“EYES ON BOOKS” — In June, the Video Club’s monthly, half-hour TV series, “Eyes on Books,” features A Thousand Steps, the newest novel from New York Times bestselling author and three-time Edgar Award winner T. Jefferson Parker (above). The combination thriller and coming-of-age story is set in Laguna Beach of 1968, with enlightenment-seekers flocking to the seaside city in search of love, peace, and LSD.
Hosts and Village residents Teri Kelsall and Mike Holtzman discuss the book during the first part of the show, then interview the author via Zoom. Produced by Suzanne Savlov, “Eyes on Books” airs on Village TV on Mondays at 9:30 am.
A Thousand Steps follows a local teen who just wants to get his driver’s license and go on some dates. But his big sister goes missing and he doesn’t believe the cops are trying hard enough to find her. Discovering what happened to his sister gives the young man a big boost toward adulthood. The book is in the Village Library.
In July, “Eyes on Books” will meet mystery novelist William Kent Krueger to discuss the latest novel in his Cork O’Connor mystery series. Hosting the show will be none other than Video Club member Charlie Redner, who hosted Village Television’s “Write Now” interview show for many years and now hosts his own monthly, half-hour series, “Writers & Readers,” which debuted on VTV last January. Joining Charlie will be co-host Elaine Schnitter.
“BEYOND THE GATES” – In June, the Video Club’s monthly half-hour travel TV show, “Beyond the Gates,” visits Laguna Beach’s Festival of Arts and Pageant of the Masters. Host and Village resident Susan Wheeler first interviews Sharbie Higuchi, Marketing Director for the Festival of Arts Fine Arts Show, which will celebrate its 90th anniversary July 5 to September 2 this year. The show airs on Village Television Sundays at 9 am and Wednesdays at 11 am.
The nationally-acclaimed Festival annually displays work by more than 100 of Orange County’s most talented artists. In addition, the outdoor event features hands-on art activities, live music, exhibits of local student artwork, and a variety of special programs.
In a second interview – this time with Pageant Scriptwriter Dan Duling – Wheeler learns details behind the Pageant of the Masters, the world-famous theatrical event which celebrates art through tableaux vivants (“living pictures”) presented on an outdoor stage. Inspired by its 2022 theme “Wonderful World,” this year the Pageant will offer a kaleidoscope of international art.
Seeking Volunteers with Good Ideas
Members of the Video Club’s Video One Productions team creating “Beyond the Gates” include Suzanne Savlov, Producer; Tom Nash, Executive Producer; and Jack Crawbuck, Director of Photography. Suzanne is looking for volunteers with good travel ideas to serve as “Eyes on Books” Segment Producers. She would also welcome volunteers on both shows to handle production jobs (while gaining practical experience for their own projects). For info, or to volunteer, email Suzanne at sedonasue1@gmail.com .
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