SEM WEEKEND FIVE

The rain may have dampened things this week, but don’t let that stop you from getting out and enjoying some of the best that middle Tennessee has to offer. Read on…

1.

Broadway goes to the dogs…

The HCA/TriStar Broadway Series at TPAC continues this weekend with several performances of the all-new 101 Dalmatians: The Musical at Andrew Jackson Hall at TPAC, starring Rachel York as the fur connoisseur everyone loves to hate, Cruella De Vil. Visit www.tpac.org for tickets for the whole family.

2.

It’s all for ‘la danse’

The Belcourt Theatre will be premiering La Danse, a documentary on the Paris Opera Ballet this Friday evening at 7:10 p.m. Nashville Ballet Artistic Director Paul Vasterling, who was featured in SEM’s Backstage Pass in the August/September 2009 issue, will be speaking briefly before the film begins, so be sure and arrive early. Attendees will receive a complimentary voucher to attend a ballet class at the School of Nashville Ballet for only $5.00. La Danse runs at the Belcourt through the 27th.

3.

Just one kiss…

By now, chances are you’ve taken the kiddos to see Disney’s new animated film The Princess and the Frog. If they enjoyed that, head over to the Nashville Public Library’s main branch on Church Street for Wishing Chair Productions’ production of the original Brothers Grimm tale The Frog Prince, featuring marionettes from the late Tom Tichenor’s collection. Showtimes are 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, and admission is free.

4.

An ‘Extraordinary’ movie

3 new films are opening wide this weekend. Extraordinary Measures stars Harrison Ford, Brendan Fraser and Keri Russell in the story of a father, whose two youngest children are diagnosed with a fatal disease, and a doctor and their fight to find a cure. Legion stars Paul Bettany as the Archangel Michael who, when God loses faith in humankind and orders an apocalypse, fights for the survival of man. The Tooth Fairy is a family comedy starring Dwayne Johnson, Billy Crystal, Julie Andrews and Williamson County’s own Ashley Judd.

5.

Eat mor chikin…

Pack up the family and head over to the newest hotspot in Franklin: the brand new Chik-fil-A on Columbia Avenue, next to the Kroger/Target shopping center. Don’t you think it’s time you started eating “mor chikin?”

Safe and happy weekends to all,

JT

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor in Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE

There’s nothing that gets the good vibes going quite like a three-day weekend. And, as usual, there’s plenty to keep you occupied – including a couple of great ways to honor the legacy of the late Martin Luther King, Jr. Read on…

1.

All that jazz

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been spreading the gospel of New Orleans jazz around the world since 1963; and Nashville gets a rare treat as the group makes a weekend stop at the Laura Turner Concert Hall at the Schermerhorn for a series of concerts. The Nashville Symphony, under the sure hand of Albert-George Schram, will accompany this legendary band. Concerts run tonight through Saturday. For tickets and info, visit www.nashvillesymphony.org.

2.

Eat up.

Middle Tennessee is blessed with a number of fine independent restaurants. If you’ve been hankering to get out of your chain restaurant comfort zone, there’s no better time to break loose than this weekend. We’re right in the middle of Nashville Originals Restaurant Week. Nashville Originals is a group of independent restaurants that work together to promote Nashville’s great food scene and give back to the community. Their Restaurant Weeks are a fantastic gateway to trying out new places as member restaurants – including Brentwood’s own Wild Iris – offer special deals and promotions. The current Restaurant Week runs through Sunday. Visit http://nashvilleoriginals.com for member restaurants and details.

3.

Pass the popcorn please.

Who says January = box office doldrums? There’s still plenty of holdovers from December if you need to get caught up as well as three new releases. The Lovely Bones is Lord of the Rings director Peter Jackson’s adaptation of Alice Sebold’s smash bestseller of the same name. The Book of Eli stars Denzel Washington as a man protecting a sacred book in a post-apocalyptic world. And A Single Man, after opening in New York and LA back in December, finally makes its Nashville bow. The film, directed by former Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent designer Tom Ford, stars Colin Firth as a man devastated by the death of his lover. Be sure and stay tuned to our Screening Room blog for reviews.

4.

