KACV Producer's Post

In Case You Missed It.....

2011-08-23T11:26:00.001-05:00

Thanks for watching artZONE: Volume3 last Thursday night on KACV-TV. Just in case you missed it, it is available on our website kacv.org. You can also watch it below.

The episode, packed with original poetry from the Amarillo Public Library’s “open mic” poetry reading, the elegant pas de deux from The Lone Star Ballet’s “Lone star Trilogy” and the fantastic work done by the “15 and one” photography group, celebrates life past and present in West Texas.

The show brings art straight to you from all walks of life and all from right here in the Texas Panhandle. Enjoy the program and take a look at artZONE: Volume 1 and 2 as well. There’s also more to come when artZONE: Volume 4 debuts in December.

Watch the full episode. See more artZONE.

artZONE Volume 3 premieres tonight.....

2011-08-18T10:03:00.001-05:00

artZONE on KACV presents a wide range of artists living in our area who thoughtfully express themselves through dance, photographs and the written word. Watch artZONE: Volume 3 tonight on KACV-TV at 8, the 30 minute program features 9 poets from last February’s “open mic night” at the Northwest Branch library.

The KACV production crew captured the event as it happened with a room full of poets taking turns reciting their original work to an enthusiastic crowd. Some poems rhymed, some did not, some were short and some were not and the subjects ranged anywhere from love and loss to the BP oil spill.

artZONE: Volume 3 also features the beautiful pas de deux between Cynthia Ann Parker and Comanche Chief Peta Nocona, performed by Lone Star Ballet dancers for last April’s “Lone Star Trilogy”.

KACV’s artZONE was there for the debut performance of the original ballet written composed and choreographed by Panhandle people. It tells the story of three of the Panhandle’s historical figures: Cynthia Ann Parker, Mary Ann goodnight and Frenchie McCormick.

And, you’ll never see downtown Amarillo the same way again after looking at the2nd installment of the “15 and one” photography exhibit. A group of local photographers come together with a common theme and interpret it in their own way. This time around they chose downtown Amarillo. They drew their assigned locations out of a hat and then set out to capture the people and places that make up downtown A-town. The result reflects the diversity of the area as well as the diversity of the people behind the lens.

KACV’s artZONE, capturing creative moments as they happen here at home.

Enjoy the show and “like” us on Facebook and let us know what’s happening.

“Freedom Riders”, “Our Voices”… It’s Why We Are Here

2011-04-12T15:56:00.001-05:00

One of my favorite shows on KACV is American Experience and I am so excited for the debut of “Freedom Riders” in May.

As a companion to Freedom Riders, KACV offers “Our Voices”. These are the memories, observations and perceptions of some of Amarillo’s most notable Black civic leaders. They talk about the issues that are relevant to the African American community then and now.

It’s the projects like “Our Voices" that set KACV apart from commercial media. We have the time and the opportunity to collect the stories of our citizens and present them to our viewers. You can watch these clips on our website. Thank you for supporting Public media in the Texas Panhandle.

KACV wants to hear your Dust Bowl stories....

2011-03-25T15:17:00.000-05:00

Seventy six years after “Black Sunday”, the darkest day of the Dust Bowl era, people can still remember where they were and what they were thinking. If you, or someone you know, have memories of the “Dirty Thirties” the KACV-TV crew wants to hear from you. We are traveling to Hereford, Panhandle and Dalhart during the month of April, and we hope to collect as many stories as we can from area Dust Bowl survivors.

We want to add to our growing collection of interviews from area residents whose childhood recollections range from the humorous to the heartbreaking. These are stories that need to be documented and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to preserve this vital piece of our heritage. Here are the dates, times and locations for our road trips scheduled for April. More locations will be announced soon, Stay tuned.

Monday, April 11

9AM-Noon

Deaf Smith County Library

Hereford

Tuesday, April 12

9AM-Noon

Carson County Square House Museum

Panhandle, TX

Wednesday, April 13

10:00am – 2:00pm

XIT Museum

Dalhart, TX

The Exploration and Growth Continues.....

