Music City, TN February 2023

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Caleb Gamblin # teamcaleb

Listed By: Mary Lynn Davis Corcoran Reverie MLS# 2473723

FebruaryLocal Love

Love comes in many different forms, and it gives us a glimpse of someone’s heart—a part of them we don’t see on the surface.  We are all drawn to various expressions of love in different ways, and we tend to appreciate expression that makes us feel something.

Our February issue is dedicated to sharing about local products, and places in our area. As you read about a few local businesses in our community and their stories of passion and self-expression, we hope you are inspired to pursue what you love. After all, February is the month of love.  With the hectic schedules we often keep, it is easy to let our hobbies, talents and special interests fall by the wayside.  We just have to be deliberate about allowing ourselves time to pour into interests that we love and that fill us up.

So, while you fill your home with chocolates, flowers and valentines (and perhaps college basketball) this month, remember to give yourself some time to do what you love. Find what makes you feel alive, and don’t forget to share it with us. And while you are at it, don’t forget to shop local and support our local businesses right here in our community.

XOXO,

JENNIFER KAUFMAN, PUBLISHER

February 2023

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Kaufman | j.kaufman@citylifestyle.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Delia Jo Ramsey | Delia.Ramsey@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Stephanie Krejci

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kellie Benz, Myra McEntire, Delia Jo Ramsey, Julie Brown Patton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

James Williams

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman

LAYOUT DESIGNER Eva Tucker

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

1: Brennan Burke & Grant Sory at MODE Properties Holiday Party at Carlock Motors. 2: Jennifer Kaufman, Santa & Jennifer Downs at Vincent Peach holiday party. 3: NYE at The Twelve Thirty Club 4: CRE615 Holiday Event supporting young real estate professionals in Nashville. 5: CRE615 Holiday Event supporting young real estate professionals in Nashville. 6: Behind the Scenes at Gunnar Peterson cover shoot. Photos by Josh Vaughn. 7: Holiday event with Music City Rollin Jamboree. Gil Grand on the guitar.

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Pickers Original Vodka Purchases Will Contribute To MHA Health-Related Support

Pennington Distilling Company made a $10,000 donation to Music Health Alliance toward the nonprofit’s work to provide free health care advocacy and support to those within the music industry. In addition, the distillery's leaders pledged to donate $1 of every bottle of Pickers Original Vodka sold in all their Nashville accounts that support live music to MHA during 2023.

YMCA Of Middle Tennessee Has New President/CEO

John Mikos was named president and CEO of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee/ mid-state association of YMCAs, which includes 14 family wellness centers, a 300-acre day- and resident-camp facility, the region's largest network of before- and after-school care sites and a number of community-based outreach programs for youth and adults. He is a YMCA veteran of 25-plus years. The search committee for John's position was led by current YMCA of Middle Tennessee board chair Lawson Allen.

Sam Grisman Tour At Riverside Revival Slated For Feb. 7

Sam Grisman, son of David Grisman, who performed with Jerry Garcia during the 1990s, set Feb. 7 for the Sam Grisman Project Tour to be held at Riverside Revival, 1600 Riverside Drive, at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 for general admission/ standing room; $30 for limited seats in the balcony. Sam says, "By playing some of their beloved repertoire, we'll show the impact this music has had on our own individual musical voices." Tickets:  RiversideRevivalNashville.com .

ARTICLE BY MYRA MCENTIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES WILLIAMS

Thistle Farms: Love Heals

VISIT THISTLE FARMS CAFE AND SHOP TO HELP SPREAD LOCAL LOVE

“Love is an experience; it’s a way to live in the world,” says Becca Stevens, founder and president of woman-led Thistle Farms.

“It’s a universal concept, but it’s experienced locally,” she continues. “That's how the world will heal. Love in your community is the most powerful kind. It's not us taking on one another's trauma; it's us sitting with people as they heal from it. It becomes a joy, not a burden. At Thistle Farms … we laugh as much as we cry, we celebrate as much as we grieve.”

Thistle Farms is a social justice enterprise that helps women overcome and heal from systems of prostitution and exploitation. Employing survivors, the cafe is

a restaurant, tea service, and event space. Items available for purchase in the attached shop include luxurious handmade textiles for the home, as well as jewelry, candles, essential oils, and more. All are handcrafted locally by survivors. Thistle Farms wants to extend an invitation to the local community to get involved by coming for a visit.

