FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2009
CONTACT:
Meg Fullwood
214-740-9377
mfullwood@kera.org
FROM THE GRILL TO THE MOON: KERA INSPIRES JULY
DALLAS/FORT WORTH – From the backyard grill to the dark side of the moon, KERA inspires and entertains throughout the month of July. Two new seasons of Saturday food shows bring ideas to the dining table. Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen offers great tips for grilling game while Food Trip with Todd English takes your taste buds on a world tour. Locally-produced documentaries share the romance of summer nights with Drive-In Movie Memories and the extravaganza of the State Fair of Texas with A Fair to Remember. The national lineup includes Time Team America, a new PBS series that pits archeologists again the clock and The Ascent of Money about the history and significance of currency. Music offerings include a new lineup on Soundstage, two amazing operas, Elvis sightings and the pomp and circumstance of A Capitol Fourth. KERA honors the 40th anniversary of Astronaut Neil Armstrong’s “giant leap” with a series of programs celebrating mankind’s first steps on the moon. It all comes your way in July on KERA.
RADIO
Radio Lab
Fridays at 8:00 p.m. beginning July 3
This thought-provoking radio series airs explores the intersection of science, philosophy and human experience. The season begins with Choice, a program that explores the millions of decisions we make every day. Programs on Morality, Sleep, Deception and Sperm fill out the month.
TELEVISION
Drive-In Movie Memories
Wednesday, July 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Celebrate youth, freedom and the automobile in this one-hour documentary that explores the history of the drive-in, from outdoor projection to the rise of the VCR. Produced by North Texas filmmaker Don Sanders.
American Masters – Garrison Keillor: Man on the Radio in the Red Tennis Shoes
Wednesday, July 1 at 8:00 p.m.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of A Prairie Home Companion, as Garrison Keillor and his crew of actors and musicians spin stories and song into gold in this American Masters documentary.
Wide Angle – Crossing Heaven’s Border
Wednesday, July 1 at 10:00 p.m.
Wide Angle debuts with a new eight-part documentary series for summer. Crossing Heaven’s Border is the story of North Korean defectors who travel through China, Laos and Thailand in hopes of starting a new life as free citizens in South Korea. Their story was captured by fearless South Korean journalists.
Wild Lives
Thursdays at 7:00 p.m. beginning July 2
This new nine-part series from the BBC takes an intimate look at the life cycles of some of the world’s most unique animals. The series follows bears, dolphins, elephants, lions, gorillas, crocodiles, wolves, cheetahs and zebras.
Globe Trekker – Morocco
Thursday, July 2 at 8:00 p.m.
Ian Wright explores the culture of Morocco with visits to the cities of Tangier, Fez and Medina, and a stop to witness the Islamic religious festival of Aid el Kebir.
Soundstage – Sugarland
Thursday, July 2 at 10:00 p.m.
Nashville super duo, Sugarland, performs songs from their latest album, Enjoy the Ride in this Soundstage production.
New Tricks
Fridays at 9:00 p.m. beginning July 3
This BBC drama series features an eccentric group of ex-police officers brought out of retirement to investigate unsolved crimes.
Waking the Dead – The Mask of Sanity, Part 1
Friday, July 3 at 10:00 p.m.
A long-term psychiatric patient and murder suspect is released into the community, only to face questioning again when the victims’ wallets mysteriously surface. The investigation reveals a tale of child abuse, hidden identities and murder. Part II airs July 10.
Primal Grill with Steven Raichlen
Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. beginning July 4
Get cooking with Steven Raichlen as he shows viewers how to grill game, fresh fruits and vegetables, and goes whole hog with a sizzling recipe for a spit-roasted porker.
Food Trip with Todd English
Saturdays at 4:30 p.m. beginning July 4
Chef and restaurateur Todd English travels to exotic lands in search of inspiration for new dishes, menus and restaurant themes and invites viewers to create their own unique recipes.
