Art on Fire
Bash at the Botanic
Freedom Award
1908 Clarington Drive
6244 Shady Grove Road
1908 Hazelton
Germantown, TN 38138
Memphis, TN 38120
Germantown, TN 38138
$745,000
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Features Signature Memphis • 12
CONTENTS December 2018
Otis Sanford Hardin Chair of Excellence in Economic and Managerial Journalism at the University of Memphis
Events Tim and Debbie Wood
StreetSeen • 16 Will Tucker Homegrown Musician Soaring to New Heights
Memphis Moments • 14, 18, 30, 32, 33, 38, 39, 40 & 46
Dr. Bowyer and Terri Freeman
Freedom Award • 22 StreetSeen • 20 Mary Jo Karmnia
National Civil Rights Museum rolls out the red carpet.
Artist and Residency Coordinator for Crosstown Arts Frison and Dr. Joel Bumgardner
RSVPhillippi • 49 Though It’s Been Said Many Times… How can such a charming holiday season have such bizarre songs?
Bash at the Botanic • 34 A musical evening benefiting Creative Aging at the Memphis Botanic Garden.
Sean and Shaleen Shah
Art on Fire • 42 Cover Photo Jessica Carnell and Diana Drinan at Art on Fire. Photo by Don Perry
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A perfect autumn evening was the backdrop for the Dixon Gallery and Gardens’ fundraiser.
Sunny Meadows Safe Haven for Pets is the largest no-kill rescue in the Mid-South. We are lucky enough to have a large facility where we house most of our animals until they find a new forever home.
Help us find a home for the holidays
RSVP Staff Volume XXIV • Number XII
December 2018 Publisher Roy Haithcock
Chris Pugh
Account Executive Chris has been exercising his talent in the advertising world since 1999. He joined the RSVP team in 2009 and brought with him a love for laughter and creativity. Originally from New Albany, Mississippi, Chris has settled in Memphis and enjoys being active in the fashion community.
Carter Davis
Miya
Contributing Writers Bill Bannister Virginia M. Davis Dennis Phillippi Gaye Swan Art Director Kim Coleman
Account Executives Chris Pugh Carter Davis
Account Executive
Midnight
Copy Editor/Accounting Ruth Cassin
Photographers Baxter Buck Don Perry Steve Roberts
Edgar
Bootsie
Editor Emily Adams Keplinger
Carter is native Memphian and a veteran of the broadcast industry, and magazine publishing. He is also a freelance voiceover talent and can be heard on WKNO 91.1FM on Sundays. Carter is an avid animal lover and likes to work with aquariums as a hobby. He enjoys his East Memphis home with his wife and 2 dogs, and 6 cats.
RSVP Memphis is published monthly by Haithcock Communications, Inc. First class subscriptions are available for $55.00 per year. Send name and address with a check to:
Haithcock Communications, Inc. 2282 Central Avenue Memphis, TN 38104 For advertising information contact:
Roy Haithcock Phone: (901) 276-7787, ext. 101 Fax: (901) 276-7785 publisher@rsvpmagazine.com Visit us online at:
www.rsvpmagazine.com For editorial information or to request coverage of an event, please contact RSVP Magazine one month prior to the event:
Call: 901-276-7787, ext. 105 Fax: 901-276-7785 editor@rsvpmagazine.com
Titan
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If you are interested in bringing one of our pets into your home, please email us at tnsafehavenforpets@yahoo.com. We are open to the public. Wednesday 12-2. Saturday 1-4. Sunday 1-3. By appointment for other times.
4066 New Getwell Rd. Memphis, TN 38118 tnsafehavenforpets@yahoo.com ° sunnymeadows.org 6
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Kim Coleman Art Director
Kim oversees all visual aspects of the magazine — advertising and editorial. Her career encompasses working with both print and digital media for magazines, newspapers and e-publications. Kim and her husband are raising their two children in the Cooper-Young area where their family enjoys the artistic atmosphere and entrepreneurial spirit of Midtown.
RSVP Memphis Magazine
Copyright 2018 Haithcock Communications, Inc.
From the Editor
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December
Listening & understanding, available here.
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hristmas in Memphis offers much to see and do. The recent chill in the air makes everything feel more magical. So grab your coat, scarf and mittens and head out to enjoy the sights and sounds of this holiday season. Located inside the Pink Palace Museum, you can walk through a wintery wonderland while taking a peek at the antics of the animated critters of The Enchanted Forest. While there be sure to see the display of gingerbread creations that competed for honors in this year’s Gingerbread Village, and well as the Festival of Trees decorated by groups and individuals. Santa is available to hear Christmas wishes, too. And mark your calendar for Dec. 8 for the Grand Reopening of the mansion. Proceeds from the Enchanted Forest Festival of Trees benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital. For more information, call the Pink Palace Museum at 901-636-2362 or visit memphismuseums.org/museum-visitor_information/. Several other holiday traditions in which you can participate while also lending support to area nonprofit agencies, include Salvation Army Angel Trees and Red Kettle Bell Ringers, and Porter Leath Toys for Tots. Experience the magic of the holidays with a drive through Shelby Farms Park to experience Starry Nights, presented by International Paper. There’s lot to do including the new Lights by the Lake walking path, the Candy Cane Train, a special Build-A-Bear Workshop, a visit with Santa, carriage rides and hayrides, as well as camel rides and pony rides and the critters at the Petting Zoo, holiday shopping and more. Starry Nights is the largest annual fundraiser for Shelby Farms Park. Visit http://www.shelbyfarmspark.org/starry-nights for more details including discounts and specially themed nights when Starry Nights will be closed to cars (Dec. 3 - Run, Walk, Bike and Dec. 10. - Walkin + Woofin when you can bring your four-legged friends). Throughout December you can also get that holiday feeling at Holiday Wonders on select nights at the Memphis Botanic Garden (https://www. memphisbotanicgarden.com/Wonders) which includes Snowy Nights, Trees Alight, Under the Stars, and the City of Memphis Christmas Tree. The Woodruff-Fontaine House, 680 Adams Avenue, invites the public to an Open House on Dec. 7, from 5 - 8 p.m., to see the Victorian splendor of their holiday displays. Step back in time as you tour all three floors and enjoy holiday refreshments. Go to http://www.woodruff-fontaine.org/events/ to see a complete listing of the house museum’s events that help make this season merry and bright. From all of us at RSVP Magazine to all of you - Happy Holidays!
