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KAMU: Your Home for the Arts
In anticipation of World Art Day coming up on April 15, we have lined up the best arts-related TV and radio programming to get you in a creative mood. Learn all about art, music and their makers all throughout the month on KAMU!
TV
The Gershwin Prize Streaming Now
Watch as Elton John and Bernie Taupin are presented with The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. The musical icons will be granted the prize by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden during a tribute concert featuring popular musical artists and previous prize honorees.
Next at the Kennedy Center: Ben Folds Presents Declassified April 12 at 9 p.m.
Join host Ben Folds alongside singer-songwriters Jacob Collier, Laufey and dodie. “Next at the Kennedy Center” challenges the artists to completely reimagine their music. The program features the National Symphony Orchestra recreating the singers’ top hits as they replace their usual bands to create a new sound.
The Express Way with Dulé Hill Premieres April 23 at 8 p.m.
Learn more about the world of the arts from the perspective of artists across the nation. The documentary series “The Express Way with Dulé Hill” follows actor, dancer and singer Dulé Hill (“Psych,” “The West Wing”) as he shares the need for diversity and freedom in the arts.
Art Happens Here with John Lithgow April 26 at 9 p.m.
Dive into the world of arts education and learn how it has changed the lives of students of all ages. “Art Happens Here with John Lithgow” follows the actor (“Shrek,” “Footloose”) as he learns four different art disciplines from students in the Los Angeles area while sharing his passion for arts education.
The Best of the Joy of Painting with Bob Ross Thursdays at 3 p.m.
Get your art supplies ready! “The Best of the Joy of Painting” features renowned artist Bob Ross bringing his canvas to life while providing easy-to-follow instructions. This program encourages viewers to either follow along or sit back and enjoy his calm demeanor as he creates beautiful nature scenes.
J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom Mondays at 3 p.m.
Bring the beauty of nature into your home with the help of “J Schwanke’s Life in Bloom.” Host J Schwanke demonstrates how to incorporate flowers into your daily life to reduce stress and bloom happiness. Learn flower arrangement techniques or food and cocktail recipes with floral twists to brighten your day.
Canvasing the World with Sean Diediker Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m.
Explore how art and humanity intertwine on “Canvasing the World with Sean Diediker,” where each episode introduces you to the people and places that inspire featured paintings. Join painter Sean Diediker as he travels the world in search of the meaning behind impactful works of art.
Sound on Tap Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m.
Discover musical artists from across the state through “Sound on Tap,” featuring up-and-coming artists and introducing you to new sounds in every genre. This program streams live recordings of intimate performances bound to fully immerse you into the world of music.
Song of the Mountains Fridays at 2 p.m.
Celebrate the culture of the Southern Appalachians through its bluegrass and old-time country music. “Song of the Mountains” showcases musicians, music and heritage live from The Lincoln Theater in Virginia. Tune in to the award-winning series and experience music from the heart of the region.
Radio
The Heart of Art Saturdays at 2 p.m.
“The Heart of Art” is an in-house production hosted by KAMU’s own Hector Niño. This program highlights local talent, looking into their artistic journeys and sharing their art’s impact on our community. Catch up on past episodes any time on our website!
All Songs Considered Saturdays at 2:30 p.m.
Featuring the latest releases, exclusive interviews and conversations amongst friends, “All Songs Considered” covers all things music. Tune in to the weekly podcast hosted by Robin Hilton and the NPR family for the best music discoveries and recommendations.
KAMU-Classical
Whether you are at school, work or home, Aggieland’s home for classical music is there. KAMU-Classical offers soothing sounds 24/7, featuring familiar favorites such as “Performance Today,” “Exploring Music with Bill McGlaughlin” and “Pipedreams.” Learn more about how to listen to KAMU-Classical here!
Picture This: First Friday
Hello! My name is Hannah Morris and I am a TV & digital content student assistant at KAMU.
If you’re from the Bryan-College Station area, it’s likely you’ve heard of “First Friday.” On the first Friday of every month, Downtown Bryan closes their streets to welcome people from all over the community for one big celebration of local flair.
This is just one of the many fun-filled events that KAMU participates in. Each month (excluding January), come say hi to some of our team. You can find us under the bright yellow PBS KIDS tent.
I recently had the opportunity to photograph this beloved night. Filled with wonderful energy, one-of-a-kind finds and the beauty of downtown, I sought to showcase exactly what makes this event so special month after month.
Star Spotting on KAMU-TV
“Game of Thrones,” “Ted Lasso” and “The Crown” are all well-known television shows with incredible casts. But did you know your favorite actor from one of those series may also appear on KAMU?
