By Dennis Green
dennis@kcck.org
We’re making a few slight changes to the programming lineup on KCCK that take effect this first week of the new year.
Two shows we have run for many years have ceased production. Piano Jazz with Marian McPartland has been in reruns since the legendary pianist and host passed away in 2013. We retain rights to the show and anticipate that we may bring it back as a special from time to time, on the occasion of a significant jazz anniversary or the passing of a jazz great.
Jeff Hanley
Debuting this week in the Thursday 6pm slot formerly held by Piano Jazz is Jazz Happening Now. Hosted by Jeff Hanley, the show will spotlight current jazz artists and releases, with features on artist tours and performances around the country.
Host Hanley is a broadcaster, filmmaker, photographer, and voiceover artist in Silicon Valley, whose career has included stints at KJZZ/Seattle, KLOS/Los Angeles, KOME/San Jose, KZAM/Seattle, and KTYD/Santa Barbara.
The KCCK Prime Time lineup of nationally-produced jazz shows at 6pm weeknights has changed quite a bit over the last year or so, with Jazz at Lincoln Center and Jazz Set ceasing production. We’re pleased with the shows we have added in their places, New Orleans Calling and Jazz Night in America. If you haven’t listened, please check them out.
In the other program change, it’s with sadness that we announce Riverwalk Jazz has also called it quits. KCCK has broadcast Jim Callum’s program for decades, and many Iowa fans, including me, have made the pilgrimage to the show’s original site at The Landing in San Antonio. We hosted Jim Callum in-studio some years ago, and he was a delightful and friendly guy to talk to. The Jim Callum Jazz Band continues to tour. We hope maybe someday we will get the chance to see them again the Corridor.
Kpoti Accoh
Our own Kpoti Accoh has agreed to extend his international jazz show Tropical Heat an extra hour to cover the vacancy left by Riverwalk Jazz. While Kpoti’s show has a drastically different texture and programming than Riverwalk Jazz, it has become very popular in the short time it’s been on. If you’ve never listened, please check it out, now airing 5:00-8:00pm on Sundays.
Also, it’s not exactly a new show, but John Heim is playing music inspired by the old “Beaker Street” radio show on KAAY from the 60s and 70s during ‘da Friday Blues. Catch some roots rock on The Beaker Hour Fridays at 9:00pm.