HDNet to Air 'Mellencamp: Thoughts Shared'

By: Arts & Entertainment News

HDNet announced today that it will begin airing a series of short features entitled "Mellencamp: Thoughts Shared" in which singer/songwriter John Mellencamp discusses his views on topics of national interest. The series, that also features brief original musical performances, will run in random rotation on HDNet starting Monday, December 10. Visuals will include some of Mellencamp’s original paintings relating to the subject matter covered in specific episodes.

Taped in Mellencamp’s home art studio in Bloomington, IN, the series finds the artist speaking frankly about subjects ranging from farm policy, the voting process, the war in Iraq, racism and other issues of concern in an informal setting. Mellencamp songs heard in the series include “Rain On The Scarecrow,” “Our Country,” “Jena” and “To Washington.”

“Our viewers will definitely find these short features by Mellencamp interesting and thought-provoking,” said Mark Cuban, president and co-founder of HDNet. “We always look to present different views on important topics and this feature series is the perfect vehicle for us to do so.”

“Mellencamp: Thoughts Shared” premieres on HDNet the same week that the ASCAP Foundation bestows its Champion Award on Mellencamp in recognition of his outstanding use of music in the service of humanity.

Currently on an U.S. tour, Mellencamp will detour to New York next week to accept the honor before resuming his touring schedule. It is expected that a new Mellencamp album, “The Company We Keep,” that was produced by T Bone Burnett and just completed, will be released early next year.

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