By Chip Chandler — Digital Content Producer
Vintage concert specials will debut during our August pledge drive, which also will see new programs from Rick Steves and other favorites.
August pledge period runs Saturday through Aug. 13.
Among the new programs and concerts:
JFK: The Lost Inaugural Gala
This program features footage recorded at President John F. Kennedy’s inaugural gala in 1961 but never broadcast on television. Watch for performances by Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Belafonte, Nat King Cole, Gene Kelly and more. It’ll air at 2:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 p.m. Aug. 10.
Emmylou Harris — At the Ryman
This 2017 performance is a re-creation of Harris’ iconic 1991 concert, which helped spearhead efforts to refurbish the home of the Grand Ole Opry. It will air at 8:30 p.m. Saturday and 3:30 p.m. Aug. 12.
Journey in Concert: Houston 1981
This program features a concert filmed at the height of the rock band’s popularity, including original vocalist Steve Perry and such hits as “Open Arms,” “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’” and, of course, “Don’t Stop Believin’.” It’ll air at 11:30 p.m. Saturday and 1 a.m. Aug. 12.
Weddings of Downton Abbey
Hugh Bonneville (Robert Crawley) looks back on the iconic bridal ceremonies from the beloved series. It’ll air at 7 p.m. Aug. 6 and noon Aug. 12.
Folk Legends: Isn’t This a Time!
The last in a series of Carnegie Hall folk concerts is celebrated in this program that features a 2003 performance by some of folk music’s greatest acts. Performers include Peter Paul & Mary, The Weavers, Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie. It’ll air at 7 p.m. Aug. 7 and 5 p.m. Aug. 12.
Sgt. Pepper’s Musical Revolution
This highly anticipated film from Huge Films and director Francis Hanly delves into the creation and ongoing influence of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, released on June 1, 1967. Hosted by award-winning British composer, author, music historian and broadcaster Howard Goodall, the documentary conjures up the psychedelic, phantasmagorical world of Sgt. Pepper, provides context for the culture of the day, and shows how the album, which featured classic songs including “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “She’s Leaving Home” and “A Day in the Life,” became a driving force within that culture. It’ll air at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and 11:30 p.m. Aug. 11. (The special premiered on some PBS stations in June.)
Rick Steves’ Heart of Italy
This new special finds Steves visiting Umbria, Assissi, Siena and the Cinque Terre. It’ll air at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 and noon Aug. 13.
Texas Tenors: Rise
The popular trio performs “Amazing Grace,” “God Bless America” and other inspirational tunes. It’ll air at 8:30 p.m. Aug. 10 and 5:30 p.m. Aug. 13.
Paul Simon: Concert in Hyde Park
This program features a 2012 concert that spanned the songwriter’s legendary career, from “The Sound of Silence” to “Graceland” and beyond, with special appearances by Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Jimmy Cliff. It’ll air at 9:30 p.m. Aug. 11 and 1:30 p.m. Aug. 12.
If you're a fan of such programming and want to support Panhandle PBS, click here to make a donation.
Chip Chandler is a digital content producer for Panhandle PBS. He can be contacted at Chip.Chandler@actx.edu, at @chipchandler1 on Twitter and on Facebook.
