The Artists’ Blend Austin Jeffrey Smith and Easton J. Curtis

Arts and entertainment take many forms all over the world. American culture tends to categorize certain types of performance as “just entertainment,” but not “art.” What is the reasoning for these categories, and why are some forms of entertainment viewed as lesser than? We’re asking today: where is the line between art and entertainment? And to clarify, though we often utilize the royal “we” in this discussion, we by no means are stating our personal opinions on classifying certain things as “non-art,” or lesser than. While in this episode we discuss the general stereotypes of the populous that perhaps cruise line performances, Vegas shows, or theme park entertainment is “low art” or of low artistic value, we do not adhere to these generalized perceptions. We highly value all forms of artistry and entertainment, and encourage you to as well!

Ep. 42 - “This is… Yuka Notsuka” (Dancer, Performer, Educator)
Joining us today is our new acquaintance and fellow artist Yuka Notsuka! Easton met Yuka doing a Magic Kingdom contract for the 2023 holiday season and she is just amazing! We loved talking with her about her experience as a freelance artist and hearing her personal stories of how she got to be the artist she is today. So, strap in, grab those mugs, and come meet Yuka!
Yuka’s Bio:
Yuka Notsuka is from Fukuoka, Japan and is based out of New York City.  She is a graduate of The Ailey School’s Scholarship program and continues to train and educate others at Luigi’s Jazz Centre under her mentor, Francis J. Roach. Her credits include CATS: Broadway North American Tour: Victoria | South Pacific National Tour: Liat | An American in Paris National Tour.  She also served Bob Fosse’s DANCIN’ Broadway production as its Choreographic Reconstruction Assistant.  Production Company work has seen her at Walt Disney Live Entertainment, Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, Ailey Spirit Gala Concert at Lincoln Center and Universal Studios Japan.

Our coffee today was Foxtail Coffee Co.’s Yirgacheffe - check them out HERE!
To get your VocalMist Portable Nebulizer, click here!
For more, follow us on social media and join our mailing list: https://linktr.ee/theartistsblend
Want to try fresh, roast-to-order coffee? For 10% off Carver coffees and teas, click here: https://www.carvercoffee.com/?ref=theartistsblend
Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/AustinAndEaston

Ep. 41 - “Setting The Scene” (The Art of Theatrical Scenic Design)
Lights fade on the stage, the show is about to begin, then suddenly you see…the scene where it all takes place! That’s right folks, today's episode is all about Scenic Design in the Theatre! We, being enthralled with set designs, discuss some of our favorite shows and the spectacles and fascinating aspects we notice or know and love. Grab those mugs and join us in the discussion!
Our coffee today was Orlando Coffee Roasters Papua New Guinea - check them out HERE!
To get your VocalMist Portable Nebulizer, click here!
For more, follow us on social media and join our mailing list: https://linktr.ee/theartistsblend
Want to try fresh, roast-to-order coffee? For 10% off Carver coffees and teas, click here: https://www.carvercoffee.com/?ref=theartistsblend
Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/AustinAndEaston

Ep. 40 - “Job Vs Hobby” (The Difficult Balance of Pursuing a Passion)
This close to thanksgiving, we’ve all heard the questions, “How's that “acting” hobby going?” Well, it’s a discussion that can go on and on; yet it's still worth having. Join us in our breakdown of the struggle in our own lives of making our artistry either a hobby or job... or both? Strap in, grab those mugs and listen in!
Our coffee today was Black Brew Bros’ Dominican blend - check them out HERE!
To get your VocalMist Portable Nebulizer, click here!
For more, follow us on social media and join our mailing list: https://linktr.ee/theartistsblend
Want to try fresh, roast-to-order coffee? For 10% off Carver coffees and teas, click here: https://www.carvercoffee.com/?ref=theartistsblend
Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/AustinAndEaston

Ep. 39 - “This is…Amanda Pereira” (Actor, Writer, Podcaster)
Joining us today is our special guest, now friend, Amanda Pereira! A little bit about our Artist:
Amanda Pereira (She/Her) is a Toronto-based actor, writer, and award-winning podcaster. She is a graduate of the Second City Conservatory program, the Bad Dog Theatre Studio series, and has studied performance and comedy across North America. Amanda hosts the awarding-winning Liquid Courage Podcast where she interviews creative folks that she admires, using some “liquid courage” in the form of her guest’s favorite drink to help her ask the questions she’s dying to know. Liquid Courage won the Canadian Podcast award for Outstanding Debut of a Series, has been featured in the Toronto Star, and Amanda is currently a part of the Hot Docs Podcast Career Accelerator Program.
Amanda was an absolute joy to have on our show and we can't wait for you to listen in - so grab those mugs and join us for a fun, entertaining, and at times deep discussion filled episode!
Our coffee today was Just Love Coffee’s Whole Lotta Love - check them out HERE!
To get your VocalMist Portable Nebulizer, click here!
For more, follow us on social media and join our mailing list: https://linktr.ee/theartistsblend
Want to try fresh, roast-to-order coffee? For 10% off Carver coffees and teas, click here: https://www.carvercoffee.com/?ref=theartistsblend
Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/AustinAndEaston

Ep. 38 - “Ghostlight Stories” (Spooky Tales of Haunted Theatres)
Happy Halloween one and all! In today's episode we share spooky tales of theaters both small and large! So, grab your candy and those mugs and join us! OoOoOohHhH!!!
Our coffee today was High Brow coffee - check them out HERE!
To get your VocalMist Portable Nebulizer, click here!
For more, follow us on social media and join our mailing list: https://linktr.ee/theartistsblend
Want to try fresh, roast-to-order coffee? For 10% off Carver coffees and teas, click here: https://www.carvercoffee.com/?ref=theartistsblend
Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/AustinAndEaston