It’s one of our favorite days…. it’s National Doughnut Day! And several doughnut shops around town are giving away a free doughnut today!
Don’t worry about all those extra calories because tomorrow is National Trail Day, so you’ll have the perfect opportunity to walk those worries away!
St. Thomas Health is holding a Day of Hope, Health, and Healing today at Metro Nashville Municipal Auditorium, 417 Forth Ave North, from 8:00a.m. to 3:00p.m. Services range from dental to vision, diabetes and cholesterol screenings, flu shots, and some prescriptions.
Come learn about some of the options and get your chance to weigh in today. A community meeting is being held at the Adventure Science Center this morning from 8:30a.m. to 10:00a.m. to discuss the future of the old ball park.
Which naturally begs the question… how does a rhinoceros party, anyway? Simple… at its favorite watering holes. And now you can, too! The Nashville Zoo is holding a huge (pun intended lol) Sunset Safari this coming Thursday night… Sept. 22 at 6:30p.m… where you can sample food and drinks from several of Nashville’s favorite watering holes and even get a chance to meet some of the Zoo’s current residents. Sounds like tons of rhinormous fun!
For more info, visit them at www.NashvilleZoo.org/sunset-safari.
Music at the Mansion… Two Rivers Mansion is winding up this summer’s series of evenings of music on the back veranda this Saturday with artists Big Band at 7:00p.m… 3130 McGavock Pike, Donelson. For more info you can call them at 615.885.1112 or visit them at www.friendsoftworiversmansion.org/music-at-the-mansion.
Nashville’s Annual Dog Day Festival and Mutt Strutt 5K run/walk is being held this Saturday, September 17th at Centennial Park. Race registration is at 8:30a.m. and it begins at 9:00a.m. with the Awards Ceremony being held at 10:00a.m. kicking off the additional festivities going from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. The day’s events include a Doggie Fun Zone, Kids Zone, Food Trucks, Contest, an Agility Course, K-9Demos, Teddy’s Wagon Adoption, a Microchip Clinic, and more!
For additional info, visit them at www.nashvillehumane.org/Events/Dog_Day_Festival.
We can’t think of a better way to spend a late summer Saturday! 
Goodlettsville’s annual Arts, Antiques, and Music Festival is today from 10:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. and has a little of something for everyone!
Annual Fish Fry and Membership Drive… American Legion Post 88, 2864 Elm Hill Pike… Saturday from 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. Festivities include live music, a cake walk, craft and flea market booths, and a $100 Early Bird Drawing. Serving begins at 11:30a.m. and live music starts at 12:30.
In commemoration of the 9/11 attacks, FiftyForward Retired Senior Volunteer Program will sponsor a Fill-The-Truck event as their day of service. They will collect non-perishable donations at area Kroger stores to benefit the USO by providing refreshments for the military members passing through their centers. FiftyForward is calling for volunteers to hand out donation suggestion flyers at local Kroger stores from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. on September 9th. To volunteer, contact Liane Proctor at 615-743-3426 or email her at LProctor@fiftyforward.org.
Want to enjoy some of the newest and freshest talent that Nashville has to offer? Try one of these spots tonight for their singer-songwriter entertainment…
Acme Feed & Seed, 101 Broadway, 615.915.0888, 6:00p.m. Free
The Basement East, 917 Woodland Street, 7:00p.m. $5 cover
The Basement, 1604 Eighth Avenue South, 615.254.8006, 7:00p.m. $5 – $7 cover
The Bluebird Café, 4104 Hillsboro Road, 615.383.1461, 6:00p.m. Free
The Sutler, 2600 Franklin Pike #109, 615.840.6124, 8:00p.m. Free
Next Saturday, September 3rd, from noon to 4:00p.m. the InterNASHional Food Crawl will give you the opportunity to explore Nashville’s most diverse corridor… 5 miles along Nolensville Road… to sample the culinary offerings of Nashville’s thriving immigrant community. Whether you choose to ride the bus along the tour route or drive your own vehicle, it is truly a wonderfully palate-pleasing experience! BUT… you’ll want to get your tickets soon because they will sell out fast… so, call 615.833.0384 for more info, or visit them at www.NashvilleFoodCrawl.com.
Vanderbilt is offering non-credit art classes in pottery, jewelry, photography, drawing, painting, fused glass, and more. Classes will be held at the Sarratt Student Center, 2301 Vanderbilt Place, beginning the week of September 12th… you can find the complete class schedule and register online at www.Vanderbilt.edu/Sarrattart.
Music at the Mansion… Two Rivers Mansion is bringing back their evening of music on the back veranda this Saturday with artists Them Rubies at 7:00p.m… 3130 McGavock Pike, Donelson. For more info you can call them at 615.885.1112 or visit them at www.friendsoftworiversmansion.org/music-at-the-mansion.
Free materials give away… Saturday’s ZeroLandfill Project will be held at Wilsonart LLC… 1641 Lebanon Circle Pike, Nashville… where expired and out-of-date materials such as fabric, tile, carpet, magazines, wall coverings, etc will be given away free to anyone willing to haul it away! Over the years, the project has diverted over 53 tons of materials from Nashville’s landfill! Wow! Now there’s a win / win!
The 29th installment of the Nashville Shakespeare Festival returns tonight with a live performance of Macbeth at the Bandshell in Centennial Park… 2500 West End Avenue. Food / drink vendors and pre-show entertainment begins at 6:30p.m… main performance starts at 7:30. Shakespeare in the Park performances will be The Comedy of Errors and Macbeth… and they run Thursdays through Sundays until September 18th… plus Labor Day!
Macbeth is August 11-14; August 18-19; August 25-26; September 1-2; and September 8-9
The Comedy of Errors is August 20-21; August 27-28; September 3-5; September 10-11; September 15-18
Live on the Green Music Festival… back for an 8th year… kicks off a series of free outdoor music tomorrow night at Public Square… 3rd Ave North and Union Street (at the Metro Courthouse)… gate opens at 5:00p.m. and music starts at 6 till approx. 11:00p.m. The Festival of free music continues Thursdays, August 18th and August 25th with the finale weekend September 1, 2 & 3. Check back for more information and visit them at www.LiveOnTheGreen.com.
Nashville’s Community Education has a little bit of everything and something for everyone! They are holding an Open House (and early registration) at their Sylvan Park location… 4805 Park Ave, Ste. 123… today from 10:00a.m. to 1:00p.m. They literally have a little of everything from guitar classes to creative writing, online marketing, basket weaving, money management, languages, law, healthy living, cooking, and technology… go to their website www.Nashville.gov/ce… to download the full Fall Catalog.
Blakemore UMC Bag Sale is today from 8:00a.m. to noon! Shop for ladies, men, and children’s clothing, fill a bag (provided) and pay just $5! Blakemore United Methodist Church is located at 3601 West End Avenue. For more info, call them at 615.297.6519.
