The Sundance Channel is set to launch the second season of its critically acclaimed original series "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at 10:00pm. The episode will feature performances and intimate conversations with U2’s Bono and The Edge.
Host Costello and his guests, who range from legendary performers to promising new artists, have in-depth conversations and collaborate musically before viewers eyes, a rare televised opportunity in the music world. The series, executive produced by Sir Elton John, also includes impromptu ‘illustrative’ moments to full band (and even multi-band) orchestrated productions. Among the confirmed guests for the seven-part season are: Bono, The Edge, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Lyle Lovett, John Prine, Ron Sexsmith, Neko Case, Jesse Winchester, Ray LaMontagne, Nick Lowe, Levon Helm, Richard Thompson and Allen Toussaint.
"We’re thrilled to launch a second season of ‘Spectacle’ on Sundance Channel," said Sundance Channel EVP and GM, Sarah Barnett. "The series offers viewers unusually close access to artists through its mix of candid conversations and exciting musical performances. This season’s A-list line-up is a testament to the tremendous respect that artists feel for Elvis Costello as a musician and entertainer."
"I am delighted that we can continue where we left off—making intelligent, and informative music programming," said Sir Elton John.
The program’s emphasis on variety and depth is a perfect fit for Costello, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Grammy and Ivor Novello Award-winning (and Oscar-nominated) songwriter and performer, and lastly a musicologist of formidable wisdom. Fans will remember his stint as guest host on "The Late Show with David Letterman" won rave reviews.
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." is taped in front of a live audience at Harlem’s world famous Apollo Theater in New York City and The Masonic Temple in Toronto, Canada. The series will also air on CTV in Canada.
The schedule for Season Two of "Spectacle: Elvis Costello with ..." is as follows:
+ December 9th at 10:00pm--
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Bono and The Edge"
+ December 16th at 10:00pm--
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Sheryl Crow, Neko Case, Ron Sexsmith and Jesse Winchester"
+ December 23rd at 10:00pm--
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Levon Helm, Nick Lowe, Richard Thompson and Allen Toussaint"
+ December 30th 6:00 - 10:00pm--
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with..." marathon
+ January 6th at 10:00pm--
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Elvis Costello"
+ January 13th at 10:00pm--
"Elvis Costello with Lyle Lovett, Ray LaMontagne, and John Prine"
+ January 20th at 10:00pm--
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Bruce Springsteen part 1"
+ January 27th at 10:00pm--
"Spectacle: Elvis Costello with Bruce Springsteen part 2"
