On Saturday night Kathleen Harris, KCSM Development Director, headed to the Golden Gate Theatre to soak in the sounds of live jazz from one of KCSMs favorites, Kamasi Washington, who delivered a powerful performance that had the crowd on its feet. After the show, Kathleen captured a special moment: Karen, a devoted KCSM fan, reaching out to thank Kamasi for the music that has meant so much to her. This simple handshake between artist and listener captures what KCSM is all about—real connections, shared love of jazz, and a community that stretches from the airwaves to the concert hall. A moment of pure jazz joy that reflects KCSMs unequaled connection to the Bay Area jazz scene.

Kathleen Lawton, Host of Crazy 'Bout The Blues and Jazz Oasis (Friday) was the MC for the San Francisco International Boogie Woogie Festival on November 9, 2025. Kathleen said it was a wonderful show — very appreciative audience. Performers were from Germany, Switzerland, Spain, France and Hungary. It was a lot of fun with great and enthusiastic crowd, and the music was delicious. The weather was lovely and balmy in the city. Kathleen also noted that she was promoted to Mistress - LOL!

If you joined us at the Alameda Theatre for the screening of the KCSM Documentary, thank you for being part of such a special day. Nearly 300 jazz lovers, listeners, and friends came together to celebrate the music, the memories, and the people who make KCSM what it is. The afternoon featured the documentary premiere, a Q&A with beloved station hosts, and a wonderful reception and tour at the California Historical Radio Society Museum. Click the story subject line to relive the moments and see some photos from this unforgettable gathering that reflects KCSM’s deep roots and ongoing connection to our jazz community.

Banjo, harp, and drums, three instruments rarely found in the same band. Béla Fleck, Edmar Castañeda, and Antonio Sánchez turn that unlikely combination into something vibrant and deeply musical, finding shared rhythm and shape in spontaneous conversation. The episode also returns to Fleck and Castañeda’s first duet in 2019, when the idea for this trio first came to life.

Part 1. We present "Making Records With Christian McBride", a very special edition of The Jazz Legacy on this night. With renaissance man Christian guesting, we reminisce about some great times at Verve Records in the 1990s. We’ll talk about Grammy-winning small group and big band sessions with Joe Henderson, a Verve 50th Anniversary concert at Carnegie Hall with Ray Brown, Betty Carter, Herbie Hancock, J.J. Johnson, Jackie McLean, and more, and Christian’s very first album as a leader.

Omar Aran has been a Jazz drummer and educator in the Bay Area for 20 years. He has had the opportunity to perform with many of the most notable local Jazz musicians and has taught a wide range of individuals and groups, from pre-school children to adults. Omar was also the founder and executive director of the Bay Area Jazz Mobile, that has presented more than 210 free, outdoor Jazz concerts all over the Bay Area, while guaranteeing a fair wage to over 330 local musicians. He drops by the KCSM Studio for a chat with Chris Cortez.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month join Jesse “Chuy” Varela as he features Native American jazz musicians Jim Pepper, Joy Harjo, Mildred Bailey, “Big Chief” Russell Moore, Oscar Pettiford, and others as well as songs written by non-native jazz musicians in respect to indigenous culture. We’ll also tip the hat to indigenous rockers, Redbone, Jimi Hendrix, and Jesse Ed Davis.

Over the past thirty-five years, Jim Snidero has come to be known as one of the finest jazz musicians of his generation. As an alto saxophonist, composer, arranger, author and educator, Snidero has been called both a “master musician” and “alto saxophone virtuoso” by Downbeat Magazine. This week’s show is a fine example of why. Playing an extensive catalog of original compositions, Jim is joined by Phil Degreg on Piano, Dave Morgan on Bass and Reggie Jackson on Drums. From a November 6th, 2021 performance Gabe Pollack is your host for Jim Snidero – Live at the Bop Stop.

This episode includes long sets in memory of Spencer Taylor Jr. of the Highway QCs and Supreme Queen Mother Doris Lee Rogers (pictured) (Bibleway Temple).

Pamm Drake is the creator of The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, the Alameda troupe that has become a beloved part of the Bay Area’s Holiday season, as well as making multiple appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Host Scott Piehler talks with Pamm about the history of the Trees, what it takes to bring the Trees cross-country, and what it means to be a dancer for life.

Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop Inc, and Executive Director, Oakland Xchange established a partnership with Jaylen Brown, a National Basketball Association (NBA) player with the World Champions Boston Celtics and NBA Hall of Fame player Jason Kidd and current coach of the Dallas Mavericks.The Oakland Xchange is focused on bridging the racial gap in cities across the country with economic opportunities in underserved communities in Oakland, California.