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.

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.

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.”

Explore the fascinating story of a historic Bloomington theater and the secret to its longevity in The Indiana Theatre at 100. The Indiana Theatre opened to great applause on December 11, 1922. A crowd of 1,300—nearly ten percent of Bloomington’s population at the time—turned out on a cold Monday night to celebrate the theater’s opening. This documentary reveals how the theater continues to thrive.

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.

Travel along the Wabash river and discover the inspiring stories of the people who lived along side it—from Tecumseh’s attempt to form a pan-Indian coalition to the experimental societies of New Harmony, and many destinations in between. Along the Wabash combines historical first-hand accounts, poetry, music and narration with fictionalized scenes and archival visuals.

Theodore Clement “T.C.” Steele was one of the most celebrated American Impressionist painters of his time. Singing Winds: The Life and Works of T.C. Steele — a new documentary that looks at the life and works of the great Hoosier Impressionist – from his hardscrabble youth, to his journey through some of the major art centers of Europe, to his return to his native

With nearly 6,000 miles of hiking, pedestrian, and biking trails within its borders, Indiana boasts a wide range of recreational trails. The Hoosier Way: Trails of Indiana takes viewers on a tour of some of Indiana’s finest outdoor nature trails, hikes, rails-to-trails conversion projects, and urban trails systems, revealing the beauty and wonder of our natural habitats.

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.

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.

Actual World, Possible Future explores the lives and work of Elinor and Vincent Ostrom, who sought to address the enormous problems that plague human societies: climate change, endangered species, ocean pollution, deforestation.

Recorded before a live audience in the WTIU studio, the concert features the IU Jacobs School of Music Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Associate Professor Brent Wallarab, and a performance by the celebrated jazz trio of guitarist Dave Stryker, organist Bobby Floyd, and drummer Sean Dobbins. Discover the genius of Wes Montgomery through his music and interviews with the concert performers.

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.

WTIU's Spirit of Brown County explores the art, history, and culture that developed out of the rugged and beautiful landscape of Brown County, Indiana! It is a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful vistas and colorful autumn foliage. The site of an arts movement started by painter T.C. Steele, Brown County is now home to many artists, musicians and scholars.

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.

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.

Indiana University Jacobs School of Music student jazz ensemble plays an original composition that pays tribute to the Jazz Age titans whose legendary early recordings were produced at a little studio called Gennett Records. The performance program The Gennett Suite features music inspired by artists including Louis Armstrong, King Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band, Bix Beiderbecke and Jelly Roll Morton.

Travel the skies to see the Hoosier state in a whole new way. Utilizing aerial cinematography exclusively, Journey Indiana: From Above breathes new life into well-known areas of the state and showcases some of Indiana’s hidden gems.

WTIU’s Hoosier Hospitality: Craft Beer is an hour-long travelogue and informative television documentary that takes you on an arm-chair journey into the world of craft beer and micro-brewing in Indiana. Meet unique individuals and hear their stories about craft beer and the art of brewing. We’ll take you to unique micro-breweries, clubs, festivals and gatherings of craft beer enthusiasts.

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.