Charlotte Area News Local Section

Opera Carolina joins the ranks of world-class opera companies with the national broadcast of its 2008 production of Faust on NPR World of Opera from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Sat., Sept. 11. Charlotte area listeners will be able to hear the broadcast on WDAV Classical Public Radio (89.9FM) or online at wdav.org.

As the only classical performing arts organization in the southeast to be featured on the acclaimed nationally syndicated program NPR World of Opera, Opera Carolina takes its place among the most prestigious international opera houses, including La Scala, Vienna State Opera, and Covent Garden. Other U.S. opera companies, which have been featured on the program, include Washington National Opera and Houston Grand Opera.

Opera Carolina’s stellar reputation extends far beyond its Charlotte roots. The company is highly regarded among the national arts community for world-class productions, earning Opera Carolina continued attention from NPR World of Opera. The most recent broadcast was Opera Carolina’s 2006 production of Margaret Garner by Nobel laureate Toni Morrison and composer Richard Danielpour, which will be re-broadcast in November.

NPR World of Opera is produced by WDAV Classical Public Radio. The national broadcast of this production of Opera Carolina’s Faust is sponsored by the Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation.

About Faust – The Production and Cast
This lush drama by Gounod is surely the most popular musical representation of the immortal story of Faust, who confronts the hellish consequences of his own weakness when the devil makes him an offer he can’t refuse — but probably should have.
The cast includes Metropolitan Opera soprano Maureen O’Flynn (Marguerite); Metropolitan Opera tenor James Valenti (Faust); The Paris Opera’s Chester Patton (Mephistopheles); plus American artists Corey McKern (Valentin) and Diane McEwen-Martin (Siébel); and Charlotteans Jeremy Collier ( Wagner); Kim Blanchard (Marthe), the Opera Carolina Chorus and the Charlotte Symphony are under the direction of James Meena, conductor.
Peter Perrett, Classic Voice of North Carolina, noted, “Tenor James Valenti was an elegant and seductive Faust, with a lovely voice and a great tessitura, handling with ease the high C and the end of the beautiful aira. Maureen O’Flynn, making her Opera Carolina debut as the “chaste and pure” Marguerite, looked and acted the part and sounded angelic.”
About Opera Carolina
Founded in 1948 as the Charlotte Opera Association by a small group of volunteers, today Opera Carolina is the largest professional opera company in the Carolinas with an operating budget of over $3.3 million for the fiscal year 2009. The mission of Opera Carolina is to inspire the region’s diverse community through the presentation of excellent Opera, Operetta, and Education & Outreach programs that elevate the quality of life in the Carolinas. Opera Carolina is a community resource with a commitment to artistic excellence and community service.
Opera Carolina is supported by individuals and corporations throughout the region. Opera Carolina is also supported, in part, with operating support from the Arts & Science Council. Additional support is provided by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Cultural Resources, and the National Endowment for the Arts. Opera Carolina is a member of OPERA America.

Join Blue Executive Chef Gene Briggs and wine maker Joey Tensley for the exclusive wine dinner event at Blue on Thursday September 9th. The event will feature a five-course dinner paired with wines from Carina Cellars. The event begins at 6:30pm with a reception, followed by seated dinner at 7:00pm. Advance reservations are required. (704.927.2583).

Carina Cellars is the result of an avid wine collector with a dream who meets an accomplished winemaker with a vision. When attorney, businessman and North Carolina native David Hardee and winemaker Joey Tensley met in 2002, they were quick to recognize the benefits of combining their passion. With Hardee’s talent for business, Tensley’s talent for wine making, and a shared belief in only the best, Carina Cellars was born. Joey brings talent, passion, and attention to detail. He and partner David predict great things for the future.

This wine dinner will be an intriguing combination of international flavors and in the dynamic setting of Blue Restaurant & Bar. This food and wine pairing event provides an opportunity to experience the culinary talent of Executive Chef Gene Briggs. The event is $65 per person (gratuity and sales tax not included). Call Blue for reservations at 704.927.2583. Blue Restaurant & Bar is located in the Hearst Tower, Corner of College & 5th St.

