Rants & Raves

September 19-23

The Avengers
7 p.m. and 10 p.m., Student Union Video Theater
Student Union Building, Room 208
MTSU Campus
Admission: $2

“The Avengers” has it all, and it’s not hard to see why it was the biggest movie of the summer, smashing box office records like Thor’s mighty hammer. There was great anticipation for this movie ever since the idea of “The Avengers” was hinted at the end of the individual Avengers’ movies. Comic buffs everywhere could not wait to see the dynamic team — Hulk, Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Hawkeye and Black Widow — saving the world. Starting off as a dysfunctional family, there are conflicts within the group caused by Tony Stark’s (a.k.a. Iron Man) ego and sarcasm, as well as Bruce Banner’s (a.k.a. the Hulk) rage. As Thor’s brother, Loki, a banished demigod, plots to destroy the earth, the team pulls together to save it. With a good-looking cast and nonstop action, this is a super hero movie that girls didn’t mind being dragged to by their boyfriends. An additional screening time will be on Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. There will not be a 10 p.m. screening on Sunday.

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September 20-23

Corey Holcomb
6 p.m., Zanies Comedy Club
2025 8^th Avenue South, Nashville
Admission: $20
Ages 18+

Funny-man Corey Holcomb is coming to Nashville to let you know what it takes to be a baller. His diverse resume of success includes both film and television, such as NBC’s “Last Comic Standing,” Fox’s “MADtv,” HBO’s “Def Comedy Jam” and his own special on “Comedy Central Presents.” His past stand ups incuded a number of comical stories about street life, poverty and women, which still make the ladies laugh due to his charming smile and big personality. You never know what is going to come out of his uncensored mouth. Word of caution, his jokes may offend you, but you will only pout for five seconds before continuing to laugh your head off. This would be a fun date night or a good night out with friends to laugh your college worries away.

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September 20

RAW Nashville: Ensemble
8 p.m., Mercy Lounge
One Cannery Row, Nashville
Admission: $10
Ages 18+

Enjoy a multi-faceted showcase from local artists who were chosen to feature their work by RAW: natural born artists, an independent arts organization for underground filmmakers, hair stylists, musicians, photographers, performing artists, fashion designers, as well as makeup and visual artists. RAW’s mission is to provide emerging artists with the necessary tools and exposure to make a name for themselves. RAW creates its events in creative communities across the United States and Australia, and is now launching in Nashville for the first time on Thursday. Expect an overflow of imagination and creativity as you experience various talents in Music City. There will be a cash bar for drinks, and the dress code is cocktail attire. For tickets and information, go to www.rawartists.org/nashville/ensemble.

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September 21

Women and Whiskey
6-8 p.m., Tennessee State Museum
505 Deaderick Street, Nashville
Admission: $40+
Age: 21+

Women can certainly turn a few heads when they put their minds to it, especially these three women leading the way in whiskey pioneering: Troy Ball, Hollis Bulleit and Britt Chavanne. Participants will get to sample whiskeys from these women’s distilleries — Troy & Sons, Bulleit and Willett Distilling Company — and vote in a “cocktail-off.” Of course, food will be provided at the event, because no one wants a large group of drunken women taking over Nashville, and yes, this event is for the ladies only. Guests will also have a chance to chat with these women during a Q&A session. Ladies, ditch those spouses of yours, plan a girl’s night out and support these distinguished women mastering their unique craft.

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September 21

Umphrey’s McGee with Conspirator
7:30 p.m., Ryman Auditorium
116 5th Ave North, Nashville
Admission: $30+

For those of you who like jam bands, head to Nashville for this one. Umphrey’s McGee has been jamming since 1997, and to date, the band has sold more than two-million records. Rolling Stone included the band in a “Top 15 Jam Bands” list in 2009, ranking them No. 4. For those who don’t know, a jam band is basically a group of musicians that “jam” for an extended period of time. It’s improvisational and unpredictable, which is why some people are turned off by it. The big question is who is going to pay $30 or more to see a jam band, when you can just grab a few of your musician friends and have them “jam” in your house. If you are not a die-hard fan, then don’t waste money on this.

