Nashville Sounds to Celebrate Late Negro Baseball League Star Henry Kimbro with Special Game Activities and Giveaways on Aug. 10 at First Horizon Park

  NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The contributions of the late Negro Baseball League star Henry Kimbro will be celebrated by the Nashville Sounds during special game activities and giveaways beginning at 6:35 p.m. Aug. 10 (Saturday) at First Horizon Park in Germantown. 

The Nashville baseball legend ranks highly for all-time statistics for the Elite Giants, a NBL team that started in Music City. He finished his 15-year career ranked first for hits in games (511), stolen bases (55), and runs batted in (264). As a center fielder, he led the league in games five times, putouts three times, and assists twice.

“I am very excited and humbled by it because my dad was a man who did not believe in tooting his own horn,” said Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton, a sports advocate, author, and former professor in sports administration at Tennessee State University. 

Highlights of the Henry Kimbro baseball night — featuring a game between the Sounds and Indianapolis Indians — will include

* A Henry Kimbro bobblehead giveaway to the first 1,000 fans who enter the stadium. Containers will include the star’s image and biography.

* The Screening of a trailer for Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton’s documentary, “A Tour of One City: The History of the Negro Leagues in Nashville and Beyond.”

* The first pitch by Henry Kimbro’s grandson (Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton’s son), Patrick G. Hamilton, a former baseball star at Glencliff High School. 

* An appreciation ceremony for the Fisk University 1975 SIAC Conference Championship team, which included the baseball star’s son Phillip Kimbro (also a center fielder).

Kimbro was documented as the best player in several categories in 1947 and 1948. He led all leagues in doubles, (OBP) on base percentage, (SLG) slugging percentage, (OPS) on base percentage, winning the batting title for 1947. He played in seven East-West All-Stars games. Before retiring, he served as manager for the Birmingham Black Barons from 1952-1953. 

“The way the Nashville Sounds Baseball organization will be honoring my dad reflects that they are a class act and have always been on the right side of history,” Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton added. “They have included the story of the Negro Leagues at First Horizon Park, celebrating the historic impact of numerous Black baseball pioneers.”

Henry Kimbro began his baseball career with the Cuban baseball leagues, helping the Almandares win the 1939 league championship. He won the batting title there during the 1947-1948 season. 

Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton has served as a historian and advocate for Black baseball leaguers, penning the books “Home Plate: Henry Kimbro and Other Negro Leaguers of Nashville, Tennessee” and “Daddy’s Scrapbook: Henry Kimbro of the Negro Baseball League, A Daughter’s Perspective.” She currently serves as a member of the Nine, a committee for the Sounds that has honored former Nashville Negro League players and provided resources to help improve baseball facilities for the Black community. 

“It is now important to educate the country about this phenomenal era to appreciate the courage, sacrifice and talent of these men,” Dr. Kimbro-Hamilton noted.

To buy tickets to the Aug. 10 game honoring Henry Kimbro, visit https://www.milb.com/nashville. 

Americana Music Fest Spotlights Pete Muller and the Kindred Souls, Raye Zaragoza, and Keifer Sutherland

Americana Music Fest 2021

 

City Winery, Thursday (Sept. 23)

 

By Wil Comstock

MCAU Contributing Writer

 

                  NASHVILLE -- I love harmony, so I was excited to see Pete Muller and the Kindred Souls, who all sing.  With Muller on Keyboards and lead vocals, Missy Soltero on percussion and lead vocals, Martha McDonald on violin, and John Wooley on guitar, we hear a throwback to the California sound of the '60s.  Lots of energy and harmony exude from this band. 

                  The numbers that grabbed me were “Just Trying to Find My Way” and “This Ain’t Me.”  The former is about trying to get through the craziness of today’s world. Muller said there used to be three major news networks, and they all pretty much said the same thing.  Today we have cable and a ton of networks and they are all saying something different!

