By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer
February's feature programming includes a look back at deadly domestic terrorism attacks, profiles of Rep. John Lewis and Maya Angelou, a celebration of Smokey Robinson and more.
Live Here
Our signature local show returns with new episodes Feb. 9 with fresh content airing at 7 p.m. Thursdays through the end of the month. On Feb. 9, producer/host Karen Welch will speak with Barry Albrecht, the new president and CEO of the Amarillo Economic Development Corp. about his ideas for attracting industry to the city. On Feb. 16, I'll speak with Carol Lovelady, the new director of the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum in Canyon, about her love of history and her plans for the iconic museum. And on Feb. 23, we'll preview a year-long focus on the Vietnam War, tied to the November debut of Ken Burns and Lynn Novick's epic documentary series examining the war from all angles.
Spy in the Wild
In the most innovative series Nature has ever presented, the five-part Spy in the Wild, debuting at 7 p.m. Feb. 1, employs more than 30 animatronic “spy cameras” disguised as animals to secretly record behavior in the wild. These “spy cameras” reveal that animals have emotions and behavior similar to humans — specifically, a capacity to love, grieve, deceive, cooperate and invent. The series airs Wednesdays through March 1.
Live from Lincoln Center: Mostly Mozart Festival
Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts celebrates the 50th anniversary of its “Mostly Mozart Festival,” one of the world’s major music festivals and a beloved New York tradition. With its visionary programming, the Mostly Mozart Festival celebrates the genius of Mozart while making it accessible to new and traditional concertgoers. The special airs at 8 p.m. Feb. 3 on Live from Lincoln Center.
American Experience: Oklahoma City
This new special chronicles the rise of the extremist militia movement, from Ruby Ridge to Waco, that led to the deadliest act of domestic terrorism in American history — the 1995 bombing by Timothy McVeigh that killed 168 people in Oklahoma City. The two-hour documentary debuts at 8 p.m. Feb. 7. American Experience will continue its look at pivotal anti-government movements of the 1990s with Ruby Ridge, debuting at 8 p.m. Feb. 14.
Smokey Robinson: The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song
This all-star tribute to singer/songwriter Smokey Robinson, the 2016 recipient of the coveted Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, is hosted by Samuel L. Jackson and airs at 8 p.m. Feb. 10. The special will feature performances by Robinson, Aloe Blacc, Gallant, CeeLo Green, JoJo, Ledisi, Tegan Marie, Kip Moore, Corinne Bailey Rae, Esperanza Spalding, The Tenors, Joe Walsh and BeBe Winans, as well as a special appearance by Berry Gordy, founder of Motown.
John Lewis — Get in the Way
One of the key figures of the civil rights movement, Rep. John Lewis, is profiled in this new documentary debuting at 9:30 p.m. Feb. 10. Lewis was one of the leaders of the SNCC, one of the original Freedom Riders, and the youngest speaker at the 1963 March on Washington. This program follows Lewis today and tells the stories of his role in the civil rights movement and early political career.
Independent Lens: Tower
In August 1966, a deadly mass shooting at the University of Texas left 16 dead. Combining archival footage with rotoscopic animation, this film reframes the events of that day, when the worst in one man brought out the best in so many others. The documentary, which advanced to the shortlist for a nomination for best documentary feature in the 2017 Academy Awards, will debut at 9 p.m. Feb. 14.
The Talk — Race in America
In the wake of recent tragic and fatal events between people of color and law enforcement a nationwide conversation is taking place between parents of color and their children, especially sons, about how they need to present themselves if they are stopped by the police. This story reflects not only the deeply troubled community relationships at a grass roots level, but the ever-widening gap between majority-minority populations in the United States. A two-hour special will debut at 8 p.m. Feb. 20.
Maya Angelou: American Masters
This is the first documentary feature about the incomparable Dr. Maya Angelou. The film weaves her words with rare and intimate archival photographs and videos that paint hidden moments of her exuberant life during some of America’s most defining moments. It debuts at 9 p.m. Feb. 24.
Chip Chandler is a digital content producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and at www.facebook.com/chipchandlerwriter on Facebook.
