During WinterPledge 2013, Nov. 29 through Dec. 8, viewers have the opportunity to help KET carry out its mission of guiding all Kentuckians on an exciting and fulfilling journey through life to explore Kentucky and the world.

Plus, those who donate during this special event will have the opportunity to receive tickets to several concerts and experiences that KET offers as thank-you gifts.

“For more than 45 years, KET has been serving Kentuckians with rich and diverse educational resources and programming,” said Shae Hopkins, KET executive director and CEO. “It’s the annual contributions from more than 36,000 members that help KET purchase programs such as Antiques Roadshow, Downton Abbey, Doc Martin, Nature, Nova, Sesame Street and many more. We invite everyone who values KET to join with us during this WinterPledge to help ensure that we’ll continue to have the funds to purchase, produce and provide the quality programs and services we all enjoy and expect.”

During KET’s WinterPledge, viewers may call 1-800-866-0366 or go online at www.KET.org/donate to make a donation. These gifts allow KET to continue to deliver programming that provides insights, discoveries, issues, culture, excitement and entertainment to communities throughout the state — as well as provide a safe haven for the Commonwealth’s youngest citizens through award-winning PBS children’s programming.

 

Program highlights:

Using clips, interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, Return to Downton Abbey features moments from the first three seasons of the popular award-winning Masterpiece series and tantalizing previews of season four, which premieres Jan. 5, 2014. Return to Downton Abbey, hosted by actress Susan Sarandon, premieres Sunday, Dec. 1 at 9/8 p.m. on KET and Friday, Dec. 6 at 9:30/8:30 p.m. on KET2.

The popular series Doc Martin, which returns with a new season in February 2014, is featured in Doc Martin: Revealed. The program showcases behind-the-scenes footage from the upcoming season, shot in Port Isaac in England. Doc Martin: Revealed airs Thursday, Dec. 5 at 9/8 p.m. on KET and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 9/8 p.m. on KET2.

Also during WinterPledge 2013, a special edition of Kentucky Collectibles, KET’s newest series that is currently in its second season, features experts assessing the value and history of items, ranging from art, antique furniture, pottery and more. This program, hosted by Dave Shuffett and Amy Hess, airs Saturday, Nov. 30 at 5/4 p.m. and Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8/7 p.m. on KET and Monday, Dec. 2 at 8/7 p.m. on KET2. Tickets for next year’s appraisal fair will be offered during these broadcasts.

 

Musical performances for all ages and musical tastes

For more than half a century, the immensely popular melodies of celebrated composer Burt Bacharach have touched millions of music lovers all over the world. On the new Burt Bacharach’s Best, Dionne Warwick, Tom Jones and more perform Bacharach songs in clips from the 1960s and 70s, including hits such as “I Say A Little Prayer,” “What’s New Pussycat?” “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ On My Head,” and so many more. Burt Bacharach’s Best airs Saturday, Nov. 30 at 9:30/8:30 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 6 at 9/8 p.m. on KET and Saturday, Dec. 7 at 7:30/6:30 p.m. on KET2.

The internationally known Celtic Woman returns to KET’s WinterPledge with a new holiday program, Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas. Vocalists Lisa Lambe, Susan McFadden, Meav Ni Mhaolchatha and violinist Mairead Nesbitt perform timeless holiday favorites with their signature Celtic twist under the musical direction of David Downes. Celtic Woman: Home for Christmas airs Saturday, Nov. 30 at 8/7 p.m. and Tuesday, Dec. 3 at 8/7 p.m. on KET and Thursday, Dec. 5 at 8/7 p.m. on KET2.

In addition, Barbra Streisand makes a historic homecoming at the new Barclays Center arena on Great Performances’ Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn. The program marks the superstar’s first Brooklyn concert since her childhood years. Barbra Streisand: Back to Brooklyn airs Friday, Nov. 29 at 9/8 p.m. on KET.

 

 

Ticketed events

Viewers who make a donation may request, as a thank-you gift, tickets to concerts in Kentucky. Ticketed events include:

 

-Celtic Woman Holiday Concert: Saturday, Dec. 21 at River Park Center, Owensboro

-Sid The Science Kid: Saturday, Jan. 25 at EKU Center for the Arts, Richmond

-The Tenors: Sunday, Feb. 9 at Kentucky Center for the Arts, Louisville

-Celtic Woman: Tuesday, March 11 at EKU Center for the Arts, Richmond

-Joe Bonamassa: Friday, April 25 at Rupp Arena, Lexington

-Kentucky Collectibles appraisal fair: Summer 2014

KET is Kentucky’s largest classroom, serving more than one million people each week via television, online and mobile. Learn more about Kentucky’s preeminent public media organization on Twitter @KET and facebook.com/KET and at KET.org.

Contact:

Todd Piccirilli
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
859-258-7242
tpiccirilli@ket.org