Celebrating Four Years of Overcoming Challenges and Providing Unmatched 24-Hour Dental Care
Nashville, TENN – September 29, 2023 – Four years ago, Nashville Smiles Up faced a devastating fire just before its grand opening. Today, the dental clinic not only stands tall but has also weathered the Nashville Tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic, continuing to provide unparalleled 24-hour emergency dental care to the community.
“From the ashes of a fire, through the winds of a tornado, and amidst a global pandemic, we’ve stood strong. Our commitment to the Nashville community is unbreakable,” says Dr. Drake Dudley, founder of Nashville Smiles Up.
A Journey of Resilience
On September 29, 2019, a fire broke out in the Doctors Pavilion building where Nashville Smiles Up was set to open. The fire caused significant damage, but it didn’t dampen the spirit of Dr. Dudley and his team. They rebuilt and opened their doors, only to face the Nashville Tornado and the COVID-19 pandemic in quick succession. Through each challenge, the clinic has adapted and thrived, becoming the first and only dental clinic in Nashville to offer 24-hour emergency services.
More Than Just Dental Care
Nashville Smiles Up is not just a dental clinic; it’s a community partner. “We’ve been through the same challenges as our community, and that’s why we understand the importance of being available 24/7. Whether it’s a dental emergency or a routine check-up, we’re here for Nashville,” adds Dr. Dudley.
A Commitment to Accessibility
Nashville Smiles Up was founded on the principle of accessibility. Understanding that life is busy and dental emergencies don’t wait for business hours, the clinic offers a flexible schedule to accommodate the community. With general and preventative care available from 8 am to 5 pm Tuesday through Friday, and 8 am to 2 pm on Saturdays, the clinic also welcomes walk-ins. For emergencies, they’re open 24 hours on Sundays and Mondays and from 5 pm to 8 am Tuesday through Friday. This commitment to accessibility is just another reason why Nashville Smiles Up is the dental clinic Nashville can count on.
Looking Ahead
As Nashville Smiles Up celebrates its resilience on this four-year anniversary of the fire, the clinic is more committed than ever to serving the Nashville community. With a full range of dental procedures and a team of highly skilled technicians, Nashville Smiles Up is your go-to for any dental needs, any time of the day or night.
For more information about Nashville Smiles Up and their journey, visit their website at www.nashvillesmilesup.com.
NASHVILLE, TN — The AIR Equity Initiative is set to host its inaugural public symposium, “Pathways to Peace: Reimagining the Future of Public Safety for Youth and Communities,” on October 12 in Nashville. This groundbreaking event aims to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders, from youth and community leaders to policymakers and researchers, to engage in meaningful dialogue about youth justice and public safety.
A Confluence of Minds and Ideas
Moderated by Grammy-nominated musician Aloe Blacc, a philanthropist and advocate for social justice, the symposium is designed to be a platform for cross-sector dialogue. The focus will be on community-driven, evidence-informed approaches to tackle the pressing issues surrounding youth justice and public safety, not just in Nashville but also in communities nationwide.
An Open Invitation
The AIR Equity Initiative encourages community members, including young people, to attend this free public event. The symposium aims to be an inclusive space where everyone’s voice is heard, and where actionable solutions can be collaboratively developed.
The Urgency of Now
The event comes at a time when the topic of public safety and youth justice is more urgent than ever. With rising incidents of violence and a justice system that often disproportionately affects young people, especially those from marginalized communities, the need for a comprehensive and community-oriented approach to public safety is evident.
A Holistic Approach
The symposium will highlight various community-driven strategies that are evidence-informed and have shown promise in reducing violence and equipping youth to thrive. These strategies range from mentorship programs and educational initiatives to community policing reforms and mental health services.
For those who can’t attend in person but want to be part of the dialogue, follow @AIRInforms and the hashtag #AIR4Equity on Twitter to stay updated on the discussions and outcomes of the event.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Nashville CARES is proud to announce the 32nd Annual Nashville CARES AIDS Walk presented by NPS Pharmacy. The Nashville CARES AIDS Walk is Tennessee’s oldest continuously running HIV/AIDS fundraiser and one of the city’s highest profile events. This year’s goal is to raise $200,000 to help end the HIV epidemic in Middle Tennessee. The event takes place on Saturday, October 7 at Hadley Park.
