitte welcomed them in from the stifling heat outside. Everyone enjoyed the Kristen Winston Catering lunch of lemon-herb chicken, orzo with roasted vegetables, caprese salad, and strawberry-pecan mixed greens — finished with almond petits fours from the Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition’s Sweet Daisy Petit Four Shoppe. Executive director Rachel Morris asked clinical executive director Amanda Dunlap to join her in recognizing longtime volunteer and board chair Anna Thornton as she received the third annual Jesus Calling Award. Anna’s remarks centered on her vision of one day seeing TNDR become completely debt-free — and on May 15 of this year, the tireless organization paid off its mortgage and declared itself just that. The goal Anna once thought was possible is now a reality. After sharing several videos of women who sought treatment for substance use disorder, keynote speaker Rebekah Lyons, best-selling author, speaker, and advocate for mental health and faith, took the stage. Her powerfully delivered message was simple, impactful and full of hope and humor. Recounting her life story as a mom of two kids with special needs, who spent years battling mental adversity herself, Rebekah shared a few lessons she’s learned. That the peace of God will give you the resilience to handle the repeating cycle of traumatizing stress. That we’re responsible for our recovery and for retraining our brain, but if you do the work, you will overcome. Often referred to as an “old soul with a contemporary, honest voice,” Rebekah joyfully shared the exact same message TNDR has helped more than 17,000 women seeking treatment learn since 2004. Grammy-nominated Point of Grace, with its soaring harmonies and passionate lyrics, provided the perfect ending to a remarkable and successful day. Lesson learned: Recovery is possible when a committed community shows up — and these dedicated donors showed up in droves. BY GLORIA HOUGHLAND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Justin DeWitte, Kevin Roddey

Amanda Dunlap, Rachel Morris

Laura Niewold, Elizabeth Nichols, Jennie Garth Lowe, Jenny Corts

Co-chair Dione DeWitte, Julie Schneider, Mary Jo Shankle, co-chair Shea Ghertner

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

PA R T I E S

Preservin Dinity

All In For Hygiene supplies Middle Tennesseans with essential products

he Community Resource Center champions a noble cause — preserving the dignity of people across Middle Tennessee. About 2 in 5 Middle Tennessee families struggle to afford basic hygiene essentials, and 1 in 3 Nashville families are unable to buy diapers for their children. But CRC works to mitigate these problems by providing everyday necessities — like soap, shampoo, deodorant, laundry detergent and period products — that aren’t covered by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. More than 100 nonprofits across Middle Tennessee rely on CRC to supply thousands of hygiene and cleaning kits throughout the year. Thanks to meaningful partnerships and engaged volunteers, the organization has distributed more than 7 million products since 2020. CRC’s signature fundraiser, All In For Hygiene, helps make this possible. The evening’s casino theme gives Nashvillians the chance to attend a fun event while supporting a serious mission: ensuring that basics are accessible to every Middle Tennessean. The event offers plenty to do, whether that’s browsing enticing auction items or having an energetic croupier lead you in a table game. And this year, guests showed up at Rocketown in sparkly attire and light-up headpieces, ready to roll some dice. Cocktails by Anzie Blue and bites from Jim ’N Nick’s BarB-Q, Graze Craze, Dirty Dough and Bacon & Caviar Gourmet Catering primed palates for the lively evening ahead. The room’s energy grew rowdy as the night progressed and revelers scored big wins. And of course, guests couldn’t leave without posing for photos in front of a grand “Welcome to Fabulous Nashvegas” sign. But CRC’s impact wasn’t lost in all the glitz and glamour. Passionate volunteers manned an assembly line where supporters packed hygiene pouches for those in need, offering the chance to form a deeper connection with the organization’s crucial work.

Dacia Beard, Karen Polk, Sarah and Braden Young

Emily Buckner

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Kristin Palmer, Margaret Harrison

Chris Jaggers, Riley Jaggers

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Lauren and Jonathan Oliver, Blake and Tara Wilkins

Chris Crofton, Laura Eckersley

Angie and Matt Baranuk

THE 40 TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Join us as we celebrate 40 years of Nashville CARES leading the fight to eliminate HIV through prevention, education, treatment, support, and advocacy. Every ticket, table, and gift honors four decades of compassion and care while ensuring our mission continues for generations to come.