With so many exciting dramas and notable performances on our channel, we decided to highlight a few faces you may recognize. Learn more about some of our favorite…
Many of these shows are available to stream now on KAMU Passport.
Star Performances
Helena Bonham Carter: Nolly
One of KAMU’s newest dramas features one renowned leading lady depicting another. Carter is best known for her portrayal of Bellatrix Lestrange in “Harry Potter,” but you may also recognize her from her appearances in “Fight Club,” “The King’s Speech” or various Tim Burton films.
In “Nolly,” Helena Bonham Carter portrays the British acting icon Noele “Nolly” Gordon. Once loved for her witty comedy that stole the spotlight of 1960s and ’70s television, Nolly’s eventual firing from her hit show left viewers with unanswered questions. In this bold and adventurous limited series, Helena Bonham Carter helps tell the story of an actress who refused to play by the rules.
“Nolly” airs every Sunday at 8 p.m. through March 31. After its conclusion, you can watch all three episodes on KAMU Passport at any time.
Anya Taylor-Joy: The Miniaturist
Anya Taylor-Joy has quickly risen to movie screens across the world. Known for her portrayal of brooding and mysterious characters, she achieved her breakout role as Casey Cooke in “Split.” After its release in 2016, Taylor-Joy has starred in films such as the horror-thriller “The Menu,” as lead of the 2020 Jane Austen adaptation “Emma,” and, most notably, Beth Harmon in “The Queen’s Gambit.”
“The Miniaturist” is a three-part limited mystery series that tells the story of Nella Oortman, played by Taylor-Joy. After arriving in Amsterdam to greet her new husband, Nella is gifted a small box with a miniature figure of her own home. As events in her real life start to play out within the small wooden house, Nella starts to wonder if the fate of her life is left in someone else’s hands.
Many may know him from his breakout role as Mason in Disney Channel’s “Wizards of Waverly Place,” but Gregg Sulkin has made his way to KAMU’s programming schedule as David in “World on Fire.”
This World War II drama pulls viewers into the everyday lives of individuals from all over the world. Sulkin’s character is a member of the Royal Air Force who is known for his arrogant demeanor. As the war continues, David volunteers to fly a reconnaissance mission over Germany and is confronted with a sticky fate.
Hannah Waddingham is a leading lady who has dominated television screens for the past decade. Known for her powerful acting and incredible singing voice, Waddingham has starred in several recognizable series such as “Game of Thrones” and “Ted Lasso.”
In a lighthearted romance based on “The History of Tom Jones, A Foundling” by Henry Fielding, Waddingham plays Lady Bellaston. As the love story between the two main characters, Tom and Sophia, deepens, watch as Lady Bellaston’s cunning ways attempt to break the growing bond between them.
Another recognizable face from the “Game of Thrones” kingdom of Westeros is Sean Bean, who is widely known for playing Ned Stark in the first season of the hit show. Aside from his time spent as the head of House Stark, Bean can be seen as Boromir in “Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring” and as Alec Tevelyan in 007’s “GoldenEye.”
In a heartfelt, four-part series, Bean plays Ian: an average man who navigates his marriage with his wife, Emma. Each episode captures an intimate look into the hardship and happiness of a long-term relationship.
British actor David Tennant has spent many years on popular television, including on our screens here at KAMU. Tennant is most notably known for his time as the iconic Doctor Who from 2005-2010. Since then, he has starred in many well-known dramas such as “Good Omens,” Star Wars “Ahsoka” and “Broadchurch” (also on KAMU Passport).
In the “MASTERPIECE” drama “Around the World in 80 Days,” Tennant plays the lead character, Phileas Fogg. Joined by an eccentric group of fellow travelers, Fogg embarks on his mission of circumnavigating the globe in this eight-part miniseries.
Many “MASTERPIECE” series are known for their ensemble casts, and this adaptation of “Les Misérables” is no different.
In a modern retelling of this well-known story, Dominic West (“The Crown”) and David Oyelowo (“Selma,” “Jack Reacher”) portray the feuding duo of Jean Valjean and Inspector Javert. The supporting cast includes a seemingly endless list of recognizable faces, such as Lily Collins (“Emily in Paris,” “The Blind Side”) as Fantine, Olivia Coleman (“The Favourite,” “Broadchurch”) as Madame Thenardier, Josh O’Connor (“The Crown,” “Emma”) as Marius Pontmercy and so many more.
Another stellar cast joins together in “Little Women.” In 2017, “MASTERPIECE” welcomed actors young and old to retell the story of the March sisters in its own way.
The beloved sisters are portrayed by rising young actresses such as Maya Hawke (“Stranger Things”) as Jo and Kathryn Newton (“Ant-Man”) as Amy. Jonah Hauer-King, another “World on Fire” heartthrob, plays Theodore “Laurie” Lawrence alongside Julian Morris (“New Girl,” “Pretty Little Liars”) as John Brooke. And last, but certainly not least, two acting royalty come together to portray the guiding hands of the story, with Michael Gambon (“Harry Potter”) as Mr. Lawrence and Angela Lansbury (“Murder, She Wrote”) as Aunt March.
KAMU strives to bring new, exciting and educational programs to your television screens. Here are just a few more familiar faces we enjoy seeing on our schedule:
Colin Padalecki: Texas A&M Today
The KAMU original program “Texas A&M Today” wrapped up its second season last fall. With new research and exciting stories to explore, we enjoyed showcasing familiar local faces so our viewers could get to know them just a little bit better.
One of the most exciting people we got to highlight in Season 2 was Colin Padalecki, half of the pop duo Surfaces. The KAMU production team got to travel and meet with Padalecki to learn more about his journey as a musician and former Texas A&M student.
You can watch one of the oldest and most cherished PBS KIDS programs on KAMU every day at 7 a.m. Each episode of “Sesame Street” features some of television’s most loved characters as they teach young learners valuable life lessons.
As Season 53 continues, many famous figures join Elmo, Cookie Monster and the “Sesame Street” crew. This list includes Brandi Carlile, Quinta Brunson, Ariana Debose, Dan Levy and more.
Learn more about the history of “Sesame Street” and its 53rd season in this article.
Stream “Sesame Street” and your other favorite PBS KIDS programs for free at any time on PBSKIDS.org. Or check out our PBS KIDS TV schedule to watch live.
Call the Midwife: Season 13 Preview
Step into the homes of the nurses, midwives and nuns of Poplar as they navigate the intricacies of childbirth. The popular adaptation of Jennifer Worth’s best-selling memoirs, “Call the Midwife,” takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions where love, healthcare and family intertwine. This moving drama follows the loving midwives of the Nonnatus House as they develop friendships with each other and form deep connections with the mothers and families they treat.
What to Expect on Season 13
This season takes place in 1969, when the baby boom has placed an intense pressure on hospitals across the country. Poplar, however, has the situation under control thanks to the work of Nonnatus House and the increasing popularity of home births. Join the midwives as they navigate through social and health challenges within Sylheti and Nigerian communities and explore the complexity of midwifery and nursing.
Episode 1
Nonnatus House is excited that its new training program is finally underway. Sisters Julianne and Shelagh introduce midwives Rosalind and Joyce to the wonders of childbirth and home delivery.
Episode 2
Once settled in, Rosalind and Joyce are put to the test. They’re assigned to care for the pregnant Edna Bristow whose husband has just left her, days before their baby’s due date. Although taking care of Edna has been challenging, little do they know what lies ahead.
Episode 3
Violet must leave her mayoral campaign to be at Fred’s bedside as he fights for his life against tetanus. Meanwhile, Nonnatus House helps a grieving mother deal with her newborn’s hip condition and must encourage her to keep her baby.
Episode 4
The new midwives have finally reached their third month of training and could not be more excited. It is now July and Apollo 11 is set to land on the moon, so Nonnatus House sets up a viewing party for the community to commemorate this special occasion.
Episode 5
Summer is here and Violet has decided to celebrate by taking everyone to the beach. As everyone is enjoying their time by the sea, things take a turn as Lindi goes into labor and the Turners’ foster daughter goes missing amidst the chaos.
Episode 6
As summer comes to an end, the new midwives prepare to take their final exam. Meanwhile, two young boys have been found abandoned at the church and the search for their mother begins.
How to Watch Season 13
Season 13 of “Call the Midwife” is set to premiere on KAMU on Sunday, March 17 at 7 p.m. New episodes will continue to air Sunday nights at 7 p.m. and will be available on streaming from the moment they air until May 28.
Can’t wait? Passport members can stream the new season now, as each episode will be available four weeks before its scheduled air date. Starting Feb. 18 to April 7, a new episode will be available every Sunday, only on KAMU Passport.
If you’re a Passport member, start watching Episode 1 now:
Season 12 Recap
It is 1968 and the midwives are back at Nonnatus House welcoming a new nun, Sister Veronica, who is instantly loved by almost everyone. Meanwhile, tensions run high throughout Poplar following Enoch Powell’s powerful speech. This year the nurses face outbreaks and complex situations in their work and personal lives. After a tragic train crash, the town of Poplar begins to go back to normal as the holidays approach, reuniting with a festive talent show.
Visit the “Call the Midwife” official site for an exclusive Q&A with show creator and writer, Heidi Thomas.
Read all about how “Call the Midwife” resonates with real, modern-day midwives on the Midwives Blog.
Recap and learn more about how each season was produced with episode descriptions, cast interviews, behind-the-scenes photos and more, all available on the season guide.
Meet the Crew of Texas A&M Today Season 2
– “It was like trying out a new job every day from behind the camera.”
– “We have so many untold stories, and that’s the great part about this show.”
– “Anybody who knows Aggieland knows that there are special people here and we’re happy to be able to share and educate people about what’s going on.”
– “We serve the community, and they’re the voices.”
“Texas A&M Today” — a KAMU-TV original program — aired its second season in Fall 2023. Full of new knowledge, interesting research and heartfelt stories, our goal with this second installment was to give viewers a deep, meaningful glimpse into their favorite university.
You can watch both seasons anytime on PBS.org or our YouTube channel. And starting March 16, we are re-airing each episode from Season 2 on Saturdays at 6 p.m. To celebrate the show going back on air, we asked the crew about their favorite segments and what they learned from the process of making Season 2.
Chelsea Reber in front of the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
The Brazos Valley normally hears Bryan-native and A&M graduate Chelsea Reber on the radio as co-host of “The Infomaniacs” on WTAW. But for us, she stepped in front of the camera to serve as the face of our show.
It was hard for Chelsea to pick her favorite segments from Season 2. Thinking back, the Imaginary Maps Collection story — one of the first segments the crew shot — stands out as a favorite.
“I think that if you’ve watched any kind of television program, read a book or seen a movie, you would probably recognize a map that they have in that collection,” Chelsea said. “It was something that everyone could relate to in some way, and that was really neat.”
Another segment stood out to Chelsea in the same way it may stand out to viewers — trying new foods is always fun!
“I really liked the sensory lab segment because I got to eat!” Chelsea said. “It was really interesting learning about the process that it takes to make food and drink better for the average consumer.”
Although she was born and raised in Aggieland, Chelsea is still learning about her university every day.
“We have so many untold stories and that’s the great part about this show,” Chelsea said. “It’s a good reminder that there are still so many stories to tell.”
Jaime Muñoz ’06
Associate Director of Content Production Favorite Segment: Nautical Archeology
Jaime Muñoz on set of the “Nautical Archeology” segment
Jaime Muñoz was born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, and graduated from A&M in 2006 with a degree in political science. Before coming to KAMU in April 2021, he worked for H-E-B as a senior media producer.
Jaime’s favorite segment was the nautical archaeology story, which highlighted a special program with nationwide impacts.
“It was pretty cool that the Historical Society of Savannah enlisted Texas A&M for the restoration of the cannons,” Jaime said. “We’re College Station. You would think a coastal team or coastal restoration company would take over that. I thought it was pretty cool that they allow students to … get that hands-on experience.”
This segment involved a bit of traveling for the crew — all the way to Georgia.
“Going to Savannah, the first time getting the team to travel and figure that stuff out was pretty cool,” Jaime said. “Teaching them how to do that, travel with gear, the logistics, hotel stays and all of that.”
As director of “Texas A&M Today,” Jaime’s role involved not only making sure the production team got the perfect shot but also that they became better filmmakers along the way.
“When we’re all on set together and everything’s clicking, that’s kind of my proudest moment,” Jaime said. “It was a lot of hard work especially for a small and mighty team.”
Bobby Etheridge on set of the “Imaginary Maps” segment
Originally from Killeen, Texas, Bobby is one of our production specialists. The Prairie View A&M grad has been on the KAMU team for three years.
Bobby either filmed or edited almost every story from “Texas A&M Today,” but his favorite segment from Season 2 focused on the legacy of Aggieland’s music scene.
This segment involved a trip to interview half of the music duo Surfaces — Colin Padalecki, a Texas A&M former student whose songs have topped the charts since his departure from Aggieland.
“I enjoyed meeting with Colin and hearing the music he had,” Bobby said. “He’s very chill, he’s super creative and very talented.”
“That was pretty cool, just seeing them actually race the car that they had,” Bobby said. “I kind of wanted to ask, ‘Hey, could I take it for a ride really quick, just go around the track?’ It was just really fun.”
