JULY/AUGUST 2021
A WORD FROM OUR INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER, NANCY WORLIE
While we fully enjoy what is some of the most enviable summer weather in the United States, maybe you are like me and look forward to some good programs to watch on the PBS Video app when the sun goes down. On my list of recommendations is the “Jane Austen Collection,” especially “Pride & Prejudice,” before it goes away in August. Coming July 12, the “PBS Short Film Festival” will release its 2021 selections. Each year, these digital shorts highlight a range of topics, amplifying diverse voices and stories from all walks of life. For local stories, I never tire of past episodes of “Ken Kramer’s About San Diego.” And of course, I’ll be rewatching all of “Downton Abbey.” There is something for everyone to watch on your own schedule and at your own speed. If you’re traveling this summer, having the PBS Video app allows you to stream your favorite KPBS content anywhere, anytime, as well as get the latest news updates from home while you’re away. If you need assistance connecting the app to your device, we are happy to help. Contact us at [email protected]. Your membership supports our programming and helps bring us together as a community to watch, learn and grow together. So sit back and enjoy a show, and thank you for supporting KPBS.
“MASTERPIECE: Unforgotten”
New Case, New Twists on “Unforgotten” Season Four
If you’re a fan of “MASTERPIECE: Unforgotten,” the wait is over for six exciting new episodes—season four premieres this month!
This season detectives, Cassie and Sunil, return to solve a new case, uncover new secrets and contend with murder and its aftermath. Following the trauma of the last case, Cassie had made the decision to retire from the police force, but she now faces an impossible dilemma that causes her to question that decision.
Tune in to all-new episodes of “Unforgotten” starting July 11 at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV or binge-watch the entire season with KPBS Passport. It will also be available to stream on the PBS Video app any time!
Have you ever wondered how local TV shows like “A Growing Passion” and podcasts like “Rad Scientist” come into being? They result from our Explore Local Content Project. Since the project’s inception in 2012, we’ve collaborated with local producers every year on new ideas for programs: “San Diego’s Gay Bar History,” “The Kitchenistas of National City,” “My First Day,” just to name a few. The project is special because at its core we are telling stories about unique people, places and ideas in San Diego. We are not only sharing stories but also creating connections through thoughtful storytelling. This year the KPBS Explore Local Content Project will launch a Call for Submissions in Summer 2021.
We invite all content creators, producers, writers and directors to send us their next big local content idea during the Call for Submissions process. All formats are considered, but we are particularly interested in ideas for podcasts and TV series. KPBS will pledge seed funding to the most promising applications.
For more information, please visit kpbs.org/explore.
An American Tradition: “A Capitol Fourth 2021”
On July 4th, KPBS will air America’s Independence Day celebration with performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, The U.S. Army Herald Trumpets and many more.
In the four decades since the humble beginning of “A Capitol Fourth,” a parade of superstars—including Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Carole King, Dolly Parton, Josh Groban, Tony Bennett, Faith Hill, Ray Charles and many more have offered the best in American entertainment and helped set the tone for a spectacular American birthday party.
As always, the event will conclude with a front-and-center view of the greatest display of fireworks in the nation.
“A Capitol Fourth 2021” airs Sunday, July 4 at 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV. It will also be available to stream on the PBS Video app any time!
“This American Life”—A Time Capsule of American Culture
What do you get when you mix journalism, storytelling and entertainment? The fan-favorite radio show and podcast “This American Life!”
Each week, “This American Life” chooses a theme and puts together different kinds of stories on that theme. Hosted by Ira Glass, the show features compelling people, funny moments, big feelings, surprising plot twists and interesting ideas.
On the air for nearly three decades, and listened to by more than two million people each week, “This American Life” has won every major award, including the very first Pulitzer Prize ever awarded to a radio show or podcast.
Tune in Fridays at 10 p.m. and Saturdays at 6 p.m. on KPBS Radio or streaming via kpbs.org or with the KPBS app.
Edwin Siguenza “Body and Spirit in Times of Pandemic”
“The Latino Experience:” A Series of Short Films
As part of its commitment to support and present diverse content created by a broad array of storytellers, KPBS is proud to present “The Latino Experience,” a new three-part series of fiction and nonfiction films that explore the Latino/a/x identity in the United States.
The series will present a broad collection of experiences, perspectives and points of view to highlight the diversity of the Latino/a/x community and illuminate the vibrancy of the United States and Puerto Rico.
Each film in the series reflects the creativity, hardship, resilience, joy and fearlessness of the community.
