East Nashvillian Issue 20

November | December Vol. IV Issue 2

ALSO

JACOB JONES • ARTIST DAVID FISHER • THE NEW FACE OF GALLATIN GMO RADIOS • THE CAYCE PLACE CONUNDRUM

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OPENING SOON

WWW.WELCOMENASHVILLE.COM

LOCATED BEHIND November UGLY MUGS | December 2013 THEEASTNASHVILLIAN.COM

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PUBLISHER Lisa McCauley EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chuck Allen CALENDAR EDITOR Emma Alford

MANAGING EDITOR Joey Butler

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Brace, Jaime Brousse, Elizabeth Chauncey, Melissa Corbin, Dane Forlines, Randy Fox, James “Hags” Haggerty, Liz Jungers Hughes, Eric Jans, Robbie D. Jones, Jennifer Justus, Theresa Laurence, Jennifer Lyle, Catherine Randall, Elizabeth Smith, Tommy Womack DESIGN DIRECTOR Benjamin Rumble

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chuck Alen

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Stacie Huckeba

Illustrations Benjamin Rumble, Dean Tomasek

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Allen, Mary Brace, Melissa Corbin, Tim Duggan, Eric England ADVERTISING DESIGN Benjamin Rumble

SOCIAL MEDIA Nicole Keiper

INTERN Victoria Clodfelter

ADVERTISING CONTACT Lisa McCauley sales@theeastnashvillian.com 615.582.4187

www.theeastnashvillian.com Kitchen

Table Media Company Est.2010

© 2013 Kitchen Table Media, LLC The East Nashvillian is published bimonthly by Kitchen Table Media, LLC. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. All rights reserved.

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COVER

SECTION: 39 SPECIAL CELEBRATION OF HOME

35th edition of annual Lockeland Springs home tour Robbie D. Jones & Catherine Randall; Intro by Elizabeth Smith

FEATURES

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FROM USAMBARA TO EAST NASHVILLE

The long and winding road of Holtkamp Greeenhouses’ Optimara violets Liz Jungers Hughes

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Change is coming, and education remains key to breaking the cycle of poverty Theresa Laurence

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Artist David Fisher has put the pieces together, one body part at a time Randy Fox

What started as 15 people listening to Huey Lewis at The 5 Spot is blossoming into a crazy Wonkaesque empire Jennifer Justus

SOLVING THE CAYCE PLACE CONUNDRUM

MONSTER MAKER

JACOB JONES: AN OBJECT IN MOTION

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CONNECTING THE DOTS

Drink, shop or crop: The new face of business on Gallatin (Avenue, Road) Pike Randy Fox

EAST NASHVILLE’S QUIETEST NOISE MAKER Mary Brace

COOKIN’ IN DA HOOD

Recipes from East Nashville favorites Melissa D. Corbin

ON THE COVER

CELBRATION OF HOME Design by Benjamin Rumble

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

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EAST SIDE BUZZ

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ONES AND ZEROES: THE EAST SIDE GOES DIGITAL Eric Jans

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OF THE ROXY, 22 REVIVAL HERE AT LAST? Dane Forlines

MORE ON MATTERS OF DEVELOPMENT Eric Jans

COMMENTARY

12 EDITOR’S LETTER

SHOULD DO 25 SOMEBODY SOMETHING! WHY NOT YOU?

Chuck Allen

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Elizabeth Chauncey

ASTUTE OBSERVATIONS

96 EAST OF NORMAL

James Haggerty

By Tommy Womack

IN THE KNOW

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KNOW YOUR NEIGHBOR: Mark and Patti Sanders Jennifer Lyle

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83 EAST SIDE CALENDAR Emma Alford

ARTIST IN PROFILE: Keith Harmon Jaime Brousse

PARTINT SHOT CYLE BARNES of THE WEEKS Photographed by Chuck Allen

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EDITOR’S LETTER Procrastination Nation

W

ell … I guess it’s that time again. Time to write this letter. In the spirit of the upcoming season, I’ve waited until the very last minute. It always seems like time starts to compress right around when daylight savings time ends. Spring forward, fall back, or something or another. Autumn just blows by like the stiff winds that strip the trees of their leaves.

‘Tis the season to put off everything until the very last minute. It’s a national pastime. Luckily we’re all dosed on the latest better-living-through-chemistry drug-of-the-moment being shilled on TV. Otherwise we’d probably be killing each other. Armed shopping — now there’s an idea. “Seriously, your honor, that damn lady was about to grab the last Miley Cyrus tongue doll. My little princess wouldn’t know what

around. Which is probably why security is tight at the Capitol; it’s not so we can’t kill them, it’s so they can’t kill each other.

Then again, since we’re all procrastinating, we’ve probably put off loading our guns, so hopefully we’ll be able to shop-‘till-we-drop in relative safety. Unless, of course, the asshole texting while making a 90 mile per hour beeline for the mall runs you off the road.

I’m not sure people in general have a clue about what velocity does to weight where energy is concerned. So if a meteorite the size of marble is traveling at 17,000 miles per hour it will slice through the space station without even slowing down. Scary.

Now where was I? Oh yeah, writing this letter. If I hadn’t waited until the last minute, it might have been about something really important. Maybe it still can be. Maybe I should talk about shopping locally. There are some really cool places around here to pick up last

Traditions are good to have, because they remind me that I’m not all that important in the grand scheme of things. to do if she didn’t get one for Christmas, poor thing.”

I’m pretty sure there have been stampedes at the 6 a.m. bargain bonanzas. Shopping has become a blood sport to which we seem well adapted.

Not to say there’s anything wrong with toting guns around. I’d probably want a sidearm if I were hanging out in Somalia. You’d think Tennessee was like Somalia listening to some of our legislators. They got it to where I can carry a loaded weapon into a bar now. Wow. That’s some whacky shit. I’ve been around a lot of drunk people together in a large crowd, in a bar, and I gotta say I was glad no one was packing heat. Loaded people should stay away from loaded weapons, unless it’s a room full of state legislatures drunk off their asses with a bunch of AK-47s laying

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minute gifts, and you can probably ride your bike to get to them.

Or I suppose I could talk tradition. That’s what this whole thing is about, right? At least it’s our cover story this edition, and it has been three years running.

The Celebration of Home Tour has been going on for 35 years! Now that’s a tradition. Traditions are good to have, because they remind me that I’m not all that important in the grand scheme of things. They remind me to look around and appreciate the things that bring meaning to life.

They remind me to look beneath the bling and the banter and the buy-buy-buy bombardment that accompanies the holiday season and to remember what’s it’s really all about.

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{ ASTUTE OBSERVATIONS } for the

E ast Side ... & beyond By

H

James “ HAGS ” Haggerty

The best things in life are free, But you can give them to the birds and bees, I want money. That’s all I want.

ello dear readers of The East Nashvillian. I’ve been making observations about life in our neighborhood for some months now. Normally, I wind up my inner Andy Rooney and have at it. But it’s the holidays, kids, and I’m feeling jolly.

I’d like to share some dialog from my absolute favorite Christmas tradition, the CBS television special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Originally aired in 1965, Charles Schulz’s Christmas gift to the world has aired every year since.

I think our hero says it best: CHARLIE BROWN: I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus.

Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel.

They continue walking.

CHARLIE BROWN: I just don’t understand Christmas, I guess. I might be getting presents and sending Christmas cards and decorating trees and all that, but I’m still not happy. I always end up feeling depressed.

LINUS: Charlie Brown, you’re the only person I know who can take a wonderful season like Christmas and turn it into a problem.

After a trip to psychologist-Lucy, Charlie Brown realizes that his problem is the fear of everything (Pantophobia). THAT’S IT!!!

Everywhere he looks, crass commercialization . . .

CHARLIE BROWN: What’s this? (Reading) Find the true meaning of Christmas. Win money, money, money. Spectacular, super-colossal neighborhood Christmas lights and display contest. (Looks up from the paper).

Lights and a display contest! Oh, no! My own doggone commercial — I can’t stand it!

His sister, Sally, asks for help writing her Santa letter . . .

SALLY: Dear Santa Claus, how’ve you been? How is your wife? Did you have a nice summer? I wish it was. I have been extra good this year, so I have a long list of presents that I want.

Please note the size and color of each item and send as many as possible. If it seems too complicated, make it easy on yourself. Just send money.

How about tens and twenties?

GOOD GRIEF! No one is sending him any Christmas cards. He ends up with the world’s saddest little tree for the Christmas play. And all the kids are on his case. Charlie Brown, can’t you do anything right?!?

Ah yes, Christmas ennui. We

all know it’s supposed to be a hopeful, joyful, peaceful time of year and yet, with all of the commercials and all of the stuff we have to buy and the fear of there not being enough, you might as well toss the tree in the fire and sleep till the new year.

Christmas. Is it really a big commercial racket run by a big Eastern syndicate, as Lucy says?

Linus sets us straight.

LINUS: Sure, Charlie Brown. I can tell you what Christmas is all about...

There were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shown round about them. And they were so afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you. Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on Earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

That’s what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.

Why do I love this special so much?

From the mouths of babes comes sage wisdom. Its simple message reminds us that Christmas is a time to be grateful, to be humble, to count our blessings, to draw our friends and family near; to help those less fortunate, to spread peace on Earth and goodwill toward men.

And while you are baking cookies and roasting turkeys this year, please allow me to share some of my favorite Christmas music for your holiday pleasure.

1. The Waitresses, “Christmas Wrappings” 2. The Pogues, “A Fairy Tale of New York” 3. Clarence Carter, “Back Door Santa” 4. Big Star, “Jesus Christ” 5. Cheech & Chong, “Santa Claus And His Old Lady” 6. Herb Alpert and The Tijuana Brass, “Christmas Album” 7. Donny Hathaway, “This Christmas” 8. Lou Monte, “Dominick The Italian Christmas Donkey” 9. Run-D.M.C., “Christmas in Hollis” 10. Vince Guaraldi Trio, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” And one last thought: Let’s start a petition to enact a law to eliminate Black Friday!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays, East Nashville and Beyond!

— When Hags isn’t shopping locally this holiday season, he can be found playing bass with The Ornaments as they perform the Vince Guaraldi Trio’s A Charlie Brown Christmas in it’s entirety Dec. 15 - 21 at the Family Wash. There will also be a children’s show 10 a.m., Dec. 21 at the Belcourt Theater.

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EAST SIDE BUZZ

IT’S AN EXCITING TIME IN THE REALM of technology and digital media with the buzz around apps, social media and startups in general. Nashville is becoming a regional tech hub, recently even landing a Google satellite office to be located right across the river in the Nashville Entrepreneur Center. With the number of creative types here in East Nashville, it’s worth taking a look at what’s happening in technology and digital media here in our neighborhood.

Whether you call it “digital media,” “new media” or “electronic media,” defining exactly what “it” is can be difficult. It can run the gamut from traditional media that uses digital technology, to broadcast, to developers and content creators. Adding the words “interactive,” “meta” or “convergence” further muddies the water.

Joe Smith, owner of Art Dude Creative, is a creative web designer and East Nashville leader with a knack for breaking down information.

He explains how digital media is categorized and defined, at least in his thinking: “You have your hosting companies, designers, your

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developers, your designer/developers. There’s content creators — digital video, writers, photography. There’s SEO (search engine optimization). Next is social media, branding, strategy, analytics and user experience. Not to mention

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traditional PR and marketing that are being done digitally.”

A longtime web agency in East Nashville is iDesign, co-owned by District 7 Councilman Anthony Davis. In business since 2005 and

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in their space on Gallatin Road since 2007, iDesign handles web design and hosting, illustration and print design, social media and SEO. He has seen the influx of digital media in the last several years. “I am very encouraged,” Davis says. “I never thought we would have this many, this fast. It truly shows East Nashville is a great place for professional service agencies.”

Most of these businesses are popping up on the corridor between iDesign along the stretch where Gallatin Pike turns into Gallatin Avenue and then into Main Street. Anode, on the Main Street end, is another of the stalwarts. They have been in their present location since 2010, having moved from their space on lower Broadway just before the Nashville Flood. They work on interactive exhibits, business-to-business sales and marketing tools, and content production. “It’s always great to have peers in the neighborhood, especially ones that complement what we do that we can partner with,” says Jeff Peden, Anode’s director of sales and marketing.

It was recently announced that The Bradford Group, a full-service PR firm, will be moving into an office suite at 5th and Main.

They have been in business for several years as a traditional PR firm, but they also provide content creation and inbound digital marketing. Plans are for them be in their new space by the first part of 2014. Jeff Bradford says what excites him the most about East Nashville is its “energy and innovation.”

Michael Epps Utley, founder of Epps Interactive, echoes that excitement. “East Nashville gives us an astounding range of talents to draw from: writers, designers, coders, marketing managers, photographers and video talent, and even registered nurses,” he says. Epps Interactive has been around since 2000, focusing on online marketing as well as website and content development. He moved the company to the Washington, D.C. area for few years before bringing it back to East Nashville. “We are a funky business with niche products. We needed a funky ZIP Code to make that work.

It’s also really nice to have easy access to downtown, the medical area — and Edley’s!”

Located inside developer Christian Paro’s new Center 615 business development at 615 Main Street, Epps Interactive joins a host of new or recently relocated new media businesses. Duane Stephenson with Stephenson Creative Group focuses on information design and branding; Earth Channel specializes in content streaming; Hi5 Creative focuses on social media and video marketing; Make it Pop Creations is a creative video production house. LiveSchool, a company developing a web app, was recently in the running for The

Wall Street Journal’s Startup of the Year. It is becoming common not only to see these types of businesses moving into Center 615 but also for them to share collaborative working space or even share projects.

Next door at the Christian Paro-owned Paro South are a number of creative companies,

each with its own niche, including Content That Connects, No Sleep For Sheep, 2TheTop and Love & Science. Another, Way Solutions, works to bring greater value between companies and their customers. Owner Jennifer Way is a public speaker, HR professional and effective social media user. “East Nashville

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businesses are thriving because they are attracting talent,” Way says, “and East Nashville is all about community, which translates really well online.”

Closer to 5 Points, above Nuvo Burrito, Firefly Logic develops and designs software, as well as web and mobile applications. Ethos3, at 11th and Russell, concentrates on presentation design. On Woodland Street, pixelFLYTE specializes in interactive design and digital branding. Above the Shoppes on Fatherland, Proof Branding is a branding and creative design agency. Firecracker focuses on web design, style groups and branding. Syndit Global syndicates content and online marketing.

Highstick Media focuses on web design, social media and SEO. Xenergy.net builds custom web sites and manages servers and domains.

Kia Jarmon with The MEPR Agency moved her firm here two years ago “because of the proximity to downtown and its growth centers, clients and prospects, and our creative, technology-driven colleagues.” MEPR concentrates

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on public relations, brand strategy and social digital platforms.

We are in such a creative part of the city and undoubtedly unmentioned here are many digital media types working out of home offices, either for themselves or telecommuting. The talent is attracting the structure, so firms are relocating here. Talent is attracting talent, since it’s hip to live in East Nashville. Startups are starting up, right here. It’s not hard to envision East Nashville becoming the digital media hub of the city, and that’s very exciting. — EJ Visit us online for links to all of the businesses mentioned in this article: www.theeastnashvillian.com

More on matters of development

FIVE POINTS COCINA MEXICANA IS IN the works at 972 Main. It is a sister restaurant to another neighborhood favorite, Las Fiestas Café, and will feature daily specials of both

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Tex-Mex favorites and traditional Mexican dishes. They plan a large covered patio and expect to be open by the end of the year.

The large apartment complex coming to Main and McFerrin has been renamed The Amplify on Main. The name reflects Amp, the bus rapid transit route slated to run down the center of Main Street in coming years. The four-story, 74-unit development is a project

by Adam Leibowitz, who also transformed the Bank of America building into East Nashville Self Storage and East Side Station.

Close by at 715 Main, another developer has a 54-unit apartment complex currently under construction.

The Post is a new coffee/juice/smoothie shop coming to 17th and Fatherland, where Stained Glass & Accessories was formerly located,. Owners Tonya Lewis and Chris Cowley had originally planned to be in the area near The Pharmacy and Holland House; instead found an amazing 2,300-square-foot corner space owned by developer Christian Paro. They will also have an in-house bakery, Nicole’s Gourmet Cakes, owned by Nicole Wolfe. The decor will be “vintage, modern, comfortable,” Lewis says. “We want it to feel like an oasis, where people want to come and stay awhile.” They hope to be open by the beginning of 2014. Just across the corner is the new location for Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co, featured in this year’s Celebration of Home Tour.

At 11th and Fatherland work continues on the project called 1100 Fatherland, where Thrive and nancybgoods, two successful retail shops from The Shoppes on Fatherland, will be moving upon completion. Open since 2011, Thrive features beeswax candles and other eco-friendly sustainable gifts. The move will take them from their current 400-squarefoot space to 860 square feet. Thrive owner Mark Wood says, “The community has been so amazing; I can’t wait to get into the larger space to be able to make beeswax candles right in the store.” The completed project at 1100 Fatherland should be ready by the first of the year.

Two new stores at The Shoppes on Fatherland are Abode and Tiffany’s Boutique.

Abode opened recently and features local and gourmet food items, decor, children’s items and gifts. Hours are 11-6 Tues-Sat, 11-4 Sun. Tiffany’s Boutique is owned by ‘80s pop sensation Tiffany, who also has a popular shop in White House. Both locations offer vintage and one-of-a-kind clothing items and funky finds. It replaces Pretty Pretty Pop Pop, which has moved out of the ‘hood. Hours are 11:30-7 Wed-Sat, 11:30-5 Sun.

Ground has been broken at 10th and Russell, where architect John Root is building a large, mixed-use development with 16 townhome row houses with a two-story commercial space anchoring the corner.

Eastside Sticks and Stones is a new store near Sweet 16th, off 16th and Ordway. It fea-

tures local art, custom jewelry, gifts and home decor. Hours are 11-6 Tues, Thurs, Fri and Sat. Behind Ugly Mugs, a new home décor store called Welcome Home will feature “modern artwork, unusual furniture pieces and charming accessories.” Owned by Jessica Reguli and her husband, Roderick Trestrail, it opens this

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month at 1882 Eastland Ave. Joining the retail décor scene is The Fuselage at 608 Gallatin Avenue in the same complex that houses Barista Parlor. Owned

by Cal Ecker, it features unique gifts, quirky antiques and funky accessories. There is also a live music stage inside, in case the staff or customers decide to break into an improvised jam. Hours are Mon, Wed-Sat 11-7 and Sun 1-6.

