This year, KCSM is proud to partner with NorCal MLK 2026 Music and the Movement. The MLK2026 Celebration Program will feature a celebration of music and the civil rights and social justice movements. We will celebrate the 60th anniversary of KCSM Radio, with a documentary screening and a historic conversation with KCSM media personalities, Clifford Brown, Jr., Jesse 'Chuy' Varela, Dr. Robert A. Franklin, Miranda Wilson, and award-winning music artist Tiffany Austin. For more information: https://norcalmlkfoundation.org/mlkcelebration/mlk2026/the-mlk2026-celebration-program-music-and-the-movement/

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Dan Odum this past December 2025. Everyone, from students to colleagues who have passed through the doors of KCSM owes a debt of gratitude to Dan, it is because of his vision and efforts as an radio instructor that so many got their start in radio and helped shape KCSM for the future. (click story headline for more)

Hundreds of listeners gathered last week to start their holiday celebrations and the festive season with KCSM. It was an evening of good friends, good food and great live jazz! A Special thank you to everyone who brought a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive. Lots of local kids will have a happier holiday because of your generosity. (click story headline for more photo)

Jazz House Kids is shaping the next generation of jazz greats. Guest host Michel Martin shares the story of this Montclair organization and its students who've gone from classroom to world stage, featuring Matthew Whitaker, Isaiah J. Thompson, and more.

Charlie Parker: Ornithology / The Savoy & Dial Masters 1945-1948, Part 2. Featuring the alto saxophone giant on some of the greatest jazz recordings ever made. With the likes of Miles Davis, Max Roach, J.J. Johnson, and more.

Maud Hixson. I talk with vocalist Maud Hixson about her CD Don’t Let A Good Thing Get Away and its focus on the compositions on Mickey Leonard.

Abstract SoundsAbstract Sounds are a 6-piece alternative jazz fusion band, centered around saxophonist Jevaughn Bogard dedicated to living at the intersection of jazz soul, bass and funk.Dancing shoes are required for this performance, which features Patrick Duke Graney on Percussion, Frank Alouishus on Keys and Trumpet, Ashton Thomas on Drums, Aaron Grayer on Bass, Robert Morrow on Keys and Jevaugh Bogard on sax, and from a March 21st, 2025 performance Daniel Peck is your host for Abstract Sounds…Live at the Bop Stop.

Pianist Eric Shifrin. Live in Studio 91, the spotlight is on pianist Eric Shifrin. Eric has been gigging in the San Francisco Bay Area since the early 90s both as a solo pianist and with his group, Eric & The In Crowd. Eric will feature music from the Great American Songbook and highlight some of the songs from his own catalogue. Listen in for some great playing and fun storytelling.

If you want to hear the artistry of Cedar Walton, who was a prolific composer, piano soloist and sideman with a sophisticated and dynamic pulse - a musician’s musician, who worked with almost every major jazz artist for more than 50 years, tune in to learn about him and to hear the piano concert he gave at the Maybeck Recital Hall in Berkeley.

Abstract Sounds are a 6-piece alternative jazz fusion band, centered around saxophonist Jevaughn Bogard dedicated to living at the intersection of jazz soul, bass and funk. Dancing shoes are required for this performance, which features Patrick Duke Graney on Percussion, Frank Alouishus on Keys and Trumpet, Ashton Thomas on Drums, Aaron Grayer on Bass, Robert Morrow on Keys and Jevaugh Bogard on sax, and from a March 21st, 2025 performance Daniel Peck is your host for Abstract Sounds…Live at the Bop Stop.

The Cotton Brothers (pictured) sing New Year’s musical selections. The remaining Gospel Memories program pays tribute to the late Richard Smallwood.