August is heating up with unforgettable music performances on Arkansas PBS, as we roll out a star-studded lineup of concert specials that span generations and genres. From the iconic Neil Diamond lighting up Madison Square Garden to the soulful sounds of the ‘60s and ‘70s, and the legendary Joe Bonamassa taking the stage with a full orchestra at the Hollywood Bowl, music lovers are in for a treat. With performances by Johnny Cash’s famous friends, golden oldies legends and folk icons Peter, Paul and Mary, this month’s programming hits every note. Plus, fans can snag tickets to see Bonamassa live at Baum Walker Hall in Fayetteville this November – an offer as electric as the performances themselves.
“Neil Diamond: Hot August/NYC” – Aug. 9, at 6 p.m.
The music kicks off Saturday, Aug. 9, at 6 p.m. with “Neil Diamond: Hot August Night/NYC.” Recorded live at New York’s Madison Square Garden in August 2008, this concert features career-spanning hits from Diamond’s four-night, sold-out run at the fabled concert hall. Songs include: “Beautiful Noise,” “Cherry, Cherry,” “Thank the Lord for the Night Time,” “I Am … I Said,” “Solitary Man,” “Kentucky Woman,” “Forever in Blue Jeans,” “America” and “Sweet Caroline.” The concert will also air Sunday, Aug. 10, at 3:30 p.m.
“60s and 70s Soul Celebration” – Aug. 9, at 7:30 p.m.
The music continues on Saturday, Aug. 9 at 7:30 p.m. with “60s and 70s Soul Celebration.” The legends of ’60s and ’70s soul music return to perform their biggest hits. This classic R&B and soul compilation features 30 years of music from The Temptations, James Brown, Patti LaBelle, The Chi-Lites, The Spinners, Sam Moore and more. The special will also air Sunday, Aug. 10, at 12:30 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 2:30 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 15, at 9 p.m.
“Joe Bonamassa and Orchestra: Live at the Hollywood Bowl” – Aug. 11, at 8:30 p.m.
On Monday, Aug. 11, at 8:30 p.m., guitar legend Joe Bonamassa takes the stage at the iconic Hollywood Bowl, accompanied by an ensemble of 40 orchestra members, performing “One Door Overture,” “Curtain Call,” “Ball Peen Hammer,” “No Good Place For The Lonely,” “Last Matador,” “Prisoner,” “24-Hour Blues,” “Self-Inflicted Wounds” and more in “Joe Bonamassa and Orchestra: Live at the Hollywood Bowl.” This special will also air Saturday, Aug. 16, at 8:30 p.m. During the broadcast, tickets will be available to see Bonamassa at the Baum Walker Hall in Fayetteville on Tuesday, Nov. 25. Additional information is available at myarpbs.org/boxoffice.
“All New Rock, Pop and Doo Wop” – Aug. 12, at 12:30 p.m.
Then, on Tuesday, Aug. 12, at 12:30 p.m., popular music performers from the late 1950s and early 1960s reunite in concert at the historic Benedum Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Full-length performances include Johnny Maestro, The Duprees, Jay Back, Little Anthony and The Imperials, Ronnie Spector, Frankie Valli, Jerry Butler and more artists from the ’50s and ’60s in “All New Rock, Pop and Doo Wop.” This special will also air Saturday, Aug. 16, at 10 p.m.
“Johnny Cash: We Walk the Line” – Aug. 14, at 8:30 p.m.
On Thursday, Aug. 14, at 8:30 p.m., a 2012 concert gathers music stars and friends in Austin, Texas, to celebrate the life of Johnny Cash, marking his 80th birthday in “Johnny Cash: We Walk the Line.” The concert took place at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody. The standing-room-only event not only paid tribute to Cash and his music, but also to his roots and heritage. Performers include Brandi Carlile, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ronnie Dunn, Jamey Johnson, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson.
“50 Years with Peter, Paul and Mary” – Aug. 17, at 11 p.m.
Finally, on Sunday, Aug. 17, at 11 p.m., viewers can celebrate the impact of the folk music trio that provided America’s soundtrack for five decades, while combining artistry with activism in “50 Years with Peter, Paul and Mary.” From their emergence in Greenwich Village in the 1960s to the present, their legacy has impacted generations. The special features many of their best performances and most popular songs, including “Puff the Magic Dragon,” “If I Had a Hammer” and “Five Hundred Miles.”
HOW TO WATCH
Check out the full schedule at myarpbs.org/schedule to find all these great music specials!
GET YOUR JOE BONAMASSA TICKETS! Visit myarpbs.org/boxoffice.