Crosscurrents

What’s Valentine's Day without a little poetry… and a little regret? Here’s Thomas Dunn reading his poem, ‘Should’ve Kissed You.”

You can hear more from local poets here! 

Today, the legacy and relevance of the Asian American Jazz Movement, through A musician and composer whose work is entwined with her community’s past. Then, a local brass band that’s lending a whole new layer to protests. And, a supportive foster dad gives a big lesson in forgiveness.

The Asian American jazz movement has roots in 1970s San Francisco. It was a dynamic time. The term “Asian American” was first being used, as people were building political coalitions among and across racial lines. Art reflected all of that.

Many Asian American artists and activists found inspiration in Black musicians who used jazz as a tool for social change. Today, the work continues. The next generation of local Asian American jazz musicians are asking what it means to make music that honors history, and speaks to the moment. KALW’s Cara Nguyen has the story. 

Music can be a tool for cultural expression and social change. For this story, we’re going out in the streets to meet a band that provides a soundtrack for Bay Area protests. They’re called The Brass Liberation Orchestra. For nearly 25 years The Brass Liberation Orchestra – or BLO – has played a range of protests. But they’ve been especially busy since President Trump’s second term began. Reporter Renée Bartlett-Webber went to hear the live soundtrack to resistance.

When Uncuffed producer Rahim Bradshaw was just a kid, he was sent to live with a foster family. While he secretly enjoyed their comforts, he struggled to trust them. Years later, Rahim reflects on how their unwavering support was the closest thing he had to family. 

Today, "The Tiny Chef" is coming to the California Academy of Sciences! Then, we get some context for San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie's recently announced new plan for free and subsidized childcare. And, bluegrass from around the world.

A six-and-a-half inch, green, animated creature has captured the hearts of children and adults. He’s known as the Tiny Chef.  He’s also beloved for the way he talks. It’s an unknown language, but it teaches kids to have patience and compassion for those with speech impediments. 

Nickelodeon recently canceled “The Tiny Chef Show.” But, he’s not gone.... Actually he’s right here in San Francisco at the California Academy of Sciences! He has an exhibit and film in the planetarium about how we can save our planet in small acts. It’s called “Tiny Chef, Big Impact,” 

Jenee Darden is the host of KALW’s Sights and Sounds show. She spoke with Tiny Chef co-creator Rachel Larsen, and Matt Hutchinson who voices the Tiny Chef. Here’s an excerpt of that interview.

As Bay Area families enjoy the Tiny Chef exhibit, many are also thinking about some serious daily family life matters - like childcare. As part of his new affordability push, San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie announced a new plan for free and subsidized childcare. KALW’s State of the Bay host Ethan Elkind recently dug into the plan with Joe Fitzgerald Rodriguez, a Politics reporter at The San Francisco Standard. 

Now, a segment from On Repeat, a mini-pod for music discovery. It’s hosted by Tshego Letsoalo, KALW’s Music Editorial Director. In it Tshego talks with KALW music programmers about the songs they can’t stop listening to. In this episode from 2024, Tshego talks with Peter Thompson, host of KALW’s Blue Grass Signal.

Check out Blue Grass Signal, with Peter, Saturday’s at 4pm on KALW. 

Today we hear instruments from all over the world from a little shop in Berkeley. Then, why Oakland’s police remain under federal oversight after more than two decades. And, a man in prison shares how he found refuge in a church.