Where to Spend New Year’s Eve In the South
Ringing in the New Year means combining the right location with family and friends. Some of you prefer staying home. Maybe cooking a nice meal while watching college bowl games or binge-watching a Netflix series. For those willing to brave the cool weather and chaotic crowds, here’s where to spend New Year’s Eve in the South.
Nashville’s Big Bash, Bicentennial Capitol Mall, Nashville, TN
I’m not too fond of large crowds or participating in amateur hour on New Year’s Eve. However, I rang in 2020 in Music City with my besties, Keith Urban and Stevie Nicks. Well, not that Keith and Stevie consider me a “bestie.” However, I did enjoy watching this incredible duo perform to their peak with a few thousand other buddies.
Stars galore will appear at the 2023 Nashville’s Big Bash in Music City
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This year’s Nashville Big Bash, appropriately sponsored by Jack Daniels. Feature Brooks & Dunn, Kelsea Ballerina, and the Zac Brown Band. If you’re not into braving the cool temperatures, the Gold Circle Party at the Nashville Farmers’ Market includes drinks, dancing, food, midnight fireworks, and a special viewing area.
City Market New Year’s Eve – Savannah, Georgia
One of the South’s most historic cities and known for its ability to throw an incredible party, Savannah’s City Market will play host to another big Southern bash.
Most restaurants, musicians, and bands playing around the Historic Landmark District will be open late. Forget the bubbly and grab a cup of Chatham Artillery Punch while watching a fireworks display over the Savannah Harbour.
Red Stick Revelry – Baton Rouge, Louisiana
No one can accuse LSU fans of not knowing how to celebrate anything. Baton Rouge residents and visitors can ring in 2024 at the annual Red Stick Revelry at Davis Rhorer Plaza and North Boulevard Town Square.
Attendees will find ample food, drink, and music starting at 8:00 p.m. with the Shaun Ward Xperience. You can watch the red stick drop over the Mississippi River with a champagne toast when the midnight bell tolls.
Charleston Wonderland New Year’s Eve – Charleston, South Carolina
If you find yourself around Charleston’s Festival Hall this week, don’t miss the Wonderland Festival. It’s an all-access, “dress-to-impress” event that takes people-watching to a new level. The all-inclusive event includes live music from DJs and regional bands, including cirque performances and an over-the-top balloon drop at midnight. Ticket prices are $195.
MoonPie Over Mobile – Mobile, Alabama
Home to the first Mardi Gras, about 50,000 revelers will ring in 2024 with a laser light show and MoonPie drop. Picture this: the world’s largest edible MoonPie is cut for everyone to sample.
Mobile, AL plays host to the MoonPie Over Mobile event each New Year’s Eve.
The MoonPie Over Mobile event takes place along Royal and St. Frances streets in down Mobile, so arrive early. Don’t forget to taste a MoonPie sample after the giant cookie is cut.
New Year’s Eve on Beale – Memphis, Tennessee
One of the places that lay claim as a home to Blues music, Memphis’ infamous Beale Street hosts an annual New Year’s Eve celebration. The street is blocked off while thousands of partiers stand shoulder-to-shoulder drinking punch from a paint bucket purchased at Silky Sullivan’s.
A word of caution: the crime rate in Memphis continues to increase, so walk in packs when going to and from your car. Once a great southern city, Memphis has slipped in recent decades. Hopefully, this Mississippi River city can rebound before everyone moves to the Florida Panhandle or Nashville.
New Orleans New Year’s Eve
Ahh, the infamous city that hosts the largest Mardi Gras celebration, New Orleans, definitely has something for everyone. Tons of live music, delicious food from area restaurants and food trucks, and a parade make this a fun-filled evening.
The fun starts around 2:30 p.m. with the Allstate Sugar Bowl New Year’s Eve Parade. End the evening in a street party, watching the Fleur De Lis drop at midnight on Jackson Square in the French Quarter.
Staying Home – Anyplace In the South
My favorite place this year will be the old homestead. Like Valentine’s Night (yes, I am a romantic), I prefer to remain at home, drinking some fine bourbon and listening to the talking heads predicting the winning teams in the College Football Playoff games. If I make it to midnight, I’ll thank the Lord for a blessed 2023—happy New Years from this southern man.
A special note of appreciation to all OneSouthernMan readers: Remember to check out exciting podcast episodes by listening to Southern Americana and I-65-to 30A episodes wherever you find your favorite podcasts.
5 Southern Places to Visit This Holiday Season
Christmas is a magical time of year. If you’re up for a fun weekend road trip, you’ll find many fun holiday events throughout the Southeastern U.S. Before you get wrapped up in the craziness of holiday shopping, here are 5 Southern places to visit this holiday season.
Franklin, Tennessee – 38th Annual Dickens of a Christmas, December 9 & 10th
The highlight of the Christmas season in Franklin is the town’s Dickens on Main event. Located about 15 miles south of Nashville, the towns main street is blocked off and features dozens of vendors and speciality shops selling all types of Christmas items. Local residents dress as Dickens characters and interact with the hundreds of guests milling about.
Dickens characters, along with Santa, pose during Franklin’s Dickens of a Christmas celebration.
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When you’re finished visiting all the booths, check out O’ Be Joyful, a fantastic bourbon bar located next door to Gray’s On Main, a popular eatery located in a refurbished drug store.
Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee – Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade, December 9, 2 p.m.