Emily Adams Keplinger editor@rsvpmagazine.com
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A boutique for the selective shopper
Signature Memphis
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Otis Sanford Hardin Chair of Excellence in Economic and Managerial Journalism at the University of Memphis; political analysis/commentator for WATN-TV Local 24 News; and political columnist for The Daily Memphian Hometown: Como, Mississippi Favorite Song: “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye Your Lucky Charm: I really don’t have one. But if I had to pick, it would be a computer keyboard.
Your Best Quality: I am a deep thinker. A Nonliving Celebrity/Role Model You Would Invite to Dinner: Frederick Douglass
Your Favorite Memphis “Thang”: Stax music Favorite Place to Travel: The Florida Gulf Coast Best Memphis Hangout: CK’s Coffee Shop at Poplar and Belvedere First Car You Owned: 1973 Chevrolet Monte Carlo, silver gray with a black landau roof
Place You Go to Think: Audubon Park Favorite Southern Idiom: ‘Til the cows come home Best Advice You Ever Got: Study journalism and become a writer/reporter Your Most Annoying Habit: Procrastination The Highlight of Your Day: Having a great meal with family Proudest Moment of Your Life: Too many to name. But aside from marriage and Who Would Play You in a Movie: A younger James Earl Jones Something You’ll Never Live Down: Refusing to eat cheese One Goal You’d Still Like to Accomplish: Write more books
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Photo by Steve Roberts
children, publishing my first book.
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Memphis Moment
December
Soul of the City An Evening Tour of Storied Elmwood Cemetery
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ong gone residents, portrayed by supporters and friends of storied Elmwood Cemetery, welcomed visitors to Soul of the City, an autumn evening tour along pathways that wind among headstones, statuary and ancient trees that define the park-like grounds. A church deacon and a music teacher greeted tour participants, immediately drawing them into individual life stories as they shared the history of the times. Scots immigrant James Stewart, Elmwood’s first superintendent, discussed his creation of the cemetery’s design and layout. Elmwood was founded in 1852 about three miles outside the small river town of Memphis. The concept for a rural garden setting was an innovation during early-to-mid 1800s. The 80-acre cemetery claims a spot on the National Register of Historic Places and is Tennessee’s oldest active cemetery.
Mason Cash, David Marshburn and Elizabeth Walker
Story and Photos by Virginia M. Davis
Kelly Sowell and Ashley Thibodeaux
Theresa and Donald Glaser
Margo Wilkins
Carol Stricklin and Brian Starr
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Montanez Shepherd
Erin Blythe
Walt Tennyson
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Will Tucker Story by Emily Adams Keplinger | Photos by Steve Roberts
Musician Soaring to New Heights
December
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t is hard to imagine that Will Tucker, at only 25 years old, has been a performing musician for half of his life. But it’s true. Tucker was 12 years old when he inherited an electric guitar from his late uncle, Buz Waddy, who was a Memphis musician in his own right.
“I always loved music and had a great appreciation for it because my dad exposed me great classic rock and blues when I was growing up,” recalled Tucker. “I think it was the satisfaction of suddenly being able to reproduce songs I loved that hooked me. It was a satisfaction so great that after mastering one song I was motivated to go for the next one.” Tucker said he learned to play chord progressions by watching YOU Tube videos. “With the mastery of four or five chords you could play 150 songs,” said Tucker. “Eventually I got a teacher, Jason Barden, and he helped me hone my technical skills and launched me into playing more advanced songs.” “One of my first interests was classic rock,” said Tucker. “I became interested in learning what had influenced classic rock, and that led to the blues — deep, deep into blues. It spoke to me more than any other genre.” Tucker continued, “I started out on extraordinary instruments and I got to learn and develop on pretty nice stuff, thanks to my very supportive parents. I had my uncle’s Fender 1960’s-reissue Stratocaster and a 1959 Les Paul reissue that I played quite a bit. I always wanted a Gibson ES-345 and finally bought one about four years ago. I do love it. I play it all the time.” When asked how he nurtured his talent Tucker replied, “For the first five years I played guitar three to five hours a day. I‘d come home after school and go straight to the guitar. I found myself developing
more rapidly when I started playing with a band in front of people.” A performance during an Open Jam Night at Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale sealed the deal. In a happenstance that can only be described as fate, Tucker’s mother shared a video of that performance with Tommy Peters, owner of B. B. King’s Blues Club on Beale Street.
