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Midori Lockett, the Chief Community Impact Officer for Community Relations at Vanderbilt University, has spent the past decade collaborating with the nonprofit sector in Nashville.
Lockett is a Nashville native who completed her undergraduate degree in New England before moving to the San Francisco area for a few years. She then attended graduate school at Drexel University in Philadelphia, after which she stayed in the city for about a decade. She describes herself as a person who likes adventure, going to new places and meeting new people.
Lockett ended up back in Nashville, where she has been a part of Vanderbilt’s Government and Community Relations division for the last 10 years. Lockett credits her mother, a retired social worker, for her professional career in community engagement.
“We grew up in a space of giving back and being engaged in our community,” she said. “I learned very early on to volunteer and be engaged with organizations, specifically organizations for groups of marginalized people.”
What is your job, and what does your team do?
The primary function of my role is the administration of Vanderbilt's Community Impact Fund. This is the community investment fund that the university has had for several years.
Another big component of my job is relationship building, specifically with nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations. That can include building relationships with new organizations that might have an interest in engagement with Vanderbilt, or [with whom] Vanderbilt has an interest in engaging. That can also be new organizations that are interested in seeking funding from the Community Impact Fund, or that can be sustaining long-term relationships with organizations that we supported throughout the years, where we not only provide monetary support, but [with whom] we may have some kind of programmatic partnership.
A big chunk of my work is the administration of that fund, and then it's relationship building, sustaining, and connections with the nonprofit sector and the university.
What are some past achievements that highlight your work as Chief Community Impact Officer?
The biggest one is making the Community Impact Fund known to the broader community. I've been in the position of working in this space within the division since 2016, and when I assumed the role, there wasn't really a lot of public knowledge about the fund and these resources being available to nonprofits. Folks didn’t really know the fund existed unless they had a Vanderbilt connection, and there wasn’t an awareness of how to even apply
Q&A with Midori Lockett
BY JUDITH TACKETT
for these resources. I wanted it to be more widely known and put a lot of effort into being in spaces with especially smaller nonprofits that may not have a direct pipeline to Vanderbilt. I spent a lot of time learning about smaller nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and elevating the fund publicly.
And then, in concert with that, we had an initial goal to implement an online application process by 2020. Of course, the pandemic hit, and everything changed drastically. We weren’t able to launch an online application process until 2024. That’s when we revamped all of the communication that went out about what the fund supports, eligibility criteria, and what organizations needed to provide to apply, etc. I call it democratizing access to the fund.
I think those two were the biggest achievements: one, just creating general awareness of this resource being available, and opening it up to the community so that smaller organizations that may not have had an internal connection to Vanderbilt had awareness of it; and two, publicly launching the application process so folks and organizations could apply.
What does the fund support?
Obviously, education is a big priority. We do provide funding support through organizations that serve adults and grades K through 12 (adult, elementary and secondary education). Within that could be youth development organizations, such as after-school programming, basically anything that enhances youth growth and development for the K — 12th grade age groups.
Another bucket area is arts and cultural organizations. We live in a creative city, and it makes sense for Vanderbilt to be in the space of supporting arts and culture since that's such a big component of our being as a city.
The other is basic needs provided by human service organizations. We begin leaning into human services because if
we're invested in the growth and development and the education of young people, [there are] deficits that may exist, like the basic needs for food, shelter and those kinds of things.
The last one is social justice organizations that deal with the fundamental things that are needed to create access for individual growth and development.
What are you and your team focusing on right now and for the next five years?
Right now we're primarily focused on strengthening connections between Vanderbilt and the Nashville community by fostering partnerships with nonprofit organizations, schools, neighborhoods, as well as civic leaders. We're focused on supporting collaborations that will connect Vanderbilt people and its resources to the outside community. Over the next five years, we really want to deepen Vanderbilt's role and its long-term community connection.
A lot of the work, especially over the last couple of years, has been creating the infrastructure so that we can truly be and serve as an anchor institution here in the city. That means we engage with the community and build strong relationships. We spend a lot of time engaging with organizations that we support financially or that we may have some kind of programmatic partnership with. This helps create more opportunities for our students, our faculty, and our staff to engage in the community, whether that's through board service or nonprofit board service, those kinds of activities. And then the last goal is to create a collaboration that benefits both the university and the broader community.
In your work, you interact with different nonprofits in Nashville. What stands out to you when you look at the nonprofit sector in Nashville?
I have to say first and foremost, especially for the organizations we engage with, is the commitment and dedication
of the folks who lead the organization as well as those who provide direct frontline services. I have met some people who are truly, genuinely committed to making Nashville a better place for all of the people who live within it. That commitment is what I've seen, the commitment and dedication to doing the work.
Another big component is commitment to working collaboratively with others who do similar work. I think there's a lot of desire for how we can collectively address and meet the needs of the constituencies that we interact with. While there are a lot of nonprofits — and perhaps maybe too many for all the resources that we have — there is a commitment to how we work collaboratively together.
Funding is always a challenge in community work. What would be your main advice to local philanthropists on how to make impactful investments?
Be in spaces where you learn, interact, and engage with the organizations that you fund. Now, I understand that that's obviously not something that all funders in the city can do because they get applications from hundreds of organizations, and they may not be able to be in spaces where they can directly meet or interact with particular nonprofits. But I would recommend to try to learn as much as you can beyond the proposal application process.
Another piece of advice would be to look at multi-year investments. Typically, three-to-five years would be a nice range to start. The Community Impact Fund has organizations that we've supported for multiple years, and you can see the growth and potential impact that longterm investment can have for those organizations.
I think nonprofits often have to spend so much time looking for funding support as their primary function that there is less energy for visioning and looking at how they can grow, how they reassess, how they work collectively or collaboratively with others, how they engage with our university communities and how they better maximize who they interact with and who their stakeholders are. If philanthropy can take some of the weight of the funding off the nonprofit leadership, they have time for visioning.
Talking about impact. I have observed that often impact reports actually list outputs rather than outcomes or impact. Have you made the same observations, and if so, how could that be changed or improved?
Yes, I have made that as an observation. But I think that happens for a myriad of reasons. One is that often organizations want to put their best foot forward. So they will write in an application or in a proposal for funding the things that they think a funder wants to
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hear about their success and what they’ve been doing. It’s very much data-driven: we interacted with these numbers of people, and sometimes applications ask for that kind of information.
The data is important, but ultimately, it’s the social impact that’s important. And that happens over time. It can take years. That’s why I said [earlier] investment levels for three-to-five years are important because it can take a while for an organization to be able to present the impact.
Another piece can be funding operating support and not necessarily focusing solely on programmatic support, if you have the latitude to do that. Often, the operating support provides dollars potentially for professional development for the staff and the team so they can grow and have greater awareness of some of the resources, which, again, allows for the visioning piece. This provides space so that the sector is not constantly just having to be reactive to what’s going on but can be in a space where they know they have the funding, they have the relationship, there’s trust that’s been built between them and the potential funding source, so that they can then work collectively and look at how to tackle a particular social challenge and move a community forward.
“The data is important, but ultimately, it’s the social impact that’s important. And that happens over time.”
That’s part of it, making space for looking at how to have a real, honest impact without so much emphasis on the data and the metrics. Not to say that those things aren’t important because they are important, but how can you shift and tilt it so that that’s not the primary objective in doing the work?
How could nonprofits work more closely with universities?
It’s interesting because over the course of the last couple of years, as a unit, we have intentionally been trying to focus on building infrastructure so that we can have clarity for our community partners on how to work best with us. I think it can be very cumbersome to try to figure out how to make connections with universities the size of Vanderbilt and how to get
access and know who to work with. For us, the primary function has been creating awareness so that organizations know that coming to our community relations team is a way to make connections. We can help facilitate connections with the broader Vanderbilt community, whether it’s with other faculty, staff, or students.
