On September 29, join us at the historic Warfield Theatre for a one-night-only Birthday Benefit Concert featuring legendary groups BADBADNOTGOOD and Digable Planets, with additional performances by San Francisco natives Rozzi and KALW's own DJ Wonway Posibul. Lock in your tickets today!

THE VIP EXPERIENCE

By purchasing a VIP ticket, you become part of an unforgettable night with added perks, and directly support KALW's next 85 years of independent, community-powered storytelling and music in the Bay Area.

 Your VIP Pass includes:

• Exclusive pre-party access: Mingle with the KALW crew and fellow KALW supporters at the newly opened Warfield Commons, the home of our brand new headquarters
• Complimentary drinks & bites at the pre-party: Enjoy curated food from beloved restaurants at the Warfield Commons before the show
• Fast-track entry: Skip the line and head straight to the show with a special dedicated entrance for VIP attendees only
• Prime seating/viewing: Experience BADBADNOTGOOD, Digable Planets, Rozzi, and Wonway Posibul with the best seats in the house.
  

Come dance your heart out and be part of this special night as we celebrate 85 years of KALW Public Media.

THE LINEUP

Formed in 2010, Canadian ensemble BADBADNOTGOOD made their name by crossing genres. This seamless movement between styles hit hard when they took hip-hop into jazz and vice versa. The band, aka Alexander Sowinski (drums), Chester Hansen (bass) and Leland Whitty (guitar and woodwinds), met on the Humber College jazz program in Toronto. At the time, instead of working with traditional jazz standards, the group sidestepped and drew from hip hop and other contemporary genres to create a unique sound rooted in Black American music.

Digable Planets burst onto the music scene in 1993 with their Grammy-winning single, “Rebirth Of Slick (Cool Like Dat)”. Made up of Ishmael Butler (“Butterfly”), Craig Irving (“Doodlebug”) and Mary Ann Vieira (“Ladybug Mecca”), the trio carved out a unique style of jazz-informed Hip Hop.

LA based singer/songwriter Rozzi is redefining what it means to be a modern soul-pop artist— melding emotional depth, bold storytelling, and cultural consciousness into every facet of her work. She's collaborated with icons like Nile Rodgers, PJ Morton, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, John Taylor (Duran Duran), Sheryl Crow, and Jacob Collier.

Juan “Wonway Posibul” Amador is a music tastemaker, MC, DJ, actor, and radio host who lives and works in San Francisco. Years of open mics, garage sessions, and table reads led to freestyle battle championships, DJ residencies in New York and Los Angeles, national theatre tours, performances around the world, and a GRAMMY nomination. He is the Associate Music Director at KALW Public Media, Resident Curator at Magic Theatre in San Francisco and active member of the Bay Area’s Campo Santo artist collective. You can catch Wonway on KALW 91.7 FM, weeknights Monday through Friday 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

THE WARFIELD COMMONS HOUSEWARMING & GRAND OPENING

Join us on September 27th, 2026, 12-5pm to celebrate the opening of Warfield Commons at 988 Market St—a reimagined multi-story hub for arts, media, culture, and civic engagement designed to activate community and amplify the stories of the Bay Area and beyond.

Hosted in collaboration with Community Arts Stabilization Trust, Tenderloin Community Benefit District, and Mid-Market Business Association & Foundation, this free public Grand Opening will include cultural performances, a showcase of local food vendors, exclusive tours led by Warfield Commons tenants, and family-friendly activities. The event serves as the beginning of KALW celebrating their 85th birthday as they look toward the next 85 years anchored at the People's Studio at Warfield Commons.

RSVP Here.

THE NEXT 85

This September is only the beginning. Throughout the coming year, we'll celebrate KALW's 85th with live events, conversations, other music, and many other ways to celebrate KALW's vibrant history and community.

KALW has been a Bay Area original since 1941 as a reflection and testament to the Bay's cultural vibrancy and iconic movements. For 85 years, KALW has sounded like the Bay: our voices, music, news, neighborhoods, and celebrations. As we move into the People's Studio and celebrate this historic moment in September, we mark the beginning of The Next 85.

Join us for a full year of major events, historic stories from the people and voices behind KALW, and exclusive benefits to our supporters.