THEATER: TPAC's Catch Me If You Can (Winter Issue)

A lot of my experience with the TPAC, since the start of my column, has lead up to this month’s performance of “Catch Me If You Can” and it has taken me on quite the journey!  This year’s TPAC Gala theme was based around the show starting with a swanky 60’s pre-party.  I was greeted at the door of the event by the co-chairs representing “PAN AM Airlines” in retro pilot and stewardess attire.  Martinis were served, while excitement for the upcoming event spread.  Then the night of the Gala finally came and it was unbelievable.  The pre-party was only a small taste of the grand scale of the classic 60’s cocktail soiree.  I was taken back in time and loved every minute of it.   Guests entered TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall through an “airline concourse” and into a beautiful banquet right on the stage.  Broadway star Aaron Tveit crooned, while dinner was served.  I love the movie “Catch Me If You Can,” but the Gala raised my excitement level to see it live.

The show, based on the astonishing true story of world-class con artist Frank Abagnale, Jr., will land in Nashville for a limited engagement January 22-27.  This is part of the first national tour of the Broadway musical.  Kathleen O’Brien, TPAC president and chief executive officer said, “Even if you’re not familiar with Frank’s amazing life story or the Steven Spielberg film, you will be drawn in by this fabulous new musical.”  She also said that when she saw it for the first time, she was so blown away that she knew they had to bring it to Nashville and I’m so glad they did!  Once again, my anticipation increases before another great performance at the TPAC.  There are many great shows still happening this season, and this is definitely one you’ll want to “catch”!

For more information on the show go to www.CatchMeOnTour.com and for tickets go to www.tpac.org.

MUSIC: The Electric Time Machine (Winter Issue)

I’ve been performing in bands for almost fifteen years.  I traveled a lot at first, but my family has kept me close to home for a while now.  My current band is called “The Electric Time Machine.”  Since this is the wedding issue of the magazine, I thought I would let you know about us because weddings are our specialty!  Our motto is “rockin’ you through the decades,” and we do just that!  We play everything from Chuck Berry to Lady Gaga with a lot of 80’s in between.  We dress in costumes to represent each decade and as you can see in the photos, I am the 60’s!  We are currently a four-piece band but plan to be a five-piece by spring with the addition of a keyboard player.

If you know anything about bands, you know that they don’t always get along, aren’t really friends off stage and very often break up because of “creative differences.”  I have been so fortunate the past eight years to be with a group that does not fit any of those descriptions.  The four of us have an incredible chemistry that translates very well on stage.  Everybody’s abilities and unique personalities fit together like pieces of a puzzle that result in a fun, high energy show filled with unexpected raw talent, not common in a cover band.

So let me introduce you to the guys… On bass guitar is David Larsen.  Playing as our 70’s fly guy, David’s bass lines can emphasize the groove of all styles of music, while keeping out of the way of the arrangement.  We kind of consider him the “band geek,” but it’s pretty much because he’s a very meticulous, musical genius.  Representing the 90’s is “Too Legit To Quit” drummer Jason “Chafa” Chafatelli.  With a drum set that lights up the night, his funk rhythms fill the room making it nearly impossible to stay in your seat.  And last, but certainly not least, is lead guitarist Jason Miller.  In his totally rad 80’s attire, he rocks rhythms with an emphasis on “full chords,” while his solos are a mixture of tone, emotion, speed and groove centered around scales and modes.  I saved this Jason for last to also mention that we’ve been playing together for the full fifteen years I’ve been in bands.  We met at Ole Miss and he and his wife moved here right after my husband and I did so that we could continue to create music.  He’s like a brother to me.  I am so blessed to have been in a band for so long with such an insanely talented, big-hearted, incredible guy.

I guess, since I’m describing members, I shouldn’t leave myself out.  With hair and Go Go Boots like Nancy Sinatra, my vocal style could be described as a Southern American Adele fused with Janis Joplin and a little Pat Benatar.  “Me and Bobby McGee” is my most requested song and as a big fan of Janis, I certainly take that as a compliment.

So book my band “The Electric Time Machine” for your wedding reception, corporate event, private party or club.  You won’t regret it!   We will take you back to your glory days no matter when they were!

For more information on TETM go to www.TheElectricTimeMachine.com

ART: Kelly Harwood and Gallery 202 (Winter Issue)

With all the fabulous events held at his gallery and around town, this “gal about town” was bound to run into Kelly Harwood, eventually!  We finally met this summer, while he was modeling for a “What to Wear” for the Heritage Ball.  Now that I know him, I see what a treasure he is to Franklin!

