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In this issue On the Cover
When the duo now known as Florida Georgia Line met while attending Belmont University, they somehow figured out that their partnership was meant to be. Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley have since taken country music by storm; so far, they’ve broken two sales records, garnered about thirty major awards, and received a Grammy nomination. On February 15, they release their latest studio album, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, and they will embark on a US tour in March. But music is just one part of the story—check out our feature article, “Meant to Be,” for the scoop on FGL’s many business ventures, family ties, and philosophies. Photo by Robby Klein
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SONGSTRESS MORGAN JAMES HAS PERFORMED AROUND THE COUNTRY, BEEN ON BROADWAY, AND HAS RELEASED FOUR ALBUMS. NOW SHE’S HITTING THE ROAD FOR HER TOUR, FROM WHITE TO BLUE, COVERING GREAT SONGS FROM THE BEATLES, JONI MITCHELL, AND MORE. PHOTO BY JASON MOODY
FEATURE 22
VOYAGER 83
Meant to Be: Florida Georgia Line on Music, Family, and a Life Worth Living
84 Paradise Found: Joali Maldives
LE MONDE 33
96 One with Nature: Bubble Hotels
34 Memorializing Music Greats
102 Beyond the Fjords: Viking Cruises
42 A Year in Film: Ten Don’t-Miss Movies from 2018 48 From White to Blue Tour Hits the
Road: Morgan James Covers the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and More
54 The Literati Salon: A Festival for Intellects, Great Minds, and Engaging Conversation
L’AMOUR 109 110 Mr. and Mrs. Baker: A Dream Caribbean Wedding
INTROSPECTIONS 116 Adman by Subtraction
66 True Stories: Tim and Lindsey
#LOVEMEXICOBEACH
72 Puppet Arts: Ancient and Modern
118 Never Forgotten Coast: Our
76 Old-School Values, New-World Vision:
Ron Robinson
C’EST LA VIE CURATED COLLECTION: ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE 80 TheIdeaBoutique.com info@theideaboutique.com
around the World
62 Stories and Songs: 30A Fest Celebrates
Ten Years
PUBLISHED BY
90 Parisienne Playgrounds
Story—Driftwood Inn
THE LAST WORD: ENTERTAINERS & LIFESTYLES 121 LA SCÈNE 124 AU REVOIR! 129 V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 9
Shines e Sh
G R A N D B O U L E VA R D
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VIE is a registered trademark. All contents herein are Copyright © 2008–2019 Cornerstone Marketing and Advertising, Incorporated (Publisher). All rights reserved. No part of this periodical may be reproduced without written permission from the Publisher. VIE is a lifestyle magazine and is published twelve times annually on a monthly schedule. The opinions herein are not necessarily those of the Publisher. The Publisher and its advertisers will not be held responsible for any errors found in this publication. The Publisher is not liable for the accuracy of statements made by its advertisers. Ads that appear in this publication are not intended as offers where prohibited by state law. The Publisher is not responsible for photography or artwork submitted by freelance or outside contributors. The Publisher reserves the right to publish any letter addressed to the editor or the Publisher. VIE is a paid publication. Subscription rates: Printed magazine – One-year $29.95; Two-year $54.95. Subscriptions can be purchased online at www.VIEmagazine.com.
12 | M A R CH 2019
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Editor’s Note
A SONG IN MY HEART He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the LORD and put their trust in Him. —PSALM 40:3
A
s I sit here and pen my note, I struggle to find my thoughts. We’re going to press tomorrow, and time is not my friend. It seems it isn’t anyone’s friend anymore. Technology makes us work faster and faster, giving us the sense that we’re all getting so much more done. Maybe we are getting more done, but we’re losing something in the mix: rest.
When I need to go into my writer’s zone, I sometimes need to crank some music to get there. Enter the sound track from the movie The Falcon and the Snowman (1985) starring Sean Penn and Timothy Hutton. The album opens with a song that sounds like a glorious choir singing in a cathedral, and then it kicks into high gear with my favorite song, “This Is Not America” by David Bowie and Pat Metheny. I’ve played that song over and over again for decades. It’s loud, and I love it! The mix of the late, great Bowie with jazz fusion icon Metheny is so damn good with its strong pulse, eerie rips, and everything in between. And, now that I think of it, art appears to be imitating life, as the premise of the movie is all about espionage and subterfuge. You get my drift. “This is not America, Shala la la la.” David Bowie is one of the many great artists we’ve lost, but thankfully his music lives on. In this issue, Bowie shares the stage with Prince, John Lennon, Aretha Franklin, and Freddie Mercury, to name but a few, in managing editor Jordan Staggs’s tribute to the legends, “Memorializing Music Greats.” I love all genres of music and respect musicians and songwriters to the nth degree. When I first saw Morgan James perform at Seagar’s at the Sandestin Hilton five years ago—the founder of Sinfonia Gulf Coast, Maestro Demetrius Fuller, had brought her to sunny Florida from NYC—I was mesmerized by her beauty and how gracious she was to my father, who came with me to meet her at dress rehearsal. I returned a few hours later for the show, and there she was: a siren with one of the most powerful voices I’d ever heard, standing under a lone spotlight. The ambience of the venue and Morgan’s aura channeled a 1940s jazz club, and I will never forget it. Since then, we’ve become friends and done all sorts of things together, including Morgan donning Christian Siriano gowns at the United Palace Theatre in Manhattan, where we shot
VIE editor-in-chief Lisa Burwell Photo by Brenna Kneiss
a VIE cover with Kristin Chenoweth in October of 2015. (Kristin is another powerhouse and a class act!) Please read about Morgan’s upcoming From White to Blue tour—during which she’ll cover the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and more—in a new article by Tori Phelps. Thank you to the country duo on our cover, Brian Kelley and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line, as they allow us to tell the story of their incredible journey and celebrate their new album in “Meant to Be” by Sallie W. Boyles. This is one of my favorite covers. I’ve been told I say that for almost every issue, but I really mean it this time! Bravo, Brian and Tyler! The song I have in my heart this year is being written as I journey on my path, but it’s one filled with hope, excitement, and anticipation. No matter what comes my way, I will sing it as loudly as I can. To Life!
—Lisa Marie Founder/Editor-In-Chief V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 15
R R EEO AAF LLF E EER SSI NT T GAAST T EE O O FF FF E E R R II N N G G SS
AA LL Y Y SS BB EE AA C CH H
K KK K 44 ·· 33 33 SS EE AA FF O O AA M M AA LL LL EE YY
This This Khoury Khoury Vogt Vogt Architects Architects designed designed home home isis located located 2nd 2nd tier tier from from the the Gulf Gulf ofof Mexico Mexico on on the the iconic iconic Alys Alys Beach Beach Gulf Gulf Green Green and and features features aa cascading cascading rooftop rooftop pool pool overlooking overlooking the the Gulf. Gulf.
· U9 U9 · 60 60 SPICE SPICE BERRY BERRY ALLEY ALLEY
· A13 A13 · 30 30 NORTH NORTH CHARLES CHARLES STREET STREET
· HH1 HH1 · 17 17 SOUTH SOUTH CHARLES CHARLES STREET STREET
This This 4-bedroom 4-bedroom property property consists consists ofof the the main main home and a carriage house above the home and a carriage house above the two-car two-car garage. garage. The The third third story story provides provides an an additional additional living area with a terrace overlooking living area with a terrace overlooking Arboleda Arboleda Park. Park.
This This 3,075-square-foot 3,075-square-foot architectural architectural mastermasterpiece showcases 4 bedrooms piece showcases 4 bedrooms (plus (plus bunk bunk room), room), 4.5 4.5 baths, baths, and and offers offers soothing soothing natural natural light light throughout the home. throughout the home.
This This 4-bedroom, 4-bedroom, 4-bath, 4-bath, 2-half 2-half bath bath bunkroom bunkroom home, designed by Khoury Vogt home, designed by Khoury Vogt Architects, Architects, features features aa courtyard courtyard and and pool, pool, aa third-floor third-floor rooftop rooftop terrace, terrace, and and aa two-car two-car garage. garage.
L S E C . O A A L YY S B B E A A C H H . C C O M M
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Alys Beach Properties, LLC, Licensed Real Estate Broker participation welcome. Equal Housing Opportunity. Alys Beach Properties, LLC, Licensed Real Estate Broker participation welcome. Equal Housing Opportunity. This is not an offer or solicitation in CA, NY, NJ or any state where prohibited by law. ALYS BEACH is a trademark of EBSCO Industries, Inc. © 2019 This is not an offer or solicitation in CA, NY, NJ or any state where prohibited by law. ALYS BEACH is a trademark of EBSCO Industries, Inc. © 2019
T H E M O S T C R E AT I V E C U L I N A RY E X P E R I E N C E O N 3 0 A T H E M O S T C R E AT I V E C U L I N A RY E X P E R I E N C E O N 3 0 A
Contemporary American cuisine served al fresco. Our menu utilizes fresh, local ingredients to showcase our Gulf Coastserved locale al with craftOur cocktails, wine and beerlocal to match. Contemporary American cuisine fresco. menu utilizes fresh, ingredients to showcase our Gulf Coast locale with craft cocktails, wine and beer to match. Open to the public Tuesday through Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Located on the east end of Highway 30A in Alys Beach. Open to the public Tuesday through Saturday at 5:30 p.m. Located on the east end of Highway 30A in Alys Beach. 8 5 0 . 213 . 5 7 0 0 8 5 0 . 213 . 5 7 0 0
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@jojomonster12 “Sometimes all this light isn’t such a good thing,” she muses, sipping soda from a straw as they lounge together. “When everything’s so bright and shiny, it’s hard to tell what’s real and what’s only a reflection.” Loved writing this love story “Dystopia Meets Utopia” to narrate our photo shoot featuring the winners of South Walton Fashion Week 2016 in @viemagazine’s March 2017 Issue.
@sallielewislongoria As soon as I land, I will cross the Place Vendôme and wind my way through the maze of marble and mirrors at the @ritzparis until I reach the fabled Bar Hemingway. Colin Field is “raising the bar,” as they say. In the process, he has also woven his identity into Bar Hemingway’s hallowed fabric, all of which I explore in the January issue of @viemagazine.
@e.f.sanjuan Have you checked out our portfolio on @houzz? Get an inside look at our projects creating custom millwork, moulding and more. | Project: Private Residence, #SantaRosaBeach FL | Architect @tsadamsstudioflorida | Builder @gulfviewconstruction | Photo by @romonarobbinsreynolds for @viemagazine
@iamromeyroe Red hot magic with @viemagazine. Throwback to the 2015 Food & Fashion Issue. Model @maleenapruitt—kill it in NYC, babe!
LET’S TALK!
@thejewelgrandblvd Found this 2013 @viemagazine article—the perfect quote from @ashleylongshoreart just reminded us why we fell in love with Audrey, too!
@theideaboutique HOORAY FOR 10K! @viemagazine recently hit 10,000 followers on Instagram, and we appreciate you all so much for joining us on our adventures! #VIEmagazine has been a labor of love, and we thank you all for your support over the last 11 years. XOXO, Lisa & Gerald Burwell and the #VIE team | Photo by @brennakneiss.co
Send VIE your comments and photos on our social media channels or by emailing us at info@viemagazine.com. We’d love to hear your thoughts. They could end up in the next La conversation!
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V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 19
A Family Legacy
Fulfilling Dreams Since 1976
The Pride of a Master Craftsman
Photo by Romona Robbins
When old-world craft meets new-world technology, an unprecedented level of quality is birthed. At E.F. San Juan, the quality and long-term function of our woodwork are the keys to creating elements that will transform a house into a dream home. This iconic home in Seaside, Florida, known as "In Surf We Trust," was a challenging build thanks to its many curved walls and exquisite details. Designed by Curtis & Windham Architects and built by O.B. Laurent Construction, the home features custom millwork and moulding throughout created by the team at E.F. San Juan. efs a nj u a n.c o m
Photo by Robby Klein 22 | M A R CH 2019
MEANT TO BE
FLORIDA GEORGIA LINE BY SALLIE W. BOYLES
Who knows where this road is supposed to lead We got nothing but time As long as you’re right here next to me, Everything’s gonna be alright
ON MUSIC, FAMILY, AND A LIFE WORTH LIVING
If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be Baby, just let it be If it’s meant to be, it’ll be, it’ll be Baby, just let it be
The lyrics are from “Meant to Be,” the first collaboration between country music’s Florida Georgia Line duo, Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley, and pop artist sensation Bebe Rexha. On the first day they met to work on a song, Tyler and Bebe were dealing with some business-related frustrations, prompting Tyler’s wife Hayley to share the timeless sentiment: if it’s meant to be . . .
V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 23
rom that bit of inspiration, “Meant to Be” was ready for radio within a matter of hours. The instant hit, which they performed at the Fifty-Second Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, earned multiple nominations, such as Single of the Year and Musical Event of the Year by the CMA, plus a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. Crossing genres and generations, the love song resonates with a great range of music lovers. “Bebe didn’t try to be country,” says Tyler, “and we didn’t try to be anything but us, and that song continues to connect with people all over the globe.” On that note, when Florida Georgia Line (FGL) sings about destiny, it’s with insights learned from recognizing and grasping their opportunities.
Above right: Brian Kelley, Bebe Rexha, and Tyler Hubbard attend “Meant to Be: Bebe Rexha and Florida Georgia Line” at the Grammy Museum on August 13, 2018, in LA. Photo by Rebecca Sapp / WireImage Right: Florida Georgia Line headline Stagecoach Festival in April of 2018. Photo by David Leon Jr. / Shutterstock Opposite: Brian and Tyler rock the stage during their Las Vegas residency at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in December of 2018. Photo by Nick Swift 24 | M A R CH 2019
A mutual friend introduced Brian and Tyler when they were studying music at Belmont University in Nashville. Both Brian, who grew up in Florida, and Tyler, who is from Georgia, started out performing in church. They also played in bands. Neither planned to enter Belmont. Initially drafted by Florida State to play baseball for the Seminoles, Brian had his sights on professional ball but faced the reality of spending more time on the bench than on the field. During his downtime, he wrote music. Meanwhile, Tyler thought he’d skip college until seeing how much fun his friends were having in school. All along, Tyler says, “Music has always been part of my life—the same for Brian.” Regarding their genre, he adds, “Being from Georgia and Florida, country music’s just in our blood!” Practicing together at Belmont, the two hit it off and soon found they could fill every seat in the lounge of downtown Nashville’s Hotel Indigo. After graduating in 2009, they supposedly gave FGL two years to make it, but as Brian confides, there was “no Plan B for us.” Instead of waiting for their big break to materialize in Nashville, they took to the road in Brian’s Tahoe and booked their first gig at Miss Kitty’s in Florida. In between performing, they’d take odd jobs to earn cash. They haven’t forgotten how tough it was, yet Tyler fondly recalls “writing on the back of a tailgate and driving all across the country in Brian’s Tahoe to play shows.”
Some would call it luck, but their performance—a product of their talent and work ethic—caught the attention of industry executives who helped them get on tours with exposure to large audiences. The artists, in turn, took their time before signing with a label. “Instead of looking for a deal,” Tyler explains, “we were looking for fans. We hit the road hard for a couple of years and gained that support first. Everything else just fell into place after that.” Still working independently, FGL released their first EP, Anything Like Me, in 2010, followed by It’z Just What We Do in 2012. Here’s to the Good Times, their first album, which came out in December of 2012, includes their breakout hit “Cruise.” Released in April of 2012, the song had five thousand downloads in its first weekend on iTunes. Suddenly, FLG had their
choice of recording contracts and signed with BMLG Records. “Cruise” became the best-selling song by a country duo in digital history, and the album was certified platinum in the US and Canada. In 2013 alone, FGL won New Artist of the Year and New Vocal Duo of the Year, Academy of Country Music Awards; Duo Video of the Year and Breakthrough Video of the Year, CMT Awards; Vocal Duo of the Year and Single of the Year, CMA Awards; and Single of the Year (in a remix with Nelly), American Music Awards—along with several other nominations. Instead of resting on their laurels, FGL gained momentum. “You’ll never forget hearing your song on the radio for the first time,” says Tyler, “just like you’ll
never forget your first Grammy nomination, like we experienced this year. Every little ‘win’—big or small— inspires us to keep elevating to that next level.” Racking up top hits with their next two albums, Anything Goes and Dig Your Roots, Brian and Tyler have welcomed the multifaceted benefits of teaming up with different artists. “With every collaboration we’ve been part of,” says Tyler, “everyone involved has stayed true to themselves, and I think that’s why they’ve worked.” Besides gaining acclaim, songs with Luke Bryan (“This Is How We Roll”), The Cadillac Three, Dierks Bentley, and Mike Eli (“The South”), Tim McGraw
“BEING FROM GEORGIA AND FLORIDA, COUNTRY MUSIC’S JUST IN OUR BLOOD!” V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 25
“EVERY LITTLE ‘WIN,’ BIG OR SMALL, INSPIRES US TO KEEP ELEVATING TO THAT NEXT LEVEL.” (“May We All”), and Backstreet Boys (“God, Your Mama, And Me”) have been incredibly gratifying to make. “My first concert was Backstreet Boys,” says Brian, “and the Boys were Tyler’s first CD. It was a God thing to be able to collaborate with them on ‘God, Your Mama, and Me.’” “We’ve always been inspired by all types of music,” says Tyler. Inspired, not converted. Sending a message to any who suggest otherwise, FGL named their fourth album Can’t Say I Ain’t Country. “We continue to push ourselves with each project and are so excited to bring these songs on the road this summer,” says Tyler. “And the title can’t say it any better,” Brian affirms. 26 | M A R CH 2019
The proof, of course, is in the music. The industry has resoundingly applauded “Meant to Be.” Likewise, “Simple” and “Talk You Out of It” bounced to the top of the country charts. Expressing why Can’t Say I Ain’t Country is so significant to them, Tyler says, “Brian and I cowrote several of the songs, but this is the first time we were coproducers on the project, too. Every single part of this record we’ve touched. We took time off the road to really focus on this record.” Carving out time from touring and other engagements to focus on the one project would have challenged groups who are far less in demand. FGL’s ability to manage their full list of undertakings is remarkable.
a bus. Our Tree Vibez Music roster and team are just amazing and have only inspired our own music that much more.” In a related endeavor, Tyler and Brian founded an outside-the-box facility in Nashville called Meet + Greet. The setup provides a green space, inviting meeting rooms, balconies, an espresso bar, and a grab-and-go café for executives and idea generators to plan and conduct business.
