(RED BANK, NJ) -- NJ PBS, New Jersey’s public television network, announced the production of the new music series Soundcheck, airing its first two episodes on consecutive Tuesdays, June 7 and 14 at 9:30pm on NJ PBS (check local listings). This pilot series, recorded at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank, brings viewers behind–the–scenes with artists and collaborators for a fresh look at music. It is hosted by Jen Eckert, a Jersey native and seasoned series producer whose portfolio includes programs for CNN, Fuse and two current NJ PBS series, Chat Box with David Cruz and Reporters Roundtable.

In the Soundcheck series premiere on June 7, ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro shares songs and career stories, with insight from collaborators Kenny Loggins and Jimmy Buffett. His mix of original compositions and covers include songs from the Beatles and Queen. 

In the second episode on June 14, singer-songwriter Beth Hart brings her raw, blues sound to the stage and iconic guitarist Slash discusses their collaboration. Her performance includes original songs and diverse covers from Led Zeppelin to Etta James.

“What we are trying to do with Soundcheck is give a 360-degree view of artists, going on and beyond the stage, seeing them through the eyes of those with whom they perform,” said Eckert, who also serves as series producer. “It is a unique perspective that amplifies the layers of talent it takes to create music.”

“Soundcheck is a smart and heartful music series,” said Joe Lee, NJ PBS general manager and executive producer of the series. “It digs deep into the experience of making music and offers up firsthand insight from some of the greatest musicians of our time. We hope it will spark passion in our audience and inspire continued support to keep it going.”

Viewers can enjoy more behind the scenes moments from the series on the NJ PBS YouTube channel and on MyNJPBS.org

Soundcheck is a production of iMaggination, Inc. and NJ PBS. Sponsorships for the series are available through Steve Priolo at [email protected].

NJ PBS, New Jersey's public television network, brings quality arts, education, and public affairs programming to all 21 counties in the state. Headquartered at the Agnes Varis NJ PBS Studio in Newark, the network offers diverse local programs including American Songbook at NJPAC, Chat Box with David Cruz, NJ Business Beat with Rhonda Schaffler, Here's the Story, Drive By History, One-on-One with Steve Adubato, State of the Arts and Treasures of New Jersey and PBS favorites such as Nature, NOVA, Amanpour and Company and Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood. Its award-winning news division, NJ Spotlight News, provides multiplatform reporting from across the Garden State on its weeknight newscast, NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi, and digitally via NJSpotlightNews.org, plus live news specials, community engagement events and daily newsletters. It recently launched its first podcast, Hazard NJ, investigating the effect of climate change on NJ Superfund sites. The MyNJPBS.org network website offers streaming programs and free digital resources for educators via PBS LearningMedia New Jersey. NJ PBS is operated under an agreement with the state of New Jersey by Public Media NJ, Inc. (PMNJ), a non-profit affiliate of The WNET Group, the parent company of award-winning New York public television stations THIRTEEN and WLIW21.