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For Italian Americans, life is “a beautiful song” – to be lived with operatic intensity. THE ITALIAN AMERICANS II: A Beautiful Song celebrates this particularly Italian way of understanding life and explores what it means to be Italian in America, examining the ideals of generations and the icons of the culture from Dante to Sinatra. Julius La Rosa narrates.

Actors Danny Aiello, Alan Alda, Dom DeLuise, Paul Sorvino and Susan Lucci, New York Yankees manager Joe Torre, comedian/talk show host Joy Behar, Nick Stellino of public television’s Cucina Amore, and many others share their personal stories and celebrate what many express as the “privilege” of growing up in an Italian-American family. As Paul Sorvino explains in the program, “life is too short to go through it without being an Italian.”

Warm remembrances recall traditions like the family dinners that are so much more than meals, where conversation is the main course and generations find emotional sustenance with laughter and amore. For so many Italian-American families, these gatherings are the center of family life where culture is passed from one generation to the next like the seemingly infinite courses served. THE ITALIAN AMERICANS II: A Beautiful Song demonstrates how the lessons learned around the table – hard work, honor, honesty, self-confidence – are preparation for great success.

This one-hour tribute to Italian-American culture explores the universal connections all Italian families share – the bonds that bridged the distance from Italy, formed a path to success in America and continue to pave the way for future generations. In cities across America, the idea of famiglia extended beyond parents, siblings and cousins to include entire neighborhoods, a way of life Danny Aiello recalls as “the greatest life.” It’s a way of life which, according to Nick Stellino, “you don’t have to be Italian” to understand, “but it helps.”

The program highlights many of the Italian-American role models and their contributions to American culture and pays tribute to the late Frank Sinatra, a true Italian-American hero who embodied Italian acceptance and success in the American mainstream. Among the fans and friends who offer fond recollections are Dom DeLuise, Danny Aiello and comedian Tom Dreesen, Sinatra’s longtime opening act.

THE ITALIAN AMERICANS II: A Beautiful Song is the sequel to THE ITALIAN AMERICANS produced by WLIW21 New York, also seen nationally on PBS. This program is funded in part by grants from Bertolli USA, Inc. and Sorrento Cheese Company, Inc.

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Executive producer: Roy Hammond; Producers: Roman Brygider, Ron Rudaitis, Sam Toperoff and Linda Sawyer; Writer: Sam Toperoff.

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THE ASIAN INDIANS IN AMERICA celebrates the cultural impact of one of America’s fastest growing, and most diverse immigrant populations.

THE ASIAN INDIANS IN AMERICA explores the unique experience of Asian Indian families in the United States in interviews including author Jhumpa Lahiri, Dr. Deepak Chopra, scientific innovators Vinod Dham and Suhas Patil, and musicians Ravi and Anoushka Shankar; archival photos and footage tracing the Asian Indians’ American story from the early 20th century to today’s university students; and performances of traditional music and dance. The program reveals how thousands of years of Indian culture are being preserved by modern Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain, and Parsi families.

Executive Producer: Roy A. Hammond; Producer/Director: Roman Brygider. THE ASIAN INDIANS IN AMERICA is the 15th program in WLIW New York’s popular series of cultural documentaries exploring the diversity of the United States.

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THE ARMENIAN AMERICANS captures the spirit of an amazing culture and its legacy of inspiration, achievement, perseverance, and survival in an emotional hour viewers of any ethnicity can appreciate.

The first television program to celebrate this unique American experience features personal recollections from three generations of proud Armenians, including tennis champion Andre Agassi, author Peter Balakian, actor Mike Connors (“Mannix”), actor/writer Eric Bogosian, comedian Andrea Martin (“SCTV”), Carnegie Foundation President Dr. Vartan Gregorian, MGM Chairman and CEO Alex Yemenidjian, NCAA basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian, historians, musicians, politicians, religious leaders, and corporate executives. The program pays warm tribute to a cultural identity that has survived even near annihilation to arrive at a modern revitalization. As author Peter Balakian proclaims in the program, “there has never been a better time to be Armenian if you’re living in the United States.”

Long at the crossroads of conflicting empires and until recently without a recognized homeland, the Armenian culture has, as described in the program, risen time and again, like out of the ashes, the Phoenix. THE ARMENIAN AMERICANS hears voices from a generation invigorated by Armenia’s independent status speak with unprecedented candor about the 1915 Genocide that scattered survivors around the world and the ways in which Armenian American families have tethered this cultural identity for generations to come. Bonded by their distinct alphabet, language, foods and the church that is the worldwide repository of Armenian identity, this cultural consciousness originally preserved out of necessity is now maintained with an unspoken passing of responsibility that resonates in each of the interviews featured.

