![DeGrazia’s Superstition Mountain Collection - Lance Laber on Big Blend Radio]()
July 5, 2021
Tucson artist Ted DeGrazia (1909-1982) fell under the spell of the Superstition Mountains of central Arizona. From the late 1940’s to the late 1970’s he was a frequent visitor to the mysterious mountain range, exploring the backcountry on horseback and prospecting for gold. The legends, history, natural beauty, and native cultures of the Superstitions fascinated the artist and inspired essays, drawings, and paintings for his 1972 book “DeGrazia and his Mountain – The Superstition.”
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s Toast to the Arts Show features Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun. Lance discusses the life of artist Ted DeGrazia and the new exhibit “DeGrazia’s Superstition Mountain Collection” on display from July 6, 2021- January 26, 2022. DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is 10-acre historic landmark nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Arizona. Opened in 1965, it is home to over 15,000 originals of Ted DeGrazia art pieces including oil paintings, watercolors, ceramics and sculptures. There are six permanent collections on display and several rotating exhibitions each year. More at https://degrazia.org/
July 2, 2021
Acclaimed Australian born trumpet player Sam Nester leads a diverse career as a performer and educator. He joins us on this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to Parks & The Arts" Show during his one-month National Parks Arts Foundation residency in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hear about his music career and travels, including his Arcadia interactive sound and light installation that uses the biorhythms of plants to create music and corresponding light cues. It works by converting the fluctuations in galvanic conductance of plants to MIDI data to control MIDI instruments in real time so you can experience "plants making music." Featured music on this episode (with permission) includes "Bruny" and "Hector." More: https://samnester.com/
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's artist residency opportunities in national parks at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/
July 1, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show, world traveler and writer Debbie Stone talks about her wine tasting, culinary, art, and outdoor adventures in Rogue Valley. This vibrant Southern Oregon locale has it all. It’s a mecca for outdoor recreationists, nirvana for wine enthusiasts, paradise for foodies, and a magnet for arts aficionados. See her article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/eat-drink-play-in-the-rogue-valley/
June 30, 2021
Get a Taste of England on this episode of Big Blend Radio with Glynn Burrows, family history expert and owner of Norfolk Tours in England. Along with talking about the various British delicacies one can enjoy when visiting England, we also talk about local farming, and the authentic experience and importance of frequenting local establishments, no matter where one lives or travels to. Read Glynn's article here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/a-taste-of-england/
BIG BLEND RADIO HOST UPDATE: After this conversation was recorded, it has come out that Subway does indeed have real Tuna in its sandwiches.
June 29, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Nature Connection" Show features Jad Daley, President & CEO of American Forests, the nation’s oldest national conservation organization. Hear about their first nationwide tally of Tree Equity scores, an evaluation that shows how the amount of tree cover in America’s cities is too often dependent on income and race.
The Tree Equity Score (TES) tool identifies the cities that can gain the most significant health, economic and climate benefits by increasing tree canopy in places of high need. Together we can create Tree Equity by planting and caring for trees where they are most needed. Learn more and check out your community's Tree Equity Score here: https://www.americanforests.org/our-work/tree-equity-score/
Special thank you to fine art nature photographer Margot Carrera for sponsoring this episode. See Margot’s beautiful work and gifts here: https://www.carrerafineartgallery.com/
June 28, 2021
This fun and lively Big Blend Radio “Music Monday” conversation features Joey Stuckey, an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, radio and television personality, music columnist, educator and sound engineer. Joey is also the official music ambassador for Macon, Georgia, the “southern rock capital of the world.” Hear about his new single “Blind Man Drivin,” his recording and producing work on Tamara L. Wilson’s new EP “Let It Go,” the new mini-documentary film he’s featured in called “Don’t Blink” by Courtney Adkisson, his love for all things British, and much more! Keep up with him at https://joeystuckey.com/
Special thanks to the National Parks Arts Foundation for sponsoring this episode. https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/
