FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 1, 2009
CONTACT:
Meg Fullwood
214-740-9377
mfullwood@kera.org
TRAVEL THE WORLD FROM THE COMFORT OF YOUR LIVING ROOM WITH KERA
DALLAS/FORT WORTH: If a summer getaway means staying closer to home this travel season, get out of town with KERA! Rick Steves leads a European travel marathon through Greece, Spain, France and beyond and visit Portland, Oregon and Phoenix, Arizona to find out what makes these communities model cities.
Tune in for tickets to local concerts and enjoy new live concert programs including Great Performances - Stevie Wonder: Live at Last recorded in London, Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood: In Concert from Madison Square Garden and American Masters - Neil Young: Don’t be Denied.
Travel to the Far East with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble or travel back in time and enjoy the final week of concerts at the Fillmore West in San Francisco, Jimi Hendrix’s legendary performance at the Monterey Pop Festival and a the Miles Davis Quintet featuring John Coltrane.
Radio reports on KERA-FM take you to Fort Worth for the 13th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition and to five family farms across America in the encore presentation of the Five Farms radio documentary series. Sit back and let KERA bring you the world!
ON KERA-FM
Van Cliburn International Piano Competition
Monday, June 8 during Morning Edition at 6:21 a.m. and 8:21 a.m.
Every four years, classical pianists from around the world gather in Fort Worth for the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. 29 pianists made the preliminaries, but only one takes home the gold. Tune in and hear the winner!
Five Farms
Monday, June 8 to Friday, June 12 at 8:00 p.m.
Family farming was once a way of life in America. Now only one person in a hundred works the land. Five Farms follows the stories of farm life in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Iowa, Arizona and California in this five-part series. Join us for this encore presentation.
ON KERA-TV
Dr. Wayne Dyer – Excuses Begone!
Monday, June 1 at 7:00 p.m.
Thursday, June 25 at 8:30 p.m.
Are you living to your full potential? Or are self-defeating thinking patterns holding you back? Dr. Wayne W. Dyer shows us how to change negative thinking habits and achieve the highest levels of success, happiness and health.
New Science of Learning: Brain Fitness for Kids
Tuesday, June 2 at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 10 at 10:00 p.m.
Experts and scientists working on the cutting edge of brain research show how their work intersects with the lives of real children. Neuroscientists, psychologists, educators, parents and children tell their stories of the previously unthinkable successes in learning and life.
Miles Davis: The Sounds of Miles Davis
Tuesday, June 2 at 10:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23 at 10:30 p.m.
The Miles Davis Quintet with tenor saxophonist John Coltrane, bassist Paul Chambers, pianist Wynton Kelly and drummer Jimmy Cobb perform on the 1959 TV series The Robert Herridge Theater. Don’t miss it!
Fillmore: The Last Days
Tuesday, June 2 at 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 7 at 12:30 a.m.
Rock impresario Bill Graham closed the legendary Fillmore West in San Francisco in the summer 1971 with five nights of all-star concerts. Tune in for highlights from all five nights are including performances by the Grateful Dead and Santana who rose to fame in the storied hall.
Yanni Voices: Live from the Forum in Acapulco
Wednesday, June 3 at 7:00 p.m.
Yanni’s world-class orchestra and four new “voices” deliver an enchanting performance transporting the audience into a world of romance with stunning choreography, costumes and imagery shown on video screens that enhance the experience. Tune in for tickets to the Yanni: Voices concert on Sunday, June 14 at the Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Rock, Rhythm and Doo Wop
Thursday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m.
The original legends of rock and roll reunite for a once-in-a-lifetime performance. Hosted by Frankie Valli, the concert includes performances by Jerry (The Iceman) Butler, Lloyd Price and Little Richard. Tune in for tickets to the Friday, June 12 Doo Wop concert at Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie.
Smothered: The Censorship Struggles of The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour
Thursday, June 4 at 9:00 p.m.
The fascinating and true story about the turmoil surrounding the late-1960s variety show credited with bringing a new brand of political comedy to the airwaves. Tom and Dick Smothers were fired from CBS in 1969, but took the network to court and won. The program includes interviews with show writer Rob Reiner, performers Joan Baez, Pete Seeger and former CBS executives. Tune in for tickets to the Smothers Brothers October 21 performance at Nokia Theatre at Grand Prairie.
The Jimi Hendrix Experience: American Landing
Thursday, June 4 at 11:00 p.m.
Previously unseen interviews and full-length performances trace Jimi Hendrix journey from obscurity in New York’s Greenwich Village to worldwide success jettisoned by his legendary performance at the 1969 Monterey Pop Festival.
Magic Moments: The Best of 50s Pop
Friday, June 5 at 8:00 p.m.
Pop music of the 1950s was music enjoyed by Mom, Dad and the kids alike. It was the days of Pat Boone, Debbie Reynolds and Perry Como. Celebrate the era with stars of the ‘50s singing their biggest hits during a concert recorded at Trump Taj Majal in Atlantic City in 2004.