 

                  In researching the band, I learned that Pete is a hedge fund manager and quantitative trader with Morgan Stanley. He also graduated with honors from Princeton in math!

 

                  There was a buzz going around about Raye Zaragoza, so I ran upstairs to the lounge to catch her set. I am so glad I did!  Zaragoza’s mother came to America as an adopted immigrant from Japan at 3 years old. Her father grew up in California and is of Mexican and Native American descent.  Raye grew up in New York City in studio apartment.

                  Without an introduction, she walked onto the stage with her guitar and opened with “I’m a Rebel Soul.”  She explained her last album was about identities, so she knew she had to write a song about her mother, and came up with “Change Your Name.”  Raye’s grandmother told her mother this before her mother left Japan.  Before she went on her first big tour, she was nervous. She took that nervous energy and turned it into “Warrior," singing “I don’t want to be nervous anymore, I’m a warrior."

 

                  Zaragoza talked about what it was like to grow up as a brown-skinned girl who looked different from the girls in the magazines, TV and  movies. From this she segued into “American Dream.” I read that Raye’s influences were Carol King, Joni Mitchel, Joan Baez, and Buffy Saint Marie.  She embodies all of them with kindness, poise and grace.

 

                  It was time to go downstairs to hear Kiefer Sutherland, a name familiar to us all.  This was my first time hearing Sutherland sing. He has a pleasing Dylan-type of voice without the rough edges. He accompanied himself on guitar and brought along a pedal steel player and a guitarist who also did background vocals.  Both fine musicians.

                  Kiefer opened with the fun “Tonight’s Rodeo,” followed by “Can’t Stay Away." He spoke of being in the studio recording the latter.  His friends were chiding and asking what girl was the song about. Sutherland didn’t answer.  His friends disappeared, and he was in the control room with his 13-year-old daughter.  She gave him a funny look and told him she knew what it was about. He said, “Okay, what’s it about?”  She answered, “That stupid bar across the street." Sutherland said none of his friends could figure that out, but here my daughter did! 

 

                  Kiefer discovered Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Cash as an adult.  He said Cash gave prisoners dignity by writing about prison, adding, “The first thing they take away from you in prison is your dignity.  I’ve never been to prison, but I’ve been to jail a few times so I ought to know!” “Shirley Jean” is Sutherland’s homage to Cash about a man in prison.

 

                  He closed the set with a number about one of his tours, saying, “It rained every single day, so I wrote a song about it called 'Chasing the Rain.'  I checked the Weather app to make sure it was still clear outside!"

 

 

Daughter of Nashville Baseball Legend Henry Kimbro to Celebrate 100th Anniversary of Negro League with Book Honoring Black Baseball Heroes

             NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 2020) -- The daughter of black baseball legend Henry Kimbro has spent the past year writing a new book to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Negro Baseball League in Nashville.

            Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton's new book, "Home Plate: Henry Kimbro and Other Negro Leaguers of Nashville, Tennessee," honors the memories of 18 Black baseball heroes who called Nashville their home. It will officially be released at 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 (Saturday) during a virtual book launch on the Zoom platform. Access to the online celebration is free and open to everyone. To attend, visit https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4289850752 and enter the Meeting ID: 4289850752.

            "I'm releasing my new book just in time for the 100th anniversary of the Negro Baseball League," said Hamilton, who published a book about her father in 2015. "I wanted the other families of those Negro Leaguers to have their loved ones documented and remembered as my father was in my first book. "'Home Plate' is a book that can be passed down through generations so their legacies are never forgotten."

            According to the History Channel, the league was launched in 1920, with Black baseball enjoying periods of success in the early 1920s and again after the Great Depression. The Nashville White Sox/Nashville Elite Giants, which were members of the Southern Negro League, made history by introducing some of the greatest baseball players of all time. The integration of major league baseball began with Jackie Robinson in 1947. After that, there was a slow but irreversible influx of talent to the majors, with the remaining Negro League teams generally folding by the 1960s.