Menu and Wine Pairing
Pan Seared Striped Bass and Crisp Veal Sweetbreads
With braised fennel and a ‘7 Percent” jus.
2007 “7 Percent” Santa Barbara County Syrah
Roast Magret Duck Breast
Over Anson Mills Polenta with braised greens and a cranberry mostarda.
2006 Santa Barbara County Syrah
Braised Boar Shoulder
With a mushroom farrotto and black currant preserves.
2007 “Clairvoyant” Central Coast GSM Blend
Bison Ribeye Baked with a Salt and Espresso Crust
With fontina gnocchi and rapini.
2006 “Iconoclast” Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon & Santa Barbara Syrah
Pear Clafouti with vanilla gelato.
2009 Central Coast Viognier

www.bluecharlotte.com 704.927.2583

The Education Jobs Fund will provide Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools with about $25.7 million, the district announced at the Aug. 24 meeting of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education.

The fund is part of the Obama administration’s efforts to protect teachers’ jobs and the money can only be used for compensation and benefits for school-based staff. Recipients have until September of 2012 to use the money.

The Board of Education will make a final decision on how the money is allocated. Superintendent Peter C. Gorman recommended to the Board that most of the money be used in the 2011-2012 budget, rather than allocated immediately.

“In theory, using the $25.7 million right now would allow us to hire 467 new teachers this year, ” Dr. Gorman said. “In practice, it doesn’t really work that way. The state will receive the money from the federal government at the end of September, and we will receive our portion sometime after that. By the time we post vacancies, interview and hire, it will be October at the earliest.”

Gorman said that schools would be understandably reluctant to shuffle students and schedules so far into the school year. He also said that research at CMS has shown that teachers who begin after the school year starts come in lagging behind their colleagues, and they stay behind for several years.

CMS administrators are recommending to the Board that most of the money be used in 2011-2012 to offset an anticipated funding cliff when the federal stabilization funds are expected to end.

“It’s been tough for us the last two years – but next year will almost certainly be worse if our estimate of nearly $50 million for the federal funding cliff turns out to be accurate,” Gorman said.

He also recommended that the district use $3.7 million of the $25.7 million this year to divide 75 teacher-level positions among the zone superintendents. He also recommended using $1.6 million to provide coverage for teachers on leave or other critical vacancies at the school level throughout the year. The rest of the money would be used in the 2011-2012 budget year.

Calling all children ages 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 and their parents! Join the British American School of Charlotte for a special Saturday play date for children and informational session for parents interested in the internationally renowned curriculum. The International Primary Curriculum used in more than 50 countries around the world.

The Early Years and Primary Years are critical at BASC to where children acquire the skills for lifelong learning. Academic development runs alongside, the playful development of imagination and social and emotional skills. Come find out about this amazing UK-developed curriculum, and how your child can benefit by attending. Full-time programs start at age 3.

A special open house/play date for ages 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will take place Saturday, September 25 from 10 to 11 a.m. Child care will be provided.

Prospective students, ages 3 to 16, and their families are also invited to join Head Teacher Adam Stevens, other students and other faculty for two afternoon open house visits to The British American School of Charlotte, including tours and refreshments. Visitors can choose from one of two open houses: Wednesday, September 15 from 1 to 3 p.m. or Wednesday, September 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. Both are scheduled during school hours for special tours. RSVPs at 704.341.3236 are encouraged.

The British American School of Charlotte opened in September 2004 as the fifth BSA school. The school is located in the Ballantyne community of south Charlotte and welcomes students of both international and American backgrounds from ages 3 to 16. Teachers at the schools are recruited directly from the UK and are trained in the delivery of the National Curriculum, the International Primary Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.

Clear Creek, an Charlotte residential care facility for people with disabilities, will host its first Motorcycle Charity Ride fundraiser on Saturday, September 18th, with registration starting at 10 a.m.

The ride will begin at 11 a.m. at Clear Creek, 11950 Howell Center Drive, Charlotte, then follow highways 24/27, 601 and 29 to Bruton Smith Boulevard in Concord, NC, concluding at the Hooter’s on Gateway Lane.

Motorcycle Charity Ride will also award a variety of door prizes at Clear Creek and at Hooter’s, including a golf package for four at the Cabarrus Country Club, vouchers for free nights at select hotels, a beach trip, and more.

Tickets to participate are $25 per bike. All proceeds benefit Clear Creek, a 120-bed facility that provides physical, occupational and recreational therapy; round-the-clock nursing care; and an on-site school for children whose conditions warrant home schooling.

