Behind the Bower

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with Jay, Executive Director of the Bedford Area Educational Foundation. Jay reflects on his journey back to Bedford County and explains the foundation’s mission to strengthen local public education through grants that fund creative classroom projects and mental health initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the value of both community and...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood sits down with Spencer Blankenship and Stuart Scales of New Standard Bluegrass. They talk about their personal journeys into music, the artists who shaped their sound, and how their band came to be emphasizing the role of tradition, creativity, and community in bluegrass. The conversation explores their dedication to keeping the genre alive...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with Desiree, Lisa, and Madeleine from Little Town Players to discuss their upcoming production of The Diary of Anne Frank. The conversation delves into the casting process, the emotional depth of live theater, and the vital role of community involvement. The guests offer personal reflections on portraying real-life stories, the spirit of...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood sits down with Liberty High School art teacher Miss Friedewald and her students, Gwen and Ava. Together, they explore how art nurtures creativity, empathy, and community, sharing personal insights from their artistic journeys and the influence of art in their lives. The discussion highlights art’s vital role in education encouraging...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with multidisciplinary artist Veronica Jackson juror and judge for the Bower Center’s 13th Annual National Juried Exhibition. Veronica discusses her artistic journey, her approach to curating exhibitions, and her vision for expanding the Bower Center’s makerspaces. The conversation delves into art as a powerful form of expression, the value...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, Lauren Hood sits down with Mackenzie Caun and Chandler Hood from Sentry Equipment, the title sponsor of the “Art of Pairing: Martini and Moonshine” fundraiser. They talk about Sentry’s role as a local manufacturer, their dedication to community involvement, and the value of supporting the arts. The conversation delves into Sentry’s charitable efforts, company...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren sits down with James and Bryan, directors at Sentry Equipment & Erectors, Inc. in Forest, Virginia. They discuss their career journeys, Sentry’s cutting-edge conveyor and packaging systems, and the company’s culture of adaptability and transparency. The conversation also explores Sentry’s strong community involvement, recent hiring...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Susan Martin talks with Nicole Johnson, Bedford County’s Director of Tourism, about the role arts and culture play in building community spirit and drawing visitors. They discuss the impact of events like the Festival of Trees, spotlight Bedford’s growing arts scene, and share details on what’s ahead, including new exhibits, youth programs, and the...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with Bedford native and writer Hedron McCormick, along with resident artist Lori Stetson of the Bower Center. The conversation touches on Hedron’s return to Bedford, her short story Look for Sharp Top, and the creation of a commissioned artwork inspired by her writing. Together, they explore themes of home, community, and the ways art and...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood sits down with Zach McDonald, bassist for the Lenny Marcus Trio. Zach reflects on his musical journey, from early band days to becoming a jazz performer, highlighting the impact of his mentors, the shift from brass to bass, and the trio’s distinctive, conversational sound. He shares perspectives on jazz improvisation, the art of storytelling...