             Negro League players from Nashville are remembered with biographical highlights and photos. Students, family members, and baseball fans can learn more about Nashville legends such as James "Junior" Gilliam (Baltimore Elite Giants); Henry Kimbro (Nashville/Baltimore Elite Giants); Bruce Franklin "Buddy" Petway (Leland Giants); and Norman "Turkey" Stearnes (Nashville Elite Giants/Detroit Stars). Also featured in Harriet's book are Robert "James" Abernathy, Daniel Black, William "Soo" Bridgeforth, Sidney Bunch, Elliot Coleman, Wesley "Doc" Dennis, Edward Lee "Lefty" Derrick, Edward Martin, Clinton "Butch" McCord, Taylor Smith, Thomas "Tom" Wilson, and Jim Zapp.

            The book is a family affair. It features a foreword by Henry Kimbro's great-granddaughter (Harriet's great-niece) Jada Scott, and a chapter titled "My Adventures with Grandpa" that documents the unforgettable experiences of Harriet's son, Patrick Hamilton. When he was 9 years old, Patrick flew with his grandparents to Baltimore to attend a 1993 Major League Baseball All-Star Game ceremony honoring Henry Kimbro and other Negro Baseball League legends. The grandson later shared his experiences in a senior paper at Stillman College. A photo in "Home Plate" shows Harriet's great-niece, Brooklyn Scruggs, visiting the street sign of Junior Gilliam Way in front of the Nashville Sounds Baseball Stadium with her dog Blossom.

             The book, which retails for $12, is available exclusively at www.Amazon.com (search "Home Plate: Henry Kimbro and Other Negro Leaguers of Nashville, Tennessee"). For more information about the book "Home Plate" and the upcoming virtual book launch event, contact Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton at HenryKimbro14@gmail.com. To learn more about Nashville's important role in Negro League baseball, visit www.Facebook.com/HenryKimbro or www.Twitter.com/KimbroNlb.

            Harriet's mission to recognize Black baseball heroes began when her mother challenged her with the sacred task of preserving the memory of her father, Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame member Henry Kimbro. Shortly before her death, Cuban-born Erbia C. Mendoza-Kimbro gave her daughter an old scrapbook filled with articles, pictures and other items from Henry's career.

            "As an African-American, it is well known that stories are passed down verbally," Harriet continued. "This book provides another means of passing down family stories."

            Harriet, who recently retired as an associate professor at Tennessee State University, penned chapters that tell the late Nashville Negro Leaguers' stories, contributions and impact on future generations. Descendants of the late stars helped her find rare photos to bring their baseball contributions to life.

            The author's book includes information about Vernon and Henyene Green, the husband-and-wife owners of the Nashville Elite Giants (later the Baltimore Elite Giants). Henyene became the first woman in Nashville to become a team owner after her husband's death. Under her leadership, the Baltimore Elite Giants won the 1949 League Championship. Harriet noted that the Greens were accidentally left off a Negro League commemoration plaque that adorns the E.S. Rose Park Baseball Pavilion.

            With her niece's encouragement, Harriet decided to write her book for middle school students so they could better understand the players' invaluable contributions. The author plans to donate copies to Metro Nashville Public Schools, and she has included a special "Scavenger Hunt" chapter to provide a free, fun and educational activity in Nashville for children of all ages. Readers can win prizes by finding three Negro League landmarks and e-mailing their photos to HenryKimbro14@gmail.com.

            "When Jada read my first book, 'Daddy's Scrapbook,' she said she didn't understand it," Harriet added. "It was important to me that school-age students who lived in Nashville and surrounding counties have a book to learn about those Negro Leaguers who once lived here, too."

            Harriet added that the most challenging part of her research was finding pictures of all of the owners and players. She is still trying to find a printable photo of legendary player Taylor Smith.