For more information and to purchase tickets, contact Darla Morgan at 704-221-8497 or Teresa Bishop 704-545-7200.

For more information on RHA Howell, visit www.rhahowell.org.

About RHA Howell, Inc.:

RHA Howell is a not-for-profit 501 (c) (3) organization that has been helping people with disabilities and special needs, and their families, make choices to live more independently for more than 35 years. Integrity, high standards for quality, and hard work are at the core of every RHA Howell disability assistance program. Proven leaders in caring for people, RHA Howell, Inc. is a pioneering force in the field of human services, particularly supporting infants and children. For more information, go to www.rhahowell.org.

Tickets are now on sale for The Echo Foundation September 21, 2010 event, A Night To Remember, featuring the premiere of Echo’s documentary film, In the Footsteps of Elie Wiesel. The film chronicles the journey of 12 Charlotte-Mecklenburg high school students as they trace life experiences and formative environments of 1986 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel.
Tickets ($65) may be purchased by calling the North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center box office at 704.372.1000 or online atwww.carolinatix.org. The event will be held at the Knight Theater located at 430 South Tryon Street on September 21, 2010, at 6:00 p.m. Seating begins at 5:30 p.m.

Produced by Indievision in association with Emulsion Arts, the documentary features an introduction by Richard Gere, music by Cantor Joseph Malovany and original score by Fred Story. Following the film, Professor Wiesel will be joined by Echo Student Ambassadors in an on-stage dialogue. Sandra and Leon Levine will also be honored as recipients of the 2010 Echo Award Against Indifference.
Patrons’ Ticket Packages are available for $3,000 per package, which includes 10 film premiere/dialogue tickets, program recognition and attendance at a post-premiere private reception at the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, honoring Professor Wiesel and Award Recipients Sandra and Leon Levine. Individual Patron Tickets may also be purchased for $250. All patrons will receive preferred seating at the film premiere. To purchase Patron Tickets or the Patrons’ Package, email CharlotteEchoes@aol.com or call 704.347.3844.

Leading community philanthropists, Leon and Sandra Levine, will be honored with the 13th annual Echo Award Against Indifference.Retired Chairman and CEO of Bank of America and the 2005 Echo Award Against Indifference recipient, Hugh McColl, Jr., will present the award to Sandra and Leon Levine.

“Sandra and Leon Levine are the embodiment of the American dream,” said Stephanie Ansaldo, president and founder of The Echo Foundation. “Having worked to build a business and achieve success, they demonstrate a profound moral responsibility by investing that success to improve the lives of others. Leveraging their stature and resources, they serve as catalysts for community development and advocates for those in need.”

Leon and Sandra Levine are the living example of Echo ideals, consistently demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to the community. They have a longstanding reputation for leadership in the Charlotte region. With a powerful combination of business acumen, compassion and responsibility, the Levines have been a driving force behind the development of medical, religious, educational and arts infrastructures across the community. Among the many institutions that bear their name are the Levine Children’s Hospital, Levine and Dickson Hospice House, Shalom Park, UNC Charlotte, Levine Museum of the New South, Levine Center for the Arts, Queens University, and Central Piedmont Community College. In the wake of the financial downturn, the Levines helped launch the Critical Need Response Fund, a crucial source of support for those in need.

About The Echo Award Against Indifference

The Echo Award Against Indifference was established to honor a member of the Mecklenburg County community who works “… with an eye towards peace, a heart filled with compassion and a voice against indifference, in order to remind our community of its highest ideals.” Previous recipients include the late Joe Martin, Bishop George E. Battle Jr., the late Sister Mary Thomas Burke, former Charlotte Mayor Harvey Gantt, former UNC Charlotte Chancellor Dean Colvard, former Bank of America Chairman Hugh McColl, Jr., developer Howard C. “Smoky” Bissell, community volunteer Sally Dalton Robinson, business and civic leaders, Alan and Stuart Dickson, and the civil rights law firm Ferguson Stein Chambers Gresham & Sumter.

About The Echo Foundation
The Echo Foundation was founded in 1997 to carry on the message Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel brought to Charlotte that year – a call to action for human dignity, justice and moral courage. The Echo Foundation brings to Charlotte speakers and programs that illustrate how one person can make a difference for humanity through its Voices Against Indifference Initiative.

