Kick off your Holiday Celebrations with KCSM at our Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 18, 2025 from 5pm-7pm. Please RSVP by 12/15/2025 to membership@kcsm.net or call (650) 524-6921, leave your name, phone number and number attending. (click the headline for more information)

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!

Jimmy Witherspoon: 1945-50, Part 1. Jimmy Witherspoon is one of most influential blues shouters to emerge after WWII and yet he remains just a footnote in the evolution of Rhythm & Blues and Rock n' Roll. Originally from Arkansas, 'Spoon settled in Los Angeles after his time in the Merchant Marines during the war. He replaced fellow-shouter Walter Brown in Jay McShann's band and was featured on McShann's first single for the fledgling Philo Label in 1945. Witherspoon is best remembered for his 1949 chart-topper, "Ain't Nobody's Business," which was actually recorded at the end of '47 and released in mid-'48. That would prove to be his signature tune, even though he had strong chart success with "In The Evening," "No Rollin' Blues" and "Big Fine Girl" in late '49. The last 2 were recorded live at the Civic Auditorium in Pasadena and really showcase the excitement of seeing 'Spoon perform live. His career spanned over 50 years and this week we’re looking at 'Spoon's early records from 1945-50 in part 1 of 2 on this talented and important figure in early Rhythm & Blues.

Big Band Holidays. Celebrate the season with the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, recorded live at Rose Theater in New York. Enjoy fresh arrangements of holiday classics featuring guest vocalists Catherine Russell, Vuyo Sotashe, Veronica Swift, and Cécile McLorin Salvant.

On Part 2 of Ornette Coleman: Congeniality / The Early Years, 1958-1960, we present the revolutionary and historic recordings that Ornette made in that period in the company of Don Cherry, Charlie Haden, Billy Higgins and Ed Blackwell. On Contemporary and then Atlantic. Including tracks from Ornette’s desert island disc: The Shape Of Jazz To Come.

Islandic musician Steini Teague has spent most of his musical life touring with folk and rock bands, including an appearance on The Tonight Show with Of Monsters and Men. Now he’s turned his sights on jazz with his duo CDs with Icelandic vocalist Silva—with a last name I won’t even attempt to pronounce. I talked with Steini about their CD, More Than You Know a dreamy, romantic take on some of their favorite standards.

Northeast Ohio’s educational organizations are committed to identifying and developing young talent, and were proud to feature an emerging trio of young musicians on this week’s program. All three performers in the Eli Leder Trio emerged from the Tri-C JazzFest Academy and performed in the Spirit of the Groove under the tutelage of Dominic Farinacci. Eli Leder leads the trio this performance and matriculates at William Patterson University. Liam Speaks sits in on piano and keyboards and is working his way through Ohio University. Nehemiah Stix Baker is heard in this performance on Drums and lets his gospel influence shine through both on this performance and as a leader in his own quartet. This performance will reassure you that musically, at least, the future is in good hands. From January 3rd, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for the Eli Leder Trio…Live at the Bop Stop.

Selections from Robert Anderson, Angelic Gospel Singers, SW Michigan State Choir, Rev. Columbus Mann (pictured), Bibletones, Rev. James Cleveland and the Salem Inspirational Choir, The Harmonizing Four, Slayton & the Psalmettes feat. Calvin Bridges on piano, and others.

Kevin Scoles is the Chief Revenue Officer of Alameda Beer Company, known these days as Alameda Adventureland. In a year that saw more breweries close than open, Almanac has found success by fully embracing the concept of being a family-friendly event space for one and all. Host Scott Piehler talks with Kevin about the transition, and how beer moved from Almanac’s focus to just one of the elements of an experience that keeps people coming back for more.

Joe Burke and Oliver Cooper talks about the movie, Burt. Burt, a 69-year-old street musician living with Parkinson’s, has life turned upside down when Sammy, a wayward young man from New York, shows up claiming to be his son. Having always dreamed of being a father, Burt embraces Sammy and invites him to stay for the weekend at his home where he lives with his grumpy landlord, Steve. The movie is Executive produced by David Gordon and was inspired by the real-life of Burt Berger, who stars in the film alongside actor Oliver Cooper. This deeply moving film captures Burt’s authentic portrayal as a musician living with Parkinson’s, offering a powerful love letter to Burt, his music, and the filmmaker’s own father, who also lives with Parkinson’s Disease.