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.

Nashville Originals Restaurant Week 2012

It's Restaurant week!!  That means from January 16-22 Nashville's locally owned restaurants are serving up their best dishes at the best prices.  If you've been saving your pennies and neglecting yourself of eating out, this is the week to splurge.

Many of my favorite restaurants in Music City make up this exclusive local club including Burger Up, Caffe Nonna and Copper Kettle to name a few.  Check out Nashville Originals website for a list of all participating restaurants and their special menu prices.  Don't forget to make a reservation and thank you for supporting local restaurants!

Downtown Art Crawl Expands to The Gulch

Johnny Cash, Mixed Media, 11x14, $160

Every 1st Saturday of the month Nashville's beloved Downtown Art Crawl rolls out the red carpet and is now going to The Gulch!

Two Old Hippies (One of Nashville's Top 10 Businesses Opened in 2011) is hosting an art inspired event featuring a painting class by Heather McHugh and artwork by a local painters.

So hop on bus, make all the stops and be sure to swing by The Gulch for some peace, love and rock n' roll!  I'll also be there showing my music inspired artwork, so please say hi.  See ya Saturday :)

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.

Ray Stephenson: Making it in Music City

Ray Stephenson is a hit songwriter, musician and phenomenal visual artist making his wildest dreams a well-deserved reality.

He has an incredible resume including 2 major record deals, the title tracks on Kenney Chesney’s album, Hemingway’s Whiskey, and Blake Shelton/Miranda Lambert’s upcoming duo album and numerous other cuts by artists like Willie Nelson, Kris Kristofferson, Merle Haggard and many more.

Today he continues to quickly climb to the top, but in the beginning it started out slower than he had hoped. This is a classic story of a man making it in Music City and how for Ray: Dreaming is more important than doing.

Ray moved to Nashville 13 years ago leaving his small town for the big city as he calls it, "A young, dumb and cocky 21 year old."  For 10 years he struggled with successes here and there wondering if his songwriting career would ever take off. He told me over the phone in our interview, “It seemed like an impossible thing to get a song recorded, if I’d known how hard it would be I would have stayed back home.”

Although a songwriting career is never an easy one, Ray did what any dreamer would do, kept his eye on the prize and continued to move forward. The idea of quitting never entered his mind, but after 10 years of laborious work he knew he needed a break and took a 3 month vacation from writing and shifted his focus towards painting.

During those few months of painting, Ray learned a lesson that would alter his life forever. He discovered the Tao Te Ching, or Book of the Way, which is an ancient text that (provides advice that imparts balance and perspective, teaching us how to work for the good with the effortless skill that comes from being in accord with the Tao - the basic principle of the universe.)  It teaches that practicing is more important than doing and it has similarities to the Christian saying, “Let go and let God.”   He applied those philosophies to this art and writing and began to burst with creativity.

Ray went from painting 2 pieces of art a year to nearly 150. He went from writing 115 songs a year with BMI, Sony and Curb with maybe 6-8 really good songs to writing 30 songs a year with the same results. In the last three years since discovering the Tao, Ray’s songwriting cuts and success has grown exponentially. He says, “Now I feel like I never have to work. If I want to paint – I paint, if I want to write – I write, if I want to work in the yard – I do that."

Today Ray is living his dream and that small yet so simple change in his thinking is what he attributes to all his success.  He wants to take his art even further and combine his two loves of music and art to create a body of work that directly reflects the songs he has written. He wants to paint his songs and that's something that he doesn't practice very often.  He also believes that the best way to sell his songs will be through his albums, so he'll be writing and recording working towards his next big dream, winning a Grammy.

When I asked him if he had any advice for new-to-Nashville songwriters with hopes of making their own dreams come true he said, "If you want to get ahead don’t work harder, dream harder."

For more of Ray you can find him playing most Friday nights at the Corner Pub in Green Hills and view his artwork all around town at Simon Ripley’s Music and Art, 12th and Porter, Hotel Indigo on West End and Alfred Williams.  You can also visit his website at www.raystephenson.com and like his page on facebook at  www.facebook.com/RayStephensonPaintings.

Below is a small sample of his music and artwork, please share if Ray’s story has inspired you -- so you can inspire others.

Click on video to play "Forget My Name" and check out Ray's YouTube Channel.

Artwork by Ray Stephenson.

5 Tips for Touring Musicians

Many bands are making it on their own today without record labels, fancy marketing and just a lot of hard work.

It's not unusual for the lead singer to also be the PR manager and the guitarist to be the booking agent. That's just how it is for bands trying to promote a new album or tour the country with limited funds only living on all they've got, their music.

