Nashville Scene 4-4-24

NEWS:

PRESSURE MOUNTS ON VANDERBILT FOLLOWING ARRESTS OF STUDENTS, SCENE REPORTER

>> PAGE 11

NEWS: GOP VACATES TSU BOARD, GOV. LEE APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS

>> PAGE 11

Known as the preeminent American sculptors of the Gilded Age, Daniel Chester French and Augustus Saint-Gaudens produced dozens of the nation’s most recognizable public works. Monuments and Myths is the first major exhibition entirely devoted to the intersecting careers of these two friendly rivals. Learn about the lives and careers of both artists while exploring the aesthetically graceful and socially potent artworks that shaped and reflected America’s complicated negotiation of national identity.

THROUGH MAY 27

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919 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203

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Pressure Mounts on Vanderbilt Following Arrests of Students, Scene Reporter

Students protest the school’s suppression of pro-Palestinian activism and the interim suspension of protesters

GOP Vacates TSU Board, Gov. Lee Appoints New Members

Move comes as comptroller’s office issues audit reports including findings from 2019

Area Organizations Reveal Plans to Curb Opioid Crisis

Millions of dollars in grants were awarded for mobile clinics, indigent services, pregnancy care

COVER PACKAGE: FOOD & DRINK ISSUE

Food Fight

Our staff faces off over our favorite local menu items in 18 categories

A Guide to Nashville’s International Markets Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe are represented across Nashville-area grocery stores

CRITICS’ PICKS

Mitski, OZ Arts’ 10th Anniversary Bash, LA LOM, Solar Eclipse viewing and more

ADVICE KING

How Is Your Mom Doing?

Sooner or later, we are all forced to engage with this noncommunicative health care system

ART

Crawl Space: A Fresh Perspective at Zeitgeist Leads April’s First Saturday Events Plus, Kevin Guthrie’s opening will be DJ’d by Pavement/ Silver Jews alum Bob Nastanovich

CULTURE

On The Porch

Nashville’s literary collective celebrates its 10th anniversary BY

BOOKS

Looking at Everything

Ross Gay reprises his practice of everyday delight

MUSIC

Say It Again

Katie Pruitt expands their horizons on Mantras

Gathering Place

Sunday Night Soul makes plans to celebrate 10 years

On the Palette

Indigo De Souza keeps broadening her sound

The Spin

The Scene’s live-review column checks out Sampha at Brooklyn Bowl

FILM

… As We Know It

Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World is a film about being on the business end of economic inequality

NEW YORK TIMES CROSSWORD AND THIS MODERN WORLD MARKETPLACE

ON THE COVER:

Model: Robin Fomusa; photo: Eric England

Food stylists: Angelina Castillo, Elizabeth Jones, Mary Louise Meadors

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FROM BILL FREEMAN

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE HEADED TO ‘JAILHOUSE ROCK’ WITH TENNESSEE’S GROUNDBREAKING ELVIS ACT

IN A NEARLY unprecedented move, the Tennessee General Assembly recently passed legislation with unanimous votes in both the state House and Senate. This legislation was signed into law last month in classic Nashville style — the signing took place at Robert’s Western World on Lower Broad.

The Ensuring Likeness, Voice and Image Security Act protects the music industry and its professionals from the damaging potential of artificial intelligence. The new law, which updates our existing personal rights law and is fittingly named with the acronym ELVIS, is the first of its kind in the country. I am proud that our fine state and our music industry championed this important legislation and brought it to a vote.

It’s been against the law for decades to use someone’s likeness without permission. In fact, our state law protecting an artist’s name, image and likeness was written and became law in 1984, and it too was groundbreaking legislation. The Personal Rights Protection Act of 1984 helped protect the estate of the late Elvis Presley, in fact, which makes the acronym of this new law even more appropriate. That legislation was also championed by Tennessee lawmakers, and it has now been updated to incorporate a person’s voice into the existing protections for someone’s name, image and likeness.

It is not often that a legislative body votes in unison for a piece of legislation. It is the mark of our state’s emphasis on protecting the individuals who rely on their artistic skill and creativity for their professions, and for protecting our state’s music industry as a whole. It is both the right and the smart thing to do. After all, the music industry is the linchpin for a significant portion of our state’s economy. As the governor’s office reported, “Tennessee’s music industry supports more than 61,617 jobs across the state, contributes $5.8 billion to our GDP, and fills over 4,500 music venues.” That is a considerable portion of our state economy directly supported by the music industry, and it is worth protecting. We should all thank our elected officials in the General Assembly for their development and support of this legislation. The sponsors of this bill are to be applauded.

I find it quite appropriate, too, that the legislation drew support from such a broad spectrum of music professionals. It was not just the country music industry that sounded the alarm to this new threat to personal creativity — it was a who’s-who of music industry groups from all genres. Country, blues, gospel, contemporary Christian, Americana, folk, R&B — representatives from all of these genres were in support of this legislation. The ELVIS Act has made waves across the country and beyond, with attention being paid by media outlets in other cities where creativity and artistic expression reign. The New York Times commented on this law with the tongue-in-cheek headline “Tennessee Makes A.I. an Outlaw to Protect Its Country Music and More.”

How fitting is it that the name of the ELVIS Act is a nod to one of the world’s most iconic performers? Elvis Presley, while not born in Tennessee, certainly made an impact on our music industry, and he made Tennessee his home. Graceland, his Memphis mansion, has long been a fixture among our state’s most popular tourist destinations. Some of his earliest and most successful recordings were made on Nashville’s famed Music Row in legendary studios with many of the city’s iconic session musicians. Legend has it that Elvis’ 1961 visit to the state Capitol was accompanied by so many screaming fans that people reported feeling the foundation of the building shake! It’s also quite fitting that this law was finalized and voted on by both the state House and Senate within days of the anniversary of Elvis Presley’s March 8, 1961, visit to the Tennessee General Assembly.

The fact that Tennessee is the first state to enact such protective legislation is a testament to the importance of our music industry and to the community support our state is famous for. We take care of each other here in Tennessee, and this law is the perfect example of that.

Bill Freeman

Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and The News

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PRESSURE MOUNTS ON VANDERBILT FOLLOWING ARRESTS OF STUDENTS, SCENE REPORTER

Students protest the school’s suppression of pro-Palestinian activism and the interim suspension of protesters

OVER THE PAST several weeks, the Scene has followed and written about pro-Palestinian student protests on Vanderbilt University’s campus. In March, the school blocked a vote on a resolution supporting a Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement — a Palestinian-led effort to leverage international economic power against the state of Israel — through the Vanderbilt Student Government. Student groups were met with procedural setbacks and what staff reporter Eli Motycka described as the administration’s “bureaucratic spin cycle.” Two-dozen faculty members petitioned the school to reverse its decision and allow a student BDS vote.

More than two dozen students occupied Chancellor Daniel Diermeier’s office in Kirkland Hall, the school’s central administrative building, on Tuesday, March 26. Dozens more students rallied out front. The Scene showed up around noon to report on the protest, and an hour later, reporter Eli Motycka was arrested without warning by a Vanderbilt police officer, handcuffed and transported to the Davidson County jail.

Davidson County District Attorney Glenn Funk told reporters through a spokesperson that afternoon that his office would not “prosecute a reporter for peacefully doing his or her job.” Motycka was released from custody and returned to Vanderbilt’s campus by the arresting officer. He was not charged with a crime, and was told that the judicial magistrate did not find probable cause to hear Vanderbilt’s charges against him.

Student protests continued into Wednesday morning when protesters were arrested and

given interim suspension. Later that day, Vanderbilt issued a statement that journalists would need approval to access the campus — it was the first time journalists from the Scene (and several other local media outlets) had seen these requirements.

On Thursday, March 28, 11 members of the Metro Council signed a letter to Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier signaling their support of the student protesters and requesting a meeting with Diermeier and student leaders.

That same day, the school issued a statement saying it “will review whether the administration’s response to the Nashville Scene reporter’s attempts to gain access to a restricted building on Tuesday aligned with our core values.”

As of this writing, pressure continues to mount on the chancellor and the school. Professors are circulating a letter criticizing the university’s response to student protests as “excessive and punitive” and disputing its characterization of protests as a safety threat. A petition calling on Vanderbilt to repeal the suspensions, drop charges against protesters and allow students to vote on the Boycott, Divest and Sanctions referendum that prompted the sit-in garnered roughly 2,500 signatures in just 24 hours. The number of signatures continues to increase as this issue goes to press.

In a letter defending the university’s response to protests and repeating the school’s public position on the matter, Diermeier ignored the 11 Metro councilmembers’ request for an in-person meeting and wrote: “We will review whether our response aligned with our core values.” ▼

GOP VACATES TSU BOARD, GOV. LEE APPOINTS NEW MEMBERS

Move comes as comptroller’s office issues audit reports including findings from 2019

GOV. BILL LEE on Thursday signed a bill to vacate all eight seats on Tennessee State University’s

board and named replacements hours after the legislation officially passed the House.

Also on Thursday morning, the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury’s office released three new audits of TSU. One was an independent forensic audit undertaken by CliftonLarsonAllen over a fouryear period from July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2023. CLA did not find evidence of “fraud or malfeasance by executive leadership, the University or the TSU Foundation.” It did include 57 observations and 60 recommendations for the university’s monetary responsibilities.

The university issued a statement in response:

“TSU finds the report’s observations and recommendations to be helpful as we continue to improve our business operations, but it must be stressed this forensic audit firm was retained specifically to determine if TSU had committed fraud or malfeasance.”

The university also addressed the comptroller office’s other two audits. In an audit of the 2022 fiscal year, the office included nine findings related to lack of oversight for finances, and at least three findings have been previously reported in other audits. The audit of the state itself for FY23 includes six findings in relation to how the university handles federal grant awards for students’ financial aid.

“These findings in this report cover a period that began in 2021, and do not reflect the substantial improvements that TSU has made to its business operations over the past two years, and gives the impression that TSU is committing the same infractions in the present, which is not the case,” reads TSU’s statement. “Additionally, the audits do not mention the gross underfunding of TSU. Moreover, the audits do not support any of the allegations that had been brought forward as the basis to dissolve the TSU Board of Trustees.”

The previous board consisted of Deborah Cole, Stephen Corbeil, Van Pinnock, Richard Lewis, Pam Martin, Obie McKenzie, Andre Johnson and Joseph Walker III. Faculty trustee William Johnson and student trustee Shaun Wimberly were also removed. The new board will pick the student representative, and the TSU Faculty Senate will choose its new representation.

Lee’s eight new picks are all TSU graduates: Trevia Chatman, president, Bank of America Memphis; Jeffery Norfleet, provost and vice president for administration, Shorter College; Marquita Qualls, founder and principal, Entropia Consulting; Terica Smith, deputy mayor and director of human resources, Madison County; Charles Traughber, general counsel, division of real estate, retail, and financial services at Bridgestone Americas; Dwayne Tucker, CEO of LEAD Public Schools; Kevin Williams, president and CEO of GAA Manufacturing; and Dakasha Winton, senior vice president and

chief government relations officer at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.

The vote in the House was not passed without some uproar. Originally in the House Government Operations Committee, an amendment was passed to vacate only three of the eight board seats. But as soon as the amendment was brought to the floor for discussion, the vice chair of the committee, Rep. Jay Reedy (R-Erin), withdrew the amendment. Objections were made, but with a vote along party lines, it was removed from consideration.

“There was an attempt or compromise that was sought to be made,” Rep. Justin Pearson (D-Memphis) said during discussion of the bill. “People here talk about teamwork and bipartisanship, and there was an agreement. ... But instead of doing that, we are now seeking to dismantle the entire board for the only public HBCU in our state. This is wrong and immoral. This perpetuates the racism of previous generations into legislation today.”

The university released its statement after the bill’s passage in the House but before the governor’s announcement, saying in part: “We believe this legislation will disrupt our students’ educational pursuits, harm the image of the University, and remove a Board that had achieved success in its enhanced governance of TSU.”

The change comes as TSU searches for a new president following Glenda Glover’s announcement that she will retire at the end of this school year.

Barry Barlow, a member of the Save TSU Community Coalition, spoke at a press conference after the vote. “Somebody better tell them, just like the honorable John Robert Lewis, get ready for us, we are getting ready to bring you ‘good trouble,’” Barlow said.

TSU student leaders held a press conference Monday morning “to sound the alarm about extremist Republican legislatures across the country that are attacking and defunding historically black colleges and universities.”

A previous version of this article was published online by both the Scene and our sister publication, the Nashville Post. ▼

Featuring action-packed fight scenes, lush period costumes, and live music by the Nashville Symphony

Choreography and Direction by Paul Vasterling

Inspired by the play by William Shakespeare

Music by Sergei Prokofiev

April 20–21

AREA ORGANIZATIONS REVEAL PLANS TO CURB OPIOID CRISIS

Millions of dollars in grants were awarded for mobile clinics, indigent services, pregnancy care

COMPANIES THAT MADE, distributed or sold opioid painkillers faced lawsuits that led to a $26 billion settlement. In 2022, local governments across the country — including in Tennessee — signed on to the settlement agreement, and now it’s up to the affected communities to decide how they will best mitigate the damage those companies caused.

In 2023, more than 700 Nashvillians died from a drug overdose.

In March of this year, the Tennessee Opioid Abatement Council announced $81 million in grant awards statewide, with millions set to hit Nashville organizations’ bank accounts starting in July.

There are a few common threads in the program strategies. Medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine and methadone curbs opioid cravings. It is used to treat opioid use disorder (shortened to OUD) and substance use disorder (SUD), a broader term. Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name Narcan, can reverse an overdose, but not if xylazine, an adulterant often found in illicit drugs, is involved. Many organizations will operate under the harm-reduction ethos, which acknowledges that people will not typically be ready to quit using drugs altogether, but when provided with clean syringes, wound care and naloxone, they can more likely live to one day access treatment.

Below, find more details on how Nashville’s top five awardees plan to spend the opioidabatement money.

VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER: $2.8 MILLION

VUMC’s funding will focus on treatment for mothers with substance use disorder and their babies, bolstering the organization’s 2011-founded Firefly program.

They’ll use the opioid-abatement money to expand services to rural areas. Patients travel to VUMC representing 26 different counties, says Jessica Young, medical director for Firefly. The organization’s goal is to get pregnant mothers into treatment so Firefly can minimize the effect on the fetus, provide specialized anesthesia during birth and continue to support patients postpartum.

The opioid-abatement money will also be used to employ more peer recovery specialists with the hope of growing the profession, Young says.

“We have found adding peer recovery specialists to our team has really increased engagement,” Young says. “We have fewer people who are disengaged from care. For people who do relapse, I think it makes it easier for them to re-engage.”

MENTAL HEALTH COOP: $2.3 MILLION

Mental Health Coop, with 12 locations

statewide, currently has a small grant that allows them to serve a handful of uninsured individuals per month. With the additional funding, the organization will be able to serve more of them in medication-assisted treatment, outpatient treatment and detox offerings. Detox offerings are difficult to find in the region, and are a barrier to other forms of treatment.

“To make sure people are prepared to have outpatient treatment means sometimes they need to go through detox first,” says chief operating officer Andrea Westerfield. “Not many of those services exist across the state, and our goal would be to use our 24/7 crisis services here in Davidson County to be able to also complete detox on site and have a safe place to do that.”

MEHARRY MEDICAL COLLEGE:

$2.6 MILLION

Dr. Lyle Cooper, director of the Meharry Addiction Clinic, finds that very few people with substance use disorder actually come into the clinic. Because of this, much of the organization’s opioid-abatement money will go toward establishing a mobile clinic in Memphis, to mirror the one in Nashville.

HOPE Clinic (Helping Our People Effectively) started as a mobile syringe exchange program, and thanks to the funding, will now include fentanyl test strips, xylazine test strips, naloxone, wound treatment, HIV and hepatitis-C testing and treatment, plus prescriptions for medication-assisted treatment.

Though the smallest subset of the cash (just over $429,000) is going to research called Tennessee Harm Reduction Efforts for Advanced Data (THREAD), it’s the part Cooper is possibly most excited about. THREAD will include a point-in-time survey, and create an advisory board to allow people with substance use disorder to participate in research studies.

“We know how many people go to treatment every year,” Cooper says. “We have some idea of what the outcomes are in treatment and how many people overdose, and we know some

things about those folks — whether it’s fatal, or it’s nonfatal. The space where we just don’t know much of anything is people who are actively using drugs.”

BELMONT UNIVERSITY: $2.9 MILLION

Belmont University is entering the opioid landscape for the first time with a harmreduction program called BU Trains. The program is twofold, offering training for students and current physicians, as well as a mobile unit that will provide care similar to Meharry’s model, along existing routes for the city’s outreach workers.

With Belmont’s medical college set to welcome students this fall, the timing is ripe. BU Trains will also serve as a teaching opportunity for the students.

“We don’t want to reinvent the wheel, that’s for sure,” says Tracy Frame, an associate professor of pharmacy and medicine at Belmont’s future medical college. “We want to partner with organizations and really help everyone flourish.”

