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Preview Iconoclasts 3 Episode with Wynton and John Besh

On Thursday, November 22, at 10pm ET/PT, the Sundance Channel will broadcast its Season 3 Iconoclasts episode with Wynton Marsalis and John Besh. Following you can take a look to a video preview, and read an article about John and Wynton. This episode has been directed by Bruce Sinofsky.

Other broadcast will be on:
Saturday November 24 at 2PM
Sunday November 25 at 11AM
Monday November 26 at 11PM
Wednesday November 28 at Midnight
Thursday November 29 at 9PM
Sunday December 2 at 7PM

More clips and photos are available from the Sundance Channel web site.

Check out an article published on the Superchefblog, that describes this episode. Enjoy it:

It should come as no surprise that the Sundance Channel will broadcast its Season 3 Iconoclasts episode with Wynton Marsalis and John Besh on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 22, at 10:00 P.M. ET/PT.
That is not just because John is an accomplished chef, and Thanksgiving is all about food. It is also because both artists focus on giving and receiving in terms of both theirs Arts and their communities. Both are native sons of New Orleans and have known each other for some time.

The program follows John to New York City, where he joins Wynton behind the scenes at Jazz at Lincoln Center, where Wynton is Artistic Director. Wynton is conducting a composition called “Congo Square,” after a historic section in New Orleans. During rehearsal, discordant music blares, reminiscent of kitchen chaos. John remarks, “I wish I could say I was the Wynton Marsalis of food”: through the course of the show, it becomes clear that Wynton considers John his equal.

In New Orleans, Wynton joins John to discuss issues facing the city after Hurricane Katrina. Each have tried to help the city. They visit Congo Square as they wander the streets, examining the collaborative nature of their art and their deep connections to the “Big Easy.” John joins Wynton at the Montreal Jazz Festival for a performance of the “Congo Square.” The earlier warm-up has led to an amazing performance, much as food prep leads to presentation.

Wynton goes with John to eat his food and to the restaurants John has helped rebuild. They watch fried chicken in preparation at Willie Mae’s Scotch House. John talks about his newest restaurant, La Provence, which he bought from his mentor Constantin “Chris” Kerageorgiou. Attached to the restaurant is a small farm where John practices sustainable farming techniques to raise pigs, chickens, and vegetables. Sustainability took on new meaning for him after witnessing the hurricanes of 2005, unprotected by the former marshes around the city.

The two artists discuss their mentors and large families, segregation and poverty, and the need to continue to learn. Both lament the fact that New Orleans is not producing the talent that it once did. They fret over the need for youth’s connection to culture, food, and music.

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Comments

  1. This is an excellent series and this episode was no exception. The behind the scenes rehearsal and performance clips of Congo Square were great. The passion that both Wynton and John share for their respective professions was greatly showcased here. The ideals these two men share are great examples of what immersion in the arts can do to further enrich the culture of this country. The reaction of both Wynton and John while surveying the neighborhood was heartrending. One can only hope the work these two men have done and continue to do to revitalize the city they love will not be in vain. I want the recipe for that fried chicken. Bravo to Sundance for bringing these two iconoclasts together.

    Sonalii on Nov 29th, 2007 at 9:00pm

  2. This show is extremely well done. I am glad to see
    Congo Square get so much exposure. The trumpet solo
    that we see Wynton play at rehearsal is during the song Tsotsobi, this is only place we can see this. He gave that solo away to another player for the tour, so we never saw it on the stage. As for the Montreal show, that was a fine night. Wynton, you sure can dance.

    Karen on Nov 26th, 2007 at 3:29am

  3. can’t wait to see the sundance channel Neil !

    Colin Mark on Nov 22nd, 2007 at 5:41am

  4. Just revamped my cable tv package so that I now have the sundance channel. Looking forward to seeing my man Wynton on there Thanksgiving night! Neil King in WV

    Neil King on Nov 21st, 2007 at 5:39pm

  5. Anyone going to record it and stick it on youtube? I dont get this channel either and I would love to watch this episode…

    Neil on Nov 18th, 2007 at 6:55pm

  6. This looks to be a very entertaining series. I wish I had the Sundance channel!

    CJD on Nov 16th, 2007 at 11:07am

  7. John Besh just missed being “The Next Iron Chef,” but Wynton says it’s not a big deal.

    “You win and lose,” Marsalis said. “You’ve got to lose with grace and dignity like you win. It’s the competition that’s fun.

    Jason P. on Nov 16th, 2007 at 5:16am

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