I receive a lot of emails from bands touring through Nashville looking for a little extra press and I'm happy to help them out if I can fit an article into my schedule. Often times I receive an email a little too late or with insufficient information. So if you want to make the most out of your tour I recommend doing the following:

1. Expand Your Reach

Reach out to local bloggers, newspapers and other means of press at least 1 month before your scheduled tour date. If you want your show to make it into local magazines I recommend at least 2-3 months prior. Remember press has deadlines and they best way to make it into the papers in time is to form a relationship with the writers and staff by sending multiple emails over a period of months. I can almost guarantee the first email you send will not receive a response. Send two and that will jog the recipient's memory of the first email they discarded and then it might get opened. That's the ugly truth, so please don't get your feelings hurt if your emails aren't replied to right away.

2. Be Professional

When you begin to reach out to others for help, be professional. Have links to your website, music and videos available with a press photo and 3-5 sentence bio. The easier you make it on the recipient the better. I know every band starting out doesn't have videos, but that's the best way to communicate. Have friend film a show or practice, edit it on your computer and post to YouTube, having something is better than nothing.

3. Submit Your Show

Look for free listings on local event websites. If you want your show to be listed online, submit it! This step is completely up to you. Check out local event websites and enter the information about your show. Be prepared with press photos and a little write-up about what you'll bring to the event. In Nashville you can submit your shows to the Nashville Scene's event calendar through their partner www.backpage.com. Also check out www.nowplayingnashville.com.

4. Use Social Media

If you feel like your emails are being ignored, so straight to the source -- social media. Find your local press online and post on their facebook page and tag them on twitter. Again have links ready to direct traffic to music and videos.  Also it doesn't hurt to make a peace offering with the stranger behind the screen and send a free download.

5. Make A Plan

The most important part to going on tour is have a plan. I know this sounds like a lot, but spend a day before it all begins on google doing your research and making connections. It might make a world of difference to do the extra work.

Please leave a comment if this is helpful or if I've missed something important.  Also share with your fellow musicians if this might help them get the edge they need on their upcoming tour.

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

Andy Detwiler, A Musically Inspired Fine Artist

During one of the monthly Art Walk's in Hillsboro Village I went into a  hair salon and saw Andy Detwiler's work for the very first time.  It blew me away right from the beginning and I knew I had to own a piece.

I had absolutely no cash, especially not enough to buy any art, but Andy being the incredibly nice guy that he is, offered to meet me the next day so I could buy my new baby and bring it home.

Now the piece I purchased hangs in my kitchen and I see it's beauty every single day.  I receive so many compliments from friends and family, I knew I had to share his talent with you.

In Andy's words:

I was born into a family rooted deep in traditional values and heritage, who encouraged me at an early age to follow my dreams. I realized that I was happiest when I was creating something and this creative drive has continued throughout my life as I explored different mediums of oil, glass, and eventually film.

Raised along the coastal plains of the deep south, I eventually settled in Nashville, TN. Over the past ten years, I have experimented with a variety of photographic styles, including traditional landscapes, soft impressionistic images, and abstracts. More recently, I have begun to experiment with photographic transfers to wood panels in order to gain more texture and substance in my art.

My current works draw on the heritage that instilled in me and focuses on the culture that that is reminds me of my roots. This subject matter works perfectly with the transfer techniques, resulting in distressed images with creased lines that are reminiscent of a favorite photograph folded and kept close in a pocket.

To view or purchase Andy's work please visit his website at: http://www.detwiler-photography.com.

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.

He's My Brother, She's My Sister Sizzle at the Basement

Musicians, writers, singers, actors and tap dancers?!? How much better can a band get?

He's My Brother She's My Sister describes themselves as western-tinged, folky, bluesy, rock & roll with a touch of vaudeville glamour. The band is made up of five players: brother and sister lead vocalists, a slide guitarist, a stand up bassist and a tap dancer who provides full body percussion while jumping up and down.

They will be making their Nashville debut at The Basement on Wednesday, July 27th at 9 PM and seriously this show is mandatory for music lovers.

I've only watched their YouTube videos and have already fallen in love.  They've been described as, "Forward thinking folkies forging new ground" and that's just my style.  I can't even imagine what they'll be like live and I'm looking forward to it.

If you've ever been to The Basement you know it's a little on the small side, so get their early to secure a spot you'll be comfortable getting your mind blown away.  Trust me you want more so check out their website (read their bios) and facebook for additional band details.

REVIEWS

“Their mojo (has) the power to heal the afflicted.” LA Deli Magazine

"He’s My Brother She’s My Sister is like a time warp to the golden present, wrapping nostalgia around the here and now with throwback flair and good taste. They make debauchery and estrangement so glamorous. The songs are as catchy as a radio pop jam, but throw off the trappings of plastic pop and wrap you in fur, folk, and the last drops of moonlight." LA Record

Click play to watch their video, "Clackin' Heels"

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!