A Ken Burns documentary marathon, plenty of iconic concert specials, a celebration of Mister Rogers and other viewer favorites will entertain audiences during our August pledge drive from August 29 to September 6.
Among the featured programs:
- Red, White and Rock: My Music, a patriotic celebration featuring performances from a variety of rock, pop and doo-wop artists from the late 50s to mid-60s. Performers include Frankie Avalon, Jerry Butler, Connie Francis, Frankie Valli and more. It will air at 4 p.m. August 29 and at 8:30 p.m. September 2.
- Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: 50 Years and Circlin Back, a one-hour concert celebrating the 50 years the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band has spent at the forefront of American music. The show features guest appearances from Vince Gill, Jackson Browne, Allison Krauss, Rodney Crowell and more. It will air at 9:30 p.m. August 29 and 1 p.m. September 6.
- NOVA: The Planets, narrated by Emmy nominated actor and producer Zachary Quinto, takes viewers through 4.5 billion years of the history of our solar system, a story told by a combination of CGI and extraordinary footage from orbiters, landers and rovers. It will air at 5 p.m. August 30.
- Windermere Children: In Their Own Words, a documentary focusing on the little-known story of 300 young orphaned Holocaust survivors who begin new lives on the shores of Lake Windermere in England. This film follows the little-known story of the children, beginning with their arrival in Carlisle in 1945 and the Central British Fund’s efforts to rehabilitate them. Some of the last living Holocaust survivors share their stories of wartime horrors, and the wonders of arriving in Britain. It will air at 7 p.m. August 30.
- Won’t You Be My Neighbor reflects on the life and legacy of Fred Rogers, and the calm and stable presence he had tackling life’s toughest troubles on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood.Won’t You Be My Neighbor was one of 2018’s most acclaimed films, and features personal footage, interviews with family and friends and more. It will air at 7 p.m. August 31 and 10 p.m. September 6.
- ABBA: A Celebration tells the story of Swedish supergroup ABBA using original interviews, rare archival footage and tons of music. It will air 7 p.m. September 1 and 12 a.m. September 5.
- NOVA Cat Tales, an examination of the relationship between cats and humans. Cats have been worshipped as gods and goddesses, condemned as demonic and everything in between, but they have always fascinated humans. It will air at 7 p.m. September 2 and 1 a.m. September 4.
- Iconic Women of Country provides an up-close-and-personal look at legendary female artists, their stories and songs, and how they’ve stood the test of time. Get to know some of the icons of country music, including Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Brenda Lee and more. It will air at 7 p.m. September 3 and 10 p.m. September 5.
- Riverdance 25th Anniversary Show, a cinematic celebration of magical Irish and international dance. In this anniversary show, rediscover Riverdance and fall in love all over again. It will air at 10 p.m. August 30 and 8 p.m. September 4.
- NOVA Dog Tales examines the connection between dogs and humans by looking at their closest living relative: the wolf. Researchers dig into the intelligence of wolves, canine DNA and look at how the brains of dogs work. It will air at 9:30 p.m. August 31 and 1:30 p.m. September 5.
- Victor Borge: 100 Years of Music and Laughter, hosted by Rita Rudner, remembers Borge’s outrageous antics, one-liners, falls, and more. This program features some of his funniest skits, as well as rare archival footage. It will air at 2 p.m. August 30 and 7 p.m. September 5.
- Alan Jackson: Precious Memories features signature renditions of traditional hymns to honor his mother’s request that he release a gospel album. This concert, recorded at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium, will air at 12:30 p.m. August 30 and 8:30 p.m. September 5.
- Ken Burns: America’s Storyteller, hosted by Tom Hanks, celebrates the nearly four-decade career of filmmaker Ken Burns, whose intense passion for storytelling has resulted in some of the most acclaimed historical documentaries ever made. It will air at 2:30 p.m. September 6.
- Ken Burns: Civil War, explores one of the most important conflicts in United States It will air at 4 p.m. September 6.
- Ken Burns: National Parks, explores some of nature’s most spectacular spots and the stories of the people willing to protect them. It will air at 6 p.m. September 6.
- Ken Burns: Country Music, follows the story of country music from humble beginnings to sold out venues, and the people and places behind the art. It will air at 10 p.m. September 6.
Other programs include Lawrence Welk: God Bless America, This Old House — 40th Anniversary Special, Fleetwood Mac: The Dance, Avett Brothers at Red Rocks and more.
August pledge is an opportunity for viewers to join Panhandle PBS as a member, renew their existing membership or become a sustaining member. Support from viewers like you helps us provide programming, produce local content and plan events all year long. To learn more about what your support means to us, click here!
