KCCK Specials

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.

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 … Continue reading

A big year for the Linn Mar music programs, with an appearance in the Iowa Jazz Championship finals and an undefeated show choir season, in which Maddie Nuss had the lead. The concert band capped the year with a performance at the Iowa Bandmasters convention. Moosa Hamad made Jazz All State, and the morning of … Continue reading

2022 was a big year for Anamosa Jazz I. They welcomed a new director, Gerardo Gomez, had a much-improved competition season, and also participated in the Corridor Jazz Project for the very first time! Evie Breitbach, Madeline Broghammer, and Lili Fischer broke it down for us, and also brought an excellent selection of songs. Evie, … Continue reading

Gabe Hinman, Ethan McLaughlin, and Lauren Roskopf from the Solon Jazz Orchestra join us for an hour of music and band stories, including a cameo appearance by their Corridor Jazz guest artist this year, our own Saul Lubaroff! Gabe, Ethan, and Lauren’s playlist.

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, … Continue reading

Phil Perea, Vivian Shanley, and Annika Twedt-Ball present a rollicking hour of music and stories from the the past year in jazz band with the CR Washington Revolutionists, including the terror, joy, and even love affairs that happen at KCCK’s Middle School Jazz Band Camp. Phil, Vivian, and Annika’s playlist

The Marion Jazz Band One rhythm section takes center stage, as Rhea Lord, Chris Oberbroeckling, and Ray Redondo join KCCK announcer (and 2021 Marion guest artist) Saul Lubaroff for a guest DJ hour, where we learn about a lot of last-minute shuffling (including Peter Hart stepping in at the last minute to sub for guest artist Jen … Continue reading

Ben Drzycimski solos in Jefferson’s Jazz Band, Show Choir and as a Guest DJ, when the other student was unable to attend. It’s been a busy year for Jefferson Fine Arts, and they’re not done yet!

Alec Battien. Randall Kinner, and Kealey Oldham went to Thesaurus.com to find adjectives to describe their guest DJ experience, as well as Xavier Jazz Band One’s year, which included a 3rd place finish at Jazz Championships. And we learn that Kealey is the custodian of the ever-present JBO pineapple. Alec, Randall, and Kealey’s playlist.