Besides producing their own work, Brian and Tyler established the music publishing company Tree Vibez Music to represent songwriters of all genres in facilitating industry connections, as with performing artists and securing deals. “Magic happens when you get creative people all in one room—or bus— together,” says Brian, “so we wanted to have a place of our own to do just that, and that sparked Tree Vibez Music.” Giving songwriters a bus allows them to travel along with performing artists in an environment that’s conducive to creating. “We’ve been writing on the road since we started with our songwriting buddies,” says Tyler, “so it just made sense to get
The two also own FGL House, a multilevel restaurant and entertainment venue in downtown Nashville. One of a kind, the property contains four levels with a themed bar and distinctive vibe on each, including Little Red Corvette, a piano lounge in the basement, and Cruise, the largest rooftop bar in the city. The restaurant features Southern-style cuisine, and the four bars serve specialty cocktails, local craft beers, and Old Camp Whiskey, FGL’s brand. Made in Indiana, the whiskey is aged at least two years and then infused with two iconic flavors of the South: peach and pecan.
Above left: Brittney Marie Cole Kelley, Brian Kelley, Tyler Hubbard, and Hayley Hubbard at the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in LA Photo by Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock Left: FGL House in downtown Nashville opened in 2017. Photo by Joe Hendrickson / Shutterstock Opposite: Florida Georgia Line perform at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas Photo by Nick Swift V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 27
“From developing our Old Camp Whiskey to opening our first restaurant, FGL House, in Nashville, we’ve been hands-on from the start,” says Tyler. “Each has been a passion project we’re very proud of. Brian and I have never wanted to put our name on anything we didn’t believe in.”
Above: Always stylish and energetic, FGL’s stage presence brings the house down! Photo by John Shearer Right: Tyler and Hayley Hubbard welcomed baby Olivia Rose in December of 2017. Photo by Katie Kauss Opposite: Brian and Brittney Kelley renewed their wedding vows in an intimate ceremony in Big Sur in December of 2018. Photo by Peer Johnson 28 | M A R CH 2019
The Kelleys additionally own Tribe Kelley, a lifestyle brand of women’s and men’s clothing, accessories, and wellness products that Brian concedes is his wife’s brainchild. “My wife Brittney and I were customizing our clothes way back before starting Tribe Kelley,” he relays, “so this journey of seeing her become a boss lady and follow her passion has been incredible to watch.” An artist and entrepreneur in her own right, Brittney learned a thing or two from her grandmother, who had a flea market business. Brittney opened Wondertown, a boutique she ran on Etsy while a student at the University of Georgia. Besides the jewelry she made from bags of broken vintage pieces purchased from flea markets, she sold white shirts that she bought on sale and then customized by dying and cutting the fabric. She loved designing and crafting, and selling her work was more lucrative than waitressing. Even after she and Brian married in 2013, Brittney continued to use her go-to tools—scissors, fire, and bleach—to alter their denim and other pieces, as well as band members’ clothing. Encouraged by friends and Brian, Brittney decided to pursue her dream of designing clothing by launching Tribe Kelley. The brand name pays tribute to her Native American heritage yet more broadly evokes belonging to an inclusive, worldwide family.
“Our Tribe Kelley clothing and accessories line, plus our wellness collection, is inspired by our tribe, and has all the good vibes,” says Brian. Ethical practices back those sentiments. Sourcing materials and manufacturing products in the United States and paying workers a fair wage are priorities. When dying denim, they further adhere to an eco-friendly process. Their merchandise is available online at TribeKelley.com and through their physical stores, currently in Nashville and Northwest Florida. “We opened our first Tribe Kelley location in Nashville, called the Trading Post, and then opened a second
location, the Surf Post, in Grayton Beach, [Florida],” says Brian. An Old Florida beach house occupied the site they chose for the latter, and instead of demolishing the relic, the Kelleys thoughtfully remodeled the structure, which opened in the summer of 2018. “We’ve let our imaginations run wild,” says Brian, “and it’s blown our minds being able to bring them into reality.” When asked what might be coming next, whether additional Tribe Kelley products or a new FGL business venture, he teases, “We’ve always got something up our sleeves!”
THE BRAND NAME PAYS TRIBUTE TO HER NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE YET MORE BROADLY EVOKES BELONGING TO AN INCLUSIVE, WORLDWIDE FAMILY. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 29
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Their aspirations include making a difference through charitable causes. “Through the years, we have been able to be involved with several charities that are close to our hearts,” says Tyler. Tribe Kelley recently established a GoFundMe account to assist victims of last year’s Hurricane Michael. FGL has also partnered with the General Mills Foundation to combat hunger. “With past tours,” offers Brian, “we have also been very active with The Independence Fund, presenting wounded vets with allterrain track chairs to help make mobility easier. My uncle and cousin both served overseas, and my grandfather was awarded two purple hearts during his active duty, so it’s something very special to me.” Considering all that they’ve accomplished to date, Tyler and Brian take nothing for granted. “We both have a strong faith and are thankful to God every day,” says Tyler. “Our dream was always to be able to make a living making music, and we are so grateful to be where we are. This whole wild ride has been the time of our lives.”
Opposite: Brian and Tyler will embark on another US tour this March through September. Photo by John Shearer
CAN’T SAY I AIN’T COUNTRY IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PREORDER. IT WILL BE RELEASED IN THE US ON FEBRUARY 15, 2019. FLORIDAGEORGIALINE.COM
Left: FGL’s new album, Can’t Say I Ain’t Country, will be released on February 15, 2019.
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“And we’re just getting started!” exclaims Brian.
Sallie W. Boyles works as a freelance journalist, ghostwriter, copywriter, and editor through Write Lady Inc., her Atlanta-based company. With an MBA in marketing, she marvels at the power of words, particularly in business and politics, but loves nothing more than relaying extraordinary personal stories that are believable only because they are true.
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Sir Elton John performs in concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City on October 18, 2018. Tickets for the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour are available now. Visit EltonJohn.com for details.
Le monde GOES ROUND AND ROUND
Photo by JStone / Shutterstock
The Rocket Man has hit the road for the last time. Last September, Sir Elton John kicked off his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, a three-year global phenomenon that will include shows across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, South America, and Australia. Fans can bet that Elton will bring all the glitz, glamour, and energy he always has to the stage, and the artist says on his website, “Performing live fuels me, and I’m ecstatic and humbled to continue to play to audiences across the globe. I plan to bring the passion and creativity that has entertained my fans for decades to my final tour.”
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MU I S M E M
David Bowie performing in Milan, 1999 Photo by Fabio Diena / Shutterstock Opposite: Photo by 360b / Shutterstock 34 | M A R CH 2019
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IT’S A TRAGEDY WHEN A GREAT TALENT LEAVES THIS EARTH, WHETHER IT’S BEFORE HIS OR HER TIME OR AFTER A LIFE WELL LIVED. THERE IS NO DENYING THERE ARE SOME PERFORMERS WHO JUST HAVE A CERTAIN SOMETHING THAT OTHERS NEVER SEEM TO MASTER. THEY CHANGE LIVES THROUGH THEIR CAREERS, AND WHEN THEY DEPART—OFTEN ALL TOO SOON—THE WORLD GATHERS TO MOURN THEM. ALTHOUGH THESE MUSIC ICONS ARE GONE, THEY WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
DAVID ROBERT JONES (DAVID BOWIE) THE KING OF GLAM ROCK, ZIGGY STARDUST, THE THIN WHITE DUKE January 8, 1947–January 10, 2016 Seventeen Grammy nominations, seven wins; twelve BRIT Awards nominations, four wins; fourteen MTV Video Music Awards nominations, four wins; five Ivor Novello Awards nominations, four wins; and more
Things you might not know: » Bowie was studying Buddhism as a teenager when his guru told him he should follow his heart and be a musician instead, according to Bowie in a 2001 interview. » He was also a painter and claimed in 1998 that art was the only thing he ever really cared about owning. After Bowie’s death in 2016, his family auctioned off most of his art and design collection, including works by Basquiat and other significant pieces, fetching a total of about $41 million. » In 1964, he founded the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Long-Haired Men and even went on television to announce the group. » His final studio album, Blackstar, was released just two days before his death.
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I, I WILL BE KING AND YOU, YOU WILL BE QUEEN THOUGH NOTHING WILL DRIVE THEM AWAY WE CAN BE HEROES JUST FOR ONE DAY WE CAN BE US JUST FOR ONE DAY —David Bowie, “Heroes”
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Le monde ROBERT NESTA “BOB” MARLEY THE KING OF REGGAE February 6, 1945–May 11, 1981 Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award; Grammy Hall of Fame Album (Catch a Fire); United Nations’ Peace Medal of the Third World; BBC Song of the Millennium (“One Love”); and more
Things you might not know: » Marley received the Jamaican Order of Merit, the country’s fourth-highest honor, in February of 1981. » His posthumously released greatest hits album, Legend, is the best-selling reggae album of all time. » Bob Marley and the Wailers band included no less than nineteen different members throughout its storied career from 1963 to 1980.
RISE UP THIS MORNING SMILED WITH THE RISING SUN THREE LITTLE BIRDS PITCH BY MY DOORSTEP SINGING SWEET SONGS OF MELODIES PURE AND TRUE SAYING, “THIS IS MY MESSAGE TO YOU.” — Bob Marley and The Wailers, “Three Little Birds”
Elvis Presley in Jailhouse Rock (MetroGoldwyn-Mayer, 1957) Opposite left: The Beatles in Stockholm, Sweden, 1963 Opposite right: John Lennon rehearsing “Give Peace A Chance,” 1968 Photo by Roy Kerwood / CC BY 2.5
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ELVIS AARON PRESLEY THE KING January 8, 1935–August 16, 1977
JOHN WINSTON LENNON DR. DREAM October 9, 1940–December 8, 1980
Two Grammy nominations; three Grammy Special Awards; six Laurel Awards nominations, one win; and more
Twenty-four Grammy nominations, eight wins with the Beatles; seventeen Grammy Lifetime Achievement, Trustees, and Hall of Fame Awards with the Beatles; 1981 Grammy Album of the Year (Double Fantasy); twenty-one Ivor Novello nominations, fourteen wins with the Beatles; and many more
Things you might not know: » Presley received two Sour Apple Awards from the Hollywood Women’s Press Club (1960 and 1966) for being the least cooperative actor in the business. » According to the staff at the Historic RCA Studio B in Nashville, Presley’s favorite time to record music at the studio was between 10:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m., and he would often choose, learn, and record a song all in one night. » He is the only artist to be inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Things you might not know: » When Lennon married folk artist Yoko Ono in 1969, he changed his full name to John Winston Ono Lennon. » Lennon was awarded the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) along with his fellow Beatles in 1965, and the group wore their regalia on the cover of their album Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band; however, Lennon announced in 1969 that he returned his MBE to the Queen in protest of British military involvement in conflicts around the world. » The International Astronomical Union named an impact crater on the surface of Mercury after John Lennon in 2013. According to the IAU, Mercury’s features can only be named after “deceased artists, musicians, painters, and authors who have made outstanding or fundamental contributions to their field and have been recognized as art historically significant figures for more than fifty years.”
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FARROKH “FREDERICK” BULSARA (FREDDIE MERCURY) September 5, 1946–November 24, 1991
Above, left to right: Whitney Houston performing at HBO’s Welcome Home Heroes event in 1991
Four Grammy nominations (Queen); Grammy Hall of Fame induction for “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “We Are the Champions”; first band to be inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (Queen); Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction (Queen); ten BRIT Award nominations, four wins (Queen); and more
Photo by Mark Kettenhofen / DefenseImagery Freddie Mercury performing in 1977 Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 Tom Petty performing in Pittsburgh, 2017 Photo by Jack Fordyce / Shutterstock Aretha Franklin performs during the 56th presidential inauguration in Washington, D.C. Photo by Cecilio Ricardo, U.S. Air Force / DefenseImagery Prince performing at Coachella, 2008 Photo by Scott Penner / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 38 | M A R CH 2019
WHITNEY ELIZABETH HOUSTON THE VOICE August 9, 1963–February 11, 2012 Thirty-eight American Music Awards nominations, twenty-two wins; twenty-one Billboard Music Awards nominations, sixteen wins; twenty-five Grammy nominations, six wins; thirty-four NAACP Image Awards nominations, twenty-nine wins; twenty World Music Awards nominations, fourteen wins; and many more
Things you might not know: » Houston’s best-known single, “I Will Always Love You,” is still the fifthbest-selling single worldwide with over 20 million sales. » Her Grammy-winning soundtrack for the film The Bodyguard, in which Houston also starred alongside Kevin Costner, stayed on the Billboard 200 chart for twenty weeks. It is still the best-selling soundtrack album of all time. » Houston wasn’t just a force to be reckoned with on the stage or in front of the camera, but also behind it; she was a producer on hit films and television specials, including Disney’s The Cheetah Girls and The Princess Diaries franchises.
Things you might not know: » Mercury was born with a condition called hyperdontia, meaning he had more teeth than the usual number, with four extra incisors. He often attributed his four-octave vocal range to this condition. » When his band Smile changed its name to Queen in 1971 with the addition of John Deacon, Mercury designed the group’s logo— a regal coat of arms featuring symbols based on all four members’ zodiac signs, a crown, and a phoenix. » Fans can pay tribute to Mercury at his statue along the banks of Lake Geneva in Montreux, Switzerland, or at the mural outside his former home at Garden Lodge, One Logan Place, in London.
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THOMAS EARL “TOM” PETTY MAD DOG October 20, 1950–October 2, 2017 Eighteen Grammy nominations, three wins; ten MTV Video Music Awards nominations, three wins; Radio Music Awards Legend Award (2003); and more
Things you might not know: » Petty’s nickname, Mad Dog, was given to him by members of his band Mudcrutch (some of whom later became the Heartbreakers) thanks to his temper.
» He toured with the Traveling Wilburys from 1988 to 1991; the group was started by George Harrison and also included Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, and Jeff Lynne. » Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers appeared on the popular comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live five times from 1979 to 2010.
ARETHA LOUISE FRANKLIN THE QUEEN OF SOUL March 25, 1942–August 16, 2018 Forty-four Grammy nominations, eighteen wins; three Grammy Special Awards; five American Music Award nominations, three wins; three NAACP Image Awards; and more
WHAT YOU WANT BABY, I GOT IT WHAT YOU NEED DO YOU KNOW I GOT IT? ALL I'M ASKIN' IS FOR A LITTLE RESPECT WHEN YOU GET HOME —Aretha Frankin, “Respect”
Things you might not know: » Franklin performed at the inaugurations of three US presidents: Jimmy Carter in 1977, Bill Clinton in 1993, and Barack Obama in 2009. » She was the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1987). » Although she never attended college, Franklin held twelve honorary degrees by the time of her death.
PRINCE ROGERS NELSON THE PURPLE ONE June 7, 1958–April 21, 2016 Thirty-two Grammy nominations, seven wins; twentytwo American Music Awards nominations, four wins; twelve BRIT Awards nominations, seven wins; one Academy Award for “Purple Rain”; and many more
Things you might not know: » Prince wrote his first song at age seven and by seventeen had signed a recording contract with Warner Bros. Records. » He was a guitar virtuoso, training from a very young age, and his personal collection of instruments included around 120 guitars at the time of his death. » A ticket to Prince’s first performance with his band in 1979 would have cost only $4.75. The concert, a charity event held at the Capri Theater in Minneapolis, benefited the theater. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 39
Le monde MICHAEL JOSEPH JACKSON THE KING OF POP August 29, 1958–June 25, 2009 Thirty-eight Grammy nominations, thirteen wins; thirty-nine Guinness World Records awards; thirtyeight American Music Awards nominations, twentysix wins; thirty-six MTV Video Music Awards nominations, eighteen wins; and many more
Things you might not know: » The fourteen-minute music video for Jackson’s hit single “Thriller,” released in 1984, ran twice per hour on MTV to meet audience demands. It is widely considered the most historically significant music video of all time.
