Nashville Lifestyles Magazine October 2020

For 20 years we’ve done our annual Most Beautiful People issue in October. Well, this year has been different than the last 20 in many, many ways. So, we felt it was time for a change. This year, we’re shaking it up. Let me explain… When I was a kid I was obsessed with Barbara Walters’ “Most Fascinating People” special every year. She told stories of people who had done amazing things and who had incredible tales. This is what we want to do this year. There are so many beautiful and fascinating people—and let me be clear most are both, every year. Beauty is both external and internal. We want to get away from the looks and tell these important stories. I think you’ll see these people are absolutely gorgeous. It…

When we announced that we were changing our annual Most Beautiful People issue to the Most Fascinating People, we got a lot of strong reactions. Many were excited by the change—why not shake things up a bit? But a few negative folks piped in with, “So these people aren’t beautiful?” Of course, these people are beautiful! Their stories make them beautiful. Their experiences make them beautiful. And yeah, their faces don’t hurt either! But in a year when so much has changed and our perspective on what’s important has shifted, it felt right to celebrate the stories behind these beautiful people. What stories they are! The 25 individuals and organizations profiled in these pages are doing amazing things for Nashville and the world. From philanthropy to art, activism to altruism, each…

When San Diego native Shaney Jo Darden founded the Keep A Breast Foundation and created the first KAB Breast Cast in 2000, she never imagined that the art exhibitions would take place in cities around the world for the next 20 consecutive years. Now, during Breast Cancer Awareness month, the Keep A Breast Foundation exhibition has landed in Nashville; where the artist-decorated breast casts of 87 notable Nashville women will be exhibited and sold via virtual auction to raise funds and promote breast cancer education, support, and advocacy. Darden was inspired to start the organization at 27 after a friend was diagnosed with breast cancer. The first KAB Breast Cast exhibition began as a way to raise funds and support for that friend, but quickly grew into an unwavering mission to…

Brothers Osborne fans know what to expect from their live shows: Loud country music that feels like pure rock and roll. From start to finish, a Brothers Osborne show delivers booming vocals on anthemic songs, face-melting guitar licks, and a rowdy good time. With that in mind, the Brothers—TJ and John Osborne—set out to make their third studio album, Skeletons, a celebration of their live performances. Complete with a track list that plays like a setlist and their entire band in the studio for the recording process. The Jay Joyce produced album, available October 9, was in fact the first time Brothers Osborne included their touring band on a record. But judging by the results it won’t be the last. “We’re a duo, John and I, but we treat our music a…

Anyone who’s ever logged into Instagram (or any social media platform) knows how large and how influential the influencer community has become. Fashion, home décor, cleaning products, delivery services, you name it—brands love to partner with these online elites. But how do brands and influencers find each other? And what happens when an influencer needs support or a shooting location to create content? Enter Of Note and its founders, public relations pros India Mayer and Katy Shah. The two saw a need to create a company that would bridge the gap between national brands and Nashville’s booming influencer community, two things they knew well from their respective careers. Of Note does just that, while allowing brands to easily maximize exposure, and offers the services to connect brands with this network…

Greetings from New Nashville Edited by Steve Haruch (Vanderbilt University Press) From a history of hot chicken to becoming a bachelorette boom town, Steve Haruch’s collection of new and reprinted essays and poetry examines the evolution of Nashville. Take a trip to 2007 and read author Ann Patchett’s take on the Nashville music scene. Revisit musician Ben Folds’ open letter to the city following the sale of the historic RCA Building on Music Row. Natives and newcomers alike can follow Nashville’s journey to becoming an “it” city. (Available October 15.) Our Lady of Perpetual Hunger by Lisa Donovan (Penguin Press) Lisa Donovan, former pastry chef of City House, Margot, and Husk; James Beard award winner; and all-around tour de force in the culinary world can now add author to her résumé. In her…