CELEBRATING the Style & Culture of Memphis

LAURELWOOD CELEBRATING the Style & Culture of Memphis

LAURELWOOD magazine | 1 Laurelwood | 400 Grove Park Road | Memphis, TN 901-767-4640 | jamesdavisstore.com Gucci Jonathan Simkhai Chloé Yigal Azrouel Chanel Prada rag & bone Helmut Lang Isabel Marant Veronica Beard Tory Burch Valentino Pedro Garcia Marco Bicego John Hardy Lafayette 148

COSMETICS: Bobbi Brown Giorgio Armani La Mer Laura Mercier SHOES Natura Bisse APPAREL Yves Saint Laurent HANDBAGS

JEWELRY 901.767.1609 COSMETICS josephstores.com Opening in Laurelwood January 5, 2017

4538 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38117 www.babcockgifts.com THE ULTIMATE STYLE SETS YOU APART FINE FURS AT MEMPHIS’ BEST VALUES Visit King for the best values and styles on fine fur coats, jackets, strollers, vests, capes, hats and accessories. Let King’s master furriers clean, condition, or restyle your fur — and store your fur in King’s on-site refrigerated vault.

FINE JEWELRY AT MEMPHIS’ BEST VALUES Visit King for great values on fine jewelry, including fashion gemstones, bridal, gold and diamond jewelry, custom design and loose diamonds, featuring the most sought-after designers from around the world, plus on-site jewelry repair.

LAURELWOOD 4568 POPLAR AVE (901) 767-KING KINGFURSANDFINEJEWELRY.COM

KING-Laurelwood Mag ad.indd 1 8/5/16 9:31 AM

901.818.0773

374 S. Grove Park Road

2157 Central Avenue www.pavosalonspa.com CONTENTS

20 36 Laurelwood Shopping Center is conveniently located on Poplar Avenue between Perkins Extended and Grove Park Road South. Hours vary by store, please visit LaurelwoodMemphis.com for a complete listing of all the merchants in the center and each store’s details.

On-site Contact: Cory Prewitt Chief Operating Officer 901.682.8436 [email protected]

Events: Laurelwood is please to offer outdoor concerts 42 46 in the courtyard and special sales on property as well as fashion related events throughout the Welcome Memphis community. Please check Laurelwood- 9 Memphis.com for up-to-date event information.

11 Charities Leasing: Learn more about The CLC and how it’s impacting the Mid-South. The Shopping Center Group - John Reed and Danny Buring, 901.869.2720 64 Laurelwood Lux Security: Laurelwood contracts with Security One, Lifestyle 901.346.7746 History 14 Take a look back as Laurelwood celebrates 55 years. Follow Us: @LaurelwoodMemphis Dining

20 A peek at the family behind the treats of Frost Bake Shop. @ShopLaurelwood 24 At Grove Grill’s neighborhood restaurant and bar, you’re always family. @LaurelwoodShopp Wellness 32 Fleet Feet offers something for everyone and every age. Editor: Anna Cox Thompson Travel Art Director: Melissa Ellis Smith 36 Bay St. Louis, Mississippi Fashion Editor: Augusta Campbell Photography: Jay Adkins Editorial Contributors: Michael Finger, Culture Katherine Barnett Jones, Ellen Morris Prewitt Music Printing and Distribution: Creative 42 2016 Laurelwood Unplugged Music Series. Content by CMI, subsidiary of Contemporary Media, Inc.

Fashion Laurelwood Magazine is published by Laurelwood Shopping 46 Modern Mix Center. 422 S Grove Park Rd, Memphis, TN 38117. ©2016, All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part of any of the materials contained herein without the expressed Interiors written consent of Laurelwood Shopping Center is prohibited. 56 Artwork for every space from Gina Aaron, Emily Ozier, Sarah Robertson, and Lois Arrechea

LAURELWOOD magazine | 9 LITTLE ROCK PINE BLUFF JONESBORO MEMPHIS

“You’ve earned the right to have a little bit of pretty.”

WHEN IT’S YOUR TURN TO MAKE A STATEMENT, MAKE SURE YOU VISIT Whether it’s the perfect piece for a night out or a SISSY’S LOG CABIN. day at the oce, the extraordinary service, selection and experience you’ll ﬁnd here make choosing that special something, as special as wearing it. And when you’re here, everyone’s family.

404 South Grove Park Road, Memphis, TN 38117 | (901) 834-0067 | 10am – 6pm Mon-Sat | Sissys LogCabin.com WELCOME TO LAURELWOOD!

ocated in the heart of the city, Laurelwood showcases all the strengths our great city has to offer, proving that Memphis is a vibrant place to live, work, and Lplay. Whether you were born and raised here, or are simply passing through, let us be your guide to food, fashion, and fellowship.

For the third year in a row, we are thrilled to invite you to learn more about the Bluff City through the stories of our merchants. This issue is particularly special as we hit an important milestone — 55 years serving the Memphis community. This anniversary would not be possible without our loyal customers and premier retailers, some of whom have been with us from the very beginning.

Get to know the family behind the counter at Frost Bake Shop, sharing their homemade recipes with you and your loved ones. Find out how our brand partner, The Community Legal Center, is lending a hand to those who need it most. Discover a charming coastal town off the beaten path, and unwind with specialty mixtures at The Grove Grill bar. Through it all, celebrating the rich history that has unfolded at the northwest corner of Poplar Avenue and Perkins Road.

We are honored to continue the legacy created, and we look forward to many more anniversaries with you in the future.

Sincerely,

Tom Prewitt President, Laurelwood Shopping Center

Cory Prewitt Chief Operating Officer, Laurelwood Shopping Center

LAURELWOOD magazine | 9 5513 Memphis Ad PrinterOL.indd 1 6/15/16 8:55 AM CHARITIES

COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTER by ANNA COX THOMPSON

ore than 20 years ago, the flipped, and they only have a 20% chance of Community Legal Center (CLC) being able to stay. It’s an incredible advantage was created to help fill gaps in to have counsel.” MMemphis’ legal system for the working poor Funds to assist the CLC are crucial to its and to ensure access to justice for all. The mission and its ability to assist more clients. CLC has expanded its services over the years When it comes to how Laurelwood works to mediation, elder abuse cases, conserva- with the CLC, it’s in the form of a partner- torships, wills and other probate matters, ship for their premier fundraising event, and much more. “It started as a volunteer STRUT. “They’re a well-oiled machine organization for lawyers to assist clients,” when it comes to organizing events,” Mathes says Anne Mathes, Executive Director of the CLC. “The organization provides civil legal “It’s amazing the generosity of services to people who make a little more money than you can to be assisted by Mem- people. Memphis has so much phis’ largest legal aid provider, Memphis good going on. There are a lot Area Legal Services (MALS). A lot of times, these are people who have some income — of movers and shakers getting either through work or benefits — but not things done in Memphis.” enough to pay a lawyer at the going rate. We also do work that MALS cannot do by law, says of Laurelwood. “STRUT has grown such as working in the immigration sphere. every year, and it’s very well received. It’s a Anyone who has some legal right to be here multi-media event at the Mercedes-Benz [in the United States], we try to help them dealership in East Memphis that includes a find it. There’s a real race against the clock silent auction, fashion show, and a full bar, on certain things.” manned by local celebrities. Everyone who Specifically, in 2015 the CLC was part attends always says what a great time it is and of a grant from the Plough Foundation how well it’s organized. Laurelwood con- that assisted in developing a plan of ac- tributes the models for the fashion show, the tion to combat elder abuse. “There are a clothes the models wear, orchestrates the eve- lot of brand partners working together to ning, and makes suggestions such as music cross-pollinate for that initiative,” Mathes selection, which upped the energy. Last year says. Additionally, in mid-2016 the CLC was we raised $33,000, and for an organization awarded a grant in conjunction with Latino of our size, that’s very meaningful money. Memphis to assist unaccompanied children Plus it’s the ‘friend in fundraising’ where we in the Mid-South area. “The remote access can network with so many people through initiative (RAI) grant with Latino Memphis the event.” is a pretty cutting-edge pilot program,” Mathes’ hope for 2017 and beyond is Mathes explains. “A lot of attention is being to further expand the civil services offered focused on Memphis because the immigra- by the CLC and make it easier for lawyers tion court here takes cases from Tennessee, to contribute their time and talents to the Arkansas, northern Mississippi and south- underserved, as their waiting list continues to west Kentucky. We’re trying to chip away grow. Though the the road can be rough, her at the serious problem of lack of resources optimism comes from the community’s will- for unaccompanied children. It’s something ingness to help. “It’s amazing the generosity like 80% of children with counsel will find a of people. Memphis has so much good going legitimate way to stay in the country. If they on. There are a lot of movers and shakers don’t have representation, those odds are getting things done in Memphis.” u

