FEB 2012
VOLUME 11 I ISSUE 2
ARRESTED PARTNERS IN CRIME:
JASON HUNT AND COLE WAKEFIELD CHARGED WITH EMBEZZLEMENT ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
Get in shape at FIT Nashville Interview with HRC Honorary chair Emmylou Harris Spreading the Southern gospel: Dickson Chix mix harmony and comedy
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ARRESTED! JASON HUNT AND COLE WAKEFIELD CHARGED WITH EMBEZZLEMENT OF FUNDS FROM VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
Hunt is currently being held at the Montgomery County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond. Photo provided.
A number of Nashville’s GLBT community members were stunned when former Nashville Pride president Jason Hunt was arrested in Arkansas last month and charged with embezzlement from former employer Vanderbilt University. He and his partner Cole Wakefield are accused of stealing more than $600,000 from Vanderbilt in 2011. Hunt had served Vanderbilt in a variety of roles since 2005, most recently as manager of administrative services for the university’s law school. He had also recently been elected as president of Nashville Pride after serving as the organization’s vice president for a one-year term. Wakefield was a former travel editor with O&AN and the travel reporter at OMG! at the time of his arrest. He had also worked as a volunteer with Nashville Pride. Hunt, who was arrested by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office in Mount Ida, Ark., has been charged with one count of Class B felony theft. Hunt is an Arkansas native. He was being held at the Montgomery County Jail on a $1,000,000 bond. Wakefield has been booked into the Davidson County Jail and was being held in lieu of a $350,000 bond. Hunt abruptly left his position at Vanderbilt in late October and resigned as president on Nashville Pride. He and partner Cole Wakefield moved to Mexico and reemerged in December as co-owners of Crema, a nightclub located in Puerto Vallarta, as reported on the O&AN website Dec. 29. Vanderbilt received a tip in October 2011 about the possible misuse of funds and immediately begin an internal investigation. Hunt was placed on administrative leave and then terminated from Vanderbilt in November 2011.
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“We immediately and aggressively conducted an internal investigation,” says Beth Fortune, vice chancellor of Public Affairs for Vanderbilt. “Once it became apparent that funds had been misused, we turned over our information to the district attorney’s office for further investigation, and we cooperated fully with that investigation.” Fortune says that Vanderbilt officials have vowed to use this situation as a way to internal processes: “As far as the steps we’ve taken to prevent this from happening in the future, the university has safeguards and controls in place to prevent against this type of activity, but we have strengthened those controls and we did so immediately after learning of the situation.” Hunt had been elected president of Nashville Pride just prior to leaving Nashville. In the aftermath of these allegations, the organization has affirmed that Hunt’s actions had no effect on their financial records.
by O&AN STAFF REPORTS
Jason Hunt has been arrested in Arkansas and charged with embezzlement from former employer Vanderbilt University. Photo provided.
We were saddened to learn of Jason Hunt’s arrest stemming from his alleged transgressions at Vanderbilt University,” said Nashville Pride in a written statement. “An internal audit performed at the beginning of our fiscal year - shortly after Jason resigned from his 15-day presidency in October 2011 - shows that our finances are in meticulous order.”
Hunt had served Vanderbilt in a variety of roles since 2005. Photo provided.
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Q&A: Janis Ian
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter continues to share her unique gifts by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Grammy Award-winning singer/ songwriter and Nashville resident Janis Ian continues to perform for both American and international audiences. Photo credit: Peter Cunningham.
Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Janis Ian has called Music City home for many years now. She’s married to long-time Nashville resident and lawyer Pat Snyder, and the two wed in a small Canadian ceremony in 2003. A tribute to her immense talent, Ian’s compositions “At Seventeen” and “Society’s Child” are in the Grammy Hall of Fame. In an email interview with Out & About Newspaper, Ian offers her perspectives on teen bullying and the current state of the music industry.
As teenage bullying has increasingly been portrayed in the media, “At Seventeen” seems to take on a greater significance. What are your perceptions of the challenges faced by gay youth today and how they differ from when the song was first released? Adolescence is a horrible time for anyone, particularly anyone perceived as “different.” I’m not sure it’s that much worse now than when I was young, though - I suspect it’s just better reported, and less acceptable to the community at large. I was bullied, though we didn’t call it then, for being Jewish, being short, being female, being smart. My mother taught me to throw a right punch, my father encouraged me to speak up to authorities. Frankly, the right punch was usually more effective. I’m not sure that’s changed either.
What periods in your career or specific performances that make for your best memories? Maybe milestones or achievements that are more special as you look back on them today? Surviving...
Aside from a couple compilation albums and a few scattered tracks, it’s been a while since you’ve released a full-length album. Any plans for new music in 2012 or beyond? Yes... and no... and not sure.
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Most people know you as a performer of your own material, but artists from Roberta Flack to Bette Midler have recorded your songs. Do you have a favorite rendition of a song you’ve written or co-written? Nope. I always think it’s astonishing that I’ve written something universal enough for another artist to make their own. I will say that I love Celine Dion’s rendition of “At Seventeen” though.
ANIMAL LI IA
You recently embarked on a short tour of Europe and the Middle East performing in a number of cities. From past experience, how do those audiences compare to your American ones? Hard to say... about the same demographically, and surprisingly mixed. Perhaps a bit more excited to see me because I’m not there as often. And overseas I only play concert halls and large clubs, whereas at home I try to mix it up between those and smaller venues, the “hot and sweaty gigs.”
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The Grammy Hall of Fame has acknowledged the importance of your two major recordings, “At Seventeen” and “Society’s Child”, but it’s hard to imagine now a young performer being able to tackle such weighty topics so early in his or her career. What are your thoughts on that and the future of the music industry in general? People underestimate children, particularly young teenagers. I began writing songs at twelve, but most of my peers were doing something artistic, though it was often hidden from the adults - writing poetry, keeping journals, drawing. I don’t think it’s that unusual, really. As to the future of the music industry, I think it’s healthier every day. Corporations don’t like change, and once we became an “industry” rather than a “business”, monolithic growth was inevitable. Fortunately, when things get too big they usually topple over and become smaller parts again.
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Spreading the southern gospel
Musical trio Dickson Chix offer oldfashioned fun and fellowship with an irreverent twist by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Dickson Chix, an irreverent trio mixing music and Southern musings, performs regularly at Canvas Lounge.
Darlene, Carlene, and Marlene Dickson, known collectively as the Dickson Chix, are quite a busy bunch. If you should find yourself trying to write an article about them, try to give yourself a flexible deadline. They spend a lot of time doing the Lord’s work and helping with the sick. “Plus one or more of us at the same, or different times, takes a little relaxation at a nearby rehab facility. You know, just to help us focus,” says Carlene. Part comedy show and part Gospel revival, the Dickson Chix are surefire entertainment. Their performances feature excellent harmonies and tasteful piano playing by Darlene. Close your eyes and you might think you were at a charismatic
Alive Hospice offering gay men’s grief support group Group to meet Thursday evenings beginning Feb. 23 by O&AN STAFF REPORTS
Alive Hospice is offering a Gay Men’s Grief Support Group for Loss of Partner. The group will begin meeting Feb. 23, and registration has begun. To register or for more information, call 615-346-8364.