Michael Jackson performs in Europe in 1992 Photo by Casta03 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0
» In the mid-1980s, rumors circulated that Jackson bleached his skin because he was ashamed of his appearance or race; the cause was actually vitiligo, a condition causing patches of skin to lose pigment. “When people make up stories that I don’t
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NO ONE WANTS TO BE DEFEATED SHOWIN' HOW FUNKY AND STRONG IS YOUR FIGHT IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO'S WRONG OR RIGHT JUST BEAT IT, BEAT IT JUST BEAT IT, BEAT IT —Michael Jackson, “Beat It”
want to be who I am, it hurts me,” he later told Oprah in an interview. » According to reports from Forbes, Jackson has earned $2.4 billion since his death in 2009.
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10 EDITOR’S PICKS:
A YEAR IN FILM
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By Jordan Staggs
It’s time to pass the popcorn again! But first, a confession: when I was in the second grade and couldn’t even be entirely sure what it meant, I wrote “movie critic” on one of those “What do you want to be when you grow up?” worksheets at school. Well, I’m not exactly a critic, nor am I here to analyze every aspect of these films or claim
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that they are all life-changing works of art. But I am delighted to share some of my must-sees from last year and hope you’ll enjoy some recommendations for your next movie night. With awards season upon us and so many fantastic flicks to delve into from 2018, let’s not waste another minute as we look back at ten of my personal faves!
In order of release:
Black Panther
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Marvel debuted its much-anticipated Black Panther in February of last year, marking the eighteenth official big-screen installment of its Marvel Cinematic Universe. With an all-star cast featuring Chadwick Boseman returning as T’Challa/Black Panther and Michael B. Jordan as his rival for the crown of Wakanda, Erik Killmonger—plus Forest Whitaker, Angela Bassett, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, and Martin Freeman—it’s no wonder this superhero flick more than lived up to its hype. Newcomer Letitia Wright stole the show and became fan favorite as T’Challa’s younger sister, Princess Shuri the tech wiz (seriously, she could give Tony Stark and Bruce Banner lessons in science). While its story is not exactly original, Black Panther is a must-see for its superb casting, nonstop action, killer sound track (produced by Kendrick Lamar), and historical significance when it comes to black representation in film, especially in the superhero genre.
Annihilation
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Also in February came the latest from director Alex Garland (28 Days Later, Ex Machina) with sci-fi thriller Annihilation, starring Natalie Portman alongside fellow female powerhouses Jennifer Jason Leigh, Tessa Thompson, Gina Rodriguez, and Tuva Novotny. When a mysterious barrier called the “shimmer” forms after a meteor strike along an undisclosed coastal region of the US, cellular-biology professor and former soldier Lena (Portman) and her fellow badass women must enter the shimmer to find out what happened to the last group of soldiers who disappeared inside—including Lena’s husband, Kane (Oscar Isaac). What they find is a phantasmic world full of genetically mutated creatures, but presumably devoid of human life. As the group delves deeper into “Area X,” they must also delve into their fears and existential insecurities, and nothing is what it seems. Based on the first novel of the Southern Reach trilogy by Jeff VanderMeer, Annihilation is a visually compelling blend of action, sci-fi, and psychological thriller. Top: Black Panther © Matt Kennedy / Marvel Studios 2018 Above: Annihilation © Paramount Pictures 2018 Right: A Quiet Place © Paramount Pictures 2018
A Quiet Place
Speaking of thrills, it’s best not to speak at all during this one. A Quiet Place stunned audiences with its nearly silent take on the postapocalyptic horror genre, in which a race of creatures with supersensitive hearing and a lot of teeth have wiped out most of humanity. Written by, directed by, and starring John Krasinski (The Office), the film made waves for its use of silent thrills and American sign language as the Abbott family (including Krasinski’s real-life spouse, Emily Blunt, as his wife) try to survive in their new and terrifying reality. The film explores grief and family ties all while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats. (Pro tip: To V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 43
Le monde avoid feeling extremely uncomfortable while watching, it’s best to open all your snacks and take care of any other noisy tasks before the film begins.) The film has been nominated for multiple awards and earned a spot in the top ten films of the year at the American Film Institute Awards in January.
Incredibles 2 Right: First Man © Universal Pictures 2018 Below: Dumplin’ © Netflix 2018 Bottom: A Star Is Born © Warner Bros. Pictures 2018
As summer blockbusters go, the long-anticipated Incredibles 2 is my number one for 2018. The first film in the Disney-Pixar franchise debuted in 2004, and fans have been awaiting the return of the incredible Parr family ever since! The film picks up directly where its predecessor left off, as the Incredibles battle the evil Underminer and then battle a whole host of problems. Balancing family and superhero work is not easy, folks! The genius artwork and midcentury setting are a feast for the eyes, while the jazzy sound track even includes new superhero theme songs for Mr. Incredible, Elastigirl, and Frozone. The return of characters like Edna Mode, along with a host of new heroes and some mysterious technological terrors, makes this an irresistible family film. Here’s hoping we don’t have to wait another fourteen years for Incredibles 3!
A Star Is Born
If you’ve got eyes or ears, you’ve most likely already learned about the breakout film of 2018, A Star Is Born, starring Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper (who also directed). The film’s original hit song, “Shallow,” made its way across popular radio shortly
after the movie’s debut in October—ending the year at number thirty-eight on Billboard’s top tracks— and has already won a Golden Globe. This fourth adaptation of the 1937 film of the same name follows the discovery of singer-songwriter Ally (Gaga) by rock star Jackson Maine (Cooper) and their subsequent personal and professional relationship. Sam Elliott moves audiences as Maine’s brother/manager, while the sound track is a force to be reckoned with in itself. The film has eight Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, and is expected to take home plenty more accolades as the season goes on.
First Man
Come in, Houston. A new space odyssey has arrived on the scene. First Man, based on the biography of Neil Armstrong by James R. Hansen and directed by Damien Chazelle, recounts the true events of the US mission to land astronauts on the moon in 1969. Ryan Gosling flexes his serious acting chops as Armstrong, while Claire Foy, Jason Clarke, Kyle Chandler, Corey Stoll, Ciarán Hinds, Christopher Abbott, Patrick Fugit, and Lukas Haas join a stellar (pun intended) cast as Armstrong’s family and colleagues. A visual stunner, the film has four Oscar noms and has won awards for editing (Tom Cross), cinematography (Linus Sandgren), and score ( Justin Hurwitz) in other competitions. 44 | M A R CH 2019
Bohemian Rhapsody
Fresh from its Golden Globes Best Motion Picture – Drama win, Bohemian Rhapsody is poised to take home Academy Awards as well with five nominations. The Queen biopic has been praised for its portrayal of the legendary classic rock band’s rise to fame, creative process, and behind-the-scenes camaraderie. With Rami Malek leading the charge as front man Freddie Mercury, Gwilym Lee as guitarist Brian May, Ben Hardy as drummer Roger Taylor, and Joseph Mazzello as bass guitarist John Deacon, the actors’ portrayals of their real-life counterparts are uncanny. Malek took home the Golden Globe for Best Actor – Motion Picture – Drama. The film culminates with Queen’s famous performance during the Live Aid world telethon event at Wembley Stadium in 1985. The drama is just as scintillating as the sound track; Queen fans and movie fans alike should give this one a watch ASAP.
The Christmas Chronicles
I would argue that there hasn’t been a true Christmas classic released since Will Ferrell donned his Elf outfit in 2003, so we were long overdue for a new holiday flick to join the ranks of A Christmas Story, Home Alone, The Santa Clause, The Polar Express, and—ahem—Die Hard. It was Netflix to the rescue with its original film The Christmas Chronicles, released in November of last year. The film has all
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the necessary genre tropes: a family struggling to keep it together through the holidays, siblings determined to catch Santa Claus on video, high-energy flights in a reindeer-drawn sleigh, a trip to the North Pole, and learning the true meaning of Christmas spirit. Kurt Russell was an unconventional pick for the jolly man in red, but just as Tim Allen did, he brings new energy to the character that you can’t help but enjoy—especially as he takes on a rock star persona with his own musical number for no apparent reason. Make sure you watch to the end for a delightful cameo!
Dumplin’
Another Netflix original movie, Dumplin’ debuted in early December and is now streaming to bring joy and music to misunderstood teens everywhere. When plussize Willowdean Dixon (Danielle Macdonald) decides to break convention and enter the small-town Miss Teen Bluebonnet pageant that her mother ( Jennifer
Below: Bohemian Rhapsody © 20th Century Fox 2018
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Aniston) runs each year, drama inevitably ensues. But through support from a band of friends and fellow misanthropes, a few sequins, and a whole lot of Dolly Parton music, Willowdean learns a thing or two about self-love, beauty, and family. Dolly’s hits keep the sound track bopping through this adorable drama’s ups and downs, and it’s perfect for a mother-daughter date night (or any night)!
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse
Yes, you might be asking, “Another Spider-Man movie? Really?” But hear me out, because this one is so very different from all your Tobey Maguire, Andrew Garfield, and Tom Holland feature films. Into the Spider-Verse, Sony Pictures’ animated superhero masterpiece that came out just before Christmas 2018, is like watching a comic book come to life on screen. Yes, it is an origin story, but not the one you might expect. Miles Morales is an Afro-Latino teen living in Brooklyn. Gifted in science but longing to pursue art, Miles is a kid caught up in trying to figure out who he wants to be—and that’s before he gains the powers of Spider-Man. The film introduces concepts that have long been a staple in Marvel comics, like the multiverse, and Miles meets spider-people from various corners of this interdimensional universe written by Phil Lord and Rodney Rothman. (For example, you might have met Gwen Stacy before, but did you know that in another dimension she’s the amazing SpiderGwen? Or that Spider-Pig is not just a joke from The Simpsons Movie anymore?)
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse © Sony Pictures 2018
Chock-full of humor, action, and superhero life lessons, Into the Spider-Verse took home the Golden Globe and Critics’ Choice Award for best animated feature and is nominated for an Academy Award. Sure, this list might not include the most acclaimed or history-altering films of 2018, but it’s just one editor’s picks. We live in an age where great movies and TV series are released on a weekly basis, whether at the theater or online; it’s impossible to see or compare them all, so I welcome your suggestions for your own top ten. Let us know on social media (@viemagazine), and send us your Oscars predictions!
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Photo by Erik de Klerck 48 | M A R CH 2019
Hitsthe Road FROM WHITE TO BLUE TOUR
By Tori Phelps
Morgan James Covers the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and More
T H E A C C L A I M E D B R O A D W AY S T A R A N D R E C O R D I N G A R T I S T T A L K S I C O N S , A U T O -T U N E , A N D H I T T I N G T H E ROA D FO R HER FROM WHIT E TO B LUE TO UR .
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rying to pigeonhole Morgan James is like trying to nail Jell-O to the wall. She’s best known for her original songs. Unless she’s best known for her cover albums. Her smooth, sultry voice is absolute perfection on songs by folk icon Joni Mitchell. Unless it’s even more flawless on Aretha Franklin songs.
her as much as the idea of who had sung them the first time. She decided the only way to tackle it was the way she always does: her way. The “MJ way” includes one part spectacular voice, one part distinctive vision, and one part condensed time line. She and Wamble, who played every instrument on the album, recorded the full collection and video companion piece within a month. If you’re
James can do it all, and based on the whirlwind pace at which she’s creating, it appears that she might actually do it all—every genre, every era, every permutation of a modern recording artist. If you’re a regular VIE reader, you know that we’re a bit obsessed with the Juilliard-trained songstress. There’s that voice, the complexity of which never fails to mesmerize and inspire. But her constant stream of projects—efforts that would be pure madness for anyone but her to attempt—means there’s always an interesting new conversation to have. For example, James is currently gearing up for her latest tour, From White to Blue, in which she’ll perform songs from the Beatles’ eponymous hit record, commonly known as The White Album, and Joni Mitchell’s Blue album, both of which she’s covered on tribute recordings. She’ll do a few dates in February, but the tour officially kicks off March 2 in Destin, Florida, where she’ll perform with Sinfonia Gulf Coast. James is then scheduled to do a show nearly every night in cities from New Orleans to Las Vegas to Dallas. The markets might be big, but the show is very personal. Accompanied by just three musicians—Chelsea Stevens on bass, Doug Wamble (her husband) on guitar, and Damon Grant on percussion—the stripped-down gigs focus solely on the music. Calling it a “palate cleanser for fans,” James promises a fun change of pace. “This is a little bit less of a bombastic sound and more of an intimate sound.” As the tour’s name suggests, there will be plenty of material from The White Album. Admitting that she became obsessed with the challenge of covering iconic records, she and Wamble were searching for a new project between studio albums when they learned that the memorable release was celebrating its fiftieth anniversary. Bingo—project found. The scale of such a massive album, which includes thirty songs, didn’t faze 50 | M A R CH 2019
wondering whether that’s insanely fast, it is. But that’s the way she rolls. Some of her albums, including her homage to John Mayer’s Continuum, have been recorded in a single take. James can accomplish this near-impossible feat because she declines to employ vocal tuning, a technique that’s become standard in the music industry over the last couple of decades. Everything on the radio is tuned, she says, adding that’s it’s “unheard of ” not to use autotune. But the fact that she’s an independent artist—she parted ways with Epic Records a couple of years ago— gives her ultimate control over everything she records and releases. “I don’t think people like Adele would choose to be tuned,” James says wryly, underscoring the fact that labels, rather than artists, usually have final say. She compares auto-tune to Botox: sometimes beneficial in small doses, but unnatural in larger quantities. Urging music lovers to go back and listen to oldschool albums by Stevie Wonder or Aretha Franklin, she notes that they’re not perfect. “And they’re not supposed to be,” she says.
Photo by Luke Telling
T H E “ M J WAY ” I N C L U D E S O N E PA R T S P E C TA C U L A R
Photo by Kat Hennessey
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Le monde James refuses to be anything less than absolutely real for her listeners, risk of wonky notes and all. Notoriously humble, she won’t say what fans and industry insiders know to be true: she doesn’t need tuning. This is the woman who sang in four original companies on Broadway: The Addams Family, Wonderland, Godspell, and Motown: The Musical. Recording an album in one take—that doesn’t need auto-tune—is child’s play for someone who sang in hours-long productions eight times a week. While speed and transparency remain consistent in her recording habits, the content is decidedly unpredictable. Her original songs lean heavily to soul, thanks to the jazz, blues, and soul artists to whom she’s always been drawn, but her covers are another story. In addition to Blue, Continuum, and The White Album, she’s also taken on Black Messiah by D’Angelo, Grace by Jeff Buckley, and many others. There doesn’t seem to be a rhyme or reason, except that she wants to do them. And there’s certainly no consideration given to whether she should be recording songs from titans like Aretha or Nina Simone. Admitting that she’s not intimidated by covering material from true legends, James chalks it up to the knowledge that she could never be these artists, nor would she ever try. “I’m born of this tapestry that they wove before I came along, and I’m just trying to honor what they did,” she says. “I think paying tribute is a beautiful gift you can give a great song or a great artist.” She doesn’t know whether all—or even most—of the original artists have heard her covers, though Prince did give her his blessing to record “Call My Name,” a
signature song if she has one. It was because he loved it that she was allowed to release the track at all. This fascinating mash-up of original and cover songs, from nearly every genre imaginable, is what makes both James and her concerts so unique. Her upcoming tour is part of an intentional period of grassroots, on-the-road living. She owes it to her fans, she says, who’ve shown her overwhelming support since her risky decision to become an independent artist. And from a purely practical standpoint, it’s also the best way to reach new audiences. Because there’s no record label putting James’s face on a billboard or buying ads in a magazine, she has to capture one set of ears at a time. “I’d be nothing without people showing up to hear me or putting me on Spotify,” she says. “If you don’t go to every single town you can, you can’t ask people to go on a journey with you. It’s about connection.”
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N O N J A M E S ’ S TO U R D AT E S , VISIT MORG ANJA MESONLINE .COM . FOR TICKE T S AND I N F O R M AT I O N A B O U T H E R S H O W I N D E S T I N , F LO R I D A , O N M A R C H 2 , V I S I T S I N F O N I A G U L F C O A S T. O R G .
Tori Phelps has been a writer and editor for nearly twenty years. A publishing industry veteran and longtime VIE collaborator, Phelps lives with three kids, two cats, and one husband in Charleston, South Carolina.
