Finally, the weekend is here. Now what? Nooga.com checks out all the options and gives you our best bets for the top five.
A wedding’s charm
The season of wedding expos is upon the Chattanooga area. First, the Pink Bride took over the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center, and now, the Southern Charm Wedding Expo is drawing crowds to the Ringgold Depot. Saturday’s event includes caterers, wineries, planners, photographers and even a chiropractor, all local and all ready to be a part of a perfect, Pinterest-worthy wedding.
When: Saturday, Jan. 19, 12-4 p.m.
Where: 155 Depot St., Ringgold
How much: Free
Politics goes to the dogs
Chattanoogans have proven less than diligent about turning out for municipal elections, but perhaps the growing canine population will be a more attentive audience. Mayoral candidate Andy Berke will hold Chattanooga’s first dog-friendly campaign event at Nooga Paws this weekend: Barks for Berke. In addition to providing voters the opportunity to speak with Berke and members of his camp and socialize with other dogs, the event is serving as a collection point for McKamey Animal Center's donation drive. The shelter is accepting bubbles, cat toys, chicken broth in a box, leashes and collars, laser lights and paper lunch bags.
When: Saturday, Jan. 19, 12:30 p.m.
Where: 313 Manufacturers Road
How much: Free
Hollerin’, fiddlin’ and square dancin’
Vegetarian cafe by day, dance hall by night. So goes the life of Sluggo’s on the North Shore. The New Apocalypsonians, hailing from Massachusetts, are bringing their brand of traditional Appalachian music for a night of square dancing. Those with limited dancing experience but a healthy sense of adventure can come early (8:30 p.m.) for a beginners' dance workshop before the music starts. Square dance caller Jennifer Steckler will walk everyone through the group numbers.
When: Saturday, Jan. 19, 9 p.m.
Where: 501 Cherokee Blvd.
How much: $5
How a colonel spends "retirement"
To be clear, Col. Bruce Hampton (retired) has never been a member of the U.S. Armed Forces. However, what he has done since the 1960s is push the envelope with surreal music that is laugh-out-loud funny, bizarre, funky, beautiful and deeply introspective of both himself and the world around, all within the same setlist. His fans range from Dave Matthews and the Grateful Dead to Phish and Muddy Waters. The consummate bandleader, who also styles himself a soothsayer and a magician, is currently playing with AJ “Wunder” Ghent. Col. Bruce Hampton and The Realms of Ventilation will stop at JJ's Bohemia this weekend.
When: Saturday, Jan. 19, 10 p.m.
Where: 231 E. M.L. King Blvd.
How much: Covers range from $5 to $15
The art of faith
With tattoos becoming less of a cultural taboo and more of an accepted expression of personalities, tastes and even professional endeavors—chefs with food tats, for example—the demographics of those getting inked up is shifting, as well. Case in point: St. Marks Church is partnering with Triple 7 Studio to curate an art show composed entirely of photographs of spiritual tattoos. This weekend, the organizers are hosting photo sessions for Chattanoogans with faith-based ink who would like to participate in the show, which will run for a week at the end of March.
When: Saturday-Sunday, Jan. 19-20
Where: 701 Mississippi Ave.
How much: Free (email ann@mcintoshcreative.com or carljgreene@epbfi.com for more information)