church somewhere out west on 1-40, but you’d more likely be downtown at Canvas Lounge at 1707 Church St., where the Chix host their “Camp Meeting” on Sundays once a month. Singing everything from “A House is Not a Home Without God” to “Panty Crickets,” these God-fearing ladies are sure to fill you with the Spirit. The girls got together after their “Weigh Down Workshop” to tell me a little bit about how they started their brilliant and hilarious troupe. “We are all half sisters born to Velma Wiladene Dickson,” says Carlene. “We are not really sure who the hell our daddies are.” If you’re interested in checking out their origins a bit, they gave me some helpful directions: “We grew up in Momma’s trailer just off Wild Cat Road in Dickson, Tennessee. When you come into Dickson take a right at the Liquor Mart. You’ll see the Pentecostal church on the left, then the Baptist church on the right. Our doublewide sits just past that on the other side of the cemetery.” Their mother was the founder and pastor of the First Independent Greater Church of God in Christ Crucified with Signs Descending and Presbyterian Chapel of Dickson, where singing and leading worship got into their bones. They sing the songs they grew up on, and a few excellent new ones. My personal favorite is “Jesus, Vodka, and Vicodin.” “It’s sort of our Holy Trinity: the three things that get us through life. Most folks will admit to being involved with the first one, but more secretive about the last two, but we’re not judging,” they say. In spite of “small-minded judgmental heathens who just don’t get it,” the Dickson Chix invite one and all to their Camp Meeting. According to Carlene, “We had various and sundry kinds in our congregation: black, white, black and white, Native American, Pentecostal, Nazarene, Methodist, pill poppers, and drinkers; you name it. That learned us to always be accepting to all kinds of folk. “I tried to find out a little big more about the three big-boned, hell-raising, Pentecostal, blood-shot eyed beauties, but they were hesitant to open up. “Our legal representation has advised us not to go into detail about our personal lives, as it might jeopardize some court proceedings that are presently pending, God is the final and eternal judge, Joel Osteen!” say the Chix. Visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dicksonchicks for hilarious status updates and more information about their performances. They’ve also got “some videos on The You Tube” that I highly recommend checking out. But most importantly, be sure to catch these ladies at the Canvas Lounge once a month. Whether or not you grew up singing “Canaanland is Just in Sight,” you definitely don’t want to miss the Dickson Chix.
This six-week support group will meet in Nashville on Thursday evenings from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Grief Counselor John Baker will facilitate the group, which offers participants a safe place to share feelings and experiences. In addition to an overview of the grieving process, the group will include discussions on topics including loneliness; identity; family relationships; and changes such as living alone and adjusting to life with one income. In addition to grief support groups, Alive Hospice offers year-round individual counseling for anyone in the community who has experienced a loss. For more information, call 615-963-4732 or visit www. alivehospice.org. Alive Hospice entered the Middle Tennessee landscape in November 1975, only one year after the founding of the first hospice program in the United States. At the time, and through grassroots movements, other hospices also began appearing across the country. The Alive Hospice founders are Dr. David Barton and Dr. John Flexner.
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She’s got it ‘Honest’
When you’re writing a song, do you tend to develop the lyric or the melody first? It changes. Not every song comes about in the same process. Sometimes I’ll have an idea of a melody and I’ll figure it out on guitar, record the idea and get back to it. Sometimes I’ll have an idea and it’ll go into database of ideas. As I’m writing, I’ll try to incorporate things in the music and the lyrics. I can still process and come with ideas even if it’s busy and there’s a lot going on. But sometimes I like to have the quietness and privacy to hone in on something and focus.
Singer-songwriter Megan McCormick emerges as one of Nashville’s most promising talents by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Nashville-based singersongwriter Megan McCormick, 23, has toured nationally with chart-topping artists such as Amos Lee. Photo by Angela Kohler
Megan McCormick has quickly emerged as one of Nashville’s most promising musical talents. Her winning blend of folk, Americana and acoustic rock has stood out in the crowd of Music City hopefuls, earning her a spot as opening act with Amos Lee and many other famed musicians. McCormick, who grew up in Alaska and whose grandparents are in the Western Swing Hall of Fame, comes by her craft honestly. Her debut album, Honest Words, was released last August, and the 23-year-old singer-songwriter has toured extensively to promote the new music. A former student of East Tennessee State University’s music program, she discusses her musical influences and career prospects with Out & About Newspaper.
How would you describe your music to a first-time listener? I would say that it’s hard to describe it with just one or even two genres. The music is definitely a mix of a lot of different things. If I had to say two, I’d say alternative rock and blues. It’s for anyone who likes Bonnie Raitt or Sheryl Crow. I look up to artists like Sting and Steely Dan too. So who would be your dream touring partner(s)? I would love to go out on tour with Fleetwood Mac if they did a reunion. Them or Bonnie Raitt. That would be a dream tour.
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How have your career experiences influenced your music? I’d say that 99.9% of my writing is non-fiction. I don’t really say anything that i don’t believe. I moved away from home when I was very young. I’ve been living alone for eight years in Tennessee, so I appreciate the opportunities to travel and get this wealth of experience. What do you like most about Nashville? The thing that I like about Nashville from a career perspective is, not just that the industry is here, but it’s a centralized location to be based out of for touring. I like the fact that after living here for a year, I felt comfortable here. You can really reach people: it’s not like you’re trying to accomplish something in L.A. or New York and things can seem really unattainable. I love that Nashville isn’t too big for its britches. It’s a nice, friendly place. What’s your definition of success? Not having to work what everybody else would call a regular job. To not have to work in a corporate office or Starbucks or anything and focus full-time on my music. That’s as much as I could ask for. What are some short-term goals for you? I’d say as far as the next year or two, we’re getting ready to start an album, so we’ll hopefully have a new release of a record by the end of the year. And we’re constantly doing as much as we can in terms of touring. It’s about reaching out to people basically. Honest Words was finished in December 2009, so I’ve had time to write and now we’re trying to pick the best of the best for the album. I think it will be a little less slick, and a little bit edgier (this time).
