The best of the stations. Unfortunately the signal is too weak and overlapped by some other broadcast even in Palo Alto.

For a spat of time I would listen to this station every morning on my commute to work. It magically transports the listener to another era of fun and frivolity, and I found it picked up my spirits so well that it was almost as indispensable as my morning cup of coffee to start the day out right. Love, love, love the music they play! And today I discovered they've set up an internet station so I am listening to it once again (and somewhat more clearly than I used to on my car radio)! Check it out: http://www.kcea.org/~kceaplaylist/ourmusic.html read more

This station is magical. No really, it is. Sometimes it's a Spanish station, then it's a swing and big band station, then all of a sudden... Howard-freakin-Stern, who is not even on terrestrial radio, comes on talking about cocks and balls. That's how we hear it in downtown San Jose, anyway. I look forward to driving to the post office every morning because as I drive closer and closer to Saint James Square, the signal comes in stronger and stronger, and I can listen (almost) clearly to the music that entertained The Greatest Generation. This station helped me realize a love and obsession for Bing Crosby. And naturally, I've discovered so many great songs too. They sure don't write songs like they used to; can I get an Amen? I dream of a day when I no longer have to put up with chorizo-talk or Stern's surprise visits from outer space. I agree with Thomas's two points. Right on. I'll also add: 3) Pepper in some old Christmas tunes during Christmas (and patriotic songs for the 4th?). They pretty much ignore all the holidays throughout the year. It's always a cup of Insta-Smile listening to this station. 89.1. Put it on and relax to some soul stirring loveliness. read more

I recently discovered this radio station on the way home from work one day and immediately fell in love with it. Up until recently, I was never a huge fan of Big Band music, but somehow this station just got me hooked and it's been in my daily rotation ever since. There's just something so genuinely optimistic about the music from this era, and it can put a smile on my face like no other station can -- well, except for maybe Kruk and Kuip on KNBR. And the fact that there are practically no commercials is awesome. Too bad the radio signal is pretty weak though. I usually only get a clear signal when I'm driving around Redwood City. read more

Kiss of Death! Last week I just discovered this radio station. I agree with my fellow yelpers, the station definitely transports me to a better time in the recent past and lifts my spirits. As history has proven, repeatedly, now that I have declared myself for this station, it may soon vanish, as most good things often do. Gosh, I hope not. I really feel like I have discovered something special. read more

A true gem amidst a radio dial full of soulless crap. The best thing that happened to me in Castro Valley since the Mini Golf Course read more

I never thought I'd find myself listening (let alone loving) big band music..but this stuff is timeless and just melts the days stress away. When I found KCEA by accident I was in love with this station...commercial free and they even play little clips of random old recordings (most of which are hilarious)! How could it be any better? Well, since nothing in the world is 100% perfect I have 2 recommendations: 1) increase transmitting power (probably a cost factor but San Mateo and further north loses the signal :( ) 2) play more vocals (like sarah vaugn, ella fitzgerald, etc!) though they play a good amount already, some evenings it can be less. but damn it's so hard to ask for more than KCEA. Your station helped me get through some rough times and continues to enrich my life with the timeless masterpieces. Keep it rockin- I mean- swingin'! read more

California -especially Silicon Valley, CA- is a funny place. On the one hand, you have an area that has the highest tech density in the entire world, and on the other, you have this radio station, broadcasting out of a high school, spinning tunes (and some radio drama) straight out of the 30s and 40s. This is the kind of anachronism that helps me sleep at night. Oh, KCEA, if only you had a transmitter as long as Humphrey Bogart's face, as debonair as Fred Astaire, as shocking as Rita Hayworth, or as powerful as Mae West's wicked wit! read more

By far the best big band radio station I have ever heard. I stream it every day. I love it! No commercials, just a few PSAs every once in awhile. The variety of songs is outstanding. Unlike some other big band stations, this one doesn't play the same songs every day. The website, www.kcea.org also lists the names of songs and artists of songs that they're playing/have played/are getting ready to play. You can also submit a song request through their website. read more

(This was reviewed by my mother. I don't know the station) I literally bumped into this station one night on my way home from work when my hand accidentally hit the radio dial. I feel like I'm in a wonderful Twilight Zone episode where the down trodden hero finds home. I'm afraid to touch the dial for fear of losing the station forever. read more

