Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun

AMERICAN MASTERS: Zora Neale Hurston: Jump at the Sun, airs Wednesday, April 9 at 9:00 p.m. on WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami.
Writer, cultural anthropologist, chronicler of folk roots and ethnic traditions, daughter of a former slave, Hurston was one of the most celebrated — and most controversial — figures of the Harlem Renaissance, the creatively expansive era in the 1920s when “the Negro was in vogue.” She attained unique success in all areas, but her words and her conclusions were often mired in contention — she was called everything from flamboyant to outrageous, unpredictable to bodacious. She collaborated with Langston Hughes, was criticized by Richard Wright and ultimately died a pauper’s death in total obscurity. Now considered a lioness of African-American literature, she was resurrected by Alice Walker; such works as Dust Tracks on a Road and Their Eyes Were Watching God are essential reading today. S. Epatha Merkerson (“Law & Order”) narrates the program.

You can read the Miami Herald feature about the filmmaker, Kristy Andersen, and her two decade effort to make this film, click here.

COMPAÑERAS

COMPAÑERAS, ROUSING DOCUMENTARY ABOUT AMERICA’S FIRST ALL-FEMALE MARIACHI BAND, TO HAVE ITS BROADCAST PREMIERE ON THE EMMY AWARD–WINNING PBS SERIES INDEPENDENT LENS ON TUESDAY, APRIL 1, 2008, AT 11:00 PM

COMPAÑERAS is a passionate profile of America’s first all-female mariachi band, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. Founded in 1994, the 12 members of Reyna shatter age-old stereotypes by putting a uniquely female twist on a beloved musical genre. In an arena that has traditionally been maledominated,
these women are true pioneers, literally giving voice to Latinas with their fiery performances.

Directed and produced by Elizabeth Massie and Matthew Buzzell, COMPAÑERAS will air nationally on the Emmy Award–winning PBS series Independent Lens, hosted by Terrence Howard, on Tuesday, April 1, 2008, at 11:00 PM on WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami.

Catch These Rising Stars

“RISING STARS,” NEW WORLD SCHOOL OF THE ARTS GALA EVENING CELEBRATES SOUTH FLORIDA’S FOREMOST INSTITUTION OF ARTISTIC AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT, TO BRIGHTEN DOWNTOWN MIAMI, FRIDAY, MARCH 14, WITH PRE-PERFORMANCE VISUAL ARTS EXHIBIT AT NEW WORLD GALLERY FOLLOWED BY SHOWCASE MUSICAL AT GUSMAN CENTER AND GALA RECEPTION AT DUPONT BUILDING

Over twenty years of providing the Florida community with one of its most unique and internationally applauded institutions of learning, New World School of the Arts (NWSA) will step up to the occasion with “Rising Stars,” an all-out celebration, Friday, March 14. Beginning with a free 5-6:30 P.M. visual arts exhibition and reception at the New World Gallery, the merriment continues with a 7 P.M. musical extravaganza at the Gusman Center for the Performing Arts; and a Gala reception at 9 P.M. immediately following the performance to be held at the Alfred I. DuPont Building.

Rising Stars

Often in this blog we talk about a vision for the future of arts and culture in the south Florida region, but there is certainly a place where the future is flourishing today, and that is the New World School of the Arts in Miami.  On our video site, uVu, we have highlighted the school in the past and you can see that story by clicking here (courtesy of Miami Dade College's IN FOCUS series).
On March 14th, the Rising Stars of the NWSA will present performances and visual exhibitions, an evening of dance, music, theatre and visual arts.  If you want a sampling of what you can see that night, we have a taste of last year's Rising Stars event which you can watch here. Or better still come see it live atthe Gusman Theatre that night.

Lincoln and the Jews

Maybe you missed it live last month, but in honor of President's Day, we want to draw your attention to the fact that the entire lecture is available for streaming on our website, uVu.

“Lincoln and the Jews” presented by the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and the Jewish Museum of Florida. Abraham Lincoln’s extension of freedom, equality, and opportunity to Jews of his time is a little known story.

The Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission and the Jewish Museum of Florida celebrated Florida Jewish History Month with a panel discussion – “Lincoln and the Jews” –  on Sunday, January 13, 2008, at 3:00 p.m., in Miami Beach, Florida.

Black History Month Special: Slavery and The Making Of America

Slavery and The Making of America airs on Monday and Tuesday, February 11 and 12 at 9pm on WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami.

This groundbreaking series chronicles the institution of American slavery from its origins in 1619 - when English settlers in Virginia purchased 20 Africans from Dutch traders - through the arrival of the first 11 slaves in the northern colonies (in Dutch New Amsterdam), the American Revolution, the Civil War, the adoption of the 13th Amendment and Reconstruction. With such unprecedented breadth come entirely new perspectives on and facts about slavery. These new perspectives challenge many long-held notions (such as the idea that slavery was strictly a southern institution; it was, in fact, a national institution) and highlight the contradictions of a country that was founded on the principle of "liberty and justice for all" but embraced slavery. Morgan Freeman narrates.

Knight Arts Partnership

To start, for the sake of full disclosure, WPBT's uVu, our video sharing site, was launched with generous support from the Knight Foundation, but the Foundation has taken another huge step to bolster the civic and cultural health of this community with the announcement of their Arts Partnership.  if you'd like to see the press conference announcing this initiative see it here on uVu. 

For the First Night of Chanukah

Take a look at a trailer for the upcoming series The Jewish Americans which will be broadcast on WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami in January.

South Africa’s Longest Running Show, AFRICAN FOOTPRINT, Comes to America on Channel 2

“African Footprint is to South Africa what Riverdance is to the Irish
and Stomp is to the Brits!” – Entertainment iafrica.com, South Africa

Richard Loring's celebrated stage production AFRICAN FOOTPRINT fuses the rhythms of both ancient and contemporary Africa. Now, after 3,500 performances that dazzled audiences across Europe, China, Australia, Israel and India, Americans can find this magnetic production on Thursday, December 6 at 9:30 p.m. on WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami. Tune in to find out how you can see African Footprints during it's South Florida tour.

WPBT celebrates Hispanic Heritage

WPBT/CHANNEL 2 IN MIAMI OFFERS SPECIAL PROGRAMMING FOR HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH

From artists Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco to the music of Colombia WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami will present a number of broadcast premieres and encore presentations that recognize the cultural, historical and societal impact of America’s growing Hispanic community. The programs air during Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated each year from September 15 – October 15.

Pavarotti Remembered

In the first of what we expect will be a number of tribute programs to the legendary Luciano Pavarotti, WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami re-presents the acclaimed GREAT PERFORMANCES AT THE MET: L’Elisir d’Amore on Sunday, September 9th at 12:30 p.m.

This 1981 Metropolitan Opera performance features tenor Luciano Pavarotti in one of his most treasured roles as Nemorino.  Highlighting the telecast is Pavarotti's stunning rendition of "Una Furtiva Lagrima," an aria he made his own throughout his illustrious career. The opera will be preceded by a brief introduction in tribute to Pavarotti by Charlie Rose. The production also stars Judith Blegen, Sesto Bruscantini, Brent Ellis and Louise Wohlafka. The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Chorus and Ballet were conducted by Nicola Rescigno in a production by Nathaniel Merrill. Sets and costumes were designed by Robert O'Hearn.

NUREYEV on Great Performances

RUDOLF NUREYEV is one of the enduring icons of 20th-century dance. NUREYEV: THE RUSSIAN YEARS is a new examination of the key period in his life prior to and immediately following his famous "leap to freedom" in 1961. Premiering Wednesday, August 29 on GREAT PERFORMANCES on WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami, the special weaves recent interviews with Russian colleagues and rare archival footage of the young dancer never before seen in the West.

Watch a preview clip on uVu.

Forever Rocio

A few nights ago, we presented the South Florida premiere of a performance special featuring the internationally renowned singer Rocio Jurado.  The program, Rocio Siempre, served as a tribute to Ms. Jurado, who sadly, passed away a little more than a year ago.