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Q&A: Emmylou Harris Honorary chair of HRC Nashville Equality Dinner by O&AN STAFF
You’ve been known throughout the years as a consistent supporter of equality issues, Beyond your own personal convictions, why do you feel it’s important to stand up and speak out in a public way? When you are an artist and you have visibility, there are certain things you have an opportunity to do and, as you say, speak out. I don’t understand why we’re having problem, and why we all can’t get along. So many friends of mine who have a different sexual persuasion are having these problems. I don’t understand why they should be, why they have their lives made so difficult. It’s so important if you feel as I do, and I think most people in this country feel that way, to speak out. There are so many other issues. Let’s focus on poverty, war and hunger, and about killing animals and animal cruelty. Many musicians say their sole responsibility is to entertain the audience and avoid delving into social and political issues. How do you feel about using your own celebrity as a platform for your causes? For musicians that are successful artists, we are truly blessed to do the work we love and to make a living. I think it’s our sacred responsibility to give back. When you have an opportunity you have to give back, as I do with an issue that’s close to me---animal rights and working against animal cruelty and euthanasia. There are millions (of people) in this country and it takes everyone else involved in the issue to do something. The people involved at HRC do the heavy lifting. For the artists, it’s such a small thing and such little effort to come join in. We add our voices
to whatever we can do to put a little muscle to the issue, and speak out (to make others) think about it. What are your thoughts on anti-gay legislation that has put Tennessee into the national spotlight? I believe one day it’s just gonna go away like segregation. I think the new generation is going “What? What is this all about?” We all have friends that deal with this problem, and it shouldn’t be a problem. This generation, and all the people I associate with, you get surprised by it when you realize that this is still going on. It seems to me everyone in this world should have a right for happiness or peace wherever they can. We’re all in the same boat: we all lose people in our lives and we all suffer heartbreak and we all have problems. Can’t we just be kind to each other and respect each other? It seems sometimes so absurd to me that this is still an issue. We have real problems that affect everybody, and politicians and all of us as people have prejudices. But it’s important to be decent and kind and respectful. Let people live their lives. That’s what this country was based on, regardless of what some people would like you think. Although you’ve often expressed your admiration for classic country artists such as George Jones and Merle Haggard, you also have a great ability to approach your music from a progressive perspective. Have you always had this inquisitive nature about different forms of music? I think it’s omething that happened over a period of time. I became passionate about music during the folk renaissance when there was a big folk explosion. I got a guitar and began learning songs from Joan Baez, Pete Seger, Bob Dylan. I also got into bluegrass then. Country came a little bit later with my work with Gram Parsons. I came to realize the beauty and poetry of country music through Gram. I kind of came through the side door, so I did things that maybe you weren’t supposed to do. When I got the opportunity to make a major album with Reprise (Records), I did a song by Dolly Parton, one from the Beatles, one by Rodney Crowell. It seemed perfectly natural. It was all about the song. I don’t have a traditional country type of voice. I read once that style is a product of your limitations. If everybody could sing everything, then we wouldn’t have Every voice is unique; every experience is unique. All those things come together different, and you make it your own. Music has brought a great deal of joy to my life, and I’ve had the chance hang out with musicians who are very compassionate and very interesting people. Your numerous roles---social activist, animal rescue organizer, traditional country music torchbearer----seem to all involve people and projects that are hanging on the fringes of society. What draws you to these often compromised characters? You could say the same for so many artists. It’s just part of what we should be doing. We couldn’t do it without the organizations that are already out there. As artists, our time is mainly put into work and our creative work. (For these causes) we just show up and take the applause. (laughs) There have been huge gains on this issue, but a lot of work left to do. You’re renowned as one of country’s greatest interpreters of songs, but recent albums have included many of your own compositions. Was it a concerted effort to do so? I wouldn’t say it comes naturally. (laughs). we talk about things changing albums
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After I made Wrecking Ball, which was produced by Daniel Lanois (U2, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson), he said that I really needed to write. About the same time, Guy Clark told me “You need to write your next record.” I knew that it was time for me to head on a different path; you have to keep yourself fresh. So then I made Red Dirt Girl, and then I had a few songs on Stumble Into Grace and All I Intended to Be. I decided I really needed concentrate on the writing. You’ve recently been nominated for a Grammy Award for your new album, Hard Bargain. What does that recognition mean at this stage of your career? It means i can keep working. (laughs) I can’t imagine ever not working. I have no sense of retiring. Willie Nelson said once, “All I do is play music and play golf. Which one do you want me to give up?” I have continued to work all these years and go down different paths. I’m kind of out in left field. There’s plenty of room out there! The major-label system is so different from when you first made an album. It’s a very different world. With the internet and all this technology, people are being able to make records in their bedrooms. There’s a freedom now, and a different way of accessing music. I was very fortunate when I came to the forefront. I had a really good label with Reprise. They had huge-selling artists, but the people that ran the label also liked artists that wouldn’t sell millions but had a strong fanbase. They didn’t make a distinction between artist. It wasn’t a horse race that you couldn’t win. Now I’m with a wonderful label in Nonesuch Records, and it’s brought my music back to a beautiful place where you don’t live and die by radio. They give you complete freedom to what you want; they’re music
junkies and really smart businessmen. I couldn’t be with a better bunch. Now you’re preparing a duet album with Rodney Crowell. You two have been musical collaborators and friends for years. How’d this album come about? We’ve talked about it for years. When the Hot Band started out, it was just me and Rodney, two singers with two acoustic guitars. For so long we’ve said we need to do a duet album. You know, you get a point in life where you start losing friends and you know you’re gonna be around forever. So we said “Let’s just book some time. It’s not gonna come to us on its own. We need to make the effort to do this.” So we started working on material, and started recording in November. We just chose songs we love. Brian Hearn is the producer. Besides the fact that Brian is a brilliant producer, he’s how Rodney was brought to me. He had just signed Rodney, and that’s how I got a crack all those great songs. He’s always colored outside the lines. He sees the beauty and majesty in music and how it brings every generation together.
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Q&A: Amelia White
Singer-songwriter and Nashville-based performer offers a new album, ‘Beautiful and Wild’ by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
You may not know her name just yet, but you’ve likely heard the moving and evocative performances of Nashville singer-songwriter Amelia White. Her songs have been featured on television show (WB’s
Summerland, FX’s Justified), as well as on NPR’s popular program All Things Considered. Recorded at Dagotown Recorders in East Nashville, her new album Beautiful and Wild runs the gamut of musical genres. The project’s producer is Marco Giovino, a favorite collaborator for Band of Joy and Patty Griffin. In Amelia White. her interview with Out & Photo credit: Stacie Huckeba. About Newspaper, White describes how Beautiful and Wild was inspired by a sense of loss, and why she cherishes her special role as a performer.
Give us a taste of your new album, Beautiful and Wild. It has a firm, but gentle heartbeat to it that runs throughout,- the sound of Marco Giovino ( the producer’s drums which are like no others) it’s very melodic and has elements of rock, gospel, a hint of country and spooky folk. the album was written largely through the lens of a my aching heart, as I’d lost a couple close people in my life to an untimely death. It also explores star crossed love. It’s a very passionate album; it was recorded in a couple weeks with lots of love. Every player or singer brought themselves fully to the process, and I think that makes it special. What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a musical performer? Getting to heal people through music, writing about this crazy rollercoaster life that is so beautiful and at times unexpected. Getting to release the demons that plague me, and look into the faces of the angels that give me hope. I”ve also had to learn to let go of the notion that money is what could make me happy. When you were first starting out, how challenging was it not to merely mimic your idols? That was honestly not a challenge for me. I seem to have always had a strong sense of my own sound, I think I”ve had to learn to accept a few influences into my process. I try to listen to a broad mix of music that moves me, but I just as often I prefer silence so I can hear the songs in my own head. How has your songwriting process changed as you’ve moved through the years? I stopped trying to make it “better”, and learned to respect my muse for what it is. At the same time, I”ve learned that the editing process can be super valuable if you have patience. I’ve also gotten more relaxed about it. I write a lot and I always have, and I think I’ve recently come to realize that sometimes writing can wait a week if there is business that needs to be attended to. What effect do live performances have on your recordings? I think playing songs live makes me feel instinctively what needs a little work or a little shaping up. Of course some songs touch more people than others, and you can recognize that as well. I don’t always choose my songs by that process. I’ve had songs that ended up being my signature songs I”ll be proud of my whole life that the audience didn’t seem to fall in love with at first. I’m more interested in art than entertainment. What are the next goals that you’ve created for your career? My goals are to continue to grow as an artist, to keep doing what I do and touch the people that need and want it. I want my audience to grow, but I also believe the best art is sometimes not for the masses. I’d love to be able to record as many albums as the songs I write. At this point I can’t quite get the business of it to catch up to the art.
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On the radio
ABC News Radio host Hunter Kelly dishes with today’s country stars by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
“You’re not gonna love every artist that you interview,” Kelly says. “It’s a job, and you have to show up day after day. The thing that sets everybody apart is work ethic. It can be glamorous, but if you don’t work at it, it’s just not gonna happen. It can be a 24-hour-a day job where you have to drop everything and report. It’s kind of an unpredictable life, but that’s what makes it exciting.” With the news industry experiencing a number of layoffs, employees are faced with added responsibilities. But despite the constant demands of his position, working in the country-music business also offers ample rewards. “It’s great to work in this genre that I love so much,” Kelly says. to know the history of this genre, and to recognize people that are shaping the future of country music. Getting to champion them and see people get on board is really gratifying.
More about Hunter Kelly: Favorite celebrity interview: Wynonna. “I loved music my entire life; it’s been a huge part of my life. It’s almost like an obsession. It’s funny because what I do---chronicling country music---began when I was 14 years old. That was in the days of Compuserve. I handled the Wynonna section, and I would post stories and chat with people. I was just obsessed with country music.”
Favorite celebrity encounter: Taylor Swift 30-minute interview she was so great handwritten thank you note Favorite current country artists: Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Jason Aldean. “I feel like I’ve been there from the beginning of their careers and now they’re headlining arenas and winning awards.”
