MAY/JUNE 2023
A WORD FROM OUR GENERAL MANAGER, DEANNA MACKEY
This is a very busy time at KPBS. We are preparing to host two important events in May.
First, our “GI Film Festival” is being held May 15–20 at the Museum of Photographic Arts. I hope you will be able to join us for this moving event featuring more than 30 films for, by and about military and veteran experiences. More details are in this newsletter.
We are also hosting PBS for its annual meeting. More than 300 stations from around the country will be spending a few days in San Diego to learn what new programs are ahead and discuss how we can better deliver on our public service mission. I am very much looking forward to having the spotlight on KPBS. We are known for being forward thinkers in programs and technology, and for being cutting edge in how we partner with you—our members—to build community and engage in dialogue.
It will be an honor to share our stories with our sister stations. It is thanks to your support that we are able to try new things, produce new programs and build new spaces. You are part of the equation of why San Diego is best.
See You on the Red Carpet!
KPBS members get preferred pricing at the GI Film Festival San Diego.
The festival is unlike any other in our region because it exclusively features films for, by and about military and veterans. Not military connected? That’s OK. All are welcome to see the films, be inspired and build community.
The festival takes place May 15–20 and will feature 31 films, including documentaries, dramas, comedies, horror and even a Western. We also feature local films, student projects and international films. A broad range of themes are explored at the festival, from the impacts of war on the service members, military sexual trauma and women in service. All screenings will be in-person and will be followed by panel discussions with available filmmakers, film subjects and local experts.
Tickets for screenings begin at $10 each/$8 for KPBS members, veterans or service members. Also available are multi-showtime ticket packages, allowing you to see as much as you want during festival week. To see the schedule, preview the films and secure your tickets, visit GIFilmFestivalSD.org.
Please join us May 15–20 at the Museum of Photographic Arts for film screenings and discussions.
‘Hidden Brain’ Examines Our Habits, Relationships and More
Have you ever wondered what makes humans so unique? What’s behind the choices we make and the emotions we experience? How to create better habits in your life and improve your relationships?
NPR’s hit radio show “Hidden Brain” answers all these questions and more, teaching listeners about what fuels human behavior and exploring the unknown complexities of our society. Tune in to KPBS every weekend with host Shankar Vedantam to learn more about the unconscious patterns in and around us.
Listen to “Hidden Brain” Saturdays at 3 p.m. and Sundays at noon on KPBS Radio.
National Memorial Day Concert Honors American Military
This year, join KPBS in honoring the men and women serving our country. Tune in Memorial Day weekend to view the annual “National Memorial Day Concert,” where celebrities, musicians and United States military choirs and ensembles will perform a variety of tributes to our armed forces. The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff will also give presentations.
For over three decades, the “National Memorial Day Concert” has been a symbol of support and appreciation for our military men and women. Don’t miss this special event!
Airs Sunday, May 28, at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. on KPBS-TV. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Celebrate 50 Years of ‘Great Performances’
As part of the “Great Performances” anniversary season, one of Shakespeare’s most notable tragedies is coming to the screen: “Richard III.” The Public Theatre’s Free Shakespeare in the Park rendition of “Richard III” will premiere on KPBS this May, and it’s a performance you won’t want to miss.
Directed by Robert O’Hara and starring Danai Gurira and Ali Stroker, “Richard III” depicts the sinister drama surrounding the title character’s attempt to take over the throne—no matter what it takes.
Airs Friday, May 19, at 9 p.m on KPBS 2. Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Did You Know That You Can Use Your IRA for a Gift to KPBS—and Receive Income for Life?
The IRS permits Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs)—charitable donations from your IRA that reduce your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)—without increasing your taxable income.
Now you can use your IRA to fund a charitable gift annuity which creates lifetime income for you through a gift to KPBS. That means if you are age 70 1/2 or older, you can convert up to $50,000 of your IRA into a federal income tax on the principal.
Advantages of funding a lifetime income gift from your IRA:
- Guaranteed income for life with a KPBS charitable gift annuity
- Meet your RMD without adding to your taxable income
- Significant support for KPBS
- Qualify for KPBS’ Friends for Life membership
Contact Jared Blakeley at [email protected] or call (619) 594-0851 to learn more.
Tales of Perseverance and Bravery Come to ‘Independent Lens’
‘Matter of Mind: My ALS’
This spring, “Independent Lens” brings viewers two stories of incredible strength and self-discovery. In “Matter of Mind: My ALS,” three people diagnosed with Lou Gehrig’s disease share their journeys and explore what the future holds for them. The product of four award-winning filmmakers, this documentary gives personal and profound perspectives on what it’s like to live each day accompanied by this disease.
“Matter of Mind: My ALS” airs Monday, May 1, at 11 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
‘Sam Now’
Sam Harkness’ mother abruptly left when he was 11 years old and it turned his family upside down. Through a series of home videos put together by Sam’s half brother, director Reed Harkness, “Sam Now” depicts the rollercoaster of emotions and growth that characterized the next 15 years as Sam and his family learned to cope with their loss.