In Riverside Village, Karen Craven Acupuncture has opened at 1404 McGavock Pike.

Hours are 9-6 Mon-Thurs.

On the East Bank at 400 Davidson, Music City Indoor Karting is building an indoor go-cart track. The building is currently home to a 76,000-square-foot warehouse.

The Treehouse (1011 Clearview Ave.) and The Crying Wolf (823 Woodland) are now open.

In the 5th and Main building, Myridia (507 Main) will become Antica, and Feast (501 Main) is now the Prime23 Sports Lounge.

No news yet about what will become of the spaces formerly occupied by Olive & Sinclair (moving to 17th and Fatherland) and Mitchell’s Deli (moving one block west). — EJ

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Revival of the Roxy, here at last?

THE ROXY THEATRE IN EAST NASHVILLE was once the anchor of a bustling commercial district. It’s hard for our modern tech-crazed, high-mobility society to comprehend, but the Roxy district and many neighborhood centers like it once played a vital role in shaping our nation’s cultural identity and cultivating social life. This heritage is evident in the narrative of those that lived it. Stories are still told of first kisses in the Roxy balcony, courtships at the neighboring soda fountain and requests to Santa fulfilled at the nearby Morris Jacobs department store.

The closing of the theater in 1959 reflected a precipitous decline in population and economic activity in urban neighborhoods around the country. Although the theater was repurposed several times in the following years, by 1990 the building was sealed up and the surrounding neighborhood was plagued with high crime, unemployment and blight.

McFerrin Park and Cleveland Park are in the midst of resurgence, following a trend other nearby East Nashville neighborhoods patterned in the early 2000s. Renewed optimism accompanying this resurgence has focused

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on the Roxy, and people moving to the area anticipate the theater’s return to prominence.

Following the death of the building’s longtime owner in 2009, a new owner generated buzz with announcements of restoring the theater and allowing volunteers to participate. That plan eventually languished amid lawsuits and property liens, and the Roxy remains empty and deteriorating.

With real estate speculation and deferred maintenance threatening the future of the landmark, one grass-roots group is taking action into their own hands. After learning about a daring and unorthodox citizen-led economic redevelopment strategy called tactical urbanism, Save the Roxy is shining the spotlight on the theater in a bold way. In addition to showing regular outdoor movies on the lawn beside the Roxy, the group has draped the theater with banners to mimic the old marquee, projected historic photos on the building at night to show original architectural features long covered up, and worked with nearby property owners to paint “Save the Roxy” murals on vacant buildings.

Collectively, Save the Roxy events have drawn nearly 500 people — from those that

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worked in the theater 60 years ago to those who discovered the neighborhood this year. But the most elaborate undertaking to-date is planned for Nov. 9. In an effort to demonstrate the hopes for the Roxy’s future, the entire district will be transformed into a vibrant shopping and entertainment destination for one day.

The idea for the “Roxy Revival” started in February during a McFerrin Park Neighborhood Association meeting. In a brainstorming session that followed in June, neighborhood residents considered a host of ideas, from painting overgrown vegetation fluorescent colors to wearing “Save the Roxy” sandwich boards at busy intersections. But the idea that stuck was also the most ambitious: Bring a tired and forgotten 1930s-era former neighborhood center back to life for at least one day, using all volunteers and $50 in startup money.

East Nashvillians with a variety of skills have put blood, sweat and tears into preparing for the Roxy Revival, and on Nov. 9, visitors to the Roxy District will experience a neighborhood as it was 80 years ago and see a preview of what the area will hopefully become. Food trucks will occupy vacant lots, artisan boutiques will

replace overgrown vegetation, and the Roxy stage will be alive with music and film. As people see the true potential of this little district, perhaps the Roxy can be the subject of stories told by East Nashvillians for generations to come. — DF www.savetheroxy.org.

Editor’s note: Legalities are still being sorted out for the Roxy and some of the surrounding properties. Stay tuned for more information as it becomes available.

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3 0 Ame rica ns i s o rgani zed by the Rubel l Fam i l y Co l l ecti o n, Mi am i

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THE FRIST CENTER FOR THE VISUAL ARTS IS SUPPORTED IN PART BY:

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DOWNTOWN NASHVILLE 919 BROADWAY FRISTCENTER.ORG

Kehinde Wiley. Triple Portrait of Charles I (detail), 2007. Oil and enamel on canvas, triptych, 82 x 135 in. overall. Rubell Family Collection, Miami

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November | December 2013

Somebody should do something! Why not you?

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Reflections on time at East C.A.N. and what it takes to make a difference

By Elizabeth Chauncey coordinated and followed up with, references checked, home visits done, pictures to be coordinated. And then there is the business aspect of financials, marketing, local partnerships, etc.

It is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done but also the hardest. Often made harder by the fact that so many well-meaning people approach us and still say, “You know what you guys should do?” — instead of saying, “You know what I’m gonna do?”

I imagine every rescue group has the same challenges East C.A.N. has. Continued education and legislation will help eventually but those are very, very, VERY long-term answers to a lot of really immediate community issues.

So what’s the answer? That is the million-dollar question, of course. How do you keep a community engaged when the battle seems overwhelming? How do you keep a focused, committed team of people from burning out within months of enthusiastically signing on to help? We can start with a bigger team, perhaps a team that involves an entire neighborhood of people instead of four or five or seven or 20.

Maybe if 100 people committed six months to do some small, very specific part of the puzzle everything could get done, everyone would feel great about taking their turn to help, and no one would ever have to feel like it was a useless endless endeavor.

There is no job description that goes with East C.A.N., no list of qualifications or required experience. As a matter of fact, contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to be female, single, childless, have boundary issues and lots of free time. You don’t have to take stray dogs into your house. You don’t even have to like dogs!

Here is what you need in order to participate in this amazing big picture: a love for this neighborhood, a basic ability to communicate, a compassionate heart and the follow-through to let someone know today that you want to be part of the solution, in whatever way you can.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for forging ahead. Someone has to.

Contact Info@eastcan.org

STACIE HUCKEBA

ould you believe me if I told you I don’t look at 99 percent of the animal Facebook posts that are in my newsfeed? Or that I don’t turn around to drive by a “lost pet” sign a second time and call the phone number to get a status update on the animal they lost? Does my chest still tighten as I scroll quickly past those posts and drive past those signs? Of course it does! And then I take a deep breath and I think, “I sure do hope people are taking care of each other.” I guess that puts me in the same useless category as those who say, “Somebody really should do something.” It shocks me as much as it does you but everything has a season, and I suppose I am in a new one.

It’s been two months since I retired from East C.A.N. and I’m still regularly asked why I left.

They seem genuinely shocked that I could walk away, that I ever would — as if anyone could maintain that speed and intensity forever. Is it more shocking that I could leave something I put my heart and soul into or that I would leave the animals? I recently had an epiphany, either just before or just after retirement but this is it: There was very little I was doing to help in the grand scheme of making things better; I was simply not making someone else do it. And that was greatly appreciated and admired, apparently. Interesting. Maybe it’s your turn now.

There is still a team of people currently involved in the day-to-day business that is East C.A.N. And by day-to-day business I mean one person answers all the emails that come in during any given week, and that can be upwards of 25 emails a day. Yes, everyone has a full-time job. Not to mention they are following up with the emails that started a potentially long emotional process with another animal in an email the day before and answering or following up on the notes that come in on Facebook. Everyone on the team is the liaison for any number of dogs currently in foster homes, which includes a lot of training visits and moral support. There are still the dogs adopted that are often in need of follow-up, events that are in process or that people want to meet and plan for, supplies that need to be picked up or delivered, vetting to be

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From

Usambara to East Nashville

The long and winding road of Holtkamp Greenhouses’ Optimara violets

By Liz Jungers Hughes

ou see them all the time at your local garden center, but have you ever wondered where African violets come from?

Surprisingly enough, many of them — as many as 10 million every year — originate at Holtkamp Greenhouses Inc., whose corporate headquarters are tucked away in East Nashville at 1501 Lischey Ave. One might never guess that this is home to a family business dating back four generations and more than 100 years.

Over the decades, the Holtkamp family has developed more than 100 violet varieties, expanding to become one of the largest distributors of African violets in the nation, with plants available in many Lowes and Home Depot locations across the country.

Before they became popular in the United States, the first African violets came to Europe in 1892, when a German farmer sent home seeds from his plantation in East Africa (now Tanzania). Some landed in the hands of horticulturalist Martin Dorrenbach in the lower Rhein Valley, who founded the company in 1904. Dorrenbach went on to partner with his son-in-law, Hermann Holtkamp, and by the 1930s the pair was successfully cultivating greenhouse-grown African violets. The early varieties, however, were too delicate to ship, so in order to grow their business, Dorrenbach and Holtkamp dedicated themselves to developing a variety with non-dropping flowers. They achieved this breakthrough in 1965 after nine years of development, and popularity of the plant began to soar.

In 1977, Hermann’s son Reinhold Holtkamp Sr., the company’s third generation leader, was looking to expand the business in the United

States. Attracted to the “big little city” of Nashville as well as the warmer growing climate more hospitable to African violets, Holtkamp Sr. seized the opportunity to purchase the former Joy Floral Company, a greenhouse that had operated on the Lischey Avenue site since 1878.

With a pioneering spirit, Reinhold Holtkamp Sr. brought over his family from Germany, including wife Gisela, daughters Ellen and Margit, and son Reinhold Jr., who was 14 at the time of the move and recalls “living like bachelors” with his father after his homesick mother returned to Germany and the father-son team set to work fixing up many of the old Joy Floral greenhouses.

Last year, Hermann Sr. died after a long battle with Parkinson’s. Perhaps his greatest legacy is the Optimara violet (derived from two words: optimum, meaning the best, and Usambara, the mountain range in northeast Tanzania where the African violet was first discovered).

Introduced in 1977, the Optimara violet continues to be the company’s most successful and recognizable variety — easy to grow, tough to kill and showy with big, colorful blooms.

Though best known for their African violets, Holtkamp Greenhouses boasts a diverse product line that keeps them busy all year long, with garden mums in the summer and miniaturized poinsettias at Christmas. Introduced in 1992, the poinsettias are designed with a unique synthetic wick that draws water from a self-watering system, offering an easy-care touch of Christmas to brighten even the smallest space.

Reinhold Holtkamp Sr.’s dedication to research and development, as evidenced by the dozens of patents to his name, helped

immeasurably to advance the commercial African violet industry and grow Holtkamp Greenhouses Inc., which his son proudly carries on.

Reinhold Holtkamp Jr. always knew he would someday take over the company. “I’m of the generation,” he says, “that does what your parents tell you to do.” Not that he seems to mind the path his father, grandfather and great-grandfather set before him. After attending Father Ryan High School, Holtkamp moved back to Germany for two years but soon returned to Nashville to attend Vanderbilt, continuing on to earn his MBA in marketing and finance from the Owen School of Management in 1986.

“I’m a Tennessean with a German accent,” he says, having lived in East Nashville until the late 1990s, before moving to Williamson County for the schools. But he is thrilled with the revitalization and growing sense of community he’s seen in East Nashville in the last five years, progress he attributes to the tearing down of the housing projects at the end of Lischey Avenue as well as the expansion of East Nashville Magnet School.

“We’re a quiet company, we try to be a good corporate citizen, and we’d like to be a jewel in the neighborhood,” Holtkamp Jr. says. Two years ago, he refurbished and expanded the 500,000 square-foot greenhouse by 70,000 square feet, installing new, more expensive Quiet Air fans to reduce disruption to the neighborhood. Holtkamp Greenhouses employs some 75 East Nashvillians — some since 1980 — many of whom walk to work. While the greenhouse is wholesale only and does not sell plants on-site, it is available for tours by appointment.

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KNOW

your

NEIGH

BOR

Mark & Patti Sanders Denizens of development Story by

Jennifer Lyle

Photography

Chuck Allen

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ashville is definitely having a moment. There was a time, though, that a growing and prospering East Nashville seemed like a far-fetched dream. For Mark and Patti Sanders that dream has become a reality, due in large part to a vision they didn’t even know they had and an eye for business opportunities through which a community-wide facelift has been encouraged.

There have been a few bumps on the road to success, so let’s begin at the beginning.

In the fall of 1981, having been together for only a couple of years, the Sanders decided to eschew the typical route to home ownership taken by many of their peers at the

Department. “Codes did not like it. Historic did not like it,” Patti says. Their plan for the property was to build eight homes in a U-shape with one common courtyard. “They asked us, ‘Why can’t you just build duplexes?’” she says. The Sanders got their way in the end, and Codes changed their rules.

The new building at the corner of 10th and Fatherland, called 37206, was the second phase of the project. This was followed by the Martin’s Corner condos on 11th, known as MC 3 to the company. Their experience at Fatherland Court felt like a walk in the park by comparison. MC 3 was finished in 2008, right at the height of the housing downturn.

Patti says it took years for them to get out

was inspired by their friend Brett MacFadyen; his Idea Hatchery served as the blueprint for the Shoppes. “They’re incubator businesses, so you can get in there, try out your idea, and it’s only a one-year lease,” says Patti, who does the leasing for all of their retail spaces.

Mark’s latest development at 1100 Fatherland will open around March 2014 and features two restaurant spaces as well as more retail.

All of the company’s developments have been wildly successful thus far, which the couple chalks up to equal parts luck and hard work. “We were urban pioneers,” Patti says.

“We were young and naïve and we thought, ‘Oh well, this will be fun!’”

“We stumbled into this neighborhood 32 years ago and now we look smart, but no guts, no glory!” time: living in a new development.

“One morning, I woke up and told Mark, ‘I’d like to live in an old house,’” Patti says. “So we did what you did back then — we got the paper and looked at the ads.”

A few houses on the east side of town piqued their interest. Then one day, as they were driving down Russell Street they came to the point where it dead-ends into 11th, and there it was.

Just across the street on 11th they saw the house they’ve called home ever since.

Of course, in 1981, there weren’t pretty little condos and quirky shops just outside their front door. They recall a more industrial neighborhood, complete with eyewitness accounts of drug deals, prostitution and general seediness.

“It was rough,” says Mark. “We were the only owner-occupied house on this whole block for a long time.”

Initially, fixing up their dream home in their spare time was contentment enough. Mark worked in accounting; Patti repaired computers. After their two sons were born, Patti decided to stay home. Inspired by a former client, Mark left his 9-to-5 in 1988 and started a property management company from home, Sanders and Snell, with partner Joy Snell, who retired last year.

When the 1998 tornado ravaged East Nashville, it opened up a lot of opportunity for re-gentrification, and Mark saw areas where his company could have an impact, leading them to buy up a few properties to redevelop.

The first phase of the Sanders’ neighborhood-centric revival was Fatherland Court at Martin’s Corner in 2006, which led to a six-month battle with the Metro Codes

from under that development. “We were one of the few condo developments that didn’t go back to the bank, but they’ve all sold now and everyone’s happy” — although both insist the door is shut on future residential development plans.

With the fourth phase came the Shoppes On Fatherland, a retail community boasting 23 spaces in 12 buildings. The idea for this project

As they’ve watched Five Points transition into a trendy destination district, the Sanders maintain they never envisioned the neighborhood the way it is now. “This just happened along the way,” Mark says. “You know, it’s one of those things,” adds Patti. “We stumbled into this neighborhood 32 years ago and now we look smart,” she laughs, “but no guts, no glory!”

What a long strange trip it’s been: Mark and Patti Sanders at their East Nashville home of over three decades.

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Artist IN

Profile

KEITH HARMON HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

By Jaime Brousse

K

eith Harmon doesn’t display his art in any Nashville galleries. He doesn’t have a website, Etsy profile or Facebook page where he showcases his creations. But odds are you’ve already enjoyed his work. One of East Nashville’s best-kept secrets, Harmon hides his creations in plain sight.

If you’ve ever been through 5 Points, you’re somewhat familiar with Harmon: He painted the sign for the new Tenn Sixteen Food & Drink Co. and the sign on the door to Five Points Pizza. But

CHUCK ALLEN

you have to step inside the Woodland Street eateries to witness his real talent.

Two things set the tone when you walk into Five Points Pizza: the smell of authentic New York pie and the painting that covers most of one wall. Curving, winding lines form bodies in motion on a bright red background. A largerthan-life band belts out the music as dancers are captured mid-twirl at the peak of the party. The artwork exudes the energy of a live performance,

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A INP with good reason: The piece came together after Harmon brought a sketchbook to a show.

“It’s called ‘Letting It All Go,’ and that’s what they were doing,” Harmon says of a particularly inspiring performance at The 5 Spot one night in 2008. “It was right after the election, and it was sort of a release for people.”

Even from the sidewalk, his newest mural inside Tenn Sixteen catches your eye.

Standing out among the restaurant’s Mardi Gras-beaded chandeliers and smaller artwork is Harmon’s expansive, surreal street view, looking west from an East Nashville vantage point. The vivid, saturated colors and stark lines of the Van Gogh-esque sunset behind the Nashville skyline tie the restaurant’s brightly painted walls and Cajun décor together.

“It’s fun, which is really indicative of what we’re trying to do with the restaurant, and it’s a great connection to the community,” says Steve McColl, manager of Tenn Sixteen.

“Customers love it and they think it’s really neat — they can see Cumberland Hardware and the ‘Batman Building’ in the skyline.”

With a soft-spoken drawl, the tall and lanky Harmon says knew he wanted to be an artist since he was “yay high” — even though art wasn’t that easy to come by growing up in Charleston, in southeast Tennessee, pop.

651. Until a trip to Chattanooga’s Hunter Museum of Art in high school, Harmon’s only experience with paintings and authentic art was what he saw in textbooks.

He studied painting at Middle Tennessee State University, and after a six-year pottery apprenticeship led to carpal tunnel syndrome, Harmon moved to Nashville. He became involved with the volunteer-run Untitled Artists Group, and began working with stained glass. He credits the experience of creating mostly religious images for churches with forcing him to “work with more realism.” His work adorns the chapel at the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt.

The lure of then-popular artist hangouts like Slow Bar and the Plowhaus Artists’ Cooperative drew Harmon to East Nashville, and he eventually settled on this side of the river in 2003. In 2009, Harmon entered a Metro Nashville public art contest calling for creative bike rack ideas. He teamed up with Plowhaus co-founder Franne Lee and former Radio Cafe owner Mac Hill, and their design of a stainless-steel microphone bike rack won. (Their creation is now located near the Musica statue on Demonbreun.)

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November | December 2013

FannieBattle_Caroling2013_EastNashvillian.ai

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• Host a “Party with a Purpose”.

