Author and KCCK “Gentle Jazz” host Ron Adkins will move to weekdays on beginning Aug. 1. Ron replaces Gordon Paulsen, who is retiring after thirty-seven years at KCCK, more than twenty of those years spent in the 2-6pm shift.
Ron has co-hosted Gentle Jazz with Bob Naujoks since 2007, while also managing the Digital and Music departments at Barnes & Noble in Cedar Rapids. Previous radio work includes a stint at KKRL in his home town of Carroll, Iowa.
As a writer, Ron’s work has been published in Texas Rangers and Guns of the West by Berkeley Books, 100 Words through the UI International Writing Program, the Cedar Valley Divide, as well as a number of freelance writing and editing projects. He also is the MC of the Iowa Motion Picture Association Awards, and announces for the Heart of America Triathlon series.
Aside from his previous work at KCCK, his jazz exposure dates back to his years at Coe College, where the legendary Paul Smoker was one of his teachers.
“I’m honored and thrilled to add my voice full time to this amazing team of producers at KCCK,” Ron says. “Gordon Paulsen and I have been friends for many years, and I’ve learned so much from his experience. To step into the position of such a legendary musicologist is both thrilling and humbling. I’m excited to continue his work advocating jazz and promoting the mission of 88.3.”