ABC News Radio reporter Hunter Kelly is one of country music's most prominent news personalities. Photo provided.
It’s all about the voice. Hunter Kelly, a broadcaster with ABC News Radio since 2006, owns one of the most recognizable voices in country-music media. Kelly is on hand at major country music events, including the CMA Awards and CMA Music Festival, the ACM Awards and the Country Radio Seminar. Before his tenure at ABC News Radio, Kelly also worked for numerous publications and press services including Billboard. Kelly, a graduate of Belmont University’s music business program, first shared his news and views on the music industry as a member of the Belmont Vision staff. Although many assume the countrymusic industry can be a conservative environment, Kelly hasn’t endured the discrimination that many others face in their workplaces. “I think people would be surprised there are gay people everywhere,” he says. “I’ve never felt prejudice. I came out when I was at Premiere Radio. There’s definitely a place for gay people behind-the-scenes, but it’s different and much harder for an out gay country star.” Professionalism and preparation are key factors in Kelly’s field, and he says his sexuality is never a focus during interviews. “I’m an interviewer first,” Kelly says. “My job is to read the room and get the best interview out of that person. I don’t feel like it’s going to be different whether I’m straight or gay in terms of how I approach an artist and connect them. I just want to get the best answers.” Through the years, Kelly has persevered in a turbulent industry by showing respect for Music Row’s leading lights and FEBRUARY 2012
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New town, same sweet sound Singer-songwriter Anne E. Dechant heads south for her latest release by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Anne E. Dechant, 5-time winner of Cleveland’s Best Singer Songwriter award (Cleveland’s Scene Magazine), recently released her sixth album. It’s really a career first, though, for the Ohio native. Dechant relocated to Nashville three years ago to pursue songwriting in country music. Dechant, who continues to perform as a lead artist, has served as an opening act for Norah Jones, Stevie Nicks, Joan Jett, and numerous national superstars. Other career milestones: a performance slot at Lilith Fair and an appearance at The White House. In her interview with Out & About Newspaper, Dechant expresses awe and admiration for her new home in Nashvillle, and gives us a glimpse at the creative forces that have enhanced her career. Beyond the obvious benefits, what is so special about being a musician in Nashville? For so many years I heard that I needed to frequent Nashville or live here in order to take a giant leap in my career. I never quite understood that until after
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I moved here. Little things happen while you’re out and about in this town...not like what I imagined which was someone “discovering” me but smaller things, connections to people. That is how I began building a network of people with positive energy around me I think that’s what it takes to be both successful and happy in this industry. That’s the magic of this town. There are people all around you who want great things from you and want you to succeed. If you’re great or working at being great, your persistent and you’re nice to be around, you can get people behind you. I try to create win/win situations and that’s what I believe will move me forward. In this town, with so much talent and such a demand for excellence, growth is a huge option and that’s special. Moving to Music City has also given me the opportunity to put to practice all that I’ve learned. I’ve had to re-establish myself both personally and professionally here. All the life lessons I’ve had are put to the test during this new growth. There’s so much going on in this town, so many ways to spend your time and energy and so many people that you meet. I’m reminded constantly to listen to my gut...to let my instincts determine where and to whom I will give my energy. I’m learning to gravitate toward people I admire and feel good around. I also receive affirmations that it’s ok to walk away. How does this new release differ from your previous work? This is my first release in Nashville so sticking out in the crowd will be a challenge. The biggest difference is that this body of work represents all the learning I’ve done about writing in a more commercial style. I never thought about the length of a song before or if a song was easily understood. Now those are not necessary for an artist doing there own thing. But I made the choice before moving here to pursue a career as a writer for artists in the commercial market. This CD is a reflection of that growth. It’s still me but I guess a more “carved” me. How have you grown as a performer after your years of experience? As I said, I’ve really learned to listen to my gut. If something doesn’t feel right I’ve learned to say, “not now.” I’ve also become much better at doing what I do regardless of the crowd in front of me. always strive to please an audience, but I’ve learned over the years that all I need to be is me. There’s no need to compare myself to anyone else or to try and be like someone else.
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Salsa Dreams
with Billy the Kid and Cryin’ Out Valentine’s Weekend • February 10-12, 2012 TPAC’s Polk Theater Presented by:
Additional funding provided by:
Metropolitan Nashville Arts Commission
Tickets: (615) 782-4040 or NashvilleBallet.com. Season tickets and group discounts: (615) 297-2966 x10.
NB_Out&About_SalsaDreams.indd 1
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12/14/11 10:16 AM
Maria Salas named to Nashville Bar Association Board New appointment is just one of many responsibilities for the accomplished lawyer by ELLEN ANGELICO, CONTRIBUTING WRITER eangelico@outandaboutnewspaper.com
“I’m not sure than being a gay lawyer in Nashville is much different than being a gay accountant, architect or banker,” says Maria Salas. “I doubt my clients care much about my sexual orientation as long as I stop their home foreclosure or wage garnishment and get them a little relief on their credit card or medical debt.” Pragmatic and down to earth, Salas has run her practice Maria Salas was recently since 1995, representing debtors in Chapter 7 and Chapter named to the Nashville Bar Association Board of Directors. 13 cases almost exclusively. She also is a member of the Salas has practiced law in Tennessee since 1992. American and Tennessee Bar Associations, Tennessee and Photo provided. Nashville Lawyer’s Associations for Women, the National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy Attorneys, and the American Bankruptcy Institute, and she received the Nashville Bar Association Pro Bono Volunteer of the Year Award in 2011.
But just in case you didn’t think she was accomplished enough or involved in her community, Salas has just been elected to the Nashville Bar Association (NBA) Board of Directors. “I’m honored to have been elected by my peers to help lead the Nashville Bar Association for the next 3 years,” she says. “My area of expertise is bankruptcy, so I’m sure I will stay involved with the NBA bankruptcy court committee. My other areas of interest include solo lawyer and small firm practice issues, the practicing parent group, and, of course, diversity in the legal profession.” As an out lesbian in a largely conservative field, Salas has a deep interest in promoting diversity. “Early in my legal career as an associate attorney in a medium sized law firm, I wasn’t out to all my colleagues for fear of the impact on my advancement at the firm,” she reveals. “There wasn’t then and isn’t now any federal or Tennessee state employment non-discrimination law protecting GLBT people. However, fast-forward almost 20 years in my career and almost all, if not all, of the largest law firms in town have GLBT affinity groups and many have firm employment non-discrimination policies.” Salas is a founding member and current board member of the Stonewall Bar Association of Tennessee, which supports LGBT legal professionals: “I believe the attorneys and paralegals, both gay and straight, who are Stonewall Bar members are promoting diversity in the legal profession just by speaking out, being organized and being active in our law firms and in the local legal community.” Salas also served on the Human Rights Campaign board of governors and board of directors from 1997 to 2008, during which time she says “our country saw a huge shift towards LGBT equality.” “”I think I’m most proud of being part of the board leadership that oversaw the development and emergence of HRC Foundation programs,” Salas says. “Programs such as the Religion and Faith Project and the Family project. As the parent of a sixyear-old, I am particularly excited about HRC’s ‘Welcoming Schools’ program that addresses family diversity and bullying issues in elementary schools.”
