This year’s event featured an unforgettable lineup of artists whose talent lit up the stage and honored the rich legacy of jazz in the Bay Area. From emerging local performers to seasoned headliners, each act brought something special to the day.
The theme, It’s A Family Affair, was a joyful nod to Sly Stone, whose passing on June 9 reminds us of his enduring influence on music and culture. His anthem of togetherness and radical joy perfectly captured the spirit of the day. We gathered not just to enjoy great music, but to celebrate the ties that bind our jazz community across generations.
I was especially moved by the many stories shared by longtime attendees—those who’ve been with us from the early days of Jazz on the Hill, more than 25 years ago, to today. Equally inspiring was the presence of the many visitors who traveled from across the Bay Area to experience Jazz on the Hill for the very first time. Your memories, traditions, and support are what make this event more than just a concert. It’s a living legacy. A joyful reunion. A community tradition that continues to grow.
As we look ahead to 2026, I invite you to help us carry this festival forward by joining Friends of Jazz on the Hill. This new community of donors and champions will help KCSM invest in emerging artists and national headliners, preserve our historic jazz archive, and keep live jazz free and open to all. Together, we can ensure that Jazz on the Hill stays strong for the next generation.
If this event moved you—if you believe in the power of jazz, community, and free cultural events—we ask you to take the next step. Join Friends of Jazz on the Hill today and help us keep the music playing.
Whether you danced on the lawn, volunteered behind the scenes, performed on stage, or shared your story—THANK YOU. You are part of the KCSM family.
Let’s keep it going.
Let’s keep it jazz.
Let’s keep it on the Hill.
With deep gratitude,
Dr. Robert Franklin
Station Manager, KCSM Jazz 91.1