Steve Chavis

Program Director & Host

Steve Chavis

MaryLynn Gillaspie

Steve began his career in public radio as an intern in Detroit and at KGNU in Boulder. Before coming to KUVO, Steve was news director for KBCO, KHOW and KHIH and spent a dozen years directing communications for an international non-profit organization based in Denver.

When he's not tinkering with behind-the-scene details or writing memos, Steve can be heard on the air filling in for various hosts around the KUVO schedule.

Steve and his bride, Theonita, have been married 32 years. They are the parents of two sons, two daughters, a son-in-law, and grand-humans to their German shepherd mix “Bella.”

For instant news and community updates, follow Steve on Twitter! You can also contact Steve at steve@kuvo.org.

On Stage: Paquito D’ Rivera | Oct 22

By Steve Chavis • Oct 16, 2017

This Sunday, October 22 at 4 p.m., KUVO’s performance series “On Stage” features a very special recording of NEA Jazz Master Paquito D’Rivera, who performed at the Phyllis A. Greer Performance Studio at KUVO in 2015.

On Stage: The Best of “Live at the Oasis”

By Steve Chavis • Oct 10, 2017

This Sunday, October 15 at 4 p.m., KUVO’s performance series “On Stage” features highlights from 11 CDs, all recorded at the Phyllis A. Greer Performance Studio, on the premises of KUVO Radio!

Witnessing these blowout sets were members of the KUVO Studio Club – regular, ongoing donors to KUVO. They are hip to one of the hottest, most intimate jazz spots in the Mile High City.

On Stage features Dr. Lonnie Smith

By Steve Chavis • Oct 8, 2017

This Sunday, October 8, at 4 p.m., KUVO’s performance series “On Stage” features NEA Jazz Master Dr. Lonnie Smith, with Colorado-raised saxophonist Javon Jackson, recorded live in KUVO’s Phyllis A. Greer Performance Studio!

Guitarist Dave Corbus and the late, great drummer Nat Yarbrough rounded out the quartet for that swinging session in August 2003.

Dr. Lonnie Smith, beloved as “The Turbanator,” was awarded the nation’s highest honor in jazz earlier this year when he was named “Jazz Master” by the National Endowment for the Arts.

On Stage: João Donato – Colorado meets Brazil! | Sep 24

By Steve Chavis • Sep 18, 2017

On Sunday, September 24, at 4pm, KUVO’s performance series “On Stage” features the music of The João Donato Trio.

We’ve captured one of the pioneers of Bossa Nova on a couple of dates. He played live on KUVO from the Phyllis A. Greer Performance Studio back in 2000, accompanied by the late drummer Claudio Slon and noted Colorado bassist Mark Simon. Also from 2000, we’ve got the Donato Trio with bassist Luis Alves and the Symphonic Jazz Orchestra of Sao Paulo.

Donato was in fine form on these dates, with fresh compositions to add to the Brazilian jazz canon.

On Stage: Lew Soloff at “The Pec” from 1991 | Sep 17

By Steve Chavis • Sep 14, 2017

This Sunday, September 17, 2017, at 4pm, KUVO’s performance series “On Stage” features the music of Lew Soloff, recorded at Denver’s El Chapultepec.

KUVO was just six years old when this session was recorded on October 3, 1991 at El Chapultepec. Carlos Lando hosted the broadcast and Freddie Rodriguez, Sr. emceed the stage. It was a hot night on the corner of 20th and Market Street in Denver (long before the ballpark was in place).

Lew’s quartet on this date featured the cream of Denver jazz talent: Billy Wallace on piano, Ken Walker on bass, and Nat Yarbrough on drums.