LAURELWOOD magazine | 11 Distinctively Different

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The Early Days of Laurelwood

When Poplar and Perkins became “the Main Street of East Memphis.” by MICHAEL FINGER

Images courtesy of Special Collections, University of Memphis Libraries

14 | LAURELWOOD magazine ooking back, it seems strange that the intersection of the longest street in Memphis (Poplar) and the longest road in Memphis (Perkins) would have re- mained dormant for so long. In the early L1950s, anyone driving along either road would have encountered an old-fashioned red-brick firehouse at the southwest corner of the intersection, and across the street, a lonely gas station. Just to the west on Poplar was the small campus of Sienna College, and close to the railroad tracks on Perkins was a Putt-Putt miniature golf course, of all things. But the northwest corner was little more than a grassy field, part of the old Perkins estate, and at one time used as a private golf course. In 1949, developers with the Joyner-Heard Realty Com- pany had opened the Poplar Plaza shopping center several miles west, at Poplar and Highland, and as our city’s first retail center “out east” it had proven to be a huge success. But it took a while — just about a decade — before they were convinced that shoppers would travel that “extra mile” and discover the variety of shops at the new center that they would call Laurelwood Shopping Center. Joyner-Heard had owned the land years before, but had sold it to a rival developer. Now convinced of its value, Hall Jones, president of Joyner-Heard, bought some 30 acres back, later telling reporters that the cost was ten times what they had originally paid for it. As it turns out, the price was almost certainly a bargain. Though the center was yet to be called Laurelwood, the first store to open at that corner, on May 8, 1958, was the brand-new Sears Roebuck, situated on a 12.5-acre land- scaped site, with its distinctive goldfish fountain at the main entrance, and the enticing scent of roasted peanuts at the candy counter inside the front door. On opening day, it was estimated that some 40,000 customers had flocked to the store. Shoppers were delighted by the astonishing selection of merchandise — more than 200,000 items on three floors — and by the striking modern design of the store, with its graceful arches and covered walkway that stretched across the parking lot to Poplar. The store advertised “thousands of items on our bright sales floors and thousands more at our Catalog Order Desk.” Young shoppers were also happy to discover the store’s special Toy Town, where Santa himself made an appearance every Christmas. Across the street, Goldsmith’s — a downtown landmark since the late 1880s — opened its East Memphis store, with equal success. Newspapers praised the “architectural artistry” of the store massive white building, and shoppers

LAURELWOOD magazine | 15 LIFESTYLE B History enjoyed the unique feature of rooftop parking. Poplar and Perkins was The largest of these, outside of Sears and Gerber’s, was Kress, quickly establishing itself as “the Main Street of East Memphis.” also a downtown fixture for decades. The S.G. Kresge Company, Then things began to get busy across the street. Now called Lau- founded in Memphis in 1896, had turned their Kress stores into relwood Shopping Center, the first retailer to open there, in 1961, a national phenomenon, and the Laurelwood store was the 267th was Gerber’s, a full-scale department store described as a “suburban to open in the national chain. Shoppers could take home anything showcase.” In business downtown since 1880, the decision to move from a Sew-o-Matic Sewing machine “just like Mother’s” ($2.98) to Poplar and Perkins was a bold one, and store owners chose the to “famous manufacturer” 17-jewel watches ($24.98) to “sporty best architects and designers for the 35,000-square-foot store, which middleweight bicycles” ($38.88). A special feature of this store was would be located just north of Sears. The striking interior, featuring its “unusual restaurant department, with a 25-stool counter, private booths seating 38, and tables accom- modating 26 more.” It seems every business on Main Street now wanted to be in Laurel- wood. Dinstuhl’s, a third-generation family-owned candy store that had started downtown in 1912, opened in Laurelwood with a rather unusual ribbon-cutting ceremony: Mayor Henry Loeb sliced through a “ribbon” of melted chocolate to welcome customers into the new store. Eight-year-old Gary Dinstuhl, who would grow up to own the chain, handed out treats by the front door, and youngsters could reach through a “whirling wheel that stops in front of holes cut into four boxes” and reach for free candy. Also inside the store, a sign in the shape of a railroad crossing warned customers to “Stop, Look, and Lick ’Em.” The new center offered customers their choice of several shoe stores. Lowry’s Shoes advertised they were “where our customers send their friends,” offering “young ideas in shoes” with such name Dinstuhl’s, a third-generation family-owned candy store that had started downtown in 1912, opened in Laurelwood with a brands as Pedwin for men, Life Stride ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pictured are three generations of the Dinstuhl family, Charles Martin Dinstuhl, Jr, Gene Dinstuhl, and Glamour Debs for women, and Buster and Gary Dinstuhl. Tommy Washington (far left) is one of their key candymakers and is still working today. Dr. R. Paul Brown for the kids. Kaufman’s Shoes, in Caudill, third from the right performed the dedication of the store. Grace Dinstuhl is on the front row in the middle. the row of stores facing Grove Park Road, urged customers to “put your best foot a white marble floor and muted pastels, was designed by the Texas forward in style” with a selection that included Velvet-Step shoes for firm of Brochstein’s, Inc., which had also designed the internation- women, City Club for men, Velvet-Step for women. ally famous Shamrock Hotel in Houston. The result, according to But it was the ads and promotions for Baker’s Shoes, with its fifth newspaper articles, was beautiful, allowing customers to “shop in Memphis store in Laurelwood, that surely caught customers’ eyes, casual comfort while unconsciously listening to piped-in music.” announcing “the new look, with less shoe adding a provocative look Manager Fred Bizot told reporters that decision to open a branch to party dressing.” The QualiCraft brand “uses the most exquisite in Laurelwood was a good one. “We have been very well-received by fabrics, both imported and domestic, to mold these exciting shoe people in this area,” he said. “People tell us they were glad to see us shapes. Blazing glitter cloths, dazzling beaded materials, and gilded move out east.” crushed kid all shine forth at Baker’s.” But the “Spectacular Grand Opening” of Laurelwood Shopping If Baker’s made their shoes sound like fine jewelry, it’s only appro- Center didn’t take place for another year, when more than 20 stores priate that Laurelwood would also offer a jewelry store. Brodnax, and shops greeted their first customers on November 30, 1962. another established downtown store, announced in newspaper ads, Newspapers praised the “architectural splendor” of the complex, the “You will find the same courtesy, fine merchandise, and shopping “perfect landscaping” that included more than 25 varieties of trees pleasure you have enjoyed at our downtown for over 60 years.” For and shrubbery, and “the outstanding and well-known firms selected its grand opening, Brodnax offered special prices: a gold ring with to be a part of this exciting shopping center.” sixteen diamonds in a channel setting for $650, a ring with seven fine