Just a stone’s throw south of Franklin, TN is the charming village of Leiper’s Fork. Each year a few hundred visitors gather for the community’s annual Christmas parade. It’s as close to a small-town parade that you’ll find anywhere and one of this year’s grand Marshall’s is Wynonna Judd.
Santa rides a tractor in the 2022 Leiper’s Fork Christmas Parade.
However, there’s only a couple of roads leading to Leiper’s Fork and for the 2 p.m. start, I recommend that you arrive no later than 11 a.m. Walk over to Moo Country boutique and hear live music while you shop and drink hot chocolate. Fox & Locke (formally Puckett’s) is a must-stop, along with a dozen or so other boutiques. Who know’s, you may find yourself standing next to one of the many celebrities who call Leiper’s Fork their adopted hometown.
Savannah, Tennessee – Christmas On Main, Dec. 1-2, 8-9, 15-16
Every year the downtown area comes alive with each building highlighted by white lights. Annual events feature an ice rink, trolley rides, visits with Santa, and lots of great food.
Christmas on Main in downtown Savannah, TN features trolley and carriage rides, ice skating, and plenty of food.
Hagy’s Catfish Hotel, while not an actually lodging establishment, serves some of the finest fried catfish and hushpuppies you’ve ever tasted. If you book early, you can probably find accommodations at the Pickwick Landing State Park Inn, located on the banks of Pickwick Lake.
Oxford, Mississippi – Ballerina’s & Books, Saturday, December 9, 10 a.m.- Noon, Square Books, Jr.
A magical Southern college town, the charming downtown area turns into a paradise during the Christmas season. One of the highlights includes a reading of The Nutcracker at Square Books, Jr., complete with a real live ballerina from nearby Memphis Ballet. They will certainly be a crowd so arrive early.
However, there’s plenty to do in Oxford. James Beard Award-winning Chef John Currence owns several phenomenal eateries, including City Grocery, Snack Bar, and Big Bad Breakfast. Take a stroll through the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) campus, or tour William Faulker’s home a short distance from downtown. There’s also the lovely town of Taylor, Mississippi, just a few miles south.
Beaufort, South Carolina – Annual Beaufort Holiday Weekend, Dec. 7-9
The city’s celebration weekend starts on Friday, December 7, with the 29th Annual “A Night on the Town”. Beginning at 6 p.m. downtown shops are open late, and don’t miss the City of Beaufort’s tree lighting ceremony while you’re sipping a warm cocktail.
Boats decked out in Christmas lights in Beaufort, South Carolina.
On Saturday, December, 8, the much-anticipated “Stars in the Rigging Holiday Boat Parade” gets under way along the river banks in Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park. Scores of lighted boats make three passes by the seawall beginning at 6 p.m.
The next day, the annual Beaufort Christmas Parade kicks off at 3 p.m. along the cities downtown corridor.
Americanafest 2023 Showcases Music Legend Jessi Colter
Americanafest 2023 kicks off this week in Nashville, TN, featuring a long list of music industry professionals, including a performance by Jessi Colter. Hosted by the AMERICANA MUSIC ASSOCIATION, the event begins Tuesday, September 19, and continues through Saturday the 23rd. Over 200 bands and artists will perform at dozens of venues throughout Music City.
Americanafest History
In the late 1990s, a group of musical artists and industry veterans gathered at the South by Southwest conference in Austin, Texas, to discuss the future of Americana music.
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With encouragement from this first meeting, the Americana Music Association officially began in October 1999. The following year, in 2000, the association held its first convention, now known as Americanafest. 2023 marks the 23rd year of this musical showcase, featuring tons of live music and seminars designed to promote artist development and industry promotion.
Amerircanafest 2023 features well-known and up-and-coming musical acts.
The first Americanafest saw Johnny Cash and his wife, June, give their final performance together as Johnny accepted the first-ever “Spirit of Americana” award. Other artists who performed during that first event included Rodney Crowell, Sam Bush, and Jim Lauderdale.
How to Attend Americanafest
Early registration begins each Spring. However, you can still purchase walkup conference or festival passes for $499 and $149 at The Westin Nashville, just a stone’s throw from Music Row.
For attendees wanting to enlarge their music business knowledge, Americanafest seminars, special events, and meetings are held at The Westin and are available only to attendees holding conference passes. However, festival pass holders can see tons of music. Notable showcase venues with musical performances include The Ryman Auditorium, City Winery, Exit/In, 3rd & Lindsley, Station Inn, The Basement, The 5 Spot, and the infamous Bluebird Cafe.
Americanafest 2023 Highlights
Of the hundreds of artists attending this year, one of the standouts includes Jessi Colter, often called “The First Lady of Outlaw Country.” If the name sounds familiar, you may recognize her from the infamous 1970s The Outlaws album and as the wife of Country Music icon Waylon Jennings and the voice behind the crossover classic, “I’m Not Lisa.”
Her recently released album, Edge of Forever, includes the single “I Wanna Be With You,” produced by Margo Price, along with her son, Shooter Jennings. You can hear Jessi perform songs from her new project, along with a few classics, on Wednesday night at 3rd & Lindsey, beginning at 10 p.m.
Other well-known Americana staples include:
The Ban of Heathens, John Paul White, Yasmin Williams, Tommy Prine, Lindsay Lou, North Mississippi Allstars, Suzy Bogguss, Alex Hall, Julie Williams, Brennen Leigh, Bobby Rush, The Panhandlers, Joy Clark, Esther Rose, Sam Nelson, along with one of my favorite, Abe Partridge.
