We Believe in Nashville
This week’s news roundup is dominated by the tornado that tore a path through Nashville and the counties west of us in the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 3. As disastrous as the loss of life and property was, one can’t help but be moved by the compassion, tenacity, and strength that people have demonstrated in the aftermath.
While the damages to homes and businesses in East Nashville were devastating, let’s not forget that East Nashville was just one neighborhood in the more than 50-mile path the tornado traveled. Losses have been felt across the city in West Nashville, North Nashville, Germantown, Donelson, Hermitage, and on into Wilson and Smith counties. And then there are the separate tornados that tore through Putnam, Carroll, and Benton counties in Tennessee, as well as tornado touchdowns in Kentucky.
We’ve compiled a list of ways you can help, where you can seek help, and other important information. We’ll be updating this list as more information becomes available. Save this link for Tornado Resource Information.
Making Wishes Into Reality
Want to help in a more tangible way than just a donation of money? The massive clean-up effort has been going on for days, and there has been no lack of volunteers, but getting the needed supplies for the clean-up is another matter. That’s why photographer and community activist (and contributor to The East Nashvillian) Stacie Huckeba has set up an easy way to get the needed supplies directly into the hands that will use them.
“It’s such a beautiful thing that so many want to help, but at the moment there are too many people and too many cars, and a lot of the local stores are out of the needed supplies,” Huckeba says. Over $5,000 was raised at Thursday night’s “Shelter From the Storm“ benefit show hosted by Brian Wright and Café Rooster Records at Dee’s Country Cocktail Lounge.
(L-R) Jen Gunderman (on keys); Joe Pisapia (pedal steel); Audley Freed; Marc Pisapia (drums); Jamie Rubin; Brian Wright; Jared Reynolds
Individuals wishing to help with the clean-up can simply visit this Tornado Response Amazon Wish List, place an order, and the items will be delivered to Huckeba, who is also coordinating with local relief organizations.
“It’s a tangible contribution,” Huckeba says. “You’re sending a chainsaw or other supplies instead of just giving money. It’s real stuff. It will come to my house, get unboxed, and then go right out into the hands of the people using it.”
Power for Recovery
In addition to the property damage and loss of life, the tornado left almost 50,000 Nashvillians with electricity according to the Nashville Electric Service. NES press releases state that the tornado broke 673 power poles, more than three times the number damaged by the 1998 tornado.
The NES website features a real-time outage map displaying the current number of customers without power and the areas affected. For updates regarding service restoration, follow NES on Facebook or Twitter @NESpower. And remember, never touch or go near downed power lines even if they are not sparking. In case of emergency or hazardous conditions, call 911.
East Side Business Status
This list is a compilation of the status of East Side businesses affected by the tornado. While this is not a comprehensive list, we have attempted to confirm the status of as many businesses as possible through direct contact or social media channels. We will be making ongoing updates to this list. Updates, corrections, and additions can be sent to the editor at randy@theeastnashvillian.com.
Severely damaged or destroyed — closed indefinitely; some have announced plans to reopen
Asphalt Beach Skate Shop
The Basement East
Boombozz Craft Pizza & Taphouse
Burger Up
Clean Juice
Crazy Gnome Brewery
Gold Club Electric Tattoo
GYM 5
High Garden Tea & Sipping Apothecary
Hunt Supply Co.
Lee Nails
Main Street Tires & Auto Service
Molly Green
Music City Vintage
Noble’s Kitchen & Beer Hall
Resolution Eye Care
Smith & Lentz Brewing
Soda Parlor
Vibrance Chiropractic
Y-CAP YMCA
Damaged — closed until further notice
Attaboy
Beyond the Edge
Boston Commons
Center 615
Drifters Tennessee Bar•B•Que Joint
Fanny’s House of Music
Fieldhouse Jones
Five Points Pizza
Marché
No Quarter
Oliv Body Bar
Phillips Printing Co.
STAR Physical Therapy
Mild to no damage — will reopen within a few weeks or sooner
Bongo East
Butcher & Bee
Cilantro*
East Nashville Family Medicine*
Kustom Thrills*
The 5 Spot*
I Dream of Weenie*
Pied Piper Creamery*
3 Crow Bar
Vandyke Bed & Beverage*
Mild to no damage — open for business
The Bookshop
Cumberland Hardware
Duke’s
East Side Smiles (No phone or internet at this time)
Edley’s Bar-B-Cue
Red Door Saloon
Turnip Truck
Weiss Liquors (Actually, significant damage including to their iconic sign, but open nonetheless during daylight hours)
*Will reopen once power is restored
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For Albree and Mike …
As the tornado struck, Attaboy employee Mike Dolfini (36) and his partner Albree Sexton (33) were just outside the popular nightspot on their way to their car. Struck by flying debris, Sexton died on the scene and Dolfini suffered serious injuries, leading to his death shortly thereafter. East Nashvillians for slightly more than a year, the couple were beloved and valuable members of the Nashville hospitality community (Sexton worked at Lockeland Table). The Fox Bar & Cocktail Club has established a Gofundme to assist with funeral arrangements, hospital bills, and any other expenses that their families incur in this time of need. For more information and to donate, visit the Albree Sexton & Mike Dolfini Fundraiser.
Benefit Round-Up
This is Nashville and when someone is in need, a benefit show is just around the corner. Benefits have already been held this week to raise funds for Tornado relief and more are on the way.
Not ready to leave the house? Then stay home and check the live, streaming benefit, Scot Sax and Friends Help East Nashville, tonight, Friday, March 6, 6-7 p.m. The show will feature Scot Sax with David Newbould, Anthony DaCosta, Kara Grainger, Suzie Brown, Aaron Lee Tasjan, Patricio Johnson, Bee Taylor, and Cody Brooks. More info and how to listen in on Facebook.
On Sunday, March 8, Nashville Blues and Roots Alliance will be sponsored Musicians Helping Musicians – Tornado Fundraiser, a benefit concert and silent auction at Music City Bar and Grill. More details and info on how you can donate items for the auction are on Facebook.
Also on Sunday: Nashville Together, to be held in the empty lot next to Bongo East at 109 S. 11th St., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and featuring live performances by Natalie Prass, Nightingail, and Harpooner, among others. This is a donation-based event, with proceeds going to Gideon’s Army and Hands on Nashville.
Monday, March 9, Acme Feed presents Grateful Nashville! A Benefit for Tornado Relief. Admission is free but all donations will be given to The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, more info on Facebook.
Stay tuned to our socials for the latest.