Midnight jam

The Saturday Midnite Jamborees at the Ernest Tubb Record Shop are legendary. This Saturday night’s session is a real treat, hosted as it is by family southern gospel/bluegrass group The Isaacs. Their tight family harmonies will be filling the record shop in the Texas Troubadour Theatre in Music Valley Village across from Gaylord/Opryland. For info, visit www.etrecordshop.com.

5.

Celebrate the dream.

Honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this Monday at the MLK Day March and Convocation at Tennessee State University. North Nashville Baptist and Methodist churches will be holding services before convening at 11 a.m., then reconvening at Jefferson Street Baptist Church before marching to the TSU Gentry Center for the convocation, featuring Reverend Kenny Miller Smith, Jr. as keynote speaker.

As always, have a safe and happy weekend.

-JT

JT Landry, SEM Editor in Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE

The Great Blizzard of Twenty Oh Ten may not have materialized, but that just means it’ll be easier to get out and about for a flurry of activities this weekend. Read on…

1.

How does your garden grow?

If a brisk winter stroll is up your alley, you would be well served to head to Cheekwood Botanical Gardens and Museum of Art this weekend. In honor of their 50th anniversary, Cheekwood is offering admission at their original 1960 price: 50 cents. For a gorgeous winter walk, you can’t beat a bargain like that. And if it gets a bit too chilly for you, warm up inside the Museum of Art. www.cheekwood.org

2.

History in the making

The Heritage Foundation has joined forces with local writers and photographers to capture the unique history and character of Franklin, Tenn. in a new coffee table book, Historic Franklin Tennessee, released before the holidays. Read our Arts feature in the latest issue of SEM, then head over to Barnes & Noble at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday for a discussion and signing with some of the book’s contributors.

3.

Have you heard the ‘Rumors?’

Chaffin’s Barn Dinner Theatre, Nashville’s oldest professional theatre, opens their 2010 Mainstage Season this weekend with their production of Neil Simon’s classic and hysterical farce Rumors. If you’ve never had the pleasure of seeing this show or any show at the barn, you owe it to yourself to check it out. Do dinner and show at the Barn or just the show. Tickets are $19-50. The dinner buffet kicks off at 6, with the show starting at 8 in the evenings. Sunday matinee buffets start at 12 p.m., with the show going up at 2. Rumors runs through February 6. http://dinnertheatre.com

4.

Kiss me, I’m Irish

3 new movies are opening on the first non-holiday weekend of 2010. Daybreakers is a new vampire flick starring Ethan Hawke, Youth in Revolt is the latest featuring comedy wunderkind Michael Cera and Leap Year (pictured above) is a new romantic comedy starring Julie & Julia’s Amy Adams and A Single Man’s Matthew Goode. For our review of Leap Year, visit the SEM Screening Room blog at www.southernexposuremagazine.com on Friday.

5.

Meet the author

While not technically during the weekend, these are two author events you won’t want to miss. Multi-platinum country artist Sara Evans will be discussing and signing copies of her novel The Sweet By and By on Monday at 7 p.m. at Davis-Kidd Booksellers while Louis Upkins will do the same for his new book Treat Me Like A Customer on Tuesday at 4 p.m. at The Palm Restaurant in downtown Nashville. Look for Upkins as our Local Author Spotlight in the February/March issue of SEM.

Safe and happy weekends to all,

JT

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor in Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE – Auld Lang Syne Edition

The end of a year. The end of a decade. As we send 2009 packing and usher in 2010, there is much to celebrate, and much – I’m sure – that many of us would just as soon leave behind. The end of any year is a good time to take stock of what’s valuable and important, reflecting on what we’ve achieved and what we hope to see in the future…and celebrating, of course.

1.

Out with the old…

Why wait ’til April to begin your spring cleaning? The turn of a year is the perfect time to take stock of your household, jettisoning things you no longer need. Get a jump on things, and start cleaning out those closets and storage areas; but don’t throw anything out. Donate your items to a local Goodwill. In fact, they’ll even come and pick up your stuff for you! For local donation sites, visit www.goodwill.org.

2.

…in with the new…

Getting rid of things you don’t need opens up room for the things that really matter. There’s nothing like the smell of a fresh new year. With the holiday hullabaloo winding down, take the opportunity to spend some time with your thoughts, figuring out what you want to accomplish in 2010. Maybe it’s getting fit, perhaps spending more time with loved ones or achieving new professional successes. Whatever it may be, WRITE IT DOWN. Get it on paper and up on the fridge or bathroom mirror – someplace where you will see your goals every day! Make it happen in 2010.

