Live from the Artists Den

I am sure each of us, in our lifetimes, have attended at least one music concert whether it was at a music festival, in a big concert hall or an outdoor arena or even in a small club setting. I am also sure that the music at these concerts has been very diverse and unique, much like the performers.

Where the public television series Live from the Artists Den is concerned, though, they take the concert experience to the next level. Not only do viewers of these specials have a front row seat at intimate and unique venues but they also get to see icons as well as rising stars from the music industry.

Now in its third season Live from the Artists Den premieres tomorrow – Friday, April 1 – on most public television stations (please check your local listings for further dates and airtimes) and this year’s line-up includes artists such as Robert Plant, Elvis Costello, Ray LaMontagne and A Fine Frenzy (among others).

The full schedule for this season’s Live from the Artists Den is as follows:

April 1 – Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes performing at The New York Public Library’s world-famous Stephen A. Schwarzman Building.

April 8 – Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs at the Don Strange Ranch in Texas Hill Country

April 15 – Grace Potter and The Nocturnals at New York’s Bryant Park

April 22 – Robert Plant and the Band of Joy at the War Memorial Auditorium in Nashville

April 29 – A reunion by UK pop legends Squeeze also at New York’s Bryant Park

May 6 – A compilation of emerging artists such as R&B singer-songwriter Daniel Merriweather, alternative pop songstress A Fine Frenzy and folk singer-songwriter Lisa Hannigan all at Sotheby’s auction house in New York

Live from the Artists Den was launched in 2009 on U.S. public television by creator Mark Lieberman and has gone on to become a three-time New York Emmy-nominated series. Since its inception it has expanded to international distribution on A&E in Europe, Turner Broadcasting in Latin America and multiple online outlets such as Hulu and Pandora.

Artists like Ringo Starr, Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, Corinne Baily Rae and David Gray are just some of the musicians and singers who performed in previous programs. All of the performances include interviews conducted by noted music critic Alan Light, who is the Director of Programming for Live from the Artists Den and all performances were shot in high-definition.

After getting an early sneak peek of Ray LaMontagne and his band as well as Elvis Costello and the Sugarcanes in concert via Live from the Artists Den, I can vouch for the quality of these recordings. The viewer feels as if the performers are putting on the show right in their living room thanks to the unique settings and the intimate interviews with each singer. And, as president and CEO of WNET Neal Shapiro states, “The line-up (for this year) offers the depth and variety of talent that our viewers expect. This series continues to showcase the mission to provide the best arts programming to the public in creative (and) innovative ways.”

As for this season, take it from creator Mark Lieberman, “Season Three showcases once-in-a-lifetime concert experiences filmed in some of the most imaginative settings in America. Millions of public television viewers are in for a rare treat”.

Live from the Artists Den returns for a third season Friday, April 1 on PBS. Check local listings for times.