Culture

Here’s a daily guide for WOUB-TV’s Sizzling Summer pledge programming

Posted on: Tuesday, May 30, 2023

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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – WOUB is ready to welcome summer with our Sizzling Summer pledge event! Find a guide to the programming highlights below.

Find our full schedule, as well as information on encore presentations of your favorite programs at this link.

Friday, June 2
9 p.m. American Masters – Little Richard: The King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll

Little Richard is a legend from the golden era of rock. He’s the cultural lightning rod who influenced some of rock music’s most distinguished icons who will join us to validate Richard’s unquestionable role in rock history: Paul McCartney, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Elton John, Bob Dylan, Prince and Bruce Springsteen. As Richard boastfully claims, “I am The King and Queen of Rock and Roll.”

11 p.m. Suze Orman’s Ultimate Retirement Guide

Join the acclaimed personal finance expert for essential advice on planning for and thriving in retirement. With empathy, straight talk and humor, Suze provides information about key steps for anyone trying to achieve their “ultimate retirement.” Encore presentation scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 at 11:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 3
1 a.m. Bob Dylan: Shadow Kingdom

Join Dylan in an intimate setting as he performs songs from his extensive body of work in 2021.

3 a.m. Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall

A long-lost live recording of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1970 London show, this special features previously unseen video and the only concert footage of the group’s original lineup to be released in its entirety. Narrated by actor Jeff Bridges, the concert special features John Fogerty, Tom Fogerty, Doug Clifford and Stu Cook performing such classics as Fortunate Son, Proud Mary, Bad Moon Rising, Born on the Bayou and more. Encore presentations scheduled for Sunday, June 4 at 11 p.m.; and Friday, June 9 at 3:30 a.m.

4 a.m. America’s Home Cooking: When in Rome

Enjoy the simplicity of Roman cooking with Chris Fennimore, who will take you on a tour of authentic recipes from Rome, Italy. From a simply delicious caprese salad, to the fantastically easy beef strachetti, you’ll find that cooking authentic recipes doesn’t have to be complicated! Encore presentation scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 4 p.m.

11 a.m. Aging Backwards 4: The Miracle of Flexibility with Miranda Esmonde-White

Join Miranda Esmonde-White and learn how simply incorporating gentle flexibility and range of motion exercises can improve posture and help reverse the signs of aging, improve organ health, and increase energy. Encore presentation scheduled for Saturday, June 10 at 1 a.m.

12 p.m. Country Pop Legends (My Music)

The greats of country pop unite to perform their biggest and most-loved hit recordings from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s. County music legend Roy Clark hosts this emotional trip down three decades of memory lane. Performances from Glenn Campbell, Crystal Gayle, Hank Locklin, Bill Anderson, BJ Thomas, the Bellamy Brothers, the Browns and more are intermixed with classic full-length vintage archival gems from the vaults. Encore presentations scheduled for Tuesday, June 6 at 4 p.m.; Wednesday, June 7 at 9:30 p.m.; and Saturday, June 10 at 2 a.m.

2 p.m. What to Eat When with Dr. Michael Roizen & Dr. Michael Roizen & Dr. Michael Crupain

In this program, viewers discover how the food choices they make each day – and, most importantly, when they make them – can impact their health, energy, waistline, attitude and the way they age. Hosts Dr. Michael Roizen (chief wellness officer, Cleveland Clinic) and Dr. Michael Crupain (medical director, The Dr. Oz Show) demystify the intermittent fasting trend and offer science-based, easy-to-implement strategies about what to eat, and when, for optimal health. Encore presentation scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 at 2:30 a.m.

3:30 p.m. Elvis Presley: ’68 Comeback Special

Watch rock history being made as Elvis performs some of the best music of his life. Encore presentations scheduled for Thursday, June 8 at 11 p.m.; and Friday, June 9 at 4:30 a.m.

5 p.m. Great Scenic Railway Journeys: 30th Anniversary Special

In this program viewers gain access to some of America’s best railway adventures, from the Rocky Mountaineer to the Skyrail. More than just a tour, these stories offer a glimpse into our nation’s railroad history and explore how railroads defined the spirit of North America, creating a new industry and rewriting the history of transportation. Encore presentations scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 8 p.m.; Wednesday, June 7 at 12:30 a.m.; Friday, June 9 at 4 p.m.; and Saturday, June 10 at 4 a.m.