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November | December 2013 THEEASTNASHVILLIAN.COM

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PHOTO BY TIM DUGGAN

Solving the

Cayce Place Conundrum Change is coming, and education remains key to breaking the cycle of poverty

By Theresa Laurence

E

very time Cayce Place resident Darlene Thompson returns home from visiting friends or running errands in other parts of the city and makes that right turn off Shelby Avenue into the vast network of Cayce Place, the same thought always goes through her head: “Here we go, back in the ‘hood again.”

While East Nashville’s decade-long renaissance has transformed much of the neighborhood and helped create a strong sense of community among neighbors, Cayce Place has remained out of the equation. With a massive overhaul of Cayce Place now in the works,

residents like Thompson are beginning to see what “the ‘hood” might look like when it is re-imagined for the 21st century.

Initial plans for the James A. Cayce Homes call for demolishing the 716 outdated barracks-style brick units and building a higher density, mixed-income neighborhood in its place. The idea is to create a new gateway to the East Side, reconnect the street grid that now encompasses Cayce and integrate that area back into the thriving East Nashville community.

Right now, “we do feel very isolated,” says Cayce Place resident Vernell McHenry. “If we

had a more beautiful, more up-to-date place, we would feel more integrated. We would feel better to have a good-looking place to come home to.”

Both Thompson and McHenry are active members of Cayce United, a group of Cayce residents who have joined together to voice their neighborhood’s concerns about the need for affordable housing, good jobs and access to social services.

When community groups and the Metro Development and Housing Agency first started the conversation about Cayce redevelopment over a year ago, many Cayce residents were skeptical. Would they be displaced to other, unfamiliar neighborhoods? Would they be able to afford rent in the new Cayce? Would their concerns be heard? As residents have gotten more involved with the process, they are feeling more confident. “I think it’s a good idea,” McHenry says of plans so far. “I hope everything will work out.”

The plan to mix low-income subsidized housing with market-rate, working-class housing is not an entirely new idea for Nashville, but it has never been envisioned on this large a scale before. “MDHA is blazing a new path here,” says Edgefield resident Randall Gilberd, president of the Cayce Place Revitalization Foundation.

With a membership consisting mainly of East Nashvillians, the Cayce Place Foundation is an advocate for a holistic approach to this redevelopment.

Everything from the plan to replace subsidized units one-for-one to the high level of public discourse is different this time around, Gilberd says. “They have never gone through this type of public engagement process before.”

MDHA held a series of public meetings

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Sunday, November 10

Sunday, Dec 8 & Monday, Dec 9

Wednesday, December 18

Saturday, February 1

Saturday, February 15

Saturday, February 1

during the spring and summer, and MDHA leaders have also met privately with Cayce residents and community groups. “We have no intent here but to get as much feedback as possible,” says MDHA spokeswoman Holly McCall.

“It doesn’t behoove us to create a plan without input from residents.”

The prospect of new, modern housing is appealing, but Cayce residents know that if true transformation is going to come, plans must go beyond new architectural designs. “At the end of the day we need some jobs in the community,” says Cayce United member Marilyn Greer.

Demolition and construction at Cayce Place won’t likely begin before 2015, but when the time comes, Cayce United members want contractors to tap into the willing and able resident workforce. “We know that they will bring in a big company, but there should be room in there somewhere to give employment to residents,” says Greer.

Employment is a key issue for Cayce residents as unemployment in East Nashville is 15 percent above the Davidson County average. Thirty-six percent of Cayce residents are currently working low-wage jobs and want the opportunity for better employment; many of the adults living at Cayce are on disability and unable to work; around 20 percent of the residents are simply unemployed.

Employee background checks present a significant problem for Cayce residents and others living in poverty that have criminal records.

Today, Thompson describes herself as a “Godfearing woman,” but she has been unable to escape the bad choices of her past. Her criminal record still pops up whenever a potential employer runs a background check on her; she is then politely dismissed. “Those of us who have made bad choices in life and realize the choices deserve a second chance,” she says.

“We want good jobs for Cayce residents to help them get up and out of poverty,” says Matt Leber, a local community organizer who is assisting Cayce United’s efforts.

T

he two community groups with a keen interest in the redevelopment of Cayce Place, Cayce United and the Cayce Place Revitalization Foundation are working together, but each has a distinct makeup and focus.

Cayce United is primarily made up of housing project residents most concerned with meeting the immediate needs of residents; they also serve as liaisons between MDHA and all residents, especially the elderly and disabled who may be unable to attend community meetings. The Cayce Place Revitalization Foundation consists mostly of East Nashville community members and is taking a broader look at how a holistic approach to mixed-income redevelopment will work here.

Fresh off a trip to New Orleans for a public housing conference and a tour of the new Columbia Parc neighborhood there, Gilberd

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and Cayce Place Revitalization Foundation vice president Bob Borzak were abuzz with the possibilities for Nashville. Seeing the crumbling, Katrina-ravaged former St. Bernard Public Housing Development transformed into a shiny new mixed-use, mixed-income community, Borzak says this model “just makes economic sense.”

This model has worked in other cities, Gilberd says, because “what attracts market rate buyers is the same thing that can pull poor folks out of poverty. They need the same thing.”

And what they need — the key thing — is good schools.

“Young families moving into the neighborhood don’t want to leave when their kids start school,” says Borzak. Families living in public housing like Cayce, as well as in the wider neighborhood, want strong public schools where their children can get a good education, he adds.

A resident of East Nashville for nearly 30 years, Borzak witnessed firsthand how concerned parents joined together to transform Lockeland Design Center into one of the highest-performing schools in the district. “Parents were the key, without a doubt,” he says.

Gilberd and Borzak think the same transformation can take place at Warner and Kirkpatrick elementary schools and Bailey Middle School, but it will be a steep climb. “One in three Cayce kids are performing at grade level in elementary school and by the time they reach Bailey Middle it’s just one in seven. That has to change,” says Gilberd.

What’s needed, he says, are dedicated teachers and a strong principal who has autonomy. “The decision-making for that school needs to be made within the walls of that school,” Gilberd says. That’s what worked at Lockeland, Borzak says, and it could be replicated.

It’s taken a while in the course of the Cayce planning process, but “we’ve finally kick started the conversation about education,” Borzak says.

They’ve been in contact with Metro Nashville Public Schools director Jesse Register and gotten support from Cayce United members about the need for better public educational opportunities in East Nashville.

“You can build pretty houses and all that, but until these kids get a better education, they’re going to remain trapped in poverty,” says Gilberd.

It is estimated that a high school dropout will earn $200,000 less than a high school graduate over a lifetime, and almost a million dollars less than a college graduate. Also, in the United States, high school dropouts commit about 75 percent of crimes. If neighborhood schools can do a better job of educating students, ultimately, “we reduce spending on the legal system and incarceration costs,” Borzak says.

“The cost of doing nothing here is too high,” Borzak says. If the education piece of the Cayce Place revitalization plan does not come to fruition, true change will remain unrealized, he says.

Most residents of Cayce have only been

exposed to “a small sliver of the economic pie,” Gilberd says. In the new mixed-use development scenario, a third generation Cayce resident could wind up living next door to a college graduate for the first time in his or her life. “That starts them thinking about possibilities” they may have never considered before, Gilberd says.

“I think we can learn from each other,” says Cayce United’s McHenry.

W

hile excitement is high, most everything about the future of Cayce Place remains in flux right now. MDHA spokeswoman McCall notes that “it’s still really premature” to consider any part of the plan a done deal yet.

Earlier this year, MDHA hired EJP Consulting Group to make recommendations about site and funding plans for the Cayce project, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that MDHA has to follow all the plans, McCall says.

MDHA plans to have a new executive director in place by the end of the year, which could steer things in a different direction as well.

Additionally, no funding measures have been secured, and “we can’t do of this without federal funding,” McCall says.

Throughout the process, Borzak’s mindset has been “let’s get the plan out there and worry about the money end of it later.”

Local and state dollars will be part of the funding plan for the new Cayce, and federal funding would come through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. HUD has “wholeheartedly embraced the holistic approach to neighborhood transformation,” Gilberd says, and has provided grant funding to other similar projects across the country. “The secret is out that concentrated poverty doesn’t work, and the secret is out that this holistic approach is what works,” he says, and “the HUD Choice Neighborhood grant program is only available for holistic redevelopments.

“HUD’s Choice Neighborhood grant program is much different than the Hope VI program,” Gilberd says.

In recent years, MDHA completed Hope VI renovation projects at four area properties: John Henry Hale, Sam Levy, and Preston Taylor Homes and Vine Hill Apartments.

“There were some issues with the Hope VI program,” McCall says, including complaints of displacement among residents. This time around, it will be different, she assured. MDHA has committed to rebuilding an equal number of public housing units and allowing all Cayce residents in compliance with their lease to remain at Cayce if they choose.

The idea of moving into temporary housing is daunting, McHenry says, because “we don’t have the income to do all this juggling around.”

It would also be physically exhausting for the disabled, like herself, and the elderly.

“We want zero displacement and zero homelessness,” says Leber. “If people want to move out of Cayce (during construction) we want it to

be by choice and not by force.”

In order to keep residents from being displaced, new construction could begin on current green space such as Kirkpatrick Park, and residents would move directly from their old unit into a newly built one. New green spaces would be re-configured in smaller chunks throughout the new development. “It would be a rolling process,” McCall says. “Hopefully we will not have to move anybody out of the neighborhood.”

With broad-based support for something major to happen at Cayce, members of Cayce

United and the Cayce Place Revitalization Foundation are optimistic that plans are moving in the right direction. “We just want to make sure they do what they say they’re going to do,” McHenry says.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for a lot of people,” Borzak says. “I see nothing but good things coming.”

Visit theeastnashvillian.com for useful links to more information concerning the Cayce Place redevelopment project.

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35th edition of annual Lockeland Springs home tour

A Place to Call Home

W

e love our neighborhood for diverse reasons. Some of us love the restaurants and bars within a few blocks of our homes.

Others love the sidewalks and the connections they make between places. Still others value the neighborly feel of front porches and the relationships we can foster sitting on them, talking to those passing by or sharing a drink and a story with friends who stop for awhile. Then, there are those who believe that our four-legged children need friends too, and living in Lockeland Springs gives us a plethora of doggy buddies. The young families among us love being able to walk their children to and from school, hearkening back to simpler times.

But there is a bigger reason that calling Lockeland Springs home is worth celebrating: history. We live amidst ghosts from the past that make our present safe and our future certain. We know that when the world is a little out of control and unpredictable, we can come home to a neighborhood that has withstood the test of time — and

BY ELIZABETH SMITH weather. We can come home to a tradition of permanence that gives us comfort in times of turbulence.

The Celebration of Home Tour reminds us of this yearly. Setting aside time to visit our neighbors and marvel at the beauty they have wrought in their houses, making them new but preserving their history, gives us a sense of connection to each other, to the people who lived here before us, and to those who will come next to reinvent our neighborhood once again.

This year, the families on the tour represent many eras: young families just starting their history together, families who have been in the neighborhood for some time and have moved on to another home, families new to the neighborhood but in the middle of life, and established families whose roots here are deep. Their homes have common threads that tie them to each other in history and in architecture.

The people who lived in these houses when they were new loved many of the same things that we do about life in this

neighborhood: family, food, music and friends. They experienced tragedies as we have; they celebrated the idea of home as we do. An old Nashville family and a new one come together in the Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co. building.

H.G. Hill operated a neighborhood grocery there, and its new resident keeps a hold on the past while inspiring new iterations of the corner store. Most of the homes have front porches perfect for porch sittin’. Some are older than others; some are big and some are very small; some have ornate features and some are more straight lines. But they all say, “welcome home.”

The following pages take us back in time, making us smile at the history we are fortunate to share. The stories of the homes, and the people who make them, connect us to something much larger than ourselves and wrap us in a warm certainty that we have the best place to call home.

The 35th Annual Celebration of Home Tour is Dec. 7 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Dec. 8 from 1 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased in advance via www.lockelandsprings.org/2013/10 or locally at at Alegria, Pied Piper, Rustique (next to Sky Blue) and Goodbuy Girls. Tickets will be available at the Masonic Lodge during the tour.

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1. “Worsham-Gillespie-Nixon House”

1423 Stratton Street 2.“Spain-Booker-Porter House”

1422 Stratton Avenue 3. “James and Eugenia Lester House”

1515 Holly Street 4. “Henry and Jennie Williams House”

1602B Woodland Street 5. “Freeman-Crook House”

1618 Russell Street

6. “Bills-Skalley House”

1801 Fatherland Street 7. “Little Hollywood”

1804 Lakehurst Drive 8. “Buck Green House”

316 South 11th Street 9. “Wene-Busby House”

1420 Ordway Place 10. “H.G. Hill Store No. 61”

1628 Fatherland Avenue

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1423 STRATTON AVENUE

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his large, two-story Folk Victorian-style home was constructed around 1899. When originally built, the lot included the adjacent parcels and stretched to the corner of 15th Street; a detached carriage house fronted 15th Street alongside the rear service alley.

The home was renovated in 2006, then again in 2011. A detached garage accessed by the service alley was constructed in 2012. The 4,100-square-foot home has five bedrooms and four bathrooms, with an exterior featuring decorative molded trim, a hipped metal roof, four interior brick chimneys, projecting bay windows, multiple wings, new windows, a brick foundation, bracketed eaves and original fish scale siding in the gable. The home’s most distinctive feature is the wide wrap around, semi-circular front porch supported by nine fluted, oversized Ionic columns. The rear yard features a two-story tree house with architectural elements that match the main house. The sewer grate at the sidewalk is inscribed with, “B.G. Wood Nashville 1886 Tenn.”

William Henry Worsham (1852-1934), his wife, Eliza (1858-1923) and their family lived in the home from 1907-1912. Their daughter, Dina Sarah Worsham, taught music. A native of Robertson County, the elder Worsham was a partner in Williams & Worsham, a local wholesale grain and grocery store.

The following two decades saw the home occupied by George Ringo Gillespie (1876-1927), his wife, Mattie (1875-1963), and family. A native of Marshall County, Gillespie owned a real estate company.

By 1930, the house was occupied by Marvin Cloud Nixon, his wife, Gertrude, their two daughters, two sons, and a nephew, as well as two boarders. A native of Carthage, Tenn., Marvin worked as the state manager for the Independent Life Insurance Company.

Marvin died of a brain hemorrhage in 1933 at age 51; his widow continued to live here until 1969. In 1940, Daisy Pillows, an African-American maid, lived in a garage apartment.

The home sat vacant for nine years before Kortney and Dave Wilson purchased it in the spring of 2012.

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It had undergone several renovations — including being converted into apartments. “We took it on, and we gutted it to take it back to a single-family home,” Kortney Wilson says. She oversaw the historic renovation, returning it “as much as possible to the original look of the home.” This entailed refashioning the14-foot ceilings on the main floor and the 12-foot ceilings on the second level. The large, original pocket doors were also refinished. Alas, the original staircase and hardwood are long gone. “It’s basically a new house on the inside,” Wilson says. One special feature is the backyard tree house, which is an exact replica of the main house.

Having been empty for so long, the house seemed to belong to the neighborhood, Wilson says. “As soon as the lights were back on, people stopped by to offer their remembrances of the house in its better days. “The first week we moved in, over 20 people stopped by just curious about the place.” When asked if she let them in for a tour, she didn’t hesitate: “Oh, gosh yes! It’s kind of bizarre. We didn’t feel like it belonged to us at first. It took us a while to feel like it’s really ours, to let the dust settle”.

The Wilsons lived on Gartland Avenue for 10 years. “We put our house up for sale just to test the market. It sold in one day.” Though known for their own real estate investments in the area, the housing market was still slow at the time, with few if any options, so the couple looked outside the East Nashville area. They didn’t look long. One evening while still living on Gartland, Wilson says, “We started walking block by block and realized we didn’t want to live anywhere else.”

The abandoned property on Stratton caught their attention. “We had been eying it for years and even placed offers on it.” Throughout the four-month renovation period they lived with their two sons and a daughter in a 500-square foot guesthouse on Eastland and out of a storage pod.

All the frustration was worth it, Wilson says. “We are in love with this house.”

1515 HOLLY STREET

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his Tudor Revival-style home was constructed in 1928 for James J. Lester, a local police officer, and his wife, Eugenia. By 1930, the house was occupied by John W. Gardner, his wife, Hazel, and daughter Virginia. A native of Connecticut, Gardner worked as a toolmaker. From 1935-1940, John Henry Roberts and his wife, Ruth, owned the home. Roberts was employed as an electrician with the city. Mary E. Lynn owned the home from 1967-1982.

The three-bedroom home underwent a major renovation in 20042005, which included a rear addition. The single-story house is distinguished by steep rooflines, a front porch supported by oversized square columns, and an exterior brick chimney on the front façade.

Like many new homeowners in East Nashville, Brad and Kelly Knight Price took advantage of the housing downturn, purchasing their Holly Street home in July 2011 while prices and percentage rates remained low. Since it was “right near the end of the housing crisis,” Knight Price says, “we were the only bidders, and the offer was accepted without any problems”.

The couple moved here three years ago from Chicago and fell in love with the neighborhood and community. They started out renting a house on Woodland, and when it came time to buy, they didn’t look anywhere else in the city. “We simply searched for houses in our price range,” adds Knight Price.

The appeal of this home was the rooflines and the side-facing porch. “It was definitely unique and stood out from the neighborhood. This one was a little different,” Knight Price says, although it was the renovation that finally sold them. “I love the house because it was move-in ready. We added a small patio and painted the interior”.

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1602B WOODLAND STREET

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his property is a modern carriage house apartment located behind the historic Folk Victorian-style home built in 1909. In 1910, Henry Browning Williams (1859-1941) and his wife, Jennie, called the one-story house their home. A native of Williamson County, Henry Williams worked as a salesman at a downtown department store on Church Street. They later moved to 808 Russell Street. In the 1930s, the house was divided into two residences.

The single-story house features a hipped roof, facing gable wings, a front entrance with a transom, and a wraparound corner porch supported by square columns. The house is distinguished by shingle-style siding in the gables, which flare gently at the eaves. An elongated, one-and-a-half story ell extends from the rear of the house.

A few years ago, the owners, Joel and Ann Daunic, constructed a one-and-a-half story garage behind the house off the service alley. The garage features architectural elements that match the main house, such as shingle-style siding in the gables and a steep gable roof that gently flares at the eaves. The garage was recently converted into a carriage house apartment.

