Arts & Music
Celebrate the art, music, literature, and theatre that shapes our culture. Explore musical performances, artist biographies, art history documentaries and more.
Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined
Explore the story of writer Julia Alvarez, who blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.
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Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined
Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River
Alonzo King LINES Ballet performs the elegant piece Deep River.
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Alonzo King LINES Ballet: Deep River
Powerhouse singer-songwriter Brittany Howard dazzles with highlights from "What Now" in an epic hour
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Brittany Howard
Local Arts Spotlight
St. Louis Teen Talent Competition 2024
High school students compete at the annual performing arts competition at the Fox Theater.
St. Louis Teen Talent Competition 2024
A nostalgic journey through the traditional art form of Bob Kramer’s Marionnettes.
Strings of Imagination
An Unfinished Story of Sarah Bryan Miller
Artistic leaders, colleagues, and friends throughout the country pay tribute.
An Unfinished Story of Sarah Bryan Miller
Featuring Brian Owens, the Red and Black Brass Band, Joanna Serenko and more.
Soul of Ferguson Revue
Show Me the Music: Celebration of the Missouri Bicentennial
This celebration of Missouri’s bicentennial features musicians from throughout Missouri.
Show Me the Music: Celebration of the Missouri Bicentennial
Jazz Documentaries & Concerts
Explore the history of jazz or kick back with jazz icons like Louis Armstrong and Ron Carter.
Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes
Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes
An intimate portrait of the quiet genius who brought the upright bass into the spotlight.
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Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes
Ron Carter: Finding the Right Notes
JAZZ begins in New Orleans, nineteenth century America's most cosmopolitan city.
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Gumbo
A look at Charlie Parker’s life and legacy in Kansas City.
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Bird: Not Out Of Nowhere
"Wheel Within A Wheel" - Bobby Watson Quartet
Full unedited performance not seen in the film.
"Wheel Within A Wheel" - Bobby Watson Quartet
Gregory Porter delivers a poignant performance of his song "On My Way to Harlem."
"On My Way To Harlem"
How Charlie Parker Changed Jazz Forever
Charlie Parker, a legendary jazz musician, influenced bebop, jazz, and many genres today.
How Charlie Parker Changed Jazz Forever
Jason Moran and Christian McBride perform their version of "What a Wonderful World."
"What a Wonderful World"
Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: A Swingin’ Sesame Street Celebration
A Swingin’ Sesame Street Celebration
Enjoy the music of "Sesame Street" with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
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Jazz at Lincoln Center Presents: A Swingin’ Sesame Street Celebration
A Swingin’ Sesame Street Celebration
Renowned jazz saxophonist Joshua Redman performs songs from his new album, where are we.
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Joshua Redman where are we
The Kennedy Center celebrates jazz icon and social activist Charles Mingus at 100.
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Let My Children Hear Mingus
Continuum: Jason Moran & Christian McBride
Jason Moran and Christian McBride perform as they elevate and uphold the jazz tradition.
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Continuum: Jason Moran & Christian McBride
"Tradewinds" is an intimate portrait of the life of CHamoru jazz pianist, Patrick Palomo.
Tradewinds
Jazz Conversations - Alvin Queen
Tessil Collins spoke with drummer Alvin Queen his home in Geneva, Switzerland.
Jazz Conversations - Alvin Queen
Robert Glasper / DOMi & JD Beck
Grammy-winning Robert Glasper and duo DOMi & JD BECK bring next-generation jazz to ACL.
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Robert Glasper / DOMi & JD Beck
Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery
Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery
Discover the story of Wes Montgomery - a legendary jazz guitarist from Indiana.
Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery
Wes Bound: The Genius of Wes Montgomery
23-Year-Old Grammy Winner Samara Joy Is the Future of Jazz
Jazz singer Samara Joy discusses what it was like to win her first Grammy.
23-Year-Old Grammy Winner Samara Joy Is the Future of Jazz
Music Icons in Concert
Watch world-renowned musicians and singers live in concert.
Black Artist Visionaries
Explore shows about pioneering black artists
Can't-Miss Performances
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GOSPEL Live! Presented by Henry Louis Gates, Jr. honors Gospel music in America.
