VELVET CHAIR EXPERIENCE AT THE SYMPHONY!

 "THE ULTIMATE SHARED EXPERIENCE!"

(Chattanooga, Tennessee)--There are moments when you can feel something special taking shape… and last night the stars were aligned.

I had the privilege of sitting in on the dress rehearsal for the 4th-season opener of The Velvet Chair Experience, and this time, Karen Collins has elevated the vision to new heights.

Hearing classics like “Unforgettable” with the full power of the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra… it honestly brought me to tears.

Karen Collins, this is what it looks like to believe the dream all the way through. And tonight, you’re giving Chattanooga the ultimate shared experience!

Tennessee Valley, don't miss out on this enchanted evening!

2025 NAACP IMAGE AWARD NOMINEES

 "HOW TO SUE THE KLAN"

January 7, 2025

The NAACP Image Awards have long been a beacon for recognizing and celebrating the incredible contributions of Black artists, storytellers, and change makers.  this year's nominations are as inspiring as ever, and one documentary, in particular, has captured our attention.  "How to Sue The Klan," which has been nominated for Outstanding Short Form Documentary (Film)(.  This powerful film shares the riveting story of five Black women in Chattanooga, Tennessee, who courageously fought and won a legal battle against the Ku Klux Klan.

Spotlight on “How To Sue The Klan”

WATCH:  The Announcement of The 2025 Nominees

Credit:  whenwespeaktv.com

“How To Sue The Klan“ is more than just a film—it’s a compelling chronicle of resilience and justice. Directed by John Beder and co-produced by Chattanooga's own Nicole Brown, the documentary reveals the untold story of how Fannie Mae Crumsey and four other brave women stood up to the Klan in a groundbreaking civil suit. The film, executive produced by renowned civil rights attorney Ben Crump, sheds light on a critical but often overlooked chapter in history.

Nicole Brown, an independent filmmaker in her own right joined forces with famed Civil Rights Attorney Benjamin Crump, and Director John Beder in getting out the story of how the five Black women from Chattanooga, Tennessee used legal ingenuity to take on the Ku Klux Klan in a historic 1982 civil case. The film documents their sheer will to hold the Klan accountable for their crimes and bring justice to the community.  Their victory set a legal precedent that continues to inspire the ongoing fight against organized hate today.

For more information about this highly acclaimed independent film, visit: How to Sue the Klan Website

   

              

"QUITE THE IMPRESSION!"

REMEMBERING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SAM GOODEN

(Chattanooga, TN.)---What a privilege living among "musical giants!" One of my early memories of relocating to Chattanooga was all of the interviews, street signs, plaques, and endless accolades connecting The Legendary Impressions to the "Choo Choo City!

Sam Gooden was always proud to share stories of his humble beginnings with his musical partners Fred Cash and Curtis Mayfield. Mr. Gooden reminded music fans young and old how nothing more than sheer grit, determination, and God's Grace helped them travel the globe, performing before "Kings and Presidents!" The same sound that resonated from the bathroom acoustics at Howard High School in Chattanooga in the 50's is the same sound that ultimately led to his induction into the covenant "Rock and Roll Hall of Fame."

He spent a lot of time at The Bessie Smith Cultural Center, an African American art museum that bears many pictures and memoribila of the "golden years." His warm, infectious smile is what I remember most anytime he was visited "The Bessie!" Somehow he took great pleasure in being among Chattanooga's legendary music scene. 

Sam Gooden loved his hometown, and Chattanooga loved him right back. Thanks for the music and the memories, Mr. Gooden, you will truly be missed. #ALifeWellLived

Remembering Actor Chadwick Boseman

42 IS BACK IN THEATERS LABOR DAY WEEKEND: Actor Chadwick Boseman's death shocked moviegoers, and left "Black Panther" fans all over the world heartbroken. Boseman who had been waging a private battle against colon cancer died at the age of 43. The beloved actors' star and popularity transcends the silver screen. In addition to some of his most iconic movies being back in theaters, Varion Walton shows us one of Chadwick's authentic connections to the Tennessee Valley.  She also fills us in on a new "call to action" for self care, plus open and honest dialogue about raising the awareness of this silent killer.

"LOCKED, LOADED AND FOCUSED ON THE NEW DECADE!"

"EYEING 2020"

Photo Credit: E-Photo

COUNTDOWN TO THE NEW YEAR!

As everyone prepares to ring in the New Year, The VisionVoiceVarion crew is focused on closing the book on "the decade!" It's been a hard fought 10 years that's included everything from covering The Obama White House, to starting up our entertainment magazine.

Through the years we've brought you all of the news makers and breakers, live reports from Essence Music Festival in New Orleans to The Stellar Awards in Nashville.