16 | LAURELWOOD magazine Two merchants that have been in Laurlewood since the beginning, both James Davis and Dinstuhl’s remain popular destinations for high end clothing and sweet treats, respectively. diamonds in a bridal set for $400, or “beautifully sculptured” 14-carat describing it. “Exotic, man, that’s the word on the Shop of John gold rose-shaped pins for $55. The store also offered china, silverware, Simmons in Laurelwood,” wrote the Press-Scimitar. Noting that and crystal, along with a complete repair shop for watches and jewelry. the “the inventory could well look like a gift shop at the United Laurelwood proved a magnet for fine men’s clothing stores. Nations,” the store was filled with the offbeat and the unusual. The best-known of these was James Davis, opened by Davis Among the selection at the grand opening: carousel horses, jewelry, himself, who had got his start in the business by running the hand-woven blankets, candles of all sizes, “cute little cocktail men’s department of a downtown clothing store called Levy’s napkins with the fancy little verses,” and even “a stuffed witch that for 12 years. “Young men’s taste in clothing changes almost glares at you like your mother-in-law.” In short, The Shop of John weekly, and it takes a sharp finger on the market Simmons was designed for “the person who likes to keep up with them,” said a 1962 Memphis to give gifts that make people smile.” Press-Scimitar article, part of a special feature “Today, Laurelwood It wasn’t all clothing, gifts, and jewelry in the devoted to the grand opening. “This is what ranks as one of the opening days of Laurelwood. Customers could James Davis has done at his new James Davis also visit the Curtain Shop, Laurelwood Barber Store for Men in Laurelwood.” showcase shopping Shop, the Town ’n Travel agency, and even a Davis tried something unusual; he assembled a centers of the nation, Burk-Hall paint store. For its grand opening, panel of young men from high school and college and certainly one of Burk-Hall customers could register for prizes “to meet with him weekly to discuss what the that included “a roomlot of Imperial Glendura tastes are and what they are going to be.” He even the most prosperous in washable wallpaper.” set aside a separate “Brittany Shop” for students, the South.” Those were just the first stores. Opening within offering “a leisurely atmosphere to meet in, to a year would be Gould’s Salon, distinctive for browse in, with a wide, wonderful selection of Ivy its authentic Oriental décor, a place “where League must-haves, from socks in every conceivable color to tab or people, whether they are getting their hair done or not, will want button-down shirts in Ivy stripes and solids.” to step in an take a look.” After all, the salon featured an authen- The store’s décor set it apart from the sleek modern styles of other tic “gold moon gate,” a black marble pool and fountain, and six shops in Laurelwood. Reporters said, “The store has an Early Amer- custom-painted lifesize Geisha girl panels. Also coming soon were ican décor with a generous supply of wrought iron and a coffee Britling’s Cafeteria, the third of the chain to open in Memphis, a lounge for adults.” Walgreen’s drug store, and other retailers. And children weren’t left out at Laurelwood. Jack & Jill special- In its grand opening package on November 30, 1962, the ized in fashions for youngsters, from diapers all the way to school Press-Scimitar observed, “Today, Laurelwood ranks as one clothing. Kids often hate shopping, but they probably found this of the showcase shopping centers of the nation, and store appealing. A newspaper story mentioned, “Youngsters like certainly one of the most prosperous in the South.” their stuffed animals, and the Jack & Jill shop has a wide variety, A bit more than half a century later, enough to make a youngster’s bed resemble a miniature zoo.” that’s still true. u There’s another store from the early days of Laurelwood that Memphians surely remember. The newspapers certainly had fun

LAURELWOOD magazine | 17 430 South Grove Park | Memphis, TN 38117 | 901.767.8808 | stovallcollection.com Store Hours: Monday-Friday 10am to 5pm | Saturday 10am-4pm Holiday Hours: Nov. & Dec. Monday-Saturday 10am-5:30pm VISIT US AT THE LAURELWOOD CENTER 4544 POPLAR AVENUE

AND ONLINE AT WWW.KIRKLANDS.COM LIFESTYLE B Dining

the

SweetestA peek at the family behind the treats of FrostThing Bake Shop

by ANNA COX THOMPSON

20 | LAURELWOOD magazine MANY PEOPLE HOPE TO GO INTO THE “FAMILY BUSINESS” AND EVEN MORE ASPIRE TO RUN THEIR OWN. THE KLOOS FAMILY HAS MANAGED TO DO BOTH, AND IT’S JUST THE BEGINNING. Bill Sr. and his wife, Lynne, always dreamed of owning a bake shop and having the counters filled with their homemade treats. Bill, an engineer, had his recipes down to a science, and according to his daughter-in-law Kristie, they were always something special. “On our first date I went over to [Bill Jr.’s] parent’s house to have dinner with them for the first time. I remember that it wasn’t super fancy but it was really, really good.” Thankfully, she’s not the only one who thought so. Frost Bake Shop opened in Laurelwood Shopping Center in 2013 under the umbrella of the Kloos’ company, All American Sweets, and their sweet treats have become cult classics in the Memphis community and beyond. “Everything we have in the store is our own family recipe,” Kristie says. “My husband [Bill Jr.] is actu- (L to R:) Bill, Sr., Lynne, Kristie and Bill, Jr. ally a chef by trade, and that’s what brought us to Memphis originally. He was the head chef of Yia Yia’s and then went to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. In 2004, Bill Sr. and Lynne moved to Memphis to be In addition to all of in the same town as family.” That’s the baking and deco- when the wheels of fate really start- rating that goes on at ed turning to make Bill Sr.’s dream a reality. the Bartlett facility, “The main thing was my hus- Frost offers cake and band and his dad wanted to start a business together,” she says. “Since cookie decorating baking is so scientific and specific, classes, too. Bill Sr.’s engineering background really played a huge role in how good his recipes are. We like to say sold exclusively to wholesalers like he engineers cakes to be exactly the restaurants, but the family always way they should be — moist, fla- had their sights set on a store front vorful, with real ingredients from of their own. “Our main goal was scratch. There’s nothing fat-free or to have a shop where people could lite because it’s a sweets shop. We come in and buy a cupcake or a have people who request that sort cookie, instead of whole cakes or of thing, but we just have to find something that meets our standard. 2 dozen cookies like All American Sweets,” Kristie says. “Today, We joke around and say we’re cake snobs in that way, but part of [this Bill [Jr.] is the man out in Bartlett taking care of the procedures, business] is raising the standard. We pride ourselves on our product the team, the deliveries, etc. We still deliver to restaurants whole- and that it’s consistent. You can come in any day of the week and you sale, too. Everything is made and decorated there [at the baking know we’re going to have strawberry cupcakes, you don’t have to come facility] and brought to us [at Frost Bake Shop] throughout the a certain day of the week. You’re going to have great cake and great week, but we do bake fresh cookies on site.” frosting — if you can’t eat the cake by itself, it’s not good enough.” In addition to all of the baking and decorating that goes on at the They didn’t have enough room in their own kitchens to test, bake, Bartlett facility, Frost offers cake and cookie decorating classes, too. decorate and assemble the vast array of confectionaries you now see As part of one of the themed classes, guests receive an 8-inch cake behind the counter of Frost ﹘ so how did they make it work? Their or one dozen cookies to decorate along with a tour of the facility, 5,000-square-foot baking facility in Bartlett, which opened well before and materials on how to layer frosting and decorating tips. the retail bake shop in Laurelwood. Originally, All American Sweets In 2015, they were approached by Williams-Sonoma to be a

LAURELWOOD magazine | 21 partner for their online store. As Williams-Sonoma’s exclusive cheesecake vendor, Kristie says they sell more cheesecake through that site than in the actual Frost shop. “Now anyone in the country can go to the Wil- liams-Sonoma website and get one of our cakes. The cool part is that in order to ship a cake, it’s often pricier than the cake itself, and this partnership takes care of that step for us.” Bill Sr. and Lynne retired on June 1, 2016, and Bill Jr. and Kristie couldn’t be more proud of the legacy they built. “They’re on their trips now,” Kristie says with a laugh. “We’re really excited for them because they’ve worked so hard to achieve this. Bill Sr. was the man with the great food. He and my husband established the great food, but Lynne was our model for guest service. Just as important as having a top quality product is how you feel when you’re here in the store. We call everyone ‘guests’ not ‘customers.’ A customer is just a transaction, but a guest is someone you welcome into your home and treat differently.” “Our main goal was to have a shop where people In August 2016, Frost opened its Collierville location which includes a meeting room to accommodate classes, could come in and buy a cupcake or a cookie, instead parties, bridal showers, baby showers, and wedding of whole cakes or 2 dozen cookies like All American consultations. So whether you’re looking for a custom cake, cupcakes for a party, or simply a single cookie, stop Sweets,” Kristie says. into one of Frost’s two Memphis-area locations and be greeted with a smile because you’re part of the family, too. u

