Nashville for Free

If you’ve been reading N4F for awhile then you know that I LOVE the International Lens Film Series at Vanderbilt. I just don’t think that people see enough foreign films, not because it doesn’t interest them, but because they’re never really presented with an opportunity to see them.

International Lens is great because they usually show a few different films a week, all from different countries. For example, tomorrow Wednesday September 1st they’re screening a film in the Sarratt Cinema called The Good, the Bad, and the Weird. It’s a Korean Western. How does that not sound awesome?

This film was released in 2008 and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. It was inspired by the classic western the Good, the Bad and the Ugly. I think it’s pretty easy to guess who’s the good one, the bad one, and the weird one from the poster. That dude in the middle is obviously weird, but he looks pretty awesome.

And now, the synopsis:

(2008) Dir: Ji-woon Kim. Set in the 1930s Manchurian desert where lawlessness rules, a bounty hunter, a bandit, and a train robber fatefully meet. Their chase across Manchuria for a mysterious map escalates, growing as unpredictable as it is good, bad, or weird. Korean with English subtitles.130 mins.

Just try to tell me that doesn’t sound like a cool movie. Again, it’s tomorrow night at Vanderbilt’s Sarratt Cinema.You can park for free Zone 2 lot 2 on West End. Here’s a map.

-Emily

this was as close as I could get

Apparently I completely underestimated the size of Magic Kids’ fan base.

I haven’t been to a Grimey’s in-store in awhile, but I certainly don’t think I’ve ever been to one where they store was filled to capacity, but that was the situation with Magic Kids.

I rolled into Grimey’s at exactly 6 o’clock worried that I’d miss the first part of their set, but was pretty confident that I’d at least get a decent spot. I was wrong on both counts. First of all my spot wasn’t great at all. I could barely even see the band! Also, they didn’t get started until about 6:30, at which point I was a little grumpy, a little tired, and feeling really hot.

All those nasty feelings (except maybe the overheating) melted away when Magic Kids started playing. God, those are some awesome pop songs. Their main influence is obviously 1960s pop like the Beach Boys (how many times have you heard that this year) but they feel less like imitators and more like the real deal. I’ll be damned if I didn’t feel like getting my groove on right there in the middle of the store. Sadly, I didn’t really have that much space to move around.

The band played for about 30 minutes, which is about the same as when they opened for Girls last fall, but I enjoyed them way more this time around (despite not being able to see them at all). It makes me wish I’d gone down to Memphis the other week to see them play a real show with the Memphis Youth Orchestra last week. Next time, next time.

Man, hopefully the next time will be soon. I hear they’ll be at The End in November!

-Emily

That's a lotta Canada, Ashlee

Ashlee Hinman! Congratulations Ashlee, your willingness to get goofy in Photoshop undoubtedly helped you win the tickets to see Metric at the Cannery Ballroom! Thanks again to AEG Live for giving us the hook up!

For the record, this is the second of 3 contest winners who did the bonus step, so I’d say it’s worth it, wouldn’t you Ashlee?

Ashlee wasn’t the only person who did the extra step and contributed to my personal entertainment. Paul Hinman (relation?), and Ambika Beepath also sent in some pretty hilarious pics of them gettin’ Canadian eh. I’ll be sure to post those.

I just wanted to remind you that there are still tickets on sale for this show, so if you didn’t win you’re not completely out of luck. Also, Grimey’s is giving away some tix for Metric and about 50 other cool shows.

And now, for the fun part:

My favorite pic for sure

Paul. He's on the far right I think.

Again, congrats to our big winner, and if you didn’t win don’t feel too bad. N4F already has a few more contests in the works, so check back!

-Emily

This past Saturday I finally had my second Musicians Corner experience. I had enjoyed my first time there, but it was raining and I was disappointed when they had to call it before the Dynamites could go on.

When I heard that Charles Walker and the Dynamites were making up for lost time AND that the Westbound Rangers, one of my favorite local bands was playing I knew that there was no way in hell I wasn’t going to be there.

