Monthly Archives: December, 2011
Bright & Early: Occupy Nashville Edition
Good morning, Nashville. The top story of the morning is this morning’s Occupy Nashville arrests. About 30 protesters were arrested around 3am by a large group of Tennessee Highway Patrol officers – some reports claim that over 75 officers were present. The protesters were released around 4am with citations for criminal trespassing, and after an unexplained detainment by THP, went marching back to Legislative Plaza around 9am.
- From here to there. In related THP news, a NewsChannel 5 investigation discovered that Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers routinely escort sports teams, entertainers and other famous or well-connected individuals on the taxpayer dime.
- 5-3. The Preds nabbed another win last night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, helped along by Mike Fisher, who had two goals and an assist.
- Jobs, jobs, jobs. Regal Cinemas and IMAX at Opry Mills will hold a job fair this weekend as they prepare to reopen for the holiday season. The job fair will be held at the theater Friday 1-6pm, Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday 1-6pm.
- Bits & pieces. All 95 counties in Tennessee will hold open forums to discuss the new voter ID law … Go behind the scenes with Wicked at TPAC … Hundreds of seniors are now on a waiting list for Meals on Wheels after stimulus money dried up … Viacom will bring 100 new jobs to Williamson County.
Photo by Sarah Duffel.
Good morning, Nashville. The top story of the morning is this morning’s Occupy Nashville arrests. About 30 protesters were arrested around 3am by a large group of Tennessee Highway Patrol officers – some reports claim that over 75 officers were present. The protesters were released around 4am with citations for criminal trespassing, and after an [...]
Bright & Early: Still Occupied Edition
Good morning, Nashville. Occupy Nashville protesters have been asked to leave Legislative Plaza after three weeks of camping and protests. They’ve been given until 8pm tonight, but at least 50 of the protesters indicated that they are prepared to go to jail before they leave willingly. State officials are meeting this morning to discuss and plan to issue a statement shortly. Thus far, Occupy Nashville has been nonviolent and protesters plan to remain that way, even if confronted with removal.
- Permitted. The new Omni Nashville Hotel has been issued a work permit, allowing construction to begin on the 21-story, 800-room hotel planned to accompany the Music City Center.
- Nuh uh. Chris Johnson says he hasn’t lost any speed and that no one should question that. Well, ok! The Titans are up against the winless Indianapolis Colts at home on Sunday. Show us what you’ve got, CJ.
- Free radicals. The anti-Shariah “Preserving Freedom” conference leaders are none too happy that the Hutton Hotel pulled the plug on their November 11 reservation this week, accusing the hotel of acting “in the demands of radical Islam” and issuing legal demands for the hotel to reverse its decision.
- Bits & pieces. Big marijuana bust last night in East Nashville … Gas pumps are germy and might give you the flu … Former Governor Phil Bredesen will campaign for President Obama’s reelection in 2012 … Food Republic has declared that Bridgestone Arena is the NHL’s Top Food & Drink Arena … The Metro urban chicken bill – shot down three years ago – is back on the table … Tennessee is pretty … The “Redneck” Party rallied in Franklin on Tuesday night.
Photo by Jon Erickson.
Good morning, Nashville. Occupy Nashville protesters have been asked to leave Legislative Plaza after three weeks of camping and protests. They’ve been given until 8pm tonight, but at least 50 of the protesters indicated that they are prepared to go to jail before they leave willingly. State officials are meeting this morning to discuss and [...]
Where’s The Love, Nashville Instagram-ers?
This Wednesday is Worldwide Instameet Day, but there’s a problem – Nashville has exactly four people signed up to attend, and as of this posting, a location has yet to be set. Now, we know you people love your Instagram. We see you shuffling down the street trying to get that perfect artsy photo. And we see you standing in the middle of that parking lot, not moving an inch as you choose between Earlybird and Toaster. Okay, we’re guilty too. We love us some Instagram.
So why is no one observing Worldwide Instameet Day in Nashville? With iPhones aplenty, we’d expect Nashville to be topping the list of meet ups. Do we have any volunteers to save Nashville’s Instameet?
Photo by bradblackman.
