A Sacramento smooth jazz radio station is recasting itself as a rock station, but don’t expect the jazz-heads at Capital Public Radio to shed any tears.

Gary Vercelli, CPR’s jazz music director, said the format switch at KSSJ 94.7 FM could be a boon for CPR’s three jazz shows.

CPR, at 90.9 FM, wants to pick up KSSJ’s listeners.
 “We’re just hoping that people will find us” on the radio dial, Vercelli said.

CPR and KSSJ shared the same pool of jazz listeners, he added.

Vercelli said he was surprised to learn that KSSJ was overhauling its format.

John Nelson, who is listed as a media contact for 94.7, was not immediately available Thursday afternoon and did not return two phone messages.

Entercom Communications Corp., which owned the jazz station, continues to own the station in its new rock music format.

A March 3 press release that Nelson e-mailed to media outlets said that RADIO 94.7 will play the music of rock bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Dave Matthews Band and The Killers.

The old version of the KSSJ website notes that the station is changing because it faced a tough financial situation. “In the past few years, the business side of KSSJ has become increasingly difficult,” according to the website. 

CPR's jazz programs include Excellence in Jazz, Acid Jazz and Classic Jazz and Swing.

“We’re just doing the best we can with our brand of jazz nightly,” Vercelli said.

Listeners can hear the shows in the evenings at 90.9 and on demand at CPR’s website.

Kathleen Haley is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press.