FEBRUARY 2012
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Gay Vanderbilt professor named chair of major department Dr. Kevin Johnson to lead Department of Biomedical Informatics by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
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Dr. Kevin Johnson, vice chair of the Vanderbilt University Department of Biomedical Informatics (DBMI), has been named the department’s new chair. His appointment became effective Jan. 1. Dr. Johnson, who also holds the title of professor of Pediatrics, has been the DBMI vice chair since joining Vanderbilt in 2002. He says that this promotion has been made possible by the support of his peers. “This honor is a very big deal for me,” Johnson says. “I’m very excited about the support I have received from Vanderbilt administration to build upon the excellent efforts of my predecessors. It is rare in life that we get a chance to create something that makes a difference. For me, the role of department chair in Biomedical Informatics is that chance. I’m excited about the opportunity to create an environment that allows our talented faculty and students to shine.” Johnson graduated in 1983 from Dickinson College, in Carlisle, Pa., and is a 1987 graduate of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He underwent post-graduate training at Johns Hopkins and Stanford University School of Medicine, earning an M.S. in medical informatics. Before his tenure at Vanderbilt, Dr. Johnson served as a faculty member at John Hopkins. In preparing for his latest position, he has outlined a number of goals to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the department. “In five years, I hope to have developed a new Master’s Degree in Clinical Informatics, as well as a stronger and broader area of research excellence,” he says. “These efforts will literally transform the way we think about health care by being able to train the next generation of leaders and by leveraging the newest techniques for using data to improve patient care.” As an out gay man in the medical field, Johnson hopes to bring dignity and respect in all his endeavors. “I am a strong believer in diversity,” Johnson says, “and I look forward to supporting a culture of inclusiveness in our Department, as well as throughout Vanderbilt.”
Vanderbilt employee wins World AIDS Day Hero award Dr. Victoria Jackson has worked in HIV/AIDS education for 25 years by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
A Vanderbilt employee was recently honored with the prestigious World AIDS Day Hero award in recognition of her efforts to eradicate the worldwide epidemic. The Hero Award is designated to celebrate the achievements of those who have contributed to HIV/AIDS education and research. Victoria Harris, Director of Education for the Comprehensive Care Center/Vanderbilt Comprehensive Care Victoria Jackson, a Clinic, has been named the recipient of this year’s honor. Vanderbilt employee Harris received the award at a campus event who has worked in HIV/AIDS public health commemorating World AIDS Day 2011 Dec. 1. It serves as a education for 25 years, was recently honored special achievement and an important milestone for Harris, who with the World AIDS Day has worked in HIV/AIDS public health education for 25 years. Hero Award. Photo provided. During the awards presentation, Harris’ peers praised her irresistible spirit and tireless efforts in such a demanding field: Spurred on by the HIV-related illnesses and deaths of several friends, Victoria began in 1987 with the AIDS Education and Training Centers, serving as a faculty member at Meharry Medical College, and developing statewide education programming. She then poured herself into HIV treatment research at the Vanderbilt AIDS Clinical Trials Center, playing a crucial role in the development in life-saving antiretroviral treatments. Her work is recognized state and nationwide, still she focuses her energy on Middle Tennessee, providing tireless service to people living with HIV and collaborating with numerous community agencies, including the Nashville World AIDS Day committee. Because of her dedication to equipping professionals with the tools needed to provide informed, compassionate care to those infected and affected by HIV, we are glad to honor Victoria Harris. Harris, who coordinated the first AIDS walk ever held in Nashville, expressed both surprise and appreciation for the honor. “This is the fifth year in a row I have helped coordinate the World AIDS Day Event in Nashville,” Harris says. “I am humbled and honored to be recognized.” In her position Harris coordinates the Tennessee AIDS Education & Training Center to provide training, technical assistance, and ducation for healthcare providers across the state.
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Get in shape at FIT Nashville
a member of the Nashville Grizzlies rugby team, and we’ve designated FIT Nashville as the home gym for the team. Secondly, we’ve created an atmosphere that is nonintimidating and welcoming to all. We have a very diverse membership base, which makes people feel more at ease.
by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
What would you say to those who are nervous about joining a gym because of the commitment involved, or because they’ve been away from working out for so long, or because of the cost involved? We’ve tried to remove as many barriers as possible to those concerns. First off, we don’t require 12-month or multi-year agreements, like many places in town. We also offer multiple pricing options so people don’t end up paying for something they don’t intend to use.
How is FIT different from, say, joining the YMCA or other gyms in town? For many of our members, they like the more private, intimate atmosphere that we offer here at FIT. We’re not a big box gym with thousands of members fighting over limited equipment and parking. For most people who work and/or live downtown, we’re convenient, and that’s a big plus. Our smaller size allows us to provide more personalized service than you get at other larger facilities. It’s nice to be able to great members by their first name when they walk into the gym.
As Music City residents make New Year’s resolutions, one workout studio gets ready for the rush
Located in Nashville's burgeoning area The Gulch, FIT Nashville offers personal coaching and group fitness classes. Photo provided.
As motivated dieters make New Year’s resolutions, one Music City workout studio gets ready for the rush. FIT Nashville, a workout studio located in the Gulch, provides three different types of memberships to accommodate the needs of all comers. Classes can also be purchased individually,
with most costing just $9. The options of group classes and personal coaching are an appealing benefit of the facility. Each new client receives a complimentary assessment and screening to determine the course of action. F.I.T Nashville notes on its website that the facility is “welcoming to domestic couples and alternative lifestyles.” Co-owner Brian Berndt shares more information on the offerings at F.I.T with Out & About Newspaper.
What makes FIT stand out as such a welcoming place for the GLBT community? Well, first off, my partner and I are part of the GLBT community, and we participate in a number of GLBT events and activities throughout the year. I’m also
For more advanced workout enthusiasts, how does FIT tailor training regiments and what special services are available to them? Our FIT Boot Camp program is targeted to intermediate-to-advanced fitness levels. In those classes we incorporate tractor tire flipping, sledgehammers, battling ropes, kettlebells, agility drills...we try to mix it up each time to avoid boredom and increase muscle confusion. Our personal coaching programs are always tailored to the individual needs and goals. A monthly gym membership is not required to attend classes at Fit Nashville, however membership packages are available. For more information on the fitness facility and their membership rates, visit them online at: www.getfitinthegulch.com.
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photo by Lisa Binkley
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Help end HIV. Volunteers will be compensated for their time. You cannot contract HIV from the vaccine.
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FEBRUARY 2012
ACTION
Breaking stereotypes ‘Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys’ star Shane Stevens stands proud as an out gay man in the country-music industry
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tax time... again
by O&AN STAFF REPORTS
Shane Stevens, star in the hit Sundance Channel series Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys, has earned success by co-writing Lady Antebellum’s No. 1 hit “American Honey,” as well as penning songs for Kellie Pickler, Jordin Sparks and Sara Evans. He’s accumulated these accolades while being an out and proud gay man in Singer/songwriters Shane Stevens a largely conservative format. and Sherrie Austin star in the According to Stevens, attitudes about gay people Sundance Channel's "Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys." Photo provided. are often kept quiet within the country-music industry. Acceptance can vary from one fellow artist to the next. “As a whole for the most part, people in the music business are pretty accepted and open-minded,” he says. “The thing you have to worry about is if you’re writing country songs as an openly gay man writing to hard-core staunch Republicans. They probably don’t want to know you’re a gay guy, so that might pose a bit of a challenge.” Based in Nashville, the second season of Sundance Channel’s hit series Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys features four pairs of participants offering up their privacy for an opportunity to shape the cultural landscape. Billed as an unscripted series that “celebrates and explores the special relationship” between women and their gay best friends, Girls completed its season in January.
