WKAR's new weekly series of studio-recorded music concerts kicked off its second season on Jan. 7 with the blues sounds of Big Willy.
Featuring musical genres ranging from jazz and salsa to rock, folk and blues, the series airs 10 p.m. Thursdays on WKAR-HD/23. The program will be repeated Saturdays, 11 a.m. on WKAR and 9 p.m. on WKAR World.
In each hour-long program, featured groups perform and record in front of a studio audience. Performances are interwoven with backstage commentary, shedding light on the groups' styles, backgrounds and music.
The third-season schedule can be found at WKAR.org and WKAR's Facebook page. Taping will begin in April at WKAR's Studio A. All studio concerts are free.
"BackStage Pass" continues a legacy of musical specials produced and recorded by WKAR, dating back to the station's origin in the 1950s. WKAR artists have included Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell, Emanuel Ax, Murray Perahia, Jessye Norman, Christopher Parkening and many others. In addition, WKAR has long featured programs utilizing the talents of the MSU College of Music faculty and students.
"BackStage Pass" will look not only to MSU artists, such as Professors of Jazz and H2 Quartet, but also to groups from throughout Michigan, representing a diverse selection of musical styles.
The series is produced by Timothy W. Zeko.
For information on the upcoming lineup and how to get tickets, become a fan of "BackStage Pass on WKAR" on Facebook or visit WKAR.org/backstagepass for information.
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