Americana Honors and Awards Ceremony
The association’s annual Americana Honors & Awards ceremony happens on Wednesday, September 20, inside the historic Ryman Auditorium, just north of Nashville’s Broadway Avenue. Nominees include Tyler Childers, artist and producer Bruce Robison, Allison Russell, Billy Strings, Nickel Creek, Plains, The War and Treaty, Bonnie Raitt, and Zach Bryan.
Check out the association’s website for more information on the AMERICANA MUSIC ASSOCIATION, the Americana Honors & Awards, and notable venues where acts are playing.
Music City Baseball Wants An MLB Team in Nashville
When John Loar sat back and took a 30,000-foot view of professional baseball teams across America, Nashville and the Middle Tennessee region stood out as a potential site for a Major League Baseball franchise. The first order of business involved assembling a star-studded roster of business and entertainment icons to advance the project’s mission of assembling the Music City Stars.
That objective has largely been achieved when organizing the Music City Baseball roster. Along with John, top organization leaders include former United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, local attorney, philanthropist Lee Barfield, former Titans standout Eddie George, community activist Gail Williams, and syndicated media personality Bobby Bones.
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“I’m so excited to join the initiative to bring Major League Baseball to Nashville,” says Bobby. “Our city is second to none in bridging together sports and music, making it the perfect destination. I’m thrilled to help push forward the movement by joining Music City Baseball’s efforts to honor the incredible history of the Nashville Stars, as well as pave the way for the future of MLB in Nashville.”
Nashville Is a Sports Town
Nashville is home to three major league sports teams: the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, NHL’s Nashville Predators, and USL Nashville Soccer Club. Also, the Nashville Sounds are the AAA minor league affiliate of MLB’s Milwaukee Brewers. In 2015 the Sounds began to play in their new ballpark located near downtown Nashville.
Bobby Bones and Eddie George at part of the effort to bring big-league baseball to Nashville (Ashley Hylbert photography/2021)
Today there are 30 MLB teams, and Nashville is rolling out the city’s bright bed carpet with hopes of becoming one of the two teams that could join MLB’s elite ranks. The effort is generating lots of excitement, yet the group realizes the climb ahead is steep.
For starters, the MLB doesn’t have any immediate plans to expand, and two teams within its ranks – Tampa Bay and Oakland – are in financial dire straits. Both are attempting to finance new stadiums. Nonetheless, the Nashville group understands that hitting lots of singles and getting on base is the first step to scoring.
Former MLB all-star and general manager Dave Stewart is also helping bring big-league baseball to Nashville. One of his objectives is to create a team with true minority ownership, and Middle Tennessee seems to fit the bill.
“We believe Nashville is one of the top sports cities in the world,” John stressed. “Our efforts to acquire an MLB team involve more than baseball. Building a venue to host entertainment events outside of baseball is our goal. I know our entertainment advisory board members are excited at this possibility.”
Nashville has two avenues for securing an MLB franchise. The first is expansion, meaning the MLB owners vote to add additional teams. The other option is for an existing team to relocate to Music City.
Music City Baseball Promotes Minority Involvement
One significant advantage is a majority-minority ownership group along with Nashville’s historical ties to one of several Negro League teams. Even more significant is that Nashville has proven it is a major league city with the money and business expertise to match.
In September of 2020, Music City Baseball announced a partnership with Old Hickory Bat Company to create limited-edition bats. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.
“I join the many others in celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues,” Board Chairman Alberto Gonzales noted when making the announcement. “We look forward to tying Nashville’s rich baseball history with its bright baseball future. We believe Nashville is ready for Major League Baseball.”
Nashville’s history of minority baseball teams dates back to the early 1920s when the Nashville Elite Giants, owned by Tom Wilson, won several championships. Over time teams such as the Nashville Black Vols and Cubs evolved into the Nashville Stars. By the early 1950s, Negro league teams struggled to stay profitable, and the league soon folded.
Thankfully players like Jackie Robinson integrated professional baseball soon after.
Although the effort to acquire an MLB franchise is complex, a list of fundamental “to-dos” is checked. Music City Baseball is conducting feasibility studies in preparation for a 2022 presentation to MLB officials.
Dave Dombrowski, a baseball front-office executive accustomed to working for winning organizations, is also helping. Although he accepted a job as President of Baseball Operations for the Philadelphia Phillies, his experience building winning teams will certainly benefit Nashville.
The first step is building a solid foundation of community support. Based on the organization’s organization structure, a major league who’s who is already on board. Next comes selecting a viable site to build the stadium.
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John says plans include a covered stadium with a retractable roof. Potential sites include a downtown location, a site near the Tennessee State University campus, or a suburban location in Williamson County.
“Meetings with Williamson County officials have been encouraging, and we’re hoping for the same response from Metro Davidson County leaders soon,” noted John.
An important point John emphasized is that any proposal should demonstrate a positive or neutral revenue stream. One way to achieve that goal is to make sure other events such as concerts and family-oriented events are attractive.
Judging from the list of music industry advisors, a new MLB stadium could see performances from the likes of Justin Timberlake, Darius Rucker, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, or Eric Church.
All these exciting possibilities make finding funding a priority. The organization is raising funds to cover the preliminary costs for creating the proposal. Arranging stadium financing is the most significant challenge. The goal is to fund the initial construction without relying on public money.
One benefit certain to be highlighted in the proposal is Nashville’s ability to draw fans from neighboring counties and South Central Kentucky and North Alabama.
“Sports are a huge part of the lifestyle in and around Middle Tennessee,” John emphasized. “Given the area’s demographics and lifestyle desires, we’re confident we can acquire stadium financing and offer residents and visitors alike an incredible product of sports, music, and culture.”