Another way is to convene organizations. A couple of years ago, we did a few sessions called The Power of Collaboration where we talked about what can be an outcome from organizations working collaboratively together. [We also focused on] the power dynamic that can be involved and how do you manage an elite institution that ostensibly does have power with its work in the community, and how do you level that playing field and value the lived experience of the organizations
that we support and the people that they provide resources and services to.
Last summer, we launched Get Connected, which is our volunteer engagement platform. It’s an opportunity for nonprofits to post a profile and post volunteer opportunities at their organizations. Those can range from doing actual, hands-on work at the organization, or it can be board service. Get Connected is open to members across the Vanderbilt community, so faculty, staff, and students can volunteer with organizations. It can be for research projects where a faculty person has expertise in a particular area and can provide that as a resource to a nonprofit organization. There are many ways beyond the check that the nonprofit sector can engage with a university.
And for our team specifically, we have the space to be in a lot of spaces — with nonprofit partners, public service partners, and with other funders to look at how we can have better coordination and a greater understanding of what other funders are funding. It’s an opportunity for the university and college sector to be in a lot of rooms with a lot of different stakeholders, whether it’s through research projects, programmatic activities, or educational and learning opportunities. Those are the biggest things that universities and colleges can bring to the sector and to the work.
Interview with Chris Scott F.
about his Camp
It’s going to be a blessing to our society to be able to say that, “No-one in America is without a place to stay.” Chris Scott F.
I recently interviewed writer Chris Scott F. who has helped establish and manage a local camp ground for the homeless in need. When asked about his Life at the camp ground and his plans for the future, this is what he said.
Interviewer: What is your motivation for establishing the camp grounds and what is it like to be homeless?
Chris: I believe people need a place to start when they’ve lost everything. As for the second question, it has varying degrees. It’s living by faith and wondering if you’re going to make it. Its feeling like nobody cares about you. It’s running from place to place to find something to eat. It’s difficult. It’s a hard Life to live. Thus, the reason for the creation of this camp is to give them a place to start.
Interviewer: How do you handle bathroom and shower situations at the camp?
Chris: There are handicap camper toilets located around the camp with plastic bags in them. You just change them out when necessary. As for the women, several of the tents are equipped with inside toilets. As far as water supplies. We fill up gallon milk jugs with water we get from the nearby cemetery or the Fort Negley visitors center and that’s how we bathe. The water can be heated to create a warm shower or during the summer it can be used to cool off.
Interviewer: How do the campers on your site relate to each other? Are you a community or are you individuals sharing space?
Chris: The difference we’re trying to make with this site is that we are a community. An old Nashville tent community “Tent City” grew up without any rules. Prostitution, drugs, alcohol and so on took control. There was no leadership. Any leadership that tried to surface tended to be tyrannical. A good leader is a servant. I consider myself, “The Head Hebrew Slave.” Someone who cares about them and they in turn care about me. Leadership is so important. So many people depend on Uncle Sam. If we depended on each other as communities, we would get so much further. We’re stronger united than we are divided.
Interviewer: How has setting up this community affected you personally?
Chris: I think I said it best in my most recent piece. I never lose sight of my priorities: My Savior Jesus Christ, other people, my dream and me. God first, others second and I am third. In all I do, I try to bless others. God has blessed me for that. I’ve seen Nashville try to solve this problem so many times and fail. This is the first camp I’ve seen that works. This could be a solution to a nationwide problem.
Interviewer: Where would the land for these camps come from?
Chris: The Parks and Recreation department should be responsible for giving land for these projects. They can freely annex land for these support efforts.
Interviewer: After this interview. I’m convinced that what Chris is doing could be the start to a permanent solution. Community is the way. We all have to stand together and be one with God together.
Bricks Without Straw
Written by Chris Scott Fieselman / Vendor #0015
They added a degree of difficulty, When they pulled the rug right out, From under my feet.
As if I didn’t have enough adversity. Oh, why is everybody always picking on me?
I’m trying to make Bricks, Without any Straw, But it’s a whole lot harder, Then it was before.
I give it all I’ve got, And they still want more.
I’m trying to make Bricks, Without any Straw.
Well, every now and then, They go and change the rules. They take away the fuel, For my power tools. They’re upping the ante. I can’t afford it. They’re raising the bar, To make it harder to score.
Well, that stumbling block problem, May knock me down, But it’s not enough to stop me, Or turn me around.
It’s not the first time, It won’t be the last, A friend of mine’s inclined, To put a knife in my back.
I’m trying to make Bricks, Without any Straw, But it’s a whole lot harder, Then it was before.
I give it all I’ve got, And they still want more.
I’m trying to make Bricks, Without any Straw.
All those well-meaning Good Christians, Who Love the Lord, Who are standing against, What I’m fighting for.
I’m doing all I can, To help my fellow man. If you don’t believe me, Feel free to ask them.
I’m trying to make Bricks, Without any Straw, But it’s a whole lot harder, Then it was before.
I give it all I’ve got, And they still want more.
I’m trying to make Bricks, Without any Straw.
THEME: THE 4TH OF JULY
ACROSS
1. Dagger's partner
6. Elephant party, acr.
9. Do like volcano
13. Fire (2 words)
14. Pro football org.
15. Jonas Salk's conquest
16. Like a Harvard building?
17. ET carrier
18. Bedeck
19. *Tasty Fourth of July outings
21. *Float processions
23. Black gunk
24. Ivan the Terrible, e.g.
25. The Jackson 5's 1970 hit
28. Caffeine source
30. TV classic "____ Heroes"
35. Folio page
37. Abel's big brother
39. Fortune teller's card
40. Rank in British peerage
41. Archipelago parts
43. Head for (2 words)
44. Beseech
46. Impermanent employee
47. Prayer's end
48. Gardener's trimmer
50. Part of speech
52. Am is to I as ____ is to we
53. Calista Flockhart's husband
55. Likewise
57. *Salad tuber
60. *____ Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest
64. Nonsense
65. Female gametes
67. "A Doll's House" playwright
68. Cuckoo
69. Opposite of guzzle
70. Cuckoo for what puffs?
71. Eyelid affliction
72. Driver's aid
73. Giving a once-over
DOWN
1. Hair holder
2. First name in jeans
3. Auricular
4. _____ provocateur
5. Island off Alaskan coast
6. Wildebeests
7. *For most, the 4th is a day ____
8. Onomatopoeia for splash
9. *Drink at a barbecue
10. Weary walk
11. Ireland, once
12. *Patriots ____ over Loyalists
15. Long John Silver's pet
20. Crocus, pl.
22. Ooh partner
24. Last part (2 words)
25. 1st letter of Hebrew alphabet
26. Famous Memphis
street
27. Felt concern
29. *"...twilight's ____ gleaming"
31. Lady of "A Star is Born"
32. Smell
33. Post-it user
34. *"Born on the Fourth of July" director
36. *Popular July 4th decoration
38. Captain of Nautilus
42. Phlegms
45. Sully one's reputation
49. Go bad
51. Public announcement
54. Fowl perch
56. Exclamation of delight or dismay (2 words)
57. Bridge, in Paris
58. Colloquial approval
59. Ditty
60. Back of neck
61. Ascus, pl.
62. Ne
63. Glitch
64. Part of O.H.M.S. 66. Strive
Written by Colt Castle over 10 years ago about Chris Scott F., And the Homeless Camp he established, formerly located in the woods on Saint Cloud Hill on the north side of Fort Negley.
