www.belmontvision.com The student newspaper of Belmont University Vol. 60, No. 3 October 28, 2010

CONTENTS Halloween at Belmont ...... 8 College of Law honors donors ...... 2 Seven days a week ...... 9 Election 2010 politics as usual ...... 3 New basketball season coming up ...... 10 SIFE team takes 3rd at World Cup ...... 3 Eszell era begins for women’s basketball ...... 11 Rose Park renovations on track ...... 4 Men hope to build on last year’s success ...... 11 Bike sharing: This wheel’s for hire ...... 4 Pierce Greenberg: Don Meyer at Belmont Nov. 9...... 12 Kathy Mattea’s new album is ‘Coal’ ...... 5 Bruiser: a job worth bearing ...... 12 Erin Carson: News saturation kills debate ...... 6 Cage the Elephant ...... 13 Cassidy Hodges: Facebook, Apple protect my heart ...... 6 Eat your heart out: Fake dates with Cassidy & Kevin...14 Hillsboro Village: pancakes, pop culture, popsicles ...... 7 Beat ‘n’ Track: Chase Foster...... 15 Page 2 The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 College of Law honors donors By Dulce Torres Staff Writer The College of Law will be the newest academic addition to Belmont, bringing another professional degree to the university’s growing list of programs. The next step toward the law school came with a groundbreaking ceremony at the site – the corner of 15th and Acklen avenues – and the announcement that it will be called the Randall and Sadie Baskin Center. “This is the single largest commitment that I have ever made in my life,” said Randall Baskin, Brentwood-based founder of the Conti- nental Life Insurance Co. He and his wife are longtime friends of Belmont, and Randall Baskin has served on the board of trustees. The Baskins provided a $7-million leadership grant that will go toward the program and the building, which is expected to cost $32 million and will open in fall 2012. The first students will begin in Fall 2011 and will use other classrooms at Belmont while the Baskin Center is completed. Projections are for the school to have 100 students to start in 2011. Students will be added each year to reach a capacity of about 350. “They successfully will be creating a new law school in this state for the first time in many, many years,” Nashville Mayor Karl Dean said at the groundbreaking ceremony. “It is a very positive step for Nashville.” The city is also home to Vanderbilt University Law School, estab- lished in 1874, and Nashville School of Law, established in 1911. For the moment though, the school will not try to compete with other law schools. “Being a new school, we’ll have to work our way up the system,” Belmont College of Law Dean Jeffrey Kinsler said. “Nashville was a big draw for the law school because of a better lifestyle than bigger, crowded cities,” Kinsler said. “The Christian mission [of Belmont] has also been a plus.” The law school’s outreach for diversity shows 20 percent racial and ethnic minorities in admissions to date. Current admissions data also shows that 60 percent are female. Kinsler said he also expects signifi- Photos by Dulce Torres cant faculty diversity. “We don’t typically get international students but we will have Groundbreaking for the Randall and American diversity,” he said. Sadie Baskin Center marked the of- Kinsler said he’s confident in demographic studies that indicate ficial beginning for the building that that more lawyers will be needed in Tennessee. “The law school was will house Belmont’s College of Law. The day’s events included, clockwise designed to pick up the need now.” from top, a cake modeled after a To start, the law school will have a three-year program focusing on scale rendering of the facility; U.S. skills, practice, professionalism and ethics. Rep. Jim Cooper and Nashville “We plan to offer some concentrations that complements Belmont Mayor Karl Dean, who spoke at and Nashville, mainly entertainment and music business law,” Kinsler the ceremony; Randall and Sadie said. Baskin, donors and longtime friends The school will also have its own placement department, and it is of Belmont, for whom the building is named; and remarks by Jeffery Kin- already building relationships with law firms. sler, dean of the Belmont College “If anybody can handle legal education right, it’s probably of Law. The building is scheduled to Belmont,” said Rep. Jim Cooper, who represents the 5th District of open for students by Fall 2012. Tennessee in Congress. Hotels filling up for May 2011 By Kevin Heim Staff Writer When graduation rolls around this spring, Belmont seniors can expect to celebrate with over 1,500 Vander- Gimme shelter bilt graduates as well. The two schools share a May While hotels in the West End area 14 graduation date, which means the families of grads are heavily booked around the May could have a hard time finding a hotel room. 14 graduation ceremonies at Belmont The Marriott at Vanderbilt is already sold out for May’s graduation weekend. A spokesperson at the hotel and Vanderbilt, there are places to said they began taking reservations in June and filled up sleep just a few miles away. quickly. Several other hotels nearby are sold out as well. • Hilton Suites Brentwood; $131 and One of the few West End area hotels still taking reservations for that weekend is the Loews Vanderbilt. up; 615-370-0111 The cost is $499 per night for the right to sleep before • Hampton Inn Brentwood/ I-65 S; graduation in style. $118 and up; 615-373-2212 This unlikely confluence of graduations began more than a year ago when the academic calendars were set • Homewood Suites Brentwood ; $122 for both Belmont and Vanderbilt. and up; 615-377-3332 Luckily, the families of Belmont’s Class of 2012 won’t have to compete with Vanderbilt families for • Holiday Inn Express Brentwood; rooms. Vanderbilt is set to hold their commencement $99 and up; 615-221-5001 festivities the weekend before Belmont’s. The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Page 3 Election 2010 politics as usual By Hilli Levin Staff Writer Tea party candidates like Christine O’Donnell and Carl Paladino have been picked on for Evenf i you aren’t interested in politics, chances are you’ve seen a large amount of media their often-surprising remarks. Similar stories on figures such as Nancy Pelosi and President coverage, from Fox News to “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” on the Nov. 2 midterm Obama have also gained traction. elections this year. Many Americans are noticing the increasing partisan divided. There are two ways to This rise in interest “seems to be driven by the Tea Party phenomenon and general frus- look at this partisan media trend of pointing out the worst of both parties, said May. Scholars tration with the government,” said Vaughn May, chair of the political science department at argue the country is either “losing civil discourse,” making it increasingly difficult to Belmont. discuss political differences, or this spectacle is driving more voters to the polls and gener- The midterm elections happen two years after every presidential election. This year, the ating interest in politics, May said. elections will decide all 435 seats in the U.S. House, 36 seats in the Senate, and 37 governor- As far as talking points for this election go, economic issues have been front and center, ships. he said. Social issues like unemployment, the national debt, and government spending are The “Tea Party phenomenon” began in 2009 as a conservative fringe movement that has also among the most popular issues, he added. been making strides among Libertarians and more conservative Republicans alike and has The elections are next week, and Republicans are projected to make gains. “It will turn driven out many moderate Republican candidates during this campaign. This sudden rise in out to be a good year for the Republican Party,” said May. “I think they will get the House, popularity has caused the media to scramble to cover this movement as it unfolds, and since but probably not the Senate.” it seems to be one of the most popular political movements in recent memory, the coverage May said that even though this election and the candidates have had their fair share of has kept increasing. media bombardment, it really doesn’t seem to be much different than in years past. SIFE team takes 3rd at World Cup By Erin Carson E ditor “Each team represented their own country’s culture It’s been quite a year for the members of Belmont’s by wearing native dress (for Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team. In May, they won us, cowboy hats and cowboy the 2010 national championship, and this month they trav- boots), chanting and singing eled to Anaheim, Calif., where they represented the entire songs, and dancing,” she United States in the SIFE World Cup and finished in third said. “The ongoing theme of place. the competition was that the “This was an experience of a lifetime,” 2010 Belmont world is flat because from our graduate Wesley Rainer said. Rainer, with two other 2010 seats we could see Germany, grads and nine current Belmont students, took part as either Singapore, Brazil, Kenya, presenters or observers in the competition. They were one etc.” of 39 teams from around the world that participated in three “The whole experience rounds of competition. By the final round, only the U.S., from winning the national Egypt, China and India remained. competition to placing third SIFE is a non-profit organization that “works with in the world has been a whirl- leaders in business and higher education to mobilize wind and has surpassed all of university students to make a difference in their communi- our expectations,” Richardson ties,” according to their website. During the past five years, said. Belmont students have partnered with businesses and Belmont SIFE Advisor organizations to create a number of projects over the years, Dr. John Gonas had similar like Rumba Roast free trade coffee and more recently, an thoughts, especially when environmental education children’s book series and a DVD comparing Belmont to the Photo by Katherine Richardson to explain the American banking system to refugees and other teams. Belmont’s students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team won the national championship in May immigrants. “[They] have a lot more and represented the U.S. in the SIFE World Cup in October. “The goal of Belmont SIFE is to create long-term rela- history, a lot more resources, tionships with our community partners to maximize impact government sponsorships, and sustainability,” junior team member Katherine Rich- corporate sponsorships,” Gonas said. “For us to represent in mind, he said, “the results take care of themselves.” ardson said. the whole 600 U.S. teams was definitely an honor.” Now that the World Cup is over, Richardson said the Belmont presented six projects about Market Economics, Gonas attributes some of the team’s success to focusing team is already processing the experience. Success Skills, Business Ethics, Financial Literacy, on relationships. “We have already met to discuss what we learned from Entrepreneurship, Environmental Sustainability, and Team “[We] always structure our projects around long term the competition and how we can incorporate what we Sustainability. relationships and not results,” Gonas said, also noting that learned into new or existing projects,” she said. “We do Apart from the competition, Richardson said the teams the SIFE students are well aware that their projects may not have some new, really exciting projects coming up so keep got to attend a culture fair on their first day. bear fruit until several years after they are gone. With this an eye out for us!”

SIFE students attended a culture fair on their first day in California. Each team had a booth to represent their country. Belmont SIFE team members wore cowboy hats and boots.

