No one knows how long it will be before we can enjoy live performances in concert halls once again, but we’re exploring new ways to share and celebrate music made in our region. As an example, we’re partnering with the Stockton Symphony to present a pair of programs tentatively scheduled for May 22 and May 29 that will feature dazzling soloists, beloved masterworks and a few surprises delivered by maestro Peter Jaffe. 

“We all need music now more than ever, and CapRadio is the perfect source,” says Jaffe. “We’re super jazzed about being able to share some of our recent performances with CapRadio listeners for this virtual concert hall experience — it will be a feast for the ears!”

Two of the main courses of that feast are celebrating significant birthday anniversaries this year: Beethoven and Brubeck!  We’ll post complete details on our website as soon as they become available. Meanwhile make plans to join us later this month for a pair of Socially Symphonic Fridays from Stockton!

Paul Conley
Managing Editor, Music and Arts

I’ve been involved in music since I was a small child, and have professionally seen some very interesting times in this field. (9/11 comes to mind.) But this is something completely different — we have seen the total elimination of public performance and live music, the elimination of social gatherings, the shuttering of most businesses and everyone is stuck at home, isolated, all for the first time ever. That puts music in such an interesting, strange place — it is gone from public life, one of the first things to go in fact. But it has never been more needed by everyone sheltering in their homes, turning to that music every day for comfort, peace and distraction. 

For us at CapRadio, that means our role in music has taken on a whole new importance as well. Never has it mattered more to meet people where they are. To offer them comfort during this crazy time. To provide music to help settle the spirit, as only music can do. And never before have people turned to us for exactly those things as much as they are now. We are getting messages from listeners that even just hearing a familiar voice each day is a huge gift.

And this is why classical hosts are still coming into the station every day — for our listeners. We’re following careful and strict protocols, of course, but life here is a bit eery and lonely … and quiet. It feels shadowy even, as we don’t need to light the whole building right now! There are a handful of people here on the news side, but there is only one classical host here at a time, so I can usually go a couple hours without seeing anyone. Complete with constant gloves and mask and other studio sterilization regimens, it is all more than surreal. (I admit I even got caught talking to my desk plants once, it’s come to that!)

But it remains about the music here nonetheless. Every time I sit down in that booth, it is in solidarity with everyone else sitting at home, dealing with longing, confusion, fear, sadness and every other difficulty this pandemic has created. Hopefully our presence here, along with the music we carefully select, helps alleviate those struggles even a little.

Jennifer Reason
Midday Classical Announcer

The COVID-19 crisis is currently leaving music in an ambiguous space. Leaving little to be known about how this time in our lives will shape current and future generations of musicians, only that it will leave a lasting impact. This month Classical Host Kevin Doherty selects pieces that illustrate the resilience of the human spirit and provide a beacon of hope.

Spring is a time for reflection and growth. As we near the end of the season — and are dealing with isolation — Jazz Host Avery Jeffry wants to look back on reminders of the good times had and the good times to come. Including one song that provides a perfect example of why slowing down might unexpectedly give you something incredible.

May 11 marks the birthday celebration of William Grant Still, the "Dean of African-American Composers." In honor of this prolific composer, we have put together some interesting tidbits of his extraordinary life. 

A Man of Firsts

William is a man of firsts and is distinguished for being the first minority composer to write serious works played and enjoyed by those of all races and remembered for his many musical and historic achievement. He was the first African-American to conduct a major symphony orchestra in the United States, the Symphony no. 1 "Afro-American,” and to direct a major symphony orchestra in the Deep South. As well as to conduct a major American network radio orchestra, have an opera produced by a major American company (Troubled Island). Even in death, he made history as his opera “A Bayou Legend” was the first written by an African- American to be televised nationally. 

A Man Of Education

Raised in Little Rock Arkansas, still began studying violin at fourteen before teaching himself a variety of other instruments. At sixteen, he entered Wilberforce College as a pre-med student where his musical compositions were first performed. Close to graduation, Still dropped out to pursue life as a musician before later studying music at the Oberlin Conservatory.

