In the Fall of 2003, PBS will be airing a seven-part series called "The Blues."  These films are directed by seven world-renowned feature film directors and explore a central theme:  how the blues evolved from parochial folk tunes to a universal language.  The broadcast schedule is:

   ~ Sunday, Sept 28, "Feel Like Going Home," directed by Martin Scorsese

   ~ Monday, Sept 29, "The Soul of a Man," directed by Wim Wenders

   ~ Tuesday, Sept 30, "The Road to Memphis," directed by Richard Pearce

   ~ Wednesday, Oct 1, "Warming by the Devil's Fire," directed by Charles Burnett

   ~ Thursday, Oct 2, "Godfathers and Sons," directed by Mark Levin

   ~ Friday, Oct 3, "Red, White and Blues," directed by Mike Figgis

   ~ Saturday, Oct 4, "Piano Blues," directed by Clint Eastwood

This television series is the cornerstone of an integrated multi-media project that includes a comprehensive Web site launching in August; an education program designed by Experience Music Project; a companion book published by HarperCollins; value-added DVDs, a CD box set, individual soundtracks for each show, a single "Best of" album and individual artist records released collaboratively by Sony Music's Columbia/Legacy division and Universal Music Enterprises; a 13-part series on public radio; and participation in a variety of film, music, culture and heritage festivals across the country; all to celebrate what the United States Senate has declared 2003-YEAR OF THE BLUES.

More information on these events can be found at www.pbs.org/theblues. Blues fans can sign up for "The Blues" project updates via e-mail on our preview Web site at www.pbs.org/theblues/signup.html.