PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE AND PICK UP
NOVEMBER 1, 2026 VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 13
Free
Eric Nelson
Punk Rock Ambassador
SOUTHSIDE’S OWN FRESH-BREWED CRAFT BEER @ HELLO MONTY’S 306 W MAIN ST
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2 » Livewire | GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN
November 1, 2026 | Vol 1 No 13
Letter from the editor
In the heart of Downtown Ringgold, GA Handcrafted Coffee & Smoothies Pastries with Keto Options Breakfast and Lunch Event Space Rental
Welcome to another artisanal handcrafted zine. It’s Scorpio season, they say, known for its intensity and mysticism. Do the astrologers mention anything about music festivals? There are many popping up mysteriously, and I guess those can be pretty intense on a cool fall evening. This month we feature the woman behind the Chattanooga Renaissance Faire, and Dylan gets the story of how it came to be. Doug Bales sat down with Eric Nelson, who is probably one of the biggest reasons there is a significant punk scene here today. Ann Law makes us feel present at a La Paz dance event that celebrated National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Home of the Zenith Man Collection
Monique Clouse Editor-in-Chief
Cover Story……………………………… 4
Record Review…………………………18
Puzzles…………………………………… 5
Good Eats……………………………… 20
Staff Picks……………………………… 5
Life In the ‘Noog………………………21
Live Music Calendar ……………… 8
Puzzle Answers………………………21
Dance Review…………………………12
Frivolity………………………………… 23
Events Calendar ……………………14
Poem by lfp…………………………… 23
Art Around Town……………………16
On the cover: Photo courtesy of Eric Nelson. PUBLISHER & ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Monique Clouse PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Monique Clouse MUSIC CONSIGLIERE Terry Clouse ADVERTISING SALES Monique Clouse, Barbara Autry CALENDAR COORDINATOR Monique Clouse CONTRIBUTORS Marc Michael, Chuck Crowder, Lori Kyle, Jim Tanner, Douglas Bales, Jenn McCormick, Dylan Kussman, Ann Law, Victoria Hawley POETRY by lfp, PHOTOS by Cole Duncan aka Bone Wizard Media, Jim Tanner, Brian Storey DESIGN CONSULTANTS Eric Jackson, Angela Rich CIRCULATION Monique Clouse, Terry Clouse LIVEWIRE MAGAZINE LLC produces LiveWire Magazine bi-monthly and distributes 2,000 copies free at over 50 locations throughout the city. Printed at Advantage Printing and Mailing Services. © 2026 LiveWire Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. 910 Georgia Ave PO Box 63 Chattanooga, TN 37401 livewire-chatt.com
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MUSIC
THE FULL NELSON Eric Nelson: Punk Rock Ambassador By: Douglas Bales
ABSOLUTELY.
If you’ve been around the music scene in Chattanooga for any length of time, you’ve probably come into contact with Eric Nelson. Either by seeing one of his bands, or his solo acoustic shows, or just hanging out at a gig, Eric is a standard in the local scene.
That was the beginning of Eric Nelson becoming who he is today. A great many of those that we think of as “local musicians” were drawn to this scene simply because of him. His natural kindness, caring, and positivity pull in goodness and the love of music like a magnet.
He grew up in Dalton, Georgia and was surrounded by music from the get-go. His mother was (is) a huge fan of all types of music, and his father was a guitarist for several groups, most notably, The Generals, who put out several singles on Okeh Records.
If you are a friend or a fan of Eric and his music, you should count yourself lucky. He is truly one of a kind. He was one of the originators of the ‘Do Ya Hear We’ Festival and several other fantastic shows and bands in our area.
Eric played his first show at the Dalton Recreation Center in 1986 when he was 15 years old. His band at the time was called Scrap Iron. After that he had no doubts that it was what he wanted to pursue. And he did.
When I asked him “What does ‘punk’ mean to you?”, he immediately answered, “Community! Freedom to be what you want, both mentally and spiritually. Just being cool.”
He soon formed a band with some of his best friends. They were called The Shaffers, named after the late-night musical icon Paul Shaffer. This band consisted of Eric Nelson on guitar, Mike Pack on bass, Nathan Roe on drums, and Michelle Detore on lead vocals. This group ended up being a seminal part of the North Georgia and Chattanooga scenes.
He says that his biggest musical inspirations are great songwriters, like Bob Mould, Joe Strummer and D. Boone, to name just a few.
The biggest problem they faced was being a “punk” group in the small (and square) environs of Dalton, Georgia in the early 90’s. They were not bad people, by any means. The worst thing they ever did was play loud music, but the Dalton P.D. was constantly on their asses. The group, and several of their musical friends eventually migrated to Chattanooga. The Shaffers soon took off on a tour that was inspired by the Maximum Rocknroll publication “Book Your Own Fuckin’ Life”. It was basically a bible for punk and indie bands, full of venue contacts, crash-pads, and other necessary advice for any band that wanted to get out and play. The Shaffers made use of all of this info and hit the road with paper maps and sketchy phone contacts. (Remember, these were the days before any sort of internet). They did an eight-week tour that spanned from Florida to Michigan. His following groups, The Jack Palance Band, and The Hidden Spots also did some extensive touring. These bands included Eric Nelson, Mike Pack, Brian ‘Buddha’ Bush, Jeremy Edds and Ryan Maddox. Were they hungry? Yes. Did they have breakdowns? Yes. Were they uncomfortable sometimes? Yes. Did they build life-long friendships all over the United States? 4 » Livewire | GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN
In 2001 Eric married the love of his life, Amy. The two of them are an unstoppable force in the local music scene, constantly coming up with new groups and songs and ideas for our everlasting entertainment and enjoyment. Eric’s most recent project is a group called Mixed Signals. You can find their recordings on Spotify and Bandcamp. You can also catch them at local and regional venues. Mixed Signals consists of Eric Nelson on guitar and vocals, Heather Lacy on bass guitar and vocals and Sam Weathers on drums. You should check out this group any chance you get. Also, Eric occasionally plays some blistering solo acoustic shows. If you’re a decent person and ever get to meet Eric and Amy, they will give you the Full Nelson. Great music, great food and great love. Keep your eyes on the flyers.
Dalton 1991
Staff Picks from the Calendar Anywhere, Suddenly It started as a 15 minute story-telling performance, and grew into a multi-media full production including film. The last show of the season is at the Woodshop on Sunday November 8. Forever Bluegrass Festival Three full days of bluegrass starting on Thursday at the Show Barn in the gorgeous Mountain Cove Farms. The real deal from the Pinion family, descendants of Boxcar Pinion. November 5-7. Red Bank Porch Fest Porches hosting some awesome performers! All day November 7. You will even see the first-gentleman of Livewire playing fretless bass there if you look carefully! Rock & Smock This could only happen here. Bouldering and drawing joining up for a day of trying out one or both. No need to even bring anything to give it a go. November 14 at Rockmont Park. Neko Case She's finally here! We tried to see her at the Caverns, and I won't go into how that ended... Let's forget all that and be glad she's back to sing for us at the Signal November 5. One More Day Fest Red Bud Venue is hosting a fund raiser for STEPTN, with some of our favorite Chattanooga indie rock and punk bands. November 14, The Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra Forget Americana for a minute. Try Nordicana! A seven piece IMBA award winner from NORWAY will be at the Woodshop November 4.
Anywhere, Suddenly
Solutions to puzzles on page 21.