Hit the streets in your boxers or briefs… cute name, serious cause! UNDY Run / Walk 5K and 1-mile Fun Run/Walk… to benefit Colon Cancer Alliance… 8:00a.m. at Shelby Park, Nashville… for more info, check them out at www.UndyRunWalk.org
Musicians’ Corner Summer Event Series in Centennial Park kicks off at noon and runs through 5:00p.m… with free live music, local artisans, Kidsville, Dogville, Food Trucks, and more. Live music starts at 1:30p.m. For more info, visit them at www.MusiciansCornerNashville.com
7th Annual Music City HOT Wing Festival and HOT Wing Cooking Competition featuring up to thirty teams… HOT Wing Eating Competition… Cornhole Competition… full bars, vendors, live music plus all-vinyl DJ sets… all add up to this being to be one HOT event! Today from Noon to 8:00p.m. across the river from downtown at Cumberland Park, 592 South 1st Street, 37213. For more info, visit them at www.MusicCityHotWingFestival.com.
It’s the 15th Annual MafiaoZa’s Music City Brewers Fest… Walk of Fame Park… first round is from noon to 4:00p.m. and the second round is 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. For more info, visit them at www.MusicCityBrewersFest.com
The Donelson Goodwill Career Solutions will host a job fair for LGC & Associates today at 2731 Lebanon Pike from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. So polish up your resume and head on down there to check out their career opportunities!
well, now’s your chance! Jurassic Quest is coming to the TN State Fairgrounds this weekend with life-sized, animated dinosaurs of all sizes! And… kids can ride on one of them! They also have dino-crafts, games, face painting, a dino-science station where you can make your own plaster fossil to take home and more! For more info and to purchase tickets, check them out at www.JurassicQuest.com
The WORLD’S LONGEST YARDSALE is back this weekend! So get your bags packed with your most comfortable walking shoes, plenty of bottled water and sunscreen, and let’s get our yard sale on!
It’s only a few days away and… We can’t wait!
And what goes hand-in-hand with yard sale’n? Antiquing, of course!
So, in honor of next weekend’s event, we are launching a new Antiques (and Yard Sales) Page! The shops are broken out by city and are mapped for your shopping convenience…
For more info about each of them, you can click their links on the right side-bar. And be sure to check our Antiques Page often because new shops are being added every day!
Many Metro schools are back in session this week, so watch out for our little ones!
And, plan ahead for additional commute times…
Bayou Boogaloo Crawfish Boil… crawfish by the pound with red potatoes, corn on the cob, and andouille sausage… live brass band and live DJ… Festivities start at 3:00p.m… $10… Orleans Avenue Restaurant, 1407 Clinton Street, Nashville.
Now that we have your attention! lol
What better way to celebrate National Ice Cream Day than free ice cream?
Simmons Bank, 300 Northcreek Blvd, Goodlettsville, 37072 is celebrating National Ice Cream Day by serving free ice cream from The Mean Green Ice Cream Machine from 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m!
And just when you thought it couldn’t get any better… pop inside and register to win a $50 Visa gift card!
Come on out to Nissan Stadium tonight for a wildly crazy time! < in my best Steve Martin voice > 🙂
The Glow Run 5K… a glow-in-the-dark 5K held at Nissan Stadium and featuring six 80’s themed zones, glowing tunnels, creative racer costumes, and a live DJ sound like too much fun after dark! And it all goes to benefit the Pet Community Center… so come out and be active while having a great time supporting Team Spay It Forward… providing free and low-cost spay / neuter services. Door registration begins at 7:30p.m. and the race kicks off at 9:00p.m.
For more info and to register early, visit them at www.PetCommunityCenter.org/teamSpayItForward
Friday
The Glow Run 5K… a glow-in-the-dark 5K held at Nissan Stadium and featuring six 80’s themed zones, glowing tunnels, creative racer costumes, and a live DJ sound like too much fun after dark! And it all goes to benefit the Pet Community Center… so come out and be active while having a great time supporting Team Spay It Forward… providing free and low-cost spay / neuter services. Door registration begins at 7:30p.m. and the race kicks off at 9:00p.m. For more info and to register early, visit them at www.PetCommunityCenter.org/teamSpayItForward
“Tales at Twilight” series runs each Friday night in July. Tonight’s performance is by
The Happy Racers… it’s free family fun at Cumberland Park, 592 South First Street, next to Nissan Stadium (Lot R). Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and picnic… the fun starts at 7:00p.m.
Red, White & Zoo at Grassmere… this evening from 7:00p.m. to 10:00p.m… Wine, Animals… No Kids! For tickets and more info, visit them at www.NashvilleZoo.org/wine
One Night Stand Up at Lipstick Lounge… touting the best female comedians in Nashville… it’s worth a shot! 7:00p.m. at 1400 Woodland St, Nashville
Saturday
The Blueberry Blast Festival at Richland Park Farmers’ Market, 4701 Charlotte Ave, Nashville… from 9:00a.m. to 12:30p.m… over 40 vendors with blueberry-themed creations… pancakes, muffins, preserves, and of course freshly harvested local blueberries… plus so much more! Come join the fun… free children’s activities, live music, and contests.
East Side Art Stumble… aka East Nashville’s East Side Art Crawl, Main Street Art Gallery 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. Come out and see the East side’s twist… held every second Saturday of the month.
Free barbershop concerts around town… for the full line-up go to www.Barbershop.org/Nashville… we’ll start the day at 10:00a.m. with a free Gospel Sing at First Baptist Church on Broadway… and move into a full-throttle, culturally-inspired a capella with the World Harmony Jamboree from 1:00p.m. to 3:30p.m. in the Davidson Ballroom of the Music City Center… and the free MEGAsing at Walk of Fame Park, kind of like a flash-mob of singers! from 3:00p.m. to 3:45p.m… then the Barbershop Harmony Society’s 2016 International Convention held at Bridgestone Arena will hold a free concert, Saturday Night Spectacular, 5:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. at Bridgestone Arena on Broadway (for tickets go to www.Barbershop.org/nashville/a-better-world-singing)… come for the show, stay for the Top 10 Quartet Finals competition! Held immediately following the Spectacular, from 6:45p.m. to 9:30p.m.
Sunday
Waterfest Family Festival, 1:00p.m. to 4:00p.m, hosted by the Cumberland River Compact and held at Cumberland Park, 592 South First Street, next to Nissan Stadium, featuring water slides, hands-on kids activities, free popcorn and shaved ice, and a DJ dance party. There is free parking in Nissan Stadium Lot R. For more info, visit them at CumberlandRiverCompact.org
The Music City Food and Wine Festival
Also mentioned by Forbes Destination Guide this event is one not to miss!
It’s the 11th Annual Hot Chicken Festival held in East Park, 700 Woodland Street each year on the 4th of July. A fire truck parade kicks off the festivities at 10:30a.m. and gates open at 11. So come on out for some hot chicken, cold beer, and live music. For those with more timid palates… other foods will also be available from local vendors.