But what about the Nashville Sounds? Can a new MLB team and the Sounds coexist? John believes the answer is “yes.”
The earliest a Nashville Stars team could take the field is 2025. For that to happen, the baseball stars must align correctly. Yet there is no doubt the excitement and support thus far are ready for what pro baseball players refer to as “The Show” in Music City.
“Ideally, we would love to see a National League team in Nashville compete against neighboring American Leagues teams like Atlanta,” says John with excitement.
This article originally appeared in Brentwood Lifestyle magazine.
Elvis Week 2017: Memphis Sites That Honor ‘The King’
Elvis Week, 2017, begins in Memphis, TN on Friday, August 11 and runs through the 19th. If you’re in or near Memphis there are a number of sites you’ll want to visit in order to learn more about the King of Rock-n-Roll.
Fans of “The King” have no shortage of places they can visit to learn more about him and to honor his legacy, including where he spent his down time and where he performed some of his most notable shows. There are also a number of fan-created museums that border on kitschy but are fun for the die-hard enthusiasts.
Elvis Presley Birth Home, Tupelo, Mississippi
Elvis Birthplace, Tupelo
Start your Elvis journey where it all began at the Elvis Presley Birthplace. Visit the small town to see the two-room house where he spent his early years before the family moved to Memphis. You’ll see the inside decorated in much of the same way it was back then, thanks in part to father Vernon’s restoration efforts. Also onsite is a museum and a humble church that once sat a few blocks away when the family lived here. Visiting during Tupelo Elvis Festival is a unique experience, as you’ll see tribute artists perform here.
For more Elvis landmarks in Tupelo, see this listing of attractions in Tupelo. You can also visit the King’s booth at Johnnie’s Drive-In and see where he bought his first guitar at Tupelo Hardware.
Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee
Graceland, Memphis
Perhaps the most well-known place associated with Elvis, his home, which he called Graceland, has the most memorabilia and information on the late singer. The complex contains multiple buildings, each focusing on a different aspect of his life. Inside the home, you’ll see the unique decorations he was known for, especially in the appropriately named “Jungle Room.” The garage features recording information and outer buildings showcase his famous cars and airplanes. For an even bigger fan experience, visit during Elvis Week and come by for the Candlelight Vigil, where you can pay your respects.
For more on Elvis-related landmarks around Memphis, see this story on The Guardian, including Sun Studio, Lauderdale Courts, and the Peabody Hotel.
Circle G Ranch, Horn Lake, Mississippi
Circle G Ranch, Horn Lake
While not quite an attraction like the previously listed landmarks, this Memphis-area property was where Elvis and Priscilla Presley spent their three-week honeymoon after getting married in 1967 in Las Vegas. Circle G Ranch, in suburban Horn Lake, boasts over 200 acres of property. Here, Elvis had the honeymoon cottage, pictured, along with stables and a lake and spent time with his closest family and friends. It’s currently under development to become a mixed-use facility for events but has not announced an opening date.
Sun Studio, Memphis, Tennessee
Sun Studios in Memphis.
Rock and roll was born here. Elvis, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis recorded their first hits in this small studio near downtown Memphis. Located at 706 Union Avenue, tours are conducted daily from 10:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. There’s even a free shuttle from Graceland.
Other Notable Elvis Landmarks
- Elvis & Hollywood Legends Museum– This fan-driven museum in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee has honored the memory of Presley for over 30 years. The museum features pieces from the musician’s collection like his cars, movie props, and personal items donated by his friends.
- Graceland Too– While no longer open because of the death of the owner, fans should at least research the offbeat Elvis museum ran by a mega fan who covered his home from top to bottom in memorabilia. All of the items have since been sold to a collector. Read this stranger-than-fiction account on Buzzfeed.
- Mini Graceland– Built by a man in Roanoke, Virginia, this scale model of Elvis’ home and birthplace has been a beloved roadside attraction since the 1980s. He has since passed away, but his family continues to restore the miniatures and perform upkeep.
Franklin, TN Host World’s Largest Seersucker Party
Several years ago I lived in Franklin, TN, and met many wonderful people, one of whom was author Robert Hicks. In addition to our love for writing, we both have a taste for seersucker. Adding another credit to his resume, Robert and his friends are hosting the world’s largest seersucker party this coming weekend in one of the south’s most quaint towns. Thanks to Anna McCollum at Garden & Gun for this wonderful article.
Seriously Seersucker
What happens when you give Southerners a good excuse to drink bourbon and sport their finest seersucker? At last year’s Seriously Seersucker—a Franklin, Tennessee, party organized to benefit the town’s college of design—host Robert Hicks found the answer: they’ll appear in droves.
The New York Times bestselling author of The Widow of the South is doing it again this year: On August 27, Hicks will host the second annual Seriously Seersucker party on the campus of its beneficiary, O’More College of Design. A ticket and a puckered pastel cotton garment will score you a signature cocktail (a spin on an Old Fashioned with fresh peach nectar). Other perks include a Southern-style dinner catered by Franklin’s Cool Café. There’s also a chance to win such silent auction items as a custom-made suit by New Orleans’ seersucker-suit pioneer, Haspel. Also on the party docket: Motown tunes from Atlanta’s Jimmy Church Band, and “just a heck of a lot of fun,” Hicks says.