A Capital Fourth 2009
Saturday, July 4 at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 5 at 4:30 p.m.
Live from the nation’s Capitol, this annual celebration hosted by Jimmy Smits features music legends Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin and the Muppets from Sesame Street along with the National Symphony Orchestra and a spectacular fireworks display.
Movie 13: Waking Ned Devine
Saturday, July 4 at 8:30 p.m.
Two elderly friends learn someone in their Irish village has won the national lottery. When they discover Ned Devine has died of shock upon learning of his new-found fortune, the villagers enter a pact to pretend he’s still alive so they can divide the money between them.
Movie 13: Lolita
Sunday, July 5 at 1:00 a.m.
Filmmaker Stanley Kubrick’s dark comedy follows a British professor who travels to small-town America for a teaching position. He marries his landlady and falls in love with her 14-year-old daughter. Starring James Mason, Shelley Winters and Peter Sellers.
Great Performances at the Met – Madame Butterfly
Sunday, July 5 at 2:00 p.m.
Giacomo Puccini’s catastrophic tale of love and betrayal is captured in this extravagant production of Madame Butterfly. The production marks the opera debut of Anthony Minghella, who died unexpectedly in March 2008, and the first time a new production has opened at the Met in 20 years.
Masterpiece Mystery! Miss Marple IV: A Pocketful of Rye
Sunday, July 5 at 8:00 p.m.
The Masterpiece Mystery! celebration of mystery writer Agatha Christie continues with the story of a killer obsessed with nursery rhymes. Miss Marple and a local detective join forces to investigate a string of murders.
History Detectives
Mondays at 8:00 p.m. beginning July 6
The popular History Detectives series launches a new season devoted to exploring historical mysteries, myths and riddles. Experts in architecture, pop culture, sociology and genealogy lead the way using traditional and modern investigative techniques.
NOVA ScienceNOW
Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. beginning July 7
NOVA ScienceNOW returns with a fourth season of fast-paced science and technology stories in this magazine format show. Each of the 10 episodes includes a profile piece that spotlights a personality working in the field.
P.O.V. – Life, Support, Music
Tuesday, July 7 at 10:00 p.m.
This inspiring documentary tells the story of 34-year-old Jason Crigler, a rising star of New York’s East Village music scene, who suffered a devastating brain hemorrhage. Despite the pronouncements of his doctors, Crigler’s family provided around-the-clock rehabilitation with amazing results.
Time Team America
Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. beginning July 8
This new series follows a team of archeologists who use the latest technology, their combined experience and personal wits to uncover the buried secrets of their assigned dig with the clock ticking!
The Ascent of Money
Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m. beginning July 8
Follow the money in this new 4-part series from the BBC that looks at the history of money and its significance from its rise in the Arab streets to the centerpiece of the London, Tokyo and New York stock markets.
Wide Angle: Heart of Jenin
Wednesday, June 8 at 10:00 p.m.
The parents of a Palestinian child killed by Israeli soldiers consent to donate the child’s organs, turning sorrow into hope for six Israeli children.
Globe Trekker – The Spanish Islands
Thursday, July 9 at 8:00 p.m.
From the Mediterranean playgrounds of Mallorca and Ibiza to the Canary Islands off the coast of Africa, Alex Riley celebrates the Festival of the Virgen del Rosario and learns the art of stick fighting along the way.
Soundstage – Death Cab for Cutie
Thursday, July 9 at 10:00 p.m.
The indie rockers turned major label sensation perform I Will Possess Your Heart, Cath and more.
Waking the Dead – The Mask of Sanity, Part 2
Friday, July 10 at 10:00 p.m.
A murder investigation leads the forensic team to investigate child abuse at a children’s home and a cover up that reveals a tale of love and betrayal.
Movie 13: Fiddler on the Roof
Saturday, July 11 at 7:00 p.m.
