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Chicago designated Host City of International Jazz Day 2026UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Herbie Hancock are pleased to announce the designation of Chicago (USA) as host city for the 2026 International Jazz Day World Concert. This edition will mark the 15th anniversary of the event and coincide with the 250th anniversary of the United States of America. (more)

We asked our listeners to support the next generation at our "Passing the Torch," celebration for Jazz Appreciation Month and you showed up! It was an afternoon of amazing young jazz musicians from St. Ignatius Preparatory School, SF Conservatory of Music (RJAM), CSM Big Band and an appearance by none other than celebrated pianist Larry Vuckovich who all delighted a full house - and the many viewers who tuned in on Facebook. Thank you all for showing your support! If you missed the event, you can watch it on Facebook. (click the story subject for the Facebook Link)

Stacy Dillard and Keigo Hirakawa. A chance meeting with Wynton Marsalis in Dayton, Ohio led Stacy Dillard to New York where the saxophonist thrives fronting three of his own bands that cut across R&B/Funk and Hip Hop and serves as an in-demand sideman.It’s also where he met pianist Kiego Hirakawa with whom he partners for this performance. Keigo has spent the last 20 years touring the Midwest with his piano trio and has released three full length albums as a leader including his most recent release Pixel. From a July 20th, 2025 performance, Daniel Peck is your host for Stacy Dillard and Kiego Hirakawa…Live at the Bop Stop.

Imperial Records, Part 2 - 1950-51. 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. He began recording Rhythm & Blues in 1947 and by '49, he had hired Dave Bartholomew to scout talent in fertile New Orleans. The Braun Brother had beat him to The Crescent City by recording Paul Gayten and Annie Laurie first, but with Bartholomew's help, Chudd was able to sign Fats Domino, Smiley Lewis, Archibald and Jewel King, dominating the New Orleans R&B scene. This week, we continue our Imperial series with part two, focusing on the 78s released during the 2nd half of 1950 and into the first half of '51. Fats, Smiley and Jewel are back, but with the departure of Bartholomew over an argument in late '50, Imperial turns to more down-home blues recordings. We'll dig on some stellar records from accomplished bluesmen: Country Jim, Smokey Hogg, Mercy Dee and Lil' Son Jackson. The future Guitar Slim made his very first records for Imperial before topping the charts in '54 for Specialty with "The Things That I Used To Do." Child actor and future music producer H.B. Barnum made his musical debut on shellac with Chudd and Imperial in 1950 and blues icons T-Bone Walker and Big Joe Turner recorded some fine sides for the label as well. Matt The Cat keeps those records spinning as he features part two of the Imperial Records Story.

Pianist Fred Hersch looks back on a fearless life in jazz, sharing personal favorites, stories behind bold collaborations and music from his new album.

Part 1. Erroll Garner: The Complete Concert By The Sea. With the jazz piano giant in one of the most famous jazz concerts ever.

Airing LIVE and streaming on Facebook, KCSM welcomes Recording/Performing Artists/Band Leader/Composer & Producer Destiny Muhammad to Studio 91. From Celtic to Coltrane, her genre is cool and eclectic with a feel of Jazz and storytelling to round out the sonic experience . . . you're in for a treat!

A chance meeting with Wynton Marsalis in Dayton, Ohio led Stacy Dillard to New York where the saxophonist thrives fronting three of his own bands that cut across R&B/Funk and Hip Hop and serves as an in-demand sideman. It’s also where he met pianist Kiego Hirakawa with whom he partners for this performance. Keigo has spent the last 20 years touring the Midwest with his piano trio and has released three full length albums as a leader including his most recent release Pixel. From a July 20th, 2025 performance, Daniel Peck is your host for Stacy Dillard and Kiego Hirakawa…Live at the Bop Stop.

This episode includes sets in loving memory of Nate Luckett (pictured) (Luckett Brothers of Milwaukee) and Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr. plus Caravans, Stars of Virginia, Bishop G.E. Patterson, and others.

Melanie Dixon is the President of the College of Alameda. Host Scott Piehler talks with Melanie about the role of CoA in the community, the benefits of being part of the Peralta Community College District, and the life-changing opportunities offered by CoA programs like Automotive and Aviation Maintenance Technology.