COCKTAILS

DINNER

LIVE PERFORMANCES

MEMORIES

Entertainment for the evening Fancy Hagood Morgxn The Cowgays VAG

Emcee: RaeShanda Lias Keynote Speaker: Francisco Ruiz DJ Amy Darling DJ Josh Owen

Special Awards Ceremony Honoring HCA Healthcare Gilead Sciences NPS Pharmacy

Dr. Joseph Interrante Dr. Christopher Ott Beth-Ann Martorello Margaret Williams

DreamscapeGala.org thedreamscape2026 Tickets & Info Saturday November 14, 2026 6:00 pm

Country Music Hall of Fame 222 Rep. John Lewis Way S Nashville, 37203 PRESENTING SPONSOR

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

PA R T I E S

Megan Reynolds, Julie Jankowski

Liisa Ortegon, Michael Hosale

Joel Tomlin III, Heather Byrd

Step Bll Chne

Dancing for Safe Haven raises funds and spirits to help families experiencing homelessness

Scott and Leigh Lindsey

uests arrived at Belmont University’s Fisher Center for the Performing Arts for the annual Dancing for Safe Haven, a Dancing with the Stars-style competition that pairs professional dancers with community advocates for an uplifting evening of fundraising. The event raises money for Safe Haven Family Shelter, which helps families experiencing homelessness stay together as they work toward stability. Before the competition, guests mingled with the night’s performers. And glittery signs bearing contestants’ names began dotting the crowd, as supporters readied themselves to cheer on their favorite dancers. Emcees Danielle Breezy, Rebecca Murphy and Ashlee Meier welcomed guests and introduced the evening’s esteemed judges: Heather Byrd, Joshua Mundy, Carolyn Smith Bryant and Christopher Wayne. They also spotlighted Safe Haven’s mission with a brief video offering a closer look at the organization’s work. After the Raise the Paddle brought in crucial funds for Safe Haven, the dancers took the stage. Business leader Scott Bruni and professional dancer Kalai Myrick opened the competition with a high-energy performance to “The Devil Went Down to Georgia.” Accounting expert Erin Sparks and Jack Gardner followed, then tax manager Vinit Rai and Laynee Day delivered a sporty routine. Health executive Liisa Ortegon performed alongside partner Michael Hosale. Utility supply executive Sean Newman and Mallory Evan lit up the stage with athletic spins and turns, and nonprofit executive Jeanette Barker and Sean Lyons closed out the competition with a performance that brought the crowd to its feet. At the end of the evening, Vinit took home the trophy — but the celebration ultimately belonged to Safe Haven and the families it serves.

Jeanette Barker

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL SCOTT EVANS

JT Smith, Jeanette Barker, Danielle Breezy, Jennifer Gay

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Brooklyn and Lamont Belk

PA R T I E S

Leonard and Robyn Mays

Victoria and Jeremiah Cline

Jeanette Barker, Sean Lyons

Wendy Green, Heather Coffelt, Janine Burnett, Kim McDonald

Erin Sparks, Jack Gardner

Kalai Myrick, Scott Bruni

Mallory Evan, Sean Newman

Davis Witt, Mary-Margaret Glass, Brendan Finucane, Barr and Cammie Ellenburg

Vinit Rai, Laynee Day

Kyle Langford, Melanie McBurney

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

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PA R T I E S

Ashleigh Borman, Natasha Thompson, Brittainy Jones-Sprules

The Jack Wharff Band

Dorie Bolze

iver Chic

Harpeth Conservancy celebrates environmental successes with Southern flair

Courtney Kivela Robinson, Ashley Herring, Kaylee Wilson, Jenn Adams, Zan Phillips