Kimberly Lexow didn’t just find a nice rental home in the carriage house behind the Victorian on Woodland Street; to her surprise, she found a sense of place. Since finishing graduate school in Nashville two years ago, Lexow has lived in six different cities. She was committed to never residing in the same place twice, “so when I got this job offer in Nashville I wasn’t sure I wanted to be back in the city.”

She found the home through her friend, Erin Daunic, Joel and Ann Daunics’ daughter-in-law.

The 700-square-foot space the Daunics had available turned out to be ideal. “I don’t have a lot of stuff, and I don’t want to,” says Lexow.

Special features include the spiral staircase, the countertops created from old high-school shop tables and the reclaimed pipe railing that frames the entryway. “I’m outdoorsy and it feels like I’m living outside,” she says.

Living in East Nashville and being part of the neighborhood “has shown me a side of Nashville that I can settle into,” Lexow says. “I live in East Nashville and work downtown. And at the end of the day I cross the Korean Veterans Bridge — it’s like a long exhale when I cross the bridge back home. I feel like I have arrived. I feel like there’s a community that I can be a part of.”

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1618 RUSSELL STREET

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uilt around 1913, this Folk Victorian-style house was originally occupied by Ira Julian Freeman (1868-1924) and his wife, Alice Nellie. A native of Michigan who had spent most of his adult life in Atlanta, Freeman worked as a foreman at the Standard Furniture Company. They had returned to Atlanta by 1920. In the 1930s, the occupants were Robert Walter Freeman (1869-1942), his wife, Fredonia, and several family members. A native of Sumner County, Freeman made caskets at the National Casket Company.

The two Freeman families were apparently unrelated.

The house is best known, however, as the former residence of Herman Marshall Crook (1898-1988), a legendary musician who played the Grand Ole Opry for 62 years. Crook lived here with his wife, Helen, from the 1950s until his death in 1988. Orphaned early in life and raised by his siblings, Crook spent many years working as a twist roller at the American Tobacco factory, but his true love was playing harmonica with “The Crook Brothers Band,” which debuted on WSM’s Barn Dance on July 24, 1926. He also played on WDAD in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry in 1927, and participated in Nashville’s first country music recording sessions in 1928.

Crook played harmonica with his brother Matthew, both of whom were born in the hill country south of Nashville. The perfect synchronization of twin harmonicas was a sound never heard before on the radio and propelled the Crook Brothers to stardom in the 1920s-1940s. Their bluegrass band also included two guitars and a banjo. Matthew left the band in 1930 to work as a policeman and was replaced by banjo player Lewis Crook (1909-1997).

Herman’s wife Helen was also a musician and played piano and guitar. She backed him during his performances at local union halls and house dances in East Nashville.

In the late 1950s, the Crook Brothers were combined with the remaining members of Dr. Humphrey Bates’ Possum Hunters and accompanied the square dancers on the Opry. The Crook Brothers Band recorded songs in Herman’s living room to send to his son while serving in the Vietnam War. When Crook passed away in 1988, at age 89, he was the oldest member of the Opry. On June 4, 2013, the Opry hosted a special tribute show to Herman Crook featuring Keith Urban, Rascal Flatts, Kellie Pickler and Ricky Skaggs.

In 2007, Beth Haley Designs oversaw a major renovation of the three-bedroom home, which was

enlarged with a two-story rear addition. The single-story house features a hipped roof with gable roof wings on the front and side elevations, a wrap around front porch, and one-over-one sash windows. The 3,000-square-foot house is distinguished by its elaborate trim, including scrolled brackets, molded window surrounds and front door with a transom, scrolled rafters and decorative appliqué.

The interior features hardwood floors, original fireplace mantels, paneled doors with transoms, a luxurious new kitchen and bathrooms, and a sunroom accessed by a glass-paned garage door. The home also has an underground storm cellar beneath a rear patio.

The exterior is painted black with white trim; even the sidewalk is constructed of black concrete.

Beautiful though the house may be, it almost pales in comparison to the significance of the musical history it holds and the country music legacy it represents. Homeowners Kim Madden and Adrian Michaels, both in the music business, talk reverently about what a privilege it is to be part of the home’s history.

They wanted to purchase in the Sylvan Park area before Michaels saw the 1618 listing online, and now laugh about how they “almost stalked the place driving past the house so often.” They met the owners “because they saw us and waved us over to talk,” Michaels says.

“The second I came into the house I literally ran from room to room so excited like it was Christmas,” Madden says. The house had that “unexplainable pull,” and by August 2012 it belonged to them.

“I’m in the music business, 20 years at Sony and RCA,” Michaels says. “This house has such a rich musical heritage, and we wanted it because of that.”

Most of the key players in the history of the Grand Ole Opry hung out in Madden’s and Michaels’ living room.” Johnny Cash used to sit and write songs in the front room. The parlor is now Michaels’ office, complete with commissioned paintings of The Man in Black.

The details of the Herman Crook house are outlined in Charles K. Wolfe’s book, A Good Natured Riot: The Birth of the Grand Ole Opry.

According to Crook’s descendants, the house is painted black in honor of Johnny Cash. Michaels says he feels a good energy and a sense of history in the office as he works. “Everything I’ve done since we’ve bought the house is off the hook,” he says. “I didn’t really know about the East Nashville area,” Madden adds. “I put my faith into it, and I am so glad I did”.

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1801 FATHERLAND STREET

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onstructed around 1924 on a corner lot near the Shelby Park Golf Course, this Craftsman-style Bungalow was originally owned by Horace Maynard Bills (1885-1947) and his wife, Margaret. A native of Marshall County, Bills was a longtime sergeant with the city police department.

Their daughter, Frances Skalley (1911-1958), inherited the house in the late 1940s. She lived there with her husband John T. Skalley (1901-1977), a tire salesman, and daughter Shannon. The Skalley family continued to own the home until 1977. Subsequent owner Maggie Weatherspoon renovated the house in 1988 and repaired damage from the 1998 tornado.

The one-and-a-half story house features typical Craftsman-style architectural details such as a wide front porch supported by flared wood columns on brick posts, wide eaves with brackets, four-over-one sash windows, and a front entrance with sidelights. In 2012, the four-bedroom home underwent a major renovation and was enlarged with a two-story rear addition. The interior was gutted and a luxurious new kitchen and two new bathrooms were installed, as well as a large rear deck and detached garden shed.

“It was one of those things where everything fell into place,” homeowner Phillip Dikeman says about buying his first house. He relocated to Nashville from Michigan in the summer of 2011 to accept a teaching position and settled into a rented condo near the Farmer’s Market.

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“Before I even moved here, during my job interview, I talked to colleagues at Blair about East Nashville and how eclectic the area was.” At first his house hunt was frustrating.

“When I started looking, that’s when I realized how popular East Nashville is. I would look online and a house would go up for sale one day and be gone the next.”

Like so many house hunters, Dikeman was driving around Lockland Springs scoping out the neighborhood when noticed the Fatherland property. He talked to his agent, and learned it was not listed yet. The realtor knew the owner and before it was officially on the market, Dikeman made his offer.

Even though Phillip Dikeman bought his Craftsmanstyle home a year ago, he just moved in this June. The house needed repair. “It looked like it had been abandoned,” he said.

He met with architect John Root and the team at Pantheon Development and designer Peggy Newman. Together they collaborated and coordinated to obtain the approval from the Historic Commission for the addition and extensive renovations.

“I would drive by almost every day to check on the progress. I felt like I totally lucked out because I had friends who had a big ordeal. I really enjoyed the experience of renovating.” The work began last November and the complete renovations took more than six months. This is Dikeman’s first holiday season in his new home.

1804 LAKEHURST DRIVE

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ocated in the secluded Little Hollywood neighborhood, this stucco and tile home is one of 15 Spanish Colonial Revival-style dwellings constructed on a hilly, 10-acre tract near the Shelby Park Golf Course in the 1930s and early 1940s by local building contractor Churchwell Lawrence “Church” Sexton (1873-1944) and his son Paul Evans Sexton (1905-1953). Similar Spanish-style homes are scattered around East Nashville, but this is the city’s largest cluster of historic Spanish-style homes. The “Little Hollywood” moniker appeared in 1948 and reflects the popularity of similarly styled homes in southern California. Learn more about the history of Little Hollywood in Gary Wolf ’s article published in the July/August 2013 issue of The East Nashvillian.

In 1938, Church Sexton’s brother, Charles, and his wife, Alice, lived in the home. Other members of the Sexton family also lived in Little Hollywood at that time. Thomas Patrick Fitzpatrick purchased the property in 1966 and lived here until 1983.

According to a 2004 article in the Nashville City Paper, various entertainers — including the Everly Brothers, Marty Robbins, Alabama guitarist Larry Hanson and session guitarist Grady Martin — have lived in Little Hollywood over the years. True to the creative nature of the neighborhood, this property was home to Hillous “Bew” Butrum (1928-2002), a bass guitar player for Hank Williams, Hank Snow and Marty Robbins, as well as a country music record and video producer.

From 1996-2004 this property was home to Danny Ramsey’s Little Hollywood Studio and Karma King Records, a local recording studio and independent record label. Ramsey’s impressive list of clients included Bobby Keyes (saxophonist with the Rolling Stones), Bobby Whitlock (former keyboardist for Eric Clapton), and Dave Roe (bassist for Dwight Yoakam).

The two-story Spanish home features a flat roof, stucco-covered masonry walls that flare at the corners, and multi-sash windows, while a portico supported by brackets protects the main entrance. An angled two-car garage wing — above which sits an open veranda — also distinguishes the unique home. A 12-by-12 sunroom added to the west side in 1978 has arched window openings.

The interior has three bedrooms, two baths and a basement. The main floor exhibits interior stucco walls, arched openings with decorative columns,

hardwood floors, exposed ceiling beams and tiled fireplaces.

This unique Lakehurst home continues to live up to its nickname and its legacy. If you happened to walk by on a summer evening you might have been treated to the sounds of a backyard concert complete with glamorous guests like Caitlin Evanson, the fiddle player for Taylor Swift.

Shannon and Mike Kearney, parents of local singer-songwriter Matt Kearney, purchased the home in September of last year. “We have so enjoyed entertaining the entire neighborhood,” Shannon Kearney says. The couple lived in Eugene, Ore. and made frequent visits over the last 13 years to see two of their three sons who live in the Nashville.

“I love to look at houses, and Mike and I would go on these drives on Shelby Avenue and Woodland Street and I’d say, “Look at these charming houses.” The Kearneys lived on a four-acre farm but now that they are semi-retired, like many baby boomers, they wanted to move back to the city. “We wanted to get back to the urban environment,” Shannon Kearney says “We wanted to be in a real neighborhood and community”.

They put their Eugene home on the market, and it sold in six days.

They looked for a place in East Nashville, and knew immediately that 1804 Lakehurst was supposed to be theirs. “This house just spoke to us. We fell in love with it. I love this style and we love the larger lots, and the neighborhood. It’s the perfect location, close to a vibrant downtown. It’s like it was just meant to be,” Shannon Kearney says.

It took four months to do the renovations. “I designed it. I did some design work in Oregon. I wasn’t a professional, but I did it on the side,” Shannon Kearney says. They converted the two small bedrooms and an outdated bathroom into a master bedroom. Now it’s a three-bedroom home with a functional kitchen that utilizes the space and helps create an open floor plan that flows.

“I feel so grateful I get to experience this neighborhood.” They plan to make the backyard concerts a regular event. “I have never experienced this anywhere else I’ve lived. This is very exciting at this time in our lives.” Next goal: to get the last son and the two grandchildren who still live in Oregon to move to Nashville.

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1420 ORDWAY PLACE

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onstructed around 1910, this two-story American Foursquare has 2,100 square feet with a side hall floor plan, three bedrooms and three baths. In 2012, the home underwent a renovation during which a new detached garage was constructed. The exterior features include a hipped roof, interior brick chimney, one-over-sash windows and stone foundation, as well as a hipped roof dormer with attic windows, weatherboard siding and two projecting, square bay windows. The front façade has a single-story front porch supported by square columns and a main entrance with an original door, single-pane sidelights and a three-pane transom.

Between 1914 and 1939, Mattie Irvin Wene (1866-1939) owned the home. A widow, Mattie lived here with her three daughters, a son-in-law, Fred W. Hooten, and a granddaughter. Her husband, William E. Wene (1856-1908), was from Ohio, and the couple had previously lived in East Nashville and Evansville, Ind., where William worked as a foreman in the railroad yards.

In 1908 William passed away in Evansville, and a few years later Mattie returned to her hometown of Nashville.

Her daughters, Bessie Lee Wene and Nina Wene Keenan, inherited the home when Mattie passed away in 1939.

Mary Sue Busby (1928-2010), also a widow, owned the property from 1970 until her death in 2010. Mary Sue had been married to Fred Busby (1917-1963), a butcher and World War II veteran. They had previously lived in Columbia, Tenn.

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The home’s current owner, Lee French, has lived in East Nashville off and on all his life. “I’ve lived on Ordway three times, in the Little Hollywood area, on 15th and Shelby and on Holly Street.” Being an East Nashville native for 17 years gave him an advantage in his house hunting. “It really helped me out,” French says.

The casualty of a reverse mortgage ending in foreclosure, the house had been empty for almost a year when French learned it was on the market through a contractor friend.

“I’ve always liked this style,” he says of the house. Despite its state of disrepair (“We tore it down to the studs”), the house was still highly sought after. “I was one of 15 offers. I had to be aggressive with my bid in order to get the house,” relates French.

He bought the home in February 2012 and together with his partner, Daniel Buckley, they began the renovation.

French guesses the last renovation was done in the 1960s.

The claw foot tub and the pocket doors are original to the home and were beautifully restored. French felt that it was important to maintain the home’s historic integrity, “I wanted it to feel like it was true to the Foursquare-style and also be updated,” he explains. “I didn’t want it to look too new.”

The complete renovation took five months, and the couple moved in July 2012. French comes short of saying this will be his home forever, saying instead, “I’ll be here for a while.”

1628 FATHERLAND AVENUE

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ocated at the corner of South 17th Street and Fatherland Avenue, this commercial building was one of dozens of neighborhood grocery stores scattered around Nashville that were operated by H.G. Hill during the first half of the 20th century. Others still standing in East Nashville include 970 Woodland (now Turnip Truck), 1520 Woodland (now Lockeland Table), 700 Fatherland (now Sky Blue), 1008 Fatherland (now Far East), and 1113 Porter Road (across from Family Wash). This corner grocery store opened around 1926 and was owned by H.G. Hill Realty Company for 70 years, until 1996.

Horace Greeley “H.G.” Hill Sr. (1873-1942) opened his first “meat market” downtown in 1895; four years later he opened Store No. 1 on the Public Square. By the 1920s, H.G. Hill dominated the Nashville and Middle Tennessee grocery store market with more than 100 stores. The company created the “A Store in Your Neighborhood” marketing campaign and owned its own bakery with “White Tip” flour as well as the “Fit for a King” coffee label.

The stores did not sell beer and were closed on Sundays.

The chain was the first in the region to advertise prices in newspapers and pioneered the “cash and carry” concept. The Hill family eventually owned more than 500 chain stores throughout the South, including Chattanooga, Birmingham, Huntsville, Montgomery and New Orleans. In the 1920s and ‘30s, Hill expanded his business enterprise to include real estate development and banking.

This building was Store No. 61 in the H.G. Hill grocery store chain. Featuring architecture similar to the other neighborhood stores, the building has decorative brickwork, large plate-glass windows and an awning with terra cotta tiles. After H.G. Hill closed this store in the mid-1930s, it housed a variety of businesses, most recently the Randall Grace Woodworking Shop.

In January, the building was purchased for use as the new home of Olive & Sinclair Chocolate Co.,

previously located at Riverside Village in Inglewood. The owner and founder, Scott Witherow, recently added an 806-square-foot second-floor addition to the rear of the new location.

The list of awards and superlatives Olive & Sinclair holds is a long one, including most recently being voted “Americas Best Chocolate” by Southern Living Magazine and being named one of the Best of the Best Finalists for a 2013 “sofi Award” from the Specialty Food Association. The sofi Awards are considered the top honor in the specialty food industry.

Olive & Sinclair was founded in East Nashville in September of 2009 and has grown steadily ever since; now the artisan chocolate maker will call Fatherland Avenue home. The building will hold the factory itself and will also have a retail store open to the public.

“I always loved the building. It looks and feels like it was once a chocolate factory,” says Witherow, adding, “I wanted a building that goes with the brand.

“There’s not a lot we had to do cosmetically; it’s an awesome old building. We left the old brick walls as they are.” The lighting fixtures are from an army barracks and old school houses.

The cabinets are from the original Hershey’s Factory. Reclaimed hardwood flooring from a house in East Nashville is being reused.

Even the vintage equipment they use is from the same era. “We’ve tried to retain the vintage details out of respect for the building,” Witherow says.

One can almost smell the handcrafted, all-natural, slow-roasted, small-batch delectable chocolates as Witherow talks about his factory operation and production. When asked if this means East Nashville will smell like chocolate, like in Hershey, Pa., he gave the saddest answer any chocoholic could hear: “I can’t smell the chocolate anymore.”

Witherow plans to offer regular Fun Factory Tours. The retail store is slated to be open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

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1422 STRATTON AVENUE

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itting at the corner of Stratton Avenue and 15th Street, this Folk Victorian-style house was originally occupied from 1898 through the 1910s by Albert Bushrod “A. Bush” Spain (18451925), his wife, Mary Louise “Lulu” (1849-1931), and their son Bernett “Bernie.” A Nashville native, Spain served as a bookkeeper and locally elected Justice of the Peace with an office at 310 Union Street on the Public Square.

Serving a six-year term, a Justice of the Peace presided over local courts for common law and misdemeanor cases involving such issues as small debts, property damage, landlord and tenant disputes, vagrancy and petty criminal infractions, as well as performing civil marriages. In 1937, Nashville replaced the Justice of the Peace courts with the current General Sessions courts.

Spain’s son-in-law Edmund Jackson Booker (1864-1932) and his wife, Nellie Spain Booker (1870-1944) lived in the house as well. A native of Memphis, Booker was employed by the city sheriff ’s office, first as a bookkeeper and later as the chief deputy.

Between the 1920s and the 1940s the occupants were Wiley Jones Porter (1872-1943), his wife, Frances, two children, a nephew, a sister-in-law and grandchildren. The household also included African-American cooks and house servants, including Georgia Bean and Clarence Shaw. A native of Cowan, Tenn., in Franklin County, Porter worked as a civil and fuel conservation engineer with the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. His son, John Lipscomb, was as a chemist at DuPont.