Franklin, TN
Hicks is a staunch Franklin preservationist. He’s also long been an advocate for O’More, whose nineteenth-century Italianate-style administration building is listed on the national historic registry. Until last year, though, the school had no scholarship fund for its 200 students. The idea for the fundraiser came to Hicks last June 9—National Seersucker Day—and a Facebook poll confirmed his hunch that the theme would hold appeal. He pulled off the first gathering in six weeks and more than 300 guests arrived wearing the Southern staple.
“Because O’More is a design school, some of the seersucker dresses last year were designed by students,” Hicks says. “That will happen again this year, but the real ‘plus’ is that I believe we can make claim to being the largest seersucker gathering on the planet.”
And just under the wire, too—since, come September, it’ll be time to hang up that suit until next spring.
For more information, go to seriouslyseersucker.com
Southern Town Mourns Tragic Loss of 3 Families
Note: This excellent post, “Pulling Us Closer to God,” was written by Oxford, MS resident, and writer, Toni Overby, about a tragic airplane accident. Two years ago writer Paul Stanley wrote a similar piece about two Christian Brothers High School students who were killed early in their senior year. Toni’s article captures the essence of a grieving community and I encourage you to read her words.
Pulling Us Closer to God
I wish this could be one of my sarcastic posts. I’m good at those, better, I think than of these posts that are somber and depressing.
But in true human fashion, the funny doesn’t always teach. The funny doesn’t pull us closer to God.
The tragic, however, often does.
I’m experiencing for the first time since September 11, 2001, a community that in its entirety is reeling from a loss so big we can physically feel it surrounding us.
The air is thick and it is suffocating, and it is choking the life out of my tiny town even as we celebrate our very own Olympian at the same time this tragedy has occurred (who really pulled through for us by the way, and for that, Sam Kendricks, I say a huge Thank You).
I refuse to name the tragedy. I’m not going to give it life by bringing it to the surface once more. There is no reason to name names out of respect for families mourning and trying to cope with the loss of sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, cousins. Colleagues and friends trying to make sense of these beautiful lights snuffed out too fast for our human mentality to process.
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By far, the most important titles these precious souls held was the most sacred title of all: Mom and Dad. There are babies from kindergarten to college waking up without their parents this morning.
No more goodnight hugs, no more lovingly-cooked meals, or carpools to soccer, or talks about boys or baseball. There will be no future walks down the wedding aisle; no prayers said over little foreheads at night, given from a mom and dad so in love with their babies they would do anything to keep them happy, safe, secure.*
The mind reels. We cannot understand a Good and Loving God who would rip a parent from a child.
How do we tell our own children about all this?
What in the world could we possibly say to them? How do we explain the concept of having strong and steady faith in a world constantly bombarding them with horror, hurt and sin?
It’s almost as if the enemy knows his time is near.
I have a child who was born with a healthy dose of fear. It’s been inside her since the day she was born, its blatant reality shown through everything from infant colic to being stuck in a large shopping mall in the middle of a tornado at the age of four.
These types of tragedies, test her faith in the absolute worst of ways.
Tell me what my friends did to deserve their parents being taken from them, she said the day it occurred, followed with the words…by God.
She believes God created this tragedy.
Finding Truth
And here’s the truth: I have no way to deny that. When we sit in church and we preach what we’ve been preaching for the last umpteen thousand years–that God sends rain on the Good and the Evil, that God knows All and allows All and is over All–and we do so without the large dose of Grace and Mercy that is supposed to accompany it but often doesn’t, there isn’t much else we can do but to attribute blame to the Creator of the Universe.
I can’t sit here and write on a blog and pretend I have the answers. Any of us who even tries to explain the hows and the whys of tragedy and horror and even sin–why does sin need to exist, why did God need to create bad things–will never, ever, EVER get that answer.
His ways are higher. His thoughts are Higher.
We will never understand.
And still, we the faithful, we believe. We pray and we cry out. We choose to mentally will ourselves to acknowledge that though we don’t understand, we trust. Every single day, every single minute–sometimes that’s all we can do–we trust that we serve a God who will one day rectify this.
We choose to believe that we worship a God who loved the Creation He’d made so much, cared for us so much, that He chose to set aside His kingship to live as a poor carpenter and die like a criminal to set us free from the horror of death.
Can Death Pull Us Closer to God?
We don’t see that side, you know. Not now. We can’t see that we’ve conquered death on this side of Heaven.
To us, the gone are gone. Though we tell ourselves we will see them again, we can’t fully believe that what we trust is on the other side is actually on the other side.
That is, until we experience a tragedy like what has happened in my precious town.
Then, to many of us, it becomes more clear.
We long for the day we will be with the Saints, among whom our loved ones now sit.
The faithful believe they are in perfect form, dancing with their King.
We no longer hear their prayers, but we feel them; we know they are interceding on our behalf.
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Our senses suddenly become more attuned to the Creation. Sometimes that takes a while; for many of those closest to these sweet people, there will be numbness, followed by deep anger, deep depression.
But then, on a day when all seems hopeless, they will sit in a rocking chair outside, maybe, or in a hammock among green trees, and they’ll notice the most beautiful butterfly float by.
They’ll look up at a bright sky and see a cloud shaped like an angel, or they’ll pick up a penny off the ground, and the year will have a significance only shared between them and the loved one they lost.
I believe we serve a God who sends signs from above.
And, I believe He didn’t just create the concept of family for a temporary Earth. I believe we will love and know and serve and worship alongside those with whom we walked here.
Yes, we will know everybody, but no one can tell me that God created a bond this tight on Earth without intending for it to remain so in the Heavenlies.
