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.

This week -Indianapolis based guitarist Charlie Ballantine returns to our stage and to our program – this time in front of a live audience.Charlie released two albums in 2021; Cold Coffee is a collection of his own works and Life is Brief – a Tribute to Bob Dylan, which landed on Jazziz Magazine’s Top Ten Best Releases list.Charlie’s audienceless performance during COVID was one of the more poignant appearances we’ve ever had on our stage, and he returns once again with a trio that features Charlie on guitar, Cassius Goens III on drums and Jesse Wittman on bass. From August 24th, 2022 it’s Charlie Ballantine – Live at the Bop Stop.

The Spiders. New Orleans is not known for its R&B vocal groups. In a city where jazz, blues and zydeco thrive, one vocal group rose to the top: The Spiders. In two short years, the Spiders landed enduring hits like "I Didn't Want To Do It," "I'm Slippin' In" and "Witchcraft," led by brothers Chuck and Chick Carbo. They were produced by the legendary Dave Bartholomew and recorded at Cosimo Matassa's J&M Studios with the cream of New Orleans' session musicians. When the hits stopped coming, Chuck Carbo left the group for a solo career, thus ending their time in the spotlight.

Gather around 'The Yule Log' with pianist George Burton. Join us as we gather ‘round the fire for a special listen to pianist George Burton’s burning holiday record The Yule Log. We’ll hear some seasonal favorites and some super deep Christmas cuts.

On Part 1 of Ornette Coleman: Congeniality / The Early Years, 1958-1960, we present the revolutionary and historic recordings that Ornette made in that period in the company of Don Cherry, Charlie Haden, Billy Higgins, and more. On Contemporary and then Atlantic. Including tracks from Ornette’s desert island disc, the 1959 The Shape Of Jazz To Come.

This week -Indianapolis based guitarist Charlie Ballantine returns to our stage and to our program – this time in front of a live audience. Charlie released two albums in 2021; Cold Coffee is a collection of his own works and Life is Brief – a Tribute to Bob Dylan, which landed on Jazziz Magazine’s Top Ten Best Releases list. Charlie’s audienceless performance during COVID was one of the more poignant appearances we’ve ever had on our stage, and he returns once again with a trio that features Charlie on guitar, Cassius Goens III on drums and Jesse Wittman on bass. From August 24th, 2022 it’s Charlie Ballantine – 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, The Supreme Angels (pictured), Gospel Silhouettes, and others.

Teale Harden is the Executive Director of the Alameda Food Bank, which recently celebrated the opening of their new state-of-the-art facility on Alameda Point. Host Scott Piehler talks with Teale about the ever-increasing demand for AFB’s services, the challenges presented by pandemic, government shutdowns, and lawsuits, and the rewards that come from neighbor helping neighbor.

Wil Shelton, President & CEO of Wil Power Integrated Marketing orchestrates a network of over 50,000 African-Americans salons and barbershops nationwide, creating authentic touch points that reach more than 30-million across social media networks. Our conversation includes discussion about Wil’s company and the historical, cultural significance, and evolution of Black Barbershops and salons in the Black community.