Nashville Joins Lawsuit Against Trump Admin for Changes to HUD CoC Program
The National Alliance to End Homelessness and a broad coalition of local governments and nonprofit organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump-Vance Administration’s unlawful changes to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Continuum of Care (CoC) Program in 2025. These efforts successfully, but temporarily, halted the federal government’s efforts to implement "unlawful changes” to the year’s CoC Program. “The new NOFO repeats a series of fatal legal flaws that caused a court to stop the implementation of the 2025 NOFO,” reads a release from the Alliance. “The changes threaten to put more than 97,000 formerly homeless people, including families with children, those with disabilities, older adults, and veterans at risk of losing their permanent housing,” the release says. A new legal action was filed against HUD titled National Alliance to End Homelessness v. United States Department of Housing and Urban Development, in the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island. The effort seeks to block the most recent program disruptions before they take effect. Nashville was one of several cities and counties across the country to join in on the suit, alongside Santa Clara County, King County, Boston, Cambridge, Nashville and Tucson. Democracy Forward and the ACLU Foundation of Rhode Island represent the coalition of nonprofit organizations; the National Homelessness Law Center represents NAEH and NLIHC; Public Rights Project represents the cities of Boston, Cambridge, King County, Nashville, and Tucson; and Santa Clara County represents itself. The Lawyers’ Committee for Rhode Island represents all plaintiffs.
News Briefs
Mayor Signs Order for Temporary Data Center Moratorium
Mayor Freddie O’Connell signed an executive order on June 15 to implement a temporary moratorium on new large-scale data centers. Executive Order 59 “directs Metro departments to identify lawful ways to ensure Nashville’s air, water, public spaces, and residents are protected from the potential negative impacts of large-scale data center operations,” according to a release from Metro. “We don’t want the potential negative impacts of large-scale data centers in our neighborhoods, so in partnership with the Metro Council, we’re taking action to ensure we put proper regulations in place before any more of these things are proposed,” said Mayor O’Connell. “With this Executive Order, we’ll work with Metro departments and the Metro Council to ensure Nashville remains a place where our residents’ health and safety always come first.” The Mayor’s Office, Metro Planning Department, Planning Commission, and Metro Council says they’ll work to develop a regulatory framework through legislation. This announcement comes after it was revealed a data center near the zoo would be built without much review at all of the project as well as one proposed in North Nashville near Fisk University. O’Connell’s order seeks to, “ensure that future policy decisions are based on strong analysis and neighborhood impact.” It outlines four areas of impact to be reviewed and addressed: infrastructure impacts, environmental impacts, economic impacts and community impacts.
Analysis: Expand Home-Based Options to Aid Child Care Shortage
A new policy brief from nonpartisan think tank ThinkTennessee says that expanding
Kid’s Corner
Created by Mccollonough Ceili
home-based child care could help address Tennessee’s ongoing child care shortage while “increasing access to affordable, high-quality care for families across the state,” according to a release. The brief looks at home-based child care, which is care provided in a residence for a smaller number of children than a traditional center, and shows how utilizing home-based care could be a solution. “Home-based child care is one of the most practical and scalable ways to increase access to care in Tennessee,” Erin Hafkenschiel, president of ThinkTennessee, said in a press release. “These providers are deeply rooted in their communities and are often able to meet the needs of families in ways larger systems cannot — especially in rural and underserved areas.” Tennessee has faced a child care shortage for a number of years, and solutions often focus on traditional child care facilities and how they impact care. The think tank found that home-based providers already serve as a critical part of the state’s child care infrastructure and could expand with the proper guardrails. “With additional support and fewer barriers to entry, these providers could significantly expand care options statewide,” the release reads. The report found that home-based child care is more affordable for families, costing an average of 33 percent less than center-based care in Tennessee and is often more accessible in rural communities, where licensed child care options are fewer. Many home-based providers face challenges that limit their ability to start or expand a business, including burdensome regulations, limited access to state resources, and a lack of professional development opportunities tailored to their needs, according to the release.
Healing Housing to Host Performance Inspired by Women’s Recovery Stories Healing Housing, a nonprofit recovery housing program for women, and FALL, a Nashville-based nonprofit performance company, are presenting Where We Meet, an original aerial and contemporary ballet performance inspired by the lived experiences of women in recovery in late summer. From Aug. 7–9, Oz Arts Nashville will host Where We Meet performances developed through a unique collaboration between the recovery and arts communities. The production brings real Healing Housing resident stories to life in a way that invites audiences to connect, the release says. “This project came to life through the stories and lived experiences of those at Healing Housing,” said Skyler Levine, FALL Creative Producer, Dancer, in a release. “We worked closely with program participants through writing workshops, focus groups and movement sessions to ensure their experiences remained at the heart of the piece. From there, artists and visionaries helped transform those stories into a production meant to be felt on a visceral level.” Where We Meet attempts to bring the recovery experience forward through dance. “The importance of this project is threefold,” Skyler said in the release. “First, it uses the expressive medium of dance to convey human emotion in a way that encourages thoughtful reflection. Second, it works to destigmatize addiction by highlighting the systemic failures, inequities, and trauma that often contribute to it. Third, it demonstrates the power of the arts and social services working together to achieve a common goal.” Where We Meet is a fundraiser and awareness initiative benefiting Healing Housing and FALL, helping advance each organization's mission with hopes to inspire audiences to see recovery through a new lens.
A while back I was sent for a sleep study by my doctor. I was given a choice of either doing it from home or going to a hotel. I chose to go to the hotel.
I was a bit apprehensive when I arrived that evening. I wandered aimlessly around the room and finally sat down on the bed. At that moment, something unique caught my eye. The space above the headboard was covered with what appeared to be album covers stretching wall to wall much like the books line the shelves in a library. I was mesmerized by all the names represented there. I became absorbed in them, as much as I would in any book. So much, in fact, that I had to be reminded several times that I was there for a sleep study. The final nudge came with the words, “You know, we need at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep to get an accurate reading of your sleep patterns.”
My first thought was, then you guys put this girl in the wrong room!
With the warning in mind, I turned away from all that music history on the wall and did my best to go to sleep with a multitude of songs playing in my head.
Here are just a few examples of the artists represented there and some of the songs they’re known for. Just for fun, how many do you know, or at least remember?
Merle Haggard sang, “Workin’ Man Blues,” “Sing Me Back Home,” and my personal favorite “Mama Tried.”
Loggins and Messina sang, “Your Mama Don’t Dance (and Your Daddy Don’t Rock and Roll,) Danny’s Song,” and “The House On Pooh Corner.”
Jerry Lee Lewis sang, “Great Balls Of Fire,” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” but the one I like the best is, “Chantilly Lace.” (I had the 45 back in the day!)
Jack White — I love this guy! — hit the big time with his music as a solo artist, and he’s had many collaborations with a variety of artists including his duo, The White Stripes who wrote the song I dedicate to ALL my customers, “(I Can Tell) We’re Gonna Be Friends!” He is also special to many of us at The Contributor because he invited us to use his venue Third Man Records to show off our Zines and poetry for multiple events.
Who doesn’t love a a good rock song like ZZ Top’s “Gimme All Your Lovin’,” and for the record, it’s true, every girl’s crazy ‘bout a “Sharp Dressed Man!”
The Allman Brothers Band had classic hits like “Ramblin’ Man” and “Midnight Rider.”
Dan Fogelberg was a balladeer who scored his first big hit with “Longer” and a wonderful tribute to his father called “Leader of the Band.”
The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band is known for songs like, “Fishin’ in the Dark” and “Mr. Bojangles.”
Roy Clark was a well respected musician, singer and guitar/banjo player, but perhaps was best known to those in the Nashville area for his role in the long running TV show “Hee Haw.”
Kenny Rogers was a country crooner known for his love songs like “Lady,” “Through the Years” and “The Gambler,” which was the basis for multiple TV movies of the same name.
A Sleep Study That Nearly Went Awry
STORY
NORMA B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR
Hank Williams was a pioneer of true blue country music known for classics like “Hey Good Lookin’,” “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I Saw The Light.”
When people of a certain age hear Waylon Jennings’s name they automatically think of “Just the Good Ole Boys,” the theme song for The Dukes of Hazzard. Fun fact: even though he died in 2002, I recently saw an interview with his son who has discovered some new music by his dad that hadn’t been released. It’s coming out in 2026!
Pure Prairie League’s biggest hit, “Let Me Love You Tonight,” features Vince Gill before he went country.
