Promoting the Arts

by Marcie Porter

When Heidi Sandoval was a young girl, she wanted to be a singer. After much practice, she went to radio station TGW for an audition, but it didn’t happen. She began asking herself if there was another way to get into the entertainment business besides singing.

Suddenly, it occurred to her that if she could interview musical artists on radio or television, it would keep her in close contact with the business she cared so much about. Happily, she connected with Canal 3 television and proposed a show called Question de Minutos. She proposed to find people in the entertainment business and present them to the public through an hour-long interview.

The station was sold on the idea! Her goal was, and still is, to let people know more about talented Guatemalan musical artists, to help them in their careers and to encourage them. Since 1996, she has interviewed over 300 artists. Her pro-gram is now aired for one hour on Channel 13 at midnight for the late-night crowd. Heidi talks with musicians, song writers, arrangers, singers, dancers, even painters.

She loves her work and for that reason, doesn’t charge the company a fee, unless travel outside the city is required for an interview.
To help support local artists even more, Heidi started a big show called Gala de la Canción Guatemalteca, an annual presentation honoring local talent. She is now preparing for its 10th anniversary in September. Much assistance has been provided from all sectors, including special support from Guatemala City’s governor. More information on the anniversary show will be announced later.

Meanwhile, Heidi is preparing a CD with songs of the ‘60s, recorded by Guatemalan singers. You’ll be hearing more about that, as well.
Heidi’s interested in hearing from artistic people who’d like to appear on Question de Minutos; give her a call at 811-3048. •