Nashville TN 2024-25

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1 The Science of Laughter 4 Good Eats 6 Event Calendar 14 Street Food Delights 18 Community Resources 20 Service Directory

The The Science Science of of Laughter: Laughter: Why Why We We Love Love to to Chuckle Chuckle Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for good reason. It’s a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing joy and connection to people worldwide. But have you ever wondered why we love to chuckle so much?

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating science of laughter, the benefits it brings, and why it’s such a fundamental part of the human experience.

The Biology of Laughter: A Brainy Affair When you laugh, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, flood your system, creating a sense of euphoria and reducing stress. Laughter also triggers the release of dopamine, a continued on page 10

neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical rush is why we often feel so good after a hearty laugh.

The Social Glue: Connecting Through Chuckles Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also a powerful social tool.

Evolutionary scientists believe that laughter evolved as a way for early humans to bond and strengthen social bonds.

When we laugh with others, it signals trust and positive interaction, reinforcing social connections.

The Laughter Contagion: Yawns Are Out, Laughter Is In You’ve probably experienced NASHVILLE | TN | 2024-25 |

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Restaurants Etch Open-kitchen setting for eclectic, upscale dining, plus a rich cocktail & wine list.

303 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37201 Phone: (615) 522-0685 | Web: etchrestaurant.com

The Stillery Mason jar cocktails, burgers & brick-oven pizza in a modern space with live music on weekends.

113 2nd Ave N, Nashville, TN 37201 Phone: (615) 942-8080 | Web: stillerynashville.com

Folk High ceilinged space with exposed brick walls & an innovative seasonal Italian food & wine menu.

823 Meridian St, Nashville, TN 37207 Phone: (615) 610-2596 | Web: goodasfolk.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

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Pinewood Social

Cerveza Jack’s

Trendy hangout featuring New American cuisine, cocktails & bowling in an industrial-chic space.

33 Peabody Street, Nashville, TN 37210

Mexican restaurant & cantina with specials such as Taco Tuesday & happy hour, plus local bands.

135 2nd Avenue N, Nashville, TN 37201

Butcher & Bee

Marsh House

Hip outpost offering a rotating menu of inventive, seasonal cuisine made with local ingredients.

902 Main Street, Nashville, TN 37206

Elevated, seafood-centric Southern fare in a chic setting at the Thompson Nashville hotel.

401 11th Avenue S, Nashville, TN 37203

The Farm House

Fattoush Cafe

Re-imagined, farm-fresh Southern classics, local brews & cocktails in a hip space.

210 Almond Street, Nashville, TN 37201

Simple counter serve offering falafel & shawarma, plus Greek specialties such as gyros & baklava.

1716 Charlotte Avenue, Nashville, TN 37203

Ugly Mugs Coffee & Tea Locally minded coffeehouse in artsy, industrial surrounds with live music plus breakfast & lunch.

1886 Eastland Avenue, Nashville, TN 37206

Ninki Casual, contemporary Japanese restaurant featuring a full-service sushi bar & live hibachi grill.

4530 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205

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EVENTS 2024 Feb TBD Dine Nashville: The Music City Way A month-long celebration that features collaborative chef experiences, a restaurant week, and discount offerings from local food retail outlets across Music City. Learn more at visitmusiccity.com.

Feb 1 Black Soul and Spirits Tasting The Black Soul & Spirits Tasting kicks off Black History Month by showcasing Tennessee’s minority-owned wine and spirit businesses to raise awareness and funds for the National Museum of African American Music’s mission to educate on the integral role of African Americans in shaping American music through an evening reception with live music, tasting samples, and exclusive gallery access. Learn more at visitmusiccity.com.

Feb 25 Schermerhorn Symphony Center For 60 years, Ladysmith Black Mambazo has sung powerful, uplifting songs that emote the struggles and passion of South Africa. Nelson Mandela called Ladysmith “South Africa’s cultural ambassadors.” The group sings a cappella in a joyously energetic performance that combines loud powerful choruses with softer, almost whispering chants where voices blend harmoniously alongside tightly choreographed dance moves. Learn more at visitmusiccity.com.

Mar 23 License To Swill: The Ultimate BOND Dinner Come dressed as your favorite Bond character as Ms. Moneypenny and Q open their home for a Top Secret evening, as you survey the scene and mingle with your fellow heroes and villains. Take your place at the table and turn your Goldeneye to the glasses in front of you. The entire BOND Terroir Portfolio from 2018 and 2019 will come into focus and thrill the Living Daylights out of you. Learn more at nashvillewineauction.com.

