“Freedom and independence are tangible concepts to me, and the opportunities we enjoy in a free society resonate deeply, given my firsthand experience living in a place where these things are absent," says Lidia. “I am eternally grateful to my adopted homeland of America and feel so fortunate to live in a place where we can enjoy a vibrant, richly diverse, multicultural society--something I want to communicate to viewers with this entire series as things to celebrate and cherish.”
— Lidia Bastianich
Renowned chef, culinary author and TV personality Lidia Bastianich sets out on a compelling new adventure, traveling across the country with celebrity guests to celebrate diversity and explore moving tales of hard-won freedom as host of a new prime time special set to air in time for summer fireworks. Joining her on her journey are actress Anna Deavere Smith, opera singer Renee Fleming, chef Jacques Pepin, singer/songwriter Martha Wainwright and actor/comedian Alec Mapa. Lidia also recounts her own family's powerful story of fleeing life behind the Iron Curtain to come to the USA after World War II.
Lidia Celebrates America: Freedom and Independence, premieres on Monday, June 28, 2013 at 10pm ET/PT on PBS (check local listings).
Learn more about Lidia's travels:
- Celebrating July 4 in Monticello
- Celebrating Bastille Day with Jacques Pepin
- Celebrating Juneteenth in Galveston, Texas
- Celebrating Filipino Independence
Previous Specials
Lidia Celebrates America: Holiday Tables and Traditions
The first Lidia Celebrates America special, this program explores the American immigrant experience through the revelry of the holidays.
Lidia Celebrates America: Weddings: Something Borrowed, Something New
Lidia cordially invites viewers to be her “plus one” on a cross-country matrimonial odyssey in her new PBS prime-time special,
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