Brad and Tracy Bulla

Amber Williams, Lauren Hathaway

his year, Harpeth Conservancy’s River Swing — affectionately known as the “Harpeth Hootenanny” — marked its 23rd year of combining river conservation with community celebration. Since 1999, Harpeth Conservancy has restored and protected clean water and healthy ecosystems for rivers across Tennessee. River Swing, dubbed “Most Fun Party” in Nfocus’ Best Parties 2025 issue, masterfully immerses guests in the natural landscapes Tennessee is known for and offers a poginant reminder of why conservation matters. Guests gathered at scenic River Circle Farm for an evening of outdoor festivities, live performances and dancing — the ultimate Nashville trio. Revelers took in lilting acoustic guitar, upright bass and tambourine from Americana band Wily while lounging on plush outdoor couches. As the sun set, guests moved into the dinner tent for a delicious buffet and remarks from Harpeth Conservancy CEO Grace Stranch. “Our rivers in Tennessee and across the country have a head and a mouth, but they do not have a voice,” she said. “That’s where all of you come in.” She then thanked three voices that continually champion Tennessee’s rivers — co-chairs Christian Currey, Elena Graves and Betsy Taylor — for their dedication in bringing this year’s event to life. Grace also highlighted some of the organization’s many triumphs: partnering with Nashville PBS for the Down the Duck documentary, advancing TN Water Watch, the state’s first predictive E. coli modeling system, and passing a bill to remove lead service lines and further improve water quality across the state. To make the night even more lively, guests partook in a funfilled Best Dressed contest, highlighting revelers’ “River Chic” attire. And, per River Swing tradition, the soirée culminated on the dance floor, as serenades by The Jack Wharff Band got everyone on their feet. BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY HAMILTON MATTHEW MASTERS

Grace Stranch, co-chairs Betsy Taylor, Christian Currey, Elena Graves

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

PA R T I E S

Grace Stranch

Erin and Patrick Lynch

Dania Winfree, Gary Scott

Patrick and Anne McGinn

Monica Belanger, Abigale Schloth, co-chair Christian Currey, Brittainy Jones-Sprules, Amanda Rankin

Sydney Shepard, Aiden Benoualid

Natasha Thompson, co-chair Christian Currey

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Wily

Avery Martin, Grace Stranch

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PA R T I E S

Bsed on Beuty

OZ Arts Nashville’s Beyond Bourbon fundraiser supports cutting-edge art Emily and Michael Johnson

Genie James, Liz Kennedy Thomas



Co-chair Robert C. Sherrill, E.J. Odom

s Tennessee’s leaves start to tinge with orange, OZ Arts Nashville opens its doors for Beyond Bourbon, transforming the contemporary arts venue into a lively event space. The highly attended fundraiser gives patrons the chance to sample dozens of fine spirits, wines, beers and nonalcoholic beverages, all while supporting OZ’s masterful programming — and keeping tickets to performances accessible. Long-awaited cool breezes met guests on the late-September evening, all the more apt for sampling warming libations. Patrons began their experience with intimate VIP tastings by industry pros, where they expanded their knowledge — and vernacular — in groups as small as 10. Suzanne Phifer Pavitt, CEO and founder of Phifer Pavitt Wine and Spirits, guided guests through her house’s complete wine-towhiskey story. Arnita and Tim Ozgener served samples from their personal collection of tequila and mezcal, acquired largely during their international travels. Jason Eskind and Bret Moore explored the history and allure behind Pappy Van Winkle, one of the world’s most coveted bourbons. And wine enthusiasts Pamela and Tony Cmelak hosted the spirited World Cup 2026: Revisited tasting, featuring 12 highly rated wines from Argentina and Spain — two of the world’s great wine-producing countries, who also faced off in July’s FIFA World Cup final. And the tastings continued as guests flooded into the main room, perusing enticing booths and auction items, from rare cigars and whiskeys to custom guitars. While sipping and savoring, everyone drew their attention to a video teasing OZ’s upcoming season, featuring innovative productions from across the globe. Tim welcomed the crowd, thanking co-chairs Jenn and Rob Adams, Robert C. Sherrill, and Nicole Tripodi and C.R. Smith, as well as honorary chairs Denice and Milton Johnson, for the successful evening — and for highlighting the importance of the arts. “We try to bring innovative, cutting-edge, really outside-the-box arts,” Tim said. “But it’s all based on beauty and us connecting with what’s important [in] life.” The soirée culminated with a lavish whole-hog dinner prepared by Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint, giving revelers plenty to swoon over on the ride home. BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Arnita and Tim Ozgener

Ryan Downey, co-chair Jenn Adams

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Marco Morkous, co-chairs Nicole Tripodi and C.R. Smith, Andrew Hidalgo

