My TV debut - behind the scenes

My friend Kelly works at KEYC-TV in Mankato (yes, again, it's not what you know...). She called me last Wednesday and said she had good news. My news release sparked the interest of the midday anchor AND the Regional Spotlight anchor. Would I have time Friday to come in and promote my 10th Annual Holiday Concert live during the midday news and then pre-tape for the Regional Spotlight segment to run on Monday, November 19?

"Um, yes. Yes, I would," I told her calmly. Then I jumped up and down for a while in the living room. I woke up a sleeping Jingle Belle. She growled at me all squinty-eyed. Whatever, kitty. I'm sure she's just jealous.

I took the afternoon off work Friday, changed into something black and TV-worthy and hauled the Celtic harp to the studio. Setup began immediately.

That's Gordy, the wonderful cameraman adjusting the microphone.

A very, very, very big microphone...

Goodness.

Ahem. Anyway, there were sound checks, more sound checks, lighting adjustments, lapel microphone wrangling, positioning and then...

Breaking news. 

The president was taking over MY news slot to talk about the economic cliff. Seriously, you vote for a guy and this is how he thanks you? 

 We waited. And waited. 

 Kelly and I took self-portraits.

Marveled at the camera equipment.

And then the news was over. So we taped a segment to air Monday, November 12.

Me with the beautiful Lisa Cownie, midday anchor.

We did two takes because I said something really stupid and giggled, and then she stumbled over the name of my concert: "Harpist Amy Kortuem's 10th Annual To Drive the Cold Winter Away Holiday Concert." Yeah. Not that it's really long and confusing or anything...

And here is the result:

http://www.keyc.tv/story/20074208/harpist-amy-kortuem-to-host-holiday-concerthttp://www.keyc.tv/story/20074208/harpist-amy-kortuem-to-host-holiday-concert

Then after a quick change in setup (and a quick wardrobe change because we had to make it look like I'd come in on two separate days, though I'm kind of spilling that secret right now, aren't I...)

Jan Ellanson and I taped an edition of Regional Spotlight.

Closely monitored.

And playing out the show with "Deck the Halls."

You can see the results of this taping here (pre-show...just for you):

http://www.keyc.tv/category/201273/video?clipId=7941308&autostart=true

What a great experience, and I'm so grateful for the support and the exposure KEYC-TV gave me. I'm hoping it will bring the news of my concert to many, many people! Thanks, Kelly, Lisa Cownie, Jan Ellanson, Gordy the Cameraman and crew, and everyone at KEYC!