A survivor of the 1998 tornado, this well-preserved one-story home features a steeply pitched hipped roof, interior brick chimneys, rear wings, leaded glass windows and molded trim.

The home’s most distinctive architectural element is the wraparound front porch supported by circular wooden columns on brick posts. An elliptical attic window with decorative

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trim is located in the front gable. The 2,560-square-foot home has three bedrooms and two baths. A metal fence surrounds the yard, and the sewer grate at the sidewalk is inscribed, “S.E. Jones Sons, Nashville, 1891, Tenn.”

Longtime homeowners Bob Wilkins and Ann Hammond have lived in East Nashville for 13 years. They relocated here from North Carolina, moving into the Victorian cottage on a snowy Christmas day at the turn of the millennium. Hammond had accepted a job offer with the Metro Nashville Planning Commission, which precipitated the move. They are both now retired, and, even though the children and grandchildren are in North Carolina, they intend to stay put.

“We had a limited amount of time to find a house and didn’t have time to make multiple trips from North Carolina, so we had a punch list,” Hammond says. Their “must haves” included living in an older neighborhood that is pedestrian friendly, close to work and historic. “Because we had to make the move so quickly it needed to be move-in ready.”

This was the second house they considered, and they knew it fit the bill. “We fell in love with it; first because it has a huge wrap around front porch, which is great for visiting, and secondly because it has a larger-than-typical yard for our large dogs.” (They currently have four.)

Since Hammond has a keen interest in architecture and urban design, the 12-foot ceiling, trim work and hardwood floors captivated her. “We made an offer while were here; I was so afraid we would lose it. I didn’t want to take that chance,” she says.

They have done a significant renovation on the kitchen and updated the electrical and plumbing systems. “I’ll put up with the little problems of living in an old house to have this kind of ambiance and character,” Hammond says.

316 SOUTH 11TH STREET

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his recently renovated Craftsman-style Bungalow was constructed around 1925 for William L. “Buck” Green (1880-1936) and his wife, Victoria (1890-1932), a native of Quebec, Canada. A Nashville native and musician, Buck Green spent his career working as a trap drummer, first for a traveling circus, then for many years afterwards in local theaters. He also found employment as a music teacher.

In the early 20th century, it was the trap drummer providing sound effects for silent movies, serving as an orchestral player in the theater pit. Green’s trap drum kit most likely would have included a bass drum with cymbal attached, side drum, a “crash” cymbal and a wood block, along with a triangle, a tambourine, slapsticks, whistles and sandpaper blocks for special sound effects. Both he and Victoria are buried in the City Cemetery. Her tombstone is inscribed: Victoria “Little Mother” Green.

Sam Golden, who used the house as a rental property, owned the house from 1933-1975, followed by C.E. Lawhorn, Jr., who owned it from 1975-1996.

A facing gable front porch with triple columns on brick posts and triangular cornice brackets distinguishes the oneand-a-half story, 2,400-square-foot bungalow. Featuring four bedrooms, the home retains its windows, a rusticated concrete block foundation, a projecting bay window and a front entrance flanked

by sidelights. The interior has a new kitchen, three new bathrooms, hardwood floors, paneled doors, built-in dining room cabinets and an arched opening supported by flared columns. The original metal fence surrounds the yard along the street, with new plank fencing along the sides and rear.

Everything about this section of South 11th Street echoes new beginnings: Several homes are new constructions, while others are newly renovated or restored; new homes with new neighbors flank either side of 316; and homeowners Mandy and Keith Whitaker were just days away from having their second child at the time when their house was chosen for the tour.

The couple bought the home in September 2012, with most of the interior design and renovation completed by the time they moved in. “We were looking in Creive Hall for a ranch-style home, but we’ve always loved East Nashville and the 5 Points area,” Mandy Whitaker says. They were taken with the gables and the front porch, and the overall unique look of the home at 316.

The windows, the woodwork, chandelier, updated bathroom and lighting fixtures all complement this circa 1920 Craftsman-style Bungalow. Pantheon Development, which received a 2012 Metro Historical Commission Preservation Award, oversaw the renovation.

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MONSTER MAKER Artist David Fisher has put the pieces together, one body part at a time By

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Chuck Allen

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he well-kept exterior of David Fisher’s Inglewood home reveals nothing of the horrors inside. As soon as the door opens, “there be monsters.” The skin-crawling depravity of Max Schreck’s Nosferatu; Boris Karloff ’s homicidal, pathetic Frankenstein’s Monster; Lon Chaney Jr.’s desperate and tortured Wolf Man — recreations of these visages are poised inside to welcome brave or foolhardy visitors.

Descending into Fisher’s basement office/workshop, the carnival of creatures really begins. Floor-to-ceiling shelves line the walls, upon them is a mad parade of monsters, aliens, mutants, super-heroes and warrior women — all given their semblance of life by the hands of a rather ordinary looking, middle-aged artist with a disarming grin and a boyish enthusiasm for his work.

Settling into his office chair, Fisher shows off some of his current projects — Bela Lugosi as the nefarious Count Dracula, his expressive fingers thrust forward in a hypnotic gesture; comedic actor Fred Gwynne as the jovial but towering Herman Munster; and the voluptuous Julie Newmar as Catwoman (a role that hot-wired the early onset of puberty in many boys of the late 1960s). All three, like their companions around the room, are recreated in plastic and endowed with a startling replication of life through Fisher’s painting.

Monster Model Maker is a job description that Nashville native David Fisher never expected to have and never deliberately sought. How he acquired this rather unusual profession is a classic tale of following your passions to unforeseen destinations. “I’m the poster boy for weird turns in a career,” he says. “I talk to art students sometimes, and I always tell them to never turn down an opportunity to do something different, because you never know what you’re going to do down the road.”

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orn in 1959, Fisher grew up in Madison, Tenn., the embodiment of middle-class, American suburbia in the 1960s. But Fisher found his childhood inspiration in the flickering, gothic images of creatures damned by humanity. It all began with a family vacation to Florida to visit relatives just weeks before his fifth birthday.

“My cousin, Jo Beth, who was about three years older than me, had a shelf full of monster models,” Fisher says. “I was just stunned. It was like, ‘How do you sleep in here?’ A question I would hear a lot, later in life. I hadn’t been aware of monsters other than knowing I was afraid of them.

I have a few fleeting memories of seeing horror movies on TV and being scared to the point that I’d either leave the room or run up to the TV and try to turn it off before I saw too much.”

Spotting a potential convert, Fisher’s cousin set about schooling him in the rudiments of monster appreciation. “She had the Monster Old Maid cards with pictures of all the monsters. She showed each one to me and explained who they were. Later, we went to a drugstore and I bought a Dracula model. I was still a little scared, and he looked ‘safer,’ more like an ordinary man. We sat at her table and built monster models. When I came back home, I had to have more. I found my first Famous Monsters magazine in a drugstore about that time, and I was hooked — much to my mother’s chagrin.”

What Fisher didn’t realize at the time was that his cousin had plugged him directly into the “monster craze” of the 1960s. Sparked by the syndication of classic horror films on local television stations, kids all over America went “monster crazy.” The fad inspired TV shows like The Munsters and The Addams Family, novelty songs like Bobby “Boris” Pickett’s “The Monster Mash,” magazines like Famous Monsters of Filmland and a line of incredibly popular monster model kits produced by the Aurora Plastics Corporation starting in 1961. It was the first mass-market acceptance of a facet of what would later be referred to as “geek culture.” For die-hard “monster kids” like Fisher, it was a way of life.

“I would get the TV Guide and map out the whole week,” Fisher says.

“I would beg my parents to let me stay up late if a certain horror movie was on. Dad didn’t care one way or the other, but Mom didn’t like the monster stuff, like most mothers back then. One time I wanted a

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Spirograph, and she made this deal with me. At that time I had about four or five monster models and magazines, and she said she’d buy me the Spirograph if I got rid of them. I wanted it so bad that I agreed, and let her throw the models and magazines away. Then I immediately bought the models again and kept buying the magazines.”

Growing up in the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, Fisher found many kids that shared his passion. “I had friends in school that liked the same stuff,” he says. “We grew up in an era where a lot of toys were interactive — thing makers, wood-burning sets, leather crafting, model kits. Everybody built stuff — boys especially. It was just what you did. We’d sit out in the garage and build model kits.”

Although the creeps and ghouls that Fisher was constructing in his parents’ garage didn’t thrill his mother, she was able to see past the subject matter and appreciate the artistic skills he was developing. “My parents knew I had artistic leanings, and they cultivated that in me. Our family had a lot of artistic people in it. My uncle, Ernest Sharpe, had an ad agency here in town, and he was a painter and did a lot of really amazing artwork. Family get-togethers were almost like mini-art shows.

People always brought something they were working on.”

Eventually though, Fisher’s passion for monsters was pushed aside by other interests. “Not that I didn’t love horror movies anymore,” he says, “but I got to that 13-14 range where suddenly girls and rock music were more interesting to me than monsters. I also found it was easier to impress girls with artwork or music. I was still known as a ‘monster

“I was a huge Elvira fan back in the 1980s and now here I am painting a statue of her, designing the box art and talking to her on the phone.

How did this happen?

It’s mind-blowing.” guy’ because of my past history, and I still had a lot of the models and magazines, but I eventually decided to toss them.” It was then that the monsters’ greatest enemy turned out to be their best friend, says Fisher.

“My mom said, ‘You should save those for your kids one day.’ So I put them in cardboard ‘graves’ and buried them in the attic.”

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fter high school, Fisher attended the Memphis Academy of Art, majoring in illustration and graphic design. It was there that he met his wife, Cindy, who was majoring in photography. Upon graduating, the couple spent a frustrating year in New York City pursuing their careers before moving back to Nashville. Although illustration was his first choice, he found work in advertising as a graphic designer and in 1984 co-founded the Image 3 advertising agency with two partners.

The fledging agency was successful, quickly securing several major health care providers as clients. But after six years at the helm, he’d had enough.

“I personally hated running an agency,” Fisher says. “I loved the design work, but I hated wrangling employees and the other duties. I wasn’t happy with what I was doing, and it took its toll on me. I reached a point where I had to quit.” Selling out to his two partners, Fisher worked as a freelance graphic designer for other agencies or directly with clients. In the meantime, he had also become reacquainted with some old friends.

“I never quit liking the monster stuff,” Fisher says. “I’d still read books and go to horror movies. Then Cindy and I started collecting old toys and movie posters. We’d built a small collection, and one day I remembered all those old models in my mom’s attic. The heat had

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made them fall apart, and they had all been painted by a small child and they looked it, so I started restoring them. Whenever I had time I would strip them down, repaint them and add them to the collection.

I was using a lot of the illustrative skills I had learned in art school to paint these model kits, so I was painting them in a whole different way than before.”

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isher wasn’t the only one rediscovering the allure of plastic monsters, he says. “Somewhere around 1987 or 1988 I saw a magazine ad for some new, vinyl-based kits that were being released by a Japanese company. I got really excited; someone was making monster models again! I showed it to Cindy just in passing, and she ordered them and gave them to me for Christmas. I painted them and stuck them in the collection.

Then one day I was on Elliston Place at Mosko’s newsstand, and I found a magazine called Model and Toy Collector. I picked it up and freaked out.

There was a whole world I didn’t know about.”

The world that Fisher discovered was a grass-roots revival of monster movie-inspired figure modeling. Imported model kits from Japan had sparked many artistically inclined, entrepreneurial, former “monster kids” to create their own. These “garage kits” were sometimes officially

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licensed, though most often not, and were cast in polyurethane resin instead of the more costly injection-molded plastic traditionally used for model kits. Manufactured in small numbers in a garage or basement workshop, it was a way of producing models that appealed to a small number of hobbyists. “I ordered a couple of garage kits,” Fisher says. “I think (monster movie actor and pro wrestler) Tor Johnson and (horror movie hostess) Elvira were the first ones. I got into building models again just as a way to unwind from the advertising world.”

The next step into this new world came when Fisher attended his first modeling convention, WonderFest, in Louisville, Ky., in 1991. “I went up there to check it out, and discovered they had a model-building contest,” he says. “The next year we went again, and I took four or five kits and entered them in the contest. I didn’t think I’d win anything; I just wanted to show my work. At the awards, they called my name for third place and I was shocked. I went up there to receive the award and the guy said you may as well stay, because you’ve also won second and first.”

Fisher also made an important connection when he met Terry Webb, the editor of Model and Toy Collector, who asked him to write a how-to column for the magazine. “That one show changed my life,” Fisher says.

“I went up there one guy and came back another. Every issue I would do a step-by-step article on building and painting a kit. No one had really done that before. Being an illustrator, I was using paints and techniques that people had never thought to use on model kits. The sculptures had come a long way since our childhood. They were so realistic you wanted the paintjob to be realistic too.”

Over the next two years, Fisher found a new life as he began attending a growing number of model shows around the country and was even invited to attend the world’s largest model show, held in Tokyo. He also partnered with the Nashville-based video production company Small Wonder Studio to spin his how-to “ModelMania” column into a series of instructional videotapes (and later DVDs). “My thoughts were if people learn the techniques for painting they’re going to enjoy it more, feel better about their work and do more. If you get frustrated you’re going to throw your tools down and never build another kit. The thought was that if I could teach guys, it’s making money for me, but more importantly, it’s building the hobby. Many of the model companies bought my DVDs in bulk and sold them along with the kits. It was a good way to help them sell models.”

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nother major transition came in 1994, when Model and Toy Collector was sold and the new owner decided to concentrate solely on toy collecting. Fisher and editor Terry Webb launched their own magazine, Amazing Figure Modeler. Nine years and 56 issues later, the magazine is still going strong with a worldwide circulation that regularly tops 15,000 copies per issue.

“Terry deals with writers, advertisers and printers,” Fisher says. “I write a couple of articles per issue and handle all the layout and design.

We feature how-to articles on specific kits, reviews and features on companies or sculptors. We sometimes run interviews with famous collectors who are into the hobby like Kirk Hammett of Metallica, Nivek Orge of Skinny Puppy, Glen Danzig, film directors like Frank Darabont (The Walking Dead) or John Landis (American Werewolf in London) and special-effects artists like Rick Baker.”

“I never planned to quit my day job, so to speak,” Fisher says, “but at the same time I was really tiring of the rat race of freelance graphic design work. I was doing a lot of music industry stuff at that point, T-shirt design for artists — Garth Brooks, Vince Gill, Ricky Skaggs, Diamond Rio. I wasn’t really enjoying it that much, it was just work. Eventually it got to a point where the magazine started taking precedence, and I

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started letting clients go. I made the transition around 1996, but I still do a little graphic design work for a handful of old clients.”

As the modeling hobby expanded and some model companies outgrew their garages, Fisher found his painting skills in greater demand.

“A lot of the model companies liked what I was doing paint-wise so they hired me to paint their prototypes,” he says. “Eventually that grew into creating paint master prototypes for professionally produced pre-painted character statues, and I do a lot of package design for model and action figure companies. I like to say that the hobby came along and saved me from graphic design and eventually graphic design came along and saved me from the hobby a little bit. It’s come full circle.”

With the current popularity of horror, sci-fi and fantasy films and television programs and the explosion of related merchandise, it’s natural to ask, what is the appeal of modeling now? “If you’re just a collector you’re not going to care about model kits, other than you might covet what you see,” Fisher says. “When I was a kid we didn’t have a lot of pre-packaged, look-at-me, sit-it-on-a-shelf kind of toys. That’s changed over the years. You have the nostalgia factor for people our age, but for younger people, unless they’re artistically inclined and crave to do it, they usually don’t. Most people are happy to pick up an Iron Man toy and stick it on the shelf over their computer or whatever. But you lose that ‘I did that’ moment, that satisfaction of creating it yourself.”

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isher and his wife have applied that same DIY ethic to their cozy Inglewood home, a small, mid-century house that they’ve totally transformed over the 27 years they lived on the East Side. From many art deco touches, a perpetual Halloween-inspired décor and even the custom light fixtures that Fisher assembles from old industrial parts that invoke the feel of Dr. Frankenstein’s lab equipment, they made the choice many years ago to go for quality and quirkiness in style over others’ ideas of prestige.

“When we moved here we were struggling artists,” Fisher says. “We bought what we could afford. People actually did that at one time. I liked the neighborhood, and it was nice over here. We didn’t have children, and there was no logical reason to move. Since I was self-employed I wanted to live within my means. As we stayed longer, suddenly the neighborhood became hip. Never in a million years did I think I’d be able to walk to a sushi bar from my house. I love it.

“I’m proud to say we stayed here, and I’d probably live nowhere else in Nashville. It’s really an interesting time in

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this area. Growing up in Madison, you didn’t give Inglewood a second thought. It was just a place to zip through as fast as possible on your way downtown. It’s just the opposite now. I feel lucky, like we got in on the ground floor of something big.”

Down in his basement office and workshop, Fisher shows off more of his latest work and reflects on the strange journey it’s been from his cousin’s bedroom on a summer’s day in 1964 to today. “I pinch myself at times,” he says. “I’m doing paint-ups of Herman Munster and designing the box for him. I’m making the kind of stuff I would have been buying as a kid. I was a huge Elvira fan back in the 1980s and now here I am painting a statue of her, designing the box art and talking to her on the phone. How did this happen? It’s mind-blowing.

“I can’t say that if I had planned it, it would have worked. It’s almost like blind luck, or whatever you want to call it. I won’t call it destiny.

I’m not that dramatic, but it’s strange how my career has taken all these curves. It’s taken this course where as an adult I’m dealing with the same things I loved as a child.”

To find out more about Amazing Figure Modeler and see more of David Fisher’s work, visit www.amazingmodeler.com

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J acob Jones: An object in motion What started as 15 people listening to Huey Lewis at The 5 Spot is blossoming into a crazy Wonkaesque empire

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alk into the red light and smoky haze of The 5 Spot on Mondays, and you’ll find bodies of all ages and types dipping and spinning, shaking and shimmying. Classic tunes from Chuck Berry and Little Richard don’t dictate a certain type of hat for this party either, because you might find a fedora, green army helmet, hot pink ball cap and a Stetson.

And after celebrating a five-year anniversary recently — that’s 260 consecutive Mondays — Jacob Jones has pretty much seen them all. The man who started the Keep on Movin’ party on a whim with an iPod for about 15 friends around the bar now finds lines out the door weekly and props by GQ magazine, which called it the “Most Stylish Party in America.” But after founding Electric Western with business partner Reno Bo; making his own music and creating a new company called Jonestown that helps create yet more

companies, he’s no longer just looking at hats. He’s wearing lots of them.