The festival ends at 3:00p.m. so folks can head downtown. Check out the Festival map for site layout and rules…
Here’s your chance! Mix 92.9 is having a contest to be a walk-on for their morning show… so get your 15 minutes of fame! All you do is create a video telling them why they should choose you and then go to their website to enter. Good luck! and hope to hear you on the show soon!
#MENDit2ENDit
The YMCA is taking steps to end violence against women, and the annual MEND Experience is this Thursday, May 26th from 9:00a.m. to noon at Bridgestone Arena.
Such a worthwhile program! You can register online at MEND Experience
I know….. June is just the beginning of swimsuit season and we’ve all been watching carbs and counting calories for months… HOWEVER! When you start talking Lebanese food all the way to down-home southern bar-b-que… the chance to sample several culinary offerings from the 12South district (day crawl) or Germantown (night crawl) is just too good to miss! PLUS there’s a Closing Party in the Bell Tower.
Oh yeah… we’ve got to get our Grub on!
This year’s Crawl is June 4th. For more info and to purchase tickets head over to GrubCrawl.
The Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Tuesday Courtyard Concert series continues this Tuesday from 11:45a.m. to 1:00p.m. at the downtown Library… 615 Church Street… in their Robinson Courtyard (second floor). America’s Favorite Cowboys… Riders in the Sky are today’s featured performers. Sounds like a nice way to unwind and refresh during your lunch break downtown! For more info, visit them at www.Library.Nashville.org
The Franklin Rodeo is next weekend and those guys will be hangin on for dear life!
They have a parade downtown Franklin, Saturday at noon… a “Behind the Chute” kickoff party Wednesday, 6:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. at the Williamson County Ag Expo Park… and the Rodeo itself runs from Thursday to Saturday – 7:00p.m. each night. For more Rodeo information and to purchase tickets online go to http://www.FranklinRodeo.com
And, be sure to bring non-perishables for the One Generation Away Food Drive nightly! You can find out more about them on their website… www.OneGenAway.com
… in my beautiful, my beautiful balloon!
The Franklin Hot Air Balloon Festival is this Saturday, from 3:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. in the Westhaven community, 188 Front Street. With live music, food trucks, a KidZone, craft vendors, and a beautiful balloon-glow at dusk, this promises to be one spectacular event!
For more info and to purchase tickets online go to http://www.FranklinBalloonFestival.com But hurry! because you have to get your tickets in advance (no ticket sales at the door!) and seating is limited.
Today is the first of the Nashville Public Library Foundation’s Tuesday Courtyard Concert series each Tuesday from 11:45a.m. to 1:00p.m. at the downtown Library… 615 Church Street… in their Robinson Courtyard (second floor). Today features a jazz ensemble… Rahsaan Barber Quartet. Sounds like a nice way to unwind and refresh during your lunch break downtown! For more info, visit them at www.Library.Nashville.org.
If April showers bring May flowers, what does May bring? The chance to travel back in time to 16th Century England… right here in middle Tennessee!
Every weekend in May, Castle Gwynn in Arrington plays host to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival and their fabulous Village of Covington Glen! Renaissance enthusiast or not, this is one exciting experience. From Tea with Lady Ettie to the Royal Jousting Match, there is something here for everyone and all ages.
For more information check out their web page at www.TnRenFest.com
Nashville Jazz Workshop Class Sessions start today. Come and learn all about Jazz… learn to sing Jazz, learn guitar improve and Cuban percussion, and way more!
For more info, visit them at www.NashvilleJazz.org
You’re in luck! The 2017 Highland Games Celtic Festival is this Saturday, from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. at The Hermitage… 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Hermitage Tn… with plenty of Celtic music, step dancers, art, food, vendors, bagpipes, kilts, and fun!
For more info, visit them at www.TheHermitage.com; you can also call 615.889.2941.
You can travel back in time every Tuesday night with Thee Rock N’ Roll Residency at the Harp & Fiddle, 1538 Demonbreun Street, and you might get an even bigger treat… there are some big name artists that frequent the establishment and regularly get on stage with them! Not to name drop, but……. Alice Cooper, Robin Zander (Cheap Trick frontman), Derek St. Holmes, and more have graced their stage, and you just never know who may show up on any given Tuesday night!
Now all they need is a big-hair contest to cap it all off… pun intended lol
WWE Smackdown Live hits Bridgestone Arena tonight at 6:00p.m.
If you’ve ever been interested in learning more about our local winter trees, you’re in luck! Edwin Warner Park is hosting a tree-identification workshop today. The class runs from 9:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. and is a combination of indoor classroom work and outdoor study. For more information, call (615) 370-8053.
Are you ready to call your buddies and bring your friends? Because Bill Goodman’s Gun & Knife Show is at the Fairgrounds this coming weekend, January 2nd & 3rd. Show hours are Saturday 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. and Sunday 9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.; $8 for adults and $1 under 12.
For more info and future dates, go to Gunshow, see ya there!
As we wrap up Marine Week Nashville 2016, we want to thank our U.S. Marine Corps for sharing such wonderful and caring individuals with us! You’ve impacted our city in ways that will continue to show for years to come… So let’s all say it with that southern twang only Nashville can give it…
ooRAH, y’all!
Reveille comes bright and early from 6:00a.m. to 6:10a.m. at the Court of Flags, 1st Avenue at Broadway
Morning Colors (raising of the American Flag) is at 8:00a.m. at the Court of Flags, 1st Avenue at Broadway
There will be a 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony at War Memorial Plaza, 301 6th Avenue North, from 9:00a.m. to 10:00a.m. honoring the anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks on our country.
Static Displays of Marine Corps’ amphibious assault vehicles, artillery, tanks and more on the green by Ascend Amphitheater, 301 1st Avenue South… 9:00a.m. to 1:00p.m.
Marine Air-Ground Task Force Show from 10:15a.m. to 11:15a.m. at Riverfront Park, 100 1st Avenue North, where Marines will give a MAGTF demonstration of the assortment and power of the U.S. Marine Corps.
Come out with the Marines to watch the Tennessee Titans Football Game at noon… Nissan Stadium, 1 Titans Way… the Marines will have a flyover during the National Anthem, there will be a special delivery made before the game, the Marines Silent Drill Platoon will perform and Capt. Skye Martin will sing God Bless America during the half time performance.
Retirement of the Colors Ceremony… Marines will retire the American Flag signaling the end of Marine Week in Nashville at 1:00p.m. to 1:15p.m. at the Court of Flags, 1st Avenue at Broadway.
Reveille comes bright and early from 6:00a.m. to 6:10a.m. at the Court of Flags, 1st Avenue at Broadway
You can Work Out With The Marines this morning at the Music City Walk of Fame Park, 4th Avenue South, from 7:00a.m. to 8:00a.m. They customize your workout to your fitness level!
