Melanie Vynalek, Pensacola News Journal
Published 6:00 a.m. CT Aug. 29, 2019
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WSRE will host a preview screening of PBS’ new documentary “Country Music”, followed by a panel discussion with country music insiders on Sept. 5.
Beginning at 7 p.m. in the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio at Pensacola State College, the free event offers a 45-minute sneak-peak into filmmaker Ken Burns’ newest documentary — an eight-part series scheduled to debut on PBS, Sept. 15.
“It is excerpts from the different episodes… an abbreviated version,” said Mary Riker, WSRE’s marketing and communications director.
WSRE hosts 45-minute screening of new “Country Music” documentary, Sept. 5 in the Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio. (Photo: Courtesy of WSRE)
Following WSRE’s August Summer Country Concert’s, the screening aligns with the station’s recent country-theme, and allows anyone in the community an opportunity to see what the new documentary is all about.
A series nearly 10 years in the making, “Country Music” explores the genre’s history, the lives of country music legends and the unique relationship the music has with fans, Riker said.
To further engage country music fans in WSRE’s audience, the station is hosting a Q&A discussion immediately following the screening.
Dolly Parton on the Porter Wagoner Show in 1967. WSRE will host a preview screening of PBS’ new documentary “Country Music” on Sept. 5, which explores the genre’s history, the lives of country music legends and the unique relationship the music has with fans. (Photo: Photograph by Les Leverett)
Moderated by comedian T. Bubba Bechtol, the panel discussion includes stories and insights from Rusty Budde, Nashville songwriter and record producer; Reneda Cross, director of the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival; Ricky Lee Phelps of the award-winning country music band, The Kentucky Headhunters; and Mark Sherrill, award-winning songwriter whose work was recorded by Blake Shelton, Johnny Cash, George Jones and others, Riker said.
Bechtol will begin the discussion with a few conversation starters, allowing time for each guest to share their country music story, then the floor will open to the audience for questions.
“We are hoping to have a lot of people in the room with stories to share as well,” Riker said.
Loretta Lynn and her husband Oliver “Doolittle” Lynn in 1965. WSRE will host a preview screening of PBS’ new documentary “Country Music” on Sept. 5, which explores the genre’s history, the lives of country music legends and the unique relationship the music has with fans. (Photo: Photograph by Les Leverett)
WSRE encourages audience members to arrive early, as doors open at 6 p.m. to a special live performance by The Gator Boys — a local bluegrass band made entirely up of Pensacola State College music department graduates, Riker said.
There is limited seating in the studio, so WSRE asks interested audience members to register their spot at wsre.org/CountryMusic.
A second showing of the “Country Music” sneak-peak screening will debut Sept. 8 at Suds N Cinema theater in Fort Walton Beach. This event only includes the 45-minute show.
Want to go?
What: Country Music Film Screenings
When: Thursday, Sept. 5, 7 p.m.
Where: WSRE’s Jean & Paul Amos Performance Studio, 1000 College Blvd.
More info: wsre.org/CountryMusic
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