Many in the program fondly recall extended families and communities knit as tightly as the intricately loomed rugs that were for so long the only mainstream representation of the culture, a bond most obviously evident in the -ian or -yan surname suffixes that mean “of” or “from.” This inherent connection linked Armenian American communities from Worcester, Massachusetts to Fresno, California, achieving within a generation a level of success that belied their numbers.

THE ARMENIAN AMERICANS radiates with an insistent pride and determination, and demonstrates a universal commitment to cultural persistence. Although many in the program relate the difficulties of fitting in with classmates who attended a different church or brought less exotic lunches to school, or discrimination in communities where they first settled their families, at home being Armenian was a badge of honor, instilled in the younger generation at large extended family gatherings. To this effect, actor/writer Eric Bogosian remembers his grandfather teaching him that “everyone was Armenian… even Cary Grant.” In his and stories like this, the program illuminates a fascinating history as a very personal nostalgic family album.

The program also highlights Armenians’ contributions to American culture, from Sarkis Colombosian’s widespread introduction of yogurt to American palates and Zildjian cymbals, to famous mainstream descendants including Cher, actresses Adrienne Barbeau and Arlene Francis, “The Chipmunks” creator Ross Bagasarian, and the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author William Saroyan, featured in a rare audio recording of his work.

THE ARMENIAN AMERICANS is the eleventh program in WLIW21’s series of cultural documentaries celebrating the diversity of America, which also includes THE CHINESE AMERICANS and THE PUERTO RICANS: Our American Story.

Executive Producer: Roy Hammond; Producer/Director: Andrew Goldberg; Writer: Andrew Goldberg; Underwriter: The Manoogian Simone Foundation; Narrator: Lynne Kassabian.

Dvds/cds of this program available when you support WLIW21.

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The ongoing odyssey of the Greek-American experience — a story inspired by the muses and infused with an enthusiasm of mythic proportions — is explored in THE GREEK AMERICANS. This tribute to Greek culture and tradition shares the collective memory of an extraordinary group, from the untiring efforts of the first Greeks to land on American shores to some of their most famous American achievers.

The special features actors Olympia Dukakis, John Stamos and Billy Zane; former presidential advisor George Stephanopoulos; actor and former football player Alex Karras; sportscaster Bob Costas; tennis champion Pete Sampras; author Arianna Huffington; prima ballerina Helene Alexopoulos; CIA Director George Tenet; business leaders and many others sharing their personal stories of Greek life in America.

According to Dukakis, the Greek-American experience can be defined by their “appetite for life,” and Huffington confirms that to be Greek is “to really live life to the fullest.”

THE GREEK AMERICANS tells the fantastic story of the men and women broadcast journalist Ike Pappas describes in the program as “modern Greek heroes” — immigrants who came to the United States with little more than their optimism for life in a new land and found the ultimate culmination of their ancestors’ ideals of democracy. In many American cities, Greek immigrants organized communities that kept alive their native language, culture and religion. Closely bound by the rich traditions they shared, even friends became family. Greeks changed the physical landscape of America with the rounded domes and distinctive crosses of the Greek Orthodox Church and the cultural landscape with accomplishments in the arts, politics and education that echoed the glorious past of ancient Greece.

As Stephanopoulos explains, “if you’re Greek, you have to be good at what you do,” and this expected excellence was fulfilled with what Dukakis calls the Greeks’ “entrepreneurial spirit.” THE GREEK AMERICANS demonstrates that whatever the ultimate goal — a successful neighborhood restaurant or America’s highest government offices — the endeavor is approached with a zest and dedication that is, as many in the program describe it, uniquely Greek.

To this effect, many individuals in the program speak of a desire to preserve their cultural pride by maintaining undeniably Greek names like “Pappas” and “Stephanopoulos” despite their prominent positions in American mainstream culture. The program includes a tribute to the man who achieved this with an unprecedented impact, the late actor Telly Savalas, who paved the way for many Greek-Americans in Hollywood with his uncompromising portrayals of Greek-American roles like Detective Theo Kojak.

THE GREEK AMERICANS is produced by WLIW New York, whose other PBS specials celebrating the diversity and ethnic character in America include A LAUGH, A TEAR, A MITZVAH (Jewish Americans); THE ITALIAN AMERICANS; THE POLISH AMERICANS; and MAY THE ROAD RISE TO MEET YOU (Irish Americans).

Underwriters: Atlantic Bank of New York, National Bank of Greece, Public Television Viewers and PBS. Executive Producer: Roy Hammond. Producers: WLIW New York and Veras Communications, Inc. Director/writer: George Veras. Format: CC STEREO.