“We’re growing,” says pharmacology professor Amy Henneman. “There’s a sense of ‘Where can we be helpful to Nashville?’ We want to be an integral part of the community.”

METRO NASHVILLE PUBLIC HEALTH

DEPARTMENT: $2.1 MILLION

Metro Nashville Public Health Department will use the money to expand its opioid pilot program, for which it is set to announce the awardee in May, once approved by the Metro Council.

The program will implement an opioid care process that employs a care coordinator to guide the person through treatment, including housing and transportation resources where needed. Referrals will come from the city’s REACH program, the emergency room and incarceration reentry, as well as selfreferrals from the department’s clinics. ▼

These custom patent leather boots were worn by Dick Curless, “The Baron of Country Music.” This moniker, which suited his looks and baritone voice, was inspired by the title of one of his songs and bestowed on him by manager Jack McFadden.

From the exhibit Dick Curless: Hard Traveling Man from Maine

RESERVE TODAY

Our staff faces off over our favorite local menu items in 18 categories

HEADQUARTERS

4902 Charlotte Ave.

Unless you’re familiar with the digestive enzymes of a certain Asian palm civet, after your morning coffee clears a basic level of quality, each day’s decision comes down to convenience, price and reliable strength. Try both excellent options and see where you go back; I will wager my ample Headquarters rewards balance that it’s Nashville’s least-pretentious-but-still-pretentious hipster coffee nook on Charlotte Avenue. An imposing wood bar defines the narrow, century-old storefront from which merry Lawrence and his crew of baristas alternatively dial in espresso and dispense easy banter, relationship advice and life lessons. Offbeat print reading material and a stealthy back porch give patrons the elusive feeling that one is part of a real, actual neighborhood. Free parking abounds. The burritos may contain tater tots.

FOR THE MOST PART, the small but scrappy staff here at the Nashville Scene gets along pretty well. But for this week’s issue — our Food & Drink Issue, in conjunction with our 15th annual Iron Fork event Thursday night at the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum — we decided to duke it out. In 18 categories, Scene staffers are battling over our favorite local menu items, from gin-and-tonics and berry beers to pulled pork, doughnuts and banana pudding. Also in this issue, find our map of some of Nashville’s best international markets, compiled by editorial intern Sol Ayala. We’ve also got more details on Iron Fork on p. 37.

Don your bib and pull up a chair — it’s a food fight!

IRON FORK: 6 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 4, AT THE MUSICIANS HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

doughnut

3900 Hillsboro Pike, Suite 2

With due respect to my talented colleague Alejandro and the fine folks over at East Park Donuts, you’re off your rocker if you’re putting any doughnut in the city up against legendary longtime outpost Fox’s Donut Den’s apple fritter. Perfectly light, perfectly glazed, perfectly flavored and nearly the size of a dinner plate, Fox’s fritter is one of Nashville’s most iconic bites. And best of all, even though Fox’s has been serving locals in Green Hills for half a century, the fritter tastes exactly the same. Every damn time.

700 Main St.

East Park Donuts gets saddled with stuffy labels like “gourmet,” “modern” and “artisanal,” but the most consistent item on their menu isn’t some overpriced novelty. It’s really quite simple: a fluffy brioche ring topped with brown-butter cream and sprinkled with salt. It’s elegant, it has sweet and salty notes, and every single bite is enjoyable. It’s not so gussied-up as to turn off traditionalists, but it’s also a good deal more exciting than usual glazed or sprinkle-covered staples.

cup of coffee

CREMA

Multiple locations; crema-coffee.com

In a city oversaturated with coffee shops, Crema stands out for a number of reasons. There’s the convenience factor, of course — the locally owned chain has locations in East Nashville, downtown and Brentwood. Crema is also a zero-waste company, diverting an estimated 95 percent of its waste from landfills, and they’ve got a great, friendly staff to boot. But forget all that. The reason I’m truly going to bat for them? They make the best cup of coffee in the city. Never too bitter, never too dark or too light, always transparently sourced, Crema’s drip coffee is always hot, robust and tasty. You don’t have to take my word for it (though you should — I drink about 20 cups of the stuff per month); they’ve landed on lists by Food & Wine and earned awards from the Specialty Coffee Association of America. This one is no contest.

JACKALOPE’S LOVEBIRD jackalopebrew.com

Honestly, I’d argue Lovebird stands a good chance as best beer in town — not just best berry-based one. What separates it from the pack is the full, fruity, not-too-sweet flavor, the crisp finish and the balanced body. As someone who indulged in plenty of fruit-flavored beers in my misspent 20s (including some blueberry ones), I find them a bit juvenile at times, reliant on overpowering sweetness. But Lovebird’s strawberry and raspberry flavors make it feel like a beer for slightly more mature palates — but not in a boring or overly hoppy way. It’s perfect for spring and summer, but the raspberry notes lend just enough warmth for even the bleakest of winter days.

Gin cocktail

GIN-AND-TONIC MENU AT PENINSULA

1035 W. Eastland Ave.

There comes a time in a person’s life when they decide to lay down the pursuit of drinking a very skinny and wince-inducing tequila soda. It’s time for a sophisticated gin-and-tonic to shine, and East Nashville’s Peninsula is the place to find one. It feels good to be able to trust others, and the bartenders at Peninsula are worthy of your trust. The restaurant’s eight different gin-andtonics (made with mint and passionfruit or cucumber and black pepper, for example) are measured and refreshing. Cheers to a classic that really needs no introduction.

berry beer

LONDON FLOWER AT XIAO BAO

830 Meridian St.

Sichuan peppercorns are a gift. I have a jar of them, and I frequently open it just to inhale the fruity, peppery aroma. When I saw that Xiao Bao has a cocktail with a Sichuan-peppercorn-infused gin, lemon and Pimm’s, I was thrilled. The citrusy, floral flavor is delightful, and the Sichuan peppercorns provide a tonguenumbing effect. It’s not necessarily spicy, but it provides a subtle tingling sensation that is just strong enough. It adds an extra layer of excitement to an already delicious drink and what always proves to be a fantastic meal.

BLACKSTONE’S BLUEBERRY PICNIC blackstonebeer.com

Easy and light, Blackstone Brewing Co.’s Blueberry Picnic is sweet without making you feel like you’ve eaten a blueberry pie. The blueberry flavor bursts through the wheatiness of the ale, making it a perfect accompaniment to your picnic — or something to brighten your day when you’re stuck inside. The vibrant red color itself is a pick-me-up, and it’s perfect to sip ice-cold on a summer day spent out on the water. If blueberries aren’t your thing (you monster!), Blackstone’s Strawberry Picnic is also mighty tasty.

GREENER ROOTS GEM LETTUCE AT IGGY’S

609 Merritt Ave.

Remember the internet craze “Women Laughing Alone With Salad”? It was a meme that eventually became a play. The conceit was that stock photos of women smiling at lettuce on a fork were ridiculous, because no one was that happy eating a salad. But I prove the joke true. I am that happy while eating the Greener Roots Gem Lettuce salad at iggy’s Nashville. It’s a thing of beauty in its simplicity — a toss of buttery gem lettuce with toasted almonds, Manchego cheese, apples and a chardonnay vinaigrette I would bathe in if I could. (When iggy’s first opened, some people thought the salad was overdressed. I did not, but concede it is better now dressed with a lighter hand.) One recent evening my friends and I ordered one of every item on the iggy’s menu except for the salad: We ordered two of those.

HUMMUS AT KING TUT’S

3716 Nolensville Pike

Hummus makes a great foundation for all kinds of flavors — so much so that it’s easy to forget that the two main ingredients, chickpeas and sesame tahini, taste great on their own. King Tut’s Chef Rocky is a master of spices and seasonings, but as his hummus makes clear, he also knows when to hold back and let the fundamental flavors take center stage. Plus, it’s the perfect thickness, and there’s no better pairing than the warm, fresh pita that comes with it.

VUI’S SALAD

Multiple locations; vuiskitchen.com

The Vui’s salad is my go-to when I don’t want to cook but am looking for something as delicious as it is nourishing. Cilantro and mint are added to leafy greens and cabbage for a hearty, herbaceous base. Sesame seeds, cucumber, carrots, red onion and scallion oil provide crunch, color and lots of flavor. There are several protein and dressing options, which means you can reinvent the salad again and again. Since there are multiple Vui’s locations around town that are open for lunch and dinner all week, it’s more accessible than other salads you may have heard about.

HONORABLE MENTION: Butcher & Bee

HUMMUS AT LYRA

935 W. Eastland Ave.

Hummus is the essential start to Lyra’s menu, a Middle Eastern choose-your-own-adventure that has yet to disappoint. Unlike my adversary’s ode to simplicity, the merits of this hummus — best shared with friends at a discount on the patio during Lyra’s happy hour — lie in its ability to perfectly partner with accompanying delights (and, of course, Lyra’s cloudlike pita). Zhuzh up with jalapeño relish, candied onions, chili turnips or lamb, spiced and ground, to get a sense of your meal’s cardinal direction.

HONORABLE

LOADED BLACK BEAN NACHOS AT CALYPSO CAFE

700 Thompson Lane

I am not fancy, and frankly, I don’t need my nachos to be. (Radishes? Are you kidding me?) Nashville mainstay Calypso Cafe’s Loaded Black Bean Nachos are the dish of your youth. Melted cheddar cheese covers a layer of black bean dip and your choice of chicken, beef or rice. The chips are evenly topped with fresh red onions that add a nice crunch, jalapeños for a kick, diced tomatoes and a dollop of sour cream, served with a side of sauce. The nachos themselves are no-frills: sturdy and thick, ready to transport your mountain of toppings to your salivating mouth. Mmm … perfection.

NACHOS AT BASTION

434 Houston St., Suite 110

Yes, true, chef Josh Habiger’s award-winning restaurant Bastion is fancy. (The 24-seat finedining locale in Wedgewood-Houston is one of the best spots in the city for an anniversary, birthday or other celebratory meal.) But adjacent to the restaurant is a casual cocktail bar that offers one of the most delectable plates of nachos you’ll ever come across. And, Elizabeth, if by “fancy” you mean “decadent and extremely tasty,” yeah, sure — they’re fancy. Offered with or without meat, the nachos are served on a large tray and topped with queso, tomatillo salsa and a bevy of veggies. (Yes, including radishes. Radishes are good!) Perfect to share with a date over drinks.

Thai Fried Chicken

HATYAI THAI FRIED CHICKEN AT INTERNATIONAL MARKET

2013 Belmont Blvd.

Everytime I go to International Market and don’t order the Hatyai Thai Fried Chicken, it hurts a little. But the dish includes a half-chicken, so it’s best for sharing (preferably alongside a handful of other dishes). I was blown away the first time I had it, and I’ve ordered it several times since. The chicken is light and crispy, perfectly seasoned and enhanced by cucumber salad, cilantro sticky rice, chili sauce and nam jim jaew (a Thai dipping sauce). Use the sticky rice to grab a bit of each ingredient and make a truly perfect bite. Bonus points for their locally sourced chicken.

GAI TOD AT S.S. GAI

1101 McKennie Ave., Bay 3

No shade to Arnold and Anna Myint, who have been keeping their family legacy alive over at International Market. But my new obsession is the Gai Tod at S.S. Gai in East Nashville’s The Wash. You can get the Thai fried chicken as a two-piece or a four-piece, and it comes perfectly crispy every single time, served with sticky rice, fried shallots and garlic, tamarind chili fish sauce, chili vinegar and local veggies and herbs. You’ll swear there’s some secret addictive substance slipped in there somewhere — something powerful that will keep you coming back for more. Some customers swear by the Gai Yang, S.S. Gai’s grilled version of the dish. But personally, I just can’t quit the Tod. D. PATRICK RODGERS

QUESABIRRIAS AT MAIZ DE LA VIDA

1100 Stratton Ave.

You don’t need me to tell you how great Maiz de la Vida’s quesabirria is. Its reputation is well-known thanks to shows like Somebody Feed Phil But forget all that and let the food speak for itself. American wagyu beef from Black Hawk Farms simmers for hours in a delicious broth packed with flavor. It’s then nestled between hearty nixtamalized tortillas with cheese, and grilled until everything is melted together and a bit crispy. Paired with salsa and the consommé from whence it came, it makes for a dreamy meal that people travel from far and wide for.

Birria

QUESABIRRIAS AT LAURA’S COCINA

4407 Nolensville Pike

Ooey-gooey melted cheese covers the slow-roasted shredded beef in this vibrant dish. The quesabirria at Laura’s Cocina is encased in two tortillas, so you’re left with a little crunch on the exterior as you dip it into the consommé, which has just enough spice that it lingers on your lips for a minute or two. Hit the quesabirrias with a squirt of lime juice, add some fresh red onion and indulge. Then head home and take a nap. You deserve it.

Vegetable Side Dish

1300 Third Ave. N.

Mmm, burnt broccolini. Yeah, that’s right — it’s burnt! Or at least the florets are. The exterior of the broccolini is charred to absolute perfection and smothered in creamy black garlic, while the stalk maintains a fresh crunch. There’s a hint of smokiness from the Calabrian chiles and a bright splash of lemon. It’s so damn good. I’d eat way more vegetables if they were all served like this.

1000 Gallatin Ave.

There is lemongrass. Generous peanuts. Rough-chopped herbs. A hard-to-achieve texture somewhere between sauce and paste. Rarely, but sometimes, a dish comes along smothered in … something very good that you already know will be impossible to re-create in a home kitchen. Chris’s Fried Sweet Potatoes from East Side Banh Mi — named in honor of former chef de cuisine Chris Biard, now a chefowner at SS Gai — will leave you full and happy and wondering what just happened on and around your taste buds. Plus, all those folks eating vegan and gluten-free have the green light.

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Specialty pizza

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

414 Gallatin Pike S., Madison

The pickle pizza at Pinky Ring is a big dill — especially if you’re a pickle person, which I am. I’m also a ranch dressing person. The Madison Hot Pickle merges two of my favorite things: pickles and ranch dressing, and puts them on hot, cheesy bread with a kick of heat. I love this pizza so much that I’m willing to get on Briley Parkway for it. It’s spicy, crunchy and dripping in oil and ranch. Did you hear that? My stomach is growling. See you in Madison. KIM BALDWIN

MEATBALL AT FIVE POINTS PIZZA

1012 Woodland St. and 4100 Charlotte Ave.

Using meatballs as a pizza topping is like putting custom shock absorbers on a race car — you can fine-tune the flavor to make it complement everything else on the slice perfectly. Five Points Pizza’s meatballs are in the Goldilocks zone of meatiness and savory spiciness, and they’re a good bit less greasy than your average pepperoni. The addition of fresh mozzarella and red onion elevates the flavor profile just a tiny bit while keeping it simple enough to keep you coming back.

FRENCH FRIES AT CAFE ROZE/ROZE PONY

1115 Porter Road and 5133 Harding Pike

There’s no such thing as bad french fries, but really good french fries are surprisingly hard to find. That’s why I always order a side of them when I’m at one of Julia Jaksic’s restaurants — Cafe Roze in East Nashville or Roze Pony in Belle Meade. The crispy but not-too-thin shoestrings pair perfectly with a burger of course, but my go-to order at Cafe Roze is a Green Goddess Salad with a side of fries. They’re also the perfect complement to the Coconut Curry Mussels that I’ve gotten several times at Roze Pony. Dipping the salty, perfectly textured fries into the curry at the end of the meal is better than any dessert.

fries

1402 Buchanan St.

“I’m not your side dish” is painted on the wall at Bag Lady’s Fry Joint. It’s the perfect phrase to sum up the restaurant, which has centered its whole business on decadent fries. I really don’t see how any place can top it. It’d be one thing if the fries at Bag Lady’s weren’t so good, but of course they are. Well-seasoned and fried to perfection, they are delicious on their own or topped with all kinds of ingredients — from classic go-tos like cheese and bacon to more creative selections featuring the flavors of gyros or Philly cheesesteaks. KELSEY

At Holston House, the flavors hit all the right notes! Start your day with Southern brunch at TENN, then groove to live music at Bar TENN for dinner and a specialty cocktail. Looking for a Nashville view? Meet us at the top for midair mixers and mingling at Heirloom!

118 7th Ave N Nashville, TN 37203 holstonhouse.com

615.392.1234

FAT MO BURGER AT FAT MO’S

Multiple locations; fatmos.org

Let’s just get this out of the way: Fat Mo’s is, quite literally, a hole-in-thewall. It has a handful of locations, but my location of choice — the one on Gallatin Pike in East Nashville — is a drive-thru that has existed for a long time, and that makes it easy to overlook. But when you’re talking about the best hamburger in town, no other spot comes close. The Fat Mo’s Burger is the same every time — sloppy, sodium-rich and always perfectly slathered in the right combination of ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and pickles. If you’re into no-frills, you already know: Fat Mo’s is the standard-bearer for burgers in Nashville.