Bobby says Season 2 taught him how to showcase the human element in all of his projects.
“We’re telling stories about real life people who are doing things that matter and are important,” Bobby said. “And I think that’s something that we can carry into everything we do.”
Christian Hamilton on set at the Bush Combat Development Complex
Christian has been on the KAMU team for almost two years after studying journalism at the University of North Texas and spending three years as a news producer in Texas and Tennessee.
It was a hard choice between all the fantastic stories in Season 2, but the segment featuring the university’s Biodiversity Collections — which included five professors who collect different kinds of natural history specimens — stands out to Christian.
“It was so interesting to talk to the different curators,” Christian said. “[They were all] doing different things but were all very passionate about it.”
Christian worked as lead producer on each story of “Texas A&M Today.” The Fish Genetics segment was another that was special to him.
“[Dr. Gatlin] was so nice, and that was the most producer-y that I felt,” Christian said. “Talking Chelsea through what we needed and asking follow up questions … I felt like I really got to flex my creative producer muscle with that story.”
Christian has multiple upcoming projects outside of “Texas A&M Today” and there is one lesson from the show that he plans to carry with him.
“It was so cool to meet a bunch of people who were passionate about what they do,” Christian said. “It’s our job to bring out that passion and to make things that may seem mundane into things that are really interesting and exciting.”
Zaria White on set of the “Game Day Preparedness” segment
Zaria is a Texas A&M former student who started at KAMU in June 2022 as a student production assistant. Originally from Douglasville, Georgia, her first trip to Texas was her move-in day as a freshman Aggie and she went on to study telecommunications and journalism.
Two stories that stood out to Zaria focused on Aggieland’s music scene and Texas A&M’s nautical archeology efforts.
“For the music story, the people that we interviewed were really cool, and I think it’s going to be a really cool piece to look back at,” Zaria said. “With the nautical archeology story, when I rewatch the show, that is the first thing that I see and it’s just so stunning to me. I think that piece just looks really beautiful.”
These stories had a great impact on Zaria and they make her appreciate her alma mater even more.
“If you’re a fan of Texas A&M, a fan of College Station, a fan of Texas, a fan of people doing cool things, then I think you should watch the show,” Zaria said. “Working on the show was like trying out a new job every day from behind the camera.”
Lance Cook behind the scenes of the “Chillennium” segment
Lance recently left KAMU for an opportunity at Florida State University and we wish him the best. Originally from Austin, he worked at KAMU for almost three years after studying telecommunications at A&M.
Lance filmed in a lot of unique environments as part of the “Texas A&M Today” production team, but one in particular was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“I really liked the honey bee research segment because it was just really cool getting to film for it and being in the bee suit,” Lance said. “At first I was nervous to get stung, but then I was like ‘Oh okay, they’re friendly.’”
KAMU team on set of the “Honey Bee Research” segment
Lance also appreciated the experience that filming in Savannah gave him and the production team.
“Traveling for the nautical archeology piece was a cool chance to see how Aggies aren’t just making a difference in College Station, and we really got to show that,” Lance said.
Lesley Henton behind the scenes of the “AI Greenhouse” segment with Troy Vann
From San Diego, California, Lesley graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in journalism, then worked for local media before taking on the role of Director of University Relations. Lesley worked as an associate producer for “Texas A&M Today.”
Lesley’s favorite segment from Season 2 highlights an impactful program from the Texas A&M School of Nursing. She believes it is filling “such a critical need in the community” and was incredibly touching to her as a mother.
One of Lesley’s favorite parts of the segment was meeting 2-year-old Rakhi and her family.
“She’s just so smart and sweet and cute, and you could tell that she was benefiting from the nurse that came over,” Lesley said. “To get to meet the parents and talk to them about how the program has impacted their lives and their family, it was all just very moving.”
Learning more about special programs like the Nurse-Family Partnership is just one reason why viewers should tune in to Season 2.
“There’s really magical things that are going on here at the university,” Lesley said. “Anybody who knows Aggieland knows that there are special people here … and we’re happy to be able to share and educate people about what’s going on.”
Craft and Cook Up the Perfect New Year’s Resolution
There’s still plenty of time in the new year to make your resolutions come true! Whether you are looking to pick up a new hobby, learn new recipes or be more active, KAMU is here to help.
Crafting:
It’s Sew Easy
Saturdays at 11 a.m.
This year, refresh your apparel, garments and home decor. Every episode guides you through two sewing projects and one new technique. Join experts as they share their best tips and tricks on how to use the latest sewing technology for projects of all levels.
Fit 2 Stitch
Saturdays at 11:30 a.m.
