The KPBS Summer Music Series

Saxophone player, flutist and vocalist Karl Denson tours regularly with The Rolling Stones, collaborated with Lenny Kravitz, has album credits with The Allman Brothers and is well known for his many solo projects. And Sure Fire Soul Ensemble share their new album of jazz, funk, and soul.

Bluesman Tomcat Courtney traveled from the cotton fields of Texas by way of a 3-ring circus; and on that road he found the blues. And- her album debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues Charts and she’s a four-time San Diego Music Award winner, Whitney Shay shares a moving collaboration that celebrates healthcare workers. Credits: Produced and hosted by Kurt Kohnen, Jade Hindmon, and Alison St John. Megan Burke is senior producer.

Early 1990’s, acid-jazz pioneers The Greyboy Allstars put San Diego on the map with their funky brand of "West Coast Boogaloo." Plus Euphoria Brass Band share their special blend of funky west coast second-line jazz.

Rebecca Jade and the Cold Fact have a funk infused soul sound that hearkens back to the 1970’s Motown and Stax record era. We also hear from San Diego band Thee Sacred Souls who were recently signed to the funk and soul label Daptones Records. Credits: Produced and hosted by Kurt Kohnen, Jade Hindmon, and Maureen Cavanaugh. Megan Burke is senior producer.

Jelani Aryeh’s songs have a rich sonic palette and sound other-worldly. His lyrics explore the complexity of our times, but his music somehow always lets the sunshine in. Plus, Jesus Gonzalez’s music draws inspiration from nature, and so much more. Credits: Produced and hosted by Kurt Kohnen, Jade Hindmon, and Alison St John. Megan Burke is senior producer.

The band La Diabla combines traditional Cumbia music with the gritty spirit of Tijuana. They bring their bi-national dance party wherever they go. We also speak to a group that embodies the spirit of our diverse border region, and celebrates the beauty of Baja California with their own take on Latin America’s resurging dance music- Cumbia. Sonido de la Frontera is made up of a power trio of veteran musicians Karlos Paez of the B-Side Players, Luke Henshaw of Planet B and First Power Crew, and DJ Unite with Tribe of Kings and First Power Crew. They each bring decades of experience to the project, and the results are an exciting Cumbia sound that fuses the party energy of soundsystem culture, with the Hip Hop production aesthetic of big drums and loud bass. Credits: Produced and hosted by Kurt Kohnen and Jade Hindmon. Megan Burke is senior producer.

Palm trees, surfboards and Mexican Food don’t exactly conjure up images of Appalachia and dueling banjos, but if you look hard enough, you will find a thriving Bluegrass Music scene right here in our backyard. We’re joined by Prairie Sky, a talented Bluegrass band from San Diego. And the high energy folk band Finnegan Blue blends rock, bluegrass, Celtic music, and New Orleans second line jazz for a truly unique sound. Headed by brother and sister musicians Anna Lee and Willie Fleming, Finnegan Blue combines strong vocals and driving rhythms that make for exciting live performances. And while some of their songs sound like they’ve been passed down through the ages, their music is all original. Credits: Produced and hosted by Kurt Kohnen, Jade Hindmon, and Alison St John. Megan Burke is senior producer.

In hard times, music can soothe our worried minds, and there's nothing quite like Gospel music to uplift the spirit. Ken Anderson, founder and director of San Diego’s own Martin Luther King Jr Community Choir, talks about spreading the gospel around the world & funding scholarships for students. And Voices of Our City Choir is made up of homeless musicians and singers. Executive Director Steph Johnson talks about competing on America’s Got Talent, and the transformative music they make. Credits: Produced and hosted by Kurt Kohnen, Jade Hindmon, and Maureen Cavanaugh. Megan Burke is senior producer.

JJ Cale has written hit songs for Eric Clapton, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Tom Petty. He discusses his passion for music, not the spotlight. Plus songwriter Al Howard and his mother discuss their ambitious 100 song project that includes a painting for each song. Credits: Produced and hosted by Kurt Kohnen, Maureen Cavanaugh, and Alison St John. Megan Burke is senior producer.

Music pioneer and jazz legend Herbie Hancock shares his musical influences, gives a history lesson on auto-tune, and reflects on the first time he saw Aretha Franklin perform. And Bill Caballero joins us to talk about his long-running Latin Jazz Jam in Barrio Logan, the importance of providing an inclusive space, and what he calls ‘Homie Jazz’. Credits: Produced and hosted by Kurt Kohnen, Jade Hindmon, and Maureen Cavanaugh. Megan Burke is senior producer.