A Toast to The Arts

Novels and Short Story Collections for Holiday Gifts

Looking for the perfect book for those avid readers and bookworms in your life? Check out our Holiday Shopping chat with author, writer, and editor Clifford Garstang who gives an overview of his novels and short story collections that make idea gifts. More at https://cliffordgarstang.com/ 

Celebrate the Holiday Season at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

Featuring Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, this episode of Big Blend Radio focuses on holiday gift ideas, seasonal events and current exhibits at this Tucson landmark.
Hear about the annual La Fiesta de Guadalupe, held on Dec. 8, 2024, that honors Mexico’s patron saint with music, dancing and performances including mariachi bands, folklorico dancers, and Yaqui Deer Dancers. Piñatas filled with treats are hoisted hourly for the kids while vendors offer regional food, southwestern fare, and souvenirs. The event is free and open to the public. 
Plus, on Dec. 21, visit the Gallery from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m for an evening of music, art, wine, and hors de oeuvres at Noches de DeGrazia! While you enjoy the magical ambiance of the Gallery after dark,  enjoy last minute holiday shopping. Event is also free to attend.
Current exhibits featuring southwest artist Ted DeGrazia's work include, "Roadrunners," "Enamel on Copper Paintings," and “DeGrazia’s Textile Designs for Fuller Fabrics.” 
Along with the property's unique architecture and Ted DeGrazia's art, The Little Gallery is also host to visiting artists.
DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun is a 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: http://www.degrazia.org/ 
This Big Blend Radio "Tales of Ted DeGrazia" podcast airs every 4th Sunday. Follow the show here: https://ted-degrazia.podbean.com/ 

Celebrating Native American Music

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show with musician Joey Stuckey celebrates Native American musicians and music. 
CHECK OUT- Our Indigenous Voices music playlist on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/ydef7wup - National Association of Native American Music site that includes Nammy nominee music playlists, and performer history: https://www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com/  Co-host of Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Show every 4th Sunday, Joey Stuckey ‪is known as the Music Ambassador of Macon, Georgia "The Southern Rock Capital of the World." He's an award-winning blind guitarist, songwriter, singer, composer, producer, and sound engineer. More: https://www.joeystuckey.com/ 
Follow the BIG DAILY BLEND Show, here: https://big-daily-blend.podbean.com/ 

Author CB Wilson - Barkview Dog Mysteries

In perfect time for the holiday shopping season, this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Pet Connection" Show features award-winning author C.B. Wilson, who is known for her popular Barkview Dog Mystery series. Hear about her books, her Bat Dogs petition, and much more. Visit: https://cbwilsonauthor.com/ 
Plus, check out her fun song, "12 Days of Barkview Christmas" on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPMzjs0y7NM 
In celebration of the holiday gift giving season, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's "Big Daily Blend" and "Toast to The Arts" Podcast Channels. Follow the "Pet Connection" podcast at https://pet-connection.podbean.com/ 

Author Michael Wolk - DevilsGame

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Michael Wolk, author of the immersive cyber novel "DevilsGame," that's crafted for the digital age, merging traditional storytelling with cutting-edge technology. 
DevilsGame invites you to step into a world where your mobile device isn’t just a tool—it’s a gateway to a gripping, interactive story that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Follow the intense journey of Nathan Rifkin and Claire Bodine as they race against time to uncover a deadly conspiracy hidden within a viral mobile game. Its out now. Visit: https://devilsgame.com/ 

A Visit to Lucille Ball's Hometown

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s 3rd Monday “Food, Wine & Travel” Show with IFWTWA features travel writer Tamara MC who shares her adventures exploring comedic icon Lucille Ball's hometown in Chautauqua County, New York. 
Offering a unique blend of nostalgia, entertainment history, and small-town charm this adventure included a visit to the Lucy Desi Museum in Jamestown, along with the National Comedy Center, the Lucille Ball Memorial Park, Lucy's childhood home at 59 Lucy Lane, and Lake View Cemetery, Lucy's final resting place. More at: https://lucydesi.com/ 
Dr. Tamara MC is a seasoned travel journalist and cultural linguist from the United States with a track record of publications in high-profile lifestyle and travel outlets. With a keen focus on ecotourism, sustainability, wildlife, hiking, t cycling, gastronomy, and cultural tourism, Tamara brings a unique depth to her storytelling. Tamara has an impressive command of over eight languages and has ventured to nearly 80 countries, primarily solo. More at  https://tamaramc.com/ 
Learn more about the International Food Wine & Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA) here: https://www.ifwtwa.org/ 
Follow this Podcast Channel on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzIUCV2e7qm1chVylr9kzBMftUgBoLS-m 
This episode is also featured on our other Big Blend Radio channels: "Vacation Station," "Toast to The Arts," and "Women Making History." Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here:  https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Early Pottery of the Southwest

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick focuses on early pottery of the southwest including Arizona, New Mexico, West Texas, Southern Colorado, Southern Utah, and Northern Mexico. Read Victoria's article about it here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/early-pottery-of-the-southwest/ 
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://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/ 
This episode is also featured on our other Big Blend Radio channels: "Big Daily Blend," "Toast to The Arts," and "Way Back When." Check out our Big Blend Radio Network of podcasts here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Janine Kovac - The Nutcracker Chronicles

This episode of Big Blend Radio's 2nd Wednesday "Books & Authors" Show with Books Forward features award-winning author Janine Kovac who discusses her memoir, "The Nutcracker Chronicles," that blends her personal life with the events in ballet’s most famous show: “The Nutcracker.” 
Out now, "The Nutcracker Chronicles” tells the story of Janine’s pursuit of an elusive dream that compels her to endure blistered toes, weekly weigh-ins, second-hand pointe shoes, and constant insults from her directors. Why can’t you just dance like a pretty girl?  
JANINE KOVAC enjoyed a twelve-year career as a professional ballet dancer in Iceland, Italy, San Francisco, and her hometown of El Paso, Texas. She is the author of “Brain Changer: A Mother’s Guide to Cognitive Science” and “Spinning: Choreography for Coming Home." More at: https://www.janinekovac.com/    
More about Books Forward at https://booksforward.com/