ShawnTempesta.com

“The Morning Blend”: First Month In The Books!

Shawn — Sun, 01 Aug 2010 19:04:34 +0000

It has been an amazing first month on “The Morning Blend” on KTNV-TV in Las Vegas. Myself, along with host Dao Vu, producers Julie Pyle and Micah Manalo, and the entire crew and sales department are starting to fire on all cylinders!

Although our ratings live and die by “Good Morning America”‘s lead-in, we have been beating our competitor right out of the gate. Life is good in Las Vegas! So proud of our team, and the show will only get better from here.

There have been a ton of funny moments on the show, from dancing with basketball stars and the Thunder From Down Under, to making out with a dog for an entire segment, and everywhere in between… here’s a composite of some of my favorite moments from month one. Enjoy.

Week One of “The Morning Blend”

Shawn — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:13:00 +0000

gwen stefani sweet escape

After a month of pre-production, set building, meetings, rehearsals, website training, client meetings, promo shoots and free lunches (thank you Jim Koonce)… the show has begun!

“The Morning Blend” premiered on KTNV-13 (ABC Las Vegas) on Tuesday, July 6th, and we are quickly beginning to fire on all pistons.

Dao has been absolutely amazing to work with, not to mention Executive Producer Julie, Producer Micah, and really the entire staff. Feel very welcome!

Here are a couple memorable clips from the first week…including the new love of my life, “Ice”, making out with me.

Open Show Chat: Thursday

“A Fine Frenzy” Performs Live

For about two years of my professional (and personal) life, I called Las Vegas home, working on the air (and on the web) at Mix 94.1. I’ve met some amazing life-long friends at CBS Radio Las Vegas, and around the valley.

On November 15th, 2007, I drove out of the Las Vegas valley with all of my possessions crammed into my car, and listened to Mix as it faded out of reception. It was a little devastating, as I loved every minute of my time there…but somehow I knew in my heart I would be back.

Well, I’m back! Seeing as “The Morning Blend” has my weekdays, I needed something to do on the weekends, and I am extremely fortunate to be returning to Mix 94.1 for on-air weekends! This is one of the best (and dare I say underrated) Hot AC stations in the country, with an amazing on-air and off-air team, and to be able to come back and use that beautiful Rubicon SAS board again…I am very blessed.

So, starting this weekend, listen to Mix 94.1, and see if I accidentally say Mix 104.1. It’s only fair as I said Mix 94.1 a few times after Mix 98-5 switched frequencies. I’ve gotta buy some big post-it notes to remind me.

Where In The World Is Shawn Tempesta?

Shawn — Sat, 29 May 2010 09:41:22 +0000

UPDATE 6/2/2010: Well, it took 5 days, 13 states, 3,152 miles and two visits with friends, but my friend Shannon (who had to suffer through the “hey lets hit scan on the radio and see what local stations there are” game) and I made it to Las Vegas safe and sound! Thanks to everyone who followed on Twitter and Facebook. Pictures and video to come soon

Well, my road trip to Las Vegas to meet Dao Vu and co-host “The Morning Blend” has begun, and in this lovely big-brother society we are in, I can show you down to a few yards where I am. So, take a look at this map! Every minute it will update with where I am in the country (as long as I have the iPhone app running).

It’s Not Goodbye…It’s See You Later!

Shawn — Fri, 28 May 2010 06:21:41 +0000

Normally I leave this site/blog to the professional, “hey look what Shawn is doing now” sort of articles…but let me expound on my personal life for a moment.

As you may know, I got a new job in Las Vegas and 28 hours from now, I will begin my 3,000 mile pilgrimage from Boston to Sin City.

I wanted to make sure I could see everybody before I left…and usually, I would make the drive to everybody individually to do so. This time? There was no time to do that.

So I decided to throw two “get togethers”, one with my friends and family in Boston, and one with my former co-workers and friends in Rhode Island. Honestly, this is likely the first time more than 3 people have come together to celebrate with me since since my 5th birthday at Prince “Leaning Tower of” Pizza in Saugus, Massachusetts. But I digress.

I normally don’t throw things like this. I stay home or do something really low-key for birthdays. For some reason I feel guilty asking people to come out to hang with me. For instance, whenever I visit home (when I live “abroad”), I end up renting a car and driving 1,500 miles over the course of a weekend to see everyone. Don’t know why, I just do.