Hadley Park, a historical landmark in Nashville opened in 1912 and is considered the first public park in the United States for African Americans. Named for either the pioneer African American physician Dr. W. A. Hadley or John L. Hadley, supporter of freedmen after the Civil War, Hadley Park continues as a benchmark in the community’s cultural heritage. The Parks Board voted to approve a request to change the name of Hadley Park to Hadley-Lillard Park in 2021, noting that “Kwame Leo Lillard was a well-known and important historical figure in the Nashville civil rights movement and a lifelong advocate for social justice.” Board members said they wanted “to honor Mr. Lillard and properly recognize the history of Black Nashvillians by including him in the name of this historic park based on his contributions to the Nashville community and his deep involvement and activities in that park.”
“We are excited to come together in unity and host the AIDS Walk at Hadley Park this year. Nashville CARES is committed to working with the community and diverse stakeholders to address and improve social and economic determinants of health along with specific health outcomes that burden communities of color. In so doing, Nashville CARES hopes to foster sustained progress toward health equity so that all Tennesseans can enjoy a comparable level of optimal health. HIV disproportionately impacts black and brown communities. Currently, awareness, education, prevention and early access to care and treatment is key to improved health outcomes for all,” said Amna Osman, CEO at Nashville CARES. “Your support and participation in the AIDS Walk greatly helps Nashville CARES provide vital services to vulnerable communities. We are stronger when we come together in unity!”
Attendees will enjoy breakfast prepared by the Nashville CARES team and amazing volunteers following the 9:00 AM Unity walk. Local favorites, DJ Apollo will be providing music and Averianna The Personality will be our emcee.
This event is family focused and FREE. Participants need to register for entrance! You can register at nashvillecareswalk.com..
Nashville CARES thanks our Presenting Sponsor, NPS Pharmacy with additional sponsorships from Gilead Sciences, Fifth Third Bank, The Nashville Scene, Inclusion Tennessee, The Nashvillian, Do615, Lamar Outdoor Advertising, Connect Media Group, 92Q, James A. Rothberg & Associates, Tennessee Pride Chamber, Tribe, Play Nashville, Suzy Wong’s House of Yum, d’Andrews Bakery & Café, and Frothy Monkey.
Our Mission: Nashville CARES mission is to end the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Middle Tennessee. We work to achieve this through education, advocacy, and support for those at risk for or living with HIV.
Our Vision is a community where HIV infections are rare, and when they do occur, everyone with HIV/AIDS has access to the care, treatment, and support to achieve optimal health and self-sufficiency without stigma or discrimination.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Frist Art Museum presents Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage, the first major museum exhibition devoted to the rich yet understudied subject. Featuring approximately 80 collage and collage-informed works, Multiplicity explores the breadth and complexity of Black identity and experiences in the United States. Conceived and organized by Frist Art Museum senior curator Katie Delmez, the exhibition will be on view in the museum’s Ingram Gallery from September 15 through December 31, 2023, before traveling to two additional venues to be announced.
With an intergenerational group of 52 living artists, Multiplicity examines how concepts such as cultural hybridity, notions of beauty, gender fluidity, and historical memory are expressed in the practice of collage. By assembling pieces of paper, fabric, and other often-salvaged or repurposed materials, the artists in this exhibition create unified compositions that express the endless possibilities of Black- constructed narratives despite our fragmented society. The artists range from established luminaries to emerging and midcareer figures, including Mark Bradford, Lauren Halsey, Rashid Johnson, Kerry James Marshall, Wangechi Mutu, Jamea Richmond-Edwards, Deborah Roberts, Tschabalala Self, Lorna Simpson, Devan Shimoyama, and Mickalene Thomas.
Multiplicity is structured broadly around seven themes that foreground personal and collective history, regional or national heritage, and gender and sexual orientation, in addition to racial constructs. “Although it is a nearly ubiquitous art form used by elementary school students to the biggest names in modern art history—Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Hannah Höch, Max Ernst, and Robert Rauschenberg—twenty-first century collage is an arguably understudied and undervalued medium, especially in museum exhibitions,” notes Delmez in her exhibition catalogue introduction. “Multiplicity is an opportunity to spotlight the formal complexity and vibrancy of the technique and to assert its contributions to the field through the lens of some of today’s leading artists.”
