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.

Sutra Iyer, Zach Kendrick, and Augie Ketels from the Linn-Mar Colton Center Jazz Ensemble conclude the 2024 Guest DJ season with a bang. Linn-Mar had a stellar year, that included a 3rd place Jazz Championships finish, just behind rival Prairie. But the Lions will have a chance at revenge when they take on the Prairie …

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Lisbon is one of the smallest schools in their class but definitely punch above their weight in a season that included their second consecutive appearance at the Jazz Championships. Teague Krob and Chris Ricke join Ron to break it down. Teague and Chris’s Playlist: Charles Mingus – Eat That Chicken Chet Baker – But Not …

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Vickey Acas, Connor Dallner, Heath Lane from the Liberty Jazz Ensemble are our guests for a funky hour of music and conversation, including their experience with guest artist (and KCCK producer) Saul Lubaroff. Vicky, Connor, and Heath’s Playlist: Sonny Rollins – God Bless the Child Duke Ellington – Ko-Ko Weather Report – Birdland Herbie Hancock …

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Mid-Prairie students Isabelle Duvall, Jason Goode, Jarrett TeBockhorst represented their jazz band with a great playlist and stories about Anime and what happens when Mr. Kunz asks you to bring your tuba to jazz band rehearsal. Isabelle, Jason, and Jarrett’s Playlist: Seatbelts – Too Good Too Bad Ray Brown Trio (feat. Diana Krall) – I …

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Griffin Bieber, Reece Fischer, Kaden Peterson from Kennedy Jazz One joined us to celebrate a huge jazz band season, which included Kennedy’s first ever trip to the Iowa Jazz Championships! Griffin, Reece, and Kaden’s Playlist: Joshua Redman – Eleanor Rigby Buddy Rich Big Band – Willowcrest Charles Mingus – Track B – Duet Solo Dancers …

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Meg Düster and Jameson Grimm from the Solon High School Jazz Orchestra joined us to talk about playing in “Mr. C’s” (Desmond Cervantez, Solon band director) mariachi band, how all the microphones in the Corridor Jazz recording studio are kind of intimidating, and working with this year’s guest artists, bassist Drew Morton. Meg and Jameson’s …

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Nina Torkelson, Kellen Dykstra, and Olivia Naber from the West Branch Jazz Ensemble join us for a fun show that included not only some great music, but a longer discussion of how Roller Derby is scored than you might expect on KCCK. Nina, Kellen, and Olivia’s playlist: Count Basie – Splanky John Pizzarelli – Zoot …

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Emma Oberg represents the Clear Creek-Amana Jazz Ensemble with an hour full of conversation about music and school with KCCK’s Ron Adkins. Including the unique origin story of the band’s 2024 song, “Soul Bagel.” Emma’s Playlist: Thad Jones/Mel Lewis – Greetings and Salutations Hank Jones – Subtle Rebuttal (feat. Benny Golson, Bob Brookmeyer, Frank Wess, …

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Bobby Dunn and Lizzy Belyeu represent the Centerpoint-Urbana Jazz Band with an hour of stories and music from their successful year. Bobby and Lizzy’s Playlist: Count Basie and His Orchestra – The Wiggle Walk Count Basie and His Orchestra – Vine Street Rumble Ella Fitzgerald – I Got Rhythm (feat. Nelson Riddle Orchestra) Kristofer Maddigan …

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