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This week: ‘Queen of Pinups’ Bettie Page receives Nashville historical marker

‘Queen of Pinups:' Bettie Page set to receive Nashville historical marker

Bettie Page | Photo by CMG Worldwide via Wikicommons

How’s this for a big birthday bash. Nashville native Bettie Page will receive a historical marker at the site of her alma mater, Hume-Fogg High School, on what’s been declared “Bettie Page Day” — Saturday, April 22.

Bettie by the books

The late 50s pinup model was born in Music City on April 22, 1923. Though her rise to fame as a pop culture icon suggests otherwise, Page’s upbringing was a little more grit than glamour. Her father struggled to find employment and her mother raised Bettie and her siblings after the couple’s separation.

Bettie graduated from downtown’s Hume-Fogg High School in 1940 as her class salutatorian and was voted “Most Likely to Succeed” by her peers. She then chose to further her education on a scholarship at George Peabody College for Teachers, which later merged into Vanderbilt University.

Teaching wasn’t in the cards and Bettie began traveling. It was at Coney Island in 1950 where she was discovered by amateur photographer Jerry Tibbs. He photographed her and suggested she cut her hair into straight across bangs. The rest is history — the newfound image of her jet-black hair coupled with her new bangs would be a staple many stars emulate for decades to come.

Bettie’s legacy

In her later life, Bettie strayed from the spotlight, tackling various struggles and focusing instead on her Christianity. She died in 2008 at the age of 85. The public is invited to Bettie’s marker dedication on Saturday at 3 p.m. near Hume-Fogg High School and 7th Avenue in downtown Nashville, where special guests will speak about the late local’s legacy. An after party at Eastside Bowl — 1508 Gallatin Pk. — will immediately follow at 5 p.m.

Quiz

Which Lower Broadway honky tonk now resides in the space formerly home to Bettie Page Clothing?

A. Luke’s 32 Bridge
B. Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row
C. Ole Red
D. Jason Aldean’s Kitchen + Rooftop Bar

Test your knowledge

Events

Today, April 17

TPAC InsideOut: How Choreography Helps Tell the Story | Monday, April 17 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Thistle Farms Café, 5122 Charlotte Pk. | $10 | Led by Tosha Marie, local dancers will demonstrate movement styles from “Wicked” to “Ain’t Too Proud” to “Hairspray.”
Relix Music Conference 2023 | Monday, April 17-Tuesday, April 18 | Brooklyn Bowl Nashville, 925 3rd Ave. N. | $125 | The event for live music professionals will feature conversations with Peter Frampton (April 17) and John Oates (April 18) + panel sessions both days.

Tuesday, April 18

TEDxVanderbiltUniversity | Tuesday, April 18 | 6-8 p.m. | Ingram Hall, 2400 Blakemore Ave. | Free | Five speakers will take the stage to share ideas.

Wednesday, April 19

Shop Local + Sip Seasonal Pop-up | Wednesday, April 19 | 5-8 p.m. | E3 Chophouse, 1628 21st Ave. S. | Free+ | This pop-up in celebration of rooftop season features shopping from Tomlin House, Judith Bright, and Able Clothing — plus, spring cocktails + bites from E3’s rooftop menu.
Zanies 40th Anniversary | Wednesday, April 19 | 6:30 p.m. | Ryman Auditorium, 116 Rep. John Lewis Way N. | $35 | A secret star-studded lineup comes together to celebrate four decades of Zanies.

Thursday, April 20

Kenect’s Earth Day Marketplace | Thursday, April 20 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Kenect Nashville, 800 19th Ave. S. | Free | This Earth Day-focused event features food pop-ups, market vendors, and more.

Friday, April 21

New in Nashville | Friday, April 21-Sunday, April 23 | Times vary | TPAC, Andrew Jackson Hall, 505 Deaderick St. | $35+ | Nashville Ballet’s 2022-2023 season concludes with a celebration of long-time Artistic Director Paul Vasterling.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Arts

Hip-hop on over to “Hip Hop Cinderella” this spring

Cast of "Hip Hop Cinderella" at Nashville Children's Theatre on stage.

See “Hip Hop Cinderella” — where a glittering sneaker sends a prince and an evil stepmother on a (musical) chase through the galaxy. | Photo provided by Nashville Children’s Theatre

An evil stepmother, a dreamy prince, a young woman named Cinderella... and a rap competition?

