The Scene

Mark Creter sits down with Patrick Mannle, Assistant Cultural Arts Technician, and Rex Bennett, Cultural Arts Superintendent at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center, to talk about the upcoming production of Lost Girl, directed by Kimberly Belflower. Patrick reflects on his lifelong connection to theater—including performing at CPAC for the first time at just three years old—and shares why the awa...

Mark Creter sits down with April Haden, the creative force behind Artsy Fartsy Paint Studio on the Byrdstown Square. Haden shares how she built a space where local artists—from woodworkers to tattoo artists—can thrive, teach, and sell their work. From pottery wheels with no time limits to portrait painting, custom crafts, photography, and upcoming specialty classes, the studio offers something for...

Mark Creter sits down with 2’Live Bre to talk about his journey from a childhood split between the church and the streets, to finding purpose and power through music. He opens up about going on tour with Jelly Roll, the challenges of being a young artist in the industry, and staying true to himself in a world that often tries to mold you. With raw honesty, Bre shares the impact he hopes to make—th...

Mark Creter sits down with local author and Silver Falchion Award finalist Sean Mitchell for a fun and insightful conversation about his lifelong love of storytelling. From typing his first short stories with one finger to finally finishing a novel 30 years in the making, Sean shares how he let go of traditional writing rules and let his characters take the lead. He dives into the art of naming ch...

In this episode, Mark Creter sits down with Bill Kerr, conductor of the Cumberland County Community Band, to talk about the group’s journey and community spirit. Since its first concert on December 10, 2000, the band has brought free, family-friendly performances to the Upper Cumberland. Bill shares his background in music education and his passion for creating programs that musicians and audience...

What do underground newspapers, teenage mischief, and creative freedom have in common? This week, Mark Creter sits down with zine publisher Dorian Hribar to dive into the bold, expressive world of fan zines. From co-editing his high school paper to launching his own zine First Of Many, Dorian shares the rebellious roots and rich history of zine culture — where self-publishing meets raw authenticit...

In this episode, Mark Creter sits down with Tom Neckvatal of the Cumberland Woodturners to explore the craft and passion behind woodturning — or as Tom simply puts it, “We make things round.” Specializing in handcrafted bowls, vases, bottle stoppers, spoons, and more, Tom shares how his journey began in a high school shop class, guided by a teacher who instilled in him the fundamentals of craftsma...

In this episode, host Mark Creter sits down with Valerie Goetz from the Roaring River Cultural Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing art and culture to Gainesboro. Valeri shares how the organization first got started and talks about the role of art in easing stress, supporting mental health, and building focus. She also introduces listeners to The Art Mart explains what it offers, and gives...

On this weeks epiode of The Scene, we get to meet Mark Cramer, the professor of clarinet at Tech. He shares how his journey as a performer first began and what drew him to music. He talks about trying out different instruments before finding his place with the clarinet, and what that learning process was like. We also get a behind-the-scenes look at how he works with his students and helps them pu...

Mark Creter sits down with Amy Ing, founder and owner of Spotlight Costumes—based in Cookeville, Tennessee—whose handcrafted costume designs have graced productions from Knoxville’s Bearden High School’s Hamlet to Prescott Middle School’s The Lion King. Hailing from nearby White Bluff, Amy’s passion for theater costuming blossomed into a thriving business offering unique rentals, custom creations,...

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On this episode of The Scene, Mark Creter is joined by guests Francis Brooks and Donna Venclir as they discuss the Tennessee Jewels. The Tennessee Jewels are a great interpretive dance group who strive for greatness. Listen To The Scene Podcast Today! literock959.com

Mark Creter sits down with Malena Alderman to discuss the remarkable history and revitalization of the iconic Palace Theater in Crossville, Tennessee. Originally opened in 1938, the Palace served as a beloved movie theater for decades before closing its doors in 1978. What was once slated to become a parking garage has since been transformed into a thriving community arts venue, thanks to the effo...