            "The pictures that are in this book are the stories," she said. "The photographs in the beginning show the revisiting of the moment in time when my father was honored at the 1993 Major League All-Stars Game but quickly move into the history of the Negro League. I share pictures of Rube Foster, the father of the Negro League, and Tom Wilson, who is considered the architect of the growth of Black baseball in Nashville."

            Dr. Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton served as an associate professor for Tennessee State University in Nashville until her retirement in 2020. During her athletic career, she served as head coach in various sports and athletic director of Fisk University. She also has served as a professor for Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The author also chaired the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship Committee and served on the ABA-USA Committee that selected the 1984 USA Olympic Gold Medal Women's Basketball Team. In 2016, she received the Robert Peterson Recognition Award for her book, "Daddy's Scrapbook: Henry Kimbro of the Negro Baseball League, A Daughter's Perspective." She also has received awards from the Women's Sports Foundation; the National Association of Girls and Women in Sports (the Dr. Nell C. Jackson Award); Fisk University (Women of Prominence Award); and the Temple University League for Entrepreneurial Women (Hall of Fame inductee). She was inducted into the Fisk University Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

            "The book is important because it can reflect the rich, diverse history that exists in our Tennessee culture," Harriet said. "This history needs to be celebrated, shared and appreciated by all Tennesseans. It adds to the knowledge that promotes diversity in education."

            Harriet has dedicated "Home Plate" to her family but especially in loving memory of her older brother, Larry Henry Kimbro. He died on Dec. 9, 2019. She noted that Larry was thrilled when "Daddy's Scrapbook" was released to honor their father five years ago.

            For more information about the book "Home Plate" and the upcoming virtual book launch event, contact Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton at HenryKimbro14@gmail.com. To learn more about Nashville's important role in Negro League baseball, visit www.Facebook.com/HenryKimbro or www.Twitter.com/KimbroNlb.

Gail McDaniel to Teach Spring Watercolor Painting Course Near Atlanta

            GRIFFIN, Ga. (February 2020) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolor artist/instructor who, by invitation, has served as an associate member and demonstrating artist/instructor of the prestigious Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London, will lead a watercolor painting course this spring in Griffin, Georgia, near Atlanta.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting March 4, 2020 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on March 4, 11, 18 and 25; and April 1, 8, 15 and 22.  

            McDaniel will provide invaluable insights on composition, value, color theory and application. She also will demonstrate some of the techniques that have helped make her an award-winning artist, including abstract under paintings, disappearing purples, painting on Masa Paper, white on white, monotype paintings, let it flow, texturize your paintings, portraits, reflective surfaces, and wax-resist Batik. The course is structured to serve artists of all skill levels, from the very raw beginner to the most advanced. McDaniel will close each session with individual critiques.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required. Tuition is $165 for eight class sessions. For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (678) 603-1502 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.GailMcDanielArt.com and follow her at http://www.Facebook.com/GailMcDanielArt or http://www.Twitter.com/GailMcDanielArt.   

"Lavender Farm," a watercolor painting by Gail McDaniel

            "Students are encouraged to paint their own choice of subject matter, in their own style, at their own speed, all the while being challenged to work out of their comfort zone and having fun along the way," said McDaniel, who was commissioned to create four program covers for Griffin Choral Arts' 10th anniversary concert season. "My classes provide opportunities for artists to develop their skills and find success.

            Before moving to Georgia, McDaniel spent more than 20 years working as a professional watercolorist and art instructor in Nashville and Brentwood, Tenn. During that time, she taught more than 1,600 students in classes and workshops around the world while raising almost $90,000 for student arts supplies.

            "The Griffin area has a host of artists, so it's the ideal community to teach classes," McDaniel added. "I'll be demonstrating the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that I have developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. I show my students everything I know, holding nothing back."

            During her career, McDaniel has trained artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea. She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted.

