Nashville's Meat-and-Three's & Things for Free

Well well well and my oh my there's a ton of exciting music and art events happening in the next few days and coming month.

So I'm going to keep it simple and give you the low down on the all the music and art centered events with info and links.  Please retweet and share!

Thursday, February 2nd

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The Hillsboro Village Art Walk is this Thursday from 5-8 pm with many new artists and exhibits!  Chuck Beard (local art blogger) has already summed up the event in his recent review, Another Month of Love and Art. See ya at the walk!

Friday, February 3rd

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Meet n' 3 is like a Friday night fair of all your favorite things -- local art, food trucks, music and the Farmer's Market!  The event will go down on Friday from 6-9 pm at the Farmer's Market.  It's sponsored by Metro Arts Commission, Nashville Food Trucks, & Lightning 100--Nashville's Independent Radio!  One of my favorite local artists and friend, Bennett Art will be showing her newest work.  Don't miss the party!

Saturday, February 4th

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Downtown Art Crawl is Saturday, need I say more?  You know the drill -- dress up, get downtown and preview Nashville's most exciting galleries from 6-9 pm.

If you've never been to the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum -- now is your chance!  Save twenty bucks and go on Saturday -- it's FREE!

On Going and Upcoming Events

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Lucy's Country Cafe is a brand new meat n' three restaurant that opened last Monday by hit songwriter Bobby Pinson (“All I Want To Do,” “Lost You Anyway”) and his wife Lucy.  It's in the Bluebar on Division Street and serves an all-you-can eat menu of meats and your favorite vegetables.  Also starting February 8th will be Wednesday night Sing for Your Supper as a great songwriters night – hosted by Terri Jo Box and brought to you by Nashville Muse.

On February 10th at the Nashville Library there will be a workshop where you can make Valentines Day cards out of recycled materials.  It's free fun for the whole family!

The 4 Amigos Guitar Show will be February 18th and 19th at the Factory in Franklin.  It's a guitar lovers dream with new and used gear and is designed to offer more than just a chance to buy and sell guitars. Many Nashville personalities attend this event, so you might see your favorite artist on location.

If you are craving more music and art then check out ArtNowNashville!  It has awesome weekly reviews of everything creative in Nashville.

Have an awesome February and enjoy all the music and art opportunities in the amazing Music City!  

Information about these events have been collected through my network via email newsletters, facebook and twitter posts.  If you would like your music and art events promoted please email me at beth@binglishART.com or post the information to my attention on facebook and twitter.

Doak Turner, A Songwriter's Guardian Angel

For the past nine years, Doak Turner has been bringing Nashville's songwriter community to the web and into our lives.

When he first arrived in Music City he couldn't cut-and-paste or play guitar, but today runs three blogs, multiple newsletters and is your go-to-guy for everything songwriting.

Doak's story is very similar to those who come to Nashville chasing a dream.  He's part of the club, just like me, made of people who moved here to start a whole new life. His past life was in radio, which lead him to Nashville from Charlotte North Carolina, (originally from St. Albans, WV) but his passion is songwriting and that’s where his Music City journey begins.

Doak simply started by sharing.  He shares who-plays-where to 4,000 subscribers in the music community through his weekly e-zine, The Nashville Muse. He even opens up his home to songwriters to play, eat and network once a month at the 3rd Sunday at 3.

"A lot of people play their first songs in Nashville at my house at the 3rd Sunday. It’s just a bunch of friends sitting around, we’re not judging we’re not critiquing. March will be 9 years of the 3rd Sunday at 3 and now 107 months later it’s still going."

He's such a super giving guy and is why so many people trust and cherish the services that he brings to the songwriter community.  He truly was put here in Nashville to help others and guide us as our guardian angel.

If you're a songwriter in Nashville or thinking of moving to Nashville, I highly recommend that you visit The Nashville Muse, Music Starts Here and Doak's Blog for online resources.

I have many more stories to tell from our interview, but those will have to wait for another day in another post.  Until then I'll leave you with some of Doak's words of wisdom:

"Love the journey, love the people and keep each other on the journey. That’s what it’s all about."