This Wednesday is Worldwide Instameet Day, but there’s a problem – Nashville has exactly four people signed up to attend, and as of this posting, a location has yet to be set. Now, we know you people love your Instagram. We see you shuffling down the street trying to get that perfect artsy photo. And [...]
It’s A Sad Day For Weirdness In Nashville: The Bat Poet Dies At 59
We were so sad to hear the news that Joey Bowker, better known as Nashville’s own Bat Poet, passed away over the weekend at the young age of 59. Your Nashvillest editors discovered the Bat Poet shortly after relocating to Nashville, flipping back and forth between whatever was on public access and weeklong Made marathons during caffeine-fueled college all-nighters. In a way, he was sort of our role model – capturing the quirky side of Nashville for all to see. For those who never had the same late night moment of discovery, allow us to point you to YouTube to get to know our longtime friend.
Cheers, Mr. Bowker. You’ve made our years in Nashville a bit more colorful and taught us to never take ourselves too seriously. In your memory, we’ll keep embracing all the weird that Nashville wants to throw our way.
Photo by HipNose Photography.
We were so sad to hear the news that Joey Bowker, better known as Nashville’s own Bat Poet, passed away over the weekend at the young age of 59. Your Nashvillest editors discovered the Bat Poet shortly after relocating to Nashville, flipping back and forth between whatever was on public access and weeklong Made marathons [...]
Bright & Early: Preserve That Freedom Edition
Good morning, Nashville. The Hutton Hotel has confirmed that the November 11 “Preserving Freedom” conference will no longer take place at the hotel after becoming aware of the content and speakers presenting at the conference. The conference featured some of the most outspoken opponents of Sharia law in the country, from bloggers to former Congressmen. The conference is expected to announce a new location this week.
- Megabus rolls in. Chicago-based Megabus is coming to Nashville and will offer one way tickets to Chattanooga and Atlanta starting at $1 per ticket. Of course, if you wait too long to get your tickets, the price could hit $20-30 per ticket.
- Obama plummets. In a new MTSU poll, President Obama’s approval rating reached an all-time low in Tennessee. Leading GOP candidates Mitt Romney, Rick Perry and Herman Cain all held leads against Obama in the poll.
- IMAX is back. Our Opry Mills IMAX is coming back after an extended, soggy absence. Its grand opening is scheduled for November 18, which is conveniently the same day that the next sparkly vampire movie hits the big screen.
- Bits & pieces. A crying baby doll saved a LaVergne family from their burning home early Monday morning … The final race of the year at the fairgrounds has been canceled … Some city council members have taken a challenge to go shopping on a food stamp budget and as you might imagine, are finding it challenging … Former Councilwoman Pam Murray’s defamation lawsuit has been dismissed … Cigna has announced its acquisition of HealthSpring, to the tune of $3.6 billion.
Photo by Lynn Roebuck.
Good morning, Nashville. The Hutton Hotel has confirmed that the November 11 “Preserving Freedom” conference will no longer take place at the hotel after becoming aware of the content and speakers presenting at the conference. The conference featured some of the most outspoken opponents of Sharia law in the country, from bloggers to former Congressmen. [...]
Bright & Early: Hot ‘N Cold Edition
Good morning, Nashville. As it gets colder, a hot meal takes on a new meaning for many. The Nashville Food Project, an organization that provides bagged lunches to the poor in Nashville, has recently expanded their offerings to include more hot meals. While the sack lunches cost $2.50 per person, the hot meals cost just $0.42 per person and uses food that may have otherwise gone to waste. The meals are then loaded into the organization’s two trucks on Wednesdays and Fridays, and head to serve in smaller low-income neighborhoods that aren’t near downtown or a bus line.
- Flood art. Antioch, Delray, Bordeaux, Bellevue, East Nashville and Pennington Bend are set to receive public artwork commemorating the May 2010 flood. Metro Arts Commission is currently accepting submissions, and the selected artist will meet with residents to personalize the artwork for each neighborhood.
- Ouch. The Titans suffered a nasty loss yesterday at the hands of the Houston Texans. The 41-7 butt-whooping was the team’s worst loss in the history of LP Field.
