What to Watch in March
There’s a huge amount of worthwhile TV out there nowadays, so it can be hard to choose what to watch. But who better to recommend shows than the person who programs them? Dan Soles, Senior Vice President and Chief Television Officer at WTTW, constructs the WTTW schedule by searching through offerings from many different sources which include the national PBS network, the BBC, and independent filmmakers to put together a varied and engaging broadcast schedule. Each month, he’ll recommend a few shows that he thinks you should watch.
Great Performances – Andrea Bocelli @ 60
March 2 at 7:00pm
March brings three separate musical birthday celebrations, and first up is the popular tenor Andrea Bocelli, who celebrated his 60th birthday last year with a concert that also featured his son Matteo. Don’t miss the father and son duet – you might be witnessing the birth of another talent in Matteo.
Chicago on Vacation with Geoffrey Baer
March 5 at 7:30 pm
You’ve explored everything from the Chicago River to the city’s neighborhoods with Geoffrey Baer, but now you can follow him out of Chicago to the lakes, towns, parks, and more that Chicagoans visit to relax, enjoy a thrill, or spend time with family on vacation. Is your favorite spot featured? This is sure to inspire fond memories of indelible summer weekends – plus you’ll get to learn a bit more about your go-to vacation destination!
Geoffrey Baer at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac island
Nat King Cole’s Greatest Songs
March 6 at 7:30 pm
The second birthday celebration is for a performer who grew up in Chicago: Nat “King” Cole, who would turn 100 on March 17 of this year. Fete the silken-voiced pianist by exploring some of his most popular songs and performances, from “Unforgettable” to “The Christmas Song.”
Nat "King" Cole
Great Performances – Joni 75: A Birthday Celebration
March 9 at 7:00 pm
Finally, we have a concert in honor of Joni Mitchell’s 75th birthday. While the legendary singer-songwriter doesn’t perform herself, some stellar musicians do: James Taylor, Norah Jones, Rufus Wainwright, Chaka Khan, Emmylou Harris. Hearing their interpretations of Mitchell’s captivating songs is a delight worthy of the occasion.
The Choice for Mayor: A WTTW News Special
March 22 at 8:00 pm
In case you weren't aware, we’re in the midst of a historic election here in Chicago. Out of a field of fourteen mayoral candidates, two – Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle – have advanced to a runoff that will be held on April 2. No matter who wins, Chicago will have its first female African American mayor. To help you learn more about each of them so that you can make your best decision on April 2, WTTW News will be producing a special focusing on their lives and careers, just as we did for the governor’s race last year. It will help you be an informed voter in a groundbreaking election. You can also check out our Voters' Guide to learn more about their positions.
Chicago mayoral runoff candidates Lori Lightfoot and Toni Preckwinkle
’63 Boycott
March 28 at 9:30 pm
It was a major civil rights demonstration in the North, yet it’s little remembered. Thanks to our friends at Kartemquin Films, however, the 1963 boycott of the Chicago Public Schools by 250,000 students protesting racial segregation is getting its due. It’s an important moment in the fight for civil rights and equality in Chicago, and it deserves to be remembered.