The film version of the stage musical follows the story of a Jewish peasant in pre-Revolutionary Russia coping with the daily problems of Jewish tradition, family and state-sanctioned programs. Directed by Norman Jewison, the film won 3 Oscars for cinematography, music and sound when it debuted in 1971.
One-Star Theatre - Killers from Space
Sunday, July 12 at 1:00 a.m.
In this 1954 science fiction film, atomic scientist and pilot Doug Martin disappears after his plane crashes during a reconnaissance mission following a nuclear test. He appears at the base unharmed, claiming he was captured by aliens with a dastardly plan to overthrow Earth using giant monsters and insects. Martin vows to destroy them all.
Great Performances at the Met – La Sonnambula
Sunday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Sleep and wakefulness are the dominant themes in The Sleepwalker, a Mary Zimmerman production of Vincenzo Bellini's operatic masterpiece. Natalie Dessay and Juan Diego Flórez reunite for this production, conducted by Evelino Pidò.
Masterpiece Mystery! Miss Marple IV: Murder is Easy
Sunday, July 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Miss Marple investigates a series of suspicious “accidents” after learning about murders in a local village from a woman on a train.
P.O.V. – The Reckoning
Tuesday, July 14 at 10:00 p.m.
This dynamic documentary follows prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo and his team as they pursue justice on behalf of the International Criminal Court, the first permanent court to pursue war crimes and crimes against humanity. The Reckoning was an Official Selection of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.
Globe Trekker Special – Best American Water Treks
Thursday, July 16 at 8:00 p.m.
Kayak along the Hawaiian Na Pali Coast, paddle through Prince William Sound in Alaska, and canoe the Rio Grande through the Big Bend of Texas in this special tribute to the best of America’s water journeys.
Soundstage – Billy Idol
Thursday, July 16 at 10:00 p.m.
Billy Idol brings his fast-paced, exciting show, 80s hits and trademark attitude to Soundstage with performances of his classic hits Rebel Yell, White Wedding and more.
Apollo 8: Christmas on the Moon
Saturday, July 18 at 7:00 p.m.
Relive the momentous journey of Apollo 8 and man’s first mission to the far side of the moon on Christmas Eve 1968. The documentary tells the story of the historic mission that paved the way for Apollo 11 and realized President Kennedy’s goal of landing a man on the moon before the end of the decade.
Apollo 11: First Footsteps on the Moon
Saturday, July 18 at 8:00 p.m.
Forty years ago, on June 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took the first footsteps on the moon. It was a breathtaking moment in history that moved knowledge of the celestial body from speculation and debate to scientific hypothesis and fact. Relive the moment through stunning footage and interviews with the history-makers.
Apollo 17: Final Footsteps on the Moon
Saturday, July 18 at 9:00 p.m.
Apollo 17 marked the final manned space mission to the moon on December 7, 1972. The expedition delivered a team of scientists to the lunar landscape who travelled in a land rover and collected geologic samples. This documentary includes stunning footage and interviews with astronauts, historians and NASA personnel.
One-Star Theatre – Destination Moon
Sunday, July 19 at 1:00 a.m.
In Destination Moon, a private businessman arranges an expedition to the Moon before the Russians can get there. The American astronauts establish a base but aren’t sure they have the fuel to return to Earth. This 1950 science fiction film won the Academy Award for Best Special Effects.
Masterpiece Mystery! Miss Marple IV: They Do it with Mirrors
Sunday, July 19 at 8:00 p.m.
A murder takes place during the rehearsal for an amateur show and Miss Marple has to decipher the trick played by the killer. Joan Collins co-stars.
P.O.V. – The Betrayal (Nerakhoon)
Tuesday, July 21 at 10:00 p.m.
The story of survival and family bonds told through the eyes of one man’s family who survived the secret war in Laos during the Vietnam War. They escape and come to America, only to experience a different kind of war on U.S. soil. The Betrayal was nominated for an Academy Award and was an Official Selection of the 2008 Sundance Film Festival.