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Spotlight
RENAISSANCE WOMAN by Dylan Kussman & Victoria Hawley. Photos by Brian Storey Dylan Kussman sat down with Becca Coleman at Curio Kobe on its opening day for the interview from which we gleaned the marvelous tidbits for this article. We wish we had space to include it all! What began for Becca Coleman as a family adventure became an unexpected journey into bringing out the best possible weirdness and creativity in the people of Chattanooga, whilst building a series of “uniquely them” businesses with business partner Erin Leonard. Becca and her husband had been RV-ing around the country with their first child, when a health crisis necessitated staying in place for her husband’s treatment. “We liked Chattanooga. A beautiful place. I loved the outdoor aspect. It’s a little weird. It’s not too big, but it’s also not too small, which is great. So we decided just to make roots here.” The various businesses and events grew almost organically, one spring-boarding to the next. “ I feel like at our business, it's grown to this huge thing, but it didn't start there. You know, if we started where — oh yeah, I’m gonna buy a farm, I'm gonna have three stores, do all these crazy events — that would have been so daunting to even think about.” “I’ve always loved gardens, specifically botanical gardens, and I was always really surprised that Chattanooga didn’t have one. So our first project we were doing was actually starting a botanical garden here in town.” Rezoning challenges eventually stalled the botanical garden idea (stay tuned because it’s still simmering), so the partners shifted focus to their cut flower farm, Joli Jardin Farm. “Our first business model…was doing flower trucks… We started as a pop up business and it was super fun. We had a really good run our first year. I think we did 100 pop ups in a year.” The Covid shutdown in 2020 found them with about 15,000 tulips ready to bloom. Andrea and Ryan of nearby Walden Peak Farm contacted them with an offer to let them build a farm stand on the property. That contactless farm stand became the perfect pivot during the shutdown. “People could come… put money in a box…they could come pick out their flowers. And at that point everyone was really bored. They didn’t have anything to do, so some people would make the scenic drive up Signal Mountain, go get flowers, and kind of make a journey of it. And we doubled our sales that year just by having the farm stand, which was really amazing.” The following spring 2021 saw the opening of their first retail shop, Joli Jardin Flower Shop, on Market Street. Enthusiastic appreciation of the vibrantly walkable Frazier Avenue, as well as “a love of old books, all things botanical, dark art, oddities, and other magical influences” led to opening their second retail shop in 2024. “So we decided to do a spin and focus on more house plants at this Frazier Avenue store. And then also continue selling retail items, local art, loose leaf tea, and all kinds of stuff. And we kept the 6 » Livewire | GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN
name French: ‘Joli Jardin’ is French for ‘pretty garden’. We named the new store, Verre Noire, which is French for ‘black glass’. “When we did open Verre Noire, we never expected to have as many events as we have now. But we're in such a good location in town, and we have such cool neighbors. And we wanted to give [locals] a reason to come back.” Three or four months after opening Verre Noire, they hosted their first Night Market, an in-store pop-up with about 10 artists. “And our first event, we had a 3 hour wait to get inside the building. It was packed, and it was so cool. And we kind of knew from that moment, oh, people do want this. This is something that can grow. And so we kind of nurtured it from there.” Said Coleman, “we always theme our Night Markets. It makes it really fun. People love to participate. People love to dress up. We did a Renaissance themed Night Market, and it was packed. You could barely walk, and people had the coolest outfits. We saw full knight
in armor to, like, these corset petticoat outfits, to faeries and elves. People just took it and ran with it. And it was so cool, but that event's only 3 hours long, you know? But because I had such a big turnout, me and all my creative nerdy friends were always like, ‘why don't we have a Ren Faire? This is Chattanooga, it’s big enough. This would be really cool.’ … I was like, okay, I do want to do this.“ With a shoestring budget and a small army of volunteers, along with tremendous support from Parks and Outdoors, the inaugural Chattanooga Renaissance Faire was held May 30 in Coolidge Park, and drew a remarkable crowd, gridlocking traffic and giving many other local businesses their best day of sales in years. The next one is planned for November 14th & 15th, and tickets are on sale now. Curio Kobo, the latest venture, a groovy little shop and collaboration with I Go Tokyo proprietor Margaret Armour opened in September. “Here at Curio Kobo, we hyper-fixated on just our local regional artists, which is really fun. There's…so much cool talent in this area. And again, this is just another stepping stone so they can get their art out there. And if they want to pursue something bigger in the future, they've got a foot in the door, which I think is really hard to do sometimes for artists.” Becca calls her husband her biggest supporter, and shouts out to all the passionate people helping make all this happen (unfortunately too many for us to list here), and genuinely appreciates being able to include her kids in this fabulous life she’s created. “I try to work to make it kind of magical and pretty and appreciate the little things, the little moments, the art, and that makes this world a little bit magical. I bring my kids to a Night Market… And they live this little magical, almost bohemian little childhood, where they're part of this huge community that will watch over them and take care of them.” In a busy world where online shopping has become the norm for so many people, Becca and her partner(s) keep finding ways to grow
their businesses, very much in the spirit of bringing the community together, supporting and encouraging artists of all kinds, and embracing the collaborative synergy of working with—and being inspired by and inspiring—other entrepreneurs.
Livewire | VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 13 « 7
LIVE MUSIC CALENDAR
# MONDAYS @ Barlery Backroom | 6:00 PM
# WEDNESDAYS @ Barking Legs | 7:30 - 9:30 PM. $10 adv, $12 door
gathers some of the region's finest pickers and singers. Different bands each week.
# WEDNESDAY 4 @ Roland Hayes Concert Hall | 7:00 PM. $50 - $70
OLD TIME JAM — Traditional old time music jam.
WEDNESDAY JAZZ — Weekly jazz, rotating lineup
THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA — Big Band / Swing
@ Gate 11 Distillery | 7:30 PM
@ Back Stage Bar | 8:00 PM
# SUNDAY 1 @ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 8 PM (show). $20 / $23. 18+
MONDAY BLUES JAM — November will feature Yattie Westfield with co-host Jacob Friant. Come listen, or sit in with the host and play your favorite tunes.
DANIMAL & FRIENDS — Every Wednesday
NIGHT MOVES — Indie Rock / Dream Pop
@ Songbirds | 6:00 PM (doors), 7:00 PM (show)
@ Cherry Street Tavern | 7:00 PM. $10. 21+ MONDAY OPEN MIC — Hosted by Mike McDade
# TUESDAYS @ Cherry Street Tavern | 9:30 PM. 21+ TUESDAY NIGHT OPEN JAM — (After Trivia) Casual jam session for musicians of all levels. Players can sit in with rotating musicians.
# THURSDAYS @ Back Stage Bar | 8:00 PM
@ Songbirds | 6:00 PM (doors), 7:00 PM (show) FENG E — Virtuoso young ukulele performer.
JOEY WINSLET — Every Thursday
@ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 6:30 PM. FREE
Feng E
@ The Reading Room Bar | 7:30 PM (show). Free. 21+ AMBIENT MUSIC NIGHT — Recurring event featuring local and regional musicians, the first Sunday of every month
RANDY STEELE'S BLUEGRASS JAM — Every Tuesday, Beginner Jam at 6:30, Intermediate Jam at 7:30
# MONDAY 2 @ Cadek Recital Hall | 7:30 PM
@ The Woodshop | 5:00 PM (doors), 6:00 PM (show).
DR. LIUDMILA GEORGIEVSKAYA PIANO RECITAL — Classical / Piano
All Ages JHETT BLACK'S TUESDAY BLUESDAY — Live Audience Broadcast showcasing the best in regional and touring blues and roots artists with elevated cocktails, award winning blues, and curated cocktails broadcasted over WUTC. 88.1.
@ Barlery | 6 - 8 PM. Free TUESDAY CHILL — Rotating lineup of live Americana, folk, and acoustic artists.
@ The Woodshop | 8:00 PM SCENIC CITY SOUL NIGHT — Weekly series led by Bryant 'Bass Hitter' Russell and his band, Bass Hitter & The Prophets. Inspired by '70s Motown, jazz, and smooth soul, this funky, rotating ensemble features guest vocalists each week.