Varion Walton is leading the charge with her crew as we embark on 2020, committed to serving up more impactful stories with memorable content, globally!

Spread the word, tell a friend, "VisionVoiceVarion giving you more of what you love, 24/7 and beyond!"

"STEEPED IN TRADITION"--INTRODUCING MISS BESSIE SMITH

PRESERVING THE 'SPIRIT OF THE EMPRESS OF BLUES'

2018 Miss Bessie Smith--Kaiya Smith

“FROM THE STAGE TO THE BIG APPLE”

INTRODUCING MISS BESSIE SMITH-KAIYA MOORE

(Chattanooga, TN.) --Growing up in the City of Chattanooga, Kaiya Moore never imaged she would be among the area’s first title holders, after all, she’s only 17 years old.  

In February, The Center for Creative Arts or (CCA) high school junior competed with seven other local high school girls and won the title of Miss Bessie Smith 2018 during The Cultural Center’s inaugural pageant.  “The Miss Bessie Smith Pageant truly personifies the self-confidence and passion within our future leaders of tomorrow,” said Christy Rashed, Pageant Coordinator, and Executive Director.

“I honestly believe it’s the perfect vehicle for these young women, regardless of their socio-economic background. It helps them to freely express their inner beauty, talent, and scholastic achievements,” Rashed said.

A dynamo in true form, and in the spirit of Bessie Smith, Kaiya Moore recently returned to the Cultural Center and performed during The Annual Bessie Smith-“Strut!”  

Center stage, adorned with crown and sash, this aspiring singer, and actress belted out three show tunes with the same “sassy spirit” and tenacity as Bessie Smith, The Empress of Blues herself.

"Here She Is"......Miss Bessie Smith, 2018

“Walking down the street during The Strut, wearing the crown and seeing other little girls looking at me with such hope in their eyes really made me feel good,” said Moore.

“I have very fond memories of The Strut. My father would take me every year when I was a little girl. He would put me on his shoulders and we would walk down MLK listening to all of the live music, watching all of the people. I never imagined I would one day be on stage singing, wearing the crown and representing the city as its first-ever Miss Bessie Smith 2018,” Moore said.  

It’s already shaping up to be a busy and active summer for the newly crowned Miss Bessie Smith. Kaiya is currently focused on college as she moves into her senior year at CCA. After a brief vacation in the Bahamas, with her family in June, next stop, “The Big Apple” for a residential, international summer enrichment program for young women of color with “BLACK GIRLS LEAD,” a youth, mentoring empowerment program of “BLACK GIRLS ROCK!”  

2018 "Black Girls Rock Conference in New York"

The national stage is also where this Chattanooga resident will shine brightly. Kaiya will be the only local high school girl representing the state of Tennessee at the 7-day empowerment conference proudly featured every year on BET (Black Entertainment Television) network.  The conference will be held July 29^th-August 4^th on the campus of Columbia University in New York.

Mrs. Rashed suggested that I sign up for the summer conference. “Let me just say the application process is tough,” proclaimed Moore.

BLACK GIRLS ROCK organizers require a copy of the applicant’s high school transcripts, a letter of recommendation, a detailed questionnaire an essay and a promotional video of why the applicant should be selected. “Organizers of the conference told me my video entry sold them on my selection,” said Moore.

“It will not be her first trip to New York City, however, it could be the most memorable. “I’ve always been a person who has enjoyed helping others.  The BLACK GIRLS LEAD conference is giving me an even bigger platform and the tools I need to come back and be the positive change to my community, “ said Moore.

After winning the title of Miss Bessie and earning a covenant spot on this national stage, Kaiya Moore is one “BLACK GIRL WHO ROCKS,” but understands what it means to remain “humble” in the mist of great success.”

“I am not only confident and talented, it is also imperative I am helpful for the next generation. It’s important for me to know my family, my community and the Cultural Center will always see me as someone they rely on whenever they need me,” said Moore.

And that folks, what the “spirit of Bessie” is all about.

MISS BESSIE SMITH PAGEANT.....

              "A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE"

              "DEDICATION TO COMMUNITY SERVICE"

              "A LEGACY FOR TOMORROW"

         

For more information on the Miss Bessie Smith Pageant, visit www. Bessiesmithcc.org or contact Mrs. Christie Rashed, Pageant Coordinator at rashed4@bellsouth.net or contact, Paula Wilkes, President of The Bessie Smith Cultural Center (423) 266-8658.

         

Chattanooga's Own: Usher Carpool Karaoke

(Los Angeles, CA.)--Chattanooga native and singer, Usher was featured on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden, on Tuesday night. 

The eight-time Grammy winner even sported a hoodie with Chattanooga on the front. The video quickly became the number one trending video on YouTube. 