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LI TE R AT I SALON A Fe s t i v a l f o r I N T E L L E C T S , G R E AT M I N D S & E N G A G I N G C O N V E R S AT I O N
BY SUZANNE POLLAK
PHOTOS BY LEIGH WEBBER PHOTOGRAPHY
“The goal over time is to make this the preeminent festival in the US where books and ideas and creativity flourish.” — Walter Fiederowicz
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Patrons of the C2C Literary Festival 2018 gather at the historic Charleston Library Society for one of the weekend’s many engaging author salons. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 55
The Charleston to Charleston Literary Festival (C2C) is a collaboration between the Charleston Farmhouse in Sussex, England—home to the thirty-year-old Charleston Festival, which is well known all over Europe—and the Charleston Library Society (CLS) in Charleston, South Carolina.
Above: Author Elliot Ackerman, CNN senior political analyst John Avlon, and photographer Lynsey Addario engage at Dock Street Theatre for “Chronicling Conflict.” Opposite (inset): Former Vanity Fair and New Yorker editor-inchief Tina Brown (left) speaks at Dock Street Theatre on her many publishing roles and her latest book, The Vanity Fair Diaries. 56 | M A R CH 2019
The latter hosts two dozen well-known speakers and authors over four days and fourteen events every November in two historic landmark locations downtown: the elegant Charleston Library Society (the oldest cultural institution in the South and the second oldest lending library in the country) and our nation’s oldest theater, the Dock Street Theatre. C2C board member Walter Fiederowicz says, “The goal over time is to make this the preeminent festival in the US where books and ideas and creativity flourish.” VIE sponsored the 2018 festival, hosting the Opening Night Candlelight Gala at the CLS and a discussion with Tina Brown, author of The Vanity Fair Diaries, at the historic Dock Street Theatre.
Charles Spencer, the ninth Earl Spencer and author of To Catch a King, recounts his experience at the Charleston to Charleston Literary Festival in November 2018: “C2C is a very civilized affair—the beauty of Charleston providing an unbeatable backdrop to a very sophisticated event, which draws an intelligent and appreciative audience. I had been told by English friends that it is the literary festival in the United States. And it is.”
So, who is the woman at the very beginning, thirty something years ago, with an idea that grew until it hopped over the Atlantic and bloomed in Charleston, South Carolina? London art dealer Deborah Gage is that visionary. We asked her:
VIE: What sparked the idea for the Charleston Farmhouse? Deborah Gage: When I spearheaded the appeal to save Charleston Farmhouse in the 1980s, my mantra was “preservation versus change.” There was no point to saving Charleston if it was going to be changed in the process, becoming a shrine. Rather, Charleston had been the touchstone for thought, ideas, creativity, and gathering together of artists, writers, thinkers, mathematicians, economists, composers, and musicians for sixty years; thus this buzz and ferment should continue—which gave birth to the Charleston Festival in Sussex. Given that I lead a transatlantic life, and as I enlisted support to save Charleston on both sides of the pond, I realized there was a shared interest in this kind of colloquium in both places. So it was only a matter of time that this festival would have a
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Dock Street Theatre, located in the beautiful historic French Quarter of Charleston, South Carolina, is the country’s oldest theater still in use.
dual life, once it had found its feet and was firmly established in the UK.
VIE: What did you want to achieve? Is it being achieved? What are the long-term goals?
DG: My own dream, ultimately, when we have achieved a track record to merit the underwriting, is to see the best of the Sussex May event speakers come to the US, and vice versa: the best of the US November speakers go to Sussex the following May. That way, we would become one of the first truly transatlantic festivals!
VIE: How do you get such a perfect mix of speakers? C2C artistic director for thirty years Diana Reich weighs in:
Diana Reich: An ideal mix of speakers would all be excellent of their kind in terms of quality, whatever the genre (e.g., fiction, nonfiction, drama, film, poetry). I do start with a wish list that is based on reading and reviews of contemporary authors, consciousness of topics and ideas that are in the zeitgeist, and a need to achieve a balance (well-known versus younger authors, female versus male contributors, diversity, representing different genres, etc.). Â A wish list has to be adaptable depending on circumstances such as speaker availability. The most important attribute of a literary programmer is the ability to move on when necessary and to seize or create new opportunities.
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Rather, Charleston had been the touchstone for thought, ideas, creativity, and gathering together of artists, writers, thinkers, mathematicians, economists, composers, and musicians for sixty years; thus this buzz and ferment should continue—which gave birth to the Charleston Festival in Sussex.
VIE: Do you think of these two festivals as literary or as festivals of ideas?
Opposite top: Christopher Dickey, David Hare, and William Nicholson discuss “The Demise of Democracy” at Dock Street Theatre.
DR: I think of them as both literary festivals and festivals of ideas. Great lit-
Opposite bottom: Author and playwright David Hare
VIE: Did you come up with the format of conversations, with an interlocutor
DR: I am not sure whether I was the originator of this concept, but I have embraced it and adhere to it most of the time, and it has been replicated elsewhere. Authors sometimes need convincing that this is the best way to do themselves justice. In my experience, it is far more engaging and dynamic than a solo reading or talk. VIE: Are literary festivals one of the best ways for authors to sell their books in today’s weird publishing world?
DR: Absolutely, yes! An appearance at a wellrun literary festival only reaches the audience that attends an event. Most festivals are promoted and
erature is a tried-and-tested way of introducing and communicating new ideas, from the classics to modern work. Stories and books that endure are usually many layered and stimulate thought and discussion in different eras.
asking questions? Do authors like this better than reading from their books?
Author Bernard Cornwell speaks with Charles Spencer, the ninth Earl Spencer, on the latter’s latest historical fiction novel, To Catch a King: Charles II’s Great Escape. Above: Deborah Gage, savior of the Charleston Farmhouse and visionary of the Charleston to Charleston Literary Festival. Photographer credit.
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marketed very widely, so authors who are taking part are drawn to the attention of a large reading public.
VIE: I am sure you get new authors who want to be included. How do you deal with authors who ask if they can appear?
DR: This is one of the most difficult aspects of the role. It is essential to be selective and discriminating, especially for boutique festivals such as ours—by that I mean festivals with a relatively small number of carefully curated sessions. Larger festivals, with hundreds of sessions in different venues, can accommodate a wider range of participants. It is important not to raise expectations but to be straightforward. I usually thank them for their interest in the festival and explain that as a small festival, we are only able to respond positively to a tiny percentage of authors who approach us. The reality is that we hardly include authors who approach us in the first instance. Virtually all speakers are invited, and some are wooed for years. VIE: Has your role changed over thirty years or have you always been the artistic director?
DR: My role has only changed insofar as I was originally artistic director of a tiny series of events with audiences of about thirty in the Apple Shed in Charleston, Sussex—former home of the Bloomsbury group artists Vanessa Bell (sister of Virginia Woolf ) and Duncan Grant. This has now become a prestigious annual festival each May, which takes place in a marquee that seats four hundred and hosts around a hundred participants. It is celebrating its thirtieth anniversary in May of 2019. It also spawned a minifestival, Small Wonder, which takes place in autumn and focuses on short stories and short-form writing. When we founded the Charleston Literary Festival in Sussex, it was a relatively original idea. There were only two or three others in the UK, established around the same time. There are now over three hundred literary festivals in the UK. VIE: Why do you think that the UK has so many literary festivals? DR: The UK has a very rich literary tradition. It is a small island with a fairly homogeneous culture and it is easy for ideas to catch on and spread. It is also easy for authors to travel to most parts of the country. England has a strong communal tradition, whether it be amateur dramatics, choirs, or local sports. To some extent, literary festivals are an extension of this. Also, the UK has a national Arts Council (which was actually founded by Keynes) that invests heavily in the arts and culture. It is funded by the government but not run by politicians.
VIE: What
do you think is the main difference between C2C and the Charleston Festival? V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 59
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Also, they have discovered writers by attending an event at the festival that they would never have come across or might have dismissed. A literary festival is a very convivial experience; lifelong friendships are frequently established.
Above: The beautiful facade of the Charleston Library Society
DR: So far, the main difference is growth. The Charleston Festival in Sussex is a venerable thirty years old. C2C is just two years old; however, it has taken root far more quickly than I had anticipated. Also, America is a continent and the UK a small country—this is bound to make a difference in terms of distances that authors are prepared to travel. C2C is probably still a little more informal than Charleston, Sussex. The biggest difference is that there is no tradition of receptions and parties woven into UK festivals. That would be problematic in Charleston, Sussex, which is a rural location. It is a delightful extra element in Charleston, South Carolina. VIE: Have you ever heard from past audience members that attending the festival changed their lives in some way?
DR: Regarding life-changing experiences, people have said to me on many occasions that hearing an author or discussion has been transformative in terms of their thinking and feelings about various issues. Also, they have discovered writers by attending an event at the festival that they would never have come across or might have dismissed. A literary festival is a very convivial experience; lifelong friendships are frequently established. As far as speakers are concerned, there have been some romances—probably among the audience as well, although I do not know this. Literature is a wonderful vehicle for engendering empathy; it allows us to inhabit different lives. That is bound to change the way we think and feel on many occasions. This can happen by solitary reading. Drama and film can have the same effect, but literature is more contemplative. VIE: Thank you, Diana! 60 | M A R CH 2019
Stephen Greenblatt, author of Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics; Will in the World; and The Swerve: How the World Became Modern, says of C2C, “What could be better—richly stimulating conversation about books from a dazzling array of writers and the legendary beauty and hospitality of Charleston? The hospitality extended to receptions in a succession of elegant houses, each fascinating and historically resonant. I feel truly grateful that this memorable pleasure came my way!” A highlight of the 2018 festival was its opening night film screening of Denial, which recounted the true story of Deborah Lipstadt, author of Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory. She attended the festival and spoke on her book, as well. “The festival was an intellectual, invigorating experience,” she says. “I was delighted by the range of topics that was covered. I was challenged to think. What more could one ask from a festival?” Madeline Miller, author of Circe, perhaps sums it up best: “The C2C festival is a book lover’s paradise, filled with terrific author talks, engaged audiences, and passionate organizers. I was so glad for the opportunity to be part of it!”
For information on special tickets for VIE subscribers, tours, and parties, contact us at info@viemagazine.com.
Lisa and Gerald Burwell with Lynsey Addario
Dr. Layton McCurdy
Janice Waring and John Avlon Tina Brown
Vic Brandt, Sarah Horton, Charles Spencer, and Anne Brandt
Suzanne Pollak
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STORIES AND SONGS 3OA FEST CELEBRATES TEN YEARS
BY JORDAN STAGGS
Rosanne Cash headlines 30A Fest 2019. Photo by Evan Carter Right: The crowd at the main stage at Grand Boulevard Town Center Opposite: Brandi Carlile performs as Sunday’s headliner. Photos by Nathan Zucker
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nce a year, there’s much more than salt spray in the air in the beach communities along Scenic Highway 30-A in Northwest Florida— there’s music everywhere you go. Hundreds of musicians flock to the Emerald Coast each January for a nearly weeklong fest of sharing stories, tunes, and good times as part of the 30A Songwriters Festival, which celebrated its tenth anniversary this year. The milestone achievement of the event, which is a joint effort produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) and Russell Carter Artist Management, brought with it a powerhouse lineup of singer-songwriters from around the US and beyond. The return of Jason Isbell of Drive-By Truckers and the 400 Unit was a headliner moment during Saturday’s mainstage performances at Grand Boulevard Town Center. From the stage, Isbell recalled performing at 30A Songwriters Festival 2015 and expressed his joy at being back in town to help the festival mark a decade of storytelling through music.
Saturday morning’s salon-style forum with David Israelite, president and CEO of the National Music Publishers’ Association, was an enlightening engagement offering a look into “How D.C. Affects Songwriters” due to the recent passing of the Music Modernization Act. The law, which protects the rights of and supports fair pay and recognition for songwriters in today’s dicey world of digital streaming and remixing, is an excellent advocate for the CAA’s mission as well: championing the arts and artists in its community and around the world.
Grammy winner Rosanne Cash, who also happens to be the eldest daughter of Johnny Cash and Vivian Liberto, brought soulful country sounds to the main stage on Saturday as well, while folk-country siren Brandi Carlile headlined Sunday’s lineup with songs from her latest album, By the Way, I Forgive You. The event lawn at Grand Boulevard was packed even amid some potential downpours, a testament to the reputation that 30A Fest has garnered throughout the years as a premier event in Northwest Florida.
With some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and countless amazing venues along a twentymile stretch of coastline, it’s no wonder the 30A Fest has grown into the powerhouse event it is today. It quickly became the CAA’s biggest fund-raiser of the year, not only through ticket sales but also through its auction featuring pieces from local artists. This year’s lots included a stunning handcrafted guitar by artist and musician Chris Alvarado of Driftwood Guitars. The instrument featured inlaid stonework and a tribute to Johnny Cash along its frets.
Festival cofounder and CAA executive director Jennifer Steele says the organizers were pleased with the results of the anniversary event. “Now that we’re in our tenth year, we’ve learned a lot, and we feel the festival gets better and better each year,” she says.
Art in all its forms was celebrated throughout the six-day festival, but of course, songwriting was the focus. Most of the performers each year at 30A Fest are the geniuses behind some of your favorite songs,
“Many have told us they thought it was the best year ever for the festival,” says Russell Carter, cofounder of 30A Fest and owner of Russell Carter Artist Management. “We hit a sweet spot with the lineup this year, with headliners that had such great general appeal, and a lot of the nighttime performers were so good, they could easily have been headliners.” Each year, Carter starts seeking out headliners for the next event just a couple of weeks after the festival ends. Once those are locked in, he seeks talent to fill the hundreds of additional performance spots throughout the week, with many songwriters returning year after year. “There’s a slew of artists returning to the festival who have a loyal following among the attendees. And those attendees who come back every year understand the festival and how best to enjoy it.” Other festival highlights this year—and there really are too many to list—included Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals, Livingston Taylor, Patty Griffin, The War and Treaty, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Amanda Shires, Daphne Willis, The Sundogs, Kyle Jacobs, Lucy Dacus, Steve Earle, The Secret Sisters, The Tall Pines, and many more.
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THE 3OA FESTIVAL IS UNIQUE; THE BEAUTIFUL SETTING AND THE CASUAL, SLOW-PACED VIBE OF THE AREA MAKE IT AS MUCH A VACATION FOR ARTISTS AS IT IS A PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITY. the meantime, fans can catch up with him on his 2019 tour of the southeast. even though you might not know it. Songwriters festivals give them a chance to take the spotlight for a change and to showcase their own voices while also providing background or amusing anecdotes about their best-known songs. Above: Jason Isbell returned to 30A Fest to headline Saturday’s concerts. Photo by Nathan Zucker Right top: Hayes Carll rocks the stage at 30A Fest 2019. Photo by Dawn Chapman Whitty Right bottom: Russell Carter, Rosanne Cash, and Jennifer Steele hang out in the artist lounge at Grand Boulevard’s main stage. Photo by Evan Carter 64 | M A R CH 2019
“The 30A Festival is unique; the beautiful setting and the casual, slow-paced vibe of the area make it as much a vacation for artists as it is a performance opportunity,” says festival veteran Kevin Gordon. The Louisiana native has written songs recorded by Keith Richards, Levon Helm, and Irma Thomas, to name a few. His music has also appeared in the hit HBO series True Blood. He performed at the festival in 2016 and 2017 and was delighted to make it back for the 2019 anniversary. “On Sunday night, I walked out the door of my cottage and John Fullbright, one of my favorite fellow songwriters and artists, was playing right there in ‘my’ backyard!” He continues, “Connecting with people and sharing music with them is what, for me, gives the most meaning to the ever-changing life of the touring musician.” Another returning 30A Fest performer, Wyatt Edmondson, agrees with Gordon. “This festival is an experience of communion between the fans and the performers like I have never seen,” he says. “It’s so easy to get close to the magic. This was my third year performing, and it truly gest better each time in every way.” Look out for Edmondson’s new EP to be released later this year. In
Enhancements to the 2019 festival included adding three venues to the lineup as well as the new 30A Songwriters Festival mobile app, which allowed users to customize their must-see artist schedule and navigate the hundreds of performances with ease. There’s no doubt the event will only continue to get better each year. Carter attests that much of its success is thanks to the local music venues, restaurants, sponsors, and other supporters in the area. “You can’t do this kind of event without the support of the community, and we are grateful to have that,” he says. Be sure to mark your calendars to attend 30A Songwriters Festival 2020, which will take place January 17–20.
Visit 30ASongwritersFestival.com to learn more or purchase tickets.
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TIM & LINDSEY by
audrey johnson romona robbins
photo g r a phy by
Musical duo Tim Jackson and Lindsey Thompson are embarking on Tim Jackson’s Storyteller Tour to promote their new album, And Then the Rain. Some look at their thirty-year age gap and wonder, How does this work, creatively speaking? After sitting down with Tim and Lindsey in the writing room, it’s easy to see why and how it works. Both artists are old souls that are focused on living and creating in the moment. As I prepared for this interview, I sat down with my mom and played a few of their songs, not knowing that we were fulfilling Tim’s purpose.
