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A Little Riff Around The Edges: Meet J. Tom Hnatow

Taylor Mahlinger

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December 5, 2017

A Little Riff Around The Edges: Meet J. Tom Hnatow

What do the folk-indie band Vandaveer and legendary Beatles member Ringo Starr have in common?

Meet their shared link, J. Tom Hnatow: local musician, producer, and sound engineer at Shangri-La Productions, a recording studio located in downtown Lexington. Hnatow has been playing and touring with the folk band Vandaveer for about 10 years. Along with playing on Vandaveer’s past couple of records, Hnatow was given the opportunity to play dobro on the two songs by Vandaveer that are featured on Ringo Starr’s new record, “Give More Love.”

“Hearing those songs – with the voice of a Beatle – come out of the speakers for the first time was definitely a special feeling,” he said in a recent interview.

Photo: courtesy of Tom Hnatow, taken by Vivian Wang

Hnatow was born in a city near Allentown in rural, eastern Pennsylvania, and grew up with an exposure to music thanks to his father, who was chemistry teacher and part-time musician. “He would vanish at night, and come back with his saxophone case smelling of smoke and a bar. That smell was always so intoxicating – it smelled like nothing I knew or understood. So music always seemed mysterious and interesting to me,” he said.

His parents forced him to take piano lessons at a young age but it wasn’t until he got a guitar at 16 that “I learned to really enjoy the process of making music. (And of course, am so thankful for those piano lessons now!)”

He said it wasn’t until he moved to Washington D.C. after college that he “stumbled” into a musical career playing with the band These United States..

“I was lucky enough to meet a whole lot of amazing people making a whole lot of amazing music (who let me come along for the ride) in a very short time,” he said. “I loved it, but it never seemed like a career path. How do you get to be a professional musician, especially if you’re not a classical player?” he said.

But then he realized: “I was playing to much to be able to keep a full-time job.” Work with that band is what eventually led him to Lexington.

“I first worked with Duane Lundy way back in…2005 or 2006, and my old band, These United States, recorded two records with him. Gradually, I ended up doing a lot of remote recording work for the studio, and when I had a chance to come to Lexington and actually work with him in person, I jumped at it!”

Now, he is into a wide variety of music and instruments. “My main touring guitars this year have been a Dusenberg Starcaster and a Ron Jeffreys custom B-Bender. I play a Hofner bass and a Derby pedal steel … those are the main pieces of gear. But in the studio I’ll use just about anything!” he said.

“I don’t know if I have a specific ‘genre,’ per se – I like songs, first and foremost. There’s something about storytelling and structure that appeals to me,” he said. “I like thinking of each song as a movie, where my job is to fill in the spaces around the words and help paint a story.”

He said there are too many great guitarists to pick just one as influencing his playing style.

“I love players who are able to color inside the lines…less huge guitar solos, but more texture and tasteful parts.” he said. “Mike Campbell (Tom Petty’s guitarist), Daniel Lanois, Marc Ribot’s work with Tom Waits…those are some that immediately come to mind.”

Hnatow has been involved in various projects throughout his music career. The band he was an active member of, These United States, disbanded in 2012.

“Like most relationships, bands have a certain lifespan – they ebb and flow – and that band hit a point where everyone was interested in doing something else by the time we stopped playing,.” he said.

Since then, Hnatow has kept himself busy with a wide variety of music projects.

“I’ve toured with the Mynabirds and Joe Pug and am currently on tour with William Matheny & The Strange Constellations. I’ve made records and toured with Vandaveer. And I moved to Lexington and started working at Shangri-la as a producer, engineer, and session musician. I’ve been constantly busy with a lot of really great projects!” Hnatow said.

Along with his music career, Hnatow was given something else that has stuck with him—his unusual nickname: “The Llama.”

“I wish there was a great story to this! It’s basically a random name from an old band mate of mine that stuck, over years and years and years! There’s no logic behind it whatsoever,” Hnatow said.

“I’ve always loved being in the studio – there’s something about being there for the process of creation that is really special. Taking that technical knowledge – all those mics and all that gear – and using it to capture emotion is truly magical,” he said.