Family is meant to be a gift, and for many of us who have the privilege to have ours today–no matter how imperfect they may be–we are holding them just a little tighter.
What do we tell our kids about all this?
We tell them Jesus wept and lead them to the Bible. We open it to the story of Jesus’ very best friend, Lazarus, and we read to them of how Martha and Mary met Jesus on the road, inconsolable after their brother had died.
Prayer Is Pulling Us Closer to God
We tell them that when the Creator of our Universe, the Almighty God, saw their sorrow, He broke down and wept.
He is a God who sees, knows, and feels our pain.
That’s what we tell them.
God filters All but doesn’t cause All.
We tell them that Satan has a limited time here and that while he has it, the kingdom-bringers—us—overcome his evil with LOVE.
So many people take that meal to the hungry.
We give that coat to the cold.
Then we wrap our arms around the hurting.
But we don’t try to give answers.
And we don’t try to ‘fix’ the problems.
We just LOVE
I know so many of us in this tiny town are trying so hard to come to grips with what has happened.
These couples touched each of our lives in some way. They were so well-known, so loved.
I have my own personal stories about them: the way she lit up the room, the way he was so proud of the ballfields he had created, how kind they were to my children.
But even if you didn’t know them, you still hurt in unfathomable ways. And you might wonder why that is so.
I think it’s because we look at these sweet faces and the faces of these hurting children and we know that in this case, in this tragedy, it so easily could have been one of us.
While other horrors are so far removed, this one was just a little too close to home.
And it’s going to take our community giving each other an extra dose of love to see us through these dark days.
I have every confidence this amazing place, this temporary home I love so much, will do just that.
#oxfordstrong
*The children in one of these sweet families do still have their mom and dad, respectively, since the couple was remarried. I wrote in general terms, so I did not mean to downplay those other parents or the many people who will come alongside these precious babies and continue these activities.
Jockeys & Juleps Derby Watch Party Brings Fashion & Food Together to Raise Funds for Therapy Riding Program
(MEMPHIS, TN) – Kirby Dobbs Floyd and her husband Glenn, both of whom dreamed of using their horse farm to help people with disabilities tackle their physical and emotional challenges, came one step closer as 900 well-dressed Memphians gathered to watch “The Run for the Roses” at the inaugural Jockeys and Juleps event to raise a hearty six-figures for the Southern Reins Center for Equine Therapy.
(4Memphis/Mark Ramirez)
(4Memphis/Mark Ramirez)
In 2015 the Floyds joined forces with a handful of civic-minded equestrians with a simple goal in mind: to give children and their families an opportunity to use horses to heal the mind, body and soul. At that moment, the program was born. With a goal to provide equine-assisted activities for people with physical, cognitive and emotional disabilities throughout the Mid-South, Southern Reins has grown from 13 riders to 35 – yet without significant funds, the horses, hay and help required to meet those needs for continued growth would be stymied.
(4Memphis/Mark Ramirez)
“We saw first-hand how equine therapy could change lives,” said Floyd. “And we are very thankful and grateful to be able to offer this service to our Mid-South community. The need is so great, and we are making incredible strides in helping people with disabilities through therapeutic riding.”
(4Memphis/Mark Ramirez)
So what did this group of motivated women do? What any southern belles would; they threw a party.
Within a couple of months, dozens of businesses such as FTB Advisors, Lexus of Memphis and Dobbs Management Services were on board with other companies and community volunteers close behind.
(4Memphis/Mark Ramirez)
“We had a really strong team and everyone brought a different skill set to the table,” noted Courtney Smith, one of Southern Reins’ co-founders. “I grew up riding and got my masters in special education. Bridgett Ternary, Kim Jordan and Kirby were riders too. All the pieces just came together. This really was a ‘God’ thing.”
(4Memphis/Mark Ramirez)
Bulleit Bourbon and Buster’s Wine & Liquors, along with bartenders from The University Club of Memphis, supplied all the necessary ingredients for a race-worthy Mint Julep at the five open bars strategically placed on grounds of the elegant East Memphis Dobbs’ family estate where Kirby and her siblings grew up.
Sampling of one of many dessert’s offered (4Memphis/Mark Ramirez)
Turning into the long, winding driveway, guests made their way past two therapy ponies where members of Longreen Foxhounds were onsite in their striking red riding coats atop their elegant mounts. Passing through the main house’s grand double doors en route to the property’s backyard stood an enormous theatre sized screen and several smaller monitors showcasing horse racing’s most exciting two minutes.
(OneSouthernMan)
In addition to their Kentucky Derby betting purses, race fans were encouraged to bring their appetites, and everyone was treated to a variety of southern fare that included golden fried legs and wings from Gus’ World Famous Fried Chicken, beef sliders from Belly Acres, award winning Memphis barbeque, along with a number of other sandwiches and desserts by many of Memphis’ top restaurants and chefs.
(4Memphis/Mark Ramirez)
And no respectable Derby party would be complete without a double shot of high fashion and patrons of Jockeys & Juleps did not disappoint.
(4Memphis/Mark Ramirez)
Gentlemen donned their finest racing attire ranging from seersucker and white bucks to Vineyard Vines derby themed bow ties and elegant sport coats from Oak Hall Clothiers worthy of making the trek to the betting window or winner’s circle.
Not to be outdone, ladies’ high fashion was on full view with Dinah Makowsky themed hats topping a variety of colorful dresses by Trina Turk, Lilly Pulitzer and Vineyard Vines suitable of any Louisville brunch or grandstand suite.
(OneSouthernMan)
As the last guests departed, everyone was asking if Jockeys and Juleps would become an early May Memphis tradition?
“Absolutely,” said Floyd. “Many of our sponsors have already renewed their support for next year and we’re already planning for the 2017 party. And in the meantime, many more kids and families will be living a better life through our program – thanks to the generosity of this wonderful community.”
Paul Stanley is a seventh generation southerner whose passion for the South and southern lifestyles are profiled at OneSouthernMan.com.
Jockeys & Juleps Derby Party Seeks Big Finish for Equine Therapy Families
On Saturday, May 7th, the first annual Jockeys & Juleps derby watch party will be held on the Dobbs’ family estate in the heart of one of East Memphis’ most beautiful neighborhoods. What will make this event so unique is not the capacity crowd of 900 people or the depth of the volunteer committee, but the disabled children and their families who will benefit from the $250,000 organizers project to raise.
In late 2014 three ladies with a love for horses and a history of supporting numerous civic charities ventured to Virginia for training with the goal of starting a therapeutic riding program on a 1000-plus acre farm in North Mississippi. On the advice of contacts made during the trip, they connected with Jill Haag, a lifelong equestrian in the process of relocating to Memphis. Within days they named her as their Executive Director and Southern Reins was formed. The impact on the lives of physically and emotionally challenged children has been nothing short of spectacular.
Kirby Dobbs Floyd, known not only for her charitable work but also for the annual Christmas party held at her childhood home on the property, led the effort to assemble over 70 women who called on the city’s top businesses and contributors to underwrite the event. Other founders and board members such as Courtney Smith, Bridget Ternary and Kim Jordan bring a passion and commitment to Southern Reins and this event that allowed presenting and title sponsorships to be quickly sold.
Kirby Floyd Dobbs
Tickets are $100 per person with a limited number of tables remaining.
A VIP tent featuring a Bulleit Bourbon and food from some of Memphis’ best restaurants such as Gus’ Fried Chicken, Cheffie’s and The University Club will be the culinary focal point of the event. A few tables of 10 remain and general admission tickets include passed hors d’oeuveres, beer and wine and signature Mint Juleps. Two of the farms therapy ponies will be in attendance for guests to see and have their pictures taken with. Large screen monitors placed throughout the event will show the running of the Kentucky Derby at 5:34 p.m. CDT.
Although Southern Reins and their services will be the focal point, derby-day fashion will be everywhere. Memphis clothier Oak Hall, and hat maker Dinah Makowsky of Makowsky Millinery will be helping Memphians achieve derby fashion status for the event.
Missing this event is not an option and even when tickets are gone, your tax deductible contribution will bring smiles to hundreds of mid-South families blessed by Southern Reins.
Southern Music Festivals Worth Checking Out This Spring & Summer
There is something about southern outdoor venues that bring music to life. StyleBlueprint has showcased 9 music festivals to consider adding to your summer travel schedule.
Adding a Southern music festival to your summer plans infuses your warmer months with tunes and gives you a weekend destination without having to travel too far. With so many to choose from around the South, we have selected some of the best to help you decide which ones to attend. Enjoy!
Southern Ground Music & Food Festival
April 16-17, 2016 — Charleston, SC
The Southern Ground Music & Food Festival is the perfect marriage of good tunes and delicious eats in Charleston, SC. Of course, the cuisine offered at Southern Ground, being in Charleston, is more than your typical food truck fare. World-renowned chefs will offer everything from award-winning low country cuisine and Creole jambalaya to Southeast Asian farm-to-table food. As excited as we are about the food, we can’t wait to see Kacey Musgraves, Hunter Hayes, Muddy Magnolias and the Zac Brown Band. One-day tickets are $115 each, and two-day general admission tickets are $189 each. See the complete lineup and learn more here.
The Southern Ground Music & Food Festival is two fun-filled days of live music and amazing food, all in the beautiful town of Charleston, SC. Image: Southern Reel for Southern Ground Music & Food Festival
A packed house gets down to the sounds of the Zac Brown Band, who is playing both nights at this year’s festival. Image: Southern Reel for Southern Ground Music & Food Festival
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
April 22-24 and April 28-May 1, 2016 — New Orleans, LA
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival celebrates the city of jazz, its cultural history, and Cajun and Creole cuisine in a two weekend-long parade of craft booths and concerts. Nowhere else but New Orleans can deliver a multistage music festival with crawfish boils, tribal basket weaving, woodworking and more. Even at the very first Jazz Fest, renowned gospel singer Mahalia Jackson and Duke Ellington both joined a parading brass band for an impromptu performance, exemplifying the vivacious energy of the festival that continues today. This year’s amazing lineup includes Paul Simon, Stevie Wonder, Beck and Van Morrison. Several ticket packages and options are still available. To purchase tickets and view the entire lineup, click here.
Incredible cultural displays draw a crowd at the annual New Orleans Jazz Fest. Image: Zack Smith for Jazz Fest
Beale Street Music Festival
April 29-May 1, 2016 — Memphis, TN
Beale Street in Memphis has long been known for its musical offerings, especially blues, but the Beale Street Music Festival turns up the volume just that much more. The festival, located in the Tom Lee Park along the riverfront, celebrates all that Memphis has to offer, including but not limited to great barbecue, musical entertainment and tons of amazing local art. There is always a stellar lineup at Beale Street Music Festival with acts crossing all genres. This year’s roster includes legendary names like Paul Simon, Mavis Staples, Beck, Indigo Girls, Lucinda Williams, Jonny Lang and so many more amazing names. Several ticket options are still available and can be found, along with all the acts, here.
It’s an amazingly impressive lineup (again!) for this year’s Beale Street Music Festival, celebrating its 40th year. Image: Beale Street Music Festival
Shaky Knees Festival
May 13-15, 2016 — Atlanta, GA
If you’re in or near Atlanta and are craving some summer music festival fun, plan to attend the food truck-fueled Shaky Knees Festival. Held for the first time this year in the beloved Centennial Olympic Park, the festival invites attendees to take in the music, pop in and out of photo booths and grab screen prints of their favorite bands. Must-see acts include Florence + the Machine, My Morning Jacket, The Decemberists and The Head and the Heart. Single-day tickets are $97; three-day tickets are $215. Purchase your tickets and find the complete lineup of artists here.
That’s a packed house! Be a part of the fun at the Shaky Knees Festival. Image: Shaky Knees
Have a laid-back, super-fun time at the Shaky Knees Festival. Image: Shaky Knees
Hangout Music Festival
May 20-22, 2016 — Gulf Shores, AL
What more do you want at the beach than a few beers and some good tunes? Hangout Music Festival delivers with its major beach party vibe and consistently chart-topping lineups, which, this year, include the likes of Alabama Shakes, Brett Dennen and Lenny Kravits. At no other festival can you see talent this good with your toes deep in the sand and the Gulf of Mexico as your backdrop, truly setting Hangout apart from the rest. Our wish list of acts to see is too long to count, but some favorites are The Weekend, Leon Bridges and Calvin Harris. A general admission, all-weekend ticket is $289, and VIP packages are also available. View the entire lineup and purchase tickets here.
Come hang out in Gulf Shores, AL, for the Hangout Music Festival. Image: Hangout Music Festival
Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival
June 9-12, 2016 — Manchester, TN
When the topic of Southern Music Festivals comes up, the first one to come to mind is likely Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. For a few days each summer, the quiet town of Manchester, TN, becomes a bustling, groovy campground as concertgoers from all over the world show up for some serious musical entertainment. Bonnaroo gives a nod to it festival predecessors, most notably Woodstock, and features jam bands and folk rock aplenty. However, the selection is diverse and spans all genres, from pop to hip-hop to bluegrass. Attendees of the festival get to participate in the melting pot of creativity the festival has become and engage with music and visual arts of every sound and color. We are especially excited about Jason Isbell, Chris Stapelton, Miguel, Ibeyi and Tame Impala. Click here to create a custom lineup, view your ticket options and see what’s new this year at this one-of-a-kind, you’ve-got-to-see-it-to-believe-it festival.
There’s truly no other summer music festival experience like Bonnaroo. Image: Bonnaroo
Like moths to a flame, music lovers are drawn each summer to Manchester, TN, for the annual Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. Image: Bonnaroo
Forecastle Festival
July 15-17, 2016 — Louisville, KY
Held in Louisville’s scenic waterfront park, Forecastle Festival is not only known for its star-studded lineups, but also for featuring local artists and promoting environmental activism. The Kentucky Landing area of the festival, focusing solely on goods from the Bluegrass State, includes regionally produced beers, handmade crafts and food trucks galore. This year’s lineup is as impressive as you’d expect with headliners like Ben Harper, Ryan Adams, The Avett Brothers, Death Cab for Cutie and Alabama Shakes. General admission and VIP packages are still available in limited quantities. See purchase options and a complete artist lineup here.
When in Kentucky … Image: Forecastle
Does it get any better than great music in a great city like Louisville, KY? Image: Forecastle
Sloss Music & Arts Festival
July 16-17, 2016 — Birmingham, AL
Sloss Music & Arts Festival, promoted by Jill Wheeler and her team, is preparing for its second year. Held at one of Birmingham’s most unique historic sites, Sloss Furnaces, the music festival’s backdrop is the 20th century ironmaking complex, which provides a funky, industrial setting for some seriously great talent. Concertgoers can find more than musical entertainment, though, including a beer garden, art for purchase by the American Poster Institute and even a hands-on iron pouring demonstration by the Sloss Metal Arts Program. Notable acts this year are Death Cab for Cutie, Washed Out, Dr. Dog and Ray LaMontagne. Tickets start at $125; find complete purchasing options and check out the entire lineup here.
Jill Wheeler, promoter of Sloss Fest, a music festival held at the historic Sloss Furnaces in Birmingham, AL
A National Historic Landmark, the industrial Sloss Furnaces serve as a dramatic backdrop to the Sloss Music & Arts Festival. Image: Sloss Furnaces
LOCKN’ Festival
August 25-28, 2016 — Arrington, VA
LOCKN’ Festival is the perfect spot to get your groove on and catch some of your favorite bands in a picture-perfect setting. The foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains provide a picturesque opportunity for hiking, yoga and almost any outdoor activity imaginable to complement the amazing tunes, which this year are being offered by Gary Clarke Jr., Phish, Tedeschi Trucks Band and more. LOCKN’ is definitely the festival to visit if jam bands are your favorite, and while you should go for the music, don’t miss the offerings of regional cuisine, local artisans and craft beer. Tickets and camping and parking passes can be purchased here. See the full lineup here.
The LOCKN’ Festival in Arrington, VA, is the perfect way to wrap up a fun-filled summer. Image: Jay Blakesberg
Break out your hoops! It’s time for LOCKN’! Image: Jay Blakesberg
Have a blast at whatever summer music festival you attend. They are all sure to be amazing!