Robert Ginsburg

KUAF host of "Shades of Jazz"

Robert 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 University of Arkansas radio station KUAF. The program, Shades of Jazz, airs on Friday and Saturday nights from at 10:00 PM 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 has assisted in booking and directing jazz activities at Walton Arts Center and serves as their jazz curator.

In 1992 Robert founded the Northwest Arkansas Jazz Society (www.digjazz.com), a non-profit membership organization dedicated to “…present, promote and preserve and celebrate jazz music in all of its forms.” For the past twenty two years the NAJS has brought world-class jazz musicians to N.W. Arkansas, created a scholarship program for music students wishing to further pursue their jazz education, and has sponsored a Summer Jazz Concert series which features regional and international artists in concerts together. Mr. Ginsburg has 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 new Walmart Amp, the 10,400 seat outdoor music pavilion in Roger Ark.

Ways to Connect

Ozarks at Large for Tuesday, November 24, 2020

By Kyle Kellams, Daniel Caruth, Zuzanna Sitek, Roby Brock & Robert Ginsburg • Nov 24, 2020

On today's show, we find out how smaller Thanksgiving gatherings are impacting the local restaurant industry. Plus, we speak with a renter who applied for financial assistance from the Arkansas Fresh Start Program, but was denied because her landlord declined waiving late fees. And, we hear from musician Emmet Cohen of the Emmet Cohen Trio ahead of his upcoming, socially-distanced performance at the Walton Arts Center.

Emmet Cohen Trio Coming to NWA for Socially-Distanced Performance

By Robert Ginsburg • Nov 24, 2020

The Emmet Cohen Trio will perform at the Walton Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 5. The performance will take place in Baum Walker Hall with social distancing policies in effect. Ahead of the show, we hear from the musician about his work, about getting better in jazz clubs in New York City and why his fellow musicians have been so important to him during the pandemic.

Celebrating Charlie Parker at 100

By Kyle Kellams & Robert Ginsburg • Aug 26, 2020

Charlie Parker, the legendary saxophonist and composer, was born 100 years ago this Saturday. Some of the area's most familiar jazz musicians will perform his music at George's Majestic Lounge that afternoon.

Ozarks at Large for Wednesday, January 29, 2020

By Kyle Kellams, Zuzanna Sitek, Jacqueline Froelich, Timothy Dennis, Raven Cook & Robert Ginsburg • Jan 29, 2020

On today's show, we head to Eureka Springs to find out more about the $10 million redevelopment of Pine Mountain Theater and Village. Plus, we find out what it takes to become a wildlife rehabilitator and the need for more people in the profession. And, we have an interview with Fred Hersch, who will perform with the Fred Hersch Trio this Friday.

Fred Hersch's Amazing Journey

By Robert Ginsburg • Jan 29, 2020

The Fred Hersch Trio performs at the Walton Arts Center Friday, Jan. 31. Hersch spoke with Robert Ginsburg, host of KUAF's Shades of Jazz, about his music and the coma that kept him off the stage for some time.

Ozarks at Large for Tuesday, October 8, 2019

By Kyle Kellams, Robert Ginsburg & Timothy Dennis • Oct 8, 2019

On today's show, we hear from an architect about his, and other architects, responsibility to design buildings that fight climate change. Plus, Roby Brock and John Brummett discuss the do-right rule and how it applies to President Trump. And, Robert Ginsburg of KUAF's Shades of Jazz speaks with Freddy Cole, the brother of Nat King Cole, ahead of his performance at the Walton Arts Center.