Description: Opens with a discussion of the obscenity of 2 Live Crew's music and their reception across the country. Interview with City Councillor James Kelly, who wants concert moved to Combat Zone. Rap group cancels for business reason. Kelly at desk. Exterior and interior shots of the Channel night club, and interview with owner Harry Booras. Blank spot between story and b-roll (concert video).
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/20/1990
Description: Interview with Beverly Sills on experiencing prejudice as woman directing an opera company and how the world is changing to allow women more opportunities. She comments on opera as expensive art form and how she tried to make quality opera that all people could afford, and that if specific opera communities are catering to the elite, she thinks the consumer can "make a lot of noise" and help to change that. She also mentions censorship in the arts and Robert Mapplethorpe. Clips of Sills singing.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/17/1991
Description: Coverage of the annual performance of Black Nativity by Langston Hughes. The performance takes place in the Opera House in Boston. Interview with Music Director John Ross, who talks about the play. He says that the story of the nativity is told in a "black context," using traditional music. Excerpts from the performance.
1:00:08: Visual: Shots of schoolchildren entering an auditorium. V: Footage from the Black Nativity performed at the Opera House in Boston. V: Footage of John A. Ross (Music Director) saying that Langston Hughes used the Bible as a source for Black Nativity; that the story is told in a "black context." Ross says that the play relies on traditional gospel music. V: Footage from the performance of Black Nativity. V: Footage of a female African American student saying that some of her friends and former teachers were in the performance. Footage of a female African American student saying that the play shows us "how God began his life." Footage of a female white students saying that the acting is good; that the play is "pretty." Footage of a group of African American students in the lobby. One student says that he likes the music. Another student says that she likes everything. V: Footage from the performance of Black Nativity.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 12/08/1989
Description: Setting up in studio booth for a digital recording of the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Closeups on SoundStream tape decks. Closeup on TELARC NEOTEK sound board. Seiji Ozawa conducts Boston Symphony Orchestra in rehearsal with Yo-Yo Ma playing Monn-Schoenberg cello concerto, which they're recording. Ozawa talks with audio engineers.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/24/1984
Description: Story on the thriving Boston rock scene. Interviews with musicians who came from Boston. Footage of Boston Music Awards. Up and coming bands mentioned include Down Avenue, The Liars, and New Man. Aimee Mann thanks crowd. Marcus Jones focuses on one up and coming band, The Regulars. Interview with lead singer on why he's based in Boston. Interview with Debbie Gilberg, manager of The Regulars. Jones says that Boston is a good place to develop a local base following because it has venues and radio that feature local artists. Interview with radio DJ on finding good local bands to play on the air. Footage from Tracy Chapman's Fast Car music video. Interview with Jeff Marshall, founder of Monolith Records, on signing bands to smaller labels. following the edited story is b-roll of Newbury Comics interiors with closeups on album covers. Exterior of Newbury Comics.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/16/1988
Description: Marcus Jones interviews conductor Kay George Roberts about her career as one of the few African American female orchestral conductors. Roberts answers the question "what is it like to be a black woman conductor?" Roberts talks about race and gender in classical music. Jones reviews Roberts's career. Roberts is the first woman to receive a PhD in orchestra conducting from Yale University. Jones' report includes footage of Roberts conducting an orchestra. The tape also includes additional footage of the interview with Roberts and additional footage of Roberts conducting the orchestra.
