LPB Special Programming
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Wonder and discovery are hallmarks of LPB. For 47 years we’ve been invited into viewers homes; a trusted source to provide educational and entertaining programs for children and adults alike! We are a near-universal media service, available commercial-free to anyone with an antenna or internet connection.
We couldn’t do it without your support. That's why membership is so important. Check out the special programs we are presenting this December, including the premiere of our 2-part 4-hour documentary series Why Louisiana Ain't Mississippi... or Any Place Else!
Your membership during these programs comes with special gifts as our way of saying "Thank You" including LPB PASSPORT, an extended member streaming benefit and Visions magazine, our monthly member magazine. And LPB will make your membership count! All money goes to help us provide Louisiana with entertaining and enlightening programming as well as engaging and educational experiences for parents, children, and teachers. Thank You.
WHY LOUISIANA AINT MISSISSIPPI... OR ANY PLACE ELSE!
WHY LOUISIANA AIN'T MISSISSIPPI...OR ANY PLACE ELSE!
A TWO-NIGHT DOCUMENTARY EVENT
Part 1 - Sunday, Dec. 11 at 7:00pm
Part 2 - Monday, Dec. 12 at 7:00pm
Get ready to go on a storytelling adventure! This exciting new documentary from LPB takes you from one end of our state to the other to show you all of the ways Louisiana is a jewel, not just to those of us that live here, but to the entire world. Join us as we explore the diversity found in Louisiana and discover the unique combination of people that make everything here just a little different than any place else.
AN ICONIC CONCERT FOR THE AGES
ANDREA BOCELLI: LIVE IN CENTRAL PARK
Friday, Dec. 9 at 8:00pm
Celebrate the 10th anniversary of this spectacular concert and experience the artistry of the world’s most popular tenor. Recorded on a rainy night in September 2011 in one of the world’s most iconic parks, stars Céline Dion, Tony Bennett, Chris Botti and David Foster joined classical performers for a mix of opera and pop as a gift of music to the city of New York.
LOUISIANA STORIES BROUGHT TO YOU BY LOUISIANA'S STORYTELLER
LEAH CHASE: THE QUEEN OF CREOLE CUISINE
LOUISIANA SPECIAL FOCUS
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 2:00pm
Her beginnings were humble. Leah Chase started life in a small Louisiana town and would go on to become one of the top chefs in the nation. For more than 70 years, she and her husband, Edgar "Dooky" Chase, Jr., worked tirelessly together to make their famed restaurant a success. The couple turned a family sandwich shop in Treme into a famous fine-dining restaurant called Dooky Chase. Not only was the restaurant filled with Leah's impressive collection of African-American art, it was full of people who would help shape the political and civil rights movement in New Orleans. In advance of what would have been Leah’s 100th
birthday in January, LPB is proud to encore this wonderful documentary from WLAE.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE CAJUN?
FINDING CAJUN
LOUISIANA SPECIAL FOCUS
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 3:30pm
The origin and evolution of "Cajun" identity is a complex issue and hotly debated by some. In this independent documentary, filmmaker Nathan Rabalais presents a critical and historically informed perspective. It looks at how Cajuns compare to the present-day Acadians in maritime Canada, a community that is supposedly at the historical root of Cajun ethnicity. It also explores how cultural and racial labels in Louisiana have shifted, especially over the past 70 years, and considers the stakes of maintaining (or losing) heritage languages in the United States.
ART AS UNIQUE AS THE MAN WHO CREATED IT
WALTER ANDERSON: THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND ART OF THE ISLANDER
GULF COAST FOCUS
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 5:00pm
This film explores the fascinating life and unique art of Mississippi Gulf Coast watercolorist Walter Inglis Anderson (1903-1965). This intimate and revealing new film is an invitation to understand more about the tumultuous and often misunderstood life of a man who faced rejection, fame, struggles with mental health, and estrangement from family. Learn more about the Louisiana-born artist who held fast to a singular vision to create art on his own terms, no matter what.
SALUTING THE SPIRIT OF AMERICANS WHO FOUGHT TO PRESERVE OUR FREEDOM
FOUNDED ON FRIENDSHIP AND FREEDOM: THE NATIONAL WWII MUSEUM
LOUISIANA SPECIAL FOCUS
Saturday, Dec. 10 at 8:00pm
The National WWII Museum is one of the world’s most recognized, respected, and visited museums – and it all came to be thanks to the friendship of two New Orleans historians.
