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/

In honor of Willie Nelson's 92nd Birthday today, we're revisiting our 2016 Big Blend Radio interview with his son Lukas Nelson. Along with some fun stories about his father, and what it was like touring with Neil Young, he talks about his band Promise of The Real's rockin' album 'Something Real' that was recorded at San Francisco's William Westerfeld Mansion, and embraces their cowboy, hippie, surf, rock genres. Today Lukas has embarked on a solo career and has new album coming out, "American Romance." More at https://lukasnelson.com/

Celebrate the vibrant flavors of the season on this episode of Big Blend Radio’s EAT, DRINK & BE MERRY Show, featuring Robert Schueller of Melissa’s Specialty Produce. From ready-made crepes and specialty dessert sauces to juicy muscato grapes, sweet Ojai pixie tangerines, crisp jicama, savory shallots, flavorful Hatch chili pepper snacks and cooking products, and gourmet grilling kits, Robert shares delicious ideas for Cinco de Mayo fiestas, Mother's Day brunches, springtime gatherings, and Memorial Weekend barbecues.

Discover fresh seasonal produce, festive ingredients, and tasty snacks that are perfect for all your May celebrations! Find Melissa’s products in grocery stores nationwide or shop online at https://www.melissas.com/

Plus, plan your menus with ease by exploring their diverse recipe library: https://www.melissas.com/pages/recipe-categories

This episode also streams on Big Blend Radio’s popular "Big Daily Blend" Channel. Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Join us for a special National Tell a Story Day episode of Big Blend Radio’s BIG DAILY BLEND Show, featuring musician, producer, and cohost Joey Stuckey! From emotional instrumentals and heartfelt folk to energetic classic rock and storytelling country tunes, we dive into the world of music that tells stories.

Don’t miss our curated Songs That Tell Stories Spotify playlist here: https://tinyurl.com/yymew7md.

Joey Stuckey, known as the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia, the “Southern Rock Capital of the World,” is an award-winning blind guitarist, singer-songwriter, producer, and sound engineer. Learn more about Joey and his inspiring musical journey at https://www.joeystuckey.com/.

This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s popular channels: "Toast to The Arts" and "Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll." Explore and follow the Big Blend Radio Network of shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork.

Celebrate National Go Birding Day with this special episode of Big Blend Radio's "English Connection" show, featuring Glynn Burrows, owner of Norfolk Tours in England. Glynn shares his insights into birding in the UK, from spotting Kingfishers along the Norfolk Broads to witnessing Puffin colonies off the coast of Wales, and even catching breathtaking starling murmurations along the East Coast during migration season.

You can also read Glynn’s article about where and when to see the various birds that live in the British Isles and visit during the spring and autumn migrations: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/birding-in-the-uk/

Glynn appears on Big Blend Radio every fourth Saturday covering England as a travel destination as well as family history research. Follow his podcasts here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm2IK_1Zfh-xJ9eEVYhqqC3Z

This episode is also part of Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Nature Connection" podcast series. Explore our network of shows at: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

Think New York City is just skyscrapers and sidewalks? Think again! 🗽🌳 On this special Arbor Day (April 25) and National Go Birding Day (April 26) episode of Big Blend Radio, we chat with Ryan Mandelbaum—naturalist, science writer, and author of the beautifully illustrated new book, "Wild NYC: Experience the Amazing Nature In and Around New York City" (art by Chelsea Beck).

From red-tailed hawks in Manhattan to horseshoe crabs in Brooklyn, "Wild NYC" reveals over 130 species and shares insider tips for spotting them across all five boroughs. Part field guide, part trip planner, and part love letter to urban nature, this episode is your gateway to the city's most surprising wild side. 🌆🦉

Whether you're a bird watcher, urban explorer, or a curious New Yorker, Ryan shows you how to take a walk on the wild side of the City That Never Sleeps.

🎧 Tune in via our "Parks & Travel," "Nature Connection," and "Big Daily Blend" podcast channels. 👉 Explore more episodes: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 🌐 Learn more about Ryan Mandelbaum and "Wild NYC": http://www.ryanfmandelbaum.com/