1:00:03: Visual: Footage of Kay George Roberts (conductor) walking onto a stage to conduct. The audience applauds. Footage of Roberts being interviewed by Marcus Jones. Roberts says that women have not traditionally been the conductors of orchestras. Jones asks if women conductors are different from men conductors. Roberts jokes that women are probably better conductors than men. Footage of Roberts conducting an orchestra. Jones reports that Roberts is one of only a few African American female orchestral conductors. V: Footage of Robers being interviewed by Jones. Jones asks if Roberts ever takes offense when people point to her race instead of her skill. Roberts says that she is not offended by the acknowledgement of her race and gender. Roberts says that black Americans are always referred to as "black Americans"; that black Americans are rarely referred to as "Americans." Jones reports that Roberts is the first woman to receive a PhD in orchestra conducting from Yale University; that she is the second African American to do so. Jones notes that Roberts has been a professor and orchestra conductor since 1978 at the University of Lowell. V: Footage of Roberts conducting an orchestra. Footage of Roberts saying that she will always teach; that she enjoys the excitement and energy of young students and college-age students. Footage of Roberts conducting. Jones reports that Roberts and several female composers will perform a marathon of contemporary classical works at the First Parish Church in Watertown. Jones notes that Roberts hopes the annual event will broaden appreciation for contemporary classical works. V: Footage of Roberts saying that she would love to have the opportunity to conduct a major orchestra. Footage of Roberts conducting an orchestra.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/21/1989
Description: Interview with jazz pianist and band leader Count Basie at the Berklee Performance Center. He talks about his long career and current musicians.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/25/1982
Description: Diana Ross rehearses at Music Hall. She wears a "Boston Loves Diana Ross" T-shirt. She answers questions from reporters at the edge of the stage. She talks about playing Dorothy in the Wiz and her inspirations. She talks about having children.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/10/1977
Description: Arthur Fiedler obituary. History of the Boston Pops bringing symphony music to all people. Clips from interview with Fielder on starting the Pops and the original Shell performance space. Footage from Pop Fourth of July performance.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/10/1979
Description: Kennedy School forum on rating lyrics. Woman speaks on a Senate hearing on the Parent Music Resource Center proposal, which says the record companies have a responsibility to identify recordings with explicit lyrics, and have the option to print the lyrics on the album covers. Frank Zappa speaks. He argues against the Senate hearing, especially advocating for the rights of those who wrote the lyrics. He quotes PMRC member, Tipper Gore. He recounts the Senate hearing. Throughout his comments, he pokes fun at those involved.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/31/1985
Description: Marcus Jones reports on the Franklin Park Zoo's programs in celebration of Black History Month. The zoo's Black Arts Festival celebrates the roots of contemporary African American culture. There are various performances, including rapping, dancing, and storytelling. Interview with spokesperson Barbara Levitoff, who talks about the important link between the zoo and the community. Following the edited story is b-roll of animals at the zoo, including antelope, wildebeests, and zebras.
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of a young African American man rapping into a microphone. Another young African American man breakdances behind him. Footage of a breakdancer performing for an audience of schoolchildren. Footage of an African American woman telling a story to a class of elementary school students. Most of the students are African American or minority. Marcus Jones reports that the Franklin Park Zoo celebrates Black History Month with programs including singing, dancing, and storytelling. V: Footage of Barbara Levitoff (Franklin Park Zoo spokesperson) saying that the Franklin Park Zoo is a "community zoo"; that the Franklin Park Zoo is using its community resource room for Black History Month programs. Jones reports that the Black Arts Festival at the Franklin Park Zoo celebrates the roots of contemporary African American culture; that the program focuses on the African wildlife at the zoo. V: Shots of the storyteller; a breakdancer spinning on his head; of a zebra. Footage of white woman telling a story to a room of schoolchildren; of white and African American rappers and breakdancers performing for an audience of schoolchildren. Jones reports that the program features folklore, poetry, and rap music; that the rap music has a "pro-achievement and anti-drug" message. Jones says that the programs provide a positive boost for a public resource which is struggling to improve its image and facilities. V: Shots of gnus at the zoo. Footage of Levitoff saying that cities need zoos; that the public likes zoos. Marcus Jones stands on the snowy grounds of the Franklin Park Zoo. Jones reports that renovations at the zoo are scheduled to be completed in 1989; that the zoo will have an African theme. Jones notes that the Black History Month programs are a way for the zoo to strengthen its links with the community; that the zoo is a resource for people of all cultures and backgrounds.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/18/1987
Description: Greek dancers in traditional folk costumes do circle dances in Massachusetts State House rotunda to celebrate Greek independence day. Crowd of spectators. Greek music, and crowd sings Greek songs. Michael Dukakis, Kitty Dukakis, William Bulger, and Paul Tsongas join in. Buzzing sounds over audio at the end of video.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/15/1983
Description: Carmen Fields reports that the US Postal Service will issue a postage stamp bearing James Weldon Johnson's image in honor of Black History Month. Johnson was a poet, lawyer, diplomat, composer, and former director of the NAACP. Johnson is the composer of "Lift Every Voice," which is known as the "black national anthem." The Madison Park High School Choir performing "Lift Every Voice. Interview with professor Samuel Allen of Boston University, who was a student of Johnson's. He talks about Johnson's life and his legacy. Allen reads two of Johnson's poems. Fields report is accompanied by photos of Johnson and a shot of the postage stamp bearing his image.
