Seth Markow’s weekend jazz program, The Real Deal, celebrates 35 years on the air on Hawaiʻi Public Radio. Initially broadcast on KTUH starting in 1983, The Real Deal joined HPR’s airwaves when the station’s second stream, KIPO, came on the air in October 1989.
KIPO complemented KHPR’s primarily classical music station with broadcasts featuring "Jazz, Rhythm & News." Markow came on board as KIPO’s music director and set up a diverse music lineup. Afro-pop, reggae, folk music and more created a lively, eclectic mix that followed KIPO's daytime news offerings. Markow signed on syndicated programs like Steve Cushing’s Blues Before Sunrise from Chicago and A Prairie Home Companion. He also brought along his extensive jazz experience with his shows Besides KIPO's flagship show The Real Deal, he also presented MilesTones (the complete recordings of Miles Davis) and Trane Tracks (a similar show on John Coltrane).
Markow’s weekend program, The Real Deal, draws from his extensive personal collection of records and his passion for jazz music of the past and present. He often features birthday celebrations of jazz icons and themed shows about songwriters or jazz styles. Markow continues to fulfill the mission of public radio by educating and entertaining listeners, sharing a wide range of music that appeals to audiences across Hawaiʻi and beyond.
The Real Deal airs on HPR-1 on Saturday and Sunday nights from 8 to 10 p.m. HST. Find the latest playlists and listen to the HPR stream at hawaiipublicradio.org.
A University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa alum with a master's in music composition, Markow’s 35 years of The Real Deal was recently highlighted by University of Hawaii Alumni. Read more here.
