Category: Specials

Interviews and other special broadcasts

Amina Figerova with Bob Stewart

Amina Figerova

  KCCK’s Bob Stewart chats with pianist Amina Figerova and her husband and band flutist Bart Platteau, when they passed through Iowa recently. They talked about Amina’s latest project, “Suite for Africa,” featuring the Matsiko World Orphan Choir, including the coincidental airport meeting that kicked off the collaboration.

Rachel Eckroth at KCCK

Singer, composer and pianist Rachel Eckroth performs in concert with the Kirkwood Jazz Ensemble and CR Jazz big band Saturday, April 13 at 7:30 in Ballantyne Auditorium. Kirkwood Jazz Director Blake Shaw and Rachel talk with Dennis Green about composing, performing, and working with young people.

Chris Ott – Huntertones

Chris Ott, trombone player for The Huntertones, stopped by KCCK prior to the band’s performance at Coe College on March 1.

Alyssa Allgood In Studio

Chicago-based jazz singer Alyssa Allgood is one of three clinicians working with high school vocal jazz groups at the annual Kirkwood Vocal Jazz Festival on Feb. 23. Alyssa and fellow clinicians Kat Sherman and Justin Binek perform in concert, along with Kirkwood’s Jazz Express and Jazz Transit, in a 7:30 concert in Ballantyne Auditorium. Tickets …

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Saul with Laurence Hobgood

KCCK’s Saul Lubaroff had a chance to talk with pianist Laurence Hobgood prior to Laurence and his trio performing at the Sound Conservatory Music Academy & Shoppe in Rock Island on May 28. More information and tickets are available by calling (309)373-0790 or visiting www.polyrhythms.org.

Chad LB w Hollis

Saxophonist Chad Lefkowitz-Brown is in Iowa to clinic and perform at Kirkwood, with a concert on Nov. 12. Chad and Kirkwood director Joe Perea chatted with Hollis Monroe.

Tito Puente Jr.

KCCK’s Ron Adkins talks with Tito Puente Jr., son of the Latin Jazz legend. Tito talks about his father’s legacy, what he is doing to extend and re-invent that legacy, and even his family’s connection to Bill Murray! Tito Puente Jr. and his Latin Jazz ensemble perform at the University of Dubuque Heritage Center on …

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Jim Dreier and Rich Medd

Two of Iowa’s leading jazz educators, Jim Dreier, Latin Jazz guru at the University of Iowa, and Rich Medd, longtime director at Iowa City West High School, retire this spring from full-time classroom teaching. Jim and Rich talk with KCCK’s Dennis Green about their time together in bands such as Orquesta Alto Maiz, teaching highlights, …

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