I gathered a friend and ended up rolling into Centennial Park at the exact time the Westbound Rangers took the stage, and I have to tell you, they were freaking awesome, as always. Four talented dudes playing great country classics (and some solid orignals) around a single mic? Yes please. Those men are after my heart, I swear.

After the Westbound Rangers finished up Courtney Jaye took the stage. I have to admit, I didn’t pay particularly close attention during her set. I was too tempted by the BBQ at Hog Heaven and the Old Time Photobooth. By the way, that free photobooth was freaking awesome. I was really surprised by the high quality of the pictures and the fact that the pics were printed instantly AND were made available online. Bravo, Old Time Photobooth Co. You rock.

Things were running a little ahead of schedule, so Drew Holcomb performed a few songs. I enjoyed him, but I was way too excited to see Charles Walker and the Dynamites. They were great, as expected. That Charles Walker is one funky, funky man. He even got the crowd dancing, though I did not partake. The band even gave the crowd the hookup on how to get $2 tickets to their show at the Mercy Lounge that night.

Overall I’d say that the event was a complete success. I hope they keep this going for a long time.

-Emily

Monday

Magic Kids In-Store at Grimey’s – 6pm
If you want to hear some awesome fun pop that was born in Memphis then check out Magic Kids. This is their only show in town so don’t miss it.

Rock’n’Roll Trivia at the Mercy Lounge – 6:30pm, 21+
What, you think you know more rock minutia than I do? Well, you’re probably right, but if you really want a challenge then you should hit up this event. It consists of three rounds of questions, two rounds of “name that tune,” and the rock and roll-est of final wagers where you can bet (and possibly lose) it all. The prizes are $50, $25 or $10 to be spent at Mercy Lounge. Plus, everyone gets free parking and beer specials all night. It’s about teams, so grab some friends, yo.

8 off 8th at the Mercy Lounge – 9pm
This is a special edition of 8 off 8th. It’s the Armed Forces 7″ Radical Love release party. Performers will include Armed Forces, Loose Cougar, the Black Shades, Black Baby, Diarrhea Planet, Heartbeater, Captain Midnight Band, and DJ Gumby. You can also buy the 7″, which I’m sure the Armed Forces would appreciate.

Women and Money at the Green Hills Public Library – 6pm
I sort of hate how this event assumes that women in particular would have no idea how to handle their finances, but if you could use a little help with understanding your finances then this could be a really helpful event.

Tuesday

Concerts in the Courtyard with Sara Sant’ Ambrogio at the Downtown Public Library – 11:45am
This week’s live performance features Grammy-winning classical cellist and member of the Eroica Trio, Sara Sant’ Ambrogio. You can also enter to win prizes, like an iPad.

Billy Block Show at Tin Roof – 6pm
Some country greats have played the Billy Block Show, including Keith Urban, Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert, Jason Aldean, Big & Rich, Keith Anderson, Sara Evans, and Trisha Yearwood.

A Year with the Birds: A Film by a Father and His Daughter at the Green Hills Public Library – 6:30pm
Twelve months in the making, and filmed during all four seasons, A Year With Birds is an intriguing glimpse into the lives of Tennessee’s birds. Woven together with moving music, ever-present bird song, and informative narration, the film brings you in close to over 60 beautiful bird species you may encounter during the year.

New Faces Nite at the Basement – 8pm
This week’s New Faces Nite features Sarah Pray, Jessica Rae, Marin and Taylor, Granville Automatic and more.

Wednesday

International Lens Film Series: The Good The Bad The Weird at the Sarratt Cinema – 7pm
Set in the 1930s Manchurian desert where lawlessness rules, a bounty hunter, a bandit, and a train robber fatefully meet. Their chase across Manchuria for a mysterious map escalates, growing as unpredictable as it is good bad or weird. Korean with English subtitles. 130 mins.

Old Time Jam at the 5 Spot – 7:30pm
East Nashville’s Wednesday Night Old Time Jam provides enthusiasts of traditional, acoustic-based roots music the opportunity to regularly meet, share tunes, dance, swap stories, and bond together in general camaraderie.