George Jones had SO many iconic hits. He was on the charts spanning decades from the 1950s through the 2000s. It’s hard to choose just a few of his songs, but “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” with it’s video paying tribute to the singers mentioned in the song, and “He Stopped Lovin’ Her Today” with lyrics that prove true love can last a lifetime have a special place in my heart.
My mom played many Ricky Skaggs songs on her guitar. “Honey (won’t you open that door)” and “I Wouldn’t Change You if I Could" were two of her personal favorites. Since I live off I-40 these days, one of my favorites is “Highway 40 Blues,” which I have shared with many passing-by-truckers who in particular seem to enjoy this song.
I got to get my blues on with the King of Blues himself, B.B. King.
When I think of Dolly Parton's musical catalogue, I’m reminded of her humble beginnings highlighted in her song “Coat of Many Colors.” Working women everywhere can relate to the lyrics of “9 to 5’” and of course everyone knows the tender ballad “I Will Always Love You.” Although she is DEFINITELY known as
a country singer, when she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, she wrote a “rockin’" song to mark the event.
Next, I got to inject some local rock flavor with groups like The Black Keys and Kings of Leon who actually live right here in Nashville!
Fleetwood Mac is known for belting out songs like “Gypsy,” which reminds me of my mom (she was a true Gypsy at heart), “Landslide,” and the powerful lyrics of the song “Dreams.”
The Doobie Brothers went No. 1 on the charts with songs like, “Black Water” and "What A Fool Believes.”
Paul McCartney first achieved fame as a member of the Beatles, but after they broke up, he had a successful career with hits like, “Maybe I’m Amazed,” and collaborations with other artists like Stevie Wonder in, “Ebony and Ivory.” There was a solid white album featured on the wall of the hotel and I couldn’t help but wonder if it was The Beatles “White" album.
The Marshall Tucker Band recorded old fashioned southern rock with songs like, “I Heard It In A Love Song,” and "Can’t You See."
Art Garfunkel’s first solo hit was, “All I Know.” He also recorded, “I Only Have Eyes For You,” but when I think of him one song immediately comes to mind: “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Loretta Lynn who was known as the Queen of Country Music came from humble beginnings as a “Coal Miner's Daughter.” She even wrote an album by the same name. Her sister, Crystal Gayle, followed in her musical footsteps and her music transcended country and crossed over into the pop music charts with songs like “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” and “You and I” with Eddie Rabbitt.
Earl Scruggs is known for his bluegrass/
country music with songs like “Foggy Mountain Breakdown” and “The Ballad of Jed Clampett” (the theme song of The Beverly Hillbillies.)
In true country style, Tennessee Ernie Ford gave us memorable songs that blended with local legends like “The Ballad of Davy Crockett,” but perhaps his most well known song is “16 Tons.” The ones I mentioned here also crossed over into the pop charts!
Emmylou Harris is known as the “Godmother of Americana” for hits such as “Together Again” and “Two More Bottles of Wine.” While she is definitely talented as a solo artist, I also loved it when she teamed up with Dolly Parton and Linda Ronstadt. Together they made two albums, and that truly, “Feels Like Home” to me!
Lynn Anderson reminds us all of the truth of life when she sang, “I Never Promised You A Rose Garden.” Yes indeed, “along with the sunshine, there’s got to be a little rain sometimes!” Hank Williams Jr. is known for belting out country anthems, and many of them have a rockin’ vibe that remind us of our own “Family Tradition(s),” or that “A Country Boy Can Survive” or at times even the need for an “Attitude Adjustment.”
This experience also reminded me of some classic artists like Cat Stevens and motivated me to check out a few other artists in the wall that I wasn’t familiar with like The Avett Brothers, The Alabama Shakes, Ray La Montagne and Vikki Carr.
ALL the artists mentioned in this article truly represent the variety and diversity that fosters my love of music! I hope it does the same for you, especially if you love alternative, blues, bluegrass, country, folk, pop or rock. They’re all here and can add SO much to your life.
AND PHOTO BY
World Cup Fever Hits Nashville
BY LOGAN BUTTS
Every four years, World Cup Fever takes over the summer when the globe’s biggest sporting event returns. The quadrennial competition holds extra resonance for local soccer fans this time around.
Despite not being selected as one of the Cup’s official host cities, Music City is making its mark on the big event. Nashville is playing host to the Japanese Men’s National Team during the duration of the 2026 FIFA World
Cup, which is taking place in cities across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The famed Samurai Blue have been using Nashville SC’s 60,000-square-foot training facility in Antioch (as well as the Embassy Suites downtown) as a home base in between matches. And speaking of the Boys in Gold, Nashville SC upand-comer Ahmed Qasem has suited up to play for Iraq. Even Chattanooga has gotten in on the action, with the
tournament favorites Spain choosing to stay in The Scenic City. The Washington Post reports “Spain, the sportsbooks’ favorites to win the 48team competition, chose an Embassy Suites in the Appalachian foothills. Chattanooga, which started putting together its pitch to FIFA three years ago, offered a combination of privacy, quality facilities and proximity to Atlanta that ultimately won Spain over,” instead of the option of staying in Atlanta proper.
Thanks to this year’s iteration being the first since the tournament’s expansion from 32 teams to 48, games have been played at a furious pace during the group stage and the beginning of the knockout rounds over the past few weeks.
As the knockout rounds continue through the championship final on July 19, we have rounded up some of the best spots to catch a match here in Nashville, whether you are a diehard football fan or a soccer novice.
2026 World Cup Events in Nashville
SC Soccer Celebrations Publix Plaza at GEODIS Park www.nashvillesc.com
NSC has hosted official watch parties for each United States match so far on the Publix Plaza outside of Geodis Park and should continue to do so for as long as the Americans advance through the tournament. While most prominent domestic soccer leagues around the world play their seasons from August through May, the MLS season typically takes place from February through October. However, the league takes an elongated summer break during the World Cup every four years, which means Geodis has been open for watch parties and other activities.
Fogg Street Lawn Club World Cup
Fogg Street Lawn Club in Pie Town is another one of the best places in town to catch a soccer match. And similarly to Plaza Mariachi, they are airing every game throughout the Cup. You’ll just have to check their website for the details. Grab a pint and play a game of lawn bowling as a prelude to one of England’s matches.
Plaza Mariachi on Nolensville Pike is hosting a watch party for every single game of the tournament, all 104 of them, and encourages fans to bring the flags of their favorite teams. There are giant screens throughout the plaza, plenty of delicious local food and drink options, and “one of the best soccer atmospheres in the city.” Catch a Mexico match for a truly special Plaza Mariachi experience. They’ll be updating their schedule online each day, and it’s an excellent place to bring the whole family for the experience.
Fleet Street Pub in Printer’s Alley and The Pub in the Gulch are also Nashville soccer fan favorites. You can often find local supporters groups for international clubs filling out these spots early on weekend mornings. Head to either pub, post up at the bar and order the fish and chips (and, again, a pint) for a good World Cup viewing experience. The Pub will have some giveaways throughout the games as well.
Istanbul Lounge, a restaurant on Nolensville Pike specializing in Turkish and Kurdish food, has had exuberant watch parties during the tournament. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner and catch a match. They also often have live music and offer hookah as well.
Any number of Nashville restaurants or bars will be informally hosting World Cup action, and you’ll probably have a good time watching even if it’s not a watch party. You could even use the tournament as an excuse to sample food from different cuisines you’ve been meaning to try, whether that country has already been eliminated from the competition or not. Now is your chance to finally try Uzbek (Osh on Thompson Lane) or Egyptian (Galilee in Antioch) food.
Make it a true World Cup international summer without leaving Nashville: there’ll be plenty of opportunities over the next couple of weeks.
FIFA: The beautiful, bloated game?
With Canada’s cost per game now estimated at $82 million — more than $1 billion in total — criticism is coupled with enthusiasm as the world’s biggest sporting event hits the pitch in Vancouver
With Vancouver poised to host seven matches for the 23rd FIFA Men’s World Cup from June 11 through July 19, excitement is building across the city.