Photos by Katherine Richardson Page 4 The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Rose Park renovations on track

By Brian Wilson STAFF WRITER Barrick said the track and fi eld team hopes to work with departments will try to bid for and host a number of events, another university so the entire team will have a place to which would be a fi rst for the program. With Rose Park construction progressing on schedule, practice and compete. The rest of the park’s construction is going as planned many Belmont athletes will soon practice and compete on “It’s the Belmont way to partner with the community,” and on schedule, Grones said. much improved fi elds, even though there will still be some he said. “We will do anything we can to provide sites for “If the weather continues to cooperate, we’ll do better limitations. events we’ve provided for in the past.” than that,” he said. The facility, 10 blocks from Belmont’s campus, is From what offi cials have seen so far, the park will be expected to be ready for baseball and softball games by a major success for Belmont and the community, Barrick mid-February. The soccer fi eld and surrounding track will said. be ready for events by next fall. “It’s going to be a From the time the plan was announced almost four years Not all of the track and fi eld team, however, will have ago, however, neighbors in the Edgehill community where a competitive home at Rose Park. Multiple circumstances the park is located had questions about it. After a series of have forced the javelin throw and hammer throw events fi rst-class facility.” legal challenges, in July the Tennessee Court of Appeals to be moved off-site. The limited space in the area made it Steve Barrick issued a fi nal ruling in favor of Belmont. challenging for planners to fi nd a place for the two events. ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Construction began quickly after the legal challenge “They tried as hard as they could to fi t it in, but they just ended, and both Belmont and the community will be able to couldn’t,” associate athletic director Steve Barrick said. use the baseball, softball soccer, and track and fi eld areas, The events were also moved because the soccer fi eld Despite the limitations, track and fi eld coach Jeff as well as a walking track with a clear view of the Nashville will use artifi cial turf, and a sharp javelin thrown from the Langdon is confi dent the park will bring his teams together. skyline. surrounding track could damage the fi eld. In a statement, he said Rose Park “represents an exciting “We’re all excited. It’s going to be here before we know “It’s just not safe to throw the javelin around there,” said new chapter for the program.” it,” Barrick said. “We will tweak and work to give our Mark Grones, Belmont’s liaison for the Rose Park construc- These circumstances also won’t stop Belmont from student-athletes a place to work and play. It’s going to be a tion. bidding for and trying to host track meets. The athletics fi rst-class facility.”

This wheel’s for hire! HALCYON BIKE SHOP By Max Shenfi eld bike (and handy bike lock). – and a fi ne as well. STAFF WRITER So what’s it like riding a bike As far as the quality of the bikes, around the Belmont area? they aren’t up to Tour de France All the bikes for Belmont sharing were Yep. It’s true. You can now rent Almost every Belmont building has standards, but this is not a competi- donated by Halcyon Bike Shop, an bikes at the Beaman fi tness center a bike rack within 20 feet, including tion. The seats defi nitely cause some for free every day of the week except the Sports Fitness Center, Belmont soreness/discomfort, and the brakes alum-owned business at 1118 Halcyon Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Just Heights Baptist Church, and Bongo may take an extra couple of feet to Ave., just off 12 South. walk up to the front desk, sign your Java on Belmont Boulevard. The about actually stop the bike. However, name on a waiver, and you’re good most hospitable place to bike in the they are all fundamentally sound., and Bike owners can head over to Halcyon to roam the streets from Wedgewood immediate area is defi nitely Belmont the 10 bikes available for sharing have for $10 minor repairs, major repairs Avenue to downtown. Boulevard, with bike lanes on both adequate gears, wheels and frames, and supplies. Two catches: One, you have to sides of the street. and optional baskets if you’re going return the bike to the rental bike rack Many places around town provide grocery shopping. They are in a wide They also offer a wide selection of new (at the pedestrian entrance of the bike racks, including Harris Teeter, variety of sizes, so don’t worry if bikes for bike renters and walkers look- parking garage next to the Atrium) and Vanderbilt University. A lot of bike you’re very short or tall. They’ve got ing for an easier way to travel. your helmet and keys to the Beaman locks are used to secure a bike to rail- you covered. by 10 p.m.; two, you’re required to ings, electric poles, and stop signs, but For more information visit belmont. Info: 615-730-9344 wear a helmet, which comes with your some of those just might earn a ticket edu/bikes.

PHOTOS BY ERIN CARSON If the Zip Car is too big, too fast, too expensive, Belmont now has 10 blue bikes for sharing.

We want to change your life. The Week at Belmont New show every Wednesday www.belmontvision.com The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Page 5 Environmental concerns Kathy Mattea’s ‘Coal’ album draws its focus from West Virginia roots

By Lisa Sekscinski Staff Writer

Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Kathy Mattea will be speaking about her musical career that has lasted more than 30 years. The convocation takes place at 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 3 in the Neely Dining Room. She has been honored for her music with multiple CMA, ACM, and Grammy Awards, including 1989 CMA Female Vocalist of the Year and the 1990 Grammy for Best Country Performance/ Female. She has released 18 Top Ten singles, including the country music chart toppers “Eighteen Wheels and a Dozen Roses” and “Goin’ Gone.” Mattea has just released her latest album, “Coal,” a critically acclaimed project paying homage to her roots. Raised near Charleston, W.Va, Mattea grew up surrounded by mining culture, and the influence is preva- lent in Coal. The album, one Mattea has been dreaming of creating for years, addresses the day-ti-day life struggles of a mining community. The Nashville Scene said Mattea’s “social commen- tary,” helped land her the role of spokesperson for the Christian environmentalist group, Lindquist Environ- mental Appalachian Fellowship. “Concern for God’s Creation is not a matter of being liberal or conservative, a Republican or a Democrat,” Photo courtesy of James Minchin according to LEAF’s website. “We believe people of faith Singer/songwriter Kathy Mattea is involved in environmental issues, an interest that comes out of her upbringing around the coal can look beyond such distinctions and do the Lord’s work mines of West Virginia. together.” Growing up around mining culture, Mattea saw a need Mattea and LEAF are working to enable the Chris- for LEAF’s voice and began to support this group’s initia- tian community in East Tennessee to step up and fight Kat hy Mattea: Career & Coal tive to raise awareness of the environmental concerns of this practice through the availability of literature, e-mail Entertainer and environmentalist Kathy Mattea mountaintop removal. campaigns and public speaking opportunities. will talk about both her career and her concern for Mountaintop removal is the process of mining coal Mattea’s lecture will touch both on her career in the the environment 10-11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 3 in or other substances by removing the earth at the peak music industry as well as her life as an environmentalist Neely Dining Hall. Christian Faith Development through explosives. This process can have adverse effects and Christian. convo credit will be available. on the environment of the mountain. Bamboo: It’s not just for pandas By Hannah Hyde Staff Writer Once the bamboo is harvested, it is taken to a factory “We want to take our time and evolve in the right ways. Imagine wearing a shirt made of bamboo. It should feel where the inner core of the bamboo is extracted and soaked We’re looking into creating men’s T-shirts, as well as rigid, wooden and just plain weird, right? Wrong. in a hydroxide bath. Through the bath, the core forms a women’s yoga pants and sweatshirts,” Fulmer said. Bamboo U is a Brentwood, Tenn- based company that pulp, which is strung out and dried, and then woven into a Right now, Bamboo U is sold at Scarlett Begonia on specializes in producing T-shirts that are made of bamboo rayon-type cloth. West End Avenue and through bamboou.com. – which, surprisingly, can be a very soft, breathable and Bamboo U mixes 70 percent of the bamboo cloth with sustainable fabric. 30 percent organic cotton, so the material isn’t quite as slick, Bamboo is a self-regenerating plant, so even after it but still very breathable. has been harvested, it will grow back. Bamboo requires no The ink used on the shirts is water-based, enabling it to Ot her Eco-Friendly pesticides or insecticides to grow, just rain- survive countless runs through the washing water and sunshine. machine without fading. The thinner, Clothing: Jeff Fulmer heads the water-based inks can withstand company. Before he began, he heat better than traditional PVC- TOMS produces many styles of shoes that are wanted to know that not only based inks. made with recycled materials. These styles was the process of forming the Fulmer said he doesn’t believe are also vegan-friendly because they are made shirts environmentally conscious, bamboo will ever fully replace with no animal products featuring a canvas but the place where they were made cotton, but it will become more insole instead of the standard leather. was, too. relevant as people look for more options “I wanted to know that products were to solve some of the more serious envi- going to be coming from a safe place,” ronmental issues. Soy-based fabric has become an alternative to Fulmer said. “The environmental story will never silk or cashmere. Soy clothing doesn’t wrinkle In this case, that place is China, completely go away,” Fulmer said. “It will or shrink and it is resistant to bacteria. Soy which does not have the best track always come back.” fabric is biodegradable and can be mixed with record for protecting the environment Bamboo U chooses to target the other fabrics like cotton. and the workers, college student demographic because But Fulmer said he is attentive to Fulmer thinks this generation is more Hemp cloth has been around since 8000 those concerns, and he said he knows environmentally conscious than B.C.E. Hemp can grow without pesticides and that the factory is in good condi- previous ones. herbicides and is not genetically engineered. tion and workers are paid the average wage for the “In 20 years, we won’t be here, but they will,” he said. Hemp fabric is strong and durable and is ma- process that begins with growing bamboo in mass quanti- Currently, Bamboo U only has women’s style T-shirts, chine washable. ties. though Fulmer wants to expand.