Artist/instructor Gail McDaniel

            In 2002, she and her husband, Ken, launched the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards", raising almost $90,000 for Middle Tennessee public schools by staging January "Chase Away the Blahs" parties. The fundraising effort earned Gail and Ken a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. In 2012, the artist was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year." The Tennessee State Senate honored participants and attendees of the fundraiser with a special proclamation in January 2007.

            The couple also hosted fundraising events such as the "Chase Away The Blahs Party Artistically" benefiting school children in their Franklin, Tenn., home and the "Building Bridges Through Art" exhibition at CharacterEYES Boutique in Franklin, Tenn., benefiting Bridges Domestic Violence Center.

            Before leaving Tennessee, she received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" in 2010 from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame in 2011 and named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 1970 as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            McDaniel gained international notoriety in 2001 when she was named an associate member of the Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network in London, England, and invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France. She also has taught in Central America, South America, and Canada. She studied under 38 noted art instructors to help build her reputation as one of the South's top artists/instructors. -- even accepting a commission to paint a family landmark for former Kentucky Gov. Louie B. Nunn.

            Other commissions have included painting the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music" starring country superstar LeAnn Rimes; 13 pieces for the annual Nashville Scene N-Focus social calendar; and a promotional streetscape of four homes for Newmark Homes and five other paintings for the Nashville Home Builders Association/SunTrust Bank 2001 "Parade of Homes."

            The artist has showcased her original paintings at 56 solo exhibitions. She also has served as a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art in Nashville, teaching weekly art classes. She created and painted the design for the theme poster and t-shirt for the Nashville Symphony’s "Italian Street Fair" two years in a row.

            Gail McDaniel's artwork was featured on the program covers of four major concerts in 2016-17 performed by The Griffin Choral Arts group, a choir led by Artistic Director Dr. Stephen J. Mulder.

            "Griffin has a wonderful arts community, and I'm delighted to contribute," McDaniel said.

            For more information about Gail McDaniel or to see her work, visit www.GailMcDanielArt.com.

'Tunesmithing' Songwriters Show to Feature Five Performing Songwriters in Nashville on Jan. 18th

     NASHVILLE -- Five professional songwriting acts will take the stage on Jan. 18, 2020 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

     Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Terry Bell, Meredith Blis, Erin Gibney, Denny Sarokin, and Jody Soland. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter-performer-recording engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

     "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

     For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

'Tunesmithing' Holiday Show to Celebrate Season on Dec. 14 with Festive Songs, Carols, Poems and Stories

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (December 2019) -- More than a dozen performing songwriters, poets and storytellers will take the stage in Nashville on Dec. 14 (Saturday) for the annual "Tunesmithing: Celebrating the Holidays." 

          The show will occur from 7-9:30 p.m. at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. Attendees will enjoy original and classic holiday songs, poems and stories by Lisa Aschmann, Pam Belford, AJ Bigler, Jamie Collins, Gordon Ellis, Suzahn Fiering, Dar Frantz, Donna Frost, Les Kerr, Michael Laidley, Candy Paull, Angel Pontier, Jody Soland, and Chuck Whiting.  

           Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer/educator/publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter/audio engineer AJ Bigler will handle sound. "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network and Shine Time Books and Music. 

 

          The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

          For more information about "Tunesmithing," send an email message to Info@Tunesmithing.com, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Five Songwriters to Take Stage at 'Tunesmithing' in Nashville on Nov. 16

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (November 2019) -- Five professional songwriting acts will take the stage on Oct. 19 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Steven Cade, Lisa Hannah, Les Kerr, Ida Kristin, and David Llewellyn. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Songwriter-performer Paul Nielsen will handle sound. 

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Artist/Instructor Gail McDaniel to Teach Autumn Watercolor Painting Course in Griffin, Georgia

            ATLANTA (September 2019) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolorist who, by invitation, has served as an associate member and demonstrating artist/instructor for the prestigious Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London, will lead a watercolor painting course this fall near Atlanta.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting Oct. 16 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on Oct. 16, 23 and 30; Nov. 6, 13 and 20; and Dec. 4 and 11). The class will not meet on Nov. 27.

