Cracked Nut Creatives: Multimedia Art & Music at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park

This episode of Big Blend Radio’s “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Show features members of Cracked Nut Creatives, current National Parks Arts Foundation (NPAF) artists-in-residence at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Blending classical music, multimedia storytelling, and environmental awareness, the artists explore the powerful relationship between music, nature, and place. Through their residency experience, they share how volcanic landscapes, natural soundscapes, and cultural heritage influence artistic interpretation and creative expression. The conversation highlights how engaging with nature can deepen artistic perspective, expand sensory awareness, and foster empathy—an essential element in all art forms. From composing and performing music inspired by the environment to creating immersive multimedia projects, these artists demonstrate how national parks serve as living studios for innovation and storytelling. This episode also underscores the importance of preserving both natural and cultural heritage, and how artist residencies play a vital role in connecting audiences to the landscapes that inspire creative work. FEATURED ARTISTS  CRACKED NUT CREATIVES * Carlin Ma (Pianist & Multimedia Artist) Website: https://carlinmamedia.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlinma_  * Joshua Nakazawa (Cellist / Composer) Website: https://manamusichawaii.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manamusichawaii/  * Sam Paris & Carlin Ma (Cracked Nut Creatives) Website: https://www.crackednutcreatives.com/  🎬 Glacial Ice Cave Music Video: https://youtu.be/RAWwbaERf04? si=qq_O3iKRSNDlQotP NPAF, PODCAST & MAGAZINE * National Parks Arts Foundation: https://www.nationalparksartsfoundation.org/  * “Toast to The Parks & Arts” Podcast: https://parks-arts.podbean.com/  * "Artists in Parks" Digital Podcast Magazine: https://online.fliphtml5.com/yhwzg/qryf/