Let us know what you think. Send a signed letter, 400 words max, with your phone number. You have three options: go to belmontvision.com, click on staff/ contact, then “write us a letter” or submit it via email to [email protected] or mail it to Editor, Belmont Vision, 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville, TN 37212. ideasThe Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 News saturation kills debate

I like news a lot. I like reading it, I like listening to it, O’Donnell’s under there. I like writing it and I love writing about it. When the time Erin Carson “I’m not a That’s why I like those under-the-radar news articles the rolls around every month to write my column for the Vision, witch, I’m best. They still have room for interpretation, for extrapola- I usually start sifting through all the articles I starred on you” ad on tion. They have a potential that compels the reader to think. Google Reader or passed along to friends. Something loop. These When a story gets too much coverage, honestly, I feel a little usually pops up. In many cases, the average article that elections have bit robbed, as if everybody beat me to the punch. Before I gets digitally tucked away for future reference is something been a bona even had a chance to roll it around in my head for while, small that didn’t get much &buzz. fide circus, they outlined all possible implications and served it on a This month it hasn’t been as easy, though, and that’s but even a platter. I’ve heard people say that news is boring, that it’s counter intuitivea because of how much ise going on in the circus has just facts, but I’ve always seen a beauty in being handed that news–Chilean miners, midterm elections, French protests, multiple rings. skeleton of a story. It is as if the writer and the reader have NPR reporters getting fired, Don’t Ask Don’t Tell– juicy Entertaining a mutual understanding that the reader does not need to be topics, all of which I have an opinion on, but after 10 at times? Yes, spoon-fed and is perfectly capable of coming to a conclusion minutes of scanning through Google Reader, I don’t want to but we’ve got on their own – because if there’s something that drives me write about any of it. to put a cap on up the wall, it’s being told how to think and of course, what It’s not because these items are not important; it’s this sucker at to write. because these days when a story breaks it takes all of an some point. Along those lines, when journalism is done well, there’s hour for journalists, bloggers, analysts and pundits to tear While something great about trusting the reader enough to take it apart and completely over-saturate the audience. I don’t trying to what you wrote and do with it what they may: Here’s a story, want to read 24 posts about why or if NPR was right or figure out created free from interference or obligation. It’s as even as wrong to fire veteran reporter Juan Williams for saying what to write about, I daydreamed about creating an alter- anything man-made can be and it’s yours. that since 9/11 he has a moment of anxiety if he boards nate news outlet of some kind that refused to cover high an airplane and sees someone in “Muslim garb.” In the profile news stories. It could be a network where, instead Erin Carson, Vision editor, is a senior journalism major in immortal words of my high school gym locker neighbor, of worrying about not missing any of the “big ones,” they the Honors Program. “I’m over it.” These stories get put through the strainer so intentionally sought out the stories that would likely get quickly that I lose the will power to debate or swap opinions skipped over. The stories would still be important; the news with anyone. One round would have been enough. directors would just figure that the audience is getting all Mostly though, it makes me wonder what other things that other stuff elsewhere. It could be a way of turning off What others are saying are happening in the world while the networks run Christine all the noise. I’m convinced there’s got to be something else What is the point of education if we are sports unwilling to directly challenge each other’s ideas? Or have our own ideas Facebook, Apple protect my heart challenged in return? It is easy to think you’re right when the only voice saying I’m not usually one to kiss and tell, So to Facebook, I say “thank you” without you. so is your own. but I recently became aware of my need for helping me get over my ex. You’ll Dearest Apple, my second best The Daily Princetonian for oversight in my romantic endeavors. never know how safe I feel perusing friend, I’m forever indebted to you Princeton University There’s my cell phone, my Facebook, for your new patent on anti-sexting gchat, ichat, Facebook chat, all poten- software. My chastity isn’t exactly the tial bombs to my relationships with Cassidy Hodges stronghold of self-restraint that it once If our Facebook identities are becom- boyfriends past, present and future. was and without your piety, my soul ing our entire online identity, then we So I’m left rifling through my flirting could be forever lost to the dominion of must take special precautions in protect- options: Do I text, do I call, do I say degradation. ing them. I have received one too many nothing at all? Or maybe write a little I’m certain you have this generation’s emails apologizing for content sent to me something on his Facebook wall. I could best interest at heart. I think Ke$ha due to some nefarious person gaining ac- always shoot him a message, but maybe really captures the essence of so many cess to a friend’s account. that’s too forward. Amidst my distress, lives with the line, “get my drunk text I know I can always be held accountable on, I’ll regret it in the mornin’.” The Daily Mississippi fitness University of Mississippi for my dating decisions by those with Thank you, Apple. Thank you, Face- whom I spend most of my time–Face- book. You’ve heard our cries of oppres- book and Apple. sion from underneath a technological These old fogies seem to think the sup- Throughout my attempts to dodge tyrant, and you have finally released us posed Internet generation is a giant herd the communication land mines laid from the restraints of debauchery, taking of social maladroits rapidly clicking across my dating field, it has been these the reins of all personal judgment, between videos of explosions and flash- friends who have guided my moral absolving us from every electronic based Facebook games, switching sites compass. They’ve stood beside me indiscretion. every five seconds to satisfy their ever- during a late night text “Hey ;) . . .” and your site with the constant assuredness shrinking attention spans. steered me in a better direction on rose- that good ol’ Jordo won’t be staring back Cassidy Hodges, Vision managing edi- colored evenings when past relation- at me with his new girlfriend in tow. tor, is a senior journalism major. The Plainsman ships seemed a bit more glamorous. Really, Facebook, I couldn’t have done it Auburn University

Editor: Erin Carson Managing Editor: Cassidy Hodges The Student Newspaper of Bemont University Sports Editor: Pierce Greenberg Layout and design: Lisa Sekscinski 1900 Belmont Blvd., Nashville TN 37212 Phone: 615.460.6433 Faculty Adviser: Linda Quigley E-mail: [email protected] Online/Graphics Adviser: Angela Smith The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Page 7 Hillsboro Village You’ll find pancakes, pop culture, popsicles

Photos and story by Chelsea Reed Kallman Staff Writer Sandra Shelton, owner of Pangaea, has lived here all her life. Her store has been in Hillsboro Village since 1997. Dogs lounge on the sidewalk tethered to their owner’s “I’ve seen the village go up and down over the years. chair. Friends chat away sipping cups of coffee. Couples When I moved down here it had started a pretty good walk past hand-in-hand talking about where to buy wedding revival because of Provence and Fido. That really stepped dresses or where to eat. Doorways jingle in the storefronts up the interest of people coming to the village,” said as people peruse clothing, jewelry, cosmetics and furniture. Shelton. Men raise their arms and shout at the TV’s in the open-air Fido has been it’s Village location – a former pet store bar. A group of students decide their feelings on the French – for 14 years. Having expanded the seating in the cafe last movie they just saw. fall Bob Bernstein, owner of Bongo Productions, including This could be any day of the week, nearly anytime but Bongo Java, is adding a new business to his collection. The there’s only one place in Nashville where all of these things connection to Hillsboro Village? It’s right next to Fido. always reside: Hillsboro Village. The little strip on 21st Avenue South is packed with a palate of Nashville’s tastes, New Additions including food, clothing and entertainment. It’s been around Bernstein is opening what he calls an experimental for years, experiencing ebbs and flows of vitality, but it was business called Hot & Cold, mixing espresso with popsicles really in the mid-nineties that it became alive. and ice cream. His wife, Irma Paz Bernstein, owner of Las Paletas, will be his main provider of popsicles while he brings in his espresso machines to test these hot and cold mixtures. The products will be no different than going in to either store separately, except now they will be married together. One Join the line for breakfast at Pancake of the menu items Bernstein Pantry. mentioned was popsicles dipped There’s also The Belcourt, a movie in espresso. Hot & Cold will also theater that has been in the village since carry premium ice cream. The 1925. It’s gone through a lot of remod- provider of that treat isn’t publicly eling and different owners over the known yet, but it will be a totally years but now it shows films at all times different product than Sweet focusing on foreign films or classic CeCe’s, Hillsboro’s other frozen movies as Kirk Futrell, facility manager treat shop, Bernstein said. and head projectionist at Belcourt, Sweet CeCe’s is a fairly new called them. addition to Hillsboro Village, Even though storefronts might have about a block away from where changed over the years and homes Hot & Cold will be. Sweet Cece’s, changed into restaurants Futrell said a frozen yogurt shop, started as a The Belcourt has remained a key loca- local business with several loca- tion. tions. Bernstein thinks the differ- “It’s an anchor institution there. A ences between the stores will be community anchor. It’s a destination easy to see. From Belmont, walk or bike to Hillsboro for people to go to that’s been there, Village. “It’s just too weird to fran- unchanging, for 80 years,” said Futrell. chise,” said Bernstein about Hot & Hillsboro Village has everything Cold. from shopping, a park, food, movies and banks, an art gallery and bridal shop. Even though these businesses might Hillsboro’s personality be old ideas they’re being made new with unique twists and But that type of store fits right in with all of Hillsboro accessible locations. Village’s offbeat vendors, like Shelton’s store, Pangaea, “Artists, musicians, and the intellectual side of Nashville which offers varieties of pillows, clothing, jewelry and hangs out and lives in Hillsboro Village,” said Bernstein. quirky home decor items. It’s the part of Nashville where you can regularly go, not Pangaea’s colorful exterior continues inside with merchandise “I live nearby, it’s my neighborhood anyway. Great like the honky-tonks on Broadway. It’s all right there, next from many countries. places to eat. Great places to shop. The theater. It’s to Belmont’s campus, so go explore for yourself and find out wonderful. I hardly leave my bubble,” Shelton said. what Hillsboro Village has to offer you. Two more Greek groups may come to BU