3.

Celebrate!

Grab family and friends and toast the new year and decade! There’s a plethora of celebrations to choose from in middle Tennessee and beyond. Nashville’s own The WannaBeatles will be performing at Atlanta’s Peach Drop New Year’s Eve Celebration from 9:45 to 11 p.m. if you’re looking to get out of town. If it’s a uniquely Franklin-flavored bash you’re seeking, try dinner at Boxwood Bistro followed by a performance by the Chill Band at The Bunganut Pig. (www.bunganutpig.com and www.boxwoodbistro.com and www.thewannabeatles.com.)

5.

Get bowled over…

For college football fanatics, New Years means one thing and one thing only – bowl games. Bleachers and Nashville Pizza Co. are great places to catch the weekend’s games. You can check out our stories on both places in the Quick Bites column of the Holiday Issue, but – better yet – go and check them out for yourself. You’d rather stay home?  Order some yummy food for carryout and enjoy from the comfort of your couch! Call 615.791.4160 for Bleachers and visit www.nashvillepizzcompany.com to order from NPC.

5.

Get ‘Up’ and head to the cinema…

New Years is a great time to catch up on some of the fantastic movies that have hit the multiplex recently. You could do a lot worse than Up In the Air – my pick for the best movie of 2009. It’s funny, touching, smart, spot-on with the times we live in, and it’s got George Clooney’s finest performance to date. Don’t miss this one.

Have a safe and happy new year. We wish you all the very best for 2010.

-JT, SEM Editor in Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE – HO, HO, HO EDITION

Well, this is it folks. Christmas is upon us at last. All that cooking, baking, shopping, decorating, wrapping, waiting, anticipating and, yes, stressing all comes to a head this weekend, as we conspire by the fire, dream of white Christmases and spend time with the ones we love. We at Southern Exposure Magazine hope that you and yours have a truly wonderful Christmastime. As if you needed to know what to do this weekend…

1.

Candles in the window, carols at the spinnet…

There’s nothing quite like a Candlelight Christmas Eve service to put you in a peaceful, reflective holiday mood, and churches all around middle Tennessee will be offering their own spins on this time-honored tradition. Whether you choose a midnight mass – always magical – or a more contemporary and earlier service, it’s a lovely way to bring the family together to remember the things that are really at the center of Christmas.

2.

Lovin’ from the oven…

There are few better ways to show your family and friends love this holiday weekend than cooking and baking yummy treats that warm both the tummy and the heart. In fact, we have the perfect recipe for you!  Pull out your 2009 Holiday Issue of SEM and give Mayor John Schroer’s Blueberry Bread Pudding recipe a whirl. You’ll find the recipe in our In The Kitchen With feature. It’s sure to become a perennial favorite!

3.

Santa doesn’t forget moviegoers…

The holiday box office marathon reaches it’s zenith on Christmas Day with the wide release of three of the highest profile movies of the season. Sherlock Holmes is director Guy Ritchie’s (Snatch) revelatory and exciting spin on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective. Robert Downey, Jr., Jude Law and Rachel McAdams star. Look for this one to be #1 at the box office for Christmas weekend. Also up is Nine, Rob Marshall’s (Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha) adaptation of the 1982 Broadway musical of the same name (itself an adaptation, in its own way, of Federico Fellini’s landmark film 8 1/2). To say the film boasts a stellar cast is an understatement – Daniel Day-Lewis, Nicole Kidman, Penelope Cruz, Judi Dench, Sophia Loren, Fergie and Kate Hudson star. But the real standout in the film is Marion Cotillard. Her performance will take your breath away. Finally, Up in the Air is director Jason Reitman’s (Thank You For Smoking) award-winning, buzz-gathering next act after his Juno. The film stars George Clooney, Vera Farmiga and Anna Kendrick and is poised to potentially sweep the coming awards season.

4.

