Dear Friends,
Although much of the rest of the country is still in the grip of a cold, dark winter, the days here in Southern Arizona are already noticeably longer. AZPM has much to offer as we transition from winter to spring.
Great Migrations: A People on the Move explores the transformative impact of Black migration on American culture and society.
PBS 6 celebrates Black History Month with a new, 4-part docuseries from acclaimed executive producer, scholar, writer, and host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Great Migrations: A People on the Move explores the transformative impact of Black migration on American culture and society. From the waves of Black Americans to the North – and back South – over the last century to the growing number of immigrants from Africa and the Caribbean today, the film shows how movement is a defining feature of the Black experience. The series will air Tuesdays at 9 p.m., with repeats Saturdays at 7 p.m.. The first episode, Exodus, premiered January 28; if you missed it, catch the repeat Saturday, February 1 at 7 p.m.
Chautauqua at 150: Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise is a one-hour PBS documentary that celebrates the sesquicentennial of this iconic institution while exploring the ever-evolving definition of democracy through powerful stories and performances that have unfolded there. Featuring appearances by Wynton Marsalis, Kathryn Hahn, Lewis Black, Denyce Graves Montgomery, Misty Copeland, Otis Moss III, Kwame Alexander, and many more, Chautauqua at 150: Wynton Marsalis’ All Rise artistically looks at the evolution of ongoing cultural issues, and the impact that Chautauqua Institution has had in providing a critical platform for some of the most thought-provoking, challenging, and often uplifting conversations in America and beyond. Premieres Tuesday, February 11 at 10 p.m. on PBS 6.
Binge all four episodes of the new season of Funny Woman starting February 2 with AZPM Passport.
New seasons of popular programs unfold starting on Sunday, February 2 with Season 2 of Funny Woman at 9 p.m. on PBS 6. Barbara Parker, a small-town beauty queen, has hit the big time in London as Sophie Straw, the nation’s favorite TV comedy star. But big trouble is just around the corner. Will Sophie be able to embrace her new life and challenge outdated cultural conventions? Stay with PBS 6 at 10 p.m. for the broadcast premiere of Seaside Hotel Season 9 “It’s Been a Long, Long Time.” It’s 1945 and Amanda and Frida arrive at the small hotel on the North Sea to begin renovating after four long years of war. Soon both staff and regular guests will arrive, but will things ever be the same for any of them?
AZPM’s original Saturday evening series Hollywood at Home brings viewers the best in uninterrupted classic movies with insightful commentary by film producer and screenplay developer Victoria Lucas. On Saturday, February 1, science fiction collides with satire with Galaxy Quest (1999), an affectionate parody of Star Trek and other science fiction television shows, at 8 p.m. followed by Mel Brooks’ Spaceballs (1987) at 10 p.m.. The stars of Galaxy Quest, including Tim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, and Tony Shalhoub, shrewdly play it perfectly straight; the result is a smart, sly comedy that still seems fresh today. In contrast, Spaceballs, a broad spoof of the original Star Wars trilogy, plays nothing straight. Originally a flop with critics and audiences alike, Spaceballs became a hit on home video, helping turn the movie into a cult classic. Hollywood at Home has something for everyone throughout February, with Neil Simon’s comic masterpiece The Odd Couple (1968) at 8 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, and the techno-thriller War Games (1983), starring a young Matthew Broderick, on February 22.
Wednesday evenings are chock-full of fascinating and compelling science and nature programs, earning the slot the nickname “Thinking Wednesday,” with NATURE at 8 p.m. and NOVA at 9 p.m., followed by SECRETS OF THE DEAD at 10 p.m. This month, explore Pompeii’s secret underworld, watch extinct creatures magically come life after hours in London’s world-famous Natural History Museum, discover Egypt’s Tombs of Amun, investigate the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore Harbor, and follow the escapades of a Nazi art thief – all on PBS 6. Check out the full television broadcast schedule online.
Celebrate Black History Month on NPR 89.1 Wednesday, February 5th at 2pm with the thought-provoking documentary The Breakthrough of ’48: When Civil Rights Won the White House. Based on Samuel Freedman’s book Into the Bright Sunshine, this special presentation features compelling interviews and archival audio to recall pivotal moments in American history that eventually led to the landmark civil rights laws of the 1960s.
Witness History: Black History Month on NPR 89.1, February 12 at 2 p.m. Past episodes available online.
Join NPR 89.1 at 2 p.m. on Wednesday February 12 for Witness History: Black History Month. The new, special hour-long edition of Witness History from the BBC World Service brings together incredible stories about the Black experience. Listen to hear fascinating, harrowing, and inspiring stories, told by people who were there.
Don’t miss the 4-part series The Other Moonshot airing Monday-Thursday at 10 a.m. the week of February 17 on NPR 89.1. As America seethes with civil unrest in the 1960s, three men in Los Angeles play a key role in getting us to the moon. You may think you know everything about our race to space. But there is still, even after all this time, a version that’s never been heard. Listen to hear the story of the Black aerospace engineers in Los Angeles who worked on the Apollo missions, despite barely being allowed in the room.
Classical 90.5 celebrates Valentine’s Day, February 14, with a full day of music of love and romance.
Classical 90.5 celebrates Valentine’s Day, February 14, with a full day of music of love and romance, and honors Presidents Day, February 17, with music from American composers, including Aaron Copland’s iconic Lincoln Portrait. On Saturday, February 22, Classical 90.5 celebrates Black History Month with a tribute to William Grant Still at 6 p.m. William Grant Still was among the most important of African American composers whose career consisted of many "firsts." His music combined styles that spoke of his country and his race and was performed by major orchestras under the direction of major conductors.
AZPM is provided as a community service of the University of Arizona and thrives through the financial contributions of viewers and listeners. Thank you for your ongoing support.
Sincerely,
Jack Gibson
Chief Executive Officer
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