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Apr 13 East Nashville Beer Fest The East Nashville Beer Festival got its start in April 2011 with two simple goals; to bring the best in craft beer to Nashville, and raise funds for a local Nashville non-profit organization. Since its inception, ENBF has offered well over 1000 unique beers, showcased amazing local live music, and raised well over $225,000 to support several non-profit organizations including Ride For Reading, Tennessee Breast Cancer Coalition, and Oasis Bike Workshop. Learn more at eastnashvillebeerfest.com.

Apr 29 Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Boil Ragin’ Cajun Crawfish Boil is one of the largest crawfish boils in Tennessee. This event boasts all-you-can eat crawfish until we run out, premium beer options, live music, and more! Tickets are tiered to include access to the event space and live music, all-you-can-drink, and all-you-can-eat until we run out! Upgrade to VIP status for your own private space, early access to the event, and more. Learn more at nashvillejuniorchamber.org.

May 10 Nashville Margarita Festival It’s tequila time! Join the Nashville Scene for the 11th annual Margarita Festival on Friday, May 10 at oneC1TY! Your ticket gets you entry to the

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EVENTS 2024 event and 12 margarita samples from the city’s best margarita makers.

Sip and vote for your favorite margarita while DJs rock the park, and you enjoy food trucks, salsa dancing, photo booth fun and more! Learn more at visitmusiccity.com.

Jun 14 Brew at the Zoo Save Wildlife. Drink Beer - Your favorite beer event is back on June 14!

At Brew, enjoy unlimited samples from local breweries & adult beverage vendors, food trucks, live music, up-close animal encounters and more!

Learn more at nashvillezoo.org.

Jun 22 Nashville Pride Festival & Parade Achieving equal rights for all LGBTQIA+ persons requires year-round efforts. When the Festival and Parade aren’t lining Nashville’s streets with love, color, and acceptance, the Nashville Pride board is engaging our community, coordinating advocacy and ally-ship, promoting diversity and inclusivity, and calling our local community to action. Learn more at nashvillepride.org.

Jul 6 Illusions The Drag Brunch Nashville Illusions the Drag Queen Show Nashville is the perfect combination of spectacular burlesque style and comedy performances by the industry’s best celebrity impersonators and the funniest Nashville drag queen hosts you’ll ever have the pleasure of encountering. Visit eventbrite.com.

Aug 9 Tomato Fest One of Nashville’s most well-known (and unusual) festivals, Tomato Art Fest’s 2-day celebration welcomes everyone to East Nashville for a fun and wacky day of art, music, food, costumes, contests, shopping, kids activities, and more. Learn more at tomatofest.com.

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Aug 31 Diva Royale Drag Queen Show Nashville, TN Featuring the finest drag queen dinner and brunch shows and female celebrity impersonation. Dinner or brunch will be a celebration you won’t forget, where you are treated like a queen! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Sep 4 Southern Rounds Hear country music’s biggest hit songs, performed by the songwriters who wrote them. Featuring hit songs from Luke Combs, Zac Brown Band, Rascal Flatts, Miranda Lambert, Johnny Cash, Luke Bryan, Tim McGraw, and many, many more! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Oct 3 Nashville Oktoberfest The Oktoberfest Beer Tastings feature over a dozen different beers from some of the finest breweries in the world. To name a few from the past, the Paulaner Hefe Weizen, Paulaner Oktoberfest Marzen, Hacker Pschorr Munich Gold, and more have been available to try. Learn more at visitmusiccity.com.

Oct 25 Nashville Black Pride Celebration Nashville Black Pride makes a concerted effort to work among and for a diverse population of Black LGBTQ+ and Same Gender Loving people to organize and plan a city wide events that celebrates the lives and culture of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer members within our community. Learn more at nashvilleblackpride.org.

Nov 3 Salsa Sunday Join us for Sunday Salsa night on the first Sunday of every month! The party starts at 7 PM on the first floor featuring live salsa music from Giovanni Rodriguez. Plus, enjoy drink specials featuring Lo Siento tequila! continued on page 12

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the phenomenon of contagious laughter. When someone near you starts laughing, you can’t help but join in, even if you’re not sure what’s so funny.

This contagious nature of laughter is thought to be linked to our mirror neuron system, which activates when we observe someone else’s actions or emotions. In essence, when we see or hear laughter, our brains mimic it, compelling us to laugh along.

The Health Benefits: A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways laughter can boost your well-being: Stress Reduction: Laughter reduces the production of stress hormones like

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cortisol, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Pain Relief: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which can temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort.

Improved Immunity: Regular laughter has been linked to enhanced immune function, helping the body fight off illnesses.

Better Mood: Laughter can elevate mood and combat feelings of depression by increasing the release of dopamine.