2011-03-10T10:19:00.002-06:00

It was an incredible experience for us to produce the program, “Can You dig It? Exploring and Growing at the Buried City”, and definitely one of the highlights was our final trip to Perryton when we visited KEYE radio for an interview with Sharon Ellzey. The KACV production crew was always warmly received by the residents of Perryton and the staff at Courson Archaeological Research and we were happy to present a DVD copy of the show to play at the premiere party for the 4-H group from Perryton and their parents. Special thanks go to Cathy Beal for putting the event together.

And, just in case you missed it on the air, it is now available on our website, kacv.org.

One of our goals in creating this program that focuses on the archaeological site near Perryton was to gear it for a younger audience in the hope that teachers will present the show in their classrooms. You will find an abundance of additional resources relating to the program on-line as well. Thanks for watching “Can you Dig It? And thanks for supporting Public Television in the Texas Panhandle.

Here's a clip of KEYE's Sharon Ellzey talking about the importance of KACV to the Texas Panhandle.

“artZONE” Volume 2 on KACV March 1st

2011-02-11T10:04:00.002-06:00

The second installment of KACV’s artZONE will premiere on March 1. This time around the show includes three different kinds of artistic expression: photography, the written word and music.

“Beowulf”, the Old English epic has captured the imaginations of its readers for centuries includeing that of author and poet, Donald Mace Williams. On December 12, 2010, “artZONE” was there when Williams read his narrative poem, “Wolfe” to an audience at the Carson County Square House Museum in Panhandle, Texas. “Wolfe” is an updated take on “Beowulf”, set during the early days of cattle ranching on the High Plains. Staying true to the time and meter of the original,Williams offers a suspenseful and engaging adaptation with a more familiar setting: the early days of cattle ranching on the High Plains. See “Wolfe”in its entirety at www.kacv.org/artzone, Be sure to let us know what you think.

Art is all Around

2010-12-13T11:53:00.002-06:00

There are so many reasons to love the Texas Panhandle, and the fact that we live among the talent we do is yet another.

The person behind you in the check out line at the grocery store enjoys fresh produce, and they are also an award winning poet. The guy who held the door open for you at the post office is a brilliant pianist or the couple sitting in front of you at church creates sculpture works out of metal.

When I interviewed James Gardner and Doug Storey at the recent FASO concert, they both noted the wealth of talent found right here in Amarillo and the surrounding communities. You don’t have to travel to Dallas or New York City to see quality art, you can find it easily here at home. And, if you can’t make it to an opening, a poetry reading or concert performance you can watch it on “artZONE”. Our goal, here at KACV, is to bring our viewers a sampling of what is out there in the arts community. With “artZONE”, we want to give everyone access to the abundant talent and creativity living and working here at home. Watch “artZONE” on TV, on your computer or on your mobile device, then become a part of the art and join us on Facebook.

Take a look at these clips from the recent FASO concert the KACV crew shot last September. Capturing expressive moments for all of us to share…”artZONE” is there.

The Art of the Matter

2010-10-06T15:21:00.002-05:00

The best part of my job as producer here at KACV is that there is always something new to learn. A few months ago, the term,” heritage seeds” meant nothing to me, but now I know they are used to grow a garden like the Native Americans planted around what is now Perryton, Texas.
(Watch kids from Peryton ISD as they plant an Indian Garden)

The KACV production crew is also hard at work gathering interviews from local Dust Bowl survivors. We’ll conduct interviews at the studio here on the AC campus on October 22nd. Then, in the coming months, we will travel to Dalhart, Perryton and Guymon to gather more stories.
(Pauline Durrett Robertson talks about her memories of the Dust Bowl)
While busy learning about the Dust Bowl and Indian gardens, we put the final touches on our program that aired last August, “Ben Konis: The Artist’s Artist”.
As we move into Fall, we will continue to focus on the arts in the Panhandle. Our newest program, “ArtZone” will focus on art in our region including but not limited to visual art, music and the written word. The KACV production crew will capture events as they happen for later broadcast as well as for the internet. We think art is important and we know there is a lot of it right here. Who else can bring it to you than KACV-TV? Look for “ArtZone” in December.

