New Season, New Time Slot and National Syndication for Songs at the Center
2016 has arrived, and Songs at the Center, the locally produced TV series that showcases songwriters, has earned national distribution. American Public Television (APT), the second-largest distributor of public television programming, is offering Season One of the series to public television stations nationwide. That's big news for Central Ohioans and Worthington residents since all but two of the 26 artists featured in Season One are either based in Central Ohio or have close ties to the area.
“APT’s decision to pick up Songs at the Center has been personally thrilling for me,” said Eric Gnezda, Columbus-based songwriter, host and co-creator of Songs at the Center. “I’m excited to get to see Worthington on the national stage highlighting the amazing talent that has grown out of this community.”
New Season and Time Slot
Building on the success of Season One, Songs at the Center will premier its second season on February 13 in a new, earlier time slot. The show will air on Saturday nights at 11 p.m. preceding Austin City Limits. “The new time slot is huge for us. It’s truly a tribute to WOSU’s commitment to our show and to how the audience has embraced it," Gnezda said.
Gnezda, co-creator and co-producer Andy Herron, and Alan Beavers of Alba Productions are thrilled with the show's success at both the local and national level, and they're working tirelessly to improve upon that success. Season Two will feature some big names, including Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member John Oates, Grammy Award winner Don Henry, and Folk/Americana legend Tom Russell.
“With great opportunity comes great risk and great responsibility,” Gnezda said. “We’re trying to make each season bigger and better than the last, while still keeping it fun for everyone.”
The Next Taping
If you missed previous opportunities to watch a live taping of Songs at the Center, you now have another chance. The last television shoot of Season Two takes place Sunday, January 17 from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the McConnell Arts Center. The free concert will feature a number of outstanding singer/songwriters including:
- Columbus blues-rock legend Willie Phoenix
- Savannah Buist and Katie Larson of The Accidentals
- Nashville comedian Steve Goodie
- Multi-instrumentalist, singer and author Korby Lenker
- Two dynamic songwriting duos: Brennen Leigh and Noel McKay of Austin, Texas, and Kathy Redwine and Hollie Brogunier of the Red Wine Effect
For more information about Songs at the Center, visit their website or follow them on Facebook.
Convention & Visitors Bureau of Worthington
Worthington, Ohio, offers a variety of activities, attractions, specialty shops and dining options for visitors of all ages and interests. The Convention & Visitors Bureau of Worthington is your resource for all the latest information, including the event calendar at VisitWorthingtonOhio.com. You can also follow us on Facebook at Visit Worthington Ohio.