Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Find It, Price It, Spin It
Trio of TV favorites coming soon to NWA
For some, collecting is a family tradition, ingrained from birth and passed down through generations. For others, it’s the excitement of the hunt that drives their passion.” So says Jasmina Joseph, a producer for the “American Pickers” series on The History Channel. Mike Wolfe and his crew are on the road again and plan to be in Arkansas in June. So Joseph is leading the quest for rusty, dusty treasures.
“Although the Pickers don’t have a set list of preferred items, they enjoy finding pieces with historical significance, rarity, and compelling stories,” Joseph says. “Over the years, they’ve come across many unique treasures and are constantly on the lookout for new discoveries.”
An office-based, not field, producer, Joseph says she just might have the best job.
“I get to discover exciting new collections and chat with people about what they’ve got,” she says. “Since we can’t visit everyone, we chat with them to learn about their collections and narrow down to a select few. Those interested can always reach out via phone or email.”
Joseph reminds collectors that the Pickers don’t pick stores, flea markets, malls, auction businesses, museums or anything open to the public. Those who would like to have their collections considered should email americanpickers@cineflix.com or call (646) 493-2184.
‘Antiques Roadshow’
Before “American Pickers” comes to town, PBS’s most-watched ongoing series — and winner of 21 Emmy Awards — “Antiques Roadshow” will be at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville May 14. The road trip also includes stops in Littleton, Colo., on May 29; Urbandale, Iowa, on June 10; and Baltimore on June 18.
“We can’t predict the items that will make their way to ‘Roadshow’ each tour,” Executive Producer Marsha Bemko says in a news release. “It’s that magic mix of serendipity and personal stories, with a little history thrown in, that makes each must-watch season and keeps fans craving more. I can’t wait to see what surprises we’ll find!”
At each appraisal event, guests will receive free verbal evaluations of their antiques, art, and collectibles by experts from the country’s leading auction houses and independent dealers. Each ticketed guest is invited to bring two items for appraisal.
From each of the 2024 events, three episodes of “Roadshow” per city will be created for inclusion in the 29th broadcast season, to air on PBS in 2025.
Crystal Bridges will be closed to the public May 13 to prepare for the event and will be open only to “Antiques Roadshow” ticketholders on May 14. Tickets will not be available at the door.
‘Wheel of Fortune’
Last but not least, the Walton Arts Center announced last week that “Wheel of Fortune LIVE!” will be on stage Nov. 6.
“The live stage show is the one-andonly way fans can experience ‘America’s game’ in person outside of Sony Pictures Studios,” WAC spokeswoman Jennifer Wilson says in a news release.
The TV game show has been adapted for the stage, with multiple groups of three randomly chosen contestants playing “Wheel of Fortune” live with a full-sized replica of the iconic wheel. The event works just like fans expect, with contestants calling consonants and buying vowels to solve puzzles and make it to the bonus round. Winners can get prizes like trips to Paris and Hawaii or up to $10,000 in cash.
The hosts for this tour stop will be announced at a later date. “Wheel of Fortune Live!” is a live touring production and is not for broadcast.
Tickets for the Nov. 6 show are $39.95 to $89.95 and are now on sale at waltonartscenter.org.