Doak's Writer's Night Winners

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Red Rooster on Wednesday nights with Lorna Flowers
The Listening Room Cafe
The Commodore Grill with Debi Champion
Douglas Corner Cafe
Bluebird Cafe
Blair School of Music hosted by Deanna Walker

Doak's Online Resource Recommendations

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The Music Starts Here
NSAI, Nashville's Songwriters Association International
Charles Alexander's Rock Your Net
Vinny Ribas Indie Connect Magazine
Marc-Alan Barnette
Steve Leslie

Doak Brags on Books

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Make Me a Star: Industry Insiders Tell How to Make the Cut, Make the Deal, and Make It in Music
Music Success In Nine Weeks
Think and Grow Rich
The Power of Positive Thinking
Crash Course: Getting Things Done Now: 17 Proven Principles for Overcoming Procrastination (Crash Course (J. Countryman))

Thanks for reading, please subscribe and share to spread the word about Nashville's Music & Art Blog!  I also would love to know what you think so leave a comment and join the conversation.

Jamie Wright Photography Exhibit at Village of Flowers

Every month the Hillsboro Village Art Walk shines it's light on Music City's up-and-coming artistic talent.  On Thursday, November 3rd one of my favorite photographers, Jamie Wright, will be featured in Village of Flowers.

Jamie is a native Nashvillian and has been shooting photography for over 17 years.  He has shot everything from weddings to children with experience in commercial photography and fine art.  He creates beautiful finished pieces starting from the perfect picture and ending with his own custom made frames.

What I love most about Jamie's photography is that it reveals the person he is inside.  He is thoughtful and sensitive and his images show his point of view capturing the most beautiful side of life.  He can find inspiration in almost anything and always produces the best.  I would hire Jamie in a heart beat with full confidence knowing that he would capture the essence of any moment.

Please take a second to preview his website at www.jmwrightphoto.com and to see his exhibit at Village of Flowers during the month of November.

To find out more information about the Hillsboro Village Art Walk and the other talented artists that participate, please visit their website.

Vote Us "Best Local Blog" in Nashville Scene Poll

The Nashville Scene's "Best Of Nashville" reader's poll is in full effect this year!  Everyone is campaigning to obtain the title of "Best of ..." even Nashville's Music & Art Blog.

At first I didn't even consider trying to be part of the Best Of club this year, but too many friends and supporters of my blog reached out for me to try.

Please if you are so inclined, vote for Nashville's Music & Art Blog by Beth Inglish as "Best Local Blog" under the media category on the Nashville Scene's website.  Click here to vote!

To cast your vote you are required to vote for at least 20 other categories.  It might take a few minutes, so while you're there please vote for your favorites and some of my local supporters:

Best Bicycle Shop: Eastside Cycles

Best Local Printing Company: Wondergraphics

Best Non-Profit: The Contributor Newspaper

Best Vintage Clothing Store: GoodBuy Girls

Best Place to Worship: Crosspoint Community Church

Best Facebook Page: Nashville Arts Magazine

Best Place To Buy New Musical Instrument: Simon Ripley's Music & Art

Best Place To Buy Used Musical Instrument: Fanny's House of Music

Best Fish Taco: Local Taco

Best Local Event/Festival: Tomato Art Festival

Best Performing Arts Group: Nashville Opera

Best Style Blog: Style Blueprint

Click here to vote!

Please feel free to leave a comment and campaign for some of your "Best Of" favorites!
Please share on facebook and twitter to help me spread word.

Look Your Best At The Tomato Art Fest

It's here, it's here, it's finally here! Open up your closets and drawers, because it's time to plan your perfect Tomato Art Festival fashions!

One of my favorite things about the Tomato Arts Festival, besides the art and food, are the outfits that people put together. It's a day to play dress up and put on your red. Wear whatever your little heart desires because everyone's doing it and you can't take it too far.

Adults, children and pets are sporting this year's hottest looks, so try your luck out for the contests: Best Tomato Fairy/Elf Costume and Faux Paw Fashion Show. Click on the links for details and times so that you don't miss your chance to be the belle of the ball.

I hope you're ready for the Best Art Festival of the year, because it's finally here!! For one day only transform yourself into a tomato red wearing, bloody mary drinking, art and music loving beautiful budding tomato.

I put together my own little dream fashion show with the prettiest products from Etsy.com. I hope they inspire you to look you best at the Tomato Art Fest! See you there.

Red Dress, Tie Dyed Top

Necklace, Beads

Red Scarf, Red Cut-off Shorts

Red Hat, Red Wedge Shoes

Red Dress, Tomato Purse

Red Drop Earrings, Tomato Earrings

Red Satin Flats, Baby Doll Shoes

Little Girl's Dress, Boy's Red Shirt with Tie

Tomato Dog Collar, Tomato Tote Bag

Sneak Peek: Tomato Art Fest 2011

The Tomato Art Festival is almost here and we're all dying to see what the local community of artists have cooked up this year.

