KQED goes British in July to celebrate Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee! Dive into the reign of the beloved monarch and the 2000-year history of England with two exciting new series. Stateside, the annual Independence Day tradition A Capitol Fourth returns July 4 with amazing performances and the greatest display of fireworks in the nation. And the PBS Arts Summer Festival continues with a close look at actor/playwright John Leguizamo as he prepares for his one-man Broadway show. Here are the highlights from July on KQED Public Television:
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Four episodes: Tuesdays, July 3, at 8pm and 9pm; July 10 and 24, at 8pm on KQED 9 MICHAEL WOOD’S STORY OF ENGLAND Visit the village of Kibworth, Leicestershire, with historian Michael Wood as he tells the 2000-year-old story of this one settlement throughout English history. Kibworth, located in the heart of England, lived through the Black Death, the English Civil War, the Industrial Revolution and World War II. Intertwining the local and national narratives, Wood presents a moving and informative picture of one local community through time. |
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Four-part series: Sundays, July 1, 8, 15, 29, at 8pm on KQED 9 QUEEN AND COUNTRY In 2012, all eyes are on Queen Elizabeth II as England marks Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee. Join veteran newsman Sir Trevor McDonald as he looks at the traditions and institutions surrounding the monarchy, from the queen’s royal visits to some of the greatest historic royal palaces. |
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Wednesday, July 4, at 8pm on KQED 9 A CAPITAL FOURTH (2012) Celebrate America’s birthday with A Capitol Fourth, the Independence Day tradition The New York Times called “a star spangled party.” Tom Bergeron takes the helm as the new host of the celebration, which features an inspiring Olympic tribute to Team USA and performances by Megan Hilty, Javier Colon, Kool & the Gang, Kelli O’Hara and the National Symphony Orchestra, topped off by the greatest display of fireworks anywhere in the nation. |
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Friday, July 13, at 10pm on KQED 9 JOHN LEGUIZAMO’S TALES FROM A GHETTO KLOWN Get a behind-the-scenes look at one of the industry’s most versatile actors: John Leguizamo. This profile of the actor/playwright looks at his unorthodox rise to success while capturing his struggles to mount his latest one-man show, Ghetto Klown. From his Colombian and “NuyoRican” roots to his high-profile career in Hollywood, Leguizamo bares his soul. Part of the PBS Arts Summer Festival 2012. |