# FRIDAYS @ The Woodshop | 8:00 PM FOREVER BLUEGRASS FRIDAYS — Curated by Cindy Pinion and the Pinion family. Rooted in the legacy of Boxcar Pinion's festival,
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@ The Woodshop | 5:00 PM (doors), 6:00 PM (show) HAYDE — Seven-piece Norwegian acoustic band blending bluegrass with Nordic folk, a style dubbed Nordicana.
@ Elsie's Daughter | 6 - 9 PM, All Ages LON ELDRIDGE AT ELSIE'S — Lon Eldridge brings his smooth swingin' stylings to the Elsie's patio every Thursday. Enjoy craft cocktails, an inspired dinner menu, and stroll the Choo Choo Gardens.
BEN SOLLEE — Indie Folk, Kentucky cellist and songwriter
@ Chatt State, HUM Bldg | 6:00 PM. $9-16 adv CYS FALL CONCERT — Chattanooga Youth Symphony
# FRIDAY 3 @ Back Stage Bar | 8:00 PM JESSE JAMES JUNKURTH — Every Friday, Enjoy his acoustical style music on the back porch on Station Street.
Hayde
# NOV 5-7 @ Mountain Cove Farms | $15- 72. Kids 16/under free with a
parent or guardian. 9TH ANNUAL FOREVER BLUEGRASS FALL FESTIVAL — Rain or shine on the stage in the historic Show Barn. Many of our area's finest musicians from the hot local bluegrass scene, along with new, up and coming bands, will be on hand for an unparalleled three days of superb music performances. There are also dozens of jam sessions all around at anytime of the hour.
# THURSDAY 5 @ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 7:00 PM. 21+ BERTHA- GRATEFUL DRAG — The world's first all-drag Grateful Dead trubute band. Benefitting Tennessee Valley Pride.
@ First Baptist Church | 7:30 PM
@ The Woodshop | 5:00 PM (doors), 6:00 PM (show)
UTC CHORAL DEPARTMENT — Concert and Celebration of Roland Carter
MAGGIE KOERNER — Upstate Tour. Soul / Blues / Roots Rock
@ JJ's Bohemia | 6:00 PM. 21+ MICAH SCHNABEL & VANESSA JEAN SPEKMAN — Country. With Cody Landress-Gibson
Cody Landress-Gibson
@ JJ's Bohemia | 10:00 PM. 21+ NATURE BOYS - DEFOILANT IRON CHILDE - RUNT — Punk
@ Songbirds | 6:30 PM. (Sliding scale). 18+ HOME AGAIN — AN EVENING OF STORY, SONG, AND BELONGING A benefit for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition featuring Chattanooga author Mariah Friend reading from her debut novel, The Pattern Shop, followed by a conversation about identity, migration and belonging with Hope Henchey. Ghanaian-born musician Kofi Mawuko and his eight-piece Ogya World Music Band bring the evening to life with rhythms from West Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas. Proceeds support immigrant and refugee families across Tennessee.
@ Tremont Spot | 7:00 PM. $10 Suggested Donation CHATTANOOGA SONG CIRCLE — Luke Gard, Jefferson Ross, Richard Daigle
CIGARETTES AT SUNSET — Possum Rock / Americana / Indie Folk
@ Wanderlinger | 6:00 PM JOE LOGAN — Solo performance
# FRIDAY 6 @ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 7:00 PM (doors), 8:00 PM (show).
# SATURDAY 7 @ 1940s USO Dinner & Dance | 6:00 PM. $30
$20 / $25. 18+
BARNHARDT EVENT CENTER
SICARD HOLLOW — Progressive Bluegrass / Jamgrass. With Omcat
— 1940s-themed evening with live
@ Boneyard | 6 PM (doors), 7 PM (show). $10. 21+ INDIE ROCK NITE — Idle Threat, The Undertaking, Meadows, New Rituals, and Kick Out At Two
@ First Baptist Church | 7:30 PM CONCERT AND CELEBRATION OF ROLAND CARTER — UTC Choral Department
@ Hi-Fi Clyde's | 8:00 PM. $10. 21+ THE ESSENTIALS — Party cover band
@ JJ's Bohemia | 8:00 PM. 21+ NEW JUNK CITY- FREEBOX DIVISION OF FIRE- CARBOARD CUTOUT — Punk
@ Puckett's | 7:30 PM. Free, Tips encouraged
@ The Signal | 6:30 PM
JIMMY GALLOWAY — Folk / Jazz / Americana / Multi-genre
NEKO CASE — Neon Midnight Green Tour
@ Songbirds | 7:00 PM (doors), 8:00 PM (show) SPANKTHE80S — 80s Tribute
@ The Caverns | 7:00 PM Neko Case
@ The Parlour | 7:00 PM
BIG GIGANTIC PRESENTS DOUBLE VISION — With Sunsquabi & Phyphr. Electronic / Funk
music by Scenic City Sound, dancing, dinner and a tribute to veterans
@ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 7:00 PM (doors), 8:00 PM (show). $20 / $25. 18+
POST ANIMAL — MAYBE YOU HAVE TO TOUR Chicago psychedelic rock band
@ JJ's Bohemia | 8:00 PM. 21+ NAW - TONGUECUTTERSHEELZ - LEPERWITCH MR WRESTLER 13 — Metal / Noise
@ Puckett's | 7:30 PM. Free, Tips encouraged ALEX CHRISTY — Country / Americana
@ Songbirds | 6:00 PM (doors), 7:00 PM (show) THE ARCADIAN WILD — With Addison Agen. Indie Folk / Folk-Pop
@ The Caverns | 7:00 PM
NovemBer ShowS 5th- 6pm show - Micah Schnabel & Vanessa Jean Spekman, Cody Landress-Gibson, (Country) 5th - 10pm show - Nature Boys, Defoilant, Iron Childe, Runt (Punk) 6th - New Junk City, Freebox, Division of Fire, Cardboard Cutout (Punk) 7th - NAW, Tonguecutters, Heelz, Leperwitch, Mr Wrestler 13 (Metal/Noise)
8th - Holy Water, Vick Vapors, More is Not Enough, Atria.0 (Goth/darkwave) 14th - Posey, C-Grimey, (Hip Hop)
231 E MLK BLVD
BIG GIGANTIC PRESENTS DOUBLE VISION — With Smoakland & Zoska. Electronic / Funk
@ The Signal | 6:30 PM JACKSON DEAN — Country
@ The Woodshop | 7:00 PM. Free MUSIC WITH A MISSION- FREEDOM SINGS USA — Presented by
Livewire | VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 13 « 9
ArtsBuild and Freedom Sings USA, featuring music DANIMAL, The Essentails, Blake Worthington, Josh Wheeler, Joe Grieser, and Brandon Renna.
artist each month.