9 p.m. Henry Louis Gates, Jr. Uncovering America

Courtney B. Vance hosts this celebration of the renowned, respected and popular historian, author and filmmaker. Features appearances by distinguished guests seen in Gates’ work including Jodie Foster, Ken Burns, Jelani Cobb and LL Cool J. Encore presentations scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 3 a.m.; and Friday, June 9 at 12:30 a.m.

10:30 p.m. Carole King – Home Again – Live in Central Park

Celebrate the music icon in a triumphant homecoming concert on May 26, 1973, that captured King at her critical and commercial peak, basking in the enormous popularity of her album Tapestry. Includes a behind-the-scenes look at her legendary career. Encore presentation scheduled for Thursday, June 8 at 1:30 a.m.

Sunday, June 4

12 a.m. Santana Live at the US Festival

Thrill to the electrifying experience of an important moment in music history when Santana took the stage at the US Festival in San Bernardino, California, in 1982. Featuring the hits Black Magic Woman, Gypsy Queen, and Oye Como Va.

1:30 a.m. Nature – Pandas: Born to Be Wild

Unlock the mysteries of wild pandas whose counterparts in captivity are known for their gentle image. Journey through the steep Qinling Mountains with filmmakers, scientists and rangers to witness pandas’ startling courtship and aggression behaviors. Encore presentation scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 at 4 p.m.

3 a.m. Rick Steves’ Why We Travel

In times of crisis, we ask ourselves: What is the true value of travel? Is it just hedonism, or something more powerful? After a lifetime of exploring Europe, Rick Steves shares his reasons why. This special is a sonnet to travel — an introspective love story, set in Europe and beyond, that vividly celebrates the rewards of exploring our world and the joy that awaits those who travel.

4 a.m. Lawrence Welk’s TV Treasures

This documentary about the legendary television series, “The Lawrence Welk Show,” features rarely seen footage from more than 50 years of the longest-running series on national television and outstanding never-before-seen archival performances by members of the Welk Musical Family, starting with the earliest days of the show. Fourteen members of the Musical Family vividly describe how the weekly show was produced and tell some “behind the scenes” stories. Costume designer Rose Weiss and Larry Welk, the son of Lawrence Welk, discuss the early days of the show and how it evolved from a “band” showcase into a full-fledged weekly series.

11:30 a.m. Memory Makeover with Daniel Amen, MD

Ever misplace your phone, forget someone’s name, or struggle to find the right words? Of course, you have. It happens to all of us. But if you find it happening more and more it may be a sign of trouble. Memory is one of the most important functions of the brain, and problems with it are becoming increasingly more common, even among teenagers and young adults. Did you know that 80 percent of people who had COVID-19 later complain of memory and focus issues? In this program, psychiatrist and founder of Amen Clinics Dr. Daniel Amen will show you how you can improve your memory and even rescue it if it’s headed for trouble. You will discover some of the most common-and one of the most surprising-causes of memory loss and when you should be concerned. Dr. Amen will share the seven foods and supplements that research shows you can use every day to enhance your memory. And he will show you how to supercharge your memory with 11 simple daily practices. Encore presentations scheduled for Tuesday, June 6 at 4 a.m. and 9:30 p.m.

1 p.m. Gregorian: Pure Chants In Concert

This program includes a stunning blend of traditional chants and contemporary music compiled from the Gregorian concert DVDs. This high-quality production features spectacular lighting and sound, and music – as history proves – that does not go out of style. Encore presentation scheduled for Friday, June 9 at 2 a.m.