22 | LAURELWOOD magazine #lovechicos

LAURELWOOD SHOPPING CENTER 901.684.6174 CHICOS.COM LIFESTYLE B Dining

Sometimes You Want to Go Where Everybody Knows Your Name At Grove Grill’s neighborhood restaurant and bar, you’re always family. by KATHERINE BARNETT JONES

24 | LAURELWOOD magazine GROVE GRILL

ver nearly two decades, The Grove Grill has established itself as a staple in Memphis dining culture that its customers go back to again and again. Owned and operated by chef Jeffrey Dunham and his wife Tracey, the restaurant offers an elegant Southern cuisine that pairs dishes like shrimp and grits (their specialty) with the East Memphis culture of Laurelwood. Dunham is a former President of the Memphis Restaurant Asso- ciation and recipient of the presti- gious Ivy Award, among his many accomplishments and accolades since graduating from The Culinary Institute of America in 1986. The menu at The Grove Grill resonates Othe New Orleans influence familiar in the Memphis restaurant scene, with a wide variety of seafood dishes, gulf oysters on the half shell and classics like fried green tomatoes and pimento cheese plates. The restaurant’s offerings have been carefully perfected without losing the appeal and comfortable style that has retained its loyal customer base. For the faithful customers of The Grove Grill, the restaurant and its staff are a part of their neighborhood, their holiday plans, and their after-work relaxation. It’s a go-to place to celebrate Mother’s Day, graduations, birthdays and anniversaries — but it’s all of the days in between that keep them coming back. During any given happy hour, Saturday evening or Sunday brunch, the bar at The Grove Grill is full of familiar faces. The restaurant’s neighborhood feel makes it an easy choice to relax with a cocktail and conversation, and with tenured bartenders who quickly become friends, its patrons have no shortage of reasons to return. Com- plementing Dunham’s sophisticated menu with the perfect drink selection isn’t something the restaurant’s bar staff takes lightly. Most importantly, the staff at this Memphis mainstay know that the ingredients for the happiest hour are a friendly face and a great drink — a combination that has kept seats and drinks full at The Grove Grill for years, with no end in sight. You can visit the bartenders and find your new favorite item on the The Grove Grill menu Monday -Thursday from 3 - 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 3 -10 p.m., and on Sundays for lunch and brunch from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. u [ Maker’s 46 Old-fashioned Name: MELODY MARTIN Recipe to Share: MAKER’S 46 OLD-FASHIONED

Muddled Orange Simple Syrup Bitters with Maker’s 46 Luxardo Marachino Cherries Splash of Soda

How long have you been in the restaurant/bar industry, and how long at Grove Grill? 15 years in the industry, 4 at Grove Grill. What is your go-to cocktail - to serve and to drink? Mojitos What is a tool or ingredient at the bar you couldn’t live without every day? Wine key Most unusual drink request? Anything with Irish Mist What are the qualities of the perfect cocktail? Fresh ingredients What is your favorite item on the Grove Grill menu? Smoked Salmon What is it about the bar scene at Grove Grill that has kept you around? Our people!

The restaurant’s neighborhood feel makes it an easy choice to relax with a cocktail and conversation, and with tenured bartenders who quickly become friends, its patrons have no shortage of reasons to return.

Mojito Name: ASHLEY PHIPPS Recipe to Share: LONG HOT ROAD

1.25 ounces cucumber-infused gin 1.25 ounces cantaloupe puree ½ ounce Pimm’s Lemon garnish

1. Shake gin with cantaloupe puree 2. Pour over ice and top with lemon soda 3. Float Pimm’s on top 4. Garnish with lemon

How long have you been in the restaurant/bar industry, and how long at Grove Grill? 16 years in the industry, a year and half at Grove Grill. What is your go-to cocktail - to serve and to drink? A great bourbon, on the rocks. What is a tool or ingredient at the bar you couldn’t live without every day? Lemon zester Most unusual drink request? Citrus vodka with sweet vermouth and onions What are the qualities of the perfect cocktail? Fresh ingredients! Especially fruits and herbs. What is your favorite item on the Grove Grill menu? Seared Yellowfin Tuna What is it about the bar scene at Grove Grill that has kept you around? We have a great crowd of regular customers who have become like family to me.

26 | LAURELWOOD magazine While in The Booksellers at Laurelwood, please visit The Booksellers Bistro. Guests can enjoy fresh bistro fare, from gourmet sandwiches, salads, and cookbook selections to our homemade signature soups and quiche. We also offer wine, beer, and a complete coffee bar. The Booksellers Bistro is an ideal spot for breakfast, LAURELWOOD SHOPPING CENTER lunch, or dinner with friends and family. It's also 387 PERKINS ROAD EXT. | 374-0881 just as great for cozying up with a book and a latte, taking some time for yourself.

We believe in raising, serving and eating food that is good and good for you.

4530 POPLAR AVENUE TM

4550 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38117 901-818-9951 | thegrovegrill.com

Open for Lunch & Dinner. Brunch on Sundays. Also available for Private Dining. LIFESTYLE B Wellness Interested in learning more about what Fleet Feet has to offer your whole family? Contact Rachel at I Like to [email protected]. T, MO VE I T Fleet Feet offers something for I everyone and every age MO VE by ANNA COX THOMPSON

et’s face it, most of us wish we were more active. Whether it’s finding the time, mixing things up to find your passion, or simply shrinking our portion sizes, getting fit can be a bit intimidating. That’s where LFleet Feet comes in, offering so much more to the community than just running shoes and athletic wear. “Fleet Feet is really trying to focus on the whole athlete,” says Rachel Randall, marketing director of Fleet Feet Memphis and Collierville. “As part of this initiative we offer several ways for everyone to get involved.” One such program is the annual Kids Run- ning Camp which hosts children between 8- and 11-years-old for a new spin on P.E. in the summer. Participants meet from 8:30 to 11:30 in the morning during the first week of June at the park behind Shady Grove Elementary where there’s a paved path that’s one third of a mile. “It’s structured around teaching kids ways to be healthy. Of course, we do some running but you can’t run for three hours. It’s more about overall fitness including healthy habits, snacks to eat, the importance of stretching and games. The week ends with a one-mile Graduation Run on Saturday.” Graduation day proves fun for everyone as participants run the mile and their families cheer them on to the big arch at the finish line. “The kids develop and grow as runners; so every year is a different experience for them even if the games are similar,” says Randall, whose sons have both participated in the camp. “As a parent I love that it makes my kids love running, and I think my son liked the competition. If you start kids running early, they’re more likely to become lifelong runners and the more runners there are in the community. The camp gets kids running with healthy habits and certified coaches who know about children.” In addition to the kids camp, Fleet Feet offers runs on Monday and Thursday evenings as well as long runs on Saturday mornings. “Thursday runs are by far the most popular, and you’ll see everyone from kids to people who win the St. Jude marathon,” says Randall. They also offer free yoga twice a month at the store as well as free physical therapy screenings once a month, annual Diva Night for the ladies, documentary viewings and much more (see chart for a full list of pro- gramming). “This is the first year we’ve opened our training up to the community for free, and the Saturday morning long runs just started in October 2015. The idea is to focus on the complete athlete — not just a runner but a healthy person in general.” Encouraging healthy habits in children can only maximize the physical and mental benefits later in life. u

Activity: Frequency: Cost: Monday Run (easy run) 6 p.m., weekly Free Thursday Run (track workout) 6 p.m., weekly Free Saturday Run (long run) 7 a.m., weekly Free Yoga for Runners 2x a month in the store Free Check-ins with Results once a month in the store Free Physiotherapy $100 pre-registered; $80 for Kids Camp one week each summer siblings; $130 first day of camp registration

32 | LAURELWOOD magazine 426 SOUTH GROVE PARK RD. MEMPHIS, TN 38117 901.767.8437 www.Q4Fitness.com Freedom.

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36 | LAURELWOOD magazine Bay St. Louis, Mississippi

photos and story by ELLEN MORRIS PREWITT 5 On a pretty afternoon, Bay St. Louis, Mississippi is hopping.

amilies sprawl on glittering white beaches. Couples stroll the age sixty. At age seventy-nine, Mosley visited Bay St. Louis and fell long walking path paralleling Beach Boulevard. Dune buggies in love with the town. She immediately sold all her possessions and Frev down the street while dogs chase sticks beneath towering moved to the Bay, where she continued to paint, often wearing her live oaks. In 2005 when Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, signature red beret, until her death at ninety-four. (Plus, she loved many of these moss-draped trees were destroyed. Elvis, so you’ve got to see her work, right?). But not quite. In a rare opportunity to find beauty in survival, Bay St. Louis shares another trait with the Big Easy: a history the town of Bay St. Louis commissioned* artist Dayle Lewis to of pirates. The Bay of St. Louis body of water that gives the town transform the remnants of ravaged trees. The artist carved tree its name lies “around the corner” from the Baratarian pirate trunks into soaring “Angels in the Bay.” The angels now keep watch headquarters of Jean Laffite. Stand on the site of the former Pirate over the coastal town. House, located down Beach Boulevard in the Bay’s sister city of With a population of approximately 10,000 residents, Bay St. Waveland, and you readily believe the association with the pirate Louis has roared back from Katrina’s destruction with a unique Laffite. The Bay capitalizes on this pirate history in fun ways — mix of upbeat activity and old-fashioned charm. The comeback is such as with the family-friendly Ugly Pirate Cafe and Bar or with anchored by the award-winning Bay St. Louis Municipal Marina, Buccaneer State Park and its Pirate’s Alley Nature Trail and Pirate’s which boasts the only destination harbor on the Mississippi Gulf Lagoon Wave Pool — but in more studious ways as well. History Coast. Here, boaters dock for the day and explore Old Town, the buffs can drop in the Hancock County Historical Society and hone heart of the city. These charms have led Coastal Living magazine up on local pirate lore — the website details the collections open to to name “the Bay,” as locals call it, as one of the “Best Little Beach the public. The month of June tops off pirate mania with an annual Towns” in the country, and Budget Travel magazine to include the “Pirate Day in the Bay Festival” where you’ll find live music, a pub town in its list of “Coolest Small Towns in America.” crawl, amusements rides, fireworks, and a pirate invasion. Bring A mere fifty minute drive from New Orleans, Bay St. Louis takes your best pirate costume. many of its cues from the Big Easy. Restaurants serve their shrimp If the story of Hurricane Katrina touches your heart, spend with remoulade sauce, historic Cedar Rest Cemetery buries its some time touring the “Angels in the Bay” carvings located dead above ground, and, if you arrive on a Mardi Gras weekend, throughout town. The town of Waveland hosts Ground Zero you can join 30,000 revelers crowding Highway 90 to watch local Museum, which tells the Mississippi story of Hurricane Katrina, Krewes parade. If that doesn’t fit your schedule, stop by the historic the most devastating storm in the history of the United States. Train Depot and ogle the costume collection of top designer Carter The museum, as the website says, is not so much a memorial to Church. Church’s handmade Mardi Gras costumes sport thousands disaster as “a tribute to the strength and beauty of the human of sequins, feathers, and sparkles. Staff of the Tourism Department spirit.” Or grab a copy of Under Surge, Under Siege by local author hosts free personal tours — “Each one a bit different,” says Jane Ellis Anderson, scout out a shady tree, and read. Her book, which Byrne with a smile — detailing the costumes as well as other won the 2010 Eudora Welty Book Prize, recounts the author’s collections housed in the depot. The upstairs collection features experience during Katrina and afterwards, focusing on the healing paintings by folk artist Alice Mosley, who taught herself to paint at power of community. If you’re up for a twenty minute drive, visit

LAURELWOOD magazine | 37 A mere fifty minute drive from New Orleans, Bay St. Louis takes many of its cues from the Big Easy.

NASA INFINITY Science Center where, of all things, they have a A leisurely afternoon might include exploring the Jimmy Hurricane Simulator. Rutherford Pier that extends more than a thousand feet into the Or you might just want to wander Old Town. An eclectic mix of Bay. Or follow the Old Town Historic Walking and Biking Tour to small shops, enticing restaurants, and fun finds lines Main Street discover the home of the state’s first African American postmaster or and its side streets in every direction. Shops range from upscale 100 Men Hall, a former musical venue now an official stop on the beachy goods at Bay Life Gifts (Mississippi pickle forks, y’all?) to Mississippi Blues Trail. Experience the quiet of Sweetbay Hollow new and used books at independent bookstore Bay Books to The Nature Preserve off Nicholson Avenue (the birding tower, open only French Potager, where vintage during daytime hours, is not for ship models are ready to be the faint of heart.) If you arrive taken home as a reminder of on a Second Saturday of each your trip. (More antique ships month, join in the evening Art wait at Countryside Antiques Walk to meet local artists and on Highway 90 in Waveland enjoy live music. Other modes of where the proprietors can talk local transportation include bike Memphis all day long — the or golf cart rental or chartering a shop regularly attends the fishing or sightseeing tour of the annual Arts & Antiques Arcade bay. For the truly adventuresome, at St. George’s Episcopal there’s Cat Island. Church in Germantown.) At Cat Island is the westernmost Green Canyon Outfitters you of the Mississippi barrier islands can find popular activewear that separate the Mississippi brands, such as Groceries Sound from the Gulf of Mexico. organic cotton T-shirts and The island’s name originated Hard Tail Forever yoga wear. with French explorers who Bay Emporium — purchased encountered raccoons and were by the owners ten days before intrigued with these “wild cats.” Katrina and meticulously renovated after the storm — holds Located approximately ten nautical miles south of town, Cat Island thirteen shops, including the unexpected Steampunk Curiosities. is accessible only by private boat. The Gulf Island National Seashore Best news? The Bay shops are all within easy walking distance of portion is known for its beaches, marshes, and pine forests. What each other. was once a way-stop for British Redcoats defeated in the Battle When you’ve worn yourself out, it’s time to stop at Serious Bread of New Orleans, a bizarre World War II U.S. Army dog training on Main Street for a coffee and cookie break. center, and bootleggers, is now a wonderful place to camp, hike, “That old adage, go big or go home?” Donna says as she serves kayak, picnic, swim, or fish. And speaking of bootleggers, the Blind coffee and treats. “I apply it to my cookies.” Her cookies are big, the Tiger Restaurant and Bar (named for illegal bars serving bootleg bread handmade artisan. Donna’s jokes are free — she tells a lot of whisky during Prohibition) will cook any fish you catch during jokes for a serious bread place. Snag free samples of muffins, maybe your outing. For a $10 fee, they’ll prepare the fish to your liking a “Bay St. Louis”— a sourdough muffin with carrot, pineapple, and and add a selection of sides. walnut. Whatever you do, don’t leave without trying an oatmeal When evening arrives, claim a spot at a bayside bar and watch the blueberry scone. day slip away. Across the street, North Beach Restaurant offers its If bread isn’t your thing, try Cypress Cafe with its made-to-order famous Hurricane Hunter Bar and a supper of sautéed crab claws. pesto or fresh guacamole specials — check out the Cypress Cafe Plenty more eateries are found on the Old Town Bay website. If Facebook page for daily specials. The bookend Mocking Bird and you’re staying overnight, the Bay has a range of bed and breakfasts Buttercup cafes are found on each side of Main Street, with the to choose from. Book a room at Bay Town Inn and owner Niki Buttercup offering breakfast all day and amazing sweet rolls that Moon — who survived Katrina by holding onto a live oak for hours sell out quickly. You can choose to “do good” while eating well at while the thirty-foot tidal surge ravaged the coast around her — the Starfish Cafe, a social enterprise supporting students with free will bring morning muffins to your room. hands-on training in restaurant, job, and life skills. If you want to Enjoy a trip to Bay St. Louis — drive six hours from Memphis venture away from Old Town, check out The Lunch Box’s po’ boys or grab a flight to Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport. Just be on Highway 90 (oyster po boys on Fridays only). Top it all off with careful. Like artist Alice Mosley and so many others, you might fall a snowball flavor of the day from Old Town Ice Cream — Bay St. in love with the charming town and decide to become part of the Louis is a small town so always check hours of business operations. family that is the Bay. u