Hnatow’s advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in music is to “figure out a way to make it sustainable. Play the long game.” Any new and upcoming artists will need help along the way. One thing you may need help with is getting your music mastered. You could try looking at different services local to you, or you might be interested in the online process. Online Mastering could be a viable option for any new musicians who want their music professionally engineered.

“I think a lot of people go “all in” too soon – and then end up broke and disillusioned,” he said. “If you stick around long enough, it’s got a good chance of happening…but figure out how to stick around for that!”

Forrer Hall Floods Before Break

Tom Martin

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November 21, 2017

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At approximately 9:00 PM on November 20 the fire alarms in Forrer Hall activated. As students evacuated, many noticed that water had begun to leak from the walls and ceilings of the lower floors. The first and second floors of the building, as well as the extensive basement, quickly flooded with water, plumbing, and detritus of dorm life that was swept along with the substantial waters. A sprinkler pipe on the second floor had burst, discharging a substantial amount of water into the rooms and halls of Forrer. After using sites like paultheplumbernh.com to find out what to do, the water mains were turned off and an emergency plumber was called.

Water in the carpet in Conference Room C, in the Forrer basement. Photo by Hayle Hall.

“I was putting my laundry in the dryer, and I heard above me a big huge thud, and something rolling down, and water started pouring down, just pouring down,” said first-year Whitney Carter.

“We saw the water coming down the stairs, and from the corners of the hall, flooding the back stair, going into Back Lobby, flooding the entire laundromat,” said first-year Grace Kim.

The waters stood at least 1 inch deep for just over 2 hours as Department of Public Safety officers, Residential Advisers, and other officials checked room-by-room to assess the damages and make initial inroads on the cleanup. ServPro, local a cleaning company, arrived to assist with the cleanup at approximately 11:30. If only a company like Apple Leak Detection had been hired to prevent this issue from happening to the building.

According to University spokeswoman Michele Sparks, the flood caused “no structural damage” to the building. However, photographic and video evidence suggests that the damage to carpets and personal belongings may be considerable.

Water leaks from a window. Photo by Taylor Insley, provided to Kayla Gross.

“I’m worried about my belongings, because, I actually thought about it, what if this is an actual problem. I have everything that I really need, but I would like other things too,” said first-year Kallie Olmeda.

At approximately 11:30, most students were informed they could return to the dorm, either to collect their belongings or to reoccupy their rooms. Sparks said that 10 rooms were impacted, with 7 students “displaced” to other rooms. These students were informed that their rooms had not been cleared for reoccupation, and these students were directed to speak with Kevin Fisher, the Director of Residence Life. Sparks expressed confidence that all rooms affected would be suitable for reoccupation by the end of the upcoming Thanksgiving break.

Forrer has flooded before, though Sparks insists that these events “have all been unrelated to one another,” calling them “random incidences.” Sparks emphasized that, according to University assessments, there is no continuing danger to students in the building.

A basement door in Forrer was opened to allow water to flow out. Photo by Kayla Gross.

During this year’s Crimson Affair, leaks interrupted the event and the building was evacuated for about an hour. Earlier this year, the building experienced minor flooding.

In 2016, many students had to move to other dorms for several weeks of May Term while the University contracted a cleaning and repair crew to move through the building and remove water damage from a flood that resulted from burst pipes on the front side of the third floor.

Sparks expressed confidence that Forrer will continue to be usable for the remainder of the academic year. She added that the Campus Center and Forrer will likely be renovated starting this summer, pending the securing of funds for the project.

With damage on this scale, there probably needs to be a disaster cleanup from a restoration company that specializes in these types of problems. It needs to be done safely and efficiently so students are not afraid to move back in with the worry that it could happen once again, and the building is restored in the way it should be, with damage fixed and marks removed.

If you suffer from regular leaks, whether that be in your home or in a commercial building, it is essential that you contact somewhere like TDT Plumbing so that they can not only fix the current leak, but also explore what is causing the problems. Often, when leaks are regular, the pipes are old and damaged (usually from corrosion) and you will continue to have problems until they are replaced. It is best to nip it in the bud and address the issue before you get problems with mold and any structural issues.