Only 364 shopping days left…

It’s never to early to get a jump on next year!! For those with strong and courageous hearts, Day-After-Christmas sales are the stuff of legends and dreams. Whether you’re getting a jump on next year’s Christmas shopping or looking for a tree and decorations for next year, there are bargain bonanzas to be had. Just be sure and treat your poor, tired, weary self to some Christmas leftovers when you get home.

5.

The best gift of all…

Don’t forget to take time this holiday weekend to focus on the loved ones in your life. Quality time with them is one of the best gifts you can give this season. And every time you open a gift, stop for a moment and remember: “Life is a gift.” And if you have any trouble sleeping this Christmas Eve in anticipation of Santa, remember what Bing sang in 1954’s White Christmas: Count your blessings, instead of sheep.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone,

JT

J.T. Landry, SEM Editor in Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE

This time next week, many of us will be conspiring by the fire, keeping a lookout for St. Nick and/or dreading looking forward to drowning in a sea of toy parts and assembly instructions written in what seems to be every language but English. Before you start wishing you had a river you could skate away on after imagining that scenario, remember to find the joy in the season and cling to what’s most important – being with those you love. And there’s plenty to do with said loved ones on this final weekend before Christmas.

1.

For unto us a masterpiece is given

One of the great holiday traditions returns to the Schermerhorn Symphony Center this weekend, as the Nashville Symphony and Symphony chorus, under the direction of George Mabry, brings George Frideric Handel’s juggernaut oratorio Messiah back to the magnificent Laura Turner Concert Hall. This year’s performances are led by soprano Jennifer Casey Cabot, mezz0-soprano Theodora Hanslowe, tenor Scott Ramsay and baritone Philip Cutlip. Diehards will no doubt have their scores in hand, but it’s just immenently rewarding to sit back and let Handel’s glorious notes wash over you. www.nashvillesymphony.org for tickets

2.

Oh, good grief, it’s Christmas!

The Family Wash in East Nashville is bringing back a new holiday tradition this weekend. The Ornaments will be performing Vince Guaraldi’s A Charlie Brown Christmas in two seatings per night through December 19th – 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Word on the street is that the 7 p.m. shows are sold out, but there is still limited availability for the 9:30 shows. The full menu is available until 10 p.m. with shepherd’s pie available all night. Call 615.226.6070 to make a reservation. If it’s completely booked and you still need your Charlie Brown holiday fix, never fear. ICE!’s Peanuts-inspired winter wonderland is still going strong at Opryland. If you haven’t taken the family out to see it yet, it’s worth a whirl. A word to the wise: DRESS WARM. Call 615.458.1400 or visit www.gaylordhotels.com for tickets and times.

3.

You have seven – I repeat, seven – days…

If you’re anything like Charlie Brown, chances are you’re ringing your hands over the fact that you haven’t finished started your shopping yet. Never fear, there’s seven days left. It’s best just to put your floaties on, take your medicine and plunge headfirst into the melee. The sooner you do it, the sooner you’ll be done. And with it being the final Saturday & Sunday before the Big Day, there’s deals aplenty to be had. Now don’t give me that look – just think, by the end of the day, you’ll be done and lounging on the sofa with hot cocoa wine in hand.

4.

Buffalo gals, won’t you come out tonight

Is there any modern Christmas story that resonates so intimately and so widely than the story of George Bailey? It’s A Wonderful Life is so fiercely beloved and canonized today that it’s hard to believe that Frank Capra’s classic slice of Americana flopped when it debuted in 1946. The Belcourt Theatre begins its annual showings of the holiday favorite this Friday. Yes, it comes on television twice during the holidays (and seemed to be on every channel under the sun before NBC gained exclusive rights) but there’s something special about congregating with a large group and seeing it in genuine old-fashioned movie house. Pack up the kids for this one and give them a taste of what going to the movies is really all about. www.belcourt.org for showtimes.

5.

Did you hear about the avatars?

The holiday box office bonanza continues this weekend with two of the seasons heavy hitters. James Cameron returns with his first film since 1997’s Titanic with Avatar, starring Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldana. Did You Hear About The Morgans? stars Hugh Grant and Sarah Jessica Parker as a married couple forced into the witness protection program just as their marriage is on the verge of collapse. Marc Lawrence (Music and Lyrics, Two Weeks Notice) directs Grant for a third time in the romantic comedy. And when it’s a romantic comedy, you’re in no better hands than Grant’s. Finally, Me and Orson Welles, starring Zac Efron and Claire Danes, finally makes its Nashville bow at the Belcourt. Check out Ryan Smith’s review at our film blog: http://semscreeningroom.wordpress.com.

