Austin PBS Announces New Program, Jazz Tonight, Premiering on November 28th at 7pm.

Austin PBS (KLRU-TV) proudly brings jazz back to television with Jazz Tonight. Co-produced and hosted by singer and bandleader Christian Wiggs, Jazz Tonight invites musicians with an Austin connection to join in performance and conversation. The program throws a spotlight on the exciting scene and fantastic talents within the Austin community as well as fellow travelers from beyond the city limits.

The premiere episode of Jazz Tonight features singer and trumpet player Benny Benack III, a longtime friend of Wiggs and a frequent performer in Austin clubs like Monks Jazz. Benack III plays songs from his album Third Time’s the Charm and more, accompanied by Wiggs and the local luminaries in the Jazz Tonight Orchestra. Benack duets with Wiggs on his viral hit “Social Call,” engages in a playful trumpet battle with fellow viral star Kellin Hanas on Roy Hargrove tribute “Roylike,” and entertains the crowd with his adopted theme song “Benny’s From Heaven.” With Wiggs, he also performs “It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood” in tribute to his grandfather Benny Benack I, who appeared on Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood in 1979 - a story Benack III discusses in a special interview segment.

Austin PBS is thrilled to offer a family-friendly program that can be enjoyed by all. Jazz Tonight premieres Nov. 28 at 7pm on Austin PBS and will be available to stream for free on the PBS app.

About Austin PBS:

Since 1962, Austin PBS has been a part of Central Texas, delivering programs that educate, entertain, and inspire. As the only locally owned and operated nonprofit public television station in Central Texas, Austin PBS uses its unique position to serve as a bridge to the community and provide essential services to 3 million potential viewers in more than 20 counties across the region.

Austin PBS broadcasts 35,000 hours of curated content across four channels, devoted to education, arts and culture, and news and public affairs. We also provide a safe space for kids to learn and grow through our Austin PBS KIDS 24/7 channel. The station is home to beloved, award-winning Austin PBS Original series such as Austin City Limits, Overheard with Evan Smith, Central Texas Gardener, and its new weekly news program, Austin InSight, which blends in-depth reporting, incisive interviews, and Austin PBS’s unique approach to storytelling in an expanded commitment to news and public affairs content.

Tune into Austin PBS through one of our 4 channels, or stream online with the PBS App. Become a member and receive Austin PBS Passport, which gives station supporters access to even more content online—binge entire series before they air or catch up on programs you may have missed.

Media Contact:
Michael Toland for Jazz Tonight/Austin PBS
mtoland@klru.org