VERMONT PUBLIC TELEVISION PROGRAM

HIGHLIGHTS FOR

NOV. 29-DEC. 5

Nov. 29: Sunday at 9:30 a.m., "Daring Kids With Miriam Peskowitz" offers at-home, do-ityourself instruction on old-time crafts and games for little kids and grown-ups.

At 3:30 p.m., "Sinatra at Carnegie Hall" presents highlights of Frank Sinatra's 1980 engagement, with hits like "New York, New York" and "I've Got You Under My Skin."

At 5 p.m., Guido Dieteren leads his Dutch classical/rock crossover orchestra in a spectacular concert called "Guido's Orchestra: Live From the Heart of Europe." Guest artists and the Drielandenpunt Children's Choir join him.

At 7 p.m., "Ed Sullivan's Rock and Roll Classics -- The '60s" presents some of the amazing acts Sullivan introduced to North America on his TV show from 1963 to '68 -- from The Beatles to the Rolling Stones to The Doors.

At 9 p.m., "Great Performances" presents "Andrea Bocelli & David Foster: My Christmas," where Foster's lush arrangements mesh with tenor Bocelli's soaring vocals in a concert of holiday classics. Among the special guests are Natalie Cole, the Muppets and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Nov. 30: Monday at 7:30 p.m. on "Profile," Fran Stoddard talks with Jan Reynolds of Stowe, a renowned adventurer, author and photographer who has skied around Mt. Everest and crossed the Sahara on camel for National Geographic.

At 8 p.m., "Doo Wop 50" gathers stars to celebrate 50 years since the rise of the harmonizing vocal groups of the late 1950s. From the Platters' "Great Pretender" to Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl," the fast-paced special includes such magic moments as the reunion of the Chantels and host Jerry Butler's performance of his first hit recording.

Dec. 1: Tuesday at 8 p.m., "Tim Janis: Celebrate America" features the composer and musician performing at Vermont Public Television with choirs from several area high schools. Accompanied by the Montpelier Youth Orchestra, the singers perform uplifting compositions that celebrate the American spirit. Schools in the program are Essex, Mt. Mansfield Union, Vergennes, Hanover, U-32, Montpelier, Northfield, North Country Union, Middlebury, BFA St. Albans, Missisquoi Valley, The Putney School and Champlain Valley Union.

At 9:30 p.m., Vince Franke's Vermont documentary "Life in Grand Isle County" premieres on VPT. Longtime residents and archival photos recall life in the first half of the past century.

Dec. 2: Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., "Andre Rieu Live in Dresden: Wedding at the Opera" is a concert overflowing with song and dance, as well as "The Wedding March" performed for real newlyweds. It took place in 2008 at the city's beautiful Semper Opera House.

At 9:30 p.m., a favorite folk special returns to VPT. "Peter, Paul and Mary: Carry It On: A Musical Legacy" features classic performances and interviews with the legendary trio.

Dec. 3: Thursday at 7:30 p.m., "Great Performances" encores "Andrea Bocelli & David Foster: My Christmas," where Foster's lush arrangements mesh with Bocelli's soaring vocals in a concert of holiday classics. Among the special guests are Natalie Cole, the Muppets and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

At 9:30 p.m., "Ed Sullivan's Rock and Roll Classics -- The '60s" presents some of the amazing acts Sullivan introduced to North America on his TV show.

Dec. 4: Friday at 10 p.m., "Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame Live" compiles one-of-a-kind performances from induction ceremonies over the last 24 years.

Dec. 5: Saturday at 2 p.m., VPT's newest cooking special, "VPT Cooks: Chocolate!," debuts. Chef Sean Buchanan of Stowe Mountain Lodge hosts Vermont chefs and chocolatiers who demonstrate favorite recipes live in the studio.

At 5:30 p.m., "Celtic Woman: Songs From the Heart" premieres. Ireland's Powerscourt House and Gardens provides the breathtaking backdrop for a program that includes spirited fiddle and bodhran pieces, lush arrangements of Irish classics, contemporary covers and original compositions. The Aontas Choir, the Discovery Gospel Choir, the Extreme Rhythm Drummers and a bagpipe ensemble join Celtic Woman for this event.

From 7:30 to 9:30 p.m., three back-to-back episodes of "As Time Goes By" follow Jean and Lionel to America, as their love story is being made into a miniseries. Dame Judi Dench and Geoffrey Palmer star.

At 9:30 p.m., "Doo Wop 50" gathers stars to celebrate 50 years of the harmonic vocal groups that started in the late 1950s. From the Platters' "Great Pretender" to Gene Chandler's "Duke of Earl," the fast-paced special includes such magic moments as the reunion of the Chantels' after 40 years and host Jerry Butler's performance of his first hit recording.