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Encore: Steve Miller Band and Preservation Hall Jazz Band

We love to present new music and show off current artists hitting their prime. But we’re happy to honor the veterans and the lifers – the folks whose work has stood the test of time. In that light, we welcome the Steve Miller Band and Preservation Hall Jazz Band to the ACL stage this weekend.

The Steve Miller Band needs no introduction – lauded rock guitarist Steve Miller and his various partners-in-crime have been knocking around since the late 60s, leaving a string of indelible hits in their wake. Remember “Abracadabra?” “Fly Like An Eagle?” “Space Cowboy?” Of course you do, and you’ll hear them all on Saturday in front of an enthusiastic crowd in what was the very first taping of ACL at the Moody Theater. And if you love the show, you can purchase it on DVD, including an extended interview and songs that didn’t make the final edit, here.

The Preservation Hall Jazz Band has been around even longer than Miller – the group’s genesis coincides with the founding of the Hall itself back in 1961, and the style of New Orleans jazz the band plays goes back even further – history lives on in PHJB’s performances. But don’t think that means that the group is preserved in amber. Joining the band onstage are Yim Yames from My Morning Jacket, James Petralli from White Denim and the ever-elegant Del McCoury Band to add their inimitable contemporary mojo. Once you hear “St. James Infirmary” sung by a high-voiced indie rock frontdude, you’ll realize it’s what you’ve always wanted.

photo by Scott Newton

Tune in this Saturday for your classic rock ‘n’ jazz fix – as always, check your local PBS listings for the broadcast time in your area. Toggle over to the episode page for more info, and don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter or to click over to our Facebook, Twitter and News pages for more ACL goodies. Next week: Steve Martin and Sarah Jarosz.

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Encore Broadcast News

Encore: Jimmy Cliff

When it comes to reggae, Jimmy Cliff, whose ACL episode encores this weekend, is indisputably one of the greats. He first found fame as a teenager, with a string of hit singles in his native Jamaica. By the late 60s, reggae was spreading beyond the borders of his birthplace and Cliff became one of its first international stars with “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “Vietnam,” which Bob Dylan called “the best protest song I’ve ever heard.” In 1972 Cliff starred in the acclaimed film The Harder They Come, writing and singing the hit title song. Other Cliff compositions like “Many Rivers to Cross” and “You Can Get It If You Really Want” have also become often-covered, much-loved reggae standards. Cliff continues to record and tour all over the world, collaborating with Sting, the Clash’s Joe Strummer, Kool & the Gang, Wyclef Jean and the Rolling Stones along the way. As popular now as he ever was, Jimmy Cliff is the face of reggae, as you’ll see for yourself this Saturday – check your local PBS listings for the broadcast time and channel.

photo by Scott Newton

Check out the episode page for more details, and drop in on our Facebook and Twitter pages for more ACL info. Next week: Steve Miller Band and Preservation Hall Jazz Band.

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Encore Broadcast News

Encore: Mumford & Sons and Flogging Molly

Mumford & Sons are featured in this weekend’s encore presentation of  Austin City Limits, airing November 17 on PBS. The British folk band with a huge stateside following are riding high with the bestselling Babel, one of the biggest releases of 2012. The episode, which originally aired in October 2011, finds Mumford & Sons making their ACL debut and is a must-see for fans and a primer for those new to the band’s cathartic live shows. Highlights include a performance of their current single “Lover of the Light,” which at the time had not been recorded. Viewers are treated to a high-octane night of contemporary music’s best folk rock practitioners, including a set by Celtic folk-punkers Flogging Molly.

Blending acoustic instrumentation, vocal harmonies and a tireless work ethic, Mumford & Sons have earned an international reputation as one of the best live bands, winning over audiences with their masterful, melancholy voices and musical skills. Mumford & Sons’ inspired set features tracks from their career-making debut Sigh No More, and the blockbuster follow-up Babel. The energy on the night of the taping vibrated the walls at The Moody Theater, and it translates directly to the screen. The band perform fan favorites “The Cave” and “Roll Away Your Stone” and poignant ballads “Timshel” and “Awake My Soul.” A highlight is an early televised performance of “Lover of the Light,” previously unrecorded, and now featured on Babel.

“The first time this show aired, Mumford & Sons did not have the biggest-selling record in the world (like they do now),” says ACL Executive Producer Terry Lickona. “But today they still capture the hearts and souls of young music fans better than anybody else around – and this amazing performance shows why. They do it the old-fashioned way, with authentic songs that speak to real life, and they play their asses off!”

photo by Scott Newton

Speaking of energy, Flogging Molly doesn’t disappoint in their ACL debut. The band storms the stage with tuneful melodies and puts on a magnificent show with their unique brand of Celtic folk/punk.  Tune in for lively renditions of “Requiem For A Dying Song,” “Tobacco Island,” and “Devil’s Dance Floor.”  Bandleader Dave King called their ACL taping “the most important live performance they’ve ever done.”

“A live Flogging Molly show is an experience as much as it is a show,” hints ACL’s Terry Lickona.  “When you’re watching, crank up the volume and buckle up for the ride!”

Check the episode page for more info, photos and clips. Click over to our Facebook and Twitter pages for up-to-date news on all things Austin City Limits. Next week: reggae legend Jimmy Cliff.

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Encore Broadcast News

Encore: Arcade Fire

Join us this weekend for a special Austin City Limits Encore episode featuring Grammy winner and indie favorite Arcade Fire. This episode displays their growth as musicians as well as their expanding catalog of albums from their very first appearance nearly four years ago. Drawing extensively from their Grammy winning album, The Suburbs, Arcade Fire also includes a handful of singles from their first album, Funeral. However, one highlight worth mentioning is the when the group performs “Keep the Car Running” a catchy and infectious tune from the band’s second album, Neon Bible.

You won’t want to miss this weekend’s episode! Be sure to check your local PBS listings here for times. Also, don’t forget to check our Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr pages for goodies and info on all things Austin City Limits. Next week we premiere the amazing Season 38 with the one and only Radiohead!

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Encore Broadcast News

Encore: Coldplay

This weekend we are excited to present a special episode featuring Coldplay.  Recorded last September, 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, Twitter and Tumblr pages for more ACL goodies. Next week: the ever-amazing Arcade Fire.

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Encore Broadcast Featured News

Encore: Wilco

This Saturday Austin City Limits brings you musical veterans both on and off the screen: the one and only Wilco. After nearly two decades of constantly redefining its sound, the Chicago band’s fourth appearance on the show proves to be one of its most memorable to date, featuring a special guest appearance, leader Jeff Tweedy’s remarkable songs and some electrifying guitar playing from Nels Cline.

Concentrating on its latest release The Whole Love, the Chicago sextet puts such stellar tracks as “Art of Almost,” “Open Mind” and “Dawned On Me” through their paces with near-perfect poise. It’s not all the new album, of course, as the band also drops a few deep cuts like “Bull Black Nova” and “War On War” into the set. As the icing to this already delicious cake, Wilco tourmate Nick Lowe drops by with his classic “Cruel to Be Kind,” backed by the boys themselves.

Tune in this Saturday, September 15th, and find out why Wilco’s music sums up best what Austin City Limits stands for. Check here on the episode page for more info about the episode and here for your local listings and exact air times. Be sure to keep up with your favorite music television show on Facebook, Twitter and Tumblr pages. Next week: British rock gods Coldplay.