Engage with Informed Public Discourse on 91.3 KBCS: Commonwealth Club of California

Every Tuesday from 12 PM to 1 PM, tune in to 91.3 KBCS for the Commonwealth Club of California. This esteemed public affairs program delves into critical topics ranging from politics and technology to science and culture. We take pride in bringing this longstanding tradition of thought-provoking public discussions to our listeners. The Commonwealth Club has been a platform for these essential conversations for over 90 years, and now, through 91.3 KBCS, you can engage with leading voices and experts on issues that directly impact our communities, nation, and the world.

At KBCS, we know our audience craves content that both informs and challenges. Each episode of Commonwealth Club of California provides insightful perspectives on significant issues like healthcare, climate change, and social justice, all with the goal of fostering a more informed and engaged public.

Join us at 12 PM every Tuesday for these vital discussions and broaden your understanding of the topics shaping today’s world. Your support helps us continue delivering independent, impactful programming. Please consider donating to KBCS—your contribution ensures we can keep producing the content you love and depend on.

In conclusion, stay informed, get inspired, and engage with 91.3 KBCS Commonwealth Club of California, where every conversation matters.

Support local, independent media that elevates community voices. In conclusion, 91.3 KBCS provides in-depth news and music you love. Our programs inform, inspire, and connect us all, and in addition, your contribution, no matter the size, strengthens our ability to serve you. Join us in building a stronger community by giving now!

91.3 KBCS Rising Up with Sonali: A Platform for Justice and Diverse Voices

In today’s media, women and marginalized communities are frequently overlooked. However, 91.3 KBCS Rising Up with Sonali Kolhatkar ensures these voices are heard. This all-women-run program not only covers important news but also brings a fresh, justice-centered perspective. Each episode offers sharp analysis and meaningful commentary on issues ranging from racial justice to economic equality.

By tuning in to 91.3 KBCS Rising Up, you’re not just staying informed. You’re actively supporting a platform that prioritizes gender and racial justice. Additionally, the show highlights topics like climate change, labor rights, and global activism—issues that are often missing from mainstream media. For example, recent episodes have focused on how grassroots movements can create real change.

Moreover, at 91.3 KBCS, we take pride in offering programs like Rising Up with Sonali that challenge the status quo. Each episode fosters critical thinking and encourages our listeners to engage with the world around them. Furthermore, this program creates a space where women and marginalized voices can share their stories and shape conversations about pressing issues.

To continue this vital work, we rely on support from our listeners. By donating to 91.3 KBCS, you help sustain independent, community-driven radio. Your contribution directly funds content that amplifies diverse perspectives and brings critical issues to the forefront.

In conclusion, by supporting 91.3 KBCS, you’re ensuring that programs like Rising Up with Sonali continue to thrive. Together, we can bring more justice, equality, and representation to the airwaves.

The Outta Towners: The Legacy of Soul Music Lives On

91.3 KBCS Operation Assistant, Jalisa Bass reporting a wild introduction.

Social anxiety often shapes how I engage with the world, though it hasn’t taken away from my experiences. Like many in Seattle, I find comfort in familiar spaces and music. Long before moving to Seattle, both always were a constant in my life. I embraced a wide range of genres—Ray Barretto’s jazz-infused “Summertime”, Tom Waits’ gritty “The Piano is Drinking”, and the reflective hip-hop of Ab-Soul & Zacari’s “Do Better”. Music, for me, has always been a way to connect with my environment, bringing balance and clarity to the chaos.

Crescent Moonlighting

September 8TH Sunday night began serendipitously. The Waxing Crescent Moon hung low, casting shadows that twisted unnervingly.  The shadows stretched across the pavement like dark tendrils. Cool air whispered of the encroaching fall and carrying with it a chill that would have normally unsettled me. Just down the strip, at the foot of the Cathedral, a man in faded brown dockers sat motionless. His only company was the low hum of global news on a crackling portable radio. The Sunset Tavern loomed with a gritty exterior. Its worn-down charm more ominous than inviting, yet it pulled me in. I found parking immediately, something almost unheard of in the city. Thus, I felt like an omen that this night would be special. Tonight, I wasn’t running from the fear but it was carrying me like a charged chariot, propelling me forward with a strange excitement. The city itself was holding its breath, preparing for something beyond the ordinary.

