Producers Circle Member Special Events

The Producer's Circle Event Series is a benefit to major donors giving $10,000 or more annually to KQED. Events are scheduled quarterly, and occasionally more frequently, whenever opportunities arise to introduce Producer's Circle members to the most talented local and national broadcasting personalities. Producer's Circle Series events are limited to 40 guests.

Past Events

Michael Shuster

NPR Diplomatic and Roving Foreign Correspondent Mike Shuster discussed Middle Eastern politics and the war in Iraq over dinner with Producer's Circle members at Viogner in San Mateo. Shuster shared stories from his extensive travels and reporting in the Middle East. The timely dialogue was part history lesson, part reporter's notebook, and a unique opportunity to better understand the pressing issues driving U.S. policy and the future of the region.

Wait, Wait...Don't Tell Me

Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! hosts Peter Sagal and Carl Kasell made their Producer's Circle debut at a dinner in February at McCormick and Kuleto's Restaurant in San Francisco. The hosts of National Public Radio's irreverent weekly news quiz teamed up with Panelists Adam Felber and Sue Ellicot to share insider's anecdotes about the popular show. Three lucky winners took home door prizes that can't be auctioned on eBay: Carl Kasell's recorded messages on their home answering machines.

American Experience: The Gold Rush

After previewing clips of the new film, The Gold Rush, co-produced with KQED, Producer's Circle members joined American Experience Executive Producer Mark Samels for dinner and a history lesson. Samels provided an eye-opening preview of Gold Rush stories more complex and interesting than those told in many history books. A lively exchange with the audience included a discussion of "what is history?" along with how filmmakers decide what to film, and what to leave out.

Radio News Briefing

Members of the Producer's Circle enjoyed lunch at KQED with the heads of the NPR and KQED Radio newsrooms. The panel included Loren Jenkins, Senior Foreign Editor, National Public Radio; KQED Radio News and Public Affairs Director Raul Ramirez; and interviewer Scott Shafer, Host and Reporter, The California Report. Jenkins described the daily work of reporters covering NPR international news, while Ramirez shared how KQED selects and covers stories ranging from breaking news to investigative reports. All three public radio veterans enjoyed a lively exchange with luncheon guests.

Jacques Pépin

KQED's own celebrity chef took a break from filming his upcoming series, "The Complete Pépin" at KQED to enjoy dinner and conversation with Producer's Circle members at the home of KQED Board Chair Nick Donatiello. Pépin delighted his audience with a lifetime of anecdotes of his journey from apprentice to cooking superstar. The master chef also fielded questions including the future of organics, the impact of "foodie" culture, and how American culinary culture is a reflection of our values.

Terry Gross

KQED invited popular interviewer Terry Gross to put on a different hat: interviewee! Terry Gross answered questions about her acclaimed radio show, Fresh Air, and shared behind-the-scenes details of her interviews with some of the most talked-about personalities of our times. Members of the Producer's Circle also enjoyed spirited conversation with Terry Gross over lunch at the offices of Northern Trust in Los Altos.

Frontline: David Fanning

Award-winning Frontline Executive Producer David Fanning joined Producer's Circle members for dinner at the Village Pub in Woodside. Frontline is America's only regularly scheduled investigative documentary series on television, and has won all of the major awards for broadcast journalism. Fanning discussed the process of producing and directing documentaries that combine fair and balanced reporting with top-notch filmmaking.

Ira Glass

Producer's Circle members enjoyed lunch at the Village Pub in Woodside with Ira Glass, host and producer of This American Life. Mr. Glass shared entertaining stories from his career in public radio and gave guests an inside look at his upcoming projects.

Anne Garrels

Producer's Circle members were invited to Spago in Palo Alto for dinner with NPR foreign correspondent Anne Garrels. Ms. Garrels was one of the few American journalists to remain in Baghdad during the initial invasion of Iraq and has reported throughout the country during the war. Recently back from Baghdad, Ms. Garrels recounted her experiences there with candor and poignancy.

Robert MacNeil

Producer's Circle members celebrated the return of Robert MacNeil to public television as a reporter and host of Do You Speak American? Mr. MacNeil discussed his new program exploring the history, diversity, vitality, and ongoing transformation of American English.