Irving Brown, Charles Sueing

PA R T I E S

Athina Filippopoulos, Vince Catania

Pamela Bollinger, Delaney Shelton

Michael Scribner, Trent Cox

Tony and Pamela Cmelak

Nick Britt-Cunningham and Kristen Britt, Tiffany and Rob Murden

Suzanne Phifer Pavitt

Joe Kane, Theo Hall, Elizabeth Upshur

Meredith and Corey Lile

Uyem Tran, Joe Vuong, Ogechi Anyatonwu

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PA R T I E S

Coureous nd Stron

The annual Girl Scout Luncheon encourages girls and women to Amplify Her Voice

uests gathered at City Winery for the annual Girl Scout Luncheon benefiting Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, whose mission is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. During the reception, guests admired models strolling through the crowd in Girl Scout uniforms spanning the decades, including one dating to 1948. After the reception, guests found their seats and enjoyed a lively performance by the Lipscomb University Gospel Choir, led by Aaron Howard. And, per tradition, a troop of Girl Scouts led the flag ceremony. Throughout the room, current and former Girl Scouts raised three fingers and recited the Girl Scout Promise. Danielle Barnes, president and CEO of Girl Scouts of Middle Tennessee, welcomed guests to a luncheon centered on the theme “Amplify Her Voice.” The phrase served as a call to support girls and women as they find their voices and create change in the world. As Danielle spoke, graphics displayed throughout the room noted that 70% of girls ages 5 to 13 say they feel lonely, while 4 in 5 Girl Scouts say their best friend is in their troop. “I want every single girl to become fully herself, to discover who she is and find the power to amplify her voice,” Danielle said. Award-winning singer-songwriter Erin Enderlin took the stage with current Girl Scout Malena Arhagba for a heartwarming Q-and-A. Erin also performed several of her songs, including “Monday Morning Church,” which she wrote with songwriter Brent Baxter. WKRN-TV anchor Shelby Mac and Amazon’s Michelle Gaskin Brown also joined the conversation. “When you invest in a girl, you’re not changing one life,” Michelle said. “You’re changing the trajectory of a family, a community and an economy.” Her remarks aptly honored the luncheon’s theme. “The future will be led by women who were once girls brave enough to speak up,” Michelle added.

Macy Gouge (1998 uniform), Megan Bush (1984 uniform), Scout Hardin-Schmitt (1984 uniform), Celia Hammond (1978 uniform), Rachel Smith (1972 uniform) Shelby Mac (1948 uniform)

Katie Marchetti, Monica Mackie

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Danielle Barnes, Gretchen Wolfe, Lisa Parkins White

Amy Smartt, Lisa Harless

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Kylie Greer, Elizabeth Garza Bumpas, Praveena Eswaran

Erin Enderlin

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PA R T I E S

Becca Fuqua, Knight Stivender, Lily Fleenor

Libby Callaway, Vadis Turner

ll the Best People The Sexual Assault Center’s Mad Hatter raises record-breaking funds

Eve and Kevin Vanzant

n a perfect September evening, Sexual Assault Center supporters donned their best hats for the organization’s annual Mad Hatter. This year’s Flora and Fauna theme inspired many elaborate creations, like a headpiece with a golden snake hidden among gold leaves and a hat covered with bouquets of blue flora. While the evening offered plenty of whimsy, it supported a serious mission: working to end sexual violence through counseling, education and advocacy and providing healing for children, adults and families affected by sexual assault. At the VIP reception, co-chairs Eliot Bloom, Sam Creamer and Mark Hemberger thanked guests for their generosity. Following a Champagne toast, actor and singer Brian Charles Rooney performed hits like Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time.” The sublime weather kept many guests in the open-air courtyard, while others headed into the Conrad Nashville’s ballroom foyer to browse and bid on an extensive array of silent auction items. Interactive experiences, like a documentary film and a trauma-informed art installation, brought SAC’s mission to life. Others, like a hat-making station, invited guests to have fun crafting their own headpieces. After the reception, guests enjoyed an Italian-themed buffet before taking their seats for the evening’s program. Rachel Freeman, SAC CEO, recognized sponsors, dignitaries and supporters before acknowledging that she wishes organizations like hers didn’t have to exist. Until the culture changes and sexual violence ends, she said, SAC will continue helping survivors. “We are here to walk alongside someone on their healing journey and help them navigate the healing process, so they don’t have to do it alone,” Rachel said. The mood shifted back to Mad Hatter’s signature playfulness with the much-anticipated hat contest. Judges selected winners in three categories before guests turned their attention to a spirited live auction and another round of fundraising. By the end of the night, guests had propelled SAC well beyond its fundraising goal, setting a new record for Mad Hatter. The milestone offered more than a reason to celebrate — it gave the organization additional resources to ensure survivors across Middle Tennessee don’t have to navigate healing alone. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Ken and Sharon Conour