Celtic Jam at 12 South Taproom – 6pm
Get your jam on, celtic style. For fans of the movie Braveheart.

Thursday

NAAD Presents Art After Hours – 5-8pm
Art, free wine, and cool people. Who doesn’t love art crawls. This takes places all over Nashville, including The Arcade and Hillsboro Village.

International Lens Film Series: Copyright Criminals at the Sarratt Cinema – 7pm
Is sampling and scratching theft or merely traditional cultural appropriation? That’s the central question of this documentary that focuses on sample-based sound collage in hip-hop, which has become a multibillion-dollar global industry and has sparked lasting, devastating copyfights. There will be a Q & A with director Kembrew McLeod after the screening.

Friday

Kyle Andrews EP Release Party at the Mercy Lounge – 9pm
It’s a big week for release shows. First Armed Forces releases their 7″ and now Kyle Andrews is releasing his new 18 minute EP, KANGAROO. Celebrating with him will be Heypenny, Mother/Father, and Gold Motel.

Westfolk EP Release at 12th and Porter – 8pm
Holy crap, ANOTHER release show! This one is for the new Westfolk EP and other performers include Natalie Prass and the Hollywood Ten.

Saturday

Kyle Andrews in-store at Grimey’s – 5pm
Did you miss the EP release the night before? Check him out his “bedroom electro-pop” and grab a free beer at Grimey’s at this in-store.

Shakespeare Allowed Presents All’s Well that Ends Well at the Main Public Library – 12:45pm
The Nashville Shakespeare Festival invites you to read Shakespeare’s play, All’s Well that Ends Well out loud in a reading circle at Nashville’s Downtown Library.  There will be 16 chairs in a circle, and whoever wants to read out loud can choose one of the 16. There will be additional seating available for anyone who wants to read along silently. Bring your own copy, please.

First Saturday Art Crawl – 8-10pm
More art to be seen, wine to be consumed, and people to meet. You might even see something you love enough to buy.

Musician’s Corner in Centennial Park – 3-6pm
Local vendors and local music. Sounds like a winner to me. This week’s performers include WestBound Rangers, Michael Logen, Ali Rogers, Keenan Hunter, Courtney Jaye, and a surprise guest. There will also probably be a really cool free Old Time photo booth. There will be much joy and fun.

Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies with Platinum Rose at the Mercy Lounge – 8pm
Awesome rock and soul band. These guys are known for awesome live performances. Get down.

Let me introduce you to Magic Kids. They’re from Memphis, they named their album, which came out this past Tuesday Memphis, and they’re poppy soda-shop bliss.

If you were at the Girls show at Exit/In this past winter you probably saw Magic Kids and either thought “what the hell?” or “THIS IS SO AWESOME!!!” I was at the Girls show and, though I was a little confused, thought they put on a pretty solid set.

It’s remarkably hard to find any background on this band, but I can tell you that it features members of The Barbaras and Girls of the Gravitron. I can also tell you that they’re just one of the many critically acclaimed bands on True Panther Sounds, the label that brought us Girls, Delorean, Glasser, and a bunch of other bands that I’ve fallen in love with over the past year. I also know that their taste in clothes is questionable and that their pop hooks are undeniably catchy.

Yeah, you know what, Magic Kids are a little difficult to describe. You should probably just go see them.

This will be the only show they’re playing in Nashville, so don’t miss it. The in-store will be at Grimey’s on Monday, August 30th at 6pm. See you there!

-Emily

Westbound Rangers

You might remember a few weeks ago I wrote about the very first Musicians Corner in Centennial Park. Despite the rain and the whole event getting called before the Dynamites could perform I thought it was a really cool event that had a lot of room for growth.

I’ve given it a few weeks, and now that things are cooling off and the lineup includes the Westbound Rangers and, once again, Charles Walker and The Dynamites, I’m going to check out the event again, and I’m freaking excited.

