Scenic Roots

A community circle.(Chattanooga Community Circles)As we hear and as we open up about challenges to mental health, we encounter opportunities to learn and to heal together.That’s the goal of Chattanooga Community Circles Day, a free community event on Saturday, August 16th from Noon to 4 PM at the downtown Chattanooga Public Library.Antionette Rollins is the Day’s organizer.

Outside Barking Legs Theater.(Barking Legs Theater)At Barking Legs Theater here in Chattanooga, the performances are known for spilling the tea.This weekend, a fashion dance showcase at Barking Legs - on Saturday and Sunday at 5 PM - will unpack the movement and the moment.It’s a collaboration between Chery Jordan and her Runway Rebels with Ann Law of Barking Legs and Coach Cherokee.I spoke with Chery, Ann - and Marcus Ellsworth of Barking Legs, who will be the emcee.

Swayyvo(Swayyvo)From hip hop and R&B to jazz and neo-soul, from his vocals to the saxophone to the piano, Swayyvo is an artist here in Chattanooga who - as a musician and a producer - breaks barriers across genres.This weekend, he’s the local opening act for Riverfront Nights - the free concert series presented by Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union - this Saturday starting at 6 PM at Ross’ Landing.

Swayyvo in Summer: Next at Riverfront Nights in Chattanooga. Where movement meets moment at Barking Legs Theater. For mental wellness: Chattanooga Community Circles Day. As you’ll hear - and more - on this episode of “Scenic Roots.”

Dwight Birdwell(National Medal of Honor Museum - Arlington, TX)In 2022, Dwight Birdwell received the Medal of Honor - this nation’s highest military award for valor - for his actions as a U.S. Army soldier in the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War nearly six decades ago.A citizen of the Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma, Birdwell is one of only five Cherokee Medal of Honor recipients.On Saturday, a new exhibit on Birdwell opens at the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center here in Chattanooga.Scott Saunders and Maranda Wilkinson are with the Center.

In the ring at Eastside Elementary School.(WTCI PBS)In Dalton, teachers at Eastside Elementary School step into the wrestling ring with costumes, dramatic entrances and death-defying moves for a one-of-a-kind fundraiser to boost school spirit and encourage student engagement.The annual event brings together parents, students and staff together to celebrate community and learning.Beyond the entertainment, the teachers at Eastside Elementary use these bouts to show how to overcome adversity, face challenges with confidence and turn obstacles into opportunities for growth - both in and out of the classroom.That story is now available from “Greater Chattanooga,” the series by our public media partner WTCI PBS.Catch the full story now on YouTube at Greater Chattanooga - or stream anytime on the PBS app.

Robert Busby(Emily Maggio)More than thirty years ago, a severe ice storm struck the Southeast.That real-life event in 1994 is the springboard for a collection of stories about a fictional town in Mississippi hit by the storm.Robert Busby, a Mississippi native who now lives in Memphis, is the author of “Bodock: Stories,” published by Hub City Press.(Hub City Press)

Tales of a Mississippi town in Robert Busby’s “Bodock: Stories.” An exhibit on a Cherokee recipient of the Medal of Honor. As you’ll hear - and more - on this episode of “Scenic Roots.”

(Riverfront Nights)Chattanooga is a crossroads for locally grown music across genres.Artists and bands bend and blend those genres along the way in their own way.One example is Le Gato, a funk-rock group with roots in jazz, progressive rock and jam music.This weekend, the band opens Riverfront Nights - presented by Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union - on Saturday starting at 6 PM at Ross’ Landing in downtown Chattanooga.Adam Stone is the guitar player, singer and band leader of Le Gato.Noah Prince is the bass player and songwriter for the group.

“Let Me In” - an oil on canvas by Jules Jackson, one of the pieces in the “Illustrating a Point” exhibition at Stove Works.(Stove Works)In contemporary art, comics, cartoons and illustrations can express what other creative forms may struggle to convey.That’s the focus of “Illustrating a Point” - an exhibit at Stove Works here in Chattanooga, opening Friday with a reception starting at 6 PM.Mark Bradley-Shoup curated the exhibition.Will Sutton and Jules Jackson are two of the artists whose works are part of “Illustrating a Point.”

