by
Laurence Washington

If you have a jonze for jazz, Starz InBlack during Black Music Month is offering an all-star musical fix by kicking off a weekend series of double-feature Saturday night African-American music films beginning June 2, with the premiere of "Herbie Hancocks intimate documentary "Possibilities." The film follows Hancock during the making of his upcoming star-studded CD "Possibilities" featuring collaborations with Sting, Carlos Santana, Christina Aguilera and other artists. "The Roots Present," an exciting film showcasing performances by some of todays hottest hip-hop artists, follows Hancocks documentary.
The month-long tribute to African-American musicians, which closes June 30 with "Wyclef Jeans All Star Jam at Carnegie Hall," is hosted by Marcus Woodswelch, the winner of the Starz Original micro-series "Looking for Stars," from the New Orleans Jazz Festival.
"To commemorate Black Music Month, we have created a month-long tribute, recognizing the rich history of African-American musicians with a double feature every Saturday night," said Jonathan Shair, vice president of planning and scheduling, Starz Entertainment. "The featured films include a look at celebrated musicians from the jazz, hip hop and blues genres."
During June Starz InBlack has also scheduled, "Tupac: Live at the House of Blues," "Snoop Doggs Puff Puff Pass Tour," and "New Orleans Music in Exile" a Starz InBlack original.
If You Tune In:
Saturday, June 2
*8 p.m. The Roots Present Concert showcase includes performances from some of the most exciting, hottest hip-hop acts at work today, including Young Gunz, Mobb Deep, Jean Grae, Martin Luther, Skillz and The Roots.
*9:30 p.m. Herbie Hancock: Possibilities An intimate documentary about Jazz pianist Herbie Hancock and his in-studio collaborations with a dozen formidable pop recording artists, collaborations that explore the unexpected like jazz improvisations. Features interviews with artists including Christina Aguilera, Annie Lenox, Carlos Santana, Sting, Paul Simon, and more.
Saturday, June 9
*8 p.m. A Night of Ferocious Joy Captures a concert produced by the Artists Network of Refuse & Resist at the historic Palace Theater in Hollywood the first act of defiance against Americas "War on Terrorism." Featured artists include Saul Williams, Blackalicious, Ozomatli, Dilated Peoples and Mystic.
*9:10 p.m. Diplomats: The Book of Hip Hop: Chapter One This documentary, hosted by Doug E. Fresh, was shot at a concert in Harlem. The special features the performances of many hip hop artists including Camron, Juelz Santana and Jim Jones of the Harlem Diplomats, plus interview segments with Damon Dash, DJ Clue and Tony Touch.
Saturday, June 16
8 p.m. Tupac Live at the House of Blues Hip hop legend Tupac Shakurs final live performance on July 4, 1996.
9:35 p.m. Snoop Doggs Puff Puff Pass Tour Documentary following Snoop Dogg on his tour through 29 cities.
Saturday, June 23
8 p.m. Make it Funky!
It All Began in New Orleans Salute to the music of New Orleans features musicians including The Neville Brothers, Bonnie Raitt, Alan Toussaint, Keith Richards and Walter "Wolfman" Washington.
9:50 p.m. New Orleans Music in Exile A Starz InBlack Original documentary following the plight of displaced musicians, forced to flee from their home city as a result of the deadly assault by Hurricane Katrina.
Saturday, June 30
8 p.m. Wyclef Jeans All Star Jam at Carnegie Hall Multi-platinum award-winning superstar Wyclef Jean welcomes an all-star gathering to legendary Carnegie Hall in New York City for the first annual "Clefs Kids" concert. Features performances by Jean, Stevie Wonder, Macy Gray and Mary J. Blige.
9:05 p.m. Herbie Hancock: Possibilities
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