A Life Set To Jazz: A Hundred Years Of Jackie Robinson

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Despite winning their seventh consecutive National League West title, the Dodgers are no longer in the running to nab the World Series crown. One thing is certain, though, no matter who will be in the World Series, KPCC In Person has a lot in store for the night before. KPCC In Person will celebrate Jackie Robinson, whose rich history of breaking the color barrier is forever tied to the Dodgers.   

It’s been 100 years since Jackie Robinson was born, and KPCC In Person is marking the occasion – and the eve of the World Series – with a tribute to the iconic baseball player and Pasadena’s hometown hero. Join us for a night of jazz and conversation with “All Things Considered” host Nick Roman, one of KPCC’s resident baseball experts.

Bobby Bradford and his ensemble will be kicking things off with the Robinson-inspired “Stealin’ Home,” a jazz piece commissioned by the nonprofit Baseball Reliquary. Following the performance, Nick and special guests will be talking baseball and how Robinson’s influence is still shaping American culture (from playgrounds to the big leagues) today. 

Now’s your opportunity to join Nick and KPCC In Person in celebration with an evening that will fuse together jazz and baseball, two of Robinson’s inspirations.  

The Bobby Bradford ensemble features Bobby Bradford (trumpet/cornet), Vinny Golia (woodwinds), Chuck Manning (tenor saxophone), William Roper (tuba), Don Preston (piano), Henry Franklin (bass), and Tina Raymond (drums).

Guests:

Tommy Davis – former Major League Baseball player 
Peter Dreier – author and political science professor at Occidental College
Mark Langill - team historian of the Los Angeles Dodgers
Byron Motley – documentarian, author and singer
Kathy Robinson-Young – niece of Jackie Robinson

Adult and nonalcoholic beverages will be available for purchase before and after the program. 

Bar opens at 7 p.m.
Show starts at 7:30 p.m.