KUVO JAZZ & THE DROP break format for community conversation – “The Shop”

KUVO Jazz and THE DROP are breaking away from their music formats to simulcast a special hour of talk programming on racial justice, voting access, and other pressing topics, featuring community guests and a soundtrack of protest music from the jazz, R&B and hip-hop genres.

Called “The Shop” to reflect the gathering, camaraderie and open communication of a barber shop or beauty shop, the simulcast will air on Tuesday, September 8, 2020, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on KUVO Jazz (89.3 FM, and streaming on KUVO JAZZ and THE DROP, The People’s Station for R & B and Hip Hop.

“In response to the profound challenges facing our community, we are compelled to break format, give voice to some pressing concerns, and provide a forum for solutions,” said Carlos Lando, president of KUVO, which includes KUVO Jazz and THE DROP, The People’s Station for Hip Hop and R & B.

“Both of our radio stations are music-centric, so we are producing ‘The Shop’ with strong musical elements from classic and contemporary protest catalogue,” said Lando.  “It’s a calculated risk, but our community at large looks to KUVO’s radio stations as a unique and important cultural voice.”

Hosts of “The Shop” are KUVO Jazz Program Director Steve Chavis and THE DROP mid-day host Amerykah Jones.  THE DROP Assistant Program Director Unique Henderson is producing the show, which originates from The Drop studios at the new Buell Public Media Center in downtown Denver.

Denver Clerk and Recorder Paul López will appear on the show to discuss voter access, trends and the security of mail ballots. Other guests will be announced as they are confirmed.