Mark Creter sits down with Mitchell White, a professional artist and board member of the Overton/Livingston Arts Council, to discuss the growing arts scene in Overton County. Formed in 2023, the council focuses on promoting arts education, supporting local artists, and drawing attention to Livingston’s historic downtown through events and classes. Mitchell shares details about the upcoming Paint L...

Mark Creter talks with Joe Clark, director of Shakespeare at Dogwood Park, about his upcoming production of Troilus and Cressida. Joe shares how a previous play inspired him to take on this lesser-known Shakespeare work—one of the Bard's longest and only performed once during his lifetime. Set during the Trojan War, the production will feature period-appropriate costumes and a large cast, staying...

Mark Creter sits down with Mitchell White, a professional artist and board member of the Overton/Livingston Arts Council, to discuss the growing arts scene in Overton County. Formed in 2023, the council focuses on promoting arts education, supporting local artists, and drawing attention to Livingston’s historic downtown through events and classes. Mitchell shares details about the upcoming Paint L...

Mark Creter sits down with self-taught filmmakers Noah Mears and Gibson Berke, a creative duo making waves in the Upper Cumberland film scene. Though they’ve only been working together a short time, they’ve already produced several short films and one feature, with another — Before Hollywood Calls — on the way. Noah, who originally set out to write scripts in college, met Gibson after asking him t...

On this week's episode of The Scene, Dwight Wages joins Mark Creter! They discuss Dwight's love for music, how he got into it, and much more! They also talk on the upcoming Southern Stars Symphonic Brass Fall Concert Series, which they have been hard at work on for a while! Listen To The Scene Podcast Today! literock959.com

Mark Creter sits down with Prudence Van Aalten, a New York-born actress and theatre teacher now living in Cookeville, TN, who grew up in a Shakespeare-loving household where Broadway dreams were part of her upbringing. Though she trained as a performer, Prudence says teaching has deepened her love for theatre, as she helps students discover what kind of actors they are by breaking down emotional w...

In this episode, Mark Creter sits down with Dan Allcott and Melissa Ellis of the Bryan Symphony Orchestra—the only professional symphony in residence outside of an urban center in Tennessee, proudly serving the Upper Cumberland region They discuss their roles within the orchestra, their tenure, and how the ensemble got started through its longstanding partnership with Tennessee Tech. Dan and Melis...

In this episode, Mark Creter sits down with young actors Kaden Hobbs and McKenna Proffitt from Warren Arts to discuss their upcoming production of Funny Girl. They share what first inspired them to get involved in community theatre and reflect on the impact Warren Arts has had on their artistic growth. Kaden and McKenna also touch on the origins of Warren Arts, announce the dates and times for Fun...

Mark Creter welcomes Sherri Denning, Executive Director of Warren Arts in McMinnville, to discuss their upcoming auditions for Shrek The Musical. Sherri shares the inspiring origin story of Warren Arts and her role in guiding its growth and vision. She offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that brings their productions to life and celebrates the unique spirit of community theatre...

Mark Creter sits down with singer-songwriter Raniece Marie to discuss the upcoming Singing on Spring event, taking place August 13th in Cookeville. Originally from New York, Raniece shares her journey to the region and offers insight into what makes Cookeville’s arts community so distinctive. She reflects on her early involvement in local events, the milestones she’s achieved since arriving, and h...

Mark Creter sits down with Amy Ing, founder and owner of Spotlight Costumes—based in Cookeville, Tennessee—whose handcrafted costume designs have graced productions from Knoxville’s Bearden High School’s Hamlet to Prescott Middle School’s The Lion King. Hailing from nearby White Bluff, Amy’s passion for theater costuming blossomed into a thriving business offering unique rentals, custom creations,...

Mark Creter sits down with Melissa Ellis, Development Director for the Upper Cumberland’s own Bryan Symphony Orchestra—the only professional orchestra in rural Tennessee. Melissa’s passion for music began at age 15 when she joined the Cumberland County Playhouse in Crossville, and later studied music therapy at Tennessee Tech before working as a jazz artist until 2020. She became an 11-time nomine...