Kelly is the owner of Gallery 202 and an amazing artist.  He has many different artistic styles and enjoys pallet knife florals the most, which he is asked to do quite often in his “in house” studio in the gallery.  If he gets a chance to hang any on the walls, it isn’t long before someone is taking them out the front door.  He also really enjoys painting landscapes, wild life, and abstracts.  He’s a frequent flyer all over the world, and he loves taking photographs and painting from them.  When you think wildlife, mallards and bobcats may come to mind.  However, Kelly’s repertoire of creatures includes many of the sea turtles he paints, while visiting his home in Maui.

Even though he’s a world traveler, Kelly says his favorite place to be is in Franklin.  If you ever go to his gallery, and you should, you will see why.  It is breath taking.  Historic Clouston Hall, Circa 1821, was purchased by Kelly over 2 years ago to be turned into the beautiful gallery that it is today.  A cannon ball burn on the floor and blood stains on the wall are referred to as Civil War “battle scars” and attribute to the gallery’s statement of “History Embracing Art”.  Occupied many years by the late artist and Franklin legend, Bunn Gray, it is only fitting that the landmark would become a home for the works of so many local artists.   Kelly says that the community has totally embraced the gallery.  It’s a part of several tours, and Kelly credits Margie Thessin for so many of the people from all over the globe who come to appreciate and purchase the wonderful art.   The gallery is also a main attraction on the Downtown Franklin Art Crawl the first Friday of every month.

Kelly is originally from Gadsden, Alabama, as is his friend of 26 years, Jim McReynolds.  Kelly says he begged Jim to move to Franklin to work with him in the gallery.  Jim did, and he is now the manager, in addition to many other roles.  Kelly also says that Jim is a “closet artist”, but I have not been privileged to see any of his work.  I won’t give up, though!

I see Gallery 202 and Kelly Harwood as being “very Franklin” with all the charm and creativity that, that entails.  It’s really all about local artists here and the friendships he has made.  Some of the other artists displayed are Julie Harvey, Tiffany Foss and Barbara Coons.  Barbara is one of my favorite artists in the gallery because of her use of guitars and maps.  Very clever!

In my most recent visit to the gallery, Kelly asked if I had sung there because the acoustics are outstanding.  While I am known to sometimes break out into song, I had not yet done it at the 202.  He said that I must so we went to the piano room, and I let out a little Adele.  He was right.  The historic hall not only embraces the art but music, as well.  Now that’s my kind of place!

For more information go to www.gallery202art.com

THEATER: Pull Tight Theater's "It's A Wonderful Life" (December Issue)

If you have never been to a show at the Pull-Tight Theatre in Franklin, it is a must.  The intimate atmosphere is unlike any other.  I went to my first show there a few months ago, and now I am hooked.  I love community theater, and the Pull-Tight does it very well.

I was able to go to a rehearsal of this month’s production of It’s A Wonderful Life to see a little of the performance and also get to know JT Landry.  The Brentwood resident and Belmont alum is making his debut as a producer, as he usually is an actor.  He was approached about producing by his friend, Justin McIntosh, who is directing the show.  JT loves the classic story and wanted to be a part of something really special for Christmas.  From what little I have seen, the sold-out show will be special indeed.  Fortunately, I got my tickets just in time.

Seeing a show, going to a rehearsal and just being a part of the process in general has definitely given me the acting bug.  It’s been a long time since I’ve been on stage to do anything other than sing, and I find myself really missing the acting part lately.  There are some great shows coming up this season at the Pull-Tight.  Stay tuned to see if I will be making my own debut…

MUSIC: SHAHNAZ (December Issue)

Before having children of my own, I volunteered at Franklin High School as a Young Life leader.  Within Young Life, small groups are formed, and I was blessed to lead an incredible group of girls who will always hold a very special place in my heart.  One of those girls was Meghan “Shahnaz” Kabir.  When she could get a break in her busy schedule of singing, writing, dancing and studying to graduate early, Meghan would come to our meetings and share her authentic kind spirit.  When I think of Meghan now, the word EXQUISITE comes to mind. 

Since high school, Meghan has accomplished so many amazing things and is still just getting started in what I believe will be a life long successful career.  At the age of 24, she has already had her songs on television shows such as The Hills, The City, and Victorious.  American Idol’s Chris Allen is recording one for The Biggest Loser, and she had a song recorded by Selena Gomez in the movie Ramona and Beezus.  Most recently, her song “People Like Us” was chosen to be on Kelly Clarkson’s next album and will be released sometime in January.   I’m sure there will be lots of iTunes gift cards in Christmas stockings this year so put that one on your list to download!

