Two Local Treasures Showcased on WSRE Starting Sunday

Two local treasures from our own backyard - singing sensation Will Hedgecock and the Gulf Islands National Seashore - will be making appearances on WSRE this Sunday and Wednesday when television programs about each air. WSRE is proud to present its original documentary narrated by Ken Burns "Gulf Islands National Seashore: The Treasure of the Gulf Coast" and a new concert special featuring native Pensacolian and Nashville recording artist Will Hedgecock in "Will Hedgecock: Live at the Saenger." These programs are airing as part of WSRE's annual Winter on-air fundraising drive to help support the mission of the public television station. Viewers that support the station can choose from related thank you gifts such as DVDs of the programs.

Airing Schedule:
* Gulf Islands National Seashore: The Treasure of the Gulf Coast - Sun., 1:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m.; Wed., 9 p.m.
* Will Hedgecock: Live at the Saenger - Sun., 8 p.m.; Wed., 7 p.m.

Narrated by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns, "Gulf Islands National Seashore: The Treasure of the Gulf Coast" is a WSRE Original documentary that showcases the beauty and history of the region, specifically the national seashore. Stretching 160 miles from the Western coast of the Florida panhandle to islands in Mississippi, Gulf Islands National Seashore is rich in history, culture and natural beauty. From the time of early colonization to the Civil War, to the present day, the history of America begins in Gulf Islands - the largest national park unit in the United States featuring a seashore.

"Will Hedgecock: Live at the Saenger" was taped during the September 2009 Pensacola concert at the Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola. During the concert, the stage comes alive as Will is backed by musicians from the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra and a group of seasoned Nashville studio musicians. The special features many songs from his Reflections CD, which was produced by music industry veteran, Larry Butler. Butler, the first - and only - Nashville producer to win the coveted Grammy Award for "Producer Of The Year," has shaped the careers of superstars Kenny Rogers, Johnny Cash, John Denver and others. Music for the concert was arranged by the acclaimed Bergen White. Many will remember Hedgecock from the Rebuild Northwest Florida benefit concert after Hurricane Ivan, which helped to raise $100,000 for storm victims.