Thank you for making KCSM a home for jazz—and for everyone who loves it. Each Fall, The most successful fundraising often happens during KCSM Challenge Days, when listener donations are matched by generous supporters. These leadership gifts create momentum, encourage participation, and help ensure KCSM remains a vibrant source of jazz for listeners throughout the Bay Area and around the world. (more)

Congratulations to Justice from San Francisco who was the winner of one (1) Pair of Tickets to see Herbie Hancock at Davies Symphony Hall. "Courtesy of Another Planet Entertainment" (https://apeconcerts.com/)

Food and hospitality donations help support KCSM's community engagement efforts throughout the year. Here's how you can help. (more)

KCSM was proud to join Bay Area broadcasters and listeners at Radio Day By The Bay, a celebration of the voices and communities that make local radio matter. We enjoyed meeting so many KCSM fans and cheering on Dick Conte, Claire Mack and the family of Leslie Stoval during recognition of the 2026 Bay Area Radio Hall of Fame inductees. Special thanks to everyone who stopped by the KCSM booth, including Abe, D Minor, Charles, and Larry.

Theron Brown Quartet Featuring Cliff Barnes. A glimpse of gospel, jazz, and soul from the great legends is what inspires the sound of pianist Theron Browns music. You will get more than just a glimpse of this, however, on this episode of the program. Because not only do we get Theron showing off his talents on the Piano and Fender Rhodes, but Northeast Ohio Legend Cliff Barnes joins Theron on the Hammond B3. Add in Akron based Trumpeter Tommy Lehman and James Johnson III on Drums and it is an unforgettable sold out performance. From July 18th, 2025, Daniel Peck is your host for the Theron Brown Quartet featuring Cliff Barnes…Live at the Bop Stop.

Aladdin Records, Part 1 - 1945-49. The three-part special is on one of the most important record labels of the pre-rock era, Aladdin Records. Eddie and Leo Mesner started Aladdin as Philo Records in 1945. It was one of the first independent labels on the West Coast and sought to fill in the R&B void left by major labels like Victor, Decca and Columbia. The Mesners hired Maxwell Davis to help with musical arrangements and back up their artists and got the label off to a jumpin' start. In February of 1946, Philo became Aladdin and a record label icon was born. With artists like Johnny Moore's Three Blazers featuring Charles Brown, Helen Humes, Illinois Jacquet, Wynonie Harris, Amos Milburn and some rare releases from a young Robins group, how could Aladdin possibly fail? They didn't and in the process, they helped propel rhythm & blues into the mainstream, paving the way for the emergence of Rock n' Roll. This week's show focuses on the beginning of the label from 1945-49 and next week's show will feature 1950 to the birth of Rock n' Roll, while part three will concentrate on the early Rock releases. Grab some nickels, because the party's getting ready to start down at the Chicken Shack.

Exploring the many orbits of jazz legend Wayne Shorter. Wayne Shorter would have turned 93 on August 25. We commemorate the legendary saxophonist and composer with concert performances, interviews, and music picks from our host, Christian McBride

Coming Soon.

Dave Frank is one of the busiest solo jazz pianists and music educators on the scene today. He is the author of the best-selling Hal Leonard book and video series, Joy of Improv and Breakthrough to Improv, was an Associate Professor of piano at Berklee College of Music in Boston from 1987-2004, and was a co-founder of the New York School of Jazz. His involvement in the Dave Frank School of Jazz in New York is kind of self-evident, and his mastery of the piano will be evident very quickly. From September 26th, 2025 Daniel Peck is your host for a solo piano performance from the great Dave Frank…Live at the Bop Stop.

This episode is an hourlong survey of Simpson Records, the eponymously-titled gospel label of Richard "Bishop" Simpson. Artists include the COGICS, Utterbach Concert Ensemble, Kendrix Singers of LA, Gospel Descendants, Gospel Clefs (pictured), and others.

Kate Eby is a multiple Emmy-winning producer for ABC 7 News, the founder of The Puzzle Swap Society, an accomplished triathlete, lifeguard, open-water swim instructor, and the creator of the Crown Beach Swim Conditions report. While they may seem like very disparate pursuits, they are all linked by Kate’s deep commitment to serving the community.

Scott Kurashige is author of American Peril: The Violent History of Anti-Asian Racism. For over 170 years, anti-Asian racism in California has been fueled by a volatile mix of economic anxiety and xenophobia. During the interview session Kurashige provides historical context on these deep-seated issues both in California and across the country.