From dramas to documentaries, comedies to magical realism, “The Latino Experience” showcases an exciting lineup of creative talent both in front of and behind the camera.
Tune into “The Latino Experience,” on Tuesdays beginning July 6 at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV. It will also be available to stream on the PBS Video app any time!
60th Anniversary Bequest Challenge
In 2020, KPBS celebrated 60 years of serving San Diego and Imperial counties. Our impact on the community, present and future, is because of your trust and investment—and we are so grateful.
Our vision for the future of KPBS is filled with creative energy and a passion for communication that brings people together. In that spirit, we are excited to share information with you about our 60th Anniversary Bequest Challenge.
We aim to document a total of 60 planned gifts, and we are more than halfway there. If you are thinking about including KPBS in your will or trust, thank you. You will be making one of the most meaningful contributions to the future of KPBS.
To help us reach our goal and be a part of our legacy society, please contact Alex Kim, Associate General Manager of Development & Grants, at 619-594-7822 or at [email protected].
“In Their Own Words” Provides a Glimpse into the Minds of Icons
This July, KPBS will air “In Their Own Words”—a biography series about global icons.
Featuring the life stories of Princess Diana, Chuck Berry and Pope Francis, each one-hour episode is a powerful and intimate journey into the minds and lives of the most compelling icons of our time. Additional new biographies of Elon Musk, President Jimmy Carter and Chancellor Angela Merkel are planned for later in the year.
Each chapter of the series explores one among an elite few of the 20th century’s greatest figures—shedding light on key moments in their lives, illuminating their personalities and spotlighting their historical significance. Filmmakers use cutting-edge filming and editing techniques to frame and chronicle the eye-opening stories of these timeless idols.
Airs Tuesdays, beginning July 20 at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV and rebroadcast the following Friday at 7 pm on KPBS-2. It will also be available to stream on the PBS Video app any time!
Steve Backshall on “Unpacked”
If you received our printed newsletter, then you may be looking forward to “Expedition with Steve Backshall: Unpacked.”
The series has been postponed by PBS, but you can always get the latest program information at kpbs.org/tv/schedule.
New and Exciting Episodes of “Great Performances”
KPBS is excited to air brand-new spectacles on “Great Performances” this summer!
First up, tune into “Gloria Estefan: Sangre Yoruba” on Friday, July 9 at 9 p.m. on KPBS 2 and on Monday, July 12 at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Estefan leads viewers on an adventure through three of Brazil’s most influential cities—Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and Salvador—and offers a mix of interviews and live performances that chart the origins of Brazilian music.
And, on Friday, July 16 at 10 p.m. on KPBS-2, tune into “Roots of Latin Jazz.” From Latin jazz and mambo to salsa, Tejano, Chicano rock, Latin pop and reggaeton, the episode tells the story of the rise of new American music forged from powerful Latin roots and reveals the often-overlooked influence of Latin music on jazz, hip hop, rhythm and blues and rock ’n’ roll on American culture.
If you miss any episodes of “Great Performances,” they are also available to stream on the PBS Video app any time!
“Generation 9/11”
Of the nearly 3,000 people who died in the September 11 attacks, around 100 were fathers of babies who were not yet born. “Generation 9/11” tells the story of a number of these children and their families, tracking their journeys into adulthood and showing how this historic event has shaped their lives.
The bold and innovative documentary blends intimate, individual stories alongside a broader exploration of how the United States has evolved on cultural, political and social levels since the event in 2001.
Tune in to “Generation 9/11” on Tuesday, August 31 at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV. The documentary will also be available to stream on the PBS Video app any time.
Sponsor Message
The 2021-2022 Arts & Ideas season at the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture kicks off in September and showcases the different dimensions of Jewish life globally. Highlights of the season include live musical performances, Our Shabbat Table dinners and Israeli cultural arts performances.
The new season of the San Diego International Jewish Film Festival begins in August with A Starry Sky Above the Roman Ghetto. For more information about the film and to learn about underwriting opportunities, visit lfjcc.org/film.
On November 12, chef Avi Shemtov brings his interpretation of contemporary Israeli cuisine to our tables. Shemtov’s cooking tells the story of the global journey of the Israeli people. He’ll focus on dishes from The Simcha Cookbook, his forthcoming collection of stories and recipes.
On November 21, the Lawrence Family JCC’s Hanukkah Happening celebration concludes with a live performance from Josh and the Jamtones. The band performs children’s music with rock choruses that make their shows fun for everyone. We expect an all-ages dance party!
Please visit lfjcc.org/ai for the most current information.
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Warm up this summer with a spark of joy!
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