Pianist Brian Culbertson is accustomed to letting his fingers do the talking, but he’s ready to expand his already-successful career into the world of morning radio.
Brian grew up in Chicago and was a musical prodigy; by age 12 he could play four instruments, and he composed all the music he played at his 7th grade piano recital! While attending DePaul University, Brian began a lucrative career writing jingles for ad agencies; his clients have included Sears, McDonald’s and United Airlines.
Also while at college, Brian wrote and recorded his first album in his apartment. The result was Long Night Out, his 1994 debut, which featured the tender “Alone With You”. Brian was just 20 years old at the time!
Brian has released seven more CDs since then, the most recent being his first holiday project, A Soulful Christmas (2006). Over the years he’s honed his musical skills and effortlessly fuses jazz with R&B and pop. He’s also established a reputation for making seductive ‘in the mood’ music. Some of Brian’s biggest hits include “On My Mind”, “Let’s Get Started” and “Come To Me”.
Brian’s energetic concert appearances have become well-known and much-anticipated in the smooth jazz world. The star of his backing band is horn player Jim Culbertson, Brian’s dad and onetime high school jazz band teacher.
Brian Culbertson is certain to bring the same energy to his radio show that characterizes his concerts. Waking up has never been so much fun!
Patti Genko is a veteran of Milwaukee radio having started her career here in 1980.Music has always been a big part of her life, and she has a real passion for smooth jazz.
"Getting out and meeting the Smooth Jazz artists and seeing them perform is a real thrill for me. I have a really hectic life, and the music helps to relax. The Smooth Jazz artists are really down to earth and approachable, and are a real pleasure to work with." Patti's favorites include Jeff Golub, Euge Groove, Chris Botti and Brian Simpson.
Patti is also a business owner and runs her own company Patti Genko Communications. She is a past recipient of the Milwaukee Acheivement in Radio award for Best Midday Radio Show and also received the business woman of the month recognition from Milwaukee's SOHO magazine in 2005. Patti's favorite thing about Milwaukee is it's beautiful lakefront for biking, walking and flying a kite! You can smooth out your workdays with Patti Monday thru Friday.
Dave Koz is a media mogul and a renaissance man for the 21st century. He continues to excel and grow as a performer while finding fulfillment as a record label executive and a radio host.
A native of Southern California, Dave graduated UCLA with a mass communications degree, but decided to pursue a career in music. The talented saxophonist got his ‘big break’ in the touring band of singer Bobby Caldwell; high-profile sideman gigs with Jeff Lorber and Richard Marx followed, and soon Dave was signed to Capitol Records.
He’s been recording as a solo artist since 1990, garnering four Grammy® nominations, a worldwide legion of fans, and the respect of the music community. He became a record executive in 2002 when he co-founded Rendezvous Entertainment, which boasts one of the biggest rosters in the smooth jazz genre.
Dave’s radio career began in 1994 as the host of “Personal Notes” and later, “The Dave Koz Radio Show”, which is heard on more than 100 stations each week. He joined smooth jazz station KTWV Los Angeles in 2001 as co-host of “The Dave Koz and Pat Prescott Morning Show”.
After more than a decade, Dave’s as comfortable in front of a radio microphone as he is on stage! Dave has made it his mission to end your workday on the right note and provide a ‘Smooth Ride Home’. And with his warm, engaging style, he’s sure to do just that!
Maria Lopez: Weeknights 7PM - Midnight
Maria Lopez knew from an early age that radio was in her future. “Even before I knew I wanted to have a career in the business, I always loved the voices of radio”. Maria has now been gracing radio airwaves for over 20 years, from her first on air position as a newscaster in San Francisco, to her current showcase on the Smooth Jazz Network™. Nominated for Smooth Jazz personality of the year by the premiere radio trade publication, Radio & Records, she has appeared on TV as a pledge host for KQED San Francisco and national PBS broadcasts.
She expresses her strong connection to the music…"There is nothing like the soothing quality of Smooth Jazz, especially in the evening to ease the stress of everyday life. The artists are all great down-to-earth people too, and many have become personal friends over the years.”
Her life centers around music (with personal favorites that run the gamut from Eric Clapton to Kirk Whalum to the Beatles), friends and family…husband Steve and her two “amazing” kids, Anthony and Lindsey.
Maria Lopez – the perfect companion to wind down the day.
Tim Garrison: Every night Midnight - 6AM
After graduating from the University of California – Berkeley, Tim Garrison knew what he wanted to do with his degree in Radio Communication. He had been told early on by a college mentor that he had a “great set of pipes” and to use this great gift that was given to him. He has done just that. Tim is committed to using his gift to “soothe” the lives of his listeners as they lay back and enjoy the smooth journey his voice takes them on every evening from midnight to 6:00am.
When Tim isn’t behind the microphone, he spends his time as a proud parent and a dedicated community leader. His continuous efforts have significantly impacted his favorite non-profit organizations, including the American Diabetes Association and the National Kidney Foundation of North Texas, for which he is a spokesperson.
The 20 biggest songs topping the Smooth Jazz chart each week. Based on monitored airplay.
Allen Kepler’s history with Smooth Jazz goes back to the roots of the format, both at the radio station level and as President of Broadcast Architecture. Billboard describes Allen as “…an evangelist for the Smooth Jazz format”.
Besides the Top 20 tracks, each week the Top 20 Countdown features a track destined to be a chart-topper, giving you a sneak peak at the future hits. Each week’s Countdown will feature slices of intimate conversations with the artists…conversations not just about their music, but their lives! Who’s playing where…what are the hottest Smooth Jazz venues around the world…and who’s performing in your neighborhood soon! We’ll give you the rundown. Click here for more info.
