This episode of Big Blend Radio's "Beyond the Stage" music series features members of Unleashed, a powerhouse tribute band dedicated to the legendary sound and spirit of Judas Priest.

Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Unleashed delivers an electrifying live experience that captures the raw power, soaring vocals, and iconic twin-guitar attack that defined Judas Priest’s late ‘70s and early ‘80s era — from Sad Wings of Destiny to Screaming for Vengeance and British Steel.

In this episode of the Beyond the Stage music series, hosts Mr. & Mrs. Wild sit down with band members including Jace Weddington (vocals), Gil Bush and Robbie Norris (guitars), and Owen Teague (bass) — with Joe Costa (drums) holding down the rhythm section, even if he’s missing from the conversation — to explore the band’s journey, musical influences, and the challenges of performing some of heavy metal’s most technically demanding songs. Recording was done on-location at Amos' Southend in Charlotte NC.

They also discuss the passion behind tribute performance, the dynamics of playing as a band, favorite tracks, and what fans can expect from their upcoming shows across the East Coast. With razor-sharp musicianship and a high-energy stage presence, Unleashed keeps the spirit of classic metal alive for a new generation of fans.

Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Wild — owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast — this episode celebrates the enduring power of live music and tribute artistry.

LINKS & RESOURCES - Unleashed (Tour Dates): https://unleashedjudaspriesttribute.com/ - Unleashed on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnleashedJudasPriestTribute/ - Unleashed on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unleashedtribute - Unleashed on YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@unleashed5544 - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/

Unleashed photo by Haily Weddington, courtesy Unleashed.

This episode of Big Blend Radio features Alan Rueda of the rising rock band Stone Whiskey, in conversation with music lovers and interview hosts Mr. & Mrs. Wild.

As part of the ongoing Beyond the Stage series, this episode dives into the band’s momentum in today’s rock scene — from upcoming tours and new music to their highly anticipated appearance on the Monsters of Rock Cruise.

Alan shares insights into Stone Whiskey’s latest projects, including new songs and album plans, as well as an exclusive EP tied to the cruise experience. He also discusses the excitement of touring — including dates with Enuff Z’Nuff — and what it means to perform for fans in unique environments like a rock cruise in the middle of the ocean.

The conversation also explores the business side of being in a band today, from merchandise and branding strategies to networking within the music industry and building a loyal fanbase through live performances and social media.

Hosted by Mr. & Mrs. Wild — owners of The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast and cohosts of Big Blend Radio’s "Adventures in Asheville" Podcast — this episode goes beyond the stage to highlight the drive, creativity, and hustle behind today’s rock artists.

LINKS & RESOURCES - Stone Whiskey Band: https://stonewhiskeyband.com/ - The Lion & The Rose Bed & Breakfast: https://www.lion-rose.com/

On this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Music Talks" Podcast with Joey Stuckey, we celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring the trailblazing women guitarists who have shaped music across generations.

From foundational pioneers like Sister Rosetta Tharpe, Mary Ford, Elizabeth Cotten, and Mary Ford, to influential artists such as Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, Dolly Parton, and rock icons like Joan Jett, Nancy Wilson, and Lita Ford, Joey explores their lasting impact.

The conversation also spotlights modern innovators and genre-bending artists including Bonnie Raitt, Susan Tedeschi, Samantha Fish, Sheryl Crow, St. Vincent, Orianthi, and H.E.R..

Together, these artists represent the depth, diversity, and innovation of women in guitar—from blues and folk to rock, Americana, and beyond—while also highlighting the challenges they’ve overcome and the legacy they continue to build.

🎧 Listen to our Women Guitarists Spotify Music Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4B3OAVC0AW60wF3i5SjLsZ?si=8ce204f42cb34fb2

🎶 Learn more about Joey Stuckey: https://www.joeystuckey.com/

Artist images courtesy of Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons. All images are used under their respective Creative Commons licenses. Photographers include Mandi Hall, Penguinstorm, Justin Higuchi, Skyerise, Stevie Rae Gibbs, Truejustice, Chris Hakkens, Jim Summaria, Zoran Veselinovic, David Gans, and Heinrich Klaffs.

In this shared episode of Big Blend Radio’s "World of Art" Podcast, artist and art historian Victoria Chick explores the vibrant art scene of Silver City, New Mexico, spotlighting the life and legacy of renowned artist Lois Duffy.

A key figure in establishing Silver City as a nationally recognized art destination, Duffy’s career spans from studying at Pratt Institute to exhibiting across the country and creating large-scale, imaginative works that blend realism with surrealist humor. Known for her innovative “cube paintings,” Duffy transforms two-dimensional painting into dynamic, multi-dimensional experiences that engage viewers from every angle.

The conversation also highlights the evolution of Silver City’s art community, local events and festivals, and the exciting development of the Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center, a project designed to elevate the region’s cultural impact and support artists for generations to come.