There is nothing quite like the moment when you walk in through the front doors at Art and Invention Gallery and see the walls covered from floor-to-ceiling with tomato art.  It jolts with you a shot of energy and fills your heart with joy that only the Tomato Art Festival can create.  That's exactly why it's been voted "Best Art Festival" 4 years in a row by the readers of the Nashville Scene.

I wanted to feature a few paintings that will be in the show to satisfy your taste buds with a little savory tomato flavor.  The following artists range from professional to hobbyist, but they all have a passion for everything tomato.

To see the paintings live come out to the festival on Saturday, August 13th for a day full of fun.  There will be contests, live music, friends and family that will welcome you into the streets of Five Points in East Nashville for a day unlike any other.  For more information go straight to the source for all details and more artwork at www.tomatoartfest.com.

Waiting by Andy Detwiler

Untitled by Randy Purcell

Watercolor Art by Taylor Branam

Mosaic Heart by Hosanna Banks

Tomato on a Guitar Vine by Beth Inglish

Tomato Gravy by Andy Detwiler

Tortured Tomato by Randy Purcell

Two Old Hippies Come To Nashville

Now don't jump to conclusions ... I'm not talking about my parents coming to Nashville, I'm talking about Two Old Hippies from Aspen, Colorado are opening up 8,000 square feet of retail space in the Gulch.

Lifestyle store, Two Old Hippies is birthing a new baby in Nashville, TN and their peace, love and rock n' roll philosophy is coming to town too!  They feature clothing, gifts and guitars and it's going to quickly become a new Nashville favorite.

They are in the beginning of building their space now, next to Urban Outfitters on 12th and Pine and plan to open September 1st.  Keep your eyes peeled because they have completed their outdoor sign and it fits in perfectly with the style of the building and the spirit of Nashville.

I'm really looking forward to this new store because it just seems like it is exactly what Music City needs.  They are passionate about music and art, a growing trend I see in Nashville and plan on having live music throughout the day.  So songwriters keep your schedules open to start playing in this great new venue.  Artists, I've already asked if they'd be up for selling original Nashville art in their store and I'm still waiting to hear back on their decision.

I would like to welcome them to town and wish them the best, this store is going to be far out!  Follow them on facebook and twitter for more information about their move to Music City!

Nashville's Wonderful Music & Art Weekend

Do you love the industry's hottest guitars and latest music gear?  Then go to THE NAMM SHOW, "Wanna Play Music Day" this weekend, July 23rd at the Nashville Convention Center.

It will be like a sea of everything you love stuffed into one building.  It's open to the public Saturday only and tickets are $20.  Buy them here!  You could win free tickets from Brite Revolution by filling out a simple survey.  It's worth a shot!

Maybe it's art you love, well then I've got the show for you!  Untitled Artists are celebrating 20 years of art with their upcoming show, RETROSPECTIVE: 20 YEARS OF ART, on Friday, July 22nd from 6-10 PM.

They have been bringing emerging and experienced artists together for unique one-night-only art shows and Friday it's time to celebrate.  It will be a fabulous night for art and artists and should not be missed!

That's my top two picks for the weekend, so make it count! Need more events?  Check out Fun Happenings on facebook to fill your social calendar.

Music City Roots Offers An Experience Of A Lifetime

Wanna have a house party, Music City Roots style? Then you’re in the right place.

Music City Roots has teamed up Frank Solivan and The Dirty Kitchen Band to throw one of the biggest house parties of the year. The party will take place this August in the home of one lucky Music City Roots fan.

Not only will Frank host the night, but he will cook a Vietti Chili paired with Blackstone Beer for the winner and 25 of their luckiest friends.

The epic night will end with a private performance by Frank and The Dirty Kitchen Band. They will also film the entire show, stream the whole party live online and at the end of the night give the winner a DVD of the entire experience!

Frank is known for his Dirty Kitchen Experiences, a musical and culinary event that brings food, friends and music together. This contest expands on what they have been doing successfully since the inception of the band and is now making this special event available to everyone through Music City Roots.

"If you like your Bluegrass a little eclectic, with ventures down the tributaries that feed the soul of Bluegrass, do check out Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen. I think they just might feed that spot you didn't know was hungry." Tony Pires, Tone Gard

It's FREE to sign up so register on the Music City Roots website for your chance at an experience of a lifetime!