@ Wanderlinger | 8 - 11 PM
SINGING MOCS AND JAZZ BAND CONCERT — Vocal Jazz / Big Band
TOMMY PRINE — Son of legendary songwriter John Prine, establishing his own reputation through deeply personal songwriting. With Delaney Ramsdell
@ Songbirds | 6:00 PM (doors), 7:00 PM (show)
@ The Signal | 6:30 PM
BRINA PALENICA — Honduran-American actress, voice-over artist and director. Her voice has been featured in numerous animated series and video games. Comic Con After Party
@ Red Bank | 10 AM -NITE. FREE RED BANK PORCH FEST — 11 sets of original music by local artists starting at 10am
# SUNDAY 8 @ JJ's Bohemia | 8:00 PM. 21+ HOLY WATER -VICK VAPORSMORE IS NOT ENOUGHATRIA.0 — Goth / Darkwave
# TUESDAY 10 @ Roland Hayes Concert Hall | 7:30 PM
CUFFING SEASON AND SARAH MOOTZ — Blues / Pop
BOWLING FOR SOUP — Pop Punk Christone “Kingfish” Ingram
Bowling for Soup
@ Walker Theater | 7:30 PM
# MONDAY 9 @ Barking Legs | 7:30 PM. $15 BARKING STRINGS — Monthly acoustic collaboration every 2nd Monday in the lounge. A rotating bank of local musicians, strings, reeds, keys and percussion will highlight a favorite folk and Americana
DANIEL KIMBRO & SAM LEWIS writer. This is before Scenic City Soul at 8pm (requires separate ticket)
# FRIDAY 13 @ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 7:00 PM (doors), 8:00 PM (show). $25 / $30. 21+
REMAKES — R.E.M. Tribute
@ Roland Hayes Concert Hall | 3:00 PM
FORTUNATE YOUTH — With Kash'd Out & Jarv. Reggae Rock
@ The Woodshop | 5:00 PM (doors), 6:00 PM (show) — Americana / Folk / Singer-Song-
VIck Vapors
@ The Caverns | 5:00 (doors), 6:00 PM (show)
CHRISTONE 'KINGFISH' INGRAM — ‘The Hard Road Tour’ Blues Rock / Electric Blues
@ The Signal | 6:30 PM
KEB' MO' — Guitarist, songwriter, and arranger with a unique gift for linking the past and present in his evocative playing and singing.
BEAT HUNGER CONCERT — Join the UTC Percussion Ensemble as they help support Scrappy's Cupboard. Food Donations suggested.
@ Songbirds | 6:00 PM (doors), 7:00 PM (show)
Keb' Mo'
# WEDNESDAY 11 @ Roland Hayes Concert Hall | 7:00 PM U.S. AIR FORCE SHADES OF BLUE & JERICHO BRASS — Military Jazz / Brass
# THURSDAY 12 @ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 7:00 PM (doors), 8:00 PM (show). $20 / $25. 21+
JEREMY MCCOMB — HonkyTonk Circus Tour
10 » Livewire | GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN
@ Hi-Fi Clyde's | 8:00 PM. $10. 21+ THE BAND CHICKAMAUGA — Southern rock/Americana
@ Puckett's | 7:30 PM. Free, Tips encouraged TIGRIS — Folk / Country / Bluegrass influences
@ Cherry Street Tavern | 8 PM E.T. ALBUM RELEASE — "What I'm Doing Here" release by Eric "ET" Turner. With Lew Card, Matt Bo Band
@ The Caverns
NOV 13-14 & NOV 20-21 - THE STEELDRIVERS RESIDENCY — Central Time
@ The Parlour | 8:00 PM. 21+ THE RENAISSANCE ORCHESTRA —‘Black Tie, The Scorpio
Experience.’ R&B / Live Orchestra
@ The Signal | 6:30 PM KING'S X — Progressive Rock / Hard Rock
The
WOODSHOP Weekly Programming
ANd Concerts Schedule: thewoodshoplisteningroom.com
JHETT black’s
Tuesday
Bluesday Every Tuesday
Scenic City
Soul Night Every Thursday
6 PM Live audience blues radio show with Jhett Black & The Big River Blues Band with the best in regional and national guests every week.
8PM Hosted by Bryant ‘Bass Hitter’ Russell Classic Soul & R&B.Sweatiest night at The Woodshop. Rotating cast of vocalists
Forever Bluegrass Every Friday 8PM Real, Traditional Bluegrass. Different bands weekly, Curated by Cindy Pinion & Forever Bluegrass
The Woodshop Listening Room • St. Elmo • Chattanooga @ The Woodshop | 5:00 PM (doors), 6:00 PM (show)
@ Memorial Auditorium | 8:00 PM
@ Songbirds | 6:00 PM (doors), 7:00 PM (show)
@ The Woodshop | 5:00 PM (doors), 6:00 PM (show)
MAMA'S BROKE — Canadian Folk Music Award winners and JUNO nominees.
ASHLEY MCBRYDE — Into the Wild Tour
J. RODDY WALSTON — Rock / Piano Rock
CORY BRANAN — Americana / Alt-Country / Folk Punk
@ Puckett's | 7:30 PM. Free, Tips encouraged
@ The Woodshop | 5:00 PM (doors), 6:00 PM (show)
HIWASSEE BEND — Bluegrass / Americana
LEILANI KILGORE — Blues Rock
# SATURDAY 14 @ Barrelhouse Ballroom | 7 PM (doors), 8 PM (show). $25 / $30. 18+
THE HEAVY HEAVY — Retro Rock / Psychedelic Soul with The Point
@ Chattanooga Library | 2:00 PM. Free
@ Red Bud | 2 - 10 PM. $20. All Ages ONE MORE DAY FEST — Benefiting Metropolitan Ministries' STEPTN Program. Mult, Franzy, Division of Fire, Mixed Signals, Cult Baby, Lillian
CSO SENSORY-FRIENDLY CONCERT — CSO String Quartet. 'Creating a traditional concert experience without the traditional expectations.' Designed for ages 12 and up.
THE DELTAZ — Nashville-based Americana and blues-rock brother duo
SCENIC CITY COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA — 'A Night of Dark Mysteries' conducted by C. Foster Payne. We are a symphonic orchestra made up of volunteer musicians from schools and communities throughout the greater Chattanooga area.
The Deltaz
@ The Caverns | 7:00 (doors), 8:00 PM (show)
@ JJ's Bohemia | 8:00 PM. 21+ POSEY - C-GRIMEY — Hip-Hop
# SUNDAY 15 @ Red Bud | 6 PM (doors), 7 PM (show). $20
@ UTC Roland Hayes Concert Hall | 4:00 PM
C Grimey
PALACE — With Willie J Healey. Indie Rock
Livewire | VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 13 « 11
REVIEW
Before We Spoke, We Danced by Ann Law La Paz and The Pop-up Project "This Land is Your Land" Sept. 17, 2026. When I entered the Chattanooga Theatre Centre lobby, I stepped into a museum of moving limbs, gentle partner work and choreographic phrasing that takes the dancers from The Pop-up Project further into the arena of this social gathering. I am reminded of our ancestors’ roots — no matter what culture — grounded in line, square, and circle communal dances, I watch these dancers holding space in such a large crowd.
River. An activist and artist who engages with our disenfranchised communities on so many levels, his art — whether intended or not — places me inside the ancient traditional Maya architecture and Mexican Toltec styles with quetzal birds circling overhead. Slowly, a friend and I walked back into the lobby and into the coolness of the theatre. The second part of the evening is filled with poetry, testimonials, several stunning thought-provoking films, and a dance created by Louie Marin-Howard. Before we spoke, we danced. Echoing from any sidewalk across this nation, this dance greets us with a game of hopscotch–bringing up our childhood memories and the importance of social education that linked us all together. Choreographically, Marin-Howard has created a simple yet sophisticated dance that effortlessly places us back into our public education classroom where, at one time, our schoolhouse doors were open to all because no child was illegal. No child was left outside those doors. Every child had the right to an education. Infused on this stage are six beautiful dancers and one empowering schoolteacher. Once again, we are challenged to press into the questions:
We are here to celebrate the im- Photo courtesy of La Paz portance of La Paz, our empowering social service organization during National Hispanic American Heritage month. In this festive environment, we are greeting one another, meeting new friends, and seeing friends we miss dearly. No matter our migration routes, we got here and are engaging in conversations that enlighten us because we know our actions today will be the new pathways forward tomorrow. I see Louie Marin-Howard, Executive and Program Director of The Pop-up Project, in elegant attire, making his way slowly through the crowd greeting and embracing audience members. The dancers create solos, duets, and trios exploring all spatial aspects of this informal staging. The casualness of watching the dancers presents an organic, understated aesthetic that allows us to enter and exist as we please. Outside in the warmth of a soon-to-be completed summer evening, I see Andy Ramirez circling around his powerful cultural sculpture that is situated on the grassy slope overlooking the Tennessee
Photo courtesy of La Paz What comes after this? Do we not believe that this land is your land, this land is my land? Here we can all be seen and heard? Where all of our dreams can soar? Choreographer: Louie Marin-Howad. Dancers: Tania Cuenca, Olivia Hammontree, Sonia Kaur, Kendra Norwood, Matty Parker, Andrea Solis Tankersley, Hayden Turitto. Music by Pedro Abriles. Ann Law is the director of CoPAC, a non-profit arts organization that empowers Barking Legs Theater. She creates dances and engages with the Chattanooga arts community regularly.
