KSDS 88.3 Blog

Jazz Live will be taking a hiatus in November. There will be NO Jazz Live this month. However, we hope to see you for our Holiday Jazz Live on December 9th. Stay tuned for details in the coming weeks of who will be performing. 

Tune in ALL DAY TODAY, as we celebrate Art Blakey’s 100th birthday. KSDS is featuring Art Blakey and Jazz Messenger Alumni exclusively up until 6pm. Special giveaways, interviews and of course, music, relating to Art Blakey and his Messengers throughout the years will be played all day long. TONIGHT we have a live Blakey celebration at the Saville with a film showing at 730PM. The film will also celebrate 80 Years of Blue Note Records. The presentation will be given by Station Manager, Ken Poston and will feature rare film clips including Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Horace Silver, Clifford Brown, Jimmy Smith, Stanley Turrentine, Sonny Rollins, Lee Morgan, Donald Byrd, Benny Golson, Cannonball Adderley, James Moody, J.J. Johnson and more. It is open to the public and NO parking permit is required (Lot 8). We will see there!

Jazz 88.3 has partnered again with Camarada for their 2019-2020 season! The season continues with Gold Rush, April 16 (6:30PM). It's REMIXX @ Bread & Salt in the heart of Barrio Logan (1955 Julian Ave). Be ready to be suprised and delighted – pure gold vibes: Music that is classical to country and a dash of disco-
flute, trumpet, violin, bass, guitar, drums. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here!

Jazz 88.3 is proud to support La Jolla Music Society as they present Bela Fleck, Edgar Meyer and Zakir Hussain, Wednesday, October 16th (8PM) at Balboa Theatre. The leading virtuosos on their respective instruments, Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, and Edgar Meyer move with ease within the spheres of classical, bluegrass, jazz, and world music. The genre-blending super group fuses world-class banjo, tabla, and double bass to create an original and unforgettable music experience.For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here! 

Jazz 88.3 is proud to support Art San Diego again this year, happening October 10th-13th at the San Diego Convention Center. Explore an amazing array of contemporary and modern art at Art San Diego, taking place at the San Diego Convention Center located along the beautiful waterfront setting of San Diego Bay. Entering its second decade this fall, Art San Diego is unique in bringing exceptional artwork from local, national, and international galleries together alongside outstanding show programming, live entertainment, and other exclusive events. Returning for 2019 is the [SOLO] Project, a special section featuring a curated selection of leading independent artists, and the Access to Art program, including IMPACT Night, an exclusive VIP preview reception that benefits our local nonprofit partners. For more information, click here!

Jazz 88.3 has once again partnered with the San Diego Symphony for their highly-anticipated 2019-2020 Jazz @ the Jacobs concert series! Unfortuntely, the series has CANCELLED the event Fandango at the Wall: Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra for this Saturday and has been postponed until May 30th. Any more postponement information can be found here!

Jazz 88.3's 2019 Fall Membership Drive was a big success! Thank you so much for your support. We welcomed many new and renewing members and the music will continue to thrive because of it. If you missed your chance to call during the drive you can still donate towards the campaign by clicking here. Here is the top ten list from our most recent drive:

Jazz 88.3 is proud to partner with Live Nation as they present Al Di Meola, Tuesday, September 24th (7PM) at The Magnolia in El Cajon. A bona fide guitar hero and perennial poll-winner, Al Di Meola has been recognized internationally over the past four decades as virtuoso of the highest order. A prolific composer and prodigious six-string talent, Di Meola has amassed over 20 albums as a leader while collaborating on a dozen or so others with the likes of the fusion supergroup Return To Forever (with Chick Corea, Stanley Clarke and Lenny White), the celebrated acoustic guitar trio featuring fellow virtuosos John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucia, and the Rite of Strings trio with bassist Clarke and violinist Jean-Luc Ponty. For more information, or to purchase tickets, simply click here!

