Music, Sweet Music!

By Suzanne Kashuba 

Music and memories. They go together like strawberries and cream, the stars and the moon and frosting on the cake of life. Think of those special moments (your first date, your best car, summers as a kid). Chances are you have a soundtrack in your head that makes them complete.

Whether you’re passionate about disco or doo wop, classical or folk, rock or country, WNED aims to bring back those memories -- or perhaps create some new ones -- with a dynamite, diverse collection of music programs in September.

From fresh, young talents to classic entertainers, there truly seems to be “something for everyone” in this line-up. I picked out a few highlights, but pick your own and let me know your favorites.

Classic Rock/Pop

“Bee Gees One Night Only”
September 12, 8 p.m.

Get out the disco ball and put those (platform) dancing shoes on! The harmonic pop trio (brothers Barry, Maurice and Robin Gibb) shines in this 1997 concert. Highlights: “You Should be Dancing/Alone,” “Night Fever/More than a Woman”

“Bee Gees One Night Only” airs on WNED-TV September 12 at 8 p.m.

Celtic/Irish

“Celtic Thunder: It’s Entertainment”
September 10, 9:30 p.m., September 11, 6:30 p.m.

This dynamic quintet spans six decades in a rousing musical review, blending nostalgic classics with unique takes on contemporary hits.  Highlights: “Standing on the Corner,” “Home,” “Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For”

“Celtic Woman: Songs from the Heart”
September 15, 8 p.m.; September 17, 2 p.m.

Inspired by their Irish roots, the five members of this wildly popular quintet are as talented as they are eclectic. Highlights: “Fields of Gold,” “Nil se’n la,” “The Call”

Classical/Pop Blends

Watch the full episode. See more Great Performances.

This Great Performances special airs on WNED-TV September 17 at 10 p.m.

“Great Performances Jackie Evancho: Dream with Me”
September 17, 10 p.m.

The inspiring young soprano who wowed audiences on “America’s Got Talent” sings her 10-year-old heart out. Highlights: “When You Wish Upon A Star,” “Somewhere,” “Nessun Dorma” (above)

“Canadian Tenors - Live In Toronto”
September 24, 8 p.m.

Fraser, Victor, Remigio and Clifton combine classical and pop with talent and charm (taped at Toronto’s Royal Conservatory).  Highlights: “O Sole Mio,” “Homeward Bound”

Folk

“John Denver: The Wildlife Concert”
September 8, 10 p.m.; September 10, 2 p.m.

The songwriter/environmentalist won the hearts of generations before meeting an untimely fate. He’s in top form in this 1995 benefit concert. Highlights: “Rocky Mountain High,” “Annie's Song”

“Legends of Folk: The Village Scene”
September 12, 10 p.m.

Relive the cool, socially conscious vibe of the 1960s coffee houses in New York’s Greenwich Village – where soon-to-be-legendary musicians launched their careers. Highlights: “California Dreamin’ ” (The Mamas and the Papas); “Blowin’ in the Wind” (Bob Dylan)


“Simon and Garfunkel: Songs of America”
September 15, 10 p.m.

If you were around in 1969, you may have seen this already – it aired on CBS, and stirred some controversy. The special combines performance footage of folk duo Simon and Garfunkel with video montages and news clips from the turbulent 1960s. Highlights: “America,” “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” “Feeling Groovy”  

“Justin Hines: Days to Recall”
September 24, 9:30 p.m.

It’s light-hearted folk/pop with a positive message. This powerful singer was filmed live in Toronto. Highlights: “Courage (Come Out To Play),” “Momentarily”

’50s/’60s Nostalgic Hits

“Rock, Pop and Doo Wop”
September 16, 9:30 p.m.; September 17, 6 p.m.; September 18, 7 p.m.

Jon (Sha Na Na) “Bowzer” Bauman and Ronnie Spector (of the Ronettes) host this rockin’ retrospective. Highlights: “Be My Baby” (Ronnie Spector), “Yakety-Yak”/“Charlie Brown” (Carl Gardner’s Coasters)

“Moments to Remember”
September 24, 1:30 p.m., September 25, 2 p.m.

You’ll be humming along, but do you remember the lyrics? Patti Page and Nick Clooney co-host. Highlights: “That’s My Desire” (Frankie Laine, above, who comes out of retirement), “Mona Lisa” (Nat King Cole)

Country

“Country Pop Legends”
September 9, 8 p.m., September 11, 4:30 p.m.

Do you love country? Enjoy hits from three decades. Highlights: “Tennessee Waltz” (Patti Page), “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue” (Crystal Gayle), archival tributes to Gene Autry, Johnny Cash and Buck Owens

“Daniel O’Donnell Live from Nashville”
September 16, 8 p.m.

Daniel O’Donnell adds his own style to country classics and Irish favorites. Highlights: “Please Release Me,” “Jambalaya,” “Crystal Chandeliers” (guest Charley Pride)

Jazz

“Barbra Streisand - One Night Only at the Village Vanguard”
September 19, 8 p.m.
September 25, 8 p.m.

Imagine you’re among the select group invited to the legendary singer’s intimate performance. Highlights: Jazz standards from Streisand’s “Love Is the Answer” album

“Michael Feinstein: The Sinatra Legacy”
September 21, 9:30 p.m., September 25, 9:30 p.m.

Explore the music and the stories of The Sinatra Era with this celebrated pianist and musical anthropologist. Highlights: “Fly Me to the Moon,” “For Once in My Life”

Classical and Opera

“André Rieu Presents: Live In Maastricht”
September 10, 8 p.m.; September 11, 3 p.m.

Dutch violinist André Rieu, known as “The Waltz King,” is all about spectacle. If you’ve never seen André in action, check out this clip of his powerful version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”  Highlight: In this homecoming concert, teenage trumpeter Melissa Venema performs “Il Silenzio.”

 

“Great Performances The New York Philharmonic 10th Anniversary Concert for 9/11”
September 11, 9:30 p.m.

In the spirit of remembrance and renewal, a performance of Mahler's Symphony No. 2, Resurrection, honors the victims of September 11, 2001, in a free concert for the people of New York.

 

“Nikolai Baskov: Romantic Journey”
September 21, 8 p.m.

He’s a hit in Russia and beyond! This beloved tenor performs opera (selections from “Tosca” and “La Boheme”) and popular classics (such as “Back to Sorrento”).

 

Of course, there’s nothing like a live show. So, what was your all-time favorite live concert experience and why?