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Dance Theatre of Tennessee presents ‘Latin Heat and other ballets’ Performances on Mar. 3-4 highlight classical, contemporary and modern works by O&AN STAFF REPORTS
February 7-12
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615-782-4040
TPAC Box Office Downtown Groups of 10 or more call 615-782-4060
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Dance Theatre of Tennessee will present “Latin Heat and other ballets,” a celebration of dance, music and love, during the first weekend of March. Performances will be Saturday, Mar. 3 (8 p.m.) and Sunday, Mar. 4 (2 p.m.) at Father Ryan High School Auditorium, located at 700 Norwood Drive, Nashville, TN 37204. The Saturday night performance will be preceded by a pre-show discussion with the choreographers at 7:30 p.m. Led by longtime Nashville Principal Dancer and Artistic Director Christopher Mohnani, Dance Theatre of Tennessee (DTT) is Middle Tennessee’s newest force in dance and theater entertainment. With its mission of “bringing ballet to the people,” DTT continues to offer cutting edge choreography while honoring time-tested classics. A follow up to last season’s successful “Aspects of Love,” DTT’s “Latin Heat and other ballets” will offer four premieres that will give every dance lover all they desire - wonderful dancing and choreography together with memorable and familiar music that will leave audiences wanting more. Included in the evening is DTT’s premiere of a George Balanchine piece to music by Glinka. “Valse Fantaisie” is a spirited charmer of a dance in which a myriad of steps and jumps are packed within a compressed time frame. A perfect introduction to a Balanchine ballet and a great honor for DTT as companies are evaluated by the George Balanchine Trust and Foundation to make sure they are up to the standard set by the choreographer before being allowed to perform. “Valse Fantaisie” is being restaged by former New York City ballet soloist and ballerina Stacey Calvert. Other pieces in the evening include “Inclined To Be That Way,” choreographed by MTSU Dance Department Chair Kim Neal Nofsinger and set to music by country music legend Patsy Cline and “Ecole de Ballet,” choreographed by Ballet Manila Artistic Associate Osias Barroso and set to Czerny’s dramatic and powerful music. Anchoring the evening is a premiere by Hubbard Street’s Ron De Jesus to Latin infused music and movements. Ron de Jesus is an in demand choreographer in the ballet, concert and Broadway world. A leading dancer with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago and Twyla Tharp for 17 years, he brings his trademark sexy and energetic style to DTT. Tickets are available by visiting www.ticketsnashville.com. General admission tickets are $20 ($15 for students with valid ID) if bought online and are $25 ($20 for students with valid ID) at the door. A pre-show discussion will be held 30 minutes before theater doors open. This series is presented in part by Metro Nashville Arts Commission, Nashville Scene and Hotel Preston. Tickets are available at www.ticketsnashville.com. For more information, please visit our website at www.dancetheatretn.org, www.facebook.com/ dancetheatretn., call 615-391-5500 or email dance@dancetheatretn.org.
Nashville Ballet to present winter series Feb. 10-12 Production features three contemporary pieces including ‘Billy the Kid’ by O&AN STAFF REPORTS
Nashville Ballet’s winter series, Salsa Dreams, will include three dances selected by Artistic Director & CEO Paul Vasterling for their popularity and contribution to American culture-Salsa Dreams, with Billy the Kid and Cryin’ Out. The performances will be held Feb. 10-12 at Tennessee Performing Arts Center. In Salsa Dreams, the unlikely combination of ballet and salsa unite on stage, fueled by a live salsa band led by the lively and entertaining Lalo Davila y Amigos. These two genres meet when a classical ballerina daydreams about crossing paths with a group of salsa dancers who move in a way she’s never experienced. Salsa Dreams explores the irony of combining two apparently different forms of dance, and invites audience members to explore new forms of movement themselves. By the end of the performance, she has embraced this new, freespirited style of movement. “A performance like this that profiles a very different kind of ballet allows us to teach people that there is a style of music and dance for everyone. Even people who don’t think they can dance or don’t think they have any rhythm find themselves literally moving to this music,” Vasterling says. “It also allows us to profile the versatility of our company members who can master many different styles of dance-even in one performance.” Previously performed in 2005, the infectious
music inspired audience members to dance in the aisles and their seats. Also featured during the series is Cryin’ Out with choreography by Gina Patterson and music written and performed live on stage by genre-busting songwriter Gary Nicholson, whose songs have been recorded by rock and country legends alike, including Bonnie Raitt, Vince Gill and the Dixie Chicks. Nicholson will perform some of his most recognized songs, including “One More Last Chance,” “More Love” and “Choose Love” for this mix of Americana music, contemporary dance and traditional ballet. Vasterling will also revive Billy the Kid, a quintessential American work choreographed by Eugene Loring in 1938. Based on the life of the infamous Western outlaw of the same name, Billy the Kid illustrates how Billy’s reputation as both a criminal and a hero was an influential part of Wild West culture after the Civil War. Billy the Kid was one of the first ballets choreographed on American themes, created during the 1920’s surge of popular American art. Recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts for preserving important American works, Nashville Ballet’s premiere of Billy the Kid will revive this ballet from a 10-year American hiatus. Salsa Dreams, with Billy the Kid and Cryin’ Out will be held at TPAC’s Polk Theater for three performances: Friday, February 10 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 12 at 2 p.m. Season tickets for Nashville Ballet’s 2011-2012 performance season on sale now at nashvilleballet. com. For season ticket information, contact Logan Heinsch at (615) 297-2966 x10. Tickets to individual performances are available in person at the TPAC box office in downtown Nashville, by phone at 615782-4040 or online at nashvilleballet.com.
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Stylist to the stars
For multimedia icons like Faith Hill and Kristen Chenoweth, John Grimes is their go-to stylist by BLAKE BOLDT, MANAGING EDITOR bboldt@outandaboutnewspaper.com
Name: John Grimes
Hometown: La Plata, MD
Current Town: Whites Creek, TN
Experience: I started styling hair professionally in Nashville 17 years ago. I opened Ambiance Hair Studio here in the late 90’s which was a passion of mine until I moved to Los Angeles in 2006 to expand my resume and skills at Prive salon, focusing on entertainment related clientele. I returned to Nashville John Grimes, a stylist at The Look Salon in Nashville, has a client list full-time a few years later and that includes entertainment stars Gwyneth Paltrow, Kristin Chenoweth currently work for myself at The and Faith Hill (pictured). Photo provided. Look Salon off Elliston Place as a colorist and stylist, in addition to freelance work traveling to New York and Los Angeles.
Queer Queens of Comedy
Photos by: Keith Hinkle
Zanies
Nashville
List of celebrity clients: Faith Hill, Jewel, Gwyneth Paltrow, Paula Abdul, Kristin Chenoweth, Ashley Judd, Jennifer Goodwin, Teri Hatcher, Jordin Sparks, George Lopez, Virginia Madson, Bo Bice, Lorrie Morgan, Suzy Bogguss, Tanya Tucker, Kathy Mattea, Terri Clark, Michael W. Smith, Point of Grace.
Favorite experience working with a musician: That’s a tough one! The first time I worked with Paula Abdul and Kristin Chenoweth I had an instant connection. That’s very rare in an industry where celebrities are usually more guarded and slower to build a relationship with. Paula and Kristin are both so bubbly and friendly, just “good people!” It makes my work not feel like work. Most rewarding part of your job: I feel most rewarded working with my
everyday clients who have been so loyal and good to me. Ive learned to be a good listener over the years. Some days I feel more like a therapist than a stylist. There’s nothing better than witnessing a full-life transformation of a client that was sparked by the “new look” they left with. It’s very fufilling to have a part in helping to build ones’ self esteem, as I know how it can feel to struggle with self-confidence growing up gay. What’s your take on the acceptance of gays in the music industry? Personally, I have always felt fortunate that I can be myself around my clients. Generally speaking, I believe that creative people appreciate the diversity around them and respect the importance of how “we” play a part in their success as well. There are a lot of genuine, loving, non-judgmental folks I have come to know in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, I do feel that in working with country music, that comfort level stays private behind the salon door. I really admire Kathy Mattea for publicly drawing attention to the AIDS epidemic in 1992 at the CMA awards, despite the Country Music Association’s wish to steer clear of any controversy. A couple years later she headed the creation of Red Hot + Country, an album to raise funds for AIDS education. Twenty years later, I wish that more country artists would have followed suit in efforts to gain acceptance, not just tolerance, for gay and lesbian individuals. I hope to one day be able to use the connections and relationships I have made in the music business to further a movement towards unconditional love for all mankind, despite one’s sexual orientation. Grimes is the owner of James Gang Company, an entertainment venue in Whites Creek. For listings of their music and GLBT-related events, visit JamesGangCompany.com.
