Photo Credit: TPT
The live performance-driven music series STAGE wins the “TV-Local” category prize from the Alliance for Women in Media.
(St. Paul, MN) — March 28, 2024– Twin Cities PBS (TPT) is thrilled to announce that the original, local music show STAGE has won a 2024 Gracie Award in the “TV-Local” category. Given by the Alliance for Women in Media, the annual awards program honors and celebrates a diverse mix of media made by, for and about women.
Filmed in the intimate setting of Minneapolis’ 7th St Entry, just off the main room of the iconic First Avenue, each episode of STAGE features an intimate, exclusive performance in front of a live audience, intertwined with entertaining and sometimes surprising storytelling, giving audiences unique insight into the artists’ lives and music. More than just a filmed concert performance, STAGE gives headliners such as Dessa, Soul Asylum and Chastity Brown a chance to share the spotlight and introduce a new, up-and-coming local act that inspires them. To contribute to a more inclusive and equitable musical landscape, producers actively sought out emerging female talents, providing a stage for voices that might otherwise be overlooked.
Premiering in October 2023, STAGE is anchored by a trio of TPT women filmmakers who led the production with passion and innovation: Producer Kate McDonald, Supervising Producer Amy Melin and Executive Producer Marissa Blahnik.
“By creating content that is by, for and about women, we are contributing to a cultural shift that recognizes and values the immense talent that women bring to the forefront,” says Producer Kate McDonald. “Through STAGE, we are not only telling stories, but actively shaping narratives that empower, inspire and pave the way for a more inclusive future in the music, entertainment and media industries.”
Winning a Gracie Award is truly a celebration of what this cohort of women accomplished throughout the entire STAGE journey. The award will be given at the Gracies Luncheon on June 18 at Cipriani 42nd Street in New York.
About Twin Cities PBS
Twin Cities PBS (TPT)’s mission is to enrich lives and strengthen our community through the power of media. Established more than six decades ago, TPT now operates as a public service media organization that harnesses a range of media tools to serve citizens in new ways — with multiple broadcast channels, online teaching resources, educational outreach and community engagement activities reaching more than 2 million people each month. Over its history, TPT has been recognized for its innovation and creativity with numerous awards, including Peabody awards, and national and regional Emmy® Awards. Find more information at tpt.org.