(SPLASH Youth Arts Workshop)Here in Chattanooga, SPLASH Youth Arts Workshop provides free arts workshops year-round for youth in this city’s underserved communities.On Saturday, August 16th, SPLASH’s Summer Arts Festival - a free, family-friendly event outdoors - returns to Miller Park, from 10 AM to 3 PM.I spoke with Charlie Newton, who co-founded SPLASH with his wife and fellow artist Iantha.

Neshawn Calloway as Bessie Smith.(Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas)What began seven years ago as a one-day festival to commemorate Juneteenth here in Chattanooga - at the time, the only event of its kind in this city - is now a year-long series of festivals that celebrates the Black experience across the arts.The series begins Friday with the Black Wall Street RBG Ball, starting at 6 PM at the Mac Avenue Event Space at 1304 McCallie Avenue.Ric Morris is founder and CEO of the Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts and Ideas.(Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas)(Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas)(Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas)(Chattanooga Festivals of Black Arts & Ideas)

A year of celebration for Black arts and ideas in Chattanooga. “Illustrating a Point” through cartoons & comics at Stove Works. Le Gato: Next at Riverfront Nights in downtown Chattanooga. As you’ll hear - and more - on this episode of “Scenic Roots.”

A yoga practice overlooking the Tennessee River in downtown Chattanooga.(Chattanooga Community Yoga)If you’ve ever seen free yoga classes at the Chattanooga River Market on the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, the instructors come from across the city.Mellie DeAnna Harris, Loren Clifford and Ashley Snider are three of the practicing yogis with the Chattanooga Community Yoga, which hosts its next class on Saturday at the River Market.

Ken Jones(EPB)Ken Jones has worked at EPB here in Chattanooga for nearly twenty-five years - and recently, he was promoted to Senior Director of Business Services.Here on our campus - the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - he’s earned an MBA and a degree in entrepreneurship, taught as an adjunct professor, served as president of the Chattanooga chapter of the UTC Alumni Board, and joined us on air at WUTC during a few of our pledge drives.This fall, Ken is suiting up for “Dare to Dance” - for the Kidney Foundation of Greater Chattanooga - on Saturday, October 25th at the Chattanooga Convention Center.

(ArtsBuild)As the nonprofit that supports the arts here in Chattanooga and Hamilton County, ArtsBuild is now helping artists in three ways beyond the Periscope program.Melissa Astin is with ArtsBuild.(ArtsBuild)

The Arts Building in downtown Chattanooga.(The Enterprise Center)Periscope is a business development program at ArtsBuild that connects artists with entrepreneurs in the Chattanooga area.Now in its third year, applications for a new cohort of artists are due by this Friday, August 1st.Brianna Jones manages the Periscope program at ArtsBuild, the nonprofit that supports the arts here in Chattanooga and Hamilton County.Rosetta Greer is a Periscope mentor.(ArtsBuild)

(ArtsBuild)For the performing arts, dedicated spaces can be a challenge.Early this year, ArtsBuild - the nonprofit that supports the arts here in Chattanooga and Hamilton County - announced a comprehensive feasibility study to assess the need for a community performing arts center.Six months into the study, what have we learned so far?Blake Harris - a local theatre director, professor and entrepreneur - is project manager for the ArtsBuild study.

Quantifying the need for a performing arts space in Chattanooga. In downtown Chattanooga, flow by the river at community yoga. As you’ll hear - and more - on this episode of “Scenic Roots.”

At the landfill owned by the City of Chattanooga.(Chattamatters)You might think city garbage trucks here in Chattanooga haul the city’s trash to the city-owned landfill.But right now, there’s more to it than that - as William Newlin of Chattamatters tells us.

Tony Hale & Alison Lebovitz(WTCI PBS)Tony Hale has played some of the most beloved comedic characters on television.Think of Gary Walsh on “Veep” - or Buster Bluth on “Arrested Development.”You can also hear him in animated hits such as “Toy Story 4” and “Inside Out 2.”Tony Hale sat down at his alma mater - Samford University in Birmingham - for a conversation for the season finale of “The A List with Alison Lebovitz” from our public media partner WTCI PBS, airing Thursday at 8:30 PM and available on the PBS app.

