March 2012 | KJZZ.org

Interview with Wayne Messmer

KJZZ's Michele Robins interviews Wayne Messmer, a Chicago jazz vocalist known in the sports world for his rendition of the National Anthem. Messmer discusses his new album, "So Lucky to be Loving You," recorded with pianist Judy Roberts.

Chandler schools will soon see effect of new USDA meal guidelines

New federal guidelines for school meals will take effect starting with the next school year.

Proposed Arizona photo radar ban defeated

For the second time this week, the Arizona Senate on Tuesday defeated a proposal that would have asked voters to prohibit the state and its cities and towns from using photo enforcement systems. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

New Releases on 9 O'Clock Special

It's a fun night of new releases featuring vibraphonist Mark Sherman's "L.A. Sessions," with pianist Bill Cunliffe on the Hammond B-3. Also vocalist Marianne Solivan, a 2010 Jazzmobile Vocal Competition finalist, makes her recording debut with the cream of the crop of New York's jazz musicians: trumpeter Jeremy Pelt, guitarist Peter Bernsetin and bassist Christian McBride. Drummer Peppe Merolla's latest will have you dreaming of the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ.

Gov. Brewer pushes budget priorities

Budget talks between the legislature and governor have restarted, after the governor broke them off late last month. From Phoenix, KJZZ’s Mark Brodie reports.

Grand Canyon mule massage is more than a roll in the hay

Who could really use a pampering massage? The mules who trek the Grand Canyon, of course.

Brian Skerry's Ocean Soul

KJZZ's Steve Goldstein talks with photojournalist and National Geographic explorer Brian Skerry about his love of the sea, including why he thinks oceans have "souls."

New apartments to serve downtown Phoenix community

One of the many vacant lots in Downtown Phoenix is under development. Two new apartment buildings will provide a home to college students and people who work downtown.

Online retail tax fight heats up on Arizona returns

If you live in Arizona, you better start saving your receipts. A new line on the state's tax return is asking people how much shopping they've done out of state.

Wes Montgomery on 9 O'Clock Special

Wes Montgomery learned to play guitar by ear, listening to Charlie Christian records, and discovered his unique sound when he used his thumb instead of a guitar pick. He toured with Lionel Hampton and recorded with his brothers, Monk and Buddy. Cannonball Adderley helped Wes get his big break on Riverside Records in 1959. At the height of his popularity, when he was only 45, he died of a heart attack. Tonight learn more about this smokin' guitar legend and hear new unreleased tracks from recently discovered lost tapes.

Also, tune in during the 8 o'clock hour for an interview with Wayne Messmer, National Anthem singer for the Chicago Cubs and a popular jazz host and vocalist. He'll talk about the Cubs and his upcoming Wednight night Jazz in AZ concert with Judy Roberts, Greg Fishman and Neal Seroka at ASU Kerr Center. Jazz awakes at 8 on KJZZ.