By Madoree Pipkins Staff Writer thing holding us back is the burden of regional and national Curtis Pettaway, also a senior, shares the same emotion as President Bob Fisher has a vision for a more diverse paperwork.” Burns. “None of the other organizations scream my name campus, and one of the steps toward that might be the Manogin said he feels Kappa Alpha Psi will attract new like this one does.” addition of another African-American founded Greek letter minority students to Belmont while grabbing the attention Even though graduation is on the verge for both Burns organization being chartered at Belmont. of male students who are already on campus. and Pettaway, the two remain hopeful they will be able to Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity, Incorporated held its first Senior Travis Burns attended the interest meeting and become members before they receive their diplomas. interest meeting last month inside of a Massey conference said he believes the fraternity is right for him. In addition to Kappa Alpha Psi joining the National room. “It defines and entails everything that I’m about,” he Pan-Hellenic Council at Belmont, talks have begun to At the interest meeting, led by Kappa Alpha Psi alum, said. “I feel like bringing Kappa to Belmont would replicate bring a chapter of first and oldest African-American female attendees learned basic information about the fraternity the proper image of the African-American male.” sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, to Belmont. including the purpose and eligibility requirements in order Burns is African-American, and while he said he Sarah Rochford, coordinator of student activities, is the to become members. respects Kappa Alpha Psi’s minority founding history, it’s student adviser for all Greek organizations on campus. She The fraternity could be on campus as soon next month, not the main reason for his interest. has made an effort to reach out to the local and regional according to Greg Manogin, Belmont financial aid coun- “The mission statement says Kappa’s are excellent in offices of the sorority. selor and Kappa Alpha Psi alum. every field of human endeavor. I pride myself in being “I’ve made some calls, so we will see what happens. “There is a 50 percent chance it could be here this fall excellent in everything that I do. It has nothing to do with We’d love to add AKAs on campus. It would really add and 75 percent it will be in the spring,” he said. “The only my race and all to do with what type of person I am.” some more excitement on campus.” Page 8 The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Halloween at Belmont of the wealthiest women in America at the time. But Brown said many in Legends of Tennessee had entered into prenuptial agreements before her time. Bell Tower, Adelecia was most certainly a socialite in Nashville. Legends say this tunnels don’t is all she did, though, and charge that she was somewhat careless with her children and husbands. match facts Brown says she was just a “divisive figure in Nashville.” A letter between By Pierce Greenberg Adelecia and one of her sisters talks and Chelsea Reed Kallman about her dating one of the Polks, as in The legends all exist. For decades, a relative of President James K. Polk. students have heard stories about In it she says all of Nashville is talking Adelecia Acklen, tunnels on campus about the courtship. and maybe even quirky collections. As “She lived a much more flamboyant, for what’s true about all these things, and public life than, say, the Overtons the facts can be a little shaky. Mark did,” said Brown, referring to another Brown, the executive director of the wealthy and influential Nashville Belmont Mansion, speaks up to dispel family. Because of her non-traditional some of them. lifestyle, Adelicia was judged perhaps more readily than others, thus creating The tunnels the legends of carelessness. There are two places on campus that look like tunnels to who knows where. Why did so many of Adelecia’s children One is by the greenhouse and the other, die? most questioned, is in front of the Brown talked of a legend that seems Bell Tower. They look like staircases to have been lost to time. Her second into the ground with a grate over the husband, Col. Joseph Alexander Smith top. Legend has it that either of these Acklen, was said to have bought a tunnels went from the Bell Tower to the statue of an angel for Adelecia. The mansion for servants to travel on or that angel holds three things in one hand Photo by Cassidy Hodges/Vision photoillustration they were used for the Underground and a cup in the other. The legend says Campus legends of a ghost at the Belmont Mansion are just that – legends. Or maybe not. Railroad during The Civil War. the three things were sleeping pills Brown’s professional, historical she planned to give to her children and is related to the gators. It is said that one day the The only thing she asked the potential buyers input: “There are no tunnels. There the cup had wine it because she was scaly reptiles got loose and were walking around was that she be allowed to leave her furniture in never were any tunnels.” partying downstairs. on Hillsboro Pike. Brown doesn’t know if this storage at Belmont until her home in D.C. was The “tunnel” by the greenhouse Brown said the legend is wrong on is true or not. If it is, it must have caused quite a completed. was the entrance to a basement. The two fronts. commotion. She died before this could happen though. way greenhouses operated in 1857 was First, the statue was made to portray While the estate was being settled, Miss Herron by heating a furnace underneath it, a poem by Joseph Moore that showed Adelecia’s death and will and Miss Hood, two teachers from Columbia, allowing the heat to rise to create the the three tiers of a penitent sinner and In 1887 Adelecia moved to Washington D.C. Tenn., are said to have seen the Bell Tower and correct temperature for the plants. the cup of the water of eternal life. She was building a new home there and was in knew it would be a “great site for a woman’s The one in front of the Bell Tower Second, Joseph did not buy it to the process of selling the Belmont Mansion to school.” originally had pipes laid in it to bring remind Adelecia of what a bad mother a land development company. Later in the year, Whether or not the women actually decided water to the fountains. she was. In reality, she purchased it while on a shopping trip for furniture in New on the land in that way is uncertain, but it was Brown says these “tunnels” were herself following Joseph’s death. York City, she died at the age of 70. not Adelecia’s original plan to have a university built in 1859, two years before The Civil Legends such as this make people Legends say Adelecia stated in her will that on her property. Brown says it seems as if there War. He says the Acklen family, who wonder why six of her 10 children died she wanted Belmont to be a place for education. was some sentimental value to the mansion but had the mansion and grounds created by the age of 11. Brown says the child Surprisingly, this is a total myth. in the end she had contracted to sell it and didn’t as a summer villa, might have been mortality rate was 40 percent at the “Show me the documents,” Brown said. care what the new owners did with the land. foresighted but knowing that far ahead time. A child dying young was, sadly, of time “probably would be stretching it quite common. just a bit.” Another myth-buster that Brown Adelecia’s animals Celebrating on campus pointed out was that Adelecia Acklen The word is Adelecia Acklen had owned 750 slaves, so her alleged a collection of odd animals, as in By Dulce Torres BSA 2nd Annual Halloween Party: Belmont’s Staff Writer involvement with the Underground monkeys or gators in a moat around Black Student Association will host its 2nd annual Aaah, that time of year has come again, the time to Halloween party, complete with food, music and Railroad was probably zero. the Bell Tower. And as it turns out, scare others, including yourself; to wear the most most of this is true, Brown said. There many other activities. Come dressed up – there will Adelecia Acklen hilariously scandalous costumes; and to party, of be a mysterious prize for the best costume. There’s are records of the Acklens owning course! Yes, folks, fall arrived, fall break is over and Adelecia, the center of Belmont’s animals ranging from deer to a bear a $3 charge, and all proceeds will go to purchase now it’s time for students to celebrate Halloween disposable cameras that will be donated to Haywood roots, is accused of many things. to a mountain lion. Monkeys lived in 2010. Promiscuity, ill will and partying are a cast iron cage where Belmont’s art Elementary School for a project to promote cultural some of the character traits that have building is today. And there is no truth Halloween 5K: It’s not only a good excuse to awareness. been heard around campus. The truth: to the rumor that alligators lived in a dress up and show off, but it’s a chance to do enough Oct. 29, 7-10 p.m., Bruin Hills Clubhouse People have had their facts wrong, moat around the Bell Tower, but several exercise that you can justify eating a pound of candy 2010 Pembroke Haunted House: Pembroke will Brown said. gators did make their home in a lake corn. Join Fitness and Recreation for a 5K run, free become a haunted house involving some of Belmont’s Different numbers have been where the athletic house now sits. participation and a costume contest. The group will old, eerie history. The dorm, one of the oldest on spouted off for how many husbands As for Adelecia deciding she wanted start in front of the Curb and circle the campus. campus, and its residents will also include a plot line she had. Along with it there are rumors all of these animals, well, the records Oct. 28, 6- 8 p.m., Beaman SLC Lower West involving Adelicia Acklen, the first resident of the Bel- of Adelecia having the first prenuptial suggest that it was more likely that it Lobby (facing Belmont Boulevard) mont mansion on the hill. She sold her home in 1886 agreement in Tennessee. Brown says was her husband Joseph’s idea. Boo Bash: The sorority sisters in Phi Mu and Alpha and died the following year, but it’s rumored that she had three husbands though, but she Some say Belmont was the first Gamma Delta will put on a Halloween party complete she still haunts the place. There will be no charge, was widowed twice and died in 1887, zoo in Tennessee. Brown thinks this with the essentials for a good party: a DJ, a haunted but all donations will go to Trick or Treat UNICEF, an 13 years before her third husband. (She is unlikely, but it very well could have maze, a costume/fashion show and whatever else international charity effort. And for just a dollar, you had, however, moved to Washington been the first zoo in Nashville. Belle they can think of. A fee of $1 will be charged at the can buy a Pembroke date auction DVDs. without him a year before she died.) Did Meade apparently claims they had door, but all proceeds will be shared between the two she have the first pre-nup? Nope. She one first but its collection of animals Oct. 29, 8-10 p.m., Pembroke sororities’ charities. did have prenuptial agreements with extended only to deer and possibly Hall lobby husbands two and three to protect her bison. It looks like Belmont wins. Oct. 29. 7-9:30 p.m. Neely Dining Hall wealth and property, since she was one One of the undocumented legends The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Page 9