FOUNDED ON FRIENDSHIP & FREEDOM: THE NATIONAL WORLD WAR II MUSEUM tells the story of those two friends: Dr. Gordon “Nick” Mueller, The National WWII Museum President and CEO Emeritus, and Dr. Stephen Ambrose, the best-selling author and historian, who passed away in 2002. The documentary film, produced by WYES, explores how the concepts and dreams of the two UNO professors crystalized to become an internationally recognized attraction…found right here in Louisiana.
Ambrose recognized the importance of preserving the recollections and stories documented in the oral histories of WWII veterans, particularly those of the Normandy Invasion. He turned to Mueller to help establish a brick and mortar location to house the artifacts of WWII and keep the experiences of the WWII generation alive for posterity. Neither would realize at the time how their idea would expand into one of the world’s most recognized, respected and visited museums.
AN LPB VIEWER FAVORITE RETURNS
LES MISERABLES 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT AT THE O2
Sunday Dec. 11 at 3:00pm
Join the stellar cast for an anniversary celebration of the beloved musical that became a worldwide phenomenon. The magnificent score includes the songs “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” “Bring Him Home,” “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables” and many more. Featuring Alfie Boe, Jenny Galloway, Katie Hall, Nick Jonas, Norm Lewis, Matt Lucas, Lea Salonga, Samantha Barks, Ramin Karimloo and Colm Wilkinson.
A LOUISIANA CHRISTMAS TRADITION
PAPA NOEL: THE LEGACY OF THE LEVEE BONFIRES
LOUISIANA SPECIAL FOCUS
Wednesday Dec. 7 at 8:30pm
Join filmmaker Mark Niedelson as he explores the rich history behind the annual St. James Parish holiday bonfire tradition. This ritualistic Christmas Eve celebration, which dates to the 1800s, is told through personal interviews and storytelling sessions as the people of St. James Parish share what has been passed down generation after generation. For three weeks, Niedelson joined families and bonfire clubs as they prepared, joining in on everything from sourcing materials to the construction of their elaborate structures. It all culminates as crowds gather to witness the lighting of the bonfires. What you’ll find is more than just a visually compelling holiday event; you’ll find a community dedicated to working to uphold their traditions and culture.
ALL YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS THIS MARIAH CAREY CONCERT SPECIAL!
MARIAH CAREY: LIVE AT THE TOKYO DOME
Monday Dec. 5 at 8:30pm
Grab a front-row seat to the Songbird Supreme’s historic first show in Japan, featuring standout versions of her greatest hits, including “Emotions,” “Dreamlover” and of course, “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” You know you can’t escape it…so embrace it!
GO BEHIND THE SCENES OF THIS MASTERPIECE MYSTERY FAN FAVORITE
MISS SCARLET AND THE DUKE: SECRETS REVEALED
Sunday Dec. 4 at 7:00pm
Transformative sets. Dazzling costumes. Witty dialogue and chemistry to spare! Go behind the scenes of Season 2.
THE ULTIMATE FOOTBALL DAVID & GOLIATH STORY
UNRIVALED: SEWANEE 1899
Encore: Friday Dec. 2 at 9:30pm
In 1899, a team from the University of the South, Sewanee, accomplished perhaps the greatest achievement in the history of college football. At a time when football was strictly a ground game, protective gear was almost non-existent, and athletes were expected to play both offense and defense with no rest, the Tigers went undefeated and untied in a long 12-game season. Not only did they beat every team they played, but they held every other team scoreless until their final two games. Unrivaled: Sewanee 1899 tells the story of the team that coaches agree will never be equaled and of the very different game of football played a century ago.
THE STORY OF THE ACADIANS
AGAINST THE TIDE: THE STORY OF THE ACADIAN PEOPLE
LOUISIANA SPECIAL FOCUS
Thursday Dec. 1 at 8:30pm
In 1604, a group of French immigrants landed in Nova Scotia, beginning an epic story that culminates in the development of one of North America's most distinct cultures. The program uncovers the storied roots of Louisiana's Cajun people. Through gripping reenactments, archival film footage and photographs, the program traces four centuries of triumph and tragedy as the Acadian culture evolves into Cajun culture. AGAINST THE TIDE features Cajun musicians Zachary Richard, Michael Doucet of BeauSoleil and the late Dewey Balfa. Musician Zachary Richard narrates.
AN INSTRUMENT OF SAFETY - THE GREEN BOOK
THE MUSICIANS' GREEN BOOK: AN ENDURING LEGACY
Wednesday Nov. 30 at 8:30pm
Celebrate the vibrant Jazz, R&B and Soul music of African American artists who, during segregation, created the foundation of modern American music. Navigating the injustices of racial segregation was difficult and, at times, dangerous—even for renowned Black artists like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Little Richard, or Sam Cooke. Like many other Black Americans, they relied on Victor Hugo Green’s Negro Travelers’ Green Book, a directory of lodgings, restaurants, and entertainment venues where African Americans were safe and welcomed. Featuring an exciting mix of classic songs performed by legendary and contemporary stars and candid interviews with performers, celebrities and notable musicians who were a part of the circuit, The Musicians’ Green Book will honor the genius of these Black artists, who, during these difficult times, changed America with their songs.
