WABE 90.1 Debuts “The Upside of Jazz with Joe Alterman” as Part of New Saturday Evening Music Block

The critically acclaimed pianist brings his passion and insight to the public media airwaves starting July 12

ATLANTA – June 16, 2025 – WABE 90.1, Atlanta’s NPR station, is proud to announce the debut of The Upside of Jazz with Joe Alterman, a new weekly radio program hosted by celebrated Atlanta jazz pianist Joe Alterman. The show premieres Saturday, July 12, at 7 p.m., both on-air and streaming live at wabe.org.

Each week on the show, Alterman will explore the joy, swing, and soul of jazz by spotlighting both iconic and lesser-known recordings, drawing on deep musical expertise and love for the genre. The show invites listeners to hear what makes jazz great—and why it continues to resonate across generations.

“Joe Alterman is as much an ambassador for the joy and connection that jazz delivers as he is an accomplished musician in his own right,” said Douglas Bell, Vice President of Radio & Operations at WABE 90.1. “We are thrilled to welcome Joe to WABE and to have him share his passion for this timeless music with our listeners.”

Alterman, a native of Atlanta, has performed at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, and New York’s Blue Note. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Jazz Piano Performance from New York University. He has released nine critically acclaimed albums, including Brisket for Breakfast (2025). He has shared stages with jazz legends, including Houston Person and Les McCann, who once described him as “already a giant” in both talent and spirit.

The Upside of Jazz joins WABE’s revamped Saturday evening music lineup, launching July 12. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with Tiny Desk Radio, followed by Alterman’s show at 7 p.m., and concludes with the beloved Jazz Classics with H. Johnson at 8 p.m. The full schedule update takes effect the week of July 7, 2025.

For more information and to listen live, visit wabe.org.

About WABE

 WABE is Atlanta’s original, independent, non-profit source for news and local stories and the choice for NPR and PBS. Our stations deliver fact-based journalism and inclusive, engaging, cultural content that informs, inspires, reflects, and empowers the millions who call the Greater Atlanta area home. In addition, WABE’s programs, podcasts, and events make Atlanta’s stories and storytellers accessible and relevant across various platforms for our diverse audience of listeners, viewers, visitors, and members. WABE original programming, along with national NPR and PBS content, is available on WABE 90.1FM, WABE.org, WABE TV (PBS-30), and WABE-HD1/ WABE-HD2 as well as streaming on the WABE Mobile App, Hulu + Live, YouTube TV, Chromecast, PBS.org, Local Now, Roku, Android TV & mobile, Amazon Fire TV & tablets, iOS, TVs, Android TV live streams. Go to wabe.org for additional information.