The “Shahnaz” in Meghan’s name comes from her father who is from Afghanistan.   She is now using that as her name and forming a brand with it.  She feels it is global like her music.  Meghan has recorded songs in Farsi, one of the languages spoken in Afghanistan, and she was nominated there for best new artist. 

 

In addition to writing and singing, Meghan has started a jewelry line that came about from her wanting to custom tailor pieces to her style.  She wants the jewelry to have a life of it’s own, but it is inspired by her music.  She custom designs some of the pieces with her lyrics on them. 

Meghan’s favorite lyric is “We are all misfits living in a world on fire”.  It’s about owning who you are.  Meghan came to a point in high school where she didn’t fit in anymore.  She wrote the song to unite other misfits in her situation.  She says that music is such a spiritual connection.

Meghan “Shahnaz” Kabir’s music is timeless, positive, colorful and inspiring.  She is able to paint a vibrant picture with her words, and her soulful sound can transport you to a better place.  It’s not always easy putting yourself out there, but Meghan stays authentic to who she is.  I am certainly inspired…

ART: elle dee studio by LAUREN DUNN (December Issue)

While browsing the booths at Main Street Festival this year, I stopped to admire some artwork and distressed frames by a local artist.  As usual, I had two little boys in tow so I got a card from the artist in the hopes to see more of her work, undistracted.  The card ended up in a pile on my desk like so many others, and I just came across it a couple of weeks ago. The artist’s name is Lauren Dunn, and I went onto her website to see more of her art.  To my surprise, her biography read that she was from a small Mississippi delta town just like me.  Of course, I quickly contacted her to set up a time to meet and see the studio.  In just a few minutes of meeting with Lauren, I found out that she went to college with my high school best friend. We’re in the same sorority, and we now go to the same church.  Needless to say, we became fast friends!

Lauren’s Franklin in-home studio is filled with her beautiful artwork.  She uses the impasto technique when painting.  This technique is where paint is laid on an area of the surface very thickly, usually thickly enough that the brush or painting-knife strokes are visible. When dry, impasto provides texture, and the paint appears to be coming out of the canvas. Lauren uses acrylic on wood panels, and many of her pieces are churches inspired by her grandfather, a small town Mississippi preacher.  Lauren also does commission work from pictures.  Because her paintings are on wood panels, they can be displayed on their own.  However, she makes unique distressed frames that add even more artistic detail and interest to her work.

Lauren’s artwork can be found in Nashville at York and Friends Gallery and her frames are at Redo in Franklin and Hot Pink in Brentwood.  She also has artwork in many other towns across the South and plans to expand.  Meeting Lauren was such a pleasure, and I’m so happy to know that there is another “delta girl” living right around the corner!

Follow Lauren Dunn on Facebook and visit her site at www.elledeestudio.com.

THEATER: Irving Berlin's White Christmas (November Issue)

With Christmas right around the corner, calendars begin to fill up quickly with many holiday activities, parties and traditions.  From the Rockettes to the Skaggs Family Christmas, there are certainly many ways to be festively entertained in our area.  One item on my to do list is catching Irving Berlin’s White Christmas at the TPAC.  It opens on November 13^th and runs through November 18^th. 

Back when there was much more time to spend with extended family during the holidays, I would stay with my relatives in Northeast Mississippi.   Most of our time was spent doing something musical or theatrical.  We were kind of like the Partridge Family on Hee Haw with flair!  My closest cousins are sisters, and they had a tradition of performing “Sisters” from White Christmas.  It was always one of my favorites. 

With the show coming to Nashville, I was given the opportunity to interview someone in the cast.  Of course, I chose a sister!  Stefanie Morse is playing the role of Betty Haynes, which she says is her most favorite role to date.  She also really enjoyed playing Diana Morales on the European Tour of A Chorus Line.  One role she has not played but is a dream of hers is Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady.

During Stefanie’s short stay in Nashville, she plans to visit friends and family and hopes to see some great live music.  I think we’ve got that covered!  We’re also discussing a tour of Williamson County together.  She wants to see as much as she can, and of course, I’m proud to show it to her!

 

As a musician, I’m always curious as to what types of music performers enjoy.  Stefanie says she has very eclectic taste.  She loves Sara Bareilles, Adele, Gavin DeGraw…singer/songwriter stuff.  She has loved Streisand since she was very young and loves to sing from the Golden Age of musical theater.  “They don't write 'em like that anymore.”

I really enjoy getting to know actors before seeing a show.  I’m excited to start my holiday season off with Stefanie and the rest of the cast, as I am now “dreaming of a White Christmas!”