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Fresh Air Weekend: Interrupters, Serkis, Pop Music

Clockwise from left to right: Andy Serkis, Ameena Matthews, Fountains of Wayne.
Dan Steinberg/AP Photo; Aaron Wickenden/Kartemquin Films; Yep Roc
Clockwise from left to right: Andy Serkis, Ameena Matthews, Fountains of Wayne.

Fresh Air Weekend highlights some of the best interviews and reviews from past weeks, and new program elements specially paced for weekends. Fresh Air Weekend emphasizes interviews with writers, filmmakers, actors, and musicians, and often includes excerpts from live in-studio concerts. On this weekend's show:

Gang 'Interrupters' Fight Chicago's Cycle of Violence: Former gang member Ameena Matthews now works to stop retaliatory gang violence in some of Chicago's most dangerous neighborhoods. She is one of the subjects of a new documentary called The Interrupters.

Playing Virtual Parts On The Big Screen: You might not recognize actor Andy Serkis, but you've probably seen his characters on screen. Serkis is Hollywood's go-to actor for computer-generated roles. His movies include Lord of the Rings, King Kong and Rise of the Planet of the Apes.

Pop For Summer's Warm Intensity: Chris Collingwood and Adam Schlesinger, the pair behind Fountains of Wayne, have just released their first new album since 2007. Rock critic Ken Tucker says Sky Full of Holes showcases the detailed storytelling and bright melodies that can occasionally hide the duo's darker thoughts.

You can find all of the original broadcasts here:

  • Gang 'Interrupters' Fight Chicago's Cycle of Violence
  • Serkis: Playing Virtual Parts On The Big Screen
  • Fountains of Wayne: Pop For Summer's Warm Intensity
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