Route to Tucumcari, NM

Hi Folks,

Back in February 28th 2009, me and Madeline was sent out by the Idea Group to shoot for a day at Tucumcari, New Mexico. Some of you may know that Tucumcari lies at the eastern part of New Mexico, about 100 miles to Amarillo, Texas, on the US-Intersate 40 highway.

Tucumcari, NM also lies along historic Route 66. Just like the sign says :)

Along Tucumcari's main drag are some old motels that have been restored to their vintage style.

Did you know that Tucumcari hosts a rich collection of Dinosaur fossils, bronze recreations, and even dinosaur eggs? Where do I look for more information, you may ask? Well, at the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum, of course!

One of many fossils found at the Mesalands Dinosaur Museum.

In this photo, student Mark Mancini is carefully drilling away bits of plaster covering a fossil bone. What? You didn't know that the Dinosaur Museum is also a classroom, and part of a community college? Find out more at Mesalands Community College!

This is Tucumcari's old train station that the city is trying to restore. Notice the missing letters.

Close up of the Tucumcari train station facade in early morning sunlight.

Tucumcari also has the "world's tallest classroom." It is a training facility for future wind farm technicians, and folks to help maintain wind farms.

Back To Clovis, NM

On March 18th and 19th, MadJava and the Idea Group went back to Clovis, NM to shoot additional footage for the Norman and Vi Petty Rock and Roll Museum. It was great to see old friends (big hello to Ernie Kos, Chase Gentry, Nancy Gentry, and Nick Mondragon!), and meet some new ones (big hello to Val Alarcon, from the Idea Group, and Ashlee Stallings from the Clovis Chamber).

Johnny Rogers a.k.a. "Buddy Holly" performing in the Norman Petty Studios. The Petty Studios was used to record various Buddy Holly hits. Notice the ribbon microphone, used in many original recordings.

We set up this shot to be more dramatic. We used one key light to cast a heavy shadow, then later shot that shadow of "Buddy Holly".

Lisa Dunagan as "Vi Petty" playing on the original studio piano used in many recordings.

Chillin' in a sweet 1957 Ford Thunderbird on a country road. (Thanks to Dan Strickland for providing the cars!)

Posing in the '57 Ford convertible. It was a cold, windy morning, but we had fun following the car around country roads.

Me, Madeline, Jim Glover from the Idea Group, and Johnny Rogers in another cool ole' convertible! I think this was a Ford Fairlane (not sure of the year), but if we owned one I could certainly tell you (hint, hint Dan :)

Shooting the sock-hop scene at the museum. A '50s diner was setup and recreated beautifully before entering the display area of the museum.

Our 1950s sock-hop re-enactment scene, with local actors from the Clovis area.

Me and Madeline posing with the sock-hop cast. The kids who graciously volunteered their time are from Clovis High School. Thank you everyone! Y'all were great!