JAZZ in IRELAND: Part 1 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 St Patrick’s Day! On this day when Irish culture is celebrated around the world, we begin a new series of regular articles on Jazz in Ireland on the KCSM website. Jazz is alive and well in contemporary Ireland with jazz festivals, jazz workshops, and jazz education in third-level institutions flourishing, with bebop, swing, blues, fusion, ethno-jazz, jazz rock, Celtic jazz, Latin-jazz and improvised explorations being the norm. (click story subject to continue)

Melanie Berzon was a true powerhouse at KCSM for over 25 years. She served as Program Director before moving into the role of Director of Operations, but most listeners know her as the unforgettable afternoon cohost of Jazz In The Afternoon, sharing the mic on alternating days with fellow afternoon dynamo Jesse "Chuy" Varela. Together, they were unstoppable especially during Fund Drives, when their energy, camaraderie, and talent for turning listeners into supporters were unmatched. (click story subject to continue)

This month, KCSM Jazz 91 proudly celebrates Women’s History Month with a full lineup of special programming honoring the extraordinary women who have shaped jazz. All month long, listeners can enjoy curated shows spotlighting the groundbreaking artists, composers, bandleaders, and broadcasters past and present whose voices and vision have defined the sound of the genre. From trailblazing legends to today’s innovators, KCSM Jazz 91 highlights the significant contributions of women both behind the mic and on the bandstand—celebrating their enduring impact on the past, present, and future of jazz.

Van Morrison sat down recently with Harry Duncan, producer and host of In The Soul Kitchen for an exclusive interview to talk about his new album, Somebody Tried To Sell Me A Bridge that features Van and his band covering blues and R&B classics from some of his favorite artists. Special guests on the album include Taj Mahal, Buddy Guy and Elvin Bishop. The interview also includes Van talking about some of his primary inspirations and influences like Leadbelly, Bobby Blue Bland, Solomon Burke, Sam Cooke and Bobby Womack. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Van, songs from his new album and more.

1956: Jukebox Rhythm Review, Part 2. This week, we journey back 70 years as the "Juke In The Back" puts the ol' Rockola Jukebox front and center and we present part 2 of a 2-part feature on the biggest jukebox jivers from 1956. It was the first full year of Rock n' Roll Music crossing over from its Rhythm & Blues roots into mainstream Pop Culture. This was the year that Elvis broke through and scored massive hits on the Pop, R&B and Country Charts. We'll dig on the future King's biggest record of the year as well as monster crossover hits by Bill Doggett and Little Willie John. Matt The Cat also spins tunes by B.B. King, Gus Jinkins, Otis Rush and Muddy Waters, that were solely R&B hits. So, grab a nickel, grab a dime and let's make some time with the top jukebox spinners from the second half of 1956 on this week's Jukebox Rhythm Review.

Part 1. Horace Silver: Opus De Funk / The 1950s Blue Note Recordings. With the hard bop and soulful jazz master in some of his greatest sessions. In the company of Art Blakey, Hank Mobley, Kenny Dorham, Donald Byrd and more

Cassandra Wilson: Subtle Singer, Subversive Songwriter, and NEA Jazz Master. In honor of Women's History Month, we celebrate vocalist and composer Cassandra Wilson. We listen to tracks from her vast discography and look into the way she turns standards inside out and covers other musicians' songs sideways.

Alex Anest (Encore Presentation). The Detroit based Alex Anest Trio explores both original tunes and compositions from some of the greats on this organ trio performance. And its territory Alex knows well with appearances on over three dozen albums under his belt including a half dozen as a group leader. Alex anchors the group’s sound on guitar, but Jim Alfredson mans the Hammond B3 and David Ward brings the funk on drums. From a January 9th, 2025 performance Daniel Peck is your host for the Alex Anest Trio – Live at the Bop Stop.

This episode includes selections from the Saint Luke COGIC Choir, Gospel Commanders, Katherine Hayes Singers (pictured), Rev. Evangelist Malcolm Simmons, Spiritualaires of Columbia SC, Utica Institute Jubilee Singers, and others.

Margaret Fago is the President and Executive Director of the Frank Bette Center for the Arts. The Center is home to the nationally-recognized Plein Air Paintout, as well as Alameda’s pre-eminent photography contest: Alameda On Camera. Host Scott Piehler talks with Liz about the center’s history, and what makes it one the premier small galleries in the Bay Area.

All Alone in the World: Children of the Incarcerated is a non-fiction book by Nell Bernstein that explores the profound impact of parental incarceration on children in the U.S., using real-life stories to highlight their neglect, stigmatization, and the systemic failures that punish them for their parents' crimes. Published in 2005, the book details the experiences of these children from arrest to parental reentry, critiques harsh laws, and advocates for policy changes that keep families together, arguing for a human rights approach to criminal justice. Bernstein’s work has been praised as a "moving condemnation" and compared to classics like Random Family, earning recognition from Newsweek, Salon, and the San Francisco Chronicle.