2:30 p.m. Rick Steves’ Heart of Italy

Rick delves deep into the Italian heartland – the place where la dolce vita is a way of life. Starting in Umbria, he connects with rustic, traditional culture: sleeping at an agriturismo (a farmhouse inn), seeing how prosciutto and pecorino cheese are made (and eaten), and hiking down into ancient and fragrant wine cellars. Then he tours Assisi, with its inspirational story of St. Francis, its stop-and-smell-God’s-roses spirituality, its delicate Giotto masterpieces, and its awe-inspiring basilica. In Siena, Rick enjoys a front-row seat at its wild horse race – the venerable Palio – and marvels at cultural treasures from the city’s glory days, when it rivaled Florence for dominance in Tuscany. He finishes with the ultimate Riviera getaway: the Cinque Terre, where he gets to know each of the “five lands” – from the dramatic, vineyard-surrounded Vernazza to hardscrabble Riomaggiore, to the pint-sized resort of Monterosso. Fishing for anchovies, sipping wine out of rustic barrels, bringing flowers to hilltop cemeteries, and savoring twinkling Mediterranean vistas, Rick visits his favorite stretch of Mediterranean coastline. Encore presentations scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 12:30 a.m.; and Thursday, June 8 at 5 p.m.

3:30 p.m. Kenny Rogers Farewell Concert Celebration: All In For The Gambler

This special brought together fans, friends and music icons to celebrate Kenny Rogers’ final farewell to Nashville. The program features performances by Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Idina Menzel, Lady A, Lionel Richie, Little Big Town, Reba McEntire, Wynonna, The Oak Ridge Boys and Kenny Rogers along with many other special guests. Songs include The Gambler, Lucille, Islands in the Stream, Lady, and We Got Tonight. Encore presentations scheduled for Wednesday, June 7 at 4:30 a.m.; and Thursday, June 8 at 8 p.m.

5 p.m. Potomac By Air: Our Nation’s River

This program explores the nation’s history through an aerial trip along the striking curves of the Potomac River, accompanied by an uplifting musical soundtrack and pleasing narration that describes natural historical and cultural points of interest along the way. Beginning in West Virginia, the fly over pledge event captures the flow of the Potomac River as it rapidly descends through the Appalachian Mountains into the Piedmont region of Maryland, then proceeds south past the Great Falls into the nation’s capital, before ending in the Chesapeake Bay. The program provides viewers with a scenic journey of the river’s natural and man-made history along with America’s remarkable collection of monuments and memorials-from the Washington Monument to the White House and more. Stunning, low-altitude high-definition footage of the river is complemented by day and evening shots of the Capitol, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other landmarks.

6:30 p.m. Best of the 60s: Ready, Steady, Go!

Relive the Swinging Sixties with the iconic UK rock and pop music TV series. Ready, Steady, Go! featured the biggest acts of the decade, including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Lulu, Otis Redding, The Who, Dusty Springfield, Marvin Gaye and more. Encore presentations scheduled for Tuesday, June 6 at 2:30 a.m. and 11 p.m.

8 p.m. Grantchester: Investigating Life’s Mysteries

Go behind the scenes with the cast and creators of viewer favorite Grantchester, with its winning combination of a delightful and appealing amateur sleuth, articulate writing, engaging mysteries to solve, and charming village locations.

9:30 p.m. John Williams: The Berlin Concert

In October 2021, Hollywood legend John Williams made his conducting debut with the internationally renowned Berliner Philharmoniker. Filmed live at the Berlin Philharmonie, this special captures this magical performance of his music. After opening with the “Olympic Fanfare and Theme,” Williams and the Berlin players perform a wide-ranging selection of music from some of his best-known film scores. From the futuristic sounds of Close Encounters to the instantly evocative opening notes of “Hedwig’s Theme” from the Harry Potter movies, to musical excerpts from Jurassic Park, Superman, and the Indiana Jones and Star Wars series, there’s something for everyone. Encore presentation scheduled for Monday, June 5 at 4:30 a.m.

Monday, June 5

1:30am – Burt Bacharach: A Life In Song

Celebrate the late legendary songwriter in a stunning 2015 tribute at London’s Royal Festival Hall. The concert captures the magic of Bacharach’s timeless classics with live performances from a stellar lineup of artists. Encore presentation scheduled for Friday, June 9 at 8:30 p.m.

10 p.m. – Roy Orbison & Friends – A Black and White Night

Celebrate the music legend in an iconic 1987 concert with an all-star cast including Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Elvis Costello, k.d. lang, Bonnie Raitt, J. D. Souther, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits and Jennifer Warnes.