HUNTER

burger

DREAMBURGER AT DREAMBURGER

2039 Greenwood Ave.

305 Arrington St.

I’m always confused by people who want to “healthify” something meant for indulgence — something created for pleasure. Brownies made from black beans? Straight to jail. I want something warm and folded, that you can hold in your hand or drop into a large pocket. Something that is both ooey-gooey and crunchy at the same time. A first bite that makes you close your eyes and moan in satisfaction, reveling in the freedom to feel joy without restriction. That, my friend, is the power of the crunchwrap, and the best ones in town are at Redheaded Stranger.

Crunchwrap

When at Dreamburger, order a Dreamburger. The food truck — parked outside Vinyl Tap records shop — is one of the best in town. Its eponymous burger features two Black Angus beef patties smashed nice and thin so you get crispy edges. Underneath said smooshed patties are onions cut thin and cooked with the patties — the flavor is there but the texture makes them almost imperceptible. Add a sufficient amount of American cheese, some pickles and the bright Dreamburger sauce between two toasted buns and you’ve got yourself a damn good burger that isn’t too pretentious or greasy. KELSEY BEYELER

2414 Gallatin Ave.

Most restaurants can’t replace the guilty pleasure of a Taco Bell run no matter the quality of ingredients — though you’ll probably feel plain guilty given how heavy and overloaded most spots’ reimagined wraps get. Meanwhile, The BE-Hive’s simple and expertly assembled version, with its savory plantbased deli crumbles, is not just delicious, but also hearty without being too heavy or greasy. Don’t get me wrong, I love Redheaded Stranger — but I’d rather fill my tray with a diverse array of their tacos instead of one single item. The BE-Hive chooses simplicity over abundance, and with its impressive vegan ingredients, the crunchwrap feels less like imitation and more like innovation.

Pulled Pork

MENTIONS:

OOH-WEE BAR-B-Q

2008 Jefferson St.

With respect to Edley’s and their admittedly tasty meats, the previous blurb writer completely misses the point. His grandma is from Erwin, N.C. She doesn’t care about an extensive menu. She wants the best barbecue. Ooh Wee Bar-B-Q’s pulled-pork sandwich is the best barbecue. Each bite is a time machine to hot, late-summer pig pickin’ where reputations live or die by the quality of your ’cue. A Scene writer even gave it a Best of Nashville award. The writer of the previous blurb should come back when they understand what Food Fights are really about.

EDLEY’S BAR-B-QUE

Multiple locations; edleysbbq.com

Although “Nashville-style” barbecue isn’t as well-defined as Memphis’ dry rub or Lexington, N.C.’s vinegar-based pulled pork, you can always count on Edley’s to get your fix. The local chain serves up a variety of delectably smoked meats including brisket, ribs and chicken, but the pulled pork is the standout. Get it with some salty green beans and sweet banana pudding — or try something wild like the hot-chicken-inspired “hot pork barbecue,” marinated in habanero pepper mash. There’s enough variety to keep anyone happy, from your co-worker to your friend visiting from out of town and even your grandma.

Unconventional Cookies

Multiple locations; hificookies.com

Literally any cookie at HiFi Cookies is the best I’ve ever had. Each one is baked perfectly, with a slightly crumbly exterior and a soft inside. The flavors — named after musicians — are fun and creative, like the funfetti-packed Bowie or the peanut-butter-featuring Etta. My go-to is the Johnny, a brownie-like cookie covered in Cocoa Krispies and cocoa nib crunch. But I never get just one. I also gravitate toward the saltysweet Marvin, which includes pretzel and potato chips with toffee, chocolate chips and butterscotch chips. There are also some solid vegan cookie options, plus cookie cakes, cookie sandwiches and stuffed cookies.

Multiple locations; pinkdoorcookies.com

Pink Door Cookies can nail a classic cookie — but it’s the company’s more unlikely offerings that will prompt your pivot toward their Nashville Farmers’ Market booth. I used to skip the PB on my PB&Js, but Pink Door’s PB&J Cookie showed me the error of my ways. Its peanut butter chips, grape icing and crispy sprinkles make it an ideal, not-too-sweet treat. Ginger and grapefruit can be polarizing on their own, but put together on Pink Door’s Pink Grapefruit Gingersnap, they’re a harmonious pair. The grapefruit icing is tart, and the gingersnap itself has the right amount of spice. Pink Door Cookies are simply not like the others.

HANNAH HERNER

BANANA

PUDDING AT MONELL’S

1235 Sixth Ave. N.

Thirty-six minutes into a spontaneous lunch in Germantown, I am doing Monell’s math. How many more dishes until dessert? How many more spoonfuls until it gets painful? Cool banana pudding sits there like a prize. According to the server, they keep it on the table to remind you to save room for dessert. He says I’m crazy, but I swear sometimes they swap out the Nilla Wafers for crumbled biscuits, the same sweet-salty pillows that greeted us at the table — a kind of poetry. Be prepared to make realtime decisions about quantity that take into account blood sugar levels and gastrointestinal health. They will bring you more.

banana pudding

ROLLED 4 EVER

1120 Fourth Ave. N., Suite 102

PB ’NANA PUDDING AT HONEYFIRE BBQ

8127 Sawyer Brown Road, Suite

304, and 5055 Broadway Place Banana pudding is a famous Southern food, a delicious fixture found at nearly every traditional meat-and-three. So why would you gild the lily by introducing a new ingredient? Pure decadence, that’s why. HoneyFire BBQ, based in Bellevue but with a satellite location in Fifth + Broadway downtown, has come up with the pudding innovation of your dreams. The PB ’Nana Pudding features the deluxe food duo associated with iconic Southerner Elvis Presley: peanut butter and bananas. Ribbons of peanut butter are swirled in the delicate pudding, studded with fresh banana slices. Instead of bland wafers, peanut butter cookies add texture. The result? A hunk of sweet satisfaction.

local ice cream

Sitting in Germantown ice creamery Rolled 4 Ever, I found myself wondering, is oldfashioned scooped ice cream out? Before you answer that, you have to try rolled ice cream for yourself. Inspired by the Thai ice-cream-making method, it’s made with the base flavor of your choosing which is flash-frozen with other ingredients on a cold plate right in front of you, then rolled up and topped with various ingredients for a treat as fun as it is sweet. There are several flavor combinations to choose from, like Berrylicious, Coco Fever and Unicorn Fantasy — you can also order milkshakes and ice cream pops.

400 21st Ave. S.

For traditionalists, Sarabhas Creamery offers plenty of tasty, basic flavors — butterscotch, peanut butter-chocolate, Simply Strawberry. But for folks with more adventurous palates, owners Gursharan Singh and Manpreet Gill offer savory options like Kesar (saffron), Chai Spice and Indian Coffee. The Indianstyle house-made ice cream shop is a wholesome hangout in the Vandy area, great for families, students and anyone looking to try something new — or fall back on a classic flavor.

A Guide to Nashville’s International Markets

Africa, Asia, Latin America and Europe are represented across Nashville-area grocery stores

1. ALEKSEY’S MARKET

718 Thompson Lane

People say German chocolate is the best chocolate in the world; thanks to Aleksey’s, you don’t have to travel all the way to Germany to try it out. The wide array of cheeses and sweet treats makes the tiny market a perfect stop for your charcuterie board. Products coming from Russia, Greece, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Germany and various Eastern European countries can all be found at Aleksey’s.

2. BARAKA INTERNATIONAL MARKET & BAKERY

5596 Nolensville Pike

With a diverse selection including Middle Eastern, Asian, European and African goods, Baraka is well-known for its deli products and its freshly baked pita bread. Located near the corner of Nolensville Pike and Old Hickory Boulevard, Baraka also offers Middle Eastern dishes to go.

3. BOTAN MARKET

4905 Edmondson Pike

Located at the intersection of Edmondson and Nolensville pikes, this family-owned market has been part of Nashville for more than two decades. At Botan, you can find staples like rice and grains in bulk and ingredients essential for traditional Middle Eastern and North African cuisine, as well as Arabic and Turkish delights that will make you want more.

4. CHO A DONG

5837 Charlotte Pike

5. E&S INTERNATIONAL MARKET

1622 Bradyville Pike, Murfreesboro

As the years go by, Murfreesboro never stays behind. E&S International Market isn’t just a grocery store. The family-owned market also has a full-on butcher section,

the perfect place to shop for Sunday’s carne asada ingredients. Plus, the store offers baked goods and a taqueria for you to dine in or take out.

6. FRESH & FRESH MARKET

3905 Nolensville Pike

2728 Wilma Rudolph Blvd., Clarksville

This store knows its customers well. Located on Nolensville Pike, in the center of one of Nashville’s biggest and most diverse commercial districts, Fresh & Fresh Market imports products from East Asia and Latin America, making it a great one-stop shop for a variety of meals and shopping needs. In December 2022, the market expanded, opening a second location in Clarksville.

7. GLOBAL STAR MARKET

2705 Old Fort Parkway E., Murfreesboro

You can grab your African cuisine products and Caribbean dishes at Global Star Market, a newcomer to the

Murfreesboro area. Although the aisles might be small, the shelves stay stocked with the best African grocery brand items, as well as spices, Jamaican soft drinks, cans of ackee and frozen goods.

8. HD MARKET ASIAN FOODS

2059 Antioch Pike, Antioch

9. INTERNATIONAL MARKET

2013 Belmont Blvd.

10. INTERASIAN MARKET & DELI

2160 Nolensville Pike

A pioneer for Asian markets in Nashville, InterAsian first opened its doors in 1994. If you call yourself a Nashville local and haven’t tried their famous Original Banh Mi, then you should be making your way there now. The market, although small, offers a large selection of Southeast Asian grocery and deli produce.

11. K&S WORLD MARKET

5861 Charlotte Pike

4225 Nolensville Pike

12. KABUL HALAL MARKET

5378 Mt. View Road, Antioch

Formerly known as Baghdad Market, this store has new owners who are keeping up the quality with what they are best known for — halal meat. (Halal means the food is prepared in accordance with Islamic law.)

13. KIM’S INTERNATIONAL MARKET

1118 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro

14. KING MARKET

1801 Antioch Pike, Antioch

King Market is a Thai-Lao market and restaurant with one of the best bowls of pho in Nashville. It first opened in 2005, and even with new owners, the place keeps bringing in customers from all over the area, offering grocery products like tea, snacks, fruits and veggies, frozen food and even home goods.

15. LA TIENDA HISPANA

214 S. Maple St., Lebanon

This store is one of few Latino grocery markets in Lebanon. Beyond its large selection of Mexican products, La Tienda Hispana also has an in-store taqueria with an extensive menu including, of course, tacos and horchata and lots of seafood options.

16. LEONE STAR AFRICAN MARKET

459 Bell Road

17. LOS PAISANOS WORLD MARKET

3435 Lebanon Pike, Hermitage

18. MAEMAX MARKET

3016 W. Nir Shreibman, La Vergne

2106 Gallatin Pike, Madison

The Goyenechea family has been bringing authentic Filipino food and products to the city since 2017. MaeMax now has two locations: one in La Vergne and another in Madison.

19. NEWROZ MARKET

INTERNATIONAL FOODS

393 Elysian Fields Court

20. PATEL BROTHERS

420 Harding Place

21. UPTOWN FRESH MARKET

3901 Apache Trail, Antioch Piñatas hang from the ceiling, greeting you as you enter Uptown Fresh Market. The market is known for its fresh fruit and vegetable selection. New to Antioch, the market has become a favorite of locals in the area. Uptown’s inventory has the best of Central and South American products, and the Antioch store has attracted a diverse clientele of Latinos and non-Latinos alike.

22. UPTOWN FRUIT MARKET

1431 Dickerson Pike

Owned by the same folks behind Uptown Fresh Market, Uptown Fruit has a sizable produce selection and in-store butcher counter. They offer Latin American specialty products, sauces, spices and a lot more.

23. SHOP KIRAANA

300 Pleasant Grove Road, Mt. Juliet

The people of Mt. Juliet now have a local Indian grocery store thanks to Shop Kiraana, which opened in 2022. The small business is your gateway into Indian cuisine, offering a variety of hard-to-find ingredients needed to make traditional dishes.

24. SONOBANA JAPANESE MARKET

40 White Bridge Road

If you’re looking for sake, Sonobana Japanese Market on White Bridge Road has it. The market has a variety of grocery products, including Japanese cuisine ingredients, snacks, vegetables, soft drinks and fresh seafood, which you can also try at their famous sushi restaurant next door.

25. VIVA MARKET

818 Murfreesboro Pike, Suite 101

Visit nashvillescene.com to read a version of this story featuring Spanish, Japanese and Tagalog translations.

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hrant arakelian julio hernandez meet the chefs

If you’ve never been to one of the Scene’s Iron Fork competitions, well, first of all, where have you been? Anyway, welcome, but you shouldn’t miss out on the city’s premier culinary competition, where some of Nashville’s most talented chefs face o to determine whose cuisine reigns supreme. The twist to the contest this year? Three of our competitors have won Iron Fork before. ... Then joining the talented trio of past champs will be two chefs from the “I can’t believe these guys haven’t already done this before!” department.

Ahead of Thursday night’s big anniversary event, we asked all of our competitors a few questions to give us a glimpse of what we can expect with their participation. They’ve got a diverse array of skills and unique backgrounds, but they’ve all got one thing in common: They’re talented, they’re excited, and they’re in it to win it.

How will your approach at the competition differ from your normal cooking process?

It won’t really be too different from my normal cooking process. Cooking is really all about tasting and making adjustments; it doesn’t matter if you know the ingredients or not. You just have to keep tasting and adjusting as you go.

What is one item you would loathe working with as the secret ingredient?

Really nothing would put me off, as long as the judges can stomach it, then we will be OK. And if they can’t but end up liking the ingredient after they try it in my dish, I hope that’s extra points for me!

You’ve got a free night off from the kitchen, where are you going out to eat in Nashville?

There are so many places popping up all the time it’s hard to keep track of them, so we usually go to a small handful of favorites, Xaio Bao, City House, Korea House just to name a few.

What sets you apart from the other Iron Fork competitors?

Not much, they are all fantastic chefs and all bring something unique to the table, but if had to pick one thing, it would be our house spice blends, that is what sets our food apart from the others.

If you had not become a chef, which profession would you have chosen? I always wanted to work with my hands, so I would probably be a carpenter or something like that.

What is the first dish you learned to make very well?

I remember my dad teaching me how to make alfredo sauce of all things; that is the first dish I remember learning how to make, then making it for my family the next time.

How will your approach at the competition differ from your normal cooking process?

To be honest, my sous chef Obed and I agree to have fun and let our cuisine flow as we go, as per usual.

What is one item you would loathe working with as the secret ingredient?

Any meat that needs to be braised — not a big fan of pressure cooking.

If you could pick any chef, dead or alive, to be your sous chef at Iron Fork, who would you pick?

Aside from Obed? I would say Ludo Lefebvre, but not sure how much cooking rather than talking we could accomplish.

You’ve got a free night off from the kitchen, where are you going out to eat in Nashville?

Rolf and Daughters or Sperry’s

What sets you apart from the other Iron Fork competitors?

I don’t get nervous easily. Especially not while in Nashville — we have friends all over the city.

If you had not become a chef, which profession would you have chosen?

A rock ‘n’ roll star!!!

What is the first dish you learned to make very well?

Nixtamal Tortillas and Mole Negro

deb paquette hadley long charles hunter iii

How will your approach at the competition differ from your normal cooking process?

I’ll have to think about it differently than I would for my standard meal prep, because the dish components need to be fresh, hot and ready for the judges.

What is one item you would loathe working with as the secret ingredient?

I come from a family that used to cook with ingredients that would be seen as difficult by many, so I’m up for whatever they throw at me! You smell it, taste it and apply your culinary knowledge accordingly.

You’ve got a free night off from the kitchen, where are you going out to eat in Nashville?

It really depends on what I’m craving, but you could definitely find me at Redheaded Stranger with a crunchwrap or green chile cheeseburger.

What sets you apart from the other Iron Fork competitors?

I don’t have a restaurant lol.

Any guesses on what the secret ingredient might be?

I have no idea, but I actually hope it’s a vegetable, because I love vegetables.

If you had not become a chef, which profession would you have chosen?

This is a loaded question because I love to do so many things outside of cooking. I would potentially be an artist who painted and sketched.

What is the first dish you learned to make very well?

I honestly think it was roast chicken. It’s versatile, as in you can season it many different ways, and use the leftovers to make soups, casseroles and salads.

How will your approach at the competition differ from your normal cooking process?

The ability to cook whatever I can think up without having to look through a particular “lense” or through the Margot Cafe & Bar point of view will be fun and certainly different than my day-to-day menu making process!

What is one item you would loathe working with as the secret ingredient?

This is a hard question, and I’m scared to say before the competition because it would have to be something crazy like a pickled pigs foot or something!

If you could pick any chef, dead or alive, to be your sous-chef at Iron Fork, who would you pick?

I have a strong admiration for Yotam Ottolenghi, particularly the way he approaches food through many different cultures bridging the gaps between things familiar and things unheard of in a way that showcases amazing flavors and colorful combinations that always delight all of the senses!

You’ve got a free night off from the kitchen, where are you going out to eat in Nashville?