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September 21

Blues Fever
9 p.m., Fanatics Sports Bar & Grill
1850 Old Fort Parkway
Admission: FREE
Age: All

Have a case of the college blues yet? Don’t worry. Blues Fever will be at Fanatics if you need some cheering up. These four guys have been musicians for years, playing good ole Chicago-style blues that will get you grooving in no time. The group will perform some jazzy numbers, along with some rock and R&B. You can dance or just sit back, relax with a cold beer in hand while listening to the harmonica and guitar harmonizing. Jazz isn’t for everyone, so check out the bands material first before attending. Also, MTSU students and staff can receive 15 percent off the menu, so don’t forget your MTSU ID when you go check out this event.

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September 22

Board Game Night
4-7 p.m., Student Union Fireside Lounge
The second floor of the Student Union Building on campus
Admission: FREE

Missing those game nights that you use to have with your siblings? Student Programming is bringing it back to you this Saturday at the Student Union. They will provide the classic games for you to play and enjoy with friends such as Life, Battleship, Scrabble, Monopoly, Twister and many more. If you live on campus, take advantage of this occasion with your new roommate and your group of campus buddies for a free afternoon of old-fashioned entertainment. Even though you are now an adult in college, don’t miss out on your chance to feel like a kid again and have a few laughs. Maybe you will find your potential college sweetheart while playing a game or two of the infamously accident-prone Twister.

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September 22

The Great Food Truck Festival
5-9 p.m., Lenox Village
6901 Lenox Village Drive, Nashville
Admission: FREE

There is a new trend that is expanding our food culture– the food truck– and Nashville is catching on. For those who may not know what a food truck is, it is essentially a mobile kitchen, and it is bringing a new meaning to the term “street food.” The Lenox Village Area Business Association will present The Great Food Truck Festival, and proceeds will benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank. There will be 15 food trucks attending, which will make this the largest event of its type in Middle Tennessee. Rain or shine, go support a great cause while enjoying music and delicious food from food trucks like Grilled Cheeserie, Jonbalaya, Mean Green Ice Cream Machine and many more. Collection boxes will be available for food donations. For more information, visit www.lenoxvillagearea.com.

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September 22

Iraconji with Look What I Did and Ron Mexico
10 p.m., The Boro
1211 Greenland Drive
Admission: $5
Age: 21+

The Boro has another metal show lined up for you to enjoy. These three performers — Iraconji, Look What I Did, and Ron Mexico — have their own unique style that will keep the show interesting throughout the night. These groups will give you heavy metal as well as a creative fusion of pop/metal/post hardcore/experimental. Check out their music on Facebook to see why these groups have their own sound, but still have that metal influence that some people intensely appreciate. Imagine the bands Every Time I Die and Bury Your Dead playing at the same show. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? The show starts at 10 p.m., which gives you plenty of time for a round of drinks or two.

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September 23

Carrie Underwood with Hunter Hayes
7:30 p.m., Bridgestone Arena
501 Broadway, Nashville
Admission: $56+

Prepare to be “Blown Away” by country-music superstar Carrie Underwood on Sunday. Receiving her seventh nomination for CMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Underwood continues to enamor audiences with her gigantic voice and chart-topping hits. The longevity of her career is a surprise to many considering her starting out as a contestant on “American Idol.” She is one of the few who has made a name for herself after the singing contest, and now, she is one of the reigning women in country music. Underwood recently released her fourth album Blown Away, which received mixed reviews. Some are claiming that it is more on the pop side rather than country; nonetheless, the album has been certified platinum. Accompanying Underwood is special guest Hunter Hayes. Have a great night before your next week of class with country music.

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