The 2026 games are being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the US. Vancouver and Toronto are the Canadian host cities in a soccer tournament that is considered the largest and most-watched sporting event in the world. Toronto is hosting six matches, bringing the Canadian commitment to 13 games.
But with the cost per game in Canada now estimated at $82 million, according to a report from the Office of the Parliamentary Budget Officer (PBO), many people are wondering: is it worth it?
Vancouver is estimating that it will welcome 350,000 soccer fans for an event that is expected
BY HANNAH MONDIWA AND MIKE MCNEELE
to generate $1 billion in visitor spending in BC through 2031. The 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup will cost governments across Canada more than a billion dollars, the PBO report says
As Megaphone went to press, the CBC was reporting updated projections that show that the cost of hosting seven FIFA World Cup games in Vancouver has grown to around $700 million — or $100 million per game.
Political leaders say that the global spotlight on Vancouver, as well as the tournament’s expected economic boost, present opportunities to create a lasting legacy.
“The FIFA World Cup isn’t just a tournament but a historic moment to showcase our city on the world stage,” said Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim. “We’re ready to welcome the world with open arms and create unforgettable mem-
ories for fans, families and future soccer stars alike. From the pitch to our public spaces, this is going to be a celebration of culture, community and the beautiful game.”
Tsleil-Waututh Nation Chief Jen Thomas is also highlighting the positive aspects of being a host city.
“Our səlilwətaɬ community believes strongly in the power of sport and how it can inspire our people today and our next seven generations,” she said. “We are proud to work hand-in-hand with our partners to co-create and deliver an incredible tournament with a lasting legacy that benefits everyone.”
That sense of optimism is echoed by BC’s premier. “Hosting FIFA World Cup matches will drive tourism and bring significant economic benefits as soccer fans from around the globe
discover why our beautiful province is such a great place to visit and invest,” said David Eby. Out on the streets of Vancouver, the landscape has been gradually transforming into one big fan zone, with the area around the Vancouver Art Gallery festooned with decorative soccer balls and the iconic Science World sphere restyled into “The Beautiful Dome” — a 40-meter recreation of the Adidas Trionda, the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026. On a sunny weekend, standing outside the gallery and under boldly colored soccer balls representing Australia, US, Belgium, Canada, Qatar and others, Shareen Khan, a business owner and vendor at Robson Square, said that she is looking forward to the games. “It is summer in Vancouver. What an exciting time. We need a mix of culture and people. [FIFA] is a
Many residents, tourists and business owners are looking forward to the opportunities that come with such a high-profile sporting event.
PHOTO BY MIKE MCNEELEY / THE SHIFT
wonderful way to showcase our city.”
Naim Patel, who works in the hospitality industry downtown, believes that hosting the event showcases the best of the city. “It’s totally worth it. We will get a lot of benefits … a lot of people will get employment. People from all over the world will come here to see how well-organized we are.”
Arye Mondlak, bar manager at The Cordova Room, agrees. “It’s good for business, especially being close to the [BC Place] stadium. I love that we are going to be able to reach all sorts of customers throughout the world.”
But alongside the enthusiasm, there is sharp criticism leveled at the costs — both financial and human — of hosting such a massive event. A coalition of housing advocates, labour organizers, drug user advocates and civil liberties groups say that there is another story unfolding: one that they argue deserves equal attention.
On April 21, hundreds gathered to protest the city’s involvement in the World Cup near the Vancouver Convention Centre, where delegates were meeting for the 76th FIFA Congress, the legislative body of the International Association Football Federation. Demonstrators included hotel workers, housing advocates and unhoused residents, who aimed to draw attention to what they describe as the human
and social costs of hosting the event.
“The presentation of a ‘clean’ and ‘welcoming’ environment for tourists depends on an organized campaign of displacement and criminalization,” said Laura Macintyre, staff lawyer at Pivot Legal Society.
“Vancouver’s residents are being kicked out of already precarious housing on Granville Street, told they can’t shelter in the two-kilometer radius surrounding BC Place, and consistently displaced by police and bylaw… all to try to sanitize the city’s image.”
The FIFA 2026 Bylaw gives the city broader authority over advertising, street vending, noise control, traffic, graffiti removal and the use of public space between May 13 and July 20. The majority of the changes will take effect within a two-kilometer “controlled zone” surrounding BC Place and the FIFA Fan Festival at Hastings Park.
Advocates say that the influx of visitors and changes in policing patterns could disrupt already fragile conditions for people who use drugs, particularly in the Downtown Eastside.
Vancouver is now entering its tenth year of a public health emergency related to the toxic drug supply. “In the Downtown Eastside, we know that policing has already changed for the soccer tournament,” said Dave Hamm,
president of the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users. He added that bylaw infractions and surveillance have increased.
Labor concerns were also central to the protest. Unionized hotel workers say that while hotels may see increased revenue during the tournament, workers worry that the benefits will not extend to them.
Cristina Figueroa from UNITE HERE Local 40 discussed fair wages and talked about hotel workers taking pride in their work and being ready to welcome the world. “FIFA will be raking in billions and billions of dollars. Some hotels will be charging over $1,000 a night for a room during the games. But too many hospitality workers can’t afford to live in the city,” she said.
Pan Pacific workers have been in a contract negotiation for months and workers say that they are overworked and underpaid. “Will FIFA share their wealth and give a cut of their earnings to help working people in Vancouver? No,” said Figueroa.
Housing advocates also questioned the city’s priorities. Athena Pranteau of AYX Bus Community questioned why there is no money for housing. “Where are the priorities? This is Vancouver, BC, Canada. Mayor Ken Sim, where are your priorities?”
For some, the debate is not about whether sport can inspire, but about how to ensure that the legacy and benefits of the tournament extend to cities’ most vulnerable residents as well. The 2026 World Cup Watch aims to document all aspects of the games.
According to its website, this group of scholars, activists and journalists are tracking the impacts of the World Cup and other mega events on cities across the world. Their “areas of concern” include city agreements and funding; labour; surveillance and policing; housing; the environment; health; techno-fascism; immigration; and city “cleansing”.
“Collectively, we have decades of experience researching and working with communities to understand and collaboratively document how mega events dispossess people of their homes, over-police whole communities, exacerbate climate change and environmental harm, gentrify neighborhoods, and exploit workers,” the website states.
To learn more about the impacts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, visit 2026worldcupwatch.org. For information about FIFA events in Vancouver, visit vancouverfwc26.ca
Courtesy of Megaphone / INSP.ngo
(Above) Shareen Khan gets in the spirit for this month’s FIFA Men’s World Cup event. Khan is feeling enthusiastic about the games, saying they will bring excitement and economic benefits to the city. PHOTO BY MIKE MCNEELEY / THE SHIFT (Top Right) In April, hundreds of protesters gathered near the Vancouver Convention Centre, where delegates were meeting for the 76th FIFA Congress, the legislative body of the International Association Football Federation. Critics say hosting FIFA comes at too high a cost. PHOTO BY HANNAH MONDIWA / MEGAPHONE.
PHOTO BY MIKE MCNEELEY / THE SHIFT (Bottom Right) A woman walks past Science World, now restyled into “The Beautiful Dome” — a 40-meter recreation of the Adidas Trionda, the official match ball for the FIFA World Cup 2026. PHOTO BY MIKE MCNEELEY / THE SHIFT.
HOBOSCOPES
CANCER
So, we’ve got another credit card offer, a couple of pizza coupons, and an advertisement for a travel magazine. How can there be so much mail in the box and none of it matters one bit? I mean, it’s all got your name right on the front. The mailman brought it to your address. You would assume it would have something to do with you. Don’t get to obsessed with this stream of the inconsequential, Cancer. When something relevant happens you’ll know. Don’t spend so much time sifting through the precycling for something meaningful.
