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Chuck Whiting

@chuck.whiting

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Writer, songwriter, photographer, educator. Let’s build bridges together. Share by permission only. Copyright 2020-2026 @chuck.whiting @musiccityarts
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“Your calm mind is the ultimate weapon against your challenges. So relax.” — Bryant McGill, author (The weather has switched from sweltering heat to ideal cool in Middle Tennessee with high temperatures in the lower 80s and lows in the 50s. Yesterday, I joined a group of friends on a rural farm near Dickson for a relaxing picnic. The food was delicious and the conversation even better. It was great to catch up with people I haven’t seen in a while, including friends of the late Shannon Bain and fellow hikers from some of my area adventures. I am thankful to have these opportunities in the busy-ness of everyday life. The setting was beautiful with a lake, forested hills, and a horse grazing out in a nearby field. Special appreciation to Jeff Fizer and Scott Pigna for hosting. Have a great new week everyone!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #Picnic #Dickson #MusicCityArts 9-28-26 taken in Dickson County by @chuck.whiting
7
2 days ago
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ART ON SUNDAY: “Blessed are they who see beautiful things in humble places where other people see nothing.” — Camille Pissarro (For today’s Art On Sunday post, I am returning to the Cincinnati Museum of Art. We start with Pierre Bonnard’s magnificent oil on canvas, “Fauns in a Landscape” (circa 1910-1915). His artwork shows a group of fauns and nymphs interacting with nature. Bonnard brushed his masterpiece while visiting Saint-Tropez, France, remarking that the gentle scene “sparkled and vibrated in the Mediterranean light.” Pablo Picasso painted the elegant portrait “Head of a Woman” (oil on canvas, circa 1922) during his pink period. A landscape painting by Vincent van Gogh drew my attention immediately. His “Undergrowth with Two Figures” (oil on canvas, circa 1890) pictures a couple seemingly lost amid tall poplars in a dense forest. I love the colors Paul Gauguin used for his landscape painting, “Mahana Ma’s” (oil on canvas, circa 1899), which shows a woman in a Tahitian forest. I leave one of my favorite artists for last. Camille Pissarro’s “Gray Day, Varengeville, Auberge du Manoir” (oil on canvas, circa 1899) presents a lovely scene in the French countryside. I love these paintings and hope you will as well. Happy Art On Sunday all!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #ArtOnSunday #Art #MusicCityArts 9-27-26 taken in Cincinnati Art Museum by @chuck.whiting
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3 days ago
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“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” — Joseph Campbell, writer (Twin Arches at Big South Fork are amazing geological formations in and of themselves, but a somewhat hidden, rock-enshrouded tunnel is not to be missed. During a friendly hello conversation, a hiker mentioned that his group had just walked through a cave-like crevice (sometimes called a cave tunnel) under the mammoth South Arch. We stepped through a human-sized opening into the darkness with only a sliver of light ahead of us. Although not technically a cave, the tunnel certainly feels like one with darkness and a damp chill. We slowly leaned under rock overhangs and climbed over natural abutments as we slowly edged our way to the other side (with tons of sandstone wedged above us). The sun was blazing bright as we emerged within the crack of two rock boulders. Experiences like this remind me of my childhood. What a delightful experience.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #TwinArches #Cave #MusicCityArts 9-26-26 taken in Twin Arches, At Big South Fork by @chuck.whiting
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4 days ago
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“Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” — Judy Garland (I’m worn out, but totally satisfied. AmericanaFest was even better than in years past with outstanding performances by legends and emerging artists (and plenty of surprises). Friday night, my fellow MCAU writer and I saw a splendid show at the Analog featuring legendary pianist/songwriter Benmont Tench of the Heartbreakers (on Steinway), along with Michaela Anne, Abigail Rose, and Nicole Atkins (with surprise guest Chris Isaac). We soaked in (while sweating) amazing live music for 12 hours on Saturday (the final day). Highlights included the soulful McCrary Sisters at the Americana Gospel Brunch with surprise guest Sheryl Crow (City Winery), the bluegrass-accented Commonwealth of Kentucky Party (Basement West), the Texas swing band Eddie Slide and His Cowtown Dozen (Basement East), and sassy heartbreaker Ashley Monroe (Station Inn). As always, we struck up conversations with visitors from far and wide, which shows just how popular Americana music is (and how far this wonderful festival has come). I also ran into friend/songwriter Lisa Aschmann as always. Unlike the CMA Fest (which spotlights mainstream artists represented by the major labels), AmericanaFest is tried and true, down-in-the-gut originality by immensely talented musicians who have to be themselves. That authenticity (heart and soul) is what music fans like me are yearning for.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #AmericanaFest #Music #MusicCityArts 9-21-26 Check out our coverage at https://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com/?m=0 taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @chuck.whiting
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9 days ago