“First, when we love somebody, we have to be concerned about their economic well-being," says Becca. "Buying our soap, eating at the café, lighting our candles - that economic impact makes the biggest difference. Sometimes people ask what they can do besides buy our products. Our products are like an evangelical tool. 70% of the items are bought for gifts, so people are buying them and then gifting them and sharing our story. The best thing people can do is eat at the café and bring three friends. That’s huge!

“The second thing is that we have an open circle every Wednesday morning. It's the women in the program, volunteers, staff, and graduates who come back, but in the circle, we just practice love," Becca explains. "We light the candle, and do a check-in. There’s no ritual except for us hearing how people are doing. It’s a reflection, a reading, and that's it."

“Thirdly, we are trying to build a Remnant Project which is a textile history of women who have survived sexual assault, gender-based violence, all of those things," Becca says. "You can't really photograph all the scars that women carry. Many of them are internal, so we're trying to depict what those scars are and then binding them together with powerful red borders and gold threads. We're inviting people to basically join a quilting circle. We have about 200 panels done already, and we're hoping for 1000. We need people! We have two residents coordinating that project, so we engage with women from the program. You're invited to either create your own square or work on someone else's.”

Tasha Kennard, chief executive officer of Thistle Farms, says, “I remember when Becca started Thistle Farms 25 years ago. It was such a bold mission to help women who are surviving human trafficking, prostitution, and addiction and to do it with such a novel approach: creating acceptance, belonging, and opportunity. The café is really an invitation to the CONTINUED >

local community to come in and learn what Thistle Farms is about, but when you're here, you can feel that there's something different. It's a trauma-informed workplace, so we're not afraid of difficult conversations, we're not afraid of someone having a bad day, and we hold each other accountable to do the work that helps create more emotional stability and healing.”

“I believe the practice is 9/10ths of love,” says Becca. “If I can practice love in my daily life, that is how people experience love. Love is about doggedness and wanting to bloom, getting practical, and getting into the way that you work, the way you live, and the way you speak. I'm not crying for people, but I'm willing to weep with people. The only kind of love that I'm interested in is loving people without judgment.”

Readers can visit Thistle Farms online or in West Nashville.

thistlefarms.org/ instagram.com/thistlefarms/?hl=en thistlefarms.org/pages/meditation-circle

For information on the Remnant Project email contact Becca at thistlefarms.org

The Iconic Nashville Candy Brand Offers Guests Immersive Chocolate Experiences

GOO GOO CHOCOLATE CO.

ARTICLE BY DELIA JO RAMSEY PHOTOGRAPHY BY NASHVILLE GURU

Just south of Broadway on 3rd Avenue, Downtown’s Goo Goo Chocolate Co. gives Nashville residents and tourists a wholesome and fun family-friendly option just steps away from the madness of Music City’s honky-tonk corridor.

The recently renovated downtown shop gives off all the vibes of a modern-day Willy Wonka Chocolate Factory, offering interactive  "Taste of GooGoo" and "Secrets of GooGoo" classes, plus design-your-own confection stations, a full-service chocolate bar and a retail store selling merchandise and candies like the iconic GooGoo Cluster. The Goo Goo Cluster is a classic Nashville creation, still using the original recipe dating back to 1912.  GooGoo also boasts the title of America’s first-ever combination candy bar, invented in a copper kettle at the Standard Candy Company at Clark and First Avenue. The circular mound of caramel, marshmallow nougat, fresh roasted peanuts and real milk chocolate was the first shape of its kind, making it more difficult to package than the conventional regular and square shapes of its time. More importantly, this was the first time multiple elements were being mass-produced in a retail confection.

Now an iconic Nashville dessert brand, Goo Goo's downtown location offers chocolate lovers a taste and an education to boot. Get in line at the chocolate bar to create a bon-bon box or order from a menu of sodas, sundaes, and milkshakes plus a rotating selection of seasonal treats and treats featuring other local names.

Craving something even more personalized? The downtown chocolate party offers four kiosks where guests can walk up and customize their very own candy bar. Just follow the instructions on the screen,

For those over 21, the shop offers whiskey and wine pairing experiences, dubbed "Goos and Booze" to arrange the perfect flavor combination with their confections, plus boozy milkshakes at the chocolate bar year-round.