Peters invited Tucker to play at the club, and over the months, Tucker moved from sitting in with the house band to having his own billing. “It was an incredible experience,” said Tucker. “Tommy arranged for me to play with Corey Osborn in 2007. Then I met one of my mentors, Jonathan Ellison, the bandleader of the B.B. King’s Blues Club house band. He was one of the first guys who allowed me to sit in. I was about 14 years old and he showed me the ropes of playing with a band. Then Tommy helped me put together a band and I ended up being a regular at the club on Saturday nights.” But now Tucker has set his sights on new horizons. “Airplanes have always been a parallel love of mine along with music,” explained Tucker. “I flew model airplanes and enjoyed the Microsoft Flight Simulator. At 15 I took flying lessons as a hobby and had my private pilot license by the time I was 19. When I started college, it was a coin toss between studying music or aviation. I enrolled in Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, which has a satellite campus in Memphis. I finished college at 21 with my instrument rating and a commercial pilot’s license.” Tucker is flying Learjets for AB Jets. And although he has decided to pursue a full-time career in aviation, with a schedule of two weeks on, two weeks off, Tucker still finds time for his music. “Hopefully I will be able to pursue both of my passions throughout my lifetime,” said Tucker.
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Memphis Moment
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December
Botanical Bars Cider, Brews and Boos
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elebrating fall and the treats of the season, Memphis Botanic Garden (MBG) featured apples, cinnamon and cloves, hops and more at the final Botanical Bars of the year. Although rain moved the event indoors, it did not put a damper on the fun as guests mingled and enjoyed the live music of Josh Cosby and Brandon Kendrick. Special beverages included Spiced Pear Bellinis, a selection of craft beers from Diamond Bear Brewing, and a choice of two seasonal hard ciders from Long Road Cider. The old-fashioned cider press was in full use as guests got delicious juices from the season’s best apples. An added shot of caramel vodka made a wonderful toddy. Hearty fare from Fratelli’s Café and Fork It Over Catering, an appetizer from Fascinating Catering, and desserts from Frost Bake Shop rounded out the evening. Proceeds from the event will be used to support to MBG’s horticultural and educational programs.
Lisa Lissner, Rick Bennett and Denese Doby
Story and Photos by Gaye Swan
Ryan Brooks, Sue Matthews and Ginny Matthews
Brooke Jacobsen and Bryce Funk
Brittany Nelson and Hollye Workman
Taylor Cleaves, Derrick Passero and Brandon Ward
Jessica and Patrick Harris
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Ryan Hartmann, Diana Drinan and Jessica Carnell
Taylor Herndon, Tiffany Howlett and Gina Harris
Erin Snyder and Sharon Fernandez
December 2018
Carla Taylor and Linda Davis
Charity Siebert and Kristen Zemaitis
Dale and Eddie Wall
Mary Jo
Karimnia
Story by Emily Adams Keplinger | Photos by Steve Roberts
Artist & Residency Coordinator for Crosstown Arts
December
M
ary Jo Karimnia recognized her calling in life at an early age. “I’ve always made things — always.” recalled Karimnia. “At a very young age I knew I was going to be an artist.”
From childhood to college Karimnia followed her artistic inclinations, attending art school at Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas, where she dabbled “in all sorts of things.” Her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree is in painting and drawing. Along the way, Karimnia said she “met a boy (Omid Karimnia) and followed him to Memphis.” As fate would have it, he became her husband. When the couple started their family, she took time off from her art to homeschool her children. But her art found ways to insert itself. Karimnia developed a homeschool support group of parents who got together and learned quilting, crocheting, knitting and sewing. And Karimnia taught classes within the homeschool group, to adults and children alike, and at the craft-centric retailer Michael’s. “Those experiences really informed the work I do now at Crosstown Arts,” said Karimnia. “I learned how to organize things and work with a group of people. I came back to my art career about 12 years ago. That’s when all the things I did as a homeschool mom and an active community member melded with my own art. My work was pretty transformed. I moved from a more traditional art base to a more contemporary form. I also learned to do mosaic work.” “I started with traditional mosaic work and then began using objects in mosaics instead of tiles,” explained Karimnia. “Next I altered the grout by adding glass seed beads. That led to me using glass beads to paint images.”
“I moved from a more traditional art base to a more contemporary form.” Karimnia now identifies herself as a mixed media and installation artist, someone who brings different elements together to set up environments. Karimnia said, “One such installation was titled, ‘Pick Me’ and incorporated a wicker chair that I painted pink and lots of paper flowers that I made. I placed the flowers in the chair and invited people to come take a flower. That’s what I mean
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by an installation — something with which people can interact.” Print making is another art form that Karimnia favors. “Every year or so I get together with a group of artists at Five in One Social Club on Broad Avenue,” said Karimnia. “We do very large scale prints, so large that we often print on bed sheets.” In addition to her own artistic pursuits, Karimnia was hired by Crosstown Arts a little more than five years ago. Since then she has worn a variety of hats; running The Cleveland Street Flea Market, curating art shows, and organizing special events. Most recently she came into the full-time position of coordinating the Crosstown Arts residency program. “I interact with the artists, I’m like their Mom,” said Karimnia. “Since we moved into the Crosstown Concourse building, we’ve gone from working with one artist at a time to a more elaborate program of working work with up to 16 residents at a time, year round. It is a multi-disciplinary program that engages musicians, visual artists, writers, actors and dancers, for residencies that run from 20 days to three months, and once a year we offer a 10-month residency.” “I run the judging process, set up artist talks at The Concourse, help find resources and assist with public engagement projects,” added Karimnia. “We provide a live space, a private studio space, meals, and free access to our shared art-making space. There are no exhibition requirements. Artists are free to work on their art or simply experiment with their craft. This residency program was the beginning of the redevelopment of the Crosstown Concourse building.”
