A Toast to The Arts

Success Insider with Author Matt Cost

So, what does it take to be successful as an author? This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Success Insider" spotlight features acclaimed author Matt Cost, who is known for his historical novels, Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery series, Clay Wolfe/Port Essex mystery series, and Brooklyn 8 Ballo mystery series.  His latest book, "Mainely Mayhem (A Goff Langdon Mainely Mystery)," is out today (Nov. 13, 2024). More: https://www.mattcost.net/ 
Enjoy the podcast and check out Matt Cost’s answers to our 10 Author Insider Questions about his writing career: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/author-success-insider-matt-cost/ 

Astrophotographer Stan Honda in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

This shared episode of Big Blend Radio's "Toast to The Arts & Parks" Show features acclaimed astrophotographer and photojournalist Stan Honda, the National Parks Arts Foundation's Fall 2024 artist-in-residence at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Stan Honda is an experienced photojournalist who now works with natural landscapes — usually night-time panoramas — that fuse sky and earth. Based in New York-based, he worked as a photojournalist for 34 years including Agence France-Presse (AFP) (the French news agency) where he photographed news and sports in New York City and around the U.S., including the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and the aftermath; post-war Iraq in 2003 and 2004. Stan was also the National Parks Arts Foundation artist resident at Haleakala National Park and Fort Union National Monument. More at https://stanhonda.com/ 
Learn more about the National Parks Arts Foundation's unique artist residency programs in parks across the country at https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/ 

Author Joanne Howard - Sleeping in the Sun

Celebrate the end of National Book Month and Family History with this episode of Big Blend Radio featuring debut novelist Joanne Howard. Hear about her historical fiction debut "Sleeping in the Sun" that was inspired by her family history and shares the story of how unlikely friends uncover the cruel reality of British-led India. 
Out now through She Writes Press, "Sleeping in the Sun" transports readers to the past where a young American and his Indian servant must face the reality behind a faithful family friend and the consequences of knowing this truth. It's a must-read for fans of "The Poisonwood Bible" and "The Inheritance of Loss." More at https://www.joannehowardwrites.com/ 

Author Joseph Bauer - Sailing for Grace

On this episode of Big Blend Radio's TOAST TO THE ARTS Show, award-winning author Joseph Bauer discusses his new novel "Sailing for Grace." The book shares the story of how a man’s promise to his dying wife leads him into uncharted waters as he confronts the realities of immigration at the US-Mexico border. 
Out now through Running Wild Press, "Sailing for Grace" explores the complexities of immigration and the effect current policies have on personal and family relationships. It's a powerful story of sacrifice and resilience, love, loyalty, and the unwavering pursuit of justice in the face of adversity. More at https://authorjosephbauer.com/ 
In celebration of National Book Month, this episode is also featured on Big Blend Radio's BIG DAILY BLEND Podcast Channel. Check out our network of shows, here: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork 

Stephen Dees and Pete Hewlett of Novo Combo - 45th West 55th

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Stephen Dees and Pete Hewlett of Novo Combo, the 1980s rock band known for their electrifying blend of rock and pop. Hear about their new album, 45 West 55th, and their reunion to make it happen. 
Novo Combo founding members include Stephen Dees (lead vocals/bass), Jack Griffith (lead guitar), Pete Hewlett (vocals/guitar), and drummer Michael Shrieve, who is a Rock n Roll Hall of Fame inductee for his mesmerizing 70s era drum work with Santana. Shrieve’s explosive performance with Santana, as a then 20-year old, on Soul Sacrifice at the original Woodstock, is widely regarded as one of the best live drum performances in rock history.
In the early 1980s, Novo Combo embodied a lively fusion of rock and pop; creating catchy, danceable tunes that captured the spirit of the era with their infectious melodies, punchy guitar riffs, and dynamic rhythms that captured the era's essence.  Out now on digital streaming platforms and CD through their label WildRoots Records, "45 West 55th" offers fans a nostalgic yet fresh musical journey. Visit https://www.wildrootsrecords.com/ 

Fall Exhibits and Experiences at DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun

On this shared episode of Big Blend Radio, Lance Laber, Executive Director of the DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun, talks about the fall exhibits and events you can experience at this Tucson landmark. 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, fall highlights include The Little Gallery that hosts visiting artists from the fall through spring, and, La Fiesta de Guadalupe in early December.
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/ 

The Art of Giant Sequoia Trees

Celebrate National Arts and Humanities Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's WORLD OF ART Podcast with artist Victoria Chick. Hear how wilderness exploration and science converged with the assistance of art in the 19th century to spread the fame of that giant among trees, the Sequoia. Read Victoria's article about it all, including how art helped protect and conserve what is now Sequoia, Kings Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks, here: https://nationalparktraveling.com/listing/the-art-of-the-giant-sequoia/ 
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 

Literary Happy Hour Hang Out

Celebrate October being National Book Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio's "Happy Hour Hang Out" Podcast Conversation that digs into the literary, plus, horse and dog, world of authors and writers, books and reading, libraries and bookshops, and the work that goes behind it all.
FEATURED GUESTS IN THE PANEL * MATT COST - Author of mystery & history at https://www.mattcost.net/ * CHERYL LEUTJEN - Geologist, environmental law attorney an author of "Love Earth Now" at https://cherylleutjen.com/ * KATHLEEN WALLS - Travel writer, and author of fiction and non-fiction at https://katywalls.com/ and https://americanroads.net/ * CHRISTY WOOD - World champion horse trainer, and author of horse fiction and non-fiction at https://wdnhorse.com/ * EVA ELDRIDGE - Travel and fiction writer, poet, and editor at https://evaeldridge.com/ * CB WILSON - Award winning author of nine Cozy Pet Mysteries at https://cbwilsonauthor.com/ 
PLUS, author, writer and editor Clifford Garstang shares a bit about his busy book life of events and happens. Follow him at https://cliffordgarstang.com/