38 | LAURELWOOD magazine 4540 Poplar Ave Memphis, TN 38117 (901) 684-6001 www.thebaersden.com Mona Sappenfield, Aesthetician and Founder of Mona Esthetics at Laurelwood has been building innovative relationships and good skin for over 35 years. Mona launched her first aesthetic clinic in Memphis in 1991 and in 2002 she added innovative treatments, such as, laser hair removal, skin regeneration, that blended medical aesthetic spa treatments with her passion for upscale spa services. Today, Amy Funderburk-Mock, MD serves as Mona Esthetics Administrative Medical Director, with the most experienced team of licensed Aestheticians and Registered Nurses in the Mid-South. Mona is pleased to introduce Laurie Nicoll, founder and CEO of Cole Martin, and the rejuvenating power of Stemulation™ Luxury Skincare. Nicoll and Mona Esthetics founder Mona Sappenfield share a mutual devotion to science and the advancement in Stemulation’s products to produce a superior aesthetic outcome by harnessing the power of cultured proteins and growth factors produced by adult human stem cells. “Stemulation is an ideal partner for Mona Esthetics because it is effective for all skin types to rejuvenate cells to even skin tone and prevent hyperpigmentation for clients that might not want a laser or spa treatment,” said Sappenfield. Nicoll discovered the healing power of stem cells when searching for a cure for her own challenging dry skin condition. She collaborated with renowned specialists on applying stem cell science to the healing and regeneration of skin. The exclusive stem cell derived ingredients, in Stemulation, are non-pathogenic, ecologically friendly and free of all chemical additives that help our clients daily SERVICES that also expect the best results along with laser, ultra- • Ultherapy FaceLift • Facials, Peels, Microdermabrasion sound, medical facial injections and spa treatments. What’s NEW at Mona’s? We are combining pico- and • UltraShape Fat Melting • Lashes and MakeUp nano- laser technology with 4 wavelengths to remove • Piqo/Nano Laser Tattoo Revision • Botox and Xeomin, Facial Fillers pigmentation and tattoos. Awesome NEW technology to help revise or remove up to 9 spectrums of unwanted • Laser Hair and Pigment Removal • Kybella color while regenerating skin! Sun-damage brown spots, regret tattoos or trauma scar tattoos, or tattoos that you • Laser Genesis Skin Rejuvenation love can now be revised and treated safely in 40% less treatments that any other method! Another Mona 1st in Memphis! See you at the Spa!

Call today for a private Skin Consultation (901) 683-0048 | monaspaandlaser.com | facebook.com/monaspaandlaser We welcome you to visit our Laurelwood Shopping Center location @ 4564 Poplar Avenue, 38117 VISIT US AT LAURELWOOD SHOPPING CENTER For beautiful and sensual lingerie, loungewear and beauty

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2016 Laurelwood Unplugged Music Series by KATHERINE BARNETT JONES Memphis Ukulele Band

any may be surprised to know that one of cover “Valerie” (originally by The Zutons), one of the most unex- the best ways to hear the gospel classic “I’ll pected songs on the band’s debut album. There are no limits to the Fly Away” and Amy Winehouse’s “Valerie” variety of music the group is willing to try with a ukulele, but songs in one show happens when five ukuleles play from the Sun, Stax and Hi Records catalogs have been a jump- at once - but the Memphis Ukulele Band is ing-off point to make a new Memphis sound. “It works because proving it. everybody is good,” Hornyak says. “We just play and sing and do M “I don’t think there’s anyone who does what we do with uku- our thing and people really like it. We just have fun doing it.” lele,” says founding member Jon Hornyak, longtime Memphis One of the unintended happy consequences of the Memphis Uku- artist manager, studio owner, and Senior Executive Director of The lele Band has been the development of a ukulele culture in Memphis Recording Academy’s Memphis Chapter. The instrument itself isn’t that didn’t exist a year ago, Hornyak says. Amateur ukulele players are hard to pick up for most musicians, he says, but to build an entire showing up at Midtown Music Shop, one of the only places in town band around it is different. “[We try to] make it interesting, keep it that sells the instruments, to get started on their own after seeing the cool, clever, and keep people entertained.” band play at Lafayette’s and other venues around the city. The band may be new to the Memphis music scene, but many With an original song by Stuart and 10 covers, the band’s self-ti- of its members are local favorites. Hornyak, sound engineer Matt tled debut album is just plain happy. It’s a breezy soundtrack to Ross-Spang, and musician Jason Freeman started the band’s story dinner on the patio on a warm spring day - and the perfect kickoff in 2013 like so many others before them - just a few musicians to the 2016 Laurelwood Unplugged series on a beautiful April playing around at Sun Studio. evening in Memphis, where a crowd of all generations could sing Soon enough, the group was invited to be the opening act for along to the band’s warm tunes. “The weather was perfect, we had a one of the ukulele’s biggest artists, Jake Shimabukuro, at GPAC in great audience,” Hornyak says. “We had a wonderful time, I think 2014. Adding the talents of singer-songwriter Mark Edgar Stuart the audience had a wonderful time.” u and soulful vocals from University of Memphis music student Kyn- dle McMahan, the performance got the attention of local studio Blue Barrel Records, and the first Memphis Ukulele Band album Memphis Ukulele Band and its musicians can be found went into production in 2015. at hotspots around the city. The band’s debut album “The common brand we get now is ‘ukelele soul’,” Hornyak says, is available for purchase through their label at crediting a lot of that to McMahan’s unique voice. It was her idea to www.archer-records.com.

42 | LAURELWOOD magazine Villines can still be found at the Mollie Fontaine Lounge, along with Seasons 52, Zebra Lounge, Lafayette’s, Itta Bena, and many other local venues and private parties. His new album is available at all online retailers, and a new album is in the works for fall 2016. Check out Facebook and www.brennanvillines.com to see what he’s up to next.

Brennan Villines Trio

ophisticated pop with a jazz, soul flair — the kind of sound that makes you want to get a glass of wine and relax. Brennan Villines’ music has been described in many ways. However you put it, his smooth sound is hard to ignore, and Memphis has taken notice. In an interesting twist, the Brennan Villines Trio started as an 80s cover band called Rockasaurus Rex when its members were still students at the University Sof Memphis, with Villines as their frontman. After finding their way through the switch to a jazz sound, the group released an EP in 2011 with Memphis pro- ducer Jeff Powell. Even if there were a million fans waiting to see him perform, Villines says he would still play The Or- pheum over the FedEx Forum as his venue of choice. His favorite places to play have that intimate sound and atmosphere that only smaller venues can offer. up, but playing in church and school productions wasn’t enough “People can view me, in my opinion, at my best when I’m some- to truly showcase his talent. As a student at U of M on a full-ride where like the Mollie Fontaine Lounge, downstairs on the piano music scholarship, Villines found like-minded musicians, people with my drummer and my bassist,” Villines says. “I think most he could bounce musical ideas from. He found jazz music - and people who are fans or friends of mine would agree that’s kind of a musical residency at Mollie Fontaine Lounge, a venue suited the sweet spot for me.” perfectly for the style he would make his own. “You could argue His debut solo album, Free, came out in 2015. Recorded in an old that Memphis has given me everything I have musically,” Villines warehouse that’s now High Cotton Brewing Co., the album is an says. “Coming to Memphis was unlocking the door for artistry in eclectic mix of his many artistic influences, from Frank Sinatra to me. It wasn’t until I heard different styles of music that we have here Sam Cook and John Mayer - with a few Memphis influences and and all the different levels of talent and influence here... There’s just collaborations. Villines’ voice and musicianship brings it all together something about being in this city that can bring the soul out of for a smooth, soulful sound that attracted five hundred people for somebody.” the album’s release party at Playhouse on the Square last year, where The Brennan Villines Trio came together to bring their sound to he shared the stage with a 12-piece orchestra. Laurelwood Unplugged last Spring. With an April shower as the Originally from a small town in Kentucky, Villines credits his background, Villines’ voice and the trio’s sound cut through to the development as a musician to his experience at the University of crowd, loyal to the series rain or shine. u Memphis and in the city in general. He took piano lessons growing

