LIVE-In the UNC-TV Studio and Beyond!
UNC-TV BRINGS HOT SHOWS & BRIGHT STARS HOME TO YOU
DURING FESTIVAL 2006-Saturday, Feb. 25-Sunday, March 26

In addition to featuring some of the best and brightest programming on television, UNC-TV's FESTIVAL 2006 also means many exciting live local talent and in-studio guests! From the always-insightful how-to help of Jerry Baker and Don Mauer to the sweet sounds of musical sensations Rhonda Vincent and Chris Botti, tune in for popular entertainers and experts as they host their FESTIVAL 2006 specials-LIVE!

Beginning Sunday, February 26, at 9 AM, climb aboard Cruising Carolina: The Northern Albemarlewith Claiborne Young-LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio as he presents the hidden gems and incredible natural beauty of North Carolina's Northern Albemarle. The Cruising Carolina host shares his all-new hour-long documentary that introduces viewers to some of the wildest and most welcoming Tar Heel coastal communities alongside some of the most breathtaking scenery anywhere in North Carolina.  

Continue your travels with an air of adventure, romance and excitement when UNC-TV presents the FESTIVAL favorite Great Scenic Railway Journeys: Celebrating 175 Years of the American Railroad, Tuesday, February 28, at 8 PM. Grammy-winning musician and storyteller David Holt joins program producer and director Rob Van Camp-LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio to host visits to 22 of the nation's most popular railway landmarks. Discover all the history these beloved trains have left behind in this commemoration of the 175_th anniversary of the American railroad.

Grammy nominated Rhonda Vincent appears-LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio Tuesday, March 2, at 8 PM, for the FESTIVAL 2006 premiere of Rhonda Vincent & The Rage: Ragin' Live. Recorded before enthusiastic fans at The Sheldon Concert Hall, in her native Missouri, enjoy this bluegrass sensation and her dynamic band at their dynamic, full-throttle best. With an unprecedented five consecutive Female Vocalist of the Year awards from the International Bluegrass Music Association, Vincent's music sparkles with hard-driving instrumental breaks, soaring vocal harmonies and a heartfelt intensity.

Sunday, March 5, at noon, expert gardener Jerry Baker presents three entertaining specials from his popular gardening series-LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio. Jerry Baker's Year 'Round Flower Care, Jerry Baker's Year 'Round Lawn Care, andJerry Baker's Year 'Round Tree, Shrub & Evergreen Care demonstrate the best ways to plant, nurture and grow your yard and garden for year 'round beauty. At 3:30 PM, enjoy Carolina crafts with some of the finest hands-on art in the Tar Heel State. Join Ben Owen III-LIVE-from his Seagrove studio for Pottery Live! With Ben Owen III. This renowned artisan joins UNC-TV's own Shannon Vickery as he creates beautiful works of art from the comforts of his own home and shares the history of the generations-old craft of pottery making in this time-honored Tar Heel setting.

The Four Tops appear-LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio Tuesday, March 7, at 8 PM, to premiere The Four Tops 50th Anniversary Celebration. The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers' golden anniversary special, hosted by Nick Ashford and Valerie Simpson, features The Four Tops performing hit after chart-topping with such star-studded guests as Aretha Franklin, Mary Wilson, Dennis Edwards and Paul Rodgers.

Wednesday, March 8, at 8 PM, composer Tim Janis invites you to join him-LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio for the premiere of Tim Janis: Coastal America.This new concert special journeys along the country's spectacular coastlines with footage of treasured natural landmarks, including Cape Hatteras.

The Welk Musical Family's own Mary Lou Metzger lifts your spirits-LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio Saturday, March 11, at 5:30 PM, with FESTIVAL favorite Lawrence Welk: Precious Memories. Then enjoy new performances and archival pop classics from the late 1950s and early '60s as Metzger premieres TJ Lubinsky's new musical special Moments To Remember, which she co-hosts along with Patti Page, Nick Clooney, Peter Marshall and Wink Martindale.

Tuesday, March 14, at 8 PM, contemporary jazz trumpeter and composer Chris Botti presents his first-ever FESTIVAL 2006 performance special-LIVE-in the UNC-TV studio. Chris Botti Live features Botti, backed by a 35-piece orchestra and his renowned five-piece band, performing with such legendary guests as Sting, Jill Scott, Paula Cole, Burt Bacharach and Gladys Knight.

Stay tuned during FESTIVAL 2006 for UNC-TV's ever-growing list of in-studio stars and programming information-updated daily at www.unctv.org!Look for more exciting programs throughout FESTIVAL 2006-Saturday, February 25, through Sunday, March 26-only on UNC-TV.

UNC-TV is North Carolina's member supported, 11-station statewide television network committed to using telecommunications wisely and imaginatively to inform, educate, and enrich all North Carolinians. For more information about UNC-TV and its programs, please visit www.unctv.org.

-UNC-TV-