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.
Monday, April 12, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
One Night Only
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!
Monday, February 1, 2010
We’ve Got Tonight…
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.
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.
Friday, October 30, 2009
His Life’s Work: Jim Holston’s Message of Hope Continues
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.
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.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Just Like Starting Over
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.
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.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
What Happens Next?
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.
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.
Monday, August 31, 2009
I Heart Palo Duro Canyon
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.
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.
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