This page will be updated as this story develops. Reporters Kayla Gross, Lexi Lucas, and Hayle Hall contributed to this story.

TNotes Summary Nov. 13th—17th

Clay York

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November 20, 2017

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The Center for Academic and Professional Enrichment is excited to welcome Robin Prichard as our new coordinator of pre-health preparation programs. Robin will work closely with the Pre-Health Committee to prepare our students for careers in the health professions. Her office is in the CAPE, Old Morrison 107.
Celebrate International Education Week by applying to study abroad next summer or next year. An information table will be outside the Cafeteria on Tuesday and in the Raf on Tuesday, Nov. 21, during open hour. Applications for summer scholarships are due Dec. 1 or Jan. 8.
Students Nellie Heitzman and Mark Sirianno won second place in the Botany and Microbiology undergraduate poster competitions, respectively, at the Kentucky Academy of Sciences meeting.
Are you interested in sustainability? Would you like to help make Transy more “green?” Want to help educate our campus and move sustainability efforts forward at Transy? Join us Thursday, Nov. 30, during open hour in the Campus Center’s Engagement Center to see how you can be involved.
Professors Zoe Strecker, Kurt Gohde, Kremena Todorova, and Jack Girard are included in the Wilson Gallery’s “State of Time” exhibition Nov. 16 through Jan. 3 at Georgetown College. The exhibition—which is free and open to the public—features works by faculty members from Kentucky’s flagship colleges.

Crimson Affair and Forrer Leaks Unite Student Body

Hayle Hall

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November 18, 2017

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Crimson Affair and Forrer Leaks Unite Student Body

Last Saturday in the Campus Center Gym, the Student Activities Board (SAB) hosted Crimson Affair, one of two annual dances that SAB organizes. Crimson Affair functions as a replacement for homecoming, as Transy does not have a football team to commemorate.

“If I get to dress up and dance, I am there,” said sophomore Marissa Price, a member of SAB.

Eleven students are elected for Crimson Court, and the night of the event two seniors are voted to be the Pioneer Royalty, which is the equivalent to a homecoming king and queen, though the Crimson Court winners are not confined to a specific gender. This year, seniors Erin Alexander and Nanhao Chen were crowned the Pioneer Royallty.

Chen’s friend Josh Porter, a fellow Studio Art major, created a geofilter on Snapchat for Chen with the phrase “Nanhao for Queen” which was not a simple advertisement for his election on Crimson Court.

“While the filter itself addressed my goal bluntly, it was also meant to be a sarcastic comment that addresses the gender stereotypes of it has to be a ‘King and Queen’ for an occasion as such,” said Chen. “Although it must be noted that SAB did a fantastic job of providing gender neutral crowns and never actually implied that it has to be a King and Queen for the final winners. I checked this information with Michelle Thompson, the supervisor of SAB, beforehand, and she told me very clearly that the winner will be [the] top two regardless their genders.”

“Besides addressing the gender stereotypes, it is also a critique towards the essential pillar of Crimson Affair, or any other sorts of similar activities, which is a savage popularity test in order to accumulate attention on a certain group of people. Therefore, if this event is already about attention show, then why shouldn’t I add a little bit more spice to make this show more fun? You can say that this filter is not only for me being extra, but it is also an art statement from me,” said Chen.

Chen does not require a crown to be a Queen, however. He exhibits the qualities of royalty naturally, in self-loving fashion.

“I would say I am already Queen regardless if I win or not that night. The weight of the crown is in my heart everyday to hold me up to a high standard so that I can be a positive person and live a positive life. Thus, even if the filter did influence my winning of the crown, the filter can never change the fact that I’m a Queen regardless,” Chen said.

Crimson Affair was interrupted by leaks on the third floor of Forrer and abrupt fire alarms. Everyone in Forrer and those attending Crimson Affair shuffled out into the cold for a brief moment and quickly returned to the Campus Center, though First-Years in Forrer could not return to their rooms for nearly an hour and a half.

