Join WRTI Jazz as we celebrate the holidays on the air. From Christmas classics to seasonal specials, we have just the thing to set your Yuletide mood.
Tuesday, December 24
6 to 9 p.m. — Evening Jazz
‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the joint, host Greg Bryant’s playing tunes that won’t disappoint! Enjoy classic holiday sides from Ahmad Jamal, Duke Pearson, Bobby Timmons, and Cedar Walton, along with some newer offerings.
9 to 10 p.m. — Vince Guaraldi’s Christmas Gift to Jazz
Host Jana Lee Ross presents a special filled with warm-hearted sounds to bring together everyone in the family. Vince Guaraldi’s soundtrack to A Charlie Brown Christmas ushers in the sound of the holidays for jazz fans as well as fans of the Peanuts special.
10 to 11 p.m. — Hep to the Holidays
An hour-long program of cool Yule and classic jazz, featuring holiday jazz from Louis Armstrong, Bill Evans, Horace Silver and more.
11 p.m. to Midnight — Holiday Rarities! Afterglow Special
On this winter holiday show, we’ll explore some less familiar holiday gems from classic singers.
Wednesday, December 25
6 to 9 p.m. — Evening Jazz
Whether you’re on the way to meet family and friends, or just might need a little extra company on Christmas, join host Greg Bryant, who will share holiday staples both old and new.
9 to 10 p.m. — A Jazz Piano Christmas
Your favorite holiday classics as you’ve never heard them! The Kennedy Center and NPR present A Jazz Piano Christmas, the annual sell-out event featuring jazz-infused renditions of the season’s most-loved music. This year, we spotlight Cuban pianist and composer Roberto Fonseca, acclaimed composer and bandleader Kris Davis, and heralded newcomer Jahari Stampley. Hosted by Felix Contreras.
10 to 11 p.m. — Wynton Marsalis’ Holiday Jazz Favorites
Wynton Marsalis hosts an hour of holiday jazz favorites by Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Cécile McLorin Salvant, Gregory Porter, René Marie, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra.
11 p.m. to Midnight — Afro Blue and Cyrus Chestnut
Join us for a very special holiday concert with Howard University’s premiere vocal ensemble Afro Blue and special guest pianist Cyrus Chestnut. Hear the a-cappella group perform a variety of holiday songs including African-American spirituals, jazz and pop tunes, and classical repertoire. The joyous celebration includes one of a kind arrangements on traditional holiday songs plus new compositions… music perfect for the holidays and the spirit of Christmas. Hosted by Michele Norris.
Thursday, December 26
9 p.m. to midnight — Late Evening Jazz
Hanukkah begins this year at sundown on Dec. 25, and Kwanzaa begins on Dec. 26. Throughout Late Evening Jazz, host Courtney Blue will honor both celebrations with a mix of festive music.
Monday, December 30
9 p.m. to midnight — Late Evening Jazz
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time to look back at some highlights. Host Courtney Blue will devote this year’s final edition of Late Evening Jazz to our Best of 2024 — standout albums handpicked by WRTI hosts, as well as her own favorite releases of the year.
Tuesday, December 31
6 to 9 p.m. — Evening Jazz
In his final shift as a WRTI host, Greg Bryant will play a mix of soulful, swinging classics with some of the best of 2024.
9 p.m. to Midnight — Toast of the Nation
An NPR tradition every New Year's Eve since the 1970s, Toast of the Nation is the perfect audio complement for the occasion. It's festive jazz you can party to, all night long. Hosted by Christian McBride.
Wednesday, January 1
9 p.m. to Midnight — Toast of the Nation
If you can’t catch the Toast of the Nation broadcast on New Year’s Eve, don’t worry — you’ll be able to hear it again on New Year’s Day. Hosted by Christian McBride.