During KET’s WinterPledge 2015, Nov. 27 through Dec. 6, viewers have the opportunity to enjoy great specials and an array of star-studded musical concerts – all while helping KET carry out its mission of providing high-quality, educational programming to citizens throughout Kentucky and beyond.

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

“For more than 45 years, KET has been Kentuckians’ go-to source for quality educational programs for the entire family,” said Shae Hopkins, KET executive director and CEO. “The contributions we receive from viewers help KET purchase programs such as Antiques Roadshow, Downton Abbey, Doc Martin, Nature, Nova, Wild Kratts, Curious George and many more. We invite everyone that values KET to join with us during 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.”

During KET’s WinterPledge, viewers may call 800-866-0366 or go online at KET.org/donate to contribute. Contributions from viewers enable KET to purchase and acquire programs from PBS and other sources.

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

• Trans-Siberian Orchestra: Dec. 2 at KFC Yum! Center
• Dailey & Vincent: Dec. 4 at Norton Center
• The Tenors: Dec. 15 at Brown Theatre
• Tommy Emmanuel: Feb. 16 at Norton Center’s Bomhard Theatre
• Celtic Woman: March 8 at RiverPark Center, Owensboro
• Celtic Woman: March 9 at Louisville Palace
• Celtic Woman: March 11 at Carson Center, Paducah
• Celtic Woman: March 23 at SKyPAC, Bowling Green
• The Moody Blues: March 30 at Louisville Palace
• Under the Streetlamp: April 9 at Norton Center
• Fabby Abbey: April 16 at Spindletop Hall
• Daniel Tiger: April 24 at Norton Center

WinterPledge 2015 programming highlights include:

• Great Performances: “Andrea Bocelli: Cinema”

From the internationally famous Dolby Theater in the heart of Hollywood, superstar tenor Andrea Bocelli pays musical tribute to the silver screen in a lush concert of beloved songs from the movies. Joined by Grammy-winning producer David Foster, Bocelli performs memorable favorites from blockbuster classics including The Godfather, Scent of a Woman, Dr. Zhivago, Once Upon a Time in America, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and many more.

KET: Friday, Nov. 27 at 9/8 pm

KET2: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 9:30/8:30 pm

 

• Tommy Emanuel – Center Stage

Tommy Emmanuel, Australia’s “Entertainer of the Year” and two-time Grammy nominee, delivers a dazzling performance that showcases his flawless guitar skills.

KET: Friday, Nov. 27 at midnight/11 pm

 

• Songbook Standards: As Times Goes By (My Music)

A warm, nostalgic hit parade of the best-loved songs from the golden era of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s. Hosted by crooner Jack Jones, this all-star special features a line-up of rare footage, featuring Judy Garland, Johnny Mathis, Rosemary Clooney, Nat King Cole, and other legends singing their popular songs.

KET: Saturday, Nov. 28 at 5/4 pm

 

• Eric Clapton: Slowhand at 70 – Live at the Royal Albert Hall

A concert celebration in honor of the legendary guitarist’s 70th birthday features Clapton classics including “Wonderful Tonight,” “Layla,” and “Tears in Heaven.”

KET: Saturday, Nov. 28 at 10:30/9:30 pm

 

• Wai Lana Yoga for a Better Life & A Better World

Wai Lana, host of the series, Wai Lana Yoga, shares the ancient secrets of yoga while revealing the many wonderful benefits of a yoga practice for people of all ages – from children to the elderly.

KET2: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 8/7 am

 

• Alice’s Restaurant 50th Anniversary Concert

Singer Arlo Guthrie performs “Alice’s Restaurant” and other material from the early part of his career plus two new arrangements of previously unreleased lyrics by his father, the legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie.

KET2: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 1 pm/noon

 

• Josh Groban: Stages Live

In this concert – recorded live from the historic Los Angeles Theater in downtown L.A. – Josh Groban brings to life some of the most iconic tunes from Broadway musical songbooks, which are showcased on his recent album Stages. Featured songs include “All I Ask of You” (Phantom of the Opera), “Bring Him Home” (Les Miserables) and many more.

KET: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 3/2 pm
KET2: Monday, Nov. 30 at 10/9 pm

 

•  Doc Martin – Seven Grumpy Seasons

This behind-the-scenes look at the international hit series Doc Martin features a sneak peek at what Martin Clunes – the Doc himself – is calling the “best” season yet.

KET2: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 3/2 pm

KET: Thursday, Dec .3 at 9/8 pm

 

•  Celtic Woman: Destiny

Recorded at Ireland’s historic Mansion House in Dublin, musical sensation Celtic Woman performs songs from their latest album, Destiny.

KET: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 7/6 pm

KET2: Friday, Dec. 4 at 9:30/8:30 pm

 

•  Salute to Downton Abbey

Hugh Bonneville recalls the high points of the series storyline and its memorable cast of characters, including interviews with Julian Fellowes, Gareth Neame and the cast, clips from previous seasons, and tantalizing previews of season 6, the series’ final season.

KET: Sunday, Nov. 29 at 9/8 pm

KET2: Monday, Nov. 30 at 11:30/10:30 pm

 

•  Jacques Pepin’s 80th Birthday Celebration

In celebration of Jacques Pepin’s 80th birthday, chefs Lidia Bastianich, Rick Bayless, and Ming Tsai prepare their favorite recipes and share memories with Jacques and a live audience.

KET2: Monday, Nov. 30 at 1:30/12:30 pm

 

• Rick Steves’ Special: “European Christmas”

From manger scenes and mistletoe to wintry wonderlands, Rick celebrates the Christmas season throughout the European continent. He visits friends and families in England, France, Norway, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy to reveal their customs and practices of the holiday season.

KET2: Thursday, Dec. 3 at 5/4 pm

 

•  Pete Townshend’s Classic Quadrophenia

The orchestral version of The Who’s rock opera features Pete Townshend, Billy Idol, and Alfie Boe. Filmed at the Royal Albert Hall in London.

KET: Friday, Dec. 4 at midnight/11 pm

 

• Carpenters: Close to You

This music-filled documentary traces the Carpenters’ career through the eyes of Richard Carpenter and the group’s friends in the music business. Songs featured include “(They Long to Be) Close to You,” “Top of the World,” “Rainy Days and Mondays,” “We’ve Only Just Begun” and more.

KET: Saturday, Dec. 5 at 8/7 pm

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