It is with mixed emotions that I let you all know that Friday, September 12, will be my last day as the host of the Afternoon Cruise. Why am I leaving one of the world’s perfect jobs? To take another job that I hope will be perfect and will also let me have dinner with my family most weeknights! I have accepted a position as the host of City Cast Twin Cities–a network of daily local podcasts and newsletters already active in ten-plus cities in the US including Chicago, Denver, and Nashville. I’m looking forward to the challenges of this new position and I’m thrilled with the opportunity, yet, it was still a hard decision to make, because Jazz88 is such a special place.
Working at Jazz88 has been the highlight of my broadcast career! Everyday when I’m hosting the Afternoon Cruise and listening to world-class Black American music coming out of the speakers, I feel so unbelievably grateful. Through this job I have met the most amazing people; people who believe in the power of music, people who believe in the power of community. My time with Jazz88 is not done though! I will be remaining on as a volunteer host and of course as a supporter, listener and enthusiast. I am grateful I’ll be able to remain a part of the station as a volunteer host because I don’t want to stop being a part of this extraordinary community.
I am eternally grateful to the listeners who did so much to welcome me into this community with enthusiasm, guidance, and care. I have the chance to speak to the three Daves, Joan in Lakeville, Stacey in South Minneapolis, Marco in Maplewood, our Resident Delivery Driver Jeff and so many other listeners almost every day and it brings me joy EVERY SINGLE DAY. I am also honored to be connected with musicians and music-industry people from town who helped me find my way in this position. Thanks to Joel Shapira, Kevin Washington, Stephanie Wiesler, Kavyesh Kaviraj, Connie Evingson, Chris Bates, Jeff Bailey, Erik Fratzke, L.A. Buckner, Joan Hutton, Omar Abdul-Karim, Jennifer Grimm and so many other spectacular musicians in town who have brought their expertise and artistry to the airwaves of Jazz88. It’s also been an honor to connect with touring artists like Ron Carter, Christian McBride, Maria Schneider, Kassa Overall, Nate Smith, Cécile McLorin Salvant and more! No offense to the big wigs who’ve scheduled interviews; it’ll never beat the joy of interviewing young musicians as they step into a studio booth for the first time to talk about their craft. Thank you to Sam Stauning, Bernadette Brownrigg Spray, Dez and Rokkstar Savage and all the other young creators who have taken the time to visit Jazz88. I’ve also gotten to interact with incredible students from Minneapolis Public Schools and beyond during my time here at Jazz88. Thank you to Sumiyah, Cristian, Lorelei, RJ, Laelah, Ava, Olive, The Big Cheese and every other student who got involved with Jazz88 while I’ve been working here.
It has been a privilege to work in the company of so many great staff and volunteers who give their all to make Jazz88 the gem that it is. During my tenure here I’ve collaborated with great people like Travis Ryder, Lady Luca (Pavielle), Dj Dime, Autumn Haeg, Jedidiah Jones, Cher Dial, Justus Sanchez, Paige Tighe, Danny Sigelman, Christian Fritz, Peter Solomon, Reed, Patty Peterson, Chaz Millionaire, Bob Jurek, Mike Larson, Jill Roen, Andrew Diemand, Dan Larkin, Ms. Margaret, Nate Milstein, Bobby Vandell, Johnny Walker, Manny Hill, Peter Parker, Cher Dial, Jimmy Joranger, Davide Raso and many more. Thank you for making this a great place to work.
I will deeply miss being the Music Director and host of the Afternoon Cruise. It has been an honor to be a part of the staff here at Jazz88. I will continue to be a proud supporter of Jazz88 and cheerleader for the very special work that is being done here. Given all the changes happening internally at Jazz88, as well as in the wide world of public media, perhaps this is the right opportunity for you to get involved! My position is now open, you can apply here. Additionally, Jazz88 is eager to connect with volunteers to help with live events, music library maintenance, member drives and more. Email our station manager Johnny Lee Walker (jamie.bailey@mpls.k12.mn.us) if you are interested in finding out more.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the amazing years at Jazz88. It has been one of the great joys of my life to be a part of this station and this community.
With love,
Sean McPherson
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