A Man of Varied Taste

Still was not only a classical musician, and after leaving Wilberforce College showed a great interest in blues and jazz. William, in fact once toured with W.C. Handy "The Father of the Blues" and even arranged some of Handy's hits along with others for Artie Shaw and Paul Whiteman. But in the 1920s his love for classical music would be rekindled after spending some time writing musical arrangements for theater in New York.

Posi-Tone Records is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Some of today’s most exciting jazz artists record for the label, including Alexa Tarrantino, Behn Gillece, Ken Fowser and Theo Hill.

CapRadio’s Gary Vercelli recently spoke with Posi-Tone’s founder, Marc Free. They discussed the label's artistic philosophy, Free’s respect for the classic recordings of Blue Note’s Alfred Lion and the importance of public radio as a community builder.

Additionally, if you donate any amount to CapRadio between now and May 15, you can receive an exclusive 17-song digital download hand-picked by Gary Vercelli, which includes recordings from artists Joe Magnarelli, Steve Davis, Brian Charette, Alexa Tarrantino and Diego Rivera.

Anthony Davis Wins Pulitzer Prize For His Opera 'The Central Park Five'

Cellist Lynn Harrell Has Died, Age 76

After Devastating Injury, Milos Karadaglic Returns With Deeply Personal Album

Lee Konitz, Prolific And Influential Jazz Saxophonist, Dies At 92

Celebrate Public Radio Music Day With Some of CapRadio Music’s Favorite Projects

When Pandemics Arise, Composers Carry On

May 5, 4:30 p.m.
The Metropolitan Opera: Thomas's Hamlet

May 5, 5:00 p.m.
New York City Ballet: George Balanchine's Rubies

May 6, 10:00 a.m.
New York Virtual Opera Fest: The Reception

May 14, 6:00 p.m.
Living Music with Nadia Sirota

May 15, 5:00 p.m.
Opera Philadelphia Digital Festival: The Barber of Seville

May 21, 4:30 p.m.
92nd Street Y: Vienna Piano Trio

May 7, 5:00 p.m
Joe's Pub Live From The Archive: Arooj Aftab, Vijay Iyer and Shahzad Ismaily

May 8, 1:00 p.m.
Cyrille Aimée

May 9, 4:00 p.m.
DCJazzFest From Home: Melissa Aldana

May 15, 5:00 p.m.
SF Jazz Fridays at Five: Monsieur Periné

May 17, 4:00 p.m.
Kat Edmonson

May 29, 5:00 p.m.
Chucho Valdés & Irakere 45

Listener testimonials are great for generating enthusiasm and support for CapRadio's music programming, especially during fund drives. That's why we want to hear from you, our loyal listeners. Let us know what do you listen to? Why do you listen? How, where, and when do you do most of your listening? What role does CapRadio play in your life?

How to Share Your Testimonial

• Record your story on our Listener Testimonial Line  916-877-4888  or
• Record your story on a smartphone using Voice Memo or similar app, then email the audio to: [email protected]

If you do submit, listen closely during our next on-air campaign and you just might hear your story!

Looking for classical music during the 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. jazz programming? Check out our 24-hour classical stream.

CapRadio is offering our very first virtual author interview event on Thursday, May 21. Join host Donna Apidone and New York Times best-selling author and journalist Julia Flynn Siler as they discuss her novel The White Devil's Daughters. Siler illuminates a little known part of American history and tells the story of both the women who dared to escape imprisonment and the women who defied authority to help them.

You can purchase your book or audiobook online here.

Local nonprofits are an essential part of our community, allowing for the needs of all to be better met and promoting cultural dialogue. But these organizations need support now to continue serving their community.

To help support local nonprofits in our community, CapRadio partners with Sacramento Region Community Foundation to  promote Big Day of Giving. With over 615 Sacramento region nonprofits participating, this official day of giving in an opportunity to help our community thrive. You can schedule a donation now on the Big Day of Giving website.

CapRadio and NPR are accessible any time you want through your Amazon Alexa, Google Home or Apple Homepod smart speaker. To help you out, our digital products team put together a guide so you can easily stream the news and music you love.

In order to better serve our listeners, we now have a web page where you can check the status of our broadcast signals across our coverage areas. You can also report problems you're having and easily access other listening options through our online streaming, mobile app and more.