LAURELWOOD magazine | 43 For information on booking Marcella and Her Lovers along with the latest for the band, check out their social media and website, www.marcellaandherlovers.com. Marcella and Her Lovers

hen Marcella Simien moved to Memphis instruments key to the unique sound of Zydeco music (along with to attend Memphis College of Art, she was the Zydeco Rubboard). Her first accordion songs were her own no newcomer to the Bluff City. The daugh- renditions of artists like Billie Holliday, Nina Symone, The Rolling ter of Grammy-winning Zydeco artist Stones - not typical sounds for Zydeco, which is American roots Terrance Simien (Terrance Simien and The music grounded in Southern Creole tradition. Zydeco Experience), both of her parents Simien calls her current style “swamp soul”, combining her Loui- Whave served on the board of The Recording Academy’s Memphis siana influence with some Memphis soul and a little blues and rock. Chapter for years, bringing her to Memphis from her hometown of She still draws and sells work, but she has been a full-time musician Lafayette, Louisiana nearly every month from a young age. for more than a year now, performing with the current members of Marcella started out at MCA as a film-making major and grad- Marcella and Her Lovers since 2013 at hotspots in Midtown and uated with a degree in drawing. Although she is a woman of many private events all over the region. talents, her family’s musical influence has taken hold of her career Right now, life for Simien is a busy mix of working to inde- since 2010, when she started playing house parties in Memphis as pendently manage herself and book shows. It’s a challenge she’s the headliner of Marcella and Her Lovers. happy to take on, with plenty of success and exciting projects in the “I was always a really imaginative kid,” Simien says. “I imagined works. “I watched my dad charm audiences all my life but I felt like myself singing to big audiences. My dad spent a lot of time on the it wasn’t in reach for me,” Simien says. “Once I realized the music road, so that was kind of my way to feel close to him.” True to her community in Memphis was so open to me and I started booking upbringing, Simien got her start with the accordion, one of the shows, it seemed to make sense [to be here]. It’s home now.” u

44 | LAURELWOOD magazine You can catch the band’s regular shows at Memphis live music spots like Hi-Tone, Blue Monkey and Blind Bear. Avon Dale’s EP will be out Fall 2016, with plenty of live shows to celebrate. For more information about Avon Dale and the latest on their newest shows and music, check out Facebook or www.thebandavondale.com.

Avon Dale

he Band Avon Dale had an unlikely and move with him. “Memphis has a very rich musical history,” start a long way from the Bluff City be- Polz says. “We’re influenced a lot by soul music.” Memphis brought fore bringing their rootsy rock sounds more than musical inspiration to the group, with the addition of to the Mid-South - the wrestling team local bass guitarist Andrew Allen. By 2014, a year after moving at the University of Illinois Urba- to Memphis and adding Allen, Avon Dale recorded their first EP, na-Champaign. Conrad Polz and Matt Dress It Up, at Ardent Studios with sound engineer Mike Wilson McCarter met as freshmen on the UI and pianist Matt Welch. wrestling team. They soon found more Four years later and still passionate about the music, the group common ground through a love of finds a solid balance between their full-time jobs and live shows, music, honing their craft with nights including a break from school in summer of 2015 that took them on the roof of Polz’s college house on Avondale Avenue. When UI on a tour across the country, from the Mid-South to Michigan and Tclassmate Alec Heist joined on drums, the group became a trio. Polz’s hometown of Chicago. Managing music along with classes and a Division 1 wrestling A second Avon Dale EP is in the works at Ardent Studios with schedule, The Band Avon Dale played its first show just a few weeks a release date of fall 2016. “We’re spent a lot of time and effort on after Polz was named an All-American. this,” Polz says. “Any time you record it’s a process. You get better, Avon Dale brings an authentic rootsy rock mixed with some the songwriting gets better, the performance gets better.” Capping blues and a little soul, highlighted by the constant sounds of acous- off the season at Laurelwood Unplugged, Avon Dale played to an tic and electric guitar from Polz and McCarter. Influenced by artists audience that came, as always, ready to listen and enjoy an evening like Dave Matthews Band and Van Morrison, the group thrives in of music - a calm break from the distractions of the bar crowd for live settings, letting the music flow with concise rock ballads and these passionate musicians. “It was a beautiful night,” Polz says. “It improvised jams. was nice to have that crowd there to listen. In that setting, people When Heist got a job in Memphis through Teach for America, are really there to listen to music.” u the group - all teachers by degree - decided to keep the music going

LAURELWOOD magazine | 45 CULTURE B Fashion

LAURELWOOD is known as the epicenter of fashion in Memphis. The boutiques are always serving up style and the clientele has come to expect the very best. Being chic is always on trend and the looks Laurelwood has to offer this season are going to invoke that perfect quiet chaos that resonates when the right looks strike the chord of desire. The men have lots to choose from, balancing refined and rugged. Women’s fashion is a reflection of high and low mixed with sophisticated ease. Everything about Laurelwood style is enticing and will leave you wishing this cool season never has to end. MODERN

by AUGUSTA CAMPBELL

46 | LAURELWOODMIX magazine HUNTING & GATHERING On Her: mink camouflage jacket from King Furs & Fine Jewelry. White blouse, black leather skirt, and shoes from Joseph. Bracelets and ring from Sissy’s Log Cabin. On Him: Sportscoat, V-neck tshirt, denim, boots, necklace; all from Baer’s Den. Watch from Sissy’s Log Cabin.

LAURELWOOD magazine | 47 TALL DRINK OF WATER The millenial gentleman knows how to layer looks with the right mix of classic and cool. Overcoat and dress shirt from Orvis. Pinstriped suit, knit tie, slip on shoes from James Davis. Watch from Sissy’s Log Cabin.

48 | LAURELWOOD magazine FUR & FLORA For the woman who has everything, a colorful fur adds an unexpected element to any look. Fur from King Furs and Fine Jewelry. Top and skirt from Joseph. Rings, necklace, and earrings from Sissy’s Log Cabin.

LAURELWOOD magazine | 49 50 | LAURELWOOD magazine KICKIN’ IT On Her: Coat from Orvis. Black plaid button down from Sachi. Denim and sneakers from Joseph. Estate emerald and gold necklace from Sissy’s Log Cabin.

Opposite Page: IN THE RIGHT HOOD On Him: Street style gets an upgrade but doesn’t lose its ease. Hoodie and button down from Baer’s Den. Denim from James Davis. Watch from Sissy’s Log Cabin.

LAURELWOOD magazine | 51 52 | LAURELWOOD magazine FINDERS AND KEEPERS Find a luxurious classic now at Laurelwood and keep it for years to come. Good taste never goes out of style and looks like these will always be adored. On Him: Jacket, sweater, ascot, chinos, and slip on shoes from James Davis. On Her: White fur with reversible lynx jacket from King Furs & Fine Jewelry. Maxi dress from Sachi. Gold and diamond feather necklace from Sissy’s Log Cabin. Shoes from Baer’s Den.

