Ann DeLong

June 30, 2026 9:49am 39 min

Akeylah Simone

June 02, 2026 3:54pm 34 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan interviews Virginia-based singer-songwriter Akeylah Simone ahead of her free concert at the Bower Center for the Arts on June 13th. Akeylah shares her lifelong connection to...

Beverly Schideler

May 19, 2026 9:41am 29 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan welcomes Beverly, a local artist and new instructor at the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, Virginia. Beverly shares her artistic journey spanning 45 years, from childh...

Jefferson Forest High School

April 21, 2026 3:53pm 36 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan speaks with Jefferson Forest High School art teacher Jennifer Tomkins and student artists Mayah and Sam about the Bedford County Public School High School Art Show. Mayah sh...

Programs and Community Relations Manager: Anna M. Filiaggi

April 07, 2026 9:34am 23 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with Anna, the Bower Center’s new Programs and Community Relations Manager. She talks about her background as a fine arts graduate, with a focus on painting, drawi...

Chris Magee

March 24, 2026 9:34am 26 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan interviews Chris, music director of the Big Band of the Blue Ridge. Chris shares his musical journey, the band’s evolution, and its connection to the Bower Center For The Ar...

Linda Hollett-Bazouzi

March 17, 2026 8:48am 38 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan honors the late Sarah, the Bower Center’s founding executive director. He welcomes Linda, an accomplished artist and judge for the 12th Annual Currie Bower Exhibition, to di...

Staunton River High School

February 24, 2026 3:38pm 22 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren speaks with Staunton River High School senior Isabel and art teachers Emily and Bobby about the transformative role of art in education. They discuss how art fosters self-...

Paddy Dougherty

February 10, 2026 9:42am 36 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood interviews Patty Daughtry, a beloved local singer-songwriter and storyteller. Patty shares her musical journey, from growing up in a musical family to her deep ties w...

2026 Overview

January 13, 2026 9:43am 34 min

In this special 20th anniversary episode, the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, Virginia, highlights its rich history, mission, and vibrant programming. Executive Director Ryan Steffen, joined by Susan Martin and Lau...

Olivia and Eric Fletcher

December 16, 2025 9:50am 44 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan Executive Director of the Bower Center for the Arts sits down with Olivia and Eric, a husband-and-wife duo devoted to arts education. Olivia reflects on her path from hobby ...

Wynn Creasy and C.W. Markham III: Christmas Cabaret with a Twist

December 02, 2025 9:47am 33 min

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan interviews Bedford natives Win Creasey and C.W. Markham III, stars of the sold-out "Christmas Cabaret with a Twist." They discuss their musical backgrounds, the collaborativ...

Jay White

November 18, 2025 9:32am 30 min

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 t...

New Standard Bluegrass

November 11, 2025 9:44am 30 min

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...

Desiree Baughman, Lisa Butler, and Madeline Bedrosian with Little Town Players

November 04, 2025 9:53am 42 min

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 castin...

Bedford County High School Art Show

October 28, 2025 3:08pm 32 min

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 commun...

Veronica Jackson

October 21, 2025 9:48am 29 min

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 journ...

Mackenzie Caun and Chandler Hood from Sentry Equipment & Erectors, Inc.

October 14, 2025 9:25am 22 min

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’...

James Lasley and Bryan Wolk from Sentry Equipment & Erectors, Inc.

October 07, 2025 9:31am 21 min

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 ...

Nicole Johnson, Director of Tourism for Bedford County

September 30, 2025 9:46am 32 min

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...