The Sunset Tavern & Neighbors

After paying $12.50 for my ticket at the door and receiving the warmest welcome from the host, I entered through The Sunset Tavern’s backdoor, which evoked the spirit of prohibition-era speakeasy. The dimly lit space was illuminated by small candles scattered across tables. A neon sign was glowing faintly in the background and the atmosphere hummed with anticipation. It wasn’t hard to see why this venue draws people in—it’s equal parts intimate and quirky, the perfect setting for a night of music that would stay with me long after.

At the bar, I met my neighbors, Morgan Paris Lanza and Keely. As I sipped on a Lavender Soda, I couldn’t help but feel how saxophonist Tyler Rogers, blend jazz, rock, and pop into a sound that both honors Seattle’s rich musical history and paves its own path. I had never been so seduced by a saxophone before. That night, I felt something new. A deep connection between body and mind, brought to life by the captivating tones of a saxophone. It wasn’t just a performance; it was an intimate conversation in melody, filling the room with free love and revolution. But it’s not just the sax that defines this band’s unique energy—it’s the rhythm section that keeps everything grounded and approachable.

The OuttaTowners

While the saxophone entranced me, the real revelation came after the show. I was so captivated by The OuttaTowners that I looked up their vocalist, Savanna Woods. To my surprise, I learned that she had been a standout on Season 20 of The Voice, even earning a spot on Kelly Clarkson’s team. It was hard to believe that I had just witnessed such talent in such an intimate setting. Woods’ voice— a reminiscence blending the soulful depth of Etta James with the raw power of Janis Joplin—pulled me out of my saxophone-induced haze, grounding me back in reality. Her voice is both powerful and vulnerable, breathing life into lyrics that carry the spirit of soul music’s legacy.

Bassist Matthew Crissey lays down steady, soulful grooves that effortlessly hold the band together. His playing is subtle but powerful, always driving the music forward. Meanwhile, Jacob Martin on keyboards brings warmth and complexity, seamlessly balancing lead melodies and support. His charisma shows in every note. In contrast, drummer Luca Cartner adds a crisp, versatile energy with his relaxed yet dynamic style, giving the band an approachable feel. Together, this rhythm section forms a solid foundation that not only supports but also elevates the sax and vocals. Ultimately, The Outta Towners create an emotional experience on stage, reminding the audience that the legacy of soul music continues with passion.

Good Night Ya’ll

In a world where musical genres blur and overlap, The OuttaTowners stand as true fusion artists. They show that music doesn’t need to be a perfect fairytale to connect with people—it just needs to be real. Their music brings people together in ways few others can.

The legacy of soul music lives on, and The OuttaTowners are proudly carrying that torch. If you don’t believe me, check out the video below. 

Looking forward to your comments Washington.

Signing Off,

91.3 KBCS Jalisa Bass

KBCS In-Studio with Ben Black

Jazz vocalist, composer, and activist Ben Black stopped by the KBCS studio to discuss his music and a fundraiser he organized this past August at the Royal Room for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund. It’s a wide-ranging and uplifting conversation accompanied by Ben’s own music!

KBCS In-Studio with Kirk Reese

We had a great conversation with Tacoma based roots musician Kirk Reese this past August. We talked about passing guitars down through generations, playing open mics and how to wander creatively. We also talk about where you should not wander! (Hint: gated communities).

Kirk can often be found performing around town both solo and with the Grit City Pickers!

Flotation Device Interview with Mat Maneri

Mat Maneri by Antonio Porcar Cano

Mat Maneri is one of the few prominent jazz musicians to make the viola his primary instrument. He joined Flotation Device host Michael Schell to talk about his music, including his Ash Quartet’s upcoming Earshot Jazz performance at Cornish Raisbeck Auditorium on Monday, October 30 (tickets and info at Earshot.org).

Hear more of Mat Maneri’s music Sunday night at 10:00 PM on Flotation Device.