Explore new fabrics and alter clothing to create the perfect fit. Host Peggy Sagers teaches you how to develop your sewing skills through step-by-step instruction. Learn how to create the perfect pattern, prepare garments for stitching and make all sorts of clothing.
Woodsmith Shop
Saturdays at noon
Set up your own woodworking home shop with the help of experienced woodworkers. “Woodsmith Shop” brings sketches to life using shop-built tools and jigs. Each episode features a new furniture project for various skill levels.
Cooking:
Cook’s Country
Saturdays at 3:30 p.m.
“Cook’s Country” reinvents classic American recipes for home cooks, bringing restaurant-quality meals to your dinner table. Episodes also feature food tastings, testing new tools as well as the do’s and don’ts of cooking.
Pati’s Mexican Table
Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
Explore a new cuisine this year by learning how to cook traditional Mexican dishes. Cooks from both sides of the border introduce the history and culture behind traditional recipes from all over Mexico.
Additional Cooking Programs
Continue your cooking journey every Saturday by exploring Louisiana cuisine with “Kevin Belton’s Cookin’ Louisiana” at 2 p.m. or tune in to “Sara’s Weeknight Meals” for easy home-cooked meals at 3 p.m. And every weekday from noon-1 p.m. is our cooking block – featuring chefs like Joanne Weir, Christopher Kimball, Steven Raichlen and more.
Why You Should Subscribe to Our Monthly Newsletter
Ever wonder if there’s a way to get a sneak peek of what’s airing on KAMU-TV and KAMU-FM? There is… and it’s free!
At the beginning of every month, we compile the best upcoming TV and FM programming and send a free email newsletter to our subscribers. It’s a great way to stay up to date on your favorite returning shows, learn about new ones and keep in touch with what’s happening at Aggieland’s Public Television and Radio.
We know you might be wary of adding another email to your inbox that’s likely already overflowing with promotional emails. That’s why we’ve put together this newsletter preview: to give you a taste of exactly what you get when you sign up. There are no gimmicks here – just programs we enjoy that we think you will, too. And you can opt-out at any time.
Each newsletter starts with the most important thing we want you to know about the upcoming month. Last September, for example, we featured the Season 2 premiere of our KAMU original show, “Texas A&M Today.”
We provide a few notes and an airtime, if applicable. We add several links for the program, content or announcement to help you learn more.
Letter to Aggieland
Each month, a member of the KAMU team writes a short letter to our audience. We want you to get to know our people and what they do.
Tune in to Watch
Next, you’ll receive several recommendations for shows to watch on KAMU-TV. Our selections vary across genres and airtimes in an effort to suggest something for everyone. Once again, we’ll provide a few notes, the show’s airdate and time, and a link or two if you want to learn more. For example, last fall, one of these sections featured two breathtaking nature shows.
Tune in to Listen
If you’re a KAMU-FM fan, this section is for you. Although our radio lineup doesn’t change as much as our TV lineup, we always have one or two recommendations or announcements to share. Sometimes it’s about a show we think you’ll like and other times it’s a reminder of new ways you can engage with KAMU-FM and KAMU-Classical/HD-2. We’ll provide a few notes, the airdate and time, if applicable, and a link or two for learning more.
KAMU in the Community
We love seeing our Brazos Valley community at local events. In this section, you’ll find a brief schedule of the events KAMU is attending each month. We’ll provide a day, the location, the name of the event and a link where you can find the time and other important details. Come out and see us!
Featured Shows in KAMU Passport
Our newsletter wraps up with three staff picks for exciting shows to watch on KAMU Passport. These are a mix of already popular shows that you can binge immediately and new, niche shows that we think you might enjoy. You can gain access to Passport by donating at least $5 per month or $60 per year — unlocking our monthly picks and thousands more.
In Conclusion
The monthly newsletter is the best of KAMU-TV and KAMU-FM in one free email, sent once a month. No need to search through our schedule or website or resort to Google to find answers about what to watch. We keep it simple and give you the information you need to know about each show and announcement we’re making. It’s our way to say thank you to our donors, subscribers and fans across the Brazos Valley.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I sign up?
It’s quick and easy – simply visit our subscription page and enter your name and email address. That’s it. You’ll be on your way to receiving our programming sneak peeks in no time.
Who does the email come from?
Every email we send comes from kamu@tamu.edu. The subject line is often “KAMU (name of month) Newsletter.”
How many emails will I get?
One a month and an extra one during the holiday season. We don’t overcrowd your inbox. In the future, we may roll out additional newsletters about specific topics, but you will be able to choose whether or not to receive those new emails.
