Best Jazz Countdown Podcasts (2025)

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The Number Ones of 2025, Part 2 | Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown 1:53:37

2h ago1:53:37

1:53:37

The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown continues its year-end celebration with The Number Ones of 2025, Part 2 — the high-stakes finale counting down the Top 20 songs of the year, including the longest-running #1 smooth jazz hits of 2025. Broadcast from the KUNV studios on the UNLV campus, host Pamela Black takes listeners deeper into the countdown, ran…

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12-31-25 KJD Music Podcast I Jazz + Blues 57:21

7h ago57:21

57:21

Send us a text Today’s episode was built around a simple idea: letting the blues set the pace while we talked about what’s actually happening right now. Not theory. Not abstract thinking. Just the real conversations people are having every day, woven between songs that understand life isn’t always loud, fast, or neatly resolved. The blues has alway…

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12-29-25 KJD Music Podcast I Smooth Jazz 1:16:49

8h ago1:16:49

1:16:49

Send us a text Welcome in. It’s good to have you here today. There’s been a lot of noise lately—constant updates, nonstop conversations, and a pace that rarely slows down. Today is a chance to step out of that for a bit. The music you’ll hear throughout this show is smooth jazz, chosen intentionally to help you unwind, relax, and let the day ease o…

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KJD Music Top 10 Songs Countdown I 2025 1:17:12

3d ago1:17:12

1:17:12

Send us a text Welcome to KJD Music, and this is a special episode. Today, we’re counting down the Top 10 KJD Music songs of 2025—the tracks that defined the year based entirely on real listens, real engagement, and real connection on SoundCloud. This countdown isn’t about hype or industry push. It’s about the songs you kept coming back to, the one…

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The Number Ones of 2025, Part 1 | Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown 1:52:58

5d ago1:52:58

1:52:58

The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown kicks off a special two-part year-end celebration with The Number Ones of 2025, Part 1 — a coast-to-coast journey through every song that reached #1 on the Smooth Jazz charts this year. Broadcast from the KUNV studios on the UNLV campus, host Pamela Black begins the countdown at #35 and works up to #21, ranking eac…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown — December 13, 2025 1:51:47

12d ago1:51:47

1:51:47

In this week’s episode of the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, host Pamela Black guides listeners through the 20 smoothest contemporary jazz tracks in the nation, broadcasting from the KU NV studios on the campus of UNLV. This holiday edition features powerful chart movement, standout new releases, and beloved favorites, all curated from Mediabase ai…

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An inside look at the best Illinois high school basketball gyms

23d ago

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Photographer and writer Vincent Johnson joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, ‘Illustrious: The Best High School Basketball Gyms in Illinois’. Vincent highlights the uniqueness of certain gyms, how they relate to everyday life, and what makes a gym one of the best. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7848068/Vince_Johnson_12-7-25_2025-12-08-203408.…

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Walter Eckersall’s legacy in Chicago sports

20d ago

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Author and firefighter Chris Serb joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, ‘ECKIE: Walter Eckersall and the Rise of Chicago Sports’. Chris dives in on Walter’s role as both an athlete and sports journalist and how it led to the growth of Chicago sports. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7846801/Chris_Serb_12-7-25_2025-12-08-115801.64kmono.mp3 Recent…

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The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black – December 6, 2025 1:55:58

19d ago1:55:58

1:55:58

Step inside another high-roller edition of The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black, recorded at the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV. This week’s show delivers the 20 smoothest contemporary jazz hits in the country, featuring big chart movers, new debuts, and the artists shaping today’s Smooth Jazz sound. From legendary icons to risin…

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Candid Candace: Getting ready for Christmas

1M ago

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Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about Chicago’s Christkindlmarket, the Marshall Field’s Walnut Room, Santa’s Secret Chicago, and more holiday events. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7835767/Candid_Candace_11-30-25_2025-12-01-012407.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan An inside look at the best Illinois high…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 29th, 2025 1:54:20

26d ago1:54:20

1:54:20

Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black – November 29, 2025 Support the show this GIVING TUESDAY - https://tinyurl.com/SupportSmooth Get ready for another smooth and soulful ride as Pamela Black counts down the Top 20 Smooth Jazz tracks in America on this week’s Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, recorded from the KU NV Studios on the campus of…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 22nd, 2025 1:54:24

1M ago1:54:24

1:54:24

In this week’s Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, host Pamela Black delivers another smooth and sophisticated journey through the Top 20 smooth jazz songs in America, based on real nationwide airplay. Recorded at the KUNV studios in Las Vegas, this episode blends new chart movers, rising stars, veteran powerhouses, and exclusive artist spotlights—all c…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 15th, 2025 1:52:52

