For immediate release
Chicago, IL - December 12, 2016
The popular music series SOUNDSTAGE returns with all-new episodes premiering on WTTW11 beginning January 5, 2017, and continuing Thursdays at 9:00 pm through February 9. Taped in front of an intimate, live studio audience, SOUNDSTAGE brings the thrill of a live concert performance to you. With a 360° view, viewers will feel like they are part of the audience during these special, interactive performances with musical icons and talented up-and-comers alike. Showcasing classic hit songs, tributes, and exciting collaborations, the winter 2017 SOUNDSTAGE lineup features:
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Bad Company (January 5) – The acclaimed British classic rock band BAD COMPANY, fronted by singer-songwriter Paul Rodgers, stops off at Grainger Studio during their much buzzed-about 2016 reunion tour to perform their greatest smash hits for a SOUNDSTAGE audience of devoted fans who turned their music into classics. Enjoy “Can’t Get Enough,” and “Movin’ On” along with electrifying rock anthems like “Ready For Love,” “Rock Steady,” and more.
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Jon Secada (January 12) – Fiery Latin superstar JON SECADA, who got his start with Gloria and Emilio Estefan, returns to his Havana roots for a thrilling tribute to Afro Cuban music icon Benny More’ -- and wows the SOUNDSTAGE audience with a compendium of his classic solo hits, including “Just Another Day,” “Do You Believe,” “If You Go,” and more. Watch as he gets the crowd on their feet and dancing in the aisles of Grainger Studio!
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Regina Spektor (January 19) – Known for her chart-topping albums and soulful and evocative songs and music videos – the classically-trained singer-songwriter REGINA SPEKTOR – writer and performer of the Grammy-nominated title theme for the popular Netflix series Orange is the New Black – sits down at the piano and, backed by a lush string section, shares her most personal and popular songs.
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Blondie (January 26) – In this rocking SOUNDSTAGE concert captured in WTTW’s intimate Grainger Studio before a live audience, the punk and new wave band BLONDIE fronted by co-founder and lead singer Debbie Harry, share their eclectic mix of pop, rock, and punk sounds on hits such as “The Tide is High,” “One Way or Another,” and “Heart of Glass.” Audiences will thrill to palpable energy that Blondie brings to this electrifying performance.
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Kenny Loggins (February 2) – In this once-in-a-lifetime SOUNDSTAGE performance, pop superstar KENNY LOGGINS performs many of his iconic hits (including “Footloose,” “Danger Zone,” “Forever,” and more), some of them in collaboration with special guests Jim Messina, Michael McDonald, David Foster, and multi-genre bassist/producer Thundercat. Along the way, Kenny shares personal stories and the unforgettable music that helped cement him as a superstar for the ages!
- Old Dominion (February 9) -- Tipped by Billboard, Rolling Stone, and Huffington Post as a band to watch, Old Dominion brings their old-fashioned country charm, lyrical wit and rock n’ roll grit to SOUNDSTAGE and the Grainger Studio’s audience of energetic fans. The group’s songs sparkle with clever lyrics, innovative instrumentation, genre-busting arrangements, and finger-popping melodies. Old Dominion is not your average country band!
“We are very excited about this upcoming season – one of the best ever,” said Joe Thomas, Executive Producer and Director of SOUNDSTAGE. “It’s a privilege to add the names of these iconic groups and individuals to the roster of music greats whose performances are synonymous with this long-running and beloved series.”
SOUNDSTAGE is a co-production of WTTW Chicago, BMG Rights Management (U.S.) LLC, and HD Ready LLC. HD Ready’s Joe Thomas is the Executive Producer and Director. WTTW Chicago’s Kim Mattes is the Producer. WTTW Chicago is the national presenting station of SOUNDSTAGE.
About SOUNDSTAGE
Long before MTV and VH1, the acclaimed WTTW series SOUNDSTAGE debuted with an innovative concert format that was unique to television. This timeless music program garnered widespread critical acclaim and featured many artists who defined the musical eras, including such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Aretha Franklin, and the Doobie Brothers. Since the 1970s, an eclectic variety of musical artists across pop, rock, country, soul, bluegrass, and folk genres have appeared on the series, including Tom Petty, B.B. King, Toby Keith, Dave Matthews Band, Emmylou Harris, John Mayer, Sheryl Crow, Brian Wilson, Cyndi Lauper, and many more. SOUNDSTAGE is taped in WTTW’s Grainger Studio in Chicago, and at special venues across the country. Visit wttw.com/soundstage, and connect on Facebook, Twitter, and the SOUNDSTAGE YouTube channel.
About WTTW Chicago
WTTW Chicago produces and presents a wide array of engaging content for the national public media system, with series and specials on education, politics, public affairs, science, business, arts and entertainment, history, travel, how-to, and religion. In addition to its landmark music series SOUNDSTAGE, additional WTTW Chicago series include 10 THAT CHANGED AMERICA and other architecture specials with Geoffrey Baer; MEXICO — ONE PLATE AT A TIME with Rick Bayless; and the new animated children’s series NATURE CAT. For more information, please visit wttw.com/national.
About PBS
PBS programming invites viewers to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; hear diverse viewpoints; and take front-row seats to world-class drama and performances. Viewer contributions are an important source of funding, making PBS programs possible. PBS and public television stations offer all Americans from every walk of life the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content.
