Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Great video!

Here is a great video regarding the (r)evolution of media. It takes a look at print, radio, TV and citizen journalists/ bloggers.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

KJ 97

The one thing I will definitely remember from the KJ 97 interview with "Kactus" Lou Ramirez is his hardy laugh. Lou and Cleto were able to play naturally off each other. Lou quite frequently has comedians in studio, so his timing and wit are well excercised!

The KJ office is lined with platinum albums which is quite usual in a radio station. One interesting album cover was that of Kenny Chesney. I agree with Lou... Who would have thought millions of screaming women would find this goofy little boy attractive?


Wait, wait... here's a better photo!


Fetal position. Santa hat and khakis. THIS is what drives middle America wild?!

I'm sure he's a great guy, but my eternal visual of Kenny is catching him at the Kentucky State Fair while trying to find our way to the Peter Frampton stage. (Yes. Frampton. I admit it. Ooh baby I love his way.) I just remember mistaking Chesney for a sickly oiled-up little boy.

Anyhoot, thanks for taking time out of your afternoon to spend time with us, Lou!

KJ 97's Lou Ramirez with Cleto.

Bonus information: On our way out, we swung by to see if Bree was at her desk. Sadly she was not... but her Christmas Story leg lamp was!


Fra-gee-lay. That must be Italian.

KONO

We got to visit with golden voice Dave E. Rios of KONO 101.1. Another energetic gent! He shared about how sometimes being in a closed space, "talking to yourself" on the radio, one often takes for granted the influence you have on your audience.

Dave shared how once a recently naturalized citizen came up to him during an appearance to let him know that listening to his morning show taught her the pledge of allegiance! [Dave always plays the pledge of allegiance and the Texas flag pledge during his morning show.]

Ever since that moment, he said he realized that his gift is radio and radio is his ministry. Let us not forget that people are always around us observing our actions.

Cleto with KONO's Dave E. Rios

I'm a fan of Dave's sign off: Yesterday is history, tomorrow's a mystery, today is a gift... That's why it's called the present!

Magic 105.3

When I think of Magic 105.3, many memories fill the mind:

The catchy line "Every little thing she does is magic" by The Police.

The breathy "oh ho ho it's magic, you knoooow" pop tune by UK band Pilot from the mid 70s.

My friends Laurie and Eric's mother, because they used to joke she would wear "the best of the 70s, 80s and today" (one of Magic 105.3's slogans from the 90s.)

Well now we've got a new memory: Hanging out with Joe Caruso of The New Joe and Karen Show! Joe interviewed Carlos and Cleto. It was great because Joe was familiar with Cleto's comedy, so it made for a great interview. The interview will air Friday, Dec. 12 during the 7 a.m. hour, so tune in to 105.3 FM!

Joe, Cleto and Carlos ready to get the photo over because the camera wasn't picking up the prior logo in the background.

After the extended session, Joe escorted us out to the lobby where we stood in front of the office Christmas tree while producer David tried to fiddle with the flatscreen to project the Magic logo in the background. Unfortunately after all that hard work, we ended up just going with old-fashion signage because I'm a putz. Thanks for the effort though, David!

Fox News First

We had to haul right after the 99.5 KISS interview to KABB's Fox News First. When we entered the TV lobby, we were greeted with a room full of guys in camouflage. How... unexpected! It turns out they were a jazz band from Fort Sam Houston in-studio to promote their free public concert on post.

Due to the many guests, Carlos and I had to watch the interview in the lobby while Mickey and Cleto got rushed to the studio. (We were pressed for time, remember?) It turns out that Cleto and co-anchor Monica Taylor had unintentional complimentary outfits. Happily married Monica mentioned during crosstalk to happily married Cleto that she felt they needed to go out on a date because they matched, to which Cleto's wife texted "over my dead body!" Cute!

After the interview, Carlos and I rushed into the studio to snap a quick photo of the gang. It was hot in therre. (As opposed to Nelly's "so hot in herre.") It was the perfect opportunity to pull a, "Is it hot in here? Or is it me?" line in front of the soldiers.

What's that? It's hot because of the studio heater?

Mmm-k.

I'll... just... snap the photo.

Mickey, Monica, Cleto and Ernie on the set of KABB's Fox News First

It is always a pleasure to spend the morning with Monica and Ernie Zuniga! Looking forward to seeing them again soon.

Lisle and Hahn in the Morning

Another early morning! Mickey, Cleto and I arrived at 99.5 KISS FM studios early Wednesday morning. Mickey made a pit-stop at a local taquería to pick up some barbacoa tacos for the Lisle, Hahn and Kelly Kendall. Back when Mickey and Gibby were promoting their acclaimed short film "Barbacoa" (which went on to land them a deal with Nickelodeon for The Brothers Garcia), they did a barbacoa and Big Red media tour. Smart! As die-hard Cevallos Brothers supporters, Mickey continues the tradition with Lisle and Hahn.