o one likes waking up in the morning with big, be on a Wednesday night. Play Dance Bar hosts college black Xs on their face and pillow, right? nights on Wednesdays, meaning there’s no charge for Saturday Wrong. Some Belmont students are willing you when you show your student ID. (And go early – no Hollywood Disco to pay the price of staying out late, even on one under 21 is admitted after midnight, even if you’re 1907 Division St. Nschool nights. Nashville offers students an assortment willing to pay at the door.) 615-320-3472 of night life activities, from music venues to dancing to “It’s the perfect atmosphere for dancing,” junior hookah. There won’t ever be a night when there isn’t Chris Housman said of the club that was tops for “best something going on. place to dance” in the Nashville Scene Readers’ I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite places to Poll. “I think the reason most people go in Nashville throughout the week, but don’t be afraid really like it a lot is because to venture out into the city and discover for yourself what Nashville has to offer – after you’ve written that paper that’s due tomorrow, of course. Seven nights a week Hollywood it’s actually Disco is a dance club. Like people a popular actually go there to dance.” dance club Play is a gay club, but the crowd on the dance fl oor for Belmont is diverse. Play’s high level of energy makes it a great students, Going out?place to goGot with a group of girlfriends. choices! “A lot of girls go especially By Madison Moquin there so that they can go to a club without getting hit on Saturday on,” Housman said. nights. “If STAFF WRITER you like to dance, it is a Monday Thursday huge dance Coyote Ugly party,” nd McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon 154 2 Ave. N. 134 2nd Ave. N. sophomore 615-254-8459 615-256-9140 Spenser- Not a lot of homework on a Monday night? Looking With college nights on Thursdays, McFadden’s Anne for something Restaurant and Saloon is a great place to get your Edwards fun to get into? said. Holly- weekend started off. You can show off what you’ve Cafe Coco Get a group of learned in the trivia contest from 6:30-8:30. “It’s a wood’s light-up friends together chance to meet people,” sophomore Hillary Unis said. dance fl oor is surrounded with mirrors on two of the and check out McFadden’s often hosts underground celebrities, four sides of the fl oor, making it a great atmosphere for the establish- attracting “the funnest or most diverse crowds” and dancing with friends. Though the cover charge of $15 ment “where it’s not too big, Unis said. “You don’t feel out of your is slightly more expensive than other venues throughout dancing on the comfort zone.” the week, Hollywood Disco is defi nitely worth a weekend bar started.” McFadden’s location downtown on Second Avenue splurge. “It’s really really fun,” Edwards said, “The Coyote Ugly is makes it a great place to go on the weekend. “There’s music’s good. It’s a fun place to go out if you want to downtown and always tons of stuff going on,” Unis said. And that’s dance.” has a great not just on Thursdays, of course; this Saturday night, environment McFadden’s hosts “The Freak Show” for Halloween with for music and cash prizes for sexiest, most creative and most comedic Sunday dancing. And costumes. on Monday Café Coco nights, there’s 210 Louise Ave. no cover 615-321-2626 charge. Friday Sunday nights mean only one thing to college “I think Exit/In students: the start of another week of madness. Café Second Avenue 2208 Elliston Place Coco is a great place to study or relax and prepare for is a lot of fun,” 615-321-3340 the start of another week. recent grad- If live music is the way “My favorite part about uate Kathryn to end your school week, Café Coco is the digital Fleming said, then always check out jukebox,” junior Robert Mento said, “You can put a Coyote Ugly “They have who’s playing at Exit/ good music. In on Friday night. It’s a dollar in, pick any song from And Coyote Ugly is “a lot more chill than other places,” popular scene for Belmont a digital list of songs and she said. “It creates a less dramatic environment that students, for listening and hear it play throughout the could surely cure any case of the Mondays.” even performing. “It has a restaurant.” great reputation,” senior Open 24/7, Café Coco Michael McGehee said, “If is also a great place to spot Tuesday somebody’s playing there, celebrities. Over the years, it it’s a big deal.” has developed quite a reputa- Tarboosh tion. “They have a great area 120 21st Ave. N. Many well-known artists have performed in the back where they let 615-320-5909 at Exit/In in the past. small local artists and song- Some students, like sophomore Andy Kelly, prefer Shows have ranged writers come and play music,” a more laid back scene on a week night. If this sounds from Modest Mouse to Mento said. Café Coco’s great more like you, Tarboosh is a great place to go smoke Red Hot Chili Peppers selection of food and warm envi- hookah on a Tuesday night. to Billy Joel. Ticket ronment make it an awesome Kelly, who likes being around smoke, described prices vary according place to hang out on almost any Tarboosh as “really chill.” But you don’t have to smoke; to who’s playing, but night of the week. Tarboosh also serves food. And, according to Kelly, they shows generally don’t have good prices and the people are really friendly. “It’s cost over $20. Friday So maybe the sound of kind of a small joint,” Kelly said. “It’s like 10 bucks for night kicks off the your alarm at 7:30 a.m. after hookah. The chairs are comfortable. They have couches Halloween weekend a night on the town isn’t the that you can sit on. It’s pretty fun.” with Panty Raid, a most appealing experience. Or Nashville burlesque perhaps washing your sheets more revue that brings than twice a semester doesn’t Wednesday vaudeville, can-can exactly sound like a good time. Play Dance Bar and belly dancing This lifestyle isn’t for everyone, 1519 Church St. to the stage. but Nashville has a collection of nightlife opportunities that defi nitely 615-322-9627 add some local fl avor to your college If you like to dance, then there’s only one place to Exit/In experience. ideas a&e