Morning Colors (raising of the American Flag) is at 8:00a.m. at the Court of Flags, 1st Avenue at Broadway
There will be a Wreath Laying Service on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge from 9:00a.m. to 9:30a.m. honoring those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
Mural Unveiling Ceremony at Douglas Corner Café, 2106 8th Avenue South. Come see the mural the Marines painted on the side of the building!
Marines will work alongside volunteers at Hands On Nashville’s Urban Farm… 361 Wimpole Drive, from 9:30a.m. to noon… where our youth learn how to harvest and prepare healthy foods.
Dragon Boat Festival… Cumberland River… 10:00a.m. to noon… Marines will compete in this year’s race and have amphibious assault vehicles on display.
Static Displays of Marine Corps’ amphibious assault vehicles, artillery, tanks and more on the green by Ascend Amphitheater, 301 1st Avenue South… 10:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.
Marine Boot Camp Challenge from 3:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. at the Music City Walk of Fame Park, 4th Avenue South, where kids can join Marines in tackling activities and obstacles that are used to test recruits during training.
Come out with the Marines to watch the Vandy vs. MTSU Football Game at 3:00p.m… Vanderbilt Stadium, Jess Neely Drive… featuring a Marine flyover before kickoff, USMC Color Guard presentation of the colors, and Capt. Skye Martin’s performance of the national anthem.
The Marines will hold a Parade on lower Broadway from 5th Avenue to Riverfront Park from 5:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. with the Marine Corps Band, Mounted Color Guard, and Silent Drill Platoon.
Evening Colors… Marines will lower the American Flag at dust (approx. 7:00p.m.) at the Court of Flags, 1st Avenue at Broadway.
The Marine Band, Sound Strike, will perform this evening from 7:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. at the Tin Roof, 316 Broadway.
TAPS will signal the end of the day’s activities at 10:00p.m. at the Court of Flags, 1st Avenue at Broadway.
…of the best kind! Today marks the beginning of Marine Week 2016. Lower Broad and all over Nashville we’ll be swimming in khaki and blue. Here are some of the scheduled activities for today:
Mural Painting Art Project at Douglas Corner Café, 2106 8th Avenue South, 8:00a.m. to 5:00p.m.
Static Display of amphibious assault vehicles, artillery, and more located on the green by Ascend Amphitheater, 301 1st Avenue South, 10:00a.m. to 7:00p.m.
Marine Band San Diego Concert performance of a wide range of music from country to funk, top hits to classic rock… at Riverfront Park, 100 1st Avenue North, 2:30p.m. to 4:30p.m.
Evening Colors… Marines lower the American flag on lower Broadway at 7:00p.m. this evening… Court of Flags, 1st Avenue at Broadway
Night at the Opry… Marines will be special guest of the Opry’s performance tonight.
And if the Opry isn’t your style, you can join the Marines at the Nashville Sounds Home Playoff Game… First Tennessee Park, 19 Jr Gilliam Way.
Then the Marine Band, Sound Strike, will perform at Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, 422 Broadway, from 8:00p.m. to 10:00p.m.
Rounding out the day’s activities will be TAPS performed by a member of the Marine Band at the Court of Flags, 1st Avenue at Broadway at 10:00p.m.
Alive Hospice is holding a contest to design the art for their official poster for their 2017 24th Annual Alive at the Bluebird concert series in January 2017 and also the 4th Annual Bluebird in The Boro series in March 2017. The contest runs now through October 3rd with cash prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners. To submit your entry, mail it or hand deliver it to Alive Hospice – Admin. East Building, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203. Official contest rules and the creative brief can be downloaded at www.AliveHospice.org/poster or by contacting Ben Love at bLove@AliveHospice.org or at 615.346.8698.
One of Nashville’s most famous dive bars is calling a “final call for alcohol” for the last time after decades of serving late-nighters. As it seems to be going here in Nashville of late, the old is making way for the newer, hipper, spots. And while I guess that’s progress, there’s something comforting about an establishment with this kind of history… if you’ve ever spent time drinking the night away and shooting pool or playing darts at Melrose Billards, then you know exactly what we’re talking about.
Well… you might want to stop in soon to pay your last respects, because they will be closing their doors in September 🙁 and we are sad…
This year’s National Beard and Moustache Championships competition is being held right here in Music City USA! They kick off the festivities with a Procession (map below) on Friday, Saturday 2nd… it starts at the Ryman Museum Courtyard at 6:30p.m, winds around downtown, and ends up at the Whiskey Bent Bar.
If you want to enter the competition, registration will be held this Saturday, September 3rd, at Opryland from noon to 3:00p.m. and then the competition is at the Ryman Auditorium at 7:00p.m. that night.
For more info, check them out at www.nationalbeardchampionships.com.
not the corporal punishment kind… the water fun kind!
A free and open to the public course on paddle boarding and kayak fishing is being offered by the Sierra Club. So, come learn Paddling Basics & Local Paddling Destinations from Michael “Smiley” King tonight at 7:0p.m. at the Radnor Lake Visitor Center. Enter on the Granny White Pike side.
Tomorrow is the last day for submitting your photo(s)… up to 5 per person… to the Nashville Scene’s Photo Contest. You could win one of two $300 prizes… Judges’ Winner and Readers’ Choice Winner! For contest rules and more info, check them out at www.ScenePhotoContest.com.
Can’t wait for the book stores to open to get your copy of J.K. Rowling’s latest Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? Have no fear, Parnassus Books, 3900 Hillsboro Pike in Green Hills has the perfect answer… They are holding a Harry Potter Midnight Countdown Party this coming Saturday, July 30 at 8:30p.m. Books will be distributed starting 12:01a.m. Sunday, July 31. BUT you have to have a ticket to be admitted so call them at 615.953.2243 or visit them at www.ParnassusBooks.net to get your ticket today!
It’s time for the kiddos to head back to school, and The United Way’s Stuff the Bus Days of Action will supply 8,500 at-risk children with a backpack full of school supplies to start the school year off right! If you know of a child in need, please call The United Way Helpline at 211 to request a backpack. For more info, visit them at www.UnitedWayNashville.org/stuffthebus
Check us out! America’s Friendliest Cities
Nashville made Travel + Leisure’s top spot for America’s most friendly city! Way to show off your southern charm, y’all!
The last installment of the “Tales at Twilight” series is tonight with a performance by Sir Crazy Pants… it’s been a month of free family fun at Cumberland Park, 592 South First Street, next to Nissan Stadium (Lot R). Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and picnic… the fun starts at 7:00p.m.
And for the adults… Midnight Movie at the newly re-opened Belcourt Theatre… Magic Mike XXL… yeah, baby… the Belcourt’s back!
The annual sales tax holiday starts bright and early tomorrow morning at 12:01a.m. and runs through 11:59p.m. Sunday night. School clothes, school supplies, and computers are on the list of tax-free items.
For more info, check out
And double check with each store about their individual policies.