1:00:07: Visual: Footage of the Madison Park High School Glee Club singing "Lift Every Voice." Carmen Fields reports that "Lift Every Voice" is known as the "black national anthem"; that the words to the song were written by James Weldon Johnson; that Johnson was a poet, diplomat, educator and the first African American lawyer in the state of Florida. V: Shots of a black and white photo of Johnson; of the caption beneath the photo. Fields reports that Johnson fought for anti-lynching laws as the executive director of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People); that Johnson also wrote lyrics for operas with his brother. Fields reports that Samuel Allen (professor, Boston University) was one of Johnson's students at Fisk University in the 1930s. V: Shot of a painting of Johnson. Footage of Allen being interviewed by Fields. Allen says that Johnson was "a Renaissance man." Allen notes that Johnson was an artist, writer, and diplomat. Allen reviews Johnson's accomplishments as US consul in Venezuela and in Nicaragua. Fields reports that Johnson is known for his poetry; that Johnson's poetry reflects the religious fervor in African American culture. V: Shot of a book of poetry held by Allen. Footage of Allen talking about and reading Johnson's poems, "The Creation" and "God's Trombones." Allen says that Johnson tried to immortalize the sermon of an African American preacher. Shot of a black and white photograph of Johnson. Fields reports that critics accused Johnson of hypocrisy for using religious themes in his poetry. V: Footage of Allen saying that Johnson was an agnostic. Shot of an image of Johnson on a US Stamp. Fields reports that "Lift Every Voice" was once seen as an unpatriotic and divisive song; that the song is now sung by school choirs and in churches. Fields notes that the US Postal Service will issue a stamp in honor of Johnson; that the stamp includes musical notation from "Lift Every Voice." V: Footage of the Madison Park High School Glee Club singing "Lift Every Voice." Shot of the US postal stamp featuring Johnson's image. Footage of Allen reading the lyrics of "Lift Every Voice."
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 02/01/1988
Description: Composer John Cage creates a live musical performance event on WGBH radio's “Chamberworks.” "Chamberworks" host Bill Cavness introduces the piece and invites listeners to call in and become part of it. Cage sits in the booth and takes calls. Interview with Cage on the acceptance and understanding of his enigmatic, elusive work. Musicians play as part of the live musical performance. Interview with musicians on playing pieces composed by Cage.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 10/25/1988
Description: Composer John Harbison working with Boston Symphony Orchestra conductor Seiji Ozawa on a piece commissioned by the BSO. Interview Harbison on his composing process and what he wants to listener to get out of his work. Ozawa leads the BSO in rehearsal of Harbison's work. Violinist Joel Smirnoff in back of orchestra.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 03/22/1984
Description: Interview with Boston Pops conductor John Williams in back room at Symphony Hall. He compares the repertoires and missions of the Pops versus the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He speaks about his possible plans for expanding the repertoire of the orchestra, the types of music they might adapt, and the changes it would require. He says he doesn't want to use Pops as a place to showcase his own work. He laughs about kids always asking why he doesn't play Star Wars. He discusses his future involvement with Pops and staying in Boston. They shoot cutaways with no audio. Lydon reasks questions, with audio.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 07/01/1981
Description: Stevie Wonder demonstrates a Kurweil Reading Machine with text-to-speech capability, which enables blind people to read printed text. He uses the machine to help him read instructions for his synthesizer, so he can compose a song. He jokes around with the audience. He sings part of "I Just Called to Say I Love You." A Boston politician presents Wonder with a commemorative award of his visit to Boston. Wonder addresses the crowd and talks about how the Reading Machine is making a more "harmonious world." Several takes of reporter stand up. A man demonstrates a computer with a touchscreen and Deck Talk features.
1:00:00: Visual: An audience from the technology industry is gathered in the ballroom of the Boston Park Plaza Hotel. Stevie Wonder (pop singer) is at the front of the room, preparing to demonstrate the Kurzweil reading machine and DECtalk machine, which allow him to fully operate a synthesizer. Wonder stands before the keyboard. Wonder explains that the computer keyboard interfaces with the synthesizer; that he cannot operate the machine because he cannot see the controls. Wonder pushes a knob and a computerized voice says what the button does. Wonder begins to program the keyboard. Wonder program the keyboard to play like a piano. Wonder programs the synthesizer to lay down a drumbeat. Wonder stops the drumbeat. Wonder plays and records the tune to the song, "I Just Called To Say I Love You." The audience applauds when he finishes. 1:05:57: V: Wonder says that the synthesizer allows him to create the sound of a band. He jokes that he cannot afford a band of his own. Wonder programs the synthesizer to sound like drums. Wonder plays the drum track over the recorded tune to the song, "I Just Called To Say I Love You." Shots of the audience. The audience applauds when he finishes. Wonder programs the synthesizer to play bass and strings. Wonder has to try a few times before successfully programming the machine. Wonder adds a track with strings to the other tracks of the song, "I Just Called To Say I Love You." 1:13:48: V: The audience applauds. Wonder sings along to the recorded tracks of the song, "I Just Called To Say I Love You." He adds a line to the song, singing "What it is, is something true, that technology like this makes it possible for me to do." The audience sings and claps along with Wonder. Wonder sings a line, thanking DEC (Digital Equipment Corporation) and Raymond Kurzweiler (inventor of the reading machine). The audience gives Wonder a standing ovation. Wonder is guided to the podium. 