Plot Synopsis

Award-winning television, film and stage star Anna Deavere Smith hosts this weekly arts series that offers an in-depth look at music, theater, art, architecture and cultural history from some of the world's most unique locations. Each week, PBS ARTS SUMMER FESTIVAL features a different documentary or independent film, including: "Mariachi High," highlighting a year in the life of the champion mariachi ensemble at Zapata High School in South Texas; "Islamic Art: Mirror of the Invisible World," traveling to nine countries and across 1,400 years of cultural history to explore the artistic riches of Islam; "John Lequizamo's Tales from a Ghetto Klown," revealing the real John Leguizamo, one of the industry's most versatile actors; "Homecoming: The Kansas City Symphony Presents Joyce DiDonato," celebrating mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato's return to her hometown to perform with the Kansas City Symphony; "Havana, Havana," documenting expat Cuban musicians who return to Havana for a concert; and "The Barnes Collection," following Dr. Albert Barnes' rise from a working-class neighborhood to the top of the modern art world.