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“There’s a beauty to wisdom and experience that cannot be faked. It’s impossible to be mature without having lived.” — Amy Grant (AmericanaFest is going full blast with a host of talented acts taking stages at music venues across Music City. On Tuesday night, we had the opportunity to see legendary artists at 3rd and Lindsley, including the remarkable Amy Grant and blues-rock lady Melissa Etheridge. Amy, who hasn’t performed live for a long time, sang fan favorites including “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Baby, Baby.” Melissa’s renditions of “Come to My Window” and “I’m the Only One” had us rockin’ and rollin’ to our feet. Another venue not too far from there called The Blue Room featured the incredible Madison Cunningham on Thursday night. Madison first wowed me during an outside performance in Lexington, Virginia, several years ago. She impresses even more now with brilliant avant-garde arrangements and voicing’s that leave music fans speechless. I have felt the same way in the past listening to Joni Mitchell, Yes, and others. Another wonderful thing about AmericanaFest is being able to hear newer, yet-to-be well-known artists. You might want to check out Hollow Hand, Aubrie Sellers, and Maggie Rose. MCAU contributing writer Wil Comstock has been busy writing reviews for some of the performances we’ve taken in. You can check them out at https://musiccityartsupdate.blogspot.com .) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #AmericanaFest #AmyGrant #MusicCityArts 9-18-26 taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @chuck.whiting
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12 days ago
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“Americana Music is about all sorts of different music. It is very free and open: a world where people just like authentic music.” — John Oates (AmericanaFest has kicked off in Nashville, and I couldn’t be happier and more excited. This is the music event of the year that draws musicians and music lovers from around the world. The BMI Rooftop kickoff was a prime example, with food, drinks and live music overlooking downtown Nashville. There were no strangers there. Visitors were friendly and eager to introduce themselves while eating BBQ and sipping on their favorite mixed drinks. I met a lady with purple hair from Iowa and a couple from Florida, who decided to stop off in Nashville before heading to Montana on vacation. The music was outstanding with performances by Meels, Flying Mojito Bros, and Hayes Carll. Each year, my friend and staff writer Wil Comstock and I hit the town to cover the festival for my online blog, Music City Arts Update. If you haven’t been to the festival, I would strongly encourage you to take in a show or two this week. Once you do, expect to be hooked. I am attending while juggling my busy teaching at a local college. The music performed by singers, songwriters and musicians has deep roots in genres ranging from blues and jazz to folk, country and rock. You always hear a refreshing mix of the unexpected. Here are a few photos from the BMI event. More coverage to come!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #AmericanaFest #RooftopOnTheRow #MusicCityArts 9-16-26 taken in Nashville, Tennessee by @chuck.whiting
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14 days ago
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“Find out who you are and do it on purpose.” — Dolly Parton (A friend and I were invited to tour the soon-to-open Dolly Parton Museum yesterday, and it was a deeply moving experience. There isn’t anyone who doesn’t love and miss Dolly (me included). And walking through a series of extremely well done exhibits made my missing her even worse. In some ways, though, I was finally getting to meet her in person. Last spring, she recorded a series of personal videos that tell her incredible story, as well as a closing knock-it-out-of-the-park stage performance showcasing her many hits. I don’t want to share too much here. Otherwise I will spoil the surprises when you go. The staff had plenty of tissue boxes around just in case we teared up. They did an outstanding job greeting attendees and answering questions during the tour. We were not allowed to take photos inside the museum. However, I did get to snap a few afterward in the outdoor plaza. Speaking of Dolly, she exemplifies what true talent, kindness and philanthropy are all about. If we learn anything from her, it should be that setting a beautiful and authentic human example changes and heals hearts a lot easier than political scoldings. I am trying to learn that lesson myself. I encourage everyone to visit the museum after it opens. You will love it.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #DollyParton #DollyPartonMuseum 9-14-26 taken in Dolly Parton's SongTeller Hotel by @chuck.whiting
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16 days ago
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“Everything has its wonders, even darkness and silence, and I learn, whatever state I may be in, therein to be content.” — Helen Keller (Once upon a time, there was a lady named Maude who lived in the hills of today’s Big South Fork. She loved bringing homemade goodies to her neighbors, some who lived far away along the valley’s edge. The story goes that one day she discovered a shortcut route through the narrow crevice of a towering cliff. Hikers who use it present day know it as “Maude’s Crack.” It’s also told that she even used the rugged path to escape a fire. Truth or fables aside, I loved exploring it. Although I admit that I didn’t climb all the way down to the bottom like my hiking buddy did. A useful rope allows brave explorers to slowly crawl down the dark, dramatic, narrow, 193-foot cleft. Without the rope, one would likely slide helplessly over dirt, dust and stone. But you’ll be fine if you take it carefully slow. Coming back up requires grit, grasping and muscle. The view from the side of the cliff above Maude’s Crack affords a beautiful view of the basin, bluffs and mountains. Go if you dare. But go.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #MaudesCrack #BigSouthFork #MusicCityArts 9-12-26 taken in Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area by @chuck.whiting
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18 days ago