Producer Carlos Maestas and I hung out in the producer's booth during the two interview segments. The phone screener Lauren was very busy. Boy can that girl multi-task! Taking song requests, telling callers that the contest would be happening later, as well blocking out the Magic 105.3 producer screening contest phone calls next to her.

Mickey, Kelly, Steve Hahn, John Lisle and Cleto after two great segments with the famed rock station.

Lilse and Hahn are an institution in San Antonio. I really, really like their voices. They make me want to pick up smoking... but I won't since my lung capacity is already pretty bad.

By the way, my friend Laura married a gent named Hans. Sometimes I mismatch Laura and Hans' name with Lisle and Hahn.

I'm a bad friend.

Great Day SA

Cleto Rodriguez of "The Cleto Show" and I got caught up in traffic enroute from The Woody show to prior to Great Day SA. (The only thing better than 410 at 8 a.m. is 410 at 5 p.m.) Luckily director/ producer Mickey Cevallos of Cevallos Brothers Productions had taken off earlier to the studio, so he was on-time.

The show's rundown included a husband/ wife team making pork tamales (tamale masa= enemy/ lover/ hater/ friend), a personal trainer and the John Marshall High School choir. The choir kept singing "Carol of the Bells," one of my Christmas favorites! Couldn't help but mentally follow the baseline. Unfortunately the tamale folks didn't take a cue from Oprah and have a dozen waiting under the studio audience's chairs. Ho-hum.

Tidbits: Because Cleto had driven 14 hours to a gig the day before, he fell alseep in the audience prior to the segment. The clapping startled him awake. Mickey had driven his dad to the studio for the interview. Mr. Cevallos is ever-bit as much of a celebrity as his sons are around that set!

Great Day SA's guests get situated during the show's last break prior to the choir performance.

Let me introduce you to a few folks: Host Bridget Smith (pink), as always, was so great and as always- so gracious. I respect Eileen Teves (green) because she too has done time in West Texas... and she's also a half marathoner! Gotta love runners. Kinya Cano (gray) is producer extraordinaire. Not only does Kinya produce Great Day SA, but she also produces The Cleto Show. Ever meet somebody who is really, really good at their job? That's Kinya.

Mickey, Kinya, Cleto, Bridget and Eileen pose after Wednesday's show.

I headed up to the sales department after the show to say hello to my dear sweet friend from college, Karen. She's so sweet, she could have been candy. Her nickname in college was Kthom, but now recently married, it has evolved to Kdrube. (She has gained a difficult Swedish last name. Pity the children!) Well it turns out that Kdrube was still on vacation. So sorry we missed catching up, Karen!

The Woody Show

The day started by arriving to the radio station prior to director/ producer Mickey Cevallos and "The Cleto Show" star Cleto Rodriguez, so I decided to venture to the local Shell station on a whim. Sure glad I did! The clerk there was a breathe of fresh air. I have never met a happier gas store attendent. Who knows-- he could have been the owner. Either way, he was loving life before sunrise and his spirit was contagious. Forget the purchased caffeine-- I'll have what he's having! Thank you, mystery contact.

Headed back to KTFM where producer/ talent Fabian let us in and got us caught up on his big birthday bash. That dude has spunk. In general, I am always impressed by morning personalities.

After hanging a bit in the break room, we got ushered to the studio where Woody, Robynne and Lil' Hip Hop introduced themselves. LOVE them! They were all so gracious and accomodating.

Left: Robynne, Cleto and Woody laughing it up at KTFM studios. To the right is Mickey's relection.

Cleto was on for two segments and even did some promos for the show. Mickey and I hung out in the producer's booth with Lil' Hip Hop and Fabian. The whole gang was so enthusiastic about the show. In the parking lot, a "suit" stopped Cleto and shared some encouraging words as well.

Lil' Hip Hop, Cleto, Woody, Robynne, Mickey and Fabian post-interview.

Nothing but love for The New 94.1 KTFM's The Woody Show! You guys are the best!

What is a Cleto?

If you live in San Antonio, hopefully by now you are planning on spending this Saturday, Dec. 13 in front of the TV to support:

The Cleto Show
Sat., Dec. 13
11:30 p.m.
KABB Fox San Antonio



The show is part sitcom/ part late night show/ part reality show that follows around a local comedian (Cleto Rodriguez) in his quest to launch a late night show in San Antonio. Taping of the show took place from places like La Cantera Golf Resort and the AT&T Center to the Bandera Road Flea Market.

The Cevallos Brothers (of Nickelodeon's "Brothers Garcia" fame as well as others) are directing/ producing, so you know it's going to be quality.

Because the pilot airs this Saturday, the success of the show depends on you! Please be sure to watch the episode and let us know what you think! Feel free to also e-mail your opinions to thecletoshow@gmail.com and kabbtv@kabb.com. You guys are the best! Shine, San Antonio, shine!