The GooGoo Chocolate Co. downtown is open 7 days a week from 10 am until 6 pm.

If you don’t live in Nashville, chocolate enthusiasts can also place orders online for shipping, plus GooGoo has partners across the nation. Check their website’s retail locator to find the Nashville sweet treat in your own neck of the woods.

googoo.com

EASY TO

love

RECORDING ARTIST ERIN ALVEY AND NASHVILLE PREDATORS' FILIP FORSBERG MAKE A LIFE TOGETHER IN NASHVILLE

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARLING JULIET PHOTOGRAPHY

While Nashville singer Erin Alvey is known for her song "Easy To Love," it's really Predators' ice hockey left winger Filip Forsberg who knows the song's true heartfelt sentiment. Filip and Erin, both 28 years old, married each other last July at Dunderry Castle, the château of Erin's family in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France.

That song is actually about Filip, reveals Erin.

"Easy To Love practically wrote itself. I told my co-writers that Filip not only made me feel loved, but he made me feel 'easy to love,' and there was a big difference. I could write a novel about how appreciative I am to Filip for loving me as completely as he does. Anyone who knows Filip knows he's actually the one who's 'easy to love,'" Erin adds.

The two met in Nashville through mutual, local friends at the Dave & Busters in Opry Mills Mall. "He asked me there on a date two days after he'd gotten my phone number," recalls Erin.

However, Erin is a Southern Belle originally from Georgia, and Filip is a Swedish hockey player who became the leading goal scorer in the Predators' history on March 19, 2022.

Before they met, Erin says she wasn't completely familiar with hockey. "I'd never been to, or even watched, a Predators game before. Being from Georgia, we didn't have much exposure to hockey," admits Erin. "I'd say he wasn't much of a country music fan, either. I'd been transitioning my music style before we met, so he never got to know too much of my country genre side."

Filip says he appreciates Nashville's varied dimensions and many positives and hopes to finish his career in the Music City; during 2022, he signed an eight-year contract extension with the Predators worth $68 million.

Erin tours the country playing shows and has shared the stage with national acts, such as Thomas Rhett, Chris Stapleton, Florida Georgia Line, Lady A and Rascal Flatts. Along with her music career, she also recently starred in a movie titled, Shark Island , where she lived on set for a month in Thailand. She was recognized as NBC Channel 8's Rising Star, and was featured in Golf Digest and ESPN, among other TV segments/online news outlets. She also represents international brands, ranging from Harley Davidson Motorcycles to Revolve Clothing.

Other notable Erin songs include "Wish He Were You," "Sending Love From Yesterday" and "Any Other Heart."

With both of them having demanding careers, Erin agrees it's a bit challenging to carve out private time. "At first, it was very difficult. I was touring after we met and he never actually got to see me perform until after COVID," she says.

"I've been mainly focusing on writing and recording in the studio in Nashville for my new releases, so he sees a lot of my 'behind the scenes' work now. I've also loved this season of life of getting the chance to be there for almost all of his home games while continuing an important aspect of my career as well: the beauty of living in Nashville."

She says Filip is considerate and intentional when it comes to spending time together. "I'm beyond thankful for that. I think people would be surprised how little time we get to spend together even when we're both home in Nashville. We love going to dinner, or ordering in and watching a movie, or playing a video game together. Off-season is usually when we get to spend the most interrupted, quality time."

Regarding love for Nashville, Erin says they love the community, restaurants, their careers and the multitude of opportunities that Nashville constantly presents.

She adds, "We both fell in love with this city separately from each other before we met, and we've really enjoyed growing that love for Nashville together. We both think it's the most wonderful place to live, work, and soon hopefully raise a family."

Filip is a major "foodie" and he's turned Erin into one as well. "We eat out fairly regularly and particularly enjoy  Bourbon Steakhouse, Jeff Ruby's, the Twelve Thirty Club, Virago and Bartaco. Honestly, the list goes on and we're constantly trying new restaurants," she says.

Filip started a hockey clinic four years ago, with Erin assisting with its organization. "For the first few years, I helped with off-ice elements, but this past year, I got on the ice with Filip and the kids, and it was so fun," she says.

