This LearningMedia collection highlights books from The Great American Read and includes additional resources across PBS partners that contextualize the authors and the impact these books have had on specific readers and throughout history.
The Muscle Shoals Sound has influenced music all over the United States and around the world. By meeting with and talking with the writers, musicians and producers who are the bones of the music industry, we will find out how a sleepy little Alabama town became an artistic powerhouse.
Take an interdisciplinary focus on the study and creation of music, theatre, sculpture, folk and visual arts. (Grades 4-8)
“Alabama Legacy Moments” commemorates the Alabama Bicentennial with distinctive radio and television spots about the people, places and stories that have defined Alabama. View this video collection on the subject of the Arts.
The inaugural flight of APT's Subcarrier features the descendants of Birmingham's own Sun Ra in his Arkestra, fronted by Marshall Allen. Sun Ra was a legendary jazz composer and pioneer of afro-futurism active from the 1950's-90's. Marshall Allen is Sun Ra's hand-picked successor who has been leading the Arkestra for over 20 years.
Alabama Public Television takes you to the stage of The Sucarnochee Revue radio show in Livingston, Alabama to celebrate the traditional music of Alabama. Performers in this one-hour special include Carroline Shines, the Jake Landers Band, the Birmingham Sunlights and Jacky Jack White, who is also the host of the Sucarnochee Revue radio show.
The Future Farmers of America is more than production farming preparation and agriculture science. The organization has also fostered leadership in a wide number of fields including that of the arts. For many years, this national high school organization has sponsored music programs which encourage local music traditions such as bluegrass style string band and gospel quartet.
Jefferson County, Alabama, is home to a distinct a cappella gospel style which developed in the African-American community during the regions industrial development in the early 20th century. Featuring a “pumping bass” sound and smooth harmonies, this music has been perpetuated by well-organized quartets who elect officers and have a schedule of practices.
Mobile has played an important role in the development of the brass band sound of the Gulf South. The Excelsior Band, founded in 1883 as musicians for the Creole Fire House, continue as an institution. Their prominent role during carnival season as Mobile's musical ambassadors has inspired a new generation of brass bands.
Alabama’s well documented contributions to American music have much to do with the strength of sacred music traditions throughout the state. In the 20th century perhaps no genre of music wielded more influence on Alabamians than convention-style gospel music.
The Frankville Fiddler’s Convention is the oldest continuing fiddler’s contest in the state. It retains the intimate community atmosphere once found at such events throughout Alabama. Showcasing a musical form that dates back to Alabama’s early historic period, the Frankville Fiddler’s Convention also serves social and educational functions in the community and attracts visitors from beyond.
The juke joint, its Blues music, culture, and history harken back to a by-gone era. Yet, the music of the Blues is still deeply rooted in tradition and is alive and well in Alabama today; especially in urban areas where it now attracts a broader audience. Guests: SharBaby, Roger Stephenson, Henry “Gip” Gipson and others.
Alabama is well known as a center of Sacred Harp singing. The innovative Camp Fasola, begun in 2003 by David Ivey with Jeff and Shelbie Sheppard, has been very successful in filling a void left by the old-fashioned singing school. Singing technique, appropriate foodways and etiquette are taught by lifelong Sacred Harp singers.
An original APT documentary in two parts that samples the works, visions, and philosophies of potters Jerry Brown and Charles Smith, quilters Mozell Benson and Bettye Kimbrell, glassblower Cal Breed, musical instrument maker Gene Ivey, and blacksmith John Phillips.
An original APT documentary in two parts that samples the works, visions, and philosophies of potters Jerry Brown and Charles Smith, quilters Mozell Benson and Bettye Kimbrell, glassblower Cal Breed, musical instrument maker Gene Ivey, and blacksmith John Phillips.
The Quiltmakers of Gee's Bend explores the extraordinary lives, inspirations, and history of these artists, and also follows them on a touching bus journey to see their quilts exhibited at The Milwaukee Art Museum.
Americans of Indian descent have introduced the beautiful but impermanent tradition of decorating the ground and especially entrance ways with colored powders, spices and sands.
For Orthodox Christians the paintings of Christ, the Saints and other biblical figures in Churches, chapels and homes are not just art but an integral part of worship. Elias Katsaros, who immigrated to Alabama from Greece and has become one of the nation's premiere icon painters.
Explore the transition of Sloss Furnaces from its former industrial function to its recent role as a center point for the modern Cast Iron Art movement. Learn about the rebirth of this timeless Birmingham industrial icon that has remained relevant for more than 100 years.
Has Afro-American improvisational visual art been disregarded by the mainstream art world as less important? Have terms such as “outsider”, “visionary,” “primitive,” “folk,” “self-taught,” and “naďve”—all of which have been applied to this particular style—downgraded the importance of this art?
Through television, the web, and social media, students explore the Folger Shakespeare Library, home to the world's largest Shakespeare collection. (Grades 6-12)
This documentary takes viewers behind the scenes as the internationally-renowned Alabama Ballet interprets William Shakespeare's classic story of star-crossed lovers.
Sudha Raghuram is a master of Bharatanatyam, a graceful style of classical dance originating in India. Journey Proud visits Sudha and her students for practice and later at a dance recital of Cinderella adapted to Bharatanatyam style.
Learn about Alabama’s musical heritage and culture through interviews with Alabama musicians and through performances of legendary Alabama folk, blues, bluegrass, gospel, jazz, and more.
