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.

Atlantic Records, Part 14 - Cat Records. Atlantic Records was the most influential, significant and important independent record label to come out of the late-1940s, during a time when there were many great, small indie labels being born. What gave Atlantic the advantage over Specialty, Chess, Modern, Vee-Jay, Exclusive, King, etc is the breadth of material, variety of music styles and the sheer number of hit records that led to the Rock n' Roll explosion of the mid-1950s. Matt The Cat and the "Juke In The Back" present this behemoth, 14-part series celebrating the first 10 years of Atlantic's existence: 1947-57. This week in part fourteen, Matt The Cat focuses on Atlantic's first subsidiary label, Cat Records. Atlantic set Cat up to be their Rock n’ Roll label, but after only a year and a half and 18 single releases, they decided to dissolve it in favor of ATCO Records. During those 18 78s and 45s, Cat issued some smokin’ Rhythm & Blues, jivin’ vocal groups as well as a few pop and novelty records. Cat Records only enjoyed one national hit, “Sh-Boom” by The Chords, but what a spectacular hit it was. It topped out at #2 on the R&B chart and crossed-over to an impressive #5 Pop. R&B greats Floyd Dixon, Jimmy Lewis, Margie Day and songwriter Rose Marie McCoy all stopped by Cat for one or two releases AND the first Mickey & Sylvia record was issued on Cat in 1954. This is the final installment in our 14-part series on the history of Atlantic Records, so buckle in for another audio adventure with the "Juke In The Back."

Phil Schaap devoted his life to jazz as a historian, broadcaster, archivist, and teacher. An NEA Jazz Master with an encyclopedic mind and deep passion for the music, Schaap shaped how generations heard and understood jazz. This episode celebrates his life and legacy with performances from the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra and rare recordings from the West End Café.

Part 2 of "Making Records With Christian McBride", a very special edition of The Jazz Legacy on this night. With renaissance man Christian guesting, we reminisce about some great times at Verve Records in the 1990s. We’ll talk about sessions with Jimmy Smith, Roy Hargrove, Chick Corea and Jack DeJohnette, Bobby Hutcherson., and more.

Explore the music of Lennie Tristano, an original jazz pianist who was a jazz pioneer who had a great influence on those who came after him. He created the first improvised group recording, where the only plan was when each musician would enter, and then each would freely improvise. He was also the first to record multi-tracks of himself playing in three different rhythms, creating the tension of counterpoint - the influence of Bach was important in his music.

Coming Soon

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.