WBGO

06/16/2026

WBGO and the jazz community are mourning the loss of pianist Abdullah Ibrahim who died today (Monday, June 15) at the age of 91. Photo is from Ibrahim's visit to the WBGO Studios in Newark 7/31/2019 (courtesy of Jonathan Chimene).

06/15/2026

🎷 Time is running out to join WBGO at Saratoga Jazz Festival — June 27–28, 2026.

There are only a limited number of spots remaining for this exclusive WBGO travel experience. Don't miss your chance to enjoy a curated weekend in Saratoga Springs featuring VIP festival seating, a welcome reception, and a 3-night stay at the Saratoga Hilton—plus round-trip transportation from Newark and NYC.

Travel with fellow jazz lovers, make new connections, and experience one of the country's premier jazz festivals with WBGO. 💜

Secure your spot before registration closes!

https://www.wbgo.org/wbgo-saratoga-jazz-festival-weekend-trip-2023

06/15/2026

❗️Secure your spot for the first Montclair Jazz Festival Soundcheck Series show of the summer! ❗️

Join fellow WBGO listeners and members for a special evening at the MONTCLAIR JAZZ FESTIVAL SoundCheck Series featuring jazz legends Bobby Watson and Jason Moran Quartet.

We’ve set aside a limited number of spaces exclusively for the WBGO community, giving you a chance to gather with fellow jazz fans before enjoying a remarkable night celebrating the sounds of Kansas City and Houston.

📍 Wellmont Arts Plaza, Montclair
📅 Tuesday, June 16
⏰ 6 PM

RSVP is required and space is limited to the first 30 guests.

Reserve your spot now: https://forms.gle/FXmu9KXBBrJYzsXm6

06/15/2026

WBGO has won four national awards from Public Media Journalists Association - PMJA in the 2026 competition. WBGO News Update with Douglas Doyle won Best Newscast in Division A. WBGO reporter Jon Kalish's feature on captioning glasses received first-place honors in the Science/Technology category. The "WBGO Journal" took second place honors in the Best Public Affairs category. Doug's report on the Louis Armstrong House Museum's "Corona Exhibit" took second place in the Arts Feature Category. Thanks to all who contribute and support the programming on WBGO.

06/08/2026

When Herbie Hancock dropped Rockit in 1983, he shattered expectations and helped pave the way for the future of hip-hop, electronic music, and beyond.

For Black Music Month, WBGO’s Emily Springer breaks down how one of the most unexpected hits of the decade became a cultural phenomenon.

Have you watched the Rockit video lately? 🤖

06/08/2026

The New Orleans-based Grammy Award-winning Dirty Dozen Brass Band kicks off three nights at the Blue Note in NYC this evening (June 8-10) as part of the Blue Note Jazz Festival. WBGO's Douglas Doyle chats with founding member Roger Lewis and tenor saxophonist Trevarri Huff-Boone about the band's performances and the nearly 50-year history of the legendary group.

06/07/2026

What does freedom sound like?

For us, it sounds like jazz.

It sounds like personal expression, improvisation, creativity, and the freedom to discover something new every time you tune in.

For 47 years, WBGO has been the soundtrack to those moments. And nearly one year after losing federal funding, we’re still here because listeners like you chose to stand with us.

WBGO is the sound of freedom...now.

If you believe in preserving this music, this community, and this independent voice, please consider making a contribution today.

📞 800-499-9246
💻 WBGO.org/support
📱 Text “WBGO” to 243725

06/07/2026

Grammy Award-winning New Orleans-based Dirty Dozen Brass Band performs June 8-10 at the Blue Note in NYC as part of the 2026 Blue Note Jazz Festival. WBGO's Douglas Doyle chats with founding member Roger Lewis and tenor saxophonist Trevarri Huff-Boone.

WBGO's Doug Doyle chats with Dirty Dozen Brass Band members Roger Lewis and Traverri Huff-Boone about the legendary band's performances at the Blue Note Jazz Festival June 8-10

06/06/2026

Here’s a question:

If WBGO disappeared tomorrow, what would you miss most?

For nearly a year, we’ve operated without the federal funding that once supported our mission. Thanks to listeners who stepped up, we’re still here—but we can’t take that for granted.

The truth is that fewer than 10% of listeners contribute financially to WBGO.

If you’re part of the 90% who listen but haven’t yet given, we’re asking you to become part of the solution today.

WBGO isn’t powered by advertisers. It’s powered by listeners.

If this station has ever introduced you to a new artist, brightened your day, informed your perspective, or simply been your refuge from the noise, now is the time to support it.

📞 800-499-9246
💻 WBGO.org/support
📱 Text “WBGO” to 243725

Don’t take WBGO for granted. Help ensure it’s here for the next generation of listeners.