Heads Up!

There are a couple of programs on PBS that you might want to mark on your calendars, set your VCR for, or Tivo.


I just caught the last ten minutes of Tony Bennett: The Music Never Ends. It's part of the PBS American Masters series. I'll be recording the whole program on a repeat showing after midnight. It looks to be on the schedule for Tuesday as well (At least on Hi-Def PBS).

I've been lucky enough to see Tony Bennett twice. The first time was at Chastain Park in Atlanta with the ASO. That was probably in 1989 0r 1990 (just before his "comeback" really took off). My friend Myron and I got there in time to see the first half of the concert, which consisted of some of the usual summer pops light classics. Tony Bennett finally took the stage just as the sky opened up. He told the audience that the orchestra had been great in rehearsal but that he had too much respect for them and their instruments to ask them to stay out in the rain. He sent them home and said that he and his trio would finish the show.

The rain got worse and the majority of the audience left. Myron and I stayed. Hearing Tony Bennett was too important for us to be chased away by a little rain. After another song, Tony stopped and scanned what was left of the audience. He could have packed it in and headed back to his hotel. Instead, he yelled out to the audience, "You guys are so great to stay here for me in this rain...I'm gonna sing 'til the sun comes out!"

and you know what ?

He did!

Just a few years ago I saw him again at Symphony Hall in Boston. Although it had been almost fifteen years since I had last seen him live, he sounded better than before. Better than ever. No kidding.

He really is an amazing musician and an amazing person. So, check out that American Masters if you can.

Also on Tuesday night is the live PBS broadcast of the New York Philharmonic's opening concert. It's an all Dvorak program which includes Yo-Yo Ma playing the Cello Concerto. And with any luck, we'll get some good footage of Mr. Lamb and friends on Carnival Overture. Those of you with tambourines might want to play along at home.

Here are some links for more information.

American Masters . Tony Bennett | PBS

Live From Lincoln Center | PBS