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HOMELANDS: GREECE examines the pull of the patrida or homeland for diaspora Greeks across miles and generations. Intimate interviews with musician Yanni, actor/writer Nia Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding), author Nicholas Gage (Eleni) and others reveal a shared discovery that Greeks, like the region’s famed olive trees, thrive when they tend to their roots. Stunning aerial footage of the mainland and islands, interspersed with visits to village cafes, churches and homes, brings you close to their experience.

HOMELANDS identifies how the history of ancient Greece is maintained in modern times through the continuity of religion, language, dance and other touchstones of cultural identity. In a country whose landscapes and legacy have remained largely unchanged over time, the ties to tradition are strong, and the impact of a visit to Greece ­ even for just one summer ­ inspires artistic expression, intergenerational bonding, and for many, the transition from being a “Greek American” to an American living in Greece.

Executive Producer: Roy A. Hammond. Producer/Director: George Veras.

This program made possible by a grant from Alex G. Spanos. Additional funding provided by Nicholas J. Bouras.

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To be a Jewish person is to be loyal to centuries of tradition. To be a Jewish person in America is to maintain that tradition in a different promised land. ANOTHER MITZVAH explores the traditions of Jewish culture and the myriad ways Jewish Americans embrace them.

Using vintage film footage, family photos and the history of individual experiences, ANOTHER MITZVAH explores the diverse ways American Jews understand, appreciate and value the impact of their heritage on society and themselves. Actor/entertainer Alan King, singer/impressionist Marilyn Michaels, author Erica Jong, sports broadcaster Bill Mazer, political satirist/artist Geoffrey Moss and many others share their stories in an exploration of the achievements of and challenges faced by 20th century Jewish Americans.

For American Jews who found themselves in cities without a rabbi, without a kosher butcher shop, without a synagogue to connect them with the greater Jewish community, Jewish life depended on the desire to be Jewish and family became the driving force that kept the flames of tradition lit. No matter where they live, or as different as they are, all Jews find strength in the basic elements of Judaism ? family, Torah, a quest for moral truth and a shared history of a particularly Jewish way of understanding life. ANOTHER MITZVAH illustrates how the strength and power of family and the home guides, sustains and builds upon these fundamental elements of Jewish life to ensure the survival of the Jewish culture and preserve a way of life. Bill Mazer, like many Jews, sees this as “a destiny … handed down one generation to the other.”

ANOTHER MITZVAH illuminates the many facets of the Jewish-American legacy ? the humor that reflects the spirit of the Jewish mind, the music that reveals the depths of the Jewish soul and what author Erica Jong describes in the program as “the joyousness of our heritage.” But being Jewish in America also presents choices and opportunities not accounted for in the traditional foundations of the religion, a democratic take on the laws of a Torah thousands of years old. ANOTHER MITZVAH explores how American Jews bring the culture of their ancestors into modern times, including the changing and varied roles of women in Jewish life and the need for parents to instill a Jewish sense of the world in their children.

ANOTHER MITZVAH is the sequel to A LAUGH, A TEAR, A MITZVAH

Producer: WLIW New York. Executive producer: Roy Hammond. Producers: Roman Brygider and Sam Toperoff. Director: Roman Brygider. Writer: Sam Toperoff.

Celtic Thunder is a new group and concert special featuring five Celtic male vocalists: Paul Byrom (age 28, Dublin, Ireland), George Donaldson (age 39, Glasgow, Scotland), Keith Harkin (age 20, Derry, Northern Ireland), Ryan Kelly (age 28, Moy in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland) and Damian McGinty (age 14, Derry, Northern Ireland). Taped August 2007 at the Helix in Dublin, the group’s debut performance is a celebration of Celtic heritage and men—their loves, attitudes, individuality, power and strength, throughout life’s journey. Celtic Thunder premieres nationwide on public television March 2008 (check local listings) and is distributed by WLIW New York.

From rousing ensemble numbers to solos showcasing each members’ vocal style and personality, Celtic Thunder performs powerful ballads, popular hits, and heartwarming songs of love and loss from across the Celtic music spectrum—Irish, Scottish, traditional and contemporary. Celtic Thunder creator/producer Sharon Browne teamed up with legendary Irish composer Phil Coulter (Elvis Presley’s “My Boy,” Sandie Shaw’s “Puppet on a String,” the now-classic Irish ballad “The Town I Loved So Well”), to audition men all over Ireland and Scotland for the group, and craft a representative set list. The eclectic mix of music includes traditional songs (“Mountains of Mourne,” “Come by the Hills,” “Love Thee Dearest”), pop classics (Paul Anka’s “Puppy Love,” the Eagles’ “Desperado,” The Moody Blues’ “Nights in White Satin”) and Coulter originals (Irish Rugby Football Union anthem “Ireland’s Call,” “The Old Man,” “Steal Away”), accompanied by The Celtic Concert Orchestra, a full band, bagpipes and monks. Choreography, dramatic lighting, visual effects, and a set resembling ancient stone steps and paths enhance the musical production.