11:30 p.m. – Young Forever with Mark Hyman, Md

Aging has long been considered a normal process. We think disease, frailty, and gradual decline are inevitable parts of life. But they don’t have to be. Science today sees aging as a treatable disease. By addressing its root causes we can not only increase our health span and live longer but prevent and reverse the maladies of aging-including heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and dementia. In this Young Forever program, Dr. Mark Hyman challenges us to reimagine our biology, health, and the process of aging. To uncover the secrets to longevity, he explores the biological hallmarks of aging, their causes, and their consequences-then shows us how to overcome them with simple dietary, lifestyle, and emerging longevity strategies. You’ll learn how to turn on your body’s key longevity switches; reduce inflammation and support the health of your immune system; exercise, sleep, and de-stress for healthy aging; and eat your way to a long life, featuring Dr. Hyman’s Pegan Diet. You’ll also get exclusive insight on which supplements are right for you, where the research on aging is headed, and so much more. With dozens of science-based strategies and tips, Young Forever is a revolutionary, practical guide to creating and sustaining health-for life. Encore presentation scheduled for Thursday, June 8 at 4 a.m.

Tuesday, June 6

1 a.m. – Foreigner: Double Vision – Then and Now

Grab a front-row seat at the first-ever reunion concert of both incarnations of the multi-platinum-selling band as they perform their greatest hits, including Cold as Ice, Jukebox Hero and I Want To Know What Love Is.

8 p.m. – Marvin Gaye: Greatest Hits Live

This classic performance was recorded on Marvin Gaye’s first European Tour in 1976, and captures the legendary soul singer at his unparalleled best. Filmed at Eden Halle Concert Hall in Amsterdam before a sell-out audience, this show, preserved now for prosperity, was one of the rare live performances captured on film. The concert features spirited renditions of many of Gaye’s greatest hits, including What’s Going On, Ain’t Nothing Like the Real Thing, It Takes Two, How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You), and Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.

Wednesday, June 7

5:30pm – Rick Steves’ Festive Europe

This special captures Europeans doing what they do so expertly – celebrating the good life. In this lively half-hour special, Rick experiences the pleasures of Andalucia, ventures into the reveller-filled Parisian streets on Bastille Day, takes in the royal pageantry in London, wanders through a Venetian palace, runs with the bulls in Pamplona, dines at an exclusive mens’ club in Basque country, embraces high culture in Vienna, enjoys the lovable chaos of Naples, and walks the final stretch of the Camino di Santiago in Spain.

8 p.m. – Nature: My Garden of a Thousand Bees

A wildlife cameraman spends his time during the pandemic lockdown filming the bees in his urban garden and discovers the many diverse species and personalities that exist in this insect family.

Thursday, June 8

3 a.m. – Best of the Joy of Painting: Special Edition

A cult-like figure since his low-budget, unrehearsed and unedited Joy of Painting programs first aired in 1982, the late Bob Ross’ enduring popularity is attributable to more than just his paintings. His serene, nurturing disposition can serve as therapy for the weary, and his respect for nature and wildlife have helped heighten environmental awareness. This program highlights the soft-spoken Ross as he completes his beautiful “Home in the Valley” painting and offers a glimpse into his painting techniques. It also features an off-set painting class where a handful of young fans are learning to create under the guidance of a premiere Bob Ross certified instructor, and includes man-on-the-street interviews as well as celebrity and athlete testimonials. Encore presentation scheduled for later Thursday June 8 at 4 p.m.

9:30 p.m. – Ken Burns: America’s Storyteller

Join Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, George Lucas, Wynton Marsalis, Yo-Yo Ma, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., Sam Waterston, Doris Kearns Goodwin and more for a tribute to the acclaimed filmmaker.

Friday, June 9

10 p.m. – The Jewish Journey: America

A film that tells the three part story of I) Jewish life in the old country, II) the reasons behind leaving their respective homes and journeying to the US and III) both the establishment of communities and the great accomplishments made in the US.

11:30 p.m. – Mavis Staples at Symphony Center, Chicago

Join the legendary singer and civil rights icon for a one-night only, hometown performance for the ages. Staples brings her iconic smoky sound to Orchestra Hall in a scintillating evening of soul, gospel and her signature brand of R&B.