So…via Facebook…I invited everyone I could think of. Now, in doing so, I was expecting a fraction of a percent to show up.

Wow was I wrong.

Both in Boston and Rhode Island, over two dozen people that I love made the trip to see me and hang out with me. Many friends of mine who had never met the person next to them, all talking to each other and having a great time.

There were laughs, some tears (although they were strictly forbidden), and more laughs again. I got a few cards. And in a recent tweet I mentioned that a pair of underwear of mine completely tore by pulling a hanging thread…so someone (Shaina) bought me two pair of boxer briefs! YES!

Honest to God, I cannot describe how blessed I am to have the family and friends I have. I have never felt more loved and appreciated more than I have over the past two days. Thank you to EVERYONE who made it, thank you to EVERYONE who wanted to make it but couldn’t. I am dumbfounded by the group of people I saw over the past two nights. Thank you.

So, now I say “see you later” to New England. This time next week, I will be moving into a new apartment in Las Vegas and beginning a month long diet to get into fighting shape!

Farewell…and I love you.

Blurb in Las Vegas Review-Journal

Shawn — Tue, 25 May 2010 04:25:29 +0000

LAS VEGAS, NV — Well the press has begun on the show, and there is a blurb in the Las Vegas Review-Journal about “The Morning Blend” before we even roll into town!

Starting July 6, KTNV-TV, Channel 13 is launching “The Morning Blend,” a locally produced weekday lifestyle and infotainment show. The hosts will be Dao Vu, a former national host for The Weather Channel, and Shawn Tempesta, a former personality with KMXB-FM, 94.1 (Mix).

It’s a tiny mention, but listen, ANY mention from Norm Clarke, who is Las Vegas royalty, is a good mention. Unless, you know, you’re Pacman Jones. In which case…you probably screwed up again.

My Headphones Are Hung Up At Mix 104-1

Shawn — Sat, 15 May 2010 23:55:51 +0000

BOSTON, MA — Well, in order to get to my new gig 2,900 miles away, I need to tie up some loose ends here in Boston.

When I came back to Boston in 2007 after my first time in Las Vegas, Mix 98-5 was my gig. There was no full-time job lined up. There were no health benefits. There was just Mix. The opportunity to be on-air in my hometown was too appealing to pass up.

I drove away from Las Vegas on November 15th, 2007… got to Boston on the 20th, and was on-air by the 22nd. My first shift was an overnight, just as people were lining up for “Black Friday” to get their gifts on the cheap.

First call, right off the bat:

Me: Hey Mix!

Male Caller: Hey listen brotha, I’m stuck in some ridiculous f***ing traffic on 495! Friggin Wrenthimm Outlets are a disastah right now. You need to entertain us! I’m goin’ crazy ovah heah!

I was back home! From that call on…I was so thrilled to be able to broadcast to my hometown…a first for me. It was here that the incredible Lady D and Joe Cortese, people I grew up listening to, introed me on-air. I even got to experience the lovely logistics of switching frequencies (98.5 to 104.1…I still want to say 98.5).

I cannot thank Mike Mullaney and Jerry McKenna enough for taking me on back in 2007, and Jay Beau Jones for keeping me on the air today. And a huge thank you to Jessica Del Llano for getting my demo in their hands in the first place! Without her, I wouldn’t be here. The crew here, on-air and off, is phenomenal. I’ve made so many great friends at the station. You all know who you are (answer: all of you). The list is too long to mention.

And that list brings up a little editorial for the end of this.

Mix 104-1 is a rare gem when it comes to radio these days. The station is 100% live. No voicetracking to speak of. With the exception of the nationally syndicated “Retro Pop Reunion” (which is hosted by Joe Cortese who WORKS HERE), the show is 100% local. Ratings are up (last book was phenomenal). Something has to be said for live and local radio. In a world of voicetracking, “Premium Choice” (sounds like a coffee brand), and syndicated daypart replacements, this station gets it done live, and local, every day. Here’s to keeping that trend going!

Thank you so much for the opportunity to work for you, Mix. It’s been real! And please…PLEASE destroy the aforementioned voicetracked stations. Live and local!

Also…thank you for no one stealing my food in the fridge. The mark of a great station.

(Download This MP3)

Viva Las Vegas! Morning Co-Host at KTNV-13 (ABC)!