Previous Echo speakers include Partners in Health co-founder Paul Farmer, Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel, Rwandan Bishop John Rucyahana, African policy expert John Prendergast, Doctors Without Borders founder and French Minister of Foreign Affairs Bernard Kouchner, Harvard African and African-American Studies Department Chairman Henry Louis Gates Jr., Columbia Earth Institute Director Jeffrey Sachs, Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, human rights advocate Kerry Kennedy, and Chinese dissident Harry Wu. For more information about The Echo Foundation, visit www.echofoundation.org.

Jessica Simpson has taken the music, fashion and entertainment industries by storm, and now she’s
taking on Belk Department Stores! Kicking off a national tour of special appearances to promote the
launch of her new Jeanswear Collection, the star will be hosting an in-store signing at Belk South Park,
on September 18, 1-4 pm.

“I am so excited to share the magic of my denim!” Simpson says about the addition of jeanswear to her
eponymous and hugely successful collection. “It is comfortable, affordable, trend-right, and you will look
hot, guaranteed! I am already wearing them and loving them!”

Simpson will meet fans on the 3rd floor, adjacent to her Jeanswear and footwear shop-in-shops with any
$50 Jessica Simpson Collection purchase. Customers will also receive a personalized autograph and gift
bag including a “Layer Me” T-shirt from the new collection and a sample of Jessica’s latest fragrance,
Fancy Nights, while supplies last.

One lucky fan will receive the chance of a lifetime to “Get Styled by Jessica”, winning a Jessica Simpson
Collection wardrobe hand-picked and presented by Jessica herself! Customers can register to win instore
beginning two weeks prior to the event and online at www.jessicasimpsoncollection.com/Belk.

The line includes four core denim fits – Jegging, Skinny, Boot-cut, and Flare – in a variety of inseams and
washes, ranging from $49 – $69, as well as woven and knit fashion tops and jackets, ranging from $29-
$79. The Jessica Simpson Collection offers consumers fashion forward, contemporary products in over
twenty categories, and is available in over 3000 stores nationwide.

Charlotte residents overwhelmingly believe their city is “drivable,” yet the daily commute is a tough ride for many.

The Hartford 2010 Drivability Survey conducted by GfK Roper revealed that Charlotte drivers have generally positive attitudes about driving and believe officials in their area are doing a good job maintaining the streets. Nearly all drivers think it is easy to get around by car where they live, and 80 percent agree that their fellow drivers are courteous. On the other hand, almost three-fourths of Charlotte drivers say traffic is getting worse in their areas, and the majority do not think the roads where they live were designed to handle the current volume of traffic.

“Driving is such an important part of our daily lives that it can affect our safety, our productivity at work, and even our general outlook on life. As an insurance company, understanding the driving experience helps us understand how to keep drivers – and their vehicles – moving and safe,” said Kathleen Bromage, vice president, The Hartford.

The daily commute is a major time-waster and source of frustration for many Charlotte drivers. The survey reports that the average Charlotte commuter spends more than 29 minutes commuting each way to and from work, including 15.8 minutes per day lost in traffic delays. This means that the average commuter loses 63 hours per year because of traffic – the equivalent of eight full working days. Two-thirds of drivers say they try to plan their days around avoiding traffic.

Multi-Tasking Behind the Wheel

Despite the delays, Charlotte commuters seem to be adept at finding ways to make use of the time they spend stuck in traffic, with 97 percent of drivers admitting they perform at least one other activity – such as eating, drinking, talking on a cell phone or sending text messages – while driving to or from work. Eating or drinking (85 percent) and talking on a cell phone (79 percent) are the most common commuting pastimes, with 33 percent of commuters reporting they do three or more different things while driving.

Surprisingly, even in today’s tight job market, only 10 percent of Charlotte commuters would be willing to commute as long as necessary to accept a new job they found very interesting. However, most drivers (76 percent) would at least consider a job offer that involves a commute of more than 30 minutes each way.

What could make the daily commute more pleasant? If given the chance, 44 percent of Charlotte drivers would choose to be driven to work by a professional chauffeur, with fewer opting for alternatives such as a taxi driver, soccer mom orNASCAR driver. And Oprah Winfrey tops the list of famous people drivers might select for a carpool companion, with 31 percent of drivers selecting the television host over President Barack Obama, Brad Pitt or Angelina Jolie, Kathy Griffin and Beyonce.

