WORTH NOTING ON TV

* WEDNESDAY

Women of Country: in Performance at the White House (PBS, day and time broadcast schedules vary): Suzy Bogguss, Alison Krauss, and Kathy Mattea each share their distinctive blends of pop, bluegrass, and folk with the Clintons and their guests on the South Lawn of the White House. Hosted by guitarist Chet Atkins.

Party of Five (FOX, 9-10 p.m.): On the brink of cancellation last season, this year-old drama was brought back when viewers petitioned and the series won the prestigious Humanitas Prize for writing that illustrates the human condition. The drama perceptively portrays a nontraditional family of five who experience many of the issues confronting today's teens and young adults. The season premiere focuses on Charlie's (Matthew Fox) reaction to unexpected news in light of his upcoming wedding.

* THURSDAY

B.B. King: the Blues Summit (A&E, 9-10 p.m. EDT): The king of blues holds a once-in-a-lifetime concert with other blues legends, including Ruth Brown, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Irma Thomas, and Joe Louis Walker. Highlights include King's signature piece, ''The Thrill Is Gone,'' and his duet with Albert Collins, ''Call It Stormy Monday.''

Following at 10 p.m. is ''Joe Cocker: Have a Little Faith.''

Great Palaces of the World (The Learning Channel, 10-10:30 p.m. EDT): From the creators of ''Great Castles of Europe'' comes this new series, which visits 12 palatial estates as they were in their golden age. In addition to showcasing architecture and design, the program will recreate life within the palaces through diaries and letters. First up is Hearst Castle in California.

Turning Point (ABC, 10-11 p.m. EDT): This program from ABC News, entitled ''The Hate Conspiracy: America's Terrorists,'' takes an in-depth look at the antigovernment hate group known as The Order. Current and former members speak out for the first time about alleged criminal activities connected to The Order that occurred in 1983 and 1984.

Please check local listings for these programs.