JEFFREY by Paul Rudnick and directed by Buddy R. Jones head into it's final four performances August 25-28, Thursday-Sunday at 7:30pm. Out Front on Main, Inc. is located at 1511 E. Main Street, Murfreesboro; beside MTSU in historic downtown Murfreesboro. Reservations and Info at (615) 516-6279 or www.outfrontonmain.com Tickets are $10. general admission and $5. students/seniors. $1. of every ticket sold goes to benefit Nashville Cares.

Love is an adventure when one is sure and the other is positive. Here are a few of the comments from sold out audiences and critics alike:

"Congrats to Jeffrey cast for providing a rollicking good time. Haven't laughed like that at a show in a while."-Philip Storvik,

"Loved the show last night! I Laughed...I Cried! We will be back next weekend! All of you did so wonderful!"-Jeremy Morris,

'With works by Neil LaBute and Tracy Letts soon to be in production, Out Front on Main continues its dedication to progressive drama. Currently, the storefront Murfreesboro company presents this 1993 Off-Broadway comedy by Paul Rudnick, in which a gay 30-something actor and waiter has become so disenchanted with safe sex and the terror of AIDS that he decides to forgo all forms of carnal knowledge....playwright Rudnick makes a point to skewer every gay stereotype as well as the cliches of gay dramas themselves, while also managing to deftly mix sensitivity with outrageous humor. Buddy R. Jones directs a cast that includes George W. Manus Jr., Ryan Vogel, D. Richard Browder, Andy Woloszyn, Anderson Dodd, Jessica Theiss, Seth Limbaugh and Zach Parker — Martin Brady; Nashville Scene

"The four leads really shine throughout the performance. Manus, the founder and President of the theater, has clearly done his homework. He presents a rich and complicated character torn by his anxieties. Ryan Vogel plays the love interest Steve with natural ease and affection. Richard Browder provides comic relief only to tear our hearts out at the end of Act 2. Finally, Andy Woloszyn is a fantastic little bundle of energy on stage."-Christopher Carnett

"Jeffrey has all of the elements of Out Front on Main's mission statement. It is very edgy, contemporary and absolutely thought provoking. It is laugh out loud funny as well as a little sad. It is afterall dealing with death and fear of disease in a time when AIDS was still considered a gay disease. The approach Rudnick took with this play is awe inspiring. It taps every stereotype. Not one is sacred or spared. Manus delivers a fantastic performance as the lead character-Jeffrey.I can't say enough about way this story unfolds. It is unique, inspiring and informative. The cast is brilliant and works together flawlessly. It shows that they are having the time of their lives up there on that remarkable stage. Great job everybody, and thank you for a wonderful evening. I'm going to catch this one again before it is over. Well worth a trip to the boro, and I am helping a great organization as well. A win win in my opinion!" -Lila Paker

Join us for the final four performances of this inspirational and moving comedy as only Out Front on Main, Inc. can deliver! Seating is limited so reservations are encouraged!

From the second-floor picture window of the historic Tarpley home in Walter Hill, Bev Macsherry looks out toward West Jefferson Pike and says, “Can’t you just see those Civil War soldiers, battered and weary, trudging that path?” Indeed, it isn’t hard to imagine. The view is authentic, considering the house was built in 1830. Macsherry, an interior designer, lives in the Greek Revival home at the owners’ behest and has overseen painstaking renovation of several structures on the property as well as landscape improvements.

At 455 W. Jefferson Pike, The Tarpley Farm is the venue on Saturday, June 18, for THE Summer Party benefiting Main Street Murfreesboro/Rutherford County. Known for years as Taste of Rutherford, the annual party is the primary fundraiser for the nonprofit organization that champions downtown Murfreesboro. Think of it as tastes, tunes and toddies for a well-loved cause. This year’s evening event is dubbed “Main Street and Magnolias,” capitalizing on Main Street’s reputation and the profusion of verdant magnolia trees scattered around the Tarpley lawn.

Considering 2011 is the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, The Tarpley Farm (officially known as the Searcy-Matthews-Tarpley Farm) is a fitting locale for an event designed to raise money for the maintenance, enhancement and promotion of the historic downtown area. 2011 also marks the 100th anniversary of Middle Tennessee State University and the 200th anniversary of Murfreesboro, so a community acknowledgment of Rutherford County’s rich history is certainly in order, says Sean Gilliland, former Main Street chairman of the board and THE Summer Party co-chair with his wife, Anne. “We have even more reason to celebrate,” Gilliland continues, “because The Tarpley Farm was just nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.” The nomination by the Tennessee State National Register Review Board occurred in May, and final approval is expected from the U.S. Department of Interior by September.

More than 1,500 invitations to THE Summer Party will be in the mail in early June, yet everyone is encouraged to attend. If you don’t receive an invitation, just call the Main Street office at (615) 895-1887. The event is from 7 to 10 p.m. Party-goers will park in the paved lot of Walter Hill Elementary School, at the intersection of Highway 231 and Jefferson Pike; then, they will be shuttled right down the road and conveniently dropped off at the front of the house. The cost of the party is just $50 per person, which includes dinner, drinks and music.

“That’s quite a deal, considering some of our community’s best chefs will be preparing their top dishes,” says Bill Shacklett, this year’s Main Street board chair. “You just walk through the line and help yourself to delicious food, and it’s all to support our beautiful downtown.” Shacklett adds that the party is an opportunity to “visit with our like-minded neighbors who believe that a vibrant and busy downtown is a recipe for community success.”

Some of the restaurants participating in the sumptuous Taste of Rutherford include: B. McNeel’s, Blue Porch Catering, Fanatics Sports Bar & Grill, Ganache Desserts, Goodness Gracious Catering and Cafe, Maple Street Grill, Marina’s, Mike’s Catfish, Mimi’s Cafe, Old Chicago, Puelo’s, Slick Pig and The Chef Place.

Main Street expresses its heartfelt appreciation to this year’s corporate sponsors for THE Summer Party. They are:

Gold Level — First National Bank of McMinnville, Murfreesboro Branch; Maple Street Grill; Murfreesboro Magazine; Reeves-Sain; State Farm
Silver Level — Bell Jewelers; Brent Pewitt; Wilson Bank & Trust; Middle Tennessee Medical Center
Bronze Level — City Tile & Floor Covering; Huddleston-Steele Engineering; Kious, Rodgers, Barger, Holder & Kious; Nashville Motor Cars; Ole South Properties; Pinnacle Financial Partners; SunTrust; Trendy Pieces/Bella’s Boutique; Tri Star Title & Escrow; Woodfin Funeral Chapels

The Main Street Program is affiliated with the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Main Street Center and follows the tenets of that program. Main Street capitalizes on the unique character of the courthouse square and the surrounding business district with the goal of transforming it into the cultural, social, professional and retail center of Rutherford County ... in essence, the hub of community life.

The Main Street JazzFest takes place this weekend with many new plans on the horizon. 

Taking place May 6-7 on the Square in downtown Murfreesboro, the music committee has wrapped up a lineup that crosses many styles of jazz consisting of Chester Thompson, El Movimiento, 3rd Coast Group, Jerry Tachoir Group, Chris West, The Army Ground Forces Band,(The Jazz Guardians) plus the MTSU Jazz Ensemble and the MTSU Faculty Jazz Ensemble. 

There will also be several high school and middle school bands in attendance as well for the festivities along with Music City Swing and Jazzmin from Belmont University. 

“I’m excited because things are coming together nicely for this year’s festival,” Main Street Murfreesboro Director Kathleen Herzog said.  

“The bands are diverse, regional and full of talent. I love the talent in Middle Tennessee.”

One of the new accompaniments this year will be Jazz After Dark – a nightcap of jazz music that will extend into participating restaurants and venues after the initial music from JazzFest ends on Saturday night. 

One of the participating restaurants will be Maple Street Grill who has booked Mood Swing Jazz Quartet for the night of Saturday, May 7.

“I’m excited to have an opportunity to keep people on the Square,” Maple Street Grill owner Mike Zelenak said. 

“It’s a great idea since people are already motivated to listen to jazz music.”

In addition to the music, there will be several food vendors and an enhancement with the food court and children’s activities in the Kids Alley. Alongside this, the JazzFest has also received a new design this year from contest winner and local designer Shane Read. With a bold purple and black color scheme backed against the courthouse and musicians, it represents a modern feel with traditional flair. 

The new design will be adorned on T-shirts for the event among other promotional material.

For more information contact Mike Bickford at 615-890-7511 or Kathleen Herzog at 615-895-1887.

The 2011 Main Street JazzFest will take place Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th on the Square in downtown Murfreesboro.  JazzFest 2011 promises to be a wonderful family affair that will be shared by the entire community.  This is an excellent opportunity to participate in a fun community event and experience great local jazz music!

JazzFest is seeking people who live and work in our community to volunteer their time and service toward the success of this event.  We would love to hear from associates at your company who are interested in volunteering.

We have 2-3 hour shifts available both days in many areas like Ticket Sales, Green Room, the Children's Area and more for volunteers to select from.

The wonderful manpower our community provides makes it possible for the Main Street Organization to present this annual event.  All volunteers will receive a free JazzFest T-Shirt.

We think you'll agree, Main Street JazzFest 2011 promises to be an enjoyable event for all to share.

We look forward to your participation this year with JazzFest 2011.

If you would like to volunteer to help with JazzFest please email    This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Visit our website@

www.jazzfestmainstreet.com

or call Laura Bohling @ 615-439-0784

When: December 3rd, 2010 to December 18th, 2010

Where: Downtown Square

Time: 6:00 pm

The Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony is Friday, Dec. 3 on the east side of the Courthouse. Ceremony begins at 6pm. There will be musical performances by local schools and churches. Santa and Mrs. Clause will arrive to hear children's wishes in the Courthouse. There will be food vendors offering hot chocolate and cider, as well as other treats. Shops and restaurants will have extended hours.