Have a safe and happy weekend. Happy Holidays!

JT, SEM Editor in Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE

It’s time to get your weekend game plan together! With only two short weeks until Christmas, there are a flurry of activities to keep the holiday cheer going strong (even if there are no snow flurries *sigh*). So, make your list and check it twice three times, and start spreading the joy!

1.

God Bless Us, Everyone

No Williamson County Christmas is complete without a trip to Dickens of a Christmas, downtown Franklin’s annual holiday street festival. Come meet Scrooge, Marley and the whole gang, feast on roasted chestnuts, do some Christmas shopping at some of the many vendors lining the streets, go on a carriage ride and take in the sounds of street musicians – including the Clearview Baptist Church Handbell Choir, featuring SEM’s own art director, Nancy Nanney. All the action happens between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Wrap up the fun with the annual candlelight town sing processional at 5 p.m. on the square.

2.

The Secret of Christmas

While you’re at Dickens on Sunday, take a detour over to Landmark Booksellers on Main Street. From 3 to 4 p.m., Williamson County’s own New York Times bestselling author Donna VanLiere will be reading from and signing copies of her new novel The Christmas Secret. And don’t forget to catch the world premiere of The Christmas Hope – an adaptation of VanLiere’s novel of the same name – on Lifetime Movie Network Sunday night at 7 p.m. LMN will air The Christmas Shoes and The Christmas Blessing before the Hope premiere, beginning at 3 p.m., so set those DVRs!

3.

Mouse kings, sugar plum fairies and snowflakes, oh my!

The Nashville Ballet’s unique and critically-acclaimed Tennessee Centennial-set production of The Nutcracker returns this year for performances running this Friday through December 20. Whether you’re a longtime Nutcracker connoisseur or a newbie, you don’t want to miss Nashville Ballet’s gorgeous new version. Visit www.nashvilleballet.com for tickets and information.

4.

Let there be lights

Grab your family and friends and some hot beverages and holiday treats, and caravan to Brentwood Saturday evening for the city’s annual Brentwood Luminaries. The city’s subdivisions will line the streets with bag luminaries while their homes sport some of the finest holiday light displays around.

5.

Kissing frogs and uniting countries

The box office holiday feast continues this weekend with the nationwide release of two major films. Disney returns to their glorious 2D animation roots with The Princess and the Frog, a retelling of the classic fairytale – this time set in the cultural richness of New Orleans and featuring Tiana, Disney’s first African-American princess. And Clint Eastwood returns to the director’s chair with Invictus telling the powerful true story of how Nelson Mandela sought to reunite his torn country of South Africa with the help of the national rugby team. Morgan Freeman and Matt Damon star in the much buzzed about film.

Have a safe and happy weekend, enjoying the sights and sounds of the season,

JT, SEM Editor in Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE

It’s the first weekend of December and the holidays and winter have both arrived with a vengeance – baby, it is COLD outside. But don’t let that stop you from venturing out to all the great local holiday happenings this weekend. Santa wouldn’t want that and, yes, he’s still watching. Everyone knows that the naughty/nice lists are not finalized until Christmas Eve morning. So get to gettin’!

1.

Oh what fun it is to shop

Do some shopping of a different sort this weekend at BrightStone’s 3rd Annual Jingle Bell Sale. From 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, peruse a variety of high quality, handmade gift items produced by BrightStone adults with developmental disabilities. The sale is at 140 Southeast Parkway Court in Franklin. If you need more info, contact Tina Majors at tina.majors@brightstone.org or 615.790.4888.

2.

Pa-rum-pa-pum-pum

Somebody somewhere clearly designated Saturday as Official Christmas Parade Day. Leiper’s Fork, Franklin and Fairview are all sending their best and brightest marching through the streets to ring in the holiday cheer. The Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade kicks off at 2 p.m. and comes complete with the village’s annual Santa in the Village fun from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Franklin Christmas Parade launches at 2 p.m. as well, with the Fairview Christmas Parade getting a jump on the promenade proceedings at 1 p.m. Whatever your pick, be sure you’ve got your love -you know -to keep you warm. Parkas work too.