Want to explore more? Stream the LPB Digital Series Safe Haven: Louisiana’s Green Book at www.lpb.org/greenbook.
THE BAND IS BACK TOGETHER!
THE DOOBIE BROTHERS WITH MICHAEL MCDONALD 50TH ANNIVERSARY RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL
Monday Nov. 28 at 8:30pm
The Doobie Brothers and singer Michael McDonald reunite for a 50th Anniversary performance at Radio City Music Hall. Celebrate 50 years with the GRAMMY-winning band, who have sold more than 48 million albums worldwide featuring their mind-blowing, roots based, harmony-laden, guitar-driven rock and roll. The 2020 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees are known for their hits “What a Fool Believes,” “Listen to the Music,” “Jesus Is Just All Right,” “China Grove,” “Takin’ It to the Streets,” “Black Water” and more.
GET THE BLUES...AT LEAST THE GOOD KIND!
JOE BONAMASSA: BRITISH BLUES EXPLOSION
Friday Dec. 2 at 8:00pm
Joe Bonamassa’s love of the British blues is at the heart of his musical inspiration. The internationally renowned guitarist pays special homage to the British blues rock guitarists that inspired him—Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.
ROADSHOW SHOWS ITS TRUE COLORS
ANTIQUES ROADSHOW: TRUE COLORS
Monday Nov. 28 at 7:00pm
Some of the most colorful finds ever including a 1967 Alexander Calder "Concentric" painting, a blue opaline snake paperweight, and a Robert Ridgway "Color Standards" book. Something here is worth $100,000!
AN UPLIFTING NIGHT WITH JOSH GROBAN
GREAT PERFORMANCES
JOSH GROBAN'S GREAT BIG RADIO CITY SHOW
Friday Nov. 25 at 8:00pm
Josh Groban returns to New York City’s famed 6,000-seat theater for an evening of hits, humor and heart. Recorded in April 2022, the concert is a celebration of the arts and serves as Groban’s love letter to New York City.
REBA TAKES ON GOSPEL FAVORITES
REBA MCENTIRE: MY CHAINS ARE GONE - HYMNS AND GOSPEL FAVORITES
Saturday Nov. 26 at 7:00pm
Two-time Grammy-winning country music superstar Reba McEntire shines in concert at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, singing selections from her debut gospel album "My Chains Are Gone." Reba lends her unmistakable voice to classic hymns and songs of hope and is joined on stage by the Issacs, Trisha Yearwood and Kelly Clarkson. Hosted by Bill Gaither.
A COUNTRY ICON; A HISTORIC CONCERT NOW AVAILABLE
WILLIE NELSON: LIVE AT BUDOKAN
Saturday Nov. 26 at 8:30pm
Grab a front-row seat to this 1984 Tokyo concert, one of Nelson’s live legendary performances. Filmed at Budokan, the famous martial arts hall, the show features an amazing collection of Nelson’s greatest hits, from “Whiskey River” to “Always On My Mind,” “On the Road Again” to “Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys” and many more.
A LITTLE HOLIDAY SPIRIT FROM IRELAND
CELTIC WOMAN: POSTCARDS FROM IRELAND HOLIDAY EDITION
Sunday Nov. 27 8:00pm
Celtic Woman shares a message of love, hope and holiday joy with their fans around the world in the form of musical postcards. Go on a musical journey through some of the most stunning land and seascapes across Ireland…scenery as beautiful as the songs the group will perform.
NO MYSTERY HERE! GET A BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT THESE 3 MASTERPIECE MYSTERY SHOWS
THE MYSTERIOUS WOMEN OF MASTERPIECE MYSTERY
Sunday Nov. 27 at 7:00pm
Masterpiece Mystery has delighted PBS viewers for decades with incredible productions featuring intriguing sleuths, detectives, villains, and heroes, bringing the greatest crime novels ever written to the screen while creating fresh classics for a new generation. We just wrapped up three exciting series' all featuring ladies leading the way and solving the crimes. With the second season of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and the premieres of Magpie Murders and Annika, Masterpiece presents three beguiling mysteries that have delighted fans and left them wanting more! The new special, The Mysterious Women of Masterpiece Mystery provides viewers with enticing clues and secrets about these captivating series and includes clips from each, along with exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Interviews with the cast and creators provide insights and stories about the joys—and challenges—of making these series.