Our always constant North Star is Two Ten Jack, also I gave an incredible amount of love for Dozen Bakery, Kisser, King Tut Food Truck, TKO, Locust and Fatbelly Deli. I really still want to check out Peninsula, Tailor and Bastion!

What sets you apart from the other Iron Fork competitors?

I think the fact that I make a new menu every single day. This will hopefully prove helpful with the secret ingredient element of the competition! The ability to remain flexible is something that we practice everyday in our kitchen.

If you had not become a chef, which profession would you have chosen?

A travel writer would be an incredible job highlighting the best of what the people of the world have to offer to others through hospitality in all culinary ways, and also just through basic human interactions.

What is the first dish you learned to make very well?

I don’t know if I can necessarily say one particular dish but in a general sense for me receiving a classic French culinary education allowed me to have a firm grip of the fundamentals, and this has always aided me particularly in the beginning stages of my career where I was making things like soups, building salads, etc.

How will your approach at the competition differ from your normal cooking process?

First, I will not have all the equipment I would normally have, and the bathroom is not close by!! Second, being the old lady on board, I hope I can keep up with these young’ins. And lastly, I am always munching, so please someone tell me if I have food in my teeth!

What is one item you would loathe working with as the secret ingredient? Pork butt!

If you could pick any chef, dead or alive, to be your sous chef at Iron Fork, who would you pick?

I would love to have Travis Lett as my sous (Gjelina restaurant, Venice, Calif.).

I do not know him but I adore his book! If he can’t come, I would ask Hrant.

You’ve got a free night off from the kitchen, where are you going out to eat in Nashville?

I will go to any restaurant that has fresh-squeezed ruby red grapefruit and vodka. Korean food is my go-to, and I do love Butcher & Bee!

What sets you apart from the other Iron Fork competitors?

First, biology ... second, my big mouth!!!

If you had not become a chef, which profession would you have chosen? Landscaping!

What is the first dish you learned to make very well?

I was a shrubber head in high school, and I made this fabulous vegetarian lasagna with summer squashes, pecans, three cheeses and green bell pepper. So yummy!

COME HUNGRY LEAVE HAPPY

Not only will our Iron Fork event highlight five fierce competing chefs, you'll also find gathered 20+ of the city’s best casual eateries, cocktail lounges and fine dining establishments. The best part? A ticket purchase, which includes unlimited bites from our featured restaurants, helps support our mission to raise funds for The Nashville Food Project. Even if you can’t join us at the event, we hope you’ll pay a visit to our participating restaurants as they reflect the dynamic food scene that is Nashville, and the collaborative nature of the restaurant community in our growing city.

daddy’s dogs

Looking for quality, funky and one-of-a-kind hot dogs? Look no further than Daddy’s Dogs. Expanding rapidly from a fleet of hot dog carts to a flagship location in The Nations and several satellite locations across Nashville, including Geodis Park and Nissan Stadium — they’ve been awarded Best Hot Dog and Best Late Night Eats in the Best of Nashville Readers’ Poll ever since. That’s no surprise, but would you have pegged them as an obvious spot for Best Romantic Dinner in the city? Us either, but our Best of Nashville Readers’ poll voters say otherwise!

Your taste buds are in for a treat at A-Roi, a new concept from the team at Smiley Thai. Indulge in the dynamic fusion of Japanese and Thai flavors, where culinary harmony awaits. From aromatic Green Curry Chicken to the classic Pad Thai, steamed dumplings and a variety of sushi rolls, sashimi and nigiri, there’s a feast for every palate. While the menu at their new West Nashville location has an intentionally focused Japanese influence, you can also find some of the deliciously consistent Thai dishes their Mt. Juliet and Goodlettsville locations are known for.

For nearly a decade, Butcher & Bee continues to stand out in East Nashville as the Mediterranean-focused dining destination that just keeps doing things right. The restaurant has thrived as maybe the best vegetable-forward non-vegetarian dining destination in town, and now the B&B team hopes to turn fine dining on its head with their new concept, Fancypants, and give guests a more intimate dining experience in their recently renovated private dining space, The Rose Room.

You may not peg Nashville as a poke town, but there are a number of vibrant options in town, yet only one took home the title of Best Poke in Nashville in the Scene’s Readers’ Poll last year — Island Fin Poke! Whether you’re craving the tangy zest of an ahi tuna bowl or the savory sweetness of a Korean BBQ chicken bowl, their signature bowls will transport you to white-sand beaches and turquoise waters! Experience the perfect blend of healthy, convenient and fulfilling meals that’ll leave you feeling refreshed and satisfied.

What happens when you set a local chef hero loose in a casual sports bar environment? You get Jasper’s, a comfortable hang with inspired versions of sports-bar staples like pork fries, firecracker wings and chef Deb Paquette’s famous roasted cauliflower app converted to tempura “caulipoppers”. Genius! Operating smack in the middle of Midtown, Paquette and her skilled kitchen staff have even opened Jasper’s Market, a grab-and-go market offering sandwiches, wraps and salads from the kitchen, packaged for a quick getaway. Wondering what’s next for our first ever Iron Fork champion? The addition of a Wilco outpost of the beloved etch, located in The Factory of Franklin opening this spring.

Chicago finds its way to Nashville at Campione’s Taste of Chicago! They’re known for serving up the most authentic Chicago-style cuisine in the area, including Italian beef recipes, Vienna beef hotdogs, homemade meatballs and mouthwatering pastas. Voted Best Restaurant in Sumner County in our Best of Nashville 2023 Reader’s Poll, this fast-casual spot is sure to fill all your “sammiches” cravings. Don’t miss an opportunity to savor the flavors of the Windy City without leaving Music City!

Step into the heart of the Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood and discover classic taqueria fare plus plenty of variety at the newly reopened Chago’s Belmont Cantina! Originally established in 2011, Chago’s quickly cemented its status as a beloved culinary destination, but in 2022, the community was saddened to hear of Chago’s closure. Thanks to three esteemed Nashville restaurateurs, Brandon Styll and Steven and Christopher Smithing, the devastation didn’t last long, with the campus-area staple reopening under a new name and delightfully refreshed menu.

Since opening, City Winery has positioned itself as a premier performance venue offering not just stellar shows but excellent dining and drinking opportunities. With its own working winery, City Winery creates the perfect ambience, especially for those who rent out the Barrel Room for private parties. If you time your visit right, you might even catch the winemakers practicing their craft through the windows into the production area. With a seasonal brunch and dinner menu, they’re taking the art of food and wine pairings very seriously.

lyra las palmas jwb grill

Southern soul food meets fine-dining classics and coastal delights at JWB Grill, located inside Margaritaville Hotel. With a menu as diverse as it is delectable, it offers something to satisfy every craving. Just two blocks from Broadway, JWB Grill makes the perfect pit stop for locals to grab a filling meal before a Preds or Titans game, concert, or night out on the town. Take in tunes on the expansive patio while you grab breakfast, brunch or dinner, because don’t forget ... it’s 5 o’clock somewhere!

Las Palmas has been a staple in the Music City food scene since 1990, thanks to their authentic Mexican cuisine and family-friendly atmosphere. Now with nine Nashville-area locations, the neighborhood favorite has been named Best Mexican in our Best of Nashville Readers’ Poll year after year. With signature dishes such as Quesadilla Rellena and Plato Norteno, they continue to serve the community of Greater Nashville that they love with happy-hour deals, family meal packs, rewards programs and more.

Led by executive chef and 2022 Iron Fork champion Hrant Arakelian, Lyra uses the freshest ingredients to create bold and flavorful dishes. Located inside a former grocery store along West Eastland Avenue in East Nashville, the kitchen’s centerpiece is an emerald-tiled wood-fired oven, cranking out fresh bread, as the classic combo of pita and hummus holds a central place on the menu (which changes based on seasonal ingredients but is anchored by some basics).

Lyra also serves lunch, offers phenomenal happy-hour specials and boasts an ever-changing menu of inventive, flavorful Middle Eastern dishes — all the more reason to book a reservation immediately.

Marsh House has been serving acclaimed elevated Southern food at Thompson Nashville, and while you might not necessarily associate Cajun/Creole cuisine with fine wine, they offer a robust wine program and brunch menu that is not to be missed (order the pastry tray ... just trust us). There’s no need to even leave the building to continue enjoying delicious craft cocktails, just head up the elevator to L.A. Jackson, consistently voted one of the Best Rooftop Bars in Nashville, for unique seasonal cocktails and expertly crafted classics.

After a long reconstruction process, Nelson’s Green Brier Distillery has created a uniquely impressive new space to welcome visitors into their more than 50,000-square-foot distillery. The 2.0 version of the distillery includes a Hall of History, an updated tour program and tasting experience, private event spaces, bottle shop and of course — a full-service restaurant led by chef Joey Ray, a longtime Nashville culinary pro. The menu features a refined twist on comfort food infused with Southern flair. Ever had a Nashville Hot crab sandwich? If not, add this spot to your list.

With a modern twist on the classic American steakhouse, Oak Steakhouse offers a chef-driven menu celebrating fresh Appalachian ingredients from local farmers and purveyors. Naturally, the high-profile Charleston-based chain also offers plenty of steaks, and did you know their Certified Angus Beef Wet Aged and Dry Aged Steaks are not only served at their restaurants, but you can get them shipped to your doorstep? Now that’s juicy!

Experience the epitome of Southern hospitality at TENN, nestled within Holston House. TENN’s contemporary American cuisine offers a spirited dining experience that marries the flavors of Nashville with innovative culinary techniques. Led by executive chef Brian Lombard, whose culinary journey spans from Nashville to L.A., TENN boasts menus inspired by regional ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, anglers and artisans. Each dish is a testament to Chef Lombard’s passion for creating healthful, vibrant choices with a Southern flair.

The Tennessee Cobbler Company is the brainchild of husbandand-wife duo Tami and Craig and their shared love for great Southern food, with a touch of nostalgia. With Craig’s dream of owning a food truck and their combined passion for baking, they decided to merge both aspirations into one, giving birth to The Tennessee Cobbler Company in 2016. Their beloved truck, Sweet Loretta, has been hitting the streets ever since, offering patrons a taste of homemade sweetness — offering both traditional and unique flavors like Nashville Hot Honey Apple, Pineapple and Cranberry Pear.

A consistent winner in our Best of Nashville Readers’ Poll for Best Thai Food, Thai Esane has grown from a single flagship location on Demonbreun Hill to an outpost in Brentwood, Assembly Food Hall at Fifth + Broadway, and coming soon in East Nashville. Open since 2014, Esane serves cuisine from Thailand, Laos, China, Japan and Malaysia, using complex and labor-intensive recipes executed adroitly and with confidence. Thai Esane is led by Nina Singto, one of Nashville’s most beloved and ebullient restaurateurs and a previous Iron Fork competitor — and everything that comes out of the kitchen proudly wears its own distinct personality.

Located in Germantown, O-Ku offers a fresh and innovative take on traditional Japanese sushi and cuisine. Dive into a menu bursting with rare and unique dining options, showcasing seafood sourced from the finest fish markets in Tokyo and Hawaii, alongside local and seasonal ingredients. With a focus on authentic Asian cuisine and sophisticated presentations, each dish at O-Ku is a work of art, reflecting the restaurant’s commitment to quality and tradition.

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Founded during the 2020 pandemic, Ricey & Co. was born from a desire to bring people together through the art of sushi and communal dining. Just as rice holds sushi together, owner and chef Art Insyxiengmay strives to unite individuals from all walks of life and believes food is more than just sustenance — it’s an opportunity to connect, celebrate and savor life’s moments. Check out their weekly pop-up at the Sheraton Grand Hotel downtown or consider them for your next bespoke private catering needs!

Founded by former NFL player Marc Bulger, Tee Line Curling is the ultimate blend of recreation and relaxation. After discovering his passion for curling in 2018, Marc decided to bring the excitement of the sport to Nashville, and built Tee Line from the ground up. As the first of its kind in Middle Tennessee, they proudly offer three full sheets of ice for curling alongside four boutique bowling lanes. With 26 TVs scattered throughout the venue, sports enthusiasts can catch every game, courtesy of the NFL Sunday Ticket during football season. But the fun doesn’t stop there — indulge in their signature crafted menu items and cocktails while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.

Ascend to new heights at The Overlook a rooftop bar nestled atop Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown. Designed to evoke a greenhouse ambiance, The Overlook offers a relaxed and inviting atmosphere where guests can unwind amidst picturesque views of the downtown skyline. Sip on garnished cocktails, savor simple bites and soak in the warmth of the sun as you enjoy unparalleled vistas from their perch 30 floors up.

Is this the place? The Restaurant, located in the W Hotel, formerly operated as The Dutch but has reopened with an approachable menu offering casual dishes with local influences complemented by craft cocktails, wines, local beers, and happy hour specials. Whether you’re looking for a morning cold brew, a poolside margarita or an evening nightcap — the W Nashville’s lively and diverse dining options have something for you.

Thistle & Rye is a casual, chic cocktail bar on the third floor of Conrad Nashville, offering avant-garde cocktails and small plates inspired by global street food. Frequently hosting seasonal pop-ups, the hotel bar focuses on crafting cocktails from Prohibition inspiration to modern-day libations. Hotel guests and locals alike can expect to enjoy great music, an indoor-outdoor bar, large patio and windows overlooking bustling downtown Nashville.

Don’t miss your chance to sip + sample from all these amazing local businesses all in one place!

scan here to get tickets or visit ironforknashville.com to purchase *Ticket prices increase at the door, purchase in advance to secure your entry and avoid waiting in lines!

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4.4 TENNESSEE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS SUPPORTING GLORIA JOHNSON FOR US SENATE

4.5 THE BODEANS

4.7 JASON ERIE, BELLE-SKINNER & SHLOMO FRANKLIN

4.7 ELLE VARNER UNPLUGGED

4.8 XOXO, CODY RIGSBY SOLD OUT - JOIN WAITLIST

4.9 ANDRES CEPEDA

4.9 THE HEART COLLECTORS

4.10 WRITERS ROUND FEAT. CARRIE WELLING, SARA JEAN KELLEY, ALEX WONG & SHANNA IN A DRESS

4.10 JETHRO TULL’S MARTIN BARRE A BRIEF HISTORY OF TULL TOUR

4.11 RACHAEL DAVIS, R.O. SHAPIRO & ZAK BUNCE

4.12 AN EVENING WITH CHRISTIE LENÉE

4.12 THE VERVE PIPE

4.13 NASHVILLE IMPROV COMEDY PRESENTS YOUR MUSICAL

4.13 SUGAR SAMMY

4.13 NASHVILLE BEHIND THE SONG FEATURING JENNY GILL,  KEESY TIMMER & ANITA COCHRAN

4.14 SCOUT COOKIE AND WINE PAIRING

4.14 THE PIANO MEN: TRIBUTE TO BILLY JOEL & ELTON JOHN

4.14 AN EVENING WITH DAVID WILCOX

4.15 NOTHING PERSONAL LIVE WITH DAVID SAMSON

4.17 THE BROTHER BROTHERS

4.17 BBMAK WITH JESSICA CARTER ALTMAN

4.18 PETER COLLINS

4.20 DRAG BRUNCH

4.20 HUB OF LOVE PRESENTS: SCHATZI’S LOVE LOUNGE LIVE BAND BURLESQUE FEATURING CHAMPAGNE HOLIDAY

4.20

4.21 THE JAYHAWKS

4.21 JANIE & AUSTIN WITH GABRIELLE VAUGHN

4.21 NASHVILLE BEATLES BRUNCH FEATURING FOREVER ABBEY ROAD AND FRIENDS

4.22 AN EVENING NORTHERN RESONANCE & TALL POPPY STRING BAND

4.23 PHILLIP MICHAEL SCALES

4.23 AN EVENING WITH TAKE 6

4.24 CMT NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY

4.25 DIXON’S VIOLIN

4.26 AN EVENING WITH BILLIE LEE

4.26 FASTER PUSSYCAT

4.27 SCOTT H. BIRAM

4.27 MAMMA MIA! AN ABBA FABULOUS BRUNCH WITH THE NEON QUEEN

4.28 ANDY BRANTON WITH SHAWN BYRNE

4.28 MELANIE FIONA (EARLY AND LATE SHOWS)

4.29 AN EVENING WITH ANNIE LEPPERT

4.29 HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS: BEHIND THE TEARS THE SILENCE IN BLACK & WHITE 20TH ANNIVERSARY

THURSDAY / 4.4

FRIDAY, APRIL 4

ART [CELEBRATING A DECADE OF ART]

OZ ARTS’ 10TH ANNIVERSARY BASH

What started out as one family’s vision has emerged as a truly world-class center for groundbreaking contemporary art experiences. For more than 10 years, OZ Arts has introduced us to internationally renowned artists from around the world while also offering opportunities for local creatives and sparking plenty of conversation along the way. This weekend, you can help celebrate a full decade of “brave new art” as OZ Arts presents its 10th Anniversary Bash. Fan favorite Jennifer WhitcombOliva is set to host this much-anticipated event, which will feature an open-floor “art party” vibe with pop-up performances from the likes of New Dialect, Fable Cry, Shackled Feet Dance, Jenny Littleton, Piper Jones and more. Plus, guests can look forward to sets by DJ Raiden along with sculptures by Alex Lockwood and a mini installation of interactive modular arts pods (MAPS) by Beth Reitmeyer, Marlos E’van, Dycee Wildman and Tony Youngblood (curated by the wonderful Madeleine Hicks). It’s sure to be an unforgettable evening and a perfect way to connect with fellow art lovers. AMY STUMPFL

8 P.M. AT OZ ARTS

6172 COCKRILL BEND CIRCLE

MUSIC [GOTTA BE THE BADDEST] MUSIC BAND W/JASMIN KASET & MZTZA

Dearest newcomer to Nashville and its manifold music scenes: Doubt me not when I tell you that, not so long ago, a rock ’n’ roll trio called Music Band roamed our streets, halls of entertainment and social media feeds, bringing forth merriment with their waggish humor and choogling brand of garage-y art punk. The group never really got to celebrate their swan song of a second LP Celebration, since they released it into the hellmouth that was April 2020 — about the time when we were collectively getting the sinking feeling that this lockdown thing was not gonna just blow over. On Thursday, Music Band rides once more, probably setting up in a phalanx right by the lip of the stage at The 5 Spot as they’ve been known to do. They’ll be joined by outstanding singer-songwriter Jasmin Kaset, whom we see onstage far too seldom; whether or not she has tunes newer than her most recent single, 2021’s “Have You Met Me Yet?” backed with “I Will Never Let You Go From Me,” you’re in for a treat. Rounding out the bill is MZTZA, the live debut of a solo project from Larissa Maestro. Composer, singer and cellist Maestro plays with Kaset, Allison Russell and Hozier (among many more), and she is perhaps the most aptly named musician in Nashville. Don’t dally! STEPHEN TRAGESER 8 P.M. AT THE 5 SPOT 1006 FOREST AVE.

