WPT Behind the Scenes -- UW Band Director Michael Leckrone

In anticipation of this years University of Wisconsin Varsity Band Spring Concert on WPT, we headed to the Kohl Center in Madison to talk with Director of Bands Michael Leckrone. He discussed the work that goes into creating each year's Spring Concert, how the tradition of his "flying" entrances began and why this annual show means so much to the band members and its die-hard fans.

Watch the University of Wisconsin Varsity Band Spring Concert: 35th Anniversary Special on Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 2, and again at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, May 3.

Participate in the Quilt Expo Quilt Contests...

Quilters are invited to enter quilts in this year's 10-category juried and judged contest. The contest awards first-, second- and third-place cash prizes in each of the 10 categories.

The first-place winner in each category receives $500, second-place $300 and third-place $200, plus a Best of Show winner is awarded $1,500. From the entries, a special Viewers' Choice winner is selected by Quilt Expo attendees and receives $500. The 2008 award-winning quilts may be viewed at the Quilt Expo Web site.

The Kids' Quilt Challenge for youth age 15 and under is sponsored by Nancy Zieman Productions and awards gift certificates to the top three quilts -- a $200 certificate for first place, $100 for second place and $50 for third place.

Both quilt contest entry forms are available for download at the Quilt Expo Web site. For more information, call 800-253-1158.

The 2009 Quilt Expo is presented by WPT and Nancy Zieman Productions 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10 through Saturday, Sept. 12 in the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. The event includes the quilt contest exhibits, additional special quilt exhibits, Sit & Sew, and hands-on workshops taught by leading quilting educators, stage presentations with innovative tips and techniques, a vendor mall with national and local businesses, two special evening events, appearances by Nancy Zieman of public television's Sewing With Nancy and prize drawings.

Last chance to apply for Antiques Roadshow Wisconsin tickets...

The ticket application period for Antiques Roadshow's visit to Madison closes next Monday, April 20. Apply now for your chance to attend!

Antiques Roadshow producers want WPT viewers to dig out their hidden treasures as the favorite show brings its lights, cameras and appraisers to The Alliant Energy Center in Madison Saturday, July 11.

Roadshow fans can apply to be part of a random drawing for a limited number of free tickets. Complete ticketing rules are available online at pbs.org/antiques or by dialing toll-free 1-888-762-3749. Ticket recipients will be selected at random from all eligible entries.

For more information about the other cities that join Madison for Antiques Roadshow's 2009 tour and to sign up for the show's e-newsletter that will provide up-to-the-minute updates on the show's Wisconsin event, visit the show's official Web site.

WPT Stations End Analog Broadcasts April 5...

WPT will end analog broadcasts on the six transmitters around Wisconsin on this Sunday, April 5. After that date, WPT will transmit only digital signals, which are already on the air. Many TV stations in Wisconsin ended analog broadcasts on Feb. 17.

WPT will continue to offer viewer support Digital TV phone lines to answer questions about Digital TV, over-the-air reception, the federal converter box coupon program and other topics. Toll-free calls can be made to 800-422-9707.

If you or any of your friends, family and neighbors are having trouble setting up converter boxes, adjusting antennas or otherwise preparing for the switch, please call or visit wpt.org/digitaltv. WPT is here to help.