LEO
The flight home is always so much different than the flight you came in on. There’s less tension and a feeling of less time. The anxiety of travel has lifted and the uneasiness of coming home as a changed traveller settles in. But, the time you took to relax will go home with you, Leo. You get to keep everything you’ve gained. So go ahead and put your seat-back and tray-table in their full upright and locked positions. Settle in and watch the familiar horizon grow closer. Home won’t feel the same when you know just how much you’ve changed.
VIRGO
I believe it was Eleanor Roosevelt who said “do one thing everyday that scares you.” I’ve always liked that advice. Not just because of the sentiment of bravely taking on all those things we fear the most, but also because of the limitation. Mrs. Roosevelt doesn’t ask that we tackle our entire list of fears in one sitting. She didn’t suggest doing four frightening things a day or doing something terrifying every 15 minutes. Remember, Virgo, that if you’ve already done something scary today, you’ve already met your quota.
LIBRA
There are many who claim to have invented the corndog. The Fletcher brothers of Texas say they were the first, serving their “corny dogs” as early as 1938. The Pronto Pup of Minnesota says they invented it in 1941. Cozy Dog in Illinois doesn’t care who birthed the battered and fried weiner, but they take full credit for adding the wooden stick in
1946. You may not get credit for all your great ideas, Libra, but think of the corndog and share them anyway.
SCORPIO
Sometimes even the best amateur astrologers forego the maps of stars and planetary cycles and just check in with the national weather service. It looks like it’s going to be hot. Really, really hot. Too hot, in fact. But what my highly specialized astrological training tells me is that this heat can’t keep up forever. Whatever it is that’s wearing you out, the weather is bound to change eventually. Pour yourself a tall glass of water, crank up the A/C and wait this wave out.
SAGITTARIUS
Summer is a time to have fun outside and cut loose in the sunshine. So why is it so easy to spend all Saturday hiding in bed with the A/C blasting and the lights turned off? It’s the summertime blues, Sagittarius, and there ain’t no cure. The good news is, these blues only last for a season. Learn what you can while you’re low. When you’re back on top, you’ll remember.
CAPRICORN
I love big 4th of July sundown fireworks shows! But I’m not a big fan of 19th of July midnight fireworks shows from the dudes in the house next door. Call me a curmudgeon, but I need some sleep. This week, Capricorn, remember that everything has its day and it’s hour, especially if you live next door to me.
AQUARIUS
It may feel like you’ve hit a wall, Aquarius, but that’s the first step in learning how to climb. It may feel like barriers to your success are popping up all over, but I think you’re just about to find out what’s on the other side. So, find something in this new obstacle that you can grab onto and start pulling yourself up. Once you get over this, you’ll be smarter, stronger, more resilient and your arms will look awesome.
Want more? Visit mrmysterio.com Or just give him a call at
These Hoboscopes were
PISCES
People are always telling you that there’s more to hope for. But it’s hard to believe it lately. Every time you get hopeful that things are going to change they just come crashing down again and you wish you’d never hoped in the first place. But maybe that’s not really hope. Maybe that’s expectation. Hope is about believing in possibilities. Expectation is about trying to control the outcomes. When you expect something, you grasp for it. When you hope, you let it land gently in your open palm.
ARIES
You remind me of the marigolds that pop up out of my old flower bed every year. Whether I replant the seeds or not, whether I give them any care, they always volunteer their services. They seem to thrive on neglect. The less I cultivate them, the harder they work to get my attention. And I love those marigolds, but really, Aries, they deserve better. You do too. If you’re doing all the work and you aren’t getting the care you need, this is a good time to say so.
TAURUS
At the end of a long day my eyes are still stinging with chlorine and my sunburned belly is over-filled with hotdog buns, but I have to say I’m glad I went to that neighborhood pool party. I can’t even remember what else I was planning to do today, but I know I won’t forget the choice I made. That’s the thing about your schedule, Cancer. Sometimes it keeps you in line with your goals but sometimes you have to let it go if you want to find out what you want your next goal to be.
GEMINI
The tarantula hawk is neither a tarantula nor a hawk. In fact, the tarantula hawk is a large but confusingly-named wasp that hunts tarantulas and hijacks their bodies as a nest for their eggs and food source for their newly-hatched larva. Pretty creepy. It’s also a good reminder that you can’t always believe what’s on the label. This week, Gemini, pay attention to actions more than words. Unless you want to end up as an unsuspecting meal for baby wasps.
Have you ever been in the store trying to pick food that will help you stay healthy? Like those “sugar-free cookies“ that have all kinds of things in them that will turn directly into sugar once you eat them?
I know. I get it. I’m tired of misleading labels as well. But what really put the icing on the cake for me? Grass fed butter.
Grass Fed Butter
BY FREEPRESSGMA, CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR
That’s right. Somehow, they were trying to convince me that butter could eat grass. I decided to skip it because it was $9 a pound. I figured if butter could eat grass that would be a really really cool thing because then I would have more butter if I could just feed it more grass ... I know, right? Brilliant. So, I went back to my apartment to make
my own grass fed butter. I pulled my cheap arse butter out of the fridge and went and put it out in the grassy dog run at our apartment building. At first, it didn’t seem like the butter was eating the grass, so I decided to leave it out there for a couple of hours to see if there was any progress, but when I came out, the grass had
eaten the butter! I swear to God. There was this murderous grass out there, and the only thing left was a little oily puddle!
Misleading labeling … again! Not only can butter not eat grass, but grass is actually bad for butter! What an expensive mistake that was!
“Welcome Home” Nashville Homeless Choir
I have experienced quite a lot within the last year. I am amazed at all the interesting people that I have met and the stories they have to tell. Imagine being in a room talking to people and no one is listening. Now imagine the people in that room are screaming at the top of their lungs, but I start to whisper and people turn to hear where it is coming from. The whisper gets louder and ends up being the voices of unheard people that have never been able to experience the things around them. Now they can hear, and see, and understand. Now imagine yourself as one of those people. The story you are about to read is about what has occurred over the last year and the people who’ve play a part in it. This could not have been possible without Metro Arts believing in our idea for the Nashville Voices of Resilience Homeless Choir, an idea that would change our lives forever.
In December we were asked by Trinity Community Commons and Open Table Nashville to sing at the Annual Homeless Memorial. We were also asked to sing, “Our Lives Are As
BY DANIEL H., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR #5843
An Unwritten Song” at the national memorial. The performance was recorded and put on Facebook by Daybreak Arts. In March we preformed at DRKMTTR with a gentleman named Sunny who has sang in over 60 countries. His music is amazing and his organization is called Afrokokoroot.
Nashville Voices of Resilience Homeless Choir was asked to sing at the Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH) press conference ahead of the Mayor’s State of Nashville Address. Mayor Freddie O’Connell and the city government announced they would allocate $22 million dollars to the Barnes Fund in this year’s budget.
We also performed at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints of Green Hills. They helped with greeting and seating arrangements. They served a meal and all the food that was left over was given to the surrounding neighbors with a religious message. They are doing God’s will and we could all take a lesson from their show of the love.
Now we have done over 15 concerts, the last
one taking place at Edgehill United Methodist Church. On June 13, we hosted a fundraiser at Edgehill United Methodist Church. Lindsey Longoria from The Contributor curated an art sale and 50 percent of all art sales went to The Contributor. We were also joined by Amy Barnes, with her band that sang Kirtan music beautifully and the audience participated. The show ran over which did not allow for our singer Sunny of Afrokokoroot to sing. We do apologize for this, and he will be performing on Sept. 26, 2026. The Barbecue Chef Terry cooked from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. and received many compliments on his cooking. Edwin Lockridge was also a blessing in helping to keep things running smoothly.