"Spanish Portals," a watercolor painting by Artist/Instructor Gail McDaniel

            The artist/instructor will provide insights on composition, value, color theory and application. She also will demonstrate some of the techniques that have helped make her an award-winning artist, including abstract under paintings, disappearing purples, painting on Masa Paper, white on white, monotype paintings, let it flow, texturize your paintings, portraits, reflective surfaces, and wax-resist Batik. The course is structured to serve artists of all skill levels, from the very raw beginner to the most advanced. McDaniel will close each session with individual critiques.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required. Tuition is $165 for eight class sessions. For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (678) 603-1502 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.GailMcDanielArt.com and follow her at http://www.Facebook.com/GailMcDanielArt and http://www.Twitter.com/GailMcDanielArt.

            McDaniel recently learned that Emilie Tingle, one of her Griffin students, has been juried into the July 2019 "Peachtree City Library Art Initiative." Tingle's selection was especially remarkable because her painting was judged against two-dimensional artworks in all mediums.

Gail McDaniel (Photo by Ken McDaniel)

            "This is all the more outstanding when you remember watercolor being the most challenging and specialized medium," McDaniel noted.

            McDaniel was commissioned to create four program covers for Griffin Choral Arts' 10th anniversary concert season. Before moving to Georgia, she spent more than 20 years working as a professional watercolorist and art instructor in Nashville and Brentwood, Tenn. During that time, she taught more than 1,500 students in classes and workshops around the world. A number of her former students have developed into professional artists with exhibitions and commissions.

            "Some people come to find out if they can paint in watercolor," said the artist, who painted the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music" starring country superstar LeAnn Rimes. "Like me, others love the look of watercolor paintings and want to learn the medium. Many come for the change of pace and the new, wonderful, relaxing challenge it brings. The intermediate and advanced students come to me to grow in the medium."

            Over the years, McDaniel has seen the positive change that comes over many people when they spend three hours with her, creatively thinking from the right side of their brain.

            "It's truly a night-and-day change, not to mention the fun they have," McDaniel added. "Many who come to me with no art background find they really have a true talent for painting. Some of them never had the slightest notion they had any talent. It's such an outstanding reward for them and a source of real pleasure for me."

            A good example is Phyllis Tatum, a watercolorist who studied with McDaniel for 14 years in Middle Tennessee. She and her fellow students were thrilled when she won four blue ribbons and a red ribbon at the Tennessee State Fair. Her crowning achievement came later when she won the fair's "Best of Show", a rare occurrence in watercolor circles.

            McDaniel fondly remembers receiving a thank you note from former student Suzy Foy of Boulder, Colo., who wrote, "My whole life I have dreamt about being an artist... I never believed I could live that dream, one painting at a time. Because of my nine workshops, mentoring and support (from McDaniel), it is happening."

            "One of the obvious results of classes is the togetherness that comes upon the group," McDaniel noted. "Friendships develop, and with that interest in each other's lives and the happenings and events in their world. The group watches children grow up, grandchildren being born, and members die. The group celebrates the joys together, as well as the sad times, giving special support. Sometimes, our paintings reflect those experiences."

            The classes near Atlanta should be no exception. McDaniel will demonstrate the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that she has developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. She plans to show her students everything she knows, holding nothing back. Her goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed.

            During her career, McDaniel has trained artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea. She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted. She also served as a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art.

            In 2002, she and her husband, Ken, launched the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards", raising almost $90,000 for Middle Tennessee public schools. The fundraising effort earned Gail and Ken a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. In 2012, the artist was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year".

            Before leaving Tennessee, she received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" in 2010 from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame in 2011 and named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 1970 as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            In 2001, she was invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France. She also has taught in Central America, South America, and Canada. She studied under 38 noted art instructors to help build her reputation as one of the South's top artists/instructors. -- even accepting a commission to paint a family landmark for former Kentucky Gov. Louie B. Nunn.