🔗 Read Victoria’s article on Substack: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/spotlight-on-artist-lois-duffy

🌐 MORE TO EXPLORE - Lois Duffy: https://www.loisduffy.com/ - Southwest Regional Museum of Art & Art Center: https://www.southwest-art-museum.org/ - Visit Silver City: https://visitsilvercity.org/ - Artist Victoria Chick: https://victoriachick.com/ - World of Art Podcast: https://worldofart-victoriachick.podbean.com/

🎧 This episode also appears on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts, "Big Daily Blend," and "Women Making History" podcast channels. Discover more: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In celebration of National Reading Month, this episode of Big Blend Radio features award-winning author and attorney Paul Coggins, discussing his latest legal thriller "Chasing the Chameleon", released March 6, 2026.

A former U.S. Attorney and nationally prominent criminal defense lawyer, Coggins brings real-world experience to his gripping fiction. In "Chasing the Chameleon," Dallas defense attorney Cash McCahill is forced into a dangerous game with a drug cartel, leading him to assume a new identity while racing to stop a series of violent attacks targeting vulnerable communities.

In this insightful conversation, Coggins shares how his legal career shapes his storytelling, the realities of defending high-stakes clients, and the challenges of writing authentic courtroom drama. He also discusses character development, the influence of classic legal and mystery figures, and his hopes of bringing the Cash McCahill series to television.

🔗 Learn more about Paul Coggins: https://paulcogginsauthor.com/

Celebrate National Craft Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Quiltripping Travel with Rose” podcast, featuring travel writer, photographer, and textile enthusiast Rose Palmer who explores the fascinating connection between travel and textile arts. Known for her "Quilt Tripping" adventures, Rose shares how journeys around the world inspire creativity, cultural understanding, and new perspectives in quilting and crafts.

From the colors and textures found in global markets to traditional techniques like Japanese shibori and sashiko, Rose discusses how textile traditions reflect the stories, heritage, and identity of communities around the world. She also talks about craft-focused travel experiences such as quilting cruises, retreats, and workshops that bring makers together through shared creativity.

Hear how exploring local crafts deepens travel experiences, how quilts can tell powerful cultural stories, and why art and craft remain universal languages that connect people across borders. Rose also shares helpful tips for traveling with your craft supplies and finding meaningful craft experiences while exploring new destinations.

📖 Read Rose’s Article on Substack: https://bigblendarts.substack.com/p/creative-travel

🌐 Explore More from Quiltripping: https://quiltripping.com/

📰 Check Out the “Quiltripping Travel” Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/QUILTRIPPING-TRAVEL-WITH-ROSE-MAG/

🎧 Subscribe on Podbean: https://quiltripping-travel.podbean.com/

📲 This episode is also on Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts," "Vacation Station," and "Big Daily Blend" Podcast Channels. Explore the Network: https://www.podbean.com/podcast-network/bigblendradionetwork

In this heartfelt episode of Big Blend Radio, we talk with filmmaker, musician, and theater director Búi Dam about his powerful new documentary Birita, premiering at the renowned documentary festival CPH:DOX.

The deeply personal film follows Búi’s mother, celebrated Faroese actress Birita Mohr, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. In an extraordinary act of love and artistic exploration, Búi attempts to bring her back to the stage to perform King Lear, exploring whether creativity, music, and performance can reconnect memory, identity, and joy.

Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Faroe Islands, the film captures a family of theater-makers navigating caregiving, artistry, and resilience. The documentary reveals how storytelling, music, and family bonds can illuminate the human spirit—even as memory fades.

In this conversation, Búi shares the inspiration behind the film, the emotional journey of documenting his mother’s story, the role of music and art in Alzheimer’s care, and how personal storytelling can help raise awareness and compassion for families facing dementia.

🎬 Learn more about the film: https://biritafilm.com

🎥 CPH:DOX Festival: https://cphdox.dk

📲 Follow the film on social media: @biritafilm

Through a moving blend of art, music, and family storytelling, Birita reminds us that emotional memory, creativity, and love can endure—even in the face of Alzheimer’s.

Celebrate National Reading Month with this episode of Big Blend Radio’s "Toast to The Arts" Podcast where we dive into the fascinating world of mystery writing and crime fiction with the Tucson Sisters in Crime who will be attending the upcoming Tucson Festival of Books (March 14-15, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona).

Featured guests include writer and editor Eva Eldridge, and authors Marty Eberhardt, D.R. Ransdell, Paula Winskye, and Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski, who share insights into their latest books, the creative process behind crafting crime stories, and the inspiration they draw from real places, history, and human psychology.

From the symbolism hidden within mysteries to the role of humor and dark themes in crime fiction, this lively discussion also highlights the power of author networking, the publishing journey, and the excitement surrounding one of the country’s premier literary events.

LEARN MORE: - Eva Eldridge: https://evaeldridge.com/ - DR Ransdell: https://www.dr-ransdell.com/ - Marty Eberhardt: https://martyeberhardt.com/ - Anna Dalhaimer Bartkowski: https://annabartkowski.com/ - Paula F. Winskye: http://www.winskyebooks.com/

The Tucson Festival of Books takes place at the University of Arizona and is one of the largest book festivals in the United States, bringing together authors, readers, and publishing professionals for a weekend of panels, book signings, and literary celebration. More: https://tucsonfestivalofbooks.org/

The Tucson Sisters in Crime is a Southern Arizona chapter of the international organization Sisters in Crime, featuring authors, writers, readers, librarians, editors, publishers, agents, and booksellers with a passion for the mystery genre. More: https://www.tucsonsistersincrime.org/