Welcome to JohnMichaels Pub's Blog

Welcome. I moved to Nashville in 2001, and have be blessed to make some wonderful friends. After moving from a house in Florida, to an apartment in Nashville, I missed being able to entertain groups of friends simply due to lack of space. When I finally decided to make Nashville my home and buy a house here, I wanted a space that friends to gather and socialize in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. The basement in my new house, which opens into the back yard made the perfect space, so JohnMichael's Pub was born. I have made a couple of trips to Ireland since moving to Nashville and loved the atmosphere of the pubs there. So I made my pub to resemble an Irish style pub to give the atmosphere of a local community pubs in Ireland, but of course it is not a true "Pub" (Public house) since it private place for my friends to gather. I plan to use this blog to post thoughts, ideas, recipes and a variety of other things related to my pub and the parties held there. If you see anything here that interests you, feel free to email me. I have a great group of friends that is very diverse, but I am always open to making new friends.

Tuesday, March 6, 2007

Wine Tasting to benift EN Hope Exchange

St. Ann's Episcopal Church will hold a Wine tasting fundraiser on Friday, April 13th from 6-9pm to benefit their inner city summer program for the kids in the neighborhood The East Nashville Hope Exchange I am not sure what the selections will be this year other than the theme is "Wines From Around the World" , but in years past, the distributors have been very generous providing good selections for this event. The cost is $25 per person / $45 per couple.

Monday, March 5, 2007

Amazing Grace - Amazing Movie


Amazing Grace tells the story of William Wilberforce, a member of the House of Commons in England in the late 1700’s. He was one of the greatest leaders of the Abolitionist movement at that time, spending much of his life fighting to make the slave trade illegal in England. The movie takes its name from the song Amazing Grace, by John Newton, a former slave ship Captain, who was converted to Christianity and eventually became an Anglican priest. Newton had a deep regret of his personal involvement in the slave trade and was a strong supporter of Wilberforce’s fight. He was a strong influence on Wilberforce and encouraged Wilberforce to stay in Parliament and “serve God where he was.”

Ioan Gruffudd’s striking portrayal of Wilberforce brings to the screen the conviction Wilberforce had to have to accomplish such an overwhelming battle in the 18th century political climate in England. He is able to simultaneously depict the drive, conviction, strength and frailty of his character. The rest of the cast is just as convincing, but it is Albert Finney’s portrayal of Wilberforce’s spiritual councilor John Newton that really stands out in my mind. The viewer can almost feel Newton’s pain as he is ravaged by his 20 thousand ghosts. The souls of those who died in the cargo hold of Newton’s ships.

This movie is one you feel in your heart and soul as much as see. This is a first rate move, a needed history lesson and a challenge even to our society today. It is not a “feel good” movie, but it is definitely a must see.