Here come the holiday parties, Yall!

Okay, so without any delay this week, get in your car and head down to the Frist Center for the Visual Arts RIGHT NOW! You can arrive early, say 10am, but at 10:30am, TODAY, there is a festive holiday sing-along of seasonal favorites with Sarah Martin McConnell- following a performance by “Changing Gears” Handbell Choir. The performance is at the Frist Center Auditorium and is FREE to attend! 

Sticking with today, December 16th, you can start the day at the Frist, maybe stick around in the galleries and possibly buy some gifts in the wonderful gift shop and lunch in the cafe (kinda like Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis did last week actually … See, People Magazine, THEY ARE JUST LIKE US 🙂 ), and then possibly drop by the Thistle Stop Cafe anytime from 6-8pm to help the Nashville Community Darkroom Benefit. This is their holiday fundraiser, located at 5128 Charlotte Avenue, the event will feature live entertainment by Tommy Womack, a pop-up gallery of NCD photographers and artists, and a brief presentation about the Nashville Community Darkroom’s purpose, goals, and progress. For more info on the NCD, please visit http://nashvillecommunitydarkroom.org/ The event is open to the public, with a suggested donation is $25. 

Then, you can end the day with a party like no other at night at Lockeland Springsteen’s Holiday Happy Hour festivity at The 5 Spot (1006 Forrest Avenue). From 5-8pm, come celebrate the holiday season with music (Boom Forest, Blank Range, Cale Tyson, and The New Lonely), Morally Good Vinyl will be on hand with a variety of vintage albums, East Side Story will be selling music themed books, and there will be plenty of mercy from Electric Western Records too! DId I mention half-price drinks and hot chicken out back?! 

Then, after you recover from that, you can explode on the holiday season with The Mary Nails! Yep, I said it and you are reading this correctly! If you have time and a real need to dance, you NEED to be at Mad Donna’s (1313 Woodland Street) at 7pm sharp to witness a Christmas show and miracle like none I’ve ever heard about EVER! This is when and where East Side Storytellin’ 28 will go down. Author/artist Mark Sloniker will be reading from original prose that will be other-worldly, and then it will be time for the reunion of reunions. The Mary Nails are playing again!!!!! It’s been 3 years since the last show that left us all wanting more. Here and now we will have a Christmas miracle for everyone to celebrate the end of this year and the beginning of a hopeful adventure in 2014. I’m not the only one showing up to this and I’m not the only one writing about it either. You can read more about it here- http://www.outandaboutnashville.com/story/east-side-storytellin-reunite-mary-nails#.Uqor2liA21s You can read more about our recent East Side Storytellin’ event and details about the above show at this link here- http://eastsidestorytn.com/east-side-storytellin-27-when-the-extraordinary-lydia-peelle-and-griffin-house-gave-us-many-reasons-for-and-advantages-of-enjoying-life-in-general/ 

Because I know you’ll have to rest the entire day and night after East Side Storytellin’ 28 with The Mary Nails, I’ll give you a Thursday that will fill your holiday season and energy back up to par. 

First, over at the Turnip Green Creative Reuse (535 4th Avenue South), from 5-9pm, you can spread cheer at the artist marketplace and green gallery. Carrie Cox’s show “Indigo” will be up, and the Platetone Printmaking, Paper and Book Arts will be buzzing with the fun reuse projects just in time for the holidays. 

Second, from 6-7:15pm, at Atmalogy (2320 West End Avenue), there will be an evening of eminent creativity. It is called “Writings on the Wall (a poetry experience)” and it will be AWEsome! Just go check it out and let their words say everything I can’t bring justice to right now. 

Third for Thursday, at 7pm, at The Basement (1604 8th Avenue South), go experience the Merry AquaVelvet Christmas Spectacular! There will be all your favorites, special guests, lots of holiday surprises, Jim Hoke’s lavish arrangements and Kristi Rose too! 

