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)

1946: Jukebox Rhythm Review, Part 1. Kick off the New Year, Our old Rockola Jukebox is once again in the forefront as we spotlight the biggest Rhythm & Blues jukebox hits of 1946. In part 1, we'll focus on the first half of the year, featuring Wynonie "Mr. Blues" Harris' first hit as a solo artist and bandleader with Illinois Jacquet's group backing him up. Louis Jordan scores 2 #1s during the first half of the year, while Lionel Hampton holds to top spot for 16 non-consecutive weeks. The Ink Spots score the biggest record of the year with "The Gypsy," which actually sold more copies to Pop audiences and remained #1 on the Pop Chart for an impressive 13 weeks. Roy Milton, Billy Eckstine, The King Cole Trio and The Blues Woman all make appearance on this week's show. Next week, we'll dig in on the second half of the hugely musically significant year of 1946.

Pianist, guitarist and educator Ariel Kasler is a driving force behind the resurgence of jazz and classical music in Northwest Ohio in both his position as the pianist for the Toledo Jazz Orchestra and as the Artistic Director of the Orchard Guitar Festival. As the leader of his own quartet, he performs original jazz compositions and arrangements influenced by Middle Eastern, Jewish, and Israeli music as evidenced on 2015’s Above the Sound, the 2022 release Make it Bloom and on this March 23rd, 2025 performance. Featuring Andrew Bishop on Saxophones, Jeff Halsey on Bass, Olman Piedra on Drums and Ariel Kasler on Guitar and Piano, Daniel Peck is your host for the Ariel Kasler Quartet…Live at the Bop Stop

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.

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, guitarist and educator Ariel Kasler is a driving force behind the resurgence of jazz and classical music in Northwest Ohio in both his position as the pianist for the Toledo Jazz Orchestra and as the Artistic Director of the Orchard Guitar Festival. As the leader of his own quartet, he performs original jazz compositions and arrangements influenced by Middle Eastern, Jewish, and Israeli music as evidenced on 2015’s Above the Sound, the 2022 release Make it Bloom and on this March 23rd, 2025 performance. Featuring Andrew Bishop on Saxophones, Jeff Halsey on Bass, Olman Piedra on Drums and Ariel Kasler on Guitar and Piano, Daniel Peck is your host for the Ariel Kasler Quartet…Live at the Bop Stop

This episode includes selections from the Saint Luke COGIC Choir, Gospel Commanders, Katherine Hayes Singers, Rev. Evangelist Malcolm Simmons, Spiritualaires of Columbia SC (pictured), Utica Institute Jubilee Singers, and others.

Stan Bunger is a Bay Area Radio Hall of Famer, the former morning voice of KCBS, and the author of “Mornings With Madden.” Host Scott Piehler talks with Stan about his Bay Area upbringing, his journey in radio, and what it was like to spend part of every working morning with the legendary John Madden, getting to know a side of the man that the rest of the country never experienced.

Remembering the late, Togo Dennis West Jr., former Secretary of the United States Army. Mr. West was an attorney and Army officer who served as the third Secretary of Veterans Affairs in the administration of President Bill Clinton from 1998 until his resignation in 2000. West was the second African American to be Secretary of Veterans Affairs. After completing law school, West entered the United States Army.He was in the Army Field Artillery Corps from 1965 to 1968, then attended JAG School at the University of Virginia and served as an Army lawyer from 1969 to 1973.West earned the Legion of Merit and the Meritorious Service Medal.