The response was phenomenal and the calls keep on coming.

Based on that response and the request from many more who missed the first broadcast, WPBT will present the film again this weekend, Sunday, August 19 at 7:00 pm.  Here is a brief description of the program:

Beverly Sills Remembered

The Public Television world and culture lovers in general were saddened with week with the news of the passing of Beverly Sills.

To honor the memory of this national treasure, WPBT will rebroadcast GREAT PERFORMANCES “Beverly Sills: Made in America.”

 

A CAPITOL FOURTH

Q&A WITH TONY DANZA, HOST OF A CAPITOL FOURTH

PBS' award-winning A CAPITOL FOURTH is the nation's patriot birthday party live from Washington D.C.  This year, Tony Danza will be hosting the festivities.  We sat down with Tony and asked him about the role and his feelings and thoughts about July 4th.  A CAPITOL FOURTH will be broadcast live on PBS from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, July 4, 2007 at 8:00 on WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami.  The show will be followed by a stunning fireworksdisplay over the Washington Monument.

Q: What made you decide to accept the invitation to host A CAPITOL
FOURTH?

S'Wonderful Paul Simon

PAUL SIMON: THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS GERSHWIN PRIZE FOR POPULAR SONG
Wednesday, June 27, at 9 p.m. on WPBT/Channel 2 in Miami

– Singer and Songwriter Is First Recipient of New Prize –

PAUL SIMON: THE LIBRARY OF CONGRESS GERSHWIN PRIZE FOR POPULAR SONG,celebrates Paul Simon, one of America’s most respected songwriters and musicians and the first recipient of the prize. Taped at the Warner Theatre in Washington, DC, on May 23, 2007, the high-definition special features tributes from a star-studded line-up of performers and presenters, including Yolanda Adams, Marc Anthony, Dixie Hummingbirds, Jerry Douglas, Art Garfunkel, Alison Krauss, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Lyle Lovett, Stephen Marley, James Taylor and Buckwheat Zydeco. Presenters include former poet laureate Billy Collins, Bob Costas and Lorne Michaels. 

12 GIRLS BAND: LIVE FROM SHANGHAI

12 GIRLS BAND: LIVE FROM SHANGHAI

Tune in to WPBT, Channel 2 on Saturday, June 9 at 5pm and find out how to see 12 Girls Band LIVE

– China’s Foremost World Music Ensemble Performs on Traditional Instruments –

During the 13th century in China, the emperor was usually entertained by a band composed of 12 young women who played a variety of string instruments. Those same string instruments and flutes are used today by China’s foremost world music ensemble, 12 Girls Band. These musicians electrify China’s most modern city with their high-energy orchestral arrangements in 12 GIRLS BAND: LIVE FROM SHANGHAI.

East meets West when the band, performing in the shadow of the famous Pearl Tower in Shanghai’s skyscraper district, treats the enthusiastic audience to a musical repertoire that includes world-music arrangements of their best-selling albums, as well as unique arrangements of classical crossover favorites such as “Nessun dorma” and selections from Handel, Mozart and Bach. Guest star Lila Downs, renowned for her performances on the soundtrack of Frida (the film about the Mexican artist Frida Kahlo), sings “La Habanera” from Bizet’s Carmen. Singer Tim Sheff, accompanying himself on piano, also joins the band for a special rendition of “Georgia on My Mind.” 

Interspersed with shots of Shanghai and the nearby Yangtze River, 12 GIRLS BAND: LIVE FROM SHANGHAI features:

Act 1
•    “Freedom”   
•    “Miracle” 
•    “My Heart Will Go On” from Titanic
•    “La Habanera (L’Amour est un oiseau rebelle)” from Carmen, with Lila Downs

Act 2
•    “Glory”
•    “Shining Energy”
•    “Carnival”
•    “Great Canyon”

Act 3
•    “Take Five”
•    “Georgia on My Mind” with Tim Sheff on piano and vocals
•    Handel’s “Music for the Royal Fireworks”
•    New Classicism: Mozart’s Symphony No. 40 in A Minor
•    Bach’s Concerto for Violin in A Minor
•    “Nessun dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot

Underscoring the credits is the 12 Girls Band rendition of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” with vocalists Lila Downs and Tim Sheff.