Photo courtesy of La Paz
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Livewire | VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 13 « 13
EVENT CALENDAR COMEDY
# TUESDAYS @ Gate 11 Distillery | 7:30 PM (doors), 8:00 PM (show) JEST IN TIME COMEDY CHALLENGE — You write the prompts, we tell the jokes! Every Tuesday Shellyta Chatman hosts with special guests.
@ JJ's Bohemia | 7 PM OPEN MIC COMEDY — Hosted by Patrick Cuttle
# WEDNESDAYS @ Cherry Street Tavern | 7:00 PM HAHA HAPPY HOUR — Comedy Open Mic with host Shellyta & friends. Sign-up 6:30
# SUNDAY 1 @ Comedy Catch | 6:00 PM. R AV AND FRIENDS — Headlined by Dalton, GA native AV, who proudly calls The Comedy Catch home
# THURSDAY 5 @ Comedy Catch | 7:00 PM. R HOT FUDGE COMEDY — Comedian Belly Button brings a raw lineup of the South's top comedians to Hot Fudge Sundays
# NOV. 6-7 @ Comedy Catch | Not listed. PG-13 DUSTIN NICKERSON — A Seattle native now suffering in Southern California.
MOODY MOLAVI — Known for his larger-than-life personality, animated storytelling, and hilarious observations about everyday life
# SATURDAY 7 @ The Chattery | 7:30 PM. $15 IMPROV CHATTANOOGA — Improv Comedy Night. BYOB
@ Walker Theater | Sold Out AMBER AUTRY — Happy Holler Tour (Two sold-out shows)
Moody Molavi
# SUNDAY 8 @ Comedy Catch | 6:00 PM. Adult
# FRIDAY 13 @ Walker Theater | 8:00 PM
MUSICAL MONDAY — The internet's favorite improv comedy band.
RANDY FELTFACE — Gimmick Tour
# WEDNESDAY 11 @ Comedy Catch | 7:00 PM. Clean Comedy ALEX VELLUTO — Alex's talents have taken him to the iconic Grand Ole Opry, where he is now a regular performer. Alex has filmed three Dry Bar Comedy specials.
# SATURDAY 14 @ Barlery | 7:30 PM. Free HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS — Presented by Improv Chattanooga
@ The Plant Bar | 6:00 PM. Donations welcome
# NOV. 13-14 @ Comedy Catch | Various. Rated R
IMPROV OPEN HOUSE — Improv Chattanooga. Adults of any age are invited to drop in to watch, participate, and try new things! Register at the Chattery.
CARMEN LAGALA — She masterfully blends silly and confessional humor with an approach that makes you feel like you're pulling an all-nighter with a best friend.
# SUNDAY 15 @ Comedy Catch | 2:00 PM. Rated R
@ Walker Theater | 7:00 PM CHARLIE BERENS — The Lost and Found Tour. Wisconsin comedian and creator of Manitowoc Minute, known for his Midwestern humor and viral videos.
# THURSDAY 12 @ Comedy Catch | 7:00 PM. R
Charlie Berens
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FRIENDSGIVING 2026 — A fundraiser for Paw Paws Homeless Ministry starring The Tennessee Tramp, Janet Williams.
THEATER ANYWHERE, SUDDENLY — Truth unravels in the foothills... in this Appalachian folk alt-country-paranormal-grit-love letter from the road. Anywhere, Suddenly is a 100% original performance piece made in Chattanooga, integrating storytelling, live music, and film. Produced by Next Exit Productions & Cast Iron Storytelling. Sunday November 8, 2pm & 7 PM. At The Woodshop SEE ROCK CITY — Set during World War II, this tender and funny drama follows young married couple May and Raleigh as illness, unemployment, family pressures and wartime expectations test their relationship. A sequel to Last Train to Nibroc, it stands alone as a story about love, sacrifice and finding purpose when life refuses to follow the expected path. Nov. 6 ,7, 8, 13, 20, 21, 22. Chattanooga Theatre.
A Symphony of Seasons: A Celebration of Theatre on the Mountain brings together a dynamic, gifted mix of new and tenured Signal Mountain Playhouse performers to serenade our community with a blend of familiar and new songs. A celebration of everything we love about live performance — the voices, the stories, the mountain, and the people who make it all come alive. November 6th and 7th at 7:30PM! Entrance is free but donations encouraged to repair our beloved space!
ART +
# THURSDAYS @ Townsend Atelier | 6-9pm. $15 LIFE DRAWING - OPEN DRAW-
ING & PAINTING STUDIO — Every Thursday. Our open studio is for artists of all levels to practice making art from a live model. All mediums welcome. Easels, drawing boards, sculpture stands, and tables provided.
# THURSDAY 5 @ Gallery 109 | 6:30 PM $35 18+ WITNESS- SOUND AND BODY
— Experience an evening of immersive sound and movement within Kris Bespalec’s sculptural installation, Sacred Bodies: Sanctuary. Featuring a sound performance by Surreina Gerbman of Elaruna Sanctuary of Sound & Light and movement by Sarah Yvonne of Ballet Esprit. Ticket includes two drinks, light bites and time to explore the exhibition. Proceeds support participating artists.
# FRIDAY 7 @ Barking Legs | 5:15 PM BARKING LEGS MURAL REVEAL — Mural painted on side of the theater by The Artist Seven.
@ Clearstory Arts | 6 PM Free ($5 suggested donation) FIRST FRIDAYS — Explore artist studios, view gallery exhibitions, meet local artists and shop original artwork at the Mini Market featuring five local makers. Live demonstrations and refreshments round out this monthly celebration of Chattanooga's creative community.
# SUNDAY 8 @ Townsend Atelier | 2:00 PM. Free. All Ages BEHIND THE WORK WITH GEORGE DAWNAY — Join us on Sunday afternoons for Behind the Work, a series of artist talks given by some of our area's best artists. Gain insight into the process, challenges, and inspiration from each artist as they talk about their own work. Q & A. Open to the public free of charge
# NOVEMBER 11 @ Townsend Atelier | 10:00 AM. $10. All Ages WEDNESDAY OPEN STUDIO
— Bring your own art project or work from a still life at our monthly open studio. Meet other artists and enjoy time to create. All mediums welcome.
# SATURDAY 14 @ Anna Safley Houston Museum of Decorative Arts | 12:00 PM. $15 - $57 GRAND REOPENING — Celebrate the grand reopening with an afternoon of art, music, and community at this open-house-style event. Music by CSO Winds.
@ Rockmont Park | 10 AM. Free. All Ages/levels ROCK & SMOCK — Rock and Smock is a free, all-day public event at Rockmont Park, where live painters and rock climbers share the boulder field. Climbers work the routes while artists respond to the rock and movement around them. Free art materials and climbing gear let first-timers try either one. Presented with Lookout Mountain Conservancy. Funding by Artsbuild 2026 Artists Work grant.
