by Sydney Poe | Jan 22, 2013 | News Slider, Opinion, Sports
Whether it’s in reference to the city’s rising economy, sports fever, southern charm or constant entertainment, Nashville has been dubbed the new ‘it city,’ and it’s about time. For a few years, different news outlets and magazines have noted the rise both population and economy in Music City, but it seems that 2013 may just be the year that Nashville emerges as a top destination in the country. Back in 2011, Forbes magazine listed Nashville at No. 3 on their list of cities in line to be the ‘next big boom town’. Last year, the Business Insider ranked the city at No. 5 for fastest growing job markets in the U.S. Now, the New York Times is referring to Nashville as the next “it city,” and people can’t wait to become a citizen of the GQ-named ‘Nowville’. For a city that used to be mocked for its honky-tonk feel, how did it rise to the top? To start, the change in country music has helped move Nashville away from the old country vibe. Names like Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton have made it popular to enjoy country music again. Urban and Shelton are both in the national spotlight with roles on the hit television shows American Idol and The Voice, while Underwood, Swift and Lambert have all spent the past five years bringing in a younger demographic to the country music fan base. Country music is no longer limited to just Broadway Ave. Bridgestone Arena is constantly rotating the biggest names not only in country music, but the music industry in general throughout...
by Cory Woodroof | Jan 18, 2013 | News Slider, Opinion, Sports
In this semester’s second installment of Lumination News, Caitlin Selle and Nick Glende are behind the news desk to update you about what’s happening on campus. Kage Sanderson brings you up to speed with sports, Madeline Smith gives the scoop on all things entertainment and Jessica Burke delivers your weather forecast. This week’s newscast features a look into the on-campus event AfterDark, a preview for the Revenge of the Nerds video game tournament, a look into the upcoming Relay for Life event, a look into MLK service weekend, info on new ESPN3 developments, a few opinions on gun control, an interview with basketball player Stephen Hurt, a look into intramural basketball with Jeremy Keck, a look into the choral festival held on campus last week, a look into a new art display at the Hughes center and our weekly Nashville Spotlight/Tweets of the Week. Be sure to stay tuned for future newscasts published every Friday here on...
by Aaron Schmelzer | Jan 16, 2013 | Opinion, Sports
Four teams have earned their right to compete in the conference championships this weekend. On Sunday, the San Francisco 49ers visit the Atlanta Falcons, and the New England Patriots will host the Baltimore Ravens. On the NFC side, the San Francisco 49ers are making their second straight conference championship game appearance. The bigger story this year, however, is the change in quarterback for the 49ers. Colin Kaepernick took over for the previously injured Alex Smith in Week 10 and quarterbacked the 49ers to a tie versus the St. Louis Rams. It was assumed that head coach Jim Harbaugh would keep Smith as the starter after he was healthy, but Harbaugh stood beside Kaepernick. With a 5-2 record under Kaepernick as QB, Harbaugh did not become a Monday morning quarterback. Kaepernick led San Francisco to the second overall seed in its conference and a first-round bye. Questions loomed over the young quarterback as to how he would play in his playoff debut. Kaepernick did not disappoint, as he rushed for 181 yards – an all-time record for a quarterback in a single game. The 49ers toppled the Packers to cement their spot in the conference championship game. A winless record in the playoffs for the Atlanta Falcons since 2004 followed the team last Sunday when the Seattle Seahawks came to town, riding a 6-game winning streak. The Falcons comfortably led 20-0 walking into the locker room at halftime but watched their lead crumble as Seattle scored 28 unanswered points, eventually leading 28-27 with less than a minute in the game. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan drove the offense into field goal...
by Kelly Dean | Jan 16, 2013 | Opinion
Thousands of people move to Nashville, the “country music capital,” with hopes that their talents will get them noticed by the right person. Whether they score that record deal or not, these musicians put their heart and soul into their music that ultimately leads their lives. Hearing the same country songs on the radio can get old really fast. It’s always nice to have some new tunes shuffling around on your iPod or MP3 player. If you can’t get enough of country music, then take a few minutes, turn down the radio and turn up these three artists you may have never heard of. Kelleigh Bannen This Nashville native is sure to win you over. Kelleigh Bannen’s original music and bubbly personality make the up-and-coming country artist unique and worth listening to. In 2009, Bannen played 90 gigs in 90 days in honor of her brother who passed away after a long battle with addiction. You may be familiar with her first radio single, “Sorry on the Rocks.” On Bannen’s website, she says, “I want to make the kind of music that feels great when you crank it up on your way home from work on Friday night. The kind that plays in your head even when you turn it off. And I want to make the kind of music that makes you lean in and think about who you are, and who you want to be.” Check out her latest video for her single and original music on Bannen’s website, http://www.kelleighbannen.com/ Eric Paslay Eric Paslay has made it on the Country Billboards, won award after award and all...
by Brynn Watkins | Jan 15, 2013 | Opinion
Are you looking for a coffee shop with some elbow room? Barista Parlor, a new coffee shop in the heart of East Nashville, may be the solution. Barista Parlor is great for people who want to really enjoy their coffee. The staff focuses the art of coffee making and the quality they can give their customers. With an array of coffees available from artisans around the world, the choices are vast and endless. Not sure which coffee you prefer? Not a problem. A trained staff of baristas is behind the counter to help determine the perfect blend for each individual customer. Barista Parlor makes coffee with beans from around the country. Portland’s Stumptown, North Carolina’s Counter Culture, Michigan’s MadCap, Illinois’s Intelligentsia, and California’s Sightglass are all different types of coffee you can try. With it’s spacious seating and quiet atmosphere, clumping it with other coffee houses like Starbucks seems almost unnatural. Kevin Mac Erwin, a junior at Lipscomb, explained how the Barista Parlor is rapidly gaining fans and national prestige. “The Barista Parlor provides a handcrafted and aesthetically pleasing experience to its ever growing group of followers,” Mac Erwin said. “With an emphasis on quality coffee and collaboration with local merchants, The Barista Parlor is quickly becoming a Nashville classic.” Lipscomb sophomore Allison Kate Collins said she believes Barista Parlor is the perfect early morning or late afternoon coffee break. “Barista Parlor is perfect if you want to get way off campus. Its spacious atmosphere is a welcome contrast from cramped classrooms and the campus Starbucks. If you’re not a coffee connoisseur (as I’m not), one of the friendly...
