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Crosscurrents

Crosscurrents is KALW Public Radio's award-winning news magazine, broadcasting in the Bay Area Mondays through Thursdays on 91.7 FM. We make joyful, informative stories that engage people across the economic, social, and cultural divides in our community.

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SHOW: Uncuffed's 'Dance Dance Revolution'

There’s a lot of cultural expectations around dancing… Especially in prison. But on today’s newest episode of Uncuffed - we’ll hear stories about how dancing can be a bridge between cultures or a way to connect with your kids. Or even, save your life.

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SHOW: Preserving the History of Power Through Art

Some local businesses see the value in preserving trades that are still done by hand. Today, we hear about a hand-painted-sign renaissance in San Francisco. Then, a multimedia exhibit that’s a celebration of resistance by Trans and queer communities.

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Hand-painted signage is having a local renaissance

When you walk around San Francisco, you’re bound to notice the architecture, murals, and even graffiti… But some of the art surrounding you is not as obvious. Like a sign hanging above a neighborhood restaurant that transports you back in time. While it’s an art form that’s largely been sidelined for decades, today hand-painted signage is having a moment here in the Bay Area. In this story we hear…

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Sights + Sounds: 'Conjuring Power: Roots & Futures of Queer & Trans Movements' exhibition

One new exhibit wants to celebrate the history of power in San Francisco's LGBT+ communities. It’s called “Conjuring Power: Roots and Futures of Queer and Trans Movements. A multimedia art exhibition currently running at the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts in the City. It features paintings, murals, and oral history recordings from queer elders. It’s curated by Tina Valentin Aguirre, the director…

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SHOW: Tuning in to the Music Inside

One Christian rapper says music helped her survive addiction, abuse, and homelessness. Today, how music and faith became her path to recovery. Then, one musician shares how her ancestor’s labor speaks through her songs. And, one South Bay couple has turned rare-record collecting into an art form.

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Bay Area Beats: 'God gave me my music back’ — LT Finesse on faith, addiction and healing

Music was always part of Natia Woodfork's life. Growing up in San Jose, music became the language her family spoke. She started writing poetry as a kid and eventually pursued rap. But addiction and abusive relationships nearly took music away from her. Today, she performs as LT Finesse, creating Christian rap she calls ‘Kingdom music.’ In this edition of Bay Area Beats, produced by KALW's Anthony…

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Notes from the Edge: Valerie June shows us 'a gentler way of being in the world'

Music… it’s part of our celebrations, our devotions… our joy, and our hard times. Musician Valerie June knows all about that. She wrote the anthem “Working Woman Blues.” We meet her in this next story from our friends at KALW’s Notes from the Edge, with Jeff Chang. Their new episode considers how the demands of the new economy are impacting our ability to care for our loved ones – and ourselves.…

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Flipside Lovers and South Bay cruising

We are halfway through August and that means San Jose is entering Low Rider season. From influential publications, and generational car clubs, the city is one of the historical epicenters of lowrider culture. And a big part of that scene centers around the music booming from the tricked out cars. Up next, we explore what it takes to preserve this culture’s musical legacy. In this story from 2025,…

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BOUNCE: Changing the Game

The Bay Area is full of fans of women’s professional sports, and they have a lot of questions. Today, KALW’s sports podcast, BOUNCE, is here to answer them.

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SHOW: Finding Human Connection Through Song

A new sound exhibit at Grace Cathedral lets visitors experience what the bells hear. Today, the Cathedral’s artist in residence talks about the fifty years he's spent creating sound sculptures around the world. Then, the Bay Area is home to a tradition of improvised group singing. Plus, the bell ringers of San Francisco's Holy Trinity Church.

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