Paula Irwin(YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga)Last year, the James A. Henry Community YMCA prepared, packaged and delivered 300,000 free healthy meals to kids in the Chattanooga area.Last month, it provided 90,000 meals - higher than in previous summers.On Thursday, the YMCA hosts a Summer Open House at its renovated facility at 3500 Dodds Avenue.Paula Irwin is executive director of the J.A. Henry Community YMCA.

Beka Bohannon(Hamilton County Mayor’s Office)Beka Bohannon is a licensed mental health therapist who went to work for Hamilton County Government four years ago.Since then, she has helped to shape the county’s response to the opioid crisis and leading its recovery courts.Now, Beka is days into her new job as Administrator for the County’s Health and Social Services Division under Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp.I spoke with Beka - and Joeli Poole, public information officer for the Hamilton County Health Department.

Taking the lead on health in Hamilton County Government. Feeding kids at Chattanooga’s J.A. Henry Community YMCA. As you’ll hear - and more - on this episode of “Scenic Roots.”

The Essentials(The Essentials / Riverfront Nights)This weekend, The Essentials are the local opener at Riverfront Nights - Saturday, starting at 6 PM, at Ross’ Landing in downtown Chattanooga.John Gianella is the lead guitarist and vocalist for The Essentials.Sammi Moore is the group’s lead singer.Sammi Moore and John Gianella at WUTC.(Ray Bassett / WUTC)

(icon-library.com)Across this country, community land trusts are a common tool to keep single-family homes affordable - now, and for generations to come. Here in Chattanooga, land trusts have been part of the housing conversation for years - though we do not yet have an active land trust. Here’s William Newlin of Chattamatters.

Susan Lazenby and Bob Culkeen at WUTC.(Ray Bassett / WUTC)As Congress nears a final vote on rescinding Federal funding for public media, we have watched the story unfold here in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.This station, WUTC - a service of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - is the NPR member station for this area, while the local PBS member station is WTCI PBS.Both of our stations receive part of their funding from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Bob Culkeen is President and CEO of WTCI PBS.Susan Lazenby is our interim station manager here at WUTC.I spoke with them this morning.

On public media in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley. Chattamatters: Community land trusts for affordable housing. The Essentials: Next at Riverfront Nights in Chattanooga. As you’ll hear - and more - on this episode of “Scenic Roots.”

On Chickamauga Lake(Privateer Sailing Education Foundation)On Chickamauga Lake, this is the season for learning to sail - for recreational sailing and sailboat racing.The Privateer Sailing Education Foundation - which teaches sailing on the lake and hosts sail camp each summer - is located at Privateer Yacht Club, which is about as old as the lake created by the TVA’s completion of the Chickamauga Dam in 1940.I spoke recently with Amber Wattenbarger, the foundation’s board president.

Olivia Reeves & Alison Lebovitz(WTCI PBS)Last year, Olivia Reeves brought home the gold for weightlifting at the Summer Olympics in Paris - and earned the world championship title, the first American weightlifter to do so in more than sixty years.Chattanooga celebrated Olivia’s Olympic win here on our campus - the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga - where she was an undergrad at the time.From a young age, Olivia has been making her mark in the world of competitive weightlifting.She’s the next guest on “The A List with Alison Lebovitz” - from our public media partner WTCI PBS - on Thursday at 8:30 PM and on the PBS app.

Austin Carroll, founder and CEO of Warrant(hellowarrant.com)As AI reshapes business, companies in financial services, real estate and insurance will need to adapt - and remain compliant with regulations.Warrant is a marketing compliance platform for those companies, powered by AI - based in North Carolina.I spoke this spring with Austin Carroll, founder and CEO of Warrant - backed in part by Brickyard here in Chattanooga, which provides early-stage capital for startup founders building companies with high-growth potential.

Jack Matherly(Jack Matherly / LinkedIn)For some graduates of public high schools here in Hamilton County, their next steps beyond the classroom are careers in fast-growing industries: lineworking, welding, data analysis and cybersecurity.Viable Pathways to Prosperity is a local effort that connects those graduates with job training, career opportunities, mentorship and support to succeed in those industries.Keri Randolph is executive director of the nonprofit Chattanooga 2.0, which steers the initiative.Jack Matherly - who completed the welding program offered by Viable Pathways - now works for Miller Industries, the world’s largest manufacturer of towing and recovery equipment.