They've separately worked with various charities, such as Make-A-Wish Georgia and Make-A-Wish Tennessee over the years, and are currently in the process of organizing a few charity events to come in the future. "We love how much this city gives back to its community, and we're always happy for the opportunity to be a part of something bigger," assures Erin, who also works with Enduring Hearts, Potential Me Foundation and The Georgia Cancer Research Center.

SIP ON SOMETHING SOUTHERN WITH FRANKLIN DISTILLERY

ARTICLE BY KELLIE WALTON BENZ | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTINA STAINBROOK

Tennessee has come a long way from the days of prohibition to the booming beer, wine and spirits production that now takes place statewide. While still technically a dry state, Tennessee has earned a rightful place as a leader in the American liquor industry.

In 2022, a local newcomer entered the spirits scene when longtime friends Michael Stainbrook and Michael Ward launched Franklin Distillery, a modern-day distillery crafting spirits reflective of the American South.

“We always shared an interest in home brewing, and we’ve had this dream in the making for nearly a decade,” said co-founder Michael Ward. “We started exploring a homemade gin by using a few southern-grown botanicals in a neutral vodka in an attempt to craft something along the lines of gin.”

With their flavor nailed down, the pair sought the help of a distiller to help bring their recipe to market, and now, Franklin Distillery’s Southern Gin and Southern Vodka can be found in stores, bars and restaurants across town.

“Franklin Distillery has crafted approachable spirits that are in a class all their own,” Ward shared. “By identifying the aromas, flavors and botanicals first and then crafting spirits to celebrate them, we’re able to bring forth the comfortable and inviting essence of the South.”

The 88-proof gin is made by distilling a unique blend of 14 botanicals, which include juniper, watermelon rind, pear, lime peel and more, brought to proof using pure Tennessee water filtered through limestone. In 2022 alone, the product collected a bevy of awards from the SIP Awards, Bartender Spirit Awards, ASCOT Awards and more.

“It’s important for us to stay true to our essence and bring forth the flavors, aromas and aromatics of the region,” Ward added. “In keeping with our roots, the 14 botanicals that make our gin unique are sourced throughout the region.”

Also on the market is Franklin Distillery’s award-winning Southern Vodka, a spirit that earns its Southern distinction thanks to its innovative use of Florida-grown citrus in lieu of potatoes or grains. While not flavored, gentle hints of citrus from oranges, lemons, limes or grapefruit may delight the senses while sipping.

Franklin Distillery’s vodka and gin can be enjoyed neat or on the rocks, or are bright additions to any cocktail. Try the Southern Bee’s Knees, a honey-hued combination of Southern Gin, lemon juice, honey and sparkling wine, or mix the Southern Vodka in with your favorite Bloody Mary mix.

The products are carried at a number of retailers across Middle Tennessee, just look for the red circle logo donning the coordinates 35° N 86° W. Wondering where this will lead you? The answer is the heart of Franklin, right in the town center.

“Franklin has a historic downtown surrounded by rolling farmland and up-and-coming development,”

Franklin Distillery’s Cherry Lime Spritz is the perfect cocktail for celebrating Valentine’s or Galentine’s this month. Here’s how to make it!

RECIPE CHERRY LIME SPRITZ

INGREDIENTS

• 2½  ounces Franklin Distillery

Southern Vodka

• 1 ounce Lime Juice

• ½ ounce Luxardo Maraschino or Cherry Liqueur

• .25 oz Simple Syrup

• 1 dash Orange Bitters

• Club Soda

• Garnish: Limes and Fresh Cherries

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine Franklin Distillery Southern Vodka, Luxardo Maraschino, simple syrup, and orange bitters into a martini shaker with ice.

2. Shake for a few seconds, then strain into a highball glass over add crushed ice.

3. Top with club soda and garnish with an abundance of fresh lime wedges and cherries. Cheers!

said Ward. “These coordinates are representative of both the heart and precision that go into Franklin Distillery spirits.”

Growth is hopefully on the horizon for Franklin Distillery, as the pair dreams of opening a brick-andmortar distillery in Franklin. Plus, additional spirits including a rum and a bourbon may soon be in the lineup.

“Our hope is that you’ll make our spirits, yours,” Stainbrook added.

For more information on Franklin Distillery’s story, current lineup or future development, or to find a store near you, visit franklindistilleryco.com .

