This week's Jazz Northwest includes The Floyd Standifer Quartet playing at The New Orleans Creole Restaurant in Seattle, and the Bridge Quartet playing at LV's Uptown in Portland. We'll preview singer Rebecca Kilgore's new CD coming out April 30, and hear former Seattle pianist Gene Argel who's been performing on Maui for years. There's also music from Eric Verlinde, The BC Double Quartet and Ann Reynolds Clave Gringa.  

Jazz Northwest is recorded and produced by host Jim Wilke and airs Sundays at 2 p.m. Listeners may also subscribe to the podcast at KNKX, NPR, Apple, or Google.

Jazz Appreciation Month brings recognition to the art form and to the artists who produce it. But did you know there are also awards for the behind-the-scenes supporters of jazz? Robin Lloyd has the scoop from jazz journalist Paul De Barros.

The Gonzaga men's basketball team came close this week to being the first undefeated national champions since 1976. But they lost to Baylor in the title game. KNKX sports commentator Art Thiel and Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick  have a look at the history of this successful program and what's in store for its future.

It looks increasingly likely that Washington will ban Styrofoam, reduce plastic waste and strengthen recycling markets. A bill to that effect is nearly through the Legislature.

When you hear Bill Charlap on piano, you have the sense of someone lost – so lost in the music we may never be able to exist on that mountain with him. Paige Hansen has more on his exquisite playing in our series for Jazz Appreciation Month. 

Throughout the central Puget Sound region, wide trails offer the promise of safe and accessible transportation corridors for people who bike or walk. Many are converted railroad right-of-ways, and some connect to high-speed transit. But many stand alone, limiting their utility.