Great Performances - Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood: In Concert from Madison Square Garden
Friday, June 5 at 10:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 20 at 10:30 p.m.
A reunion concert of rock and roll’s first super group, Blind Faith, brings blues master Eric Clapton and his long-time friend and collaborator Steve Winwood (front man for the band Traffic) together for a concert in Madison Square Garden.
Rick Steves Travels in Europe Marathon
Saturday, June 6 at 10:00 a.m.
Tuesday, June 23 at 7:00 p.m.
Rick Steves joins us in the studio to host a marathon tour of Europe. Visit some of the popular tourist destinations and far-flung getaways from the comfort of your living room.
America’s Home Cooking: Easy Recipes for Thrifty Cooking
Saturday, June 5 at 2:30 p.m.
Learn how to prepare hearty meals that are easy on the pocketbook. These thrifty gourmets use simple ingredients to make nourishing and filling family meals.
Freedom Songs: The Music of the Civil Rights Movement
Saturday, June 6 at 11:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 23 at 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24 at 10:30 p.m.
During one of the most turbulent periods in American history, a few daring musicians stood at the crossroads of a revolution and delivered the soundtrack of a generation. From the civil rights era to Watergate, the music of Billie Holiday, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Sly Stone, Gil Scott-Heron and others blended music, medium and message as never before and changed the world in the process.
Josh Groban, An Evening in New York City: A Soundstage Event
Sunday, June 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24 at 9:00 p.m.
Singer Josh Groban performs favorites from his best-selling albums with trumpeter Chris Botti and pianist Herbie Hancock from Lincoln Center’s intimate Rose Hall.
Great Performances – Stevie Wonder: Live at Last
Sunday, June 7 at 8:30 p.m.
He was introduced to the world at the age of 12 and sky-rocketed to stardom with his early hits. Stevie Wonder’s gift for writing a catchy melody and fusing soul, funk and rhythm and blues brought him a staggering 22 Grammy Awards over the next four decades. His music continues to inspire today. In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Motown Records, Wonder presents a tour-de-force concert at London’s O2 Arena.
British Comedy Ballot
Sunday, June 7 at 10:30 p.m.
Vote for your favorite Britcoms! KERA presents two never before seen programs, The Old Guys and After You’ve Gone, in addition to clips from other popular British comedies. Call in the night of the show and vote for your favorite British Comedy!
Independent Lens: Lioness
Monday, June 8 at 9:00 p.m.
They went to Iraq as cooks, clerks and mechanics. Instead, they found themselves fighting in some of the war’s bloodiest battles. Lioness tells the story of the first women in U.S. history to be sent into direct ground combat – in violation of official U.S. policy.
Frontline: The Tank Man
Tuesday, June 9 at 9:00 p.m.
An amazing and lonely act of defiance against the Chinese regime, after all others had been silenced, amazed the world. What happened to The Tank Man who blocked a line of tanks after the Tiananmen Square uprising 20 years ago? Has China succeeded in erasing this event from its history? Tune in for a captivating story.
Homestretch: Racehorse Rescue
Tuesday, June 9 at 10:00 p.m.
Thousands of horses are bred and sold for millions each year to supply the massive horse racing industry. Yet, despite the best pedigrees, training and care, many fail to meet expectations and are sent to the slaughterhouse or the two-bit racing circuit. Progressive politicians and prisons in some states are creating a new alternative on prison-owned farms where the peaceful surroundings help end-of-term prisoners and horses let go of the past.
Making Sense of Place – Phoenix: The Urban Desert
Thursday, June 11 at 7:00 p.m.
Making Sense of Place is a documentary film series that examines growth and change in large metropolitan areas through the eyes and voices of residents. The first film in the series examines the metropolis of Phoenix, Arizona, and the practical and environmental issues that have accompanied the explosive, dispersed growth of this southwestern city.
SoundStage: Umphrey’s McGee
Thursday, June 11 at 10:00 p.m.
Umphrey’s McGee was founded in 1997 in South Bend, Indiana, but soon called Chicago home. They set their sights on becoming one of the premier live acts in today’s touring circuit and in the course of the last ten years has headlined many of the major festivals. They perform music from their new recording Mantis.
Movie 13: Key Largo
Saturday, June 12 at 8:00 p.m.
John Huston directs Humphrey Bogart as Frank McCloud and Lauren Bacall as Nora Temple in the story of an embittered war veteran who travels to Key Largo, Florida, to meet the wife of his deceased war buddy. He arrives at the tumbled down hotel, run by Nora’s wheelchair-bound father-in-law to find that it’s been taken over by an exiled gangster and his remaining cohorts. Frank is indifferent at first, but after a series of events, decides the gangster must be stopped. A film noir classic.
Live from Lincoln Center: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble
Sunday, June 14 at 2:00 p.m.
