Thank you for making KCSM a home for jazz—and for everyone who loves it. Each Fall, The most successful fundraising often happens during KCSM Challenge Days, when listener donations are matched by generous supporters. These leadership gifts create momentum, encourage participation, and help ensure KCSM remains a vibrant source of jazz for listeners throughout the Bay Area and around the world. (more)

Congratulations to Justice from San Francisco who was the winner of one (1) Pair of Tickets to see Herbie Hancock at Davies Symphony Hall. "Courtesy of Another Planet Entertainment" (https://apeconcerts.com/)

Food and hospitality donations help support KCSM's community engagement efforts throughout the year. Here's how you can help. (more)

KCSM was proud to join Bay Area broadcasters and listeners at Radio Day By The Bay, a celebration of the voices and communities that make local radio matter. We enjoyed meeting so many KCSM fans and cheering on Dick Conte, Claire Mack and the family of Leslie Stoval during recognition of the 2026 Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame inductees. Special thanks to everyone who stopped by the KCSM booth, including Abe, D Minor, Charles, and Larry.

Dave Frank is one of the busiest solo jazz pianists and music educators on the scene today. He is the author of the best-selling Hal Leonard book and video series, Joy of Improv and Breakthrough to Improv, was an Associate Professor of piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1987-2004, and was a co-founder of the New York School of Jazz. His involvement in the Dave Frank School of Jazz in New York is kind of self-evident, and his mastery of the piano will be evident very quickly. From September 26th, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for a solo piano performance from the great Dave Frank…Live at the Bop Stop.

Join Jayn Pettingill for a conversation with Mike Monford, a Detroit-based alto saxophonist, composer, and jazz historian. Rooted in 1960s spiritual and Afro-futurist jazz, his sound also blends hip-hop and soul influences. He studied under Jackie McLean and has released acclaimed albums like Perseverance and the live record The Cloth I'm Cut From.

Aladdin Records, Part 2 - 1950-54. Part 2 in our 3-part series on Aladdin Records, one of the most important independent labels of the pre-rock era. Part 2 will pick up the Aladdin Records Story in 1950 and carry it through til rock n' roll began hitting the mainstream in 1953-54. This week, we'll hear more hits from Aladdin's early hit-makers, Amos Milburn and Charles Brown. We'll also dig some of the newcomers, like Floyd Dixon, Peppermint Harris, Calvin Boze, Shirley & Lee, the Five Keys and more. Aladdin was a rare label in that almost everything they pressed was worth hearing. If you ever see a discarded Aladdin 45 by an artist you've never heard before, pick it up, because chances are it'll make you very, very happy. Next week, part 3 will close down the series on Aladdin.

Drummer and Local Legend Mel Brown Endures as the Humble Godfather of Portland Jazz. Mel Brown calls Portland's jazz scene the best kept secret. But the secret is out! On this episode, the veteran drummer and local legend chats with host Christian McBride about Portland and stories of his big break joining Motown in 1968.

Dave Frank is one of the busiest solo jazz pianists and music educators on the scene today. He is the author of the best-selling Hal Leonard book and video series, Joy of Improv and Breakthrough to Improv, was an Associate Professor of piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1987-2004, and was a co-founder of the New York School of Jazz. His involvement in the Dave Frank School of Jazz in New York is kind of self-evident, and his mastery of the piano will be evident very quickly. From September 26th, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for a solo piano performance from the great Dave Frank…Live at the Bop Stop.

This episode is an hourlong survey of Simpson Records, the eponymously-titled gospel label of Richard "Bishop" Simpson. Artists include the COGICS, Utterbach Concert Ensemble, Kendrix Singers of LA, Gospel Descendants, Gospel Clefs (pictured), and others.

Kate Eby is a multiple Emmy-winning producer for ABC 7 News, the founder of The Puzzle Swap Society, an accomplished triathlete, lifeguard, open-water swim instructor, and the creator of the Crown Beach Swim Conditions report. While they may seem like very disparate pursuits, they are all linked by Kate’s deep commitment to serving the community.

Scott Kurashige is author of American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism. For over 170 years, anti-Asian racism in California has been fueled by a volatile mix of economic anxiety and xenophobia. During the interview session Kurashige provides historical context on these deep-seated issues both in California and across the country.