Santa's Hours in the Courthouse 2010

Also, make sure you don't miss out on the free horse and carriage rides on the square every Friday night sponsored by the Only Downtown Business Alliance (ODBA).

The Main Street Market is quickly becoming the place to be on Saturday mornings! Here's a sampling of what people are saying about the Main Street Market:

From a Vendor:

"We think Main Street Rocks! You folks are well organized and the customers we have spoken to LOVE the location, the atmosphere, the selection, the cleanliness, etc.  It's always a pleasure to be a part of a Class A Operation...which is the way we see the Main Street Market.  We tell everyone we know about it!"

"Loved the Saturday Market. Went for the first time today! It is soooo cute!! Got some good veggies and hot chow-chow! Keep it up! Love it! Love it!"

"Fantastic Saturday Market at the square! Be there or Be Square!"

What to expect at the market: watermelons, beautiful sunflowers for your sweetie, tomatoes, delicious baked goods, fresh bread, fresh eggs, herbs, cucumbers, peppers, beefalo, blueberries, apples, fresh pasta, vegan chocolate and much much more!

The market will continue to be every Saturday morning for 8 till noon through the last Saturday in September. Many families have made it their Saturday morning tradition. You should too!!

Main Street Murfreesboro / Rutherford County
225 West College Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
615-895-1887

While having some trouble thinking of what piece to choose this week, my thoughts slowly turned to my visit this past Saturday to Murfreesboro's Main Street Saturday Market. The hardest part now is choosing what to feature.

This is the first year for Murfreesboro to have a Saturday Farmers' Market on the Square, and I think it has been a huge success. From fresh flowers to veggies to breads and jams, everything you need to liven up your kitchen can be found at the market. This week, I particularly loved the fresh sunflowers, jalapeños and banana bread. Everything is so affordable, and best of all, locally grown. The market will be open on the square every Saturday until noon throughout September (As I understand it).

I love making an entire afternoon of the Main Street Market. While I'm already at the Square, I have to stop in at a few of my favorite stores, including Sugaree's, the Write Impression and Fun Tiques. Next thing you know it's time for lunch, so you might as well grab a bite at Maple Street Grill or Marina's. I really feel that the Downtown Square is the heart of Murfreesboro.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next piece of the week? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Last week I mentioned that I am planning two parties, including a bridal shower for one of my best friends. This has turned into a fairly difficult event to plan, but luckily, I chose to go to The Write Impression, located on the Downtown Square at 120 South Maple Street. Not only are my invitations perfect, but the ladies who work there made my job so much easier.

Susan Grear has helped me keep my sanity over the planning of this shower. I went into the store knowing one thing; I had to send out some invites and soon. She sat down with me to get an idea of what type of shower I wanted to have, how I wanted to word the invitations and what would best suit my party guests’ needs. So this week’s piece is technically my invitation, but the service I received really made this stationary boutique stand out.

At The Write Impression, clients can choose to have invitations printed in store in a hurry or ordered, both options have a wide selection of styles to choose from. I chose to have them printed in store, and the quality turned out perfectly. Susan was more than happy to send me multiple proofs before I gave her the confirmation to print. She tried different fonts, colors and styles, and she always offered great ideas.

More than anything, The Write Impression made my job easy. I told them what to say, and they said it beautifully. The staff does an amazing job of combining proper etiquette with modern style to create the perfect stationary without being too stuffy. The boutique also has a great selection of unique gifts including monogrammed money clips and glasses, jewelry, candles and tote bags.

Want us to check out your store or have an idea of where we could find our next treasure? Email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The planning committee for THE Summer Party, set for this Saturday, June 19, pauses to enjoy the ambiance of Murfreesboro's historic and picturesque square. Dressed to enjoy THE Summer Party's Caribbean, casual theme are: Co-chair Mary Beth Wilson (seated) and (standing, left to right) Co-chair Gena Dix, Sharon Fitzgerald, Marcie Richmond and Joan Kellerman. Not pictured is Lori Williams. Proceeds from THE Summer Party benefit Murfreesboro/Rutherford County Main Street, the program dedicated to preservation, promotion and economic vitality of the square and the surrounding business district. A $50 ticket buys party-goers a Taste of Rutherford dinner prepared by some of the area's best restaurants, open bar and shaking your tail feathers to the Parrots of the Caribbean band -- and all for a great cause. The party is at the home of David and Nancy Dodd and Leslee Dodd Karl, 2553 Pitts Lane, from 7 to 10 p.m. Main Street will accept phone reservations through Thursday, June 17. Just call 615-895-1887.

Photo by Shacklett's Photography.