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“The richest values of wilderness lie not in the days of Daniel Boone, nor even in the present, but rather in the future.” — Aldo Leopold (This Labor Day Weekend, I had planned to catch up on my grading. But my friend had some adventurous plans, coaxing me to join him on the trail in Big South Fork. It was fairly easy for him to talk me into it. Fortunately, I was able to accomplish a lot on Friday. So, here I am in the Cumberland Mountains, hiking along cliffs, looking down on waterfalls, and trekking over and beneath stone arches. We decided to hike a mostly even but rocky trail to Slave Falls, followed by Needle Arch. The falls are only a trickle this time of year, but the towering, colorful limestone/sandstone cliffs were spectacular along the way, providing some nice photo opps. Every arch I’ve visited here or up in Red River Gorge has been unique, and that was the case with Needle Arch. It’s narrow span looks like it could collapse at any moment. Later, we drove over to Pickett Memorial State Park to see the Natural Bridge. Yes, Tennessee has one, too. It’s not as large as the ones in Kentucky and Virginia, but certainly impressive enough for any outdoorsman. It was a great day in the mountains. The temperatures were around 10 degrees cooler than Nashville. Happy Labor Day everyone!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #BigSouthFork #Hiking #MusicCityArts 9-6-26 taken in Big South Fork National River & Recreation Area by @chuck.whiting
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24 days ago
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ART ON SUNDAY: “Don’t get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.” — Dolly Parton (I am returning to fine art this Sunday by presenting some beautiful paintings of humans in various places and situations. Forget AI… This post is dedicated to true art. These legendary painters (Bellows, Sloan, Pendergast, Sargent and Hassam) were able to capture the soul of everyday people in days gone by. George Bellows was a huge fan of boxing. His most famous artwork on the subject, “Stag at Sharkey’s” (circa 1909), shows boxers battling in the back room of a tavern. I remember my mother hanging clothes outside to dry when I was a small child. John Sloan’s “A Woman at Work” (circa 1912) shows a working class woman doing this in Manhattan while perching on a narrow fire escape. The third painting, “On the Beach, No. 3” (circa 1915), demonstrates Maurice Pendergast’s distinctive use of rounded patches with thickly applied color. I have seen many of John Singer Sargent’s paintings, and “Portrait of Lisa Colt Curtis” (circa 1898) is among his best. Childe Hassam brings New York City to life with his remarkable painting “Fifth Avenue” (circa 1919). I have walked that street many times over the years. All of these paintings can be viewed at the Cleveland (Ohio) Museum of Art. Happy Art On Sunday all!) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #ClevelandMuseumofArt #Art #MusicCityArts 8-30-26 taken in The Cleveland Museum of Art by @chuck.whiting
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a month ago
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“The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” — Lao Tzu (My recent return to Red River Gorge was just as beautiful and exciting as the first. The centerpiece of this geological region is The Natural Bridge, a 65-foot-high rock formation overlooking the surrounding hills. After disembarking the ski lift, we followed two trails (one providing a long-range view from a rocky cliff and another leading to the top, then below). We decided to take a side trail to view a less majestic/more romantic stone formation called Lover’s Leap. There are ten trails in all with some leading down the mountain to Natural Bridge State Resort. The top of the sandstone bridge extends for 78 feet with deep drop-offs on either side. Best not to get too close or goodbye. One of the trek’s highlights is squeezing between two giant walls of stone along a narrow path. The view of the arch’s underbelly is remarkable, with colors and shadows changing throughout the day. A strong breeze and shade provided a refreshing coolness from the hot sun. The great thing about Red River Gorge/Daniel Boone National Forest is that there are always more arches to see. Regional estimates range from 150 to several hundred. Some claim there are as many as 1,200. Only a fraction of these have marked trails or signs. Some of the hikes to more remote arches can be rather tough as indicated in my earlier posts. But getting to The Natural Bridge was easy, only requiring a 1-mile hike. Well worth every step.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #TheNaturalBridge #RedRiverGorge #MusicCityArts 8-29-26 taken in Natural Bridge KY by @chuck.whiting
13
a month ago
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ART ON SUNDAY: “In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson (Asheville is a city of the arts. For today’s Art On Sunday post, I thought it might be cool to provide a “glimpse” of the creations brushed and carved by some of the local artists there. I say “glimpse” because there is an abundance of beautiful paintings, sculptures, ceramics, carvings and murals around every corner. If you are visiting “The Land of the Sky” for the first time, you might start by visiting/roaming Marquee Asheville at 36 Foundy St. Open daily, the huge venue is the “culmination of a European street market with the colorful Asheville vibe.” There is original art, as well as antiques, vintage clothing, jewelry and crafts. Afterward, you can stroll across the parking lot to the Wedge for a draft beer or see the exquisite creations of woodworking artists at Foundation Woodworks. During my last visit, I spent part of my time exploring galleries in the River Arts District (including the Marquee), as well as galleries in the nearby community of Black Mountain.) #ChuckWhiting #ChucksDiary #Asheville #Art #MusicCityArts 8-23-26 taken in Asheville, North Carolina by @chuck.whiting
7
a month ago
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