The 12 Girls Band includes Zhou Jiannan on the gu zheng (zither); Yang Songmei and Ma Jingjing on yang qin (a type of hammered dulcimer); JuanZhong Bao, Zhang Kun and Shi Juan on pi pa (Chinese lute); Liao Binqu and Sun Yuan on di zi (bamboo flute); and Sun Ting, Zhan Lijun, Yin Yan, Lei Ying and Jiang Jin on er hu (two-stringed violin).

WE LOVE ELLA!

WE LOVE ELLA! A TRIBUTE TO THE FIRST LADY OF SONG premieres on Wednesday, June 6 at 8pm on WPBT Channel 2

Dubbed "the First Lady of Song," Ella Fitzgerald consistently ranked among the most popular female jazz singers in the United States for more than half a century. In her lifetime, she won 13 Grammy Awards® and sold more than 40 million albums. With her unmistakable, dexterous voice, she sang sultry ballads and swinging pop standards with matchless jazz musicianship. She regularly collaborated with all the greats of American popular music from the mid-20th century, from Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Nat King Cole to Frank Sinatra, Dizzy Gillespie, and Benny Goodman. With April 25, 2007 marking what would have been Fitzgerald's 90th birthday, various tributes are under way, including the release of a commemorative stamp by the U.S. Postal Service. From USC's Galen Center, GREAT PERFORMANCES joins the celebration with an all-star tribute to Fitzgerald's enduring legacy in American song, featuring Patti Austin, Natalie Cole, George Duke, Jon Faddis, Quincy Jones, Dave Koz, Ledisi, Monica Mancini, James Moody, Ruben Studdard, Take 6, Nancy Wilson, Stevie Wonder, Lizz Wright, and Wynonna.

Other tributes to the singer include the release of two new CDs: WE ALL LOVE ELLA: CELEBRATING THE FIRST LADY OF SONG, which offers renditions of her well-known hits by today's leading pop, jazz, blues, and R&B artists, many of whom appear in the evening's program, and LOVE LETTERS FROM ELLA, a never-before-heard collection of songs featuring Ella and some of her favorite collaborators -- including Count Basie, Joe Pass, and André Previn. Learn more about Ella's remarkable career, which began in the mid-1930s when she was discovered at an amateur talent contest held at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, in the biography. Find out which of her memorable songs are part of this special in the song list.

Followed at 10 by JAZZ ICONS: ELLA FITZGERALD LIVE IN '57 AND '63.

Online Videos by Veoh.com

Open Call for Film and Video Artists

The Museum of Contemporary Art is calling all artists and filmmakers out there. MOCA is seeking submissions for an upcoming film and video showcase called “Optic Nerve IX.” The showcase will highlight the work of emerging South Florida artists and filmmakers.

MOCA is currently accepting submissions (on VHS or DVD), no longer than 6 minutes a piece. All work must also contain original material made within the last 2 years.

Submissions have to be postmarked by June 22nd, and can be on any subject of interest to the filmmaker. Each person can submit up to 2 entries. Artists whose work has been selected for the July 28th screening will be notified in early July.

The MOCA website has much more information about the showcase: http://www.mocanomi.org, or those interested can also contact Esther Park, Programs Manager, at 305-893-6211 ext. 29 (e-mail: epark@mocanomi.org)

- Vitra in A&P

Met Opera live in HD

Bravo, Bravo, Bravo.......to the Metropolitan Opera and WPBT!

 

For three hours last Saturday afternoon in a movie theater in South Beach, everything disappeared except for what was before my eyes....the Metropolitan Opera simulcast Live on the big screen from New York City’s Lincoln Center. 

 

I was right in the middle of the action— Puccini’s Il Trittico in high definition and it was the most moving experience I have ever had at the movies.

 

Thank you Channel 2.

 

Arlyne Frankel

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