Living the Dream

2010-08-19T10:24:00.001-05:00

When you watch the newest locally produced KACV program, “Ben Konis: The Artist’s Artist”, You will see more than just the beautiful art executed by Master pastelist Ben Konis. You will also hear the story of a man who got to do exactly what he wanted to do and lived his life without compromise. He was someone who “had it all”. He knew it and he was grateful for it.

Be sure and watch the premier of “Ben Konis: The Artist’s Artist” on August 26th at 7 on KACV-Tv(channel 2.1) and explore this wonderful story of gumption, talent and beautiful, beautiful art.
Go to the KACV-TV YouTube site and watch a clip where Jinni Konis talks about the early years. Ben was not established yet and money was really tight.

In A Word

2010-06-07T15:25:00.004-05:00

There are many words that describe Master pastelist, Ben Konis. Bold, brilliant, charismatic, colorful all come to mind, but as we gather interviews for KACV’s newest locally produced program about Konis, the word “prolific” jumps to the top of the list. He was prolific, not only with his own work, but also with his ability to spread his knowledge and talent from person to person. Ask around, and chances are you or someone you know has taken or knows someone who has taken a class or workshop from Mr. Konis. Former students and friends of Konis from all over the country have sent emails and letters to us here at KACV and we have interviewed 3 local artists who studied under him. See what artists Len Slesick, Amy Winton and Yvonne Sangster have to say about their friend, teacher and mentor, Ben Konis.

Visit our You Tube page at: http://www.youtube.com/user/kacvtv

Earth, Wind and Art

2010-04-12T15:58:00.000-05:00

One of the coolest things about working for publick television is the variety of subjects we get to explore. Over the spring and summer, the KACV production crew will (among other things) travel to Perryton, Texas to document the progress of an Indian Garden, gather interviews with area Dust Bowl survivors and aquaint ourselves with the work of a prolific local artist.

The next KACV local production set to hit the air in September is the long awaited program featuring the life, art and influence of Ben Konis. He painted the Southwest and along the way made an impact on the lives of those he encountered.

If you knew Ben or were one of his students, I would like to hear from you. Feel free to email me with your impressions and stories about Mr. Konis.

One Night Only

2010-03-01T10:16:00.001-06:00

I am always a little bit nervous when a new KACV local program airs for the first time. I think of the scene in “The Muppet Movie” when the film goes off the reel in the middle of the show. Mass chaos ensues, but then they get things rolling again. I know nothing like that is going to happen, but I still hope that the audience is happy at the end of the program and that they take a minute to take in the abundant talent found right here in the Texas Panhandle. All of us here at KACV are honored to bring it to you. Remember, it's “Polk Street Jazz: One Night Only” on KACV-TV channel 2.1 - premiering March 1. Enjoy the show!

We’ve Got Tonight…

2010-02-01T08:56:00.001-06:00

In December, the KACV production crew turned a downtown loft space into a cool jazz haunt for a program that offers a selection of jazz tunes from every era. We are in the final stages of the editing process and “Polk Street Jazz: One night Only” will premiere March 1st. on KACV-TV.
But, at KACV we also like to educate while we entertain. To that end, “Polk Street Jazz: One Night Only” also features each member describing their instrument and its place in the group.
“One Night Only”, illustrates one night in the life of Polk Street Jazz. The show title speaks to the improvisational aspect of jazz and the freedom it allows a skilled musician to spread their wings.
As Jack Kerouac put it in “on The Road” when describing the jazz scene, , “they found it they lost it they found it again they laughed they moaned…, jazz is never the same thing twice. It may be the same song with the same players, but it is never quite the same.
Whether you are a “jazz” person or not, after watching KACV-Tv’s newest program, “Polk Street Jazz: One Night Only” premiering March 1st, I hope you take with you a wider admiration of the music as well as an appreciation for the pleasure these musicians derive bringing it to you.

