Four string virtuosos — renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, bluegrass fiddler Stuart Duncan, bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolin wizard Chris Thile, each a prominent figure in his own musical sphere — have come together as an ensemble to create what critics are now hailing “a most remarkable and organic cross-genre project in which the fire and drive of the bluegrass world meets the clarity and class of the classical music world.”
GOAT RODEO LIVE: YO-YO MA, STUART DUNCAN, EDGAR MEYER, AND CHRIS THILE,taped before a highly engaged audience at Boston’s acclaimed House of Blues, airsFriday, May 25, 2012, 9:00 p.m. on WPBT2. Guest vocalist Aoife O’Donovan joins the ensemble on two numbers.
As viewers will quickly note, the program is an out-of-the-box experience that presents an evening of music both vibrant and varied — composed and improvised, uptown and down home, funky and pastoral — and above all, uniquely American. It is music that represents the birth of something new. Four virtuosos ignore genre restraints and take viewers along on an inspiring journey that’s full of exhilarating music that ranging from meditative to mind-spinning.
The term “goat rodeo,” often applied to a chaotic situation, is a reference to the challenges of melding classical and bluegrass music. GOAT RODEO LIVE includes interviews with the four musicians, providing background and context for their work. Viewers are privy to some of the dynamics that have emerged out of four exceptional musicians’ collaboration on a project that all are deeply passionate about.
Check, Please! South Florida turns up the heat with all-new episodes beginning May 21, 2012 on WPBT2. In the season premiere, three local firefighters come to the rescue with the dish on their favorite dining hot spots! Host Michelle Bernstein jumps back into the mix with fifteen new reviewers, offering restaurant picks from Tequesta to Sweetwater.
Season 8 visits trendy up-and-coming neighborhoods like Wynwood in Miami and Northwood in West Palm Beach, and gets the lowdown on the food truck frenzy with a stop at the Biscayne Triangle Food Truck Round-up in North Miami, one of the largest meet-ups in South Florida. Whether you’re craving authentic Cantonese, Nicaraguan, Israeli or Italian food, this season has you covered.
These fun new episodes will be served up on WPBT2 starting Monday, May 21, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. Episodes repeat on Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 5:30 p.m.
Season 8 is made possible by the generous support of Badia Spices, Whole Foods Market, Illy Caffe, and Johnson & Wales University.
SEASON 8 EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS:
Show #801- Premieres 5/21 Featuring Tropical Chinese Restaurant in Miami, Wings N Ale in Coral Springs, and Sardinia Enoteca Ristorante in Miami Beach.
Show #802- Premieres 5/28 Featuring Hog Snapper’s Shack & Sushi in Tequesta, Talia’s Tuscan Table in Boca Raton, and Jade Kitchen in West Palm Beach.
Show #803- Premieres 6/4 Featuring Madroño Restaurant in Miami, Valentino’s Italiana Cucinain Ft. Lauderdale, and Sunrise Pita & Grill in Sunrise.
Show #804 – Premieres 6/11 Featuring The Cottage in Lake Worth, Don Arturo in Ft. Lauderdale, and Joey’s in Miami.
Show #805 – Premieres 6/18 Featuring the Biscayne Triangle Food Truck Round-Up in North Miami, My Big Fat Greek Restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale, and City Oyster & Sushi Bar in Delray Beach.
THE TITANIC WITH LEN GOODMAN is a unique account of one of the greatest disasters in history, bringing together for the first time – through their descendants – the individual stories of those who constructed or sailed on that most famous of ships. Len Goodman, best known as a judge on “Dancing With the Stars,” has his own connection to the ship. Before he was a dancer, he was a welder for Harland and Woolf, the company that built the Titanic in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Goodman worked for the same company 50 years later, at their yard in East London.
To mark the centenary of the Titanic tragedy, Goodman takes viewers on an exploration of the ship’s hundred-year legacy. THE TITANIC WITH LEN GOODMANpremieres Tuesday, April 10, 2012, 8:00-9:00 p.m. ET on WPBT2.
During the course of the program, Goodman discovers how the Titanic claimed the lives of eight Belfast men before she even touched the water and tries his hand at riveting, experiencing first-hand the blood and sweat that went into building a ship a century ago. He uncovers the story of the handpicked group of men who helped build Titanic, sailed on her and finally died on her.
He visits Southampton to find out why it was the city hit hardest by Titanic’s death toll and explores the story of the ship’s band. He also discovers the stories of 700 emigrants who were on board and had the smallest odds of survival. In London, he meets the men whose wealthy ancestors survived the tragedy, only to pay for their lives with their reputations.
Additional PBS programs scheduled in conjunction with the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster include SAVING THE TITANIC, premiering April 1 at 10:00 p.m. ET, with encore presentations on April 6 at 10:30 p.m. ET, April 10 at 9:00 p.m. ET and April 14 at 9:00 p.m. ET and NOVA “Why Ships Sink,” which premieres on April 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET. Visit http://wpbt2.org/guide/2012_04/hl_titanic.asp for a list of commemorative Titanic programming for April.
In light of the Easter season, WPBT2 will premiere The Life of Jesus Christ on Sunday, April 8 at 7:00 p.m. The story of Jesus Christunfolds in this uplifting musical drama which incorporates a 250-voice choir, a 40-piece orchestra and a cast and crew of almost 1,000.
Presented by the First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale, this inspiring program recaptures the holiday spirit with its compelling narration, spectacular musical performances and inspirational message. The Life of Jesus Christ is more than just a dramatic retelling of the story of Christ. It is a full-scale musical production with elaborate costumes, original choreography, flying angels and live animals.
Nearly 47,000 people attend the annual performance as part of the First Baptist Church of Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant’s elaborate production, with millions more watching during the annual television broadcast.
The 28th anniversary of The Life of Jesus Christ introduced a new set, custom-built by Hollywood designers George and Goldberg, whose credits include the Winter Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies, the Millenium Village at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT, Super Bowl XXVI, and televised concerts featuring Yanni, Kenny G, Michael Bolton, Barbra Streisand and Elvis.
It is one part cooking show, blended with one part travelogue, sprinkled liberally with quirky characters, funky locales and other tropical delights. Join WPBT2 and author, chef and culinary historian Linda Gassenheimer for a free preview screening and reception of Flavors of the Florida Keys on Sunday, April 22 at the Murray E. Nelson Goverment and Cultural Center in Key Largo.
The evening will kick off with a cocktail reception at 4:00pm. The screening of the program will follow at 5:00pm. After the screening, Linda Gassenheimer and Executive Producer Jack Kelly will answer audience questions.
Seating is limited. Please RSVP to Kristina Gutierrez at 305-424-4025 or kristina_gutierrez@wpbt.org by Saturday, April 21.
Content Miami, premiering on WPBT2, Friday, May 4 at Midnight, takes the best content created for the web in the South Florida area , and broadcasts it over the air. Debuting with a Miami-style mix of three local web based programs, Chat Chow, Sound Theory Live, and Something with Erik and Ralph, but now set to broadcast. Hosted by Miami web presence Natasha Izquierdo, Content Miami brings the web to the TV screen, settingthe pace for local television with young, fresh and fun content made in our community and broadcast on WPBT2.
“We want to create a platform to highlight the great programming being created locally for the internet, which also deserves to be on television, so WPBT2, which has always had such a great local focus, is the perfect partner,” says Bill Teck, Executive Producer and Creator of Content Miami, who partnered with RAH Productions' Raul de la Cruz to produce the show.
Chat Chow
The hottest foodie show on the web, Chat Chow, goes behind the scenes with the chefs, owners and mixologists of Miami’s celebrated food industry. Hosted by Lauren Bernat, the viral Wii Fit Girl sensation, the episodes highlight some of South Florida’s favorite food personalities. http://www.chatchow.tv/
Sound Theory Live
Carlos Garcia host of Sound Theory Live on WDNA 88.9 FM promotes local musicians by showcasing their talents live on the radio with little “get to know them” interviews. These sessions recorded live during the WDNA radio broadcast give the viewer the feeling of being in studio with these artists as they talk about and perform their music. https://www.facebook.com/Soundtheorylivemiam
Something with Erik and Ralph
For a slice or pure, made-in-Miami whimsy starring Ralph de la Portilla and Erik Fabregat as two life-long best buddies down and out in Miami’s Great Recession.
Something with Erik and Ralph, created by a group of Miami friends, who go by the moniker, The Wet Socks Ensemble, this creative collective of over-educated misfits has created a truly one of a kind show. http://generation-ntv.com/n-miami/something-with-erik-and-ralph
It is one part cooking show, blended with one part travelogue, sprinkled liberally with quirky characters, funky locales and other tropical delights. WPBT2 premieres it’s first television web series, Flavors of the Florida Keys, on Wednesday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m.
In this 3-part television web series, author, chef and culinary historian Linda Gassenheimer ventures down the Over-sea Highway to delve into a new facet of this dynamic cuisine. On her culinary trek, she lets local residents and restaurateurs guide her, to discover the abundant fresh fish and shellfish, tropical fruits and vegetables of the Keys. From succulent Florida Pink Shrimp to the ubiquitous Key Lime Pie, mouthwatering local recipes unfold as she makes her way through the mile markers.
Viewers can watch the program prior to its broadcast when WPBT2 hosts an online webcast of the program on Thursday, May 3 at 7:30 p.m. EST at www.wpbt2.org/webcast. During the webcast, visitors can watch the program while chatting with each other and asking questions to Linda Gassenheimer and the Executive Producer, Jack Kelly.
WPBT2 will launch the Flavors of the Florida Keys web component on April 27 (www.wpbt2.org/flavorstv). Through this interactive website, viewers will have the opportunity to view behind the scenes video, cooking demonstrations and additional segments made especially for the website, which will be added weekly.
Viewers will be able to email their comments through the website and offer accounts of their own experiences with the recipes listed. Gassenheimer will also interact with the viewers to answer any questions they may have or help with any problems they may encounter in the kitchen.
Funding for Flavors of the Florida Keys was provided by Bacardi U.S.A, Inc., Badia Spices, Don Francisco’s Gourmet Coffee and Florida Keys and Key West Tourism Council.
Episode Descriptions:
Episode 1 – Upper Keys
Broadcast Date: May 9
Places featured: Key Largo Fisheries, Key Largo Conch House, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen, Bob’s Bunz and Sundowners.
Episode 2 – Middle and Lower Keys
Broadcast Date: May 16
Places featured: Hawks Cay Resort, Square Grouper, and Hogfish Bar & Grill
Episode 3 – Key West
Broadcast Date: May 23
Places featured: Louie’s Backyard, Blue Heaven, Santiago Café, BO’s Fish Wagon, and Pepe’s Café & Steakhouse.
Serving America: Memories of Peace Corps premieres on Tuesday, April 3, 7:30 p.m. on WPBT2. This original WPBT2 documentary highlights the experience of eleven South Floridians who served in the early years of the Peace Corps.
In addition to the broadcast, WPBT2 will host an online webcast of the documentary on Thursday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., EST at http://www.wpbt2.org/webcast. During the webcast, visitors can watch the program, chat with each other, and ask questions to the Executive Producer, Jack Kelly.
Told through the recollections of those who served include: Donna E. Shalala, President of the University of Miami, who volunteered in Iran from 1962-1964; Alberto Ibarguen, President and CEO of the James S. and James L. Knight Foundation, who served in Venezuela and Columbia from 1976-1971; Roland Foulkes, Founder & Chief Strategist, One Broward, who served in Ghana, West Africa from 1982-1984; and Terrance L. Lindemann, former WorldBank Head Marketing Div. Ext. Affairs, who volunteered in Venezuela from 1962-64.
Through the mix of archival film and photographs with personal stories from these returned volunteers, the program tells the story of service and idealism while tracing the history and heritage of an organization that has inspired more than 200,000 Americans to work for peace in 139 countries.
“What the Peace Corps really did is make me a citizen of the world,” says Shalala of her experience in Iran. After his service in Ghana, Roland Foulkes believes the “Two years; changed my life. It transformed me in a way that nothing else has.” From Ibarguen’s experience in Venezuela and Colombia, he states, “I am the living, breathing result of those two years in the jungle.”
The Peace Corps traces its roots and mission to 1960, when then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grew a federal government agency devoted to world peace and friendship. Within weeks of his inauguration, President Kennedy signed Executive Order 10924, establishing the Peace Corps on a temporary pilot basis. By June 30, 1962, 2,816 volunteers are in the field in 28 host countries.
FRONTLINE will broadcast a two-part mini-series on WPBT2 April 24 and May 1 at 9 pm. Since 2008, Wall Street and Washington have fought against the tide of the fiercest financial crisis since the Great Depression. What have they wrought? In a special 4-hour investigation, FRONTLINE tells the inside story of the struggles to rescue and repair a shattered economy, exploring key decisions, missed opportunities, and the unprecedented and uneasy partnership between government leaders and titans of finance that affects the fortunes of millions of people around the world. In Part 1 , April 24 on WPBT2, FRONTLINE producer Michael Kirk investigates how two U.S. administrations have confronted the crisis – while dealing with sharp internal divisions and a relationship with Wall Street marked by mistrust and dependence, mutual interests, and competing goals. The investigation charts the largest government bailout in U.S. history, a series of decisions that rewrote the rules of government and fueled a debate that would alter the country’s political landscape. Focusing on the Obama administration, FRONTLINE tells the story of a newly elected president with a mandate for change grappling with the multi-headed menace of economic instability, and with fundamental choices about winners and losers and the direction of his presidency. In Part 2, on May 1 on WPBT2, FRONTLINE producer Martin Smith pivots the investigation to the inner workings of global high finance, which four years after the crisis exploded remains largely shrouded in secrecy and laden with risk. While popular anger at bankers and the effects of reckless lending and borrowing has spread across much of the globe, effective regulatory reform remains elusive. Looking to Europe as well as America, FRONTLINE interviews leading bankers and officials to probe deeply into story of the big banks, how they developed, how
IDINA MENZEL LIVE: BAREFOOT AT THE SYMPHONY features Tony® Award-winning Broadway star (Rent and Wicked), television actress (“Glee”) and recording artist Idina Menzel, with an orchestra masterfully
led by legendary composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch, filmed at The Royal Conservatory’s beautiful Koerner Hall in Toronto, Canada.
Known as a show-stopping performer, Menzel takes viewers on a special journey through a diverse repertoire of classic pop and musical theater favorites, including a fresh spin on contemporary songs. The concert is woven together by Menzel’s irresistible appeal, wit and unparalleled vocal prowess. Recently called the “Streisand of her generation” by The Denver Post, the singer has captivated audiences at sold-out concerts across the country. This show reflects all of her musical and life influences.
IDINA MENZEL LIVE: BAREFOOT AT THE SYMPHONY premieres Saturday, March 10 at 8:30pm on WPBT2. Idina Menzel will be live in WPBT2’s studio! Tune in for a special ticket offer for her upcoming concert in Miami.