Best radio station in the Bay, or one of the best. Broadcast from Menlo Atherton HS, so you may not always get it clear depending on your location and radio. Good news, though, is they stream online so you can listen via your mobile and just play that through your car radio if you are so inclined. They also do old radio shows. I love the weird and wacky old songs that sometimes aren't exactly "standards." And as of today, yup, they're still streaming, so reviews saying otherwise are misinformed. read more

KCEA is a great station to stream especially since I live in Oakland and their low power doesn't allow me to listen over the air. Problem is their streaming is so erratic. Some days off for hours at a time, some time unable to stream for days or weeks at a time. I think this station could be a lot better with better equipment and/or better management. Otherwise it's not worth the aggravation as there are other big band stations out there to stream that a more consistent and just as good. read more

Big band and swing, all day and all night, drizzled with an occasional sweet serving of old time radio drama and comedy. This radio station, belonging to the Sequoia Union High School district, is quite low powered but we can get it roughly mid peninsula. It's our favorite station with lovely jazz, big band, and swing music especially on weekends. They deserve plenty of support to keep going. It's nice to have something other than preprogrammed, same ole same ole on the radio. Thank you KCEA! read more

Jazz, swing, and vocal standards from the '30s, '40s, '50s, and some '60s are played on this radio station. I'm particularly fond of the radio dramas! Occasionally the radio station has sports highlights and reviews of the local high schools from the Sequioia Union High School District, so don't feel too discombobulated if your Billie Holiday is followed up by sports casting from the Carlmont-Woodside game. Oh and if you hit up KCEA's website you can listen online through streaming audio if reception in your area isn't clear to your liking. Enjoy! read more

Best thing ever, and perhaps the most notable thing that may ever come out of Atherton, California. Sometimes I turn it on, leave it on all day and evening, and go about my business like I'm waltzing and prancing about in a Tom and Jerry cartoon. read more

I never adjusted to Silicon Valley life. I'm often unhappy here, but when I catch a clear reception for 89.1, it instantly brightens up my day. So few places in the world have such a unique radio station. I am passionate about big band and jazz music and I am so grateful that through the years they have continued to keep this alive! I hope people continue to support this station! read more

There is nothing so soothing in middle of the bay area traffic than 89.1.

KCEA is no longer streaming on the internet. So I CAN'T LISTEN IN down her in San Gabriel, Southern California. WILL THEY EVER START AGAIN. OR SHOULD I JUST SAY "RIP!" Lack of $$$ killed them apparently! Still broadcasting at 100 watts to the East Bay, lot of good that does me and many others (even around the world.) Does anyone know if they will ever return? If so Post it here. Thank you. NEW EDIT: being resourceful I have discovered TWO sources on the intertnet to listen to this wonderful station. PLAYING NOW "CALIFORNIA HERE I COME." And now a great version of "Moonglow." ALL IS NOT LOST! read more

Always on my radio tuner! This has to be one of the best radio stations in the country. I love KCEA!

A good friend told me about this station, now after my morning radio personality shows, this is on all day at work and now evening bliss. Who knew!! Keep your Shazam handy because unless you really know the artist, they don't tell you. It was so fun that I knew Ruth Etting!!! Keep up the good work. read more

I was so excited to find this station. I grew up in Cupertino and used to listen to 960 AM for years. The station was changed to a political station and I lost my big band music. Now it's back and I'm tickled pink! Thank you so much. I love this romantic area and the beautiful music. Keep up the great work. read more

Love this station - I hope it becomes established and can extend their reach. Makes me want to watch reruns of The Lawrence Welk Show!

Kcea is great-Thank heavens for internet-I can finally get some good music in So. Cal read more

the greatest station ever. casually stumbled across this station and its amazing! this is the music they played in the 30s,40s, and 50s. cant get enough! read more

24/7 great American, pre-rock-n-roll-era music. Sounds great, streaming through our antique speakers and vintage radios we have, scattered around the house. Also very nice when within range of the FM signal in the car. read more

Fantastic radio! Music from the golden yester years....From the days when Big Band was king and when Cecil B. DeMille was in power. Swing baby swing. read more

My favorite radio station, playing big band, swing, and crooner classics. It's a pity the range is so local, but fortunately I'm in range at home and at work, and I can stream it online when I'm elsewhere. read more

i love kcea. i usta listen to it at work when i was pounding dirt with a backhoe. it was the only station i could listen to! i should say want to listen to! i had to come back to chicago but my heart is still in the west, in the wonderful sf bay area! happy trails to all. stan. read more