Viable Pathways for Hamilton County high school grads. Warrant: An AI agent for marketing compliance in business. On the water: Learning to sail on Chickamauga Lake. As you’ll hear - and more - on this episode of “Scenic Roots.”

Dr. Claudia Kramer(Angela Foster / UTC)How do we make sense of economics?Here on our campus, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Dr. Claudia Kramer is the Scott L. Probasco Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.She’s now writing a monthly column for Business Trend, the email newsletter from the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce._____For more, visit chattanoogatrend.com.

Dock Party(Dock Party / Instagram)(Aired Thu 7/10/25)Dock Party is a band of four recent grads of The McCallie School here in Chattanooga.This weekend, the band opens Riverfront Nights - on Saturday starting at 6 PM at Ross’ Landing, presented by Tennessee Valley Federal Credit Union.The members of Dock Party are: Colin Sanders, bass player; Sid Scheemakoti, singer and guitarist; Stuart Brown, also a singer and guitarist; and Henry Clark, drums and producer.

Outside ClearStory Arts. (ClearStory Arts)(Aired Thu 7/10/25)Here in Chattanooga, the best place this time of year for a pop up art market is indoors.On Saturday, ClearStory Arts hosts its Hot Chicken Art Market at its location - 1673 Holtzclaw Avenue - from 11 AM to 4 PM.Elle Quesenbery is executive director of ClearStory Arts - home to affordable studios for local artists, a gallery and a community workspace.(ClearStory Arts)

Scott Payne & Alison Lebovitz(WTCI PBS)(Aired Thu 7/10/25)Scott Payne - dubbed the “Hillbilly Donnie Brasco” - spent more than two decades on duty with the FBI.As the primary undercover agent for investigations, his cases ranged from violent motorcycle gangs to domestic terrorism.Now, with his new book “Code Name: Pale Horse,” Scott is sharing some of the darkest moments of his career - and shedding light on some of the greatest threats that face this country today.Scott is the next guest on “The A List with Alison Lebovitz” from our public media partner WTCI PBS - tonight at 8:30 PM and on the PBS app.

The Wreath of Honor Fallen Five Memorial at Tennessee Riverpark in Chattanooga.(Hamilton County Parks & Recreation)(Aired Thu 7/10/25)Here in Chattanooga, they are known - and will always be known - as “The Fallen Five.”On July 16th, 2015, five service members of the U.S. military were killed by a gunman at the U.S. Navy Operational Support Center off Amnicola Highway in the worst terror attack in this city’s history.The five who sacrificed their lives to save others on that day: Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, Staff Sgt. David A. Wyatt, Sgt. Carson A. Holmquist, Lance Cpl. Squire K. “Skip” Wells - all U.S. Marines - and Petty Officer 2nd Class Randall J. Smith, U.S. Navy.The gunman had struck first at the joint military recruitment center on Lee Highway - injuring Sgt. DeMonte Cheeley, also a Marine - before targeting the operational support center.During a confrontation with Chattanooga Police, the gunman was fatally shot and an officer was wounded.In 2019, the Wreath of Honor Fallen Five Memorial was dedicated at Tennessee Riverpark.On Wednesday, starting at 11 AM at the Memorial, the Chattanooga Area Veterans Council will present a “Ten Year Remembrance Tribute to the Fallen Five.”Mickey McCamish, a retired U.S. Navy Captain, is with the Council.

(United Way of Greater Chattanooga)(Aired Tues 7/08/25)Each year, United Way of Greater Chattanooga awards grants to nonprofits that make a difference across our community.This year, volunteer grant reviewers have been more involved than ever - reading and scoring applications from local nonprofits before making recommendations to United Way staff for the grants.Paulo Hutson Solorzano of A Medida Communications and Ben Staples of CBL Properties are co-chairs of United Way’s Community Investment Committee.

(Siskin Children’s Institute)(Aired Tues 7/08/25) For decades, Siskin Children’s Institute here in Chattanooga has served children with special needs and their families.The story began seventy-five years ago when two brothers - both businessmen - established the Mose and Garrison Siskin Memorial Foundation.Don Mueller is president and CEO of Siskin Children’s Institute.Emily Bylund is a parent whose child attends Siskin.