The Economy: Facing the Mortgage Crisis
Wednesday, July 22 at 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m.
This one-hour KERA special investigates the effects of unemployment and the recession on the lives of North Texans. Hosts Sam Baker and Shelley Kofler lead discussions with a team of experts about housing, unemployment and available services. Simulcast on KERA-FM/90.1, the program is part of KERA’s year-long initiative on the economy.
Wide Angle – The Market Maker
Wednesday, July 22 at 10:00 p.m.
The dramatic story of an Ethiopian economist determined to end hunger in the famine-plagued country. She seeks a market-based solution to the problems and establishes Ethiopia’s first commodities exchange, at the beginning of the world financial crisis.
Globe Trekker – Ice Trekking the Alps
Thursday, July 23 at 8:00 p.m.
A seven-day ice trekking adventure down the famous Haute Route in the Alps takes Zay Harding down one of the most famous ski tours in the world. He travels through three countries (France, Italy and Switzerland) with spectacular views of Mont Blanc and the Matterhorn along the way.
Soundstage – Fall Out Boy
Thursday, July 23 at 10:00 p.m.
Chicago’s pop-punk quartet takes the stage to perform some of their favorites including I Don’t Care, Dance, Dance and Sugar, We’re Goin’ Down.
Texas State Fair: A Fair to Remember
Saturday, July 25 at 7:00 p.m.
The Texas State Fair is a tradition etched in the memories of millions, where generations have come to gaze upon the world’s tallest cowboy, soar on North America’s highest Ferris wheel and to consume exotic delicacies. A Fair to Remember, produced by Dallas filmmakers Allen and Cynthia Mondell, captures the heart of Texas!
Elvis: Return to Tupelo
Saturday, July 25 at 8:00 p.m.
Elvis’ shaking hips and snarling lips created an image that sent shockwaves around the world as he helped craft a new form of music and became a rock-and-roll icon. This documentary traces his origins in Tupelo during the Depression and early days of his music career in Memphis to his celebratory homecoming concert in 1956.
Elvis ‘56
Saturday, July 25 at 9:00 p.m.
In 1956, a 21 year old truck driver exploded onto the music scene and changed music history forever. It was a busy year for Elvis Presley that brought his first recording session, television appearances and controversy. Still photos and film footage tell the story and clarify John Lennon’s quote, “Before Elvis, there was nothing.”
One-Star Theatre – Killer Shrews
Sunday, July 26 at 1:00 a.m.
In this 1959 science fiction film, a small group of people, trapped on a remote island during a hurricane, encounter a scientist working to shrink humans to prevent over population. His experiments have backfired, creating giant shrews that turn to the humans for sustenance when they run out of other things to eat.
Masterpiece Mystery! Miss Marple IV: Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?
Sunday, July 26 at 8:00 p.m.
Miss Marple, a witness and a socialite investigate the last words of a dying man, leading them into a hotbed of homicide and intrigue.
P.O.V. – Hold Me Tight, Let Me Go
Tuesday, July 28 at 10:00 p.m.
British filmmaker Kim Longinotto takes an unflinching look at Oxford’s Mulberry Bush School for emotionally disturbed children and the heroic staff that greets the sometimes violent behavior with gentle restraint.
Globe Trekker Special – Galleons, Pirates and Treasure
Thursday, July 23 at 8:00 p.m.
Follow the footsteps of the Caribbean’s famous mariners and renegades in this exploration of 250 years of dangerous treasure hunting and brutal competition. Galleons were sunk, thousands died and for hundreds of years after the discovery of the New World, pirates ruled the waves.
Soundstage – Josh Groban: An Evening in New York City
Thursday, July 30 at 10:00 p.m.
Internationally renowned performer Josh Groban performs favorites from his best-selling albums with special guests jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and trumpeter Chris Botti.