Bob and Rachel Freeman, Freddie O’Connell, Whitney Boone

Phillip Creamer, Brian Charles Rooney, co-chair Sam Creamer

Eddie and Libby Tyner

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PA R T I E S

Betsy and Charlie Townsend

Victor Kha and Amanda Manceau-Kha

Michaela Bradley, Jessica Lavender, May Lavender

Daryl and Sherry Deke

Anastasia Krajeck, Toni Thomas

Emma Dauban, Katie Marchetti and Brian Buckley

Anne Marie Sherman

Casey Nuchow, Katie Freeman

Jeff and Trina Estepp, Beth and Dale Travis

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Karen Bennett, Jill Ross

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PA R T I E S

Laura Baker, Rebecca Burcham

Cathy Bissell

 Sfe Plce to Lnd

Nashville Humane Association’s Cause for Paws merges fashion with philanthropy

Melinda McGaw, Pamela Cmelek

W Co-chairs Eleanor and Peter Cobb

hen fashion meets philanthropy, it’s always a good day. This year’s Cause for Paws brought together Nashville’s chic crowd and adorable puppies to support Nashville Humane Association’s lifesaving mission to help dogs and cats in the community. For 80 years, the shelter has done just that. Guests arrived at Belle Meade Country Club in their most fashionable luncheon attire. At the reception, lovable — and sleepy — puppy ambassadors greeted guests, waking just long enough to happily wag their tails and give precious puppy kisses. Revelers enjoyed cocktails while browsing a silent auction filled with trips, spa experiences and more. Many also visited the sparkling Diamond Cellar display, which inspired some to buy a bauble or two. Once everyone found their seats for lunch, the program began. NHA first thanked co-chairs Eleanor and Peter Cobb for their tireless passion for animals. Then, the organization presented the newly renamed Colton Award for Excellence in Animal Welfare (formerly the Julia Colton Award), which now honors longtime supporters Julia and John Colton for their contributions. This year’s award went to Cathy Bissell, founder of BISSELL Pet Foundation, which has awarded grants to shelters for spay, neuter and adoption services for 15 years. “Shelters are more crowded right now than ever, and finding pets a safe place to land has never been harder,” Cathy said, with urgency. “That’s exactly why the work Nashville Humane is doing matters so much.” After a rousing round of applause, it was time for the fashion show. This year, organizers partnered with Gus Mayer and Cinq à Sept to curate the beautiful looks that swept the runway. And, as is tradition, the puppy ambassadors who greeted guests made a few appearances on the catwalk as well. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Patti Collier, Ashley Henry, Stacey Rhodes, Nikki Peal, Rachel Fisher Robinson, Lisa Kelly

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

PA R T I E S

Jay Joyner, Molly Haynes, Pam Taylor, Mary Spalding

Loren Chumley, Denise Cummins

Amy Atkinson, Holly Whaley, co-chair Eleanor Cobb, Rahel Klapheke Sloan, Marie Kudelko

Rachel Ailor, Sheila Shields

Roseann Rogers, Beth Sherwood, Melissa Hobbs

Heather Elder, Abbay Blankenship

Kaylee Wilson, Ashley Herring

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

PA R T I E S

Where Nshville Slows Down

Morgan and Jennye Miller-Wallace, Drew Ann Borsos

Greenways for Nashville’s Dinner by the Bridge celebrates 20 years

Pam Dematteo-Linn and Gary Linn

Lynn Maddox, Allen DeCuyper

Meg Morgan, co-chair Steve Sirls, Brenda Gilmore, Freddie O’Connell, Monique Odom