Jazz 88.3 has partnered with La Jolla Music Society as they present Chick Corea, Wednesday, October 2nd at Balboa Theatre (8PM)! NEA Jazz Master and 22-time GRAMMY®-Award winner Chick Corea is joined by bass powerhouse Christian McBride and drum master Brian Blade to form this stellar trio. Trilogy includes reinventions of classic Corea compositions, previously unrecorded originals, and an array of jazz standards recognized with two GRAMMY® Awards. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here!

• Keyboard legend Chick Corea and rising star Gerald Clayton discuss their music and mutual admiration society - San Diego Union Tribune

SOLD OUT! Charles McPherson will be performing for a very special KSDS fundraising event on Saturday, September 28 at 7:30pm. The concert will be billed as Charles McPherson plays the music of Charlie 'Bird' Parker with Strings. This legendary album was recorded 60 years ago and remains one of Charlie Parker's best recorded work. It's orchestration, pleasing melodies and subtle chord changes make this a timeless recording. This is event is SOLD OUT but you may request to be on a waiting list in case there are any cancellations- call 619-388-3301 or E-MAIL US AT INFO@JAZZ88.ORG. It will require an $88.30 contribution.

Jazz 88.3 has partnered with Humphreys, as they present, the legendary, Diana Krall, Tuesday, September 24th (8PM)! Diana Krall is the only jazz singer to have eight albums debut at the top of the Billboard Jazz Albums chart. To date, her albums have garnered five Grammy® Awards, eight Juno® Awards and have also earned nine gold, three platinum and seven multi-platinum albums. Krall's unique artistry transcends any single musical style and has made her one of the most recognizable artists of our time. For more information, or to purcahse tickets, simply click here!

Jazz 88.3 is so proud to partner with Goldenvoice as they present Herb Alpert and Lani Hall, Sunday, September 22nd (8PM) at Humphrey's on Shelter Island! Nine-time Grammy winner and legendary trumpet player Herb Alpert has continued to sell out shows nationwide alongside his wife, Grammy-winning vocalist Lani Hall, since they began touring together in 2006. Top 40 singles include "The Lonely Bull," "The Mexican Shuffle," "A Taste of Honey," "This Guy's In Love With You" and "Rise." On the heels of the October 2018 release of Alpert’s latest album Music Volume 3, these music icons perform an eclectic mix of American standards, Brazilian jazz, some classic Tijuana Brass and Brazil '66 songs, as well as many surprises. An exciting show from two legendary performers! For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here!

Charlie “Bird” Parker was one of the pioneers of Bebop and is considered to be one of the most influential and virtuosic improvisers of modern Jazz.  Join us ALL DAY TODAY as we celebrate the birthday of “Bird.” We will follow the timeline of his career presenting studio sessions, live dates and rare t.v./radio broadcasts including some historical tracks that aren’t available to the public. There will also be great giveaways and thank you gifts (for becoming a member). If you like what you hear please consider making a basic pledge of support online. Celebrating Bird, only on KSDS, Jazz 88.3.

Mark your calendars! Blue Note at Sea sets sail January 25th - February 1st, 2020 for its fourth year- CHECK OUT THIS TESTIMONIAL! From veterans like David Sanborn and Christian McBride to emerging talents like Emmet Cohen, Blue Note at Sea has the fundamentals of jazz well covered. Same with our hosts Marcus Miller, Robert Glasper and Don Was, whose respect for jazz's past is mirrored by their dedication to moving the music forward and making it accessible to new audiences. Jazz is no longer just about swinging. It's also about a groove, a modern vibe that sometimes goes beyond category as with the music of Gregory Porter, Melody Gardot, Cyrille Aimée, and Kirk Whalum. It's hip and it's cool and it represents the present and future of the music, while still paying respect to its illustrious swinging past.  Just like the music you hear on KSDS, Blue Note at Sea always fills your soul with the music you've always loved. CLICK HERE for a special offer exclusive to patrons of KSDS!

Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Miles Davis' Bitches Brew with KSDS TODAY beginning at 9AM. Listen to selections from the album throughout the day and tune-in for special insight about one of the great jazz albums of all time. Also, there will be special KSDS Bitches Brew gifts that you can get by calling 619-388-3000 on Tuesday. The album that defined Jazz-Rock Fusion, Bitches Brew. Only on KSDS/Jazz 88.3.

Jazz 88.3 has partnered with the Jewish Community Center, as they present the Emmet Cohen Trio, this Wednesday, August 14th (8PM) at the David & Dorothea Garfield Theatre. Harlem-based jazz piano phenomenon Emmet Cohen makes his San Diego debut backed by his all-star trio, including drummer Kyle Poole, recently on tour with Cécile McLorin Salvant, and Russell Hall, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert bassist. Cohen will blow you away with his astonishing technique, innovative sound, and exuberant charm. A recognized prodigy, he has emerged as one of his generation's pivotal figures in jazz. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here!

Jazz 88.3 is so proud to partner with First Presbyterian Church again this year as they present Jazz in the Courtyard, a concert in the courtyard of First Presbyterian Church of San Diego, featuring Peter Sprague and Planet Cole Porter featuring Rebecca Jade--Tripp Sprague, Saxophone; Gunnar Biggs, Bass; Duncan Moore, Drums. It's all happening this Saturday, August 3rd (5:30PM) and will be hosted by Archie Thompson and the Archtones. Doors open at 5PM and there will be plenty of food trucks onsite on Date Street. Tickets are only $15. For more information, click here! 

Jazz 88.3 has partnered with California Center for the Arts, Escondido to present blues guitarist, Buddy Guy, Thursday, August 8th at 7:30PM! American treasure and guitar legend, Buddy Guy is here to remind us that the blues are alive and well! At eighty-two years old, this Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee has left his mark on the industry through his historic sound and influence on guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix and John Mayor. His music style takes a unique spin on soul, rock and free jazz while remaining true to the heart of the blues. This is one summer concert you certainly won't want to miss! For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here! 

After a one-year break, Jazz in the Courtyard is back for its10th year! The First Presbyterian Church (320 Date Street) will feature The Monette Marino World Jazz Ensemble with special guest, The Rhythm Section. Plus, Archie Thompson & The Archtones, and other special guest artists. Gather under the lights with friends and some of San Diego’s best jazz! Food trucks onsite. There will also be an offering benefitting the homeless ministries of Ladle Fellowship. Saturday, August 7th. Doors open at 5:30pm, music starts at 6:00pm. $15 ech. Here is the Ticket and Information link.

Jazz 88.3 is proud to partner with The Del Mar Racetrack as they present Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Friday, August 2nd. As a special treat, Jazz 88.3 will also broadcast Drew Miller's Second Line Parade show LIVE from the track! This is your opportunity to spend a summer day at the races and see a local New Orleans favorite, trackside! The concert is FREE and begins after the last race concludes (just be sure to arrive by 5 pm to gain free admission and enjoy a full evening with everything Del Mar Thoroughbred Club has to offer). For more information, click here!

Join us All Day as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the U.S. Apollo 11 moon landing. To commemorate this monumental feat we will be playing moon and space-themed jazz all day beginning at 7AM. It will be out of this world! Tune in to see what we are playing and call in to our studio at 619-388-4027 to make your request. 

Jazz 88.3 is incredibly proud to support the 7th Annual Baja Bash, happening Saturday, June 22nd from 5-9PM at the Coronado Cays Yacht Club (30 N Caribe Cay Blvd, Coronado, CA 92118), presented by WILDCOAST. Come join us and we celebrate the amazing natural beauty and exciting adventures that embody Baja California, as well as WILDCOAST's continued efforts to conserve the peninsula's most beautiful and wild beaches, islands, lagoons, and wildlife along our shared coastline. The festivities of this event bring together guests from the environmental, corporate, and philanthropic sectors and include Baja-inspired sustainable cuisine, a silent auction, and live music. Featuring top regional chefs Angelo Sosa - Death by Tequila, Ben Bechelli - Dija Mara, Bianca Castro - pastry chef, Christopher Aguirre - Loews Coronado, Ken Irvine - SEA180, Kevin Templeton - Barleymash, Drew Deckman - Deckman's, and craft beer from Baja Brewing Co. Live music will also be played throughout the evening by Buena Vista SoCal Club. Tickets on Sale Now!: $95/person. To purchase tickets and support an amazing cause, CLICK HERE!

