The first program was a news show and we were taking pledges during the break. I was in the middle of writing down a donor's credit card number when I looked up and there was Michael and Phil Bowdery entering the studio. That was a big surprise to all of us. We didn't think we would see Michael until the first break. It was really hard for me not to hang up the phone before I finished, especially since Michael called out to me from across the studio. He came into the studio and walked right over, giving me a very special greeting and I was thrilled to "welcome him to my part of the world." As he started to walk back to the "VIP Room," he saw Crys Ager and Debbie Upton from Seattle and they both got hugs and kisses as a thank-you for their long journey.

 

We then settled back and watched the video, anxiously awaiting the first pledge break. Lee Newton of CPTV did a wonderful job describing Michael's video and CD. She also mentioned how the volunteers had traveled from all over... including Seattle, Iowa, and other parts of the country. Michael was in great spirits and spoke for several minutes with Jim Masters of CPTV. 

As soon as the video started up again, he spent several minutes chatting with us, really enjoying himself. During the second pledge break, after another short interview, he started picking up some of the phones, speaking with people who were calling in to pledge. That got things really jumping.

 

During the third pledge break, there was another short interview, and then Michael spent more time on the phones. He really seemed to enjoy this and the phones went wild. When the video started again, Michael spent time with us having photographs taken with different groups of fans. He also autographed photos and other items. Michael mentioned that he is working on a new video at the Cafe de Paris with a really small invited audience. The format will be like Unplugged with an acoustic setup. The host asked him "What else do you want to do?" Michael replied, "I like what I do and I want to come over here & do it. I'd like to expand the audience and go to places like Australia and the Far East."  When the host asked how U.S. fans discovered him, Michael said, "The way people have found out what I do is through PBS...Then they go onto the Internet & there are a few web sites & they start talking and find out how to find my music. It is a process of spreading the word. Michael made another appearance at the end of the video talking about his new cd. He also mentioned (several times) that he really would love to perform in the US. He spoke on the phone with several more callers. Before we knew it, the pledge break was over and Michael was on his way.

It was a very special night for all of us. A very special thank you goes to CPTV for making it all possible.

 

And now it's time to think about concert tickets and the distance to the front of the stage!!

 
Photos By:  Pat Webb, Debbie Upton, Crys Ager