“This year’s show really focuses on the aspect of ‘creating’ and how it impacts various art forms, collaboration and our communities. That’s what I’m excited to share, a wide variety of artists from potters to poets, dancers to musicians showcasing their talents that have been nurtured through the support of local arts.”
– WRAL-TV Local Production Manager Don Ursich
Behind-the-scenes on the creating of the 2022 Big Night In for the Arts: The WRAL-TV Local Production team captures tap dancer Jabu Graybeal’s performance for the broadcast.
Tonight is the night! WRAL-TV is bringing back Big Night In for the Arts to support local arts organizations on Thursday, March 10, 2022, at 7pm.
“Celebrating and supporting the arts. That’s the goal for this Thursday’s Big Night In For The Arts show presented by WRAL and four area arts councils from Orange, Chatham Durham and Wake Counties,” said WRAL-TV Local Production Manager Don Ursich. “The event is back for a second year after an overwhelming response to last year’s event.”
The event was not only popular with the public last year, but among WRAL-TV staff who participated in creating it.
“I actually requested last fall to work on Big Night In, if we were able to air it again this year,” said WRAL-TV Local Production Producer Steve Elizondo. “Our approach this time was to shoot as much as we could ourselves, in hopes that the show would be better, and raise more money for the arts councils in our viewing area.”
“Working on this project was such an affirming experience. I felt very privileged to spend time with so many different talented people all over our viewing area.”
– WRAL-TV Local Production Producer Steve Elizondo
Elizondo worked as part of the WRAL team filming and editing for the program.
Behind-the-scenes on the creating of the 2022 Big Night In for the Arts: Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon works to record her performance.
“Don Ursich, Scott Reid, Randy Mews and I were able to work with jazz great Nnenna Freelon and tap dancer Jabu Graybeal to record their performances,” he explained. “Nnenna is super cool and such a professional, while Jabu is as over-the-top talented as he is humble.”
The team enjoyed being part of capturing making the magic happen.
“Watching Nnenna Freelon and her band perform really struck a chord with me,” said WRAL-TV Local Production Producer Scott Reid. “She was great…as are all of the performances…so sit back and enjoy Thursday night…and if you feel motivated-please donate!”
Ursich is excited for viewers to see the performances for themselves.
“One performance to watch for is tap dancer and musician Jabu Graybeal. Unbelievable talent,” he said. “Plus Ben Folds from Australia, Hiss Golden Messenger, and Grammy-nominated artist Nnenna Freelon. A fabulous lineup for sure! Every one of the performers/artists bring their own star quality to the program. It will be exciting to watch!”
Celebrating the arts and how they uplift and enrich our community is key to Big Night In for the Arts.
“During this time of COVID-19 we all need outlets to provide a sense of happiness and optimism…now more than ever,” said Reid. “That’s where the arts come in.”
“The arts provide healing, a sense of possibility…a morale booster and a reminder that things CAN return to normal.”
– WRAL-TV Local Production Producer Scott Reid
Helping put together the program was a joy for the WRAL crew.
Behind-the-scenes on the creating of the 2022 Big Night In for the Arts: Musician Ben Folds tapes a promo video for the event.
“Big Night in for the Arts 2022 has been a very special experience,” said Elizondo. “A real treat for someone who loves photography!”
Watch Big Night In for the Arts live wherever you watch WRAL on March 10 at 7pm.
“This program really shows you how important the arts are to our community, and you should consider giving,” said Ursich. “Without your support none of it would be possible.”
To find out how you can donate, visit bignightin.org
Find out more:
Thanks to WRAL-TV’s Don Ursich for these Capcom photos.
Behind-the-scenes on the creating of the 2022 Big Night In for the Arts: Dancers share their talents for the production.
