MAY/JUNE 2021
A WORD FROM OUR INTERIM GENERAL MANAGER, NANCY WORLIE
I want to personally invite you to one of my favorite KPBS events of the year—the GI Film Festival San Diego—taking place May 18 through 23. This annual festival exclusively features films for, by, and about veterans and service members. As the granddaughter of veterans, it is important to me to provide an avenue for these stories to be told and retold.
I helped bring the festival to KPBS in 2015, and am very proud that San Diego is now the home of the national, juried festival. It’s an opportunity to see the creative talents of emerging and established filmmakers and a chance for all of us to gain meaningful insight into what it means to serve our country. Each year I am amazed at what I learn and the people I meet through this community of passionate filmmakers and service members.
Over the years, we’ve presented more than 164 films that transform our understanding of war, service, and sacrifice. The power of great stories is undeniable, and your support of KPBS is what makes it possible for us to tell these vital military stories. Thank you, and I hope to see you at the festival.
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month With KPBS!
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with us by tuning in to a special program lineup that pays tribute to the Asians and Pacific Islanders who have helped shape American history.
“American Masters: Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir”
On Monday, May 3 at 9 p.m., learn about the life and legacy of Amy Tan, the famed American author of “The Joy Luck Club,” on “American Masters: Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir.”
“Independent Lens: The Donut King”
Also this month, “Independent Lens: The Donut King” showcases the obstacles, redemption, wealth, survival, and risk that led Ted Ngoy to establish a popular and successful California doughnut chain. Airs Monday, May 24 at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“Pacific Heartbeat”
Finally, “Pacific Heartbeat” gives us a glimpse into the heart and soul of Pacific Islander culture. The series will explore inspiring stories of race, belonging, and so much more. Airs Tuesdays at 11 p.m., beginning May 11 on KPBS-TV.
“Asian Americans”
And tune in for a reprise of last year’s groundbreaking five-part documentary, “Asian Americans,” Tuesdays at 8 p.m., beginning May 11 on KPBS-TV.
Favorite Mystery Dramas Return to KPBS
Eager to escape to another time and place? Simply tune in to new episodes of your favorite mysteries and the debut of a new show on KPBS-TV.
“Death in Paradise”
First, the smash-hit whodunit “Death in Paradise” returns to your screen for a 10th season, beginning on Friday, April 30 at 10 p.m. Tune in as D.I. Neville Parker attempts to solve a slew of mysterious murders in the Caribbean.
“Vera”
And, on Thursday, May 13 at 10 p.m., season nine of “Vera” returns with four feature-length murder mystery stories featuring Brenda Blethyn (“Little Voice,” “Secrets & Lies”) as the demanding, irascible, and utterly brilliant D.C.I. Vera Stanhope.
“Frankie Drake Mysteries”
Fans of “Frankie Drake Mysteries” need to wait only until Saturday, May 15 at 8 p.m. for the start of season three, in which Frankie will face a jarring family secret.
“Midsomer Murders”
Season 19 of “Midsomer Murders” premieres on Thursday, June 10 at 10 p.m. Meet new cast member D.S. Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) and the newest member of the family, Paddy the dog.
“The Indian Doctor”
And don’t miss “The Indian Doctor,” premiering on Sunday, May 2 at 8 p.m. A sleepy coal mining community in the 1960s is changed forever with the arrival of a new doctor from India.
Tonya Mosley
Robin Young
Tune in to “Here & Now” on KPBS Radio
In a world with so much going on, and so many places to access news and information, KPBS Radio remains a source of facts, truth, ideas, and inspiration.
This includes programs like “Here & Now,” a radio show from NPR and Boston’s WBUR, that reflects the fluid world of news as it’s happening with timely, smart, and in-depth reporting, interviews, and conversation.
Join hosts Tonya Mosley and Robin Young as they talk to key newsmakers, chat with NPR reporters, and converse with innovators and artists from around the world to shine a light on today’s most interesting and pressing issues.
Listen to “Here & Now” Monday through Friday from 9 to 11 a.m. on KPBS Radio, via the KPBS app, or by using your smart speaker.
“Nature: The Bat Man of Mexico”
This season, “Nature” takes us to new heights on “The Bat Man of Mexico,” which follows the lesser long-nosed bat’s epic migration across Mexico.
On its journey, the endangered species of bat braves snakes, hurricanes, Mayan tombs, seas of cockroaches, and other seemingly impossible obstacles in order to save its own species and the tequila agave plants it pollinates.
Narrated by David Attenborough, the episode will leave you in disbelief at the resilience and endurance of the lesser long-nosed bat.
Airs Wednesday, June 30 at 8 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Don’t Miss This Year’s GI Film Festival San Diego
You don’t have to be a veteran or military to appreciate the films that have been carefully selected as part of the 2021 GI Film Festival San Diego. Happening May 18 through May 23, the festival features 38 films from virtually every genre. War stories? Yes. Insightful documentaries? Always. Moving dramas? Of course! Clever comedy? You bet. And given that the 2021 festival is a virtual experience means vaccinated or not, you’ll be able to participate in all the festival has to offer.
