Join KBCS at the 54th Annual Northwest Folklife Festival

Auntmama – DJ Appreciation Spotlight

In 2001, Mary Anne Moorman (Auntmama) was awarded a contract with Bellevue College to create an operational plan for KBCS. Consulting led to telling stories on Walkin’ the Floor and in 2003 she began co-hosting Sunday Folks on Sunday’s, 9am to Noon. “Playing music for the KBCS community is an honor.” (more…)

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

Black Belt Eagle Scout

Katherine Paul or KP is the music artist behind Black Belt Eagle Scout. Her music has influences of alternative rock and traditional indigenous singing and drumming.  Paul is enrolled in the Swinomish tribe and is from Colville and Inupiaq lines.  She grew up in a family of indigenous drummers, singers and dancers.  Paul shares her approach and relationship with her music with KBCS’s Yuko Kodama.

Black Belt Eagle Scout will be headlining the 50 Years of Music and Ideas KBCS event this Wednesday evening at 7:30 at the Tractor Tavern, Alongside Richard Simeonoff and Mr. Sam.   

50 Years of Music and Ideas KBCS Event

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Tractor Tavern (5213 Ballard Ave NW Seattle, WA 98107) 7:30 pm (Doors open at 6:30)

get tickets here!

Producers: Yuko Kodama and Widder Sessions

Photo: by Nate Lemuel

KBCS In-Studio with Andrew Duhon

Andrew Duhon stopped by the KBCS studio on Wednesday, October 4th and we had a terrific conversation about PNW logging roads, how walking in a circle may not take you back to where you started from and being inspired by nature in songwriting as both metaphor and our place within in it. That took us to chatting about kudzu which took us to poems by Robert Frost and James Dickey and even a choice Henry David Thoreau quote from Self Reliance. C’mon now!

You can hear the interview plus 3 live songs above!

On the Block

On the Block is an event to celebrate local artists in visual art, music, street-wear and food every second Sunday of the month through October.  KBCS’s Yuko Kodama spoke with Julie Chang Schulman, Co-founder of Forever Safe Spaces, and is one of the Co-organizers of a coalition of artists who present the event held in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood on 11th Ave and between East Pike and East Pine from 11 am to 7 pm. 

 Chang Schulman describes the foundations and mission of the event and coalition.

Producer: Yuko Kodama

Bridging the Divide Through Music

Miriam Oomen is a musician (fiddle player), teaches music and plays in old-time bands.  She hails from Eugene, Oregon and was at Bellevue College as a speaker at a Bellevue College event, Voices United: A Week of Campus-Wide and Civic Conversation.  It provides the opportunity to discuss why and how to have conversations about difficult or complex topics.  Oomen describes how music has bridged the divide for her.

KBCS In-Studio with Stephanie Anne Johnson

We were thrilled that Stephanie Anne Johnson stopped by the KBCS studio this week to chat about their new album Jewels with Mike Biggins, our host of Monday night’s Soul Folks and Sunday morning’s Sunday Folks. Stephanie, accompanied by Jeff Fielder (Amy Ray, Mark Lanegan), also performs a few new songs for us. 

You can listen to the conversation here or catch it on air Friday afternoon at 1:00 PM and then also on Soul Folks!

Stephanie Anne Johnson’s upcoming shows:

Saturday, April 8th at Open Space for Arts & Community

Saturday, April 15th at Kilworth Memorial Chapel at University of Puget Sound

Friday, April 28th at The Triple Door

Road Songs Looks Back

Our host of Road Songs (and Night Train!), Rus Thompson, looks back at 2022 with a few of his favorite albums of the year. Catch Road Songs every Tuesday from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

“The mark for me of a memorable album of songs is that I end up playing all of them at some point on Road Songs. And what makes a memorable song? Personal and piquant writing, with imagery that evokes the heartbreak, happiness, and trials of everyday life, especially life on the road. Here are my five most memorable albums of 2022:”

Zach Bryan/American Heartbreak/Belting Bronco Records

Plains/I Walked With You a Ways/Anti

Laura Benitez and the Heartache/California Centuries/Copperhead Records

Chris Canterbury/Quaalude Lullabies/Rancho Deluxe Records

Ian Noe/River Fools and Mountain Saints/Lock 13 Records

City Soul Looks Back at 2022

Friday nights at 9:00 P.M. J-Justice presents a kaleidoscope of soulful electronic sounds, City Soul connects the dots between modern club culture and its past influences from around the globe. Check out a few of his favorite albums from 2022!

• High Pulp – Pursuits of Ends – Anti
• Sonnyjim- White Girl Wasted
• Hagan – Textures – Python Syndicate 
• Barbie Bertisch – Prelude – Love Injection
• Mr Fingers – Around the Sun Pt. 1 – Alleviated Music
• Malayan McCraven – In These Times – International Anthem
• Space Ghost – Private Paradise- Pacific Rhythm
• Nu Genea – Bar Mediterrano – NG Records