Lindsey Tipps, Lindsey Kirk

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

n early October, Greenways for Nashville supporters gathered at dusk for the 20th annual Dinner by the Bridge — an opportunity to champion some of the city’s most cherished resources. The evening’s setting, Ascend Amphitheater, provided stunning views of the recently upgraded Cumberland River Greenway, now open year-round regardless of events. Guests mingled, sipped cocktails and lounged in amphitheater chairs while admiring the sunset. Executive director Meg Morgan welcomed the crowd and thanked co-chairs Sandra Duncan and Steve Sirls, who started the beloved event 20 years ago. She also paid tribute to late artist Phil Ponder, a dedicated Greenways board member who’d passed the day before. “As we enjoy celebrating the future of Greenways tonight, let’s also honor the amazing trailblazers, like Phil, who set us up for that success,” Meg said. Metro Parks Department director Monique Odom spoke eloquently about the role greenways play in weaving together neighborhoods and parks. She also highlighted a recent 300-acre addition to Alvin G. Beaman Park, ensuring permanent protection for one of Nashville’s most significant landscapes. “Our greenways are more than pathways connecting one destination to another,” Monique said. “They are places where Nashville slows down a little. They give us room to breathe, to move, to reconnect with nature and with one another.” Mayor Freddie O’Connell addressed the rapt crowd, sharing how increased sidewalks, bikeways and accessible public transit will give options for connectivity that have been all too rare in Nashville’s history. “The Greenways master plan has an ambitious goal: a trail within a 10-minute walk of everyone in the urban core,” he said. Invigorated guests made their way onto Ascend’s stage for an elegant seated dinner. It’s hard to imagine a more Nashville way to spend a Thursday night. BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Kelley and Andy Ross, John and Catherine Tumminello

Tuwanda Coleman and Charles Shaw

PA R T I E S

Marcy and Charlie Evans

Wes and Claire Finley

Lee Pratt and Neil Krugman

Mick Nelson, Kaitlin Dastugue, Jacob Kupin, Terry Vo

Ryan Rafoth, Annette Durham, Elizabeth Paschall, Alli Ulvila

Evan Holladay and Jined Lamata Holladay with Evie

Kaitlyn Jones, Parker Hawkins

Helen Wilson, Sara Bates, Renee Bates, Lenda Elmlinger

Kathy Griffin, Linda Ashford, John Norris

Lisa Crowe, Elizabeth and Tim Netsch

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PA R T I E S

Plntin oots

The Branching Out Fashion Show and Tea Party grows in its second year

John and Julia Truemper with Will and Mattie

uests gathered at Dillard’s at The Mall at Green Hills for the second annual Horticultural Society of Middle Tennessee Branching Out Fashion Show and Tea Party. The Branching Out campaign supports Root Nashville’s initiative to plant 500,000 trees across Middle Tennessee by 2050. Co-chairs Nikki Peal and Stacey Rhodes orchestrated the event, greeting guests as they arrived. After revelers found their seats, emcees Danielle Breezy and Hugh Howser emphasized the organization’s mission and introduced campaign chairs Lucie Cammack and Deby Pitts. Deby spoke about the importance of planting trees throughout the region — a need brought into sharp focus by the devastation of Winter Storm Fern. This year, organizers brought a decidedly Nashville element to the event: Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Natalie Hemby performed for the crowd. She opened with one of her hits, “Redesigning Women,” a fitting anthem for a day dedicated to fashion. Then, the fashion show began. As the music took over, models hit the runway outfitted by Dillard’s in some of the season’s best fall looks. To the delight of the local crowd, members of the community served as models and, buoyed by the applause, strutted up and down the runway, many offering high fives along the way. Afterward, guests visited with friends, shared their favorite looks and enjoyed glasses of wine before sitting down to a tea party in the heart of the store. The afternoon offered plenty of fashion and fun, but the cause remained at its center. Through Branching Out, supporters helped Root Nashville continue working toward a greener Middle Tennessee, one tree at a time. With each tree planted, the initiative aims to strengthen the region’s tree canopy and ensure future generations enjoy a healthier, greener community.

Lucie Cammack, Jane MacLeod, Deby Pitts

Thomas Barrett, Morel Enoch, Belinda Berry

BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

Co-chair Nikki Peal, Danielle Breezy, co-chair Stacey Rhodes

Lisa Faricy, Dee Patel, Mary Jo Shankle

Natalie Hemby

Elissa Patel

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

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Stop by the nonprofit Croquet Cafe when visiting Centennial Park and explore locally crafted, Southern-inspired fare.

