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)

Jaco Pastorius: World's Greatest Bass Player, Part 3. Featuring the 20th Century musical giant in his recordings with Joni Mitchell, and with his own large ensembles, from his Word Of Mouth Big Band. With commentary by Joni, and by Joe Zawinul.

Jesse "Chuy" Varela welcomes guitarist/composer, David James, who has a new album, "Mission Rebel No.1 - Looking For Reverand Jesse James," an extended work chronicling the life of the Reverand James who founded The Mission Rebels, one of the first youth advocacy organizations in San Francisco. A compelling story and musical work of art, the album has its release on Fri. Jan.23 at the San Francisco Community Music Center.

Actress Jane Lynch is a hilarious presence in the Christopher Guest films, Best In Show, A Mighty Wind and For Your Consideration. Although she was initially reluctant to dive into Guest’s improvisational approach to character development in these films, she loved the process and feels it pushed her forward as an actress. Now, with her Emmy winning roles on Glee, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and numerous other programs expanding her audience even further, she is, among other projects, doing what she loves most: group singing, with her tours A Swinging’ Little Christmas with Tim Davis and Kate Flannery, and Two Lost Souls, her duo show with Kate.

David Bixler’s Beatitude. Saxophonist, composer, and educator David Bixler cut his teeth touring the world with the big bands of Lionel Hampton and Toshiko Akioshi. He later joined the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band, with whom he played a decade-long residency at Birdland and won a LATIN GRAMMY for Final Night at Birdland.Beatitude is his quartet project that you’ll hear selections from no this show including the best of their 2019 release In the Face of Chaos. Featuring Jon Cowherd on Piano, Ike Sturm on Bass, Rogerio Boccato on Percussion and David Bixler on Alto Sax, and from an April 3rd, 2025 performance, Daniel Peck is your host for David Bixler’s Beatitude…Live at the Bop Stop.

Guitarist Brenna Esmée.Performing live in Studio 91 -aka: KCSM's Vinyl Library- is Brenna Esmée Au Miller who is a singer, songwriter and actor and former College of San Mateo student.

David Bixler’s Beatitude. Saxophonist, composer, and educator David Bixler cut his teeth touring the world with the big bands of Lionel Hampton and Toshiko Akioshi. He later joined the Chico O’Farrill Afro-Cuban Big Band, with whom he played a decade-long residency at Birdland and won a LATIN GRAMMY for Final Night at Birdland. Beatitude is his quartet project that you’ll hear selections from no this show including the best of their 2019 release In the Face of Chaos. Featuring Jon Cowherd on Piano, Ike Sturm on Bass, Rogerio Boccato on Percussion and David Bixler on Alto Sax, and from an April 3rd, 2025 performance, Daniel Peck is your host for David Bixler’s Beatitude…Live at the Bop Stop.

This episode includes music by Ernestine Washington & Washington Temple Choir, Thomas A. Dorsey & Mahalia Jackson, Staple Singers, Faith Temple Church Choir (pictured), Supreme Angels, Gospel Silhouettes, and others.

Gia Schneider is the co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Natel Energy. The Alameda-based company is at the forefront of modern hydropower, making power generation safe for the wildlife that inhabit the waterways. Host Scott Piehler talks with Gia about the history of Natel, the science behind a technology that has achieved a 100% survival rate for fish, and the challenges and rewards of being part of the solution for a greener future.