Amy Stumpfl is one of Nashville’s best-known performing arts critics. For over 20 years, she’s covered Nashville’s theater scene for such publications as the Nashville City Paper, the Tennessean and the Nashville Scene. Her preview of the fall 2026 theater, dance and opera season was just published in the Nashville Scene. In this episode of MACC Talk, Amy joins host John Pitcher to discuss Nashville’s fall season. They also comment on the Nashville Symphony’s decision to suspend its 2026-27 operations. The episode is sponsored by the Samaroo Group.

The Nashville Film Festival’s 57th edition starts Sept. 24, 2026 and will feature more than 150 films, including 24 world premieres, a slew of local productions and an appearance from Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Peter Frampton. Someone who knows a lot about the Film Fest is the Nashville Scene’s Associate Editor Logan Butts. In this episode of MACC Talk, Butts joins host John Pitcher to offer a sneak peek into this year’s screenings. The episode is sponsored by Grand Tents and Events.

Revi Ferrer is a Nashville-based artist whose original paintings transform iconic objects into cultural portraits that are packed with emotional symbolism. Her works are remarkable for their expert draftsmanship and stylistic elegance. In this episode of MACC Talk, Revi joins host John Pitcher to discuss her paintings, which will be on display at Monthaven Arts and Cultural Center from Sept. 12 to Oct. 25 as part of an exhibit called Love Your Wild. The episode is sponsored by Center Point Wine and Liquors.

Tim West is a Tennessee photographer who has spent the past six years photographing America’s wild horses. Roaming the landscapes of Wyoming, Colorado and Utah, Tim has taken evocative images that capture the strength, resilience, and quiet beauty of these magnificent animals. Some of Tim’s finest photos will be on display at Monthaven from Sept. 12 to Oct. 18, 2026 as part of an exhibit titled Love Your Wild. In this episode of MACC Talk, Tim joins host John Pitcher to discuss his love of America’s iconic wild horses and burros. The episode is sponsored by Chef’s Market.

Nashville composer Cristina Spinei is having a busy summer. She has a new album out called Moved by an Interior Impulse, which explores the intersection between acoustic and electronic music. Her music will also be on the Nashville Symphony Orchestra’s season-opening program in September 2026. Leonard Slatkin will make his official debut as the NSO’s music director on that program. In this episode of MACC Talk, Cristina joins host John Pitcher to discuss her new album and her career as a Nashville-based composer. The episode is sponsored by Nōssi College of Art and Design.

Tracy Silverman is one of the world’s foremost electric violin soloists, an artist who brings concert hall legitimacy to his next-generation instrument. As part of his singular vision for the “future of strings,” Tracy has premiered and recorded several major electric violin concertos written specifically for him by composers John Adams, Terry Riley, Nico Muhly, Roberto Sierra and Kenji Bunch. In this episode of MACC Talk, Tracy joins host John Pitcher to talk about his forthcoming concert at Carnegie Hall, where he will perform Vanderbilt University alum Daniel Bernard Roumain’s new electric violin concerto. The episode is sponsored by Nashville Interiors Magazine.

Maura Wright is the new Martin Shallenberger Artist-in-Residence at Cheekwood Estate & Gardens. A noted ceramic artist, Maura creates beautifully ornate clay pots, tureens and vases. In this episode of MACC Talk, Maura joins host John Pitcher to discuss her residency, trends in contemporary ceramics and the challenges facing her singular art form. The episode is sponsored by Nōssi College of Art & Design.

The award-winning watercolorist Don Olea is well-known for his historic military art. In honor of America’s 250th anniversary, Olea has created a series of paintings depicting important scenes from the American Revolution. In this episode of MACC Talk, Olea joins host John Pitcher to discuss these works, which will be on display as part of the MACC’s 8th Annual Veterans Art Exhibition from Aug. 2 to Sept. 6, 2026. The episode is sponsored by the Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project.

Steve Bishir is a five-time Grammy Award-winning sound engineer. Over the course of his long career, Steve has worked with such artists as Amy Grant, Vince Gill, Garth Brooks and Steve Wariner, among many others. Moreover, he has mixed more than 100 singles that have gone to No. 1 on the charts. Steve also runs the Media Production Program at Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin. The program has an incredible record of getting students plugged into Nashville’s entertainment industry. In this episode of MACC Talk, Steve joins host John Pitcher to discuss his love of music and his mission to train the next generation of sound engineers. The episode is sponsored by the Park West Foundation.

Steve Wariner is one of country music’s best-known entertainers. Over the course of his long career, he’s scored 14 number-one hits and earned four Grammy awards and 11 Grammy nominations. But Steve is also a gifted visual artist who creates works in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. In this episode of MACC Talk, Steve joins host John Pitcher to discuss his exhibit The Flip Side, which runs from June 21 to July 26, 2026 at the MACC. The episode is sponsored by the MACC’s Heritage Music Program.