Robert Ginsburg
Host of Shades of JazzRobert Ginsburg has lived in Fayetteville with his wife, Susan Jenkins, since 1976. He was born in St. Louis Missouri and graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in Structural Design.
In 1979, he began producing a jazz radio show at KUAF. The program, Shades of Jazz, airs on Friday from 10 to midnight.
In 1991, Ginsburg was recruited as a member of a steering committee to help bring focus and direction to the emerging Walton Arts Center. He assisted in booking and directing jazz activities at center and serves as its jazz curator.
In 1992, Robert founded the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society (NAJS), a non-profit membership organization dedicated to “…present, promote and preserve and celebrate jazz music in all of its forms.” For the past 22 years, the NAJS has brought world-class jazz musicians to Northwest Arkansas, created a scholarship program for music students wishing to further pursue jazz education, and sponsored a Summer Jazz Concert series featuring regional and international artists. Ginsburg served as executive director of the NAJS since its inception.
Beginning in March 2014, Ginsburg took on a new role as front of house manager for the Walmart Amp, a 10,400-seat outdoor music pavilion in Rogers.
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Saxophonist Austin Farnam talks with Shades of Jazz host Robert Ginsburg about his 11-piece band Groove Culture, its influences and its Nov. 11 concert at the Victory Theater in Rogers. -
On today’s show, we learn about the Ozark Society’s youth grants for conservation projects across the region. We also meet Austin Farnam of the 11-piece jazz ensemble Groove Culture. Plus, Pilates on the farm with mini highland cows and a preview of this year’s Festival of Trees on Mount Sequoyah. -
Jazz vocalist Michael Mayo, nominated for two Grammys for his album Fly, speaks with KUAF's Shades of Jazz host Robert Ginsberg ahead of his Feb. 21 show at Walton Arts Center. -
On today's show, Fayetteville author Cindy Quayle discusses her new novel, and a five million dollar grant to help place Arkansas teachers in rural and high poverty districts.
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Jazz vocalist and saxophonist Camille Thurman joins drummer Darrell Green and his quartet for a performance at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville as part of the Starlight Jazz Club series. -
On today's show, we hear a conversation advocating for increased public and private investment in affordable housing. Plus, the Madness of Edgar Allen Poe. We also hear from jazz musician Camille Thurman. -
The Walton Arts Center’s Starrlight Jazz Club season begins Sept. 20 with a concert by Brazilian virtuoso André Mehmari, who spoke with Robert Ginsburg about music, improvisation, and his lifelong love of radio. -
On today's show, we learn that average weekly wages were down in Crawford and Sebastian Counties in the first quarter of 2025. Also, the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas opens its season tomorrow at Walton Arts Center. Plus, some Brazilian jazz piano.
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The UARK Jazz Festival is continuing through part of next week. Last night, Artist-in-Residence Steve Wilson performed with the UofA jazz faculty at the Music Depot in downtown Rogers. Tomorrow night, Wilson is performing with the NWACC All-Stars, UofA faculty and students at Thaden School as part of the UofA College Concert. -
On today's show, a day devoted to math discovery is open to everyone for the second year in a row. Also, the economic squeeze is on local coffee entrepreneurs. Plus, Michael Tilley returns with headlines from the River Valley.
