Author: michael

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Featured News Taping Announcement

New tapings: Juanes and Emeli Sande

On June 4, we welcome Juanes back to the ACL stage. The Colombian superstar last appeared on the ACL stage in 2005, when he packed 6A – the original ACL studio – at 11:00 in the morning. Now the awards-laden singer and songwriter is back in support of his Grammy-winning album Juanes: MTV Unplugged and new memoir Chasing the Sun for what is sure to be another memorable episode.

We’re also pleased to announce the ACL debut of Emeli Sandé. Of Zambian and English descent, the Scotland-based singer/songwriter’s debut album Our Version of Events was the bestselling LP in the U.K. for 2012, as well as the new record-holder for the most consecutive weeks in the top 10 of the U.K. charts, and she performed at both the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2012 Olympics. Having already garnered critical acclaim and appeared on late-night TV, Sandé now hits the ACL stage on July 7.

Information about passes is forthcoming. Stay tuned!

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News

Happy 80th birthday to Willie Nelson

We here at Austin City Limits TV would like to wish a very happy birthday to the one and only Willie Nelson, 80 years young today. Willie has, of course, a long history with ACL, beginning with our pilot episode in 1975 and continuing through multiple (and we mean multiple) headlining shows, songwriters specials and guest appearances. He’s a local, state and national treasure, and we hope he’s still twanging away on Trigger when he hits 100. Happy birthday, Willie!

Along with other friends and fans, Austin City Limits’ Executive Producer Terry Lickona recorded a special birthday message for the red-headed stranger, which you can see here.

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Live Stream News

Jim James taping streams live on May 5

We are really excited to announce that we will live stream the upcoming Jim James Austin City Limits taping on Sunday, May 5 at 8 pm CST.   Now our fans everywhere can be part of the evening by watching the taping in its entirety and joining the conversation.  Subscribe to our ACL YouTube channel to be sure and get our latest updates and information on other live streaming events. And check out #acltv on Twitter for special behind-the-scenes commentary from our producers in the control room.

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Encore Broadcast News

Encore: Coldplay

This weekend we are excited to present a special episode featuring Coldplay.  Recorded in September 2012, the performance features the band debuting several new songs off their most recent release Mylo Xyloto, including “Paradise,” “Every Teardrop is a Waterfall” and “Hurts Like Heaven,” as well as old favorites like  “Viva La Vida.” Originally presented as a New Year’s Eve special to ring in 2012, this show has become a new favorite. The band gave us an extra-special performance, and we’re thrilled to bring it back to the airwaves.

You can see for yourself this Saturday – check the listings for your local  PBS station. You can also go here for biographical info, pictures and the setlist. Don’t forget to visit our Facebook and Twitter pages or sign up for our newsletter for more ACL goodies. Next week: Norah Jones and Kat Edmonson.

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Featured News

George Jones R.I.P.

We here at ACL were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of George Jones this morning at the age of 81. Few country singers had as big an impact on the genre as Texas native Jones, whose career includes such iconic hits as “White Lightnin’,” “She Thinks I Still Care,” “The Race is On” and, of course, the immortal “He Stopped Loving Her Today.” He had a big impact on us as well, appearing on the show in 1981, 1986 and 1990.

“George Jones ranks right up there with Hank Williams in my book as one of the all time greatest country singers,” says ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. “He was the first major country star I booked in my third year as ACL producer, when he and his voice were in their prime. It was an uplifting, breathtaking performance.”

May he rest in peace.

Categories
Encore Broadcast News

Encore: Florence + the Machine and Lykke Li

Austin City Limits made its name by showcasing the best American music, but over the past several years we’ve hardly limited ourselves to North American borders. This Saturday you can see some of the best music coming out of Europe, as we encore our fantastic episode featuring Florence + the Machine and Lykke Li.

Exploding out of the U.K., Florence + the Machine bring their unique vision of rock – incorporating everything from gutsy vocals to ethereal harp to raging guitars – to our stage for a blazing show. Twin anthems “Dog Days Are Over” and “What the Water Gave to Me” raise the roof as Florence Welch twirls across the stage like a beat-besotted ballerina. Florence fans know the score – this band is a force of nature.

The music of Lykke Li is more difficult to pin down, but that makes her work all the more enticing. The Swedish chanteuse (ACL’s first Scandinavian artist) deftly mixes elements of girl group pop, steamy soul and stately torch song for an otherworldly sound all her own. “Get Some,” “I Follow Rivers” and the gorgeous “Sadness is a Blessing” highlight this heavenly half-hour – tune in to hear Lykke Li’s distinctive sonic signature for yourself.

photo by Scott Newton

It’s a night of refreshingly unique indie rock this Saturday – check the episode page for more goodies, and your local listings for exact airtimes. Keep up with ACL on Facebook,Twitter and our newsletter. Next week: Coldplay.