Are you ready for this… come and unleash the kid in you at Grown Ups Camp!!! Adventure sports, games, relays… and THEN… Happy Hour… no-talent shows… live music… dance parties… campfires under the stars… stay 2 nights in a rustic cabin… 3 buffet-style meals each day… late-night snacks… bottomless tea and coffee, and… 2 nights of Open Bar! Have you got your bags packed yet? Check them out at… www.GrownUpsCamp.com Nashville area camps are August 12-14 and August 19-21.
Family Night Out at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens… 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville… every Thursday evening through July… 5:00p.m. to 10:00p.m… start your night with Kids Fitness and food trucks, followed by a performance from Glengarry Highland Dancers.
Way Late Play Date: Star Wars vs. Star Trek… evening party for adults at the Adventure Science Center… 800 Fort Negley Blvd, Nashvile… 6:30p.m. to 10. Which are better, phasers or lightsabers? Come join the discussion and weigh in with your two cents! Costume contest… trivia battle… digital gaming… and adult beverages.
Wine, Dine, & Nine… 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m… at Gaylord Springs Golf Links, 18 Springhouse Lane, Nashville… enjoy samplings from area top wineries and Opryland’s award-winning chefs… and add a round of golf! For more info and to purchase tickets, visit them at GaylordSprings.com
Calling all Jack4ss friends… Steve-O is playing at Zanies Comedy Club all weekend. He kicks it off tonight and runs through Sunday the 31st. For more info, visit them at www.Zanies.com or call the Club at 615.269.0221.
The Hermitage, 4580 Rachel’s Lane, Hermitage, 37076, is hosting a dinner / dessert / music / book signing event featuring Outfoxed by David Rosenfelt, author of the best-selling Andy Carpenter Mystery Series. It starts at 4:00 this afternoon and runs till 7:00… catered by Chef’s Market… music by Jerry Vandiver. For more info, visit them at www.ofsds.org/outfoxed
Nashville Electric Service may have the solution! They are holding monthly workshops… the Battle of the Bill… you vs. your leaky (Boss of Energy Loss) water heater… the next ones will be held Saturday, July 23rd at the Sumner County YMCA… Saturday, August 27th at the East Park Community Center… and Saturday, September 24th at the Bellevue YMCA. All three workshops are from 9:30a.m. to 11:00a.m. with limited seating, so be sure to get there and register early! For more info, visit them at www.NESpowerNews.com
Friday, July 22
“Tales at Twilight” series runs each Friday night in July. Tonight’s performance is by the Nashville Public Library Puppet Truck… it’s free family fun at Cumberland Park, 592 South First Street, next to Nissan Stadium (Lot R). Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and picnic… the fun starts at 7:00p.m.
Thursday, July 21
Family Night Out at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens… 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville… every Thursday evening through July… 5:00p.m. to 10:00p.m… start your night with Kids Fitness and food trucks, followed by a performance of Upcycled Cinderella by Bright Star Theatre.
Wine, Dine, & Nine… 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m… at Gaylord Springs Golf Links, 18 Springhouse Lane, Nashville… enjoy samplings from area top wineries and Opryland’s award-winning chefs… and add a round of golf! For more info and to purchase tickets, visit them at GaylordSprings.com
A Taste of Judaism… the last installment of everything you always wanted to know about Judaism in three easy lessons… Wednesdays, July 6th, July 13th, and July 20th from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at The Temple… 5015 Harding Road, Nashville… RSVP please to 352-7620
The Nashville Scene is bringing back the wildly popular Burger Week! Yep… all week long we get to sample some of the best specialty burgers Nashville has to offer and… are you ready for this?… they are only $5!
And… the Scene is also holding a contest. To enter just check-in at a participating restaurant… take a photo of your burger and post it on Twitter or Instagram with @nashvilleScene and #SceneBurgerWeek.
We’ve BatchGeo’d the participating locations…
View Burger Week in a full screen map
Here’s a list of participating locations and their respective, mouth-watering burgers… 1) 360 Burger, 5356 Hickory Hollow Pkwy, The Cilantro Avocado Burger, 2) Bar Louie – Murfreesboro, 2615 Medical Center Pkwy, Ste. 2395, The Chicago Stockyard, 3) Bar Louie – Nashville, 314 11th Ave South, The Chicago Stockyard, 4) Boswell’s Grill, 401 Fesslers Lane, The Chef’s Surprise Burger featuring a different burger each day! 5) Café Rakka, 71 New Shackle Island Road, The Lamb Burger, 6) City Winery, 609 Lafayette St, The Porcini Pork Burger, 7) Culver’s – Franklin, 3400 Mallory Lane, The Culver’s Double Deluxe, 8) Culver’s – Hendersonville, 390 Indian Lake Blvd, The Culver’s Double Deluxe, 9) The District, 301 Union St, The Secret Burger featuring Boot-Legged Liquor onions! 10) Drake’s, 553 Cool Springs Blvd, The Brewmaster Burger, 11) Elliston Place Soda Shop, 2111 Elliston Place, The Classic Burger, 12) Embers Ski Lodge, 2410 12th Ave South, The Alpine Burger, 13) Flip Burger, 4111 Charlotte Ave, The Summitt in honor of legendary Pat Summitt! 14) Green Hills Grill, 2002 Richard Jones Rd, Ste. A1044, The Green Hills Grille Burger, 15) Hoss’ Loaded Burgers, (food truck) text BURGER to 88000 for their current location, Red, White, and Blue Burger, 16) Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint, 1123 3rd Ave North, The Greg Brady, 17) Jefferson’s – Brentwood, 214 Ward Circle, Ste. 1200, The Peanut Butter Burger, 18) Mangia Nashville, 701 Craighead St, The Nashville Hot Sausage Burger, 19) Pour House Burgers, Bourbon & Brews, 730 8th Ave South, Southwest Burger, 20) Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant, 500 Church St, The Mojo Burger, 21) Sam’s Place, 6051 Hwy 100, The Farm House Burger, 22) Sam’s Sports Grill – Blue Turtle Bay, 2001 Lakeshore Dr, The Baja Burger, 23) Sam’s Sports Grill – Hendersonville, 300 Indian Lake Blvd, Ste. 100, The Hickory Burger, 24) Sam’s Sports Grill – Murfreesboro, 1720 Old Fort Pkwy, The Black Label Burger, 25) The Slider House, 1907A Division Street, The House of Hickory, 26) Smokin Thighs, 611 Wedgewood Ave, The Flying Hawaiian Chicken Burger, 27) South, 1524 Demonbreun St, The Black ‘n Bleu, 28) Subculture Urban Cuisine and Café, 5737 Nolensville Pk, The Chori Burger, 29) Swaney Swift’s on the Square, 118 North Water Ave, The Swaney, 30) Twin Kegs I, 413 West Thompson Lane, The Twin Kegs Burger, 31) Twin Kegs II, 327 Hermitage Ave, The Twin Kegs Burger.
Eat and enter as often as you like… and enjoy!