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he current generation’s social climate is not far off from what Tim and my mom experienced in the 1970s. “I swear to you, so many people share that they know where they stand, but then, on the other hand, everything is spiraling,” says Tim. So how do you stay connected during the times? Well, for starters, you build bridges, not walls. The thing about walls is they don’t just keep people out; they trap people in. In this current social climate, Tim and Lindsey are bringing people together through their music. They claim they don’t know how or why it works, but their friends know why.
time, down to right here. [He gestures across his chest.] That was in ’72, somewhere around in there. I went up to Nashville, and my dad had told this artist that I was the best thing in the world. So I was like, I can’t let my dad down, I’ve got to do this. I had a private audition with Bill Monroe, the Father of Bluegrass. I went into this huge garage where they worked on tour buses, and we went to the office and here is Bill Monroe, and he just goes “Hey man, you want to play some songs?” I said, “Yeah, absolutely.” He asked, “So, what do you know?” I had learned everything I was supposed to learn. I had listened to it before I went up there, and I said, “I think I can play whatever you need me to play.” He asked me if I worked on the Father & Son record, and I had, and he said, “Alright, let’s play.” Bill Monroe just took a mandolin out, and I grabbed my guitar, and he goes, “Let’s do it.” So, in a split second, I’m there playing with Bill Monroe looking at me, and I’m thinking, Good Lord, this is a strange day.
Because it must. Tim: When I was around seventeen, I was this very long-haired hippie guy with a curly afro at the
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So, my first job in Nashville was playing with Bill Monroe. He had a bunch of things he wanted to say to me afterward, such as “This is really good. This can work out, but you’ve got to get a haircut.” I was trying to get acclimated, and I
walked into the tour bus. There were these clamps I had never seen on the top of a tour bus; these things pulled down, and they were so you could turn a cowboy hat upside down, and they held everybody’s cowboy hats. And there were bull horns on the bus. After a very, very short time—it might have been a couple of weeks—I went to Nashville to take the bus, and Bill met me at the door, and he was like “What are you doing?” I said, “I’m ready to go.” He said, “I told you to get a haircut,” and I told him I got my hair cut. He was like, “No, no, that’s not what I mean. I mean get a haircut. That’s what I told you.” He told me, “Don’t get on the bus.” So I just turned around and walked out, and I started walking down the road because I had been dropped off at the bus. So I was walking with my guitar, and I looked up—there goes the bus. That was my introduction to Nashville.
Honestly, I had never written for myself, ever—not one song. I’ve got a catalog of many songs, but none of them were for me. There was one situation in my life where I got this little nod of approval of sorts from the industry [a Grammy nomination]. And the day that it was announced, I got one phone call.
I’m there playing with Bill Monroe looking at me, and I’m thinking,
G o od Lord, this is a str ange day.
It was my son going, “Hey Dad! How cool is it that you got that nomination?” And I’m like, “That’s pretty cool.” Other than that, my phone didn’t ring off the hook. So, today, that doesn’t mean a thing for this moment, for staying in the moment. That is the cooler thing. [He points to a copy of the And Then the Rain album.] That’s what is happening now. I am also learning. I have never been the one to celebrate anything much, but I am starting to celebrate very small things, and the celebration of that record is a very cool thing for me because I feel like Lindsey and I have continued on our path when things got in the way. It’s like there’s stuff coming from all sides, and we just keep going right along. Lindsey: And we write about it. Tim: Yeah, we write about it. Lindsey: One thing with us that is cool is that, stylistically, we are not the same at all. Tim’s got stuff that he will start with, and if I’m sitting at the piano, I will come back with something completely different. But the weird thing is that it works, and we’ve found some odd way to put both our styles together. It just works together well. And then we realized that, oh my God, we can write in the same key. I have sung with a lot of different guys, and for the most part, it is hard to sing a duet. Some of the ones that I have sung with have very high voices, which is great. But that is not good when you are trying to mix male and female, because as a female I either have to sing straight harmony with them or, if
Singer-songwriters Lindsey Thompson (left) and Tim Jackson (opposite) might be thirty years apart in age and have different musical styles individually, but they have found a rhythm to create songs together that share storytelling and truth with audiences both in person and through their recordings. Their album, And Then the Rain, was released in January of 2019 and features eight original tracks.
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When we get up there and display our
he arts and d o what we d o, everybody feels bet ter.
I’m at the point in my life where I am staying focused, and I feel like we found our purpose. I feel like that purpose is you and your mom sitting there listening to the songs together, just like the people who come to our shows. As crazy as the times are today, if you can provide a two-hour escape from the daily routine for someone, that’s an incredible gift. I think that is what we give. When we get up there and display our hearts and do what we do, everybody feels better. Lindsey: At the end of the day, nobody wants to be lied to. People want to hear the truth from somebody else so they can know that they are not the only ones that are feeling this way.
Tim and Lindsey will be touring with friends singing songs from And Then the Rain, their new album. Follow Tim Jackson’s Storyteller Tour on Facebook for dates.
Tim, on the mission for Tim Jackson’s Storyteller Tour: I told Lindsey about one of the guys who played in the 30A Songwriters Festival show with us recently—his heart is so good. He is so pure and such a good guy. I told her I just want to be around nice people who want to make things better. I want everybody else out of the way.
And Then the Rain is available on iTunes. Audrey Johnson is a freelance journalist, copywriter, and editor based in Destin, Florida. She enjoys writing about food, travel, art, and people. See her work at AudreyLJohnson.com.
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ANCIENT AND MODERN When naturally gifted artists are deciding what to study or where to go after high school, it is often their mentors at school who help open their minds to unique, exciting pathways in life. That was the case for Esme Roszel, a sophomore at the University of Connecticut studying for her degree in puppet arts. The puppet arts program was introduced in 1964 and is one of the few in the country to offer a master’s degree. Many colleges offer puppet arts as an elective in their theater arts programs, but UConn has given this fantastic art form its own place. In high school, Roszel’s many talents were recognized by her teachers. They allowed her complete creative control over their 2015 production of Shrek the Musical. Roszel designed sets and costumes in addition to performing in the production, which was nominated for a Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild Award in several categories, including her designs. This work helped bolster her portfolio for college applications. 72 | M A R CH 2019
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oszel was born into a family of artists and grew up in love with the arts. Her creative side was nurtured and encouraged from childhood. She tells a story of how she and her childhood friends would scour yard sales to buy stuffed animals. They took them home to cut them apart and sew them back together to create their own characters for telling stories and performing shows, letting their imaginations rule the day. Puppetry is as ancient as human history itself. Early humans gathered around fires and told stories, animating them with masks and props. Shadow theatre—one of Roszel’s passions—has been historically noted as early as the first millennium BC and is thought to have originated in Central Asia, China, or India. Evidence of this is found in both ancient Chinese and Indian texts, though the art form made its way to Britain, Germany, Italy, and France by the seventeenth century. Called “ombres chinoises” by the French, shadow theatre was often referred to as “Magic Lantern” elsewhere. As Roszel sought out her path after high school, one that might incorporate her love of the performing arts, she was astonished to learn of UConn’s puppet arts program. Admittedly, she says, at first it sounded like “clown college,” but after she looked into what it had to offer—the history of puppetry and its technical and creative aspects—she felt it was the program that most perfectly aligned with all her artistic abilities. Roszel was enthusiastic to share her talents in shadow puppetry last year by creating a visual shadow-theatre piece to accompany the UConn Symphony Orchestra’s presentation of Berlioz’s Symphonie Fantastique. The symphony tells the story of an artist gifted with a lively imagination who, in the depths of despair, poisons himself because of hopeless and unrequited love. It is a rather dark piece, and after she acquainted herself with the story, was excited to meet the challenge. In 2017, her friend Shane McNeil wrote and produced Doc Foster’s Twisted Tales— an original puppet show for which Roszel designed stage props and was a lead puppeteer. Hosted by the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry at the University of Connecticut, the show is portrayed as “a wickedly macabre puppet show anthology combining hand and shadow puppetry with crankies” (a sidescrolling reel of images). This show brings four original tales of terror to life as told by the eccentric Doc Foster and his misfit troupe of performers. Puppetry is both technical and creative. Different types of puppetry lend distinctive tones and emotions to the stories. Whereas hand puppets can be whimsical and fun, shadow puppetry may be dark and mysterious. Crankies, as they are called, lend storybook or fairy-tale qualities to the action.
Today, we don’t realize how often we are affected by ancient and modern puppet arts. When most people think of puppets, the first thing that comes to mind is Jim Henson’s Sesame Street. The art is so compelling that many adults even enjoy Henson’s creations, such as those in The Muppet Show, a primetime television show of the 1970s and 1980s. Henson said that the most influential event of his childhood was the arrival of a television set into his living room. Through it, he saw and became interested in puppetry. Throughout his high school years, he created puppet shows. After graduating from the University of Maryland with a degree in home economics, he produced coffee advertisements and developed some experimental films. In 1958, he founded Muppets, Inc. Henson experimented with techniques that changed the ways in which puppetry was used on television. He believed that television puppets needed to have “life and sensitivity.” He was a pioneer in making characters from flexible materials, allowing them to express a wider array of emotions, whereas wooden puppets could not. For Roszel, having a program like the one at UConn allows her to perfect and explore her art in a supportive and innovation-rich environment. When asked about her dream postgraduate career, she was
At first it sounded like “clown college,” but after she looked into what it had to offer—the history of puppetry and its technical and creative aspects—she felt it was the program that most perfectly aligned with all her artistic abilities. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 73
Le monde introspective. “I want to make shows,” she said. She specifically has proposed a puppet musical. (Roszel is a songwriter—her original songs are accomplished and entertaining.) Like many artists, she was almost apologetic to admit that it really isn’t about the money; it is about creativity. But if she can make money at it, then all the better. It is the age-old artists’ dilemma—it is the need to create that feeds the soul and often outweighs the urge to replenish the bank account. I’ve always been curious to know how the spark of creativity is ignited within an artist. Roszel has had many influential family members who were—and are—artists. But she felt particularly proud of her Aunt Patty, who passed when Roszel was in middle school. “She was always painting, singing, creating. I looked up to her like crazy because it was like Christmas when she was around. Because she got it—she was an incredible person. “And the Beatles!” Roszel exclaimed. The Beatles were another great influence because she was, as she put it, “obsessed with the Beatles. They made so many people so happy. Their amazing energy left an indelible mark on the world!” When asked what advice she’d like to offer other young artists like herself who are just embarking on artistic journeys, Roszel says, “If you like to do something, do it! I’m fortunate to have family support. I always need to be creating something, whether it has an obvious payoff or not. That’s what works for me. Don’t throw
Like many artists, she was almost apologetic to admit that it really isn’t about the money; it is about creativity. But if she can make money at it, then all the better. It is the ageold artists’ dilemma—it is the need to create that feeds the soul and often outweighs the urge to replenish the bank account. away any ideas. My motto is to finish, even if it isn’t perfect. As an artist, it may never be good enough for you, but it is always better to finish.” For creators who never believe their work is “good enough,” I think this is probably the best advice of all: create, and let it go. Finish it, and move forward. As humans, we are destined to do better every time, and the act of process is never-ending. It truly is all about the journey—not the destination. Puppetry is a unique and fascinating topic. This ancient art, in days gone by, connected people to one another. In its modern forms, it is an exploration of ideas, fantasies, and whimsy—storytelling that connects us all.
Le monde
OLD-SCHOOL VALUES, NEW-WORLD VISION BY LIE S E L S C HMIDT P HOTOG RA P HY CO U RT ESY O F R O N R O BI N SON
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“Wow.” It’s a word that Ron Robinson strives to inspire through all that he does—not only with his career but also in the legacy he has built over the past forty years. His eponymous stores stake an impressive claim on California real estate in areas whose zip codes comprise the shopping routes of the wellheeled one percent. Their demands run high, their expectations are stratospheric, and their utterance of that one word seems to be beyond elusive. For Robinson, however, that goal has been reached. Still, after forty years, he’s not satisfied with having achieved what others might consider unattainable; instead, he feels it is only one of many benchmarks. It’s a point of pride that he ponders with equanimity and humility as he circles back over those four decades to realize that—after taking one day at a time, getting up to “face this one day, and then the day after that, and the day after that”—forty years have indeed come and gone in the blink of an eye. Rather than considering his success as entirely his own, Robinson shares the glory, recognizing the importance of the people who helped shape who he is: a shrewd businessman who seems to hold in equal balance the bottom line, a passion for people, and the desire to create an experience for his customers. As he so often states, his vision is one that has served him well over the years as he has studied the practices of those who have come before him and those who have walked alongside him in similar pursuits—sometimes with successes to celebrate, sometimes with failures to lament and take heed of. One might say that, looking back over multiple generations of retailers in his own family—as well as the prestigious position as executive vice president at Fred Segal that Robinson left behind to establish himself independently—he holds a particularly unique perspective on things. Robinson has watched markets, demands, and expectations shift, seeing how modern times have affected the retail industry
as brick-and-mortar stores are often phased out by virtual ones and customer service suffers in the face of technology. “We’ve lost the experience that it used to be, where people would look you in the eye and greet you when you walked in the door to welcome you,” Robinson says. “People have forgotten what it’s like to go into a store and feel that sense of occasion, of having shopping be a truly connected social experience. When you offer that, people remember and come back.”
“We’ve lost the experience that it used to be, where people would look you in the eye and greet you when you walked in the door to welcome you.” And therein lies the Ron Robinson difference. He has hardly forgotten. It’s an integral part of his business plan and a mission statement of sorts, espoused in six simple words that have arguably created distinction for his brand: old-school values, new-world vision.
Creative visionary Ron Robinson celebrates forty years in business with his stylish retail stores on Melrose Avenue in LA and on Fifth Street in Santa Monica (opposite and below).
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“There’s an overall driving ethos that I have about the retail business because we’re actually in the customer service business, the hospitality business, the product presentation business—all combined in one,” Robinson explains. “When you’re running retail properly, your execution of all of those things determines whether people come back. The way people get treated, the way that we serve them, and the way that we present product to them are crucial—and implementing an ‘old way’ of doing things to personalize all of that is being combined with what we’re doing as we move into the future.” That’s not to say there’s anything “old” about Robinson and his stores. Quite the contrary, as he could well be considered a visionary and a tastemaker. Even though he could have followed the trends set before him to bet on the safe horses—the “must haves” and the “it” labels considered luxe by the world at large—Robinson dared to take a risk on something different, banking his success on the fact that he knew a good thing when he saw it. He realized that if he created the demand and a perceived value, those good things would become appreciated and sought after—perhaps not always by the mass market, but in a way that mattered, elevating the dreams of the creators whose talents showed incredible promise in his eyes.
Robinson dared to take a risk on something different. Top left: Cindy Crawford at her book-signing event with Ron Robinson Top right: Pamela Anderson and Ron Robinson during her book signing Middle: Oprah Winfrey attends Laird Apparel launch at Ron Robinson Bottom left: Rumer Willis and Ron Robinson Bottom right: Ron Robinson and Jessica Biel
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Being the one to see that promise has earned Robinson a place of honor among his competitors —stores whose awnings have long shadowed the sidewalks of exclusive streets all over the globe. Even while they hold their breath to watch what will unfold as Robinson brings in an “unknown,” they take notes from the man who has shown himself to be a master. They often follow the path he paved by creating demand for these special individuals with exclusive designs, “underground” lines, and cuttingedge products and creations before releasing the products to the public.
Robinson sees what something is and the beauty that it holds—regardless of the price. He recognizes the fact that the word “luxe” has too long been bandied about with a strict definition in mind when, in fact, it can mean something different for everyone. What makes it truly luxe, in Robinson’s estimation, is its presentation and the way it makes the wearer or buyer feel. And anyone who knows anything about Ron Robinson knows the brand has presentation down to a science. It shows in Robinson’s two wow-inspiring stores, their floors shiny expanses of white carefully mapped and merchandised in such a way that every item is a chance for him to elicit a “wow,” no matter whose label it might bear or its exact price point. The value is created by Ron Robinson and his team, and that skill has shown itself to be a successful one both in launching the careers of once-unknown designers and in creating his own perfume line, Apothia. Its development was secretively circulated among a select few while scents were tested and refined before being released for small production. His baby to be sure, Apothia has a story that Ron is exceptionally proud of—and with good reason, as his creative approach gave him the foresight to use the internet before social media, email, and websites had claimed even a toehold in the everyday lives of the world. Now, nearly twenty years later, Apothia is a full product line of perfumes, soaps, candles, diffusers, body lotions, and body washes—not to mention fragrances that have that perfect scent, that one that lingers in the air in just the right way. Having won FiFi’s prestigious title of Interior Scent of the Year for eight out of Apothia’s twelve scents hasn’t hurt, either—nor has the fact that the line is carried internationally at boutique hotels and spas as well as in Robinson’s stores. An amalgam of two words he loves, “apothecary” and “utopia,” Apothia has the perfect name and one that has held strong over the years, still sounding relevant without ever creating an impression of who the wearer might be. At its core, the line is what Ron envisions when he thinks of the word “luxe.”
