Jammin' at Hippie Jack's

There are three things I always enjoy about attending conferences...meeting colleagues I rarely see and those I've never met; learning tons about things relevant to my work and the wonderful hospitality of the conference and the stations who host receptions, hospitality suites and exhibits.

For example, I got to see Joan Lence and Kathie Stull who represent nearly a dozen how-to shows that air on public television (including "Cloth, Paper, Scissors" publisher Pokey Bolton's "Quilting Arts"). I've known Joan for years; Kathie is from the Cleveland area, where their programs are taped. To do list: Call Kathie when I head to visit family and see if they are taping or we can have a tour! (Coming this fall -- remember Matt and Shari from HGTV? They have a new show coming to PBS stations through NETA beginning in October!)

Kathleen Unwin (left) and Dru Sefton (right) are from Current, one of our industry papers. Dru had brownies by her table -- to die for!

I was told I won a painting by this fellow -- Roger Bansemer, who with his wife Sarah will have a new travel/painting show. However, I wasn't "present to win." Alas... (but I had a good reason -- that's another post!)

It's being with colleagues -- Tim Zeko produces our series BackStage Pass, which is now in national distribution by NETA. If it is in your area or you come across it in your TV Guide, let me know -- we're trying to make a station list. Next to Tim is Susi Elkins, our content and engagement manager. Susi was one of the many who had flight/connection problems due to the storm that slammed the east. We were glad to finally see her!

And then there are the parties. WCTE, a station in Cookville, TN invited us to taping of their music series, "Jammin' at Hippie Jacks." (That's Becky Magura, Cookville's GM, with Hippie Jack as they welcomed us to the Tennessee State Museum.)

I'll show you some photos from this little gem of wonder in a different post. Here's a preview from their quilt collection.

Then the show began. Hippie Jack welcomed us from the stage at the museum.

He was followed by a performance from Todd Snider. He was fun, funny, insightful. It was a good show.

It was a very relaxed taping experience with folks enjoying food and beverages during the recording, able to get up and move if needed. Made for one of the more enjoyable concert experiences I've ever had.

Back to bed to look forward to the final conference day -- and meeting a friend I've known a long while!