KET TeleFund 2012 to include exciting programs, rewards for supporting Ky.'s public TV network

Phantom of the Opera, Bob Ross and more highlight KET’s TeleFund 2012, taking place March 3-18. This year, viewers can expect an exciting blend of programs celebrating many legends of music, performing arts and so much more. TeleFund is an opportunity for viewers to donate toward KET’s mission to provide quality, trusted programs that educate, inspire and entertain.

As always, those who donate during TeleFund will have the chance to receive tickets to a wide range of concerts and experiences, including Celtic Woman, Sesame Street Live and more.

“KET serves all Kentuckians with our rich and diverse educational programming and services,” said Shae Hopkins, KET executive director and CEO. “Our more than 34,000 members that support KET help make this possible. TeleFund 2012 provides an opportunity for our viewers to help ensure KET can continue to purchase, produce and provide the quality programs they enjoy, value and expect.”

During Telefund, viewers may donate by calling 1-800-866-0366 or visiting ket.org/support/. Gifts allow KET to continue to deliver programming that provides insights, discoveries, culture, excitement and entertainment to communities throughout Kentucky — as well as provide a safe haven for the Commonwealth’s youngest citizens through award-winning PBS children’s programming.

Program highlights and more can be found after the jump.

Program highlights for TeleFund 2012:

Bob Ross: The Happy Painter takes a behind-the-scenes look at Ross’s journey from humble beginnings to an American pop-culture icon. Famous Ross enthusiasts, including talk-show pioneer Phil Donahue, film stars Jane Seymour and Terrence Howard, and more provide insights into the man, the artist and his legacy. The program premieres Saturday, March 3 at 9 a.m. CT and Saturday, March 17 at 9 a.m. CT on KET.

A lavish production celebrating the 25th anniversary of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s masterpiece, Great Performances “Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall” stars Ramin Karimloo as The Phantom, Sierra Boggess as his protégé Christine Daae and Hadley Fraser as Raoul, Vicomte de Chagny. The romantic trio is backed by a complete cast and orchestra of more than 200, as well as surprise special-guest appearances. The program premieres Sunday, March 4 at 7 p.m. CT on KET.

Doc Martin—Behind the Scenes is a compilation of footage about the show’s characters; the town of Port Isaac, Cornwall, United Kingdom, where the show is filmed; what it’s like working with Martin Clunes, who plays Doc Martin; how the character of Doc Martin originated; and the worldwide popularity of the series. The program premieres Thursday, March 8 at 8:30 p.m. CT on KET.

Suze Orman’s Money Class reveals her expert advice on what actions people should take in light of the new economy. The program airs Saturday, March 3 at noon CT and Tuesday, March 6 at 7 p.m. CT on KET.

Music programs abound during this year’s Telefund. Celtic Woman — Believe, filmed at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, includes an array of visual and musical effects, including a 20-piece orchestra and the 16-piece Atlanta Bagpipe Band. The program airs Saturday, March 3 at 7 p.m. CT and Saturday, March 17 at 8 p.m. ET on KET.

Jackie Evancho, the America’s Got Talent sensation, stars in Great Performances “Jackie Evancho: Dream With Me in Concert.” The 11-year-old’s solo concert includes “When You Wish Upon a Star,” “All I Ask of You,” and “O Mio Babbino Caro.” The program airs Monday, March 5 at 7 p.m. CT on KET.

In Peter, Paul and Mary: Carry It On: A Musical Legacy, singers Peter, Paul and Mary and two of their mentors, Pete Seeger and Ronnie Gilbert, recall the cultural revolution of the 1960s when music became a unifying force amid the hopeful, idealistic and sometimes turbulent movements of social change. Performances include archival footage of "Blowin' in the Wind" from the 1963 March on Washington and "The Times They Are a-Changin'" from the Newport Folk Festival, plus clips from the trio's previous television specials and intimate rehearsal renditions of songs from the 2004 album In These Times. The program airs Saturday, March 3 at 10 a.m. CT on KET2.

On Big Band Vocalists, Nick Clooney and Peter Marshall host this look back at the greatest “crooners” and “canaries” of the 1940s, featuring the greatest vocalists of the period: Louis Armstrong, Perry Como, Doris Day, Peggy Lee and more. The program premieres Monday, March 12 at 7 p.m. CT on KET.

Legends of the 1960s unite in 60s Rock, Pop and Soul, an all-new live performance. Co-hosts Peter Noone and Davy Jones sing their biggest hits. The program airs Saturday, March 3 at 9 p.m. CT on KET. Then, skip to the next decade with Superstars of 70s Soul Live, where soul diva Patti LaBelle hosts performances by 1970s Motown, R&B, soul and disco legends. The program airs Wednesday, March 7 at 9 p.m. CT on KET2.

Joe Bonamassa: Beacon Theater—Live from New York features the blues rock guitarist performing at the prestigious Royal Albert Hall in London, where he’s joined onstage by Eric Clapton. The program airs Sunday, March 4 at 10 p.m. CT on KET.

Ticketed events

Viewers who donate during TeleFund 2012 may request, as a thank-you gift, tickets to concerts and other events. Ticketed events for TeleFund 2012 include:

• Human Nature: March 28, The Palace, Louisville
• Sesame Street Live, April 1, The Brown, Louisville
• Celtic Woman: Believe Tour: April 10, The Palace, Louisville
• The Temptations and Four Tops: April 15, EKU, Richmond
• Aretha Franklin: April 28, EKU, Richmond
• Riverdance: May 4, EKU, Richmond
• News and Views with Bill and Renee: May 10, Frankfort
• Joe Bonamassa: May 11, Rupp Arena, Lexington
• Kentucky Collectibles: May 19-20, KET studios, Lexington
• Coasters, Drifters, Platters: June 5, EKU, Richmond

More information about KET programming and education services, as well as how to support KET, can be found at ket.org.

Information for this story was provided by KET.