Producer/Host Boyce Lancaster threads two musical biographies in "Ruby Elzy: Black Diva of the Thirties."

Ruby Elzy and George Gershwin. These two musician's lives, coincidentally, were themselves entwined. Soprano Ruby Elzy was George Gershwin's choice to portray the role of Serena in the original production of Porgy and Bess.

With the George Gershwin and Porgy and Bess phenomenon as a backdrop, the program follows Elzy's rise from small-town, Jim Crow-living in Mississippi in her quest and "deep desire to become a singer," and to one day sing in a “big hall.”

This is a wonderful story of personal determination, lovely heart and soul, superb musicianship and survival amongst the most difficult of all odds. It's well told and mixed with several electrifying historical musical performances.

Here's your Black History Month programming, but it would be a crime to limit it to only one month of the year. "Ruby Elzy: Black Diva of the Thirties" is also entirely friendly to formats beyond classical, including stations with regular doc slots.

Looking for a way to feature Pianist Marcus Roberts in a special way -- beyond a couple of Roberts' tracks back to back?

Here he is in concert at the Savannah Music Festival — solo, with his trio and with guests.

Roberts is a music specialist, but his connection to George Gershwin is singularly special. Intoxicating playing and listening.

Hats off to Marcus Roberts Trio drummer Jason Marsallis and guest trumpeter Marcus Printup.

Show production and assembly could be a bit cleaner and tighter, but the music wins.

Banjo -- it's not just for bluegrass, country music and that memorable moment from "Deliverance"...

The history of the banjo is in the very solid musical and historical hands of producer/host Philip Nusbaum.

Permit me (or forgive me) to repeat a line from an earlier recommendation: "Philip Nusbaum has all of the radio goods for craft, writing and hosting, and this is an interesting, attention-grabbing feature.” Consider this for your local magazine program or as a feature/insert during a local music program where solid banjo playing is a welcome presence.