Shawn — Mon, 10 May 2010 04:03:05 +0000

In life, things work out perfectly. OK, they occasionally work out perfectly. Alright, things rarely ever go according to plan.

However, THIS is one of those times where everything lined up perfectly. I have been tapped to join Dao Vu (Fox Charlotte, The Weather Channel, “The Daily Buzz”) as co-host of an all-new morning show, “The Morning Blend”, on Las Vegas’ Channel 13 (KTNV-TV, ABC)!

Honestly, this couldn’t be any more perfect. First off, Las Vegas is my former home of two years during my time with Mix 94.1. I have several great friends there, and through some stroke of luck I get to re-connect with them and once again beat them in poker.

I also get to join the staff of KTNV, a station filled with great people! Among those people? Get this. The guy who TAUGHT ME television production years ago at a public access station in Revere, MA, Ivo Karmely. He’s been with the station for years as an editor. When I met him when I was 8 years old, I never thought I’d be working with him across the country!

Not to mention KTNV’s facilities…wow. Lemme tell ya. This building is gorgeous. High definition (better buy more make-up), beautiful sets, and great graphics! Can’t complain about that!

Then I get to work with Dao Vu, who has years of experience in fun, “light-hearted” morning shows, which is great! I remember her from her time on the nationally-syndicated “The Daily Buzz” morning show, so the opportunity to work with her is very exciting! Here’s a few clips of Dao from “Buzz”…

That is my co-worker. This is a dream.

“The Morning Blend” is going to be a really refreshing way to get your day going! From what’s happening in the valley, to talking about the issues that matter to Las Vegans most. We’ve got celebrity interviews! We’ve got cooking! We’ve got it all! If you’re looking for a bright, fun, interactive and welcoming start to your day… “The Morning Blend” is your show. And no, Jim Koonce, KTNV’s Promotion Director did not write that out for me. It’s sincere. This is a show that I would watch in the morning, and it’s a show that I know countless Las Vegans will turn to every morning!

You know, in this transient industry, it’s rare you get to “choose your location”…however if I had my choice of where I wanted to be (other than my hometown of Boston), it would be back to the Las Vegas valley, and thanks to everyone at KTNV, I am able to make that a reality.

I cannot wait to wake up with Las Vegas every morning starting this July! Take a look at the press release!

KTNV to Debut Lifestyle Show This Month

Las Vegas, Nev. — A locally produced lifestyle and infotainment show will debut on KTNV this summer. The Morning Blend will be a live, daily program airing Monday through Friday. It will have a daytime talk show format and feature segments covering a variety of topics such as home, beauty, health, finances, community and entertainment.

“This show is primarily about connecting our audience with the community’s businesses and favorite lifestyle happenings across the valley,” said Jim Prather, executive vice president and general manager of KTNV-TV Las Vegas. “We want everyone involved—the studio guests, the hosts, the crew and especially the audience—to have fun with the show.”

The two hosts of the program, chosen from more than 300 applicants, are Dao Vu and Shawn Tempesta.

Tempesta is no stranger to Las Vegas media, having been on-air with CBS Radio’s Mix 94.1 a few years ago. Since leaving the valley, he has served as co-host of “The Rhode Show,” a lifestyle and entertainment morning show on the FOX affiliate in Providence, R.I.; he was recently nominated for a New England Emmy for his hosting work.

“Las Vegas is my second home! I am looking forward to waking up with the valley every morning on The Morning Blend,” he said. “I couldn’t be part of a show I wouldn’t personally watch, and this is going to be one of those fun and inviting shows you can’t help but love.”

Vu has worked as a national host for The Weather Channel and the syndicated program “The Daily Buzz.” She spent the last two years in Charlotte, N.C., at the FOX affiliate where she worked on their morning news program.

“I’ve been to Vegas many times and love it! I’ve also lost a lot of money at McCarran so I’m looking forward to trying to get it back on the Wheel of Fortune,” Vu joked. “I’m thrilled about the launch of The Morning Blend, a show that highlights the local scene, saving money, fashion and one of my favorite topics – food!”

Many of the segments featured on The Morning Blend each day will be sponsored by local advertisers. “The show will be a unique opportunity for advertisers to talk about their products and services,” Prather added. “These businesses and organizations are an important part of our community and we wanted to create a way for them to reach out to local viewers in segments longer than the traditional 15- and 30-second commercials.”