His Life’s Work: Jim Holston’s Message of Hope Continues

2009-10-30T13:21:00.003-05:00

In the Fall of 2008, I was given the task of producing a program about Hospice care. I was determined to make it accessible to everyone and not let it get too depressing or overly sentimental. I thought a show about Hospice could very easily go that way. Then, I met Jim Holston, the man responsible for bringing the program, “Live Strong. Die Well.,” to the screen. He was an elegant man, charming and approachable with a gift for public speaking and a sardonic sense of humor. He spent over 2 decades in the Hospice field as a volunteer, an educator and finally as a patient. With passion and humor, he diligently spread the word about what Hospice is… and what it isn’t.

To that end, I talked to Jim extensively about his Hospice experience as well as other experts in the field who represent the Hospice team. After meeting these remarkable people, I knew that we, here at KACV, had a responsibility to present the truth about Hospice care for the benefit of not only those who are unaware of its attributes, but also for those who like Jim, work in the field as well as to the patients and families who have experienced Hospice and know what an exceptional community it is.

I asked Jim what he wanted to say with this program, what did he want people to take away from watching it. He said he wanted people to know that hospice is not a death sentence; it is not giving up, or failure, but a choice to live as long as you can on your own terms, surrounded by loved ones and without suffering. I am proud to have known him and hope after watching “Live Strong. Die Well.” You will see why.

Just Like Starting Over

2009-10-21T10:41:00.004-05:00

Last Sunday, I, along with my husband, my two sons (a 6 year old and a 9 year old) and their grandmother hiked the 6 mile round trip trek to “ the Lighthouse” at Palo Duro Canyon State Park. We had a lot of fun on the trail. We saw a couple of lizards sunning themselves (yes, it was hot), visited with our fellow explorers (including some “regulars” down from Canada) and even endured a tense moment or two (the bluff you climb to get to the Lighthouse is a bit dicey).

It is hard to put into words what a striking impression “the lighthouse” makes when you see it in person. Even more difficult is describing the feelings stirred up by such a sight. But, I think my kids provided a very apt description, “its huge!”.
After months of work on “The Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon”, the family outing was a perfect way to reach closure. We went to the park, got close to nature and stopped to appreciate what we have right here in the Panhandle.

Then, as we are winding our way up the canyon on to the flat road taking us home, I start talking to my kids about the music on the radio. As fate would have it, it's “All That Jazz” on FM90. We talk about the different instruments we hear in a song…a piano, a saxophone, the bass, drums…only then do I realize how things come full circle. My newest endeavor is to learn all I can possibly learn about jazz for the next KACV production about a seriously cool jazz quintet, Polk Street Jazz. Stay tuned.

What Happens Next?

2009-09-16T16:17:00.003-05:00

On Saturday September 12th, “The Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon” aird on KACV-TV. It was a wonderful feeling to see the results of our hard work fill the screen after many months of preparation, research, interviews, shooting, digging up pictures, building timelines etc. But, at the same time, it was kind of bittersweet because its over.

While Dale Robinson, Buddy Squyres and I put this show together, we learned a lot of things about Palo Duro Canyon and we also met a bunch of really cool people who in one way or another make the canyon a better place. They study it: like Gerald Schultz, Jeff Indeck and Lisa Jackson, they work in it: like Bernice Blasingame, Randy Ferris and Mark Hassell, teach others about it: like Peter Petersen and Susan Thompson or they perform in it: like Bill Anderson and Dean Kelley or in the case of Tom Christian, they call it home.
It was a privilege for us to bring the story of Palo Duro Canyon to our viewers. I know I will never think of the canyon the same way again.

In case you missed "The Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon”, it airs again on Tuesday September 22nd at 7:00. Enjoy the show and thank you for watching and supporting public television in the Panhandle.

