PBS 'Front And Center' To Feature Live Performances From The Iridium By Buddy Guy, Jake Bugg, Train, And More
Second Season Begins Airing September 21/ 22
PBS' popular music series 'Front and Center' (formerly 'Front Row Center') will return for a second season in September, featuring several episodes filmed live at NYC "guitar shrine" (NYT) The Iridium. The series captured rare, intimate performances in the heart of Times Square by Buddy Guy (who was joined by surprise guests Gary Clark Jr. and Quinn Sullivan), Jake Bugg, Train, Rock Candy Funk Party (featuring Joe Bonamassa), Zakk Wylde & The Les Paul Trio, and JJ Grey & Mofro. This week, the club will host The Rides (featuring Stephen Stills, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, and Barry Goldberg) for a private taping and two public concerts on 8/28-29.
"Performing 'California 37' front to back for 'Front and Center' was a great experience," said Train frontman Pat Monahan of taping at The Iridium. "We love the show and we've never done an album top to bottom like that before."
"It's an honor shoot at The Iridium," says Don Maggi, Executive Producer of 'Front and Center.' "The room has a great vibe and history, which comes through on TV, and taping there has been a fantastic experience."
Ron Sturm, president of The Iridium and IridiumLive, adds, "The show offers an opportunity for people to see world class musicians up close in a really intimate setting, just like our audience experiences it live at the club."
Additional episodes for this season were shot in other prestigious New York City locations including the McKittrick Hotel and Jazz at Lincoln Center's Allen Room. In the New York metropolitan area, the series premieres Saturdays at 11 p.m. beginning September 21 on WLIW21, Sundays at 12 midnight beginning September 22 on THIRTEEN, and this October on NJTV. For airdates in other markets check local listings.
About 'Front And Center':
'Front and Center' is a production of Front and Center Entertainment, LLC in association with WLIW21 for WNET, and distributed by American Public Television. Front and Center is sponsored by Citi Private Pass in partnership with United Way of New York City.
About The Iridium:
Deemed "hallowed ground" by legendary guitarist Steve Miller, The Iridium stage has played a part in launching the careers of countless artists, though it may be known best as The Home of Les Paul. Called "The Father of the Electric Guitar," Paul performed at The Iridium weekly for more than 12 years until his passing in 2009. Today, the Les Paul trio continues on in his honor, showcasing the diversity of the electric guitar every Monday night with world-class special guests that have included Jeff Beck, the Rolling Stones' Mick Taylor, Steve Miller, and Robert Randolph among others. Guitar World called it "the city's--if not the country's--new home of the guitar," the New York Times dubbed it a "guitar shrine," and the Wall Street Journal described it as "the small club that welcomes millions" for its regular HD webcasts and recordings for its IridiumLive label.
The Iridium
1650 Broadway (51st)
New York, NY
For a complete calendar of events at the Iridium, visit:
http://www.theiridium.com/calendar
The Iridium on the Web:
http://www.theiridium.com
https://www.facebook.com]https://www.facebook.com/TheIridium
http://twitter.com/iridiumjazzclub
The Les Paul Foundation:
http://www.lespaulfoundation.org/
For more information about The Iridium, please contact Carrie Tolles (ctolles@shorefire.com), Anthony D'Amato (adamato@shorefire.com), or Matt Hanks (mhanks@shorefire.com) at Shore Fire Media: (718) 522-7171.