Friday, October 14, 2011

AETN Presents: On the Same Page With C.D. Wright

Wright was born in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas and spoke to host Tommy Sanders about her latest book, "One With Others: [A Little Book of her Days]." On the Same Page With C.D. Wright airs Friday, October 14, 2011 at 6:30 p.m. Learn more

PBS Arts from Minnesota: The Guthrie Theater Presents H.M.S. Pinafore

Delight in this spectacular new production of the beloved Gilbert and Sullivan classic from the Guthrie Theater, directed by the theater's artistic director, Joe Dowling. Infused with fresh musical arrangements of Sullivan's memorable melodies — ranging from big band swing to classic pop — HMS Pinafore is pure joy and sensational entertainment for everyone. Actor Rainn Wilson hosts the evening's presentation, produced by PBS member station Twin Cities Public Television (tpt). The Guthrie Theater Presents H.M.S. Pinafore airs Friday, October 14, 2011 at 9 p.m.

Bob Hupp, Producing Artistic Director at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre talks about H.M.S. Pinafore, the Guthrie Theater, and arts in Arkansas and elsewhere.

Friday, October 21, 2011

AETN Presents: On the Same Page With Darcy Pattison

Darcy Pattison and Tommy Sanders discuss her newest book "Prairie Storms," which was released in August. On the Same Page With Darcy Pattison airs Friday, October 21, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

PBS Arts from Seattle: America Masters "Pearl Jam Twenty"

In honor of Pearl Jam's 20th anniversary, award-winning director and music journalist Cameron Crowe creates a definitive portrait of the seminal band carved from over 1,200 hours of rarely and never-before-seen footage, plus 24 hours of recently shot concert and interview footage. Hosted by director Taylor Hackford, "Pearl Jam Twenty" chronicles the years leading up to the band's formation, the chaos that ensued soon after their rise to mega-stardom, their step back from center stage and the creation of a work culture that would sustain them. Part concert film, part insider hang, part testimonial to the power of music and uncompromising artists, the film celebrates the freedom that allowed Pearl Jam a way to make music without losing sight of what mattered most to them — their fans and the music fans that they themselves had always been. "Pearl Jam Twenty" features interviews with original band members Jeff Ament, Stone Gossard, Mike McCready and Eddie Vedder, drummer Matt Cameron, and friend and Soundgarden singer/guitarist Chris Cornell, as well as archival performance and interview footage of Mother Love Bone, Pearl Jam, Temple of the Dog, Kurt Cobain and Neil Young. AMERICAN MASTERS is a production of Thirteen for WNET. The evening's presentation is in collaboration with PBS member station KCTS. Pearl Jam Twenty airs Friday, October 21, 2011 at 9 p.m.

Philip Martin, MovieStyle Editor/Columnist with the Arkansas Democrat Gazette and www.blooddirtandangels.com discusses Pearl Jam Twenty, rock and roll as an art form and the arts in Arkansas.

Friday, October 28, 2011

AETN Presents: On the Same Page With Mark Spitzer

Mark Spitzer discusses his newest book, "Season of the Gar: Adventures in Pursuit of America's Most Misunderstood Fish," with Tommy Sanders. On the Same Page With Mark Spitzer airs Friday, October 28, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

PBS Arts from Miami: Great Performances: Miami City Ballet Dances Balanchine and Tharp

Witness the grace and beauty of one of America's finest dance companies, Edward Villella's Miami City Ballet, in a trio of signature works by George Balanchine and Twyla Tharp. Watch the company's critically acclaimed performances of Balanchine's "Square Dance" and "Western Symphony" and Tharp's "The Golden Section." Actor Andy Garcia hosts. GREAT PERFORMANCES is a production of Thirteen for WNET New York Public Media. The evening's presentation is in collaboration with PBS member station WPBT. Miami City Ballet Dancers Balanchine and Tharpairs Friday, October 28, 2011 at 9:00 p.m.

Lauren Strother, Executive Director of Ballet Arkansas, discusses works by Balanchine, Tharp, raising awareness of the art of dance in Arkansas and more.

Friday, November 4, 2011

AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Still on the Hill

Hailing from the Ozarks, Still on the Hill features a unique brand of Arkansan "folkgrass." The accomplished multi-instrumental and 2010 Governor's Arts Award-winning duo of Kelly Mullhollan and Donna Stjerna performs primarily their original compositions interspersed with new arrangements of traditional songs. On the Front Row With Still on the Hill airs Friday, November 4, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

PBS Arts from the Blue Ridge Mountains: Give Me The Banjo

Narrated by Steve Martin, a banjoist himself, the film explores the roots of American music — the minstrel show, ragtime and early jazz, blues, old-time, folk, bluegrass and country. It is a story of America's quintessential musical instrument from its African slavery roots to the 21st century, featuring performances and commentary from contemporary folk musicians such as Pete Seeger, Earl Scruggs, Taj Mahal, Béla Fleck and the Carolina Chocolate Drops, as well as from leading music historians, instrument builders and collectors. Grammy-winning singer and songwriter Rosanne Cash hosts. GIVE ME THE BANJO is produced and directed by Marc Fields with Michael Kantor as executive producer. Tony Trischka is co-producer and music director. The evening's presentation is in collaboration with PBS member station UNC-TV (North Carolina).  Give Me The Banjo airs Friday, November 4, 2011 at 9 p.m.

Jonathan Trawick of FiddlinArkansas discusses roots music and its role in his life, and the lives of other musicians. The website for Wildwood Park is

Friday, November 11, 2011

AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Kevin Kerby + Battery

This episode features entertaining, energetic rock ‘n' roll and the honest songwriting style of lead singer, Kevin Kerby.  On the Front Row With Kevin Kerby + Battery airs Friday, November 11, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

Kevin Kerby gives a synopsis of his history in the Arkansas music scene and his change in priorities, followed by his performance with his son on AETN Presents: On the Front Row.