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'Lookingglass Alice' is an exciting acrobatic adaptation of 'Alice In Wonderland.'
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Tony® Award-winner Lea Salonga and renowned actor Sir David Suchet shine in this holiday special.
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Experience Shakespeare’s tragedy recorded from Central Park starring Danai Gurira in the title role.
Artist Biographies
Shows and documentaries that explore famous artists.
Art History & Music Documentaries
Explore the history of art, music and culture through these great shows and documentaries.
Now Hear This | A mini-series from Great Performances
Follow Scott Yoo as he chases the secret histories of some of the greatest music ever written.
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Now Hear This “The Composer is Yoo”
Follow host Scott Yoo’s journey to compose a piece of music for the first time.
Explore how virtuosos become maestros, featuring Yo-Yo Ma, Lynn Chang and more.
Now Hear This “Old Friends”
Explore the work of two legendary virtuosos, Niccolò Paganini and Robert Johnson.
Now Hear This “Virtuosos”
Visit Julliard Pre-College with Scott Yoo to play with some of tomorrow’s virtuosos.
Now Hear This “Rising Stars”
Now Hear This “Albéniz: Portraits of Spain”
Discover the inspirations Spain provided composer Isaac Albéniz with host Scott Yoo.
Now Hear This “Albéniz: Portraits of Spain”
Now Hear This “Andy Akiho Found (his) Sound”
Experience the creation of music from this Japanese American composer with host Scott Yoo.
Now Hear This “Andy Akiho Found (his) Sound”
Now Hear This “Schumann: Genius and Madness”
Visit Scotland, Germany and France with host Scott Yoo.
Now Hear This “Schumann: Genius and Madness”
Now Hear This “Piazzolla’s History with Tango”
Tango to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with host Scott Yoo.
Now Hear This “Piazzolla’s History with Tango”
Now Hear This "New American Voices"
Scott Yoo explores the work of two new American composers, Sergio Assad and Reena Esmail.
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Now Hear This "New American Voices"
Now Hear This "Aaron Copland: Dean of American Music"
Scott Yoo explores the life and work of Aaron Copland.
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Now Hear This "Aaron Copland: Dean of American Music"
Now Hear This "Florence Price and the American Migration"
Host Scott Yoo follows the trail of the great African American composer Florence Price.
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Now Hear This "Florence Price and the American Migration"
Now Hear This "Amy Beach: American Romantic"
Host Scott Yoo explores the musical influences of American composer Amy Beach.
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Now Hear This "Amy Beach: American Romantic"
Featured from American Masters
Discover insightful profiles of important figures in America's artistic and cultural life.
Tyrus Wong's pioneering artwork led to iconic works like Bambi and Rebel Without a Cause.
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Tyrus
Explore the life of artist Keith Haring who revolutionized pop culture and fine art.
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Keith Haring: Street Art Boy
Discover Augusta Savage's legacy as a Harlem Renaissance sculptor and art activist.
Searching for Augusta Savage
HOPPER: An American love story
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works.
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HOPPER: An American love story
José Clemente Orozco: Man of Fire
Mexican muralist José Clemente Orozco led a life filled with drama, adversity & triumph.
José Clemente Orozco: Man of Fire
Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Experience the meteoric rise and enduring legacy of Little Richard.
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Little Richard: King and Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
Caribbean-American D.J. Walshy Fire electrifies audiences with dancehall-inspired beats.
Walshy Fire: Pull Up
Alejandro Jimenez: The Ground I Stand On
A lyrical exploration of the life and work of Mexican-American poet Alejandro Jimenez.
Alejandro Jimenez: The Ground I Stand On
See how Cesar Chavez and the farmworkers’ movement were influenced by music and the arts.
A Song for Cesar
Discover music icon Roberta Flack’s rise to stardom and triumphs over racism and sexism.
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Roberta Flack
James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket
An encore of James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket (original broadcast August 14, 1989)
James Baldwin: The Price of the Ticket
Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined
Explore the story of writer Julia Alvarez, who blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.
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Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined
The story of a visionary artist who found salvation through dance.
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Ailey
The story of the author of the “The Joy Luck Club.”