“It’s a very unreliable building,” said first-year Sarah Offutt.

“The fire alarm went off in Forrer, and there was a leak. They told us we had to leave and that it would be another 30-45 minutes, so we all came in our slippers to Crimson Affair,” said first-year Brianna Loaiza. “They should probably tear it down; it’s not normal that we have so many fire drills. There were some gas leaks earlier in the week; it smelled awful in the hall.”

Unexpectedly, Forrer’s water leaks and fire alarms brought more traction to the event. Students gathered outside of the Campus Center Gym to escape the harsh cold outside, and though still annoyed by the leaks and alarm, they enjoyed what they saw of Crimson Affair.

“I wasn’t originally going to come to Crimson Affair until a little bit later. Now I know what to expect, and I really wanna go ahead and get on in there, but I feel like an outsider at the moment. I am under-dressed, and I don’t have shoes that have my toes enclosed,” said Offutt.

Junior Mark Sirianno DJ’ing at Crimson Affair. Sirianno DJ’s for fun and at events for his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. “I always liked music. I was never a good musician, so this is what I do,” said Sirianno (Photo courtesy of Alexa Quiroz).

Regardless of leaks or fire alarms, Crimson Affair still collected a large group of enthusiastic dancers and lip-syncers. Even students shy of dancing attended for the diverse food, ranging from Cane’s chicken to Chinese spring rolls. Overall, the dance united the campus community.

“Crimson Affair is something that a lot of people look forward to just because it’s an opportunity for all of our campus to get together. SAB provides programming that is open to everyone, and Crimson Affair is our signature social event that is meant to be a night for everyone to have fun as a campus community,” said Alexander

“[The] Transylvania community will not be complete without the help of Crimson Affair. Although this occasion might have less impact over upperclassmen and Greek members, no one can deny the value of this occasion in terms of its influence towards freshmen and independent students. This is a platform that every student can interact with each other with no barriers, and it is exactly because of this kind of campus-wide event that hold us together as a community,” said Chen.

Weekly SGA Update: November 15, 2017

SGA
Update

Student Government Association

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November 17, 2017

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Funding Requests—Nanhao Chen

Culinary Club
- Asking for $86.15
- Funds will cover supplies needed to bake cookies during finals week
- Will be making 40 cookies
- Funding granted

Student Affairs—Mark Sirianno

Located printer to be placed in MFA
- IT willing to set this up
Looking at the possibility of replacing Forrer shower curtains
- Most of them are too small, gross, not up to par
Working on getting more staplers to be placed on residential side

Academic Affairs—Lauren Gilbert

Senator Gilbert met with Dean Bryan
Would students be interested in having conversations on race and diversity? If yes, how do they want them? Dean Bryan has funding to bring lecturers, but she is trying to gauge student interest!
- Percentage of international students is much lower than that of Centre’s
- International students have been historically huge financial scores for universities across the country
- Multiculturalism is not stressed enough in liberal arts campuses
- Broad question to be asked – Do we want to have conversations about diversity and race

Faculty appreciation brunch to be held (tentatively) February 18th, 2018
- Sodexo to offer them half off prices for their brunch

Rambler Weekly Playlist November 16th

Taylor Mahlinger

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November 16, 2017

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Kick off your weekend with this lit playlist that’s sure to get the party started

Zach Turner Appointed As New Strength and Conditioning Coach

Clay York

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November 16, 2017

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Zach Turner Appointed As New Strength and Conditioning Coach

One of the newest members of Transy’s athletic department staff is the new strength and conditioning coach Zach Turner. He focuses primarily on creating training programs for the 26 officially sponsored sports teams on campus. Turner’s day to day work includes training with individual teams and coordinating with the rest of the athletic department.

Prior to coming to Transy, Turner worked at Northern Kentucky University (NKU) as a strength and conditioning assistant.

“My main reason for taking this job is it’s what’s best for my family,” said Turner. “The drive is shorter and safer, so I get to spend more time with them.”