Improving Road Conditions Would Make Charlotte Move Drivable

In Charlotte, The Hartford 2010 Drivability Survey confirmed driver attitudes about traffic, mobility and potential solutions to improve the “drivability” of their city:

· Almost half of Charlotte drivers (46 percent) describe their city or area as “very drivable,” and more than nine in 10 say it is at least “somewhat drivable.”
· 87 percent of drivers agree that it is easy to get around their communities by car.
· 73 percent of drivers say traffic is getting worse in their area, and 74 percent of drivers do not think the roads where they live were designed to handle the current volume of traffic.

To make Charlotte more drivable, 38 percent of survey respondents would favor improving the condition of existing roads, such as fixing potholes or repaving streets. Less popular options included adding more lanes to highways, timing traffic signals better, reducing traffic delays from construction, or improving signage, each selected by fewer than 30 percent of drivers.

In Charlotte, 56 percent of people say they routinely encounter potholes while driving. In fact, bad roads are even less popular than heavy traffic: 80 percent of Charlotte drivers would prefer to sit in stop-and-go traffic on a well-paved road rather than having a road full of potholes all to themselves.

In 2009, The Hartford launched its “Pothole Patrol” initiative to create smoother commutes in key markets by filling costly and burdensome potholes that cause damage and disrupt the drives of local residents. The Pothole Patrol has visited 10 American cities to date.

For more information about The Hartford Drivability Survey and The Hartford’s Pothole Patrol initiative, aimed at improving road conditions in markets throughout the country, visitwww.hartfordauto.com/potholepatrol. >

Local photographer Roxanne Lovett of Statesville, N.C., has just been named a Category Finalist in the 2010 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contestwith National Geographic. Lovett is now one step closer to her “shot” at greatness—the Grand Prize Winner will receive a trip of a lifetime to the Greek Isles and will see his or her photo appear in the pages of National Geographic magazine in an ad for Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries.

The 2010 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest, which launched in April, has named two Finalists in each of its six thematic categories: animals/wildlife, nature, travel, people/cultures, weather and action/energy. Now it’s up to the public to pick the Category Winners. From now through Sept. 15, people can go towww.nationalgeographic.com/lithium to view the gallery of Category Finalist photos and to select their favorite in each category.

From more than 14,000 entries, Lovett’s photo rose to the top 12. Selected as a Finalist in the people/cultures category, Lovett’s photo stood out as one of the best representations of the theme, said Jim Richardson, National Geographic photographer and judge for the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest.

“There is in the lean of the horse and the lean of the soldier a unity of action and a harmony of purpose,” said Richardson. “The scene is graced by just enough background to suggest a greater tableau, of events larger than life and part of our history, but it is that graceful cant caught in the moment that is beguiling.”

If Lovett receives the most votes in her category, she will be among six Category Winners vying for the title of Grand Prize Winner, to be determined by Richardson and announced on or about Nov. 4, 2010.

In 2008, Energizer and National Geographic teamed up on the first Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest, bringing together the world’s premier resource for photojournalism with the company that makes the world’s longest-lasting AA and AAA batteries for digital cameras and other high-tech devices. Three years later, the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest is enjoying its best year yet – with a record-breaking number of entries.

“We continue to be amazed at the quality of work that pours in through submissions to the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest,” said Jim Olsen, Vice President of Marketing forEnergizer North America. “Our goal is to encourage everyone to enjoy the experience of capturing moments through photography, and we hope the long-lasting power and reliability of our Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries make it a little easier to do just that.”

Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries are proven to last up to 8x longer* in digital cameras and up to 2x longer** in flash units, as well as offering more power* for GPS devices, LED flashlights and handheld games. In addition to delivering long-lasting power, the batteries are 33 percent lighter than alkaline batteries, have a 15-year storage life and perform well in extreme temperatures from -40 degrees to 140 degrees Fahrenheit (-40o to 60o Celsius), making them ideal for both professional and amateur photographers on the go.

Each of the 2010 Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest Category Winners will receive an assortment of Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries as part of a prize pack also including an EPIC Action Video Cam, a Nikon COOLPIX L110 digital camera, a Litepanels Micro® camera light, an Energizer® Ultimate® Lithium 1AA Handheld flashlight, anEnergizer® Ultimate® Lithium Headlight and two books from the National Geographic Collection: “Journeys of a Lifetime” and “National Geographic: The Image Collection.”