Film screenings are available as video-on-demand or online showtimes. A variety of packages are now available including single ticket, five ticket bundles, and an all access pass. GIFFSD is about great stories, plain and simple. It’s what you expect from KPBS. Join us starting May 18.
“MASTERPIECE” Introduces New Series: “Us”
Humor. Heartbreak. Heart. That’s what’s at the core of the brand-new “MASTERPIECE” Series “Us,” premiering on KPBS this summer.
The drama, which is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by David Nicholls, stars Tom Hollander (Baptiste) and Saskia Reeves (Luther) as a couple embarking on a long-planned grand tour of Europe together with their teenage son, despite the wife’s desire to leave the marriage.
The proclamation of Reeves’s desire for divorce makes the trip an ill-timed one—but can the duo find a way to repair their marriage as they embark on a summer to remember? Tune in to follow the story that The Daily Telegraph called “brilliantly witty and heartfelt.”
Premieres Sunday, June 20 at 9 p.m.
DeNeen Brown
History is Uncovered in “TULSA: The Fire and the Forgotten”
On May 31 and June 1, 1921, a white mob attacked Greenwood, Oklahoma, known as Tulsa’s Black Wall Street, killing and wounding hundreds of people while robbing and burning businesses, homes, and churches.
“TULSA: The Fire and the Forgotten” is a two-hour special that gives us access to forensic anthropology investigators, civic and church leaders, and journalists who covered the event. The documentary will provide in-depth reporting from the perspective of DeNeen Brown, a Black Tulsa-born Washington Post reporter, on the almost unbelievable, and suppressed, facts of the Tulsa/Greenwood massacre.
Airs Monday, May 31 at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
KPBS Presents the “National Memorial Day Concert”
On the eve of Memorial Day 2021, KPBS is proud to continue a longstanding American tradition: the “National Memorial Day Concert.”
During this star-studded event, PBS will honor the military service and sacrifice of all of our men and women in uniform, their families, and those who have given their lives to serve our country.
For more than 30 years, this multi-award-winning television event continues to be one of PBS’s highest-rated programs. In 2020, participating talent included General Colin L. Powell, Gary Sinise, Renée Fleming, CeCe Williams, and many others.
Airs Sunday, May 30 at 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
At KPBS, we are proud to offer resources that help you understand the ever-changing aspects of charitable giving, like our January 2021 Estate Planning 101, which you can still watch at www.kpbs.org/estateplan101.
Whether you have questions around tax code changes for 2021, IRA distributions, setting up a sustaining gift, or planning your estate, we want to hear from you. Please reach out to schedule a time to talk with us, or simply email us with your questions.
From all of us at KPBS, we thank you for your support and partnership. Together, we can continue to deliver the trusted news and high-quality programming you love.
Please contact Alex Kim, Interim Associate General Manager for Development and Grants, at [email protected] or (619) 594-7822.
Sponsor Message
Art Alive’s 40th-anniversary celebration is four days of fun festivities and the jaw-dropping beauty of great art and flowers. This year, the festivities move to June and feature new programs and activities. In addition to spectacular floral interpretations of art in the galleries, a new outdoor event, Open Air Floral Affair, fills the plaza with fresh delights including the family-friendly Garden of Activities. Thursday’s black-tie Premiere Dinner will be enjoyed al fresco, and Friday’s opening celebration has been reimagined as the Color Feast, an extraordinary, synesthetic dining experience under the stars. Art Alive 2021 welcomes virtual participation, with a 360˚ tour, a silent auction, and at-home workshops for all ages. Timed-entry tickets and extended hours allow for convenience and social distancing.
Featuring nearly 100 floral designers’ interpretations of some of the Museum’s masterpieces, Art Alive takes place June 17–20.
Art Alive provides critical financial support for public programs, education, community outreach, and exhibitions.
Celebrate the San Diego Museum of Art in full bloom! For tickets and information, visit SDMArt.org/ArtAlive2021.
You may think your car has had its final ride, but not all good things must come to an end! You can donate your unused or unwanted car, truck, boat, motorcycle, or even your plane to support KPBS. It’s easy. The tow is free, and we handle the process from start to finish. Call 877-572-7227 or visit www.kpbs.org/car and we will arrange for free and convenient pickup.
KPBS Audience and Member Services:
(619) 594-6983 or (888) 399-5727; [email protected]
Write to us:
5200 Campanile Drive
San Diego State University
San Diego, CA 92182-5400
Sign up for email newsletters and alerts:
kpbs.org/alerts
KPBS television and radio schedules:
kpbs.org/tv/schedule
kpbs.org/radio/schedule
KPBS channel info—television
KPBS TV—15, Cox 1011, Spectrum 1221
KPBS 2—15.2, Cox 811, Spectrum 1277
KPBS Create—15.3, Cox 816, Spectrum 1275
KPBS Kids—15.4, Cox 809, Spectrum 1276
KPBS channel info—radio
San Diego—89.5 FM, Calexico 97.7 FM