PBS Arts from Chicago: American Masters: Bill T. Jones: A Good Man

Follow award-winning director/choreographer Bill T. Jones's intense creative journey as he leads his company in the creation of Fondly Do We Hope ... Fervently Do We Pray, an original dance-theater piece in honor of Abraham Lincoln's bicentennial. "Bill T. Jones: A Good Man" is a co-production of A Good Man Film LLC, Kartemquin Films, Independent Television Service (ITVS), THIRTEEN's American Masters for WNET, and Media Process Group, with the cooperation of the Ravinia Festival. The evening's presentation is in collaboration with PBS member station WTTW. Bill T. Jones: A Good Man airs Friday, November 11, 2011 at 9 p.m.

Lawrence Hamilton, Broadway entertainer and Philander Smith College Cultural Affairs Director, discusses his experience with Bill T. Jones, working in the arts, and his childhood dreams. His website is www.lawrencehamilton.com

Friday, November 18, 2011

AETN Presents: On the Front Row With The Smittle Band - featuring Stephanie Smittle

The band is led by Stephanie Smittle and includes Wythe Walker, Jim McGeHee, Ray Wittenberg and John Davies. They play lounge, Americana and jazzy sounds inspired by the classics. On the Front Row With The Smittle Band airs Friday, November 18, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

An additional song from The Smittle Band's performance at AETN Studio C, not included on the broadcast.

PBS Arts from Cleveland: Women Who Rock

From Bessie Smith to Janis Joplin to Lady Gaga, this performance documentary vibrates with energy as it traces the indelible mark that amazing women musicians have made on America's soundtrack. Inspired by the "Women Who Rock: Vision, Passion, Power" exhibit at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, "Women Who Rock" reveals new insights into what it means to be female in the male-dominated world of rock and roll, while exploring how those dynamics between the sexes have changed with time. The film is produced by Susan Wittenberg and Carol Stein with assistance from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The evening's presentation is in collaboration with PBS member station WVIZ/PBS ideastream®. Women Who Rock airs Friday, November 18, 2011 at 9 p.m.

Arkansas blues musician Shannon Boshears discusses women in rock music -- how they have impacted her playing, and her life. Her website is www.shannonboshears.com

Friday, November 25, 2011

AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Keith Harkin

A member of Celtic Thunder, Harkin treats audiences to a solo performance taped in the AETN studios. Harkin is the blond, scruffy member of the band and is also a successful solo performer in Ireland. On the Front Row With Keith Harkin airs Friday, November 25, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

PBS Arts from Los Angeles: Great Performances: Il Postino from LA Opera

Bask in the beautiful voice of world-renowned tenor Plácido Domingo with the LA Opera in this romantic new opera by composer Daniel Catán based on the Oscar-winning Italian film. Multiple Grammy Award-winning singer Linda Ronstadt hosts. GREAT PERFORMANCES is a production of Thirteen for WNET New York Public Media. The evening's presentation is in cooperation with PBS SoCal (Southern California). Il Postino from LA Opera airs Friday, November 25, 2011 at 9 p.m.

Joy Pennington, Executive Director of the Arkansas Arts Council discusses Il Postino, and the opportunities Arkansans have to experience live opera and other performances.

Friday, December 2, 2011

AETN Presents: On the Front Row With Bonnie Montgomery and Montgomery Trucking

Montgomery, an Arkansas native, mixes country, folk and opera. Montgomery Trucking blends produces an eclectic mix of music that has been described as a hybrid of country, hillbilly and folk. Also featured is an excerpt from Montgomery's highly anticipated project "Billy Blythe," a short-length opera about the adolescence of former president Bill Clinton. On the Front Row With Bonnie Montgomery and Montgomery Trucking airs Friday, December 2, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

PBS Arts from New York: Great Performances: Andrea Bocelli Live in Central Park

Beloved tenor Andrea Bocelli performs a free concert on Central Park's Great Lawn, with the New York Philharmonic conducted by its music director Alan Gilbert. Joining Bocelli on stage on this memorable night are Céline Dion, Tony Bennett, Chris Botti and David Foster. Sopranos Ana María Martínez and Pretty Yende, violinist Nicola Benedetti, bass baritone Bryn Terfel and flutist Andrea Griminelli are also part of the spectacular evening, along with the Westminster Symphonic Choir, Joe Miller, director. Andrea Bocelli Live in Central Park airs Friday, December 2, 2011 at 9 p.m.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Student Selects: A Young Filmmakers Showcase

"Student Selects: A Young Filmmakers Showcase" featuring Arkansas student films in Project VoiceScape. Featured films include: "Life at Hamilton," an unflinching look at the daily learning environment at an inner-city alternative school; "Quality of Opportunity," an examination of the evolution of the Little Rock Central High School neighborhood; and "Dreaming for Justice," a look at the monumental challenge facing a Hispanic immigrant student seeking higher education without needed financial assistance or legal work. Student Selects: A Young Filmmakers Showcase airs Friday, December 16, 2011 at 6:30 p.m.

PBS Arts from San Francisco: Great Performances: The Little Mermaid from San Francisco Ballet

Experience Hans Christian Andersen's haunting tale of love with San Francisco Ballet's production of John Neumeier's inventive ballet. The original score is by young Russian-American composer Lera Auerbach. Part of GREAT PERFORMANCES' "Dance in America." GREAT PERFORMANCES is a production of Thirteen for WNET New York Public Media. The evening's presentation is in collaboration with PBS member station KQED.  The Little Mermaid from San Francisco Ballet airs Friday, December 16, 2011 at 9 p.m.