Scenic Roots

"Scenic Roots" offers conversations that matter in the heart of Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley.From the mountains to the river, our conversations are rooted deep within every corner of our community - reflecting who we are, who we were and who we can become.We engage with the news that affects our community, behind and beyond the headlines. We build bridges that span from creators and innovators to storytellers and the outdoors. We focus on our challenges as many communities in one - as we celebrate what inspires us. We resonate with countless voices - in words and spaces, sounds and songs.We are "Scenic Roots."Ray Bassett hosts and produces "Scenic Roots" at WUTC.

Back To The Garden For This Year’s Finster Fest

WUTC

Published October 10, 2021 at 12:45 PM EDT

Howard Finster was a folk artist and preacher who lived and worked at his own studio - Paradise Garden - in Summerville, Georgia - about an hour south of Chattanooga.

He found a few moments of pop culture fame, only a few years before the dawn of the Internet in everyday life.

Go on YouTube today - and there he is from decades ago on “The Tonight Show,” chatting amiably with Johnny Carson.

Howard’s Paradise Garden intrigued Athens rock band REM, so the group featured his studio in the music video for their 1980’s song “Radio Free Europe.”

And then, Howard painted cover art for REM’s next album, “Reckoning.”

Howard Finster died twenty years ago - but his spirit lives on at Paradise Garden, which will host the annual Finster Fest on Saturday and Sunday.

Tina Cox is executive director of Paradise Garden.

Howard Pousner is a board member of the Paradise Garden Foundation.

Cameron Cook is the operation director at Paradise Garden.