Eric Mayle, Pastor of Edgehill United Methodist Church did the opening prayer, and ran the live feed to Facebook and YouTube. Pastor Riley Baxter 111 of The Church of the Living God who announced his churches feeding and activities. I am grateful for the life lessons he offered those at the Help Center. Derrick McCloud of Saint Peter’s AME Church spoke
The Prince of Peace Angry
What type of person would make Christ angry? The money changers are known today as the merchants or corporations. I know it’s different because this event took place in the temple, but at the same time these days a lot of people are fed up with these greedy tycoons that never ever make enough money. The average
BY MARK N., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR
rent in the year 1984 was around $393 a month. Today the average for a studio is $1,500 a month. In 1984, a gallon of gas was 90 cents, a Whopper cost $1.55. Was Christ trying to warn us about these people? I would love to hear a good sermon on Christ turning over the money changers tables. In my opinion this even probably
Fourth of July
BY LORA V., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR
was more violent then described in the scriptures, and this act was one reason the priests looked for a way to have him killed. Don’t take what I say wrong, but I know Christ always had a direction in everything he did and he had the right to be angry and this sentiment still lasts until this day, but lately more than ever.
the prayer leading into lunch, which he served to the long assembly line of missionaries and women. We also had representatives of the Muslim faith in attendance who said it was a wonderful thing to see so many faiths and religions under one roof. Music is a constant reminder that we can all agree that love is a binding thread, or as it says in the Bible, “Blessed Be the Tie that Binds.” Welcome Home. None of this would be possible without the support of Metro Arts to whom we are eternally grateful. They have given the homeless new faith and opportunities.
If you want to join our choir we practice at Claiborne Family Church on Saturdays from noon to 2 p.m. Some of the members of the choir come from this church. Thank you Austin Pollack for airing our story on News Channel 5. We will always remember your kindness and patience as that is a rare commodity in our world today. If you wish to follow us we are on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram: Nashville Homeless Choir. For our art please go to, morningcoffeeartist.myshopify.com
Journey
BY JAMES, "SHORTY" R., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR
Let’s get back to the basics: Sitting, strolling or just doing what you do to relax. It doesn’t have to cost you a cent to enjoy yourself on what you want to do. My days are about the same. What I do daily is get up and sell the newspaper, The Contributor. It has become like a ritual or routine. What I do best, I can do if He brings it upon me to do. I really enjoy what I am doing and with whom I am with. This may be my last ride, as I wrote about before.
On July 4, everything is a go. A lot of people try to wear red, white and blue clothes. If you don’t have any don’t worry. Just wear shorts and a t-shirt and flip flops.
A lot of people are going to be at the lake boating, fishing, swimming and jet skiing. Like I said, everything goes, but remember: Safety First.
Now it’s time to fire up the grill. You’ll want to have plenty of hamburgers and hot
dogs. Homemade potato salad is the bomb, but it takes time to make. You’ll also need deviled eggs, home-grown tomatoes, ice cold watermelon and at least ten bags of chips. Oh, and gallons and gallons of lemonade. After the eating is finished, it’s time for games. For the grown ups it’s horseshoes, corn hole and volleyball. For the kids its Frisbee, tag and hide snd seek. Don’t forget to take plenty of pictures!
Next, it’s time to relax and take a little nap. Once night falls, it’s time for the main attraction: fireworks! All the boom booms, all the different colors. Remember, safety first, stand back. And no putting firecrackers in the dog’s mouth! No letting kids light fireworks!
This year we get an extra bonus because America turns 250 years old. Another reason to C-E-L-E-B-R-A-T-E!
I can’t do what I did before, but I guess I’ll do the best I can. I have no desire on what to do anymore, except to spend my time with my significant other and my friends that I have met on my journey over the last umpteen years with The Contributor.
I have seen a lot and heard a lot on this journey. Happy 4th of July to you all. Best wishes on your journeys. God bless.
When Life Feels Like It’s Coming to an End
BY MISS NITA, CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR
So much to do and so little time to do it in, Problems, battles, addiction and rejections. When do we ever win?
I keep fighting even with my back against the wall. I keep struggling to get up every time I fall. Some of my hopes and dreams just whisk right on by. Then, God sends several baby cardinals. This catches my eye.
Of all the places they could build their nest and visit each day, God knew that I would enjoy them so he sent them my way. How angelic are the songs that they sing? Happiness and joy is what they bring. Bright and early in the morning, and always they resist in the evening. Always happy and content as they want to be. I get to be a part of their lives as they fly from tree to tree. It started from them gathering particles from my dead, lifeless plant.
I know more than ever to stop sayin I can’t. I will. I can. They did. We win.
This is a true poem about cardinals making my home their home. It was the medicine and healing I needed for another painful time in my life. Thank you, God. I hope this poem blesses you.
WORDS
OF WISDOM
Think Twice
BY FREFOREVER, CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR
“Think Twice” I have heard it said: Our thoughts determine our actions. Our actions determine our habits. Our habits determine our character. Our character determines our destiny. and Our destiny determines our legacy.
“As a man thinketh, so is he.” Proverbs 23:7 Our life and the imprint left behind is a culmination of the thoughts we think, the words we speak, and the things we do. Everything we do and say first was a thought that we either repeated aloud or acted on.
“Hold every thought captive.” We cannot know exactly what a person is thinking, but we can get a good idea by their behavior and words. So, we should think twice before acting on our thoughts. Ask yourself, are the words I am thinking about saying or the behavior I am thinking about doing bringing life to this person or situation?
If not, throw the thought out of your mind, press delete and focus on something that does bring life and light to the people and situations within your sphere of influence.
Green Streak
BY STELLA S., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR
Curls, hurdles, shot put and track let’s get that green streak back. Quarters come and go and dimes come back with a vengeance, bring in the renegade. Don’t need a blade with a runner like that, quick and nimble, great and sleek, let’s go with that winning streak!
Green streak is faster than lightening and smoother than platinum. Green is golden for the trophy named Heisman.
Green legs, beautiful eyes, smiles for days, but he don’t graze. In the misty blue haze all around is smoke unloaded from a pig skin barrel.
Hurdles come and hurdles go but Green is here to stay. All days shiny like the night sky where stars lurk for Green days ahead.
Dedicated to Mykel Austyn Jed Green for a major accomplishment in football.
ART BY DANIEL MARTIN C.
ART BY BILL B., CONTRIBUTOR VENDOR
They Will Kill You delivers gonzo horror-action with old school flair
Russian-born director Kirill Sokolov (Why Don't You Just Die!) makes his Hollywood debut with They Will Kill You, a blood-soaked horror-action-comedy co-written with Alex Litvak. Think John Wick meets Get Out, or Dante's Inferno meets Donkey Kong by way of Kill Bill. If that sounds more than a bit crazy, I'm coming through loud and clear.
Asia Reaves (Zazie Beetz) is an ex-con desperate for a fresh start who takes a housekeeping job at The Virgil, a sleek, intimidating Manhattan high-rise notorious for its obscenely wealthy tenants and a string of unsolved disappearances. When Asia discovers that The Virgil is not merely an exclusive luxury address. It’s an elaborate, purpose-built death-trap functioning as a Satanic temple and headquarters for a murderous cult, and her first night in her less-than-private room turns into a desperate battle for survival. The cult's wealthy, powerful members include a cosmetics tycoon played by Heather Graham
BY JOE NOLAN, FILM CRITIC
(The Hangover) and building manager Patricia Arquette (Severance). Tom Felton (Harry Potter) and Myha'La (Industry) round out the supporting cast in roles that blur the line between friend and foe.
They Will Kill You's stylized set pieces are grounded by this fantastic cast's gofor-broke performances. It turns out Asia isn't actually a maid at all — she's looking for her estranged sister and she's armed to the teeth. Beetz is excellent, delivering a bravura performance as a heroine who's always believable as a killing machine. She's physical, funny and emotionally credible even when she has to battle her way through the building's increasingly deranged gauntlet of devil-worshipping denizens. Between the visceral action and bonkers horror elements, even Arquette's wildly inconsistent Irish lilt is charming in its why-not zaniness.
