WSRE introduces its new local-only evening programming block, "Explore More Thursdays," starting Oct. 6. The new Thursday night lineup will air every week from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. with "In Your Own Backyard" hosted by Sherri Hemminghaus-Weeks, "Conversations with Jeff Weeks," and locally produced documentary and performing arts programs.
This week, WSRE launches "In Your Own Backyard," a new show about unique points of interest along the Gulf Coast. The inaugural episode visits Gulf Breeze resident Gordon Sprague's eclectic one-man museum of "man-tiques" — classic cars, vintage tractors and toys for all ages. Sprague is a retired financial services expert who amassed a collection worth millions for his 6,000-square-foot personal museum. Future episodes include: The Forts of Mobile Bay, The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida and The Arcadia Mill.
At 7:30 p.m., "Conversations with Jeff Weeks" welcomes Dr. Sunil Gupta, respected retina surgeon and founder of Retina Specialty Institute. Upon returning from the Clinton Global Initiative Conference, Gupta discusses how he and his colleagues are working to put post-9/11 veterans to work in the medical field. The televised conversation also covers advances in medical science and the overall state of the U.S. healthcare system.
Shot in high-definition, "Lighthouses of the Gulf Coast: Sand Island to St. Marks" airs at 8 p.m. This WSRE-produced documentary tells the stories of lighthouses symbolizing the region's seafaring heritage. The film covers the endangered Sand Island and Middle Bay lighthouses of Mobile Bay, the Pensacola Lighthouse, St. George Island's light station, the lighthouses of Cape San Blas and Crooked River, and St. Marks Lighthouse on Apalachee Bay — the oldest lighthouse still operating on the Gulf Coast.
This first "Explore More Thursdays" lineup concludes with "StudioAmped: Songwriters Special 2011" recorded live on Friday, Sept. 30 as part of the annual Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival. Performing their hit songs are award-winning singers and songwriters Rick and Janis Carnes, and Alex Call, co-writer of the famous 1980s tune "867-5309/Jenny" recorded by Tommy Tutone.
" 'Explore More Thursdays' offers our viewers an evening each week to learn more about their community through local discoveries, conversations, documentaries and performances," said Sandy Cesaretti Ray, WSRE general manager.
For more information, visit www.wsre.org/exploremore online.