Like the exhibition itself, the broader project layers together many different participants. Contributors to the accompanying publication range from senior scholars to honors students at Fisk University.
Collaborators such as Tennessee State University, Fisk University, William Edmondson Park in Historic Edgehill Neighborhood, and Artville in Wedgewood-Houston are featuring reproductions of work by exhibited artists outside the museum walls. Related exhibitions will be held across Nashville at places like Fisk’s Carl Van Vechten Art Gallery, Tinney Contemporary, and Julia Martin Gallery. “This project
takes a different tack, having been deliberately structured less like a traditional exhibition and more like a collage itself,” writes Seth Feman, PhD, Frist Art Museum executive director and CEO, in the exhibition catalogue’s foreword. “At every turn, new ideas and forms emerge and old ones are newly inflected and reshaped, building into a varied and unique chorus.”
The artists featured in Multiplicity build upon the rich legacy of African American artists such as Romare Bearden, who received considerable critical attention as he experimented with collage in the 1960s to inspire collaboration and community. “Although Bearden is the most well-known, other African American artists making collages in the mid-twentieth century include David C. Driskell, Loïs Mailou Jones, Jacob Lawrence, Sam Middleton, Faith Ringgold, Betye Saar, and many more,” writes Delmez.
Drawing upon the work these foundational figures, contemporary artists are making collages in an array of different ways, from traditional cutting and pasting to complexly layering materials, to creating works digitally. For some, collage is their principal strategy; for others, it represents a branch or chapter in their wider practice.
In the opening section of the exhibition, titled “Fragmentation and Reconstruction,” guests are introduced to a range of materials and techniques used in collage today. Many artists gather existing materials—magazines, photographs, books, newspapers, and maps—to form their compositions. Other artists use “new” paper, as is the case with Nina Chanel Abney; Yashua Klos, who makes his own woodblock prints; and YoYo Lander, who stains and washes watercolor paper to create her portraits.
The following section, “Excavating History and Memory,” examines the ways artists like Radcliffe Bailey, Jamal Cyrus, and Tomashi Jackson use historic photographs and publication clippings to highlight overlooked or lost narratives and link them to the present. Derek Fordjour, an alumnus of Morehouse College, celebrates the tradition and vitality of the HBCU marching band experience through his multilayered works.
The “Cultural Hybridity” section includes works by artists including Nigerian-born Njideka Akunyili Crosby, Jamaican-born Ebony G. Patterson, and first-generation American Helina Metaferia that address the challenges of navigating life in a new country while maintaining close connections to ancestral homelands.
In the section “Notions of Beauty and Power,” Jamea Richmond-Edwards, Tschabalala Self, Mickalene Thomas, and others challenge white ideals of feminine beauty historically espoused in popular culture and art history by inserting bold Black women into their compositions. Queer artists including Rashaad Newsome and Devan Shimoyama express the fluid nature of gender in an increasingly nonbinary world,while Lovie Olivia and Wardell Milan remind us of the value of safe havens for LQBTQIA+ people, from Harlem Renaissance house party venues to gay dance clubs, in the section “Gender Fluidity and Queer Spaces.”
Although most of the work in Multiplicity is representational, artists in the section “Toward
Abstraction” create layered and often deeply personal abstractions with various materials. McArthur Binion, for example, uses fragments of his Mississippi birth certificate in his DNA series. Fiber and collage artist Brittney Boyd Bullock makes order from disorder by combining various elements into unified abstractions, often exploring the relationship between lightness and darkness.
The exhibition concludes by expanding the definition of collage beyond analog practices to include digital stitches—a seemingly inevitable evolution in today’s digitally saturated environment. For his large-scale wallpaper installations, Kahlil Robert Irving pieces together hundreds of digital images to evoke the continual feed of smartphones and laptops. Taking digital collage a step further, Arthur Jafa gathers the highs and lows of Black experiences in the United States into his poignant video montage Love is the Message, The Message is Death.