"Frank Solivan and The Dirty Kitchen Band have certainly ranked among the buzz bands of 2010" Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine

 

Bonjour Nashville! Bastille Day in Hillsboro Village

This Thursday the Hillsboro Village Art Walk is exclaiming Vive Le France! Come and celebrate Bastille Day with French flair as Hillsboro Village transforms into the streets of Paris on Thursday, July 14th from 5-8 PM.

Bastille Day in France is a lot like America's 4th of July. Just as the people in the United States celebrate the signing of the Declaration of Independence as the beginning of the American Revolution, so the people in France celebrate the storming of the Bastille as the beginning of the French Revolution. Both Revolutions brought great changes. Kings and queens no longer rule. The people rule themselves and make their own decisions. Now that's something to celebrate!

Sunset Grill is the "shop of the month" and they are offering a special three course French meal with one of their delicious wines. Inside the bar there will be a special French Wine Tasting, while outside on our patio street performers will entertain you. There will even be a MIME, known as London, roaming around the village!

There will be a SKYY VODKA martini tastings at Jackson's and Zumi Sushi and so many more amazing activities, exhibits and entertainment. Provence is offering free bakery samples of tarts, French macaroons and creme puffs with music by Alliance Francaise and a photography exhibit by Gregg Johnson.

Across the street at Village of Flowers artist Marabeth Quinn will exhibit her paintings described as "happiness on canvas" and the Francophone World will be reciting readings of French poetry and literature. Social Graces is hosting "Craftville" with artist Madeleine Hamilton and they will be helping everyone make a French Revolutionary hat called a "Bonnet Rouge."

Other artists exhibiting include Terilynn Bartlett, Cory Basil, Valeria Harrell, Sheena Smith, Justin Plakas, Jessica Wohl, Alicia Waters, Drew Binkley, Brad King, Cooper Grey, Lain York and students from the Tennessee Governor's School for the Arts visual art program.

Live painters, Aaron Raitiere and Godcha Kuttob will be at Belcourt Taps and Tapas with face painter Alison Guiremand and musical performances by Ashely Norton, Melissa Bollea, Roy Schneider/Kim Mayfield and Emily Kopp.

This evening has so much going on it would be a shame to miss! There will be nothing going on quite like this celebration so make a point to attend. There is free parking after 6 PM behind Cornerstone Financial and on 21st Avenue.

See you at the Bastille!

5 Tips for Creating Terrific Tomato Art

It's Tomato time!!  One of the best art shows in Nashville is quickly approaching and now it's time for the artists to create their tomato inspired work.  It's not your average art show and it takes years of experience to pinpoint exactly what it takes for the art to sell, but I'm here to help guide you in the right direction.

The Tomato Art Festival is an annual art show and event held in East Nashville at Art and Invention Gallery.  It has been voted Best Art Show for the part 4 years in a row by the Nashville Scene's reader poll and around 18,000 visitors fill the streets at Five Points.  This year it will be held on the weekend of August 13th with a pre-party event Friday, August 12th and the big festival on Saturday, August 13th.  It's always a blast -- especially if you're an artist showing in the gallery and see a little red dot on your title card, meaning SOLD!

Not every piece sells -- but to increase your chances here are 5 tips for creating terrific tomato art.

1. Community Involvement

One thing I've learned about East Nashville is that their residents love where they live. Anyway you can tie in your artwork to the community is a huge bonus with the people who will be shopping.

2. Imagination

This festival is the most creative and unique show centered around the theme, "The Tomato ... A Uniter, Not a Divider -- Bringing Together Fruits and Vegetables".  It's so much more than portraits of tomatoes it's beyond words.  Nashville has so many amazingly talented artists that it just blows my mind every year to see what people create.  The more creative you can be the better and you'll certainly get noticed.

3. Not Your Average Painting

Just because it's an "art show" doesn't mean that it's all paintings.  This show boasts jewelry, photography, fabric, mixed media -- anything and everything under the sun.  Step out of your comfort zone and do something really different -- expect the unexpected. 

4. Make It Fun

The purpose of this festival is for fun so artwork that reflects this theme it always a winner.  However you can get that message across whether it's through color, content or materials you'll automatically become a favorite.

5. Price & Size

In the past when I wondered around the gallery checking out the sold pieces I noticed most of them were $200 and under.  That seems to be the magic number so shoot for setting your price around there.  Whether your a high dollar artist or a new painter in town making your mark, adjust the size of your piece to fit into that price point.

I hope this information was helpful -- if you have any tips to add please leave a comment and share with your artists friends.  Now go get ready for the festival!  Here are a few of my past submissions, starting from 2007 - 2010 and I'm still learning!