NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

New Zealand Listener, Volume 3, Issue 59, 9 August 1940, Page 41

NEWS FROM THE ZB STATIONS

N Sunday, August 11, 2ZB will pre- @) sent to its listeners something new and fresh in biography-‘ The Passing Parade," In the "Passing Parade" of humanity there are figures which stand out from their fellows, some of the world’s most beloved and celebrated-those who have been destined to leave behind them contributions to the world of art, beauty and progress. It is to these that the "Passing Parade" is dedicated. The first of the series is devoted to that great showman, Florenz Ziegfeld, with music from some of the musical shows this celebrity put on. The session should be one of exceptional interest. Two New 4ZB Sessions Station 4ZB’s Sunday programmes are being further enhanced at present by two new sessions " Wide Range Choirs" and " Musical Souvenirs." In the former programme, listeners are able to hear some of the most delightful choral work ever recorded, ranging from modern "swing" arrangements to excerpts from the classics. This excellent session is heard at 5.45 p.m. The other new Sunday feature ‘‘ Musical Souvenirs" brings with it memories of the stage and screen and presents some really good songs and music by outstanding American artists. This session is on the air at 5 p.m. " Swanee River" On Sunday, July 28, at 7.15 p.m., Stations 2ZB and 3ZB previewed the 20th CenturyFox film "Swanee River." Judging by the numerous congratulations received it is the type of programme which listeners love to hear. The film depicts the Jife of Stephen C. Foster, who was so enchanted by the songs of the negroes, at work and at play, that he immortalised them in his compositions; and the preview had an appeal for both young and old, Listeners heard the melodious strains of "Old Folks at Home," "My Old Kentucky Home," "Old Black Joe," and "O Susanna," and the circumstances under which Stephen Foster composed these songs. " Hit Parade " An exceptionally popular session entitled the "Hit Parade" was broadcast from 2ZA on a recent Sunday night. Hits of to-day and yesterday included "When You Wish Upon a Star" from the newest Walt Disney film "Pinocchio"; "Soldiers of Fortune," sung in rousing style by Nelson Eddy; Rubinstein’s "‘ Melody in

F" presented by Larry Adler, virtuoso of the mouth organ; "Till the Lights of London Shine Again"; and "Poet and Peasant" played by Patricia Rossborough and Robinson Cleaver on piano and organ. Listeners can look forward to further "Hit Parades" from 2ZA, " Radio Revue " Sunday afternoons at 2.30 bring the 1ZB "Radio Revue." In this programme which lasts until four o’clock, listeners are given a very diversified continuity programme which ranges from items by Natzke to items by Crosby, and from Paderewski to " Fats" Waller. The best of all types of music are presented in this session, including recent releases, so listeners are assured of an wup-to-date and comprehensive programme. Danny Boyes, Composer Among New Zealanders who have made their names as composers is David Sharp. He has composed some hundreds of songs, has had a good percentage of these published and not a few made into recordings. His first success was a song entitled "Caring for the Rose." This was published and recorded and one can imagine the composer’s feelings when he heard this number broadcast from Station PCJ Holland in one of its early short-wave programmes for New Zealand listeners. Other well-known compositions by David Sharp include ""My Mother’s Lullaby," ‘The Prisoner’s Return," "Flower of the Bush" and several Maori songs. A recent number, " 100 Years Ago," was played at the Centennial Exhibition by the Port Nicholson Silver Band and many were the favourable remarks heard about this piece of music. Dunedin listeners will be interested to know that David Sharp was responsible for the musical background of the local film " Down on the Farm." Al-

though this film was not a success, the music was certainly good. On Sunday, August 4, at 8.30 p.m., 4ZB presented Jimmie McFarlane and Rita Homes in four numbers composed by David Sharp who, under the radio name of Danny Boyes, acted as compére for the presentation. Programme Activity at 2ZB Recent activity in 2ZB’s programme department has resulted in a new line-up of day-time programmes which should find favour with the station’s large audience. Variety and brightness are the keynotes of the pro-grammes-something to suit everyone. The morning programme will be handled’ by Martyn Cock (a newcomer to 2ZB’s announcing staff) and Finlay. Robb will continue his capable handling of the afternoon sessions. Here are the new programmes: Every Monday and Friday at 10.15 a.m. there is " Famous Choruses," while on Tuesday and Thursdaymornings at the same time is "‘ Comedy Time." On Tuesday and Thursday at 11 a.m. is "Waltz Time," and "Listen to the Ladies" is presented on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings at 11:15. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11.15 a.m. is devoted to Mothers. For the session, ‘"‘Mother’s Choice," mothers may send in a number to be played. At 2.15 p.m. throughout the week there is a programme of famous vocalists. On Mondays, tenors entertain, on Tuesdays, contraltos, on? Wednesdays, baritones, on Thursdays, sopranos, and on Fridays, bassos.

At 3 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, outstandingly popular numbers of the day are played in the " Hit Parade," and at the same time every Wednesday there is the "Old Folks’ Session," which has been transferred from the Sunday programmes. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 3.15 p-m., "Salute to the South Seas," a programme of Hawaiian numbers is presented. On Tuesday and Thursday at the same time the programme is "String Time." At 3.45 on Monday, Wednesday and Friday there is a request session-‘ Your Song." Listeners are invited to send in the title of a favourite song, together with the reason why it is their favourite, and giving any little story which surrounds the number. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 4.15 p.m. "Keyboard Kapers" will hold sway. This programme will comprise the best pianists in recorded programmes. On Tuesday and Thursday at the same time, "Artists A to Z" will be presented, In this programme it is proposed to survey the whole field of radio artists in alphabetical order. This will be a really comprehensive arrangement, and will bring to light many artists who are not as well known as they should be. Old-Time Dance Night Saturday, August 17, will be Old-Time Dance Night at the 2ZB Ballroom, when all old favourites will be heard-Paul Jones, Monte Carlo, Doris Waltz, Destiny, Military Twostep. Despite the popularity of modern dancing, the old-time steps still provide much enjoyment for dancers, and the programme from 2ZB’s Ballroom has been carefully planned to provide the maximum of. enjoyment, Laugh of the Week An old favourite is back with 2ZB listeners. It’s the "Laugh of the Week" competition, which, when it ran previously at 2ZB created a record for mail for any particular session. Letters arrived by the thousand from listeners who thought they had discovered the best joke of the week. The donations of 6d sent with each letter produced an amazing total. It’s not to be wondered at that 2ZB has revived a session which brings such entertainment. ° The "Laugh of the Week" programme is broadcast on Saturday evenings at 7.45. All the proceeds from the session, and they will be considerable, are devoted to the "Smith Family Appeal," while the cheery programme will fill a much needed role in these trying times,