Friday, July 15
“Tales at Twilight” series runs each Friday night in July. Tonight’s performance is by Mr. Chris Hip Hop Dance… it’s free family fun at Cumberland Park, 592 South First Street, next to Nissan Stadium (Lot R). Bring your lawn chairs or a blanket and picnic… the fun starts at 7:00p.m.
Night Market at the Nashville Farmer’s Market… come shop (and eat!) under the stars… 5:00p.m. to 8:00p.m. at 900 Rosa L Parks Blvd, Nashville.
The 49th Annual Murfreesboro Antiques Show is this weekend, July 15, 16, and 17… it’s being held at the MTSU Murphy Center, 2650 Middle Tennessee Blvd, Murfreesboro 37130… Friday and Saturday 10:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. and Sunday 11:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. For more info, visit them at www.MurfreesboroAntiqueShow.com
Saturday, July 16
17th Annual Elegant and Depression Glass Show and Sale at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds… today and tomorrow… sponsored by Fostoria Glass Society of Tennessee. For more info, visit them at www.Fostoria-Tennessee.com or call 615.856.4259.
Nashville Roller Derby Doubleheader… first at 5:30p.m. features the Music City Brawl Stars Mashup… then at 7:15p.m. the Music City All Stars go head to head with the Peach State Roller Derby girls… always an entertaining show! For more info, visit them at www.NashvilleRollerGirls.com
Sunday, July 17
17th Annual Elegant and Depression Glass Show and Sale at the Tennessee State Fairgrounds… sponsored by Fostoria Glass Society of Tennessee. For more info, visit them at www.Fostoria-Tennessee.com or call 615.856.4259.
View Early Voting Map in a full screen map
Are you ready to make your pick? State Primary and County General Election Early Voting begins July 15 and runs through July 30 at Howard Office Building, 700 Second Ave South, Nashville, 37210.
Additional Early Voting Locations will open next week and run from July 21 to July 30:
Belle Meade City Hall, 4705 Harding Pike, Nashville;
Bellevue Library, 720 Baugh Road, Nashville;
Bordeaux Library, 4000 Clarksville Pike, Nashville;
Casa Azafran, 2195 Nolensville Pike, Nashville;
Edmondson Pike Library, 5501 Edmondson Pike, Nashville;
Goodlettsville Community Center, 200 Memorial Drive, Goodlettsville;
Green Hills Library, 3701 Benham Avenue, Nashville;
Hermitage Library, 3700 James Kay Lane, Hermitage;
Madison Library, 610 Gallatin Pike South, Madison;
Southeast Library, 5260 Hickory Hollow Pkwy, Antioch.
You can vote at any location, just bring your photo ID. Election Day for the State Primary and County General Election is August 4. For more info, visit them at www.Nashville.gov/vote
Celebrate Bastille Day at Little Gourmand, 2209 Bandywood Dr, Nashville, 5:00p.m to 8:00p.m… enjoy live music while you toast… vive la France!
Family Night Out at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens… 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville… every Thursday evening through July… 5:00p.m. to 10:00p.m… start your night with Kids Fitness and food trucks, followed by a performance from Cowboy Dan.
Wine, Dine, & Nine… 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m… at Gaylord Springs Golf Links, 18 Springhouse Lane, Nashville… enjoy samplings from area top wineries and Opryland’s award-winning chefs… and add a round of golf! For more info and to purchase tickets, visit them at GaylordSprings.com
An intimate conversation with author John Gregory Brown… A Thousand Miles From Nowhere… a novel about loss and redemption… one man’s experience with post-Katrina battles with depression, chaos, and ultimate salvation. Meet and talk with Brown at Parnassus Books, Hillsboro Plaza Shopping Center, 3900 Hillsboro Pike #14, Nashville, today at 6:30p.m.
A Taste of Judaism… the second installment of everything you always wanted to know about Judaism in three easy lessons… Wednesdays, July 6th, July 13th, and July 20th from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at The Temple… 5015 Harding Road, Nashville… RSVP please to 352-7620
Pinot With The President at The Hermitage… guests enjoy a private, after-hours tour that shares a behind-the-scenes look at the operations of the venue. It includes a quiet, romantic 45-minute stroll through the grounds and a sunset wagon tour… concluding with wine and hors d’oeuvres in the garden. For more info, visit them at www.theHermitage.com
A Business Studio Workshop: Ownership vs. Leadership is being held at Refinery Nashville, 438 Houston Street, Suite 263, Nashville. Registration at 7:30a.m. with workshop following from 8:00a.m. to 10:00a.m. Come and gain a better understanding of the dynamics that can make or break your company as you grow. For more info, check them out at NashvilleChamber.org
First Thursday Nights in the Garden… at Cheekwood Botanical Gardens… 1200 Forrest Park Dr, Nashville… from 5:00p.m. to 10:00p.m… enjoy the evening with music, dancing, and yarnbombing… all to the backdrop of Tobin’s sculptures.
Join the Memphis Grizzlies Dance Team… Grizz Girl Auditions this evening at 6:00p.m… DC Dance Factory, 1850 E. General George Patton Dr, Franklin, 37067… must be at least 18 years of age and a high school graduate. For more info, visit them at www.Grizzlies.com
Wine, Dine, & Nine… 6:00p.m. to 10:00p.m… at Gaylord Springs Golf Links, 18 Springhouse Lane, Nashville… enjoy samplings from area top wineries and Opryland’s award-winning chefs… and add a round of golf! For more info and to purchase tickets, visit them at GaylordSprings.com
This month’s Chamber East Networking Coffee is being held at Studio 615, 272 Broadmoor Drive, Nashville from 8:15a.m. to 9:30a.m. For more info, visit them at NashvilleChamber.com
A Taste of Judaism… everything you always wanted to know about Judaism in three easy lessons… Wednesdays, July 6th, July 13th, and July 20th from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. at The Temple… 5015 Harding Road, Nashville… free to the entire community, RSVP please to 352-7620.
Barberro 2016!
Touted to be an awesome Barbershop Show, featuring our own award winning Music City Chorus plus a great lineup of other champion quartets, has the makings of a very entertaining show! Held at Grand Lodge of Tennessee, 100 7th Avenue North. For more info, visit them at MusicCityChorus.org
Springfield’s Freedom Celebration! with food, inflatables, and fireworks from 4:00p.m. to 9:00p.m.
Live music starts at 7:30p.m. All at J. Travis Price Park, 4155 Wilkes Road, Springfield, Tn. For more info, visit them at RobCoFreedomCelebration.org
Father’s Day has come and gone and the 4th of July is still ahead, but there’s still plenty to do this weekend in Nashville!
Patrons of The Frist Center for the Visual Arts can enjoy live music, snacks and drinks along with the exhibitions on display during Frist Fridays. The first Frist Friday of the season will start with SixtyFour, a Beatles cover band. The event runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Call 615-244-3340 for more information.
Free admission for Frist members and visitors 18 and younger. General admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors and college students with their ID and $7 for any military.