Strengthened Relationships: Sharing laughs with friends and loved ones fosters stronger social

bonds and increases feelings of connectedness.

The Laughter Prescription: Make Time for Chuckles Incorporating laughter into your daily life is a simple yet effective way to improve your well-being. Here are some tips to get your daily dose of giggles: Watch Comedy: Enjoy a funny movie, stand-up comedy show, or your favorite sitcom to trigger laughter.

Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor and enjoy sharing laughter.

Laughter Yoga: Join a laughter yoga class or practice laughter exercises at home to reap the benefits of intentional laughter.

Find Humor in Everyday Life: Seek out the humor in everyday situations and don’t take life too seriously.

Share Funny Stories: Share funny anecdotes and jokes with friends and family to create laughter-filled moments.

Embrace the Chuckles Laughter is a powerful and joyful force in our lives. It connects us, reduces stress, and brings a myriad of health benefits.

So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of hearty laughter, remember that you’re not just having fun—you’re also giving your brain and body a much-needed boost.

Embrace the chuckles, share a joke, and let laughter light up your life. After all, as the saying goes, laughter truly is the best medicine!

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EVENTS 2024-25 Free and open to the public! All levels of dancers are welcome. Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Dec 14 Nashville Tacky Sweater Crawl Nashville’s #1 Christmas bar crawl features a fun-filled afternoon of day drinking at 5 to 6 unique bars in downtown Nashville’s historic district, each with exclusive drink specials for all Tacky Sweater Crawl participants!

All the while, our professional tour guides will be on hand entertaining guests with fun reindeer games & activities, costume competitions, prizes, and more! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Dec 30 New Year’s Eve in Nashville Nashville, known as Music City, has a vibrant club scene. The city also hosts some of the largest New Year’s Eve parties in the South. Numerous downtown restaurants and bars have their own bashes and celebrations.

Roof-top parties are especially popular due to the opportunity to watch spectacular fireworks at midnight. Learn more at rove.me.

Jan 2 2025 Nashville Outdoor Escape Room A mysterious murder. Six Suspects. A string of clues. Investigate the evidence to eliminate crime locations and check alibis until you can make an accusation. Do you have what it takes to put the pieces together and crack the case? Search for clues, solve puzzles, and explore Nashville on this unforgettable adventure! Learn more at eventbrite.com.

Jan 5 2025 Underground Donut Tour Our tour begins in the Sobro (South of Broadway) neighborhood at Parlor Doughnuts, one of the newest editions to the area. This is one of our most fun tours for friends, family, locals, and visitors. Learn more at wanderwomenproject.com.

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Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions: 1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~ In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.

2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~ Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, continued on page 16

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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.

3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.

4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience.

Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.

5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.

6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.

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7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.

8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.

Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!

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NASHVILLE CARES Our mission is to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee. We work to achieve this through education, advocacy and support for those at risk for or living with HIV. NASHVILLECARES.ORG | (615) 259-4866 THE TABLE NASHVILLE The Table is a LGBTQIA+ centered faith collective committed to the work of social justice and racial equity. We welcome those who are seeking God’s love and grace as a first timer or a lifer. Everyone has a seat at our table and we affirm people of all races, ethnicities, cultures, abilities, age, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, and relationship status.

THETABLENASHVILLE.ORG | (615) 264-8600 PFLAG NASHVILLE PFLAG Nashville provides free support for parents, family, and friends of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people. We are here to listen, encourage, guide, and assist you as you work to understand what it means to be LGBT. PFLAGNASHVILLE.ORG | (615) 208-4528 NASHVILLE LGBT CHAMBER The Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce advances common business interests, economic growth, and equality in the workplace and society for its LGBT members, businesses, and allies by providing educational, networking, and community building opportunities.

NASHVILLELGBTCHAMBER.ORG | (615) 507-5185 OASIS CENTER We stand against racism and racist systems. At Oasis Center, we believe in social justice and racial equality, and we condemn institutions whose policies and practices lead to injustice and hate.

OASISCENTER.ORG | (615) 327-4455

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BAR Urban Cowboy Nashville..............................................................13 DEFENSE ATTORNEY / LAW Better Know Bo..............................................................................2 EYE LASIK PROCEDURES Wang Vision Institute....................................................................3 GREATER NASHVILLE REGIONAL COUNCIL Greater Nashville Regional Council.............................................15 NON-PROFIT Salvation Army.................................................... back inside cover RESTAURANT Casa Rosa......................................................................................2 TATTOO SHOP Icon Tattoo & Body Piercing........................................................ 19 TRAVEL AGENCY Creation Vacation.........................................................................7

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