- Still occupying. Occupy Nashville protestors are still camping out in Legislative Plaza, even as temperatures dipped toward to freezing last week. While many Nashvillians may not know exactly what they’re doing out there, it seems that all you have to do is ask. Protestors who told their stories to the Tennessean ranged from wounded veterans to a self employed massage therapist who can’t afford health insurance.
- Bits & pieces. Loretta Lynn was hospitalized over the weekend with pneumonia … The Preds ended their four-game losing streak on Saturday with a 2-0 win over the Calgary Flames … Tennessee colleges are exploring ways to increase out of state student enrollment … Montgomery Bell Academy’s fancy new mountaintop observatory that looks like a UFO is said to be one of the best … Governor Haslam has asked for a pay analysis of state workers with the intent of keeping state jobs competitive with the private sector … Good Morning America host Robin Roberts was in Nashville last week filming for an upcoming tv special.
Photo by Sara Figal.
Good morning, Nashville. As it gets colder, a hot meal takes on a new meaning for many. The Nashville Food Project, an organization that provides bagged lunches to the poor in Nashville, has recently expanded their offerings to include more hot meals. While the sack lunches cost $2.50 per person, the hot meals cost just [...]
Catch The Collective Tonight On NBC’s ‘The Sing-Off’ [Nashville's Got Talent]
With all the talent in this town, it’s no wonder Nashvillians seem to be all up in our TVs all the time! We’ve been pretty much glued to Ben Folds’ The Sing-Off this season thanks to The Collective–a group of seasoned Nashville singer-songwriters who have come together and cast aside their instruments to take on a capella groups from all over the country.
Wrangled together by Season 2 veteran Jeremy Lister, the lineup features names both new and familiar: Sam Brooker, Ruby Amanfu (of the Grammy-nominated duo Sam & Ruby), Rachael Lampa, Isaac Hayden, Daniel Ellsworth, Kaleb Jones, Perrin Lamb, David Jennings, and Jonathan Lister. So far, they’ve tackled Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” Far East Movement’s “Rocketeer,” Sam & Dave’s “Hold On, I’m A Comin’” and Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive,” stripping them down to nothing but voices.
Tune into NBC tonight at 7PM to catch The Collective cranking out some hip-hop hits (get your voting fingers ready!), and head over to NoiseTrade to download the free tunes.
With all the talent in this town, it’s no wonder Nashvillians seem to be all up in our TVs all the time! We’ve been pretty much glued to Ben Folds’ The Sing-Off this season thanks to The Collective–a group of seasoned Nashville singer-songwriters who have come together and cast aside their instruments to take on a [...]
The Weekendist: October 22-24 Edition
It’s a fine weekend in Nashville. Beautiful crisp fall weather and lots of things to do. Here are our top picks for the weekend:
Edgehill Village Artisan Fair. Saturday, October 22 in Edgehill Village, 10am-5pm, free. 50+ vendors and lots of festivities make this the perfect event to hit up on a crisp fall day. Read more here.
Grizzlies Red Dress Rampage. Saturday, October 22 at Belcourt Theatre, 12pm, $40. Ladies (and especially gents), put on your best red dresses and head to the Belcourt, where your $40 registration fee gets you a Yazoo beer at each of the five stops along this different sort of pub crawl/fun run. Stops at the Belcourt, ChaChah, PM, 12 South Taproom and Cabana. Registration starts at 10:30am.
Ghost Story Festival & Haunted Museum. Saturday, October 22 at Tennessee State Museum from 12-4pm, free. Follow a “ghost trail” through the Tennessee State Museum at this free annual event. Prizes, crafts, refreshments and spooky history.
The Big Nashty. Saturday, October 22 at 550 South Tunnel Road in Gallatin, TN. 12pm-3am Sunday, $20. Who doesn’t like a scrappy startup music festival? Two stages, lots of local music until the wee hours of the night, food trucks and more. Camping is encouraged, and we’re not sure why since it’s only one day. But hey!
Music City Walk of Fame Induction Ceremony. Saturday, October 22 at Walk of Fame Park, 1pm, free. Peter Frampton will be the newest star on the walk, and the ceremony is free and open to the public.
Musician’s Corner. Saturday, October 22 at Centennial Park, 3-5pm, free. Musician’s Corner is quickly winding to a close, with only three weeks left before they pack it in for the year. This week’s lineup features Matt Giraud, Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes, Coal Train Railroad, Heather Bond Trio, Felicia Barton, Micah Dalton and Melissa Fuller.