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Amy Tan: Unintended Memoir
Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It
Explore the life and 70-year career of the iconic Latina actor, performer and activist.
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Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go For It
Explore choreographer Twyla Tharp’s career and famously rigorous creative process.
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Twyla Moves
Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
Experience the groundbreaking sounds of bebop pioneer and virtuoso composer Max Roach.
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Max Roach: The Drum Also Waltzes
Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
Explore the life of the legendary singer, songwriter and co-founder of The Beach Boys.
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Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames
Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.
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Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames
Explore musician Bob Dylan's evolution from folk troubadour to iconic rock star.
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No Direction Home: Bob Dylan
Spotlight on American Experience
AMERICAN EXPERIENCE brings to life the compelling stories from our past!
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Explore the culture war that erupted over the spectacular rise of disco music.
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The War on Disco
Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming A Space
The influential author and anthropologist whose work reclaimed and honored Black life.
Zora Neale Hurston: Claiming A Space
Eugene O'Neill: Playwright and Nobel laureate
Pulitzer prize winner & Nobel laureate, Eugene O’Neill revolutionized the American stage.
Eugene O'Neill: Playwright and Nobel laureate
Watch chapter 1 of War of the Worlds, premiering on PBS October 29, 2013 at 9/8c.
War of the Worlds Chapter 1
French music producer Henri Belolo tells the origin story of the Village People.
From the Vault: Henri Belolo
Articles & Interviews
PBS
The Dazzling, Daring History of Disco
Take a journey into the heart of disco to learn where this genre came from, where it went and how it’s still impacting the world today.
AMERICAN MASTERS
How does art help communicate the climate crisis?
Through paintings, watercolors and other mediums, artists and scientists are creatively addressing the impacts of climate change.
THE EXPRESS WAY
5 Artists Showcasing the Art's Transformative Power
New docuseries showcases Dulé Hill touring America finding artists who use creative expression for positive change.
GREAT PERFORMANCES
Kenny Leon on Hamlet, Directing, And More
We spoke with Tony-winning director Kenny Leon of both "Hamlet" and "Purlie Victorious" about the similarities between the two shows and how he approached them.
Quick Brushstrokes
Short dives on artists and artistic endeavors.
Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future
The story of a composer and pianist known as one of the greatest musicians of the 19th century.
Thomas Wiggins: Composing the Future
The Art of Home: A Wind River Story
Native artists from the Wind River Reservation discuss dance, beadwork and more.
The Art of Home: A Wind River Story
"Makes Me Feel Beautiful"
Judy-Lynn del Rey: The Galaxy Gal
Explore the story of a woman with dwarfism who revolutionized the world of science fiction writing.
Judy-Lynn del Rey: The Galaxy Gal
Jonathan Thunder: Good Mythology
Ojibwe artist Jonathan Thunder explores the mythic inspirations of his surrealist work.
Jonathan Thunder: Good Mythology
Native American actress Lily Gladstone reflects on her origins and acting in Hollywood.
Lily Gladstone: Far Out There
A Nationwide Look at Contemporary Art
The curators at Crystal Bridges begin a 10-month journey in search of American artists.
A Nationwide Look at Contemporary Art
Twyla Tharp on the Value of a Dancer’s Individuality
Twyla Tharp discusses the moment she knows when she wants to work with a dancer.
Twyla Tharp on the Value of a Dancer’s Individuality
The Halluci Nation Puts a New Spin On a Traditional Beat
The Halluci Nation performs "R.E.D.," "Stay," and "Sisters" in this extended performance.
The Halluci Nation Puts a New Spin On a Traditional Beat
Nathaniel Mary Quinn Talks the Inspiration for His Art
Artist Nathaniel Mary Quinn talks with Misty Copeland about the vision behind his works.
Nathaniel Mary Quinn Talks the Inspiration for His Art
Celestine Tate Harrington: Building a Legacy
The story of a disabled street musician who fought for parental rights.
Celestine Tate Harrington: Building a Legacy
Jamie Diaz is a trans woman and artist who has spent nearly 30 years in a men's prison in Texas.
Love, Jamie
How Storytelling Endures In the South
The creators explore Southern culture and how storytelling remains vital in the South.