            Gail McDaniel's artwork was featured on the program covers of four major concerts in 2016-17 performed by The Griffin Choral Arts group. The choir, which is led by Artistic Director Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, is celebrating its 12th anniversary season.

            For more information about Gail McDaniel or to see her work, visit www.GailMcDanielArt.com.

'Tunesmithing' Songwriters Show to Feature Five Top Americana Songwriting Acts on Sept. 14

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 2019) -- Five professional songwriting acts will take the stage on Sept. 14 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

          Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Chakra Bleu, Valerie Connelly, Jim Moran, Connor Schenk, and Ken Spooner. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Engineer-songwriter-performer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

           "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

           For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Five Professional Songwriters to Take Stage at 'Tunesmithing' in Nashville on Aug. 17

         NASHVILLE, Tenn. (August 2019) -- Five professional songwriting acts will take the stage on Aug. 17 (Saturday) at "Tunesmithing," a monthly songwriters show at WXYZ Restaurant/Bar at the Aloft Nashville West End Hotel, 1719 West End Ave. 

         Attendees will enjoy original songs and instrumentals by Gordon Ellis, Jason Kabler, Angel Pontier, Jody Soland, and Jill Wood. Admission is free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Nashville composer-educator-publicist Chuck Whiting will emcee the show. Engineer-songwriter-performer AJ Bigler will handle sound. 

          "Tunesmithing" songwriters showcase is sponsored by Music City Arts Network, Striking Moon Music, and Shine Time Music. The monthly show was founded in 2003 to spotlight emerging, professional and hit songwriters, as well as artists of all kinds. The event offers mentoring, career growth and networking opportunities for artists at all levels.  

          For more information about "Tunesmithing", call (615) 423-9857, write Info@MusicCityArts.net, or visit http://www.Tunesmithing.com.

Artist/Instructor Gail McDaniel to Teacher Watercolor Painting Course Near Atlanta

            ATLANTA (July 2019) -- Gail McDaniel, an acclaimed watercolorist who, by invitation, has served as an associate member and demonstrating artist/instructor for the prestigious Winsor & Newton Creative Artist Network of London, will lead a watercolor painting course this summer near Atlanta.

            The course will be offered to beginning, intermediate and advanced artists on selected Wednesday afternoons starting Aug. 7 at Griffin First United Methodist Church, 1401 Maple Drive. Sessions will occur from 1-4 p.m. on Aug. 7 and 14; Sept. 4, 11, 18 and 25; and Oct. 2 and 9).  The class will not meet on Aug. 21 and 28.     

            The artist/instructor will provide insights on composition, value, color theory and application. She also will demonstrate some of the techniques that have helped make her an award-winning artist, including abstract under paintings, disappearing purples, painting on Masa Paper, white on white, monotype paintings, let it flow, texturize your paintings, portraits, reflective surfaces, and wax-resist Batik. The course is structured to serve artists of all skill levels, from the very raw beginner to the most advanced. McDaniel will close each session with individual critiques.

            Because space is limited for the classes, reservations are required. Tuition is $165 for eight class sessions. For more information or to register, contact the artist by phone at (678) 603-1502 or send an inquiry to gail@gailmcdanielart.com. Individuals can learn more about the artist/instructor and view her artwork at http://www.GailMcDanielArt.com and follow her at http://www.Facebook.com/GailMcDanielArt and http://www.Twitter.com/GailMcDanielArt.

Gail McDaniel teaches a watercolor painting course. (Photo by Chuck Whiting)

            McDaniel recently learned that Emilie Tingle, one of her Griffin students, has been juried into the July 2019 "Peachtree City Library Art Initiative." Tingle's selection was especially remarkable because her painting was judged against two-dimensional artworks in all mediums.

            "This is all the more outstanding when you remember watercolor being the most challenging and specialized medium," McDaniel noted.