The Nashville Predators Foundation is hosting a craft beer festival full of food, games and entertainment at Bridgestone Arena. Proceeds from the event will end up supporting Middle Tennessee nonprofits and programs in the area. A general admission ticket includes entry, a souvenir glass, unlimited tastings and a game voucher.
Tickets range from $65 to $115. Designated drivers are offered a special $30 ticket. Buy tickets here.
The first 2,000 fans at First Tennessee Park will get a special Faith Night giveaway during the Sounds vs. Omaha Storm Chasers game sponsored by Trevecca Nazarene University. There will be a pregame concert with Audio Adrenaline also presented by Trevecca and 94-FM The Fish.
Ticket price includes the game and concert plus a voucher for one hot dog and a soft drink.
Celebrate 150 years of Fisk University from noon to 8 p.m.
Food trucks, vendors and music will be on hand. The event will take place around WB Dubois Hall, 1000 17th Ave. N. in Nashville.
Free.
Celebrate the return of peach season at the Hip Donelson Farmers Market at 2730 Lebanon Pike from 4 to 7 p.m. All the peaches come from Tennessee, and there’s free parking and free shuttle service from the Donelson Music City Star train station and more.
Prices vary.
This family-friendly event includes races, bounce houses and more. Children get in free with a passing report card. Learn more on the Facebook event page. The Fairgrounds Speedway is located at 500 Wedgewood Ave.
Prices vary.
Watch top rodeo competitors in sixth through eighth grades compete in Lebanon. They’ll come from all over — 43 states, Australia and five Canadian provinces.
Two rodeos are held each day at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. at the James E. Ward Agriculture Center. The trade show is each day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Visit nhsra.com/junior-high-division or wilsoncountyexpo.com for more information.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children five to 12.
After it closes, the zoo’s family movie series will continue with “Kung Fu Panda.” Activities include inflatables, games, face painting and rides on the Wild Animal Carousel and Soaring Eagle zipline before the show. Check out the Nashville Zoo on Facebook for the latest updates.
Zoovies are included with admission or membership. For nonmembers arriving after the zoo closes, the cost is $6, with additional fees for rides and face painting.
It’s Nashville’s largest World Refugee Day celebration ever, according to the Tennessee Foreign Language Institute. This event is a chance to get to know neighbors, nonprofit organizations and resettlement agencies. There will also be food prepared by local refugee families, entertainment and children’s activities.
Free.
Enjoy an acoustic Friday night from 5 to 9 p.m. at Musicians Corner in Centennial Park, 2500 West End Ave. Tristan McIntosh, Damien Horne and Dom Flemons are expected to perform Friday. On Saturday, expect The Jayhawks, Griffin House and Hope Country from noon to 5 p.m.
Free.
Performers for this night’s concert at Red Caboose Park in Bellevue are The One Hitters. Check them playing one-hit wonders from 7 to 9 p.m. at the park on Colice Jeanne Road.
Free.
This year’s Nashville Pride Festival includes performances, live music, a drag stage, kids zone, food trucks and a misting tent. Gates open at 6:30 p.m. Friday and at 10 a.m. Saturday at 10 Public Square in Nashville.
Tickets are $5 at the gates or $40 for a general admission weekend pass. VIP passes range from $65 to $130.
Zoo guests will have the opportunity to learn all about birds on Avian Awareness Day, which highlights the journey of migratory birds and the importance of birds along with educating patrons about the Nashville Zoo’s involvement in local conservation efforts. Activities will be available for all ages and include egg and feather displays, Macaw flights and bird-themed shows. Nashville Zoo at Grassmere is located at 3777 Nolensville Pike.
Prices vary.
See Indiana Jones go up against the Nazis on a 70-foot, high-definition screen as the Nashville Symphony performs John Williams’ score live. The symphony will be conducted by Vinay Parameswaran and the show at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets range from $34 to $84
And, they’re off!
The 2016 St. Jude’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Marathon is officially underway. After a short delay due to a downpour at race start time, the runners are now making their way through the designated courses with one goal in mind… don’t puke at the finish line! lol just kidding!
Anyway… as charity events go, this one is high on my list of favorites. St. Jude’s Hospital does amazing work with very ill children and what’s not to love to support about that!
Good luck to all our racers!
Nashville has come into its own!
We made the Forbes 16 Destinations for 2016 Guide! How cool is that?!
If we’re not mistaken, this is the first time in history that three Tennessee colleges will be playing in bowl games… and each of them hold promise to be great matchups!
Mid-day Christmas Eve is MTSU vs. Western Michigan in the Bahamas Bowl; then we have the battle of the Tigers mid-day Dec 30th when Memphis takes on Auburn in the Birmingham Bowl; and UT plays New Year’s Day in Tampa’s Outback Bowl against Northwestern.
So don’t store your pom-poms away just yet…. goooooo TN!
Celebrate this special Christmas tradition this year with the Nashville Symphony at TPAC’s Jackson Hall… shows running December 5th through the 23rd.
For more information contact the Nashville Ballet at 615-782-4040 or go online at www.NashvilleBallet.com
Life can change in a brief moment in time… drastically!
Today and always we support any and all efforts to fight terrorism whether here or abroad… as an act of solidarity and in support of Paris and France, Mayor Megan Barry has asked for the Metro Courthouse and Korean Veterans Bridge to be lit this weekend with France’s national colors… blue, white, and red.
Vive la France… Music City stands with you!
It’s almost time for the 22nd annual Thanksgiving Day Boulevard Bolt down Belle Meade Boulevard. The combined efforts of volunteers from The Temple Congregation Ohabai Sholom, St. George’s Episcopal Church, and Immanuel Baptist Church organize the 5K run / walk that benefits Nashville’s homeless population. So come on out and get great exercise while supporting a very worthwhile cause.
For more information go to www.boulevardbolt.org
Christmas Village is back this weekend, the 11th through the 13th, at the TN State Fairgrounds with over 260 merchants… hours are Friday 9:00a.m. to 9:00p.m. / Saturday 9:00a.m. to 6:00p.m. / Sunday Noon to 6:00p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.ChristmasVillage.org
Hope to see you there!
If you love the music of Mannheim Steamroller, you’ll want to get your tickets fast because they’re only in town for ONE night! November 20… TPAC
For more information call (615) 782-4040 or go to TPAC.org
…because Mother Nature has some tricks in store for us this evening!
With temperatures in the 40’s at Trick-Or-Treat time, it’s going to be as cold as a witch’s nose with a wicked wind out of the north as her companion.
So bundle up, have a great time, load up on lots of candy, and most of all please, PLEASE, stay safe!!
Mayor Karl Dean announced tonight that he will not apply for federal funding for the AMP project, stating that he will leave it to the next mayor because it will require additional research. Many believe that the project is now dead because current mayoral candidates are opposed to the project.
