A Toast to The Arts

Greenwood, Mississippi: Music, Movies and Culinary Magic in the Delta

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Travel with Terri” Show, travel writer Terri Guthrie takes listeners to Greenwood, Mississippi, a historic Delta town where Southern charm meets culinary adventure. Known for its rich music history, cinematic fame as a filming location for “The Help,” and unexpected touches of luxury and hospitality, Greenwood offers visitors a soulful experience that’s both relaxing and inspiring.
Explore the walkable downtown, lined with boutiques, art galleries, and the irresistible aroma of Southern cooking. Stroll down Grand Boulevard, a mile-long stretch framed by stately historic homes, and discover the local landmarks connected to Bobby Gentry’s iconic “Ode to Billie Joe” and Blues legend Robert Johnson, whose final resting place lies nearby.
A highlight of the visit is the elegant Alluvian Hotel, where Southern hospitality meets boutique luxury. Guests enjoy spacious rooms, rooftop views, spa treatments, and delicious Southern breakfasts daily. Just steps away, the Viking Cooking School stirs up joy with hands-on classes ranging from pasta-making to Southern brunch. It’s an unforgettable experience for food lovers, couples, and friends alike—plus, guests can enjoy discounts at the Viking Gourmet Store next door.
Terri also spotlights Greenwood’s vibrant dining scene, featuring Fan & Johnny’s, helmed by James Beard-nominated Chef Taylor Bowen Ricketts, and Giardina’s Restaurant, a fine dining favorite with cozy private booths since 1936.
From music and movies to mouthwatering cuisine and Southern hospitality, Greenwood is truly the heart and soul of the Mississippi Delta.
📍 Plan Your Greenwood Getaway- Visit Greenwood: https://visitgreenwoodms.com/ - The Alluvian Hotel: https://www.thealluvian.com/ - Viking Cooking School: https://www.vikingrange.com/consumer/category/the-alluvian-viking-cooking-school - Visit Mississippi: https://visitmississippi.org/ 
🎧 Listen to "Travel with Terri" weekly: https://travelwithterri.podbean.com/ 
🎙️ This episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio’s Vacation Station, Eat, Drink & Be Merry, and Toast to The Arts podcast channels: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Celebrate Fall and Global Diversity

This episode of Big Blend Radio celebrates Fall, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Global Diversity Appreciation Month, embracing the rich traditions, flavors, and rhythms that bring people together around the world.
Award-winning vocalist and composer Johnny Schaefer  @hearjohnny  and his filmmaker husband Paco Silva share a warm and inspiring conversation about the power of cultural celebrations, the joy of food, and the universal language of music. From birthday customs and King Cake to myths, legends, and the arts, the discussion explores how traditions shape identity and strengthen community bonds.
They also touch on the resilience and authenticity that artists need in today’s creative world, while honoring influential cultural figures who inspire unity, creativity, and pride across generations.
🎵 Listen to the music playlists:- Hello October: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6MsNG24qzf2BCmNDa5UWYv?si=e54e9564e3784ae3 
- Songs That Celebrate Hispanic & Latino Heritage: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/13lB2AwcrN2j1rZ5A8ybGo?si=f70dc99155c1440e 
🌐 Learn more about Johnny Schaefer: https://hearjohnny.com 🎧 Listen to Big Blend Radio: https://bigblendradio.com 

Queen Esther on Gettysburg, Resilience, and Her Album Blackbirding

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Arts & Parks” podcast celebrates National Arts & Humanities Month with Queen Esther, who completed a National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artist residency at Gettysburg National Military Park in 2020.
Queen Esther reflects on her artistic journey, the emotional impact of her Gettysburg residency, and the themes of her upcoming album Blackbirding. The conversation delves into the historical significance of Gettysburg, the concept of blackbirding, and the power of art in preserving and conveying history. She emphasizes the resilience of the Black community and the importance of understanding the past to navigate the present and future.
The discussion also touches on the role of women in history and politics, spirituality in music, and the significance of artistic expression during challenging times.
🎵 The first single Hold Steady is available here: https://ffm.to/holdsteady 
🎵 Pre-save or order the full album Blackbirding here: https://ffm.to/qeblackbirding 
🌐 Learn more about Queen Esther: https://www.queen-esther.com 
🌐 Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation’s artist residencies: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org 