June 27, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Author’s Sunday” Show with Books Forward features author and writer Lori McMullen who discusses her new novel, “Among the Beautiful Beasts.” Set in 1920s Miami, the book reveals the remarkable untold story of Marjory Stoneman Douglas – the woman who saved the Everglades. During a time when women were highly undervalued and opportunities were gravely limited, Marjory saw something of her own life reflected in the environmental decline that took place around her. After running away from her husband – a swindler thirty years her senior – and entering into an all-consuming affair, Marjory finds herself drained by the demanding men seeking control over her life. She finds solace in the natural world – wild and free as she longs to be. She must soon decide between comfort and safety, and a leap into the unknown. More: https://www.lorimcmullen.com/
June 27, 2021
Recorded onsite, this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Eat, Drink & Be Merry show features John Calvin, owner of the world-class and award-winning Casa Rondeña Winery in the North Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Casa Rondeña Winery was lovingly established in late 1995 as a family undertaking, with the first plantings in 1990 at the hands of vintner John Calvin. The Tasting Room opened in August 1997 and a winery building, with a commemorative Tricentennial bell tower, was completed in the autumn of 2004. In 2008, a new barrel aging and storage facility, including the Founder's Rotunda, was built in order to expand production capability of the winery and hold special events for winery members and special guests. The Tasting Room and winery is open to the public daily. More: https://www.casarondena.com/
June 25, 2021
The captivating rise of Leslie Hunt, ex. American Idol finalist and District 97 lead-singer, continues with “Ascend”, her brand new and exquisite solo 7-Track CD EP. On this episode of Big Blend Radio, she goes "Between the 2 Palms" and chats about her new music, life during the pandemic, and a whole lot more. We definitely covered a lot of ground and tried to solve the world's issues with this fun, inspiring, and candid conversation. Featured music from her new EP "Ascend" is "There You Are" and "Wolf Cried Boy." More: https://www.lesliehuntmusic.com/
June 23, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 4th Wednesday “Tucson Sisters in Crime” show features BJ Kurtz who has called southern Arizona home for her entire life. She wrote her first full-length fantasy novel when she was a sophomore in high school, which would later turn into the first novel in her successful Atlantis series. BJ prides herself on writing character-driven stories that question the power of human relationships while entertaining readers with the essence of paranormal and fantasy plots. More: https://bjkurtz.com/
The Tucson Sisters in Crime is a local Tucson, Arizona chapter of the international organization Sisters in Crime. They are authors, writers, readers, librarians, editors, publishers, agents, and booksellers with a passion for the mystery genre. They welcome Sisters and Brothers in Crime from everywhere who have an interest in writing, and in the Southern Arizona mystery community. https://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/
June 22, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Success Express" Business & Career Show features executive coach Terry Warren who discusses his book, “The Art of Choice: Making Changes that Count in Work and Life,” an informative and inspirational decision-making guide. Drawing on interviews with successful businesspeople and his own professional experience, Warren shows us how using intentionality, commitment, and accountability can empower us to make positive, lasting, and life-changing choices. More: https://warrenexecutivecoach.com/
June 21, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Music Monday" show features Mark Rechler, lead vocalist, songwriter, keyboardist, and band leader of Circus Mind. Based in new York, Circus Mind is entering their twentieth year and have just released their third album JOY MACHINE, a fresh explosion of sounds and flavors of the ’70s rock era with a modern twist. Like a three-ring circus, the band can slide seamlessly between rock, funk, and swampy N’awlins grooves, all while referencing some of the best bands of that era with infectious hooks that get stuck in your ear hole. Songs featured on this interview include the title track "Joy Machine" and "Are You Ready." More: https://www.circusmindband.com/
June 20, 2021
This episode of Big Blend Radio's Quality of Life Show features Adrianne Hillman, founder of Salt + Light Works, a 501(c)3 designated charitable organization located in Tulare County, California. The mission of Salt + Light is to cultivate community through dignified homes, jobs and healing for neighbors experiencing homelessness in Tulare County.
They are working to develop and build California’s first ever master-planned community that will provide dignified homes, jobs, services, and community for those experiencing chronic homelessness in Tulare County. Learn more: https://www.saltandlightworks.org/
June 18, 2021
Recorded onsite, this Big Blend Radio interview features Amy King, curator at the Tulare County Museum of Farm Labor and Agriculture located in Mooney Grove Park in Visalia, California.
