American Music and Popular Culture — Jazz, Part III — Bop, Cool, Third-stream, Eclectic. Since the second world war, jazz has had a rich and active history of stylistic change. Bebop redefined the art, reacting to the "excesses" of the previous period. Cool jazz exemplified conservatism and understatement, while third-stream attempted to combine jazz with classical art music. More eclectic styles continue to be developed. ABC Radio National, Thursday, May 5, 11.05am.
That's History — People of the Cross — Tourists, Sydneysiders and visitors from around the country are drawn by the mystique of Kings Cross. The residents of this unique part of the city are frequently stereotyped as bad people. This program, one in a series of eight, delves into the lifestyles and aspirations of these spirited people. ABC Radio National, Friday, May 6, 7.10pm.
Back Catalogue — The Other Elvis — What do the Coward Brothers, Napoleon Dynamite, Emotional Toothpaste and Declan Patrick McManus have in common? They are all the "other Elvis" — Elvis Costello. This program features his music, including the classic early albums with the Attractions, rare singles, live material and demo recordings, and even Elvis with the Brodsky Quartet. 2NUR-FM, Friday, May 6, 7.30pm.
Green and Practical — The dark side of Silicon Valley, California. Electronics centre Silicon Valley now has more toxic sites than anywhere else in the US. Barbara Hucker reports on the dirty legacy of this supposedly clean industry. ABC Radio National, Saturday, May 7, 8.05am.
We Are Family — Vietnamese Families: Myth and Reality — Part of a series of programs that explore the idea that families are not a self-evident truth, but exist for solid social, sexual, economic, cultural and ideological reasons. This program looks at Vietnamese families in Australia. Vietnamese families still suffer problems raised by stereotypical media coverage; this program tries to redress some of these images by presenting a diverse range of Vietnamese family situations. Produced by Michael Easton. 2 SER-FM, Sunday, May 8, 10am. (These programs are broadcast on 72 community radio stations across Australia. For more info contact your local community radio station.)
Radio Eye — Does Mother Earth Have AIDS? — This award-winning documentary shows how American Indians are using their own traditions to cope with the AIDS epidemic. Produced by Cheyenne River Sioux member, Milt Lee. ABC Radio National, Sunday, May 8, 8.20pm.
The Listening Room — Uncommon Ground: A Welsh Pastoral — By Jane and Phillip Ulman. In Bessie's establishment, they're nearly all bilingual, Welsh speakers who translate or switch to English in sympathy with a couple of Aussies. The pub is the heart of local social life; after a few pints the talk turns to the burning of English holiday cottages, but travellers are welcome. In the land of poets and singers, they're used to intrusions from the English invaders. There is energy in the Welsh determination to maintain a distinctive identity. Recorded in Wales and Australia. ABC Classic FM, Monday, May 9, 9pm.
Soundstage — Major Barbara — By Bernard Shaw. Said to be the most successful of Shaw's plays. ABC Classic FM, Tuesday, May 10, 8pm.
- NEXT FM — At 6am on Saturday, May 7, Community Radio 2XX will power up on the FM band at 105.5 for the NEXT FM test broadcast. The usual signal will still be available at 1008 AM. This is the second in a series of test broadcasts 2XX is carrying out as part of its campaign to persuade the Australian Broadcasting Authority to approve a conversion to the FM band.