Where Nashville Grows

PA R T I E S

Kelleigh Bannen, Sondra Morris, Cyril and Fran Stewart

Co-chair Nathaniel Beaver

Mary Ellen Pethel, Demetria Kalodimos, Lea Williams

Livin Diloues

The 3rd annual Paint the Town honors what was and is being built

n a crisp October evening, a passionate group of preservationists, architects, designers and policy makers gathered at The Bridge Building for Preserve Nashville’s Paint the Town. Preserve Nashville, a strategic alliance between Preservation Society of Nashville and Historic Nashville Inc., represents the magic that happens when nonprofits work together — and how collaboration creates the biggest impact. Through advocacy, education and easement stewardship, Preserve Nashville serves as Nashville’s unified voice for preservation. At this year’s Paint the Town, guests raised a toast to this achievement — all while taking in scenic views of the Nashville skyline and the Cumberland River. During a lively cocktail hour, revelers watched in awe as artists created paintings of beloved Nashville landmarks on the spot. Preserve Nashville co-chair Kelleigh Bannen welcomed guests, thanked sponsors and highlighted event co-chairs Mimi and Nathaniel Beaver’s excellence in bringing the vibrant evening to life. She also welcomed Nathaniel onstage, who, as CEO of Infinity Hospitality, spoke to how business and preservation relate to one another. Mayor Freddie O’Connell offered a heartfelt tribute to the late Phil Ponder, a prolific artist who documented Nashville’s scenery. Freddie also shared his excitement for Preserve Nashville, an alliance he believes will strengthen the fabric of our city. “A city without memory is just buildings,” he said. “We share the common goal of preserving the places that make us Nashville, that give us the heart and soul of our city. The most vibrant cities in the world are the ones that are living dialogues between what was and is being built.” Historian Carole Bucy received the Sondra Morris Award for championing the stories that have shaped Nashville. And Kelleigh and Colson Horton brought the house down during the live auction. Despite not considering themselves professional auctioneers, the dynamic duo effectively raised spirits — and support for local preservation.

Freddie O’Connell

Colson Horton, David Greider, Kelleigh Bannen

Tom and Wanda Vickstrom

Miranda and Nandor Tamaska

BY MADELEINE BRADFORD PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANGELINA CASTILLO

Carole Bucy

Nick Dryden, Ellen Fuson, Kem Hinton

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

PA R T I E S

Holly and Christopher Ing with Isabelle

Lundy Cupp

Darragh McNicholas and Lindsey Lanquist with Saoirse, Ed Lanquist

The Colors of the Sesons

Katie and Peter Morone with Pax and Sam

Fall for Cheekwood welcomes families to celebrate the season

Amy Mueller, Christiana Roussis, Loftin Brooks, Lauren Isenhour

Donnie Counts and Kayla Clayborne Counts with Tristan and Sebastian

he arrival of autumn in Nashville can mean many things, if not always cooler temperatures. And for hundreds of families, it means spending a Sunday afternoon at the Fall for Cheekwood fundraiser in support of the botanical garden’s education and outreach programs. Returning for its 13th year, the event is an annual tradition for some, and for newcomers it holds up as one of the most magical ways to experience the gardens. Chaired by Kate and Hank Ingram, along with Ryan and Barrett Wood, this year’s event welcomed guests to spectacular weather fit for a fall fest, providing the perfect backdrop for seasonal family fun. While hayrides, face painting, lawn games, sack races and other time-honored traditions delighted the kids, the debut of a first-ever Marigold River proved to be a solid standout: 2,500 vibrant red, orange and yellow blooms created a gorgeous river of color next to the Arboretum Lawn. As guests strolled the acres, they found tried-and-true delights around every corner: Pumpkin houses, the Once Upon a Harvest-themed scarecrow trail, Lundy Cupp’s haunting and endearing pumpkin carvings, and dozens of autumnal nooks and crannies in plain sight offered respites and photo opps alike. Adults enjoyed festive cocktails and brews while kids ate their cotton candy amid the colors of the season set against the rolling hills of Belle Meade. The Frist Learning Center Great Hall was the perfect final stop of the evening, where families enjoyed a buffet dinner provided by Edley’s Bar-B-Que. For hours, the event filled the grounds with the sounds of laughter, bluegrass music and friends catching up in the sunshine — all while supporting Cheekwood Estate & Gardens’ efforts to engage thousands of schoolchildren through field trips and cultural experiences. BY JEANETTE BARKER PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC ENGLAND

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

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PA R T I E S

Wltz cross Tennessee A Tennessee Waltz celebrates the state’s rich history with an elegant evening at the Capitol

