Join this special episode of Big Blend Radio’s 1st Friday “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show, featuring Tanya Ortega, acclaimed photographer and founder of the National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF). In honor of Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Tanya shares inspiring stories and insights about NPAF’s exclusive month-long artist residency programs at Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island and Haleakalā National Park on Maui.

These fully supported residencies are open to artists of all disciplines — including painters, photographers, sculptors, filmmakers, composers, musicians, writers, and more — offering a unique opportunity to live and create while surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Hawaii’s national parks.

🔗 Learn more and apply: https://nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 🎧 Listen & follow the show: https://arts-parks.podbean.com/ 📚 Coming soon: Big Blend Radio’s NPAF Retrospective Digital Publication, celebrating 8+ years of creative collaborations in national parks.

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio Network’s "Toast to The Arts," "Parks & Travel," and "Big Daily Blend" Shows. 📲 Subscribe: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

From Cinco de Mayo to Memorial Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "California Sequoia Country" Podcast highlights the best seasonal experiences in Tulare County, California — the gateway to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Sequoia National Forest, and the Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Discover what to see and do in this stunning region known for its towering giant sequoia trees, outdoor adventures, vibrant agricultural towns, and cultural events.

Featured Guests from the Sequoia Tourism Council: 🌮 Alida Verduzco Silva – Tulare County Resource Management Agency Alida shares details about the new Tulare County Travel App, the popular Taco Trail, and must-see spring activities across the region. 🔗 https://discovertularecounty.com/

🌲 Holly Streit – Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Holly discusses the exciting reopening of Crystal Cave, top waterfall hikes, and the awe-inspiring giant sequoias named after General Sherman, General Grant, and Brigadier Charles Young. 🔗 https://nps.gov/seki/index.htm

🎒 Plan Your Trip: Download the free Tulare County Visitor Guide at https://www.discoverthesequoias.com/

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Parks & Travel," "Vacation Station," "Road Trip Radio," and "Big Daily Blend" channels. 🎧 Subscribe to the Big Blend Radio Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

As April, Jazz Appreciation Month, comes to an end, we're revisting this archived (2017) Big Blend Radio podcast conversation with Cathy Rich, daughter of legendary jazz drummer Buddy Rich, CEO of Scabeba Entertainment, and guest vocalist with the 16-piece Buddy Rich Band featuring drummer Greg Potter. As part of Buddy’s centennial (2017), his daughter Cathy discussed the release of the soundtracks from two concert films - The Channel One Set and The Lost Tapes. The digital films as well as a vinyl LP of The Lost Tapes were also released.

Buddy Rich, whom Gene Krupa defined as “the greatest drummer to ever draw breath,” was honored with a President’s Special Merit award GRAMMY along with three Grammy Nominations. He was inducted into the Downbeat Magazine, Modern Drummer and Playboy Halls of Fame. Buddy received the Jazz Unlimited Immortals of Jazz Award and awards for his philanthropic efforts. He was named “Greatest Drummer of All Time” by Modern Drummer magazine.

In honor of Buddy’s Centennial, a flag was flown over the U.S. Capitol on Buddy’s birthday, when the commemoration of his Centennial was also read into the official Congressional record where it will be a permanent part of the United States archive for all time. Visit: https://thebuddyrichband.com/