Join KCSM Jazz 91.1 and the Friends of Jazz on the Hill for An Evening with Tuck & Patti—a special live performance and conversation with the 2026 Jazz on the Hill ICON Award recipients. This intimate program features a selection of live performances by Tuck & Patti and an on-stage conversation reflecting on their artistry and influence, with an opening performance by the Jazz Education Ensemble (Oakland). (click story subject for ticket link)

Jayn Pettingill will be making a presentation on Duke Ellington and radio at The JazzSchool - a free and open to the public event. Her presentation will focus on how technology (radio) bloomed at just the right time for Ellington and for Jazz. (click story subject for more)

JAZZ in IRELAND: Part 2 of a new series of articles from Ireland and Europe for KCSM.org INTRO by Melanie O’Reilly, jazz singer, radio host & producer, jazz educator. Happy International Jazz Day from Ireland! On this day when jazz is celebrated around the world, we continue our new series of regular articles on Jazz in Ireland on the KCSM website. In this Part 2 of the series, guest writer musician & musicologist Mark O’Callahan continues with the story of Jazz as it unfolded in Ireland and how, despite the obstacles stated in Part 1, the brilliant and innovative Irish jazz artists started to emerge after 1945 into the 1950’s 60’s & 70’s; also included is an introduction to the extraordinary and influential Irish guitarist Louis Stewart.Part 3 of the series Jazz in Ireland will continue next month with a more in-depth exploration of Louis Stewart, his peers, and the generation of Irish jazz musicians he influenced. (click story subject to continue)

Pianist and cheeky singer/songwriter Betty Bryant is a model for how to go through life with humor, joy and purpose. It makes sense that at 96, most would have things figured out if they’ve decided to stay around and keep doing what they love. Betty came to Jazz Inspired to discuss her CD Lotta Livin’ in 2024 and at the time was a bit nervous about participating in a long-form interview. To her delight, she had a ball and agreed to come back for a second conversation, this time about her CD Nothin’ Better to Do, along with her friend and frequent musical collaborator, multi-instrumentalist, Rob Kyle, whom you’ll hear chime in now and then.

Long time Pittsburgh resident trombonist, pianist and band leader Reggie Watkins has released four recordings as a band leader and has appeared on many others. From 1999 to 2006 he served as trombonist and musical director for trumpeter and band leader Maynard Ferguson, and later served in the same capacity with singer-songwriter Jason Mraz. Reggie has four releases as bandleader including his May 2025 release Rivers and he performs selections from that album here. From June 20th, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for Reggie Watkins… Live at the Bop Stop.

Imperial Records, Part 4 - 1953. Imperial Records was a major player among the indie labels of the late 1940s and the entirety of the 1950s. Started in Los Angeles in 1946 by Lew Chudd, a Canadian raised in Harlem, Imperial began filling the ethnic and cultural voids left by the majors at the time. Chudd knew there was a large market for Latino Music in America, so he headed to Mexico City and recorded some Mexican jump bands that sold very well. He then included square dance records which also racked up sales as now square dances could be held without callers. (click story subject for more)

The musical depth of John Beasley as a pianist, composer, arranger, sideman, and educator, is profound. His work with Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Sergio Mendes, Steely Dan, and countless others, has given him a unique and diverse musical experience that has led to a string of assignments as musical director for International Jazz Day, American Idol, and other stage and television productions. Tune in as John Beasley joins Jesse “Chuy” Varela to talk about his latest album, “Invisible Piano” with the SWR Big Band from Stuttgart Germany and his upcoming presentation, “Unlimited Miles: Miles Davis at 100 All-Star Centennial Celebration,” on Thursday May 14 at the Presidio Theatre in San Francisco.

Long time Pittsburgh resident trombonist, pianist and band leader Reggie Watkins has released four recordings as a band leader and has appeared on many others. From 1999 to 2006 he served as trombonist and musical director for trumpeter and band leader Maynard Ferguson, and later served in the same capacity with singer-songwriter Jason Mraz. Reggie has four releases as bandleader including his May 2025 release Rivers and he performs selections from that album here. From June 20th, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for Reggie Watkins… Live at the Bop Stop.

This episode includes music from Sis. Rosa Shaw, Capitol City Stars, Staples Jr. Singers (pictured), Patterson Singers, plus Holy Week selections from Rev. James Cleveland and the GMWA Mass Choir, Willing Four, Fisk Jubilee Singers, and others.

Since 2021, Nishant Joshi has served as Alameda’s Chief of Police. Host Scott Piehler talks with Chief Joshi about his 25+ year career, his path from Oakland PD to Alameda, the unique opportunities an island presents to law enforcement, and why community involvement is the true key to successful policing.

Dr. John Calloway discusses his multi-disciplinary project entitled, “Buffalo Soldiers in the Philippine American War, a Crisis of Conscience” on this week’s program.