January 23 FEBRUARY 2012
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Tennessee lawmaker: GLBT youth find a Gays are not mentally spiritual home in healthy human beings Knoxville In response to a constituent’s letter, Rep. John Ragan claims anti-GLBT legislation is not to blame for recent teen suicides
Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church offers workshop, Sunday school classes for congregation by STEVEN DISNEY, CONTRIBUTING WRITER sdisney@outandaboutnewspaper.com
by O&AN STAFF REPORTS
A Tennessee lawmaker has responded to a constituent’s letter regarding antiGLBT legislation by saying that a gay person is not a “mentally healthy adult human being.” Kristin M. Johnson, a student in Middle Tennessee State University’s Political Science/Pre-Law department, wrote a letter to Rep. John Ragan (R-Oak Ridge) expressing her opinions on legislation such as the “License to Bully” bill and the “Don’t Say Gay” bill in Tennessee. “The threat to gay or lesbian children (yes, they do exist) or even to children rumored to be gay is quite overt,” Johnson says in her letter. “There is no mistaking that the purpose and language of this bill are to justify and defend anti-gay bullying, which has already caused too much pain and driven too many children to take their own lives.” In his lengthy, statistic-laden response, Ragan argues that homosexuality is a choice, and that anti-GLBT legislation is not to blame for the recent spate of teen suicides in Tennessee. Portions of representative John Ragan’s response are reproduced below: On homosexuality as a choice: Logically, homosexuality is defined by behavior, i.e., unless one engages in sexual activity with a member of the same sex, he, or she, is not a homosexual. (The term sexual orientation is a description of feelings.) Feelings do not control the behavior of a mentally healthy adult human being. On gay teens committing suicide: According to the FDA: “[homosexual practitioner or ‘gay’ men] have an HIV prevalence 60 times higher than the general population, 800 times higher than firsttime blood donors and 8,000 times higher than repeat blood donors.” The FDA further warns: “[homosexual practitioner or ‘gay’ men] also have an increased risk of having other infections that can be transmitted to others by blood transfusion. For example, infection with the Hepatitis B virus is about 5-6 times more common, and Hepatitis C virus infections are about 2 times more common in “homosexual practitioners than in the general population.” A 2007 CDC study found that, although “gay” men comprise only 1-to-2 percent of the population, they account for an epidemic 64 percent of all syphilis cases. All of these statistics are facts. A resulting critical thought question might be: do homosexual practitioners disproportionately contract AIDS, hepatitis, or syphilis through their own proclivities and behavior or in “reaction” to opinions of that behavior by others or someone supporting a bill? On homosexuality as sinful behavior: As a fitting critical thought question, it could be asked if other identifiable groups that engage in behavior of which “others may disapprove” commit suicide at similar rates? In other words, do prostitutes, pedophiles, polygamists, murders, etc., commit suicide at the same, or similar, rates to homosexual behavior practitioners? If similar rates were hypothetically so (not proven to be the case), do these behavior practitioners commit suicide at a higher rate because someone may have disapproved of their behavior or for other reasons?
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KNOXVILLE - Even with youth suicides rampant across the country and the assault of many GLBTIQ individuals making headline news, a number of community groups and services, even a conservative state such as Tennessee, provide safe haven. One example: The Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church on Kingston Pike in Knoxville, which hosts a welcoming congregation that is open to anyone. They promote the diversity of their church by occasionally offering a welcoming workshop that runs for multiple weeks at a time. Many people from the GLBTIQ community serve in this church in diverse ways from teaching a Sunday School class, to greeting at the door, serving in the choir, to even delivering the weekly service to the congregation. Counseling services are available and the church keeps a list of people able to assist with such needs. They open their doors to allow programs such as gay support groups to meet in their building. Furthermore, they offer a yearly service in honor of the Stonewall event. “TVUUC is a diverse congregation that celebrates its diversity,” says administrative assistant Nina Braden. “We are a welcoming Congregation; everyone is welcome. However, in UU terms, a Welcoming Congregation has a special meaning. Welcoming Congregations make a deliberate decision to be welcoming to gay, lesbian, bisexual, and/or transgendered individuals.” Finally, they have a program that has been well established called Spectrum CafÈ. This is a time of welcoming to teens that feel different or left out for reasons of sexual identity, religion, race, gender expression, or other various reasons, they meet on the first and third Saturday of the month from 5-7 p.m. The goal of this event is to allow the youth time to interact with each other and understand they are not alone. Sunday services are offered at 9 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., and during summer months that is limited to one service at 10 a.m. If you want to learn more about TVUUC, visit their website www.tvuuc.org.
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Dennis Shepard
FEBRUARY 2012
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Tennessee Reper tor y Theatre MANAGING EDITOR POSITION AVAILABLE
Out & About Newspaper is seeking full-time managing editor/creative director, responsible for the editorial and creative direction of the publication. written by Yasmina Reza translated by Christopher Hampton
The managing editor/creative director is responsible for the following duties: • Overall editorial content and management of day-to-day operationS • Creative direction of cover photos including brainstorming, directing the photography, etc. • Develop editorial budget each month, set and enforce deadlines • Assign stories to volunteer writing staff, follow up and keep staff on deadline • Assist and manage overall newspaper operations, including layout production, preparing story order, gathering art for layout • Manage the online content management system • Edit all copy per AP style • Write a minimum of one new story each weekday for O&AN Web site • Write and post breaking news on O&AN Web site as needed • Review, edit, and post as necessary, news releases to Web site • Prepare, edit and send out a weekly email “newsletter” to O&AN readers • Prepare, edit and send out breaking news alerts to O&AN readers • Write a minimum of three new articles for the print edition each month • Take photos as needed • Represent O&AN at community functions and serve as an ambassador to the community • Cultivate and develop volunteer writing staff • Manage Web site and adjust story flow and story order as necessary, including updating and adjusting. • Responsible for maintaining journalistic standards • Attend and manage staff meetings • Maintain and post daily to FaceBook, Twitter and other social networking sites Requirements: A degree in journalism and previous editorial experience. Candidate must be able to meet deadlines and because of the nature of news business, often work in a quick pace, stressful environment. Candidate must be a self-motivated, self-starter with a flexible attitude. This is a salaried, work-from-home position, with an anticipated salary range between $24,000 and $30,000. Candidate should live in the Nashville, Tennessee area. This position does not provide any insurance benefits.
Feburary 4–18 Previews: Feb. 2–3 Johnson Theater, TPAC
Tickets: ★ tennesseerep.org ★ TPAC Box Office ★ (615) 782.4040 Season Sponsors The HCA Foundation on behalf of
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Exclusive blogging by Sam Jones at outandaboutnewspaper.com/blogs
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REaL ESTaTE with KaTE Out & About Newspaper is Tennessee’s best GLBT source for news in print, on TV, and on the web.