Kenny G: Saturdays & Sundays 10AM - 2PM
Bar none, saxophonist Kenny G is the biggest name in smooth jazz.
He’s the top-selling instrumentalist in history, with more than 70 million albums sold worldwide. He’s a Grammy® winner who wows audiences with his breath control, sweet tone and emotional style. He’s even been named the best golfer in music by Golf Digest magazine. So what’s Kenny G’s latest challenge? Entertaining radio audiences each weekend not as an artist, but as a host!
Kenny Gorelick has been a professional musician since 1976, when he joined Barry White’s Love Unlimited Orchestra. The Seattle native eventually graduated from the University of Washington and joined Jeff Lorber Fusion, led by the pioneering smooth jazz keyboardist. After two albums he went solo, and made his debut as a leader in 1982.
Kenny G’s fourth CD, Duotones, featured the song that would make him a star, “Songbird”, and made him an in-demand guest player among the likes of Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin. His recording career has never slowed, with 15 CDs to his credit (including four holiday releases) and a Grammy® for composing “Forever In Love”.
His best-loved songs include the aforementioned “Songbird” as well as “Silhouette”, “Baby G”, “Midnight Motion” and “The Moment”. On his 2004 release At Last: The Duets Album, Kenny teamed up with David Sanborn on a cover of “Pick Up The Pieces” and with Earth, Wind & Fire on an inspired version of “The Way You Move”.
Kareeda Chones is a native of the Cleveland Ohio area. Chones is a graduate of Marquette University and 4-year letter winner from the Marquette Women’s basketball team with two years under the leadership of current Marquette Women’s basketball head coach Terri Mitchell.
Following Marquette (1998), Chones began her career in Communications as the radio and television color analyst for Marquette Women’s Basketball. Simultaneously Chones moonlighted as a part time air personality for Milwaukee’s Light 97.3.
Over the past ten years, Kareeda has continued her connection with MU Women’s Basketball as a television color analyst and currently is the host of the Terri Mitchell Show on Time Warner Sports Channel 32 and Milwaukee ESPN radio host of the Terri Mitchell Show both-shows entering third seasons. If that is not enough to keep Chones busy, she is the weekend on-air personality right here on Milwaukee’s only Smooth Jazz 106.9. Chones is a full time employee of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks as a Corporate Sales Executive/Coordinator in her 10th season with the team. Listen for Chones’ voiceover talent on a number of Milwaukee Bucks radio and television spots throughout the course of the season.
Kareeda Chones is the daughter of Elores and 1970’s Marquette University standout and ex-NBA player Jim Chones. The oldest of (5) children, Kareeda is currently the only Chones child that has retired from playing the game of basketball. Sister Kaayla Chones is currently playing professional basketball in Italy. Triplet brothers Kendall, playing in Germany, Kyle playing for the CBA league’s Oklahoma Calvary, Kameron financial analyst with SmithBarney. In August 2007 Chones married Ryan Aguam of Milwaukee, WI the couple resides in Menomonee Falls, WI.
Paul Hardcastle: Saturdays 7PM - 9PM, Sundays 10PM - Midnight
London-born Paul Hardcastle is one of the most prolific musicians in smooth jazz, and it all began with an impulse buy. While selling stereos in Chelsea in the early 1980s, Paul decided to trade in one of his video cameras for a synthesizer, even though he didn’t really have a musical background. After just three months of solo experimenting, Paul convinced a local band that he’d fit in perfectly as their keyboardist, and a star was born.
As a band member, a solo artist and a remix producer, Paul was a fixture on the London dance charts for the entire 1980s. His two biggest hits of that era became international phenomena: “Rainforest”, a hit on American urban, dance and smooth jazz stations alike; and the Vietnam-themed “19”, which went to #1 in 13 countries and sold over 4 million copies since its 1985 release.
His forays into less dance-oriented, more jazz-pop music began in earnest in 1990, with a project called Kiss The Sky. Since then, Paul has released four CDs under his own name and five under the project name The Jazzmasters. Some of his biggest hits include “Serene”, “Lost Summer”, “Walkin’ to Freedom” and his latest #1 hit, “Free As The Wind.”
In addition to his recording career, Paul has long written scores for TV and film, including the Spice Girls’ movie Spiceworld. He has sold more than 11 million records worldwide and shows no signs of slowing down.
Paul’s excited to add radio host to his long resume and share his singular perspective and sharp wit. And with Paul Hardcastle at the controls, no matter how you choose to relax on the weekends, you’re guaranteed to move and feel good!
“Chill with Mindi Abair" sends you on a musical journey with critically-acclaimed instrumentalist, composer and performer, Mindi Abair.
Chill is described as heartfelt, trendy mood music with roots in Smooth Jazz. It is an attitude, a lifestyle, an audio aphrodisiac that will rescue you from stress.
Smooth Jazz 106.9 is proud to bring you Art Good’s JAZZ TRAX every Sunday morning from 6am-10am.
Sleep in and then enjoy artist interviews, and a robust collection of the finest new cutting edge smooth jazz , along with compelling interviews from the legendary Art Good.
For more than 5 years, Ramsey has been bringing the legends of jazz to more than 5 million music fans each week. Listen to music from some of the most legendary artists who helped define the jazz genre making it America's one true art form. LEGENDS OF JAZZ with Ramsey Lewis is a complement to the television series, CD & DVD series, live tour and much, much more...
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