In the months leading up to the opening of the exhibition, a team of Frist Art Museum staff members traveled to Detroit, Houston, Memphis, and New York to film interviews in the studios of 11 featured artists. Focusing on each artist’s particular process and technique, the videos will be featured alongside works in the gallery and available on FristArtMuseum.org.
“The history of collage made by artists of color remains an understudied topic, and one measure of the success of this project will be its ability to stimulate new conversations and increased attention to how they have made vital use of the technique,” writes Feman. “A great success has already been achieved, however, in the making of this project. Through years of coordination and collaboration, it has brought together a rich community, one deeply appreciative of its commonalities and differences, in a shared purpose. For this, we are forever grateful.”
Exhibition Catalogue
The accompanying catalogue Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage is designed by Polymode Studio, a LGBTQIA+ and minority–owned design firm; produced by Marquand Books; and distributed by Yale University Press. The fully illustrated 264-page publication was edited by Kathryn E. Delmez with contributions from Dr. Richard J. Powell, John Spencer Bassett Professor of Art and Art History at Duke University; Dr. Patricia Hills, professor emerita of American Art at Boston University; Dr. Tiffany E. Barber, assistant professor of African American Art at UCLA; Dr. Anita N. Bateman, associate curator of modern and contemporary art at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Valerie Cassel Oliver, Sydney and Frances Lewis Family Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts; María Elena Ortiz, curator at the Museum of Modern Art Fort Worth; and Dr. Rebecca VanDiver, associate professor of African American Art at Vanderbilt University. Students at Fisk University and 2022–2023 Frist Art Museum curatorial fellow Chase Williamson wrote the artist biographies.
Art in the Atrium
In association with Multiplicity, the Frist Art Museum presents its inaugural Art in the Atrium project: Nashville-based artist TC is creating two new large-scale collages on the Grand Staircase landings in the museum’s atrium. TC began making collages in high school when an art teacher introduced them to the work of Romare Bearden. TC’s projects typically draw from their experiences growing up in East Memphis, shining a light on the many hardships and bright spots found in often difficult environments.
This project manifests the Frist’s ambition to creatively activate spaces throughout its historic building, reminding guests that art is all around us. TC will be making their collages throughout the summer of 2023 on Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and guests are invited to come watch them work and ask about their process. Guests can also view one of Bearden’s most celebrated works, Three Folk.
Fostering Connections and Opportunities for Small Business Leaders in Nashville
NASHVILLE, TN – On September 11, 2023, an exclusive gathering of business leaders and visionaries convened in the heart of Nashville. Hosted by Barge Design Solutions and presented by the CEO Roundtable in association with Worthington Advisory, the “Partnership in Prosperity: Small Minority Business Forum” was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the business community.
Bob Higgins of Barge Design opened the event, setting a positive and collaborative atmosphere. Jacky Akbari, Founder and Managing Principal of Worthington Advisory and the event’s facilitator, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of the event’s partners and sponsors, including industry leaders like Amazon and Ryman Hospitality Properties.
Jacky Akbari remarked, “This forum is a testament to the power of collaboration. By bringing together diverse business minds, we’re not only fostering growth but also shaping the future of business in Nashville.”
A panel discussion, led by Carrie Stokes of Barge Design, featured esteemed professionals Donna Huffman from Vanderbilt University, Michelle Lane from Metro Procurement, Tony Giarratana from Giarratana Development, and Adolpho Birch from the Tennessee Titans. Their collective insights provided a comprehensive perspective on the evolving business landscape.
Mayor Bill Rawls of Brownsville, TN, delved into the transformative “Blue Oval City” initiative, a Ford Plant project set to revolutionize the region’s economic landscape. His vision for the project highlighted its potential to create jobs, boost local businesses, and strengthen the community.
In a separate segment, Nashville Mayor-Elect Freddie O’Connell engaged the audience with a discussion on the role of small and minority businesses. His commitment to fostering a supportive environment for these businesses underscored his vision for Nashville’s economic future.
The event’s speakers were provided by the Urban League of Middle Tennessee, ensuring a diverse range of voices and expertise.
Breakout sessions offered attendees a deep dive into specialized topics:
• Collaboration on RFQs and RFPs with Jimmie Strong, Attorney at The Advisory, and Reggie Polk from Polk and Associates.
