A Toast to The Arts

The Gettysburg Cyclorama and Painters Philippoteaux

This episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick focuses on the Gettysburg Cyclorama depicting “Pickett’s Charge up Cemetery Ridge” at the Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. The innovative Gettysburg Cyclorama was the work of father-son painter duo Henri Philippoteaux (1815 – 1884), and Paul Philippoteaux (1846 – 1923). Read Victoria's article about it all here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/dioramas-cycloramas-and-the-painters-philippoteaux 
Victoria Chick is a contemporary figurative artist and early 19th/20th century print collector based in Silver City, New Mexico. Visit: https://victoriachick.com/ 
Victoria appears on Big Blend Radio every 3rd Saturday. Follow the podcast: https://tinyurl.com/3an38624 

Steve Schneickert - Iconic Dogs in Motion Pictures

In honor of National Dog Dad Day, this episode of Big Blend Radio features Steve Schneickert who recalls the Hollywood History of Iconic Dogs in Motion Pictures. Hear about canine film and TV stars Lassie, Asta, Toto, Rin Tin Tin, Marley, and many more. 
Steve dedicates this Hollywood History segment to his sweet pup Miss Bella Rose, who crossed over the rainbow bridge, Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Author Ann Bancroft - Almost Family

How do you find joy when faced with a terminal diagnosis? This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features debut author Ann Bancroft who tackles this theme with sharp humor and profound compassion in her new novel, “Almost Family, " that's out now through She Writes Press.
Featuring a rough-around-the-edges, quick-witted heroine who stumbles upon an unlikely, but necessary, found family; this debut deftly balances the existential questions raised by terminal illness with honesty and wry humor, reflecting the power of love to heal and foster growth even at the end of life. More at: https://annbancroftauthor.com/ 
More about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/ 

Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw - 19: The Musical

Celebrate Women's History, and Audiobook Appreciation Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw, creators of the groundbreaking new musical audiobook “19: The Musical.” 
Originally created and performed on stage, "19: The Musical" shares the dynamic and little-known story of Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland and the other suffragists who fought to get women the right to vote - The 19th Amendment. The inspirational story of these fearless women is brought to life through jazz, traditional musical standards style, spoken word, and hints of gospel. Alice Paul and the suffragist's fight for equality have been re-imagined for a new generation with a poignant and uplifting message that will resonate for years to come. 
Learn more: https://www.19themusical.com/ 

Artist Chelsea Bighorn in Saguaro National Park

This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features mixed medoa artist Chelsea Bighorn, the National Parks Arts Foundation's June 2024 artist-in-residence at Saguaro National Park in Tucson, Arizona.
Chelsea Bighorn was born and raised in Tempe, Arizona. Her tribal affiliations are the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes from Montana and the Shoshone-Paiute from Northern Nevada. Bighorn's work is the result of her combining traditional Native American design with elements from her Irish American heritage. Using this process, she tells her personal history through her art. Bighorn has shown her work at the Museum of Contemporary Native Art, SITE Santa Fe, The Balzar Gallery and her work is currently on display at The Center for Native Futures in Chicago, IL. She graduated with honors from The Institute of American Indian Arts in 2021 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts.  More: http://www.chelseabighorn.com/ 
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 

Johnny Schaefer - Celebrate Pride Month

Celebrate Pride Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast with award-winning vocalist and composer Johnny Schaefer. Enjoy this conversation covering the history of Pride Month and LGBTQ rights, music to celebrate Pride Month, and more.
Johnny Schaefer co-hosts the Big Daily Blend podcast every 1st Sunday. Keep up with him and his music at https://hearjohnny.com/ 
PRIDE MONTH MUSIC PLAYLIST* On YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/234jbn6h * On Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/yc72k36b 
PLUS, listen to last year's Pride Month Podcast with Johnny Schaefer, author Gayla Turner, and singer/songwriter Jill Knight: https://tinyurl.com/38jwd8jm 

Catching Up with Shelley King - Madam Mystic Album

Award-winning Texas singer-songwriter and musician Shelley King returns to Big Blend Radio to catch us up about her active touring schedule and her 10th album "Madam Mystic." This is the third album that she has collaborated on with John Magnie and Steve Amedée, members of the renowned New Orleans group, The Subdudes. She also worked with esteemed musicians and vocalists Eric Thorin, Cindy Cashdollar, Will McFarlane, Shawn Camp, Carolyn Wonderland, Greta Cornett and Phuong Nguyen, Matt Skinner, and Tim Cook.
Shelley King's decades-long journey in the music industry has been on her terms. She's taken on the roles of songwriter, band leader, studio producer, owner of her own label and publishing company, to self-release all of her work.  Her talent, energy, commitment to the craft, and service to the community led her to be recognized by the Texas Legislature and appointed Official Texas State Musician. She’s won several Austin Music Awards, and had her songs recorded by several internationally known musicians.  More at https://www.shelleyking.com/ 
This episode is featured on the following Big Blend Radio podcast channels: Big Daily Blend, Women Making History, A Toast to The Arts, and Rants, Raves & Rock 'n Roll. Keep up with our shows here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Author Leo Daughtry - Talmadge Farm

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, Leo Daughtry discusses his debut novel, "Talmadge Farm" that transports readers to the tobacco fields of 1950s North Carolina. It's a sweeping drama that follows three unforgettable families navigating the changing culture of North Carolina at a pivotal moment in history. 
"Talmadge Farm" (Story Merchant Books, June 4, 2024) reflects on the dreams and struggles of the American South, made more poignant by the author's personal experiences growing up among the tobacco fields of Sampson County, North Carolina, during periods of turbulent societal change. More at: https://www.leodaughtry.com/ 
Leo Daughtry is a life-long resident of North Carolina. After graduating from Wake Forest University and its School of Law, he established a private law practice in Smithfield, N.C. He was a member of the N.C. House and Senate for 28 years, including serving as House Majority Leader and House Minority Leader.