And on top of everything above and below, please PLEASE know that it’s that time of year again for The Ornaments to come out. The Ornaments (Jen Grunderman, James Haggerty, and Martin Lynds) play every night Monday, 12/16- Saturday, 12/21 at The Family Wash, twice a night, at 6:30pm and 8:30pm. They play at The Belcourt Theater (Saturday Kids Show) at 10am too. for more information, go to www.facebook.com/TheOrnaments. All shows are $7, and reservations are highly recommended at The Family Wash because it is packed every show. The Ornaments, having started 7 years ago, play what they consider to be the greatest holiday special ever produced- Charles Schultz’s “A Charlie Brown Christmas”- with its brilliant soundtrack by Vince Guaraldi. It is one of my personal favorite holiday traditions if I don’t type so myself. I’m going Friday night! 

Also, be sure to know about the fact that “UpLift”, an art show featuring the art of Aaron and Michelle Grayum, will be at Fido (1812 21st Avenue South) from December 18th-February 4th. This Saturday, December 21st, from 6-8pm, there will be an informal opening reception filled with creative conversations, collaborative visions of umbrellas, balloons, and elephants galore. The Grayums are fantastic people and artists that you really should meet in person to get a glimpse of all of the amazing things they are creating in this world. They are super cool. You can see more about them at www.thegrayumbrella.com. 

Aside from all that, happy shopping for your loved ones and those in need. Take time to count your blessings every day, especially this time of year, and be nice to one another. You owe it to each other and yourself. 

Thanks for dropping by and I hope to see you at all or a few of the things above. This is going to be an EPIC week before baby Jesus comes around again! 

much love, 

chUck 

www.eastsidestorytn.com 

www.nashvillesheart.com

PS- On an art writing note of urgency around our region- Make sure to send in your reviews and regional updates for Number Inc’s #77 coming up, represent your region right! –  The NEW deadline is now December 20th, so you still have time to promote everything!

https://numberinc.submittable.com/submit

 

Good people, art, and events to warm your heart and world around Nashville

With it already being Tuesday and all, I’m sorry for my delay by the way (been outta town and kinda in another world of sun and fun), I figured I’d give you a quick link to listen to in case you missed it, and then a ton of great causes and events going on this week to remember.

First, here is the listener- A little live recording from Dave Eastman’s final live broadcasting week over at WAMB Radio recently. Enjoy.
https://soundcloud.com/eastsidestorytn/wamb-last-live-broadcast-11-25

Jumping to Thursday, I have like 3 things to warm your heart and the weather in your world.

1- At 5pm, at Marathon Music Works (1402 Clinton Street), there will be a concert and benefit like none in town called “For the Philippines with Love Disaster Relief Concert and Benefit.” 100% of the funds raised thru the concert and silent auction as well as 15% of sales from the holiday market, will go directly to the International Relief Teams organization to give aid to the Philippines with the over 4 million Filipinos displaced and the 3,976 lives lost after Typhoon Haiyan. Music will be played by the likes of Trent Dabbs, Sam Palladio, Mayday Malone, and more. For more information on the event or to find out how you can become a part of the night please email: telishacobb@gmail.com

2- At 5:30-7:30pm, at The Green Room (521 Gallatin Avenue), live jazz and improvisational music will come to East Nashville with the inauguration of the Bright Frontier Happy Hour. Bright Frontier is the new quartet of Craig Havighurst on guitar, Matt Endahl on keys, Charlie Chadwick on bass, and Jason Smart on drums. The Green Room is behind Barista Parlor and sponsored by Artist Growth. It and this band will be something not to be missed by anyone who appreciates good music. Oh, and Craig is also co-host of Music City Roots (if you live in a cave) and also has a great book that will make for a great holiday gift sold at East Side Story (if you live under a rock).

3- Last but not least on Thursday, at 7pm, at The Filming Station (501 8th Avenue South), Carolina Story will host a special night of music with an intimate performance from their newly released EP. This unique space only holds 40 people, so there are only a limited number of tickets available. Get yours and see us there too here: http://bit.ly/1cX9Bw4. Side note- A $15 ticket gains you entry into this special event + a signed copy of our new EP, Chapter One. They also have other holiday gift basket stuff on site and their website- www.carolinastory.com. OH, and they also ask that if you come that you bring a canned food of something to help support Second Harvest! Talented hearts and music of GOLD too!