1:17:16: V: Shots of the audience. A speaker presents Wonder with a silver Revere Bowl from Ray Flynn (Mayor of Boston) commemorating his visit to Boston. The audience applauds. 1:18:15: V: Shot of Wonder from the back of the room. Wonder stands at the podium. He talks about how technology makes communication easier. Shots of audience applauding. Meg Vaillancourt stands at the back of the room. Vaillancourt reports on Wonder's demonstration of new technology. 1:20:08: V: Shots of a computer on display at a vendor's table. Vaillancourt interviews the computer vendor. The computer vendor demonstrates the touch-sensitive screen on his computer. A computerized voice identifies which icon has been pushed. The computer vendor explains that the screen can show either text icons or picture icons. The computer vendor talks about the different voice options on the computer. The computer vendor programs the computer voices to repeat stock phrases for the camera.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 04/29/1985
Description: Grand lobby, interior of Music Hall. Ornate chandelier, marble columns, heavenly mural. Gilded architectural details — carved moldings, capitals, medallions, angels. Interview with Harry Lodge, who gives history of Music Hall (formerly Metropolitan Theater), originally designed in 1920s by Clarence Blackhall for Vaudeville and movies. Describes the proposed restoration program to be completed in fall 1980 if lease secured and funds raised. In order to bring the Metropolitan Opera to Boston, the theater needs deeper stage for performing arts, updated communication systems, ventilation systems, and a renovated auditorium (seats 4,300). The theater is used for ballet, concerts, movies. Lodge states that this renovation with revitalize Boston as a major center for the performing arts. Lodge shows a drawing of the proposed plan.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 06/21/1977
Description: North End Italian Band and leader Guy Giarraffa parade through patron saint festival. Interview with Giarraffa on the history of the band, which was previously called the Roma Band. Interviews with North End residents on the band. Photographs of Girraffa from his childhood.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 08/19/1988
Description: Marcus Jones reports that opera singer Paul Spencer Adkins will be performing the lead male role in the Boston Lyric Opera Company's production of Tosca. Adkins is one of the few African American tenors performing in operas. Interview with Adkins, who says that there have been few African American romantic leads in opera; he says that he wants more African Americans to enter classical music. Adkins talks about his admiration for classical singer Roland Hayes, who lived in Brookline. Jones notes that Adkins is working on a documentary about Hayes. Jones' report includes footage of Adkins rehearsing for Tosca and footage of Roland Hayes.
1:00:09: Visual: Footage of Paul Spencer Adkins (opera singer) exiting his dressing room before a performance. Marcus Jones reports that Adkins is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; that Adkins is 38 years old; that Adkins has two children. Jones reports that Adkins is one of only a few African American tenors performing in an art form dominated by whites. V: Shots of the backstage area. Shots of a make-up artist applying make-up to Adkins. Shots of sheet music and wigs lying on top of a chest. Footage of Adkins saying that only a few African American men have achieved international recognition in the opera world. Adkins says that African American men have succeeded as baritones or basses; that there have been few successful African American romantic leads or tenors. Footage of Adkins performing the lead male role in Tosca at the Majestic Theatre. Jones reports that Adkins will perform in the Boston Lyric Opera Company's production of Tosca. Jones notes that Adkins is happy to perform in Boston; that Adkins is an admirer of Roland Hayes (classical singer), who lived in Brookline. V: Black and white footage of Hayes performing. Shots of a black and white photos of Hayes. Audio of Hayes performing a song. Footage of Adkins saying that Hayes was the first African American to have an international career as a classical singer. Adkins notes that Hayes was a tenor; that Hayes was never allowed to perform in an opera because of his race. Shot of a black and white photo of Hayes. Jones reports that Hayes was a trailblazer for African American men as classical singers. Jones notes that Adkins is working on a documentary about the life and time of Hayes; that the documentary is scheduled to air on PBS in February of 1990. V: Shot of Adkins being interviewed by Jones. Footage of Adkins saying that many talented African Americans do not enter classical music. Adkins says that he wants to show people that it is possible for an African American man to be a successful opera singer. Footage of Adkins performing in Tosca. Jones reports that Adkins has been in opera for eleven years; that Adkins is still considered young. V: Footage of Adkins saying that he has been the first African American tenor to perform on many opera stages across the US. Adkins says that he believes that he is making a difference; that he is proud to be African American. Adkins says that music can transcend race. Footage of Adkins performing in Tosca.
Collection: Ten O'Clock News
Date Created: 09/15/1989