[2 FILMS TO LOVE ABOUT HIM]

FILM

HEATH LEDGER DOUBLEHEADER:

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU & A KNIGHT’S TALE

When Heath Ledger died in January 2008, he was a few months away from the peak of his still-ascending career. That summer saw the release of the acclaimed Christopher Nolandirected blockbuster The Dark Knight, in which Ledger steals the show with his Oscar-winning performance as the Joker. It was Ledger’s second Oscar nomination, following a nod for his heartbreaking portrayal of Ennis Del Mar in 2005’s Brokeback Mountain. But I firmly believe Ledger should have earned some kind of recognition from the Academy back in 1999 for his breakthrough performance in the Shakespeare-inspired rom-com 10 Things I Hate About You. There needs to be a Best Breakthrough Performance Oscar category for roles like this, in which an up-and-comer leaps off the screen with their megawatt charm, prompting audiences to ask, “Wow, who is that?” The Franklin Theatre is showing 10 Things and the tonally bizarre medieval action comedy A Knight’s Tale — another millennial favorite — back to back, so you can view your Ledger doubleheader. LOGAN BUTTS

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU AT 6 P.M., A KNIGHT’S TALE AT 9 P.M. AT THE FRANKLIN THEATRE 419 MAIN ST., FRANKLIN

thur 4/4 4PM Open Mic Night w/ Lori Kelley

fri 4/5

9PM Eva Cassel Residency w/ special guests Bonner Black • Evan Doan Jenkins

7PM Ryan Levine “AfterLife” Single Release w/ • Mollie Jane • Hayes Peebles

9PM Sean Cunningham “Whatever That Is” Single Release Show w/ Genna Matthew • Michael Conley

sat 4/6 7PM Natasha Blaine • Kate Cosentino

mon 4/8

tue 4/9

wed 4/10

9PM Will Orchard & Jess Kerber

• Sophia Corrine • Bea Troxel

7PM Bernadette Booking Presents Sari Hoke • Tom Barrett • Ian West Horton

7PM Shoes Off Writers Night w/ Libby Switzer • Dondi • Sam Ferrara

9PM Nanseera + Sydney Altbacker

7PM Meg Gehman Residency w/ Special Guest Wil Merrell

9PM iIlianna Viramontes • Megan Wilder

THU 4.4 • CHARLENE KAYE IN TIGER DAUGHTER

FRI 4.5 • KEVIN KOLK • OLIVERANCE • KHYA

SAT 4.6 • BURQUE HOUSE PRESENTS:

• JOHNNY CATINNI

• CONNOR MCLAREN • PRICKLY PAIR

SUN 4.7 • THEOS WALL • GRACE O’SHEA

• KATIE LYNN SHARBAUGH

MON 4.8 • MORE WEIGHT

• THE PARASOCIAL CLUB

• SHUTEYE • SHAKIRA CHINCHILLA

TUE 4.9 • ULTIMATE COMEDY FREE LOCAL STAND UP!

WED 4.10 • OLIVIA PIERCE • KITTY COEN

• DAVVN • CANDI CARPENTER

THU 4.11 • JACK VINOY • CLAIRE MAISTO

• JAH FRIDA • GRACE LEEE

2412 GALLATIN AVE @THEEASTROOM

MUSIC [3, 2, 1, LET’S JAM!]

COWBOY BEBOP LIVE

Here’s the thing about Cowboy Bebop: You can hate the show, but you can’t help but absolutely love the soundtrack. It’s a tight jazz- and blues-infused smorgasbord of expert musicianship and musical playfulness that’s as timeless as it is utterly astounding — in fact, the music of Cowboy Bebop has gone on to become just as universally praised and adored as the anime that it accompanies. If only there was a way to hear these iconic pieces of music in a live setting, performed by an orchestra of expert musicians. Well, now there is! For those looking to get their Bebop boogie on, look no further than Cowboy Bebop Live, presented by the Bebop Bounty Big Band at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. Described as a multimedia experience, Bebop Live promises to take the audience on a journey through the iconic series, melding the visuals of the series with its unforgettable soundtrack, which will be performed by an all-star selection of musicians. One does not simply pass on purchasing a ticket for Cowboy Bebop Live — see for yourself at Brooklyn Bowl.

7 P.M. AT BROOKLYN BOWL 925 THIRD AVE. N.

FRIDAY / 4.5

ART [BRIGETTE JONES’S DIARY]

BLACK JOY, IN SPITE OF ...

Brigette Janea Jones is redefining the way Nashville looks at itself with Black Joy, in Spite Of …, a new exhibition of photographs, both historic and contemporary, that opens this weekend at the Frist. The collection includes photos, all taken in Tennessee, that depict enslaved people and their descendants during various time periods, “including enslavement, Reconstruction, the modern civil rights movement, the crack era and more.” Jones, who has a degree in African American History from Tennessee State University, selected the images to show joy, resistance, familial connection and other often overlooked nuances of history. Supplementing Jones’ vision will be an assortment of visual artworks, many made by current college students, that were selected by Nashville-based artists TC and Joseph Patrick. Jones will appear at the Frist to discuss this important show on Saturday at 2 p.m., but the exhibition will remain in the free Conte Community Gallery through Sept. 2. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

OPENING APRIL 5 AT THE FRIST ART MUSEUM 919 BROADWAY

BOOKS [READ ALL ABOUT IT]

ELLE EVANS AND ZIBBY OWENS DISCUSS WEDDING ISSUES

Zibby Owens is supernaturally productive. As one of the hardest-working people in publishing, she conducts in-depth interviews with authors on her podcast, runs a sprawling media company, writes books of her own, and manages a brickand-mortar bookstore. All at the same time. So deep is her dedication to helping writers, she simply never stops. Friday at Parnassus, she’ll

be talking with Elle Evans, author of Wedding Issues, a breezy novel about a couple of dueling Southern brides. The conversation will be a live version of the podcast that launched Zibby’s foray into the publishing industry. Make sure to catch Zibby before she hops a plane to the next town to spread her bookish energy. TOBY ROSE

6:30 P.M. AT PARNASSUS BOOKS 3900 HILLSBORO PIKE

ART [BOTANICAL GARDEN] YANIRA VISSEPÓ: BIOLUMINESCENCE

Self-taught artist Yanira Vissepó is making some of the most interesting art in Nashville, and her solo show at Elephant Gallery marks a turning point in her still-emerging career. Bioluminescence is a collection of Vissepó’s woodblock prints and textile-based works, but the work is all conceptually linked through an ongoing examination of the politics and colonial history of her native Puerto Rico. As the exhibition statement says, the work is “both an autobiography and a conversation about the complex history of Puerto Rico, one of the world’s oldest colonies.” All those heavy ideas are given a bit of levity through Vissepó’s delicate renderings of beautiful plants, all of them native to her home island. An opening reception for the exhibit will be held Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. LAURA HUTSON HUNTER

THROUGH MAY 24 AT ELEPHANT GALLERY

1411 BUCHANAN ST.

MUSIC [I’M READY]

BLACK PUMAS

Black Pumas, who combine the instantly recognizable, soulful tenor of lead singer/ guitarist Eric Burton with the musical prowess and production mastery of Anthony Quesada, hit the ground running with their self-titled debut album, released in the fall of 2019. Since its release, the group has gained seven Grammy nominations (including Album of the Year for the expanded edition of their debut record), earned a breakout single with “Colors,” reached gold status with the RIAA, performed during President Biden’s inauguration and released yet another album of brand-new material, Chronicles of a Diamond, in October. With an ever-evolving musical style and already wellworn repertoire of undeniably catchy hits, Black Pumas are continuing their upward trajectory toward the stratosphere of rock stardom by taking part in a globe-trotting tour this year, and two of their dates just happen to be right here in Music City. ROB HINKAL

APRIL 5-6 AT THE RYMAN

116 REP. JOHN LEWIS WAY N.

MUSIC [MAKE A SCENE]

ROCK EUPORA

Nashville has long been a congenial town for power pop, which is a broad term that applies to the music of 1970s progressive popster Dennis Linde and to contemporary records by Aaron Lee Tasjan, Mark Harrison and Ornament.

APRIL

APRIL

APRIL

MAY

APRIL

Add veterans like Bill Lloyd and The Shazam to the roster, and you could curate a nice powerpop playlist, with a basket of hot-chicken mac-and-cheese on the side. By my lights, the Mississippi-born singer and songwriter Clayton Waller, who has led the Nashville band Rock Eupora for a decade, ranks with the power-pop greats. Waller grew up in Jackson, Miss., and cut his first record, 2014’s Blanks, in Starkville, Miss., before moving to Nashville to study at Belmont University. Waller’s progression into emotionally vulnerable — and sometimes darkly selfexamining — tunes that also sport drop-dead guitar riffs and sneaky melodies makes itself manifest on Rock Eupora’s 2022 full-length Pick at the Scab. Waller sounds as tortured as Chris Bell himself on the Pick at the Scab track “I Will Never Be Happy,” while “Intimacy” blends toughness and fragility in the manner of Bluff City rocker Tommy Hoehn. Friday at Exit/In, the band marks 10 years in the music business with a show you don’t want to miss. Their records only hint at Rock Eupora’s full-bore live sound, which is documented on the new EP Live at Woodlawn Theatre. Brother Moses and Carver Commodore open. EDD HURT

8 P.M. AT EXIT/IN

2208 ELLISTON PLACE

MUSIC [A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN] LA LOM

of recorded material, but what they have shown the world is their incredible musicianship and stylishly Latin songcraft. P.J. KINZER

7 P.M. AT THE BLUE ROOM AT THIRD MAN RECORDS 623 SEVENTH AVE. S.

SATURDAY / 4.6

MUSIC [POETS AND PROPHETS] SALUTE TO JACKIE DESHANNON

The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum’s Poets and Prophets series returns Saturday with a program honoring Songwriters Hall of Famer Jackie DeShannon. A pioneer in folk rock, DeShannon was one of the first women in rock ’n’ roll to score hits with her own songs. She toured with The Beatles and collaborated with the likes of Jimmy Page, Randy Newman and Van Morrison. Vice president of museum services Michael Gray will moderate the program, which will be held in the CMA Theater and include vintage audio and video clips. “Most listeners know Jackie DeShannon as the pop singer from California who in the 1960s proclaimed ‘What the World Needs Now Is Love’ and urged us all to ‘Put a Little Love in Your Heart,’” says Gray. “However, many will no doubt be surprised to learn she started as a country music performer in the 1940s and ’50s in small towns in Kentucky and Illinois before moving into rockabilly and pop and relocating to Los Angeles.” DeShannon, who rarely appears in public these days, will discuss her classic songs, including “Bette Davis Eyes” and “Break-a-Way.” Afterward, she will sign commemorative Hatch Show Print posters and copies of the new Sundazed reissue Jackie DeShannon: The Sherry Lee Show, which features highlights from her 1950s radio show. DARYL SANDERS

2:30 P.M. AT THE COUNTRY MUSIC HALL OF FAME’S CMA THEATER

222 REP. JOHN LEWIS WAY S.

[JUST KEEP SWIMMING]

THEATER

NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE: FINDING NEMO

One of the rabbit holes I fell down during the lockdown of 2020 was cumbia music. Cumbia is a broad spectrum of dance music that originated across Latin America, blending the sounds of Indigenous, European and African folk music traditions. The story is told that cumbia started as a part of Afro Colombian funeral ceremonies. The Andean tropical music gained popularity in Peru’s coastal cities, particularly Lima, during the 1960s. There it met new influences from American surf guitars and psychedelic rock. LA LOM (aka Los Angeles League of Musicians) formed around the time I discovered cumbia, and the group injected fresh life into the constantly evolving sound with contemporary instruments, California country vibes, spacious boleros and whimsical soul ballads. With only four singles and an EP since the band’s 2021 birth, LA LOM doesn’t have a lot

Nashville Children’s Theatre closes out its 202324 season with a world premiere production of Finding Nemo. Based on the popular 2003

Disney/Pixar animated film, the familiar story follows Marlin, an overprotective clownfish who must set aside his worries and embark on an epic adventure when his son, Nemo, is captured by divers in the Great Barrier Reef. This new Theatre for Young Audiences version features an adapted book by Lindsay Anderson and new music and lyrics from Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez — the same award-winning team that brought us Frozen. Directed by NCT executive artistic director Ernie Nolan (with music direction by Sarah Michele Bailey), the cast includes Eric D. Pasto-Crosby, Darci Wantiez, Tyler Evick, Annabelle Fox, Alex Pineiro, LaDarra Jackel and James Rudolph II. And you can bet there will be plenty of colorful design elements, including puppetry from MoonBull Studio. Building on themes of hope, courage, grief and teamwork, Finding Nemo promises to be a fun show for the whole family. AMY STUMPFL APRIL 6 TO MAY 19 AT NASHVILLE CHILDREN’S THEATRE 25 MIDDLETON ST.

MUSIC [BEAST THOUSAND] GUIDED BY VOICES W/JOHN P. STROHM

There are way too many Guided by Voices songs. In just over four decades, the band — which has broken up and re-formed twice during that span — amassed an overwhelming 38 studio albums, 19 EPs and 39 singles. Their number of songs is surpassed only by the onstage consumption of domestic longnecks by GBV chief Bob Pollard. And fans should be realistic — nobody can guzzle that many Miller Lites and have a detailed recollection of a song catalog of that magnitude. But their fan base — I sheepishly admit to being a member — keeps coming out year after year in spite of the fact that they know their odds of getting to hear all the GBV songs they want are roughly the same as getting struck by lightning twice on the way to cash in a winning Powerball ticket. And why? Because most of those songs are great! Their cultish devotees at The Beast will be treated to opener John P. Strohm. Strohm was Boston’s utility player in the Gen X college radio glory days, founding Blake Babies on guitar and playing drums in The Lemonheads. These days Strohm is a solo artist by night and a highly respected Nashville attorney by day. Still tied to the music, his work in law includes high-profile clients like Julien Baker, Sturgill Simpson and Bon Iver.

P.J. KINZER

7 P.M. AT THE BASEMENT EAST

917 WOODLAND ST.

SUNDAY / 4.7

ART [THE BUTLER DOES IT]

LANDRY BUTLER: 30 YEARS OF DREAD

OG Nashville art scenester Landry Butler will be at the Global Education Center on Charlotte Avenue on Sunday afternoon. Butler, a onetime Nashville Scene employee, was one of the personalities behind the original Untitled Artists Group — the anarchic creative coalition credited

as the origin of Nashville’s contemporary art scene. Butler is a multimedia artist and musician, and he’s unmistakable beneath his signature dreadlocks. Landry Butler: 30 Years of Dread is a one-day retrospective of Butler’s photography, his mixed-media collaborations with artist Robert Bruce Scott, and his sonic experiments with the Inglewood Social Club art music ensemble. A portion of all sales will benefit the Global Education Center. JOE NOLAN

1 P.M. AT THE GLOBAL EDUCATION CENTER

4820 CHARLOTTE AVE.

MONDAY / 4.8

NATURE [WHEEL IN THE SKY]

SOLAR ECLIPSE VIEWING

It isn’t like 2017, when Nashville was in the path of totality for the solar eclipse. But the April 8, 2024, eclipse should give the city a 94.78 percent partial eclipse (as long as clouds don’t get in the way as they did in 2017). This is the last total solar eclipse we’ll see in the continental U.S. for the next two decades, so it is worth some effort to get outside and see it. If you can’t make it to Kentucky, Arkansas, Indiana or Reelfoot Lake State Park (the latter the only place in the state to be in totality) to see the moon cover the sun, there are some local options. The General Jackson showboat is hosting a Tennessee Legends + Solar Eclipse Cruise. In addition to the regular music and lunch show, the eclipse experience will be guided, and viewing glasses will be provided. Cedars of Lebanon State Park is hosting a free viewing event, as are Tanger Outlets Nashville and the downtown branch of the Nashville Public Library. The eclipse will begin at 12:45 p.m., with maximum at 2:03 p.m., and it will end at 3:20 p.m. If you are planning to go out on your own to see it, swing by the gift shop at the Adventure Science Center first to buy viewing glasses. (Don’t look directly at the sun!)