LAURELWOOD magazine | 53 901.818.2741

Laurelwood Shopping Center | 374 S Grove Park Rd Memphis Jackson Oxford Hattiesburg Covington Furniture - Mirrors - Art - Lamps - Rugs - Accessories “A Great Look for a Great Price”

Furniture - Mirrors - Art - Lamps - Rugs - Accessories “A Great Look for a Great Price”

901.761.8982 Laurelwood Shopping Center | 374 S Grove Park Rd Memphis Jackson Oxford Hattiesburg Covington CULTURE B Interiors

ARTFUL Personalities by AUGUSTA CAMPBELL

The objects that fill your house are what makes your space unique, giving it personality and making it a home. Favorite items acquired and passed down throughout the years elicit specific memories — whether they’re the original piece your family cherished or a modern creation adding a similar aesthetic. But home design can quickly veer off course without key pieces to unify it. A home, much like life, needs art. The professionals at Blu D’or Interiors are always ready to help. As one of the premier furniture boutiques in the area, Blu D’or offers quality pieces by Lee Industries, Sunbrella, and Juliska, to name a few.

56 | LAURELWOOD magazine Gina Aaron, Emily Ozier, Sarah Robertson, and Lois Arrechea are all women with colorful lives and backgrounds and who all have a passion for their talent.

Personalities Known for stylish design, you can easily wander the shop, getting lost within the vignettes that present a carefully curated lifestyle — scenarios styled with the most tempting furniture and artwork. The artists showcased at Blu D’or Interiors are each known for their own sense of expression. The women whose works hang in the boutique reflect differing subjects, color presentations, and genres. They are fascinating ladies with varying backgrounds and points of view about life. They all have a love for art, and agree that the works you choose are vital to the atmosphere of your home. “Art is a great way to a client’s personality to any room,” Leigh Montgomery. After meeting these local artists, their unique perspectives of art and décor will entice you to rethink your space, and perhaps include one of these “works of heart” in the process.

LAURELWOOD magazine | 57 Lo i s Ar r e c h e a “Loving every minute that I put a color on a canvas.”

s a child growing up in a small Arkansas community, Lois used to thread needles for her grandmother Awho was a talented quilt maker. She would watch her coordinate the storytelling scraps of fabric together and was fascinated by their colors. Lois’s mother encouraged her to pursue art, and she eventually studied art at both the University of Arkansas and The University of Mississippi. The Southern landscape provides a fountain of inspiration for Lois, and she depicts its many forms in a variety of ways, ranging from abstract interpretations to more tradi- tional Impressionistic formats. All the while, her colors are soothing and she notes that her audience is attracted to the “quiet feeling and softness” her canvases hold. Living in Oxford, Miss., also has its inspiration as life is slow and friendly-a term she endearingly calls, “Southerness.” Lois’s two daughters, Sarah Robertson and Katherine Reed, are also successful practicing artists. They often exhibit together showing the variety of their familial talents. Being exposed to art as a child by the female generations before her, and passing on art to her own daughters binds their family in a way uncommon to most. “Blu D’or (Inte- riors) has been a great outlet for my work and I enjoy working with a great group of people,” Lois says. “I know that my work has reached people who otherwise would not have found me.”

58 | LAURELWOOD magazine Sarah Robertson “I paint what interests me.”

arah’s mother, artist Lois Arrechea, has always known Sarah was a talented artist as well. But it wasn’t until Lois Sapplied for them to enter Oxford’s Double Decker Arts Festival years ago that Sarah was truly motivated to hone her craft. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and she hasn’t quit painting since. Sarah was raised in Oxford and holds a degree in Interior Design from The University of Mississippi, but didn’t really start painting until after college — when she couldn’t find original artwork that she liked. She worked on subjects she was familiar with and quotes Picasso when saying, “painting is just another way of keeping a diary.” Cityscapes of urban areas where she has lived hold her fascination. Memphis is now home, and there are many works of hers that beautifully portray the never-ending colors and textures of the River with its bridge and skyline. Her children have also been exposed to art from an early age, and now each has creative interests in writing, filmmaking, and music. Sarah’s hope for her art is that patrons make an emotional connection with it. “Blu D’or representation has expanded the audience of my work in the region, and I adore the entire Blu D’or team,” Sarah says.

LAURELWOOD magazine | 59 Gina Aaron “I believe everyone has something artistic inside them.”

ina’s favorite way to paint is alone in her studio with her music turned up. She Gimmerses herself in her surround- ings, and remembers how she fell in love with painting as a little girl. Taking AP art in high school led to art classes at The University of Ala- bama, then Oklahoma. Now, she’s a wife, mom, and working artist who likes to experiment with a variety of techniques and blast music to find her way inside her mind while she’s painting. Her current style of choice is abstract painting, and she produces works that are interesting to look at and tempting to touch. The colors are fluid, and the movement in her works is engaging. They bring the consumer into a soft world of seren- ity and composition that is sublime. She’s also been dabbling with shad- ow boxes that are made from natural materials. They’ve proven to be demanding, but Gina has embraced the challenge. Gina is inspired daily by the growing number of recognizable Mem- phis artists and the community that is being cultivated by these thinking minds and working hands. She believes everyone has his or her own form of expression. “It brings me the most joy and sense of accomplish- ment to see a client that is happy with my painting, and can proudly put it on their wall,” Gina says.

60 | LAURELWOOD magazine E mily Ozier “Painting is about learning to see.”

mily lives a bucolic existence in rural Tennessee with her husband and six children, Ewhom she home schools. Life on the farm is full circle for her as she has been around the globe perfecting her skills and learning that creating art is about training your own eyes. She practiced drawing and sketching daily as a child and adolescent, a skill she credits now for bringing tremen- dous value to her adult profession. The lines she sketched eventually transitioned to figures as her eyes began to see shape, light, and form, rather than simple lines. International influences appear in Emily’s works through the vibrant colors and loose forms of Impres- sionism. Her mother escaped Cuba as a child, and although Emily has not yet made it back, one can easily see how the Havana-lineage presents itself. Her perspective is one that fo- cuses on how Havana is in redemp- tion and thus giving to humanity countless stories, light, and color. Emily knows that art gives the senses pleasure but also intersects where the heart and intellect meet. Art education for children unlocks an appetite and appreciation for beauty and learning — to find it in everyone and everything. Emily fo- cuses on these lessons with her own children as she teaches them and plays with them. Life with six kids under the age of 12 naturally influences her art — which she describes as “loose, flexible, messy, and bright.” Emily says she wants her art to be “in places that people love to wander in to see beautiful things. That way my work might catch their heart, and speak to them about something in their own life. Blu D’or gives them that opportunity in Memphis.”

LAURELWOOD magazine | 61 “Update your home in unexpected ways with a visit to Blu d’or Interiors!”

JJILL.COM MISSES PETITE WOMEN’S TALL

1318PA73991_Laurelwood_Mag_PA_v3.indd 1 9/22/16 10:01 AM LAURELWOOD LUX

Louboutin Joseph

aurelwood is known for its treasure trove of finer things. While there is always something desirable to be had at Lany given boutique in the Center, sometimes the element of fantasy presents itself and all common sense is abandoned. The whimsy of impractical magic has surfaced this season in a most exquisite confection — the purple velvet Louboutin pump adorned with champagne bubbles. Dorothy had her ruby slippers and Cinderella had her glass shoe. What kind of gal is going to wear these and what will they gain for her? A safe trip home? A prince? There’s no telling what sort of mind trip this alluring pair of shoes will bring. There may be no place like home, but if these high heels are as charming as they look, whoever wears them will be living in a fantasy.

64 | LAURELWOOD magazine IT’S EASY TO GET LOST IN A BOOK; WHY NOT LOSE YOURSELF IN A BOOKSTORE?

We offer books on all subjects, specializing in bestsellers and local interest. Plus, we have a boutique-selection of DVDs and music. We’re also proud to showcase cards, gifts, lotions, candles, and gourmet food items. Hosting almost 250 events annually, we feature local authors, best-selling celebrity authors, children’s story times and special kids’ events. Our children’s department boasts a comprehensive selection of books for all reading levels along with imaginative and creative toys. Be sure to ask an employee about our Gives Back Preferred Customer Program. The Booksellers at Laurelwood (formerly known as Davis-Kidd Booksellers) is proud to serve as Memphis’ premier independent bookstore for over 30 years.

387 Perkins Road Ext. 901-683-9801 TheBooksellersAtLaurelwood.com

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For Every Generation

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