“Sam Now” airs Monday, May 8, at 11 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch these programs live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Dru Holley Shares Hidden History in ‘Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts’
Take a deep dive into American history with “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts.” Produced by Dru Holley, this film tells the stories of six all-Black cavalry and infantry regiments that fought for the United States Army over a century ago, known as Buffalo Soldiers.
Told through many different perspectives and with a specific focus on the settling of the American West and colonialism abroad, “Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts” sheds light on a part of our country’s story that is full of contradictions and largely untold.
Airs Monday, June 12, at 10 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Photo: PBS
New Cases, Familiar Faces Lead to an Unforgettable Conclusion
If you’re a fan of the popular “MASTERPIECE” crime drama “Endeavour,” the wait is over for the final three exciting episodes.
Morse and Thursday are facing new challenges as they enter into new eras of personal and professional change. In the midst of their investigations, the pair discovers unsettling connections to a forgotten case which leads to dark consequences.
In what promises to be an emotional ending, a number of storylines will be revisited and beloved characters will return in the poignant finale of “MASTERPIECE: Endeavour.”
As the captivating mystery series draws to a close, we bid farewell to the detective duo DS Endeavour Morse (Shaun Evans) and DCI Fred Thursday (Roger Allam).
“Endeavour” premieres Sunday, June 18, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
‘NOVA: Your Brain’ Explores One of Our Greatest Tools
Join neuroscientist Dr. Heather Berlin as she takes viewers on an exploration of the human brain in “NOVA’s” new two-part series. You’ll learn more about one of our most powerful tools than you ever thought possible, from the latest scientific research and technology to how your brain determines your perception of the world around you to where things like creativity and bias come from.
You’ll be hooked before the end of the first episode—don’t miss this opportunity to see life through a brand-new lens.
“Perception Deception” airs Wednesday, May 17, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
“Who’s in Control” airs Wednesday, May 24, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
“NOVA: Your Brain”
Photo: PBS
Food, Culture and Competition: ‘The Great American Recipe’ Is Back
This summer, “The Great American Recipe” returns for a second season of cooking and excitement! Join host Alejandra Ramos and judges Leah Cohen, Tiffany Derry and Graham Elliot as they lead cooks from around the country through a delicious eight-part competition.
Over the course of the show, contestants will showcase not only their cooking skills, but also the diverse cultural influences that make their favorite recipes unique. Viewers will no doubt discover inspiration for their next meal with this season of “The Great American Recipe!”
Airs Mondays, June 19 through August 7, at 9 p.m. on KPBS-TV.
Watch this program live or stream anytime with the PBS app.
Come Celebrate KPBS
On May 1–2, we invite you to be a part of a grassroots movement to advocate for and support KPBS. It’s the first-ever nationwide Public Media Giving Days event! Celebrate what #PublicMediaGives to you and our San Diego community you call home by sharing your story on social media.
Only you know what KPBS means to you and your family. We all have our own reasons for loving what KPBS brings to our San Diego community, whether the reason is: educational children’s programming, stunning drama, access to the arts, trusted news or heartfelt storytelling.
Over these two days, we’ll spread the word and encourage our neighbors to get involved and support a bright future for public media.
Please join in by making an extra gift to support KPBS during this special event.
Watch PBS Programs at Your Convenience
Passport is a special member benefit providing extended access to an on-demand streaming library of many of your favorite PBS programs—online and through the PBS app.
In addition to featuring the signature series you know and love, the library is full of acclaimed arts, sciences, history and lifestyle programs, as well as a rotating selection of films from Ken Burns.
Unlock everything KPBS Passport has to offer. Binge-watch popular shows like “All Creatures Great and Small,” stream KPBS Passport exclusives and special collections, or catch up on all your past favorites.
For more information, visit https://www.kpbs.org/membership/passport/learn-more/
Sponsor Message
Some days, it may seem like the kids have taken over The New Children’s Museum as they discover, create and engage with contemporary art installations in the 50,000 square-foot Museum downtown.
The takeover is by design, thanks to local creatives SWISH PROJECTS, the Museum’s “Artist in Residence” for 2023. This year, SWISH PROJECTS launched “TKRTP Museum Project,” translated to “The kids run this place.” The year-long project uses art, video, photography, art-making and more to document and celebrate the Museum community and enhance a sense of belonging.
The SWISH PROJECTS team photographed 30 members of the Museum community ranging from staff and board to community partners, members, educators and of course, the kids. The combination of still and moving images is prominently displayed in the Marino Gallery on the Main Level. Additional components of the residency include a youth media arts workshop series, changing installations of youth artwork, and an ongoing digital interview series.
Visit www.thinkplaycreate.org for more information.
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KPBS channel info—television
KPBS TV—15, Cox 1011, Spectrum 1221
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KPBS Create—15.3, Cox 816, Spectrum 1275
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KPBS channel info—HD radio
KPBS Radio—89.5 HD1, Calexico 97.7 FM
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Give Your Car a New Purpose
You may think your car has had its final ride, but not all good things have to end! You can donate your car, truck, boat or motorcycle 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 kpbs.org/car to donate your vehicle today.