Founded by Steve Ebner of the Buddy Blue Band, the Jazz88 All-Stars represent KSDS Jazz88.3 FM, the all-jazz campus radio station at City College. Founded in 1951, the station began programming jazz in 1973 and became San Diego’s only full-time jazz station in 1985.

"The All-Stars were formed to do a promotional jingle for the radio station," says drummer Barry Farrar, who has hosted one of KSDS' Percussive Profiles for over thirty years

Since its inception, the All-Stars have focused the bulk of their attention to a celebration of the music recorded on the Blue Note label in the 1960s, and related material, including some excellent originals that reflect a similar oeuvre.

They regularly perform at festivals and concerts around San Diego, including UCSD’s prestigious ArtPower series.