BOOK STUFF # SATURDAY 7 @ Stove Works | 1-3 PM
POETRY WORKSHOP — Workshop with Earl Braggs and Carina Pearson. A workshop exploring the conversation between academia and the underground. A potluck is provided -bring something to share if you can.
@ The Reading Room Bar | 12:30 PM. Free. All Ages WRITING WORKSHOP WITH MICKEY DUBROW — In this ninety-minute workshop, we will practice a variety of story writing exercises that explore character development, point of view, dialogue,
and story outline. Bring something to write with. You will leave with practical story creation tips. Space is limited. Reserve your spot on Eventbrite.
# CALL FOR TIMES @ Red Bank Community Center | 10:00 AM. Free. 55+
# FRIDAY 13 @ Townsend Atelier | 6:00 PM. Free. All Ages
ACTIVE OLDER ADULT PROGRAMS — Dedicated to enriching the lives of adults aged 55+ Through fitness classes, creative arts, guest speakers, and community events.
BOOK TALK WITH TODD CASEY
— Bestselling author of The Oil Painter's Color Handbook, presents his new book, The Oil Painter's Color Workbook with 25 essential exercises designed to take your art to the next level. Both books will be discussed.
# SATURDAY 14 @ Pennington Books | 6:00 PM SECOND SATURDAYS -WRITER'S OPEN MIC — SEMI-OPEN MIC Writers are invited to share poetry, fiction and other creative work at this free monthly reading series. Readers must apply in advance with a piece that can be performed in about five minutes; audiences are welcome to drop in, listen and enjoy a drink or browse for books.
@ The Reading Room Bar | 2:00 PM. Free LOCAL AUTHORS READING — Local authors Linda Gambill, Kris Whorton, Dana Lise Shavin, and MF Jones read from their works of memoir, poetry and historical romance. Books available for purchase and signing.
CLASS/CLUB # CALL FOR TIMES @ Grateful Glassworks | 11:00 AM. $100ish INTRO TO GLASSBLOWING 101 — Grateful Glassworks is a borosilicate glassblowing studio. Founded by artist Blake Rolfe, the studio was created to make the art of flameworking more accessible to beginners, creatives, and the simply curious. (Ages 14 & up to participate)
# NOVEMBER 2-6 @ Townsend Atelier | 10am-4pm. $695 STITCHED ABSTRACTION — Explore the Art of Re-creation with Paper & Thread. Explore advanced collage using watercolor paper, acrylic paint, collage materials, and waxed linen thread. Create abstract pieces, then cut, rearrange, and stitch them into a new composition. Previous workshops with Anna Carll are helpful but not required for those seeking a challenge.
# SATURDAY 7 @ Scenic City Cigars | 12-whenever. 18+ CHATTANOOGA PIPE CLUB — for experienced pipe smokers, beginner, or the tobacco-curious. Monthly meeting to share tobaccos, compare pipes, and enjoy friendship. First Saturday of every month at noon.
DANCE
# WEDNESDAYS @ Barlery | 9:00 PM OPEN DECKS WITH GIGI.B XOX
— EDM
# FRIDAY 6 @ Wanderlinger | 10:30 PM-2 AM DJ MINKZ — Ladies Night
# SATURDAY 7 @ Wanderlinger | 11 PM-2 AM. Saturdays DJ MINKZ — College Night
Livewire | VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 13 « 15
# SATURDAY 14 @ The Signal | 5:00 PM. 21+
# NOVEMBER 14-15 @ Coolidge Park | 10 AM, $18 -$510 , Under 10 Free
scope and grandeur of this beloved film in a live symphonic concert experience led by conductor Ben Palmer.
NIGHTLITE- THE 30 PLUS PARTY — Early. For the over 30 crowd. '80s-Today
CHATTANOOGA REN FAIRE — Here ye, here ye! Step into a day of knights, artisans, and merrymakers as the Chattanooga Renaissance Faire brings medieval magic to life!
# SUNDAY 15 @ Walker Theater | 8:00 PM
@ Wanderlinger | 10:30 PM-2 AM DJ MINKZ —
FESTIVAL # SUNDAY 1 @ Clearstory Arts | 4:00 PM
QUEER FALL FESTIVAL — Bake Sale, Drag, pie-a queer. & more. Every dollar supports Community Care Fund.
# FRIDAY 13 @ Red Bank City Park | 5:30 PM. Free. All Ages RED BANK FOOD TRUCK FRIDAY — Great food, live music, and a relaxing night in the park!
#
SUNDAY 15
@ Bad Apple Bar | 9 PM. $10 adv $15 door, 21+ MOONLIGHT AND MISCHIEF — The Chattanooga Renaissance Faire Official After Party. The faire may close, but the mischief is just beginning! A night of celestial magic, DJ, circus & variety acts, aerial artistry, fire eating, tarot readings, and dancing until the witching hour.
FILM
# NOV. 7 - 8 @ Memorial Auditorium | 7:30 pm STAR WARS THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK IN CONCERT — Composer John Williams' GRAMMY-winning score performed live to the film. Fans will experience the
ART AROUND TOWN AVA Main Gallery and Landis Education Gallery: Annual AVA Member Salon Show. Each year, around the holidays, AVA fills our gallery floor to ceiling with artwork from as many of our Member Artists as we can fit in the space! Based on the public art exhibitions and intellectual social gatherings in France in the 17th-19th centuries, this show is scheduled to coincide with the holidays. It is a perfect opportunity to purchase affordable art from living, local artists for those holiday gifts! Opening Night- Friday, November 6th. Exhibit Duration- Friday, November 6th-December 20th Pedestrian Wine & Cheese storefront is hosting rotating local artists with Artist in Residence series. "The Northshore Nights" by Kristopher Young, through early November.
Stove Works "Love is strong as death" Works by Adrian
Wood explores love’s power to radically transform us and the political consequences of that transformation. The exhibition features text-based prints made with gunpowder ink, drawing from writers including bell hooks, Khalil Gibran and Sappho; abstract watercolor and ink drawings inspired by the artist’s own experiences of transformation through love; and images 16 » Livewire | GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN
JIM HENSON'S LABYRINTH
— In Concert 40th Anniversary. A 40th-anniversary presentation of Jim Henson's fantasy film, accompanied by live musicians.
Labyrinth
MARKET
# SUNDAY 1 @ First Horizon Pavilion | 11:00am-4:00pm CHATTANOOGA MARKET HAUNTED MARKET — Costume Parade at 1:30 pm on the Sunday Funday Stage
# SUNDAY 8
@ First Horizon Pavilion | 11:00am-4:00pm CHATTANOOGA MARKET- BIG BAND DAY — This Market day also honors a meaningful tradition as we recognize Veterans Day with a Quilts of Valor presentation ceremony at 1:30 pm on the Sunday Funday Stage.