Oh wait, not last but not least new update just in … YOU are invited to a Holiday Open House with wine, appetizers, and a wonderful selection of handmade gifts by Kaaren Engel, Nancie Roark, Beads by Yaara, and Audry Deal-McEver this Thursday, December 12th, from 10am-2pm and then 7pm-10pm, at 3901 Woodlawn Drive! More good art made by good people. Take that for what it’s worth (priceless in my book).

Then, on Friday, December 13th, Friday the 13th!, author Betsy Phillips will be at East Side Story (1108 Woodland Street, Unit B) at 6pm for a very special book club session for her book “A City of Ghosts.” You can read more about the book here-http://www.acityofghosts.com/– and come get one of the best Nashville ghost stories collection for kids of all ages just in time for your holiday gift giving (post-Halloween and all that other stuff too).

This Saturday, December 14th, is going to be really hopping at The Row (1108 Woodland Street). Speaking of some things hopping close to home, like right in MY East Side Story, check these two things back-to-back for your reading and weekend pleasure:

1- Poet Amy E. Hall has a brand new poetry chapbook called “Bathroom Poems” dropping in time for the holidays. From 2-3pm, Amy will be on site to read from and sign copies of her collection of her “crappy poems about bathroom business offering a humorous plunge® into the world of anal-rententive behavior and plenty of wisecracks while you wipe.” It will be a fun time by all. You can read more about Amy’s poetry at lineuponlinepoetry.blogspot.com.

2- After Amy cleans the house and her creative mess of fun, author Juliana Ericson will be at the bookstore from 6-8pm to read from her new release called “The Other F Word.” Juliana is a forgiveness coach and is a wonderful person hear about the various ways mental, physical, and emotional ways forgiveness can help us all. Wine and cheese will be there, so tell everyone to forgive each other and come along together! (Here is the link for the event at 6pm this coming Saturday, December 14th, with author Juliana Ericson that is also FREE to attend!
http://www.nowplayingnashville.com/event/detail/441810023)

Also on Saturday, December 14th, besides everything going on at East Side Story, here is a list of 3 other things you should know about too:

1- The Grand Opening of Julia Martin Gallery at 5pm at Julia Martin Gallery (444 Humphreys Street.

2- Poetry in the Brew Open Mic Poetry Reading at Portland Brew East at 5:30pm.

3- Ms. Camilla’s Neighborhood Coloring Party at Pied Piper Creamery at 6pm.

I mean, seriously, can it get more packed with fun and good-hearted people in one city than Nashville here and now?! Yeah, I didn’t think so. I hope to see you and all or most of the things below. Either way, enjoy your week, stay warm, and be nice to one another.

Oh, and another head’s up, next Tuesday, December 17th, will be a holiday extravaganza like no other! I’m not the only one writing about it too. Check this out-http://www.outandaboutnashville.com/story/east-side-storytellin-reunite-mary-nails

Hide your kids, hide your wife, The Mary Nails gon’ find you … they gon’ find you … so run and tell that, homeboy!

See EVERYONE at Mad Donna’s on December 17th at 7pm!!

much love,
chUck
www.eastsidestorytn.com
www.nashvillesheart.com

PS- On an art writing note of urgency around our region- Make sure to send in your reviews and regional updates for Number Inc’s #77 coming up, represent your region right! – The NEW deadline is now December 20th, so you still have time to promote everything!

https://numberinc.submittable.com/submit

Is December the best month of 2013?

The heading in the subject is the question.  i used to believe that it was April, minus allergies and plus birthdays, but this week’s activities and other things going on this month besides the holiday season might just make a very strong case. 

To start things off right, look no further than tomorrow night, Tuesday, December 3rd, and one of the most star-studded line-up for East Side Storytellin’ to date.  Reading original prose, the show will begin with the award-winning author Lydia Peelle.  Following Peelle, one of the Beard family’s favorite local musician in that of Griffin House.  Seriously, this is going to be a show you won’t want to miss.  It’s FREE, starts at 7pm sharp, and is at Mad Donna’s (1313 Woodland Street).  Here is more information on the event –

http://www.nowplayingnashville.com/event/detail/441805126

Also, if you missed the last show, and need more information on the event tomorrow at the bottom of the read, check this out –

http://eastsidestorytn.com/east-side-storytellin-26-where-east-side-story-and-palaver-records-combined-forces-for-the-future-now/