1M ago1:52:52

1:52:52

This week’s Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown with Pamela Black delivers a high-energy trip through the 20 biggest smooth jazz hits in the nation, straight from the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV. Pamela brings her signature warmth, flair, and Las Vegas polish as she guides listeners through rising stars, returning favorites, and major movers on th…

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Barry Pearce on ‘The Plan of Chicago’

2M ago

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Author Barry Pearce joins Rick Kogan to discuss his new book, ‘The Plan of Chicago’. Barry shares his path to a career in journalism, his literary mentors, and how each short story was chosen for the book. The book release party with Barry is Saturday, November 15th, at Martyrs’ in Chicago. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7806379/Barry_Pearce_11-9…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 8th, 2025 1:57:08

2M ago1:57:08

1:57:08

From the KUNV Studios on the campus of UNLV, host Pamela Black counts down the 20 smoothest jazz songs in America — the official Mediabase chart of the week. This episode celebrates a season of rising stars and timeless legends. Saxophonist Najee, joined by Brian Simpson, holds the top spot with “Salvador.” Close behind, Adrian Crutchfield’s Sooo G…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - November 1st, 2025 1:53:28

2M ago1:53:28

1:53:28

Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown — Week Ending November 1, 2025 Join Pamela Black from the KU-NV studios on the campus of UNLV for the smoothest show in America — counting down the 20 biggest smooth jazz hits from coast to coast. This week’s lineup delivers a perfect blend of chart-topping icons, rising stars, and timeless legends. Hear fresh grooves …

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - October 25th, 2025 1:53:07

2M ago1:53:07

1:53:07

From the KUNV 91.5 FM studios on the campus of UNLV, host Pamela Black takes listeners on another silky-smooth ride through the Top 20 Smooth Jazz songs in America, as ranked by Mediabase Airplay. This week’s countdown features standout performances from Ryan LaValette (“London Nights”), Lisa Addeo (“Lipstick and Moonlight”), Nathan Mitchell, PJ Sp…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - October 18th 2025 1:56:43

2M ago1:56:43

1:56:43

Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown – October 18, 2025 Hosted by Pamela Black | Produced by Jason Beatty | Recorded at the KUNV Studios, UNLV Step into the groove with another chart-topping edition of The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, where Pamela Black brings you the 20 smoothest tracks shaping contemporary jazz nationwide. This week’s show delivers an…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - October 11th, 2025 1:52:29

3M ago1:52:29

1:52:29

From the KUNV studios at UNLV, Pamela Black guides your Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown through 20 of the week’s smoothest spins. The ride starts with Darren Rahn at #20 (“Light of the World”) and rolls through Norman Brown, Blake Aaron, Jazz Funk Soul, and a horn-powered blast from Dave Koz & Summer Horns on “Vehicle.” Mid-chart movers include Lisa …

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - October 4th 2025 1:54:51

3M ago1:54:51

1:54:51

🎷 Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown – October 4, 2025 Get ready for another star-studded edition of the Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, your trusted guide to the top 20 smooth jazz songs shaping the airwaves! Host Pamela Black takes you coast to coast through this week’s chart, featuring the freshest grooves, rising stars, and timeless legends of contem…

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Cool Jazz Countdown 09/26/25 55:57

3M ago55:57

55:57

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown September 28th, 2025 1:57:11

3M ago1:57:11

1:57:11

From the KUNV studios at UNLV, Pamela Black guides you through the smoothest countdown in America—20 to 1—with fresh grooves, big movers, and a few surprises. This week features chart momentum from Blake Aaron (“Dare to Fly”), Quintin Gerard W. (“Streets of Gold”), and Jeff Ryan (“Missing Your Love”), plus an artist spotlight on Darren Rahn (“Light…

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Herb Gould on Curly Lambeau, George Halas, NFL’s rise

3M ago

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Sportswriter Herb Gould joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book, ‘Lambeau: The Epic Life of Earl Louis ‘Curly’ Lambeau, the Man Who Invented the Green Bay Packers’. Herb discusses the influence that both Lambeau and Chicago Bears founder George Halas had on the growth and rising popularity of the NFL. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7722193/Herb_G…

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‘Irish American Movie Hooley’ returns to The Wilmette Theatre

3M ago

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Mike Houlihan and Paddy Houlihan join Rick Kogan to talk about the 11th annual ‘Irish American Movie Hooley’. Mike and Paddy discuss the films being shown and the filmmakers that will be present. The event takes place Friday, September 26th, through Sunday, September 28th, at The Wilmette Theatre. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7722194/Mike_and_P…

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Candid Candace: Art Smith, Phil Stefani team up at Vatican