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Freedom Award
December
27th Freedom Award
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Timmy and Alexis Becton
Shirley and Herb Hilliard
National Civil Rights Museum
owntown Memphis took on the look of Hollywood as The National Civil Rights Museum hosted the 27th Freedom Award event. As luminaries, business leaders and other guests started their walk down the red carpet that stretched along South Main Street between the Halloran Centre and The Orpheum they were announced to the attending crowd. This year the museum’s signature event honored three champions of civil and human rights — former Vice President Joe Biden, civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson and Memphis philanthropist Pitt Hyde. “The theme for the 27th Freedom Award was ’1968,’ a reflection of a pivotal year in modern American and world history when the fight for equality went global,” said Terri Lee Freeman, National Civil Rights Museum President. “In 1968, the world was in turmoil in a way never recorded before, yet in ways similar to events today. The museum looks back on this historical year and how society moved forward. It looks toward leadership, champions of freedom who have been tested through trials and tragedies and remain invested in lighting the way for those who struggle.” A pre-show gala took place at the Halloran Centre for the Performing See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Arts before the crowd moved to The Orpheum for the award ceremony. The evening was filled with inspiring messages of hope, peace and unity, and political messages addressing the future of our country. Biden, 47th Vice President of the US, commented on the state of political affairs in the nation, the effort to suppress voting rights, and “the battle for the soul of America.” Rev. Jackson spoke to the urgency for citizens to focus on ending poverty, racial polarization and peace as King did in his last days. When Hyde received the Freedom Award, he did so in homage to fellow honorees and Memphis civil rights leaders, Maxine Smith and Dr. Benjamin Hooks. The three civic leaders worked together to make The National Civil Rights Museum a reality and shared a passion for education. “To me, the biggest and most important issue is the K-12 educational reform,” said Hyde. “Access to quality education for every child remains the civil rights issue of our time.” The evening also included a special tribute to Aretha Franklin, recognizing her role in the Civil Rights and Women’s Rights Movements. Kecalf Franklin, her son, and Victorie and Jordan Franklin, her grandchildren, received a medal on her behalf.
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Susan Connor and Cindy Cuadra
Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Don Perry
Dr. Michael and Rebecca Ugwueke
Connie Lewis Lensing and David Bronczek
Shanti and Chris Bradley
Leslie and John Daniel
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Charles and Judy Burkett
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Gregory and Kimberly Price
Annie Clark and Monica Kleszcz
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A Day of Merrymaking Benefiting Overton Park Conservancy
O
verton Park Conservancy recently hosted A Day of Merrymaking to draw people to the Greensward at Overton Park. “The area was designed by George Kessler in 1901 as a place for people to play, explore, and enjoy the beauty of open fields and ancient forest,” explained Tina Sullivan, executive director of the conservancy. The event drew a large crowd who enjoyed live performances ranging from Overton High School Concert Band’s tribute to Stevie Wonder, to the original choreography of Company d, to the reggae rock of Chinese Connection Dub Embassy. There was also a dance performance by Danza Azteca Quetzalcoatl de Memphis showcasing pre-Hispanic dance and music. Food trucks offered their fare, Memphis Made Brewing was on tap, and Echo Systems sponsored the beer garden. The Hollywood Feed Spooktacular featured dogs in the finest of Halloween fashions. There were hula hoops, inflatables and bungie jumps for those who dared and vendor booths with artisans and educational information.
Lucy Rosenbloom and Griffin Heard with Fontaine
Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Matthew Schneider and Kaylin Cowley
Stacey Greenberg and Richard Lawrence
Meredith Blumthal and Stella Pitzer
Layla, Ava and Cierra Fulton
Clayton Habiger and Ellie Steer
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cell: 901-497-9756 office: 901-682-1968 ext. 334 hmallory@m-brealtors.com Marx-Bensdorf.com
PLATINUMJEWELERS.COM
545 S Perkins Ext | Memphis, TN 38117 | 901-680-0020 9387 Poplar Avenue | Germantown, TN 38138
Memphis Moment
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December
Wine on the River Cheers to Best Buddies
T
he sunset glow viewed from the banks of the Mississippi River at Downtown Memphis is a fine experience as autumn light tilts southward. One of the best views is from Mud Island River Park across the Wolf River Harbor from Downtown’s North End. The park was the setting for the annual Phillip R. Bowden M.D. Wine on the River, a fundraiser for Best Buddies. Hundreds of guests promenaded along the park’s walkways as they sampled wines and other beverages from regions around the globe. The event also featured live musical entertainment and food. Wine and spirits were provided by West Tennessee Crown Distributing Co. Best Buddies International is a nonprofit organization that works to create opportunities for one-toone friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Story and Photos by Virginia M. Davis Mitchell and Rebekah Templeton, Adam Weaver, Noel Risher and Dylan Eads
Cornethia Johnson and Charity Hill