A vacant lot held by the City of Chattanooga’s land bank at 2508 Taylor St.(Ian-Alijah Bey / Chattamatters)(Aired Thu 7/03/25) Amid the housing crunch here in Chattanooga, city officials have reactivated a decade-old tool to turn city-owned property into affordable homes.William Newlin of Chattamatters tells us about the city’s land bank, how it works - and the impact it could have on local housing._____For more, visit chattmatters.com - and Chattamatters on social media.

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly - at Riverfront Nights in downtown Chattanooga this summer.(City of Chattanooga)On Thursday, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly stopped by our studio here at WUTC for our latest conversation.Among the topics: The land donation on Missionary Ridge; the City’s new budget; affordable housing; UTC’s new Chancellor; tech tools for City government, YMCA summer meals - & more.

(WTCI PBS)In 2008, Christian Siriano won the fourth season of Project Runway, the design competition series.At 21 years old, he was the youngest contestant to ever take the crown - and that victory was just the first step in launching a remarkable career in the fashion industry.From New York to Paris, his breathtaking designs have graced countless runways and red carpets.Whether you’re an A-list celebrity or an everyday shopper, wearing Christian Siriano is sure to make you feel fabulous.Alison Lebovitz from our public media partner WTCI PBS had the chance to sit down with Christian while he visited this city to support CADAS Chattanooga, with an unforgettable fundraising event featuring his show-stopping creations.Their conversation is next on “The A List with Alison Lebovitz” - this Thursday at 8:30 PM on WTCI PBS and on the PBS app.

Fireworks at the Collegedale Freedom Festival in 2024.(Friends of the Festival)Also on Thursday: The Collegedale Freedom Festival and Fireworks.The free public celebration on the eve of the Fourth of July returns to The Commons, starting at 5 PM - concluding with the fireworks around 9:30 PM.Samantha Wright is with Friends of the Festival, which is organizing the celebration.(City of Collegedale)

Fireworks at Pops on the River in 2024.(City of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors)Friday is the Fourth of July.On Thursday, the City of Chattanooga hosts Pops on the River, a free public celebration for Independence Day.It takes place from 4 PM to 10 PM in Coolidge Park - with music and fireworks for the finale.Monica Kinsey is with the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors.(City of Chattanooga Parks & Outdoors)

Sam Voisin(Chattanooga Convention Center)Sam Voisin is the new executive director at the Chattanooga Convention Center.Last week, just days into the job, he stopped by our studios here at WUTC.Chattanooga Convention Center(Chattanooga Convention Center)

What’s next for Chattanooga’s Convention Center? Meet Sam Voisin. Chattanooga’s Pops on the River. Collegedale’s Freedom Festival. As you’ll hear - and more - on this episode of “Scenic Roots.”

Dr. Lori Bruce on the campus of UTC.(Dan Henry ./ UTC)Dr. Lori Bruce is the new Chancellor here on our campus, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.She is the 19th Chancellor at UTC since the university was founded in 1886 - and the first woman to serve in that role.Dr. Bruce comes to this campus from Tennessee Tech University, where she was a provost and vice president for academic affairs.Our conversation with Chancellor Bruce was recorded in the podcasting space in Fletcher Hall at the Gary W. Rollins College of Business here at UTC.

The Woodshop in St. Elmo. (The Woodshop)This weekend, Be the Change Youth Initiative here in Chattanooga brings its “Concert for a Cause” series to the St. Elmo neighborhood.Saturday’s concert - featuring local female artists - begins at 7 PM at The Woodshop.Proceeds support The AIM Center and its mission for mental health recovery in Chattanooga.Sydney Guerrette is founder and president of Be The Change - and one of the musicians in the concert lineup.Savannah Buzbee is with The AIM Center.(Concerts for a Cause)

A scene from “Destiny in Dayton” - performed at the Rhea County Courthouse in Dayton.(Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation)It happened in July a hundred years ago in Dayton: The Scopes Trial.John Scopes, a high school teacher, went on trial in the Rhea County Courthouse - accused of violating a Tennessee law that barred the teaching of evolution in public schools.This July, Dayton will mark the trial’s centennial with its annual Scopes Festival - featuring “Destiny in Dayton,” a play staged in the courthouse where the actual trial was held.Rick Dye is president of the Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation.(Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation)