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Great Performances
Pavarotti: A Life of Seven Arias
Wed, Sept 10, 7-9 p.m.
When Luciano Pavarotti died in September, 2007, the world lost one of the greatest voices in all of music. In celebration of Pavarotti's peerless vocal talent and extraordinary international impact, this performance documentary looks back over his legendary career, utilizing the arias with which he was most closely associated as a narrative framework. From his humble origins in Modena, Italy, A Life in Seven Arias follows "the King of the High C's" meteoric rise, spanning through his London debut in La Boheme, his triumph in La fille du regiment, and his iconic rendition of "Nessun Dorma." In addition to a treasure trove of classic Pavarotti performances, also featured are new and archival interviews with many of the tenor's friends and colleagues, including Dame Joan Sutherland, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, and Juan Diego Florez.
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Elvis Lives
The 25th Anniversary Concert
Sat, Sept 13, 10-11:30 p.m.
Through the magic of modern technology, Elvis Presley is reunited with his original TCB band and back-up singers 25 years after his death, for a unique concert special, featuring Elvis from selected concerts including the Aloha From Hawaii satellite special. This one-of-a-kind concert event has stirred audiences around the world and ignited a passion for the King in a whole new generation of music lovers. ELVIS LIVES uses the technique where a recorded past performance is integrated in real time with supporting musicians and singers live on stage. This technique has been used before, but only one song was performed and not before a live audience. Therefore, it is truly a marvel that an entire live concert was performed in this manner. The Elvis Lives concert was staged in August of 2003 at The Pyramid in Memphis, TN in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Elvis's death.
Celtic Thunder
Sun, Sept 14, 7-9 p.m.
Celtic Thunder is a new group and concert special featuring five Celtic male vocalists: Paul Byrom (age 28, Dublin, Ireland), George Donaldson (age 39, Glasgow, Scotland), Keith Harkin (age 20, Derry, Northern Ireland), Ryan Kelly (age 28, Moy in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland) and Damian McGinty (age 14, Derry, Northern Ireland). Taped August 2007 at the Helix in Dublin, the group's debut performance is a celebration of Celtic heritage and men-their loves, attitudes, individuality, power and strength, throughout life's journey. Celtic Thunder premieres nationwide on public television March 2008 (check local listings) and is distributed by WLIW New York.From rousing ensemble numbers to solos showcasing each members' vocal style and personality, Celtic Thunder performs powerful ballads, popular hits, and heartwarming songs of love and loss from across the Celtic music spectrum-Irish, Scottish, traditional and contemporary. Celtic Thunder creator/producer Sharon Browne teamed up with legendary Irish composer Phil Coulter (Elvis Presley's "My Boy," Sandie Shaw's "Puppet on a String," the now-classic Irish ballad "The Town I Loved So Well"), to audition men all over Ireland and Scotland for the group, and craft a representative set list. The eclectic mix of music includes traditional songs ("Mountains of Mourne," "Come by the Hills," "Love Thee Dearest"), pop classics (Paul Anka's "Puppy Love," the Eagles' "Desperado," The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin") and Coulter originals (Irish Rugby Football Union anthem "Ireland's Call," "The Old Man," "Steal Away"), accompanied by The Celtic Concert Orchestra, a full band, bagpipes and monks. Choreography, dramatic lighting, visual effects, and a set resembling ancient stone steps and paths enhance the musical production.
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Mariachi
The Spirit of Mexico
Tue, Sept 16, 7-9 p.m.
Hosted by Placido Domingo, this special features performances from the 9th annual International Mariachi Festival, a 10-day event held in Guadalajara in which more than 500 mariachis perform in concert halls and street markets. It highlights famous mariachis, including Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, Nati Cano's Mariachi Los Camperos, Mariachi America; and less well known groups from around the world, all gathered to celebrate the passionate music that for the past 100 years has been the beating heart of the Mexican people.
Hollywood Singing and Dancing
A Musical Treasure
Wed, Sept 17, 9-10:30 p.m.
Hollywood Singing and Dancing: A Musical Treasure is a celebration of song and dance, beginning with the Busby Berkeley films that lifted the spirits of audiences during the Great Depression, through the patriotic musicals of the 1940s and ending with the collapse of the studio system in the 1950s. Hosted by Academy Award winning stage, screen and television icon, Shirley Jones, this "docutainment" film is a grand historical look at the magic of musical Hollywood. Highlighted are amazing songs and dance numbers, little- known facts, and luminaries who made the magic possible such as Fred Astaire, Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Shirley Temple, Betty Grable, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, James Cagney, Vincente Minnelli, and so many more.
Carole King
Welcome to My Living Room
Thu, Sept 18, 10-11:30 p.m.
One of music's most prolific songwriters invites fans for an intimate, career-spanning concert. Filmed during Carole King's sold-out, critically acclaimed 2005-2006 Living Room World Tour, the performance special follows the trajectory of her 40-plus year career: from her inauspicious beginnings as the self-described "lyrically challenged" member of Brooklyn high school girl group the Co-Sines to a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer whose songs have topped the charts for artists from an impressively wide range of genres.
Austin City Limits
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass
Sat, Sept 27, 10-11 p.m.
This program captures the music and spirit of this summer festival that takes place annually in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park. Celebrating the resurgence of bluegrass music with musicians young and old, and taking it in new directions, the festival, and this program, features music and performers that go beyond bluegrass. Highlights include performances by Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs and Bruce Hornsby, Bela Fleck, Gillian Welch and Emmylou Harris.
PBS Music Resources
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