How Storytelling Endures In the South
David Bacharach creates "The Mounds," a land art installation confronting climate change.
Weaving Nature
Louis Gossett, Jr. honors Maya Angelou's storytelling impact
Lou Gossett, Jr. discusses Dr. Maya Angelou’s role as a "matriarch."
Louis Gossett, Jr. honors Maya Angelou's storytelling impact
How Rita Moreno auditioned and rehearsed for West Side Story
Rita Moreno reflects on the 1961 production of "West Side Story."
How Rita Moreno auditioned and rehearsed for West Side Story
A (Short) History of Tango in Buenos Aires
Learn about the history of tango in Buenos Aires.
A (Short) History of Tango in Buenos Aires
Filmmaker Jonas Mekas on living in Andy Warhol's New York
Filmmaker Jonas Mekas describes the burgeoning art scene of New York City in the 1960s.
Filmmaker Jonas Mekas on living in Andy Warhol's New York
André Leon Talley on Mae West’s impact on fashion and style
André Leon Talley recounts how Mae West used fashion and her sexuality to empower herself.
André Leon Talley on Mae West’s impact on fashion and style
Translating Shakespeare into ASL
Monique Holt explains how she translates Shakespeare into ASL.
Translating Shakespeare into ASL
Protactile: A Language of Touch
DeafBlind people are creating a new language called Protactile, based solely on touch.
Protactile: A Language of Touch
James Earl Jones on Sidney Poitier and acting
James Earl Jones talks Sidney Poitier's impact on himself and other young Black actors.
James Earl Jones on Sidney Poitier and acting
Treat Williams on the acting process with Sidney Lumet
Actor Treat Williams describes working with director Sidney Lumet on “Prince of the City.”
Treat Williams on the acting process with Sidney Lumet
Featured from PBS NewsHour: Beyond the Canvas
Meet some of the nation’s leading cultural creators -- musicians, playwrights, comedians, and more.
Art in the Twenty-First Century
Art21 showcases today's contemporary visual artists and their groundbreaking creations.
Learn More
Contemporary artists use history, science and politics as the raw material for potent art.
Bodies of Knowledge
Four contemporary artists breathe new life into humanity's artforms, icons and monuments.
Everyday Icons
Featuring artists Tanya Aguiñiga, Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, Richard Misrach, and Postcommodity
Borderlands
Feat. Creative Growth Art Center, Katy Grannan, Lynn Hershman Leeson, & Stephanie Syjuco.
San Francisco Bay Area
The Surprising Origins of Streetwear
Hip-hop Heads and Skater punks fused styles, bringing Streetwear mainstream.
The Surprising Origins of Streetwear
Zola, France, Realism, and Naturalism
19th century playwrights remade the French theater – first with Realism, then Naturalism.
Zola, France, Realism, and Naturalism
Why Edgar Allan Poe Isn't Just a Sad Boy
His legacy is more complicated than school books may have lead us to believe.
Why Edgar Allan Poe Isn't Just a Sad Boy
How Black Artists Have Influenced Country Music
How have black musicians shaped country music?
How Black Artists Have Influenced Country Music
How Hip-Hop speaks Truth to Power: Then and Now
How does Hip-Hop's history of championing underserved communities continue, today?
How Hip-Hop speaks Truth to Power: Then and Now
Lessons From Women in Graffiti Who Overcame Adversity
Host Josef Lorenzo meets women graffiti writers from across New York City.
Lessons From Women in Graffiti Who Overcame Adversity
Race Melodrama and Minstrel Shows
19th century racism contributed to a unique and troubling performance culture in America.
Race Melodrama and Minstrel Shows
Behind the scenes of the production of the music video for the song, "Portobelo."
Behind the Beat: Portobelo
Toni Morrison’s Opus About Confronting a Terrible Past
To understand Beloved, we must first look at the author: Nobel Prize Winner Toni Morrison.
Toni Morrison’s Opus About Confronting a Terrible Past
Linda Diaz explores the history of DJing and DJ culture from radio to music festivals.
What Do DJs Even Do?
Steampunk art evokes an alternate reality where steam is the primary source of power.
Steampunk Culture
