December 18, 2017
by jenniferpuryear
Even a joyful holiday ballet like The Nutcracker nods gently towards madness, darkness, and fear: in the dangerous Mouse King, first and foremost, and also in the mysterious magician and uncle, Drosselmeier. E.T.A. Hoffmann’s story – on which it is based – tells a darker story than Tchaikovsky’s ballet. Darker yet is Gregory Maguire’s new novel Hiddensee: The Once and Future Nutcracker. “As evidenced especially …
October 1, 2017
by jenniferpuryear
Most of the time I’d really rather stay home. I have to fight the good fight against inertia. Maybe you do too! Today’s post features five ways to drench yourself with words unspoken, to live your life with arms wide open – to feel the rain on your skin. I’m featuring Nashville events, but I hope this list will inspire you wherever you live. 1. …
September 1, 2017
by jenniferpuryear
August departs in a dreadful deluge. But September arrives – I hope, I believe – with hope and hustle, even in times such as these. September strides in with energy and eagerness, industry and effort. Today’s post features one book, two readings, and three performances perfect for this month – plus tremendous gratitude for a home that is safe and dry and those who help …
March 19, 2017
by jenniferpuryear
Book Title: Richard Nixon: The Life
It’s Spring Break in Nashville and the city has left the premises. Those of us left behind are possibly dreaming of piña coladas in tropical locations. Today’s post features three fantastic happenings in Nashville this week to distract us from any woes! First up: The Frist Center for the Visual Arts My daughters had friends visiting from out of town, and we all headed down to …
February 11, 2017
by jenniferpuryear
You’ll find Kevin Crumbo and Captain Jack Sparrow out at the park before daybreak, sometimes as early as 4 a.m. Conversations take place in the deep, dark quiet of the woods. Today, Kevin is kind enough to share a recent exchange… From Kevin: “Surprised you went to a ballet tonight,” exclaimed Captain Jack Sparrow, “no one will mistake you for a dance super fan, so …
February 8, 2017
by jenniferpuryear
Why do we go to the Symphony, the Ballet, the theater or any other arts performance or institution? The National Endowment for the Arts asked. “I expected to hear that it is because someone loves a particular form of art, be it opera, theater, symphonic or choral music, painting or sculpture. That is not what the NEA study found,” writes Todd Jones, pastor at First …
September 6, 2016
by jenniferpuryear
Everyone I know is working on their fall calendars right now. Today’s post features some hot happenings for yours, Nashville readers! 1. Salon@615 has an incredible lineup of authors speaking this fall, many of them at Nashville’s Downtown Public Library but several of them off-site at larger venues. Here are some I’m most excited about: Jacqueline Woodson (September 7)… Ann Patchett (September 12)… Rick Riordan (October 6). You’ll …
October 15, 2015
by jenniferpuryear
Lately I’ve been sitting on the back porch at dusk watching the bats emerge. First I’ll see one or two skittering high above, then six or eight will appear as if out of thin air. After that, I lose count; there might be twenty. For a moment they swirl about together with an odd grace, then they set out on their own separate hunts. Bat …
September 1, 2015
by jenniferpuryear
August wore me out with her pushy back-to-school demands. September instead is my gentleman caller, inviting me out for some lovely and inspiring fall evenings. Why yes, September, I’m available! I’d be so delighted to join you for one of these TOP FIVE SPECTACULAR SEPTEMBER events (in chronological order)… 1 – Nashville Symphony: Beethoven’s Ninth, Featuring “Ode to Joy,” and John Adams’ “On the Transmigration of Souls” …
April 13, 2015
by jenniferpuryear
Some people do what they are called to do, and the world is changed in ways big and small. Paul Vasterling, CEO and Artistic Director of Nashville Ballet, has grown Nashville Ballet from a small local company to a regional powerhouse arts organization doing what he loves. Financially and artistically thriving, the Ballet has renovated and expanded its space, with a grand opening of its new facility …