OUTDOORS # WEDNESDAYS @ Fiamma Pizza Co. | 6:00 PM. FREE. All Ages
RIVER RUNNERS — Chattanooga's longest continuous run group (circa 2019) meets at Fiamma every Wednesday at 6pm for a 3 mile run. All ages & paces. Dogs & strollers welcome. Rain or shine! @chattriverrunners
# FRIDAY 6 @ Greenway Farms | 5-10 PM. Free LIGHTS OUT CHATTANOOGA
— Scenic City Starlight Project provides an opportunity for folks to experience the benefit of less light pollution. Once the lights have gone out, the event will transition into a star party! Volunteers with the BAS
of four martyrs whose love led them out of this world in flames printed with special ink made from guns, transforming the material of a weapon into a creative medium. . The exhibition also incorporates donated love letters, which will be read aloud and then burned at a closing vigil Nov. 14 . "Radical Rage" Curated by Charlie Farrell. Participating Artists - Desmond Lewis, Chayse Sampy, estefanía vallejo santiago, James McKissic, Jordan Matthew, Omolará Williams McCallister. Radical Rage explores rage as a powerful catalyst for creativity and change rather than something to suppress. Through sculpture, painting, installation, textiles, and photography, the artists transform anger and frustration into works that challenge perspectives and imagine new possibilities. August 7th - November 14th, 2026
River Gallery Steve Dininno "I work in a variety of media,
but am primarily a painter and printmaker. Whether applying paint to canvas or ink to an etching plate, I strive for a rhythmic unification of pictorial elements and a drama between light and dark. Carrying a sketchbook is a decades old habit of mine, and most of my paintings and prints are born from my scratchy city and landscape sketches". Vince Sansone is a master potter. His experience with stoneware shows in every piece. At any given time he is a teacher,
and CTJO will have a variety of different types of telescopes set up for the public to view celestial objects in the night sky.
# SATURDAY 14 @ Harrison Bay Rec Hall | 4:30 PM (doors), 5:36 PM (show). Free
STAR PARTY — Barnard Astronomical Society. The public is invited to view the night sky while guided by knowledgeable members of the BAS. Multiple telescope configurations are typically available to offer a variety of different celestial objects to look at.
# THURSDAYS @ Wanderlinger | 6 PM (meet), 6:30 PM (wheels down)
WANDER RIDE — Bring your bike, your friends, and absolutely no expectations of us knowing where we're going.
SPOKEN WORD TRIVIA/GAMES # TUESDAYS @ Wanderlinger | 7:30-9:30 PM
# MONDAYS @ Barlery Backroom | 6 PM
POETRY NIGHT — Open mic poetry hosted by Kelly "The Stormy Poet" Williams with the ALL VOICES HEARD Poetry Group
CHESS & BOARD GAMES — Bring your favorite board game or jump into one of ours!
# TUESDAY 10 @ Plant Bar | 6:30 PM CAST IRON STORYTELLINGFENCES — Do good fences make good neighbors? Do fences come down to let others in? And when do we need free range? Join us for true stories on mending fences and testing boundaries.
# FRIDAY 13 @ Red Bud | 6:00 PM. Free POETRY THROW DOWN — Walnut Street Publishing presents local and featured poets debut and read from their newest chapbooks and poetry collections.
# TUESDAYS @ Barlery Backroom | 6 PM MAGIC- THE GATHERING — Bring your deck and settle in for an evening of spells, strategy and friendly competition.
@ Cherry Street Tavern | 7:30 PM
adventure of monsters, magic and mayhem.
@ Broads Lounge | 7:00 PM. 21+ MUSIC TRIVIA WITH RICHARD
— Every single Wednesday 7pm to 9pm
@ Clever Alehouse | 7:00 PM TRIVIA WEDNESDAY — Presented by Clever Donkey, home of the Smart Ass
# THURSDAYS @ Wanderlinger | ~7:30 PM NOT YOUR AVERAGE TRIVIA — Grab your smartest friends and come make John's night.
TAVERN TRIVIA — Host Anne Rushing Cambron. Categories listed on @cherrytrivia weekly.
# THURSDAY NOV 5 @ Broads Lounge | 7:00 PM. Free. 21+
# WEDNESDAYS @ Barlery Backroom | 7:00 PM
PUZZLE NIGHT — Join in on a 500 piece community puzzle and bring an old puzzle to swap First Thursday of every month!
DUNGEONS & DRAGONS — Roll the dice and join a tabletop
a student, and a participator in several arts organizations. Through the ceramic process, Sansone transforms raw materials to create objects of beauty or whimsy for the home as well as the community. He also enjoys drawing and cartooning. Nov 1- 30. Opening Reception Friday, November 6, 6-8pm. Artists Steve Dininno and Vince Sansone will be present at the opening! Free and open to the public.
109 Gallery Kris Bespalec’s Sacred Bodies: Sanctuary.
UTC ICA Affrilachia: Testimonies by Chris Aluka Berry.
phy, honing her craft in the darkroom before working for a New York City photo agency during 9/11. Her Barbies on Rooftops in Brooklyn was selected for the American Photography 19 competition in 2003. Drawn to abstract imagery and darker themes, Rossi creates layered photographs that reward a closer look. Her debut exhibition explores contemporary photography through the creative possibilities of modern technology. October 24
Berry documents Black communities across rural Appalachia to expand broader cultural discourse around the region and the American South. Supported by Africana Studies, the Department of English, the Creative Writing Program, and the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Reception and Public Conversation featuring Kelly Elaine Navies: Thursday, November 5 – 7 PM. Shows October 15 – December 4.
Glass House. Collective Memory brings together six
Chattanoogan artists whose work explores identity, place, history, and the experiences that connect us. Kourtney B Morgan, Nat Stepney, Danita Noble, Jerome Foster, Qimmah Zayn, Omisnksy. Exhibit through November 14.
Working with salt, plant-based fibers, dye, and illumination, Bespalec creates an environment that asks visitors not only to look, but to enter, move slowly, and become present within the work. November 20: Meet the artist, Kris Bespalec, 12-4 PM . Closing Reception December 3, 6-8 PM
The Southside Loft Giulia Rossi began with film photogra-
Hart Gallery -"Anticipation for Winter" by Winter Watson. For Winter Watson, Art is a much-needed escape from reality. It allows her to fall into a world of her own making: a world of bright colors and cute things. She draws inspiration anywhere from album covers to childhood memories. Winter wants to help others find peace in art the way she does. Opening Nov 6. 6-8 PM Livewire | VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 13 « 17
RECORD REVIEW By Jim Tanner In the a previous issue of Livewire, writer Doug Bales gave us an intimate profile of James Leg (also known around Chattanooga as John Myers) and his rise in the local music scene in the 1990s to becoming a popular solo artist locally and around the world. As Leg continues to grind out some of the rawest blues and rock to be found anywhere, Alive Naturalsound Records has announced a 15th anniversary reissue of Leg’s solo debut “Solitary Pleasure,” came out on Sept. 18 on black vinyl and CD. “Solitary Pleasure” was initially released in 2011, and was Myers’ first release under the stage name James Leg. After almost a decade as a member of the legendary Chattanooga blues band Black Diamond Heavies, featuring Myers along with Van Campbell and Mark “Porkchop” Holder, Leg was able to lean into a musical vision that was completely his own. The album is focused on Leg’s piano and organ work, laying the foundation for his gritty and emotionally raw vocal performances. Opening with the driving stomp of “Have to Get it On,” the album doesn’t let up for 10 tracks of bluesy rock and roll before winding up with the gospel-tinged final track “No Time to Tarry,” which ends with Leg breathlessly gasping, physically and emotionally spent along with the listener. However, for all the grit and passion that Leg brings to “Solitary Pleasure,” slower songs such as “Nobody’s Fault” bring just as much raw emotion as the up-tempo numbers like “Do How You Wana.” Even the unexpected horns in No License ( Song For The Caged Bird) fit into the entire package of this great debut album. After a decade and a half, the album continues to hold up as an example of sweaty, dirty blues presented in the way that it was started more than 100 years ago in the Mississippi Delta. “Solitary Pleasure” has been out of print for more than a decade prior to this new reissue, and a limited edition of 25 autographed LPs on black vinyl are available with a new album insert that includes photos and lyrics to all 10 tracks. Preorders can be purchased at https://www.bompstore.com and via the Alive Naturalsound Records website.