• Minority Certification Process led by Clifton Harris from the Urban League of Middle Tennessee and Susan Vanderbilt from the Nashville Black Chamber.
• Reflections and Forecasts: Lessons Learned and Opportunities Ahead with Don Hardin from The Don Hardin Group and Davita Taylor from BNA, Metro Nashville Airport Authority.
The day concluded with group photos, capturing the essence of a day marked by knowledge-sharing and networking.
Looking ahead, the next event on the horizon is the “Regional Leadership Roundtable Summit,” set to take place in Brownsville and Memphis, Tennessee, this fall. For more information or to get involved, please contact Jacky Akbari at jacky@worthingtonadvisory.com or 615-830-0201.
Nashville is renowned not only for its rich musical heritage but also for its growing business landscape. The city is fast becoming a hub for innovative startups and established enterprises. Central to this evolution is Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit. As this guide delves into the key steps for starting a business in the area, you will gain insights into the city’s unique advantages to entrepreneurs and the broader business community.
Why Nashville?
The Culture
Nashville is a city deeply rooted in its unique traditions and cultural influences. These traditions foster a nurturing environment for businesses, allowing them to thrive and innovate. Beyond its musical legacy, this place has cultivated an entrepreneurial culture where creativity meets commerce. The diverse community fosters collaboration and brings together a rich tapestry of ideas. This blend of creativity and business acumen sets the city apart, making it a favorable destination for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Economic Advantages
The city’s economy offers numerous advantages for established and new businesses. The city boasts a lower cost of living than other major urban centers, providing a financial edge for startups. Additionally, Tennessee’s favorable tax policies can benefit businesses in terms of operational costs and profit margins. Various resources and infrastructural developments further make this place an attractive hub. Collectively, these economic factors create an ecosystem conducive to business growth and success.
A great advantage of starting a business in this city is that life here is very financially lucrative
Preliminary Steps: Laying the Groundwork
Market Research
Market research stands as the cornerstone for any business venture in Nashville. Understanding your target audience’s specific needs, preferences, and behaviors is crucial. Fortunately, the city provides many tools and platforms to gather this vital information. By tapping into local consumer data and trends, businesses can tailor their offerings and strategies more effectively. This tailored approach, rooted in solid research, can significantly enhance a business’s chances of success in Music City.
Business Plan
In the dynamic environment of the music city, a well-structured business plan is indispensable. It is a comprehensive blueprint detailing a business’s objectives, operational strategies, and projected financial outcomes. Such a plan offers clarity to internal stakeholders and becomes essential when seeking external funding or partnerships.
Legal Requirements
Navigating the legal landscape is fundamental to establishing a business here. Entrepreneurs must familiarize themselves with local regulations and obtain the necessary permits and licenses specific to their industry. Beyond basic business registration, understanding Tennessee’s state-specific laws can prevent potential legal pitfalls. By ensuring compliance from the outset, businesses safeguard their operations, reputation, and financial interests, paving the way for a smoother entrepreneurial journey.
Finding the Perfect Location
Neighborhoods to Consider
The diverse neighborhoods offer distinct benefits to businesses. From the bustling streets of Downtown with its high foot traffic to the serene charm of East Nashville’s artisan hubs, location plays a pivotal role in a business’s success. Entrepreneurs should carefully evaluate factors like target audience proximity, accessibility, and neighboring businesses. Selecting the right neighborhood can influence brand visibility, customer engagement, and a company’s growth trajectory.
Choosing the right neighborhood is important in getting the most out of Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit (Photo by: unsplash.com | Tanner Boriack).
Rental vs. Purchase
Deciding between renting and purchasing commercial space requires careful consideration of a business’s financial standing and long-term goals. While renting offers flexibility, especially for startups needing short-term solutions, purchasing is an investment in future stability. Entrepreneurs should also explore alternatives to traditional office setups. For instance, many startups use co-working spaces to save on costs and enhance networking opportunities. That’s one of the main reasons these spaces are growing in popularity throughout the city.
Funding Your Dream
Bootstrapping
Bootstrapping, or self-funding, is a popular financing method among the city’s entrepreneurs. Businesses can maintain greater control over their operations by relying primarily on personal savings or reinvested profits. While this method demands prudent financial management, it enables companies to overcome common cash flow challenges as a small business. The discipline and resourcefulness required in bootstrapping often lay a robust foundation for long-term fiscal responsibility and business resilience.
