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THE
BLUES "I am very excited to share with you news of the latest project we've been developing. Billed as a Blues Television Festival, "The Blues" is a series of seven films premiering on PBS Sunday, September 28 through Saturday, October 4 at 9pm (check local listings). Each film is directed by a world-renowned director with a passion for the music, resulting in seven personal, highly individual films. Learn more about the series and related undertakings at the preview Web site at http://www.pbs.org/theblues and sign up to receive project updates via e-mail at http://www.pbs.org/theblues/signup.html. As we near the launch of the expanded Web site and the broadcast premiere, I would like to ask for your assistance in spreading the word about this unique resource. Please pass this along to any appropriate e-mail discussion groups or lists, relevant Web sites, colleagues, friends, or students which you feel may have an interest in this subject. More information about "The Blues": "The Blues," executive produced by filmmaker Martin Scorsese and premiering Sunday, September 28 at 9 pm on PBS, anchors a multi-media project to help raise awareness of the blues and its contribution to American culture and music worldwide. "The Blues" is a seven-part television series of personal and impressionistic films viewed through the lens of seven world-famous directors who share a passion for the music. The films, by Charles Burnett, Clint Eastwood, Mike Figgis, Marc Levin, Richard Pearce, Martin Scorsese and Wim Wenders, capture the essence of blues music and delve into its global influence - from its roots in Africa to its inspirational role in today's music. Sponsored by Volkswagen, "The Blues" project initiatives include an extensive Web site at http://www.pbs.org/theblues; a 13-part radio series; educational outreach; a companion book, and value-added DVDs, a CD box set, individual soundtracks for each show, a single "Best of" album and individual artist recordings. "The Blues" project will also go "On the Road," to a national schedule of film, music and heritage events celebrating the blues throughout the year. "The Blues" is a presentation of Vulcan Productions and Road Movies in association with Cappa Productions and Jigsaw Productions; WGBH Boston presents the series on PBS; public television funding is provided by PBS and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. Along with Scorsese, Paul G. Allen and Jody Patton of Vulcan Productions and Ulrich Felsberg of Road Movies are executive producing the series; Alex Gibney is the series producer; Margaret Bodde is the producer, and Richard Hutton is the co-producer. "The Blues" is closed captioned for viewers who are deaf and hard of hearing, and described for people who are blind or visually impaired by the Media Access Group at WGBH. The descriptive narration is made possible by a special grant from Volkswagen and is available on the SAP channel of stereo TVs and VCRs. Thank you for your support." |