Eric "ET" Turner What I'm Doing Here Release Date: November 13, 2026 Album Release show: November 13 at Cherry Street Tavern "What I'm Doing Here" was produced and mixed at Kudzu Studio in Chattanooga, TN by Matt Bohannon, of The Bohannons, and mastered by Tim Holehouse (UK). The first single, "What Is Taking So Long", off the 11 track record is a full-tilt country/rock ride and we feel it sets the pace for the upcoming record.
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Photo by Monique Clouse
Livewire | VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 13 « 19
GOOD EATS by Lori Kyle (she/her)
Pupusería Marelyn: A Delicious Gem in East Ridge Phillip and I are officially kicking ourselves for taking THREE years to discover this fantastic restaurant. Located on Ringgold Road in East Ridge, Pupusería Marelyn serves authentic Guatemalan and Salvadoran cuisine, and goodness, have we been missing out. Our server, Mitzi, was absolutely charming and shared that the restaurant has been open for three years. The owner is from Guatemala, and the menu beautifully celebrates the culinary traditions of both countries. We started with a chicken tamale, wrapped in a banana leaf, with wonderfully tender masa and savory, comforting flavors. Next came the pupusas. We ordered pork and cheese, black bean and cheese, and the revuelta filled with cheese, refried beans, and seasoned pork. These delicious griddled corn cakes were generously stuffed and packed with flavor. Now, let’s talk about that curtido! This traditional Salvadoran cabbage slaw deserves its own standing ovation. Prepared fresh daily, it was tangy, sharp, crunchy, and had just enough kick. The acidity perfectly complemented the richness of the pupusas. I loved it so much I piled it on practically everything. Phillip also enjoyed street-style steak and chicken tacos, both generously filled with beautifully seasoned meats, fresh cilantro, and onions. Little bundles of deliciousness. They also offer a gorgeous selection of fresh fruit drinks, including pineapple, blackberry, and mango. My mango fresca was refreshing, fruity, and provided that sweet afternoon pick-me-up I needed. For dessert, we had an enormous slice of tres leches mocha cake. Layers of soft cake, luscious cream, and chocolate drizzle made for a divine ending. Thankfully, the portion was 20 » Livewire | GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN
generous enough that have leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch.
I
The atmosphere is casual, welcoming, and comfortable, with seating for larger gatherings and several televisions for fellow soccer fans. They also offer catering. And for my vegetarian friends, there are plenty of delicious meat-free options on the menu as well. It’s wonderful to find a restaurant with something for just about everyone at the table. Having a culinary background, I particularly appreciate restaurants where the food speaks for itself. No unnecessary fuss, just flavorful cooking that honors its traditions. If you haven’t discovered Pupusería Marelyn yet, make it your next dining destination. Bring your family, invite some friends, arrive hungry, and explore a menu that deserves far more attention from everyone. Tip: Order a variety of pupusas, don’t skip the curtido, and absolutely save room for dessert. This is exactly the kind of locally owned restaurant worth seeking out and supporting. Trust me, you don’t want to spend another three years missing out like we did. One thing is certain: Pupusería Marelyn has gained two new regulars. Also, do not forget to tip, Tip, TIP your server! Vibe check for this experience: “Let’s Get Acquainted” by James the Seventh, because discovering a wonderful restaurant feels a little like making a new friend. Pupusería Marelyn #1 3992 Ringgold Road, East Ridge, TN 37412 (423) 541-1904 Hours: Monday–Tuesday: 10 AM–9 PM Wednesday: Closed Thursday: 10 AM–9 PM Friday–Sunday: 10 AM–9:30 PM
LIFE IN THE ‘NOOG by Chuck Crowder
Sung from the heart and through the nose. Among its many other distinctive titles and glowing superlatives, Chattanooga is now THE undisputed home of bluegrass music. You know bluegrass. That backwoods acoustic country music played by an ensemble that likely includes one or more of the following instruments: mandolin, stand-up bass, banjo, fiddle, acoustic guitar, and if you’re lucky, a dobro.
Everybody who is somebody in the “world of bluegrass” descends on our fair city in October for a week of events and exhibitions at the Trade Center, as well as informal “rambles” of visiting bluegrass acts at many of our downtown music venues. This year’s IBMA featured the “Jimi Hendrix of bluegrass,” Billy Strings, performing two sold-out shows to christen the newly restored Tivoli Theatre. That kind of star power has reinvigorated bluegrass from its Bill Monroe roots to the Spotify playlists of thirty-somethings everywhere—especially in the South, and more precisely, Chattanooga—the new home of music sung from the heart and through the nose.
Lyrics generally consist of clever, insightful stories of lost love, moonshine, country childhood memories, moonshine, tragic occurrences involving lost loves or country childhood memories, and of course, moonshine. These songs are sung by the only two types of Bluegrass vocalists: either the silk-like harmonies of two or three female singers in unison or the nasal-forward, honking sounds of an old man with the thickest-possible Southern accent. Despite its peculiarities, Bluegrass music is distinctively Southern, and thankfully, so is Chattanooga. And the two have enjoyed a passionate relationship for decades. Chattanooga’s own Fletcher Bright started his legendary band, the Dismembered Tennesseans, while still a student at McCallie School way back in 1945. In addition to becoming a long-time fixture on the local and regional bluegrass scene, the group appeared on national television programs, including NBC's Today show, ABC's Nightly News with Peter Jennings, and at the Kennedy Center. In 2007, Bright’s trio of daughters started 3 Sisters Festival to honor the musical legacy of their father with a free two-day bluegrass concert held every October on Chattanooga’s riverfront. Over the years, 3 Sisters has featured some of the biggest names in bluegrass, including the Del McCoury Band, Yonder Mountain Band, Ricky Skaggs, Rhonda Vincent, Bela Fleck, Steep Canyon Rangers, Sam Bush, Mandolin Orange, and more. Since 1990, the outskirts of Chattanooga have served as the backdrop for the Boxcar Pinion Memorial Bluegrass Festival (famous for the “Forever Bluegrass” bumper stickers). Now called the “Forever Bluegrass Fall Festival,” this year’s lineup is scheduled for November 5, 6, and 7 at Mountain Cove Farms in Chickamauga. And, as of last year, Chattanooga was selected to host the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA)’s annual World of Bluegrass conference, showcase, and awards show. The awards show (the Grammys of bluegrass) is now held at Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Auditorium and last year was hosted by none other than legendary comedian and bluegrass aficionado Steve Martin.
Livewire | VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 13 « 21
Livewire
Stockists Aretha Frankensteins
JJ's Bohemia
The Reading Room Bar
Artsbuild Building
Lo Main
The Woodshop
AVA Gallery
Lupi's Pizza
Tremont Tavern
Barking Legs
Mad Priest Coffee
UTC Campus
BeCaffeinated Coffee
Mean Jeens bar
Velo Coffee
Boneyard
Mean Mug Fort O
Verre Noire
Book and Barrel
Mean Mug Northshore
Wayward Pastry
Book and Cover
Mean Mug W Main
White Duck Taco
Broads Lounge
Oddstory Brewing
Winder Binder books
Burleap Print and Press
Pennington Books
Yellow Racket Record Store
Caffeine Addicts Coffee
Pickle Barrel
Cashew
Real Roots Cafe
Chattery
Rembrandts coffee
Chatt Library street box
Reve coffee
Cherry Street Tavern
Scenic City Burlesque
Classic Arcade Pinball
Shredder's Lair
Clever Alehouse
Skeletunes Records
Dallos Vinyl Love
Sleepyhead Coffee
Dowda Records
Songbirds
Easy Tiger Tattoo
Stone Cup Coffee
Electric Crocodile south
Stories and Songs
Food City Red Bank
St. Pete Records
Hello Monty's
Studio Ours lobby
We are always adding more! livewire-chatt.com 22 » Livewire | GET OUT THERE AND HAVE FUN
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