3M ago

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Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to talk about the biggest happenings in Chicago news and entertainment. Candace discusses chefs Art Smith and Phil Stefani’s connection to the Vatican, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas’ recent fundraiser, the Farm Fresh Hope Gala, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7722173/C…

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Cool Jazz Countdown 09/12/25 55:57

3M ago55:57

55:57

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown -September 20th 2025 1:57:01

3M ago1:57:01

1:57:01

This week on the Smooth Jazz Radio Top 20 Countdown, Pamela Black takes you coast to coast with the smoothest sounds in America. From rising stars to genre icons, the countdown is packed with fresh grooves, big moves, and a few surprises along the way. Highlights include Kim Waters kicking things off at #20 with his soulful sax, Quentin Gerard W.’s…

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September 13th, 2025 - Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown 1:53:03

4M ago1:53:03

1:53:03

This week’s Smooth Jazz Radio Top 20 Countdown takes you on a soulful ride through the smoothest tracks in the country, recorded live from the KUNV studios at UNLV. Hosted by Pamela Black, the countdown delivers fresh grooves, big moves, and plenty of surprises. We start at #20 with Bay Area saxophonist Greg Chambers and his soulful “LA Sunset,” th…

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Cool Jazz Countdown 09/05/25 55:57

4M ago55:57

55:57

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - September 6th 2025 1:54:14

4M ago1:54:14

1:54:14

Join Pamela Black from the KUNV studios in Las Vegas for another edition of The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown, your definitive guide to the top 20 smooth jazz songs of the week. This episode features fresh grooves and chart-topping favorites from artists like Kim Scott, Brian Culbertson, Najee, Nicholas Cole, Pamela Williams, Norman Brown, Michael …

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Countdown is on for Printer’s Row Lit Fest

4M ago

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Amy Danzer, Director of Programming for Printer’s Row Lit Fest, joins Rick Kogan to preview the Printer’s Row Lit Fest on September 6th and 7th in the streets of downtown Chicago. Amy names some presenters that she would like to see, and Rick shares whom he will be talking to at the fest. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7687976/Amy_Danzer_8-31-25_…

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‘A Birthday Bash for Libby’ at Winter’s Jazz Club

4M ago

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Singer Libby York joins Rick Kogan to talk about her quartet’s upcoming performance at the Winter’s Jazz Club on September 7th, featuring special guest Eric Schneider. Libby also shares what she looks for in musicians when putting together a group. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7687973/Libby_York_8-31-25_2025-09-01-120013.64kmono.mp3 Recent Post…

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Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown - August 30th 2025 1:55:03

4M ago1:55:03

1:55:03

From the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV, Pamela Black counts down the 20 smoothest jazz songs in America on The Weekend Smooth Jazz Countdown. This week’s chart is packed with fresh grooves, big leaps, and superstar performances from legends and rising stars alike. Eric Darius claims the number one spot with “Too Good 2 Let Go,” while standout …

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James Tehrani on the life of Carl ‘Alfalfa’ Switzer

4M ago

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Author James Tehrani joins Rick Kogan to talk about his book ‘Alfalfa: The Rascal You Knew, the Character You Never Knew’. James discusses the life of Carl Switzer, who played Alfalfa, and whether it was difficult to get a book published on a childhood actor. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7668915/James_Tehrani_8-24-25_2025-08-25-000215.64kmono.m…

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September screening lineup at Wayfarer Theatres

4M ago

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Film producer and businessman Steve Sarowitz joins Rick Kogan to talk about the September screenings at Wayfarer Theaters in Highland Park. Steve previews the films being shown exclusively at Wayfarer Theatres and some of the famous actors that are being featured in the upcoming films. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7668918/Steve_Sarowitz_8-24-25…

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Robert Loerzel and Andy Pierce call to save The Uptown

4M ago

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Robert Loerzel and James ‘Andy’ Pierce join Rick Kogan to talk about their book, ‘The Uptown: Chicago’s Endangered Movie Palace’. Robert and Andy discuss the importance of getting this book out to the public and share people’s stories about The Uptown throughout different periods of its prominence. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7668919/Robert_Lo…

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August 23rd 2025 - Back to Campus w/ Sean U 1:48:23

4M ago1:48:23

1:48:23

On this special Back to Campus edition of the Smooth Jazz Radio Top 20 Countdown, guest host Sean U steps in for the legendary Pamela Black to guide you through the smoothest charting jazz songs from coast to coast. Broadcasting from the KUNV studios on the campus of UNLV, Sean celebrates the start of the Fall 2025 semester with a mix of rising hit…

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‘Eden Undone’ uncovers life in the Galapagos around WWII