Venture Capital and Angel Investors
In a city pulsing with innovation, Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit has naturally attracted a notable presence of venture capitalists and angel investors. These investors are constantly seeking promising startups and businesses that showcase growth potential. By aligning with the right investors, entrepreneurs can secure funds, industry insights, and mentorship. Businesses must craft compelling pitches highlighting their unique value propositions and resonating with the vibrant investment landscape.
Small Business Loans
Access to financial resources can often dictate the pace of growth for many businesses. Here, small business loans emerge as a reliable avenue for securing necessary funds. Offered by various local banks and financial institutions, these loans are tailored to meet the unique needs of emerging businesses. When applying, entrepreneurs should be well-prepared, presenting clear business plans and financial projections.
Networking in Music City
Business Chambers and Organizations
Its numerous business chambers and organizations further enrich the city’s robust business ecosystem. These entities serve as platforms for networking, advocacy, and education for entrepreneurs. Engaging with them provides businesses access to industry-specific resources, training opportunities, and potential partnerships. Additionally, being affiliated with such chambers can boost a company’s credibility and local presence. Entrepreneurs who embed themselves in the business community should consider joining these organizations to maximize growth and outreach.
Events and Meetups
The music city frequently hosts various business events and meetups catering to its diverse entrepreneurial community. These gatherings offer invaluable opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration. Whether it’s industry-specific seminars or broader business mixers, attendees can gain insights from seasoned experts and establish connections with potential partners or clients. Regularly attending these events is essential for those keen to stay updated on industry trends and expand their professional network in Music City.
An important thing to do when starting a business in Music City is to start networking with local business owners immediately.
Hiring and Team Building
Where to Find Talent
Finding the right talent is crucial for any Nashville-based business aiming for growth. The city’s educational institutions, including local universities, regularly produce a pool of skilled graduates eager to start their careers. Recruitment agencies, job fairs, and online platforms further streamline talent acquisition.
Company Culture
Cultivating a positive, inclusive, and growth-oriented environment isn’t just a perk; it’s necessary for businesses aiming for longevity and success in the city. Such a culture fosters teamwork, innovation, and loyalty among employees. By aligning a company’s values, mission, and practices, businesses can harness the city’s vibrant energy and ethos, ensuring employee satisfaction and organizational growth.
Scaling and Growth
Digital Marketing
In today’s interconnected era, leveraging digital platforms is crucial for any business’s visibility and growth. With its tech-savvy population, the city offers fertile ground for new approaches to digital marketing. Businesses must continuously evolve and adapt to the latest trends, from social media strategies to search engine optimization. By staying updated and experimenting with innovative online tactics, companies can effectively reach their target audience, fostering engagement and driving sales.
Local Partnerships
Forming strategic local partnerships can significantly amplify a business’s presence. Collaborations with complementary businesses or community organizations offer mutual benefits, from co-branding opportunities to shared resources. Such partnerships increase brand visibility and create trust within the local community. Engaging in joint ventures or promotional campaigns with local partners can yield dividends in customer loyalty, resource optimization, and broader market reach, solidifying a firm foothold in the city’s competitive landscape.
Wrapping Up on Nashville’s Entrepreneurial Spirit
With its unique blend of culture, innovation, and business opportunities, Nashville beckons entrepreneurs from all over. While business success demands dedication, resources, and strategy, Nashville’s entrepreneurial spirit is the guiding light and provides motivation and direction. By harnessing this energy and utilizing the myriad of resources highlighted in this guide, any entrepreneur can carve their own success story in Music City.
Author’s bio
Mike Robinson is a realtor and a freelance writer for AmeriSafe Moving Services. In his free time, he enjoys reading modern American novels and cooking.
The official authorized full-length documentary “Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll’ explores the extraordinary journey of music icon, Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter.
Nashville, TN – Iconic American musician Lead Belly’s captivating story is brought to life in the awe-inspiring documentary, “Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll.” This full-length documentary pays homage to the remarkable career, perseverance, and lasting impact of the musical genius. Through intimate interviews with Lead Belly’s niece, Tiny Robinson, and a star-studded lineup including Pete Seeger, Harry Belafonte, Arlo Guthrie, Odetta, Joan Baez, Tom Jones, Paul McCartney, and Alan Lomax, this masterful documentary unfolds the life of an iconic artist.