2023 SEASON TICKETS ON SALE NOW

ELEVATE YOUR CLOSET

Every woman dreams of an organized and beautiful closet space, but it often comes last on the list of places that get their time and attention. Follow our three tips for transforming and elevating your closet as you Spring clean and declutter for a more peaceful, inspired space you absolutely love.

A sneak peek inside the closet of active mom and entrepreneur Keri Tarantino of Leawood, KS reveals a dressing room that rivals celebrity homes in Beverly Hills. But it didn’t come easily. Keri painstakingly planned, designed and curated the space with care.

When we first stepped inside, we gasped as our eyes beheld the glory. No detail went unnoticed in this dreamy dressing room. Here are some guiding principles that can be drawn from her exquisite taste and vision. How you organize your closet will of course differ based on the size of your space, the size of your wardrobe, and the kind of life you lead. But applying the guidelines Keri used in her space will result in a much more organized and aesthetically pleasing space.

1. USE REAL ESTATE WISELY

Reserve the front and middle of the closet for clothes worn most often. For someone who gets dressed for work each morning at 6 a.m., work clothes should be at the front of the closet. Store lesser-worn items like formal wear and out-of-season clothes toward the back and on the upper shelves. The large mirror and counter with chair provides the perfect spot to select jewelry and finalize finishing outfit touches. While every closet is different, the key here is everything has a home.

2. ORGANIZE BY KIND AND COLOR

Group clothes by kind first and color second. This ensures quick location of that favorite shirt when it’s needed. Bonus - it’s easy on the eye. Group like with like: Gather belts, sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, work pants, dresses, button-down shirts, jeans, shorts, etc., and decide the best place to store each item as a group (e.g., hang pants in the closet, fold and stack sweaters in a bureau). Working with groupings will help you figure out how much space you need and the best way to store each type of item.

3. UPGRADED HANGERS

The simplest and fastest way to make a BIG difference in your closet organization is to get matching hangers that go beyond the traditional plastic or wire hangers. And for sure ditch any with paper from the dry cleaner! Here’s a few of our favorite elevated hangers:

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS |

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA

3 WAYS TO ORGANIZE AND INJECT STYLE INTO YOUR SPACE

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

FEBRUARY 4TH

Espresso Martinis & More Cocktail Class

LIQUOR LAB, 144 2ND AVE N SUITE 10 | 2:00 PM

Head to the liquor lab for cocktails and an education. Learn to make 3 full espresso-based cocktails with added twists of flavors and techniques. Small bites will be served during the experience from local food partners.

FEBRUARY 11TH

Valenshines Moonshine Excursion Train

220 WILLOW ST, NASHVILLE | 12:00 PM

All reserved-seat passenger train service on a 3.5 hour round-trip ride, featuring moonshine sippin’ from Ole Smoky Moonshine. Take a seat and relax and sip 6 different samples of Ole Smoky Shine in a complimentary souvenir Mason Jar. A box lunch from Smith’s Catering is included in the ticket price! *Cash bar with beer, wine and 'shine available on the train.

FEBRUARY 18TH

Nashville Wine in the Winter 2023

LOCATION HILTON NASHVILLE DOWNTOWN, 121 4TH AVENUE SOUTH | 5:00 PM

Nashville's 7th Annual Wine in the Winter is an experiential tasting with 100+ wine, beer, spirits and savory selections. Attendees will take a break from the cold and sample spirits in a Winter Wonderland setting in the heart of downtown Nashville.

FEBRUARY 18TH

Rihanna Drag Brunch: Nashville

THE ELECTRIC JANE | 11:00 AM

Rihanna is back at The Electric Jane. Don't miss a drag brunch dedicated to RiRi! Dance and sing along to this POP Diva.  Starring Jaidynn Diore Fierce (RuPaul's Drag Race), Venus Ann Serena, Alexis Storm, Alexia Noelle. All guests must purchase an entree. 18+

FEBRUARY 18TH

Mardi Gras at Assembly Hall

ASSEMBLY FOOD HALL 5055 BROADWAY PLACE | 12:00 PM

Laissez les bons temps rouler at Assembly Hall’s 2nd Annual Mardi Gras party! Bring the whole krewe for this fabulous fête with live New Orleans jazz music and Creole fare at Assembly Hall. Pretend you're on Bourbon Street with a Test Tube Shot or a French Street cocktail. The infamous Hurricane will also make its debut in souvenir cups.