MARGARET LITTMAN

12:45 P.M. AROUND NASHVILLE

MUSIC

[A BOND OR A BRAID OR A KNOT] U.S. GIRLS W/TRISTEN

When we talk about relationship songs, much of the time we mean singing about the complexities of romantic relationships — but there are so many other kinds of relationships that are good to examine through music. Meghan Remy, aka U.S. Girls, is exceptionally adept at peering between all the different layers, and comes from curious and insightful perspectives you might not expect. That’s true throughout her extensive catalog dating back to the late Aughts, and especially so on her funk-infused newest studio LP, 2023’s Bless This Mess. It’s a parade of highlights, including “Tux (Your Body Fills Me, Boo),” sung by some formal wear that’s getting lonely in the back of the closet; “R.I.P. Roy G. Biv,” an elegiac reflection on the impermanence of a rainbow’s beauty; and “Pump,” a very literal and visceral look at caring for infant children, whose disco-kissed groove is built around a recording of a breast pump. Fittingly, Remy will be joined by Nashville’s own

GARY NICHOLSON PRESENTS THE WHITEY JOHNSON BAND

Number-one hit songwriter, two-time Grammy-winning record producer, and recording artist Gary Nicholson will open the show with a set of Americana/Country songs then perform a set as his persona, Whitey Johnson for a set of bluesy R&B featuring Colin Linden and Dana Robbins

A

DOORS: 7 PM SHOW: 8 PM

GA: $20 RESERVED: $35

WEDNESDAY / 4.10 MUSIC

[ANOTHER HEARTBREAKER] MITSKI

The first time I heard Mitski’s latest album, The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We, I was sitting in the pitch-black darkness of a theater full of strangers. That was in the fall, and I haven’t been able to listen to it in full since. The gravity of that experience would be impossible to replicate, so why try? Mitski is an artist in every sense of the word, and each of her albums flays open the facade of modern American womanhood with devastating precision. It’s a tired thought to compare an artist’s lyricism to poetry, but Mitski’s words transcend the limits of art and music. Anyone who has heard her music surely has a line or two that sticks in their heart like a thorn — for me, it’s a lyric from “I’m Your Man”: “You believe me like a god, and I destroy you like I am.” It has echoed in my brain since that night in October. When Mitski takes the hallowed stage of the Ryman April 10 through 13, it will be the second time I hear many of the songs — but like the rest of her work, I’m sure they will cut the same every time. Tickets are available on the Ryman’s website, and a different artist from a lineup of Sarah Kinsley, Sunny War, Julia Jacklin and Cowboy Junkies will open each show. Choose your favorite or see them all — it would be well worth it. HANNAH CRON

APRIL 10-13 AT THE RYMAN

116 REP JOHN LEWIS WAY N.

15 DOORS: 7 PM SHOW: 8 PM

GA: $15 RES: $25 M A Y

BOOKS [DEEP WATER, DEEPER FEELINGS] JAMIE SUMNER: DEEP WATER

It’s a common joke that middle school is the worst. I’d bet that, even now, you’re remembering your own cringey growing pains. But middle-grade author Jamie Sumner would argue otherwise — or at least encourage a

more complex interpretation. Middle school is where “we first see the world through our own lens,” Sumner says. You’re still a kid, but you “see every bit of the reality” of your family’s lives. You “feel it all even if you can’t name it.” Her middle-grade novels are rich with those feelings, with young protagonists who live with disabilities but aren’t defined by them, who can see their parents’ struggles, and are given an interiority not always afforded to children. Sumner empowers her readers, time and again, by representing them earnestly. Her newest novel-in-verse, Deep Water, follows open-water swimmer Tully, who dives into dangerous waters in attempting to break a record and summon the return of her mother. Join Sumner, with Olympic gold medalist and member of the Open Water National Team Ashley Whitney, as they celebrate Deep Water’s release. Your sassy middle-grader may not thank you, exactly, but they’ll be happy, and feel seen. Registration required! RYNE WALKER

4 P.M. AT PARNASSUS BOOKS

3900 HILLSBORO PIKE

FREE TO A END

A GOURMET MARKET OF CA Y MADE

PROVISIONS FEATURING DOZENS OF MUSIC CITY-BASED FOOD VENDORS.

APRIL 6 • ONEC1TY • 11AM - 4PM

•

• FREE TO A END!

VE FROM THE MAIN STAGE!

12:30 PM

While you shop the market, you’ll get to take in special activities like our Chef Collaboration Demonstration! Watch as these talented chefs team up + whip up a delicious dish (or two) and then pass out samples of their creative cuisine for event attendees to try!

A DAY

ME SHOP FROM

BAVARIAN BEIRHAUS

B E HOUND BREW

BREADWINNER NCH SHOP

LD BREW BOBA

YOTE KITCHEN DOAP

EAT BUBB S

EVORIGINA

THE F VORSMITH

IVORY ON BAR

MARIAS SNACKS

NASHBOW ACAI

THING KE SH

OYE FFEE

POP’S CRAZY

KE RN

QUINTIN’S HOT SAUCE RICEY & S DE HUST

It wouldn't be a Music City event if we didn't have live music! Enjoy acoustic tunes from local singersongwriters throughout the day while you sip, eat + shop, brought to you by JamJuice

F FFED UP

FRESH AMRUTA

GE TA

GINA’S ITA AN CUISINE

GUMBO TO GEAUX

HE SIS MUSHROOMS

SMASHWICHEZ

SUMMIT SISTERS FFEE

SUZY’S SWEETS

TEMPTCAKETIONS

TOO FRESH

UGLY BAGEL .

Get ready to eat, sip and shop till you drop our free-to-attend and family friendly market. Stock up on unique items and eat your heart out with 40+ vendors selling locally made noshes. While you shop, enjoy craft beer and cocktails, jam out to live music and watch a spectacular Chef Led Cooking Demonstration!

Brunch it up with us at the Biscuits + Bloody Mary Garden! Get tickets to enjoy unlimited biscuits + toppings plus a Build Your Own Bloody Mary Bar and more.

HOW IS YOUR MOM DOING?

Sooner or later, we are all forced to engage with this noncommunicative health care system

In 2014, comedian, musician, podcaster and Nashvillian Chris Crofton asked the Scene for an advice column, so we gave him one. Crowning himself the “Advice King,” Crofton shares his hardwon wisdom with whoever seeks it. Follow Crofton on Twitter and Instagram (@thecroftonshow), and check out his The Advice King Anthology and Cold Brew Got Me Like podcast. To submit a question for the Advice King, email bestofbread@gmail.com.

Dear Advice King,

I heard you mention on your podcast that your mom was bitten by a cat. How is she doing? I had no idea cat bites were a big deal. Any advice on what to do for a cat bite? I’m sorry in advance if this is a sensitive subject.

—Lily in San Antonio

HI LILY! Thanks for the question! Yes, it’s true — my mother was bitten by a cat more than a month ago. It wasn’t some random cat, either. It was, uhhh, well … her cat.

HER OWN CAT. It sounds funny. It sounds funny because it is funny. But it’s also not funny at all — not one bit.

My mom was in the hospital for a month — multiple hospitals, actually. Two were big, brand-name Nashville hospitals. Mom was in the first big, brand-name hospital for two weeks starting at the end of February. She received four different intravenous antibiotics, and got a small (unsuccessful, probably unnecessary) surgery performed on her left ankle (where the cat bit her). From there, she went to a no-name rehab hospital for 10 days — to practice walking again, and to receive more intravenous antibiotics. While she was there, a thrombosis (clogged artery) was misdiagnosed as cellulitis (a new area of infection).

When we heard about this new infection, we called the doctors from the big, brandname hospital that we had (basically) just left, and their receptionist said, “Take her to the emergency room.” We said, “OK, thanks.” Then we thought for a moment, and called them back to ask if they meant that we should take her to their emergency room, since, you know, they were the ones who made the (apparently premature) decision to release her to the rehab hospital.

I got voicemail. I left a message. They didn’t call back. They still haven’t called. That was a week ago.

I drove my mom to the emergency room of a different big, brand-name hospital. We sat in the waiting area for seven hours before they brought her to the back. She’s 82. She was in the second big, brand-name hospital for three days. She received more intravenous antibiotics, and

conflicting diagnoses from seemingly every doctor who entered her room. One diagnosis from the emergency room doctors, another from the new emergency room doctors who arrived for the night shift, and one more from a doctor upstairs after she was admitted. Those doctors were never in the same room at the same time.

A doctor from fancy hospital No. 2 called my sister to ask her which antibiotics my mother had been given when she was in fancy hospital No. 1. When we asked why he didn’t have that information, we were told that sharing records between hospitals “can take time. It can take a couple days. It’s often easier to try to get the information from the patient.”

I wish I were kidding.

On Friday, March 23, my mom was sent home. The hospital said that even though she wasn’t cured, her life wasn’t in danger, and they needed the room. We cried for joy when I pulled the car into the driveway. But while the infection in her ankle is greatly reduced, it’s not gone.

Cat bites can be very dangerous, Lily. Cats have a ton of exotic bacteria in their mouths. If they bite you — especially on a joint — you should get it looked at by a doctor right away.

My beloved mother’s experience over the past month (with Medicare, and a Medicare supplement that she pays extra for) in the United States health care system has been the most exhausting and disheartening experience I have had in my entire life. And I’m a recovering alcoholic.

Sooner or later, we are all forced to engage with this corrupted, noncommunicative health care system. And before you tell me about your gold-standard insurance, your Cadillac plan, your Medicare, your supplemental, know that you will still need to relentlessly advocate for your own care. And have someone with you to take notes. (Not kidding.) And you still won’t know who said what, because the shifts just changed over, and your primary care physician will be on vacation, and, and … ▼

JUST.GLASS

Thanks to our residential and commercial partners, Justice Industries celebrates Earth Day Month all year long. Annually, we keep more than 254 tons of glass out of the landfi ll . To learn more about our glass recycling program for homes and businesses, visit www.justiceindustries.org/glass

FEATURING

A FRESH PERSPECTIVE AT ZEITGEIST LEADS APRIL’S FIRST SATURDAY EVENTS

Plus, Kevin Guthrie’s opening will be DJ’d by Pavement/Silver Jews alum Bob Nastanovich

SPRING IS GOING to be one of the biggest art seasons of the year, with gallery exhibitions popping up all over town faster than the weeds in last year’s gardens. April’s First Saturday highlights include some of Nashville’s best-known contemporary artists dropping multiple displays in multiple mediums, and in multiple venues.

To clarify — this is one of those Saturdays when you need to start crawling early if you want to see it all. Consider this list of my top picks as your guide, because the Art Crawl is everywhere this Saturday night.

DOWNTOWN

I’ve recently been writing about how content-forward art full of messages and meanings is giving way to new trends that see figures and their narratives being replaced by abstraction and the ascendance of a new formalism. Here’s hoping some of the emerging artists who’ve made traction with activist art and identity messages will be able to steer into these new streams, which will call for more deeply personal works and a strong understanding of art without storytelling and sloganeering. The swinging pendulum will strand some and reveal hidden strengths in others. Every emerging artist in Nashville should go see Sisavanh

Phouthavong Houghton’s Ctrl-Alt-Delete at Tinney Contemporary on Saturday night. Houghton’s multimedia paintings and sculptures manage to be completely compelling as pure objets d’art thanks to their intriguing abstraction and the artist’s flair for innovative forms and materials. That said, Houghton is a Lao American whose work is infused with stories of Vietnam War refugees, like the artist’s family, who fled Laos to escape the United States’ illegal bombing of the country during the war. There’s lots of activism in art these days, but it’s tricky — most artists get it wrong. Houghton’s anti-war messaging has been clear and consistent over consecutive exhibitions for years — it’s a sincere feature of her work, not a glitch or a performance. Anti-war sentiment will always be counterculture and anti-establishment, and that means it can never tip over out of art and into propaganda.

In Ctrl-Alt-Delete, the artist addresses the wars in Vietnam and Laos, but expands the conversation to current conflicts in Ukraine and Syria. The works also look at propaganda in the posttruth social media era. These are abstract times.

Are you doing your part?

➡DETAILS: Opening reception 2-8 p.m. Saturday at Tinney Contemporary, 237 Rep. John Lewis Way N.

If you’re going to crawl downtown, you should probably make it a surgical first strike at the beginning of the evening before the sun goes down — that’s when the tourist traffic is at low ebb. However you manage to park, it’s a short walk from Tinney up Fifth Avenue to the Downtown Presbyterian Church, where The Browsing Room is opening a show of works by brothers Joe Christy and Matt Christy. I can’t think about these two local artists without comparing them to the famous singing siblings found throughout Nashville’s music history. There’s no harmony singing like family harmony singing, and I think there’s something similar to be seen in the visual harmonies the Christys entwine in their new exhibition And the Horse You Rode in On — it even sounds like a country record. This show of collaborative paintings finds the Christys mixing figures and abstraction — the wacko palette feels like a contribution from Matt. The narrative scenes read like the dark and humorous sequences in the brothers’ co-authored crime novel, Tributaries

➡DETAILS: Opening reception 5-8 p.m. Saturday at The Browsing Room in the Downtown Presbyterian Church, 154 Rep. John Lewis Way N.

WEDGEWOOD-HOUSTON

Evan Roosevelt Brown is one of a handful of independent curators who are part of a happening trend in the region’s contemporary art scene. Freelance exhibition wranglers like Brown, Jay Sanchez, Clarence Edward, Meg Jordan and the Scene’s own arts editor Laura Hutson Hunter are helping pioneer novel beachheads and develop systems for a new wave of pop-up art happenings springing up across Middle Tennessee. Permanent art real estate will continue to be a challenge in Nashville, and the pop-up networks that Brown and others are establishing are going to be vital to growing a scene in shrinking square footage. Brown is

“I SEEN’T ELVIS OVER AT THE PIGGLY WIGGLY LAST TUESDAY,”

taking over the walls at Zeitgeist this month with Vessels. It’s a multimedia show about form and function, but it’s also about the relationship between the artist and the art. It’s also an example of how enterprises like Brown’s can put a big group of emerging artists in one of the city’s premiere contemporary art galleries for a month. Vessels includes work by AnDrew Morrison, Honey Pierre, Shanneil Clarke, Shabazz Larkin and Christopher LaTouche, John Lister III, Marteja, Elise Kendrick, DVALD, MegPie and Tyler René Angelo

➡DETAILS: Opening reception Saturday 5-8 p.m. at Zeitgeist Gallery, 516 Hagan St.

Nashville’s own Kevin Guthrie brings New Janks to the Wedgewood-Houston happenings at Julia Martin Gallery. Guthrie’s colored-pencil-on-beerbox illustrations explore a variety of subjects, forming countercultural narratives and unique personal memoirs. The exhibition includes original Guthrie works that were used by the band Pavement as concert posters for recent appearances in Glasgow, Amsterdam and Detroit. The works are signed by the band, and Bob Nastanovich of Pavement and Silver Jews will be on hand to DJ the party on the gallery’s front porch, which is both slanted and enchanted.

➡DETAILS: Opening reception Saturday 6-9 p.m. at Julia Martin Gallery, 444 Humphreys St

EAST NASHVILLE

Paul Collins, Alex Blau and Alex Lockwood bring Close as Cutlery to Red Arrow in April. The Nashville-based artists are collaborators as well as friends (Collins and Blau are married, actually), and their first joint exhibition features Lockwood’s whimsical reuse sculptures, Blau’s gorgeous painted abstract dots, and Collins’ tree-trunk sculptures of the fictional St. Frisbee, patron of chill.

➡DETAILS: Opening reception 6-9 p.m. Saturday at Red Arrow, 919 Gallatin Ave. ▼

ON THE PORCH

Nashville’s literary collective celebrates its 10th anniversary BY

you’re invited to the 1st ever art expo

at the

1st ever art expo

you’re invited to the with nashville artists brenan & bleu at the april 11th

NASHVILLE IS KNOWN for its authors and songwriters, and the creative current that feeds both of those things is a robust writing community. The Porch, a nonprofit with a mission to engage local writers with workshops, retreats and other services, has been nurturing and growing that community for 10 years, and we are better for it.

will become community.