From the depths of playing in Jim Crow nightclubs to his tumultuous time on notorious prison farms, Lead Belly’s indomitable spirit shines through every triumph and tribulation. The film echoes his relentless pursuit of self-determination and his unwavering love for music, ultimately leading him to international stages such as Carnegie Hall, and captivating audiences across Europe.
Exploring Lead Belly’s musical legacy is more relevant now than ever before. The documentary elegantly showcases the profound influence this phenomenal artist had on some of the greatest musicians of the 20th century. From Bob Dylan to B.B. King, Nirvana to countless others, Lead Belly’s raw talent paved the way for future generations. His music transcends boundaries and continues to resonate with audiences across all genres and borders.
“Lead Belly: The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll” offers a vibrant and uplifting journey through the life of a true musical pioneer. It celebrates his achievements, sheds light on his significant contribution to music history, and emphasizes the importance of his story in today’s current affairs. As we navigate complex social issues and seek inspiration, Lead Belly’s unwavering spirit and enduring legacy remind us of the power of resilience, unity, and the ability of music to bring people together.
Directed by Curt Hahn, this compelling documentary is a must-watch for music enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the transformative power of art. Don’t miss “Lead Belly: A The Man Who Invented Rock & Roll” as it tours across film festivals and private screenings across the country.
Nashville, TN – Officials with the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) presented WeGo with $5 million Tuesday for a project that will build a regional mobility center in Antioch. The funds are part of $17.5 million that has been raised thus far. The Antioch Transit Center (ATC) will be part of the Metro Nashville redevelopment plan for the former Global Mall property.
“Today is an important step for Nashville, particularly for people in the southeast,” said FTA Regional Administrator Yvette Taylor. “We applaud WeGo Public Transit for creating a better transportation future with the new Antioch Transit Center, which will make it safer and easier for people to catch buses and get wherever they need to go in the city and beyond.”
“There has been talk about redeveloping this site for many, many years,” said Nashville Mayor John Cooper. “It’s the teamwork of the city, the state, and the federal government that gets us to where we are today. This long overdue regional mobility center would not be possible without all of us working together. I’m grateful for the collaboration and dedication of everyone involved.”
“This is another step in our ongoing commitment to increase service and provide people with new transit options across Davidson County,” WeGo CEO Steve Bland said. “Federal and state funding is crucial to that effort. We appreciate the leadership of Mayor Cooper and the Metro Council, and particularly Council Member Joy Styles. The transit center will be an integral part of the continuing transformation of the area into a community center piece.”
When completed, the regional mobility center will feature between six and eight bus bays with seating in a climate-controlled waiting area with amenities. It will help riders conveniently transfer between routes and modes, including pedestrian and bike access, car and van pool pick-up, car and bike sharing options, and it will include a park and ride. The site is on the southern end of the highest ridership bus route in the WeGo system- Route 55 Murfreesboro Pike. WeGo will implement new local and express services when ATC opens. The project was originally called the Hickory Hollow Transit Center (HHTC) when the grant award was first announced.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 20, 2023) – Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) today announced a partnership with the National Education Equity Lab (Ed Equity Lab), an education justice nonprofit that delivers college-credit bearing courses from top universities to historically underserved communities around the country. This revolutionary collaboration with Ed Equity Lab, the first of its kind in the state, aims to enhance the academic journey of MNPS students by offering them a chance to enroll in college-level courses, at no cost, while still in high school.
Starting this fall, pilot programs have been launched at Maplewood High School and Antioch High School. Maplewood is offering an environmental science dual enrollment course in partnership with Howard University. Antioch is offering a computer science course in conjunction with Stanford University. Like all dual enrollment courses, the credits earned will be designed to be transferable to other universities.
“Metro Nashville Public Schools is deeply committed to equity and excellence, and this groundbreaking partnership with the National Education Equity Lab will unlock incredible opportunities for our students,” said MNPS Director Dr. Adrienne Battle. “We aim to show our students—many of whom come from diverse socio-economic backgrounds—that higher education is not only attainable but also achievable. Through this initiative, we expect to see an uptick in the number of MNPS graduates attending colleges locally and nationwide.”