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State Senator Flying the Campfield’s comments friendly skies With a hang gliding adventure on the drawing criticism Campfield calls issue of gay teens being bullied ‘the biggest lark out there’ by NewsChannel5 - used with permission
A Tennessee lawmaker’s comments about homosexuality and AIDS during a satellite radio interview are drawing criticism. Republican State Senator Stacey Campfield was interviewed by liberal radio host and gay rights blogger, Michelangelo Signorile. During the interview, Campfield called the issue of gay teens being bullied “the biggest lark out there”. He also offered up a highly debatable theory on the origin of AIDS, attributing it to “the homosexual community” and attributed to a homosexual having sex with an animal. He went on to add that it was “virtually impossible ... to contract AIDS through heterosexual sex.” Those statements have not been well-received by Tennessee’s gay community. Tennessee Equality Project’s Chris Sanders said that such statements are a misrepresentation of how most Tennesseans feel. NewsChannel 5 contacted Stacey Campfield to see if he would clarify his statements, or if he were misquoted in any way. As of Thursday night, he had not returned our call.
Sen. Stacey Campfield’s not welcome at the Bistro
Knoxville restaurant owner kicks out the anti-gay politician for being ‘a bully’
Stacey Campfield, the Tennessee Senator who authored the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, was ousted from a popular Knoxville restaurant Sunday evening by the restaurant’s owner and manager, Martha Boggs. Facebook followers of the popular Bistro at the Bijou on Gay Street were among the first to hear the news outside of the restaurant, after Boggs posted: “I hope that Stacey Campfield now knows what it feels like to be discriminated against.” Eyewitnesses say that Boggs called Campfield a “homophobe” along with other less-friendly words. She told the Knoxville News-Sentinel that she was particularly disgusted with Campfield’s recent remarks about AIDS in a radio interview. Campfield is standing by his statements in the interview, during which he said that AIDS originated from a man having sex with a monkey, and that “It is virtually … impossible to contract AIDS through heterosexual sex.” Boggs thinks he’s gone too far: "He's gone from being stupid to dangerous," she told the Sentinel. She adds, “It’s just my way of standing up to a bully.” Customers visiting the Bistro today were welcomed by a sign reading: "Today's Special: Fried Chicken. Crispy Chicken Livers + No Stacey." The local response to Boggs’ actions are keeping her Facebook page busy, with hundreds of comments expressing solidarity and vowing to patronize the Bistro even more. Several encouraging responses are rolling in from around the country as well.
horizon, I reflect on my adolescence by BARB NELIGAN
My mind’s made up. I will celebrate my 51st birthday in late April by going hang gliding for the first time. If all goes according to plan, I will be joined in this little adventure by my friend Chris Davis. Chris and I grew up together in Chattanooga, Tennessee and his childhood home is on Lookout Mountain not far from what will be our jumping off point. Chris is interested in jumping off the mountain because he is working on research for his second novel in which one of the characters is a hang glider. I am interested in jumping off the mountain because I am working on a perpetual adolescence. This makes Chris the perfect partner for a couple of reasons. We spent our adolescence together, and it won’t be the first time we’ve stood side by side staring down at the unknown. Chris and I ran with the same crowd in high school and we went to most of the high school dances together. He was one of the few teenage boys who was not afraid to move to a beat and those were fun nights. We never “dated.” We went on dates. The irresistible force that pulled our friends together into inseparable, sometimes manic, sometimes miserable teenage couples, did not pull us toward one another. We were clear on that. What we weren’t clear on at the time (at least I wasn’t) was why. It’s perfectly clear now, thirty some-odd years later. Chris and his partner Greg live in Minneapolis with their two teenage sons. Amy and I are in Nashville and our daughter is finishing her sophomore year of college. I didn’t talk to Chris or anyone else about being gay during my Catholic high school days in the mid-1970s. It would be easy at this point to blame my silence on fire and brimstone talk by the nuns and priests warning us that homosexuality was a one-way ticket to hell. But they didn’t. They didn’t talk about it at all. It just didn’t exist. As a result I didn’t have a framework or language I could use to solve the puzzle of why I felt so different from other girls, even my own sisters. This was pre-Curve, Advocate, and Out Magazines, pre-The L Word. There was no Katy Perry out there singing about kissing girls and liking it. At that point in my life, I, literally, had no clue. It was what I imagine hang gliding will be like. Floating disconnected. Lifted on the updrafts. Back then those updrafts were not air, but fleeting sexually charged exchanges that I never saw coming or going and had no idea how to navigate. Looking down and seeing “regular” people going about their lives, but it all being muted and far, far away. I hope my landing from my actual hang gliding will be a little softer and more graceful than my landing into the reality of my sexuality. And I am hoping that my friend Chris will float up there with me for a while. It won’t be the first time. Follow Barb on Twitter at twitter.com/BarbNeligan "Like" Barb on Facebook at facebook.com/barbneligancomedy
Get the latest news and photos at outandaboutnewspaper.com FEBRUARY 2012
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HRC Equality Dinner set for Feb. 25 Vice Mayor Diane Neighbors and Keith Merrill to be honored for contributions to GLBT community by O&AN STAFF REPORTS
The Nashville Steering Committee of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) has announced that its 17th annual Equality Dinner will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Nashville’s Loews Vanderbilt Hotel. A full evening of entertainment will begin at 6 p.m. Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter Emmylou Harris will serve as honorary chair for this year’s event. Keith Merrill will be recognized with the 2012 Community Activist Award during the ceremony. The Community Activist Award honors community service, community organizing and leadership in the trenches of our community and the greater fairness-minded community. The 2012 Community Leadership Award recipient is Nashville’s Vice Mayor Diane Neighbor. The Community Leadership Award rewards service, commitment and actions that honor the mission of HRC, fighting for full equality for all GLBT people. This year’s Equality Dinner, co-chaired by Ian May, Andrea Guennewig and Jeremy Davis, will begin with a silent auction, with items ranging from luxury trips to artwork to restaurant gift certificates. The Jugg Sisters of NashTrash Tours, longtime advocates of GLBT equality, will once again emcee the live auction. To learn more about the 2012 HRC Equality Dinner and to purchase tickets, visit www.theequalitydinner.com.
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Recognizing my own self worth. And also surviving my first year of college! What do you hope your next greatest achievement will be?
Discover what to do next after college.
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Timberfell Lodge
timberfell.com February 10 – 12 Valentine’s Day Sweethearts Weekend Call us with your special requests to make your romantic weekend perfect! The Tavern will be open Saturday (12pm-5pm) for pool, beer, snacks, movies and Wii!
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The Human Rights Campaign logo is one of the most ecognizable symbols of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and ransgender community. It has become synonymous with the fight for equal rights for LGBT Americans.
The logo — unveiled in fall 1995 — helped Table Captain Party 2012 usher in a new era for the organization, which had previously been known as the Human Rights Campaign Fund. When HRCF was founded in 1980, it was primarily a und for supporting pro-fairness congressional candidates. The rebranding in 1995 announced to the counry that, in the words of then- Executive Director Elizabeth Birch, "We're so much more than a fund."
The logo was the final touch on a complete reorganization of HRC. In addition to the well-established obbying and political action committee capabilities, new Foundation programs — including the Workplace Project and Family Project — were added. All of HRC's research, communications, marketing and public relations functions were broadly expanded. HRC began a long period of robust growth and beame respected as one of the largest and most effective Photos by: Keith Hinkle
mainstream advocacy organizations in the country. As Birch would often say, "A logo is only as meaningful as the hard work and standard of excellence it represents."
The new nameCaptain and logo reflected the wider goals and Table Party 2012 influence of the organization, which grew in strength to now spread the message of equality to every corner of the country.
The genesis of the HRC logo began with Birch's vision for a unifying message for the organization. Birch formed a committee that included HRC senior staff such as Cathy Nelson and David Smith and board members and marketing talents such as Lisa Sherman and Wes Combs. She also enlisted the help of marketing and design firm Stone Yamashita Birch had worked with Keith Yamashita while at Apple Computer and admired Robert Stone's clean and exciting design style. Susan Schuman, also from Apple, joined Birch at HRC and helped guide the new positioning and branding efforts. Photos by: Keith Hinkle
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