The programming on KSDS concentrates on blending the new and upcoming artists with the great performers of the past who have given jazz its identity. From artists like John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Dizzy Gillespie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and Jelly Roll Morton to Rob McConnell, Bobby Watson, Herbie Hancock and Wynton Marsalis.
Jazz 88 features specialty programs that concentrate on various sub-genres of the music, from Dixieland to Latin Jazz, from Swing and Big Band to World Music and vocalists, from all female artists to exclusively guitars. There are several programs that highlight the rich pool of local talent, as well, and it is KSDS that gives both the many great San Diego musicians their greatest exposure and the local audience information about where they can be seen performing around the county. Additionally, KSDS offers a full Saturday night of Blues programming and special blues segments throughout the week.