Looking ahead

WKAR will honor a local arts advocate and provide a look at its future programming during its third annual Fall Preview on Aug. 24. 

“It’s become kind of a tradition here to introduce the community to what’s happening here at WKAR,” said WKAR communications director Jeanie Croope. 

The evening includes a sneak peek at new programs lined up for WKAR-TV and radio, including documentarian Ken Burns’ “Prohibition” (premiering in October), the PBS Fall Arts Festival, the new series “America in Primetime” and the documentary “The War of 1812,” among others. 

WKAR will also recognize director, actor and administrator Ken Beachler, a longtime figure in the community arts scene. A Michigan State University graduate famous for his versatile voice, Beachler trained privately in Chicago for a career in musical theater, and went on to serve as director of MSU’s lecture/concert series.

Beachler is directing the Lansing Civic Players’ production of “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolff?” later this year and will direct Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Follies” at Riverwalk Theatre next spring.

 He also has a history in TV. “Beginning in 1971, I started hosting television programs,” he said in a phone interview last week. “It’s nice of (WKAR) to thank me, but it’s not deserved: I was just part of the team. But they said it had do with other stuff I had been doing for 50 years.”

Croope said Beachler’s connection to the art community and WKAR is the reason for his recognition. 

“He was the founding director of Wharton Center and WKAR-FM’s first fine arts programing director. So it’s kind of a nice way we can salute someone who is so connected to our arts in the community in so many efforts and also to WKAR,” Croope said.

The preview is open to the public, but reservations are required, due to limited space. Reservations can be made online at wkar.org/fallpreview.

WKAR Fall Preview
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24
WKAR Studio A, Michigan State University
Free, but reservations are required.RSVP by calling Becky Scheel at (517) 432-3120, ext. 354, or e-mailing reservations@wkar.org