WTIU

Discover the story of a legendary jazz guitarist and composer from Indiana. Wes Montgomery was born in Indianapolis on March 6, 1923, and rose from humble beginnings to become one of the greatest jazz guitarists of all time. This first full-length documentary of Wes Montgomery is told through the eyes of his youngest child, Robert Montgomery.

Clessie Cummins: Hoosier Inventor details the life of a Hoosier farm boy with a knack for innovation. The father of the American diesel truck engine, Cummins combined elbow grease, a keen mind, and rural pragmatism to co-found what became Cummins, Inc., a Fortune 500 international diesel and alternative fuel engines company headquartered in Columbus, Indiana.

During the early 20th century, one tiny recording studio in Richmond, Indiana, had a big impact on the soundtrack of the Jazz Age. The Music Makers of Gennett Records tells the unlikely story of the Gennett Recording Studios, where many of the greatest artists in American jazz, blues, country, and gospel music first recorded.

Brown County, Indiana has been an artistic refuge since the early 1900s. That early artist colony included T.C. Steele, Adolph and Ada Walter Shulz, Will Vawter and Gustave Baumann. BROWN COUNTY ARTISTS documents the legacy of these early artists and then visits the studios of current Brown County artists: Fred Rigley, Larry Spears, Charlene Marsh, William Root and William Zimmerman.

Striking aerial drone footage and time-lapse techniques that were not available just a few years ago provide a look at Indiana as it has never been seen before. From hidden waterfalls and glacially carved gorges, through the canopy of an ancient forest, to one of the largest prairie restoration projects in the country, Indiana is still a wild place.

He earned nicknames that often equated to the most powerful forces in heaven and earth: The Cyclone. The Whirlwind. The Comet. He earned the respect of civil rights pioneer Booker T. Washington. And he shook the hand of President Theodore Roosevelt, who sought out the great champion to congratulate him. Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor was the world’s first Black sports superstar. Reporters simply called him “The Fastest Man in the World.”

Nestled in the rolling hills of southern Indiana, Greene County brings together the Hoosier state’s natural beauty, small-town hospitality, and beloved traditions in a way few places can. Explore the heart of this vibrant, tightly-knit community in The Spirit of Greene County. Discover the wealth of outdoor activities available in the county at Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area, Greene-Sullivan State Forest, Redbird State Recreation Area, and Shakamak State Park. Take a journey through the Sculpture Trail Outdoor Museum—one of America’s largest—and meet the artists who reside there. Meet the new generation of farmers, food growers, and craft brewers that champion the region’s locally-grown produce.

Bloomington: Remember When examines the city of Bloomington, Indiana - and its array of people, places, and interesting features – and the countless changes it has endured through the decades. Through interviews, archival photos, and videography, the program features places, locations, and customs of note in Bloomington that have survived, as well as those of a bygone era.

Stepping is a dance form that can be found across the country at virtually every college with a substantial African American enrollment. Stepping is performed informally during parties as well as more formally during organized step shows. This film explores this tradition, its historical roots as well as its contemporary forms, styles and uses, to understand how students construct various levels of identity through this dance form…African American identity, fraternity or sorority identity, gendered identity and personal identity. The film goes behind the scenes with the Alpha Phi Alphas as they prepare for a step show that is only a few hours away. Cutting between this show and interviews with current and past steppers as well as footage from previous shows, the film provides a broad picture of this vibrant and dynamic dance form.

Hoosier Brew is about capturing the heart and soul of Indiana's craft beer industry. Over the past 15 years, Hoosier beer has become some of the most respected and admired beer in the world. Our goal with Hoosier Brew was to explore the culture, community, and industry that has grown over the last 25 years, and find out what makes Hoosier beer unique.

Explore the rich traditions, historical significance, and meaning of Black church music in a new concert film, Amen! Music of the Black Church. Recorded before a live audience at the Second Baptist Church in Bloomington, Indiana, Dr. Raymond Wise leads the Indiana University African American Choral Ensemble in a performance of African traditional music to contemporary praise and worship music.

An imaginative retelling of the classic ballet, featuring a full orchestral performance and stunning choreography. A colorful blend of live theater with cinematic artistry. Breathtaking scenic design combines with elaborate costumes and elegant dance. Captured live at the Musical Arts Center at Indiana University, this presentation creates a new holiday tradition for audiences of all ages.

This documentary explores the affection Americans have for covered bridges, and includes a look at preservation efforts, history, construction, tourism and why covered bridges are important. The program contains interviews with preservationists, engineers, builders, restoration experts, tourists, historians and covered bridge aficionados.

Discover the diverse history of distilling across Indiana and its rebirth as a thriving business. Hoosier Spirits: Distilling in Indiana explores an industry that was burgeoning two centuries ago but has only recently started to make a comeback. The film features the inimitable voices and music of Reverend and Breezy Peyton, as well as interviews with historians, legislators, and distillers.

In 1824, a small band of Native Americans were killed by several white Americans near Pendleton, Indiana. Most of these men were subsequently brought to trial for the murders. The resulting legal actions, which rose to the level of the Indiana Supreme Court, led to the conviction and execution of the main defendants.

Southern Indiana is home to some of nature’s most amazing treasures – over 4,000 caves, stretching for hundreds of miles beneath the surface of the Hoosier state. From show caves to state parks, Journey Indiana: Underground transports viewers to a world that few will experience in person.

Explore the history, stories, and secrets behind one of the most iconic venues at Indiana University. Assembly Hall: Pride of Indiana reveals the compromises and behind-the scenes politics that resulted in the design of “the Carnegie Hall of college basketball.”

Horsepower: Indiana’s Equine Industry reveals Indiana’s rich history with horses and horse racing. A stalwart in Indiana, Standardbred racing dates back to the mid-1800s, with events occurring at many county fairs across the state. In exploring this tradition, the program looks into the Hoosier experiences which have produced some of the most famous and celebrated horses in history.

During his lifetime (1849–1916), James Whitcomb Riley was one of the most popular poets in America. Now more than 100 years after his death, Riley remains one of the most famous literary figures from Indiana. James Whitcomb Riley: Hoosier Poet explores his lasting legacy and the personal and professional challenges and successes he experienced as he became a beloved literary icon.

Set in southwestern Indiana, Goose Pond: The Story Of A Wetland & Its Neighbors chronicles the struggle that resulted in the largest and one of the most successful wetland restorations of its kind in US history, the 8,000-acre Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area.