Jazz Party Will Honor Chuck Niles

The resonant tones of veteran disc jockey Chuck Niles have entertained and enlightened Southern California jazz fans since the mid-’50s, and now those generations of followers have a chance to join the man behind the venerable KLON voice.

On Saturday in Hollywood, a host of bands and musicians will help Niles celebrate his 70th birthday with an afternoon of music.

Niles, born June 24 in Springfield, Mass., picked up the clarinet at age 7 and the saxophone at 14, and had a run as a professional musician in the late ‘40s and early ‘50s.

He joined L.A. radio station KFOX in 1956, then followed fellow announcer Sleepy Stein to KNOB--”the Jazz KNOB,” as it was known--where he stayed until 1965.

A stint at KKGO and now tenure at KLON-FM (88.1) have established the Marina del Rey resident as the dean of jazz deejays and the prince of California cool. Listeners recognize his enthusiasm for the music every time he takes to the airwaves.

Saturday’s performers will include the Frank Capp Juggernaut with Ernie Andrews, Bill Henderson, Art Hillery, Barbara Morrison, Bobby Rodriguez and the Al Aarons Jazz Caravan. The event will take place from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Musicians Union, 817 N. Vine St., Hollywood. Admission is $10. Information: (562) 985-1686.