He also expressed interest in the new position because of the freedom he’s been given.

“One of my favorite things about working here is that the program is still relatively new… this gives me a lot of ability to shape the program into something great and to really build it from the ground up,” said Turner.

Turner has enjoyed playing a variety of sports since he was in high school.

“I played baseball, golf, … a little bit of tennis… football was probably my favorite to play, even though I wasn’t on the team,” said Turner.

Because of this, one might assume that Turner always knew that he wanted to do something sports related. After leaving high school, however, Turner still wasn’t sure what type of work he wanted to do.

“I went to college for a couple years, but it just didn’t feel right, so I left to serve in Iraq… tried college again… then served in the army again, and finally I graduated from the University of Cincinnati,” said Turner.

It was during his second time in the U.S. Army that Turner decided what type of job he wanted.

“I had a friend in the forces who was working in the [strength and conditioning] field, and he really got me interested in it,” said Turner.

When he isn’t working at Transy, Turner enjoys spending his free time with his family.

“Most of my time outside of work is spent playing with my kids or helping them with homework… if I have time without the kids I mostly spend it with my wife,” said Turner. Turner does have several hobbies that he enjoys besides spending time with his family, however.

“I’ll try almost anything… hunting, fishing, wood carving, sports… about the only thing I haven’t done is yodeling,” said Turner.

Turner also expressed excitement to work more with the athletes and to get to know them better.

“Right now I’m still getting to know the athletes and what level they’re at,” said Turner. “Once I get to know their strengths and weaknesses, I’ll be able to push them harder so they can get where they need to be.”

TNotes Summary Nov. 6th—10th

Clay York

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November 13, 2017

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Transy’s men’s soccer team won their conference and they’re now advancing to the NCAA tournament.
There will be a S.T.A.R.R. Self Defense Class on Nov. 28, 29 and 30 from 6-9 p.m. This three-day, female-centered Self Defense Tactics and Risk Reduction Class will be presented by the UK Police Department on Transy’s campus. You must be able to attend all three sessions to participate. This class is also presented by Residence Life, DPS and Campus and Community Engagement. You can contact Madelyn Frost if you have any questions.
With a revamped mission and job description (with responsibilities starting in the spring), applicants for 2018 scholar and coordinator positions for the First Engagement team are now invited to apply. Applications and references are due Nov. 17. Positions are open to current sophomores and juniors (juniors and seniors as of fall 2018).
The U of L site of the Association for Computing Machinery Mid-Central Programming Contest hosted teams from area schools including Transy, EKU, UK, the University of Evansville and Berea College for their annual, intercollegiate event. Transy’s programming team, Transylvania Bytes, participated in the five-hour contest. For one of the nine posed problems, Transy was the first out of the 17 teams to submit a correct solution.
Three acclaimed poets will visit classrooms next week, and they’ll give a reading on Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7 p.m. in Carrick Theater. They include Juan Carlos Mestre, winner of Spain’s National Prize for Poetry and the National Writer’s Award. Also participating will be Alexandra Dominguez, a visual artist and poet who was awarded Chile’s national prize for painting, and Margarita Merino, a Spanish poet and artist who has won literary awards for her poetry, including “Viaje al interior (Journey to the Interior).”
Marcus Wicker, winner of the Pushcart Prize, will give a reading Wednesday, Nov. 15, at 5 p.m. in Carrick Theater. His second poetry book, “Silencer,” has just been published
TEAL will host its annual Thanksgiving dinner Saturday, Nov. 18, in Thomson Lobby from 7-9 p.m. Dinner is free of charge and the ingredients will be local and sustainably sourced, with vegan/vegetarian options.
Our Education Program and the KEA Student Program will partner with James Lane Allen Elementary School and their 21st Century Grant for a Thanksgiving food drive on campus through Nov. 20. Please donate to this cause by placing canned goods and non-perishable food items in the designated boxes in the Cowgill and Forrer front lobbies.

THE AFTER PARTY: Presidential Tweets

Logan Fogle

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November 12, 2017

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