The Grand Prize Winner will receive all of the items listed above as well as a National Geographic Expedition for two to the Greek Isles, accompanied by a National Geographic expert.

For additional information on the Energizer Ultimate Photo Contest and to vote on the Category Finalist photos, visit www.nationalgeographic.com/lithium. For more information on Energizer and its products, visit www.facebook.com/energizer.

*Versus Energizer® MAX®. Results vary by device.
**Versus Energizer® MAX®. AA only. Results vary by device.

Bank of America today announced its support of Ken Burns’s “The Tenth Inning,” which debuts September 28-29 on PBS and is the much anticipated sequel to the landmark 1994 documentary, “Baseball.” As the sole corporate underwriter of the film – and Official Bank of Major League Baseball(TM) and sponsor of nine MLB clubs – Bank of America will utilize its relationship with Burns, and its long-standing support of America’s national pastime, to provide opportunities for children in three iconic baseball cities to enjoy a unique experience with the filmmaker.
Bank of America will leverage its MLB local club sponsorships to give kids from nonprofit organizations in Chicago, New York and Boston the chance to either experience the thrill of attending game at an MLB ballpark, or attend a private screening of “The Tenth Inning.” In conjunction with the game or screening in each market, the children will meet Burns and be able to quiz him about his upcoming film. The first such activity occurs tomorrow, when 12 local students – who are winners of an essay contest about baseball – will attend the Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field and receive a special visit from Burns.

“Baseball truly exemplifies America’s collective spirit and sense of potential; and there are few better storytellers of this great game than Ken Burns,” said Anne M. Finucane, Global Strategy and Marketing officer, Bank of America. “Our investment in ‘The Tenth Inning’ is helping Ken Burns create for baseball fans another world-class film that celebrates the game and captivates audiences.”

Immediately preceding the PBS broadcast of the film, Bank of America will air a customized version of its 30-second TV spot, entitled “Stitching,” which debuted during the 2010 Major League Baseball(R) All-Star Game last month. The version for “The Tenth Inning” will culminate with a voiceover that references Bank of America’s proud support of the film.

“Bank of America’s involvement in this film really excites me because they’re using it as an authentic vehicle to celebrate the company’s long-standing support of America’s national pastime with their associates, customers and community partners – many of whom are interested in seeing the ‘The Tenth Inning,’” said Burns. “I am especially proud to have Bank of America’s backing for this film because its history is so intertwined with the history of baseball.”

Bank of America and Baseball

Bank of America’s history with baseball dates back to the late 1880s, when the bank first sponsored employee baseball teams in Washington, D.C., and in the ensuing years in Massachusetts, Illinois, California, and other states. That heritage of support for baseball continued at Bank of America for more than 100 years through sponsorships, promotions, advertising, charitable donations and other programming that has been preserved in photographs and items in the company’s archives. Today, Bank of America is the Official Bank of Major League Baseball(TM), and a proud sponsor of the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals, along with dozens of Minor League(TM) clubs. Bank of America is also recognized as a leading financial advisor across the global sports landscape, and the bank’s Sports Finance and Advisory Team helps to set opportunity in motion for owners, leagues and franchises by addressing their full range of financial needs.

Bank of America began its support for Ken Burns on PBS with “The War” in 2007 and continued in 2008 with “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”

Bank of America

Bank of America is one of the world’s largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 57 million consumer and small business relationships with 5,900 retail banking offices, more than 18,000 ATMs and award-winning online banking with 29 million active users. Bank of America is among the world’s leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in more than 40 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

“The Tenth Inning”

“The Tenth Inning”tells the tumultuous story of America’s national pastime from the early 1990s to the present day, introducing an unforgettable array of players, teams and fans, celebrating the game’s resilience and enduring appeal, and showcasing both extraordinary accomplishments and devastating losses and disappointments. The film highlights dramatic developments that transformed the game. “The Tenth Inning” is a production of Florentine Films and WETA Washington, DC. Directors: Ken Burns and Lynn Novick. Writers/producers: David McMahon, Lynn Novick and Ken Burns. Editor: Craig Mellish. Additional editing: Erik Ewers. Cinematography: Buddy Squires, with Allen Moore and Ken Burns. Narrator: Keith David.