3.

A merry ‘little’ Christmas

Warm your tired, cold, shopped-out feet as Pull-Tight Players’ Youth Actors Guild brings Hans Christian Andersen’s tale of the little match girl to life with The Match Girl’s Gift: A Christmas Story at Pull-Tight Theatre in downtown Franklin. The show, which is preceded each performance by a Christmas concert, opens this Friday, with performances through Sunday. The show resumes Thursday the 10th and closes on Saturday the 12th. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors and $12 for students. They’re waiting for you at www.pull-tight.com.

4.

Have a holly trolley Christmas

The Franklin Transit Authority kicks off Holly Trolley 2009 this Friday. The annual holiday lights tour begins with refreshments in the Transit Authority lobby at 708 Columbia Avenue before venturing out to local winter wonderlands. Tickets are $15, and pre-payment is required for seat reservations. Dawdlers be advised: the Holly Trolley leaves promptly at scheduled times. For a schedule of times, visit www.tmagroup.org/trolley.

5.

Oh ‘Brother,’ ‘Everybody’s Fine.’

If it’s a cinematic respite you seek from holiday craziness, the box office is there for you. New this weekend is Brothers, the new film from acclaimed Irish director Jim Sheridan (In The Name of the Father, In America) about two brothers – Captain Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire) presumed dead in Afghanistan when his helicopter is shot down and the younger Tommy Cahill (Jake Gyllenhaal) who takes on the role of comforter to the soldier’s wife and children. When Sam turns out to be alive and returns home, tensions flare. Brothers also stars Natalie Portman. Everybody’s Fine stars Robert De Niro as a widower trying to reconnect with his grown children during the holidays. It also stars Kate Beckinsale, Drew Barrymore and Sam Rockwell.

Have a wonderful, safe and fun-filled weekend,

JT, SEM Editor in Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE: Gobble Edition

The holiday season has been subtly whispering steadily knocking for weeks, and now it’s time to officially open the door wide and let it all in, starting with Thanksgiving – or as it is more commonly known: The Most Important Meal of the Year. Enjoy the extended weekend, celebrate with friends and family and, most of all, take time out to reflect on what you’re grateful for in your life and what’s really most important (besides getting the turkey and all the sides to the table at the same time and at the same temperature).

1.

Parade, Eat, Rest, Football, Repeat.

Happy Turkey Day, Middle Tennessee!  Yes, today is the day to gather with cherished and not-so-cherished loved ones, feasting on turkey and all the trimmings and reflecting on what we are truly thankful for. (I’ll be personally thankful if I don’t gain five pounds this weekend.)

2.

That’s not an earthquake you feel, that’s Black Friday.

Before the cornbread dressing has even had a chance to cool, shoppers eager to get a jump on holiday shopping deals – or super eager shoppers who are actually finishing their holiday shopping – will be queuing up at malls, department stores and electronic emporiums as early as 3 and 4 a.m. for the traditional post-Thanksgiving shopping rush – better known as Black Friday. If you’re planning to venture out in the madness, dress warm and don’t forget to pack that “leftover turkey” sandwich – you’ll need the fuel.

3.

Have a ‘Fantastic’ time at the movies

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the very best weekends of the year to pack the family in the car and head to the movies. As the studios continue their holiday movie onslaught, there’s always a plethora of good films to satisfy any family member – including a few that the whole troop can enjoy – and this year is no different. Opening wide this weekend is The Fantastic Mr. Fox, Wes Anderson’s winning adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic, featuring the voice talents of George Clooney, Meryl Streep and Bill Murray. Also out is Old Dogs, a new comedy starring John Travolta, Robin Williams and Kelly Preston. And if you haven’t seen them yet, be sure and check out The Blind Side, A Christmas Carol and Precious – all still playing and all worthy of your time.

4.

Blue & Gray Days

Once you’ve had your fill of turkey and shopping (and more turkey), head over to Carnton Plantation for Blue & Gray Days – a weekend of living history, featuring guided house and cemetery tours, artillery demonstrators, Civil War re-enactors, period vendors and more. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors over 65, $6 for children 6-12 and free for children under 6. Check out www.carnton.org for more info.