In a town where the dream used to involve a guitar and a Greyhound bus, Jones is a modern-day East Nashville success story: Take a different path and make a living doing what you love. He knows how to recognize a good thing, work it hard, evolve, stay open to possibilities and “keep being awesome,” as Electric Western’s tagline advocates.

“I came here like anyone else,” he said, “to do music.”

Raised in Atlanta, Jones had been living in Brooklyn, bartending and playing music with longtime friend Brandon Wilson for about three years when he decided to move to Nashville where he knew, literally, one guy.

“We didn’t even know what East Nashville was,” he said. So they checked out a list of houses, all of them horrible, he said, until the last one at

By Jennifer Justus | Photography by Eric England

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16th and Shelby. It was 4:45 p.m., and almost time to give it up for the day. They signed the lease immediately.

“We had no idea that we were blocks from Five Points,” he said. “We were in this neighborhood that’s become what it has now. It was really lucky for us.”

After escaping “cold, expensive” New York in October 2007, they still had no jobs and no money.

“We could only go to 2-for-1, so we were always at 3 Crow or Red Door. And then we would stay home and play music.” They started a band called Danger Bear, which lasted about a year before they started working on solo projects.

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hen in September 2008, at age 25, Jones’ plan took a turn. The weekly party he created and grew with Bo soon shaped his career and led him to where he is today.

“It started because they didn’t want to have bands on Mondays any more,” he recalled. “I guess because bands don’t draw on Mondays.”

Jones had been sitting at the bar with about

on this being what it is. It was just something to do.”

Jones’ other unintentional business in Nashville turned out to be wheeling and dealing in broken-down RVs. Before it became the Mas Tacos Por Favor truck, Jones bought a 1970s Winnebago as a mobile green room for his band. They drove it to Atlanta, and it broke down 11 times. They patched the radiator with eggs, working through a dozen before they made it home. Jones then sold the truck to Teresa Mason for her taco-making adventure and advised her to keep it in town.

While the dance party grew, Jones kept at his music, and in October 2009, he set off for a tour with girlfriend Molly — now his wife — in his second RV. By California the engine went kaput. So they camped out with Jones’ parents for a month, who were living on the West Coast at the time, until they could scrape together about $5,000 to buy a new engine.

And with that much sunk into the vehicle they decided to just live in it.

After making it back to Nashville, they parked the RV behind Electric Western’s

Boom Bap and QDP. “Jacob is an ambitious party hustler and musician,” Sherwood added. “I’ve never seen him do a half-ass job on anything.”

In addition to Nashville, the party now sells out to 500 people in Atlanta each month.

Jones and Bo added a multi-city New Year’s Eve Big Band party, and all the while they’ve been putting out records by artists like Derek Hoke and Los Colognes, both on this season of ABC’s “Nashville.”

“In the last year, I’ve not had to work for anyone else,” Jones said of himself and his partner. “We don’t have to worry about working for other people, and can focus on all the creative stuff we want to do… . I have no intention of ever being a 9-to-5 guy.”

Ask Jones his favorite thing about Nashville, and he no longer says the music. While he still loves it, appreciates it and plays it, he most loves that Nashville “isn’t finished yet.”

Walking into one of East Nashville’s newest bars, The Crying Wolf, he ordered a gin and tonic while eating a protein bar on the fly.

Less scruffy and rock ‘n roll than when he

“I just founded a corporation. I know. It’s weird. I want to do more. I want to act right and build things.”

15 neighborhood regulars. It was late, and someone played Huey Lewis and the News’ “I Want a New Drug” on a computer. Then they wanted to hear the whole record. Jones had it on his iPod, so 5 Spot owner Todd Sherwood handed him the cable and more tunes followed.

“At the end of the night, I was like, ‘Why don’t you let me come back next week? I’ll bring my turntables, and we’ll make a thing of it and throw me a beer or whatever.’”

Jones returned with Johnny “8 Track” Moore, now of The Groove, and they played ‘50s and ‘60s rock ‘n roll, old-school R&B and soul.

“There were still 15 of us. Then there were 20 of us and 30 of us,” he said. “We used to DJ on the bar, and two months in we couldn’t DJ on the bar anymore and had to go to the stage.”

About that time, Bo — a friend of Jones’ from New York, just coming off a tour with Albert Hammond Jr. — had also moved to town.

“I’m sure it was a pain in the ass for him to sleep on a couch for four months, but because he was always in my house, we were able to brainstorm everything,” Jones said.

The pair realized they worked well together.

“We said let’s do a company (Electric Western) where we can do design, put out records, throw parties,” he said. “I did not plan

former offices, a house on Calvin that rented space to other artists. The RV leaked. They had to keep pots and pans on the bed to catch water. The cat’s water bowl froze over. Molly, who has a film background, entered them in a video contest for free rent.

“I’m surprised her dad didn’t kill me,” he said.

Maybe so, but Molly doesn’t seem to mind.

“Jacob is the most enthusiastic person I’ve ever met. About everything,” she said.

“Whether it’s a new idea, a song he likes, or playing in the ocean, his energy is infectious.

And really inspiring to a cynic like me.”

They won the rent contest, and after five months in the RV, they spent nine months living in a Cool Springs complex with granite countertops and three pools.

Meanwhile, neighbors kept showing up to dance on Monday nights.

“I used to work at 3 Crow for years. I would go on tour… and then over the years, it changed.

It has become a business for us,” he said.

“We realized how lucky we’d just gotten so we nurtured it, promoted it and made it as good as it could be, and kept the branding really tight.”

Sherwood said the party established The 5 Spot as more than just an intimate music venue and opened the doors to events like

first moved to town, he’s now 30 and more like a younger, thinner Ben Affleck — with dapper style and a few more tattoos.

“I just founded a corporation,” he said. “I know. It’s weird. I want to do more. I want to act right and build things.”

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is new holding company called Jonestown is the umbrella under which other companies will be created. Partnering with Robert Hamm and Tom Melchior also as an employee, they’ve kicked off the venture with a yet-to-be-named creative agency.

“It’s basically like a marketing firm,” he said of the agency. “But the idea is to have a collection of people who are really good at what they do — photographers, designers, people who have good marketing brains.”

Some of these folks will freelance; others work full time. They’ll share space in a 2,300 square-foot office in Germantown with photo studio, conference room, high ceilings and room to breathe. “We can kick work to one another,” he said.

Jones acknowledged that this city is full of independently professional and creative people who could justify renting office space as a valid expense — a legit place to go work while

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“At the end of the night, I was like, ‘Why don’t you let me come back next week? I’ll bring my turntables, and we’ll make a thing of it and throw me a beer or whatever.’”

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freeing up a seat at the coffee shop.

“I was trying to create a place that your dad would not have gone to work at, and I know that’s generalizing it, but it will be stylized well. I want it to feel good.”

As for the additional businesses under Jonestown, he has lots of ideas.

“Maybe I want to start a men’s clothing store, a blog or a publishing company.

When you say them out loud, you sound like a crazy person, and that was the idea.

Why don’t we start a company whose job is to unify all these crazy ideas, and the unifying factor will be that they’re all done by this one group of people, so they have this certain aesthetic and voice to them… . That’s the long-term, crazy, cockamamie, Willy Wonka idea.”

While he still plays music — he put out a record in February and opened for Mavis Staples in September — he’s learned that he enjoys channeling his creativity in different ways. He looks to entrepreneurs like Russell Simmons for inspiration in building something out of nothing.

“It is just as admirable as writing a killer record or anything else. It takes talent, it take perseverance. I admire that savvyness. It doesn’t have anything to do with money. They saw some huge vision and were able to do it even if it took them 20 years.”

mom took off for the dance floor.

Jones said he never tires of the party, because he’s spinning the best music ever made.

“We’ll have 21-year-old college students come in and ask for some song that doesn’t make any sense like Rihanna. I’m like, ‘Oh, we don’t do that. Here’s what we do. Just relax. Trust me.’ Three months later, I’ll see the same person singing all the words to Otis Redding.”

Over the years, he has seen new batches of folks cycle through, too.

Jones and his partner in crime, Reno Bo, at “We’ve DJ’ed weddings of people who the dance party that met at the party,” he said. He even ran started it all. into one of them recently at the grocery, expecting baby. Incidentally, Jones is expecting his first baby with Molly as well, Jones also thinks there’s a common goal among many creative people in Nashville now due in March.

Wearing a sharp suit at the anniversary to make that kind of mark.

Of moving here, he said, “It’s the best de- party, Jones paused to take a celebratory shot cision I’ve ever made. I met Molly here. I to- with Wayne Hanan, the 3 Crow bartender and tally grew up here. Half the things I’ve done friend who inspired him to name his latest rewouldn’t have happened in any other place… . cord Good Timin’ in Waynetown.

As he marked the five years, he said he might That party has really led to all this.”

At the Keep on Movin’ anniversary party, re- not want to DJ for the rest of his life, but he cords like Shake, Rattle and Roll kept the room still wants to grow the brand in different ways. bumping and rocking. Morgan Murray and “As much as I love all the parties, I can’t her mother, Sandy, had visited the party for the throw parties forever, probably… . I should first time from Chicago. “Everyone told us to make some other bets.” come here,” Morgan half-shouted, and when And so he’ll Keep on Movin’ no matter the needle dropped on Jerry Lee Lewis, her what.

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B-Side Salon

Connecting the Dots Drink, shop or crop: The new face of business on Gallatin (Avenue, Pike) Road

By Randy Fox

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ven though officially there is no “Gallatin Road,” (technically it’s “Avenue” or “Pike,” depending on the street sign) this primary artery has long supplied the lifeblood of commerce to the East Side. Suburban flight, interstate highways and the mallamazation of America that began in the late 1960s transformed former neighborhood

retail corridors like Gallatin Road into an often sad collection of fast food and retail chains, embarrassing eyesores and empty lots. Yet as new residents pour into the neighborhoods on both sides of Gallatin Road, unusual and, most importantly, locally owned business, are establishing beachheads. The revitalization of an entire block often starts with one or two pioneers setting down roots and establishing a new cultural climate.

Eventually, the dots connect. It’s a pattern that’s worked for such East Side nexuses as 5 Points and Riverside Village and is now coming into play for stretches of Gallatin Road.

Starting at the Nashville Public Library East Branch and running north to the intersection at Cleveland Street is a great example of new businesses combining with beloved veterans to connect the dots. The Fuselage (608 Gallatin Ave) is the newest end point on the line from 5 Points to Stratton Avenue. Owner Cal Ecker sees the space as far more than the stereotypical “antique and art mall” concept. Opening in August, the space was initially filled with items from Ecker’s own collection of antiques and furnishings, along with contributions from November | December 2013 THEEASTNASHVILLIAN.COM

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Farmhouse Art and Junktiques

Logue’s Black Raven Emporium

The Fuselage

Hey Rooster

Smoker’s Abbey

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brunch

Dog Spot and seeing that dilapidated building across the street,” Baker says. After he purchased the building and began extensive renovations, he offered to lease the space to a local pet supply company but got no response. “So I decided we already know 30 percent of the dog owners in the neighborhood, and they’ve been very loyal to us. So why don’t we offer them something that we can’t at The Dog Spot?”

The shop will carry a variety of items for dogs, cats and even some backyard chicken supplies. “It’s hard to believe,” Baker says, “but we really can compete with PetSmart on most items. If we do have to charge more, you’re still saving 30 minutes of time and at least $2 in gas compared to going to Rivergate or 100 Oaks.”

Spot’s will also feature do-it-yourself, stateof-the-art dog wash facilities, with all proceeds from the wash going to various charities. On weekends, Baker plans to make the wash facilities available to local dog rescue groups. He recently leased the other half of the building to a local confectioner, making for another new “dot” on the Gallatin Road map.

Two clucks, a hop up the street and a skip back on the west side of Gallatin Road, Hey Rooster General Store opened in April and has set a unique and homey vibe at 1106 Gallatin Ave. Nashville native and former architect, Courtney Webb spent eight years living in

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Across the street another recent addition, Smokers Abbey, is the new anchor for the south end of the retail complex at 604 Gallatin Ave. Although Gallatin Road has long been home to discount cigarette stores, Chris Hayzlett and Joshua Stump are looking to change the game with a large selection of fine cigars and pipe tobaccos.

“We really want to be a tobacconist rather than a tobacco store,” Hayzlett says, “a place to educate people about fine tobaccos and provide them. If you’re a new cigar smoker, it’s really hard going into the average shop, and you usually don’t get a lot of help or information. We’re the place where people can learn how the tobacco is grown, how the different wrappers affect it and more. We make a point to go into the (walk-in) humidor with every customer and help them select the right cigar that fits their palate.”

With stately leather upholstered easy chairs and dignified décor, the shop’s back room lounge area invokes the feel of an old-fashioned “gentlemen’s club” from the days when that term meant enjoying conversation by the fireplace with good friends, a snifter of whiskey and a fine cigar. To that end, the shop is open until 11:00 p.m. on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Customers are encouraged to stop by for an after-dinner smoke and conversation.

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“East Nashville skyline, discount cigarettes, liquor and wine, anywhere, anytime, we deliver” — Todd Snider

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“We’ve been getting a crowd of regulars who often stop by around 7:30 or 8:00 and stay until we close,” Hayzlett says. “We want people to think of the shop as someplace comfortable to hang out and relax.”

Traveling north, The Dog Spot, which opened in 2011, was a welcome addition to the stretch of Gallatin Road between Eastland and Douglas Avenue. Chad Baker, the owner of the popular doggie hotel and grooming business is now poised to leap into the retail pet supplies trade with the opening of Spot’s Pet Supply & Dogwash at 1013 Gallatin Ave. “I got sick of looking out the front of The

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industrial design guru Rob Hartman and designer/artist Anna Cox. Cox’s unique creations, crafted from airplane bodies and parts, served as an inspiration for the shop’s name. Since opening, several other dealers have come on board with a variety of large and small collectables. The small, open-mike stage in the shop has also played host to many Nashville musicians.

“Half the people that come in here are musicians,” Ecker says, “and I ask them if they’d like to play a song. We’ve probably had over a hundred performances just by random people coming in.”

week

end Now open @

9AM 2-for-1 mimosas & build your own bloody mary bar

1313 Woodland St 615.226.1617

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Brooklyn before she returned home with the idea of opening a gift store specializing in U.S.-made, hand-crafted products. When she found the solitary, two-story block building available on Gallatin Road, her ideas, products and a unique location all came together.

“The building makes the brand of my store.” Webb says. “It’s becoming a destination. I’m really glad that I ended up on this weird stretch of Gallatin Road. I love the history of general stores. They were a place where the community came together. A place

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to stop, get a soda and just chat.”

Hey Rooster carries small-batch foods from across the United States, home goods, personal accessories, apothecary items and jewelry. The second floor has also played host to several special events including a local small-batch foods showcase, a diddley bow workshop and a stop-motion animation class. A pop-up shop for local furniture makers will be featured upstairs through the holidays.

Moving up Gallatin Road, the west side of the short block between Litton Avenue and

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Trinity Lane has undergone a dramatic transformation during the last two years. Dubbed “Wrong Side Village” by Logue’s Black Raven Emporium co-owner Robert Logue, this stretch of personality-laden businesses — Logue’s, Lone Wolf Tattoo, B-Side Salon, and Carlisa’s Hair and Nail Salon — will soon be joined by the growler/tap room The Hop Stop and recently welcomed Mickey’s Tavern at 2907 Gallatin Pike.

Owned by Andy and Becky Gaines, Mickey’s Tavern is dedicated to the old-fashioned concept of a bar: a place for drinks and conversation. “I don’t know how to describe it,” Andy Gaines says, “but I know what it’s not.

It’s not bands, DJs, karaoke or trivia nights. It’s just an ordinary bar.” His wife, Becky, cuts in with a more precise description. “It’s a place to go and have a conversation, and you don’t have to shout. You can have some social time without having to yell over something else. It’s somewhere people that live in East Nashville can go when all the other bars are saturated with people — a place to relax, not party.”

The location has long been home to a succession of rough-and-rowdy dive bars under a variety of names — Smitty’s Beer Belly, Ma & Pa’s, Pop’s Place. The Gaines’ chose a renovation “lite” course, leaving much of the original décor in place in order to preserve the atmosphere, while improving the hygiene and reducing the police calls.

“The realtor said the building has been a bar since it was built in 1950,” Andy Gaines says. “I’ve had some old-timers come in and say that this was indeed East Nashville’s oldest bar. As for the name, I just picked one. All the bars in the 1950s were named after people, like Dino’s, Fran’s or Betty’s. I just went with Mickey’s because it seemed to be a good working-class name.”

Just open a few weeks, Mickey’s has already attracted several regulars who have fallen in love with the bar’s lack of pretense. “We’re very excited,” Becky Gaines says. “I think we’re going to be a good balance with The Hop Stop.

They’re the craft beer guys but they don’t have the liquor, and Logue’s theatre and lounge is a totally different experience that we also love.

It’s really great that we lucked into this spot where not only did we get to buy the building, but three bars will be right here together.”

Continuing to the north past Hart Lane and into the heart of Inglewood, one arrives at a new and developing center for antique collectors, offbeat designers and unusual décor. But like many Eastside treasures, they’re located off the well-beaten path.

Tucked in behind Jordan’s Barber Shop and across thae parking lot from the Piggly Wiggly is an Edwardian-era two-story farmhouse at 3621 Gallatin Pike that has piqued the curiosity of eagle-eyed Eastside residents for many years. Last fall, the bottom floor of the house became home to Farmhouse Art

Farmhouse Art and Junktiques

Mickey’s Tavern

and Junktiques. Open on Thursdays through Saturdays during the holiday season and on Fridays and Saturdays the rest of the year, the shop has had a low profile, one that its owners are now looking to raise.

Owned by Robert and Anita Knowles, who also own and operate the nearby American Tuxedo, the Farmhouse is a collaboration with their son, Robert Jr., their daughter, Angela, and her husband, Joey Murray. “We haven’t had the money to advertise,” Anita Knowles says, “so we’ve been relying solely on word of

mouth and various neighborhood listservs.

We’ve had a very good response, and we’re just now beginning to advertise in a few places.”