In addition to broadcasting the program, KTNV-TV will make segments from the show available online to create an entirely new opportunity for advertisers and consumers to connect.

The Morning Blend is scheduled to premiere at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 6 following ABC’s “Good Morning America.” It will originate from the KTNV-TV studios on Valley View Blvd.

33rd Annual New England Emmy Award Nominee

Shawn — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:51:51 +0000

BOSTON, MA – “It’s an honor just to be nominated”. That is the sentence people who do not receive an Emmy award say just after the announcement of their loss.

However, let it be known that today, a good 38 days before the May 22nd Boston/New England Emmy awards that, IT IS AN HONOR TO BE NOMINATED!

Honestly, I am so thrilled to be recognized by my peers and receive a nomination in the category of Outstanding On-Camera Talent – Program Host/Moderator…I cannot begin to explain. Ever since I was 8 years old, my one goal in life has been to make an honest living working on the air in television and radio. There was the hitch of actually being alright at it, and then finding a like-minded station that agrees that you are.

Luckily, I was given a great opportunity by WNAC-TV in Providence, RI to co-host “The Rhode Show”, a show that in less than a year’s time increased ratings exponentially, and beat two out of three national morning shows. That experience was incredible, and the fact that a group of professionals elsewhere in the country think I did a good enough job to be a nominee boggles my mind, and humbles my heart.

This is a huge honor for me, regardless of the outcome! So happy! I’ve already got my date for the big event…my father! You should be very jealous. He’s dashing and handsome. And ladies, he’s single.

UPDATE 05/22/2010
Well the Emmy’s just took place, and congratulations to WCVB‘s Anthony Everett who took home the Emmy for his work on “Chronicle”. Honest to God, if you had told me I’d be up against him for an Emmy a couple years ago, I would have laughed in your face…so humbled to be considered in the same category as him!

Filling In On The “Big Ape”

Shawn — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:00:09 +0000

JACKSONVILLE, FL — There are some epic Top 40 stations in America. Of course there’s Z100 and KIIS-FM, but being in the top Arbitron markets makes you “epic” by default.

However, to anyone whose been within an earshot of the “First Coast“, they all know the legendary “ape yell“…branding at it’s finest.

I was given the incredible opportunity to visit Jacksonville, FL to see my good friend and 95.1 WAPE Program Director Tim Clarke (epic in his own right), and fill-in on middays for the vacationing Tessa Hall.

For those who fear that a new era of “voicetracking” and syndicated shows are the future of the industry, this station is a breath of fresh air. A large roster of live and local talent. Not an out-of-market voice to be heard.

I cannot begin to tell you how much fun I had. The station is imaged and programmed tight. The promotions were amazing. All the tools are there for the station to win, and they do.

Not to mention, it was a perfect situation for me to geek out. Learned a new automation system while I was there (Maestro). Got to reclaim my favorite breaks of the hour that I have missed for about 2 years now (the “Top Hour Donut” and “Weather” breaks). Gave away some prizes. Even showed Mark Kaye, co-host of “The Big Ape Morning Mess” how to live video-stream the show, which they now do.

During the weekend I was there, Jacksonville Municipal Stadium (where the Jacksonville Jaguars play) was hosting an AMA Supercross event. WAPE was there (along with the rest of the cluster’s stations) and I got to see the station in action.

People were coming up to the massive, inflatable “Big Ape Boombox” in droves. I’ve been at my fair share of these events. Question #1 is most commonly “what are you giving away”? And why not…we’re a radio station. That’s what we do. But here it was “Do you have any Big Ape t-shirts” or “Do you have any bumper stickers”? People seemed more excited by the station than anything else…

…except maybe for the hair spray paint. No joke, must have had upwards to 1,000 people, from 3 to 63, ask to get their hair designed. So many people, that by the end of the day the stock-pile of dozens of colors ran down to Pink. Like my work?

Finally, one day Tim Clarke and now KDND night guy Orphan Andrew (good for him) went to eat at a Mexican place in the newly revitalized Downtown Jacksonville. As soon as we sat down, we were immediately ease-dropping on a conversation the table behind us were having. A guy was telling his two friends about a bit the morning show had down a couple days prior (“To Catch A Cheater”) for what must have been at least 10-15 minutes.

The “Big Ape” absolutely owns this market. Radio is not dead. Not by a long shot.

If you want to check out a composite of my week of shifts at the station, feel free!

(Download the MP3)