A School Uni-Formal. Saturday, October 22 at Old Made Good (1304 McGavock Pike), 8-10pm, suggested $10 donation. An “old school” party at Old Made Good benefitting a fine cause – the THRIVE Youth Development Program. Free beer and snacks, a raffle and a costume contest (dress as your best jock, nerd, lunch lady, or band geek to participate). C’mon… it’s for the kids.
Grassy Knoll Movie Night & Neighborhood Fall Festival. Sunday, October 23 in the side lot beside Bongo Java East, 4-6pm festival, sundown movie, $5. The star of the final Grassy Knoll Movie Night is Poltergeist, and there will be a neighborhood fall festival before the film. Read more here!
Photo by antirealism.
It’s a fine weekend in Nashville. Beautiful crisp fall weather and lots of things to do. Here are our top picks for the weekend: Edgehill Village Artisan Fair. Saturday, October 22 in Edgehill Village, 10am-5pm, free. 50+ vendors and lots of festivities make this the perfect event to hit up on a crisp fall day. [...]
Happy Food Truck Friday, Nashville!
It’s no secret that your Nashvillest editors have bought into the food truck craze hook, line and sinker. And if our favorite trucks want to get together and serve up delicious eats in one spot every week and donate part of their proceeds to a fantastic nonprofit, we just can’t pass that up.
On the heels of the smashingly successful Food Truck Tuesdays benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank in Metro Center comes Food Truck Fridays at the YWCA on Woodmont Boulevard. Every Friday, a rotating lineup of Nashville’s finest food trucks wheel themselves into the YWCA’s spacious parking lot from 11am to 2pm and give 10% of the day’s proceeds right back to the organization to help them provide services focused on empowering women and girls to get out of domestic violence situations.
Hungry yet? Head over to the YWCA for today’s Food Truck Friday featuring the Grilled Cheeserie, DegThai, Mere Bulles and Dixie Belle’s Cupcakes.
Food Truck Fridays at the YWCA, 1608 Woodmont Blvd, 11am-2pm.
Photo by Sarah Duffel.
It’s no secret that your Nashvillest editors have bought into the food truck craze hook, line and sinker. And if our favorite trucks want to get together and serve up delicious eats in one spot every week and donate part of their proceeds to a fantastic nonprofit, we just can’t pass that up. On the [...]
Bright & Early: Fifty-Fifty Edition
Good morning, Nashville. The National Weather Service would like us to know that there is an “equal chance for above or below average temperatures” this winter. Good to know! Today won’t be as cold as the past two days, but expect another cold night before temperatures hit the 60′s and 70′s through the weekend and into next week. Oh Mother Nature, you’re such a tease.
- Champion of change. Rev. Becca Stevens, founder of Nashville’s Magdalene House and Thistle Farms, was honored at the White House yesterday as one of 15 “Champions of Change” for her work with women who have suffered from domestic violence.
- 5-1. The Preds suffered another loss last night at the hands of the Vancouver Canucks, marking their fourth straight loss this season.
- New beginnings. Several Libyans in Middle Tennessee are speaking out about the death of Muammar Gadhafi and what it means to them.
- Bits & pieces. Tennessee’s September unemployment was up to 9.8% from 9.1% … Adios, Luau Louie’s Hula Hut (yes, again, and this time for good) … The 96-year-old woman in Chattanooga who was initially denied a photo ID now has one … Tennessee is now sending TSA to the streets, becoming the first state to fight terrorism at truck and bus stops statewide … Singer/songwriter David Parrish left Seattle on foot August 1 and ended his 2,000 mile trek in Nashville yesterday … A church in Madison will feature a lion, bear, zebra, camel, “African goat looking thing,” macaws and monkeys in this Sunday’s service.
Photo by Jane Massey.
Good morning, Nashville. The National Weather Service would like us to know that there is an “equal chance for above or below average temperatures” this winter. Good to know! Today won’t be as cold as the past two days, but expect another cold night before temperatures hit the 60′s and 70′s through the weekend and [...]




















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