On Wednesday, December 4th, you can try a few worthwhile events that will make your heart smile.  First, over at Montgomery Bell Academy (4001 Harding Road), you are invited to check out a benefit concert for the Philippines Disaster Relief Fund called “Nashville Artists Unite For One NIght.”  At 7:30pm, the Nashville art community has come together for an event bigger than all of us combined.  You can read more bout it here – http://artsnash.com/dance/benefit-concert-philippines/.  Secondly, at The Building in East Nashville, at 8pm, you can join the fun for No Shame Theater: Festivus Edition.  Admission is FREE for performers, $8 minimum donation for the spectators, and bottomless cups of beer will be yours for another additional $8 donation!  Happy holidays are here!

Thursday, you have another round of two for one day events that will continue to keep that heart smiling.  First up, over at the Downtown Presbyterian Church (154 5th Avenue North), from 11am-2pm, for the 88th annual Waffle Shop!  For tickets on sale for just $7, you’ll get a freshly cooked waffle from scratch, grits, sausage or turkey hash, and a hot beverage.  There will also be a gift shop with crafts and baked goods, where all proceeds benefit people in need served through the Pastor’s Fund.  Tickets are available at the event or you can purchase ahead of time by calling 615-254-7584.  Second on the list for Thursday, from 5-8pm, at Hillsboro Village Events (1800 21st Avenue South) will host their Christmas in the Village. Santa will arrive at 6pm to sit for photos at Fido (photos are FREE in exchange for a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots).  All merchants will be offering holiday drink specials and free food samples.  There will be bell ringers, carolers, and bands performing (including a stage on the corner of Belcourt and 21st Avenue).  This will go down rain or shine and it will all be a great time.

Wait, also on Thursday, for you night folks who dig good, local music, look no further than fooBAR too.  At 9pm, Palaver Records will feature Nava Hotel & Coyotes in Boxes & In The Whale.  $5 door charge, $3 Yazoo draft beer, and it is a wonderful chance to see local music on the rise … nothing better than that!

Friday, as mentioned before last week about the awesome, prolific poet in Jamie Givens needing help to fight Cancer, check out the benefit concert for Jamie featuring Kent Blazy and the For Peace Band from 6-8pm over at Douglas Corner Cafe (2106 A 8th Avenue South).  For a mere $10, where all of the proceeds will provide support to Jamie as she continues to undergo treatment for breast cancer.  There will be a special guest on stage as well … hint, hint … YOU won’t want to miss it!

Saturday, to end the week ahead off right, I’ll leave you with 3 things to knock your stockings off.

1- Porter Flea: Handmade Holiday Market 2013 = At 1211 4th Avenue South, at 10am-6pm, there will be a huge selection of handmade goods from the areas most talented designers and artisans.  It is FREE admission, showcasing over 85 artists with home goods, furniture, jewelry, prints, posters, and paper goods.  The Track One Building is located around the corner from Fort Houston, Seed Space, and Zeitgeist.

2- Six Potters and a Painter = At East Studio, 521 Gallatin Road, from Dec. 7th at 10am- December 8 at 4pm, East Nashvihlle’s hidden gems- side by side clay workshops with East Studio and Timothy Weber Pottery- will open their doors to the public once a year for this holiday market.  It will feature painting and pottery demonstrations, free Penny Drive penny pots to raise money for Second Harvest, and much much more.

3- Art & Invention Gallery Holiday Open House = at 1106 Woodland Street (right beside the awesome shops on The Row), from 6-9pm, Meg has opened her door to countless artists providing some of the most extraordinary holiday gifts around.  Seriously, you will find the best gifts you didn’t even know about here at Art & Invention. Meg also has extended holiday hours open to 6pm during the week and Sundays and open till 8pm on Friday & Saturday.

Man, I’m kinda tired from writing about all of this.  Now it’s time for you to go out and enjoy it!  I hope to see y’all tomorrow night at Mad Donna’s to kick it all off!

much love,
chUck

www.eastsidestorytn.com
www.nashvillesheart.com