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.

Vocalist Samara Joy burst onto the scene in 2019 when she won the Sarah Vaughan International Jazz Vocal Competition and went on to win two Grammy awards in 2023 for best new artist and best jazz vocal album for her CD, Linger Awhile. Since I talked to her in August 2023, she has gone on to win two additional Grammys. As part of our 25th anniversary celebration, we’re revisiting that early conversation with Samara, when her fame and career were just getting started.

This Thanksgiving make KCSM JAZZ 91 the soundtrack for your celebration with Keith Hines (Morning Cup of Jazz), Lee Thomas (Mid-Day Jazz), Harry Duncan (Jazz In The Afternoon), and Greg Bridges (Jazz Oasis/Beyond The Oasis).

Over the past thirty-five years, Jim Snidero has come to be known as one of the finest jazz musicians of his generation. As an alto saxophonist, composer, arranger, author and educator, Snidero has been called both a “master musician” and “alto saxophone virtuoso” by Downbeat Magazine. This week’s show is a fine example of why. Playing an extensive catalog of original compositions, Jim is joined by Phil Degreg on Piano, Dave Morgan on Bass and Reggie Jackson on Drums. From a November 6th, 2021 performance Gabe Pollack is your host for Jim Snidero – Live at the Bop Stop.

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."

Over the past thirty-five years, Jim Snidero has come to be known as one of the finest jazz musicians of his generation. As an alto saxophonist, composer, arranger, author and educator, Snidero has been called both a “master musician” and “alto saxophone virtuoso” by Downbeat Magazine. This week’s show is a fine example of why. Playing an extensive catalog of original compositions, Jim is joined by Phil Degreg on Piano, Dave Morgan on Bass and Reggie Jackson on Drums. From a November 6th, 2021 performance Gabe Pollack is your host for Jim Snidero – Live at the Bop Stop.

This episode includes long sets in memory of Spencer Taylor Jr. of the Highway QCs and Supreme Queen Mother Doris Lee Rogers (pictured) (Bibleway Temple).

Pamm Drake is the creator of The Tap Dancing Christmas Trees, the Alameda troupe that has become a beloved part of the Bay Area’s Holiday season, as well as making multiple appearances in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Host Scott Piehler talks with Pamm about the history of the Trees, what it takes to bring the Trees cross-country, and what it means to be a dancer for life.

Trevor Parham, CEO of Oakstop Inc, and Executive Director, Oakland Xchange established a partnership with Jaylen Brown, a National Basketball Association (NBA) player with the World Champions Boston Celtics and NBA Hall of Fame player Jason Kidd and current coach of the Dallas Mavericks.The Oakland Xchange is focused on bridging the racial gap in cities across the country with economic opportunities in underserved communities in Oakland, California.