Tera Rica Murdock and Austin Watkins

Mark Winslow, Morel Enoch

Co-chairs Tre and Dawn Hargett

riends and supporters of the Tennessee State Museum

gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol for an evening of fun and fundraising at the annual A Tennessee Waltz. While preserving and sharing the state’s history, the museum also offers educational programming for children and adults to deepen their understanding of Tennessee’s rich heritage. As guests ascended the Capitol steps, a string quartet welcomed them with the familiar melody of Redd Stewart and Pee Wee King’s “Tennessee Waltz.” Co-chairs Dawn and Tre Hargett greeted attendees beside a stunning floral display shaped like Tennessee. After collecting their table assignments, guests headed upstairs for the cocktail reception. The day’s rain gave way to clear skies, and revelers ventured onto the terrace to enjoy the evening air, a little elbow room and sweeping views of the Nashville skyline. Some even indulged in a cigar or two. Inside the library, guests perused an extensive selection of silent auction items. Following the reception, guests gathered for dinner and remarks. In honor of the nation’s 250th anniversary, blue-andwhite linens and vibrant red floral centerpieces adorned the tables. Once everyone settled in, Dawn and Tre took center stage. Tre, Tennessee’s secretary of state, spoke about his work and the state’s standing among its peers — before turning his attention to the museum’s mission. “We get to preserve the artifacts of our great state,” he said, thanking guests for supporting that important work. “We get to make them accessible.” After dinner, guests returned upstairs, where eye surgeon and accomplished musician Ming Wang captivated the crowd with a rendition of “Tennessee Waltz” on the erhu, a traditional Chinese two-stringed instrument. The performance struck a chord with revelers, who showed little interest in calling it a night. Instead, they took to the dance floor and waltzed the evening away to the sounds of the Midtown Jazz Quartet. BY JANET KURTZ PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHAEL SCOTT EVANS

David Mills and Alisa Haushalter, Jason Mumpower, Leonie and Peter Buckley

Bo Watson

Austin Barlow Pennington, Anne Cain

Ming Wang

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

PA R T I E S

Brent Hyams, Leigh Hendry

Erick and Jenell Jones

Trevor and Elizabeth Yarbrough, David Topping

Joseph and Ann Gilbert, Shealia Hearn and Tommy Oliphant, Richard White

Ashley Howell, Sheila Dial Barton, Ann McGauran

Rick and Mollie Scarbrough, Kevin and Johnna Vaughan

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

Shelby Somervell, Garrett Johnson

Vanessa Falk, Robert and Susan Falk

PA R T I E S

Crispin and John Menefee

Diana and Zach Pelham

Marty Luffman, Angie Miglio

Douglas and Ashley Henry, Kayla Clayborne Counts and Donnie Counts

Christi Throneberry Henry and Todd Henry

Charles and Abbey Payne, Chip Saltsman and Katie Mills-Saltsman, Jordan and Christa McCarren

Mary Beth Thomas, Liz Sillay

Chengshan Wang, Ming and Anle Wang, Angela and Tamay Ozari

Thomas Barrett, Belinda Berry

nfocusmagazine.com | N O V E M B E R 2026

NRETROSPECT

Five Genertions nd 130 Yers of .H. Boyd WITH ITS GENESIS as the National Baptist Publishing Board, founded in downtown Nashville in 1896 by formerly enslaved Richard Henry (R. H.) Boyd, a family-owned publishing company that bears his name celebrates 130 years and five generations of leadership. R. H. (seated left in top photo), an entrepreneur, joined a small group of prominent Black Nashvillians to found Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Company in 1904. His son, Henry Allen Boyd (seated right in top photo), helped establish a land-grant college for Black students, now Tennessee State University in Nashville. In the 1960s, the Rev. T. B. Boyd Jr. steered the publishing venture built by his grandfather and uncle to the forefront of the Civil Rights Movement. After his father’s death, T.B. Boyd III guided the company into the 21st century and introduced many new products and services. He also chaired the board of Citizens Savings and Trust Company Bank (the name changed slightly from 1904 to then). Since 2017, LaDonna Boyd, great-great-granddaughter of R. H. Boyd, has served as president, CEO and chairman of the board of the R.H. Boyd family of companies, headquartered on Centennial Boulevard, which publishes inspirational resources for churches and communities nationwide. In 2022, she founded the Legacy Ball to support the R.H. Boyd Family Endowment Fund, which provides scholarships to deserving students and grants to impactful community organizations. BY CARRINGTON FOX PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF R.H. BOYD ARCHIVES

N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com

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N O V E M B E R 202 6 | nfocusmagazine.com