Song List

“Heartland” – Celtic Thunder (written by Phil Coulter)
“Mountains of Mourne” – Keith Harkin (traditional)
“Raggle Taggle Gypsy” – Celtic Thunder (traditional)
“Ride On” – Ryan Kelly (written by Jimmy MacCarthy)
“The Old Man” – George Donaldson (written by Phil Coulter)
“Love Thee Dearest” – Paul Byrom (traditional)
“Heartbreaker” – Ryan Kelly (written by Phil Coulter)
“Nights in White Satin” – Paul Byrom (written by Justin Hayward of The Moody Blues)
“Come by the Hills” – Damian McGinty (traditional)
“The Voyage” – George Donaldson (written by Johnny Duhan)
“The Island” – Keith Harkin (written by Paul Brady)
“Mull of Kintyre” – Celtic Thunder (written by Paul McCartney and Denny Laine of Wings)
“Puppy Love” – Damian McGinty (written by Paul Anka)
“Lauren & I” – Keith Harkin (written by Keith Harkin)
“Steal Away” – Celtic Thunder (written by Phil Coulter)
“My Boy” – George Donaldson (written by Phil Coulter)
“Desperado” – Ryan Kelly (written by Glenn Frey and Don Henley of the Eagles)
“Ireland’s Call” – Celtic Thunder (written by Phil Coulter)
“That’s A Woman” – Paul Byrom, Ryan Kelly and Zara Curtis (written by Phil Coulter)
“She” – Paul Byrom (written by Charles Aznavour and Herbert Kretzmer)
“Remember Me, Recuerde Me” – Paul Byrom (written by Phil Coulter)
“I Want to Know What Love Is” – Keith Harkin (written by Mick Jones of Foreigner)
“Caledonia” – Celtic Thunder (written by Dougie MacLean)

About Celtic Thunder

Paul Byrom – Born 1979 and raised in Dublin, Ireland, the tenor has been singing professionally since his teens, recording as a boy soprano at the age of 14. Byrom released his first solo album “Velvet,” a collection of songs from the American Matinee era in 2005, and has performed all over the world.

George Donaldson – A well-established singer in the vibrant Glasgow and West of Scotland folk scene, the Scotsman has performed in folk sessions for BBC Scotland, Glasgow’s own Celtic Connections, the Glasgow West End Festival and at the famed Glasgow Barrowlands. A self-taught musician, Donaldson plays guitar, flute, mandolin, bodhrán and banjo, and has played alongside folk artists including Jim McCann and the Dubliners, across Europe, America and Canada.

Keith Harkin – The singer/songwriter/guitarist from Derry, Northern Ireland has been singing since he was 4 years old. Harkin played the lead in BBC’s “Dhá Theanga” (2006) and also composed and recorded songs for the show, and has supported John Martyn and David Kitt in concert. Harkin is has his own album in the works and plays frequently in London.

Ryan Kelly – Hailing from the Moy village in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, Kelly began singing at the age of seven in choirs. Actively involved in amateur dramatics, he played the lead in a production of “Blood Brothers” and Judas Iscariot in “Jesus Christ Superstar.” Kelly performed alongside Simply Red in the BBC televised “Children in Need” charity concert at the Odyssey in Belfast, and finished second in the BBC television “Country Cool” competition in 2003.

Damian McGinty – The youngest member of the group at age 14, McGinty lives and attends grammar school in Derry, Northern Ireland. Winning his first singing competition at the age of six, McGinty recently recorded a gospel CD, and performs in the City of Derry Choir, his local church choir, and the drama society. He has recorded a 14-track charity CD and performed at concerts for the Red Cross.

Additional Performers: Phil Coulter (conductor); Zara Curtis (dancer); Megan Sherwood (cello); Brendan Monaghan (whistles, pipes, guitar, bodhrán); Dave Cooke (keyboards); Neil Byrne (guitar, backing vocals); Nigel Wheatley (bass, backing vocals); Rory McCarron (drums); Audrey Bridgeman (percussion); The Celtic Concert Orchestra led by Niccola Sweeney; Bagpipes/Drums: Andrew Carlisle, Shane Culleton, Chris Mc Nicholl, David Stone, Mark Wilson; Monks: Alex Browne, Ian McKinley, Greg Howie, Killian Buckley, Andy Lawler.

Producer: Sharon Browne. Composer/Musical Director: Phil Coulter. Director: Julia Knowles. Musical Arrangement: Phil Coulter, Dave Gold and Michael Keeney. Presented nationally by WLIW New York. ST and CC.