When will I get your emails?
We send our newsletters during the first week of every new month. Exact days and times vary.
What if I signed up but am not getting emails?
First, check your spam folder. Add kamu@tamu.edu to your contacts or address book to make sure our emails always make it to you.
If that doesn’t work, you may have opted out by mistake. Re-enter your email on our subscription page and you’ll be back on the list.
What if I don’t want to get your emails anymore?
We’re sorry to see you go. There is an opt-out link at the bottom of every email we send. Click the link and follow the instructions. And if you ever want to receive our emails again, simply re-enter your email on our subscription page and you’ll be back on the list.
For the past decade, “Finding Your Roots” has brought hundreds of lost family histories to light. Host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. delves deep into the familial backgrounds of celebrities with the help of DNA experts, genealogists and the latest technology. Watch as these celebrities find their roots and make life-changing discoveries along the way.
What to Expect in Season 10
This January, join Henry Louis Gates, Jr. as he uncovers the family origins of 18 celebrity guests throughout ten new episodes. In celebration of the 10th anniversary season, three lucky fans were also chosen to be a part of the series and investigate their own family backgrounds. You can find these special guests amongst celebrities like LeVar Burton from “Star Trek,” Jesse Williams from “Grey’s Anatomy,” Ed O’Neill from “Modern Family” and many more. Check out this quick look at what you can expect in Season 10:
Here are a few details on future episodes to look forward to:
Episode 1: Born to Sing – Join host Henry Louis Gates, Jr. as he discovers musicians Ciara and Alanis Morisette’s lost connections to music.
Episode 2: Forever Young – Actors Valerie Bertinelli and Brandon Fraser take a look into their pasts.
Episode 3: Fathers and Sons – Wes Studi and LeVar Burton resolve unanswered questions about their fathers.
Episode 4: Buried Secrets – Singer Sammy Hagar and Actor Ed O’Neill delve into their hidden histories.
Episode 5: Hold the Laughter – Comedians Bob Odenkirk and Iliza Shlesinger discover their drama-filled pasts.
When/How to Watch the New Season
Tune in every Tuesday at 7 p.m. for Season 10
You can watch live on KAMU or our online livestream. After each episode debuts, you can also stream it for a limited time on PBS.org or the PBS app.
Past Seasons Highlights
In anticipation of the new season, rewatch some of the best episodes from past seasons. Throughout the show’s history, hundreds of findings have been made in celebrity family trees. Here are some of the best ones:
S2 Ep. 1 Author Stephen King uncovers his absent father’s cryptic past.
S5 Ep. 1 “Game of Thrones” creator George R. R. Martin unearths answers to an old family mystery.
S6 Ep. 2 Actors Eric Stonestreet and Melissa McCarthy attribute their success to the ancestors who paved the way.
S6 Ep. 11 Fashion icon RuPaul discovers his ancestors were just as iconic as he is.
S9 Ep. 5 Viola Davis discovers how her ancestors shaped who she is today.
These memorable episodes and more are available for streaming through KAMU Passport.
Tell Us Why You Enjoy KAMU
KAMU needs your voice!
Do you love KAMU TV or FM? Do you love our events? How about our podcasts? We’d love to hear from you! Read on for instructions and a sample script. And thank you for supporting — and encouraging others to support — Aggieland’s Public Television and Radio!
Recording Instructions
Find a quiet space to record. Generally, softer surfaces like carpet make for better recording than hard surfaces like hardwood floors. You could record in a small quiet room, a closet, or even build yourself a pillow fort!
Open up a recording app. If you have an iPhone, all you need is the Voice Memos app that automatically comes with every phone. If you have an Android, Smart Voice Recorder is a good option.
Hold the phone up to your face as you would for a normal phone call. Or place the recording phone on a stack of books or paper towel roll about 6 inches away from your face (usually a little over a fist’s length away).
Hit the record button. Often it’s a big red circle.
Record a message about why KAMU is important to you and how others can donate. Don’t worry, we have a suggested script below to help get you started.
When you’re done and still recording, sit quietly for about 15 seconds. This will allow us to collect room tone, which will be helpful in our editing. Then hit the stop button.
Save the recording. Some apps allow you to do it immediately, but others require you to do it yourself.
Send the audio file to matt@tamu.edu. For the Voice Memos app, go to the ellipses (three dots) on the bottom left of the file and then click share.
Sample Script
Want to hear an example? Click the play button below.
