'Absolutely Albuquerque' shines spotlight on the hidden gems across the city
Aug. 22—As the state's largest city, Albuquerque's identity continues to evolve.
From the majestic Sandia Mountains to the lifeblood of the Rio Grande, the city has its share of natural wonders.
But it's those nooks and crannies that make the city stand out.
This is the mission for Amanda Machon as the host of the new TV series, "Absolutely Albuquerque."
"Absolutely Albuquerque" follows Machon as she meets with a different guest each episode who shows off a favorite spot in Albuquerque and the best way to experience the city.
From classic institutions like Barelas Coffee Shop to fine-dining excursions like Campo at Los Poblanos, this series is all about discovering everything that makes Albuquerque unique and exciting.
The series debuts Thursday, Aug. 24, on the Very Local app. It will air eight episodes, with a new one released each Thursday through Oct. 12. After Oct. 12, the entire series will be available to stream to binge watch.
There will be a screening of the pilot episode at the KiMo Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25. Tickets are free at holdmyticket.com.
"We are the diamond in the rough," Machon says. "We live in this beautiful oasis in the desert. We're a big, little city. If we want to be known for what we bring to this world, we have to make it bigger and greater."
Machon often gets on stage to perform before crowds as the lead singer of Red Light Cameras.
It's a routine that has its challenges, yet she's grown comfortable with it.
When she got the job as host of the series, there were some nerves.
"At first it was a little scary," Machon says. "I'd been focusing on just music for almost 10 years. I did a few musicals during that time. I hadn't acted since I was a student at UNM. I was feeling a little nervous and told the crew I was going to be rusty. They all told me to just be myself."
In the first episode, Machon teams up with poet Hakim Bellamy as he picks some of his favorite places including Electric Playhouse, Rude Boy Cookies, High Desert Flameworks and Warehouse 505.
Machon says being part of the show was an experience to remember.
"I love to challenge myself," she says. "We are very critical of ourselves in many ways. In this role, I was able to be my silly self. I came out of my comfort zone and accomplished things like learning flamenco."
Machon was able to have some input with the team from Albuquerque-based production company Inspirado.
The series was in production from start to finish for nine months.
"The entire Inspirado team is so proud to have worked with Hearst Media to make a show about how amazing our city is," says Keagan Karnes, Inspirado owner and executive producer. "It has truly been a labor of love for our team, and we hope we make the community proud."
Machon is aware that Albuquerque does have its own reputation.
"The city is so much more than 'Breaking Bad,' we have centuries of culture here," she says. "We do have a hard exterior, but it's not hard to get enchanted with. I hope locals get an insight to their city, and I hope that it inspires people to come visit here. The raw talent needs to be cultivated. That's how we get better."