Goodbye, Whitten Soccer Complex The Belmont men’s soccer team played the last offi cial game at the Whitten Soccer Complex on Sunday, a 4-1 win over USC-Upstate. The Whitten Soccer Complex has been home to Belmont men’s and women’s soccer since the Bruins moved to Division I in 1996. Both soccer teams will move to the new facilities at Rose Park next fall. spor THE BELMONT VISION, OCTOBER ts28, 2010 New season, Back in action new players After a summer slumber, the Belmont men’s and women’s basketball teams are back on the Freshmen Jenkins, Mann court. The Lady Bruins started practice Oct. 9 and the men started a week later. New Head will vie for playing time Coach Brittney Ezell looks to res- By Chris LePore urrect a program that has fallen STAFF WRITER fl at since reaching the NCAA’s in 2007. On the men’s side, Coach As the men’s basketball team tips off the 2010-2011 Byrd is hoping to improve on last fitnesseason, two freshmen will be called upon to step up and sbe year’s regular season conference contributors. Their names? Blake Jenkins and J.J. Mann. championship. Jenkins was redshirted last year. His main role was mimicking opponents during practice, but this year, he’s expected to contribute on the court. Head coach Rick Byrd said he thinks Jenkins is ready to compete, but expects a learning curve, as well. Byrd described Jenkins, a 6-foot-7 forward, as a “shut- down defender,” and added that he is shooting the ball better than expected this early in his career. “He gives us a lot that no one else gives us on the team,” Byrd said. His length and athleticism has impressed the coaching staff. Student assistant coach T.J. Saint said, “Jenkins will be instant help. He can change the dynamic of the team defensively.” Mann, who starred at Marist high school in Smyrna, Ga., played at Hargrave Military Academy last year newsagainst some of the best competition in the country. “He fi gures out a way to win, he competes,” Byrd said. The coach also described Mann’s will-to-win mentality as “infectious.” Byrd said he sees Mann as a “heady, smart, tough, blue collar kind of guy.” After tying for the regular season conference cham- pionship last year, the Bruins look for another successful season. “We want to put another banner up,” assistant coach Brian Ayers said. No pressure for a freshman. Ernst, Brooks step in to boost women’s team By Katie Greene STAFF WRITER Lady Bruins Head Coach Brittney Ezell has only two new incoming players in her fi rst year. While she has two starters returning, Ezell expects both of the newest Bruins to contribute as well. This year, Molly Ernst is the lone freshman entering Belmont’s squad. A six-foot guard from Louisville, Ky, Ezell believes that Ernst “has a chance to become a big- time player.” “Molly is a six-foot shooter with a high release, she is a scorer, and she knows how to put the ball in the hole,” she said. Although she’s a new arrival, Ernst “blended so easily with the team, and she has a high basketball IQ,” Ezell said. Senior guard Shaunda Strayhorn shares a similar view. “Molly is one of the best shooters I’ve come across. I look forward to her being one of the starting fi ve,” she said. Hailing from Maryville, Tenn., junior guard Katie Brooks is also new to the Lady Bruins team. A transfer from Maryland-Baltimore County, Brooks brings previous NCAA experience as a guard. “Katie is a natural leader,” Ezell said. “She again has a high basketball IQ. She’s very physically strong, a mentally tough kid—and those are things that you need at the point guard position.” Strayhorn has observed that Brooks has a lot of energy. “As a redshirt, she’s brought in lots of offense and defense, and is very strong,” Strayhorn said. The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Page 11 2010-11 season: Ezell era begins By Pierce Greenberg And that’s not to mention that they’ll need the extra Sports Editor energy, based on the style Ezell wants them to play. Belmont’s first-year head coach Brittney Ezell doesn’t “Defensively, the word that we’ve been using in the seem to have frowning in her repertoire of facial expres- preseason is relentless. We want our kids to be very sions. She beams with a mixture of pride and excitement pressure-oriented,” Ezell said. “I told our kids ‘You want to when discussing the upcoming Belmont women’s basketball make somebody miserable from the moment they get off the season. bus to the moment they get back on the bus,’ and that’s the Her assessment after the first five days of practice: “The hope.” intensity level has been far above my expectation. The kids Senior point guard Shaunda Strayhorn acknowledges a are buying in slowly but surely. I really have no complaints change in mentality. to be quite honest.” “(We are) better than ever. Our new coaching staff is a When Ezell took over for former head coach Tony Cross whole lot different and more intense,” Strayhorn said. “I’ve in April, she wasn’t exactly left with a bare cupboard. The been counting down the days ‘til our first scrimmage, our Lady Bruins return three starters from last year’s squad and first game.” have just two new players. Junior forward Haley Nelson, who averaged 13.2 points last year, was a unanimous selec- tion to the preseason all-conference team. But Ezell has made it clear that there’s a new sheriff in Position Breakdowns town. Hitting the weight room was her first order of busi- ness. Point/Shooting guard She said their conditioning level has been good, thanks Senior Shaunda Strayhorn returns at the point guard to their preseason work with Josh McMillian, head strength position for the Lady Bruins. Strayhorn has been in the and conditioning coach. “I think that it gives them confi- program for five years and played in all 30 games last year. dence going into game situations,” Ezell said. “They know She brings experience where the Bruins might need it most. that their body is not going to fail them.” “For myself, I expect leadership, and hopefully the team will want to follow me and come out with the same goal… the A-Sun champ,” Strayhorn said about her expectations for the season. “I want to go to the NCAA again.” Photo by Cooper Neill The Lady Bruins have a number of guards following Ezell instructs junior Crystal Kesler at practice. Despite it Strayhorn’s lead. Junior transfer Katie Brooks, sophomore being her first season, Ezell is pleased with the way the guard Kristin Nash, senior Whitney Seals, junior Crystal Lady Bruins are practicing. Kesler and lone freshman Molly Ernst will all see time at the point or shooting guard spots. “Haley’s a worker,” Ezell said. “She’s naturally gifted, Guard/Forward she has so many athletic tools that are just God-given: size, Seniors Tereva Moore and Rachel Swisher are viable speed, strength. She’s just talented. We’re just focusing in options at the guard/forward hybrid position. Junior Cacy on trying to make her a dominating force.” Burnett brings the most experience from last year. Belmont Ezell said she’s a great teammate. “She’s more concerned will rely on these players to take the pressure off the post by with the team than she is with herself and you want that hitting jumpers and taking the ball to the basket. from your superstar.” Backing up Nelson in the post will be sophomore Alyssa Post Visbeen and junior Tristan Daniel. Junior Shai Wilkins tore Junior Haley Nelson returns to the post position for the her ACL in the preseason and will be out for the year. third year in a row. Last year, she established a name for Photo by Cooper Neill herself as a low-post presence and was a unanimous selec- Staff writer Katie Greene contributed to this story. Senior Shaunda Strayhorn blocks out senior Whitney Seals. tion to the all-Atlantic Sun preseason team. Men hope to build on last year’s success By Pierce Greenberg an average of 23 minutes per game, while Sports Editor Johnson averaged 20 minutes. Byrd said Belmont men’s basketball coach Rick Byrd has never they’ll again battle for playing time. been one for preseason polls. He even remains rather “Those two guys have proved to be noncommittal when asked about his expectations for this pretty equal last year about any way we year’s team. could evaluate them,” Byrd said. “I don’t know if it matters what I expect because what Hanlen tied for 1st in the conference in you’re really trying to do is the best you can,” said Byrd, assist-to-turnover ratio with a 2.3:1 rating who is entering his 25th year of coaching the Bruins. “We last year. all get caught up in our expectations and other peoples’ expectations and really all that does is create stress.” Shooting guard Last season, the Bruins tied for a share of the Atlantic This is the one spot on the floor where Sun regular season championship despite losing 66 percent competition fails to exist. Sophomore Ian of the scoring from the year before. Clark averaged 14.9 points last year and was “Obviously we’re not shooting for lower than that,” Byrd named to the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major said. “Whether I have expectations or not, I think this will Freshman All-American team. be a good team.” “It’s probably the one spot where we have The Bruins only lose one player—Keaton Belcher— the least depth, but the one spot where we from last year’s team, making the preseason a stark contrast can probably afford it best because Ian is from 2009. such a talented player,” Byrd said. “It is different because we don’t have to teach quite as Clark, who was also named to the A-Sun Photo by Cooper Neill much and start from scratch quite as much,” Byrd said. Preseason All-Conference team, shot 40 Both of Belmont’s preseason All-Conference selections, Mick Hedgepeth and “Last year was more unique to have so many new players. percent from three-point range last year and Ian Clark, face off during a drill. This is kind of more normal.” scored a career high 31 points against both Keywords: “kind of.” This year’s team exhibits an Stetson and North Florida. unusual amount of depth—making it tough to decide on a Center starting five. Forward Juniors Mick Hedgepeth and Scott Saunders are both “It’s really difficult,” Byrd said. “You could name your Byrd calls the forward position a “logjam.” Seniors viable options at center. Hedgepeth underwent knee surgery best five, then I could put five to play it and it would be Jordan Campbell and Jon House are the most experienced, over the summer, but Byrd said it hasn’t slowed him down. anybody’s game,” Byrd said. “It’s just that close.” but true freshman JJ Mann and redshirt freshman Blake “We’re really fortunate to have two guys in that position Jenkins will also vie for playing time at small forward. that have the total work effort that those two guys have,” Power forwards Trevor Novack and Brandon Baker will Byrd said. “They have both improved significantly from this Position Breakdowns most likely spend most of their time in the front court. time a year ago.” “Some of those guys can move to the two spot or four Byrd also said he wants to run several personnel sets that Point guard spot. That’s going to be a challenge for the coaching staff— get Hedgepeth and Saunders on the floor at the same time. Sophomore Kerron Johnson and junior Drew Hanlen playing time,” Byrd said. return at the point guard position. Last year, Hanlen played Page 12 The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Hoops legend visits Belmont Nov. 9

There will be plenty of memo- in 2008. Or 2009. Earlier this year, rable moments at the Curb Event Pierce Greenberg Meyer announced that he was retiring Center this year. Both the men’s from the game—with 923 wins. In the and women’s basketball teams are summer of 2009, Meyer was recog- returning a load of players—some nized with the Jimmy V Award For of whom are sure to create some Perseverance. exciting moments. But the one So here’s the point: Meyer is game that every Bruin fan should an incredible man with an incredible mark on their calendars doesn’t story. We all carry busy lives, hustling even count. On Nov. 9, Belmont and bustling through tests, papers and hosts Northern State in an exhi- applications. Times are tough. We bition as part of the Don Meyer could all use a little inspiration in this Classic. The game, which starts 6 world that sometimes seems to breed p.m., will be nationally televised on none. ESPNU. Sports are beautiful when So, what’s the hubbub about they reflect and coincide with the a preseason scrimmage against lessons that can be learned from being a Division II school from North a part of them. Coach Meyer is a lesson Dakota? Don Meyer—that’s what. in perseverance, a man who, as Jimmy Nashvillians probably recall the V would say, “never gave up.” name, but for those who don’t: Meyer was the head coach So, be at this game on Nov. 9. Pack the house like it’s at Lipscomb between 1975 and 1999. In 1983, a fresh- a dress rehearsal for the Battle of the Boulevard. It’s a faced 29-year-old from Lincoln Memorial University great opportunity to get a sneak peak at the Bruins, be on became the head coach at Lipscomb’s boulevard rival, national television, and quite possibly restore your faith in Belmont. For the next 16 years, Don Meyer and Rick Byrd the sheer will power and determination that humans are did battle on the hardwood. capable of. When Lipscomb followed Belmont to the NCAA after “For Belmont to play a part in honoring Don Meyer for the 1999 season, Meyer set off for Northern State. On a his accomplishments and his courage, as well as hosting team retreat trip in 2008, Meyer fell asleep at the wheel a nationally-televised game on ESPNU against Northern and crashed head-on into a truck. The doctors had to State, makes this a big night for our university,” Coach remove a large portion of his leg. While Meyer was on Byrd said via press release. the operating table, the surgeon found a slowly developing Don’t miss it. Photo courtesy of Northern State Univ. cancer in the coach’s liver and intestine. Pierce Greenberg, sports editor, is a senior majoring Neither the loss of a leg nor serious illness have kept the former But Meyer persisted. He didn’t miss a single game in journalism. Lipscomb head coach, Don Meyer, off the basketball court. Bruiser: a job worth bearing By Cassidy Hodges Managing Editor At every Belmont basketball game, Bruiser is in the business of boosting the bond between the bleachers and the ballgame. But outside of basketball, all the responsibilities associated with being a mascot are a bit, well … fuzzy. Being Bruiser is a whole lot to bear, Chris Flippo said. Unlike most jobs, Flippo doesn’t have to say a word at work, but he said it has taken a lot of practice to feel natural. “Eventually you get to the point where your actions have to speak for you. So you really don’t need to talk,” he said. Flippo entered as a freshman with prior experience as a mascot for the Birmingham Barons, a minor league baseball team from Alabama. And after Bruiser tryouts, he landed the only mascot position for the year. Although he had experience in the field, Flippo and Bruiser followed the cheerleaders to Universal Cheerleaders Association camp, where they really got acquainted. Instead of training with the cheer- leaders, Flippo worked with other mascots and mascot director Benji Gray to find Bruiser’s character. “Bruiser is kind of like me, but amplified,” Flippo said, “He’s very mischievous, he likes to mess with people, have a good time and just cheer on his team.” Flippo also learned to think on his feet at UCA camp, enabling him to really entertain crowds better. “I remember at the 5K marathon, the Lipscomb bison was there so we talked before and faked a fight and then went into rock, paper, scissors,” Flippo said. “It’s fun to play on the rivalries.” It’s all about performance. “You just have to think, ‘Everyone’s looking at me, what can I do to entertain them?’” Before he learned to entertain, he had to learn how to carry himself inside the Bruiser costume while stepping outside his comfort zone. “Your vision is very narrow and you have a blind spot right in the center of your face. You have to learn not to look right at them so you can see them, but so Bruiser is looking at them.” While Flippo has learned so much from becoming a mascot, he says it’s the reaction from fans that makes all the hot days worth it. “When you’re messing with a kid and they’re just laughing with a huge smile on their face, it makes your job worth it.” ideas