5.

Oh, Tannenbaum…

What better way to ring in the Christmas season than trimming the family tree? Head out this weekend to one of the local tree stands or venture out to a tree farm and pick out that perfect tree – you know, the one with just the tiny bare spot that you can back up against the wall. Get that sucker home, pop in Nat King Cole and start hooking ornaments and bam! – instant Christmas. It’s a great way to unwind and get those last relaxing moments in before the new work week starts (note: said relaxing moments probably won’t start until the tree is in the stand and the lights are strung).

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving weekend everyone!

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief

SEM WEEKEND FIVE

By this time next week, we should be collectively collapsing in carbohydrate comas on sofas everywhere. This is the last weekend before the holiday season really kicks in to high gear. Time to finalize Thanksgiving menus, travel arrangements and where to seat crazy Uncle Morty at this year’s feast. If that’s all taken care of, here are some suggestions to pass the time.

1. 

These shops are tops

The Junior League of Nashville is back at the Factory this weekend for their third shop-til’-you-drop bonanza, featuring over 26,000 square feet of holiday shopping heaven from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. One day admission is $8 at the door. Visit www.tistheseasonshopping.com and www.jlnashville.org. Friday night boasts Candy Cane Cocktails in Journey Hall from 7 to 11 p.m. Tickets for that event, featuring entertainment from the Tyrone Smith Revue, are $75; and from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, there’s Snaps with Santa in the Commons area. Lap time with Santa is free, photos are $15. ‘Tis The Season raises funds for the Junior League’s community efforts. Visit www.tistheseasonshopping.com and www.jlnashville.org for more scoop.

2.

Three to tango

The Nashville Symphony continues it’s SunTrust Classical Series this weekend with Tango & Ravel’s Bolero. The program – three pieces from Argentina’s Astor Piazzolla and Ravel’s classic and much-beloved Bolero – features the symphony, with Tianwa Yang on violin and Daniel Binelli on bandoneon, under the baton of Giancarlo Guerrero. Tickets are $35-101. Visit www.nashvillesymphony.org to purchase tickets for either Friday or Saturday’s concert. And here’s a little tip: show up at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center an hour before showtime, and you can remaining tickets for $15. And $15 to see a world-class group like the Nashville Symphony in a spectacular venue like the Schermerhorn is the bargain of bargains.

3.

You’ll shoot your eye out, kid!

Saturday night, the Tennessee Repertory Theatre opens their Nashville debut production of the stage adaptation of A Christmas Story, the classic ’80s holiday chestnut. If you’re a fan of the film, you’re not going to want to miss this show. The production continues through December 19. Word on the street says audience participation is involved! Get your toast ready… www.tennesseerep.org for info and tickets.

4.

Diners, Drive-in’s and TPAC?

Guy Fieri, the host of Diners, Drive-ins and Dives on the Food Network and former winner of The Next Food Network Star, rolls his Guy Fieri Roadshow into Nashville for one night only, this Sunday at TPAC’s Andrew Jackson Hall. Nashville chef Tully Wilson opens for Fieri with a food demo. www.tpac.org or any TPAC box office location (downtown Nash or Green Hill’s Davis-Kidd Booksellers) for tickets.

5.

Vampires, werewolves, a football mom and one ‘Precious’ teenager

The holiday box office is in full swing this weekend. Precious: Based on the novel ‘Push’ by Sapphire is finally opening locally after premiering to unprecedented numbers in New York and L.A. the weekend of November 6th. The powerful tale of a Harlem teenage girl suffering unimaginable abuse at the hands of her father and mother, yet ultimately and miraculously finding hope, features newcomer Gabourney Sidibe as Precious, and revelatory turns from superstar singer Mariah Carey and comedienne Mo’Nique. This is a powerful story that is garnering serious awards buzz.

The Blind Side, starring Sandra Bullock, Quinton Aaron and our very own Tim McGraw, is the inspiring true story of 2009 first-round NFL Draft pick Michael Oher, and is based on The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game by Michael Lewis.

Oh yeah, and then there’s a little movie opening, called New Moon.

Have a safe and happy weekend, everyone!

-J.T. Landry, SEM Editor-in-Chief