One of my main complaints was that Musicians Corner doesn’t like to give out the exact lineup and times. That would be fine if I was interested in staying the whole time, but my schedule honestly doesn’t allow for that, and I’m sure I’m not alone. Saturday is when I get a lot of work done, and when I go out for some free music I want to make sure I get there in time to see who I really want to see. But finally, after some whining, I have the lineup. The bands will perform in this order:

• Keenan Hunter
• Alli Rogers
• West Bound Rangers
• Courtney Jaye
• Charles Walker & the Dynamites

Dang, that’s one fine looking lineup! To make things even more appealing, the weather looks like it’s going to be mighty fine. Hopefully I’ll actually get to see the Dynamites, who have eluded me for 3 years. I have no idea how I haven’t seen them yet. No clue.

So come out and enjoy the weather and some good tunes with me. I’ll get my dance on if you do. It’ll be today, Saturday August 28th from 3-6pm in Centennial Park.

-Emily

I’m all about living green. I’m the one in my house who buys energy efficient light bulbs, turns off lights behind people and makes sure the AC never goes below 80 degrees. I even try to ride my bike around instead of driving everywhere even though I’m horribly out of shape and my bike makes this embarrassing squeaking sound every time I go up a hill.

I do a lot of little things, but I know that I could still do more. If you’re like me then this is the event for you. It’s called the Living Green Expo and it’s being held this Saturday, August 28th at the Factory in Franklin from 9:30am-3:30pm.

Admission is free and there will be over 60 vendors telling you all about products and services that are environmentally friendly. You’ll probably find some good deals on products that promise to save you money in the long run, and who doesn’t like that? I mean, if I can save $50 over a few years with a better light bulb then why not? You have to think ahead.

So go forth, my environmentally aware friends! Make Mother Earth proud!

-Emily

Let's get metaphysical

My friends, it’s time to get physical. Metaphysical.

Okay, now that I have that out of my system I can talk to you about the Moonlight Festival that’s happening this Friday, August 27th from 7-11pm at Center of Symmetry, a cool metaphysics shop that’s right next to Cafe Coco. And apparently this Moonlight Festival will be the biggest one ever, though in all fairness I don’t really have anything to compare it to.

There will be workshops, vendors, deals on “intuitive” readings (20 minutes for $25), and things like aura photography, massages, and foot baths.

Here’s the workshop schedule:

• 8pm – Acclaimed Author William Henry: Presenting “Mysteries of Nashville”
• 9:15pm - Volunteer State Paranormal: Presenting recent cases and evidence
• 10:00pm - Astrologer Suzie Wright: Astrology workshop

This event is free, but you might want to call (615)321-4040 or email kikiscauldron@gmail.com to reserve a seat for the workshops or readings if you have the big money that I lack.

-Emily

So, there was this guy back when Napoleon III was the emperor of France named Frederick Worth. This guy is considered to be the “Father of Haute Couture” because, well, he was. He DOMINATED Parisian fashion back then. I mean, just look at that dress, it’s amazing.

Worth and his beautifully excessive dresses fell in line perfectly Nappy 3′s attempt to modernize France, especially Paris, and make it a showpiece of Europe. The France Napoleon III created was one of excess, real estate speculation, lavishness, and general debauchery.

A man named Émile Zola wrote about this in his famous novel, The Kill, which is a fictitious story about people trapped in the gaudy world of Paris at the time; as he puts it, “a time of feverish pleasure and blind expenditure.” It’s not a moral story so much as it is a tragedy, where the people who cause the most damage typically get off easy.

How do these things really fit together? Well, here’s the official event description:

During this event Dr. Robert Barsky will discuss Frederick Worth’s fashion house with reference to Zola’s description, and weave for the audience a tale of fashion, debt, lust, and disaster as expressed in both fiction and reality.

As an avid reader of historical fiction, this event gets me straight-up giddy. I love being able to compare a novel to the time period surrounding it; it makes it feel more real. If you dig that sort of thing too then this is the event for you.

This lecture will take place at the Frist Center on Thursday August 26th at 6:30pm.

-Emily

PS,
Yes, I know that there should be an accent in Émile in the title of this post, but for some reason WordPress doesn’t recognize it and turns it into “mile.”