            McDaniel was commissioned to create four program covers for Griffin Choral Arts' 10th anniversary concert season. Before moving to Georgia, she spent more than 20 years working as a professional watercolorist and art instructor in Nashville and Brentwood, Tenn. During that time, she taught more than 1,500 students in classes and workshops around the world. A number of her former students have developed into professional artists with exhibitions and commissions.

            "Some people come to find out if they can paint in watercolor," said the artist, who painted the invitation cover for "A Little Night of Music" starring country superstar LeAnn Rimes. "Like me, others love the look of watercolor paintings and want to learn the medium. Many come for the change of pace and the new, wonderful, relaxing challenge it brings. The intermediate and advanced students come to me to grow in the medium."

"Antique Teacups," a watercolor painting by Gail McDaniel

            Over the years, McDaniel has seen the positive change that comes over many people when they spend three hours with her, creatively thinking from the right side of their brain.

            "It's truly a night-and-day change, not to mention the fun they have," McDaniel added. "Many who come to me with no art background find they really have a true talent for painting. Some of them never had the slightest notion they had any talent. It's such an outstanding reward for them and a source of real pleasure for me."

            A good example is Phyllis Tatum, a watercolorist who studied with McDaniel for 14 years in Middle Tennessee. She and her fellow students were thrilled when she won four blue ribbons and a red ribbon at the Tennessee State Fair. Her crowning achievement came later when she won the fair's "Best of Show", a rare occurrence in watercolor circles.

            McDaniel fondly remembers receiving a thank you note from former student Suzy Foy of Boulder, Colo., who wrote, "My whole life I have dreamt about being an artist... I never believed I could live that dream, one painting at a time. Because of my nine workshops, mentoring and support (from McDaniel), it is happening."

            "One of the obvious results of classes is the togetherness that comes upon the group," McDaniel noted. "Friendships develop, and with that interest in each other's lives and the happenings and events in their world. The group watches children grow up, grandchildren being born, and members die. The group celebrates the joys together, as well as the sad times, giving special support. Sometimes, our paintings reflect those experiences."

            The classes near Atlanta should be no exception. McDaniel will demonstrate the techniques, shortcuts and concepts that she has developed or learned by doing, reading or studying with others. She plans to show her students everything she knows, holding nothing back. Her goal is to inspire them without making them feel overwhelmed.

            During her career, McDaniel has trained artists from 36 different states (including Alaska and Hawaii), the District of Columbia, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, the Philippines and South Korea. She has taught 11 workshops at historic Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, a landmark where the late Georgia O’Keefe lived and painted. She also served as a member of the arts faculty of Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art.

            In 2002, she and her husband, Ken, launched the "Students and Friends of Gail McDaniel Awards", raising almost $90,000 for Middle Tennessee public schools. The fundraising effort earned Gail and Ken a nomination in the "volunteer innovator" category of the 2009 Mary Catherine Strobel Award. In 2012, the artist was named the PENCIL Foundation's "Volunteer of the Year".

            Before leaving Tennessee, she received an award for "Excellence in Community Service" in 2010 from the Travelers Rest Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was inducted into the Cave City, Ky., Hall of Fame in 2011 and named to the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels in 1970 as one of  "Kentucky's ambassadors of good will and fellowship around the world."

            In 2001, she was invited by directors of the "Art in Provence" program to conduct an eight-day watercolor workshop in Dieulefit, France. She also has taught in Central America, South America, and Canada. She studied under 38 noted art instructors to help build her reputation as one of the South's top artists/instructors. -- even accepting a commission to paint a family landmark for former Kentucky Gov. Louie B. Nunn.

            Gail McDaniel's artwork was featured on the program covers of four major concerts in 2016-17 performed by The Griffin Choral Arts group. The choir, which is led by Artistic Director Dr. Stephen J. Mulder, is celebrating its 12th anniversary season.

            For more information about Gail McDaniel or to see her work, visit www.GailMcDanielArt.com.