It's refreshing to see no matter where he goes or who he is with, Usher Raymond always has and displays fond memories of "The Scenic City!" Come on Chattanooga, let's continue to throw our support behind this one and make it go viral.   Thanks Usher for always, always being a stand-up guy.

LOLITA SNIPES' "HEAD OVER HEELS"

A STAGE PLAY WITH A "PURPOSE"

(Photo Credit: Kinnawa Kaitibi) Gospel Singer & Actress Shirley Murdock 

(Chattanooga, TN)--“Love makes you do some crazy things!” Head Over Heels is the zany, hilariously funny stage play starring the “powerhouse” singer and R & B sensation Shirley Murdock.  The show is selling out all over the Southeast.  Varion Walton caught up with the cast and crew during their stop in Chattanooga, TN.  “HEAD OVER HEELS,” is a “play with a purpose” packing a serious message about hope! 

                           

(CHECK OUT THIS VIDEO)

                        Shirley Murdock and the stage play "Head Over Heels" this week's   

                                                  VISION/VOICE/VARION Exclusive!

In this comical journey to find love, a beautiful young professional named Zoe’ goes crazy for a smooth-talking bad boy who is so handsome and charming he sweeps her off her feet…but her new found love is only pretending to be the perfect mate and as the secrets unfold, her zany family members take matters into their own hands and the comedy is nonstop!

This inspirational gospel-comedy stars Actress & Singing Power-House Shirley Murdock; Singing Diva Tamika Scott from the Multi-Platinum group Xscape; Broadway actress Jennifer Nesbitt; HBO Comedian & Univer-soul Ring Master Tony Tone; Apollo Comedian Big Que and Actor/Model Ladarian Raymond, with music produced by Gary “Lil’ G” Jenkins from the R&B group SILK…

This inspirational stage play, written and directed by award-winning comedic playwright Lolita Snipes is hilariously funny and will have you laughing right out of your seat!

READ MORE ABOUT THE AWARD-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT

https://lolitasnipesproductions.com

"GOLDEN MOMENT" WITH NEWLYWED JILL SCOTT

2016 SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

For Tour Updates: http://www.ticketmaster.com/Jill-Scott-tickets/artist/806530

Chattanooga's Famed Tivoli Theater

(Chattanooga, TN.)---She's a "boss chick" with 3 Grammys; 16 years under her belt and a national tour that's stronger than ever! Music fans are still "basking in the afterglow" following Jill Scott's high energy performance at Chattanooga's famed Tivoli Theater recently.

The Scenic City is part of the final leg of the singer/songwriter's 2016 Summer Concert Series.
Jill is scheduled for performances in Jacksonville and Miami at the end of August. From there, she's off to headline The 2016 Tom Joyner Morning Show Family Reunion Labor Day Weekend in Kissimmee, FL.

"Jilly from Philly" appears to be in a good place these days, paying tribute to her new husband with a new song entitled "Jahraymecofasola." Scott says the new single is her gift to her new husband Michael Dobson. The couple was married in June.

Scott also told fans how she never thought she would ever have more children, that after a difficult pregnancy with her only biological son Jett.  "In June, God saw fit to bless me with six more children," she said affectionately.  My husband and I are so lucky to embrace our new life and truly live every single day in the moment!

Here's hoping the FAMILY REUNION brings on a "NEW BEGINNING" for Jill Scott as she embraces her new life and extended family.

PRESS PLAY and TAKE "ANOTHER LOOK" at why Jill Scott is truly all about living her life like it's "GOLDEN!"

Congratulations again Jill.  If your strong vocals, stamina, and electric smile are any indication,  you'll be celebrating 20-plus years in the business in no time.

Tivoli Theater in Chattanooga August 24, 2016

Tivoli Theater in Chattanooga-August 24, 2016

ACTRESS CHUTI TIU JOINS CAST OF "NASHVILLE"

"BRAINS AND BEAUTY!"

All I can say is, "look at her now!" Little girls do grow up! If you lived in Mobile, Alabama during the 1980's; perhaps you remember the pageant that put The Port City on the map for years, "America's Jr. Miss." 

Today, operating as the "Distinguished Young Women" Scholastic Competition, high school seniors from across the nation come to Mobile for the coveted title. In 1987, Wisconsin's Chuti Tiu was no exception, in fact, she was extraordinary!   

Chuti was the first young woman of color to win the title in organization's history. I remember her because as a woman of Asian decent she represented change, hope, and possibilities!

More than 20 years later, what would be the chances of me running into this beautiful spirit in STARBUCKS in Chattanooga, TN?  Nearly impossible. 

Back in the late 1980's, while a college freshman working as a member of the production staff at WALA-TV, I was running one of the production cameras at The Mobile Civic Center; and I remember her win created quite a buzz in the building and in the city. It was historic. 