I normally try to keep my posts on the fun, lighter side of life in Music City, but there’s just something about election time that begs me to break out my trusty soap box and encourage readers to educate themselves about serious issues and then VOTE!
Sure we’ve talked AMP and the traffic frustrations West End’ers face daily… and we’ve talked Common Core and the myriad of frustrations that issue brings… but when legislators start proposing amendments to our state constitution, those are real game changers that get my attention!
This election year, Tennesseans will have four proposed amendments to vote on. Amendments 3 and 4 seem pretty benign… no state income tax and allowing gaming to support veteran’s charities. It’s Amendments 1 and 2 that are cause for concern… some might even say “cause for alarm!”
Let’s start with Amendment 2… this proposed change affects the way our State Supreme Court and Appellate Court Judges are chosen. Right now, citizens vote for those judges at election time, but Amendment 2 proposes to remove our vote.
That’s worth saying again.
Amendment 2 proposes to remove our vote! (At first, anyway…)
If this amendment is passed, Tennesseans will no longer vote for State Supreme Court and Appellate Court Judges. Instead, the governor will choose them with a two-thirds majority approval in both state houses. Then… after their 8-year term, we get to vote whether to keep them on the bench or not.
There’s not much debate or hype to be found about this proposed amendment, but the government attempting to take away our collective voice on any issue is a very serious matter.
And now for the real hot button… Amendment 1.
This amendment proposes changes regarding our abortion laws, and nothing stirs emotions on both sides quite like this debate!
According to the State’s website this is the paragraph that Amendment 1 (if passed) will add to our Constitution… “Nothing in this Constitution secures or protects a right to abortion or requires the funding of an abortion. The people retain the right through their elected state representatives and state senators to enact, amend, or repeal statutes regarding abortion, including, but not limited to, circumstances of pregnancy resulting from rape or incest or when necessary to save the life of the mother.”
According to their website, www.YesOn1Tn.org, the pro-life camp sees Amendment 1 as a necessary change to “promote the protection of innocent human life”, “provide safeguards to women considering abortion”, “stop Tennessee from being a destination for out-of-state abortions”, and “require inspection, licensure, and regulation of abortion facilities in our state.”
On the other side of the debate at, www.VoteNo1Tn.org, pro-choice advocates are concerned that Amendment 1 will “insert the government into our most private moments, and could even ban abortion without exceptions for rape, incest, or health of the woman. You don’t have to be pro-choice to agree that Amendment 1 goes too far.”
No matter which side you’re on, these are very serious issues that deserve our attention… and our vote!
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My children are out of school (thankfully!!), but I do have grandchildren and the debate over Common Core is about as hot as this mid-August afternoon, so I decided to check around to see what all the flap is about.
This is what I found…
We have a new set of national standards for education called the Common Core. At first glance it comes off innocently enough… state Governors realized that children in different states were being taught at different levels & speeds and decided to set standards, grade by grade, that are uniform across the country. That way it doesn’t matter where a child grows up they will be on the same level of education as other American children all across the United States.
It sounds ok so far. I mean, who doesn’t want kids to do well? I want them all to excel… your kids, my kids, their kids… all of them. And saying, for example, that every Kindergartener in America ought to be able to do certain things… count to 100, tie their shoes, etc. and so on grade by grade… it’s hard to find anything wrong with that.
So what’s creating the big political controversy over Common Core?
Turns out… Common Core isn’t so innocent, or simple, after all. When I went to their website, www.corestandards.org, I found something very interesting. The standards that the government has come up with require a certain type of curriculum… one that was not previously being taught in schools. And as the website explains, there are “costs associated with the Common Core, such as training teachers to teach the standards, developing and purchasing new materials, and other aspects of implementation.”
Ok… so now we’ve moved beyond just a set of uniform standards and we’ve reached a point that the government wants to dictate what and how our children are taught. And this new form of education is so different from the way that children were being taught before that new schoolbooks would need to be purchased and our teachers would need to learn how to teach that way.
I’m beginning to see where there could be a problem… and controversy. BUT, if it’s good for our kids in the long run, ok then. Let’s buckle down and do this thing.
Well, that’s what most states have started doing and that’s also what has stirred the issue to this level of political controversy. It seems there are problems with the standards, the curriculum, the testing, on-going funding, and especially the federal government involvement in it all.
Here are some of the concerns parents, teachers, and the general American public are voicing…
1) The curriculum and tests are “confusing, developmentally inappropriate, and so hard that even good students can’t do well on them.” ~ Rebecca Steinitz (an English professor at Ohio Wesleyan University where she ran the Freshman Writing Program)
Click the link below to see her entire email to President Obama.
2) In some school districts, teacher performance evaluations are being linked to the testing results, but teachers feel that there are too many uncontrollable variables for this to be fair. There are a lot of factors that affect test performance… Did their students go to bed on time and get a good night’s sleep? Did the students eat a healthy breakfast that morning? Are they panic-test-takers? And realistically… do they even care enough to do their very best on this (confusing) test?
3) Data mining by the federal government: Personal student (and family) information is recorded during testing. In order to compare test results state by state, this information will have to be sent and analyzed on a federal level. This means that the federal government will now be receiving and storing a family’s personal information through student testing.
4) Some folks are not happy that federal dollars – Race to the Top funds and No Child Left Behind waivers – are going to this new (and controversial) program.
5) Once the federal funds run out in each state, the additional costs of Common Core will fall to taxpayers. So… our tax money (mine and YOURS through federal funding) is being spent on the front end and then additional tax money will be required from us locally to keep this new program running.
6) Listed last here, but this is a biggie for a lot of folks… federal government “overreach”. Although Common Core wasn’t developed or mandated by the federal government, federal dollars (Race to the Top funds and No Child Left Behind waivers) went into enticing states to adopt the national standards. This along with Common Core’s other ties to the federal government is seen by some as the federal government encroaching (without Constitutional authority) on our individual freedom to educate our children the way we see fit… the concern is that we are losing control over our own children’s education.
Those are just a few of the issues people have with Common Core. The overall problems are actually so bad that many states (ours included) are delaying further implementation of the standards. And three states – South Carolina, Oklahoma, and Indiana – have already dropped the program, with several other states moving towards dropping it as well.
Perhaps Indiana’s Governor, Mike Pence, said it best when talking about replacing Common Core with their own state standards… “When it comes to setting standards for schools, I can assure you, Indiana’s will be uncommonly high. They will be written by Hoosiers, for Hoosiers, and will be among the best in the nation.”
So it boils down to this… Common Core affects all of us whether you have a child in school or not. It’s a very serious subject that every tax-paying citizen needs to learn more about because it’s YOUR money that’s footing this bill…
Here are several links to get you started exploring the issue for yourself.
I’d love to know what you think!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/08/new-york-common-core-test_n_5659604.html
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Mangia Nashville
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Pangaea Nashville
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Two Old Hippies
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Frothy Monkey
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Iron Pig Antiques
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Loveless Cafe
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3rd and Lindsley
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Old Feed Store
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