The PBS Arts Summer Festival

The PBS Arts Summer Festival line-up, part of PBS’ ongoing commitment to arts content on-air and online, features films that celebrate the contributions of independent filmmakers including a behind-the-scenes profile of actor/playwright John Leguizamo, a film that chronicles a year in the life of talented teenage Mariachi musicians, a look at priceless museum collections and a concert documentary profiling a world-renowned mezzo-soprano. The Festival explores international arts, including a historic concert by four Cuban music greats and a journey into Islamic art narrated by acclaimed actress Susan Sarandon.

Award-winning television, film and stage star Anna Deavere Smith (“Nurse Jackie,” “The West Wing”) will serve as weekly host for the Summer Festival, which begins Friday, June 29, 2012 at 9:00 p.m.

In addition, PBSArts.org will host weekly curated immersive, themed exhibits that take consumers beyond the television experience and into the creative process itself, and PBS will create innovative classroom tools to help fill gaps in arts education.

The PBS Arts Summer Festival takes viewers on an exploration of nearly 20 cities around the globe, offering an in-depth look at music, theater, art, architecture and cultural history from some of the world’s most unique locations.

The Programs:
Mariachi High – Friday, June 29
Spend a year in the life of the champion mariachi ensemble at Zapata High School in South Texas.

Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World – Friday, July 6
Travel to nine countries and across 1,400 years of cultural history to explore the artistic riches of Islam.

John Leguizamo’s Tales from a Ghetto Klown – Friday, July 13
Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry’s most versatile actors: John Leguizamo.

Homecoming: The Kansas City Symphony Presents Joyce Didonato – Friday, July 20
Celebrate mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato’s return to her hometown to perform with the Kansas City Symphony.

Havana, Havana! – Friday, July 27
Tap your toes to the beat of this music documentary that features expat Cuban musicians who return to Havana for a concert.

The Barnes Collection – Friday, August 3
Follow Dr. Albert Barnes’ rise from a working-class neighborhood to the top of the modern art world.

Great Performances “Tanglewood 75th Anniversary Celebration” – Friday, August 10
A star-studded event featuring some of Tanglewood’s most distinguished and longtime guests. The festive program will include Beethoven’s Choral Fantasy, music from Bernstein’s On the Town, Copland’s “Fanfare for the Common Man” and much more.