Now, Robinson looks back at forty years of having his name on buildings, creating many authentic “wows,” and amassing so many stories of inspiration and aspiration. He’s passionate, and he finds passionate people. That is his gift and his story. That is worthy of celebrating, and Robinson has been doing just that by throwing anniversary parties and developing special designer collaborations; creating exclusive, limited-edition branded items; and even publishing a stunningly written and inspiring coffee-table book tracing back over those forty fabulous years. The book, aptly entitled Stories, is priced accordingly at forty dollars. And even while he celebrates, Robinson knows it’s not over yet. He has many more stories to create and to share—and still many more “wows” to hear whispered into the air.
RONROBINSON.COM Liesel Schmidt lives in Navarre, Florida, and works as a freelance writer for local and regional magazines, a web content writer, and a book editor. Having harbored a passionate dread of writing assignments when she was in school, she never imagined making a living at putting words on paper, but life sometimes has a funny way of working out. Follow her on Twitter (@laswrites) or download her novels, Coming Home to You, The Secret of Us, and Life Without You on Amazon and BarnesandNoble.com.
Above top: Ron Robinson store in Santa Monica Above: Robinson launched his luxury fragrance and body collection, Apothia, nearly twenty years ago.
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C’est la vie
ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE
Today’s streaming technology allows people to be constantly plugged into their favorite music, movies, TV series, books, podcasts, and more. But we’re taking entertainment old-school with this C’est la VIE collection, from turntables and actual books you hold in your hands to classic rock-star fashion. Whether you’re throwing a viewing or listening party or just having a few friends over, when you’re entertaining, you might as well turn some heads while you’re at it!
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Like a Record, Baby
U-Turn Audio Orbit Plus Turntable $289 – uturnaudio.com 80 | M A R CH 2019
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Feast Your Eyes
1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs, Hardcover $27 – amazon.com
Box Out
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Edie Parker Cash Only Box $1,295 – edie-parker.com
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Garden State
Balenciaga BB Chain Quilted Printed Velvet Shoulder Bag $1,090 – net-a-porter.com
You Know 5 I’m Bad
Balmain Button-Embellished Collarless Leather Blazer $3,395 – net-a-porter.com
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Make Your Point
Dina Boots in Fuchsia Satin $695 – sophiawebster.com
Sacred Geometry
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Chloé Rosie Octagon-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses $400 – net-a-porter.com V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 81
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A bowl of pappa al pomodoro, a popular Tuscan soup consisting of bread, tomatoes, and basil prepared at La Botte Piena Photo by Andrew Marshall
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SEE THE WORLD
Travel and food go hand in hand, especially in Italia! And in Tuscany, visitors can get the inside scoop on what makes Italian cooking so unique—and so tasty—with curated food tours and culinary classes through accommodations such as the La Costa in Montefollonico and nearby restaurant La Botte Piena. The two partner to offer their guests a Cook in Tuscany experience, which includes a week of cooking lessons from local women who know all about creating a meal that is both authentic and delizioso! Look for the full story in VIE’s upcoming Culinary Issue.
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PARADISE B Y X E N I A TA L I O T I S
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PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF JOALI MALDIVES
Is it possible to improve paradise? Is it possible to take what is the ultimate vacation fantasy for many people—a deserted island in the Maldives with sand that’s as dazzling, deep, and soft as newly fallen alpine snow—and turn it into a destination that gallops beyond all previous notions of perfection? 84 | M A R CH 2019
FOUND
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T Above and opposite top: Joali Resort opened in the Maldives in 2018 and includes seventy-three luxuriously furnished private guest villas. 86 | M A R CH 2019
he answer is yes. Entrepreneur Esin Güral Argat has done just that at her recently opened Joali on a twenty-fouracre island in the middle of Raa Atoll, just forty-five minutes by seaplane from Malé’s international airport. Argat transformed the wild and beautiful isle of Muravandhoo into a luxurious seventy-three-villa resort that’s dedicated to delighting the senses.
Also facing the deep blues of the sea are Misha Kahn’s Gaudi-esque table and stools, which provide the perfect spot for cocktails at sunset. However, it is his underwater sculpture garden that truly makes waves—a statement piece that draws attention to coral bleaching in the Maldives and might eventually become a framework for regenerating coral.
Argat, whose love affair with the Maldives began almost twenty years ago, brought her passions to life at Joali, creating a place that stimulates the mind, invigorates the body, and soothes the soul. The resort’s immersive art experience is the first of its kind in the archipelago. Argat commissioned leading international artists to produce unique pieces for the villas, the art gallery, and the land- and beachscapes. Wherever you look—in the trees, along the shore, even on the seabed—you’ll find works of art that provoke thought or amuse.
What Joali’s art collection does for the mind, its sports facilities do for the body. There’s an excellent gym and every water activity imaginable. You can jet-ski 007-style to a still-deserted island close by or cling gracelessly, as I did, to a bone-shaking minirocket called a Seabob as it lurches this way, that way, and any way except perhaps the direction you’d like to go. I didn’t get the hang of it, but those who did surfaced from the sea exhilarated and wanting more. I emerged with my body, if not my dignity, intact—bearing a closer resemblance to Jemima Puddle-Duck than to James Bond—and laughing my head off.
Among the treetops is artist Porky Hefer’s striking manta-ray dining pod that you can reserve for an intimate dinner, and there, facing the Indian Ocean, is his other animal-inspired creation, a heron’s-head hanging nest that beckons you to sneak inside for a postswim nap.
Th r o u g h o u t t h e resort, the design team h a s m e l d e d t ra d i t i o n a l M a l d iv i a n ch a ra c t e r a n d c ra f t s m a n s h i p w i t h c o n t e m p o ra r y f l o u r i s h e s a n d h i g h - t e ch Of course, the key water sport at Joali is snorkeling or diving with the marine life. Raa Atoll, one of the deepest and largest in the archipelago, was badly damaged by El Niño in 2016, and the ghostly vestiges of its once-dazzling, intricately laced corals now lie stricken on the seabed. Thankfully, this has not deterred the myriad species of fish from dancing, darting, flitting, floating, and feeding among the bleached carcasses just a few feet from the shore. You can see them without getting into the water, though the deeper and farther out you go, the more you’ll see, even if you only snorkel.
w i z a r d r y, r e s u l t i n g i n a n ex q u i s i t e ex p r e s s i o n o f fo r m a n d f u n c t i o n .
A twenty-minute boat ride from Joali will take you to turtlefeeding stations, but if you want to see one of the most mesmerizing creatures on the planet, the manta ray, try to get to Hanifaru Bay, considered to be the largest manta-feeding station in the world, about thirty miles from the resort. A day on or in the water works up an appetite, and Joali has secured one of the best executive chefs in the hotel business, Ashley Goddard, to lead its kitchens. How he and his team manage to produce such nuanced food when almost all the ingredients have to be flown in is astonishing. At the Bellini restaurant, a house-smoked yellowfin tuna and a prosecco-anddiver-scallop risotto blew me away, while at Saoke the following evening I had the finest Nikkei meal I have ever eaten. Joali also offers “destination dining,” meaning they can arrange an intimate meal on a deserted island, in your villa, on the beach, or in the manta-ray treehouse. It’s one of the many custom service options that your personal concierge or jadugar (roughly but aptly translated as “magician”) will arrange for you. Right: A private dinner prepared by Chef Ashley Goddard is a highlight of any stay at Joali, especially if the meal is served in the manta-ray sculptural treehouse designed by artist Porky Hefer (bottom).
Argat hired internationally renowned design studio Autoban and Tokyo-based architects Studio Glitt to build Joali. Their combined talents and aesthetics have created a resort that is both glamorous and sophisticated: one that is thoroughly grown-up yet brilliantly geared toward families (it has a superb kids’ club). V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 87
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Whether you’re seeking rest and relaxation, adventure and water sports, or an immersive art experience, Joali has it all!
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Throughout the resort, the design Fo r a n u n fo r g e t t a b l e team has melded traditional Maldivian character and craftsmanship with ex p e r i e n c e , a s k yo u r j a d u g a r contemporary flourishes and highfo r o n e o f Jo a l i ’s b l i s s f u l b a t h tech wizardry, resulting in an exquisite expression of form and function. This t i m e r i t u a l s , wh i ch i n c l u d e a is most apparent in the high-ceilinged, perfectly proportioned villas, all of tub filled with scented oils which have traditional thatched roofs, sea views, an infinity pool, a juicer, t h a t p r ov i d e n o u r i s h m e n t fo r original artwork, and a bedside iPad both the skin and the soul. that controls lighting, music, air conditioning, and even the closing and opening of the drapes. Most also the over-sea studio, where you can perform your have outdoor tubs and showers—for an unforgetsalutations while watching the blood-orange sun table experience, ask your jadugar for one of Joali’s rise on another perfect day in paradise. Om shanti blissful bath-time rituals, which include a tub filled shanti shanti. Peace, rest, and tranquility—it can all with scented oils that provide nourishment for both be found in abundance at Joali. the skin and the soul. And while on the subject of the soul, there’s another experience I’d like to recommend: sunrise yoga in
Visit Joali.com to learn more or book your stay.
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parisienne grounds
BY A N T H EA GER R IE
PLAY
aris is an obvious destination for ladies who lunch—fashionable hotels, chic restaurants, and all that designer shopping along the Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Avenue Montaigne, and edgier rue des Francs-Bourgeois. But where do chic Parisiennes go for fine food and retail therapy when they want to get out of town? Their secret playgrounds are just as enticing a draw for Americans in the French capital as for the locals. A century ago, the great escape would have been to Trouville-sur-Mer, one of France’s first resorts, where grand seafront villas built by bankers and industrialists still stand proud. Now, Trouville attracts a more laidback crowd, while neighboring Deauville attracts the fashionistas. The two resorts share a train station and are connected by a bridge, yet they are entirely different— and barely acknowledge each other’s existence. People watchers and the poseurs who crave their attention prefer Deauville; it certainly has the smartest lodgings. Groupe Barrière, which operates a casino in each resort, fields neighboring five-star hotels Le Royal on the Deauville seafront and Le Normandy, which boasts an extra soupçon of chic in place of sea views.
View of Trouville, France, with its picturesque rooftops and the English Channel in the distance Photo by RossHelen / Shutterstock
While both hotels have spas, the most authentic pampering is at the Algotherm Thalasso Deauville center on the beach. Thalassotherapy, which harnesses the benefits of seawater pumped direct from ocean to resort, is the glory of France’s north coast; whichever treatments you choose, make one a soak in a private, warm, saltwater hydrotherapy bath, which changes color as its jets gently deliver a heavenly massage from neck to toe. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 91
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s Deauville’s population resembles the cast of a Ralph Lauren shoot, it’s surprising that Ralph gave up his store in the town, although Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Cartier, Dior, and Sonia Rykiel all retain a presence. It’s also fun to shop the covered market for local delicacies, even though you can’t bring home the exquisite crème fraîche and soft cheeses for which Normandy is famous. Enjoy the dairy at dinner instead, preferably at Le Drakkar; bag a table on the heated sidewalk terrace to soak up the buzz from the street. This fashionable seaside town also has strong ties to the film industry. In fact, an annual international film festival has spawned a row of beach huts named for big Hollywood names who have visited. However elegant Deauville may be, it would be a gross injustice to go back to Paris without exploring Trouville. Walk over the bridge, turn left along restaurant row, and follow the boardwalk past a scene almost unchanged since Monet immortalized it in paint. After admiring the mansions from the boardwalk, leave the beach at the signs to Villa Montebello, now an art museum exhibiting nostalgic scenes from back in the day. Return via the town to explore historic streets like the rue de Paris and rue des Bains, which were once the height of fashion but today are home to a mix of eclectic shops more charming than chic. Although there seems, at first glance, nothing to choose between the long line of brasseries facing the fish market, one is special: Les Vapeurs, identifiable by its red and yellow awnings, has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the most fun places to dine in France. A party atmosphere develops among the packed tables as
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NOW, TROUVILLE ATTRACTS A MORE LAID-BACK CROWD, WHILE NEIGHBORING DEAUVILLE ATTRACTS THE FASHIONISTAS.
the night wears on, with the help of a giant Calvados bottle passed around to offer the local apple-brandy digestif to all. While Champagne is even closer to Paris than this lively pair of coastal resorts, it attracts less traffic because the region takes the €5 billion business of making the bubbly that carries its name so seriously. But Épernay, the wine-making capital, is a charming town easy to explore on foot and home to PerrierJouët’s Maison Belle Epoque, which houses one of Europe’s largest collections of art nouveau. Although many of the grand houses receive visitors only by appointment, a glorious time to visit is in December, when many vignerons throw open their doors for the Habits de Lumières weekend celebration, which sees the Avenue de Champagne alive with twinkling lights. And when visiting at other times of the year, addresses to note in Épernay include celebrated restaurants Les Berceaux and La Table Kobus; for an overnight perch, check out Villa Eugène and La Briqueterie, the town’s two five-star hotels.
Opposite top: The morning light on the beach and homes of Trouville makes it obvious why the town is a perfect vacation destination. Opposite bottom left: Even the Louis Vuitton store building in Deauville is oozing with charm. Photos by RossHelen / Shutterstock Opposite bottom right: In Deauville, barriers outside the beach huts on Les Planches bear the names of famous filmmakers and actors. Photo by Tommy Larey / Shutterstock
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FOLLOW IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARIE ANTOINETTE, WHO DRANK HER FAVORITE CHAMPAGNE IN THE ROYAL PALACE OF VERSAILLES.
Courtyard view of the Palace of Versailles near Paris, France Photo by Felix Lipov / Shutterstock
o drink bubbly in a sophisticated setting even closer to the capital, follow in the footsteps of Marie Antoinette, who drank her favorite Champagne in the royal palace of Versailles. It came from Piper-Heidsieck, who first presented the queen with a bottle of their premium Rare vintage around 1783. You might find Rare on the best wine lists in Versailles, but not its latest incarnation, Le Secret, which has just been unveiled following twenty years’ aging by a canny cellar master who spotted something extra-special in the wines of 1997. Only a thousand magnums have been bottled, a few of which are available in the US via Sotheby’s. Only three lucky purchasers who can afford the $145,000 price tag for a one-off experience will be able to travel to Paris to have a bespoke jewel designed by Mellerio, the world’s oldest family jewelry firm, which shares Marie Antoinette with Rare as a muse and patron. 94 | M A R CH 2019
In France, anyone who attempts to market sparkling wine made outside Champagne is considered bold. But today a daring entrepreneur has created his own link with Marie Antoinette by launching a bottle of bubbly in the royal city itself. “I’m from Versailles and wanted to pay homage to all the talent we have here,” says Xavier Trilling of Vins Haute Couture as we prepare to taste a glass of his intriguing rose-and-pepper-scented Les 12 de Versailles. The wine is named for the twelve—and only twelve—wine merchants who had a warrant to supply the court in the heyday of Versailles. Now Trilling is collaborating with eleven local artisans—together they are the “12” of today’s Versailles vintage. The first one we meet is François-Xavier Delbouis, director of plantations at Le Potager du Roi. This enchanting royal kitchen garden, which once supplied all the produce to the palace, is today growing rare pink Szechuan peppercorns to perfume the new wine, while renowned “noses” at the nearby Osmothèque—the national scent archive—supply the rose petal essence and their blending expertise.
Spicy Rose sparkling wine by Les 12 de Versailles
A visit to the garden, especially on a day when locals come to buy produce for the week, is a special thing to do in Versailles, where too many people arrive and leave after spending only a couple of hours in the fabulous palace. A palace visit should be booked in advance to avoid horrendous queues—even ticket holders face long waits at security checkpoints, but it’s worth it to visit the enchanting Hall of Mirrors and wander the spectacular formal gardens where Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI strolled before the empire fell.
The famous Hall of Mirrors (Galerie des Glaces) at Versailles Photo by Takashi Images / Shutterstock
It may come as a surprise to visitors that they can sleep within the palace grounds at the elegant Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace, built in 1911. While the hotel fields a Gordon Ramsay restaurant, it’s not the only fine dining in town: there’s an Alain Ducasse café within the palace, while La Table du 11 serves cutting-edge food in the gorgeous setting of the Cour des Senteurs, which has been associated with perfume for two hundred years. While the chef prefers to list Corsican wines from his homeland, you can at least pick up a bottle of Les 12 du Versailles at L’Atelier des Saveurs opposite the restaurant, along with essential fragrances, fine French porcelain, and exquisite totes in traditional toile de Jouy. This kind of specialized retail therapy is fit for a princess and worth leaving Paris for, if only for twenty-four hours.
Head to www.en.Normandie-Tourisme.fr to start planning your trip to Trouville-sur-Mer, Deauville, and surrounding areas.