Hi, this is (NAME / TITLE) and I’ll tell you why KAMU is important to me…
* TALK ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE SHOWS OR…
* WHEN/WHERE/HOW YOU ENJOY LISTENING TO KAMU OR…
* WHY YOU MIGHT BE PASSIONATE ABOUT HOW WE BRING VALUE TO YOUR LIFE…
I hope you’ll take a moment to join me and help KAMU continue to bring its unique blend of programming to Aggieland.
You can call in a donation right now at 979.845.5656 or click the DONATE button at kamu.tamu.edu
Thank you for helping support Aggieland’s Public Radio, KAMU!
Deck the Halls with PBS KIDS
The holiday season is in full swing here at KAMU. This year, deck the halls and sing along to merry carols with some of your favorite PBS KIDS characters.
Sesame Street: The Nutcracker Starring Elmo & Tango
Wednesday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. and more
One of the most beloved holiday stories comes to life in this Sesame Street special. When Elmo falls into a deep sleep, he and his puppy, Tango, are transported to the mystical world of “The Nutcracker.” Full of Christmas cheer, original songs and lots of laughs, follow along as Elmo and Tango learn what makes this time of year truly special: the power of friendship.
Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas
Friday, Dec. 8 at 6 a.m. and more
George and The Man with the Yellow Hat are starting their countdown to the Christmas holiday. This includes picking a marvelous Christmas tree, making gingerbread cookies and George getting into plenty of mischief, of course! But when the day draws closer, will George be able to find the perfect gift in time?
“Curious George: A Very Monkey Christmas” features three original songs along with tons of warmth and happiness for the holiday season.
Wild Kratts: A Creature Christmas
Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 6:30 a.m. and more
The Wild Kratts and their crew of animal experts are looking forward to their relaxing holiday celebration. But just as they’re starting to unwind, they get an alert that their most precious animals have been stolen. In this Christmas special, the Wild Kratts take viewers across the globe on a mission to rescue their special friends from their greatest rivals.
The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About Christmas!
Sunday, Dec. 17 at 7:30 a.m. and more
This cherished character from Dr. Seuss is back — this time for the Christmas season! Follow the Cat in the Hat, Nick and Sally as they set off on a mission to return a lost reindeer to his home in the Freezeyourknees Snowland. When they are left with no transportation after their thinga-ma-jigger breaks down, a team of animals from all over the world come together to help the crew finish what they started. Featuring fun original songs and loads of laughter, this holiday special is a must-watch this season.
Nature Cat: A Nature Carol
Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 11:30 a.m. and more
Nature Cat is bursting with holiday spirit and joy, decorating the forest with lights and festivities. But when he becomes greedy with his need for merry decor, he is visited by the spirits of Christmas past, present and future. Will the spirits be able to show Nature Cat the true meaning of the season before it’s too late!? Watch this unique twist on the Christmas classic, “A Christmas Carol,” to find out.
Let’s Go Luna! Luna’s Christmas Around the World
Saturday, Dec. 23 at 6 a.m. and more
In a special TV movie, take a journey and learn all about the reason for the season. In “Let’s Go Luna! Luna’s Christmas Around the World,” Luna, Leo, Andy and Carmen travel the globe on a mission to save Christmas. On their way, they discover the many different holiday traditions that people celebrate all over the world.
Arthur’s Perfect Christmas
Saturday, Dec. 23 at 7:30 a.m. and more
In this hour-long special, Arthur the aardvark takes viewers on a joyful educational adventure. Follow Arthur as he learns all about the holiday season while participating in Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa traditions. In order to make everyone’s special holiday even more spectacular, the people of Elwood City come together to embrace and celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Peg + Cat + Holidays
Sunday, Dec. 24 at 6 a.m.
Peg and Cat are on a mission to learn more about the holiday season. In their first adventure, the duo help Albert Einstein solve his “Hanukkah Problem”: making a homemade dreidel! Next, in the “Christmas Problem,” Santa Claus is running late on Christmas Eve. Can Peg and Cat help him wrap and deliver presents to all the children of the world before Christmas morning?
All your favorite PBS KIDS Holiday Programs on Christmas Day
Monday, Dec. 25 at 5:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
With almost too many festive, fun-filled programs to choose from, KAMU has you covered with a PBS KIDS marathon on Christmas day. Starting at 5:30 a.m., spend your morning unwrapping gifts and sipping cocoa with your favorite holiday specials.
You can also visit our 24/7 PBS KIDS channel to view your favorite seasonal specials all day long. Check out our PBS KIDS TV schedule for more information.
Support KAMU TV-FM in our mission to
inspire, enrich and educate.
