I take great delight in announcing a great, new partnership with the Telluride Jazz Celebration. This year's festival, which takes place June 5-7, will feature on Friday, June 5, KOTO's live broadcast of the Ozomatli set from 7-9 p.m. Those of you who are familiar with KOTO's Live Broadcast of the Telluride Bluegrass and Blues and Brews Festivals, know how welcome these direct-from-Town-Park broadcasts are for folks who, for whatever reason, cannot make it to the park. This special broadcast event, I feel, is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Ozomatli is a Latin/jazz/hip-hop ensemble that, when they last performed here in 2002 for KOTO's Doo-Dah, brought concert attendees to their feet, shook their hips and left them wanting more. High energy, a creative fusion of styles and influences and downright fun, Ozomatli will make for not only a great experience in Town Park, but should shake your radio off the table.

Also on KOTO, please join KOTO DJ Will Evans aka Soulatomic Radio, at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 4 for a special show featuring Scott Bourne of New Orlean's WWOZ. They'll be talking about community radio and how it's woven in to the fabric of the community that supports it, and of course, all things jazz, including tunes from some of this year's artists. Please tune in or stream us!

Personally, I have always loved the annual Jazz gathering for its intimacy, high quality of top-flight jazz artists and the warmth and welcome generated by festival promoter Paul Machado's cheerful and efficient crew. Three years ago, I began my career as an emcee for Jazz. It has been an honor to represent the festival and KOTO from the stages of the night venues and the occasional appearance on the main stage.  

And, here's hoping once you've gotten a taste of the musical festivities happening right in your backyard (or computer) you'll want to attend the rest of the festival.  Go to telluridejazz.org for more information, tickets and a full schedule. I hope to see you there!