Thursday, February 01, 2007

BET's Jazz Channel BETJ Announces Its Black History Month Programming Lineup


From betj.com, formerly BET JAZZ:

*BET J has announced its programming lineup of music concert specials, documentaries, and short films in commemoration of February's Black History Month.

Geared toward the "Grown and Sexy" viewer, the schedule includes a live reunion of the 90s R&B group Mint Condition, a concert performance from Kirk Franklin and much more.

Here is the full schedule:

MUSIC/CONCERT SPECIALS:

• MILES ELECTRIC: A DIFFERENT KIND OF BLUE: This music special examines the dynamic life and sounds of legendary musician, Miles Davis. Directed by award-winning producer Murray Lerner, he sits down with several performers who have worked and played with the late artist, including Carlos Santana and Joni Mitchell, who describe the impact Miles Davis had on today's music. Sunday, February 4 at 2:00 p.m.

• FUNKY FRIDAYS: BET J celebrates the end of each week with a festive two-hour program jammed packed with the hottest concerts from your favorite artists. The list includes Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Friday, February 2 at 8:00 p.m.; Mandrill. Friday, February 2 at 9:00 p.m.; The Temptations. Friday, February 9 at 8:00 p.m.; The Isley Brothers. Friday, February 9 at 9:00 p.m.; Lionel Ritchie. Friday, February 16 at 8:00 p.m.; Ashford & Simpson. Friday, February 16 at 9:00 p.m.; James Brown. Friday, February 23 at 8:00 p.m.; Marvin Gaye: Live at Montreaux. Friday, February 2 at 9:00 p.m.

• MINT CONDITION: LIVIN' THE LUXURY BROWN: Don't miss the hottest R&B band of the 90's, Mint Condition, as they mark their historic return LIVE from DC's renowned 9:30 Club, and featuring performances of hit favorites like "Breakin My Heart (Pretty Brown Eyes)," "U Send Me Swinging," "What Kind Of Man Would I Be" and also songs from their latest CD titled "Livin' The Luxury Brown." Sunday, February 4 at 3:00 p.m.

• B.B. KING IN CONCERT: The reigning King of the Blues, B.B. King rules supreme on this BET J music special! The legendary blues guitarist along with his beloved "Lucille" guitar raises the roof in a LIVE concert recorded at the BET J studios. This electrifying "Jazz Central" performance features the trademark guitar and vocal style that has undoubtedly made B.B. King the most influential blues musician of the 20th Century. Sunday, February 4 at 4:00 p.m.

• THE REBIRTH OF KIRK FRANKLIN LIVE: Tune in for the inspirational concert showcasing the repertoire from the platinum CD release "The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin," featuring fellow gospel artists Richard Smallwood, Pastor Shirley Caesar and the late Will Neal Johnson, and favorite songs like "Brighter Day," "Hosanna" and "He Reigns." Sunday, February 4 at 5:00 p.m.

• ANTHONY HAMILTON: COMIN' FROM WHERE I'M FROM: Phenomenal neo-soul artist, Anthony Hamilton goes back to his soulful roots in this one-hour music program. The six-time Grammy-nominated artist takes viewers on a musical journey detailing his humble beginnings in Charlotte, NC to becoming the hot artist who's critically acclaimed, platinum album, COMIN' FROM WHERE I'M FROM, which has garnered multiple accolades, including Grammy, Soul Train, Billboard and NAACP Image Awards nominations. Sunday, February 18 at 3:00 p.m.

• ANGIE STONE: Renowned R&B songsters Angie Stone wows the audience in this special concert taped in North Carolina from the "Silk & Sandpaper" night club featuring Anthony Hamilton and soulful classics like "I Wanna Thank Ya," "No More Rain," "Brotha" and "Stay a While." Sunday, February 25 at 3:00 p.m.

ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING/DOCUMENTARIES:

• BLACK STORIES: Don't miss the riveting and thought-provoking short film showcase spotlighting our up and coming filmmakers and embracing the Black experience. Unflinching short stories and shocking tales will undoubtedly entertain viewers while evoking an array of emotions with this edgy short film series. Monday, February 5 at 9:00 p.m.

• MASTERS OF AMERICAN MUSIC SERIES: Viewers will enjoy this one-hour engaging historical profile highlighting the stellar careers and personal lives of Black music's most influential figures, including Billie Holiday, Louis Armstrong, and John Coltrane. Through historical footage highlighting their performances and intimate accounts from their fellow musicians and family, this BET J favorite will give viewers everywhere an appreciation of these musical icons' contributions to Black music! Featured artist: Billy Holiday. Sunday, February 11 at 2:00 p.m.; Featured artist: Louis Armstrong. Sunday, February 18 at 2:00 p.m.; Featured Artist: John Coltrane. Sunday, February 25 at 2:00 p.m.

• LYRIC CAFÉ: BET J celebrates the "spoken word" in this fresh original program, LYRIC CAFE hosted by "Grown & Sexy" gentlemen Gary Dourdan and Malcolm Jamal Warner. Join the Lyric Cafe players as they speak their minds, express their views and stimulate your senses -- all against the jazz-infused backdrop of hot spot "Fais Do-Do." Lyric Cafe marathon episodes feature Lyric Cafe players Javon Jackson, Thea Monyee, Coco Brown, Terry Dexter, Sonja Marie, Rives, Kasim Allah and Medusa among others. Wednesday, February 28 at 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

• BET J HISTORY MAKERS: BET J highlights the compelling stories of many Black figures in this ground-breaking documentary series, HISTORY MAKERS. Each half-hour program explores the dynamic lives of prominent individuals like Susan L. Taylor, Nikki Giovani, Angela Davis and Reverend Al Sharpton, who often faced challenging obstacles of which they overcame to achieve their success. Through these poignant documents, viewers will learn and appreciate the untold stories of our unsung Black American history makers who have persevered through success, faith and courage. A profile on various "history makers" SUCCESS: Tuesday, February 20 at 7:00 p.m.; A profile on various "history makers" FAITH: Thursday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m.; A profile on various "history makers" COURAGE: Tuesday, February 27 at 7:00 p.m.

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