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.

Jazz And Uptown Soul From The Velvet Chair Experience At The Bessie

WUTC

Published May 16, 2023 at 11:55 AM EDT

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What is now Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. in downtown Chattanooga was once known as Ninth St.

For decades, nightclubs along that street in what was then a Black neighborhood showcased jazz, blues, rhythm and blues, and soul - a music scene rivaling Beale St. in Memphis and Bourbon St. in New Orleans.

At the end of this month, a new concert series - the Velvet Chair Experience - rekindles that scene.

The first concert - featuring jazz and uptown soul from vocalist Karen Collins - is on Sunday, May 28th starting at 7 PM at the Bessie Smith Cultural Center.

Karen Collins

Velvet Chair Experience