The Maison Belle Epoque by Perrier-Jouët is a unique destination in Épernay that combines a tasting room, an event space, an art gallery, and more. Photo courtesy of Perrier-Jouët
Anthea Gerrie is based in the UK but travels the world in search of stories. Her special interests are architecture and design, culture, food, and drink, as well as the best places to visit in the world’s great playgrounds. She is a regular contributor to the Daily Mail, the Independent, and Blueprint. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 95
One Nature Bu
The Beach Bubble tent at Finolhu resort is the first of its kind in the Maldives, though the bubble hotel trend is sweeping the globe. Photo courtesy of Finolhu 96 | M A R CH 2019
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BY XENIA TALIOTIS
Once upon a time, sleeping under a vast star-studded sky on a remote beach or forest floor would have brought you closer to nature than you might have liked. You’d have probably had to weather the discomfort of lying on the ground on a fast-deflating mattress, being bitten by insects, or waking up chilled in the middle of the night. Though your eyes would have opened to gaze upon infinity, you might have been happy to forfeit that for the comforts of a hot shower and a snuggly bed. Now, though, there’s no need to choose between what your soul yearns for and what your body needs because eco-friendly bubble tents are springing up all over the world, bringing all the amenities of a hotel right to the heart of nature, be it a mountaintop, a secluded beach, a canyon ridge, or a peaceful forest. Here are some of my favorite bubble experiences:
BEACH BUBBLE – Finolhu, Baa Atoll, Maldives When I stayed in the Finolhu resort’s beach bubble, I was so excited, I couldn’t bear to sleep—and they almost had to call security the next morning, because I didn’t want to leave! It truly was one of the most wonderful experiences of my life. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 97
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This page and opposite: Baa Atoll in the Maldives is the perfect locale for Finolhu’s Beach Bubble, with seclusion at its forefront and stargazing not far behind! Photos courtesy of Finolhu 98 | M A R CH 2019
Guests are taken there by boat just before sunset and are accompanied by a chef, who prepares a magnificent three-course beach banquet. Finolhu’s bubble is a gorgeous-looking, climatecontrolled, UV-protected dome with a separate toilet and shower unit, a deep bed, a telescope, and a plush armchair and footstool so you can watch the cascade of shooting stars in comfort. It sits about a mile from the main resort on a long sandbank, which is closed off to other visitors whenever the bubble is occupied. Guests are taken there by boat just before sunset and are accompanied by a chef, who prepares a magnificent three-course beach banquet, and a butler, who serves the meal and keeps wine glasses full, all at a candlelit table cut into the sandbank. After their meal, guests are left alone to enjoy whatever takes their fancy—the night sky, the sounds of nature, or perhaps each other. Not surprisingly, the bubble has seen many marriage proposals. The butler returns the next morning to serve breakfast while guests scan the waters of Baa Atoll, the only UNESCO biosphere reserve in the Maldives, for dolphins and sperm whales. Believe me—it’s even better than it sounds. A Beach Bubble Dream Eclipse experience starts at $600 per night, from sunset to sunrise, and includes dinner and breakfast for two. Finolhu.com/Finolhu-Bubble
NUIT NATURE – Combloux, Haute-Savoie, France If you’d rather wake up to views of snowy mountains or rolling green pastures, then Nuit Nature’s bulle, overlooking the Mont Blanc massif, is just the thing for you. With unobstructed views of the highest peak in the Alps, this beautifully furnished bubble promises guests a “unique magical night for two in the middle of the mountains and beneath the stars.”
Whether you choose to go in winter or summer, you’ll be guaranteed spectacular panoramas, but I find the idea of snuggling beneath the covers as snow falls on the transparent room above me quite irresistible. Depending on when you go, your gourmet dinner and breakfast will either be served alfresco or inside. Experiences are €480 ($550) until April 30, 2019, and €380 ($435) May 1–October 31, 2019, per night, including dinner and breakfast for two. Nuit-Nature.fr
BUBBLE LODGE – Île aux Cerfs, Mauritius Fringed by palm trees and home to an eighteen-hole championship golf course, picturesque Île aux Cerfs off the east coast of Mauritius (a bigger island just off Madagascar in the Indian Ocean) is the place to go if you’d like to combine your stay in a dome with a round or two on the Bernhard Langer–designed greens and fairways. You can choose from three semitransparent, tastefully decorated lodges. All are spacious, with separate pockets for a seating area (which can accommodate a sofa bed suitable for two children), a bedroom with a queen-size bed, and a private bathroom—the showers, which are heavenly, are outside. Each bubble also has its
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The precise location of the
bubbles is kept secret until two
weeks before the guests’ arrival,
own peaceful garden set amid the island’s lush landscapes. Made from 100 percent renewable resources, the bubbles are very eco-friendly.
Above left: Bubbletent Australia offers a relaxing Swedish wood-fired alfresco bathing experience. Photo courtesy of Bubbletent Australia Above right: Bubbletent’s Virgo bubble comes with a kitchenette, a telescope, a fire pit, hammocks, and more. Photo by Cam Darcy
Opposite:
Ridgeback Lodge, located in New Brunswick, Canada, offers Dream Dome camping experiences for two and Stargazer Domes for up to six guests. Photos courtesy of Ridgeback Lodge
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It’s down to the guest’s preference as to where he or she would like to wake up. The Ocean Paradise bubble and the Lake and Sea View bubble are both on the beach, while the third bubble is in the center of an ancient banyan tree. Amazing, right? It gets better: the services of a private butler, a fabulous dinner and breakfast in the golf club restaurant, access to a private beach, and green fees for a round of golf or a one-hour initiation lesson are all included. Book from €379 ($434) per night, including threecourse dinner and breakfast for two. Bubble-Lodge. com/Ile-aux-Cerfs
BUBBLETENT – Running Creek, Queensland, Australia Oh my! Remote, vast, and dramatic, the wild beauty that surrounds the three off-grid domes at Bubbletent will take your breath away. The precise location of the
bubbles is kept secret until two weeks before the guests’ arrival, but all are on a forested cliff near Running Creek, two hundred kilometers northwest of Sydney, with spectacular views of the Capertee Valley (the second largest canyon on Earth). Capertee, a designated Important Bird Area, is visited by more than 240 species, including peregrine falcons, pardalotes, owls, and even endangered regent honeyeaters. Watching out for them is one of the huge draws of this magnificent location. The supercomfortable domes—named Leo, Cancer, and Virgo—have separate bathroom facilities: the showers are outside, set beneath a canopy of eucalyptus trees. Each is unique in aspect if not design: Leo is on one of the highest points in the valley; Cancer commands impressive views of the gully; and Virgo’s vistas are as wide and deep as Capertee itself.
RIDGEBACK LODGE DREAM DOMES – Kingston, New Brunswick, Canada Immersed in a 180-acre private wood on the Kingston Peninsula, the aptly named Dream Domes are ideal for an incredible get-back-to-nature adventure that will live long in your memory and soul. Ridgeback is the place to recoup from the stresses of modern life. Pack your walking boots, binoculars, and a couple of the books you’ve wanted to read for ages and let your mind and body reap the benefits. Each dome has a small kitchenette, a fire pit, hammocks, binoculars, a telescope, and an iPad loaded with the award-winning astronomy app Luminos to guide you through your stargazing. Virgo also has an outside wood-fired tub, which the staff fills with fresh rainwater each day. Can you think of a better way to end the day than by bathing alfresco as a burning sun sets over the valley? Neither can I.
Each semitransparent dome has a stove to warm cold feet, comfy memory-foam beds, a fully equipped kitchenette, an impressive bathroom, and a fabulous wood-fired Japanese hot tub outside—just the thing for moonlit soaks. There are two categories from which to choose: a Dream Dome for up to two people or Stargazer Domes (which have transparent roofs) for a maximum of six guests.
Stays start from AUD$370 (USD$260) per night, with a two-night minimum. BubbletentAustralia.com
Book your experience from $120 per night. RidgebackLodge.com
Voyager
B Y E M M A YA R D L E Y
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P H OTO G R A P H Y C O U RT E S Y O F V I K I N G
W H AT YO U T H I N K YO U K N O W A B O U T V I K I N G S I S O N LY H A L F T H E S T O RY.
“You may think the Viking is a savage warrior coming to kill you and take your things—and you’d be right,” says Malcolm Dickson, an interpretive guide at Njardarheimr Viking Village in western Norway. “But next time, I’m coming back as a salesman. I’ll be building trading relationships all the way to Miklagard [what is now Istanbul].” Dickson, a bearded man wearing layers of finely embroidered woolen clothing and a brown sheepskin cloak, speaks of Vikings in the first person because he doesn’t just work in Njardarheimr, a living cultural and historical community nestled in the narrow valley floor of Nærøyfjord in western Norway—he lives there. He’s one of forty-eight “Vikings” who’ve lived, partor full-time, in this authentically reconstructed village since it opened in April 2017. As he leads a group of visitors past beautifully handcrafted houses topped 102 | M A R CH 2019
with ornately carved dragon heads and grass roofs, he wants to be clear about a popular misconception. “There is one thing that you will never, ever find here in the real Viking age—helmets with horns on them!” he says with a growl. The visit to Njardarheimr is part of an onshore day excursion off of Viking Sun, a brand-new, state-ofthe-art ship that serves as my home for fifteen days on Viking’s comprehensive Viking Homelands itinerary, which begins in Stockholm, includes ports of call along the Baltic Sea, and ends in its home port of Bergen, Norway. And though the stop at Njardarheimr is perhaps the most authentic Viking experience on the trip, the entire itinerary serves to give guests a fuller understanding of the history of these Scandinavian boatbuilders, farmers, navigators, and artisans.
Viking Cruises offers a fifteen-day Viking Homelands tour and other cultural excursions from Sweden to Norway aboard its luxury cruise liners, including the Viking Sky (pictured) and the brand-new Viking Sun.
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The Viking Homelands cruise kicks off in colorful Stockholm, Sweden.
Their legacy is evident in every port on the Viking Homelands tour. From the impressive walled city of Tallinn, Estonia, to the islands of Saint Petersburg, Russia, the Vikings’ culture of trade, social order, and artistry have profoundly affected the states that encircle the Baltic Sea—and we get to learn about it all on our daily guided tours and see it from our stateroom balconies. “You have these really old—thousands of years old— cities and then you have the fjords in the middle of nowhere, all in the one cruise,” says Addinsall. “Stockholm, with its Old Town, is incredible, but when we get to Eidfjord [in Norway], you dock and people look out, and mouths drop as to where we’re docked. It’s the best of both worlds.”
Between 800 and 1050 AD, the Vikings pushed out as far as Canada in the west and Iran in the east, establishing trade routes and settlements along the way to create the North Sea Empire, which at its peak spanned from Greenland to Russia. “The Vikings built the first towns here in this fjord— they were architects, engineers, and artists living peacefully here—most of the time,” says Dickson, who also points out that slavery was one of the most popular (and profitable) industries at the time.
As a Norwegian cruise company that made its mark with its sleek, minimalist-designed river-cruising longships, Viking doesn’t just give a casual nod to their seafaring past in their new fleet of small luxury ocean cruise ships: it’s integral to the entire experience.
STOCKHOLM , WITH ITS OLD TOWN , IS INCREDIBLE , BUT WHEN WE GET TO EIDFJORD, YOU DOCK AND PEOPLE LOOK OUT, AND MOUTHS DROP AS
In springtime, industrious men and women would launch their sleek longboats down the fjords (a.k.a. the Viking Highway) toward the North and Baltic Seas, looking to exchange their reindeer skins, sheep’s wool, walrus ivory, and handicrafts for Persian silks and French perfume. And if they ran into trouble, they also knew how to handle their weapons just as well as their rigging and rudders. “It’s such a rich and interesting history because it’s not all roses,” says Beven Addinsall, the cruise director on Viking Sun, who’s responsible for all the onboard entertainment and educational programming.
Viking Sun’s decor reflects modern, minimalistic Scandinavian trends.
“And that’s something that Viking [the cruise company] has embraced by saying, ‘Hey, we know the Vikings era is synonymous with pillaging, but it’s such an important part of history since they founded most of the places we’re going to.’”
TO WHERE WE’RE DOCKED. IT’S THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS.
Crest each landing of the grand staircase, which leads from one deck to the next, and you’ll be greeted by floor-to-ceiling reprints of brutal battle scenes from the Bayeux Tapestry, a 223-foot-long, eleventh-century masterpiece depicting life at the end of the Viking Age, complete with beheadings and skillfully embroidered blood. Explore the onboard entertainment system, accessible on the enormous flat-screen TV in every thoughtfully designed stateroom, and find documentaries such as The Last Battle of the Vikings and Art of Scandinavia, as well as three seasons of the extremely popular (yet factually contestable) Vikings TV series. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 105
Voyager There’s even a small, well-curated Viking Heritage museum on the third deck displaying reconstructed garb, replicated artifacts from daily life, and a comprehensive time line of the Viking Age and how it intersects with other significant historical events. But along with the reminders of the Vikings’ sometimes-barbaric history that one finds on the Viking Sun, there are also signs of the strengths of modern-day Nordic cultures. The understated onboard interior design showcases those comfortable minimalist furnishings and finishes that Scandinavians are known for, mixing cozy oceanside reading nooks (kitted out with warm woven throws and well-stocked bookshelves) with showstopping spaces like the Windergarden atrium, with its installation of huge stylized wooden “trees” reaching up to the glass ceiling.
BUT ALONG WITH THE REMINDERS OF THE VIKINGS’ SOMETIMES - BARBARIC HISTORY THAT ONE FINDS ON THE VIKING SUN, THERE ARE ALSO SIGNS OF THE STRENGTHS OF MODERN - DAY NORDIC CULTURES.
“Yes, it’s a new ship, but you have to look at the lines, the straight lines of the furniture, and the decor—it is timeless,” says Addinsall. “There’s a kind of symmetry between the timelessness of the Viking heritage and the way that these ships have been built.” That ethos trickles down into every department on board. The LivNordic Spa & Wellness program combines luxurious self-care and the region’s cultural history with its focus on a time-honored Nordic tradition—contrast bathing.
(You’ll also find a sauna and a cold plunge pool in both the men’s and the women’s changing rooms.) Burger suggests that, after heating up, guests take a handful of the snow and rub it onto any bodily aches and pains. “It stimulates your white blood cells, similar to the way that acupuncture does. So it strengthens your immune system,” she says. Native-to-Scandinavia blueberries, lingonberries, and cloudberries are all found in the spa’s organic product line, c/o Gerd, which is made in a tiny village in northern Sweden. But it’s the spa’s store of dried birch branches that provides the opportunity to re-create a truly authentic Viking experience. “Vikings used to pluck birch branches during the spring—the leaves have the most nutrients in them then—and leave them in a bucket of water,” says Burger, explaining the spa’s Wednesday-night guided bathing ritual. “When you’re in the steam room, you take a leafy branch out and hit yourself with it. The leaves have a little bit of something inside that’s similar to soap, so it is very cleansing.”
“Vikings used to build their saunas out in the snow, and they would alternate between the hot and the cold,” says spa manager Adri Burger.
To showcase local Nordic ingredients, the Restaurant (one of three fine-dining options on board) offers a destination menu each night, pulling inspiration from the daily port of call. On the day we stopped in Copenhagen, dinner featured a creamy leek and cauliflower grønkål soup, perfectly roasted cod with warm potatoes, and a delightful Danish almond cake with lingonberry sauce.
The process is replicated in the spa’s thermal suite with its large hot pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, and snow grotto.
While onboard food options are top notch, the Viking village of Njardarheimr offers a more rustic take on Viking fare. Sitting down on long, reindeer-skin-covered
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Above: Nyhavn (New Harbor) canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen, Denmark Above right: Viking Sun also features the Viking Heritage Museum.
benches in the feasting hall, we’re served a lunch of hearty root-vegetable soup, fresh dark-rye bread, and butter infused with wild garlic. The meal is finished off with a cup of hot fruity herbal tea made with local wildcrafted plants and berries. When a guest asks for coffee instead, the server, dressed in woolen pants and a tunic, replies with a wry smile: “Vikings didn’t have coffee.” Got it—no horned helmets and no coffee, but plenty of history to be had when following in the footsteps of the Vikings.
Viking’s ocean cruise Viking Homelands tour runs from April through September. Fares per person begin at $5,699 and are based on double occupancy. Visit vikingcruises.com to book your spot now.
Kitty Taylor, Broker, GRI, CRS, CIPS Catherine Ryland, Broker Associate
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Origin Custom al ary Us e
“Grayton Girl Team” Selling Grayton and Beach Properties along 30A. Realtor of the Year 2017 for the Emerald Coast Association of Realtors 850.231.2886 | 850.585.5334 133 Defuniak Street, Grayton Beach, FL 32459 www.graytoncoastproperties.com
L’amour
Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth at the 24th Vanity Fair Oscar After-Party on March 4, 2018 Photo by Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock
L’amour IT’S ALL YOU NEED.
In addition to celebrating love and the lovely Caribbean wedding featured in the following pages, we also want to offer our heartfelt congratulations to adorable celebrity couple Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, who tied the knot in secret this past December after dating for ten years. For Hemsworth’s birthday on January 13, Cyrus posted a sweet message on Instagram to her husband: “When we met, you were nineteen. Today, you are twenty-nine . . . I’m proud of the person you have become and look forward to all the good we will contribute together in the future. You and me, baby. Let’s take this dark place head-on and shine through with the light of L.O.V.E.”
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L’amour
Mr. & Mrs.