“Our work is rooted in the idea that while talent is evenly distributed, opportunity is not. We aim to change that — by providing scholars in high schools nationwide with the access and support to succeed in rigorous courses from the country’s top colleges,” said Leslie Cornfeld, Founder and CEO of the National Education Equity Lab. “By pioneering this education justice effort in the state of Tennessee, MNPS is setting a precedent for what is possible when schools and universities work collaboratively to break down barriers to higher education.”
Founded in 2019, the National Education Equity Lab aims to democratize access to higher education by collaborating with leading colleges and universities to provide, and support, professor-led college-level courses in Title 1 high school classrooms across the country. To date, the Lab has served nearly 15,000 students in 134 cities across 30 states. More than 80% of participating scholars who complete their courses achieve a passing grade, earning transferable college credits and a university transcript.
Maplewood High School and Antioch High School are the first MNPS schools to partner with the Lab. The initial offering for this semester has enrolled a select group of students into the pilot programs.
This state-of-the-art educational model is made possible through the generosity and vision of community sponsors and supporters who believe in the potential of our young scholars to excel in college and beyond.
“By harnessing the power of this innovative partnership, Metro Nashville Public Schools is setting the stage for a future where all students have the resources, opportunities, and support they need to achieve their best potential in higher education and their careers,” concluded Dr. Battle.
The Ed Equity Lab partnership falls under the umbrella of the University MNPS initiative launched by Dr. Battle to strengthen relationships with colleges and universities to provide students with early post-secondary course access and preparation and opportunities for full-tuition scholarships for post-secondary success, along with programs to provide mentorship, early teaching contracts, and support resources to set students up for success in college and beyond.
Previously announced University MNPS partnerships include Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, Belmont University, Nashville State Community College, and Fisk University, which offer MNPS students full-tuition scholarships in various fields of study, from business and education to health sciences.
Make A Play Hospitality Group is bringing its popular fine-casual dining to Hillsboro Village
Supper Club on Belcourt, an American steakhouse concept harmonizing food and cocktails, is set to open its doors this fall in historic Hillsboro Village. This will be Supper Club’s second Tennessee location, following behind Supper Club on 2nd, which has received rave reviews since opening its doors in Memphis in August of last year.
Owned and operated by Joe Johnson and Robert Higgins of Make A Play Hospitality Group, the restaurant marks the duo’s eighth hospitality venture. Past Nashville openings for the group include Jazz & Jokes Lounge, a former popular hangout off of Printers Alley.
Located at 2000 Belcourt Ave, the 4,800-square-foot space consists of an attached outdoor patio and a fully refurbished interior. Tastefully designed throughout with chic, trendsetting decor and moody tones, the restaurant seats just over 120 across its two main dining rooms, two bar tops, and two private dining rooms. Guests can immerse themselves in the rich elegance of Art Deco fused with a warm vintage flair, and a space rooted in intimate interactions and heartfelt moments. Intended to be a space for all to gather, Supper Club on Belcourt welcomes families to dine and celebrate all occasions.
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Philadelphia native Chef Brandon Truesdale’s modern yet elegant menu combines sophisticated American steakhouse with southern cuisine, in addition to a variety of cutting-edge cocktails. Highlights include traditional steakhouse sides to compliment the restaurant’s roots, and standouts such as the Golden Tomahawk Steak which can be wrapped in real edible 24-karat gold.
“We’re looking forward to being part of the revitalization of the high-end restaurant scene in Hillsboro Village,” said Co-owner Joseph Johnson. “We’re ready to bring Supper Club’s energy and excitement to Nashville. We’re not just opening a restaurant; we’re crafting an experience that resonates with every soul that walks through our doors.”
With Supper Club on Belcourt, Make A Play Hospitality Group aims to expand its success by offering an unmatched selection of hand-crafted cocktails, generous prime cuts, seafood, and poultry blended with exceptional quality and impeccable service.
In addition to SCOB, Make A Play Hospitality is slated to open another fine dining venture, along with a cocktail club, in Hillsboro Village this fall.
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