A second season of 13 “Soundstage” episodes launches June 17 on Ch. 11 and national PBS with a line-up of today’s hottest performers. First show is a Fleetwood Mac concert performing their hits and songs from their June 15 album release, “Live in Boston.”
“Soundstage” is a co-production of music producer Joe Thomas’ HDReady company and WTTW National Productions. The show is shot in HD and mixed in Dolby 5.1 surround sound in Ch. 11’s 10,000-sq. ft. Grainger Studio.
Thomas also directs; WTTW National Productions’ Randy King, Ch. 11’s EVP/television is executive producer, line producer is Nicolette Ferri.
The upcoming season features performances by Sheryl Crow, 30 Odd Foot of Grunts featuring Russell Crowe, Lisa Marie Presley, Cyndi Lauper, Alanis Morissette, Ronald Isley, Burt Bacharach, Counting Crows, Nickel Creek, Kris Kristofferson, Peter Wolf, Gillian Welch, Dan Fogelberg, Steve Winwood, Shelby Lynne and Joan Baez.
The current updated incarnation of “Soundstage” builds on the pioneering legacy of the original “Soundstage,” which Ch. 11 produced from 1974 to 1985. The earlier concert-format program was notable for featuring artists who defined an era, such as musical giants Chet Atkins, Bob Dylan, Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin, B. B. King, Carlos Santana and Muddy Waters.
“Soundstage” won a Silver Plaque at the 2004 Chicago International Film Festival–the only entry to be honored in the variety music series category.