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What a special event it was right here at KCSM! Omar Sosa, Cuban composer, pianist and one of the most versatile jazz artists on the scene today visted KCSM for a LIVE performance on Thursday, 2/12/2026. Omar fuses a wide range of jazz, world music, and electronic elements with his native Afro-Cuban roots to create a fresh and original urban sound – all with a Latin jazz heart. Omar Sosa’s musical trajectory has taken him from Camagüey and Havana to touring in Angola, the Congo, Ethiopia, and Nicaragua in the 1980s; to a sojourn in the African-descent communities of Ecuador in the early 1990s; to an extended presence on the San Francisco Bay Area Latin jazz scene; to his current engagement with artists from France, Cuba, Brazil, and several North, West, and East African nations.
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Hundreds of listeners gathered last week to start their holiday celebrations and the festive season with KCSM. It was an evening of good friends, good food and great live jazz! A Special thank you to everyone who brought a new, unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive. Lots of local kids will have a happier holiday because of your generosity. (click story headline for more photo) -
Sonoma Valley resident Kathleen Lawton was part of the lucky audience when soulful vocalist Allan Harris and guitarist Bruce Forman performed an extraordinary set at the Sebastiani Theater in Sonoma on Sunday December 7. The concert, dedicated to the music of Nat King Cole, was sponsored by the Sonoma Valley Jazz Society. (click header for more) -
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. -
Listen to All About Jazz host Steve Roby's interview with KCSM Station Manager Dr. Robert Franklin about the Documentary on KCSM's broadcast history, from it's humble beginning as a hands-on training ground for students, to a full-time jazz station. (click on headline for more information) -
KCSM, in partnership with the California Historical Radio Society, proudly presents the documentary "KCSM - The History of Bay Area Jazz Radio."Join us at the beautiful Alameda Theatre for a special film screening, followed by a guided tour of the CHRS Museum. Explore the rich legacy of Bay Area jazz broadcasting and celebrate the many KCSM legends honored in the Radio Museum Hall of Fame, including: Mal Sharpe, Al “Jazzbeaux” Collins, Pat Henry, Dan Odum, Stan Dunn,Sonny Buxton and Miranda Wilson. Get your tickets now: https://app.formovietickets.com/index.html?chain=alameda&rtn=43500&page=pickTicket&showId=279810&placeId=375 We hope to see you there! -
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KCSM staff, including Station Manager, Dr. Robert Franklin, were proud to attend this year’s Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest continuously running jazz festival in the world. Since 1958, MJF has given both legendary performers and emerging artists a platform to share their music with audiences who cherish jazz. (Click subject line for more) -
Last month, KCSM On-Air Host Harry Duncan, (In The Soul Kitchen and Thursday's Jazz In The Afternoon) spun a special late night set on the last night of The Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. In the legendary Crystal Palace venue, Duncan served up a hour’s worth of freestyle roots and rhythm to a very enthusiastic, open and diverse group of dancers. (click the subject line to see a short video.)