The film's chapter titles and needle drops straight out of the Tarantino universe signal early on that Sokolov is
building something stylized and selfaware. They Will Kill You proceeds floor by bloody boutique floor, structured like a video game. Asia improvises weapons and moves through The Virgil's various levels using networks of ventilation ducts, dumbwaiters, and elevator shafts. It's the kind of film where the heroine is chased by a sentient eyeball rolling across the floor before she has to clear a banquet hall filled with baddies using a flaming ax.
The practical effects department deserves its own curtain call here. Working with VFX team Crafty Apes, Sokolov leans lovingly into old-school gags: decapitations with fake heads in the tradition of Evil Dead II, latex limb-lopping, puppetry, wirework, and the most arterial spray I've seen since the Kill Bill films. The result is a gonzo, practically cartoonish visual style that feels sincere and handmade in an era of weightless CGI and AI slop.
I can't count how many times I've watched an action movie with a female
protagonist where the part feels like it was written for a man and then recast, and the fighting sequences are completely unbelievable because a petite woman can't realistically knock out an average-sized man with a single punch. These films are instantly forgettable. Here Sokolov manages to give viewers a moving story about trauma-bound sisters while also giving Beetz a chance to show off her fantastic physical gifts, performing most of her own stunts. Asia is a super character and Beetz carries Asia’s arc from aching family drama to pit boss in hell without missing a beat. Or a beatdown. Check in at The Virgil and enjoy your stay.
They Will Kill You is streaming on HBO Max.
Joe Nolan is a critic, columnist and performing singer/songwriter based in East Nashville. Find out more about his projects at www.joenolan.com.
“The Contributor” está trabajando con uno de los principales periódicos en español La Noticia para llevar contenido a más lectores en Middle Tennessee. Nuestros vendedores de periódicos han pedido durante mucho tiempo que nuestra publicación incluya contenido que apele al interés de residentes de habla hispana en nuestra comunidad.
“The Contributor” is working with one of the leading Spanish-language newspapers La Noticia to bring content to more readers in Middle Tennessee. Our newspaper vendors have long requested that our publication include content that appeals to the interest of Spanish-speaking residents in our community.
M i e n t r a s e s p e r a b a noticias desde Lima, Perú, la ar tista vis u a l A n a í s Q u i s p e sabía que una par te de ella ya viajaba r u m b o a N u eva York Su obra había s i d o s e l e c c i o n a d a p a r a fo r m a r p a r t e de Latinismo 2026, una impor tante e xposición inter nacional que reúne a 32 artistas de nueve países latinoamericanos en el Queens Council on the Arts, en Long Island City La escultura llegó Ella no U n a n e g at iva d e r e n ova c i ó n de v i s a impidió que Quispe pudiera asistir a la i n a u g u r a c i ó n d e u n a d e l a s o p o r t unidades más impor tantes de su car rera ar tística. Sin embargo, su instalación
Bio-Suture: for the matter that feels permaneció en la galería como un símbolo de presencia pese a la ausencia Una obra que, paradójicamente, ter minó reflejand o e l m i s m o t e m a q u e i n s p i r a a Latinismo: las fronteras visibles e invisibles que todavía enfrentan muchos ar tistas latinoamericanos
Una platafor ma nacida para abrir puertas L at i n i s m o A r t & E d u c at i o n e s u n p r oye c t o c u l t u r a l i n d e p e n d i e n t e q u e
busca redefinir la manera en que se presenta y entiende el ar te contemporáneo l at i n o a m e r i c a n o e n E s t a d o s U n i d o s F u n d a d o p o r l a a r t i s t a y c u r a d o r a colombiana Lyz Tor res y la arquitecta y gestora cultural Laura Amaya, el proyecto nació en Bogotá y, en pocos años, se ha conver tido en una platafor ma intern a c i o n a l p a r a a r t i s t a s e m e rge n t e s y c o n s olidados de América Latina
Cada edición comienza con una convocatoria abier ta inter nacional Un comité curatorial selecciona a los par ticipantes se gún la calidad conce ptual de sus propuestas y el tema anual de la exposición Los ar tistas reciben acompañamiento curatorial, inclusión en el catálogo oficial, promoción inter nacional y opor tunidades de establecer vínculos con consulados y organizaciones culturales latinoamericanas en Nueva York Además, cada año se otorga una residen-
cia ar tística en Nueva York En esta edición, el reconocimiento fue para la ar tista c o l o m b i a n a D
La primera edición de Latinismo, celebrada en 2023, recorrió Brooklyn, Manhattan y Queens explorando el significado contemporáneo de la identidad latina En 2025, ante un ambiente político cada vez más hostil hacia las comunidades inmigrantes, sus fundadoras decidieron convertir la exposición en un acto de afirmación cultural y solidaridad
La edición 2026, titulada Nature Made Presence, propone una reflexión sobre la relación entre la naturale za y la tecnología Bajo la premisa de que "entre lo biológico y lo sintético, entre el cuerpo y el código, buscamos aquello que todavía late", la muestra reúne pro-puestas que exploran nuevas formas de coexistencia entre el ser humano y su entorno
A n a í s Q u i s p e : r e p a r a r l o q u e l a s f r o n t e r a s s e p a r a n
Entre todas las obras expuestas, pocas sintetizan mejor el espíritu de Latinismo que Bio-Suture
La instalación presenta una superficie horizontal donde tierra de Central Park y musgo vivo envuelven placas electrónicas obsoletas y fragmentos de tubería PVC que emergen lentamente como si la propia naturaleza estuviera recuperando aquello que alguna vez fue infraestructura urbana
Lejos de presentar la tecnología como enemiga de la naturaleza, Quispe propone una convivencia p osible entre ambas La obra explora cómo los materiales industriales pueden reintegrarse al ciclo natural y convertirse en nuevos organismos capaces de generar vida y memoria
Originalmente, Anaís Quispe había sido seleccionada como la ar tista residente de esta edición, el mayor reconocimiento otorgado por Latinismo.
"Siempre fue mi sueño exponer en la ciudad de Nueva York", comentó la artista
Ese sueño estuvo muy cerca de concretarse
Su interés por esta relación entre naturaleza y tecnología tiene profundas raíces personales Creció observando el trabajo de su padre, ingeniero eléctrico, quien le enseñó a comprender que ambos mundos no son necesariamente opuestos, sino sistemas que constantemente dialogan entre sí
A través de lo que denomina "empatía material", Quispe busca comprender cómo la tecnología también puede convertirse en
España, donde par ticipará junto a otros autores inter nacionales en la antología poética T he Ar t of the Wor d, ampliando nuevamente su búsqueda ar tística desde otra disciplina
Una red cultural como for ma de resistencia Latinismo 2026 también reúne el trabajo de destacados artistas como el peruano Lolo Ostia, quien trabaja con celulosa bacteriana viva; la chilena Elena Cavada, creadora de mosaicos elaborados con cochayuyo, un alga originaria de Chile; la también chilena Suiyen Kong, quien investiga los procesos de transformación de la naturaleza mediante grabado y técnicas mixtas; el arquitecto nicaragüense y profesor de Columbia University Oscar M. Caballer o, y el colectivo argentino Hypsibius, reconocido por sus instalaciones textiles interactivas
En momentos en que muchos artistas latinoamericanos enfrentan mayores dificultades para obtener visas y participar en escenarios internacionales, iniciativas como Latinismo representan mucho más que una exposición colectiva Se convierten en una red de apoyo, colaboración y visibilidad para creadores cuyas voces aún permanecen insuficientemente representadas Gracias al trabajo de Lyz Torres, Laura Amaya y Mark Christie, del Queens Council on the Arts, Latinismo continúa construyendo una comunidad artística que trasciende fronteras políticas y burocráticas
Queens Council on the Ar ts 5-11 47th Avenue Long Island City, NY Instagram: @latinismoart
En exhibición hasta el 1 de agosto de 2026. Envíenos sus sugerencias por correo electrónico:
24 - No 438
The Art Arrived The Artist Never Did: Visa barriers kept an artist from her New York exhibition
Por Erika Sumner Contributing Writer @LaNoticiaNe ws