Flotation Device Interview with Melvin Gibbs of Harriet Tubman

Flotation Device host Michael Schell recently interviewed Melvin Gibbs of music collective Harriet Tubman. Harriet Tubman performs Friday, October 27 at the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute during this years Earshot Jazz Festival!

Music Show Updates

Sometimes the business of making radio gets in the way of talking about radio. I’m reminded of the opening lines to the Jerry Garcia & Robert Hunter song “The Wheel:” 

“The wheel is turning and you can’t slow down,
You can’t let go and you can’t hold on,
You can’t go back and you can’t stand still,
If the thunder don’t get you then the lightning will.” 

True enough, you might say, but aren’t the next two lines: 

“Won’t you try just a little bit harder,
Couldn’t you try just a little bit more?” 

In the constant whirl of what’s coming up next the things that have happened, regrettably, sometimes don’t get their due.   

KBCS has been blessed with stability. We’ve long had a group of passionate volunteers with the unique mixture of time and technical knowhow and musical knowledge (and sometimes the music itself) to curate and host a radio show. When a show does go away and is not replaced with something similar it’s often that one of those crucial components is not to be easily found.  It’s the very uniqueness of many of our programs that make us love them but can also be what causes the acute sadness when they go off the air.  

The question I’m most asked when a show goes off the air is why did I cancel it? I likely didn’t cancel it. Our volunteers work hard and continually make delightful radio that everyone at KBCS is quite proud of and happy to air.

Usually, a show ends because a volunteer has said what they’ve needed to say and feel that it’s time to move on to other pursuits. We’ve even had hosts leave and then return at a later date. In fact, one of our longtime favorites is considering such a thing right now. Dare I say: stay tuned? I daren’t. Not yet, at least. 

A few updates: 

Hawai`i Radio Connection 

Hawai`i Radio Connection is not going off the air. That said, Uncle Ed and Maile are stepping down as regular hosts. Uncle Ed has been with KBCS since first discovering the station at 1993’s Northwest Folklife Festival. His passion and knowledge and collection of Hawaiian music is extraordinary. For the past 12 years Uncle Ed has co-hosted their week of HRC with Maile. Maile brought a spontaneous and infectious spark to the show. Their chemistry and humor together, not to mention their exquisite musical tastes, will be deeply missed. 

Music of Africa 

We’ve been proud to host Music of Africa since 1993. It was hosted over the years by Jon Kertzer, Andy Frankel, Hans Kelstrup and the late Doug Patterson. This 30-year run has been beautiful and inspiring and we thank all those who made it happen. You can still catch Hans on the radio as the host of African Airwaves at the mighty good KBFG in Seattle. There are rumors that Jon Kertzer isn’t quite done with radio just yet. Time will tell. 

City Soul 

Earlier this year City Soul went off the air after 19 years. J Justice and Atlee brought the grooves and the soul of the Emerald City to our airwaves. Their show was hip and sophisticated and the perfect salve for a Friday night. Keep your eyes and ears open because you can still catch J Justice and Atlee spinning live around town. 

Folksounds 

Folksounds ended an astonishing run of over 40 years this past August. Eric Hardee (32 years) and Jean Geiger (26 years) gave us an expansive showcase every week in the very best of acoustic music. Their passion and service and curatorial skills made Tuesday evenings at 7:00 PM a destination. 

We are quite grateful to all of the KBCS volunteers, both past and present.  

Thank you for listening.

Iaan Hughes, Music Director

iaan@kbcs.fm 

KBCS In-Studio with Sam Russell and the Harborrats

Ah, summertime. We’re remembering that fun in-studio we did with Sam Russell and the Harborrats on July 22! We chatted about boomboxes, recording favorite songs off the radio, evangelical fervor, and the healing power of music.

KBCS In-Studio with Cooper Stoulil

A mighty fine in-studio with Cooper Stoulil. We chatted about creating memorable melodies, how our limitations can often be creative gifts, and a lovely thought that the aboutness of art can sometimes miss the whole point. Embrace the abstract, the feeling, the moment.