Top 5 Albums on iTunes 1. Come Around Sundown (Extended Edition) by Kings of Leon 2. The Incredible Machine by Sugarland 3. Come Around Sundown by Kiangs of Leon 4. Sale el Sol by Shakira 5. Sigh No More by Mumford & Sons aTheThe Belmon Belmontt &Vision, Vision, O Mctaorcheber 25, 28, 2010 2010 Cage the Elephant Kentucky alt-rockers earn attention Valerie Wire Staff writer curious as to how their music would fare outside of Bowling Green. Aside from being known as another “It was pretty weird and unex- middle of nowhere town, Bowling Green, pected the way things happened,” Ky., has a few claims to fame: Fruit of the Schultz said, “Coming from Bowling Loom, Corvettes and the alternative rock Green, it’s a little cliché, our eyes band Cage the Elephant. weren’t opened as far as we thought Over the past few years, Cage the they were.” Elephant has played various shows and Since they have been touring festivals across the states and the United consistently over the past four years in Kingdom. Most recently, the group was one promotion of their first release, Cage of the headlining acts at Starry Nights, a the Elephant is eager to drop their new music festival that took place in their home- album, which is “all over the place,” town Sept. 30-Oct. 2. Schultz said. The band received their first big break “We just wrote songs, we put in 2007 after their performance at Austin, everything on the table in the studio. Texas-based music festival, South by If it turned out and we loved it then Southwest. They were signed to a label in we put it on the album. It’s all about that Cage the Elephant has found a following from their Kentucky hometown to the UK. sportsthe United Kingdom and moved to London, honesty.” The new album is due out in immediately began brainstorming about incubate that.” where they toured for two years almost January. ways to make the festival the best it could For upcoming opportunities to see Cage nonstop. The question is, how did a group of In the meantime, Cage the Elephant be, including going after national acts. the Elephant, they will be participating in guys from Bowling Green set out to estab- could not have been more excited about the It already had “great vibes there, and just the Voodoo festival in New Orleans on Oct. lish their band in order to get to where they Starry Nights Music Festival on their home needed that little push. I think it’s going to 30. They also anticipate more Nashville are today? Cage the Elephant guitarist Brad turf. Not only were they one of the head- be a festival that is really going to grow,” shows in the next coming months, though Schultz was able to sit down and answer this liners, along with Ghostland Observatory, Schultz said. nothing is confirmed. The Nashville show question, along with many others. Daniel Johnston and Keller Williams, but What sets the Starry Nights festival “will be when we debut our new stuff give “Starting in Bowling Green, Ky., you they also worked very closely in coordi- apart from other festivals is that it has its people a sneak peak of new album… We’re really don’t have a ‘scene’ to cater to,” nating the festival as a whole. own “very pure, honest vibe,” Schultz said, excited to play Nashville next time we Schultz said. “Bowling Green has a music “It’s really strange that something like “We’re just trying to be a supporter of the do,” Schultz said. From Bowling Green, scene, but not like New York or Nashville. that is going on in a city the size of Bowling community of musicians than thinking of to the UK, and across the charts, Cage the Musicians group together and support Green. We wanted to help that along in any money. It’s more about community and Elephant is positioning itself to be a band each other.” This support made the group way,” Schultz said. Upon being asked, they bringing people together and trying to with a well-known name. ‘Anything Goes’ Opera reflects America’s history By Amanda Stravinsky “It’s great American history,” Whitten said. “It speaks Staff Writer of self-invention which is in some way what America is all The silver rush in Colorado during the 1880s sets the about in the founding of our country, that time period in fitnesstage fors “The Ballad of Baby Doe,” an opera playing in the history where our country was searching for different ways Troutt Theatre Nov. 11-14. to evolve and grow.” And just to point out, the opera isn’t about a baby deer. The opera was chosen because there are many female “The Ballad of Baby Doe,” written by John Latouche opera singers and few males. Also, the students’ level with music by Douglas Moore, is the most successful of expertise was to be considered. It’s double cast with American opera of the 20th century. The opera is based on historical people and events in American history. It follows the story of Baby Doe, affectionately called the miner’s Gettin g there sweetheart by the miners. She isn’t afraid to get her hands “The Ballad of Baby Doe,” an American opera, dirty as she works alongside her husband. Horace Taber and his wife Augusta struck silver and contributed and owned runs at Troutt Theatre Nov. 11-14. Tickets are much of Leadville, Colo., where Baby Doe ends up. From $10 for adults, $5 for faculty/staff, senior citi- the opera house to the saloon, it’s all Horace. He became zens and non-Belmont students. There’s free flirtatious with Baby Doe, divorced his wife and married admission for Belmont students and culture Doe. “Baby Doe in history and in the opera is loved, but she and arts convo will be given. is never truly accepted by Denver higher society,” opera director Kristi Whitten said. Amanda Pogach, graduate, and Kristen Corley, sopho- Horace falls ill and the opera alludes to his death at the more, as Baby Doe; Jessica French, graduate, and Stefanie end. Baby Doe, bathed in a single light, will sing an aria, Howerton, senior, as Augusta; and Adam Richardson, an which, according to Whitten, is very rare in an opera. alumnus, and Keith Wortham, junior, as Horace Taber. “Opera is sometimes ended with a really tragic death “There’s a good amount of female opportunities: scene if it’s a dramatic or tragic opera or a really good oper- Augusta, Baby Doe and a couple of saloon girls,” Whitten “Anything Goes,” the fall production of etta fun scene,” Whitten said. “We end with a single aria said. “I am very low on men. The [men] I have are enthusi- and she’s all alone on stage. She’s singing about always and astic and we make it work because of that and they’re front Belmont’s musical theatre program, runs Nov. forever she will stay true [to Horace].” and center in their work ethics, so that helps.” 18-21. Performances are in MPAC. Tickets are The opera isn’t just dramatic and tragic. There are Despite the struggles, Whitten is optimistic about the available at the Curb Box Office in advance dramatic moments but there are also fun, boisterous opera coming together and hopes at the end of the perfor- moments. mances, the students will have learned how to perform an and will be available at the door. They are “Come and see opera singers loosen up a bit,” Whitten opera. She also hopes the audiences will leave with a sense $10 for adults; $5 for senior citizens (65 and said. they have learned some American history. over), faculty, staff, and non-Belmont stu- “The Ballad of Baby Doe” was chosen to fit Belmont’s “I’m hoping I’ll have some who are endeared and some theme of creativity and invention. Whitten says Horace who are just thrilled to know about that time of history,” dents; and free for Belmont students. Taber shows a lot of self-invention because he earned his Whitten said. I think they’ll have fun. I think they’ll have a wealth through the silver rush. good time.” Page 14 The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010

Kevin: It’s true, I Cassidy: While I don’t particularly love sweet totally have. Every meat, the rest of the drive home was nothing time I see her, I but sweet nothings from Kevin. The half sarcastically ask her -hour drive seemed to last for only minutes. if she’s “too chicken” And then Kevin became irrational. to go on another date with me; obvi- Kevin: Irrational or wise? I think wise. I ously, she stepped spotted a Dairy Queen and we pulled in faster up her game this than you can say “low-fat frozen yogurt.” time. I really wanted to order Cassidy: He yelled something about ice the ribs, but sadly, cream and swerved into the center lane they were out of like a driver at 1 a.m. on New Year’s. them, so I settled on the Redneck Kevin: Two things: one, I yelled out “Blizzards,” and Taco, which two, I safely entered the too-wide turn lane. I was Martin’s BBQ Joint is pulled pork not being a reckless driver. As soon as we got into on a pancake- the drive-thru, we got some mini blizzards and were 7238 Nolensville Road sized piece of back on the road to Belmont. (If this were a review Nolensville, Tenn. cornbread. of DQ, we’d give it 1 Miss Tonya and 2 hearts).

