Just don’t get me started on beer. Oh, wait, do get me started on beer. Like any good southerner, I’m mighty happy sippin’ a smooth bourbon, but a good beer is just like a comfortable pair of boots. I was pretty darn excited then, as you might imagine, to hear about TPAC’s new “The Art of” series. The events will feature education on and tastings of various spirits, starting with the golden, hoppy elixir.

Expect a brew-laden weekend filled with the history of the stuff, its various uses—aside from the obvious—and learning how to identify subtleties in the flavors of different styles of beer (I think that just takes a lot of experience and exposure). Upcoming weekends will highlight “The Art of” Jack Daniels, cordials, and even boxed wine. There’s a lot to look forward to.

See you there,

Dane

In my opinion, there’s no better way to experience some true Nashville flair than going out to see some rocking live music. In March, a four-night extravaganza known as the Belmont Jazz Festival (March 15-19) is truly the place to be to take in some good tunes and unwind. This amazing collection of musicians that play over the span of four nights includes acts like a jazz bass ensemble and a special appearance by Nashville personality Ron Miller.

Before enjoying the sweet sounds of local jazz, I suggest indulging in a nice Japanese meal at PM Sushi Restaurant right down the street or perhaps grab a cuppa joe at Bongo Java, also just a couple of blocks away. Worried that that nigiri and cappuccinos might leave your wallet feeling a bit thin? No worries; this festival won’t cost you a cent.

See you there,

Dane

Clean the garage. Check. Give more to charity. Check. More reading, less TV. Check. Get fit. Double check. Can’t help you out with those first three, but might be able to give you a leg up toward that last one. After all the eggnog, cookies, and Honey Baked ham, I, for one, will be out at Percy Warner Park on January 2 for the Resolution Day Hike.

It’s a beautiful walk, just four and half miles along the Mossy Ridge Trail. You’ll need to dress warmly, wear good shoes, bring something to eat and drink–all the usual stuff. Kids are welcome, but there are a few pretty good hills (Who am I kidding? They’ve got a lot more stamina than we do…). It’s a perfect opportunity to contemplate the year ahead and the resolutions you’ve made, so get out there! (Be less bossy. Check.)

See you there,

Dane

Dora recently asked me what I want to do for New Year’s Eve. I told her that I only had two requirements this year: I’d like to do something big and I want to stay safe while doing it. The two can be hard to find in one place on New Year’s.

If you’re looking for the same thing, I have a solution: the big New Year’s package at the Preston, which includes a night’s stay at the hotel, some rocking tunes, and lots of bubbly. Dance, eat, and toast to your heart’s content—because your home for the night is just an elevator ride away!

At the Preston we know how to throw a proper Nashville New Year’s bash. So, call for latest details and book early. And an early happy 2011, everyone!

See you soon,

Dane

Good friends of ours have a tradition every holiday season that they go see Handel’s “Messiah.” For years they tried to get us to go. Now, Dora was into it, and even went a couple of times, always raving about it later. But I always stayed home. I’m more of a honky tonk guy, I said.

You probably know where this is going, especially if you’ve seen it performed. Last year, I finally gave in. And I’m here to tell you it was just as great as they always said it was. I walked out of there feeling like the holidays had officially begun.

So, now it has sort of become a tradition for us too (if two years in row qualifies). This year you have three chances to see the Nashville Symphony and chorus ring in the season: Dec. 16, 17, and 18. All shows are at the TPAC – War Memorial Auditorium. Every honky tonk guy or gal has room for some holiday spirit.

See you there,

Dane

Maybe you watch late-night television and have heard of him. Or you’re into British films set in small towns (where the locals need to grow marijuana to avoid losing their homes). Or you enjoy reading memoirs by Scottish comedians. In any case, chances are good these days that somewhere along the way you’ve heard of Craig Ferguson.

And lucky us: Mr, Ferguson will take the stage at TPAC in November, and I know we’re in for a great night. Actor, director, host, author, comedian, and newly crowned U.S. citizen, he is one very funny man with that likeable, smart, wry, amused and amusing way about him.

So if you’re looking for a night out doing something a little bit different, or you’re just looking for some laughs, you shouldn’t miss this show.

Date: November 20, 2010

See you there,

Dane

One of the best things about writing for this blog is discovering new and strange things about the town I live in. I did some research, wanted to see if there were some cool Halloween events going on in Nashville to turn all y’all on to. As expected, there are corn mazes, haunted houses, and plenty of pumpkin patches. But here’s what I’ll be doing: I’ll be walking around downtown Nashville, following a guy named Chris, who will be wearing old-timey clothes and carrying a lantern. Why? Because I want to find the real ghosts, that’s why.

Chris, a guide for Nashville Ghost Tours, is going to lead me to all sorts of spooky places, including the Capitol Building, then on to St. Mary’s Church, continuing to Printer’s Alley, and finally to the Grand Ole Opry. All chock-a-block with spirits from the past. I can wait to be creeped out.

See you there,

Dane

People (mostly male comedians), claim there are no funny women. Au contraire, mon frere. You clearly haven’t spent much time checking out stand-up ladies like Lisa Lampanelli, Ellen DeGeneres, Sarah Silverman, or Janeane Garofalo. The list goes on. Still skeptical? Then head down to the Bridgestone Arena September 24 to see a real stand-out, the very funny (yes, really) Chelsea Handler.

Most folks who know Chelsea recognize her from her E! Entertainment cable gig, Chelsea Lately, sort of a talking heads, pop culture, political jabs sort of deal. She’s also an accomplished author, with three nonfiction titles under her belt: Are You There Vodka? It’s Me Chelsea especially tugs at my nostalgic heartstrings (yes, I’m a guy, but who could have missed the Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret craze?). She doesn’t look half-bad in a bikini either. Yeah, Google it.

Tickets and Info

See you there,

Dane

Yeah, I know. I’m preaching to the pork-lovin’ choir here. Barbecue lovers seem to be able to sniff these things out. Like those pigs who find truffles, which takes us back to pork. For those who might not know, August means Nashville’s 2010 Music City BBQ Festival to the Grand Ol’ Porker Arena at Riverfront Park. The festival brings more than 100 (yep, that’s right) bbq joints to the table, demonstrations, plenty of music–Saturday night will feature Grammy-award winning Delbert McClinton–and the much-appreciated Kid Fun Zone.

But hold on to your forks: After a five-year break, the beloved Swine Ball is back. Always a blow-out (or pig-out, if you will), the dance features live music and plenty of swing. As they say, get ready to don your rubber snouts for the “Pig Noses Required” event, and be prepared to “get piggy with it.”

Date: August 26-28

Oink oink,

Dane

Nashville Event: Adam Lambert

Believe me or don’t: I was persuaded/coerced, by my friend Lisa, into writing about the upcoming Adam Lambert show at the Ryman Auditorium. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not much of an American Idol fan, didn’t even know he didn’t win (seems like he’s gotten as much or more attention than any of the AI winners), but anyone with ears can tell that this guy’s got chops. I wanted to check out some of Lambert’s earlier work (so I’d know what I was talking about, at least a little), bee-lined it to ever-reliable youtube.com. For a young guy, he’s got himself quite a resume.

Seems he’s been singing and dancing since he was a wee lad (sans guyliner and lacquered nails), belting it everywhere from amateur theater productions and his high school graduation ceremony to nightclubs and a touring production of Wicked. Hey, Lisa—still got that extra ticket?

Later,

Dane