What’s even more exciting to Eastside pickers (of the antique variety) are the plans to convert the second story of the American Tuxedo building into an antique mall. “We have 5,000 square feet in that space,” Anita Knowles says. “People will be able to park here in the back; there are stairs up to the new space, and then stairs down to right around the corner from OMG’s entrance. We think it will

be a really good walk for customers.” The front yard of the Farmhouse has already played host to some local pickers of the musical variety on select weekends, and they plan to continue the live music.

As the businesses on Gallatin Road/ Avenue/Pike continue to grow and change, more of the dots connect. Old favorites will hopefully continue to mix with chains and the offbeat, making the East Nashville skyline far more than just discount cigarettes, liquor and wine — but with room for those, too.

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Yo u ’ v e s e e n u s a r o u n d . . .

615.320.5000 1006 SHELBY AVE WWW.POWELLARCHITECTS.COM

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East Nashville’s

Quietest Noise Maker

Story and photography by Mary Brace

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ndrew Keen would hate Joseph Hazelwood’s guts.

Keen, author of the 2007 polemic, The Cult of the Amateur, railed against the Internet-inspired 21st-century trend of empowering hobbyists at the expense of professionals. Professional writers, artists, photographers — you name it. If it can be crowd-sourced and given away, Keen tells us, it’s bringing about the downfall of Western civilization.

In spite of Keen’s apocalyptic adjudication, those who know him might say that a guy like Hazelwood — a contemplative, soft-spoken East Nashvillian who maintains a successful business installing commercial audio/video systems — is making music that’s more art-driven than most working musicians in town. That is, when he records, which is rare.

What might frustrate someone like Keen even more than Hazelwood’s apparent hobbyism in the music business is his ability to build the devices on which his works of abomination can be played.

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GMO Radios are what Hazelwood calls “re-purposed” antiques: They may or may not start out as an audio device, but they are when he’s finished with them. Although he’d been tinkering with old radios for some time, it was working with Andy Mumma at Barista Parlor that fostered the groundwork for Hazelwood’s brand of “Genetically Modified Organisms.”

“I could tell when I walked in that the average sort of weather-channel jazz just wasn’t going to happen there, and it forced me to

think in a creative way,” Hazelwood says of Barista Parlor. “Since I already had this hobby in scouring for antiques, and I’ve always had this interest in repurposing things, it struck

smaller for the consumer market; just plug in your iPod or other player, and tune in.

One of Joseph’s radios started life as a 1950s Philco TV tuner; another was made from a Lakewood space heater.

Available models can be found at Old Made Good on Gallatin Road.

Hoosier-born Hazelwood, a trained electrician, went from traveling with a circus as an audio worker to Belmont University for music theory training. There, he met his future first wife and music partner, Raven, and promptly dropped out.

“I was a self-taught musician and had an

“I’m of the mentality now that we live in a world where art is a gift, and art is what makes you indispensable ...” me that maybe I should use an antique radio and retrofit a speaker and use that for his sound system there.”

Not everyone needs a speaker cabinet in every corner, though. The devices became

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“Word is that you are looking for a Realtor.

I just closed on a house in East Nashville.

I worked with Jeremy Hundley.

It was a great experience.

extremely familiar with the East Nashville market and trends and he is a joy to Jeremy is knowledgeable,

work with—unless

you are looking for a pushy, obnoxious guy who thinks he knows what you want more than you do, dresses like it’s 1980 and wears way too much Polo cologne.

Then he is definitely NOT your Realtor.”

—John, Golden Spiral Creative JEREMY HUNDLEY, REALTOR Hodges & Fooshee Realty Inc. call or text 615-481-7321 HundleyHouse@gmail.com

LANDSCAPE

solu+ ons

organic garden maintenance • environmental landscape design & installation • landscape renovation & clean-up • residential master planning • rain gardens • native planting

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November | December 2013

interest in learning music theory, basically the nuts and bolts of what I was already doing. It didn’t take long to figure out that that wasn’t my course. Belmont was not the place for me.”

Joseph and Raven moved into a house owned by a man who ended up becoming his mentor and record producer: Luella and the Sun’s Joe McMahan. With Radio Noise, Ode Hazelwood made an album of music that sounded nothing like anything anyone in Nashville was doing. It was part folk and part vaudeville, with Raven belting out songs like a bastard daughter of Ethel Merman.

In 2008, their sound wasn’t just swimming upstream — it was trying to jump the Niagara Falls.

The album skipped right past the masses but attracted attention from a few area notables, as well as WXPN’s Bruce Warren, who called it “the future, at your doorstep.” A Southern tour gained the duo fans but put a strain on their working relationship. Soon, marriage and musical partnership were over.

A short stint as a solo artist, Mr. Hazelwood, was followed by downtime.

When Hazelwood tied the knot with a mother of three he became an instant father, and as cool as GMO Radios might be, they’re not The Day Job.

“(Innerverse Music) is what pays my bills and supports my wife and three kids and pays my mortgage, and so far, with the radios. They’ve sold well, but I’m not really profiting in terms of the amount of time I have to put into one. So I’m considering it more of an art than a business at this point.

“I’m of the mentality now that we live in a world where art is a gift, and art is what makes you indispensable, and if I’m doing what is unique to myself, to my skillset, and I give it away, then that creates more of a demand. You’ve got places like The Skillery now where people who make things are getting together and giving away their trade secrets, and they understand the concept that by giving this away they make themselves more valuable in a way they can’t quantify.”

Keen may be absolutely right about amateurs supplanting professional artists, but Joseph Hazelwood, his music and his GMO radios make a convincing argument as to why that might not be such a bad thing.

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Cookin in da ’

HOOD Recipes from East Nashville favorites

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live & Sinclair Chocolate is the foremost bean-to-bar chocolate maker in the South. Owner, founder and maker Scott Witherow has moved his Inglewood chocolate haven to Fatherland Street, where his single-origin beans are slow roasted and stone ground in small batches. Witherow presented at this fall’s Southern Coterie Summit with the popular “chocuterie,” featuring his buttermilk white chocolate. Thanks to Olive & Sinclair, we were inspired to do a little holiday baking.

Ingredients • • • • • • • • •

1 cup raw pecans 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature ⅓ cup sugar, plus extra for finishing 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ⅛ teaspoon salt 1 cup all-purpose flour 2.75 ounces Olive & Sinclair Salt and Pepper Buttermilk White Chocolate 2.75 ounces Olive & Sinclair 45% Cacao Buttermilk White Chocolate ½ cup finely chopped roasted and salted pistachios

Directions Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Roast pecans until fragrant and crisp, about six minutes.

Let cool and finely chop them. Beat butter and 1/3 cup sugar until fluffy. Incorporate vanilla, salt and flour, fold in pecans. This dough will be sand-like. Divide into 12 pieces and squeeze into balls about the size of golf balls.

Roll in sugar and flatten into discs using the bottom of a glass. You may need to reshape the edges a bit. Place on parchment-lined cookie sheet about three inches apart and sprinkle with a little more sugar. Bake until golden brown (approximately 20 minutes).

Cool on wire rack. Meanwhile, melt Olive & Sinclair white chocolates in a double boiler. It is very important that liquid does not come into contact with the chocolate. Using a metal spoon stir and remove from heat right before the chocolate is completely melted, as it will carry through its cooking temp. White chocolate has a very low burn temperature and will seize up if taken beyond that point.

Dip the cookie into the chocolate and then roll in the pistachios. Finish with a final sprinkle of sugar.

MELISSA D. CORBIN

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oodland Wine Merchant suggested the perfect pairings for this holiday confection.

Owner Will Motley recommends Quinta do Infantado Tawny Port ($16 a bottle). It is a medium to dry tawny port with notes of dry fruits, roasted nuts and dark chocolate that would really bring out the dark chocolate in this cookie.

Tyler Zwiep says Broadbent Rainwater Medium Dry Madeira is the way to go. “It’s got this caramelized sweetness to it, with a savory, nutty quality that makes it very versatile. It has just enough sweetness to give a rich mouthful, but it has enough dryness to be refreshing with desserts,” says Zwiep. At $17, this Madeira would proudly grace the holiday table of any discerning East Nashvillian.

All content, including recipe, written and developed by Melissa D. Corbin (owner of Corbin In The Dell.)

Follow her blog at corbininthedell.com November | December 2013 THEEASTNASHVILLIAN.COM

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Emma Alford

EAST SIDE C A L E N D A R

Calendar Editor

UPCOMING TALKIN’ TURKEY

Boy Scout Troop 3 Annual Turkey Fry Fundraiser

Nov. 1 to 27

Love fried turkey but hate that potentially-burning-down-the-house thing? Let East Nashville’s Boy Scout Troop 3 fry ‘em up for you! They’ll start taking orders Nov. 1 and have your bird ready for pickup the day before Thanksgiving. Place your order at turkey @nashvilletroop3.com or online at ww.nashvilletroop3.com

PICTURES IN THE PARK

The Lost Waters of Shelby Park Opening Reception

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, Shelby Bottoms Nature Center

Shelby Park has been around a lot longer than most of us. Local photographer Beth Gwinn has captured a series of photos chronicling some of Shelby Bottoms original water sources that have long since dried up and been forgotten by park goers. This unique blast to the past will be on display for three months in the park’s nature center. 615-862-8539, shelbybottomsnature@nashville.gov

GOING TO THE CHAPEL

Arts At Ann’s

7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, St. Ann’s Episcopal Church

Violist and Belmont faculty member Sarah Cote will perform her fall recital at Arts at Ann’s at St. Ann’s Episcopal Church this fall.

Tickets are $15 per person and $25 per couple. All proceeds from the event will benefit a charity of the church’s choosing. Light refreshments will be available and more details regarding the benefit will be forthcoming.

419 Woodland St., www.stannsnashville.org

PUTTIN’ ON THE ROXY

Roxy Revival Festival

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, Roxy Theater

East Nashville is performing a resurrection.

The Roxy Theater closed its doors decades ago, but Eastsiders are turning on their defibrillators to bring it back to life by activating the abandoned theater and surrounding areas for a one-day festival. Thsere will be 2 stages (inside the theater and outdoors), beer, local vendors, a film viewing and music all day.

Plus it’s free. Help this guerilla effort to revitalize the Roxy Theater district. 827 Meridian St., www.savetheroxy.org.

TIGERS FOR THE TROOPS

Military Appreciation Day

9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 10, Nashville Zoo

Regions Bank is hosting its November Free Day at Nashville Zoo, inviting active military personnel, military veterans and their immediate families to receive free admission on Milirary Appreciation Day, offered in gratitude for the commitment, bravery and sacrifices made by those who serve our country.

In addition to regular Zoo activities, a special children’s fun zone will be set up on Festival Field with bounce houses, games and activities. 3777 Nolensville Pike, 615-833-1534, www.nashvillezoo.org

WORKSHOPS FOR THE WORKIN’ ARTIST

Professional Development Workshop Intensives: Contemporary Art for the Visual Artist

Nov. 11 to 15, Track One

Seed Space is hosting a series of workshops geared toward the working visual artists of our city. They’ll have five days filled with insights from others in the field. Whether you’re looking to learn more about how to score that grant funding for your next masterpiece or how to market yourself on a web platform, this series should answer some of your questions and concerns. Sign up early — space is limited. www.seedspace.org/workshops

TEA@TWO@TOO

Creative Holiday & Decorative Workshop

2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, GasLamp Too

Are the inflatible snowman on the lawn and that knotted tangle of lights no longer cutting it? November’s monthly “how-to” is Creative Holiday and Decorative lighting with 20-year design veteran Chris Guthrie. Guthrie was a national spokesman for Lifeway on house and home, and he talked about home decor on the Home Shopping Network. He has an abundance of tips sure to brighten your home for the holidays. Light refeshments will be served. Reservations are preferred but not mandatory. $10 per person. 615-292-2250, 128 Powell Place, 37204

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ESC HAVE A (RESTLESS) HEART

Music With a Mission

7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, Schermerhorn Symphony Center

The third annual Music With a Mission concert benefits the Nashville Rescue Mission.

Last year’s event raised more than $140,000.

Restless Heart and the Nashville Symphony are the primary sponsers for the event, and this year’s lineup includes Amy Grant, Tracy Lawrence, Peter Noone and Melinda Doolittle, among others. One Symphony Place, www. mwmnashville.com

GO TELL IT TO THE EAST SIDE

Eastside Tellabration

2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, side lawn @ I Dream of Weenie

Eastsiders are hosting their second annual Tellabration. You tell, we listen. It’s a national event, inspiring folks all over the country to tell tales on the same day. This movement to reinvigorate the forgotten art of storytelling should be cause enough for you to pry yourself off the couch and away from the TV. Let’s face it, the stories you’ll hear at the Tellabration will be far more enriching than the latest installment in the Kardashians’ saga. They’ll be telling stories geared toward children; you’ll have the chance to hear rehashed old tales of your childhood in a new way. The event is free. There will be fire pits and s’mores to keep you toasty, but bring a blanket or lawn chair to make yourself comfortable. 113 S 11th St., www.facebook.com/ESTellabration

OLDIES BUT GOLDIES

Holiday Open House: Celebrating the Season

10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov.23, GasLamp Antiques & GasLamp Too

The dealers at both GasLamp locations have stocked up with goodies for your shopping pleasure this holiday season. There will be refreshments as well as drawings for door prizes throughout the day. 615-292-2250, 100 & 128 Powell Place, 37204

EASTWOOD AT EASTWOOD

Classical Kaleidoscope, Benefit for non-profit Kaleidoscope

3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24, Eastwood Christian Church

The Eastwood Ensemble is lending a helping hand to a new non-profit on the East Side called Kaleidoscope. It’s a new community center that promotes art enrichment for children and adults of all ages and abilities.

The Ensemble will play a range of classical tunes, and they also plan on sharing the stage with The Ukedelics, an all-ukulele band playing a smattering of musical genres.

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Just show your face, no tickets required.

However, you should throw a few bucks in the pot to help support your neighborhood’s new non-profit. 1601 Eastland Ave., www.eastwood-ensemble.org

A NOT SO BLACK FRIDAY

5 Points Friday

10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 5 Points

The catchphrase for this East Nashville event pretty much explains it: “Skip the mall, shop local.” You can pass up the angry mobs at Macy’s and settle for something a little more civil — and local. Throughout the day, bands will be playing in the side lawn beside Bongo Java East and local craft beers such as Jackalope and Yazoo will be on tap to brighten your hassle-free shopping experience. Some 5 Points stores will be offering holiday discounts and these haunts will have a far more unique selection of gifts than Walmart or Target, without the lines. Get out, enjoy some bands, drink some brews and put a dent in that endless holiday shopping list. 1100 Forrest Ave.

EAST C.A.N. ROCKS AROUND THE CHRISTMAS TREE

East C.A.N. Holiday Open House

6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1, 1408 Ordway

The East C.A.N. organization will be hosting its annual open house this December to celebrate the holiday season and their fifth anniversary. The organization has been helping save, rescue and adopt animals on the East Side for half a decade now. You can go and mingle, meet some of the East C.A.N. crew, some of the foster parents for animals, or their newly adopted families. They’ll have beverages and appetizers for everyone, and a sentimental slide show chronicling the group’s work over the years. Don’t worry: There won’t be any pups, they’re not asking for donations and they won’t push you to adopt that adorable, homeless hound dog — it’s just a laid-back celebration and everyone is invited. 1408 Ordway Place, www.eastcan. org.

GO WILD FOR FANNIE BATTLE

Dine Out for a Cause

Thursday, Dec. 5, The Wild Cow

If you happen to be grabbing noms this day, head to The Wild Cow. Not only do you get a mouthful of some great veggie cuisine, you’ll be supporting a good cause as well. Ten percent of all sales at the Cow this day will go toward Fannie Battle’s Day Home For Children.

Help out by pigging out. 1896 Eastland Ave., www.fanniebattle.org.

ESC STARS AND SOCKS

King Diamond Cash “Sock it to me”

Thursday, Dec. 12, The Building

A trio of rock ‘n roll legends will descend upon East Nashville this holiday season. Join Cliff Wright as Johnny Cash, Theron Denson as Neil Diamond and Jeff Lewis as Elvis at The Building and help rock the house for Nashville’s Room in the Inn. Oh yeah — and this part’s really important, so pay attention — bring a pair of socks. Packaged tube socks, to be more specific. No stinky socks from granddads laundry basket. Room in the Inn provides food, shelter and clothing to Nashville’s less fortunate community members and gives away hundreds of pairs of socks each week. A meet and greet will be held afterwards next door at Drifters. Admission is $10 or $5 if you remember the socks. 1108 Woodland St., 615-262-8899

RECURRING DO YOU HEAR WHAT I HEAR?

Fannie Battle Caroling

Dec. 1–24 , Greater Nashville area

Fannie Battle Day Home for Children is continuing a yearly tradition of caroling this season, a staple of the organization since 1916. Every year families, churches, companies, schools and other organizations carol their way around the city, collecting money for Fannie Battle. If you’d like to help raise money for a childcare center that’s provided support to struggling low-income families for years, sign up to deck the halls. This musical tradition continues through both caroling door-to-door as well as a variety of creative endeavors. To become a caroler, call 615-2286745 or visit www.fanniebattle.org/caroling

FREAKY FRIDAY

Trick or Treat Tattoo’s Friday the 13th Special

Friday, Dec. 13, Trick or Treat Tattoo

Friday the 13th just became your lucky day.

Captain Morgan will be honoring this ill-fated juncture with a set of flash tattoos at the appropriate price of $13. Who knows, maybe this could be the best way to beat your triskaidekaphobia? Embrace the superstition and honor the ominous day the right way.

2100 Greenwood Ave., 615-881-5889

NO TWO SNOWFLAKES RUN ALIKE

Snowflake 5K

Saturday, Dec. 14, Shelby Park

Jack Frost is nipping at your heels. Strap on your sneaks and pull on your long johns for Prevent Child Abuse Tennessee’s annual Snowflake 5K. The organization works to prevent and reduce the risk of child abuse and neglect. This isn’t just any winter wonderland run, they encourage you to bring your pooches and dress in typical holiday garb: Santa or elf attire, of course. They’ll be giving out cash prizes to the fastest snowflakes as well as door prizes and awards for the most festive runners. Strap on the St. Nick suit, turn Sparky into Santa’s little helper and work off all that turkey and pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving dinner. www.pcat.org/events/snowflake-5k

STOP, SHOP AND SWAP FOR THE SONGSTERS

Nashville’s Musician’s Swap Meet

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. the first Sunday of each month, The Building

If you’re among the sea of musicians and songwriters in Nashville, you might want to drop in on the monthly Musician’s Swap Meet at The Building in 5 Points. The musically inclined gather to buy, sell and trade their gear.