5M ago

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Author Abbott Kahler, formerly known as Karen Abbott, joins Rick Kogan to talk about her book, ‘Eden Undone: A True Story of Sex, Murder, and Utopia at the Dawn of World War II’. Abbott also comments on Ron Howard’s upcoming movie, ‘Eden’, which is based on her book. She will make an appearance at Printers Row Lit Fest on Saturday, September 6th at…

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‘Take the Long Way Home’ with author Kevin McGuire

5M ago

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Author Kevin McGuire joins Rick Kogan to discuss his novel ‘Take the Long Way Home’ and how he put the story together. Kevin also talks about his early interests in writing and reads listeners an excerpt from his novel that stands out to him. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7652034/Kevin_McGuire_8-17-25_2025-08-17-223834.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts R…

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Patrick Wohl dives in on the true story of the Brown’s Chicken Massacre

5M ago

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Attorney and author Patrick Wohl joins Rick Kogan to discuss his book ‘The True Story of the Brown’s Chicken Massacre, a Decade-Long Manhunt, and the Trials That Followed’. Patrick highlights some of the individuals’ stories from the book and how each person’s story matters. Patrick also reminds listeners of the key events in the case. https://serv…

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Candid Candace: Rating Chicago’s summer events

5M ago

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Journalist and media personality Candace Jordan joins Rick Kogan to rate this summer’s party and philanthropic events. Candace shares a bucket list item of hers that is taking place in Rosemont in September, previews the Chicago River swim, and more. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7652050/Candace_Jordan_8-11-25_2025-08-18-002250.64kmono.mp3 Recen…

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Cool Jazz Countdown 08/15/25 55:57

4M ago55:57

55:57

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Smooth Jazz Radio Top 20 Countdown - August 16th, 2025 1:56:18

5M ago1:56:18

1:56:18

🎷 Smooth Jazz Radio Top 20 Countdown – August 16, 2025 Hosted by Pamela Black | Produced by Wesley Knight With coast-to-coast chart data from Mediabase, this episode blends deep grooves, artist insights, and pure smooth jazz excellence. Whether you’re driving, relaxing, or just vibing out—this is your sonic soul food. Week Ending: August 16, 2025 H…

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Mark Kriegel: ‘Baddest Man: The Making of Mike Tyson’

5M ago

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Boxing journalist Mark Kriegel joins Rick Kogan to discuss his latest book, ‘Baddest Man: The Making of Mike Tyson’. Mark talks about his roots, his path to journalism, and why some of the best writers are drawn to boxing. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7642416/Mark_Kriegel_8-11-25_2025-08-11-214816.64kmono.mp3 Recent Posts Rick Kogan An inside l…

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Ronnie Marmo stars in ‘I’m Not a Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce’

5M ago

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Ronnie Marmo joins Rick Kogan to talk about his show, ‘I’m Not a Comedian… I’m Lenny Bruce’, which will take place at Des Plaines Theatre on August 24th at 2:00pm. Ronnie comments on how the show has changed him and whether it will be turned into a film. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7642467/Ronnie_Marmo_8-11-25_2025-08-11-212907.64kmono.mp3 Rec…

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Mark Kogan to make appearance at ‘Elvis Week at Graceland’

5M ago

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Rick Kogan talks with his brother Mark Kogan to preview his appearance at ‘Elvis Week at Graceland’ on August 14th at 10:00am. Mark will take part in ‘Conversations on the Colonel’ at the Guest House Theater. Mark also shares memories of working with Elvis and what life was like on the road with Colonel Tom Parker. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/…

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Loyola University Museum of Art honors Richard Hunt

5M ago

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Kyle Mathers, Museum Manager & Curator at the Loyola University Museum of Art, and Hannah Luchtenburg, Museum Coordinator, join Rick Kogan to talk about the Loyola University Museum of Art and its Richard Hunt exhibition. The Richard Hunt exhibition runs through November 15th. https://serve.castfire.com/audio/7642478/Kyle_Mathers_and_Hannah_Luchten…

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Cool Jazz Countdown 08/08/25 55:57

5M ago55:57

55:57

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Smooth Jazz Radio Top 20 Countdown - August 9th, 2025 1:54:52

5M ago1:54:52

1:54:52

🎷 Smooth Jazz Radio Top 20 Countdown – August 9, 2025 Hosted by Pamela Black | Produced by Jason Beatty Get ready to turn up the heat with this week’s red-hot edition of the Smooth Jazz Radio Top 20 Countdown! From soulful saxophones to lush keys and a history-making bassist at #1, Pamela Black guides you through the nation’s most played smooth jaz…