NAPA Show host Arty “Party” Reyes has lived in Napa for many years, but still holds his native Upvalley roots close. Vince D’Adamo photo
Reyes lives life of the party
By Vince D’Adamo
SPORTS REPORTER
Napa resident Arty “Party” Reyes has always considered himself close to his Upvalley roots, and now people in the northern part of the Napa Valley can see his levity-filled program.
Reyes, whose hometown is Rutherford, is the host of the NAPA (Newest Arty Party Adventure) Show on Channel 28.
The program airs on TV in Napa but can also be seen on www.napavalleytv.org.
The Web site not only carries the live broadcast but also archived shows.
The live version is every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and the archived episodes can be viewed at any time.
“Now that we are streaming online, everyone can watch us and we are getting a lot of responses from everywhere,” Reyes said.
“The whole focus is from Napa to Calistoga. I will continue to bring in guests from all throughout the valley.”
Reyes kept his Upvalley connection while hosting his radio program.
His guests included former Wildcats assistant basketball coach Cesar “Shorty” Cruz and current football head coach Mike Ervin.
Reyes shares complimentary thoughts on the job Ervin has done at the helm, considering the program was in shambles before he took the reigns.
“People are talking about football again,” Reyes said. “Coach Ervin has done a great job. I wish him the very best. I know he might have a small amount of players, but he gets the best out of them and that’s what makes him a great coach.”
Reyes graduated from St. Helena in 1972 and considers himself “pro-Upvalley” — and for that matter, “pro-Napa Valley” when it comes to sports.
“Calistoga has been great,” Reyes said. “I remember the good sporting days when St. Helena used to play against Calistoga. I have always enjoyed Calistoga as a city. I just enjoy everything about Calistoga. We’re lucky to live in this valley. We have really seen it grow.”
In addition to his TV program, Reyes formerly hosted the KVON Sportsvine radio show on Saturday mornings before resigning from that job.
Reyes’ full-time job is with Napa Valley Support Services as an employment specialist, working directly with the department of vocational rehab.
Reyes helps people with disabilities find employment.
Though Reyes’ show has a sports flavor, it is not exclusively sports. The show includes sports commentary courtesy of Yountville native Stacy Reyes (no relation), but primarily features a combination of guests and caller interaction — with a lot of levity.
“When I first started the show, my whole vision was to reach out to everyone from eight years old to 80 years old,” Arty Reyes said. “I started out with my co-host George Alvarez, who was a 75-year-old-barber. He reached out to all of the seniors. I had my seven-year old daughter (who is now 11) reach out to all of the young kids. The Hollywood Homegirl (St. Helena native Alissa Solis), she reached out to all of the young teens.”
Reyes also referred to how happy he is having two crew members, Solis and Stacy Reyes, as part of his show.
Stacy Reyes only recently met Arty Reyes and became instantly comfortable.
“I studied television and broadcast journalism in school,” Stacy Reyes said.
“I’m really comfortable in front of the camera. I had also worked on the radio before. I enjoy working with Arty. I have a great time and look forward to the show every Wednesday. I try to put my all into it for Arty. I’ve gotten to meet a lot of interesting people just by being on the show.”
Even with a full-time job, Arty Reyes is always thinking about the show and looking for guests and ideally likes to book guests two months ahead of time.
In fact, one voluntary guest puts in about one random call per month posing as Oakland Raiders owner Al Davis.
The Davis impersonator exchanges banter with Reyes.
“Al Davis will call in on occasion,” Reyes quipped. “He gives us an earful. We give him an earful right back. That’s what’s fun about this public access TV. Al Davis has nothing on me.”
Before becoming an on-air personality, Reyes was a long-time listener to KVON and earned the nickname of “Arty Party” from morning show host Barry Martin.
Reyes said that he has many influences in his life with his mother atop the list.
“She was my biggest influence growing up,” Reyes said. “I always had a vision of doing what I’m doing now. My mom always encouraged me to follow my dreams.”
The ‘Arty Party’ to hit Opera House
Reyes will be hosting the inaugural Arty Party Old School Dance Party at the Napa Valley Opera House on July 11 from 7 to 11 p.m.
The cost is $25 per ticket. The event will feature live music, beer, wine and food from Frida’s Mexican Grill.
To be a guest
If you want to be a guest on Reyes’ program, he can be reached via e-mail at artyparty1@live.com.