The Tulare County Museum houses one of the largest Native American basket collections in California as well as artifacts of the pioneer era, agriculture equipment, restored buildings and many other treasures that tell the history of Tulare County. The newest addition to the museum is the History of Farm Labor and Agriculture Museum, where each cultural group and their contributions to farm labor and agriculture will be featured. More: https://tularecountymuseum.org/
June 17, 2021
Recorded onsite at The River Steakhouse at Eagle Mountain Casino in California's Sequoia Country, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Eat, Drink & Be Merry" Show features Ador Cardenas and Chef Manuel "Patrick" Carbajal. Hear about the casino's dining and gaming options, concerts, and upcoming expansion and relocation within the Porterville community.
Known locally as "The People's Casino," Eagle Mountain Casino is a full-service casino that's owned and operated by the Tule River Tribe. It features over 1200 slot machines, 10 table games, four award winning dining options, concerts, The Summit Club and more. Eagle Mountain Casino always supports the local community and is a short drive from cities and towns within Tulare and Kern Counties. More: https://www.eaglemtncasino.com/
June 16, 2021
Krystal Riordan watched as her boyfriend beat a teenage Jennifer Moore to death in a vermin-infested New Jersey hotel room. Could she have stopped it? Or could she be his next victim? Now, Krystal is serving a maximum 30-year sentence, while the man who beat Jennifer to death received only a 50-year sentence.
So what does it take to survive in a maximum security lockdown for 30 years? Is it possible to thrive? The answers only lead to more questions in Stephanie Dickinson’s raw and emotional look into the criminal justice system and how it’s failed not just one but countless victims of violence. And what unfolds is a beautiful depiction of moral ambiguity, loss and redemption within the confines of the prison walls and beyond.
This Big Blend Radio Quality of Life "Author's Wednesday" Show with Books Forward features longtime author Stephanie Dickinson, author of "Razor Wire Wilderness." More: http://stephaniedickinson.net/books.html
June 15, 2021
Recorded onsite, this episode of Big Blend Radio's Vacation Station Travel Show features Erin Gilchrist, innkeeper and owner of the historic A Tuscan Estate Bed & Breakfast in downtown McMinnville, the heart of Oregon's Wine Country. This 1928 historic Colonial Style bed and breakfast is decorated with Old-World flair including comfortable furnishings and beautiful hardwood floors. Guests enjoy a delicious three-course, gourmet breakfast and comfortable guest rooms with private ensuite baths, TV, complimentary Wi-Fi, and robes along with traditional lodging amenities. In warm weather months, soak up the Willamette Valley sun while enjoying a glass of wine on one of the bed and breakfast’s patios, porches, and gardens. More: https://a-tuscanestate.com/
June 14, 2021
Rena “Rusty" Kanokogi is recognized around the world as “the mother of women’s judo” for her immense contribution to the sport and her work ensuring women’s inclusion for the female competitors at the international level. In her more than fifty year career, she became the first women to attain the rank of seventh degree black belt, founded the first Women’s World Judo Championship in 1980, and was the driving force behind women’s judo inclusion in the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, South Korea.
On this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Quality of Life" Show, Rena's daughter Jean Kanokogi, PhD, talks about her Mom’s life as documented in her memoir that she co-wrote “Get Up & Fight: The Memoir of Rena “Rusty” Kanokogi, The Mother of Women’s Judo.” Along with being a Senior Special Agent for the U.S. Government, Jean is a fifth degree black belt in judo and a highly respected sensei. More: https://www.rustykanokogi.com/
June 13, 2021
On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Author’s Sunday Show with Books Forward, Kimberly Hess talks about her groundbreaking biography covering the life of Sarah. B. Cochran “The Coal Queen.”
From expanding her company, to becoming a respected benefactor of her community, often rivaling the efforts of more well-known philanthropists such as Andrew Carnegie, the biography “A Lesser Mortal: The Unexpected Life of Sarah B. Cochran” reveals the little-known story of a woman from American history who was constantly doing the unthinkable. The book is available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lesser-Mortal-Unexpected-Sarah-Cochran-ebook/dp/B08XQ