615-776-1856 Cassidy: Overall, we think Martin’s BBQ is a little bit Despite Kevin’s too far and too mediocre to be worth the Kevin: So I picked up Cassidy less-than- drive. It’s not outstanding, but it is better for our date. I had gone all out manly taco, I than anything you’d get from the caf. this time; my car was clean, I had decided that The ambience isn’t conducive to a date, and let’s a loaf of bread in the back seat tonight could face it, barbecue breath is not what you want when and I looked pretty presentable. be special. going in for a kiss. We’d recommend the Sonic as We sat down, a more romantic place than Martin’s; at least at Cassidy: He got points for picking amidst the Sonic, you can spend quality alone time in the car. me up; last time I had to drive. At colored the time, I didn’t know why he had Christmas We’re here to sacrifice our mouths for your a whole loaf of bread in his back lights and dating desires, because we all know that the only seat, but as we started driving, I was Monday way to your heart is through your stomach. beginning to think we would need it. Night Have an idea for somewhere you’d like us to scope Football, out? Send us an email at [email protected]. Kevin: Although Cassidy first thought with stolen I was crazy for bringing some bread glances Our Picks along for our date, she soon real- that extin- Cassidy: Whole Hog Pulled Pork meal ized why. This place was forever guished with coleslaw and baked beans and a day away. When I picked the need Kevin: Redneck Taco with whole hog pulled her up for our date, it was bright for words. pork, a side of coleslaw and Cheerwine. outside, though the sun was setting. When we arrived it was as dark as Our Rating: an Al-Qaeda cave in Afghanistan. Kevin: The Christmas lights on the porch were so romantic that we couldn’t keep ourselves from Cassidy: As we were traveling through deso- holding hands. The way Cassidy’s face looked late fields and darkness–there it was. Nestled through the smoke from the barbecue pit. It was between a Sonic Drive-In and a Dollar General so heartwarming. As soon as we got the meal, sat Martin’s. Now from everything I had heard however, our attention was focused on the food. about Nolensville, I anticipated we would eat And let’s just say it was a bit of a Debbie Downer. dinner in a shabby brick building attached to Jiffy Lube. Martin’s was anything but. Cassidy: As much as the waitress raved about the whole hog, I just didn’t feel the same. The No :( Kevin: It was brightly lit and filled with televi- pork was practically naked, with spotty bits of ♥ sions showing Monday Night Football (Jets vs. BBQ laced among the meat. Now I’d like to be Vikings – and the Jets won.) The place looked quite honest–I like my meat smothered–just Rating System: like a cross between Five Guys and Joe’s Crab a little meat, and a lot of sauce. So Martin’s One Ms. Tonya is equal to one card swipe Shack, but with barbecue. The menu was approach to BBQ was not quite my style, leaving at the Caf, approximately $6.50. pretty expansive, and luckily for us they were me free to gaze at Kevin and his redneck meal. serving whole hog pulled pork that night. Kevin: In my case, there was the perfect propor- The hearts serve up a datability rating: Cassidy:The big pig is only served on Sunday and tion of barbecue sauce to actual barbecue, but ♥= first-date worthy Monday, so we got the best of the barbecue. I sadly the meat itself had an odd taste, sweet was in the mood to impress Kevin and decided even. I don’t know how to explain it, but some- ♥ ♥ = 3 dates or more to order the specialty of the house, the pulled thing about it being “whole hog” just gave it ♥ ♥ ♥ = Facebok official pork platter. Ever since I ordered chicken at an interesting dimension. We left Martin’s soon Burger Up, Kevin has held it against me. after we finished eating because we had to make it back in time for class in the morning. ‘33 Variations’ comes to Black Box stage By Amanda Stravinsky and Tony Richardson, a freshman, “It challenges me to explore ideas and Staff Writer will play Beethoven’s multiple emotions that I haven’t experienced,” The Black Box Theater will open variations on the piano throughout, Cullen said. “It’s a healthy challenge. It Getting there its first play of the season Nov. 12 director Laura Skaug Green said. pushes me outside of my comfort zone.” with “33 Variations,” which takes Sophomore Mary Cullen plays the Cullen said she thinks students 33 Variations opens with a its name from a Beethoven waltz. lead role of Dr. Katherine Brandt – a role should attend because the play over- performance at 7:30 p.m. Nov. “33 Variations” is a dual story- played by Jane Fonda in the Broadway flows with Beethoven’s work, and it 12. Other performances are line, separated by 200 years, about a production. In the play, Katherine provides an intriguing look into the past scheduled through Nov. 21. mother in present-day New York and slowly deteriorates from Lou Gehrig’s and will challenge audience members Tickets are $8 for adults and $4 a composer in nineteenth-century disease as the play progresses. to evaluate their relationships. for faculty and staff. The play is Austria who share the same obsession. Cullen, whose role in “33 Variations” “It will impact every person free for Belmont students and It explores relationships and shows how is her first in a Belmont play, she said who comes to see it,” Cullen said. culture and arts convo credit the present sometimes mirrors the past. there are difficulties with playing an older “It is a beautiful work of art … will be given. The play is an ensemble cast woman because of the age difference. people will not be disappointed.” The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Page 15

Chase Foster

This month, Vision editor Erin Carson sat down her to it, and two years later, we were already talking Evans, Chick Corea-- all 3 of those pianists. There’s just with artist Chase Foster to cover some serious musical about it. She was like, “Yeah, let’s do it.” I had already so much jazz to be heard. I love Wayne Shorter on sax, territory. Hailing from Winfi eld, Okla., Foster is into done the showcase here, did a songwriters thing here as Charlie Christian on guitar. So much, there’s too much everything from western swing music to Chic Corea to well. Everything was just going right. I was writing a lot. to talk about, really, but it all kind of sprouted from John Legend and The Roots. He released his fi rst LP, I’d built up a pretty good 10-song thing that I could do western swing and it moved to Bebop, then got back to “Half-written Letters,” in June and will readily tell you for an album. I would have done an EP, but I released an swing. I’ve migrated all over. that Stevie Wonder changed his life. EP when I fi rst got here. I was like, “I can’t do another EP, especially if I’m touring.” I toured for a month with You posted online a cover you did of “That’s it, I Quit, How did you get started? Tommy. I was opening for him as a solo act, playing I’m Movin’ On” by Sam Cooke. Are you working on any guitar, singing my songs. I did the album for that, that other covers? Or is there a song that you would like to When I was young I started playing violin in the was basically my deadline. cover in the future? elementary school orchestra at the age of 9 or 10. After that, my grandpa got me started on a bunch of fi ddle Yeah. That audition video came from my audition You play guitar and fi ddle, what else do you play? stuff, so I was playing lots of western swing, lots of for the commercial showcase and thank the Lord I got bluegrass, lots of country. It’s actually kind of a funny Let’s see, I play fi ddle, guitar, piano, bass, mandolin. in. I don’t know how that happened. I thought it was story, the fi rst time I brought home a violin, I went to I can play lap steel, slide guitar stuff. I played sax a mistake, I thought they were calling Cody Fry–our my grandparents’ house and my grandpa said, “you’re back in the day–haven’t picked one up in a while, and initials are the same, I didn’t know, because his audition going to learn to play this song called “Faded Love” likewise, clarinet. Anything that I can get my hands on, was beyond amazing. I was really shocked. They wanted before you leave the house today. I didn’t know anything anything with strings, too. I play banjo, I can play dobro, us to do three songs and a couple covers, obviously. about the fi ddle, so I learned it by ear, taught myself viola and upright bass. Strings get to be strings after a If we don’t do an original then it’s three covers. I’ve horrible technique, but that started the whole thing. Fast while. looked at “Got to Get You into My Life” by the Beatles. forward quite a few years later, in high school, I had a I’ve also looked at “Do I Do” by Stevie Wonder. Stevie long-distance relationship with a young lass. It was one What was the last album that you listened to? Wonder changed my life. of those high school girlfriends. She lived two hours away, so I began writing a little bit. I learned guitar as I I just bought the new John Legend and the Roots was learning fi ddle and piano at the same time. The fi rst album called “Wake Up.” Woooo. It blows my mind. It’s It’s sort of a clinical way to put it, but how would you song I wrote was right around that time in high school, the grooviest thing. The Roots are incredible. ?uestlove describe your process for writing songs? [aka Questlove, BROther and ?uestion] has always been probably my sophomore year of high school. I realized I feel you. To be honest, I haven’t really written in that could get me more notoriety, more gigs, I could one of my favorite drummers of all time. The Roots just do such justice to John Legend’s sound and they a long time and I’m getting very scared about this dry sing, and it got me more chicks, which was a big deal spell that I’m on, but it comes in waves, so I’ll always at the time, not so much anymore. Who am I kidding? collaborate on a bunch of stuff. There’s a bunch of my favorite rap artists on there, like Common. Mallary Hope have a dry spell, and it always gets darkest before the Yeah, it is. But yeah, I started writing music, I started dawn. After that I’ll spit out a whole new album in the just writing a lot and recording in my own house with is on there and all these incredible singers. That’s a great album. I just got it last night and I’m in love with it. It’s course of a couple months. I’ve just got to get to that a little 16-track recorder that I had. From then on I’ve eruption point, but usually when that happens, I’m up written ever since, and then I moved to Nashville, and so got a good sound. I’m amazed at how retro they can make things sound in a digital age. until 2 in the morning, I lose a lot of sleep, and I’m on and so forth. typing on my computer furiously and I have this idea in my mind of a vibe or a meter, and I’m typing the lyrics So you released a full length album in June. It seems So, you’re pop/jazz. On the jazz side of things, who out on my computer. I start seeing verses sprout up and like a lot of folks around here are only doing EPs, how would you say are your infl uences? then I fi nd a hook and then I write a chorus, and next did you wind up going full-length? thing you know, I have this whole song written out. I’ll Since western swing is the hillbilly version of jazz-- About two years ago, I was talking to the manager go to bed and the next day I’ll sit down with my guitar it’s a bunch of country dudes trying to play swing music. and work it out and then it usually just fi nishes itself of one of my heroes, Tommy Emmanuel, who is an I grew up on that. That gave me a good helping to get Australian fi nger style guitar virtuoso, one of the up. That’s basically how every song I’ve ever written into all the jazz things, so I soon followed into Stéphane has come about. I’ve never really written the melody greatest guitar players in the world. I met him through Grappelli and Django Reinhardt , which is gypsy jazz, the Walnut Valley Bluegrass Festival that was held in my fi rst, I’ve never really written them at the same time. and that led me to listen to some trumpet players that It’s always been, lyrics fi rst because I know what I want hometown on Winfi eld, and I met him through the friend played a lot of gypsy jazz, too. In particular, Wynton of a friend, a crazy, random kind of event, and I played to say and I know what setting I want to put it in, but Marsalis, played with Mark O’Connor, all those guys, specifi cally, I don’t really know that until I sit down with fi ddle with him, I got to jam with him and sing with him. and they did gypsy jazz. “Kind of Blue” is one of my His manager found out that I wrote and sang, and she a guitar and hammer it all out. It all makes sense at that favorite albums all time, so Miles Davis, obviously. point. said, “Well, maybe in a couple of years you can come John Coltrane, I’m a big fan of his. Oscar Peterson, Bill out on the road with us when you’re ready.” So, I held Page 16 The Belmont Vision, October 28, 2010 Disco is Dead?

photos by alena moran

Alpha Tau Omega held its 17th annual Disco is Dead? party in the Curb Café, Oct. 22. Proceeds from the evening went toward Blood:Water Mission.

Concert showcases Rock; Urban/Pop next in series

The Rock Showcase, the second in the annual series, was held in the Curb Event Cente Oct. 9. Clockwise from left, Eikon; show- case winner Evan P. Donahue; John Ball; and Kristen Jaudon. The next showcase in the 2010-11 series is Urban/Pop Nov. 6.

Photos by Jessica wardwell