The Scene

On this episode of The Scene podcast, host Mark Creter sits down with Gozde Ramsey and Justin Stanley to speak about the Center Hill Duo. They talk about their background in music, as well as the journey they took to get there. They cover the work they've done as the Center Hill Duo, as well as everything they have been working on. Listen To The Scene Podcast Today! The UC Now · literock959...

On this episode of The Scene podcast, Mark Creter sits down with Randy Misner to talk all things writers round. He talks about how the event highlights country musicians and the stories behind their songs, as well as what artists you can expect to be there. They round off the episode by sharing exciting event details and where tickets can be purchased. Listen To The Scene Podcast Today! The UC Now...

Michael Evanichko joins Mark Creter for an engaging conversation about the creative journey from lifelong storyteller to published author, exploring the inspiration behind his latest mystery thriller, The Maroon Candle. Michael shares how a childhood love of horror and suspense fiction, years in community theatre, and a passion for creating compelling characters shaped his writing process. The dis...

Listen To The Scene Podcast Today! The UC Now · literock959.com

On this episode of The Scene podcast, hear from the Porch Hounds, a Crossville-based band whose decades of friendship and shared love of music have come together to create an energetic live show that spans generations of rock, country, and classic favorites. The group shares how years of playing together in different bands eventually led to the formation of the Porch Hounds, where every member con...

Mark Creter sits down with Jennifer Clark for an inspiring conversation about following an unexpected path from a 20-year nursing career to becoming one of the Upper Cumberland's sought-after photographers. Jennifer shares how a simple passion for capturing family memories grew into a thriving business documenting weddings, newborns, families, and life's most meaningful milestones. The discussion...

For this episode of The Scene podcast, Mark Creter welcomes Mack McFadden, founder of Jester of Jewels, for a fascinating conversation about transforming sterling silver, gemstones, and imagination into one-of-a-kind wearable works of art. Mack shares how a lifelong fascination with "shiny things," a background in metal fabrication, and a passion for mythology, folklore, and history inspired her j...

Devin Barinowsky joins Mark Creter to discuss Art in Bloom, an exciting new fundraiser designed to celebrate creativity while supporting the artists, programs, and organizations that make the Upper Cumberland's vibrant arts community flourish. The conversation explores how this unique event will combine live artist demonstrations, music, flowers, and community engagement into an unforgettable expe...

For nearly two decades, Tristessa Luetkemeyer has inspired young artists to discover their creativity while continuing to grow as an artist herself. In this conversation with Mark Creter, she shares how a lifetime surrounded by art led to a rewarding career in education, the importance of introducing students to a wide range of artistic mediums, and why preserving Appalachian crafts and hands-on c...

During this edition of The Scene podcast, Mark Creter welcomes debut author Lucien Ivan Crowe for a thoughtful conversation about storytelling, faith, and the deeply personal journey behind his novel Evan's Broken Believer. Drawing from his own experiences and reflections, Lucien discusses how writing became an outlet for exploring life's biggest questions, creating authentic characters, and exami...

Mark Creter sits down with master blacksmith Jack Bligh to explore the enduring craft of shaping steel by hand and the remarkable journey that transformed a retirement hobby into a lifelong passion. Jack shares how curiosity, craftsmanship, and a desire to keep learning led him into the world of traditional blacksmithing, where every piece tells a story of patience, precision, and creativity. Thei...

On this exciting episode of The Scene, Mark Creter sits down with Rebekah Heitman, owner of Best Day Photography, for an inspiring conversation about turning creativity into a thriving business while helping others preserve life's most meaningful moments. Rebekah shares her journey into photography, the people and experiences that shaped her passion, and how capturing genuine emotion has become th...

Photography is about much more than just photos, as it also preserves the moments and relationships that matter most. In this episode of The Scene, host Mark Creter sits down with Olivia Atkinson, owner of Olivia Merritt Photography, to talk about her journey from receiving a Barbie camera as a child to building a successful photography business while still in high school. Olivia shares how photog...

Listen To The Scene Podcast Today! The UC Now · literock959.com

Mark Creter is joined by Nick Freeman of Picasso's Gift Shop and Cora Hegeman of Wonderful Refillery as they discuss how a shared vision for supporting local artists, entrepreneurs, and community engagement is helping transform Cookeville's Spring Street Arts District. The conversation highlights the growth of locally owned businesses, the importance of creating opportunities for artists and maker...

Listen To The Scene Podcast Today! The UC Now · literock959.com

On this episode of The Scene podcast, Carol Ventura joins the show talking about her Craft History book and the non-profit organization Art and Craft Studio and Home. She speaks on where the inspiration to begin the non-profit came from, and the variety of arts & crafts classes they hold. As well as speaking on her non-profit organization, she also goes into detail on tapestry crochet and her back...

Aesthetically pleasing yet still useful is the name of the game for functional pottery! On this episode of The Scene podcast, Mark Creter is joined by Kelsey Smith of High Low Studios to discuss a variety of topics relating to functional pottery. She explains how she found her passion for educating others on the world of pottery, and how that passion transformed into her business High Low Studios....

Joe Clark, James Alder and Jennifer Dodson-Creter joins Mark to bring a new theater production company among other things into public discussion for the first time! They discuss this, along with including their current collaboration on Stravinsky's ballet "Right of Spring", which will be performed at the Cookeville Children's Theater June 25-27th. Tune in to learn more about theater production, St...

On this episode of The Scene podcast, Mark Creter is joined by Charles Long and the Oklahoma cast! They discuss the upcoming play 'Oklahoma', highlighting the choice that went into picking Oklahoma and all of the hard work that went into preparing the play. Get in depth with the characters and story, as well as learning about the exciting upcoming event that's been brewing for a long time. Shows b...

On this episode of The Scene podcast, Mark Creter is joined by special guest Isabel Cohen. She dives into her journey from Germany to the Upper Cumberland, and how art helped push that journey into fruition for her. In addition to detailing her journey from Germany to the UC, Cohen also shines a light on her artistic journey. She details the inspiration behind her artistic endeavors over the years...

On this episode of The Scene, Mark Creter is joined by guests Larry Newgent and Hayden Mattingly as they discuss the upcoming Community Sings Dylan Event. They dive into Bob Dylan’s catalogue of music, highlighting their favorite time periods and sounds from the artist. Additionally, they share information about the upcoming event happening on June 1st at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center and...

Mark sits down with George Peckinbaugh٫ founder of Wind Chimes By George٫ discussing his journey into creating wind chimes and all the intricacies needed to make them and their iconic sounds. He shares how he found a passion in such a unique craft, and how he plans to move forward with the endeavor. George also highlights his past, sharing his inspiring story that ultimately lead to him finding hi...

In this episode of The Scene, Mark Creter sits down with musician and producer duo Alicia and Don Archer to explore Alicia’s journey into music—from picking up her first guitar at 16 to finding inspiration in artists like Jewel, Whitney Houston, and Ella Fitzgerald. Alicia shares her deeply personal creative process, her love of poetry, and how songwriting often flows onto the page in a matter of...

In this episode, Mark sits down with Rick Brown of Wooden Treasures TN to explore how a late start in woodturning grew into a passion-driven craft. Rick shares how he taught himself using a lathe and online resources, eventually showcasing his work at local pop-up events. He reflects on the influence of his grandfather, the beauty found within natural wood grain, and why he chooses reclaimed wood...