Terri Flick and Deborah Albert
Ralph Waddell and Nick Ross
Lynoid and Marilyn McClain
Joey Tichenor, Anna, Ablamowicz, Erin Kindy and Lynn Davis
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December 2018
Raushanah Crenshaw, Erica Goodrich, Quaneshia Farris and Jackie Smith
Tabitha and Charles Hayes
Marilyn Davis
Zainora and Edward Polk
Hope Ferguson, Antonni Shingles and Toni Barrett
December
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Memphis Moment
SPAYtacular Paws for a Cause
I Sheri and Dhane Marques
Ellen and Jim Barry
t’s a sad fact that in the Mid-South hundreds of animals are euthanized each year. Rescues and shelters can only address a small percentage of homeless pets. That’s where the tireless efforts of Spay Memphis come into play. SPAYtacular, one of the biggest annual fundraisers for Spay Memphis, was held at the headquarters of ANF Architects in Midtown. Guests were greeted and checked in for the silent auction, after which they could visit one of two wine bars before bidding on the tables of unique treasures which included artwork, Kendra Scott jewelry, fine wines and even an Ole Miss football signed by coach Matt Luke. Hank and Nora serenaded guests as they enjoyed delicious food from Bangkok Alley, Ecco on Overton Park, Corky’s, South of Beale, Libro and Zaka Bowl. Celebrity emcee for the evening was Local Memphis Live host Amy Speropoulos. The platinum sponsor was Super Lo Foods. Story and Photos by Bill Bannister
Gwyn Fisher and Lauren Estes
Val Tingley and Alex Walter
Claudia and Ryan Rhea
Brittany and Ed Cabigao
Alyssa Aldridge with Brittany Pace and Cathy Simmons
Mike Divoky with Bill Ferguson and Deborah Merino
Michaele and Gayle Dethloff
Dottie and Thara Burana
Nora Tucker and Tom Volinchak
Katie Curtis and Laura Crosby
December 2018
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Bash at the Botanic
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December
Bash at the Botanic A Musical Evening Benefiting Creative Aging
O Larry Rounds and Anita Anderson
Richard and Shirley Walczak
ver 250 guests gathered at the Memphis Botanic Gardens for the annual Creative Aging fundraiser, Bash at the Botanic. “Proceeds from our fabulous one-night party allow us to touch the lives of seniors every day in communities where they live and gather,” explained Terrie Kirksey, Assistant Director of the nonprofit organization. Upon entering the main lobby, partygoers were greeted by the soulful sounds of Breeze Cayolle and Bob Sunda. Silent auction items lining the hallway to Hardin Hall offered fine art items from well-known artists like Paul Edelstein, Stephen Hudson and David Simmons, collections of dining gift cards, tickets to IRIS Orchestra and Memphis Symphony Orchestra, jewelry, a variety of gift baskets, a guided duck hunt in Tunica, and numerous music-related gifts and gift certificates. “Bash at the Botanic is a wonderful way to celebrate what Creative Aging does,” added event chairman Jessica Robinson. “My dedication to Creative Aging is a way for me to honor my mother, Mickey Eason, who lived life to the fullest every minute and thoroughly enjoyed the arts. This evening is yet another means we have to help connect more people to Creative Aging and spread the word about the work we do of bringing the arts to senior citizens.” See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
Mia Henley, Executive Director of Creative Aging noted that, “We have increased the number of communities we serve by 30 percent in the last 12 months. Also, we’ve expanded our Senior Art series which offers accessible daytime arts programming to individual adults.” The evening’s main entertainment, the incomparable Joyce Cobb and the Bosco’s Trio, took the stage in Hardin Hall, proving why her music has been a favorite of Memphians for over four decades. Guests enjoyed fare provided by CFY catering, including grits and grillades, herb-roasted chicken with tomato jam served over white wine Parmesan risotto, and Hot Brown Mac and Cheese. Chocolate bread pudding served with a warm caramel sauce topped off the meal. After dinner, Jewel Jones & the More Soul Band brought people to their feet for a spin around the dance floor. Party hosts include Cathy and Jeremy Ainsworth, Jane and Tommy Byrnes, Michael Escamilla, Gail and Ray George, Amy and Emmel Golden, Judi and Rodney Gray, Mia and Paul Henley, Lucia and Ricky Heros, Barbara Loevy and Meryl Klein, Jennifer and Joe Roberts, Jessica and Jim Robinson, Melinda and Phil Russell, Kaki and Vince Smith, Caley and Joshua Spotts, and Barbara and Gary Sysak.
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Philip and Valerie Beeler
Lisa Shruden, Brenda Grace and Teresa Wilkes
December 2018
Simpson and Tonya Richardson
Story by Emily Adams Keplinger Photos by Baxter Buck
Brad and Anna Marie Birkedahl
Jim and Jessica Robinson
Stanley and Patti Elster
Wendy Dabbous and Stacey Richards
the Truffle Pig home • accessories • gifts
9056 Poplar Pike, suite 101 Germantown, TN 38138 901.308.1557 shoptrufflepig.com
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Bash at the Botanic
Donna Pretto and Carol Austein
December
Matthew Jakes and Rachel Cheek
Clay and Andrea Warling
Jim and Leslie Hartigan
Scott and Mel Burleigh
Jennifer Roberts, Kevin and Kim O’Donnell
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December 2018
Jackie Dandridge and Lester Brown
Jennifer and Joe Roberts
Charles Askew and Cynthia Spangler
Jan and Eddy Hamilton
Alicia George, Augusta Campbell and Kim Lowrance
December
Luka and Alana Perkovic
Sue Frazier and Gail Mathewson
Patrick and Katy O’Conner
Shay and Chrissy Edwards
David and Michelle Scully
Jerrold and Martha Graber
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Bash at the Botanic
Be Seen! Attract an Affluent clientele to your business!
Gil and Kathy Gale Uhlhorn
Billy and Jean Weiss
Advertise in RSVP Magazine For information call 276-7787
December 2018
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Memphis Moment
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December
Mistletoe Merchants Shop, Sip and Be Merry
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he Agricenter International was transformed into a shopping destination when more than 200 merchants set up booths at the 15th annual Mistletoe Merchants event. From women’s and children’s boutique items to home and holiday decor, gourmet foods, toys, and fashion accessories, there was something for everyone. Even Santa Claus joined the festivities and was on hand to visit with little children. “This year we hosted several signature events; Margaritas & Mistletoe with signature glasses, Muffins & Mimosas, and Cupcakes & Cocktails,” said Kristi Rowan, co-founder of Mistletoe Merchants, along with her husband Brian. “Also, we had market totes for the first 100 people at each of these special events. And in addition to helping shoppers complete their holiday shopping lists, we had a silent auction of more than 200 gifts donated by our merchants, with all of the auction proceeds benefiting the National Kidney Foundation of West Tennessee.” Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Melissa Cleveland and Sheila Wooten
Masie Tartt, Anne Reedgreer and Emmy Bradley with Kristi Rowan
Dawn Mallard and Chelsey LeBlanc
Tracy Steelman and Shelly Funderburk
David Faulkner with Johnita and Bart Faulkner
Tricia Cooper ad Kristen Sellers
Abbie Broam and Allie Moss
Sarianna Locke and Courtney Tackett
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December 2018
Dara Holsinger
Angie Harvey and Lauren Murphy
Hilary and Leslie Faulkner
December
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Memphis Moment
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Benefiting the Woodruff-Fontaine House
T Amanda Maness and Maggie Osborn
he diminutive Gingerbread House (also known as the Handwerker Cottage), located in the garden behind the Woodruff-Fontaine House in Victorian Village, offered a fairytale-style location for a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. The charming fundraiser was chaired by Joelle Pittman, a board member of the APTA (Association for the Preservation of Tennessee Antiquities). Guests were invited to take “a trip down the rabbit hole” for a tea party. The Alice in Wonderlandthemed event included unicorn cheesecakes from Chef Josh at Strano, cake batter cookies, miniature cupcakes on individual serving stands tagged with the words “Eat Me” and a Funfetti cake with icing resembling blue roses. Water bottles marked with “Drink Me” were given to guests and additional beverages included Prosecco served in tea cups. A scavenger hunt through the house museum, and lawn games such as croquet, lawn chess, and lawn bowling provided entertainment options for the afternoon. Story and Photos by Emily Adams Keplinger
Susie Smith and Jennifer Cooper
Ginny Taylor and Arpana White
Shaina Guttman and Jennifer Lewis
Ryan Langley and Alex Rushing
Kathleen Shaffer and Rachel Cate Rob and Laura Ayton
Brooke Leggett and Brittany Labrador with Kimberly Knox
Joelle Pittman and Kate Bass
Georgia Cooper and Madison Deyoung
December 2018
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Memphis Moment
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December
Lovers of Film Get Their Fill Indie Memphis Film Festival Preview Party
I
ndie Memphis threw a huge party at the Rec Room to preview its 2018 Film Festival. Early arrivals got dibs on the best seats, comfy sofas set right below four large screens. By the time film trailers started rolling the room was packed with guests eager to view the 34 entries on the playlist. The festival annually draws a broad range of independent features, documentaries and short films from around the country, with daily screenings at local venues. Also slated are social events, a forum and an awards ceremony for films entered in several competition categories. The event was presented by Duncan-Williams Inc. with support provided by more than 50 sponsoring organizations and individuals. Indie Memphis is a nonprofit arts association with a two-fold mission to create community through independent film and support development of filmmakers.
Roy Barnes, Natalie Ensminger, George Merrifield and Corrinne McClure
Story and Photos by Virginia M. Davis Den-Nickolas Schaeffer-Smith, Michael Schaeffer-Smith and Jon Crawford
Wendy Pettie and Marissa Kuder
Silvia Merediz, Iris Mercado and Lindsey Freeman
Molly Wexler and Ryan Watt
Betty and Charlie Lambert
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Susan Lattimore and Caroline Kuebler
Sharon and Jeffery Harris
December 2018
Madison Brown and Noah Balushi
Kelsey Duckett and Tarondal Phillips
Gina Clark and David Merrill
Lee Smith and Breanna Fulton
Art on Fire
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December
Art on Fire
R Jim and Jutta Petrea
Sloane and Blake Hankins
Autumn Rites at The Dixon
ed-suspendered Danny Hopkins, retired after 26 years of service with Germantown Fire Department, surveyed the split logs he had carefully arranged in the immense raised pit. A perfect autumn coolness descended on Dixon Gallery and Gardens’ south lawn as tempting aromas of food floated on the air. It was time for the ceremonial act that signaled the start of festivities. Hopkins circled the pit, sprinkling the wood with liquid from a jug. “Magic water,” he called it. Then he donned firefighter togs that covered him from head to feet. Only his eyes and nose showed. “I always do,” he said. “You have to be protected. A fire has no mercy.” Hopkins then ignited the logs and a bonfire was born. He has lighted the pit for each of the eight years of Art on Fire, a major fundraising event for The Dixon. Bonfires require that toasted marshmallows be served. CFY Catering handed out S’mores. Elwood’s Shack introduced seafood dishes from the menu of its new addition, Elwood’s Shells, scheduled to open by year’s end. Samplings included sea scallops with orzo and citrus chimichurri. Other offerings ranged from El Mero Taco Truck’s smoked cheddar grits with chorizo to Bangkok Alley’s Thai herb chicken to Coletta’s homemade Italian spinach. There were also See all the party photos at rsvpmagazine.com Password: RSVP
sliders, baked ziti, bruschetta and baconwrapped shrimp, to name a few. Sugaree’s Bakery provided slices of caramel layer cake, so good that guests returned for seconds. In all, a total of 30 restaurants, caterers and bakers served their specialties. Bar stations offered Corbett Canyon wines and Ghost River Brewing Co. beers. Mighty Souls Brass Band paraded among the crowd, playing New Orleans-style jazz with a distinctive Memphis sound. Blackwater Trio rocked the crowd later on. Memphis Fire Tribe dazzled with dance and fire-handling. Guests could have their fortunes told and don goofy props for a session in a photo booth. Throughout the evening people could bid on impressive packages in a silent auction. Choices included a flyfishing trip to Argentina, a week’s stay at Walt Disney World and a basketball autographed by Penny Hardaway. Art on Fire proceeds support the museum’s wide-ranging education outreach programs. Sponsors were Buster’s Liquors and Wines, Butler Snow, Emprinting, 4Memphis, Ghost River Brewing Co., Independent Bank, Jack Daniel’s Tennessee Fire, Land Rover, Mahaffey Tent & Party Rentals, Off the Dock Fresh Seafood, Raymond James and TechLifeLine.
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John and Jeanne Strange
Francky Samson, Anne Samson and Kristin Dannemiller
December 2018
John and Melanie Alexander
Story by Virginia M. Davis Photos by Don Perry
Carter Beard and Terry Reeves
Jessica and Blake Ward
Kay Jackson and Tom Shelton
Sonya and Jerry Honea
December
Michael Whaley and Jessica Muntz
Art on Fire
Diane Siskey and Steve Gibson
CALL NOW FOR YOUR REGISTRY APPOINTMENT! Marianne and Derick Garner
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2110 MERCHANTS ROW GERMANTOWN, TN 38138 901.385.3115 TWODOORSDOWNGIFTS.COM
Darren Dowe and Kim Calis
DECK THE HALLS Mary and Rick Stearnes
l l a Y’
Elizabeth Souder and Kyle Slatery
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COTTONROWUNIQUES.COM Karl and Alison Kosman with Hope Toth and Kathleen Hughes
December 2018
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Art on Fire
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December
Morgane and Kristin Jones
Morgan and Wil Slatery
Addison Roberts and Alex Heflin
Kirk and Dionne Hevener
Tia Jones and Rochelle Sims
Leanne and Sam Scull with Beth Farrelly and Sue Cantrell
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December 2018
Jan and Jen Jaudon
Ben and Maddie Otto
Gil and Kathy Gale Uhlhorn
Matthew John and Darcy Raches
Jim and Karolina Calhoun with Elizabeth and Eric Montesi
December 14
Memphis Moment
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December
Memphis Japan Festival A Celebration of Japanese Culture
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he Memphis Japan Festival brought a taste of authentic Japanese culture to Memphis. Featuring contemporary and traditional touches, the event at Memphis Botanic Garden was family friendly and interactive. Children enjoyed bouncy houses, face painting, and a family circus. The wandering Japanese “candyman” was a hit with all ages, as were the martial arts demonstrations and music and dance performances. Food trucks offering sushi, ices, and other treats lined the festival grounds. Vendors were on hand with bead art, anime, artisan soaps, clothing and more. Guests enjoyed access to the Botanic Garden and their outdoor exhibition, Origami in the Garden, as well as tours of the Japanese Garden of Tranquility. The event was sponsored and co-hosted by the Japan-America Society of Tennessee and the Consulate General of Japan in Nashville. Story and Photos by Gaye Swan Sarah Peck, Hope Curry and Kathryn Perkins
Matias, Dan, Carrie and Adelaide Buller
Rebekah and Nick Sammons
Lysa Lin and Cedric Guy
Marina Dedic and Sarah Cross
Rachael Clark, Lydia Armour and Sherwin Moore
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December 2018
CeCe Crockett and Key Griggs
Ysaac Ramirez and Dixy Young
Ciara Gooch and Tabitha Smith
Grecia Martinez, Michelle Vega and Mariana Vega
Tom Essmyer, Crystal Thomas and Matt Smith
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Crossword
December
RSVP Crossword Edited By Ruth Cassin
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www.CrosswordWeaver.com
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December 2018
Solution:
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N E E D
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31 Sleep disorder 32 State capital 33 Turf 36 What a car drives on 37 Wood chopper 38 Flowing 40 Compass point 41 Natural resin 43 Slab 44 Opp. of yeses 45 Toddle 46 Spiny plant 49 Firm up muscles 50 He saved Christmas 51 Anger 52 Prego’s competition 56 Tear 57 Dr. Jekyll’s “partner” 59 African country 60 Capital of Western Samoa 61 Snaky fish 62 Actress Loretta of
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A W O N O N G O E E D L D F R B O I A X E B E R E S T S I R Y D E E L S A Y S
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1 Upon restful furniture 2 “___Actually” 3 Object 4 Bill Murray version of a Dickens classic 5 Scriptural “your” 6 Clarence in “It’s a Wonderful Life” 7 “Miracle on 34th Street” actress Natalie 8 Less than two 9 Trucks 10 Reorient 11 Frat 12 More able 13 Lack 21 Not good 23 Journalist ______ Cooper 25 Countrymen 26 Not as wet 27 Farm building 28 On 29 Chew 30 Red dog-like animals 32 “___in Toyland” 33 Irritation 34 Fairy tale opener
S T C H R Y B O O P A G E D E A D S A M N O C T U E S T D H A E R D
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35 Tinter 39 Subsequent 42 Voiced 45 Foot extension 46 Thin pancake 47 Smash Broadway Musical 48 Wood 49 Braid 50 Long time periods 51 Lazily 53 Accent mark 54 Chap 55 Exhort 58 Congressional vote 59 New York City A N N I E
1 List of highly desired guests 6 Absent without leave 10 Actor Alda 14 Bungle 15 Taboo 16 Ear part 17 Each
“Come to the Stable” 63 Dreamer 64 24 hour periods 65 Greek island
C R E P E
18 Movie __ 19 Loaf 20 Demonstration 21 Mattress 22 Tattered 24 Opaque gem 26 “The Man Who Came to ___” 27 Annoyed 30 “Holiday Inn” star Astaire
E R A S
ACROSS
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December
RSVPhillippi
THOUGH IT’S BEEN SAID MANY TIMES… B
efore we get down to brass tacks here I want to make it By Dennis Phillippi clear that I love Christmas. I love the decorations. I love the good cheer. I love everything about it. The day after Thanksgiving I always tune to the radio station that plays Christmas music non-stop. There is no war on Christmas or I’d be putting on a uniform to defend it. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Yes, I tune into the holiday music and that’s when the questions start. How can such a charming holiday season have such bizarre songs? The message of the season is supposed to be peace and harmony and yet the music associated with it have some seriously twisted imagery. Let’s begin with what I’ve always considered one of the most demented songs of the whole canon, “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” You’ll recall that because of some unexplained genetic condition young Rudolph developed a bright red nose. I’ve known people who have developed bright red noses, but it wasn’t so much inherited as imbibed. Rudolph was much too young to have gotten a case of gin blossoms; it was just a simple condition. This condition for some reason was extremely alarming to Rudolph’s parents;, to the extent they felt compelled to conceal it from Old Saint Nick himself when he made a family visit. Once revealed, the other reindeer excluded Rudolph from all of the reindeer games, and Santa didn’t lift a finger to stop them. Then, along comes a Christmas Eve with a terrible snowstorm. There’s no way to get the presents to the kids around the world because of these white-out conditions. One would think an outfit that is headquartered at the North Pole, and which has the one really busy travel day a year would have contingency plans for this kind of thing, but no. Instead it’s decided that the only practical way to get a mammalpropelled vehicle around the globe safely is to have a pubescent reindeer with a shiny nose lead the way. That’s all well and good if you can suspend that much disbelief. Where we run into the problem is the central message of the song. It’s okay to ostracize someone for being different unless the thing that sets them apart somehow suddenly comes in handy, then they can go down in history as a hero. Great googly moogly that’s a pretty bad example to set. Of course no one ever seems to be bothered by
Yes, I tune into the holiday music and that’s when the questions start. How can such a charming holiday season have such bizarre songs? The message of the season is supposed to be peace and harmony and yet the music associated with it have some seriously twisted imagery. the fact the Frosty the Snowman appears to melt at the end of the song with the empty assurance that he’ll “be back someday.” He melts. We can ignore the whole weird voodoo of a hat that animates snow, but that ending is at the very least unsettling. Now, let’s say you’ve just given birth. Not given birth in a nice maternity ward where you’re surrounded by the reassuring beeps of life saving equipment. No, you’ve given birth in a barn, in a manger. A manger, unlike the way it’s always portrayed as a cozy rocking cradle, is, in fact, a trough animals eat from. What you need is rest
and peace and quiet. The very last thing you need is a kid to come on and start banging on a drum. It’s the only gift the kid has to give. Except maybe silence. Maybe wash a few diapers. No, all he’s got to give is wailing on a drum beside a woman who has just given birth and a newborn. She is said to have nodded her approval, but my guess is she was nodding off and trying to get the brat to go make that racket someplace else. And just in the interest in brevity we’ll completely set aside the whole idea that “the ox and lamb kept time.” For one thing, keeping time isn’t their job; it’s the drummer’s job. For another, they’re, you know, an ox and a lamb. There’s been controversy over “Baby, it’s cold outside,” not because there’s no mention of Christmas anywhere in the song, but because when examined closely, the lyrics are genuinely disturbing. It starts innocently enough with the woman saying she has to go and the man saying how great it’s been to see her. Then when she says her mother and father will be worried, he starts urging drinks on her. In less than two sentences she’s literally asking,“What’s in this drink?” What’s in this drink? How did no one notice for decades what that line implies? I used to always turn the radio up when this song came on, but now it’s starting to feel a little Cosby-ish. I get the idea of decking the halls with boughs of holly, but like so many holiday songs it’s got to be baffling to children. Kids don’t know any more about decking or boughs than they understand the proper social decorum regarding when and where to play a drum. I’m an adult and I haven’t the faintest idea of how one goes about trolling an ancient Yuletide carol. If we’re going by the current vernacular then we’re supposed to go online and insult the ancient Yuletide carol. That doesn’t seem like a very Christmassy thing to do. Having said all of this, and yes, I fully expect to hear from a few of you, I’m not kidding when I say I love Christmas. I love the holiday season. I don’t care which holiday you celebrate, they’re all basically trying to send the same message. Be kind. Be helpful. Care about others. Just because someone celebrates a holiday other than Christmas doesn’t mean they’re attacking Christmas. They’re just celebrating peace in their own way. And maybe they’re a little freaked out by some of the Christmas carols.
December 2018
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December
RSVPast Candid Elvis
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1958
udy (McCreight) Gupton was with her parents and brother visiting a relative in the old Methodist Hospital downtown the same day Elvis, who was on leave from the Army, came to visit his ailing mother. A photographer accompaning Elvis encountered the 10-year-old in the hallway and asked her parents if he could get a photo of Elvis with the little girl.. As Elvis admired a pin on Judy's blouse, the photographer captured the uncanny moment. Photo courtesy of Leland Gupton If you have a past photo you would like to share with RSVP readers, please contact Emily Adams Keplinger at 276-7787 ext. 105 or e-mail the photo and caption to editor@rsvpmagazine.com All photos will be returned promptly.
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December 2018