BAKER A D R EA M CA R I B B E A N W E D D I N G
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November 23, 2018
A
fter years of not-so-great dating experiences both in person and online, Florida girl Taylor Culley was ready to take a break from the dating scene altogether. Of course, that’s when fate dropped Adam Baker into her path. Fast-forward to November of 2018, and the pair exchanged their heartfelt “I dos” on a white-sand beach in the beautiful Dominican Republic. The whirlwind romance is like something worthy of a movie—here is the story as told by the bride.
Our Love Story Our story began in Seattle. We were both living far from home, me (Taylor) from Florida and Adam from North Dakota. It was work that had brought us both to Seattle, and we met on the Bumble app (where I was giving it one last attempt before taking a break from dating in Seattle). There was an instant connection, and we barely spent a day apart after our first date..
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Adam was immediately adored by my dog, Duke. The two of them formed a very quick bond, which just helped to solidify the relationship for the long haul—we all know the dog’s opinion is very important! About a year into dating, we found out that Adam’s stepfather, Lee, had a very aggressive form of cancer. Adam spent a large amount of time in early 2018 back home in Fargo helping to care for Lee. I joined in on a few trips, getting to know Lee and being there to support Adam. In April of 2018, while we were both in Fargo caring for Lee, he passed away peacefully in his sleep after a short but hardfought battle. Unbeknownst to me, Adam had told Lee during his last few days that he was going to ask me to marry him, and he had purchased a ring while in Fargo as well. We decided to rent a car and drive back to Seattle from Fargo to decompress. While stopping for a scenic tour of Theodore Roosevelt National Park in the Badlands, Adam surprised me by getting down on one knee at the most picturesque overlook, and he asked me to marry him. It was a moment filled with tears and love—as well as a herd of bison— but it was a perfect proposal! 112 | M A R CH 2019
Our Venue – Majestic Colonial Resort, Punta Cana During our drive back to Seattle, we decided that we both wanted a destination wedding since our families and friends lived all over the country. I googled while Adam drove, and after hours of researching flight costs from various locations and reviews for all-inclusive resorts, we decided upon having the wedding in Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic at Thanksgiving. It only took a little searching to find that the Majestic Colonial Resort had the best reviews for weddings and guest experiences, so we emailed to see if the date was available and, sure enough, it was. Decision made!
Our Wedding Plans Doing a destination wedding was the best decision! You are assigned a prewedding coordinator who answers questions and helps you make all your decisions as you work through the wedding checklist. In the midst of planning the wedding, we also decided to take job opportunities across the country in Charleston, South Carolina, so that added some stress to our plates. The Majestic team made the whole process as easy as we could have hoped for, though. There was a deal that allowed you to get the basic wedding fee waived if you had enough nights booked within your wedding block. We didn’t use a
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L’amour travel agent, so I had to track all our guests’ reservations, but that was an easy task. There were enhancements made to the basic package, like adding a DJ, having a private reception on the beach with a DJ and bartender, and having extra flowers and decor. The ocean backdrop of this resort was beautiful enough that, even if none of that had been there, we would have loved it just the same.
Our Wedding Our wedding day was really a series of three days: Day 1: Welcome “Reception” To welcome our forty guests, we rented a private trimaran boat with a DJ on board. We sailed to two stops: a coral reef, where we snorkeled, and then to a sandbar, where bartenders brought drinks into the water. It was a blast, and everyone had the best time partying it up in the Caribbean! Day 2: Wedding Day This was the most perfect day! It was eighty degrees and sunny with barely any clouds in the sky. The guys sipped whiskey while getting ready in Drew’s room (Drew is our best friend and acted as our officiant), and the girls got ready in our room with champagne. The photographer was able to get some amazing photos in both settings. The ceremony was everything we hoped it would be. It felt like there was no one there but the two of us, and it was the perfect moment that we will remember forever! We didn’t add anything extra to the beach gazebo. Everyone had (biodegradable) confetti to throw at the end, and the resort gave a glass of champagne to everyone as well. Dinner wasn’t until six thirty, so our guests had time to relax or go to the pool, and many of them went to the foam party (yes, foam party). Once they all pulled it back together, dinner started at the resort’s beachfront restaurant. We had a delicious surf and turf meal, and there were eucalyptus garlands running along the tables and rose-gold votive candles throughout. The decor had a very Southern beach charm. Then we moved to the beach at eight for the private reception and party.
THE ENTIRE STAFF OF THE RESORT WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MAKE US FEEL SPECIAL. The beach party was a blast! We started with the first dance (to Ed Sheeran’s “Perfect,” which was Lee’s favorite song while he was going through treatment. He said it made him feel happy inside when he listened to it), toasts, cake, and fatherdaughter and mother-son dances. Then the party began! The DJ was amazing and kept the group on their feet for the rest of the night. We had the best group
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of friends there with us and we ended the night with sparklers, Coldplay’s “A Sky Full of Stars,” and a kiss before we ran off the beach! Day 3: Boys’ Day/Girls’ Day Also known as Adam’s birthday! The boys went on a private tour of a cigar factory and rum tasting and then to a Dominican Winter League baseball game. Go Toros! The girls did something very girly—we went on a dune buggy tour through the mud trails of Punta Cana! Both groups had an unbelievable time and made some great memories!
Our Honeymoon We stayed at the Majestic Colonial Resort for the honeymoon. They give brides and grooms access to their two other connected resorts, so we could have gotten some alone time if we had wanted. However, we were so thrilled to have so many
friends and family there to visit with, we spent most of our time with our entire group on the beach, at the pool, or in one of their seven great restaurants. The entire staff of the resort went above and beyond to make us feel special. From bride/groom matching baseball hats, private dinners, and couples massages to private breakfast in our room, they were always doing little things to make us feel special. We went into planning this wedding knowing we wanted to stay on a budget. With some personal planning on decorations (three extra suitcases’ worth) and given the backdrop that the Caribbean provides, we had the perfect day in the perfect place surrounded by all our favorite people. It was the perfect wedding!
Special Thanks Photographer: Ryan Cordova with Tropical Studios Wedding planning: Dayra Polanco (pre-wedding coordinator) and Christy Zorrilla (on-site coordinator at Majestic Colonial Resort) DJ, cake, and flowers: Majestic Colonial Resort Welcome Party: Caribbean Dream Punta Cana Tours – Wedding Boat Girls’ Day/Boys’ Day: Caribbean Dream Punta Cana Tours – Dune Buggy and Punta Cana Baseball Tours
Introspections
B y N i cho l a s S . Rac h e ot e s
Adman by Subtraction 116 | M A R CH 2019
A long, strange time ago, when I was trying to leverage an advanced degree in history into the wherewithal to buy groceries, I flirted with a career in advertising. Like everyone else in the unfree-from-television world, I had grown up on ads of every sort and degree of cleverness. How difficult could it be to invent commercials for other people’s enjoyment— and for my profit? For practice, I recently worked up examples like the ones below. You be the judge as to why my path led to an alternate career. Are you sick and tired of breaking clay tablets? Have you had it with rubbing until your hands are raw, just because you made an error in spelling? Now, paper will give you what you have longed for: it folds, it blots, it works with an ink pen instead of a wooden stylus. With the future at your fingertips, you will be able to produce your very own library full of correspondence. Why, you may even have an epic tome in mind that would never see the light of day if it were written in clay! Act now, because sooner or later, it will all be paper. Are aching feet ripping the sole out of you? After dodging fleet-footed predators all day, do you barely have enough left in the tank to make it back to the sanctuary of your cave? Well, the answer is at hands—that is, thirteen to seventeen hands high. Tame a horse! It lives on gorse. You’ll be riding tall in the saddle to every battle. Besides, what it leaves
in the pasture, you can use after—to enrich the soil, to grow that barley, to make that beer, to keep you from being snarly! At fifteen miles per hour, hooves are the beat that will drive our civilization forward. Don’t be a drag; tame your own nag. Are the cold, wind, and rain getting impossible to bare? Are you tired of burning in the sun and goosebumping six months of the year? Clothing is the thing you want against your skin. You can make it out of fur—or better yet, give the job to her! While she’s spinning with the distaff to make thread, you’ll know that she is too busy to heed the randy neighbor’s tread. The time has come to get it on, so get it on with clothes. Picture this: Your husband and children are gathered around the hearth for the daily scorched dinner. It’s always the same complaint: “Mom, this food is certainly burned well enough, but something’s missing.” Well, don’t get your braids in a tangle. The remedy is as near as the ocean or salt mine. Yes, it’s salt. Salt will put the savor in whatever meat you favor. And if you’re a contrarian, it will even improve taste to the vegetarian. Better yet, salt keeps you healthy, even if you sweat. So, before you see your maker, reach for that salt shaker.
I often imagined myself going into a conference with a famous automaker and giving my pitch that goes something like this: “Sure, you just lost the war. Yeah, your logo is a couple of twists away from being the most feared and hated symbol in human history. Almost certainly, nobody will correctly pronounce your name. The designs of your products are at least twenty years behind what American engineers are doing. Come on—fenders, a rear engine, a flat nose, and a whine that could grate on anyone’s nerves? However, in my hands, even a Beetle could sell.” I never got to make this presentation, but it would have been great fun (and maybe even profitable) if I had. On the other hand, it was likely far better for all concerned that I found employment in a field to which I was better suited.
Nick Racheotes is a product of Boston public schools, Brandeis University, and Boston College, from which he holds a PhD in history. Since he retired from teaching at Framingham State University, Nick and his wife, Pat, divide their time between Boston, Cape Cod, and the rest of the Western world.
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NEVER FORGOTTEN
COAST
INTRODUCTION BY ALEX WORKMAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEREMY COWART
The Driftwood Inn, an icon of Mexico Beach, Florida, sustained major damage from Hurricane Michael and will have to be torn down and rebuilt, according to its owners. Right: Kenzie (with baby Maverick), Shawna, and Peggy Wood stand outside the remains of the Driftwood Inn. 118 | M A R CH 2019
#LoveMexicoBeach
Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle in October 2018 and left the town of Mexico Beach, Florida, completely devastated. A team of storytellers from Tallahassee partnered with individuals and entities from around the country to do something to help. They started the Never Forgotten Coast campaign, which created T-shirts for purchase and a website where survivors could share their stories. Through generous donations from people like you, they can help get the community back up and running. Read their stories. Give back. Together, we can make sure the people of Mexico Beach and their experiences are never forgotten.
OUR STORY
BY SHAWNA WOOD, DRIFTWOOD INN
Mom (Peggy Wood) decided she wanted to get the kids out of Atlanta and raise us in a small town, so we came down to Mexico Beach in 1970, and my parents bought a beach house on 34th Street. A year later, we moved here, and she wanted to find something to do where she could be home with all three kids, so they bought the Driftwood. It had seven units, and as they could, my parents built on, one more unit at a time. Over the years, as my dad made money in advertising in Georgia, Mom was taking that money and putting it into the hotel. In 1994, it burned down and was rebuilt, but the front wall and inside six feet have remained the same. Eighty percent of our customers were repeat customers. We weren’t a Ritz-Carlton by any means. Our rooms had antiques, they had all-tile floors, and we were the only place that allowed pets, but the repeats kept us alive. We had potlucks, movie nights, craft parties, and painting classes. We built a chapel and had hundreds of weddings here. Vow renewals and memorials. It was such a special place. Our favorite things about this community are the special things that we get to do. We have the special events committee that helps put on the gumbo festival, the wine festival, Christmas tree lightings, etc. We did a campaign once where you got to sponsor a palm tree with a plaque, and those trees have lined the beach for a long time. We evacuated for Hurricane Michael at the last minute. We had guests that didn’t want to leave, so we couldn’t go until they were all gone. We went up to Dothan and rode it out with the family. There was a lady at the Summer House that had a camera so we could see what was happening, and when you saw the Driftwood
from the front, everything looked relatively OK. We were so excited. But when we got back, man, it was such a hard blow. We knew the houses were gone and the cottages were gone, but we really felt OK knowing that the main building was there. But now they’re telling us they have to tear it down. We came back from Dothan full-time about a week after the storm, and we moved back into our house about a month ago. The bottom floor will be completely gutted, but we’ll renovate it so Mom can stay in it since she lived in the top of the Driftwood. Everything was gone. It was so heartbreaking. Pictures didn’t show what it was until we got here. I cried for two weeks. All these people wanted interviews, but I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t bring myself to talk about it. We’ve already got an architect, a contractor, and a structural engineer talking about plans and how we’re going to rebuild, but at this point, we’re waiting for the city to let us know what we can do. We’re moving forward as much as we can right now and we want to be back in business as soon as possible. There was a meeting with local business owners, and everyone was asked to raise their hand if they weren’t going to rebuild, and not a single hand went up. So the spirit is still here. I want my kids to experience the Florida I did. I was the one that fought my mom the most when we moved here because I couldn’t believe that she would take me away from Atlanta to a small town with only a few kids. Now I fight her the most for not wanting to leave. I know everything will be shiny and new, and I think that’s OK as long as they still keep the charm of Mexico Beach. We have a lot of property, and there could be a lot of money if we sold out, but we don’t want to and we don’t want to see big condos and big money come in. My parents got this property for less than everyone else bid for it because they promised they would never put a big condo on it. And they never will.
Visit NeverForgottenCoast.com to see more stories or to donate. Visit DriftwoodInn.com to learn more about the inn. V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 119
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ENTERTAINERS & LIFESTYLES BY MYLES MELLOR
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Resident of Catania Pastoral Trilogy ending British alehouse Delmonico’s order First name of 1-Across Lt.’s subordinate Medieval or Georgian, for example Laguna Beach’s ___ of the Masters French port famous as the site of a WWII battle Letters on a toothpaste tube Sea in the Middle East ___ de Triomphe, Paris Tenor Domingo City in Italy famous for its gondolas (Italian name) Coin Words before discount or premium Direction Marco Polo traveled South American city with a dramatic cathedral and a bustling finance center; goes with 34-Across Travel V I E MAGAZ INE . COM | 121
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Bill Dawson, Heavenly Dawson, Hannah Culbreth, Jacob Mason, Dorothy Hindman, Sebastian Ortega, Demetrius Fuller, and Marsha Dowler
A SINFONIA SOIRÉE FEATURING THE 2019 ESCAPE TRIO As part of its ongoing music education initiatives throughout the region, Sinfonia Gulf Coast partnered with Escape to Create and their trio in residence for an afternoon of chamber music in the stunning Bayside home of Bill and Heavenly Dawson. Supporters of both organizations were treated to a champagne prelude and a wonderful afternoon performance of chamber music by Hannah Culbreth on French horn, Jacob Mason on piano, and Sebastian Ortega on cello. The performance was followed by a lovely reception. Photography by Gerald Burwell
Sebastian Ortega
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Jacob Mason
Debra Messing Hannah Culbreth
Marsha Dowler and Dorothy Hindman Sebastian Ortega
Lynn Dugas and Mary Patton
Bill and Heavenly Dawson
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Crazy Rich Asians cast and crew with their Critics’ Choice Award for Best Comedy film
Bradley Cooper and Julia Roberts
24TH CRITICS’ CHOICE AWARDS The stars and crews of Hollywood’s biggest films and TV series of 2018 gathered on January 13, 2019, to bestow the Critics’ Choice Awards. Big winners of the evening included Roma with Best Picture, Black Panther, Vice, The Americans, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and more. Taye Diggs hosted the event, which took place at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California. Photography courtesy of Broadcast Film Critics Association
Claire Foy receives the #SeeHer Award presented by Viola Davis
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Glenn Close and Lady Gaga
La scène
Amy Adams
Robert Downey Jr., Tony Shalhoub, and Octavia Spencer
30TH ANNUAL PRODUCERS GUILD AWARDS One of the awards season’s marquee events, the Producers Guild Awards celebrates the finest producing work of the year and gives the Guild an opportunity to honor some of the living legends who have shaped their profession. This year’s event took place on January 19 at The Beverly Hilton hotel in LA. To see all nominees and winners, visit ProducersGuild.org. Sterling K. Brown and John David Washington
Photography courtesy of Producers Guild of America
Jane Fonda Gary Lucchesi and Kate Beckinsale
Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen
Emma Stone and Linda Cardellini
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Au revoir!
Lady Gaga performs on opening night of Enigma in Las Vegas. Visit Vegas. LadyGaga.com to learn more and purchase tickets. Photo by Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for Park MGM
Au revoir! BEFORE YOU GO…
Vegas plus Lady Gaga? Yes, please! It seems like a natural fit for the artist who is known for a combo of over-the-top theatrics and incredible songwriting and voice to have a residency in Las Vegas. Fans are flocking to Gaga’s Enigma at the Park Theater, Park MGM. The residency runs from now until November 9 and includes not only the glitzy, true Vegas-style Enigma show but also Jazz and Piano, a stripped-down version of Lady Gaga’s music along with covers from the Great American Songbook. Fresh off her recent bigscreen success in A Star Is Born, Gaga is one of the world’s most sought-after performers, and many of her Enigma + Jazz and Piano combo shows are already sold out.
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