“One of the best things about this whole long ride of The Porch has been the people it has introduced me to,” says Felts. “I wouldn’t know 95 percent of the people that I know and call friends. That’s been the real joy for me.”

and she credits The Porch with changing the trajectory of her writing career. Through support and encouragement, The Porch made her feel confident enough to continue writing.

Looking back on a decade of The Porch, the Scene spoke to co-founders and co-directors Susannah Felts and Katie McDougall about how they started, what they hoped The Porch would become and plans for the future.

“I’ve published three children’s books and have placed essays in local and national publications,” Abari tells the Scene by email. “I’m also now a teaching artist as well as host of a Porch affinity group. I feel honored to give back to a literary community that has given so much to me.”

The jazz outfit plays @7:30 april 11th @ 6pm with nashville artists brenan & bleu

In the past year-and-a-half, The Porch has launched writer affinity groups spearheaded by Yurina Yoshikawa, director of education for The Porch. Groups like Nashville AAPI Writers, Nashville Black Storytellers, Parent Writers, Latine Creative Collective, LGBTQ+ Writers and more gather once a month to write and share their work with one another.

sponsored by live jazz:

“Mostly I hoped it had legs,” McDougall says. “I hoped that we would be a connector of writers. What I didn’t realize was the degree to which the formation of community and communion therein would be as essential as writing itself.”

Since 2014, The Porch has been teaching Nashville how to write, and thanks to a pivot to virtual classes in 2020, the organization reaches further than ever. Regardless of your skill level, if you want to write, The Porch can help.

The Porch’s fiction and nonfiction classes are the most popular, but the organization also offers classes on poetry, spoken word, eco-fiction, mindfulness, naturalist writing and more. There’s also a focus on the business of writing, with classes on how to submit and how to build a writing practice, as well as panels on publishing and how to get the right headshot.

The Porch is a literary collective that offers writing classes, which means that, yes, you will likely leave with a piece of finished work. But more importantly, you will leave with classmates who will become friends, and friends who

“I give major credit to Yurina for really pushing the affinity groups forward and making it happen and believing in it as a way to grow The Porch community at large,” says Felts. “I would love to see all of those groups continue to flourish.”

The Porch has a lot to be proud of, including a relatively new program called Writing for Good, in which a cohort of teaching artists leads groups from vulnerable communities through writing and sharing exercises as a therapeutic tool to express themselves.

“Approached with the opportunity to volunteer as a writing mentor at Mending Hearts, a residential treatment center for women in addiction recovery, I almost declined for fear of overcommitment and too-muchness,” says McDougall. “But I pushed myself to say yes, and mentoring led to workshop facilitation, and from there, way led to way. Eighteen months later, The Porch has Writing for Good.”

Tonya Abari is an independent journalist, author and host of the Nashville Black Storytellers,

Making sure The Porch is around for the long term is important to McDougall and Felts. At some point in the future, when they decide to step back, they want to know it’s safe and in good hands, that it has deep roots.

“Over my desk I have this David Bowie quote that says, ‘I don’t know where I’m going. But I promise it won’t be boring.’” Felts says. “That is true about my life, so I want it to be true about The Porch.”

“The Porch is not me — and that’s important,” she continues. “I want for it to continue to have its own identity and spread out and have other people who are its carriers and nurturers.” ▼

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LOOKING AT EVERYTHING

Ross Gay reprises his practice of everyday delight

UPCOMING EVENTS

PARNASSUSBOOKS.NET/EVENT FOR TICKETS & UPDATES

6:30PM

ELLE EVANS at PARNASSUS Wedding Issues

6:30PM

HANNAH WHITTEN

with JENNA LEVINE at PARNASSUS

The Hemlock Queen

4:00PM

JAMIE SUMNER

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 10

with ASHLEY WHITNEY at PARNASSUS Deep Water

THURSDAY, APRIL 11 6:30PM

JAMES PATTERSON

with JOHN M. SEIGENTHALER at LANGFORD AUDITORIUM

The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians

people Join us for a day of celebration, with a lineup of author appearances, special Parnassus coloring sheets, and exclusive IBD merchandise!

3900 Hillsboro Pike Suite 14 | Nashville, TN 37215 (615) 953-2243

Shop online at parnassusbooks.net

“SHARE WHAT DELIGHTS us; share what we love.” These lines from the introduction of Ross Gay’s latest book, The Book of (More) Delights, act as an invocation for readers to believe in each other and to act on such belief for the good of the world.

In 2016, when he turned 40, Gay set a simple practice to write daily about something that delighted him for a full year. He called them “essayettes,” and they were to be written fast and by hand. The world would experience great tumult that year, and as a Black man living in America, Gay never forsook the fray for the frivolous as he journaled to find joy every single godforsaken day. When he finished, his meditations became The Book of Delights, which went on to be a New York Times bestseller, but the act of creating them remained a “useful, fun, and unpredictable lifelong project.”

This new volume, written five years later and over the course of one year, spans a world that has changed, but not enough. Gay admits to revisiting many familiar characters and themes: his garden, his partner, his friends, his mother and, of course, surprising encounters with strangers. Gay warns readers that some of the questions he poses are never resolved, including his considerations around public space and his interrogation of authority. He again deconstructs the way power is used — whether in academia and national politics or by an uptight volunteer with a self-made badge. No encounter is too common, no issue too complex for Gay when he sets out to shed his unique light on it.

“For the record, I do not think of this as looking on the bright side, I think of it as looking at everything,” writes Gay in “Eat Candy! Destroy

the State!” — a title that encapsulates his ability to hold both the whimsical and the subversive. In another essay on the power plays of self-appointed authorities versus the surprising kindness of strangers, he quips, “There is a reason an alternative title for this book is The Book of Despites.”

And yet Gay’s delight this time is tinged with age not rage. He tarries even more over the quotidian, noticing the fleeting nature of all that captures his gaze, from blue spectacle tulips to a crop of sweet potatoes to dreams about dancing or visits from his late father. On the anniversary of his father’s death, Gay notices his dad’s slippers, which like some benevolent horcrux extend this grace to him: “I appreciate your concern, I truly do, but please remember my death was not the most important part of my life. Or, I hope, yours.” The title of an essay on the local bookstore that did not reopen after the pandemic is more manifesto than in memoriam: “Friends Let Us Do Our Best Not to Leave This Life Having Not Loved What We Love Enough.”

Practicing delight opens Gay up to the kind of grace that accompanies grief as well as a range of other emotions, softer ones than his younger self — the college athlete and rebellious son — could hold. On the basketball court he opposes youthful players and notices his own weakness as one of the “many jewels of aging.” When he falls on his ass after being aggressively fouled, he delights in the compassion he feels:

“I felt myself feel nothing like rage or embarrassment or hurt or, god forbid, disrespect … I felt love for this little tough guy and I felt myself feeling love for this little tough guy and so much love I’m pretty sure it was also for my own little

tough guy, getting less tough, and littler, by the day.”

Belief in our compassion and care for one another is Gay’s answer to the dehumanizing forces that break us and our society apart. Gay makes this proposal early but subversively in the first and longest footnote of the book, when he reflects on all the ways capitalism thrives on our suspicion. Believing in “care, in sharing, in the everyday banal precious luminous potential and in-our-face goodness of each other” helps us to see what Gay has experienced since he wrote and published his first delights. As a result of that book, Gay became the recipient of other people’s delights via emails and letters and through the stories he heard on his book tours. “That we are so often the source of, the tether to, each other’s delight” is how delight becomes not just a temporary state but an enduring trait.

To read an uncut version of this review — and more local book coverage — please visit Chapter16.org, an online publication of Humanities Tennessee. ▼

The Book of (More) Delights: Essays

By Ross Gay Algonquin Books 288 pages, $28

Gay will appear with Tiana Clark at a fundraiser for The Porch 6 p.m. Friday, April 5, at Green Door Gourmet. He will also teach a workshop for The Porch 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at the Nashville Public Library downtown, which will be followed by a free reading and signing event at 3 p.m.

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SAY IT AGAIN

Pruitt expands their horizons on Mantras

KATIE PRUITT IS doing something different with their second record — well, a lot of things, really. Mantras, out Friday via Rounder Records, explores far beyond the thematic and sonic territory scoped out on their 2020 debut Expectations. The new 11-song collection catapults Pruitt past the outer limits of Americana, showcasing their stellar lyricism and earth-shattering vocal prowess in the universe of rollicking indie rock.

Pruitt wrote all of Mantras’ songs and produced the record alongside Collin Pastore and Jake Finch. The two are best known for their work with Lucy Dacus and boygenius, but they’ve also worked together on outstanding releases from Bre Kennedy, Olivia Barton and Molly Martin. Mantras isn’t hard to identify as a Katie Pruitt record, but fans may also find it reminiscent of Dacus’ Home Video, since both have masterfully written musings on identity and growing up in a religious family.

It would be unfair to define Mantras as a breakup album, though the dissolution of a long-term relationship was a catalyst for Pruitt’s self-reflection. In fact, my conversation with Pruitt happened on Valentine’s Day, of all days — potentially painful timing. But the wounds exposed on the record are scars now, healed months since.

“There’s obviously a heartbreaking element to it,” says Pruitt. “And the songs about my relationship are definitely about, you know, somebody kind of slowly leaving. And that’s heartbreaking. But I think there’s kind of a silver lining to that. I don’t lose the things she taught me just because she’s gone.”

Much of the record navigates Pruitt’s search for validation from any and every source. Opener “All My Friends” sets this tone. Later, on “White Lies, White Jesus and You,” Pruitt wades into religion, while “The Waitress” and “Leading Actress” are concerned with romance and loss. Throughout, Pruitt confronts a crisis of identity, looking for answers around every corner.

“I felt like my whole life, I’ve been reaching for external validation,” they say, “whether that’s with religion, or whether that’s with, like, pleasing grandparents, or just any adults in my life. And then I think it went from, like, pleasing a God to pleasing a girl.

… It never changed, though. I think I hit a point where I was like, ‘I need this to come from inside of me.’ I need this love and this validation to [be] intrinsic instead of extrinsic.”

Pruitt examines their journey in great detail, and the record culminates with a deep sense of acceptance and inner peace — a willingness to stand firm and accept the throes of life. As Pruitt sings in “Phases of the Moon,” a sweeping ballad built up with luscious strings and their singularly moving vocals: “I’m not searching for a sign / I am learning every time the fire dies / Something new comes to replace it.”

As remarkable a debut as Expectations is, Mantras exhibits exponential growth in every aspect. Pruitt’s voice has grown stronger, and their lyrics have matured with grace. Most impressive of all is the sonic expansion of the new record. Where their debut record was beautifully simple, the follow-up is layered and complex, playing with new sounds and stretching beyond the confines of any genre you care to pick, even one as broad as Americana.

There are still plenty of spots on the record where things are uncomplicated — lead single “Blood Related” being a prime example — but driving rock choruses and an expanded palette of instruments bring even more beauty to the expression. Listen for a toy xylophone; elsewhere, there’s an organ, a hauntingly beautiful reminder of the album’s religious reckoning. Pruitt says their collaborators encouraged this expansion, aiming for a messier, more honest sound.

“I love the first record,” they say. “It’ll have a special place in my heart. But I felt like it was very polished and clean-sounding. And I was like, ‘I kind of want to get a little grittier.’ And it was nice that [my co-producers] pushed me, because I feel like I sometimes latch on and try to sound too perfect. And they’re like, ‘No, it’s a great vocal, just stick to it.’ Like, all right — I’m committing.”

“Committing” might be the best way to describe the theme of Mantras. I joke with Pruitt about the record’s thesis being “breaking up with Jesus and your girlfriend,” but boiled down to its essence, Mantras is about committing to yourself. It’s a difficult process, but an essential one — learning to exist without leaning, to stand firm and still where your feet are planted. Pruitt’s own grounding practice of reciting mantras into the mirror is referenced throughout the album, from the very first track to the last. And they have a mantra to share with everyone else too.

“‘Just be kind to yourself.’ I know that that’s, like, so basic, but it all starts there. The whole process of writing this record was much of me relearning how to do it — and realizing that it all starts [there] and reaches out.” ▼

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NOT MANY PEOPLE would abandon a lucrative job with NASA for the uncertain, unpredictable world of popular music. But that’s precisely what vocalist, songwriter and bandleader Jason Eskridge did in the late 1990s. After graduating from Tennessee Tech with an engineering degree, the Tennessee native decided he’d rather write and perform music than continue in a staff position as a mechanical engineer with the space agency in Huntsville, Ala.

Since relocating to Nashville in 1999, Eskridge has become an in-demand background vocalist and highly regarded singer-songwriter; a sample of his extensive CV includes work with Lyle Lovett, Gladys Knight, Taj Mahal, Keb’ Mo’, Jonny Lang and Robert Glasper. But he’s done far more than solidify his own career. He is a prime advocate and champion for soul and R&B musicians both in Nashville and across the South through Sunday Night Soul, the combination showcase and dance party he created and has hosted at East Nashville’s The 5 Spot since 2014. The event has drawn fans and guest performers from all over the U.S. and elsewhere. Now occurring on the fourth Sunday of each month, Sunday Night Soul celebrates its 10th anniversary on April 28.

“I think the biggest feeling I have is pride,” Eskridge tells the Scene. “I’m proud of the community that we’ve built. I’m proud that we’ve become a staple in the Nashville music scene. I’m proud that we’ve provided a consistent space for soul artists and soul music fans to find one another.”

While The 5 Spot already had a Monday night dance party, Eskridge wanted to establish something that was different and more reflective of contemporary trends and sounds across the world of Black music.

“I was at The 5 Spot for Motown Monday and thought to myself, ‘How cool would it be if folks were having this much fun dancing and enjoy-

ing live music?’” Eskridge recalls. “The main thing that attracted me to The 5 Spot was the fact that they consistently have a diverse roster of artists on their show calendar. I’ve literally seen every type of show you can imagine there.”

As the series has evolved, Eskridge has carefully monitored its growth and development. Few changes have occurred, save for the frequency of the shows.

“When we started in 2014, we were there every Sunday,” says Eskridge. “I quickly realized that this was more work than I had the time or energy for. We later moved to second and and fourth Sundays. We kept that schedule up [via live streams] through the pandemic. At the beginning of 2023, we decided to move to once a month.”

Eskridge is excited about developments related to his own music-making that have been in the works for a long time — over the past year, he’s put extensive time into setting up his recording and rehearsal space Rustic Soul Studios. But Sunday Night Soul remains close to his heart. Highlights he recalls among his many, many guests include multihyphenate talents like Mike Hicks, Joey Richey, Kyshona Armstrong, Clinton Babers and Kenny DeWitt, as well as “every one of the ladies who has participated in our yearly Ladies’ Night shows.” And he has a list of artists who haven’t appeared yet who he’d love to spotlight, including multitalented songsmith Wyn Starks, whose 2023 EP At the End of the River features collaborations with the Fisk Jubilee Singers. Whoever joins in for the next installment, Eskridge feels the series has had a notable positive impact for the development of Black music in Music City and around the region.

“If nothing else, we’ve put a few dollars in some artists’ pockets as well as connected them with new fans and supporters.” ▼

ON THE PALETTE

Indigo De Souza keeps broadening her sound

“THERE’S SO MANY records I’d like to put out,” Indigo De Souza tells me, speaking from her home near Asheville, N.C., as she packs her bags for the second leg of a two-month U.S. tour that concludes Monday at Brooklyn Bowl Nashville. The three LPs De Souza’s already made for Omaha’s venerable Saddle Creek Records are accomplished for her age, 26. The last time I caught her, two summers back, she was showcasing her whisper-to-a-scream vocal versatility and the pleasingly disorienting dynamics of her debut I Love My Mom and its then-new follow-up Any Shape You Take at Bonnaroo.

Though both records have moments of harsh noise and elements of sound collage, they’re built on a foundation of strong melodic sensibility. Last year’s All of This Will End raises the stakes in that regard. From tender ballads, to grunge dirges, to pastoral meditations like the title track, to the disarmingly forthright “Smog” and “You Can Be Mean” — younger cousins to Jagged Little Pill-era Alanis — the material makes its point, while never overstaying its welcome.

Tracks like the cacophonous “Always,” meanwhile, make clear De Souza hasn’t gone full-on pop yet. But it’s a side of her songcraft she aims to take further. Once she’s done with the current tour cycle, De Souza plans to finish an LP she’s been working on for the past year with Twin Cities-raised, L.A.-residing producer Elliott Kozel, whose CV reads like a who’s-who of modern pop and R&B movers-and-shakers including SZA, Lizzo, FINNEAS and Yves Tumor.

Introduced by De Souza’s publishing company, the two instantly connected — “started and didn’t stop,” she says, describing the forthcoming record as “emotional, and big … glossier, more hi-fi than my usual stuff. When [Kozel] and I met, we weren’t planning on making a record — it just happened. We connected, and found a sound together.”