In a busy Chattanooga STARBUCKS, 25 years later, here we were talking for almost an hour as she studied a script for an upcoming segment on the popular show "NASHVILLE!"  

Even today, this beauty/scholastic pageant winner is still showing why she's more than just another pretty face.  Look for Actress Chuti Tiu TONIGHT on the set of the popular ABC drama series "Nashville." Her character is expected to have a reoccurring role until April 4th.

As she was in 1987, she will be a "big hit" in 2016. 

UP CLOSE WITH RAHEEM DeVAUGHN-"LOVE, SEX, PASSION TOUR"

KING OF LOVE WORKING OVERTIME AGAINST "DOMESTIC VIOLENCE"

(Chattanooga, TN.)--October is Domestic Violence Month and no one is working harder to be "THE VOICE" of victims and survivors than R&B Singer Raheem DeVaughn.  PRESS PLAY and Check out Varion's candid talk with the singer minutes from the stage about why he's a "Single man on a Single Mission" to raise the awareness against Domestic Violence!  Spread the word, tell a friend VISION/VOICE/VARION..."always on, always connected!"

Track 29-Chattanooga, TN.

Photo Credit:  RollingOut.Com

STELLAR LINE-UP FOR JAZZANOOGA 2015

JAZZANOOGA'S "SUNDAY BEST!"

(Chattanooga, TN.)-Jazzanooga 2015 is almost in the history books, but now before one of the biggest headliners in the music festival's 4 year history takes center stage. Take 6 is the 10 time Grammy Award winning; multi-platinum selling,  ensemble celebrating 25 years in the industry with a stop in Chattanooga. Jazz and gospel lovers like VISION/VOICE/VARION applaud Jazzanooga organizers for truly "presenting their Sunday Best" with climax of the music festival.  The "smooth and sultry sounds" of Gretchen Parlato and Alan Hampton are also apart of the 2015 line-up.  

Photo Credit:  Jazzanooga.org

Jazzanooga started in 2010 as a one day community festival and has grown to a month-long celebration that honors and promotes Chattanooga as "the destination for arts and culture" during Jazz Appreciation Month in April.  Ticket sales support local youth Jazz education activities and music scholarships.

Gretchen Parlato  PHOTO CREDIT:  Jazzanooga.org

The April 26th performance will be held at The Robert Kirk Walker Community Theater, a smaller more intimate venue at the famed Memorial Auditorium. Organizers tell VISION/VOICE/VARION they are committed to making certain every single note of Jazzanooga 2015 is "savored" until the last performance.  Tickets are still available at the theater box office.  For more information on this incredible event that rivals New Orleans and Memphis in May visit:  www.jazzanooga.org.  

JAZZANOOGA 2015: ERIC ROBERSON

APRIL-JAZZ APPRECIATION MONTH

(Chattanooga, TN.)--April is Jazz Appreciation Month and it has never sounded better!  For years music lovers have trekked to "Jazz Meccas" like New Orleans and Memphis.  Surprisingly, Chattanooga, Tennessee is making headlines as one of the top arts and culture destinations in the South. 

Since 2011 the final weekend of April has lured national and international recording headliners to The Scenic City.  Performances by Grammy winners Gregory Porter and Lalah Hathaway, American Idol Favorite Ruben Studdard and Independent Spirit Award Winner Avery Sunshine,  just to name a few.

Photo Credit: Eric Roberson Music

JAZZANOOGA 2015 promises to be bigger and better!  Several world reknowned recording artists like Take 6,  Eric Roberson and Gretchen Parlato are helping to solidify "The Choo Choo City" as one of the best spots for jazz enthusiasts looking to kick off the music festival season.

                                                

VISION/VOICE/VARION had the pleasure of an intimate chat with Eric Roberson only minutes from the stage at The Camp House in Downtown Chattanooga.  PRESS PLAY and find out why Varion says "Mister Nice Guy" shouldn't just be limited to the title of the Grammy-Nominated singer, songwriter's latest project.

PHOTO CREDIT: NICOLE BROWN

For more ticket information on Jazzanooga 2015, visit http://www.jazzanooga.org

NEW MUSIC: "GAME CHANGER"-JOHNNY GILL

(Chattanooga, TN.)--After 31 years in the business, Johnny Gill is stronger than ever. Time has had little effect on the vocals. Johnny Gill's sultry; smooth, unique sound is sure to satisfy. I enjoyed our brief "meet and greet" during Johnny's exclusive "listening party" at the Bessie Cultural Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee recently. "I couldn't ask for a more intimate, beautiful venue to bring my new music to the people." I love Tennessee and this museum is a beautiful commitment in keeping R&B alive." I've been here before and once again, the pleasure is all mine. 

Check out Johnny Gill's new CD, "GAME CHANGER” available NOW on I-Tunes.