I Heart Palo Duro Canyon

2009-08-31T11:56:00.003-05:00

How much do we love Palo Duro Canyon? I can tell you after about 6 months of “living” the canyon…I do. I am a West Texas native, but I was mostly unaware of the rich history living in the walls of our beautiful state park.
After studying the history, visiting the canyon countless times and interviewing experts on every aspect of the canyon, I have a new sense of admiration for our scenic wonder.
Pete Petersen brings up in his interview, “What did the Indians think when they first saw the canyon…was it a welcoming place? What did Charles Goodnight think?” I feel the presence of those who came before and I continue to be overwhelmed by the unthinkable amount of time it took the Prairie Dog Town fork of the Red River to form the canyon and reveal the hidden world inside.

Palo Duro Canyon is home to unique ecosystems, home to beautiful cliffs, ledges and hoodoos, home to an exceptional past and its right here in our home, the Texas Panhandle.

Watch the “Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon,then go to Palo Duro canyon and experience the place for yourself (all over again or for the very first time). And you too will “heart” Palo Duro Canyon.

A Natural Woman

2009-06-29T14:36:00.000-05:00

Since we started rolling on our latest local production, “The Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon”, I have met many remarkable individuals who give their time and/or resources to make Palo Duro Canyon a better place.

Meet Susan Thompson.
Susan, along with the other members of the Panhandle Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists are volunteers who provide education, outreach and services to the benefit of the natural lands of our region. She showed us a beautiful setting for our interview, the wildlife blind at Palo Duro Canyon. It’s a quiet (except for the birds) little alcove a short walk from The Trading Post. It’s a place that is calming to the senses complete with a trickle of water from a nearby fountain. Susan talks about how the Master naturalists built that area of the canyon and how important it is to take care of our public lands, like those at Palo Duro Canyon.

The Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon is set to air on KACV-TV in September. Stay indoors and celebrate the great outdoors with KACV-TV.

Full Moon Fever

2009-06-11T09:12:00.000-05:00

The full moon, the ghost stories, the fireflies…that’s just a sample of what a Palo Duro Canyon State Park visitor will discover when they set out on a night hike along the Juniper trail.

As my transformation to granola girl continues, I along with Dale and Monty from KACV and Andy and Jude (my granola sons) documented the full moon hike that the staff of Palo Duro State Park provides during the summer months.

For our upcoming program, “The Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon”, we captured Bernice Blesingame as she told 60 hikers about the “ghost horses” from the battle of Palo Duro Canyon. According to legend, campers can still hear the hooves and whineys of the Comanche horses that were shot by Col. Ranald Mackenzie and his men in 1874.

Maybe I will hear them too. I am going to spend the night in the canyon…in a tent, on the ground, no running water, no air conditioning. I’m still growing into my new “outdoor person” shoes, so I could use some advice on how to survive.

A Family Affair

2009-06-03T10:54:00.000-05:00

One of the coolest things about working for a TV station is that everyone on staff can be a part of the production, especially when it’s a show about something so close and so beautiful.

As Dale, Buddy, Donna and I continue gathering information and shooting interviews and footage of Palo Duro Canyon, other KACV staffers are getting in on the action. They are talking about camping, hiking, horseback riding and going to see “Texas” again. The common break room fodder around here is “I need to go out there again…it has been too long”.

Beside the show itself, the KACV family is working together on a very special “thank you” gift for the fall membership drive. The production, “the Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon is set to air in September so mark your calendar now.

How I Spent My Summer Vacation

2009-05-26T16:14:00.000-05:00

This is the summer I will spend in Palo Duro Canyon, not on vacation, however, but working on the next local production for KACV, “The Natural Wonder of Texas: Palo Duro Canyon”

People who know me know that I am not exactly the outdoorsy type. I am not anti-outdoors, I am just more of a city girl so I can honestly say that after living in the Panhandle for almost 40 years I have spent more time in our awesome state park in the last couple of months than in all of the other years put together.

Although we are only in the beginning stages of the production, I have experienced my fair share of nature and I like it. Even better than the canyon in all its glory is the wonderful people I have met so far as part of the process. I am looking forward to visiting with more nature lovers and experts as we take a look back through the years and retell the history of the canyon, starting at the bottom.