Cellist Yo-Yo Ma brings the Silk Road Ensemble to Lincoln Center's Damrosch Park band shell for an outdoor celebration of music from the four corners of the earth. Renowned musicians, composers, arrangers, visual artists and storytellers from more than 20 countries celebrate global connections while maintaining the integrity of art rooted in an authentic tradition.
Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
Monday, June 15 at 10:00 p.m.
In Texas, African slaves learned of their liberty on June 19, 1865, some two years after President Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. When Union Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, with the news that the Civil War had ended and slaves were free, African-Americans throughout Texas celebrated. Juneteenth continues to be honored in celebration of Granger's announcement.
America at a Crossroads: The Mosque at Morgantown
Tuesday, June 16 at 8:00 p.m.
In 2001, Wall Street Journal reporter Asra Nomani, working in Pakistan, faced the double shock of a surprise pregnancy and abandonment by the father of her child, and the murder of her friend Daniel Pearl at the hand of Muslim extremists. She returned to her hometown of West Virginia to raise her son only to discover the mosque had been taken over by extremists. The documentary follows the story of Nomani in a revealing story of social change, American identity and the nature of religion.
Frontline: Breaking the Bank
Tuesday, June 16 at 9:00 p.m.
In 1984, there were more bank failures in the U.S. than at any time since the Great Depression. Correspondent Judy Woodruff investigates one of the largest bank failures, Penn Square in Oklahoma City, and another which nearly failed, Continental Illinois in Chicago, to examine the implications on the nation's banking system.
Independent Lens: Ask Not
Tuesday, June 16 at 10:00 p.m.
When President Bill Clinton took office in 1993, his campaign pledge to lift the ban on gays serving openly in the military became a heated issue. Military leaders, Christian fundamentalists and conservative member of Congress expressed vehement opposition. The "don't ask, don't tell" (DADT) policy was presented as a compromise. Originally intended to protect gays in the military, the policy created a double standard that instead mandated silence and celibacy. Independent Lens takes a look at the policy today.
Great Performances: Chess in Concert
Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 p.m.
A new version of the failed musical Chess has been re-imagined by lyricist Sir Tim Rice, featuring vocalists Josh Groban, Idina Menzel and Adam Pasquall. With music by Bjorn Ulvaeus and Benny Anderson of ABBA, this version is said to be “closer to perfect” in the eyes of the creators.
The Roots of War … The Road to Peace
Wednesday, June 17 at 9:30 p.m.
Shot on location in Baghdad, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, and the U.S., the documentary examines the historic conflicts in the Middle East and the role of the United States leading up to 9/11. Produced by Niki and Dennis McCuiston.
Making Sense of Place: Portland
Thursday, June 18 at 7:00 p.m.
The documentary film series continues with a look at Portland, Oregon, hailed as the model city. Tune in to find out what makes Portland tick and whether the rest of the nation is ready to fall in line.
Soundstage - Jackson Browne
Thursday, June 18 at 10:00 p.m.
Rock's poet laureate Jackson Browne delivers a remarkable performance featuring tracks from his latest recording, Time the Conqueror, as well as hits from his previous 11 studio albums.
Great Scenic Railway Journeys
Saturday, June 20 at 7:00 p.m.
This Emmy Award-winning series profiles some of the world’s historic and scenic tourist railways, from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the high desert of Arizona. Ride along on a journey of unsurpassed scenic beauty. Producer Robert C. Van Camp joins us in the KERA studios. Tune in for tickets to ride the historic Texas State Railroad.
The Moody Blues at the Royal Albert Hall
Saturday, June 20 at 9:00 p.m.
The timeless music of The Moody Blues has spanned generations. Music director Larry Baird conducts the World Festival Orchestra as they accompany the Moody Blues through performances of their classic hits including Question of Balance, The Story in Your Eyes and Nights in White Satin in a 2000 concert at Royal Albert Hall. Tune in for tickets to the Moody Blues September 2 and 3 concerts with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra with an opportunity to meet the band.
Broadway Profiles: Women of Broadway
Sunday, June 21 at 7:00 p.m.
Take the best seat in the house to enjoy a celebration of Sutton Foster, Christine Ebersole, Estelle Parsons, Julie Taymor, Charlotte d’Amboise and Kate Shindle, performers and directors who are among the brightest stars on Broadway. Tune in for tickets to the Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Broadway Series.
CEO with Lee Cullum
Friday, June 26 at 7:30 p.m.
This month on CEO, host Lee Cullum explores the world of nanotechnology with Jim Von Ehr at Zyvex Instruments.
American Masters – Neil Young: Don’t be Denied
Saturday, June 27 at 9:00 p.m.
Told in Young’s own words, the film weaves hours of exclusive interviews, shot in New York and California, with previously unseen performance footage from the star’s personal collection. The documentary features long-time collaborators Stephen Stills, Graham Nash, David Crosby, Nils Lofgren and James Taylor.