Author Jane Eisner: Carole King - She Made the Earth Move

In this inspiring Big Blend Radio conversation, journalist and author Jane Eisner discusses her new biography, "Carole King: She Made the Earth Move" (Yale Jewish Lives, Sept. 16, 2025). Eisner explores the extraordinary life and career of Carole King, from her humble beginnings in postwar Jewish Brooklyn to her rise as one of America’s most influential singer-songwriters.
The interview delves into King’s groundbreaking role in a male-dominated industry, her authentic and timeless songwriting, her struggles and triumphs as a woman balancing fame and family, and her activism on environmental and social issues. Eisner also highlights how King’s Jewish heritage and immigrant background shaped her artistry, and how her music continues to inspire themes of resilience, honesty, and hope across generations.
🎶 Carole King’s songs — from “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” to the Grammy-winning Tapestry album and beyond — remain beloved worldwide, and Eisner’s book offers a fresh, insightful perspective into the mind and soul of this legendary artist.
This interview is part of Big Blend Radio’s National Literacy Month programming, celebrating the power of books and storytelling. Through Jane Eisner’s biography of Carole King, we see how literature and journalism preserve the voices of cultural icons and inspire new generations of readers and music lovers alike.
📖 Learn more about Jane Eisner and her work at: https://jeisner.com/ 
🎧 Listen to more Big Blend Radio podcasts: https://www.bigblendradio.com/ 

Celebrating Life and Music: Joey Stuckey's Alive Day Concert 2025

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s Music Talks with Joey Stuckey (airing every 4th Sunday), we celebrate the 7th Annual Joey Stuckey Alive Day! Held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Mill Hill Community Arts Center in Macon, Georgia, Alive Day is a free, family-friendly music festival that celebrates Joey’s triumph over a childhood brain tumor, and the healing power of music.
Joining Joey in this conversation is his friend and fellow musician Diane Durrett, who is performing at this year’s event alongside Tom Rule, Charles Arnold, Caroline Aiken, and Liz Melendez. Hear about the meaning of Alive Day, the role of community and sponsors in supporting live music, and how music continues to uplift and unite people.
💻 Learn more at: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
🎶 Can’t make it in person? Watch the show live and free online at: https://volume.com/aliveday/ 
📺 Follow Big Blend Radio: https://www.youtube.com/@bigblendradio 

Director Matthew Bissonnette - Death of Ladies' Man

On this episode of Big Blend Radio, writer and director Matthew Bissonnette discusses his latest film, Death of a Ladies' Man, which is out now on VOD.
Starring Gabriel Byrne, Jessica Paré, and Brian Gleeson, the film follows hard-drinking, twice-divorced professor Samuel O’Shea as he faces a surreal journey through memory, regret, love, and unexpected transformation after receiving a life-changing diagnosis. Infused with the music and spirit of Leonard Cohen, Death of a Ladies Man is a poetic and emotionally charged dramedy that blends heartbreak, humor, and hope.
In this interview, Bissonnette explores themes of addiction, family, the influence of Leonard Cohen’s music, and the importance of weaving truth into storytelling. He also shares insights into the creative process and how the film captures the complexities of the human experience.
Watch the trailer: https://youtu.be/JQz1Am56-GQ?feature=shared 

On The Edge – A Musical Journey with Dave Bainbridge

In this episode of Big Blend Radio, musician and composer Dave Bainbridge discusses his powerful new solo album, On the Edge (of what could be). Blending folk, rock, progressive, jazz, and modern classical influences with lyrics in English, Scottish Gaelic, and Irish Gaelic, the album features an all-star cast of musicians including Simon Phillips, Troy Donockley, Sally Minnear, Iain Hornal, and more.
Dave shares insights on the themes behind the album—spirituality, connection, nature, hope, and collaboration—and reflects on how music serves as a bridge in a divided world. The conversation also explores nostalgia in music, the significance of the title track, and the vital role of community support for independent artists.
📀 Watch the official album trailer: https://youtu.be/JMiFXkID9go?si=M876WSN4PpKiZLJ5 🌐 Learn more: http://www.davebainbridgemusic.com 

The Life and Legacy of Artist Eric Gibberd

In this episode of Big Blend Radio’s World of Art podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick discusses the fascinating life and work of Eric Gibberd, an artist who found inspiration and success in New Mexico.
The conversation explores Gibberd’s early challenges, his artistic journey from London to the American Southwest, and the influence of Cézanne on his approach to form and abstraction. It also highlights the importance of artistic communities, education, and libraries in nurturing creativity, as well as the role of community engagement in shaping the future of local art initiatives and museums.
Read Victoria’s Article: The Life and Legacy of Artist Eric Gibberd (1897–1972): https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/the-life-and-legacy-of-artist-eric-gibberd-1897-1972/ 
About Victoria Chick:Victoria is a contemporary figurative artist, art historian, and the visionary behind the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center in Silver City, New Mexico. She also collects early 19th and 20th-century American prints.
More to Explore- Victoria’s Portfolio: https://victoriachick.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 
This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s Toast to The Arts channel.Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork