PBS BRINGS OUT THE BIG GUNS

If it's December, then it's another PBS pledge drive. And that means some really good programs scheduled for prime time in order to attract the pledges. Tampa/St. Petersburg is truly blessed to have two good public television stations, WEDU-TV 3 and WUSF-TV 16.

Earlier in the week, there was a wonderful concert featuring Josh Groban, who at only 22 (I believe) just continues to get better while combining classical/operatic works with more contemporary music. It's remarkable that he only started persuing music seriously in high school.

And then last night, they bring out British songstress Sarah Brightman with her "Harem" show, recorded at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel. I have to admit that I was simply blown away at the performance. Ms. Brightman can be Miss Innocent one minute, then become an incredible seductress the very next. And her voice is one of the most beautiful anywhere....and she ain't too bad to look at, either!

That's one of the great things about public television: It is able to present such wonderful performances that it's commercial brethern are either unable or unwilling to...even with all the various cable channels available. And, of course, one has to remember that there are tens of thousands of people unable to afford cable or satellite hookups.