Yes, it’s the classic fairytale you know, but with a fun twist. Presented by the Nashville Children’s Theatre, “Hip Hop Cinderella” follows the story of an ill-treated young woman who transforms into “Ella C” at a royalty-hosted rap competition — where she leaves behind a glittering sneaker (of course).

Schools + children Pre-K and up are invited to enjoy this hip-hop-filled musical performance from April 13-May 21.*

Book tickets or a field trip

News Notes

Development

Nashville Electric Service is eyeing a new downtown substation at 419 Gay St. next to the Birch Building. Documents outline the demolition of a brick building at the site and a projected project completion date in 2025. (Nashville Post)

Coming Soon

A local bar owner has released his plans for the recently shuttered El Paseo Cantina. A restaurant and bar called Field House Tavern will take The Nations space at 905 51st Ave. N. by June. A large, dog-friendly patio will replace 51st Dog Park. (Nashville Post)
Chago’s Cantina will reopen in June as Chago’s Belmont Cantina under the new ownership of three seasoned restaurant professionals. The kitchen will undergo a facelift to increase its size + some booths will be added in addition to general interior upgrades. (Nashville Scene)

Arts

Glencliff Neighborhood Group launched a GoFundMe to raise $80,000 for a new mural on a railroad bridge near the Nashville Zoo. The mural by artist Tarabella Aversa would feature zoo animals and global textile patterns + replace a fading mural painted over a decade ago.

Edu

Tennessee State University announced alumna Oprah Winfrey as the undergraduate commencement speaker for this year’s Saturday, May 6 ceremony at Hale Stadium. US Congressman Bennie G. Thompson will address graduate students on Friday, May 5 at Gentry Center Complex.

Sports

Vanderbilt beat Arkansas 4-3 over the weekend, securing the NCAA women’s bowling championship. The feat marks the team’s third national title in program history. (WSMV)

Plan Ahead

Play ball. The annual Rock ‘N Jock Celebrity Softball Game benefiting Folds of Honor Tennessee returns to First Horizon Park on Monday, June 5. Some confirmed celebrity players include Chris Lane, Shawn Johnson, Jelly Roll, Riley Green, and more. Purchase tickets + watch last year’s recap.

Holiday

Swap the pinot grigio for something new. Rebel Rabbit is a federally legal, cannabis-infused seltzer designed for anyone interested in cutting back on alcohol without sacrificing the elevated experience of craft beverage. And because every order ships within 24 hours, you can make the most of your 4/20 festivities. Shop.*

Finance

Now may be a good time to transfer your balance. This leading balance transfer card offers 0% intro APR for 21 months and no annual fee. Eliminating interest payments? A no-brainer.*

Tech

The next time you travel, don’t get stuck with cheap wired headphones the airline passes out — meet the AirFly wireless audio transmitter. The device connects the plane’s in-flight entertainment to your wireless headphones via Bluetooth. It’s sorta the one thing we never fly without. Shop it now.

Drink

Ditch the hangover without having to ditch your favorite cocktail with Ritual Zero Proof Spirits. The award-winning brand makes non-alcoholic rum, tequila, gin, and whiskey so you can enjoy the ritual of having a drink without feeling icky the following day. Psst — check out Ritual’s collection of cocktail recipes.

Try This

🌟 Dim the lights

Celebrate International Dark Sky Week

The night sky with visible bands of the Milky Way.

There’s more colors out there than navy. | Photo by Jeremy Thomas via Unsplash

It’s International Dark Sky Week, an initiative to combat light pollution in cities all over the world. Do you want to see stars over our city — even downtown? Follow these recommendations from the International Dark Sky Association.

Find local stargazing events. Consider supporting the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society and Tennessee State Parks. Or, plan a trip to your nearest Dark Site and tag us on Instagram (@theNASHtoday) with your view of the night sky. Bonus: The Lyrid meteor shower peaks April 19-April 22.

Help measure night sky brightness as a “citizen-scientist” with Globe at Night.

Inventory your home lighting by following the IDA checklist — it could be as easy as pointing an upward-facing light towards the ground.

4 more ways to protect the night

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Skylar

From the editor

I don’t know about y’all, but I can’t wait to take full advantage of Luogo’s new patio installation — take a peek. Speaking of aesthetic patios, where are some of your faves? Let us know and you just might see your response in an upcoming newsletter.

Pro tip: If you took our quiz above, stay tuned to tomorrow’s newsletter for the correct answer.

Missed Friday’s newsletter? There’s now a little Frank Sinatra in Music City.

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