For Release: April 23, 2007
Renee speaks with internationally renowned pianist Harry Pickens at his Louisville studio on the next edition of Connections with Renee Shaw , airing Saturday, May 12 at 3/2 p.m. CT on KET1 and Sunday, May 20 at 11:30/10:30 a.m. CT on KET2.Pickens, who has performed internationally with many of jazz's finest artists, including Dizzy Gillespie, James Moody and Milt Jackson, has been featured on numerous television and radio broadcasts throughout the U.S. and Europe, most recently Marian McPartland's PianoJazz on National Public Radio and the Woodsongs Old-Time Radio Hour . The performer has also appeared in KET's In Performance at the Governor's Mansion , Mixed Media and the forthcoming music Arts Toolkit resource for teachers.
In this program, Pickens discusses his love of performing for small groups as well as large audiences, his fulfillment as an educator, his social and community activism -- and his newfound perspective about life and music after his rebound from a chronic illness.
The 6-foot, 9-inch performer also touches on his youth, when he was avidly sought by basketball recruiters.
Currently, in addition to an active performance schedule, Pickens devotes time to using the power of music to help individuals, organizations and communities. He presents keynote concerts, workshops, seminars and residencies internationally and his innovative presentations and performances have reached people of all ages.
Connections with Renee Shaw is a KET production, produced by Renee Shaw and Carolyn Gwinn. More about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at www.ket.org.