Veronica's Picks: Top 10 Music Specials Now Streaming on IdahoPTV Passport

Greg Likins

• Published on January 5, 2023 • Last modified on October 19, 2023 • Comments

Streaming expert/wizard/guru Veronica Cast knows a few things about IdahoPTV Passport. If you've ever contacted our station needing assistance creating or accessing your IdahoPTV Passport account, you've likely spoken to our in-house Passport IT Support Technician, Veronica! As her days are filled with all things Passport-related, we thought she might share what's currently on her streaming list. Here are her picks and descriptions of her Top 10 music specials:

1. When Patsy Cline Was Crazy

An acclaimed documentary about an American music icon. From humble roots, she grew into that rare and mythical artist — a self-taught singer with a distinctive, precise, disciplined voice and a unique depth of emotional expression.

"One of my daddy’s favorites… Who isn’t crazy for that beautiful voice? This story of Patsy Cline will inspire all!" - Veronica

2. American Masters: LENNONYC

Following the breakup of the Beatles, John Lennon and Yoko Ono moved to New York City in 1971, where Lennon sought to escape the mayhem of the Beatles era and focus on his family and private life. American Masters' LENNONYC takes an intimate look at the time Lennon, Yoko Ono and their son, Sean, spent living in New York City during the 1970s.

"A masterful, gritty look at what American life was like for John, Yoko and their son. Living life 'away from it all' was full of ups and downs for the family." - Veronica

3. Kenny Rogers Farewell Concert: All in for the Gambler

This concert brought together fans, friends and music icons to celebrate Kenny Rogers’ final farewell to Nashville. The program features performances by Dolly Parton, Chris Stapleton, Idina Menzel, Lady A, Lionel Richie, Reba McEntire, and Kenny Rogers along with many other special guests. Songs include "The Gambler," "Lucille," "Islands in the Stream," "Lady" and "We Got Tonight."

"The songs of Kenny Rogers sung by artists that have loved Kenny and learned when to hold 'em, when to fold 'em and when to walk away." - Veronica

4. The Earthshot Prize 2022

Celebrate the annual ceremony of Prince William's prestigious environmental award: The Earthshot Prize. The star-studded event honors this year's five winners and their innovative solutions to help repair our planet.

"A feel-good, musically driven look into what it takes to try to solve the world’s environmental concerns." - Veronica

5. Béla Fleck: My Bluegrass Heart

Join the banjo virtuoso and an all-star lineup of the most acclaimed artists in bluegrass for a concert recorded live at the Ryman Auditorium. Performing from his Grammy-winning album, this extraordinary moment in music brings together legendary instrumentalists in bluegrass, alongside some of the best of the new generation of players.

"Enjoy this bluegrass virtuoso in a performance full of banjos, fiddles and more! The beauty of my favorite string instruments in wonderful harmony." - Veronica

6. The Devil's Instrument

Religious leaders in the 19th century called the fiddle “The Devil's Instrument,” since it was often played at weddings, dances and gatherings where food, drink and merriment ensued. It continues to play a role in Norwegian culture today. Discover the woodworkers who carry on the fiddle-making tradition, the passionate musicians who play the instrument, and the dancers who spin to its tunes.

"See the beauty in the making, playing and wonderment of 'The Devil’s Instrument,' aka the fiddle." - Veronica

7. American Anthems

This six-part series celebrates the inspiring efforts of individuals facing extraordinary circumstances with surprise songs written and performed by music's biggest stars. Each episode follows a different featured artist, including Grammy Award-winning country artist Jennifer Nettles, as they turn a local hero’s transformative story into a powerful and deeply personal anthem.

"This inspirational six-part series will give you a warm fuzzy feeling, and you might even shed a few tears. Jennifer Nettles tells heroes stories through her original songs." - Veronica

8. Dear Jerry: Celebrating the Music of Jerry Garcia

This concert event, filmed at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Maryland, in 2015, honors one of the most influential musicians of our time and features performances by Phil Lesh & Communion, Bob Weir, Mickey Hart, Bill Kreutzmann with Billy & the Kids, Jimmy Cliff, Peter Frampton, Los Lobos, and others. Songs include "Uncle John's Band," "Fire on the Mountain," "Touch of Grey," and "Ripple."

"No need to be a 'Dead Head' to enjoy this music-filled tale of the brilliance of Jerry Garcia, and of course there is no need for five fingers when four will do!" - Veronica

9. Icon: Music Through the Lens

Featuring in-depth and often irreverent interviews with the world’s best-known music photographers, musicians, gallerists, music journalists and social commentators, Icon: Music Through the Lens is an eye-opening, six-part, thrill ride through the amazing world of music photography.

"Music in picture: a unique view from behind the lens and lives of those who photograph the influencers we love." - Veronica

10. Dolly Parton & Friends: 50 Years at the Opry

A celebration of the country music legend’s 50 years as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, this special captures Dolly Parton delivering some of her biggest hits on one of the most iconic stages in the world. Featuring new interviews with Parton and guest appearances by some of her superstar friends, including Dierks Bentley, Emmylou Harris, Chris Janson, Toby Keith, Margo Price and Hank Williams, Jr.

"Celebrating 50 years of Dolly Parton at the Grand Ole Opry - Dolly style! Filled with friends, legends and lots of grinnin’, singin’ and front porch pickin’ — you can’t get much more down home than that!" - Veronica

IdahoPTV Passport is a member benefit that provides IdahoPTV donors extended on-demand access to a rich library of quality public television programs on your television with a number of streaming video devices as well as on your computer, tablet, and smartphone.

To learn more or sign up for Passport, visit idahoptv.org/passport.