Jazz 88.3 is so proud to partner with the San Diego Symphony again this year for their Bayside Summer Nights Concert Series! The series continues, TONIGHT (7:30PM), with Miles Ahead: Miles Davis +19, In Concert. Following the sold-out success of Kind of Blue In Concert last Spring at Copley Symphony Hall at Jacobs Music Center, we’ll showcase Miles Ahead: Miles Davis +19, Miles Davis' first collaboration with arranger Gil Evans released in 1957 by Columbia Records. Miles Ahead is one of the most famous recordings of Third Stream, a fusion of jazz, European classical, and world musics. Take pleasure in a track by track performance of this masterpiece with the nineteen-piece KSDS Jazz Orchestra, led by Gilbert Castellanos! For more information, or to purchase tickets, simply click here! 

Jazz 88.3 and Avista Technologies are proud to present Jazz on Tap 2019, a fundraising event to benefit Water For People, a global nonprofit promoting the development of high-quality drinking water and sanitation services. The all-ages jazz festival will be held on Saturday, June 29 from 2 to 10 pm at the County of San Diego Waterfront Park. There will be food trucks, a craft beer garden and jazz music. Some of the artists include Gilbert Castellanos, The JazzKatz Orchestra, Euphoria Brass Band, Monette Marino’s World Jazz Ensemble, The Matt Smith Neu Jazz Trio, and The Sure Fire Soul Ensemble. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here!

Mark your calendars--The Manhattan Transfer will hit the Music Box stage, Thursday, July 11th for (2) shows--one at 7PM and the other at 9PM. This is a rare and intimate performance They will be playing their greatest hits "Birdland" "Gloria" "Trickle Trickle" "Operator" and more! The Manhattan Transfer remains a cornerstone for great pop and jazz hits, a legacy that the group has cemented since their first recording. This is one summer concert you simply won't want to miss! Please Note: This is a seated, 21+ show. For more information, or to purchase tickets, click here!

Jazz 88.3 is so pleased to support Francis Parker's 10th Annual Summer Jazz Workshop again this year, in partnership with The Music Box! Francis Parker's Summer Jazz Workshop offers middle and high school students an opportunity to study and play music with professional jazz musicians while learning performance skills, improvisation, jazz theory and history. Presented in an online format, but with the same high level of jazz education, Jazz Workshop will provide students a daily three one-hour, live online sessions. Students will receive group instruction on their individual instruments and have access to a variety of sessions covering topics in music theory, jazz improvisation, and masterclasses by our fantastic faculty.This is the perfect venue for students to continue to grow musically as they learn to express themselves through the art of jazz improvisation. The week of July 6 will be offered for middle school students in grades 6 through students entering 9th grade. The week of July 20 will be for high school students in grades 10 through 12. Beginning, intermediate, and advanced students are welcome at each session. Scholarships and financial assistance are available and more information can be found below or by contacting workshop director Nate Jarrell.

Jazz 88.3 is so pleased to support Francis Parker's 9th Annual Summer Jazz Workshop again this year, in partnership with The Music Box! Francis Parker's Summer Jazz Workshop offers middle and high school students an opportunity to study and play music with professional jazz musicians while learning performance skills, improvisation, jazz theory and history. One-week sessions are held at Francis Parker School's Thiemann Music Center, a state-of-the-art facility with dedicated classrooms and practice studios. Here, students grow musically as they learn to express themselves through the art of jazz improvisation. Students give a closing performance at The Music Box, located in the heart of Little Italy, one of San Diego's premier concert venues. They welcome beginning, intermediate and advanced students at this hands-on workshop designed to nurture their growth as musicians, technically and creatively. For more information, click here!