There’s always a smattering of various musical odds and ends: guitars, drums, amps, fiddles, horns — you name it. You’ll also find vinyl, artwork, clothing and other music-related memorabilia. This folky flea market of sorts is free and open to the public. Stop by, grab a coffee at Bongo Java, grub down at Drifters and check out the musical arsenal. If you’re interested in renting a booth for the swap, contact Dino Bradley at 615-593-7497. 1008C Woodland St.

SHAKE A LEG

Keep On Movin’

10 p.m. until close Mondays, The 5 Spot

For those looking to hit the dance floor on Monday nights, The 5 Spot’s “Keep on Movin’” dance party is the place to be. This shindig keeps it real with old-school soul, funk and R&B. If you have two left feet, then snag a seat at the bar. They have two-for-one drink specials, so you can use the money you save on a cover to fill your cup. 1006 Forrest Ave., 615-650-9333, www.the5spotlive.com

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ESC RINC, Y’ALL

FAT BOTTOM FOR YOUR BUCK

Scott-Ellis School of Irish Dance

4:30 to 5 p.m. ages 3-6, and 5 to 5:45 p.m. ages 7 & up, Mondays, Eastwood Christian Church Fellowship Hall

You’re never too young — or too old — to kick out the Gaelic jams with some Irish Step dancing. No experience, or partner, required.

Just you, some enthusiasm and a heart of gold will have you dancing in the clover before you can say “leprechaun.” 1601 Eastland Ave., 615-300-4388, www.scott-ellis.com

HAVE YOUR PIE AND DRINK A PINT, TOO

$10 Pint & Pie Night

6 p.m. to midnight Tuesdays, The Family Wash

Every Tuesday night at The Family Wash, you can score a pint of beer and a shepherd’s pie for just $10. The reigning music venue on the East Side, The Wash is home to an abundance of good music, and on Tuesdays, the club plays host to the long-running songwriter series, Shortsets, hosted by Cole and Paul Slivka.

They offer a wide selection of craft beer, and they even have a vegetarian shepherd’s pie for herbivores. So sit back and enjoy the show, along with your pint and pie. 2038 Greenwood Ave., 615-226-6070, www.familywash.com

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$10 Pint and Entrée Special

4 p.m. until close Tuesdays, Fat Bottom Brewery

Q: What’s better than a craft beer and a tasty meal? A: Cheap craft beer and a tasty meal.

At Fat Bottom Brewery you can grab a pint of their liquid courage and an entrée for just $10 on Tuesdays. Peruse their beer garden and pick your poison; they’ve got plenty of options for the seasoned beer drinker. They’re always kegging fresh batches and pouring cold ones, so stop by to get your fix. 900 Main St., www.fatbottombrewing.com

TELL ME A STORY

East Side Storytellin’

7 p.m. the first and third Tuesdays of each month, Mad Donna’s

Looking for something to get your creative juices flowing? East Side Story has got you covered. They’ve partnered with WAMB radio and Mad Donna’s to present an all-out affair with book readings, musical performances and author/musician interviews all in one evening. They host this lovely event twice each month. Check the website to see who the guests of honor will be for each performance. The event is free, but you’ll

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have to reserve a spot by calling ahead. 1313 Woodland St., 615-262-5346, www.eastsidestorytn.com

A FIDDLE OF THIS AND A FIDDLE OF THAT

Old Time Jam

7 p.m. until close Wednesdays, The 5 Spot

The 5 Spot’s weekly “Old Time Jam” is a musical call to arms for all of East Nashville’s pickers and grinners. Bring your acoustic weapon of choice to play with the menagerie of musicians who turn up each Wednesday night.

Share tunes and swap stories with the regulars. This bluegrass ball isn’t just for musicians though. Even if you can’t strum a chord, you can sit back and enjoy the rootsy jams. There is no cover and beers are discounted a buck.

1006 Forrest Ave., 615-650-9333, www.the5spotlive.com

LEND ME YOUR EAR

Supper and Song

7 to 9 p.m. Wednesdays, Sky Blue Café

When neighborhood restaurant Sky Blue Café began opening its doors in the evening for the dinner crowd, Australian singer-songwriter Audrey Auld saw this as an opportuni-

Sunday December 1st 5pm 510 Woodland Street

Jimmy Wayne

In a special Christmas Concert benefiting Court Appointed Special Advocates of Nashville.

$7 Children $5 Adults -

Procceeds benefiting

To Purchase Tickets, please visit: WWW.NFCN.ORG

or call 615.255.1289

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ESC ty to liven up the café with some tunes. Each week she plays and invites other musicians to join in on the fun. Stop in, savor a good meal with some beer, wine or coffee and enjoy the music. There is no cover and dinner is served till 11 p.m. 700 Fatherland St., 615-770-7097, www.skybluecoffee.com

ART IS FOR EVERYONE

John Cannon Fine Art classes

6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays, The Idea Hatchery If you’ve been filling in coloring-book pages for years but you’re too intimidated to put actual paint to canvas, it might be time you give it a try. Local artist John Cannon has

been teaching art classes at The Idea Hatchery since September. These are small, intimate classes; this keeps the sessions low-pressure and allows for some one-on-one instruction.

If you’re feeling like you could be the next Matisse with a little guidance, sign yourself up for some of Cannon’s classes. 1108C Woodland St., 615-496-1259, www.johncannonart.com

KICKS FOR THE KIDS

Professor Smartypants

6 to 8 p.m. Wednesdays, The Family Wash

It’s only appropriate that a venue named The Family Wash hosts a family night once a week, right? Every Wednesday, kids eat free at The Wash and Professor Smartypants hosts.

They call him the “master of disguise and intrigue.” He tells jokes and sings songs, but his comedy isn’t just for the kiddies; parents will enjoy his humor, too. Professor Smartypants goes on at 6:30 p.m. sharp, so don’t be late.

2038 Greenwood Ave., 615-226-6070, www. familywash.com

HONESTLY, OFFICER ...

East Nashville Crime Prevention meeting

11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursdays, Beyond the Edge

Join your neighbors to talk about crime stats, trends and various other issues with East Precinct commander David Imhof and head of investigation Lt. Greg Blair. If you are new to the East Side, get up to speed on criminal activity in the area. If you are a recent victim of crime, they want to hear your story. 112 S. 11th St., 615-226-3343

BRINGIN’ DOWN THE HOUSE

After-Hours Jams

7 p.m. Thursdays, The Fiddle House

Every Thursday, The Fiddle House, a full-service acoustic string shop, keeps its doors open for an after-hours jam. Each week, they alternate between “old-time” and “bluegrass” sessions. Sometimes only a few fiddlers show up for the soirees, but other nights the House is packed out. If you like to pick or if you just want to hear a good jam, check this place out next time you’re free on Thursday night. All skill levels are welcome and this pickin’ parlor is free. The music kicks off at 7 p.m. and ends whenever they feel like calling it a night. 1009 Clearview Ave., 615-730-8402, www.thefiddlehouse.com

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ESC BLUEGRASS, BEER, BURGERS

Bluegrass Thursdays with Johnny Campbell & the Bluegrass Drifters

8 p.m. until close on Thursdays, Charlie Bob’s

To celebrate your post-Hump Day, head to Charlie Bob’s and bring your axe along. Watch North 2nd Street’s own Bluegrass Drifters kick things off, then join in on the pickin’ party afterward. Have a burger, buy a few beers and add a little ‘grass to your life. Oh yeah — it’s also dollar hot dog night. 1330 Dickerson Pike, 615-262-2244, www.charliebobs.com

PALAVER RECORDS POWOW

Palaver Thursday Showcase

9 p.m. Thursdays, FooBar Too

Looking to hear some fresh new tunes without paying a pretty penny to do it? Head over to FooBar on Thursday nights — East Nasty-based record label Palaver Records hosts a weekly showcase to promote both local and traveling acts. It gives them a chance to scout performers, bands an opportunity to promote themselves, and gives music lovers a cheap show to catch during the week (only $3 at the door—you can’t beat that in Music City). You can see an array of different genres from week to week, and the beer always flows easy at Foo with $3 drafts. 2511 Gallatin Road, www.palaverrecords.com

Bridge hosts an open mic night that such soliloquies are made for. They call it “storytelling karaoke.” They only ask that you tell it straight from the heart in less than five minutes. Bring your first and it won’t be the last time you make it out to this night. Admission is $5 and bring a few extra dollhairs for the cash bar. 4304 Charlotte Ave., www.actorsbridge.org

CHICKS AND GIGGLES

Girl on Girl Comedy

8 p.m. the last Friday of each month, Mad Donna’s

Once a month, Mad Donna’s hosts a standup comedy series, Girl on Girl Comedy. Nearly all the performers are women, although sometimes a guy is brave enough to take the stage. Girl on Girl is the brainchild of Christy Eidson, who hosts the show. Eidson has been doing comedy for more than 10 years. Once in awhile, they mix things up a bit with music, burlesque and the occasional male pole dancer. They even hand out prizes. Be forewarned: This is an R-rated event, so if you can’t handle anything raunchy or risqué, Girl on Girl is not for you. The show is 18 and up. Admission is $10 a head or $15 for couples. 1313 Woodland St., 615-226-1617, www.maddonnas.com

GET YOUR CREEP ON

The Cult Fiction Underground

THERE’S A FIRST TIME FOR EVERYTHING…

First Time Stories

7 to 10 p.m., first Friday of each month, Actor’s Bridge Studio

We all have our firsts, some better than others.

Whether it’s a story about that first prom night (when you weren’t crowned king or queen), your first concert, or maybe that first kiss — these stories are the stuff of the stage. Actors

8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Logue’s Black Raven Emporium

The Cult Fiction Underground is housed beneath Robert Logue’s Black Raven Emporium off Gallatin Road. Every weekend they host screenings of rare and classic horror and cult films under the shop for $5. There is a gothic-style bar and lounge area downstairs also, so you can socialize and have a drink before (or after) the film. The dim basement creates

an intimate gathering space for cult and horror fans. The entrance is behind the building and parking is free. Check out Black Raven’s Facebook page to see what films they’re screening each week. 2915 Gallatin Road, 615-562-4710

NEIGHBORHOOD MEETINGS & ASSOCIATIONS SHELBY HILLS NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

6:30 p.m. third Monday of every month, Shelby Community Center

401 S. 20th St., www.shelbyhills.org

EASTWOOD NEIGHBORS

6:30 p.m. second Tuesday of every other month, Eastwood Christian Church

1601 Eastland Ave., www.eastwoodneighbors. org

GREENWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

6 p.m. second Tuesday of every month, House on the Hill

909 Manila St., www.greenwoodneighbors.org

EAST NASHVILLE CAUCUS

5 p.m. first Wednesday of every month, Metro Police East Precinct

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ESC The East Nashville Caucus provides a public forum for East Nashville community leaders, representatives, council members and neighbors. 936 E. Trinity Lane

CHAMBER EAST

7:15 to 9 a.m. first Wednesday of every month,

6:30 p.m. first Thursday of every month, McFerrin Park Community Center 301 Berry St.

ROSEBANK NEIGHBORS

for mothers to connect with other EN mothers. The meetings are open to all mothers in the designated area. Meetings host speakers, cover regular business items of the organization including upcoming service initiatives and activities, and also allow women to discuss the ins and outs, ups and downs of being a mother with other women. To determine which MOMS group meets in your area visit www.momsclubeast.blogspot.com

The Chamber East meets every month for a networking coffee to discuss community updates and how to grow and improve the East Nashville area. For the location of upcoming meetings, visit www.nashvillechamber.com

6:30 p.m. third Thursday of every month, Memorial Lutheran Church. Rosebank Neighbors will not meet the month of December.

CLEVELAND PARK NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

DICKERSON ROAD MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION

Nov. 10 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 12 p.m.

Nov. 14 vs. Indianapolis Colts, 7:25 p.m.

Dec. 15 vs. Arizona Cardinals, 12 p.m.

Dec. 29 vs. Houston Texans, 12 p.m.

Nov. 9 vs. Austin Peay (Hale Stadium), 2 p.m.

Nov. 16 vs. Murray State (LP Field), 2 p.m.

1211 Riverside Drive

6:30 p.m. second Thursday of every month, Cleveland Park Community Center

4 p.m. last Thursday of every month, Metro Police East Precinct

610 N. Sixth St., www.facebook.com/groups/ ClevelandPark

936 E. Trinity Lane, www.dickersonroadmerchants.com

INGLEWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

10 a.m. first Friday of every month, location varies by group

7 p.m. first Thursday of every month, Isaac Litton Alumni Center

MOMS CLUB OF EAST NASHVILLE

4500 Gallatin Road, www.inglewoodrna.org

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MCFERRIN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION

THEEASTNASHVILLIAN.COM

MOMS (Moms Offering Moms Support) Club is an international organization of mothers with three branches in the East Nashville area. It provides a support network

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TENNESSEE TITANS, LP Field

TSU TIGERS

If you have an event you would like to have listed, please send information about the event to calendar@theeastnashvillian.com.

For more up to date information, be sure to visit us at theeastnashvillian.com

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marketplace Happy Holidays!

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marketplace

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When the Best is Required 3 Independent Law Practices 1 Neighborhood Location

Look for the Blue Door The Law Offices of Andrew Caple-Shaw The Law Offices of Robbie H. Bell The Law Offices of Clayton Thomas Wraith

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EAST of NORMAL By

To m m y Wo m a c k

But I’m huge in Sweden

G

reetings from Pitea, Sweden, an hour south of the Arctic Circle.

It’s not warm. But it could be worse. Being near the sea makes it warmer than it could be, so thank God for small favors. For the record I’m dispensing with all umlauts and such when spelling Scandinavian words, because I’m on deadline and finding those letters on an American Mac is an ordeal. I doubt it’ll make much difference to my East Nashville readership.

I’ve been in Sweden or Norway for three weeks as of today, and I have five days to go. This is probably the best tour I’ve ever been on. On one hand, we only make merch money, but on the plus side, everything is paid for: my flight, the hotels, rental car, gas, and most of the meals, so it balances out. I’m over here with two fine upstanding artists: Sofia “Slow Fox” Henricsson (a native) and Peter Bruntnell from England. We’re billed as the Triple Troubadours, and we trade songs back and forth Nashville style.

As will happen, we learn each other’s songs over time and get bolder and bolder in backing each other up. It gets a little smoother every gig. By the last gig this coming Saturday, we’ll be poopy hot, and then it will end. Such is life.

Sweden is a very together country. Very civilized. Most of it is farmland, and it looks more like America than any European country I’ve ever been to. You could be in Wisconsin. Everything is very clean and well maintained. Solid wooden two-story farmhouses dot the landscape. Giant bales of hay sit sealed up in giant white bags. Horses wear coats. Nothing is in disrepair. In America, I’m used to driving by the occasional disused barn that is rotted gray and leaning in on itself; there is none of that in Sweden.

Everything is properly kept up and freshly painted, usually brick red. In the southern part of the country, all the trees are exploding in fall colors. Up here in the north, they’re all evergreen trees; branches groaning with snow in some spots. Reindeer sightings have been three so far, with two of them placidly munching by the side of the road. One of them bought a CD. Aside from liver paste, caviar that comes in squeeze-tubes and some brown cheese we came across in Norway, the Scandinavian gastronomy seems well suited to my stubborn American tastes. In other words, I haven’t been served a cold plate of jellied herring or anything like that. We’ve had burgers, pizza, tacos and a running streak of great Thai food. (People from Thailand seem to have gravitated to this part of the world, which I find curious. I suppose there are Thai people who just get fed up with heat and humidity and want a change.)

The average hotel television in Sweden has six to nine channels, of which two or three will feature English language programming. That programming has a 90-percent chance of being “Scrubs,” “The Big Bang Theory” or “How I Met Your Mother.” The rest of the television I’ve been able to understand has either been the BBC news channel, or American movies

with Swedish subtitles and Swedish commercials interspersed. For the first week I buried myself in “Breaking Bad” on laptop Netflix, which was fun and all, but the website stops at Season Three and it’s just as well, as it was getting depressing. If I want to witness the utter moral breakdown of a human being, I have lots of memories from my 20s I can draw on.

T

he gigs overall have been great. There hasn’t been a night when I wasn’t in the mood to play, and when you have to only play a third of the songs, and you’re sitting down as well, it’s not too taxing. Most of the venues are small, but the audiences are very generous. I’m very lyrics-heavy, and even though almost everyone here speaks English, there are limits to what I can expect them to grasp. I sing about Mapco and Harris-Teeter and other stuff that’s esoteric to them, but the audiences have all seemed to get the basic gist of what I’m going on about, at least most of the time.

I have seen eyes glazing over on some songs though. There are lines that get big laughs at home that sail right past them here, but that also frees me to play the songs that don’t go for the funny bone so much, and that has been fun to do.

Two factors have afforded me an independence I’ve never before enjoyed in Europe: my iPhone, and the fact that they drive on the right side of the road over here. In Falkenberg, the power cable to my laptop broke. An online sortie to a camera store afforded me the information that there was an Apple store in Varberg 40 kilometers away. Using our rental car, and Siri’s peerless driving directions on the iPhone, I managed to find my way there and back, which is the only reason I’m able to type this right now.

That may seem like a little thing, but when you’re used to being semi-cut off from the world over here with limited mobility, it’s huge.

Without trying to start an argument, let me say that they seem to be doing something right here. The Social Democrats have been top party in Sweden’s parliamentary democracy for 60 years. There is a wide social safety net. Everyone pays 33 percent income tax across the board. College is free. Health care is free. It’s not a welfare state; you have to have a job. Some people are well off; some are less so. Some people have big houses, some people live in small apartments, some people drive sharp Volvos, and some people take the bus. People own things. It’s not much different from home.

Much as I like it here, and much as I think they have something to teach us, I’m looking forward to getting home. Not just because it’s my home and I miss my wife and son, but because I’m an American. I want streetlights hanging above the cars, not set on poles on the sidewalks. I want my 70 television channels, even if I only watch three. I want my Mapco and my Doritos. I want my NPR, Krispy Kremes and Family Wash. And even though I don’t listen much anymore to classic rock radio, it’s nice to know it’s there.

— Tommy Womack is a singer-songwriter and author, and a former

member of Government Cheese and the bis-quits. His memoir “Cheese Chronicles” has just been released as an e-book by Amber House Books.

Visit his website at tommywomack.com

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PARTING SHOT

CYLE BARNES of THE WEEKS LIVE ON THE GREEN SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 PHOTOGRAPHED BY CHUCK ALLEN

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