Playing 8 p.m. Monday, April 8, at Brooklyn Bowl

Once that’s wrapped, she’s already got designs on “something with more country-leaning songs” inspired by Lucinda Williams. De Souza’s mother — painter Kim Oberhammer, who handles all De Souza’s cover art and watches her dog Frankie while she’s on the road — raised her children on Williams’ music in Spruce Pine, N.C., a town of about 2,000 people.

“When I moved to Asheville at 16, my music taste widened,” De Souza says, “but I still listen to [Williams] a lot. … I play solo, acoustic sometimes. … It’s rare, and it’s intense, but I get it done.”

Anyone who’s been to Asheville, the biggest city in Western North Carolina, knows how crowded it’s gotten, and how quickly. The population increased by more than half over the past 30 years to about 100,000 people.

“I live outside of Asheville, which feels better,” De Souza says. “I like the nature [here]. I grew up around that, so I feel attached to it. … I can’t say for sure, but I think I’ll be here the rest of my life. My people are here. It feels good to come home. I’m an introvert when I’m here — I don’t go out that much, into town.”

Still, the area offers a musician no shortage of potential backing musicians or collaborators.

Last year, De Souza’s longtime drummer MJ Lenderman’s main band, contemplative Asheville noise-rockers Wednesday, went full-time with their acclaimed Dead Oceans LP Rat Saw God. Now behind the kit — joining extant bassist Landon George and multi-instrumentalist Maddie Shuler — is Lila Richardson of foursome Bex, whose 2022 EP Move It or Lose It is an emotionally driven indie-rock hidden gem.

“Someone brought [Richardson] up as an idea, and I remembered her being a fun person, so I reached out and she ended up being perfect. Her style — it’s confident, straightforward when it needs to be, but with flair when it needs that, too. She’s steady.” ▼

APRIL 11

JIMMY HALL & THE PRISONERS OF LOVE WITH JACKSON STOKES

APRIL 16

THE WAY DOWN WANDERERS

MAY 3

CHEST FEVER THE OFFICIAL REVIVAL OF THE BAND

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WHEN THE SCENE’S Kim Baldwin talked with U.K. R&B ace Sampha, the singer-producer-instrumentalist named an interesting slate of three dream collaborators: master minimalist composer Steve Reich, stellar songsmith Tracy Chapman and André 3000, the hip-hop hero from Outkast who made a much-buzzed-about turn to spiritual jazz with his instrumental record New Blue Sun. As fate would have it, both Sampha and Three Stacks were in town around the same time: André 3000 was set to follow his appearance at Big Ears with a surprise show at The Blue Room at Third Man Records on March 27, which ultimately was postponed due to illness. It would have been pretty incredible if André sat in during Sampha’s Good Friday show at Brooklyn Bowl — and not just for the high-profile factor, as the two artists’ work has a meditative kinship that bridges the gaps between popular music and art music. Though that wasn’t to be, the show was great on its own.

but soon enough it was clear that all was well. In a strange coincidence, the next performer — Ruthven, who plays auxiliary percussion in Sampha’s touring band and wasn’t listed on the bill — was once a firefighter in South London. On record, his somber R&B-schooled songs feature funky and proggy synth sounds, as well as some notably Prince-esque guitar solos. He stripped back much of the production for his live set, in which he played a single keyboard and a sampler he triggered by occasionally bashing his drum pads.

I would have loved to hear more from him, and it seemed everyone in the room agreed — it was hard to hear any of his stage banter over the audience’s cheers. But as much as folks seemed to enjoy the openers, it was clear why they were all there.

Saturday, April 6

SONGWRITER ROUND

Acoustic Guitar

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11:30 am · FORD THEATER

Saturday, April 6

POETS AND PROPHETS

Jackie DeShannon

2:30 pm · CMA THEATER

Saturday, April 6

HATCH SHOW PRINT

Block Party

9:30 am, NOON, and 2:30 pm

HATCH SHOW PRINT SHOP

Sunday, April 7

MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

Travis Anderson

1:00 pm · FORD THEATER

Saturday, April 13

SONGWRITER SESSION

Tia Sillers

NOON · FORD THEATER

WITNESS HISTORY

Museum Membership Receive

Saturday, April 13

PANEL DISCUSSION

Thomas Hart

Benton’s “Sources of Country Music” at 50

2:30 pm · FORD THEATER

Sunday, April 14

MUSICIAN SPOTLIGHT

Mark Fain

1:00 pm · FORD THEATER

Tuesday, April 16

PANEL DISCUSSION AND LISTENING SESSION

The British Archive of Country Music

3:00 pm · FORD THEATER

On the release tour for Lahai, Sampha’s follow-up to his 2017 debut Process, he came packing a pair of solo artists as support. I was fully unprepared for Treanne, who was up first. The 21-year-old, armed with only a keyboard and songs from her soon-to-be-released debut EP 20/20, was only onstage for about 20 minutes. But her voice was so fragile and her songs so personal, I felt almost uncomfortable — akin to the guilt from reading someone’s diary — seeing a stranger so openly bare. The simple nature of it all seemed so brave to me: There she was, laying out the rawest nerves of her soul for a thousand captivated strangers, who sat silently watching. Just the day before, she released her single “Sharing My Body,” a poignant piano ballad with more reflective poetic prowess in its dissection of a relationship than you’d expect from anyone only recently able to purchase a bottle of wine in the U.S.

During the intermission, the house lights came on unexpectedly and emergency lights flickered, while a recording with the approximate fidelity of a broken fast-food drive-thru speaker informed us the building was on fire. Nobody seemed to react,

KEYED UP: SAMPHA

Sampha’s stage presence is charismatic, but he carries the gravity of the complex and deeply personal topics he writes about. He and his rack of keyboards were at the center of a semicircle of musicians. Alongside Ruthven, that included fellow mononymous players Rosetta on bass and Elsas on keys, plus drummer Blake Cascoe (who is also one-third of London abstract jazz trio ABNA) at stage right with his back mostly turned to the audience. Throughout the night, everyone onstage filled the role of utility player, rotating among the myriad instruments scattered around them. The imaginative live arrangements of the songs offered more space for the music to expand into different musical ideas.

Certain far-out aspects of the quintet’s kinetic performance leaned toward Herbie Hancock’s electric funk, though Sampha’s velvety melancholy was always at the forefront. The unit’s rendition of Process standout “Blood on Me” brought a new driving heaviness, with Sampha’s singing taking on extra layers of frantic intensity beyond the studio version. The band explored new textures as they bounced around between songs from both of Sampha’s albums

The crowd hushed as the singer and his group stilled all the expansive sonic treatments to focus on the solitude of “(No One Knows Me) Like the Piano.” The recorded version is striking in its simplicity; it’s a perfect fit for the message in the song, and the group didn’t change it up just because they had the opportunity. It’s a potent reminder that for all the band’s capabilities, the songs are the foundation of what makes Sampha great. ▼

TEQUILA TIME!

Sip your way through a dozen margarita samples and vote for your favorite!

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… AS WE KNOW IT

Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World is a film about being on the business end of economic inequality

USUALLY WHEN A movie is set all in the course of a single day, it’s got a sprawling, Altman-esque character array. Or the focus is on a specific space, and we get a feel for how communities inhabit and interact within that space. Romanian writer-director Radu Jude’s Do Not Expect Too Much From the End of the World thwarts those expectations, because its goal is something different. We’re spending the day with Angela (Ilinca Manolache), from when she first wakes up till she’s finally, completely done with work for the day. And though she’s ostensibly a production assistant for a Bucharest-based production company, Angela’s day never stops. There’s always something that needs to be done. There’s always some crisis that only she can fix. There’s always some rideshare money to be made to keep the car going. So at heart, this is a vivisection of what the gig economy actually means and entails. We are with Angela constantly, and we feel The Grind in every possible way. This way of working is always couched in terms of “opportunity” rather than “nickel-and-diming,” and that’s a malignant choice from lawmakers and CEOs who tend to rely on just one job. Always look at who’s defining the terms.

Angela is a great protagonist — she’s determined, independent, fierce, fiery and always conscious of how the many facets of the world are working. If there’s any justice, Ilinca Manolache will find work with adventurous directors the world over, because she’s a force of nature. There’s a version of this film where Angela could have accepted every whim and crisis thrown at her with stoic resignation, but who would want to watch that? Patient endurance always gets bandied about as the proper response to any and all injustices, but if there’s one thing the age of TikTok has given us (other than a chance to see legislators spin hypocrisy out of nothing — this film was made before the recent kerfuffles over TikTok, but it still feels inescapably current), it’s a chance to access the unfettered reflex of people just trying to keep their shit together.

And in this case, that’s Angela’s alter ego Bobiţa, a digital fuckboy avatar steeped in the moment and every bit of the social detritus that gathers at the feet of anyone spending time online these days. Bobiţa is both a safety valve and an acetone-spraying gun, a blurt of rage that isn’t discernible as satire by those who should most bear the brunt of its fury. Make no mistake: This film is filled with the festering anger that comes from being on the business end of economic inequality, and we see without explanation how Bobiţa is both mirror and machete.

Jude’s 2021 film Bad Luck Banging or Loony Porn was a modern masterpiece of social analysis (currently available on Hulu and Kanopy in a wittily and creatively censored version), with a final section that articulates every bit of frustra-

tion and exhaustion that insistent and supercilious reactionaries spur in their manipulation of school systems. Jude has a gift for accessible and perceptive satire, and he’s not afraid to bring out the poking needles as necessary.

There’s an ongoing dialogue with the 1981 Lucian Bratu film Angela Moves On (whose star Dorina Lazar turns up here, a “what if” that says volumes about post-communist Romania), depicting what the workplace (a taxi driver during the communist era) was and what it has become. And then, as the film progresses, we experience the world of Romanian film production from several differing angles. Uwe Fucking Boll is an interesting choice to embody renegade can-do spirit. As a symbol of breaking away from established systems, sure. And as a representative of external filmmakers exploiting Romanian crews because they’re cheap, oh absolutely. But he best serves as an indictment of European film financing and influencer culture in the way that having someone famous attached helps get your stuff seen. Boll is the mercenary aspect of this, a man who exploited tax loopholes and known IP to subject the world to increasingly diffident and mediocre video game adaptations. (He’s also an asshole — just ask the Chattanooga film community.) The opposite approach to this phenomenon is Nina Hoss, who pops up out of respect for the director and who relishes the chance to fling some mud at international corporate malfeasance. (Tilda Swinton and Isabelle Huppert do this sort of thing all the time.)

simple — today’s billionaires don’t tend to make such easy targets of themselves by taking credit or responsibility for anything in public fora. The ones who do (the usual suspects) have some sort of humiliation kink.

VISIT NASHVILLESCENE.COM FOR OUR REVIEW OF MONKEY MAN, OPENING WIDE ON FRIDAY, APRIL 5.

The last sequence, done in close to a single take, is just vicious. Throughout the day, Angela has been trying to facilitate the filming of a video where someone injured because of corporate neglect does a safety awareness video for that corporation. It’s all manner of legally and personally icky, and it is treated as a major financial opportunity (there’s that language again). What’s insidious (and sad) is that it is; integrity and authenticity are the only things that hold value that doesn’t tarnish. And the making of this video is somehow a process that goes from absurd to brutal to enervating to emotionally violent and back again. It’s a takedown of corporate practice and irresponsibility that should hurt anyone with a conscience. If you’ve worked in production, or cared about someone who has, you know the process and the demands it places on the behind-the-scenes workers. But this is like a tripartite depiction of the way that dehumanization gets deployed against pretty much everyone involved in the whole process. You feel it in your soul. You feel it in your spine. ▼

Romania’s grand export to the world is the legacy of Dracula, but it’s with the deposed/ executed Nicolae and Elena Ceauşescu that that fictional legacy finds fruition — pageantry-obsessed grifters whose thirst for power and wealth continues to diminish the land even after their death. The difference between the Ceauşescus and the modern-day oligarchs are

ACROSS

1 Line just above “total,” maybe

4 Place for three men of verse

10 Mideast site of conflict

14 That: Sp.

15 “Nothing doing”

16 Series of courses

17 Response to a baby animal picture

18

20 Like many tournaments

22 Swiss river

23 ___ discount

24

26 Game island represented by hexagonal tiles

28 Like a planet’s path

29 Reason to take a back road, maybe

31 ___ mater (brain cover)

32 Testify

34

40 Boldly stylish, in slang

41 Comics sound

43 Pastries usually accompanied by chutney

46 Like a final, desperate attempt

50 Romantic infatuation

51

52 Store posting: Abbr.

53 Pulitzer-winning author who was also a film critic for Time magazine

56 Salt, at times

57 Mistakes in baseball ... or what 18-, 24-, 34- and 51-Across might produce?

60 Rumpus

61 Running shoe brand

62 Jhumpa ___, Pulitzer-winning author of “Interpreter of Maladies”

63 “___ better to have loved and lost ...”

64 Telegraph, say

65 Safari pest

66 Time for Paris’s 2024 Jeux Olympiques

DOWN

1 Where many bags of leaves can be found

2 “Cross my heart!”

3 Energizing snack

4 Overrun

5 “Beats me”

6 What the 1660s Pascaline machine, named for Blaise Pascal, could do

7 ___ wave

8 Sch. that once used a live bear as a mascot during football games

9 Ingredient in some batter

10 Big name in trucks

11 Make bubbly

12 Mideast spice blend

13 State capital once home to Herman Melville

19 Pause to play?

21 Measure of print quality: Abbr.

25 Trees in the birch family

27 Once again

29 Certain racing wear

30 ___ anglais (English horn)

33 More quickly?

35 Sightings of them can be reported on the Enigma app

36 Unlucky accident

37 Sweet ___

38 Renounce

39 Stuck the landing

42 Place for soap?

43 Most common vowel sounds in English

44 Achieve widespread recognition

45 Cotton material

47 Calls for delivery

48 Attire for a toddler

49 Baseball stat

51 Actress Anne of “Wag the Dog”

54 Coated with gold

55 List on display at the airport

58 ___ jokes

59 Popular song

UBS Business Solutions US LLC has the following position in Nashville, TN. Director, Tech Delivery Manager to be responsible for the day-to-day management and operations of a team of application support analysts supporting business aligned applications. (ref. code 001335). Qualified Applicants apply through SHProfRecruitingcc@ubs.com. Please reference 001335.

NO CALLS PLEASE.

EOE/M/F/D/V. #LI-DNP.

UBS Business Solutions US LLC seeks Director, Market Risk Reporting and Analysis Specialist in Nashville, Tennessee. Gather client requirements through continuous interaction with UBS stakeholders across Business, IT and Operations. Can work remotely. Qualified Applicants apply through SHProfRecruitingcc@ubs.com.

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the Bar. 80% telecmmtng

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Lead Developers, IT SAP. Develop, configure, build, review, and unit test SAP software solutions for a major retailer. Employer: Tractor Supply Company.

Location: HQ in Brentwood,

TN. May telecommute from any location in the U.S. Multiple openings. To apply, mail resume to S. Case, 5401 Virginia Way, Brentwood, TN 37027. Ref. job code 15-0195.

Senior Developer/Junior

Architect. Design, develop, implement, and release high- quality custom software solutions using SCRUM.

Employer: Kanini Software

Solutions, Inc. Location: Nashville, TN. May telecommute from any location in the United States.

To apply, mail resumé to D.

Moody, 25 Century Blvd., Suite 602, Nashville, TN 37214.

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IT issues across a wide range of technologies and applications. Identify and enact process and technical improvements including automation. Qualified Applicants apply through SHProfRecruitingcc@ubs.com.

Please reference 000791.

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Director, PwC Private, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Nashville, TN. Advise pvt compns in the areas of audt, tax cmplnc, &/or plnning to hlp imprv thr oprtnl effcncy. Req Bach’s deg or foreign equiv in Bus Admin, Acctng, Fin, Econ, or rel, +7 yrs of reld wrk exp, of whch at least 5 yrs must be of post-bach's, prgrssv rel wrk exp.; OR a Master’s deg or foreign equiv in Bus Admin, Acctng, Fin, Econ, or rel,+5 yrs of rel wrk exp. Req one of following: US CPA or foreign equiv, or Member of the Bar. 80% telecmmtng prmttd. Mst be able to cmmute to desgntd local office. Domstc &/or int trvl up to 20% req. Please apply by sending your resume to US_PwC_Career_Recruitme

nt@pwc.com, specifying Job Code TN4068 in the subject line.

Test Architect. Architect and design efficient and scalable test automation frameworks.

Employer: Kanini Software

Solutions, Inc. Location: Nashville, TN. May telecommute from any location in the United States.

To apply, mail resumé to D. Moody, 25 Century Blvd., Suite 602, Nashville, TN 37214.

Performance Engineer III. Monitor and analyze solar power plants through monitoring system alerts, operating plant data, and performing engineering reviews of solar plant equipment. Employer: Silicon Ranch Corporation.

Location: Nashville, TN. May telecommute from any location within Davidson County. To apply, mail resumé to C. Dodd, 222 Second Ave. S, Suite 1900, Nashville, TN 37201.

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